The Southern planter

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1875

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Sarth CEarnlma $tatr llninprsity

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v. 35 no. 5-6 1874

v. 36 no. 2, 6-8, 10-11 1875

This book must not be taken from
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THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER AND FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticulture and the Mining, Mechanic and Household Arts,

-Hculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — XENOPHON.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State. — Sl'LLY.

L.

R.

DICKINSON,

Editor and

Proprietor.

f.

L.

PATXE,

i ate Editor and

- AtiEXT.

New Series-

RICHMOND, VA.,

, MAY,

1874-

No. 5.

The general spirit of enquiry and enterprise whieii i^ gradually
diffusing itself among the farmers of the South, is especially gratify-
ing to the agricultural journalists of this section. Whether this is to
■ be attributed to the popular organization which has spread itself so
rapidly among the farmers of the West and South., or to a conviction
that the modes of culture hitherto practiced are unprofitable if not
ruinous, or to the influence of the agricultural press, which has so
earnestly advocated such a change as we now see gradually iioing on
amongst us. or whether it is the effect of all these combined, it is alike
gratifying to all who take a patriotic interest in 'the welfare of their
country. In Virginia, along the lines of the railroads, we see many
evidences of improvement. In some, indeed, in many instances emi-
grants from the North and from Europe have purchased farms and
put up new buildings and planted orchards and made other improve-
ments apparent even to the most casual observer. But by far the
greater part of the land is still held by those to the manor born, and
it is among this class that we see so much improvement in the way of
culture. Most Northern men especially who come amongst us. bring
with them notions and ideas of farming imbibed in the North, where
the soil, climate and system of labor are entirely different from that
they meet with here. With true Yankee persistency they stick to
these ideas, notwithstanding the repeated failure of those * who have
preceded them, and the result, in nine cases out of ten. is disappoint-
ment and disgust, if, indeed, financial embarrassment and even ruin
do not follow. The natives, upon the contrary, are well acquainted with
the soils they have to cultivate and also the cheapest and easiest mode
of improving them, and they know, too, how -to manage the ne^ro.

D. H. HILL LIBRARY
it C. STATE UNIVERSITY

THE SOUTHERN

•who is the only laborer available, and then, too, they proceed cau-
tiously and generally ol considerable risk, the object
aime

While, then, we welcome those who come among: us. and anx:

1 immigration illy of the class who are able to

buy our was and improve them : yet. we look mainly to the

population for permanent, paying improvement. The intelli-
.nd enteq>rising of oni - are now fully awake, and vr

confident from u in the last twelve months ti.

are on the way to an agricultural prosperity hitherto unknown
in the most favored days of our ante-bellum experience.

But ther g in which most even our best farmers are defi-

cient and in which the Yankees we do not use the term in an offen-

very far ahead of us, that - Very few

of our best farmers hav i of culture, and fewt

keep accounts and know what tl. em in money and

labor. Thisifl _ need it for our-

we may know e :e doing, and we need it for th:

efit of rho wish to kno^ Dther

drawback to progress with us is the general i:. •not our farm-

ers to in>i i the information they have attained through

experience. The sn as or failure of ar. if published would

serve as a guide to others, and. perhaps, insure success or, at least,
frequently avoid di~ zood farmer has som-

cialty with which he is particularly successful. If now he wou.
down and write out his mode of preparation, planting, manuring and
cultiv t particular crop and publish it to the world, it would

certainly be of benefit to his less e ssful friends and to the farm-
ers at large. Such contributions impart increased value and inter-
est fee nd enable the Editor to provide a vast
fund of information for hislhousan Is of reade -

THE CENTRAL WATER-LINE.

The a time a national question, the completion

of the James River and Kanawha canal to the Ohio is a matter of vital
dome- ginia. We believe that it would do more to

advance the intt the agricultural classes of our State than all

other schemes combined. Could the large surplus corn prodi;
the West be cheaply brought to our doors - uld feed si

enough to enrich our lands, the prairies of Illinois would soon |
a surer, safer and more economical source of manure than the Chin-
cha islands have been. We believe that should the government under-
take the is line that its opening will prove the
beginning of a new era in Virginia farming. It would cert,
a wonderful change in the pres. y crops which we
now cultivate from nece- an actual loss, would be disear :
once and others more valuable substituted for them. Could we buy
ten cent Western corn at a fair rate here to enrich the worn wheat-
fields of V :.e Richmond mills could again supply the South
American ports with their favorite brand of flou: - ..e tobacco

1874.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 205

crop, the money crop of Virginia, might be doubled if we could
obtain a cheap and sure fertilizer by feeding stock upon our farms.

The farmers of Virginia should, we think, bring all their influence
to bear upon the national legislature, to ensure the completion of this
great work.

MIXED FARMING.

We feel disposed again to urge upon our farmers the propriety of
diversifying their products. The fact that wheat and tobacco have
heretofore, and may for the future, continue to be the staple products
of Virginia, does not make it unprofitable to cultivate other crops.
Our own experience, and that of our friends satisfies us that there is
not a sufficient variety of crops cultivated to insure the highest
degree of profit.

There are quite a number of other products equally as well adapted
to our soil and climate, which might be raised at a profit if our peo-
ple would only give their attention to it. We need hardly say to our
farmers that if their lands were properly prepared, a ton of hay could
be as cheaply raised here as at any point in the North, and that there
is more clear profit in selling two tons of hay from an acre of land at
$25 a ton than there is in almost any crop we can cultivate when risk,
labor and all are calculated. The great mistake with our farmers is
that the}r sow grass on their poor lands and take the best for cultiva-
tion. If, upon the contrary, they would seed their best lands to clo-
ver and grass and make the poorer parts, which would then be
brought into cultivation, rich by the application of manure, they
would have a crop of grass over and above what they now make upon
their farms, and the land producing that crop would be constantly
improving.

To grass we might add many crops not now cultivated to any con-
siderable extent. But most of our people know to what crops their
lands are best adapted if they would only give the subject the though*
and attention it deserves.

We again urge upon our farmer friends to carefully note every
thing of importance in the cultivation of their crops, and let the result
of their observations, whether they be successful or not, be known
through the columns of the agricultural press. If you have failed,
others becoming acquainted with the cause of your failure, may avoid
it. If you have been successful, others may follow you to success.

THE CURRENCY

question is one of so much interest to our farmers that we append the
following statistics of the currency of four of the leading nations of
the world. It was compiled by Mr. Ott, the gentlemanly Secretary of
the Southern Fertilizing Co., and kindly furnished by him for publi-
cation : —

The currency proper of this country, specie payments being' suspended, is
only the outstanding legal tender issue of §381,330,327. The national bank cir-
culation, amounting to 1342,500,000, is only the expansion of bank credits,

206 THE SOUTHERN [May

bank notes, of course, having the quality of Currency, but not that of money
which has been to a certain extent legislated into the • "legal tender.

The following statement, compiled from data furnished by the Bureau of Sta-
tistics, will show how its volume compares with that of some other countries :

THE UNITED KINGDOM, (CLOSE OF 1S72.)

Gold coin in the country £84,500,000

Silver coin in the country lo.<« K),00

Bronze coin in the country 1,100,000

Bank notes, less coin reserve held against them 40.500,000

Total active circulation £141.100,000

Equivalent in dollars $683,000,000

•
FRANCE IN 1873.

(Victor Bonnet's Estimate on coin.)

Francs.

Gold coin 4,000,000,000

Sil vor.coin ■ 1,500,000,000

Notes of Bank of France,kDec. 26. 1873 2,807,000,000

8,307,1 I
Deduct coin reserve in Bank of France, Dec. 20, 1873 759,900,000

Total active circulation 7,547,100,000

Equivalent in dollars $1,5 8,000,000

* GERMAN CONFEDERATION.

Thalers. '

Coin circulation in 1870 630,000,000

Coined since 1870 335,000,000

Bank note circulation, Jan. 1. 1872 320,000,000

1,285,000,000

Deduct —

Legal reserve of hanks 100,000,000

Coin in government military chest 40,000,000

Retired silver 167.000,000

*• 307.000,000

Total active circulation 978,000,000

Equivalent in dollars 8701,000,000

Tn this estimate the coin reserve is deducted from the current circulation.
Applying the same rule to this country and reducing our paper money to specie
we have the following result.—

CTBCDTiATION OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1873.

Legal tenders $356,000,i00>

Fractional currency 48,500,000

Bank notes " 342,500,000

Coin certificates 37.500,000

Total $784,500,000

Deduct — •

Depreciation of $747,000,000 of currency below par. .$81,000,000

Specie in hanks, as reserve 18.000,000

Legal tenders required as bank reserve 07,000,000

190,800,000

Active circulation $587,700,000

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 207

Comparing the active circulation of the respective countries with their popu-
lation, we have the following result as to the amount of currency per head :—

Active Popular Circulation

circulation. Hon. per capita.

'Great Britain $ 683.000,000 32,000.000 $21 34

France 1. 509,000,000 30.000.000 41 91

'Germany 704.000.000 39.400,000 17 87

United States 587,700,000 41.000, uOO 14 33

Thus placing the circulation of the several countries on a gold basis, which is

necessary to a true comparison, we find that the amount in this country is $14.33

per head ; in Germany, $17.87 ; in Great Britain, $21.34, and in France, $41.91.

Taking population into account, our circulation is about one-third that of

,Urance, two-thirds that of the United Kingdom, and four-fifths that of Germany

In this connection it will be interesting to look at the matter of gold and sil-
ver in this country. The following table (U. S. Bureau of Statistics) will ex-
hibit its movement from 1SG1 to 1873, inclusive : — '

Exports. Imports. Re-exports.

1861 $ 23,799.870 $46,339,611 $ 5,991,210

1S62 31,044,651 16,415,052 5,842,989

1863 55,993,562 9,584,105 8,163,049

1864. 100,473,562 13.115,612 4,922,979

1865 64,618,124 9,810,072 3.025,102

1866 82,643.374 10,700,092 3.400,697

1867 54,976,196 22,070,475 5,892,176

186S 83,745,975 14,188,368 10,038,127

1869 '. 42,915,966 19,807,876 » 14,222,414

1870 43,8S3,S02 26,419,79 14,271,864

1871 84,403,359 21.270.024 14,038,629

1S72 72,798,240 13,743,0S9 7,079,294

1873 73,905,546 21.4S0.937 10,703,02S

Total $815,202,227 $244,945,092 $107,591,558

Total exports $81 5,202,227

Add re-exports 107.591,558

Gross total sent out of the country '. 922.793.7S5

Deduct total brought in 244,945,092

And we have actually parted with in the space of thirteen years. .$677,848,693
As long as our purchases abroad are as much in excess of the value of the
products we give in exchange, as to necessitate the shipment, to pay for this
excess, of the amount in hard money, as shown above, or an average of $52,-
142,207 per annum, the prospect of an early resumption of specie payments in
this country can hardly be expected. The present annual product of gold and
silver, in the United States and Territories, is about $62,000,000. (Report U. S.
Treasury Dep't.) We know that the consumption for jewelry and plate is large.
This, added to the annual export, as above, will exhibit how impossible it is
for the precious metals to accumulate rapidly in this country ; and until this
takes place, our paper money must continue without a hard basis. It will bo
observed that the banks, all told, hold but $1S,000,000 coin.

"We add a comparative statement showing the volume of bank circulation, and
the amount per head, in the several sections of this country, in 1862 and 1873.
It will exhibit the great disadvantage, in the general race for prosperity, under
which the South labors, as compared with the North and West : —

208 THE SOUTHERN [May

Bank Circulation. Circulation

per capita.
1862. 1873. 2. 1S73.

Maine. New Hampshire. Vermont,

Massachusetts, Rhode Island and

Connecticut 65,616,156 110,489,966 30.90 31.68

New York. New Jersey, Pennsyl-
vania^ Delaware and Maryland.... 82,372,091 124.601.393 0.97 12.82
District of Colombia, Virginia,

"West Virginia, North Carolina.

South Carolina, Georgia, Florida.

Alabama. Mississippi, Louisiana,

Texas, Arkansas. Kentucky,

Tennessee and Missouri ....71,098,408 38,160.3'OS 0.1-7 2.91

Ohio. Indiana, Illinois. Michigan.
sconsin, Iowa. Minnesota.

Kansas. Nebraska. 19,684,564 78,785,148 7.09

Nevada, Oregon and the Territories.

— California never having had any

paper circulation, does not come

into the account 1,924,688 .... 1.82

^bfe.—Virginia 19,817.143 3.902.342 12.41 3.18

West Virginia . 7 5.34

North Carolina 5,215,598 1,819,300 6.26 1.70

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

With the opening; of the month the labors of planting press more
urgently than ever upon the cultivator of the soil. Nature is clothing
herself rapidly in her beautiful habiliments of green, and vegetable
life everywhere assuming such a vigorous form, that we are warned if we
wish to make a crop the seed must soon be deposited in the warm and
genial soil.

cor.x.

The seeding of oats and grass should have been completed some
weeks since in the latitude of Richmond, and a good part of the corn
crop already in the ground by the first of this month. But it is still
time to plant corn, and we believe that could all our planting be done
in one day, we would as soon plant on the first day of May as any in
the year. Twenty years experience has satisfied us that there is
nothing gained by putting seed corn in cold ground, provided it can
be put in immediately after the ground gets warm. Our preference
would be to plow our land four inches deep, at least three weeks
before planting : let it have a good heavy rain to settle it thoroughly ;
then harrow finely, and cross-plow eight inches deep and leave it until
ready for planting ; then harrow finely and plant immediately. Thus
giving the land two good workings before planting. In this way many
troublesome weeds will be gotten rid of, and the soil will be so mel-
low that the young rootlets will easily penetrate it in every direction
in search of food. The soil best adapted to the growth of corn is a
deep, sandy loam, such as we find in alluvial deposits along our rivers
and creeks. But every one cannot have this kind of soil, and we must
substitute the best we can by making such as we have as deep, loose

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 209

and rich as possible. It is the height of folly to attempt to make a
crop of corn upon shallow, poor and ill prepared soil. The manures
best suited to the production of corn are such as are rich in ammonia,
phosphate and potash. Stable manure, when obtainable, will gen-
erally give the best and most satisfactory results, but where this cannot
be obtained, some good fertilizer combining the above ingredients
should be applied, unless the land is rich enough to produce a good
crop without any aid. Soon as possible, after the corn is up, the har-
row should pass over it, and the same process again repeated in a
week or ten days. . The surface will thus be kept fine and mellow, and
weeds and grass destroyed. Corn may be safely harrowed until ten
or twelve inches high ; after that, we prefer to use the cultivator, or
coulter, though many of the best farmers still claim the old-fashion
of hilling up the corn with a mouldboard plow is the best. We will
not discuss the matter here, but simply say that whatever instrument
is used, the surface should be kept clean and mellow until the corn
begins to shoot and tassel.

TOBACCO.

We presume, of course, that every one who expects to raise tobacco
has made provisions for a supply of plants ; if he has not, it is now
too late to supply the deficiency. Presuming therefore, that the plants
are at hand, the ground should now be thoroughly plowed and har-
rowed until perfectly fine. If stable manure is to be used, it should
be applied broad cast and well-raked in. In the absence of stable
manure, some well-tested fertilizer should be applied at the rate of
from two hundred to five hundred pounds per acre. If dnly a small
quantity is used it is best to put it in the hill, but if a large quantity,
then let it be sown broadcast and well-harrowed in. The land should
then be thrown in beds, 3| feet apart, and as soon as all danger of
severe frost is past and the plants are large enough, generally about
the 10th of May commence planting on the ridges 3£ feet apart. In
the cultivation of tobacco, the great object is to keep the surface
loose and free from weeds. This can only be accomplished by the
diligent use of the plow and hoe. We refer to several articles on the
subject of tobacco in this number of the Planter.

millet.
This is a good time to sow millet for hay. The land should be nicely
prepared, made rich and half bushel of seed sown to the acre.

SWEET POTATOES

Should be planted out as soon as possible now as well as all other
tender garden and marketing crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers,
melons, squashes, beans, cornfield peas, &c.

We call attention to the very favorable terms on which we are
offering the Planter and Farmer to clubs, and urge upon our friends
that they go to work at once and get up clubs. If each one who is
now a subscriber would induce his neighbor to subscribe also, we
would soon run our circulation up to 10,000. We want to make the
Planter and Farmer the farmers' vademecum, and can do so if our
farmers will only write out their experience and send it to us. We
wish to have a correspondent in every neighborhood in the State.

210 THE SOUTHERN [May

Agricultural Department.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer
MOXASKON FARMERS- CLUB.

Met at the residence of Mr. James H. Chowniug. Thursday the 5th
of February.

President A. L. Carter occupied the chair.

Subject of Sh mdry was introduced by Mr. Jas. II. C'howu-

ing, who said ; — Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Club. I think
the subject before the Club to-day does not receive the attention among
the farmers generally that itjshould. There isja handsome profit to be
realized from sheep raising with judicious treatment. Nor do I know
of any business affording so much pleasure as that of Sheep Hus-
bandry ; but while it is pleasant, it is true that comparatively but few
farmers understand as they should. I have been somewhat of a
shepherd from my boyhood, and could easily tell all of my fathers
sheep by name, (for I had a nam? for each.)

I will give you the benefit of my experience, although it may not
be worth much. I think the best breed for us is the Cotswold, both
for mutton and wool ; they fatten easily and produce more fleece than
any other of my acquaintance. I have often clipped nine pounds of
wool from my ewes, raising at the same time one or two lambs, which
will do pretty well for this section of country. I have no doubt that
with good pasturage and proper treatment as much as twelve pounds
could be gotten. The Leicester, in my opinion, will not do ; they are
too delicate : their wool is too short to make it profitable. With the
Merino I have no experience ; from what I have seen and read, I like
a cross between the Cotswold and Southdown. F^very farmer ought
to be able to tell the age of sheep. A lamb has a full set of small
teeth in the lower jaw, and any one unacquainted with sheep might
pronounce a lamb an old sheep. At one year old a lamb sheds two
front teeth and two more comes in their place, and two is shed every
year until his mouth is completed, and the teeth are large, white and
sharp. They then gradually wear away, and when the sheep is six or
seven years old. should be turned into mutton.

The diseases of sheep are numerous and difficult to cure. They rarely
ever recover from the second attack of the same disease. Many reme-
dies have been prescribed. The best course perhaps is to be governed
by circumstances, as no one remedy will answer for all cases. Foot
rot, tail rot, and maggots and rottening poisonous scabs are more
generally the complaints we have to deal with. Sheep require fre-
quent change of pasture and salting once or twice a week, unless
they have access to salt water, and in winter when pasturage is lean
should be fed on turnips and small grain. I have tried sheltering at
night, but have abandoned it, except in stormy weather. As to the
time of lambing. I once^ was of the opinion that lambs should lie
dropped late. Recentlv I have had cause to change my mind. In the
first place, lambs that come early are sooner ready for market and com-
mand a higher price. 2d. Ewes are in better condition and not so weakly
at the time of lambing. 3d. Our winters are more favorable than spring,
when stock of all kinds seem to suffer most. The greatest drawback

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 211

perhaps attending the raising of sheep are the mean and worthless
dogs that are allowed to run at large and often take to sheep-killing.
I have not the statistics before me, but I am sure there are more dogs
than sheep in this State. I cannot see why a tax is not imposed upon
dogs. I am told they are not property and it would be unconstitu-
tional to tax them. If dogs are not property, why are so many worth-
less curs allowed to run at large ? I contend, sir, that dogs are pro-
perty and should be subject to tax as well as other property, and would
vote a heavy tax be put upon them and rid the State of thousands of
useless curs. I hope the present Legislature may take the matter
in hand. Then, and not till then, may we hope to do something in
sheep raising.

Mr. J. C. Towles said the subject for contemplation before the Club
to-day, is one of great interest to every Virginia farmer. I find my sheep
for the past year, ending July. 1873. has paid me over fifty per cent.,
clear of all expense. From the experience I have had in sheep hus-
bandry. I have come to the following conclusion : — 1st. They make
the quickest returns for the investment in them, being ready to eat at
three or four months old and yieldiftg a valuable fleece of wool at one
year old and perhaps a lamb also.

2d. Their subsistence is cheaper than that of any other domestic
animal, and they supply the family at all seasons of the year with a
most wholesome and delicious meat.

3d. An investment in them is self-sustaining and grows rapidly by
their annual increase.

4th. They have but one enemy, and that the dog. Our Legislature
does not comprehend the subject. It allows the dog to run at large, un-
restrained by law. and thereby this inestimable value is almost entirely
lost to the State. I do assert, that it is a disgrace to any State to
protect its curs so well that they expell to a certain extent the only
animal which can cheapen the meat and clothing of her people.

Mr. J. C. Euell : — There has been some contention as to whether
dogs are property or not. It would be better to tax the dog as a nni -
sauce, than to tax them as property ; because the most useless curs
would only produce a few cents tax. while if they were taxed a? a
nuisance, they might be made to yield any amount of tax the Leg-
islature might see fit to impose upon them, and also be very beneficial
to sheep raisers in getting rid of the number of dogs.

Mr. A. L. Carter : — In 1869 I had two flocks of sheep, one at each
of my farms. In 1871 I sold one of my flocks : the other has gradually
increased. Last year my sheep averaged 6f lbs. of wool in shearing
in general. I cut the coarse and dirty wool off and kept it to itself,
not allowing it to become mixed with the better quality of wool, as it
will injure the sale of it. From 1869 to the present time my lambs
have increased 25 per cent, each year. The lambs and wool have paid
the value of the old sheep.

Mr. TV". T. Sneed : — Much has been said by the Club about sheep,
but no one as yet has said anything about wintering them. My ex-
perience teaches me for the past few years there is great economy in
housing sheep in winter. Then you can attend to the lambs when
they drop. Before housing my sheep, I frequently lost lambs during
stormy weather, many of them perishing in the cold, but since I have
kept them housed bad weather and nights, I have not lost one. No

212 THE SOUTHERN [May

animal delights more in a good, dry warm bed. And I am sure it will
pay. As there are so many worthless curs running about at large, it
will be a protection to herd them with the cattle, as this will keep the
dogs off. ~^,

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Club :
"Whereas, the raising of sheep has been ascertained by practical
experience to be the most profitable source of revenue to the farmers
of this section of country, and whereas, there is but one serious im-
pediment to the increase of profits therefrom and its more general
extension viz. : the depredations thereupon by worthless dogs, there-
fore, be it

Resolved, By this Club, that the Legislature of this State be and is
hereby petitioned to impose a tax of not less than one dollar i)er
head on dogs, and to enact such laws as in their wisdom would best
protect their interest in sheep husbandry.

Vice-President. Jno. A. Rogers, offered the following resolution : —
Viz. : that we invite the farmers of the State, all the Agricultural
Clubs and the Press of the State, to unite with us in this petition.
Subject for discussion at the n»xt meeting : "Immigration."
Club then adjourned to meet the 1st Thursday in March, at the res-
idence of J. C. Towles. J. C. Towle.s, Cor. Secretary.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.J
FARMERS' CLUB OF KING GEORGE.

The 17th meeting of the Farmers' Club of King George was held
at Farley Vale. January 26th. 1874.

There was a full attendance of members, and Mr. Mortimer Rogers,
of Baltimore, was a visitor.

The annexed report on "Cedar Grove" was presented and ordered
to be inserted in the minutes and printed.

Mr. Fielding Lewis reported that he had los.t recently twenty-one
sheep, killed by dogs in four nights. lie killed the curs.

Mr. Smith has lost in the same way fifteen or sixteen lambs. Mr.
"Win. R. Taylor lost two lambs and others were maime 1.

It was resolved, that the farming interest of Virginia demands the
protection of sheep from the depredation of dogs, and that our Sen-
ator and Delegate be requested to endeavor to obtain legislation to
guard this great interest of the State.

Resolved, That this Club co-operates cheerfully "with the Monaskon
Club, of Lancaster county, and requests our Senator and Delegate to
exert themselves to obtain such legislation as to require owners to
restrain their stock from depredating upon the lands of others.

The 'Cultivation of Potatoes'' being the subject, several members
expressed their opinions.

Mr. Cawood thinks the white Peachblow the best potato. It proved
far superior to the Peerless.

Mr. Dickinson's white Peachblow was hollow in the heart. It was
agreed that all large potatoes are liable to be hollow.

Dr. Ashton said, that his crop had proven one-third larger by run-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 213

ning the shovel plow after the earth had been thrown to the hill by
mold-board plow. He planted very deep.

Mr. Dickinson would guard against the use of unfermented manure.

Mr. H. B. Lewis said, that the smallest quantity of salt destroyed
the vitality of the seed. It ought never to be put in a bag which has
had salt in it.

The President read a long and "interesting extract from Compton's
"Prize Essays on the Cultivation of the Potato."

The subject for consideration at the next meeting is. "What means
of co-operation among fanners shall best promote their interests."

Edw. T. Tayloe, Secretary.

The plantation of Farley Vale is under the skillful management of
Major J. D. Rogers. It has improved very much. The wheat looks
very promising and a dressing of plaster will ensure fine clover upon
the last year's wheat-field. The Major is nearly ready to plant corn.

Our wheat crops are very promising. Many peach buds were killed
by recent freezes. It is hoped that those in bloom not open will
escape.

The committee appointed to inspect the Cedar Grove plantation,
report that they regard it unnecessary to enter into details, as a com-
prehensive report was made to the Club a twelve months ago. It was
evident that this fine plantation is in an improving state, recovering
rapidly from 'its neglect during the war.

The wheat crop was the best seen by any of the Club. It excited
the surprise and admiration of all. Sown with the drill, and one
hundred pounds per acre of four kinds of fertilizers applied to differ-
ent portions of the field. The crop seemed equally good in all its
parts. It is rare to see any so uniform as this was. The Fultz wheat
was the variety sown. The winter has been verj- favorable for its
growth, and if no disaster befall it, there is ever}' prospect of a heavy
yield of wheat.

Dr. Stuart had made good progress in plowing for the corn crop.
In this respect our farmers have generally been active, availing them-
selves diligently of the mild and open winter, — one unusually favor-
able for farm work.

"We had the most satisfactory evidence of the excellence of the
Doctor's flock of sheep in the saddle of mutton exhibited on his table.
It was taken from the flock, — not stall-fed — and in size, fatness and
flavor, it could not, in the opinion of your committee, be surpassed by
any from the Piedmont section of Virginia. Sheep are a profitable
stock in King George county, and if the numerous vile curs which
prey on so many flocks and deter fanners from raising sheep in larger
numbers, could be exterminated, or not allowed to go at large, they
would be a source of large emolument, increasing the comfort and
purses of the people. If our legislators would do their duty, they
might, by legislation, increase largely the number of sheep in our
State, enrich our lands, eradicate the weeds and briers, and, at the
same time, contribute to the educational fund and extend the useful-
ness of our schools.

Upon this plantation, we were shown the inutility of efforts to drain
the pocosens which abound in tide-water, Virginia. Doctor Stuart
pointed to an extensive marsh, which his father had drained at great

214 THE SOUTHERN [May

expense. In the earliest volumes of the American Farmer, Mr.
Stuart gives in detail his successful effort at draining this land — or
rather, this water. The result was, that he made one fine crop of corn
and raised some coarse, heavy tobacco on a part of this reclaimed
marsh. In a year or so, the soil settled so low that the banished
waters returned, and have never again been exiled. Such has been
the fate of like attempts on the James and Rappahannock rivers.

To illustrate the energy and practical skill of even our elderly
farmers at this day, we are bound to notice an excellent gate, made
of thin plank and riveted with bolts and screws, the work of the Doc-
tor's own hands. We commend it as an example to others, who
oblige us in passing through their farms, to alight to open a pole gate,
dragging on the ground, and perhaps sustained by one inferior hinge.
This may fit some of our Club, whom we advise to mend their ways
and gates, or. at least, remove the nuisance.
Respectfully submitted,

Edw, T. Tayloe, Chairman,
Wm. Taylor Smith,
jxo. p. robb.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
TsEST USE FOR STRATT— CULTIVATION OF HAY, &c.

Mr. Editor,

All observant, intelligent farmers admit the benefit derived from
the use of straw or other roughness, as a covering or protection to
any growing crop. If converted into manure in the stable or barn-
yard, it covers but a small space, compared with what it would do if
used direct from the stack. Then the labor to haul the wheat to the
barn and the manure back, half of it water, and to a remote part of
the farm, is no small expenditure of time and capital. To thrash the
crop near where the straw ought to be used, and to apply it to the
land as soon as convenient after seeding, is the plan adopted for sev-
eral years by Col. D. S. Bell of this county, one of our best farmers.
His farm is a dark slate, rolling, and some of it steep. The improve-
ment in eighteen years, since he bought it, is very great. Besides
large crops of corn and wheat, he has for a number of years made
hay a specialty. Last year he sold 150 tons of baled hay, and fed to
sheep he fattened, and to his other stock, perhaps, 75 to 100 tons.
He made 112 bus. of nice clover seed. Except his work horses and
oxen and a few milch cows, he keeps no other stock. His wheat and
grass fields are top-dressed with straw, as far as it will go, and on the
thinnest and northern exposures. After mowing no stock runs on the
land to eat off the aftermath, as the English call the second crop. His
average yield of hay I have no doubt will reach three tons per acre.
He sold it at 75 cts per hundred at home, an average of $45 per acre.
His wheat and corn crops are equal to any of his neighbors. On the
4th Monday in May last, riding through his farm, he called my atten-
tion to a piece of clover at a quarter of a mile in distance, and asked
me if I observed anything peculiar about it. I remarked it had a dark
luxuriant appearance as though it would fall down. He said "it was

1874] PLANTER AND FARMER. 215

one of the thinnest spots in the field, and last fall he nad straw spread
thickly over it. In March a year ago, we had an intensely cold spell,
the mercury falling below 0. In a few days the ground thawed six to
eight inches in depth, followed by a heavy rain with wind, thunder
and lightning. The ground being loose, the rain penetrated to the
depth of the thaw, and not sinking deeper, ran off carrying the soil,
and in wheat fields particularly, made gullies where the ground was
steep, to the depth of six to eight inches. I had several acres in this
condition. As soon as the ground was dry enough, I had the washed
places covered plentifully with straw. Little wheat could be seen.
On the 10th of April I sowed clover and timothy seed, one-third of
the latter to two-thirds of clover. ' At harvest the most luxuriant
wheat in the field was on the part spread with straw, and after harvest a
neighbor begged me to permit him to cut the grass for hay."

I was not aware until lately that a friend and acquaintance on James
River is a worthy competitor of Col. Bells in the cultivation of hay.
Some weeks ago I met with a communication, I think in the Whig,
giving the figures, and regret I can't produce it to render to this gen-
tleman the credit due to him' in so praiseworthy a success as he has
achieved in raising hay. I have reference to Col. Henry Gantt
near Scottsville. IS ever having seen his farm, I can only describe it
as consisting in part of James River low-grounds, and the table and
rolling uplands adjoining.

Many of your readers have not forgotten the late Richard Sampson,
who made his impress on the Agriculture of Virginia, as scarcely any^
one man has been able to do in one generation. So successful was
he that he demonstrated it as beyond contradiction, that every bale
of hay brought to Richmond, from any point north of tlie Potomac,
ought to cause a blush to suffuse the cheek of the James River, or
Appomattox, or Staunton River farmer. Col. Gantt has proved
himself to be a worthy pupil of the venerable Sampson. He is not
only making the culture of grass highly remunerative, but is rapidly
adding to the fertility of his land. I have had no communication with
him on the subject, but know that in the past he was successful in
tobacco culture, yet I venture the assertion if he was to give his expe-
rience, he would say that hay is more remunerative. Tobacco is not
only the most troublesome and expensive crop to raise, and besides
being exhaustive, the farmer waits nearly eighteen months before he can
realize the proceeds of the crop. In the cultivation of hay, he can
often put it in market in from six to nine months. It is due to the
farmers of Virginia, that these gentlemen, who are in this regard
representative men, should give them, through the medium of your
journal, their experience and the mode of cultivation in detail, each,
perhaps being best adapted to the part of the State in which he lives.
If greater profits can be realized at less cost than in raising tobacco
and wheat and the lands at the same time increasing in fertility,
many will be disposed to adopt it. • *

See for a moment the immense advantage Col Gantt has over Col.
Bell in the question of transportation, not only in sending his hay to
market,but in carrying back from your city ashes,street-sweepings, oyster
shells and much else in the shape of fertilizers, at a tithe of the cost
that the Chesapeake and Ohio and most of the railroads in Virginia
charge on hay. It amounts almost to prohibition to the farmer 50 to

216 THE SOUTHERN

100 miles in the interior when he seeks a market for hay. "Tis one of
the most difficult things to compress — and the railroads •:
bulk. The farmer near the canal can find his own boat, something in
the shape of a flat, on which large quantities of hay in bales can be
piled, covered with a Tarpaulin, and carried safely to market cheaper
than the Maine and New York farmers can put it into Richmond.
The farmer in the interior, if induced to build his own car. must make
it a I o. •■ : a flat will expose the I ;rks from the engine.

apart from the relative eherr, r over rail, the boat can be

built and run cheaper and safer than the car. It can be demonstrated
beyond the possibility of a contradiction, that the lands on the Rap-
pahannock, York. James. Appomattox and Staunton. w hay
more profitably than any other crop, and find a market in Richmond,
Norfolk and Baltimore, at prices fully as remunerative as the corn,
wheat or tobacco now grown on the same lands, and with this marked
difference in its favor of a constant improvement in the land. Water
transportation can be availed of to put most of it in market. Permit
this suggestion. The Grange is spreading rapidly th: g Virginia,
and is constituted of the most intelligent and public-spirited cL
our farmers. — always of those at least who make up the farmers
clubs. May we not hope that all questions of the relative advan-
tages of crops, mode of cultivation, the most economical plan of put-
ting them in market. &c, &c, will constitute subjects of discussion
in them, and greater benefit be derived by the many than n
comparatively few who make up the clubs I

Respectfullv.

J.'M. McCi

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION AGAINST FRAUDS IN FER-
TILIZERS.

Once more I must crave the indulgence of the Editor and re
of the Planter and Farmer, for a few more last words on this
important subject : which I had thought finally to disi th the

brief and general remarks, by which I so -how. in your Feb-

ruary number, the existence of a grave abuse, and the n-
some legal remedy.

I would have it understood that I don't believe in writing, as Dr.
Johnson used to say "he talked for victory." — certainly not in a:
cultural journal, which should find no place for fringes? em
Nothing but the hope of some good result could tempt me to cope
with such odds ; and I am sure the Editor is animated by the same
spirit, and widely as he differs with me as to the question at issue.
agrees in desiring the fullest discussion of all imp
the present, there is no hope of securing that end. to which, in the
interest of all Virginia, my efforts have been sincerely, though feebly
directed. The movement has received its quietus, for th
at the hands of the accredited organs of the farmers themselves : —
"slain in the house of its friends." But. whatever of immediate
interest the subject may have lost, is but adjourned to the ne\

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 217

sion of the Legislature. By that time the conservative public opinion
of our people (the safe guard of the Commonwealth) will have taken
the one step needed in advance. Indeed, I am pretty confident it has
already done so. while "the leaders,"' as usual, are bringing up the
rear. One word more, and that by way of apology, as to the impor-
tance of the subject.

The utilization of the waste and garbage of towns as fertilizers, is
the opening of a mine richer in real wealth than all the treasure of
California. It means *two blades of grass where one grew before,
goklen harvests from barren fields, deep-laden ships, crowded marts, —
in a word, new life infused into every interest of our sorely-burthened
community. Indeed it is the nearest conceivable realization of the
creation of something out of nothing.

Such will be the result of the success of this grand experiment.
So far, however, let us bear in mind it is but an experiment, depend-
ing for success on patient, vigilant, judicious labor. Much remains
to be learned as to the preparation, yet more as to the application of
fertilizers. The great question is. can we make it certainly pay ? The
slenderest margin of profit or loss can alone, and must determine,
whether this great discovery shall bring us prosperity or ruin.

The cost to the producer, the value to the consumer, are to be
determined and adjusted. The latter condition, alone of the great
problem belongs to the farmer. The agricultural value of fertilizers
is to be determined — obviously by experiment ; by a long series of
experiments.

So far, the friends and opponents of protective legislation move on
harmoniously together. But, at the very next step, their paths
diverge. The Editor, the committee of the Farmers' Council, and
perhaps many others, are content to make the brand of the packages
the basis of their experiments on fertilizers ; others placing no reli-
ance in a name which rarely has any pretentions to significance pre-
fer to trust to a statement of the active constituents, made by the
manufacturer, and verified by chemical analysis.

As to the trust-worthiness of analysis, I can form no original opin-
ion. I respect that of the Editor; but, it is not supported by the
eminent authority he adduces. The sum of Dr. Voeleker's testimony
(please refer to it) is simply, that calculations based on a comparison
of analysis with valuation tables frequently convey wrong impressions.
But the Committee of the Farmers' Council and the Editor, interpret
Dr. Voeleker's testimony to mean that the value of a manure cannot
be inferred with certainty from a knowledge of its constituents. But
this clearly implies that the constituents may be known by anatysis.
The S3'stem of valuation fails to stand the test of experiment. But
experiment could afford no test, were the analysis worthless or defec-
tive. *

The Editor proceeds to infer from Dr. Voeleker's testimony ruin-
ous results to all concerned, from the impossibility of compliance, on
the part of manufacturers, with a law requiring them to maintain, in
their preparations, a uniform standard of quality or value.

Dr. Voeleker expressly declares the reverse. It is, comparatively
speaking, easy to prepare a manure, say at £8 a ton, the calculated
value of which amounts to the same sum."

This seems to %ie, a strange oversight on the part of the Editor ;

218 THE SOUTHERN [May

yet. concurring with him, as to the supreme value of experience,
it appears to me still raor ng. that he should have over looked

the fact, that the law of which he makes such a bugbear to Virginia,
with great benefits to the consumer, has never cane . :est

inconvenience to the honest manufacturer in any country or State in
which i: •■•:; its. Let the reader take Connecticut for example, and
investigate its manufacture of fertili

si to the farmers to call them 'willing victims of irrespon-
sible agents/' The farmers are -ap hum-
bugs described, and when they buy them, buy of that class of high-
minded, reliable men whom the Editor recommends. The Rosunda
(or Redonda) guano, the greatest sell ever put upon this community,
emanated from some of the first houses in Richmond. They, too,
probably were deceived. If sk em now make common cause
with the farmers in the prevention of such occurrences in future.

"High character' and "unimpeachable honesty," will not serve
instead of law. They are the mask of all the villainy in this evil
world. "L .tended not to trust to what men will do, but to

guard against what they may do."

The Editor refers the farmers for relief, to experience, to competi-
tion, and to the future work of the Grange- 1 - two former have
been sufficiently tried, and we feel the result in the existing state of
thir. _ -

I: : he Granges, as the agents of the "farmers in this collective
ould do anything to "detect and punish" frauds of this
kind, they must do it through lannels of legislation/*

for it is thus, the Editor assures us. they i "audible

ends. Should they depart from this mode ure and attempt

I supercede the regular operation of the laws, the remedy might lead
to disordv than the

The farmers have in the Legislature and Executive Power of the
State a more efft -han any voluntary organization, and if

they do not obtain from it all that they ought to have the heir

C WBL.

The Editor again alludes to this subject in complimenting, very
justly, the experiment of ml But I cannot agree with him

in thinking that the publ: I such experiments will superc

the necessity of legislation. In the circulars of various dealers in
fertilizers hundreds of experiments are laid b cultural

public, just as authentic and just ac . as to the superiority

of certain manures, as the experiment of Mr. Hobi - differs

only in being unusually exact, and all information has

i only'to perplex and i

Four years ago I could have reported an experiment attesting the
- . :.- 'A Pacific to Peruvian Guano as a wheat manure, but for
the fact that a small quantity of genuine Peruvian, saved from the
Spring purchase and applied near the othe 1 the worth.

- - of the other Peruvian and the great inferi : : - one to G

of the Pacific.

phosphate applied by Mr. Hobson may have been exceptionally

good article sent out to advertise a worthless one. Such things are
done. Above all, after testing the value of the phosphate for one
season, no one can fc hat it will be the next. • It is idle to talk

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 219

of the character of the proprietors. They would do a poor business
were their sales limited to personal acquaintances, and the most
extended experience of the quality of their manures would afford no
guarantee for the future.

The reputation of Rhodes" Super-phosphate was well earned, and
enabled the proprietor to realize a fortune b}T degrading the standard.

Your "Reviewer," who seems to have become, like myself, a fixture of
the establishment, demands " Why does not the writer tell us what
fertilizers to use, or give us some of the details of a law to be passed?"
&c. Should I advise my sick friend — sinking fast — to call in the doc-
tor forthwith, what would be thought of him if he insisted that /should
prescribe for him before he would act on my advice ? I see and feel
the soil ; I believe it is not without a remedy ; but should I presume to
dictate to the " assembled wisdom of Virginia lM This law-making is
a business which calls for much varied information and some little
experience.

Laws cannot be run up by plain and square like masonry ; if you
would have them live they must grow by gradual accretions of strength,
striking deep root ere it spreads abroad its protecting branches, and
yielding fruit at last only as the recompense of patient, judicious culture,
and in the beginning some humble husbandman must prepare the soil.
Above all, it must be borne in mind that no law can be thoroughly
effective without the sanction of public opinion. For such reasons
too much should not be attempted at first. To fix by law the price of
anything, even money, is arbitrary and unwise. Nor is there any
necessity for a legal standard of value in fertilizers. But the adultera-
tion of fertilizers with worthless materials is a fit subject of legisla-
tion, and there can be no doubt that, if carried to any extent, if can
be detected by analysis. But the great object should be to secure
uniformity of quality in every package of fertilizers under the same
brands, and that year after year, so long as the brand shall be main-
tained. By such means, aud by no other, can both farmers and manu-
facturers learn, through experience, how to make, buy and apply arti-
ficial fertilizers.

An experiment made with unknown materials is an experiment
only in name. There should be no restriction on the manufacturer as
to price or quality, but the latter should be maintained unchanged. A
sample of every manure offered for sale in the State shouldbe sub-
mitted by its proprietor to the State Chemists for analysis, the analy-
sis to be published and to be attached to each package. Then, from
time to time, the chemist should make and publish other analyses of
samples of the same fertilizers, taken from different sources, in a
manner prescribed by law ; and, as to the authority of analysis
again, would it not be easy to make out as strong a case against
experiment ? Take the most familiar experiment — say one in plant-
ing potatoes or plowing, and see how very often the results are con-
tradictory ; yet we dont discredit experiment, if it be true that the
same manures, not in name only, but in fact, submitted by the same
chemist to the same tests, affords essentially different results at dif-
ferent times, there is an end of this plan at once. But such is not
the general testimony of chemists.

The Planter and Farmer has published a good deal of testimony
to the salutary operation of such laws as I have indicated above,
2

220 .THE SOUTHERN [May

based on the reliability of analysis, some of which I procured nryself.
I see no reason why we cannot do in Virginia what has been done in
England, Germany, and Connecticut ; nor do I see why this most con-
clusive evidence of the practicability of legislative protection should
be ignored by its opponents. Such a law, so far from injuring the
manufacturers, would make an experiment like that reported by Mr.
Hobson so conclusive as to be the means of selling hundreds of tons.
I am startled when I look baclc at the length of this paper, but can
abridge it only by omitting the introduction which contains my apology
for attempting to write at all. T. P. L.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

ON THE PROPER METHOD OF PRESENTING PHOSPHATIC
MATERIALS TO THE SOIL.

In the Rural New Yorker there appeared, some months since, an
article of which the following contains the substauce :

" As a modification of the opinion which has generally prevailed,
that phosphatic materials, such as bones, guano, rock phosphates and
apatite, requires to be treated with sulphuric acid, to be dissolved, as
the term is, or made into super-phosphate before they are quite avail-
able as fertilizers, the view is now taken by some experts that the
soluble phosphoric acid of a superphosphate, as soon as it is applied
to the soil, is taken up by the lime, alumina, magnesia or iron, which
is found therein ; and that neutral salts are formed, so that there is
found only phosphate of lime, alumina or magnesia, the only differ-
ence from its condition before the action of the dissolving agent being
the finely divided state of its particles. It follows that this condi-
tion, if produced in any other way and at less expense, is a desirable
object." The writer then goes on to say that this may be accomplished
by grinding, but that as yet no mill has been found that would reduce to
extreme fineness over six or seven tons per day.

Now, if any cheap mechanical contrivance could be made to per-
form a work as effective as sulphuric acid, in making insoluble phos-
phatic materials readily available for plant food, it would result in
great gain to the farming community. The matter, being backed by
respectable names, was deemed worthy of inquiry ; and it was accord-
ingly brought to the attention of, perhaps, the greatest agricultural
authority in the world, (now that Baron"Liebig is died) Dr. Voklcker,
chemist' of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. It was
believed that, with his exhaustive knowledge in this behalf, he could
give a decisive answer. The following communication from him to
the Southern Fertilizing Company, of this city, contains this answer.
It is certainly very clear :

Analytical Laboratory, ~)
11 Salisbury Square, V
London, Dec. 1, 1873. )
Mr. John Ott, Secretary, &c.

Dear Sir : — It is quite true that the soluble phosphoric acid of a
super-phosphate, as soon as it is applied to the soil, is precipitated
and rendered insoluble by the lime, magnesia, oxide of iron

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 221

. and other basic soil constituents, and I go a step further, and
maintain that unless the soil, to which a super-phosphate is applied,
contains naturally sufficient proportions of basic constituents, in
order to precipitate and neutralize rapidly the acid soluble phosphate
of a super-phosphate, the super-phosphate may do more harm than good
on such soils.

I have repeatedly found that on peaty soils, abounding in mimic
and similar organic acids, and showing an acid reaction when tested
with blue litmus paper, and also on poor, purely sandy soils, the
worst super-phosphates, that is to say, super-phosphate poor in solu-
ble phosphoric acid, have a decidedly better effect upon the crops to
which they are applied, than super-phosphate rich in soluble phos-
phoric acid. The latter, under these circumstauces, indeed, sometimes
do positive mischief.

For all that, the business of treating raw phosphatic mineral
materials with acid will not be revolutionized in a hurry : quite the
contrary, it will grow as steadily in your country, and become more
extensive from year to year, as it has in England and other countries of
Europe.

It does by no means follow that, because on some soils, a phos-
phatic marl, or what amounts to the same thing, finely ground phos-
phatic minerals, applied to the land in large quantities, is a more
desirable dressing than a few hundred weights of a rich super-phos-
phate, it is a bad plan to treat mineral phosphates with acid.
Nor does it follow, from the fact that soluble phosphoric acid must
again be rendered insoluble in the soil before it can benefit vege-
tation, that it is more advisable, as a rule, to use mineral phosphates
in a finely ground state than to use them in the shape of super-phos-
phate.

However fine a mineral phosphate may be ground, it can never
be obtained in anything like the state of minute division in which the
phosphate is deposited in the soil, if it is applied to the land in the
shape of superphosphate. It is the deposition in a chemically divided
or precipitated state, in the soil itself, which constitutes the value, and
I believe the true economy, of treating mineral phosphates by acid.
By this means one hundred weight of phosphate of lime is made to
do the work of at least ten times the quantity of phosphate merely
ground into a fine powder.

The soil may be compared with cloth that has been prepared with
a mordaunt, for the purpose of fixing throughout its substance the
coloring matter which is applied to it in a state of solution, and which,
by the alumina, or whatever the active constituents of the mordaunt
may be, is precipitated uniformly and in a most minutely divided
state in the substance of the cloth. Cloth may be dyed by applying
to it an insoluble coloring matter, but in this case it cannot be dyed
so effectually as it is when it is first impregnated with a mordaunt
(that is, a substance which precipitates soluble coloring matter) and
subsequently drawn through a solution of the coloring matter. In
the one case, the coloring matter is mechanically deposited on those
parts of the cloth with which it comes into contact ; in the other, it is
obtained in a chemically divided state in all parts of the substance
with which the solution comes into contact, and thus a comparatively
speaking small quantity of coloring matter will effectually dye cloth.

222 THE SOUTHERN [May

when the coloring matter can be applied to it in solution, or be depos- ,
ited in the substance of the inordaunted cloth.

We do not want soluble colors in cloth, for they are indeed as objec-
tionable then as soluble phosphoric or any other acid in a cultivated
soil : but what we want, and do affect in chemical dyeing and in the
chemical treatment of phosphatic minerals, is to make the best and
most economical use of the raw materials, which in the Arts, as in
Agriculture, have to do a certain work. Believe me,
Yours faithfully,
Augustus Voelckee.

Afl cumulative testimony in the same direction, the following
extract from a communication, under date of the 11th January last,
to the same company, by M. YiLLE,of the Imperial Farm, at Vincennes,
France, (another authority of the highest order) is presented :

u In calcareous soils the superiority of the super-phosphates is well
established, and it is a general rule that a small quantity of it pro-
duces a greater effect, or at least as great an effect, as a much larger
quantity of natural phosphate. In the great majority of soils the
super-phosphate of lime is the one which combines the best : but in
•damp and marshy soils the precipitated phosphate is preferable."

Hereafter we propose to present some late investigations on the
same subject, made by Prof. Johnson, of Yale College author of
■* How Crops Feed" and '• How Crops Grow"). The length of this
article prevents it njw.

It is our desire to make this journal thoroughly useful to our peo-
ple, and we will spare no pains to secure information that will work
to this end. If our State prospers, it must be through the intelli-
gent use of the means placed at our command, and that this may be
done the more effectually, we must avail ourselves of the good coun-
sel of those who are able to advise.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

MESSRS. T. a. ERHARD AND MANY OTHERS FROM THE
NORTH. NORTHWEST. SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST.

De ir Sirs : — Your favors received, mostly in February, asking if Vir-
ginia is the desirable country you had seen it represented by my
articles in the A Farmer, of Baltimore, and the Planter and

Fabmee. of Richmond, Virginia, why are our people so in debt, our
lands so dilapidated, our crops so short, and some who have settled
among us have done so badly 1 These inquiries are so numerous, I
cannot, in my feeble and crippled condition, undertake to answer them
separately, but will endeavor to do so the best I can through both of
those good papers in which you read my other articles, with which
you seem pleased, fondly hoping you may be more pleased with this,
my humble defence of Virginia, my own native land. I would have
replied sooner but for my hand being severely injured by a fall from
my horse, and for some time could not write at all, and now write in
much pain, for I am now no chicken, being over sixty-three years
old, and- very badly worn at that. Yet I will now try honestly and
fairly to give you the desired information, so when you come to exam-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 223

ine and see for yourselves you may have confidence in whatever I tell
you. I have traveled over seventeen of the States of America. I
have owned and worked lands in Virginia and in Alabama, and
decidedly prefer Old Virginia to any State I have ever yet seen.
Take into consideration the soil, water, climate, health and warm-
hearted people. I have never seen older nor healthier, and more pros-
perous and generous people any where than I have well known in
Albemarle county, Virginia, and before our late unfortunate war,
there breathed not on this globe a more generous, warm-hearted, pros-
perous people than we of Albemarle county were. But, believing we
were right, we went into that wicked and ruinous conflict with all of
our heart and soul, body and mind, and we did in every respect all we
could, fairly to secure our success, entirely forgetting our homes, our
debts and oiirselves, up to the surrender of our great and good Chris-
tian Chief, General Robt. E. Lee, whom we all adored with a fervid
heat, not less than that adoration which so characterized the Ameri-
can people for the God-sent Father of our country.

When General Lee surrendered, he did it like a great and good man,
(as he most truly was) fairly and honestly, and at once as the tender-
hearted father of us all generously set the good example of strictly
attending to his own private business. And we, like devoted children,
endeavored to follow him in his pure private example, as we did in his
brilliant career, through our late unfortunate conflict. Such a good
example, so strict and closely followed, is not recorded in all history,
sacred or profane, from good old Adam the first, to General Robt. E.
Lee the first. At once every gallant soldier and civilian (and they were
nearly all truly gallant) quietly laid down their war-worn weapons,
disrobed themselves of their tattered martini cloaks, and like their
own truly Christian Chief, retired in peace to look after their own
private matters, if perchance any could be found in the great and
general wreck in which we all alike were so ruinously involved. Many,
ah, too many thousands of these war-worn gallants, after days and
weeks of wearied travel and hunger, with the rugged roads and
rocks well marked, as was the snow and ice of Trenton by the travel sore
feet, of the unshod veterans of our revolution with Great Britain, on
reaching the heights over-looking the spot where once stood their
sweet and happy homes, paused to. catch the first glimpse of the
house and }Tard endeared by childhood's fondest memory. All, all was
gone, and not a vestige left to tell where it once so beautifully stood
(but the charred chimnies) with its doors ever open, wide open to wel-
come under its hospitable roof, the wearied and oppressed from any and
every clime. There they too often thu3 stood sad and pale, with their
proud and gallant spirits droopiug over the sad reality ; a home nor a
country remains not to them ; there they lingeringly paused and
moaningly strained every power of their quick perceptive eyes to
catch, if catch they could, sight of any, even the least article to
memory so dear in the wreck and ruin before them. The dew of a night's
long-wearied travel to enjoy the first cheering ra}r of the rising sun on
the happy home of their childhood, and the comfortable shelter of
their feeble and aged parents, was thickly mingling with the clammy
sweat oozing fnga every pore, and oft gathering so thickly on their
heavy brows haa to be wiped away by their brawny hands, to see, if
possible, was there not some little left of the much of beauty and

224 THE SOUTHERN [May

comfort they had left there. But ah, too often not a remnant remained,
and many a gallant, beardless, war-worn, armless soldier, at twilight's
reflecting hour, after days and nights of wearied travel, in hunger and
mud. reached the endeared spot where his sweet home once was, found
it all thus robed in the dark and saddening pall of total ruin. Thus
like unto Campbell, poor Exile of Erin, the dew on their thin robes
hauging heavy and chilled, for their country they sighed, when at
twilight repairing to wander all alone over the wind-beaten hills. A
; country nor a home remains not to them. My dearest of mothers,
my fond father, my sweet little innocent sisters too, did ye perish in
its flames, or now homeless wanderers weeping for its fall?

The civilian, after the first shock of hearing our own General Lee,
with his sadly thinned ranks of Young Guards, had surrendered man-
fully, turned, and quietly in sadness, slowly approached their once
happy homes, and cautiously broke the sad news to those they so
fondly loved, and the best they could, prepare them all to meet and bear
their ruined condition. All, all resolved, and all, all did, most scru-
puously follow the good example of their beloved leader into retire-
ment to examine their own private affairs.

Not a cannon nor rifle, or a pistol was fired — all was quiet as the
tomb — peacefully and fondly hoping for the best. Then came on the
military authorities, here a squad and there a squad, thickly dotting all
over our whole country, too often commanded by some bumb-proof
officer, who had no more judgment, brains, nor feelings than a Florida
alligator, and in the wake of these, came thick and fast squad after
squad of the contemptible carpet baggers, along whose plundering
route was too often sadly to be seen a vile scallawag sneaking into
their ranks, to help plunder their fellow-citizens of the little left them
by four long years of bloody war and wicked strife. Such times as
we of the South then did see and feel, I fondly trust in God no other
civilized people ever endured before, and I fervently pray God none
may ever be thus doomed again. These vile menials of power, who
never dared meet a Southerner in battle array, did in every way all
they could to rob, wrong and insult us all. Helpless old women and
children often not spared, and feeble old men often under false pre-
tence, uselessly dragged from their homes. And the gallant war-
worn soldier in his tattered gra}^, the only suit he had on earth, most
rudely halted on the streets to be trimmed of the few brass buttons
remaining. Great God ! I often wondered, could this great country
over which the stars and stripes had so long so gloriously waved, thus
stoop to such childish insults ; or was it the mere whims of these
ungallant scamps to show off their brief authority. And yet, not a
row, not one single disturbance. Not because they were afraid. No,
no, — not so ; for I have seen the muscle of the proud and gallant sol-
dier swell, and his unflinching eyes look so keenly and contemptuously
on the contemptible operator, until his trembling knees, like old Bel-
shazzar's, would shake him to the miserable falsehood, of begging not
to be blamed for what he could not help. They quietly submitted for
the sake of peace and their helpless country's good, which oft times
required more cool, deliberate christian courage than that they so well
displayed on the heights of Gettysburg.

Then came on the convention of jack asses of every hue and color.
Then the stay law ; the bankrupt law, and the homestead. All of

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 225

which most sadly worsted us all, — our labor lost to us, and demoral-
ized to themselves and every body else ; and by the miserable selfish
plundering carpet bagger decoyed into politics for their own advance-
ment, and the ruin of both us and our former faithful slaves.

Thus were we rudely dealt with when called upon to settle up old
accounts with interest. What an awful looming up ; how awfully big
and unwieldy these once little things had so wondrousiy grown.

Now, under such circumstances and in such a deplorable condition,
can you, gentlemen, be at all surprised at many of us becoming wildly
excited and ruinously dejected, when all hopes seemed perfectly pros-
trated, every prospect blasted, and confidence in all and every thing
totally destroyed, and crowd after crowd madly rushing headlong into
law, and thus uselessly tugging at each other, feelings became
embittered, of which some of the old grannies at the law far on the
wane of a living practice, and the youngsters too easily beguiled one
after another to wickedly enter the list for plunder by a ruinous com-
promise, rather than a more ruinous defence of their well-known
rights where not a shadow of doubt existed, and the innocent oft
were compelled to pay ruinous fees to establish their rights, and too
often the victor at the expensive and uncertain game at law to his
sorrow found the little which could be collected had been so liberally
divided between his counsel, the clerks and sheriff, there was oft no
alternative left him, but in sack cloth and ashes sorrowingly to walk
side by side with him he had so lately conquered at the law, into the
chilly embrace of bankruptcy. These are, my dear sirs, I think the
true reasons of our great indebtedness.

And now for the dilapidated appearance of our country, our short
crops and the failure of some who have located in our midst. During
the war our lands were sadly neglected and most severely strained to
sustain the immense armies bitterly contesting every inch of our soil,
which, of course, prevented our using much of the good lands in Vir-
ginia. At the close of the war we found ourselves minus all of our
slaves, with a very scant supply of well-worn implements, and feeble
teams, often none at all, all nearly, without provisions, and too many
entirely without, little or no money to refurnish these absolute
necessaries, and all of every thing in such a confused condition we all
became sadly dejected. For the wisest could not imagine what the
next would be, or when, where or how a yet greater calamity might
befall us.

Now, my dear sirs, can you, or any other sane fellow-being,be at all
surprised under such a deplorable state of affairs, that even we Vir-
ginians became sad and desponding, and really lost our energies for
which we once were so justly renowned. And yet under all of these
sad afflictions, we perhaps unfortunately too zealously hugged with
tender filial affection to our dear old homesteads and its broad acres,
prefering rather to part with every thing else, and even risk all, under
the oft delusive hope by an extra effort, fine seasons and great good
luck, we might save our lands, and thus we freely bit at every delu-
sive bait thrown to us. Humanity oft induced us to hire too freely
our faithful old slaves, and we bought liberally of labor-saving imple-
ments, of which neither we nor our labor knew anything, and our
labor too oft induced wilfully to destroy for the benefit of their own
craft, as the skeletons now to be seen in so many of our fields well-

226 THE SOUTHERN [May

testifies ; then three or four of the most unpropitious seasons we have
ever known, and then to top the climax far above them all, came the
kind-hearted vendor of what they called manures, which to too many
of us were any thing else, and for which they got their millions of our
hard-earned dollars, and we got little or nothing in crops, money or
improvements of our lands. Thus for the appearance of our country
and our crops.

Now for the failure of some who have located in our midst. Most
of these, I think, had made their money during and out of the war,
and came here as mere adventurers, with but little more monev than
brains, feeble judgments and perfectly ignorant of every thing about
farming, stock or implements : a mere set of swell-headed braggado-
cios smoking large cigars, drinking freely of strong drinks and splut-
tering about how they whipped us. Failing to meet their engagements,
or to be received in our families, they left unregretted by any, unless
by those they failed to pay.

Now, my dear sirs, is there any where to be found on God's favored
domains one spot on which such a set could hope to succeed I They
are gone back to defame, if they can, our people and our lands, of
which they know just about as much as you or I know of what con-
diments they will use in the moon. A good many most worthy citi-
zens from the Northern and Western and Southern States, and from old
England and Germany, have located in our county, and have proved
to be exactly the sort we are in so much need of. They are of that
class which would be most warmly welcomed by all good men every-
where. We would so gladly welcome with out stretched arms and
open hands many, many thousands like unto them. And I rejoice to
say, most of them are so well pleased with our people and county
that they and we fondly hope this summer and next fall a groat many
of their friends will follow them up and pitch their tents among us in
this, our most favored land, where all, who will, can so surely well
succeed.

I was introduced to a most intelligent gentleman from the North,
who made a large purchase in our county a year ago, and last fall
made another large purchase, in all amounting to some fifty -five or
sixty thousand dollars in land. I said to him, I hoped he was pleased
with our county and its people. He very warmly replied, I am more
than pleased with both, and all are equally pleased with him. Some
of these are doing as well as they could hope to do any where. Most
of them doing well. A few good fellows made too heavy a purchase,
leaving no capital for carrying on the farm, and to their sorrow, find it
as necessary to have cash to farm here, as I believe it is every where
else. A few Englishmen clubbed together and purchased two adjoin-
ing farms at twenty-five thousand dollars each, only paying ten thou-
sand cash, bought recklessly heavy of stock, crops, farming imple-
ments, manure and grass seeds ; hired very heavily at extravagantly
ruinous wages ; began heavy improvements on the faith of much
money coming from England. As yet none has reached their creditors .
They had a very fine crop of corn. Hired freedmen to gather it,
while they were otherwise sporting. After it was in the crib, the
freedmen called for pay. They said our country made a great show
in the field, but woefully small in the crib. Sold out on one field of
stalks, fodder and shucks, cut up and stacked in the field. They got

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 227

between 27 and $30, from which I learn the purchaser got sixty bar-
rels of corn, left there, no doubt, by their hirelings for their winter
rations. These have left, no doubt, to abuse us and our country.

A Northern gentleman, with about $2,000 in cash, made a large pur-
chase of poor land at seventeen dollars per acre, paid the $2,000, leav-
ing no money in hand to work the farm for the deferred payments,
tugged on for several years, then wisely gave up the land, and lost
his $2000. Now if he had purchased 200 acres of better land at five
dollars per acre, which he could have done, and paid the $1000, got
his deed of title, worked it judiciously with his remaining $1000,
he would now be the happy, thriving owner of his own snug and thrifty
home.

Another bought at $30 per acre, because of its large and handsome
house and buildings. He now wishes his investment had been made
in better land and less of buildings. Another set with very limited
means, or none at all, made a large purchase and were never able to
repair the outside fence. Never paid a dollar, had to give up, and
have gone no doubt to abuse us and our lands.

Now is it fair to judge us and our country by such an indiscreet set
as these? For we have in Albemarle county, Virginia, as strong kind
productive lands, as pure water aud delightful climate as any reason-
able man should desire, or can find any where, and for the cash, are
as cheap as can be had any where. Take irrto consideration our
churches, schools, railroads, canalai markets our people, and those
who confine themselves within their means and work judiciously, are
now doing as well as any people any where. Such are better off now in
my own neighborhood than they were before the war.

It is the large unwieldly estates which have to be kept up by too
much hired labor that are not doing so well. They must be cut up
into smaller farms, or pass int 3 other hands.

I have explained, I hope satisfactorily, and now extend for myself,
and for every true Virginian, an earnest heart-felt invitation to come
see and judge for yourselves, and help us to divide out our lands to
the mutual benefit of all and the rebuiding of our dear old Virginia.

Yours truly,

Geo. C. Gilmer,
Charlottsville. Va.

[For the Southern Planter and Fanner. J
DEEP vs. SHALLOW PLOWING.

An article in the American Agriculturist for January, from the pen
of Col. Waring, among other very sensible observations on farming in
general, referring more particularly to his recent European observa-
tions and the opportunity there afforded for testing the value of dif-
ferent modes of cultivation, he says of the oft and much mooted
question of deep or shallow plowing :

" In view of this I applied myself during my recent trip to the
obtaining of light on the much vexed question of deep plowing, one
which has always had a prominent place with our writers, and about
which no definite early conclusion seems probable. It has certainly

226 THE SOUTHERN [May

not been less talked about and written about and quarrelled about in
England. When agricultural writing first commenced there it once
took a prominent position, and the columns of the British agricultu-
ral journals are to this day more taken up with it than with any other
topic on which opinions differ widely. Arguments on both sides are
plenty — on either side, viewed by themselves, they seem convincing
— and it is at least difficult to decide which has the best of the dis-
cussion. In practice, the deep plowers find comparatively few adher-
ents, for there as well as here it is the almost universal custom to
plow only to the depth of about six inches. Personally, I have always
sided with the deeper faction, and I am not now disposed entirely to
abandon their position. At the same time, the more I investigate the
matter the less am I inclined to urge the adoption of their recom-
mendations. There is much force in the statement of a recent
English writer that if by deep plowing you convert the upturned sub-
soil (by the aid of manure) into a surface soil, you by covering up the
surface soil convert it into a subsoil, and place its greater fertility
beyond the reach of the developing action of the atmosphere and thus
lose its effect. On the other hand, there is no getting around the fact
that gardeners and nurserymen have great faith in the efficiency of
"trenching," a process whereby the surface soil is completely buried
beneath the upturned subsoil. In their cases, however, the quantity
of manure used is much greater than is possible in the larger opera-
tions of the farm. %

In this matter it would certainly be safer to advise that all attempts
at deep plowing be very carefully made. Many instances can be
cited where it has been decidedly injurious. Ogden Farm offers one
of a serious character, where nearly ten acres of land was so far
injured by turning up a few inches of poor cold clay that five years'
time and expenditure of manure and labor to the value of more than
the original cost of the land have been insufficient to make good the
damage. Perhaps corresponding cases of benefit may be adduced,
though I know of none that appeals so strongly to my judgment.

After considering the question on all sides, what should be our
practical recommendation I It seems especially clear to me after a
careful examination of the farming of some of the best parts of
Europe. It is certainly true that, taken as a whole, the best European
agriculture, like the best American agriculture, does not depend on
deep plowing. The men who succeed the best, there as well as here,
are generally shallow plowers rather than deep plowers. Many of
them no doubt believe, theoretically, that deeper plowing would be
better ; but whatever their theory may be, their practice is to confine
the turning of the soil to the first five or six inches, and to keep their
manure near the surface. The only thing of general value that has
been proved about the question after all these years of argument is
that it has two sides to it, and I do not hesitate to recommend my
readers to be very cautious how they enter into the discussion with
their own plowshares. Stud}', investigate and theorize as much as
you like, but be very slow to abandon a custom that is known to be
successful for one that is of uncertain promise. I do not myself
desert the deep plowing party, but, on the other hand, I do not recom-
mend its teachings for general and immediate adoption. In many
cases it will do good, but first trials should in all cases be made on a

1S74.J ^PLANTER AND FARMER. 22a

yery limited scale, for on many soils it does great harm. There are-
channels enough open for the introduction of improved processes
which will pay without question, and the laudable energy of enthusi-
astic men need never lack for an object. It is the safest plan to stick
to the best customs of the best farmers, until they fail to satisfy, and
then to amend or alter them only as careful experiments shall prove
the change to be a good one. The truth is that we know by far too-
little of the how and the why of vegetable growth to decide on the
value of any improvement in advance of its actual trial. The way
in which agricultural writers have been forced to abandon their recom-
mendation for the immediate plowing under of stable manure, and to-
content themselves with finding out the reason why the opposite cus-
tom of farmers (to spread manure on the surface and leave it there) was
better, is too fresh in mind for any prudent man to insist that deep,
plowing is to be or ought to be the universal panacea of agriculture,
while he can count on his fingers the really successful farmers who
have adopted it, or, who having once adopted it, have found it worth
their while to keep it up. Of course, the expense of deep plowing
has had much influence in retarding its spread, but the expense is or
itself no argument against it, and it has not been taken up where (as
on the larger farms of England) mere expense is no argument against
any process that is sure to pa}-."

Col. Waring is one of the most practical of all the advocates of
high farming, now writing for the agricultural press of the country.
Evidently a man of considerable attainments, he has applied himself
earnestly to agriculture, and every thing he writes indicates close
observation and patient investigation.

The subject here treated of is of very much interest to the South-
ern farmer. It is true that at present there is very little of what
might be styled deep plowing done in this section. But it is so often
urged upon the farmer that he can never succeed unless he stirs
his soil to the depth of ten or twelve inches, that we may consider it
a great relief to find that six inches has proven in the majority of cases
the best depth to plow.

But there is another side still to the question, and one which we
have all along advocated, (i.e.) the use of the subsoil plow, which will
give us all the advantages of deep plowing, so far as depth of seed
bed is concerned, and comes with it none of the disadvantages fol-
lowing the bringing to the surface a crude and unproductive subsoil.
We are still more with the light of Col. Waring's European experi-
ence, the advocate of deep stirring of the soil without, however*,
investina: it.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
AGRICULTURE.

The subject of most interest to three-fourths of the whole popula-
tion, and requiring as good judgment in its operations as most kinds
of manufacturing and mercantile pursuits. And after all the efforts
to prosper, failure attends a large portion of agriculturists. But no
such word as failure should stop the industrious farmer. Early and

230

THE SOUTHERN

[[May

iate, through all seasons his plans should be thoroughly carried out.
Ben Franklin is reported to have said ''that tilling the soil was the
only honest calling, and if judiciously pursued, success was guaran-
teed."

"Without going to this extent, the intelligent farmer will prosper in
the end, provided his land improves visibly every year : and this is
only accomplished by replacing more elements of fertility than is sub-
tracted by the crops. To do this by the use of fertilizers, a large out-
lay of money is required. It is reported that ten millions of dollars
.-are annually spent in commercial fertilizers in the Southern States.
Were this amount, or at the least three-fourths of it spent in perma-
nent fertilizers, each succeeding year, would find the soil improved
and more means in hand to continue enriching the land. But as in
the past, so at the present day, not one-fifth of this large amount
of money is spent to improve the soil, but only to make a crop.

Suppose one field in every five be given to a pea fallow, and another
to clover, to stand two years, the remaining two fields to be devoted
to other crops, the result would be far different from the usual rota-
tion. Seldom having either clover or peas as a fallow.

If the old system continues, what will be the gain permanently ?
If a farmer makes nothing by only eight bushels of wheat or sixteen
bushels of corn to the acre, of what use is it to go through the forms
of carrying on a farm with all its harrassing care?, when you know
the result with a great degree of certainty before-hani I

It is very easy for reviewer to say that manure, ashes and lime will
improve the soil. No one doubts this truth ; but a slight reference to
the facts will illustrate my views. By barn-yard manure, the process
is a slow one. Two horses make about fifty cart loads of manure in
twelve months — about enough for one acre of land. Any one can
calculate how long it would take to improve one or two hun lre.1 acres
of land. Instead of this let every farmer put in ten a?res of bla
or yellow peas, for each horse on the farm, and the results would be
visible. By reference to a table published a year or t*vo since, with
some modifications — the whole subject is better illustrated.

Crop. Value. Cost. dun to soil. Loss to the Lossfotht

soil.

Cora, 16 bus. $0 00 $12.00 Bperct. 62.40

Wheat, 8 " 16.00 8 " " 2.40

Gats, 12 •• 10.00 G.OO 1<J " '• Gain 4.00

Fea*. 16 " 16.00 8.00 Soperct " 8.00

•Clover, 1 ton 16.00 4.00 25 " " " 12.00

If half the peas and clover are removed then the land is yet a
gainer.

Good farmers estimate a heavy fallow to contain 100 tons of vege-
table matter to the acre, or a ton of clover (which is a small fallow),
to be as valuable as a ton of ordinary manure. If one crop of peas
does not answer to produce a good stand of clover, continue a second
crop. When the soil becomes sufficiently fertile to produce clover,
by all means put in the land and keep it for two or three years. The
old saying attributed to the Germans is strictly true — ••no grass no
stock, no stock no manure, no manure no farm.''

By the use of green manures with plaster and lime the sand hills of
Eastern Virginia can be restored, and it becomes every farmer to

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 2gj

make greater sacrifices to accomplish this object than in making a
temporary crop by high priced fertilizers. It is cheaper, it is quicker
— it is more certain — and inoi'e easily done than by the use of chemi-
cal manures. Every one who has spent years of time and a large-
amount of money knows these statements to be sadly true to the
letter.

As to the use of ashes, (either oak or hickory) every body uses all
he can obtain, but no one can make more than twenty bushels during
a winter for each fire-place. This quantity is too small as a fertilizer
for a farm. Town lots and gardens can be benefited, but the only
way to improve a farm in the quickest way with the least amount of
time and money is by fallows of peas and clover.

Another suggestion may not be inappropriate. In a few years the
cost of transportation of grain from the West may be greatly reduced
by the enlargement of the Erie and James River Canals, and by sim-
ilar enterprises through other States. Should this be done wheat may
be reduced to $1.40 per bushel and corn to fifty cents. In that event
can the Virginia farmer afford to raise these staples at all, and if not>
what crops can be substituted 1 In less than ten years this may be.
a serious matter to look in the face, and it may then be too late to
commence improving the soil, when prices are below the cost of mak-
ing these crops. C. R C.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.1

Mr. Editor : — In the communication sent you some clays since on-
" Straw as a Manure, the Cultivation of Hay, &c," there were some
omissions I would supply if they will reach you in time for your
next number when the article referred to will appear.

It is of the greatest importance in the preparation of ha}' for mar-
ket, that it should be done with the greatest care. First, it must be-
the pnre timothy, free from all admixture of meadow grass, spear
grass or any other kind of grass not even clover. Then the fastidi-
ous dealers talk as knowingly about the delicate shade it must bear
when properly cured, as the tobacco men do in discussing the shade
and qualities of the high priced wrappers that oftimes command such
extravagant figures. All observant farmers know how difficult it is to-
raise pure timothy hay without an admixture of other grasses. I had
supposed it easier in Eastern Virginia, or on the bottom lands of
James River, than in the Valley, but in a conversation with Dr.
Walker, the intelligent and public-spirited farmer at Dover, son-in-law
and successor of the late Richard Sampson in the management of
that fine estate, he informes me that it is very difficult if not impos-
sible to preserve their meadow grounds clean. He is one of the
largest and most successful hay-raisers in Virginia, yet alleges that
our Valley lands would produce two tons per acre, whilst their best
lands will produce little more than one. He referred to the change
in Ricnmond since the war, in the manner of marketing hay, that
operates to the serious inconvenience and always to the loss of farmer?.
Formerly the hay was unloaded from the boats and put in store.
Now the merchant refuses to receive it in store. Often it is sent on
flats by the canal covered with tarpaulin, if covered at all, and 'n SO

232 THE SOUTHERN [May

•
insecure a way, in the event of rain, that it must be injured. Let the
boat arrive in the dock say Thursday evening, and Friday is an incle-
ment day. nothing is done towards a sale. Saturday is always a busy
day, the commission merchant alleges he can't get buyers together,
■or if so, they contend it does not possess the delicate shade referred
to. or has gotten wet. or some other pretext staves off the sale until
Monday or later : the boatman then makes his charge in proportion to
the time the hay is on his boat, and some one of the many pretexts
for cheapening the price is used as a lever to cut down the farmer,
who is bled at every pore, and by all sorts of unreasonable and dis-
honest pretexts. Is it at all strange. Mr. Editor, that with this sort
of experience in the past, he is willing to rush with open arms into
the organization of the "Patrons of Husbandry*" as a relief to some
of the ills, not that flesh but his purse is heir to ? Permit me before
closing to extend to you as a "Patron" my thanks not only for the
very able address my esteemed friend, Maj. Gaines, as chairman of
the committee, published on the "Patrons of Husbandry,'' but also for
the pithy, sensible, forcible editorial from your own pen on the "Duty of
the Hour," in the April number of the Planter. Heaven speed the
hour, when the farmer, who has in the past been -a hewer of wood and
drawer of water" for other classes of society, may reap the reward of
his own labor, instead of being fleeced at every turn as is now the
case. Respectfully yours,

J. M. McC'rE.

(For the Southern Planter and Fanner.]
TOBACCO.

Much has been said and written on tobacco. It has been more
praised and more abused than any other article, and has been more
widely cultivated and used than any other single product not neces-
sary to support life. It is a narcotic stimulant, it soothes and calms
the weary husbandman, the tempest tossed mariner, the soldier in the
field, the peasant and the prince, and is safer and more reliable than
wine or ardent spirits to drive dull care away. Wherever civilization
has carried her graceful steps tobacco has followed, and semi-civilized
and savage nations have cultivate 1 and used it. Though considered a
luxury, if is now so widely diffused and so firmly established, as to be
considered like tea and coffee a necessity. The federal government
has imposed a tax on it. wh:ch in Virginia alone yields a larger reve-
nue than the whole of the New England States pay.

While it can be produced in some quantity and quality all over the
civilized world, it is only in the Piedmont region of Virginia, North
Carolina and a portion of Maryland that it is made in perfection for
chewing. Climates more North and more South produce good smok-
ing tobacco which is destitute of body, strength and oil. and is, on
that account, preferred. Our climate and soil are peculiarly adapted
-to raising tobacco of the finest and best quality, and no part of the
world can successfully compete with us, if we bestow the necessary
labor and pains to produce it. Our more Southern "States have a
'juo.$> monopoly of cotton as we have of tobacco. We can raise cot

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 233

ton, but we cannot compete with the cotton belt ; we can raise grain,
but we cannot compete with the Western States, and tobacco must be
our staple for market and for money, and we cannot glut the market
with a No. 1 article, for the demand will keep up if it does not exceed
the supply.

I will therefore make a few remarks on the cultivation and manage-
ment of the tobacco crop, which, while it may not benefit experts,
will give some ideas to novitiates.

It is all important, in the first place, to raise strong and early plants.
The beds may be prepared at any time from 15th November to 15th
March, but the best time is from 15th November to 25th December.
Then the ground is in good order, seldom frozen or too wet, and it
will require much less wood and labor to burn. I am inclined to
thiuk that a great deal of wood and labor have been needlessly
wasted in burning plant beds. Good and early plants can be made
by raking off the leaves in the woods, where. the soil is rich
and moist, and reducing it to a tine tilth, adding hog's hair, hen-
house manure, or stable manure if you have it clear ot grass seed,
as when corn-todder and grain only is led in the stables. A heap-
ing tablespoonlul of seed should be fowd to each 100 square
yards, and soon after the plants begin to come up, half the quan-
tity should be sown on the same beds, — the first sowing should be
done as 60011 as the beds are prepared. During the growth of the
, plants they should be frequently manured with hen-house manure,
ashes, plaster, tobacco dust or any rich manure clear of grass
seeds, and if unfortunately grass and weeds should infest the
beds, they should be carefully picked out. If you will cover an
old bed with leaves or straw so as to smother all vegetation, the
same bed may be used successfully for many years without the
necessity of burning. To make good tobacco the land should be
rich or well-manured, for which purpose there is nothing equal to
stable manure. I have succeeded very well by covering the thin
land with wheat-straw or leaves from the woods, fallowing it in
during the fall, or as early as practicable; then in the spring,
before planting time, giving a top dressing of stable manure, not
heavy, because few have enough to go over once the quantity of land
they cultivate in tobacco All kinds of domestic manures, com-
posts, farm pen manures, dunghill scrapings, ashes, lime and
plaster may be used to supplement the stable manure, but carry
that over as large a space as you can. If you want to spend two
dollars to make one, save trouble and buy commercial fertilizers,
and apply them.

After your land is manured refallow, harrow and get the soil
fine and light, to be ready to plant as soon as the plants are large
and strong enough to live when transplanted. Bottom land not
subject to freshets or sobbing makes the very best tobacco, and
seldom needs much manure.

Some plant in drills, but I prefer hilling, which can be done
rapidly, if properly prepared for it. The rows should be 3^ feet
apart, and hills 3 feet in the r«ws. After planting, as soon as any
grass or weeds come up, commence working the ground and repeat
it often, so as never to let the grass get a start. As soon as the
tobacco gets large enough to top, commence by priming off the

234 THE SOUTHERN [May

boltom leaves up to five inches and leave ten leaves during the
month of July, then to 15th August leave nine, then to 15th Sep-
tember leave eight, after that time do not prime any, but take out
the burl, leaving as much as is likely to make leaves of good size, to
be put when stripped with the lugs. They will increase the good
appearance and value of the Ings. Meanwhile the worms and
suckers should be taken off at least once a week or oftener. Sav-
ing the priming leaves wiil hardly pay for the labor. If they and
the suckers are left on the ground they enrich it and help to make
a good crop of wheat, which rarely fails on tobacco land, and a
stand of grass is almost certain.

As soon as the tobacco is ripe, cut it, but not before, except
when positively threatened by frost, for green tobacco is better
than none. The cuttings should be repeated in good seasons,
v. As far as you can, put all of each cutting together or in
the same house. There is apt to be a shade of difference in the
color and quality and curing, which will increase with every cut-
ting. When cut in hot weather, it should be picked up very soon
and secured from the direct rays of the sun, which is apt to burn
it and set a green color in it. It should be handled carefully,
avoiding bruising or breaking it, and if you have a sufficiency of
house room, hang it in the house without crowding on the sticks
or tiers. It should be examined every day, and if it sweats or the
stems become rigged or mouldy, build small charcoal fires under it,
just enough to warm it moderately and yellow it, and gradually
it, thus curing it sound and sweet. It you cannot get char-
coal, a little dry seasoned old-field pine wood may be substituted
for the same purpose carefully and moderately. It has very little
smoke or scent, and answers the intention next, to charcoal. After
oacco is thoroughly cured, stems included, you may take it
down in pliant order and strip it, tieing it in small neat bundles
with leaves of the same length and color.

In assorting, four kinds should be made, the long, heavy dark
or brown, the bright of good s:ze. the short and the lugs. If high
in order it should never lie in bulk long, except in 'the coldest
weather. It should be hung up in the Bi of moderate damp

weather, and thoroughly dried and taken down in good order in a
warm spell in February or March. It may then lie in bulk until
the weather becomes uniformly warm in May or June. Then it
should be re-assorted, straightened and classed, putting all sep-
arately of the same lengths and colors together, and all the very
or inferior with the lugs. It is highly impoitant to prize
each c-isss to itself, so as to make each hogshead as uniform in
color and quality as possible. This plan will pay a large
profit for the labor. This, however, is difficu't for small planters
who have half a dozen sorts and only one, two or three packages.

t'ome have been accused ol nesting, and justly so in a few

instances, but mauy do it unavoidably or from ignorance, putting

in the same package every kind they have until they put all in,

and the buyers generally pay the value of the worst part they see

a '.:s~ comes to the unwary. Planters must be educated

ught What is expected of them in the market, and it will pay

to an observing man to visit the market and see for himself

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 235

when he sells his crop, and not leave his interests, his years' labor
too much in the hands of a middleman.

To the industrious and skilled planter, there is yet promise and
hope — he will succeed if he will but use his opportunities wisely.
"Seest tbou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before
kings, he shall not stand before mean men." — Solomon.

W. A. G.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
Editor Southern Planter and Farmer :

On the 27th of May 1870, I selected a portion of the border in my
garden, of uniform fertility and equal advantages, had it well broken
and leveled nicely, and with a trowel made four trenches four feet
apart, one, two, three and four inches deep, and in each I dropped
eighty-five cotton seed in a straight line one inch apart and covered
acourately.

At sunrise, June 1st, I noticed the seed in the first row, one inch
deep, had cracked the surface the whole line, and in the afternoon (71)
seventy-one seed unfolded above ground — shed seed caps above
ground. The plants looked very vigorous.

June 2d — Noticed that the seed in second row had cracked the sur-
face, in one place and on the 3d of June twenty-four (24) seed unfold-
ed above ground ; failed to crack the whole line ; shed seed caps
above ground near the surface ; plants looked less vigorous than those
of the 1st row.

June 5th — Noticed that twelve (12) seed unfolded above ground in
the 3d row ; failed to crack the surface and shed seed caps below the
surface ; plants looked less vigorous than either of the first or second
rows.

June 6th — Noticed that three (3) seed unfolded above ground ;
shed caps below surface ; plants resembling those of the third row.

RECAPITULATION.

71 up. 71-85

24 " 24-85

12 " 12-85

3 " 3-85

Total up 110 Total planted 340

The maturity and growth in favor of the shallow planting.

From this experiment I am convinced that to secure a good stand
of cotton it is only necessary to plant very shallow, half inch if pos-
sible, and only one seed to the inch in straight line.

Very Respectfully,

W. L. Faison.

1st Row,

1 inch deep.

June 1st.

2d "

2 " "

" 3d.

3d "

3 " "

" 5th.

4th "

4 u k

" Gth.

Lord Bacon on Gardening. — God Almighty first planted a garden,
and indeed it is the purest of all human pleasures. It is the greatest
refreshment to the spirits of man, without which buildings and pal-
aces are but gross handiworks, and a man shall ever see that when
ages grow to civility and elegance, men come to build stately sooner
than to garden finely, as if gardening were the greater perfection.
S

236 THE SOUTHERN [May

Horticultural Department.

MANURING TREES AND VINES.

It has been a favorite method with most writers on the subject
to manure trees and vines in the fall. Most of them recommend
spreading manure over the roots at the beginning of winter and
working it into the ground in the spring. This is, perhaps, good
advice where manure is plenty and cheap, but we should never
think of following it if manure was an object. Much of the fer-
tilizing properties of the manure would of necessity be washed
out, some into the ground and some, alas, away upon the surface
to adjoining lands or roads. It would be far preferable to apply
the manure upon the freshly worked surface in the spring, mixing
it with the top soil by using the hand-rake or harrow. The spring
rains would dissolve it and carry it down to the roots just as they
needed it for vigorous early spring growth, and they would thus
have supplied. to them, at the very time it was most needed, the
food necessary to perfect the fruit and form wood for bearing
another year. Peter Henderson, in " Gardening for Profit," gives
a case exactly in point. In manuring an asparagus bed with
super-phosphate, he put on part of the bed in the fall and being
interrupted did not dress the remainder until spring. The same
amount was used on each plot, if we remember aright, and yet
that dressed in the fall showed no perceptible increase from the
dressing, while that dressed in the spring nearly doubled in size
and quantity of product. The most palpable benefit we have ever
witnessed fell under our observation last year upon a peach orchard
set in April. Super-phosphate was sown in June at the rate of
about one pint per tree, worked into the surface around the trees.
The trees thus treated made double the growth made by those not
dressed — two rows, 32 trees being left to test the value of the fer-
tilizer. The fertilizer used was Powhatan Raw-bone and the test
was eminently satisfactory.

Kamit is an excellent fertilizer for peach trees and grape vines,
and we believe it would pay very well to use it at the rate of 400 lbs.
per acre. Stable manure is of course the best of all upon poor
land, but there are many places where the use of commercial fertili-
zers would be cheaper and more satisfactory in their results. Our
own experience, extending through nearly twenty years, convinces
us that about 100 lbs., mixed nicely with the surface soil in the
spring, will give better results than twice that amount applied to
the surface in the fall.

After writing the above we found the following from Thomas
Meehan, published in the Weekly Press. We need not say that we
consider Mr. Meehan the very highest authority upon this subject:

"People often argue whether it is better to manure trees in the
fall or in the spring, but we think that any one who tries it will
find that the summer is as good a time as any.

It is only a few years ago that it has been discovered that plants
are like animals in this — that they, while appearing to be expend-
ing their daily nourishment on continuous growth, are really at

18 74. J PLANTER AND FARMER, 237

the same time laying up food for to-morrow. Those who have
examined vegetable cellular structure with a microscope, tell us
that the formation is exactly like that of a honeycomb, the cells
lying together of a hexagonal shape, as it made by bees. But it
proves that this structure is more like the illustration than those
that used it suspected, in this — that as in the honey-comb, honey
is stored up for use at a further time, so matter is stored up in
these little plant cells tor the future use of the plant. There are
in almost all plants two growths during the season. The first
growth is formed almost wholly from the matter stored up in the
cells of the previous year. After midsummer, especially in the
apple tree, the whole of the force derived from the past year is
expended, and it stores up a little for a new growth, which is soon
after made. As the season progresses, the latter or secondary
growth also in turn lays up some matter in its cells, for the next
season, as the past season has done.

Trees always like fresh food as well as animals ; and thus it is
with this explanation, that one can readily understand how it is
that a top-dressing of good marure put under the trees soon after
midsummer, when the second growth is about to take place, pro-
duces the marked good results we have before recorded."

RAISING LIMA BEANS.

ihis is a favorable vegetable with many, and yet the trouble of
raising them deters persons from attempting to do so. The ground
selected should be such as will produce a good crop of corn. —
L,-ght loamy land is best and if heavily manured for some crop
the previous year it will be better than to apply fresh manure
directly to the crop. Break the land well in April and lay off the
rows five feet apart, passing at least twice in a row to make the
furrow deep and clean as possible. Take an iron bar, or if you
have none a wooden stob will do, and make holes in the bottom of
the furrow for the sticks. These should be set four feet apart and
at least seven feet long, as they will be sixteen inches in the
ground. Set the sticks firmly1 in the holes and leave every thing
in this condition until planting time, which will be as soon after
the 1st of May, as the weather gets settled and warm. When
ready to plant, take a plow and throw two furrows on each side to
the poles and plant from seven to ten beans around each. If the
ground is inclined to bake, it will somewhat facilitate their com-
ing up, it the beans are placed in the earth with the eye down.
"When all are fairly up, thin to' three in a bill; cultivate well and
keep the vines up to the poles and when they reach the top pinch
out the end bud and keep them down to that height. It is best to
set aside a few hills for seed and take no beans from them. The
remainder should be picked as fast as they get in condition to eat,
as they will bear a great many more than if permitted to ripen
the first crop.

THE SOUTHERN [May

Stock Department,

WHAT STOCK WILL SUIT US BEST ?

In answering the above question, which comes to us irom a
valaed correspondent, there is a great variety of possible cir-
cumstances to be considered. In the first place, much depends
upon the quality and condition of land, the amount ot capital at
hand to be invested in stock, and the available form to take care
and provide feed, &c, ior the stock. But we do not propose to
return a special answer to the query, but to g;ve some general
thoughts upon the subject applicable to the condition ot the land
and land owners of Eastern Virginia and North Carolina.

It is generally conceded that the raising of horses, mules and
hogs beyond a sufficiency tor home supply cannot prove profitable
here, except in a lew favored localities, and our choice in the
selection ot stock is between sheep and cattle.

It is a question of interest to know at the start the relative
amount of feed necessary for the keeping of these animals. Fre-
quent experiments have established the fact that it requires about
three per cent, of the live weight of either of these animals, of
good hay or its equivalent per day to keep them in good condition.
Assuming the average weight ot our cattle to be 700 lbs. aud of
the sheep 66 lbs., it would require 21 lbs. ot hay for each cow and
two lbs. for each sheep per day. In other words, one cow will eat
a little more than ten sheep.

But we do not think this a fair comparison. It should be remem-
bered that sheep eat a much greater variety of plants than cattle,
and as our pastures are thin and the herbage scattered the distance
to be traveled by an animal in filling itself should be considered.
In this respect, the sheep have decidedly the advantage, as each
one would only be required to graze over one-tenth the ground the
cow must necessarily go over in order to make a living. Sheep
also crop closer than cattle, and where the pasturage is kept close
they will thrive much better and improve the herbage by encourag-
ing the growth of the finer grasses, or at least repressing that of
the coarser growing kinds.

A short time since, we were in company with an old farmer,
•who remarked that wherever his 6heep ran, the white clover soon
sprang up, even though none had ever been seen there before, and
he expressed a desire to know where the seed came from. We
then said that we supposed the sheep gathered the seed in their
rounds and deposited it with their litter. But this he seemed dis-
posed to doubt, as his cattle ranged over precisely the same
ground and they brought no clover home. The subject was drop-
ped at the time; but, subsequently, when passing through the old
broom-straw field where bis sheep and cattle ranged, we stooped
down and examined closely, and there growing not more than an
inch in height — far too short for the cattle to bite — were perfect
plants of white clover, bloom and all. Here the sheep gathered
the seed, and dropping them with their litter, set every place
where they were accostumed to lie in white clover. This advan-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 239

tage to be derived from the keeping of sheep over that of cattle is
very great, as it is one of the greatest difficulties we ot Eastern
Virginia have to contend with in improving our farms.

We cannot, without very expensive manuring, secure a good sod
upon our pasture lands. But it is a well known tact that sheep
soon establish a good sod wherever they are kept. We are satis-
fied from a careful inquiry and very close observation, that upon
the ordinary farms ot Eastern Virginia twelve sheep can be kept
more easily than one cow. It is more difficult to estimate the
relative return, likely to be realized irom the two. It is very hard
to tell what would be the gross yield of cows in Virginia, as the
amount of labor necessary for their care, the feed given, &c, dif-
fers in almost every family. We leave this for every farmer to
estimate for himself. With sheep it is somewhat different. If the
flock consists chiefly of ewes, they may be expected to almost, if
not quite double their numbers every year, and the wool 4 lbs. per
head, at from 40 to 60 cents per lb., would much more than pay
all expenses.

It is apparent to us that sh«ep, must of necessity, yield a much
greater profit for the labor and capital involved than cows, and
under present circumstances, we hardly think that the keeping of
sheep in small detached flocks will prove remunerative. Dogs are
far too plenty for sheep, unless protected by the constant watch-
fulness of the shepherd to prove profitable. But still we tbink
there is a way of surmounting this difficulty, even should the Leg-
islature fail to pass such a law as will give the protection required.
Two or three farmers can very readily club together and buy
enough sheep to justify the emploj-ment of a shepherd to take care
of them, and thus utilize the waste land lying out and yielding no
revenue, not even enough to pay taxes.

Upon farms that are fenced, sheep can be kept safely by bringing
them up near the house every night and putting them in a small well-
littered lot, enclosed by a six foot picket fence with the bottom plank
sunk into the ground twelve inches. If the flock has a dozen or so
bells upon a flock tends also to keep dogs away and the noise they
make will give the farmer warning when danger is at hand. Sheep
kept in this way require very little actual labor in their attendance,
and after trying it several winters we think that, personally, we would
rather attend one hundred sheep than two cows. It requires compar-
atively a small amount of capital to stock a farm with sheep, and
even a few purchased and judiciously managed will soon, by their
natural increase, give a good flock. In conclusion, we think that no
stock with which we are acquainted is so well adapted to the condi-
tion of the farms and farmers of the county referred to as sheep, and
further, that with the general introduction and keeping of sheep upon
our farms will begin a new course of improvement and prosperity
among the land-owners of the State.

GOATS.

There is still another kind of stock whose name has long since
become a synonym for every thing that is mischievous and provoking

240 THE SOUTHERN [May

upon a farm, and which is nevertheless adapted to meet the wants of
some sections, and which might be made profitable. We refer to the
common goat. These animals are valuable for their hides, which are
made into morocco for shoes and kid for gloves. The hides, at any
age, are worth one dollar a piece, and the demand for them is good.
They are hardy, easily kept, and very prolific ; generally bringing
forth at least twice a year, and more frequently twins than otherwise.
They do not require as much grass as sheep, as they subsist through
the summer almost exclusively upon browse. In districts where there
is a great deal of rough broken, wooded land they would thrive bet-
ter than sheep, and they are far less liable to incursions from dogs or
foxes than sheep. They will travel much farther for their food, and
will be sure to return to the fold at night and upon the approach of a
storm. They require less food and attention than sheep, and are
recommended when on account of the roughness and wooded charac-
ter of the land sheep cannot be well kept.

CASHMERE GOAT?.

These have been kept to some extent in Missouri. Kentucky, Ten-
nessee and Georgia, and by a few persons in Virginia. They are
claimed to be more profitable than the common goat, or even sheep.
They yield a fleece of soft, fine hair, weighing from three to eight
pounds, and worth from $1 to 1.50 per pound in New York. They
are hardy and about as prolific as sheep and require about the same
care. They cross readily with the common goat, and the third cross
gives a very good fleece. They have not been bred extensively
enough to test their value as farm stock, but we are inclined to think
very favorably of them from what we have seen.

We will be obliged to any of our readers who will give us more
information about l;hem. It is apparent to all of us that we must find
something beyond the animal product of the ground to increase our
incomes and enable us to keen the sheriff at bay. We can think of
nothing that will so readily meet our wants and secure at the same
time what ought to be the great aim of every farmer, the permanent
improvement of the land as the keeping of some kind of stock. With
this view, we invite a discussion through the pages of the Planter
of the merits of the different kinds, and also the best ways of caring
for them.

[For the Southern Planter and Fanner.]
A LAW AGAINST DOGS.

But for being unwell I should have written an article for your April
number of the Plaster and Farmer. When one looks over the many
warm appeals so ably and earnestly made from all over our State to our
representatives in the Legislature and Senate, to give us the protec-
tion so justly due to the great interest Virginia now has in sheep, and
not a movement having been made in its behalf worthy of statesmen

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 241

in so weighty a matter as it most certainly now is to protect our
sheep from the worthless dogs, and too often their more worthless
owners, is it not now time for us all to resolve and unite ourselves
into a full working force to secure our protection in the quickest
and most effectual manner we can 1 I think it is now full time for
us so to act, as either to secure a more respectful hearing from
them, or to look to some other power to give us the full protection,
which will enable us all over Virginia to reap the full benefit
which our lands and climate so justly entitle us to hope to be
able fully to realize from a full stock of sheep on our ample grass-
lands. The Legislature must be sorely perplexed in looking up sub-
jects for taxing when they stoop to the unheard of and unpaying arti-
cle of churches, which could yield but little, and that little forced ont
of a set of good people already so sorely weighed down by their own
individual taxes and then the volunteer support of the ministers, the
Sunday schools, and which we all know and so sadly regret, have
been so poorly» provided for in these last several years, when there
looms up all over Virginia and America the greatly remunerating sub-
jects for taxation in dogs, whiskej7, and almost an innumerable num-
ber of small and big rogues now so busily swarming throughout our
whole land.

Suppose we put the dog tax at one dollar for the first, and two for
the next and four for the next, and thus keep on doubling, what an
amount could and would be thus secured for our dear old State, now
trembling under the dread of repudiation for want of increased taxes.
Not only this great amount would be secured, but what a vast healthy
addition would be cheerfully added on to it in a few years when all of
our lands would be (as it then would) thoroughly stocked in the
grasses and our improved and greatly increased flocks of the best
sheep the world can produce. But some of the little fry cry out if
this is done, the foxes will soon be as fatal, not only to our lambs, but
our pigs and poultry. Could not this be perfectly secured against by
permitting one proper person selected by the people in each ten miles
square (or five miles), who should be allowed to keep a good pack of well-
trained hounds at one or two dollars each, which would be so cheer-
fully paid by those whose sheep he would protect by catching the
foxes, this selection to be made only by those who would agree to
pay the taxes on said pack. This would be a paying tax to Virginia
and to each and all of her citizens in greatly relieving the State, by
its immense income and furnishing her citizens with the best of meats
and warmest raiment the world affords, at so cheap a rate all might
luxuriate most freely in both.

Great God, in tender mercy, please endue our representatives of
Virginia with brains enough thus to see its vast importance, and long
enough to devise and pass such a law for the good of our oppressed
people ! Should our Legislature refuse, then can't the farmers of all
America unite and petition the Federal Congress to make the tax on
dogs and take the revenue from it ; it will amply pay them and greatly
bless every citizen. If this can't be done, why not get our Legisla-
ture to pass a law making the death of every dog from home lawful,
and requiring all dogs on the public roads to be killed, which would
require every man to keep his dog at home, where alone he is worth
any thing, if of any value any where. If none of these can be done.

242 THE SOUTHERN [May

■ — ... . , . #

then can't some plan be devised for shortening the crop of dogs now
vastly too great for the peace, safety and prosperity of ns all.

Now for whiskey, that is an article a vast majority can do far bet-
ter without than with, and the higher it can be taxed the better for a
vast many. Then the little rogues of every hue and color now
swarming in such destructive numbers every where to the great annoy-
ance of the quiet, peace, prosperity and happiness of every good
peaceable, honest citizen in every part of our country, in every ham-
let, town and city of America, nightly fearing lest his house should
be burnt or entered, his store or grocery, meat-house, corn-house, barn
or mill, stable, hennery, sheep fold, pig stye be broken in and tde
honest earnings of his daily labor be appropriated to the sumptuous
revelries of these nocturnal pests, who are either asleep or busily con-
cocting cunningly devised schemes each and every day, to be adroitly
executed whilst the honest wearied are at rest.

Now suppose we wake up and fully arouse our Legislature and call
their attention especially to these numerous and rapklly increasing
petty pilferers, and get them to pass some stringent laws by which
the theft of a single pullet shall fully entitle him or her to a link in
the chain-gang for one month's hard and careful labor on our county
roads, and for a pig or mutton some six or twelve months, and so on
and upwards.

Bless me ! my friends, only think of what an immense army of profit
table laborers we would soon have on our expensive' and imperfectly
worked county roads, if this scheme could he fairly and honestly put
into full operation. as it can and should be. Soon, very soon our county
surveyors would be called out and busily employed in carrying out
new and better located roads for this army of cheap labor to perfect
greatly to their benefit and to the groat benefit of our whole State,
because it would be making honest and good citizens of these now
abandoned rogues, and rendering it a pleasure for we farmers to drive
our own fine teams with their heavy loads so safe and easily over these
wisely graded and well constructed roads. What a great universal
blessing this would be to us all. Fifteen or twenty miles to market
then would not be so much as four or five now are : then our lands
would at once rise fully up to or beyond the good old prices, and be
dirt cheap at that : then our once the best labor on earth, but now
wasted into idle wandering rogues, would rapidly be reinstated to an
honest faithful reliable help of which Virginia would again be proud,
and we all marching on hand in hand together, rapidly rebuilding our
dear old State up to and far beyond what she once was. the happy,
happy home of the good and the great. Then we would no lor.
want a donation from our impoverished treasury to outfit commis-
sioners to electioneer in foreign ports for immigrants to come to ours,
the most favored lands of all America. For then just as certain as
lovely, cheering spring follows dreary winter, just so certainly will
the good and the great from every where crowd the vessels which can
most speedily, safely land them on Old Virginia's shores. This is no
fiction, no fancy of a bewildered brain : it is a stupendous fact, and
certainly within our reach, if we can only wake up our representa-
tives, and clear their minds so they can know their duty, and folly
arouse them that duty promptly and fully to perforin.

Now only compare this system with the penny wise and pound fool-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 24S

ish sj-stem which our tinkering Legislatures have been trying. This
system under the supervision of such men as the old Roman, Mr.
Joseph R. Beal, of Scottsville, Albemarle county. Va.. with a paying
salary, would very quickly put all of our roads in apple-pie order, at
a very slight cost and. at the same time, would perfectly manufacture
out of these now abandoned and most worthless rascals the very best
of honest, faithful laborers and good reliable citizens. Whereas the
present plan of hunting up the rogue, getting out the warrant, sum-
moning witnesses, getting him committed to jail, to be tried next
court or a court or two afterwards, at heavy expense, and great labor,
trouble just to be imprisoned a few weeks or take thirty-nine stripes,
as he may choose, the latter most often selected, and he is taken to
the whipping-post, surrounded by crowds of young rascals to see how
manfully he takes the dose which they applaud, and the culprit turned
out a far worse man than before — thus exposed to what he can so-
easily repair by a little mutton-suet, which he selects out of some
flock on his way home — thus making a more cautious rogue of him,,
and encouraging many others to go and do likewise. A miserable
farce, unworthy of a Legislature of school boys, and totally unequal
to the pressing necessities in which we are so deeply involved.

Query : I wander if that colored representative was not wrongly
quoted in saying when we touch whiskey and dogs, we touch every
man. Rather did he not say when we touch whiskey and degs we
rudely probe to the quick a large majority of this, our body, one
would certainly suppose so from the childish play of that body of
late, in taxing bachelors, marriages, churches and licensing grog
shops, fan-o-banks and lottery dealings, as if they were afraid the
dear people would become too sober and purely honest to send them,
back to their six dollar cribs. Respectfully,

Geo. C. GroiEE,
Charlottsville, Va.

MUIRKIRK HERD.

We regret to learn that the sale of this valuable herd of Short
Horns advertized to take place on Wednesday the 13th of May, is
the result of a determination on the part of Mr. Coffin to discon-
tinue the business of breeding Short Horns. Mr. Coffin is so sit-
uated that he is compelled to subsist his large Stock entirely by
soiling which requires so much of his time and attention that for
the sake of his other business he is compeled to dispose ot his
cattle.

His stock are exceedingly well bred, combining strains of the
very finest blood in the country. The herd has been carefully
selected trom the best breeders of England and America. Among
the females are four Gwynnes now so popular among Short Horn
breeders everywhere. One of these, Masterpiece, is getting along in
years, but is still a very fine animal; the others are young. The
upper crosses of these animals are generally with Bates bulls, but one
of them, a calf, is by Royal Britton, a pure Booth Bull, will show the
effects of this cross. Mr. Coffin believes strongly in the Booth bloo d

244 THE SOUTHERN [May

and after seeing his two bulls, Lord Abraham and Royal Britton, both
of this strain, we are very much inclined to coincide in his choice.
There are also two females descended from imported Red Rose, hav-
ing a large infusion of Princess blood, perhaps the best milking stock
among the Short Horns.

Imported Portulacca, an exceedingly fine red cow, is full sister to
Potentilla. a celebrated prize heifer.

Two heifer calves of Portulacca, one by Lord Abraham (29056),
the other by Royal Britton ;27351), are also offered for sale.

"We have only space to refer to a few more of the more prominent
animals. Elvina 3rd, a very fine red and white cow, bred by S. W.
Robins, Withersfield, Conn.

Water Nymph, bred by Walcott & Cowbell. Rosamond 9th, an
extraordinarily fine animal, bred by the same gentlemen and gotten by
Royal Britton, and many others equally as worthy of special notice.

There are in all 42 females offered and we think that there are very
few herds, either on this or the other side of the water, that would
not be improved by the addition of almost any of them.

At the head of the list of bulls stands Lord Abraham (29056), bred
by Mr. Torr of Aylesbury Manor, England. He is deeply bred in
the Booth blood aud is a handsome, low, well quartered animal and
an excellaut breeder. There are 1 1 other bulls offered, making in all
fifty-four head of very finely bred animals.

Muirkirk is on the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad, and trains pass from the respective cities within 100 yards
of the dwelling every hour in the day. There will be no delay on
account of weather as ample shelter has been provided for all who
may come. We hope to see Virginia largely represented and a great
many of the animals of this splendid herd brought home by our
breeders.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE PROPOSED LAW FOR TAXING DOGS.

I am perfectly willing to see dogs taxed in any way you can reach
them, because they may be made to yield revenue either by the
amount of the tax, or, if their numbers are decreased by the taxing
in consumption. But I think too much stress has been laid upon the
tax in connection with its supposed influence on sheep and wool grow-
ing. Suppose the tax is paid, then the number of dogs is not reduced,
and it is to the sheep just as if the dogs had not been taxed at all.

Now in my experience, and no very short one, I am convinced that
sheep can be raised successfully at present, when we are overrun with
<logs. I grant that they are in one sense an evil ; but if their exist-
ence and their depredations cause farmers to take precautions against
them, i. e.. to take care of their sheep, there is pro tanto an advan-
tage in them. But really there are other effective means of getting
rid of the nuisance, at least to a great extent, means that I have
employed, and shall continue to employ, no matter what law may be
passed to remedy the evil. These means all resolve themselves into
the one simple expedient of killing the dogs. This may be done

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 245

either before or after they have killed the sheep ; and I prefer to do
it before.

My rule is a very plain one. Any decent white man is at liberty
to hunt on ray land any sort of game he pleases., foxes, hares or birds.
I never object if he does not take his dogs among in}'- sheep, or shoot
too near ury dwelling or other houses or my straw or hay ricks. But
in consideration of this free permit, I expect him to keep his dogs
from my plantation at all other times, and if the}' are ever caught on it
without their master, I kill them or have them killed. So far I have
never had any serious trouble with any one ; for all admit that the
rule is a reasonable one. Negroes are not permitted to hunt on the
preinises under any circumstances.

Notwithstanding that a goodly number are generally killed under
this rule each year, I still surfer occasionally by the killing of my
sheep, especially in the yeaning season when dead lambs, &c, attract
the dogs. But whenever a sheep is killed by a dog I make a pen —
occasionally keep one for sometime — into which the sheep is put,
being dragged along the ground so that the carcase can be trailed by
the dog. that is sure to come after him after he has killed him. This
pen is a trap of rails — one with a rail floor is best, so that the dog
cannot scratch out — made about twelve rails high, each course being-
drawn in so as to have a small opening at top, down which the dog
may jump, but up and out of which he can neither crawl nor scuffle.
The carcase of the sheep may be poisoned, or scraps- of fried meat
poisoned with str}-chnine may be scattered outside ; or the dogs may be
killed in the pen. It is very true that some dogs may be destroyed
in this way that had not killed the sheep. But what business have
they on my premises 1 And what right have their owners to require
that my property shall be exposed to risk because they do not choose
to look after them 1 Any man who values his clog and respects my
rights, can protect both b}- putting a chain and clog on the dog, worth
at the outside fifty cents, or one-sixth the value of an average sheep.

But important as the tax on dogs may be, I am enabled to declare,
as far as m}r experience may form a basis for the opinion, that the
injury done by dogs is very much less than is supposed. I mean that
as compared with the loss on the crops usually grown, the loss in
sheep by dogs is not as heavy an item as is generally thought. One
illustration of this may suffice to explain my view. At one period
since the war I had for three years an average of rather more than
200 ewes per annum, or the equivalent pf, say, 600 for one year. The
lambs raised from them were about 80 per cent, of the whole number, or
in all 1,080 head. For two of those years I lost not one by dogs. The
third year I lost 17 ; all at one time ; worth, at $4.00 per head, $68.
The entire flock at the same price would be worth $4,320. So that
the loss was only 1^ per cent. I need not enter into any calculation
to show that the fluctuation in anv crop we grow is far greater than
that.

I leave out of this account the sheep stolen by negroes. Though I
think I lost in the same time less by theft of sheep than by theft of
crops and of other live stock, including one horse, worth fifty sheep.

I well recollect that some twenty years ago I lost 54 sheep out of
a flock of 150 by a good neighbor's hound puppies. This was about
one-third of my flock. But more than once have I lost by casualty

246 THE SOUTHERN [May

of the seasons not less than one-half of my wheat, corn and oats.,
and lost thereby more than the profit on the crop.

Whilst I say then tax dogs, to death if yon choose. I say with more
emphasis do not commit the error of believing that you cannot raise
sheep until you lay such a tax. It is well at least to increase our
staples by prudently the item of sheep, and make ourselves in
so far independent of our labor demoralized as it is by freedom.
Radicals and railroads.

Frank G. Ruffes*.

Summer Hell, Chesterfield, April, 1874.

Mr. Editor : — "Will you or some of your correspondents give us a
cheap, safe and efficient recipe for killing ticks on sheep and much
oblige Sieepeceed.

Axs. — Dip the sheep after shearing in a decoction of tobacco and
taking care to prevent its getting into the eyes ; or, a weak solution of
carbolic acid — good strong suds made with carbolic soap.

We have been, informed that our friend. Dr. T. J. Wooldridge of
Hanover count}*, has recently received a very fine Essex Boar, bred
in England by Gr. M. Sexton, Wherstead Hail, Suffolk, who is now
acknowledged to be one of the most successful breeders of Essex
hogs in that country. We have not seen the animal in question, but
from the reports of parties who have, we learn that he is a beautiful
specimen of this favorite breed. This together with former importa-
tions of the Doctor from England and Canada, will make his collection
of Essex swine very complete.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
PROFIT OF SHEEP RAISING.

You request I shall give my opinion and experience in sheep husban-
dly. I kept a small flock of sheep before and since the war. as was
then the custom to supply the family with wool for clothing, but not
as a revenue. In June 1870, having only 9 sheep remnant of my old
flock left by rogues and dogs. I bought and added to them 200 Western
sheep ; 60 of them bucks and young weathers, at a cost of S3 a piece or
S'327 for the flock of 209 sheep at home. They were not selected with
much care. The loss that fall by rogues and death was considerable.
The ewes were tupped by the Western bucks and 2 young Cotswold bucks
that autumn. In December the bucks and weathers were separated
from the ewes and given about one half bushel corn per day till
middle of March. The yearlings, bucks and weathers did not fatten
well ; grazing was pretty good without hay : sold March loth for
$200, lost 3 b}* carrying on cars : a low price and heavy market.
Sold 100 lambs for $250 and wool for $200 in June ($650 ; have left
134 ewes and late lambs. In June 1872 sold lambs and wool from
this flock for $750, leaving 158 ewes and lambs. In November follow-
ing added 45 very common lambs and old sheep at a cost of $100,

1874. j PLANTER AND FARMER. 247

>

and in June 1873 sold lambs and wool for $613, leaving me 190 sheep
and late lambs. In this report there is no account of loss by death,
rogues or butchered at home, which amounted to fully an average, under
any circumstances where there was not special attention given. The
sheep left were worth $3 a piece or $570. Give below statement of
account including sales and costs of grain fed and interest on capital
invested :

Sales of mutton (57) in March 1871 $200,00

Sales of 100 lambs and wool in June 1S71 450,00

Sales of lambs and wool in June 1872 750.00

Sales of lambs and wool in June 1873 513.00

Value of 190 sheep left (1873) at $3 a piece 570.00

$2,583.00

Cost of 209 sheep in June 1870 $027.00

45 sheep in November 1872 100.00

Value of 45 bushels corn fed muttons in winter 1871 , at GOc .... 27.00

Value of 100 bushels of oats fed ewes in winter 1871, at 50c 25.00

Value of 400 bushels oats fed ewes in winter 1872 200.00

Value of 3,000 lbs hay fed ewes in winter 1872 at 50c 15.00

Value of 300 bushels corn fed ewes in winter 1873, at GOc 1S0.00

Value of 600 lbs hay fed ewes in winter 1873, at 50c 30.00

$1,204.00

$1,379.00
Interest on, $627 two years $75.24 and $727 $40.62 $115.86

$1,263.14
The hajr was not all eaten, sheep were permitted to stacks at will
to feed and shelter, so a considerable quantity was trampled down
and converted into manure.

I omitted to state the ewes after the first year were tupped by Cots-
wold bucks generally though my neighbors common bucks did get in
with them each of the two last seasons and yeaned generally during
the month of February.*

You will see the balance due sheep $1,264.14, which is a greater
profit than I could have made from any other stock. I did not include
in the account against sheep any charge for grazing or attention, for
I am satisfied the improvement to lands by manure is fully equal to
that. Sheep usually seek the highest and driest places to rest where
the manure is most needed and in this the transportation of manure
is saved. I fully agree with my friend Col. F. Ruffin that we should
sell off our lambs as early as possible, so as to give time to fatten
ewes for the market the following autumn and in this way change our
flocks every year. My experience is that after 3 years the same
flock of sheep will naturally decline and die off rapidly.

R. P. Graves.
Orange county, Va.

* I omitted to state the sheep were grazed with about one hundred head of
cattle and thirty head of horses entirely upon 275 acres of land, divided into
three fields, changing them from one field to another.

248 THE SOUTHERN [May

Poultry Department.

How to Succeed with Poultry. — Mr. B. Tegetmeir. in the
"Journal of the Bath and West of England Society.'" say

'■The grreat drawback against most of the farmyard poultry, is the
want of size. This may be remedied by keepiug better breeds, pro-
vided the chickens are well fed from the very first. It cannot be too
strongly impressed upon the rearers of market poultry., that large
framed birds cannot be hoped for if the chickens are not well fed
from the very first day they leave the nest. It is not enough to put
the hen and newly-hatched brood under a coop, and throw them some
tail wheat two or three times a day : such treatment will never make
large birds. During the hatching the hen should be left undisturbed ;
the young chickens should not be removed from under her as they are
hatched : but when all are out. and quite dry and strong, the hen
may be cooped in a dry. sunny spot, and a good feed of corn and soft
food given to her. The chickens want no food for inany hours after
they are hatched, as they are then digesting the yelk of the egg,
which constitutes their first food, and acquiring strength to run about.
When they begin to peck, they should be fed with soft food, and very
small crrain. Unquestionably, the best soft food is an egg beaten up with
a tablespoonful of milk, and heated in the oven, or by the side of the
fire, until it sets into a soft custard. Chickens fed or partially fed on
this, make wonderful progress. Another point often overlooked is
the time at which the chickens are fed. If they are to make large
fowls they must be fed soon after daylight ; if. as is too often the
case, they are left hungry for three hours in the morning, they are
always stunted in their growth. They must be fed the first thing,
and, whilst they are young, even* two or three hours during the day.
ge lump of soft food, such as oat, or barley meal, mixed with
milk or water, is often put in the hen's coop, and it is thought that it
will suffice for the day : in a short time it becomes trodden on and
defiled, and it is then no longer wholesome food. The right plan is
to give no more soft food, than the chickens can eat at once. Over
night a supply of grits, ground oats, or small wheat may be put down
to serve as the first meal in the morning. Many poultry keepers are
partial to keeping the hens with the chickens under coops for some
weeks. I am decidedly opposed to the plan. By so doing the natu-
' ral insect food that the hen acquires by scratching — the worms, grubs,
small seeds, and flies. &c. — are denied to the chicken, and no artifi-
cial diet will compensate for the loss. Xor can the hen dust, to free
herself from vermin that feed sumptuously on the young chicks at
night. It is said that the hen, if not cooped, will draggle the chickens
through the wet grass and tire them out. A half-starved hen may
possibly do so : but if she is well fed with corn, there is no danger of
her so doing. If preferred, she can be shut up until the dew is off
the grass ; but the finest and heaviest chickens I have ever bred, have
been those that have been with hens that were never shut up in
houses or coops, but, being under open sheds, could go out at all
hours. If the hens are allowed to scratch for the chickens, the chop-
ped meat and meat broth, which are requisite for them when closely
confined, is altogether unnecessary. It is the custom of some game

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 24&

rearers to hang up in the woods any dead waste animals to supply
maggots for the young pheasants. This is not desirable near a home-
stead ; but any refuse animal remains may be utilized without offence
by allowing them to become thoroughly fly-blown, and then burying
them in the fowl-run ; the maggots attain their full size underground,
and previous to turning into flies, work their way instinctively to the
surface, furnishing an abundant supply to the j'xnmg chickens.

Thoroltgiibred Fowls. — So many persons well informed on gene-
ral subjects are at a loss to know the meaning of thoroughbred, that it
may be proper at this time to give some explanation, so that those
who for the first time are about to breed fowls may understand what
a thoroughbred fowl is.

Every animal as it grows up tends to develop in a particular way
like its parents or ancestors near or remote, or like the average of its
ancestry ; but circumstances during development crowd it this or that
way every instant of its existence, so that it has many obstacles to
prevent an exact copy of its ancestors — the weather, diet and many
other influences more or less remote tend to this result. No domestic
animals have ever yet been bred strictly true in color, size, form, &c,
yet where they breed nearby true they are called " bred true." When
they really are not perfectly thoroughbred, offspring tend to resemble
the average of their ancestors ; the more even the ancestor, the
stronger the influence over tl e offspring ; so that in the breeding of
fowls, we desire to breed to produce the form, color, size by care in
selections for generations. Selecting with these three objects in view,
discarding all but the best types, we eventually produce fowls that
will in a large degree produce form, size, color. We then have
thoroughbred fowls as far as these three qtmlities are concerned. We
may add other points if we desire and when we have these points
established in such a manner that the offspring will be a true fac-simile
of the parent, these points will be thoroughbred, having with great
care obtained the several points of excellence desired. We must not
forget that continued care and study are necessary to retain these
points, there being so many circumstances that tend to weaken the
ancestral influence. The progressive breeder continues to breed from
his perfect birds only each generation, and by so doing he retains the
ancestral influence with more strength and certainty and more full
development ; hence the true honest breeder of thoroughbreds becomes
identified with his thoroughbred of whatever variety and these are
known as his "strain" of blood.

In fowls as in other domestics there are humbug breeders who have
no established strain. But there are many who are not humbugs that
have not obtained a high degree of excellence. Many of them from
want of study or care, fail to establish the desired points, hence the
oft-repeated assertion that high priced fowls are all " fancy." Many
who undertake the raising of fowls do not give to it the time and
attention necessary, hence the result is failure and the blame is
charged to the fowl. In a future article I will give discriptions of the
different varieties and also some statistics as to products. — Exchange,

250 THE SOUTHERN fMay

Household Department,

Post Up Your Wife. — Keep them posted, duly, prornply, cheer-
fully. Impart to them all the light you can. Do you. husbands, post
them up on subjects of importance ; interests and reform : collect
facts, passing events, things interesting, profitable, edifying : things
moral, intellectual and political ? Sensible, intelligent, virtuous wives
highly appreciate this, especially those pressed with domestic cares
and duties, who have very little time for extended reading and inves-
tigations. Some husbands are very remiss in this benevolence ;
others, we are pleased to say, are happily communicative, take special
pains and delight in posting their wives and children, in imparting
life and information. At the table, during meal-times and on every
suitable occasion, they open their minds freely, cheerfully, give a con-
densed, succinct, bird's-eye view of all their book and paper readings
and all the interesting and important facts, gathered variously daily,
weekly, monthly.

Thus wives and all present are cheered, gratified, benefitted, ena-
bled also to impart the information to others : this generus imparta-
tion of things profitable, interesting and edifying, produces a salutary
effect on the minds and hearts of the husband, deepening and rivet-
ing virtuous principles and important facts. " He that watereth shall
be watered also himself.'* Husbands, do you think of this ? Will
you think of it 1 This method also produces sociability and com-
panionship between husbands and wives most pleasantly, hopefully
and profitably, which would otherwise be lost. — Golden Ride.

Housekeeping Hints. — A bit of glue dissolved in skimmed milk
and water will restore old crape.

Strong ley put in hard water will make it as soft as rain water ; a
piece of borax will have the same effect.

A wad of cobwebs will, it is said, immediately stop the flow of
blood if bound on a freshly cut wound.

Ink spots on floors can be extracted by scouring with sand wet in
oil of vitrol and water. When the ink is removed rinse with strong
pearlash water.

A good article of prepared glue, so useful to have about every
house, may be made with gum arabic dissolved iu strong vinegar. It
will keep in good condition a long time if kept closely corked.

A cement of great adhesive quality, particularly serviceable in
attacliing the brass mountings on glass lamps, may be prepared by
boiling three parts of resin with one part of caustic soda and five
parts of water, thus making a kind of soap which is mixed with one-
half its weight of plaster of paris.

Paste for Wall Paper. — In pasting wall papers, posters, etc.,
especially where successive layers are put on, there arises a most dis-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 251

agreeable effluvium, which is particularly noticeable in damp weather.
The cause of this is the decomposition of the paste. In close rooms
it is very unwholesome, and often the cause of disease. In large
manufactories, where quantities of paste are used, it becomes sour
and offensive. Glue, also, has a very disagreeable odor. If, when
making paste or glue, a small quantity of carbolic acid is added, it
will keep sweet and free from offensive smells. A few drops added
to ink or mucilage prevent mold. In whitewashing the cellar and
dairy, if an ounce of carbolic acid is added to each gallon of wash, it
will prevent mold and the disagreeable taints often perceived in meat
and milk from damp apartments. Another great advantage in the
use of carbolic acid in paste for wall paper and in whitewash, is, that
it will drive away cock-roaches and other insect pests. The cheapest
and best form of carbolic acid is in crystals, which dissolve in water
or liquify at an excess of temperature. — American Homestead.

Lime Water for Wasp Stings. — Dr. Danverne writes to a French
journal that some time ago he was stung on the head and face by a
number of wasps. The pain was great, and he had no ammonia at
hand, nor was there a druggist near by. Recollecting the fact that
lime water was good for burns, it occurred to him to tr}r it for the
relief of the burning sensation produced by the stings. It answered
the purpose perfectly, and he has since advised its use in some twenty
cases of wasp stings, and it has always caused an instant cessation of
the pain. The remedy is a simple one, and worth " making a note
of."

To Make Good Buckwheat Cakes. — To one pint of sour milk or
buttermilk add one teaspoon of soda, two eggs, salt to taste, and
enough buckwheat flour to make a batter ; bake at once. This recipe
will hardly fail to give satisfaction if fairly tried.

Buttermilk Custard. — One cup of sugar, one cup of molasses,
one cup of buttermilk, one cup of flour, two-thirds cup of butter, one
half teaspoon of soda, a little salt. Bake with one crust.

Snow Pudding. — Pour one pint of boiling water on half a box of
gelatine, add the juice of one lemon and two cups of sugar. When
nearly cold strain ; add the whites of three eggs, beaten to a froth ;
then beat the whole well together and put in a glass dish. Take the
yelks of the three eggs, one pint of sweet milk, one teaspoou corn
starch, flavor with vanilla, and cook as soft custard, then pour round
the jellied part.

Jelly Rolls. — Two cups of powdered sugar, two-thirds cup of
butter, six eggs, well beaten, one teaspoon soda, two teaspoons cream
tartar, one cup sweet milk, two cups flour. Bake in long tins, spread
each cake with jelly, and roll while hot.

Cream Cake. — One cup of butter, one cup of cream, two cups of
sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, one teaspoon soda, two of cream
tartar. Mix as you would pound cake, and bake in shallow tins.
4

252 THE SOUTHERN [May

Correspondence.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.)
APRIL NUMBER OF THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND

FARMER.

The first article in the April number of the journal, " The Duty of
the Hour." bears on the much mooted subject of the " Granges." If
it -is. as stated, that " after all the great object to be secured by the
Patrons of Husbandry is the bringing together of the farmers in
clubs for the discussion of agricultural and social questions and the
mutual improvement thereby secured to all." then why may not the
object be as well secured by the ordinary " Farmers" Clubs" now in
existence ? And why may not these clubs experiment with the
•'various fertilizers" as well as the granges? And another thing, why
may not the clubs secure co-operation in buying and selling, whicb
appears to us, one ot the greatest benefits which the Granges
promise to secure to the farmers ?

"Notes for the Month," as usual, practical and sensible. While
believing that ''50 bus. ashes or 200 lbs. potash watts" will very
much benefit the oat crop, we are not prepared to admit "they will
double the crop on ordinary soils."

The advice for using the subsoil plow after the turning plow
in preparation of the land for "corn" is good. The difficulty in
the way usually is that the farmer rarely has an extra team for
this purpose, for in our experience, it requires a double team to
work the subsoil plow successfully, and particularly to keep with
the turning plow. It this cannot be accomplished at the time of
breaking up the land, then we advise that the subsoil plow or coul-
ter, be run close to the corn in the first working, using one horse
one-half the day, and then another in the other half, as the labor is
too much for one horse the whole day.

preparation advised for manuring corn in the hill is a good
one; but where are we to get one of the constituents in sufficient
quantity ? — viz. : hen manure. In advising the use of plaster on
clover, the writer should remember that on a great deal of land in
Eastern Virginia, 'below the Piedmont region) that plaster does
not "act," and ia thrown away.

The writer on "Commercial Fertilizers," believes they do not
pay, and we believe he is about right.

The proceedings of the "Tuckahoe Farmers' Club" are interest-
ing. We were present at the meeting, but did not understand in
reference to "gas house lime," that the club were not inclined to
favor it as a fetilizer. Mr. Warren, we think, confessed that his
experience with it was limited. Dr. Pollard did not agree with
Dr. Crenshaw in advising against its use on the growing plant of
any kind in the spring; but, stated he had dragged it in with oats
at the rate of nearly 100 bus. to the acre, and along with clover,
with the best results on the oats and clover ; the latter being one
of the very best first crops of clover to be met with. He also
alluded to Mr. E. B. Cook's use of it, dragged in along with
wheat, producing most excellent results: the wheat being nearly
a loot tallei where it was used than where it was not.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 253

Dr. Perkins preferred the use of the ordinary lime to the "gas
lime," because we know what we are using in the former, but not
in the latter ease. But analysis has proved to us what gas lime
contains and what we are using.

Next follow interesting proceedings of two more Farmers'
Clubs. The members of the "Rappahannock Club" seem to
believe the use of chopped or ground feed does not pay. In this,
we agree with them. Particularly, we do not believe in cutting
up feed and wetting it, except shucks, which should be wetted
twelve hours before feeding.

In the "Farmers' Remedy for hard Times," the writer says, "to
cut all the forage for a large stock ; it is doubtful whether the effi-
cient labor of a farm can be spared, unless in bad weather.

The writer of "Sowing Grass" believes that in this latitude,
grass succeeds best sown alone, and that wheat and oats are no
protection to it against the heat and sun. He gives some very
good reasons and experiments for his position. We had always
been disposed tothink the stubble of wheat and oats, particularly
if not cut too low, was a protection.

Mr. Price's article on "Fruit Culture" comes next, and is very
practical and good, as far it goes, but there is not enough of it.
He should, particularly, have pointed out the fruits best suited for
this latitude. This is a subject in which all fruit-growers are
interested, and one not well understood. What, with the love of
worthless and free introduction of new varieties by the nursery-
men and their Laudation o< them, fruit-growers have been induced
to plant out very many worthless kinds. This involves both los3
of time and loss of ground in establishing profitable orchards. It
is a matter we feel disposed to discuss if we have time, in a sep-
arate and well cons'dered article.

In regard to Mr Price's remedy for "peai blight," it is evident
he has not encountered that iatal variety of the disease, where
"death begins at the centre." In such instances, to "use the knife
freely," will do about as much good as for the surgeon to ampu-
tate the limb of a mortified patient, or a patient where disease is
invading the vital centres, the head, the lungs, or the heart.

This disease, so much dreaded by the cultivators of the pear,
was particularly fatal the past season, killing in some orchards in
the vicinity of Richmond, as many as 200 trees out of 1,000, or
20 per cent. We have reason to dread a recurrence of it the
present year, and we design trying the remedy (lime and sulphur)
said to have been found effectual in the "experimental gardens''
at Washington.

An article commending the "Essex Hog," states they attain the
same weight as the Berkshires at twelve months. We supposed
the latter would outweigh the former at any age, with the same
treatment. They are a large hog, and for that reason partly we
have had a preference for the Berkshire, thinking the Essex rather
small.

We have, in this number, another very sensible article from Mr.
Hill Carter, advising the farmers ''to make less grain and more
grass, and raise stock, cattle, sheep, hogs, mules, fowls, fruit, and
live more economically." Good counsel.

254 THE SOUTHERN [May

There are other articles worthy of notice in the number, but for
fear of being tiresome, we close. Reviewer.

Erratum in the Review of the March Number. — In the notice
of the article on "Liquid Manures," (p. 194) for "convert it into
humors" read "convert it into humus.''''

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Your April number is quite rich with the doings in your State of
the Patrons of Husbandry. I am glad that Virginia is alive to this
great move. You mention in your editorial that you are constantly
in receipt of letters inquiring the aims and purposes of the Grange
movement, and the means they intend to adopt to secure those aims.
I can enlighten those enquirers without any violation of pledge or
good faith, and I take pleasure in doing so.

Our aims are : Personal and Nat tonal prosperity. There is no harm
in this, I am sure. If I can, by uniting with my friends, insure to
myself greater prosperity, why not do so ? But can this be done 1
I will only name a few instances occurring in the Grange over
which I have the honor to preside, and a neighboring Grange, and
these are only two or three out of many such that I know of.

A few gentlemen in the Grange I refer to, wished to purchase fer-
tilizers. They made application to the agent of the particular manure
they wanted, and he asked them fifty-five ($55) dollars cash per ton, or
sixty-five ($65) payable 1st November. This Grange appointed a com-
mittee and sent them to the agent and arranged for seventy five tons
at forty-eight (48) dollars cash, or fourteen (14) per cent, per annum,
interest added, on the responsibility of the Grange Seal. Here was
seven dollars per ton saved ; over five hundred dollars in one article
in one neighborhood.

In my own Grange the same thing occurred as to manures, and also
in the article of coffee. We could not buy coffee for less than thirty-
eight cents per pound, cash, some weeks ago in this country, and we
clubbed together and sent an order to New York to a Grange House,
and obtained it at twenty-six, (26,) I think. (I have not the bill by
me.) Certainly not exceeding twenty-eight.

Our aims, then, are to cheapen every thing, from a pin up, and ulti-
mately to cheapen the carrying trade and labor too. These are a
part of our aims, and the means we intend to adopt to secure those
aims can be stated in two words : Patience — Perseverance.

There is no antagonism in our Order to good government, either
domestic, State or National, it is simply a combination to stop extor-
tion and imposition, and to cultivate economy and a more intimate
social relation between neighbors engaged in the same business. I
give you, therefore, briefly, our aims and the means we intend to
adopt to accomplish them.

I am not surprised that politicians should dread the Grangers, espe-
cially the corrupt ones, but I cannot see why the merchants should
feel unkindly to us. Merchants are indispensable, aud I for one,
and so will the Order, ever patronize them, but they must lessen
profits, and bankers and money-lenders must lessen interest.
And we intend to have it so, for when we make what we need at

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 255

home, we shall have no occasion to buy, and if I buy nothing, I
need no money, and if the people need no money, interest will be
low. It will take time to accomplish this, hence I say, patience
and perseverence are the levers to accomplish this great work.

The increase of the Order is marvellous. Two months ago
there were 395 Granges in Georgia, they number to-day 544, an
increase in sixty days of one hundred and forty-nine.

I see that " Reviewer," in the April number, gives you a rap
over the knuckles for typographical errors. I am glad of it. The
same writer makes a thrust (a faint one, it is true,) at the Grangers
on account of their secret feature, and the introduction of "our
wives " into the Order. That is the surest guarantee of* the purity
of the Order. Let me entreat " Reviewer " to take his lady and
daughters and try the Grangers.

Permit me to give a word of counsel to all persons who propose
to form a Grange. Select for your officers the best men you have.
Gentlemen, who not only have good standing socially, but who
are good business men and read well. Especially should this be
the case with the Master and Chaplain. Your Secretary and
Treasurer should be tried men. Guard your Seal. Begin right.
Do all your work accordingly to the law, rigidly, without regard
to consequences, it will save you much trouble.

S. Wyatt, W. M. County Line Grange.

Forest Hall, P. O., Burke Co., Ga.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer. J
YOUR REVIEWER.

The Patrons who read your paper must feel greatly edified at the
covert attacks of your " Reviewer," who " hoping and believing this
movement will do good," yet " cannot see the necessity of a secret
order, or of bringing into the public arena the wives of the farmers."
Well, suppose he can't see the necessity of a secret order, if others think
they see the necessity what is it to " Reviewer"? The people have
tried time and again clubs, societies, &c, yet they have essentially
failed to unite the country. While exerting to some extent a benefi-
cial influence on the agricultural interests, they cannot of necessity
bind together and cement the whole body of farmers in a permanent
organization. The Patrons of Husbandry can bring them together.
No better evidence could be desired than the fact, that more granges
have been organized in Virginia since the first day of January than
there have been clubs in ten years.. Whether it will unite them per-
manently remains to be seen. If farmers are fools, as some seem to
think, then its existence will be ephemeral, but if they are wise and
prudent, then a noble structure may be erected which will be as
enduring as any human institution can be.

In reference to farmers' wives being brought into the public arena :
the remark, taken in connection with his previous allusion to it as a
secret order, seems to be somewhat paradoxical. The Grange, one would
suppose, is anything but a public arena. But let it be so ; who has the
right to say that the farmer shall not take his wife wherever he

256 THE SOUTHERN [May

pleases ? It is none of the business of " Reviewer" or anybody else
where I carry my wife, so long as he is not forced to carry Mrs.
Reviewer with him into the " public arena," or even go himself.

" Reviewer," speaking of the woman and secrecy questions, says
it " is not in accordance with the taste of the Southern people." Take
reviewers generally they are Solomons, in their own conceit, knowing
a great deal about every conceivable subject. But our " Reviewer,"
like the celebrated Rip Van Winkle, has been evidently asleep for
some time. There is no danger of transcending the truth in assert-
ing that there are largely more than 150,000 members of the order in
the Southern States, composed of the very best men and women in
society, showing conclusively that both Woman and Secrecy, the
great bulwarks of the Order, are in accordance with their tastes.

If " Reviewer" really believes, as he sa37s he does, that the Grange
movement will do good, it would be far more consistent with that
belief if he would put his shoulder to the wheel and assist in the
effort, than to excite the prejudice of those who like himself do not
and cannot know what the intrinsic merits of the institution are.

Will " Reviewer" be kind enough to tell us why women should not
be admitted to membership and why the Order of Patrons of Husbandry
should not be secret? Henrico.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.

April 20th, 1874.

We have now fourteen Granges in the county of Augusta, com"
posed of the best and most influential farmers. There are many
now on the eve of organization. The Order is spreading rapidly
and the tarmers take hold of it with that zeal and determination
which mark the character ol that class of people, and their works
will follow them. We find here too, the iron sinews of remorse-
less monopoly and consolidated capital arrayed against the wasting
tissues of individual and unorganized labor. We have long held
our hands upon our mouths and our mouths in the dust ; but the
chain which bound us to the post is broken, and the events of the
future will speak with a cogency which no human logic can refute,
and with an eloquence which no human tongue can equal.

The Patrons of Augusta are about forming a County Grange.
Wo shall soon begin the work of organization in the counties of
Bath and Highland. The spirit of right and reform is moving
amongst those honest sons of toil, and we predict the Order will
grow and propagate with the health and vigor that exists with
those people.

The History of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry moves in its
rapid work in common with all genuine history under the influ-
ence of two generic ideas : The conservative (not political) which
desires to secure all the good of the present by fidelity to its
results in the past, and the progressive which looks out in hope
to a better future. Reformation is the great harmonizer of these
two principles Sober judgment and sober means characterize the
conservatism of this Order.

The agricultural classes suffer and always have suffered from

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 257

the rapacity of aggregated and centralized capital. The Order
means business, and will labor to bring the greatest good to the
.greatest number, by mutual instruction and the lightening of
labor ; by diffusing a better knowledge of its aims ; by bringing
nearer together the producer and consumer; by mutual protection to
husbandmen against sharpers and middle men.

The wheat crop is growing rapidly, and looks very well. The
harvest will be advanced this season. G. W. K.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Please insert in your valuable paper the following Granges
•organized by me since April 1st :

Melrose Grange, near Warren ton Junction, Fauquier county,
April 4th. Geo W. Meetze, Master ; J. W. Mann, Secretary.
Eleven males and ten females.

Jefferson Grange, Hillsboro, Albemarle county, April 7th. Wm.
H. Lipscomb, Master ; W. T. Rea, Secretary. Sixteen males and
four females.

Rapid Ann Grange, Somerset, Orange county, April 17th. Col.
N. J. Hinkle, Master ; Strother Newman, Secretary. Twenty
male and nine females.

There is considerable inquiry throughout the Piedmont district
at present, for information in regard to the organization of Patrons
of Husbandry. In less than twelve months, I believe four-fifths
of the farmers in this district will belong to the Grange.

You will please send me a few copies of the Southern Planter
and Farmer, as in almost every section they desire to make up a
club for it.

We have had so much rain during this month the farmers are
very much behind with planting corn. Scarcely any planted yet,
-and at present, the land is as full of water as it can be, and will
be sometime before it will be in condition to plant.

Wm. McComb,
At sn 18th, 1874.

BOOK NOTICES.

The veteran seedsman and florist, Peter Henderson, has sent us
a copy of the edition of his work on "Practical Floriculture."
The first edition of 20,000 having been long since exhausted. Mr.
Henderson is eminently a practical writer, and the pages of his
book reflect his own experience of many years. He dissolves the
mystery that has hung around green house and general flora cul-
ture, and gives his readers plain and simple directions for the cul-
tivation of flowers. He has now written two books : "Practical
Floriculture" and "Gardening for Profit," which, it it does no more,
will entitle him to the thanks of the American people, for they

258 THE SOUTHERN [May

contain more simple, plain, practical information than all the
other books on the subject we have ever seen. The book bears the
imprint of Orange, Judd & Co. Is gotten up in good style, well
illustrated. Price $1.20.

Hubbard Bros., Philadelphia, have seut us one of their popular
subscription books. The title: "Ocean's Story ," is a comprehensive
one, and we find in it descriptions of maritime adventures, achieve-
ments, explorations, discoveries and inventions. A history of the
rise and progress of navigation and ship building, with detailed
accounts of many remarkable voyages, including those of Magel-
lon, Columbus, Capt. Kidd, Capt. Cook, and others. Also descrip-
tions of diving and deep sea navigation. The author is Frank B»
Goodrich. It contains over two hundred handsome illustratsons,.
and is printed on excellent paper, making altogether a handsome
book of over seven hundred pages. Book agents, we should thinky
would do well with this book.

Introduction to Roman Law. — By James Hadley, L. L. D., late
Prof, of Greek literature at Yale college. Published by D. Apple-
ton & Co., New York.

One of the great wants of the schools has been a plain, concise
and correct treatise on the Civil Law. Without making any very
great pretentions, this little book meets this want. It is simply
the printed report of twelve lectures on the Roman or Civil Lawy
repeated several times before the senior class of under graduates
at Yale college. We have derived great pleasure from the brief
sketch we have been able to give them, and we are confident that
a careful perusal of this book will give a very clear insight into
this subject, hitherto much shrouded in darkness. The book is
decidedly interesting to any one of enquiring mind, and will be
particularly valuable to students of law and history. It is neatly
gotten up by D. Appleton & Co., and will meet with ready sale-
Harper & Bro. have placed us under obligations for their pub-
lications, the Weekly, the Bazar and the Monthly Magazine. All
bearing the name of Harper's are always welcome to our fireside
and come filled with information and amusement.

We believe in pictures, and in The Aldine, published by James
Sutton & Co., is filled with the most beautiful we have ever seen.
As an art journal, it has no equal. The April number is particu-
larly good. The scenery of Lake George depicted is perfectly
beautiful, and, indeed, the whole number is filled with the choicest
specimens of art.

FARMERS' NEWS AND ITEMS.

The amount of the cotton crop of 1873., thus far marketed abroad,
is 2,030,000 bales against 1,803,000 last season. The stock now in
port is 701,000 against 531,000 last year.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 259-

H. R. Smith, of Springfield, Erie county, N. Y., is the sole pro-
prietor of 11 cheese factories, which during the past year have-
received the milk ot 4,700 cows, made 25,500 cheese weighing
1,400,000 lbs., and sold for $185,550.

South Carolina complains that her Legislature, which has just
adjourned, have appropriated $1,798,270.55. Of this amount,
$400,971.13 was for public printing; $365,000 for legislative
expenses. Claims for furniture, &c, $279,069.42; contingent
fund, $45,000; sundries, 52,180; salaries, $192,200; public schools,
$300,000; asylums, $193,850.

There seems to be a growing disposition among the farmers
along the North Carolina border to engage in the culture of cot
ton instead of tobacco. It is claimed that it is less exhaustive to
the land, and does not require such close attention, or at least
does not suffer so much from neglect as tobacco.

The weather has been so wet and cold that many farmers have
not finished seeding oats, and very little corn has been planted up
to the 23rd of April.

Fall seeded grain, especially wheat, is looking remarkably well.
The surface seeded was not large, but the prospect for a good
yield is very flattering.

Seed corn soaked in a weak solution of nitrate of potash, (salt
petre,) is said to send op stronger shoots, and grow more rapidly,,
than if soaked in pure water; the experiment is worth trying.

Corn planted 4 feet apart each way, will give about 2,500 hills
per acre, allowing one stalk to a hill, one ear to each stalk, and
70 ears to a bushel, we will have some thing like 35 bushels per
acre, a very fair yield for poor land. David Dickson, ot Georgia,
a most successful planter, says he always estimates the amount of
corn his land ought to yield, and plants accordingly, near or far,
to suit, never allowing more than one stalk in a bill on ordinary
soils.

Tobacco is slowly advancing in price, and farmers are realizing
good returns for their labor, when their crops are well prepared
for market. It pays well to sort tobacco carefully, and this part
of the business should only be confided to experienced and care-
ful hands; frequently one or two hundred weight taken out of a
hogshead will add very much to the aggregate sum realized for
the whole.

The following recipe for killing the tobacco fly we copy from an
essay, by Major Ragland, published by S. Fertilizing Companyr

"Dissolve an ounce of cobalt of the shops in a pint and a half
ot water, and mix it with molasses, or other syrup, bottle it, and
drop it through a quill into the heart of the blossom. It should
be done about sundown, and the poisoned flowers pulled off next
day, otherwise the plant will be destroyed. It has been found
that this weed, so treated, planted around the edge of the tobacco
lot, and here and there through the patch, will prevent, to a great
extent, the ravages of the tobacco worm. All the planters, how-
ever, in one neighborhood must act together, and this can be
arranged through the local agricultural club."

260 THE SOUTHERN 'Mav

"We have received from Chas. M Stieff, of Baltimore, bis illus-
trated catalogue and price list of Pianos, Organs, &c.

The elder StiefF, lather of the gentlemen who are now in charge
of this business, established an enviable reputation as the manu-
facturer of one of the very best Pianos in use in this country, and
the sons have fully sustained and, indeed, added to and extended
this reputation. They have now on hand a complete assortment
of instruments varying in price according to style of finish, but
all possessing that exquisite tone which characterizes the Stieff
Piano. They are also agents for the Burdell Organ and other
equally good instruments.

Persons desiring to purchase, and especially school teachers,
will do well to send and get one of their catalogues at least before
purchasing elsewhere.

VIRGINIA DEPUTIES.

The following Deputies have been appointed by the Master of the State Grange
of Virginia. The list embraces the post office of the Deputies, with the Dis-
tricts assigned to each. Parties organizing Granges in these Districts will
apply direct to the Deputies. Where parties are organizing Granges in coun-
ties not embraced in this list, or counties where there is no Deputy, they will
apply direct to J. W. White. Master of the State Grange. Eureka Mills. Va.

WM. McCOMB, Gordonsville, Va. District— Albemarle. Greene and Madi-
son.

^ F. W. CHILES, Tolersville. Va. District— Louisa. Orange. Caroline and
Spotsylvania.

ADDISON BORST. Passpatanzy. Va. District— King George. Richmond,
Westmoreland. Lancaster and Northumberland.

T. 0. GRAVES. Marksville. Va. District— Shenandoah and Page.

A. M. MOORE, Summit Point, W. Va. District— Warren, Clarke and Fred-
erick.

S. B. CARNEY, Portsmouth, Va. District — Princess Anne. Norfolk and
Elizabeth City.

J. P. SOHERMERHORN. Richmond, Va. District— Henrico.

E. D. PHILLIPS, Chuckatuck. Va. District— Xansemond. Isle of Wight
and Southampton.

W. H. BASDARN. Jarratt's Depot. Va. District — Surry, Sussex and
Greensville.

W. B. WESTBROOK. Petersburg, Va. District— Dinwiddie, Prince George
and Chesterfield.

J. 0. FEATHERSTONE, Lynchburg, Va. District— Bedford. Amherst and
Campbell.

J. J. WILKINSON. Laurel Grove. Va. District— Pittsylvania.

J. 0. CHAPPELL. Mountain Roads. Va. District— Halifax.

S. A. W1LLSON, Lexington. Va. District — Rockbridje.

G. W. KOIXER. Fishersville. Va. District— Augusta" Bath. Highland and
Rockingjbam.

E. B. GOOPE. Boydton. Va. District— Mecklenburg and Brunswick.

D. S. WATSON, Issequanna. Va. District — Goochland and Fluvanna.

J. HASKINS HOBSON, Powhatan 0. H.. Va. District— Powhatan,
Cumberland and Amelia.

T. T. TREDWAY. Hampden Sidney. Va. District— Prince Edward, Buck-
ingham and Appomattox.

T. N. MERRILL, Keysville, Va. District— Charlotte and Lunenburg.

HERMITAGE NURSERIES,

Pticliraoiid., Virginia.

JOHN- wTkISOIST,

PROPRIETOR OF

Hermitage WmrseyteSsj

RICHMOND VIRGINIA.

1,500,000
APPLE AND PEACH TREES,

FOR SALE THIS SPRING AT REDUCED PRICES. FIRST-CLASS APPLE

TREES, $16 per hundred. FIRST-CLASS PEACli TREES,

$14 per hundred.

These Trees are warranted true to name and is strictly first -clas3 stock.

SSSB STSBE MSB ©FFIGE,

909 Is/Lauin Street Riclimond, Va. feb

FOR, SALE,

ITALIAN BEES,

BEE HIVES, &C.

I am prepared to famish, at short notice,
Swarms of Black Bees at $5 per swarm, Hives
extra.

Swarms of Italian Bees at S10 per swarm,
Hives extra.

Italian Queens (with a few workers), by mail
or express, So. Sa'e arrival guaranteed.

A cheap Movable Comb Hive without sur-
plus boxes $3 00

A better Movable Comb Hive with two

surplus boxes 3 75

Triumph Bee Hive, Movable Comb, and
upper or surplus chamber, or six sur-
plus boxes (trade mark included to use

one Hive), painted, and with feet 5 00

Peeds for individual rights to make and

use the Triumph Hive 5 00

Deeds for individual rights to make and

use the American side. opening Hive... 5 00
Bee Vail for protecting face and head.... 1 00
Cheap Honey Extractor, Virginia made.. 9 00
Large Honey Extractor with cog wheels 13 00
Peabody Honey Extractor at factory
prices, freight to be added 15 00

W. K. POLK,

Real Estate Agent and Auctioneer.

No. 7 Shaffer's Bnilding, Tenth St., bet. Main
and Bank Sts., Richmond, Va. ap-

F0R SALE.— Thoroughbred Stock, etc.
I have for sale a lot of thoroughbred
Devon Cattle. Essex Pigs from improved
Stock. Also a lot of Light Brahma
Fowls. Persons ordering from me can
rely upon getting as good stock as any in
the State. My herd of Devoc are ot
the most improved breed. I took five 1st
premiums on a portion of them at our
last Virginia Fair. For further particu-
lars address,

F. W. CHILES,
feb-6m Mansfields, Louisa Co., Va.

Cranberry Plants

FOR SALE.
$4 per 1,000. $12 per bbl.

Apply to
EDITORS PLANTER <fc FARMER.

EDW. J. EVANS & CO.,
Nurserymen and Seedsmen,
York, Penn.
A complete stock of Fruit and Orna-
mental Trees, Garden and Flower Seeds,
Seed Wheat, Seed Oats, Seed Corn, Seed
Potatoes, Grass Seeds, «ic. Seed for
Catalogue and price lista. feb-lOt

SOLUBLE

SEA ISLAND GUANO.

■ o-

Reduction of Price to $55 Per Ton, Cash.

-o-

With a view of meeting the necessity of the Planters at large, under the present
depression of agricultural interests, the proprietors, (R. W. L. Basin & Co.,) of
this valuable and -well tried fertilizer, have promptly yielded to my appeal, by re-
ducing the price- from $58£ to $55 per ton, cash.

The accompanying circular affords (from the many favorable testimonials given

by my own customers) the best proofs of the superior worth of the SOLUBLE SEA

ISLAND GUANO.

JOHN BOOKER, Agent,

1310 Cary street, Richmond, Va.

p. S. — I am the >gent also for the Holston Special Fertilizer. Price $9, at
Saltville. ap 2m

PIEDMONT AIR-LINE RAILWAY.

Richmond and Danville, Richmond and Danville R. W-, N- C.
Division, and North Western N. C- R- W-

CONDENSED TIME TABLE.

In effect on and after Sunday, October 12th, 1873.

GOING NORTH.

GOING SOUTH

STATIONS.

MAIL

EXPRESS.

STATIONS.

MAIL.

EXPP.E88

Leave Charlotte,

10.00 r

V. S.15 A. M.

Leave Richmond,

1.25 P. M.

5.00 A. 11

" Air-Line Junction

10.06

" 8.30 "

Burkvilie,

4 45 "

5.2? "

'« Salisbury,

10.06 A.

M. 10.21 "

" Danville,

9 18 "

12 45 p. M

'* Greensboro,

3.30

' 12 45 p.m.

" Greensboro,'

i2.-:o a. m.

3.50 "

" Danville,

6.20

' 312 "

" Salisbury,

2 35 "

6.06 "

" Bnrkville,

11.35

' 7 36 "

" Air-Line Junctior

,4 29 "

8-l« "

Arrive at .Richmond,

2 17 P.

M. 10.17 "

Arrive at Charlotte.

4.35 "

8.16 "

GOING EAST.

GOING

WEST.

STATIONS.

JS MAIL.

MAIL

Leave Greensboro'

| 3.:o a. m.
o- 4.45 "

£ Arrive

12.90 a. m

" Co. Shops,

s

9.35 '«

" Raleish,

§• 5 05 "

•e

5.26 "

Arrive at Goldsboro,'

| 11.15 "

= Leave

2.30 P. M

NORTH WESTERN N C R- R-

Saiem Branch.

Leave Greensboro, 430 p. M.; arrive at Salem 6.25 p. m.; leave Salem 8 a. m.; arrive a*
Greensboro' 10 00 A. M.

Mail trains daily, both wars. ...

On 8undavs, Lvnchbnrg Accommodation leave Richmond at 9.45 a. m. ; arrive at burKvm*
12.45 p. m., leave'BurkTilie 5.35 a. M.. arrive at Richmond 8 45 a.m.

Pullman Palace Cars on all night trains between Charlotte and Richmond (trithont change).

Papers that have arrangements to advertise the schedule of this Company wih please print a»

For further information, address 8. E- AkLEN,, _

General Ticket Agent, Greensboro IS. C.
T. M. R. TALCOTT, Eng'r & Gen'l Bup't. nor— tf

WM. C. WILSON'S Descriptive Cata- i
Loar/E forlS74of Choice Greenhouse and
Bedding Plants, Evergreens, Fruit Trees, etc.,
will be mailedto all applicants.

WM. C. WILSON,
P. O. Box 98, Astoria, L. I.
City Office— 43 W. Uth St., N.Y. ap-

MAGNOLIA NURSERY, "
(beook turnpike, neae city,)
richmond, -vjl.

For sale, a large assortment of Shade
and Ornamental Trees, Evergreens, Flow-
ing Shrubs, Creepers, «fec; also Grape-
vines and other small Fruits, Roses, etc.,
etc. Price-list furnished on application
in person or through post-office

L.J.HARVEY,

Nursery grounds open to the inspec-
tion of visitors during business hoars*

ap tf

W. C. SMITH,

MANCFA' TtTRER OF AND DEALER IN

CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES,

CHINA GLASS A>D WILLOW WARE,
Tots of Every Destkiptiun, Afghans,
MATT8, &c.
Invalid Chairs made to order, also repairing
neatlv done. Salesrooms 4!2 Broad Street, and
737 Main Street, Factory 3u8, 312 and 314 Fifth
Street, Richmend, Va. Ap-12m.

A

UOTION SALE OF THE

MXTXRIvTRIv HERD.

The Subscriber his been retained hv Mr.
CHARLES E. COFFIN", Muirkirk, Prince
George County, Md., to sell his entire herd of
Short- Horns,
ON WEDNESD AY, 13th DAY OF MAY NEXT.

Mr. COFFIN founded his herd with animals
either direct or strongly in-bred to Bates, Booth,
Princess, Gwynnes and other good strains, im-
ported and home bred. Having a personal
knowledge of the H rd, I can recommend them
to all gentlemen wishing good individuals well
bred. The bulls last in use are imported Royal
Briton* and Lore Abraham, Booths; Lord
Mayor of the Pr.ncess trib°, ard the extra good
BATES BOLL dTH EARL OF OXFORD

Muirkirk is a station on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, 15 miles from Washington, D. C
Three trains each way in the morning.

TbrSs. — Cash on sums under $2 0. Over
$200, aprrovad paper at 6 per cent, or a discount
for cash of .5 per eent. No postponement, no
reserve. Residence 200 feet from railroad.

Catalogues ready early in April, for which
address owner or Salesman.

JOHN R. PAGE,
Sennett, Cayuga Co., N. T.

The SSle of C. C. Parks, Esq., Waukegan,
111., occurs on Wednesday, May 2oth. Col-
Kintg's Sale, at Drxter Park, Chicago, on Thurs-
day, .May 21. ap-2t

y ELL'S ENCYCLOPEDIA.

It is a Dictionary op Languagb. It con-
tains every word in the English language, with
its derivation and definition.

It is a Biographical Dictionary. It has a
sketch of every noted person of all ages, many
of them with portraits.

It is a Complete Gazetteer. It has a des-
cription of every country, sea, lake, river,
mountain, town, &c, in the world.

It is a Mbdical Dictionary. It contains a

description of diseases, remedies, instruments,
surgical operations, &c, &c.

It is a History of the World. It contains

a description of the migration of races, the

progress of nations, their customs, laws, reli-
gions, &c.

It is a Complete Natural History. It
describes all animals, birds, insects, fishes and
reptiles.

It is a Complete Workon Botany. It de-
scribes every plant, flower, vegetable and tree,
witn their properties, uses, &c.

It is a Complete Work on Mechanics. It
describes all new inventions, engines, machi-
nery, tools, &c.

It is a Complete Church History. It de-
scribes impartially the various divisions of the
church of at. ages.

It is Equal to a Whole Library of Works.
It describes every material or non-material
thing that is capable of description in language.

It is well Illustrated. It contains nearly
three thousand engravings of persons, animals,
plants, trees, flowers, machines, buildings, &c.

A specimen number, containing forty pages,
■will be sent to any address on the receipt of 10
cents. Sold on 'y by subscription. Agents and
canyassers wanted

All communications respecting agencies and
subscriptions should be addressed to

AARON JONES, Jr.,
General Agent for Virginia,
ap- 1115 Main Street, Richmond.

L. POWERS & SON,

COMMISSION MERCHANTS,

AND
WHOLESALE PRODUCE DEALERS.
1510 East Main Street, Richmond, Va.,
Flour. Grain, Hay, and all kinds Seed
and Eating Potatoes. Foreign and do-
mestic Fruits. Seed Potatoes a specialty.

BF. LEWIS, Gwynedd, Montgomery Co.,
a Pa , Importer, Breeder and Dealer in
tine Fowls, Pigeons, Pets, etc., of the purest
and best quality . Berkshire and Chester White
Figs. Large Bronze and White Holland Tur-
keys. Konen, Alesbury, and other fine Ducks.
China, Bremen, and other Geese. Asiatics,
Spanish, Dorkings, Hamburgs, White and
Brown Leghorns, Polands, Houdans, and sev-
eral varieties of Bantams ; also Eggs for Hatch-
ing in season. Greyhounds, Newfoundland,
and Hunting Dogs. Hlack and White, French,
and Blue Maltese Cats, also many other speci-
mens of rare Fowls, Pigeons, Rabbit-, and
other Pets. My Stock has been awarded 190
Premiums in five months. I would also call the
attention of Breeders to my celebrated Chicken
Powder, which will cure as well as prevent
Cholera, and other diseases in Fowls, as well as
promote their health and vigor. Sold at 60 cts.
per pound. A liberal discount to the trade.
Every one should try it. For Catalogue a'id
Price-List, address with stamp. ap.tf

THE CR0T0N GRAPE.

Fine two-year old Plants of this variety
by mail or express. Send for Price-List.

S. W". UNDERHILL,
ap- Ctoton Landing, P. 0., N. Y.

JOHN LAIRD,

FLOEISTj

Grace St., Gardens and 733 Main Street. Cor. Eighth St.

Offers to the Public a Large and fine Assortment of

Greenhouse and Hardy Plants,

AND ORNAMENTAL TREES.

irabg. Flower 8eeda and Gra: i Visa in great variety, at reduced
-.:■• L-.'..--.'ii :z r.-.j free if BbngB. Paddag tad SlupjHagj ;i<r-

ap-2t

FOR TOBACCO AND ALL SPRING CROPS

USE

IB^TJGrl-I'S
TftADE MAF

RAW BONE

.;,.:. '•.j :/.z\\- ::;r:vr:. mi
barer. Rich in amaoaia and

ZIXG SUPPL1I 3 .

;z . -

SUPER-PHOSPHATE.

standard warraDted to eTery
solnt .id, es je-

an d • g — also, PURE

.and FEETlLr
BAUGH <fc SC
Delaware Axe., Philadelphia,

EGGS FOE HATCHim

I -. :■:- :i:i.rr ::.<■:■! :;: .-_''- '-< :rc~ :ir :':'. ;- z.g BLEEDS OF POE'LTRl .
I S 3 S to 1 1 in

MARCH, APEIL AXD MAY.
LIGHT BRAHMA, £2 per oV i

DARK BRAHMA, 2 "

PARTRIDGE COCHIX,

RX, 4 «'

HOUDAX, 3 " "

ROUES' DCC: 3 "

SILVER SPA5GLE HAMBUJ 3 " "

Cask to accompany order. Eggs delivered in rotation, commencing with 1st of
Haw*. T. L. PAYNE.

■ •*- I Farmer, Richmond, Ya.

TO THOSE INTERESTED

IN THE

PROPAGATION OF GAME FOWLS.

We have at Mount Erin the following described Game Fowls, to wit : The IRISH
RED, BALTIMORE MUFFS, and GEORGIA. DOMINICKE— all of them tried
Fowls in the pit, and known to be Genuine Game, which we offer for sale at the
price of Five Dollars a pair. Any iriend desiring to propagate from such stock,
•who will 6end their orders enclosing $5 to Publishers of Southern Planter and
Farmer, No. 1115 Main Street, Richmond, will be promptly attended to.

JAMES DUKE.

nov— 6m MOUNT ERIN, Henrico County, Va.

A VERY FINE

BERKSHIRE BOAR,

NINE MONTHS OLD, SIRE AND DAM
IMPORTED FROM ENGLAND.
A few Superior SOUTH DOWN EWES and EWE LAMBS, and a very large

BBONZE TURKEY GOBLER.

PRICE OF TURKEY *5.

A.M. BOWMAN, Bellevue Stock Farm,

jan— tf WAYNESBORO, Augusta Co.. Va.

We have purchased the Photographic Gallery formerly owned by Mr. W. G. R..
Fratser, 1011 Main St., opposite Post-office.

Having thoroughly refitted and added all the recent improvements, we respectfully
inform the public "that we are prepared to execute every first-class style of PIC-
TURES (from minatnre to life-size} known to the art. Our establishment is the
most extensive and perfectly appointed one in the South, consequently we are enabled
to offer our patrons superior facilities for obtaining the very best results that the Art
is susceptible of. We retouch elegantly all negatives made in OUR GALLERY. Our
facilities for copving and restoring old Pictures are not equalled by any establish-
ment in the country. Persons t'esiiing first class work, in our line, will find it to
their advantage to'call and examine our aitistic productions.' You will find our
prices as reasonable as first-class work caa be produced.

[nov— ly] M. J. POWERS & CO.

35 Packages of Flower or Vegetable
Seeds free by mail for one dollar. One
beautiful Illustrated Catalogue of seeds
and plants for 1874, free to all. Plants
by mail specialtv. Address,

GREEN, BEACH & CO.,
Seedsmen and Florists, Oil Citv, Pa.
Box 1775. mar-lOt

THE NEW CLIFTON FRUIT CRATE and VEGETABLE CRATE the best thing
known for transporting Fruits and Vegetables. Will supersede all other arti-
cles used for these purposes. Took first premium and diploma at Maryland State
Fair, 1873. First Premium and Diploma at Frederick Fair, 1873. First Premium
or Medal at Virginia State Fair, 1873.

State, County, Farm, and Individdal Rights for sale by

E, B. GEORGIA & CO.,
nov — ly CliftoD, FairfaxC o ,Va.

SEEDS! BULBS! PLANTS!

VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS,

LILIES,
GIADIOLUS, TUBEROSES,

And all other Summer Flowering Bulbs. ROSES. Greenhouse and Bedding
Plants. Every requisite for the VEGETABLE GARDENS, FLOWER GARDENS,
GREENHOUSE and WINDOW GARDENS. Catalogues sent free to all applicants.

feb— 3 m

W. S*. ALLEX,

Seed, Bulb and Plant Merchant,

QUEENS. N. T.

THE WATT PLOW

CONTINUES TRIUMPHANT !

No CHOKING when bright and smooth ;
no LABOR to the plowman ; ONE-THIRD
LE<S DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weed?, Grass. <tc; great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
its use, and complete pulverization of the
soil.

B&" I have, within the past eighteen
months, made great improvements in the
WATT PLOW, and can, with, greater confi-
dence than ever, commend it to the farming
community everywhere.

GEORGE WATT.

Premiums received during the last three
weeks of October, 1873 :

Yirgin'a and North Carolina Fair, at
w»e** wmt. «„,. Norfolk, October 7, 1873— ALL FIR ST

PREMIUMS AWARDED ON PLOWS.

The test of plows took place in a sandy loam, with weeds, <tc, from four to six
feet high. The Watt Plow did not choke at all, and buried the vegetation per-
fectly."

North Carolina State Fair, at Raleigh, October 14, 1873— ALL PREMIUMS
AAV ARDED ON PLOW S.

Piedmont Agricultural Fair, Culpeper Courthouse, Va., October 14, 1673 — ALL
PREMIUMS AWARDED ON PLOWS.

The test took place in a hard, stiff clay soil not plowed since the war. and cov-
ered with running briers. The Watt Plow was run seven inches deep without diffi-
culty, and never choked, burying everything under.

Virginia State Fair, Richmond, October 28, 1S73— ALL THE PREMIUMS ON
EACH SIZE, RIGHT AND LEFT HAND.

Also, two special premiums from the Society. Also, two special premiums from
the city of Richmond.

The Plows were tested in a sodded and heavy pipe soil. The working of the
Watt Plow was admired bv all.

Western (N. C.) Fair at"Salisbury, October 7. 1873— HIGHEST PREMIUM.

Darlington (S. C.) Fair, October *11, 1S73— HIGHEST PREMIUM.

The WATT PLOW of all sizes, from oi e to four horses, warranted to do better
woFk, with more ease, than any plow in use. If they do not prove so after one
week's trial, they may be returned to U6, and the purchase money will be refunded.

HARROWS, CULTIVATORS and ALL KINDS OF FARMING IMPLEMENTS
for sale on the best terms. Send fdr Circulars.

WATT &L, CALL7

dec Sole Manufacturers, Richmond, Ya.

POWHATAN RAW BONE

SUPER-PHOSPHATE,

MANUFACTURED BY

J"a,mes Gr. Downward & Go.
o

TO THE PLANTERS OF

We again respectfully call the attention of those intending to use fertilizers on
their Bpring crops to ihe Powhatan Raw Bone Super-Phosphate, and particularly
those who want a reliable fertilizer for tobacco and cotton, as we intend in the
future, as in the past five years, ta furnish an article which has no rival, regardless
of price. Wherever it has been used by the side of any other fertilizer whateveri
not excepting the deservedly popular and higher priced tobacco fertilizers of th,a
day, it has in every case proved itself superior.

A few out of many of our certificates from our patrons :

Blacks and Whites, Nottoway Co., Va., Jan. 1, 1872.
Dear Sirs,— This is to certify that I have used the Powhatan Phosphate along
S de of three other kinds of fertilizers, each of which cost more than the Powhatan,
and the difference in my crop ot tobacco was greatly in favor of the Powhatan
Phosphate. From my experience last year I think it a No. 1 manure, and recom-
mend its general use. Very truly yours,

SAMUEL F. EPES.

Lunenburg Co., Va., Jan. 29, 1873.
Gentlemen, — I used your "Powhatan Raw Bone Super-Phosphate" last year on
tobacco with perfect success and entire satisfaction.

Very respectfully, R. H. ALLEN.

Dinwiddie Co., Va., Jan. 13, 1872.
Dear Sirs,— In reply to your request, I have no hesitation in saying that I pre-
fer the Powhatan Raw Bone Super-Phosphate, bought of you last spring, to any
preparation that I have ever used on tobacco. I wish you to furnish me again this
spring. Yours truly, WM. B. COLEMAN.

Powhatan Co., Va., Jan. 30, 1878.
Gentlemen, — YouiB^r24ih, asking my opinion of the Powhatan Phosphate ,«
to hand. In reply, I have to say it acted well on my tobacco— better than a mor
costlv fertilizer that was applied by the side of it.

Yours truly, Z. G. MOORMAN.

Amelia Co., Va., Jan. 16, 1872.
Dear Sirs, — In regard to the Powhatan Phosphate bought of you last spring, I
take pleasure in saying that I am much pleased with its action on my crop. I used
it on very thin.^land, 200 pounds to the acre, and my tobacco weighed better than
anv crop I have ever raised. I wish vou to furnish.jme again this spriDg.

Yours, &c, GEO. H. WILLS.

Harmony, Halifax Co., Va., Jan. 20, 1872.
Gentlemen, — You request me to give you the result of my experience in the use
of Powhatan Raw Bone Sup^r-Phospbate. I have used it successfully for two
years, 1870 and 1871, and 1 think it the cheapest fertilizer I have ever used, and
expect to use it acrain the coming season.

Youis truly, EDWARD MOORE.

5

MUST RAISE EVERY DOLLAR I CAN !

FOE WHAT?
TO OO NORTH.

f the merchant, and yet the same
iucidal policy is pursued year alter yeiir, draining the c-ounlry of money.

THE REMEDY.

I . Mirage manufacturing enter;, - :^te, and keep your money at

home, by bujiDg the superior goods mr.

The Charlottesville Woolen Mills.

Thos* M» Aliriend & Son5

LIFE, FIRE A.1VD MARINE

INSURANCE AGENTS,

Office Ho. 1 North 10th Street 'Shafer's Bailding).

PETERSBURG SAVINGS AND INSURANCE CO.,

ASSETS, - - - OVER 8400,000-
D; ARCY PAUL, President. D. B. DUGGER, Secretary

Farmville Insurance and Banking Co.

OF FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA.

Assets, $115,000 00.

WM. D. RICE, President. I. H. MOTELER, Secretary.

Firemen's and Merchants' Insurance Company

OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA.
Assets, .... Over; $100,000 .00.

J. ANDREW WHITE, Pi J. B. STEVEN-

O

GENERAL AGENTS FOB VIRGINIA OF THE

BROOKLYN LIFE INSURANGECO.

OF NEW YORK.

Assets, - - ,000, 000, and Rapidly Increasing.

WO IN VIRGINIA REGISTERED BONDS, DEPOSITED WITU TREAS-
URES SINLi, for Security of Virginia Policy-Holders.
LIFEPO^ the Most Approved Plans, with the MOST LIBERAL
Feature;.

. HARGE FOR POLICY OR STAMP.
^The guarantee of A CASH SURRENDER VALUE TO EVERT PARTICI-
PATING POLICY e :ii is definitely stated in dollars and cents,
nLd is endorsed on *6o

GOOD LIFE AGENTS WANTED everywhere in Virginia, who will be liberally
dealt with. my —

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD.

On and after SUNDAY, April 19th, 1874, passenger trains will
run as follows :

FROM RICHMOND:

8:30 A. M. MAIL TRAIN.— For Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Staunton, White
Sulphur, Hiuton, and all intermediate Stations, daily (except Sundays), arriving at
Hiutou at 10:10 P. M. This train connects at Go.donsville for Orange, Culpeper,
Warrenton, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, and the North, and at Charlottes-
ville for Lynchburg, Bristol, Knoxville, Chattanooga and the South.

4:45 P. M. AC 30MMODATION TRAIX — For Gordonsville and all intermedi-
ate Stations, daily ( except Sunday), arriving at Gordonsville 8:30 P. M.

9:30 P. M. CINCINNATI EXPRESS For Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Staun-
ton, Goshen, Miilboro,' Covington, White Sulphur, and all Stations -west of White
Sulphur, daily (except Sunday), arriving at Huntington, 5:30 P. M. This train
conned 6 at Gordonsville for Washington, Baltimore find the North, and for Lynch-
burg, Bristol, and the South, and at Huntington with the Steamers Bostona and
Fleetwood for Cincinnati and all points West and Southwest, arriving at Cincinnati
G A.M.

Baggage cheeked through.

FOR THROUGH TICKETS, rates, and information, apply at 826 Main street, Bal-
lard and Exchange Hole!, or at Company's Office, Broad Street and Sixteenth.

A. H. PERRY, General Sup't.
Edgar Vliet, General Passenger and Ticket Agent. [my — tf

EGGS (THAT WILL HATCH) AND CHICKENS TO SELL !
BY AN AMATEUR TO PAY EXPENSES.

The most attractive and beautiful of all LAWN PETS is the POLAND FAMILY
with TOPKNOTS, as large as oranges. Colors : Jet black, Pure White. Black with
White Crests, Silver and Golden, both perfectly pencilled. All PREMIUM BIRDS
purchased and imported at high cost. Also the beautiful Black Cochins, Light and
Dark Brahma3 and Games. General Sante Anna stock.

Eggs carefully packed. Chickens to sell after July.

FRAXK EVANS,

my — tf. No. 5 South Paul S'reet, Baltimore, Md.,

EGGS THAT WILL HATCH!

AN AMATEUR TO PAY EXPENSES OFFERS HIS EGGS AT $2.50 DOZEN.
THE POLISH FAMILY A SPECIALTY.

While Crested, Black, White, Sdver and Golden, Light and Dark Brahmas, Buff
and Black Cochins, all bred from premium chickens, carefully packed and delivered
at express. FRANK EVANS,

No. 5 South Paul St., Baltimore, Sid.
To sell— 1 trio White Cochins $10.
2 trios Buff " 10.

2 " Light Brabmas 7.50.
Order- received for all kinds delivered by July 1st at low prices. [my — 2m.

B. A. HANCOCK,

MANCHESTER, T\Al.,

Will practice in the Courts of Chesterfield, Powhatan and Henrico Counties ; the
city Courts of Richmond and Court of Appeals. Special attention given to case*
in Bankruptcy and to collections in Richmond. mar-=

fCPThe Oldest and most Reliable Application for the Tobacco Crop-

Q

/^~1

r \

>

( M

1 c? N

\ k

A /

h-t

f±f£

\ %

A /

l-H

P3

^j

v/

o

PATENTED.

TOBACCO FEETILIZEE,

PREPARED BY TRE

SOUTHERN FERTILIZING CO.,

RICHI^OlSriD, V-A..,

O-

Apply to loial Agents, or any commission merchant in Richmond.
Where Agricultural clubs or Associations wish to purchase in large lots, the rate
at which it will be supplied will be indicated on application, ap 3m

BUY i OUR DRY GOODS OF

LEVY BROTHERS,

nnd save money by doing so. Great reductions have been made in the prices of
DRESS GOODS in order to close out the whole stock.

Satteens at 35, 50, 65, 70, and 75c. — a reduction of twenty-five percent. ; Empress
Cloths at 35, 50, and up to 75c. per yard ; Silk -corded Poplin* at 7oc per yard,
worth $1.25; Poplin Alpacas — best quality — at 40c. per yard, sold everywhere at
50c. ; Corded and Plain Alpacas at 25c. worth 35c. per yard ; Black Brocaded Ala-
pacas at 25c worth 50. per yard; Black Alapacas, Mohairs, and Briiliantinesat all
prices ;

Bombazirus from 1.25 to $2 per yard ; Australian Crepe a' 50c. worth 75c. per
yard;

Handsome Brocaded Poplins, all silk and wool, at $1 per yard, reduced from
$1.75 ; Handsome Silk and Wool-Striped Poplins, 18J yards in a pattern, for $15,
reduced from $25;

Doubled-faced Cotton Poplins at 14c. per yard, worth 25c. ;

Doubled-faced Cotton Poplins at I6§c per yard, worth 30c. ;

Calicoes at 6}, 8J, 10, and 12£e. ;

White Flannel, full yard wide and all wool, at 45c. per yarJ worth 60c. ;

White Flannels, in all qualities, from 20c. up to §1 per yard ;

Colored Flannels in all qualities ;

Bleached and Unbleached Canton Flannel from 12J to 45c. per yard ;

Domestic Ginghams at. 17, 12£, and l6^c;

Cheviot Shirting at 16§c. worth 25c. per yard;

Linseys from 15§ to 40c. per yard ; Bed-Tick from 10 to 35c. per yard :

Doeskin Casimere at$l per yard worth $1.25 ;

Excellent Satinets at 50, 60, and 75c. per yard; Kentucky Jeans from 16§ to 50c.
per yard ;

Charlottsville Carsimeres at a very small advance on manufacturers' prices ;

Water-Proof Cloths at 75c, 1, 1.25, 1.50, and $1.75 p^r yard ; Black and Brown
Velveteens at 50c worth 75c. per j'ard ;

Black and Colored Velveteens in all qualities ; Trimming Velours, in all colors,
at $1, and $1.50 per yard; Silk Velvbt, black and colored, for trimming and mil-
linery use ; Table-Cloths, pure linen, two yards long, at 81 worth $1.50;

Linen Doylies at 50, 60, 75c and $1 per dozen — all 25 per cent, below regular
prices ; Huckaback Towels from 1.25 to $9 per dozen ; We call particular attention
to our Towels at $2.25 and $3 per doztn ; Napkins at 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, $2, and up
to $6 per dozen ; Linen Damnsk fo" table-cloths from 50c. up to $2 per yard; Extra
Long Table Cloths from $8 up to $20; Cotton Diaper at $1.23 and $1.50 for a piece
of ten yards, worth 1.75 and $2; Linen Bird's Eye Diaper at 30c. worth 40c. per
jard; A full assortment of Ladies' Cloaks, Water-Proofs and Shawls, all at great
bargains; Gentlemen's Shawls and Gardigan Jackets, very cheap ; White and Col-
ored Bed Blankets, all sizes aud qualities, at extremely low puces; Calico Com-
fortables, home manufacture, at 2 and 2.50 worth 3 and $3.50; Carpets, Matting,
Oil-Cloth, Rngs Mats, and Window Shades at reduced prices; Children's Carriage
Blankets at 81.50 worth $3 ; Silk, Linen, and Cotton Hankeichieis, in all qualities;
Nubias, Hoods, Breakfast-Shawls, Leggins, Scarfs, and Saiques ; Genuine Bu«k Mits ,
Gloves, Gloves and Gauntlets ; Bobbin Edging. 18 yards in a piece, for 5Uc wcrth
5c per yard ; Worked Dimity Bands at 10c. worth 20c. ; Clark's and Coat's Spojl
Cotton at 70c. per dozen ; Machine Needles from 40c. to 50c. per paper of ten nee-
dles ; Best Machine Oil at 15c per bottle; Tidies at 35 and 50c worth 75c. and
$1 ; Gilt and Jet Jewelry in great variety; Ladies' Linen Collars at 50c per dozen,
$lso Collars at I, 1.25, and up to $2.50 per dozen ; Gentlemen's Linen Collars at 60,
c7 and $1 per dozen worth 2 and $2.50 ; Gentlemen's Recherche Cuffs at 1 worth
•45per dozen ; Crochet Edgings at 15, 25, and 50c for a piece of twelve yards, worth
a gand 10c per yard ; Neck Scarfs at 25, 40, 50e. and up to $1.50— all much be'ow
jS ular prices ; "Full-width Unbleached Sheeting at 28c; Full-width Bleached
♦heating at 33c. : New York Mills and Wamsutta Cotton at 18c. per yard ; Excel-
lent yard-wide Bleached and Unbleached Cotton at 10 and 12£c. per yard, and
thousands of other bargains at

LEVY BROTHERS
feb.] 10i7 & 1019 MAIN STREET, RICHMOND, VA.

Fertilizers and Seeds for 1873,

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO.

NO. i PERUVIAN GUANO,

FLOUR OF R^-"W BOISTE,

Ground Plaster, Lime, Agricultural Salt, &c.

FIELD, GRASS, AND GARDEN SEEDS,

SEED POTATOES

Of the Early Rose, Eaklt Goodrich, Peerless, and other choice varieties.
For further information and supplies, address

ALLISON & ADDISON,

SEED AND GUANO MERCHANTS, RICHMOND, VA.

J.Pfi.THORBURN&CO.,

15 JOHN ST. NEW YORK.

Will mail, upon application, their New
Catalogue of Vegetable and Agricultu
ral Seeds for 1874. t

F

RESH

GARDEN and FIELD SEED
At the old stand cf Palmer & Turpin,
1526 Main street, Richmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, ILrds, Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass
Send for Catalogue,
leb-tf W. II. TURPIN

Eggs, Cream, Milk and Lemon Biscuits
and every kin 1 of Crackers, made t
specialty. Pound and fancy Cakes
Ginger Snaps, Lemon Snaps, Jumbles
<vc, <fec, <fcc,

EICHARD ADAM,

Richmond Steam Bakery, 12th St., Rich-
mond, Va.. manufacturer of ell kinds ol
Bread, Cakes and Crackers, wholesale
and retail. Orders from the country at
tended to promptly. ap—ly

FOR SALE.

150 150 150 150

acres ! acres ! acres ! acres !

A FINE FARM FOR SALE.

Every convenience and impiovement. Choice
Fruit. Jii a splendid farming community, six
miles east of Nashville, Illinois, For full par-
ticulars and price address,

J. W. UOGHILL,
Beancoup, Washington Co., 111.
my— It

BUCKEYE POULTRY YARDS,

OFFER FOR SALE,

EGGS FOR HATCHING

From the followingvarieties of Pure-Bred
Land and Water Fowl*, at $2.50 perdoz.:

Dark and Light Brahmas ; Buff. Black.
While and Partridge Cochins ; Brown and
While Leghorns; White and Silver-Grey
Dorkings ; Plymouth Rock*; Houdans;
Black, Red, Earl Derby, and Pile Games;
Rouen and Aylesbury Ducks; Toulouse
and Bremen Geese.

I warrant one-half of each dozen Eggs
to hatch ; if they do not I will replace
them at 50 cts. per dozen. Send stamp
for Circul r. Eggs sent, C. O. P., if de-
sired. Address, iSAACLYNDE,
ap 3t Marlboro, Staik county, O.

SEED POTATOES.
"Red Jacket." — A seedling from the Mercer,
which it resembles in flavor, quality and habits
of growth — ihout ten days later than the Rose,
vields twice as much as Peach Blow; white
flesh an 1 perfectly hardy : in color, thape, size
and gene al appeaaance. l:a- no equal, heceived
1st. Premium at the Western A'. Y. and Pa.
state Fairs, for best variety. 3 lhs. bv mail,
*100; 30 Its. $5.00 ; 60 lhs. SSOO; bbl," $15.00.
Free at Chili or Kochester Station. Circular
free.

A. S. JOHNSOX, North Chili, N. T.

E. Y. TEAS & CO.,

RICHMOND, IND., Offers

5 nice Everblooming Roses, mailed free 551. '"0
16 •' " " 16 sorts, " 2.00

6 Geraniums, 6 " " 1.00
12 " double and single " 2.00
12 Verbenas, named, " 1.00
12 Gladiolus, various colors, " 1,00
1,OCO,000 Fruit and Ornamental Trees.

Plants mailed any distance with success.
Our new Catalogue free to all applicants.
my— It.

SEEDS

O'JR BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED

[CATALOGUES for 1874, ot

WtimM

Numbering I 75 PACES, and oyntamnj:
^ 2 fine large colored plates, are now ready.
£ To our patrons tuiy will be mailed a3 usual

Efree; to all otaers, on receipt of 25c, wuicl
we return in Seeds or Plants, with first order.
D AU parch isera m our Booths, either

S Gardening for Profit,
or Practical Floriculture
Price $1.50 each (prepaid bj m:iiU) havi
•their nanus entered on our lists, and toil I
ireeeive above Cataiojuta annual.::, free o.
Zcharji.

Seedsmen! 35 Cortlandt Street, New York.
I PLANTS

CP FLORENCE

Tlie long-contested Suit of the
FL.01tK.NCI-: SEHlMi MACHINE CO.

against the Singer, Wheeler i Wileon,

and Giover & Baker Companies, inTblvinjr over

$250,000,

Is finally decided by the

Supreme Court of the United States

,in favor of the FLORENCE, which al no has

Sroken the Monopoly of High Prices.

THE NEW~FLORENCE

Is the OXIY tnacJiine that seics bacJ:-

tcard and forward, or to right and left.

Simplest— Cheapest— Mest.

Sold top. Cash Only. .Special Teems to

CT.mS and DFALKRS.

April, 1S74. Florence, Mass.

STANDARD SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME,

MANUFACTURED FROM BONE,

Warranted to contain 10 per cent. Soluble Ph< sphum Acid and 3 percent. Ammonia!

THE CHEAPEST MANURE IN THE MARKET.

MANUFACTURED BY

LISTER & BROTHERS,

AT

PASSIAO AGRICULTURAL WORKS.,.

NE W A R K, N. Y.

Established 1850.

Sole Agent fur RICIItfQtfD, VA.,

No. 1 Tobacco Exchange.

BONE DUST, BONE MEAL, AND FLOUR. lfeb-tf

GRAND, SQUARE, AND UPRIGHT

FI^TNTOS

Ilave received upwards of FIFTY FIRST PREMIUMS, and are among the best
now made. Every instrument fully warranted for five years. Prices as low as the
exclusive, use of the very best materials and the most thorough workmanship will
permit. The principal Pianists and composers and the piano-purchasing public,
of the South especially, unite in the unanimous verdict of the superiority of the
feTIEFF PIANO, The DURABILITY of our instruments is fully established by
over SIXTY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES in the South, using over 300 of our
Pianos.

Sole Wholesale Agents for several of the principal manufacturers of Cabiuet an 1
Parlor Organs ; prices from $50 to $600. A liberal disjount to Clergymen and Sab-
bath Schools,

A large assortment of second-hand Pianos, at prices ranging from $7o to $300,
always on hand.

Send for Illustrated Catalogue, containing the names of over 2,000 Southerners
who have bought and are using the Stieff Piano.

CHAS. M. STIEFF.
Warerooms, No. 9 North Liberty Street,

Baltimore, Md.
Factories, 8-T& 86 Camden street, and 46 & 47 Pe:ry street. my— ly.

*
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR ADVERTISERS I

LARGE RETURNS FOR A SMALL OUTLAY.

THE) SOUTHERN

PLANTER- AND FARMER!

THE OLDEST AGRM VLTIRAL JOl RNAL TLBLISHED I> VIRGINIA,

(ESTABLISHED IN 1840 )

HAS BEEN TI1E ORGAN (TF STATE AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETIES EVER SINCE THtltt ORGANIZATION.

, o,

SUBSCRIPTION REDUCED TO $1 50 PER ANNUM

Clubs of five or more fl.'iO each.

As an ADVERTISING MEDIUM through which to reach the fanne eof Virginia,
W«t Virg:nia, North Carolina and East Teuness.-e, it has no equal, being a firm"
cuss rai'ER, and taten by tbe wealthiest and most enterprising laruier&anl busi-
ues» men in thoje sections. It has

THE LARGEST CIRCULATION

of any strictly' Agricultural paper published at the South. Great car* will be
taken to exclude all but reliable advertisers— snoh as we can commeud to the confi-
dence of our readers — and attention will, from time to time be called to the adver-
j semente, in o.der that our j>atron9 may realize the g-eatest possible benefit from
litem.

f&* Importers and dealr:c in fiqe Stock and Poultry, Insurance Com nauies, Bank-
ers, Machinists, Fertilising Companies, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, Commission Mer-
chants, Ac., who wish to rewh the best class of people in tbe country, will find i*
to their interest to adve.tise in th's £>urnal.

TERMS FOIl AT>V13TITI£SI>-G.

] square. 10 lines or less, one insertion. ..$ 1 50 Half pag", six months.. .$ 45 00

1 square of 10 lines for six months 8 00 Half page, one } ear. .. . 80 00

I square of 10 lines for one year 12 0) One page single insertion 15 00

Quarter page, six months 25 00 One page, six months. . . 80 0O

Quarter page, one year.. 45 0U One page, one year... .. 1,0 l»0

PAYMENTS :

Subscription —in advance. Adverti-ing — annua1. — quarterly in adv nee. All
others in advance.

All badness comm-jni >atuns to bo addressed to

L. R. DICKINSON",
Editor and Proprietor,
1115 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER AND FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticulture and the Mining, Mechanic and Household Arts.

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xexophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State. — Sully.

L. R. DICKIXSOX. . .. . . Editor and Proprietor.

T. L. PAYNE, . . . Associate Editor and Business Agent.

New Series. RICHMOND, VA., JUNE, 1874- No. 6.

In the view which we have hitherto taken of the condition and pro-
gress of the agricultural interests of the South, we have been disposed
to present it in its most flattering aspect, and at all times have aimed
to take a hopeful view of the situation. But there are difficulties and
dangers in the way of progress, which did we fail to note, we would
fall very far short of our duty as a citizen, a fanner and a journalist.
One difficulty which meets us at the very threshold is the disinclina-
tion among the better class of our people to engage in any pursuit
that requires manual labor for its successful prosecution. This indis-
position, which in many cases amounts to aversion to labor, exhibits'
itself more prominently among the very class to which we look for
improvement than any where else, — we refer, of course to the wealth-
ier and more refined among our farmers and their well educated sons.
So long as these young men, at once the hope and pride of the State.
are encouraged to leave the farm and rush into the alread}' over-
crowded professions, or even to accept a second rate clerkship,
rather than engage in the more laborious, but far more independent
avocation of tilling the soil. We cannot hope to make a progress
equal to that made by States whose best and most intelligent men are
not only identified with the farming interest, but are actually engaged
in the arduous duties of the farmers' life.

But the young men are not very much to blame after all. It must
be confessed that the prevailing sentiment among the higher classes
even of our rural population has been until recently, if it is not still,
averse to labor, and our society has frequently been rather inclined to
look down upon those compelled to labor for a livelihood, and in cases
where persons above the necessity chose to labor it was considered an
unfortunate idosyncracy rather to be pitied than emulated.

All this thing must be changed. Our sons must be reared to labor
and to think that labor is honorable. Our daughters must be taught
that the bronzed face and hard hand of the farmer who designs to

262 THE SOUTHERN f June

hold the plow or drive is not degraded by his occupation. And soci-
ety at large must learn to respect the class whose labor and efforts
must lay the foundation of all our prosperity. This change of senti-
ment must begin at home among the farmers. They must respect
themselves and their calling. No one is likely to place a higher esti-
mate upon a man's occupation than he himself does, and unless we
ourselves feel the dignity and importance of our calling we cannot
blame others for not doins so.

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION AGAIN.

Our Legislature has again adjourned without making any adequate
provisions for publishing abroad the advantages offered by our State
to emigrants from abroad. The plea that we are too poor to incur
the expense is hardly admissible, inasmuch as it is confessed even
by those who are opposed to Legislative appropriation for that pur-
pose, that any reasonable appropriation, properly managed, would
soon bring in a hundred fold more capital, the taxes upon which would
re-imburse the State in one year. Our farming population are suffer-
ing now more from want of available capital than anything else.
All their capital is invested in land, which is lying unproductive for
the want of money and labor to improve it. Could one-half the land
of the State be sold to foreign capitalists, or to persons who would
locate upon it and cultivate it, and the money thus obtained applied
to the cultivation and permanent improvement of the other half, the
tax paying ability of our people would be far rnore than doubled and
the general prosperity of the whole people greatly promoted.

We do not know, however, but that this advertising abroad of the
a of the State might be accomplished by the farmers alone in
their associated capacity, either as a State agricultural convention or
through the instrumentality of the Granges and the State Grange.

We would like to have the views of those most interested on this
subject for the next number of the Piaster.

FARM LABOR.

h the opening of the spring the ever important question of
resents itself again. It is well known that hitherto we have
considered the negro the best, as he is the only available farm laborer
for the South. But each year, while it increases the demand, dimin-
ishes the supply of this kind of help. Various causes operate to
bring about this result. The demand for labor and higher prices paid
in the cotton States has induced a constant stream of emigration
Southward ever since the war. The public works, including mines
and quarries, paying higher wages than the farmers could afford to
pay. have drawn many others away, leaving generally upon the farm
the laziest and least enterprising, and hence the least efficient class of
laborers.

Our own experience induces us to believe that the time is rapidly
approaching, if indeed, it has not already arrived, when we will have

1S;4.i PLANTER AND FARMER. 263

to look elsewhere for our laborers. There are two ways of meeting
this difficulty, both of which should be measureably adopted by our*
farmers. One is for the farmers themselves and their families to do
more of the work themselves, and by the introduction of labor-savins
implements, lighten and facilitate the seeding, cultivation and harvest-
ing of their crops. By this means the labor now at our command,
would be rendered more productive and there would be less necessitv
for resorting to the other remedy, which is the introduction of foreign
laborers. Though opposed to the indiscriminate introduction of for-
eigners, especially of the lower classes, amongst us, wo still believe
that there is a large number of poor laborers and tenant farmers in
England, Scotland and Germany, and perhaps other countries of
Europe, who would be greatly benefited by coming among us, and
whose coming would add greatly to the supply of skilled and intelli-
gent labor. After trying almost every nationality and seeing them
tried by others, we can confidently recommend to the farmers of Vir-
ginia the laborers of the countries above mentioned as the most docile.
faithful and best calculated to meet the wants of the farmers. As
stock men, the Scotch and English surpass all others, and the German
is perhaps the best gardener and cultivator of the soil to be found
anywhere. It is true that with the employment of such labor there
would, of necessity, be a great change in the general management of
the farm, and that the price of farm labor would be considerably
advanced. But we also believe that the increased efficiency and
honesty of the service given would more thau compensate for the
additional cost. While we do not recommend or desire an entire aban-
donment of the old system, nor desire that we ma}- be ridden of the
negro, yet we would like to see an effort made to supply the constantly
increasing deficiency of farm labor by the introduction of foreign
laborers.

WE SHOULD NOT DEFEND UFON ONE CROP.

The recent sales of tobacco in Richmond and elsewhere have not
been at prices calculated to remunerate the Plaxtek and many of
our friends who depended almost exclusively upon the proceeds of
this crop to discharge last years liabilities and to provide for the
expenses of the current season, go home disappointed and despondent.
This is another lesson for us. and should teach us how very unsafe it
is to rely entirely upon one crop for money and success. We must
certainly have some other resource than this. The farmers along the
tide-water rivers have long since learned to diversify their products,
and there is no part of our State so prosperous as the trucking districts,
while the farmers of the upper country away from railroads and rivers
cannot profitably engage in raising fruit and vegetables for the north-
ern market. The}7 can raise hay and stock profitably, so far as imme-
diate return is concerned and very profitably when we consider the
ultimate improvement of the land. There is no hope for the fanners
of Virginia, unless there is a change for the better. If we continue
to cling to the time honored system of our money crop only, and that
an almost exhausting one, and clear up and wear out and clear up and

2C4 THE SOUTHERN [June

wear out more land every year, it is only a question of time, and not
a very long time either, when the sheriff will sell us out and pay a
-mall per cent, on our indebtedness.

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

We have never, we believe, seen so much cold, wet weather through
April and May as we have this Spring. Farmers generally are very
backward with their work and unless the season henceforth is pecu-
liarly favorable, there will undoubtedly be a short crop made. Espe-
cially will this be the case with corn and tobacco, the planting of
Avhich has been much delayed and will necessarily be late.

THE QORN CHOP.

It is hoped that most of our farmers have completed the planting
of this crop, yet there will doubtless be many places yet implanted
owing to the wet and backwardness of the season. Of course these
should be planted immediately if possible and if delayed too long, to
be sure of maturing a crop, it would, perhaps, be well to drill in corn
very thickly and insure a fodder crop.

This is one of the best, most inexpensive and surest crops we can
make, and more food for cattle can be raised in this way than in any
other on the same land.

We are diposed to recommend the crop Aery highly from our own
experience, which has been very favorable. The land should be pre-
pared as for any other crop and then laid off in perfectly straight rows,
from 30 inches to 3 feet apart, and drilled in at the rate of about two
bushels per acre, about 12 grains to the foot, and then scatter as much as
possible over the width of the furrow will be about right. The seed
may be sown by a corn planter or wheat drill, but we prefer hand
sowing because it can be spread out across the entire furrow giving
more distance to the plants in the rows. As soon as the plants are
well up pass over the whole with a harrow and afterwards with a coul-
ter or cultivator stir the soil once or twice is all that is necessary.
We have found that cultivation pays as well on this crop as any and
generally stir our soil frequently. ,

The greatest drawback to the sowing of corn is the difficulty of
curing it. This difficulty arises from the fact that it is generally sown
too late and too thickly and never reaches that condition of maturity
when it is easily cured, and also when it contains the greatest amount
of nutriment. If it is drilled in, however, any time in June, or if the early
varieties or northern seed be used, in July it will mature sufficiently
to cure easily.

When the entire crop is in bloom, the earlier blooms having began
to dry up, and the small ears that will form on many stalk are in the
dough (i e., good roasting ear), is the proper time to cut up the crop.
We usually use the ordinary corn knife, laying the stalks as cut in
small piles to cure awhile, but never leaving any down at night. One
precaution is perhaps necessary here. It should never be cut when
there is any external moisture, either dew or rain, upon it.

Set up in medium sized shocks and after a few days tie them firmly
'jcar the top and they will usually keep well all through the winter in

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 265

the field. A better plan, and the one we usually adopt, is to sit up in
small shocks at first and after a few days or a week put two or more
shocks together according to size and tie them. We have depended
largely upon sowed corn for feed during the last two years and have
not lost 5 per cent, from spoiling in the field. The amount of feed
that can thus be made upon an acre of good land would astonish any
one.

Millet or Hungarian Grass may be sown now and on good land
will yield from H to 2 tons of hay per acre. Prepare the land as for
oats and sow £ bushel of seed per acre, harrow and roll so as to have
smooth surface to cut over "when mowing.

Peas for Fallow should be sown as early in June as possible.
The subject has been so frequently discussed in all its bearings that
we give no directions here, simply referring to former numbers of the
Planter.

tobacco.

The planting of this important crop has been much delayed, and
there is a general complaint of failure in plants. Every thing should
now be done to facilitate the completion of this work where it is
not already finished, and when planted, the hoe and the plow should
keep down the weeds and grass and keep the surface mellow.

SWEET POTATO SLIPS.

if not already out, should be gotten out and as soon as possible, and

LATE IRISH POTATOES

had better be gotten in the ground as earl}'' in the month as convenient.
Fresh manure should not be used with this crop if it can be avoided,
And if used should be broadcasted instead of putting in the drill. It
should be remembered that the potato is a potash plant and manures
rich in potash will greatly improve the crop.

THE STOCK

will require very little attention during this month. Early lambs
should go to market as soon as large enough, which should be in May
and very early in June. The price declines as the season advances,
and a week will frequently make a difference of a dollar in the same
lamb. Farmers should understand this and act accordingly.

Stock on pasture should be regularly salted at least once a week,
and alwavs have access to cool, clear running water.

266 THE SOUTHERN [June

Agricultural Department.

[The following Essay, written by our Associate Editor, received
■he premium of thirty dollars and Diploma, at the last meeting of the
Agricultural Society of Virginia. — L. R. D.]

THE BEST METHOD OF CULTIVATING A FARM OF TW< >
HUNDRED ACRES IX THE GRANITE SECTION OF VIR-
GINIA.

That the present average of production on the lands of Eastern
Virginia is below the point of profitable culture is acknowledged by
all who are cognizant of the facts. The causes which have led to this
condition are also apparent to those acquainted with the method of cul-
vation practiced for generations in this section.

Long continued cultivation of a thin stratum of the surface in crops
that took everything from the soil and returned nothing, has together
with the washing of the rains and snow, deprived that part of the soil
actually brought in contact with the roots of plants of every mineral
element of fertility, and the suppression of every form of vegetable
growth, except such as is intended for removal and sale, has left it
nearly equally destitute of humus.

The question then is sirnply one of abandonment or improvement.
We cannot continue long to live under the present conditions of pro-
duction.

How shall we cultivate these lands so that they will yield the
largest immediate returns, and at the same time, most rapidly improve?
Is a question of importance both to the individual owners and the
State at large. Xor is it so difficult a matter after all ; the soil con-
tains within itself great power of recuperation. The reversal of the
system by which the laud has been exhausted will in time without
any outside aid restore its lost fertility. Deep and thorough culture
bringing up from the subsoil the mineral elements which the rains and
snows of a hundred winters have washed down and deposited there :
returning to the land in the shape of manure from stock even-thing
except its most concentrated and valuable products. Plowing under
green crops grown for that purpose to restore the humus, and with
it ammonia to the soil, and if we add to all this the purchase from
abroad and application of mineral fertilizers to restore the wastage of
such crops as are sold : all this with the practice of a suitable rota-
tion in crops will in time make farming in Eastern Virginia both
pleasant and profitable.

"Without further introduction, we will suppose then the farcn to con-
tain 200 acres of the light gray land with clay subsoil common to the
section under consideration. Thirty acres should be left in timber and
twenty acres more in permanent pasture, and enclosed together with a
strong fence, giving together a range of fifty acres for the loose stock
of the farm ; ten acres immediately around the house will be used for
orcharrl. yard, garden and barnyard, leaving 140 acres for general
culture. This we would divide into seven shifts, to be cultivated
as follows: forty acres in wheat, twenty in corn, twenty in oats and
:ty in peas for fallow, and forty in clover. A diagram is here

1874.] PLANTER AXD FARMER. 26;

with furnished, showing the way in which these crops will succeed
each other ou the respective fields. In the arrangement of the
various fields, care should be exercised that each may be easily
accessible from the barn without passing over the growing crop
on any other field. This will necessitate the making of road-
ways along the lines of division. These roadways should be located
at once, and should be thrown up by back plowing at least twice and
the ditches made broad and shallow. The space occupied need not
exceed twelve feet from the centre of the ditch on either side, and
the whole land occupied need not exceed sixteen to eighteen feet in
width. This should be thoroughly prepared, and sown in grass with-
out any grain. The following mixture is recommended for this as
well as for the permanent pasture, mentioned elsewhere : 1 bushel
orchard grass, \ bushel redtop (herds grass). 4 quarts tiniothy and 4
quarts red clover, for each acre seeded. The orchard grass to be
sown alone, the others mixed and sown on the freshly harrowed sur-
face, and the whole nicely rolled. This should be done as early in
the fall as practicable — say September. By this management the
roadways will become about the most productive portions of the farm.
The grass can be regularly mown when not pastured, and should
receive an occasioual top-dressing, — with a little care the grass des-
troyed by the passing of the farm teams will amount to very little.

We will suppose ourselves now at the beginning of the cropping
year the first of September. All the farmers' energies should be direc-
ted to the preparation of the land for wheat. Old lines of fencing-
interfering with the new plan of operations should be removed : such
rails as are fit. transferred to other lines and remainder carted to the
wood-pile or burned upon the spot. Stumps, grubs and everything
interfering with the perfect cultivation of the land should be dug up
by the roots and burned. Two good, strong horses or mules to a
two-horse Watt plow, or Farmers' Friend plow, should open a furrow
seven inches deep and be followed by one horse attached to a subsoiler,
walking in the furrow and loosening the subsoil to the depth of five
inches more. After trying various subsoil plows, we are inclined to
recommend to the farmers as one cheap and available on most every
farm, the common one-horse cast plow, either Watt. Farmers' Friend
or Dixie, (the latter best on account of its greater weight), with the
wing or mould-board removed, using nothing but the point and land-
side.

About the 1st of October the ground having been previously tho-
roughly prepared by the diligent use of the harrow, the seeding of
wheat should commence. The use of the drill is urgently recom-
mended, both on account of economy in seed and superiority of crops
so seeded. Where the drill is used, from four to five pecks will be
amply sufficient for the acre ; in broadcasting at least one peck more
should be sown. The wheat having been seeded, all the available
manure should be scattered evenly over the surface as soon as possi-
ble. Of course, if the means is at hand, some good commercial fer-
tilizer should be used, especially on that part intended to be sown in
clover in the spring. Taking advantage of the dry spell that is likely
to occur late in February or in March, a light sharp-tooth harrow, the
teeth slightly inclined backward, should pass over the wheat, twenty
acres should then be sown in red clover, at the rate of eight quarts to

268 THE SOUTHERN [June

the acre and the whole nicely rolled. As soon as the clover is up, 100
lbs. of plaster' per acre should be sown upon it.

After finishing the seeding of wheat, the farmer will have some
leisure to make permanent improvement. If in a section requiring
it, the outside fencing around the entire farm should be made good —
circumstances alter cases, but when there is no special reason against
it, a ditch opened either with the spade or plow, the dirt thrown on
the inner side, and post 9^ feet apart on the embankment with split
slats, three or four in number, nailed to them, is recommended as the
most efficient and economical fence for Eastei-n Virginia. The land
for spring crops will now claim the farming attention. Whenever
during the winter the condition of the ground will admit of it, the
plows should be going. Old sod land should, if available, be planted
in corn, or it may be planted on wheat stubble. The preparation
should be the same as for wheat, and the manure accumulated during
the winter should be applied broadcast to this crop.

As early in the spring as the season will allow, (generally indicated
by the bursting into leaf of the hickory buds), the land should receive
a final harrowing, and be immediately laid off and planted. The
rows should be perfectly straight, and running lengthways the field,
making them as long as possible ; unless the ground is very hilly it
will not pay to grade the rows, making the curve with the inequalities
of surface. The corn should be planted in rows four feet apart, three
grains in a hill two feet apart in the rows, and thinned to one stalk in
a place at the second working. If the rows are opened with a plow
the corn can be easily covered with a two-tooth cultivator. As soon
as the corn is up, pass over the rows lengthways with the same harrow
used on the wheat in the spring, and repeat the process every week
or ten days until the corn is eight or ten inches high. If the rows are
not too short, so as to make a great deal of turning, a man with a
brisk team and a boy to uncover the stalks, will go over twenty acres
in two daj's. The next cultivation should be given with the one-horse
plow, with the wing removed just as it is used for subsoiling, running
the bar side close to the corn, after that, the seven-tooth cultivator
will usually do all the work needed. Corn should be cultivated as
soon as practicable after every rain that runs the surface together,
and at any rate, every ten days during its growth, until it begins to
bloom.

The oat crop should be sown upon the corn land of the previous
year. The surface should be made fine and mellow, and from six to
eight pecks of seed sown per acre and raked in, unless the drill is used
in which case one-fourth less seed will answer.

Early in June the land to be sown in wheat, should be prepared
nicely and five pecks of black peas sown per acre broadcast, or three
pecks drilled in, it will be found that if each alternate tube of the
drill is stopped, and the peas as thus planted in rows eighteen inches
apart are once coultered, the crop, both of vine and pea, will be
heavier and the saving of seed will nearly pay for cultivation.

We now have all our crops planted, and with a few brief directions
for harvesting we will pass to other subjects. Wheat and oats should
be cut before fully ripe, tied in moderately sized bundles and set up
twelve to sixteen together, until cured and then stacked or hauled
into the barn as soon as possible. Corn should be cut up by the roots

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 260

as soon as the grain is glazed and set up in straight close shocks, six"
teen rows together, shock twenty steps apart in the rows. In the
course of from four to six weeks the shocks should be taken down, the
corn shucked off and carried to a rat-proof crib, and the fodder again set
up and tied firmly around the top with grapevine or stalks. A better
plan if there is room, is to haul the corn, stalk and all to the barn and
shuck it during inclement weather.

Of the peas a sufficiency should be gathered for seed, and if the
farmer can then turn his hogs upon them for a few weeks he will make
some ver}7 cheap pork without materially lessening the value of the
fallow.

The stock to be kept on a farm of this size would vary, of course,
with circumstances. The team actually necessary need not exceed
three first-class animals, and it is recommended that these should be
two good, large, brood mares and a strong, active horse. The
mares should be regularly bred, and would produce a foal almost
every spring, worth, if a mule, at least $50 at five months old. This
will not at all interfere with their general usefulness on t\e farm. The
horse could do all the carting and fast work.

Of cattle, at least four good cows should be kept, and their breed-
ing so arranged as to have two fresh in the spring and two in the fall.
For the general purposes of the Virginia farmer the Ayrshires and
Devons are believed to combine more desirable qualities than any
other pure breed. Grade Shorthorns are also excellent animals for
general utility.

Of hogs, no more should be kept than necessary to supply the
family with meat. Two good sows, either Essex or Berkshire, and a
boar, which should always be the very best of his class, will be all
the stock needed. Pigs should come in February and August, and
protected from the cold of the one and heat of the other. The Feb-
ruary pigs, if pushed as they should be, will net 200 lbs. by the mid-
dle of November, and the August pigs will make nice roasters and
shoats before cold weather comes. There will thus be no surplus
stock to carry through the winter. The best food for pigs, in our
experience, is mvsh and milk. Brown-stuff, potatoes, cymlins, the
refuse of the garden and orchard all go to make up a good bill of
fare for his pigship.

The remaining stock of the farm should be sheep ; fifty good, strong
common ewes should be purchased and bred early in the fall to a
thoroughbred buck of some one of the mutton breeds. The ewe lambs
from this cross should be preserved and bred to another fine buck of
the same breed with the sire. In this way a large flock of high grade
sheep can soon be established. The buck lambs should be sold off
from time to time and will always bring remunerating prices ; a farmer
may very safely calculate on a net income of from five to six dollars
from every good ewe well kept. If the keeping of sheep is found
desirable it would be well to make a change in the rotation, so as to
give at least three, if not four fields to grass. This can be readily
done by omitting either the peas or one field of wheat, or both.
Another change which can be advantageously made when a full stock
of sheep is on hand, is to sow rjre in the corn in August to be pas-
tured during the winter. Not less than one hundred breeding ewes
should be kept upon a farm of this size, yielding an income of from

270 THE SOUTHERN [June

$500 to $800. As the stock increases the old ewes may be sold oil',
young ones taking their places.

Of the ten acres reserved around the house, three acres will be
occupied by the yard, garden and barnyard : four acres should be
planted in apple trees, three-fourths of which should be standard win-
ter varieties. This would require 200 trees. 170 select peach trees
should occupy the spaces between in the rows. Not less than two
acres should be occupied by pears, grapes, currants. &c. <$£•.. and one
acre planted in plum and cherry trees, and enclosed with a «ix feet
picket fence and used as a poultry yard where the poultry can be
confined when desirable.

The buildings required for a farm of this size should consist of a
good and convenient dwelling with all the modern improvements with
water convenient : a barn sufficiently large to give shelter to all the
animals and tools kept upon the farm, with storeroom overhead for
the straw, hay and stalks. A good manure shed, where a bountiful sup-
ply of good, dry litter should alwaj-s be kept and where the manure niay
be deposited as it is removed from the stalls to be worked over by the
hogs. A good rat proof corn crib : a wood shed large enough to hold
a half years supply of wood : smoke house, poultry, &c. $io plan
will here be given for a barn. As a general suggestion aslio the
amount of space needed to accommodate the stock, we would say that
each horse should have from 80 to 100 square feet of standing room,
cows from 50 to 60 feet and sheep 10 feet. The building should be
so arranged that feeding can all be done from a passage-way without-
going among the stock. The floor overhead should be tight so as catch the
grass seed. I omitted to state in the proper place that clover should
be cut when the largest part of the crop was in full bloom and cured
and stored away as soon as possible, a direction that applies equally
to every kind of grass.

Two or three comfortable dwellings for laborers should be built con.
venientby close to the dwelling, yet far enough away and from each
other to afford sufficient privacy and enable the occupants to keep a
few chickens and have every comfort of home. Generally laborers
well treated and their wants and comforts supplied will be more
diligent and accommodating.

Of the amount of labor necessary on a farm of this kind it is utterly
impossible to form an}* correct estimate. For the mere cultivation and
saving of the crops, the other work, including harvesting, being done
either by the job or day labor, one man and a boy large enough to plow
'the owner himself lending a helping hand) will be found sufficient. It
is equally difficult to estimate the return to be expected : but after it
lias been under this svstem for seven or eisdit vears we should be very

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 271

much disappointed if the income aggregated less than three thousand
dollars.

The items we should expect to be about as follows :

40 acres of wheat 20 bushels, 800 bushels at Si. 75 . . $1400

100 bbls. apples at £4 400

Reaches, pears. &c 200

GOO lbs. butter sold - - - 200

2 colts sold . 100

100 sheep and lambs sold 500

400 lbs wool sold 200

4 head young cattle, the steirs fatted at 3 3rears and heifers sold

with calves, 150

Poultry, eggs, &c 50

$3200

If the land iu the orchard and garden is highly cultivated, as it
should be, four or five hundred dollars might be added to the above
for potatoes, cabbage, &c.

I have said nothing of tobacco, because it is a crop that cannot be
introduced into a general rotation, but requires special preparation
and extra force. If cultivated at all it should occupy part of the
field devoted to pea fallow, and being highly manured with some com-
mercial fertilizer, will leave the ground in good condition for the suc-
ceeding wheat crop. It is also recommended that the oat stubble
should be plowed immediately after harvest and corn for fodder drilled
in thickly on a large part of it. This should be cut when in bloom and
after curing tied in bundles and stored for winter use. Ruta-bagas
and turnips may occupy part of the stubble. Commercial fertilizers
should be used on these crops. Of fencing we would recommend as
few inside lines as possible. A light portable fence may be used, suffi-
ciently strong to restrain the cows and sheep during the day and they
should all be returned to the barnyard or permanent pasture at night.
The manure heap will thus be largely increased and the improvement
of the farm greatly accelerated. I have already intimated that the
best way to apply manure to these lands is to broadcast it upon the
•flreshly plowed surface. This we firmly believe will give fifty per
cent, better return than any other mode of application.

If upon the farm there are au}r wet swampy spots they should be
drained and possibly laid down permanently in grass.

The following table will show at a glance the rotation proposed to
be practiced, together with such variations as are recommended else-
where. One more suggestion. In feeding stock all the long food
should be cut except, perhaps, hay, and that is best cut if the labor is
attainable. Sinclair & Go's Masticator is recommended.

Stock should be regularly fed under the immediate supervision of
the owner. Milk cows should receive a moderate allowance of meal
night and morning throughout the }rear and everything kept upon the
farm should always be in a thriving condition ; nothing is a surer
index of bad farming than lean and hungry stock. Stock of every
kind to be profitable must have their wants all supplied and be made
comfortable at all times.

THE SOUTHERN [June

f field.

1

2

3

4

•">

6

-

1874.

Wheat.

Corn.

Wheat.

1875.

Clover.

w

p

o

e

w

1876.

clo

clo

w

P

o

c

\Y

1-77.

w

clo

clo

V."

1'

o

o

1878.

c

>v

clo

clo

w

p

...

1870.

o

c

w

clo

clo

w

1'

1880.

p

o

c

w

clo

clo

w

If more stock

should be kt

spt then

as follow-

the per

is mav

be

omitted and the corn planted after wheat on clover :

No. of field. 12 3 4 .'. 6 7

Wheat. clo o c clo clo clo

clo w p o c clo clo

[For the Southern Planter and Fanner. 1
SToCK AND INCLOSURES.

When I reflect upon the evils of our present system of care with
regard to stock and enclosures, I am tempted to exclaim with Cicero.
-•Inamdin abutere nostra patientia !" Farmers have Clubs. Societies
and Granges for the protection of their interest, but seem to ignore
to a great extent this heavy burden upon agriculture in Virginia and
many other States. We are continuing a system handed down to us
from early settlement of the country, which has ceased to be adapted
to our wants and interests. We are constantly told by agricultural
and newspaper writers, especially amongst our Northern friends, that
we keep and attempt to cultivate too much land. This, to a great
extent is true, but as long as we have our present laws with regard to
stock and inclosures, it will be difficult to bring about a change.
Farmers, whether they own stock or not. whether they k eep up or
turn out their stock, don't like the close proximity of those who
habitually run their stock at large, and. as is too generally the case
with this class, give but little attention to their care and feeding.
They know from experience, how difficult it is to protect themselves
from ill-fed stock habitually using around their fields. Reason and
experience also teach us that it is relatively much more expensive to
inclose small than large areas. It takes half as much material to
inclose one acre of land as it does to inclose four, and twice the cptan-
tity necessary to inclose four will inclose sixteen and so on in geo-
metrical proportion.

If all the land now cultivated in Virginia was divided into small
farms, the expense and labor of inclosing it would be enormous.
Farmers are compelled to keep too large a per centage of their lands
in forest, to supply the heavy and constantly recurring demand for
fencing material. Who can estimate the value of the timber annually
destroyed for this purpose '. The average duration of the ordinary
worm rail fence is about ten or twelve years. From experience and
observation, I am inclined to think that it takes an average of one-
sixth of tlie labor employed in agriculture to make and keep the
fencing in good repair. Our system was, to some extent, endurable
during the existence of slavery. Labor was then permanently attached

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

to the farm, and could be combined for the culture of large areas.
Agriculture was more homogeneous, and farmers needed and kept the
same domestic animals and required the same kind of inclosures.
With the abolition of slavery, a new state of things has been brought
about. There is no longer the same similarity of agriculture. Farm-
ers are turning their attention to special crops and industries, and no
longer need or keep the same domestic animals. Hence a conflict of
interest has arisen and must continue to increase and ultimately end-
as it has done in all old settled countries, by devolving upon the
owners of all stock the burden of keeping and providing for them.

The only question for us then in Virginia is, has the time arrived
for this change ? If not ready for a thorough change, can't we have
some modifications ? Can't we at least stop the smaller domestic
animals — viz. : hogs, sheep and goats from running at large, or at any
rate make the owners of them responsible for damage done by them to
others. Is it not bad economy to run them at large, more expensive
than to keep them up ? Do the benefits of the outside range to
these animals compensate for the heavy expense of protecting
our crops from destruction by them? Would not the labor now
employed in this way, if employed in producing food for these
animals, procure for us a cheaper and more abundant supply of
meat? Sheep are not held in common by our farmers, and it is not
right or just to require the large majorit}- who do not keep sheep to
fence for the benefit of the small minority who do. Horses and
mules are but seldom permitted to run at large, and if relieved from
the necessity of fencing against the smaller stock, especially hogs,
the great majority of the farmers would soon find it to their interest
to keep up their cattle. The means and meterial required to restrain
the larger stock would be very different from that now used to protect
against hogs, and the cost of fencing would be diminished one-half or
two-thirds of its present amount. Ditches, hedges, stone, post and
rail, and various other things would be substituted for the present
expensive, insecure and very perishable worm fence. An immense
amount of valuable timber would be saved, and inclosures more per-
manent, and occupying less space would be introduced. Hogs, with
their present privileges in Virginia, are an unmitigated nuisance, cost-
ing in the aggregate more than they are worth.

Much complaint is made of the evils arising from the multitude of
dogs. I concede these to the fullest extent, but as long as hogs are
permitted to run at large, farmers will keep dogs to protect them-
selves from them. I am aware that the privilege of running stock at
large is thought by many to be one of especial value to the poor and
small farmers and housekeepers. If right in my view of the subject,
this class are most interested in a change. I have already shown
that large farmers fence at less relative cost and, consequently, gen-
erally have their fields better protected. Tenants and small farmers,
on the, contran% fencing at greater cost are not usually so well pro-
tected and more liable to suffer from roving stock. I have also shown
that our system is not only opposed to a sub-division of the lands,
but creates and keeps up a tendency to the absorption of the smaller
farms by the larger ones. Besides if, as I contend, it is a tax upon
production, it diminishes the profits of labor and adds to the cost of
consumption. The subject is a very expansive one. and I have only

274 . THE SOUTHERN [June

touched upon a few salient points. It needs discussion, ventilation
and legislation. Politicians are proverbially afraid of new issues and
we need not expect anything to be done until the farmers move in the
matter. They are more immediately interested and all other classes will
await their action. . Let the subject then be made one of public and
private discussion, and we may hope ere long to secure such change^
or modification as will ojeatlv diminish the evils of our present sys-
tem. X. Y.

• [For the Southern Planter and Fanner.
APPLICATION OF MANURES.

From observation, it seems to me that we should pay special atten-
tion to the application of water — the air always applying itself when
the conditions are right. No matter how rich our soil may be — no
matter how much valuable manure we may put on it — without water
we can obtain no results. "We must either apply our manures in a
liquid form, or else see that enough water is present to dissolve the
manure and put it in condition to become food for our plants. They
live by drinking, and not by eating. They do not devour the soil :
they only absorb the liquids and gasses that come through the soil.

Here is ■ very important point that should be kept well in mind
when deciding on the best way to apply manures. No solid manure
of any kind, dung or anything else, can ever enter the roots and be
carried to the different parts of a plant as used by it. but must be dis-
solved or so far decomposed that it will enter in a liquid or gaseous
state. Manure, as applied, is not the food of plants as used by them,
but contains the elements of food of plants, and must be so far decom-
posed that it can be dissolved and presented to the different portions
of the plant in a solution, so that the kind and amount of these ele-
ments may be presented to every part of the plant in such condition
that the different elements needed to build up the structure of the
plant may be appropriated as wanted. Nothing can be carried into
the plant in any other way. Even the silex that is found in the ashe^
of plants must be dissolved before it can be taken up and appropria-
ted by the plants. The structure of the roots and plants also makes
this necessary : for the pores or openings in the roots., through which
all plant food must pass, are too small to be seen, except with a
microscope, and of course, can pass no hard substance. This being
the case, that manure is applied to the best advantage which is most
readily dissolved and presented to the roots of plants. If turned to
the bottom of the lurrow.only the heavier rains will reach it : those will
be as apt to carry it down as bring it up. although the roots of plants
are nearly, and when small, are in the mellow portion of the ploughed
soil. Tnis is especially the case where manure is turned under a sod :
if ploughed under in a mellow soil that brakes up fine, it is more gen-
erally mixed in where it will be reached by the rains and roots as
wanted, but still a large share is at the bottom of the furrow, where
it is not so readily found and used. Hence cultivating and harrow-
ing it in is better than ploughing it in. as it more thoroughly mixes it
with the soil that is mainly occupied by the roots, applying manure
where the most work is done is also a good plan for the same reason.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

while it has this additional advantage, that the well-worked arid mel-
low soil more readily admits the rains which are needed to dissolve
the manure.

Two things are very essential : first, that the manure should be dis-
solved— should be ready to be taken up by the roots of plants. Sec-
ond, that-it should be thoroughly and evenly presented to all the roots
of all the plants. This, a little consideration will show, can be best
secured by surface manuring. The rain, as it falls, is evenly distri-
buted, an 1 it soaks into the ground, if it is all alike mellow, as evenly
as it falls. If the manure is finely and evenly spread on the surface
all the rain that falls absorbs a portion in its way into the soil, and all
that reaches the roots of plants will contain a portion of this dis-
solved manure. If the manure is worked three inches into the soil,
and a portion of the roots of plants, as is always the case, are found
in this three inches, then all the water that reaches the roots before it
has a chance to get to the manure will be takeu i p by the roots before
it receives any benefit from the manure. If the manure is six inches
deep the roots will be mainly supplied before the moisture reaches it.
while muny small showers that are of great use to plants ! : never
reach it at all. If on the surface, every small shower dissolves a por-
tion, which if not taken up by the plants, will be retained by the meb
low soil, as the latter is so constituted as to allow scarcely any fertil-
izing matter to pass off by evaporation. Thus the portio: of manure
not taken to the plant by one shower may be presented by another.
Again, the roots of plants, except to a very narrow limit, are station-
ary : they cannot go about the lot like cattle or sheep to look up food.
Hence their food must be presented to them as wanted, and water and
air are the carriers from which they receive it. This is another proof
of the great use of water as a means or medium for conveying food
to plants : and. with the above, shows the great advantage of having
manure in the best place and condition to be most readily and cer-
tainly conveyed by water to the plants as wanted. Keastai:.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Mr. Editor : — Some of your readers may be interested in ihis list
ol Granges organized by me since April 1st.

Green Bay Grange, 7th April, Prince Edward county, with
twelve males and eight temales. P. B. "Wilson, Master; J. T.
Johnson, Secretary

Liberty Grange, 7th April, Prince Edward county, with eleven
males and ten females. E. M. Wing, Master ; G. S. Wing, Sec-
retary.

New Store Grange, Buckingham county, with fifteen males and
ten females. L. D.^Jones, Master ; C. Y. Hooper, Secretary. April
15th.

Smyrna Grange, Buckingham, with seventeen males and ten
females. H. C Boughan, Master ; "W. M. G. Ranson, Secretary.
April lGth.

Plank Road Grange, Buckingham, with nineteen males and seven

276 THE SOUTHERN [June

females. J. W. Hebditch, Master ; E. V. A-clerson, Secretary.
April 18th.

Gold Hill Grange, Buckingham, with eighteen males and nine
iemales. Dr. Charles F. Moseley, Master ; W. M.'Hall, Secretary.
April 30th.

Union Grange, Appomattox coanty, with sixteen males an .
females. Gen. W. M. Elliot, Master ; 0. H. Chilton, Secretary.
May 5th.

Stonewall Grange, Appomattox, with nineteen males and nine
females. liev. Wm. Fisher, Master : T. J. S:ra:ton, Secretary.
May 6th.

Tower Hill Grange, Appomattox, with eleven males and ten
females. Jas. A. Walker, Master ; Jas. H. Featberston, Secretary.
7th May.

James River Grange, Buckingham, with sixteen males and six
May.

females. Geo. Booker, Master : G. W. Patterso: . .

eral other Granges will be organized soon in Buckingham —
there are now eight in that county.

Generally, in the counties just named, the wheat looks well, for-
ward in growth and of fine color. But in several places, it is back-
ward and pale ; and I heard of the presence of chinch bugs. The
common remark, that the crop is exceptionally fine is only in fact
correct. It is not as forward, or as promising as it was at the
same date in either of the years 1365 and 1869.

Some of the very finest wheat I have seen grows on the hand-
some farm of Mr. Thomas Homer, an English farmer who ha
tied in Prince Edward, and who bids fair to take the lead here ;
both in the rapid improvement of the farm and in the successful
growth of our staple crops.

I have ever; where heard statements, and in many places have
seen evidences of so great a failure in the plant beds as justifies
the belief that the tobacco crop of 15 74 wili be both light and
late. In deed, so great and so general a failure of plants is not
remembered, it it ever occurred, within the recollection of a:
iarmer among the many who have spoken to me on the sub;

The best lot of clover I have seen in these counties was seeded
in March 1875, while a considerable flock of sheep was running on
the wheat. The seed were well tramped into the soil. The sheep
continued to run on the lot until the last week in March, and the
lot was as bare of any green growth as the public road, yet the
crop of wheat was a very fine one, in quantity and quality. But
a similar experiment, the same season, on another field in the
vicinity, resulted in manifest damage to the crop of wheat. The
chief difference in the two cases was that the latter field was
grazed by the sheep two weeks later than the other. In this con-
nection, 1 remember that the late Capt. Xathaniel Price, of Prince
Edward, was more ?uccessful than any of his neigbors in growing
wheat. His crops averaged better than others, in any term of
years, and his practice was to put his ewes and lambs on his wheat
in February and March, and keep them there while the earth was
". Yours truly,

pden Sidney, May 14th, . T. T Tkeijwat.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
Allow me to say that I consider your May number more valuable
than any number yet published for the year. It is truly worthy of
the managers, filled as it is with valuable correspondence as well as
news. &c, that is interesting. I am glad, truly glad, to see the
farmers of old Virginia determined to have a journal, which shall
be worthy of old Virginia and her people.

Allow me too to say that I read with true pleasure and gratifica-
tion the letter of Mr. Gilmer to the Messrs. T. G. Erhard and
others. Mr. Gilmer, in that letter, proves his loyalty and devo-
tion to his mother State as well as to his profession, and by his
letters in the Southern Planter and Farmer and the American
Farmer, of Baltimore, sets an example well worthy of imitation by
old as well as young.

Mr. Gilmer, in another paper, gives"', us his views on the ques-
tion of the Dog Tax, and none can deny that they are truthful and
to the point. What, indeed, is the use of making any more
appeals to our Legislature? Have we not already made appeal
after appeal to no effect? Does not the world know that our Leg-
islature would willingly give us the help we so much need and the
condition of our treasury so much demands, if then v:ere not afraid !
They tax our horses, cattle, sheep — in fact every thing, except our
worthless dogs.

No wonder that repudiation stares us in the face ; no wonder
that Messrs. T. G. Erhart and many others write to know if our
lands are as desirable as we represent them, why we are so much
in debt, and why some have come among us and gone back ; no
wonder that they hesitate to come among us ; no wonder that the
farmer can't support his family by hard, hard work ; no wonder at
anything tchen ice have a Legislature afraid to do its duty ! Afraid
to relieve our honest, hard working farmers, by whom they were
sent to Richmond, because they well know (by instinct perhaps),
that if they do their duty they will lose the vote of every Radical
voter.

So it has been in regard to the fence law, no one can estimate
the amount of our very best land occupied by ugly and zigzag
fences. Since the adoption of the fence law our farmers are clean-
ing up and cultivating their many hedge rows, which they find
enriched and the appearance of our country is improved. Should
the fence law ever be abolished, it will be an evil day for our
farmers, who, trusting in the good faith of their Legislature, have
removed most of their long and expensive fences and made sim-
ply one or more good pasture fences and are cultivating most of
their crops without any protection from other people's stock —
which there should never be any need of.

But in regard to the dogs, as says Col. Rufrin, do not let the dog
law or any other law prevent your raising sheep. Don't think the
farmers of Virginia dependent on a weak Legislature. Let us
take our guns, watch the advent of the sneaking and worthless
cur across the borders of our own domain and execute justice
speedily ; or else, as Col. Rufiin says, build a pen and we shall
soon be rid of sheep-killing dogs.

In regard to Deep vs. Shallow Plowing, I am convinced that we
2

278 THE SOUTHERN [June

frequently do turn up too much of the subsoil on top and I have
recently been satisfied of the correctness of Col. "Waring's views
on the subject. Last week I attempted to re-fallow some land
which last fall had been plowed very deeply with a Starke 3 horse
plow, turning under weeds and all trash. It was a rough job, the
top was as hard and crusty as a brick, while a few inches below
was soft and mellow. I am satisfied we should be more cautious
as to deep plowing, but not as to deep subsoUing, which is always a
benefit.

I see many composts recommended, but I will give you one I
think I can use to advantage on most crops. Here it is —

15 bushels leached and unleached ashes.

5 bushels hen manure.

1 bag Pacfic Guano.

1 bag Flour of Raw-Bone.
4 bags Plaster.

2 bags Agricultural Shell Lime.

I have found this good, a handful to each hill of corn, splendid
for potatoes, peanuts, &c, as it contains in a more or less degree the
necessary ingredients for each. I have used it on each one of the
crops mentioned. I shall drop a thimbleful of plaster on each
bud of corn when it comes up, believing it will mitigate to some
extent the effects of drought. Very truly,

Glenmorlan, Va., May 8th, 18*4. H. W. Cosby.

CULTIVATION OF COPvX.

Maise or Indian corn has been cultivated in Virginia since its
first settlement and the intrinsic value of the plant has made it
our most important crop. The Mondamise of the Indian furnishes
the civilized man with bread, hominy and whiskey for his own
palate, material for his bed and grain and forage for all the
domestic animals that minister to his comforts.

The land intended for corn should be well plowed, the depth
corresponding with the fertility and depth of the soil, amount of
manure to be used, status of drainage, etc. It stiff clay, it should
be plowed in beds in early winter, and great attention paid to the
direction of the furrows, so that no water may remain on land
during the winter. If sandy and clean, it may be plowed just
before planting and in any way to suit the surface.

As soon as the land is dry enough in Spring preparation should
be made for planting. If it has been plowed early it may be foul
or baked with the rains, in which case the land should be re-plowed
with a single plow to the depth of three or four inches and har-
rowed before planting. This is important, too, because it is equal
to a good working of the corn and can be done with much less
expense than after planting. After the frost is out of the ground
the corn should be planted. The time in this climate is very un-
certain, extending from April 1st to July 1st. I have made good
corn planted July 6th.

The distance apart at which corn should be planted, depends

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 27

entirely upon the tertility of the soil. In old times, upon large
fields of moderate fertility, the rows were laid off five feet apart,
and from three to five grains of corn dropped by hand in the rows
three feet apart, covered with the hoe, harrow or foot; the last, we.
think, the best instrument ever invented for the purpose, if ap-
pended to a judicious body. More corn is made in a series
of years, by giving the plant reasonable room, and, in every
case, the ears are larger and grains more perfect where it is not
planted too thick ; this is especially so in seasons ot drought.

After the corn has been planted two furrows should be thrown
up in a ridge in the middle of the row. This may be done before
the corn comes up, the sooner the better, as the land thus thrown
up becomes pulverent for future use. After the corn is of suffi-
cient size for weeding, two more furrows should be thrown off
from the corn to the two already in the middle. The plow should
be run as close to the corn as possible, as it leaves less land to be
worked by the hoe. The plant now is hoed and thinned out to the
number of stalks deemed best. This should be done by careful
hands for, though corn is very tenacious of lite, if this operation
is not done carefully the corn is checked in its growth. The
stalks not wanted should be dug up by the roots.

After weeding and thinning the corn is left to attain sufficie t
size to " take the dirt ;" in the meantime should the ground be-
come hard and baked, the cuff coulter may be used with great ad-
vantage.

The after cultivation consists in reversing the land ; two fur-
rows are first thrown to the corn high enough to reach in the mid-
dle and fall around the stalks, care being taken not to cover them up.
After this two more furrows in like manner, then split out the
middles when the corn is considered " laid by." This working
should not be done rapidly,but as the corn needs soft earth for the
extension of its roots, besides a fresh surface is favorable to the
absorption of fertilizing gases and moisture and causes rapid
growth. Even after the corn is "laid by" a working with the cul-
tivator is of great service if the land becomes baked.

It will be seen from the above that we prefer ridges and the use
of the turning plow in the cultivation of corn. The soil absorbs
in proportion to its surface and ridges furnish a wider area. They
do not bake so easily as a flat surface, and drainage to the plant in
early life, is more easily effected. The rain falling upon the earth
isjquickly dissipated by the atmosphere which is the great storehouse
from which moisture is obtained, and as large and as fresh a sur-
face as possible should be presented for its action. The turning
plow does not cut the roots of the plants if used as above ; the
extension of the roots follows the plow, but, even when cut there
is still a compensation, as the cut roots throw out a greater num-
ber of points in search of food. The plow is by far the most effi-
cient instrument for killing grass. All manures should be scat-
tered near the surface ; if applied to the hill they should be made
to cover as large a space as practicable or they will not exert their
greatest efficacy, after the plant begins to send out its rootlets.

The Prolific is the best corn for our use, it can be planted thicker,
sjives a greater number of good ears to the stalk and yields more

280 THE SOUTHERN [June

sound corn to the hill. The grain is white, hard and very free
from rot. It is earlier than most of other kinds of white corn.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB.

The April meeting of this club was held at "Linden," the resi-
dence of J. A. Lynham.

The farm was first inspected, and the owner commended for the
general improvement apparent, as well as the promising condition
of his clover, winter oats and wheat.

After dinner a discussion arose as to the origin of the '-Norton
seedling grape," which was elicited upon reading to the club, by
Maj. Harvie, of the accompanying communication from Dr. Pal-
mer. The view there taken of the origin of this grape was corn-
batted and claimed to be incorrect by Dr=. Pollard, Beattie, Mr.
Johnston and others, who expressed the sense of the club that
while this communication was of an interesting character, it did
not give the correct information as to the origin of that vine.

Your reporter could not be present during the entire discussion
add Dr. Pollard promises to furnish to your journal the theory
entertained of the origin of this important grape.

The May meeting of this club was held at "Sunnyside," the
residence of Maj. Vaughan.

The farm being first inspected, the crops and garden were
declared to be in good condition. The wheat promising and the
Irish potatoes particularly good.

After dinner, the Committee on Constitution and by-laws
reported, and their report unanimously adopted.

The corn crop and its culture then engaging the attention of the
club.

Dr. Perkins, by request, read to the club some notes prepared
by him on the subject of the "Cultivation of com," only. This
essay was incomplete and in the form of notes to elaborate. But
the club deemed the views given as of value as a practical treaties
on this '"Cultivation, " and I herewith send the same to you.

The necessity of proper distance to afford ventilation and the
sun for this crop was discussed, and especial attention was called
to the "thinning" and removing the suckers by the root. The two
stalks in a hill where the land will admit of it, or two in every
other hill, was recommended, particularly having in view a plen-
tiful supply of the all important "pollen" was referred to by Dr.
Beattie and others.

The resolution offered by your reporter as to the improving and
cleansing of our lands by the use of the black or "fallow pea,"
and as to the mode of seeding so as to produce the best results
as a manure was adopted for discussion at our next meeting, and
a committee consisting of Dr. Beattie, Dr. Perkins and J. A. Lyn-
ham appointed to prepare an essay on that subject.

We have frequent informal discussions as to the "Granges/'
:h is fast increasing in popularity and interest with us.

Yours ttc,

Reporter.

18T4.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 231

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB— APRIL MEETING.

The club assembled at the handsome residence of Mr. J. A.
Lynham, where they were most hospitably and bountifully enter-
tained.

Among the proceedings of the meeting was the reading of a let-
ter from Dr. Wm. P. Palmer on the origin of the "Norton seedling
grape," which is here appended. * *

After the reading of the letter Dr. Beattie remarked that he had
examined carefully the fruit of the^vine at Gen. Johnston's, and
was convinced that it was not the "Norton seedling grape."

Dr. Pollard remarked that this grape was generally believed
now not to be a seedling, but that it was a native of the county of
Hanover, saying such was Gen. "W. H. Richardson's statement
some time since to the club, the General asserting he had frequently
seen the vine near Powhite, Hanover, from which the Norton seed-
ling was propagated. In further confirmation of this, Dr. Pollard
remarked that a grape was occasionally brought to the Second
Market in Richmond, which was scarcely distinguishable from the
cultivated Norton.

A discussion then ensued on "Machinery in Farming." Several
members agreed in the opinion that for machinery to be used to
advantage on the farm, that it should be managed by skilled and
experienced labor.

Dr. Beattie spoke of "Thomas' smoothing harrow," which he
used, and praised it very highly.

Mr. Channing Robinson remarked that with eight cradlers he
could do the work of any wheat reaper, and believed this the most
economical plan of harvesting wheat.

The corn planter was spoken of, but not commended, except on
well prepared land and large farms.

An incidental discussion then followed on corn culture.

Dr. Beattie preferred the level culture.

Dr. Crenshaw recommended the old system of mold board cul-
ture, and said that the old Veteran Virginia Farmer, Hill Carter,
preferred this to any other plan, and had discarded the shovel
plow.

Corn Culture was then adopted for next meeting. P.

[For the Southern Planter and Fanner.]
CUTTING, CURING AND STORING PIAYS.

The time is at hand when such of our farmers as are fortunate
enough to have meadows, either of clover or the more permanent
grasses, will have the pleasant, yet laborious duty of cutting and
storing the hay to attend to. Having had considerable experience
in the management of hay, we give it for the benefit of such of
our readers as are just attempting the management of their first
crop. We are happy to say that there are very many individuals
who though farmers of many years' standing, have never attempted

THE SOUTHERN [June

J raising of hay, -who this year have some to cut, and we con-
sider it one of the surest, as it is one of the most potent evidences
of improvement, that almost every farmer has a small patch at
: of clover or grass.
Clover should be cut as "soon as the earlier blooms begin to
turn brown. If growing alone, and the crop is heavy and there is
a great deal to cut in proportion to the available force, it is better
commence earlier — say when the bloom is brightest. If it can
be had, a mowing machine should always do the cutting. In point
of economy it may be safely averred that a ton of heavy clover
can be cut by a machine for about one third what it would cost to
cut it with a sc \ the, and if the ground is in proper condition from
one-eighth to one-sixth more hay will be obtained. The machine
in cutting leaves the clover nicely scattered in the best possible
condition for curing ; thus saving the immense amount of labor
involved in scattering it and turning in the swathe when cut by
hand. Clover should never be cat. when damp with dew or rain;
and if this precaution is observed it will require very little time
to fit it for storing.

The machine should starrjjre o'clock A. M. if clear, and by
'2 o'clock the rake may follow, jJutting the hay in windrows. If it
continues fair and dry, and especially if a brisk breeze be stirring
the grass cut one morning may be safely stored the next evening.
The horse rake should be invariably used instead of the hand,
and unless bad weather intervenes, or it is desirable to leave the
• in the field tor several days it should not be put in cocks. In
curing clover alone it is important to watch and turn it, or gather
.it into windrows before the leaves become scorched by the sun.
In very bright, still weather this will frequently occur in two or
three hours after cutting. It is very important that no rain should
fall upon clover after the process of curing has commenced, and
to avoid this we have upon several occasions stored considerable
quantities the same day it was cut. In cases of this kind we are
careful to distribute the hay as evenly and lightly as possible over
the entire mow and apply two quarts of air slaked lime and one
q^fK-t of salt to each ton of grass, sowing it over it as evenly as
^ble. We have never lost any hay thus treated. Upon the con-
e have usually found it sweeter, or at any rate more rel-
ished by stock than any other.

Clover hay should never be stacked out unless there is straw or
-ong grass at hand to cover it and protect it from the weather.
Some persons add considerably to the bulk of their clover hay by
storing it in alternate layers of a foot or two in thickness. If this
is done, the clover mav be put away quite green, the dry straw
absorbing the surplus moisture and becoming impregnated with
juices of the clover and being much more relished by cattle
than when not so treated

Immediately after the clover harvest comes that of timothy. .If
this grass has been sown alone it will not be difficult to cure. " We
usually let it lie twenty-four hours after cutting if the weather is
favorable and then put in medium size cocks where it may remain
several days or even longer before being hauled in. When ready
to store or stack it, the cocks should be opened and the bottom

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 283

exposed to the sun an hoar or two. Pare timothy can be readily
stacked to keep, but we prefer, when practicable, to put hay of
every kind under shelter. It should always be remembered when
cutting timothy that there is a small bulb formed upon the stalk
an inch or two and sometimes even three inches above the surface, ■
which should not be cut, as it contains provisions for the next
growth, and if cut off the entire plant will be very much weak-
ened, if not killed. It is therefore best not to cut this grass so
close as orchard grass or clover, may be cut with impunity.

The best time to cut timothy, in our opinions, is directly it sheds
the bloom, or when the larger part of the heads are in what wheat-
growers call the dough. If intended for food for milch cows or
young cattle or sheep, it is perhaps better to anticipate this period
a few days, cutting when in full bloom. It, however, it is intended
for food for horses it may even be riper still, many experienced
horsemen preferring hay, the seed of which are mature, for feed-
ing horses that labor. We confess our own experience is not by
any means conclusive on this point, the condition in which the
hay is saved making more difference than its degree of ripeness
when cut.

For all stock, except horses, intended for hard or fast work we
prefer well cured clover hay to timothy, and the manure from one
ton of clover is worth double as much as. from the same quantity
of timothy, an item which should not be lost sight of in the econ-
omy of the f3s;m. Especially when the growing of clover enriches
the ground even when the entire crop is removed, while timothy
is an exhausting crop. We have before remarked that it is best
to store all hay under shelter if possible. There are several good
reasons for this. In the first place, the loss from wet and spoiling
stacks is frequently sufficient to pay for the necessary shedding,
and another advantage which every practical farmer "and feeder
will readily appreciate, is that you can store any quantity at a time
from a load to a dozen loads. When stacking out farmers fre-
quently lose an opportunity of having several loads, when the
weather is threatening and there is danger of the stock being
caught before finishing; this difficulty may be avoided to some
extent by having at hand a large tarpaulin to throw over unfin-
ished stacks in case of rain. Another advantage is that any quan-
tity may be taken out for feeding purposes without leaving the rest*
exposed. The sheds for the protection of hay need not be expen-
sive. One sufficiently large to store thirty tons Ave had built for
fifty dollars, expenses all told. With the assistance of the ordi-
nary farm labor, it would cost even less than this. Good, strong
"oak or cedar posts, four feet in the ground and sixteen feet above
it, with a plain roof is all that is absolutely necessary.

«ew old rails make a very good bottom to put hay upon, and a
care will make the sides shed all the wet that beats in upon
When hay is a specialty and largely made for market pur-
poses a shed should be provided for baling for market purposes.
Timothy is preferred to any other grass, and it may be permitted
to ripen more thoroughly than when intended for home consump-
tion. It sells equally as well and weighs heavier.

364 THE SOUTHERN

AMERICAN MANURES AND FARMERS' AND PLANTERS'

GUIDE.

:nerican Chemist.)

Comprising a Description of the Elements and Composition of
Plants and Soils, the Theory and Practice of Composting, the
Value of Stable Manure and Waste Products, etc., etc.*^ etc.
Also Chemical Analysis of the Principal Manufactured Fertil-
izers, their Assumed and Real Value, and a Full Expose of the
Frauds Practiced Upon Purchasers. By James Bennet Chyno-
Weth, late Superintendent of Baugh *fc Sons' Fertilizer Manufac-
tories, Philadelphia and Chicago, and Wm. H. Bruckner, Ph.
D., Analytical and Consulting Chemist. Philadelphia, Chvno-
weth & Co., 1871.

From the above specious title, the reader might suppose this
book to have been written with a sincere desire to impart infor-
mation to planters and farmers, and to instruct them in those
essential principles of agricultural chemistry, which are so impor-
tant in their application to the operations of the farm. A very
different object, however, appears to have animated the authors.
The first few chapters, indeed, seem intended to elucidate the
chemical theories of manures and their effects, but the information
thus conveyed, is totally devoid of originality, and meagre in the
extreme ; aud serves merely as an introduction to the main part of
the work, which consists of a violent attack on American commer-
cial fertilizers as a class, in which individual manufacturers —
some of them of eminent respectability — are fully aspersed, and
the products, by imperfect and garbled analysis and are arrogant
assumptions, are rated at prices far below their actual worth. .

The methods of estimating the money value of commercial man-
ures, are arbitrary in the extreme. No allowance is made for
fluctuations in the price of raw materials, or for labor, for wear
and tear of apparatus, or the many other sources of expense inci-
dent to the business. Manufacturers have many just grounds of
complaint at the summary way in which self-elected censors
assume their product to be worth certain prices. Reasonable
chemists, while using these valuations pimply for purposes of com-
parison, admit that they are no real criteria as to their actual
money value ; and agree that it is unjust to enforce such assump-
tions. The authors of this book, with an effrontery which would
be amusing, were it not offensive to good taste, reject the more
liberal valuations of such eminent chemists as Avery, Stockhardt,
Voelcker, Johnson and others, calling them "simply ridiculous/'
and state they "shall proceed to estimate from a different 1
This "basis" seems to have been selected for the ex-
of assailing well-known manures, and villifying reputable manu-
facturers. By the "basis" thus arbitrarily as ^soluble
phosphoric acid is declared to be worthless, and in the tables of
analytical results of the fertilizers which the authors examined.
the only ingredients to which anv value is assigned, are soluble
phosphoric acid, ammonia [potential and actual] and potash. In
this view of the case, the value o£ purcjground bone would be

1874.] PLANTER AXD FARMER. 285

estimated simply from its percentage of nitrogen, leaving the
phosphoric acid wholly out of consideration, winch is a manifest
injustice. As chemical analysis can merely estimate the quantity
of insoluble phosphoric acid in fertilizers, without positively indi-
cating its source, whether from bones, bone ash, or mineral phos-
phates, it must be clear to any reasonable mind, that to make a
sweeping assertion that it is entirely valueless, is an unwarranta-
ble presumption. Moreover, the phosphoric acid which naturally
exists in soils, invariably occurs in its insoluble form, in which
condition it is available for plants.

The opinion prevails among the most eminent agricultura
chemists, that soil analysis are of no practical benefit to the
farmer, except, perhaps, in certain instances where abnormal
results are observed. The authors of this book, on the contrary,
assume that soils should be analyzed, "so that the farmer may
know the amount of fertilizing substances he has on hand. This
would be analogous to taking an account of stock by the merchant
or manufacturer, only it need not be done so often." They like-
wise make the remarkable assertion that the price of farming lands
should be rated by their composition ! This brilliant idea would
introduce a new element into the business of buying and selling
farms ; and in the event of its being accepted, the novel spectacle
may be witnessed, of real estate agents appending analysis of soils
t<> their descriptive advertisements of lands placed on their iegis-
ters.

The methods of analysis which the authors used in their exam-
ination of fertilizers are crude and faulty ; and while they are
open to grave objections on this score, they are exposed to the
suspicion that more accurate results were not desired, as they
would not, perhaps, have afforded the opportunity — apparently so
earnestly relished — of indulging in the intemperate language they
have employed. Honest criticisms may be severe, and yet be free
from calumnty. When it degenerates into personal invective, it
loses much of its force, and leads to suspicions that other motives
than those professed, inspire the detractor. The authors of this
book have attempted to produce a sensation by publishing a
defamatory work, under the flimsy pretext of offering valuable
advice to farmers. They have succeeded in at least a part of their
endeavors by issuing a volume which renders them liable to pros-
ecution for libel, and which cannot be read by any chemist with-
out regret that one claiming to belong to the profession should
assume the sponsorship of such a diatribe.

MISTAKES IX WHEAT GROWING.

Most farmers aspire to raise wheat. It is the great staple crop
of the country. There is sure to be a market for it. A man feels
prouder over a good yield of wheat than he does over any other
farm product, without it be a fat Short-horn steer, of mammoth
size, concerning which he can say that he both bred and fed it.
But while most farmers have an ainb:tion to grow wheat, only here

!86

THE SOUTHERN [Ju

and there one really knows how to do it ; and there is, perhaps,
no crop grown in the country, which so often disappoints the
hopes of the husbandman. In the majority of cases, this is the
result of mistakes which may be corrected and avoided.

A very common mistake is that of supposing that any sort of
land wili. grow wheat. There are adaptations of soil which ought
to be carefully studied, so that each variety may be devoted to
such purposes as best suit it. While most farm products have a
faculty of accommodating themselves to circumstances, and wili
grow after a fashion, anywhere, it will pay to make everything as
favorable as possible to their best development. In selecting a
piece of ground for wheat, the two extremes of light sand and
stiff clay should be avoided, and a good strong loam chosen. A
clay loam is better than a sandy loam. Province has given us
abundance of the very best wheat land in the world, but there are
soils not so well adapted for it, whereon other products should be
cultivated. Why fight nature when it is easier and better to act
in harmony with her provisions and laws ?

Another and most grievous mistake is attempting to grow wheat
on poor land, land that has been exhausted by hard cropping. To
grow this grain to the best advantage, even a suitable soil requires
to be in a state of fertility. There should be aduudant stores of
both mineral and organic plant-food in it, and that too in an elab-
orated state, readily availing for use. The soil should be mellow
and well-pulverized, even the manures that are applied being
reduced to the greatest possible fineness. This is best secured by
letting it follow a root crop. In a well-managed rotation, the
place of wheat is next after roots. Nothing so completely mel-
lows land, and so fines down manure, as thorough culture of a
root crop. In this way, too, the land is cleaned of weeds, an
important pre-requisite lor wheat growing. The root crop is to
be heavily manured. Both turnips and wheat will show the good
effects of it. So also will the succeeding yield of grass, for wheat
is an excellent plant for seeding down with, and as it should be
preceded by roots, it should be followed by grass. Wheat is an
exhaustive crop, the most so of any crop grown on the farm, and
it is the height of folly to sow it on poor land. A large propor-
tion of the disappointments connected with wheat culture may be
traced to this cause.

Insufficient preparation of the soil is a very common mistake in
wheat growing. To obtain the best results, wheat ground should
be well drained. It will not flourish on wet land. If there is
stagnant water about the roots, the tissues of the plant become
soft and watery, and though there may be a great show of straw,
there will be but a small yield of grain. It tile-draining cannot
be accomplished, the next best thing is to loosen the subsoil with
a subsoil plow. Many farmers hardly know the name or use of
this implement — the more's the pity. The subsoil plow follows
:n the furrow made by the common plow, not making a second fur-
vow, but loosening and tearing up the hard pan, so that it will be
light and open, admitting air, and giving free passage to moisture.,
in exhalation upwards, and in drainage downwards. When land
is snmmer-fallowed for wheat, every effort should be made by

874.] PLANTER AND FAEMEE. 287

repeated use of the harrow or cultivator, to destroy weeds and to
keep the soil mellow and friable. It should be ploughed in May
to the depth of about eight inches, and the subsoil plow run down
six or eight inches deeper. During the summer, an occasional
harrowing or cultivating should be resorted to as a means of erad-
icating weeds. Then just before the time for sowing, the land
should be re-ploughed with both common and subsoil plows. Let
those who think this "over-doing it," fairly try the experiment of
thorough cultivation and see whether the results do not prove that
it pays.

It is a mistake in wheat culture to bury the fertilizing material
deeply in the ground. VTe have known great pains taken to do
this, and the consequence has been sad disappointment. The
wheat plant inclines to spread out its roots horizontally near the
surface of the ground, and that is where it should find a supply
of nutriment ready for use. If the food of the young plant is
deeply buried, its roots must alter their natural course and strike
downward instead of spreading abroad near the surface. This
is, no doubt, one of the chief causes of winterkilling. The roots
are torn and broken by the alternate processes of freezing and
thawing. When the roots of the growing grain spread out hori-
zontally near the surface, the expansion and contraction caused
by freezing and thawing affect the whole plant, heaving it bodily
and letting it settle altogether, whereas when the roots are obliged
to strike dowu deeply in search of nutriment, the changes of
weather are felt only by that portion of the plant which is near
the surface. The lower portion of the plant remaining firmly
imbedded in the ground, when the top soil undergoes upheaval,
the obvious result is destruction to part of the roots and the con-
sequent weakening of the plant. It is well known that the best
crops of wheat are grown on new land. The trees have just been
chopped down, burnt, and the ashes distributed over the surface
of the ground. In addition to this fertilizing material, there is
the leaf-mould, which contains an accumulation of choice plant
food. It is impossible to plough the ground, because it is full of
green, tough roots of trees. Hence the seed is "dragged in," i. e.,
harrowed with an imperfect surface scratching. The roots of the
wheat plant can follow their natural inclination under such cir-
cumstances, and spread out close to the surface of the soil which
is richly stored with the best possible food. Have we not here
plain proof that in order to successful wheat culture our fertili-
zers must be distributed at or near the surface of the soil ? This
is no argument for shallow ploughing. Stir the soil deeply, but
let its treasures of plant food be near the top.

Broad-cast sowing is a mistake made by nis.ny. Drill-sowing is
more economical, saving seed by its more uniform distribution,
and lessening the liability of the young plants to winter-kill.
There is a better and more even distribution of light and heat}
and freer circulation of air, — important considerations in connec .
tiosa with the best welfare of the crop. It is not the least of the
advantages of the drill-sowing, that a little concentrated manure
may be applied in the drill, the influence of which will be felt in
hastening forward and strengthening the young plants.

THE SOUTHERN [June

It is a mistake in wheat culture to sow inferior seed. Indeed
this is very foolish in regard to any and every crop. Like begets
like. Weakness and disease are propagated in the plant world,
very much as they are transmitted from parent to child in the
world of human beings. The greatest pains should be taken to
procure the choicest seed that can possibly be had. It will pay a
farmer who depends on his own growing of seed, to cull out the
best portions of a field, when there is perceptible difference, and
devote them to this important use. Indeed it is a wise policy to
select the earliest and] finest heads, and from these grow seed.
It is also well to obtain a chaDge of seed from time to time, as
successive sowing in the same soil and climate, seems to induce
more or less degeneracy. The farmer should never grudge a lit-
tle extra outlay in the purchase of choice seed. Such outlay is
pretty certain to be well rewarded.

TTe have not enumerated all the mistakes that are made in wheat
culture, but these will suffice for the present article, and others
can be taken up hereafter. — Cincinnati Farmer.

Horticultural Department.

MULCHING, WATERING, AND PRUNING TREES!

A recent article in the New York Sun presented the results of
my experience in mulching and watering, in so much better form
than I can give it myself, that I laid aside the paper with the
intention of sending it to you, and requesting the republication of
the article in question. But, having mislaid the paper, were it
merely by way of penance for my neglect. I will offer my testi-
mony for what it is worth.

And I will state at the outset. I don't think I ever saved a tree
by watering. Certainly. I have lost a good many which I watered
assiduously. The Sun writer attributes this to the baking
of the soil about the roots, and this seems the most satisfactory
explanation. Yet I have sometimes kept the ground always moist,
and still lost my trees. I suspect I commenced watering too late,
and that the trees had already begun to decline, although it was
not yet perceptible. Still, the effect must be to strengthen yet
more the conclusion against watering at the root.

On the other hand, with mulching there is no such word as fail.
I have transplanted small trees in full leaf successfully, by remov-
ing most of the branches and foliage, watering when planted,
mulching, and then moistening the mulch, and the top of the tree
tonally. An occasional sprinkling of the boughs and body

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 289

of young trees daring dry spells in spring has the happiest effect
in starting the sap and buds.

A few years ago I planted fifty apple trees in March, and tested
the comparative advantages of mulching and cultivation. "With
the most thorough cultivation and high manuring I secured, on a
portion of the trees, a growth of from one to two feet. The re-
maining trees, planted in a lot sown in qflts, moderately manured,
well mulched, and left undisturbed throughout the year, grew
from two to four feet, and are ahead to this day.

Trees are oftener pruned too much than too little. Low heads
suit the intense heats of our summers.

Peach trees may be cut down to the ground, and grown some-
what like shrubs, with from three to five stems. By this method
you will have no splitting off of overloaded branches ; you can
cultivate close to the tree ; you escape the evil of a scaly, hide-
bound, sun-baked trunk, and you may, from time to time, cut away
one or more old stems, and have them replaced by new and vio-,>
rous ones, as in a rose bush.

Try this plan on a few trees, and you will be likely to keep it up.
Of course it is not every tree that admits of it, but simply the
youngest.

Another advantage— it greatly facilitates the gathering of the
fruit. L.

Richmond, April :20th. 1874.
Majob John 13. Hakvie, Jr. :

Dear Sir — 1 promised to give you the account I have fre-
quently heard from my late fathers lips (Mr. Charles Palmer) of
the origin of what is known as the "Xorton Seedling Grape-vine."
It is as follows : Soon after Mr. Monroe's return from France, lie
occupied the house on Franklin street, now owned by Mrs. Bayly.
"While living there, he made a gift to my aunt, Mrs. Price, of a
Burgundy grape-vine root, which she planted in the garden of the
residence now owned and occupied by Gen'l Bradley T. Johnson.
From early childhood I recollect that vine. At one time it was
very large, growing from two canes as large as a man's arm, and
never failed to bear profusely. It was often broken down, and
was once burnt down almost entirely. But it was never killed :
it seemed to have more than "nine lives." When the propertv
passed from my hands into those of Gen'l Johnson, I told him the
history of this vine ; whereupon he at once took steps to perpetuate
it. And now he has it supported upon an arbor, having first
trimmed out all the old dead wood.

I have often heard my father say that Dr. Norton got from this
vine the grafts which he used upon the wild native vine of this
State in the neighborhood of Richmond, and which originated
the •• Norton Seedling." This fact I hear is also known to Mr.

290 THE SOUTHERN J" June

Jessee Willams, the father of Air. A. D. Williams of the firm of
Grubbs it "Williams. Whether it be true or not — the charac-
teristics of the two varieties of fruit, viz : the fruit of the old
vine and that of the ''Norton Seedling" are very much alike, so
much so. that it is almost impossible to distinguish the one from
the other. They bear alike, they ripen alike, they taste alike,
thev arc hardy alike — cannot be propagated except from die root :
flourish in rich, moist spots : produce a dark, slightly astringent
juice or wine, cannot recommend as a table grape, but now con-
sidered the safest for wine. I give you this statement, as I have
often heard it, but of course cannot vouch for its accuracy. It is
well worth further investigation. It is enough to say. that the aid
vine to which I refer has been where it now flourishes for more
than sixty years, and is now a "merry old plant."
Very respectfully and truly yours,

Wm. P. Palmes.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PEAR CULTURE FOP PPOFIT.

A very practical work with above title has just been issued by
Orange Judd cv: Co., of New York. A former edition of the
same work was published some years ago by the Tribune associa-
tion we believe, and the author, General P. T. Quinn, of New
Jersey, has revised and added to it, and it now comes out under
the care of this great agricultural publishing house. The author
is perhaps as thoroughly competent as any one man in the country
to write such a book. For many years a practical cultivator of
the pear, and withal a thorough-going fruit-raiser, he deals only
in facts and experience. The book before us contains very little
theory : and while we do not agree with the author in many par-
ticulars, we cannot but commend the plain, common-sense manw
iu which he treats his subject; so different from many writers
who seek to bewilder rather than inform, and who advise so many
and such heavy out-lays of money and labor as absolutely neces-
sary to success in pear culture that most ordinary farmers are
deterred from engaging in it. Air. Quinn is decidedly opposed to
the planting of dwarf pears, except one variety— the l)ucF
Here we think him wrong. It is true that there are comparatively
few varieties which do well as dwarfs, if kept so: but by planting
the point of union between the pear and quince three or four
inches below the surface the pear stock will soon throw out roots
and become a standard, to all intents and purposes, retaining at
the same time all the advantages of the dwarf — early bearing and
productiveness. Though not an extensive grower, we have had
an experience dating back to '61 ; and we are now planting a
young pear orchard of 1000 trees, one-half of which will be

1874J PLANTER AND FARMER, 291

dwarfs. Our reasons for this are simply these: The original
cost of the trees is about one-half for dwarfs what standards
cost— the one s25 per hundred, the other $50. Secondly, in
transplanting dwarfs are much less liable to die than standards.
and are not so much checked in their growth. Thirdly, the
dwarfs will bear at least two years earlier than the standard, aud
even a half-peck of first-class fruit from each of 500 trees will
bring a considerable sum for a poor man. Fourthly, by planting
the trees deeply the pear stock will soon take root, and at the end
of ten years our orchards will all be standards.

Mr. Quinn recommends very few varieties of pears, and we are
disposed to agree with him in every particular on this subject.
There is a great disposition among tree planters to multiply vari-
eties upon their grounds; and the result is the planting of many
that are utterly worthless, and having so few ripening at a time
that they will not pay to take to market.

We wish we had space to copy whole chapters of this work for
the benefit of our readers, especially those upon planting, ma-
nuring, pruning, &c. As the season for planting approaches,
however, we will try and make such extracts as we deem of most
general practical interest. Every man. however, who pretends to
raise fruit — especially rears — should have the book itself.

Asso. Editor.

Stock Department.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

THE BEST BREED OF CATTLE FOR VIRGINIA.

Editors Southern Planter and Farmer:

The raising of cattle has now become a source of profit in many
sections to a great exteaiVand^ it becomes a matter of great prac-
tical importance to our farmers to select the breed best adapted
to the. locality in which they reside. The question is asked every
day, Which is the best breed, and where the best crosses?

The time lias passed away when the intelligent practical farmer
will be willing to put his cows to a ■"scrub" of a bull simply be-
cause his services can be had gratis. The calf of a blooded bull
is worth more for any purpose than one from a " scrub.'' Blood
has a money value which will be appreciated. I think the best
breed of cattle for Piedmont and Eastern Virginia is the Devon
crossed on our native stock; they will give more and richer milk.
and will make better beef than any other stock that II know of,
and at the same time they are herdy and will make the quickest
and best work-oxen in the world. Thev will winter on one-third

292 THE SOUTHERN [June

less than the short-horn or Alderny. Stock raisers should
more judgment in selecting such heifer calves as are to be reared.
Select those whose mothers are good milkers and wi. - have

come from good milking stock : at the same time the calf
should have those characteristics that indicate an aptitude to de-
velope good milking qualities — viz: small fine head, rather long
in muzzle, bright eyes, thin tapering neck, small well-shaped legs,
long body, large hind quarters. i, fine hair, the milk-mirror

or udder-veins should be large and well developed. The raising
of bull-calves f< :>r breeders had better be left to those who have
time and means to devote to it. But there is no reason why a
portion of the male calves at least should not be reared as bullocks,
either for team or butcher: and it is important that such as are
reared for this purpose should .-ertain points indicative of

future excellence — viz: well-shaped head, small ears, short thick
neck, deep brisket, broad chest and shoulders, fine bone, lung
body, -well rounded behind the shoulder, straight back, wide loins,
full fluajter^tail thin and tapering, skin soft and not too thin.

It ist«oV)i*enr4l5e feis6 H|at^Miiiqal&are selected for breeding
from their being of £ pretty cofo% * ^vot nnfrequently valuable
calves are fatteae^fqr veals sifhpTy because their color is unplea-
sant to1 the\4ye^^Tnje\ ^t^RppSjpach of wring suggests many
questions of importance in regard to tlTe care of stock, to get them
to summer in such a condition that none of the years' growth will
be lost. Cows that come in at this season of the year need
special care, or they will not yield through the season the expected
profits.

Food amounting in nutritive qualities to an equivalent of milk
secreted must be given, or there will be a draft upon the system,
reducing flesh and strength, and so checking the constitution that
full recovery will not be made during the entire season. Ground
feed, or vegetables with plenty of pure water, are indispensable.
Cold storm of rain and sleet are not uncommon near the opening
of spring — at a time when feed is likely to become reduced in
quantity.

The sheds and other buildings must not be allowed to get ont
of repair: for stock may be so much reduced in flesh, that they
cannot endure these severe seasons without sacrifice.

Good cows have three important qualities — viz: They give rich
milk, yield it in large quantities, and hold out well through the
year. It is not the quantity given, but the quantity profitably
given, which determines the value of a cow: a good milker does
not, in my judgment, constitute a good cow; neither does a _
breeder, nor a good feeder: it is the three qualities combined
that make the cow. Cows of extraordinary milking properties art-
found as often among grades as among thorough-bred animals.
The greatest milker that I have ever known is a grade D
She will yield four gallons of excellent milk at a milking, namely,
e a day. making an aggregate of eiirht gallons per day. C.

1S74.J PLANTER AND FARMER, 293

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

DOG TAX, SHEEP RAISING, &c.

The relationship th-at has existed between the man and dog
creation from a veryremote period, is a peculiar one. " Love rue,
love my dog," is a phrase we are all acquainted with, and many
of us, perhaps, have witnessed a fight or two between men about
their dogs. We find also, by reference to the Old Testament,
that the Israelites were prohibited by special enactment from
making dogs a matter of commerce.

A good dog, "whether he be kept specially for the chase or
sport, in the fields or only as a yard clog, is a valuable animal, and
it is just here that the jyeculiarity of his position towards man is
most striking, or is it man's position towards the dog? While we
are willing to quarrel about them, nay, sometimes actually fight
about them, yet we permit them to roam about the country at
will, absolutely without protection so far as the law is concerned,
and scarcely regarding the improvement of their species at all.

And in the meantime an interest of high importance to the
whole country suffers severely from the no-laio system of dogs.
I refer to sheep-raising, which is entirely prohibited in some sec-
tions, and carried on in others with the profits arising from that
lucrative and i?nportant branch of industry sadly diminished by
the loose morals of the neighborhood dogs. Especially is this the
case around our cities and towns and villages, where, on the
smaller but richer and better provided farms, those larger and
finer breeds of sheep are most likely to obtain a foot-hold — from
thence to be distributed among our flocks in the mountains and
on the plains beyond us. But this will never be the case as long
as our people suffer the dogs to kill the sheep with impunity, and
the best remed}" is a tax per capita, say of 25, 50 or §1.00 for the
first dog, double the tax for the second, and $5.00 for each dog-
more than two kept on one farm or lot; for females, double the
tax on males. Then require their owners to muzzle them securely
against damage to persons and property, and that they shall be
kept muzzled or confined at all times, and I think we will have
the dog matter safely and satisfactorily arranged for the good of
the dogs, as well as their owners ; and the difficulty (so far as they
are concerned, at least,) about raising sheep removed.

The money arising from this tax on dogs I would appropriate
ro extending our school facilities or improving our county roads.
<>r both, as the revenue from this sonrce would probably be suffi-
cient.

I have seen much opposition offered by the people to the feeble
efforts of our legislators hitherto made for taxing dogs; but I
believe it was the spirit animating those who favored the plan, or
at least their manner of presenting it, rather than any well-con-

204 THE SOUTHERN [June

sidered reason on* the part of the people for opposing, which caused
its failure : just as we see people opposiug the law requiring them
to fence in their cattle from the highways and their neighbors"
crops. This, as well as the dog tax v\ hich we may yet hope to
obtain from our Legislature as something at least in the line of
u value received*' for the enormous cost of their ''sitting," are both
innovations on a time-honored custom, which in the days gone by
I am told made law, and will be opposed just as the introduction
of labor-saving machinery was, and upon very like grounds. The
man who attempts to argue in favor of allowing cattle to run at
large by law, argues at the same time in favor of the proposition
that an indifferent cow or hog is letter than a good one, which is
simply ridiculous ; and he who opposes taxing dogs for the pur-
poses named, surely holds that his dogs are more important than
the education of his children and improved highways, or confesses
to the sin of feeding away bread from the months of hungry
women and children to a parcel of worthless dogs, not worth
paying taxes on.

No, Mr. Editor, I feel assured that a wholesome law passed by
our Legislature taxing dogs, and protecting them from being
harmed by others or each other, and preventing their doing harm
to people and property, would be hailed with delight by all ; and
those aspirants for higher places may vote for such a law with
perfect impunity ; there need be no fear of its detracting from
their majority for Congress, Governor, or President of the United
States, or what is better, a great railroad corporation monopoly a
single vote.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

BEES.

J/c-^;v. Ed'd<>,:>:

As you have published various articles on the subject of bees
from my pen year before last, and I now have frequent letters
asking why I do not continue to write for your journal, I thought
I would ran off a short article.

I the past month moved my family to the city of Richmond,
and with them brought ten swarms of bees in Triumph and
American hives, fearing to bring more. • I left twenty-two swarms
with the tenant on the farm I moved from, and placed ten swarms
on another farm about four miles from town, which is all the bees
I have left after having sold off near twenty swarms this spring
at prices ranging from -$7 to $16 for swarm and hive and honey
in the hive, the prices varying according to the kind of hive and
bee. I sold to one Lrentleman over $f>0 worth. So yonr readers

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 295

can see there is money in raising- bees if yon throw away the
honey; but I consider the honey far the most profitable part of
the business, if it is properly attended to.

Having these ten hives of bees in the city I propose reporting,
from time to time, their history as to number of swarms and yield
of honey; for 1 am inclined to think bees on a large scale in a
city uncertain, although I must say they have commenced un-
usually well; for I have already (May 9th) had seven Italian
swarms from the eight Italian swarms I brought in — as follows :
April 22d, one Italian swarm ; April 27th, two swarms ; May 1st,
one swarm; May 7th, one; and May 9th, two; which is very
good for eight hives so early in the season, when last vear I did
not have the first swarm until May 1st ; and in 1872 my first
natural swarm was not thrown off until May 13th. My two
apiaries in the country have also had a number of Italian swarms
already, while none of my black or common bees have yet thrown
off a swarm; so it proves conclusively, from three years' experi-
ence, that the Italian bee throws off earlier swarms than the
common bee, which is another advautage the Italian bee has over
the common bee ; and my experience is, they gather much more
honey, and protect themselves much better from moth-worm, and
they are a much handsomer bee to look at, with their golden
bands, as well as being much more docile, or not so much inclined
to make an attack when you pass amongst the hives or open them
to extract the honey, or otherwise manipulate with them. Thev
also do not so quickly leave a sheet of comb when you lift a frame
of comb or young brood from the hive. The queen being of a
golden or leather color, is much easier found.

I am now, after over three years' trial of some ten or twelve
different kinds of hive, using the Triumph hive, and a modifica-
tion of it and the Simplicity hive. The frames in the hive I am
using most are deeper than either the Triumph or the Simplicity,
but the same length on top as the Triumph; and without division
boards or surplus boxes I can sell them for three dollars and fifty
cents each, which makes them a very cheap hive. The Simplicity
hive, with thirteen frames and without bottom or surplus boxes.
1 can sell for three dollars each. This last named hive is so made
that the top of one hive will answer for the bottom or the top of
any other hive of the Simplicity pattern ; and when one hive is
full you simply set another hive either over the full one or under
it, as your judgment may decide best; and if the swarm is very
large and gathering much honey, you may set three or more of
these hives one over the other, and the bees will work in all. In
that way I think it is an advantage to have no fixed bottom or
top. I find, by experience, a little quilt to fit the hive nicely over
the top of the frames is a great convenience, and much to be pre-
ferred to a plank or wooden honey-board ; for when you cover up
he bees you do not kill any, as a wooden honey-board would, and
t lets the dampness evaporate, yet it is sufficiently warm for

296 THE SOUTHERN [June

winter or summer. With Triumph hive you can ventilate the
hive as thoroughly as you desire.

This communication is somewhat scattering, but it replies to
numerous letters of inquiry, and will save me some letter- writing.

I must close for the present, with best wishes for the success
of your journal. Respectfully yours,

May 11th, IS U. W. R. Polk.

Correspondence

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

MAY NUMBER OF THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AN1>

FARMER.

Before resuming our review we wish to say that the May num-
ber of the Planter we consider to be an excellent one. If some
Southern farmer were to find in a Northern agricultural journal
the same amount of valuable, practical matter, with the plates
and embelishments which usually accompany these journals, we
believe he would pronounce this Northern periodical one of the
best (if not the best) farmers' paper in the whole country. The
writer takes and reads several Northern agricultural journals, and
is conscious that he derives more useful information from the
Southern Planter than from any or all of them. We believe-
it literally true that every farmer in Virginia should take the
Southern Planter. What is $1.50 in comparison with the in-
formation he would obtain by reading it '.

This much we feel to be due to one Virginia journal, and i&
said by one who has no pecuniary or other interest in it. except
to see merit rewarded and Southern enterprise successful. What
is said in these reviews is paid for in no manner or form, the
writer only desiring to add his mite in building up and sustaining
a valuable Southern agricultural journal.

The first article in the May number puts forward the encourag-
ing belief that agriculture in Virginia is decidedly improving,
and expresses the opinion that Northern farmers who come to the
the State fail of their expected success because their soil, climate,
and system of labor are totally different from that they meet with
here. We suspect this is true. But the Northern man, the writer
ays, is far ahead of us in system. This is very manifest, and this
>ystem which is not characteristic of the Southern farmer is all
important. We have been often struck with the want of system
on our Southern farms in the one particular of not having "a
place for every thing, and every thing in its place." How often*

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 297

do we hear the saying of "where this thing or that thing is;''
and much valuable time is lost in hunting up things which are
kept in no particular place.

The " Virginia Water Line," which if completed would be one
of the greatest works of the age, and the most important work of >
internal improvement on the continent, is destined still to wait
for aid by the general government, and for the present " hope is
deferred." If this great canal were to wash Northern territory
an appropriation would not long be doubtful.

" Mixed Farming " and the cultivation of grasses is again very
properly urged upon our farmers. The cultivation of grasses and
the pea-fallow are all important to Virginia farmers in improving
their lands.

" The Currency" contains some interesting statistics, and shows
how far we are behind most other nations in the amount of cur-
rency per capita, and is an argument in favor of increase of our
currenc}*, or " inflation," as the opponents call it. The paper
contains many other practical statements, is quite detailed and
perspicuous, and needs no analysis at our hands.

In " Notes for the Month" the writer says he would prefer to
plough his laud the first time at least "three loeelts before planting."
This depends on the soil. In heavy clay lands we prefer to plough
four or five months, or the fall before planting. This gives oppor-
tunity for the freezes to pulverize and make friable the soil, and,
besides, expedites labor and enables the farmer to be beforehand,
or in time, in the spring. The mode of cultivation is touched on,
and the harrow after the corn is up, and then the cultivator or
coalter is advised. Mr. Hill Carter, a standard authority in farm-
ing in Virginia, prefers the old system — the culture with the
mould-board. It is the best system for killing the grass, and we
doubt if any system will ever be desired for cultivation of corn
better than this. On the cultivation of tobacco we are not pre-
pared to speak, not being a raiser of " the weed."

The proceedings of the " Monaskon Farmers' Club" contain a
practical article on sheep, and there we have a debate on the old
question of " Dog vs. Sheep." We suppose as long as the owners
of dogs can give more votes than the owners of sheep we shall
have no tax on dogs and no abatement of this great evil.

The " King George Farmers' Club " take up the old cry of
"Dogs vs. Sheep," and Mr. Fielding Lewis reports twenty-one
sheep killed by dogs in four nights, and the killing of the curs —
some satisfaction, but no pay for the lost sheep.

In the " Use of Straw " we are advised to apply it at once to
the poorer portions of our lands. Good advice ; but as much as
is needed to keep the farmers' animals clean and comfortable, and
to absorb the liquid manure, should be used in the stables and
farm pens.

" Protective Legislation Against Frauds in Fertilizers " has
•very little point or practical suggestion in it. Legislation to this

208 THE SOUTHERN [June

end in this country lias not been efficient. So states Hon. Fred.
Watts, commissioner agriculture, and so we believe. But if the
State was willing to incur the necessary expense much might be
accomplished. To make the plan available to the farmer it would
be necessary to have not only one " State chemist/' but many
chemists distributed through the State at different points. One
chemist could not do a tithe of the work necessary ; and besides,
chemists should be situated in the different portions of the State,
that the farmers might apply in person to them. Probably one
for each Congressional district might suffice. We believe that
Congress should make the appropriation for this purpose, on con-
dition perhaps that the farmers' clubs and granges should aid in
defraying the expenses. Agriculture being the great interest of
the country, and constitutional difficulties being not much re-
garded in modern times, we see no objection to the plan — a plan
somewhat similar to that used in Germany. In aid of this plan
perhaps it miglit be well to charge each farmer who applies to
the chemist for analysis a small fee. This, too, would prevent
useless applications to the chemist.

"On the Proper Method of presenting Phosphoric Materials to
the Soil," the question having arisen as to whether it was not
better to use these materials in a finely ground state than dissolved
by sulphuric acid, the testimony of Dr. Voelcker and M. Ville in
favor of the use of the acid is adduced.

Next comes a very interesting letter (rather too long, however,;
from Geo. C. Gilmer, of Albemarle, commending Virginia and
his county to settlers. It is in reply to numerous inquiries on
this point, and like this gentleman's other communications, is well
and pleasantly written.

" Deep vs. Shallow Ploughing" contains a long extract from
the '" Ogden Farm Papers" on "this subject. It appears to us the
solution of tins' question is found in the variety of soils and the
use of the sub-soil plough, which in common parlance "splits the
difference." The latter gives us a deep soil, without any danger
of upturning a bad sub-soil. Of the propriety of deep ploughing
on land with a good red clay sub soil, no one doubts, after ex-
aming the effect of throwing down the batteries near the city and
cultivating them. This has been done in some cases next the
river, and on these levelled batteries are found the best clover,
wheat, &c, though the sub-soil is alone on the surface, and the
super-soil varied.

The writer of "Agriculture" gives us some good advice — viz:
touse green manures (clover and peas), and lime and plaster. If
this advice was followed there is no doubt that we should in a
few years see decided improvement in the lands of Virginia —
much more rapid than we shall ever see by the use of " commer-
cial fertilizers."

Next we have some experiments on deep and shallow planting.
The season of the year, and the dryness or wet of the weather

18I4.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 299

prevailing, lias much to do in settling this question. The writers
experiments favor shallow planting.

The authority of William Thomas Meehan is adduced in the
article on "Manuring Vines and Trees" in favor of using the
manure in midsummer.

The writer of "What Stock Will Suit Us Best" advocates
" sheep," and adduces some strong arguments in their favor. The
trial of "goats" as a stock for farmers to raise is recommended.
They will live on less than sheep or any other stock. Their
hides are worth always $1 a piece, the young kid is very eatable,
the milk is good and nutricious, particularly for infants ; and
butter is by some made of the milk. They propagate very rapidly,
are not attacked by dogs, and we think the farmers should give
them a trial as a farm stock. The cashmere goat should un-
doubtedly be further tried in Virginia. The writer says they
yield a fleece weighing from three to eight pounds, which sells
in New York for $1 to $1.50 per pound.

Then we have an article on "Dogs vs. Sheep" again. This
time from the pen of Mr. Geo. C. Gilmer, who not only discusses
this subject, but. " Quibusdam alus" Can't the "granges" stretch
out their briarian arms and help the farmers in this matter? But
the trouble is, that every where the dogs outvote the sheep.

Then again we have more on this subject from F. G. Ruffin,
with his plan of killing dogs, and his statement that sheep may
be profitably raised in spite of the dogs ; and that the casualties
from the dogs is not greater than crops sustain by bad seasons, &c.
But then to this must be added the diseases which sometimes
pervade flocks of sheep, and the loss occasionally by rogues.

" Shepherd " wishes to know a remedy .for killing ticks on
sheep, and is informed that decoction of tobacco will do it. This
may sometimes kill the sheep. We do not know it will, but we
knew a cow once killed by it. The best remedy for insects of
all kinds on animals is mercury in some form — mercurial oint-
ment, or ointment of red precipitate ; the latter is particularly
efficacious for lice on hogs.

An article from Mr. R. P. Graves shows the profit of sheep
raising. If the dogs could be gotten rid of there is no doubt that
the business of sheep raising will increase yearly, and ultimately
become a great interest in Virginia.

Then follows " How to Succeed With Poultry," from the stand-
ard author on this subject, Tegetmeir. An}r thing practical on
poultry is always important to the farmer ; and we are convinced
that the farmers are not paying the attention to this subject that
it deserves.

Next we notice " Your Reviewer." "Henrico" seems in bad
humor with " Reviewer," and appears to take counsel rather from
a captious disposition than from reason. Why " Reviewer's" ob-
jections to the " Granges," honestly entertained and plainly stated,
should be called "covert," is hard to conjecture. Is it a "covert

300 THE SOUTHERN [June

attack," because at the same time it is hoped and believed that the
order will do good I Then one conscious that a friend or other
person may have some defects may not wish him success in life.
;: Henrico'* seems no believer in the line " "With all thy faults 1
love thee still." The order must indeed be immaculate and in-
fallible if one may not in a journal, where its claims are brought
forward for popular approval, state objections honestly entertained
by himself, and he knows many others, without having imputed
to him insincerity and conceit. "Reviewer" sincerely hoped and
believed the order would do good (for whatever benefits the farmer
will benefit " Reviewer " as one of them), and has not made up
his mind that he will never become a member of the Granges.
The secresy feature he could surmount ; he is not certain he can
the other. What is meant by bringing our wives into the "public-
arena" any 'reader can easily understand, though, the mixing of
females with the rougher sex in their meetings may not be as
'; public arena " as some others, and the expression may not be
literally that. It is to be hoped that the order will put forward
more politic and fairer-minded defenders of their principles than
" Henrico," if they wish to gain adherents to their cause.

Other articles deserve comment, but we fear we have already
consumed too much space in the Plaxtee. Reviewer.

Eratem ix last xeaebee of Review. — In commenting on Mr.
Price's article, for "mortified" patient, read "moribund:''

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

AMELIA PLANTATION OBSERVATIONS— THE TEN-
DENCY TO RUN EVERYTHING AGROUND.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, there exists a universal
tendency to run every new idea to death. "When men get a new
idea and successfully reduce it to practice, it becomes their uni-
versal panacea, and they seem oblivious to all other causes that
have been and continue to operate. Thus a class of writers now
see the plowing under of green crops, especially of clover, as the
all-sufficient remedy and restorer of worn-out lands. Now that
clover is a great and valuable improver and one of the cheapest
we possess, I have no doubt at all. But it does not follow that
therefore it will effectually restore fertility to every elas> of soil.
In some cases, where the soluble organic elements of plant life
are all that the soil needs to perfectly balance its elementary
constituents, it may — and does frequently — prove the all-sufficient
remedy. But we must not forget that the fertility of a & il
results from the equilibrium or balance of each of the constituent
elements of plant life in the soil; and though it may have either
of the most valuable soluble elements of plant life in great excess,
unless the inorganic or mineral constituents of plants exist in
proportionate quantities, the soil cannot be fertile or productive.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 301

When, for instance, General Lee fell back from Petersburg he
ordered quite a considerable magazine of ammunition to be ex-
ploded about a quarter of a mile from our Court-house, and large
quantities that remained unexplored had the out-casing of the
cartridges destroyed by the weather, and the nitre or nitrogen of
the powder washed by the rains into the soil. The result is that
the place has been ever since perfectly barren, like a perfect
waste; and yet there can be no doubt that that soil is excessively
surcharged with nitrogen.

Six years ago I seeded my wheat land to clover. I had sowed
on some portions of my wheat 400 lbs. of Boston Milling Co.'s bone
flour, and six bushels of salt to the acre, and on other portions I
mixed 200 lbs. of the bone flour with 200 lbs. of soluble Pacific
guano. Of course I had an elegant plant of clover. The second
season the clover was not used or cut till late in the fall, and left
on the land, when 200 lbs. of plaster was sowed and the land rolled,
the clover remaining on the surface as a mulch. I then sold the
place and removed from the county, and cannot say what have
been the subsequent crops, only I learn that the land has been
seeded to clover since, and a clover soil was fallowed for wheat
last fall. Upon the theoiy of our friends the wheat ought to be
first-rate and the land highly improved, which is not the fact;
fur the wheat is very sorry, and there is very little clover making
its appearance.

Professor Ville's is undoubtedly the true theory — namely, take
pains in choosing and marking out carefully plots of equal size
and quality of soil in the field, treat the whole precisely the same
as far as cultivation is concerned, then sow equal quantities of
the specific elements of commercial fertilizers separately on each
plot by themselves. On others sow them combinedly — -that is to
say, two of the separate elements on one plot, three on another,
and so on until all the variations necessary to make the test com-
plete is made, treat all with perfect equality in subsequent culti-
vation, and thus learn practically what each field needs. Do not
forget that soils are very diverse in their constituents, and what
may be true of one is not true of another. Be. impressed with
the inexorable truth that there is not and cannot be any universal
specific for lack of fertility. Do not let us be like the dupes of
quack-medicine venders in believing their representations that
their medicines meet every case.

We must be patient, persevering and persistent first in learning
the character of the disease of our soils, then we may intelligently
apply the remedy at comparatively a small cost, and I feel assured
we may be practical and successful physicians, bringing our soils
up to as high a state of cultivation as any in the country, if,
instead of relying upon one thing as a specific, we, by small and
inexpensive tests, as advised above, first determine what we
need, and act accordingly. G. B. S.

THE SOUTHERN [June

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

1 notice the " Reviewer" of the March number of the Planter
and I '.links the rearing of poultry as a farm product. is nor

profitable, and gives as his reasons, so many dying with cholera.

I would like to give " Reviewer"' a little of my experience, and
hope I may he able to convince him he is wrong ; and that poul-
try as a farm product, or the poultry business alone, will pay and
ay handsomely. There is a preventative if not a cure for
this terrible disease of chicken hood, and if strictly adhered to will
save the lives of thousands of tine fowls.

w for the preventative. The first and most important is
cleanliness : keep every coop, roost) run. etc.. scrupulously clean :
use as disinfectants carbolic acid, lime, copperas, or any other
which may be convenient (I prefer the acid (; dust the bottom of
every sitting-hen's nest well with finely-powdered sulphur (the stick-
sulphur or brimstone is strongest and best) ; keep the drinking-
troughs well supplied with pure fresh water, with a piece of
assaf<:etida as large as an hickory-nnt in the bottom of the trough :
and to keep it (the assafoetida) from being misplaced, tie it in a
piece of cloth and tack it to the trough : this will last a good long
while ; give the fowls plenty of good sound grain (corn the best)
twice a day. morning and evening: pepper dough once a week;
and give yourself no uneasine- as t the health of your fo

I myself have lost numbers of fine fowls, and all for the want
of necessary attention. Since adoptiug the above plan my fowls
are always healthy, while I hear of those around me losing them
ins and twenties.

I believe there has as yet no remedy been found for this terri-
ble d: it there is certainly a preventative, and I need no
I etter ; i x>£ of the assertion than the health of my fowls. Let
who discredit this statement give it a trial, and I am certain
they will be convinced that poultry as a farm product will pay:
and that the poultry business exclusively can be made a source of
great pi fit and wealth.

Clifton Hill, Caroline county. Ya. W. T. B.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
Mr. Ld'r

At this writing (30th May), the weather is cmite cool ; nearly
cold enough for frost last night. The oat crop on the low lands
of the Cape Fear is almost an entire failure, owing tu so many
freshets late in the spring. Owing to the continuous cool nights
and heavy rains, the stand of corn is bad ; much to be planted over
yet. The cotton crop in this section will fall far behind last year.
K I near as many acres planted : but little guano used, and the
Q for planting is near three weeks later than common. Fer-
tilizers did not pay us last year, and many farmers have decided
H use any more. Dse compost and barn-yard manure: it is

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 303

the only safe plan. Laborers are in great demand, and farmers
are offering fair prices. Will write you again as the season fur-
ther advances. Duffie.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Editor Planter and Farmer:

Dear Sir — In my former letter to you I promised at some future
time to tell about a crop of roots 1 grew last year ; not that there
was anything extraordinary about it, but being experimental, as
far as this county is concerned, I thought it would be well to let
my brothel* farmers kflow through the medium of your admirable
publication the way the work was done, and the results as far as
I can tell.

The way in which the land was prepared and the crop culti-
vated is but a modification to suit circumstances of the system of
root growing commonly pursued in the British Islands. I com-
menced in the spring plowing a piece of bottom land out stubble
with three mules abreast to a 11-ineh cast-steel plow, following
in the same furrow with a 10-inch Dixie plow drawn by two
stout mules, throwing about 8 inches with the first and 3 or 1
inches with the second plow, thus loosening the soil to 11 or 12
inches depth on the land side of the plow ; and I may as well
remark here that had the stubble been very shallow plowed and
harrowed early in the fall, that the seeds of weeds might sprout,
and afterwards been double plowed just before winter, it would
have left the land cleaner, and probably in better condition other-
wise for bearing a first-rate crop.

I had the ground harrowed, and drills made by throwing two
furrows together something like the old-fashioned corn rows, in
vogue here yet, but much closer — say 3 feet 3 inches apart from
top to top— and it is not practicable to work much closer unless
the ground is very well prepared, and the after tilling done by a
well-skilled hand — just such a thorough, pains-taking fellow as
Mr. George Geddes takes occasion to sneer at in a recent number
of the New York Tribune. The furrows, as opened, were filled
with well-rotted manure ; and on part where I planted early -rose
potatoes — say § of an acre — the sets were dropped 12 or 11 inches
apart along the rows under the manure ; the drills were then split
with a two-horse Dixie plow, the same I used to open them, thus
leaving a ridge where there had been a furrow. The drills where
I sowed mangels and carrots — say about 2-| acres— were then
rolled flat on top, and a little furrow made straight along the top
with the handle of a fork; the seeds were sown and covered up
immediately, the weather being dry ; there was a little guano
sown with the seed on the tops of the drill. After the plants had
come up well, I sent the best hand with the gentlest mule to plow
between the rows; the slight hollow left was a good "alley" for
them to walk in, and I had put a revolving coulter and a small

304 THE SOUTHERN [June

mouldboard on a one-horse Dixie plow: the former severed the
ground and grass roots with a downward cut, and at the same
time hindered all clods from rolling on the young plants, thus
allowing the plow to run with the land side much closer to the
plants than would be otherwise practicable ; the broad hoe was
then used, cutting the bone of the drill through, and leaving but
little tufts of mangels; every 12 to 16 inches along these were
then singled out by hand ; they were hoed twice in the course of
the season, and when large had a little earth thrown against them.
All grew well until the extreme hot weather, which seemed to
check their growing a little; then the striped potato-beetle eat the
leaves of the mangold-wurzel. After the rains began to fall
again in the latter half of August they regained their leaves, and
the carrots got new tops, all growing off finely until frost in No-
vember, when they were harvested by cutting off the tops with a
sharp hoe. and carting to a pile pointed at top, and cover it with
straw during the winter; they were fed to milch-cows and fatten
ing hogs, and the white Belgian carrots to horses: the mangels
were of the Yellow globe and the Leroy red varieties. The land
was too wet for them, and toward the last the lower ends of the
roots began to decay. I was sick at the time of harvesting, and
in consequence cannot tell the exact yield, but it was at the rate
of 400 bushels per acre, or nearly so. In June I sold the produce
of 4- an acre of the early-rose potatoes for nearly $60, the pur-
chaser picking them and paying $2.50 per barrel. After they
had been removed, the piece of land was plowed and harrowed
and let stand until near the middle of July, when I had it sown
broadcast with 100 bushels of super-phosphate, and then opened
in small drills and sown to rutabaga turnips, in a manner similar
to the mangels ; they were over-plowed and thinned, and produced
between 300 and 400 bushels of beautiful turnips. [N. B. There
is not a particle of wire-grass to be seen where they grew; the
dense shade seems to have killed it entirely.]

About May 1st, '73, I plowed and sub-soiled a piece of upland
wheat stubble in the manner already described, harrowed and re-
plowed twice during the summer ; manured in drills as for man-
gels, had everything ready for sowing, so that when the rains
began to fall in August I had only to put in the seed. I plowed,
hoed, and singled over, and harvested between 2000 and 2500
bushels of turnips ("Aberdeen'') from 5 acres, which I fed to
sheep and fattening cattle during the winter.

I have not sown any mangels nor carrots this year, but expect
to sow about S or 10 acres of ruta-baga and Aberdeen turnips
for sheep, the greater part of which I do not intend to gather,
but throw to a furrow out of the alley on the roots from each side,
and uncover as needed by the sheep to eat on the ground, thereby
saving the most expensive thing connected with this crop — viz :
the harvesting. Very respectfully yours,

Whitemarsh, Gloucester Co.,Va.,May 20. Joshua Fraxklix.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 305

Poultry Department,

POULTRY KEEPING.

The gross value of the poultry products of the whole country in a
single year reaches an amount greatly in excess of the ordinary esti-
mates of casual observers. The amount consumed by farmers and
other residents of rural districts is certainly equal to the amount sent
to the markets of cities for sale, and this moiety of the whole pro-
duction is lost sight of in estimating the gross amount. When we
remember that 20,000 barrels, or about 15,000,000 eggs, are not an
unusual weekly receipt in the markets of the chy of New York alone,
and that occasionally a week's receipts are considerably over that quan-
tity, the total value of the egg production of the United States can
be readily supposed to be of great pecuniary interest to the farmers.
In addition to this there is the business in poultry, both living and
dressed, which must certainly be of equal value, at least, to the pro-
duction of eggs. And yet nearly all this vast production is depend-
ant only upon irregular effort and the spontaneous labors of farmers'
wives and children. It is never looked upon as a regular branch of
the industry of the farm, nor is it brought under studied supervision
as a special industry. It may be supposed that this remark does
injustice to the large number of enterprising breeders of fancy poul-
trj', whose efforts to raise the character of our feathered stock have
so greatly increased the profits of the business. But this branch of
the business is altogether distiuct from the production of eggs and
flesh for food, and it is very rareby that a prize fowl or its eggs appear
upon any tables but those at the exhibitions. The remarks we have
here to make are not intended for those persons who are breeders of
poultry for stock purposes, but for the greatly more numerous class
who might learn many useful lessons from the care and skill with
which their flocks are managed.

Notwithstanding the large extent of our poultry business, it might
very profitably be trebled or quadrupled. Farmers very rarely kill
poultry for their own use. The constant pork upon their tables
during all seasons of the year might very well be banished in great
part, and poultry be substituted. If pork is a cheap food, so is poul-
try. Every reason for keeping pigs applies with greater force in favor
of poultrv- If the same care to provide sufficient shelter and food
were given to fowls that are now given to hogs, a largely increased
production would result. Poultry flesh can be produced as cheaply as
pork, and for a considerable portion of the year fowls are most active
consumers of predatory insects. If their instincts in this direction
were given full scope, iheir services would be of great value. But
very strangel}r, both their value as insect destroyers and as producers
of food for domestic purposes and for the markets is ignored. Their
habits are not studied, their necessities are not considered, and their
presence upon the farm is simply tolerated because they are favorites
with the women and children. A man who will carefullv nurse a lit

THE SOUTHERN [June

ter of pigs vrill feel it beneath his dignity to give any attetnion to a

brooding hen or a nest of chicks, and he will wring the neck of a hen

which rua : it in his feed-box without mercy or scruple : yet if

ould count the real value of the two, he may find that the

leaps] hri bens will bring him more money for the same

outlay than the pigs. From very careful teste are satisfied that if

moderate care and attention to a few needed details are given to a lot

of poultry they may be brought to market with double the profit that

me value of pork may be ; also, if any person will give his sole

::on to producing poultry upon a farm he may do so with little

labor and great profit. Having succeeded in carrying a flock of 300

breeding hens through two seasons with safety, and having raised and

sold an average of nine chickens and nearly 100 eggs per hen in each

season by adhering to a few simple rules, we here repeat them for the

benefit of those of our readers who are weekly inquiring how to go

and do likewise. These rules apply equally for a few fowls as for a

large number, and it was simply by experience with a few that we

learned how to succeed with a larger number.

Only young fowls should be kept. All over three years old should
go to market at such seasons as prices may be satisfactory. No
weekly or sickly fowls should be kept : all such should be separated
at once and treated until cured, when they should be sold. All trou-
blesome, nervous "squawking" fowls should be promoted to domestic
- kept young,vigorous,healthy, tame, and easily
handled. The treatment should be gentle, kind and regular, so that
the fowls are eduesj heir owner's methods, and they readily fall

into the discipline established. The food should be varied and given
pilar rations, ling should be av i I care taken to

apportion their feed to their actual wants. A quarter of a pint of
grain a day or its equivalent of other food is about the need of a fowl.
- . water needs to be provided always ready for use, especially
mg chicks. The rooeta should e airy, well ventilated, not less
than eight fee' _ earthen floor- — - indeed, should be all

;ses — we t too warm. The laying-houses may

lie made warmer than the roos*-. _- . see should be

i ally for this I - - All the houses should
out daily, the walls should be whitewashed at least twice
g-poles sh t greased ~ith a inix-

r, and kerosene oil — one pound of the first, and
ones of each of the latter is the proper proportion — and every
: and crevice should be filled wit re brushed in while

■ floc-k free from vermin and

bed properly, there i- : more

healthy than p I i the re lually true when they are

improperly cared for. A run of grass land should be provided for

the fl: - the orchard should be fenced with pickets

six ft ad appropriated solely for the use of poultry. Here

nay be pent up when the grain-fields need to be protected, and

lo the most valuable service. We have found the most

convenient location for the fowl-houses to be adjoining the orchard.

with the doors opening into it which may be opened or closed at

pleasure. This arrangement is about what is needed upon the farm.

where abundant room. Upon small village lots, where space

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 307

is less ample, poultry-keeping becomes more difficult, because there
is always temptation to enlarge the flock bej^ond the capacity of the
ground. One hundred fowls to the acre is the extent bej7ond which
no one should go who would succeed in making poultry profitable. —
Upon smaller lots of ground the greatest care and watchfulness will
be required to prevent loss and disease. Twenty-five to fifty fowls
might be kept upon a quarter of an acre or less by providing two
inclosures with the buildings between them. The fowls should be
changed from one to the other weekly. While one is vacant it should
be carefully cleaned and dug over at least a foot in depth, to bring up
fresh, clean soil. The houses should, in this case, be cleaned daily,
and lime-washed at least monthly. Sick fowls should be weeded out
of the flock on the first symptom of disorder, and either put in quar-
antine or killed. One rooster to twenty-five fowls is sufficient.
During the warm weather a plentiful supply of chopped cabbage or
bunches of fresh clover should be given, and a shady retreat should be
provided. The houses and nests should be made of smooth, closely
fitting boards, and every crevice should be carefully filled with the
lime-wash. Then if young fowls are kept one may expect a constant
supply of eggs during the greater part of the year, and during the
summer a fair supply of young chickens for consumption, and to
replace the old stock, which should be renewed each year. If the
grand requisites of roomy apartments, perfect cleanliness, a moderate
supply of food, varied occasionally, fresh water, occasional doses of
sulphur, pounded oyster-shells, and quietness with perfect regularity
in the treatment, so that the fowls are contented and kept healthful,
are attended to, any person of ordinary tact may provide without dif-
ficulty for all- the contingencies that may arise after a very short ex-
perience. As a pi-oof of what may be done toward the profitable
improvement of poultry, we append the following weights of birds
exhibited at a recent English exhibition :

Weight of Turkeys — Single Cock — First prize, 41 pounds ; second,
36 pounds 4 ounces ; third, 33 pounds 4 ounces. Pair of hens — First,
38 pounds 4 ounces ; second, 38 pounds 10 ounces ; third, 34 pounds
12 ounces.

Geese — White Gander — First, 31 pounds 8 ounces ; second, 26 pounds
10 ounces ; third, 25 pounds 4 ounce. Pair of Geese — First, 49 pounds
12 ounces ; second, 42 pounds 12 ounces ; third, 41 pounds 4 ounces ;
Gray Gander — First, 26 pounds 8 ounces ; second, 24 pounds 6 ounces :
third, 18 pounds 14 ounces. Pair of Geese — First, 44 pounds ; sec-
ond, 40 pounds 14 ounces ; third, 36 pounds.

Ducks — Rouen Drake — First, 11 pounds ; second, 11 pounds ; third.
10 pounds 12 ounces. Pair of Ducks — First, 20 pounds 6 ounces ;
second, 19 pounds 8 ounces ; third, 16 pounds 2 ounces. Aylesbury
Duck and Drake — First, 17 pounds 4 ounces; second, 16 pounds 12
ounces ; third, 15 pounds 4 ounces.

How much the income from a lot of fowls upon a farm may be
increased may be judged by comparing these weights with those usual
in ordinarv flocks. — New York Time*.

308 THE SOUTHERN [June

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

GAMES AGAIN.

Who can beat it '. One hundred and six chicks hatched from
one hundred and twenty-seven eggs. The time embraced in this
statement embraces the three worst months in the year, viz : Jan-
uary. February and March; the number of hens employed, nine.
My experience may be interesting, so I give it. The first four
hens were set as follows: 1 on the 1st and 1 on the last day of
January, and 1 on the 4th and 1 on the 10th day of February.
Number of eggs set, 67; number of chicks hatched. 40 — an ave-
rage of upwards of 12 chicks to the hen. The remaining five
hens were set as follows, and cannot be beat, by Brahinas, Cochins.
Hamburgs or Houdans : 2 set the 27th of February on 15 eggs
each, and hatched 30 chicks: and 3 set the 10th day' of March, 2
on 13 eggs and 1 on 14 eggs. Total number of eggs for the last
5 liens, 70 ; number of chicks hatched. 67 — an average of very
nearly 14 chicks to the hen. 1 ask again the readers of this book,
who can beat it '. For when we take into consideration they were
set the three worst months of the year, it is very hard to beat.

In my first I spoke for my Games : they now speak for them-
selves, and will boast of speaking louder than any other breed
until tliev see something to compete with them.

Clifton Hill, Caroline Co., Ya. W. T. B.

COST OF SUPER-PHOSPHATES.

A letter I wrote you a year ago on artificial fertilizers, enclosing
one from Mr. J. B. Lawes, of England, both of which you pub-
lished, excited much comment in your and other papers by reason
of its statements as to the cost and quality of foreign super-phos-
phates. This matter has since been further investigated, and the
result appears in Part II. of the Bulletin of the Bussey Institution
of Harvard University, where Mr. F. X. Storer, Professor of
Agricultural Chemistry, gives the crsts and analysis of several
English and German super-phosphates. It appears that the Lawes
super-phosphate-, containing say 13 per cent, of soluble phosphoric-
acid, is sold at their works for £3 15s., or say $20.63 per ton, and
that it should be landed on wharf in B< >.-ton by sailing vessel from
London, in quantities of not less than ten tons, for $36 per ton.
or say 12J cents for each pound of soluble super-phosphate acid.
Also that English superphosphate of higher grade than that of
Lawes\ yielding 16 and IS per cent, of soluble phosphoric acid,
would cost, landed here, respectively 13 and 14 cents per pound
of the acid. In Part I. of the Bulletin of the Bussey Institution,
issued in January, Professor Storer has given analyses and values
compared with selling prices, of eleven of the best known com-
mercial super-phosphates sold in Boston, and after allowing it 6
cents for each pound of their insoluble phosphoric acid, and 2"

18 74. J PLANTER AND FARMER, 300

cents for each pound of their nitrogen of uncertain value, it
appears the average cost to the purchaser of each pound of soluble
phosphoric acid that these eleven phosphorates contain is 31.80
cents, and that the average quality is 6.65 per cent, the highest
being 10.23 per cent., and the lowest 1.46 per cent.

The researches of Professor Storer show that the American-
made super-phosphates hitherto available to New England farmers
are of too high cost and too little value to be bought and used to
advantage, and that it is possible to make and sell a better article
at a lower price, still leaving a fair profit to the makar or im-
porter; and the correspondence elicited by his publication has
also brought to light facts confirmatory of his conclusions, and
encouraging to the many who are compelled to use artificial ma-
nures. For instance, Mr. George E. White, of 160 Front street,
New York, writes to Professor Storer, April 13, that he will sell
to such as wish to buy in lots not less than ten tons, a super-phos-
phate yielding 10 per cent, soluble phosphoric acid, at $25 per
ton of 2,000 pounds, delivered on cars or vessels at New York, in
bags or barrels at his cost ; and on April 30 he writes : " I offer to
deliver in Boston a soluble phosphate of lime of high grade,
guaranteeing 37 per cent, of anhydrous phosphoric acid, soluble
in water, at §90 per ton." This is a highly concentrated fertilizer
of foreign manufacture, and great excellence. The cost of the
soluble phosphoric acid in these two articles would be about 12£
cents a pound, or as low as the Lawes super-phosphate can be im-
ported for, and very much less than in any commercial fertilizer
hitherto available here. Mr. White says : " It seems as though
we ought to be able to compete with the foreign manufacturers,
and it is my opinion that both plain and ammoniated super-phos-
phates can be made in the neighborhood of this city as cheaply as at
any point in the world. I say this with a full knowledge of the
cheap supply of sulphuric acid, which foreign makers command."

This is certainly most encouraging, and if farmers hereafter
will persist in buying an inferior article at 850 or $60 a ton, when
they can get a better article for about half the money, and the
result is a failure, they will have only themselves to thank for it.
One trouble is, that many farmers buy and use something of
which they only know that it is sold as a fertilizer, when it may
not be what they need for their land or crops. One might as
well go into a druggist's shop and take a dose from the first bottle
he sees, kill or cure, as use a commercial manure of which he
does not know the properties and adaptability to his present needs.
Professor Storer, in the Bulletin above referred to, has begun a
work which I confidently hope and believe will be— and indeed
in the numbers already issued is— of the greatest value, as sup-
plying from scientific and practical data, and in language clear,
concise, and free from technicalities, the information we must all
have before we can select the best materials, and use them to the
best advantage. — II S., in Country Gentleman.

310 THE SOUTHERN [June

Household Department,

Hints Concerning Health. — The warm suns will tempt many
inconsiderate persons to make changes in their under-clothing which
may prove ver}- detrimental to their health. Flannel next the skin
should by no means be removed until after the cold spell which always
comes near the middle of May, and then thinner flannel or raw silk
should lie worn in place of what is taken away. In India, the British
army is clothed in flannel the year round, and this regulation has been
found effectual in preventing those summer complaints which formerly
cost so many lives in that tropical country. We commend the sug-
gestion herein to mothers of }'onng children. Those living on the
seacoast cannot with safety dispense with flannel entirel}', even daring
the heated term. An east wind or any sudden change should find the
safe covering read}- to be put on at a moment's notice. A close
observer will find that he takes cold not when the weather changes
from warm to cold, but from cold to warm. Thrown off his guard by
the mildness of the temperature, he neglects the necessary precau-
tions, and suffers the inevitable consequences. "When the difference
in the height of the mercury at noon and midnight is greatest, then
care is most necessary in the regulation of one's clothing as to amount
and warmth. "The greatest sensation of cold which we ever experi-
enced," says a writer on health topics, '-was in the morning at five
o'clock, with the thermometer at 56° in Texas, where we were accus-
tomed to ride under a sun heat of 150° during the day."

Persons of good constitution and sound health are apt to think they
can violate hygienic laws with impunity ; that they can eat at irregu-
lar intervals, and do a^-thing they fancy ; can sleep as much or as
little, and when they please : can sit with damp feet, and do, in gen-
eral, exactly as the}' please, :.nd it will be all the same. As well
might a Rothschild fanc}r that his vast fortune needs no looking after ;
that extravagance will not waste it : that panics will not affect it. He
knows better than that, and every possessor of fine health should
know that this invaluable gift is to be cherished, cared for and pre-
served, or, like other riches, it will take to itself wings and fly away.

To those who live in close or crowded rooms, we mention an experi-
ment made by a physician in England : — "I have repeatedly taken
organic matter from the windows of a crowded room and experimented
with it. This matter condenses on the glass and walls in cold weather.
and may be taken up by means of a pipette. If allowed to stand
some time it forms a thick, apparently glutinous mass ; but when this
is examined by a microscope it is seen to be a clearly marked confer-
void (resembling sea-weed) growth. This matter in the air is as inju-
rious to health as organic impurities in water, and acts as a ferment
by which diseases of the nature of fever are engendered. — New York
Tribune.

The Housekeepers' Table. — The following is a very valuable
house-wife's table, by which persons not having scales and weights at
hand, may readily measure the article wanted to form a recipe with-
out the trouble of weighing. Allowance should be made for an extra-
ordinarv dryness or moisture of the article weighed or measured.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 311

Wheat flour, one pound is a quart. Indian meal, one pound two
ounces are one quart. Butter, when soft, one pound is one quart.
Loaf sugar, broken, one pound is one quart. White sugar, powdered,
one pound one ounce are one quart. Best brown sugar, one pound
two ounces are one quart. Ten eggs are one pound. Flour, eight
quarts are one peck. Flour, four pecks are one bushel. Sixteen
large tablespoonfuls are half a pint. Eight large tablespoonfuls are
one gill. Four large tablespoonfuls are a half a gill. Two gills are
half a pint. Two pints are one quart. Four quarts are one gallon.
A common sized tumbler holds half a pint. A common sized wine
glass holds a gill. A teacup is one gill. A large wine glass is two
ounces. A tablespoonful is half an ounce. Forty drops are equal to
one teaspoonful. Four teaspoonfuls are equal to one tablespoonful.

Pie Plant Pies. — Never stew your pie plant before making your
pies. Peel the stems of rhubarb and slice them in half-inch lengths,
holding several stems in the hand at one time. With these fill the
pie, sweetening it generously— »about the same as for a lemon pie, a
small teacupful of sugar for a medium-sized pie — moisten with a great
spoonful of water, dust over this a little dry flour, to thicken the
juice a little, cover it with the upper crust and bake it slowly and
thoroughly. Such a pie is too rich for some stomachs, and there is a
way of dispensing with part of the sugar, without having the pie too
sour. Not by the use of soda ! No, indeed ! But pour boiling
water over your sliced rhubarb, letting it stand ten or fifteen minutes.
Pour this off and make your pies of the rhubarb, with less sugar. If
you stew pie plant for sauce, you can pour off a part of the juice
before it is done, using it to make jelly if you like and supply its
place with more water, thus economizing sugar.

Gum Arabic Starch. — Take two ounces of white gum arabic pow-
der, put it into a pitcher, and pour on it a pint or more of boiling-
water (according to the degree of strength you desire), and then, hav-
ing covered it, let it set all night. In the morning pour it carefully
from the dregs into a clean bottle, cork it and keep it for use. A
tablespoonful of gum water stirred into a pint of starch that has been
made in the usual manner, will give lawns (either white, black or
printed), a look of newness, when nothing else can restore them after
washing. It is also good, much diluted, for thin, white muslin and
bobinet.

BOOK NOTICES.

History of the Grang tor Tin- Farmers' War Against Monopolies.

By J. D. McCake. Je. Published by the National Publishing Co., Phila-
delphia.

This hook is what it pretends to be, which is more than can be said
of many similar publications now-a-days. It enters into many interesting
details of the way in which monopolies, especially railroads, have managed to
defrau le. How public lands arc secured and appropriations of money

312 THE SOUTHERN [June

and credit procured from Congress, and how. after the -whole road is made and
paid for by the people, the original charter holders manage to secure the road
to themselves and leave the people to pay extortionate rates of transportation
over the railroads they have built. It is the only complete work on this inter-
esting and popular subject we have seen, and any one who wishes to make him-
self thoroughly acquainted with this interesting movement should not fail to
secure it at on .

Maternity. A Popular Treatise for Young Wives and Mothers. Bv T. S.

Verde. M. P. J. B. Ford &jCo. Publishers, New York.

It is frequently very difficult in reading the popular medical treatise of the
time to tell exactly where medical science ends and quackery begins, and we
always take up a book professing to disclose to the popular mind the mysteries
of medical science with many misgivings either as to the ability of the author
or his honesty. This book, however seems to be an exception to this rule. When
we received it several weeks since, we gave it to a married lady, the mother of
a large family, and this is what she says of it:

" It is one of the most complete and instructive books of the kind that we
have ever seen. It treats with great delicacy of delicate subjects, and contains
many valuable suggestions and a vast amount of information of great impor-
tance, not only to every wife and mother, but to all who have the "care of chil-
dren. It gives a very plain description of all the diseases of childhood and the
best method of treating them, and also minute and valuable dietic and hygienic
directions which if observed would prevent a large part of the diseases now so
fatal to childhood." The lady in question is perfectly capable of judging of
the merits of such a book, and we do not hesitate to endorse her opinion. For
sale by the publishers.

"Out of the Hurley Burley" Afax Adder. — The getter up of this laughable
collection of fanny peices has been for years contributing these articles to the
press. They have now been collected and published in a neat volume by " To-
Day PubkshingCo.."' Philadelphia. The purchaser of this handsome volume
will have an admiral opportunity of reducing to practice the old adage "laugh
and grow fat." It is one of tho"se books that may be kept on the table all the
time to be taken up and read after dinner to the immense benefit of our diges-
tion. Long life to l)io Lewis the Laughing Philosopher and all the jolly crew of
the To-Day Company. They try hard to keep humanity in a broad grin, and if
tltey issue a few more books like this thev will be in a fair war for success.

CROP NEWS.

It seems that this is a great year for insects. In our own ground we have
never seen them so abundant in all our lives. Oar melon vines, despite all rem-
edies heretofore effective, have fallen a pre}- to the spoiler. Our early tomatoes
have been cut otf by the Cut worm or defoliated by a little black bug. Our
eabbage plants are like sand sifters, and the tobacco plants are being chawed up
before their time. This is an almost universal complaint in Virginia. We have
heard from a dozen or more tobacco growing counties, and all "complain in the
-ame way. The warning of an old darkey just sounded in our ear that •• bet-
ter look out; heap of chinch bugs in de air." is, we fear, prophetic. From
other States come similar complaints. The peach growers in Maryland and
I'eleware are complaining of the destruction of their trees by a little "black bug
hitherto unknown.

Accounts from Southwestern parts of Minnesota represent that the ground is
literally alire with grasshoppers, which have already commenced eating the
vegetation.

The wheat crop, though falling short of the splendid promise of early spring.
is much better than any made for years in Virginia. With favorable weather
for the next few weeks we may expect a large yield of this most important
crop.

Winter oats are also looking remarkably well. Spring sown oats though
usually late, are very good, and promise a large yield.

Corn was planted late and the Cut worm is unusually bad in many localities-
making replanting necessary.

HERMITAGE NURSERIES,

Richmond, Virginia.

JOHN- W7EISON",

PROPRIETOR OF

RICHMOND VIRGINIA.

1,500,000

FOR SALE THIS SPRING AT RI-.DUCE1* PRICES. FIRST-CLASS APPLE

TREES, $16 per h-indred. FIRST-CLASS PEACH TREES,

$14 per hundred.

These Trees tire warranted true to name and is strictly first -class stock.

909 :M!ain Street. Richmond., "Va,. feb

FOR, ©A.LE,

ITALIAN BEES,

BEE HIVES, &C

I am prepared to furnish, at short notice.
Swarms of Black Be«s at $5 per swarm, Hives
■extra.

Swarms of Italian Bees at $10 per swarm,
Hives extra.

Italian Queens (with a few workers), by mail
■or express^ 85u. Sa'e arrival guaranteed.

A cheap Movable Comb Hive without sur-
plus boxes $3 00

A better Movable Comb Hive with two

surplus boxes 3 75

Triumph Bee Hive, Movable Comb, and
upper or surplus chamber, or six sur-
plus boxes (trade mark included to use

one Hive), painted, and with feet 5 00

f)eeds for individnal rights to make and

use the Triumph Hive o 00

Deeds for individual rights to make and
use the American side. opening Hive... 5 00

Bee Vail for protecting face and head 1 00

Cheap Honey Extractor, Virginia made.. 9 on
Large Honey Extractor with cog wheels 13 I'O
I'eabody Honey Extractor at factory
prices, freight to t>e added 10 00

W. K. TuLK,
Real Estate Agent and Auctioneer.

No. 7 Shaffer's Building, Tenth Si ., bet. Main
.and Bank Sts., Richmond, Va. ap-

FOR SALE.— Thoroughbred Stock, &c.
I have for 8ale a lot of thoroughbred
Devon Cattle. Essex Pigs from improved
Stock. Also a lot of Light Brahma
Fowls. Persons ordering from me can
rely upon getting as good stock as any in
the State. My herd of Devon are ot
the most improved breed. I took five 1st

f>remiums on a portion of them at our
ast Virginia Fair. For further particu-
lars address,

F. W. CHILES,
feb-6m Mansfields, Louisa Co., Va,

€raiato©s°ry Plants

FOR SALE.
$4 per 1,000. $12 per bbl.

Apply to

EDITORS PLAKTER& FARMER.

EDW. J. EVANS & CO.,
Nurserymen and Seedsmen,
York, Penn.
A complete stock of Fruit and Orna-
ment al Trees, Garden and Flower Seeds,
Seed Wheat, S>-ed Oats, Seed Corn, Seed
Potatoes, Grass Seeds, etc. Send for
Catalogue and price lists. feb-10t

iCP The Oldest and most Reliable Application for the Tobacco Crop-

' i

o

PATENTED.

TOBACCO FERTILIZER,

PREPARED BY THE

SOUTHERN FERTILIZING CO.

RicmvroisriD, v-a..,

d.

Apply to local Agents, or any commission merchant in Richmond.
Where Agricultural clubs or A? - ^":sh to purchase in large lots, ll

at which it -will be supplied will be iccicatrd on rpplie ;p csa

BUY i OUR DRY GOODS OF

LEVY BROTHERS,

nnd save money by doing so. Great reductions have been made in the prices of
DRESS GOODS'in order to close out the whole stock.

Satteens at 35, 50, 65, 70, and 75c. — a reduction of twenty-five percent. ; Empress
Cloths at 35, 50, and up to 75c. per yard ; Silk-corded Poplin? at 75c. per yard,
worth $1.25; Poplin Alpacas — best quality — at 40c. per yard, sold everywhere at
50c. ; Corded and Plain Alpacas at 25c. worth 35e. per yard ; Black Brocaded Ala-
pacas at 25c. worth 50. per yard ; Black Alapacas, Mohairs, and Biilliantinesat all
prices ;

Bonibaziues from 1.25 to §2 per yard; Australian Crepe at 50c worth 75c. per
yard ;

Handsome Brocaded Poplins, nil silk and wool, at 81 per yard, reduced from
£1.75 ; Handsome Silk and Wool-Striped P.>|>lins, ISf yards in a pattern, for $15,
reduced from £25;

Doubled-faced Cotton Poplins at lie. per yard, worth 25c;

Doubled-faced Cotton Poplins at lt>|c per yard, worth, 30c. ;

Calicoes at 6^, 8 J, 10, and 12$c ;

White Flannel, full yard wide and all wool, at 45c. per yard worth 60c:

White Flannels, in all qualities, from 20c. up to $1 per yard ;

Colored Flannels in all qualities ;

Bleached and Unbleached Canton Flannel from 121 to 45c per yard ;

Domestic Ginghams at 17, 12i, and 1 6 Jo . ;

Cheviot Shirting at 16§C worth 25c per yard;

Linseys from 15§ to 40c per yard; Bed-Tick from 10 to 35c. per yard ;

Doeskin Casimere at $1 per yard worth si. 25 ;

Excellent Satinets at 50, 60, and 75c per yard ; Kentucky Jeans from 16| to 50c.
per yard ;

Cliarlottsville CasimereB at a very small advance on manufacturers' prices ;

Water Proof Cloths at 75c, 1, 1.25, 1.50, and $1.75 p«r yard ; Black and Brown-
elveteens at 50c worth 75c. per yard ;

Black and Colored Velveteens in all qualities ; Trimming Velours, in all colors,
at si, and si. 50 per yard; Silk Velvet, black and colored, for trimming and mil-
liner}- use ; Table-Cloths, pure linen, two yards long, at $1 worth si. 50;

Linen Doylies at 50, 60, 75c and $1 per dozen — all 25 per cent, below regular
prices ; Huckaback Towels from 1.25 to $9 per dozen ; We call particular attention
to our Towels at $2.25 and $3 per doz-n ; Napkins at 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, $2, and up
to $6 per dozen ; Linen Damask for table-cloths from 50c up to $2 per yard; Extra
Loug Table-Cloths from $8 up to $20 ; Coilou Diaper at f 1.25 and si. 50 for a piece
of ten yards, worth 1.75 and $2; Linen Bird's Eye Diaper at 30c worth 40c per
yard; A full assortment of Ladies' Cloaks, Water-Proofs and Shawls, all at great
bargains; Gentlemen's Shawls and Gardigan Jackets, very cheap ; White and Col-
ored Bed Blankets, all sizes and qualities, at extremely low prices; Calico Com-
fortables, home manufacture, at 2 and 2.50 worth 3 and $3.50; Carpet*, Matting,
Oil-Cloth, Rugs, Mats, and Window-Shades at reduced prices; Children's Carriage-
Blankets at $1.50 worth s3 ; Silk, Linen, and Cotton Hankerchiels, in all qualities;
Nubias, Hoods, Breakfast-Shawls, Leggins, Scarfs, and Sacques ; Genuine Buck Mits,
Gloves, Gloves and Gauntlets ; Bobbin Edging, IS yards in a piece, for 50c worth
5c per yard ; Worked Dimity Bands at, Inc. worth 20c ; Clark's and Coat's Spool
Cotton at 70c. per dozen ; Machine Needles from 40c to 50c. per paper of ten nee-
dles ; Best Machine Oil at 15c per bottle ; Tidies at 35 and 50c worth 75c. and
$1 ; Gilt and Jet Jewelry in great variety; Ladies' Linen Collars at 50c per dozen,
slso Collars at 1, 1.25, and up to (2.50 per dozen ; Gentlemen's Linen Collars at 60,
c7 and si per dozen worth 2 and $2.50 ; Gentlemen's Recherche Cuffs at 1 worth
.45per dozen ; Crochet Edgings at 15, 25, and 50c. for a piece of twelve yards, worth
a gatnd 10c per yard ; Neck Scarfs at 25, 40, 50c and up to £1.50 — all much below
,iS alar prices ; Full-width Unbleached Sheeting at 2Sc ; Full-width Bleached
cheating at 33c ; New York Mills and Wamsutta Cotton at ISc. per yard ; Excel-
lent yard-wide Bleached and L'ubleached Cotton at 10 and 12$c. per yard, and
thousands of other bargains .-.:

LEV^T BROTHERS
feb.] 1U17 & 1019 MAIN; "KEET, RICHMOND, VA.

S

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD,

On and after SUXDAY, April 19th, 1874, passenger trains will
ran as follows :

FROM RICHMOND:

8:80 A. If. MAIL TRAIX. — For Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Staunton, White
Sulphur, HintoD, and all intermediate Stations, daily (except Sundays), a-riving at
Hinton at 10:10 P. M. Tbis train connects at Go/donsville fur Orange, Culpeper,
Warrenton, Manassas. Alexandria, Washington, 'and the Xorth, and at Charlottes-
ville for Lynchburg, Bristol, Knoxville, Chattanooga and the South.

4:45 P. M. ACCOMMODATION" TRAIX.— For Gordonsville and all intermedi
-rations, daily ( except Sunday), arriving at Gordonsville 8:30 P. M.

?. M. CINCINNATI EXPRESS.— For Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Staun-
ton, Goshen, Millboro,' Covington, White Sulphur, and all Stations -west of White
Sulphur, daily (except Sunday), arriving at Huntington. 5:30 P. M. This train
connects at Gordonsville for Washington, Baltimore and the North, and for Lynch-
burg, Bristol, and the South, and at Huntington with the Steamers B-xtona »od
Fleetwood for Cincinnati and all points West and Southwest, arriving at Cincinnati
CA.M.

Baggage checked through.

FOR THROUGH TICKETS, rates, and information, apply al 826 Main street, BjI
lard and Exchange Hotel, or at Company's Office, BroaJ Street and Sixteenth.

A. H. PERRY, General Sup't.
Edgae Vliet, General Passenger and Ticket Agent. [my — tf

EGGS (THAT WILL HATCH) AND CHICKENS TO SELL !
BY AN AMATEUR TO PAY EXPENSES.

The most attractive and beautiful of all LAWN PETS is the POLAND FAMILY
with TOPKXOTS, as large as oranges. Colors : Jet black, Pure White. Black with
White Crests, Silver and Golden, both perfectly pencilled. All PRF.MIUM BIRDS
purchased and imported at high cost. Also the beautiful Black Cochins, Light and
Dark Brahmas and Games. General Sante Anna stock.

Eggs carefully packed. Chickens to sell aiter Julv.

FRAXK EVANS,

my— tf. No. 5 South Paul Street, Baltimore, Mi,

EGGS THAT WILL HATCH!

AN AMATEUR TO PAY EXPENSES OFFERS HIS EGGS AT $2.50 W ZEN.
THE POLISH FAMILY A SPECIALTY.

White Crested, Black, White, Silver and Golden, Light and Dark Brnhmas. Buff
and Black Cochins, all bred from premium chickens, carelullv packed and delivered
at express. FRANK EVANS.

N.i. 5 South Paul St.. Baltimore, Md.
To sell— 1 trio White Cochins $10.
2 trios Buff " 10.

2 " Light Brahmas 7."
Order- received for all kinds delivered by July 1st a' low prices. [my-

B. A. HAXCOCK,

3IANCHESTEU, % '.V.,
Will practice in t of Chesterfie'd, Powhatan and Henrico Counties ; the

city Courts of Richmond an.l Court of Appeals. Special attention given to cases
n Bankruptcy :. - in Richmond. mar-

Fertilizers and Seeds for 1873,

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO.

NO. 1 PERUVIAN GUANO,

FJL.OXJR OF !R,^"Wr BONE,

Ground Plaster, Lime, Agricultural Salt, &c.

FIELD, GRASS, AND GARDEN SEEDS,

SEED POTATOES

Of the Early Rose, Early Goodrich, Peerless, andot'ier choice varieties.
For further information and supplies, address

ALLISON & ADDISON,

SEED AND GUANO MERCHANTS, RICHMOND, VA.

J.M.THORBURN&XO.,

15 JOHN ST. NEW YORK.

Will mail, upon application, their New
i atalogue of Vegetable and Agricultu-
ral Seeds for 1874. t

FRESH
GARDEN and FIELD SEED
At the old stand of Palmer & Turpin,
1526 Main street, Richmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, ILrds, Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass-
Send for Catalogue.

feb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

Eggs, Crenm, Milk and Lemon Biscuits,
and every kind of Crackers, made a
specialty. Pound and Pancy Cakes,
Ginger Snaps, Lemon Snaps, Jumbles,
«fcc, <tc, &c,

BICHARD ADAM,

Richmond Steam Bakery, 12th St., Rich-
mond, Va.. manufacturer of all kinds of
Bread, Cakes and Crackers, wholesale
and retail. Orders from the country at
tended to promptly. ap-ly

SEED POTATOES.
"Red Jacket." — A seedling from the Mercer,
which if resembles in flavor, quality and habits
of growth — about ten days later than the Rose,
yields twice as much as Peach Blow; white
flesh and perfectly hardy ; in color, shape, size
and gpiie a I appeaaance, has no equal. H eceived
1st. Premium at the Western N. Y. and Pa.
State Fairs, for best variety. 3 lbs. bv mail,
$1.00; SO lis. *5.00; 60 lbs'. 85.00; bbl, $15.00.
Free at Chili or Kochester Station. Circular
free.

A. S. JOHNSON", North Chili, N. T.

L. POWEIIS «fc SON,
COtlMISSIOiSr MERCHANTS

AND

WHOLESALE PRODUCE DEALERS.

1540 East Main Street, Richmond, Va.,

Flour, Grain, Hay, and all kinds Seed
and Eating Potntoes. Foreign and do-
mestic Fruits. Seed Potatoes a specialty.

FOR SALE.

150 . 150 150 150

acres ! acres ! acres ! acres !

A FINE FARM FOR SALE.

Every convenience and improvement. Choice
Fruit. In a splendid farming community, .-i>:
mile* east of Nashville, Illinois. For full par-
ticulars and price address,

J. W. uOGniLL,
Beancoup, Washington Co., III.

111V — It

BF. LEWIS, Gwtnedd, Montgomery Co.
, Pa , Importer, Breeder and Dealer in
fine Fowls, Pigeons, Pets, etc., of the purest
and best quality. Berkshire and Chester White
Pigs. Large Bronze and White Holland Tur-
kevs. Rouen, Alesbury, and other tine Backs.
China, Bremen, and other Geese. Asiatics,
Spanish, Dorkings, Hamburgs, White and
Brown Leghorns, Rolands, Houdans, and sev-
eral varieties of Bantams; also Eggs for Hatch-
ing in season. Greyhounds, Newfoundland,
and Hunting Hogs. Hlack and White, French,
and Blue Maltese Cats, also many other speci-
mens of rare Fowls, Pigeons, Rabbits, and
otheT Pets. My Stock has been awarded 190
Premiums in Bve months. I would also call the
attention of Breeders to my celebrated Chicken
Powder, which will cure as well as prevent
Cholera, and other di-jfasea in Fowls, as well as
promote their health and vi^or. So d at 50cts.
per pound. A lilteral discount to the trade.
Every one should try it. For Catalogue and
Price-List, address with -tamp. ap.tf

THE WATT PLOW

CONTINUES TRIUMPHANT !

CHOKING wb<-n bright and smooth ;
do LA] e plowman ; ONE-THIRD

- DRAUGHT lo the team; thorough

J; I" RIAL of Weeds Grass, <fcc; great

STRENGTH. Durability and Economy in

Be, and complete pulverization of the

toil.

J&Sf^ I have, -within the past eighteen
improvements in the
WATT PL'jW, and can, with greater confi-
dence than ever, commend it to the farming
community everywhere.

GEORGE WATT.

Premiums received during the last three

- of October, 1673 :
Virginia and North Carolina Fair, at
Noifolk, October 7, 1873— ALL FIRST

four to six
egetation per-

3 AWARDED OH PL

The test of plows t*ok place in a sandy loam, with weeds, <fcc, fro
-igh. The Walt Plow did not choke at all, and buried the ve

Lb Carolina State Fair, at Raleigh, October 14, 1873— ALL PREMIUMS
AWARDED ON PLOWS.

Piedmont Aericnltu.-al Fair, Culpeper Courthouse, Va., October 14,1873 — ALL
PREMIUMS AWARDED OX PL

The test took place in a hard, stiff clay soil not plowed since the war. *nd cov-
ith running briers. The Watt Plow was run seven iuches deep with .ut diffi-
culty, and never choked, burvir.g everything under.

giaia State Fair, Richmond, October 28, 1873— ALL THE PREMIUMS OX
EACL - SHT AND LEFT HAND.

Also, two special premiums from the Social . two special preni'ums from

the city of Richmond.

The Plows were tested in a sodded and heavy pipe soil. The working of the
Watt Plow was admired by all.

Western N. C.) Fair at Salisbury, October 7. 1873— HIGHEST PREMIUM.

Dar. .) Fair, October 11, 1873— HIGHEST PREMIUM.

The W'ATT PLOW of all m ore to four horse-, warranted to do better

woFk, with more ease, than any plow in use. If they <io not prove fo after one
week's trial, thev may be returned to us, and the pnrcha- money will be refunded.

HARROWS, CULTIVATOR- and ALL KINDS OF FARMING IMPLEMEXTS
..e on the befit terms. Send for Circulars. **

lee

WA_

&o

Sole Manufacturers, Richmond, Va.

EGGS FOR HATCHIaCt.

I will now leceive orders for EGGS from the following BREEDS OF POULTRY.
EGGS lo be shipped in

MARCH: APRIL AXD MAY.
LIGHT BRAHMA, |2 per dozen.

DARK BRAHMA. 2 " " .

PARTRIDGE COCHIN, 3 " "

'• X LEGHORN, 4 » "

IIOUDAN, 3 "

ROUEN DUCKS. 3 "

3 "
Cash • Eggs . tation, commencing witb 1*1

Marh- T. L. PAYNE.

S. P. and Farmer, Richmond, Va.

POWHATAN RAW BONE

SUPER-PHOSPHATE,

MANUFACTURED BY

James Gr. Downward &c Co.
o

TO THE PLANTERS OF

We again respectfully call the attention of those intending to use fertilizers on
their spring crops to the Powhatan Raw Bone ifuper-Phosphate. and particularly
those who want a reliable fertilizer for tobacco and cotton, as we intend in the
future, as in the past five years, to furnish an article which has no rival, regardless
of price. Wherever it has been used by the side of any other fertilizer whateveri
not excepting the deservedly popular and higher priced tobacco fertilizers of th,a
day, it has in every case proved itself superior.

A few out of many of our certificates from our patrons :

Blacks and Whites, Nottoway Co., Va., Jan. 1, 1 S 7 2 .
Dear Sirs, — This is to certify that I have used the Powhatan Phosphate along
S de of three other kinds of fertilizers, each of which cost more than the Powhatan,
and the difference in my crop ot tobacco was greatly in favor of the Powhatan
Phosphate. From my experience last year I think it a No. 1 manure, and recom-
mend its general use. Very truly roars,

SAMUEL F. EPES.

LtXEXBCRG Co., Va., Jan. 29, 1ST3.
Ge.vti.emex, — I used your "Powhatan Raw Bone Super-Phosphate" last year on
tobacco with perfect success and entire satisfaction.

Very respectfully, R. H. ALLEN.

Dinwiddie Co., Va,, Jan. 13, 1872.
Dear Sirs, — In reply to your request, I have no hesitation in saying that I pre-
fer the Powhatan Kaw Bone Super-Phosphate, bought of you last spring, to any
preparation that I have ever used on tobacco. I wish you to furnish me again this
spring. Yours truly, " WM. B. COLEMAN.

Powhatan Co., Va., Jan. 30, 1S73.
Gentle'men, — Yours of 24th, asking my opinion of the Powhatan Phosphate ,e
to hand. In reply, I have to say it acted well on my tobacco — better than a mor
costly fertilizer that was applied bv the side of it.

Yours truly, Z. G. MOORMAN.

Amelia Co., Va., Jan. 16, 1872.
Dear Sirs, — In regard to the Powhatan Phosphate bought of you last spring, I
take pleasure in saying that I am much pleased with its action on my crop. I used
it on very thin^land, 200 pounds to the acre, and my tobacco weighed better than
any crop* I have ever raised. I wish vou to furnish me again this spring.

Yours, &c, GEO. H. WILLS.

Harmony, Halifax Co., Va., Jan. 20, 1S72.
Gentlemen, — You request me to give you the result of my experience in the use
of Powhatan Raw Bone Sup-er-Phosphate. I have used it successfully for two
years, 1S70 and 1871, and I think it the cheapest fertilizer I have ever used, and
expect to use it again the coming season.

Youis truly, EDWARD MOORE.

MUST RAISE EVERY DOLLAR I CAN!

FOE WHAT?
TO O-O NORTH.

What farmer is not familiar -with these -words of the merchant, and yet the same
sucidal policy is pursued year after year, draining the country of money.

THE REMEDY.

Encourage manufacturing enterprises of your own State, and keep your money at
home, by buying the superior goods made at

The Charlottesville Woolen Mills.

Thos« M. Alfriend & Son,

LIFE, FIRE A.TS-JO MJLRI1VE

INSURANCE AGENTS,

Office No- 1 North 10th Street (Shafer's Building-).

PETERSBURG SAVINGS AND INSURANCE CO.,

ASSETS, - - - OVER §400,000-
D' ARCY PAUL, President. D. B. DUGGER, Secretary.

Farmville Insurance and Banking Co.

OF FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA.

Assets, $115,000 00.

WM. D. RICE, President. I. H. MOTELER, Secretary.

Firemen's and Merchants' Insurance Company

OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA.

Assets, .... Oven 6100,000 00.

J. ANDREW WHITE, Pres't. J. B. STEVENS, Sec'y.

O

GENERAL AGENTS FOR VIRGINIA OF THE

BROOKLYN LIFE INSURANCE GO.

OF NEW YORK.

Assets, - - 62,000,000, and Rapidly Increasing.
$40,000 IN VIRGINIA REGISTERED BONDS, DEPOSITED WITH TREAS-
URER OF VIRGINIA, for Security of Virginia Policy-Holders.
LIFE POLICIES issued on the Most Approved Plans, with the MOST LIBERAL

Features.

NO CHARGE FOR POLICY OR STAMP.

E30"The guarantee of A CASH SURRENDER VALUE TO EVERY' PARTICI-
PATING POLICY", the amount of which is definitely stated in dollars and cents,
and is endorsed on each policy when issued.

GOOD LIFE AGENTS WANTED everywhere in Virginia, who will he liberally
dealt with. my—

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

Located on the Washington Branch of the B. & 0. R. R., nine
miles from Washington and twenty-eight from Baltimore.

The next session will commence on the 15th of September, 1874, and end the la6t
week in June 1875. It is divided into two terms of twenty weeks each.

In addition to Agriculture and the Seiencss pertaining thereto, a fall Collegiate
Course is taught. Students who do not desire to take the whole course are allowed,
within reasonable limits, to select such studies as their parents or guardians may
designate.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR TUITION.
Charge for board, including fuel, gas, washing, <fcc, $100 per term, and a matri-
culation fee of $5.

The following is the Board of Trustees:

Hon. A. Bowie Datis, Prest.
Hon- Janes L. Earle,
E. W. Whitman, Esq.
Colonel Edward Lloyd.
J. Howard McIIexry, Esq.
Allen Dodge Esq.
Hon. John F. Lee.

His Excellency James B. Groom, Gov-c

of Md.
Hon. Joun LtE Carroll, President

of the Senate.
Hon. J. T. Hines, Speaker House of

Delegates.
Prof. M. A. Newell, Prest. State School

Commissioners.

June-3t

For further information apply to

Gen'l SAMUEL JONES, Piusident.
P, 0. address College Station, Pr. George Co., Va

. FOE THE HOUSEWIFE.

Hofmann's and Littlewood & Co's London (Englanl) Royal Washing Crystal aa
used by the Royal Houshold saves time, labor, money and soap. Makes hard water
soft. For washing linen and heavy goods it is unequalled. Washes flannels and
colored goods perfectly, without injury to colors. Try it. SAMPLE3SENT FREE
BY MAIL with full directions for use. None genuine without the name of Henry
Hofmann <fc Co. on each paper package. One gross (1U packages) $3. 10 per-
cent, commission allowed to travelling agents. Address,

HOFMANN & CO.,

166 DuaneSt., X. Y.

ju-3m

MAGNOLIA NURSERY,

(BROOK TURNPIKE, NEAR CITY,)
RICHMOND, VA.

For sale, a large assortment of Shade
and Ornamental Trees, Evergreens, Flow-
ing Shrubs, Creepers, Ac.; also Grape-
vines and other small Fruits, Roses, etc.,
etc. Price-list furnished on application
in person or through post-office.

L. J. HARVEY,

Nursery grounds open to the inspec-
tion of visitors during business hours-

ap tf

Score Fifty Dollars!

THE NEW FLORENCE.

PRICE, 820 below / any other first-clns* Sew-
VALUE, §30 above > ing JMachiue.

SAVED $50 bv buying the Florence.

EVERT MACHINE WARRANTED.

SPECIAL TERMS TO CLUBS AND DEALER-.

SEND FOR CIRCULARS TO THE

FLORENCE S. M. CO., FLORENCE, MASS., OR

49 N. CIIARLE8 ST., BALTIMORE, MD.

PIEDMONT AIR-LINE RAILWAY.

Richmond and Danville, Richmond and Danville R. W., N- C-
Division, and North Western N- C R. W-

CONDENSED TIME TABLE.

In effect on and after Sunday, October 12th, 1^73.
GOIXG NORTH.

STATIONS. MAIL. EXPRESS.

Leave Char. 10.00 P. m. 8.15a.m.

•• Air- Line Junction, 10.06 " 8.30 "
" Salisbury, 10.06 a. m. 10.21 "

" Greensboro, 3.30 " 12 45 p.m.

• Danville, 6.20 " 312 "

" Burkville, 11.35 " 7 36 "

Arrive at Eichmocd, 217 P. M. 10.17 "

GOING EAST.

:055. ^ MAIL.

Leave Greensboro' Z SUOa.1.

•• Co. Shops, - 4.4.3 "

" Raleigh, r B OS "

Arrive at Goldsboro,' 5 11.1-3 ••

NORTH WESTERN N -C R. R.

Salem Braxch.
Greenjboro, 4 30 P. m. ; arrive at Salem 6.25 p.m.; leave Salem 8 a. v.; arrive at
Greensboro' 10-00 a. m.
Mail trains daily, both ways.

On Sundays, Lynchburg Accommodation leave Richmond at 9.45 a. m. ; arrive at Burkvil'.e
.45 p. M., leave Burkville 5.35 a. m., arrive at Richmond 8 45 a. m.
l2Pullman Palace Cars on all night trains between Charlotte and Richmond (without change).

Papers that have arrangements to advertise the schedule of this Company will please print as
above.
For further information, address 8. L. ALLEX.

General Ticket Agent, Greensboro' Jf. C.
T. M. E. TALCOTT, Eng'r & Gen'l Sup't. nov— tf

GOIXG

SOUTH

STATI :. = .

MAIL.

EXPEESS.

Leave Richmond,

1.2SP. M.

5.00 A. M.

Burkviile,

4 45 ••

" Danville,

9 18 "

13 ,? p. ::.

" Greensboro,'

12.20 A. M.

3.50 "

" Salisbury,

2.3- •'

6.06 •'

" Air-Line Junctior

,4.29 "

8-10 "

Arrive at Charlotte,

4.33 "

S.15 "

GOING

'•■'1,7.

MAIL.

£. Arrive

12.20 A. M.

s

9.35 "

_

5.26 "

5 Leave

2.30 P. M.

JOHN LAIRD,

Grace St.. Gardens and 733 Main Street. Cor. Eighth St.

Offers to the Pnblic a Large and fine Assortment of

Greenhouse and Hardy Plants,
AND ORNAMENTAL TREES.

•::ing Shrubs, Flower Seeds and Grape Vines in great variety, at reduced
rates. All orders delivered in City free of charge. Tacking and Shipping care-
fully attended to.

Catalogue on application. ap-2t

TO THOSE INTERESTED •

IN THE

PR0PAGATI6N0F GAME FOWLS.

We have at Mount Erin the following described Game Fowls, to wit: The IRISH
RED, BALTIMORE MUFFS, and GEORGIA DOMINICKE— all of them tried
Fowls in the pit, and known to be Genuine Game, which we offer for sale at the
price of Five Dollars a pair. Any iriend desiring to propagate from such stock,
who will send their orders enclosing $5 to Publishers of Southern Planter axi>
Farmer, No. 1115 Main Street, Richmond, will be promptly attended to.

JAMES DUKE,

nov— 6m MOUNT ERIN, Henrico County, Va.

1

A VERY FINE
BERKSHIRE BOA-R,.

NINE MONTHS OLD, SIRE AND DAM J|([ [^[^

IMPORTED FROM ENGLAND.

A few Superior SOUTH DOWN EWES and EWE LAMBS, and a very large ^fy^* — «

BBONZE TURKEY GOBLER. .

PRICE OF TURKEY $5.

A. M. BOWMAN, Bellevue Stock Farm,
jan— tf WAYNESBORO, Augusta Co.. Va.

\P

We have pu: chased the Photographic Gallery formerly owned by Mr. W. G. R.
Frayser, 1011 Main St., opposite Post-office.

Having thoroughly refitted and added all the recent improvements, we respectfully
inform the public that we are prepared to execute every first-class style of PIC-
TURES (from minature" to life-size) known to the art. Our establishment is the
most extensive and perfectly appointed one in the South, consequently we are enabled
to offer our patrons superior facilities for obtaining the very best results that the Art
is susceptible of. We retouch elegantly all negatives made in OUR GALLERY. Our
facilities for copying and restoring old Pictures are not equalled by any establish-
ment in the country. Persons desiring first class work, in our line, will find it to
their advantage to call and examine our artistic productions. You will find our
prices as reasonable as first-class work can be produced.

[nov— ly] # M. J. POWERS & CO.

35 Packages of Flower or Vegetable
Seeds free by mail for one dollar. One
beautiful Illustrated Catalogue of seeds
and plants for 1874, free to all. Plants
by mail specialty. Address,

GREEN, BEACH & CO.,
Seedsmen and Florists, Oil City, Pa.
Box 1775. mar-lOt

THE NEW CLIFTON FRUITCRATE and VEGETABLE CRATE the best thing
known for transporting Fruits and Vegetables. Will supersede all other arti-
cles used for these purposes. Took first premium and diploma at Maryland State
Fair, 1873. First Premium and Diploma at Frederick Fair, 1873. Fir6t Premium
or Medal at Virginia State Fair, 1873.

State, Coun'y, Farm, and Iudividdal Rights for sale by

E, B. GEORGIA & CO.,
nov — 1/ ' Clifton Fairfaxo ,V

O THE I£LD PCT-Z?.

CURES

Iir.nPITREYS' nOMEOPA'

VETEKI^VAKY SPECIFICS

For Hi utle, -Sheep,

UTSMJ2N.

">orr.e*t and fii!e?t-

be found in Vir-

Se Irish upon the Ene-

1 7th of July ne.v

••loi.ths old) I shall be able

er a limited number of puppies of

:ed at th~ iice 'folers-

he fol-

will begin to hnut well io
ror beauty of color Ca
ick) and for staunch:
i high action :

■>., Ya.

Ai"

C. C.

r.F. -c

.

100
100

<;.G. tened Loss of

n.n.-tui

I. I.-C

and

SHEEP FOR SALE.

na waritiugetoe'-:
. any Lumber, all
Jambs lor Kale, by apph
': Rl H.

THE CROTON GRAPE.

variety

•.--List.

:rhill,

Croton LandiL- . Y.

A GENTS WANTED.— V.

'* :-.'W firet-clasa 5ALZSMKX

rzk in various parte of

We w:mt men of good

c-r. habit* aDd ;>acity,

who can famish undo rences ,

o will give their wL

i innry Case, in Blcck TValnnt,
: y Jlumi.

I free by Kxpi ■
>untry. on re<
orders of &."> or u;> .

who cannot fur
To such we tan
•rnent with a zood

Homeopathic Medicine Co.,

Ir'oi fcale by all Dnigt i - 1

w c7 SMiTHp]

maxcfa'.tcbef. : ealeb nT

CHILDREN'S 0A£RIA^L

fHLVGL.i ILLOWWARE,

: e to order, al-
I road

Va. Ap

I#I^S

%)e/&vf&vic/eAJ

Seedsmen, 35 CcrtJandt Street, Ne ■*

Subscription REDUCED to $1.50 Per Annum in Advance.

TO CUBS OF FIVE OR MORE. ONE DOLLAR EACH.

E ST A-BLISPIE ID I3ST 1840.

PLANTER AND PARMER

DEVOTED TO

Apaltnre, Horticulture, ait tie Meciaaic ai HonsehoM Arts.

L. R. DICKINSON Editor and Proprietor.

T. L. PAYNE Associate Editor.

RICHMOND. YL

NOVEMBER. 1874.

1. 11.

CONTENTS.

To our Readers, 209

To the State Grange of Virginia, 210

Prospectus. 211

What is a Grange? 212
The Inspectorships of Tobacco, and

ernor Kemper's Action, 217
A Comparative Failure in Sheep

Raising, 218

Fly in Wheat, 219

Demand Taxes, 220

Debt of Virginia, 220

Failure, 226

Effect of Drought in the West, 228

Wheat without Manure, 229

Wheat in California. 230
Red Clover the Cheapest and I

Fertilizer,
In and In Breeding,
The Position of Windows in Horse

Stables, 235

Experiment to Test the Propriety

of pulling Fodder, as compared

with cutting up Corn,
The Butter Trade,
Potatoes and Muck,
Farm Pens.
Nearly Twenty- eight Tons of Grass

from Seven Acres of Land,
Address to the Farmers of Virginia

and North Carolina,
Grange Work in California,
Tuekahoe Farmers^ Club,
New Things and Old Things,
Alkali for an Old Apple Tree,

of Pork,
Labor Saving in the Culture of To-

Officers of State Granges,
Rules for the Care of Sheep,
Two Queens in one Hive,
French Washing Fluid,

235
236
239
240

241

242

245
246

247
248
249

250

254

256

GRAND SQUAEE, f UPRIGHT

PIANOS

Have received upwards of FIFTY FIRST PREMIUMS, and are among the best
now made. Every instrument full}' warranted for five years. Prices as low as
the exclusive use of the very best material and the most thorough workmanship
will permit. The Principal Pianists and composers and the piano-purchasing
public, of the South especially, unite in the unanimous verdict of the superiority
of the STIEFF PIANIO. The DURABILITY of oar instruments is fully estab-
lished by over SIXTY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES iu the South, using over
300 of our Pianos.

Sole Wholesale Agents for several of the principal manufacturers of Cabinet
and Parlor Organs ; prices from $50 to $600. A liberal discount to Clergymen
and Sabbath Schools.

A large assortment of second- hand Pianos, at prices ranging from $75 to $300,
always on hand.

Send for Illustrated Catalogue, containing the names of over 2.000 Souther-
ners who have bought and are using the StiefF Piano.

CHAS. M. STIEFF,
Warerooms, No. 9, North liberty Street,

BALTIMORE, MD.
Factories, 84 & 86 Camden street, and 45 and 47 Perry St.

TIHUE

Howe Machine Company

HAYE RE-OPENED IN RICHMOND AT

OSS nVEstixx £3t=reet,

AND OFFER TO THE PUBLIC THEIR

New Improved, Light-Running
SEWING MACHINES

ON THE

MOST LIBERAL TEBMS.

W. D. GOODRICH, Agent.

N. B. — Our old customers will please call for needles, parts, kc.

oct

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticulture, and tie liuii, Manic ani Honseliolfl Arts.

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xehophoh.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State.— Stjlly.

L. R, DICKINSON, Proprietor

FRANK G. RUFFIN, ....---- Editor.

New Series, RICHMOND, VA., NOVEMBER, 1874, No, 11.

'(Mortal geprtmcnt.

TO OUR READERS.

Our readers will see from the following circular of Maj. R. V.
Gaines, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the State Grange
of Virginia, that the Southern Planter and Farmer has been se-
lected by that Committee as the Organ of the Patrons of Husbandry,
with Col. Ruffin as their editor. It will also be seen from Col. Ruf-
fin's prospectus that he has accepted and assumed this duty, com-
mencing; with this number. Col. Ruffin needs no introduction from
us to our readers. His connection with this journal before the waiv
and his long and prominent connection with all the leading agricul-
tural interests of the State, has made him one of our best known
representative men.

We believe our grange friends will unanimously endorse this action
of the Executive Committee, by at once securing us clubs of sub-
scribers in their respective granges. Maj. Gaines, in his circular,
says: "The paper is placed before you on its merits alone, as a
means of supplying a long-felt and generally acknowledged want,,
and claims the support of the Order upon the ground that we have
secured for our purpose one of the most respectable and largely cir-
culated papers in the State, under the management of a gentleman
of first-rate intelligence and capacity, of large experience, both as an

212 THE SOUTHERN [November

the advantages of enlightenment and education — which includes the
experience of all ages — may be supposed best able to point the way
out of our present troubles.

It is but just to the gentlemen who have invited me to assume this
relation to the agricultural public, to say that they no more expect
this paper to become the vehicle of any special views of their own,
as indeed "hey have none, than of any clique, faction or party in the
Order or out of it. But they do expect, and I certainly do intend,
as far as I am able, that the farmers, whose interests have been
hitherto disregarded in nearly everything, shall hereafter be heard
and felt as a power in the State. To this great duty, thus briefly
outlined, I am willing to dedicate myself; if adequately supported,
I hope I shall discharge it efficiently; and so to have done it will fill
the measure of my ambition.

It is enough to add that I shall attempt to make the best paper I

can with the resources at my command.

Fkank G. Rotin.

WHAT IS A GRANGE?

" No pent up Utica confines our powers,
But the whole boundless continent is ours."

The above question is often asked me, in the same tone, and with the
same air of curiosity with which a similar question would be asked
in regard to any new invention, to which some enterprising trader
had criven a fancy name. To men who approach such a subject, in
such a spirit, it is exceedingly difficult to give reply. The truths
which have forced the Order of " Patrons of Husbandry" into exist-
ence, have never been studied by such enquirers, and when told that
the very fact of the existence of the Order is conclusive proof of its
necessity, they turn away, little heeding any explanation which n
be given.

Believing that I shall address myself to a different class of men
through your journal, I propose to answer the question in the hope
that I may induce others to study the subject.

First let me say, that the name " Granger " is one only applied
outside of our gates ; and a better idea of our objects, in this coun-
try particularly, will be impressed upon the minds of our people, by
the use of the true name of the Order, that of " Patrons of Hus-
bandry."

Secondly, we aim at, and intend to accomplish the elevation of
husbandmen and their families in all the land.

Thirdly, as the means to accomplish our end we seek to improve,
foster and encourage, by every honest means, good husbandry in all
its aspects.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 213

1st. By binding in a bond of brotherhood, all farmers.

2nd. By protecting their material interests.

3rd. By teaching true morals.

4th. By raising a high social standard, to be impressed on all
farmers and farmers' families.

These are useful, pure ends ; and it may be asked, how are they
to be attained ?

It is one of the greatest boasts of this "progressive age," that
the great principles of combination and co-operation have pro-
duced wonderful results — results only to be limited by the brain
power brought to bear in any enterprise where these principles are
put into active operation.

Out of, in round numbers, the twelve millions of active business,
working men, in the limits of this government, there are within a
fraction of six million engaged in agricultural pursuits. We find
that in every other calling of every kind, whether it be professional,
mechanical, mercantile, or manufacturing, each body of men, having
an identity of interests, has some bond of union, by which to aid,
encourage, and protect every individual who is a member of such
union.

Every husbandman knows and feels the powerful results of such
unions when he buys his supplies, or sells.the products of his labour.

Who then is justified in raising the cry of "class" in order to
deny to the husbandman the right to use the same machinery, the
effects of which he feels in every article he uses and in every pro-
duct he sells ? And who can doubt that he will avail himself of it,
when'he is taught that it can be used by himself in his calling, as it
is used by others in their callings ?

As in all his operations, a good husbandman thinks it of the first
importance to have a good team we find we have this in the (nearly)
six millions of men we propose to engage in this work .! and as to
the brain power, without claiming anything for ourselves, Ave have
only to point to the "editorials " and communications all the year
round in every newspaper and periodical, and to hear the everlasting
doses of eloquence, from the most gifted in the land, to be satisfied
of our "intelligence," "our wisdom," and our "virtue."

For ourselves we find, that at the end of a year's labour, all our
profits are absorbed by others, and as a rule nothing is left — hence
we have to buy on credit and time prices, which yearly add to the
mortgages and debts encumbering our efforts and our farms. By a
slight effort of our " intelligence " we find that while we sink money,
large classes of men are making 'money out of our labour: and by
usinc our "wisdom" we are led to conclude, that if money can be
made out of the products our labour, we are better entitled to it than
any one else, and feel that our wives and daughters ought to share the
comfort and consequent refinement which that product properly man-
aged would afford, now enjoyed by the wives and daughters of others;
and we can only preserve the " virtue " we are given credit for, by
manfully looking into the question of what becomes of our profits, and

214 THE SOUTHERN [November

so manacrincr as to retain them in our own pockets. We find further,
that upon the articles we are obliged to use, the manufacturer, the
importer, then the jobber, then the commission merchant, then the
carrier, then the retail merchant, each and all make handsome livings,
out of what we buy from them, and in addition a heavy per centage
for bad debts and time on the interest we have to pay — upon many
of the articles we are bound to have we are astonished to discover
we pay from one dollar and forty cents to two dollars, for what
oucht to cost only one dollar, and we ask cannot we rid ourselves of
this extortion, and if we do is not the saving between the true cost
and the actual cost, equivalent to placing the difference in our own
pockets, or an increase in the market price of our products ? Then
we look at the mode in which our produce is sold, and find that we
come directly in contact with those, who for mutual aid and protec-
tion are members of Corn Exchanges, Flour Exchanges, Tobacco
Exchanges and other associations of the kind, and of course the hus-
bandman "goes under " when he undertakes to contend as an indi-
vidual with these brotherhoods, when besides he has to meet " com-
missions, costs and charges," which every husbandman knows are
heavy items in his returns.

Home clubs, agricultural societies, State fairs have all been tried,
and not one of them has reached, or can reach these evils, and though
the troubled husbandman is often patronizingly given a free lecture
upon the "laws of the trade," "demand and supply," &c, he finds,
learned as they may be, they do not touch the case he is con-
sidering or solve the problem he seeks a solution for. Just here the
Patrons throw light upon the subject by teaching him to combine
and co-operate with his brother farmers who retain in their own
pockets the difference between wholesale and retail prices, be:
cash and time purchases, between exorbitant and moderate commis-
. between high and low freights, and thus have for their own
use, and that of their families, the means wrung from his labours,
upon which so many middlemen live and thrive. "\\ ith the motto ""In
essentials, unity ; in non-essentials, liberty ; in all things, charity.'*
the Patrons invite him into their gates as a refuge from the evils he
seeks to avoid. He finds there no ill-will to any one, but the simple
fact, we can do better with our own machinery and prefer to use it,
because it costs us less.

Anv farmer who deserves the name keeps a regular account. Let
him cast this up, and see the difference in the costs of the articles
at wholesale and retail. Let him also see what he would have
saved in the sale of his crop on the same principle. Let him look
into his family expenses and "note the diversity" there too, and he
will find the "margin" in savins well worth his serious attention,
and let him bear in mind that under the system of the Patrons, "the
more the merrier" is logically true.

It a manufacturer can by his skill and the use of improved ma-
chinery, reduce the cost of production or get his products to market
at a cheaper rate, does he not have the moral right so to do, and does

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 215

he hesitate so to do, because some one may raise the cry that he in-
jures other classes ? Should any farmer do so, and how often is the
secret of the manufacturer kept as the most precious of his posses-
sions, and yet the objection is made that of Patrons is a secret
one — true it is secret, it is necessary for the proper working
of our machinery that we should keep it secret ; our business is on so
large a scale, so many interests conflict with it, that as prudent men
we must exclude from our factory, all those whose interests would
interfere with our machinery either by breaking it, as has been done
in some factories where improper persons were allowed access, or by
throwing in obstructions, which might prevent our machinery from
working fairly, and as it is our own business we keep it to ourselves.
This secrecy is not one of our own seeking, so far as our mere busi-
ness is concerned, but a necessity forced upon us by others. As to
other matters, secrecy is essential for similar reasons ; because we
have the right to know who are our brothers and our sisters, and we
cannot know them, and they cannot know us, without the aid of the
secret signs and tokens, by which we can claim the brotherly offices
due from one to another. In the ordinary relations of life you have
other means and public means, by which you can test the right of
those who set up claims upon you. As Patrons we huve no means
save those we ourselves devise, and they must be secret to be effectual.
In order to accomplish our ends, we establish in every farming
community, selecting the best material, organizations which we call
subordinate granges, in whose hands we place the interests of the
locality in which the Grange is, and the selection of those whom they
deem worthy to assist in the work. These subordinate Granges are
represented in the County Grange — the County Grange in the
State Grange, and the State in the National Grange, in perfect
analogy to the theory of representation in the State and Federal Leg-
islatures; each Patron as he advances in his work, being endorsed by
each separate Grange in the order I have mentioned, until he is
brought directly in communion with the colossal power, and the
mighty energies, which our Order develops, for the good not only of
the Order itself, but for this M boundless continent." And here it
may be well to notice the inuendo often made, that we have " polit-
ical views"' and are liable to be "used by politicians," or "may become
political bodies." I can let you inside the gates far enough to see
that these insinuations made in various forms are the merest "Bosh."'
Examine the list I have given you, and see how impossible it must
be, for any man, however skillful, to pass through the various bodies
I have named, without showing his cloven foot, and how easily he
can be arrested in his progress ; for any one of the bodies I have
named, can and must "put a spoke in the wheel" of any enterpris-
ing gentleman who entertains the idea of making us political tools, for
he is forbidden to discuss any political question in any way. or even
the merits of a candidate in any step, in any one or all of these bodies
at anv and at all times. With the known open and avowed objects
of the Patrons, acted on and taught publicly and privately, the in-
sinuation of political objects is simply absurb.

216 THE SOUTHERN [November

Having laid the foundation for the improvement of the pecuniary
condition of the farmer, and shown how that can he done by the
Order, placing him in the independent condition which will lift him
above the petty expedients and small acts, which poverty and de-
pendence often tempt men to commit, we view the next of the ben-
efits which the Order confers, by urging that it brings into actual
contact the best among the farmers, with those, who from want of
proper training, may be in danger of not having a sufficiently high
standard of morals, and opening thus the best of all schools, the
day by day teaching of true men, to those who by their brotherhood
will look up with proper respect to their conduct, and thus be led to
imitate and emulate the virtues of those, who have the highest
position among them — whose opinions they will be bound to respect,
from a benign regulation among us, by which all causes of difficulty,
all questions as between man and man, may be under their decision,
and all questions of disregard of true morality must be laid before
them, where a brother is involved.

In this view it is proper to say, that every true Patron is the ad-
vocate, and a true worker in doing all that he can, to dispense the
blessings of education to all around him — a duty the Order requires
of him which he must discharge.

And lastly, to crown this good work, it is impressed upon the
Order, always and under all circumstances, to build up and maintain
a high social standard, to be shewn, not only in their regular meet-
ings and social gatherings, but to be taught in their daily walk in
life ; and one of the highest ends in view in our introduction of
females in our Order, and placing them in office, is to have this
object obtained by their influence and example, to keep them in the
position which they ought to occupy, as help-meets and counselors to
husbands, fathers, brothers and sons ; to stamp respect for them upon
the very souls of every Patron, — to teach our young men the purity
which woman's very presence brings — and with it the chivalrous de-
votion which is woman's right. Allow me to say to those who
object to this feature of our noble Order, that we know, that to
make high men, we must have them under the influence of high
women, — would that such an objector would look on one of our
matrons — see how

" In the calm heaven of her delightful eye,
An Angel guard of loves and graces lie,"

— mark her gentle, noiseless, teaching of faith, hope, charity and
fidelity, which surround her as her constant attendant ; see how her
pure influences shed light upon the bronzed cheeks of those who
heed her gentle, pure, quiet teaching — see the hardened hand
raised in respectful homage to her worth — and he would turn away
abashed at his own folly, and unite with us in thanks to God, that
such influences as hers — true, gentle, pure and high, can be shed
upon tho^e who rise higher and higher in the scale of humanity, at
every touch of the magic wand a true hearted woman wields.

W. M. Ambler.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 217

THE INSPECTORSHIPS OF TOBACCO, AND GOVERNOR
KEMPER'S ACTION.

It affords us very great pleasure in the first issue of this paper under
its present control to record that one public officer has considered the
interests of the planters in his appointments to office. A slight breeze
has recently rippled the ordinarily placid surface of the Tobacco Ex-
change in Richmond, because Governor Kemper did not re-appoint
those officers as inspectors on the part of the State who were pressed
upon him by the owners or lessees of the warehouses in which they
had been respectively placed by previous appointment of Governor
Walker. The law, not Governor Kemper, had vacated their offices, just
as much as it will vacate his at the end of his term ; and the inspectors
or their friends have no more right to complain if at the end of their
term they are not appointed again, though each may have made an
excellent officer, than he will have to complain if the people shall see
fit to let him return to private life at the end of his term, no mat-
ter how good his administration will have been. Least of all should
the lessees or owners complain in this case. The same law gives
them the nomination of one inspector for each of their warehouses ;
and it is the duty of the Governor to confirm their nominations, or
give his reason for declining to do so. This, one would think, should
be satisfactory; and it would seem that each might say, "I have one
inspector to attend to my interests, and that ought to be enough.
Let the planter's interests be represented by an appointee of the
Governor." This seems so obviously the suggestion of propriety
that one wonders at even a momentary discontent except from the
very worthy gentlemen who have been rotated out by law; and
even they will probably quiet down when they remember that they
were once rotated in by the same process.

We do not know how it may have been in other places, but here in
Richmond the four appointees are gentlemen of character and business
capacity, and represent, as nearly as it may be done, the great sec-
tions whence tobacco seeks a market in Richmond; and we presume
the same considerations guided Governor Kemper in all his appoint-
ments. At all events it was a recognition of Planters as a class in
the community, and an attempt to reach certain things in the trade
as conducted in Richmond, which a good many people think should
be reformed.

We do not propose to discuss them now. Our object is merely to
chronicle the fact we have stated.

218

THE SOUTHERN"

'■ N : vember

Since the above was written, public notice has been given by the
proprietor of one of the warehouses. Mayo's, that that house will be

red od the 24th of December, in order that he may make.it a pri-
vate warehouse. As the inspector appointed for that warehouse by
the Governor is not only a gentleman of perfect integi ::y. but skilled in
tobacco, it is fair to presume that the purpose of the proprietor is to
control the appointment of both inspectors. ~Whv ?

A COMPARATIVE FAILURE EN SHEEP RAISING.

It may be remembered by some of the readers of the Planter
that I contributed to the January number of the Planter an article
on the "profits of sheep-raising on James river — including tl_.
ing of lambs in New York." In that I stated two ventures in sheep
and lambs that had been made by myself and my neighbor. Captain
James B. Jones, in the years 1S72 and ISTo. The first of mine
showed a nett profit in sales on each ewe that raised a lamb of
per cent. : and the second showed a similar profit of 237^ per cent.,
st which any one might charge what expense account he might
choose upon his own valuation of the items of such charge as I then
gave them. The results of Captain Jones were the same as far as he
went; but he kept his ewes over; whereas I sold mine each year at
an advance of fifty per cent, on cost.

The results of this year are very different, as will appear from
the following statement:

1S74.
Apl. 15, 8 old sheep, barren, at $4 per head.
May 15. BO iambs, at 80.50.
June 3, 707 lbs. wool from 154 sheep, netc,
9, 39 lambs, at $5,

" 22, 41 " at S3. 50. .
July 22. 22 " (sold in Richmond), at 83.25.

" 10 " consumed at home, at S4,

Oct. 13, 170 ewes on hand, at S3." .

Total.
C rat of 200 ewes, at $3.50,
Interest from 1st October, ls73. to date, say
15th October, at 810 per cent.,

Balance, 4 22

which is, in round numbers, a little under one hundred per cent, on

$32

195 00

194 15

1,5 00

143 50

,

71 50

40 00

•

- g oo

1.4-7 15

700 00

72 93

77° 93

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 219

the investment; against which must be charged feed, including pastu"
rage and attendance.

"Whatever others may think, I regard this as a comparative fail-
ure, as it comes so far short of what I have done before. The ex-
planation of it is as follows : 1st. The price paid for the ewes was
too high; 2nd. They were delivered to me at least one month after
I should have received them ; 3d. They were worried by dogs ; and,
4th. The season was very unfavorable.

The ewes came to me, some too old and some mere lambs, though
I had expressly stipulated for two or three year olds. In conse-
quence of coming so late and in bad order, they were not impreg-
nated in time to yean in all the month of February and early in
March. Once or twice they were worried by dogs, and though I
lost very few from this cause, the scare affected their condition for
a long time, so that they did not give as much milk as they other-
wise would have done, though they were better fed than any lot I
ever had. Then the season when the lambs should have been
fattening was so wet that the grass was too sappy, as the graziers
call it — a cause of bad condition, as my live-stock broker assured
me, that extended clear to New York. And finally, like all other
things, the tightness of the times affected the ability of consumers.

Contrasting the business, however, with the failure of the wheat
crop this year, the failure of the oat crop, the reduction of the corn
crop — from drought, cool weather, and chinch-bug — and the failure
of my hay crop, which was burnt by incendiaries, I think I may
assume that there are elements of certainty in results from sheep that
are not to be found in any of the other staples I have named. In
stating, therefore, the facts in this last venture, which is but fair to
those who have been induced by my previous statements to look with
favor on this branch of sheep husbandry, I see no reason to retract
anything I may have said before, or to regret having said it. On
the contrary, I am more and more convinced by each year's expe-
rience that this branch of farming has been too much neglected by
us; and that in all its varieties it well deserves the attention of our
people, each selecting that kind which best suits his peculiar circum-
stances. Frank G. Ruffin.

FLY IN WHEAT.

It is a fact tested by experiments off and on for more than thirty years,
not numerously, but sufficiently and satisfactorily made, that one or two,

220 THE SOUTHERN [November

not more, bushels of lime sowed over the wheat when tne fly makes
its appearance will destroy them. The like quantity repeated in the
spring, utterly destroys them. That much lime cannot cost any one
much, not mote than from §20 to 840 per acre. The fly often costs us
$10 per acre, interest about 2,000 per cent, which beats that form of
extortion, politely called banking, all to pieces. And then, on most
soils, the lime is an independent benefit greater than its cost. "W ill
gas-house lime answer as well ? Can't say ; suppose you try it.

DEBT AND TAXES.

As we think the financial condition of the State interests cur
farmers quite as much as dissertations on practical agriculture, and
is really of as much moment to men, many of whom are likely to be
sold out at any time to pay their taxes, we make no excuse for asking
special attention to an article on that subject which, at our request,
was furnished by a gentleman who has given the subject much atten-
tion. We were the more solicitous to get this article because his
facts go to sustain our own conclusion, that not 3 per cent, of what
is called the debt of Virginia can now be paid. And an attentive
reading of the paper submitted, which deserves to be studied by every
reader of the Planter, will, we think, lead all to this conclusion. If
not. let us hear from the dissentient.

"We heard a gentleman say the other day that he thought the price
of coupons should be considered as a mitigation of the tax. Perhaps
he did not know that some of the brokers had been making "comers'
in them, whereby there price was enhanced ; and he could not have
heard of that princess of France, who when she was told that people
were dying of hunger, said compassionately. " dear me ! why don't
the poor creatures live on bread and cheese?" "Your Highnt
was the reply, " the poor creatures have not the money to buy
bread and cheese." It takes money to buy coupons as well as bread
and cheese.

DEBT OF VIRGINIA.
Charge of dishonesty preferred by creditors on the authority of her
late Governor — Action of Council of Foreign Bond-holders —
Virginia and Virginians to be excluded from the money marts of
Europe — Charge of dishonesty considered — Result — What interest
can Virgin ia pay f

The failure on the part of Virginia to meet the interest on her
debt, and the resolves of the Council of Foreign Bond-holders to
close the doors of European capital against her and her citizens, on

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 221

the ground that she is a d shortest debtor, able but not willing to pay
her debts, coupled with a call by her Governor and Treasurer for a
conference with her creditors in November next, invest with interest
the enquiry into her real ability to meet her obligations.

Governor Walker in his financial message, March^Sth, 1870, un-
dertakes to show her ability, with a tax of 40 cents on the hundred
dollars, to carry on her State Government, pay six per cent, interest
on her ante-bellum debt of 46 millions, and yet have a surplus in
her Treasury. Upon the faith of this message the Council of Foreign
Bond-holders based their action, declaring that Governor Walker
had afforded the most incontestable evidence of her capacity, and of
the unwillingness to meet in full every -liability.

Governor Walker's message has proved to be a most un eliable
document, his figures of imagination having been overcome by the
figures from, the record, and his anticipations falsified by actual results.

The first noticeable fact is that, in 1870 (after the date of his mes-
sage), the Legislature of Virginia raised the State tax 25 per cent,.
from 40 to 50 cents on the hundred dollars, (which received the sanc-
tion of Governor Walker), evincing, in the most practical manner,
an honest desire and a sincere purpose t<> provide for her obligations.
Yet, so far from verifying the Governor's prediction that 40 cents on
the hundred dollars would maintain the Government, pay 6 per 'cent.
interest on 46 millions of debt, and leave a surplus in the Treasury,
the result has been a failure to pay 4 per cent, on 32 millions, the
portion of the ante-war debt, which she assumes to herself; that is
to say, Virginia has not been able to pay 8 per cent, much less 6 on
her ante-war debt. But the Bond- holders still following in the wake
of Governor Walker, declare that if the assessments of taxable values
had been honestly made, his prediction would have been realized. The
response to which is, first, that the assessments were made by sworn
officials, skilled in that kind of business, with no inducements to
make false returns ; and, secondly, that the sales of property, both land
and personalty, at public outcry, on terms of credit, rarely have real-
ized the assessed values ; and that judgment liens, amounting to
millions upon millions of dollars, remain unsatisfied, because the lands
will not sell for two-thirds of their assessed value — the law of Vir-
ginia forbidding the sale of land under execution for a sum less than
two-thirds of its assessed taxable value. Assessments are and can'
only be made On the estimated cash value. It is hardly credible then
that the assessments of Virginia lands are too low, since they rarely
find a purchaser at two-thirds of their assessed values.

The Bond-holders assert, however, that if the assessments be fair
and proper, still heavier rates of taxation should be imposed. Let
us see. The records both of the Federal and State Governments are
vouched to explain the measure of depreciation in the taxable values
in Virginia, and to show that her people cannot bear a heavier bur-
then in the shape of taxation.

By the Federal record, the assessed value of real and personal prop-
erty in Virginia in 1860, was $917,117,852 and the estimated real

222 THE SOUTHERN [November

value was $1,270,830,426, and in 1870, the assessed value was only
$365,439,917, and the estimated real value was $409,558,133, showing
a falling off in the assessed values of $551,677,935, and in the real
value of $861,1145,293. The record shows further that of the sum
of $551,677,935, the amount of $446,310,076 represented the assessed
or taxable value of personal property, and $105,367,859 represented
the taxable value of the land.

The State record shows that the value of the slaves manumitted
by federal usurpation reached $245,000,000: and it is an undisputed
fact that this slave property was not only a marketable wealth and
the most convertible of all property, but that it was the labor of the
State, the cheapest and most reliable in the world, and that by the
loss thereof the improved lands in Virginia were depreciated over
one hundred millions of dollars in value, entailing a perpetual and
continuing injury, which the State can neither avoid or repair ; that
this sum of $557,000,000 at the then rate of taxation (40 cents on
the hundred dollars), would maintain the Government and, within a
fraction, pay 4 per cent, on 32,000,000 of dollars, and that the same
rate on the $861,000,000 the real value, could after meeting the ex-
penses of Government pay 4 per cent, on the ante-war debt of
46,000,000.

But the records of the State show further that the assessment of
1873, (relied on by Governor Walker to prove the under assessments
of the taxable values of the State) is $30,000,000 less- than that of
1870, and within two millions of dollars of Virginia's portion of the
ante-war debt — making the present difference between the assessment
of 1860 and 1873 of $581,000,000: the taxable values of 1873
being only, in round numbers $336,000,000.

The levies for the support of county and township organizations
are more than double those laid by the State, and the Federal tax
on agricultural productions is in excess of $5,000,000 per annum.
In pursuit of the enquiry, can Virginia bear heavier taxation ? it
will be proper first to arrive at the sum now paid by the people of
Virginia in the shape of taxes.

The Federal Tax on Tobacco, &c, . . . $5,000,000
State Tax (J per cent, on 336,000,000), . . 1,680,000

County and township levies (1 per cent on same), . 3,360,000

An annual drain of . $10,040,000

on a people, who have lost 60 per cent, of their properties, with their
labor system destroyed, and their individual liabilities unsatisfied ;
a drain equal to 3 per cent, upon the taxable values of the State,
and 30 per cent, of the market values of the productions of her soil,
taking the yield of 1871 as the basis.

If the real. value of the property in 1870 be considered, it would
distribute $334.31 to each head of population, which sum invested
at 6 per cent, interest would yield $20 per annum (it was $80 in
1860.) Assuming five persons to a family, they would represent 100

1784.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 223

acres of land (at the average price of $12 per acre), and §417 worth
of stock, implements, &c. Two hundred and sixty thousand families
(the population being 1,300,000) at 100 acres each would figure 26,-
000,000 acres, being 8,000,000 more than Virginia has in farm lands,
18,000,000 more than she had in improved land, and 24,000,000
more than she had in cultivation in 1871. Of her 18,000,000 acres in
farm lands 44.9 per cent, only are improved, or arable acres, and of
these, for the year mentioned only 225,000,000 acres were in culti-
vation. The investments in land, stock and implements were repre-
sented by 253,000,000, and the market price of the yield was $33,-
000,000, equal to $1.82 per acre of farm lands, and $25 per capita
of population. Deducting 66§ per cent, for cost of cultivation, and
the sum of 60 cents per acre marks the net income to the farmers.

In 1860 there were 92,705 farms in Virginia averaging 324 acres ;
in 1870 there were 73,849 farms averaging 246 acres, a decrease in
the ten years of 18,856 farms and 12,000,000 of acres. The net
yield of 60 cents per acre, multiplied by 2460 acres will give to the
farmer §147.60. The assessed value of this land, including -the
necessary stock and implements, was §13.87 per acre, or §3,412.02
as the value of the farmer's investment, on which §147.60, his net
raceipts, would be equal to 4.33 per cent.

It has already appeared that the Federal, State, County, &c. taxes
sum up 3 per cent, on the taxable values of the real and personal
property of the State. Three per cent, tax on the farmer's invest-
ment taken from the net yield of his farm, 4.33 per cent., will leave
to him only 1.33 per cent., or about 45 dollars ; and this accords
with the generally received opinion that the farmers of Virginia
rarely realize 2 per cent, upon their input.

Again: In 1871, there was in corn two-thirds of an acre per
capita of population, and the average yield was 22.6 bushels per
acre, or 4.4 bushels per head, and the average market price was 67
cents per bushel, or §9.64 in money value per head. In wheat there
was three-fifths of an acre to each inhabitant, and the average yield
was 8 bushels per acre, equal to 4f bushels per capita, and the ave-
rage market value was §1.39 per bushel, or $6.67 in money value
per head. But in the same year there were 1,429,400 head of
horse,, mules, cattle (exclusive of sheep and milch cows), and hows,
and allowing to each head only 20 bushels of grain, much less than
is necessary for a thrifty keep, there was a demand for 28,588,000
bushels of grain for the live stock of Virginia, outside of her cities
and towns — the whole crop, however, of corn, oats, rye, barley,
buckwheat, and potatoes aggregated only 26,614,000 bushels, show-
ing yet a deficiency upon the scanty allowance of 20 bushels per
head of 1,964,000 bushels. So Virginia has to buy food for her
farm stock, exclusive of sheep and milch cows, or they have to wo with-
out; as is really the case in a majority of instances. From the above
number of live stock, not only are excluded the sheep (1,044,630)
and milch cows (234,000) of the farmer, but the horses and all other

224 THE SOUTHERN [November

live stock within the cities and towns, which were fixed by the De-
partment of Agriculture at 77.448 head (16,039 horses and 61.409
milch eowB . Of wheat, as above appears, only 4i bushels per head
bushels) was raised, less than by li bushels than is al-
lowed per head to the inhabitants of Great Britain. So Virginia
has also to buy bread-stuffs for her people, or put them on short
rations.

Again, the market value of the productions of the soil for lx71
was. as per report of the U. S. Agricultural Bureau, to be precise,
(33,302,092. There are 1,300,000 inhabitants in Virginia, of whom
at least 300,000 are male adults. At a charge of 30 cents a Jay,
i: would cost to feed each man $1.9.50 per annum, or $32,850,
for the male adult population, leaving $452,092 to feed the one mil-
lion of women and children, or 45 cents per head per annum, or
about one-eighth of a cent per day.

But of this 33 millions worth of produtts. we have already seen
that 10 millions are required in the shape of taxes for support of
a ernment — Federal. State, fee. — i that the proper distribution
would be to each male adult 21 cents per day, and to each other
person less than one mill per day. Thus the following propositions
may be considered as established: That the assessments of lands in
A irginia, whether tested by the products in kind, or marketable
value, or by the more certain test of the unsatisfied judgment-liens,
are not only not below, but in fact are :heir marketable cash

values: that Virginia does not raise grain enough to feed her people
and their live stock; that if all of her productions of the soil were
reduced to money at market rates, the proceeds would only feed
300,456 adu":- I cents each per day, with nothing for the re-

maining population; that the farm lands, stock, be., yielding only
1.33 per cent, net on their values, can bear not another straw in the
shape of taxation; that it is a mere delusion to talk of grinding out
of the farmers six per cent, interest on the State debt until blood
can be extracted from turnips; that if full interest most -all

be paid, the means must come from some other source than the lands
and personal property of the State (cities and towns included), as-
1 at 336 millions of dollars.
each this last result there must be raised on State account,
per annum :

To maintain the government. .... $1,500,

To pay 6 per cent, interest on debt of $32,000,000, 1,92 ),

3,420,000

Bv i of one per cent, on assessed values of real and
'personal property, 8336,000,000, . . . 1,680,000

Annual deficit, . $1,740,000

to be supplied from taxable subjects other than land and personal

property.

The annual receipts from these other subjects can only be esti-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 225

mated. In 1870 they amounted to $577,156.93; in 1871, to
$398,963.17; in 1873, to $570,561.57. The tax bill of 1874 im-
posed what is deemed an oppressive burthen on merchants, and
added something to the former taxes on railroad, express, telegraph
and insurance companies. In some of its features — in respect to
merchants' licenses — it has been ruled to be unconstitutional, and
though the case will go to the Supreme Court of Appeals, it is not
likely that much will be realized from them. But ignoring all ob-
jections, and admitting that full collections will be realized under
the tax bill, it would be an excessive estimate to expect as much as
50 per cent, advance on the receipts of 1873 from similar sources.

It will be observed that the receipts from the general
taxes exceed the demand for the support of gov-
ernment by the sum of $180,000

50 per cent, on receipts of 1873 from special taxes, 855,842

Utmost to be relied on to pay interest on public debt, 1,035 842

3 per cent, on $32,000,000, .... 960,000

Surplus to cover delinquents, . $75,842

An unsuccessful attempt at revolution has deprived Virginia of
two-thirds of her taxable values — destroyed her labor system —
crippled all of her existing industries, some even to death — and
estopped all new enterprises. In the pride of her poverty, her very
efforts to meet her obligations have increased her liabilities and
added to her embarrassments. In an earnest desire to maintain her
honor, she placed 25 per cent, additional tax upon her impoverished,
almost hopeless people, and yet, withal, it appears, if facts, figures
and results can prove anything, that it is indeed problematical,°with
the greatest struggle, whether she can pay even 3 per cent, interest
upon her debt. It is absolutely certain, unless there be some large
advance upon her present condition, that she can pay no more.
She must carry on her State government. She must maintain her
county and municipal organizations. The Federal tax she must
pay; her people must be fed and clothed; something must be al-
lowed to meet individual indebtedness. All of these obligations
must be met before the State creditor can reasonably expect the
call for his interest to be answered. Virginia is not able now to,
meet and satisfy all, and it does not exactly appear how the depriv-
ing her of the means to utilize her present, and to create and prose-
cute new, industries, to develop her undoubted and inexhaustible
hidden treasures, can hasten the happy time when, out of the abun-
dance of her wealth, she can say to each and to all of her creditors,
"Here is thine own, with usury." Capital is needed — population
is wanted. With them her waste places will blossom as the rose —
without them she must pine and dwindle — and finally must become
a bankrupt to her own irremediable damage, and, to the irretrievable
loss of their debt to the bondholders. Possibly the Council of For-
2

226 THE SOUTHERN [November

eign Bondholders may see a virtue in binding Virginia band and
foot — in excluding ber and ber people from the money marts of Eu-
rope, as their fathers thought they did in casting their debtors into
the fleet. As their fathers learned wisdom by their experience that
imprisonment would not discharge a debt due by a friendless and
impoverished debtor, possibly these descendants of theirs, in time,
may find that they, too, have erred, and that policy, if not justice
and mercy, would induce a helping hand to lift the unfortunate from
the slough of misfortune and put him upon solid ground, from which
he may rake a new departure. Virginia is not a dishonest* but an
impoverished debtor, struggling under almost insupportable trials to
pay something, if not all. To treat her as dishonest, is as cruel as
It is unwise — as unjust as it is untrue; and so the bondholders may
find out when the knowledge may avail them nothing.

The writer is one of those who is for paying the debts of the State,
who is willing to tax the people to their capacity to this end, and
who would be rejoiced to believe that their ability was equal to their
whole indebtedness. A careful examination into the question of her
ability, in all of its phases, some of which are here presented, has
satisfied him that the utmost limit of her present ability is measured
by 8 per cent, interest on her public debt, and that it would be un-
safe to undertake more.

A word to the bondholders, and we dismiss the subject. You
know that every new way opened to market, every old industry en-
larged, every new enterprise undertaken and successfully prosecuted,
every new water-power utilized, every new mine opened, adds to
the taxable values of a State. You know as the taxable values in-
crease, so the capacity of the State to meet her obligations is en-
larged: and so e contra. With such knowledge on your part, does
a business intelligence dictate the help of a liberal hand in aid, or a
stern, unrelenting policy in depression, of an already over-burthened
debtor? This question is not to be solved by resolves, the result of
disappointment, but upon the identical principles which govern mer-
chants in settling with their unfortunate debtors. A sober second
thought, resulting in a revocation of your edict of exclusion, and in
extension of aid to all proper enterprises, will go much further to
advance the certain payment of interest on your debt, and its re-
tirement at maturity, than, we venture to say, the unwise policy
which dictated your action in April last.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

FAILURE.

Mr. Editor, — As very many valuable articles appear in your col-
umns teaching us farmers how to succeed, you will pardon me for
expressing a few thoughts relative to the most direct route to a com-
plete failure in the pursuit of our calling. First, and important it is,
that a farmer should buy more land than he can pay for, giving his
bond for the deficit, with an obligation in some way assumed to pay
at least ten per cent, interest thereon. Again, if he owns more land

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 227

than he can manage successfully himself, he should sell everything
off the farm year after year, and continue to pay taxes on many su-
perfluous and non-productive acres. Let quantity rather than qual-
ity be his motto. He should never produce his own supplies, bear-
ing in mind that the merchant and the city will furnish him with far
better articles. Just now it is so refreshing to the farmers of Hen-
rico, and doubtless many other sections of the State, to pay the
modest price of a shilling for bacon and a dollar and twenty cents
for meal. Again, many small producers (and some large ones, too)
haul their hay and oats to market in the summer, and the following
winter buy it back again. Generally they receive about 75 cents
per hundred, and pay, say from $1.25 to $1.50 for it. Of course,
this is a paying operation. And it is just by such profitable man-
agement that so many succeed in failing.

Again, I would advise that produce be taken to the city in the
greatest possible bulk — transportation, storage, and handling are
small expenses. Never take it there in the shape of prime beef,
bacon or butter. Lately the writer sold prime seed to a city mer-
chant for 25 cents per pound ; one of my neighbors bought some of
the same seed from the merchant at 80 cents per pound. Don't
grow your own seed. Facts prove we can save as good seed pota-
toes as any we can buy, but don't credit facts. Fancy you can't,
and pay the merchant next spring as much for one barrel as he will
give you for three a few months later. Never place any faith in
stable manure, or try to save it yourself, nor in pure bone dust and
lime.* Fancy guanoes and phosphates are far cheaper. Shut your
eyes to the fact that the component parts of these latter articles on
the average do not cost the manufacturer half what they cost you ;
never plow a field of green peas or clover under to improve your
land; you can't afford it. Whilst on the subject of seeds, I should
have stated that the most successful gardener in this vicinity saved
this season from 60 heads of cabbage planted, not only his own
seed, but sold enough to pay him 20 cents each for the cabbage.
But don't you try it; recollect the merchant knows his business and
ours too. He will tell you Northern or foreign seed are so much
better ; will mature so much sooner, &c. You attempt to argue, but
he can beat you talking. He offers as your particular friend to let
you have a liberal credit of say 90 days. You consider a second,
conclude he is a jolly good-natured man, and your friend. You
buy If you don't meet your engagements promptly, or you make
your future purchases elsewhere, how soon his friendship and seem-
ing good nature vanish ! Facts prove that the farmer is more uni-
versally robbed of the honest fruits of his labor than any other class.
But fancy and believe it is not true, or if true, can't be remedied.
Lastly, don't take any papers, or read them if you do. If, however,
you are determined to do otherwise, recollect that political papers

*What guarantee has Jack that the Bone Dust is pure? There can be as much
fraud in that, and as much extortion as in any other sort of artificial fertilizer. —
Ed.

228 THE SOUTHERN [November

are filled principally with the speeches of ambitious office-seek
intent only on exciting the public mind to honor them with some
office, for "which they probably have no claims or qualification;
whereas agricultural papers and journals generally admit to their
columns only such articles as the editor thereof fa

teficial to the farmer; bearing in mind that fa journal-

ism depends upon the support he can derive from us 3~ he

is. therefore, or rather his paper is. thi y which our inter-

ests as a class are protected and advanced to the exclusion of otL

Jack.

EFFECT OF DROUGHT IN THE WEST.

The following extract from the regular Illinois correspondent of
the Albany Cultivator, whom we have read after with pleasure for a
good many years, is very suggestive. — [Ed.

We are still in need of more rain, and the cattle and the pasturage
are so disproportionate that few graziers and farmers have good
grass for their stock. The whole Western country for this time of the
r is sadly deficient in a surplus of agricultural production, and by
the arrival of seed time next spring it will be about as bare as a
desert. '

Writing as long ago as July 2S. with a full sense of the crop
failure and consequent scarcity upon me. I - (see page Bar-

rent vol.): "Let the farmer in the West sell no old corn for less
than 75c. and no new short of 50c. per bushel. New oats otight
be worth 4<Jc. and wheat three times that sum. Every farmer should
think the matter over before he accepts an offer of less than Tc. for
live hogs, and 6c. for good fat cattle." Prices for grain have already
reached these figures as an average, though hogs are not above Tc.
in Chicago,.unless they are very good, and there ie - I no new
corn in the market: but sales have been extensively made : \
in the stook, standing in the field. What prices will be next Mi
is difficult to conjecture, but it is impossible they should be other-
wise than high, beyond all recent experience. It e to
remember that at this time in 1872 old corn was worth 20(S 23c. per
bushel, and other Illinois agricultural products in relative proportion.
I another important fact for grain and produce buyers and deal; -.
and for such railroad managers as are something more than tha:.
bear constantly in mind is. that while railroads increase production
to a great extent, they stimulate and increase consumption to an ex-
tent still greater. Thus as to the surplus which had accumulated in
in this State the series of fruitful corn years, which terminated with
), it required, notwithstanding the stimulus of war. four or five
years to dispose of it ; yet the surplus of the grain-producing years
3 with 1^74 was taken out of the State in less than fifteen
months.

The legal standard by which grain is sold in this State is — wl

* -

60 pounds to the bushel; corn, 5'3 pounds; and oars. 32 pool

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 229

One day last week, wheat sold in Chicago at 98c., corn 82c, and
oats 52ic Estimating corn and oats at the standard weight per
bushel of wheat, we have the following result.

Wheat, 60 pounds, ..... 98 cents.

Oats, do. 981

Corn, do. 88"

Thus oats are worth per 60 pounds, 10|c. more than corn, and
half a cent more than wheat, while corn is worth only 10c. less than
wheat, and lO^c. less than oats.

Should the drouths which have characterized the last four years
become a permanent condition — which there is great reason to fear —
that condition, while it will largely increase the already immense
wheat area, will correspondingly diminish the corn-growing one; and
corn, instead of being cheaper per pound than wheat, oats or barley,
will become the dearest of the four. The subject is an interesting
one.

WHEAT WITHOUT MANURE.

Our readers have been frequently advised of what has been done
by Mr. Lawes, of England, in the way of raising repeated crops of
grain upon the same land year after year, both without and with
manure. But Mr. Lawes' labors have been experimental. We
have now before us a report of the sales of the standing crops of
wheat, oats, and clover upon two farms in England, upon which these
crops have been raised successfully for a dozen years, and sold stand-
ing, to be cut and carried away by the purchasers, both straw and
grain together. No stock is kept upon these farms. No manure is
used upon them. Deep plowing by steam, and draining to further
deepen the soil, are the only means by which these crops are pro-
duced year after year. One of these farms is owned and cultivated
by Mr. Prout, of Sawbridgeworth, and consists of 150 acres. The
present season's crop was chiefly wheat, which, sold by the acre as it
stood, realized from $45 to $89 per acre, for grain and straw. The
purchaser in all cases does the harvesting. The average prices were,
for wheat, $54.40 per acre ; oats, $49 per acre ; and clover, $52 per
acre. The whole proceeds of the 450 acres were $23,111, an ave-
rage of $53.30 per acre. The average result of the last seven year's
crops has been $51.25 per acre. The farm was purchased twelve
years ago, and was then in poor condition. It was drained, and
$1,000 worth of chemical fertilizers were used to bring it into a pro-
ducing state. Since then it has been cultivated deeply by steam
each year, but no fertilizer has been used, nor has the straw even
been retained upon the farm. The other farm is owned by Mr. Mid-
dleditch, of Wiltshire. It has been managed upon the same plan.
The crops upon this farm brought from $18 to $86 per acre,
on an average of $55. The aftermath of some fields of sanfoin,
which were to be pastured by sheep, sold for $10 to $18 per acre.
There are ,500 acres in this farm. Both farms have a clay soil,

230 THE SOUTHERN [Novtmbei

and are fairly .good wheat lands, but at the commencement of this
cropping were much ran down. The farmers who purchased the
crops, and some who had taken them for several years, said that
those of the present year were the best crops for several years, and
Mr. Prout expressed the opinion that he could thus farm u as long
as he lived, and his son after him." We do not pretend to make
any application of this anomalous kind of farming, but mere]" gi
the facts. At the same time we cannot refrain from comparing it
with some farms we have seen, in the rich valleys of Ohio and west-
ward, where for twenty years the merest scratching of the deep, rich
soil, and the raising of wheat upon the unplowed corn-stubble, year
after year, has made farmers comfortable, if not rich, and thinking
at the same time it is possible, if those rich lands were better treated,
and farmed more with the plow, and less with the harrow, that they
might produce better crops than they now do. and remain profi
to their owners for an indefinite number of years to come — Exc .

WHEAT IN CALIFORNIA.

The large proceeds of the sale of wheat in the last two years have
contributed greatly to the present abundance of money in California.
The San Francisco Atla speaks as follows on the topic : In two
years, ending with June, the amount of money realized for wheat
been in round numbers $10,000,000, which has enriched nearly all
parts of the State, and added to the immense production of the
mines, only two of which have given $80,000,000. against very lit-
tle in the two previous years, making of wheat and the produce of
two mines only, a result of $70,000,000 in two years, against $16,
000,000 from the same sources in the two previous years. This
shows a very large addition to the money capital of the State.
Other branches of agriculture and other mines have produced also
largely, but we call attention to but two Bounces. There have been
undoubtedly, losses in some of the mines, and many farmers have,
even in a prosperous year, lost money by injudicious handling oi I
crops — that is by making experiments on interested and unsound ad-
vice— but, nevertheless, the whole "value realized for the bullion and
wheat has added to the resources of the State, and the new crop
year opens with a larger supply of both wheat and bullion in pros-
pect.— Exchange.

(For the Southern Planter and Farmer.)
RED CLOVER THE CHEAPEST AND BEST FERTILIZER,

That the Red Clover plant is the cheapest and best fertilizer, is
established by the evidence of both practical men and men of science.

1. Practical men toy so. Mr. Hill Carter, of Shirley, in g
to the Southern Planter in 1870 the results of fifty-four years" expe-
rience in farming says : "Clover is the basis of all permanent improve-
ment on our lauds. If plaster acts well. I can. with clover, make land
rich enough for any crop. I never knew a good clover ley fail to
make a good crop of wheat. Clover is good manure above and under

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 231

the ground both, the roots as much as the hay or summer growth.
All I ever made was by clover and plaster." Mr. H. M. Magruder,
of Albemarle, reported to the same Journal last year the instance of
a farmer in his county who had grown large crops of wheat for
twenty years continuously by alternating clover with wheat. He ob-
tained a stand the first year on thin land, by the application of Peru-
vian guano, but afterwards used no other manure but plaster. The
leading farmer of the North, the veteran John Johnston, has most
successfully alternated clover with wheat, heavily manuring his wheat
with farm-yard manure, and applying plaster to the clover. An Or-
leans county, N. Y., correspondent of the Country Gentleman in
proof of his exalted opinion of the beneficial effects of clover as a
fertilizer, cites numerous instances and facts that have come under
his observation, and that have been noticed by trustworthy farmers.
He says : First — in regard to wheat : I can name quite a large num-
ber of fields of wheat that ha. e ranked among, if not ahead of the
best crops in this section, where it was very plain to see that good or
extra crops were mainly due to the excellent effects of growing clover
The average [yield of their crop ranges from 20 to 45 bushels per
acre, nostly varying from 25 to 40 bushels per acre. Wheat and
clover are frequently grown alternately, until the land is so rich or
full of vegetable matter that wheat lodges badly. Similar results
have been realized in growing corn. Ploughing under a good clover
sod, generally without other manure, except in some cases a dressing
of plaster and ashes in the hill has given from 100 to 150 bushels
of ears to the acre.

One of the very best examples of making and keeping land very
rich by the growth of heavy crops of clover, of which I have seen
any account, is the farm of Mr. George Geddes, of Onondaga county,
N. Y. It appears, by different accounts, that a large portion of this
farm has been in constant cultivation over 60 years, without any other
manure than clover and plaster ; and that the fertility and produc-
tiveness of the soil has been constantly increasing. In referring to
the practice of manuring with clover, in the discussion at the State
Fair at Watertown, in 1861, Mr. Geddes stated that "he thinks
clover manure of the utmost importance. It gives a crop of corn that
needs no hoeing, but horse cultivation only. Has thus raised 67
bushels to the acre, and the land was left cleaner than in other
fields with hoeing. Clover also forms an excellent manure for
other grain crops, oats, barley or wheat. Has had wheat on clover
sod at the rate of 33 bushels per acre for 20 acres, and regarded the
clover at the bottom of this heavy product."

Hon. G. W. Patterson, then Lieutenant-Governor, is represented
as saying in the Legislative Farmers' Club (Trans. S. Ag. So., 1849,
p. 660) that the cheapest manure for wheat is clover, though he would
use all of the manure from the barnyard. Considers a good crop of
clover equal to 20 loads of ordinary yard manure per acre. Could
never see that plaster benefited the wheat, but it makes the clover,
and the clover makes the wheat. His wheat crops have sometimes
been 40 bushels per acre on 60 acres.

282 THE SOUTHERN [November

Mr. D. A. Nichols (Cultivator, 1858, p. 357) states that of glu-
tei- wheat he "had 4| acres, and harvested 151J bushels, or 31
bushels and 27 quarts by measure per acre, or 33 bushels and 13f
quarts by weight — 60 lbs. per bushel. In 1847 it yielded ST% bushels
of wheat per acre ; but by sowing plaster and turning under clover,
it has reached its present fertility."

In the Country Gentleman, December 13th, 1860, it is stated a
Mr. Goldsboro, of Ellenboro, Md., had "a field of 27| acres, that
yielded 55 bushels of wheat per acre ; it was grown in a rotation of
corn, wheat and clover."

In the Transactions of the New York State Agricultural Society
for 1858, is an account of nearly five acres that had been in clover
and mowed two years, that well plowed the last week in xlugust, and
without any other manure gave a yield of 33^ bushels of wheat per
acre. Evidence of the same character could l5e further extended if
space allowed.

2. Scientific 7nen say so. It will be sufficient to cite the evidence
of Dr. Yoelcker, Chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society of
England, and the highest living authority on scientific agriculture.
In a lecture delivered at the rooms of the Society in May. 1868, he
gave a report of his field experiments with the clover plant and at-
tendant chemical investigations. Among many other things of the
greatest value he said:

'•It is well known to most practical farmers that if they can succeed
in growing a good crop of clover, they are almost certain to get a
good paying crop of wheat. You see how all agricultural matters
depend upon each other. If we can by chemical means enable a
farmer, on land which otherwise would not grow clover, to produce
a good crop of clover, we shall thus place him in the very best posi-
tion for afterwards obtaining paying crops of corn. I have come to
the conclusion that the very best preparation, the very best manure, if
you will allow me thus to express myself, is a good crop of clover.
Now at first sight nothing seems more contradictory than to say that
you can remove a very large quantity of both mineral and organic
food from the soil, and yet make it more productive, as in the case of
clover. Nevertheless it is a fact, that the larger the amount of min-
eral matter you remove in a crop of clover, and the larger the amount
of nitrogen which is carried off in clover hay, the richer the land
becomes. Now here is really a strange chemical anomaly which can-
not be discarded, and invites our investigation, and it is an investiga-
tion which has occupied my attention, I may say, for more than ten
years.

"I believe a large amount of mineral manure is bi'ought within
reach of the corn crop by growing clover. It is rendered available
to the roots of the corn crop, while otherwise it would remain in a
locked-up condition in the soil, if no recourse were had to the intro-
duction of the clover crop. Clover by means of its long roots pen-
etrate- a large mass of soil. It gathers, so to speak, the phosphoric
acid and the potash which are disseminated throughout a large por-

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 233

tion of the soil, and when the land is ploughed, the roots are left in
the surface soil and in decaying thev leave in an available condition
the mineral substances which the wheat plant requires to enable it
to grow. Although in clover hay these mineral matters are removed
in great quantity, yet the store of mineral food that we have in six
or twelve inches of soil is so great that it is utterly insignificant in
comparison with what remained; in other words, the quantity of
mineral matter which is rendered available and fit for the use of the
succeeding crop is very much larger than the quantity which is re-
moved in the clover hay.

" But the accumulation of nitrogen after the growth of clover in
the soil is extremely large. Even when the clover crop is insignifi-
cant, a large quantity of nitrogen amounting to tons is accumulated
in the surface soil, and the better the clover crop the greater is the
accumulation of nitrogen. The accumulation takes place chiefly in
the surface soil, and I believe it is principally due to the droppings
of the leaves. When we grow clover for seed, those leaves continually
drop and enrich the surface soil ; and if it be the case, which I think
is likely, that the clover tube of plants is satisfied with the ammonia
which exists in the atmosphere, we can at once account for the accu-
mulation of nitrogen in the soil. The clover planes take the nitro-
gen from the atmosphere and manufacture it into their own substance,
which, on decomposition of the clover roots and leaves, produces
abundance of ammonia.

''The clover roots and leaves are not all at once changed into am-
monia ; but there is a gradual transformation of the organic matter,
first into ammoniacal salts, and a gradual change from ammoniacal
salt into nitrates resulting from oxidation, and you have a complete
series of chemical transformations which is highly conducive to the
gradual development of the plant. Nitrate of soda may readily be
washed out; but you will notice that the benefit that you obtain from
clover roots is that you have a continuous source from which nitrates
can be produced. I should like more indirectly to accumulate nitro-
gen on my land and not go to any great expense in buying nitrate
of soda when my land is in poor condition. In reality the growing
of clover is equivalent, to a great extent, to manuring with Peruvian
guano ; and in this paper of mine I show that you obtain a larger
quantity of manure than in the largest dose of Peruvian guano which
a farmer would ever think of applying; that there is a larger amount
of nitrogen accumulated in the first six or twelve inches of soil,
than there is in the heaviest dose of Peruvian guano that any per-
son would think of using. ''

3. Sow to secure a stand of Clover. If the soil is too poor for
clover, it must be enriched up to the clover bearing point by means
of one or two crops of peas or by application of manure, domestic or
commercial. The most profitable application of the costly artificial
fertilizers is to use them in obtaining a good set of clover, th<m with
care the land will continue to improve. The seed should be applied

234 THE SOUTHERN [November

thickly, say two gallons to the acre, and will be surer to stand- if
rolled in plaster. Then sow after oats — the oats being seeded thinly.
say one bushel to the acre. Some have been more successful by
seeding after barley or buckwheat, and some prefer to sow the seed
on wheat, but it is believed that the seeding with oats is most conve-
nient to farmers.

Sow a bushel of plaster to the acre on the young plants the first
season, and the same quantity the second year. Plaster has often
been known to double the yield of clover. All the farm-yard putres-
cent manure of the farm should be applied upon the clover of the
second year when it first begins to show the influence of spring in its
growth. The clover is thus enabled to enlarge its leaves and roots.
and draw more abundant supplies of nitrogen from the air and min-
eral manure from the soil and subsoil.

This mode of application was ably recommended by the late
eminent agriculturist, Edmund Rufiin, in his writings and exhibited
in his practice. It has received the approbation of the most suc-
cessful farmers of Virginia and other States.

On poor, sandy soils the addition of the salts of potash, say 2
cwt. or 3 cwt. of Kainit would be a very material aid to other ma-
nures, as such soils are deficient in potash.

Dr. Yoelcker found clover most improved by mineral manures.
In his experiments, and in those of Lawes and Gilbert, it was found
to be benefited by the application of nitrogenous manures.

^_ . A.

Ix and Ix Breeding. — The Western Farmer says Mr. George
Butts, of Manilas, N. Y., has practiced in-breeding of Short-horns
to a greater extent, perhaps, than any other American breeder. His
bull Treble Grloster was sired by Apricot's Grloster, dam a heifer sired
by the same bull as had been her dam. Treble Gloster was bred to
his own dam, and the result was a fine heifer. He was then bred to
this heifer, and the produce was an extra fine heifer — May Beauty.
He is now breeding Treble Gloster to all females in the herd without
regard to relationship. If the cow to which Apricot s Gloster was
first bred had no relationship to him, the heifer, May Beautv, has
27-32 of his blood.

This reminds us of the success of Mr. Levi Ballou, of Woon-
gocket, R. I., who bred from one pair of pigs ten years without in-
troducing any fresh blood. Over a thousand pigs were raised during
tbe time, and without producing a single imperfect specimen.

Nature is sent to teach us by her autumnal parables : and every
fading leaf on every tree, with its bud of future growth hid behind it,
becomes a solemn text, warning us to " secure while the leaf is yet
green, the germ that shall live when the frost of death has destroyed
both fruit and flower." — Macmillan.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 235

THE POSITION OF WINDOWS IN HORSE STABLES.

We find in a German exchange some curious observations on the
manner in which the position of the windows in the stable affects
the eyes of a horse. In one instance the horses of a farmer, — fine
animals, celebrated for their excellent condition, were kept in a sta-
ble lighted only by a small window at one side. When light was
needed for work, the door was temporarily left open ; the result was
that nearly all of these animals had eyes of unequal strength, and
in time a number of them became blind on the side toward the win-
dow. A strong light directly in the horses' faces has been found to
weaken the sight. The worst position of all for a stable window is
in front of the horses and much higher than their heads. An officer
had bought a perfectly sound mare from a gentleman whose stable
was lighted by windows at the rear of the stalls. The animal was
sound and perfectly satisfactory. After three months she became
suddenly " ground shy" ; on examining her eyes they were found
directed upward, and this was explained by the fact that the win-
dows of the officer's stable were situated above the head of the stalls,
the eyes being generally drawn in that direction. She was removed
to another stable, where the light was admitted from all sides, and
in three months the difficulty had disappeared.

Another officer reports that during the campaign of 1870, in
France, he rode a horse that was a capital jumper. On his return
from the war, he placed this animal in his stable, the windows of
which were above the front of the stalls, and in a short time the
horse became so shy of the ground that he had to sell it. He had
had a similar experience with other saddle-horses, all of which be-
came ground-shy in his stall. One animal in particular, a thorough-
bred mare, renowned for her jumping qualities, refused in a short
time to cross the smallest obstacle, and when forced to cross a foot
wide gully, made a leap that would have cleared a ditch fourteen
feet wide. Owners of horses who find that their animals shy at
objects on the ground, or at their side, would do well to look to the
windows of their stables for an explanation of the evil.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

EXPERIMENT TO TEST THE PROPRIETY OF PULLING
FODDER, AS COMPARED WITH CUTTING UP CORN.

In tae July number of your journal for the year 1872, there is a
report of an experiment made on fodder-pulling, ordered by the
Hillsboro Farmers' Club. It was made to test the truth or error of
the almost universal opinion of farmers that gathering fodder lightens
the corn. Three lots of corn were selected in a field, as near equal
as possible. One was cut off at the ground and put up in a shock ; the
next one was left with tops and blades all on ; and the third had blades
and tops taken oft'. These three lots were kept separate and housed,
and the spring following they were shelled out and carefully weighed

B36 THE SOUTHERN [November

■when this rather unexpected result "was obtained : the corn that
had the fodder taken off weighed 59 lbs. ; that left with fodder all on
:. : while that which "was cut and shocked
lily 56 ":i. '2 oz. In your UN tea for the Month," Sep-
sr number. 1S74, which I have just received, you say it is inju-
rn tt pull the fodder, and you recommend cutting the
re :;. Did you get your idea from actual experi-
ju adopt it because the old farmers all say it is
Y i rrespon lent "B " in the last number of the Planter and
Farmer, "writing on the subject of "Winter Food for Stock " says he
rs has his fodder pulled, but he knows it "lessens the yield of
grain and lightens the weight." Permit me to ask him how he came
to know that ? Was it the settled opinion of all the old experienced
farmers, based on their scientific knowledge of the principles of vege-
table circulation '. or did he prove it by actual experiment ? In these
- f experimenting it is well to try the old theories by actual test,
and especially where there is so much to be lost or gained as in
ing fodder, and where the test is so easy and so unmistakable as
in fodder saving. The test we made shows that the grain is not only
not made lighter, but that it is made nearly three pounds heavier to
the bushel than when cut off at the root and shocked — an increase
that would pay well for the labor of saving the fodder, giving you
t .e fodder as a clear gain, and I suppose this result would be uniform
■ class of circumsiances, including the variation of seasons.

S. M. Shepherd.
AXbemarit Co.. Va.

THE BUTTER TRADE.

The k 7 s condences from the report of the committee

appointed by the Produce Exchange in New York to regulate the

trade. Af::: g that the annual consumption of butter

in this : ntry is 1, -.. . . ),000 pound? for table use, and one-third

as much more for culinary purposes, it says :

I Idition, the exports are estimated at 53, 333, 333 pounds,
making the produ:. igg . te 1.440.000.000 pounds, which, at
thirty cents per pound, amounts to $426,

The importance of facilitating the dealings in this immense amount
of prolu: Hitherto there have been various irregular-

ities and difficulties which need correction.

T. first . -" -erious irregularity existing was the erratic

and conflicting market reports consecpuent upon various classifica-
- f which there were nearly as many as there were merchants.
The various grades were defined by one class as " fancy." "fair to
good." •": : n to fair," and another class "good to choice." "fair to
prime.' fcc, "with quotations attached to suit individual interests
without representing the general market. Press and circular market
reporters were compelled to adopt scattering and conflicting terms

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 237

and quotations as best they could gather from the different merchants
and branches of the trade.

The term " Orange County" used in the market reports with the
highest quotation attached, has constantly misled. The quantity of
butter made in Orange county is but a trifle, and is still decreasing,
and considerable of that is of inferior quality. This term, Orange
county, has of late years been made use of in connection with the
pail butter trade which was formerly confined to the jobbing and re-
tail business, and the supply was mainly from Orange county. It
was customary for the dealers in it to raise or lower the price five
cents per pound, and by quoting it in the general market reports
gave the impression that a radical change had taken place in the
New York market for butter from all the dairying sections, whereas
it sometimes occurs that the radical change of five cents per pound
made in Orange county, does not affect materially the price of the
bulk of the stock. •

Within the past few years the trade in pail butter has gradually
changed, and it is now received from all dairy sections of New York,
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, by wholesale houses, and much of it
is sold by the invoice, the same as other classes of butter. So much
of the product is being marketed in this manner that it constitutes a
material feature of the market and market reports. But it is only a
very small proportion of the butter crop of the country or of the
supply in this market, hence the action of the wholesale dealers on
Exchange, resulting in this class of butter being sold and quoted like
any other grade, and ignoring the absurd system of raising or low-
ering the price five cents per pound at any change.

The terms " Goshen Butter" is likewise a misnomer in the classi-
fication of butter, and is so understood in this market, and is only m
use and abuse in connection with the Southern trade, where from
custom this brand is insisted on as designating genuine Goshen But-
ter, whereas there is no such article in the market, and from com-
mon custom and usage the name is generally applied to all kinds of
butter distributed to Southern trade.

Your committee, after thorough consideration, have adopted the
classification submitted. It first classifies butter as Eastern and
Western, and next into Extras, Firsts, Seconds and Thirds, of each.
Eastern constitutes the supplies from the Eastern States, and West-
ern is the product west of New York and Pennsylvania. This is
nece sitated by the wide differences in the qualities and prices actu-
ally existing between the productions of the Eastern States and the
bulk of those supplied from Western States. This method of grad-
ing!:by Extras, Firsts, Seconds and Thirds is simple, practical, and
not'experimental, it having been long in practice in older countries.

The general division of butter into Eastern and Western recog-
nizes what already has always existed, and without detriment to
either section, especially so under the new classification, since it is
the same for both Eastern and Western, and the prices obtained and
quoted will more surely determine and represent the quality and

233 THE SOUTHERN [November

value as a guide to the producers of the two great dairying sections.

While the importance of and rapid improvement in dairying in
the West is fully recognized and encouraged, still there exists so
wide a difference in the quality of the general productions of the two
sections as to require a division in the classification in order to
do justice to both. To place all Western upon the same basis as
Eastern would result in a comparatively small portion of it being
sold and quotable at the price of State, and at the same time tend
to misrepresent the actual market value of the great bulk of Western
butter. This is a qestion of so much importance and so little under-
stood, that the reason should be here fully explained, and set forth
for the first- time under the authority of the Exchange of the differ-
ence in quality between Eastern and Western butter. In order to
explain it and encourage improvement in Western dairying in the
adoption of the best method and process of manufacturing, it is ne-
cessary to describe the system of making and other circumstance?
that cause the differences in quality generally in the productions of
the two sections. In the Eastern dairy States, as the cultivation of
cereals become less profitable and lands enhanced in value, the de-
mand for dairy products increased, and being 'more profitable lead
to special attention to their production as a main source of income.
Extensive and improved herds were introduced, the pasturage was by
cultivation freed from weeds and wild grasses, and close turfed mea-
dows of the finest grazing were afforded, and the springs and streams
of water purified by changes. These are indispensable conditions
for the production of choice dairy products. Skilled manufacturers
were employed, and from large herds greater masses of the p oduct
were yielded, and being consequently less exposed to the atmosphere,
whether packed for future use or marketed immediately while fresh,
was superior in quality.

One creamery dairvman in the State of New York during the sea-
son of making, markets 15.000 pounds per week, and at an average
of 3T|c per pound realizes 85,625 weekly. One farmer in this State
annually markets his season's product in this market toward spring.
Year before last it aggregated 22,136 pounds, from which he realized
50 cents per pound, or (11,068. The celebrated fine State dairies
held in reserve for winter market are made only in the finest dairy
districts, are most skillfully and perfectly made, and packed in uni-
form packages, numbered as packed, and kept in good dairy cellars
expressly fitted, and in many instances cooled bv running streams of
water. Until this system of dairying, with the requisite conditions
of pure water and grazing are introduced in the Western States,
their product will not compare with that of the Eastern States. This
can be accomplished by increasing and improving the herds and graz-
ing, and the adoption of the New York dairy system, or by the
creamery system of taking the milk, where the dairies are small and
scattering to a common factory for the manufacture of butter of a
uniform quality, the same as the factory system in cheese-making.

Of Western butter arriving in this market, it is estimated that less

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 239

than two per cent, is made on the system followed in the State of
New York. In the Western States, as a whole, the herds are com-
paratively small, and the water and grazing in many sections impure.
The butter is gathered in small parcels, and reworked together in
order to have it uniform in character, all of which is more or less
injurious to its keeping qualities. While great strides of improve-
ment have taken place to the extent of an enhancement of its market
value, some forty per cent, in two or three years, there is still room
for great progress by the adoption of the Eastern system, and co-
operation with the transportation companies in recommending and
encouraging improved facilities for safe and quick transportation.
For it should be remembered that the Western products have a seri-
ous difficulty to overcome in being transported from 1,000 to 2.000
miles, to which the Eastern butter is not subjected. Already in
many dairy sections of the Western States qualities are produced
nearly equal to Eastern, and give evidence beyond question that if
made and marketed by the same process would be quite as good.

No greater service can be rendered to the Western farmers than
the dissemination of these facts in relation to the production of dairy
products, and the financial and commercial interests in connection
therewith. The farmer who labors throughout the season to pro-
duce a crop of grain from a middling-sized farm situated distant from
the railways or markets, has the bulk of his crop absorbed in trans-
portation to the railroad and to the market. One bushel of corn
fed to milch cows yields two pounds of butter, worth in New York,
say fifty cents. A car load of corn containing 20,000 pounds, or
359 bushels, pays $90 freight from Chicago here, and at present
prices realizes $385.60, and, less freight, nets $195.60. A car load
of butter, containing the same weight, pays $220 freight, and realizes
at 25 cents per pound, $5,000, or nets $4,780. In other words,
corn pays 33 per cent, of its value for transportation and butter
five per cent. — Rochester Rural Home.

Potatoes and Muck. — I find that in this very dry season pota-
toes only yield well when there is most vegetable remains in the soil.
No matter how much you ameliorate a clay loam with sand it becomes
so hard in very dry weather that potatoes can only be dug with a
fork ; and it is only where vegetable matter is in such force as to
keep the soil loose and moist that large potatoes are grown ; and
although a sandy loam is better than clay for potatoes, yet sand
without decomposing vegetable matter is no better than a rich loam.
—N. Y. World.

The farmers of the United States annually expend $20,000,000
in reaping and mowing machines. The annual production is esti-
mated at about 125,000 machines.

240 THE SOUTHERN [November

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

FARM PENS.

Having been a constant reader of your valuable paper for
a year, and not seeing any thing on the above subject, I have
thought to give you my ideas upon it. In my section most of the
farmers would be at fault to give the meaning of Farm Pen ; yet
how important for all good ';Live" farmers to know what they are
and to adopt their use. Most men say that if they feed their proven-
der upon the land, it will finally find its way back into! the soil. This
is all true, or may be so, but not all that they may be able to say
about it, if they were to think a little or notice some. Now when
the plan of feeding on w rn-out places here and there upon a farm
is followed, it is true that some, and very often marked results are
obtained, but even then a good deal of manure is washed off of the
land and is deposited on land that does not need it. Now to pre-
vent this waste of manure I propose that I put up a good pen, suffi-
ciently large to pen all my stock, not excepting sheep, in which I
feed all of my long feed, so that the stock may tread it down and mix
it through and through, and any droppings that may find lodgment
there; in fact I prefer keeping my stock penned from the commence-
ment of feeding time (which will vary with locality) till, say from the
1st to loth of May — save when being driven to and from water; by
this system one can save a good deal of manure, for the stalks
of corn which do not rot if scattered upon the land becomes cut
up by the hoofs of the cattle; and if it does not make very
good manure, it mixes with that which is good and helps to in-
crease the bulk. By hauling leaves and weeds that have been cut
before the seed ripened and throwing into the pen when need to keep
the stock in a good bed, much more manure can be made, and when
it is made you have it all in one place, so you can take it to such
thin spots as you may intend to put in cultivation, thereby saving a
good deal of manure that would, as I have said before, be washed on
to places that did not need it. I do not know how much a man could
save by feed, say 5 head of cattle and 25 sheep in this manure, but I
feel confident that he who tries it one winter will find that he will
save enough to manure ten acres of wheat land better than he could
were he to use a ton of 60 dollar guano, and that it would not cost one
half, counting the time it takes h m to put it under shelter in the
spring time to await seeding time. How many of the readers of
your paper will profit by these rambling thoughts this winter ? Many
I hope. Try the Farm Pen farmers for a few years and you will
force the fertilizing men " to shut up shop," for you will buy no more
such stuff. I have tried both, and I am rooted and grounded in my
faith of the good of one and the bad effects of the other.

" Keastor."

Will "Keastor" favor the Editor with his address. A blurred post
mark prevented him from getting it from that. — Ed.

1874] PLANTER AND FARMER. 241

NEARLY TWENTY-EIGHT TONS OF GRASS FROM SEVEN
ACRES OF LAND.

The following remarkable statement is from the Watertown (N. Y.)
Ti?7ies, of a yield of grass from a meadow that has been seeded down
30 years, belonging to Mr. John Gifford :

"Mr. John Gifford, who owns a farm two and a half miles from
this city, believes he has in his practical experience very conclusively
solved two or three important problems in agriculture. When he
went upon his farm in 1844, it was almost valueless as a grass farm,
and after working it a year or two, and finding it impossible to 'make
the two ends meet,' he got discouraged and came near giving it up.
While trying to sell he encountered a gentleman who had spent a
considerable time in Europe, and who advised him to try this plan
of fertilization : To spread four loads of common barn-yard ma-
nure on every acre of his meadows every year and on alternate years,
one bushel of plaster to the acre. Mr. Gifford adopted this sugges-
tion and has acted upon it ever since. He gets out his manure in
March, if possible. He is not a believer in rotting manure, but
thinks it should be applied while green. The plaster assists to de-
compose the manure, as does a wet season. For this reason the
present season has been a favorable one. The manure should be
finely pulverized, as it may be when plaster is spread with it. Mr.
Gifford has followed this plan for over 30 years, and the result is his
yield of grass has been very large, and some years immense. This
year the crop is an extraordinary one. He must have many acres
which will yield three tons to -the acre ; he has meadow land on which
there was scarcely any clover a year a2:o, but which contains nothing
but clover now. Mr. G.'s idea is that a field that has once been seeded
to clover continues seeded for all time, and that in favorable seasons,
such as the present has been, the clover will come up on lands treated
as above described, assert its supremacy, and choke out whatever
else may be upon the soil.

"As already stated Mr. G.'s impression is that a meadow once
seeded does not require re-seeding. If farmers will only be careful
to return what they take from their lands — to restore as much as
they take off — they can be kept up for an indefinite period. This,
at least, is so, that Mr. G.'s meadows are in a better condition than
they were 25 years ago. He has one piece that has not been plowed
in 45 years, and it makes two tons to the acre this year. If this
theory is correct, what an immense saving would be effected in the
matter of grass seed. Some farmers are constantly plowing and re-
seeding meadows at a very heavy cost. Instead of doing this, Mr.
G. applies his manure and plaster, and takes off his two or three tons
per acre year after year. Mr. G. has tried his system on his plowed
lands with similar results. He has a magnificent crop of corn — one
of the handsomest in the country."

Four persons out of five in Switzerland are landed proprietors..
3

242 THE SOUTHERN [November

ADDRESS TO THE FARMERS OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH

CAROLINA.

We publish below the address of the Farmers' Council, which it
will be seen convenes in Petersburg on the fourth Tuesday in this
present mouth. We hope there will be a full attendance, a full de-
termination to do something, and a great success in doing it. Prop-
erly organized and conducted, the Farmers' Council ought to be of
oreat service to agriculture. And now that it has had time to be-
come organized, and it is natural to expect it will do something with
the fine working material it contains, it will be a reproach to its
members if they do nothing. We hope for the best, and will cheer-
fully co-operate in their efforts, which, we presume, will - ble,
practical and energetic. — [Ed.

Office of the President o? Virginia and North Carolina,
Petersburg. Ya., October 8th, 1674.
To: " Virginia and North Carolina:

I be^ leave to remind you that the annual session of our Council
will be held in the city of Petersburg, on the 4th Tuesday in Novem-
ber. 1874

The )rganic law of our association provides for representation
from every county and city in the two States. Each township and
each ward' are entitled to two delegates, or a larger number at their
option, and as many alternates to act in the absence of their princi-
pals. It is provided in the Constitution that the delegates first
chosen thereunder were to be elected on the 1st Saturday in Octo-
as a oon thereafter as practicable, and every second year
thereafter. Under this' arrangement, 280 delegates were accredited
from Virginia, and 23 from North Carolina, to the first annual ineet-
ino-. under the permanent organisation, which assembled in Peters-
burg in November. 1873. Quite a large number of delegates were
in actual attendance. It was a matter of regret, however, that many
portions of both States were unrepresented in the body.

In the opinion of your Pres is not too late for all constit-

uent bodies desirous of participating in our farmers' movement, to do
so at our approaching session. Where elections have been once held
and delegates chosen to the extent of the constitutional number, the
:' election is exhausted during that term. But in many coun-
1 - and cities of both States, no action seems to Lave been taken,
looking to representation in the Council. In such cases, it is still
competent for the farmers in those localities to choose their delegates
at auv time, whose term of service will continue for the unexpired
period of the existing Council and until their successors are chosen.
I. therefore, most earnestly suggest to the great body of farmers in
botl St tea, still unrepresented, the propriety of proceeding at once
and without delay, to fill up their delegations. I would, also, most
respectfully and emphatically, urge upon all delegates chosen and

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 243

hereafter to be chosen, the duty of attending at our next meeting. I
need not remind you of the fact that there exists a serious crisis in
our agricultural fairs, the solution of "which requires the most en-
larged consideration. And "while I do not arrogate for the Farmers'
Council a wisdom and power superior to other kindred and organized
bodies looking to the farmer's welfare, I may, without presumption,
assert its equality of title to respectful consideration and further
trial. Its source of power and mode of organization, proceeding
from the fountain head of all representative authority, are features
that strikingly recommend it to popular sanction, and invoke in its
behalf the public interest. It was not organized in any spirit of ex-
clusiveness or purpose of hostility toward any existing association
professing to advance the general good of the farming community.
Nor was it designed to dictate terms of peace and fraternity between
itself and the other classes of the business community. In a broad
and catholic spirit, its doors are wide open for the admission of the
various industrial interests of the two great States whose associated
names it bears. Here all may meet and consult on matters of gen-
eral concern.

While .the organic interest is, by our organic law, justly accorded
a preponderance, others more remotely interested in the great work
of agriculture are not excluded from participating in its delibera-
tions.

A discriminating public will not fail to observe that the Farmers'
Council of Virginia and North Carolina differs essentially and ma-
terially from all other agricultural bodies with which our people are
familiar, in this, that it has no power or authority to enlarge its own
membership; that it cannot determine by the exertion of its own will
and pleasure, whether it will "live or die," "survive or perish." The
decisions of these questions abide and remain with the constituent
bodies. If they feel no concern for the healthy vitality of a Far-
mers' Council, because it has no authority to enforce its decrees; no
monied funds constantly and regularly accruing to work in its behalf,
and no spells with which to charm and bind its members; if they
choose to abandon the child of their own creation for every real fault
or imaginary weakness which may be imputed to it; if they prefer to
build other structures and hold other councils under more captivating
names, it is their unquestioned right so to feel and act. As for my-
self, I cannot perceive or recognize any real antagonism or even
competition of a hostile nature between a "Farmers' Council." com-
posed of delegates chosen by the body of farmers, without reference
to any particular creed or ritual, and the " Order of Patrons of Hus-
bandry," which seems to be drawing within its expanding circle a
considerable portion of the farming community. There is nothing
that I know of, in the objects and purposes of either, that need in-
terrupt their cordial co-operation for the good of their patrons.

The enquiry is sometimes propounded by very intelligent farmers,
as if doubtful of the answer, What will become of the Farmers'
Council? Will it continue to maintain an independent existence or

244 THE SOUTHERN [November

will it become merged in the Order of the Granges ? A little reflec-
tion and a slight examination into the modes of their respective organ-
ization will satisfy the curiosity of the speculative and dissip-ue the
fears of the doubtful mind.

The Farmers' Council being a representative body, proceeding
from the "whole people, has no authority, express or implied, to abdi-
cate in favor of any successor. If its members — its delegates.
choose to connect themselves in their private capacity with any other
order or association, they can do so — as many have already done.
Their constituents can do likewise. But in neither case does such
a step ii'so facto operate a dissolution or destruction of the Far-
mers' Council. This can only be done by the delegates failing to
discharge the trust with which they have been honored, coupled with
the concurrent or continued failure to elect or choose their suocese •

I invite your attention to the address of the Executive Committee,
which appeared in The Rural Messenger of October 8th.

I have heretofore appointed and caused to be published the com-
mittees who were charged with special business which required early
attention.

Appended hereto will be found a further list of committees, who
will be expected to report when the Council meets in November.

Edward Dromgoole.

STANDING COMMITTEE.

1. Finance. — Captain W. E. Hinton. Jr., Petersburg; General
Win. Mahone, Petersburg : B. C. Friend. Esq.. Prince Gee .

1. Immigration. — John Dodson, Esq.. Dinwiddie: Maj. S. H.
Boykin, Nansemond : Jno. Washington. Esq.. Caroline.

'3. Fertilizers. — Judge W. H. Mann, Nottoway ; Colonel F. G.
Ruffin. Chesterfield; J. J. Mitchell. Dinwiddie.

4. Labor, Transportation, fc. — General Wm. Mahone, Peter-
burg ; Major Mann Page, Prince George ; Col. J. B. Zollicoffer,
North Carolina.

b. Tobacco. — Major R. V. Gaines, Charlotte; Dr. J. M. Hurt.
N ttoway; R. 0. Gregory. Esq.. North Carolina.

6. Cereals. Grapes. £c. — General W. H. F. Lee. New Kent: W.
D. Hamlin. Esq.. North Carolina: T. L. Payne. Esq.. Chesterfield.

7. Horticulture and Pomology. — Capt. George B. Clarke, Bruns-
wick : W. D. Kitchen, Esq., Isle of Wight ; Dr. George B. Ste-
phens, Albemarle.

8. Cotton. — W. B. Westbrook, Esq., Petersburg; Colonel George
Harrison, Brunswick ; Captain W. H. Briggs, Greenville.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

1. To carry into effect report of Committee on 'Fertilizers about
establishing Manufactories of Fertilizer*. — Judge W. H. Mann. Not-
toway ; John Dodson, Esq., Dinwiddie ; J. M. Hurt, Nottoway ; H.
G. Williams, North Carolina : W. D. Hamlin, North Carolina.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 245

2. To carry into effect the recommendation of Tobacco Com-
mittee.— Major R. L. Ragland, Halifax: Major R. Y. Gaines, Char-
lotte; Dr. Jos. A. Flippin, Caroline; R. 0. Gregory, North Caro-
lina; Captain W. E. Hinton, Jr., Petersburg.

3. Committee to Write Summary of Doings of Council. — W. B.
Westbrook. Esq.. Major R. V. Gaines, ami Major R. L. Ragland.

In regard to these committees mv memorandum states that thev
were forwarded but not published. I therefore send their names
again for publication.

GRANGE WORK IN CALIFORNIA.

The Mural World, of St. Louis, contains in a letter from T. W.
A. Wright, of Borden, Berno county, California, some account of
what Granges have done and expect to do in that State. Gentlemen
who say that nothing can be done will please read, for the most
part, with spectacles :

We now have over 230. Our State Agency was established Au-
gust 8th, 1873, with the noble shipping firm of E. E. Morgan's
Sons (a branch of the New York house), whose independence and
fidelity to principle has done so much to revolutionize the vast grain
trade of this coast ; who have almost shattered the powerful ''grain
ring," and through whose instrumentality our various granges have
loaded and are now loading some fifteen ships on their own account
for Europe. Should our work continue as prosperous as it has been
for two months past, it will not be many months before the sails of
fifty or sixty ships, composing "the grange fleet of California."
will whiten the ocean between San Francisco and Liverpool. Ore-
gon, too, is following suit, and our brothers there are shipping grain
direct to Europe. Ever will the farmers of this coast be grateful
for the gift of the grange. It has been a "God send" to us.

As you will see from our papers, we now have our grangers' bank
of California (capital §5,000,000), and local farmers' banks in va-
rious counties (the genuine article) ; a wool agency : a dairy agency :
a fruit- growers' association, with their numerous drying establish-
ments, which will at last make fruit-growing profitable here by pre-
venting an immense waste ; a very successful purchasing agency,
■which we hope to improve soon by more direct trade with your
Western manufacturers. We have a farmers' mutual fire insurance
company, and hope soon to have a "mutual life" on as economical
and safe a plan, and the grangers' narrow gauge railroad from Sa-
linas to Monterey (18J miles), will soon be completed. We have
large, substantial and well filled grange warehouses along our rail-
roads and rivers ; ban Isoine tw.o-story grange halls, with large store
rooms below, in some instances, in which trusty merchants friendly
to our cause, are invited to open stores, also some independent
grange stores where local merchants have not shown much inclina-

24 TEE SOUTHERN [November

tiots ro accommodate. We now have low rates of at r ge, lower

- rer priced sacks, lower commissions, aud more

m erate and just profits in trade. Last but not least, our me-

are cordially uniting with the grange in ma:

of mutual intei ; : r instance, the proper development of the col-

_ riculture and mechanic arts in our State I Diversity. As

far as this latter point is concerned, however, the line of interests of

..ers and the line of interests of mechanics, lie entirely parallel

in State I Territory, when properly understood.

price of wheat with us now is d> _ :.y low. but this is

the fault of the Liverpool market, and we have the consolation of
knowing that though wheat :; sixty and sev nty rnts per

I pounds lower in Liverpool now than it was this time two ye

. our farmers are £e:tin£ onlv ten or fifteen cents less a hundred
ii S than they did at this time in 18*2. -are

this is cause! by the organization of our farmers in the grange. "W e
b . sea as winter advances.

For th-r S them I ter a LI rmer.)

rUGKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB.

OF HE>~P.ICO COUNTY.

et on the Tth of October at the residence of Mr.
Charming M. Robinson.

- being first viewed, the Club was satisfied with his
mode of cultivation. He had made a very fine crop of winter oats
and also clover. His corn crop was also good, though somewhat in-
jured by the "chinch bu;. Borne of his corn, planted as la:
the 6th of July, of tue variety known, I believe, as "Rare ripe,"
« . _ e and promising.

The afternoon was occupied in the discussion of the subject

: a :?ared to grazing.

Dr. Beattie advocated the soiling of our stock: Is:. On account

of our present want of fences ; and. 2dly. As a great saving of

manure. These points he elaborated to some .nd contend-

ei that one acre of ground on the soiling system would support five

: seven head of stock, while pasturing will only support one to the

acre. By the rai g g F stock, too, by irregularity and dissipation

bv atmosphere, the important article of manure > .:: red and lost.

Alsc confining our stock we could make availa-

■:• the weeds and bushes of our he g 1 ditch

..id in this expense of cutting and carrying to them, one man

could attend - ty head of cattle.

Mr. Aiams. in his book on this subject, contends that it takes

: r fifteen cows. In sailing, he could keep

:i four acres, and raise crops on the surplus, by this means

s well: and that from r \d of cattle

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 247

one hundred and fifty loads of manure can be annually made. In
addition, Dr. Beattie thinks we can raise much larger and better
stock by feeding than grazing, and mentioned an instance of a
neighbour keeping twenty cows well on four acres of land, and his
land made rich, and recommended soiling as follows: First with our
lawn grass, weeds, &c. ; next with our rye crop, then clover, winter
oats and corn sown broad cast. Sorghum also was suggested as an-
swering a fine purpose in this respect.

Dr. Crenshaw differed from the views expressed in favor of soil-
ing, and gave his experience in the management, feeding, &c, of a
large number of cows.

The Doctor contended that grazing was by far the better plan,
and the only means of avoiding disease, which would certainly result
if this plan of confining large numbers of cows or other stock to-
gether in lots or pens was adopted; that cows particularly must be
allowed the freedom of pasturage to keep them in health. His
practice is to seed twenty-three acres, as a standing farm, for rye,
and upon it graze his stock. It was also urged that our clover and
grass lands generally derived great benefit from the tramping of the
land by our stock.

I give you but the leading points in this discussion, pro and con,
knowing that you admire brevity.

Yours.

J. A. Lynham, Reporter.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

NEW THINGS AND OLD THINGS.

There are far too many farmers who are willing to be humbugged.
We are all making too much haste to be rich ; are all on the lookout
for short and easy methods of success ; are all anxious about large
returns on small investments ; therefore we are easily persuaded by
promises of large premiums to take a ticket in any new lottery that
turns up.

It is the best thing about agriculture that there is no lottery in it ;
it does not open any royal road to wealth, or any fast way to be rich.
Its ways to success are the honest way of straight forward, hard
work, the safe way of "little by little," the same way of constancy,
diligence and perseverance.

Shed upon these paths the light of educated intelligence and the
revelation of science, and having done all that man may do, the sure
blessings of a bountiful harvest awaits us.

The'-'rain may descend, and the floods come," but as sure as the
promise of seed time and harvest, is the assurance of ultimate suc-
cess to the man who stands truly and faithfully to his work. Let
us not become excited then over new things; either new seed, or new
plants or new lands. Wheat is an old thing, but wheat will do, though
it has its enemies, if we work it right. Grass is an old thing and

24S THE SOUTHERN [November

its enemies, of which we. the cultivators of the soil, are the

greatest, for we kill it constantly with an over amount of stock ; yet

grass is a v -. _• | thing. Corn is an old thing, and is treated by

::_an anything we plant, but what farmer in ten thousand

. ish as not to plant corn ? This is universal testimony to its

value.

■pplee are old, peaches, pears, grapes, and all sorts of fruit ;
but are they not good? Finally, our lands are "old"' as we say in
these old States, and so they are in the sense that the "everlasting
hills"" are old. but. "worn-out'' they are not. They are good lands;
- I thev mav have been, but thev are srood: and it is onlv an-
other phase of the folly which is craving after new things, which
is tempting our young men constantly to seek new lands. Wise men
will be I with the old things and strive to do better with their

::.. tobacco, cotton and other crops, and will especially
stick to and improve their old lands ; but those who will make haste
and be rich will be forever after new seed, new plants, and new
lands, and their brother farmers will profit by the experience they
so dearly bou^- :

I frequently hear the expression "worn-out lands." Let it be un-
:d that there is no such thing as '"worn-out lands;" that such
an expression conveys a falsehood. That even with our present
- _ t, it sa very practical thing, with a moderate degree of intelli-
gence and skill, and no very large amount of means, to restore these
lands to any degree of fertility they have ever possessed. This les-
son has been well learned in Maryland and a portion of Virginia,
but our Southern friends of the Atlantic States appear to be slow
to make much - g - in that direction.

Let our farmers be told everywhere and constantly that they have
orn-out lands," that in fact their lands were intended to last
forever, and will last forever, and feed and clothe them and tbeir
children for a thousand generations. T. W. C.

L.aisa County, Va., Oct. ~th. 1*74.

ALKALI FOR AN OLD APPLE TEEE.

In considering the growth of organisms, the action of the alkalies
is to be looked upon as scarcely less important than that of air and
water. Lime is the great animal alkali, and potash the vegetable
one; its old name of vegetable kali expressed that fact, all the potash
of commerce is well known to be derived from wood ashes. The im-
portance of potash as a manure has been frequently overlooked by
farmers, who rarely know the large amount of this material found in
zrain crops, leaves, barn-yard manure, roots and fruits. How
potash acts in plants, in conjunction with carbon and silex. to form
£bre. starch, sugar and oil. is yet unknown to 'chemical ob-
ut the fact of its action is beyond a doubt.
Liebig long since pointed out that the chief cause of barrenness
is the waste of potash carried off by rich crops, especially tobacco,

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 249

with no replacement by proper manure. How many mil1 ions of
pounds of potash have been sent to Europe from the forests of Ame-
rica, and in the grain, tobacco and hemp ! Luckily one alkali may
be replaced by another, and we have received a considerable quan-
tity of soda from European seaweed, and in the shape of salt. Lat-
terly, nitrate of soda from natural deposits in South America is
brought to us at a cheap price.

The point to which we now call attention is that our farmers and
fruit growers have ignored, or rather have been ignorant of the im-
portance of wood ashes as a vegetable stimulant and as the leading
constituent of plants. Even coal ashes, now thrown away as useless,
have been shown, both by experiment and analysis, to possess a fair
share of alkaline value. According to our observation, if the prac-
tice of putting a mixture of wood and coal ashes around the stems of
fruit trees and vines, particularly in the spring, were followed as a
general rule, our crops of apples, grapes, peaches, &c, would be
greatly benefited in both quality and quantity, and the trees and
vines would last longer. We will relate only one experiment.

Some twenty-five years ago, we treated an old hollow pippen apple
tree as follows : The hollow, to the height of eight feet, was filled
and rammed with a compost of wood ashes, garden mold, and a little
waste lime, (carbonate). The filling was securely fastened in by
boards. The next year the crop of sound fruit was sixteen bushels
from an old shell of a tree that had borne nothing of any account
for some time. But the strangest part was what followed. For
seventeen years after filling, the old pippin tree continued to fLurish
and bear well. — Scientific American.

COST OF PORK.

Your correspondent, J. B. S., asks how much pork costs per
pound. This of course depends in a great measure on the kind of
pig and manner of feeding. After some practical experience, I am
satisfied that, other things being equal, a cross between a good Ches-
ter White sow and Berkshire boar will make more pork from the
same amount of food than any other breed ; they may not be as
large at the same age as a full grown Chester, but they will consume
less food and keep in better condition.

An old and very successful pork producer once told me that his
rule was that when the price of both corn and pork commenced with
the same figure, it was safe to feed to good hogs. Or in other words,
when a bushel of corn was worth sixty cents, the pork must bring
six dollars per hundred. By inference I conclude that the result of
his experience was that ten bushels of corn would make one hundred
pounds of pork. By referring to my note book, and a record of ex-
periments, I find that in one case twenty pigs gained 837 pounds by
eating 83 bushels of corn. In this case the corn was shelled and fed
whole in the trough. In another case I find that the same number
of pigs ate 47 bushels of meal (with water to drink) in 14 days, and

250 THE SOUTHERN [November

gained 553 lbs. In the third experiment, 20 pigs ate ooi bushels
of meal, made into thick slop with eold water, in 14 days, and gained
731 lbs. In the first case the gain was a trifle more than 10 lbs.
per bushels, in the second one llf lbs., and in the third 13 1-G lbs.
At the price of pork at the time, the corn in the first experiment
brought 50 2-5 cents, in the second 58f cents, and in the third
65 5-6 cents.

In a fourth experiment the hogs (20 in number) were fed 46|
bushels of meal (boiled into thick mush) in 14 days, and sained 696
lbs.; gain 15 lbs. per bushel, and corn brought 14 4-5 cents per
bushel.

In my own experiments I have found that five bushels of old shell-
ed corn fed to good pigs of the cross before mentioned (fed in No-
vember), made me 47f- lbs. of pork — or gain in weight. For pigs
well selected and cared for and economically fed without cooking, it
is probable that twelve pounds per bushel is as much as can be safe-
ly counted on, and probably the average of those actually fed will
not be more than eight or nine. J. B. S. knows the price of both
pork and corn, and can cipher out my answer. — Cultivator and Co.
Gent.

LABOR SAVING IN THE CULTURE OF TOBACCO, &c

As cause must ever precede effect, so every continued and perma-
nent success in business pursuits, farming included, must be preceded
by a sound theory. Every successful man has in his mind maturely
considered and well arranged plans, though he may never have re-
duced them to writing. It is true that in reference to many things,
there are more visionary theorists than practical successful men, be-
cause generally it is easier to plan than to execute. The wise man
discarding the pride of opinion, is willing to learn things he does not
know, even from his inferiors ; and if he be not selfish will communi-
cate his knowledge to others. In some respects we all know better
than we do, not for want of will, purpose, and desire, but because of
casualties, and adverse circumstances that interpose, and prevent the
full consummation of our best arranged plans. This however should
not diminish, but increase our desire for more knowledge, that we
may be the better prepared to overcome all difficulties in our way.

V ith this, as I think, not inappropriate preface, I now present my
theory and practice for labor saving in the culture of Tobacco, to-
gether with some remarks concerning the advantages of saving and
applying the manure to the land. To demonstrate the advantages
of the plan which I, together with some others, have adopted, it
must be contrasted with the antecedent customs, when all tobacco*
land was hilled before being planted. This method, I suppose, had
its origin with the first growers of tobacco in this country, when the
land was being cleared, and the stumps, roots, &c., prevented thor-
ough preparation by the plow. For such land, and only for such, it
is still, doubtless, the most effective method of preparation. There

1874.] PLANTER 'AND FARMER. 251

are some advantages in having tobacco plants slightly elevated to
prevent their being covered and killed, when small, by hasty and ex-
cessive rains. But these can be secured more cheaply and more
easily, by bedding with the plow, than by hilling with the hoe. It
is of the first importance to plow, harrow, and thoroughly refine the
land, otherwise the clods Avill be turned by the plow, when bedding
into the bed, and cannot be removed, even by the hilling process,
without extra work which the present laborers will not faithfully per-
form, and by the neglect of which, I have seen the growth of to-
bacco, on rich land, retarded, and light and inferior crops made,
which yielded no profit.

Our springs of late years being backward, and our summers dry
and shorter, the planter should do, impossible, every thing necessary
to accelerate the growth, and hasten the early maturity of his crop,
by which an advantage is secured in both quantity and quality. I
have been a grower of tobacco for 30 years. Before the war, not
being owner, I was of necessity the hirerer of all the labor I em-
ployed. This Jnecessity Jinduced a vigilant eye to expenditures, and
the abating of all unnecessary labor. The heaviest item remitted in
the cultivation of tobacco was hilling the land. Dispensing with this
I found to be equivalent to the saving of 8 days labor for [five ha ids,
at hilling time, and 6 days labor for 5 hands to cut off the hills, at
planting time, for a crop of 100,000 plants. The average yieldof my
land during the period of the hilling process, was 5 to 6 plants to the
lb. Under my present system 3J plants to the lb. I do not attribute
this gain alone to the planting in beds instead of hills, but in part to
this, and more to better manured, fertilized, and prepared soil.

Before plowing my land for tobacco the first time, I apply broad-
cast all the manure I can raise. In order to do this in time, I some-
times begin in the fall, and continue to haul out, and plow in, so that
the manure may have time to decompose, and become incorporated
with the soil. Much of the best properties of the manure is lost by
fermentation, and by leaching, which would be saved and utilized in
the manner above stated. I endeavor in this way to manure and
plow all my land for tobacco by the 1st of April.

During the month of April I harrow and well refine the surface ;
then re-plow, harrow, and thoroughly refine — breaking and pulveriz-
ing the clods. From the 1st to the 20th of May I bed the land.
This is done by running off the rows with a single shovel plow, the
distance desired, say three feet a part. The guano is then applied in
the furrow. Then follows the double plow, running twice to each
row, and bedding upon the guano. When ready to plant, these beds
are struck off two at a time, by a scraper attached to shafts, and
drawn by a mule or horse walking between the beds. The planting
is done without further preparation by the hoe or otherwise, by set-
ting the plants in the centre of the bed, in a straight line with each
other the distance desired, say 30 to 36 inches. The land is thus left
in a fine condition to facilitate the cultivation of the crop. Instead
of being in hills, as under the old system, requiring nearly the whole
surface1;o be cut by the hoe, there is but little hoe work needed. As

252 THE SOUTHERN [November

% —

soon as the grass comes through the surface, the three-tooth Culti-
vator should be put to work, running twice to each row and with
care, by which the grass will be effectually killed, and only a narrow
strip in the centre of- the bed to be cut by the hoe. This is now a
critical period in the growth of tobacco, and it is very important that
this work with the cultivator be done as soon as the grass appears,
making true the saying, " a stitch in time saves nine."

The cultivator should be followed by the hoes, to cut the strip of
soil left in the centre of the bed, and break the crust around each
plant, and 'put a little fine soil around each. This done the tobacco
will need no more work until it attains the size of a summer hat, or
has pretty well covered the top of the bed, when it should be plowed
with the single shovel plow, by running a furrow on each side as
close to the plant as possible, to avoid loosening it. The hoes should
follow, putting to each plant a moderate sized hill. The season being
favorable the growth will be rapid, and about the time the plants gene-
rally are large enough to top, it should be again plowed, and this time
with a single-horse mould-board plow, running twice to each row and
turning the soil to the tobacco. This should be followed in three
weeks, or when grass appears, by a light scraping with the hoes,
when the cultivation of the season is done. I think I have shown
that the cost of -cultivation under this system is greatly reduced,
and also is made more effectual. A few general remarks and I am
done.

First it does not pay under our present market to grow small to-
bacco, except for bright wrappers. Large tobacco cannot be grown
on poor land, if 500 lbs. of guano alone were applied to each acre.
Use guano in connection with stable, farm-pen, and all kinds of ma-
nure that can be raised on the farm. Make the land rich — plant
early, and work well, and you will be recompensed for the labor ex-
pended. Those who reason from the low price of tobacco when slavery
existed, to prove that it must and will sell as low under present cir-
cumstances, reason, I think, from wrong premises, and consequently to
erroneous conclusions. These profits were estimated more with
reference to the increasing value of negroes, than from the surplus
productions of crops.

Now all labor has to be paid for, or done by the land owner, con-
sequently as soon as the net proceeds of any article of produce falls
below a price that will pay a profit on the cost of its production,
necessity controls, and as a consequence the price advances. I there-
fore conclude that the price of tobacco must rule higher in the future.

J. M. Baker.

Louisa county, October 15th, 1874.

To clean paint without injury and with very little labor, take a
damp cloth and dip it in common whiting and rub over the paint ;
when it begins to dry wash it off with clean cold water.

1874.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 253

OFFICERS OF STATE GRANGES.

Illinois — Master : Alonzo Golder, Rock Falls. Secretary : 0.
E. Fanning, Gait.

Iowa — Master : A. B. Smedley, Cresco. Secretary : N. W. Gar- ■
retson, DesMoines.

Minnesota — Master : George L. Parsons, Winona. Secretary :
Wm. Paist, St. Paul.

Wisconsin — Master: Col. John Cochrane, Waupun. Secretary:
H. E. Haxley.

Indiana — Master: Henley James, Marion. Secretary: M. M.
Moody, Muncie.

Kansas — Master : T. G. V. Boling. Secretary : George W.
Spurgeon, Jacksonville.

Nebraska — Master: Wm. B. Porter, Plattsmouth. Secretary:
Wm. McCaig, Elmwood.

Mississippi — Master : Gen. A. J. Vaughn, Early Grove. Secre-
tary : W. L. Williams, Rienzi.

South Carolina — Master : Thos. Taylor, Columbia. Secretary :
Col. D. Wyatt, Aikin, Cokesbury.

Vermont — Master : E. P. Colton, Irasburg. Secretary : E. L.
Hovy, St. Johnsbury.

Ohio — Master: S. H. Ellis, Springboro. Secretary: D. M.
Stewart, Xenia.

Michigan — Master : S. F. Brown, Schoolcraft. Secretary : J.
T. C obb, Schoolcraft.

Missouri — Master: T. R. Allen, Allenton. Secretary : A. M.
Coffey, Knob Noster, Johnston county.

Q-eorgia — Master : Col. T. J. Smith, Oconee. Secretary : E.
Taylor, Colaparchu.

Tennessee — Master : Wm. Maxwell, Maxville. Secretary : J. P.
McMurray, Trenton.

North Carolina — Master : W. S. Battle, Tarboro. Secretary :
G. W. Lawrence, Fayetteville.

Arkansas — Master: John T. Jones, Helena. Secretary: John
S. Williams, Duvall's Bluff.

California — Master : J. M. Hamilton, Guenoc. Secretary : W.
H. Baxter, Napa City.

Colorado — Master : R. Q. Tenney. Secretary : P. M. Hinman.

Oregon — Master : Daniel Clark, Salem. Secretary : J. H.
Smith, Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania — Master : D. B. Mauger, Douglassville. Secre-
tary : R. H Thomas, Mechanicsburg.

Virginia — Master : J. W. White, Eureka Mills, Charlotte. Sec-
retary : M. W. Hazlewood, Richmond.

West Virginia — Master : B. M. Kitchen, Shanghai. Secretary :
J. W. Curtis, Marti nsburg.

New York — Master : Geo. D. Hinckley, Fredonia. Secretary :
Geo. Sprague, Lockport.

254 THE SOUTHERN [Xovtmbei

Dakota — Master: E. B. Crew. Lodi. Secretary : 0. F. Stevens,
Jefferson.

Texas — Master : J. B. Johnson, Fairfield. Secretary : H. H.
Parker. Salado.

Alabama — Master: "W. H. Chambers, Oswichee. Secretary: E.
M. Law. Tuskegee.

'da — Master : B. T. TVardlow. Madison. Secretary : W. A.
Brinson. Live Oak.

Kentucky — Master: W. D. Davie, Beverly. Secretary: J. Eu-
gene Barnes. Georgetown.

Massachusetts — Master: T. L. Allis. Conway. Secretary: Beuj.
Davis. Ware.

New Jersey — Master: Edward Howard, Hammonton. Secre-
tary: R. W.Pratt, Xewfield.

RULES FOR THE CARE OF SHEEP.

A circular issued by F." C. D. McKay, the General Agent of the
American Emigrant Company, gives the following:

The company have already ten thousand sheep scattered among
the farmers, who purchased land of them in flocks ranging in size
from fifty to two hundred head.

1. Keep sheep dry under foot with litter. This is even mere
necessary than roofing them. Xever let them stand or lie in mud or
snow.

2. Take up lamb rams early in the summer, and keep them up
until December 1st following, when they may be turned out.

3. Drop or take out the lowest bars, thus saving broken limbs.

4. Count every day.

5. Begin graining with the greatest care, and use the smallest quan-
tity at first.

6. If a ewe loses her lamb, milk her daily for a few days,
and mix a little alum with her salt.

7. Let no hogs eat with the sheep by any means, in the spring.

8. Give the lambs a little mill feed in the time of weaning.

9. Never frighten sheep, if possible to avoid it.

10. Sow rye for weak ones in cold weather if you can.

11. Separate all weak, or thin, or'sick, from those strong, in the
fall, and give them special care.

12. If any sheep is hurt, catch it at once and wash the wounds,
and if it is fly time, apply spirits of turpentine daily, and always
wash with something healing. If a limb is broken, bind it up with
splinters tightly, loosening as the limb swells.

13. Keep a number of good bells on the sheep.

14. Do not let the sheep spoil wool with chaff or burs.

15. Cut tag-locks in early spring.

16. For scours, give pulverized alum in wheat bran ; prevent by
taking great care iu changing dry for green feed.

1784.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 255

17. If one is lame, examine the foot, clean out between the hoofs,
pare the hoofs if unsound, and apply tobacco with blue vitriol,
boiled in a little water.

18. Shear at once any sheep commencing to shed its wool, unless
the weather is too severe, and save carefully the pelt of any sheep
that dies.

19. Have at least one good work by you for reference. This will
be money in your pocket. — Indiana Farmer.

TWO QUEENS IN ONE HIVE.

"We recently copied from the Agricultural Gazette, published at
London, England, an account of two Queens occupying amicably
one hive. Another correspondent sends that paper the following
additional particulars of this singular fact three weeks later than the
date at which the former article was written :

"In your impression of the Agricultural Gazette of August 22,
you ask for further information respecting Mr. Boulton's hive of
bees in which two queens have been residing. As the case in point
is, I believe, unprecedented in the annals of bee-keeping, I will
endeavor to give you as concise a history of it as possible, in order
that it may remain as a public record and reference hereafter.
About the commencement of July, Mr. Boulton called my attention
to it, and requested me to send it to the prominent journals treating
on bee-culture. Mr. Boulton is a tradesman of Ulverston, and has
for many years been a bee-keeper. The event was one so strange to
him that he courted the fullest publicity, and the phenomenon has
been seen by many bee-keepers, who are unable to reconcile it with
past experience of the habits of bees. I must premise that my own
knowledge of bees is limited, and that my information is drawn from
others. The hive in question is one of pure Liguirians, and is a last
year's swarm. Mr. Boulton had several other swarms, and all were
doing well in the spring of this year, this especial one being partic-
ularly strong, and was enclosed in one of Woodbury's bar box hives.
Later on, however, it was noticed by the owner that whilst the other
swarms continued to do well, this one seemed to be retrograding,
and the belief was that the queen was dead. About the middle of
June an examination was made, and a queen's cell found, in which
a young queen had been hatched, which was seen going about
amongst the bees. At this time there was no worker brood in the
hive, nothing being visible but a little drone brood. On June 28, in
the presence of several friends (all bee-keepers), the hive was again
examined, to see how the young queen was breeding. The first bar
taken out was found to be full of brood on each side, and a young
queen was upon it. Being anxious to see. how much brood the hive
contained, the next bar was taken out, but it had no brood on. On
removing the next bar, it was found to have a sheet of brood on
each side, and, to the astonishment of all present, another young

:\ THE SOUTHERN [November

queen was upon it. They continued to remain on their separate
bars for about a week, and on July 3 I was present when the hive
again examined, and the two queens were on the same bar. but
on opposite odes. In the lapse of another week I again accompa-
nied Mr. Boulton to his garden, when the queens were on the same
side of the bar. and distant only about an inch from each other in
the midst of the bees, all working amicably together. Subsequent
examinations have shown them in different positions on the same
bar. sometimes on separate ones. The fact of the empty bar being
between them when first discovered, showed that both queens had
been impreg fertile. The broods were also in the

same state and of the same age, proving that both queens were
young and had commenced laying at the same time. One que^n
was a verv fine large one, and of a beautiful vellow color ; the other
was leas, and the color not so good. Since the beginning of Aug
the lesser queen has not been seen, and as the hive was very full, I
have refrained writing to you on the subject, thinking it possible
that further search might discover her. On Monday last, however,
a searching examination was made, but without discovering her.
The hive is very full of bees, and they are fast making honey. Mr.
Boulton was advised to separate the hive, but this he refused to do,
being determined and anxious to see the result of so strange an oc-
currence. The supposition is that when the old queen died, thj bees
hatched two queens, and before these began laying the hive would
necessarily be weakened, thus the bees resolved to retain both to
g : • up the strength of the hive. This has now been accomplished,
and th*e smaller queen has been d The present occupants

of the hive are very — Farmer.

Young pigs ought to get the richest and best of food. There is
nothing so good as skimmed milk with cooked corn meal.

Fbbhcb Washihg Fluid. — Dissolve one pound of sal soda in one
quart of hot water, and add four quarts of lime water : let it settle,
and pour off the clear water carefully ; then dissolve three ounces ::
borax in one quart of hot water, and when dissolved add to it the
five quarts of clear water in which the soda and lime were dissolved.
"When the mixture is cold, dissolve in it two ounces of carbonate of
ammonia. Bottle, and keep tightly corked in a place where it will
not freeze. TTse half a pint or less to five or six gallons of water.
Put the clothes into soap suds, and let them soak over night, adding
some of the fluid to the suds : or it can be added to the suds before
boiling the clothes. It makes a strong, thick suds, saves more than
half of the soap, and nearly all the rubbing. After boiling, the
clothes should be rinsed well in clear water.

THE WATT PLOW

CONTINUES TRIUMPHANT!

No CHOKING when bright and smooth;
no LABOR to the plowman; ONE-THIRD
LESS DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weeds, Grass, &c. ; great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
its use, and complete pulverization of tY^
soil.

B@«,I have, within the past eighteen
months, made great improvements in the
WATT PLOW, and can, with greater
confidence than ever, commend it to the
farming community everywhere.

GEORGE WATT.

Premiums received during the last three
weeks of October 1873:

Virginia and North Carolina Fair, at
^ Norfolk, October 7, 1873— ALL FIRST
PREMIUMS AWARDED ON PLOWS.

The test of plows took place in a sandy loam, with weeds. &c, from four to
six feet high. The Watt Plow did not choke at all, and buried the vegetation
perfectly.

North Carolina State Fair, at Raleigh, October 14, 1873— ALL PREMIUMS
AWARDED ON PLOWS.

Piedmont Agricultural Fair, Culpeper Courthouse, Va., October 14, 1873 —
ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED ON PLOWS.

The test took place in a hard, stiff clay soil not plowed since the war, and
covered with running briers. The Watt Plow was run seven inches deep without
difficulty, and never choked, burying everything under.

Virginia State Fair, Richmond, October 28. 1873— ALL THE PREMIUMS
ON EACH SIZE, RIGHT AND LEFT HAND.

Also, two special premiums from the Society. Also, two special premiums
from trie city of Richmond.

The Plows were tested in a sodded and heavy pipe soil. The working of the
Watt Plow was admired by all.

Western (N. C.) Fair at Salisbury, October 7, 1873— HIGHEST PREMIUM.

Darlington (S. C.) Fair, October 11, 1873-HIGHEST PREMIUM.

The WATT PLOW of all sizes, from one to four horses, warranted to do bet-
ter work, with more ease, than any plow in use. If they do not prove so after
one week's trial, they may be returned to us, and the purchase money will be re-
funded.

HARROWS, CULTIVATORS and ALL KINDS OF FARMING IMPLE-
MENTS for sale on the best terms.

Send for Circulars. WATT & CALL,

dec Sole Manufacturers, Richmondj V$.

FOR SA.TLE

Several very fine Short Horn Coius and Heifers, one Yearling
Bull and four Bull Calves. Fifty Cotswold Ewes and Lambs,
all either imported or bred direct from imported stock, Lambs by
Imported King Briton.

Thirty Berkshire Pigs out of imported sows, " Hillhurst Rose,"
"Rosedale," and "Wharfdale Rose 2d," and sired by imported
"Wharfdale Chief," and "Canada Prince."

jgSSP Satisfaction guaranteed. Prices Moderate.

A. M. BOWMAN,

Bellevue Stock Farm,
aug Waynesboro, Augusta Co., V

WHATAI EiW B

SUPERPHOSPHATE,

MANUFACTURED BY
JAMES Or. JDO^XTlXrWJ^ttlD Sc CO.

To the Planters of Virginia and North Carolina:

"We again respectfully call the attention of those intending to use fertilizers on
their sprii - the Powhatan Raw Bone Super-PL id particularly

-thos- t a reliable fertilizer for tobacco and cotton, as we intend in the

future, as in the past are years, to furnish an article which has no rival, regard-
less of price. When -. used by the side of any other fertilizer what-
ever, not exet - "-rservedly popular and higher priced tobacco fertilizers
of the day. it has in every case proved itself superior.

A few out of many of our certificates from our patrons :

Blacks axii Whites. Nottoway Co.. Va.. Jan. 1, 1872.
Dear Sirs. — This is to certify that I have used the Powhatan Phosphate alon^
triads of fertilizers, each of which cost more than the Pow-
hatan, and the difference in my crop of tobacco was greatly in favor of the Pow-
hatc . From my experience last year I think it a No. 1 manure, and

recommend its general use.

Very truly yours . SAMUEL F. BPE

LrxESBCRG, Co.. Va.. Jan. 29, 1S73.
Gentlemen. — I used your '; Powhatan Raw B^ne Super-Phc - ;t year

on tobacco with perfect success and entire on.

Ve:; ally, R. H. ALLEN.

DiywrDBiE Co., Va., January 13. 1872.
Dear Sirs. — In r j\ ~ our request. I have no hesitation in saying that I pre-
fer the Powhatan Raw B S --Phosphate, bought of you last spring, to any
n that I have ever used on tobacco. I wish you to furnish me again
this spring. - us truly, WM. B. COLEMAN.

Potthatax Co. , Va. . Jan. 30. 1878.
Gentlemen. — Yours of 24th. asking my opinion of the Powhatan Phosphate, to
hand. In reply. I have - -ell on my tobacco — better than a more

to fertilizer that was applied bv the side of it.

Yow Z. G. MOORMAN.

Amelia Co., Va., Jan. 16, 1872.
Bear Sirs. — In regard to the Powhatan Phosphate bought of you last spring, I
take pleasure in saying that I am m - action on my crop. I

used it on very thin land. 200 pounds to the acre, and my tobacco weighed better
than anv crop I have e L I wish vou to furnish me again this spring.

GEO. H. WILLS.

Hakmoxy. Halifax Co., Va.. Jan. 20, 1872.
Gentlemen. — You request me to give you the result of my experience in the
use of Powhatan Raw Bone Suj -ate. I have used it successfully for

ears, 1870 and 1S71. and I think it the cheapest fertibzer I have ever used,
and ex ..jain the coming season.

Yours truly, EDWARD MOORE.

mm be mm

CHEAP TO EFFECT SALES.

m, e -v -^ b:r,ot:h:e23,s

have, therefore, marked the whole of their stock at the lowest possible prices.
They only enumerate a small portion of their stock, but will state that they have
everything in tbe way of Foreign and Domestic Dry Goods, Trimmings. Notions
Carpets. Matting, xc.

Striped and Plain Mixed Wash-Poplins, twenty-seven inches wide. 16fc. per
yard worth 25c: Striped Wash Poplins, twenty- four inches wide, at 14c. worth
20c; Mixed Wash-Poplins at 32$ per yard worth 16f. ;

East-colored Lawns at 12Ac per yard worth 18c: Seersucker, twenty-seven
inches wide at Vlhc. per yard worth 20c; Black Grenadines with colored* stripes
at 12Jc per yard worth 25c;

Black Grenadines with colored silk stripes at l»3|c would be cheap at 30c;
Japanese Poplins at 16fc. per yard worth 25c; Japanese Poplins at 20 and 25c
would be cheap at 30 and 35c ;

Japanese Poplins, silk warp, at 40 and 50c per yard worth 60 and 75c. : Striped
Silks at 75c. 85c, $1 and $1.25 per yard— all 25c. a yard below regular prices ;
Black Silks from 60c. to $3.50 per yard — all much below regular prices ; Colored
Silks in great variety at lower prices than at any time since 1862 :

Striped Muslins at 25c. per yard, would be cheap at 35c;- Checked Muslin,
large patterns, at 30c per yard worth 50.; Victoria Lawn from 20 to 50c per
yard — all very cheap ; Linen Lawns at 25c worth 35c. per yard :

Grass- Cloth Suitings with side bands for trimmings all yard-wide at 20c
worth 25c; A large variety of Linen Suitings at very low prices ; Bombazines
and other dress material for mourning ;

Alpacas. Mohairs, and Brilliantines, in all qualities, at lower prices than
ever ; Excellent Calicoes at 8£ 10, and 12Ac per yard ; Swiss Muslin from 12$
to 50c. — great bargains in this line ;

Nottingham Lace, for curtains, at 20. 25. 30 and 35c and up to $1.25 pei
yard : Tucked Cambrics in all widths and qualities ; Shirred Muslin at 50c per
yard, worth 61 ; Full- Width Linen Sheeting at 75c. per yard worth $1 :

Pillow-Case Linea, l\ yards wide at i30c. worth 75c; Table Cloths, warranted
all linen, two yards long, at $1 worth $1.50 : White Matting, one yard wide, at
25, 30. 35. 40. 45 and 50c. per yard — all excellent quality for the price :

Red Check Matting at 30c and up to 60c per yard ; M-4 White Matting at 40c
per yard, worth 50c; 6-4 Red Check Matting at 45c. per yard worth 60c;

Victoria Lawn Dress Patterns in white and buff skirts, ready-made with suffi-
cient material for a sacque or basque at 62 — cost double the money to import;
Black Lace Scarfs, now so fashinable. from $1 up to $6 :

Black Lace Points and Sacques in all qualities at remarkably low prices ;
Printed Cambrick Frilled Collars and Cutfs at 15c a set. worth 50c.; Ruffling
and Euffs in great bargains — some extraordinary bargains in this line ;

A large stock of Striped Cotton Hose for women and Children ; Crepe Veils in
all sizes — some extra large and heavy :

Great bargains in Cotton Trimmings. Laces, Embroideries, Jewelry, Fans,
Parasols. Fan Chains, Satchels, Trunks. Baskets. Shawl Straps. Xc. kc.

Particular attention paid to orders. Goods sent by express C. O. D,, or upon
receipt of post-office order or registered letter.

LEVY BROTHERS,

1017 and 1019 Main Street,
July RICHMOND, VA.

EST^-ZBLISHIIEID 1S39.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERS and GARDENERS

MANUFACTURED AXD FOR SALE BY

JOHU BULLOCK & SON,

Factory: Washington Road, Baltimore, Md.
Store: No. 61 S. Gay Street, Baltimore, Md.

P. 0. Box 636.

For more than thirty years we have been engaged in the manufacture
of ''Pure Ground Bone , our crude stock being gathered daily from the
butchers here, with whom we have yearly contracts. We have com-
pleted our new factory, and with the addition of the latest and most ap-
proved machinery, will be able to fill all orders sent to us at short notice
and guarantee at all times to the purchaser a first-class article at the
lowest market price.

Respectfully

JOHN BULLOCK & SON.

The attention of those desiring to purchase

Evergreens, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

Is called to the

MAGNOLIA NURSERY

AT

RICHMOND, "ViHG-INTA..

The stock generally is well grown and the assortment complete,
comprising everything that is desirable for shade or ornamental pur-
poses ; also all the leading varieties of

Grapes, Currants, Strawberries and other Small Fruits.

Our prices are low, considering the quality of the stock, which
we feel confident will give general satisfaction.

The Nursery, which is situated on the Brook Turnpike near the
city, is open to the inspection of visitors during business hours.
J^r** Descriptive Catalogue furnished on application.
Address all letters to

L. J- HARVEY,
se — tf Nurseryman, Richmond, Ya.

FRUIT TREES & VINES

For Sale Claeap.

$12.50 per 100.

100.00 " 1000.

25.00 " 100

50,000 Apple Trees,

« a it

A large lot of Cherries,

Concord Grape Vines,

Norton Seedling,

Maxatawny,

Delaware,

Catawba,

Scuppernong,

Isabella,

Lenoir,

A.LIL, FIRST-CLASS STOCK:.

For further particulars, address

JAMES VIA & SONS,

ge tf West Hampton, Henrico Co., Va.

10 ce

25

10

10

10

20

10

10

ts.

i^Vii1':1!"'. ':'! If

p

'• jfe

' ^

Illllllfilllll'lill,

9:i]J

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA.,

BREEDER AND DEALER IN

Pure Bred Fancy Poultry and Pigeons, Song and Ornamental Birds,
Lop-Eared Angora, Himalayan Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, White
Mice, Gold Fish, Aguaria, Aquatic Plants, Premium Chester White
and Berkshire Pigs, Jersey and Ayrshire Cattle.

Particular attention given to Orders from a distance. Satisfac-
tion guaranteed. Stock not on hand furnished at Short Notice.

B&- SEND FOR CIRCULARS. =^n

Fertilizers and Seeds for. 1874.

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO,

ETo. 1 Peruvian G-uano^

FLOUR OF JEU^^KT BOISTE,

Ground Plaster, Lime, Agricultural Salt, &c.

FIELD, GRASS, AND GARDEN SEEDS,

SEED POTATOES
Of the Early Rose, Early Goodrich, Peerless, and other choice varieties
For further information and supplies, address

ALLISON & ADDISON,

Seed and Guano Merchants, Richmond, Virginia.

OCEAN EXPOSURE.

(ESTABLISHED 18o4.)

A. HANCE & SON,

Nurserymen and Florists,

RED BAXffK, N. J.

The following Catalogues are published for gratuitous distribu-
tion, viz :

No. 1 — Descriptive Catalogue of trees, shrubs, vines, &c.

No. 2 — Descriptive Catalogue of plants.

No. 3 — Wholesale Trade-list, (for nurserymen and dealers.)

Peach Trees and Ornamental Stock, specialties.
A fine stock of Early Beatrice Peach, Concord and Martha Grape
Vines, and other Peach Trees and Grrape Vines for Southern
Planters. oct

ROBT, J. FARRER & CO.,

PRODUCE & CATTLE SALESMEN.

Agents for the Sale and Purchase of

WELL-BRED CATTLE,

SHEEP, PIGS, POULTRY, &C.

EngM Siuerpliospliate, $40 Per Ton

COMPLETE GUANO, $07.50.

JfSg^Commissions across the water executed.

6 Fourteenth Street, Richmond, Va.

oct

2 to 3
Apple " 4 to 7

3 to 4
Standard Pear.4 to 6
Dwarf " 2h to 4

^ArtGU STOCK OF FIRST-CLASS

FMT AID ORNAMENTAL TREES

FOR SALE.

SMALL FRUIT, HEDGE PLANT, ASPARAGUS, k,

Peach trees, 3§ to 6 feet $10 per 100 ; per 1000 $ 80 00

5 per 100 ; per 1000 40 00
15 per 100 ; per 1000 100 00
5 per 100; per 1000 40 00
40 per 100; per 1000 350 00
25 per 100; per 1000 225 00
Osage Hedge Plants, 2 years, per 1000, $3 50 ; Honey Locust
Hedge Plants, 2 years, per 1000, $7 ; Wilson's Albany Strawberry
Plants, per 1000, $3; Concord Grape Vines, 1 year, No. 1, per
1000, $30 ; Concord Grape Vines, 1 year, No. 2, per 1000, $20 ;
Silver Maple trees, 9 to 12 feet, per 100, $40 ; Silver Maple trees,
7 to 8 feet, per 1000, §20.

m*SEND FOR A CATALOGUE. «©a
augtf

BRONZE TURKEYS,

(From 62 pound parents.)

FANCY CHICKENS, POLANDS. Those everlasting
layers and most beautiful lawn ornaments, PURE WHITE,
BLACK WHITE CRESTS, SILVER and GOLDEN,
LIGHT DARK BRAHMAS, WHITE, BLACK COCH-
INS and GAMES.

If ordered at once will close out my stock at reduced prices.
F. EVANS, No. 5, St. Paul Street,
oc— BALTIMORE, MD.

F*J±TL,TLm STYLES, 1874.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CARDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces
TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.

Merchants desiring samples, will please address,

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

MALTBY HOUSE,

BALTIMORE, MD.

C.R. HOGAN, Proprietor.

Has just received a series
~Z of costly and elegant im-
_provements, embracing every
;;,,,. department of the Hotel, ma-
king it one of the finest Ho-
tels in the city.

Board reclncecl to $2.50 per flay.

sep — 2f

BATJG-H'S STANDARD 3VL" A ZST XT IR E S .

BAUGH & SONS

High Grade Manure for Tobacco and Grain

BAUGH'S RAW BONE TPA°E MAR1 SUPER-PHOSPHATE Of LIME.

The old established article
ys«. Also Pure Ground Bones,
line of chemicals for making

sep — 6t

sold under a guaranteed anal-
Pure Bone Meal, and a full
super-phosphates.

BAUGH & SONS,
No. 103 South Street, Baltimore, Md.

Piedmont A-ir-Line Railway.

Richmond and Danville, Richmond and Danville R. AY., N. C
Division, and North Western N. C. R. W.

COKTDENSED TIIVTE TA.BX.E.
In effect on and after Sunday, October 12th, 1873.

GOING NORTH.

GOING SOUTH.

STATIONS.

SIAIL

EXPRESS.

STATIONS.

SIAIL.

EXPRESS.

Leave Charlotte,

10.00 p.

M. 8.15 A. SI.

Leave Richmond,

1.28 p. si

5.00 A. M.

" Air-Line Junction,

10.06 '

8.30 "

" Burkeville,

4.45 "

8.29 "

" Salisbury,

10.06 a.

si. 10.21 '•

" Danville,

9.18 "

12.4S p. SI.

" Greensboro,

3.30 '

' 12.45 p. si.

" Greensboro',

12.20 a. si

3.50 "

K Danville,

6.20

' 3.12 "

" Salisbury.

_ •

6.06 "

" Burkeville.

11.: 3-5 '

7.36 "

" Air-Line Junction

, 4.29 "

8.10 "

Arrive at Richmond,

2.17 p

M. 10.17 "

Arrive at Charlotte,

4.35 "

S.15 "

GOING EAST.

GOING

WEST.

STATIONS.

fa SIA1L.

MAIL.

.fceave Greensboro'

g 3.3IJ a. M.

£. Arrive

12.20 A. ll.

" Co. shops,

& 4.45 '•

3

9.35 "

" Raleigh,

§■ 846 "

—

5.26 "

Arrive at Goldsboro,'

=; 11.15 "

a

S Leave

2.30 P. M.

NORTH WESTERN N. C. R. R. ,

Salem Branch.

Leave Greensboro' 4.30 P. si. ; arrive at Salem 6.25 p. si. ; leave Salem 8 a. m.'; arrive at Greens-
boro' 10.00 a. >i.

Mail trains dailv, both wavs.

Ou Mintlavs Lvnehburg Accommodation leave Richmond at 9.45 a. St., arrive at Burkeville 12.45
P. si., hjave Burkeville 5.:>5 a. si., arrive at Richmond B;45 A. M.

Pullman Palace Cars on all night trains between Charlotte and Richmond (without change).

Papers that have arrangements to advertise the schedule of this Company will please prip.t as
above.

For further information, address S. E. ALLE> ,

G«neral Ticket Agent, Greensboro', N. C.

T M. R. TALCOTT, Eng'r & Gen'l Sup't. hot— tf

immu

i

,MIDDI>MEN.

come Enterprising, Useiul citizens. EASTMAN BGSINESS COLLEGE. I >". Y..

On-the-Hudson. the enly Institutioo devoted to \\ - 1 si and only :

Coimn-r'- - : PatroLf a:

uaie? in I city aod town. A y Jut. Add • iiid cat-

■logui i ffi, H. G. EASTMAX, LL. D^ Potighkeepsie, N. Y.

—It

LATEST VARIETY KNOWN.

LEATMEBBUBTS BAKU.

The 1st Premium was awarded to this Peach by the Pennsylvania Horticultu-
ral Society, October 23. 1872. The Fruit Bbcoraek of November. 1872, thus
describes it: :. The Peaches were duly received, and without -:
finest specimen of et late sort we have ever seen or tasted. The specimens meas-
ured from eight to eight and one-! alf inches in circumference, and were of a
gileish yellow collor. tinged with a rich scarlet over the faurgesl a of the

each. Pitts very small. Flesh three-fourths to one inch thick, and of a light
yellow, tinged with red. Near the pit. exceedingly juicy and rich. We should
consider out - rtunate if we could have one hundred \:

sort in our orchard, for as plenty as the fruit Las been this fall, such peaches
would sell quickly for $3.00 per crate, when ordinary late peaches were bringing
but $1.50. The trees are now offered foi | 5-00 per dozen by

J. H. PETERSON,
se — tf Smyrna. Kent Co.. Delaware.

TREES! TREES! TREES!

A VERY LARGE AND UNUSUALLY FINE STOCK OF

PEJ1R | *1PPLE TREES,

CHERRIES, CRAB APPLES, CURRANTS, &00SEBERRIES,

Evergreens, Elms, Maples, Shrubs, Roses,

And a general Nursery Stock, ar the

SYRACUSE NURSERIES,

SMITH & POWELL.

Syracuse. New York. Sep. 11th, 187-4.

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO R. R.

On and after SUNDAY, April 19th, 1874, passenger trains will
run as follows :

FROM RICHMOND :

8:30 A. M. MAIL TRAIN.— For Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Staunton, White
Sulphur, Hinton, and all intermediate Stations, daily (except Sundays), arriving
at Hir.ton at 10:20 P. M. This train connects at Gordonsville for Orange, Cul-
peper, Warrenton, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington and the North, and at
Charlottesville for Lynchburg, Bristol, Kuoxsville, Chattanooga and the South.

.4:45 P. M. ACCOMMODATION TRAIN.— For Gordonsville and all inter-
mediate Stations, daily (except Sunday), arriving at Gordonsville 8:30 P.M.

9;30 P. M. CINCINNATI EXPRESS.— For Gordonsville, Charlottesville,
Staunton, Goshen, Milboro', Covington, White Sulphur, and all Stations west of
White Sulphur, daily (except Sunday), arriving at Huntington, 5:30 P. M. This
train connects at Gordonsville for Washington, Baltimore and the North, and for
Lynchburg, Bristol, and the South, and at Huntington with the Steamers Bostona
and Fleetwood for Cincinnati and all points West and Southwest, arriving at Cin-
cinnati (3 A. M.

Baggage checked through.

FOR THROUGH TICKETS, rates and information, apply at 826 Main Street
Ballard and Exchange Hotel, or at company's Office, Broad Street and Sixteenth

A. H. PERRY, General Sup't.
Edgar Vliet, General Passenger and Ticket Agent.

JOHir~LAIRI^

Offers to the public this Fall a large and fine assortment of

green house plants, roses, evergreens, grape

VINES and FRUIT TREES.

Also a large variety of HYACINTHS, CROCUS, TULIPS,
and all other Fall bulbs at low rates. Catalogues on application.

Garden on Broad and Grace, bet. Henry and Smith,
Seed Store, 733 Main St. near Eighth RICHMOND, VA.'

35 Packages of Flower or Vegetable
Seeds free by mail for one dollar. One
beautiful Illustrated Catalogue of seeds
and plants for 1874. free to all. Plants
by mail a specialty. Address

GREEN. BEACH & CO.,
Seedsmen and Florists, Oil City. Pa.
Box 1775. mar — lOt

TTHE NEW CLIFTON FRUIT CRATE and VEGETABLE CRATE, the
best thing known for transporting Fruits and Vegetables. Will supersede all
other articles used for these purposes. Took first premium and diploma at
Maryland State Fair, 1873. First Premium and Diploma at Frederick Fair,
1873. First Premium or Medal at Virginia State Fair, 187:5.
Sta'e, County, Farm, and individual Rights for sale by

E. B. GEORGIA & CO.,
nov — ly Clifton Fairfax, Va.

T7~P~T7,"p* t0 a^ applicants, mv
JL -lAi-J-L* Nursery and Bulb Cat-
alogue. F. K. Phcexix, Blooming-ton,
1^ —2

AGENTS WANTED.— We are in
want of a few first - *es

to sell Nursery Stock in various |
of the country. We want men of good
character, habits and business capacity,
who can furnish undoubted referen
and who will g "-hole time and

the busiii'
e need apply who cannot furnish
ces and bond. To such we can
aslant emr>lovment with a good
salary. CHASE BROTH! '

r W. P. BISSELL, Manager, 919 Bank
St.. Richmond. Va. m —

THE CROTON GRAPE

Fine two-year old Plant:
riety by mail or express

of this va-

8 id for

Price-List.

3. W. UNDERHILL.
Croton Landing P. 0.. X. Y

■P

HOG RI\GER.

15,000.000 King*.
> 70,000 RingerS,

8,5O0 Tones S^old.

Bard-nare DealeTS £fll Them.

: O50cts.

1 1. -5. by mail, posl iiaid,

-

H. W. Hill & Co., Decatur. Hi.

FORM 2.

See Pluck and
LanL'h !

Buy PLUCK and
be Sappy.

i^.#>'^

"■ most
roli cki ng. and

plucky story ever told by painters' brush,
is faithfully copied in 'these Chromos.
They are 16 by 22 inches in size. Price
$10 the pair. Send orders to the pub-
lisher. J. F. RYDE
2*9 Superior St.. Cleveland, O.

FORM 3.

LAUGHABLE and;
interesting in the highest
degr^- e Chromos

Pluck. _ They should have
a jAa: v counting

room, office, and school
house in the land. The
lesson they teach is good

r. Price. $10 the pair.
Send orders to J. F. RYDER.

Publisher, Cleveland. 0.

FORM 4.

THERE is more fun in
the Chromos PLUCK
than any painted or printed
story that has been given
to the public for years.
Never before has been ac-
corded to any picture or set
"ares, the popularity
'hromos have attain-
ed. Size. 10 by 22 inches,
repair. Address
order to

J. F. RYDER, Publisher,

Cleveland, O.

Thoroughbred Stock for Sale.

I am breeding Thoroughbred DEVON
CATTLE. ESSEX PIGS. SOUTH-
DOWN SHEEP, fee; also LIGHT
BRAHMA FOWLS,

Persons ordering from me can rely
on getting as good stock as any in this
country. My herd of Devon; are of the
• improved strains. They took a
number of first premiums at our last
State Fair.

For further particulars, address
F. W.. CHILES,
aug — Bt Louisa C. H.. Ya.

W. C. SMITH,

Manufacturer of aiid Dealer in

CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES,

China, Glass and billow Ware,

Toys of Every Description, Afghans,
Mats. <5cc.

Invalid Chairs made to order; also
repairing neatly done. Salerooms 412
Broad Street, and 737 Main Street.
Factory 308, 812 and 314 Fifth Street,
Richmond, Ya. ap — ly

1010 Ills. PRIME HEW CROP

TURNIP SEED

Of all the most approved varieties.
A large stock of FIELD and
GARDEN SEED.

C. B. EOGERS, Seed Dealer,
133 Market St., Philadel'ia.

Aug — It

Q.) [A AGENTS READ. One
O^xUt Canvasser made S240 in one
week. Samples sent free to all. Ad-
a W. H. CHIDESTER, 265 Broad-
way, N. Y. aug — 4t

R. SINCLAIR <£ CO,?

MANUFACTURERS OF

inn, mam i iumnr.

ALSO, GROWERS AND IMPORTERS OF

GARDEN AND FIELD SEEDS,

Dealers in FRUIT TREES and PLANTS

Would call the special attention of our friends and customers to the following
first-class Machinery and Implements, which we guarantee to be equal to any arti-
cle of the kind made in this country, being all of our own manufacture.

We name in part, such machines as are required by the Farmer and Planter
for the Winter and Spring seasons, viz: SINCLAIR'S PATENT MASTI-
CATOR, of which we make four sizes, viz: Hand, Steam and Horse Power.

Sinclair's Patent Screw Propeller, Hay, Straw and Fodder Cutters,

of which we make four sizes, viz . Light Hand Power, Hand Power, several sizes,
and Horse Power three sizes. All of the above-named Cutters are our own
Patents and Manufacture, and are such as we can recommend.

Reading's Patent Horse-Power Corn Sheller, with Fan Attachment.

Sheller, plain.

Double Spout Hand or Power Sheller Single Spout SheUers—
ell kinds.

Corn and Cob Mills, Grist Mills, for Farm and Plantation use.
WHEAT AXD CORN FANNING MILLS.

" Anderson's " Agricultural Steamer, for preparing feed for Stock.
The best in use.

Threshers and Separators— different kinas and sizes.

Horse Powers, all sizes and patterns.

Ox-Yokes and Bows, Horse Power Road Scrapers, Hay and
Straw Presses.

Plows, different kinds and sizes, Harrows, Cultivators, and all kinds of
Farming and Horticultural Tools. Address,

Seply

B. SINCLAIR & CO., 62 Light Street, Baltimore. Ml.

EVERGREENS!

How, when, and where to plant, with Cata-
logues mailed for stamp.

200,«>00 Arbor Vitae (transplanted), only §10
per 1,000.

50 assorted Evergreens sent by mail for SI.
Address WM. MORTON & SON,

Allen's Corner, "Cumberland Co.," Maine,
se— ly

Tie Fruit Recorder & Cottage Gardener

will be sent free for 3
months to all who will pay
postage at office of delivery.
We do not ask any one to j
subscribe for our paper un- J

», til they know what they

are to get. It speaks for itself. Price onlv SI per
year. Our SMALL FRUIT INSTRUCTOR is a
"work of (54 pp. that tells in simple language just
how to grow fruits in abundance for home use
or market. Price 25 cents postpaid.

A. M. PrRDT.
se — 3t Palalmyra, N. Y

NH. BUSEY, Photographic and Art Gallery, N. W. Charles and Fay
, ette Streets, Baltimore.
Every description of Fine Photographic and artistic work in the highest style
of art. Portraits in Oil, Pastel and Crayon. Photographs in water colors, India
ink, &c. Also a fine stock of frames, chromos, stereoscopic views, ^cc.

Particular attention given to copying and enlarging from old daguerotypes, &c.
of deceased persons. seP "

13

FREE.

i ii

- •

c ' lit >li

BUY NEAR HOME AND GET GOOD STOCK.

LIGHT and DARK BRAHMAS,
AND PARTRIDGE COCHEN FOWLS,

FROM PEDIGREE AND PREMIUM STOCK.

Cold Spring Poultry and Stock Yard. Baltimore Co.. Md.

' Address J. E. LLOYD. Richmond Market,

BALTIMuRE. MD.

Fowls sent C. 0. D. if desired. Refer by permission to
Editor of this Journal. Send for circular.

HERMITAGE NURSERIE

JOHN W. RIS02K,

PROPRIETOR OF

HEBMITAG-B ITTJRSERIES,
RICHMOND, TIE GIXIA .

1,500,000

.Apple and Peach. Trees,

FOR SALE THIS FALL AT REDUCED PRICES. FIRST-CLASS
APPLE TREES. $16 per hundred. FIRST-CLASS PEACH
TREES, $14 per hundred.

To Clubs ordering 1000 trees and sending the money with order, I will put
Apple trees, $12 50 per 100; Peach trees. SlO 00 per 100.

These trees are warranted true to name, and are strictly first-class stock.

Orders should be addressed to

feb

JOHN W. RISOTST,
Richmond, Virginia.

To Nurserymen,

TREE DEALERS AND PLANTERS.

Our Wholesale Catalogue for Autumn

1874, now ready, and sent FREE to all appli-
cants. KLI,H'A.\«.ER * BARRY,

Mt. Hupe Nurseries, Rochester. KT. Y.
Aug. 1. 1874. augli.

EDW. J. EVANS & CO.,
Nurserymen and Seedsmen,
York, Penn.
A complete stock of Fruit and Orna-
mental Trees. Garden and Flower Seeds,
Seed Wheat, Seed Oats. Seed Corn.
Seed Potatoes. Grass Seeds. &c. Send
for Catalogue and price lists. feb-lOt

PrcminnL Farm
Grist Mill.

Is simple, chi
durable, and grinds all
kinds of grain rapid-
ly. It is adapted to all
kinds of horse powers.
Also Union Railway
Horse Powers, requir-
^inga very low eleva-
\ ^ \ tion and yet eiving
more power than others. Also every variety of
approved Implements. Send fob Descriptive
< ikcilar. WM. L. BOYEB & BEO..

oc— 2t Philadelphia, Pa.

OPIUM

for treatment until

Hi! John Street,
oc— 3t

MORPHINE HABIT speedily

cured by Dr. Beck"s only
known and sure Remedy.

NO CHARGE

cured. Call on or address

DR. J. C. BECK,

CLNCLNSATI, OHIO,

IHORO PHIIiliIPS,

MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS,

MANUFACTUEEK OF

ACIDS AND OTHER CHlMICAIiS,

o

MORO PHILLIPS' SUPER-PHOSPHATE, Price $50; the
best grain producer in the market.

MORO PHILLIPS' PURE PHUINE, Price $50 ; the best fer-
tilizer for truckers we know of.

MORO PHILLIPS' TOBACCO INVIGORATOR, Price $60 ;
prepared especially for tobacco.

SEWANO GUANO, a natural organic deposit.

{110 S. Delaware Av., Philadelphia, Pa.
95 South Street Baltimore, Md.
And by trade generally. Discount to dealers.

sep — Gt

THE CENTENNIAL

Is the LIGHTEST RUNNING SEWING
MACHINE, without any exception. It is used
by many of the best known families in Balti-
more, and in many parts of Virginia.

Price only $40 for No. 1 Machine.
" . " 45 " 2 "

And upwards according to style and finish.
-The working pads being the same in all.
Thev are fully equal to any of the §tio and $75 Machines in the
market.

They are all made of the best material, with fine long walnut
tables/ and run so lightly and noiselessly and work so beautifully
that it affords pleasure to use them.

Grranges in Maryland and Virginia are adopting them, and Mas-
ters will do well to write for circulars and samples to

J\ S, O-IRIIFIFITH,

a#p — tf 85 Lexington Street, Baltimore, Md.

iu|i=fjiy*-siq
Qliiiiipgl

2.2m • — *■ • = — ' :>

" C > =-— -si1;- 30
5 - - af ■ ~-<Ji

FRESH
GARDEN and FIELD SEED
At the old stand cf Palmer St Turpin,
1626 Main street, Richmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, Herds. Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass.
Send for Catalogue,
feb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

Eggs, Cream, Milk and Lemon Bis-
cuits, anJ every kiud of Crackers, made
a specialty. Ponnd and Fancy Cakes,
Ginger Snaps, Lemon Snaps, Jumbles,
&c, &c, &c.

KICHAKD ADAM,

Richmond Steam Bakery, 12th St., Rich- \
mond, Va., manufacturer of all kinds of
Bread, Cakes and Crackers, wholesale
and retail. Orders from the country j
attended to promptly. ap — ly

L. POWERS & SON,
COMMISSION MERCHANT,

AND

WHOLESALE PRODUCE DEALERS,
1540 East Main Street, Richmond, Va.

Flour, Grain, Hay, and ali kinds Seed
and Eating Potatoes. Foreign and Do
mestic Fruits. Seed Potatoes a Specialty.

ap — ly

FOB S-AXiIE.

AYRSHIRE^ STOCK!

I offer For Sale 2 thoroughbred BULL-
CALVES, -t COW-CALVES, selected
from the best milking families in the
U. S.. and partly acclimated, having
been ou my place since last summer.

CHAS. PETERS.
Mechanicsville Farm,
nov Richmond. Va.

A FINE ESTATE

FOR SALE !

Containing one thousand acres, on which there
is a good twe-story dwelling situated in a beauti-
ful grove. The out-houses, stables, barns, labo-
rer s cottages complete ; good, water from a pump
and spring not far from the residence. There is
also a running stream through the Farm. The
estate is well situated in a geiiteel neighborhood
with churches convenient. Mail communica-
tion is regular by Railroad and Canal tri-weekly.

The estate is susceptible of being divided into
four farms. There are two hundred and seventy
acres cleared land, the balance in original growth.
There is a £ood producing garden, all under a
good enclosure.

For further particulars from those who want
to purchase applv to JAMES G. BROOK?, or
P. JOHNSTON, Richmond. Va.
nov

TART IN LIFE.

Bryant, Stntton & Sailer,
Business College,

l ^B Xo Vacation— Enter 3ny Time.

1 ^B ,«5=-For Documents. Money. Specimens
I V patrons and Terms, address

Mf. H. Sailer. Pres, .Baltimore,

PE4R TREES FOK THE MIEEIOX.
Latest stock in the West: fine assortment ;
extra quality : peeked to go safely any distance.
Satisfection guaranteed. Prices low by hun-
dred or thousand. A full assortment ot other
trees, shrubs, plants. Ac. Illustrated Ogtakgu
maik-d free to applicants. R. G. HANiOiiU
Columbus Nursery. Columbus, Ohio.
sept—.,

SHEPHERD PUPS.

3 Scotch Colly Shepherd Pups (dogs) direct from im-
portation, for sale at $IQ each. A. M. BOWMAN,

Bellevue Stock Farm.

Waynesboro, Va.

IE. 3D. ZETA-LILiOCiK:,
GARDEN. fTeLD'aXD FLOWER

*

No. 172 West Pratt Street, BALTIMORE.

The subscriber would respectfully inform the Farmers, Gardeners, and th 1 1 be has

■ov in store a complete stock of SEEDS, of all the varieties Baited to this n
care, is which he onfexs at wholesale and retail, in quantities to suit, on a'
other reliable house. He solicits an examination

.■."". ■;"::■ ii.-.-; ■ i I-Z ■ — ._. --.:-..-: -_-i .._.:--:.-_::. :_ f Flower Seed from Mx. Jakes Vi k,
:-'". :-•:.•.---: :■" Y :;--.-',- :-. . ?:. XX EARLY gEST PEAS aWKVillty.

znnoniated Bone Phosphate, price $50, cash per ton of 2,000 lbs.

BeL Matty Home and LigU St. E. D. HALLOCK, 172 W. Pratt St.

JOHN G. HACHTEL & CO,

*

Hachtel's Ammoniated Superphosphate,

Hachtel's Pure Dissolved Bone,

Hachtel's Tobacco Fertilizer,

IB DUSl JLDS HALL KAIKTT (German Potash Salts),

MURIATE 01 E HASH, BOXE MEAL, and FERTILIZING
MATERIAL- ALLY.

Liberal discount to dealers and otL -.: ■ adba bj largely fin cash.

JOHN C HACHTEL & CO..

sep — 8t 14 Booty's Wharf, Baltimore.

SEED WHEAT! SEED WHEAT!

Am eric an Fruit firiers, Grain Drills and Thrash-
ing Machines.

CHOICE POULTRY AND OTHER CHOICE STOCK

KTUHSER^ STOCK,
Piloses a Specialty.^
Addi GEO. A. DEITZ,

— : : Oh a m b erzbu ra. Pa .

■ED^YAEDS

SUPER-PHOSPHATE.

■■■-■THE CONCENTRATED MANURE."ii—"

"HEAT. RYE. OATS,
TOBA . POTATOES

B^CASH PP. TON 2 LBfi ... Delirered on

i '..-.".-. . .

E. Q, EDWARDS <£ CO,,

No. 21 Cheapside, BALTIMORE, HE.

X. B. — Oar Phosphate P n prorninenf farmer?

PERFECTED

^L_ A

wmtoiks n:vm

^liiii W^'

:i™i ;^; v-^,^::; w.,-1 V;...^ %„■<;* "^i*

:W1

PRXGE

; ZbZST.

EIGHT HAND. LEFT HAND.

No. 5, . $5.50

No. 7, . 7.50
No. 8, . 8.00

No. 7, . . . $ 8.00
No. 8, . . . 10.00
No. 10, . . . 13.00

We have exclusive control of the above celebrated Plows for this

market.

THE STUDEBAKER

The Cheapest, Finest Finished, and Most Substantial Wagon made

in this Country.

For FARM USE, we recommend the 3} Thimble Skein Wagon, with
drop pole, spring seat, and top body, with whiffletree, neck yoke and stay

chains.

PRICE $120.

BRAKES furnished when desired at an addi-
tional cost of $5.

H. M. SMITH & CO.,

flfc^~ Agents ibr Virginia and the Carolinas. RICHMOND, VA.

EOR SALE A.T THE

Manchester Tile Works.

TILES of all sizes at low prices.
Address

oct

S, D. ATKINSON,

Manchester, Va

WATERS' NEW SCALE PIANOS,

SQUARE and UPRIGHT, are the best
made. The touch elastic, the tone powerful, )>ure
and even through the entire scale, yet mellow
and sweet.

' WATERS'iCONCERT© ORGANS,
cannot be excelled in tone or beauty; they defy
competition. The Concerto Stop is a fine imita-
tion of the Human Voice.

Warraated for 6 years. Prices Extremely
Low for cash or part cash, and" balance in
monthly payments. AGENTS WANTED.
A liberal discount to Teachers, Churches, Minis-
ters, Schoois, Lodges, &c. Illustrated Cata-
logues mailed.

HORACE WATERS & SON,
P. O. Box 3567. 481 Broadway, N. Y.

nov — 2t

PURE 3BRED

DARK BRAHMAS,

CHEAP.

$2.25 per pair, 3.25 per trio —
cooped and delivered at Swoope's
Depot, with feed to destination.
Terms Cash.

G. W. SHUEY,
Swoope's Depot,
nov — It Augusta Co

TIHIIEi SOUTHERN

PLANTER AND FARMER

HAS NO SUPERIOR IN THE SOUTH, HAVING A LARGE CIRCULATION
AMONGST THE MOST SUBSTANTIAL FARMERS AND BUSINESS MEN,

In the country — the best customers to every trade, not only on account of
the substantial character of those to whom it is sent, but likewise by the fact
that possessing the additional advantage of being in book form and stitched ;
it is, therefore, more apt to be preserved than an ordinary newspaper,
and gives ADVERTISERS A BETTER CHANCE OF KEEPING
THEMSELVES BEFORE THE PEOPLE!

TEIE^IMIS POU .iLID-VIEilE^TISIILSra--

One square, 10 lines or Jess, one insertion. ..82 00 I

1 square of tea lines for six months 10 00 I

1 square of ten lines for one year 15 00 |

J4 page six months 30 00 l

% page one year 55 00 |

V^.page six months «55 00

page one year 100 00

page single insertion 20 00

page six months 100 00

page ono year 180 Ou

Outside back Cover, double rates ; inside back Cover, 50 per cent, added to rates. No advertise-
ments taken for front cover. No editorial notice given to advertisements on any consideration,
but notices, &c. may be put in Pulishers' Department at contract prices.
No charge for advertisements,of less than two dollars.

Bills of regular advertisers payable quarterly, if inserted for three or more months.
Payable monthly if inserted for less than three months. Transient advertisers, cash in ad-
vance.

To insure insertion, we should receive advertisements by the 25th day of the month preceding
taat in which they are to appear. We adhere strictly to our printed rates.

All communications to be addressed to

L. R. DICKINSON, Proprietor,

P. 0. Box 54, Richmond, Va,

ESTA.BL.ISKCE3D 1833.

s^n

PATENTED.

WHEAT FERTILIZES

PREPARED BY THE

SOUTHERN FERTILIZING CO.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA,

PRICE, $55 PER TON, IN RICHMOND.

This article is prepared for the latitude of Virginia and
North Carolina, and can be obtained at every point of
importance in the two States.

July— 3t.

TO WHEAT PLANTERS,

THE CONTINUED SU »F THE

Soluble Sea Island Guano

t convince cal farmer :-. wheat manure.

Mr. •

Deai i request me to give you m in relation to the Soluble

Sea Island Guano. I used it on the tobacco _ 10 pounds per

acre, and am as we. ;no I have used. I

shall use it in preference v> any of the Fr:

H. T. GOODy

Mr. J. A. F. Neal, of Talbo: form you that I

can refer to all Bold to las-. .rood word ; inc-

in set - luble Sea Island Guano has t ed in

the c:

Prince Edward Co
To Z. A. Blaxtox. Fannville. Va. :

This is to certify that I used on tobacco during- the yer.: e and a half

tons of Sea Island Guano, and it came up
ticular. It acted for m-r
with it that I i
to us r it to any I b . me.

P.. rr.

5TB. R. vr. L. 7

1 Guano for

three years, and n uano has

-

en-
. and am ■ •

IN H. POWELL,

H. P. Por- i Guano.

Peruvian Guano, and
a coufidei. .han

any other.

DR. C. D. BARHAiL

Do not hesitate to say it is a good Guano.

die Co.

•? : — I have tried yoi ad Guano

.no. W M.

R. W. L. RAISIN & CO,,

BALI
Cor. ; - 7 , VA.

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticulture, and the Mining. Mechanic ani Household Arts.

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State. — Sully.

L. R. DICKINSON, Proprietor

FRANK G. RUFFIN, ....---- Editor.

New Series. RICHMOND, VA., FEBRUARY, 1875. No. 2.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

The proceedings of the late annual meeting of the State Grange
of Virginia, Patrons of Husbandry, will be found below. They are
not as fully reported as I could have desired, for a reason which the
humanity of all readers will appreciate. On the first night of the
meeting a stable, carriage and horses of the editor were burned by
an incendiary. This made in actual, complete conflagrations, in
fires, (including two upon my mansion in the dead of night, which
had made dangerous headway before they were subdued,) and in
attempts, abortive, but actual, thirteen distinct acts of incendiarism.
It is obvious that it was my duty to remove my family from a scene
of so much disturbance and real danger ; and I was compelled to
inaugurate arrangements to that end at once. The time occupied
in these arrangements, and in others growing out of it, has been
that much abstracted from the Planter and Farmer. — The Editor.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STATE GRANGE OF VIRGINIA.

The second annual meeting of the State Grange of the Patrons
of Husbandry of Virginia met in Richmond on the 13th of January.
About 150 delegates were in attendance at the opening, but during
the progress of the meeting many more appeared, who had been
prevented by stress of weather from appearing at the roll call.

The Grange was called to order at 11 o'clock, by Master J. W.
White.

The following officers answered to their names : faster, J. W.
White ; Overseer, pro tern., J. W. Southall ; Lecturer, J. W. Mor-

G2 THE SOUTHERN [February

ton : Steward, William McComb ; Assistant Steward, pro tern.. C.
T. Sutherlin: Chaplain pro tern.. Dr. William T. Walker; Treas-
urer. TN . B. \\ estbrook : Gatekeeper. J. J. Wilkinson.

William Tavlor. of Clarke county. Overseer of the State Grange,
tendered his resignation, which was accepted.

The examination of credentials occupied much of the time of the
Grange during the morning session.

The Master made his annual report, an abstract of which we pub-
lish below :

MASTER^ ANNUAL REPORT.

Brothers of the State Grange :

Through the beneficence of an all-wise Providence, we, tillers of

the soil, are permitted to assemble for the first time in annual session

in the history of our Order, to examine, deliberate, and discuss que3-

- -.ating to our peculiar interests and daily avosati- -. C ing

we do from every quarter of this great Commonwealth, represent-
ing every portion of the State from the seaboard to the mountains,
united in one common interest, it is most mete and proper that we
invoke harmony and concord, practice forbearance and charitv, cul-
tivate hope and fidelity. I congratulate you to-day on the rapid
progress of our Order in the State. One year ago the State Grange
was organized with ten Granges Since then the number of subor-
dinate Granges within our jurisdiction has increased to .

In consequence of this large increase in our numbers it was
thought it would be necessary to adopt the expedient offered by
the Executive Committee of the National Grange, which allows the
Executive Committees of the respective Granges to reduce the num-
ber of representatives of the State Grange upon such basis as the
circumstances of each case might require. Your Executive Com-
mittee concluded, though the number would be large and unwieldy,
that the interest and good of the Order might be promoted and ad-
vanced by not interfering with its representation, and allow each su-
bordinate Grange to be represented at our first annual meeting.

Some legislation reducing your representation in the State Grange
for your future sessions will be necessary.

It must be apparent to all. with the rapidity the Order is growing
in the State, it would be utterly impossible in an assemblage com-
posed of one representative from each Subordinate Grange to tra -
act business with either wisdom or dispatch. Besides, the expenses
of such a convention would be too heavy a tax upon the members of
the Order.

The constitutional amendments submitted to you and voted upon
at an extra session held in this city on the olst of March, lv74,
have not yet been ratified by the required number of Granges. This
unavoidable delay has very much impeded our progress in effecting
our business relations. The establishment of County and District
Granges authorized by those amendments has not been perfected.
The necessity for some organization intermediate between the

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 63

e are

in re*

'hey
' in-

State and subordinate Granges has been so generally felt through-
out the Order that I have recommended the establishment of such
Granges, which have been found of great value in accomplishir.fr the
auxiliary designs of the Order.

Where they have been formed the Order has been strengthened,
and much pecuniary benefits received by the members. There is but
one opinion as to the necessity of these"' organizations, and soon thev
can be established with full constitutional authority. I would sug-
gest, to facilitate these organizations, that you adopt this or some
similar resolution: "As soon as the secretary of the State Grange
is notified of the ratification of the amendments to the constitution
of the National Grange by the proper authority, your Executive
Committee be authorized to establish regulations for the organization
of County and District Granges."

The report of your Executive Committee will inform you as to what
has been done in the matter of agencies and co-operation. This has
been the most difficult part of our work, and has occasioned more
disappointment than any other feature of our Order. Ther
two prominent reasons that have led to this disappointment :

1st. There is a misunderstanding which seems to prevail ,
gard to duties of Patrons to each other and to the Order. Thev
seem to forget that our organic law provides for an associatio i in-
tended for co-operative purposes, each part of which is dependent
upon some other to make it effective. These parts, taken singly, are
weak ; but when all are combined make a machine of wondrous power
and utility. They lose sight of our business purpose. It is promi-
nently set forth— that of "meeting together, talking together, work-
ing together, buying together, selling together, and, in general, acting
together for our mutual protection and advancement."
^ 2d. The system adopted by your Executive Committee is totally
defective. It fails to furnish the members with the necessary business
information, and cannot make the necessary business negotiations
that the interest of the Order demands, and totally fails in co-opera-
tive action with the agents of other States.

These defects are to none more glaring than to your Executive
Committee, and while it was unsatisfactory to them, they knew they
had no constitutional authority to adopt a better, but have waited
with impatience your meeting, hoping you would take hold of this-
subject and adjust it to meet the wants of the Order.
_ It will be necessary to make some change in your system of depu-
ties, and provide some additional mode of paying them. During the
past year we have employed deputies in the dissemination of the
Order, and the rapid multiplication of the Granges in the Stat- is
largely due to their efficiency. Up to this time these positions have
often been sources of revenue to the State Grange, and have always
been self-sustaining by the dues the deputies received from the new
Granges ; but such will not be the case in many of the counties that
have the full number of Granges. In such counties in the future

64 THE SOUTHERN [February

the prosperity of the Order is to be expected in conser.ing and
strengthening the Granges already in existence.

I have for some time been impressed with the importance to the
machinery of our Order of a medium of communication through
which matters of general interest might be transmitted to our members
without the tedious, expensive, and laborious process of private cor-
respondence. The necessity of some such medium induced the Ex-
ecutive Committee to issue a circular letter to the subordinate
Granges tending to the establishment of an organ to the Order.
The proposition received favor from many of the Granges, but find-
ing it would not be possible to establish such a paper before this our
annual meeting, induced them to make terms with Dr. Dickinson,
the proprietor of the Southern Planter and Farmer, with Colonel
F. G. Ruffin as editor, to be used as the organ until our meeting,
when we were induced to believe it would receive that consideration
and favor at your hands that would result in permanently establish-
ing a paper for the Order. It is needed not only as a channel of
communication between the officers of the State Grange, but the
members of the Order feel the want of an organ, through which they
may confer with each other. The tendency of a common organ will
be to unite the farmers and build up the Order throughout the State.
We shall through its columns become better acquainted, and be
brought more in svmpathv with each other. Its regular visits will
increase our interest in the Granges by keeping us constantly advised
of its progress. I do not propose to discuss the advantages of an
organ, or the plan upon which one shall be conducted, but to ask that
it receive such consideration at your hands as its importance demands.

I call your attention to the necessity of taking some action by
which your State, district, and county subordinate Granges can be
cheaply incorporated. It would afford protection and security to the
property of the Grange, and patrons would be indemnified against
any loss in their business transaction with their business agents.

Among the subjects that will claim your attention, there is probably
none of more practical importance than that of commercial fertili-
zers. The amount of money annually expended by the farmers of
Virginia in their purchase, and the extent of fraud which is being
practiced upon them by speculators in the sale of worthless com-
pounds, is startling and alarming. Still, I feel confident that com-
mercial fertilizers will be largely used by our farmers, notwithstand-
ing all the frauds practiced upon them. I feel satisfied that success-
ful agriculture in our State can only be attained by a liberal use of
an honestly made superphosphate, sold at reasonable rates. I claim
it is a duty we owe ourselves and the whole agricultural interest of
the country to attempt some means of reforming the frauds and
abuses of the trade in the articles.

I am aware this subject received much of your attention in the
subordinate Granges. Your Executive Committee has disposed of
this 8 abject in its sessions, and have taken steps as far as they could

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 65

to protect you ; but they had no authority to inaugurate means to
entirely relieve you. And if they had they would have been unable
to pledge your co-operation and support, which would have been
necessary to have insured success, but were confined in their labors
to making the best terms they could with existing manufacturers to
furnish you their own superphosphates, made by their own formulas,
trusting and believing when you met in annual session you wonld
give this great subject the consideration its importance demands-

I return you my sincere thanks for your prompt and timely relief
rendered the destitute and suffering members of our Order in Louis-
iana. Little do we know the suffering and grief that was turned to
gladness in those destitute sections of our Southern countrv bv the
timely assistance rendered by our Order. Again are we called upon
by our destitute and suffering brotherhood in Nebraska, caused bv
the ravages of the grasshopper. Many sections of the State were
left a perfect waste. Without timely aid none can tell the suffering
of those people during the present winter. I know you will be swift
in discharging so holy a duty, and in so doing exhibiting the truth
of holy Scripture, when it declares that it is more blessed to give
than to receive. Such acts of brotherly kindness will commend our
Order to the patriot and philanthropist.

The year just closed (the first of the Order in the State) has been
one of organization. It has taken almost our entire time. With
thorough organization our business relations would be more"easilv
adjusted. Now, to you, gentlemen, the chosen representatives of
the Order, is assigned the duty of shaping and perfecting our busi-
ness relations. This is an important and responsible trust. In your
hands is the destiny of this Order in Virginia. With you it rests to
be seen if agriculturists can form co-operative associations. The
Order is looking anxiously, but with confidence, and hope you can,
and in your wisdom will, inaugurate some system of agricultural re-
form that will work their own sustenation, and instill new life and
energy throughout this old and great Commonwealth. Patrons, I
believe we can. We have already much to encourage us in this
great work in which we are engaged.

My confidence is unshaken and increasing in this Order. L'pon
the agricultural prosperity of the country rests all true natural pros-
perity. A more enlightened and higher development of agriculture
does not only benefit the agriculturist, but throws a corresponding
benefit upon all other trades and professions. I firmly believe this
Order, with the blessing of Providence, is destined to do much to-
wards renovating and restoring society, and purifying the political
atmosphere of this whole country. Already is seen sectional preju-
dices receding under the influence of its enlightened rays. If we,
as agriculturists, identified in one common interest, united in one
common brotherhood, knowing no North, no South, no East, and no
West, go forward in our co-operative strength with an honest pur-
pose of retrenchment and reform, and be true to ourselves and the

66 THE SOUTHERN [February

obligations we have taken, no one can tell the career of usefulness
that await? this great Order. Then let me, in the name of the Order
and the great interests you represent, invoke your earnest attention
to the business before you.

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Executive Committee made quite a lengthy report, -which our
limited space prevents us from publishing. It urges the procurance
of a charter from the Legislature for the State Grange, reciting the
advantages which will accrue therefrom ; notices the appointment of
certain business agents : states that the State Grange of North Car-
olina has adopted the agents appointed in Richmond, Norfolk, and
Petersburg : states what has been done in the matter of an organ
for the Order, and gives a general review of the business done by
the committee since the last annual meeting and the business arrange-
ments for the future.

Adjourned to 10 A. M.. 14th January.

SECOND DAY.

The Grange was opened by Master J. W. White at the time to
which it adjourned.

A number of members presented themselves and had their names
enrolled.

TiwTreasurer and Secretary each made their annual reports, and
they were respectively referred to their appropriate committees.

The Special Committee to whom was referred the report of the
Executive Committee made a report which is crowded out.

Quite an animated discussion arose during the morning hour upon
sundry propositions memorializing the National Grange to so alter
the law as to allow other than Masters of subordinate Granges to
represent them in the State Grange. The memorials were finally
adopted.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Tne Committee on Transportation made the following report, which
was unanimously adopted and ordered to be printed :

The Committee on Transportation made the following report,
which was unanimously adopted and ordered to be published :

Tiie Committee on Transportation have had under consideration
the subject referred to them, and beg leave to submit the following
report to the Convention:

One jrreat evil under which the agriculture of our State and of the
whole country is languishing is the want of proper facilities for
transportation. The expenses of transportation in some instances
are so great as to prohibit absolutely the movement of the products
of the soil ; in others, a large portion of the value of such products
is paid to the transporter. In the remote West and Northwest it is
not uncommon to burn corn for fuel. The farmer cannot afford to
send his corn to the Eastern market, and he cannot afford to pay the

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 67

cost of moving to his farm the coal or the wood which he requires.
We are told in the report (see page 147) of the Senate Select Com-
mittee on Transportation routes to the Seaboard that it costs now
more than 45 cents to send a bushel of wheat from the Mississippi
to the seaboard ; and the Western farmer represents that, with
proper transportation facilities, it ought not to cost more than 20
cents. This is for a distance of (say) 1,500 miles. Forty-five
cents a bushel for 1,200 miles is $15 a ton and 1J cents per ton
per mile. This the Western farmer complains of, and justlv ;
for it is perfectl\r true that the work ou^ht to be done, as he
alleges, for 20 cents a bushel, which is but little over 5 mills
per ton per mile. The Virginia farmer pays on his wheat and
corn, and other products, on an average from 4 to 5 cents per
ton per mile to get them to market. For a hundred miles the aver-
age charge is about 85 per ton, or about 15 cents a bushel. If the
charge for transportation were only 1 cent per ton per mile, instead
of 5, the saving on each bushel for 100 miles would be 12 cents. If
we suppose the average wheat crop of Virginia to be 10,000,000
bushels, and that only one-third of it is moved one hundred miles,
the annual tax on the farmer in this article alone amounts to $400,-
000 — the exorbitant charges on our corn, and our tobacco, and all
of our other farm products to be added. It is a reasonable conjecture
that the farmers of Virginia, in their present struggling and impov-
erished condition, pay an annual tax of this sort of a million and a
half or two millions of dollars to the railroads. It is replied by the
railroad companies that they cannot work at lower rates and main
tain their roads. It is true, however, that at the present time, the
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad is transporting wheat from Huntington
to Richmond for 15 cents a bushel, which (the distance being 421
miles) is about 11 mills per ton 'per mile. And yet, from Louisa
Courthouse, or Charlottesville, or Staunton, the charge is, we believe,
about 5 cents a ton a mile. It is the same with coal : The Chesa-
peake and Ohio road is delivering Quinnimont coal at its wharves in
Richmond to vessels at the rate of 1 cent per ton per mile for the
transportation. It appears, therefore, that our railroads are work-
ing for 10 or 11 mills per ton per mile for those outside of the State,
while our own people have to pay five times these prices for the
transportation of their products and that of the commodities
purchased and consumed by them. It it evident that either
the railroads can work for 1 cent per ton per mile, or that the losses
incurred by them on their through traffic are made up by laying ad-
ditional burdens on the farmers of the State. In the State of New
York the Erie Canal has always been the regulator of the railroads,
and invariably, as the winter sets in, and the canal is blocked by ice,
they put up their rates 40 per cent. It is believed that the comple-
tion of the James River Canal Avould have a similar effect in Vir-
ginia. The rates of transportation by water are necessarily cheaper
than the railroads can afford ; and a river-course or a canal has this

68 THE SOUTHERN [February

marked advantage over a railroad or a number of railroads ; that
the latter invariably become a monopoly, while the water-course is
like a public highway on which all may travel. The rates of trans-
portation on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers when there is plenty of
water are not more than H or 2 mills per ton per mile. The pre-
sent rates on the Erie canal, exclusive of tolls, are about 8 mills per
ton per mile by the horse-boats. But the rates on this canal are
considerably greater than they would otherwise be, in consequence
of the boats being compelled to lie idle four and a half months in the
year. The season of navigation i=; only some two hundred and twenty-
five days. The charge on a bushel of wheat from Buffalo to New
Y ork has been for the past five year3 about 12 cents, including tolls.
A great revolution is now in progress, however, on the Erie canal.
After continued experiments for five years, it has been demonstrated,
beyond all doubt, that steam can be successfully substituted for
animal power, and already there are some ten or twelve steam-pro-
pellers running on the canal. These during the past season have
been, it is stated by a New York paper, carrying wheat from Buffalo
to New York for 5 cents a bushel, which is less than half the charges
by the horse boats. These steamers make also double the speed made
by the horse-boats, and are securing return cargoes of general mer-
chandize, which have heretofore been monopolized by the railroads.

The scheme for the completion of the James River and Kanawha
eanal contemplates much larger boats than those now used on the Erie
canal; and this will also materially diminish the cost of transportation.
It is believed that with boats of 34 and 35 tons and steam on the canals,
the charges, including the tolls, would not exceed 4 mills per ton per
miles; while the opening of such a communication between tide-water
and the iron-fields of Virginia, and the coal-fields of West Virginia
would develop branches of industry in the valley of James river whose
beneficent influences would strengthen and add to the prosperity of
the whole State. Every day is adding new confirmation to the won-
derful character of the mineral deposits which extend from Louisa
and Orange and Buckingham to the capital of West Virginia. The
Quinnimont coal vein, which has been just opened between the
Hawk's Nest and Meadow river, is yielding a coal which is regarded

superior to the Connellsville coal for cooking purposes, and as supe-
rior to the Cumberland coal for steaming purposes. The tobacco man-
ufacturers in Richmond are discarding the Cumberland coal and
using the Quinnimont. One iron furnace, yielding 10,000 tons of
pig-iron a year, is said to be worth $100,000 in the way of annual
revenue to a railroad which passes by it. And if it be true, as we
have reason to believe it is, that pig-iron on the line of the canal can
be manufactured for far less than the present cost outside of Virginia,
we may fairly calculate on seeing such furnaces springing up, as they
are now doing on the line of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad.

While it is obvious from the foregoing statement that the comple-
tion of the water line to the Ohio river would greatly diminish the

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 69

cost o:' transportation in and through the State, it is equally plain
that it can only be constructed by the Federal Government, for not
only is the State prohibited by its Constitution from making ap-
propriations to works of internal improvement, but the impoverished
condition of our peopler enders all investments in any such enterprise
hopeless. Nor "will it do to rely on the old and hackneyed recourse of
of appealing to the communities, in and out of the cities, to guarantee
the bonds of a bankrupt company that has long ceased to meet its'
obligations, and whose receipts barely suffice to meet its necessary
expenditures. Indeed, other considerations apart, the interest on
the debt of the incorporated cities becomes every year more and
more onerous, and no hope can be entertained of constraining or in-
ducing them to make such guarantee except by arraying the united
vote of the pauper class against the property-holders. If any ap-
propriations can be made to works of internal improvement by the
General Government it is easy to demonstrate that this great water-
line is entitled to paramount consideration by that Government, as
it must become the chief highway from the great West to the sea-
board.

The abuses of the present railroad system are too notorious to re-
quire proof. They are run in the interest of companies — most of
them foreign to the State — and thev have never been known to have
been visited by a generous impulse, or to feel either remorse or pity.
Thev are ready (it is the genius of trade) to sacrifice the State, the cities
of the State, and the individual citizen, to any arrangement which
will benefit the limited rings who control them. One of them has
spent (on paper) fabulous sums of money to reach its terminus — a
sum so great that none of us (who are mere lookers-on) can by any
ingenuity account for the expenditure. The city of Richmond was
frightened into making it a present at the last moment of $300,000.
In favor of another the State has practically surrendered within a
few years §400,000 on the express condition that it should complete a
connection running west ; and the first spade has not yet been stuck
in the ground, although the period set for the completion of the work
has passed. One is owned in Baltimore, two in New York, a fourth
in Pennsylvania, and two others are owned by a majority of stock-
holders residing in the northern States and in Europe ; and, while
remote from each other, are under the same management and con-
trol. One of them, having been guaranteed by the State against
competition for thirty years, needs no protection now, and defies op-
position. Most of them disregard their obligation and utterly ig-
nore the maturity of their bonds ; and three of them have failed to
meet their interest ; while the fourth only accomplished this labor by
systematically neglecting to pay its employees, and came among us
originally with a parade of virtue which the other Northern companies
did not pretend to.

It is a notorious fact that notwithstanding the exorbitant charges
on transportation over all of these roads no effort is made to economize
their expenditures, but, on the contrary, the cost of administration

70 THE SOUTHERN [February

is increasing steadily and enormously. No dividends are declared to
the stockholders, as the tendency of exorbitant charges is necessarily
to drive off business, and the management, which absorbs all of the
profits, seems to be satisfied if their salaries are paid. On some of
these roads the salaries have been greatly increased, if not doubled,
since the close of the war, and are greatly disproportioned to those
paid for similar, and in many instances greater services, requiring
higher qualifications and the discharge of more important. duties to
the State and the country. The salary of the Governor of the
State is 3-5,000 ; that of Attorney-General, $2,000 ; the Judges of
the Court of Appeals, $3,000 each, with the addition of $200 to be
paid to the president ; while the salaries paid to railroad presidents
in this State before the recent panic ranged from $5,000 to $25,000
each per annum ; the counsel for the railroads are paid as much as
$5,000 per annum with assistant counsel at the rate of several thou-
sand dollar in addition And some of these roads have vice-presidents,
also receiving large salaries, besides members of the Board of Directors,
who are also paid officers. In addition to these extraordinary expen-
ditures each road has an army of friends riding ad libitum on free
passes, and, perhaps, subsidized thereby to sustain them whenever
and wherever necessary, and burdening the cost of transportation to
the detriment of those who pay for it in money. These privileged
classes embrace officers of the Government, and particularly mem-
bers of the Legislature and their families during their term of ser-
vice. Is it remarkable that the legitimate owners and patrons of
these roads should reap little or no profit under the above condition
of affairs, or that our legislative bodies should present a scene of
bitter and acrimonious railroad contests and struggles, periodically,
concerning which charges are rife, and generally credited, impugning
the honor and integrity of members, ,and degrading our State in the
estimation of the world ? Is it not manifest that large sums of
money are expended by these railroad corporations in paying law-
yers and lobbyists, if not in bribing members themselves, to pro-
mote their schemes by corrupt legislation ? Where does the money
come from for these purposes if not from the earnings of the roads ?
And when and upon what road have the stockholders authorized
such expenditures? The fact is that the people in many counties of
the State, elect, but do not control, their delegates, who practically
take service under the several railroad organizations in the State,
and look to them for reward in one shape or another. Public
opinion has ceased to be strong enough to prevent or control this
evil, and one of the paramount duties of the Patrons of Husbandry
is to use their immense power to cleanse the legislative branch of
the Government of this festering sore and moral leprosy.

We congratulate our Order that with singular unanimity at the
last annual meeting; of the Grange it voted down a motion to ask or
accept free passes from the railroads for the use of its members.

Lewis E. Harvib, \ „ ...
William M. Ambler, j

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 71

At the hour of 12 the special order of the day being the consid-
eration of the constitution and by-laws, was taken up, and proceeded
with to the hour of adjournment.

EVENING SESSION.

During the previous sessions a large number of resolutions rela-
tive to the inspection-laws, dog-laws, immigration, &c, &c, had been
read and appropriately referred. Up to the close of the session
last night, only one or two of these committees had reported.

Last night resolutions of sympathy with Col. F. G. Ruffin in the
destruction of his stable by incendiarism on the night before were
presented and passed.

The resolution also looked to memorializing the Legislature to
pass more stringent laws to stop this crime. The last resolution,
as was also one offering a reward for the incendiary, were referred.

The committee appointed to present to the committee of the
Legislature the resolutions adopted by the Grange on the subject
of Inspections of Tobacco, reported that they had performed that
duty.

The further consideration of the constitution was resumed, and
continued up to the time of adjournment without having reached a
vote on it as a whole.

At 10 o'clock the Grange adjourned until January 15.

THIRD DAY MORNING SESSION.

The constitution adopted by the Grange Thursday night having
to some extent altered the duties of officers, and they having been
elected one year ago for two years, in order to leave the Grange un-
trammelled, all the permanent officers resigned, and the Grange
went into the election of officers with the following result : Master,
Col. J. W. White,* of Charlotte county ; Overseer, Thomas T.
Tredway, of Prince Edward ; Lecturer, J. W. Morton,* of Char-
lotte; Steward, Gen. Wm. McCorab, of Louisa ; Assistant Steward,
J. B. Dunn, of Washington county; Chaplain, Rev. John C. Black-
well, D.D., of Bubkingham ; Treasurer, W. B. Westbrook, of Pe-
tersburg ; Secretary, M. W. TIazlewood, of Henrico ; Gatekeeper,
Martin B. Hancock, of Charlotte ; Ceres, Mrs. Thomas Homer,*
Flora, Mrs. J. W. Lewellen ;* Pomona, Mrs. M. W. Hazlewood ;*
Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. T. 0. Graves.*

Before concluding the election of officers the Grange took a recess
until 3 o'clock.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

At this session the Grange proceeded to fix the salaries of the
several officers of the body. Much time was consumed in this pro-
ceeding, but they were finally placed at the following figures :

Master : $500 per year and expenses.

* Re-elected.

-■:. THE SOUTHERN [February

hirer : $&per diem and six cents per mile traveled in the per-
formance of his duty.

T- ■•' ■- : $600 per year and expert
$1,000 per year.

hairman, $300 per annum; the other
members. $2

- concluded all the amendments to the -titution which had
ration, and the question then recurring on
its acceptance as a whole, it was unanimously adopted.

7 N8T1TUTMHT.

le I — yam-e. — ill be known and distinguished as 4iThe

V;: : State Grange of I Husl andry."

Akticle II — T. -he Order of the Patrons of Husbandry."

as publish Grange. :• ted and adopted as the

fund . subordinate Granges, so far as the same

may be a:

DDE — Members. — The State Grange shall be composed of Masters of
Sabo: _ are Matrons.

ind their wi tie honorary members, and

shall be eligible to ofEce. but n I to vote.

[V — Meetings. — This Grange shall hold regular annual meet:
second Tuesday in Jannary, at such place as the Grange may, from time to

ga may be called by the Master, with the approbation of the Ex-
I be called by the Master upon the application of
fifty Masters of 9 _ -. In either case, written notice shall be

given 1 B ibordinate - receding.

I. at any time, by a Tote of the Grange at
ng.

red and fifty members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
• a less number may adjoarn from day to day.
— . — The offi :.nge shall be the same in name

and - nal and Subordinate Granges. They shall be chosen

.re elected and installed.

- - a or otherwise, must be filled by a special election

Officers so chosen shall serve during the unex-

m filled.

"I. — hull l — £ 1- It shall be the duty of the Master

to open and preside at all meetings of the Grange, and with the concunence of

. the application of fifty Masters of Subordi-
_ . i He shall see that all or-

ders and reaola :~d by the State Grange are duly executed ; decide ques-

tion- -.al law during the re ! give general super-

m to all n »rder, and report in full ail his official

. _ recommendations for the good of
:3eras may occur to hiru.
2 Q the duty of I Jerta assist the Master in preserving

ord- :. from death, resignation or otherwise,

he s:- m all the duties of that office.

Hie dot rer shall be to visit, for the good of the Order,

such ■• ' bS " " if " r the Grange may direct : he shall in-

uties in the unwritten work of the Order, and shall report to the

F Sabc rdinate Granges with regard to the Ritual and un-

- e duty of the Steward to have charge of the inner gate.
"•. The Assistant Steward shall assist the Steward in the performance of

" shall be the duty of the Chaplain to lead in the devotional services
of the Grange.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

73

c'Jtn% If JL p i £ °f -he Treasure.r t0 audit- adjust and certify all ac-

counts ot the Grange, and all claims against it, previous to their bein°- paid • to
receive from the hands of the Secretary all moneys coming into his°hands at d

n LT"eyS remitt6d T him ^ T;eas,urers of Subordinate Granges, and from any
other source, giving his receipt for the same. y

«^ef8h?" defosit,a11 funds of the Grange in such bank or banks as may from
time to time be selected by the Executive Committee, and shall pay them out
only on the order of the Master, countersigned by the Secretary
therefor r6mit pr°mptly a11 dueS to the Natioiial Grange, and obtain receipts

He shall render a full account of his office to the Grange at each meeting, and
' w u i, i succes1sor a11 moneys, books and papers pertaining to his office

He shall also send receipts for moneys received from Subordinate Granges to
the Ireasurers of the Subordinate Granges and duplicates to the Secretaries of
Subordinate Granges, who shall forward such duplicate receipts to the Secretary
ot the Mate Grange in their quarterly reports.

Before entering on the duties of his office, he shall give bond in a sufficient
amount to secure the moneys that may be placed in his hands, with securities to
be approved by the Executive Committee. Said bond shall be held by the Mas-
ter, m trust tor the Grange.

Sec. 8. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all the proceedings of
the Grange, and make out all necessary returns to the National Grange He
shall keep the accounts of the Subordinote Granges, and pay over monthly to
the Ireasurer all moneys coming into his hands, and take a receipt for the same.
Me shall also keep a complete register of the numbers and names of all Subor-
dinate Granges, and the names and addresses of the Masters and Secretaries
and furnish the Treasurers and Secretaries of Subordinate Granges with the ne-
cessary blanks for making their reports.

He shall be present at all meetings of the Executive Committee, and act as
their Secretary. He shall also give bond in such amount as the Executive Com-
mute e may determine, said bond to be adjusted, secured, approved and depos-
ited with the Master, as in case of the Treasurer. P

erlSeCuardIdSha11 ^ ^ dUtJ °f ^ GatekeePer to see that tne gates are prop-
Sec. 10 When a Chorister has been chosen, it shall be his duty to provide
music and lead in singing, as indicated in the Ritual,
shalf eS YU~I]lections-~A]l Sections shall be by ballot, and a majority vote

Article VIII— Committees— Sec. 1. All committees, unless otherwise ordered,
shall consist of three members, and shall be appointed by the Master.
A ♦ % \ l\\eacn meeting, a committee on Finance shall be appointed, whose
duty it shall be to audit all accounts with the Grange quarterly, and report an-
nually. Io it shall be referred the reports of the Secretary, Treasurer and Dep-
uties tor examination. v

♦*,ScC/ 3" ^here sha11 be an Executive Committee, consisting of the Master of
kill I ranf e' and four additional members elected by ballot, one of whom
shall be elected for one year, one for »wo years, one for three years, and one for
tour years, and at each succeeding regular annual meeting of the State Grange,
one member shall be elected to take the place of him whose term then expires
Ihe chairman of the Executive Committee shall be chosen by the committee
each year. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to provide for the
good ot the Order in business matters, and they shall have authority to act in all
J^u <Lwhe£? actl0Iimay be necessary, to carry out the resolves and directions
oi the Mate Grange, but in no other matters.

_ All action on the part of the Executive Committee shall be decided on only
in a regular meeting of the committee, and composed of a majority of its mem-
bers All the acts of the Executive Committee shall be subject to the approval
ot the State Grange, to which they shall make a full and detailed report in writ-
ing not later than the third day of each meeting.

Article IX— Quarterly Dues.— The Secretary shall see that the Secretaries
and Ireasurers ot Subordinate Granges make their quarterly reports promptly
and that the quarterly dues of Subordinate Granges are promptly paid, and in
case the dues remain delinquent two quarters, the delinquent Grange shall be re-
ported to the Master of the State Grange. On receiving such notice, it shall be

74 THE SOUTHERN [February

the duty of the Master to warn the delinquent Grange : and if the dues are not
forwarded within thirty days it shall be the duty of the Master to advi?e the Mas-
ter of the National Grange of such delinquency and recommend the revocation
of the charter of the delinquent Grange. But any Grange whose charter has
been thus revoked may petition the State Grange tor re-instatement.

Secretaries of Subordinate Granges, in their reports to the Secretary of /he
Grange, shall report: 1st. total number of members ; 2d. amount due for
quarterly dr.es : 3d. number and names of persons on whom degress have been
conferred since last report; 4th. amount due for degrees conferred since last re-
port: 5th. number and names of members withdrawn to join other Granges;
6th, the number and names of members allowed to withdraw from the Order ;
8th, the number and names of members dismissed from the Order; 9th, the
amount paid to the Treasurer of the State Grange.

Article X — Withdrawal. — Any member of a Subordinate Grange who is in
good standing and clear on the books of the Secretary, shall be entitled to a
withdrawal card upon the payment of twenty-five cents, which card shall be valid
six months. Persons bearing such cards may be admitted, within the period of
six months from the date thereof, to membership in another Subordinate Grange
without additional fees, but shall be subject to the same forms of petition, inves-
tigation and ballot as those first applying for membership, except that a majority
vote elects or rejects them.

Article XI — Visiting Cards. — Visiting cards shall be granted to members in
good standing and clear on the books of the Grange, upon application made in
open Grange at any meeting, provided the ones shall be paid in advance for the
term for which said visiting card shall be granted.

Article XII — Applications. — Sec. 1. Persons making applications for mem-
bership in our Order shall apply to the Subordinate Grange nearest to them, un-
less good and sufficient reasons exist for doing otherwise. In such case the
Grange applied to shall not proceed to ballo: upon the application until the con-
sent of said nearest Grange shall be obtained.

Sec. 2. Any person applying for membership in a Grange and being rejected,
shall not be eligible to membership in that or any other Grange for six months
after such rejection.

Article XIII — Location. — Granges shall not be formed nearer than six miles
to each other, except by the consent of all the Granges interested, and with the
approval of the Master of the State Grange.

Article XIV — Consolidation. — Two or more Granges desiring to consolidate
under on? charter may do so by the unanimous consent and approval of the Mas-
ter of the State Grange. In such cases, the surrendered charter, or charters,
shall be transmitted to the Secretary of the State Grange, with the fact of such
consolidation endorsed upon it. signed by the Masters of all the Granges inter-
ested, and by the Master of the State Grange.

Article XV — Deputies. — There shall be appointed by the Master of the State
Grange one Deputy in each county, when a proper person can be found, whose
duty it shall be to organize new Granges on application, and to install the officers
at the time of organization.

Deputies shall receive for organizing new Granges within their counties six
cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled, and five dollars for each
Grange organized, to be paid from the charter fee of the new Grange. For ad-
ditional labor required by the Master of the State Grange, Deputies shall re-
ceive three dollars a day and six cents a mile each way, to be paid from the
treasury of the State Grange. Deputies shall be appointed for one year, but
shall be subject to removal for cause by the Master of State Grange.

Article XVI — Business Bureau. — One Chief of L'ureau shall be elected by
the State Grange. He shall have the power to appoint clerks and agents in his
Bureau at such points as he may deem necessary, subject to the approval of the
Master of the State Grange. He shall assign appropriate duties to such agents,
and remove such agents and change such localities for cause, to be reported to
the Master of the State Grange. He shall re| ort quarterly to the Executive
Committee nil his operations, to be laid before the Grange at the annual meet-
ings thereof, and shall have charge of such business operations in. selling and
purchasing as may be placed in his hands by the members of the Order. He
shall be removable from office upon the motion of the Master by a four fifths
vote of the Executive Committee for misfeasance or malfeasance iu office only.

1875.]

PLANTER AND FARMER. 75

He shall have the general oversight of all the business connected with his Bu-
reau ; shall prepare and send out monthly to each Subordinate Grange in the
State confidential price-lists, giving the best terms upon which Patrons can buy
and sell in the different markets of the United States, with the expense of
freight as far as practicable; and he shall act in concert with business agents of
other State Granges. For his compensation, he shall receive a salary of two
thousand dollars per annum, payable out of the treasury of the State Grange.
Before entering upon the duties of his office, he shall give bond in such penalty
and with such securities as may be prescribed and approved by the Executive
Committee, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of his office.
He shall hold his office for two years, and until his successor is duly elected and
qualified, unless removed therefrom as above provided for. In case of the re-
signation, death or removal of the Chief of Bureau, his place shall be filled upon
the nomination by the Master and the concurrence of four-fifths of the Executive
Committee. The successor so appointed shall hold his office only until the
next annual meeting of the State Grange.

The clerks and agents appointed by the Chief of Bureau shall give bonds for
the faithful performance and discharge of their several duties, the amouut of
said bond and securities thereon to be fixed by the Executive Committee, and
they shall be paid by a percentage upon the business transacted by the Bureau,
such percentage in each case to be fixed by the Executive Committee. The said
clerks*and agents shall also pay into the treasury of the State Grange a tax upon
the commissions thus received. Such tax shall be fixed in each case by the Ex-
ecutive Committee, and shall be in the aggregate enough to pay the salary and
expenses of the Chief of Bureau.

The Chief of Bureau and all persons appointed by him in the business of his
Bureau shall be members of the Order.

Article XVII — Order. — " Cushing's Manual,1' as recommended by the Na-
tional Gra: ge, shall be the authority for all points of order in this Grange.

Article XVIII — Salaries — Sec. 1. The Master of this Grange shall receive
for his services a salary of five hundred dollars per annum, and expenses.

See. 2. The Lecturer shall receive for his services three hundred dollars per
annum, and 6 cents per mile travelled in the performance of his duty, to be paid
quarterly out of the treasury of the State Grange.

Sec. 3. The Treasurer shall receive for his services a salary of six hundred dol-
lars per annum and expenses, to be paid quarterly from the treasury of the State
Grange.

Sec. 4. The Secretary shall receive for his services a salary of one thousand
dollars per annum, to be paid quarterly from the treasury of the State Grange.

Sec. 5. The chairman of the Executive Committee shall receive a salary of
three hundred dollars per annum, to be paid quarterly from the treasury of the
State Grange ; and each of the other members of the Executive Committee shall
receive a salary of two hundred dollars, to be paid in like manner.

Article XIX — Amendments, — This Constitution may be amended or revised
at any regular meeting of the State Grange by a vote of two-thirds of the mem-
bers present.

Lewis E. Harvib, ")

W. M. Ambler, > Committee.

Ho r ace P. Lacy, J

Under the constitution thus adopted it became necessary to elect
a general agent, to whom much of the mercantile interests of the
members of the Order throughout the State was entrusted. The
Grange then proceeded to fill that office, and the choice fell upon
Mr. J. C. Featherston, of Campbell county. The headquarters of
this officer will be in this city, with agents appointed throughout the
State, with whom the office there will be in constant correspondence,
and in close intercourse and communication.

The Grange then went into the election of members of the Exec-
utive Committee, with the following result: First year, L. R. Rag-
land, of Halifax county. Second year, A. M. Moore, of Charlotte

76 THE SOUTHERN [February

county. Third year, R. V. Gaines, of Charlotte county. Fourth
year, A. B. Lightner, of Augusta county.

[Mr. Lewis E. Harvie was nominated and voted for, but stated
before the vote was taken that he could not serve.]

This and other matters, reports of special committees, &c, occu-
pied the time of the Grange until 8 o'clock, at which time it took a
recess for an hour.

EVENING SESSION.

The subjects of fertilizers and banking occupied the attention of
the Grange throughout the entire evening, and the hour for adjourn-
ment arrived before any conclusion was reached or definite action
taken on either subject.

Adjourned to 10 A. M., 16th January.

FOURTH DAY.

The Committee on Insurance reported that they had not, had
sufficient time to mature a plan for the establishment of a bureau of
insurance, but at their suggestion it was referred to a special com-
mittee with orders to report a plan to the Executive Committee at
an early day.

The question of an organ was, on motion, referred to the proper
authority for it to mature some plan for the establishment of a paper
devoted to the objects of the Order.

Major R. V. Gaines offered a lengthy preamble and resolutions on
the financial distress of the agricultural interests, which were briefly
discussed, and for want of time to consider them, were laid on the
table.

A GRANGE BANK.

A resolution was passed recommmending to the subordinate
Granges throughout the State the necessity of considering the sub-
ject of the establishment of a central bank in the city of Richmond
under the auspices of the State Grange of Virginia as affording a
means of relief to the financial necessities of the members of the
Order, and to instruct their several Masters to report to the next
meeting of the State Grange the amount of stock which has been
secured in the several subordinate Granges.

A committee of five was appointed to memorialize the Legislature
on the subject of immigration.

There was, as usual at the close of all deliberative bodies, a large
number of resolutions, motions. &c, offered. Most of them were of
no interest to the general reader, and are, therefore, omitted from
this report. These, with personal explanations, the consideration
and passing of sundry bills for expenses, See., occupied the attention
of the Grange until 3 o'clock, when it adjourned sine die.

The Grange Insurance Company, at Muscatine, Iowa, is carrying
risks to the amount of $200, QUO.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 77

COMPOSTS.

A short time ago a friend requested us to give him some directions
on composts, and in answering his request it occurred to us that the
subject was worth laying before our readers, whose notions on it must
be quite crude. If the practice has anywhere obtained of making
composts cheaply and profitably, we would be greatly obliged if some
correspondent conversant with the details would furnish them for
publication. Before the war, Edgecomb county, N. C, had a great
reputation for success in composts, but we have not had time to hunt
up the report of it. Here is a copy of the letter we wrote :
To Thomas Edmunds, Esq., Charlotte:

Dear Sir: I have your message by Mr. B. asking me to send
you specific directions for making a compost. I would do it with
great pleasure if it were possible to give specific directions in the
absence of specific data. Looking into my books for assistance I
find Morton's Cyclopedia of Agriculture devotes eight double-col-
umn folio pages to the subject; and Stockhardt — Chemical Field
Lectures — devotes fourteen pages octavo to it. Hence it will be seen
that it is impossible for us to give here more than a few general
ideas on composts until your wants are more specifically stated. It
may illustrate the scope of a general inquiry to state that Morton
says a writer in the Gardener's Chronicle describes the preparation
of twenty different composts for garden purposes. And the author
of British Husbandry, tells us/vol. I, p. 433, " There are numberless
receipts scattered throughout the writings of various theorists, in
which the quantity and quality of each ingredient in these various
mixtures are as accurately stated as if they were the medical pre-
scriptions of physicians. But these are mere qurc^eries, which do
not merit the attention of practical men."

A compost is a "manure in which the effects of the aggregate mass
is greater than the total effect of the several parts would be, if applied
singly." The substances that go to make composts are earthy re-
fuse, such as ashes of wood, building rubbish, clay, mud from ditches,.
lime, plaster, &c. ; vegetable refuse, such as straw, cornstalks, leaves,
weeds, saw dust, spent tan bark, &c. ; animal refuse, such as dea&
cows or horses, offal from slaughtered animals, &c. ; and liquid re-
fuse, such as house and kitchen slops, soapsuds, &c. How shall any
of these be made into a compost? Not by a haphazard mixture';
for certain of them antagonize certain others, and by their influence
on each other diminish to a serious extent the positive value of the
2

78 THE SOUTHERN [February

whole. Thus the addition of quick time to stable manure -would
expel ammonia: and the incorporation with it of animal offal would
produce the same effect by causing a too active fermentation. But
the addition of an inert earth, which would check, if not wholly
hinder fermentation, may preserve the volatile parts and enable them
at the same time to unite with or modify the nature and action of
other parts. If. for instance, we do not wish to use stable or farm
pen manure until sometime i fter it has been made; to keep it, per-
haps, as a top-dressing for wheat or hay grounds, we can preserve it
by a covering of earth ; and if we have a successive accumulation
<>f such manure, as from the stable, then we can preserve it by mix-
incr periodically lavers of manure and lavers of earth. This has
been sometimes our own. and a doubtful, practice in the winter, when
the season gave leisure to haul the dirt — alwavs from a short dis-
tance — the purpose being to break up the mass so that, applied in
the fall and winter, it would not interfere with gathering the hay by
the horse rake the next mowing season.

Some composts enable us to use substances that contain valuable in-
gredients, which otherwise we would lose. Weeds and leaves which
sometimes may be conveniently collected in large quantity may be
retted in compost, especially if quick lime be added, by sprinkling,
over the successive layers : and in this way the soil may receive lime,
potash, and a small portion of phosphate of lime, and at the same
tsme have its mechanical condition improved. Artificial fertilizers
may sometimes be advantageously composted with a modicum of dry
clay or leached ashes, and be distributed through a drill with less
trouble and more effect than in any other way.

But such processes are. as a rule, very expensive. For generally
the quantity of the main ingredients is considerable ; and to make
the mass fully operative it must be watered from time to time with
manure water or some liquid to promote fermentation, and be turned
completely several times. Then the amount to be applied to each
acre is very considerable, and the value of team work involved may
take away all positive, and more probably, all comparative profit.
Assuring "says Stockhardt. p. 2o'4," that a cart load of earth isay
15 cwt.i, is watered five or six times during a summer with good
urine, perhaps we may be able to incorporate with the former an
equal weight of the latter. 15 cwt.; how large will be the amount of
nitrogen which the earth thereby receives, after this has become aga^n
as dry as at first ? Answer : at most f per cent.; thus it will be only

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 79

M8th as rich in nitrogen as Peruvian guano. A cart load of this
strong compost will consequently not be able to exert as much stimu-
lating effect as 1 cwt. of guano «****» A verj rich ^
which a Saxon farmer had prepared from excrement of fowls and
pigeons, cesspool manure with gypsum, wood ashes and coal ashes
with frequent moistenings with drainings from a dung-heap, showed
only a proportion of 11 per cent, of nitrogen (with 4-5ths per cent
of phosphate of lime and 18 per cent, of organic matter), so that
1- to lo cwt., or in regard to soluble nitrogen, double the quantity
ot it, gave a manuring equivalent to 1 cwt. of Peruvian guano *

Among us 10 to 12 four-horse wagon loads of farm-pen or stable
manure-60 bushels to the load-is considered a fair dressing for
land in fair heart under ordinary crops: much more, of course for
vegetables or heavy tobacco. But the addition of the same amount
ot earth will not make the manure doubly as rich; and though it
may help the quality by saving waste of ammonia, quicken certain
inert substances in the general mass, and aid the effect of the whole
by a more uniform distribution, yet whether all this will balance the
cost of the extra labor is a question which the judicious farmer must
decide for himself.

Here is the result in Scotland, where labor is cheaper, and skill
both in head and hand greater than with us. Stephens Farmers'
Omde vol. 1 p. 472, "speaking from experience" tells us that
though most favorably situated, with the command of abundant ma
terials, vegetable and mineral, collected at a season of comparative
leisure, put together in the best manner, and turned at the proper
times with the greatest care, forty or fifty cart loads-tons-of com-
post and did produce as much effect as twelve cart loads " (about one-
fourth) « of good muck "-farm manure. « The manual labor " he
says, he "managed easily enough, but the horse labor was overpower-
ing, and, "he concludes," to incur such an expense for the pro-
blematical good to be derived from composts above guano or bone-
dust, which are easily carried, i. e. handled, is more than the most
sanguine farmer is warranted in bestowing."

With such statements from high authority, the farmer among us
who wishes to make composts on any large scale, should consider very
carefully the relations of land, labor and production, as well as the

*These extracts may throw some light on the subject-the failure ofThTTnT
nure from earth closets-on which our Henrico friend M. wrote a short «
mcation in the last number of the Planter Prolnhlv th » „„„ fV'101t coi?ma-
too small, the bulk and not the qua^y being tnegu^e qUaDtl*y aPphed Was

80 THE SOUTHERN [February

constituents be may wish to add, and the degree of amendment his
labor will produce. He would do well to confine himself to accurate
experiments on a small scale. These would be cheap and instructive;
and some of them might be very valuable.

We hear occasionally of another kind of compost, perhaps it would
be more proper to say compound, that is contemplated by some of our
farmers, mainly those who have been cheated in the kind or quality
of certain commercial fertilizers, or who think the best are too dear
at the price. Their wish is to purchase in a concentrated form the
various ingredients they think their land needs, and compound them
for themselves. It cannot be done. The honest men who make ferti-
lizers have found out the cheapest sources of these ingredients, and
use them without addition or adulteration. Blood, flesh, fish, dried
to a proper degree, phosphates in some of their combination.* as bone —
fossil or mineral — and sulphuric acid are what they nse : some of
them adding to their mixtures more or less of potash in the shape of
kainit or German salts, of more or less potash strength. A man who
buys in quantities just sufficient for his own use. sulphate of ammonia
or nitrate of soda, (the richest practical ammonia substances), and
Charleston rock and sulphuric acid, and kainit, and makes his own
fertilizer, will pay more because he buys at retail, is just as apt to be
cheated through his own ignorance or the design of dealers, and will
be apt to have an inferior fertilizer from want of proper appliances, or
from ignorance of the formula he should employ. Or let such a man, if
he wants to come doAvn to essences, inquire of the druggists, who alone
can tell him the prices of ammonia, phosphoric acid and caustic potash,
and if he can afford to buy them, as he cannot, let him try to work
them up with lime and earth. We think he will find that he might
as well attempt to save money by buying pure alcohol and diluting it
down to the ''proof" of good whiskey. The cost of concentrating
such things to an essence is greater than the cost of transporting the
substances from which the manufacturer distills them.

The man who thinks otherwise had hotter invest at first in a small
experiment and note the comparative result.

F. G. Ruffin.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

BAD EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER.-.

The majority of the farmers in the State of Virginia are spend-
ing large amounts of money in the purchase of manipulated guanos,
to be used upon their wheat, corn and grass crops, and in doing this

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 81

they are surely erecting the stumbling block upon which many must
in the end fall and be crushed. They are sowing to failure, and a
failure they will surely reap. ''Let us reason together " about the
good and bad effects produced by the continued use of the much
praised guanos. Do they do the land any real good? You will
say that by an application of from 250 to 500 pounds per acre you
will be enabled to raise 20 to 30 bushels of wheat per acre. Admit
it. Is your land in as good condition after the crop has been taken
off as it was before the application 1 I think it exceedingly doubt-
ful. It is an admitted fact that when a man is suffering, if you will
give him a little chloroform he will be relieved from all pain in a few
moments, but when the effects of the chloroform has worn off. the
man suffers more than he would have had it not been administered
to him. So (I contend) it is with land that has been fertilized from
year to year, it will not produce anything, not even " hen grass"
without a goodly application of some of the fertilizers, and perhaps
it will take the very best guano to make it do that. I think if any
one doubts my statement, all he has to do to be convinced that I am
on the right track, is to visit the tobacco raising regions of our State,
where he will find that from the continued use of some one or the
other kinds of guanos, the farmers have been enabled to raise small
crops of tobacco yearly: but ask the same farmers what their lands
will produce without the guanos, and they reply nothing. Now the
guano acts upon the land in such a way that it forces their land to
put forth all its strength in producing that single crop, and of course
when it is made the land is not as strong as it was, thus stimulating
land with manipulated guanos has the same effect upon the land
that is produced upon man by stimulating him, viz: weakens him
instead of strengthening him. I will admit that the application of
fertilizers to a poor field will pay if you can get a stand of grass
and will then drop the stimulant and bend all your energies to the
improvement of the land by the use of plaster and clover alone.
When I say alone I mean without the aid of artificial fertilizers, but
sprinkle on a little stable manure, for it will do it (the land) good.
Most farmers in their eagerness to get some pet standard of fertili-
zer seem to have forgotten that their forefathers raised better crops
than are raised now. and they used clover and plaster to keep up the
fertility of their land. Let us go back to the theory and practice of
farming "in ye olden times," and determine to use clover, plaster
and what manure we can make on our farms, and escape the doom
that certainly awaits us, viz : Bankruptcy. Oh Virginians ! look
about you and see if you are not in the wrong track, when you per-
sist in using this fertilizer, which, in my opinion, has proven the
greatest curse to Virginia that can befall a people — and then flee
from the coming destruction. You can make Virginia a blooming
garden by your energies. Then let us attempt it, and it will be
done. Farmers choose ye this day which you will do, kill your land

82 THE SOUTHERN [February

by physic, or make it grow fat by the use of plaster, grass and ma-
nure ? " Keastar."
Culpeper Co., Ya.

Note by the Editor. — With perfect deference to the opinions of our esteemed
correspondent, he will pardon us if we make a few observations. He condemns
wholly, as ruinous to the planter, the use of concentrated, or as they are usually
styled, " commercial manures." Without inquiry into the special merits of any
of them, we will consider some of the facts in connection with their use. It is a
fact that the consumption of these manures in Europe, where land is high, farm
stock abundant, and population dense, is enormous. Their use began thirty
years ago under the advice of Baron Liebig, and it has increased to such an ex-
tent, from year to year, that now it is no uncommon thing for a single factory to
produce 100,000 tons per annum. It is a fact that, by the judicious use of these
manures in conjunction with what the farm produces, and good cultivation. Great
Britain has increased her average of wheat per acre from 14 to 28J bushels. It
is a fact that, by their use, there is produced in France as much a3 30 tons of
beets per acre, to say nothing of other crops. It is a fact that it is found
to pay the planter in Mauritius for him to give £16, or $80 in gold, per ton at the
factory in England for such a manure to be applied to his sugar-cane some 2.000
miles away. To come nearer home, it is a fact that, despite the utter destruction
of farm arrangements in the cotton States by the war, including its labor system,
her cotton crop, through the use of these manures, is as large now as it was be-
fore the war. We might continue to multiply instances to show that the esti-
mate of our correspondent of these aids to agriculture is not generally enter-
tained throughout the agricultural world.

A man may die of apoplexy from eating too much of the most wholesome
food. It is not just to blame the food for the abuse of the laws governing hig
body. So, if a man depends solely upon concentrated manures, and neglects
what is equally necessary — the proper cultivation of his land — and the use of such
domestic manure as he ought to have at hand, or to restore to his land, by clover
or peas, the vegetable matter taken from it by his grain or other market crops —
he should not visit his failure to continue to farm with profit wholly upon the fer-
tilizer he applied, it may be, to a barren soil, but consider that something is due
also to his poor management. These manures cannot supply men witn brains,
and we know of no calling which requires a better exercise of this part of a man
than the business of farming. These manures, indeed, are intended not only as
labor-saving machines, but used in conjunction with manures of the farm, a corn-
ered that provides very fuliy the elements lost to the land by the
crops sold ofF. While we do not, any more than our correspot dent, decry the
value of clover and plaster, we believe our lands require more. The good crops
of our fathers, we expect, had their foundation quite as much in the constant
taking up of new land, and the abandonment of the old, as in anything else.

When a fair degree of skill is used, it is said that a lot of poultry
may be marketed with double the profit that would be derived from
raising the same value of pork. Fowls digest ^rain more thoroughly
than swine do ; no portion capable of being assimilated is wasted.
If it will pay to produce poultry for the market, it will pay the far-
mer to raise it for use upon his own table.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 83

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
ESSAY ON FERTILIZERS.

The following Essay on the question " What kind of Fertilizer i»
most suitable for our lands, if it be advisable to use any," was pre-
pared and read tender resolution of the Cuckoo Grange, Louisa
county, Va.:

This question directly and deeply concerns us all, because, as a
rule, we all have an excess of poor land, too poor for cultivation with
any reasonable hope of profit, without a free use of fertilizers; and
perhaps it might with truth be said, that the best of our farmers are
tilling, year after year, large areas of land, in expensive hoed crops,
which, with good seasons and under the most favorable circumstances,
barely pay the cost of cultivation ; and yet, perchance, we might
afford to do this for an indefinite length of time, if we could be cer-
tain of always having fruitful seasons and no accidents to the crop ;
but, unfortunately, the business of farming, like any other call-
ing, is subject to very many accidents, and while it is true that the
risks which the farmer take's in the year's round of cropping is not
so great as that of some other enterprises which men embark in, as,
for example, that of merchandize, it is also true that his margin for
profit is smaller, and for that reason he cannot afford, as a prudent
business man, to take the risks of the many accidents to which any
given crop is liable, on any land that will not, under favorable cir-
cumstances, a good deal more than pay the cost of its production.

A neglect to make the necessary estimates of the probable amount
and cost of production, is one of the great sources of failure and
loss to our farmers. It is not because farming well followed is not,
in the long run, as good a business as merchandise, for on the con-
trary, the statistics show that more men succeed at the former than
at the latter profession. Nor is it because that, as a general rule,
our farmers are wanting in industry and enterprise, nor because of
the high price or inferior quality of negro labor, but the great and
deadly bane of our system, that which poisons and saps the whole
and makes success impossible is our inveterate and persistent habit
of cropping on land, which, in an average of seasons fails, and ivill
ever fail, down to the end of time, to pay a profit on the outlay. We
blindly ignore the plain fact that free labor is more costly than slave
labor, that it costs a good deal more to cultivate an acre of ground now
than it did in former times, and that the bill of farm expenses,
always heavy, has to be paid invariably in money. In ante-bellum
days the farmer, as a general thing, paid nothing for his labor, and
he did not trouble himself much to know whether his farm netted
him any thing or not. The raising of negroes was an important
item. They were one of the staple products of the farm, and it only
much concerned him to devise the ways and means of making the
two ends meet, which he generally managed to do, whether he made
much or little, for it was, at last, with him only a matter of home produc-
tions and home consumption, and while, at the end of each year, like

84 THE SOUTHERN [February

Mr. Triptolimus Yellowby, he very often had to confess, as his sad
experience, that " the carls and the cart avers* make it all, and the
carls and the cart avers eat it all," he yet had the satisfaction of
knowing that with a regular annual increase of negroes, he was yearly
increasing in wealth and prosperity.

But since the wartimes have changed, and it becomes us to change
with them, so far as to adapt our system of farming to the circum-
stances which surround us, and the following are some of the changes
which seem obviously and imperatively demanded by our circum-
stances :

1. We must practice a greater economy in the item of hired labor,
and cut down our farm expenses generally.

2. Cultivate much less land in hoed crops, have it richer and
work it better.

3. Grow more grass and sow more hay, that we may thereby do
with much less grain in the feeding of farm stock.

4. Raise all the stock needed for the farm, such as cattle, horses,
hogs, &c, and thus save all the money usuually expended in the
purchase of these.

But what is to become of all of our waste lands, and how are our
arable lands to be so enriched as to make them a great deal more
productive? Shall we make large applications of artificial fertili-
zers, or will it pay in average of seasons to use them at all? These
are puzzling questions, very hard indeed to answer, and in attempt-
ing any solution of them, I confess the task to me is very like
that which the universalist preacher undertook, when he attempted
to show that the word everlasting in the Bible, does not mean ever-
lasting. Well it chanced one day as he was taking his text, an old
sailor, who was, no doubt, a very great sinner, staggered in and he
heard him read, " and these shall go away into everlasting punish-
ment," and then the preacher began to comment on the word ever-
lasting, which he said he was prepared to prove from the Bible did not
mean everlasting at all, but at this point the sailor stopped him and he
said to the preacher, "well my good friend I want you to make that
out if you can, for if you cant, Ijist tell you I'm a gone sucker,"
and so I say to my brother farmers of Louisa, if we can't devise
some more economical way of enriching our lands and of making
better crops of corn, wheat and tobacco, and at less money expense
than heretofore, we are gone farmers — gone beyond redemption, for
it is a stern reality with the most of us, that for the past ten years,
we have been losing money by farming, nearly every year, and yet,
strange to say, we never seem to lose our courage and hope, but,
Macawher like, we are always looking for some good lunk to uturn up"
for us somewhere, which, somehow, never does turn up, and each New
Year finds us as buoyant and hopeful as ever, with our sails all gaily
trimmed, and our flag flying, and so we drift along right bravely
and merrily down and down the stream to — ruin.
[concluded in our next.]

Cuckoo. P. B. Pendleton,

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 85

fFor the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

MANURING WITH CLOVER.

In the November number of the Planter and Farmer, is an article
upon this subject, which might mislead farmers into the idea that clover
alone, as a manure, is sufficient, not only to support the fertility of
the soil, but will actually increase it, and this to an indefinite length
of time. Mr. Hill Carter's experience is quoted, in which he says,
that " If plaster acts well, I can, with clover, make land rich
enough for any crop." That depends, perhaps, very much upon the
character of the soil. Other instances are quoted, where the fer-
tility of land has been kept up and increased for 50 or 60 years. I
can point out farms on the Shenandoah river, that have been under
cultivation for one hundred years with scarcely a stalk of clover
growing, or ever having grown upon them, and yet they are appa-
rently as fertile to-day as ever. I have in my mind to-day a small
farm of upland, which, for 40 years perhaps, was farmed by renters,
and which never had a stalk of clover upon it, unless the seed was
carried upon it accidentally, and yet the soil sustained its fertility
in a remarkable degree without an external aid, except an insignificant
supply of barn-yard manure.

I do not wish to be understood as undervaluing the use of clover
as a manure. I think, on the other hand, that farmers do not pro-
perly appreciate the value of the red clover as a manure, and I
would urge them to extend their efforts to improve their lands by
the growth of this valuable grass, but what I wish to say is, that
clover alone is not sufficient to maintain the fertility of soils gene-
rally. The instances I have referred to, are cases where the soil has
large storehouses of the elements of fertility in almost inexhaustible
supply. Probably, that is the case with the instances quoted by A.
Land may become exhausted upon the surface by superficial cultiva-
tion, while the subsoil may contain large supplies of fertilizing ma-
terial in a soluble condition, but beyond the reach of ordinary crops.
Clover is sown upon it, and if you can get it to stand, it sends its
long roots down into the subsoil, imbibing these fertilizing elements,
and bringing them up to the surface, within reach of the roots of
wheat, oats, barley, &c. But the time is coming, sooner or later,
when this supply in the subsoil must fail, the length of time depend-
ing upon the supply contained in the soil. Some soils contain very
large quantities of phosphates and potash in a soluble condition, suf-
ficiently so to keep up the fertility for many years, while others con-
tain but a limited supply, or a sufficiency in quantity, perhaps, but in
an insoluble condition. Most of our soils are in the latter condition,
containing a fair supply of the elements of plant growth, but not suf-
ficiently soluble to maintain their fertility under constant cultiva-
tion, without the addition of artificial means, or by suffering the land
to rest for a length of time until nature restores the loss by a gradual
dissolution of phosphatic and potash rocks.

Doubtless, " the cheapest and best fertilizer " we possess, is barn-

86 THE SOUTHERN [February

yard manure, but unfortunately the supply is inadequate to the de-
mand. Can we depend upon clover alone? As well might we ex-
pect to sustain the fertility of the land by using plaster or lime alone.
Barn-yard manure contains all the elements that a plant needs, so
does clover; but the clover derives its support from the soil, and can-
not return but a portion of what it derives, therefore, as a large por-
tion is carried off by the following crop, Prof. Johnston, in his Agri-
cultural Chemistry, in answer to the question "Will green manuring
alone prevent land from becoming exhausted," says, " If we plough
in only what the land produces and carry off occasional crops of
corn, the time will ultimately come when any soil thus treated will
cease to yield remunerative crops." The rains wash away a consid-
erable portion of this fertilizing matter, and the crops carry it off,
and the supply in the subsoil must ultimately fail, unless the supply
comes from foreign agencies, such as artificial manures. It is true
that poor land may be improved to the clover bearing point by the
use of commercial manures, but it is not true that by the use of
clover alone the land will continue to improve without the occasional
use of other manurial agencies.

D. W. Prescott.
Edinburg, Va.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PAPERS OF THE VA. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To this Essay, by Mr. Bowman, a medal was awarded by the
Committee on Essays.

Report of an Experiment on Underdraining, made by A. M-

Bowman, near Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia., in the

Spring of 1874.

In making this report it is necessary to say that the ground
drained was an old meadow of 30 acres, abounding in numerous
springs and swamps, producing mainly what is commonly known as
" sour grass " and weeds ; and over one-half of which had not been
in cultivation within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants of the
vicinity.

This meadow is an oblong square and is almost equally divided by
a small creek running from one end to the other, with about six
inches fall to the hundred yards. The ground on each side of the
creek is very little inclined towards the creek, and in many places
the inclination is from the creek at the rate of two inches to the hun-
dred yards. The entire meadow was interspersed with swamps and
small springs, so that a large portion of it was covered with water
all the year round.

The first thing that was done towards draining it was the grading
of the creek, or in other words, cutting out the bottom of it to a
uniform depth of three feet, so as to enable us to get sufficient fall
and depth to the side drains, which were to run into the creek at an
angle of 45 degrees. The cost of grading the creek was 37| cents

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 87

per rod. The creek being graded, the next thing in order was the
draining proper.

The ditches were cut from the creek out, leaving the bottom, at
the mouth, about three inches above the level of water in the creek,
and then grading so as to give a fall of from four to six inches to
the hundred yards.

Wherever the ground was of such nature as to allow a ditch of
uniform three feet depth, the drains were placed about forty feet
apart; when less than three foot ditches were cut they were not
placed more than twenty-five to thirty feet apart. The material
used for draining was one and a half inch tile, except where drains
came in contact with a spring, when two inch tiles were used. The
cost of the one and a half inch tile was $18 per thousand feet, and
that of the two inch tile $23 per thousand feet. Immediately after
the tiles were laid, they were covered with the same earth that was
taken out of the ditches.

Cost of cutting ditches, laying tile and filling in ditches, 32 cents
per rod.

It is necessary to state that the drains were so managed, as, in all
cases, to run immediately over the springs, and in laying tile over
springs, they were in all cases covered with loose stones to the depth
of five or six inches before the earth was thrown in. This is done to
enable the water to pass more freely into the tile, and is only neces-
sary in case of springs. The average cost of draining the entire
meadow of thirty acres, was $20 per acre, by which was reclaimed a
tract of land which was not worth over $25 per acre, and which is
worth $100 per acre since. The meadow was plowed up and planted
in corn, and the crop is estimated at from sixty to ninety bushels per
acre.

It is necessary to state that a few drains were laid with stone, cost-
ing about the same as tile, and are not near as efficient, being more
liable to be filled up by the bottom of the drain rising up in them.

Respectfully submitted,

A. M. Bowman.

State of Virginia,

Augusta County, to-wit:

Personally appeared before me A. M. Bowman, A. J. Brown and
John Thacher of the county aforesaid, and made oath that the above
statements are correct.

October 16th, 1874. Johnathan Koiner, J. P.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
TO PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

Having seen several letters from members of the Patrons of Hus-
bandry in your columns, I shall endeavor to write a short piece, giv-
ing my views upon the subject. There has been combination, and

THE SOUTHERN [February

always Avill be of other societies, and why not the farmers have com-
bination of their own, excluding all but their own profession ? There
is one thing, Brother Patron, that has been, and will be, with the
farmers, and that is, the profession claims to be farmers upon half-
way ground, and when they get in, they claim the lion's share, as
they have always done.

Ours is a farmer's institute, and as farmers we claim the right to
"paddle our own canoe." Therefore do not let then: beat us down,
nor carry off the honors of our cause.

Stand by. the farmer and defend the cause, and the day is not far
distant when the world will say that the farmers are able and com-
petent to defend their own rights. Some well informed Patron
please answer. Has a Master the right to act as Master and Secre-
tary ? Respectfully,

A. Granger.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

SOME REMARKS ON THE APPLE TREE.

The time, distance, and most important, the kinds of this fruit to
plant, are the main things to be considered by those rearing orchards.

The fall is decidedly the best time to plant, and this may be con-
tinued during the mild weather to the 1st of January, and some-
times later. 32 or 83 feet apart is as near as the apple tree should
be planted. When it is designed to cultivate for a number of years,
between the trees the distance should be 40 feet.

In considering the kinds to plant we refer principally to East
Virginia, where our observations have chic-flv been made. And in
this respect, we think our forefathers, in the main, have been wiser
than the children. Many, and perhaps a large majority of the
modern apples, particularly those introduced from northern latitudes,
will not succeed in our latitude. We think it may safely be said that
about one-half of the trees set out in our modern apple orchards are
worthless. The old varieties have naturally enough been neglected,
through the influence of puffing new varieties, and the exaggerated
statements of tree agents sent through the country. ■

For Eastern Virginia early apples have been found most profitable
for marketing. Of the early apples then, we would plant the old-
fashioned "June," (sometimes called May) "Early Harvest," "Striped
Julj-," and "Red Astrachan," and some of the "Early Ripe,"
which is a very fine, promising apple, coming in just after the Har-
vest. We have seen the apple, but cannot speak with certainty of
its productiveness.

For the fall, we would plant principally "Fall Cheese," and for
cider the "Virginia Crab." The Cathead, one of the largest fall
apples, is not a full bearer. "Maiden's Blush," the prettiest of
apples, if, perhaps, we except the " Strawberry Apple," is a shy
bearer. The "Smokehouse " is a promising fall apple, though wo
are not posted about its productiveness.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 89

For winter, we would advise three- fourths "Winesap." Then
comes the "Virginia Greening," " Carthouse " (or Romanite), the
"Limber Twig" and perhaps " Cannon Pearmain,/ which we know
to be a profuse bearer in Piedmont Virginia, and a great keeper.
The "Limber Twig" is a great bearer and keeper, but an inferior
apple. The " Shockley," much cultivated farther South, deserves
a trial in Virginia. It is said to be a full bearer, excellent keeper,
but not of first quality. The "Big Hill" (or Pryor) is an excel-
lent winter apple, but poor bearer.

The soil best suited for the apple is a deep, good soil, with clay
subsoil, chocolate soil the best. It is said that this fruit succeeds
best when transplanted from a poor to a good soil, and we believe this
is true, for this reason : In a light, thin soil, the roots seek the sur-
face, with little tap root, and many fibrous roots, which a stiff nur-
sery soil does not permit to grow well. In removing the young tree
from this thin soil, scarcely a fibre is broken. We were much struck
with these facts recently in procuring some trees from Via & Sons,
on the Westham Road, near this city. His nursery is on light land,
and we never saw prettier trees for transplanting, and in fact never
saw trees with such excellent fibrous roots, scarcely one broken.
We may be permitted to add, without intending disparagement to
other excellent nurseries in the same vicinity, and without any per-
sonal interest in the matter, except to see merit rewarded, that Mr.
Via is perhaps the oldest nurseryman in Virgina, and has had great
experience, particularly in rearing trees for Eastern Virginia. His
variety, of apples particularly, is very good, and as a nurseryman
his reliability is unquestioned.

Thomas Pollard.

Henrico.

P. S. — Mr. Via recommends highly " Carter's Seedling " (raised
by the late Curtis Carter from Winesap seeds) and Via's seedling —
both, I think, winter apples, also Haglo Crab.

E. B. A. CLUB,

OF NORFOLK COUNTY.

At a meeting of the E. B. A. Club, of Norfolk county, held
December 3d at the residence of Capt. C. P. Poindexter, W. II.
C. Lovitt, President — inspecting the farm being the first business
in order, which showed signs of improvements upon last year's visit —
we retired to hear from the committee appointed at last meeting
upon "labor." The chairman, Mr. Leighton, arose and read as
follows :

Mr. President and G-entlemen, — The subject of labor, which was
discussed at our last meeting, and is so replete with interest, was to
be further considered at this meeting.

We regard the resolution requiring a certificate from the last em-
ployer as inexpedient under existing circumstances.

90 THE SOUTHERN [February

Our organization is too limited to influence the action of the gen-
eral employers in this region. Some five years since the Horticul-
tural and Poraological Society passed a resolution establishing the
rates for picking strawberries. Some of the members adhered a
while to the resolution, while others who voted for it found that their
interest called for a step across the resolution, which was ultimately
disregarded by all. I had the privilege of losing forty dollars by
adhering to it, which served as a reminder to this policy, and made
up my mind that until there was a radical change in human nature,
it was safest to leave all points of the labor question un trammeled.
At the risk of being regarded as an alarmist, I predict that each suc-
cessive generation of the colored population will become less reliable,
and our agricultural interest should be shaped accordingly.

In corroboration of this position, I will cite two instances of ne-
groes transferred to localities of supposed good influences.

(1). In the year 185-i, while on a visit to St. Johns, N. B., a
merchant called me to a window to see a negro who was passing by
riding: on two trucks sawed from a huge log, and drawn bv one ox.
He remarked that he belonged to a remnant of a settlement of ne-
groes made at the close of the revolutionary war, taken by the Bri-
tish fleet from Virginia, and that the Home Government decided to
give them a large tract of well-timbered land in that vicinity for their
benefit. He said that they did well at first, but had gradually de-
generated in numbers and habits until they were a perfect curse to
the community.

(2). Some eighteen or twenty years ago a squad of about twenty-
five nesrroes were sent from the interior of Virginia bv their master,
a Mr. Burnett, to Hardin county, Ohio, who provided them with
farms which were contiguous. They did well at first, but subse-
quently disagreements set in and they commenced selling out and
going into towns, and this day there are only two known to remain in
the county. It is from these and similar facts that have come under
my observation that I have made my deduction. The present genera-
tion is working under the healthful influences of its former condition.
And now that the intoxication occasioned by their freedom has sub-
sided, we find their labor the most economical, and the best adapted
to our wants for plain farm work of any we can procure.

As it becomes less efficient, I know of no better remedy than to
divide and sub-divide our large farms, and instill into the rising gene-
ration the importance of putting their hand to the plow with a nerve
and determination that shall preclude all looking back.

Frederick Wilson, Esq., offered the following resolution which was
unanimously adopted :

Resolved, By this Club, that we heartily approve of the resolu-
tions adopted by the farmers' council held at Petersburg, at its third
annual meeting to the effect that a committee be appointed to memo-
rialize the Legislature upon the necessity of enacting a law to better
protect the farming interest by making it a penal offence to hire a

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 91

laborer already under contract. At the end of the discussion the fol-
lowing preamble and resolution were adopted:

Whereas, no opportunity should be overlooked for encouraging the
consumption of our early vegetables and fruits at the north ; and
whereas, the cheapness to them and increased returns to us can be
best reached by 'a more direct communication between the producers
and consumer; and whereas, there are many cities and large towns
on the route commencing at Albany and ending at Buffalo, N. Y.,
now supplied from second, third or fourth hands with our products,
therefore, be it

Resolved, That our President be requested to open correspondence
with N. L. McCready, Esq., President of the Old Dominion Steamship
Company, urging the importance of putting on a tri-weekly line of
steamers from New York to Albany, in connection with the Norfolk
boats, to receive the freight from the docks upon the arrival of the
boats from Norfolk, and proceed without delay to Albany for distri-
bution to points beyond.

The subject of ''drainage" was selected for discussion at our next
meeting, which takes place at Mr. F. Wilson's, on the 29th of Decem-
ber. 1874.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

Fred'k M. Halstead,
Secretary Eastern Branch Ag'l Club,
Norfolk Co., Va.

SHIPPING POULTRY AND GAME.

In answer to numerous inquiries as to the best mode of preparing,
dressing and packing poultry and game for shipment to the New York
market, we desire, in this general way, to communicate the following
instructions ; and from twenty years' experience in the produce busi-
ness in this city, we think we can do so understandingly. Possessing,
as we do, ample facilities and a location unsurpassed for handling all
kinds of produce, we offer our services with great confidence in being
able to serve our correspondents satisfactorily :

First: Poultry of all kinds should be well fattened, on yellow
corn if possible, but should not be fed for at least twenty-four hours
before killing, as a crop filled with food sours and turns black, injur-
ing the appearance and sale very materially.

Second: Experience has shown that the best mode of killing is,
to cut the head off with as little of the neck bone as possible; then,
as soon as scalded and picked, cut off as much of the protruding bone
as will enable you to draw the skin down over the end of it, and tie
tightly with a cord.

Third : For scalding poultry, the water should be as near boiling
as possible, without actually boiling. The advantage in this is, the
outer skin becomes cooked or set, and so does not peel off with the
feathers and look ragged or skinny as they say here. The fowl,

92 THE SOUTHERN [February

being held by the legs should be immersed and lifted up and down
into and out the water three or four times, then, continuing to hold
in the same war. with the other pluck off the feathers without a mo-
ment's delay after taking out of the water. If skillfully handled in
this way. the feathers and pin feathers may all be removed without
breaking the skin. Wherever the skin is broken, exposure of the
flesh to the air injures its appearance, and consequently its sale.

Fourth : The intestines should not be taken out at all for this
market.

Fifth: After the feathers are removed, dip into water just at the
boiling point, for about two seconds, then immediately into cold
water for about five minutos ; then hang up till thoroughly dry. and
the animal heat is entirely out. Care should be taken not to let it
freeze before packing.

Sixth : Turkeys and chickens dry picked sell to a limited extent
in the market very well, but none except the choicest kind should be
dressed in that way. When they are, they should be picked imme-
diately after killing and while yet warm, and not put into »vater
either before or after picking, but hung up until the animal hea: is
entirely out before packing for shipment.

S • enth : Ducks and geese should always be scalded and steamed
by covering with a blanket for a short time before picking — in other
respects handle as turkeys and chickens.

Eighth: In packing, use clean dry straw; if this cannot be had,
wheat or oat straw will answer, but be sure that it is free from rust
and dust. Place a layer of straw at the bottom, then alternate
layers of poultry and straw, taking care to stow or pack snugly, back
or belly upwards — never on the side — filling vacancies with straw,
until the package is full so that the cover will draw down very snugly
upon the outside, to prevent shifting about in transit to market.

Ninth: Wild game of every description should not be dressed,
either picked or skinned. Quail, partridge, grouse and woodcock
should be wrapped in paper to keep the plumage smooth and straight,
and packed snugly into boxes or barrels head down. Venison : The
intestines should be taken out clean, and the carcass hung up. washed
thoroughly with cold water, and left hanging till dry. with the skin
left on. Pigeons should be picked and packed in ice.

Tenth: Boxes that will hold 150 or 200 lbs., are the best packages
for poultry or game: clean, new barrels will do very well — old flour
and sugar barrels should not be used.

Eleventh : Live poultry can be sent to market in roomy coops to
good advantage between June 1st and November 1st. but not later.

Notice to shippers : In regulating your shipments, we suggest that
thev be made frequently and in small lots all through the season, as in
that wav you secure an average market price and run but little risk in
the extreme fluctuations in our market. Sen 1 vour large fat tur-
keys for Thanksgiving and New Tear; large fat geese and chickens
for Christmas — and ship so as to have your consignment get here at
least three days before the holidays ; they had better arrive ten days

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 93

after than only the day before. Always send by mail to the con-
signee, and invoice of each shipment. — Strong's Poultry and Game
Circular.

BEST SIZE FOR A HORSE.

Considering the number of persons 'who own horses, how long
they have been in use and how much use is made of them, it is really
astonishing how little real horse sense there is among our people at
large. The want of any real knowledge of the horse is the source of
many erroneous opinions, which are doing and have done serious in-
jury to those who entertain them, and which is to be more regretted
to the horse.

We wish to point out one of these erroneous opinions this morn-
ing, but it is one of the most injurious of the lot. It is the very
common preference for large horses. The extreme of this error
does not prevail in Tennessee as yet, and it may be that a kind cli-
mate will forever protect us from the horse elephants.just now grow-
ing into such high favor in some of the northern states. Neverthe-
less, the preference for large horses prevails too widely.

For all the purposes for which horses are uSed, blood, form, and met-
tle are of far greater importance than size. That the thoroughbred
horse possesses all of these qualities more uniformly, aud to a greater
degree than any other breed, does not admit of debate. This su-
perior speed, endurance and courage is an admitted fact. We need,
then, to only refer to the ascertained size of the stoutest racers of
the world to establish the truth for which we contend — that the
blood, shape and mettle of the thoroughbred furnishes the very best
horse for the saddle or harness.

The following table includes only a dozen of the great turf kings
of the olden times, and we have named only those that were noted
alike for their stoutness and their speed :

Name. Height. Age.

Hands. Inches.

Godolphin Arolin 15 1 29

Darby 15 0 —

Flying Childers 15 0 26

Fearnought 15 4 —

Cade.. 15 0 22

Gimcraek 14 1 27

Blaze 15 0 23

Bav Bolton 15 0 31

Matchem 15 0 32

Waxy 15 1 28

Babraham 16 0 20

Eclipse 15 0 26

These were famous horses in their own day, and still more famous
in their descendants. They were full size, too, of their kind.

Coming down to later times, we find the famous horses gradually
but very slowly increasing in size until the average reaches 15:2,
but rarely ever going up to 16 hands.

On the turf, the small horse — small, at least, in comparison with
3

94 THE SOUTHERN [February

the C mestogas, is without a rival. The big - of racing blood

are almost invariably left floundering in the rear in all tests of speed
or endurance.

Turning from the turf to the battle field, and our position is. if
" - en more triumphantly b No broader or better

field could be i' virtues, than the late Amer-

ican -war offered. An . fact which not the most loyal of I -

L gainsay, that the horses that carried the southern cavalry-
men were incomparably superior to those that were brought from the
north to meet them. Almost invariably the northern horses were
large fr ibed and clumsy. The south-

ern horses v.. were small, light, clean made, active and

enduring. I . differences are characteristic of the breeds — the
thoroughbreds being small and raw-boned, the scrubs large and
coat-

_■ ' ver all sons of ground, the small

hor» nd all c a superior to the large, clumsy horse.

. _• this :s true in harness, in all icept for slow heavy

draught. Tne light, active, upheaded, high stepping horse is better
for carriage or buggy, while for heavy work, the mule is the thing.
The practical out that if a horse has the blood, shape and

is a matter of indifference. The mare, in fact,
has more to do w f the foal than the b B ) if you

are afraid of small horses, do not rr^ ; shallow bellied mares.

it, that in speaking of large horses, we refer to the great
C nestogaa and Percherons now being imported into the northern
States

me of our many well posted readers would collate the

B a » and ages «'>f the more recent kings of the turf, as well in har-

under the saddle. We are of opinion that the trotters will

average a fra • >n h gher and heavier than the gallopers. — Colman's

World.

DRYING BOOTS.

T :" rail is near at hand. Men who are

obliged t in the field. :iere much out of doors, will come

t night with 1 bs well soaked. In the morning there is pull-
ing _• - . . . -■ the pal nee of the owner, be-
fore he can get them on. If dry, the boots are hard and uncom-
fortable; if still wet, the lisagreeable. Some genius, how-
ever, j j its the f 3 to get rid of the trouble :

B boots are taken off fill them quite full with dry oats.
This grain has a great fondness for damp, and will rapidly absorb
- _ : from the wet leather. As it quickly and com-

pletely takes up the moistur :1s and fills the boot with a

tightly fittau _• last, keeping its form good, and drying the leather
Without hardening it. In the morning, shake out the oats, and hang

1875.] PLANTER AXD FARMER.

95

them in a bag near the fire to dry, ready for the next wet ni*ht ■
draw on the boots and go happily and comfortably about the day's

This is an oat "corner" to which no man can object.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer ]
CULTIVATION OF SHIPPING TOBACCO FROM THE PL INT
BED TO THE WAREHOUSE.
[We very rarely have as good anfarticle, that is, appropriate to the subieot ii
treats of, as the one below, so plain, condensed and complete -Ed ] J

The following is offered as the result of fifty years' experience in
the cultivation of this staple:

THE PLAXT-BED.

The writer since the war has used only raw beds. Some time be
tween the middle of February and middle of March a spot is selected
m the woods with a south or south-east exposure, exhibiting a post oak
growth, and thin black soil with tenacious clay subsoil. This .pot is
cleaned thoroughly and hoed up with grubbing hoes— care beinsr taken
not to bring up any of the subsoil to the surface. It is chopped
over two or three times with the grubbing hoes until the tilth is very
hue, and all the roots are raked out. The bed is then laid off both
ways to secure uniform distribution of the guanos, which is sown at

niilin^ ho°es.*° P° t0 the 10° SqUai'e JanlS' aDd Ch0pped m ™h

The bed is then raked and again laid off both wavs for the <=eed
which is sown at the rate of a tablespoonful-and-a-half to the"" 100
square yards. The seed is put in by whipping the bed or draggimj
a brush over it Fresh stable manure derived from the chaff ofVf

in.T) aSK°^ f6 fr°m See/S is then aPP]ied in a libe™] dress-
ing. Ihe bed is then covered not very thickly with bru*h Late
beds do not require re-sowin^.

As soon as the plants are large enough to require pushing, I apply
a mixture of plaster and guano or hen-house manure. If The fly an -
pears I use kerosine oil mixed with corn meal and plaster sowed on
liberally. Ihese dressings are repeated whenever the plants seem
to require them. In sixty days from the time of sowing I have had
plants large enough to set out,

PREPARATION OF THE LA.VD.

I plant only old land and on a different lot every year so as gradually
to improve the whole farm. I select a clover sod which is plouXd
with a hree-horse plough in the fall always. It is aimed to throw
one or two inches of the subsoil to the surface soil at this time with

90 THE SOUTHERN [February

April and part of May, which is spread as carried out. I aim to put
about 25 loads of manure to the acre. After the manure is spread,
I run Smith's three-horse seven-tooth cultivator over the land to
pulverize the soil and to intermix the manure thoroughly with it. I
then cross the land thus cultivated with harrows; it is then
laid oft* with a scoop in rows 3J feet by 3 feet. I apply in the drills
at least 200 lbs. to the acre of the best commercial fertilizer attain-
able; then I apply broadcast just before the land is listed one bushel
of plaster and two of salt to the acre. The salt protects from the
cutworm, and prevents the firing of the tobacco. I list with two-horse
ploughs, throwing all the manure into the drill. In planting season
when the ground is not too wet, single mules drag rakes between
the rows to pulverize — a roller is then passed on the top of the
lists covering two beds and striking the distances for the plants with
pegs. Thus three boys do the work of many of the most efficient
men and a very great economy of labour is secured.

CULTIVATION.

As soon as the grass begins to show a little, I side with the single
plough, bar next to the plant. - As soon as the plant will bear the
dirt it is thrown back with the same plough, and the middle ploughed
out. As the tobacco is sided the hoes follow on trimming from the
tobacco such grass as the ploughs fail to destroy. When the grass
begins to show again, I sometimes use the cultivator, if that is insuf-
ficient, I always use the mouldboard plough. I generally plough
once again with the mouldboard plough and trim with the hoes when-
ever it appears necessary. Not much time is lost by hoe work. The
crop is almost entirely made by the team.

TOPPING.

Topping commences as soon as the plant is of sufficient size, and
before it begins to button. My plan is different from that of any
other planter 1 ever met in this, that I top before priming to avoid
splitting the top or having curled leaves on the top, which very often
occurs if the reverse plan is followed.* My object in priming is
to take off the plant-bed leaves that have gotten their growth at the
time of topping.

CUTTING AND HOUSING.

The tobacco is cut as soon as ripe. The cutting is repeated as the
crop ripens, and is generally completed by the 10th of October.
After that time the improvement does not pay for the risk of stand-
ing longer in this locality. The cutting is continued from the time
the dew is off in the morning till about 1 o'clock P. M. As soon as
the tobacco can be handled it is packed and covered to prevent burn-
ing by the sun. All hands then go to the tobacco house except
enough to attend to the team. The tobacco is then carried directly

*Will our correspondent please be a little more definite at this point. How do
you in this case select the bottom leaf, by which you are guided to the top leaf
without counting? and what is meant by "splitting the top or having curled
leaves?" — Ed.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 9T

into the house as it is hung. Large tobacco being put eight plants
to the stick, small tobacco ten to twelve to the stick. Before the
cutting begins the next day the tobacco is all regulated. The dis-
tance on the tier pole depends upon the size of the tobacco; if it is
very large, the distance is ten inches; if email, the distance is less
according to size.

CURING.

The tobacco remains hung in the house for several days according
to the weather. If the weather is warm two or three days are suffi-
cient to make it yellow enough for the fires. I then commence with
very small fires, which are kept up at a moderate heat until the leaf
begins to cure ; the heat is then increased until the curing of the
leaf is complete. The fires are then put out, and no firing is then
done until a warm season comes. I then go and dry the tobacco
out by means of fires.

STRIPPING.

As soon as the curing is complete I proceed in November and
December to bulk for stripping. I bulk by only lapping the tails —
putting from 2000 to 3000 pounds in a bulk.

I select the hands of best judgment for sorting. In sorting I
make four classes — long, good short, indifferent short, and lugs.

I have the bundles tied neatly — four leaves to the long tobacco —
six to the good short — eight to the indifferent — and fourteen or fif-
teen to the lugs. The tiers are required to be particular in having
the bundles of uniform length.

I weigh and bulk down every night what has been stripped during
the day, handling about four bundles at a time in bulking.

When the bulks are completed I put a small weight upon them.
When the stripping is completed, all the tobacco is carried to one
house, straightened and rebulked, two bundles at a time.

After bulking is completed I commence prizing, unless I conclude
to put the tobacco in shipping order, which I have not done since the
war. In prizing I have two or three hogsheads under the prize at
the same time* so as to have the separate grades from the same bulk
selected by an experienced hand and put in separate hogsheads.

It is designed to put 1400 or 1500 pounds of soft tobacco to the
hogshead. Hogsheads of lugs may contain as much as 1600 to 1800
pounds. The chief aim of the planter should be to secure excel-
lence of quality. The means to attain this end are thorough culti-
vation, bountiful manuring, and skillful handling.

John S. Nicholas, Sr.

Seven Islands, Buckingham county, Va.

*How do you manage that if you have only one or two prizes? — Ed.

The Saratoga agreement by which the railroads were to combine
against " granger" influence may be considered dead.

98 THE SOUTHERN [February

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

THE COW PEA AS A FERTILIZER.

After some observation and many experiments, I am forced to
the conclusion that the cow pea. as a fertilizer, is cheaper than any
of the commercial fertilizers that have yet been introduced. It is
to the South what clover is to the Middle and Northern States.
We have in the pea a perfect manure for all crops grown in the
South, at trilling cost, and that is what our down- trodden, poverty-
stricken country (made so by exclusive cotton culture and high
priced fertilizers, bought on time at exhorbitant prices and a high
rate of interest.) most needs. Quite a number of remedies have
been suggested for the renovation of our exhausted lands and wasted
fortunes, but in my opinion no remedy yet suggested meets the case
so well, at so small an outlay of dollars and cents, (which is a very
scarce article in Dixie, ! as the pea. Will grow on the poorest land
without manure, and in this latitude two crops can be grown in a
season, for soiling purposes, which is equal to 250 fibs, of the best
commercial fertilizer. Cost of sowing and turning pea vines will
not exceed §3.50, which would be a saving to the farmer of 85.00
per acre. Another advantage claimed for this process of fertilizing,
is. that the labor of sowing and turning can be done after crops are
laid by. when hands and teams are idle. My custom is to sow stub-
ble land from the 15th to the 30th of July (or later if I can't get it
done by that time) and turn under before frost, which prepares the
land for any crop, without further outlay for fertilizers. When it is
desirable to follow wheat with oats or oats with wheat, a heavy harrow
run over the land is all that is necessary when the pea vines have
been turned under. In localities where wheat and other small grain
crops are the staple productions, the pea is indispensable to success-
ful croping. Sowing peas broadcast, after wheat or oats, would
keep down noxious weeds and plants and at the same time store
away food for the following crop. Try it. I cut down an old
orchard, land naturally poor and sandy.; with clay and sandy subsoil.
Had been in cultivation and orchard 25 years. Sowed in oats, fal-
lowed with cotton, sowed with oats again ; when planting cotton the
last time, made 600 lbs. seed cotton per acre, made a good crop of
oats ; after cutting oats, sowed peas broadcast with 125 lbs. Peruvian
Guano; best pea crop I ever saw; don't know what it made per
acre, as I fed off with hogs. Last year sowed broadcast 15 bushels
cotton seed per acre, on same lot. in February, drilled 200 lbs.
Stono Guano 1st April, made 1,731 lbs. seed cotton per acre ; think
it was cut off 15 or 20 per cent, by drouth. Have sowed other
plats of land that have been reclaimed in the same way : am making
1,000 ft>s. seed cotton and 20 to 25 bushels corn per acre on lands
that a few years ago would not make one-fourth that amount with-
out manure. This has been done principally by sowing and turning
pea vines. The man who has not an eye to the improvement of his
land does not deserve the name of farmer. The improvement of

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 99

our lands is the first step towards material prosperity ; this effected,
intelligence, refinement and power, will follow in the wake. Then,
fellow farmers, let one and all of us address ourselves to the task of
building up the waste places, beautifying our homes and make this
beautiful land, on which nature has showered her richest blessings,
the pride and glory of those who come after us.

Unionville, S. C. S. C. Farmer.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL MECHANICAL COLLEGE.

REPORT OF THE PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURE, SUBMITTED TO THE
BOARD OF VISITORS, JAN. 6, 1875.

Va. Ag. & Mech'l College, Dec. 9. 187 i.

Hon. Board of Visitors, — It is my duty to present a brief report
of the operations of the Department of Agriculture. A large class
of our best students have studied the course of Agriculture the first
half-session, and have made very gratifying progress. I am happy
to report that the operations of the farm for the current year have
been successful. All our crops were planted in due season, well
cultivated, and yielded good returns. The hay and oats were some-
what shortened by an unusual drought which prevailed here in May
and June. We got, however, fair yields of each, which were saved
in good condition. The cattle grazed were sold for the top price of
the season, and to the leading dealer of the country, and the profit
realized was within a fraction of 100 per cent. Besides, a consid-
erable amount was realized from the rental of pasturage. All the
farm stock are going into the winter in the best condition. The
wheat crop yielded above 20 bushels per acre, of superb quality.
The varieties were Fultz and White Blue Stem. The land being
corn land, we used 200 lbs. per acre of the following fertilizers on
different portions of the field, viz : the Wheat Fertilizer of the
Southern Fertilizing Co., Richmond, Patapsco Guano and Turner's
Excelsior, Baltimore. Our experiments show that these manures
more than doubled the yield of wTheat. Experiments made to test
their relative value were vitiated by the previous treatment of the
land, not known to me at the time the plats were selected. Experi-
ments made for the purpose, showed that of the kinds of wheat named,
and for our soil one bushel per acre, is the best quantity of seed.
One half-bushel yielded less than one bushel ; one and a half bushels,
less than either, and least of all from two bushels ; so that we sowed
the present crop at the rate of one bushel per acre, and I have never
seen the crop present a handsomer appearance at this season.

I have most carefully prepared upwards of twenty experimental
plats to test the relative value of different kinds of fertilizers and
different modes of culture for wheat, as well as to determine the
proper quantity of each fertilizer to use per acre, which experiments

100 THE SOUTHERN [February

will be reported when complete. In order to thresh these plats

v that we should have a small horse
power and thresher on the farm, and I ask for the appropriation of
§400 to purchase it.

Our corn crop received all the farm yard manure. It yie
abo bushels per acre, and is all housed in good condition.

Th r not above thirty bushels of nubbins in the entire field.

We have ~-:ured also, for -winter use. a very fine crop o:

Experimental culture is very expensive, if undertaken on a large
mere measuring of the plats and separate harvesting,
threshing, cleaning and weighing of the occupies an amount

of time that few -who have not tried it conceive of. The work, to
be worth anything, must be done in the most thorough and complete
manner, and. therefo. up the time of the best hands. I fear,

therefore, we shall not be able to enlar, fy our operations

til some progress has been made in the proper enclosure and
equipment of the farm.

The working details of students have performed their duties with
entire cheerfulness, and, I think, increased efficie le those

•who have been hired to work in their own time have performed a
large portion of the work of the farm in the most satisfactory man-
ner. As at present managed, I have no question of the value of
the system of details, as far as the benefit of the stud con-

cerned. Our obji " dignify and enlighten labor, and there can

be no question of the propriety of requiring every student to work
in his turn. I have, myself, often joined the working details with a
view to encouraging a proper spirit.' It is certain, I think, that no
lent here feels himself. y other, in any manner degraded by

•work. That any of our best people have ever felt thus about work,
is a calumny so often repeated by our enemies, that some of us be-
gan to believe it of oui- It is not true, and never was true.
Very respectfully,
.S ; _• .■: \ M. G. Ellzey,

Prof, of Agriculture.

Tz: -laughter of Sheep et Dog.?. — We learn from a

d that on the night of the 18th instant that the sheep-flock of

Mr. E. V.". Crockett, of the C re, wan v:-::ed by more worth-

gp, and twenty-two fine sheep killed. A few days before they

were killed, Mr. C i skett refused $10 per head for them We have

always advocated a dog-tax for the protection of the sheep, wbich is

fitable to the country when properly managed ; but as there

is no protective law it is almost useless to call attention to the sub-

The people can straighten the thing by sending no man to

the Legislature who is opposed to a heavy dog-tax. By doing this the

firmer will be enabled to raise sheep. Otherwise he cannot. —

Dispatch.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 101

THE CHICKAHOMINY LOW-GROUNDS.

HOW THEY MAY BE RECLAIMED AND MADE PRODUCTIVE.

Many plans have been suggested for cleaning out and deepening
the bed of the Chickahominy, which has become greatly filled up by
fallen trees, gathering every year obstructions at different places,
thereby preventing the free flow of the water in the 'channel of the
river. I tried a plan to get rid of some of those obstructions which,
I am happy to report, proved a success, at a very small outlay of
money ; and which, if carried out, will reclaim perfectly one of the
most valuable and productive large bodies of land in the State. Its
near proximity to Richmond, and its perfect adaptation to grass-
growing, must, or ought to, make those lands a mine of wealth to
their owners in supplying this section of the country and the coun-
try south of this with a superior article of hay superseding that
now brought from the North and distant sections of this State.

The value of these thousands and thousands of acres of lands now
not only idle, but requiring taxes to be paid on them annually, and
breeding, year after year, sickness, insects and vermin to destroy sur-
rounding families and crops, would, in a period of years, if attended
to at proper periods of the year, at

AT A VERY SMALL OUTLAY,

as before stared, be both immense in amount, and astonishing to the old-
est and wisest landowner in this country. The mode of treatment I
suggest is as follows: In the summer when the water is at its lowest,
and the leaves and other dead vegetation, fallen logs, etc., (all of
which form the obstructions referred to), are all dry, let each owner
of lands on the river (by concert with his neighbor, if necessary)
set fire to the combustible material on his lowlands and burn out
clean everything that will burn. One day will make a clean sweep
of all the obstructions referred to, and besides will kill out every bit
of the young growth of bushes, briers weeds and grass, and leave
these lands, though in timber growth, in splendid condition for seed-
ing among the trees herds, orchard and Peruvian grasses for pastures
and for hay ; for this timbered alluvial land will, if not too densely
shaded, produce more and better crops than the open lands. Simply
sow the grass-seed on the hard, unbroken surface among the large
trees ; in the spring of the year, after frosts, it will come up.

And now for the obstructions of logs, &c, in the channel. When
the water is at its lowest, as before stated, cut them up into short
lengths of from five to six feet, and leave them there for the water,

WHEN THE FLOODS COME,
to carry them out of and away from the channel ; for it is true that
when the water is rising that in the centre of the channel is higher
than on the sides, and hence it flows outward from the centre and
carries with it everything that floats, and leaves it generally a good
distances from the channel on the flats that are overflowed. When
the water begins to fall in a stream, the water is lowest in the centre,

102 THE SOUTHERN [February

and hence the water is drawn to the same from the overflown lands,
leaving the mass of debris high and dry on the land, some distance from
the river, where the next annual burning, in dry mid-summer or
early fall, is sure to consume the whole of it. Thus, in two or three
years, with a little com non sense and a judicious uie of the axe and
fire, the work of millions of men may be saved and thousands and
thousands of the most valuable acres of land maybe cleared up and
reclaimed at ■ a small as not to be really felt.

I have s:iven these facta for the general good, knowing them to be
facts. They are applicable to all low-lands with running streams
through them. — Richmond Whig.

Burx and Cut.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A SMALL EFFORT AT HIGH FARMING.

You ask me to repeat the details of an effort towards "high farm-
ing." made by me many years ago. A full statement of the facts
was published in the Phx ter ■::' 1866 a; I think, and I regret that
you cannot recover the number that contained it. Of course you. and
your readers, will make all proper allowances for any discrepancy or
lack of accuracy due to the number of years and such years ! that
have fallen upon us since the experiment was made.

In the spring of 1856 I selected a piece of land so poor as to sug-
gest, by analogy, the "«e Uum in eorpore vili" of the spec-
ulative surgeon. It was divested of its natural growth, sassa:'. is,
persimmon, and the usual varieties of briers — and ploughed to an
average depth of seven inches. The harrow and roller was then
passed over it persistently until the tilth was perfect A few 1
of farm yard manure were put on the poorer portions, but the main
reliance was in the application of guano — 250 of Peruvian, and 250
of Columbia — the whitest and best Phosphatic Guano I ever saw.
The land was planted, mainly, in tobacco, but the crop was so poor that
I kept no account of it. though I must have made enough to pay for
the guano.

In October. I was prevented, by illness, from superintending the
sowing of the wheat, and when my manager asked permission to apply
more guano tashe expressed it. "jus: to peerten up the land)," I re-
luctantly consented to his putting on 100 pounds of Peruvian, to the
acre. When I got out. I found ^from the number of empty bags)
that he had put on at leas: . orads! and fully e; :hat the

wheat, long before harvest, would lodge — and such, doubtless, would
have been the result, if the spring had been wet. Fortunately, how-
ever, as regarded this experiment, the spring months of 1857 were
exceptionally dry. and the season in every way favorable to the
growth and maturity of the wheat. The variety was that which had
as many aliases as an old rogue, but oftener s:yled " Little Red" and
" Early Purple Straw." Tne average height of the straw in this
particular crop was about four feet. The quantity of land <as found

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 103

by accurate survey after the crop of wheat had been harvested) was
37 acres, and the yield was a full average of 33 bushels to the acre,
or 1221 in the aggregate. I may mention that I was induced to
measure the yield of 7 acres obviously superior to the average of the
field, and the result was 280 bushels, an average of 40 to the acre.

I sold the wheat from the last in question about $1.50 nett, mak-
ing say $19.50 per acre. The Peruvian guano cost about $55 per
ton, the Phosphatic about $30. I remember that after deducting the
cost of the guano, and allowing a very flattering discount for the
natural production of the land my estimate was that I cleared about
$30 per acre. Of course in those days we took no account of the
labor, which we fondly, but foolishly thought, belonged to us!

In the fall of 1857 this land was again sown with wheat — 80
pounds of guano to the acre, applied with the drill. The result was an
average of 20 bushels to the acre. Grass-seeds were sown with this
crop but failed to take well. The land, however, shows that it has
not entirely forgotten the extraordinary treatment it received in 1857,
to this day it produces better than the contiguous lands, and has
never thrown up a tithe of the pests (in the shape of sassafras, &c.)
which formerly disfigured it.

In offering this statement to my brother- farmers, I hope it night,
in some small measure, go to prove that a reduction of area by no
means involves, as a necessity, a reduction of crops. . Deep tillage
is of more importance than broad acres, and I trust my brethren
will hearken to this dictum none the less kindly and considerately
because the writer, with some shame, and a good deal of sadness has,
in parting, to echo the peasant poet —

" May you better reck the rede,
Than ever did the adviser."

Raise More Clover and Grass — As it is in order now for
farmers to lay- their plans for the next crop, I would suggest a
change in our practice. We are confining ourselves too much to the
production of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco, thereby greatly im-
poverishing our farms, and often producing more of those staples
than the markets demand, thus forcing prices below the actual cost
of production. Wheat, at present prices, is barely paying the cost
of production, and from present indications, the crop of the present
year is likely to sell at actual loss to the producer. Let us learn
from the past, and diversify our crops so as to avoid in future the
possibility of such an event. We should sow a greater breadth of
land in clover and grass ; grow a greater quantity of fruits and
vegetables ; bring our farms up to a higher degree of fertility, and
enrich rather than exhaust them. We might learn a useful lesson
from the recent action of the pig iron manufacturers, and, like them,
resolve to work on half time, rather than be guilty of the folly of
over production. Then let us resolve to so diversify our crops as to
realize a fair remuneration for their production. — Arlington, in
Mural World.

104 THE SOUTHERN [February

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE BEST COTTON SEED TO PLANT.

The importance of planting the best seed cannot be overestimated.
For five years I have been engaged in improving my cotton seed,
and I have at last gotten them to my liking. I have discarded the
old idea that the seed of the first picking should be put into the
manure pit. I save the seeds of the lower and middle crops and
throw out the top. The consequence is. that my seed will mature
all of two weeks earlier than any I know of. Besides, the staple is
vastly superior, and is more prolific than any with which I am ac-
quainted. This cotton was called, in Alabama, years ago. the "sugar
loaf," because it grows in that shape and is desirable on that account,
as it can be planted closer and plowed more easily. My crop this
year averaged within a fraction of a bale of five hundred pounds to
the acre, notwithstanding the killing out in spring, bad stand, and
the destructive drought and hot weather in July and August. Had
the season been as good the two years previous the results would
.have been far better. Of course the crop was well manured and the
grass was not allowed to grow. The little fertilizer I bought was the
English Stonewall, sold by Flannagan, Abill & Co.. of Savannah, and
better bought manure cannot be had, but I raise the fertilizer I like
better in my stable and barn-yard. With regard to these cotton seed,
I have never sold a pound of them, but have given some to my less
favored neighbors, and exchanged with others, but that operation has
become burthensome, and besides, after years of pains taking to per-
fect these seed, I see no reason why I should not get some return.
I have not now, more than one hundred bushels that I could spare.
I have never advertised, nor shall I, but if my Virginia and North
Carolina friends would like to avail themselves of these seeds, if
they will order them immediately I will send them.

The charge will be two dollars and fifty cents per bushel of 32
lbs. sack included and delivered at the railroad station at "Waynes-
boro, Ga. The money can be sent by express prepaid or Post Office
or money order. My seed I have named Wyatt's Early Prolific.
The name imports just what they are, nothing more nothing less.

Professor Pendleton, of Georgia University, and the chemist for the
State, has given me a recipe for making a cheap and reliable manure,
which I intend to try this year, and I give it to other farmers :

Eight tons of rich earth ; one* ton Peruvian guano; four tons dis-
solved bone.

Lets try it; it will not cost over eighteen dollars per ton.

S. Wyatt.
Waynesboro, Ga.

Patrons in Kansas are saving 25 per cent, on their corn, by pur-
chasing it through the agency of the Iowa State Grange.

The Grange Insurance Company, at Muscatine, Iowa, is carrying
risks to the amount of $200,000.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 105

Amelia County, Dec. 15th, 1874.
Col. F. G. Ruffin :

Dear Sir: At the request of Dr. Cheatham, I furnish you with the
results of heavy manuring on plot of four acres of laud. In the year
1868, I took up four acres of land of moderate fertility. Applied to
about half of the plot stable and farm-pen manure, pretty liberally.
The plot thoroughly prepared for tobacco, and 200 lbs. Gilliam's tobacco
fertilizer applied in the drill to the acre before planting, and 200 lbs.
more of same fertilizer applied to the acre broadcast when the tobacco
was hilled and coming in top. Yield of tobacco 500 lbs. to the acre
(exceedingly dry season).

After taking off crop of tobacco, then prepared the plot for wheat
and applied 200 lbs. to the acre of a preparation or mixture made by
Col. Gilham, I think of equal parts of German potash and plaster.
(You cau consult Mr. John Ott. He may find Col. Gilham's recipe for
makiug the preparation referred to above. Prepared 1868.) [After
diligent inquiry, Mr. Ott cannot find the recipe, — Ed.]

The wheat crop of 1869 following the tobacco was very fine, making
forty bushels per acre of good wheat. The clover that followed the
wheat was the finest I have ever seen, measuring from 3 to 5 feet high.
Next crop of tobacco land prepared, and 300 lbs. " Wilson's Tobacco
Grower" applied broadcast per acre — the four acres making 5,000 lbs.
of first-class shipping tobacco. The wheat crop following made 110
bushels, or 27 ? bushels per acre — fine crop of clover following the
wheat. The land appears to be in high state of fertility at present.

Yours truly, F. Morgan.

MEXICAN OR EL PASO ONIONS.

TTe had another visit this morning from Mr. B. G. Andrews, of
Atascosa Post-office Bexar county, who is giving special attention to
the raising of the above onions. He first obtained the seed from
Mexico, or El Paso, we forget which, and then preserved them from
degenerating by proper cultivation, and allowing no other sort of
onions to grow on the place. The soil he cultivates is a black sandy
loam. He breaks the ground with a turn -plow, and then sub-soils
with a bull-tongue. He then beds up the ground in the usual way,
as for cotton or vegetables, with the rows about two feet apart. The
ground should be as clean as possible, and the soil finely pulverized;
by the use of rakes, rollers, etc. He then plants the onions in two
ways.

About the first of September, or any time during that month, he
sets out the onions in the rows, from about the size of a hen's egg
to that of a medium turnip. He sets them close together in the
rows. In about six weeks, or two months, they will have grown and
sprouted sufficiently to separate the sets and transplant them. Each
onion will have divided into several sets, from a h'alf dozen to twenty.
These are carefully separated and set out in the rows, leaving about
a foot or fifteen inches between them. In good ground and with
proper cultivation, these will have grown into a large onion and be
ready for market by April or May, according to the time they have

106 THE SOUTHERN [February

been planted or transplanted, and also according to the season,
where there is no irrigation.

Another plan, carried on at the same time as the foregoing, is to
sow the seed in the same sort of rows, and about the same time, in
September. This is done by making a small drill furrow in the top
of the bed, sowing the seed in it and tramping or pressing the earth
down over them. By the spring time these will have produced
onions of small size, which carefully preserved, are to be set out in
the following September, and then managed as in the first plan de-
scribed.

In this country manure is scarcely ever needed, the soil being suffi-
cient of itself. But when used the stable or barn yard manure is
not put upon the ground in its raw state. It is either burned upon
the ground, and the ashes spread upon the rows. or. what we think
is better, it is put in a tank, and kept wet, and, at the proper time,
it is poured upon the ground in a liquid state.

This onion, as those who have never seen it may know, grows to a
very large size, the aveiage ones weighing one pound, and some of
them reaching as large in circumference as a breakfast plate. It is
perfectly white — almost milk white — with delicate green shading,
and is of a mild delicious taste. No other onion in the state can
compare with it. There are many bastard onions of this species,
where the onions have been set out in the fall, and have sprung up
iato numerous sets, which have not been separate 1 and transplanted,
and the result is a mass of flat three sided and other misshapen
things, instead of large, round smooth onions.

All this western countrv can grow these onions in the greatest
abundance, and they will prove very profitable to the producer. —
San Antonio Express.

A Perfect Home. — The most perfect home I ever saw was a lit-
tle house into the sweet incense of whose fires went no costly things.
A thousand dollars served as a year's living of father, mother and
three children. But the mother was a creator of a home; her rela-
tions with her children were the most beautiful I have ever seen;
even the dull and commonplace man was lifted up and enabled to do
good work by the atmosphere which this woman created ; every in-
mate of her house involuntarily looked into her face for the key
note of the day. and it always rang clear. From the rose bud to
the clover leaf, which, in spite of her hard housework she always
found time to put by our plates at breakfast, down to the story she
had on hand to be read in the evenig. there was no intermission of
her influence. She has always been and always will be my ideal of
a mother, wife and a home maker. If to her quick brain, loving
heart and exquisite face, had been added the appliances of wealth
and the enlargement of wider culture, hers would have been abso-
lutely the ideal home. As it was, it was the best I have ever seen.

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER.

107

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer ]
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF VA.

LETTER FROM PROFESSOR PAGE, SUGGESTING EXPERIMENTS TO TE^T
THE VALUE OF CERTAIN CLAYS IN DESTROYING INSECTS.

I take the liberty of calling your attention to a paragraph which
occurs in Professor WHkam R. Roger's « Report of the* Geolo^i al
Reconno.ssance of the State of Virginia," made in January, 1836
On page 31 of the Report while speaking of the Green Sand,
(silicate ot potash and iron), sulphate of iron, sulphur and other
matters associated with the miocene marl beds in the miocene ter-
tiary formation of Tidewater Virginia, he says: "In some parts of
the Miocene district there occur beds of clay more or less sandy,
and usually of a dark color, containing Sulphate of Iron and Sul-
phur in a minute, but still appreciable quantity. Such matter, there
is reason- to believe, could not prove beneficial to the soil The
former has been thought positively detrimental to vegetation; and
certainly when applied in considerable quantity, this is its effect.
What agency it mlght exert in a more diluted state, and mingled
with other matter, we are without the means of determining * * *
let in some well authenticated cases, the action of these copperas
and sulphur clays has been found strikingly beneficial.

In these instances, however,^ would se'ern that much, if not all
the benefit was produced by the effectual protection which even mi-
nute quantities of these substances— especially the sulphur— afford
against the attack of insects. In a cotton field in which all the al-
ternate rows were lightly sprinkled with earth of this description,
the plants so treated grew up vigorous and healthy, while the others
became sickly and were nearly devoured bv insects.

Much careful observation is required to determine the kind and
mode ot influence which these substances exert; and it would be
premature, in our present ignorance of the matter, to assert any
convictions on the subject. The presence of the former of these in-
gredients (sulphate of iron) if not recognized by the copperas flavor,
will be readily discovered by steeping the earth in water— decanting
the clear l.quid-boiling it down to a small volume, and then adding
tincture of galls or prussiate of potash. A black or brown colo?
with the former, or a blue one with the latter, would indicate its pre-
sence. Ihe experiment, however, should be made in a gla^s or
chma vessel The sulphur becomes manifest to the smell when the
clay is heated; and even at ordinary temperatures its peculiar odor
may otten be perceived."

In view of the increased depredations of insects injurious to vege-
tations (generally) during the past year, and the increasing cultiva-
tion of cotton in Tide-water and South-side sections of the State
where an abundance of the clay containing these substances exists,
it seems to me to be proper to call the attention of the farmers in
those sections to this subject, that they may decide the matter by the
test of observation and experiment. I will, therefore, ask that you

108 THE SOUTHERN [February

■will call their attention to the subject, by a short paragraph in your
valuable journal.

Pardon me for troubling you at such length, and believe me, very
respectfully yours. &c,

Jxo. R

Dogs vs. Sheep. — Something ought to be done by those having
the power to protect the sheep interests of the country from the de-
predations and ravages of worthless curs. All intelligent men who
have given serious thought and attention to the subject must admit
that there is no enterprise in which the farmer can engage that is
more fruitful of profitable results than the business of sheep-raising.
In this section it could be made a source of wealth to all those who
might be disposed to engage in the business. As it is, however, it is
one of the most perplexing and uncertain enterprises in which the
farmer can invest his capital and his labor.

There ought to be a remedy for this evil, but until some plan is
devised and adopted by which the country can be rid of the thousand
and one miserable dogs which now infest it the evil will still remain
in full force. We know of a number of our best farmers who have
abandoned their flocks altogether on account of the fact that there
is no protection afforded their folds ffnder the laws of the country.
There are others who will be forced to pursue the same course un-
less there is a change for the better. On the other hand, we know
of many who would gladly embark largely in the business if they
could be assured that an effective dog-law would be enforced for
their protection.

We throw out these hints for those who think. That the preva-
lence of so many good-for-nothing dogs is a crime against the best
interests of the country, and all classes therein, is a proposition
which cannot successfully be controverted. We know that a rei:
can be found for the evil, if those in authority would summon to
their aid sufficient moral courage to meet the issue. — Exchange.

Moffett's Creek. Ya., Jan. i~ U
At a regular meeting of Moffetrs Creek Grange. No. 33. P. of H.,
the following were installed officers for the ensuing year : X
T. M. Smiley ; Overseer. Wm. C. McKemmy ; Lecturer. Henry
Wright ; Steward. Wm. M. Buckanan ; A. S., J. W. Berry : Chap-
lain, C. G. Berry ; Treasurer. J. C. East ; Secretary, T. J. Martin ;
G. K.. J. A. Lucas: Ceres. Mrs. Ellen Berrv ; Pomona. Mrs. M. E.
Berry; Flora. Miss L. R. Smiley; L. A. B., Miss M. E. East.

Secretary.

The address of the Master and Secretary is Moffett's Creek, Au-
gusta County, Ya.

Subscription REDUCED to $1.50 Per Annum in Advance

TOCLl'BS OF FITE OR MORE ONE DOLLAR EACH.

ESTABLISHED 1 1ST 1840

TIHIIE SOTTTHIIEIE^IENr

PLANTER AND FARMER

DEVOTED TO

Apalture, Horticulture, aid Rural Affairs.

L. R. DICKINSON , Proprietor

RICHMOND. 7A„

ME. 1875.

1.6.

COHSTT

Extravagance,

Maryland Mechanical and Agricul-
tural Association — Manure, 287
Prolapsus of the Uterus, 289
The Peanut. 291
Bellevue Shorthorn Breed, 292
Grange Irfluences,
The Cleve Estate.
Tuckahoe Farmers' Club.
The Potato, SOJ
On the Value and Culture of the

Southern ( Agricultural; Tea.
From Kentucky, 310

Turnip. oil

Leaping without Looking, 314

iltural Paper vs. L>ogs — Cul-
ture of Peanal 315
<— What they

iil Flowing. • ;'>17

38 on the Roadside.

EIXTTS-

What I would do, were I a Young
Farmer,

Sowed Corn for Forage,
.Poultry Raising,

More about Orf1" *rd Grass,

How often may we Eat? — An Im-
portant Source of Profit,

The Love and Culture of Flowers,
: Virginia,

Horses vs. Mules — Not the Highest
Priced Beef,

The Melon. Crop — Where the
Money Goes to,

Why Manure Corn in the Hill —
Keep them Fat-s-Good Advice,

Bath C'ty — Bear-Swamp Grange,

Editorial — Noies for the Month

The Virginia Patron.

Another Old Virginian Gone —
'."Mallet.

Miscellaneous Notices

319
320
321
322

328
324
825

326

327

3:J0.
334

7-8

GRAND SQUARE, # UPRIGHT

FIAHOS

Have received upwards of FIFTY FIRST PREMIUMS, and are among the best
now made. Every instrument fully warranted for five years. Prices as low as
the exclusive use of the very best material and the most thorough workmanship
will permit. The Principal Pianists and composers and the piano-purchasing
public, of the South especially, unite in the unanimous verdict of the superiority
of the STIEFF PIANIO. The DURABILITY of our instruments is fully estab-
lished by over SIXTY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES in the South, using over
300 of our Pianos.

Sole Wholesale Agents for several of the principal manufacturers of Cabinet
and Parlor Organs : prices from $50 to $600. A liberal discount to Clergymen
and Sabbath Schools.

A large assortment of second-hand Pianos, at prices ranging from $75 to $300,
always on hand.

Send for Illustrated Catalogue, containing the names of over 2,000 Southern-
ers who have bought and are using the StiefF Piano.

CHAS. M. STIEFF,
Warerooms, No. 9, North Liberty Street,
BALTIMORE, MD.
Factories, 84 & 86 Camden street, and 45 and 47 Perry St.

ap — tf

EUREKA

Ammoniatefl Snprpliosjliate of Lime,

MANUFACTURED BY

The Atlantic and Virginia Fertilizing Company,

Near 0EIENT, L. I.,

Always proves to be the best fertilizer when accurately tested, i. e. by the applica-
tion of equal values, by the side of any other, whether on tobacco, wheat, corn,
cotton, grass or vegetables.

See the report of Mr. A. M. Bowman, President of the Baldwin Augusta Ag-
ricultural Society, to the Virginia State Agricultural Society, published in this
number of the Planter and Fanner, and note the fact that the i- Eureka1' is not
only much the best of the six fertilizers he tried, but that it was also the cheapest,
and bear in mind that at the time he tried it he did not even know who was manu-
facturing it- and followed his example in ascertaining what is the best and also
in letting the farmer know which is the best. The value of accurate experiments,
and the purchase from reliable manufacturers, cannot be overestimated.

WM. G. CRENSHAW, Pres. FRANK G. RUFFIN, Supt. State of Ya.

If there is no agent for the sale of "Eureka" in vonr immediate neighbor-
hood, write to any of the following General Agents: W". N. RUFFIN, Rich-
mond, Va.: JNO. ARRINGTON & SONS. Petersburg, Va.: HOOE & .IOHNT-
STO\r. Alexandria, Va.; JOSHUA WALKEll, Baltimore. Md.; WILLIAMS &
MURCHISON, Wilmington. N. C; W. C. COURTNEY & CO., Charleston, S.
C; J. W. LATHROP & CO., Savannah, Ga.
"Send for Circular.

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FAKMEK,

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State.— Sully.

L. R. DICKINSON, .... - Proprietor

New Series. RICHMOND, VA., JUNE, 1875. No, 6

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

EXTRAVAGANCE.

" We complain of the scarcity of money, hardness of times, and
have come to the erroneous conclusion that farming will not pay.
But much of the fault is in ourselves. We continue to live in the
same luxurious style as when we were in affluent circumstances, in--
stead of regulating our expenses according to our incomes." — Ex-
tract from communication in May No.

This charge reminds me of one not wholly dissimilar, which is
quoted and answered by General Johnston in his " Narrative " :

" Another, a class of Southern people, attribute our defeat to a
want of perseverance, unanimity, and even loyalty, on our own
part." And the reply: " As to the charge of want of loyalty, or
zeal in the war, I assert, from as much opportunity for observation
as any individual had, that no people ever displayed so much, under
such circumstances, and with so little flagging, for so long a time
continuously."

The self-condemnation quoted above, from the letter of a farmer,
is doubtless intended as a friendly admonition that we should nerve
ourselves to make the exertions and bear the privations which the
exigency of our situation demands. Yet it scunds like a reproach ;
and none, I am convinced, from my opportunity for observation,
which has made me acquainted with the way of life in several coun-
ties and towns of Virginia, could be less deserved. The failure of
Virginia farmers to retrieve their fallen fortunes has hitherto been
as signal as the failure of our efforts in the cause of self-government.
For such a result there must be an adequate cause, and that class of
people who undertake to furnish us solutions of all such problems,
sought it and found it, as usual, on the surface. What more natural
than that the blame should fall where the suffering fell, and the
farmers should have to bear, in addition to their other burdens, the

286 THE SOUTHERN [June

reoroach of unthrifty habits, the want of industry, economy, perse-
verance. It is a feeble expression of what I believe and feel, to say
that I heartilv accept General Johnston's noble vindication of the
Southern people f which ought to be read by everybody in the restored
Union.) against the injustice done them by a class of themselves:
not a deliberate injustice, but an almost involuntary utterance wrung
out of them bv the agony and bitterness of defeat and ruin. As to
this question there no longer remains the world over any difference
of opinion. And was it then to be expected that a people who
provel themselves in a disastrous war the peer of any that ever ex-
isted, in all the solid as well as brilliant qualities which combine to
form the highest type of manhood, would prove recreant in the ob-
scure and desperate struggle which awaited their return to their des-
olated homes ? A struggle literally for life against the reluctant
powers of nature, and such an accumulation of adverse circumstances
as scarcelv any people of modern times — certainly not since the
Thirty Years War — have been called to encounter. That some have
succumbed to the later test who by the aid of moral stimulants bore
themselves bravely must be admitted. It was to be expected. But
that the Southern people generally, and Virginians especially, have
worked like they fought, and suffered with equal fortitude in peace —
even the peace of desolation — as in war, is the testimony of all im-
partial observers : the cordial testimony of our late enemies. Surely
we mav afford, without vanity, to " see ourselves as others see us " ;
to do ourselves and each other the justice they cannot withhold,
rather than indulge in morbid self-depreciation. The example of
General Lee is often held up to us as a model, and we all know his
career in war and in peace. But it is permitted us to remember, for
our encouragement, that General Lee, like Washington, or Henry,
like bis own father, or his sons, was a representative Virginian — the
noblest of all it seems to me ; but just such a man as the best Vir-
ginia influences must turn out working on the best Virginia material.
That there have been hundreds and thousands like him, and thou-
sands vet remain, differing only as "one star differeth from another,"
history and experience forbid us to doubt.

I regret to trouble you with a long communication on a subject so
barren. But " my soul is weary " of this absurd and mischievous
talk about the extravagance of men who literally " eat their bread
in the sweat of their brows." The newspapers are full of it, we hear
it from the stump and the pulpit, and the charge is echoed by all who
have not felt the shoe pinch, until even a class of farmers, who get
their opinions ready made, though they may be struggling for bare
existence themselves, accept the current theory that the root of our
misfortune is luxury and profusion. Having shown the improbability
of the charge on general grounds, I would briefly state the result of
my own observations, admitting at the same time the instances which
your correspondent doubtless had before his eyes. That many farm-
ers live beyond their income is indeed true, for their income is noth-
ing, or not enough to provide the plainest food and clothing. But I

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 287

have vet to meet with the first farmer, whatever his former affluence,
or even the present extent of his investments in agriculture, who
failed to practice strict and judicious economy both from necessity
and choice. The only difference I perceive in those whose circum-
stances were formerly affluent is that they, as in duty bound, suffer
and labor most contentedly. No people ever displayed, under cir-
cumstances so disheartening, a more earnest, patient, intelligent de-
votion to duty — to the duty of toiling, hoping, and waiting. Each
seems to feel that he toils and saves not for himself alone but for all,
for the common weal. Among the hardest and most cheerful workers
are th^se who work for posterity with no hope of better days for
themselves. The time may come when the farmers of Virginia will
practice even greater economy and industry than at present, for they
have proved themselves capable of any exertion, any sacrifice. But,
instead of farther trials, I trust we may look forward to some not
very distant reward for those so nobly borne already. Apart of the
reward we may confer now : unstinted praise for all that has been
done, charity for unavoidable weakness and failure, and encourage-
ment to persevere to the end. This charge of extravagance may
obtain credence among other classes with whom the farmers have
important relations, and for their benefit it might seem desirable that
the real causes of agricultural distress and failure should be pointed
out. But they seem to me sufficiently obvious, and having already
been tempted to write too much, I will leave them, as I would fain
have left this vindication of the class with whom I am temporarily
identified, to some abler pen. T. P. L.

Fluvanna, May 7, 1875.

MARYLAND MECHANICAL AND AGRICULTURAL ASSO-
CIATION—THE MANURE QUESTION.

The Maryland Mechanical and Agricultural Association met yester-
day afternoon at their room, Eutaw and Fayette streets, Allen Bowie
Davis. president, in the chair, and T. B. Dorsey, secretary. There
was a good attendance, and much interest was shown in the discus-
sion, which was on the subject of the application of barnyard ma-
nure to soils. The participants in the discussion were Col. Wrn.
Webster of Baltimore county. A. B. Davis and Mr. Warner of Har-
ford county, J. J Myerly of Howard county, and W. A. Bennet,
Ezra Whitman and Samuel Sands of Baltimore county.

Mr Sands said that in feeding cattle the question of replacing in
the land those constituents taken away was to be considered. The
manure intended to nurture the land should contain just such con-
stituents as the land needed. If phosphoretic elements were taken
away they should be replaced. Animal manure is deficient of that
much needed constituent, and hence as the best nutriment for land
the speaker recommended a raixaire of phosphate matter with ma-
nure. This would give the greatest yield in return. This was a
Bubject that failed to receive the attention it deserved here in Mary-

288 THE SOUTHERN [June

land. In Ohio the farmers at first built their stables over running
streams and got rid of their manure, forgetful that their lands would
be eventually impoverished.

At the present time, notwithstanding the longer time cultivated.
Maryland land was about as good as that in Ohio. Pennsvlvania
land is good because the farmers attend to this matter and keep their
soil rich. Farmers must learn to regard cattle in a measure as ma-
nure manufacturers, and if only straw is fed to cattle, what can be
expected ? They must have meal and rich food. The liquid excre-
tion of cattle was the most valuable of all animal evacuations, and
should by all means be utilized.

Mr. Ezra "Whitman, in answer to a question, said that unfortu-
nately on his own farms he was unable to get enough barnyard ma-
nure, as he had but little stock. He bought it from his neighbors,
however, and used it in preference to anv commercial fertilia

The chair said that inasmuch as Mr. Whitman waslariie:v
::> the business of manufacturing fertilizers, the society could not but
appreciate his candor.

Mr. Sands, continuing the subject, said he thought bone dust the
best phosphoretic matter to unite with barnyard manure.

Col. Webster said he believed bone dust a cheap application for
the purpose, but he did not think the application of phosphates at
all nectssary. The barnyard manure, with the phosphoretic acid
found in salt and other such substances, was sufficient. It had been
ascertained that on the first farm ever cultivated in the Stare of
Maryland the yield per acre was now double what it was in the time
of Lord Baltimore. In all parts of the world where attention is
given to manuring, the crops at present are about double what they
were five hundred years ago. It had I ■ nts

worth of plaster as much good could be wrought on land five

dollars worth of phosphates. The soils of Harford county lack
lime, and therefore that is a good application.

Mr, Davis said that when plaster was first used its effects were so
good that farmers thought they would be rich immediately. Plaster
soon exhausts itself. Mr. J. B. Matthews, of Howard county, a
most successful farmer had found plaster over manure a benerkial
arrangement.

Mr. Sands said one great trouble was that if your next door neigh-
bor used plaster and you manure and phosphates, he would reap all
your benefits, as plaster will attract from a distance the ammoniated
elements so nourishing to farm land. Prof. Stockbridge. of Massa-
chusetts. State Superintendent of Agriculture, had ascertained by
careful experiments that he could ascertain the exact amount of com-
mercial fertilizers necessary to any land in order to secure the yield
of a given number of bushels of grain. That is to say. he had taken
certain land yielding fifteen bushels of corn per acre, and determined
that a certain amount of mineral manures added to the land would
give a yield of twenty-five bushels per acre. An increase in :

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 289

amount of manure -was sure to bring a proportionate increase in ratio
to the yield. In conclusion, he was convinced that if the nitrogen
element was present in land the other ingredients would be found in
the air and elsewhere.

Mr. Davis presented the following resolution, which was unani-
mously adopted:

Resolved, That the true object of the farmer should be not only
to draw from the land an annual revenue, but also to increase the
value of the funded capital invested in the soil, the increase of the
invested capital being necessarily an increase of the periodical
revenue.

It was resolved to appoint a committee of ten, active members to
make preliminary arrangements for the September exhibition at Pim-
lico. Before adjournment it was announced that at the next meet-
ing the subject would be the feeding of cattle, when Mr. Wm. Mosher
of Harford county, a great cattle feeder, and other gentlemen, will
express their views.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.] •

PROLAPSUS OF THE UTERUS.
(falling of the womb.)

Prolapsus of the uterus is one of the most annoying phenomenas
liable to follow parturition. It consists in the womb passing outside
through the vulva. This condition occurs principally in animals
which give birth to only one young — as the mare, cow, and ewe — as
the uterus in these animals is more particularly brought into play
in the expulsion of the young during birth. It is commonly seen
in debilitated animals and in stall-fed cows that are constantly kept
in the stable. Among the causes I would state colic, retention of
the urine, tympanitis, overfeeding, general weakness of the animal
as the result of ill-feeding, and lastly, the position of the mother,
standing on a depending floor during the period of carrying the
young. [If the length of the stall is 10 feet, the fall in the floor
should not exceed 3 inches.] It appears usually immediately after
birth — rarely after two or three days. The first indication for treat-
ment is the replacement; this should be done as quickly as possible,
as the parts are liable to become inflamed and swollen, thereby ren-
dering the replacement in time difficult. [If it is not done at all,
gangrene will set in, which will end the life of the animal.] Another
reason why in nervous mares it should be replaced quickly is, that
their kicking and rubbing may produce severs injuries, thereby
causing inflammation of the womb and the lining membrane of the
abdomen (peritonitis), which often proves fatal. Coffs are not so
susceptible to the latter diseases as mares, but prolapsus of the uterus
occurs more commonly in cows than in mares.

First, all dirt requires to be removed with blood-warm water, and
if any after-birth should have remained, this should be carefully re-

290 THE SOUTHERN [June

moved. If any is attached to the cotyledoines they should be mois-
tened and carefully loosened by bathing with warm milk. Before
manipulating, the operator's finger nails should be cut and ra.sped,
so as not to irritate the parts more than is necessary; also oiling his
arm before introdueing it. In order to render ths animal quiet for
the operation, an infusion of chamomile flowers (about one handful
to a pint of hot water) with an ounce of laudanum might be given.
In some parts of Europe it is common to give cows a pint of whis-
key with a couple of spoonfuls of sugar. It will usually suffice by
putting on a twitch, or forcing the mouth open to prevent or relieve
partly the straining of the cow. This being done, the operator
places two assistants on each side of the falling womb to raise it. by
means of a piece of clean cloth, to the height of the vulva. Then
with half-closed hand the operator pushes the same from the lowest
point back into its place, progressing slowly and cautiously, making
use of the moments at which the animal is at ease, taking care to
replace it completely. In difficult replacements it is, perhaps, best
to first empty the rectum, either by means of the hand or injections,
and the bladder by the introduction of a catheter. In all cases it is
better to operate on the animal whiie standing up. The closed hand
should remain in the cavity and respond to the straining, which will
lessen considerably in fifteen or thirty minutes. In slight cases,
where the prolapsus has only existed for an hour or so, the hand
may not need to remain any longer than half an hour or an hour,
if the straining has entirely stopped. But it usually requires two,
three to four hours. In a couple of cases where the prolapsus had
lasted for sixteen to twenty hours, it required ten to twelve hours
before the hand could safely be removed. When one arm gets tired,
it has to be carefully changed.

In cases where it is not convenient to employ a person at the posi-
tion for any length of time, a bandage should be made.. consisting of
a broad, thick piece of leather, with a cut above to allow its adap-
tation under the tail; a pair of straps going over the back forward,
to be fastened to a surcingle; a pair of straps below, passing between
the legs right and left, to be attached also to the surcingle ; a round
opening corresponding to the anus allowing the passage of dung,
while a narrow, longitudinal opening below, corresponding to the
vulva, gives exit to the urine. The bandage can be removed in a
quiet animal after two to three days, while in a restless beast it may
not be safe to remove it before ten to fourteen days. The animal
should not be allowed to lay down during the first twenty-four hours.
Occasional injections of weak soapsuds are of service to loosen the
bowels, which will prevent unnecessary straining. If the straining
remains very severe, injections of cold tvater into the uterus may be
tried. One ounce of laudanum may be given in one pint of an in-
fusion of chamomile flowers, or three or four onions fried in good but-
ter, and then cooked in about one pint of the cow's own milk, and
half given at intervals of half an hour. The animals should be kept

1875] PLANTER AND FARMER.

291

on low diet, and, on bettering themselves, be slightly exercised It
is also a wise precaution to have the back of the floor of the stable
somewhat elevated. p< Peters V S

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

THE PEANUT.

This crop has made so great progress in the last few years as to
attract the attention of all who own lands adapted to its growth. It
is stated, in an article upon the cultivation of the peanut in the re-
port of the Department of Agriculture for 1868, that during the
late war its "merits became extensively known among the soldiers-
so that when the armies weie disbanded a knowledge of them was
carried to every part of the country." Hence the large increase
1 f v ? Ilvatlon of the Peanut, and in its shioment from the port
aI } t0 NeW lork— estimated then at several hundred thou-
sand bushels, and believed at the present time to exceed a million

It is believed that the soil of large portions of Eastern Virginia
is well adapted to this crop. It is, at least, well worth a trial in
those parts of our own country which seem to possess the necessary
requisites tor its successful production.

The chief essential is a light gray soil, not over sandy. This soil
gives to the pea its light, bright color, which is esteemed its finest
quality in the markets. As the land should be clean, it is deemed
best to plant after corn— but better still, after a crop of stock peas
It is highly important to secure for seed the best quality, and this,
too, when it has been carefully protected from exposure to bad
weather. The use of lime on the land is esDecially recommended
lhe land should be plowed to the depth of four to five inches; fur-
rows opened three feet apart, and deposit in them 125 pounds of
Peruvian guano, or 150 to 200 pounds of super-phosphate of lime ■
cover up with the plow into three feet beds, which should then be
levelled for the reception of the seed about the middle of Mav
lhe pods should be shelled with great care, so as not to break the
shell of the pea, and all defective ones be rejected. Plant two seeds
eighteen inches apart, covering to the depth of one to one and a haif
inches. About two bushels are required per acre. Some rows
should be planted closer to furnish plants for any missing bills; this
replanting should be done in about two weeks after the planting
Keep the land perfectly clean with plow, cultivator, and hoes espe-
cially. In a wet season, three workings may be necessary to clear
away weeds and grass, all of which must be eradicated before it is
laid.by. Avoid covering up the vines, which by that time will have
spread widely, and the first fruit then fprming.

The next work will be the harvesting^ the crop. This should
be done after the first frost— about the 1st to the 10th of October
in our section. First loosen the vines with a three pronged fork •
then pull them up and shake off the dirt, and leave them to dry*
If dry, they can be shocked in two days after. Lay two fence rails

292 THE SOUTHERN [June

upon supports high enough to promote a free circulation of air under
them; upon these shock around stakes seven feet long, making the
diameters of the shocks about the length of the vine. Protect the
shocks with straw caps. In two weeks the ripe pods may be picked
from the vines; dry, fan, and clean them. A skillful hand will
pick two and a half to three bushels per day. Care is necessary to
keep the nuts from becoming heated or mouldy, stir them, then,
until the hull is seasoned thoroughly.

The usual product is from twenty-five to one hundred bushels per
acre. Even larger crops have been made by the best cultivators.
The prices are not so high as they were a few years ago, but they
are still remunerative. For a prime fancy article $2.50 may be
obtained per bushel, while those of ordinary and inferior quality
range from one to two dollars. At these prices peanuts are more
profitable than cotton at twenty-five cents per pound, or tobacco at
ten cents.

The vines make excellent provender for stock, but they may be
used to greater advantage in enriching the land for a second crop to
be raised from the same land.

For the foregoing sketch of the culture of the peanut I am in-
debted to the article in the report of the Department of Agriculture,
and mainly to an excellent treatise on the same subject by Mr.
Doothat, of Weyanoke, on James River. The first may be seen in
the January number of the '• Southern Planter and Farmer" for
1870, and the other in the succeeding April number of that year.
To those who propose to engage in the culture I recommend these
two articles. The few trials made in our county justify us in be-
lieving that the peanut may become a valuable crop upon soils suited
to it; at least, it may be a profitable auxiliary to our standard
cereals. Ed. T. Tatloe, Chairman.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

BELLEVUE SHORT-HORN BREED.

An account of a recent visit to Bellevue Stock Farm, the property
of Mr. A. M. Bowman, the president of our Baldwin Augusta Agri-
cultural Society — one of our best farmers as well as the prominent
breeder df short-horn cattle in the Valley — will not be without in-
terest.

Bellevue is situated on the north bank of the South river, which,
it will be remembered, skirts the Blue Ridge at its western base,
and about three miles south of Waynesboro, on the Chesapeake and
Ohio railroad. The farm is in the form of a parallelogram, extend-
ing for some distance along the river, and having every field watered
by it, thus furnishing a pleasing combination of gently rolling upland
and river bottom in each enclosure. The residence is near the
river, about midway of the farm, sufficiently elevated to secure good
drainage, and flanked by a mammouth barn, affording ample room for
his numerous herd of cattle — which, I may add, are staunchioned in

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 293

the capacious and comfortable stables. There is a capital piggery,
where the Berkshires are comfortably housed, and hard by is the
" Prindle Steamer," which is used in preparing food for hogs and
cattle. Mr. B. uses a horse-power to cut his corn-fodder, hay. &c,
before steaming, and finds both arrangements are very economical.
His wheat crop is promising; looks as though he intended adding
the State Agricultural Society's premium for "the largest yield "
to that already obtained for corn, oats, and hay. The farm, taken
as a whole, is evidence of good management and successful culture.
Mr. Bowman is an earnest advocate of orchard grass : says " he was
raised on it (?), and therefore knows of what he speaks."'

In regard to stock, he unites with spirit and intelligence a love
for the business, elements which guarantee success. A thorough-
bred has no charm for him simply because it has a pedigree, and its
name has been offered to the public through the columns of a herd-
book ; but his selections are made with particular and single ref-
erence to such strains of blood as' for some intelligent purpose he
desires to infuse into his own herd, or because of some intrinsically
valuable characteristic which he wishes to make available in the con-
struction of that ideal short-horn which is ever before his mind's eye.

Among his Berkshire swine the two imported sows. Hillhurst Rose
and Rosedale are splendid specimens: but it is particularly of the
short-horns of which we would speak.

The herd consists of seventeen (17) females and three (3) males.
At their head the Earl of "Weldon, 14.175. a ; Duke upon a Rose
of Sharon foundation, coming three years old; rich red, with some
white, mellow hide, good handler of truly grand style.

Of the Bates-Cragg family there are three representatives. Lady
Craggs — Handsome ren-roan, fully developed, weighs over 1,800;
remarkable for widfti of hip. This cow has been recently bred to
2d Earl of Oxford, a pure Oxford bull.

Lady- Craggs 2d — by duke of Onandaga, 6,778; like her dam,
with all her good points.

Miss Craggs — colored like dam, out of Lady Craggs and by Al-
bert Edward, 11,278 : a very promising four-months old heifer.

Of the Rosamond family there is the massive white cow Rosa-
mond 9th, got by Royal Briton. 27,351, out of Rosamond 7th by
Weehauken, 5.260. This cow will soon calve to Don Bernardo,
11,641. Mr. William Marfield, of Kentucky, says of her: " She
is one of the best specimens of a short-horn I ever saw.-' This is
compliment enough.

Of the Lonaws — justly so celebrated — Greenwood Lonaw 2d is
his only specimen. She was by Jeremiah Duncan's show bull, Duke
of Airdu, 2,743. Though eleven years old, she has proved a great
breeder, and numbers many celebrated animals among her offspring.
Roan in color, and nearly due to calve to Sheldon's Duke, 7,260.

There are two Elvinas (Mr. Coffin's family) — Elvina 8th by Plan-
tagenet, out of Elvina 3d by the 11th Dude of Thorndale — a red,

294 THE SOUTHERN [June

and her daughter a roan, bj Earl of Muirkirk, 14,170. This family-
have no less than five Bates and Princess crosses upon an excellent
milking foundation, and are the descendants of imported Pansey by
Blaize (76).

Amongst the show animals of the herd, Jenny O'Gaunt by Red
Duke, half-sister to the famous Fanny Forrester; and Cindirella 2d
by Royal Bellville, son of imported Royal Briton, are specimens
which have more than once worn the ribbons in successful competi-
tion at the great exhibitions North, West, and South.

There are some eight specimens of short-horns which properly
belong to the useful kind, e. g., while combining the intrinsic quali-
ties of form, color, and general characteristic, lack those extrinsic
attributes which so much enhance the money value of the animal.
To one not familiar with pedigree, as individual specimens they com-
pare well with the most highly prized animals in the herd.

The cattle are in fine condition, showing they have been well
wintered; but Mr. B. claims notto be a high feeder. If he does
not pamper or use the curry-comh as much as might be advisable, he
could readily find excuse for this delinquency in the precept and
example of another of Virginia's distinguished short-horn advocates.

Too much credit cannot well be accorded to one who thus gives
talent, time and means to the building up af so handsome a herd of
thoroughbred cattle. The needs of the dear old State are realized,
the solid groundwork upon which her future prosperity must rest is
appreciated, and could Ave only boast of a greater number of live
young men, the near future would realize our most sanguine expec-
tations. Delivered from the thraldom of poverty, clothed with the
elements of power, resulting from the increased value of her agricul-
tural and stock products, supplemented by her mineral and manu-
facturing resources, she would again advance todlie foremost ranks,
the leader in peace as she has been the embattled queen in war, and
the ''mother of States and statesmen." W. G.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

GRANGE INFLUENCES.

The principles upon which the confident expectations of success,
in the movement of the Patrons of Husbandry, rest, and their effica-
cy, efficiency, and certainty are generally acknowledged. In almost
every department of human life among us, they are in daily practi-
cal operation, to the benefit of those who use them, and, unfortu-
nately for the farmer, to his detriment. The chief difficulty in our
use of them is the intense individuality impressed upon us by our
pursuits, each farmer having been, under the force of circumstances,
constrained to form the habit in his daily operations of thinking and
acting for and within himself; hence it is extremely difficult to im-
press upon those who have not given thought to the subject, the fea-
sibility and propriety of throwing off the effects of this habit of

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. g95

height, and introducing the principles of combination and coopera-
tion m a thousand form., in matters heretofore looked on bv the
• tanner as exclusively to be decided on and acred on bv his ow/i,, di-
vidual judgment and will, and to be carried out bv his own individual
exertions Tins habit of thought is stronger among our own people
perhaps than elsewhere, from the -peculiar institution " which so
recently prevailed among us. and hence we have the greater difficul-
ty in presenting properly the logical results of Grange influence.

1 have found more difficulty in inducing those who were formerly
large fanners to give attention to the subject than any other class
simply because the habit of mind formed by being able" to command
the combination and cooperation which wealth gave, has preve. ted a
fair consideration of the new processes and combinations which the
new order of thinga requires. Hence a Grange Lecturer is often
placed m the position, when he undertakes an exposition of our prin-
ciples, of going over the demonstration of truths, winch every one
acknowledges to be true in the abstract, but which it is often neces-
sary to go over ,n their simplest forms, in order to show their prac-
tical application to the direct objects of our noble Order. Truth
too. travels slowly and it is almost a necessitv. fairly and properly
o present the truths we teach to the mass of* the fanners, that those
truths should be presented in a practical form, thus eliminating from
he demonstration the side issues resulting from opposing habits of
thought and action, and this can best be done to practical men only
ford °Ur gateS' and WUh Uie facilities wbicb acrual practice af-

We teach, what we honestly believe, that the principles we profess
embodied in our organization, must of necessitv produce the greatest
good to the greatest number. That high morals can and must be
infused into all belonging to our Order and made to characterize
eacn ratron. 1 hat an improvement in social intercourse must result
from our principles as applied by us. That a new impulse mnst be
given to true education if Grangers discharge their duty, and that a
wise superintendence and supervision is carefully guiding and ward-
ing them in the discharge of that high dutv. That in every form we
present, to the extent of our ability, the best models of business
moral, social, and educational improvement, to each and every Patron
by his own hearth-stone, in his domestic circle, and in Grange- that
as far as human power will allow, we lift the humblest man of woman
in the Order to all the advantages and facilities possessed bv the
most elevated, the best informed, and the purest within our .ates
and in doing so, by wise provisions, we exclude to the extent of our
ability, any degrading influences ; and that we do this bv the volun-
tary action of those who unite with us. without one restraint upon
individual action to which any reasonable being could obiect. em-
bodying only the influences of love and kindness to accomplish our

The mode by which the material interest of each Patron is sought

296 THE SOUTHER* .[June

■ -I and guarded. > -irily more or less public,

and for them'.- generally understood, and its efficiency, to a

great degree, demonstrated among ourselves, by results already ob-
tained, but the recent introduction of the Order, the ; f our
people, and other hindrances, in distance from the place of meeting
of subordinate Granges, the want of bu bo our pur-
. andthenece- k put the machinery in mo-
tion, to develop the moral, social, and educational influences of the
Order, have caused delays, which it may be well to take adra
of, in order to enable us when fully organized to develop
fluences in the most attractive and at the same time most useful form.

The moral teachings and the result of :.. things must be each

ore or less, brought out in the daily business transactions be-
tween man and man, and in the active exercise of the nobler chari-
ties of life, to be shown in the exact justice and wise liberality meted
out to all, as it ought to be demanded and insisted on by each Patron
for himself, and be impressed upon the public mirrd in all our acts,
and thus ensuring that we will bury in t! d of contempt, any

futile efforts which may be made to turn our influences in channels
where the only results would be for personal objects and dirty gains.

Of necessity we are forced to bring prominently forward our ma-
terial objects, because upor ~ in that view emphatically rests
the building we propos in which the moral, social, and edu-
cational benefits we seek may have a permanent abiding place : and

is f the first importance to impress upon every Patron in Virginia
that in the development of the bus in : m we are now inaugu-

rating Patron ought to be bound by his own sense of duty to

the Order, by his own interests, and by the aid and protection
his duty to give to -:er members of the Order, to throw his

influence and his bn : om the - to the greatest matter,

into the bands of the capable bu- ther in whose care we have

placed this important trust; I no skill on his part, no devoid
the cause, can ensure success in his delicate and difficult task with-
out this aid heartily and freely given.

For our moral and social advancement we can rest in confident
hope upon the influences necessarily brought into play when both
mind and body are relieved by - - in our material objects, from
the continued tern pf tfant attrition of our highest hopes

and aspirations, by depressing want and absorbing care, the conse-
quent upspringing of the mind and the ardent desire for improvement
becomes intensified in its force, and causes good to grow and bear
rich fruit in every mind, and when minds in this condition in con-
stant intercourse and communion with other minds, enlarged, ex-
panded, invigorated, and powerful, from the accumulation of k
edge, must grow u -t to an appr the higher level of

those thus improved, and the benefits of education not only as it is
commonly defined, but in its enlarged and true sense, must impress
on all Patrons its benign res a though the more humble among

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 297

us may not be able to follow step by step the process by which the
more gifted arrive at conclusions. We may be able, under these in-
fluences of our Order, to master the results, and follow with confi-
dent steps the lights which knowledge throws upon all, even to that
far boundary where science stays her proud step, and bows in awe
and reverence before that inscrutable veil which mortal hand may
never lift. W. M. Ambler.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
"THE CLEVE ESTATE.'

Your committee whom you appointed to examine and report on
the li Cleve Estate," belonging to Maj. H. B. Lewis, most respect-
fully submit the following to the King George Agricultural Club.

This Estate which was purchased from the descendants of King
Carter, lies immediately on the Rappahannock, distant some twenty
miles from the city of Fredericksburg, and makes up in part, the
valley of the fertile Rappahannock, which ranks second to no lands
in Tide-water Virginia.

Cleve comprises 530 acres open land and 180 in wood and timber;
also, a marsh valuable for ducks and trapping.

The brick mansion which is situated but a few score yards from
the river, in front of which is a wharf, can but attract all passers by
river and land, as both substantial and tasteful, having been erected
in the olden time, when both material and structure were more solid
than in these late days of progress.

It contains 20 large and comfortable rooms, spacious hall, afford-
ing ample room for all to enjoy the genuine hospitality ever dis-
pensed by the Major and family.

The out buildings are in good order and keeping with the mansion,
all enclosed in a beautiful lawn, in which are growing shade trees
of various kinds.

The Major, who has an eye to profit as well as the ornamental,
makes good use of this lawn during the summer months. "We found
his blooded sheep, young Alderny and Devon calves enjoying the
fine grass.

There are two apple orchards on this Estate, both having been
set out some 18 years ago; one from the State of New York, and
the other from Virginia. Maj. Lewis informed us that in his opinion
it was more profitable to select winter apples from Virginia, and
early fruit from the North. The winter apple from the North ma-
tured too soon, and therefore became a summer or fall apple in this
climate.

The cattle, horses and oxen, we found in good order, though the
horses indicated that the owner was fond of large crops. He thinks
the Devon stock are best adapted to this section, "though nut equal
to the Aldernj for richness of milk." They are good for the dairy,
beef, and best work oxen.

The fencing on this Estate is good, though not much is required.
We would call attention to a three plank fence on ditch bank, six to

298 THE SOUTHERN [June

eight inches wide, nailed to cedar post or locust, which is simple,
cheap and durable.

The garden was well filled with summer and winter vegetables, and
showed what Mrs. Lewis was doing with her part of the domestic
duties, as it is the case with most wives in this section.

Your committSe in riding over the Estate found the corn field,
which had just been laid by, in most beautiful order, being much
struck with the size, evenness, and free from grass and weeds. We
requested the Major to give us the practical working. He informed
us, he first fallowed the land with three-horse ploughs — planting the
corn early in April as practical with Bickford & Hoofman's drill,
arranging the tubes to plant two rows at a tiaie, and if desired, to
place with the corn a small quantity of fertilizer, which will hasten
up the com, thereby enabling one to commence working sooner than
otherwise. By drilling the corn it is distributed so that it can be
readily thinned out with the hoe, one to one stajjp in the hill, by
which operation it is both t'ninned and weeded, in about four days
after planting, the land is run over with a three-horse b-arrow. When
the corn is well up, the two-horse cultivator is used— the two front
teeth being removed ; with this implement, one man can do the work
of two single cultivators; the corn is then thinned with a hoe ; when
18 inches high the earth is thinned with single ploughs. In his
opinion for laying by the corn, the plough is better than the culti-
vator, destroying the grass and weeds more effectually. He gene-
rally gets it laid by before going into harvest. We must call atten-
tion to- the disposition of the fodder and stalks on this Estate, and
bey leave to say, that if the M;jor i; correct, much time and expense
is saved by his new departure from his brother of the plough.
"After gathering the corn from the stalk and housing with care he
turns upon the field all kinds of stock — having am eye to one or
more shifts, in order to manage them, thus saving hauling food. He
says his stock come out of the winter much better than under the old
plan. We see one great advantage, which is, the regular deposit of
the manure made by them, and tramping in good iveather must im-
prove the land for wheat

We the nexamined the wheat, which had, to the eye of most farm-
ers been badly treated during the past winter, by stock of all kinds ;
yet the growth of straw was good, and every promise of a happy
yield of twenty bushels per acre.

He informed us that when practicable, he greatly prefered to fal-
low his land for wheat than sow on corn land, not only less tax on
the land than by following a corn crop, but the summer ploughing
is more destructive to king sassafras and other pests by which our
patience is sorely tried ; and again, not attended with the heavy ex
pense of cutting off, and shocking the corn.

He thinks with most practical men of this class, that good three-
horse ploughs are economy, prefers to sow the wheat between 21st
September and loth October, in order that the wheat may have suffi-

' J«re:] PLANTER AND FARMER. 299

Jno. D. Rogers, Chairman.

-f™&e, ?^ern banter and Farmer. 1
1UCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB

«W^^V1JW8hl,i,61"yon the Culti™tio« of the

at n ' S° we1lad some talk about it.

Mr. Charming Robinson thought the essentials wpVp mni j
good season, and plenty of manure- r W 7lf g°° (1 Seed'

wasas neir fhp lif t ■ t maimre' that the proper time to plant

H P.V S ,' ™rae UP <« unfinished business, when Dr A
line 61 inches apart, which wi.1 S^SftgttlK

300 THE SOUTHERN [June

holes with a two-inch augur 6J inches apart and 6 inches deep, com-
mencing and ending far enough from the ends (say 2 inches) so that
the holes will not break out. After the holes are bored and pins
driven in, the log should be sawed across the middle into two parts.
The first pin hole On the second line should be in the centre of the
space above, thus* alternating the positions; and some care should be
taken so as to bore the holes near where it is to be cut, so that they
will be two inches from the ends. Take a piece of tough white oak,
saw it into sections of 10 inches long, split these sections into square
pins about two inches in diameter, reduce the size of one end a little,
and drive them square into these holes six inches deep, leaving four
inches out of the log. After driving the pins into the log it should
be sawed into two sections and the ends banded with iron. A hole
should be bored through the centre of the logs from one end to the
other ; in this hole run an iron axle with lynch pins and washers at
the ends. Upon this axle the roller revolves. A two-inch rod for
axle is strong enough with a frame of tough scantling three by four,
giving room for the log with its pegs to revolve. To the two corners
of the frame attach an ox-chain, and to the middle of said chain the
necessary bars for two horses. Any farmer can make this roller of
large or smaller size as preferred.

The Doctor has long and practical experience with this roller, and
says that the "Peg Roller" as an efficient instrument for compact-
ing and pulverizing land is much superior to the smooth roller. It
leaves the land as if a large flock of sheep had been driven over its
surface, and the indentations 4i feet apart are fine receptacles for
seeds of either gras's or wheat : and. furthermore, the uneven surface
is an advantage as it furnishes protection and fresh earth to the
plants during the freezing and' thaws of winter.

Mr. Cowardin was not present to further enforce these views as
expected, and the Club adjourned to meet at your Reporter's home
next month. J. A. Lynham, Reporting Secretary.

Henrico county, Va., May 13, 1875.

POTATO.

From each successive year's experience, the shrewd farmer draws a
practical lesson, which, if properly applied, will materially assist in
making his special calling a success. There is very little to be made in
farming or gardening by the game of chance, or, as it is sometimes called,
"good luck/' but industry well directed, will eventually be rewarded,
while carelessness and mismanagement are just as certain to reap their
reward.

Every branch of industry has, from various causes, to battle against
a " blue" season, and farming or gardening forms no exception to the
rule. At present, farm wages are high, with no indications of any
change for the better. My neighbor asks, " How, under existing cir-
cumstances, are farmers to make ends meet ?" My reply is. substitute
horse for hand-labor, adopt better methods of culture, concentrate the
work, and manure on fewer acres, so as to produce maximum crops, and

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

301

by these means lessen the cost per bushel of producing. The expense of
cultivating is the same, whether the yield is one hundred or three hun-
dred bushels of potatoes to the acre.

The potato crop is an important one in every State and territory in
this country. Two hundred bushels to the acre is not a large return
from well fertilized and properly tilled ground ; still we find that the
average crop of the country is not quite one hundred-, even in favorable
seasons. Taking the price of potatoes at seventy-five cents per bushel
by adopting better methods of culture, the increased value in the United
btates of this crop alone would amount to over seventy-five millions of
dollars a year.

Although the price of potatoes has only advanced a trifle within the
past ten years, and farm wages and other expenses have nearly doubled
yet 1 feel confident that I can make as much per acre now, cultivating
potatoes, as in 1860 ; simply by making use of the methods named, and
planting varieties of potatoes that are more productive than the Mercer
or Prince Albert. There is no system of farming so perfect as not to be
susceptible of improvement; and the intelligent farmer is alwavs ready
to make a change or follow a new method of culture, when it is evident
that by so doing he will increase the product per acre or lessen the ex-
pense of producing.

Our method of cultivating potatoes, which has given entire satisfac-
tion for the last three years, is substantially as follows. The around
which is a heavy clay and naturally very poor, is fall-ploughed* throw-
ing it into lands about twenty feet wide, and left in this state until
spring. W hen the soil is dry enough to be worked' in April it has a
second ploughing, crosswise— never turning the soil less than ten inches
deep lhe manure is then spread broadcast on the surface, the quality
of the soil regulating the quantity. . However, we seldom use less than
twenty two-horse loads of barn-yard manure or compost to each acre.
When fish guano is used, it is mixed with soil for a week or two before
planting-time, and then spread over the surface at the rate of from three-
quarters to a ton to the acre. When barn-yard manure is used, the
ground is harrowed before spreading the manure and with special fer-
tilizers, such as phosphate, bone-dust or guano ; the harrowing is done
after applying the manure, giving the ground only one "scrape" to
level the surface. We change the seed every two years. For seed I
prefer large sized potatoes, cut into two, three, and four pieces, a fort-
night at least before planting, and then dusted with wood-ashes. This I
have done in wet or inclement weather during the month of March
when the men cannot work to advantage out of doors. With everything
m readiness for planting, the seed potatoes are put into barrels, carted
to the held aud placed at convenient distances across the lot, so that the
person " dropping " will lose no time and waste no strength in carrying
the potatoes from one end of the field to the other. This may appear
trifling, but I find, when this plan is carried out, the work goes on more
rapidly, and two persons will drop as much as three, when no system is
practiced. From the effects of the fall ploughing, the alternate freezing
and thawing during winter, and with a ploughing in spring, the ground
will turn up kind and mellow, just in the right tilth for planting The
potatoes are put in at the third ploughing, in the following manner •
Commencing at one side of the field, twenty or thirty feet from the fence'
the ploughman with his horses strikes a straight furrow and returns with
A

302 THE SOUTHERN [June

a back furrow. On the second time around, the droppers follow the
plough, placing the potatoes from fifteen to eighteen inches apart in the
loose ground just turned over, and in a position so that the next furrow-
slice will cover the seed about four inches deep. The furrow-slices will
average from ten to twelve inches in width, and the seed is planted in
every third furrow on either side of the starting point ; this will leave
the rows of potatoes about three feet apart. This is wide enough to ad-
mit a horse-hoe for cultivating during the early stages of growth. By
the system of back-furrowing there is no time wasted, either by the per-
sons dropping or the man with the plough. We employ two German
women, who drop as fast as the two horses will plough the ground and
cover the potatoes. On loose, mellow soil, this force will plant, on an
average, two acres a day, working ten hours. In this way, the soil is
left in better condition to facilitate the growth of the young potatoes than
bv anv of the methods in general use, that I have heretofore practiced
in growiug potatoes for market. The seed is placed in the side of the
furrow-slice, and is not displaced by the horse that walks in the furrow.
Occasionally the plough is thrown out by the point striking a stone, and
one or two of the seed left without covering, but in the next time around
this can be repaired and the seed properly covered.

With a very little practice the ploughman will run each furrow as
straight as a " bee-line." I never have had rows of potatoes come up
more evenly than for the past three years, when planted in this way.

Another "method is, when the ground is ready to open the furrow with
a on3-horse plough, spreading the manure in the furrow ; then the pota-
toes are dropped in place along the bottom of the furrow, and by means
of the plough again are covered about three inches deep. When the
young stocks are just coming through the surface, the field is harrowed,
running the harrow in the line of the rows. We use for this purpose a
blunt-toothed harrow, which levels the surface, destroys the first crop of
young weeds, and as far as I am capable of observing does no injury to
the potatoes. I am aware that mauy4 potato-growers condemn the har-
row for this purpose as doing more harm than good. When I am con-
vinced that this is the fact, I will at once abandon its use and adopt
some other improved implement to do the same kind of work.

When the young plants are well above the surface, I run Howe's
horse-hoe or Perry's Scarifier between ihe rows, going twice in each space,
and as close to the stocks as it is possible, without cutting them. This
operation is repeated once at least every two weeks, until the potatoes
come into blossom, when the cultivation is stopped. Sometimes a few
heavy showers of rain will compact and harden the surface ; in such a
case we use Mapes's one-horse lifting sub-soil plough to run once in the
middle, between the rows, and loosen the soil three or four inches deep.
Our plan is to prepare the soil thoroughly before planting, and then,
durino- the growing season, to keep merely two or three inches of the
surface loose and free. There is little or no hard labor required by fol-
lowing this system of culture. In an ordinary season, the horse-tools
will do all the work necessary to keep the surface loose and free from
weeds. I make it a rule, however, to go through the field once with the
hand-hoes, cutting out any weeds that may be growing in the lines of
the rows where the horse-tools cannot reach. Under good management,
potatoes should be kept free from weeds and grass, until they are in full
blossom. After this date cultivation may be suspended, for any weeds

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 303

that may then come up do little or no injury to the crop. The stalks
shade the ground so that the growth of weeds is sparse ; although it is
often advisable to have some scattering tall weeds pulled by hand before
the potatoes are dug.

In cultivating early varieties of potatoes on strong ground they cau
be harvested in time to get a crop of turnips off the same ground, which
may prove as profitable as the crop of potatoes.

We grow on our farm from one thousand to one thousand five hundred
bushels of potatoes a year for market. During the past ten years we
have sold none for less than seventy-five cents per bushel by the quantity,
and a large proportion of them would average one dollar a bushel.

On ground well manured and tilled, two hundred bushels of market-
able potatoes to the acre is about an average crop in our section ; these
are worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars. Deducting the expense,
there is left from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
With early potatoes, harvested in time to sow a fall crop of Yellow Stone
Turnips, which often yield as much as the potatoes, there will be a net
from both crops of about two hundred dollars an acre. Last summer
we dug from an acre of Early Rose one hundred and ten barrels, and
sold them at three dollars and twenty-five cents per barrel, for table use.

Harvesting. — Although we have tested numerous potato digging
machines, there is none that has given us satisfaction. We still hold to
the old method of removing the stalks, then with a plough throwing a
furrow away from either side of the row, and turning out the potatoes
with the digging-fork. By this method a man can easily get out thirty
bushels a day, at an expense of from five to six cents a bushel.

Storing Potatoes. — Potatoes for table use should be stored in a cool,
dry, dark cellar. They will keep better if a small quantity of soil is
mixed in with them at the time of putting them away. When potatoes
are left exposed to the sunlight they soon turn green, a bitter principle
is evolved, and when cooked they have a nauseating and unpleasant
taste. Every observing farmer knows that it often happens, either from
the washing away of the earth, or from careless hoeing, that a portion of
the potatoes in a " hill " is left exposed to the light. These potatoes soon
change color, and are worthless for table use. This kind of exposure
also hastens decay, no matter where the potatoes are kept. Even when
purchased for family use, in small quantities, say a barrel or a bushel at
a time, they should be kept in a dark corner of the cellar.

Varieties. — There is a long catalogue of varieties of potatoes, many
of which have only a local reputation. The old favorite Mercer is no
longer cultivated to any extent, The Carter, too, has passed away, with
twenty other kinds that once were popular. The seedlings of the late
Professor Goodrich are quietly dropped from the approved lists for gen-
eral culture, and their places filled by other and more promising sorts.
How long these varieties will hold their place in public estimation ex-
perience only can tell.

Among the most popular early varieties may be named the

Early Rose, a seedling introduced by Mr. Breese, of Vermont. With
three years' trial it has attained a national reputation. It is well worthy
of it, for it is the best early variety that we have at present, either for
family use or for market.

The Rose is a large-sized potato, smooth skin, few eyes, flesh white,
and steams or boils mealy.

304 THE SOUTHERN [June

Dykemas is an old standard, cultivated by Loug Island gardeners
extensively for the New York market.

Peerless is more productive and larger than the Early Eose, equal
to it in quality, and is. for a late variety, what the Eose is for the early.

Peach Blow has always been a favorite, and a standard of excel-
lence in quality. It is a large, round potato, takes the whole season to
mature, and is difficult to boil even on account of its shape. It is also
subject to the rot.

Gleasox is a seedliug of the Garnet-Chili. It grows large, roundish
and has a peculiar roughness of skin, by which it can always be distin-
guished. It is a late variety and of good quality.

Kipxey. — Medium size, productive, of tine quality for home use. It
keeps well, retaining its good quality through the winter.

Jackson White is cultivated extensively as a late variety for mar-
ket. It is long, the eyes deeply set, quality good when grown on dry
ground.

Early Mohawk is an early variety, recently introduced, very pro-
ductive, but inferior in quality — about equal to the Harrison for cooking.

Ixsects. — The potato is liable to the attacks oi various insects, both
in the foliage as well as the tubers. For a number of years past the
English wire-worm has seriously injured the potatoes in New Jersey.
The grub feeds upon the youug tubers, disfiguring them so much as to
make them unsalable. The grub of the Elaten, that injures the potato,
is long and slender, having a "hard, smooth skin, of a brownish yellow
color, and. according to Harris, lives in its feeding state five years.

An application of ashes has been recommended as a remedy : but we
have nut found it to be of any service. Eape cake, broken into small
pieces and scattered in different places through the field, attracts the
grubs ; they collect to feed upon it, and large numbers may be destroyed.

The Colorado Potato bug < Doryphora Utieata has been doing mischief
in the West, but as yet it has not reached New Jersey or any of the
Eastern States. These bugs appear in great numbers, dest: _ the

foliage and injuring the crop very seriously. Dusting with powdered
"White Hellebore is said to check them. A. D. Compton recommends a
solution, made of one part salt, ten of soap, and twenty of water, for
syringing the vines and effectually checking the bugs.

A correspondent of the Farmers' Club recommends one part of Paris
green and twenty parts of flour of bone, mixed and sifted on the v.
an excellent remedy. One pound of the green will be enough for an
acre.

The directions given for the field management of potatoes can easily
be adopted in garden culture.

One bushel of seed will yield about twenty bushels of potatoes if
planted on good ground and well tended. P. T. Onxx.

There were in the Union 19.492 subordinate Granges on the 1st
of June. Granges are being organized at the average rate of twen-
ty-five per day. which, up to the present, would swell the number to
20,000. These Granges, on an average, number fifty votes.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 305

ON THE VALUE AND CULTURE . OF THE SOUTHERN
(AGRICULTURAL) PEA.

We are having frequent applications for information on the above
subject, and find it impossible to answer as much in detail as we
would like. We have prepared the following article, made up en-
tirely from the essay of Mr. Edmund Ruffin which received the
prize offered by the Virginia State Agricultural Society in 1854,
which we offer for publication in the Southern Planter and Farmer,
as the best means of reaching those desiring information.

Mr. Ruffin says : This Southern Pea is properly a bean. Its
value as a grain, fodder, and fertilizing crop has not been known
until within the last thirty years, and even now is not fully appre-
ciated in Virginia. The greatest benefit from its use is limited to
the region in which cotton may be grown, but it is very profitably
used a little farther north when the early varieties are cultivated.
For regions entirely away from the cotton limit the English pea is
more suitable.

The general characteristics of the whole Southern pea family are
the following:

The seeds of nearly all the varieties are kidney-shaped ; the
growth trailing, or in vines, sometimes twelve or fifteen feet in
length, running on the ground and matting with each other, or
climbing by twisting around any elevated support. The leaves are
in three together, and very large. The main or tap-root descends
perpendicularly and deeply into the earth. The vines and leaves
are tender and succulent while green; the seeds are in long pods,
usually containing from ten to fifteen seeds.

There are numerous varieties, which are more or less strongly
marked for distinction, in the color, size, and flavour of the seeds,
the different kinds of pods, in the size and growth of the vines and
leaves, and in the early or later maturing of kinds that might other-
wise be undistinguishable.

The variety or varieties to be preferred for culture will depend
on the uses designed for the crop. If cultivated solely or mainly
for table use, the best flavored, and also the earliest kind of good
flavor, will be preferable ; the greater or less production will be of
much less importance than early maturity and delicate flavors.

If the great object of a pea-grower is to obtain provender for
live stock, then the peas most productive in grain or seed, and of
which also the pods will remain longest sound in the field through
bad weather and in winter, will be most valuable.

If the main purpose for which the pea crop is grown is to manure
the land, then the kind most desirable is that having the most luxu-
riant or heavy growth of the entire plant — in root, vine, and leaf,
as well as seed — though, of course, the seeds are by far the most
valuable for manure as well as for food.

The colored peas — black, red, buff, &e., are the best vine-bearers,

306 THE SOUTHERN [June

and best for general growth of the entire plants. These are mostly
late in maturing — with some exceptions, however.

The most productive kinds of peas for North Carolina, and far-
ther south, are not suitable for Virginia, because of our more northern
latitude and shorter summers. Lower Virginia is rather too far
north for the best returns of this crop, or the general maturing of
the later and more productive kinds of peas. It is the opinion of
the best pea farmers that the most valuable manuring portion of the
plant is the ripe seeds ; and that until they generally ripen the pea
crop has not reached its best condition as manure. For these rea-
sons the varieties once most preferred have latterly been substituted
by the early black pea. The earlier maturing of any particular
kind of pea, if desired, may be obtained, in a series of years, by
regularly saving for planting the earliest ripened seeds only.

The early black pea has perfectly black large seeds ; is a good
vire-bearer, but riot equal in that respect to the buff and some orher
late peas. The ripening on broadcast sowings begins, in this lati-
tude, in the latter part of August. Contrary to the general rule as
to colored peas, this kind is deemed the richest and one of the
most palatable of eating peas. Although (upon general reasoning
only) I infer that this pea is less valuable for manuring than some
later kinds, I have for some years deemed the early black as best
for my culture, and still more so for any northern or western
locality.

It has long been understood by practical men that peas and beans
of all kinds make very nutritious food for man or beast ; and the
investigations of chemists have found in these plants, or their seeds.
constituent parts which indicate much more nutritive value than in
wheat, corn, or any other grain, root, fruit, or herb used for food.
A peculiar vegetable product, called by chemists legumin* is found
most abundant in the seeds of peas and beans. This product is a
vegetable albumen, approaching to animal matter in character, and,
like animal matter, is rich in nitrogen, and nitrogen is the source
and principle of what is understood commonly by the term rich:
of either food or manure. What has been said as to tne nutritive
qualities of peas and beans applies to them as food for man, and
with much force to sustain the claim of equal value (and superiority
over corn) as food for beasts. I deem it quite safe to suppose, that
a bushel of peas is, for feeding purposes and farm consumption,
worth full as much as one and a half bushels of Indian corn. But
for feeding stock, there is another important part of the crop — the
vines and leaves — which has not come under consideration. Hay
made from the Southern pea vines is more palatable to farm animals
than perhaps any other forage.

It has long been a generally received opinion among practical
farmers, that certain plants — of which red clover was the most
noted — were less exhaustive, or more productive of fertility, than
any other plants known. All of these plants are of the botanical
order of Leguminosce, of which a plain distinguishing character is

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 307

to bear its seeds in pods like peas or beans. The red clover will
be found to bear its seeds in pods, with a single seed in each, while
the white clover has several, and each pod is in appearance a minia-
ture garden pea.

Wherever the growth of the Southern pea has been permitted to
exercise its manurial power the effects have been as marked, and
have become as well established, as those of clover in more northern
regions. The same greater contents of nitrogen which makes these
crops more nutritious as food makes them also more nutritious, or
fertilizing, as manure.

In the germination of seed and growth of plants, so situated that
they could obtain no supply of nitrogen except from the air, Bous-
singault found that leguminous plants and crops, in addition to
drawing supplies of carbon from the air, and of oxygen and hydro-
gen from water in the air and in the earth, also derive a portion of
their richest nutriment (nitrogen) from the atmosphere. This, then,
shows why leguminous plants must (as they are known to do by ex-
perience) draw more support from the air, and less in proportion
from the earth, than any others; or, in other words, that, as manure,
they must return to the earth more of manuring principles, and
especially of the richest, in proportion to the quantities drawn from
the soil to sustain their growth.

In 1848, afteT some previous years of experiment, I reached the
extent of giving an entire field — that being one-sixth of my arable
land — to peas, sown broadcast, and mainly for manure. Previously
the land had been in five shifts. The change of rotation gave the
same area divided into six shifts, of which one was in wheat after
clover, and one in wheat after pea-fallow, and one in corn — in all,
three-sixths under grain crops. The first objection that has been
made by all to this change is, the expectation of reduced products
from reduced extent of culture. In practice, I found the general
product of the farm in wheat to be increased throughout, and that
of corn not lessened, except in the first year, and since increased,
and increasing, as is the general state of fertility. I have found the
field of wheat after pea fallow, to be more productive than that after
clover fallow; yet the latter, in my practice, has the great benefit of
having had all the putrescent winter-made manure of the farm ap-
plied to the preceding year's clover as top-dressing; and the pea
has the disadvantage of the ploughing not being begun until all the
clover fallow has been completed. The pea growth just referred tc
is the primary and sole crop for the time, 'and has entire possession
of the ground. In this way the crop attains full growth and matu-
rity, and is most beneficial as manure. But much the most extended
and usual mode of pea-manuring is as a secondary crop, grown
under and among corn, and therefore, neither producing fully or
maturing well, and, of course, furnishing far less manure. Yet even
in this less efficient manner of operation nearly all who have tried it
testify to the valuable effect produced by such manuring.

The plant prefers sandy or medium soil and subsoil. Like all

308 THE SOUTHERN [June

other leguminous plants, it does especially well on calcareous or
limed land: but though greatly preferring naturally calcareous, or
limed or marled land, the pea will grow pretty well also on non-
calcareons soil. On lands suitable to gypsum, that manure, in very
small quantities, produces the like wonderful effect on peas, as it
does on clover. The pea does not generally produce better in grain
(or seed) by occupying very rich land. On such, though producing
greater growth of vine and leaf, there will be fewer pods and pets
than on land of but moderate fertility. If climate and season are
highly favorable, peas will produce well in grain nn stiff land. All
land to produce pea? well should be well drained. Early planting
or sowing is also unfavorable to the best growth of vines as well as
of pods and seeds, even when the very young plants escape the
usual fatal effects of cold. If peas are sown early (say 15th to 20th
of May. in Virginia.) and cold weather soon follows, the young
plants are checked in growth, and will be greatly injured, if not
mostly killed, by numerous little speckled beetles, which eat all the
seed-leaves before any of later growth come out. The plant is very
impatient of cold, and also of wet weather when young, and is as
much favored by warm weather through all its growth.

In Virginia there are three usual modes of planting or sowing
peas : —

1. The oldest and most extended culture is to plant the peas after,
and among, corn. When the corn is mostly about eight or ten
inches high, and has been just ploughed and hoed, the peas are
planted, either in the narrow intervals between the stations of corn,
if in drills, or in a ploughed furrow, the last made by the plough in
the middle of the wide intervals between the corn rows. In either
case usually ten to fifteen peas are dropped together, and come up
and grow in a cluster. So many see 1 are put together to enable
the young plants to better force their passage through the earth ;
but some experienced cultivators think five or six plants together
will produce better than a greater number. One more ploughing
only is afterwards given to the corn, which, at very little trouble, is
all the culture required for the peas.

This is the primitive mode of raising peas, practiced where the
savins of the ^rain was the onlv or main object. It is still general
on the lightest and poorest lands in southeastern Virginia, because
po.ir as is the usual product (about two bushels per acre), it is greater
for such land than any other crop which could be made as cheaply.
Rich land would produce much less than poor, in proportion to fer-
tility, as the growth would go mostly to vines, and the corn on such
land would shade the peas too much. It has been thought that the
corn crop would be diminished to the extent of the production of
peas on the same ground. I deem this to be a mistake. One care-
fully made and observed experiment was so clear on this head as to
leave me no doubt on the question. I will say. however, that
whether the peas are injurious to the corn depends on the previous
advancement of the growth of corn. If the corn is made, or nearly

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 309

matured, -while the pea plants are still quite small, then the latter
will have done little or no injury to the former. And if the corn is
cut off and shocked so as to give all the ground and sunshine to the
peas while they are yet young, they will not have been so injured
by the overshadowing corn as to prevent their afterwards yielding a
moderate and important manuring crop.

2. The next most extensive mode of culture is also as a secondary
crop amongst corn, but made by sowing broadcast when giving the
last horse-tillage, and covering the seeds more or less perfectly by
that tillage process. The crop all goes for manure, and is seldom
ripe enough in Virginia even for manure. The sowing is usually
done with us early in July, and about the time that the corn is be-
ginning to tassel.

3d. The third mode, and, as I think, the cheapest and best, to
raise the pea crop for manuring, is to sow the seed broadcast on a
separate field (without corn). This is my general procedure on the
six-field rotation — first year, corn ; second, peas sown broadcast ;
third, wheat on pea fallow ; fourth, clover ; fifth, wheat on clover
fallow: and sixth, volunteer clover, grass, or weeds, partially grazed.

In North Carolina, when land is under a pea crop only, it is
usually planted in rows or drills, and tilled very slightly with ploughs,
and sometimes also with slight hand-hoeing. No doubt this will
make a cleaner and much better crop. The seeds are said to be
more perfect, and the gathering of the pods to be much easier.

It is much the best that the ploughing for the pea crop shall not
begin before May 1st, and still better if not before the 15th. If
much earlier, and not ploughed a second time, weeds will start and
will greatly hurt, and sometimes smother, the peas. The first good,
and warm and settled weather after the middle of May (in the lati-
tude of Richmond) the sowing of peas should be begun on the latest
ploughed land, and the harrows immediately covering the seed on
that and also on the ground previously ploughed. This early sowing
may be hazardous if the weather should become wet and cold, but
some risk must be incurred to forward so large and laborious an
operation. The seeds sown on fresh ploughed land, from 1st to 15th
June, on my farm, will usually make the cleanest and best crop ;
they may be sown and do well as late as July 15th. on wheat stub-
ble, after removing the wheat crop, and the sowing may continue
even later, though to less profit.

In sowing the seed of peas broadcast, it is important that the
ground shall be moist enough for germination; andifon drier ground,
that the seed shall be sown as quickly as possible after the fresh
ploughing, and immediately harrowed in before the upper earth dries.
The ploughing under of green pea vines to prepare for wheat is a
troublesome operation, on account of the frequent choking of the
plough, but not laborious to the team. The vines should be combed
straight in the designed direction of the ploughing, to prevent worse
choking. The best implement for this purpose would be a large
horse-rake, and next, a large triangular drag or harrow, with wooden

£10 THE SOUTHERN [June

teeth. In the absence of both, a common harrow will serve, though
not so well. The first severe frost kills every green pea vine, and
then the ploughing becomes much easier. I have never observed
any certain and obvious difference of appearance in the wheat grown
on the peas ploughed under before and after the vines were killed
by frost.

In peas among corn, and in broadcast growth, in North Carolina,
laborers gather and beat out one and one and a half bushels a day
as tasks. On drilled peas they can as easily gather two or three
bushels, and sometimes go to twice these quantities.

So far we extract from Mr. Ruffin's essay. "We will only add that
for table use the black-eyed pea is generally cultivated, and that in
Virginia and the greater part of North Carolina the early black
pea has, at this time, so far superseded all other varieties for general
agricultural purposes that there is practically no other variety to be
had in any quantity. One and a half bushel per acre is the quan-
tity usually sown broadcast. When it is intended to sow peas
among corn, it is important to plant the rare ripe or some other
early variety of corn, and thereby give both peas and corn a better
chance. Allison & Addison.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
FROM KENTUCKY.

It may interest some of your readers to hear how we as far-
mers are getting on in this portion of Kentucky. Ours is an en-
tirely planting community, crops being diversified, raising corn,
wheat and tobacco. Corn grows well, usually producing from 30 to
50 bushels per acre, which is generally fed to hogs for market. Our
best lands, when wheat ripens well, will bring from 15 to 30 bushels
per acre. Logan county is embraced in the district of country where
the celebrated Tobacco known as Clarksville Tobaccoes are grown.
We usually raise from 800 to 1200 pounds per acre without any fer-
tilizer, except what little is made in our stables. We rely mainly
upon clover to keep our lands up. The severe cold weather in April
destroyed all our fruit, and very seriously damaged all wheat that
was jointing, and putting back late wheat so much that it is feared
it will be cut off by the rust, which usually attacks wheat when ripen-
ing after the twentieth of June. This year we won't commence cut-
ting before the twenty-fifth. Tobacco plants are plentiful, though
nearly three weeks later than usual. There will be very little set before
the first of June if the weather is favorable from this time on. Hogs
are scarcer than usual. As we had a poor crop of corn last year, it
is now worth four dollars per bushel. I am greatly in favor of diver-
sifying our labor, so we shall always have something to sell, and I
think I will write you how I keep in pocket change by keeping a
dairy of eight cows, and not letting it interfere with my usual crops.

Logan county, Ky. D. Y. Winston.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 311

TURNIP.

The turnip crop is an important one to the farmer, as well as to
the market-gardener. But, as yet, its culture is nothing like as ex-
tensive as the value of this root for feeding stock and for culinary
purposes would warrant.

In the milk and beef-producing districts of the Middle States
turnips can be grown with profit fcr winter and spring feeding of
stock. Sheep will thrive well when fed in part with turnips through
the cold weather.

We are inclined to believe that the time is not far distant when
the good husbandman will be forced to accept this proposition, and
devote more acres to the production of this root for stock-feeding.

Within the last dozen years the culture of turnips has very con-
siderably increased in this country; it will no doubt go on steadily
from year to year, but more rapidly when farmers will make use of
some of the improved horse-tools. These, when properly applied,
will reduce the expense of cultivation at least one-half.

The main crop of turnips is grown in the fall, and very commonly
as a second crop. Those who grow early potatoes for market, har-
vest them in. time to sow turnip seed, and by this method produce
two crops from the same ground in one year. In locations where
this plan can be carried out, the crop of turnips will often give as
much profit as the crop of potatoes. We have frequently grown a
crop of Strap-leaf red-top turnips on the same ground with corn,
by sowing the seed broadcast in July, just before the corn was culti-
vated the last time. We have often had, in this way, three or four
hundred bushels of good-sized turnips in November, from sowing
only one pound of seed to the acre.

Soil. — The turnip will grow freely on any kind of soil — from a
light sandy loam to a heavy clay, provided the ground is mellow
and fertile when the seed is sown. This is the important point in
growing turnips. As a matter of course, those kinds that have to
be cultivated in rows can be grown with much less expense on a free
soil without stones, than on a heavy clay soil with stones. Nor does
the soil need to be very rich to produce a full crop. When sown on
rich soil the growth of tops will be too large, without a correspond-
ing growth of the roots.

On ground well manured in the spring for early potatoes, and
after these have been dug, in July, ploughed and harrowed, a crop
of, turnips can be grown without any additional manure. But we
usually, before harrowing, spread broadcast two or three hundred
pounds of superphosphate to the acre. In garden culture, on
ground where pototoes, peas, beans, &c, &c, have been taken off,
some wood-ashes, bone-flour, or superphosphate, may be applied in
the same way with advantage, before sowing the turnip-seed.

Culture. — The ground should be well worked before sowing the
seed. When a summer crop of potatoes has been grown, one
ploughing, in most instances, will suffice ; but otherwise two plough-

312 THE SOUTHERN [June

iiigs will be found to give the most satisfactory" returns. The time
of sowing for the main crop will depend on the location and the
kind to be grown. At our farm in New Jersey we sow the Ruta
Baga from the 20th of June until the loth of July, as the case
may be.

"V\ ith the Yellow Stone, Aberdeen, Long White Cow-horn, and
Strap-leaf Red-top, we sow them in the order named; in relation to
time, from the middle of July to the 1st of September. The last-
named sort, which is very extensively grown, will, on well-prepared
soil, attain full size in much the shortest time. In 186*; we sowed a
field of this kind between the 10th and loth of September, and in
ninety days we gathered a fine crop of turnips.

In growing turnips for market or for feeding purposes, the Ruta
Baga is most highly valued. This variety is always grown in rows :
in field culture they should be two feet apart, so as to admit of
horse-tools in cultivation. We ridge the ground before sowing the
seed, in the same way and for the same reasons as recommended for
Carrots. The seed is sown with a machine, using one and a half
pounds to an acre. If the seed is fresh and the weather favorable,
in twelve days from the date of sowing the plants will be up ; then
a "root-cleaner" should be run between the rows at once, running
twice in each space : this should be repeated in ten or twelve days.
The cost of cultivation is trifling, if the ground between the rows
urbed often enough to prevent the weeds from starting. "A
stitch in time saves nine ": for if neglected at this stage of growth
the expenses will amount to five times as much, and at the same
time the crop will be lessened.

When the plants are two or three inches high thev mav be thinned
out to four inches apart in the row. The thinning can be done more
quickly by one person going in advance of the others, with a hoe
four inches wide, and chopping out the young turnips, leaving three
or four in a bunch every four inches apart. These are removed by
hand, allowing only one to remain in a place. When timely care is
taken with Ruta Bagas. this is the only hand-labor called for during
their growth. It is frequently recommended to sow the Ruta Baga
in seed-beds, and then, at the proper time in favorable weather,
transplant into rows at the distances named. We have tried this
method time and again, and always with the same result; that is,
an increased expense in growing this crop, under our management.

The Yellow Stone and Aberdeen we sow two and three weeks
later, treating them in the same way as Ruta Bazas. On verv mel-
low ground we sometimes sow the seed on the level, marking the
rows three inches wider, so as to give more room for the horse-tools.

The Cow-Horn and Strap-leaf will yield more to the acre when
sown in rows ; but. as a rule, farmers sow these two kinds broadcast,
because there is no "bother" in cultivation. Last year a friend of
the writer raised eight hundred bushels of the Cow-Horn on an acre.
The seed was sown broadcast during the first week in August, using
only three-quarters of a pound of seed. When sown broadcast and

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 313

scattered evenly, three-quarters of a pound of fresh seed will be
found a full complement for an acre.

In garden culture, turnip seed should always be sown in rows
twelve or fifteen inches apart, and the plants thinned to three or
four inches apart in the row. For table use, a medium-sized turnip
is preferable.

Two ounces of seed, comprising two or three sorts, will ^ive
enough for family use during the fall, winter, and spring.

Harvesting. — In the latitude of New York turnips are pulled
in November, by hand, throwing three or four rows together, the
roots all one way. The tops are then cut off and the turnips placed
in a root-cellar, or pitted, in the same way as carrots and beets. If
grown for stock-feeding, the white kinds should be used first. The
yellow sorts and Ruta Bagas can be kept, if necessary, until spring.

Profits. — These will depend on the locality and the purposes
for which turnips are grown. Where we. are located. Ruta Bagas
and Yellow Stones are worth, by the quantity, from forty to sixty
cents a bushel, and sell readily at these prices. All through the
past winter Yellow Stones sold for one dollar and seventy-five cents
per barrel, and Ruta Bagas for two dollars. At these rates turnips
pay handsomely, when grown as a second crop, with a yield of from
four to six hundred bushels to the acre.

Varieties. — Of these there can be found a long list on seeds-
men's catalogues, but, like most other kinds of vegetables, only a
few kinds are grown by those who have experience. Among the
best is the —

American Improved Ruta Baga. — This variety is cultivated
both for market and stock, and is the best on the list. The flesh
is solid, tender, and of delicate flavor when cooked.

Laings Improved is a more vigorous grower than the foregoing,
and, if on strong ground, the roots will average a third larger in
size. They are purple above ground, and yellow below. The flesh
is solid and yellow.

Yeilow Stone is one of the most profitable and popular varieties
that we grow for market or for table use. The root is nearly round,
medium-sized, color light yellow. The flesh is yellow and sweet.

Yellow Aberdeen grows to a large size. It is generally grown
for feeding cattle; for this object it is a valuable variety.

Cow-Horn. — This kind grows rapidly, forming a long root, not
unlike the white carrot. The Cow-Horn is cultivated exclusively
for feeding stock, and when sown in good ground the yield is very
large — from eight hundred to one thousand bushels are frequently
produced from an acre.

Strap-leaf Red Top is well and favorably known in almost every
part of the country. It is purple above and white below. The
flesh is white, and very tender when cooked (p. 252).

Flat Dutch, or Spring. — The Flat Dutch is sown in the spring,
as an early variety for table use. It is grown on a large scale by

314 THE SOUTHERN [June

gardeners, in the vicinity of a market. It is a white turnip, and
when of medium size the quality is good.

Turnips are subject to the ravages of the same kinds of insects
that injure cabbages. We have known instances where the whole
crop was badly injured by club-root. The black flea (Haltica strio-
lata) destroys the young plants when they appear above the surface.

The same remedies recommended for cabbages will answer for
turnips. — Quinn.

LEAPING WITHOUT LOOKING.

Some of the agricultural and "secular" papers make their col-
umns lively with advice to all good husbandmen to engage in various
enterprises " with millions in them," and thousands of farmers, one
after another, a perennial crop, are acting on the suggestions. The
strawberry speculation is, perhaps, widest spread, and stacks of plants
are set each year without ever bearing fruit enough to pay for what
they cost. Fancy poultry is tempting, and high-priced eggs are
bought, and may be a few chickens are hatched, but in the end it is
discovered that no hen will lay two eggs a day. .Then bees are re-
commended, especially for women, and a good deal of studying is
done, but the honey is not abundant, and year after year the com-
plaint is made that " this is the worst season for bees we ever had."
Some undertake to raise mushrooms, without knowing a mushroom
when they see it; others, reading that ducks are sent to the London
market by the ton, get eggs and go to hatching, Avhile others still
plant grape vines by the acre, or dwarf pears by the thousand, and in
most cases the conclusion reached is that corn is a good crop, that
potatoes always sell, and that nothing is much better than a few
three-year-old steers to turn off in the spring, unless it be the value
of the same in wool.

The continued disappointments are due almost wholly to a want of
knowledge in regard to details, and to acquire this is to acquire what
may be called a trade. Nothing would seem more simple than to
raise strawberries, and yet the majority fail generally for want of
well prepared ground and the necessary cultivation, and it is proba-
bly true that it will take a man five or six years before he can find
out what is the matter. And so it is in regard to all other pursuits
and enterprises. It would be " splendid," as the girls say, if one
could be born with hereditary experience, so as to take up the thread
where the old folks left off, and many an aged and broken man knows
that if he could have had this inheritance, with all the checks and
safeguards that it brings, he would now be rich and happy, instead
of poor and acquainted with grief. The next best thing, in the ab-
sence of such hereditary gift, is to feel our way and look before
leaping. — New York Tribune.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 315

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
AGRICULTURAL PAPER versus DOGS.
I would like through ''the columns of your excellent journal, the
Farmer and Planter, to suggest to the tillers of the soil a plan
whereby each one may be enabled to become a subscriber to your
journal, and at the same time be pecuniarily benefited. In these
times of financial pressure we see and realize the fact that it is
proper and necessary for us to economize, but unfortunately we do
not always begin at the right place; we too often pursue the ''penny
wise and pound foolish " policy. But to my suggestion : Let every
farmer estimate the annual cost of the worthless dogs he is keeping
include all the scraps, slops, and waste generally about the kitchen
consumed by the dogs ; then let him take to the yard a pier 0f some
good stock— say Chester or Berkshire, or better still, a cross of the
two; let piggie have for twelve months everything before consumed
by the dogs, and if he feeds him anything besides, charge to account
ot the pig and when he is slaughtered deduct the amount of the
extra feed from the value of the pork, and if he has not enough left
to pay two years' subscription to the "Planter and Farmer," then he
may say I am a bad calculator.

^7 28^,1875. G.H. Winfrey.

m in. 15.— it will be seen that I have. said nothing of the e^s (which
is our currency) and of the sheep destroyed by the do°s? which I
know, by sad experience, are no unimportant items. I neglected
also to say when your estimate is made and your pig brought to
the yard, Ml the dogs. G. H W

Culture of Peanuts —A correspondent of the Country Gen-
tleman writes upon this subject as follows :

We first get our land into the best possible condition by plowing
and harrowing, finishing with the smoothing harrow. Then we la?
off rows with a marker, drawn by two horses ; the driver standing on
the marker and drives the stakes, so as to lay a straight row. The
marker makes two rows, three feet apart, and attached to each run-
ner is a small wheel, which makes a sign or mark at sixteen to eigh-
teen inches apart. Hands follow immediately, dropping two kernels
at every mark Then follows a hand, covering with a hoe, one to
one and a half inches deep, and pressing the back of the hoe down
solid on the hdl after covering. The plant will be up in six to twelve
days. As soon as the row can be seen, we throw the dirt away
with a turning plow. When the plant is well up we work the ground
around the plant with hoes, and cultivate between the rows with cul-
tivators. The ground should be kept mellow and free from weeds by
constant use of cultivator and hoe. Four hoeings are not too many.
Ihe plant should not be disturbed after the 1st of August In this
section we plant from May 10th to June 1st. It is better to have all
planted by May 22d. If crows or moles are troublesome, use tar
on the seed, as you would for corn. Seed dug after a heavy frost is

816 THE SOUTHERN [June

not reliable. It will take about three bushels of seed to plant an
acre. Great care should be used in selecting seed, and none planted
but smooth and plump kernels. Stiff soil will not produce a first-
class nut. The soil should be sandy loam, and well limed. Choco-
late-colored soil produces the most desirable colored nuts. If dug
before frost the vines make excellent fodder for cattle and horses, but
the nuts are better filled and heavier if dug a few days after frost.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.— WHAT THEY XEED

At the present time, when our Agricultural Societies or some of
them at least, seem to be going to decay, the following ideas of Prof.
Rodney Welch upon this question, as published in the Chicago Times,
may not be without their lesson. We commend them as worthy of
the consideration of the officers of Agricultural Societies generally: —

" What we want is an agricultural society which shall do some-
thing to develop and improve Agriculture, which shall render it at-
tractive and exert an influence to cause men of wealth and education
to, at least, take an interest in farming, orcharding, stock raising.
To do this, something else is wanted besides an annual fair. To do
this, it is necessary to make experiments in the productions of all
the crops now growing in the vicinity, and to record them ; to test
the value of fertilizers of every description, and the various ways of
applying them to produce the most good; and to examine in a scien-
tific and practical manner the capacity of every soil.

But more than these things need to be done. We want to intro-
duce new crops that are grown in other countries of about the same
latitude, and to acclimate others that grow in countries warmer or
colder than our own. We want to learn more about the construction
of drains, the storage and distribution of water, toe preservation of
meats, fruits and vegetables, the economy of feeding animals for the
production of beef and milk, and the relative value of the different
breeds of animals. To accomplish all these things requires the united
efforts of men of ability and means — requires the formation of a so-
ciety of men working for a purpose.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Great Britain employs a chem-
ist with a number of assistants, maintains a botanical department
where the acclimation of vegetables is carried on and the diseases of
domesticated plants are examined ; publishes reports on the progress
of Agriculture in Great Britain and other parts of the world, and
conducts experiments in everything that promises to reward the labor
of investigation. It does not neglect the matter of holding fairs, but
it does not make them the leading object of the organization.

Every farmer ought to raise his pork. He can do this by raising
clover and peas to save corn. Keep but few hogs, and let them be
of the best stock. Keep them within your enclosure, and push their
growth from the start, and at twelve to fourteen months old they will
weigh two hundred pounds.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 317

SUBSOIL PLOWING.

From the days of Jethro Tull until within the last twenty-five or
thirty years, farmers were generally content to stir the immediate
surface of the soil, and did not seem aware that a greater depth of
disturbance ^yould produce larger and better results. Indeed, it was
generally believed that the whole matter which went to fertilize
plants, belonged to the immediate surface, or that portion known as
ham — a name given, until very recently, to the disturbed portion
only — which, by the combined influences of sun, air and deeav of
vegetation, changes its color. The fact that the components of the
soil beneath those points were all to be found as part of the integrants
of plants was scarcely known, and still less so that they could net be
absorbed by them, and thus go to make up their structure, until
acted on by a series of influences caused by atmospheric contact and
the presence of humidity, not the result of stagnant water. Liebig
first exposed the true value of the organic substances of the soil, or
those parts which were not the immediate result of plant decay; and
farmers slowly yielded their long cherished belief that the black por-
tions of the soil alone could make plants. These new doctrines gave
rise to the use of a subsoil plow, which, without elevating die subsoil
to the surface, disturbed it, and permitted a free circulation of at-
mosphere between its particles. The deep cuts made by the plow
also acted partially as under-drains, and permitted, under some spe-
cial conditions of surface — such as the slope of hills, etc. — redundant
water to pass away. Air necessarily entered, and chemical changes
occurred ; the surface of the particles of the subsoil were soon con-
ditioned so as to sustain roots, and they passed into it greater depths
than had been before known. These, in turn, absorbed from the '
subsoil larger quantities of inorganic matter, rendered soluble by
chemical changes consequent upon moisture and air. The constitu-
ents were taken into the plants above, and portions not marketable
as crops, decayed in the upper sod, adding to the greasy, unctuous,
organic matter new portions of inorganic food for future crops.
Plants had longer roots as well as greater number of fibres, .and
larger crops was the consequence. The decay of these roots in the
soil left tubes to great depths; the atmosphere could come in laden
with gases, resulting from vegetable decomposition, required by
plants; rains and dews, which wash the nitrogenous exhalations -of
all organic nature from the atmosphere, descended into the subsoil,
which gradually changed color so as to make deep, loamy soils in lo-
calities where before only sparse, shallow-rooted crops could be
grown. All this was heard of by the American farmer long before
he was awakened to action ; and even now. when every truly practi-
cal farmer owns a subsoil plow, he can tell you of some neighbor who
cautioned him against its use, and insisted that the deep disturbance
of his soil would let all the manures filter downward, forgetting that,
if that were true, every well would be the receptacle of the results of
decay, every spring would be a cesspool, and every rivulet but an
3

318 THE SOUTHERN [June

organic charnel house. Nature, in the wisdom of her laws, has ren-
dered the carbon and alumina of the soil, after proper exposure to
atmospheric influences, capable of receiving and retaining all the re-
sults of decay ; and the value of a farm must, to a great extent, de-
pend on the depth to which its surface by disturbance is rendered
capable of performing this peculiar function.

Thoroughly subsoiled-plowed lands soon become capable of deeper
surface plowing, without injuring the crops; and, if under-drained,
which is but the perfection of the very principles presented in theory
of subsoil plowing, then all the mechanical conditions necessary for
maximum results are secured ; and when these exist, the chemical
on litions follow as a natural consequence.

Among the advantages arising from subsoil plowing, may be enu-
merated the following: The value of land for agricultural purposes
is, in many instances, double, especially when substances are not
disturbed too deeply, which might, for the time being, be unfriendly
to vegetation ; the relative amount of manure required, as compared
with the amount of produce, is lessened; the farm is essentially pro-
tected from the effects of drought; all future labor of the farm is
materially lessened, and thus the expenses of teams, wear and tear
of agricultural implements, are all decreased, while the quality of
crops, and their quantity, are so augmented that, per bushel or per
pound, they take a preference in every market.

We clip the above from the Pen and Plow, and commend its
careful perusal to our readers. In connection with subsoiling, we
would mention other advantages. To a great extent it prevents sur-
face washing by absorption, holding and feeding out to the growing
plants during the after and drier portions of the year the spring
rains, instead of allowing them to run on the surface, as is the case
in shallow plowing carrying off with it the surface soil. — Southern
Farmer.

TREES ON THE ROADSIDE.

Continuous rows of stately trees along the roadside add much to the
appearance of a farm or country residence. Bui it is urged that
shaded roads remain wet and muddy much longer after heavy rains
than those fully exposed to the sun. This is doubtless true, but as
an offset we may claim that they are less liable to become dusty, and
between the two evils there is not much choice. Deciduous trees
only should be planted along roadsides in cold climates, because they
afford shade during the season when most needed, if at all. Road-
side trees may also interfere with the growth of crops in the fields
adjoining by shading, as well as by absorption of moisture by the
roots, but as we can scarcely secure anything without some loss,
perhaps the pleasure derived from passing over a shady road during
the hot weather in summer, as well as the beautiful appearance of
stnh highways, more than compensate for the slight losses which
they entail.

1=£fi_____ PLANTER AND FARMER.

WHAT I WOULD DO, WERET7:r0UNG^lRMER

rfwTL1 W°ul,d «et marrie? J am sure I would if I had fifty acres
ot Jand, a cow and horse, was healthv and will.™ *« 1 v y .

vided a nice, well raised girl could be founVbravf enou.°l',\n Pr0_
• poor man, and net be sorry for it afterwards S *"7

T J i? "I te". '° thirtJ aCres of Iand coulJ be spared from cultivation
I would plant ,t ,n pecan nut trees, which would, in twenty yea™ I ™'
a source of income to mc. When past middle age, I wodd cultWnte
bees to obtain honey for home consumption at lrast and ,f ».
turage was good, for market also ; should certain v' %L, !f T
an ampl le supply of miIk and bU«er; ZrT* fe *£££
milk and butter; not much digestion, and but liftle per eft heallh
cattle feCP SrheeP a'S°' S^ four °r fire »»«>P to each ead of

extending fro™ North fiarolina to AuLt.ol^^LtX'

dollars for sheep and cattle, and would keep as many as I co ,1 „ 7
er or t at could winter themselves, if the'number To ,1 1 rea h To"

herd Oatil": A"!'"'" t1"?/ be Proportioned tothes^Zl-

*£ dog fniftt:P*«aM herd.^'"0r, to protect the ? tte
um uogs, ami it the pasture was within two miles thev shmiM h*

driven up, and penned in portable pens every n,Vht for 7h Z U

the W £? ?■" °kl ratt\ns wa«on t0 haul '"'». and hen E

minder, and sft in my house MVWfc SL* !*?
from a cool piazza, through an object glass.7 Where neve lei th„
one five hundred pound bale of lint cotton per acreT/rnwn 2
three is quite practicable, I should want bu/few laborrsfand but .

320 THE SOUTHERN June

little while at a time. Splitting rails, ploughing, hoeing, planting,
cutting oats, grinding sugar- cane — can all be done by job, or day
labor. For whenever the plan of making large yields from small
areas, when the old plantation system, with a dozen mules, and its
- two or three dozen careless, lazy, thievish, and destructive "hands."
shall become everlastingly obsolete, all enterprising men, who take
hold of high farming and stock growing at the right end, will find
themselves emancipated from Sambo's destructive clutches, and per-
fectly able, without the aid of exhaustive and crushing liens, to begin
safely, and carry out successfully the only system of agriculture that
can redeem the South and save its people from destitution.

Men of small capital should begin on a small scale, always within
their means. Let it be one cow and calf, an u four sheep, if no more.
Instead of hiring a man to drive up this miniature herd, better hire
the herd to come without driving, by paying it every evening a few
peas, oat sheaves, or fresh cut grass. Stock are more faithfully re-
sponsive to regular paid wages than eight-tenths of our hirelings.
Pen them in a movable pen forty by forty feet, and move the pen
every ten days ; this will enrich land faster, for the outlay, than any
other method known to me. True, it covers less than an acre in one
year of eight months, but if this area be increased each year from
fifty to one hundred per cent., it will in ten years develop a snug
farm, and its owner will find that he has been slowly but surely
growing comfortable and independent. — Dr. J. W. Ogilvie. in Mu-
ral Carolinian.

SOWED CORN FOR FORAGE.

The experience of the past year has given rise to the question of
the merits of corn sown in drills, for feeding purposes during the
drouths which frequently occur, and which lessen the hay crop to
such an extent as to render a substitute for it necessary. The
practice of sowing corn as a reserve crop for feeding purposes when
needed, is too much neglected by the majority of farmers. Fow crops
yield a greater return for the labor of producing it, and in no other
way can so much wholesome and nutritious feed for stock be pro-
duced as by sowing corn. We have already alluded to Hungarian
grass as a reserve crop, but for dairymen, a crop of sowed corn is
just the thing for mid-summer and winter use.

The corn crop may be sown from the first of June to the middle
of July. The yield varies from five to ten ton3 per acre. The
quantity of seed required is three and one half bushels of the large
Dent corn to the acre. This crop, like the Hungarian, requires that
the land should be well enriched. It is a good plan ordinarily to
plow the land twice — once very early, then again early in June.
Harrow well and mark out in furrows with a shovel plow, from two
and a half to three feet apart. Cover with the harrow, running first
lengthwise then crosswise. But little after culture is needed. It
will be well up in eight or ten days after planting, when the shovel

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 321

plow can be run between the rows, and if done again about two
weeks thereafter, the corn will completely cover the ground, and no
after cultivation will be necessary.

As soon as the ears (nubbins)begin to get hard, cut and bind
the crop in small bundles, shock them up together and tie the tops
well. This crop may be cut with a common scythe. A cradle ,
having a short scythe like the one for brush, with two strong fingers
of corresponding length, makes a good implement to cut it with. If
well put up it can remain in the field until wanted. In this climate
it is better to have plenty of shed room in which to stow it, so that
whatever the weather may be, there will always be a liberal supply
on hand for immediate use. All kinds of stock eat this crop with
avidity, and eat it up clean, and thrive upon it better than upon any
other kind of dry feed, and it is much cheaper. Farmers would do
well to sow at least two acres annually. If sown to feed to cows
during a drouth in mid-summer, of course a much larger area should
be sown convenient or adjacent to the pasture or feeding lot. It is
one of the crops that will pay.

POULTRY RAISING.

As I have made poultry raising a specialty for a few years past,
I will give you some of my experience in the business. I have
raised from one to three hundred chicks a year, and wintered from
fifty to one hundred in different years. My success has been such
that I shall tax my time and yards to their full capacity. Brahmas,
especially the light variety, have been my favorites, although I have
had good success with the Cochins, Plymouth Rouks, and other varie-
ties. For summer layers, the non-setters are superior ; but in win-
ter, when eggs bring the highest prices, my Brahmas have invariably
outlaid them.

In regard to profits, I find with eggs and fowls sold at market
prices, an income of $2.50 to each hen wintered. And here, let me
say, in ray locality (central New Hampshire) dressed poultry ranges
from fifteen to thirty cents per pound, according to season and
quality of the poultry, and eggs from twenty to forty cents per
dozen — eggs being highest from November to February, and poultry
from March to September. The price of corn averages one dollar
per bushel, and the prices of other grain is in proportion. By actual
experiment, I find I can raise a Brahma chick to the age of six
months for forty cents. It will then bring, if an early spring chick,
one dollar or more. A friend made the same experiment, and came
three cents below me. I have made no account of the manure, ex-
cept as an offset to the interest on money invested. In rearing a
large flock, it will not do to crowd them at night; and if more than
one hundred chicks are reared, they will do better if separated by a
partition or fence — or what is better, if you have plenty of land,
have your coops far enough apart so that they will not get together.
Keep the chicks away from the old fowls; select the weak ones and

322 THE SOUTHERN [June

give them a better chance, and as soon as they are fit for market
kill them off, as you need to breed from your most robust stock.

Keep your breeding stock yarded, and from eight to ten hens
only with each cock, to insure the fertility of the eggs. In winter,
keep in small flocks — say twenty-five in each coop or apartment; if
a fowl should show signs of disease, take it out, and if a little extra
care and treatment does not bring it round, it had better be con-
signed to the compost heap. Have the coops dry and warm, and
keep free of vermin by sprinkling a decotion of tobacco on the
nests and roosts. Provide a dust bath for the fowls; give a variety
of food, with plenty of raw, broken bone, oyster shells, and fine
rouen of clover hay. One hundred hens will eat five hundred
pounds of fine clover hay m one winter, saving more than its value
in other food, and give you more eggs than if deprived of it. Have
a supply of pure water and clean gravel to which they can have
free access.

These directions followed, there is no trouble in raising a large
flock of chicks. Ten men, occupying as many contiguous acres,
would not hesitate to keep fifty adult fowls and rear one hundred
chicks each. One man can just as well keep five hundred adult
fowls and rear one thousand chicks on the same amount of land, if
he gives the same care and attention to each individual flock that
each individual would give to his own flock. — Calvin P. Couch, in
the Mural Southerner and Plantation.

MORE ABOUT ORCHARD GRASS.

In reply to a question for n ore complete information about orchard
grass, I will state that orchard grass is more sure to stand the drought
than timothy or clover, nowithstanding we fail sometimes to get a
"set " by reason of a very severe drought. But we apprehend no
danger after the first year, for the roots become deeper set in the
ground. It will do as well sown on wheat or rye as on oats, if well
harrowed in ; but in all cases sow in the spring — about March — and
if you sow about two bushels to the acre you are pretty sure of a
stand. It makes a very strong sod, rendering it hard to either freeze
or dry out, even after the grain has been cut off; therefore, if your
grass gets through the first hot season unhurt, you can go on your
way rejoicing in hope of a good crop.

Some of your Western readerstell me that the hot, dry winds kill
their clover and timothy after they have mowed the hay off, and they
fear it would be the same with orchard grass. Now I can't say how
that will be out there (I have not tried it); as the winds are more
severe in the West than in Kentucky, it may be that it will damage
it to some extent; therefore, I would advise the Western farmers to
first bow" a few bushels — say four or five — and see how it performs;
then they can judge for themselves whether or not it will pay to sow
larger crops. It pays us more than a third more than any other
grass we can sow.

Springfield, Ky. Thos. G. Hawkins.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 323

HOW OFTEN MAY WE EAT?

It has been demonstrated that, at certain intervals, when food is
received into the stomach, gastric juice is secreted to digest it, and
that no more gastric juice is secreted than is required for the diges-
tion of the proper quantity of food.

If a person eats twice or thrice a day, at regular periods, the gas-
tric juice is secreted by the stomach to digest the food it has received.
If, while the food is being digested more food is introduced in the
stomach, digestion, in relation to the food already in the stomach, is
arrested. For instance : a person takes, in the morning, a piece of
bread and several potatoes ; now, it will take about three hours for
the stomach to dispose of that food. Suppose the person, about an
hour after eating this food, take3 a piece of bread and an apple or
two; what would happen? The digestion that was going on in the
stomach would immediately stop, and not be resumed until the food
that was received last was brought into the condition of the first.
Suppose he took food every hour, what would be the consequence?
The stomach would become prematurely worn out, and could do nothing
perfectly — working all the time without rest. But if the person pos-
sessed a good constitution and a large amount of vital power, he would
not feel, at first, this drain upon his system, but sooner or later he
would have to pay the penalty of outraged nature. Some persons
have an enormous amount of vitality — good constitutions. It is said
of these persons nothing hurts them; they can eat and drink any-
thing with impunity. This is a fatal mistake. — Science of Health.

AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF PROFIT.
We often see minute estimates of the profit in eggs, chickens,
and even feathers, from poultry ; but very seldom is the important
item of manure mentioned. If hens are fed upon a rich and varied
diet, the manure is really one of the principal items. Let us take
the ordinary estimate that a hen will produce one bushel of manure
in a year. This would contain, at least, one and one-half pounds of
ammonia, which would be worth as a fertilizer twenty-five cents,
and the phosphates and other elements are worth as much more.
The result is cheap manure at fifty cents, and, as compared with the
price of commercial fertilizers, is worth $1.00. The hen will pay
at least one-half of her keeping in manure. This manure being
composed largely of volatile matter, it should be mixed with road
dust, dry muck, land piaster, or other good absorbent, to prevent
the loss of ammonia, and enable it to be sown more evenly. — Live
Stock Journal.

Granges in Wisconsin have on hand $250,000 toward a State
Agricultural Improvement Society. They have already established
forty-one co-operative associations for selling goods and manufactur-
ing, and twenty-nine insurance companies, all in a flourishiug condi-
tion and representing capital to the amount of $1,000,000.

324 THE SOUTHERN [June

THE LOVE AXD CULTURE OE FLOWE]

Noth ag is ;;. pleasant and en: . ... _* a.? success, and no success
qui:- - g as sarcess in the culture of flowers. It i= a pie -

ure witu n~> compens . — :<ne which pu

oq the beaut fat pla is cdui-

inin_ . imiration and love. Tnev are : ing of our

fire .care — anew. :>us and glorious creation.

The" : — truly; but very like the stare and the rainbow. A

she :he brown earthy beds were bare and lifeless: now

thev are peopled with the fairest and frailest of earth's child:
We hare Jx I all this grace: moulded the earth, th 3 - . and the

rain intc :" 8 of matchless beauty, and crystallized the dew-drops
int. 33. Pheri - g ter pleasure than this in all

the that sweetest and noblest of pleasures, the fruit of

goo

T- nay be hard-hearted, selfish people who lov rs, we

gup: . e were bad angels in heaven, and very unreliable

people in the first and best of all gardens: but it ha- . een our

ill fortune to meet with one such — and if by aceidc aid dis-

f this kind, we would be more frig han

we were a long time ago at what we though: - Ring on a

ceme

T Fere, however, because of their -

and companionship, as the wonderful work of a I ther'e - hand,

is wl . when we speak of the lov« . .Iti-

1 a desire to excel their neighbors, or as an e
of : md culture, who know nothing of the absorbing

love that erases a man almost involuntary to raise the hat and bow
the he^d in the presence of so much heaven-' se ove

of flowers - : ~ned to no age or station : w - I and

peasant, it is shown by the aged father, tottering near the grave,
who seems almost to adore the fragrant flower in his button-hole, and
by the little ones. who. withcb - glee, search the meadows for the
dan I is early spring. The love of flowers, we : is the

mosl tnd absorbing with the young. The innocent and pure

can love the pure flowers, we think, with an ear: - :iOn

unkn me of us that are older. — Vtcift 1

An obligation is sacred. How careful then should every one be
in incurring an obligation, but when once incurred pi
punct lonld be practiced at all hazard-

Pay as you go, and make money before ; 1 S] I it I ren "er the

fulfillment of obligations easy, and save a wonderful sight of abuse,
of secret ill-feeling, and a continual poking of on< - - into other
I --. Our industries must be worked up. Ther-:

liking ibout peace and happiness and prosperky until this
way ■ from hand to mouth is put an end to.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 325

KEEPING EGGS.

An agricultural paper published at Ontario, Canada, recently of-
fered a prize for the best plan by which "to keep eggs over winter."
The following took the first prize : "Whatever excludes the air pre-
vents the decay of the egg. What I have found to be the most suc-
cessful method of doing so is to place a small quantity of salt butter
in the palm of the left hand and turn the egg round in it, so that
every pore of the shell is closed; then dry a sufficient quantity of
bran in an oven, (be sure you have the bran well dried, or it will rust).
Then pack them with the small ends down, a layer of bran and
another of eggs, until your box is fall ; then place in a cool, dry
place. If done when new laid, they will retain the sweet milk and
curd of a new laid egg for at least eight or ten months. Any oil
will do, but salt butter never becomes raucid, and a very small quan-
tity of butter will do for a verv large quantity of eggs. To insure
freshness I rub them when gathered in from the nest ; then pack
when there is a sufficient quantity."

An unsuccessful competitor says : " I have tried several experi-
ments, but find none to answer so well as the following : I have kept
eggs for two years, and found them perfectly .good when used: Two
pounds coarse salt boiled ten minutes in one gallon rain water; pour
off into an earthern jar ; when nearly cold, stir in five tablespoons of
quicklime ; let it stand till next day ; then put in the eggs and keep
them tightly covered until wanted for use."

In the list of the plans competing for the prize we notice that all
depend upon the exclusion of air by grease, salt water or loose
packing, and no doubt this is the most important point, the agent
not being very material. A majority of them seem to place great
stress upon packing the eggs away with the small end down. We
should be glad to have the experience of any of our readers upon the
point. — Farmer s Friend.

SHEEP IN VIRGINIA..

A correspondent in Culpeper county, Va., in a private note, says
on this subject :

"As to sheep, I never lose an opportunity to tell my people that
they are the lever that is to raise this country to the highest state
of prosperity. Many are beginning to see the great advantage of
them, and more farmers are keeping them than formerly. Flocks
are springing up here and there all over the country. When we
begin to appreciate the great service sheep are to do us, away goes
the dog, and we will have an effective if not a popular dog law.
Here lies the great trouble — the dog. But let two-thirds of us
keep sheep, be it ever so few, and then we can in a measure over-
come the dogs."

S26 THE SOUTHERN [June

Horses vs. Mules. — Much has been said in agricultural papers
about the advantage of mules. I have raised some of the best I ever
saw. and have had some means of comparing them "with the horse.
It is very true that the mule will climb a steep hill, if it is free from
mud, with a bigger load according to his weight than a horse. It is
true that he will rough it through a hard winter better than a horse,
and it may be also that he is less liable to disease than a horse, but
he is slow and lacks spirit. In deep mud he is almost worthless.

He seems to have but little power to draw his feet out of sticky
soil, and the exertion tires him and he loses heart. In a slough where
the spirit of the horse prompts him to a gallant struggle to regain
the solid ground, the mule gives up and lies contentedly down in
the mud. Of course some mules are worse than others in this re-
spect, but none are equal in mud to. the most average horse.

For very hard, heavy work, where there is no mud, the mule will
always be valuable, but as long as it remains true that time is money
we must prefer the horse to the mule.

The rage for mules commenced in the United States about seventy-
five vears ago, and has been revived at different periods since ; but
the horse stiil continues to bear sway, and falsify the oft-repeated
predictions made many years ago that the mule would eventually
supersede the horse in the general work of the farm. For heavy
hauling and rough usage on the hard streets of cities, I have no
doubt but that the mule is the most economical. For this sort of
work there is a demand for him, and he may be raised for the mar-
ket with profit ; but it is simple folly for any one now, after seventy-
five years of experience with mules in the United States to talk about
their taking the place of horses. — Cor. Iowa Fine Stock Gazette.

Not the Highest Priced Beef. — Mr. Calvin Fletcher, traveling
in Europe, writes the Indian Farmer, an interesting letter concerning
his wanderings in Scotland. He says : "Much to my astonishment
I found that Short-h'orns always stand second in price per pound to
three or four kinds of cattle. I have the market reports of twenty
best centres of the trade for several months in succession, and in no
instance do the Short-horns stand first. None of the above goes to
prove that the profit to the raiser of beef is more or less in any par-
ticular case or breed. '' "VVere I r'°t too old to be inspired to experi-
ment, I think I should decide some questions that have arisen in my
mind on this subject."

Germany, alarmed at the great number of her people emigrating
to other countries, is trying to devise means to prevent the exodus.
One means suggested is to prohibit the enlistment of ..emigrants on
foreign account by the payment of premiums. Another and far
more sensible suggestion is to facilitate the acquirement of small es-
tates at home.

1875.] PLASTER AND FARMER. 327

THE MELON CROP.

A large proportion of the melons which are needed to supply the
markets of Xew York and Boston, are said to have come *rom a sin-
gle county in Maryland. The first lots of this fruit are grown as
far south even as Georgia ; but after the melon season fairly sets in,
the supply is principally drawn from Anne Arundel county. Mary-
land. It is estimated, says the Advertiser, that the crop will be
larger than ever before, something over 2,500 acres hav ng been
planted, from which the yield will probably be upwards of 2.500,000
melons. The varieties mostly cultivated are the Gypsies, Georgians,
Taylor- Grays and Mountain-Sweets, the first named being the favor-
ite with dealers in this city and New York, as they Avill retain a
bright and fresh appearance for a week after being picked. The
farmers usually ship their melons to Baltimore in pungies. and it is
no unusual sight at this season of the year to see three or four score of
these vessels Iving at a single wharf in that citv, all loaded to the

■TOO * '

water's edge with this often abused but delicious fruit. The season
may now be said to be at its height, as the Maryland fruit begins to
appear in the markets by July 25, while the crop is exhausted by the
first of September. The producer gets about ten dollars a hundred
for good sound fruit, and realizes a handsome profit at this price —
so handsome, indeed, that melon culture on an extensive scale is.
rapidly spreading northward into New Jersey. The effect of this
movement will be to lengthen the season somewhat, and to lower the
price of the fruit — for both of which results the public will be grate-
ful.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES TO.

Some people cannot understand why it is that the residents of the
Southern States are so crippled, financially. Let them ponder over
two facts, and then they will see more clearly. Georgia alone paid
$24,000,000 for grain, meat, flour, meal, horses and mules, in 1^73,
and Alabama about 818,000,000. That's what went with the mon-
ey. It will not be so again. The amount this year has already been
reduced in Georgia to about 810,000.000, and in Alabama to 8S, 000,
000, and but for the meat, neither State will have occasion to spend
more than 85,000,000 for subsistence next year. — Mobile Grapliie.

The following experiment is vouched for by the Kansas Farmer as
coming from a good and reliable farmer. As showing the relative
value of corn and wheat for fattening hogs, it is valuable : He took
one hundred hogs and put them in pens and fed corn, and fifty and
fed wheat, with the following result : the fifty with corn made eleven
pounds per bushel; the fifty with wheat made seventeen pounds of
good solid pork per bushel of wheat. The wheat was ground like
meal, boiling water poured over it, and then let stand forty-two
hours.

328 THE SOUTHERN [June

WHY MANURE CORN IX THE HILL?

"We have seldom seen any soil where, in addition, a little stimulus
was not needed in the corn hill, and could be used to great advan-
tage. A crop of corn often depends absolutely on this early driving
ahead. With our very late spring weather and sometimes early
- in the fall, corn is kept busy. There is no crop, which so re-
quires forcing from first to last. The small fibres of the first germi-
nation cannot stretch far, and they need, at once, concentrated and
active plant food. After feeding on this, which causes them to take
root vigorously downward and spring up strong, then the roots can
and do spread, and the broadcast manuring comes in to support and
make the crops. We have known cases, as suggested by our cor-
respondent, where a fertilizer was applied only in the hill, causing a
check afterwards to vigorous growth, and consequent stunting, so
that the crop in maturing, very far from realized the promise in the
beginning. Corn has been properly called the "hog crop." a vora-
cious feeder, and we have very seldom seen any manuring too great
for it. — Practical Farmer.

Keep them Fat. — A practical farmer, in communicating his views
in the columns of our exchanges, says :

Keep your hogs fat : the good farmer gives all his young stock a
good fat start in life : because he knows it always takes n\ice or thrice
as much to feed a poor horse, cow, or hog, as it does one in good
condition. It ought never to be necessary to keep " killing hogs "
in the "fattening pen " longer than a week or ten days — just long
enough to harden their fat with corn. The hogs ought to be fat to
begin with. In fact, the good farmer never has a poor animal of any
kind on his place. It pays well to push young pigs from the word
"go" — that is. as soon as they are able to crack corn. We knew
once a litter of thirteen half Berkshires dropped in February that,
under this plan, without going into the fattening pen at all, eleven
months later averaged 175 pounds net meat — total 2,276 pounds;
and the heaviest one was a "runt" at the start.

GOOD ADVICE.

If you cannot speak well of your neighbors, do not speak of them
at all. A cross neighbor may be made a kind one by kind treatment.
The true way to be happy is to make others happy. To do good is
a luxury. If you are not wiser and better at the end of the day,
that day is lost. Practice kindness, even if it be but little each day.
Learn to control your temper and your words. Say nothing behind
one's back, that you would not say to his face.

Poland starch is a fine cement for pasting layers of paper or fancy
articles. To clean bed ticks, however badly soiled, apply Poland
starch by rubbing it on thick with a wet cloth. Place it in the sun,
and when dry rub 'it with the hands. Repeat it, if necessary. The
soiled part will be clean as new. — Montville.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 329

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer. J
BATH COUNTY.

This county is seldom alluded to in agricultural journals, and has
been overlooked by those in search of new homes. Lands are cheap,
very productive, and many desirable places are offered for sale at
reasonable prices.

So far the seasons have been unpropitious. No rain for nearly
four weeks, and until the last five days we have had frost every
morning. The mountains in every direction have been on fire, and
much valuable timber and fencing have been destroyed.

The grass crop, which is the principal reliance, will be very
short. Do your readers cure clover hay with lime ? It is the cus-
tomary method here. It can be stacked — or put in a mow, which is
better — immediately after cutting, if orie gallon of air-slacked lime
is sprinkled over every four-horse load as it is put up. No one,
however, should attempt to save clover hay without putting it under
shelter. Timothy or any other hay can be saved in the same man-
ner. If the farmers generally would adopt this plan they would
prefer it, even if they could be assured that they would have a plenty
of sunshine. There must be no dew or rain on it, which is the only
precaution necessary.

A REMARKABLE SHEEP.

The proprietor of the Warm Springs has a remarkable ewe. On
the 22d April, 1874, it had four lambs; two were raised by hand,
and the other two she raised. On the 5.th of November, same year,
she had two more, which she raised and are now nearly full grown.
And on the 15th of the present month she had two more, which can
now be seen with her, and are very lively ; making eight lambs in
twelve months and twenty-three days. Who can beat it ?

But this letter is already too long to be read.
Warm Springs, Bath Co., Va., May 25, 1875. Farmer.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

BEAR-SWAMP GRANGE.

At a meeting of Bear-Swamp Grange, No. 128, held in their hall
April 3, 1875, on motion of Thomas H. Bossieau, Esq., the follow-
ing preamble and resolutions were adopted, and requested to be sent
you for publication :

Whereas, we as a part of an organization known as the Patrons
of Husbandry, which was organized to war upon no class of those
engaged in the other necessary callings of the country ; but to pro-
tect ourselves from unjust legislation and speculation, and thereby to
enjoy an equitable share of the advantages incident to wholesome
laws and well-directed mercantile and agricultural pursuits ; and,
whereas, in our judgment to embarrass the legitimate mercantile
business of any portion of the country, will most assuredly impov-

330 THE SOUTHERN [June

erish the agricultural interest ; and, whereas, to concentrate our trade
in any given direction, through unnecessary agents, is contrary to
the spirit of the organization, and therefore fatal to its existence :
Therefore, be it

Resolved, 1. That we instruct our delegates, who may hereafter
represent us in the District Grange, to give the vote of this Grange
in opposition to unnecessary haste in the recommendation of a suita-
ble person as an agent of the District Grange to which we belong.

2. That in the event it becomes necessary to recommend an agent,
that his qualifications should be, among others, a fourth degree mem-
ber of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and whose interest in
farming is paramount.

3. That the duty of the agent should be set forth and so guarded
as not to infringe upon any legitimate and necessary interest or to
embarrass the same.

4. That the secretary transmit a copy of these resolutions to the
Petersburg Rural Jfessetiger, Virginia Patron, and Southern Plan-
ter and Farmer, with the request that they^ publish the same.

J. H. Pursell, Secretary.
Ford's Depot, Va., April 6, 1375.

itorutl gtpartmcnt.

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

We endeavor to make our "Notes for the Month" practical and
useful, and wish our readers to understand that they are not written
merely to fill up space. We shall endeavor hereafter to make them,
if we can, more useful and instructive, and hope they will constitute
an attractive feature in our journal. Whatever concerns the farmers
concerns us, in a double sense ; for, besides being our patrons, we are
one of them in our calling. And while not professing to any great
skill in agriculture, we have almost daily opportunities of consulting
very experienced farmers, and getting their advice and instruction.
While the farmers are our patrons we look upon them in some degree
as our proteges, for we endeavor, to the best of our ability, to protect
their interest.

Well, this is Madam Juno's month, and while having no evidence
that she was a Patron of Husbandry, we have reason to know that,
like the rest of the fair sex, she was a great admirer of flowers, whose
myriads of blooms crown this month of June ; for we are told by
Homer that she wore " a crown beset with roses and lilies."

But to the work for the month. The season thus far has not been

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 231

propitious, and no doubt the cold and backward season has militated
very much against the timely planting of corn and retarded its
growth. Where corn was planted early, the corn has no doubt rotted
much in the ground, and much replanting has been necessary. There
is still time to make a good crop if thorough cultivation be practiced,
and it is not yet too late to manure around the plant in the poorer
parts of the field. These additional items of labor must, however,
detract from the profits. Where corn has yet to be put in, as may
be the case on cold, wet lands, a quick growing variety, such as is
used in Canada and the Northern States, must be selected to plant.

The winter oat promises well. Spring oat badly ; so of the hay
crop. Wheat is said to be generally promising, and not materially
injured by the cold weather. Tobacco plants in some localities were
badly killed, but in most places not seriously injured ; though the fly
is said to be destroying many plants now, and the cool, dry weather
in the month of May prevented their growing out of the way of the
fly. Is there no remedy for this fly ? Have any of our planters
tried "Paris Green " ?

The suggestion has been made to raise tobacco plants under glass,
and we hope it will be tried another year. The glass would probably
not cost more than getting up and burning the plant beds, which re-
quires a great amount of wood. Then the glass sash would protect
the plants in a great measure from the fly, and if necessary the
plants could be forced by manure at the bottom of the plant beds.
These sash can be ordered in Richmond in any quantity, or any car-
penter can prepare them in the country with a few simple directions.

Corn must be replanted as soon as thoroughly up. Where it ia
not yet done, we advise the replanting to be done with some forward
corn — " Canada Flint," or long yellow corn — unless it is designed to
keep the kind already planted free from admixture for seed corn.
By planting the earlier corn, there is time to make good ears, and
the tassel comes out in time to furnish pollen for the main crop in
case of drought, which sometimes withers the tassel before it has im-
pregnated the ear. Corn must be kept thoroughly stirred, and the
grass killed as often as it puts up. We are trying on a portion of
corn this year, the fine, long-tooth cultivator, frequently run in the
row, and design to use it exclusively on a portion of the field, and
compare the result with the old mould-board system. The cultivator
keeps the ground soft and well pulverized, and kills the weeds, and
seems thus far to answer a good purpose. It may, when the corn gets

332 THE SOUTHERN [June

larger, injure the roots, but as it is the expanding cultivator it can be
narrowed so as not to run too near the corn, and by withholding
pressure may be run less deep.

Root Crops — The first of June is the time to sow mangold
wurtzel, sugar beet, and ruta baga. They do better sowed the last
of May, but will yield well if put in between the 1st and 10th of
June. Mangolds yield better than the sugar beet, but the latter con-
tains more sugar and is more nutritious, and is of finer texture, and
is eaten more eagerly by stock than the former. The ruta baga is
uncertain in our experience and difficult to raise. For all three, the
soil should be made rich, plowed deep, and be thoroughly prepared.
Lav off in drills from 28 to 30 inches apart: scatter along well rotted
stable manure, or some reliable fertilizer. Then cover with two fur-
rows of the plow, which leaves a ridge, that must be broken down
and left flat. On this drill the seed. As soon as they come up
dust over with ashes and soot, to protect from the fly. and at the first
and second workings sprinkle over the entire surface a few bushels
of refuse salt or kainit. Thin out to eight inches, and keep the
ground well worked with the double wing coulter and cultivator, the
former being the best for the first working, particularly if the ground
should be baked and hard. The ruta baga requires a deep, rich,
sandy loam if it can be had. and if not, that which is nearest to it in
quality. The '"roots" come in admirably for winter feeding, though
in our climate they are not very certain, and will not generally yield,
we think, as much as if the land were sown in corn or millet, taking
into calculation the cost of production, and that, particularly, if the
same labor and manure were applied to a larger surface for the corn
and millet.

Corn and Millet and Sorghum should be sown this month, if
not already in the ground. The land should be rich and thoroughly
prepared. The corn and sorghum should be drilled, and the millet
sown broadcast. Sorghum is particularly useful for hogs, and may
be cut twice in the season if sown early. It makes also good winter
forage if cut before the stalk is hard and glazed. Stock prefer it to
corn fodder, and no doubt it is more nutritious. If some is suffered
to go to seed it makes good grain for fowls.

Cutting Grasses for Hat. — All the grasses, and clover, also,
should be cut when in blossom ; the latter as soon as the first brown
heads appear. Great attention should be given to curing, remem-
bering that grasses, and particularly clover, are injured by becoming

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 333

too dry. They should be cured with as little sun as is compatible
with their keeping. Clover should be salted in putting away, and
if there is fear of its not keeping, sprinkle over each load some air-
slacked lime, probably about two quarts each of salt and lime to each
wagon load.

Potatoes for winter use should be planted as soon as possible, if
not done the last of May. The ground should be manured broad-
cast with good stable manure, or coal ashes, orkainit. Potash. is an
important fertilizer for this crop, and we have found coal ashes (not
too coarse), either broadcast or in the drill, to be as good as stable
manure. We once tried coal ashes in the drill alongside stable ma-
nure in the drill, and found the former to produce at least as well as
the latter. Never cut the potato when planted at this season.

Killing Grass and Weeds. — This is the month for killing grass,
and hence no doubt has arisen the saying of "a dry June for corn,"
as dry weather enables us to kill the grass. An experienced trucker
in the vicinity of Richmond informs us that even wire grass may be
killed effectually in this month by repeated plowings.

Insects must be followed up this month also. The striped bugs
upon melons, cucumbers, and other vines must be killed early in the
morning, and soot or fine tobacco, which may be gotten at the fac-
tories, sprinkled over the plants. * This fine tobacco, principally ob-
tained in the manufacture of snuff, must also be sprinkled over the
plant beds of cabbage.

We stated in "Notes " for May that cabbage seed for winter use
should be sowed the middle of May. We are since informed by some
of our experienced truckers around the city that they should be
sown between the 1st and 6th of May.

So June is a busy month too ; no holiday yet for the farmer. He
must press on ; work his corn and tobacco, and cut his hay, and
work potatoes, melons, cucumbers, cymlings, and vegetables generally,
fight the weeds and insects, keep the ground well stirred and mellow.
When the hay and wheat and oat harvest is over and the corn laid
by, we may consent that our proteges shall take some relaxation, and
probably a trip to the seaside, or to our glorious Virginia mountains.
We will see. But our consent cannot be obtained to a trip to North-
ern watering places and Northern cities. This money must be kept
within the borders of our impoverished old mother. Too much has
already, in times past, been squandered in pleasure trips to Northern
towns and bathing places, and Saratoga, &c.
4

384 THE SOUTHERN [June

THE VIRGINIA PATRON.

Our May number contained a courteous and respectful criticism
on the action of the Master of the State Grange, in selecting only
one paper as the medium through which he would officially com-
municate with the members of the Order. The State Grange having
referred the entire subject to the Executive Committee, and they
having decided that it was inexpedient to have any regular medium,
for the reason that every agricultural paper in the State was friendly
to our Order, and were willing to publish whatever the grange inter-
est required ; we thought, and still think that the Master had
overstepped the limit of his authority, and used his official influence
in direct opposition to the judgment and decision of the Executive
Committee.

In confirmation of our position, we published letters from brothers
Moore and Ragland, who were present when this action was taken.
These letters the Virginia Patron has omitted to publish in comment-
ing upon our criticism, but simply referred to them as " irre-
sponsible persons," when in fact, they as members of the
Executive Committee, shared with the other members the entire re-
sponsibility of deciding this matter.

The Patron farther says: "It seems somewhat singular that Dr.
Dickinson, who is not a member of the Grange, should undertake to
expound the constitution to the highest official in the State."

We made no pretei sions to expounding "the constitution" to any
one, but simply stated the fact that the Master had assumed the auj
thority to disregard the action of the Executive Committee. This is
the whole question at issue. But the editor of the Patron says we are
"not a member of the Grange," which statement he has seen fit to re-
iterate in several issues of his paper. "We supposed we were "a member
of the Grange," as we had received all the four degrees of the Order
from Grange No. 16, of which the editor of the Patron is Master,
and who has given us a withdrawal card, signed by himself as Mas-
ter, stating that we were in "good standing," &c, for the purpose of
joining a more convenient Grange, which card has been deposited
with Grange No. 186. What plea can he have for such misrepre-
sentations with such personal knowledge of the facts ?

The editor of the Patron disregarding all the facts in the case, and
makincrita personal matter with himself, devotes at least three columns
to a personal attack upon us, evincing throughout an unmitigated malig-
nity, expressed in the most scurrilous language, not hesitating to

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 335

make statements which he knew were false and indeed with-
out the slightest foundation in fact. We do not propose to
to bandy epithets with the Editor of the Patron, nor do we propose to
continue this discussion any farther with him, as he has persistently
misrepresented us in every thing he has published on this subject.

If we have wronged the Master, or any other officer or member of
the Order, we are ready at all times through our columns to make
such reparation as justice and fraternal feeling requires.

In conclusion, we still think our reference to the matter was
proper and appropriate, and we will hereafter express our views on
measures which we think will be for the good of the Order, " without
fear, favor or affection," regardless of the malevolent attacks of the
editor of the Patron.

Another Old Virginian Gone. — The death of Col. Hill Carter,
of Shirley, is announced in the secular papers. There was no more
strongly-marked character in Virginia than this lamented gentleman.
Of the best Virginia stock, he inherited ample fortune and the hio-h-
est social position. But, without these advantages, he would have
made his mark. A more resolute man never lived, nor one more
loyal to country and friends.

Col. Carter was one of the best and most enthusiastic farmers in
the State, and a regular correspondent to the Planter and Farmer.

Prof. J. W. Mallet.— We are indebted to Prof. J. W. Mallet,
of the University of Virginia, for a catalogue of the department of
Industrial Chemistry, civil and mining engineering, and agriculture.

It will be remembered that the late Samuel Miller, of Lynchburg,
gave a hundred thousand dollars in trust for the establishment of a
department of this kind, which bequest is being carried out under
the direction of Dr. Page and Prof. Mallet. We are glad to know"
it is likely to prove a great success.

Major John D. Rogers, in a private letter, says:

" Our season has been any thing but advantageous to we farmers,
but we can but submit to God's will and make the best of it. Our
fruit is much less injured in this section than was supposed by the
murmurers; but corn planting and gardening very backward, some
of our early planting having to be furrowed out and re-planted. Our
county is plethoric in candidates for county offices, and will remain
so until after 27th May."

336 THE SOUTHERN [June

Messrs. Allison & Addison, have kindly furnished us vrith a con-
densed resume* of the essay on the Cow Pea, written by the lamented
Edmund Ruffin. We doubt very much if any man knew more of this
iubject than did Mr. Ruffin, and Messrs. Allison & Addison have
fery well brought out all of general interest that he wrote, without
giving the details .which made the essay somewhat too long for our
columns. Messrs. Allison & Addison have a fund of valuable infor-
mation on this and kindred subjects, which they will furnish gratis
to those who desire such information.

Mr. Wm. James Walton, Louisa county, Va., has just sold eight
hogsheads of tobacco (a portion of his crop) in this city, at an aver-
age of 8-5 per hundred. He is the most successful grower of
tobacco in that county, and says he makes more money now than he
did before the war. We will publish in our next issue an article
from him on his method of cultivation, &c.

Editor Planter and Farmer, — In the April number of your
journal you published 'an article on the culture of broom corn.
Several typographical errors crept in. Will you make the following
corrections? For " eight or ten bushels" read "eight or ten bar-
rels." For "up to this much" read "up to this mark." For
''■bush" read " brush" passim.

The Southern Magazine, published by Turnbull & Brother, of
Baltimore, is in every way worthy of the patronage of our people.
In point of literary merit, and especially its adaptation to Southern
ta9te, it is decidedly the most successful enterprise of the kind ever
undertaken by a Southern publisher. Every number is full of choice
reading matter, and as it is the organ of the Southern Historical
Society, it contains much that is especially interesting to those who
take an interest in the details cf the recent conflict between the
sections.

Mr. Samuel Ayres of this city, is the inventor and manufactu-
rer of a truss that is highly recommended by the medical faculty.
Mr. Ayres is a reliable business man, and will give satisfaction to
those who deal with him. Persons wishing trusses will do well to
correspond with him.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 337

We had occasion recently to visit the Nursery of Mr. L. Har-
vey, on the Brook road near the city, and were very much gratified
at the splendid appearance of all his surroundings. No where south
of the Potomac can such a variety of choice ornamental trees and
plants be found, and the excellent cultivation they receive keeps
them in the thriftiest condition. Mr. Harvey deserves credit for the
wonderful improvement he has made in the few years he has occupied
the place, and for the energy and skill he exhibits in its cultivation.
Our people ought to pay more attention to ornamental planting, and
we think a visit to Mr. Harvey's would convince them of it.

We are under obligations to Mr. John Saul, of Washington, D.
C, for a box of flowers, consisting of every variety of bedding plants.
These came by express, and were so carefully packed, that after
three days they were opened and found just as fresh as if just out of
the green-house. They were set out in the open ground, and, with
one or two exceptions, are living and give promise of great beauty.

Mr. Peter Henderson, of New York, has also sent us a basket
of flowers, which arrived in excellent condition, and are growing
finely.

We wish to impress upon our readers the fact, that for a few dol-
lars they can have delivered at their, door, either by mail or express
any variety of the most choice plants grown by either of these gen-
tlemen; and no one in the United States offers a greater variety,
.lust as fresh and as sure to live as if taken by hand from the green-
house and planted at once in the ground. Beautify your homes.!
No investment pays so well, especially where children are growing
up. Flowers exercise a refining influence, which will last through
life.

The Manhattan Life Insurance Company, of New York, is an
established and reliable company; and as it is the recognized duty
of every man who has a family to provide for them in case of his
death, it would be well for our readers to consider, in this con-
nection, the subject of life insurance, and look into the merits of
this company. The General Richmond Agent of this company is
too well and favorably known to need any commendation from us.

Our little boys should look at the advertisement of Georgie Payne,
and send for a pair of fancy rabbits.

THE SOUTHERN June

M?.. C. T. Palmer offers to our farmers the Valley Chief Reaper
and Mower. When we find an implement combining every excel-
lence, manufactured at our very door, economy and patriotism should
induce us to use it. Mr. Palmer's business, we are glad to know, is
rapidly increasing, and we hope that he will soon have to increase
his already extensive facilities for the manufacture of machines.

We take pleasure in recommending the Maltby House, Baltimore,
to our readers. Situated in the busines#*Jentre of the city, it offers
every accommodation one could desire on the most reasonable terms.
The proprietor and employees all devote themselves to the comfort
of their guests, and we have found it one of the most agreeable
places we have ever stopped at.

The St. James Hotel. — This is a new and elegant hotel, situated
in the heart of the city, fronting on the Capitol Square. It is fitted
up in elegant and convenient style, with all the modern improve-
- The proprietor,Mr. Hoenniger, and the veteran hotel-keeper
J. P. Ballard, his assistant, know how to run a hotel perfectly. The
accommodations are first-class in every particular, and the charges
i

Ashes for Orchard.?. — The Scientific American says: "The
which we now fall attention is, that our farmers and fruit-
-growers have ignored, or rather have been ignorant of. the importance
of wood ashes as a vegetable stimulant and as the leading constitu-
of plants. Even coal ashes, now thrown away as useless, have
been shown both by experiment and analysis to possess a fair share
of alkaline value. We will relate only one experiment ; Some twen-
ty-five years ago we treated an old hollow pippin apple tree as fol-
. - : The hollow, to the height of eight feet, was filled and rammed
with a compost of wood ashes, garden mold and a little waste lime
(carbonate . The filling vms securely fastened in by boards. The
next year the crop of sound fruit was sixteen bushels from an old

ill of a tree that had borne nothing of any account for some time,
and for seventeen years after filling, the old pippin tree continued to
flourish and bear well/'

V> I'iam Saunders, who has charge of the public grounds at Wash-
ii gton. gives the following as a remedy which he has found effectual
for pear blight. It is cheap, and should be tried : To half a bushel
of lime add four pounds of sulphur; slake to the consistency of
whitewash, and when it is applied add to each gallon of the wash
:' an ounce of carbolic acid. Apply this to the diseased parts.
T^ -ere the bark is diseased, remove the outer portion before making
the application.

CARDWELL'S

THRESHER AND CLEANER

J. "W. "vest A-L's

DOLLAR COLLECTIONS of PLANTS for 1875.

We will send any ODe of the following collec-
tions of plants by express, no charges for box-
ing or packing; or by mail, post paid. (Larger
plants can always be sent by express.) Plants
guaranteed to reach their destination to anv
point in the United States or Canada -
from heat or frost at all seasons, on the receipt
of OXE DOLLAK, upon the following condi-
tions:

1st. The different Tarieties to be entirely our
selection.

2d. That orders simply name the number of
the collection and date of this list. A detailed
list of plants not being necessary.

3. That no request be made for changes in any
collection at these low rates. All who wish to
select their own plants can do so at the prices
per single plant in our descriptive catalogue,
which will be furnished gratis to all who apply.

No. 1 — Eight Roses, profuse flowering sorts.

No. 2. — Tm Zonale double scented and varie-
gated Geraniums.

No. 3. — Ten Fuchsias double and single, dis-
tinct colors.

No. 4. — Ten Coleus. distinct sorts.

No. 5. — Twelve Basket plants. 12 varieties.

No. 6. — Twenty Verbenas, distinct colors.

No. 7. — Eight Dahlias, large and Pompone,
flowering.

No. 8. — Eight Carnations, perpetual flowering
sorts.

No. 9. — Four Roses, 10 Verbenas.

No. 10. — Two .Roses, 3 Verbenas, 3 Geraniums,
3 Fuchsias.

Address,

june

No. 11. — Two Roses, 5 Verbenas, 4 Geraniums,
2 Lantanas.

No. 12. — Three Geraniums. 1 Fuchsia, 1 Helio-
trope, 1 Eantana, 1 Salvia, 1 Cuphea, 1 Le-
mon Verbena, 1 Carnation.

No. 13. — One Trieolored Geranium, 2 Fuchsias,
2 Salvias, 1 Cuphea, 2 Double Violet, 2 Co-
leus, 1 Double Petunia.

No. 14.— One Rose. 1 Verbena. 1 Geranium, 2
Fuchsias. 1 Coleus. 1 Carnation, 1 Dahlia,
1 Heliotrope, 1 Salvia.

No. 15.— One Tuberose. 1 Double Violet. 1 Pe-
tun'ajjjfcalvia, 1 Musk Plant, 1 Lemon Ver-
bena,^ Cuphea, 1 Gladiolus, 1 Begonia,

1 Bouvardia.

No. 16. — One Petunia, 1 Lantana, 1 Ageratum,

2 Ruelia, Formosa, 1 Tuberose, 1 Lobelia.
1 Rose. 1 Salvia, 1 Glad: s

No. 18. — One Caladium Esculentum, 1 Alter-
nanthum, 1 Coleus, 1 Achyranthus, 1 Ko-
niga, var.. 1 Canna, 1 var. Balm, 1 Pyre-
thium Golden Feather, 1 Variegated Gera-
nium. 1 Striped Verben3.

No. 18. — To any one remitting ($15.00) fifteen
dollars at one time, we will send the whole
of the above 17 collections to one address,
varying the plants that no two will be
alike.

No. 19.— Or to any one sending us a club of
not less than ten of the above collections,
and remitting the full price for each, we
will send any one of the above as a pre-
mium, anJ mail or express the plant*
separately to each member, provided not
less than one collection goes to each.

JOSEPH W. VESTAL.

Cambridge City. Indiana.

M A. N EC A.T T .A. TsT

Life Insurance Company

OF NEW YORK.

Assets January 1st, 1875, - - $9,690,750 48
Undivided Surplus, - ' - - 1,808,329 22

All its policies are incontestable, and non-forfeitable from
the second year.

Dividends Annually.

$5,500,000 Paid in Losses during Twenty-Four Years,
and no Claims Unpaid.

Premiums may be paid Annually, Semi-Annually, or Quarterly, as
best suits the convenience of the policy-holder.

P. T. MOORE,
J. ADAIR PLEASANTS. Agent City of Richmond.

General Agent.

Office : 1200 Main Street, under Planters Nat. Bank.

THE WATT PLOW

VICTORIOUS ON EVERY FIELD !

A combined TURNING PLOW, CUL-
TIVATOR, SUBSOILER, ROW-OPEN-
ER, PEANUT-DIGGER, TOBACCO and
COTTON SCRAPER and SWEEP.

No CHOKING when bright and smooth;
no LABOR to the plowman; ONE-THIRD
LESS DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weeds, Grass, &c. ; great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
its use, and complete pulverization of tte
soil.

FARMERS WHO USE IT WILL USE
NO OTHER.

Awarded all the Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1873.

Awarded First Premiums at every
CM5CUP* west. pH,i_ ~~ea Fair attend 'ed in 1874.
Virginia State Fair. Richmond— FIRST PREMIUMS ON THREE AND
FOUR- HORSE PLOWS.
Right and Left Hand -ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED THEIR SIZES.
Also at the Plowing Match ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED WHITE PLOW-
MEN were taken with WrATT PLOWS of ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR-
HORSE SIZES; and COLORED PLOWMAN by ONE, TWO and THREE-
HORSE SIZES ; being

SEVEN PREMIUMS OUT OF EIGHT.
The superior work done by the WATT, and the complete ease with which it is
handled, was apparent to all.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Raleigh, October 10th;
GEORGIA STATE FAIR. Atlanta, October 19th;
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Columbia. November 10th ;
STAUNTON, VA., October 13th;
LYNCHBURG, October 20th ;
WELDON. N. C, October 20th;
ORANGEBURG, S. C, November 3rd ;
CHARLOTTE, N. C, November 3rd ;
DANVILLE, VA., November 3rd;
POINT PLEASANT, W. VA., October.

Thus, with its great reputation before, it has gained new laurels this year,
which must convince every farmer of its vast superiority over other plows.

We warrant every plow sold to be as represented or to be returned to us. We
solicit a trial. Catalogues sent to any address.

WATT & CALL,

SOLE MANUFACTURERS,
1452 Franklin St., Richmond, Va.
Special Agents for "The Best" Spring-Tooth Horse-Rake and Gleaner; also
for sale of our own manufacture. HARROWS, CULTIVATORS, and all kinds
of IMPLEMENTS at lowest prices— all warranted.

I have a NEW BURDETT ORGAN which I will sell for $150—
Manufacturer's price $175 — Boxed and delivered at any Depot or
Wharf in Baltimore. Terms of payment accommodating.

L. R. DICKINSON.

Also, THREE FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES which
will be sold at a discount of forty per cent, on Manufacturers'
prices.

THE IMPROVED

WHITNEY

Uf IK MACHINES,

PATERSON, NEW JERSEY.
Solfl Direct fin tie Factory at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES.

EKDORSEMEXT OFEXECrTlTECOMMlTTE
OF IXDIAXA.

After a thorough examination
and test of the Improved Whit-
Sewing Machine, we find it
simple and durable in its con-
struction, the material and
workmanship first-cla-s. The
machine runs exceedingly light,
and at a high rate of speed.
It is capable and will do all
PEta. jjy £5, isii. varieties of family sewing in a

superior manner. We heartily recommend the Improved Whitney
Sewing Machine to members of our Order requiring a modem and
reliable sewing machine. By referring to our national executive cir-
cular we find that the Whitney Mfg. Co.. through C. G. Akam, was
the first standard sewing machine to make a nationial proposition to
members of our Order, and we trust Patrons will give them the liberal
port they justly deserve. — J. Q. A. Xewsam, John F. Hall, Robt.
Mitchell. Anson B. Line, B. C. McWilliams, Lindal Smith.

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the action of the
comix. M. M. Moody, Sect'y Indiana State Grange.

"""hiTiiey Sewing Machine possesses all the requirements of a perfect Family Sewing Ma-
chine. It is a perfected Shuttle Lock-Stitch Machine. It is constructed upon sound and -well
mechanical principles. The workmanship is of the highest character. It is adapted to
every varkty of sewing for family wear from the lightest muslins to the heaviest cloths. It will
Hem. Fell, Bind, Cord, Braid, Seam, Tack, Buffle, Hem-stitch, Gather and sew on at the same time
and will work equally well on Linen, Silk, Woolen and Cotton goods.

Why the Whitney Mfg. Co., are Great Public Benefactors?

Because they are the Pioneers in breaking the co:nhination prices in Sewing
Machines, and putting this faithful servant within the reach of all. The Whitney
iE the best and now the cheapest First-Class Sewing Machine ever offered to the
public. - i for circular giving all particulars,

The Whitney Manufacturing Company,

ap-tf

PATERSON, NEW JERSEY.

SUPER-PHOSPHATE,

MANUFACTURED BY THE

POWHATAN PHOSPHATE COMPANY,

J. G. DOWNWARD, President. JOHN WHANN, Secretary aud Treasurer.

To the Planters of Virginia and North Carolina:

We respectfully call the attention of those intending to use fertilizers
on their spring crops to the Powhatan Raw Bone Super-phosphate, and
particularly those who want a reliable fertilizer for tobacco and cotton,
as we intend in the future, as in the past five years, to furnish an article
which has no rival, regardless of price. Wherever it has been used by
the side of any other fertilizer whatever, not excepting the deservedly
popular and higher priced tobacco fertilizers of the day, it has in every
case proved itself fully equal.
Send for Circular.

SOtUBLE PACIFIC GUANO,

FOR TOBACCO, CORN' AND OTHER CROPS.

After ten years' continuous use, throughout Virginia and the South, Soluhle Pacific Guano has
acquired a reputation for reliability equal to that formerly enjoyed by the Peruvian Guano, and
the quantity used annually exceed.- that ol any other fertilizer.

It luis been the aim of all connected with "this Guano to produce the best possible fertilizer at
the lowest possible cost, and we claim that the unusual resources and facilities of the manufactu-
rers have enabled Lhem to approach this more nearly than has been done in any other fertilizer
with which we are acquainted. Those who have been using it unite with us in the opinion, that
by its use the consumer gets

THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE SMALLEST OUTLAY.

We offer it with great confidence for use on the Tobacco and other crops to be grown in 1875,
with the assurance that it is, in all respects, equal to what it has been in the past.

PURE PERUVIAN GUANO,

AS IMPORTED.

We have a full supply of No. 1 Gnanape Pernviau Guano, from the Government
Agent in New York, selected from one of the finest cargoes ever imported. It is dry and in beau-
tiful order, and contains within a fraction of 13 per cent, of Ammonia, which is within
two per cent, of what the old Chincha Peruvian used to contain — in fact, it would be difficult to
tell one from the other.

We offer these standard and thoroughly tested fertilizers for Tobacco, Corn, and all Spring
Crops, and are prepared to sell them at such prices as will make it to the interest of consumers and
dealers to purchase their supplies of us instead of sending their orders to New York, or elsewhere.

For fu.-ther information and supplies, address,

ALLISON & ADDISON,

mar— tf Seed and Guano Merchants, Kichmond, Va

GRAND OPENING

-OF-

-AND-

-AT-

LEVY BROTHERS,

1017 & 1019 Main Street Richmond, Va.

ALL THE NOVELTIES OF THE SEASON, COMPRISING

PLAID and INVISIBLE CHECK MOHAIRS,
DUNKIRK MOHAIRS,
MATELASSE SILKS,

STRIPED and CHECKED JAPANESE SILKS,
CHENE MIXTURES,

SILK-WARP PONGEE,
PLAIN PONGEE,

MOHAIR DIAGONALS.

MATALASSE ALPACA, ■ .

GRAY MIXTURES,

PRINCESS MIXTURES,

CHECKED and STRIPED SILKS,
PLAIN SILKS, in exquisite shades,

A full line of BLACK GROS-GRAIN SILK.

All of the above goods are offered at prices particularly attrac-
tive. The assortment is such as will please the most fastidious. An
examination of our stock is respectfully solicited.

LEVY BROTHERS.

A new lot of RED-CHECK MATTING, just received.

ap — lyr

I7RESH
GARDE J and FIELD SEED

At the old stand cf Palmer & Turpin,
1626 Main street, Richmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, Herds, Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass.
Send for Catalogue,
feb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

STABLISHED 1.816.

CHA3. SIMON & SONS,

68 NORTH HOWARD ST., BALTIMORE, MD.
Dealers in

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC DRY GOODS,

would call special attention to their splendid stock
of Dress Goods, Linen Goods, Embroideries, Laces,
and Hosiery ; the best assortment of Mourning
Goods in theeity.

SAMPLES SENT FREE!
All orders amounting to $20.00 or over, 'will be
seat free of freight charges by Express, but parties
whose orders are not accompanied by the money,
and having their goods Bent C. O, D., must pay for
return of the money.

ELLERSLI& FARM.

Thoroughbred HORSES;

Half Bred HORSES ;

Pure SHORT HORN CATTLE.

Improved BERKSHIRES

For sale,

Price, $10 apiece.
Address,

R. J. HANCOCK,
Overton, Albermarle Co., Va.

Daisy, Queen Victoria

Plants of this beautiful flower can now be
furnished in large or small quantities. Send for
descriptive priced circular, and notices of the
press. One plant SI ; ten small plants $4; free
by mail. A. H AKCK «V SON,

up Nurserymen and Florists, Red Bank, N. J.

GRAPE VINES,

Grown especially for the Trade, very fine, and
at low prices. CONCORD, HARTFORD, PRO-
LIFIC and MARTHA, in large quantities.
A. HANCE &, SON, Nurserymen & Florists,
apl Red Bank, N. J.

Strawberry Plants

By the 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000. Wilson's
Albany, Charles Downing, Triompe de Gand.
Also Monarch of the West, Col. Cheney, Boy- '
den's No. 30, Black Defiance, Kentucky, Len-
ning's White and BROWN'S WONDER, in
large quantities.

A. HANCE & SON, Nurserymen & Florists,
apl tf "Red Bank, N. J.

~J. Y. BICKNELL,

Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y.,

Won premiums on ALL VARIETIES shown
at the New York State Fair last September, viz :

BRAHMAS, Light and Dark,

COCHINS, Partridge and White,

UAMBURGS, Silver Spangled, Golden Span-
gled and Pencilled, and Black,

DORKINGS, Colored,

HOUDANS, LA FLECHE, GOLDEN POLISH

GAMES, Black-breasted Red and Duckwing,

GAME BANTAMS, Black-breasted Red and
Duck win r.

GOLDEN SEBRIGHT and AFRICAN BAN-'
TAJIS,

DUCKS, Rouen and Aylesbury,

PIGEONS, all varieties. — All first premiums
but four. — FOWLS and EGGS for sale from the
same stock. Circulars free. apl tf

LIME.

20,000 bushels best OYSTER SHELL
LIME of my own manufacture, for sale
low. I am also Agent for the Cumber-
land Tobacco Fertilizer, which has given
great satisfaction in the Connecticut
Valley, also Berry's Superphosphate
made exclusively from Raw Bone.

GROUND PLASTER, AGRICUL-
TURAL SALT, Building Lime, Hy-
draulic Cement, Calcined Plaster, &c,
constantly on hand at wholesale and
retail.

A. S. LEE,
Virginia St., Near Danville Depot.

mar — 6m

*5

& Co

to

Per Day at home. Terms
free. Address G. Stinson
Portland, Maine. feb — ly

r. x.'

CELEBRATED

Tobacco Fertiliser.

Prepared expressly for this crop. The most popular Fertilizer in use. For
sale by agents and dealers throughout the country.

MUTED B0\E Sl'PER-PBOSPBATt

Unrivalled for Cotton. Wheat, and all Grain and Root Crops. For sale by
agents and dealers throughout the country.

BONE SUPER-PHOSPHATE.

Supplied to manufacturers and dealers at low figuresr

We are prepared to furnish the different Granges with an ;{ Ammoniated Bone
Super-Phosphate '' of a standard quality, adapted to all crops, at very lowest
price.

P. ZSLL & SOX£S,1

MANUFACTURE
ap— 4m 30 South St., Baltimore, 31(1,

JOHN C. HACHTEL & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

Hachtel's Ammoniated Superphosphate,

Hachtel's Pure Dissolved Bone,

Hachtel's Tobacco Fertilizer

BONE DUST. GENUINE LEOPOLDSHALL KAINIT [German Potash Salts),

MURIATE OF POTASH, BONE MEAL, and FERTILIZING

MATERIALS GENERALLY.
Liberal discount to dealers and others who buv largely fl^msh.

JOHN C HACHTEL & CO.,

sep — 8t 14 Bo'd'ii Wharf, Baltimore.

IFVA-IjIj STYLES, 1874.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CARDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces

TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.
Merchants desiring samples, will please address,

CHAELOTIESYILLE WOOLEN MILLS.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.

GREAT DOMESTIC INSTITUTION.

Recipe for making Artificial Guano,

No. 1. Clean "Virgin Soil -.20 bushels.

" 2. Wood aahes 3

" 3. Fine Bone Dust 3

" 4. Calcined Plaster 3

" 5. Nitrate of Soda

" 6. Mur. Ammonia

7. Sulph. "

Soda?

►Magnesia..

Iton Salt

Directions for Mixing.

Mix Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together ; then, in a barrel two-
thirds full of water, dissolve the chemicals, Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8,
9 and 10 ; when thoroughly dissolved add the liquid grad-
ually to Nos. 1, 2, 3, and lastly add No. 4, (the Calcined
Plaster) which will bring the whole to a powder. The
soil used should be perfectly dry and mixed under cover.

The above recipe will make one ton, which will manure
seven and a half acres of land. We will furnish the in-
gredients from No. 3 to 10 inclusive for twenty dollars,
which, when mixed with Nos. 1 and 2 will make one ton.

This compound, containing, according to analysis, all
the principal ingredients of the genuine Peruvian Guano,
has been tested by a number of practical farmers (many
thinking it equal to natural Guano), and for Grain, Vege-
tables, and particularly Tobacco, it has been found the
cheapest and best fertilizer now in use.

All orders carefully and promptly executed.

BODEKER BROS.,

DRUGGISTS,
1444 Main Street, Richmond, Vol-

CHESTNUT GKOYE

YARDS.

EASTON, PA.

Fine Bred and English Draft Horses. Thoroughbred Short Horn Cat-
tle, Asiatic Poultry and Fancy Pigeons.

Draft Stallion took First Premium at Pennsylvania State Fair, and
Warren County Fair, X. J.

The herd of Short Horns took three Herd Premiums, twenty-six first
and seven second premiums in the fall of 1875.

Poultry took fifteen Society and nine Special Premiums in Fowls and
Chicks, and seven on Pigeons at Lehigh Valley Poultry Exhibition, held
at Allentown. January. 1875.

Colts. Cattle and Poultry for sale. Eggs from high-class light and
dark Brahmas. Buif, Partridge and White Cochins at $5 per setting of
thirteen, securely packed.

Catalogues and Circulars upon application.

Having purchased of S. S. Cooper hi* entire herd of Short Horns, I
am prepared to sell fine cows, heifers and calves at reasonable pri
Come and see them. No trouble to show the stock. East n can be
reached by N. P. Railroad from Philadelphia, or by N. J. C. Railroad
from New York, several trains a dav running each wav.

THOS. S.McKEEX.

mv-6t Easton. Pa.

S^r W. C. SMITH,

MANUFACTURER OF

SPRING WAGONS. BUGGIES.&C

Am prepared to furnish at short notice Spring Wagons, with especial
reference to the wants of Farmers. Light running and strong, of any
desired capacity. Workmanship and material guaranteed. Prices
lower than the same quality of work can be bought at in this or any
other city. Orders solicited. Letters of inquiry promptly answered.

Repairing promptlv and reasonablv done.

W. C. SMITH.
my-6m 308 Fifth Street, Richmond, Va.

The subscriber has on hand

of various descriptions, that he wishes to dispose of on very mode-
rate terms, and is still manufacturing others, and solicits a call from
all in want of any article in his line, and he guarantees good work-
manship, and first-rate material.

A. B. LIPSCOMB,
my 116 Cary Street, between Adams and Jefferson.

BALTIMORE STEEL HOE WORKS.

Manufacturers of the

"L0CKW00D HOE."

BLADE ALL STEEL.

Every Hoe Irate!

This superior Hoe can be had of any first-class dealer.

LIGHT,, CHEAP, EFFECTIVE.

The Clebeated Lockwood Hoe, Steel Blade, Maleable Iron Eye
The Best Hoe in Use. For sale Wholesale and Retail by

WATT &, CALL, No. 1452 Franklin Street,

RICHMOND. VA

ONE THOUSAND transplanted Arbor Vita? 4 to 8 inches
M^'high, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
I^Fiftee^ Dollars.

£g|| 500 ARBOR YITM (transplanted) 4 to 8 inches high, free
" j|£:o :11IV Part of the United States for only Tex Dollars.

lo ARBOR VITJG and 10 WEEPING SPRUCE, nice 10-inch
p'ants, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
One Dollar. EVERGREENS — how, when, and where to plant —
mailed free for stamp.

Remit money by draft, registered letter, or money order on Portlar.d

Address, WM. MORTON & SON,

ap — tf Allen's Corner, "Cumberland Co.',' Maine

Steanj Engines aijd otljer Jjjacljinery For Sale,

In addition to a full line of New Engines, Saw Mills, and other Machinery of our own improved
build, which we, keep constantly on hand or build to order, we have now For Sal? the following
tiecond-Hand Machinery . all in perfect order, which we will sell at very low figures, viz:

Double-Hoisting Engines, Up-horse power, with drums and other hoisting gear, compl

4-horse Stationary Engines, good as new;

Flue-Boiler 2(j feet long, 42 inches diameter, with 2 flues, 14 inches diame;er, iron front and ot'ier
fittings complete;

150-horse Bower Stationary Engine; Tubular Boilers, 50-horse power each ; 30-horse power Sta-
tionary Engines ; 8-horse Portable Engine, as good as new ; of our own make ; 16-horse Stationer?
Engine with n -\\ vertical boiler ; several steam Pumps and Pan Blowers of various sizes ; Pngiues
for threshing, grinding and ginning, mounted on wheels or not, as may be preferred by the dut
chaser ; Repair WorR Solicited. WM E. TANNER & CO.,

mar— Rt Metropolitan Works, Richmond Va

EST-AJBLISHEID 1839.

TO FARMERS.PLANTERS and GARDENERS

o

MANUFACTURED AND FOR SALE BY

JOHU BULLOCK & SOU,

Factory: Washington Road. Baltimore, Md.
Store: No. 61 S. Gay Street, Baltimore, Md.

P. 0. Box 636.

For more than thirty years we have been engaged in the manufacture
of M Pure Ground Bone , our crude stock being gathered daily from the
butchers here, with whom we have yearly contracts. We have com-
pleted our new factory, and with the addition of the latest and most ap-
proved machinery, will be able to fill all orders sent to us at short notice
and guarantee at all times to the purchaser a first-class article at~the
lowest market price.

Respectfully

JOHN BULLOCK & SON.
se — ly

THE OEY RELIABLE SOURCE OF RICH POTASH SALTS.

Fot Cotton, Tokcco, Com, Wheat, Suo.ar-fc.no, Potatoes, Fruits

an

c) (cm

ass.

w^hSSMKS^ LeopoldshaH Kainit," (Potash Salts) as
as Sole Agent and Importer ' Lxeimaa-r' and ™P<>rted into the United States by myself

The Richest, only Reliable and most Extensive Deposit of Natural "Kainit " known

to the world.

and upS PrePal'ed t0 *" °rderS f°r the Farmers a°* Pinters direct, in quantities of one ton

«?6SW5S!*£lSSS2aa *SdSS baeU P™«8e?<?P™ the Farmland Plant-
lieve they «re gettingthe Gm uin, Le > ml, £f- n5me,!rf Kainit (thus leading them to be-

commonWuse calcined a,tf the attention of ill J*2$ ^3* laot "jevwere only getting a
lowing ' aclentlon ot all agriculturists is respectfully solicited to the fol-

c^^^r^a®n!

manutactuaed ^nM^^yes^Xn^nv^y?^^ im tatlon thereof, the vendors of
above or a glaringly ^mX name in th^f^Tfn^T^1 n0t to offer their compounds under the
grades and "almost VorfihK^ far as laSt.^Li5"^, are-n<m seekin* a market for their low
them to the United States." agneultuial value is concerned) materials, by shipping

H^^rftaff&SS fte world VH2 giIe ^Vhe ^Piai0ns of some °f ^e most re-
"G. L. Kainit," and aLso how to apply it ' * r6gardS the benefits to be derived f™ni the use of

mSttf0br3Sde11c?!vedand ^^^ y°MSelveS with toe appearance of «G. L. Kainit," so that you

Genuine Leopoldshall Kainic shouSalTbltld^^^^

WINFIULD S 3DXTlsrA3Sr
Sole Agent and Importer for the United States. 2° ^ 22 &"^ ^reei;' Baltim^re-

DBAURS

POKE BONE FLOtnt PORE DISSOLVED BONE ASH. POEE DISSOLVED BAW BOHE
JStISi Si pric^St? P0TAS? SALTS' P"re Ch™"*'s «« """-S Saperpho.ph.te

R. J. BAKER & COS.

"ii^*5S

MALTBY HOUSE,

BALTIMORE, MD.

C. R. HOGAN, Proprietor

Has just received a serie
of costly and elegant im"
- provementd, embracing every
department of the Hotel,ma-
king it one of the finest Ho-
tels in the city.

Board reduced to $2.50 per fla

may

SOUTHERN FERTILIZING COMPANY

AXCHOR

BRAXD.

TOBACCO FERTILIZER,

)MMONLY KNOWN AS •• GILHAM'S.")

RETAIL PRICE REDUCED TO

$65 PER TON AT FACTORY
LIBERAL DISCOUNT ON CLUB LOTS

ALSO,

STANDARD FERTILIZERS

FOR

Cotton, Corn, Peanut and Truck Crops,

MORO PHILLIPS

MANUFACTURING CHEMIST,

MANUFACTURER 0*

3 Afl IL

I _ . . „

:0:

MORO PHILLIPS' SUPER-PHOSPHATE. Price $60— the
^raiu producer in the market.

MORO PHILLIPS" PURE PHUIXE, Price $60— the best fer-
tilizer for truckers we know of.

MORO PHILLIPS TOBACCO IXYIGORATOR. Price
prepared especially tor Tobacco.

SERENA GUANO, a natural organic deposit.

f 110 S. Delaware A v.. Philadelphia, Pa.
For sale at Depots <

{ 95 South Street, Baltimore. Md.,
And by trade generally. Discount to dealers. ap-Gt

FARM LANDS.

The subscriber offers for sale Severn 1 tracts of lana, va-'
rying in size and quality. That on which he resides is an
excellent little farm with rare advantages. Terms very

liberal- THOS. P. LILLY,

Kent's Store, Fluvanna County, Va.

[The above Tracts of Land are very desirable and are offered at
low rates. — L. R. D.~]

apl

G. F. WATSON'S

RICHMOND.

Having timber tracts! n this State sufficient to last several years, with a comnlete lumberin-
rafting, and saw-mill organization of fifty men, together with one of the most 'complete facto!
ries in the country located in this city, can furnish Poplar and hard wood (no soft pine) low-
prictd FURNITURE as cheap as any factory North or West-and fine Walnut FURNITURE
cheaper. A stock of one million feet of lumber insures seasoned work, warranted in this and
every respect. Manufacture MATTRESSES of all kinds.

Lumber-mill, Indiantown, Va. ; Factory, Rocketts street; luniber-vards, Ash and Popla*
streets; warerooms, No. IS Governor (Thirteenth streets,) Richmond. apl

BLATCHLEY'S

Improved Cucumber
Wood Pump is tli.> ac-
knowledged Standard
cf the market, by pop-
ular verdict, the best
pump for the least
. Attention is invited to
■gg-Klatchley's Improved Bracket, the
IHhHD ProP Check Valve, which can be with-
HlP drawn without disturbing the joints,
and the copper chamber which never
cks, scales or rusts and will last a
-a''':'j h/e time. For Sale bv Dealers and
gjgU the trade generally. In order to be
k„„ r , s"rethat you get Blatchlev's Pump,
be careful and see that it has my trade mark as
above. If you do not know where to buy de-
scriptive circular, together with the name and
address of the agent nearest you, will be prompt-
ly furnished by addressing with stamp, V
(MAS. G. BLATCBLEY, Manufacturer
mar O06 Commerce St., Philadelphia, Pa.

TO FARMERS,

Bowery & fljercer's Super Phosphate

REDUCED TO

«40 for single ton ; $38 for five tons and over;

»3o for ten tons and over . • '

«3r» Warranted Equal to any Manufactured.

Send for pamphlet of testimonials,

BOWEN & MERCER,
mar— ly S. Gay Street, Baltimore.)

|1L Will not make a UoK'8

5LJ-0' Hardware Dealers sell them.

- --Kmger, tl; Tin KicgE (100).

^^aLgpe; Copnered Einps, 60e;

• «l/\Mur- ^©i^^loaes, S1.25 ; by mail, poat-

dccaturju paid. Circulars free.

WALNUT GROVE FARM.

THOROUGHBRED and GRaDE JERSEY
CATTLE. BERKSHIRE and ESSEX SWINE
BRONZE TURKEYS and BRAHMA FOWLS,

I took 1st. premium on Thoroughbreds, (Male
and Female,) and 1st premium on Grade Jerseys,
also, 1st on Bronze Turkeys at Va. State Agicul-
tural Society, 1874.

Prices moderate— Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Address,

G. JULIAN PRATT,

mar — ly Waynesboro, Augusta co., Va.

For spring of ISTo will be readv in February
with a colored plate; Free to all my customers.
to others price 25 ets. ; a plain copy to all appli-
cants tree. Washington City D C
apl "

\ BAUGH'S STANDARD 3IANURES.

BAUGH & SONS,

High Grade Manure for Tobacco Sf Grain

BAUGff S RAW.BONErpADE MARK SUPER-PHOSPHATE of LIME.

The old established ***f®fjfE8j$W% article sold under a guaranteed
analysis. Also, Pure Of "vH Ground Bones, Pure Bone Meab

and a full line of chem-. f\ ^^Sf icals for making super-phos

BAUGH & SONS,
ap — 6t No. 103 South Street, Baltimore, Md.

MassilloiiHamster

Buy the Best.

TWO men bind
Tell Acres dailv.
Binders cn:i SIT
Br STAND. A 1-
dr KI>\VI>

B.VYI.I-S.

Munition, O.

Ttioronfflred Stock for Sale.

I am breeding Thoroughbred Devon
Cattle. Poland China, and Essex Hogs.
South Down Sheep. &c. Also Light
Brahma Fowls, and have for sale seve-
ral pairs of White and Black Guineas.
Persons ordering from me can rely on
getting as good stock as any in this
country. My herd of Devons are of
the most improved strains. They took
7 first premiums at our last Virginia
State Fair. For further particulars,

F. W. CHILES.

feb— 6m Louisa C. H.. Va.

CAXCM ! CAXCER ! !

Attention is called to the great suc-
cess which has been achieved in the per-
manent cure of this loathsome disease,
bv the use of

"Benipfl's Enreta Cancer Salve.

Hitherto it lias baffled the best medical skill.
and the poor unfortunates with this leprosy.
clinging to their bodies and eating out their
vitals, are left to drag out a miserable existence.
Testimonials of the most convincing character
are accumulating daily, and many" heretofore
incredulous, are now entirely satisfied as to its
inestimable value.

F. II. ROBERTSON & SON. Index-Appeal
Office, Petersburg. Va., are the General Agents,
to whom all letters for information, and orders
for Salve should be addressed.

March tf

Farmers Protect your SHEEP

At night from dogs, by putting them in

in a fold of sheep nets. For particulars I
address.

WM. ADAMSON,
Gainesville. Prince William Co..
mar— tf Virginia,

March

Wenster's Uuatiriupfl Dictionary.

•• Thk Best Practical English Dic-
tionary extant. — London Quarterly
Iter inc. October, 1ST3.

A NEW FEATURE.

«To the 3.00ii Illustrations heretofore in
: s Unabridged we jave recently added
four pages of

COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS,

Engraved and Printed expressly for the work,
at large expense, viz-

ARMS <»F THE STATES anp TERRITORIES.
ARMS OF VARIOUS NATIONS.
FLAGS OF VARIOUS NATIONS.
UNITED STATES NAVAL FLAGS, 4c

Thus adding another to the many useful and
attractive features of Webster's Unabridged.

«**The Authority of Everybody.

PROOF— 20 TO 1.

The sales of Webster's Dictionaries throughout
the country iu 1ST::, were 'Jo times as large as the
sales of any other Dictionaries In proof ol' this
we will send to any person, on application, the
statements of more than 100 Booksellers, from
every section of the country. Published bv
ti. A- <'. MEKRI.VM. Springfield, Mass.
mar

Rabbits for Sale

English Rabbits, 82 per pair

Lop-eared Rabbits, 5 "

boxed anil delivered at Express of-
fice. Address

Master G. W.PAYNE,
Black Heath P. O..
my CheStertield county, Va.

THE

YALLEY CHIEF

H-

3111

REAPER AND MOWER

The only Machine made in the South, and every Ma-
chine warranted.

GRAND SILVER MEDAL

AT

AT

CULPBPBR C. H., VA., 1874.

We ask a comparison of workmanship
and price of the home production.

IT CANNOT BE EXCELLED.

All inquiries cheerfully answered.
Catalogues furnished on application.

CH/*S, T. PALMER,

1526 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

Pleasantly located on Twelfth Street, facing Bank Street and the Capi-
tol Square. In the centre of the business portion of the city, within
one square of the Post Office and Custom House, it is, by its retired
location opposite the southeast corner of the beautiful park surrounding
the Capitol of Virginia, the most quiet hotel in Richmond.

The proprietor having had a life long experience in hotel business —
first at the Everett House, Xew York, and afterwards as proprietor of
the Spotswood Hotel, Richmond, in its best days — and now assisted by
Mr. JOHX P. BALLARD, the popular veteran hotel-keeper of Vir-
ginia, assures visitors of the ST. JAMES that no effort on his part will
be spared to make them comfortable and to keep the house in first-class
style. Coaches will attend the arrival of all trains. Elegant carriages
are at all times at the service of the traveling public.
june T. W. HOENNIGER, Proprietor.

BERKSHIRE PSSS FOE BALE.

Another lot of PIGS from imported sows "Rosedale," "Car-
lotta," and "Hillhurst Rose 2d." ALSO.

SHORTHORN BULLS. COWS & CALVES

A. M. BOWMAN,

je — 2t Bellevue, near Waynesboro', T a.

R. SmCLiAXR <£ CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

fflUML IMPLEMENTS 5 lUDEHT.

ALSO, GROWERS AND IMPORTERS OF ''

GARDEN AND FIELD SEEDS,

Dealers in FRUIT TREES and PLANTS

W ould call the special attention of our friends and customers to the following
first-class Machinery and Implements, which we guarantee to be equal to any arti-
cle of the kind made in this country, being all of our own manufacture.

We name in part, such machines as are required bv the Farmer and Planter
for the Winter and Spring seasons, viz: SINCLAIR'S PATENT MASTI-
CATOR, of which we make four sizes, viz: Hand. Steam and Horse Power.

Sinclair's Patent Screw Propeller, Hay, Straw and Fodder Cutters,

of which we make four sizes, viz . Light Hand Power, Hand Power, general sizes.
and Horse Power three sizes. All of the above-named Cutters are our own
Patents and Manufacture, and are such as we can recommend.

Reading's Patent Hoi'se-Power Corn Sheller, with Fan Attachment.
" " " Sheller, plain.

Double Spout Hand or Power Sheller Single Spout Shellers —
v\\ kinds.

Corn and Cob Mills, Grist Mills, for Farm and Plantation use.
WHEAT AND CORN FANNING MILLS.

" Anderson's " Agricultural Steamer, for preparing feed for Stock.
The best in use.

Threshers and Separators— different kinds and sizes.

Horse Powers, all sizes and patterns.

Ox-Yokes and Bows, Horse Power Road Scrapers, Hay and
Straw Pressos.

Pldws, differ|nt kinds and Sizes, Harrows, Cultivators, and all kinds of
Farming and Horticultural Tools. Add

*■* R. SINCLAIR & CO. , 62 Light Street, Baltimore,, Mi.

TEE BEST CULTIVATING IMPLEMENT IN THE WORLD.

m

lug MALTA DOUBLE SHOVEL PLOW.

PRICE LIST FOR 1875.
Double Shovel Plow .$8 00 | Single Shovel Plow $6 00

EXTRAS.

Mould Board Plow §1 50

Cultivating Shovel 1 25

Bull-tongue Shovel $1 00

Clod Fender 1 00

We have exclusive control in this market of the above celebrated plows.

H. M. SMITH &, CO.

r

SMITH'S IMPROVED

§£ II

ifi

FACTORY PRICE—TWENTY DOLLARS,

Invented, Patented, and sold by H. M. SMITH & CO., Manfs.

NOTICE TO PATRONS.
We control in this Market.

THE CHAMPION REAPERS AND MOWERS,

THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

E STUBEBMBR FARM Wftfi

Celebrated for lighntness of Draft, Strength, Capacity and
Durability.

THE GEISER THRESHER, CLEAXER A.\D BAGGER.

The fastest Thresher, the cleanest Cleaner, and the best made'Machine in use.
t&- CATALOGUES FOR 1875 NOW READY.

feb-tf 15S2 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

FlRTIliIZEBi.

Soluble Sea Island Guano,

"' OF UNDOUBTED EXCELLENCE FOR COTTON AND TOBACCO.

Amiuoniated Alkaline Phosphate,

The Granger's Manure, we refer to t>

Boiie and Meal Fertilizer.

This article is combined with Potash, and contains all the elei
necessary for the'growth of plant, and maturity of fruit.

Lone Star Brand of Flour of Bone,

From our Extensive Factory at Fulton, Texas.

Ammoiiiaeal Matter,

Of uniform quality, prepared from the flesh of cattle, at our Texas

Factory.

Dissolved Bone.

Bone Phosphate dissolved in Sulphuric Acid, containing 13 per
cent, of Soluble Phosphoric Acid.

Potash Salts

Of our own importation.

Sulphuric Acid,

And all necessary articles to make a good Fertilizer.

For Sale at
I Water Streets, - - BALTIMORE,

AND

- PETERSBURG. VA.

R. W. L. RAISIN & CO.

Subscription REDUCED to $1.50 Per Annum in Advance.

TO CH'BS OF FIVE OR MORE OXE DOiLAR EACH.

E S T A. BL I S K E ID I 3ST 1 8 4 O

THE SOTITHB^Isr

DEVOTED TO

Apiltire, Horticnltnre, ai Bnral Affairs.

L. R. DICKINSON Proprietor

RICHMOND, VA„

JULY. 1875.

HO. 7.

CONTENTS.

Sheep Husbandry and the Renova-
tion of the Soil,

Priming Tobacco : A few Words on
the Labor Question

Why Sam Simpson Sold Out,

The Loneliness of Farming Life in
tica.

The Element of Pluck,

Sheep on a Poor Farm,

How to Escape Tobacco Worms,
"What, is High Farming ; Plaster
a Tobacco Fertilizer,

Fertilizers — The Credit System and
High Pi-

Communication from Col. Knight,

• in the Use of Green Crops for
Manure.

Curing Yellow Tobacco,

Cutting, Scaffolding, Housing, Cur-
ing and Preparing Shipping and
acco for Market,

Tuckahoe Farmers' Club,

Confidence Needed ; Letter from
Fluvanna.

What 1 Know of Long Wools,

Mellow tSoil Around 1 i

Manure from a Ton of Hay,

339

341
344

340
348
350

351

352
353

857

367

Women, Agriculture and the Grange, 368
The Last State Fair and the Nes
Lucerne. 370

Our Wheat Trade, 371

Black Hawk : Walking v. Trotting

Hors 373

Cattle for Fattening; Butter Pro-
duct of a Short horn Heifer. 374
Cure for Kicking Cows': South-
down Sheep, 375
When to Buy Sheep ; Raising Hogs, 376
Dog Tax ; The Dog Warfare,
A Hint to Farmers: Work as a
Remedy ; Remedy for Cabbage
Worms,
Bees for Farm.

Study to Save Steps; Make the
Farm Self-Sustaining ; 'Contin-
ued Supply of Guano,
The Patrons" Object ; Catholics can

Join the Order.
Happy Husbands; Madame Jerome

Bonaparte.
Pruning the Raspberry,
How to make Good Apple Dump-
lings; Chen-
Editorial — Notes for the Mouth

378
379

3"80

381

38i'
383

884

380

GRAND SQUAEE. # UPRIGHT

PIANOS

Have received upwards of FIFTY FIRST PREMIUMS, and are among the best
now made. Every instrument fully warranted for five years. Prices as low as
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will permit. The Principal Pianists and composers and the piano-purchasing
public, of the South especially, unite in the unanimous verdict of the superiority
of the STIEFF PIANIO. The DURABILITY of our instruments is fullv estab-
lished by over SIXTY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES iu the South, using over
300 of our Pianos.

Sole Wholesale Agents for several of the principal manufacturers of Cabinet
and Parlor Organs : prices from $50 to §000. A liberal discount to Clergymen
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A large assortment of second hand Pianos, at prices ranging from $75 to $300,
always on hand. -

Send for Illustrated Catalogue, containing the names of over 2.000 Southern-
ers who have bought and are using the Stieff Piano.

CHAS. M. STIEFF.
WaFerooms. No. 9, North Liberty Street.

BALTIMORE, MD.

Factories. S4 & c0 Camden street, and 45 and 47 Perry St.
ap — tf

ii

EUREKA

??

Ammoniatefl Superpliosphate of Lime,

MANUFACTURED BY'

The Atlantic and Virginia Fertilizing Company,
Near 0BIENT, L. I,,

Always proves to be the best fertilizer when accurately test-. :he applica-

equal values, by the side of any other, whether on tobacco, vchtai, corn,
cotton, grass or <

See the report of Mr. A. M. Bowman, President of the Baldwin Augu-
ricultural Society, to the V .:e Agriculture. published in this

number of the Pfanfr wr, and note the fact that the " Eureka " is not

only much the best of the six fertilizers he tried, but that it was also the cheapest;
and bear in mind that at the time he- tried it he did not even know who was manu-
factuiing it: and followed his example in ascertaining what is the best and also
in letting the farmer know which is the best. The value of accurate experiments,
and the purchase from reliable manufacturers, cannot be overestimated.

WM. G. CRENSHAW. Pres. FRANK G. BOFFIN :e of Va.

If there is no agent for the sale of '• Eureka" in your immediate neighbor-
hood, write to any of the followii.g General Agents: W. N. RUFFIN. Rich-
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STON. Alexandria, Va.; JOSHUA WALKER, Baltimore. Md- WILLIAMS A
MURCHISuN. Wilmington. N. C: W. C. COURTNEY ft CO., Charted
C; J. W. LATHKOP ^ CO.. Savanna] .

8®" Send for Circular.

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTEE & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xf.nophos.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State. — Sully.

Proprietor

New Series. RICHMOND, VA.f JULY, 1875.

No. 7

SHEEP HUSBANDRY AND THE RENOVATION OF THE

SOIL.

A correspondent of our late cotemporary, the Southern Farm and
Home, after declaring that, in his opinion, no land is worth cultiva-
ting, or will pay expenses and yield a revenue, which is not fertile
enough to produce ten bushels of corn, eight bushels of wheat, or
between 300 and 400 pounds of seed cotton per acre, because in the
present condition of agriculture, and with the present system of labor,
it is wiser to throw out all such land, if we cannot do anything else with
it, than try to raise corn and cotton, proceed to show how lands of
that kind may in a few years be restored to a high state of fertility,
and produce in the meantime a good interest on the capital invested,
by converting them into sheep-walks. The way to do this he details
as follows :

Let us suppose a plantation of 1,000 acres, well fenced and supplied
with every thing needed except the sheep. I would divide it into
three parts, two of which should be set apart for grazing, and the
third, including woods, house lots, etc., should have from 10 to 150,
of arable land for cultivation and renovation. In February and the
early part of March, having previously repaired and built all the
requisite fences, I would prepare well from forty to fifty acres, half
of which I would sow in oats in the end of February, and plant the
rest in corn in March. Having done this, I would then sow eight or
ten acres more in oats, on which I would fold my sheep at night during
the summer and fall, in pens enclosing about half an acre.

The sheep should be bought in April or May ; oOO will do to
begin with, increasing until the number is 1,000.

The folding the sheep is the source of improvement and profit, and
should therefore be looked after with the utmost care. They should
never be put in pens until after sundown and turned out before sun-
rise, and if cattle are penned with them, they will not suffer from
disease, and will be protected from dogs.

340 THE SOUTHERN [July

The first half acre folded will be sufficiently manured in ten days,
and then the pen should be removed, and the manured ground thor-
oughly ploughed, and sowed in oats and ruta baga turnips ; and the
same process should be followed with each successive pen until the
beginning of August, care being taken to plough under all that part
of the land set apart for folding on which the oats have ripened, be-
fore the folds have reached them.

In the beginning of August the sheep ought to be divided into
two flocks, one consisting of the breeding ewes and stock weathers,
and the other of the lambs and such old ewes and wethers as may be
intended to prepare for market. The folds may now be brought
back to the ground first penned and sown in oats and turnips, now
covered with fine growth of both for the second folding. In this
second folding there should be two pens for the two flocks, the lambs
and fattening sheep being allowed to occupy each pen three or four
days before the stock sheep, and allowing the latter to remain for four
or five days before removal.

The land folded before the middle of September, may be ploughed
and sown in turnips for use of sheep in winter and spring, and the
subsequent pens can be sown in rye and wheat or any other quick-
growing crop for spring grazing.

When winter comes, the fat sheep should be disposed of as soon
as possible, the breeding ewes put in one field to themselves, and the
rest of the flock in the other. They should be brought up at night
and put in separate lots, provided with good sheds for shelter, and
fed night and morning on hay or fodder and turnips. When the
ewes begin to drop their lambs, in March, they should be separated
from the rest of the flock, fed twice a day on chopped sheaf oats and
allowed to run on land prepared for them the previous fall.

The work of each succeeding year, differs only from that of the
first, in that instead of breaking new ground for oats, they shall be
sown in the twenty or twenty-five acres of corn land and the ten
acres of manured land of the previous year, and these ten acres of
the manured land should at the same time be seeded heavily in nlover
and grass. Thus ten acres of clover and grass land would be added
each year to the resources of the farm. When the 100 or 150 acres
first set aside for cultivation have been by this process converted into
clover and grass pastures, fifty acres may be taken in from each of
the pasture fields first set aside, and the same system pursued until
they are redeemed. Thus in a few years the whole farm will be
raised to a very high state of fertility, and the increase and sales of
the sheep will yield a good revenue, with very small expenses for
labor. An experienced shepherd and a couple of smart boys are all
the labor permanently required. In shearing time and harvest, extra
labor would be necessary for a few days.

I have no doubt that by the adoption of a system such as I have
indicated above, or one substantially like it, our poor red hills may
be reclaimed, the comfort and prosperity of the people promoted,
and the value of the real property of the State immensely increased.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 341

PRIMING TOBACCO.

The relative advantages of priming and of not primintr tobacco
can only be tested by trial and experience. Many years a^o I
made tobacco without priming, and succeeded very well, but the prac-
tice was ridiculed by my neighbors and I abandoned it, in part, by
priming the earlier part of the crop, and not priming the later plants.
When you prime you have the advantage of making a coarser
richer, heavier leaf for stemming or shipping, if the soil is suitable
for such tobacco, and red or stiff lands of good fertilitv answer best
for that kind of tobacco. But if you have light gray Or sandy land
it is best adapted to making manufacturing tobacco. Now I contend
(and my experience proves it) that by not priming, and topping to
eight, ten or twelves leaves above the place on the stalk of ordinary
priming, you make more .tobacco and of a finer qualitv, and more
disposed to cure, of a bright color. There will be verv few and
stunted suckers, principally at the three top leaves — so there is an
actual saving of labor in suckering and worming. When tobacco is
large enough to top, the priming leaves have attained their fall size,
and draw but little from the plant afterwards, besides you save the
drawing of luxuriant suckers which grow on the primed tobacco and
exhaust what ought to go in the leaves. The unprimed is much
cleaner of dirt and sand, is not near as liable to break from rains or
storms, is finer and brighter, and sells for a better price. Livino-
in a section where little, if any, shipping or stemming tobacco i°
made, I am not priming any now, and will "show my faith by my
works." W. A. "'Gillespie.

A PEW WORDS ON THE LABOR QUESTION.

" Farming don't pay," has been a cant throughout the South since
Lincoln's emancipation proclamation, and almost as universal has
been the accusation, " our labor is too unreliable," meaning of course
negro labor. Both observation and experience teach me that "white
labor" is as unreliable, and perhaps more so than "negro labor"
on the farm.

To labor systematically six days in the week is no luxury, or the
curse would not have been imposed on Adam to earn his bread by
the sweat of his -brow ; and the farm employee that does not require
watching, stimulating, encouraging, and the force of example, is a
treasure too valuable to be utilized simply as a farm hand. And
yet most Southern farmers, who ought to know the negro's charac-
ter well enough to control him as a farm laborer, are clamorous for
better labor; for the introduction of foreigners to cultivate our
crops, a sprig which they have never seen in their lives, believing
that-white laborers, less treacherous and more reliable than negroes
will renovate matters in a trice, and make the South blossom as the
rose under their improved labor.

Never, in my judgment, was a graver mistake entertained. Turn
for a single season the tide of immigration from the Northern to

342 THE SOUTHERN [July

Southern ports, and before a crop could be harvested, we would be
afflicted by worse than a Persian famine. A myriad of consumers
thrown upon the South would be worse than the grasshopper plague
of the Northwest. The South has an abundance of material out of
which to make laborers, and needs only the introduction of the power
to fashion, shape, and control that material. I have often asserted,
the negro is the best farm laborer this generation of farmers will
ever see, and it is wrong for us to attempt to introduce a competitive
class who know nothing of our crops, our natures or our language.

But what are we to do, asks every one ? We can't control the
negro; he is naturally lazy, treacherous and faithless, and depend-
ence upon him is worse than idle. I am not the champion of the
negro, for in this State, I think, I am regarded by them as their
enemy ; but I have so far succeeded in utilizing their labor as to in-
duce the belief they suit me better than any white men could.

Before publishing my plan of management, let me ask, do not
Southern farmers expect too much of the negro ? We say. he won't
work unless he is watched and made to work. Have we ever learned
that laborers act differently anywhere on earth ? I have frequently
heard the remark, "Northern men get more work done with fewer
hands, than we at the South, with more hands." Is there not a
reason for this ? The Northern farmer says, come, let us 20 do so
and so. The Southern farmer says, go boys, and do so and so.
Leading and driving are too different occupations, and the farmer
that leads the negro gets more work out of him for less money than
can be got from any other employee. Consequently those men who
from childhood have been inured to work, who can hold the plough,
or throw the grain cradle, are annually pocketing more net money
from their investments in Southern farms than any other class of
agricultural laborers in this or any other country.

Can the same be said of large land-owners, who, because they
cannot have work done as of yore, or because they cannot control
affairs around and about them just as thev wish, are continually
abusing the negro, and asserting that farming at the South don't pay ?
Not at all. Such men deserve our sympathy, for to my mind (to use a
vulgarism), the unreconstructed Southern farmer is of all men most
miserable. He hankers after the flesh pots to no purpose.

What more common than to hear, that in the North lands are
worth twenty-five to one hundred dollars per acre, and that farming
pays better there than at the South ? The whole thing is a delu-
sion. Lands at the North are high priced because they are in de-
mand, and they are in demand because there is a population able to
buy. Bring into the South a population of moneyed men able and
willing to buy, and let Southern farmers put a phase upon their
farms that makes them desirable, and Southern lands will become
high priced too, because purchasers will be found who are willing
to buy. Let each reader ask himself the question, how many farms
do I know that would appear attractive to a purchaser ? A mono-
syllable will answer the question in a majority of instances. No, the

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 343

high priced lands of the North are no evidence of agricultural thrift.
Those farmers live very well it is true, but they work much harder,
and are more troubled with unreliable labor than we of the South.
I have heard Northern farmers say, time and again, that during their
busiest season, they have to-day had all the '"help" they wanted,
and to-morrow it was gone. In the Northwest labor sets its own
price and receives it every night and the teeming hordes of laborers
that are constantly migrating westward through the Northwestern
States, are less reliable than the weather itself; for fervently believ-
ing, that just a little further westward is that Eldorado for which
they have long sought, and the accounts of which brought them to
this 4iland of the free," they sojourn and labor here to-day to ''raise
the wind" to take them yonder to-morrow. Had Ave to deal with
such a people our crops would seldom be planted, much less culti-
vated and harvested. Far better to depend upon the laborer we
have, whose local attachment at least fixes him almost invariably for
one year.

But the Northern farmer makes more money than we do, say
those who know nothing about it ; but it is alia mistake. They
make less and handle less money than we do, and if they lived
the lives we do, they would be far more poverty stricken. The
Northern farm that will sell for one hundred dollars per acre, "will
produce, perhaps, an average of thirty bushels of wheat or its mar-
ketable equivalent in grass, worth probably thirty dollars. Out of
this must come ten dollars for interest on investment, half as much
more for taxes and labor, and when the subsistence of the family is
deducted, there is precious little left. True, employees are less nu-
merous constantly, but day labor is doubtless valuable, and all
Northern farms require double the amount of plough stock we do at
the South, and everywhere the annual expense of a horse is almost
equal to that of an average hand.

The net income from a first-class Northern farm is not five per
cent., and I consider a similar Southern farm as a failure that does
not double that income. I have repeatedly seen farms in South
Carolina of from one to five hundred acres, sell from five to twenty-
five hundred dollars, and no sooner had they changed hands than
they were leased to negro farmers for twenty-five per cent, on the in-
vestment. And just here is where we of the South have a great
advantage over Northern farmer, if we could only so accommodate
ourselves to the times as to utilize our advantage. Lands are cheap
and labor is abundant, and we must learn to control it. Concessions
must be made, and if properly made, will invariably redound to our
profit. If, as owners of the soil, possessors of what little capital
there is in the South, and with a superior intelligence, we do not con-
trol the labor of our land, the fault lies at our own doors. We have
no system, no concert of action. To the contrary, we are constantly
pulling against each other. We are the employers, but every farmer
has his own notion of things, and cares nothing for his neighbor's
plans. If I hire hands for wages, one of them may at any time

344 THE SOUTHERN [July

conclude to leave. If so. he only goes across my line fence and my
_• ibor hires him. If I give my employees a portion of the crop,
iy savs they will steal more than their share. You may as well
kill a dog as to give him a bad name. So. a? a practical farmer, I
have never adopted this policy, nor did I hire for wages longer than
I found I had to become a day laborer myself to enable me to con-
trol the labor to suit me. Hence, since 1869 I have simply tenanted
my lands and ha- -ee a reason for not doing so.

lot the land, the laborers furnishes everything else, and pays
all e . If he is unable to carry on the farm

alone. I assist him for the year, with the hope he will be able the next
r. If he makes nothing, and I think he is to blame, I discharge him,
have no difficulty in securing others. My rents are reasonable,
and have never failed to be forthcoming, except in two instances,
where two men contracted store accounts without my knowledge, and
being threatened by the merchant with a law suit, they stole my cot-
ton to pay the accounts. I blamed the merchants more than I did
the nee - I have never had a hand, but in these two instances,
to fail to make more than the rent and the expenses of his portion
of the farm.

Jnd no people ever had a fairer opportunity of becoming
lordlv land owners, or of establishing a system of agricultural ten-
antry, unsurpassed in the history of the world, than have the South-
ern farmers a: this present time. Whether as a race we will ever
see it, and practice it, is another thing. — D. Wyatt Aike^; in
Union.

WHY BAM. SIMPSON SOLD OUT.

neighbor Sam. Simpson has sold out and is going West. There
has been a plain, honest, industrious, economical German — Hans
Leibenstein — hanging around Simpson for some time trying to pur-
se his farm. At last Hans got it. Simpson thinks he sold it at
a bargain. Doubtless Hans thinks he got it at a bargain. I had an
1 Sii son's the other night. I had not heard that he
ha " farm ; but upon my entrance into the house, I saw by

tbe look on the faces of the famiiy that some unusual excitement
was animating them.

"Well, Crumple, you're going to lose me for a neighbor," was

'a first w< rda after I had got settled in the splint-bottomed

chair his daughter Sally handed me : and the whole Simpson family

looked at me as if they expected I would jump out of that chair on

ant of the news, with a suddenness and force only equalled by

an don of nitro-glycerine under me, but I didn't. I simply

..:. -Tve sold." "Sold what?" "The farm."

"Hans." That twas the whole story. I didn't need

any further explanation ; but Simpson proceeded to say :

"Yon see the old farm is completely run out. I can't make the
ends meet tL :f years. I've got tired tumbling around

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 345

among the stones, and I'm going where there's some virgin soil that
will produce something. So I struck up a trade with Hans. He
has been after it, off and on, for a year or more. I wanted $40 per
acre for the old place. He offered me $25. Finally, he offered me
$80; and, after considering the subject, I told him I would take it
if he would pay me cash down. Hadn't any idea he would do it;
but he said if I would throw in the stock and farm implements he
thought he could raise the money. I finally told him I would; and
what do you think, sir ? . He hauled out of his greasy old pants
pocket a $1,000 bill and handed it to me to bind the bargain, and
said as soon as the papers were receipted he'd pay me the balance,
which he has done to-day. I feel kind of sorry to part with the old
place ; but the thing is done and there's an end on't! What d'ye
think?"

All this time my Crumple nature had been rising within me like
an inspiration. Here was this man Simpson who inherited this
farm — one of the fi est in the neighborhood — who had skinned it
without scruple until it would scarcely raise white beans under his
system of treatment. And he had got to leave, or mortgage the farm
of his ancestors to live on.

Then here was Hans, who came into the neighborhood with his
frau five years before, with only his wife's strong and willing hands,
economy and industry. They had rented a worn-out farm which
they had finally purchased and paid for, and had saved $3,000, with
which to pay for Simpson's 100 acres. So in answer to "What d'ye
think?" I was ready to respond ; and did it in this wise :

"What do I think? I'm glad you're going, neighbor Simpson !
I'm glad Hans has got the farm. He deserves it, you don't. He
has got brains and industry; you havn't got either. Under your
management the farm is a disgrace to the neighborhood ; Hans will
make it a credit. Your farm lying next to mine depreciates the value
of my land ten per cent.; the same land owned by Hans will add to
the value of mine 20 per cent. I shall be the richer for your going
and the poorer for your staying. I am glad you're going."

You should have seen Simpson's and his family's faces. They
grew cloudy and long. Indeed, I believe they began to scowl at me.
Simpson said :

"You're pretty rough on an old neighbor, Crumple, now that he
is going. I thought you and I had always been friends. I've tried
to be a good and accommodating neighbor. You've been a good one
to me, and I'm sorry to leave you; but if you're glad I'm going, I'm
not sorry either."

"Simpson," I said, "let us understand each other. As a neigh-
bor, so far as neighborly intercourse is concerned, I've no fault to
find, and am sorry you are going. In talking about you as a farmer,
you are and always have been a poor one. No man with such a farm
as yours ought to want to sell — at least there ought to be no neces-
sity for selling. But you are not a farmer. You havn't got a single

S46 THE SOUTHERN [July

quality essential to make a good farmer. In the first place you de-
test the business ; you don't take any pride or interest in it ; you
don't care whether your land improves under cultivation or not; you
want to get all off it you can without taking the trouble to pay
anything back ; you skin it year after year, and cry out against the
seasons : you denounce every man you deal with as a sharper or
swindler, because you do not get the prices for your products other
people do, and yet you no not seem to know that the reason is that
your products are poor in quality, and put on the market in miserable
shape ; your stock has been running down ever since your father
died ; you havn't built a new fence and scarcely repaired an old one ;
your manure has not been hauled out and judiciously used on the
farm ; your pigs have bothered your neighbors more than they have
benefited you ; your cattle have become breachy, and I have had to
shut them up in my stables in order to keep them out of my grain ; you
have distributed from your fence corners more weed seeds than any
farmer I know of, and thus given your tidy neighbors more trouble
than your favors to them would compensate. In short, it is time for
you to move. You ought to have a virgin farm ! It will take you
but a few years to strip it of its fertility ; then you'll have to move
again, and keep moving. You belong to a verv large class of farm-
ers who are a curse to any country. The fact is, you are not, never
was, and never will be a farmer in the right sense of that word.
You are only a guerilla. You live by robbery — robbery of the soil.
And it is not right, neighbor Simpson. You had better seek some
other vocation, now that you've got the cash to start with. You like
horses : you know horses ; you can talk horses from daylight till
dark ; you can't be fooled with horses ; you like to trade horses ;
you had better go into some smart town and start a livery stable.
You'll make money at it; you'll never make money farming ; you'll
grow poorer and poorer the longer you attempt it."

Just then Sally Simpson clapped her hands and said : "That's so,
father! Havn't I told you so ? Mother and I have often talked
it over, Mr. Crumple, and you are just as right as can be ; and father
knows it too if he would only say so. I know you too well (and
you've done us too many kindnesses for us to ever to forget them),
to believe that you have talked to father in the way you have out of
any unkind feeling. It is true, every word of it, father, and you
ought to thank neighbor Crumple for talking just as he thinks ; I do;
and I don't think the less of him either." — Neiv York Tribune.

THE LONELINESS OF FARMING LIFE IN AMERICA.

An American traveller in the Old World notices, among the mul-
titude of things that are new to his eye, the gathering of agricultural
population into villages. He had been accustomed in his own coun-
try to see them distributed upon the farms they cultivate. The iso-
lated farm-life, so universal here, either does not exist at all in the
greater part of continental Europe, or it exists as a comparatively

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 347

modern institution. The old populations, of all callings and profes-
sions, clustered together for self-defence, and built walls around
themselves. Out from these walls, for miles around, went the tillers
of the soil in the morning, and back into the gates they thronged at
night. Cottages were clustered around feudel castles, and grew into
towns; and so5 Europe for many centuries was cultivated mainly by
people who lived in villages and cities, many of which were walled,
and all of which possessed appointments of defence. The early set-
tlers in our country took the same means to defend themselves from
the treacherous Indians. The towns of Hadley, Hatfield, Northfield
and Deerfield, on the Connecticut River, are notable examples of
this kind of building ; and to this day they remain villages of agri-
culturists. That this is the way in which farmers ought to live, we
have no question, and we wish to say a few words about it.

There is some reason for the general disposition of American men
and women to shun agricultural pursuits which the observers and
philosophers have been slow to find. We see young men pushing
everywhere into trade, into mechanical pursuits, into the learned
professions, into insignificant clerkships, into salaried positions of
every sort that will take them into towns and support and hold them
there. We find it impossible to drive poor people from the cities
with the threat of starvation, or to coax them with the promise of better
pay and cheaper fare. There they stay, and starve, and sicken, and
sink. Young women resort to the shops and factories rather than
take service in farmer's houses, where they are received as members
of the family ; and when they marry, they seek an alliance, when
practicable, with mechanics and tradesmen who live in villages and
large towns. The daughters of the farmer fly the farm at the first
opportunity. The towns grow larger all the time, and in New Eng-
land ac least, the farms are becoming wider and longer, and the
farming population are diminished in numbers, and, in some locali-
ties, degraded in quality and character.

It all comes to this, that isolated life has very little significance to
a social being. The social life of the village and the city has intense
fascination to the lonely dwellers on the farm or to a great multitude
of them. Especially is this the case with the young. The youth of
both sexes who have seen nothing of the world have an overwhelm-
ing desire to meet life and to be among the multitude. They feel
their life to be narrow in its opportunities and its rewards, and the
pulsations of the great social heart that comes to them in the rushing
trains, and passing steamers, and daily newspapers, damp with the
news of a hundred brows, thrill them with longings for the places
where the rhythmic throb is felt and heard. They are not to be
blamed for this. It is the most natural thing in the world. If all
of life were labor— if the great object of life were the scraping to-
gether of a few dollars, more or less — why, isolation without diver-
sion would be economy and profit ; but so long as the object of life
is life, and the best and purest and happiest that can come of it, all

348 THE SOUTHERN [July

needless isolation is a crime against the soul, in that it is a surrender
and sacrifice of noble opportunities.

We are, therefore, not sorry to see farms growing larger, provided
those who work them will get nearer together; and that is what they
ought to do. Any farmer who plants himself and his family alone —
far from possible neighbors — takes upon himself a terrible responsi-
bility. It is impossible that he and his family should be well devel-
oped and thoroughly happy there. He will be forsaken in his old
age by the very children for whom he has made his great sacrifice.
They will fly to the towns for the social food and stimulus for which
they have starved. We never heard of a colony settling on a Western
prairie without a thrill of pleasure. It is in colonies that all ought
to settle, and in villages rather than on separate farms. The meet-
ing, the lecture, the public amusement, the social assembly, should
be things easily reached. There is no such damper upon free social
life as distance. A long road is the surest bar to neighborly inter-
course. If the social life of the farmer were richer, his life would
by that measure be the more attractive.

After all, there are farmers who will read this article with a sense
of affront or injury, as if by doubting or disputing the sufficiency of
their social opportunities we insult them with a sort of contempt.
We assure them that they cannot afford to treat thoroughly sympa-
thetic counsel in this way. We know that their wives and daughters
and sons are on our side, quarrel with us as they may; and the wo-
men and children are right. ''The old man," who rides to market
and the post-office, and mingles more or less in business with the
world, gets along tolerably well; but it is the stayers at home who
suffer. Instead of growing wiser and better as they grow old, they
lose all the graces of life in unmeaning drudgery, and instead of
ripening in mind and heart, they simply dry up or decay. We are
entirely satisfied that the great curse of farming life in America is
its isolation. It is useless to say that men shun the farm because
they are lazy. The American is not a lazy man anywhere; but he
is social, and he will fly from a life that is not social to one that is.
If we are to have a larger and better population devoted to agricul-
ture, isolation must be shunned, and the whole policy of settlement
hereafter must be controlled or greatly modified by social considera-
tions.— Dr. J. G. Holland, in Serihner's Monthly.

THE ELEMENT OF PLUCK.

People in pecuniary misfortune, in estimating their liabilities and
resources, seldom consider among the latter the element of pluck.
The tendency with nearly all unfortunates is to magnify difficulties,
and underrate or wholly forget their power to overcome them. A
man in good health, with unsullied character, need fear no evil, nor
be robbed of his happiness, no matter how adversely things may
appear. If he is heavily in debt, and can satisfy the community

1875. PLANTER AND FARMER. 349

that he is straining every nerve and appropriating all his resources
to discharge his obligations, there is no danger of his losing a well-
earned reputation, and there is no reason why he should not be
cheerful in his family and joyous in his own heart. The self-
consciousness of integrity, coupled with the approving smiles of the
Father above, should enable a man to face every foe and surmount
every difficulty. If, instead of burdensome debt, he is overtaken by
fire or flood, so that the accumulated comforts of years are swept
away in an hour, he gains nothing by sitting down, folding his arms,
and\veeping over his misfortune. "Up and at it," is a familiar but
expressive phrase. Pluck is a lever that upheaves difficulties. Be-
fore a resolute man the green withes of adversity snap like threads
of tow. It is not enough that a man in trouble has physical force
to execute, and mental clearness to plan, but behind both he needs
the impelling power of pluck. The steam engine may be ever so
perfect and bright, the engineer ever so competent, but both would
be unavailable to draw the long line of cars if steam were lacking.
Pluck is to a man what steam is to the railway train.

A farmer, a short time ago, came to a well-known citizen for ad-
vice. He was in low spirits ; matters had gone wrong with him
through loans to friends, and speculations outside of his farming
business, until his debts became exceedingly burdensome. Unaccus-
tomed to such interruptions in his hitherto unwavering success, his
spirits gave way. Brooding over his troubles, he became morose
and gloomy; he had no cheerful words for family or friends; he al-
lowed trifling causes to keep him from church, and instead of listen-
ing to the encouragement of the Gospel, he moped on Sundays
around his house and barns. Wherever he went he carried a " hang-
dog look," and whatever he did was done feebly, as though strength
and ambition were both gone. In this condition of things a friend
advised him to open his mind to the citizen above mentioned, whose
long familiarity with trials made him capable both of sympathy and
counsel. The conversation soon developed the fact that the farmer
owned a property worth thirty thousand dollars; that his entire in-
debtedness did not exceed thirteen thousand dollars, and that his
income exceeded his outgoes, including interest on his indebtedness,
by one thousand dollars. "Why," said the citizen, "have you been
disheartened over such a condition of affairs as this? What! a sur-
plus of $17,000, and a net income of $1,000 per year to applyto
your debts, which will grow less and less burdensome as successive
payments are made. Why, my friend, thousands of poor fellows
struggling Avith debts, without any surplus income, would be happy
to step into your shoes and sing like a lark over their good fortune.
There is but one thing that is the matter with you, my friend; you
have simply lost pluck! Yes! one other — professing faith in a
Divine Providence, you have also lost trust." So after many en-
couraging words on the part of the citizen, he bid him good-bye with
a strong grasp of the hand, and with the parting'words, "thank you,
sir, I feel better." And so he did; his eyes were opened to realize

350 THE SOUTHERN [[July

that, as in the case of thousands of others, his troubles were imagi-
nary. How different the spirit of a furniture dealer of my acquaint-
ance, whose entire property above ground was recently destroyed by
fire in a single night. Three buildings, a stock of furniture, house-
hold comforts, wardrobes, keepsakes, indeed everything, so that
morning found the family dispersed in friendly dwellings with noth-
ing saved but the garments in which they fled. .

But see this man's pluck. In answering a friend's sympathizing
letter, he writes : "Your kind letter of sympathy at our late mishap
was duly received. I have so much to tell I hardly know where to
begin. Well, thank Providence, we are all well, in excellent health
and full of pluck. We have almost forgotten about it, and are tired
of talking fire, and are on the go-ahead track only. In less than
twenty-four hours Ave had a store rented, and commenced to get
ready for a new start. Some folks could not understand how I could
take it so coolly, and if our loss had not been so complete and total,
I might have been suspected from my coolness of having a hand in it.
I have been rusting for two years, my son ran the business, Avhile I
did the playing. But now the rust is pretty well rubbed off, and I
am about as bright as ten years ago." To any one in pecuniary dis-
tress, let me suggest that the way out of difficulties is not by hang-
doggedness, but pluck. — C. 0. JV., in American Agricultural.

SHEEP ON A POOR FARM.

Some farmers of our acquaintance feel an antipathy to sheep, for
the reason that they "bite close." We consider this their chief re-
commendation. They can only bite close where the pasture is shoit,
and the pasture is short only on a poor farm. A poor farm will
necessarily be encumbered with briers, weeds and brush, in the fence
corners. Under such conditions, Ave would say to a farmer Avho has
twenty dollars or upAvards in cash (or credit for it, and then let him
borrow the amount if he has to pay one per cent a month for the use
of it), invest it in as many eAves, not older than three years, as you
can get for that money. Put them this summer in such a field as
we have described, and give them, in addition to Avhat they can pick
up, a pint of wheat bran and oat-meal daily, with free access to Avater
and salt. They Avill first "go for" the briers and clean them out;
every portion of that field Avill be trodden over and over again, and
the Aveeds Avill have no chance. Fold them on that field during win-
ter, and carry to them feed sufficient to keep them thriving. Get
the use of a good buck in season — South-Down would be preferable —
and in the Spring, if you have luck (that means if you give them
proper attention and feed regularly), you will raise more lambs than
you have ewes. The money will be more than doubled, and the
wool and manure will pay for their feed and interest. In the Spring
you may put that field in corn, with the certainty of getting fifty
per cent increase of crop. — American Agriculturist.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMRR. 351

HOW TO ESCAPE TOBACCO WORMS,

Every person who lives in a tobacco country knows how trouble-
some to planters the horn-worm is, and what labor it requires to
destroy these insects and so prevent them from riddling the tobacco
leaves as they ripen on the hill. Some of our North Carolina neigh-
bors, we learn, have of late adopted an easy method of protecting
their tobacco crops against this worm. They simply use a solution
of cobalt (or fly-stone), to be had at all drug stores, which destroys
the tobacco fly that lays the egg that hatches the worm. The com-
mon Jamestown weed, which vegetates everywhere, is allowed to
grow in limited numbers in the tobacco grounds and in the fence
corners, and the cobalt in a powdered state, mixed in a solution of
honey-water, is dropped in the blossoms of the plant. As the tobac-
co-flies feed freely from the flowers of this weed, they imbibe the
poison, which kills them almost instantaneously. We are told that
where the specific is used the dead flies may be seen laid out on the
ground far and near. Of course, the fly being dead, the egg is not
laid, and the worm is not hatched. — Tobacco Leaf.

What is High Farming? — An American farmer of note, after
visiting England and examining with the critical eye of a practical
and experienced agriculturist the system pursued there, says :

I am thoroughly confirmed .in my old faith that the only good
farmer of our future is to be the "high farmer." There is a widely
prevailing antipathy among the common farmers of our country
against not only the practice of high farming, but against the use
of the phrase by agricultural writers. This is all wrong and should
at once be corrected. Through some misconception of the meaning
of the phrase, and also of its application, they have come to believe
it synonymous with theoretical " book farming," " new-fangled no-
tions," boasted progress, followed by disappointment and final fail-
ure. This is all an error. High farming simply means thorough
cultivation, liberal manuring, bountiful crops, good stock, good feed,
and paying profits therefrom. It is not strange that misconceptions
have arisen in the minds of doubting farmers who have been eye-
witnesses to some of the spread-eagle experiments of enthusiastic
farmers, better supplied with money obtained in a business they know
how to manage than with practical experience on the farm. Boun-
tiful crops and paying profits of course are what all farmers who are
depending upon the farm for an income are striving to obtain ; and
every year as it passeth is re- confirming the opinion that the profits
are small, and will grow "beautifully less" where high farming is
not practiced.

Plaster as a Tobacco Fertilizer. — We are assured by those
who have tried it, that this fertilizer has a very fine effect on tobacco
— increasing its weight and quality, but not its surface. It enables
it to stand drouth much better. A tablespoonful should be put in
the bud of the young plant sometime before topping.

852 THE SOUTHERN [July

FERTILIZERS, THE CREDIT SYSTEM AJTO HIGH PRICE

Professor Ville. in his admirable work on •
observes very truthfully that all successful farming de] pon

heavy manuring.

The great fault with our Southern farmers is that they cultivate
too much surface and too much poor land. They - :» much

money in labor and not enough in manures. Our old fog •
stantly going back upon the past, contending that in the olden times
they made good crops without fertilizers, and that we - ild do so
now. They ignore the fact that the most unaccountable changes
have taken place, and that it is much more difficult to farm it success-
fully now than it was fifty years ago. Take wheat for : If
the same system were attempted now that prevailed then, most of oor
lands would scarcely yield seed. But while these import I changes
have taken place a kind Providence has not lef: edy
to meet them. The concentrated or chemical manures have h
providentially placed within our reach, and it is both our duty and
interest to use them. These fertilizers have become ..nd
there is but little successful farming without them. In: :an-
tities of these fertilizers are now being used, 1 I ■:- of
the extensive adulterations practiced in their manufacture and the
high prices prevailing, thus far but little profit has been realized from
their use. There is no denying the fact that the pri lesc fer-
tilizers are much too high; but this evil is not du-r tot :or
manufacturer alone. It is chargeable in a great (leg rm-
ers themselves. Thev will buv on credit, and the c: :em
necessitates immense cost and heavy losses in the shape of bad debts,
which must be anticipated by a wide margin of profits. It may be
safely estimated that a credit business involv,- lIoss of at least
twenty-five per cent, upon the gross amount of gales. This immense
loss, which falls mainly upon the farmer, might all be Bared by the
general adoption of a cash system : r ash
system is altogether impracticable, because the farmer can:.
the cash. One of the most prominent frailties of our fallen natures
is to be constantly magnifying prospective difficult:-^- 1 :btless a
too sudden change from a credit to a cash system would cause con-
siderable interruption in the general current of trade, and many
would be unable to procure their usual supplies for a while, but the
difficulties would be much less than are generally anticipated. A
little pinching ne -.onally is ve:; ihooling
the character and forcing us into habits of self-denial and economy.
It has the further effect of sharpening the wits and stimulating the
energies in a most wonderful manner. If credit were generally de-
nied the farmer, a little pinching necessity would soon prompt him
to raise the ways and means necessary, and the natural flow of trade
would soon set in again. Co-operation is the great remedy for these
evils, but the co-operative system is impractical . upon a ca»h
basis. Co-operation not only brings down prices, but it breaks up

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 353

monopolies and unfair and unjust combinations of other interests.
Many farmers who cannot raise the cash necessary for their guano
purchase can make arrangements equal to cash. Let them arrange
-with their commission merchants to accept their drafts on time.
There is scarcely a respectable farmer in the country who cannot
effect such an arrangement if he would make the proper efforts. Let
the farmer pledge his crops, and let it be distinctly provided that
when he draws upon his commission merchant on time he is to put
his crops in the hands of the merchant in time to meet his draft at
maturity, so that he will not be compelled to advance the money.
But in carrying out this arrangement good faith and punctuality are
indispensable on the part of the farmer. The acceptance of the
commission merchant can be used as cash, for the moment it falls
due it is paid.

If the farmer is compelled to buy on time, it is much better that
he should get his accommodations at the hands of his commission mer-
chant than anybody else, because, in the first place, he makes his
commissions for selling the farmer's crops, and when they are sold,
he has the proceeds in his own hands with which to meet the farmer's
drafts. This arrangement enables the farmer to get some benefit
from our banking institutions, which is generally denied him. Credit,
as conducted in the cities, is a good thing, but it is ruinous in the
country, and it is particularly hazardous at this time, when so much
demoralization exists amongst the masses, and the homestead and
other exemptions cover three-fourths of the personal property of
the State. — American Farmer.

• [For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
[We publish the following article of President Knight with pleas-
ure, and fully concur with him in his views as to the necessity of
publishing the Transactions of the Society and scattering them among
our farmers for the benefit of both the Society and farmer. The
Virginia State Agricultural Society of Virginia has been a power in
the past, and under its present administration, its prospects are
brighter than it has been since its organization.]

Your kind offer to publish any communication I may send you in
relation to the affairs of the State Agricultural Society induces me
to trouble you with a brief article on the proposed publication of a
Monti ily Journal of Transactions. It has always been the object
of the Society to keep its work well before the people and never to
hide its light under a bushel. Those who will trouble themselves to
read its constitution and enquire how its means are spent will easily
understand this purpose. The Society has large resources for val-
uable information of practical worth to its members and others, which
should be made available in some convenient and proper manner.
It has therefore been proposed by the Executive Committee to issue

3-54 THE SOUTHERN [July

a Monthly Journal, commencing not later than the first of the next
year, of which a Prospectus has already been published and circu-
lated throughout the State. Such of your readers as may not have
seen this paper may be interested to know something in regard to
the proposed publication. The first number will contain a brief his-
tory of - ety and its operat'ons from its formation to the date
of its : and afterwards the Journal will be devoted to the follow-
ing Bobje

1. A full record of the proceedings of General Meetings of the
Society and of the Execative Committee, together with all official
reports require 1 by the constitution.

2. An official record of all premiums awarded at the last preced-
ing Fair wniea will be continued though the twelve numbers when
the prejiiuns of the next succeeding Fair will in like manner be
reported. Tiiese reports will be: i by photo-engraved cuts
of the premium anim aachinea and implements, thus in-
creasing the interest of the readers and exhibitors. To carry out
this idea, arrangements will be made to have, taken on the F

Q -un h. photographs of the premium animals and articles, and as
this work will be commenced for the first time at the next Fair (for
which the services of a first-class artist will be secured) it is hoped
exhibitors will bear the subject in mind.

3. All premium essays on subjects pertaining to practical agricul-
ture, horticulture, mechanics, mini and all premium experi-
ments on like subjects.

4. The best reported analysis of soils, crops, fertilizers, kc.

5. Statistics of crop3 and market reports.

6. Articles on the minerals of the State, their location, extent, kc.

7. Contributions and reports from the Associated District So-
cieties of the State.

8. Communications and selectei articles on agriculture, horticul-
ture, fruits, stock-breeding, mining, mechanic arts and domestic
economy.

It is thus seen that a jirst-elazs Journal, devoted to all the pro-
ducing interests of the State, is contemplated: and the printed mat-
ter will be so arranged that the Transaction* proper of the Society
and of the Associate! L> istrict Society, can. at the close of each
year, be bound into a sufficient number of volumes, under the ap-
propriate title of " Annual Transactions " for exchange with similar
■:ies of other States, and distribution amongst the district socie-
3l ■■■:. and the State and other public libraries. Adver-
tising sheets will be added for the benefit of those engaged in man-
ufactures, merchandise, the production and sale of fertilizers and
thoroughbred stock.

It is probable that the terms announced in the Prospectus will, at
next meeting of the Executive Committee, be reduced to the
uniform price of one dollar per year, the object being to limit the
subscription price to the actual cost of the publication.

The superintendents of public schools in the counties have been

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 355

appointed agents of the Society, and it is hoped that not less than
ten thousand names will be left with these agents before our next
Fair, so that the paper may be issued under the most favorable aus-
pices immediately thereafter.

We shall, also, hope to have from these agents a large list of new
life-memberships, and that the means of the Society, before the
close of the present year, will be greatly increased for the practical
and good work in which it is engaged.

W. C, Knight,
President Agricultural Society.

ON THE USE OF GREEN CROPS FOR MANURE.

Your correspondent from Cumberland 'Co., Va. (page 311, Sept.
No., 1874), gives us a lengthy article entitled " Depression of the
Agricultural Interest — Its Main Causes, and the Remedy." I do
not wish to be understood as criticising, in the least, your corres-
pondent's well-written article. But the grievances set forth can
best be remedied by an improved system of farming. I will only
touch on one point of the subject, which I think is very important,
and it is one which I have learned by experience, and after a tour
of several hundred miles through Eastern Virginia. I am confident
that it can be made to work, and, if your readers will try it, I think
they will find themselves in a more prosperous condition at the end
of a few years.

Mr. Holman puts his estimate at 5 bushels, or thereabout, as the
yield per acre. Suppose, then, instead of sowing 50 acres in wheat,
which produce, at 5 bushels per acre, 250 bushels, you sow only 25
acres. You then save 50 bushels of seed, which, I will say, was
formerly thrown away, and is worth about §60. The cost of break-
ing, harrowing and seeding 25 acres saved, say about $75, which
gives you now about $125 saved. Take this amount, which will buy
you about three tons of a good superphosphate, and drill this in with
a good drill with your wheat. The ground should have been pre-
viously thoroughly prepared, and, if the season be favorable, the
yield should foot up thus : 25 acres, 300 bushels, (instead of 50 acres,
250 bushels.) You then, instead of having the following season 50
acres to cut over, have only 25 acres — a considerable saving both
in capital and labor. We now have 50 more bushels of wheat from
25 acres than we formerly had from 50 acres, to say nothing of the
plight the ground will be left in for a crop of that good old standby,
clover — the good farmer's backbone, if you please. Now take the
capital and labor you saved in going over only one-half of the ground
you formerly went over, and sow the remaining 25 acres, which
were not seeded to wheat this year, in buckwheat and oats, say one
bushel buckwheat and one-half bushel oats, mixed, per acre, as
early next spring as the ground can safely be worked and seeded.
In July it should be turned under with barshare plow. Sow imme-
2

356 THE SOUTHERN [Jolv

diatelv a^ain with buckwheat, usin^ this time only buckwheat, which
will be plenty thick for the purpose. The buckwheat should then
be plowed under again about one week before seeding time, the
ground leveled with harrow, then sledded, or di gg vith a plank-
sled, which is far better than rolling, and you are now ready for the
drill. If properly put in. you may look for a crop that will give a
fair return for capital and labor expended.

If some ashes and a little plaster, or air-slaked lime, can be sown
with the wheat, all the better, especially if the soil is in want of pot-
ash, as most soils are ; the yield will be fully one-third more by the
use of a liberal supply of the above mixture. ; the quantity of which
must be determined by the farmer hims: - - s require m

others less. A system similar to this will soon show the solvency
of the farmer, and place him in a position, if he will use economy
and a little self-denial, to balance accounts at the end of the y
We are well aware that the combination of farmers has proven to be
a masterpiece in remedying certain grievances, but the farmer of the
present day has to be wide awake to the importance of the impro1 -
ment of his land, and as he feeds the soil, so will it feed him. and the
host that look to him for food. No farmer will long find himself in
a very prosperous condition, if he continues the ruinous practice fol-
lowed at the present day. of cropping the land witho ; _ . pro-
per return for the materials taken off. There are but few who
make manure enough to even maintain the soil as it is. tc say noth-
ing of improving it.

Green crops, turned under, form a good basis for any crop to fol-
low. For instance, I will relate, that after plowing gree:
preparatory to planting strawberries, raspberries and fruit trees. I was
persuaded by the results thus obtained, to make further experim::
The land selected had been in corn the year previous, the four a :
only making a little over 4 barrels of corn, all told. In the spring
of 1874, the ground was broken up and sown in oats andbuckwL
mixed ; in August, the whole was turned under, and 2'J bushels of
spent tan-bark ashes per acre were spread, and rye sown broad; si
and harrowed in. The crop of rye was fully seven feet high. I did
not measure the crop, but was induced by a neighbor to take some
to our country fair, for which I was awarded the premium. From
the same piece of ground, last year, we got a good crop of clover
hay. with a fair prospect for another crop the coming season — and
this on ground that was said to be barren. So much for cheap ma-
nuring. Turning green crops under is not a new invention, yet how
few avail themselves of the opportunity. The t ^otto should

be to make all the manure you can, keep if roof till wanted;

feed your land to its heart's desire, and there will be a satisfactory
dividend at the end of the year, after all obligations have been dis-
charged.— M. C. Carpehtkr, , \er.

F -■/:".. Jan. 19. 187 "

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMRR. 357

CURING YELLOW TOBACCO.

[We hope Mr. Hatchett will excuse us for publishing the following private
letter, as we know it wi'l be of great service to our tobacco growers.]

Yours of the 9th instant is to hand requesting me to " revise an
article of mine published in the Southern Planter and Farmer years
since, on curing tobacco."

I know not that I can give you any further information than what
is contained in that article. The method of curing fine yellow tobacco
originated with Mr. Slade of Caswell County, N. C, who is still
living, and his formula of curing tobacco is now spread far and
wide. The mode of curing as published in the Planter in 1370, is
the one practiced by Mr. Slade, and having spent much time in Cas-
well since the publication of my communication, and part of the tinre
whilst the planters were curing their tobacco, I found that they still
adhered to jMr. Slade's method, who universally obtained the high-
est prices 'till the planters learned his mode of curing ; and if any
improvement has been made on his mode of curing I know it not.

I find that you receive so many communications on the cultiva-
tion of tobacco, that I presume I cannot give you any additional
information relative thereto. I prefer beds on which to plant to-
bacco, as they will hold moisture longer than a hill, and you can
trim them down in half the time that you trim down hills, always
putting a little loose earth around the plants after trimming them
down.

Since the conclusion of our fanatical war, I have quit farming, as
I am in my 81st year, and too old to labor, and rent out my farm ;
though if I had my former hands, I should still delight in farming.

I thank you for the back numbers of the Southern Planter and
Farmer, which is an old friend, as I was a subscriber to it in by
gone days for 10 years.

A man in this section made 2,600 pounds of orchard grass hay the
past year from one-fourth of an acre of land.

Yours respectfully,

Wm. R. Hatchett.

CURING YELLOW TOBACCO.

Your correspondent, S. 0. D., in the April Planter and Farmer,
requests some person versed in curing yellow tobacco, to give his
modus operandi, that others might profit thereby. Now, I do not
profess to be an adept in this art, although I have had years of ex-
perience ; but will give the practice of a most successful curer, who
generally obtained the highest prices in Danville.

To cure yellow tobacco, you must use charcoal for the leaf; the
stalk and stem may be cured with seasoned wood. The body of the
barn should be made as close as possible. Many planters around
Danville have cabin roofs on their barns, covered with boards, which
permit the escape of heat much better than a shingle roof. When

858 THE SOUTHERN [July

you cut your tobacco, put eight plants on a stick, and place the
sticks eight inches apart on the tier poles. . If your tobacco ripens
yellow, commence the heat, by a thermometer, at 90 degrees, and
keep up this heat until the tobacco is yellow enough to commence
drying the leaf; then raise to 100 degrees, and keep it up for three
hours ; and then to 110 degrees, and hold on to this heat till you see
that the tobacco is well "sapped," and the tails begin to turn and get
a little dry at the ends, (for you cannot cure yellow tobacco until you
get the sap out of the leaf) ; then raise to 120 degrees, and keep
up for three hours ; and then to 130 degrees for the same length of
time; and then up to 140 degrees, which must be continued until
the leaf is cured. You may then take out the thermometer, and
make your fires as hot as you please, to cure the stalk and stem
thoroughly. A wet season will cause a redundancy of sap in the
tobacco, and will exercise the curer's patience in yellowing and
drying ; early curing is the most successful, whilst the weather is
warm.

By letting the doors remain open in yellowing tobacco it is not
liable to get into a sweat ; but should it get into a sweat with closed
doors, open the door and let the fires go down, and after the sweat
subsides, then go ahead.

If your tobacco ripens green, commence at 80 degrees, and keep
it at that point for half a day ; then at 90 degrees; and proceed as
above. I have succeeded admirably by letting the tobacco hang in
the barn till it was as yellow as necessary, and then starting the
fires at 120 degrees, and proceeding as directed.

For a barn sixteen or twenty feet square, have three rows of fires,
and three fires in a row. As soon as the tobacco comes in order,
crowd it together as close as you can, or put it in bulk on the sticks,
and let it remain until the weather becomes cool, by which time the
color will be fixed ; for if you let it get in high order soon after
being cured, the leaf will turn red.

It was once the custom among the planters in the region of coun-
try around Danville, to keep their doors shut when yellowing and
drying the leaf ; but a planter in that section told me last year, that
this practice was giving way to one more rational, which consisted
in letting the doors remain open during the yellowing and drying
process ; in consequence of which the tobacco was not subject to so
severe a sweat, and the leaf dried more speedily — the necessary re-
sult of the admission of air.

Relative to the open-roof theory of J. V. B., in curing tobacco, I
have witnessed the experiment so far as the removal of several courses
of shingles from the apex of the roof, but it was a failure.

I agree entirely with W. A. G., that tobacco is not an impoverisher,
but an improver of the soil; for I have observed all my life — and
I am now an old man — that corn, wheat, &c, succeeded better after
tobacco than any other crop. The finest high-land corn I have ever
made was on fresh land, which had been in tobacco the two preced-

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 359

ing years no manure having been applied to the land. Old tobacco
lots were alike successful.

Years ago, some of my servants had a patch of tobacco in a
bottom, at the foot of a hill, applying no manure, which had been
in- cultivation for at least fifty years ; the tobacco was inferior, of
course. The next year this field was put in corn, and I could tell
the difference as far as I could see the corn ; that portion on which
the tobacco was grown being of a dark green color, and very thrifty.

An intelligent neighbor had previously observed to me that he
thought we might put poor land in tobacco, giving it the necessary
cultivation, then follow with corn, and the result would be satisfac-
tory. The above fact sustains his views.

Respectfully, W. R. Hatchett.

Keysville, April 23, 1870.

CUTTING, SCAFFOLDING, HOUSEING, CURING AND PRE-
PARING, SHIPPING AND STExMMING TOBACCO FOR
MARKET.

In this region of country (the Upper James) we make almost en-
tirely shipping and stemming tobacco, and the following s}rstem is
only applicable to the cultivation of these two varieties. This writer
has been a tobacco grower for thirty years. He has noted and tested
carefully the numerous changes and improvements that have been
adopted from time to time in the cultivation and management of to-
bacco, and he has finally settled down upon the following system as
the best, in his humble opinion at least.

First, as to the proper time of cutting:

Tobacco should not be allowed to become dead-ripe before cutting.
The proper time is when the plant is just fully ripe. AVhen cut
dead- ripe, the leaf will be a little heavier, it is true; but is apt to be
coarse, rough, brittle, ragged, and sometimes blistered. On the con-
trary, when cut just ripe, the leaf will be clean, supple, elastic, of
fine texture, and much better suited for stemming purposes, — the
stemmers and manufacturers both requiring a tough leaf.

The tobacco having been cut, I greatly prefer hanging and scaf-
folding in the field. The main objection urged against the plan is,
that it is troublesome and expensive making the scaffolds thus.
Nothing valuable can be accomplished without labor and attention,
but if the necessary arrangements are made in advance, it is not so
troublesome after all. I use stobs and pine poles in making the
scaffolds, and these materials are all gotten and put in place before
the day of cutting. To make a quick and easy job of this operation,
I take a couple of men, with maul and wedges, axes and cross-cut
saw, and go into the woods. Having selected a tree that splits easily,
it is cut down and sawed into blocks 4| feet in length. These are
split into stobs, which are sharpened upon the spot. In this way a
heavy wagon-load of these stobs can be prepared in a couple of hours.

360 THE SOUTHERN [July

They are then haaled immediately to the tobacco field, and pin
where they can be had conveniently. With these all in place, the
scaffolds can be put up by a couple of hands in a few minutes. The
scaffolds being once made, there is no more trouble. I should have
stated, in the proper place, that the poles are gotten pretty much
in the same wav. The wagon and a hand are taken into the we 5,
(old field pines) the poles gotten 12 feet long, and hauled and put in
place Avith the stobs. In putting up the scaffolds, care should be
taken to arrange the poles so that the tobacco sticks will range North
and South, in order that the sun may shine between the sticks in the
middle of the day.

After the cutting has been completed, then stobs and poles are
all gathered together and put under shelter for the nex: seas >n, and. if
taken care of. will last several years. In hanging the tobacco, the
plants should not be crowded on the sticks, and space enough should
be left between the sticks to admit the air and sun freely.

If the weather be favorable, the tobacco is allowed to hang on the
scaffolds from three to four days. It is then hauled to the tobacco
house and housed and fired three to four days, moderately.

This finishes the curing pi --. .xeept that it is fired afterwards
oeeasionly. when the weather becomes damp and the tobacco :
When the weather is open, the doors of the tobacco-house should be
kept open during the day. and a free access cf air allowed.

I prefer always making my cuttings during the first part of the
week, in order that the tobacco may have the benefit of three or four
days' sunning, and be ready to be housed the latter part of the week.

I claim for this plan several very decided advantages over the one
of cutting and putting immediately in the house.

1st. More tobacco may be cut per day. and better secured.

2d. The sunning process toughens and lightens the plant, so that
it can be hauled up and housed with much less labor, and no risk of
bruising.

3d. The whole force of the sun's rays falling upon the stalks and
the largest parts of the stems, these parts of the plants, which require
so much firing, are cured in a great measure by the sun.

4th. In the firing process, the heat from the fire is brought to
bear mainly upon the ends of the leaves, and the part of the plant
becomes perfectly dry before the other parts are half cured.

5th. There is not half the danger of burning the L

6th. It takes just about half the time and half the wood to effect
the curing. In other words, the heat of the sun and the open air
are utilized and made to do half the work of curing: thus conse-
quently, economizing one half of the expense.

When the tobacco is cut and put immediately into the house, it
requires from six to eight days hard firing. Under the scaffolding
system, three days are generally sufficient. But it may be objected
that there is danger of the tobacco being caught in the rain. I have
had my tobacco caught in the rain frequently^ but I have never dis-

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 861

covered that it was at all injured by it. An ordinary rain falling
upon the tobacco while it is in the green state does not injure it in
the least. A very protracted raining spell might do some injury;
but these spells occur very rarely during tobacco-curing season.
When tobacco is allowed to remain on the scaffolds until it has been
partially cured, it may be seriously injured by alternate showers and
sunshine.

The crop having been well cured, the first good season should be
availed of to take it down and put in bulk for stripping. I prefer a
warm season for this operation, and the tobacco should be in soft
order, otherwise it will become too hard when the weather gets to
be cold. In bulking the tobacco, there should be only two layers,
the leaves lapping in the centre, and the stalks remaining on the
outside. The stalks should never be placed in the centre of the bulk,
as there is always danger of their heating.

Now commences the most important operation in the cultivation
of tobacco — its preparation for market. The first step in this direc-
tion is to secure the services of a sufficient forc£ of good and reliable
assorters and strippers, particularly the former. Very few negroes
are sufficient judges of tobacco to become good assorters, and they
should, in the start, be well instructed in their duties. " The law
bearing upon the case" should, in the beginning, be well laid down,
distinctly understood, and strictly enforced, at all hazards ; for a
little neglect here might cause the loss of half the year's work. The
tobacco must be well assorted as to quality, length and color, and
care taken all the time to keep separate. Nothing looks worse than
a bundle with long and short leaves mixed in it; or with dark and
bright ones so mixed. In the process of assorting, the assorter
should be required to open every leaf and run the hand quickly but
gently down it, with the fingers on the outside, and the thumb on
the inner side, in order to stretch it out to its full length. I usually
divide my tobacco into four and sometimes five classes. In the strip-
ping process, the tobacco should be neatly tied up, well sized (that
is, all the leaves in the same bundle should be of the same length)
and kept straight. The bundle should be of medium size. The
number of leaves to be regulated by the size of the tobacco. In or-
dinary size tobacco, about six leaves will be about right. A short
head looks the best, and about one inch is the right length.

7 O O

In every step of this process of stripping, the constant presence
and attention of the master is indispensable. He must be constantly
on the alert, making the round occasionally, and examining the work
of every hand, to see that it is well done. I always engage my
hands by the day, so that they may have no inducement to hurry
over or slight their work, as they are apt to do, when engaged to
work by the hundred pounds, or the hundred bundles.

It is very difficult to get ordinary hands to size the tobacco well,
and have the leaves of the bundles of uniform color, and it requires
much firmness and the strictest attention to get them to do it.

362 THE SOUTHERN [July

During the last few years, I have adopted the plan of prizing the
inferior grades, whilst the stripping is going on, and I like it very
mnch, as it saves some labor, and gets it out of the way ; but in
order to do this, the prizes should be in-doors, and closely connected
with the stripping-room. At the close of each day, the inferior
grades are taken to the prize and put right into the hogsheads.
Platforms having been previously prepared, the higher grades are
carefully straightened out and bulked down, one bundle at a time.
As soon as the stripping has been completed, then the bulks are
covered over with plank and heavily weighted. After remaining
under weight a few days, the tobacco is ready for prizing. I never
re-bulk. If the work is well done at first, there is no necessity for it.

When the prizing process commences, three hands are put at the
prizes, and a couple of the best judges of tobacco are put in the strip-
room to re-assort the top from the bulk.

For this purpose, a couple of light boxes, large enough to contain
50 pounds, are provided. Then two hands are required to take each
bundle separately and examine it carefully, and^every inferior leaf
found in a good bundle, or a yellow one in a dark bundle, or a short
one in a long bundle, is taken out and thrown aside. The bundles
thus assorted, are run through the hands, straightened out and laid
carefully in the boxes, which, when filled, are taken to the prize.

It is all-important to have the tobacco of uniform quality, length
and color, and these different grades should never be put in the same
bundle, or even in the same hogshead, if it can be avoided.

Here, in this region of country, where we make exclusively the
shipping and stemming varieties, our best policy is to manure our
lands heavily and make large tobacco.

There is much economy in this, both in time and labor. It requires
no more labor to cultivate a plant weighing half a pound than one
weighing one-eighth of a pound. Long tobacco well handled, always
sells well, whether the quality be good or bad. With this idea in
view, I always cultivate the "white stem" variety, because it is a
heavy tobacco, and has a very long leaf, and it is for this reason,
also, that in the process of assorting, I require the leaves to be opened
and drawn out to their full length. The tobacco leaf is very elastic,
and may be thus elongated several inches.

One word abcut the time of selling. Here, where we are conve-
nient to market, and can ship our tobacco at any time, we find it
best, generally, to put our crops in market as soon as possible, and
we are generally able to do this by the first of March. When this
is done, it is prized from the winter bulk, and not hung up and or-
dered. When the tobacco is large, long, and suitable for stemming,
and can be put early in market, it is best to have it moderately soft,
as it facilitates the stemming process.

If, however, the crop cannot be placed in market sooner than 1st
of April, it should be put in safe-keeping order.

There are some very decided advantages in being able to sell early,

1875.] PLANTER AXD FARMER. 363

and in winter order. The tobacco weighs more, all the time and
labor of re hanging, ordering. &c, are saved, and the crop is gotten
out of the way for subsequent operations. And in addition to all
this, nine times out of ten, it brings just as much money.

Before closing this article, allow me to say a word to tobacco-
growers, everywhere, touching the nest crop. Now that prices are
ranging high, do not fall into the common error of over-cropping,
and thus glut the market with an inferior article, and bring down
prices again. But cultivate moderate ctops, manure your lands well.
work them thoroughly, and in this way make a good article, and
keep up prices. — Upper James, hi American Farmer.

TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB.

The club met this day at ''Linden, " the home of your reporter.
There was a full attendance, and in the absence of any lengthy or
formal discussion — a very pleasant and profitable day was spent in
a general intercourse and interchange of opinion on the various sub-
jects now especially claiming the farmer's attention.

The importance of our hay crop cannot be overestimated, and the
next week brings with it that important harvest. With a well stocked
barn of good clover hay. how much more cheerfully the farmer looks
to the approach of the winter season, visions of fat horses, ever ready
for work, and an abundance of rich milk and butter instinctively
appear. We conclude therefore that our clover should be cut when
the stalk is green and succulent, before the hard fibre appears and
when some of the blossoms begin to brown. Some of the club con-
tended for the curing by the old method of the '*hay cock" and sev-
eral days drying in the sun. but your reporter, sustained by a few,
contended for the cutting and turning in the morning, and the cart-
ing to the hay-house in the same afternoon and packing away with
free use of salt, and thereby avoiding the hardening by exposure, and
the loss in the consequent shattering of the bloom. We were suitably
admonished to strain every nerve, get through our corn, plant our late
potatoes deep into the ground, be ready to cut our winter oats and
wheat both in the " stiff dough state " and both by the 20th of this
month. So there is no time to be lost. To increase this work and
to provide against a necessarily short crop of hay, as well as oats,
your reporter advised the sowing now (or as late as July) of two or
three acres in Hungarian grass. A fine growth of it already well
covering the ground was here shown to the club, and it mav not be
too egotistic to say that it, as well as the winter oats, clover, «S:c., of
fine growth, being inspected by the club, they expressed gratification
and approval.

At our next meeting we may give you an essay on Hungarian and
other grasses in July. Excuse this meagre report.

J. A. Lynham, Reporting Secretary.

Henrico county, Va., June 3d, 1875.

364 THE SOUTHERN [July

CONFIDENCE NEEDED.

All over this fair land of ours one universal wail is going up in re-
gard to the universal dearth in business and the stri gency in money
matters, and grown men (who consider themselves wise) are each
asking the other what is the pause of this condition of things, and
whv don't the times grow easier and better, as if it were a mystery
hid beyond the ken of man. And again the wail goes up universally
evervwhere that labor is not remunerative and cannot be relied on,
and that farming does not pay. .jcc, kc. I am of the opinion that
there is a cause for the existence of everything good or evil that
does exist in this world. And to my mind the cause of both evils
are the same, and that cause is the want of confidence of men in men,
growing out of villainy of man to man, produced by the examples of
what used to be called our servants, but now our rulers at Washing-
ton city, in the bad and villainous government of the people of this
country since the close of the war in 1865 — coupled with the demor-
alization of army life and army influences, oppressions wrong and
vile, long continued as thev have been upon the people of the South,
have produced in the South a reckless disregard of and distrust in the
laws that have been enacted to make the negro a white ruler and the
white man a black slave, and to accomplish these unnatural and
unjust purposes, no limits have been set by law beyond which those
in power have not gone in injustice to carry out these unnatural im-
possibilities. These things, and these alone, have by degrees shaken,
blasted, and uprooted confidence to the extent we now see and
lament, and those who have a spare dollar will let it rust and rot in
their pocket rather than risk it in other hands at legal, or in many
instances at illegal interest. Cheating, prevarication and lying oppres-
sion* by this government have blotted out love and honesty for, and
implanted in the heart of the people hatred and dishonesty in their
stead: and just this and nothing else is the cause of all which the
people this day complain of, and until this unnatural condition of
things is changed, there can be no prosperity nor abiding peace in
Land. G. H. ISexer.

LETTER FROM FLUVANXA.

I am surprised how some men can sit back, perhaps in contentment
and ease, and write such nice plans how we farmers should manage,
and what we should do. I believe the majority of farmers do the
best they can, and at that it is a poor do with some. As to myself, I
delight in nice farming : but I find it very difficult to carry it out at
all times. Give the farmers reliable labor, and they will soon put a
new face upon agriculture. I am cultivating a rented farm on the
James. I work three regular hands, with myself, hiring some extra
day labor. Last year I made 710 bushels of wheat from a seeding of
GO, and 440 barrels of corn, oats and hay in proportion. I cultivated
no tobacco, owing to making a sacrifice in a nice crop the winter

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 36S

before. This year I ara cultivating 35,000 hills; planted 8.000 the
25th day of Mar. which is now spreading the hill, and I am to-day
scraping down. I listed my high land and checked it. hilling it also,
as I believe, in a nice preparation for tobacco. I can. by checking,
work it both ways, requiring less hoe work. I finished planting
my crop the 3d day of June. I think I have now, the 12th, a perfect
stand, with any amount of plants left over. I always burn in the fall
if I can, and hoe deep, and sow the seed at the same time. I find
that burning the same bed the second time is much safer for forward
plants. I burned over this year a last years bed of 350 square yards
and am sure I could have planted out of that bed 50,000. By the
15th of Jan. I sowed old ashes freely, as it keeps the plants from
burning. I see some of your subscribers writing very beautiful let-
ters about how tobacco should be managed from the plant-bed to the
hogshead. It is very nice to read, and equally as nice to write : but
planning and executing are two different things. I have had some
experience in tobacco, and think the two most important items in culti-
vating tobacco, are — first, good size, plant in time; and second, is a nice
preparation as land in nice order retains moisture longer than land
in a rough condition. We have too manv rough farmers. I find
the old maxim true. " that what is not worth doing well is not worth,
doing at all." I believe tobacco should be worked deep. I am
going to run a new ground coalter four times in the rows as
deep as it will go, and after every rain the crust should be broken,
Secondly, corn. I have this year only 35 acres planted in corn;
it is now an average of half leg high, and verv clean. I shall get
over to day putting the dirt to it. and properly thinned. I shall
commence laving bv next week. I alwavs lav bv mv corn bv the
last day of June if I can : and think, with a common season this
year, to make 325 barrels. I seeded last fall 50 bushels of wheat — ■
one half Wicks, the rest Lancaster : think I shall make 650 bushels
if I can save it. I commenced seeding the 23d of September, and
finished the 9th of October. I find, from one year to another, that
forward seeding is the best. Crops in this county are generally
sorry. B. H. B.

Fluvanna county, Va.

WHAT I KNOW OF LONG WOOL?.

"W hat I know of long wooled sheep, and short wools, coarse
wools, or fine wools, is that neither will thrive and be profitable, ex-
cept they are provided with the proper food to develop their qualities.

Care is the first essential quality in a flock-master. He should
see his sheep every day in the year. During the pasturing season
he should salt and count his flock twice per week and see that none
have the scours. If there are any so affected, they should be re-
moved from the flock and fed on dry hay and oatmeal for a couple
of days. During heavy rains sheep should be provided with shelter,

366 THE SOUTHERN [July

either sheds in the pasture that the sheep can use at their own plea-
sure, or when sheds are not provided, the sheep should be brought to
the stock barn and housed until after the storm. When grass be-
gins to fail they should be fed either sowed corn, pumpkins, roots
or grain.

It is poor economy to allow sheep to half starve and lose flesh in
the fall. From October 1st until January is the trying time. If well
cared for during that period, ordinary care will keep them doing well
the rest of the year.

When the hay is harvested the clover hay should be cut in the
blow, well cured, so as not to must, and put in the sheep barn, or where
it can be got at any time.

When the sheep are brought in for wintering, feed them the clover
hay until they are wanted to eat hay; then other hay can be fed to
them once per day. They should have also a daily feed of oats, at
the rate of one quart to every ten sheep for fine wools, and double
that for coarse wools. A box that will hold a peck or more should
be fastened in the shed low enough for a sheep to eat from easily,
and fine salt kept continually in it, never letting the salt get used
out. It will need replenishing every few days. *

When the winter has well set in and the sheep have acquired good
appetites, add to your oats one bushel of peas to three bushels of
oats for breeding ewes ; for fattening sheep corn is better. Corn
should never be fed to breeding ewes : it has an overheating ten-
dency and produces a congestion of the bowels in the lambs ; thou-
sands die every spring, from that cause alone, that might have been
raised if the ewes had been fed peas instead of corn.

Provide loater in the yard that the sheep can have access to any
time of day. Do not compel them to quench their thirst by eating
snow ; it is cruel, niggardly and poor economy.

Be kind to your sheep ; use no loud and boisterous language nor
allow others to do so. Never frighten them. Treat them kindly
and they will show an appreciation of it and will pay you in wool
and mutton, more than an hundred fold.

Study the habits of your sheep. Learn from them what they
want and provide for their wants intelligently, and do not rest con-
tent until every lamb can be raised and every sheep produce for you
the most and best staple of wool of which it is capable. Then,
when you have attained that perfection, jot down your experience
and give it forth to the world to guide others in their attempts ; and,
though they may reach a still more exalted position, you will be con-
scious of having performed a.duty and be remembered as a benefac-
tor of mankind. Miles H. Delosg.

Washington Co., JF. Y.

MELLOW SOIL AROUND TREES.
Unless the surface of the ground is mulched around young trees

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 367

over an area of six to ten feet in diameter, the ground should be kept
clean and mellow. Every farmer knows that a hill of corn or pota-
toes will not amount to much unless cultivated, and yet there are
many who will neglect to give the same care to a tree which is worth
a hundred hills of either of the former. In rich soil trees may grow
rapidly without cultivation, and no amount of grass or weeds will
retard them ; but there are other things besides growth to be looked
after. If the weeds and grass are allowed to grow up around the
stems of apple, peach or quince-trees, the bark will become soft near
their base by being shaded, and thereby be in a suitable condition
for the reception of the eggs which will eventually become peach or
apple borers. Take any dozen young apple trees in sections where
the apple-borer is abundant, and allow a portion to be choked with
weeds and the remainder well cultivated, and then watch the result.
From our own experience, we believe that the chances are nine to
one in favor of those cultivated being exempt from this pest. — JVat.
Agriculturist.

>9.64

Bran wheat,

$14.50

6.43

Corn,

6.65

2.68

Oats.

7.70

3.90

MANURE FROM A TON OF HAY.

I see in the Rural Neiv Yorker, a question from H. Ostrum, as
to what is the value of the manure from a ton of hay. It is impossi-
ble to give him an answer, as to how much it is worth to him, indi-
vidually, as that depends on how cheap he can make or procure it
from other sources. But I will attempt to give him the value of it
in proportion to commercial fertilizers, and that made from some
other farm products, as derived from the experiments of J. B. Lawes,
Rothamstead, England.

Clover Hay,
Meadow "
Wheat straw, -
Oats " ' -

He must remember that this is not the value of a ton of the ma-
nure, but the manure produced from the consumption of a ton of the
article. They may not really be worth this amount to Mr. Ostrum ;
but if he contemplates purchasing fertilizers, then they are worth
this much.

It would be well enough to state that the bran owes its increased
value over clover hay, to the presence of phosphoric acid, the most
needed and most valuable article in our fertilizers. Of all the arti-
cles we can the least spare, at the prices generally prevalent, if ma-
nure is any item, is, first, bran, and secondly, hay, especially clover.
—J. H. B.

The sons of Stephen A. Douglas are at last in financial luck. A
recent decision of the court of claims gives them $267,000 on an old
cotton claim. Cotton is still king with Robert and Stephen Jr.

368 THE SOUTHERN [July

WOMEN, AGRICULTURE, AND THE GRANGE.

I wish that our American ladies would adopt one of the few aris-
tocratic tastes and habits which sit so gracefully upon republican
women, and which would be of equal advantage to the interests of
agriculture, and to their own delicate physical organizations. A
great deal of cant is uttered in these days about the mission of wo-
man, but whenever I hear an attenuated, dyspeptic female talking
in this wise, I feel sure if she were to become a member of a Grange,
and attend its meetings with regularity, take an interest in the dis-
cussions, and what she learns by theory, put ic to practice in her
kitchen and flower-gardens, I feel sure it would put her on the
track most useful for herself and society.

When Rome was young and virtuous, the garden was always
placed under the care of the daughters of the family. "In Sparta,"
the women, fit to be the mothers of heroes, cultivated the soil ; whilst
the men were fighting the battles of their country. Indeed, from
the earliest period in the annals of our race, woman has aided by her
labors in bringing agriculture to a state of perfection.

The laws which "Osiris" gave to "Egypt," were not as valuable
to that country, as those precepts in agriculture, those instructions
in embankments, irrigation and drainage which Isis, -his "Queen,"
gave the "Egyptians," and which enabled them to derive so much
benefit from the fertile valleys of the "Nile." " Ceres." defied by
the Greeks, made her people acquainted with the use of wheat, and
the mode of cultivating it. I believe to an Empress of China, we
are indebted for the mulberry tree, and the rearing of silk worms.
Women of late years have demonstrated their capacity of shining in
many spheres, once considered the peculiar province of man.

Miss Herschel has discovered comets ; Mrs. Somerville laid open
the mathematical structure of the universe. Some have analyzed
the.relations of nature in the laboratory, and others investigated the
laws of social relations. With such a grace, and variety of power,
may I not argue the most beneficial results to agriculture, if the
women of our country, by their sympathy, encouragement and co-
operation, by their studies and counsels, would prove themselves, as
did the women of old, helpmates to him whom God has ordained to
cultivate the earth.

Let us hope that our organization known as Patrons of Husbandry,
which has spread with such rapidity through the country, will result
in attracting universal attention to the encouragement of agriculture.
"W hile nine-tenths of the American population live by agriculture,
the word can scarcely be found on the statutes of the nation. There
is no end of the provisions for the protection of manufacturers, and
corporations — questions which have occupied as large a space in
public attention as if nine-tenths of the population were engaged in
that vocation instead of agriculture.

A\ e hear of large appropriations being made by Congress for
nearly every conceivable purpose, yet not one dollar has been given

1875. PLANTER AND FARMER. 369

for the direct encouragement of agriculture, a calling by which our
countiymen live, and upon the success of which in America, the
world sometimes depends for deliverance from starvation.

Let the Grangers throughout the United States see to this, and if
the matter cannot be remedied by our present representatives, then
see that we have a representative that will attend to it. F. W. C.

Louisa county, Va., April 19th, 187c.

THE LAST STATE FAIR AND THE NEXT.

One thing I am not able to understand is why the premiums
on short horns should be higher than on other thoroughbred cattle.
Three fourths of Virginia is not suited to the rearing of that breed ;
yet on referring to the premium list for 1874, I find the Society
gave as premiums on best bull, short horned breed, §50 ; best cow,
short horned, $40, and so on; yet a little farther on I see first pre-
mium on D3vons, Ayrshire, Alderney, Herefords, and all other
thoroughbreds — Best bull, $30 ; Best cow, $25.

Now I ask why is this discrimination in favor of the short horns?
when only a small portion of Virginia is suited to the raising of that
breed ? We in a short grass section have to breed cattle more suit-
ed to our grasses, and justice to the breeders of other cattle in the
State demands this change, unless the Society wishes to be run in
interest of short horns to the exclusion of all other breeds.

The last exhibition of the Virginia State Agricultural Society, whilst
fully equal to any which has preceded it, when regarded as a whole,
was certainly inferior as an exhibition of the products of the farm,
the flower garden, the kitchen garden, and the orchard. There
were but few exhibitions in this department, and those chiefly indivi-
duals residing near the city of Richmond, and hence the fact de-
veloped by the list of premiums awarded, that nearly every prize
was taken bv persons living in counties contiguous to that city. It
speaks well for the people in that section, but poorly for them in
other portions of the State, as this ought not to be, and I hope will
not be the case this year. It is discreditable to the farmers, garden-
ers, and people of the State at large. There is no department of
the Fair which could be so well supplied and with such little cost
and trouble to the exhibitors. It is a matter of considerable expense,
trouble and annoyance for breeders of stock, in a distant portion of the
State, to bring to the Fair their stock ; but it would cost compara-
tively nothing to bring a pot of pickles, a jar of honey, a dozen or
so of fine apples, a bushel of superior potatoes and turnips; a pound
of nice butter, a cake of home made cheese, a bottle of domestic
wine, and such like articles. Not only could these things be readily
brought to the Fair, but could as readily be procured.

It is expected that some of the largest breeders will have some of
their fine stock on exhibition, and also the manufacturers a variety
of their wares. Yet nine-tenths of the people who attend an Agri-

370 THE SOUTHERN [July

cultural Fair, appear to think that their whole duty is done when
they come to look upon what is exhibited by others. This is a most
erroneous view to take of the matter. We have very successful
Fairs, and our Society is well managed ; the grounds are large and
commodious, and in every way well improved.

There is one great annoyance that might be dispensed with; it is
the introduction of negro minstrels, fat women, big babies, four
legged children, deformed animals, riding nuisances, &c, &c, to the
annoyance of visitors, and to the disgust of those who believe that
such exhibitions should not be tolerated at such a place. Part of
the grounds become worse than a beer garden, and the noise and
confusion are enough to drive quiet people out of the grounds. Be-
sides, the exhibition distracts the attention of the young, and some
older people from the real object of the Fair, and tend to educate
people in the wrong direction. They degrade and debase rather
than instruct and improve. I hope such abominations in future will
be excluded from our Fairs. F. W. C.

Lucerxe. — This invaluable plant stands by far at the head of all
forage plants for the South. Its uses are for soiling and hay. It
grows in all parts of the State where the soil is dry and rich. It is
much less injuriously affected by sand in the soil than clover. Ten
pounds of seed are sowed to the acre. It is sometimes sowed broad-
cast and sometimes in drills. Where land is perfectly clean the
broad-cast method is perhaps the best. But where land is at all foul,
drilling is preferable, as it .can be cleansed with a narrow plough.
The land should be broken with a two-horse or three or four-horse
plough, and in the same furrow followed with a subsoil plough. The
roots of Lucerne will penetrate three to four feet in depth. The
ground should then be manured very heavily with a fertilizer which
has in it no seed of weeds, either perfectly rotted barn-yard manure,
or a fertilizer in which there is a little ammonia and a large proportion
of potash, phosphate and sulphate of lime. Lucerne, according to
Ville, draws more ammonia from the atmosphere than any other plant
whatever. It therefore enriches land. The Lucerne on this farm —
some five acres — was destroyed by the grazing of the Federal horses
and cattle during the war. The roots which were as large as moder-
ate sized carrots, withering, the ground was left almost honey combed.
It was as loose as an "ash-heap T' vastly improved in fertility.

If Lucerne is cultivated on a small scale for soiling work horses,
a lot should be selected adjoining the stable. The Lucerne cut one
day should be left to wilt and used the next day. From the middle
of March or first of April there will be no further use for corn fodder
during the season. It will be found that the horses and mules will
eat all the Lucerne in the trough before they touch the corn. In
fact a horse will do light work, or answer for riding on Lucerne
without corn.

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 371

Lucerne makes the very best of hay. On very rich land it can be
mowed five times during the season, yielding a ton at each cutting,
and sometimes more. This is five tons to the acre. Ten acres would
yield fifty tons. This at three dollars to the ton would be fifteen
hundred dollars. A good mower will cut these ten acres in a day.
Is there any other plant which grows out of the ground that will pay
as well ? Observe, the whole labor employed after the first cost is
one day's work of a mower and the necessary labor of curing and
hauling to the barn. How much labor does it take to make fifteen
hundred dollars worth of cotton or corn ? Yet with this possible,
nay, practicable, extraordinary product, the Western and Atlantic
railroad brought down between one and two millions of Tennessee
and Kentucky hay last year, and the wharves of our ports were
loaded with Northern hay. When shall we learn wisdom ?

There are some English and some Northern grasses which do not
thrive with us. But neither England nor the North can grow Lu-
cerne, one, because it too wet; the other, because it is too cold. If
we could raise no other plant for hay than Lucerne, we still should
never buy a pound of hay grown out of the State. It alone would
be ample for all our wants.

Lucerne should be cut very close, leaving as little stubble as pos-
sible. It sometimes turns yellow. This is the work of an insect and
the Lucerne should be immediately mowed over. The field is ready
for the scythe when the blossoms begin to appear. If left longer it
becomes woody. — Extract from Prize Essay, in Southern Farm
and Home.

OUR WHEAT TRADE.

The accumulation of the extraordinary stock of five millions of
bushels of wheat in Chicago is, we believe, an unexampled phenom-
enon in the history of the grain trade in this country. Now, that a
" break " has at length been reached in the prices at which wheat
has been held in the interior, there has been a brisk revival in the
shipments from this and other ports, and prices ought to reach what
may be called their normal equilibrium. The " grasshopper "scare,"
which has been carefully nursed for speculative purposes, has lost
any further power to influence the market, and the largely increased
area of land under wheat in northwestern Nebraska, and Kansas,
and elsewhere, joined to the most favorable reports of .the appear-
ance of the crop in these districts, has convinced the majority of
producers of the folly of holding any longer for a rise.

The possibilities of our wheat exports during the next three
months can be most correctly gauged by a reference to the English
demand, and to the extent to which it has already been supplied.
For the harvest year beginning Sept. 1, 1874, and ending August
31, 1875, it was estimated by the best English judges that the de-
mand would be 22,700,000 quarters. The yield of the last wheat
harvest of the United Kingdom has been, with the nearest attaina-
3

372 THE SOUTHERN July

ble approach to accuracy, set down at 13,700,000 quarters. The
importation required for the twelve months ending August 31, is
therefore nine millions of quarters, or seventy-two millions of bushels.
During the eight months between September, lx74. and April 30th,
1875. the United Kingdom had already received nearly forty-six mil-
lions of bushels of foreign wheat, leaving twenty-six millions of
bushels to be supplied during the four months between May 1, and
August 31. Of the forty-six millions above noted, twenty-five and
one-half millions of bushels were received during the closing four
months of the last year, and twenty and one-half millions during
the first months of this year.

The question which immediately interests the wheat-growers of
the United States is what proportion of the British demand is likely
to be drawn from this country. Of the twenty and one-half mil-
lions of bushels of wheat imported daring the past four months of
1875, nearly twelve and one-half millions, were drawn from the
United States. Of the twenty and a half millions imported during
the last four months of 1871, a somewhat larger proportion was
contributed by this country. But taking the ratio maintained Jan-
uary and the end of April, our proportion of the British wheat im-
ports up to the end of August ought to be about sixteen
millions of bushels. The present stock of wheat in the country "in
sight," as it is called, that is. practically on the market, is not less
than ten millions of bushels. In the face of a more extensive de-
mand last year, stocks were about two millions of bushels less.

Trustworthy estimates about the amount of land under wheat this
rear in the United Kingdom are not yet forthcoming. As the
acreage of 1874 was 3,833,000, or pretty near the maximum area
of available wheat land in that country, the British harvest of this
rear cannot be perceptibly affected by the increased quantity planted.
The average yield per acre of British wheat was, last year, thirty-
one bushels, or one and a half bushel above the "standard average."
As the average yield of the last nine years has been one and a half
bushel below the standard average, it may fairly be expected that
the total yield of 1875 will fall short of that of 1874. The increased
consumption consequent upon low prices must also enter in the ques-
tion of future demand. Add to these considerations the fact that
all our rivals in the British wheat trade, are. with the exception of
Russia, practically out of the race. Even Russia, which used to
send to England twice as much wheat as we did. has, even under the
stimulus of a superabundant harvest, sent during the last eight
months but a little over a third of the amount of our imports.
While, therefore, the prospects of our export wheat trade cannot be
called brilliant, they are certainly re-assuring. Only producers must
make up their minds to a pretty long period of almost stationary
prices, while they may reasonably expect to find some compensation
in the increased purchasing power of their money. — New York
Times.

1875].

PLANTER AND FARMER.

.-) — a
Ol O

TROTTLNG AXD RIDING STALLION, BLACK HAWK.—
Black, foaled in Vermont, 1850, out of a fine Black Hambletonian
mare, and by Hill's famous old Black Hawk, be by Sherman Mor-
gan, in 1833, he by the original Morgan in 1808 or 1809 ; he by
True Briton, in 1793. Black Hawk'is a half brother to Ethan
Allen, Ticonderoga, and most of the best trotters of that day.
Owned by

Maj. S. VT. Ficklix,

Charlottesville. Va.

WALKIXG versus TROTTIXG HORSES.
A writer in the Prairie Farmer complains that all the premiums
offered at agricultural fairs for the performance of horses go for trot-
ting or running and none for walking. He says the various agri-
cultural societies •• say nothing of walking, which is the gait farmers
are most interested in. I have often wondered why that was over-

374 THE SOUTHERN [July

looked, and had hoped that some one would bring it before the socie-
ties. What benefit is a race horse to a farmer ? If he wants to
run or trot him for premiums or stakes, it will not do to work him
as farm horses have to work. Besides, fast torses, generally, are
not able to stand heavy work, and are not apt to be extra walkers.
What the farmer wants is a close-made, muscular horse, weighing
to 1,200 pounds, that can walk at least four miles an hour
with a cultivator, or at that rate while crossing the field. It costs
no nnre for a hand to drive a team that will plough three acres per
dav. than it would to drive one that would plough only two acres ;
and a good hand, or one that tries to earn his wages would."

CATTLE FOR FATTENING.

S. W. Ficklix, in an address on feeding cattle to the Belmont
club of Albemarle county, Virginia, says he has no hesitation in
giving the preference to short-horns, and their grades, in all that
constitutes the animal suited to a fair grass region of country, except
that the Devons and their grades excel all as work oxen for activity,
uniformity of style and color.

With the same keep, they will not mature by a year or more as
the short-horns and their grades will do. The mode to fatten, and
the age, is very varied, depending upon the localities and the breeds
that can be raised or purchased, the aftermath of meadows and late
pastures in the fall, and how the farmer may be situated with forage,
shelter, age of animals, and their capacity to accumulate flesh and
fat ; if at a mill, or convenient to one, and the certainty that the an-
imals get the meal and bran intended for them, and with regularity,
care and kind treatment.

Butter Product of a Short-horn Heifer. — In looking over
your paper from week to week, one would suppose that the Jer-
sey cows were ahead of all other breeds in the State for making
butter. I think it is a great error; I think there are other breeds
that will make more butter on less provender and give more milk
than the Jerseys, and make butter of as good quality. I have a
thoroughbred Short-horn cow, four years old last March, that made
in one week last January, eleven and three-fourths pounds of as nice
butter as was ever produced by a -Jersey cow. It was but seven
minutes churning by the clock. Her feed was but four quarts of
shorts per day. and as much good hay as she would eat. If anyone
has a Jersey heifer three years old past, that will beat this I would
like to purchase her. — 31. L. Wilder, in Maine Farmer.

In Nelson Co.. Ya. a few days ago, a gentleman who had lost several
sheep bv dogs, put strychnine in large quantities upon one of the
carcasses, and the next morning found thirty-one dead dogs in the
field, the farthest one being less than one hundred yards from the
dead sheep.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMRR. 375

In the last twenty years the product of butter and cheese in the
United States has been doubled. Last year it amounted to 650,000,-
000 pounds of butter and 200,000,000 pounds of cheese, of which
more than one-fourth of the butter and nearly one-half of the cheese
were made in the State of New York. The cheese factories num-
ber about 2,000, employ about $5,000,000 capital, and use the milk
of three-fourths of a million cows. The American Grocer states
that the production this year is likely to greatly exceed that of last
year, but does not believe that the production will even exceed the
demand. The cheapening and improvement of butter and cheese by
artificial means will tend rather to overstock the market.

CURE FOR KICKING COWS.

A method which will break the most vicious cows from kicking,
and which should supersede the cruel practice of beating and whip-
ping, and is the work of but a few minutes, is as follows: Take a
strap the size of a common bridle rein and buckle tightly around the
cow (while milking), just forward of the bag. This, practiced a few
days, will effect the desired result, as we are aware from actual ex-
perience.

SOUTH-DOWN SHEEP.

This valuable sheep has been known and bred a long time in Eng-
land, where it has always maintained the character of a hardy animal,
yielding a medium quality of wool, and furnishing mutton of a supe-
rior flavor. Mr. John Elman, of England, according to the history,
took them thoroughly in hand, and founded a flock which has been
the source whence all the best blood has since been derived.

A good South-Down is described as follows: The head small and
hornless; the face speckled or gray, and neither too long nor too
short; the lips thin, and the space between the nose and the eyes
narrow; the under jaw, or chop, fine and thin; the ears tolerably
wide, and well covered with wool, and the forehead also, and the
whole space between the ears well protected by it, as a defence
against the fly; eyes full and bright; the legs neither too long nor
too short.

The South-Down, both for mutton and for fleece, is fully equal to
any other breed. They do not shear quite as heavy a fleece, nor
market so heavy a carcass as some of the long-wools, but both are
worth more per pound in the market. The buck can be profitably
introduced into any flock, which will result in improvement. The
South-Down is a beautiful, quiet animal, and so thoroughly domesti-
cated as to follow readily after its owner, and it seems to be fond of
the companionship of man. — I. V. M., in Ohio Farmer.

376 THE SOUTHERN [July

WHEN TO BUY SHEEP.

As a rule, the best time to buy is in the late summer — as flock-
masters who have kept their sheep through the winter prefer to shear
them before selling. It is usually most profitable to do so. After
the first to middle of August, the lambs are ready for weaning, and
the farmer knows pretty well what the increase of his flock is to be,
and also what his crops of grain and grasses will allow him to winter
properly. The season's yield at home also affords the buyer a better
opportunity for gauging the number of stock to suit the probable
contents of barn and granary. Ordinarily, where one seller of store
sheep can be found in the spring, ten can be found in the late sum-
mer or fall. — National Live Stock Journal.

RAISING HOGS.

Mr. Editor — much has been said in the agricultural journals of
the South on the subject of planting all cotton and buying all sup-
plies. It has been well observed that the most thrifty planters have
been those who raised all of their supplies on the farm.

Where corn is worth one dollar per bushel there is no question
but that Western pork can be bought cheaper than hogs can be
raised on com alone. Therefore, in discussing this subject all idea
of raising hogs on corn in a cotton country or in any country where
labor is high, must be discarded. Those crops must be raised which
the hog can gather for himself. The force of this remark will be
seen when we consider that the gathering and feeding out most crops
constitute about half their value, and especially is this true of peas.

Twenty-five years ago the writer knew an old gentleman in Geor-
gia, who adopted the high culture system — that is, planting a few
acres — manuring and cultivating well. He was remarkably success-
ful in raising hogs, and noted for having something of everything to
sell, and especially lard. His plan was to have adjoining his hog
pasture, lots planted especially for hogs. These consisted of oats,
barley, ground-peas and potatoes. He sowed oats in the fall and let
the hogs graze them, alternating from one lot to another.

As soon as potatoes were large enough the hogs were turned on
a small patch, and this succeeded by ground peas, and cornfield peas.
His hogs were always fat and very heavy when killed, affording
large quantities of lard, without consuming much corn.

Orchard grass and blue grass grow well in an apple orchard.
When well set this might furnish a profitable pasture for hogs. To
all these above described arrangements should be added clover and
lucerne patches. The latter is known to be the best soiling crop
ever raised in Georgia. Several years ago the writer ordered all the
unthrifty pigs on his plantation brought to a town lot to be " slopped."
Eight or ten were brought in and the cook ordered to attend to them.
As usual she allowed them to die one by one during the winter.
About the first of March the two remaining mangy pigs were turned

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 377

out. They found their way into a small lucerne patch which was
then beginning to grow luxuriantly. Observing that they were very
fond of it, they were allowed to continue their visits. No two pigs
ever improved faster.

DOG TAX.

The number of dogs in Richmond, Va., on which a tax has been
paid, is 2,440, and the revenue accruing therefrom $4,060, which
will be considerably augmented by a fine of those who have failed to
comply with the law.

The canine population of Richmond, Va., is numerous, and the
revenue from taxation large, but we believe that it will be found
equally numerous in many other parts of the country, and it would
be of infinite advantage to the sheep interest of the whole country, if
a proper dog tax were levied and collected, and the proceeds appro-
priated to paying for sheep destroyed. Experience has proved,
however, that no candidate can be elected to legislatures, generally,
who expresses sentiments favoring a dog tax. The value of the sheep
annually destroyed by worthless dogs, in our country, would be suf-
ficient to relieve all the suffering in regions devastated by grasshop-
pers and potato beetles ; yet the owners, as a class, have done less,
probably, for that charity than any other. Worthless men own the
greater share of the worthless dogs, and do more to populate pauper
houses than any other class.

• THE DOG WARFARE.

Mr. Dodge, in the January Report of the Department of Agricul-
ture has the following : The warfare of dogs upon sheep still con-
tinues; the direct losses are a million of dollars annually, in wool
and mutton, and, indirectly, even a larger sum in the repression of
sheep-husbandry, and the consequent waste of a large per centage of
the annual crop of grass ; a crop more valuable than that of cotton
or corn, throughout the Southern States and elsewhere in all dog-
cursed sections of the country. The canine warfare is a badge of
vagabondage, an indication of savagery and lawlessness inconsistent
with a progressive state of agriculture. In communities where "every
very poor man keeps two," the average legislative candidate dares
not pledge himself to vote for a dogdaw. Until recently, only a
few States in which wool-growing is prominent had dog-laws, which
is equivalent to saying that the ideas on which our agriculture was
based Avere primitive, and its rural processes crude.

A rich, well-pulverized, clean and rather stiff loam is best for
onions. The seed should be sown in rows nine or ten inches apart
(some sow one foot) and four to six inches apart in a row.

378 THE SOUTHERN [July

A HINT TO FARMERS-

In some sections — and it would be a decided advantage in thought-
fulness and kindness in all sections — farmers give each of their boys,
and girls, too, a strip of land to raise whatever they choose upon it,
and dispose of the product for their own benefit. It is a favor that
they all appreciate, and it is a pleasant and serviceable employment
for them in their leisure hours. They will vie with each other in their
skill at raising their little crops, and the poceeds applied to their
own use are frequently of some value; and the whole arrangement,
while it instructs them in the cultivation of the soil, early implants
in the children the idea of thrift and economy. Sometimes, where
a good many animals are raised, a pig, a lamb, a calf, up to even a
colt, according to the age of the children, is given to each to rear and
to keep or sell. Farmers, think of this: it will more than repay you
in the happiness and confidence it will impart to your sons and
daughters. — G-ermantoivn Telegraph.

WORK AS A REMEDY.

Dr. Dio Lewis says: A lady has just left our rooms whose case
illustrates an important idea. Ten years ago she was an invalid.
Her malady was obstinate, and at the end of a year's treatment a
consultation resulted in the opinion that her case was cerebro-spinal
irritation, from which she would probably never recover. Six
years ago her husband died. His estate proved insolvent. The
wife engaged in an active occupation to support her three children.
In a year she was well, and has remained so ever since.

There are two million dyspeptics in America. Nine in ten of
them could be cured by work.

A wealthy clergyman from a neighboring State assured us that
he had spent eight years and thirty thousand dollars in seeking a
cure for his dyspepsia. He had traveled everywhere and consulted
all sorts of doctors. We are afraid he will never forgive us for telling
him that six month's hard work would make a well man of him.

REMEDY FOR CABBAGE WORMS.

Hellebore, lime, salt and similar substances have been used with
varied success for the destruction of cabbage worms. It is now
stated that bran and buckwheat flour answer the purpose better
than any other remedies that have been tried. The bran is simply
dusted over the infested cabbages as soon as the worms make their
appearance. If the worms are very thick, about a handful of bran
is required to each cabbage head, and sometimes it is necessary to
go over the plants the second time. A hundred weight of bran is
sufficient for an acre. It must be applied when the worms are
young. ^ hen they are full grown or very strong, it does not ap-
pear to affect them. The buckwheat flour is sifted upon them by

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 379

means of a sieve, in the evening or in the morning when the dew is
on the plants. If one application does not destroy the worms a second
one should be made. It is probable that wheat flour, fine Indian
meal or any other pulverulent farinaceous substance would have the
same effect. — American Garden.

BEES FOR FARMERS.

Is it not strange that farmers should so generally neglect to keep
bees, or to gather even the sweets which they want as a luxury in
their own families? They have the room, they have the pasture,
they have all the conveniences for keeping a half dozen swarms and
producing the best results. They will tell you that they have not
time to study the wants of the honey-bee, and to manage them prop-
erly. But who has more time during the winter than the farmer?
who has more time to study the habits of the bee during spring and
summer, and to understand what is necessary to success, than the
farmer ?

The farmer spends his life mostly in fields, and the bee comes more
under his immediate observation than of any other class ; but he
seems to shut his eyes to natural phenomena, and the result is
that honey is mostly produced by persons in other occupations, such
as mechanics, owning small lots, and in cramped situations, those
who are not in a condition to give them convenient pasture, such as
almost any farm can furnish. But the farmer, after all, furnishes
the pasture for other people's bees, and then buys his own honey, or
goes without it. He may thus be considered as most generous in
the dispensation of his bounties, but it is wholly unintentional. This
is one of the wastes on a great majority of all the farms that are not
utilized by the farmer, who is always croaking that farming don't pay !
Why, I think, he wastes almost as much as he uses, for want of stu-
dying his means. Perhaps we have now entered upon a new era
under the auspices of the Grange When the farmer becomes social,
and talks over his affairs familiarly, he will begin to take note of
these wastes, and to mend his ways.

I know a Avoman who makes a good living from 20 to 30 swarms
of bees, and the care of them is only a pastime to her. It is a pleas-
ure to her to watch the industry of her bees and to provide for all
their wants. As she is so successful, I asked her how much of her
time it really occupied, to which she replied that a half hour per day
for six months would cover all the time spent. I am an artist, and
have only a small lot, scarcely space to set six hives, but under
those cramped circumstances can make 250 pounds of honey to sell,
besides all we can use in the family. My honey is mostly obtained
from the farmers' pastures, and I carry their products to market.
But I only utilize what farmers voluntarily waste. Would it not be
well for farmers to use their own bee pastures ? I am constantly
dreaming of a happy time coming, when I shall be able to own a

380 THE SOUTHERN [July

small farm, and have the pleasure of spending the remainder of my
life in the open fields. The farmer is truly blest in being brought
close to nature, where he may read her secrets. — Live Stock Journal.

STUDY TO SAVE STEPS.

If farmers would get in the habit of spending half an hour each
day in thinking how steps may be saved, work would turn to much
more account. Some barns are so unhandy that thousands of steps
are taken every year that might be saved. In the house, and espe-
cially in the kitchen, is this the case. Many a farmer spent hours
and hours last winter by the fire, kept in by the cold, when he would
have been much better engaged in digging a well under the kitchen,
so as to have a pump to bring water into the sink. Such an im-
provement will save miles of travel every year; and whenever water
is drawn therefrom, blessings will be pronounced. Some pantries
are so inconvenient, and so deficient in drawers and shelves, that
time is lost in hunting for things, and temper is soured. Pray —
stop, consider, devise, execute ; and if it does not suit, try again —
and do have things convenient, and save steps. — iV. Y. Tribune,

Make tiie Farm Self-Sustaining. — In an address before a
North Carolina Agricultural Society, Col. A. A. McKay, dwelt
upon the necessity of making each farm self-sustaining ; said that
'•all cotton" encourages extravagance, bringing cash, which is wast-
ed, as it was last year, when the Southern farmers "gambled away
in cotton futures one hundred millions of dollars." Let every farm-
er, he continued, raise first what he needs to make his farm self-sus-
taining, and then let the cotton come in, and the cotton money will be
clear gain.

Continued Supply of Guano. — More detailed accounts of a
report made by the Embassador from Peru at London, on the supply
of guano in that country, have come to hand, and are calculated to
relieve the fears so widely entertained of an early failure of the guano
supply, On some forty-five different localities on the mainland and
islands of the Peruvian dominions guano deposits are found, some of
them amounting to millions of tons.

A New York horticulturist sells Baldwin apples at $10 a bar-
rel. He takes a slip of paper and cuts children's names; then places
the paper around the apples when they begin to color, and in a week
or two Mamie. Jamie, Johnnie or Susie appears on the apple in large
red letters. These picked and barreled by themselves, bring fancy
prices.

The total increase in the number of granges in the L'nited States
during the last three months is said to have been about 1,000.

1875. PLANTER AND FARMER. 381

THE PATRONS' OBJECT.

. The following is the beautiful preamble to the Constitution of the
Order of Patrons of Husbandry, adopted at the eighth annual session
of the National Grange at Charleston, S. C, February, 1875 :

" Human happiness is the acme of earthly ambition. Individual
happiness depends upon general prosperity.

"The prosperity of a nation is in proportion to the value of its
productions.

"The soil is the source from whence we derive all that constitutes
wealth; without it we would have no agriculture, no manufactures,
no commerce. Of all the material gifts of the Creator, the various
productions of the vegetable world are of the first importance. The
art of agriculture is the parent and precursor of all arts, and its
products the foundation of all wealth.

"The production of the earth are all natural laws, invariable and
indisputable ; the amount produced will consequently be in propor-
tion to the intelligence of the producer, and success will depend up-
on his knowledge of the action of these laws, and the proper appli-
cation of their principles.

"Hence, knowledge is the foundation of happiness.

"The ultimate object of this organization is for mutual instruction
and protection, to lighten labor by diffusing a knowledge of its aims
and purposes, expand the mind by tracing the beautiful laws the
Great Creator has established in the Universe, and to enlarge our
views of Creative wisdom and power.

"To those who read aright, history proves that in all ages society
is fragmentary, and successful results of general welfare can be se-
cured only by general efforts. Unity of action cannot be acquired
without discipline, and discipline cannot be enforced without signifi-
cant organization, hence we have a ceremony of initiation which
binds us in mutual fraternity as ivith a band of iron. But although
its influence is so powerful, its application is as gentle as that of the
silken thread that binds a wreath of flowers."

CATHOLICS CAN JOIN THE ORDER.

It is well known that the opposition which his holiness, the Pope
has manifested toward the Order of Patrons of Husbandry has de,
terred many Catholic farmers from becoming members of the Grange
In accordance with the advice of one of the Catholic Bishops of Min.
nesota, a member of that Church who desired to become a Patron
addressed the Pope on the subject, setting forth the objects and aims
of the Order, and the means by which it proposed to attain them.
The following is the substance of the reply thereto :

-" The Pope allows the petitioner to join the Grange of Patrons
of Husbandry, and be a member thereof, if he finds nothing therein
conflicting with his conscience or the creed of the Catholic Church."

As a consequence, the Order has received a large accession of

382 THE SOUTHERN ■ [July

strength in Minnesota, and when the news of the Pope's decision has
reached other States, its effect will be to largely increase the numbers
of the Patrons. — Colmans Rural World.

HAPPY HUSBANDS.

It is a man's own fault if he is unhappy with his wife, in nine
cases out of ten. It is a very exceptional woman who will not be
all she can to an attentive husband, and a more exceptional one who
will not be very disagreeable if she finds herself wilfully neglected.
It would be very easy to hate a man who, having bound a woman to
him, makes no effort to render her happy ; hard not to love one who
was constant and tender, and when a woman loves she always tries
to please. The great men of this world have often been wretched in
their domestic relation, while mean and common men have been ex-
ceedingly happy. The reason is very plain. Absorbed in them-
selves, those who desired the world's applause were careless of the
little world at home ; while those who had none of this egotism strove
to keep the hearts that were their own, and were happy in their ten
derness. No woman will love a man the better for being renowned
and prominent. Though he be the first among men, she will only
be prouder, not fonder ; and if she lose him through this renown,
as is often the case, she will not even be proud. But give her love,
appreciation, kindness, and there is no sacrifice she would not make
for his content and comfort. The man who loves her well is her hero
and her king. No less a hero to her through he is not one to any
other ; no less a king, though his only kingdom is her heart and
home.

MADAME JEROME BONAPARTE.

Madame Bonaparte is still living in Baltimore, at the age of
ninety years. She says she has no intention of dying until she is a
hundred. She has been to Europe sixteen times, and contemplates
another trip this summer. This old lady has more vivacity, and
certainly more intelligence, than many of the leading women of
fashion of the present day. She expresses her opinion upon all sub-
jects with great freedom, and sometimes with bitterness. She has
little or no confidence in men ; and a very poor opinion of wo-
men; the young ladies of the present day, she says, all have the
" homo mania." All sentiment she thinks a weakness. She pro-
fesses that her ambition has always been — not the throne, but near
the throne. Mr. Patterson, her father, died in 1836, at an advanced
age, in possession of a large fortune. In his will, which is one of the
most remarkable documents that has ever been deposited in the Or-
phans' Court of Baltimore, he says : "The conduct of my daughter
Betsy has, through life, been so disobedient that in no instance has
she ever consulted my opinion or feelings; indeed, she has caused me
mure anxiety than all my other children put together ; her folly and

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 383

misconduct have occasioned me a train of experience that, first to last,
has cost me much money" — in this, he means the marriage of his
daughter to Jerome Bonaparte. The old gentleman left her, out of
his great wealth, only three or four small houses and the wines in
his cellar — worth in all about ten thousand dollars.

Madame Bonaparte is very rich ; she has made her money by suc-
cessful speculations and by her life-long habit of saving. For years
she has lived at a boarding-house in Baltimore, seeing very little
company. Her costume is ancient, and there is nothing about her ap-
peax-ance that suggests the marvelous beauty that led captive the
heart of Jerome Bonaparte. Her eyes alone retain some of the
brightness of former days.

For forty year s Madame Bonaparte kept a diary, in which she
recorded her views and observations of European and American so-
ciety. Some of her remarks are severely sarcastic. A well-known
Boston publishing house, it is said, oifered ten thousand dollars for
the manuscript volumes, but Madame refused to sell them at any
price, and has committed them to the custody of her younger grand-
son, Charles Joseph, recently a law student of Harvard, now a rising
member of the Baltimore bar. They will probably be published
after the writer's death. — Scribnei'.

PRUNING THE RASPBERRY.

Canes which have once borne fruit, bear no more. Hence, these
should be removed as soon as the fruiting season is over, cut off close
to the ground, so that the young canes may have more room and air
At the same time due regard must be paid to the thinning out of the
new canes, removing all that promise to be weakly or slender. Since
we depend on the strength of the current year's growth of wood for
our next year's crop, any process which will concerve the vigor and
concentrate the energies of the young plant is deserving of regard.
Summer pruning and pinching we deem a valuable means to this
end. The young plant, when it has attained the height of three feet,
should be pinched off at the tip ; this will cause the side branches to
develop, which in turn should be subject to similar treatment when
from six to eight inches long. This pinching should be repeated if
necessary, but should not be continued too late in the fall, since it*
would cause a late growth of tender wood which would suffer during
winter. It might be practiced safely enough till about the beginning
of September, and any subsequent growth not wanted might be re-
moved by a light spring pruning. This method we regard as much
less wasteful than that of allowing the summer's growth to proceed
unchecked throughout the season, and then prune back in the spring
to a proper height. By this latter method the plant is allowed to
waste its strength in the unnecessary production of wood which must
be removed, and the growth is long and slender; while in the former
case all its energies are concentrated in the development of a stocky,

384 THE SOUTHERN [July

well-ripened cane, far better fitted to bear its destined weight, of fruit
the ensuing season. This treatment is equally applicable to the
black caps, unless where it is desirable to raise new plants: then the
natural extension of the cane, or portions of it. must be allowed. —
Tr. Saunders.

HOW TO MAKE GOOD APPLE DUMPLINGS.

First procure good. sour, juicy apples, pare and core, leaving them
in halves. Get all your ingredients ready before beginning to mix
your dough; sugar, soda, sour milk. lard. salt, flour and apples.
Now make a dough, as for soda biscuits, only adding a little more
lard to make it shorter. Take a bit of dough out on the kneading-
board, and after kneading roll this as for pie crust. Then cut in
pieces long enough to cover an apple, allowing for hipping the e ■■_
Put in two of your apple halves, sweeten according to taste,
cover apple and sugar with dough. Lay the dumplings in your 1
pan. the smooth side up. first having your pan well buttered. Pro-
ceed in this manner until you get your pan well filled, (be sure it
is a large sized pan, for they will go off like hot cakes), then place a
small bit of butter on the top of each dumpliug, sprinkle a handful
of sugar over all : then place in a moderate oven and allow them to
bake an hour. Serve (not too hot) with pudding sauce, or with su-
gar and cream.

CHERRIES.

Marmalade. — Stem and stone your cherries saving as much juice
as possible ; allow one pound of sugar to every pint of stoned fruit.
Boil all for an hour uncovered, skimming and stirring well. When
cool, put in pots and cover tight. It may not be generally known
that boiling fruit a long time and without the sugar and without a
cover is very economical, because the bulk of the scum rises from the
fruit, not from the sugar ; boiling without a cover allows the water
to evaporate and so the fruit is firmer and better flavored.

Cherry Jam. — To every pound of fruit, weighed before stoning,
allow one-half pound of sugar ; to every six pounds of fruit allow
one pint of red currant juice, and to every pound of currant juice one
•pound of sugar. Mode — Stone the cherries first weighed, and boil
them till the juice is absorbed, then add the sugar well crushed, then
the currant juice and the extra pound of sugar to every pint of the
latter. Boil altogether until it jellies, which will be in twenty or
thirty minutes; skim well and stir constantly, and a few minutes be-
fore it is done, add some of the cherry kernels ; these impart a de-
licious flavor to the jam. This is very fine.

To Preserve Morello Cherries. — Select ripe cherries, pick
off the stems and reject defective fruit. To every pound of cherries
allow 1^ pounds of sugar and one gill of water. Boil the sugar and
water five minutes, put in the cherries, and boil ten minutes, remov-

1S75.] PLANTER AXD FARMER. 385

ing the scum. Turn out into an earthern dish, and let it stand till
the next day, when it must be boiled for another ten minutes.
Cover with oiled or brandied papers and keep in a dry place.

To Preserve Morello Cherries — Another Wat. — Stem and
stone fine fruit, then weigh, allowing half a pound of sugar to a
pound of fruit. Make a syrup, one pint of water to four pounds of
sugar is a good rule; boil up ; skim ; then pur in the cherries and
scald from five to ten minutes. Can in glas-.

Common Preserved Cherries. — To twelve pounds of good cher-
rieSj stoned, add six pounds of nice brown sugar : cook slowly for
two feours. These are very good for common use, but will not keep
so long as where one pound of sugar is allowed for one pound of
fruit.

Pickled Cherries. — One peck of cherries ; one quart of best
vinegar; four pounds of sugar. Heat the vinegar and sugar to-
gether, strain, then cook the fruit in it till done. Leave the cher-
ries whole.

CURRANTS.

Canning green currants is done as any fruit canning is, but the fol-
lowing recipe is worth trying, though we can only say it comes well
recommended, not having proved it ourselves. Gather when green,
strip off the stems, put the currants into dry. clean bottles, and
cork with resined corks tightly. Kept in a cool place in the cellar
they will be fresh for a year or more, and are very nice in the winter
for pies.

Currant Marmalade, Red or White. — Pick over the fruit
nicely, and allow an equal quantity of white sugar ; put a layer of
each alternately in a preserving kettle and boil ten minutes, or boil
them the same length of time in a rich syrup boiled like candy.

Currant Jam. — To every pound of red currants allow three-
fourths of a pound white sugar. Gather the fruit on a fine day,
weigh it, then strip off the stalks ; put the sugar and currants into
a preserving-pan and boil three-fourths of an hour, skimming care-
fully. Put into pots and cover with brandied papers as you would
jellies.

Currants are nicely preserved by taking equal weights of fruit and
sugar, heating the sugar through with just enough water to prevent
its burning, then washing the currants with your hand (unless wished
whole) and boiling altogether three or four minutes.

Spiced Currants. — Six pounds of currants, stemmed ; three
pounds of sugar, one pint of vinegar; two tablespoons of ground
cinnamon ; two of cloves; boil until thick, then seal in bottles or
glass jars.

Currant Jelly. — Put your currants into a stone pot, and set
into a pot of water over the fire. Heat gently till the juice is well
extracted; strain, but do not squeeze, if you want the jelly clear.
Measure the juice and allow a pound of sugar (some rules say three-

386 THE SOUTHERN [July

quarters of a pound) to every pint. Heat the sugar in a shallow
pan, but do not scorch it. Heat the currant juice, put in the sugar
hot, stir and skim well, and boil together four minutes. Very nice
if carefully made. A jam may be made for the currants if they
were not squeezed — making the jelly by adding raspberries and
sugar, and boiling. Of course this jam would not be worth storing,
but is excellent for daily use.

Jellies are finest made from fruit not quite ripe. Fruit should be
picked on a dry day. and not allowed to stand over night without
scalding, as it may not jelly.

Raspberry Marmalade. — Three pounds of raspberries, three
pounds of sugar, one pint of currant juice. Wash well together,
and boil until they become as stiff as jelly, before adding the sugar.
Be careful not to let it burn. Another way is to omit the currant
juice, and boil after washing ten minutes, and then add the sugar,
(pound for pound), stir well, skim it, boil for fifteen minutes longer,
then cool and pack away.

Raspberry Vinegar is made by adding three quarts of vinegar
to six quarts of berries. Let it stand twenty-four hours, then
squeeze the berries, add to the juice nine pounds of sugar, scald and
bottle.

itorial gejartment.

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

Before describing the work for the month of July, it is allowable to speak of
the origin of the name for the month, which was bestowed upon it by the Romans
as indeed was the name of all the months of the year. This was called July in honor
of Julius Caesar. So far from his being a patron of Agriculture, be converted
the ''pruning hook" into the " sword," instead of the '* sword" into the "'prun-
ing hook," and after conquering much of what is now England and France, he
crossed the Rubicon, and planted his eagles on the capital of his own country. He
afterwards conquered '"all Spain." Though an ambitious warrior in place of a far-
mer, he was yet a believer in drainage, and though perhaps not like the venerable
John Johnson thinking "the whole arth needed draining." he had yet formed the
design of draining the "Pontine marshes." and probably, but for the useless and
unfortunate assassination of this great man by Brutus and his associates, (for
theydid not restore the Republic), he might have carried his purpose into execu-
tion, for he knew no such word as fail in his vocabulary. Had he done so, much
valuable land would have been reclaimed to^agriculture, and the dreaded malaria
of this region been driven way.

But '• to return to our mutton."

WHEAT A.VD WINTER OATS

Will have been generally harvested by the time this reaches our patrons, the crop
of each promises well, and in this region the^spring oat will be quite a good
crop. Let these crops be housed as soon as practicable. If to remain in the

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 387

field, it is the opinion of many that wheat in " dozens" will keep better than in
''shock.-.-' a- in the former the drying off" is quick after a rain, and therefore less
apt to sprout than in shocks. Oats should be stacked, if not housed, for rain will
damage the "tie" and effect their sale particularly. If the seed is good, and
tolerably clean (which is rarely the case^ a portion should be gotten out for mar-
ket, and the otber portion baled if the farmer has a baling machine, for they sell
better baled, and are better protected from rats. Let us advise the farmer to
get his wheat out. and sell it as soon as practicable, for the first price is gene-
rally the best, and much will be saved in the way of shrinkage, waste and steal-
age. We believe that the farmers have lost thousands upon thousands, b.v hold-
ing their wheat for a better price.

THE HAY CROP

Has been a short one. Let us economize in its use, lest we be short of feed next
winter. As a substitute for hay it is not too late to sow

MILLET AXD CORN FODDER.

The latter, however, must be sowed early this month on rich land i:i time to
make a crop. Millet will mature in sixty days, a rich sandy loam is best adapted
to this crop. It stands drought well, and on good soil will bring heavy crops.
It may be sown in drills or broadcast. If iu drills lay off the rows about 28
inches apart. If broadcast, sow four to five pecks per acre, and sow as early in
the month as possible. From the fifteenth to the last of June would have been
better.

LATE POTATOES

May be planted profitably as late as the 4th J uly. A very successful trucker informs
us that he planted from 10th June to 4th July, and rarely fails to make agood crop.
In our notes for June, we think now, we advised rather early planting. They must
have the cool nights of the early fall to mature them well. The " Colorado
beetle" is undoubtedly amongst us, probably introduced by the planting of
western and northern potatoes. We hear reports of this destructive insect in
different parts of the State. The remedy seems to be "Paris Green." The
''Agriculturist" for June, gives the following directions for the best mode of its
application :

'• It is necessary that the very deadly character of this poison should be known
in order to insure care in its use. No persons with scratched or cut hands should
apply it, and whoever uses it should avoid handling it, avoid breathing the dust,
and everywhere and all the time keep iu mind the absolutely dangerous charac-
ter of the article. It should be stored out of reach as carefully as gunpowder.
and its application should not be entrusted to a careless or ignorant person,
There are two methods of applying it: iu the dry state, diluted with some pow-
der, and in the liquid state, suspended in water. There are various qualities of
Paris-green in the market; the best makers, to their shame be it said, make
several brands ; in other words, adulterate it in the factory. There is no ready
test which one can apply to ascertain the purity of the article, and the only way
is to buy of responsible parties who will properly represent its quality. For use
in the dry state, flour is found to be the best to mix with the poison, as it ad-
heres to the leaves better than plaster, which is sometimes used. With the pure
poison oue part to twenty of flour is sufficient. Some kind of a sifting arrange-
ment must be provided, with a long handle. An apparatus which can be readily
made by any tin worker was shown in the Agriculturist last month, p. 187; of
course some other coutrivance that will answer the purpose of may be substi-

4

388 THE SOUTHERN July

a wide mouthed bottle, with muslin tied over the month has been
~ays kee; I .iward. and by every possible precau-

tion f.void breathing the dust. It takes but a little properly a i even

distribution is of more consequence than a large quantity. In applying Paris-
green in the wet way. remember that it is nol e In water, but is only diffused
through and suspended in it. hence it must not be allowed to settle to the bottom
of the vessel. Frequent and thorough stirring must be attended to. A table-
I of the poison to an ordinary pailful of water is the quantity used. It
may be applied by means of a watering-pot. or by the use of some of the various
garden force pumps sold by seedsmen and at the implement stores. In using be
careful not to wet the skin with the liquid, and il _ : on the hands or else-
where, have water near by to wash it off at once. When a force-pump is used,
the liquid can be kept stirred by now and then directing the stream into the pail
containing it. The chief use of Par:- -gi . the Colora'o potato-beetle
and the cotton-worm ; it has been successfully applied in the liquid way. to kill
canker-worms ou apple and other trees, and has been used also on squash and other

garden. Of course it will not be proper to apply it to cabbages or

other plants of which the foliage, or other parts which can retain the poison on

rn. We repeat that Paris-green is a most dangerous poison and

ed with a full knowledge o: re it where by no accident

others can have access to it. Use it in such a manner that no harm can come to

the operator. See that the pails and other vessels are used for nothing else.

Finally, do not u- if any other means for destroying ins- seta will accom-

[f this beetle is no: very n imeroua they should be killed at once

by the hand, or placed on the ground and mashed with the foot.

Should ordinarily be so advanced as to lay by at harvest time, but the late,

cool, q: . rented it this the plough and cultivator must

- running until laid by. It is a good plan to sow peas broadcast at the

last working, to improve the land, or winter oats may well be sown at the last

working, if it is near the last of July. The last working should be done with

the cultivator not run deep, so as not to tear the roots, and to leave the land

level, i. I best I ~op> and to prevent washing if the land is rolling. If

winter oats are to be seeded, we prefer to seed them the last of August, by put.

ting one to one and a half bush e. ring them with a five tooth

cultivator, and chopping in the row of the corn with a hoe*. If the land is grassy

much, it will be necessary to run the single plow in the rows twice, lapping the

dirt in the centre, then sow, and cover with the cultivator. We adopted this plan

of last August, and have a fine crop of oats. On the grassy part of the

the plow was used, and on the other portion only the cultivator.

ICEXIPS.

should be sown the first part of the month if sown at all. We
regard them as rather uncertain in our latitude. The turnip requires a light,
rich soil. "Ruta bagas " should be sown in drills three feet apart, the land being
previously well manured with well rotted stable manure, or a reliable superphos-
phate, or Flour of Bone. In England almost all the manure, and the super-
go cr> the turnip crop, which is eaten off by sheep, and then sowed
to wheat and grass. The English in this way use much of the superphosphates
and Flour of Bone. The "White Norfolk,'" or "Globe," and the ''Red Top "
may be sown last of July, though the last should be sown rather later than the

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 389

former, as it matures earlier, and does not keep so well, particularlv if it ripens
early. For •"Salad" the sowing is not until the next month. The "Seven
Top" makes the most hardy salad turnip, but the quality is not so good, and the
market men are complaining of it as not being salable, and the " Norfolk " or
" Globe'' are preferred now for that purpose. They do not stand cold winters
well, and require some protection. The " Yellow Aberdeen" is a popular turnip
for table and stock. The turnip crop, however, except " Ruta baga " had bes>t
not be sown until August and first of September.

ASPARAGUS AND STRAWBERRIES.

Should both be worked now, if not previously done. The proper time to work
them is as soon as the crop is over. The dirt should be thrown from the aspar-
agus with a single plow — the hoe to follow, cutting out all grass, and levelling
the beds, and in a few weeks throw the dirt back again. Strawberries which are
always very grassy when the gathering ceases, should have the dirt thrown from
them with a small board, such as is attached to the " Watt plow."' to be followed
with a small hoe removing all the grass and runners. Then the ;" five tooth cul-
tivator " is to be run through them weekly, and the hoe used whenever the <rass
begins to grow between the plants in the row. the stools being kept distinct.
This is a very expensive crop to work, and has not paid the producer at all the
present season. As soon as the first working is done, manure may be well ap-
plied, so as to give nourishment to the plant, which has just gone through the
exhaustive process of fruiting, and prepare it, and strengthen it for the produc-
tion of fruit the next season. Cse stable manure which has been made from feed
elear of grass seeds, or a compost of hen manure, ashes, or kainit. plaster, a
small quantity of salt, made up with rich earth as clear of grass seeds as can be
procured. Substitute stable manure if hen manure cannot be had.

SWEET POTATOES.

If the ground is completely covered with vines, nothing more is to be done
except to pull up with the hand any weeds or grass which may be growing
among the vines. " Crab grass " is said to be especially injurious to this crop.
Young vines must be well worked, care being taken never to cover up the vines
and never suffer them to take root if possible, but at the hill where planted.

MELONS.

Keep the hills well up. and as light as possible, and clean of grass. Some sow
" corn-field peas " at the last working among the vines, so as to afford some-
thing for the tendrils of the melon to lay hold of, and prevent their being blown
about by the winds. The idea, we think, is a good one — nature evidentlv in-
tended these tendrils (curls) to catch hold of something, to make the vine steadv
and fixed.

CABBAGE PLAXTS

Should be set out this month, 1st to 15th for wiuter use. If the ground is not
rich they may be set out earlier, as on such land there is not the same danger
as on rich of the plant maturing too soon, and failing to keep. But the ground
for cabbage should be rich.

FALLOWING

May be done last of this month if the farmer has time. But

WHEAT AXD OATS

should first be gotten out and prepared for market, and wheat sold as soon as
possible.
So July too is a busy month. But if our programme above laid down, is fol-

390 THE SOUTHERN July

lowed out and the wheat crop gotten out, and marketed, we think we can all
take a holliday in August and a short trii> to our glorious mountain regions, or
some where in Virginia, which offers so many attractions to the health and pleas-
ure seeker.

"I see that the Patron states that there is a firm in Richmond which proposes
to give $50,000 to break down the Giange movement. What firm is ii?';

We have made every effort to find out the firm but have failed, and cannot be-
lieve that such a proposition has been made. Will the Patron give the name, that
the innocent parties may not be implicated by suspicion.

Jordan's White Sulphur Springs. Fkeherick cocxty, Ya. — Our excellent
friend, E. C. Jordan, the proprietor of this popular watering place, has sent us
a few copies of his annual pamphlet, embodying all desirable information for
those who contemplate visiting it this summer. We will take pleasure in dis-
tributing them. Mr. Jordan raises honey by the ton, aud is located in a
" Goshen " land for milk and butter. The lover of good living will not be apt
to forget Jordan's address. E. C. Jordan, Stephenson's Depot, Frederick
county, Virginia.

W. C. Smith advertises Carriages, Buggies and Spring Wagons for farmers.
We wish to impress upon our farmers the fact that a Spring Wagon is one of the
most useful aud convenient things a farmer ever had. We would not be without
one for double what it cost. Mr. Smith makes an excellent wagon, aud sells
very cheap.

THE SOTTTIHIEIE^ILNr

PLANTER ©FARMER,

The Oldest Agricultural Journal PnWislei in fiipia,

SIXTY-FOUlt PAGES 3IOMiiJLY

f

Forming a Handsome Annual Volume of 664 pages, with a copious iudex for

the sum of

ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENiS.

C3LXJBS OIF IFXVJE OJR, MORE- $1 EACH.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER

HAS NO SUPERIOR IN THE SOUTH, HAVING A LARGE CIRCULATION
AMONGST THE MOST SUBSTANTIAL FARMERS AND BUSINESS ME.V

In (lie country — the best customers to every trade, not only on account of
the substantial character of those to whom it is sent, bat likewise by the fact
that possessing the additional advantage of being in book form and stitched ;
it is, therefore, more apt to be preserved than an ordinary newspaper,
and gives ADVERTISERS A BETTER CHANCE OF KEEPING
THEMSELVES BEE ORE THE PEOPLE!

Any one is at liberty to get up a club on his own responsibility. Each club
paper may be addressed separately, and may be for any Post-ofHee. Parties get-
ting up clubs will be supplied with specimen copies gratis, on application. Re-
mittances may be sent by P. U. Money Order, Bank Draft, Registered Letters,
or by Express, at our risk. All Business Letters and Kemitiaaces to be ad-
dressed to JL.. **.. JJJc;li.irs IftSO^ii,

P. 0. Box 54, Richmond, Va,

\ to *r

6 m ^ &

^xaiHiiMioirsriD, "v^..

Pleasantly located on Twelfth Street, lacing Bank Street and the Capi-
tol Square. In the centre of the business portion of the city, within
one square of the Post Office and Custom House, it is, by its retired
location opposite the southeast corner of the beautiful park surrounding
the Capitol of Virginia, the most quiet hotel in Richmond.

The proprietor having had a lite long experience in hotel business —
first at the Everett House, New York, and afterwards as proprietor of
the Spotswood Hotel, Richmond, in its best days — and now assisted by
Mr, JOHN P. BALLARD, the popular veteran hotel-keeper of Vir-
ginia, assures visitors of the ST. JAMES that no effort on his part will
be spared to make them comfortable and to keep the house in first-class
style. Coaches will attend the arrival of all trains. Elegant carriages
are at all times at the service of the traveling public.
jnne T. W. HOENNIGER, Proprietor.

BERKSHIRE PISS FOR SALE.

Another lot of PIGS from imported sows "Rosedale," "Car-
lotta," and "Hillhur&t Rose 2d." ALSO,

SHORTHORN BULLS, COWS & CALVES

A. M. BOWMAN,

je — 2t Bellevue, near Waynesboro', Vet

R. Slltf OL.AXR <£ CO., "

MANUFACTURERS OF

mcetuml mum s mom

Ai.SU. GROWERS AND IMPORTERS OF

GARDEN AND FIELD SEEDS,

Dealers in FRUIT TREES and PLANTS

Would ca'l rhe special attention of onr friends and customers to the following
first-class Machinery and Implements, which we guarantee to be equal to any arti-
cle of the kind made in this country, being all of onr own manufacture.

We name in part, such machines as are required by the Farmer and Planter
for the Winter and SpFing seasons, viz: SINCLAIR'S PATENT MASTI-
CATOR, of which we make four sizes, viz: Hand. Steam and Horse Power.

Sinclair's Patent Screw Propeller, Hay, Straw and Fodder Cutters,

of which we make four sizes, viz. Light Hand Power, Hand Power, several sizes,
and Horse Power three sizes. All of the above-named Cutters are our own
Patents and Manufacture, and are such as we can recommend.

Readiag's Patent Horse-Power Corn Sheller, with Fan Attachment.
" " " Sheller, plain.

Double Spout Hand or Power Sheller Single Spout Shellers—
ell kinds.

Corn and Cob Mills, Grist Mills, for Farm and Plantation use.
WHEAT AND CORN FANNING MILLS.

" Anderson's " Agricultural Steamer, for preparing feed for Stock.
The best in use.

Threshers and Separators — different kinds and sizes.

Horse Powers, all sizes and patterns.

Ox-Yokes and Bows, Horse Power Road Scrapers, Hay and
Straw Presspg.

PI0W3, differfnt kinds and sizes, Harrows, Cultivators, and all kinds of
Farming and Horticultural Tools. Address,

Se^ R. SINCLAIR & CO., 62 Li£ht Street, Baltimore, II

CARDWELL'S

THRESHER AND CLEANER.

THE

"VIZR/a-IUSTI-A.

AND

CIDER MILL

Is superior to any MILL now made, and more sold annually in
this market than of all other kinds combined. It does not grate,
but thoroughly crushes every fruit cell, insuring all cider the apples
will yield.

Send for Catalogue.

CHAS. T. PALMER,
jy-ly 1523 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

THE GREEN SPRINGS ACADEMY,

LOUISA COUNTY, VA.

This pleasantly situated private School for Boys and Young Men
preparing for College, will resume recitations October 1st, 1875.

Persons wishing to send their sons to school are requested to ap-
ply to us at once. We wish to have only a small school of some
twenty-five scholars — one that can be well taught.

For reference, apply to editors of " Religious Herald " or to Pro-
fessors of Richmond College. Address

C. R. DICKINSON & SON,

jy-3t Treviliaii's, Louisa County, C. & 0. R. R., Va.

VIRGINIA

AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL

222 8TBBUTS.

Fourth session opens August 16th. The Agricultural and Me-
chanical Departments are well equipped for practical, as well as
theoretical, instruction.

For Catalogue, address

C. L. C. MINOR, President,

jy-lt Blacksburg, Va.

IMPB.8VE.Y0UR STOCK.

FOB SALE — Alderney and Durham Cattle. Cotswold and Shropshire
Lambs, and Berkshire Swine.

PREIirM AIHE»SET Bill, ' EZRA"
three years old. Sire Imp. Hannibul (618 : Dam Lily (500 . Price S100.

PkEMIUH AMiEKSFT I TI.I- "(iOLUDi SI" two years old. Sire Iigp. South-
ampton 117 ; Dam California (344). Price S30.

AI,DF,R>ET BEf.E rHATEAH,
eighteen month* old- now fit for service. Sire Ludbro<<k 1262 ; I'am Imp. Rise Harebell (3243);
Solid color, black points Price £

AEHERBTET Bn,l. C4I.F ACCIOEXT.
three montba old. Sire Laladin (447 : Dam Minerva i341 ; one of the best Jersevcows in the State.
Piic- £
All the above are from Herd-B~ok Stock, and can be entered in nest volume of Herd Book.
HRttDBAOK AEI>E«\E> ■UI.I. KVDBKOOli IS _
Bine vears old ; bred bv J. Howard MeHenry : one of the finest bull- in the State. Price S10?.

PRE.Uir.n AEDER%ET REEL HAN'VIBtl,
four years old. Sire Imp. Hannibal (61Si; Dam pure Alderney Cow, tut uot registered ; took 1st
Premium State Fa:rlS73. Pn:

DURBAN BILl, STrtVEWAEE.
bred by James Gowen of Pennsylvania, roan color, of finesize.and splendid form. Price S100
worth twice the money.

TWO DFRHAn CALYES v Heifer and Bull),
four months old. roan color. Pricp $30 each.

OorSWOED AMD SHROPSHIRE E A JIBS,

at from Slo to 513 each.

BERKSHIRE PIG«.

Gram best stock in the State. Price 58 Single pi » sir.

The above prices are one-fourth less than Northern prices for such stock. Add' -

A. P. EOWE,

jv-2t Fredericksburg, Virginia.

MA-jSTHi^TT^ISr

Life Insurance Company

OF NEW YORK.

Assets Ja n uary 1st, 1875, - - 39. 69 0. 750 4 8

Undivided Surplus, - 1,808,329 22

All its policies are incontestable, and non-forfeitable from

the second rear.

Dividends Annually.

85,500,000 Paid in Losses during Twenty-Four Years,

and no Claims Unpaid.

Premiums may be paid Annually, Semi-Annually, or Quarterly, as

best suits the couvenience of the policy-holder.

P. T. MOORE.
i. ADAIR PLEASANTS, Agent City of Richmond.

Gent rod Agent.

Office: 1200 Main Street, under Planters Nat. Bank.

THE "WATT PLOW

VICTORIOUS ON EVERY FIELD!

A combined TURNING PLOW. CUL-
TIVATOR. SUBSOILER, ROW-OPEN-
ER, PEANUT-DIGGER, TOBACCO and
COTTON SCRAPER and SWEEP.

No CHOKINGwhen bright and smooth;
no LABORtothe plowman: ONE THIRD
LESS DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weeds. Crass, .vc. : great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
\ its use, and complete pulverization of ire

)wA soil.
^ M Sk FARMERS WHO USE IT WILL USE
NO OTHER.

Awarded all the Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1873.

Awarded First Premiums at every
H«K-pt WB-. n,,L -xa Fair attended in 1874.

Virginia State Fair. Richmond— FIRST PREMIUMS OX THREE AND
FOUR HORSE PLOWS.

Right and Left Hand -ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED THEIR SIZES.

Also at the Plowing Match ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED WHITE PLOW-
HEX were taken with WATT PLOWS of ONE. TWO. THREE and FOCR-
HORSE SIZES; and COLORED PLOWMAN by ONE, TWO and THREE-
HORSE SIZES ; being

SEVEN PREMIUMS OUT OF EIGHT.

The superior work done by the WATT, and the complete ease with which it is
handled, was apparent to all.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR. Raleigh. October 10th;

GEORGIA STATE FAIR. Atlanta. October IVKh :

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Columbia, November 10th ;

STAUNTON. VA.. October 13th;

LYNCHBURG. October 20th ;

WELDON. N. C. October 20th;

ORANGEBURG, S. C, November 3rd ;

CHARLO r IE. X. C. November 3rd ;

DANVILLE. VA.. November 3rd:

POINT PLEASANT, W. VA., October.

Thus, with its great reputation before, it has gained new laurels this year,
which must convince every farmer of its vast superiority over other plows.

We warrant every plow sold to be as represented or to be returned to us. We
solicit a trial. Catalogues sent to any address.

WATT & CALL,

SOLE MANUFACTURERS,
1462 Franklin St.. Richmond, Va.
Special Agents for "The Best" Spring-Tooth Horse-Rake and Gleaner: also
for sale of our own manufacture. HARROWS. CULTIVATORS, and all kinds
of IMPLEMENTS at lowest prices — all warranted.

I have a NEW BURDETT ORGAN which I will sell for $150 —
Manufacturer's price $175 — Boxed and delivered at any Depot or
Wharf in Baltimore. Terms of payment accommodating.

L. R. DICKINSON.

Also, THREE FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES which
will be sold at a discount of forty per cent, on Manufacturers'
prices.

THE IMPROVED

WHITNEY

SEW IE MACHINES,

PATERSON, NEW JERSEY.
Soli Direct from tlie Factory at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES.

MARK

Patd. J-.;

ENDORSEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTE
OF INDIANA.

After a thorough examination
and test of the Improved Whit-
ney Sewing Machine, we find it
simple and durable in its con-
struction, the material and
workmanship first-class. The
machine runs exceedingly light,
and at a high rate of speed.
It is capable and will do all
varieties of family sewing in a

superior manner. We heartily rec°mmend the Improved "Whitney
Sewing Machine to members of our Order requiring a modern and
reliable sewing machine. By referring to our national executive cir-
cular we find that the Whitney Mfg. Co.. through C. G. Akam, was
the first standard sewing machine to make a nationial proposition to
members of our Order, and we trust Patrons will give them the liberal
support they justly deserve. — J. Q. A. Newsam. John F. Hall, Robt.
Mitchell, Anson B. Line, R. C. McWilliams, Lindal Smith.

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the action of the
committee M. M. Moody, Secty Indiana State G-range.

The Whitney Sewing Machine possesses all the requirements of a perfect Family Sc -x\n? Ma-
chine. It is a perfected Shuttle Lock-Stitch Machine. It is constructed upon sound and well
tested mechanical principles. The workmanship is of the hi.-hest character. It is adapted to
every variety of sewing for family wear from the lightest muslins to the heaviest cloths. It wiU
Hem. Fell, Bind, Cord, Braid, Seam, Tuck, Ruffle, Hem-stitch, Gather and sew on at the same time
and will work equally well on Linen, Silk, Woolen and Cotton goods.

Why the Whitney Mfg. Co., are Great Public Benefactors?

Because they are the Pioneers in breaking the combination prices in Sewing
Machines, and putting this faithful servant within the reach of all. The Whitney
is the best and now the cheapest First-CIass Sewing Machine ever offered to the
puolic. Send for circular giving all particulars,

The Whitney Manufacturing Company,

ap-tf

PATERSON, NEW JERSEY.

POWHAIAI EAW B

SUPER-PHOSPHATE,

MANUFACTURED BY THE

POWHATAN PHOSPHATE COMPANY,

J. G. DOWNWARD, President. JOHX WHA XX, Secretary aud Treasurer.

To the Planters of Virginia and North Carolina:

We respectfully call the attention of those intending to use fertilizers
on their spring crops to the Powhatan Raw Bone Super-phosphate, and
particularly those who want a reliable fertilizer for tobacco and cotton,
as we intend in the future, as in the past five years, to furnish an article
which has no rival, regardless of price. Wherever it has been used by
the side of auv other fertilizer whatever, not excepting the deservedly
popular and higher priced tobacco fertilizers of the day, it has in every
case proved itself fully equal,
figr Semi for Circular.
mar — 3m

"soiMrpACincluANor

FOR TOBACCO, CORN AND OTHER CROPS.

after ten rears" continuous use, throughout Virginia and the South, Soluble Pacific Guano has
acquired a reputation for reliability equal to that formerly enjoyed by the Peruvian Guano, and
the Quantity us^d annually exceed- that oi any other lertihzer.

1 ha* been the aim of all connected with this Guano to produce the best possible temhzer at
the lowest Dossible cost, and we claim t bat the unusual resource- and facilities pi the manufactu-
red h™eKed thlin to approach this more nearly than has been done ,u any oth.-r fertilizer
with which we are acquainted. Those who have been using it unite with us in the opinion, that
by its use the consumer gets

THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE SMALLEST OUTLAY.

We offer it with ereat confidence for use on the Tobacco and other crops to be grown in 1S75,
with the assurance that it is, in all respects, equal to what it ha* been in the past.

PURE PERUVIAN GUANO,

AS IMPORTED.

We have a full supply of Xo. 1 Gna»ape Peruvian «uan», fron. ithe Ommri
ageni in New York, selected from one of the finest carj - r imported. B ■ dry a. dm b a u-
tiful order and contains within a fraction of IS per cent, of Ah... on.a w b.c i -^ . bin

two per cent, of what the old Chiucha Peruvian used to contain— in tact, it would be difficult to

tellWeorr'''1tbe'~e,^a,ndard and thoroughly tested fertilizers for Tobacco. Corn, and all Spring
Cropi and* are pre^redSlell th.-m at such prices as will make it to the *»£ «£K&2™
dealers to purchase their supplies of us instead of sending their orders to .New York, or elsewhere.
For fu.ther information and supplies, address,

ALLISON & ADDISON,

mar— tf Seed and Guano Merchants, Richmond, Va

BOTTOM TOUCHED.

DryGo-ods at Lower Prices than Even

Money sayefl by lraylns your Dry Goofls from Lcyy Erotes,

Who have made large purchases since the recent decline.

Fancy Grenadines at 8&, 10 and 12.1c per yard, worth 1G§, 20 and 25c: Rich
Styles Fancy Grenadines at 16§. 20, 525, 30 and 35c, worth from 25 to 5Uc.;

Black Grenadines in all qualities from l'ijc. up to 82.25 per yard — this em-
braces not only the cheapest, hut best assorted stock ever offered in this city ;

Ecru Linen Tussore Suiting at 8Jc per yard, worth I6fc; at 12ic, would be
a bargain at 25c ; at 16§c, worth 30c. — these goods must he seen to he appre-
ciated ; Silk- Warp Japanese Stripes and Plaids at 30c. per yard, worth 50c.;

Japanese Cloth at I2jc, worth 20c; Wash Poplins, best goods manufactured,
at 12$c. and 15c, worth 16| and 36c; Deheges, at 25, 30, 35, 10 and 50c These
goods can he had in all the new shades;

New style Plaid Dress, Goods from 25 to 50c; per yard— a redaction of from
twenty -five to fiftv per cent, has been made in these goods : Past Colored Lawns
at8j, 10, 16$, 20J 25, 30, 37^ and 50c; '

Also, at the lowest prices. Pongees. Mohairs, Japanese Silks. Jaconets, Cam-
brics, Linen Lawns, and all other styles of fashionable die— goods; Black Al-
pacas at 25, 30, 35, 40, 4.",. 50, 60, 75. 85, 90c, SI and $1.25 :

Australian Crepe at 50, 60 and 75c, worth 65c, 75c. and 81; Yard-wide
Printed Percales aud Cambrics at \2\ and 16|c. per yard — regular prices, 16f
and ' 5c;

Victoria Lawns at 16f, 20, 25 and 30c; also, Piques at 16?, 20, 25, 30, 35 and
40c — all remarkably cheap ; Swiss Muslins from l'2lc. up to 50c per yard — all
very cheap;

( becked and Striped Nainsook Muslins, Checked and Striped Swiss MusHns ;
Corded, Striped and Figured Piques — all at extraordinary bargains:

Lonsdale Cambric, first quality, one yard wide, at lfi§ per yard: Knight's
Cambric. 33 inches wides. at 10c, would be a bargain at 12£c;

Utica Sheeting, 10-4 wide, in remnants from two and a half up to ten yards,
at 40c per yard : 50c is the regular price everywhere ; Remnants of Dress Goods
of every description to be sold at less than half value ;

Black and Colored Silks at lower prices and in greater variety than at any other
establishment in this State; Embroidered Curtain-Muslin, one yard wide, at 25c,
worth 37|c;

Hamburgh Net for Curtains, at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40. 50c. and up to 31 per yard ;

Hamburgh Lace Curtains from £4 to $30 per set for two window-; ; Hamburgh
Lace Lambrequins, from 82 50 up to $5 a pair — all very cheap and desirable ;

Window-Shades in great variety, among which will be found an exact imitation
of lace shades, now so fashionable . A large assortment of Curtain Fixtures, such
as Cornices. Bands. Loops and Hooks ;

Black, White and Ecru Hamburgh Nets, at a reduction of 50c; A full assort-
ment of Laces suitable for trimming; A large assortment of Silk Neck Scarfs
and Ties; Also, Black Lace Scarfs and White Lace and Muslin Scarfs :

Ready-Made Dresses for ladies in all of the latest styles, from 83 to $25; A
full assortment of Under-Garments at extraordinary low prices :; A large assort-
ment of Ducks and Drillings for boy.-' and men's wear;

Sash Ribbons at 25c, 30c. 35c, 40c and 50c, and up to 81.25 per yard— all
extraordinarily cheap; A full assortment of Ribbons from a half-inch up to
seven inches at the lowest prices; Gauze Shirts for men and women— some as
low as 40c for men ;

Bustles in all the new styles ; also. Hoop Skirts and Balmorals ; Matting. Oil-
Cloths, Rugs, Carpets, Mats and Hassocks; Rubber, Jet and Gold Plated Jew-
elry in great variety; Summer Shawls, Lace Points and Jackets :

Black Grenadine Shawls at S3, worth 84 ; Laces and Embroideries in endless
variety at low prices ; Goodrich & Barmim's Tuckers at 75c; Machine Needles
at 4 and 5c: Machine Oil in large bottles at 15c;

Clark's and Coat's Spool Cotton at 70c per dozen :
And thousands of other articles not enumerated in this advertisement.

Prompt attention to orders.
July— tf LEVY BROTHERS, Richmond, Ya.

The FinqtltAR SEFAKATOH

LB.FARQUHiR

York. Pa.

I8l6.

CHAS. SIMON & SONS,

63 NORTH HOWAIU) ST., BALTIMORE, MD.
Dealers in

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC DRY GOODS,

wotild call special attention to their splendid stock
of Dies Goods, Linen tioo la, Embroideries, Laces,
and Hosiery ; the best assortment of Hourning
Goods in lher:tv.

SAMPLES BEST FREE!
All orders amounting to 820.00 or over, will be
sent free rf freight changes by Express, but parties
whose orders are not accompanied by the money,
and having their goods sent C. O. D., must pay for
return of the money.

0

SqS

7i

>

" <U CO

Ul

~

E-i Jx

>

* j; (J

CO

S — 0

btU

O

_ .,- - o

ELLERSLIE FARM.

Thoroughbred HORSES ;

Half Bred HORSES ;

Pure SHORT HORN CATTLE.

Improved BERKSHIRES

For sale,

Price, $10 apiece.
Address,

R. J. HANCOCK,
Overton, Alhermarle Co., Va.

Termi of advertising

rf Planler and Farmer.

Uue square, 10 lines or loss, one insertion. ..$2 0°

1 square of teu lines for six months ID 0$

1 square of leu lines for one year.... IS 00

J4 page six months 30 1)0

% page one year 55 00

\/z page six mouths §55 00

1}£ page one year mo 00

1 page, siugle insertion 20 (JO

1 page, six mouths 100 00

1 page, one year 180 00

I7RESH
* GARPE ¥ and FIELD SEED

At the old stand c !' Palmer & Turpin,
1626 Main street, K.chmuud,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, Herd*. Clover,

Keutucky Blue Grass.
Send for Catalogue,
feh-tf W. H. TURPIN.

WYOMI'V*-; S> "I.JlOMHI.V

LOTTERY

l,..uUlu ay the Legislature, uiawsuu tlie 10th
and 30th of each month. licketssl; ii for 55. 1
chance in 8. 8200 Out) inrush piizes. Capital
Prize, 850,000. Agents wanted. Particulars
Address J. M. PA FTEE, Laramie City, Wyoming

J. Y. BICKNELL,

Westmorela id, Oneida Co., iV. Y.,

Won preuiiuuin ou ALL VARIETIES shown
at the New l'oi,;>.ai. Kail la-t September, viz:

BRAHMAb, Liglit and tiaik,

CUOtlLNS, i'ai 1 ridge and White,

HAMBURUo, oilvei spangled, Golden Span-
gled and Pencilled and i>lauK,

DURK1.M...S, Loioixd,

HOUDANo, LA iM.u/HC.IiOLDEN POLISH

GAMES, Black- breasted Rid and Duckwiug,

GAME BAMAMn, BlacK-bieasttd Red and
Duckwin .

Gi.iLDtNot.BRIt.HT and AFRICAN BAN-
TAM.-s,

DUCKS, Rouen and Aylesbury,

PlGEoNb, all varieties. — All first premiums
but four — Fo >* La and El .(.s lor sale from the
same stock. Ciicuia.s free. apl tf

20,0C0 bushels best UYS'lER SHELL

LIME of my own manufacture, for sale
low. I am aisu Agent for the Cumber-
land Tobacco Fertilizer, which has given
great satisfaction in the Connecticut
Valley, also Berry's Superphosphate
made exclusively liom Raw Hone.

GROUND PLASTER, AGRICUL-
TURAL SALi, Building Lime, Hy-
draulic Cement, Calcined Plaster, &c,
constantly on hauU ut wholesale and
retail.

A. S. LEE,
Virginia St., Near Danville Depot.

mar — 6m

(PF\ t t')|| 1'cr Day at home. Terms
$fj l0 <p.U free. Address G. Stinson
& Co., Portland, Maine. feb — ly

CELEBRATED

Tobacco Fertilizer.

Prepared expressly for this crop. The most popular Fertilizer in use. For
sale by agents and dealers throughout the country.

AMMONIATED B0\E Sl'PER-PBOSPHAT E

Unrivalled for Cotton. Wheat, and all Grain and Root Crops. For sale by
agents and dealers throughout the country.

T*i X- <£3 CS n TT ^%Y"~ XI*

BONE SUPER-PHOSPHATE.

Supplied to manufacturers and dealers at low figures.

We are prepared to furnish the different Granges with an *■' Ammoniated Bone
Super- Phosphate '" of a standard quality, adapted to all crops, at very lowest
price.

P. ZELL & SONTS,l

MANUFACTURER-,
ap— 4m 30 SowtK St., Baltimore, Mel,

JOHN 0. HAGHTEL & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

Hachtel's Ammoniated Superphosphate,

Hachtel's Pure Dissolved Bone,

Hachtel's Tobacco Fertilizer

BONE DUST. GENUINE LEOPOLDSHALL KAI NIT 'German Potash Salts),
MURIATE OF POTASH, BONE MEAL, and FERTILIZING
MATERIALS GENERALLY.
Liberal discount to dealers and others who buv largely for cash.

JOHN C HAGHTEL & CO.,

sep — 8t 14 Bowhfs Wharf, Baltimore.

F*J±TLmTLm STYLES, 13*74.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CARDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces
TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.

Merchants desiring samples, "will please addr

CHARLOTrESYILLE WOOLEN MILLS.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

DIPQRTAXT TO FARMERS.

GREAT DOMESTIC IXSTIIXTIOX.

Eecipe for making Artificial Guano,

No. 1. Clean Virgin Soil 20 bushels.

" 2. Wood aihes 3 "

" 3 Fine Bone Dust 3

" 4. Calcined Plaster 3

" 5. Nitrate of Soda

" 6. Mur. Ammonia

" 7. Sulph. "

" 8. Sulph.Sodae j =

'* 9. Sulph. Magnesia.. - | g«

" 10. Common Salt J "

CO
~3

Directions for Mixing.

Mix Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together; then, in a barrel two-
thirds full of water, dissolve the chemicals, Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8,
9 and 10 ; when thoroughly dissolved add the liquid grad-
ually to Nos. 1, 2, 3, and lastly add No. 4, (the Calcined
Plaster) which will bring the whole to a powder. The
soil used should be perfectly dry and mixed under cover.

The above recipe will make one ton, which will manure
seven and a half acres of land. We will furnish the in-
gredients from No. 3 to 10 inclusive for twenty dollars,
which, when mixed with Nos. 1 and 2 will make one ton.

This compound, containing, according to analysis, all
the principal ingredients of the genuine Peruvian Guano,
has been tested by a number of practical farmers (many
thinking it equal to natural Guano), and for Grain, Vege-
tables, and particularly Tobacco, it has been found the
cheapest and best fertilizer now in use.

All orders carefully and promptly executed.

BODEKER BROS.,

DRUGGISTS,
1444 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

CHESTNUT GROVE

STOCK fim AND POUTRY YARM

EASTOX, PA.

FiDe Bred aud English Draft Horses, Thoroughbred Short Horn Cat-
tle. Asiatic Poultry and Fancy Pigeons.

Draft Stallion took Fir.-t Premium at Pennsylvania State Fair, and
"Warren County Fair. N. J.

The herd of Short Horns took three Herd Premiums, twenty-six first
and s^vc-;i second premiums in the fall of 1875.

Poultn took fifteen Society and nine Special Premiums in Fowls and
Chicks, and seven on Pigeons at Lehigh Valley Poultry Exhibition, held
at Allentown, January, 1875.

Cults. Cattle and Poultry for sale. Eggs from high-class light and
dark U rah mas, Buff. Partridge and White Cochins at - tting of

thirteen, securely packed.

Catalogues and Circulars upon application.

Having purchased of S. S. Cooper his entire herd of Short Horns, I
am prepared to sell fine cows, heifers aud calves at reasonable prices.
Come an i --^ them. Xo trouble to show the stock. East' n can be
reached by N. P. Railroad from Philadelphia, or by N. J. C. Eailroad
from New York, several trains a dav running each way.

THOS. S. McKEEN,

mv-6t East on. Pa.

LW. C, SMITH,

MaXUFACTFRER OF

WAGONS, BUSGIES.&C

I have on hand and make to order on short notice Carriages, Busies
and - ring Wagons, with special reference to the wants of farmers.
Light running and strong, of any desired capacity. Workmanship aud
material guaranteed. Prices lower than the same quality of work can
be bought at in this or any other city. Orders solicited. Letters of
inquiry promptly answered.

Repairing promptly and reasonablv done.

W. C. SMITH,
mv-Gm 308 Fifth Street, Richmond, Va.

The subscriber has on hand

WKGGB5 KKD (MM**,

of various descriptions, that he wishes to dispose of on very mode-
rate terms, and is still manufacturing others, and solicits a call from
all in want of any article in his line, and he guarantees good work-
manship, and first-rate material.

A. B. LIPSCOMB,
my 116 Cary Street, between Adams and Jefferson.

S. k MERCHANT & GO,,

76 SOUTH ST.,

{Entrance on Maiden Lane,) NEW YORK CITY.

IMPORTERS OF

ENGLISH, FRENCH AND GERMAN

PORTLAND CEMENT

OF THE FOLLOWING BRANDS :

t fJ. B. WHITE & BROTHERS. c f FRANCIS & CO..

2 I KNIGHT, BE VAN & STURGE, 2 i HOLLICK & Cu..

S BCRHlU CEMENT CO., 3 | EASTWOOD & CO.,

° -! BROOKS. SHOOBRIDGE & CO., ° { REBINGTON,

y I PETERS BROTHERS. Z I TINGUEY.

t. GILLIXGHAM CEMENT CO., "S | LEVETT & CO.,

£ [LOXGCElT & CO. £ IDYCKERHOFF.

Marble and Interior Decoration — VARIOUS KINDS.

KEENE'S (Superfine and Coarse.) PARIAN CEMENT do.

DYCKERHOFF"S (Black Cement ) MARTIN'S do.

ROMAN CEMENT ( English & Scotch) SELLARS' Gas Cement.
The attention of Architects, Engineers. Owners, Builders, Gas and Water Com-
panies, is respectfully called to these importations.

Remit 6c. postage stamp for Treatise on Portland Cement. July

ONE THOUSAND transplanted Arbor Vita 4 to 8 inches
r^high, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
/^Fifteen Dollars.

500 ARBOR VIT.E (transplanted) 4 to 8 inches high, free
jto anv part of the United States for only Ten Dollars.
15 ARBOR VITJE and 10 WEEPING SPRUCE, nice 10-inch
p!ants, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
One Dollar. EVERGREENS — how, when, and where to plant —
mailed free for stamp.

Remit money by draft, registered letter, or money order on Portland

Address, WM. MORTON & SCN,

ap — tf Allen's Corner. " Cumberland Co.',' Maine

Stearr) Engines arid otrper Ijlactjinery For Sale,

In addition to a full line of New Engines, Saw Mills, and other Machinery of our own improved
tv-i'd. whi. h we keep cons'antly on hand or huild to order, we have now For Sale the following
Second -Hand Machinery, a'.l imperfect order, which we will sell at very low figure?, viz:

u'juule-H'jisiiug Engines, 30-horse power, with drums and other hoisting gear, complete.

4-horse .•Matiunary Engines, good as new;

Flue-Boiler 2G feet long, il inches diameter, with 2 flues, 14 inches diameler, iron front and other
fiuings compltte;

150-horse power Stationary Engine : Tubular Boilers, 50-hor e power e»ch ; 30-horse power Sta-
tionary Entities; S-horse Portable. Engine, as cood as new- of our own make; lS-horse Stationary
Engine with new vertical boiler; Several steam Pump* and Fm Blower- of various sizes; Engines
for threshing, grinding and ginning, mounted on vnens or nor. as mav be preferred by the pur-
chaser ; Impair Work solicited. WM. E. TANNER k CO.,

mar— fit Metrorolitao Works. Richmond. Va

EST^.BI-.ISH:EI3 1S39.

TO FARMERS.PLANTERS and GARDENERS

o

MAHUFACTUBED AND FOR SALE BY

JOHU BULLOCK & SOU,

Factory: Washington Road. Baltimore, Md.
Store: No. 61 S. Gay Street, Baltimore. >.H.

P, 0. Box 636.

For more thau thirty years we have been engaged in the manufacture
of " Pure Ground Bone , our crude stock being gathered daily from the
butchers here, wiJ-h whuw *e have yearly contracts. Wc have com-
pleted our new factory, an'd with the additi n of the latest and most ap-
proved machinery, will be able to fill all orders sent to us at short notice
and guarantee at all times to the purchaser a first-class article at the
lowest market price.

Respectfully

JOHN BULLOCK & SOX.
se — ly

Subscription REDUCED to $1.50 Per Annum m Advance.

TO CLUBS OF FIVE OR MORE, OWE DOLLAR EACH.

E S T -A. IB IL. I S H E ID 1 1ST 184 0

THE SOTTTIECIEIE&lsr

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticulture, ai Rural Affairs,

L. R. DICKINSON . Editor and Proprietor.

J ,IX'J

AUGUST. 1875.

1. .8

CONTENTS.

Cost of Fencing 391

Letter from Missouri 393

Fairs of State Agricultural Society. ..395

Why Not Save our Own Seed 396

Blue Grass, &c 397

Economy 400

Tuckahoe Farmers' Club ; Notes on

Hungarian Grass 403

Remedy for Smut in Wheat 405

Too Much Cotton 406

The Preparation for Wheat 407

Plain Talk to Farmers 409

To the Little Farmers of Virginia...411

Wheat Crop and Sheep Raising 412

Letter from Albemarle 415

Orchard Grass 418

Farm Tools and Machines..'. 419

Future of the Potato Crop 421

Steam Plough at Work 422

Agricultural Clubs 423

Gov. Smith on Complete Manures. ..426

Fertilizers 429

Letter from Halifax 431

Pea Gathering 432

"Cotton is King" 433

Waste 436

Curing Bright Tobacco 440

Letter from Gen. Smith 442

Remedy for many of Farmer's Ills. ..444

Fodder Pulling 446

Melioration of Garden Soils 449

More Education Among Farmers ;

The "Colonel" 450

Profits of Sheep ; Sheep Did it 452

The Great Farmer of the World 453

About Pigs ; The Grange 454

Executive Committee 456

New York Patrons of Husbandry. .457
Lines Written under the Dog Star... 458

Family Department 459

Editorial— Notes for the Month 470
State Agricultural Society ; Pomona

Granges 472

The Planters' Convention; Ten Good

Hints 473

George Watt 474

To our Patrons , 475

Who will do Likewise 476

Dr. Nichols' Patent Portable Fence.477

Visit to Belmont Stock Farm 478

Letter from James Leigh Jones 479

Various Notes 480

THE BUEDETT OEGAN,

CX2

"MATCHLESS" BURDETT ORGANS.

We are now Agents for these celebrated Instruments, and are prepared
to furnish them to Sunday Schools, Churches and Families at the lowest
market rates. The best judges pronounce them the "embodiment of
grace, beauty, sweetness and fulness of tone.

Illustrated Catalogues and Price Lists furnished free.

STELNWAY PIANOS.

These instruments, unquestionably, lead the Piano market, having ob-
tained the highest honors ever awarded to any Piano manufacturer in the
world. We are SOLE AGENTS for them in Virginia and North Carolina.

We also represent the

BRADBURY PIANO,

So distinguished for brilliancy, sweetness and power. SEVEN FIRST
PREMIUMS received at State Fairs in the short space of FOUR
WEEKS.
Illustrated Catalogues and Price Lists furnished free on application.

STARKE <fc RYLAND, Agents,

913 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!!!

THE

WmEELEM & WILSON

M

4 f! WT

STILL TRIUMPHANT.

It knows no rival — was the first introduced into the household for general use,
and the number now in daily use, viz: more than 1,000,000, place it beyond a
doubt foremost in the list of Sewing Machines.

The new Nos. 6 and 7 Machines, adapted especially to heavy work, are now in
the market.

We extend a cordial invitation to all to come and see if our representations
we not true.

The Allegretti " Iceberg," a refrigerator which maintains a temperature of 32
degrees Fahrenheit is now on exhibition and for sale at our office. Don't fail to
see it. WHEELER & WILSON, Manufacturing Company.

C. L. RADWAY, Manager,

Corner Ninth and Franklin Streets, Richmond, Va.

j^cejr^fcr^

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State. — Sully.

L. R. DICKINSON, ...--- Editor and Proprietor.

New Series. RICHMOND, VA„ AUGUST, 1875. No. 8

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

COST OF FENCING.

[The following article is on an important subject to our farmers, and we hope
to bear from others on the subject. We think we can safely say that our excel-
lent correspondent, ex-Governor Wm. Smith, of Fauquier, will give us his views
in our next issue. — Ed.]

When I look around me in this enlightened nineteenth century,
with my political economy study cap on, and see the stupendous fol-
lies of people, for want of what they always claim to have to a high
degree, a little common sense, and the want of sensible concurrent
action to achieve important results, I have no hope of a millennium
in agriculture or anything else, and believe the "dies irse" will come
and find the fool-killer's work not half accomplished.

In this day of degenerate politicians, however, who never attempt
to enlighten the people, but follow in the wake of crude public opin-
ion, as sharks in the wake of a vessel, who listen for the " vox
populi" with ears as erect as a wild Indiau who catches the sound of
his game upon the passing breeze, who are all for personal success,
and nothing for principle or the common weal — there is no hope for
us but to await a change in the tide, and hope almost against hope,
that a better day will dawn. Some year or so ago there appeared
in an agricultural paper the broad assertion that the cost of fencing
in the State of Pennsylvania was equal to the whole value of the live
stock in the State. This was so remarkable a statement as at once to
attract our attention.

To make some approximate estimate of the cost of fencing to the
people of Virginia is the object of the present article, and whilst the
data are insufficient or not sufficiently accurate, perhaps, to arrive at
a high degree of approximation, low estimates have been advisedly
taken, that the actual costs shall rather exceed than fall short of the
results obtained.

392 THE SOUTHERN [August

From the statistics of Agriculture in 1870, we find that in the
State of Virginia as at present organized, there were 73,849 farms
of all sizes, and that of improved lands, exclusive of wood lands,
and other unimproved lands there were 8,165,040 acres. This gives
110 acres as the average size of the farm of improved lands necessi-
tating a fence. If we add ten acres additional to cover the wood and
other lands under fence, we may safely assume we think that the
average farm in our State requiring to be enclosed is about 120
acres, or 1200 square four-pole chains. If we suppose this farm to
be in the form of a square, which of quadrilaterals, gives the mini-
mum fencing for the area enclosed, the side of the square would be
34/64 chains, or as a very close approximation 762 yards. If divided
into six rectangular fields, the amount of fencing required would be
seven times as much, or 5,334 yards.

Allowing 40 rails for every hundred yards of an ordinarily good
fence, we have to enclose properly the average farm, 21,336 rails.
The rails are worth per hundred in both the timber and mauling
about $1 10 say, upon an average through the State, though as we
have no means of verifying this hypothesis, it may be not be a very
near approximation, yet the true value would probably exceed the
amount assumed as our basis, as 100 good rails would make a cord
or more of wood, and the cost of mauling is from 50 to 75 cents per
hundred in different sections.

This gives say, 235 dollars as the cost of the rails necessary to
enclose the average square farm. But this being the most economical
form of enclosure for four-sided areas, and not adhered to in prac-
tice, we may safely assume in consideration of the crooked fences
and irregular forms of our fields 250 dollars as a still closer approxi-
mation. Now comes in the additional expense of hauling and fenc-
ing. We suppose at the average distance for hauling rails at dif-
ferent seasons of the year, nine loads per day with a two-horse team,
and 33 rails at a load would be a sufficiently high estimate. This
would make 300 rails per day. If we assume the cost of hauling
and the additional expenses of fencing the 300 rails to be two dol-
lars, a low estimate, the cost of fencing the 21,336 rails would be
142 dollars, and allowing the small amount of eight dollars for the
irregularity of fields as above 150 dollars.

Thus we have 400 dollars as an approximate result for the outlay
necessary to fence in 120 acres of land with a good new enclosure
into six fields.

It would therefore require an outlay to enclose the 73,849 farms
in the manner and upon the basis adopted, $29,539,600, or twenty-
nine and a half millions of dollars. The value of all the live stock
in the State by the same census was $28,187,669, over twenty-eight
millions.

Even if a four-field enclosure be adopted, the expense would be
six-sevenths as much, or it would do away with only one division line,
and the cost would be over twenty-five millions. We may safely as-

1875. PLANTER AND FARMER. 393

sume, then, that the cost of good new enclosures for all the farms of
the State equal the value of their live stock. Granting that these
enclosures require to be replaced every twelve years, we have here a
little item of nearly two and a half millions of annual expenditures
sunk in fences to keep out stock, two millions of which could be
saved by requiring all farm stock to be fenced in, in standing pas-
tures, or by moveable fences that could be durably constructed.

It should be observed also that the smaller the farm the greater
the relative expense, as it requires just half as many rails to enclose
25 acres as prescribed, as it does to enclose 100 acres. The poor
man and small farmer is thus much more interested in this matter
than he has ever been taught to consider, but as we said before, our
public men and law-makers never attempt to teach the people up to
economic laws, but rather mount the rostrum to teach them how to
vote.

We omit here the losses incident to our agriculture from successive
droughts, which by some are supposed to be due in part to the de-
struction of our forests. This is, however, controverted. Though
we have paid no special attention to this subject, either as to its
philosophy or statistics, if there are any reliable — which we doubt.
Yet one fact is worthy of consideration, and that is, that waters which
fall to the earth are rapidly collected into streams and move off to
the ocean presenting very little surface for evaporation, whilst the
immense amount of water caught and held for evaporation by the
great forests of a continent, can be better appreciated by the little
urchin, who inveigles his playmate under a tree to shake down a
heavy shower upon him, .than the philosopher who has forgotten his
boyish tricks.

But we leave this to the philosophy that rides upon the wings of
the wind, and shoulders all responsibilities upon the gulf stream.
What say the editorial fraternity of your city, yourself included.
We believe they all speak ex cathedrd on kindred subjects, and En-
glish Grammar. C. J. Kemper.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
A LETTER FROM MISSOURI.

Allow me to greet you from across the "Father of Waters," and
pay my compliments to your most excellent Journal.

I have just finished reading the May number, one of the best yet,
several articles in it being worth to the practical farmer each a
year's subscription.

I cannot help drawing a comparison between the Planter and
Farmer of to-day and that of ante helium times. Then it was filled
with learned dissertations on the art of Agriculture, which but few
could understand and none practiced ; now it commends itself for
the entire practicability of all its communications. Its writers are
evidently men who practice what they so ably set forth. I have

394 THE SOUTHERN [August

been induced to write a short article from reading the one on "Irish
Potatoes" in May number.

I have raised a crop of Early Rose this season with half the labor
I ever did before, and with better results. I will give the mode as
taken from my dairy. Would like for others to try it. Ground
being well prepared plant as early as possible in furrow, laid off,
with a long sharp shovel, a little over three feet, apart ; cover with
same, running close on each side of row. This leaves the ground in
a succession of sharp ridges. When the first potatoes make their
appearance above ground go over with a sharp harrow, if possible
the Thomas smoothing harrow;] this completely kills the young
weeds and the potatoes now come up rapidly. When well up plow
closely with a long bull-tongue, three furrows to the row. In a short
time young potatoes will begin to form ; then lay by with the shovel.
Very little hoe-work will be needed, as this is sufficient hilling for
early potatoes. And now a word about the labor question.' I have
worked with slaves upon a farm, with freedmen, and with native
white labor. All as a general rule worked well when the employer
himself set a good example, but for other reasons in addition to
those "Powhatan" has given, I prefer the blacks. They are skillful
in the cultivation of Southern crops and the use of tools, which
foreign labor is not. Think for instance of attempting to raise and
market a crop of tobacco with a set of raw foreigners. Plenty of
native white labor can be procured here in the West, but those who
have never tried it do not know the annoyance attending it. If I
were a man of family, sooner than subject my wife to the annoyance
and my children to the contaminating influences of ahired boys, I
would work fewer acres, or else adopt a different system of farming.
Of course there are some noble exceptions.

Would say to Virginians, do not be in a hurry to move West.
What with the grasshoppers, chinchbugs and drought, there are hun-
dreds now all over this country who wish they had remained satisfied
at home. I believe honestly, that all things considered, Virginia
has no equal among the States for the farmer. What she lacks in
fertility of soil is made up in natural advantages, and her soil, a
great deal of it is as good, or can be made as good, as any in the
West. The same economy practiced there will, in the end, reap
as good results as here. I suppose this would be considered disloyal
to my adopted State, but it is nevertheless true. Last year we had
a drought of unexampled severity. This year we are drowned out,
corn terribly washed on steep lands, a result of the miserable check-
ing system on hillsides. And now the army worm is upon us. God
save us. Harvester.

It is easier to bear up under our misfortunes than to survive the
comments of our friends on them.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 395

fFor the Southern Planter and Farmer.!

THE FAIRS OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

I have read with interest the article of " F. W. C," in the Planter
of the current month under the title, " The last State Fair and the
next," and I like it. The writer is evidently an intelligent and ap-
preciative farmer, and his timely suggestions are worthy of attention.
His inquiries as to what has been done in the past may be answered,
and what may be done in the future will, I trust, remove all causes
for criticism. His question, why are larger premiums offered for
Short-horns than other thorough-bred cattle, may be answered by
the fact that high-bred animals of this class are more costly than
those of other classes, and a higher premium is necessary to cover
the risk of transportation and induce breeders to take that risk. F.
W. C, if I mistake not the person whom the initials indicate, is a
spirited breeder of Devons, which are much better adapted to the
large district of Virginia east of the Valley to and including Tide-
water, than Short-horns, and are, therefore, really of more value for
that region, just as the South-down sheep is more valuable in a large
portion of our State than the Cotswold ; but a Devon bull will not
bring one half the price of a premium Short-horn bull, whilst the
premium offered for the former has not the same relative proportion.
The breeders of Short-horns have complained of this as being too
slight a discrimination in their favor, but the Society has clone the
best it couM, and the present practice in this matter has prevailed
since the first inauguration of our Fairs. I may add, that in making
up the premium lists the work is usually referred to sub-committees
of the Executive Committee, or rather the Advisory Board of the
different departments, and the six members constituting the Board
for the animal department are all gentlemen of high character and
intelligence, who represent different sections of the State, and are
familiar with stock-breeding, in theory if not in practice, and but
one of them, so far as I know, has any personal interest in the breed-
ing of Short-horns, and the premium list as published is the unani-
mous result of their action after due revision by the whole com-
mittee. It cannot, therefore, be fairly said that the Society is "run
in the interest of Short-horns to the exclusion of all other breeds ;"
but the other breeds, with their grades, have, as we suppose, due
consideration, and it certainly is not the intention to make any un-
just discriminations.

Hoping that this may be a satisfactory response to the question
of our friend F. W. C, I now pass to another part of his article
which every true friend will endorse. It is too true, as he states,
that our past exhibitions since the war have not been full in respect
to farm, garden, orchard, and domestic products, but the reason for
this may be seen in the bad seasons which have prevailed ; and yet
he very justly rebukes the farmers and their wives in the body of
the State when they fail to exhibit samples of their products, and

396 THE SOUTHERN [August

permit the bulk of the premiums to be taken by those who resid
near the city of Richmond. He very pertinently remarks, " that
there is no department of the Fair which could be so well supplied
and with so Utile cost or trouble to the exhibitor." Having been
blessed this year with fine seasons and crops, this reason will not be
good at the approaching Fair, and it is hoped that the suggestions
of F. W. C will be duly heeded, and that the display of these pro-
ducts will be grand and telling from all sections of the State.

F. W. C. next mentions " an annoyance which should be dispensed
with — the introduction of fat-women, big babies, deformed animals,"
&c. Our reply to this is, that the rules forbid all demoralizing exhi-
bitions, games of chance, betting on speed trials, &c, and only those
shows which are innocent in their character are admitted, and they
are taxed to an extent which yields a good income, which, added to
other receipts, make up the fund from which the premiums are paid.
And there is another view to take of this matter. Fairs will not suc-
ceed without visitors, and whilst many persons attend them with a
view to instruction and profit, yet, probably a larger number go to be
amused and entertained. Everything, therefore, which can legiti-
mately contribute to both instruction and amusement will add to the
general success. This principle is too well established by experience
obtained from all popular gatherings to justify efforts to counteract it ;
and there are no good grounds for the belief that the Society at its
Fairs, or the people who ought to be benefited by them, are in any
way damaged by it.

On the whole, F. W. C. has done the Society good service, and I
hope that the public will not only hear from him again, but that he
will be on hand at the next Fair with a good herd of Devons, and
other things which may be contributed from his well regulated farm.

W. C. Knight, Prest 8. A. S.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

WHY CANNOT WE SAVE OUR OWN SEED?

It is estimated that from twenty to fifty thousand dollars are ex-
pended in Richmond yearly for garden seed. There would be some
excuse for this if we could not grow these seeds ourselves. So far
as my knowledge extends, the Early York Cabbage and the Cauli-
flower, are the onty vegetables not bearing reliable seed in this lati-
tude and climate.

For many of our seeds we have learned not to rely on the North,
for example, of melons, cymlings, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas,
navy beans, peach blow potatoes and late corn. But for nearly every-
thing else we send North, because it saves us time if not money.

There is a point in regard to the saving of seeds that must be
borne in mind. We must know what class of plants will mix through
the bloom. For example : You must not set for seed plants a ruta

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 397

baga turnip near a flat dutch, or other variety. The best of seed
vegetables is not very extensive, but it is sufficiently so to make a
knowledge of them necessary in order to have your seed unmixed.
Some correspondent skilled in Botany will, I hope, give us some in-
formation on this point.

I suggest that neighbors form an association for mutual aid in this
matter — one agreeing to have seed of theruta baga only for instance,
and another of the red top only, and mutually exchanging ; and the
same of other seeds that mix when planted in too close proximity.

There are certain insects that destroy seed. Snap beans and black-
eyed peas are destroyed by a bug that bores out of them. The egg
is laid while they are green and soft ; is hatched in due time. The
worm eats enough of the bean or pea to affect its power of generation.
To prevent this the usual plan is to plant late — save seed from this
late planting The seed of the early crop may be preserved by fill-
ing any air tight vessel entirely full of the beans as soon as they aie
fully dry. Keep the vessel tightly corked until seeding time. The
corked vessel contains so little air that the insect when hatched can-
not live.

With regard to the early rose potato, thousands of bushels of which
are sold here for seed, it has been answered in the Planter, that
seed may be grown from the tuber of the same year planted in July.
I myself have tested that the present season. Am now eating potatoes
grown from seed planted from last year's crop which ripened in
July, was planted and dry in October. G. G. Minor.

Henrico, June 16, 1875.

[For the' Southern Planter and Farmer.]

BLUE GRASS, &c.

SMYTH COUNTY, VIRGINIA, FARMERS' CLUB.

The regular June meeting of Smith county Farmers' Club took
place at the residence of Mr. C. W. Beatie, on the 24th, and was an
interesting occasion to those in attendance.

The President being absent, Vice President James M. Byars, oc-
cupied the chair.

After the usual call to order, and ordinary preliminary business
disposed of, Mr. A. T. St John from committee for examination of
farm last visited, read his report. The farm was that of Capt. Jas.
M Byars, and for grazing takes rank as one of the best in this sec-
tion, lie has upon it a small herd of superior thoroughbred short-
horns, among which maybe mentioned the following: The young
bull "Royal Briton," Jr., the last male calf of "Royal Briton," Sr.,
"Elvina 3d," dam of the younger "Royal Briton," also, "Ringlet"
• and "Milk Maid." The last named animal commenced giving milk
in good quantity and quality at the age of nine months, and con-
tinued on so up to the time she had her first calf at eighteen months

376 THE SOUTHERN [August

of age; she was then milked freely for two years longer, near the
time for dropping her second calf.

These animals are from the herd of Mr. Coffin, at Muirkirk, Mary-
land, who owned "Roy Briton'" when he died.

After reading the report, Mr. Sr John called particular attention
to a large boundary of old pasture land where the blue-grass sod ap-
pears to be giving way. ami its place occupied by common cinque-
foil (potentilla reptano) and suggested an inquiry naturally arising
as to what should be done with it? To plow the field would destroy
much valuable blue-grass sod, and to fence off that portion, lying as
it does in the very centre of the field, would be expensive. The
question he thought one worthy of investigation, and might bring to
notice gome fertilizer by which the growing plant might be destroyed,
at the same time improve the soil.

Mr. John L. Sanders believed it would be best to plow up the
whole field, and thereby put the land in a better state of cultivation.
The old sod was wearing out and needed resetting. Here a con-
siderable length of time might elapse before a profitable sod of blue
grass could be made to grow upon the land, but other grasses, known
unto us as cultivated grasses as contradistinctive to blue grass, which
grows spontaneously, could take its place in a much shorter space of
time. He was one of those who believed that we had several other
kinds of grass better adapted to our wants, which, after a few years
of thorough cultivation of this land would take readily from sowing
the seed and yield a larger profit, both for grazing purpo&es and for
hay. The idea once so common that we should never plow an old
sod had exploded. If we desire to add substantial improvement to
our lands they must be judiciously cultivated, and then reset in grass.
To plow up this entire field would not be' loss but rather gain.
Many places were now almost useless, and the whole field must soon
become so. unless a change is brought about in some way. Let the
land be put into cultivation, observing a proper rotation of crops, and
seed in clover, timothy or orchard grass, or what is better perhaps, a
mixture of several of these grasses. Upon the same area in a short
time there would be more grass of a kind preferred by the animals,
and hence a larger amount of fat will be the result. We know, even
on rich land, several years are necessary to secure a good blue grass
sod, while upon poor land it can scarcely be grown at all.

The chair (Mr. Byars) believed the question raised in the outset
necessarily involved a discussion as to the relative merits of different
grasses, and he was gratified to find so much interest manifested in the
matter. He had been taught in early life to believe that blue-grass
food at the head of the list for grazing purposes; the older it was
the better : and was now unwilling to give up that it was not deserved-
ly so. He desired to ask the question, which produced most fat?
Called attention to a piece of old sod within the bounds of his own
farm, upen which he usually kept his best cattle, and which af-
forded the ample supply of superior grass for a larger number, and

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 399

for a longer time than the same area upon any other portion of the
far;i..

Mr. Sanders, resuming his remarks, said in answer to the question,
that he knew it was not generally conceded, but he was of the opin-
ion that he could put on more fat with cultivated grasses than with
blue grass, as we have it here. With the former the animal was
more bountifully supplied and partook of it more freely and conse-
quently improved more rapidly. That cattle have a preference for
the former, is shown when the stock are in the same field. They
eat the blue grass last.

The pasture referred to by the chair is no doubt one of the finest
in the country, and so long as it remains in that condition ought not to
be ploughed. While it is a good sod, the character of the Jand is
almost incomparable — certainly the best on the farm. If this sod
fails, plow it up and put no other grass, or sow blue grass, which has
not been the custom heretofore in this section, and a large profit
must result. If we class our lands first, second and third quality,
we give to blue grass the first because of its spontaneous growth,
leaving the second and third classes for what we have to-day, called
"cultivated grasses."

Mr. R. B. Snapp remarked that when blue grass has a good stand,
and the season is favorable, it will no doubt graze more cattle than
other grasses mentioned by Mr. Sanders, but will not produce as
many tons of hay. These, if allowed to get full grown, will afford
excellent grazing, but the blue grass, being more permanent, will
last longer, though it does not stand drouth well. I find, too, that
old pastures will run out ; worms get into them ; the ground, from
being constantly trampled, becomes packed ; the grass roots matted
together, so that none but continued rains can wet the earth. When
this obtains, it is all important to plow the land and impart new life
to the soil. On my own plantation, a field of some fifty acres be-
came almost impenetrable to water. Worms cut off the grass, and
this season I have had it thoroughly plowed preparatory to reset-
ting.

On being asked by the Chair if he could not restore it without
plowing, said he thought not — that this was the best thing that sug-
gested itself.

Mr. J. Look, of Rich Valley, in this county, who was present as
a visitor, being called upon for an opinion, said : Blue grass on
sandy soil seems not equal to those mentioned by the gentlemen as
cultivated grasses. In his section of the county there were many
old blue grass pastures, on high ground, with clayey soil, where the
grazing was fine and the supply constant; but such was not thecase
in his own immediate neighborhood on the river, where sand was
largely mixed with the soil. It was difficult to get a good set, and
it was then liable to perish from drouth.

Mr. Goolsby concurred in the opinion of Mr. Look, and stated

THE SOUTHERN [August

further that old b": _ sod afforded a better supply of grass iu

winter, and in this, at least, was superior to any other.

Mr. Beatie believed the time usually for setting a blue-gras- - I
much too long. Eight or ten years are thought by many to be ne-
He has seen it done in a much, shorter time.
Bssayist appoint. aeeti _- not present: and after appoint-

ing a committee for examination of this farm, to make report a:

_. :he Chair appointed the residence of Capt. D. D. Hull for
the next visit. Adjourned.

• ECONOMY."

"He said unto his disciple;, gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing
—John, tfhch, \1iht.

In the application of the term economy. I wish nor to be under-
stood as meaning that contracted and parsimonious principle usually
called stinginess, that closes up the heart and -
and noble impulse, but that more enlarged and co'mprenensive prin-
ciple that prompts the farmer to husband all the resources of the
farm and apply them to the best advantage.

Whatever may be said about the conservative influences exerted
upon the personal character of the whites by the institution of
slavery, and that it did have that effect I freely admit, yet it cannot
be denied that it did, at the same time, have the farther effeo:
engendering habits of indolence and extravagance. ^ . - :

CO _

abundantly proven by the sad condition in which almost every por-
tion of the South was found at the close of the late civil war. The
Southern people, always moderate and conservative an I Liatrustfal
of innovations of every kind, have been slow to adopt those chang
of habits which their altered circumstances have made indispensable*
Many of them are still running in the same old ruts, and it is the
most difficult thing in the world to get them out of them.

The cardinal virtue of economy is one of universal application,
and capable of great expansion. rcely an operation on

the farm, or an item of domestic or household management, in
which it cannot be applied, and the diligent, practical farmer will
fin; - >n every day for its profitable exercise. Oni Saviour,

when on earth, took occasion to set us a notable example in the ap-
plication of this great principle, when " he commanded his disciples
I _ .:her up the fragments that remain, that nothing be tost

5lariy of our farmers have energy, and work hard, and make good
crops, I . but at the close of the years operations fail to realize
any profit, because they neg. gather up the fragments that

remain " ; for it is in the fragments mostly that the profit is to be
found.

There are so many ways and occasions for the profitable
of this important virtue that it is impossible to enumerate them all.
I only propose to mention a few of the most important, and the first
that of labor.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMRR. 401

Here in the South there is more money lost in the improper ap-
plication of labor than in any other way whatever, and the present
stinted condition of our people is due,*in a great measure, to this
cause. Much of the land cultivated here does not pay one-half the
cost of its cultivation. It is strange, indeed, that they should per-
sist in a habit that is so obviously unwise and ruinous. This habit
was acquired when labor was abundant and cheap, and our people
are so much wedded to their old habits that they have not yet real-
ized the necessity of an entire change of these habits, — or rather
they have not wrought themselves up to the point of making the
change. Talk to them about these things, and they will acknow-
ledge the truth of everything said, but will still pursue the old
beaten track. They say that their land is all poor, and what else
can they do. The answer to this excuse is, you must either confine
your cultivation to such land as will pay, or you must use the fer-
tilizers on the poor land, so as to make a paying crop, and go on
and adopt a good system of improvement and permanently improve
the poor land; and this can be done mainly by clovering, and by
saving and applying everything on the farm that can be converted
into manure.

Labor is money, or the equivalent of money, and we should exer-
cise as much economy in its expenditure as in the expenditure of our
dollars and cents. Our laborers should receive our constant atten-
tion, and be made to discharge their duties faithfully. The duty
and interest of the master does not lie so much in laboring with his
own hands as in controlling and directing the labor which he em-
ploys; though it would not be amiss to lend a helping hand occa-
sionally, just to let the hands know that he is not above doing it.
There is necessary, on every farm, a directing, controlling, and
superintending power, without which business will not progress satis-
factorily. An intelligent, practical business man can accomplish a
good deal more in this way than by working constantly himself

Time is the next item in the account of economy which I propose
to notice. Time is also money, or the equivalent of money. Ah !
it is very often a vast deal more valuable and important. It is so
precious, indeed, that our beneficent Creator has given us but one
moment at a time. How important, then, to "husband the time,"
and "count the moments as they fly," and how criminal to waste or
kill time.

In order to a proper economy of time and labor, the practical
farmer should maintain order, system, and discipline on the farm.
He should exercise forethought, and his plans should be well digested
and matured in advance. Generally there are special seasons, op-
portune moments for each separate work on the farm, and when
each is done at its own appointed time everything goes on har-
moniously. On the other hand, when the farmer gets behind-hand
with his work, and one operation begins to crowd upon another, con-

402 THE SOUTHERN [August

fusion and embarrassment ensue, sometimes involving the loss of
much time and labor.

Early rising is another requisite for the proper economy of time,
and the master himself should generally be the first to rise. It is all
a delusion for him to think that the laborers are going to rise up
early whilst he remains in bed ; and it is equally delusive to suppose
that he can jump up and blow a horn, as a signal, and then return
to bed and expect his hands to get up and go directly to their work
as if he were present. '"He arose up early in the morning." is an
expression that occurs very often in the Bible, and whenever the old
patriarchs had any important work to do. they always got about it
early in the morning. Early rising is indispensable to successful
farming.

Much time and labor may be saved by the proper location of the
buildii gs, farm-pens, and roads of the farm. 'When the buildings
happen to be located at ore end of the farm, a great deal < f tinfe
must necessarily be lost in hauling and passing to and from the
daily work. These buildings, if practicable, should always be loca-
ted in the centre of the iaim. and as convenient as possible to wood
and water. On many fains a great deal of time is lost in hunting
up tools that have been misplaced. No suitable place is provided
for them, and when the laborers happen to stop using them they are
carelessly thrown aside, and when they are again needed, very often
a day is consumed in hunting them up.

On every farm there should be provided a safe and suitable place
for storing away the agricultural implements and tools of every
kind, and the master should see to it that the laborers lodge* them
there whenever they stop using them.

There are many other items to be brought into the account of
economy. There is the saving of everything that can be converted
into manure — such as ashes, bones, dead animals, the droppings of
cattle. &c. Dead animals should always be put into the con post
heap A dead horse will make some eight or ten loads of excellent
manure, if composted with stable manure, woods-mould, muck, &c.
Every bone should be saved for a similar purpose. — for bones, vhen
composted with snoi g stable manure and allowed to remain in bulk
two or three months, may be as effectually decomposed as il sub-
jected to the action of sulphuric acid.

In conclusion, allow me to admonish our people to heed and trea-
sure up the beautiful text at the head of this article — "Gather up
the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." — W. Holman, in
American Farmer.

Cumberland county, Va.

The American Patron does not understand why the National Grange
needs a large capital, and thinks the money constituting the National
Grange Fund should be distributed among the Subordinate Granges.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

403

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB,

OF HENKICO COUNTY, VA.

Our Club convened on the 8th of this month (July) at " Sunny
Side," the residence of Mr. J. M. Vaughan. The day was pleas-
ant, and the recent delightful rains following a good harvest served
to relieve the farmer's wonted despondency, and made the day very
enjoyable. Mr. Vaughan here works a large farm ; he is an ardent,
practical young farmer, well understands his business, and pushes it
vigorously. An inspection of the premises met the favorable judg-
ment of this severely critical Club. Besides the harvested and grow-
ing crops, we were shown some fine stock, and at its head stands
" Wingtield," the fine young Hambletonian Stahion.

I give you below a few hurriedly prepared notes on " Hungarian
Grass," which was read to and approved by the Club. No particu-
lar merit was claimed for it, save that it may suggest but an idea to
the inquiring farmer.

Mr. James A. Cowardin took up the idea and approved of this
rich, nutritious grass, and urged upon the Club their attention to the
very great importance of raising an abundance of grass to sustain our
lands, keep up to good standard our stock through the severe win-
ter, and bring them out in thriving condition at the spring of the
year, and with all kinds of hay for forage we might then dispense
with the unprofitable and expensive pulling of fodder.

Mr. Cowardin will give us a written essay* next month on the sub-
ject of " raising grass to meet the present necessities of our lands
and stock with a view to our fall seeding," and Dr Crenshaw and
Perkins, and Mr. J. M. Vaughan have been charged with the duty of
reporting on "Fall ploughing and the advantage of the use of the
subsoil plough, with particular reference to our various lands."
The Club adjourned to meet with Mr. Thos. Johnston in August,

Yours, J. A. Lynham,

Reporting Sec'ry.
k[We will publish Mr. C's essay in full in our next issue. — Ed.]

*i

NOTES ON " HUNGARIAN GRASS,"

FOR TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB.

We think that the time has come when there should be more
diversity in our farming pursuits, and to us, at least, located around
the rapidly improving city of Richmond, we should cut loose from
the old idea of raising nothing, and attempting nothing in the way
of farming, but the all-absorbing idea of a constant succession of
corn, wheat and oats. We suppose that it must be conceded by the
Club that such a practice (as experience teaches) works but an im-
poverishment of our soils. It is a principle — yes, an inexorable law of

404 THE SOUTHERN [August

nature, which no amount of theories or learned essays can estop or
controvert — that solid food must be returned to feed the earth.

We deal with this subject practically and plainly, and propose no
technical, chemical treatise. We will tell you. that if by the use of
commercial guanos and the manipulated articles now imposed upon
the agricultural community, you hope to thus feed your land and
satisfy its cravings, you are but stimulating it to its death.

To grass then, in all of its forms, seeded not only in autumn and in
early spring, but even in June and July we would invite your attention.
No other system can be adopted now for the restoration of our south-
ern lands, but the putting down of a large surface in grass; for the
earth is hungry for it. It is strange that more attention has not been
given this subject. Richmond is one of the best hay marl:
this country, and besides the improvement to our lands, here wj can
find ready and abundant sale for every bale that we can make.
Yet we neglect this and send north for our hay. But this is some-
what a diversion from the subject we were called upon to consider
and report, and that is — as to the merits of the Hungarian Grass.
The chairman of your committee is here able to present for the in-
spection of the Club, a sample of this grass (about four feet high)
taken from his crop, harvested on the 6th day of the month.

Although claimed to be a species of Millet, it will be perceived,
that its growth, blossom and seed are distinctively different. The
seed are of variegated color, different from the white Millet seed,
and heavier and richer, we think, in nutritive properties. This Hun-
garian Grass, we learn, was introduced into France (where now
its cultivation has been greatly extended) in 1815. and subse-
quently introduced in this country through the U. S. Patent Office.

It is an annual forage plant and germinates readily, while it thrives
under the effects of a warm sun.

It withstands drought remarkably, and as Flint says. w remaining
green even when other vegetables are parched up, and if its develop>-
ment is arrested by dry weather, the least rain will restore it to vigor.''

We are not able to tell you the exact chemical properties of this
plant, but we can say. what may be equally as instructive, that its
numerous succulent leaves furnish a green fodder, which remains
green until the seed mature, and is very fattening and much enjoyed
by all stock.

The cultivation of this grass addresses itself to our favorable atten-
tion particularly this year. For on account of the very unpropitious
season, our general hay crop is very short and spring oats almost an
entire failure. But we have plenty of time even after the ascer-
tainment of this fact to make up for this great deficiency by the use
of this grass. It should be sown broadcast from the first of April
to the first of July) and even as late as August) at the rate of one
bushel per acre, only avoid the frost, which is very injurious to it.
The land should be well prepared, ploughed deeply, and harrowed
until finely pulverized, and the seed rolled in. It is best suited to a

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 405

light or medium texture of soil, and upon high land — and not upon
wet or meadow lands. This grass should be harvested when the
crop is. in full bloom (usually in about six weeks from the time of
seeding). If permitted to remain until the seed fully mature, the
stalk becomes hard and sometimes dry, and is then not so much relished
by our stock. It is said to be most excellent for milch cows, increas-
ing the flow of milk largely, but, as said before, all like it — and horses
seemed particularly -to enjoy it as a desirable change to them. It is
a good appetizer, and its properties very fattening ; and for soiling
purposes no grass is better adapted. With proper cultivation it can
be made to yield from two to three tons per acre. But it is neces-
sary to remark that the Hungarian Grass may be classed as a "'heavy
feeder," but upon the other hand it will repay this attention. The
land should be in good condition and freshly manured at the time of
seeding-. Finallv, we suggest to the members the seeding of one or
two acres as an experiment, which will likely lead them to introduce
it more largely, and retaining this green hay for their own use, they
will be enabled to sell more largely of clover and timothy.

J. A Lyxham, 1 „

J. G. Beattie, > ^mmxttee.

REMEDY FOR SMUT I]N WHEAT.

A farmer in Ireland whose wheat was much affected by smut, suc-
ceeded in remedying this evil by adopting a simple preventive which
he learned had been practiced successfully in Flanders for many
years. The remedy is a steep composed of sixty pounds of quick
lime and thirty pounds of salt made into a solution sufficient to
cover 600 pounds of wheat.

In order to test this remedy, he procured the worst smutted wheat
he could find, and after steeping for different periods, he sowed 112
pound.-, divided into four equal parts, on equal portions of land.

No. 1, merely steeped so as to cleanse it.

No. 2, steeped in the solution 12 hours.

No. 3, steeped 21 hours.

No. 4, steeped 48 hours.

At reaping time No. 1 was dreadfully black. No. 2 had a good
deal of black in it. No. 3, none at all. Nos. 3 and 4 swelled very
much, but did not burst. No 2 swelled also, but not so much. See-
ing that No. 3, which was steeped for 24 hours, succeeded as well as
No. 4, he has practiced steeping for 24 hours, and has continued to
do so with perfect success for thirty-two years. He has not had the
slightest appearance of smut in his wheat since he commenced using
this remedy. After taking the wheat out of the steep he lets it lie
in a heap to drain. In broken weather he has kept it after being
steeped for ten days, turning it every day, without any bad results.

406 THE SOUTHERN [August

TOO MUCH COTTON.

Writers have harped upon this old hackneyed theme without effect,
until many have laid aside their pens in despair; but they should
hope on, hope ever, and never give up their faith. Many ministers
have preached to the same people for successive years, without any
apparent effect, until tempted to believe that they — the hearers —
were as hard-hearted as the granite rocks that sprinkled their native
hills ; but finally, a great revival would break out — and 0, what a
change for the better !

Southern planters have been in the habit of planting too much
cotton, and unfortunately the habit remains ; even at tne present
writing, little rabbit eared cotton adorn our hills and besprinkle our
valleys — and what are the fruits now in May, 1875? Many are
going about trying to buy a little corn, without either money or
credit ! 0, ye cruel greenbacks, why have ye forsaken us ? Horses
and mules that looked fat and sleek in March, now begin to adver-
tise their backbone and ribs so clearly that "he who runs may
read." Hogs, fat in March, have lost their energy, and lie up in
the fence corners, afflicted with the dry rot or red rust, I don't
know exactly which. Pigs are drawing up and swelling about the
stomach, which I guess has become filled with gas. Even the faith-
ful old chanticleer has apparently quit crowing; while snakish look-
ing, hide-bound curs — that our patriotic legislators are afraid to tax
for fear of losing votes — are prowling about beneath the stars, kill-
ing sheep and tearing up hen coops ! But still, to make things
worse, bacon is "a rising," and flour's " gitting up," while cotton is
hardly paying the expense of making it.

It was once thought if we could get rid of the " carpet baggers,"
that everything would work right. Well, this patriotic band of
gentry has disappeared. Some have gone to the North — others to
a warmer clime ! But still, something else seems to be needed.

It was once thought if we could get laws enacted to prevent debt-
ors from paying their just obligations, and make men possessing
brains support those deficient in that important element of success,
that all would be able to prosper and live; but this game has about
played out, and capitalists and factors are shutting down the gates
— and something else seems to be needed.

It was once thought that the cause of hard times may be found
in the fact that many of our laborers, having no brains to direct
their muscles, labor and manage to a great disadvantage. There is
much truth in this, but it is not the something needed.

Finally, the something needed is more brains and less cotton, in
reference to the whites. " They have had line upon line, and pre-
cept upon precept," without effect, apparently; but necessity's iron
arms are now around them ; they must capitulate to common sense,
or the very life will be pressed out of them.

Strange, remarkably strange, that the South could support herself

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 407

while vast armies devastated her territory with fire and sword, and
while her strong, vigorous sons were nearly all upon the tented field,
and now can scarcely do it, though peace reigns and genial showers
fall. But the secret is easy to discover. Too much cotton ! Too

MUCH COTTON !

Since engaging in agriculture, I have invariably planted as much
corn as cotton, and this year have nearly as much land in oats as
cotton. — Jas. H. Oliphant, in Southern Cultivator.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE PREPARATION FOR WHEAT.

The preparation for wheat is a subject which our farmei-g have to
consider and decide upon daring this month, if they have not already
done so.

For some years past the weather has been so unfavorable for sum-
mer fallowing clover or sod land, that many farmers have stopped try-
ingt o make that preparation for wheat ; but plant corn onland that
they would have reserved for that crop, and sow on the corn stubble
the next year. Along with this abandonment of summer fallow,
there has been a great tailing off in the yield of wheat ; and the
corn being planted on sod or clover land, there is a great increase in
the complaints to that crop from cut and bore worms.

Oats having for some years brought more money per pound (often
double) than corn-, I would suggest that it would be more profitable
to substitute oats on all highland that is at all liable to be washed by
the heavy summer rains, in the place of corn, and especially on all
such hill land as will not bring, in a moderate good season, seven or
eight barrels of corn to the acre.

The oats on such land, after deducting the difference in cost of
cultivation, would probably bring as much or more net money than
the corn crop ; a less weight would have to be hauled sto market, and
the great loss of fertility to the land, from the washing done by every
heavy summer rain would be probably avoided, which last is gene-
rally greater than would be caused by the successive removal of
several heavy crops which do not cause or permit such a destructive
denudation of the soil.

If, then, it be found in any summer that the clover cannot be fal-
lowed in time for wheat, or if there is a sod field which would be left
for summer fallow, but for the almost certainty that there will not be
seasonable weather enough to plow it in, if we wait, instead of plant-
ing in corn, especially if it is hill land or at all liable to wash, sow it
in oats, even though you have to shorten your projected corn crop
considerably to do so.

Put the labor thus saved on your bottom or level land corn, and
on your tobacco, and you will find that though the area cultivated
may be considerably diminished, yet the crop will not be so very
much shortened, and the oats will make up the difference or more.
2

THE SOUTHERN [August

A? soon as the oats are cut — and don't be too careful about saving

wa on the poor spots, where the oats require as much time

and trouble to save as th< y are worth — haul them up [and start

your plows on the stubble, and sow some buckwheat on the freshly

plowed land before a rain has fallen, if you can.

There will always be oats enough left on the ground to seed it
pretty thickly, and they, with the buckwheat, will spring up with
the first rain : and. in an ordinary season, by the middle of Septem-
:11 cover the land with a thick growth of green vegetable mat-
ter. The ground having been plowed in the winter or spring pre-
vious, will plow easily, when a clover or sod field would be impene-
trable.

About a week before you wish to sow the wheat, cross-plow the
:<r. if impracticable, lay off the plow-lands so that the plow will
rut run in the old furrows, and if the growth is heavy, put on a
chain so that it may be well covered.

Just be: g, level with a harpsw; the week's interval, will

::me for the oats, whose roots were exposed by the plowing, to

: that they will not revive on being covered afresh by the

harrow, and the harrowing, besides leveling the laud for the drill

will kill or cover the oats, whose roots were not exposed by the plow.

greater part of the growth not covered up, will, by that time,

have so withered and shrunk, as not to prove an impediment to the

drill, while the two pi: a ~1 harrowing will leave the land as

fine as an ash-bank.

This is not theory, but my own experience on about twenty acres
of land, which I thought too poor to bring a paying crop [of corn,
or even oats, but as I was anxious to improve it, and get rid of the
running briers, with which it was covered, I tried the above men-
tioned treatment. I only got about ninety bushels of oats, but the
hill was not washed, as the hills in corn were, and in September it
was clean of briers, and hid by a growth of green matter six inches
high. After turning under, fcc., I sowed about 23th, 30th of Sep-
tember, one bushel wheat to the acre, with two hundred pounds Eu-
reka guano on half, and the same quantity of Guanahani on the
rest : being one ton of each on the twenty acres. The soil is mostly
pure red clay, with some gravelly places, such as is common along
the southwestern mountains, naturally good, but badly worked down
by eleven years tenant's cropping. The Eureka cost S50 per ton,
:he Guanahani. §40 cash, making the cost per acre for guano,
five and four dollars respectively.

I have not threshed the wheat yet, but would not take ten bushels
per acre for it. I think it may yield twelve bushels.

Adjoining land of the same quality which was sowed in wheat the

year before, after a late oat fallow, without the second growth being

re-fallowed and fertilized with 200 pounds of Eureka, brought only

six bushels per acre, and has no clover on it, except in the depres-

and very little there. This year the land re-faUowed,_&c., has

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 409

a tolerable sprinkle of clover, in spite of the cold spell in April, and
subsequent dry weather, which was so destructive to our grass crops.
If the difference is owing to the green stuff turned under, it will
show that green manuring is worth more to such land than guano.

I watched the growth and general appearance of this wheat pretty
closely all through the season, as I considered it a pretty fair test of
the relative merits of the two fertilizers, the land being of pretty
uniform quality, and all sowed in about three days. Until late in
the spring there was no perceptible difference in the wheat, but be-
fore harvest the heads, where the Eureka was sowed, seemed longer
and the straw larger ; and, I believe, there is a difference of about
two bushels per acre in favor of that guano.

Putting the wheat at one dollar per bushel net, and deducting the
extra cost per acre of the Eureka, over the Guanahani, it gives me
a profit of one dollar per acre, for the land on which the Eureka
was used, over that on which the same quantity, net value, of Guan-
ahani was sowed.

I am incline^ to believe that if I had used the same value per
acre of each, viz : 200 pounds of Eureka, and 240 of Guanahani,
there would be no perceptible difference.

Considering the trouble of hauling and handling the greater
weight, the Eureka, at $50, is cheaper, I think from my experiment,
than the Guanahani, but if the price of Eureka has been raised to
$57.50, as I was informed last spring to be the case, then my experi-
ment, I think, demonstrates that Guanahani, at $40, is the more
profitable guano to use on such laud as mine, if the company keeps
up the standard, which is not always done after a fertilizer makes
itself a reputation.

I hope some of your other readers will give us their experience
in the preparation of land for wheat, and use of fertilizers, in time
for us to be guided by it in sowing the next crop. I would like to
have been able to give you exact measure, instead of my estimates
as to results, but if I put off writing until I thresh my wheat, you
would not be able to publish the results in time to be useful to the
farmers this season. H. M. Magruder.

Charlottesville, July 14th, 1875.

[We hope our correspondent will, if possible, weigh or measure the products
of the two fertilizers separately, and report to us, as we think such results ought
always to be given to the public. — Ed.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PLAIN TALK TO FARMERS.

Wherever I go the cry of hard times assails our ears, until I
could wish to be entirely destitute of hearing, and but for feeling a
good share of it myself I might not send you this brief article. Last
week it was reported that the banks in New York were overflowing
with money on deposit and interest at two and half per cent, per

410 THE SOUTHERN [August

r

annum, and the Federal Government about to issue $60,000,000
more in coin. This looks a little strange, and vet is in striking
contrast with the want of money all through the South and West.
If people will buy more than they sell, the result is the same: money
will accumulate in the North and the cry of hard times will continue.
With the issue of more money, goods are immediately inflated, but
land is the last thing to feel the influence of an increase of money,
and if there was a guarantee of holding and keeping money in the
South and West, a little more or a good deal more wnuld be very
acceptable. But I doubt the prospects, and the surest way is to try
and live within one's means. If our income is $500 or §1.000 it is
better to reduce expenses and pay as you go. Let us come more
plainly to the matter. Try a dairy farm and attend (not pretend)
to it. If the farmer has boys or girls or a wife, let the milking and
churning be done by the family. If cooking can be done without
producing prostration of body and sickness, and doctors' bills, let
that be done also ; and the 8150 in hire and food can be saved, and
each member of the family practically educated in household duties.
If the members of the family attend to their own rooms there is the
saving of another (150. If the head of the family can do without
a horse there is a saving of $150 in food which the horse eats. If
there is $o0 or $100 spent in ardent spirits there is a saving in evert/
respect. If the members of the family can do their own sewing
there is a material saving. If the familv have no sewing or washing
machines let them enter the Grange and buy a number one Whitney
Sewing machine for $35.00, or a superior Washing machine at 50
per cent, discount from regular rates. By doing their own work they
we several hundred dollars in money, will acquire habits of in-
dustry and economy, and build up a bodily constitution, out of which
doctors cannot get the chance to make bills. Suppose we go a little
farther and look into the grocery items. Stop buying jellies, and
preserves, and pickles, and lots of other things which ought to be
made at home. If any money be left let it be spent in adornment
of your house and in the purchase of useful books (not trashy novels)
instead of the decoration of the bodies of the children and grown
ones in tinsel and all the gew-gaws of the changing fashions.
If farmers would educate their children to cultivate their brains and
their hearts instead of their pride, more domestic happiness and more
money would abound. This is where the shoe pinches. The old
absurd notions of bodily labor being degrading has to be uprooted
entirelv. It is no more disgrace for a wife or a daughter to do her
work in milking the cow, cooking, sewing and all manner of house-
hold work, than it is for the husband and son to chop wood and cul-
tivate the land. If farmers would carry out these views many of
them might save themselves from bankruptcy ; but they must try
to keep up appearances and pretend to be supporting their families
when in most cases they are living on other people. The disastrous
failures of merchants, kc. are owing to the large unpaid bills of

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 411

farmers, whose families have been too proud to labor, and whose
legacy is generally a life time of grinding poverty and domestic un-
happiness. Such a course followed throughout life by any family
will save thousands of dollars, and will redound to the industry, in-
telligence and health of each member — constituting what ought to be
of first importance, " Sana mens in corpore sano." If farmers will
continue to mimic the fashions and fooleries of people far above their
means, the cry of hard times will be continually heard, and what is
worse, they will not be able to meet with any success in their calling.
They will starve their land and starve their stock, and in the end
will starve themselves. Who has the great want of the times — the
courage to stop their household expenses before poverty comes in at
the door, full banded and drive the family out of doors to log huts and
dirt floors. C. R. C.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

TO THE LITTLE FARMERS OF VIRGINIA.

Had we little fellows been cutting our garments in everything
since the war, strictly according to our cloth, how vastly different
now would be our condition and the general prosperity of Virginia ;
and the sooner we now begin the better for us all. Learn to do with-
in ourselves all we can ; quit buying and go to making for ourselves.
Make your own peas, buckwheat and rye for fallows. Buy agricultural
lime, salt and plaster, they are cheap, and we know them good and re-
liable. Use them together freely and you will never regret its use. I
speak from experience. I have made from the pea fallow 10 bushels
of wheat from one seeded; from buckwheat fallow eight for one ;
from the high price manures made at the Charlottesville manufacturing
company, three for one, all seeded in time and farmer like, the very
best preparation in my life, and all the same year, as fair and honest
a trial as was ever made any where and by any one. Now count
the cost and profits and decide for yourselves. I am in receipt of a
letter written on the 9th from near Fredericksburg. Va., which
says, " After oat harvest last year he seeded buckwheat for a fallow
for wheat that day, the 9th of July, he had threshed out 25 bushels
of wheat to the acre." How many buyers of high price manures can
say the same. Then count the cost. I contend with peas and buck-
wheat as a fallow with two bushels oyster-shell lime, a bushel of salt
and a bushel of plaster, per acre, I can beat one half the manure
buyers I have seen, and if the dose will be repeated in January or
February, it will beat them all. Now let all we little fellows try an
acre if no more, and report honestly next fall through the Southern
Planter and Farmer, give it a fair trial, and all Virginia will go to
it in full faith next year. Then will old Virginia begin again to unfurl
and hoist to the breeze her gay, cheerful and prospering colors to
an admiring world.

I got some agricultural paper sent me from somewhere, I can't say

412 THE SOUTHERN [Angus!

from where, as in my feeble condition I am unable to find it. or I
would send a copy of the well written article to your F
article says all his money was laid out in a rather poor farm.
stock to work it ; had no money to buy manure, too uncertain to
extend his credit, he resolved to try a standing lot in tobacco, around
his tobacco barn near his dwelling. He raked up all the manure he
could and applied it to his lot, and put it in tobacco : the crop was
megre. owing to the thin application of wasted and spent man:..
When giving it the last working he sowed rye and a bushels of plas-
ter per acre, ^ext May and first of June he plowed in a good
crop of rve. harrowed in good nice order, reversed the colter in its
beam and marked off very slightly in checks, drew up a small fiat hill
and worked the tobacco without disturbing the rye whi: ig --

ture and food for the crop which kept green and grew during a dry
season, when manured lots failed. Made a good crop and thus con-
tinued the rye and plaster without any other manures ; and the crop
of last year was the fourteenth crop, which was the best crop he e
made and of better texture than any he ever saw from manured Iota,
and never had a cut worm. All his manures i -ied to other

crops and lots, and he had made better crops and improved his
lands and his own condition more than any one of his neighbors.
Now the rye he made, the bushel of plaster he bought, count the
cost on his tobacco lot. and the high price manures othe: -
buying, and go do like him. and you will, like him. do well. There
is so much good practical sense in this article. I shall make my tei rats
try the rye this crop : on its last working will add two bushels of
lime and two of salt on the rye in January and February, or on the
rye at the time of plowing it in. The salt I know from experience
to be good for tobacco : have seen it prevent its firing in the field.
Now little fellows, for there are more of us than one would suppose,
let us all try a little of pea and buckwheat for our ip, tnd

rye for the tobacco, and report, and let us all try to rally from
our long line of little fellows to what we are to be thr: g fel-

lows. Great luck to all sensible little fellows who wi!l try

it. Yours truly. Job Littlefell

[We are happy to find Job a man - of patience. There

is a good deal of common sense and whole-scn — El ]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE WHEAT CHOP AXD SHEEP RAISING.

Here, on the Atlantic slope, the wheat crop has become so preca-
rious and uncertain, and prices so low. that the conviction is forcing
itself upon us. that we must either discontinue its c . in a

great measure, or so modify and change our present sjBl s tc

make its cultivation more remunerative. Under present conditions
the farmers of Virginia are sinking monev in the cultivation of
wheat. There is no doubt about this, which a plain statement-

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 413

of facts will show. The average yield of wheat in Virginia is about
eight bushels per acre. At $1.10 per bushel, which is about an average
net price, the gross product per acre, including the straw, would be
about $10, every cent of which will be covered by the cost of culti-
vation, leaving other incidental charges with which the wheat crop is
justly chargeable, a dead loss.

What is best to be done under this state of things, is an important
practical question at this time. The first and most natural conclu-
sion would be to discontinue the cultivation of wheat entirely as a
leading staple crop. But extreme conclusions either way are
generally erroneous, and a little reflection will convince us that it
would be unwise to adopt so radical a change. We are bound to
keep up its cultivation, but upon a system much modified and changed.
We must cultivate smaller crops, and only upon such lands as will
yield from 20 to 25 bushels per acre. Here, in the tobacco-raising
regions, our main chance for making wheat is from the tobacco lots
and clover fallow. Wheat scarcely ever fails to grow well on tobacco
lots, and by applying from 200 to 400 pounds of some good fertili-
zer per acre, in addition to what was applied to the tobacco, a pay
ing crop may be made. And in the case of a clover fallow, if a
good crop of clover can be turned under, the fallowing done early,
say in July, and a thorough preparation made and seeded in time,
remunerative crops may be also had from the clover fallow. The
old practice of cultivating ordinary corn land in wheat, either with
or without fertilizers, is simply ruinous, and should not be thought of
any longer. Let the corn land remain for oats in the spring.

This radical change in our system of wheat cultivation, will make
it necessary to supplement the wheat crop by something else. And
the first and best chance is sheep husbandry. Here, in Virginia,
where there are such vast quantities of open lands not cultivated,
immense numbers of sheep might be raised and at so little cost as
to make this branch of industry exceedingly profitable.

The climate of Virginia is most admirably adapted to sheep rais-
ing. Our winters are often so mild that sheep may be subsisted
almost the entire winter without feeding. A few years since, the
writer carried his sheep through the whole winter with only one
day's feeding.

The only obstacles in the way of sheep raising in Virginia are,
negro stealing and dog-killing. These two obstacles make up the
universal standing excuse for the neglect of this very important in-
terest. Now, in the first place, there is no branch of business either
in connection with the farming interest or any other, that is not at-
tended by its own peculiar difficulties and drawbacks, and those in-
cidental to sheep raising are no worse than others. But there are
none of them that cannot be overcome by the proper care and atten-
tion, which are indispensable to success at anything. In the next
place, there is a remedy for thin soils attending sheep raising, and
•that is to pen them every night, and keep a sharp look out for the dogs

414 • THE SOUTHERN [August

and sheep stealers. Suitable enclosures should be provided, as near
the homestead as possible, and it should be made the business of
some one on the farm to pen them every night. Until a few years
back, the writer, in common with others, was a constant sufferer from
these depredations from dogs and rogues. But about three years
ago, he determined to try this remedy of fencing, and the result has
been that he has not lost a sheep in this way since. And for the
benefit of others I will give my plan of management. For this pur-
pose I have two small lots of two to three acres each enclosed, very
near my dwelling-house. On one of them is a large comfortable
shelter, closed up on the north and west sides, and open to the east
and south. During the winter months the sheep are penned regu-
larly, and fed when necessary. In the spring they are taken off of
this lot, which having been manured and enriched by the droppings
of the sheep during the winter, is ploughed up and cultivated in
vegetables. The sheep are then penned on the other lot, and con-
tinued then until the fall, when they are returned to the winter lot. The
second lot has been put down in grass and furnishes the sheep with
grazing during the night. This lot is also eniiched by the drop-
pings of the sheep, and my plan is to put it in turnips every third
year. This plan might be improved upon by having three lots instead
of two, so that the two summer lots might be alternated by grass and
turnips. Here, in Virginia, where there is so much vacant land, every
farmer should keep a flock of sheep, for it would not only enable him
to live better and make more money, but it would also enable
him to improve his land. Again, here in Eastern Virginia,
there is too much reliance upon bacon as a diet, which is not
only more costly but is also unhealthy. Beef and mutton are much
cheaper and vastly more wholesome.

In regard to the dogs, I keep none myself, and make it a rule to
shoot every one that comes on my premises unaccompanied by the
owner.

In order to show how remunerative sheep raising may be made, I
will mention a few examples. For the first I refer the reader to
Col. Huffin's letter upon the subject, published in XLe January num-
ber of the Planter and Fanner for 1874. Col. Ruffin states, that
in 1872, he realized a profit of 237J per cent upon the cost of his
flock for that year.

I will farther give two other examples that have come under my
own observation. A gentleman of my county a few years ago, com-
menced with less than a dozen sheep. He has ever since been grad-
ually increasing his flock and his yearly profits until the present
year, when he has sold lambs and wool enough to bring some six or
seven hundred dollars.

A near neighbor of mine a few years ago purchased 100 sheep,
for which he paid $300. The first year thereafter, he sold very
nearly enough lambs and wool to pay for the whole flock.

There is no doubt of the fact that sheep husbandry might be made

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMED. 415

exceedingly profitable in Eastern Virginia, and it is the strangest
thing in the world that our farmers should not put sheep on the poor
lands, instead of cultivating them with hireling labor, or allowing
them to grow up in old field pines and broomstraw.

Southside.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

LETTER FROM ALBEMARLE.

Your very kind favor of the 6th, with its accompanying good
papers, reached me on the evening of the 7th, for which please ac-
cept an old friend's heartfelt thanks. The time at which they reached
me seemed so appropriate, for I was then feebly reclining in my old
arm chair, slowly recovering from a very severe and almost fatal at-
tack, caused by a visit to my farm, which proved to be far too much
for the little strength remaining to me from the attack of paralysis
one year ago from the fifth of this month. I was at the time silently
musing over the happy, prosperous times the good old Planter and
its many prosperous writers and readers then so much enjoyed, and
so generously divided with all, coming from everywhere — then when
the good old Virginia hospitality was a familiar household word the
world all over. Alas ! where now are so many of its cheering and
instructive writers and its kind, warm-hearted readers? Gone where
you and I must shortly go. How sadly different now is everything
in Virginia to what it then was. It is, indeed it is, a most sad and
sickening picture for any, but more especially for we Virginians, to
contemplate; but clothed in the dark drapery as Virginia's pros-
pects seem of late to have been, I cannot help thinking, believing,
and most fondly hoping there is a far better and more prosperous
time in the overflowing lap of an early-coming future to cheer up Ave
desponding sons and daughters of our noble old parents of 1776,
by which our spirited, noble young Virginians may and will be en-
couragingly stimulated not only to rebuild, but to far excel, any
point of prosperity Virginia has yet known.

God gave to our noble old ancestors a most glorious country and
climate on which to operate, and well did they faithfully perform
their whole duty, and most liberally and lavishly did we, their de
scendants, enjoy and divide with all and every one, coming from
any and every where. It is now lost to us, and sad was its loss, and
most grievously felt by the world. No wonder so great a shock
should have thrown us all into the great confusion which has thus
reduced us to what we now are. But, my dear sir, is it not our
duty to our God, to our country, to ourselves, and to those dear
ones coming after us, even trembling as many of us now are upon
the very verge of our graves, to wake up, arouse and rally to our
mightiest effort, to find out and establish some firm foundation of
improvement which all may safely follow and by which all can surely
prosper, and so train those so dear to us all to act and do for them-

416 THE SOUTHERN [August

selves that we may have the sweet consolation on our death beds of
believing that they can and "will make our dear old State what we
all so well know Virginia can and ought to be — the bright, cheering,
happy home of the truly good and the great.

We Virginians still have our fine productive lands, our pure water
and invigorating climate, and we are still a warm-hearted, generous,
clear-headed people. All we now have to do for a full development
of Virginia's great resources, is simply to give all of these our well
known blessings a fair chance. We of Virginia and the sunny
South were reared in those grand old times of almost universal pros-
perity, to look almost exclusively to the Bulks, which in those
thrifty times were generally so entirely satisfactory as by them to be
fully able so to cover over all of these little deficiencies as rarely, if
ever, to be annoyed by them. But ah, it is not so Avith many of us
now. We sadly feel and clearly know it. Then let us honestly
acknowledge and wisely act upon it; for those cheering, grand old
Bulks, when now ever made, are too often like the Indian's gun —
cost more than it comes to; and" these thousand and one little things
rise up thickly on every side to oppress and worry us. In truth,
we southerners have committed many great and grievous blunders;
but so did our great and good Gen. Lee, the sainted Jackson, and
the many thousands of their brave and generous compeers. The
great wonder is we all had not committed greater and more of them.
One great and sweet consolation is. we all did our very best.

Now that the echo of battle has been hushed and its smoke cleared
away, and we have become a calm and reflecting people, do let us
resolve to show to an admiring world what they have a right to ex-
pect of us — that we are Virginians still, and that we can and will
make our dear old State, rudely misused as she has been. Virginia
again. What a great and thrilling incentive to us all to rally and
do our very best: and may our wise and good Heavenly Father aid
and bless us all to the full accomplishment of fully reinstating Vir-
ginia at least to what she once was, the good. wise, and great elder
sister of the world's wide renowned, the gallant Old Thirteen (13).
To effect which we must bring our clear Virginia brains to a calm
and manly reflection, correctly calculate our liabilities and fairly es-
timate our resources, and then honestly meet our creditors and come
to a good old Virginia honest, fair understanding; then, like Vir-
ginia men and women, boys and girls, go to work, and by the bles-
of God we all will soon find it an easier, more pleasant and
successful road than going to law with the troop of hungry, heart-
less lawyers yelping us into a disgraceful and ruinous defrauding of
those we justly owe, by which we too often find the creditor but lit-
tle if benefitted at all, we are ruined, and the lion's share divided
between the clerks, sheriff, and lawyers.

My dear sir, in those good old times for which we now so often
and uselessly and sadly sigh, was there not (to secure success I such
an indispensable article as Preparation? Have we been, or are we

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 417

even now, prepared for the great change which has come over almost
all and everything left us ? I fear we are not. Then our great
success and ample means placed us far out of reach of any and all
the little things ; but now there is so rarely such a thing as success
in the greater things, and we are left too often sadly floundering
helpless and alone amid the troubled waves of little things thickly
gathering all around us, have not our agricultural writers committed
a mistake in writing too glowingly of the few isolated instances of
high success, thus tempting too many to try and do likewise where
so few were able, and thus more deeply involving so many? Why
tell a Virginia farmer of the high pressure farming of our successful
countryman, Mr. B. H. Brenhan, of Carlton ? He has the means,
and well and wisely is he using them for the amusement and profit
of himself and children, and to the perfect and beautiful develop-
ment to all observers what Virginia can and will do under proper
care and effort. But, alas ! who of us can do likewise ? None — no,
not one. Then, whilst we with grateful hearts ask a God speed to
him for all his noble, generous efforts, hadn't we little fellows better
be wisely turning (at least until we can do better) our attention more
closely to the little things upon which we and ours now so much de-
pend for peace, happiness, and success, and humbly learn therewith
to be content ? Do this, and we will have well secured the ticket
which will safely and surely land us at the desired depot of a clear
conscience, good spirits, and ample success.

Now, my dear sir, will you and your many readers kindly forgive
an old friend for writing of facts he saw with his own age-bedimmed
eyes on the last three visits to one of his farms, anxious to know
how my clover and the grass seeded on the wheat land had taken.
Feeble as I was, I slowly walked over the field, and was surprised to
see the seedsman could then be traced by the deeply-impressed foot-
prints as he varied in width, from fancy or inattention. The land
had not all been seeded, because the seed had given out, owing to too
thick sowing. I had directed a lot to be seeded at the rate of two
bushels of orchard grass per acre, and a lot to be seeded in Randall
grass at the rate of a half bushel to the acre (thicker than I had
ever sown it before) for seed another year. The orchard grass and
Randall grass were continued at the rate of two bushels or more
per acre until all was thus wasted. I had directed, after the two
lots were seeded at the rates above stated, the remainder of the seed
should be applied at the rate of a half bushel of orchard grass, a
gallon of Randall grass, and a half gallon of clover seed per acre,
for hay and pasture. The clover seed made on the farm was (pugy)
mixed with the oat chaff, with which I had directed the chaff from
the orchard and Randal grass seeds to be well mixed for the pur-
pose of sowing about 70 acres of land my tenants were to have
prepared and seeded with winter oats. The gentlemen renters were
absent, and their three hired freedmen were hauling out and seeding
a field of 70 acres, seeded the spring before, which had been badly

418 THE SOUTHERN [August

injured by chinch-bug and drouth, because my tenants had failed to
prepare the oat field. I rode down and was surprised to see them
throwing it out from the wagon as if carelessly trying to fill gullies.
I halloed to and stopped them. It was the last load but one. I
showed them how to sow them: how long they continued as I di-
rected, they may know: I do not. The seed, which was ample for
the TO acres, was thrown in dabs over from two and a half to three
acres, and of course thrown away. Query: May not the failure of
our grass stand since the war be justly attributed to this carelessness,
inattention, and often thefts':

My last visit was on a Saturday. The orchard grass seel had
been cut on the morning before, and the dew hardlv had time to
dry out of the bundles, in dozens as it was. My good tei
he was going to haul it up that evening. I advised him not to do it,
for he had more hay then spoiling from not being timely secured
than he could well attend to that evening, and let the orchard g
seed alone until Monday : then take a sheet and shake and knock
each bundle with a small stick, and he could save more good seed
than if he were then to haul it to the machine, and damp as ft
it might spoil: and I could clean it better by the wind than with the
wheat fan. and it would then do to put away in the boxes. 1
too feeble to do more than advise. I heard they were hauled up,
and, from the yield, fear the best were lost. Xow. it is these and
other little things that keeps so may of we little felkrt -
the grindstone, of which I will more fully write in my next, if de-
sired. A widow lady uses an empty flour barrel and saves them all;
she runs the head of the bundle in the barrel. She keeps a boarding-
house for the students at the University of Virginia. She put a
single head of fresh fish in the corn hill in her garden. I cc
eight shoots on one stalk — frequently seven. Those under i
none were put was not half so high or luxuriant, and no shoot de-
veloped. If the farmers of Virginia would take a lesson of her,
repudiation, hard times, and croaking would soon g :heer-

ful prosperity. Yours truly. . G. C. Gilmer.

[For the Southern Planter and Fanner. 3
ORCHARD GRASS.

I have written several articles on orchard grass, but as I consider
it a subject of the greatest importance, I hope I may be excused for
keeping it constantly before the public.

All things considered, there is no grass that can rival orchard
grass as a general farm grass. What are the uses of gra*s on a
farm? Hay, pasturage, improvement of the soil, and g.
There is certainly no grass that will make as many pounds of hay to
thejacre and yet be equal to it in quality: it is fully equal to timothy
in quality, and will always make more hay. As a pasture g:

1875] PLANTER AND FARMER. 419

is fully equal (and I think superior) to our native blue grass, which
is hard to excel. As an improver I consider it better than clover,
for this reason, it forms a heavy compact sod, and the bulk of vege-
table matter will weigh three or four times as much as the clover on
the same ground. This though not equal in quality, as an improver
it excels in bulk more than enough to make up the difference. Good
land well set will produce from 15 to 25 bushels of seed to the acre, and
as it costs but a few cents a bushel to cut it and thrash it, it is one
of the most profitable crops we can raise. No one can fully under-
stand the value of orchard grass, until they have used it a few years.
If you have a field set in orchard grass, you are certain of some hay,
let the season be wet or dry, hot or cold. There are thousands of
farmers in the United States who do not know what orchard grass is.
My advice to them is to get twenty pounds of good clean seed, sow
it on an acre of good land, wait until they make the crop the second
year, (it never makes much of a crop the firsc year) when I think
they will be disposed to sow a field or two. I sow in August or March.
If you want it for seed, sow no clover with it, otherwise, sow twenty
pounds of orchard grass and one gallon of clover to the acre.

W. F. Tallant.

[We are disposed to place orchard grass above every other grass for Eastern
Virginia, and fully agree with our correspondent in his estimate of it as a hay
or pasture grass. But we must dissent from his opinion of its value as a fertili-
zer. Nothing in the shape of a green crop can equal clover in this respect on
land where it will grow, and any land that will produce a good cover of orchard
grass will also produce a good stand of clover. On any such land we believe
that the roots of clover alone after cutting the crop off would be worth more
than the whole crop of grass if turned under when at its greatest bulk. From
seven to twelve bushels of seed per acre has always been considered a good
yield, and it will m'ore frequently fall under the lower figure than go above the
higher. — Ed.]

FARM TOOLS AND MACHINES.

Tools are required on every farm, and on most farms of any size
machines are all used. Consequently every farmer is interested in
the subject of this article; he is probably aware that his success or
his failure in business will in part depend upon the kind of tools and
machines which he employs. With poor tools and inferior machines
he cannot successfully compete with his neighbor who uses the very
best. Yet it is probable that he has never carefully considered hoio
much difference it makes with a farmer's work whether he has poor
tools or good ones. Take, for example, a common shovel; set a
hired man at work with one that is thick, heavy, dull and rusty, and,
if he is faithful at his work, he will get tired out long before night,
and will not have accomplished as much, by at least a fifth, as he
would if he had been provided with a nice, bright, sharp shovel. If
he is not a good man to work, he will take advantage of the old

420 THE SOUTHERN [August

shovel to shirk as much of his labor as possible. In either case, a
man "will do enough more work in a few days with a good shovel, to
pay for it, and not be near as tired as he was with the old one.
With machines, the difference is still more striking. A man with
two horses and a second-class harrow, can, in time, fit a ten-acre field
for sowing to "wheat. But the same man and team with a first-rate
pulverizer will fit the land much sooner, and do it so much better,
that it will produce from five to ten bushels more grain than if fitted
"with the old harrow. By using the very best styles of reapers and
threshers, the time and labor of one or two men can be saved, as they
do not require as much help and attention as the older and poorer
patterns. These facts would seem to make it an object for farmers to
use some care in the selection of their tools and machines ; too often
they buy "what the agent brings, without making any special inquiry
concerning its merits, and find when it is too late that they have made
a serious mistake. It is a far better way to examine the different
stvles of machines before buving. In selecting a machine, the buver
should try to get one with as many merits and as few defects as pos-
sible. It should be as light as possible, yet possess the requisite
strength, and should run easily. A heavy, clumsy machine is hard
to move or to use. Light running machines are generallv made on
better principles than those which run extremely hard. It should
also be durable. Some machines will last as long again as others
■which cost as much, or more. And prices are so high that it is an
object to get those which will last a long time. But it is not only
important to have good tools and machines, but it is also necessary
to take care of them, otherwise they will remain good but a short
time. The best shovels, hoes and rakes, the finest reapers and mow-
ers, the nicest threshers in the world, if badly used, and constantly
exposed to the weather, will soon become very poor. Ill usage and
exposure spoils more tools and machines than are ever "worn out by
use. A good shed in which to keep all the farm implements, is a
building which ought to be found on every farm. The farmer who
has none, "will find the money expended in building one invested bet-
ter than it would be in government securities. It would save him
from constant and heavy losses, and prevent a great deal of scolding
about old machines which constantly fail when wanted for service,
but for which failures the owner alone is to blame. Machines are
often injured by not being properly oiled. A reaper or thresher
will run very much easier if frequently oiled, and will last for a long
time. But if the oiling is neglected, it will run hard and wear very
fast. Oil costs but little, and should be freely used. Let no one
imagine that I favor throwing away all the old tools and machines,
and buying new ones to take their places. Far from it. The farmer
who has good tools, even if they are old, can much better use them
than to buy new ones. The same is true of machines. If they are
in good order, do not run very hard, and do the work well, they
should be kept a while longer. If, however, they are badly worked,

„ 1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 421

run extremely hard, and are in danger of breaking every time they
are used, it will be economy on the part of their owner to lay them
aside and obtain better ones to fill their places. And when buying
a machine, I claim it is economy to "get the best," even though it
costs a little more than one which is not as good. What I have said
about the care of machines, applies alike to the new and old. No
tool or machine which is fit to use, is too poor to be taken care of,
and if proper care were taken of them, there would be much less
trouble with all kinds of farm implements. — Live Stock Journal.

THE FUTURE OF THE POTATO CROP.

Will the beetle destroy the potato crop and make the growth of
this important edible either impossible or greatly restricted? We
give a decided No to both these questions, frequently asked of us
personally, and almost every day suggested by the fears of our ex-
changes.

The potato is far too important a crop to be stamped out of exist-
ence by the beetle. Intelligent and enterprising farmers would find
means of growing potatoes enough for general use were the difficulties
fourfold what they are. Possibly the price of potatoes might be
doubled, or even trebled, but the use of the vegetable would not be
discontinued, and its production would be more profitabe than ever
before. Potatoes have always been too easily grown. Hence the
price has been low and the farmer has not had fair pay for the hard
work which handling a potato crop implies. Henceforth, by doing
some additional light work in destroying potato beetles, by planting
on better soil, and giving better culture, the crop will be larger, the
price better, and the receipts perhaps trebled, at a slight additional
cost per acre. The potato beetle will, without doubt, increase the
price of potatoes somewhat, and in this the consumer must suffer ; but
farmers who know how to deal with the enemy can and will make
more money from potatoes than ever before. The potato is hence-
forth transferred to the list of crops not easily grown, and therefore
always most profitable. It is skill and patience which best pay in
farming and not brute strength, and these are what potato culture
needs. So long as it was a business that mainly employed strong
arms and backs in digging and securing the crop, potato growing
was not a very inviting occupation, however profitable. Now, by the
perfecting of machines for planting and digging potatoes, the man-
ual labor has been reduced 50 per cent. It is now a question of
moral and intellectual qualities, and only those farmers will succeed
who are able to see what is needed and have the perseverance and
patience to do it. In less words, potato growing is to be in fewer
hands until a larger proportion of American farmers are more
thorough and successful in their business.

The potato beetle, in common with most insect enemies, will prove
a blessing in disguise to American Farmers. Many of them may

42-2 THE SOUTHERN [August _

not see this now, but ten or twenty years hence they will. The
miclge in wheat compelled farmers to prepare their ground better, to
put in seed more carefully, and to manure better than ever before ;
and we believe the potato beetle will ultimately have as good an effect
on growers of the potato. There is neither reason nor religion in
despondency. Reason and experience tell us that when any insect
becomes too numerous, something is sent to check it, and we are
told in the Good Book that while the earth endureth, summer and
winter, seed-time and harvest shall not fail. — Rural New Yorker.

THE STEAM PLOUGH AT WORK.

The Vicksburg Herald gives the following account of the working of a steam
plough on the plantation of General Wade Hampton, near Skipwith's Landing,
Miss. :

The apparatus consists of two portable engines, which are so
made that they run themselves without the aid of horse power over
any road or field. The engines are placed at opposite sides of the
field, and by means of wire ropes, four hundred and three yards
long, draw a gang of ploughs from one side to the other. The
ploughs cut the soil to any depth required, and at a rapid rate, faster
than a man can walk. There are different sets of ploughs, for deep
and shallow ploughing, for subsoiling, for extracting roots, and for
making cotton beds. The latter is the most interesting, and makes
a complete cotton bed of over five feet wide at one operation. They
plough on an average of twenty-five to thirty-five acres daily, and
can do even more on loose soil. The engines are also useful for
much other work. The General has a large saw-mill, which these
machines take with them to the woods to cut lumber and make fenc-
ing. The heavy and broad iron wheels of the engines help to make
good roads, and there is no better road in the country than the one
through Hampton's Walnut Ridge plantation, five miles long. A
few davs ago one of these engines came down to the wharf-boat at
Skipwith with six large wagons in tow. These were placed on the
boat, heavily laden with lumber, and the " train " then started for
home at a lively rate, crossing one of the levees. It would have
taken twenty-four good mules to have pulled those loads. Another
time the engine was *k hitched" to a good-sized house, and moved it
back from the river bank several hundred yards in about twenty
minutes, as fast as the men could keep the rollers under it. It is
the intention of General Hampton to make these engines haul all
his cotton to the river this season when the weather is favorable.

Farmers should remember that the warm season is the time to put
flesh upon their wethers and other sheep, intended for sale. A little
grain fed in pasture will be repaid fourfold. The pasture will keep up
condition and the grain will lay fat. Grain is worth two prices fed in
warm weather. The best time to feed grain to sheep is in October, No-
vember and December.

1875] PLANTER AND FARMER. 423

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

I know not what better service I can render to my brother farmers,
than by urging them, and, if possible, inducing them, to form agricul-
tural clubs in every neighborhood, after the manner and for the purposes
of many organized in this county before the war, and revived since.

A simple statement ot' the modm operandi, and the results that have
followed, will constitute the strongest argument I can urge for the adop-
tion of the plan.

I. From twelve to twenty of us meet in rotation every month at the
residence of some one of the members (the place fixed at the last meet-
ing), at 10 o'clock A. M. As soon as a quorum is present, the club is
called to order by the president, and a committee of not less than three
is appointed, who proceed at once, with such other members of the club
as may choose to accompany them, to make a careful and minute exami-
nation of the farm, cattle, hogs, sheep, outbuildings, fencing, gates, gar-
den, farming implements, style of cultivation, condition of the crops,
&c, and thereupon to make a report in writing to the club, wherein "they
nothing extenuate or set down ought in malice." The report is then
open to any comment that any member may choose to make.

The benefit to be derived from this course of proceeding is obvious.
The member knows before hand that his whole management will be
scanned and criticised, when there is evidence of want of skill, attention
and judgment, while if his farm, cattle buildings, &c, display the exer-
cise of these qualities, he will receive a due need of praise. Now what
can influence our conduct more than the desire to escape just criticism,
and to obtain commendation ? Then these two forces will be constantly
operating on the members to " keep there households in order," knowing
that soon a "chiel will be amang them and faith he'll print 'em." What
a spur this is in the sides of the member to give proper care and atten-
tion to the farm and everything go on at proper time, and thus consult
economy and profit, knowing by practical experience that " a stitch in
time saves nine," and abandoning the too usual custom of " putting off
till to-morrow, what should be done to-day."

But you will inquire, have these visitations of the club worked this
revolution of management and products in the case of any of your mem-
bers ? I answer, yes. I will confine myself to the specification of one
of the cases, without giving name.

More than eighteen months ago, for the first time, the club met at his
house, he is a farmer on a pretty good scale for our region, with some
1500 acres of land, and some fifteen or twenty horses, mules and colts,
&c, &c, and other things corresponding, a man of intelligence and
highest worth, but who, engaged in other matters, left the farm mainly
to others' management. When the committee read their report, I really
sympathized with what I knew must be his mortification under such an
excoriating report — stock quite numerous — of cattle, sheep, hogs all in
bad order, and showing want of proper care and attention ; crops of all
kinds, indifferently and badly cultivated, stable and grounds around in
very bad order, &c, &c. At the conclusion of the report he very quietly
remarked, he reckoned that it was a just and candid one ; and that now
that the disease was known, he would look out for remedies for a cure.

3

42-i THE SOUTHERN [August

Well, a little more than twelve months after, in regular routine, the club
again met at his house.

I was one of the committee to examine and report. We went over
the farm and examined stock, crops, &c, &c. Remembering our last
visit, we were no little surprised voila tout est change ; everything is
changed, the crops in fine order, wheat, oats, corn, all, and a good crop ;
sheep, cattle, horses and hogs, all, in fine conditioa ; pasturage good ;
barn, stable and barn yard, all showing admirable care for the accom-
modation and comfort of stock ; fencing, outbuildings, &c, &c, all
right ; garden ditto.

I carried the report into the parlor, after reading it to the club, and
read it to his family, when they exclaimed, how gratified we are, for
father was much annoyed by your last report, he has frequently referred
to it, and told us he would see what could be done by the time of your
next visitation, and we are as much pleased as we know he is, at his
having succeeded so well. It is as true in agriculture as in politics, that
vigilance and care are as much the price we have to pay for success in
the former as for liberty in the latter. And this reference to the impor-
tance of our consciousness, that our work has to undergo the examina-
tion and criticism of others, reminds me of the conduct of a very intelli-
gent and successful farmer of our county, Col. Lindsay, now dead — eon-
duct, which, at first blush, may seem injudicious, but my own experience
and observation has impressed me as eminently wise. At a very advanced
age, he was taken sick, and being satisfied that it would prove a linger-
ing " sickness unto death," he sent for his son-in-law, and requested him
to go and settle with his overseer and discharge him. He remonstrated
with him, saying, " why, father, you always had an overseer when you
were in health and was able to ride over your farm yourself and see
that its affairs were properly managed, and now when you cannot do so,
how can you dispense with your overseer ?" "Ah ! my son," said he, " I
have lived long enough to learn that an overseer is a very useful auxiliary,
when he has somebody to supervise him, but if he has not, he is worse
than none ; I would rather trust to the servants who do feel some interest
in me and my concerns, than to a hired employee, who no longer feels
any sense of responsibility and no interest save in his wages, and having
as good a time as possible." And it is equally true with us proprietors
of farms, our care and attention are much stimulated by the consciousness
that our entire management is periodically to be scanned, criticised and
remarked upon. This report, too, is required to be copied by the Secretary
of the club and sent to the County Association (of which I will say some-
thing presently) for the inspection of members of other clubs of the
county.

II. Our next order of business is, for the members seriatim to present
their views on the subject selected for discussion, which subject is always
chosen at the preceding monthly meeting, so that members may have
time to consider and reflect upon it, and give their views considerately
and advisedly — such questions as the following : " The proper time for
sowing clover seed, and should they be covered in any way, and if so
how ?" or any other of the thousand questions interesting to the practical
farmer. By this means, the information and the experience of all the
members are thrown into the common stock and made the special prop-
ertv of each individual member.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 425

III. Next, special experiments are assigned to different members, who
are to try them, and make report of the result in due time to the club,
for example : " to apply lime, mineral and oyster-shells separately to
land, grey and red, in different qualities, varying from ten to fifty bushels
to the acre, and report the results, on say, turnips, wheat, and the grasses
after it.

IV. — After disposing of these subjects, if there is time, it is competent
for any member to present any matter on which he may desire the views
of the Club, for his instruction and guidance, and it is considered ac-
cordingly.

Now, that the proceedings may be properly and profitably conducted,
it is important that you have the proper man for your presiding officer
one intelligent and firm, who will hold the members to the subject to be
considered, and see to it that each one acts well the part assigned. We
are fortunate in having had one for several years, well known through-
out the State, for his intimate scientific, as well as practical acquaintance
with all the branches of agriculture, Col. T. J. Randolph, who, though
at a very advanced age, yet has as much life, energy and buoyancy, and
feels as deep an interest in all that concerns the welfare and prosperity,
and honor of the old Commonwealth as any young man of twenty-two.

Now can any one doubt, that great good will result to any neighbor-
hood, where such a Club is formed — in the increased interest that will be
taken in farming, increased care and attention, and superior management,
and the necessary resultant — better crops — and to show how important
care, attention, skill and wise management are, and how they tell on
products and profits, I will give the result of two crops of tobacco made
in this county by two friends of mine. It so happened that each planted
21 acres in the same range of country, on the Eastern slope of our South-
western mountains. The one possessed of skill and judgment in the
management of the weed, and exercising care, diligence and attention,
and always doing the right thing at the right time. From his 21 acres
he raised 19,000 pounds and sold at an average of $17.25 per hun-
dred. The other, equally intelligent on general subjects, but with little
special knowledge of the cultivation of tobacco, entrusted its entire cul-
ture and management to others. He raised 9,400 pounds and sold at an
average of less than nine dollars.

And thus it is in all departments of business. Nothing good or valu-
able is attained without pains, care, labor and good management. "As
we sow so shall we reap."

And is there not everything to animate and encourage the Virginia
farmers. Abundance of lands, fertile and productive, or capable of
being made so, by proper care and management ; adapted to every vari-
ety of fruits and other products needed by man or beast ; pure aud
healthy air, and water for transportation ; and above all, with a people,
who, for intelligence and worth, and all virtues that ennoble our race,
have a reputation unsurpassed by any state in the Union.

" Let us. then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate,
Still achieving, still pursuing,"

And the best results cannot fail to crown our efforts.

Farmers of Virginia, realize your high and honorable position. You

THE SOUTHERN [August

are the owners, the lords of the soil, to you Virginia belongs ; all others
depend upon the cultivation of the soil for subsistence. Remember
there are some 80.000 proprietors of farms here in this good old State,
with some 250 or others engaged as our employees on them —

exceeding by some five to one the number engaged here in all other
pursuits. What can we not do if we set to work with a will '? We have too
long looked for foreign aid in the way of immigrants., with their capital,
to buy portions of our lands and to start our factories. They don't come
in sufficient numbers and amounts to make their presence felt. Let us
wait for them no longer, but look to our own labor and skill, and judg-
..:, and economy, and by our own strong arms, with the blessing of
Providence who always helps those who help themselves, we will
work out our own deliverance and again see our beloved State rise
- like from her late prostration with renewed life and vigor.
I iinitted to mention in proper order that we have also a county asso-
ciation, composed of the several local clubs, who meet every two months
at our county seat. This association is formed for the purpose of secur-
ing concert and co-operation, and a kind of union of all the farmers of
county — and then to bring about like concert and co-operation
throughout the State, we send delegates to the Farmers' Council, coni-
sed of delegates from all parts of the State, holding an annual meeting
in Petersburg.

We take no position of antagonism with the Patrons of Husbandry.
Sc far as we understand their objects, we can act in harmony together.
We are told they mainly direct their efforts to cheapening the arts of
transportation, and the prices of fertilizers, agricultural machinery,
2 a of middlemen, &c; in all of which we have a common interest.
ile we begin at the foundation, and strive to make every particular
:.:er produce "two blades of grass where now only one grows" — pur-
suing a plan of action which operates for good upon every individual
farmer and farm, so that there is no danger of collision by crossing each
others orbits, but one may be considered as supplementing the other.

B. H. Magruder.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
GOV. SMITH OX COMPLETE MANURES.

Having sent you a copy of my letter to Professor Mallet of the
9th March last, and also of his reply of the 16th of the same
. which appeared in the April number, it was my intention to
follow with another, having the same object in view ; but the press
my time, coupled with the fact that I am my own overseer
. inager, delayed me, and even now I am so hurried that I can-
not do it justice, were I fully competent to do so.

In my letter to Professor Mallet, my aims were to awaken the

agricultural public to the importance of acquiring a thorough knowl-

g of a few elementary principles, absolutely essential to success-

rming, and to show, by the highest authority, that this essential

?'lge was restricted to a very narrow field of enquiry, entirely

within the capacity of any intelligent farmer. In the brief space

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 427

of time at my command I shall follow up this purpose, not so much
to instruct others, for I am myself a student, as to excite enquiry.

I suppose I may say. that it is settled that the whole animal an 1
vegetable world consists of bur fourteen materials, to wit: carbon,
nitrogen or azote, hydrogen and oxygen, which are called " the
organic elements," because they are found in every living thing,
animal or vegetable : and phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, silieiuvn.
iron, manganese, calcium, magnesia, sodium and potassium, which
are called " the mineral elements," because thev belong to the solid
crust of the earth.

Xou\ from these materials comes the wheaten loaf, the staff of
life, and the poison which destroy* it. They are charmingly termed
by the celebrated Ville. the Alphabet of the Language of Nature.
Public instruction aims to teach all our people the alphabet of our
own language, it surely can be hardly less important it should teach
us this.

But the weight of authority establishes that ten of these fourteen
materials are found in sufficient abundance in all soils, so that we
have only to provide four of them, to wit : nitrogen, or as it is fre-
quently termed azote, potassa. phosphate of lime, and lime, which, if
applied in sufficient quantities, will surely, with thorough prepara-
tion of the land, and timely seeding, secure an abundant crop. Nitro-
gen is produced by any decaying substances, whether of an animal
or vegetable character. Potassa, the ash element — every fire we
inake. to cook a meal produces it — should be preserved for farm use,
and not for the housewife, as she can make her soap with soda, a
cheaper article. Phosphate of lime is ordinarily understood to be
made of animal bone, broken up fine or ground, and made soluble
by sulphuric acid, or by a proper application of unleached ashes, or
by composting it with fresh horse dung, or by atmospheric and other
agencies ; the latter, however, is a slow process. And lime, with
which we all feel acquainted, but which we must nevertheless use in
compost with intelligent caution — indeed, as a composting element,
it should give way to sulphate of lime, (plaster).

Having satisfied ourselves as to the fertilizers we should use. we
must next satisfy ourselves as to the quantity we should apply per
acre. We must not forget that the last 200 or 300 pounds of fer-
tilizer is the paying portion of the investment. Taxes, interest,
labor and seed are the same whether you make ten bushels or fc
per acre. Two or three hundred pounds of fertilizer may or may
not secure ten or twelve bushels of wheat per acre, {which does not
]■''>/.) and a good set of grass, but a feed of fertilizer fully up to the
wants of the growing crop, is certain of a paying return, and a
strong and satisfactory set of grass. How much then of the four
fertilizers to which I have referred, should be applied per acre.
This depends upon the thoroughness of the preparation of the field
to be sown, its present fertility, and the time of seeding.

I hold that no field is thoroughly prepared as a seed-bed, unless

428 THE SOUTHERN [August

broken up at least eight inches deep, harrowed, rolled, re-plowed,
re-harrowed, and when the crop is sown, rolled again. The advan-
tages are, that, with such a preparation you will have no winter kill-
ing in your crop, nor weeds, nor foreign grasses to embarrass its
vigorous growth. Again, the crop must have some weeks for fall
growth, that it may meet the winter in vigorous development, with
a strong, broad leaf, kc. The broader the leaf the more carbonic
acid it draws from the atmosphere in which it abounds, and the
greater the certainty of a fine crop at harvest time. These advan-
tages will justify the farmer in materially diminishing the quantity
of fertilizer, witli which he should otherwise dress his crop. Again,
he should know well the existing fertility of his field. Has he been
experimenting with a view to inform himself? Should he have as-
certained that his field has a plenty of nitrogen, but wants potash,
and has lime, yet wants phosphate of lime, he will only purchase the
articles in which it is deficient, and so save himself from the use of
those with which it is already sufficiently supplied. But should
the field be poor, that is, without the food necessary to the produc-
tion of a paying crop, it must be supplied or the attempt to raise a
crop should be abandoned. Ville. after many years of trial and ex-
periment, adopted tthe following formula, which he denominated '"a
complete manure," because its proper application to the field invari-
ably produced a remunerative crop. Its composition is as follows :

The complete manure for which No. 1

Acid Phosphate of Lime. 355 lbs. Cost in France, $5.40 In U. States, $6.11

Nitrate of Potash. 177" " " 10.47 " Vt 16.98

Sulphate of Ammonia, 228 " " 9.50 " " 11.10

Sulphate of Lime, 312" " " .59 " " 1.01

1066 £25.96

This dose to an acre of land, which, like the worn out land of this
part of Virginia produced a most satisfactory crop. See Miss How-
ard's translation of Yille, page 36 as follows :

The above Complete Fertilizers gave a crop of 56.44 bushels of wheat.

without lime. 53.33 "

» " •• potash. 40.44 " "

" '•' " phosphate. 84.66 " "

" '• azotic matter 18.88 " "

Without any fertilizer, 15. 88

While this experiment at Vincennes. France, shows that all the
ingredients of the fertilizer were necessary to a full crop, yet it
also shows that the land was more deficient in azote or nitrogen.

It will not escape attention that the cost of Ville's Complete Fer-
tilizer is materially more in this country than in France. But the
cost can be greatly reduced with us.

One of the most considerable items of expense with us. in the
composition of the '^complete fertilizer." is the potash, costing nine
cents a pound. But the 177 pounds of potash may be substituted by

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 429

328 pounds of sulphate of potash, containing 54 per cent, of actual
potash, which can be bought in New York at 2f cents a pound ;
thus reducing materially the aggregate cost. The sulphate of am-
monia may give place to Peruvian guano, or to nitrate of soda, or
to dried or ground bone and meat preparation, either of which will
supply the requisite azote or nitrogen, as well as the sulphate of am-
monia ; and I think for a less price. The phosphate for which I
have estimated at 835 a ton, is the South Carolina article known to
me to be prime, and said by the great English farmer and chemist,
Lawe-. to be the best in the world, and which, he says, ought to be
furnished to us at 820 a ton. So that we may expect soon, and. if not
otherwise, through the Grange, to get "Ville's Complete Fertilizer"
as cheaply at least as it is supplied to the farmers in France.

I have thus thrown together these hasty views and forward them
to you by way of reply to your card, with the privilege to dispose
of them at your discretion.

In great haste, yours truly,

Wm. Smith.

N. B. — I was honored by Miss Howard, of Georgia, with a copy
of her most admirable and intelligible translation of Ville's Celebrated
Lectures and Appendix. As far as I can judge, it is infinitely
superior to the Boston translation of the same work. I earnestly
commend it to the agricultural public. W. S.

Warrenton, Va., July 17, 1875.

[We understand that Gov. Smith has been experimenting with fertilizers.
We hope he will send us the results. — Ed.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.!
FERTILIZERS.

I have had it in my mind for some time to give you an article on
fertilizers. My mind was called to the subject by an article in your
February number, written by "Keaster," on the bad effects of fer-
tilizers.

From the first introduction of Peruvian guano into this country
there have been many advocates for the stimulant theory, as it is
called, which supposes that all those articles of manure that make
Peruvian guano a basis of preparation are mere stimulants, just as
brandy is to the human system. I am greatly astonished that any
one who has the least pretension to a knowledge of the teachings of
science should for one moment countenance such a wild and erro-
neous theory — one so well calculated to do injury to the farming
interests. Whilst I am an advocate for home production of every
thing that can be produced, especially of every atom of manure that
can be made or saved, I hold it as an axiom, that all you can do
with a farm, by its own production, is to keep it to its then condition
of fertility, and in order to this, every atom of material taken from

430 THE SOUTHERN [August

the soil must be returned in some form ; for it is a fact beyond dis-
pute, that every growing crop extracts from the soil an amount of
fertilizing material equal to its own weight. How. then, can you
make rich, by its own resources, any exhausted highland farm ? I
will admit, that if you have a large proportion of rich bottom lands,
kept so by overflowing, you may enrich your uplands by taking from
these and applying to them. But my point is. take the ordinary
farms in this Piedmont region, and you cannot enrich them without
foreign material.

Then take it for granted you must have help. What shall it be ?

I hold that Peruvian guano, as a basis, is the best, and those
articles that are nearest to it next best.

But these theorists say. it is a mere stimulant, it will ruin your
land. Mr. Editor. I would just as soon say good fat meat would
ruin the laborer ; one is about as much a stimulant as the other :
as one brings strength and nerve to the laborer, so does the other
bring strength and vigor to the soil.

To prove this is easy : 1st. What are the elements necessary to
compose a rich soil ? Silica and silicious sands, alumina, oxide iron,
oxide manganese, lime, magnesia, potash, soda, phosphoric acid, sul-
phuric acid, carbonic acid, chlorine and humus. These, in a greater
or less degree compose all fertile soils, and are in various combina-
tions with the primary elements, and in combinations one with an-
other, such as the silicate of lime, magnesia, ke. Now. unless these
elements are contained in the soil in some suitable quantity, you
need not expect a full yield, however well you may till the ground,
or however good the season.

What elements compose Peruvian guano ? Analyses made by
manv of the most distinguished chemists agree as to the ingredients

• o o c

contained in it. These are urate of ammonia, oxalate ammonia,
oxalate lime, phosphate ammonia, phosphate magnesia and ammo-
nia, phosphate lime, sulphate potash, sulphate soda, and sal ammo-
niac. Now compare this with stable or horse manure, and you
have almost the same, with the exception of the vegetable matter
mixed with it.

Here lies the difficulty, Mr. Editor. These would-be theorists
sow down guano on the land, then cultivate three or four crops with-
out rest, until all the vegetable matter in the soil is exhausted
(without this no soil can or will produce), and then say the guano
exhausted it. But, if the better plan of rest, with clover, were
pursued, there would be an entirely different conclusion.

My argument is in such a condensed form that the casual reader
will not see its real import.

I might add, that my experience with fertilizers fully confirms
the view I have taken, having made rich a small farm by following
this reasoning.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER, 431

I am now making some experiments with a sample of Piedmont
guano presented me by my friend Col. Wait, of Virginia, which I
will report to you. L. B. S.

Winston's. iV C.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
A LETTER FROM HALIFAX.

Your readers wish something original, and somethincr fresh ; and
I, like a certain gentleman 1 have heard of, am afraid there is
nothing original about me excepting original sin. '"Does Farming
Pay?" has long been discussed; "The Labor Question" long since
decided, and we have written appeal after appeal to our Legislature
to give us relief upon ,; The Dog Question," and to secure us upon
the " Fence Law " question. As to the dog question, the people
must take the law in their own hands, and raise sheep whether
or no ; and as to the fence-law question, it is simply impossible for
that ever to be changed in this county. The people, white and
colored, have no fences, and it would take at least a fourth of
what little wood land they have to fence in — besides, they haven't
the means or time to spare from their crops. The majority are sat-
isfied of the fairness and the benefit arising from the present law,
but under the pressure of the present hard times it will be impos-
sible to change it. It is absurd that Virginia, struggling under her
embarrassments and trying to pay cff her indebtedness, cannot have
the benefit of a tax that would accrue from taxing the numberless
horde of dogs that roam from place to place seeking what they may
devour — infesting every log-cabin, every field, every street/ every
store, house, sheepfold, or brick yard — doing damage wherever they
go, besides preventing a revenue to the State by keeping down the
sheep interest. But aint the Grangers going to arrange all these
matters for our farmers ? We look to the Grangers. We have
long begged for our rights — let us now in solid column demand them !
" In union there is strength !" This is the colored man's secret.
Let them agree on any measure, and they are one for that measure.
Let us take a lesson. Let us but unite, let us resolve to put our hands
to the plow, to have more confidence in each other, and to make our
old mother State the " State of States " she used to be.

Some writer complains of " The Loneliness of American Farm
Life." We work about thirty hands in the brick yards of the
Messrs. Cosby, Owen & Co., at South Boston and Wolf Trap depots,
and I assure you before Saturday comes I often wish I could know
something of the loneliness of farm life. We long to get out of the
rabble, the noisy, business crowd, and to feel something of the quiet
serenity, the almost perfect peace, that dwells under the roof of that
little farm house that is by the wayside. Even my horse, as he
turns in at the gate, seems to know that in there is quiet, and that
in there the jarring, and bustling, and jolting discord ceases.

432 THE SOUTHERN [August

Of course our farmers, if they have time, should visit each other
more, and should be more sociable ; but how can any one be lone-
some on a farm ? Why. there we can have the sweet flowers and
glorious fields of grain for our companions, if we have been in-
dustrious enough to deserve them ; and then we have the wild flow-
e woods, the fields, the brooks, &c, free to us. ramble where
we may. How can we complain ? Let us only make our homes
more attractive : let us only interest ourselves in them, and we shall
not have to complain of loneliness

What more e. _ r beneficial to health than to rise with the

lark, draw in the fresh, pure air of heaven, see the glorious sun
: - . ar fields clothed in fresh beauty, administer to the wants of
our animals and receive their almost human gratitude, take a walk
ur garden of promising vegetables, and then to be called
to a breakfast of fried chicken, ham, eggs, biscuit, and ice-cool but-
ter and milk, all of our own raising and industry ! Who could re-
• relish such a breakfast, especially if presided over by a little
girl with rosy cheeks and cherry-red lips ? And who, after partak-
y g of - :b, could refuse to go to his work in the growing fields with
hands and a thankful, joyful heart? He can work in the cool
of the day, and with his newspaper rest in the shade. And in
the fa i rest is needed and deserved, when old winter is

coming on. our crops. &c, all secured, and everything in its place,
and a place for everything, then we can take our families down to
our old mother State Fair, procure our winter supplies. &c. But a
farmer may enjoy numberless blessings which I cannot enumerate
here. May the time soon be when a farmer knows how to appre-
ciate his many blessings.

Pardon me for this long, disconnected, disjointed and tedious
harangue, written amid many interruptions, and I will try and do
better next time. H. W. Cosby.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PEA GATHERING.

I serve that some of your readers wish to know the cheapest
mode of gathering peas. I will give you my plan, but don't say it
is the best that can be devised, but it is one that pays. Your cor-
lent objects to the pea on the ground that it does not mature
-1 simultaneously, which is well founded, provided they could
ed by hand, but such is not the case. Gathering peas
id for feeding purposes was necessarily abandoned when the
of slavery was abolished. We can afford to gather in
small quantities by hand for planting, but not for feeding purposes.
iper way of gathering for seed is to pull or cut vines and all,
and thrash or tramp out, which will leave a pretty fair article for
forage. Gathering by hand would make the pea one of the most ex-
pensive cr : grow-

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 433

If your correspondent will plant corn and peas as suggested in a
previous article, and feed off peas "with hogs, beef cattle, (in fact all
kinds of stock may run in pea fields and get fat or in good condition
for the winter.) he will find that his farm will not require more than
two-thirds the amount of corn that is usually consumed. All prac-
ticle farmers know that poor animals when fed on corn at the market
price in the South will eat their heads off (or so nearly so that there
will be little left to balance expense of raising) by the time it is pre-
pared for the tub ; and this is the great bug bear that scares many
farmers off the road that leads to prosperity and independence. If
our people could be induced to plant and sow peas in the right way
and at the proper time, a sufficient amount of pork, beef and butter
could be produced to supply our wants at a nominal cost. My pork
cost me o cents per pound in 1873, and not exceeding 3f cents in
1874. (these figures may appear very small to some but they are in
excess, if anything, of the real amount,) which could only have been
done in this country by pursuing the plan named above.

Now, farmers, which is it better for us to. produce, our pork at a
trifling cost or give liens on our crops, and pay from 15 to 25 cents
per pound for bacon and all other supplies in the same proportions.

I, for one, have resolved to try to live at home as much as pos-
sible, lei: others do as they may ; still it would be very gratifying
to me to see my brother farmers enjoying the peace, prosperity and
independence consequent upon a full corn-crib, smoke-house, flour-
house, barn, &c, &c. J.

Unionville, S. C.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

" COTTON IS KING."

Cotton was proclaimed king about the year 1854, I think, though
reallv it reigned virtually farther back. That cotton is king, and an
exceedingly fickle and capricious monarch, I am ready to concede, and
of his potency, his tyranny, no one need doubt. He fattens and
pampers thousands of his subjects, whilst he oppresses and tyranizes
over many other more deserving and fully as loyal. This potentate
enriches those mainly who idolize him most, be they noble or igno-
ble, honest or thieves. We see the railroad magnates in solemn
conclave over their sovereign's business, and we see the dirty dray-
man all eager to serve his master — both fatten. The warehouse
men, they begin to smile about the first of September when their
master expects to pay them his annual visit, and they too begin to
think of oysters and canvass-backs. The fire insurance man sits in
his dusty office and smiles at the coming harvest, and contemplates
immediate deliverance from cobwebs ana dust, and that long torpid
state in which, by necessity, he has lain. The importer of bagging
and ties, (a grand monopoly), he too prepares to sing peans to this
monarch of the civilized world. The mercantile marine is now ready

434 THE SOUTHERN [August

to crowd their white wings into every one of his majestic ports, and
the fat old ship-owner, as hesits in his old oaken chair in Liverpool or
Boston, shakes his ponderous sides as he contemplates the good time
ahead. The factor, bless the factor, I would not forget him — he now
begins to put on new life, and begins to organize his forces, his dray-
men, his storage-men, his weigh-men, his marking-men, his samplers,
his menders, his salesmen, his book keepers, errand boys and porters.
He rubs his hands in very glee at the harvest of drayage, storage,
hand-hire, weighing, insurance, city tax, pickage, commissions, &c.,
&c.,and lays out plans for a fine, new residence to be built and furn-
ished, and the turn out for the young ladies — it all comes looming
up before him in beautiful expectation, and he raises hosannahs to
the king and shouts, great is cotton the king. The spinners, dear
souls, they are in great perplexity. They wish to shout to the great
chorus, but these "strikes," and then there is general stagnation,
but some how, they always manage to make good dividends.

All these, and thousands not thought of, live, thrive, fatten upon
this great staple (to drop the allegory) cotton, and only he who pro-
duces it, he that toils night and day the year round to bring forth
this vast treasure, reaps nothing but loss.
The question is, why is this?
It can be answered in a few words.
Too much cotton and too little corn.
To much land and too little manure.
Too shallow breaking, and too deep culture.

The first step to prosperity is to get out of debt, and that cannot
be done unless we stop this everlasting peace destroying process of
credit. When we make plenty of corn and meat at home, (and we
can do it easily) then we get clear of debt, and when we get
out of debt, this grand army of "middle-men" will have to look for
other pastures.

Virginia will soon be ranked a cotton State, but let me here warn
that people never to permit cotton to get such a hold on them as
upon us. to cause them to locate their cribs and smokehouses in the
West instead of on their own premises. Let cotton (yes, and to-
bacco, too,) be the dessert — it is not the staff of life — corn, wheat,
oats, peas, potatoes, and all things for man and beast, are the ham
and cabbage (that good old Virginia dish), and roast-beef and tur-
key. Cotton is ice-cream, syllabub and floating island. Yet uhat
would the millions do without it ? It suppresses mobs in old Eng-
land and New England. It gives bread to thousands who could get
it by nothing else. It creates a circulating medium for the civilized
world. . It brings into play more commercial talent than any other
article of production known to man. It has a mighty influence in
the destiny of nations — in fact, King Cotton is the most powerful
monarch that has ever reigned in this earth, and we Southern plant-
ers have it in our power to bring him at our feet and monarch him
and all his votaries by a judicious and patient course, and that in
two years from date.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 435

I find from sad experience that a large area of cotton and many
laborers will not pay. I am now paying off a large debt accumu-
lated for several consecutive years by cultivating a thousand acres
annually, with less than one fourth of that quantity of land. One
may naturally ask, if one plow makes five hundred dollars clear
money a year, why will not twenty plows make ten thousand ? In
the first place, no one man can give that attention to fifty hands that
is absolutely necessary to make it a success; and to have overseers
is only to add to your losses and aggravations. I have tried it effect-
ually. And then the crop is too precarious to risk such large ex-
penditure. The labor, too, is too vacillating to hazard so great an
outlay.

A neighbor of mine has at this time six hundred acres in cotton,
and it is fine, and he expects two hundred and seventy-five bales ; he
is an energetic, intelligent gentleman, has a good manager, and yet
he tells me, even at last year's prices, and realizing the crop as
stated above, he will lose money.

Among the thoughtful and intelligent planters, this seems to be
the course hereafter : Rent all they can to such tenants as can sup-
port themselves — making it binding on them to manure, keep up
fences and rotate — and to hire a few of the best laborers for a small
farm, and make that rich. Then, by making every year enough
corn to last eighteen months, hogs, cattle, and sheep can be produced,
thereby rendering ourselves independent of the West.

As to the cultivation of cotton, every man has his own theory.
My experience tells me to break up my land deep, prepare it well,
manure heavily, either in the drill or broadcast, keep it clear of
grass, and the result will be satisfactory. Land that will produce
ten bushels of corn to the acre will bear cotton rows as close as
three feet three inches — poorer the land the closer the bed, especially
with the improved seed. " Cotton loves company," and the seed I
use, of my own improving, requires not over three feet apart in
ordinary land ; and in such land I have not failed to make a bale to
a bale and a half to the acre for the last five years. My land is
stiff, consequently I bar it, chop it out, put the dirt back in a day
or two to protect the young plant, and after that I use the sweeps;
but if you let the grass get the start of you the sweep must be dis-
pensed with and the " buzzard " taken up. I keep the sweep going
until I begin to pick. I think it best — others differ. Cotton should
always follow corn or other grain. In October and November a
good picker, man or woman, ought to pick on an average two hun-
dred pounds. I have two old women who have picked as high as
five hundred pounds each per day. One of them can do it now.
Crops can be and ought to be gathered and ginned up by the middle
of December. Cotton picked after that is hardly worth the picking.
Good gins add to the value of the staple, and a good intelligent gin-
ner is indispensable. Tallow packed in the gudgeons prevents heat-
ing— oil should never be used except a little when the gin is first

436 THE SOUTHER!* [August

started. Matches should never be allowed in the field when picking.
A good, strong, glass lantern about the gin-house, in careful hands,
is also indispensable. "Whang" leather for strings, and a punch
must always be at hand — also a hatchet. Nails or bits of iron should
never be allowed about the cotton or gin-house. A nail or stone
passing through the saws will set the lint-room on fire. These little
directions may be of service to some new beginners. Old cotton
planters are set in their ways, and allow no innovations on former
usages — to such I do not address myself.

You have my views (at your request) Mr. Editor, hastily thrown
together, and if they are worth anything, you and the public are
welcome to them. I will say in conclusion, that cotton, though the
most fascinating of all products, because of its portability, and its
adaptability to mankind, yet it is a dangerous article financially and
otherwise, unless sensibly and judiciously handled.

Allington. Burke county, Ga. S. WyaPT.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
WASTE.

In mechanical parlance -waste is the tangled and useless residue
of thread from the spindles in cotton mills, used to clean and wipe
the black and gummv oil from machinerv. until recentlv this ma-
terial, used by the handful, when it became saturated with oil and
filth, was thrown away. One of our leading railroad managers con-
ceived the idea of saving it bv washing, and thus from handfuls of
waste, accomplished a saving of over eight thousand dollars per year
for the company.

No occupation is more prodigal of opportunities for wastefulness
than that of farming, and no one needs more to watch and save than
the farmer, in every possible and conceivable way, and especially in
the important item of manure supply from which to draw nourish-
ment for his crops.

It has been stated by Boussingault, and endorsed by Liebig. that
the liquid and solid excrement of one man, will yield in a year over
sixteen and a quarter pounds of nitrogen, or an amount equal to
that contained in 800 pounds of wheat, more than would be necessarily
added to that obtainable from the atmosphere to thoroughly fertilize
an acre of ground.

It has been established after repeated experiments, by equally em-
inent authority as cited above, that humus does not, as a fertilizer,
furnish plant life with carbon by being absorbed at once, or to any
appreciable extent by vegetation, but by presenting a slow and last-
ing source of carbonic acid, which is absorbed by the roots, princi-
pally at a time when the young plant destitute of leaves, gets the
least sustenance from the atmosphere; if this can be accomplished or
followed by the volatilization of ammonia, we have the main sources of
the life of most plants. Notwithstanding, as is practiced by almost

1875. PLANTER AXD FARMER. 437

all farmers. we increase the humus in our lands by the application
of straw, pine-tags, wood trash, and other vegetable and carbonaceous
matters, all-be-it that they are in a measure combined with some an-
imal excrement. Our lands with all the literary efforts of good theo-
retical and practical farmers in their behalf in writing up manures,
are in the main, fast: all, to a greater or less extent losing those of
their constituents that go to the production of the seeds, roots, and
leaves of the plants raised upon them, gathered from them, and taken
away to sustain our communities of non-producers, who consume and
never return any compensating nourishment for a repetition of the
production of the soil. In short, with our present system of city
sewage, the city is constantly sustained at the expense of the coun-
try.

This has all been talked over, written about, and lectured upon
many times, and too much, before, bv farmers and others.

It is suggested here, that perhaps farmers could do more by ex-
ample to lecture city consumers into saving for them, if they would
first investigate the probability of a beam in their own optic, before
they scan too closely the keen business eye of their city neighbor.

Probably, not upon one farm in a hundred is there any notice
taken of the source of manure supply, in a family of four persons,
perhaps upon one farm in fifty, once in a long time. The edifice set
over a cees-pool near the house, and in close contiguity to the well,
is tipped over upon its side, upon a day selected when the wind is
blowing from the house, all hands with noses stuffed with cotton are
engaged in a Ions; dreaded and a most disgusting -job of cleaning out

© © O © © *) ©

a mass of putridity, to be hauled off, and dumped in some gully or
put on some abandoned field, or used " because manure was scarce
that spring and it wanted cleaning out any how." Or worse, the
edifice is removed, the cess-pool filled up, another one dug near by,
and the building reared over it: the putrid mass just covered to be
left to continue to sweep through the soil, and in some cases to con-
taminate even unto the dissemination of disease and death the very
spring from which the family daily drink.

So long as farmers indulge in this custom at home, it will be in

© © '

vain that any reform shall be attempted in the sewage system of our
cities.

If the farmers will reform their own system of sewage, and let the
metropolitan money hunters see that there is a cash value to their
waste, be it ever so little, and there will not be a want long for some
keen eyed financier to sound the tocsin of "There's millions in it! "
and "presto!" we shall have plenty of helpers, over head and ears
in cheap manure, that will feed our hungry lands, and take the place
of the exorbitant priced imported and manufactured compounds of
(in many cases) questionable value or efficacy.

The excrement of one individual adult, solid and liquid, will aver-
age from actual experiments, over a pound and a quarter per day,
for a family of four persons, over five pounds, a ton a year ; this in

438 THE SOUTHERN [August

the state that it is voided is largely composed of water, but water
holding in solution, so to speak, the very essence of plant life : could
all of this be saved, there would be but an inappreciable amount of
waste, but what would be appropriated by the soil and vegetation to
the benefit of the farmer.

The smell is offensive ! and to the taste of the delicate and fastid-
ious, the idea of using it is repugnant, granted in its present form ;
yes. What shall we do with it? bury it? exactly, the idea is sug-
gestive, bury it under the dry earth mould, that is in humus ; this
has been done for ages, and is the customary way of disposing of all
decaying and putrid substances.

Therefore, if to dispose of this ton of excrement by burying it, we
reduce the burying process to a daily system, we have the very re-
form for the farmer that it is the object of this paper to advocate ;
to be definite, the earth closet on the farm is the desideratum, and
should be the rule, and not the exception. Fence corners, behind
bushes, out of the way waste places inaccessable for cultivation,
should be abolished as places of deposits for valuable compounds.

Upon every farm a proper and convenient place should be pro-
vided, and every member of every family, young, old, master and
hireling, should be influenced, or compelled to use it regularly as a
measure of health, always as a means of saving, and to respect it as
a comfort and convenience, not only to the individual, but to the
community around them.

It has been suggested that an idea that earth closets are a patent-
ed and expensive luxury, prevents their general use, quite the con-
trary. A system of daily burial of the excrement of a farmer's
family can be inaugurated with no outlay of money, and but little
expense of labor or time.

The usual cheap outhouse is necessary, with but little difference in
manner of construction, viz: the building should be raised about sixteen
or twenty inches, with two steps from the ground, to mount into it,
the seat should be just high enough to admit of placing an ordinary
barrel under it, it should be made wider than ordinary, to allow the
barrel to be pushed well forward so that the opening may be over
the centre of the mouth of it, in order that it may catch all the liquid
excrement, and not allow any drip on the outside to create unpleas-
ant smell. A box or tub, with a scoop or hand shovel should be
provided, and placed at hand, (on the seat at the side, or on the floor
behind the door are convenient places,) this should be kept supplied
with rotten wood, dry mould or humus.

All persons using the privy should be instructed to throw a scoop
full or two of the contents of the box in the barrel, both before and
after occupying the seat; before, because the previous occupant may
have been neglectful, and too, to prepare a dry surface to receive the
fceces, and after to cover them and absorb all moisture, and prevent
any unpleasant effluvia from rising, &c, &c.

When the barrels are filled, they can be removed from the back of

1875.] . PLANTER AND FARMER. 439

the house where a door or opening should have been left for the pur-
pose, and their contents emptied in a bin or in a pile under shelter,
if there is any unpleasant smell or moisture perceptible upon empty-
ing the barrels, dry earth should be thrown on to cover and absorb
it. as there should be afterward, if moisture appears upon the surface
of the pile.

It will not be long before the system will work smoothly, especially
if one person takes interest sufficient to devote half an hour per week
to see that a supply of deodorizing material is kept on hand, and
there will be no difficulty in keeping up the practice. The results
at the expiration of the year, will be for every four persons, at least
two tons of as good, if not superior manure, to the many high fla-
vored, loudly lauded compounds that are sold from $30 to $7 0 per
ton.

It may seem difficult to keep up a supply of dry deodorizing ma-
terial during winter and prolonged wet weather.

It would not take a half day upon most farms during the dry
days of summer, to collect and haul from the log-beds in the woods,
fifteen or twenty barrels of fine, dry, rotten oak wood, nor would it
take long to burn a coal-pit ; besides the charcoal would more than
pay the expense. The calcined clay from the top of the kiln, and
the coal dust from the bottom, or the rotten oak from the wood,
stored, and kept dry, are all excellent for the purpose, as disinfec-
tants and absorbents, but special labor and expense seemed to be in-
volved in obtaining a supply of either, to avoid which is most desira-
ble in advocating a trial of any new system.

If in obtaining the usual supply wood for the families a constant
practice is cultivated of picking up the decaying branches, cutting
up and saving old logs and laps, and hauling the wood up, with as
much of the adherent decaying matter as is possible, the trash pile
from the wood if it is sheltered and kept dry (which will be a benefit
to it) will furnish an abundant supply of the deodorizer needed.

A simple slatted screen (as for sifting sand) provided, and five
minutes a day used in screening the fine humus from the coarse chips
and trash, the supply will be constantly augmented, and the expense
and trouble not noticed, except to be repaid by the improved condi-
tion and appearance of the wood land, that will be gratifying at
least to the cattle, that will find good accessible browsing in place
of jungles of brush, and tangles of logs and laps.

In the use of the earth closet the application of the deodorizer
should be liberal, and in quantity, so that neither to the sense of
touch or smell, can any trace of the fceces be perceived. If in try-
ing the experiment you have produced such an inoffensive mass of
material, that you doubt its efficacy as a manure, add but a moiety
of good unleached ashes, or lime to it, and you will find that your
nose knows better, apply it to your growing plants they will know
what to do with it.

Sulphate of lime (plaster) may be used with the greatest advan-
4

440 THE SOUTHERN [August

tage, where money is at hand to buy deodorizers for the earth
closet, as is shown by the practice of scattering it in our stables to
prevent the waste of ammonia. The ammonia enters into combina-
tion ''with the sulphuric acid, and the carbonic acid with the lime,
forming compounds that are not volatile, and hence destitute of all
smell, the ammonia being retained in a condition serviceable as
manure.''

To encourage the trial of this system, that its savings may be
added to those from the cow-yard and horse-stable, let the fact be
considered, that the nitrogen contained in 100 parts of human urine,
is equal to 1300 parts of the fresh dung of the horse, or 600 parts
of those of the cow.

S. D. Howard.

Shady Spring Farm.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

CURING BRIGHT TOBACCO.

Upon second consideration I have concluded to remodel my com-
munication, published in the Planter and Farmer on curing tobacco,
in some minor matters, together with some additional remarks.

To cure yellow tobacco you must use charcoal for the leaf; the
stalk and stem may be cured with seasoned wood. The barns should
be made as close as possible ; and many farmers have cabin roofs to
their barns, covered with boards which permits the heat to escape
much better than shingle roofs. When you cut your tobacco put 6
or 8 plants on a stick, (according to size.) and place the sticks 8 or
10 inches apart on the tier-poles. If your tobacco ripens yellow,
commence the heat by a thermometer at 90 degrees, and keep it up
till the tobacco is yellow enough to commence drying the leaf, then
raise to 100 degrees, and keep it up for three hours ; then raise to
110 degrees, and hold on to this heat till you see that the tobacco
is well sapped, and the tails begin to turn and get a little dry at -the
ends, {for you cannot cure yellow tobacco until you get the sap out of
the leaf) then raise to 1'20 degrees and keep it up for three hours :
then to 130 degrees for the same length of time ; and then up to
140 degrees, which must be continued till the leaf is cured. You may
then take out your thermometer and make your fire hot enough to
cure the stalk and stem thoroughly. A wet season will cause a re-
dundancy of sap in the leaf, which will exercise the curer's patience and
judgment in yellowing and drying the leaf. Early curing is the
most successful whilst the weather is warm. I succeeded admirably
on one occasion by letting the tobacco hang in the barn till as yellow
as necessary, and then started the heat at 120 degrees with open
door. If your tobacco ripens green, commence at 80 degrees and
keep it at that point for half day ; then at 90, and proceed as above.
Be careful not to let the tobacco become too yelloiv ; the leaves highest
up toward the butt of the stalk must be our guide, as these become

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 441

too yellow first : and when the leaves that grow about the middle of
the stalk become yellowish, (not yellow,) then raise to 110 degrees.

For a barn, 18 or 20 feet square, have three rows of fires, and
three fires in a row. As soon as the tobacco comes in order, crowd
it together as close as you can, and let it remain till the weather be-
comes cool, by which time the color will be fixed ; for if you let it
get in high order soon after being cured the leaf will turn red. If
a damp spell occurs, build small fires to keep the leaf dry.

It is the custom of some farmers to keep the door shut whilst yellow-
ing and drying the leaf, whilst others let their doors remain open,
which seems to be the most rational plan, as the tobacco will not be
subject to so severe a sweat, and the leaf will dry more speedily in
consequence of the admission of air — for I presume that every farmer
has observed that the tobacco which hangs about the door is the first
to dry up, and of a good color If your tobacco gets into a sweat
with closed doors, open the door and let the fires go down ; and after
the sweat subsides, then go ahead.

Suspend the thermometer in the centre of the barn, with the top
of the thermometer on a level with the points of the leaves below. A
convenient mode of suspending it is to get a hickory switch about
three feet long and make a loop at the little end through which to
fun a tobacco stick, and hang it on the tier-poles between the sticks
of tobacco, leaving a piece of limb on the lower end like a«hook on
which to hang the thermometer ; and thus you can conveniently
reach it to examine the degree of heat. For negroes, a white thread
should be tied over the figures indicating the heat, and moved up-
wards as you increase the heat.

In by-gone days, I primed my tobacco, but were I farming now I
would not prime a plant, for it is reasonable to suppose that by not
priming, you make more and finer tobacco, and the suckers are few
and stunted, except at the three top leaves ; and furthermore, it is
natural to conclude that unprimed tobacco is less liable to fire than
the primed, the sap being distributed among a greater number of
leaves.

In fine, the seasons and state of tobacco has an important influ-
ence on successful farming, and experience must be our guide.

Wm. R. Hatchett.
Charlotte Co., Va.

N. B. — I cannot but conclude that the discussion (in the South-
ern Planter and Farmer,) in which I bore a part with others, rela-
tive to the proper mode of ditching out bottom lands, will be of last-
ing benefit to the farmers who will adopt the plan of cutting their
ditches through the lower portions of land, which accords with na-
ture's system of hydraulics, and is the only way to reclaim our lands
that are now worthless for cultivation H.

[Mr. H. has for more than half a century been a successful raiser and curer of
bright tobacco. We know him to be authority on this subject. — Ed.]

442 THE SOUTHERN [August

LFor the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A LETTER FROM GEN. SMITH.

[We are indebted to the courtesy of Dr. D. S. Watson for the following private
letter from Gen. Smith. We are sure it will be read with interest by our readers.
It is characteristic of every thing he writes — practical and sensible. — En.]

JI>/ Dear Doctor, — Your favor received. * * * * My farm
consists of 225 acres, immediately adjoining our county seat, and
is assessed at $100 per acre for taxation. It is indebted for this
high assessment to its location and improvements, in great put.
I made this year, however, about 700 bushels of wheat, about
25 bushels per acre, (one half of which I lost by lightning!, about
1,600 bushels of oats, or 40 bushels per acre : about 350 barrels of
corn, or 10 barrels per acre ; about SO tons of hay ; 500 bushels of
rata bagas. &e., &c. The offal of these various crops is cartfallj
secured and fed to about 25 head of cattle, 12 to 15 head of horses,
as is used to bed them according to its character, wheat-straw be
used for the latter purpose. My corn-fodder is generally cut up by
machinery and fed in that way. I rarely fail to buy wheat-straw,
when I can pick it up cheap, although it is hardly worth hauling —
writers informing us that straw is only worth $3 a ton for purposes
of manure. Hay is not usually consumed on the farm, but sold
when it .will command 75 cents per.hundred : when' it will not bring
that price at home, I propose to hold it, as it will keep, or convert
it into beef, perhaps the proper disposition for it at all times. I will
now proceed to answer your enquiries.

The hay crop to be properly saved must be rapidly handled. On
my litte farm I cannot get along with less than two mowers. I
start them about 8 A. M., when the night dews are under process
of rapid evaporation. I follow immediately with the tedder, which
easily scatters the grass cut by my two mowers. It is a light and
wonderfully efficient machine, easily operated by any old woman
and a mule, and can do more and better work than twenty men with
pitch-forks. It is a revolving cylinder, with projecting claws, which
picks up and drops the grass so as to let it fall by its own gravity,
after the momentum occasioned by the revolution of the machine is ex-
hausted— thus reaching the ground "in most admired disorder."" and
curing perfectly. Mine cost in Alexandria. $97.50, and would pay
for itseff twice over in a single crop like yours. These machines
work as rapidh as possible, until the hands quit for dinner at noon.
When work is resumed at one to half after one o'clock, the balance
of the dav is devoted to securing as hav, the grass that has been
cut in the forenoon. To this end the tedder gives place to the steel
spring rake, and with the mule and hand that worked the tedder in
the morning, gathers the scattered hay into windrow. Of course,
you will commence this work where the mowers began : in the mean-
time the men who mowed in the morning are busily engaged in pre-
paring for the hay to be stacked or housed in the afternoon. At 3

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 443

P. M., the rake having got sufficiently ahead, the mowers who have
prepared for the reception of the hay, take their teams, refreshed by
three hours rest, and hitch each to a wagon, with, proper hay frames,
to which another must be added, as three are requisite to do the
afternoon's work, and perhaps a fourth, if you have far to. haul your
hay. The wagons ready, will have to move where the mowers began,
where they should find four active men with pitch-forks ready to
load them with dispatch. As the horses, in loading and unloading,
have much leisure, they must be put to a trot when their wagons are
empty. As the loaders, from various causes, will have no wagons to
load at times, they should be required to cock hay during such in-
tervals, leaving such cocks to be hauted last, as they are in a condi-
tion to stand a shower without material damage. Hay not housed
by 5 P. M.,.when the dew begins to fall, should be thrown loosely
into the hay house, and so to remain until the next day, when the
mowers, between 1 and 3 P. M., would stow or pack it away, giving
it, being the last cut hay, 24 hours of ventilation without exposure.
I have another important facility in unloading and housing or stack-
ing hay, in the bay-fork, its pulleys and tackle. With it two men,
a boy and a horse, you can unload and pack away a load of hay in
five minutes. Cost about §25. Of course you have it. In this way the
succulence and color of the grass is to a great extent preserved.
Clover-hay, now almost valueless in consequence of the manner in
which it is usually cured, its foliaare crumblin£ in the handling, as-
sumes its rightful position in the list of animal forage, its leaves being
no longer crisp, but tough and flexible as the timothy leaf; and
having, by chemical analysis, as writers inform us, 19 per cent, of
fattening and growing matter, is greatly superior to timothy, which
has but 10 per cent. I do not use salt or lime in curing my hay.
I formerly did so, (that is salt), but not seeing its advantage have
ceased to use it. I will add that hay that is to be stacked, but is not
before 6 o'clock P. M., had better be left over in good-sized, well put-
up cocks, to commence the stacking with the next morning.

I purchased my tedder of Herbert Bryant of Alexandria. It was
made by Ames k Co., Boston. Any agricultural store in Richmond
can supply or procure you one. There is another but I know noth-
ing about it.

Undoubtedly, hay should be housed. Such houses as would an-
swer the purpose would pay for themselves in a single crop. But
all houses should be built so as to answer more than one purpose.
My plan is to have a house in each of my fields, about 35 acres each,
to hold about 70 tons of hay — the hay of the field. I have already
built one house in or about the centre of the field, 60 feet long, 20
feet wide, and 20 feet high, with choice white oak posts, with plates,
stays and rafters, the whole enclosed and covered with inch plank
sawed to the proper length. When filled with hay, and you should
conclude to sell it, in a single day you can work out hay enough, to
work afterwards with press and hand under cover, devoting after-

444 THE SOUTHERN [August

•wards your rainy days to bailing, kc: or when empty using it for
the shelter of stock : or if filled with hay. the price of which would
not justify its shipment, then by feeding it out. from the inside, to
steers purchased for the purpose, haltered in stalls, constructed all
around the building, converting it. with the aid of meal, into Xo. 1 beef,
leaving an immense residuum of invaluable manure to replace what
the beef will have carried off, &c. Such a house has cost me here
about 81-0 in money besides my own labor. It is usual to have
small hay houses in the hay fields north of the Potomac, but for the
considerations I have stated, I greatly prefer those of the size,
somewhat modified, as I have sucrsested.

To sum up, you will want two mowers and a tedder driver from
morning until noon. With this force in perfect order, you ought to
cut down and scatter 12 tons, but horse and man must move lively.
In the afternoon the real struggle begins. At one o'clock the hay
rake must be started and run until night. At three o'clock three
■wagons must be started, requiring four loaders, and at the same
time must be started the hay-fork, requiring two of the most effi-
cient men to be had, a smart boy and a strong horse, to unload the
wagon and pack away the hay — 11 hands in ail.

Wm. Smith.

X. B. — Mrs. S. not only recollects you as so long and kindly
practicing on me during my sickness at Gen. Anderson's, but sends
her cordial regard. If you will visit us we will visit Mr. Benton,
■who got the premium at the State Fair for the best forty-acre field
of corn — between 17 and IS barrels per' acre. I want to see and
understand the whole process, and supply myself with his seed.

Fauquier Co.. Ya. • W. S.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A REMEDY FOR MANY OF THE FARMERS' ILLS.

In consequence of the poverty and anxiety of our people to
rally from their misfortunes, they are disposed to be unsteady
in their purposes, in engaging in unsuitable enterprises and avoiding
agricultural and mechanical pursuits : and you will render good ser-
vice to your readers by impressing upon them the necessity of perse-
verance in any regular pursuit — and especially urging the farmers to
stick close to their business and raising a variety of crops that do
not materially interfere with each other.

This variety of crops will give steady employment to the laborers,
who should be encouraged to be constant and contented with their
homes: and their families to be made comfortable and required to give
a helping hand at all times. It is to the mutual interest of owner
and employee to do so, to keep up proper discipline, and to see that
no idlers or loiterers are allowed to pass about the farm during work
hours

Whilst we should aim to diversify crops, we should be careful not

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 445

to undertake unsuitable crops, or stock breeding, never engaging in
anything simply because others are doing so, who may be very dif-
ferently situated. Some should raise tobacco, whilst his next neigh-
bor probably should not. Wheat is a crop for rotation after oats,
and oats after corn, and thus made more necessary than desirable
as a paying crop, with Western markets opened upon us. Clover is
an improver, and will mix with orchard grass, or may be sown
alone alone ; and the land, soon to be broken up, improved, culti
vated a year or two in other crops, and back to clover again. Tim-
othy, as a meadow grass on suitable lands, is valuable for hay, but
is an exhauster of land and is too late ripening to mix with clover
for hay to an advantage. Roots of the turnip species are of great
value in winter for stock when green food is not to be had.

Cattle, slieep and swine of careful selections, from breeds adapted
to the locality, and well cared for according to the season, will be
valuable to those so situated as to rear them advantageously, afford-
ing an income to the farmer without detriment to the land ; and
often their gleaning of the fields is of decided advantage, especially
with sheep; still farmers had better destroy their flocks than to graze
into the ground young grasses When hay is the crop, what stock
they may advantageously use six months of the year, they may have
no place for in pasture months, and should sell off in spring in
same form. There is a rapidly increasing interest springing up in
sheep, and as far as farmers are situated to raise them, let them do so,
and let there be fifty where there is one, and let our people encour-
age the use of mutton in lieu of Western bacon. Each farmer has
a share of waste, gleanings, garbage, etc., to support his shoats ;
then the grass and harvest field till corn is in the roasting-ear stage,
when it is cheap food to feed it whilst the stalks and fodder are
green enough to be eaten, the latest corn to be used last ; then an
abundance till the year old hogs and upwards are fat towards De-
cember ; and with judicious curing the bacon will justify an average
of ten cents or more for pork, and it will be sweet home-made meat,
instead of probably swill-fed hogs of Western distilleries, slaughter-
pens, and other filthy deposits of food for swine.

The breeding of horses is of great importance and much is to be
considered — to what extent and the kind that should be bred. In-
stead of sending our money to the West for pampered horses
and mules, let each person attempt to raise their own animals select-
ing females with a view to use and breeding. The colts are raised
with but little perceptible cost, and from two and a half years old,
by careful use, they may pay for their food ; and then in a year
or more they are probably wanted at from $100 to $150.

All this requires thought and attention, and the eggs being well
divided in a number of baskets, their results come in like mixed
crops at a timely hour peculiar to them, and thus through the year,
there is a fresh and varied occupation for each one on the farm.

Stock can be increased rapidly, and if good kinds, the whole sur-

446 THE SOUTHERN [August

roundings improved; and there is no section above tidewater in
which this line of policy cannot be well followed, even in the tide-
water districts.

Whilst a farmer may wish to change off certain animals, he may
wish to have others in their stead to suit the season and crops, which
may be easily effected by public sale-days or private treaty: and it
is but a matter of time that we of Virginia must be a mixed husban-
dry people, grazing more and stirring the soil less frequent, and
then to a purpose and with a will, and to return to it to grass, and
in an improved condition.

Now, Mr. Editor, let your articles encourage this line of policy,
and let not your readers catch at each bubble or reality that pre-
sent themselves, but select that which seems adapted for "the situa-
tion" in which each one finds himself, and let us be employed, that we
may the better avoid opportunities to make idle outlays and waste
time in trying to find a mode to avoid paying our just debts, and
thus educate our minds to find an excuse and a way. we. and those
who are to follow us, can dodge the adjusted debt of our State, and
thus live more by their wits than by honest labors in whatever branch
our lots in life may be cast. S. W. F.

[Onr worthy correspondent who will be readily recognized by his initials, has
ptruck the key-note of success for our farmers. A farmer should carefully study
the character of his soil — the kind of crops best suited to it, the market for the
same, the labor available for its cultivation — indeed everything affecting his suc-
cess in any way. and then having carefully determined upon a line of policy or
mode of cultivation, adhere to it until he has given it a fair trial and honestly
tested its results. — Ed.]

[For the Southern Planter- and Farmer.]
FODDER PULLING.

The March number of the Southern Planter and Farmer contains
a communication from Dr. Pollard, in which he still contends that
pulling fodder injures corn, and that the fact has been sufficiently
established b}~ experiments made and reported at different time-, by
men of known ability, to decide by test such questions. In a former
article he gave the tests of Mr. Seaborne and Mr. Harrison, tvhich I
pronounce unsatisfactory and unreliable, for the reason that the corn
to be compared was taken from a given number of rows in the field
and weighed, to ascertain which row, this or that, produced the most
corn by weight. If I desired to ascertain what fertilizer was best
adapted to the production of corn, I should probably pursue this
plan. But I regard the question before us, as an entirely different
thing. Here is a crop of corn in the field already made, and now
we desire to know whether we can pull the blades and cut the tops
off this corn without injury to the grain. We desire of course, the
grain should not be injured, and yet we wish to save the fodder.
Perhaps if cut off at the ground both ends will be met : or possibly

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 447

either will injure the grain more than the fodder is worth. Now it seems
to me that the most rational thing a farmer could do under such cir-
cumstances, would be, to select three lots, no matter about the size,
nor whether equal in size, so that the corn is good and uniform, and
there is enough in either lot to make a bushel of shelled corn. Then
strip the blades and cut the tops from one lot, cut off at the ground
and shock one lot, and leave the third with blades and tops all on,
to try out. Then at gathering time, house these three lots separate-
ly and let them remain until thoroughly .dried out, it matters not
how much longer. The measuring and weighing may be done in
January or May, or a year afterwards. The "rats and rogues" will
not affect the quality of what they leave, and if they leave him a
bushel of each, his test will not be affected by what they take away.
Now then, when he measures and weighs a bushel of shelled corn
from each one of these lots and finds that they differ in weight from
one to three pounds, is he not authorized to conclude that his treat-
ment of the corn in the field, with respect to the fodder, made the
difference ? But is there any defect in the mode of test ? Yes,
there may be. The fodder may be pulled or the corn cut down too
soon, or too late. It may be a matter worthy of experiment to as-
certain when fodder may be pulled or corn cut and shocked. Expe-
rienced farmers, however, agree pretty well by the mere looks of the
corn.

I think all the points mentioned above are absolutely essential to
a reliable test. Uniformity in the field, thoroughlv dried in the
house, shelled and measured in equal quantities by measure, and
each measure weighed, in order to determine which is the heaviest
corn by measure. Now all the experiments referred to by Dr. Pol-
lard, as well as Mr. Ruffin, failed to meet the above requirements in
two particulars — they measured their quantity by the surface it grew
on, and they failed to measure it in the half bushel ; and then if left
in the house long enough to get dry, the "rats and rogues" would,
or might determine the question after all. This is a good argument,
and I am indebted to the Doctor for it, not that he intended it for
my benefit, but in stating that Mr. Seaborne let his corn get dry
before he shelled it, the enquiry ran through my mind, what were
rats about while it was drying ? Of course they were testing the
quality of the different lots, and every body that knows anything
about rats, knows they are good judges of grain, and that they al-
ways take the best first.

Now I think the Doctor "had better give it up," until he shall
have made a test of it himself, and then he can speak of what he
knows. ■

But if the test made by the Hillsboro Club was correct, why be
surprised at it ? If my theory is correct, the results of that experi-
ment are perfectly rational : and I may say my theory is based on
those results.

THE SOUTHERN [Au:ust

.: of corn is cut off at the ground, all circulation c •:-
so far as ad . ■ a -ranee to any part of the product is coix-erned.

b . -■; . ::ure is porous, ar-d the fluids don
without increasing the w« _' my part. However, the matter is

. only take the trouble that I hope a num-
ber off... ill take it upon themselves to experiment in the way
indicated above, and thus settle the question in the only war it can
be fairly conclu^. Tied, and . _ _e result of his expe-
rience through the columns of the Planter.

B. ML Shepherd.
Gr I Jh '. Va

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

. you allow me to ask a few questions in your valuable maga-

hich, if properly answered, most "-elf.

I have an orchard of a: - thousand pear trees — some of

them six ye - They have been carefully cultivated, and until

the summer 187 thrifty : rising as I could

expect them. During the summer we had a severe thunder-storm,

mpanied by the mos: aigh wind. A few days after the

-■ rm I noticed, in passing through the orchard, a great mai

(which v a - i day or two before) blackened and droopi g

: scorched bv the lightning — I could onlv then attribute it to the

1- T * *

ughtning I had the affected branches cut off. and in a few days I
noticed that the dise\ _•. but no new tree was affected.

In the fall of the same year I had the trees closely pruned. Some
the majority died. In the summer of 1874 I noticed the
same disease appearing to a more alarming extent. In December I
y branch that was at all' affected, and the trees that
look . - .: lea ... I rig up and put news ones in their places. Now
I ish to know the cause of the blight, and the remedy for it. I
hav it the pre : -lings of the Farmers Club of

1 fork. A greit many theories were advanced regarding

■A enough to suit my views. If deep
plowing is the cause, why were not all affected in the same w
All were plowed alike. You often see a vigorous la blighted

one standing - le by -. le, nly twenty feet apart. They were planted
red alike, and cultivated alike. What is the cause of
it ? Can some reader of your magazine give the cause and the rem-
: If so. none will thank him more than

ENQUIRER.
[Will some of oar HortJenltar e. — Ed.]

. :- are now ovr. " 8 Coordinate Granges in Mississippi, compri-
•mbership of fully
Regulations for Organization of Pomona Granges is ready for dis-
tribu

The headquarters of the National grange has been removed to Louis-
ville, Ky. Persons desiring to correspond will note the fact.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 449

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
MELIORATION OF GARDEN SOILS.

We are inclined to the opinion that the melioration and proper eul"
ture of gardens is very much neglected by our farmers. The advantages
of a well kept garden, which in fact is a miniature plantation of diver-
sified crops, are second only in importance to that of a well tilled farm ;
and one of the sources of the health and wellfare of the family, and good
living cannot be expected where but little attention is paid to vegetables
and fruits, of which latter a few dwarf sorts should be cultivated in every
garden. They soon come into bearing and are always appreciated. We
mean the kitchen garden and truck patches, from which supplies for fam-
ily consumption are produced.

The labor of cultivating vegetables, especially in stiff tenacious soils
is greatly increased year after year by annual cropping and neglect of
fertilization, causing the soil to run together and become cloddy and
tough, and the best pulverizing implements may be employed with only
partial success ; consequently the crops become smaller and of less value
in proportion to the negligence and inattention.

We now proceed to consider how we can best remedy this yearly in-
creasing barrenness and inaptitude of soil and fruitless expenditure of
labor.

The sovereign remedy for stiff* compact soils, is a bountiful supply from
the barnyard and stables, and we should manage and practice as follows :

After the crops have been removed and the ground softened by the
autumn rains, but not wet, the soil should be moved to the depth of two
spades, and the surface kept in a rough and ridgy condition. After
having received a few hard freezings, a liberal supply of decomposed
barnyard or stable manure, or a mixture of both, should be freely ap-
plied. The soil cannot easily be made too rich, nor can there be too
much soil ; and as soon as the ground can be worked, re-spade and mix
in the manure. This may be repeated during the latter part of winter;
and in early spring the use of the rake will produce a good and sufficient
tilth ; and for late vegetables, the mattock and rake will make it all right.

It is necessary that this process should be practiced to some extent
every year, by means of which the crops will be doubled or trebled, the
labor of cultivation greatly reduced, and the quality of the crops im-
proved to a great degree.

Another means employed to bring about disintegration of soils is lime',
in quantities varying according to the condition of the soil : but, this
agent will not act with effect unless the soil contains vegetable matter,
producing humus and a medium proper for its reception and action.

SAXDY SOILS.

Many of our gardens are so situated as to present difficulties of a na-
ture exactly opposite to the soils we have just refered to; and the means
to be employed for correction are essentially different, except, as to the
use of lime, which has the singular property of pulverizing stiff" soils and
closing those that are sandy and light.

In addition to the use of lime, and even without it, sandy soils may be
rendered very productive and kind by liberal dressings of muck, ditch
mud, and clay. These should be collected in heaps or composted in the
fall, and applied in early spring, mixing well with the soil. This treat-

450 THE SOUTHERN [August

ment may require more labor and expense than that expended on stiff
soils, which may also be rendered more friable by the use of sand, but
the results will be equally satisfactory.

"We have had reference mainly to gardens and truck patches, culti-
vated for family use, but the means recommended may be extended to
commercial gardens and farming lands as well.

Whilst on the subject of gardens it may be proper to remind cultiva-
tors that, without good and improved utensils there is loss of time and
labor, and we would especially recommend for small gardens the four
tined steel spading fork. It is a very valuable implement; and, the
steel rake with eight teeth is indispensable in destroying with facility in-
cipient crops of weeds, and in smoothing the soil and producing that fine
tilth so necessary in putting in seeds and their after culture.

Keswick Depot, Albemarle county, Ya. J. Fitz.

MORE EDUCATION AMONG FARMERS.
It is a fact shown before the British Parliament, that "while the
rental of land in Ireland* had doubled during the previous hundred
vears, and that of England tripled, the rental of Scotland had sextupled
itself in the same time." This is attributed mainly to the vastly supe-
rior school system which Scotland has possessed, and the skill and en-
terprise it has fostered among the people. It is a fact that a truck-farmer
within a dozen miles of any of our large cities, will get a clean profit of
two or three hundred dollars from an acre of land, while the average
old-style farmer, hardly gets that amount of profit from his hundred
acres or more. These facts are worth studying by the still large class
who do not see the use of agricultural papers and teaching, etc., think
muscle is the main thing in successful farming. The truck-farmer stud-
ies his market, knows what is wanted, learns how to raise it, when and
where to sell it, believes in manure, buys it, believes in knowing all
about his business, takes his paper, reads and thinks, don't kick at facts
because they are printed, keeps his eyes open, and drinks in knowledge
from men and books. He keeps learning and succeeds in his business.
There is still a large class of our farming population completely stereo-
typed. Many take no agricultural paper, attend no fairs, no farmer's
club, try no experiments, have no faith in improved tools and stock, and
are hardly able to tell at the end of the year whether they lose or gain
in their business. Success in cultivating the soil is already, and is to be
more and more, dependent upon brains. Men who read and think most,
plan most wisely and execute most skillfully, will succeed best. We
need all the help we can get from the teachings of science, from jour-
nals, from fairs and clubs, as well as from the daily experience of the
fields. — American Agriculturist.

" THE COLONEL" is a dark iron gray, foaled at Courtelvain, France, the loth of April, 1S63,
"by Fleur d'Epine, belonging to M. Gannet, who took the premium of the fir?t prize at Chartres at
the exhibition of 186:;. and sired by Empereur, belonging to M. Pesvauxrose of Courville, Eure et
Loiie, who took a premium at Illiers in 1861, at Evreux in 1863 and Illiers in 1865. (Signed) The
Mayor of Cernay. Bondeaa, France, April. 1866. Description. — The Colonel is a dapple iron gray,
weighed when 3 years old. on his arrival from Franc. 1280 lbs., and weighed the 20th Oct..
1690 lbs, and March, 1875. 1916 lbs., and measured 16 hands 2 inches in height, is square and full in
quarters, docile and sound in every respect. His colts are usually gray, with his white stripe in
the face, and not coarse or rough, but of quite a finished appearance. He walks over 5 miles per
hour, trots square and smooth, and has fine and lively natural action and speed for his class and
size, and was smported in 1866. He is still owned by S W. Ficklin, of Belmont Stock Farm, near
Charlottesville, Ya. The Colonel has been exhibited at all our State Fairs since their new era,
and at Lynchburg, Culpeper, Staunton and Leesburg, and four State Fairs of Maryland, and taken
first prizes and honors in all eases but once. Each at Richmond. Staunton and "Baltimore three
second prizes were awarded him. See next page for cut, which fails to do him justice.

452 THE SOUTHERN [August

PROFITS OF SHEEP.

A correspondent of the Practical Farmer, residing within twenty-five
miles of Philadelphia, states that one of his most certain and reliable
sources of profits from year to year is keeping sheep. When I first be-
gan farming, twenty year.- ago, he writes, I depended entirely on South-
downs. They have always proved with me prolific breeders, c
nurses, hardy and good feeders, and my Southdown mutton ranks in the
market with "gilt-edge" butter. I inform my regular customers when
I am going to have a fine leg or loin of pure Southdown, and they go
off fast at three to five cents above the market price. In tact, South-
down mutton is the best mutton in the world.

If quality of meat was the only desideratum I would make no change,
but as coarser wools now bring the highest price, and as perhaps. I gaiu
a little in weight, of which I am not altogether certain, but at least do
not loose any. | I have made one cross on my flock of 100 ewes with the
Cotswold. The best results and the finest carcass have resulted where
the S mthdown buck was used on the Cotswold ewe. I do not want any
finer sheep than this makes, and I try to keep them for my purpose one-
half Southdown and one-half Cotswold. What lambs I have to spare
are all sold in advance to your butchers about eight dollars per head. I
raise roots, which I consider indispensable in the sheep business, and
with good shelter and good management, I have the lambs in the market
in March and April. I consider the roots make a good substitute for
grass, keeps them in good heart and with fine health for early pasture.
It promotes the flow of milk appetites. I have always followed the ad-
vice in your paper, to keep all my animals healthy and thriving. If they
once go down |or become stunted, much of one's feed is thrown away.
Two-thirds of my ewes usually have twins. "With lambs at eight dollars
to nine dollars each, and wool at fifty cents per pound, your readers can
figure up my profits on 100 ewes.

I will close with one remark : that without a root crop of about 1.000
bushels, I would not keep sheep. Not that these are all fed to the sheep,
as cows and horse are all benefited by them, but for sheep they are in-
dispensable.

[This necessity for turnips does not apply with equal force to onr Southern

farmers, as our pastures furnish something green nearly the whole of the winter ;

still we advise their cultivation for this purpose. Any one who will sow rye

among his corn in August, will have something equally as good as roots, at much

— Ed.]

SHEEP DID IT.

A Maryland farmer, who has lately visited some of the best sheep
farms in England, makes the following statement in the April number
of the American Farmer:

Within the last fifteen months forty-eight ewes belonging to the estate
of Aston Rowant, have produced 295 lambs, all of which are still living,
or have been sold fat. Forty-four have each three pairs, and most of
them in less than fourteen months. Two ewes brought seven lambs each,
viz: two a few days before Christmas, 1872 : two in June, 1873 : and
three in January, 1874. One ewe produced eight lambs within fourteen

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 453

- .._ . - - . . — . . . ^

months — two of the lambs were sold for £5 at Easter. Yesterday the
same ewe had four lambs, all of which are strong and healthy ; the
mother is doing well and in good condition. Twenty-one of the above
ewes are Dorset — twenty-seven are either Hampshire downs or half-
breeds.

The above is taken from the farm record of the estate, under the man-
agement of T. S. Jackson. The American visitor concludes his report
in these words :

The estate of Aston Rowant, it should be remarked, is not one that is
carried on for mere profit. The lawn, shrubbery, conservatories and
plantations generally, exhibit the exquisite beauty with which wealth
and taste adorn so many places in England. Regarding them with in-
tense gratification, and thinking of the immense amount of money re-
quired to keep up this display, I said to my worthy and intelligent
guide : " I should like very much to know the pecuniary results of this
style of farming in your country." He replied : " As you live in America,
I w 11 tell you what I do not speak in the neighborhood — my balance
sheet for last year shows a clear profit of £1,800 (|9,000),^and he added
emphatically, "Sheep did it!"

[We do not believe that the statement with regard to the sheep is correct. It
is simply impossible. We believe in sheep. We think them the best stock the
farmer can raise, but we don't believe in miracles of this kind. — Ed.]

THE GREAT FARMER OF THE WORLD.

A Sacramento paper publishes the following respecting the farm-
ing operations of a man whom it denominates " the largest farmer
in the world," which, considering that Dr. Glenn " runs " his farm
of 50,000 acres himself, personally superintending it all, the appli-
cation is perhaps correct. His case illustrates a point often made,
that farming may be conducted upon a large scale as well as any
other business, and that when it shall be carried on with the same
order and nice adjustment of means to end as is cotton or iron man-
ufacture, it will pay as well.

" The great farmer of the world. Dr. Hugh J. Glenn, of Jacinto,
Colusa county, California, has raised and harvested the past season,
on his own farm, 600,000 bushels of wheat. This would load
eighteen 1,000-ton ships, or three hundred canal boats. All this
wheat he has now in his warehouses, ready for shipment when the
water in the Sacramento river rises sufficiently. The Doctor pays
$90,000 freight to put his wheat in the San Francisco market. The
Doctor is a wonder to the agricultural world and to himself. He runs
ninety gang-plows and a whole county's population in the harvest-
field, with a dozen threshers. His forming is not confined to wheat
alone. He markets 8100,000 worth of stock each year. Dr. Glenn
is a practical farmer, and manages all his immense business himself.
He can mend a trace and make a key to an ox-bow with his jack-
knife, just as easily as drawing his check for S 100,000, which he can
do every day in the week. Dr. Glenn is a big-hearted man, and was
born in Augusta county, Virginia.

4-54 THE SOUTHERN [Augus

BREEDING AND FEEDING PIGS.

Mr. Joseph Harris, of Rochester, X. Y., stated, in an address at the
niee: ... : the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, that he believes in
having fattening pigs g • larger all the time. Food consumed by
hogs that ouly hold their own is all wasted, except what is saved by the
manure Much depends upon good breeding. We should breed out all
poor points, and then breed in a good, digestive apparatus. He would
havr _ I and digest more food than they do now ; the more the bet-
ter. He related an experiment in running a threshing machine, One
horse being disabled, he tried to make its mate do the work. He found
that it took all the power of one horse to keep the machine going, with-
out threshing a particle of wheat. When the other horse returned, he
saw he was v~ . g stt :ng his wheat all threshed by one horse, although
two horse at work. A third horse being hitched in, the amount

of wheat threshed was just doubled. Fifty per cent, more power gave
one hundred per cent, increase. It was the same with pig feeding —
I a pig just enough to run the machine and the power is all lost.
Wba : is added after that is all gain. »So we want pigs that will eat,

. umd assimilate a large amount of food. The number of pounds
of corn required for a pound of pork depends largely upon the breed of
l _- :: '. Ex arimenb have bees tried, irhicfa show ■ iiffereoce equal
to the difference between eighty-five per cent, and fifty-seven per cent.,
as the cost of supporting . ondition.

economy of cooking food depends upon circumstances: as, for
instance, the ability of the hog to assimilate more or less food than he
can tig st Cooked food must be given more frequently than uncocked
food. The value of the manure made from a bushel of corn does not
var f _ . whether fed to one animal or another. Hog manure is

rich, bee: gs . :*od food to eat. There is nothing in the ma-

nur-r "hat i? in the food. He believes that he can obtain phos-

phoric acid, nitrogen and potash cheaper than animals than from com-
mercial fertiliz. -

THE GRANGE.

'nave their "Boards," merchants and manufacturers their
mechanics their "Unions,"' but the farmers and til-
lers of the soil have, until within the last few years, had no such
n: hence, they have labored under great disadvantages,
The Grange is the::- "Union,'' a:: 1 a uesigned especially for their
benefit, and generally of the whole country : for as agriculture is
the foundation upon which rests the prosperity and success of all
other enterprise, whatever shall be of benefit to those engaged in
_ dy honorable and necessary employment, must of neces-
sity result ::. the good of all others. Hence arises its importance,
and its rageraent and maintenance is to be the desire of every

well wisher of his country.

IT? SECEECY

is onl" ■ ide I to secure its purity and permanence, and to pro-
mote the general welfare of the Order, and contains nothing to the

1875.] PLANTER AND PARMER 455

injury of other occupations. In its workings it to a great extent
secures the members from imposition and furnishes the means of
excluding the unworthy from its benefits, and while none are received
among us on account of their wealth or honors, none are excluded
on account of their poverty or misfortunes, if found otherwise worthy.
ITS SOCIAL FEATURE.
The Grange is highly social, and affords an opportunity to its
members of cultivating the social relations among themselves to an
extent almost unknown in other Orders. At its regular meetings,
which are usually once a month, all the members have a kind of re-
union, when their various plans and purposes, the general news, and
various other matters are discussed, and especially agricultural, hor-
ticultural, and domestic economy, stock raising and kindred ques-
tions are investigated, views interchanged, etc., and thus all are
benefitted. In these monthly re-unions many who would startle at
the idea of making a speech, do, in a conversational way, impart to
their brothers and sisters of the Order much valuable information
by their social "chit-chat." It was contemplated by the founders
of the Order that at these meetings each will bring his pic-nic basket
for the feast; when this is practiced it becomes a kind of holiday
and relaxation, much needed by these sturdy sons of toil, and they
return to their homes with renewed energies, and with greater zeal
and vigor, to again resume their daily toils. We hope to see this
feature of our excellent Order carried out in all our granges. One
day in the month can be well spared for this purpose, especially when
such great benefits are derived from it. Those Granges who have
practiced this feature of the Grange have found this the profitable
day of the month, while upon the contrary, where the social feature
is neglected, the attendance on the meetings is small; and if even a
quorum is present, the business is done hurriedly and in an uninter-
esting manner, and the members become careless and are ready to
conclude that they do not see much of the benefit of the Order, and
the time given to it is all thrown away. This is one great reason
whv some of the Granges are in a languishing condition.
ITS EDUCATIONAL FEATURE.

In many parts of the country the Patrons of Husbandry are not
only sending their sons to agricultural schools and colleges (as all
that can should do), but are also organizing Grange schools in their
respective neighborhoods, for the education of their children at
home, where they will be educated and trained under the eye of their
parents and home influences, thus uniting practice with theory. We
would be glad to see all our young men in agricultural colleges,
where they could obtain all the advantages of scientific instruction;
but as this is out of the power and beyond the means of many, we
are glad to see steps being taken to educate, not only our sons, but
our daughters likewise, in schools within our income, while at the
same time they are kept familiar with the every-day home affairs

5

456 THE SOUTHERN [August

■which is calculated to make them more familiar with those things
when the entire responsibility falls upon them, as it soon will. One
of the great wants of the South is an intelligent, educated, and
scientific class of farmers and farmers' wives. Whenever we can
have this, and have our farms cultivated on scientific principles,
with improved implements, and proper attention given to raising im-
proved breeds of stock, there is no country in the world that will be
superior to the Southern States. Let us therefore, as Patrons, labor
for the accomplishment of these purposes, and we shall soon see our
labors abundantly rewarded. — Exchange.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Executive Committee of the State Grange of \irginia met in
Staunton on the 13th July pursuant to call. Present — A. T>. Light-
foot, J. W. White, R. L. Ragland, and A. M. Moore.

A petition from a Subordinate Grange asking relief ih behalf of a
distressed family was considered, and the committee rendered as their
opinion that they had no constitutional authority for making dona-
tions from State treasury for such purposes, and recommend the
reference of the application to the County or District grange to
which the party belongs.

Resolutions fixing the commission of agents (heretofore adopted)
were amended, as were also resolutions relating to Pomona Granges.

Evidence in a case of a brother who had joined the Order who
was ineligible was submitted. Committee sustained the Worthy
Master in suspending the brother from his office of a Subordinate
Grange, and ruled in view of the fact that he is still engaged in an
occupation in conflict with the purposes of the Order, that he be al-
lowed the priviledge of withdrawing within thirty days from the issue
of notice, failing in which the Worthy Master of the State Grange is
directed to notify his srran^e that he is expelled from the Order.

The committee deems it inexpedient at the present time to take
action on the question of insurance.

The Chief of Bureau submitted his quarterly report.

Attention was called to the following resolutions, reported to the
State Grange by the committee on good of the Order, but which was
not finally acted on by that body:

Resolved, That it is expedient to return a portion of the charter
fees to those Subordinate Granges which were left destitute of funds
after meeting expenses of organization.

The committee adopted the following resolution :

Resolved. That the claims under the foregoing resolution are con-
sidered just, and the committee recommend payment of the same by
State Grange.

The committee fixed the tax on the commissions of clerks and
agents for the support of the Chief of Bureau.

The following rule was adopted :

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 457

No Patron shall make public the confidential circulars issued by
the Chief of Bureau, under penalty of expulsion from the Order.

The following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That the plan, rules, and regulations for the organiza-
tion and management of Pomona Granges recommended and adopted
by the National Grange, be adopted and recommended by the com-
mittee for the organization and management of Pomona Granges of
Virginia, as far as the same are applicable, and according to the
laws passed by the Grange on this subject, and that the Master and
Secretary of the State Grange be and they are hereby authorized to
publish said rules and regulations for the information and guidance
of the Pomona Granges.

Brother J. W. White was authorized to make contracts for printing
of the State Grange. •

The Treasurer submitted a report of receipts and expenditures to
July 1st, 1875.

The Secretary was directed to prepare and publish an abstract of
such portions of the proceedings of the Executive Committee as may
be properly made public.

The committee adjourned to meet in the city of Norfolk, subject
to call of the Chairman.

M. W. Hazlewood, Secretary.

NEW YORK PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

KNICKERBOCKER GRANGE NO. 154 — RECEPTION OF DISTINGUISHED

VISITORS.

Knickerbocker Grange was organized in New York city in Feb-
ruary, 1875, by a number of gentlemen interested in agriculture, most
of them practical farmers, but including several editors of agricul-
tural journals. It numbers about eighty members though this num-
ber would be increased by hundreds but for the strictness of the rule
to admit none not practically interested in farming. A majority of
its members are market gardeners who live on the lines of railroad
leading out in all directions from New York, and to whom the city
is probably as central a rendezvous as could be found. The follow-
ing are the officers of the Grange: — D. D. T. Moore, Master; T. E.
Willson, Overseer; C. E. Otis, Treasurer, and J. W. Naughton, Sec-
retary. They are now negotiating for a large room, to be centrally
located and used as a Grange headquarters for brethren visiting the
city, with reading rooin and library, making in fact a Grange CI b
House for the use of members of the Order temporally visitino- the
metropolis. It is designed to establish also an eating house, with
sleeping rooms attached, for the convenience of country Grangers.
Such an house is almost a necessity for members of the Knickerbocker
Grange, many of whom live from five to twenty miles from the city,
and are forced to remain in New York over night whenever they at-
tend a meeting.

458 THE SOUTHERN [August

Knickerbocker Grange had the honor the past week of extending
a welcome to Col. D. Wyatt Aiken, Master of the South Carolina
State Grange and member of the National Executive Committee.
Among visiting Patrons present at the Grange rooms, No. 189 bow-
ery, were Mortimer Whitehead, Master of the New Jersey State
ge; John H. Vail, Master of Chester Grange; Nathaniel Mun-
I ~. Master of Elizabeth Grange; J. D. Todd of Golden's Bridge,
R. S. Toil of Three Rivers, C. H. Hitton. State Purchasing Agent
of Virginia, and brethren from Westchester and Orange county N.
J., Pensylvania and Virginia. Brother Whitehead of New Jersey,
acted as Master, and after the initiation of a candidate to the degree
of matron, a recess was taken for refreshments. Upon reassembling
Master Aiken delivered a brief address, full of instruction, upon the
ritual, explaining the meaning of the secret work, and the necessity
la strict observance. Brother Whitehead followed, dwelling
particularly upon the social and educational advantages of the
Grange, which has alreadv made a great change in the ancient order
of things in the country districts. Other speeches of a compliment-
ary and personal nature were indulged in, and the occasion was taken
for many interchanges of views that will be of material benefit to the
Order. — Rural New Yorker.

LINES WRITTEN UNDER THE DOG-STAR.

The following question was asked in the catechism of the Commis-
sioner of Agriculture, returnable June loth : " What is the principal
obstacle to sheep-raising?"

The response from the correspondents was so uniformly " dogs," that
Mr. J. A. Stewart, t who happened to be in the Commissioner's office
during the conversation in reference to it) was requested to write some-
thing on the subject. After a short absence Mr. Stewart returned with
the following :

ON DOGS.

A HYMN OF RESIGNATION.

Tune: " Old Father Grimes."
To be sung by Grangers at their meetings, and by Farmers generally.

"Let dogs delight to bark and bite,"

Or chase the buck and ewe ;
Let dogs eat sheep while farmers sleep,

" For God has made them so.*'

Let dogs come forth to 611 the earth —

Let sheep in plenty grow,
To make the meat for dogs to eat.

•■ For God has made them so."

Let dogs, a score, surround each door,

The lank, the lean, the low — •
Or track at night, the lambkin's flight,

" For God hath made them so."

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 459

Let flop-eared hounds range pasture-grounds,

To scent the buck and ewe ;
Let curs yelp round, as well as hound,

" For God has made them so."

Let every man keep, if he can,

A dozen dogs in tow ;
And let their greed on mutton feed,

" For God has made them so."

Let man eat hogs — feed sheep to dogs —

Raise mutton here below
To feed the dogs, while man eats hogs,

" For God has made them so."

Where the Money Goes to. — Some people cannot understand why
it is that the residents of the Southern States are so crippled financially.
Let them ponder over two facts, and then they will see more clearly.
Georgia alone paid $24,000,000 for grain, meat, flour, meal, horses and
mules, in 1873, and Alabama about $18,000,000. That's what went
with the money. It will not be so again. The amount this year has
already been reduced in Georgia to about $10,000,000, and in Alabama
to $8,000,000, and but for the meat, neither State will have occasion to
spend more than $5,000,000 for subsistence next year.

(familg fjtpartnwnt.

What Shall we Eat. —

The paper by Dr. Cutter in the last issue of the Journal, upon the
chemistry effects of fine flour, has awaked much interest and inquiry
among our readers. There can be little doubt that the questions
asked by the writer are of much importance to every one, and that
the exclusive use of bolted flour in bread-making is opposed to the
science and knowledge of the age in which we live. We grind that
noble grain, wheat, in our powerful mills, and then with the bolter
remove from the powdered grain everything that resists the action
of the stones, so as to retain for use only the starchy portion, which
is elegant to the sight. In the rejected portions are found the most
important nutritive principles, and these, in the form of "shorts
and "fine feed," we give to our horses and our cows. As we have
looked into the "bins" at the farm, filled with these rejected articles
of human food, the exclamation has been often forced from us, "What
a pity !" Pity indeed, it is that "fashion" should over ride interest
and physical well-1)eing ; for nothing but fashion holds the snow
white wheaten loaf in its place upon our tables.

If this must continue, we would suggest to those who desire to
obtain all the elements in food necessary to health, to procure the
wheat phosphates and nitrogenous compounds by a free use of milk.
If a generous milk diet is associated with the white bread, the evils
of imperfect nutrition may be avoided. Nothing excites the lacteal

460 THE SOUTHERN [August

secretion in cows like miller's "fine feed," and we find in the milk-
pail in new associations the rich elements we reject in the grains of
wheat. Very few indeed can obtain pure milk and cream, but every
family ought to be able to obtain whole wheat flour, in its best con-
dition. At the present time, it is the practice to a large extent
among millers, to grind the finest, soundest wheat into fine flour, and
the poorest into what is call "Graham flour." This term "Graham
flour" ought no longer to be used. It is a kind of general name
given to mixtures of bran and spoilt flour, to a large extent unfit
for human food. What we need is good, sweet, whole wheat flour,
finely ground, and securely put up for family use. This article we
do not find in the market, and the Western miller who will give his
earnest attention to furnishing such flour will realize a fortune speed-
ily. The crown loaf made from whole wheat is to our eye as hand-
some as the white. It can be made with all the excellences of the
white, so far as lightness is concerned, and it is sweeter and more
palatable. With this loaf we secure all the important nutritive
principles which the Creator for wise reasons has stored up in wheat.
— Journal of Chemistry.

Apples as Food.

We can fully indorse the following from the English Garden :
With most of us the value of the apple as an article of food is greatly
underrated. Besides containing a large amount of sugar, mucilage,
ane other nutritive matter, apples contain vegetable acids, aromatic
qualities, etc., which act powerfully in the capacity of refrigerants,
tonics, and antiseptics; and if freely used at the season of mellow
ripeness, they prevent debility and indigestion, averting, without
doubt, many of the 'ills which flesh is heir to.' The operatives of
Cornwall consider ripe apples nearly as nourishing as bread, and far
more so than potatoes. In 1801 — which was a year of much
scarcity — apples, instead of being converted into cider, were sold to
the .poor; and the laborers asserted that they could 'stand their
work ' on baked apples without meat, whereas potato diet required
the addition of meat or other substantial nutriment. The French
and Germans use apples extensively. The laborers depend upon
them as an article of food, and frequently make a dinner of sliced
apples and bread. There is no food cooked in so many different
ways in our country as apples, nor is there any fruit the value of
which, as an article of nutriment, is so great and yet so little appre-
ciated.

Red ants — how to get rid of them.

If any of your readers are troubled with the red ants getting into
their good things, I have a bit of information in reference to them
which every one thus plagued would be glad to have. The red ant
will not crawl on iron ; and to prevent their going into your dairy,
meat-safe, or sideboard, you have only to place them on iron feet,

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 461

which may be done in the following manner, viz: Bore holes in the
lower ends of the legs; put in iron rods of suitable size, which
should extend three inches below the wood. Rest on rocks, if out
doors ; if in the house, on bits of slate or sheet-iron. I have had
my dairy thus fixed for the last ten years or more, and the first one
of these little pests has yet to show itself in it.
Fluvanna county, Va. J. C. Holland.

Smoking Rooms in Boarding Schools. — The Philadelphia
Medical and Surgical Reporter says: "We have recently been sur-
prised to learn that in two well patronized and highly praised boys'
boarding schools, near this city, smoking rooms are kept for such of
the boys as have permission from their parents to smoke ! We are
further informed that these are not singular in that respect, as many
other schools also have them. The pup;ls are from nine to eighteen
years of age. Surely, if parents are so grossly ignorant or crimi-
nally negligent of the laws of health, professed guides of youth ought
to know better, and discourage by every possible means the use of
tobacco in growing boys. It may be a question whether it is harm-
ful to a man, but there is none whatever that it is seriously injurious
to boys." This fact, by the way, is not so generally known as it
ought to be. Fathers who smoke sometimes feel that to forbid their
boys the same indulgence savors of inconsistency; but they may
safely take the ground that tobacco should not be used in any form
during the period of growth and adolesence. As our contemporary
remarks, the mischievous effects of the weed in boyhood are unques-
tionable, whatever difference of opinion there may be as to its mod-
erate use later in life.

The "heathen chinee" on railroads.

The following, according to Iron, is a specimen of what the Houei
Pao, a Shanghai newspaper, has to say about the proposed intro-
duction of railways into China:

" Remember, 0 reader, how the Celestial Empire prospered for
three thousand years, till the barbarians came in and introduced
their horrible customs. Now they allow no one to rest. They keep
everything moving. They rush with their accursed engines into
every creek and river of the country, spying out and worrying a
happy and industrious people. The English are like their own
steam, always 'boili::g and bubbling.' They upset everybody to
make money out of them. They have drained the land of Sycee
silver, and now they want steady, law-abiding subjects of the sun
and moon to spend their money in railway engines, which blow up
and cut people into little pieces more effectually than the public
executioner could do. The idea is monstrous.

"Canals are much better than railroads. The good Confucius
invented them, and it was during his life on earth tuat they were
du<*. They have been tested by time and experience, whereas rail-

462 THE SOUTHERN [August

roads are only sixty years old. Life on a canal junk is tolerably
secure. A man can sleep by night and fish by day, and hold his
soul in peace. A merchant need not buy a coffin before he starts
upon a journey. All he wants is time and patience. There is a
commercial advantage, too. Goods cannot be accumulated, and
thus prices can be kept up. But note what happens when railroads
are introduced. In the first place, they are dangerous. They love
accidents. The engines are like gunpower with fire under it. Trains
run into each other, and leave only corpses and lumber on the road;
or they rush off the tracks, jump down precipices, tumble into rivers,
and very often crash through honest men's houses. Sometimes they
run away of their own accord, and then they go so fast that wheels
fly to pieces and kill everybody near them. The barbarians know
all this so well that they keep surgeons to attend to the wounded, or
pay beforehand for the coffins, perfumes, colored papers, crackers,
and other funeral offerings to the priests *of the great Joss. Then
they publish big books full of lists of accidents, and of the killed
and wounded. Beside all which, merchandise is carried so fast by
these railroads that stores are filled rapidly, innocent tradesmen have
to pay storage whether they want the goods or not, and things are
made too cheap. Then railroads would occupy space. Agriculture
and farming would be stopped, and the good people who now carry
goods in boats, or on their backs over the mountains, would be de-
prived of their livelihood. There is no doubt that canals are much
better than railroads, and the wisdom of the holy Confucius must
be respected."

A French Lady-Physiciax. — Madame Bres, who was received,
this last June, into the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, is the first
French lady who has taken such a step. She passed all her exami-
nations in a most creditable manner, and M. Wurtz, the president
of the examining board and dean of the faculty, addressed her in the
following terms: "Madame, you have not only raised women from
the secondary position they have held in medicine, but your thesis
is one of the best that the faculty of Paris has ever received, and it
will be consigned with honor to its archives." The title of the thesis
is "La Mamelle et 1' Allaitement," a very appropriate subject for a
doctress: it is treated in an anatomical, a chemical, and a physiolo-
gical point of view.

Treatment of typhoid fever.

Dr. George Johnson, in the London Practitioner, takes the ground
that in the treatment of typhoid fever careful nursing and feeding
are of primary importance, while, as a rule, no medicines of any
kind are required, and when not require! they are often worse than
useless. Diarrhoei is a less frequent symptom than before this plan

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 463

was adopted, and when it does occur it is far more tractable, while
tympanitic distension of the abdomen is a rare event. The mis-
chievous opiate enemata and the torturing turpentine stupes have
disappeared together. He believes that one of the main reasons
why there is less diarrhcea than formerly is the careful abstinence
from the emplovment of irritating drugs of all kinds. As a rule, a
fever patient at "Kings" has the "yellow mixture," which is sim-
ply colored water; and, except an occasional dose of chloral to pro-
cure sleep, and a tonic during convalescence, no active medicines of
any kind. These patients are fed mainly with milk, with the addi-
tion of beef tea and two raw eggs in the twenty-four hours, and wine
or brandy in quantities varying according to the urgency of the
symptoms of exhaustion, especially in the advanced stages of the
disease , but in many of the milder cases, and especially in the case
of children, no alcoholic stimulants are required from the begin-
ning to the end of the fever, and when not required they are of
course, says Dr. Johnson, best withheld. He gives no irritating
drugs of any kind, and has no doubt that the comparative infre-
quency of severe and obstinate diarrhoea amongst his typhoid fever
patients during the last few years is particularly attributable to the
discontinuance of mineral acid treatment.

THE TREATMENT OF DIARRHCEA.

In a paper in Virchyw's Archiv, Dr. Hartsen observes that diar-
rhcea of all sorts goes along with an irritable state of the intestinal
canal, and any increase of this irritability is to be carefully avoided.
He considers that the more usual astringents are, in addition,, irri-
tants; and he instances among them the salts of lead,' zinc, and
bismuth. In all cases, soothing means should first be adopted: and
of the warm applications to the abdomen, in the form of bread
poultices, or fomentations, are perhaps the best. The chief medi-
cine recommended is opium, which soothes, but, in large doses, in-
terferes with digestion. If the diarrhcea be so violent as to hinder
the absorption of opium introduced into the stomach, then morphia
should be injected subcutaneously. Of equal importance is the diet.
If the person be strong, everything, both solid and fluid, should be
withheld; but where this cannot be done, the food should be of the
lightest and simplest. The author especially refers to rice and
arrowroot as simple vegetable diets, while any animal food given
should be free from fat. Milk should not' be too much used, and in
any case should be boiled.

TAR IX BRONCHIAL CATARRH AND WINTER COUGH.

In a note sent to the British JledicalJuurnal, Drs. Sidney Ringer
and "Wm. Morrill state that in the treatment of these complaints
they have employed tar in two-grain doses, made into a pill, every
three or four horses. From October to January, inclusive, its effects
were watched on twenty-five patients, whose ages varied from thirty-

464 THE SOUTHERN [August

four to seventy. All these patients had suffered several years from
winter cough during the whole winter.

Each attack of the paroxysmal and violent cough lasted from two
to ten minutes, recurring ten or twelve times in the day and break-
ing their rest at night. Expectoration was abundant, frothy, and
purulent. Breathing was short on exertion, but most could lie down
at night without propping. These patients usually began to im-
prove from the fourth to the seventh day; the improvement rapidly
increased, and in *about three weeks they were well enough to be dis-
charged. The improvement was so decided that even those patients
who, in previous years, had been confined to the house during the
whole winter, returned to their work.. On discontinuing the tar,
relapses often occurred in a week or two, but on readministering
the medicine relief was again obtained.

BROMIDE OP POTASSIUM IN WHOOPING COUGH.

•

Dr. W. Smith, in the British Medical Journal, says: There is
at present a generally diffused epidemic of whooping-cough, and I
think it may be useful to suggest a remedy which I have found
beneficial — bromide of potassium. It allays the violence of the
paroxysms, and cures in a few weeks — sometimes less.

BICARBONATE OF SODA IN TOOTHACHE.

Dr. Dyce Duckworth contributes a short memorandum on this
subject to the London Practitioner for April. He was called on to
treat a case of very severe toothache, and tried various ordinary
remedies, including chloroform and carbolic acid, without any bene-
fit to the patient. He then remembered having read that the pain
might be relieved by holding in the mouth a solution of bicarbonate
of soda. He at once gave the patient half a drachm in an ounce of
water, and to his astonishment the pain ceased immediately, and
complete relief was secured. He thinks that, as the remedy is so
simple and the disease so distressing and often intracticable, this
treatment may be worthy of notice and of imitation.

A COMMON CAUSE OF APOPLEXY.

In an able article on apoplexy, in the Popular Science Monthly,
Dr. J. JR.. Black gives the following hint to brain-workers:

"A middle-aged physician said one day to the writer: 'As I was
walking down the street after dinner I felt a shock in the back of
my head, as if some one had struck me; I have not felt well since.
I fear I shall die, just as all my ancestors have, of paralysis. .What
shall I do?' The answer was, 'Diminish the tension on the blood-
vessels, and there need be no fear of tearing them in a weak place.'
Now, this expresses in plain terms the exact cause of apoplexy in
the great majority of instances; and it is one, too, which every one
has it in his power to prevent. A blood-vessel of the brain has lost
some of its elastic strength; food is plenty, digestion is good; blood
is made in abundance, but little is worked off by exercise; the ten-

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 465

sion on every artery and vein is at a maximum rate; the even, cir-
cuitous flow is temporarily impeded at some point, throwing a dan-
gerous pressure on another; the vessel which has lost its clastic
strength gives way. blood is poured out, a clot is formed which, by
its pressure on the brain, produces complete unconsciousness. This
is the apoplectic stroke. It will be perceived that there are two
leading conditions upon which the production of the stroke depends —
a lessened strength in the vessel, and an increased tension on it."
CARBONIC OXIDE IN TOBACCO SMOKE.
Dr. Otto Krause, in Dingier s Polytechnic Journal, states that he
finds a considerable quantity of carbonic oxide constantly present
in tobacco smoke, and that the after effects of smoking are principally
caused by this poisonous gas, as the smoker never can prevent a
part of the smoke from descending to the lungs, and thus the poison-
ing is unavoidable. He is of opinion that the after-effects are all the
more energetic, the more experienced the smoker is, and he thus ex-
plains the unpleasant results of the first attempts at smoking, which
are generally ascribed to nicotine alone.

WORK AS A REMEDY.

Dr. Dio Lewis says: A lady has just left our rooms whose case
illustrates an important idea. Ten years ago she was an invalid.
Her malady was obstinate, and at the end of a year's treatment a
consultation resulted in the opinion that her case was cerebro-spinal
irritation, from which she would probably never recover. Six years
ago her husband died. His estate proved insolvent. The wife en-
gaged in an active occupation to support her three children. In a
year she was well, and has remained so ever since.

There are two millions dyspeptics in America. Nine in ten of
them could be cured by work.

A wealthy clergyman from a neighboring State assured us that
he had spent eight years and thirty thousand dollars in seeking a
cure for his dyspepsia He had travelled everywhere and consulted
all sorts of doctors. We are afraid he will never forgive us for telling
him that six months' hard work would make a well man of him.

Dipsomania. —

Some extraordinary instances of the insatiate desire, or rather
morbid impulse, to drink are mentioned by Dr. George Burr, in a
recent paper on the "Insanity of Inebriet}^." Dr. Bush records a
case of an habitual drunkard in Philadelphia, who, when strongly
urged by one of his friends to leave off drinking, replied, "Were a
keg of rum in one corner of a room, and were a cannon constantly
discharging balls between me and it, I could not refrain from pass-
ing before that cannon in order to get at the rum." One of the
cases described by McNish, in his "Anatomy of Drunkenness," also
illustrates this feature. A friend of the subject of it painted to

466 THE SOUTHERN • [August

him the distress of his family, the loss of his business and character,
and the ruin of his health, to which he replied, "My good friend,
your remarks are just; they are indeed too true; but I can no
longer resist temptation. If a bottle of brandy stood at one hand,
and the pit of hell yawned at the other, and I were convinced that
I would be pushed in as sure as I took one glass, I could not re-
frain." The late Professor R. D. Mussey, of Cincinnati, relates
another case : "A few years ago a tippler was put into an alms-
house in this State. Within a few days he had devised various ex-
pedients to procure rum but failed. At length, however, he hit up-
on one which was successful. He went into the vood-yard of the
establishment, placed one hand upon the block, and with an axe in
the other, struck it off at a single blow. With the stump raised
and streaming, he ran into the house and cried, 'Get some rum !
get some rum ! my hand is off.' In the confusion and bustle of the
occasion a bowl of rum was brought, into which he plunged the
bleeding member of his body, then, raising the bowl to his mouth
drank freely, and exultingly exclaimed, '2s ow I am satisfied !' '
Dr. J. E. Turner relates a case of a gentleman who, while under
treatment for inebriety, during four weeks secretly drank the alco-
hol from six jars containing morbid specimens. On asking him
why he had committed this loathsome act he replied, "Sir, it is as
impossible for me to control this diseased appetite as it is for me to
control the pulsations of my heart.

Remedy for Colds. — According to the same French authority,
powdered camphor, sprinkled with tincture of iodine, and inhaled
by the nostrils, constitute one of the most prompt and certain rem-
edies for coryza, or "cold in the head."

If he said he did, he did. —

The little story I am going to tell you happened just before the
war, when every one was very, very busy. Soldiers were enlisting
and going away from almost every home in the land. One young
man had volunteered, and was expecting daily to be ordered to the
seat of war. One day his mother gave him an unpaid bill, with mo-
ney, and asked him to pay it. When he returned home that day,
she said :

"Did you pay the bill?"

"Yes," he answered.

In a few days the bill was sent in a second time.

"I thought," said she to her son, "that you paid this?"

"I really don't remember, mother; you know I've had so very
many things on my mind."

"But you said you did."

" Well," he answered, "if I said I did. I did."

He went away, and his mother took the bill herself to the store.
The young man had been known in town all his life, and what opinion
was held of him this will show.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 4b7

"I am quite sure," she said, "my son paid this some days ago;
he has been very busy since, and has quite forgotten about it ; but
he told me that day that he had, and says if he said then that he
had, he is quite sure that he did."

" Well," said the man, "I forgot about it, but if he ever said he
did. he did."

Wasn't that a grand character to have? Having once said a thing,
that was enough to make others believe it, whether he remembered
it or not. I wish all the boys in our land were as sure of a good
reputation. — Christian Weekly.

Girls. —

Artemus Ward never said a wiser thing than this : " I like little
girls, but I like big girls just as well." These laughing, happy crea-
tures— the sad, the grave, the gay — all have their separate and pe-
culiar charm for the children of men. From the school-girl of four-
teen to the more mature damsel, we love them all; and it is wise
that we do so. The world would be a desert without them ; and I
have no patience with a man who can wilfully say that he has never
been entangled in the meshes of sunny hair, or felt his heart thrill at a
look from a pair of laughing eyes. In the first place, when he makes
a statement of that kind, he will find difficulty to make believers in
it. Men, from Adam's time, have been moulded by the "weaker
sex."

Weak ! Samson, the strong, man of all, lost his strength in the
lap of a woman. And so it is with all. We love them for their many
graces, for their musical voices, for the beauty God has given them,
and because they are weaker than we are, and appeal to us for pro-
tection. The touch of a delicate hand, the mellow tones of a girl's
voice, the tender glance of beautiful eyes — all these have their power.
Man's inherent chivalry teaches him that these are given for his good,
to restrain his wilder impulses, and to make him better, purer, nobler.
They furnish to the young man an incentive to labor, and point out
to him the better path which his feet ought to tread. They enchain
the wildest and most untamable of our race, and teach them to take
delight in the purer social pleasures, Many a man who has gone
astray has been reclaimed by his love for one of these dear creatures,
and has lived a nobler life thereafter for her sake. We say, "God
bless 'em every one !"

Sleep and how to secure it —

Mr. Frank Buckland, in a recent article on this subject in Land
and Water, takes the ground that it is natural for man, like other
animals, to sleep soon after eating. The following passage will be
endorsed by all who are in the habit of after-dinner naps or late
suppers.

The human frame cannot do without sleep. I believe the reason
is that the mysterious property — for want of a better name we call it

4- THE SOUTHERN [August

"vital energy" — gradually leaks out during the day. During sleep,

the machinery of the body, especially the brain, becomes recharged

■with it. The cause of not being able to sleep — I write now of people

id I health, and hard workers with their brains — is that the brain

to speak, "go down."' but it continues to act, more or

less, My father, when writing the Bridgewater Treatise, had his

own way of working. He was an excessively busy man during the

dav. and had only the night hours in which he could write. He gen-

en o'clock, and immediately after dinner went to

two or three hours. He then got up. and worked on till

: ree in the morning. Just before retiring to rest, he took

some light pudding, or a sandwich, with cocoa or miik. Thus he

always slept well, as the blood was diverted from the brain to the

si

I have no hesitation in saying that the proper thing to do is to go

:. mediately (or at least very soon) after the meal of the day.

All animals always go to sleep, if they are not disturbed, after eating.

illy noticeable in dogs ; and the great John Hunter

- an experiment that digestion went on during sleep more

:.al was awake and going about. This is his ex-

: He took two dogs and gave them both the same quantity

:. One of them was then allowed to go to sleep, the other was

- hunth _-. At the end of three or four hours he killed both

logs. The food in the stomach of the dog which had been

asl a quite digested : in that of the one which had been hunting,

the foo I '^as not digested at all.

^tarch. — A beautiful finish can be given to articles to

be starched by taking one-fourth of a pound of starch, and working

kneading it with a little water, then placing five or six

pints of water in a pan, and adding to this a very small quantity of

"ax. a small piece of sugar, and a fragment of white avux

te size of a hazel nut. and heating the whole sufficiently.

. ; then to be added to the starch, with continual stirring,

mixing the two tosether until the whole is as thick as is convenient

for ttion. If the articles are to be made quite stiff, the strength

of the starch may be increased two or three fold.

Learn from baby. —

Jack heard a very strong young farmer say one day that his baby
brother had taught him a capital lesson — that was to stretch himself
Uaby did it for some wise reason, he knew; so he had fol-
lowed the example. Stretching makes you grow, makes you supple
and active, and is all together a good thing. Follow the baby's plan,
my dears ; stretch your arms, legs, neck and body for a few moments,
morning, noon and night, until further notice. — St. Ntekoleu.

'" •fl-.T7!?^[9iMwri,LN

470 THE SOUTHERN [August

i 9

(Ditorhl Department

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

The month of August was named in honor of Augusta? Caesar. We do not know
that he was a patron of agriculture, but we know that he was a kind patron of
the farmer poet of Italy. Virgil, and that he spared to him his farm, when he was
confiscating all the lands in Mantua, for the benefit of his soldiers.

TAKING CARE OF OATS.

There is as much to be done in this month in taking care of the crops already
raised, as in cultivating those in the ground, or in starting new one3. If oats
have not been secured, lose no time in housing or stacking them, or in baling
them as hauled from the field. If intended for market, we prefer baling them,
and it saves time and loss of grain by shattering, to bale as hauled from the
field. Use Xo. 12 wire, and six moderate sized, seasoned sticks, if procurable.
We say moderate size sticks (seasoned), because we think much imposition in
this matter has been practiced on the consumer, sometimes, no doubt, uninten-
tionally. We had occasion some time since to weigh the sticks put around
some bales of straw. They were large, green oaks, and weighed to the bale, from
eighteen to twenty pounds. The consumer in such cases is justifiable in refusing
to purchase. The winter oat this year has yielded well, and we have no doubt on
our minds now that it is a more profitable crop than wheat. We have cut and baled
the present season, from four acres of land. 10,500 pounds of winter oats. These-
at $1 per hundred, which we have no doubt about obtaining by September or
October, will amount to $105. Now. this land has not been manured for eight
years, when it was in strawberries, and is not rich, capable of producing six or
seven barrels of corn, and not more than fifteen bushels of wheat in the most
'avorable seasons. About one-half of it was much infested with wire grass. The
oats were seeded the 14th of October, and were not thick et.ough on the land,
only one bushel to the acre being seeded. They did not come up well on account
of the dry season last fall, and in the winter looked as if they were so thin as
necessarily to produce a small crop. Besides this, being near the house, they were
depredated on the whole season by fowls. If they had been seeded the 1st Septem-
ber, and one and a half to two bushels put to the acre, they would, we confidently
think, have yielded one-third more. If the winter oat stood the last winter well, as
cold as it was. we may well expect them to stand any winter in our latitude., and
if seeded the last of August, or first of September, we believe it would prove one
of the most certain, if not the most certain crop, the farmer can raise. On the
other hand, we consider wheat the most uncertain crop produced in our latitude.

SEEDING OATS.

We advise then that winter oats be seeded the last of this month or first Sep-
tember, one and a half to two bushels per acre, in the standing corn. Run the
cultivator twice in the row, sow the oats, and cover with the cultivator, or if the
land is grassy, run the turning plow through the centre of the row, lap the dirt
on this from each side, drag down with the cultivator, then sow. and cover with
the cultivator. The hoe hands must then follow, and chop between the hills of
the standing corn, to cover the oats there.

GETTING OCT WHEAT.

As before advised, get out wheat as soon as possible. 'and 8ell. for the first
price is generally the best, and much will be saved from waste, shrinkage, and
probably stealage in some cases.

1875.] PLANTER AXD FARMER. 471

FALLOWING

Should be commenced this month for wheat, or winter oats, and prosecuted every
opportunity, when the condition of the ground, and other things will permit.

SEEDIXG CLOVER AXD GRASSES.

We omitted to say in connection with the seeding of winter oats, that clover,
orchard grass, or timothy, or tall meadow oat grass, might be very advantageously
seeded the last of this month along with the oats. As at present advised we
prefer to sow clover, one and a half gallons; orchard grass, one bushel; and tall
meadow oat grass, one bushel to each acre.

TCRXIPS.

This is the principal month for putting in the turnip crop. In the first part of the
month (if not sown last July) from 1st to loth August, sow ''Norfolk," •'Globe,*'
and "Aberdeen." and "Red Top." As a general thing the "Red Top" should
be sown a little later than the former, as it matures earlier, and does not keep so
well. " Seven Top," for salad, sow last of the month, though many now are
sowing " Norfolk," or " Globe," the salad being much better than the " Seven
Top." The latter requires little or no protection in the winter, while the others
do. Turnips may be drilled or sown broadcast. The former is the most certain
mode. After the land is well fallowed and dragged, throw two furrows togetker
two and a half feet apart, 'flatten these down with the back of the drag, or
with hoe or rake, and drill with hand, or with drilling machine. The laud
should be made rich for turnips, either by superphosphates, stable manure, or
bone flour — the latter is, however, generally too slow. The custom which pre-
vails in the country of enriching the land with cows penned on it, answers a very
good purpose. If sown broadcast, which is the most economical plan, it will
be necessary to go over and pall up the largest weeds and grass with the hand.
The principal objection to broadcast sowiug is the difficulty of getting the seed
evenly distributed, and unless thinning is done, they will, in some places, be

much too thick.

potato oxioxs

May be put out the last of this month, particularly if they are disposed to vot.

ASPARAGUS

Must be kept clean of grass, and the dirt be thrown back to it, if this has not
been doue since it was thrown from it las: month.

STRAWBERRIES

Mast be frequently worked this month, with hoe and cultivator frequently run
through them. They must be kept clean by constant working, or the labor will
be increased if they get grassy.

Well, we may finish the work for the month early if we will '"hurry up," and
then let us take that little promised recreation. Before closing, let us con-
gratulate the farmers on the bright prospects of good crops the present year.
The wheat throughout the Union, with the exception of California, is said to be
a fine crop. The oat crop is a good one. and the corn and tobacco is very prom- -
ising, and. unless a drought intervenes, the yield of each will be large. The hay
crop is said to be a short one generally. Should the abundant crops produce
lower prices, the farmers have the consolation of knowing that the prices of
almost all they have to buy are coming down, and will probably rate still lower.
6

472 THE SOUTHERN [August

THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We publish in this number of the Planter and Farmer an article from the
President of the State Agricultural Society, which gives us the occasion to say
something, as it always affords us pleasure to do, in regard to the affairs of the
Society. Probably, the State is indebted in a larger extent to the labors and ex-
penditures of this organization, under the management of its efficient officers,
than is generally supposed or acknowledged.

The people were impoverished by the war, and agricultural and other interests
were prostrated beyond any precedent in the history of nations. Adverse sea-
sons in many sections have continuously prevailed to the present time ; and yet
the people, borne down by their losses and the burden of old debts, have rallied
to an extent that the fruits of a few propitious seasons will afford a permanent
relief. Under a judicious system of Immigration urged by the Society, the un-
occupied lands will be filled up with thrifty farmers, mines will be developed,
factories extended and improved, and the wail of repudiationists will be hushed.
The Society having fortunately preserved from the calamity of war the bulk of
its investments, recommenced its labors six years ago, and year after year its
Fairs have disclosed a gradual increase in products of the field, garden, orchard,
stable and stock-yard. The distribution of from six to ten thousand dollars in
premiums each year has been no small incentive to the stock-breeder and intelli-
gent farmer : and we hope the time is not far distant when Virginia will not be
behind any of her sister States in respect to a generally diffused prosperity
amongst her citizens. Ten years ago her pastures and stables were stripped of
almost every living animal, but now she may boast that they are re-stocked with
as valuable thoroughbred cattle, horses and sheep, as can be found in any coun-
try. Her great staples, tobacco, corn and wheat, are advancing in production, not-
withstanding the first named is burdened with an unreasonable, if not unjust,
tax of six to eight millions of dollars per annum to the United States Govern-
ment. Xow, we say, that we are indebted, to a large extent, to the State Agri-
cultural Society for this state of things, and we hope that every farmer, mer-
chant and manufacturer in the State will become a life member of the Society, and
thus increase its influence and means for doing good. The approaching Fair,
we have reason to believe, will present a grander display of people and products
than any former one, and every farmer, or citizen, of any profession, will be
amply paid for time and money in attending it. And more than this : each
should feel it his duty and privilege to contribute something to the exhibition in
its various departments, and if not in animals, or articles, then in written essays
on subjects connected with practical agriculture, &c. This collision of mind and
skill will ensure progress, which will tell alike On individual and State prosperity.

POMONA GRANGES.

The Master of the State Grange will be at the following places at the time
appointed to organize Pomona Granges and instruct deputies in the work of the
fifth degree. The deputies of the judicial districts will be expected to
be present, and as many members as possible are requested to be in
attendance. The installations will be public: Farmville, August 4th: Glade
Spring. August 6th ; Vytheville, August 9th ; Christiansburg, August 11th ;

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 473

Lynchburg, August 13th ; Staunton, August 16th ; Winchester, August ISth ;
Alexandria, August 16th.

Pomona Granges will be composed of Master and Past Master and their wives
who are matrons, and three fourth degree members from each subordinate
Grange, who may be elected thereto. Delegates will be required to present a
certificate of election under seal of the Grange, attested by their respective sec-
retaries. Each Grange represented is requfred to send by their delegates the
fee of 82. This fee is in full of all State charges.

THE PLANTERS' CONVENTION.

The planters of Virginia have decided to hold a Convention at "Burkeville on
Wednesday, the 11th day of August, and it is desirable that every county that
produces tobacco, shall send representatives. The prime object of the Conven-
tion is to consider the subject of tobacco inspection — to harmonize the views of
planters, and to decide what changes in the law are necessary J.o foster and
protect this important industry.

This subject has occupied much of public opinion for several years, and en-
gaged the attention of several recent Legislatures. There is considerable diver-
sity of opinion among planters, and more between them and the trade. The
latter petitioned the last Legislature to abolish Estate inspection of tobacco as a
useless and oppressive burden to production, but the planters in many of the
largest tobacco producing counties in the State held meetings, and petitioned for
the retention of the law, with such changes and modifications as seemed to them
desirable. The Convention, we presume, is to decide upon these, and to unite
in petitioning for such changes and reforms in the law as are desirable. The
decision of the Convention, if harmonious, will be potential for good.

Let county meetings be held to appoint delegates, and'where these cannot be
held, district meetings and the Granges should select.

We had the promise of an article on this subject from Maj. R. L. Ragland, who
understands the subject probably better than any man in Virginia, having fought
this question of tobacco inspection for the past two years in the Senate in the in-
terest of the planters, but he informs us that sickness has prevented him from
doing so. We hope, however, that he will be able to attend the meeting at
Burkeville, that the Convention may have the benefit of his experience and
counsels. No one has more zealously and efficiently worked for the interest of
the tobacco grower than has Maj. Ragland.

TEN GOOD HINTS.
The following pithy code of newspaper by-laws is the best we have ever seen :

1. Be brief; this is the age of telegrams and short-hand.

2. Be pointed ; don't write all around a subject without hitting it.

3. State facts; don't stop to moralize ; it's drowsy business; let the reader do

his own dreaming.

4. Eschew prefaces ; plunge at once into your subject, like a swimmer in cold

water.

5. If you have written a sentence that you think particularly fine, draw your
pen through it ; a pet child is always the worst in the family.

474 THE SOUTHERN [August

6. Condeuse ; make sure you really have an idea, and then record it in the
shortest possible terms.

7. "When your article is complete, strike out nine-tenths of the adjectives ; the
English is a strong language, but won't bear too much " reducing."

8. Avoid all high-flown language ; never use stilts when legs will do as well.

9. Make your sentences short ; every period is a milestone, at which the reader
may halt and rest himself.

10. Write legibly.

GEORGE WATT.

George Watt, the plow-maker of Richmond, (whose likeness forms the
frontispiece for this number,) was born August 11th, 1815, (at Springfield
Farm, the battle-ground of the 27th of June, 1862), in Hanover county,
Virginia. His father, Hugh Watt, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a lineal
relative of James Watt, who first brought steam into practical use. His father
was a farmer in independent circumstances. His mother was a native of Hanover
county, and was a granddaughter of John Austin, to whom the crown made
some very extensive grants of land principally in that county.

George was the youngest of five children. At the age of fifteen he was taken
from school and put with Wm, Smythe, an extensive dealer in china-ware in
Richmond. But he was not pleased with this vocation and returned to the farm
at the end of six months. After remaining with his father six or eight months,
he was apprenticed to his brother-in-law, John Haw, of Hanover county, to learn
mechanics. Mr. Haw was engaged in building machinery of all kinds, and
houses, and also had a large foundry and blacksmith shop. George took a gene-
ral interest in every department of business, and after five years of diligent ser-
vice, asked to be released from his remaining time, which request was granted
cheerfully.

He then went West and afterwards South, where he engaged in business with
his brother.

In 1840, he finally went into the business of manufacturing plows.

In 1842, he commenced the manufacture of what has since become famous
under the name of the Cuffbrace plow.

In 1848, he moved from Alabama, where he had been living for some time, and
having formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, with whom he had served
his apprenticeship, he went into the manufacture of plows and building of ma-
chinery. They had their factory at Haw's shop in Hanover county.

In January, 1846, he removed to Richmond, and here commences a career so
intimately interwoven with the successful manufacture of plows for the use of
Virginia and the South, that to write it out minutely would be to give the history
of almost every valuable improvement in cast-iron plows for nearly thirty years.

Mr. Watt has, from time to time, made improvements on his plow, which, all
combined, make it now, beyond all question, one of the best, if it is not the very
best cast-iron plow made.

His progress toward the present perfection, was of course gradual — almost
every year saw some improvement made, till in 1867 he made what is now known
as the Watt Plow — combining all the excellence of his former inventions, and
adding some very valuable improvements.

In 1870, the broad throat improvement was added. There are many peculiari-

1875.]

PLANTER AXD FARMER. 475

ties about the "Watt Plow, which distinguish it decidedly from all others, both in
the form of different parts and the method of putting them together. The
obliqueness of the mould-board, and simple method of regulating the depth and
width of furrow, make it not only the lightest running plow, but also the most
easily regulated.

It is hardly necessary to enter into a complete description of the plow, for they
are in every neighborhood, and farmers can see them for themselves. The points
of excellence are cheapness, durability, ease of draught, both to team and
plowman, perfect adjustability, either as to depth or width of furrow, freedom
from choking, burial of filth and pulverization of soil.

These plows have been introduced everywhere throughout the South, and give
entire satisfaction wherever used. Mr. Watt is still actively engaged in their man-
ufacture in partnership with his son-in-law, Manfred Call. The demand for the
W att Plow is steadily and rapidly increasing, and the firm is doing a heavy and
lucrative business.

Personally, Mr. Watt is above medium height, with a pleasant, open counte-
nance, upon which good nature and firmness are equally impressed. He is a
man of uncommonly strong natural sense ; impulsive in his feeling, a firm friend
and uncompromising opponent ; scrupulously honest in all his dealings, and bit-
ter in his denunciations of all who fail to coma up to his high standard of hon-
esty. He is enthusiastic in his business and believes he knows more about plows
than any one else — an opinion, by the way, which a very large class of our
people heartily endorse. If men are to be judged by the amount of good they
do in life, George Watt will rank very high among the honored sons of Virginia.

TO OUR PATROXS.

With zeal, energy, and liberal expenditure in procuring valuable contributions
and handsome and useful illustrations, we confidently expect to render the
Planter and Farmer still more deserving of the liberal patronage that it has
received in the past. Virginia and the other Southern States have so many
interests in their large territory and varied conditions, that it would be unjust to
devote the journal to any one or two to the exclusion of others. The farmer, the
planter, the gardeuer, the fruit grower, the stock raiser, the manufacturer, the
miner, have all a right to be considered in our table of contents. Of course, no
one supposes that any one person is capable of treating all these subjects pro-
perly; therefore, we must look for information to those whose thorough education
and long experience have been directed to special objects. In this connection,
we wish to say that we are always anxious to hear from our readers upon any
subject which particularly interests them, believing that when a man is in earnest
something can be learned from what he has to say.

We desire to set apart a small portion of the journal to family reading, which
shall be carefully guarded against anything objectionable, and which, we hope,
will add to its value and make it acceptable to the whole household.

We say to our readers, the Southern Planter and Farmer is your paper as well
as ours, and you are all equally interested in its success ; and we. therefore,
have no hesitation in asking that you will take such steps as will insure it — that
is, to pay promptly the small subscription price that is due, to give it your influ-
ence in obtaining new subscribers, and the benefit of your experience in any

476 THE SOUTHERN [Aneast

matters relating to agriculture, horticulture, and kindred pursuits. The single
effort of each subscriber could readily double the circulation of the journal, and
we promise that our patrons shall have the benefit in full of our increased pros-
perity. If the 10,000 copies which we send out this month are only circulated
among your friends, after you hare read them, with a hint that they oug
subscribe, we have not a doubt that our subscription list would be doubled in a
few months.

WHO WILL DO LIKEWISE?

The following gentlemen will please accept our thanks for their influence and
aid in extending the circulation of the Planter and Farmer. It only needs the
combined influence and aid of our present subscribers to make the Planter and
Farmer not only the largest circulated paper in the country, but the best. If
the ten thousand farmers who will receive this number will only show it to their
neighbors, and urge upon them to subscribe, our subscription will, in a month,
be doubled. We are indebted to the following gentlemen for the following num-
ber of subscribers :

D. L. Stephens, 6 ; C. H. Jones, 12 ; D. C. Brady, 5 ; Wm. Chitwood. S : J. A.
Cunningham, 5 ; F. A. Luck, 5 ; M. P. Cowherd. 3 ; A. Graves. 5 ; T. J. Adam -
T. G. Lumpkin, 5; H. W. Burgwim -3 : Dr. J. T. Dunette. G: J. W. Whitley,
Dr. T. W. Gouldin, 6 ; J. L. Shelton, 9 ; L. Sheffield. 5 i A. 0. Lee. 14 ; P. T.
Woodward. 5 ; L. S. LaPrade, 5 ; O. L. Ligon. 5 ; Abner Fnqua, 5 ; Thomas J.
Adams. 6 ; W. F. Smith, 10 ; W. H. Gills. 5 ; H. M. Stephens. 9 ; M. H. Ber-
nard. 9: John S. Apperson, 9; James Harris, 6 ; E. W. Brooking. IS: E. H.
Wood, 8 : C. B. Coiner, 5 ; John D. Stone. 5 : S. EL Waring, 5 ; EL C. Bost. 5 :
W. D. Stone, 6; William M. Blackwell, 5 ; John A. Brumbaugh, 5 : William C.
Tate', 7. Robert A. Blackwell, 8; Dr. C. R. Cullen. 12: M. H. Garland, 9: M.
Brench, 5: J. W. Schink, 5; George S. Norman, o; Wm. D. Stone. 6; J. W.
Goodman, 11 ; John Fredick, 5 ; J. K. Forrer. 5 : W. W. Smith, 7 ; C. H. Moor-
man, 8; Isaac A. Mclrwin, 5 ; C. H. Chilton. 7: T. A. Hatcher. 5; W. Hol-
man, 8 ; W. C. Tate. 5 ; C. M. Adkinson. 5 ; John W. Peyton, 5 : S. R. Moore. 5 j
W. A. Love. 7 ; J. M. Rice, 6 ; S. M. Leftwich. 5 ; William F. Lockett. 5; E. B.
Hilton, 5: Thomas L. Catlett, 7 ; M. H. Garland, 10; P. H. Adams, 5; J. E.
LaPrade, 7 ; J. W. Chinn, 5 ; E. B. Spencer, 0 : E. C. Wilbourn, 5 : P. T. Wood-
ward, 5 ; J. G. White, 9 ; H. B. Harusberger, 5 ; J. W. Scheuk. 7 : John J. An-
sell, 6 ; Cyrus Brown, 5; John C. Ward, 5 ; J. M. Spiller. 6 ; J. E. Lazenby, 10;
W. H. Peyton, 6; John R. Farrer, 5; J. D. 'Rogers, 6; K. Shumate, 5; Joseph
K. Bland, 6; G. Bear, 5; Thomas E. Pullen. 5: Gaorge W. Dawson. 9 ; James
T. Woods, 5; Dr. E. T. Adams, 13; F. Sanders, 5; P. J. Kemper, 5; John W.
Aiken, 19 ; C. M. Zeegler, 23 ; Eo. L. Poindexter, 7 ; S. G. Bernard, S ; A. W.
Abraham, G; J. T. Cawthorn. 6; H. M. Fowlkes. 5; J. H. Shelton. 7 ; P. L.
Ligon, 7 ; P. L. Blankenship, 5 ; L. C. Blankenship, 6 ; E. M. Quillen, 5 ; D.

E. E. Brady, G ; H. C. Lovitt, 5 ; W. H. Peyton, 8 ; Wm. Powell. 9; D. L.
Stephens, 5 ; J. H. Featherstone, 6; A. J. Brown, 5; Thos. T. Arnold. 8; Jas.

F. Bland, G ; Thos. F. Rives, 5 ; Wm. A. Mohler. 5 ; R. G. Handen, 5 : H. L.
Blanton. G: Skinquarter Grange, 7 ; E. L. Nuckols, 5: R. T. Jeter. 5; L. B.
Brown. 5 ; C. H. Chilton, 7 ; John F. Walton, 6 ; T. R. Covington, 5 : R. Bin-
ford, 11 ; C. A. Shuman, 10 : Putnam Owen. 5 : Sharpe Carter. G : Joseph F.
Deans, 15 ; F. N. Maxey, 5; G. N. Thrift. 5 : N. A. Gregory. 7; T. P. Lilly.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 477

5; Jas. K. Smith, -5 : W. Haynes, 6; C. S. Morton, 5; J. R. Jones, 5; J. M.
Spiller, 6; S. G. Bernard, 5 ; H. Handley, 5 ; J. P. Gayle, 5;. A. W. Tinsley,
10; H. W. Burgwin, 8; J. C. Arnn, 8, Jonas Hackman. 5 ; J. A. Logan, -J :
W. G. Friend, 11 ; M. Dent, 5 ; G. T. Croxton, 5 ; S. McD. Gold, 5 ; C. T.
Moseley, 5; Geo. F. Beale, 5 ; A. E. Stark, 7; T. J.Stratton, G; S. M. Step,
toe, 6 ; W. H. C. Lovett. 5 ; A. G. Spratley, 5 ; W. L. Doss, 5 ; Wm. P. Court-
ney, 6 ; John Q. A. Kelly, 5 ; T. P. Taylor, 5 ; M. Graybill, G ; R. M. Eirby, 5 ;
Jas. Yancey, Jr., 6 ; Mr. Bagby, 11 ; D. S. Tucker, 14 ; R. G. Haden, G ; Geo.
W. Dawson, 7; R. C, Phillips, 5; W. W. St. Clair, 6; W. T. Pugh, 5; P.
Smith, 6; S. W. Goulam, 5 Joel L. Preston, 5; John L. Hart, 5 ; J. W. John-
son, 5 ; T. H. Masaey, 5 ; S. Carter, 5 ; Dr. L. W. Carter, 5 ; G. X. Thrift, 5 ;
F. A. Luck, 13; B. F. Kidd, 7: L. H. Stern, 9; Wm. Holman, 6; Col. J. A.
Gibson, 5: C. H. Barron, 5; W. R. Mason, 15; D. M. Burgess, 5; N. M. Tandv,
7 ; Wm. M. Blackwell, 5 ; D. C. E. Brady, 7 ; J. W. Diggs, 6 ; S. W. Walkup. 6.
Total, 1,273.

DR. NICHOLS' PATENT PORTABLE FENCE.

[We are indebted to the proprietors of the Rural South Carolinian for the fol-
lowing letter, and the stereotype on page 4G9. The Rural Carolinian is one of
the best agricultural journals published North or South. We recommend it to
our subscribers as being more than worth its subscription price— $2 per annum.
Ed. P. & P.]

The following letter from Dr. Edgar G. Nichols, of Beaufort, S. C, will ex-
plain itself, and, in connection with our frontispiece, answer the questions of nu-
merous correspondents. Those requiring further information can communicate
directly with the patentee :

Beaufort, S. C, May 14th, 1875.
D. H. Jacques, Esq.:

Dear Sir, — At the request of Mr. Robt. Chisolm I send you to-day. per steamer
"Pilot Boy," one of my patent posts for portable fence : also a fereotype of a
fence already built.

These posts are seven feet long, weigh sixteen pounds each, are made of
wrought iron, and painted with Asphaltum. They are set into the ground two
feet, a hole of the shape of the bottom part of the post having been made with
a crowbar to receive each one ; they can be set at the rate of fifty per hour. To
fence one acre, forty posts are required : to fence one-fourth acre, twenty. They
cost one and one half dollars each ; that is, for one quarter acre, thirty dollars.
In addition, you want sixty to one hundred and twenty rails, and nothing else —
not even a nail. The rails may be poles, three inches diameter, such as are
found in most woods, and would cost a farmer next to nothing. But if sawed
lumber were preferred, the best size is one and one half by four inches, and
twenty feet long. At fifteen dollars per thousand, this, for a cowpen of one-
quarter acre, would cost nine dollars. But for a cow, horse, sheep and hog pen,
eighteen dollars, because in that case it must be six rails high. So the whole
cost cannot be less than thirty dollars, nor more than forty-eight dollars.

The rails will last three or four times as long as in an ordinary fence, because
there are no water-holding joints, and the posts ^»ill last a lifetime.

A boy of fifteen years can put up the pen alone in two hours, or can take it
down and load it alone on a cart, for distant removal.

Respectfully yours,

Edgar G. Nichols.

The headquarters of the National Grange has been removed to Louisville, Ky.
Persons desiring to correspond will note the fact.

47S THE SOUTHERN [August

A VISIT TO '-BELMONT STOCK FARM."

Being in Charlottesville a few days since, we called on our friend Maj. S. W.
Ficklin, whose fine old mansion is only a few hundred yards from town. This
magnificent estate, so familiarly known as the " Belmont Stock Farm." is com-
posed of three tracts. Containing over 1.300 acres of land, most of which is
well set with old turfs of clover, orchard and timothy grasses.

"We have known Maj. F. as a successful breeder of all kinds of pure stock for
the past thirteen years, but did not suppose him such a capital farmer until our
recent visit. The fact, however, that his son is his active and enterprising
manager, may be the explanation of the excellent crops of wheat, corn, and
tobacco which we saw rather than the Major, and the credit is likely due to him.

It is of the stock, however, of Belmont Farm of which we wish to speak.
Maj. Ficklin raises and keeps nothing but pure short-horn cattle, and has a
decided preference for them and their grades to any other. He commenced
herding from a purchase of Kentucky cattle, and bought those in '58, and has
added more bulls since — some from the best families in Kentucky, and this spring
selected some cows and calves at Chicago sales, of the best descents, and has sold
probably from eighty to one hundred of both sexes in this time, to stock up the
country around with pure bred cattle. He has the Chester White and Berkshire
hogs, but his proximity to town has prevented his owning of sheep. His attention
to breeding fine horses of the useful *type was the result of an early and a life-
time extensive use of them. He has bred from old Black Hawk since 18-39, who is
now in his twenty-sixth year, but he looks comparatively young. In 1866 he im-
ported from France two Percheron Norman stallions and two mares, and the
result is being scattered over the country like his cattle and hogs. He has
horse stock of all ages from eighty-five to ninety head. None but Black Hawk
above fifteen years old, the rest being mainly under five years. He purchased some
thorough-bred horse stock at Alexander's annual sale in Kentucky in 1807, and
has added others since ; Maj. F. does not breed for the turf, but for all useful pur-
poses only. He has also added three Clydesdale colts and he looks to their
rearing, with great interest, as they are very popular in their native heath in
Scotland, as the farmer's draught horse.

Maj. F. has some twenty brooded mares — a portion of which he works when
without colts — he has Black Hawk and his son Alharian (having sold Granite); the
thorough-breds are represented by Florist by imported Australian ; he has two
imported Percheron Norman stallions, Bienveure and the Colonel ; one three-
year old ditto, two two-year old, and two colts of this year, and some half-breds
of the last two springs, and a half-bred stallion (Graybeard) that has been used
successfully the two last springs in Orange, and the Colonel this year at Win-
chester.

During our visit to Maj. Ficklin's he rode us over the farm of Mr. B. H. Bren-
nan. who has recently bought the valuable estates of Alexander Paves. G. C.
O'Mohumdro, and one hundred acres of T. L. Farrish— in all some twelve hun-
dred acres, which adjoins and compactly forms a splendid estate. We have never
seen such magnificent crops of wheat and corn. Mr. Brennan believes in high
farming, feeding his land with heavy applications of fertilizers; and by thorough
cultivation, he makes his land yield immense crops of corn and wheat, which he
thinks will ultimately return him large profits on his investments. Mr. B. has an
experienced Virginia manager and uses negro labor, with the best plows, re -

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 479

ers, mowers, and every implement of the best and most durable kind, gotten,
as far as practicable, from Harris's Charlottesville machine shops, or through
him from the best makers. He seeded upwards of three hundred bushels Fultz
wheat last fall, one and a half bushels per acre, on land first plowed in May with
three horses, in August harrowed and rolled with heavy clod-crushers; again plow-
ed with four-horse plows and harrowed, and towards seeding time sowed broadcast
five hundred pounds of Lister's Raw bone and three hundred pounds of plasteri
and harrowed or plowed in, and the first week of October put in the wheat with
about one hundred and seventy-five pounds Guanape guano, and rolled the land
with four-horse rollers. The parts of his land that was a corn fallow was cleared
of the corn, thoroughly plowed, harrowed, clod-crushed, and finished like the
other land, and finished in the last week of October; and it was the first to be
ready for the scythes and three Champion reapers. The ground having" been
cleared of all stone and obstacles, they worked to perfection. The heavy fer-
tilization made the crop even, uniform and exact, and the straw, like the crop
generally this year, very short, The reapers cut within a few inches of the
ground, and the grass and surface looked quite lawn-like. The crop is variously
estimated at from twenty to thirty bushels per acre, and the quality superb. Mr.
B. tried some dozen quarters of acres with various opposition fertilizers worked
into the soil, and the drill seeded over the whole alike, the lines being marked
by stakes, and the results showed plainly; but there was no separate measure-
ment of yield. Mr. B. is grading and paving his farm road, and improving his
farm by finishing up to grass each year as he goes. He has a field of one hun-
dred acres in corn, on which he sowed by plaster sowers ten tons of Turner's
Excelsior, and the promise is magnificent; whilst a fine field of creek bottom
promises a grand crop.

So far Mr. B. has not attempted to raise much stock, though he has of
Mr. F.'s stock of Percheron three half-bred colts of this year, and wil
doubtless at the proper time show his talents in this direction. Albemarle!
is fortunate is having such an additional good farmer and citizen.

Mr. James Leigh Jones writes:

"The experiment I made in regard to the destruction of the potato-bug was
as follows : I made a decoction of tobacco, and sprinkled the liquid when cool
uniformly over the vines. This was done with just such a sprinkler as gardeners
generally use. I made the decoction as strong as possible, and then used it quite
profusely over the plants. I presume tobacco stems could be used quite as effec-
tually as the pure leaf, though I used leaf. The effect is intoxication and a de-
sertion of the vines. The best time to sprinkle the vines is late in the afternoon,
when evaporation is less rapid."

^o any one who will send us a club of five subscribers and
$5 between the 1st of August and 1st of October next, we will send
all the back Nos. of this year, from January to July, free, in consid-
eration of their effort in our behalf.

.; THE SOUTHERN [Angus

A. M. Bowman. President of the Augusta Fair, advertises his Shorthorn Berk-
b " ga and chickens in this issue. We doubt whether there is a breeder in
ho has better stock, or who is more thoroughly reliable than Mr. Bow-
man. He has a large number of Shorthorns, Berkshire hogs, and dark Brahmas
for sale at a low price. Write to him for his catalogue.

Mr. Alfred Gerard, a large and intelligent farmer of Amelia county, Va., says.

-: I had seen your two articles as published in the Planter and Farmer a few

months since, on fKfty Ye its' Farming,' by Hill Carter, and 'On the Value of

era Pea.' by Edmund Puffin, three years ago, I believe I would have

save 1 $1 in my farming operations." Mr. G. used 40 tons of fertilizers on

.t crop of wheat. We hope he will give our readers his views on the

same for our September Xo.

The Executive Committee of the Virginia State Agricultural Society meets on
the 10th of the present month at the Buffalo Springs to make their final arrange-
ments for the approaching Fair. The meeting of the Committee has usually
been, at this season of the year, at the Montgomery and Greenbrier White Sul-
but we are glad to see that the Southside has just as attractive
;- our Piedmont section for the representatives of our agricultural inter-
The following gentlemen forms the Executive Committee : Col. W. C.
Knight. Richmond ; Dr. Wm. T. Walker, Goochland : Major A. H. Drewry,
Chad CoL R. Harrison, Cumberland; Wm. A. Burke, Staunton; John

T. Cowan, Montgomery: Col. J. D. H. Ross, Lexington; R. W. X. Xoland,
Loudoun; S- W. Ficklin. Albemarle; James Xewman, Orange; Dr. S. P.
Moore. Richmond ; John D. Rogers, King George ; Major Wm. T. Sutherlin,
Dcnvi . ert Beverly, Fauquier: S. S. Bradford, Culpeper ; Dr. Monro

Ban: Ipeper; Prof. M. G. Eilzey, Blacksburg ; Gen. G. S. Meem, She-

nandoah ; John Dodson, Dinwiddie.

The Boston (Mass.) Journal of Chemistry is the best journal of the kind pub-
lished in this country. It is devoted to the sciences, arts, agriculture and medi-
: 1 per annum.

CixcEO-QrixiXE has gained the reputation of being superior to the sulphate of
quinine, and is much cheaper. The manufacturers have certificates from the
" reliable physicians all over the country certifying to its efficiency. Read
advertisement on sover page.

We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. S. D. Atkinson, of Manchester,
Va.. who is now making large quantities of drain tile of all sizes. We have used
large numbers of them, and find that they are of the best qaality, and sold at
reas : \ te pri sea — much cheaper than sold by any other manufacturer we know
of. e such of our readers as wish them to write to Mr. Atkinson on

I

~}ut White. — Read the advertisement, in another column, of the Green-
brier White Sulphur Springs. Colonel Peyton has put down his charges for
ember to two dollars per day. This will enable hundreds to avail themselves
of the benefits which that wonderful water bestows. Try the old White this sum-
ere is no place in the country which is equal to it.

SHORT-HORN BATTLE

AND

BERKSHIRE S WINE.

The uudersigned offers for sale

BULLS, COWS AND CALVES,

Also,BERSKSHlRE SWINE of all Ages.

Amongst ray Short-Horns will be found representatives of some
of the most popular families of the day: such as Craggs, '(pure
Bates,) Louans, Rosamonds, Ianthas, Mary Anns, &c., &c, and at
the head of the herd stands the high-bred Bates-Rose of Sharon
Bull 3,555, Earl of Weldon 14,175, by the 2d Earl of Oxford
6,708 ; dam, Rose Bud 8th by the loth Duke of Airdre 5,535 ; grand
dam, Rose Bud 4th by Airdre 2,478, &c., &c.

jggp^My Berkshires are all either imported from England or bred
direct from imported sire and dam, and are second to none in
America. My sow, " Carlotta," took First Prize at the Virginia
State Fair in 1874, over T. S. Cooper's fine sow, "Royal Beauty,"
which had, only six weeks before, taken the prize at the Royal Show,
in England. My imported " Hillhurst Rose," has been shown in
.New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and has never
been beaten.

Prices to suit the times. Young Bulls especially, will be sold at
prices within the reach of our Southern farmers.

A few Dark Brahma fowls kept — price $6 per pair ; $8 per trio.

Address, A. M. BOWMAN,

aug — tf "Bellevue," near Waynesboro', Augusta Co., Va.

THE WATT PLOW,

THE BEST TURNING AND CULTIVATING PLOW MADE.

C D E^J 1 " 2V„

Warran:: nted, or to be returned if, on trial, it does

not c :rne up to the standard claimed.

The " Watt " combines Ease of Draught, Ease to Plowman, Thorough-
• ' riplicity and Durability, in a degree not possessed by any
oth-: t made, and

CAimOT BE CHOKED IX AHY LAST). HOWEVER FOUL,
have recently invented, as an attachment to our One-horse Plows.

A COTTON SWEEP

With reversible steel wir^-
And a Cast Point It will clean in any soil, is durable, and of very
iraught Several have been placed in the hands of planters for
trial, who. _ "-em with others, pronounced them the best they

have ever work - Be points can be as easily replaced when worn

out as a plow point can, and at a small cost. This Sweep was awarded
J..-: Premiums at B. C. State Fair and Orangeburg, S. C, 1874

In addition t: the Sweep Attachment, the A and B Plow has the Re-
- 3 D) for cotton, tobacco and all crops. There are

;ven different sizes of mould-boards — from the largest turner A
to the row-opener, cultivator and sub-soiler (B I; also the pea-nut digger
With these different attachments, the Plow has no equal as a
Turning Plow, Subsoiler, Cultivator, Row-opener, Scraper, Sweep and
Pean .It may be said to be all that the planter or trucker

want-. : implement made in every essential. With

it an entire crop can be cultivated without the use of any other imple-
ment

We manufacture the Watt Plow of all sizes, from one to four horses
ngh and left hand. We guarantee them to work in any land, from tie
hghtest sandy sod to the heaviest elay, and in elean land or foul. They
run more level, and conse.uent.y with more ease than the plows in gZ

Having raised the standard and otherwise improved each of the dif-
ferent s,Zes of the Watt Plow within the past eighteen months^
ck.es not conflict w.th the fitting of the ,m«ld-boards. points or slides of
former ones of same number), whereby a great saving of labor to man
and team . effected, better and deeper work done, I Johoktag thlT
any other plow, we would be pleased to enjoy the patronage so liberally
bestowed by the farmers of this and all the Southern Stales, as wel as
he *orth and West assured that our plows of all sizes are superior to
any now m use; and tf they do not prove so after one week's trial they
may be returned to us. J

All our Plows aud their Castings, Harrows, Cultivators, Coulters &c
are made under our own supervision, and are made of none but the best
material, and are warranted to be as represented.

O.A.TTTX02sr.

We especially caution makers, sellers and users of plows against in-
fringements on the various patent rights of George Watt, which cover
the Helve or Standard, Turning and Weeding Mould-Boards, Points
and Shdes-in fact, every part of the Plow. Infringements are already
m progress by certain parties, who, seeing the popularity of the Watt
Plow, are attempting to put on the market their bogus castings in our
nam*. Ihese castings are of inferior metal and will not fit our plows
and the farmer naturally attaches the blame to us, thinking they are
genuine. We therefore urge planters, to save themselves from loss to
obtain their castings from us or our agents, and not buy of those who
thus deprive us of our rights unjustly and injure themselves.

In order to do so, see that every piece of casting or point is marked
" Patented," with date of same, and by G. Watt.

We have the exclusive right to make these Plows and Castings. Suits
are now pending against infringers, and all parties making or selling
them of other make will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. A
party dealing in an infringement is as much liable as the manufacturer
of it,

For a complete description of the Plow and price list, send for Cata.
logue containing testimonials of those who have used it, &c

WATT & CALL,

Sole Manufacturers,
auS 1402 Franklin Street, Richmond, Va-

" THE BEST "
i^ -pp -T" "T~ ~TZp "P? 7 £3

GRMi. seed & mwm mm

H. M. SMITH & CO.,

Agents for Richmond.
tit^33 Send For Circular.

liER"

PATENT SELF-REGELATING

Grain Separator, Cleaner and Bauer.

H. M. SMITH & CO.,

Post-office Box No. 8, RICHMOND, VA.

General Agents for Eastern Virginia and the States of
North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia-

Thi= is the most convenient, portable, and best made Thresher and Cleaner
now in use. It threshes rapidly, and cleans more perfectly than any other pat-
tern. It has a Self-Regulating Blast, which makes the blowing over ot
Wheat an impossibility.

THE MOUNTED VIRGINIA HORSE POWER,

1= especially adapted to run the Geiser. and the two together make the best
threshing outfit in tne wri« . The reports from the Mounted Power are all like
the following unsoi.au. testim

Charlotte, X. C, July 24th, 1873.

Messrs. H. M. Smith kQ .

Gentlemen.— Xt. J. R. Wollar says of the "Mounted Power/' it is all you
claim for it : that if vou will make and send a Wagon Jack, the thresherman
need not lift more than a bushel of wheat during the season : and that sort ot
work which has been heretofore so laborious would become only play arid pas-
time. When I hear from the rest I will report. .nf.r
Very respectfully, WM. F. COOK.

REBUILT!!

H. Iff. SmiTH dfe CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

TO OUR PATRONS:

Having rebuilt our machine shops, which were destroyed by fire Oct.
1874, and fully equipped them with new and improved machinery and
tools, we are better prepared than ever before to supply your wants
in our line, and thanking you for past favors, we solicit a continuance
of the same, pledging our best endeavors to the satisfactory filling of all
orders. Send for a Catalogue.

THE MITCHELL

**?

t"*!^*" *:.T,-..~-iiLL5:MU2H

FARM AND FREIGHT WAGONS,

AND THE

STUDEBAKER FARM WAGONS.

We are the General Agents of these celebrated "Wagons, and solicit
orders from the trade, and individuals.

ifze^icies "viE:R/"3r low.

ADDRESS

H. M. Smith & Co.,

P. 0, Box 8, RICHMOND, VA.

RICHMOND. VA.

The Session of 187o~76 will open September 22d,
and close 2 2d June.

The Institution embraces eight independent schools, under the following

EDMUND HARRISON, A. M.. Professor of Latin.

H. H. HARRIS. M. A.. D. D.. Professor of Greek.

RODES MASSIE, A. II., Professor of Modern Languages.

J. L. M. CURRY, D. D.. LL. D.. Prof, of English and Acting Prof, of Philosophy.

E. B. SMITH. Iff. A.. Professor of Mathematics.

C. H. WINSTON. M. A., Piofessor of Phvsics.

B. PURYEAR, A. M.. Professor of Chemistry.

Expenses per session of nine months, embracing matriculation and tuition
fees, fuel, lights and washing. $118. Good board in messing clubs costs $10
per month : at the College boarding houses, $13. About 890 will be needed on
matriculation : $35 1st February, and the remainder at intervals through the
session.

The expenses of a day student per session are $87.50.

The College Buildings, situated in the most beautiful and healthful portion of
the city, just within the corporate limits, with thirteen acres of land attached,
are ample for the accommodation of at least two hundred and fifty students.

The Institution offers to the student every facility necessary to bis comfort,
convenience and success, and is thoroughly equipped in all respects for dispensing
liberal education, on terms unusually moderate.

For Catalogues, giving full information in regard to all the departments of the
College, address B. PURYEaR, Chairman of the Faculty.

FERTILIZERS!

PACIFIC G-UANO

AND FLOUR OF RAW BONE,

Undoubtedly the best, cheapest and most popular Fertil-
izers now offered for the

Wheat and Grass Crops.

A supply of the above standard and popular manures
will be kept during the season, to which we ask the atten-
tion of farmers.

PUHE PERUVIAN GUAUO

ALWAYS ON HAND.

For further information and supplies, address,

ALLISON & ADDISON.

Va.

COETS

Estatolislieci in

1843.

And has sustained its high reputation for
Thirty Years.

[Letter from Commodore Charles Lowndes.]

Easton, Talbot county, Md., July 16, 1875.
Andrew Coe, Esq., Baltimore Md.
Dear Sir :

I applied your Phosphate to wheat, at the rate of -00
pounds to the acre ; the result proved satisfactory ; I deem
it a good Fertilizer. J

Respectfully,

CHARLES LOWNDES,

[Prom the Purchasing Agent of Augusta County Grange.]

Staunton, Augusta county, Va., July 17, 1875.
Andrew Coe, Esq., Baltimore, Md.

I have used your Phosphate for the last five years
and it has never failed me ; for one or two years I tried
other standard fertilizers, but yours always excelled Yours
I am sure is better adapted to my land, and it has always
been kept up to the standard. I shall use it again

aug — it

W. H. PEYTON,

j

BELMONT STOCK FARM

Breeds Thorough-Bred Horses,
PERCHERON NORMAN k BLACK HAWK STOCK.

SHOET-HOEX CATTLE,

Chester White & Berkshire fjogs,
DARK AND LIGHT BRAHMA FOWLS

S. W. FICKLIN,

Wear Charlottesville, Va.

FARMERS AND DEALERS

'!

II

PURE BONE FLOUR,

PURE DISSOLVED BONE ASH,

Pure Dissolved Raw Bone,

66° Oil Yitroil, German Potash Salts,
Pure Chemicals for making Superphos-
phate at the lowest market price.

Call at E. J BAKEPv & CO'S.

CHESTNUT GROVE

Stock Farm and Poultry Yards,

McKEAN & HULICH,

EASTON, PENN.

Fine Bred and English Draft Horses, Asiatic Poultry and Fancy Pigeons,
Light and Dark Bramas, Buff, Partridge and White Cochins, Antsverps, Carriers.
Barbs. Owls. Magpies and Almond Tumblers.

POULTRY took fifteen Society and nine Special Premiums on Fowls and
Chicks, and seven on Pigeons at Lehigh Valley Poultry Exhibition, held at Ai-
lentown, January, 1875.

FOR SALE Fine Bred and Draft Stallions, Gold Dust and other Colts. Eggs,
Chicks aud Pigeons in season.

RICHLAND STOCK FARM,

NEAR QUAKE RTOWX, PA.

THOMAS L. McKEAN, Proprietor, P. O. Easton, Pennsylvania.

PURE BRED SHORT-HORN" CATTLE, JUBILEES,

LOUANS, YOUNG MAST'S, &c.

The above stock has been removed from Chestnut Grove Farm, and on hand
anil for sale at reasonable prices. Parties wishing to examine the Herd will be
met at Quakertown Station, (which is one and a quarter hours ride from Phila-
delphia, via N. P. R. R.) by writing in advance to the Proprietor, at Easton, Pa.
~ "Catalogues and Circulars upon application. Aug — tf

Notice to Wheat Growers.

Reduction of Price of

ZEL Emvm

CELEBRATED

Ammoniatefl Bone Super Plosjlate,

Unrivalled for the wheat crop. For sale by agents and dealers
throughout the country.

PRICE, $4500 per ton, at Baltimore.

"Dissolved Bone Super Phosphate" supplied to manufacturer*
and dealers at low figures.

We are prepared to furnish Granges with an " Ammoniated Bone
Superphosphate of a standard quality, adapted to grain crops, at
very lowest price.

P. ZELL & SONS, Manufacturers,
| |atig— 3t 30 South St., Baltimore, Mi.

GREAT SALE

— oif —

LIT

THE LARGEST SALE THAT EVER OCCURRED in the
Western country, at public auction, embracing nearly three hundred
head of highly bred animals, -will take place at the Nashville Fair
Grounds, adjoining the city of Nashville, Tennessee, August 18th,
1875. The stock will consist of Thoroughbred and Trotting Horses,
Short-Horn and other varieties of Cattle, Fancy Sheep and Swine
of the different breeds. The thoroughbred horses are the get of such
sires as imp. Bonnie Scotland, Brown Dick, Jack Malone, Vandal,
Pat Maloy and others. The trotters, the get of Chieftain. Mam-
brino, Patchen. American Clay, Enfield, "Woburn, Alhambra and
others. The Short-Horns by the 8th Duke of Thorndale 8,030,
Derby 7,800, Duke of Richland 9.940, and other noted bulls. The
sheep and swine bred with great care, from recent importations.
Those desirous of purchasing first-class animals, either for breeding
or track purposes, will do well to embrace this opportunity. Cata-
logues ready Jfor delivery in June. Address either of the under-
signed at Nashville.

JOHX OVERTOX, B. F. COCKRILL, M. S. COCKRILL, EWTNG k

Williams, and others. aug — tf

G. W. EOYSTER. J. B. LIGHTFOOT, Jk.

CK W, ROYiflR <& aOs,

Commission Merchants,

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

Solicit Consignments of Tobaxo, Grain, Flour and Produce Generally

Refer by Special Permission to J. W. Lockwoop, Cashier National Bank of
Va.. Richmond; Isaac Davenport. Jr., Pres. First National Bank, Richmond.
Grain Bag3 furnished on application.

L^^TD FOR SALE,

For Sale one of the finest Estates near the University of Virginia. It will be

sold as a whole, or subdivided as may be preferred. Address

GEO. C. GILMER.
University of Va.

[Mr. Gilmer proposes to sell the above land at a very low price. The prox-
imity of these lands to Charlottesville and the University, with its' intrinsic worth,
makes it one of the most desirable farms in Virginia. — Ed]. Aug — tf

Chester Springs High School,

Six miles of South Boston Depot, MinoM and Danville R. R.

T. OSCAR ROGERS, Principal and Proprietor.

Testimonials from Patrons, Professors of University of Virginia, where
the 1 nucipal graduated, and from the Professors of three colleges com-
mending the careful preparation of certain young men who are at those
Col eges from this school. Charges comparatively very low, viz: 888 for
each term of twenty weeks. Address,

T. OSCAR ROGERS,

Black Walnut, Halifax county, Va.

aus: — It

NOTICE TO FARMERS!

REDUCTION IN PRICE OF BAUGH'S RAW BONE SUPER
PHOSPHATE OF LIME.

STANDARD OP QUALITY STKICTLY MAIXTAIKED.

PI^-hi^ *? announce a reduction in the price of our RAW BONE SUPER
j j • We would respectfully represent to dealers and farmers that its
standard of quality has been strictly maintained. The proportions of soluble
and precipitated Phosphoric Acid. Ammonia and Potash, have never been higher
than they are in the article we are now selling our customers. This statement
we make as a binding guarantee.

PRICE $46 PER 2000 POUNDS, packed in good strong sacks of 200 pounds
each. "

B.41GH * SONS.

No. 20 South Delaware Ave., Philadelphia. No. 103 South St., Baltimore Md
Au2— It

THE AMSDEN PEACH again
provts the earliest largest and best.
Red freestone. Buds safely bv mail or
Ex. per 100. $1 ; 1000 38. Also 1 and
1 year old trees. Circular free.

L. C. AMSDEN, Carthage, Mo.
Aug— It

EPISCOPAL FEMALE INSTI-
TUTE. Winchester, Va. Rev. J.
C. Wheat, A. M., Principal, (formerly
of Staunton, Va.) For circulars stating
terms, <tc, address J. C. Wheat. Win-
chester, Va. References. The Bishops
and Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Va. Aug — It

VI^GI > I % I.AXSW.

UPPER JAMES REAL ESTATE AGENCY.

BY WILLIAM HOLMAN.

Cartersville, Va.

Who offers for sale upwards of 20,000
acres of land, lying in one of the most
desirable regions of Eastern Virginia.

Catalogues sent ou application.

[Mr. Holman is one of the most relia-
ble farmers in the State. Those wishing
to buy land should send for his Cata-
logue]. Aug— tf

FREE.

The Fruit Recorder and Cottage Gardener

"^■^■^^^^■^i will be sent free 3

I months to all who

17 MniuWro 1 win send us a Scent

^ i'lUlN lJllJ I stamP t0 prepay
0 postage, as law now
V POTC | requires prepay-
ment of po st age.
We do not ask any
one to subscribe for
our paper until they know what they
are to get. It speaks for itself. Price
only $1 per year. Purdy's Small Fruit
Instructor is a work of 64 pp. that tells
in simple language just how to grow
fruits in abundance for home use or
market. Price, 26 cents postpaid.
A.M. PLRDY. Rochester. NY.

For Sale!

PURE JERSEY HULL

"GOLDSTICK."

(519 Herd Register of Americau Cat-
tle Club.) Dropped July, 1870. Is in
fine condition and perfectly gentle. Ti>
be had cheap. Pedigree and full par-
ticulars on application to

J. PATERSON.
729 Main St., Richmond, Va.

MILLERS! MILLERS!!

A rare chance to buy a No. 1 Merchant Mill with Saw Mill attached,
immediately on the Valley Railroad 21 miles from Harrisonburg, Rock-
ingham county, in the verv heart of the Shenandoah valley of Virginia.
Located in a large wheat-growing region, and complete in all of its ap-
pointments. This Mill offers an opportunity rarely met with to thosejde-
siring to purchase Mill property.

Full information will be furnished on application to

Rev, L>. H. LANDIS,
aug — It P. 0. Box 53. Harrisonburg, Va.

PERUVIAN GUANO.

J^: Until further notice. Peruvian Guano,
guaranteed to contain 10 per cent, of
Ammonia, will be sold by the Under-
signed or their Agents, in lots of not
less than Ten Tons, at SIXTY DOL-
LARS CURRENCY per Ton of 2240
pounds, full weight at the time of deliv-
ery.

A liberal discount will be made to
dealers or others on the entire amount
bought during the Spring or Autumn
seasons.

BWBSOX. JTURTArtO * CO.,

Agents of the Peruviau Government.
July 1st. 187i Nem York.

AGEXTS:

B. F. TOSS. Baltimore. Md.

G. W.WILLIAMS X CO. .Charleston S. C

R. G. LAY. Savannah. Ga.

Terms of atetMi

of PI a nter an d Fa rnier.

One square, 10 lines or Jess, one insertk i

1 square of ten lines for six months. 10 00

1 square of ten lines for one year

.- Six months _ ..30 00

'4 page one year

J^ page six months _ _ 155

1 linage one year

-iuc'.e insertion 20 0")

m.t months WO On

1 page, one year - ISO 00

FRESH
GARDE.? and FIELD SEED

At the old stand cf Palmer & Turpin,
1626 Main street. R.chmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, Herds. CloTer.

Kentucky Blue Grass.
Ssnd for Catalogue.

feb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

White Sulphur Springs,

WEST VIRGINIA,

Famous for its Alterative Waters and fashionable company, is open,
and the following schedule of prices adopted :

FOR JULY A>'JD AUGUST.

Monthly §2 85 per day.

Weekly 3 00 per day.

FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER.

£ Monthly S2 00 per day.

"Weekly 2 50 per day.

Important and expensive improvements have been made in Build-
ing and Lodging accommodation, including new Spring Beds. Kc.

Descriptive pamphlets obtained of Messrs. Purcell. Lad .1 >n: Co.,
Richmond. Va.

aug — tf

GEO. L. PEYTON & CO.

SINCLAIR <£ CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

to

ALSO. GROWERS AND IMPORTERS OF

GARDEN AND FIELD SEEDS,

Dealers in FRUIT TREES and PLANTS

Would call the special attention of our friends and customers to the following
first-class Machinery and Implements, which we guarautee to be equal to any arti-
cle of the kind made in this country, being all of our own manufacture.

We name in part, such machines as are required by the Farmer and PlaDter
for the Winter and Spring seasons, viz : SIN CLAIR'S PATENT MASTI-
CATOR, of which we make four sizes, viz: Hand, Steam and Horse Power.

Sinclair's Patent Screw Propeller, Hay, Straw and Fodder Cutters,

of -*-hich we make four sizes, viz. Light Hand Power, Hand Power, several sizes,
and Horse Power three sizes. All of the above-named Cutters are our own
Patents and Manufacture, and are such as we can recommend.

Reading's Patent Horse-Power Corn Sheller, with Fan Attachment,

Sheller, plain.

Double Spout Hand or Power Sheller Single Spout Shellers—
«11 kinds.

Corn and Cob Mills, Grist Mills, for Farm and Plantation use.
WHEAT AND CORN FANNING MILLS.

" Anderson's " Agricultural Steamer, for preparing feed for Stock.
The best in use.

Threshers and Separators— different kinds and sizes.

Horse Powers, all sizes and patterns.

Ox- Yokes and Bows, Horse Power Road Scrapers, Hay and
Straw Presses.

Plow's, different kinds and sizes, Harrows, Cultivators, and all kinds of
Farming and Horticultural Tools. Address,

s""? R. SINGL AIR & CO.. 82 Liflit Street, Baltimore, Mi.
MPI@¥E Y@B1 STOCK.

FOR SALE — Alderney and Durham Cattle. Cotsicold and Shropshire
Lambs, and Berkshire Stvine.

PREHIFM ALI)E«BIEV BULL "EZRA"

three years old. Sire Imp. Hannibal (618); Daro Lily (500). Price 8100.

PREMIUM ALDERNET HVU "(>OLO Dl ST" two years old. Sire Imp. South-
ampton (117); Dam California (344). Price 880.

ALDERNET BULL CHATHAM,
eighteen months old; now fit for service. Sire Sudbrook (1262); Dam Imp. Rose Harebell (3243);
solid color, black points Price SSO.

ALRERNET BULL CALF ACCIDENT,
three months old. Sire Saladin (447); Dam Minerva (.341); one of the bsst Jersevcows in the State
Price $50.
All the above are from Herd-Book Stock, and can be entered in next volume of Herd Book.
HEKDBOOK ALUF.KVKV BULL SUDRKOOK (1262),
nine years old ; bred by J. Howard McHenry; one of the finest bull.- in the State. Price 8100.

PREMIUM ALDERNEY BULL HANNIBAL
four years old. Sire Imp. Hannibal (618); Dam pure Alderney Cow, but not registered ; took ls,t
Premium State Fair 1873. Price 380.

DURHAM BULL STONEWALL,
bred by James Gowen of Pennsylvania, roan color, of fine size, and splondid form. Price Si 00
worth twice the money.

TWO DURHAM CALVES (Heifer and Bull),
four months old, roan color. Price §30 each.

COTSWOLD AND SHROPSHIRE: I.AUKS,

at from 810 to 815 each.

BERKSHIRE PIGS,

from best stock in the State. Price 88 single pig, or 815 per pair.
The above prices are one-fourth less thau Northern prices for such stock. Addn

A. P. R0WE,

jy-2t Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The AYP.ES TRUSS is the best I have ever seen for Hernia in its various forms, and
heartily recommend it to the profession— HITS TEE McGUlRE, M. I)., Prof. Surg. Med
College of Va.

The Inventor refers by special permission to

Stanford E. Chaille. A. 'M., M. D.. Professor of Phvsiolog-v fniver>itv of Louisiana.
Fra>k H. Hamilton. M. !».. L. L L>.,. late Professor of Surgery, Bellevue Hospital Med
ical College. >"ew York.
J. L. Cabell. M. I>.. Professor of PhysiolOiTT and Surgery. University of Va.
J>aiah H. White. M. _!>.. Demonstrator of Anatomy, Med. Col. of Va" •
James B. McCaw, M. D., Prof. Iractice of Medicine, Med. Col of Va.
J. a Wellfoed. M I>.. Pro: I Col. of Va.
O. F. MaWHQW, M. L)., Prof. Physiology and Pathologv. Med. Col. of Va.
Hv>teb Momiee. M. I).. Prof. Surgery, Med. Col. of Va.
LanduS E. Ei/waels. M. L>.. Editor Va! Medical Monthly, Richmond, Va.
X. B. MORRISON \- CO.. Gen") Agu., New Orleans, La

" E UR E K A"

Ammoniatefl Snperpliospliate of Lib,

MANUFACTURED BY

The Atlantic and Virginia Fertilizing Company,

Near OKIENT, L. L,

Always proves to be the best fertilizer when accurately tested, i. e. by the applica-
tion of equal values, by the side of any other, whether on tobacco, wheat, corn,
cotton, grass or vegetables.

See the report of Mr. A. M. Bowman. President of the Baldwin Augusta Ag-
ricultural Society, to the Virginia State Agricultural Society, published in this
number of the Planter and Fanner, and note the fact that the " Eureka " is not
only much the best of the six fertilizers he tried, but that it was also the cheapest .
and bear in mind that at the time he tried it he did not even know who was manu-
facturing it: and followed his example in ascertaining what is the best and also
in letting the farmer know which is the best. The value of accurate experiments,
and the purchase from reliable manufacturers, cannot be overestimated.

WM. G. CRENSHAW, Pres. FRANK G. RUFFIN. Supt. State of Va.

If there is no agent for the sale of '"Eureka" in your immediate neighbor-
hood, write to any of the following General Agents : W. N. RUFFIN. Rich-
mond. Va.: JNO. ARRINGTON & SONS. Petersburg. Va.: HOOE k JOHN-
STON. Alexandria. Va.; JOSHUA WALKER, Baltimore. Md.: -WILLIAMS &
MURCHISON, Wilmington. N. C: W. C. COURTNEY ^ CO., Charleston, S.
C; J. W. LATHROP & CO., Savannah. Ga.
"Send for Circular.

BOTTOM TOUCHED.

Dry Goods at Lower Prices than Even

Money sayed ly tayliif your Dry Goods from Leyy Brothers.

U bo have made large purchases since the recent decline.

Fancy Grenadine- at 8$, 10 and 12$c. per yard, worth 16f, 20 and 25c: Rich
Styles Fancy Grenadines at 16$, 20, 25, 30 and 35c. worth from 25 to 50c.;

Black Grenadines in all qualities from 12fc up to £2.25 per yard— this em-
braces not only the cheapest, but best assorted stock ever offered in this city :

Ecru Linen Ti ssore Suiting at SJc per yard, worth 16fc; at 12Jc, would be
a_ bargain at 25c.; at 16fc, worth 30c. — these goods must be seen to be appre-
ciated : Silk- Warp Japanese Stripes and Plaids at 30c per yard, worth 50c;

Japanese Cloth at 12ic. worth 25c; Wash Poplius. best goods manufactured,
at 12$c and 15c., worth 16$ and 25c.; Debeges. at 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50c These
goods can be had in all the new shades :

New style Plaid Dress] Goods from 25 to 50c; per yard— a reduction of from
twenty-five to fifty per cent, has been made in these goods ; Fast-Colored Lawns
at 8J, 10, 16$, 20, 25, 30, 37^ and 50c;

Also, at the lowest prices, Pongees. Mohairs. Japanese Silks. Jaconets. Cam-
brics. Lineu Lawns, and all other styles of fashiouable dress goods : Black Al-
pacas at 25, 30, 35, 40. 45. 50, BO, 75, 85, 90c. $1 and |1.25;

Australian Crepe at 50, 60 and 75c, worth 65c, 75c. and $1 ; Yard- wide
Printed Percales and Cambrics at 12.V and 16§c per yard — regular prices, lof
and 2:5c;

Victoria Lawns at 16|, 20, 25 and 30c; also, Piques at 16f, 20, 25, 80, 35 and
40c— all remarkably cheap : Swiss Muslins from 12Jc up to 50c per yard— all
very cheap :

Checked and Striped Nainsook Muslins, Checked and Striped Swiss Muslins :
Corded, Striped and Figured Piques — all at extraordinary bargains :

Lonsdale Cambric first quality, one yard wide, at 16f per yard; Knight's
Cambric 33 inches wides. at 10c. would be a bargain at 12Jc;

I t.ca Sheeting. 10-4 wide, in remnants from two and a half up to ten yards.
at 40c per yard : 50c is the regular price everywhere ; Remnants of Dress Goods
of every description to be sold at less than half value :

Black and Colored Silks at lower prices and in greater variety than at any other
establishment in thisState; Embroidered Curtain-Muslin, one yard wide, at 25c,
worth 37^c;

Hamburgh Net for Curtains, at 20. 25. 80. 35, 40. 50c. and up to SI per yard :

Hamburgh Lace Curtains from 84 to $30 per set for two windows : Hamburgh
Lace Lambrequins, from $2 50 up to $5 a pair — all very cheap and desirable ;

W indow-Shades in great variety, among which will be found an exact imitation
of lace shades, now so fashionable : A large assortment of Curtain Fixtures, such
as Cornices. Bands. Loops and Hooks ;

Black. White and Ecru Hamburgh Nets, at a reduction of 50cj A full as-or;-
ment of Laces suitable for trimming : A large assortment of Silk Xeck Scarfs
and Ties : Also. Black Lace Scarfs and White Lace and Muslin Scarfs :

Ready-Made Dresses for ladies in all of the latest styles, from $3 to $25 : A
full assortment of L'nder-Garments at extraordinary low prices :; A large assort-
ment of Ducks and Drillings for boy^ and men's wear ;

Sash Ribbons at 25c. 30c, 35c, 40c and 50c. and up to $1.25 per yard — all
extraordinarily cheap; A full assortment of Ribbons from a half-inch up to
seven inches at the lowest prices: Gauze Shirts for men and women — some as
low as 40c for men ;

Bustles in all the new styles; also, Hoop Skirts and Balmorals: Matting. Oil-
Cloths, Rugs, Carpets. Mats and Hassocks; Rubber. Jet and Gold Plated Jew-
elry in great variety ; Summer Shawls. Lace Points and Jackets :

Black Grenadine Shawls at S3, worth $4 ; Laces and Embroideries in endless
variety at low prices ; Goodrich & Barnum's Tuckers at 75c; Machine Needles
at 4 and 5c: Machine Oil in large bottles at 15c;

Clark's and Coat's Spool Cotton at 70c per dozen :
And thousands of other articles not enumerated in this advertisement.

Prompt attention to orders.
July— tf LEVY BROTHERS, Richmond, Va.

IEST-A-IBIjISHIIEID 1839.

TO FARMERS.PLANTERS and GARDENERS

MANUFACTURED AND FOR SALE BY

JOHH BULLOCK & SOU,

Factory: "Washington Road, Baltimore, Md.
Store: No. 61 S. Gay Street, Baltimore, Md.

P. 0. Box 636.

For more than thirty years we have been engaged in the manufacture
of " Pure Ground Bone , our crude stock being gathered daily from the
butchers here, with whom we have yearly contracts. We have com-
pleted our new factory, and with the addition of the latest and most ap-
proved machinery, will be able to fill all orders sent to us at short notice
and guarantee at all times to the purchaser a first-class article at^the
lowest market price.

Respectfully

JOHN BULLOCK & SON.
se — ly

MORO PHILLIPS.

MANUFACTURING CHEMIST,

MANUFACTURER OF

hbmicais.

: CO-

MORO PHILLIPS' SUPER-PHOSPHATE, Price §50— the
best graiu producer in the market.

MORO PHILLIPS' PURE PIIUINE, Price $50— the best fer-
tilizer for truckers we know of.

MORO PHILLIPS' TOBACCO INVIGORATOR, Price $60 5
prepared especially for Tobacco.

SERENA GUANO, a natural organic deposit.

{110 S. Delaware Av., Philadelphia, Pa.
95 South Street, Baltimore, Md.,
And by trade generally. Discount to dealers. ap-6t

G-. F. WAT!

RICHMOND.

Having timber tracts n this State sufficient to last several years, with a complete lumbering
rafting, and saw-mill organization of filty men, together with one of the most complete facto-
ries in the country located in this city, can furnish Poplar and hard wood (no soft pine) low-
priced FURNITURE as cheap as any factory No th or West— and fine Walnut FURNITUfiE
cheaper. A stock of one million feet of lumber insures seasoned work, warranted in this and
every respect. Manufacture MATTRESSES of all kinds.

Lumber-mill, Indiantown, Va. ; Factory, Rocketts street; lumber-yards, Ash and Poplar
streets; warerooms, No. 18 Governor (Thirteenth streets,) Richmond. *pl

MRMR8 AND DEALERS

Wwk® flu ©e@u&4 ®@a©

PORE BONE FLOUR. PURE DISSOLVED BONE ASH. PURE DISSOLVED RAW BONE

66° OIL VITRIOL. GERMAN POTASH SALTS. Pure Chemicals for making Superphosphaaj
at tue lost market price. Call at

H. J. BAKER & COS.

S. L. MERCHANT & CO.,

76 SOUTH ST,
{Entrance on Maiden Lane,) NEW YORK CITY.

IMPORTERS OF

ENGLISH. FRENCH AND GERMAN

PORTLAND CEMENT

OF THE FOLLOWING BRANDS :

t rj. B. WHITE & BROTHERS, "= FRANCIS & C

5 | KNIGHT. BEVAN ft STURGE, 5 : HOLLICK ft CO.,

5 j BL'KHA.M CEMENT CO., ■ EASTWOOD £ CO.,

0 -| BROOK.-. SHOOBRIDGE& CO., ° -j REBINGTuN.

2 I PETERS BROTHERS C I TINGUEY,

i I GILLINGHAM CEMENT CO., € | LEVETT & Co..

£ [LONGUETY & CO. £ I DYCKERHOFE.

; .' Me and Interior Decoration— YA RIO US KINDS.

KEENE'S (Superfine and Coarse.) PARIAN CEMENT do.

DYCKERHOFF'S (Black Cement.) MARTINS do,

ROMAN CEMENT English & Scotch) SELLARS] Gas Cement
The attention of Architects, Engineers. Owners. Builders, Gas and Water Com-
panies, is respectfully called to these importations.

Remit 6c. postage stamp for Treatise on Portland Cement. July

ONE THOUSAND transplanted Arbor Vitse 4 to 8 inches

[^high, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
BSBFieiee.n Dollars.

500 ARBOR YIT.E (transplanted) 4 to 8 inches high, free
Jto any part of the United States for onlv Tex Dollars.
15 ARBOR YITJE and 1" WEEPING SPRUCE, nice 10-inch
plants, delivered free to any part of the United States for only
Ojte Dollar. EVERGREENS — how, when, and where to plant —
mailed free for stamp.

Remit money by draft, registered letter, or money order on Portland

Address, WM. MORTON ft SON.

ap — tf Allen's Corner, "Cumberland Co.',' Maine

Stearr) Engines aijd otfjer fifacljinery For Sale.

Id addition to a full line of Xeir Engines, Saw Mills, and other Machinery of our own improved
build, which we keep constantly on hand or build to order, we have now For Sale the following
Second-Hand Machinery, ail in'perfect order, which we will sell at very low figures, viz:

Don :.•_-». oil-horse power, with drums and other hoisting gear, complete.

Station* r . -1 as new;

Fine-Boiler 26 feet long, 42 inches diameter, with 2 flues, 14 inches diame;er, iron front and other
fittings complete;

ISfMMfse power Stationary Engine ; Tubular Boilers, 50-horse power each ; 30-horse power Sta-
tionary Engines; 8-horse Portable Engine, as good as new ; of our own make; 16-horse Stationary
Engine with new vertical b - -. steam Pumps and Fan Blowers of various sizes ; Engines

for threshing, grinding and sinning, mounted on wheel t-or not. as mav be preferred bv the pur-
chaser; Repair Work Solicited. WM. E. TAXNEP. & CO..

mar — fit Metropolitan Works, Richmond, Va

THE

VrR/O-IZN-X-A.

AXD

CIDER MILL

but JJjjjh^ crushes eve,, f,,t Jgg, * J- - gjj

Send for Catalogue.

jv-ly 1KQB irCHAS. T. PALMER,

I0- 1 Jlll'i Street, Richmond, Va.

Hung

Farmers who are short of Hay can now sow"

arian and Millet Seed,

W^hjDroduce a very Fine Crop, also,

FOR SALE BtT ~~J~' '

0„ B. ROGERS,

133 Market Street, PHILADELPHIA, PA

.*\A.XjX* STYLES, 1874

CHARLOTTESVILLE"WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CARDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces
TWENTY-POUR PATTERNS

Merchants desiring samples, will please address

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO,

FOR TOBACCO. CORN AND OTHER CROPS.

^ r '"/atf £±£rt affaKSSS*- A* b« possible fertiliser at

THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE SMALLEST OUTLAY.

PURE PERUVIAN GUANO,

AS IMPORTED.
Urf and thorou.blr tested fertilizers for Tobacco, C^^jMSjgrigj

-SS53 SStttSfflSMSSSSS

Fo] rotation and supplit*. address, __^-«—

ALLISON & ADDISON,

Seed and Guano Merchants, Richmond, Va

mar — rf

Pleasantly located on Twelfth Street, lacing Bank Street and theLapi-
tol Square In the centre of the business portion of the city, withm
one square of the Post Office and Custom House, it is, by reel

location opposite the southeast corner of the beautiful park ang

the Capitol of Virginia, the most quiet hotel in Richmond.

The proprietor having had a life long experience in hotel busmen
nr^t at the Everett House, New York, and afterwards as proprietor ot
the Bpotswood Hotel. Richmond, in its best days— and now as- - ID]
Mb JOHN P. BALLARD, the popular veteran hotel-keeper o* \ ir-
einia assures visitors of the ST. JAMES that no effort on his part will
be -pared to make them comfortable and to keep the house m nrst-class
style Coaches will attend the arrival of all trains. Elegant carriages
«£ ^ times at the service ^^gj^ER, Propriety

THE GREEX SPKI\C*S U AllOIl,

LOUISA COUNTY, VA.

This pleasantly situated private School for Boys and Young Mei
preparing for College, will resume recitations October 1st. 181

Persons wishing to send their sons to school are requested to ap-
ply to us at once! We wish to have only a small school 01 some
twenty-five scholars — one that can be well taught. ?

For reference, apply to editors of " Religious Heraid or to Pro-
fessors of Richmond College. Address

C. R. DICkI>fcO> & SON,

jy_3t TnviUan'e, Lamm County, C. ov 0. R.E.? T>a.

i,W. C, SMITH,

MANUFACTURER OF

SPRING WAGONS, BIMES,k

I have on hand and make to order on short notice. Carriages, Butanes
and Spring Wagons, with special reference to the wants of farmers.
Light running and strong, of any desired capacity. Workmanship and
material guaranteed. Prices lower than the same quality of work can
be bought at in this or any other city. Orders solicited. Letters of
inquiry promptly answered.

Repairing promptly and reasonably done.

W. C. SMITH,
niy-6m 308 Fifth Street, Richmond, Va.

The subscriber has on hand

of various descriptions, that he wishes to dispose of on very mode-
rate terms, and is still manufacturing others, and solicits a call from
all in want of any article in his line, and he guarantees good work-
manship, and first-rate material. A. B. LIPSCOMB,
my 116 Cary Street, between Adams and Jefferson.

CHESAPEAKE AMD OHIO &. K.

On and after SUNDAY, June 13th, 1875; passenger trains will
run as follows :

FROM RICHMOND :

9.30 A. M. 9.10 P. M.
12.45 P. M. 12.30 A. M.

Leave Richmond,
Arrive at Gordonsville,
Arrive at Washington,
Arrive at Charlottesville,
Arrive at Lynchburg,
Arrive at Staunton,
Arrive at Goshen,
Arrive at Millboro',
Arrive at Covington,
Arrive at Alleghany,*
Arrive at White Sulphur,
Arrive at Hinton,
Arrive at Kanawha Falls,
Arrive at Charleston, ^

Arrive at Huntington,
Arrive at Cincinnati,
Train leaving Richmond at 9.30 A. M. runs daily, (Suuday excepted) stopping
at all regular stations.

Train leaving Richmond 9.10 P. M. runs daily stopping at all regular stations
west of Alleghany.

Accommodation train leaves Richmond for Gordonsville and all intermediate
stations daily (Sunday excepted), at 4. SO P. M.

Pullman Sleeping Car runs on 9.10 P. M. train between Richmond and White
Sulphur.

For further information, rates, &c, apply at 826 Main Street, or at Company's
offices. CONWAY R. HOWARD,

General Passenger and Ticket Agent.
W. M. S. Dunn, Engineer and Sup't Transportation. jy

7.33 P. M.

6.33 A. M.

1.45 P. M.

1.24 A. M.

4. 50 P. M.

4.50 A.M.

4.10 P. M.

3.30 A. M.

5.56 P. M.

5.14 A. M.

6.17 P. M.

5.36 A. M.

7.51 P. M.

7.06 A. M.

8.59 P. M.

,8.14 A.M.

9.15 P.M.

8.32 A. M.

12.15 A. M.

10.35 A. M.

4.20 A. M.

1.25 P. M.

. 6.15 A. M.

3.25 P. M.

8.30 A. M.

5.45. P. M.

6.00 A. M.

BATJGrll'S STANDARD MANURES,

BAUGH & SONS,

High Grade Manure far Tobacco Sf Grain

BAUGff S RAW BON^adE MARK SUPER-PHOSPHATE of LIME

The old established
analysis. Also, Pure
and a full line of chem-
phales.

ap — 6t

article sold under a guaranteed
Ground Bones, Pure Bone MeaL
icals for making super-phos

BAUGH k SOXS.
No. 103 South Street. Baltimore, Md.

MassiMMester

Buy the Best.

TWO men M
Ten A I

bui SIT

cr STAXD. Ad-

KDWIN

BAVXI--. m

HiiuUlon, O.

WALNUT GROVE FARM.

„_, ^GHBRED and GRaDE JERSEY
THS?^0*" BERKSHIRE an SWTNE.

C ATT IX J_ RKEY- and BRAHMA I
ZE TL._

, , , _Tf -mium on Thoroughbreds, tM&le
- " -miam on Grade Je

'.lid > . Turkeys at Va. State Agicul-

P ices m^rate-Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Addl 1. JULIAN PRATT,

mar— - .qnare ceeboro, Augusta co. . Va.

BLATCHLEYS

I

[Wood Pump ii
.knowledged Standard
■'•■t th<- market, by pops
ular verdict, the best
pump for the least
Attention is invited to
Jlatchley's Improved Bracket, the
beck Valve, which can be with-
Irawn without disturbing the joints,
and the copper chamber whici. :
cracks, scales or rusts and will last, a
For Sale by Dealers and
■ afte generally, in order to be
■ Blatehley's Pump,
be careful and ■ It bas my trade mark as

If you do not know where to buy, de-
scriptive circular, together with the name and
-• you. will be prompt-
lv furnished by addressing with stamp,

f HAS. G. BLAT 'jufactnrer,

mar 506 Commerce St., Philadelphia, Pa.

TO FARMERS,

Bower} & Iijercer's Super Pi^osp^ate

REDUCED TO

I five tons and over;
835 for ten ton? and over..

4^» WarrarU^A E/jual to any Manufactured.
Send for pamphlet of testimonials,

BOWEN & MERCER,
mar — ly S. Gay Street, Baltimore.

WIRE R!NCS.

Will not make a Hog's
No*e Sort.

Hardware Iieaierr sell them.
Hanger, 81; Tin Kings (100.,
60c: Coppered Ei^fs. 50e;
'Tongs, tl.25; by r^aii.poet-
OCCATUP.ill paid. Circulars tree.

BRIMLY PLOWS

ist a.\u aau.mil i.\ I n.
Have taken over 300 Premium*
throughout the £

illustrated C»i>.lo<ruewith
', at. and certificates
*hem-
:.fe=:

BRINLY, MILES A HARDY
Louisville, Kt. *

Ttioron^rei Stoct for Sale,

I am breeding Thoroughbred Devon
Cattle. Poland China, and Essex H'
South Down Sheep, kc. Also light
Brahma Fowls, ana have for sale seve-
ral pairs of White and Black Guineas
Persons ordering from me can. rely on
getting as jrood stock as any in this
country. My herd of Devons are of
the most improved strains. They took
7 first premiums at oar last Virginia
State Fair. For further particulars,

F. W: CHILE.-.

feb— ^rn Louisa C. H.. Va.

I

, t

Attention is called to the great suc-
:ch has been achieved in the per-
manent cure of this loathsome disease,

bv the use of

"BenWs Eur* Cancer Sate

Hitherto it has baffled the best medical skill.
and the poor unfortunates with this leprosy,
clinrin? to their bodies and eating out their
vital?, are left to drag out a miserable existence,
ials of the most convincing character
are accumulating daily, and many "heretofore
incredulous, are now entirely satisfied as to its
inestimable value.

F. H. ROBERTSON A SON, Index-Appeal
Office, Petersburg, Va., are the General Ageste,
to whom all letters for information, and ordew
for Salve should be addressed.

March tf

Stand to your Home Manufactures.
Taxes are not reduced by sending your
money out of the State !

ANCHORS /|c- >BRAND.

PATENTED

i. If CcfePj

PREPARED BY THE M

SOUTHERN FERTILIZING COMPANY,

RICHMOND, VA.

This standard Fertilizer is now ready, and arrangements have
been made to place it at all convenient shipping points throughout
the wheat growing region.

Price $50 Per Ton.

The Grain Circular issued by this Company will show the stand-
ing and prospects of Virginia on the wheat question.

ILIZER

ea Island Guano,

ESPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THE WHEAT CROP,

Amiiioiiiated Alkaline Phosphate,

The Granger's Manure. This Manure has been used by them for
the past two years, with great satisfaction.

Bone and Meal Fertilizer.

This article is combined with Potash, and contains all the elements
necessary for the growth of plant, and maturity of grain.

BALTIMOREJAND TEXAS FERTILIZING COMPANY'S

Flour of Bone and Bone Meal,

From our Extensive Factory at Fulton, Texas.

Animoniacal Matter,

Of uniform quality, prepared from the flesh of cattle, at our Texas
Factory — an ammoniate superior to Peruvian Guano.

Dissolved Bone.

Bone Phosphate dissolved in Sv«' uric Acid, containing 13 per
cent, of Soluble Phosphoric Acid.

Potash Salts

Of our own importation.

Sulphuric Acid,

And all necessary article-" to make a good Fertilizer.
For S : at
Corner of South and Wat r tM, - - BALTIMORE.

R. W. L. F SSIN & CO. !

Subscription REDUCED to $1.50 Per Annum in Advance.

TO CLUBS OF HVE OR M«i:K, ONE DOLLAR EACH.

E S T .A. B IL, I S H IE ID I 1ST 1 8 4 O .

PLANTER 11 FARMER

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture, Horticnltnre, ana" Rural Affairs.

I.. It. DICKINSON Editor and Proprietor.

RICHMOKD. TJL.

OCTOBER, 1375.

ID. 10.

CONTENTS.

The best Remedy for Poor Lands..

The best ami Easiest way to Man-
age Manures

Fence Question

Dog and VagVant Laws

Errata — Tobacco — Fence Post. Sec.

I row small we Improve our Land...

Pog Tax

Labor Question

Conditions and Agents most Favor-
able to Plant Growth

Smythe County Farmers' Club

Reclaiming our Lands

Farm Notes and Ttems

Ten Rules for Farmers

Letter from Alabama : Remarks on
Bitching Streams

Letter from Maryland

Ditching

Virginia Wine

Itural Colleges

Local Circulating Medium to Aid

the State and People in tlie

ih of Currency

541

544

545

,i4 c

547

551

552

5.-J

55fl
562

6fi8
B6fi

572

The Mississippi Method of Self-In-
dependence 579

Tuckahoe Farmers' Club of Hen-
ri 0 County 5g|

Letter frem F. X. Maxey, Esq 582

Grain Producing Countries; The
Dog Tax ; Sheep on the Farm... 583

'The, European Crops; Guano not
an Excrement G84

Crowing Quinces for Profit

Officers of State Grange— Instruc-
tions, &c

National Grange Official Paper..
is and the Lawyer

Some Thoughts for Farmers 590

Editorial I H taut. mem- -.

Our State Fair; Have we not a
Right to feel Encouraged 692

Notes for the Month

Catalogues Mid Premium Lists of
Different Fair

i-

Maj. Wm. T. Sutherlin

. 'roxtispiece

Advertisements

RICHMOND CLOTHING EMPORIUM,

1007 MAIN STREET, opposite Postoffice,
IRICiHIMIOItTID, YA.

:mson & winters,

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN

READY-MADE CLOTHING

AND FURNISHING GOODS.

Keep a very large stock of Fine and Medium CLOTHING for City and Coun-
try wear.

Special attention to neat and substantial Clothing for our country friends, con-
sisting of Suits PANTS. VESTS, and Long Sack and Frock OVERCOATS for
horseback riding. " Patrons of Husbandry will take notice."

ALSO,

Large variety of FURNISHING GOODS. Merino and Flannel SHIRTS and
DRAWERS, all grades; CANTON FLANNELS: best JEANS DRAWERS;
Linen and Paper COLLARS, CUFFS. CRAVATS, assorted : HOSIERY, as-
eorted: LINEN HANDKERCHIEFS; SILK HANDKERCHIEFS; KID
GLOVES, all colors; CASTOR GLOVES; best BUCK GLOVES; HEAVY
RIDING GLOVES, ftc, Ac; RUBBER HATS, CAPS and OVERCOATS— in
fact, everything necessary for a first-class Clothing and Furnishing House, all at
the lowest CASH or C.O.D PRICES.

Dress Shirts our Specialty-

SOLE AGENTS FOR

KEEPS PATENT PARTLY-MADE DRESS SHIRTS

The plan for home-made Shirts on the score of economy is no longer valid.
We will furnish these Shirts, made of best Wamsutta cotton, 2100 Irish Linen
Bosoms and Cuffs, 3-ply ; all sizes, latest styles, open back and front, perfect fit-
ting, only one quality, and guaranteed equal to the best $3 Shirt in any market,
for the low price of $1.25 for men, $1 for boys ; selling 500 per week. The net
saving by using this Shirt in Virginia one year will more than pay the interest on
the public debt of the State. Away, then, with the talk of repudiation. Save
the honor of the Old Dominion by repudiating high-priced Shirts. Sample Shirt
sent by mail on the receipt of $1.25 and 13 cents postage. This Shirt is a public
blessing; so regarded by all who have tried them.

WILKINSON & WITHERS,

Clothiers, and Furnishers,
act iVo. 1007 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two hreasts of the State.— Sully.

■ L. R. DICKINSON, ...--- Editor axd Proprietor.

New Series. RICHMOND, VA.f OCTOBER, 1875, No, 10

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE BEST REMEDY FOR POOR LANDS.

The great want of the farmers of this State, especially of the
Piedmont region, is relief from the necessity of cultivating poor
lands. Almost all the high lands, though not poor originally, have
been made so mainly by a train of circumstances beyond the control
of those who cultivate them. Originally this particular region was
not surpassed as a farming country by any other section of the
State ; but during the war many of the best farms were almost
literally destroyed by government stock, quartered on them for
grazing and forage, without any regard to the condition of the land,
whether wet or dry, and during very wet seasons they were trampled
up into mortar. We speak of the injury done to lands by plowing
too wet; but no plowing ever injured lands like this trampling. A
farmer of Albemarle told me a few days since that he had a field
trampled in this way during the war, and it had not recovered from
it yet. Since the war we have grazed too much ourselves. The
scarcity of grass has made it a necessity to graze close, very close,
so that the bear surface has, during the hot months of summer, suf-
fered from the heat of the sun. In addition to this, we had four
summers of parching drought in succession, during which there was
little or no vegetation produced for the protection of the land, and
its life was literally scorched out of it. Since 1869 until the present
summer no one passing through this region would recognize it as the
rich vale lying between the Blue Ridge and the Ragged mountains.
But the copious rains of this summer have clothed the fields over
with green, so that this most beautiful section of our State begins to
look as it did in former years.

Now, if I have stated the case correctly, it must be plain to the
practical mind that the great want of our lands at this time is vege-
table matter. The grass crops were totally destroyed during the

542 THE SOUTHERN [October

war, as I have stated above, by government stock, and since the war
kept down by our own stock: and though vigorous efforts have been
made to restore it by regular seeding, owing to the sterility of the
soil few succeeded in getting a stand of grass, and the fields were
still destined to lie bare and receive the burning heat of the sun.
But this summer of rain has clothed the naked fields with a very
encouraging crop of vegetation. This in former years was the
finest wheat-growing region of Virginia; but during these years it
has been a waste of seed and labor to sow it without a fertilizer, and
the fertilizers have been too expensive and too uncertain for general
use. Tobacco could only be raised on bottom lands or by the use
of a heavy dressing of some expensive fertilizer. Nearly all crops,
both of wheat and tobacco, that have gone into market from this re-
gion have paid the enormous tax of the manipulated manure, and #
hence the scarcity of money among our farmers.

All this, as I have stated above, has come upon us unavoidably.
But now, under the smilings of a kind Providence, we have it in
our power to mend our fortunes somewhat, by a judicious use of the
products of nature. The natural fertilizers is on the soil, and all
we have to do is to put it under at the proper time. All lands in-
tended for cultivation next year, except grazed or sod lands, whether
in oats or corn, should be plowed before the hard frosts come and kill
the vegetation. A green fallow is highly prized by experienced
farmers as the very best means of fertilizing soils, and they sow
peas, buckwheat, or anything else that will produce a heavy green
qrop; but we have now a heavy green crop already on the land
without our cost, and all we have to do is to turn it under. It may
be grass or it may be weeds; no matter what, so there is a plenty of
it. Give me a sufficient amount of vegetable matter and I will not
ask you for the mineral. There is usually enough of every con-
stituent to produce corn, wheat or tobacco where there is a sufficiency
of vegetable matter. Then if I am right, what we have to do is to
encourage the growth of vegetation on all our lands — grass, if we
can get it to grow; but if we fail in grass, let the weeds grow if they
will, or even the briers rather than have the fields naked. Weeds
and briers shade the land, and if mowed off in the month of August,
as they ought to be, they make a rich dressing, and no vegetable
product is more fertilizing than briers cut and left to decay. A
field left out to rest for two, three, or four years, if not grazed, will
enrich itself if not entirely exhausted when turned out. But where
shall we find such a field ? When a field is left out to rest, the
young cattle and the sheep and the hogs are all turned in upon it,
and the milch cows and horses are turned in occasionally for a change.
In this way the grass is shaved off as fast as it grows, and there is
no return for it save the droppings of the stock, which does not
amount to a tenth of what they take off.

In scientific works on fertilizing we read of the "ammonia of the
atmosphere." I think it fair to presume that there is not only am-
monia, but many other fertilizing properties in the atmosphere which

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 543

are drawn to the soil through the agency of growing plants, and
when the plants are suffered to be grazed off as fast as they grow,
all these serial influences are lost. Then I would say to the farmer,
reduce your stock until your fields have had time to recruit — until
they shall have produced vegetation enough to fertilize them — and
then you can not only reap a remunerative crop without the use of
the manipulated manures, but you can multiply animals again to a
reasonable extent, and you will have grass enough to support them.
Lands that have been run down so low that they will not produce
any vegetation — not even hen grass — must have a different treat-
ment. When a large field gets into that condition it becomes a
troublesome affair in the hands of a medium farmer; and there are
hundreds of such fields scattered around through this once fertile
region of Virginia. Some of them are wholly given up to grow up
in pines, while others are still plowed and planted, producing crops
that would scarcely pay for the plow-points worn out in plowing
them. The man who continues to cultivate such land inevitably
grows poorer every year. But what is he to do ? He knows very
well that a good coat of manure would make his land produce good
crops; but where is the manure to come from? He cannot go into
the market and buy the artificial manures. In short, he cannot re-
store it all at once; but he can do this: he can thoroughly plow a
part of it — one, two, three, or four acres — say, in the month of May,
and harrow down until it is well pulverized, and then lay off with
the shovel plow drills two feet apart, and then gather up all the
manure he can raise and put a light sprinkling in the drills as far as
the manure will go, and then drill in black peas, and cover lightly
with earth. When the peas are well up give them a coat of plaster.
Cultivate with the coulter — the deeper the better. WThen the first
pods begin to ripen, turn under with two-horse plow; harrow down
again and sow buckwheat, which must also be turned under in the
fall. The ground may then lie until spring, when it may be flushed
up and sowed down with red clover and orchard grass. If the sea-
sons should be fair, by the next fall the grass may be turned under
and wheat may be sowed with a tolerable prospect of a good crop.
Thus, in one and a half years, land that was too poor to produce a
good crop of hen grass may be so far restored as to grow a good
crop of wheat, and that, too, without expense, except a little manure,
such as can be gathered up about the place. This process con-
tinued, with a fresh lot taken up every year, only a few years will
be required to bring the whole field back to a cropping condition.

If farmers would take the above suggestions, they would make
their lands, by the help of nature, enrich themselves. But they
must not graze, and they must not buy fertilizers unless they have
the money to fay for them; and they must cease to plant where the
certainty it that the crop will not pay for the cultivation. I think
the doctrines above are sound and practical, and within the reach of
all farmers, no matter how small, and are especially adapted to the
"little fellows" spoken of by one of your correspondents.

Albemarle county, Va. S. M. Shepherd.

544 THE SOUTHERN [October

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE BEST AND EASIEST WAY TO MANAGE MANURE.

I have seen a hundred different ways published to manage manure,
but they were all •wrong. They either required more labor than my
method, or they did not save all the manure. My mode (which I
have practiced for years with astonishing results) is this: Just as
soon as a load or two of manure collects in my stables, I select the
place I "want to put it: take it right from the stable, haul it where I
irish to apply &, and throw it in a ridge about three feet high. Now
cover thoroughly with the earth from each side of the pile; let it
remain until all the manure has disappeared, which "will be in about
six or eight months — less time than it will take to thoroughly de-
compose if not covered with earth; and as manure is not food for the
plants until decomposed, you lose no time by composting. When
your heap is thoroughly cooked, plow up to it, and apply on top.
Manure cannot escape after it is composted. What farmer would
buy a bottle of ammonia and leave the cork out 1 Is not manure
constantly losing (from the moment it is made) a large part of its
best ingredients ? Now, you are not content to leave your manure
■with the cork out, but you must needs spread it out over a large sur-
face of land, so that it can have every possible chance to get away
from you. I am no chemist, but just state such facts as are com-
mon to all, and which none can deny. The only question to deter-
mine is: Mow much does manure lose in decomposing if not covered
■with earth ? I think I have seen it stated, on good authority, that
a load of well-rotted manure contains no more manurial properties
than a load of unrotted manure; in other words, as manure di-
minishes in bulk, in decomposing, it loses its manurial properties in
about the same proportion. Now, it takes four or five loads of fresh
manure to make one load of weU-rotted manure. This would make
manure lose three-fourths to four-fifths of its value in decomposing,
if not covered with earth. After five years' experience, I believe
that one load of manure composted is equal to four not composted.
There is a farm in Chester county, Penn., where the effects of a
_!e compost pile /which was large enough to cover half of the
farm) was plainly visible thirty years after it was made. The man
who made this compost pile was $10,000 in debt. He paid his debts
and put $100,000 in bank. He attributed all his success to his big
compost pile. When asked it' he ever repeated the dose, he said,
No ; that one compost pile had made him as much money as he
wanted, and would show you his barn-yard with manure in it which
he would not take the trouble to haul out.

The labor of making compost in this way is small — nothing as
compared to hauling the earth to the stable and then hauling back
to the field. If the manure is properly covered, not one atom of it
can escape. If manure does not lose most of its best properties
when not composted, why does it injure a field to graze it too close?
Does not all the grass the cattle eat go back on the land as manure ?

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER 545

No, it does not go back to the land; it falls on top of the ground,
and as it goes through the process of decomposition it evaporates
and goes off in the air. Where does the air get its immense fer-
tilizing properties from? It does not get any of it from mv manure
pile; but there are plenty of manure piles in my neighborhood not
composted, so it collects three-fourths of them, and as it passes over
my farm it gives my plants just as large a share as anybody else a,
The poorer the farmer and the better the manure, the moie impera-
tive it is to compost.

Yours, &c. W. T. Tallant.

[Xote by Editor. — We are compelled to differ, from our worthy correspondent,
though we are not so sure as he appears to be. that we are exactly right and
everybody else wrong. We have always thought, and we think now. that com-
posting is a costly method of making manure. Our plan is to permit the manure
to lie in the stable, trampled by the stock, until we have the ground ready for its
reception. We add from day to day just enough litter to keep the stock dry.
The constant treading keeps the manure compact and prevents fermentation.
The urine of the stock keeps it moist, and a little plaster sprinkled over it occa-
sionally will fix all the ammonia After the land is broken up. we haul the
manure direct from the stable to the field, and apply it broadcast from the cart,
and harrow it in. If ammonia is liberated by forking up the manure, we scatter
a little plaster over each load, and after it gets into the field the freshly-plowed
land will readily absorb all the valuable fertilizing elements, no matter how vola-
tile, and the first rain will dissolve the most soluble parts and distribute them
through the soil in the best possible condition for plant food. By this method
nothing is lost and all the labor of comporting is saved : beside the manure is
much more evenly distributed than it can possibly be if it is piled in the
field. No farmer, in our opinion, can afford to be without ground plaster at all
times in his barn.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer. J
FENCE QUESTION.

Much has, of late, been said in our public journals, touching the
" fence question," and yet it seems no nearer a satisfactory solution
than when first agitated. Its importance would seem sufficient to
call forth earnest and decided action on the part of the farming
community. Now that they are uniting in organized efforts for
asserting their rights, it would seem proper that this matter should
receive due attention.

A general law applicable to every county in the State should be
enacted, making it obligatory that every owner of stock should con-
fine them within his own enclosure — thus lessening the expense of
keeping up fencing, at least two-thirds, and saving to each farmer
in this item alone, an amount more than sufficient to pay his heavy
state and county taxes.

Indeed the present state of things is becoming to very many
farmers an intolerable grievance. Much of the fencing in the
writer's section (and I presume it is pretty fair specimen of what it
is throughout the state) is becoming every year more and more in-
different— so much so, that in some localities he knows of, hog rais-

546 THE SOUTHERN [October

ing has been almost abandoned, only a few being kept in one's own
enclosure, or in pens near the dwelling the year round. And such
is the condition of the fencing on some of the adjacent farms, that,
if one's hogs chance to get out of his own pasture, or should be let
out to share in the fall mast, there is nothing to hinder their getting
through such fences into their owner's crops, when they are not un-
frequently shot, mangled with dogs, and if not killed, yet badly
crippled. And strange to say, yet it is true, that such persons will
lay claim for damages to their crops with enclosures hardly sufficient
to keep out yearlings.

It is C3rtainly hard and oppressive that one farmer should not
only have to keep up sufficient fencing to protect his own crops from
damage by his neighbor's stock, but also to confine his own stock to
prevent their getting into his neighbor's fields or crops. This sort
of thing, together with hog stealing, has nearly driven hog raising
from this section of the country. Never within the memory of man
have so few hogs been seen as at the present day — and most of these
few are either confined in a small lot near the house, or in the owner's
pasture. Many farmers who formerly raised more pork than enough
to supply much larger families than they now have, do not now raise
a sufficiency and have to buy.

Practically many of us have to confine our stock at home as
though the so-called fence law were in operation, without any of its
benefits, since we must expend much of our scanty earnings in keep-
ing up fencing to prevent other people's stock from destroying our
crops. M. B. S.

Fluvanna, Va.

[Note bt Editor. — We are very confident that we could easily show by statis-
tics that the fences of Eastern Virginia cost more every year than all the live
stock in that part of the State is worth. Let any farmer sit down and make the
calculation for himself and neighbors, and he will be satisfied of the fact.

One fourth the fencing now in use will effectually control all the stock in the
State, upon land amply sufficient to support them ; thus giving a saving of three-
fourths of the most onerous burden the farmers have to bear. Let the farmer
demand of the Legislature a general fence law.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
DOG AND VAGRANT LAWS.

I have concluded to give 3'our readers a few thoughts on several
points. First, we expect those men we send to the Legislature and
Senate to give us a good systematic dog law, for under the present
system the dog is no more recognized in the law than a wolf, or any
other wild animal. I know families that have five and six dogs who
do not make bread enough to eat themselves. Those who own them
are always crying out that the mountains are full of wolves, bears, &c,
when the dogs are doing all the mischief that is done. There is no
need of any man having more than one dog to help him manage
stock about his farm ; and if he does not farm and raise any grain

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 547

he has no need of a dog, and if any man that is not in this lists and
he wants a dog, let him pay taxes for him and be accountable for
the dog's conduct. So by making a dog law we will improve the
stock of dogs. It will do away with these trifling senseless dogs, and
people will try to get the best stock of dogs that they can find.

There is one other matter that our law-makers ought to take into
consideration That is, we ought to have a good systematized vagrant
law. It se6^is that for the last few years there is a numerous host
that is traveling up and down the country continually begging their
way, and they never can be had to do any work. I have asked
them why they did not stop and work and make themselves some
money, and they would reply that they had not time. But they
have time to keep going first one way and then the other. If we
had a good vagrant law we would not have quite so many in the
poo* house as we have, and it would be better both for them and the
tax payers. Our best farmers say that they want a dog law and a
vagrant law, and they say that they will expect those law-making
men this winter to give us one, and if they do not, the next time they
will let them stay at home and try some body else. We do not want
men in the Legislature that will sell themselves for votes, but we
want men that will do something for the interest of the farming class
as well as other occupations. A few years ago they made a dog law,
and how long did they let it stand ? As soon as the dogs were
assessed they repealed the law because they thought it was not
popular. E. B. Hilton.

Scott County, Va.

[Note by Editor. — We have written and published so much on the subject of
dog laws, &c, that it would seem that nothing more could be said. There is but
one way to secure the passage of such laws as our correspondent desires, and
that is for the Grange to take hold of the matter and every Subordinate Grange
in the State pass resolutions demanding the passage of such a law by the Legis-
lature. Until this is done the politicians will continue to dodge the issue.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

ERRATA. TOBACCO. FENCE POST, <fec.

In my recent communication to the Planter and Farmer on "Re-
claiming our Bottom Lands," I am erroneously made to say in the
sixth paragraph and seventh line, who diverted, $c, which should be
who directed that the river San Diego, which had been diverted, $c.

I will make the following brief addition to my communication on
" Curing Tobacco," &c. I knew a farmer in Caswell, N C, to cure
a crop of tobacco with seasoned oak wood, cut in-lengths of two feet,
who got the highest price of any man in the county. Some of our
finest tobacco makers never prime their tobacco, and as the lugs sell
for a higher price than the leaf according to quality, they gain in
this respect as a finer texture of the leaf, and the bottom leaves
having attained their growth draw but little from the plant. Top to
8, 10 or 12 leaves above the leaf you would break off in priming.

548 THE SOUTHERN [October

Durable Posts. — A farmer of Cleveland, Ohio, about the com-
mencement of 1873, gave the following statement of his experience
in preparing fence-posts. In June and July, 1850, he employed
men to get out fence-posts of maple, elm, ash, basswood, linden, &c.
These posts in the green state, rough shaped, and from trees of
all ages, he treated with a composition of coal-tar from the gas-yards,
with unslacked lime in equal proportions by measure, ^plying the
mixture while effervescent to that end of the post which was to enter
the ground. The posts were set in cold clay soil. In the spring of
1872. it became necessary to move the fence, and on taking up the
posts, 95 per cent of them were perfectly sound. — Agricultural Re-
port for 1874.

A writer in the third volume of the Southern Planter, says, old
field pine posts if properly prepared, will last as long as locust or
any other timber. Take a drawing knife and draw off the bark as
the tree stands, as high up as you want to use it, the tree will not
die, remains a twelvemonth when, in consequence of the sun's having
drawn the rosin to the surface, it will become a solid bulk of light-
wood, and will be ready for use.

In the fourth volume of the Southern Pbviter, there is a drawing
and direction for making a movable fence, which, for cheapness and
economy, commends itself to the farming community.

I presented a friend with the August number of the Planter and
Farmer, requesting him to try and get a club of subscribers. [We
are sure that our venerable correspondent intended this paragraph
as a suggestion to others to do likewise, which we hope they will not
be slow to imitate. — Ed.]

I have often thought that agricultural correspondents should re-
frain from larding their communications with latin, as it is perfect-
ly unintelligible to the great mass of the farming community. We
want plain language, so that " he that runs may read" — facts not
theories. W. R. Hatchell.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

HOW SHALL WE IMPROVE OUR LAND?

I see in your valuable paper a great deal said about improving
worn out lands and bringing them up to their original production,
which is all good in the old section of country where the old farmers
are all settled permanently, and have their good old homes and old
friends around them. But.I want to reach another class who have very
little, and who have to get what land that lies within their means; who
often have to go out in the poor pine flats where they can get plenty
of timber to fence and wood to burn; but this land is very poor, and
has to be cleared and manured from the start to make crops that
will pay for cultivation. Now, I want to know what is the best way
to make these lands produce paying crops ? Five years ago I was
forced to go on such land ; had fourteen acres of old fields to begin
with; had the balance to clear and fence, and then to manure it

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 549

before it would make crops that would pay for cultivation. The
fourth crop I made a little money; had a very hard time; got in
debt, and will take two or three good crops to pay out. So you see
what a man will have to encounter who starts in the woods. It will
take about eight years before he will begin to realize any money.

But there are many men who prefer starting in this way. My
farm is only a two-horse farm. Now I will give you the amount
in cultivation : 85 acres are under fence ; have this amount in nine
fields, all numbered, and good cross fences and gates to each field.
My buildings are located in the centre of my farm, so I lose very
little time in going to work and putting in my crop. This is one of
the reasons I preferred starting in the woods, so I could locate all
my buildings with an eye to convenience and comfort, and have
everything so arranged that I could overlook all in a very short
time. Now for the proportion of my growing crops: 25 acres in
corn, all planted 3 by 7, with a row of ground peas in the middle;
at third working of my corn, planted' field peas between the hills of
corn; so I have three crops growing on the same land, all well
manured with home-made manure; 25 acres in cotton,. well manured
with home-made manure; looks well to date; 4 acres in sweet pota-
toes, all looking well ; 3 acres were in oats, which made 35 bushels
per acre; 5 acres in rice; f acres in sugar cane, which is good up
to date; J acre in tobacco, all gathered, and have a good crop com-
ing from the suckers; f acres I manured very high and planted in
speckled peas, of which I have been improving the seed. I cut the
peas off the 15th July and cured them for forage; made 6,000
pounds, and have another crop growing on the same land, which
looks very promising. I have taken in 20 acres this spring, which
is planted in peas, and promises to make a good crop. So you see
I have divided my crops in such a way as to have something that
will hit the seasons; and I would advise all farmers to diversify their
crops, as it will not do to risk all on a single crop of anything.

I see many articles in your journal about sheep. I have built me
a good sheep-house, and have twenty-five head to start with; will
try them. I have a fine Devon bull and some fine half-breeds. I
made last winter and fall sixty tons of good manure, all under shed.
I have prepared to make manure at home. My opinion is, that our
Blessed Creator has put in the reach of all men who till the soil the
means whereby we can enrich our lands, if we will only take the
trouble to avail themselves of them.

I would like very much for you, or some of your valuable corres-
pondents, to write an article on how to improve original poor land —
land that has a good clay subsoil, eight to ten inches of top-soil, and
very firm, but which seems to be dead; will not pay to cultivate
without manure, but will make good crops when fertilized.

Last year I made half a bale of cotton per acre all over my farm ;
eighteen bushels corn per acre; manured three acres high in oats —
made fifty bushels per acre.

I will now give my plan of making the manure which I used this

THE SOUTHERN [October

year: In the first place. I have a good and large manure-house. In
the summer I take all hands and go out in the woods and rake up
the straw, and cover with the top soil, in heaps of about one load:
let it stand until winter. Xow for the ingredients: 10 bushels of
green cotton seed, 32 " - of

land pH~ ",740 pounds good stable manure. 740 pounds scrapi
from the woods. This will make one ton. which cost me about §9
per ton. Now I want your views, or some of your correspondents,
about this mane:

ibama. W.

te by the Editor : — If every man in the South showed & -ey

old-field farmer, as he iff pleased to call himself, we might snap onr G
fortune, and look to a future of assured independence. E are

certainly suggestive, and we regret that our limits only permit i der

them very briefly. He need not look with a jealous eye at the old farmer, for he
will probably beat him, and beat him badly, if he keeps on as he n nr.

- will take eight years to realize any money on a place lik^ his, H ow,
he has been only five years at it, and has realized a living for his family, pu
his buildings, fenced in well his land and stocked it. and from its productiveness
now. as compared with what it was when he took it. its value is more than
doubled. If that is not realizing money, we are at a loss to know what is : in fact,
there is no business within the range of our observation that has : will

realize it as fast- We hope he has the blessing of a dog-law, and that rotts are
not so precious there as they are in Virginia, otherwise, his sheep would n
assuredly come to grief. If there is any one thing that the average
maker is peculiarly sensitive about, it is the dignity of the ballot-box as it bears
upon the sheep question. As provision by the majesty of the law is simply hope-
In this matter, we know of no substitute more effective than small bits of
fish, well sprinkled with strychnine, dropped here and there around the field
where the sheep are kept. This wonld be effective in another way : dead dogs
are excellent additions to compost heaps. Our friend asks about impr
" original poor land." Men masticate their food ; plants can live only on spoon
victuals; in other words, their food must be presented in solui Is are

composed mainly of disintegrated rocks, and this disintegration was the work of
ages ; for, with the Almighty, time is practically no element. Much of this ma-
terial has reached a condition to enter into combination nee-
of plants, and as long as it lasts, plants may be readily produced. W :
exhausted, we say the land is poor, and it is, in available material anc
We have, at our command, something that will induce a fres fa I hot tomer

iking we call mastee : and without its liberal application, the land may remain
poor forever, or rather until nature shall have a chance to make available some
new material, and this no man can afford to wait for. The office of manures,
either chemical or domestic, is mainly to assist in working up for use the crude
materials of which the soil has an unfailing store, adding, at the same time, such
kindred material as they may themselves possess. If our friend will keep
ting on his land what he shows he knows so well how to husband, his " original
poor land" will soon show him that it was really an aristocrat in disguise. His
recipe for compounding his manure is simply first-rate ; but all the world has'nt
cotton seed like he has. They give him both potash and nitrogen in abundance.
:om mend most heartily the example of onr friend. A man who cannot

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 551

take care of himself ought to have a guardian, and we have yet to see the first
farmer giving his affairs the unremitting attention peculiar to business in town,
who has not become independent, and at the same time been able to live in such
comfort as few city men aspire to.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

"DOG TAX."

On page 377 of July number of the Southern Planter and Farmer,
appears an article under the above heading, in which the writer re-
marks, (and truly too), that experience has proven that no candidate
can be elected to the Legislature, generally, who expresses senti-
ments favoring a dog tax. Now. Mr. Editor, in the beginning let
me say, that I am in favor of such a tax, and a heavy one too, but I
am opposed to having it applied, as the writer of that piece proposes,
for two reasons, viz : I am opposed to it. first, because I do not
think it right to tax one man to pay for another's sheep. Secondly,
because, if our legislators place a tax on dogs for that purpose, we
will have no tax on dogs, for when left to the vote of the people it
will be voted down. I think the right kind of a law taxing dogs can
be framed, and that it will receive the approval of a large majority
of the voters in the State, which would prove as beneficial to the
farmers as one in which the revenue were to be used in remunerating
them for the sheep which might be killed by dogs. Suppose our next
legislators put a tax of, say $2 upon each dog. exempting none, and
having the revenue placed to the credit of each county, that may
have been raised on dogs in that county, for the purpose of carry-
ing on the schools. Now don't you think that when it comes to be
adopted by the vote of the people, the farmers could appeal to the ne-
gro to vote for this law with the almost certainty of getting his vote,
because the money is to be used to educate his child or help to do so.
Whereas, if the revenue raised by the tax is to be applied to paying
the farmer for his sheep, don't you think he, the negro, would be
justifiable in saying to you, no sir, I don't intend to vote a tax on
myself for your benefit, when I receive none from it. I would be
glad to see a tax placed on the dog and shall vote Jfor such a tax
if an opportunity is ever given me, but I do not intend to sanction
class legislating, and I think, that to pass such a law, if not legislating
for the benefit of one class to the detriment of the other, is as near
as you can get to it not to do so. Let us get as many good laws passed
by our next Legislature as possible, with as few bad ones as possible.
Allowing the revenue raised from the dog tax to be used for school
purposes, would in the end, yes, and the beginning too, be beneficial
to the farmers, because they would be relieved of the present tax on
their property for school purposes, for there would be enough money
raised by the dog tax to carry on the schools more successfully than
has been done in the past. Hoping these remarks may be the means
of eliciting others from the pen of one who is better qualified to write
upon the subject than I and who can do it justice, I will close.

" Keastar."
Culpeper County, Va.

55-2 THE SOUTHERN [October

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
LABOR QUESTION.

Perhaps no question has arisen during the last decade, that effects
.any people and elicits more discussion than the labor question.
It is, and has been, for many long years, the all-absorbing topic. It
has drawn out the pen of the most able writers, but no satisfactory
:ion of the question has been arrived at. There are almost as
many different theories as there are men. Some think that imigra-
d is the panacea for all our troubles I would welcome with open
arms all good citizens, no matter from what clime they may hail, but
to introduce by tens of thousands paupers (made so in many instances
by indolence and idleness from the four ends of the earth, would
not only be impolitic but detrimental to our best interests. A large
majority of them would be employed in the production of cotton, the
iuction of which is already so large that the toiling millions who
it can scarcely keep soul and body together ; still it is the
remedy for low prices and hard times — so say some. But in my
humble opinion a greater misfortune could not befall the Southern
people, would result in strikes and bread-riots to which the South-
erners are strangers.

en requires close, constant labor, and a strike would be fatal
to its production. After seeing every class of labor tested, my de-
bate opinion is. that the negro is superior to any for a cotton,
rice, or tobacco country. We have an abundance of labor for agri-
cultural purposes, rather more than is profitable ; still the cry goes
up from every quarter, more labor.

Suppose, brother farmers, our labor was double what it is, in the
Be . would not our cotton, rice and tobacco crops be largely in-
creased, and would not prices be decreased in the same proportion
that the crops were increased ? Most assuredly they would. The
truth of this proposition I don't suppose will be doubted by any one.
N ir, if the premises be correct, a moment's reflection will convince
any practical mind that the increase of production in our staples, con-
sequent upon an increase of labor, will result disastrously to the
farmer.

Pot example. Suppose A works ten hands and makes 50 bales of
Mi and realizes 15 cents per pound, would give a gross income
of •? . B works twenty hands and makes 100 bales cotton, and

realizes 7 J cents per pound, would give a gross income of $3,000.
How, which has. A or B. expended the most in the production of
their crops ? B's expenses for labor, board of hands, wear and tear
of land, mules, farm implements, ic. are just twice as much as A's,
and his income the same. This partially illustrates the effects of
an over supply of labor and cotton.

The supply of labor is ample. All that is necessary to relieve

our country of many grievous burdens is to employ one half of the

: supply in producing corn, small grain, clover, grass, and

stock. Cover the hills with herds and flocks. Improve the better lying

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 553

lands, and substitute machinery and improved implements for labor
when we can. This done, our country will rise up, Phoenix like,
and become the admiration of the world. But let our country be
overrun by foreigners of a low type, they will not only become a
burden, (as they are in many parts of the worldj, but will endanger
the pecea of the country.

The difficulties that lie in the way of procuring the necessaries of
life, increase with the population. So let us endeavor to be content
with what labor we have, and reajize, if possible, that we have the
best average country in the world. W.

Union County, S. 0.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.!

CONDITIONS AND AGENTS MOST FAVORABLE TO PLANT

GROWTH.

The advantages of the combined efforts of the agents of plant
growth is a subject of the greatest interest. Some of these agents
or factors may be enumerated as follows : First, the proper consti-
tution of the soil as regards chemicals. Second, its mechanical con-
dition, the depth of the plowing and thoroughness of pulverization.
Third, the temperature of the soil and air. Fourth, the efficiency
of the drainage. Fifth, the supply of water at proper intervals.
Sixth, the character of the tillage, that is, the frequency and care
with which the plowing and hoeing is performed. Seventh, the pro-
per space and room for the plant. Eighth, the purity and soundness
of the seed used. These eight agents or factors, if not indispensa-
ble, act an important part in the development and character of the
crop, and their united effect conduce to what might be properly called
' ' h ig h -fa rming."

How these factors act, on what soils, and what amount of influ-
ence they ex^bise on plant growth, are questions difficult of solution,
and their extreme complexity has ever bothered the agriculturist.
His greatest powers and experience will not enable him to solve these
questions satisfactorily, or to arrive at definite conclusions. Without
a knowledge of the minerals or chemicals that exist in the soil, the
farmer may supply ingredients that are already there, or he may use
fertilizers that contain properties directly opposite to those that are
wanted.

Although the analysis of soils affords valuable information, yet they
are not entirely reliable ; and, in practice, do not always work well.
If by actual experiment the farmer knoivs what is needed in his soil
he can proceed with confidence and command success. This experi-
mental knowledge, however, takes time, but the deductions are
reliable.

If it is not practicable to secure all the factors above enumerated,
he should avail himself of the advantage of as many of them as pos-
sible. He should recollect that the farm itself affords those of the most
value, if properly secured and applied. The mechanical condition

554 THE SOUTHERN [October

of the soil is under his control — so is drainage — the character of the
tillage — the space or room for the plant — the soundness and purity
of the seed — and the various elements.

As a means of increasing the accumulation of domestic manures,
■which are the base of fertilization, we can employ phosphates and
other bought manures to increase our crops of corn, hay, straw, &e.j
which will enable us to raise and keep more horses, cattle and sheep,
and thereby add vastly to our heaps of manure. As a means to this
end the phosphates are worth all you pay for them. Don't let us
discard commercial manures because some dishonest manufacturers
have cheated us. Let us patronize men we know to be honest, and
buy as liberally as our means will allow or necessities require, using
only such as we know are effective in our particular soil.

These suggestions may appear supererogatory to some, but we
think our farmers, as a class, need "line upon line," and there are
numerous beginners in husbandry who may and will be benefited by
communications of this character. We feel and hope the agriculture
of the South is progressing — that our native State is becoming as
she should be among the first in agricultural development and
resources. J. Fitz.

Albemarle County, Va.

Note by the Editor: — To our mind, nothing is so full of substantial hopeful-
ness as the inquiry now so generally prevalent among the farmers of the State.
The time' is quite gone by when, in our management, we can do as our fathers
did. We live in altogether different times, and we must accommodate ourselves
to them, or dwindle into absolute nothingness. Spending one's time at the gro-
cery, and groaning over past losses, will never do the work. What is gone is
gone, and to allow the recollection of ii: to engross any portion of the shore span
allotted to us in this world, is as absurd as to urge a claim that cannot be
enforced.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

SMYTHE COUNTY FARMERS' CLUB.

Club met at the residence of Mr. Jno. L. Saunders. President
Jno. M. Preston, in the chair. Fourteen members present, and four
absent. No other business claiming precedence, committee on ex-
amination of farms visited last month, presented their report, which
was read by -the Secretary, received, and ordered to be placed on
record in its appropriate place.

The farm visited in July is known as "Aspenvale," owned by Mr.
C. H. C. Preston, and is superior in its adaptation for grass and
grain. The duty of the committee was most faithfully discharged
by close scrutiny in the affair and management of the farm and its
attachments.

The farm visited to-day is also one of the best in this section, and
thoroughly managed by its owner, Mr. Jno. L. Saunders. Commit-
tee for its examination have a good field for a trial of approving
criticism.

self absent tb-datfT*
the question, "Doea
regarded a difficult

2 o

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 555/ ^

Mr. Jas. M. Byars. appointed at last meeting as the member for ^
selection of subject for discussion, though himself *»haonf t.wlntf ■-■
furnished through the Secretary a short essay on the
Plaster Impoverish the Soil ?" The enquiry he regan
one to answer, and selected rather with the hope of directing the
attention of future observers amongst us, than with any expectation ,
that a definite conclusion will be reached at present.

That plaster, in itself, is not a fertilizer — nothing more than a
stimulant to the soil, has, for a long time been maintained by many
of our acquaintances ; and if it is so in fact, then indeed is it a veri-
table curse to the farmer. For many years he (Mr. Byars) had sown
plaster freely — in fact, largely — and on various kinds of soil, but
in no instance has he seen any thing that led him to believe it in the
slightest degree injurious. Often there has been no observable
effect — whether because of an inferior article sown, peculiarity of
soil, or unfavorable season, he had not known. Had often seen its
effect on wheat in spots where it had been dropped in corn hills the
previous year. That its infleunce is not limited to the present year
is shown also by an experiment at Saltville, where, on an old piece
of pasture land, the word "plaster" was written in the hillside by
sowing thickly a narrow strip of plaster in the form of letters. This
is yet plainly visible from a distance, although four or five years have
elapsed since it was sown. This shows plainly that quantity had
much to do with its effects, and that it endures longer than the first
or second year. True, the quantity sown on any given area of land
might be so large that further additions could not be beneficial, but
hurtful ; but the same applies to every fertilizer. Barn-yard ma-
nure might be used in excess.

In what way plaster acts upon vegetation or soil is an unsatisfac-
toi'y question, even to the chemist himself; and while we dare not
venture but a little way into the domain of the alchemist, we must
accept his teachings, however unsatisfactory they may be, until we
find something more reliable to which we may pin our faith. Chem-
istry, though an exact science, is constantly progressive; and when
applied to agriculture, must be taken in all the complexity of its
nature — with its indefinite and endless forms, and the incessant
changes that are constantly going on in the great chemical laboratory
of nature.

We are taught that plaster has two main sources from which they
draw the necessary elements of nutrition for their perfection and
growth ; namely, the soil beneath and the air above. The former
contains, in addition to humus, the bases, such as lime, potash, silica,
phosphorus, &c; the latter, the great acidify principle, which acting
upon these bases fit them for use, either directly or indirectly. Direct-
ly when they enter the roots of the plant, and become a constituent
part of it; indirectly, when through its action direct sources of nutri-
tion are supplied. Thus phosphoric acid is said to enter the root
and help to form the protein compounds of the grain, being direct
in its action ; while lime, acting upon certain felspathic rocks sets

556 THE SOUTHERN [October

free potash and silica, and decomposes certain organic compounds
which liberates or sets free available nitrogen ready for use by the
growing plant. In this, perhaps, we have the main benefit arising
from the application of lime in whatever form it is used — the libera-
tion of nitrogen from conditions in which it is not assimilable by
plant life, and rendering it available.

A piece of land apparently exhausted, is not always so in fact,
but has locked up in combined unassirailable form a large amount of
nitrogen, or other plant food, which needs only lime for its liberation
that it mav form appropriate nitrates. At one time it was thought
that ^rowing vegetation, particular^- clover and other leguminous
plants, draw from the atmosphere carbon and nitrogen to aid in its
growth and support, but that is now believed to have been, at least
in part, erroneous ; and that plants are unable to extract one particle
of caseous nitrogen from the air, but get their supply from it in
combined form. It is still conceded, however, that the large quantity
of carbon used by plants comes mainly from the atmosphere, through
decomposition of its carbonic acid by the plant during its growth.
Here, if this reasoning be true, we have a striking instance of that
beautiful reciprocity of action in nature. Lime in the form of sul-
phate or plaster, acting upon sleeping combinations of nitrogen, lib-
erates the gas which seizes upon a base and gives the plant a nitrate
upon which it feeds, and while growing, it imbibes from the air car-
bonic acid, which being decomposed by the plant itself, the carbon
is deposited and becomes a constituent part of its substance. The
plant moving through a series of action arrives at maturity, and in
turn dies and goes back to the source from whence it came.

But the office of plaster does not cease here. Having set on foot
a series of action, decomposition takes place with it, the sulphuric
acid foin^ to perform its role in vegetable growth, and part of the
lime directly to the plant to aid in the elaboration of its grain and
stalk ; a part of the sulphuric being found also in the stalk.

In matters like this we are met at every turn by questions that
are hard to overcome. Our experience of the scientific principles
upon which these changes are based, our want of systematic observa-
tions extending through a number of experiments, in addition to our
inability to bear the necessary expense involved in these investiga-
tions, necessarily retard anything like a general advance in the pro-
per knowledge of a subject of so much importance to the agriculturist.

After reading the essay, a brief discussion took place between
Messrs. Hull, Baker, and Saunders.

Mr. Jno. L. Saunders does not think plaster a fertilizer in itself,
the chemistrv of the question to the contrary notwithstanding. He
has always regarded it merely as a stimulant. Where the soil contains
necessarv plant food, plaster compels the production of a crop at the
expense *of the supply in the soil. Take this crop off, leaving noth-
ing and the land is poorer than before. Nothing is comparable to
good stable manure. With it. a poor, naked banks can be made to
produce for years with no other application. With plaster alone

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 557

this cannot be done. Does not believe that plaster ever does any-
thing for the plant directly, and we certainly cannot fertilize with
plaster alone.

Dr. C. H. Baker suggested, though it may not be directly a fertil-
izer, is it not equally valuable by being indirectly so ? If it stimu-
lates plant growth and we leave this heavy accumulation of green
matter tc go back to the soil, the land is thereby improved, and the
improvement is due to plaster.

Mr. D. D. Hull coincides fully with the views expressed in the
essay. Believes plaster to be, in itself, our best and cheapest fertili-
zer. Had made some observations during the present year, which,
in connection with an instance cited in the essay, of letters being
written at Saltville by growing grass after strewing plaster thickly
over the -sod, led him to the conclusion that we have never sown
enough. Last spring, having on hand a lot of wet plaster, he decided
to put it upon the barren spots, in an old piece of land, where he
had been sowing plaster in the ordinary way for several years, with
no visible effect upon these places. The plaster was hauled out and
shoveled from the wagon thickly upon these galled places. Now,
the best grass is' here upon these formerly nearly barren knolls.
This is conclusive to my mind, that the old idea, that one bushel per
acre will do as much good as two is a mistake. Stated further that
he had never failed to get a crop of grass, except in one instance,
and that was on a piece of land where, by mistake, he failed to sow
plaster. Always sow the grass seed and plaster at the same time.

After transacting some unimportant business, Club adjourned to
meet at Mr. D. D. Hull's on the third Thursday in Septembir.

[Note by the Editor. — This record is exceedingly interesting, and is a fine
example of the benefit flowing from an interchange of opinions by farpiers in
the same neighborhood. It equalizes experience, if we may use the term : it
goes farther, it makes each man think more, and observe better than he did be-
fore, and when this is secured, improvement is half accomplished.

It is reasonable that the soil should be a complex organism inasmuch as its
office is to sustain all the others. The chemist is only able to get a partial in-
sight into its mysteries, certainly not enough for him to lay down any laws, in
respect of its treatment, of absolutely general application. His analysis reaches,
as he conceives, its ultimate elements, but those, in part at least, now esteemed
simples, may and probably will be found in the future to be compounds. Since
the days of Priestly, nitrogen has been a problem, and it has by no means been
solved yet. In the meantime, practical men must live, and it is due to them
that their work should bear the best fruit attainable. To effect this, we are dis-
posed to believe that they cannot do better than act on the principle that has al-
ways been observed in the treat. aent of the human frame, namely, experiment,
and use what the constitution of the soil shows is most beneficial in the long run
in its effects.

Plaster has been long a fruitful theme of discussion, and we have no knowledge
of any explanation better than that urged by Mr. Byars. We know that in cer-
tain localities, and they are not few, it makes the grass grow, and that is no
mean thing; for the grass, if properly utilized, will make something else of value
grow. The thing with us all is to produce better crops, and while availing our-
selves of all that is accessible bearing upon their conduct, we can, during their
growth, ourselves investigate the causes which induce the result.]

2

558 THE SOUTHERN [October

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer, j

RECLAIMING OUR LANDS.

What shall we do to make poor land profitable ? A crop of win-
ter oats sown the last of August or first of September will pay on
poor land; and if the same lot is continued every year for five or six
years, every year the crop will get better, says my neighbor, who
has tried it; and although the last winter was the worst I ever knew,
yet his crop was splendid. Is it not evident to every farmer that a
good crop of oats will pay better than wheat without a fertilizer?
Take notice, it must be winter oats, sown in August or September.
If the first year's crop were turned in before they ripened, a very
large crop may be expected in June next year. My neighbor's oats
are all up; they were sown the last week in August. And now as
the farmers are going for sheep, an excellent winter pasture may be
secured by mixing rye and winter oats, sown at the time above men-
tioned. If any farmer wishes to kill out wild onions, let him try the
above plan, and at the end of the fifth or sixth crop they will dis-
appear. The oats ripen before the onions mature, and fallowing in
the summer five or six years in succession is likely to put an end to
them. Spring oats were supposed to impoverish land, because weeds
did not grow after they are cut. The seed of weeds mature in the
fall and early winter, and are scattered by the winds on the surface
of the earth: in the spring they are buried too deep to spring up.
The land in the spring is often too wet, and many have not patience
to wait for drying weather.

Clover is a very good thing, but clover will not grow on poor
land; and if it did, not one summer in five can it be turned under,
on account of the drouth ; but oat stubble can be fallowed in the
very dryest summer.

I was glad to read the communication from Gov. Smith. It can-
not help doing good. The Albemarle farmers have lost so much by
it (sulphate of potash), they are all to a man against it. Supnose
the Governor try three lots of Irish potatoes. Put on the firsrlot
the carbonate of potash; on the second the sulphate, and on the
third nothing. Wherein would the second differ from the third ?
Very little. I take Irish potatoes because they have a great deal of
potash in them, and every farmer knows that ashes from green white
oak is a splendid manure for Irish potatoes. I know a farmer that
has plenty of the sulphate of potash in the rocks on his land. He
put on that very land the carbonate of potash at seven cents per
pound: and the merchants in Richmond asked him how he came to
make such fine tobacco. Every farmer around went to see it while
it was growing.

Mr. Baker, of New York, speaks highly of a fertilizer that he calls
"natural potash." Can you tell what he means by natural potash?
On the Lynchburg road, five rnile3 from here, the rocks look as if
one-third was potash.

Albemarle county, Va. James Fife.

[Note by thk Editor. — We have Dot seen Mr. Baker's advertisement, referred

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 559

to by Mr. Fife, but we presume the " German Potash Salts" is meant, when
the term " natural potash" is used. These bear the general name of Kainit,
and are found in the rock salt deposits at Stassfurt and Leopoldshall iu Germa-
ny, and are largely used in this country and Europe as manures.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
FARM NOTES AND ITEMS.

THE VALUE AND USE OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS.

For four years I have been engaged in farming in Virginia, and
each year I have used more or less of what is known as commercial
fertilizers, and I propose to give some of my experience, hoping
thereby to benefit others who have not experimented as I have, or
who have not noted the results as critically.

In 1872 I was of the opinion that I could take any kind of soil
and by properly preparing it and applying a large quantity of bone
phosphate, rich in ammonia, produce a large crop, even supposing
the soil, without such application, was absolutely barren. I don't
think so' now. Repeated experiments have convinced me that in soils
destitute of vegetable matter excessive applications of fertilizers will
do no good, except for some few special crops. Upon very poor
land from 200 to 300 pounds per acre is as much as can be profit-
ably applied to a grain crop, and even then much depends upon the
season. Upon turnips, super-phosphate will pay when applied to
the poorest soil at the rate of from 500 to 1,000 pounds per acre;
and I have raised as fine cabbage as I ever saw on poor, sandy land,
by an application of 600 pounds per acre.

As a rule, bone phosphates have given me better satisfaction than
fisl. guano or, indeed, the Guanape or so-called Peruvian guano,
while upon adjoining farms the Pacific and Guanape have acted
perfectly satisfactorily. My land is gray, while the other is red. I
have used Powhatan Raw Boae, Gilliam's Fertilizer, Moro Phillip's,
Edward's Super-phosphate, Baugh's Raw Bone, and Andrew Coe's,
all side by side, and could never see any material difference in the
yield. In 1872 I used Powhatan Raw Bone and Pacific, side by side,
in equal quantities, for ruta bagas. There was no appreciable dif-
ference in the crop. The succeeding year the same land was put in
cabbage and rape, the rows running across at right angles with the
ruta baga rows. The whole was equally manured with stable manure.
The cabbage growing upon the plat where the Powhatan was used
were at least double as large as where the Pacific was used. I ac-
counted for this difference by the fact that the Pacific, though rich
in ammonia, was deficient in phosphate, and the Powhatan, being
rich in bone phosphate, supplied the deficiency in the stable manure,
while the manure furnished all the ammonia the crop needed.

I have found that the application of 200 pounds each of Pacific
and Powhatan or Gilbam acted better than an application of 400
pounds of either alone. Phosphates pay well on land rich in humus,
or used in conjunction with farm-yard manures. Last year I planted

560 THE SOUTHERN [October

two acres in ruta bagas, using Gilham's Trucker, Powhatan Raw Bone,
and Guanape guano, equal quantities by weight, in rows running
side by side, the whole at the rate of 500 pounds per acre. From
the very start the Guanape took the lead in appearance, the Trucker
next, and the Powhatan very far in appearance behind either. The
three plats were harvested separately, piled in the field, and the tops
cut off, when the difference in the quantity of roots was so slight as
to be attributed simply to the difference in the stand. The plat
manured with Guanape, however, gave more tops than both the
others put together, while the Trucker gave more than double the
top the raw bone gave. The Trucker gave about five per cent, more
root than either of the others, and the roots were smoother and
more even in size. The roots upon the plat where the Guanape was
used grew more out of the ground than any ruta bagas I ever saw,
while those upon the Powhatan were too deep in the ground to pull
easily.

Last year I used Powhatan and Gilham's Old Dominion side by
side on corn ; applied to the hill at the second working, at the rate
of 200 pounds per acre, over six acres of land. The yield was per-
fectly satisfactory and appeared about equal ; but owing to the fact that
the chinch-bug worked on the corn in spots, no comparative measure-
ment could be made. About two acres adjoining was left unmanured,
and though naturally the best land, did not yield more than half as much
as that where the phosphate was applied. This year the same land
is in peas, drilled in. Where the phosphate was used the vines are
very rank and full of peas, which are ripe — picking them to-day
(September 10th): while upon the part where no phosphate was
used the yield, either of vine or peas, will not be more than one-half,
and there is scarcely a ripe pea upon the vines. Phosphate applied
at the rate of 100 pounds per acre, in the drill, with peas, will pay
better even in the yield of peas alone than with any other crop on
which I have ever used it. Upon the poorest sandy soil this appli-
cation will give an immense crop, both of vine and grain, which,
fed down to hogs and plowed in, will pay twice over in the way of
feed, and be equal to a good dressing of stable manure for the im-
provement of the land.

PEAS AS A FARM CROP.

The necessity of some fallow crop that will grow upon poor land,
and the production of which will not cost too much, or that will
yield an immediate return sufficient to pay the cost of production,
has been the great want of the Virginia farmers. Yet strange as it
may appear, almost every farmer in the State has been growing,
year after year, as a table vegetable, a plant that meets this want in
every particular, and yet few, very few, comparatively, have ever
availed themselves of its most valuable qualities.

Mr. Ruffin, I believe it was, who first introduced the pea as a fal-
low crop into lower Virginia. He wrote and published a most ex-
haustive essay upon the subject of its culture as such, many years

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 561

since (an excellent resume' of which has recently appeared in the:
Farmer and Planter); but neither his writing nor example, nor that
of Mr. Sampson and other model farmers of the State, who have
been constant in their praises of the pea, have had the effect of
bringing it into general favor among Virginia farmers. The idea
has gotten hold on the public mind that it is a good thing, but a-
costly one, and only to be indulged in by large and wealthy farmers.
It is true that, when considered simply as a preparation for wheat,
without calculating on any immediate return except through the in-
crease of the wheat crop, the outlay of money and labor might form1
a considerable item ; but I am confident that a return much more
immediate, and even, if possible, more valuable, may be realized by
our farmers if they will only be at the pains to avail themselves of iti
If the small farmers of Virginia would give one field to the pea, to
be drilled in with 100 pounds of super-phosphate to the acre, and,
after maturity, fed down upon the ground by hogs, the pork realized
would more than pay the entire expense of the pea crop, and leave
the land in almost, if not quite, as good condition as if the entire
crop had been turned under, for everything would be left upon the
land — except that carried away in the form of fat.

I am satisBed that an acre of good peas will make at least 100.
pounds of pork, which will pay all the expense attending the crop
twice over. A very large portion — I believe fully half — of the
farmers of the State buy more or less bacon or lard every year, and
any system that would insure an abundance of these commodities
produced at home would be a long step in advance of the present.
I have raised the black pea for three years; it is an immense grower
and yields a good deal of seed, but I don't think it is as good as the
Shiney pea, which is more prolific and at least two weeks earlier. I
am also growing the Japan pea this year, and hope to report result
this fall. Chester.

[Note by the Editor. — This is a model report; and there is an " experimen.
tal station " which has manifestly borne good fruit to the operator. Why should
it be confined to him? A farmer looks to his land for his living:, and for some-
thing to be laid up for his children ; because every man naturally desires his
children to be provided for, when he leaves them, at least to an extent sufficient
until they can take care o! themselves. He then cannot possibly know too much
about his business, and he is not wise if he consents to gain his wisdom solely
from his own experience. He is a wse man who adds to his own the expert nee
of everybody else. So, he must read as well as xcork. His Maker never designed
him to be a mere drudge, but to enjoy rationally the fruits of his labors. If by
inquiry he can ascertain how he may accomplish the end he desires with less
labor than before, he has gained that much time for enjoyment, and sugar is as
necessary in this world as salt.

Our correspondent says that, as a rule, phosphates (ammoniated) have given
him better satisfaction than either fish or Guanape guano. This is not unrea-
sonable. The investigations, specially of Way and Yoei.ck.er. have thrown a
flood of light upon the absorptive power of soils. In respect of ammonia, clay,
loamy and calcareous soils, show a maximum power of absorption, and sandy

562 THE SOUTHERN [October

soils a minimum. Fish, either fresh or in scrap, decompose in the presence of
heat and moisture, with great rapidity, and the resulting ammonia is absorbed
ki proportion as the soil answers 'to the above conditions. In Peruvian guano
(of which we have now only Guanape. ) while the ammonia is almost wholly po-
tential, the best Chincha showing but lj per cent, of ready-made ammonia, still
it is so rapidly developed, after application to the soil, that without the presence
of conditions that will provide for its absorption, there will be, as with the fish,
an escape of a considerable portion. In the ammoniated superphosphates,
other sources of ammonia are resorted to, and chemical treatment prevents its
escape ; hence articles showing, by analysis, a much smaller per centage of am-
monia than either fish or Peruvian, give very much better results in the field.
Besides, what they lack in ammonia they usually make up in phosphates, potash,
magnesia, &c.

We are glad to see our correspondent go so fully into the value of the pea crop.
It is quite plain that a man is not wise to pay for what he may honestly secure
without pay. He needs, only too generally in Virginia, vegetable matter in his
soils. It gives him good material directly for the use of his crops, and effects
chemically the mineral elements of the soil so as to render th*m the sooner
available. Nature comes in to rectify his bad management, for it has provided
the pea and the clover, wita which to supply his loss of vegetable matter, and
that too with a minimum of expense to him. The atmosphere and the rain do
the bulk of the work in the production of these plants. Why then refuse such
a gift ? If any one wants to see what the pea can do towards redeeming worn
lands, let him visit the magnificent estate of Maj. Sctherlix, near Danville.
All this has been the work of compaiatively few years, and demonstrates fully
the i; come out " of our Virginia lands. With such a foundation to build on, th«
future need have no gloom for any of us.]

TEN RULES FOR FARMERS.

1. Take good papers and read them.

2. Keep an account of farm operations.

3. Do not leave implements scattered over the farm, exposed to
*now, rain and heat.

4. Repair tools and buildings at a proper time, and do not suffer
subsequent three-fold expenditure of time and money.

5. Use money judiciously, and do not attend auction sales to pur-
chase of all kinds of trumpery because it is cheap.

f:i. See that fences are well repaired, and cattle not grazing in the
meadows or grain fields or orchards.

7. Do not refuse to make correct experiments, in a small way, of
many new things.

8. Plant fruit trees well, care for them, and of course get good
crops

9. Practice economy by giving stock shelter during the winter;
also good food, taking out all that is unsound, half rotten or moldy.

10. Do not keep tribes of cats and snarling dogs around the pre-
mises, who eat more in a month than they are worth in a life-time.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 563

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

LETTER FROM ALABAMA

[We take the liberty of publishing the following private letter. We like the
suggestion that correspondents write over their names, and hope our correspon-
dents will do So if there is no special reason for doing otherwise.]

If you keep up the Planter and Farmer to the present standard
with its low price you are certainly entitled to the aid as well as the
thanks of every good citizen. There is another feature connected
with your journal that I like very much. Most of your correspon-
dents write over their own proper names or initials, and I hope the
day is not distant when it will be the rule as a general thing. I
know it sometimes subjects the writer to considerable annoyances,
but I do not regard that as a sufficient excuse. When I read good
communications and come to the signature, "Acorn" for instance, I
feel disappointed. I am indebted to him for the favor he has be-
stowed on me, and if I knew who it was I would love and esteem
him for it, but I do not know who he is, nor where he lives, conse-
quently I feel disappointed. I am unable to discharge my duty to
him, because he, as I think, has not discharged his duty in signing
the word uAcorn" instead of his own proper name. Besides there
is great responsibility resting on the man who writes for the public,
and I think he ought always to shoulder the responsibility by signing
his own name and place of residence to his communications. There
are many reasons why correspondents should sign their names ; and
most, if not all, of the objections to that course, might easily be re-
moved in a short time by pursuing the proper course. Our ground
is still dry and parched, and the cotton is nearly dead in some places,
but there is now a very good prospect for rain. The cotton in many
ph.ces is nearly all open, and if it does not rain soon, it will all be
opened in a very short time. M. H. Yellxer.

St. Clair Co., Alabama.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

REMARKS ON DITCHING STREAMS.

To-day I chanced to pick up your number of September, 1874,
and read the article of your esteemed and lamented correspondent,
Dr. Gillespie, on this subject.

As farmers need "line upon line, and precept upon precept," and
withal, precept enforced by example, I should not regret to see this
article republished in every newspaper in the State.

I can add little or nothing to the lessons it teaches, but would re-
iterate the necessity of reclaiming our best lands, now so extensively
abandoned to malarious swamps, would endorse the method of Dr.
Gillespie — that of conforming, to some extent, to the natural course
of the stream, as determined by depression — and confirm his experi-
en3e that the operation pays most liberally.

I will give a bit of my experience — farmers easily pardon this
sort of egotism.

Some years ago, I cut a ditch one thousand yards long, ten feet
wide, five feet deep, through hard and stumpy ground, at a cost of

564 THE SOUTHERN [October

$190. I am sure it paid in the first crop. Besides the cost of
ditching, one acre of land cost me $15 to plant it in corn, but it yield-
ed 60 bushels, has afforded annually one and a half tons of hay, and
"will beat its first corn crop this year, though damaged by storms.

How many thousands of acres of such lands more easily reclaimed,
the potential source of wealth to individuals and to the State, are
now left to be converted into jungles and to poison whole neighbor-
hoods with their miasmatic exhalations.

Though it may seem invidious, I must instance the splendid fiats
on Sinkinghole creek, in Goochland ; a granite country, not the
richest in Virginia, but, if second in fertility, about first in ease of
cultivation — a most pleasant and thrifty section in the olden time.

I have myself seen magnificent crops on these bottom lands, now
I am told, almost utterly abandoned.

Now, what is the remedy in this, and the many identical cases
within mv own knowledge, in the ruinous aggregate throughout the
State.' The trouble is the want of enterprise and confidence in the
results, and, chiefly, the want of means. I would suggest that these
difficulties might be surmounted by uniting all the parties interested
in an association, managed by the ablest men, with a credit based
on the rental of the lands drained, for a time proportioned to the
difficulty of the work. Some parties could probably advance money,
almost all could make contributions in kind, and on these first and
vital aids, a liberal interest could be afforded. Once fairly begun
the work would be nearly or quite self-sustaining ; that is, the ryit
of the lands first reclaimed would pay for draining those next above,
and so on. It might be so arranged, in many instances, that any
proprietor might contract for a section of the work on his own farm,
and by increasing his ordinary force, lay by his crop in better than
usual time and order, and spend all his time ditching, and thus ma-
terially reduce the cost to himself. Of course a competent commit-
tee of proprietors should first investigate and report on the practica-
bility of the scheme, for there are often obstacles to success which
escape the mere casual observer.

Of these, I suspect the coarse sand from disintegrated granite is,
next to the inseparable one of want of fall, the most serious. The
■writer has never had it to contend with.

The fall of a tortuous and obstructed stream is sure to be under-
estimated. In my experience already alluded to, a failure was pre-
dicted on this ground, yet the fall proved to be in the thousand
yards enough to keep the ditch to its full depth at the lower end,
though the stream is obstructed below.

In conclusion I would say, had I to do my own work over again,
I would reduce the cost materially by the use of coulters and mud-
scrapers, and proper tackle to remove stumps and trees.

Per contra, cases have come to my knowledge of ditching to dis-
advantage; a winding stream, with loose, sandy banks, sometimes
overflowed, never washed or "sobbed," producing finely, has been
converted into a little torrent that soon swept off the rich deposits it
had left of yore. ''Let well enough alone." T. P. L.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER 565

IFor the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

LETTER FROM MARYLAND.

The Planter and Farmer is worth many times the value of its
subscription. You seem to have a corps of excellent practical writers.
Whilst there are many erroneous ideas put forth in what is known as
book-farming — yet, through the channel of the books the "agricul-
turist" have, from the efforts of scientific men, through the aid of
chemistry, done more for farming within the last twenty-five years
and have been set farther ahead than all that old fogyism could
have produced in any indefinite time, and to the discriminating mind
it is a fruitful source to draft upon.

I am glad to see that the farmers in the Old Dominion seem to be
taking the right course of diversifying their agricultural efforts. This
is certainly the true course for Virginia as well as Maryland, since
we have the great Northwest to contend with in the Eastern markets.
I see in your paper, as well as others, one fine so*urce of profit is
being looked to, viz : " Sheep' Raising." I have a good experience
in this line. Sheep pay a better interest upon the money invested
than anything the farmer can engage in; but in the absence of a
good sound udog law" the sheep business is as uncertain as dealing
in lottery tickets. I had but a short time since a very fine flock of
sheep so demoralized and broken up by the worthless curs that I
entirely abandoned the business. It is a sad comment upon our
free institutions, that, simply because there are more dog-owners
than sheep-owners, the dastardly politicians pander to the wishes of
the idle, and in some instances vicious cur-owners, because of their
influence in the ballot ; but there is a better day coming and not far
off. Order, organization, and co-operation is what the farmers need.
This I fully anticipate will be accomplished, as the spirit for organ-
ization seems now to be developing itself all over the country — and
the leven hid away in the lump by the Grangers will bring about this
much desired result. It is now generally conceded that the Grange
move is not aggressive, simply defensive, and through this spirit
they will finally overcome all opposition.

Farming, of course, underlies all other interests; it is of course the
master wheel, driving all other machinery.

H. N. Lansdale.

[Note by the Editor. — It is a pleasant thing to be well thought of, and it is
our intention that the esteem of our friends shall not be in vain. We have good
•writers in our Southern country, and the regret is that so few of them exercise
their talent in this way. We hold that every man's duty is to the public aa well
as to himself; in fact, public duty is only another name for his own; for, as it is
subserved, his is, albeit it may be only indirectly. As example is always more
potent than precept, our educated men are bound by every motive that should
actuate a child of the commonwealth to see that what fortune has vouchsafed
to them should not die barren, but rather be used to lift up, to better things,
those around them who. less favored, would strive to help themselves if they
could but enjoy the encouragement of those they have a right to look up to as
exemplars of good management and honorable living.

5«6 THE SOUTHERN [October

It is a lovely commentary on human progress that, in this acknowledged field
of perfect government, the dog should be the chief actor. We have always
looked upon the question of "the balance of power" in Europe with a certain
degree of awe; but here the point on which it trembles is the dog. We dream of
the brotherhood of man. and we see it realized here; for suffrage is universal,
and its exercise is only free because of the dog. If heathen peoples had reason
for deifying the dog. we certainly are not without it: for when our Solons (the
presumed repository of the most august of all human functions) are in council,
bridges across small creeks, relief to sureties on official bonds, grants of leaves
of absence, and similar great questions, receive due consideration : but the dog
never; he is too sacred to be named even by profane lips. It is a bitter tyranny
against " the rights of man " that non-taxpayers and chicken thieves should not
control the property of taxpayers and those generally who build up the State ;
and the last one of us should be thankful that these down-trodden ones have at
their command so many champions, and — all for the small sum of six dollars
per day !]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

DITCHING.

There is no operation on the farm more important than that of
ditching, avid none more neglected. In eastern Virginia there are
immense quantities of branch, creek, and river bottoms not only
Lying idle and unproductive, but are actually poisoning all the sur-
rounding atmosphere and severely affecting the health of the whole
country. These lands might be made exceedingly valuable if they
■were properly drained and put in cultivation, for a few acres well
drained and properly cultivated would yield more corn than whole
fields of poor high lands — more especially during a dry season.

The standing excuse for the neglect of this important work is,
the want of means and labor. Xow, there are numerous farmers
who, whilst they make this excuse, are wasting more time and labor
in the cultivation of poor land than it would take to drain all the
bottom lands on their farms. The fact is, the cost and labor neces-
sary to reclaim these bottom lands are much less than is generally
imagined, and are not to be compared with the immense benefits to
be derived therefrom.

In locating and running these ditches much judgment and discre-
tion are required, and these are always influenced more or less by
the peculiar locations of the lands to be drained, and other sur-
roundings. In the location of these ditches there are two main
objects to be kept steadily in view. The first is, to have the ditch
as straight as possible; and the other is, to locate it in the lowest
places. It is not always practicable, however, to run the ditch
straight, and it is not always best to run it in the lowest localities.
These depend entirely upon the peculiarities of the ground, and the
soundest judgment and the best practical sense should be exercised
in determining this matter of location, for the efficiency of the drain-
age depends in a great measure upon it. The location of the ditch
having been decided upon, the next step is to have the work properly

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 567

executed. A good ditcher having been engaged, the capacities of
the ditch and the price of ditching should be fixed and distinctly
agreed upon in advance. And then the master should give the work
his occasional supervision, in order to keep the ditches up to the
measure, and see that the work is well done, for, if not watched,
these ditchers are almost universally prone to draw in their lines
and slight their work. The ditch having been completed, the next
step is to level down the banks, so that the land may be cultivated up
to the edge of the water. When the ditch is small this can be done
with the hilling hoes; but if the ditch be a large one, the embank-
ment may be reduced by the use of the hillside plow, aided by a few
hoe hands. "When it becomes necessary to crook a ditch, the curves
should be made as gradual as possible; otherwise the current will be
constantly undermining the outer bank of the curve, whilst the inner
side is liable to fill up with sand.

• The ditch having been duly constructed, the strictest attention
will be necessary to keep it in order; otherwise it will soon fill up
and become useless. The banks should never be allowed to grow up
in bushes, and the sand bars should be cleaned out at regular inter-
yals. The plan pursued by the writer is to have his ditches cleaned
out regularly once a year. And in order to keep the weeds and
bushes from growing on the banks, our able-bodied men, armed with
a sharp brier-blade, are required to go over the ditches twice during
the summer season and cut them all down as closely as possible. If
this be kept up for a few years a good turf will gradually form on
the banks, which will be of great benefit in keeping them from wash-
ing, and in some measure prevent the weeds and bushes from growing.
It is a well-known fact to all practical farmers, that a straight ditch
will fill up sooner than a crooked one ; but the philosophy of this
strange phenomenon has never been satisfactorily explained. Almost
every farmer is ready to explain it with a theory of his own, and
with your permission I will give you mine: Happening to cross a
small stream a few years ago, I observed that where tue current was
strong enough the sand was constantly gliding along down on the
bottom of the stream, being kept in motion by the force of the cur-
rent. Observing this, the following explanation suggested itself to
my mind: It will be observed that these straight ditches almost in-
variably fill up with sand instead of mui. Sand does not incorporate
itself with water like the soil and form muddy water, but is put in
motion by and is carried down the stream by the force of the cur-
rent, generally sliding along on the bottom of the stream. Now,
when a freshet occurs the current in the straight ditch is very much
accelerated, which puts the sand in motion, ancr it continues to move
on down the ditch until it reaches a point where the current is not
strong enough to keep it moving; here it stops and commences to
accumulate, and continues to do so until the ditch is filled up. If a
ditch is made perfectly straight, with sufficient fall to keep the sand
in motion throughout its entire length, it will never fill up; but this
is scarcely ever practicable.

568 THE SOUTHERN [October

The reason why tie crooked ditch does not fill up is, the current
is too slow to put the sand io motion, and consequently it is never
filled up with sand, whilst it has sufficient motion to carry off the
muddy water before the mud has time to settle. Hence, one would
naturally conclude that a crooked ditch is better than a straight one.

T 1

It is not so, however, because the straight ditch is capable of carry-
ing off the water more rapidly, and thus drains the soil more effec-
tually. In order to remedv this liability of the straight ditch to fill
up. it must be strictly attended to and the sand thrown out whenever
it accumulates to any extent.

In conclusion. I take occasion to repeat that this matter of drain-
age is one of the greatest significance and importance — not merely
because of the great quantity of valuable land to be brought into
cultivation, and its salutary effects upon the health of the country,
but it would have the farther effect of making the countrv more at-
tractive to immigrants and greatly enhancing the price of the lands
here generally. Farmers here would find it greatly to their interest
if they would stop the cultivation of their poor high lands, which
do not pay the cost of cultivation, and turn their attention to the re-
claiming of these bottom lands; and if they will go at it in earnest
they will find the cost and labor much less than they anticipate, whilst
the benefits will be astonishing.

Cumberland county. Via* Southside.

[Note by the Editor. — This is an admirable paper, and we trust the counsel
of our correspondent will not go unheeded. We know him to be successful in
his operations, and this is the chief, and. indeed, only acceptable credential in
any counsellor. Xot many years ago. Virginia, except the lower tide-water
country, was noted for its salubrity. Xow, malarial diseases, and some of them
of a very serious character, afflict the country along our water courses, as high
up almost as the mountains. Ditches and streams that once received attention
are now neglected, and fine bottom lands have, in too many places, been turned
into swamps. These give decaying vegetable matter enough, but in the wrong
place, and, worse still, something we must pay for. and that is the doctor's bill.
As a question of mere dollars and cents, it is believed that the money spent in
ditching, and therefore in health securing, will not in the long run, be more than
we are now compelled to pay the doctor.]

VIRGINIA WINE.

Tour paper of June 18th. 1875, contains an article headed ''Amer-
ican Wine." copied from the Pall Mall Gazette, which gives an
account of the proceedings cf the Vinicultural Congress, which met
at Montpelier (France) in the month of October last, concerning the
propriety of introducing American varieties of vines into France.
That article says :

■•Wine growing is as yet in the merely experimental stage in the
United States. There are few vineyards, and the growers are for
the most part unskilled. Moreover, the taste of the American con-
sumers require the wine to be sugared and otherwise adulterated."

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 569

The first part of that sentence is not quite correct as to the way
the business is carried on in some of the Northern and Western
States. There are, particularly in the State of New York, vine-
yards and wine-manufacturing establishments managed by men
thoroughly acquainted with the business in its different branches,
and worked by skilled labor — establishments which can favorably
compete with the most renowned in any part of Europe. The wines
manufactured in these establishments find ready sale at remunerative
prices.

The quality of Virginia wines shows that the business in that
State has been managed heretofore without plan, comprehension or
distinct object in view; though it cannot be denied that the traces
of what could be realized, with skill and understanding in a climate
so eminently congenial to the cultivation of grapes, could not, even
under the most defective treatment, be entirely concealed.

The object of the present article is to express my views about
some vital questions concerning the grape-growing and wine-manu-
facturing business, and to drop in some advice for those who have
already engaged in the business and those who intend to enter into it.
The business is divided into two distinct branches : first, the cul-
tivation of grapes; and, second, the manufacture of wine — either of
which can be carried on without the other.

The first branch is a horticultural business, and consists in plant-
ing and managing a vineyard. To follow this business properly and
successfully, it requires capital, skill, and a scrupulous accuracy in
every work. The absence of either of these three points must
inevitably cause a failure. I suppose that any sensible man would
declare as a humbug the idea that several hundred dollars could be
made out of one acre of land annually, without having first spent a
proportional sum of money and a corresponding amount of skilled
labor on it. Most of the failures experienced in the business in
Virginia were caused by starting it on a scale entirely out of pro-
portion to capital and labor on hand, and I cannot caution enough
against that mistake. Two acres of vineyard is by no means a small
beginning for a man with limited capital, while ten acres is a suffi-
cient start for any man with considerable means, in order to conduct
it properly.

Skill is needed in cultivating grapes just as well as tobacco, or
more or less in any business, and those who make up their minds to
engage in a business without possessing the necessary skill, must,
before anything else, relinquish their own opinion to that of men
who are thoroughly acquainted with it. I think that in that way
any sensible man would learn how to raise grapes just as well as I
would learn how to raise tobacco after a few years' experience, and
after having listened to the advice of skilled tobacco planters.

A scrupulous accuracy in all work in the vineyard is absolutely
necessary; therefore, that work cannot be subordinated and depen-
dent on farm work. Common farm hands in Virginia are accus-
tomed to work in a most superficial way over large bodies of land,

570 THE SOUTHERN [October

and hate to be tantalized with working several days on one acre of
land. They are, therefore, with very fe^v exceptions, unfit for vine-
yard work.

The manufacture of wine is the great stumbling-block to the busi-
ness— this being an art which requires great skill and experience,
particularly in a country where the business is new. I advise to sell
the grapes at a lower rate to a wine-manufacturing establishment, if
possible, in preference to going to the very heavy expense of making
wine and running the risk of losing the whole crop for want of skill.

The great complaint of the grape-growers of Virginia is the want
of a sure market for wine, this being an article which cannot be sent
to the commission merchant to sell like ordinary farm produce. We
ought to look out for a market, and to occupy our minds with that
subject before we plant a vineyard, as the kind of wine we will manu-
facture, and consequently the variety of grapes we have to plant,
are dependent on the demands of the particular market we aim to
supply. Not that variety of vines which is considered a heavy
bearer, nor that which suits best our own taste and fancy, is the
variety which we ought to cultivate, but that from which a wine can
be made that will satisfy the taste of the consumers we wish to please.
The neglect of that regard has already more than anything else
brought the Virginia wines into bad repute, and the prejudice
worked by that fact is not the smallest obstacle in our way.

The larger number of grape-growers in Virginia are Germans,
who persistently aim to manufacture wines similar to those made in
Germany, in which endeavor they are certainly on the wrong track.
German w'nes hardly ever suit the taste of any other people but the
Germans. You ask an Englishman, a Frenchman, or an American,
and you will hear nine times out of ten that the German wines are
sour. We never can expect to export wine to Germany, nor to
supply the German market in the United States, owing to the im-
possibility of competing with the cheap wines imported from Germany.

Our efforts ought first to be directed towards building up a home
market by manufacturing a wine which will satisfy the taste of the
American consumers, which can be done without the use of sugar, or
otherwise adulterating the juice of the grape.

The best market for wine is England, where a very large quan-
tity is consumed and none produced. The market in England has
not been sufficiently supplied for many years with those kinds of
wines which are most relished by Englishmen, owing to the grape
disease, which has ruined the vinevards of Soain, Portugal, and a
considerable portion of southern France, whence the English market
has been supplied for centuries.

The northern part of the United States cannot furnish a wine with
body enough to satisfy the English taste, but we may be able to do
that some day in Virginia, with our warm and dry climate, and with
our varieties of grapes, natives of the South, which do not mature
in the Northern States. To export wine to England should be our
problem and the height of our ambition.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 571

It is not an easy matter to realize that problem, and it can only
be done by men of means in connection with men who are thoroughly
conversant with the business. But men who never saw a vinevard,
nor entered a wine cellar in their lives, and who do not know what
wine is, cannot do it, nor anything else to promote the interest of
the business.

Nelson count//, Va., Louis Ott.

[Note bt the Editor. — We copy this article from the Charlottesville Chronicle,
and commend the excellent good sense it displays. Mr. Ott has been lodged in
our midst for several years, and may claim a prescriptive right to speak in such
matters, inasmuch as the Superintendency of the Royal Vineyards and Wine
Cedars in the kingdom of Bavaria has been for many generations in his imme-
diate family.

The buildiug up of a wine interest in Virginia must of necessity be a thing of
slow growth. We know of no business requiring more available capital — at least
to the extent of founding it on a basis involving any promise of adequate returns.
No local demand is sufficient to make such a business profitable. It is, indeed,
of all callings the most universal in its range. How, then, is it to be prosecuted?
By each grape-grower making his own wine? Such a course is not less absurd
than for every farmer to have B ni'll on his place to turn his wheat into flour.
The market would be flooded with brands, with the ability on the part of no one
to do more than supply the most limited demand. We have, then, large mer-
chant mills, like the " Gallego," " Haxall." and " Duulop,*" which take all the
wheat that is offered them, whether the crops be large or small, and having es-
tablished their brands, are able to meet any demand. The manufacture of wine
must be conducted in exactly the same way; in other words, it must be a busi-
ness separate and distinct from that of grape-growing. Considering, therefore,
the absolutely essential elements of the problem, it is not at all surprising that
the isolated efforts to grow grapes and produce wine by the same individual, un-
dertaken by too many in this State since the war, have resulted in failure and
disappointment. It is not for one moment assumed, speaking generally, that
one establishment may not, with success, both grow grapes and make wine ; for
we know that this is done both North and West : but iu Virginia and North Caro-
lina, as they now are and will for some time be, there is no reasonable prospect
that capital enough could be commanded to conduct both, on an adequate scale,
by the same establishment — especially when we consider how desirable it is to
have them at a number of points, so as to present the grades in quality which
differences in location only would produce. The wine interest of Europe is the
growth of many centuries, and if we reach success we must "make haste slowly.-'
There is no investment so remunerative — to Americans especially — as patience.
Certainly no enterprise of real value can be placed on a footing of considerable
ultimate profit without the exercise of a good deal of it. They all have their
seasons of tribulation — many of them very long ones — and not a few fail at the
very turning-point to the road to success, because of the lack of patience to
wait longer.

How do we stand in the ability to produce wine such as will command a per-
manent market ? Virginia and North Carolina occupy, geographically, a central
position, and have a genial and dry climate, not subject, in general, to extreme
variations in temperature. The Piedmont region, in particular, in both States

171 THE SOUTHERN" [October

affords soils and slopes peculiarly suited to grape culture, judging from the loca-
tions of most profitable culture in Europe. The quality of th« bunch grapes
brought to our city markets from that region shows what has already been done.
and more — -what is possible. Assuming, then, the natural conditions to be
favorable, and that they justify the investment of money to make them available,
what comes next? The formation of companies at eligible points — that is. where
the factory and cellars will be accessible, in the way of transportation, to the
grape-growers, and also to the world at large for the distribution of the wine,
when ready for market. These companies should be made up of capitalists,
and contain as few stockholders as the law will permitKand their interests put
into the hands^of a '"live man " In general, close corporations only succeed,
rhat is everybody's business is nobodv's business.1' »A •*:-- \:ew. it would
appear that the grape-growers rh^mselves^should constitute the members of
the company making the wine, that they might enjoy ail the profit ultimately
growing out of the enterprise ; but, in practice, it is believed that the possession
of the ready money resulting from the sale of the grapes each year would prove
acceptable than any prospective Wnefit whatever. The trine *quf ^e ifcq^fe
by people who earn, afford to mail. This delay involves cost of buildings, in-
cluding cellars, presses, casks, and other appliances for making and keeping the
wine, holding it for atJeast two years before it is ready for market ; and when
ready, ofodvertising. ana* gratuitous distribution ad libitum. The employment
of men skilled in grape culture comes in, of course. All this takes money, as
we have before stated, and a great deal of it. Nothing like any considerable
demand for the wine should be looked for under five years ; but once accepted
i e public, it will hold Us own, when the reward will come with a rapidity
that will be surprising. Of course there will be the additional income deiived
from the brandy and vinegar, made mainly from the refuse.

Ve do hope that time will develop the ability in our State, as well as in N" : :'.'~
• Carolina, to embark in the business of wine-making on a proper scale, and that
it will demand the services of numbers of men fined, as Mr. Ott is, by skill and
esre::e":e. :: ~.*Cr :: z. re::'e :: ; .: :e;5 _

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGER.

Ne subject can be of more consequence to the people of the
sect generation than the education of their son?. My object is to
assist in drawing public attention, and especially the attention of
the great industrial classes to the consideration of this question. It
e taken for granted that the monied classes will provide for
their sons that sort of education they may fancy to have. The edu-
cation of the poor man's son is the problem I propose to present
for discussion. EL: vr shall ^e educate the sons of the farmers and
mechanics here in Virginia ? I have attempted to show that we can
not do so by requiring of them to take up a large portion of the
short time they can spend at school in drudgery work — a kind of
employment with which most of them are already sufficiently fami-
liar, and in which many of them are capable of teaching their would
be preceptors, the professors of agriculture and mechanics. If any

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 573

man supposes that a boy sixteen years of age can in the course of
two years (their average period at school) acquire a good education
and at the same time learn a trade, so that at the end of that time
he shall be graduated in science and set up as an expert in his trade,
with that man I have no argument. What. then, is the use of schools,
with work shops and model farms attached to them ? To bring the
question nearer home. To what purpose have the people of \ ir-
ginia invested at their agricultural and mechanical college nearly
forty thousand dollars in land and above fifty thousand in buildings
complete and incomplete ? This is an institution wherein the law
requires to be taught those branches of knowledge related to agri-
culture and the mechanic arts. Many persons believe that to accom-
plish this purpose no workshops or model farms are necessary.
Many men of learning, ability, experience, and whose opinions are
not to be despised, have so thought. It will be unnecessary to take
an excursion around the world to ascertain the result of experience
ekewhere with these new educational appliances. Here in A irginia
we are surrounded by peculiar conditions and must modify our insti-
tutions in accordance with our public need. The circumstances of
German peasantry are very different from those of our people. Their
educational wants are not ours. There is also a wide difference be-
tween us and the people of New England. There is no such people
on the face of the earth as the yeomanry of Virginia. Poor old war-
blasted Virginia is needy enough ; but she is not yet so poor as to
need to demand half-time drudgery of her sons to pay for the odds
and ends of education, to be picked up in the remnant of their time,
at a school chiefly endowed by Federal bounty. If that may be called
bountv grudgingly doled out to this great and grand old Common-
wealth by a government to which she has given more in material,
brains and character than all it possesses besides. Anything which
cheapens education to the young men of Virginia's greatest classes
in these sad needful times, is worth maintaining by the State. Now
at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College the workshops
and model farms may be made, as they have been made .efficient aids
to large numbers of the brave-t and truest young Virginians of lim-
ited means. I say bravest and truest because they are neither afraid
nor ashamed to work every hour they can spare from study for the
wages that shall help to pay for the education they are striving to
obtain. I say further, there is a moral power in the example of
these young men which cannot fail to produce results worth a thou-
sandfold more to the State than the original cost of model farms and
workshops, and the further and greater cost of their equipment and
maintenance to be paid in the future Now require the whole body
of students to do daily drudgery on the farm, no time will be left
them to work for wages. This great public example will be lost and

nothing whatever will be rained. Again, this school is located in a

• ii •
remote community and the cost of living will be rapidly increased to

such a point as to render the blessings of the institution too costly to

be attainable by a great part of the people ; and we shall see the hard

o

5 74 THE SOUTHERN [October

handed son? of farmers and mechanics supplanted here bv tl
of monied men. But apply the proceeds of farm and workshop to
the purpose of reducing the cost of living to the -
them quarters and mess-hails, and provisions at a price which c> .
the cost of production. The workshops ought soon to supply the
necessary buildings and furniture. The farm can easily supply beef.
mutton, pork. milk, butter, trait, ice. vege: ruffs for

five hundred students. The possibilities of this institution are un-
limited. L ndoubtedly some for selfish pur: ne too who oaght
not so to behave, are trying to present problems impossible of nota-
tion. To load down the school with dead weight it cannot carry
appears to be the aim and hope of persons capable of mischief. But
in spite of all. the time will come when the State will vote an ann
sufficient for all its wants, and throw it- en to the sons of all
Virginians. Nor will this diminish but rather increase the patronage
and usefulness of our high schools and colleges, and that great tech-
nical school, the Virginia Military Institute, and our gr ver-
sify. In Virginia, there is a wide unoccupied place for the Agricul-
tural and Mechanical . and its work, if well and properly
done, will greatly promote the well being of the great industrial mas-
ses. Hereafter I will endeavor to point out the educational value of
workshops and model farms.

_____ Cms.

[For the Soatbern Planter aDd" Farmer.]

LOCAL CIRCULATING MEDIUM TO AID THE STATE AND

PEOPLE IN THE DEARTH OF CURRENCY.

At the last session of the General Assembly the Governor recom-
mended to the Legislature an*issue of three millions of dollars in
treasury notes, that might be used in supplying the deficiency of
currency in the State. The want of circulating medium in Virginia,
especially among the agricultural community, is embarrassing the
finances of the State, paralyzing industry, diminishing production,
and depriving us of all hope of prosperity as a people until the
want be supplied. Outside of our own power to provide for it. no
prospect of relief appears, the only terms on which the Government
will furnish us currency over which, since the year lx - as-

sumed exclusive control, being on pledge of Government bonds which
we cannot make.

The recommendation of the Governor, sustained as it was by rea-
sons which could not fail to impress its importance on all, failed to
receive that consideration at the hands of the Legislature which it
merited. A bill, however, was introduced during the session in the
Senate for the issue of three millions of dollars in revenue certifi-
cates, its object being to meet the Governor's recommendation. The
bill was referred to its appropriate committee, but no final action
was taken on it. A copy of the bill, with an important alteration,
is appended below.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 575

If there be not constitutional objection to the issue of the certifi-
cates as proposed by the bill, the expediency of the issue is too clear
to be made a question; and the only one left in connection with the
subject is. as to the feasibility of sustaining the market or circulating
value of the certificates, if issued.

The certificates proposed by the bill are similar to certificates is-
sued by Alabama and Mississippi, respectively, in the years 1867
and 1870. which were of the size and appearance of national bank
notes, and made receivable for all dues to the State. In the case of
Alabama, provision was made for a time for having currency ex-
change! for the certificates at par, and while this arrangement lasted
the certificates circulated throughout the State at par with currency.
In the absence of this provision for exchange of currency for the
certificates, they were taken, both in Alabama and Mississippi, at a
discount of some 15 to 20 per cent, as compared with currency. The
cases of Alabama and Mississippi just referred to afford the only
examples since the war of such an issue of certificates as is proposed
by the bill.

The bill is framed on the assumption that the value of the certifi-
cates will be sustained at par with currency, if provision be made
to have currency exchanged for the certificates when called for. To
effect this, no more currency will be required than was required of
specie to sustain the value of State bank notes before the war.
Then one dollar in specie Avas considered a fair basis for the issue of
five dollars in notes, and ordinarily it was found to be sufficient.
Thus a circulation of three millions required six hundred thousand
dollars as a basis : and this when there was much less demand for
circulating medium than exists now. It is, hence, fair to infer that
the issue of certificates as proposed can be sustained at par with cur-
rency by the State's devoting currency to the exchange for the cer-
tificates to the extent of one-fifth of the amount of certificates issued.
This is in the power of the State, and whatever is in its power and
can properly be done for the relief of the people the State should do.
A bill for the issue of revenue certificates receivable in payment of

taxes and all dues to the State, and to authorize the Crovernor to

provide for their being exchanged for United States currency at par.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That
the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth have prepared
certificates, which shall be known as "Revenue Certificates," upon
such paper and with such devices as to them may seem expedient,
in sums or denominations not less than one nor larger than twenty
dollars, to an extent not exceeding three millions of dollars, to be
signed by the Governor and Secretary, save that certificates under
the denomination of ten dollars may be signed for the Governor and
Secretary, respectively, by any persons appointed and authorized
by the Governor to do so, which appointments, with afac simile of
the signature of each appointee, shall be made matters of record in
the office of the Secretary; and the Governor shall cause said- cer-
tificates to be numbered and have them registered in the office of the

576 THE SOUTHERN [October

Secretary in a book to be kept for the purpose, and deliver the same
so signed, numbered, and registered, to the Treasurer of the Com-
inonwealth. who shall receive and receipt for and be charged with
the same as revenue certificate assets. The said revenue certificates
shall be in form substantially as follows:

$10. Revenue Certificate No. 1.

A. or the State of Virginia.

This Certificate is receivable as ten dollars in payment of taxes
and all dues to the State of Virginia.

Richmond, Va., Jan'y 1, 1875.
Secretary. Governor.

and on the back of the said revenue certificates shall be printed that
tLey are issued under this act.

>ec. 2. That the Treasurer of the Commonwealth be and he is
hereby authorized, to the extent to which there is, or hereafter may
be, deficiency of funds in the treasury, to cover the interest due on
the debt of the State and the expenses of the State, to use the
said revenue certificates at their par value to pay said expenses, and
to purchase, with the advice and consent of the Governor, bonds of
the State which have not matured — bonds thus purchased to be held
and remain uncancelled while said certificates or any portion of them
are outstanding, and to be used to sustain the value of said certifi-
cates at par with United States currency: and for the last-named
purpose, the Governor is hereby authorized to sell or hypothecate,
from time to time, any portion of said bonds that may be necessary
to procure United States currency required for the exchange for said
certificates as hereinafter provided. To the extent to which the
revenue certificates are used in paying the expenses of the State,
any funds in the treasury not otherwise appropriated may be applied
to the exchange of United States currency for the revenue certificates.

Sec. 3. That the Governor be and he is hereby authorized to cause
Unite! States currency to be furnished to the holders of said cer-
tificates in exchange therefor at par: provided, that whenever the
sum to be exchanged for or on behalf of any one person or firm, or
corporation, in one day, shall exceed the sum of one hundred dol-
lars, then the agent authorized to make such exchange shall receive
thirty days' notice, in writing, of the exchange desired, which notice
shall set forth the numbers, letters, and denominations of the reve-
nue certificates to be exchanged. And the Governor is hereby
autborized to employ such agent or agents as he may find necessary
to aid him in carrying into effect the provisions of this act.

Sec. 4. That all debts and engagements entered into or con-
tracted, having for consideration the revenue certificates, shall be
valid in law and binding on the parties thereto.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 577

Sec. 5. That such amount as shall be found necessary, out of any
moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, is hereby appro-
priated for the purpose of carrying this act into effect, and the same
shall be paid on vouchers approved by the Governor.

Sec. 6. That this act shall be in force from its passage.

Samuel M. Wilson.

Note by the Editor. — This money question, we confess, is a very hard busi-
ness to understand, and we feel, in consequence, reluctant to do more than let
the communication of our correspondent (who was president of a large banking
institution in Virginia prior to the war) go before our readers on its own merits.
We have never had any dearth of financial sparring in this country, and at the
present time the " hards" and the " softs" appear to have carried it to the dig-
nity of a real fight. In reference to the matter of " Revenue Certificates " in
particular, and a circulating medium in general, it occurs to us that when a man
has anything to sell, and a demand exists, he will get the money for it; and if
he gets the money he will have it to spend. In few words, he gets all the cir-
culating medium he is entitled to; and if he doesn't produce values that will
command it, he can't get it, whether it be issued by the State or by the United
States. So the question would seem to be not so much one of a medium of ex-
change as of something on which to base this exchange. This is especially the
case with respect to the agricultural community, inasmuch as the " custom of
trade " is to put the absolute cash iuto their hands the moment their produce is
sold and the " account sales" made out. Other men may part with their goods
on credit, but the farmer never, if he sells in open market. We are not aware
furthermore that he has ever been prevented from receiving his money through any
scarcity in the circulating medium.

These "Revenue Certificates" are, to our mind, only '"'tax coupons" in
another shape, and these coupons do not pass as currency. Why? Because they
subserve but one end, namely, payment of the public dues, which is, at best,
only a very limited function. Something acceptable as money must be backed
by at least a seeming responsibility. A State with credit as poor as ours, and with
a wretchedness of financial management almost without a parallel, is not in a
situation to inspire par confidence in any of her issues, no matter how fair the
promises. Credit is traditional ; it is no credit if it requires proof. We may
like our friend well enough, but when we come to a cold money transaction
with him we say, "Business is business, old boy," and he must "come to the
scratch," or go away empty. The truth is, these certificates would probably find
their lodgment in brokers' offices, and merely swell the already full market in
tax-paying material. We expect the sooner we get done " tinkering " the better
it will be for all of us.

It is quite unnecessary to inquire into the causes which brought about our pre-
sent condition. That is a threadbare theme, and we want to look at things as
they are. We have considerable fixed capital (the land), and not much that is
moveable. We would be glad to transfer some of this fixed capital, but we do
not find people eager to arrange for it — first, because the Government has some
to transfer on better terms than we could afford to take; and, second, because
we are cursed by the presence of the negro. We have, however, this advantage :
we are an old and reasonably settled community, if we have been badly battered,
and not a little of the moveable capital of other people might have found a lodg-
ment here, through loans on mortgage, but we did our best to prevent it by
passing what is known as the Usury law (the title of the law should have been

578 THE SOUTHERN [October

'•An act to authorize men to charge heavily for the risk of doing an illegal busi-
ness"^. Skilful business people, like the English, found long ago that the only
way to accumulate money rapidly was to make every man's energies as free as
the wh.d : and so money there is. like wheat or tobacco, or any other commodity,
worth all it will bring. The old fine-spun theories, when communities were con-
tracted in their operations, fade away before the fact of one's ability to place his
money by telegraph at will anywhere throughout the world reached by a cable.

We are, then, simply in this fix : Having refused the only tangible aid we
could hope for, we must take care of ourselves : and the only way we can do this
is to produce, as best we can, something that will command money. Immigra-
tion, thus far. has been as crumbs of bread to a hungry man — relief so slow that
no strength for present effort has resulted from it. The good Lord has not de-
serted us in our extremity, for the means He has vouchsafed us, used with only
reasonable management, icill give us ready money. If we had the space to
spare, we could present quite a little history of examples that have come tindery
our immediate notice. We will take one from our store: A man in one of the
counties north of the James river had, when the war opened, an estate tha
would have brought readily $25,000. He owed $5,000. He went into the war,
and lived through it. His negroes gone, his estate badly out of repair — all he
had. indeed, proved to be insufficient to pay off the $5,000 he owed. So, on
consultation with his wife (true woman), he surrendered to his creditors the
whole business. He bought (such conduct is everywhere a good basis of credit)
2 '7 acres of land, on long credit, at $3 per acre, or $621. With his good wife
and his two boys, one 12 and the other 14, he started life anew: and picking up
a little year by year, last season sold his tobacco for $2,000, and this year $1,400.
He had sustained his family in the meantime, and reported ample supplies on
hand. What now is his case? A goodly share of circulating medium and the
education of his boys in the important lesson of learning the value of money.
We imagine the Commonwealth will never have occasi-jn to be ashamed of those
two boys.

We have, we fear, too much the disposition to " financier." and too little
tn work. If those thrifty people, the French, had set to crying over what they
lost, the Germans would have been in a bad way to get their indemnity,
They not only paid, like men. this debt — the most cruel and unjust ever put upon
a people — but showed a determination to recruit their fortunes that has chal-
lenged the admiration of the civilized world. Germany to-day fears her more
than she did before the war.

We have public as well as private burdens to bear, and they can both be man-
aged by patience, a hopeful spirit, and honest work. We must expect no im-
munity from the burden imposed upon our father Adam, and there is nothing to
show that he shrank from what it involved. As we have to sustain a public
burdeu. it is due to us that it shall not be made a pound heavier than is neces-
sary. If. therefore, it is believed that the State can get along with a session of
the Legislature once in four years, it is our bounden duty to use all of our influ-
ence to bring it about. It is a legal maxim that "no man can plead ignorance
of the law."' That maxim was undoubtedly framed when laws were few and to
the point. In these days of crude and voluminous legislation, if a man has to
keep posted in this respect, he will have very little time left for anything else.
The "' Ten Commandments" were given for the government of a world till time
should be no more, and yet they cover no more space than half a page of the

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 579

" Statutes at Large." If our civil and judicial machinery generally needs re-
adjustment, so as to be put on a basis requiring less hands to tend it, it should
be done. All this will save money and enable us the better to take care of our
obligations. The better class of our citizens too much eschew their duty in a public
way. They must suffer in consequence, of course — not only directly, but indi-
rectly, by the impairment of the public credit. No man who calls himself a man
will allow any one to tell him that he ought not to pay his honest debts. It is a
matter of perfect indifference whether his debt is in an individual or a collective
capacity. He is either a citizen or a slave. If a citizen, he is bound by the acts
of his representatives, and can in nowise shift the responsibility. The man,
therefore, who would, in cold blood, counsel the repudiation of any of our public
obligations, will, we are persuaded, be found to be either a man who never en-
joyed much credit, or one desiring to ride into place in default of ability to make
a living otherwise.]

THE MISSISSIPPI METHOD OF SELF-DEPENDENCE.

" Hallo, stranger, you seem to be going to market ?"

" Yes, sir, I am."

" What are you carrying that plow along for ?"

" Going to send it to Pittsburg."

" To Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania ?"

" You're mighty right ; I am."

" What are you going to send it there for?"

" To get sharpened."

" All the way to Pittsburg to get sharpened ?"

" You bet ! We've starved our blacksmith out; he pulled up
stakes the other day and went to Texas."

" Well, that's rather a novel idea, my friend — sending a plough,
so far to get it sharpened."

" Not so novel as you heerd it was. We do our milling at St.
Louis."

"Is that so?"

" You're right it is. We used to have a mill on Punkinvine
Creek, but the owner got too poor to keep it up, and so Ave turned
to getting our grinding done at St. Louis.

" You don't mean to say you send your grist all the way to St.
Louis by rail ?"

" I didn't say nothing 'bout gris — we hain't got no gris to send.
But we set our flour and meal from St. Louis."

" I see you have a hide on your wagon."

"Yes; our old cow died last week. March wind blowed the life
out of her. Sendin' her hide to Boston to get it tanned."

" AH the way to Boston ? Is not that rather expensive, my
friend ? The freights will eat the hide up."

" That's a fact — cleaner than the buzzards did the old critter's
carcass. But what's the use bein' taxed to build railroads 'thout
you get the good of 'em ? Csed to have a tanyard over at Lickskil-
let, and a shoemaker too. But they've kerflummuxed."

" Kerflummuxed — what's that?"

680 . THE SOUTHERN [October

" It means, gone up the spout — and 'twixt you and me, that's
mighty nigh the case with our State."

" When do you expect to get your leather ?"

" Don't expect to get no leather at all — expect to get shoes, some
day. made at Boston or thereabouts."

" Rather a misfortune to lose a milch cow, my friend."

" Not so much a misfortune as you heerd it was. Monstrous sight
of trouble shuckin' and nubinnin' a cow. and milking her night and
mornin", and gettin' only about three quarts a day."

" What are you going to do for milk ?"

" Send North for it."

" Send North for milk ?"

"Yes; concentrated milk and Goshen butter."

" Oh ! I see the point."

" Mighty handy things, these railroads — make them Yankee fellers
do all our jobs for us now — do our smithin', and grindin', and tan-
nin', and milkin', and churnin'."

" I see you have a bale of cotton."

" Yes, sve go our bottom nickel on cotton. Sending it up to Massa-
chusetts to get it carded, spun and wove. Time'll come when we'll
send it thar to be ginned, and then we'll be happy. Monstrous
sight of trouble running these gins."

" That would be rather expensive, sending cotton in seed."

" No more so than them Western fellers pays when they send corn
East and get a dollar a bushel and pay six bits freight. Besides, as
I said, what the use of paying for railroads 'thout we use the roads?"

"You seem to appreciate the advantages of railroads."

" I think we ought — we pay enough for 'em."

" I reckon you fatten your own pork ?"

" Well, you reckon wrong, stranger. I get them Illiny fevers to
do that for me. Its mighty convenient, too — monstrous s'ght of
trouble totin' a big basket of corn three times a day to hogs in a
pen — 'especially when you haint got no hog to tote it to."

" I should think so."

" There's one thing lacking though to make the business com-
plete."

-What's that?"

" They ought to send them hogs ready cooked. Cookin', and pre-
parin' wood for cookin' takes up a heap of time that ort by rights to
be employed in the cotton patch. I was sayin' to my old woman the
other day, if we Mississippi folks got our cookin' and washin' done
up North and sent by express, we'd be as happy as office-holders."

" Your horse in the lead there seems to be lame."

" Yes, needs shoein'. If he wasn't the only horse I've got, and
I can't spare him, I'd send him up where they made the horse shoes
and nails and get him shod. Can't get such a thing done in our
parts. Perhaps I can at the depot."

" How do you manage to live in your parts, my old friend V

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 581

" Why, we raise cotton. My road turns off here, stranger. Gee,
Ball ; buck, Brandy. I am glad I seed you, stranger."

[Notf, by the Editor. — The above dialogue first appeared in the Weekly
Democrat, of Natchez, Miss. We wish what it discloses had only a local appli-
cation. When we consider that Baltimore pays two-thirds, as we learn, of the
entire State tax of Maryland, we can understand how philanthropic Virginia
really is, for she is Baltimore's main standby. We are glad to know that her
own cities, and their industries, need no belp,.and|that she is able to pay so fully
the taxes of the farmers of Maryland. It shows " there is life in the old land
yet," and that she has not ceased to be " the mother of States."]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB OF HENRICO COUNTY.

The club met to-day at the home of our president, Dr. Thomas
Pollard, and I cannot resist the temptation to say that it is a most
delightful home, and so because of the skill, industry, and indomi-
table energy of its owner. I venture the assertion, that if the
younger and stronger class of Henrico farmers around the city of
Richmond possessed one-half of the zeal and industry of Dr. Pollard,
we should have thrift and blossoming homes, with prosperity and.
contentment, where now reigns sterility, idleness, and discontent.
This is not so everywhere, I know ; but how many there are who
avoid the work and toil here evidenced, and who, instead of beauti,
fying their homes and making them fruitful, find time but to complaint
and every day "in town" politicating on street corners or, if no-
idle at home, lounging about the courts? There is not one hour 8
spare time upon a farm; at least, such is my own experience. Urge
then, Messrs. Editors, the importance of each and all so directing
every energy. If our farmers would but stay more at home and
join with heart in the hum of that unceasing industry that may be
heard around all of our Northern cities, the land would smile, and
prosperity and contentment yield its rewards. But I am straying
involuntarily from my subject.

Dr. Pollard's farm is full of everything, and there is no room for
more (it ought to be larger), from choice flowers, the Hamburger
grape, to clover, lucerne, and the grain — all are there.

Of course we had a good dinner, plucked from the farm ; and Mr.
Cowardin, who decided not to accompany the "press gang" on their
Northern trip, enlivened our table with his humor. And remem-
bering his interesting paper (just published) and strict admonition
for us to cling to grass, Dr. Perkins became refractory and uttered
a philippic against the sowing of too much orchard grass — that it
grew in tussocks, and without care was indifferent hay, expensive to
seed, &c, &c , and that it is best to cultivate it in small lots and not
in fields ; that it was not an improver, and our clover should be
sowed without it. To this doctrine your reporter entered his earnest
protest; and this being our annual business meeting the subject was
adjourned for discussion at our October meeting.

THE SOUTHERN [O.-

Mr, j bo male an excellent, but partial, report on fall

. - M : ire were ai- .-.led to continue to our

n

Dr. I stated that it has been mentioned, from authoritative

Bonrcei losses 1 s by res •..: wholesale killing

is birds will an t to | and urged the iui-

porta . to as. The Doctor will report a

plan lo; g to this nd at our next meeting.

■ - was our annual businec ng; there-

- were lit:i The following officers were

Pollard. President: Dr. J. G. Beattie, Viee-
W. Robins Secretary; Dr. A. IT. Perkins, Trea-
sure. J. A. Lynham. Reporting 5 iry.

•• The Reporting Secretary."

r and Farmer.]

1 ii .1 :h instant is just to hand. In reply I have to

- times that truly try men's souls as well as their skill

to make the farm pay, we find very many writers trying to enlighten

and. ..._■. ty how to succeed with particular crops,

and glad to find that very much good information is thus dis-

seminated through your valuable pages. But our humble experience
stakably that if - p, nor two, or three, or all

the crops that is to lead this once happy and healthy but now down-
troden and poverty-stricken farming comn unity to success and perma-
nent prosperity, which you in your monthly visits are so nobly trying
to help, aid and assist T.\ - a is in a close, well planned

application to business, backed by indomitable industry. Economy
overruling and controling all. Make your tobacco, wheat, corn, oats,
peas, potatoes, fruits, an : _ -are they are all on

really good sod by nature or made good by home manure, if you can
procure enough, if not, use some good fertilizer. Work them all well
and be sure that all are carefully husbanded in good order and nothing
wa-ted. Then there is tl - g -- irop aud stock raising, not the least,
but in our humble opinion the g it and prettiest source of nett gain

to the farmer; particularly so, if he will go to a little extra cost and
raise none but improved stock, which is as easily raised as the common
scrub stock, and when raised doubly valuable.

II, what about poultry. My wife and I have deliberately concluded
that hens and turkeys will not pav at Well Water Town, but ducks and
geese I pay a handsome profit when well cared for ; and with the
ng on the farm can pay better and give more pleas-
ure than a few improved hives of be

Manyfai - - -r^m to think the farm will not pay. That

is a great mistake. The fault is in the man and not in the farm. It is
bound to pay if the farmer does his whole duty. A. little farm, well
tilled, with a wife well willed is a fortune to any man. If he does not
handle as much to has all it can purchase, all the

comforts and ne: - - and happiness which money some-

times cannot buy. We think any man who will pick his flint and
keep his powder dry, and has practical common sense, and will make

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 583

houestv, industry and economy hi? watchword, can and will succeed on
a larm. When our clubs have expired, notify us and we will try and
renew. F. N. Maxey.

Well Water Va., Sept. 17th, 1875.

GRAIN PRODUCING COUNTRIES.

The three greatest grain-producing countries in the world are
Russia. France, and the United States. According to the statistics
of 1S7'». Russia produced 460.000.000 bushels of wheat: France,
2So, 000,000, and the United States the same. Russia exported
one-eighth of her grain: the United States, one-fourth, and France,
none. The United States, however, grows an enormous amount of
corn, which the others do not. South Australia is another candi-
date for cereal honors, and this year announces that it has 200,000
tons of surplus wheat, 45,000 tons of which have already been ex-
ported, while the remainder is ready for shipment.

THE DOG TAX.

The dog tax yielded the State of Tennessee $300,000 last year
This sum will be used in remunerating the owners of sheep for
occasioned by dogs, and if the tax is continued four years there will
not be ten sheep killed by dogs in the whole State any one year.
We hope that our Legislature will impose a tax upon dog- at the
coming session. The people demand it as a right, and protection is
absolutelv needed by those engaged in sheep-breeding, even if nine-
tenths of the dogs are taxed out of existence. We repeat, that
valuable dogs rarely, if ever, are sheep-killing dogs, and when a
good dog is found among sheep-killing dogs, it has been led off by
such curs into the commission of acts not natural to it: and beyond
the tax (which any man who owns a valuable dog will willingly pay),
the owners of such dogs will not suffer. We want protection for
and improvement in all classes of animals, and a dog tax such as
we have suggested will effect these objects, and be mutually bene-
ficial to the owners of sheep and the owners of good dogs.

SHEEP ON THE FARM.

Sheep are undervalued by the mass of landowners as a means of
keeping up the fertilitv of the soil and putting money into the pock-
ets of the farmers. The moment one begins to talk of sheep hus-
bandry the listener or reader begins to look for wool quotatio
if the wool was all that yields profit from sheep. One might as well
look for wheat quotations alone when there is talk about the profits
of farming. Sheep on a farm yield both wool ami mutton. They
multiply with great rapidity. They are the best of farm scavengers,
''cleaning a field" as no other class of animals will. They give
back to the farm more in proportion to what they take from it than
any other animal, and distribute it better with a view to the future

584 THE SOUTHERN [October

fertility of the soil. Prove this-' There is no need of proof to
those who Lave kept sheep, and know their habits and profits they
yield. To prove it to those who have not the experience, it is ne-
cessary they should try the experiinerit or accept the testimony of an
experienced shepherd. — 3T. Y. World.

THE EUROPEAN CROPS.

The bulk of the English wheat harvest is gathered in good order.
The new samples show great variety, but as a rule are below aver-
age excellence, and in some cases are very poor. The Mark Lane
Express, in its weekly review, says:

"The crop is short as a whole, and large importations will be ne-
cessary. In Germany (so also in France) the harvesting has gone
well: prices were easier, although for future delivery most are above
the present rates. In Belgium prices have varied, but mostly down-
ward. In Holland the movement has been decidedly downward. At
St. Petersburg prices are lower. The harvest in the neighborhood
of Dantzig has been completed under most favorable circumstances.
The new product is of fine quality and good weight, although the
total yield is below that of the preceding year."

It is estimated that between now and the end of August. lvT-.i.
the United Kingdom will be compelled to draw from abroad at least
b0,000,000 bushels of wheat, and of this quantity it is assumed that
the United States will furnish 60.000.000 bushels.

GUANO NOT AN EXCREMENT.

The long received opinion that guano is the deposit of myriads of
sea birds, accumulating through long ages, is rendered untenable by
the recent investigation of Dr. Habel. After treating the guano
with an acid, microscopical and chemical examination revealed that
the insoluble residue was composed of fossil sponges and other ma-
rine animals and plants precisely similar in construction to such as
still exist in those seas. The fact that the anchors of ships in the
neighborhood of the guano from the bottom of the ocean is quite in
opposition to the prevalent belief. Dr. Habel. therfore. considers
that the deposits of guano must be the result of the accumulation of
fossil plants and animals whose organic matter has been tranformed
into nitrogenous substance, the mineral portion remaining intact.

"Madam," said a gentleman to his wife, "let me tell you. facts
are very stubborn things.'' Quoth the lady: '"what a fact you
must be ! "

At a court martial, a young Irish officer, when questioned whether
he had not given the lie to a certain person, replied, "No; I
only said that either he or the colonel had told a lie, and that I was
sure it wasn't the colonel."

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 585

GROWING QUINCES FOR PROFIT.

Wherever quinces can be grown there is no fruit which offers
greater or more certain remuneration to the grower. A well-cared
for quince tree will bear some the third year from planting, and for
many years will increase in productiveness and profit. The proper
distance for planting is twelve feet apart each way. This will give
325 per acre. I have had trees bear one peck to one half bushel the
fourth year after planting ; but it is usually the fifth or sixth year be-
fore they produce much of a crop. Twenty years ago the price was
75 cents to $1 per bushel ; but of late it has steadily risen, and the
demand is and will be good. No fruit is better for canning, and this
will create a demand. Last year was a great fruit year ; but quinces
sold steadily from $6 to S8 per barrel in New York, and were often
jquoted §7 to $10. I have sold them many years for $2 to $2.50
per bushel.

A well-established quince orchard, in full bearing, will yield three
pecks to a bushel per tree. On an acre there should be at least
two hundred and twenty-five bushels, which, at $2 per bushel, would
bring §150 per acre. The quince] requires less care than most other
fruits, but well repavs all it receives, and would pay still better with
more. Trained in tree form, with clean, straight trunk, the quinces
will be much fairer, and the tree can be better guarded against at-
tacks of the borer, which is its most serious enemy. Planting on
moist, mucky, or even wet ground. I have found a partial protection
from the borer. People who cannot grow quinces on dry or sandy up-
lands can safely blame the borer as the cause of their failure. Appli-
cations of carbolic soap will prevent the insect from laying its eggs.

With regard to the profit from quinces, at even $2 per bushed, I
may safely rate it at $300 to $-£00 per acre. An enterprising neigh-
bor of mine, some years ago was boasting to me of the profit he made
from strawberries at 10 cents per quart. As I was that year selling
quinces at $3 per bushel, I made a calculation, and found I was get-
ting about as much per quart, lacking on 20 cents per bushel, as he
received for strawberries. The quince trees needed less care than
the berry patch, and cost far less to gather and market. He agreed
with me, and next spring planted a quince orchard, which is now
coming into bearing.

In many parts of the country quinces cannot be grown ; but they
are well worth a trial everywhere, and where they succeed, no crop is
more profitable. There is now, and is likely to be, a large demand
for young quince'trees. Farmers who have orchards of the Orange or
Rea's Mammoth, can make a good thing from them, aside from the
fruit, by saving all the suckers that spring up around the trees, either
for sale, or to extend their own quince orchards. — W. J. F., in
Country Gentleman.

A whimsical comparison being made between a clock and a woman,
Charles Fox observed that he thought the simile bad ; "for," said
he, " a clock serves to point out the hours, and a woman to make us
forget them."'

586 THE SOUTHERN [October

OFFICERS OF THE STATE GRANGE.

Master— J. W. White, Eureka Mills, Va.
Oversee) — T. T. Tredway, Prince Edward, Va.
Lecturer — J. W. Morton, Eureka Mills, Va.
Steward — Wm. McComb, Gordonsville, Va.
Asst. Steward — I. B. Dunn, Washington co., Va.
Chaplain — J. C. Blackwell, Buckingham, Va.
Treasurer — W. B. Westbrook, Petersburg, Va.
Secretary — M. W. Hazlewood, Richmond, Va.
Gatekeeper — M. B. Hancock, Charlotte, Va.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

A. B. Lightner, of Augusta.
R. V. Gaines, of Charlotte.
A. M. Moore, of Clarke.
R. L. Ragland, of Halifax.

ADDRESS OF MAJOR R. V. GAINES AT THE GRANGE FESTIVAL AT SOUTH
BOSTON, VIRGINIA, AUGUST 31ST, 1875.

Want of space forbids our presenting to our readers more than an
extract of the eloquent address of Major Gaines on the above oc-
casion.

After a lengthy review of the necessities which induced the organi-
zation of the Patrons of Husbandry, and a minute description of the
various divisions of the Order and their respective duties and juris-
dictions, he says : " I would impress upon you that one prime ob-
ject of the Order of Patrons is to increase the quantity and improve
the quality of all the products of agriculture and at the same time
diminish the cost of production and reduce the expense of distribu-
tion ; in carrying out this humane and laudable object it must be
borne in mind that there are two other producing classes, namely,
miners and manufacturers, and that these three create all the wealth
and produce, all the commodities known to trade and commerce.

:■€ ^ % yj: ifc ^: *

" It is the object of our Order and other kindred organizations of
producers, to conduct the exchange of our products upon the basis
dictated by our mutual and harmonious interest, so as to insure to
each a just return for the labor and capital invested, thereby secur-
ing the greatest good to the greatest number."

To Secretaries.

Secretaries of new Granges will please examine their dispensations.
If dated since June 30, they will not report until December 31st,
when they will report all changes in membership from date of organ-
ization, and will pay the initiation fees for each member received,
but will ordy pay quarterly dues for the quarter ending December
31st. Quarterly dues are paid for all reported under the head of

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 587

" total number of members to date." The old quarterly blanks fur-
nished by the Secretary of the National Grange are of no service to
the State Secretary. Please use the blanks furnished from this
office. Secretaries who have failed to receive them are requested
to notify me by postal card. No. 622 is the last Grange organized
which is required to report for the quarter ending September 30.
Attention is called to the following law of the National Grange:

ARTICLE VII— Section 2.
Constitution Patrons of Husbandry.
The Secretary of each Subordinate Grange shall report quarterly
to the Secretary of the State Grange, the names of all persons ini-
tiated during the quarter, and pay to the Secretary of the State
Grange, one dollar for each man and fifty cents for each woman in-
itiated during the quarter ; also a quarterly due of si: 3 of
each Ijiember.

Treasurers are not required to report under the new law.

M. W. Hazllwood, Sec'y V. S. G.

PATRONS DO NOT GO TO LAW.

r The Pacific Rural Press -ays: " Farmers have long been aware
of the folly, and worse than lolly of going to law ; but the lack of
business and social intercourse with their neighbors often prevents
a proper understanding of right and mutual interest, encourages
suspicion and jealously, and too often leads them to rash into the
courts, and sometimes driving the whole neighborhood into active
partisans. But thanks to the influence of the Order of Patrons of
Husbandrv, this disturbing element in farm life throughout the coun-
try generally is disappearing. The Order has brought farmers into
closer communication with eacH other, has developed mutual confi-
dence and respect: and without the assistance of any secret charm
has produced a change which is now substituting arbitration for law.
Arbitration is one of the grand principles of the Order, and is al-
ready producing important material results, as well as promoting
peace and harmony in manv neighborhoods.

A NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICIAL PAPER.

The Committee on Co-operation, in their revised report to the Na-
tional Grange, propose to turn the Executive Committee of the Na-
tional Grange into a publishing committee, for the purpose of pub-
lishing a Grange newspaper, which shall serve as a means of com-
munication between the officers and private members of the Order,
furnish reports of crops and stocks, of foreign and domestic mar-
instruct members on farm, garden and household matters, and
set forth the views and aims of the Order, so that those who have
business dealings with it may rightly understand it, and not be misled
by misrepresentations concerning the Order and its objects.

Concerning the general spirit in which the proposed organ is to

588 THE SOUTHERN [October

be conducted, the committee says : " Let it be a medium that makes
no war, save against vice and immorality and corruption. One filled
with the spirit of fraternity and co-operation with every other in-
terest that has for its purpose the development of the virtue and the
material interests of our common country, and the good of the indus-
trial interests in general. Strictly forbidding all things partisan and
all unkind personalities, but admitting free discussion conducted upon
that high toned respect for an opponent's views that acknowledges
an honest difference of opinion to be no crime."

THE LECTURER,

The Lecturer is generally esteemed the brains in our Order. At
any rate he who is elected to fill such a high position should be comr
petent to edify his Grange on topics of interest to its mem-
bership. He should at each stated meeting read an essay or deliver
a lecture. He should fix a programme of instruction, having agri-
culture, literature and other subjects of importance as the basis of
his interesting work. It is with him to make a drag of each session
or a success of it.

Let him deal with essential, practical facts in relation to farming,
and have the members follow, relating their experiences, methods,
and the results of their labor. This habit of timely interchange
of views will develop a high order of membership, give life to the
social elements, obliterate indifferences, give breadth and depth to
the views of individual members, and prepare them to appreciate
fullv the blessings inherent in his noble brotherhood No other
movement has ever be inaugurated so capable as that of the Patrons
to dignifv agricultural labor. And to no officer in the whole staff
of Grange officers is entrusted to a greater extent the intellectual
improvement and general success of the Order than the Worthy
Lecturer. — Ohio Farmer.

The Grange is becoming a great moral educator. In it farmers
are coming nearer together, and are learning that they have a unity
of interests, and that their interests are not to be promoted by pull-
ing each other down, but by organization and co operation.

The people are beginning to understand that we do not regard
what we save in purchases as our greatest good, but rather as the
smallest of the benefits of our Order. That we are not making
war on any honorable or useful employment, but that we are sys-
tematically endeavoring to take care of our own interests, and ad-
vance to a broader and higher intelligence, and that we care more
for honesty, fair dealing, and sterling worth, than we do for party or
clique. — Cor. Ohio Farmer.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE A PATRON.

Because farmers, as intelligent men, should meet together and dis-
cuss subjects pertaining to their advancement, intellectual, agricul-

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 589

tural and financial. Because they, by meeting and discussing sub-
jects pertaining to their welfare, elevate and educate themselves,
and thus advance the welfare of the community.

Because neighbors meet together and tbus form a social order
heretofore unknown among farmers. Because by concentration and
combination they can secure greatly reduced rates.

These are only a few of the principal reasons why farmers should
be patrons. From time to time we shall revert to these subjects in
detail, and hope to be able to prove that no farmer can afford to be
outside of the Order.

To the Subordinate Granges of Patrons of Husbandry of Northern

Virginia;

Culpeper, Va., Sept. 6, 1875.

Worthy Brothers — The District Grange of Northern Virginia
at its last meeting in Alexandria adjourned to meet at Culpeper on
the 14th of October. All Patrons within the district, whether con-
nected with the District Grange or not, are respectfully invited and
requested to attend the approaching meeting. The Piedmont Agri-
cultural Society will hold its Annual Fair at Culpeper on the 12th
and 18th of October, and extends a cordial invitation to the Patrons
of Northern Virginia to visit the Fair on the 14th in a body and in
full regalia. They will be welcomed to the grounds by the Presi-
dent's Aid, Hon. B. Johnson Barbour, and after a grand procession
will be addressed bv the Worthy Master of the State Grange, Col.
J. W. White.

Subordinate Granges that have not provided themselves with re-
galia are earnestly requested to do so with the least possible delay.

We hope to witness an imposing display of the Fraternity and ex-
pect to furnish an occasion full of interest and instruction to them
and of general benefit to the Order.

Very respectfully, fraternally yours,

S. S. Bradford,
Master District Grange N. Va.

THE GRANGERS AND THE LAWYERS.

If the grangers had done nothing more than develop mutual confi-
dence and respect, which has, in many instances, (when parties were
embroiled in litigation,) substituted friendly arbitration for expensive
law suits, it has done a good work.

Under the friendly influences of the Order, where whole neighbor-
hoods were driven into active and malignant enmity, and where court-
houses were filled with clients, and the grasping lawyer, (never sat-
isfied unless he gets all) keeping alive the fierce fires of hatred to
one another, by his legal advice, these discordants elements are rap-
idly disappearing.

In promoting peace, harmony, good will and friendship, arbitrar
4

THE SOUTHERN [October

ight important material results. The Grange hall holds
rer, client, »h . — Mid all without |

licity, and all without cost. 1 didn't be a Granger. — Hf. C.

roA Journal.

ILLY, Grange teachings are unsurpassed by any other organ-
none but honorable. ral men and women

should be admit: n the grange room : we are here taught to

ipright in our dealings with all men : to be kind and affectionate
nr homes : and charitable in everything. It elevates the tastes
Ivises a careful attention to Flora's beautiful offerings. It
fights a_: - i of all kinds, whether tbev be tares that ini

our field crops, or those that grow up in the pathway of our In
The _ when in working order is one of the most beautiful or-

jj nations in existence. — Tlie Granger.

{Tor the Southern Planter and Farmer.}

3 MCE THOUGHT.- FOR FARMERS

We Americans go into ecstacies over our "glorious Constitution."
- a grand piece of workmanship. Let us assume for it, (mere
than can be claimed for anything human) that it is perfect — will it
of itself preserve our rigL

satis whenever the election time comes, and

this . without an independent idea

of our own. Thai I I tution re: g s no such voting machines.
It is based upon the idea of a high, independent manhood, that is
jealous of its rights: and that da : encroachm-: -

upon liberty, whether ma g. or capital, or corporations, or

opolies. And this th arihood must be possessed by the

great industrial classes that build up and preserve nations. For
it mav be laid down as one of the truths taught bv all his-
". that when the lasses shape the policy of a na-

. it is prosperous and happy : when they resign this high p>rerog-
re to other hands, the nation retrogrades. And naturally so, too,
because a nation tha: fosters the industries cannot be otherwise than
in a thr '■: .":::.. But when they languish, then national decay

en? en it is a duty that every farmer, every mechanic, every

.afacturr: miuer, o- - untry, to himself, to pos-

terity, now and then to take a calm, dispassionate view of the condi-
tion of the country. If this or that branch of industry is languish-
ing, let him search out the cause and the remedy therefor, and try
npon his fellow-citizens, and write for the indus-
trial press about it. If the reader will go with me a little I will ex-
plain my meaning. Let as look at agriculture. Nine farms in ten
in the Unite I Si I a are going down — and one-fourth of the farmers
re abandoned their calling within the last ten years. How is it
th manufacture-.' A large number of establishments have sus-

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 591

peruled or are running on limited time and curtailing their opera-
tives' wages ; while these in turn are striking for higher wages.

The trading class seems to be losing; its moorings and drifting
away to sea — failures to the amount of $75,000,000 reported for Inst
few months. Domestic commerce droops, and foreign trade is
agaiust us to the tune of $50,000,000, and this must be paid in
specie. We are importing English railroad iron to run tracks over
our iron mines. American shipping is giving up the contest for the
carrying trade of the world The stream of emigration is beginning
to flow back to the old world. But don't suppose everybody is get-
ting worse. Out of the 40,000,000 (in round numbers) in the
United States, 3 per cent., or something over 1,00 ;,000, have ab-
sorbed two-thirds of the wealth of the nation, leaving the remaining
third to the other 39,000,000. And this is growing worse — or as
Mr. David A. Wells, the Special Commissioner of the Revenue,
says : " the poor are growing poorer, and the rich richer." This is
a gloomy picture for a young, vigorous nation like ours, and tells a
sad tale for American statesmanship. But the industrial classes are
waking up ; the destinies of the country are with them. They are
beginning to realize it, too, in different parts of the country. In her
lasi election Illinois cast 80,000 votes in behalf of the industrial
interests ; Indiana 20,000. Last year the industrial movement in
the West aspired to assume a national character at Cleveland — and
another national industrial convention met at Harrisburg ; and last
November the Farmers' Council of Virginia and North Carolina,
at Petersburg, appointed a committee to move in the matter. And
last, as a kind of combination of all these movements into one, a
National Council of the industrial classes met at Cincinnati, in Ohio,
on the 7th Sept., 1875. It met for business and after some days'
deliberation adopted a short, pithy platform, embraced under the
following items :

1. Free trade and direct taxation.

2. Treasury notes for currency.

3. Demand for the repeal of the National Banking Laws and the
resumption act of 1875.

4. .One term for President of the United States.

5. Subjection of all corporations to law.

The great West and the South voted a unit on these propositions,
and it is remarkable that there were but few dissenting voices even
from the East.

Farmers, think on these things. Let us study theoretical and
practical farming in all its branches. .

But we should remember that we are citizens as well as farmers,
and as such, duties outside of the farm demand our attention. We
may exhaust our minds and wear out our bodies on our farms, but
unless good laws obtain, others will reap the rewards of our labors.
Farmers, let me put one question to you. You Avork harder, live
more economically than any other class — now how much money do
you clear? Don't think it the fault of your lands, or of the sea-

502 THE SOUTHERN [October

sons, or of the peculiar products of your section — the great fault-
is with the laws — State and national — but particularly national.

It requires the labor of five millions of men to pay the yearly ex-
penses of the national Government. It is contrary to the nature of
things for these things to continue without at sometime producing
anarchy, blood-shed and revolution. Oar wisdom is to prevent it.

Joh>- R. Winston.

(fbitorial Bfpnrtnifiit.

OUR STATE FAIR.

It is needless for us to dwell upon the duty of our people in this matter. If
any one feels gloomy, let him come— it will do him good. Cheerfulness we should
have, if it is necessary to fijht for it. The very exercise will make us better men.
A State cannot be built up from ruins in a day. Let any man look at ichat
kasbeen done, and he will feel proud to find that few. no matter how much fa v. -
have beaten us in solid results. We have, in fact, every thing to make us
thankful.

We hope that the ladies throughout the State will not be backward to send to
the Fair samples of their handiwork : and when they are interested the men are
bound to be. LET AS MANY OF THE BOYS AS POSSIBLE COME. ]
are soon to be the custodians of the Commonwealth, and the dear old Mother
looks to her sons, not only for defense, but that her dignity shall be maintained.
Let them see what can be accomplished, and realize tLe bounties of a Providence
that has fixed their lot in such "pleasant places."

HAVE WE NOT A RIGHT TO FEEL ENCOURAGED ?

We think the farmers of Virginia have reason to congratulate themselves upon
the success of the year, the crops of which are now being harvested and secured.
Never since the war has Virginia been in so good a condition materially, and
never have her people exhibited such indomitable pluck and determination to
succeed as they are now exhibiting. They are waking up from the lethargy which
seems to have bowed them down for the last decade, and are beg g to realize

the fact that soil, climate and geographical position, all considered. Virgil
the best State in the whole Union for general farming purposes. We are glad,
too. to see a healthy reaction taking place in the views of farmer's sons in i
ence to the business they are to pursue. Ever since the war there has been a
perfect mania among the young men of the country to rush to the cities and en-
gage in the general business of trade, or devote themselves to the practice of a
profession. This exodus of almost all the more intelligent young men from ihe
country was not owing so much to a disposition to avoid labor of any kind, but
simply to avoid farm labor, which, for some reason or other, even those engaged
in it from necessity, seemed to think degrading. It is useless for us to attempt
here to show that such an opinion was without the shadow of foundation in fact :
all men of intelligence, if they will only give but a moment's thought to the mat-
ter, will see at once that farming intelligently pursued is the first and highest call-
ing in which man can engage. Success in farming and among farmers i-
foundation of success in every department of trade. No country whose agricul-

1875.] PLANTER AND. FARMER. 593

tural interests languish, can long remain in an otherwise prosperous condition.
Nor is the too prevalent idea that anybody who has the requisite muscle can farm
successfully any nearer correct Upon the contrary, there is no profession or
calling in lie which requires a greater variety of knowledge, or a mere cor-
rect and well-balanced mind, than farming if carried to its highest perfection.
But we are confident that the farmers of Virginia do not realize all the advan-
tages they possess. With a somewhat extensive experience in farming in other
sections, really superior farming countries, aud an observation extending through
twenty years of active life, in a dozen different States, we do not hesitate to say
that were we entirely unfettered with large or small capital, as the case might be,
we would unhesitatingly select Virginia as the best place in the whole Union in
which to begin life as a farmer.

The soil of. the State responds more readily to any effort at improvement than
any we have ever seen. The climate is mild and healthful, rarely going to either
extreme ; the lauds are exceedingly cheap and adapted to the production of a
great variety of crops, and then, when the crops are grown, we have the markets
of the world at our very doors without any possible chance for railroad combi-
nations to make the freighting of our produce a burden. Already the district
around Xorfolk furnishes immense quantities of fruit and truck to trie northern
markets and all over the country. Iu Albemarle, in Bedford, Campbell and
along the slopes of the valley of the James, vineyards and orchards are spring-
ins up- Within the next ten years capital must pour in here for investment.
Wine manufacturing establishments will be built up in the districts where grapes
are abundant. Canning establishments will be at the great centres to take the sur-
plus fruits and vegetables and preserve them for future use. Manufactories of
various kinds will utilize our immense water powers and the operative population
creating a new demand for meats and vegetables, will give impetus to pro
ducts never felt before, and which cannot but bring prosperity to the whole State.
All we waut is a little time, a little more capital, and a thorough determination
to avail ourselves of the almost inestimable advantages which nature has put at
our disposal. A few words to outsiders, if this should fall into the hands of any
who are seeking homes. We wish to tell them, if they are honest, industrious and
frugal, we want them to come and see Virginia as she is, and weigh all her ad-
vantages before going elsewhere. We have a more genial climate, a greater va-
riety of products, and the same labor, capital aud skill will yield a larger net in-
come than in any of the most favored of the Western States.

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

This is the eighth month in the Roman calendar (Octo. eight). It is an important
month to the farmer, both for sowing and gathering. It is the great month for

WHEAT SEEDING.

Some judicious farmer has observed that if he could, he would sow all his
wheat on the 10th October, it not being desirable to sow earlier on account of
the " fly,'1 and not later on account of the fear of •"winter killing." We will sup-
pose the land has all been fallowed, unless it is the corn land, and indeed it is
nut too early to have cut down the corn and stacked it. or hauled it off. and to
have ploughed the land ready for seeding. But we think all corn land should be
see led to '"winter oats." as we shall presently explain. Well, the land has been
fallowed. Now it must be thoroughly dragged to get it in fine tilth, and to kill

594 THE SOUTHERN [October

all the grass which has. by this time, been freely uproutiog. We advise 1§ bushels
of wheat to the acre. This is a medium quantity, and if sowed the last of this
month, or in November, we should sow at least two bushels. Some American far"
mers sow from 2 to 2| bushels, while many of the English farmers advise from one
peck to one-half bushel. The celebrated Mecbi, of raacr strop fame, now a
skilled British agriculturist, is an advocate of thin seeding. In England, there is
no danger from winter killing, and the wheat is growing in this climate, more or
less, all winter, and, the land being strong, there is always much opportunity for
tillering and branching. The late Mr. Hill Carter, who bad seen and examined
English cultivation, said that the thin seeding which was so successful in England
would not do for this country. He advised not less than two bushels per acre.
The "Faltz'T wheat still maintains its popularity, and has yielded very well
the present season. Whatever kind is selected, take care that the seed is pnrer
and free from filth of all kinds. It is folly to sow indifferent seed. It is equally
unwise to sow wheat on poor land without fertilizers, land insufficiently drained,
«>r on land which has not been limed, or has not. naturally, lime in the soil. After
seeding, water furrows must be run wherever needed, and the plow will not always
suffice. Follow with shovels, and open«tboroughly, and leave not one spot of
water rest on the land. Routt's drain plow is a very valuable implement for
opening surface drains.

TTIXTEB OATS.

It is not too late to sow winter oats. Tbey yield well, gotten in by the loth
or 20th October, though not so well as if put in earlier. One and a half bushels
should be used to the acre if seeded from- ;5tb this month to the 1st November,
for thev hare not the same time to tiller, and are more liableto be winter killed. Try
to get clean seed, for the winter oat is proverbially filthy, and will foul the land
unless pains be taken to get good, elean seed. All corn land bad better be put
in winter oats. Either sow between the corn, by first running a long tooth cul-
tivator, or plow, if there is much grass, then sowing and covering with cultiva-
tor— the boe hands following, and chopping in the row of the corn. Or cut the
corn down, or remove it, plow, drag, sow, and redrag. There is too much grass
in most corn fields, the present season, for the first plow. As we have before
said, we think winter oats to be a more certain crop than wheat, and more profit-
able for the farmers generally to raise. Tbey will yield, one season with another,
much more than wheat on medium land and more too on good land. They
should be baled for market.

GATHERING CROPS.

This is the month for housing many things. Corn may be gathered, and if not
■well dried should be put in pens made with rails and carefully covered over. Fodder
should be housed or stacked. Potatoes. Irish and sweet, should be dug and care-
fully put away. Some prefer to put them in a mound out doors, though sweet
potatoes are safer in properly prepared cellars. Our Hanover friends dig them
in dry weather, put them in cellars made in outhouses, some putting them in top
fodder stacks; covering them carefully with " pine tags."' and these with close
fitting boards to keep out the air. They should not be put in warm places, and
should be moved as little as possible from place to place, after they are dug.
Pumpkins should bfe put in the fodder stacks^or cool cellars.

HOGS

Must be put up now and freely fed, that they may put on fat before the cold
weather.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 595

DITCHES

May profitably be dug in the dry weather of this month. "and old ones c
out.

FALLOWING.

If wheat and oat? are pat in. and crops secured, the plough should be kept run-
ning in following for eorn. particularly if there is much cover on the laud.

We hare received the catalogues and premium lists .of the following Fairs:

Baldwin Augusta Fair to be held at Stauuti >n commencing on the 1:2th of Oc-
tober. A. M. Bowman, one of the most spirited and en'husiastic stock-growers
in the State, is President of this Society. He is comparatively a young :r.an. but
is enthusiastic in his business, and eminently qualified fo:- the position he fills.

The Piedmont Agricultural Society, which meets at Culpeper on the same day.
has the veteran stock raiser and agriculturist. Col. S. S. Bradford, for Presi I
It is useless to say more of hira as he is generally and favorably known all over
the State. We are assured that the prospect is fine for a first-class exhijiti^n
and that the Society is in a healthy condition.

The next in order is the Petersburg Fair which opens on the l^Hh of October,
General Mahone is President of this Society, and as he is sure to make a su
of every thing he undertakes, from the storming of a battery to the running of a
railroad, we may very fai ly presume that he will not fail iu his new position.

The last in the list is the Virginia State Fair, which, under the auspices of
Col. Knight as President, Mr. F. G. Leigh. Secretary, and Col. Carrington,
Chief Marshal, promises to give us the rnost completely successful exhibition,
commencing on the 25th October, we have had since the war.

The Societies of the State were never better officered. We propose to gi~e
our readers in future numbers of our Journal, the pictures and a short sketch >f
thj above Presidents of our Agricultural Societies as representatives of the agri-
cultural interest of the State. President Knight will appear in our next i-

The Rcral Messenger announces the retirement of Mr. B. W. Jones as
editor of that paper in consequence of ill health. Mr. Jones had justly won the
esteem of his readers by the ability, diguity and courtesy which characterized all
he wrote. We wish for him a speedy recovery to health. Mr. Thomas Laurence
succeeds him. We congratulate the Messenger on securing a gentleman so
well fitted for this position by his varied learning and extensive knowledge of
both the practice and literature of agriculture, Mr. L. will wield a ready a:.d
forcible pen. We commend the Messenger to our readers as worthy of their
support. Price $2 per annum.

We have received from John Saul. Washington, D. C a very complete cata-
logue of his Fall Stock of Nursing Trees. Roses. Grape Vines and Ornamen
includiug ehoice Evergreens and Flowering Shrubs.

Mr. Saul is an old and reliable Nurseryman, and his catalogue shows tn
has availed himself of his age and experience to collect a stock which can :
be excelled, if indeed it can be equalled, south of New York. His prices, too,
exceedingly low. and if any one desires to have any plants of the infinite varie-
ties he offers, they can certainly get the money to buy at his rates. His stock of
crape vines is very large and hue, and are offered lower thau we have ever known
them.

596 THE SOUTHERN [October

MA J. WILLIAM T. SUTHERLIX.

^ectleman. wh - forms the frontispiece of this number, may he

j> rded as one of the most e ng and successful farmers is Virginia at

- horn in Pittsylvania county, near the city of Danville. Ya.. in
I S22, and has been a citizen of Danville since the Tear i^i-i. His early advan-
tages of education were such as were afforded by our common schools of that day,
the addition of three sessions at the Danville Mile Academy, and one ses-
ion in the county of Franklin. Ya. His studies were
confined to such branches »f English education as were best calculated to fit hirn
for the active dnties of business life, for which he manifested an early preference^
as well as a remarkable degree of native talent. After completing his course of
stud: - spending a t m - - vipon the plantation of his lather, where he

learned many valuable lessons of industry, economy and sobriety, which he has
never forgotten, in the year iv44 he commenced business in the then small
town of Danvill-. as a raanniactarer of tobacco. location could not

have been selected for the business in which he proposed to engage, situated as
it is. in one of the £ -gi j»seel - found in any State. With

ge, aided 1 ; c-rior skill as a manufacturer, which his fine

"Jigence enabled him to acquire in a short time, he found but little difficulty
securing for his brands sd for the products of

his factory a ready sale in any market at highly remunerative prices. This
conducted under his immediate .-upervision for about
-.:-.: .led him ne to

: among the most wealthy and influential men of the Sta:e. The investment
of the la: . ig from hi - - oincipally made in real estate,

lence it • ur, he found himself in much better

condition than many others who had made large investments in a species of pro-
which los: : the war.

resent g - of the flourishing little city of Danville, are

the public spirit, the liberality, and the indom-
ital _ FM Sntfa ma always taken the deepest interest in

- eoncenia . : his adopted town: and the numerous posi-

tions of trust and honor which m time to time, been accorded to him,

: in which he is held by those who
know him best. Sc me of these may be enumerated as follows :
. In 1S4-5. he m ~e and influential m- te Towa Council.

m 1S4G to > . be vas Mayor of the Town.
In 1858, hi was< '-hi ng the Danville Bank, of which

floe: ! >n he was I I ill - ".. when like all similar e: r

ten up by the i the war. His administration of the

affairs of this institution was such as to inc: -rock from $100,000

—out the loss of a single dollar in bad debts, up to the commence.
: the war.

In the spring of 1*<51. he was elected as a Union delegate to Conven-

I to the wishes of his constituents, upon the mo-

me;. bich engaged the attention of that body, using bis talents and

influence in preventing, if possible, the dire calamity by which the country

atened : but when it became evident that war was inevitable, he

ion on the • S nth, and nobly maintained with his influ-

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 597

I

ence and his means, throughout the fearful conflict which ensued, the position
which his love for his native South compelled him to assume.

After the adjournment of the Convention, the war having been fully inaugu-
rated, he was appointed commandant of the military post which had been estab-
lished at Danville, by the Confederate Government, which position he held
until that gallant officer, Col. Robert E. Withers, became so severely wounded in
an engagement with the enemy near the city of Richmond, as to incapacitate
him for active duty in the field, in consequence of which, on the application of
Maj. Sutherlin, he was relieved from his position, and Col. Withers succeeded
irn.

In addition to his other onerous duties as commandant of the post, Maj. Suth-
erlin filled the responsible position of Chief Quartermaster at Danville, until a
few months before the close of the war, when he was compelled to resign his
position in consequence of his failing health.

After the evacuation of Richmond, his elegant and hospitable mansion at Dan-
ville became the headquarters of President Davis and a portion of his cabinet,
until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Courthouse.

Since the close of the war, Maj. Sutherlin's attention has been turned to
agricultural pursuits, and to such other enterprises, as in his opinion, were best
calculated to promote the material interests of the country. In this new field of
labor he has found ample scope for his diversified talent, in the cultivation and
improvement of his large landed estates which lie in the States of Virginia and
Georgia, comprising about 7.000 acres of land of the finest quality, besides Ids
numerous valuable lots and buildings in Danville. His farms in Virginia, twelve
in number, are being skilfully and successfully cultivated under his gi
supervision, aided by the skill of first* class managers. All the appliances of
labor-saving implements, fertilizers, &c, have been liberally provided, regardless
of expense ; and by the extensive cultivation of clover, the value of his lands
has been greatly increased, whilst his crops of tobacco, grain and hay
have bean quite abundant. His success as a breeder of fine stock of every de-
scription has not been equaled by any man residing in the same section of
country.

In 1867, the Border Agricultural Society of Virginia and North Carolina was
successfully inaugurated chiefly through the instrumentality of Maj. Sutherlin,
of which society he has been electee president continuously, with the exception
of two or three years, whea he filled the position of president of the State
Agricultural Society.

In 1871, he was elected a delegate to the State Legislature for two years, at
the end of which time he declined are-election in consequence of his numerous
other engagements.

He has been a director of the Richmond and Danville Railroad Company since
18t>~>, in which improvement he is largely interested as a stockholder.

For the past two years he has been an active member of the "Patrons of
Husbandry;" is Master of the "Border Grange" at Danville, and President
of the Border Grange Bank which has been securely established in that city.
To the interests of this growing organization much of his time has been devoted
in visiting different sections of Virginia and North Carolina, tor the purpose
of arousing a spirit of enthusiasm among the farmers by his plain, practical,
common sense speeches, for making which, few men are better qualified.

Such a man may well be considered a valuable acquisition to any community
in which the spirit of progress has not become wholly extinct. If we had a
Sutherlin in every county throughout the Stale, Virginia would soon become
what her natural advantages entitle her to be, and what she ultimately will be —
the Banner State of this Union.

He is now in the j prime of life, retaining the same degree of energy that
actuated him in early life, and promises yet to live many years in the perform-
ance of those duties for which nature seems to have denned him.

BOTTOM TOUGHED.

Dry Goods at Lower Prices than Ever,

Money saved ly linying your Dry Goods from Leyy Brothers,

Who have made large purchases since the recent decline.

Fancy Grenadines at >4. 10 and 12jC per yard, worth 16$, 20 and 25c: Rich
Styles Fancy Grenadines at 16§, 20, 25, 30 and 35c., worth from 25 to 50e.j

Black Grenadines in all qualities from 12Jc. up to $2.25 per yard— this em-
braces not only the cheapest, but best assorted stock ever offered in this city :

Ecru Linen Tussore Suiting at 8jc per yard, worth 16fc; at 12$c, would be
a bargain at 25c: at 16§c, worth 30e. — these goods must be seen to be appre-
ciated: Silk- Warp Japanese Stripes and Plaids at 30c per yard, worth 50c:

Japanese Cloth at l'2lc. worth 25c: Wash Poplins, best goods manufactured,
at li'ic and 15c. worth 16§ and 25c: Debeges. at 26, 30, 35, 40 and 50c These
goods can be had in all the new sha

New style Plaid Dress] Goods from 25 to 50c; per yard — a reduction of from
twenty-five to fifty per, cent, has been made in these goods : Fast-Colored Lawns
at 8J, 10, I ,371 and 50c.;

Also, at the lowest prices. Pongees. Mohairs. Japanese Silks, Jaconets, Cam-
bric-. Linen Lawns, and all other styles of fashionable dress goods : Black Al-
pacas at 25, 0, '. 4". 4". E I, BO, 75" 85, 90c., SI and SI..25:

Australian Crepe at 50, 60 and 75c, worth 65c, 75c -and $1: Yard-wide
Printed Percales and Cambrics at 12J and 16fc. per yard — regular prices, 16$
and £5c;

Victoria Lawns at 16f, 20. 25 and 30c; also, Piques at 1 _ 25, 30. 35 and
40c — all remarkably cheap ; Swiss Muslins from 12|c up to 50c per yard — all
very cheap;

Checked and Striped Nainsook Muslins. Checked and Striped Swiss Muslins ;
Corded, Striped and Figured Piques — all at extraordinary bargains :

Lonsdale Cambric first quality, one yard wide, at 16| per yard : Knight's
Cambric. 33 inches wides, at 10c, would be a bargain at 12Ac:

Utica Sheeting. 10-4 wide, in remnants from two and a half up to ten yards,
at 40c per yard : 50c is the regular price everywhere ; Remnants of Dress Goods
of every description to be sold at less than half value ;

Black and Colored Silks at lower prices and in greater variety than at any other
establishment in this State; Embroidered Curtain-Muslin, one yard wide, at 25c,
worth 37ic;

Hamburgh Net for Curtains, at 20. 25. 30, 35, 40, 50c. and up to $1 per yard ;

Hamburgh Lace Curtains from $# to $30 per set for two windows; Hamburgh
Lace Lambrequins, from *2 50 up to $5 a pair — all very cheap and desirable :

\A indow-Shades in great variety, among which will be found an exact imitation
of lace shades, now so fashionable : A large assortment of Curtain Fixtures, such
as Cornices. Bands. Loops and Hooks;

Black. White and Ecru Hamburgh Nets, at a reduction of 50c; A full assort-
ment of Laces suitable for trimmiug : A large assortment of Silk Neck Scarfs
and Ties : Also. Black Lace Scarfs and White Lace and Muslin Scarfs ;

Ready-Made Dresses for ladies in all of the latest styles, from $3 to $25 : A
full assortment of Under-Garments at extraordinary low prices:: A large assort-
ment of Ducks and Drillings for boys' and men's wear ;

Sash Ribbons at 25c, 30c. 35c. 40c and 50c, and up to $1.25 per yard— all
extraordinarily cheap ; A full assortment of Ribbons from a half-inch up to
seven inches at the lowest prices ; Gauze Shirts for men and women — some as
- 40c for men :

Bustles in all the new styles : also. Hoop Skirts and Balmorals ; Matting. Oil-
Cloths, Rugs, Carpets. Mats and Hassocks; Rubber, Jet and Gold Plated Jew-
elry in great variety : Summer Shawls. Lace Points and Jackets :

Black Grenadine Shawls at S3, worth $4 ; Laces and Embroideries in endless
variety at low prices : Goodrich fi Barn urn's Tuckers at 75c; Machine Needles
at 4 and 5c: Machine Oil in large bottles at 15c:

Clark's and Coat's Spool Cotton at 70c per dozen :
And thousands of other articles not enumerated in this advertisement.

Prompt attention to orders.
July— tf LEVY BROTHERS, Richmond, Va.

s^W. C, SMITH,

MANUFACTURER OF

SPRING WAGONS, BUGGIES^

I have on hand and make to order on short notice, Carriages, Bu^o-ies
and Spring Wagons, with special reference to the wants of fanners.
Light rnnniug and strong, of any desired capacity. Workmanship and
material guaranteed. Prices lower than the same quality of work can
be bought at in this or any other city. Orders solicited. Letters of
inquiry promptly answered.

Repairing promptly and reasonably done.

W. C. SMITH,
my-6m 308 Fifth Street, Richmond, Va.

The subscriber has on hand

. WJK.6.0Si I.HI SSH:f g

of various descriptions, that he wishes to dispose of on very mode-
rate terras, and is still manufacturing others, and solicits a call from
all in want of any article in his line, and he guarantees good work-
manship, and first-rate material. A. B. LIPSCOMB,
my 116 Carv Street, between Adams and Jefferson.

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO R. R.

On7 and after SUNDAY, June 13th, 1875, passenger trains will
run as follows :

FROM RICHMOND :

Leave Richmond,

9.30 A. M.

9.10 P.

M.

Arrive at Gordonsville,

12.45 P. M.

12.30 A,

. M.

Arrive at Washington,

7.33 P. M.

6.33 A.

M.

Arrive at Charlottesville,

1.45 P. M.

1.24 A.

M.

Arrive at Lynchburg,

4. 50 P. M.

4.50 A

.M.

Arrive at Staunton,

4.10 P. M.

3.30 A.

M.

Arrive at Goshen,

5.56 P. M.

5.14 A.

M.

Arrive at Millboro',

6.17 P. M.

5.36 A.

M.

Arrive at Covington,

7.51 P. M.

7.06 A.

M.

Arrive at Alleghany,

8.59 P. M.

8.14 A.

M.

Arrive at White Sulphur,

9.15 P.M.

8.32 A.

M.

Arrive at Hinton,

12.15 A. M.

10.35 A.

M.

Arrive at Kanawha Falls,

4.20 A. M

. 1.25 P.

M.

Arrive at Charleston,

6.15 A. M.

3.25 P.

M.

Arrive at Huntington,

8.30 A. M.

5.45. P.

M.

Arrive at Cincinnati,

6.00 A.

M.

Train leaving Richmond at 9.30 A. M. runs daily, (Sunday excepted) stopping
at all regular stations.

Train leaving Richmond 9.10 P. M. runs daily stopping at all regular stations
west of Alleghany.

Accommodation train leaves Richmond for Gordonsville and all intermediate
stations daily (Sunday excepted), at 4.30 P. M.

Pullman Sleeping Car runs on 9.10 P. M. train between Richmond and White
Sulphur.

For further information, rates, &c, applvat820 Main Street, or at Co mpany'a
offices. CONWAY R. IloWA Kl>,

General Passenger and Ticket Agent.
W. M. S. Dunn, Engineer and Sup't Transportation. jy

CHESTNUT GROVE

Stock Tarm and Poul ry Yards,

McKEAN & HULICH,

EASTON, PENN.

Fine Bred and English Draft Horses. Asiatic Poultry and Fancy Pigeons,
Light and Dark Branias, Buff. Partridge and White Cochins, Antwerps, Carriers,
Barbs. Owls. Magpies and Almond Tumblers.

POULTRY took fifteen Society and nine Special Premiums on Fowls and
Chicks, and seven on Pigeons at Lehigh Valley Poultry Exhibition, held at Al-
lentown. January. 1875.

FOR SALE Fine Bred and Draft Stallions. Gold Dust and other Colts. Eggs,
Chicks and Pigeons in season.

RICHLAND STOCK FARM,

NEAR QUAKEBTOWN, PA.

THOMAS L. McKEAN, Proprietor, P. O. Easton, Pennsylvania.

PURE BRED SHORT-HORX CATTLE, JUBILEES,

LOUANS, YOUNG MARY'S. &c.

The above stock has been removed from Chestnut Grove Farm, and on hand
and for sale at reasonable prices. Parties wishing to examine the Herd will be
met at Quakmtown Station, (which is one and a quarter hours ride from Phila-
delphia, via N. P. R. R.) by writing in advance to the Proprietor, at Easton. Pa.

©^"Catalogues and Circulars upon application. May — tf

Notice to Wheat Growers.

Reduction of Price of

CELEBRATED

Ammoniatefl Bone Super Ptajlate,

Unrivalled for the 'wheat crop. For sale by agents and dealers
throughout the country.

PRICE, $4500 per ton, at Baltimore.

"Dissolved Bone Super Phosphate" supplied to manufacturers
and dealers at low figures.

We are prepared to furnish Granges with an " Amrnoniated Bone
Superphosphate of a standard quality, adapted to grain crops, at
very lowest price.

P. ZELL & SONS. Manufacturers,

aug— 3t 30 South St., Baltimore, Md

G. TV. ROYSTER.

J. B. LIGHTFOOT,

8. W. ROYSTER at GO,,

Commission Merchants,

mSCKMEOlSTiD, VIRGINIA.

Solicit Consignments of Tobacco, Grain, Flour and Produce Generally

Refer by Special Permission to J. W. LoCKWOOD, Cashier National Bank of
Va., Richmond; Isaac Davenport, Jr., Pres. First National Bank, Richmond.

Grain Bags furnished on application.

PEAR TREKS FORTH E MILLION—

Largest stock in the West ; ext-a quality: packed
to go safely any distance. Satisfaction guaran-
teed. Prices low by hundred or thousand. A
full assortment of other trees, shrubs, plants, etc.
Send list of wants for prlc a. B. G. HANFORD,
Columbus Nursery, Columbus, Ohio.

sep-Jt

GAME BlRTAMS My Hack Reds and
Duck wings have won both first, s cond and
special premiums wherever sbowji, via; At Han-
ford, 1871; Albany, 1872: Philadelphia, 1872;
Worcester, 1874; Philadelphia, 1875 ; and Buffalo,
1875. Also, a few very choice Black !!•
for sale. E£gg. 15 per dozen for Bantams 56 I r
Games. Address, with stamp, E. K. SPAULD-
ING, Cedar Creek, Ocean Co., N. J.
sep — tf

TIKGIXIl LAXDS.

UPPER JAMES. REAL ESTATE AGENCY.

BY WILLIAM HOLMAN,

Cartersville, Va.

Who offers for sale upwards of 20.000
acres of land, lying in one of the most
desirable regions of Eastern Virginia.

Catalogues sent on application.

[Mr. Holman is one of the most relia-
ble farmers in the State. Those wishing !
to buy land should send for his Cata-
logue], Aug— tf

The Fruit Bacorder and Cottage Gardener

will be sent free 3
months to all who
will send us a 3 cent
stamp to prepay
postage, as law now
requires prepay-
ment of po stage.
We do not ask any
v one to subscribe tor
our paper until they know what they
are to get It speaks for itself. Price
only $1 per year. Purdy's Small Fruit
Instructor is a work of 04 pp. that tolls
in simple language just how to grow
fruits in abundance for home use or
market. Price, 25 cents postpaid.

A. M. PURDY, Rochester. X. Y.

aug— ly

SUI GENERIS,

MASON & HAMLIN

UKeUALED«UMPPRO ACHED

iii capacity and excellence bv ar.y others. Awarded

WWHITMIIS

^DIPLOMA OF H01T0R"

V1ENNA.1873; PARIS.1867.

ft til V American Organs ever awarded any medal
U li L I in Europe, or which pre - r :ordi-

naxy excellence as to command a wide sale there.
II 11/ JVC aw*TrtC(i highest premiums at Indna-
ALYl A I U rr'-1'- Expositions, In America an well aa
Europe. Out of hundreds there have not been *lx in
all where any other organs have been preferred.
DCCT Eec'.ared by Eminent MflxiciftM, in both
DLO I hemispheres, to be unrivaled. See
TBSTIMON1 KL CIRCTJXAB, with i pinions of more
than One Thousand (sent free).
M'CICT on having a Mason & Hamlin. Do not
lit UIU I take an v other. Dealers get f.ATfflKB cox-
missions f.-r idling inferior organs, rtnd for i/tia
reason often trjj very hard to sell iwmetlang else.
iiriAJ PTVI CO with most important improve-
WLIt O I I LtO rnents ever made. Now
Solo and Combination Stop*. Superb
Etagere and other Causes of new de^iiiiin.

PIANO-HARP CABINET ORGANS

quisite combination of these instnv
CSCV DAVMCUTC OigaaaaoH far «»*;«*
fcAo I I A 1 mtll I O. for monthly or quarterly
payments; or rented until rent pays fa* the organ.
niTII nPIICP and CimutauDa, with full partic-
LA I AlUuUtO ulars. free Xtdrew. MASON A
HAMLIN ORGAN CO., 15-4 Tremont Street, BOS-
TON- 26 Union Square, NEW YuRK; or 80 Si 83
Ajdami St., CHICAGO,

I=?:.-k:i Be:i:"ii.-3 S:t. "flwial : 7 :::;,"

Winner ff Highest Prize, at Royal Show EXG1ANO
FIBST Prizes in ■:i.,ni."i.

Under One Year Old.

JERSEY CATTLE.

Berkshire and Short-fated York'

thin ■ v
GLEXDALE STOCK FARM.

Br;-d from the most noied and FASHION
ABLE STRAIH8& OtPORTEDxoA PRIZE

VTISSI5G STOCK. -

from die best Herds and Pens, regaid]

Jt expense.

I gunrantee satisfaction.
*3^CorrespondeD • -A.

(HAS. B. MOORE.

sej. . ' _' .. Pa.

FARMERS AND DEALERS
FlnUML Qhuuu iiu.lL,

PURE BONE FLOUR,

PURE DISSOLVED BONE ASH,

Pure Dissolved Raw Bone,

66° Oil Yitroil, German Potash Salts,
Pure Chemicals for making Superphos-
phate at the lowest market price.

Call at R. J BAKER & COS.

Aug- — 1 v

WALNUT GROVE FARM.

THOP.nrnnBRED and GRaDE JERSEY
CATTLE. BERKSHIRE and ESSEX SWINE.
BRONZE TURKEYS and BRAHMA FOWLS,

I took 1st premium on Thoroi:.
and Female, I and 1st premium on Grade Jeiseys,
mi Bronze Turkeys at Va. State Agicul-
tural Society, iv74.

Prices moderate — Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Add .

G. JULIAX PRATT.

mar — ly Waynesboro. Augusta co. , Va.

Tens of aarertisii

of Planter and Farmer.

One square. 10 lines or less, one insertion. ..$2 00
1 square of ten

1 square of ten lines for one ytar

_ six monius

;re six months „

insertion

inths

.ne year _

THE

"viiRQ-iisriLA.

AND

CIDER MILL

Is superior to any MILL now made, and more sold annually in
this market than of all other kinds combined. It does not grate,
but thoroughly crushes every fruit cell, insuring all cider the apples
will yield.

Send for Catalogue.

CHAS. T. PALMER,
jy-ly 1523 Main Street, Richmond, Va.

G. F. WATSON'S

RICHMOND.

Having timber tracts n this State sufficient to last several years, with a complete lumbering
rafting, and saw-mill organization of fifty men, together with one of the most complete facto-
ries in the country located in this city, can furnish Poplar and hard wood (no soft ] itn
priced FURNITURE as cheap as any factory No th or West— and fine Walnut FURNITURE
cheaper. A stock of one million feet of lumber insures seasoned work, warranted in this and
every respect. Manufacture MATTRESSES of all kinds.

Lumber-mill, Indiantown, Va. : Factory, Rocketts street; lumber-yards, Ash and Poplar
streets; warerooms, No. IS Governor (Thirteenth streets.) Richmond. epl

?AK!M8 AND WUUM
JHire Fine Ground gone

PURE BONE FLOUR. PURE DISSOLVED BONE ASH. PURE DISSOLVED RAW BONE

6G° OIL VITRIOL. GERMAN POTASH SALTS. Pure Chemicals for making Superphosphaaj
at tne iost market price. Call at

H. J. BAKER & COS.

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO,

FOR TOBACCO. CORX AND OTHER CROPS.

After ten years" continuous u« i Eia and the - - e Pacific Gnano has

refutation f . to that formerly enjoyed by the Penman Guano, and

itity used annually exceeds that oi any other fertilizer.

It ha- • Liis (juano to produce the best possible fertilizer at

r coat, and ^e claim that the nnusual resources and facilities of the manuiactu-

are enabled ihem to approach this more nearly than has been done in any other fertilizer

with which we are acquainted. I who have been" using it unite with us in the opinion, that

by it- :: _ -

THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE SMALLEST OUTLAY.

sfidence for use on the Tobacco and other crop; to be grown in 1*75,
wich the assurance that it is, in tit has been in the

PURE PERUVIAN GUANO,

AS IMPORTED.

We hare a full supply of Jfo. 1 Gnanape Peruvian Guano, from the GcTernntent

>ne of the nuest cargoes ever imported! It is dry and in bean-

■rder, and c r in a fraction of 13 per >ent, of Ammonia, w'hich i? within

two per eeiit. of what the old CLincha PerariR- in— Ix -uld be difficult to

d the other.

ndard and thoroughly tested fertilizers for Tobacco, Cora, and all Spring
Crops, and are prepared to sell them al :11 make it to the interest of consumers and

dealers to purcha- fifew York, or elsewhere .

For farther information and supplies, address,

ALLISON & ADDISON,

mar— tf Seed and Guano Merchants, F.icbuoia, Ya

q 1 c 4 ^ M K § SC "0 T 3E 3> j
i^iGszjyEonsriD, -vj±.

Pleasantly located on Twelfth street, facing Bank Street and the Capi-
I Square. In the centre of the business portion of the city, within
one square of the Post Office and Custom House, it is. by its retired
location opposite the southeast corner of the beautiful park surrounding
the Capitol of Virginia, the most quiet hotel in Piichmond.

The proprietor having had a life long experience in hotel business — •
first at the Everett H k, and afterwards as proprietor of

the 6 - I Hotel, Richmond, in its best days — and now assisted by
Mb. JOHN P. BALLARD, the popular veteran hotel-keeper of Vir-
ginia, assures visitors of the ST. JAMES that no effort on his part will
be spared to make them comfortable and to keep the house in first-class
style. Coaches will attend the arrival of all trains. Elegant carriages
are at all times at the service of the traveling public.
June T. W. HOEIvyiGER, Proprietor.

F'^TLmTj STYLES, 1874.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CAEDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces

TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.
Merchants desiring samples, will please address,

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, va.

TO PLANTERS.

JAS. G. DOWNWARD, Pres't.

JOHN" WHANN. Sec'y and Treas.

Dntu

owhatap Pgosphate Company

K/icscnvnonsriD, va.

MANUFACTURERS OF

The above brand of Phosphate is used and highly recommended
by the best wheat raisers in Virginia. It is, in every respect, a first
Fertilizer for wheat. A trial will convince you of this fact.

H. D. Twyman, of Orange county, writes us that it exhibited it-
self finely. He applied 150 pounds per acre, and made 14 bushels
to one seeded.

T. W. Bond, of the same county, tells us, in a letter dated Aug.
10, 1>>To. that it gave entire satisfaction on the estate of the late
John Bond, and gave us another good order.

J. G. Dulaney. of Green county, writes : '"After a test of your
Powhatan Raw Bone Super Phosphate for two seasons on my wheat
crop, I feel >atisfied that it is one of the best fertilizers now offered
in the market."'

R. R. Porter, of North Carolina, writes: •' The Powhatan Raw
Bone Super Phosphate, which I bought of you last season, was the
best fertilizer I ever had on my plantation. I used it on wheat, and,
I think, raised double the quantity as when I used no fertilizer. I
also used it on tobacco, and il acted like a charm."

We also manufacture Pure BONE MEAL and BONE FLOUR,
aid will be pleased to furnish samples of any of our brands on ap-
plication.

IMPROVE YOUR STOCK.

FOR SALE — Alderney and Durham Cattle. Cotsivold and
Shropshire Lambs and Berkshire Swine.

PREMIEW ALDERNET BIJLfc, ''EZRA"

three years old. Sire Imp. Hannibal (618) ; Dam Lily (500). Price $100.

PREMIUM AL»EK9Ti:r BILL " WOLD DUSI'r two years old. Sire Imp. South-
ampton (,117) ; Dam California (344). Price 880.

ALDERNEY HEEL CHATHAM.

eighteen months old ; now fit for service. Sire Sudbrook (1262); Dam Imp. Rose Harebell (3243)
solid color, black points. Price 580.

ALDERNEY BUEE CALF ACCIDENT,

three months old. Sire Saladin (417): Dam Minerva (341); one of the best Jersey cows in the
State. Price $50.

All the above are from Herd-Book Stock, and can be entered in next volume of Herd Book.

HERDBOOK ALDER SEY BULL SUDBROOK (1262),!

nine years old ; bred by J. Howard McHenry ; one of the finest bulls in the State. Price §100.

PREMIUM ALDERNEY BULL HANNIBAL,

four vears old. Sire Imp. Hannibal (61S), Dam pure Alderney Cow, but not registered : took 1st
Premium State Fair 1873. Price 880;

DURHAM BULL STONEWALL,

bred by James Gowen of Pennsylvania, roan color, of fine size, and splendid form. Price S100
worth twice the money.

TWO DURHAM CALVES (Heifer and Bull), __ t , .

four months old, roan color. Price §30 each.

COTSWOED AND SHROPSHIRE) LAMBS,

at from $10 to 815 each.

BERKSHIRE PIGS,

from best stock in the State. Price SS single pig, or $15 per pair.
The above prices are one-fourth less than Northern prices for such stock. Address

A. P. E0WE,

oct — 2t Fredericksburg. Virginia.

SAUL'S NURSERIES, Washington, D. C.

The undersigned offers a fine stock of the following NEW PEARS : Souvenirs
du Congress, Beurre 'd ' Assumption, Pitmaston Duchess, &c. NEW

PEACHES : Early Beatrice, Early Louisa, Early Rivers, Early Alexander, &c,
with a collection of new peaches raised by T. Rivers. FRUIT TREES : An
extensive stock of well grown trees, pear, apple, cherry, plum, apricot, &c. •
grape vines, small fruits, &c. EVERGREENS : Small sizes suitable for Nur-
serymen, as well as larger stock in great variety.

DUTCH BULBS. — Large importations direct from the leading growers in Hol-
land, first quality Bulbs: Hyacinths, Lilies, Tulips, &c, new and rare; Green-
house plants for winter blooming; New Clematises, a fine collection; New Wis-
terias ; roses new and rare. A large stock grown in four and live-inch pots —
prices low. New Rose, Duchess of Edinborough, at reduced rates. Primula Ja-
ponica — stony — in five inch pots. Catalogues mailed to applicants.

sep— tf JOHN SAUL, Washington City, D. C.

THE WATT PLOW

VICTORIOUS ON EVERY FIELD!

A combined TURNING PLOW, CUL-
TIVATOR. SUBSOILER, ROW-OPEN-
ER, PEANUT-DIGGER. TOBACCO and
COTTON SCRAPER and SWEEP.

No CHOKING when bright and smooth;
no LABOR to the plowman; ONE-THIRD
LESS DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weeds. Grass, &c. ; great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
its use, and complete pulverization of the
soil.

FARMERS WHO USE IT WILL USE
NO OTHER.

Awarded all the Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1873.

Awarded First Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1874.
Richmond— FIRST PREMIUMS ON THREE AND

WK-UPfc W£5

Virginia State Fair.
FOUR-HORSE PLOWS.

Right and LeftHand-ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED THEIR SIZES.

Also at the Plowing Match ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED WHITE PLOW-
MEN were taken with WATT PLOWS of ONE. TWO, THREE and FOUR-
HORSE SIZES; and COLORED PLOWMAN by ONE, TWO and THREE-
HORSE SIZES; being

SEVEN PREMIUMS OUT OF EIGHT.

The superior work done by the WATT, and the complete ease with which it is
handled, was apparent to all.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Raleigh, October 10th;

GEORGIA STATE FAIR. Atlanta, October 19th ;

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Columbia, November 10th ;

STAUNTON, VA., October 13th;

LYNCHBURG, October 20th ;

WELDON. N. C, October 20th;

ORANGEBURG. S. C. November 3rd ;

CHARLOTTE. N. C. November 3rd ;

DANVILLE, VA., November 3rd;

POINT PLEASANT, W. VA., October.

Thus, with its great reputation before, it has gained new laurels this year,
which must convince every farmer of its vast superiority over other plows.

We warrant every plow sold to be as represented or to be returned to us. We
solicit a trial. Catalogues sent to any address. •

WATT & CALL,

SOLE MANUFACTURERS,
14-V2 Franklin St., Richmond, Va.
Special Agents for "The Best" Spring-Tooth Horse-Rake and Gleaner; also
for sale of our own manufacture. HARROWS. CULTIVATORS, and all kinds
of IMPLEMENTS at lowest prices— all warranted.

I have a NEW BURDETT ORGAN which I will sell for $150—
Manufacturer's price $175 — Boxed and delivered at any Depot or
Wharf in Baltimore. Terms of payment accommodating.

L. R. DICKINSON.

Also, THREE FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES which
■will be sold at a discount of forty per cent, on Manufacturers'
prices.

TREES! TREES!

I he I arjiest ;ind niiml Complete
*»t<-«-k of yi-iul and «»r nameiitnl irctx
in in- V. !>>.

I>e«< ri|»i i vo and Illustrate d Priced
Catalogues senl as foil >»»«.:
Fruits, me. No. - — Ornamental ;:
ecL, with colored plate, sSe. Ko. r»—
house plants, lOe. No. 4— Wholesale- Free.

ELLWANGEB & BARRY,

sep

i:<>ciiEsTEi:.y.y

NURSERY STOCK.

FALL, 1875.

We d - I e attenti m of Nurserymen

and l'ealers to tmr exceedingly larire. thrifty.
and great variety of stock for Full tt

iu Mandard.
Dwarf and Crab Apples: Standard and I>warf
Fears, Cherrii - ;nauts. E1uj>.

§

SMITH & POWELL.

I.UI JMI (III il '

I «« Premii

_

-

BRMLY, MILES & HARDT

TIN WIRE RINGS.

„ W 111 bo: mali- c .

ftCO. Harc^i: i J tiem.

■

To: ei : . _ by s >osa«
DriATUR.ILL paii Circ

! ?

Attention is called to the great suc-
cess which has Wen achieved in *: -
manent cure of this loathsome

"BeiiWs Enrela Cancer Salve.

Syracuse Nurseries, Syracuse, N. Y ' Hitherto it has

BLATCH LEY'S

B

Improved Cucumber
Wood P

knowledge! ~

: the market, hy pop-
\5^, .- % alar verdict, ti i
^^lL^^ pump lor I
.money Attention is invited to
improved Bracket, the
I Top Check Valve, winch can be with-
drawn without disturbing lh«
od the copper chamber which never
- or i usis and wi]
time. For Sjle by Dealers and
tin- trade generally, in order to be
sure that you gel fUatehley's Pump,
be eareful and see that it has my trade mark as
above. If you do not know where to buy, de-
scriptive circular, together with the name and
-. you. will be prompt-
ly furnished by addressing with -

ellAS, G. BLATCHLEY, Manufacturer,
mar-i-m 506 Commerce >:.. Philadelphia, Ta.

TloroMlW Stock for Sale.

I am breeding Thoroughbred Devon

Cattle. Poland China, and Essex Hogs.
South Down Sheep, -vc. Also Light
Brahma Fowls, and have for sale seve-
ral pairs of White and Black Guineas.
Persons ordering from me can rely on
getting as good stock as any in this
country. My herd of Devon s are of
the most improved strains. They took
T first premiums at our last Virginia
State Fair. For further particulars,
F. W. CHILES.

feh — 6m Louisa C. H.. V*.

I^Ri
G\RDE I nod FIELD SEED
At the old stand c f Palmer & Turpiu.
1526 Main street, R.chmond,
Orchard G' i

Timothy, Herds, Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass.
Send for Catalogue,
leb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

skill
and th- poor unfortunates with this I
clinging to their bodies ^nd eat \
i
■
;
incredm

alue.
F. H. ROBERTSON 4 - •
Office, Petersburg, Va . are the &
tip whom all letters for information, and orders
re should be addres.-ed.

March tf

ELLERSLIE FARM.
Thoroughbred HORSES

Half Bred HORSES,
Pure SHORT HORN CATTLE,

Improved BERKSHIRES
For sale.

Price S10 apiece.
Address

R. J. HANCOCK,
oct Overton, Albemarle co..Va

K1LLINGLY. CONN.
Offers for sal*- ■ few Superior PART-
RIDGE. COCHI] LYMOUTH
]:•' ICK CHICKS -rices.

Also, White Fantail PlOEuNS. oc

Man land Eye and Ear Insiituie,

6*6 N. Charles it . Baltimore. Md.
E RECLENG, M. 1
Ear tjurgery in tlv Cniversity,

DGKUN IN ( HABGE
The large, liandsome n -
Charles Carrol] has been fitted up will
.cuts adopt*; d ill I
•
of diseasr.v Ap] ,

(iEUKI.i. ki.VLl.NG. 91. I>..
- _

Encourage Home Enterprise and buy

Mruder's Fertilizer,

The most flattening accounts are being constantly received. For
the past twenty years it has been manufactured in the city of Rich-
mond and the thousands of tons sent out have given universal satis-
faction. The price is just as low as a good article can be furnished
at. For certificates call at office, corner Cary and Eleventh Streets.
Herewith are two as a specimen:

Messrs. Currant & Co.. Powhatan county, August 23, write that
the effects of the fertilizer are all that is represented, and are won-
derful on their growing crop of tobacco. In the dry summer of
1ST 2. Dr. K. A, Patterson, with the use of 300 pounds McGruder's
Fertilizer to the acre, made twenty-five bushels wheat on poor land,
which was fallowed by a first rate clover crop. For further particu-
lars, address,

seP-2t CHAS. McGRUDER, Richmond.

Clawson Seed Wheat!

The undersigned, who introduced extensively to Virginia the cele-
brated Fultz, now offers a new, and in some respects, a superior va-
riety— smooth, white, hardy ami very productive. Warr anted
Genuine. Clawson, 83.2-3, and Fultz. $2.25 per bushel, including
bags. Address,

H. S. ALEXANDRIA.

sep — 2t Culpeper. Va

SEWING MACHINE EXCHANGE!

After a partial and temporarv retirement from the Sewing Ma-
chine business, I now RESUME IT AGAIN IN ALL ITS
BRANCHES.

Orders received for ALL KINDS SEWING MACHINES,
ATTACHMENTS. NEEDLES. OIL.

MACHINES FOR RENT: All kinds Sewing Machine- re-
paired. Machines of any kind supplied to Grangers and club- at
* the lowest manufacturers' prices.

G-. DARBY.

oct— 3t 821] Main st., bet. 8th and 9th, Richmond, Va.

THE SOTJTHSRU

PLANTER ® FABME R,

Tie Oldest Agricultural Journal PilisM in Virginia.

SIXTY-FOUR PAGES MOMHLY(

Forming a Handsome Annual Volume of 664 pages, with a copious index fo
the sum of

ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS.

CLUBS OIF FIVE OR H^OIR-E $1 EACH.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER

HAS NO SUPERIOR IX THE SOUTH, HAVING A LARGE CIRCULATION
AMONGST THE MOST .SUBSTANTIAL FARMERS AND BUSINESS MEN

In the country — the bed customers to every trade, not only on account of
the substantial character of those to whom it is sent, but likewise by the fact
that possessing the additional advantage of bemg in book form and stitched ,
it is, therefore, more apt to be preserved than an ordinary newspap r'
and gives ADVERTISERS A BETTER GHANCE OF KEEPL
THEMSELVES BEE ORE THE PEOPLE'

AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM,

it furnishes a Cheap and Efficacious means of reaching the

Farmers of the whole Southern Country.

It goes into almost every neighborhood in Virginia and North Carolina,
ami also is largely circulated in West Virginia aud the more Southern
State.-.

TERMS FjOB ADVEBTISIXG.

Outside back rover, double rates ; inside back Cover, oO per cent, added to rates. >,",, advertise-
ments taken for front cover. No editorial notice given to advertisements on any consideration,
but notices, &';. may be put in I" ! at contract ;

No charge for advertisen I s than two dollars.

Bills of regular advertisers payable quarterly, if in-- rted fur three or more months.

Payable monthly if inserted for less than three months. Transient advertisers, cash in ad-
»wce.

To insure insertion, we should receive advertisements by the 25th day of the month precedin
that in which they are to appear. We adhere strictly to our printed lates.

L. L«. DICKINSON.

P. 0. Box 54, Richmond, Va.

THE

VIRGINIA PROTECTION

LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,

RICHMOND, VA.

Paid up Capital, ' - $ 50,000

Authorized Capital, - - 200,000

Presents a plan by which the benefits of Life Insurance may be se-
cured by all, at about one-third the usual cost.

Thirteen cents invested each day will secure to your family
$5,000.

No better investment can be made.

J. N. WILKINSON, President.

RICHARD IRBY, Vice President.
H. II. Wilkinson, Secretary.
J. W. Lockwood, Auditor.
C. W. P. Brock, M. D., Medical Adviser.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.

J. N. Wilkinson. J. Thompson Brows,

J. W. Lockwood, J. F. Allen.

DIRECTORS.

J. X. Wilkinson, President.

J. W. Lockwood, Cashier Nat. Bank of Ya.

J. F. Allen, Tobacconist, Franklin St.

Richard Irrt, Superintendent Richmond Architectural Iron
Works.

J. A. Loewenbach. Merchant and Treas. Rawlev Springs Co.

C. W. P. Brock, M. D, Medical Adviser.

J. D. Crump, Wingo, Ellett i Crump.

A. B. Irick, President Nat. Bank, Harrisonburg V».

John A. Coke, Attorney at Law, 1001 Main st.

J. Thompson Brown, Real Estate Agent, 1115 Main st.

H. H. Wilkinson, Secretary.

Thomas J. Paerick, Commission Merchant, Gary st.

Thomas F. West, Attorney at law, 1003 Main st.

oct

FERTXIiIZ&R

Soluble Sea Island Guano

ESPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THE WHEAT CROP.

Ammoiiiated Alkaline Phosphate,

The Granger's Manure. This Manure has been used by them for
the past two years, with great satisfaction.

Bone and .Heal Fertilizer.

This article is combined with Potash, and contains all the elements
necessary for the growth of plant, and maturity of grain.

BALTIMORE AND TEXAS FERTILIZING COMPANY'S

Flour of Bone and Bone Meal,

From our Extensive Factory at Fulton, Texas.

Ammoniaeal Matter,

Of uniform quality, prepared from the flesh of cattle, at our Texas
Factory — an ammoniate superior to Peruvian Guano.

Dissolved Bone.

Bone Phosphate dissolved in Sulphuric Acid, containing 13 per
cent, of Soluble Phosphoric Acid.

Potash Salts

Of our own importation.

Sulphuric Acid,

And all necessary articles to make a good Fertilizer.

For Sale at
Corner of South and Water Streets, - - BALTIMORE,

R. W. L. RAISIN & CO.

■' '■ - ...... ■ ■ ■ . ■.. - •• ■ - ■ • ■ ■ ■■ ~„ ■ , ^—s

_ Subscription REDUCED to $1,50 Per Annum m Advance.

TO CLUBS OF FIVE OR MOKE, ONE DOLLAR EACH.

EST ABLISHED I 1ST 1 8 4 O

m

THE SOUTHERISr

DEVOTED TO

Apicaltare, Horticulture, ml Rural Affairs.

L. R. DICKINSON Editor and Proprietor.

RICHMOND. YA„

NOVEMBER, 1875.

No. 11.

CONTENTS.

Farm Management of the Southside 599

Farming as a Badness 60:3

Tobacco 607

Sheep Husbandry 009

Notes and Items, Xo. 2 609

Warning to Virginia Fanners 613

The Proper Economy in the Treat-
ment and Application of Ma-
nures 615

Orchards 616

Amelia Plantation Observations ... 617

Pnblic Spirit 619

The Perforating Power of Roots... 634
A Very Important Qaestion— Where

are we Drifting to?

The Best Remedy for Poor Land
Peruvian or Tall Meadow Grass. ... 639

Commercial Fertilizers 640

Cultivate More Fruit 648

What Makes the Wight Kind of a

Wife

A New Remedy for Hard Times . /;4l
Pork-Raiaiag Pay in the Old

s? g 15

Sutiblk Hogs

Virginia Delegation at the North
Carolina State Fair

Officers of the State Grange

Maintain Your Organization

The National Grange ; The Mary-
land Patrons; The California
Grangers' Insurance Company...

Recommendation of the Executive
Committee; Junction Grange....

Editorial Departhjott :

The Next Legislature

The Fence Law

Encourage Home Manufactu

:irs of Butter

The Grape Crop oi Albemarle

Colonel W. C. Knight

! Fitz. Lee and his V
North

Pot Flowers in Sleeping Booms

Flues for Curing Tobacco— An In-
quiry

Gen. II. IL Hurt— St. James Hotel
— I"'" Specula-
tion in Cotton

650
650

651

G52

667

C58

RICHMOND CLOTHING EMPORIUM

1007 MAIN STREET, opposite Postoffice,
IR/ICHIIMIOlSnD, "V~JL.

Wilkinson & Withers^

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN

READY-MADE CLOTHING

AND FURNISHING GOODS.

Keep a very large stock of Fine and Medium CLOTHING for City and Coun-
try wear.

Special attention to neat and substantial Clothing for our country friends, con-
sisting of Suits PANTS. VESTS, and Long Sack and Frock OVERCOATS for
horseback riding. " Patrons of Husbandry will take notice."

ALSO,

Large variety of FURNISHING GOODS. Merino and Flannel SHIRTS and
DRAWERS, all grades; CANTON FLANNELS; best JEANS DRAWERS;
Linen and Paper COLLARS. CUFFS. CRAVATS, assorted ; HOSIERY, as-
sorted: LINEN HANDKERCHIEFS: SILK HANDKERCHIEFS: KID
GLOVES, all colors: CASTOR GLOVES; best BCCK GLOVES: HEAVY
RIDING GLOVES, &c, 4c; RUBBER HATS. CAPS and OVERCOATS— in
fact, everything necessary for a first-class Clothing and Furnishing House, all at
the lowest CASH or C.O.D PRICES.

Dress Shirts our Specialty-

SOLE AGENTS FOR

KEEP'S PATENT PARTLY-MADE DRESS SHIRTS

The plan for home-made Shirts on the score of economy is no longer valid.
We will furnish these Shirts, made of best Wamsutta cotton, 2100 Irish Linen
Bosoms and Cuffs, 3-ply ; all sizes, latest styles, open back and front, perfect fit-
ting, only one quality, and guaranteed equal to the best $3 Shirt in any market,
for the low price of $1.25 for men, $1 for boys : selling 500 per week. The net
savin? by using this Shirt in Virginia one year will more than pay the interest on
the public debt of the State. Away. then, with the talk of repudiation. Save
the honor of the Old Dominion by repudiating high-priced Shirts. Sample Shirt
sent by mail on the receipt of $1.25 and 13 cents postage. This Shirt is a public
blessing; so regarded by all who have tried them.

WILKINSON & WITHERS,

Clothiers and Furnishers,

oct -Vo. 1007 Main Street, Richmond, To.

076TJ

#! c. MU*^

THE SOUTHERN

PLANTER & FARMER,

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon.
Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the State.— Sully.

L. R. DICKINSON, ...--- Editor and Proprietor.

New Series. RICHMOND, VA., NOVEMBER, 1875. No. 11

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

FARM MANAGEMENT OF THE SOUTHSIDE.

Our people of the Southside are, with sad unanimity, unprosper-
ous in their agricultural pursuits. The crops that are cultivated do
not, as we cultivate them, yield sufficiently remunerative returns ;
and it is difficult to find for them any promising substitute or means
of adding diversity to our productions. This difficulty is partly
due to the general scarcity of money and partly to the inveteiacy of
long-established habit. New pursuits require some expenditure to
begin them; and the unvarying Southside curriculum of corn, wheat,
oats and tobacco has been handed down to us from a remote ances-
try. Year after year we are continuing to make the tobacco to pay
the laborer, the corn to feed him, the oats for the teams, and the
wheat to pay for guano. The excess, if any, is generally insufficient
to pay taxes and the interest upon debts ; and the proprietor is left,
as his share of the year's results, house rent, fuel, vegetables and
bread. His meat is usually purchased, and his fowls come by grace,
or are raised by his wife.

The existing condition of this region is, to a very great extent,
due to the robbing results of the civil war, of which, to an especial
degree, it was the victim ; but allowing to this its full effect, there is
still among us a state of impecuniositi/ which might have been sensi-
bly mitigated by rightly directed efforts. The soil is not at fault,
nor are our productions unsuited to it; but with the blindness of fa-
tuity we continue agricultural practices which are annually con-
demned by our own experience, and which, as an intelligent Eng-
lishman remarked, would " beggar England in ten years." Is there
any country, except the freshly-settled ones, in which the exhaustive
crops of corn, wheat, oats and tobacco could be expected to yield
profitable returns to a population of farmers who make one of the
distinctive features of their land its nakedness of live stock? We

600 THE SOUTHERN [November

have no facilities for the analysis of commercial manures — no skill
in their scientific application to our especial wants — and, were these
difficulties removed, no capital for profitable investment in them.
Yet, green crops for feeding the hungry soil, cattle, sheep and hogs,
which supply the pabulum of all other agricultural lands, are almost
wholly neglected here; while our dependence is placed upon small
quantities of manufactured manures, of the composition of which we
know nothing : and these are usually applied to but one crop — to-
bacco. They are generally purchased upon credit — to be paid for, with
about 15 per cent, interest, "out of the wheat." A patch of wheat
i? seeded on the surface from which tobacco has been taken, and by
half cultivating a broad expanse of poverty, a beggarly crop of
corn is obtained — -just enough " to last " by half starving the few
a .limals kept upon the place. These are very few indeed. It is not
unusual to find upon a farm of a thousand acres less than a dozen
head of cattle, about as many hogs, and rarely is a sheep seen at all.
The cattle pass the winter in the open air, where they are regaled
upon wheat straw, and, naturally enough, at that season, afford an
insufficient supply of milk and butter, even for domestic use. When
grass puts out in the spring, they are just able to get to it, and the
severity of their " winter keep" is not fully recovered from until the
following July or August. The manure made from such sources is
small in quantity and feeble in quality, and the residuum left by
the winter rains is hauled out in the spring, and applied to the to-
bacco lot. Assisted by "about 200 pounds"' of some one of the
many fertilizers of the day, it yields in the fall five or six hundred
pounds per acre of indifferent tobacco. The proceeds of this to-
bacco, after it has been manipulated during the succeeding winter
and spring, will about pay the hire and support of the laborers, who
have, from first to last, been employed upon it. The wheat crop,
Beetled, upon the tobacco lot of the previous year, has been injured
by chinch bug. too much i;ain, or too little, and yields but a "sorry
crop" — just enough, perhaps, to pay for the fertilizer aforesaid, and
supply seed and a few barrels of flour for the family. All the corn
is necessarily reserved for home consumption, as is the crop of oats ;
and the baffled proprietor finds that, in spite of all the economy he
supposes himself to have practiced, there are demands upon him
which he has no means of meeting.

Such, it is believed, is the condition of a large majority of the
farmers of the Southside region of the State. It is an artificial one.
Our beneficent Maker has not stricken the land with the sterility all
this would imply. He but requires of us the use of the means he
has placed at our disposal. The proper application of these means
are illustrated in every land where agricultural prosperity prevails.
If we read the lesson aright, it would teach us, among other things,
the actual necessity of limiting our cultivation to the area upon
which we can do thorough work ; of keeping, to the full capacity of
our farms, improved stock of all kinds ; of increasing the quantity
ami quality of home-made manures by fair feeding and precautions

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 601

against their waste; and of making profit from the manure machine-
ry by the sale of beef, butter, mutton and wool.

Are none of these things possible to us ? The heaviest cost we
annually encounter, except in the gratification of our personal tastes
and habits, is the pay and maintenance of laborers. Can we not
reduce their number, and limit our cultivation to the surface which
it is possible, in some way, to manure? If your present corn field
of forty acres produces two barrels to the acre, can you not, by con-
centrating your efforts on one half of that surface — by green ma-
nures, thorough and timely culture — greatly increase the yield and
sensibly diminish the cost of production? And Avill not this rule ap-
ply as well to all the crops you cultivate ?

It is believed that these questions can be answered in the affirma-
tive. The matters involved in them are of vital importance, and
our necessities demand immediate action in the direction to which
they point. Let the farmer who has satisfied himself that his occu-
pation, as now conducted, is profitless, prepare at once for a " new
departure." Let him begin the use of green manures, as the readi-
est and cheapest revenue at command — repeating, if necessary, upon
the same surface. And should he obtain from them the benefit they
elsewhere afford, let him not, after the good old Virginia custom, in
such cases made and provided, forthwith abandon their use! He is
poor, but he has a few cows. Let him contrive to feed and shelter
them well duVing the coming winter, and, at the proper season, pro-
cure them access to a thoroughbred bull. By continuing such care
and management for a few years, at the end of them he will have an
improved herd, from which profit can be derived. Meanwhile, let
him make good use of the improved manure which he will find to be
at once accumulating. It is not probable that he has a sheep. Let
him contrive to procure six, if no more, and, if it be possible, breed
them to a thoroughbred ram. Keep all the ewe lambs, and begin
to feed the flock sparingly in early winter, that their digestive organs
may be able to manage the full feeding which hard weather will re-
quire. In a short time he will have as many sheep as he should
have. Then, with a full herd and flock of improved animals, the
further exercise of energy and common sense will greatly advance
his position and prospects. They will not probably make a fortune
for him, but will materially assist in securing bread, meat, and a
home for his family. These blessings he now holds by a tenure
which cannot even be called precarious. His efforts at rising out
of his hereditary agricultural ruts will be greatly aided by the regu-
lar reading of one or more of the agricultural periodicals of the day.
"Without believing everything he finds in them, he can yet see what
is elsewhere accomplished by the use of means wdiich lie in his own
reach.

The writer of this article, in but rehearsing to his fellow farmers
what most of them know as well as he does, disclaims any assump-
tion of uncommon wisdom, or the possession of its fruits. He is
also their fellow sufferer ; and the picture he has drawn would

602 THE SOUTHERN [November

scarcely be an exaggeration had he sat for it himself. He has. how-
ever, at a comparatively earlier date, become restless in traveling
alone the road to ruin, and earnestly looked out for some impedi-
ment to his progress in that direction. He hopes to have found it.
Clogged in every effort by want of money, he has slowly adopted' as
manv of the expedients here indicated as have, so far. been possible
to him : and while no great results have yet been achieved, has al-
readv found grounds of encouragement. The manure from his farm,
still discreditable in amount, has been nearly doubled, while the am-
plitude of his manure heaps has effected a great economy in the
guano department. His place is assuming an air of improvement,
and his efforts, if not actually cheered by uthe gentle dawning of a
bright success.'" are encouraged by the hope of their ultimately pro-
curing under the blessing of Providence, exemption from some of
the ills that now so heavily press upon the disheartened rural popu-
lation of Southside Virginia. • M. B.
Amelia County. Va.

[Note by the Editor. — It is an absolute luxury to see an example like this.
Our correspondent is one of the most accomplished gentlemen in the State, and
we can bear witness to his untiring devotion to its interests, and his lively con-
cern in everything tending to ameliorate the condition of our people. In such
examples is to be found the power that will silentiv but surely work for us the
changes that our necessities demand shall be made.

The example of Father Oberlix. in the Ban de 7a Roche, changed for the
better in temporal things, a whole Department. Our people are blessed beyond
anything he had to encounter, and should respond with proportionately less
pressure, and we know they will if those in our midst, to whom fortune has been
kindest, will not abate their interest in the general well-being : and will put this
interest into deeds, as our correspondent has done.

We are glad to know that the condition of things, represented by our corres-
pondent, is not universal on the Southside. We present an example : An esti-
mable gentleman living in Surry county, gives this as his experience since the
war : " I came out of the war without a dollar : I now own. paid for, three fine
estates, and every cent of it was made out of the land." Upon being asked how
he did it, when so many were complaining that there was nothing in the business,
he answered, " By giving the same close and unremitting attention to my business
that you people do in town to yours. I keep an absolutely accurate account with
every field, and every terson on my estates. I take nothing for granted, but see
that everything is in the shape I desire it. I know of no possible business in
which I can make money as rapidly as I am making it now, and hence have no
desire to abandon farming. I might groan forever over my losses in the past,
but that will not make my pot boil." Why, now, should this gentlemau stand
alone? Business ability is not confined to towns, it belongs to the race, and
must be exercised if we expect to advance as other people have.]

It does not make much difference how intelligent a man may be
in other respects, nor how much capital he has to start with; if he
has had no experience in the business, he lacks the main element of
success.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. • 603

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

FARMING AS A BUSINESS.

Problematical as it may seem to the casual observer, yet it is
nevertheless true, that farming as a business in this country, and
particularly in Virginia, pays less thau any of the principal occupa-
tions of our people.

The able statistician, Col. J. R. Dodge, of the Agricultural De-
partment, in the Report for 1873, uses the following significant lan-
guage: k*The returns for farm labor are substantially in inverse
ratio to the numbers engaged in it." That is, that the census valua-
tion of farm products are generally greater in those States having
the largest proportion engaged in other industries, and vice versa
smaller in those States having the largest percentage of their popu-
lation engaged in agriculture.

Let us contrast the most exclusively agricultural States with
those least so. giving the percentages of farmers and the value of
farm products to each person engaged in agriculture. Some allow-
ance must, of course, be made for differences in the fertility of soil
and the facilities for transportation to market :

Per Cent. Value.

Mississippi 81.29

Alabama 79.84 231

South Carolina.. 78.48 202

North Carolina 76.64 214

Virginia 59.26 211

Per Cent. Value.

Nevada $801

Massachusetts 12.56 442

Rhode Island 13.30 404

New Jersey 21.32 676

Connecticut 22.05 606

In contrasting Virginia with New Jersey, we find that 59.26 per
cent, of her population is engaged in agriculture, while in New Jer-
sey only 21.32 per cent, are farmers : and while the value of the
products in the former is only £211 per capita, in the latter it is
(676 — more than three times as much. Virginia has but 11.97 per
cent, of her population engaged in manufacturing, while New Jersey
has 34.95 per cent, thus engaged; demonstrating clearly, as Adam
Smith said, that "a strictly agricultural community can never be a
prosperous one," and proving the influence of manufactures on the
profits of agriculture. The statistics prove also another significant
fact: that while the 31.90 per cent, engaged in manufactures in
New Jersey earn each, males and females, annually, 8432. the 59.26
per cent, of Virginia farmers earn only $105.50. In order to ascer-
tain the average earnings per capita of those engaged in agriculture
in Virginia, we must take from the average value ta of farm

products $211, the capital employed in the shape of lands, teams,
tools, expenses, fcc., which, for convenience, we estimate at one-half.

604 • THE SOUTHERN [November

This gives us $105.50 the actual earnings, which is too great, as
any practical farmer knows, as the expenditure for labor is not half
the cost 6f raising a crop.

The following is compiled from the census of 1870, showing the
earnings of operatives in the several industries mentioned:

Wages per Capita

Manufacturers — General $377

Do. Boots and shoes 463

Do. Cotton '. 295

Do. Wool 335

Do. Iron 564

Do. Leather 414

Do. Tobacco 356

Mining • 482

In some special manufactures requiring a high degree of skill the
operatives earn much more, as in the manufacture of sewing ma-
chines they earn $705 average.

In the above tables only average results are given. In glancing
over them and contrasting the earnings in manufactures and mining
with the pittance to the poor, hard-working farmer, is it any wonder
that so many of our active, enterprising young men desert the farm
for something that pays better ? We must make farming more
profitable, or they will continue to leave the avocation of their
fathers.

To enumerate all the causes that operate to depress farm industry
would swell this article much beyond its desired limits. Want of
system, defective cultivation, and bad management, all operate to
lessen the profitable results from the farm. But the greatest hin-
drance to, and weightiest incubus upon, profitable farming is the
Exchanging element, aided by capital, combination, and corners
that suck the life-blood of rural industry. Here colossal fortunes
are made by depriving the hardy sons of toil out of their honest
earnings. Aided by the professional element, they control legisla-
tion, State and Federal, that operates to confer the greatest good
upon the favored few. It's a shame on our government that agri-
culture, which feeds all other industries, is barely left a meagre
support, while other industries are fostered and encouraged to prey
upon this foundation source of the nation's wealth. The legalized
swindle of national banking robs the industries of the country annu-
ally of nearly twenty millions of dollars, filched mostly from the
pockets of the agriculturists. Money is liberally used to influence
legislation in robbing the honest working people and to promote
schemes for wholesale plunder. Rings and combinations have
grown insulting and exacting, and openly advocate measures to in-
crease their predatory powers. The press of the country, the
educators of the masses, controlled almost entirely by men whose
interest it is to cheapen subsistence, is profuse in praise of farming
and rural pursuits, and lavish in advice to farmers' boys to stick to

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 605

the farm. If the editors and writers had ever earned their bread
"in the sweat of their faces" on the farm, and borne the heat and
burden of the hay and harvest field, they would then know how hard
and discouraging it is to labor for $ 105 a year, the meagre compe-
tence for a year's hard work. Sentinels of the nation's safety !
Guides of the country's progress! come to the rescue of the toiling
masses who produce the meat and bread that feed and the staples
that clothe the nation. Hard times are upon us, and no wonder,
since agriculture languishes. Ceres, though loaded down with
sheaves, stands ragged, sad and disconsolate, weeping o'er her for-
lorn subjects. Yours the duty to relieve, to sustain, and to cherish
her. Provide no more subjects until those she has are better cared
for. To drop this mythological figure, there is something radically
wrong somewhere, when farm labor fails to afford a decent support.
No wonder that our lands are depreciated and homesteads for sale,
whose once thrifty and happy owners are now hopelessly bankrupt.
No wonder our prisons are filled with the nation's wards, and large
sums drawn annually from the State treasury to defray criminal
prosecutions, the bulk of which is for thieving. Disguise it as you
may, Virginia farmers cannot afford to pay at present more than a
bare support to laborers when in health. When sickness comes into
the cabin of the laborer, want comes along with it, and the inmates
steal for a living.

The exchanging element would say, of any other commodity than
subsistence, "increase the demand, and consequently the price, by
limiting the supply." To raise no more than we can sell profitably,
is the true economy. To reduce our surplus products to a paving
standard, by a diversification of crops, and, as far as possible, raising
everything and manufacturing what is needed on the farm, is the
only way we can hope to succeed. To secure profitable diversifi-
cation, we must increase the number of manufacturing industries,
and bring about a healthier balance of supply and demand. We
have only to follow in the lead of more prosperous communities to
insure prosperity to our long-languishing industry. We must lessen
the percentage of exchangers and increase the number of manufac-
turers; raise more grass, more stock, and more manure; hire less
help and do more work, especially brain work, if we expect better
results.

The picture we have drawn of Virginia farming, proven by facts
and statistics, is indeed a dark one, but, nevertheless, it is true. If
we would correct the evils that retard, and the wrongs that prey
upon our industry, we must see our situation clearly and look our
difficulties squarely in the face. Thank God, our situation is neither
hopeless, nor the evils and wrongs that embarrass us irremediable.
As a class, we are organizing for action. Slowly but surely will
come deliverance and relief, if we are true to each other, to our
families, and to ourselves. Self-interest, as well as the highest in-
stincts of patriotism, demand that we shall assert our rights, pro-
mote our happiness, and elevate our calling. As we support all, we

606 THE SOUTHERN [November

must seek to promote the welfare of all, by laboring in every honor-
able way to secure and perpetuate an honest and just government.
We uiu^t seek to arrest the evil tendency of the age. For —

•• ID fares the land, to hast'ning ills a pi
Where wealth accumulates and men decay:
Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade:
A breath can make them, as a breath has made:
But a bold peasantry, their country's pride.
When once destroy 'd can neTer be supplied.

Halifax county) Va. R. L. Raglabd.

Note by the Editor. — It is needless to commend the ability of Mai. Raglaxd,
for we all know it. There is no sign of the times in Virginia so hopeful as the
growing disposition to fight radical evils. Capt. Chamberlayne. elsewhere in
this book, sounds the slogan of change, and we trust he will not lack followe:
brave a3 he is. If the "" exchanging element " works evil instead of good, it will
have to be remodeled or abolished. If anything clogs the general progress, we
are not true to ourselves if we cease our opposition until it is removed. B
not the trouble more deep-seated than the " exchanging element." To us it ap-
pears to be in the fatal policy we have ever pursued of dividing our power instead
<ceni rating it. Sobieski. than whom no cause ever boasted a truer knight,
deemed his work thrown away, for Poland deserved to be a slave. Instead of
harmony she had strife; and the great matter of her deliverance was sacrificed
because her reason did not r>se superior to internal difficulties, which were never
solved, and which weighed as a feather against the vital issue of her life a- a
people. Are we a people in harmony? Witness the deplorable bitterne—
feeling now existing between the towns and the country. Combinations of indi-
viduals for the purpose of pelf avail nothing against a general unity of iutere:
and this is proved, in the most unanswerable way. by the very figures the Major
•~nts; for he shows that where manufactures prevail the agriculturist is more
than three times as well orr as where they do not

We want a stror ig Si and never tire of declaiming about our resources.

What have we done with these resources? Not taken practical interest enough
in them to have even a collection made of them, to say nothing of the provi-
of a proper person to be ready at all times to explain where they are. what they
promise, or anything at all about them. How ha^e we induced the establish-
ment of manufactures ? By tob often holding the rights to our available water-
power at prices that nothing but an insane man would give : and so keeping
them, as millstones around our necks, to impoverish us (for they must pay tc.
and our children after us. As the earth is of God's making, and not ours, no
man has a right to hold any portion of it without either putting it to use himself
or letting somebody else do it. Where factories have been established, bow
have they been fostered? By diligently cursing the North, but sending to it for
nearly everything we use. Wealth comes by the conversion of product* as well
as by the growth of them : and every laborer's mouth to be filled in town h
the price of every laborer's produce in the country. How do we provide mar.
kets for ourproduc:- Stal a noted for rapid growth in wealth have one great
central market, to which everything tends, because where there are the most
buyers there will be found the most competition : and where there is the most
competition there the best prices will be secured. This is a natural law too
plaiu to be expounded. We in Virginia, on the contrary, have markets all over

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 607

the State, each one fighting the other, and none of them of sufficient prominence
to make any particular figure in the markets of the country at large. And so on
to the end of the chapter. m

To make farming profitable, other things mast be made profitable too. fur a
State is a complex affair: and it behooves our representative men. among whom
the Major has long been prominent, to make the inquiry general and searching,
and wherever defects exist (and we have shown they are not few) to see that a
remedy is applied : and the sooner this is undertaken the better it will be for
all of us.

That better legislation than we have had is needed, we suppose no one will
deny: but how it is to be done, with the negro as a voter, we are not prepared
to say. Thus far, sheep and suffrage have not worked together, and the sheep
have invariably gone down. With the vote of the negro, and demagogues to use
it, there is a right good prospect of our bearing for some time longer the ills we
have in this direction; for if we credit the announcements we see in the papers,
about election time, signed " Many Voters," we are compelled to believe that
men are to be found throughout the State who would not refuse to take office.

Xo laborer, whether white or negro, has occasion to steal, if he will work.
That the latter do steal, is as old as the race.

" Negro," i-aid I. " horrid demon — net ro still, if slave or freedman —
Think again before you answer this one question, I implore:
Have you yet u" sense of feeling— do you mean to live by stealing,
Or by working and fair dealing— tell me, tell me. I implore;
On your honor, as a i)e,rro. will you labor as before?"
Quoth the nejiro: "Jrenemore."

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

TOBACCO.

The tobacco crop this year is said to be much larger than is
usually made these latter days. It being the only crop upon which
the planter can most confidently rely for the means to meet the
onerous taxation imposed upon him, an increased area was planted.
There were fine seasons for its growth, time enough for it to ripen,
and the finest sort of weather for housing it. There are many ways
practiced in curing it. If it was desired to have it dark, it. was cut
and housed, and then, before it had time to yellow, moderate fires
were left under it during the day until the leaf was cured, ami then
increased so as to dry the stem, taking some seven or eight days for
the process: but the heat should never be so great at any time as to
force the oil out of the tobacco along with the water it contains.
Others, after curing the leaf — taking for the purpose some three or
four days — would stop the fires, and fire afterwards in damp weather
to keep it from getting in soft order, the which, if permitted too
often, will stripe the tobacco and make it chaffy . If one desired to
cure his tobacco bright, it was permitted to remain either in the
house or on the scaffold, a little crowded, until sufficiently yellow —
the time for which would depend upon the temperature of the at-
mosphere, it requiring a little warmth for the purpose; then firing
Dove. Then, too, some permit it to remain on the scaffold to
cure as long as the weather is fair, then firing afterwards when likely
to get too soft. Others again hang it up in their bams as soon as
cut, and leave it to cure in its own way.

608 THE SOUTHERN [November

It having been thoroughly cured in some way, leaf and stem, the
last of November, or any time thereafter when in suple order, it can
be taken' down and packed on platforms, lapping the tobacco about a
foot, and weighted ^but not very heavily), setting up pine bushes or
wheat straw around the bulk to keep it from drying out. When the
stripping commences, the tobacco should be well shaken to loosen it
and to get rid of some of the dirt generally adhering to some of the
lower leaves. A reliable hand should be selected to cull it, taking
off the bottom leaves and those that are badly eaten by the worms.
It is then thrown to an assorter, who looks over the plant hastily
and throws it to the pile to which it belongs — to the long dark, or
long bright, or short of both sorts, or separately, or to the lug pile.
The long tobacco is tied up neatly in bundles of five leaves, with
split ties of the same quality, taken most commonly from a torn leaf,
or from one that has been injured by the worms. The ties should
cover the ends of the stems and extend just low enough down — never
more than an inch — to hold the leaves well together. Short tobacco
is tied up in bundles of six leaves, and lugs of eight. The leaves in
every bundle should be of the same length, except the lugs. The
tobacco is packed as it is stripped, often in packs not longer than a
tobacco stick ; and when the stripping is completed, and the weather
favorable for the purpose, the whole is repacked in much longer
piles, and heavily weighted. A little olive oil, or hog's lard, melted,
used in the handling adds much to its appearance. The tobacco is
taken from this pile and sold loose; or, if it is intended. to be kept
on hand or prized in shipping order, it remains in the pack until the
last of March or first of April, and is then rehung and dried out by
having small fires under it, if the weather should not be favorable
for the purpose. If it is permitted to get soft it loses all the benefit
of having been repacked. After it is entirely dry, on some balmy
day thereafter it can be taken down and repacked, and heavily
weighted, ready for prizing, or to remain on hand safely for any
length of time.

The increase in the consumption of tobacco keeps pace, if it does
not go beyond its production; so we need not be afraid of making
too much — provided, it is of the best quality. Its use has become
universal ; whether for good or for evil, let those who use it answer.
Men of the highest standing in morality and religion, and of un-
bounded influence, favor and practice its use. Princely fortunes are
made by very many who engage in its traffic, while the planter gets
very poorly paid for the large amount of dirty toil he undergoes in
its cultivation, not one of whom coming under the writer's obser-
vation ever made a fortune by its cultivation. In order to get the
best paid for his labor, let every farmer improve the quality of his
tobacco, and let buyers discriminate more in prices between a good
and an inferior article, and then the Richmond tobacco market will
be just what it ought to be — the best in the world.

Chesterfield county, October 4th, 1875. W. W. H.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 609

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
SHEEP HUSBANDRY.

The English date their improvement in agriculture from the time
of their attention to sheep raising; but they had mutton-sheep only,
■whose droppings are like calves'. They raise immense crops of tur-
nips for their food in winter. And it is this class of sheep my expe-
rience is in. Your correspondents seem to consider the value of the
■wool alone. I consider the carcass the profit; wool pays for the
keep — the more the attention and feed, the better the remuneration
in both. •

You think our farmers are disposed to raise sheep. I have al-
ways noticed beginners have strong tendencies to extremes; some
think they need no feeding — anything will do them; "they will
eat the running brier by the yard." All this is a mistake. Thev
require less than other animals, and they will nibble the tender end
of briers; and if the brier was removed frequently, doubtless they
would eat the tender shoots as they put out; but this they would f!o
as an alterative, as you see cattle sometimes leave luxurious grass to
eat old, dry straw Another erroneous idea — "sheep will bear
crowding." Crowd sheep on the farm and they will skin it into
poverty; not one will ever be fit for the butcher or the table; none
will sell; consequently it will embarrass the owner to know what to
do with them. He will have to adopt the plan I heard of : as win-
ter approaches chase them, all he can catch cut their throats for the
felt, as too weak to encounter the winter; and thus end in failure,
loss, disgust, abandonment.

Advise farmers entering into sheep husbandry to begin only with
as many as they can furnish grass enough for in the summer and a
moderate supply of food in the winter, a fair proportion of which
should be of turnips or otlier roots, or cabbage leaves — especially for
ewes; beans promote the growth'of wool. Increase the number as
the means of keeping increases, always bearing in mind sheep of
any kind will always do better in small than large flocks.

I have now complied with your request in a very plain way, and
short ; the latter you editors prefer.

Clarke county, Va. J. "W. "Ware.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

NOTES AND ITEMS, No. 2.

In speaking of peas, in the October No. of the Planter, I re-
marked that I was growing the black and another variety called the
shinney. My attention was first called to this pea years ago, when
farming in another State, by reading the essay of Mr. Ruflin, re-
ferred to in the last number, and I then tried, unsuccessfully, to ob-
tain a supply of seed. I have this year grown some two acres of
this variety, and am very well pleased with it; indeed, for the pur-
poses to which I put the pea, I prefer it vastly, as far as one year's

610 THE SOUTHERN [November

experience can go. to the black, or. indeed, any pea I have ever
grown. Mr. Boffin's description of this pea is so accurate, and his
estimate so just, that I cannot do better than to quote his exact
words. H^ Bays :

The motile! or shinney pea. which has been so much celebrated
in latter years, differs in some respects from all others. The seeds
are of a light brownish color, thickly streaked or mottled with
deeper brown. It is deemed by farmers who have tried it longer
and more fully than myself, to be one of the heaviest vine-bearers,
and also by far the most productive in grain. Mr. Robert Chisholm,
of Beaufort. S. C. in 1850, first brought this pea into general no-
tice. This gentleman, whose intelligence and observation deserve all
ect, made careful comparisons, both by observation and by weigh-
ings of this with other then most valued kinds of pea, and reported
of them as follows, in the American Farmer, of May. l^ol : From
the few seeds first obtained and planted in the spring, he gathered
the earliest ripe seeds, and sowed them a^ain in Ju!v. along with the
'■v pea (or buff?), obtained from four different localities, a red
pea ''called there the " Chickasaw ") said to be very productive, and
also another favorite early pea. The products of seeds were not
measured ; but. to the eye, there was no doubt as to the superior
production of the shinne Subsequently, for accurate experi-

ment and comparison. Mr. Chisholm had gathered separately and
weighed the pod* - g ^hered, from measured spaces of three

kinds, and found them as follows :
A quarter acre of a favorite kind of red pea yielded of pods.. 280 lbs

do. do. of "cow peas r" (query, buff?) . 82 "

An acre of Shinney peas, alongside of the cow peas, lbs. 1288

or to the quarter acre. .... 322 "

It is probable that the much greater weight of the pods of the
shinney pea was in some measure increased by the greater thickness
of the covering hulls of this variety. Still, there must have been
an important increase of the grain alone.

This mottled or shinney pea 1 saw in Fendleton. South Carolina,
in 1843. and heard it recommended as a valuable kind by different
farmers. One of them was the Hon. Job ilhoun, who gave

me a supply of seed. After some years trial and of comparison by
the eye of this with various other kinds. I abandoned the mottled
pea. for some of its peculiarities which recommended it to other per-
sons. These were — 1-:. the long time of successive ripening of the
pods, requiring different times of gathering, and slow work. 2d.
The difficulty of beating out the seed from the hard, tough and
closely joined hulls. But neither these nor any other objections
counterbalance the greater productiveness of the mottled pea —
which quality I aid not test by measurement, and therefore did not
suspect. *****

It was also noted, as a peculiar value found in the mottled pea, that
the vines were pulled up, still green and full of leaves, after most of
the pods were ripe, and were thus cured for hay.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 611

This last peculiarity noticed by Mr. Ruffin is one that recommends
it very highly to me. To-day, after three light frosts, the black pea
vines are entirely denuded of leaves, and the stalk apparently dried,
while the shinney is full of perfectly ripe peas and green, luxuriant
leaves, and the stem still green and succulent. I have used an acre
or two of peas for feeding my horses and milch cows in the stable,
and find them superior to the best clover, with oats as grain feed;
while with the pea no grain is required. The peas cut for this pur-
pose were the black, and the ground being in good heart, they ran
and intertwined so thickly as to render mowing a difficult task The
shinney pea grows more upright, with very little disposition to run,
and I think, without having a great deal of experience, will be far
preferable as a crop for feeding green on this account.

Another advantage that it possesses for this purpose is that the
peas, when fully ripe, are very difficult to shell out ; while the black
pea, if ripe, will, if cut, after being exposed to the sun until dry,
shatter out very badly. With my limited experience, it would, per-
haps, be presumptious in me to express a positive opinion of the
merits of the pea as a forage crop. But as I have been practising
soiling to a greater or less extent for ten years, and during that time
have tried almost everything that has ever been used for the purpose,
I feel at least that I may say what my own practice for the future
shall be, unless my experience is different in the future from what it
has been in the past. I shall hereafter devote at least one half of
the land hitherto devoted to rye, oats and sowed corn for soiling to
the growing of peas for that purpose, as 1 am satisfied that more and
better food can be raised in this way, and at less detriment to the
land. Indeed, I am inclined to think that, as in the case of clover,
the entire crop grown may be removed from the soil, and the roots
will improve the land. I have somewhat modified my views about
the best method of planting peas. Until this year, I have been very
much in favor of drilling them in, in rows two feet apart, and run-
ning the coulter between the rows. I believe now, for the general
crop, I prefer broadcasting. My reasons are that you get more
vine and vastly more roots by broadcasting than by drilling, and
that the latter are thoroughly distributed through the entire soil.
One and a quarter bushels of the shinney pea or one and three
quarters of the black is about the right quantity for an acre.

Two years ago I bought a peck of small, round, white pea, called
by the grocer of whom I bought them the Gallivant. These were
sown broadcast about the middle of July on a piece of very poor,
sandy land, and superphosphate at the rate of 200 pounds per acre
sown with them, and the whole harrowed in together. The peas
came up finely, and made a splendid growth, and by the last of Sep-
tember, when they were turned under to prepare land for strawber-
ries, they stood about two feet high, very thick, and full of peas,
only a few of which were ripe. This pea I found was a bush va-
riety, and ran very little, if any. I speak of it now because I
think it would be an excellent thing to sow in corn at the last plow-

612 THE SOUTHERN [November

ing. as it would give a very fine growth before frost, and not inter-
fere in any way with the pulling of fodder or cutting up the corn.
The seed being very small, a bushel, or even less, would be sufficient
to seed an acre. Buckwheat may be sown the same way, and gives
a very good crop on good land without any apparent injury to the
corn crop. As a means of putting all the stock on the farm in
splendid condition in the fall at a very small expense, I consider
these two crops, grown in this way. invaluable. Hogs turned into
a corn field where the peas are plenty will scarcely ever touch the
corn, and nothing will put them forward faster. My observations
in the gathering of the crop of peas this fall has convinced me that
superphosphate will pay when applied to this crop. Next year I
shall use 100 pounds per acre on all my peas, and 200 pounds on
some as an experiment — being fully convinced that it will pay in the
long run better than upon any other crop I can apply it to.

About plowing in peas. I find myself compelled to differ from
most persons, though Mr. Ruffin seems inclined to the same opinion
with myself. I do not think that the crop should be plowed in when
green and succulent, but that it is best to wait until it has fully ma-
tured, and has shrunken very much in bulk. Indeed, I do not know
but that it may be plowed in with equal advantage at any time dur-
ing the winter. The leaves of peas are very soft, and decay rap-
idly, and when they fall upon the ground they appear to cling to it,
and are scarcely ever blown away. Many of those of this season's
growth that fell from the vines two or three Aveeks ago. are now
nearly entirely decayed, and stick to the soil as if they were glued
there, and the soil all through the field is dark with them.

FEEDING HOGS.

The most common practice, both in Virginia and Northward, is
to put hogs to fatten in a small, dry pen, and then feed them the
most concentrated food. This I cannot think is the best method,
and repeated experiment has proven to me that it is not the most
economical.

Hogs should be put to fatten when they come off the stubble
fields, that they may not lose the impetus of growth and improve-
ment they have acquired in gleaning the fields. I have found a
small field of rye sown for the purpose excellent to give hogs a start,
as it sheds them off nicelv. and starts them to growing finelv. When
taken off of rye. they should be put on clover, and fed corn mode-
rately until green corn is a little past the proper condition for roast-
ing years. The corn should then be cut up and fed to them stalk
and all as long as the stalk is green, after which it should be shucked
and given to them in the field. I know that many will say that the
hogs will run all the fat off of them if allowed so much range : but
a hog that has enough to eat will not travel any more than just
enough to obtain clover and grass sufficient to preserve his health.
Of course, if any one has a pea field, that will answer very well in
the place both of clover and corn, though I prefer feeding corn an

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 613

the time. Pumpkins are an excellent substitute for grass, and tur-
nips will answer, though not so well. Hogs should at all times, and
especially when fattening, have a supply of charcoal by them. It
is astonishing how much they will eat. Every one has observed that
hogs that are fall fed on corn and closely confined Avill lie and pant,
even in cold weather. This is caused by the heating effects of the
corn, and arises from a feeling really similar to the heart burn in the
human subject. The free use of charcoal neutralizes all acids in
the stomach, and hogs that have it to go to at all times will never
suffer in this way. It is much more economical to fatten hogs in
warm than in cold weather, and they will then consume much in the
way of green food that the frost will destroy. All things consid-
ered, I think a hundred pounds of meat can be made in August.
September and October for about one half what it costs to make it
in November, December or January. Chester.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
WARNING TO VIRGINIA FARMERS.

What has caused the ruin of many nations once powerful and
prosperous ? History proves that in most cases it was the deteriora-
tion and devastation of the soil ; and no nations have ever maintained
themselves that did not preserve the elements of its existence, and
that of their increase; and all countries where the soil did not get
back from the hands of man the elements essential for the return of
good yields, have fallen into desolation and sterility.

The belief with which many people comfort themselves, that the
land in Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Italy, which once yielded large
crops, can ever again be made permanently productive, is completely
idle and vain. The emigration from Ireland will therefore last
another century, and the population of Spain and Greece can never
exceed a certain very narrow limit. Ever since this country was
first settled its inhabitants have carried on the most rapacious sys-
tem of farming, and the present generation is aware that it must
suffer for the sins of it* ancestors. The first settlers raised
crops after crops on the virgin soil until the yield declined, when
the larger number of them moved farther west, looking for another
chance to repeat their destructive operation, while those who re-
mained behind have been, and are trying now, to worry out of the
soil as much as they possibly can, instead of economizing and re-
turning what they have taken out of it.

The only efficient remedy against that chronic disease is manure.
No system of farming is remunerative for any length of time without
manure. Thorough and clean cultivation of the soil, a judicious
rotation of crops, with the use of clover and grass, may delay the
deterioration of the soil, but not prevent it. The time is bound to
come when the land will be too poor to produce clover and grass.
Commercial fertilizers, plaster, lime, &c, are in many cases very
useful for assisting the effects of manure, but not more. The appli-

614 THE SOUTHERN [October

cation of this remedy is the more difficult as the patient does
not comprehend his condition. The farmers are like a consumptive,
whose looking-glass shows him, in his imagination, a picture of
healthfulness, who even interprets favorably the most appalling
symptoms of the disease and his most severe sufferings, complain-
ing only of a little tiredness. So the farmer is complaining only of
a little tiredness of his land — there is nothing else the matter with
it. The consumptive thinks that a toddy would restore his strength,
but the physician does not allow it, because it furthers the develop-
ment of the disease. In the same way the farmer thinks that a
little guano would help his land, while with the use of it he is only
hastening its complete exhaustion.

It takes years before an insolvent, bad manager declares himself
bankrupt. He does not give up the delusive hope of rescue before
he has ruined his relations and friends, and before his last silver
spoon is put in pawn. Likewise the descent of nations to the con-
dition of poverty and desolation is a slow process of self-destruction,
which can last many hundred years before people are aware of the
disastrous consequences of their portentous system of farming, when
they generally try to help with improvements, each of which is a
memorial of the exhaustion of the soil.

The fact that nearly every farmer considers his system of farming
to be the best, and that his land will never cease to yield, has caused
the most complete carelessness and indifference about the future, as
far as it is dependent on agriculture. So it was with all nations
which have caused their ruin by their own doings, and no political
wisdom will save this country from that fate if the people do not
give the proper attention to the signs of the impoverishment of the
soil, and to the earnest warnings and teachings of history and sci-
ence. The land in Virginia is not so far exhausted yet that the
present yield of crops could not, in the course of a few years, be
doubled, with the help of those materials which have heretofore
been improperly wasted. Would that not furnish a basis to settle
the question of the public debt upon ? — a question about which many
ineffectual plans have been proposed. The owners of land are the
only class in Virginia who can pay the public debt, and if they do
not their full share toward redeeming the honor of the State, the
debt might just as well be repudiated at once.

Nelson county, Va. Lons Ott.

[Note by the Editor. — Such warnings must not only be sounded, but acted
upon. The Hon. George P. Marsh has done in America a special service in
this direction. His work, " The Earth as Modified by Human Action" shows
us the manner in which man has treated his inheritance, and that, from the be-
ginning, he has been |the " lord of creation," with a vengeance. This book is
made to last ; and no thinking man, especially in agriculture, can have by him a
companion who will prove more suzgestive, or enable him better to regulate his
conduct as a part of the complex machinery the Almighty has set in motion on
the earth.]

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 615

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE PROPER ECONOMY IN THE TREATMENT AND AP-
PLICATION OF MANURES

Is one of the most importance in the practice of agriculture ; but the
main object of the farmer generally, seems to be to get his manire
out of the way and give employment to the man and team when
there is nothing else to do ; therefore he employs leisure time, no
matter when, to draw out and spread the manure; no mat er in what
condition the land or the manure, he gets it out of the way. and
trusts Providence for some further benefit. Suppose our capitalists
should invest their capital in that way, they would soon be as poor as
our farmers are. How should they do ?

They should make a depression in the barn yard, large enough to
hold all the wash of the manure heap, and pave it with cobble st< na
or concrete and cover it with a coat of water, lime and mortar, well laid
on, so as to make it water-tight. Place the manure where the drain-
age will all be deposited in this tank, let the winter rains leach it —
the more the better. If there should not be rain enough, it will pay
to procure water in some other way, as water is the best absorbent
of all soluble food for plants, and must be the medium through which
all nourishments reach their roots, therefore the sooner barn yard
manure is made into a solution, the more will be preserved for appli-
cation directly to the growing plants, which is the most economical
way to apply all soluble manures.

As soon as the cattle are turned out of the yard in the spring the
manure should be sheltered from the sun, but not from the rain. A
slight covering of earth with straw over it ; if straw be too valuable,
weeds or worthless litter, such as "woods trash," or pine chips from
the wood shed, or brush will do as well.

All the winter manure that has been well leached, should be made
into hot-beds to start, and also to grow early vegetables in, if there
be more than is wanted for starting.

Hot-beds may remain the second year as cold frames, with an ad-
ditional covering of fresh earth to advantage, which is an economical
way of composting long manure that has been leached ; the earth
covering will arrest the escaping gases while it is being transformed
into humus, the most valuable of insoluble manures, it being capable
of re-absorbing as much food for plants as has been set free in the
process of its own formation, and giving it out to their roots on their
application.

All soils, Avhether cultivated or not, are more or less active at all
times in collecting and setting free their fertilizing qualities, received
from the winds and rains and other sources. The soil that contains
the best proportion of humus, will retain the most of the passing
plant food, until their roots < all for it ; but it is best that all soluble
manures should be retained in their solution, until the seed to be
nourished by it is planted, as it is all ready to be utilized by the
plant. It is also ready to be set free by the soil in its continued ac-

616 THE SOUTHERN [November

tion, and pass off in gas and water unless arrested by the roots of
plants, therefore all soluble manures should be applied in a -
solution to growing crops, as the most economical in every i
The insoluble part should be composted or made into he :- . - Is and
u?el for two or three years as cold frames, well covered with earth
until it has been converted into hnmra it ma} be plowed deep
into the soil, if not too dry, and there left until transformed into
humus by the soil. D. S. Howard.

field county, Va.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
ORCHARI

Is it not a shame that Virginia — one of the best States in the

Union for fruit-raising — should allow thousands of barrels of
pears and other fruits of all kinds to be shipped from the North, and
even from California to Richmond? Fruit-raising is urn: the

most profitable as well as pleasing and agreeable crop that can be
raised on a farm. If I have been rightly informed, the editor of the
Country Gentleman states that every acre of bearing orchard is
worth a thousand dollars, and will pay an interest on the same. I do
not think $100 a year so large a sum to clear off of an acre of bear-
ing orchards, and it is very common for a careful fruit-grower to
clear $500 from a single acre. Now, if the fruit business pays -
well, and is such a pleasant business to engage in, why do not more
farmers in Virginia engage in it ? The only answer I can find to
this question -is the want of money to start with.

Now, I have a plan by which every farmer owning a farm capable
of supporting his family, can get money enough to buy L
take care of them and in from 5 to 10 years have an orchard one-
half as large as his farm. Let us suppose me, A, owns a farm of
200 acres. Mr. A's first step is to sell one-half his farm, which we
will suppose he gets $40 an acre for. or 8-1 it takes |

an acre, or $1,000. to buy the trees and plant the remainii g
acres. He hus now left $8,000 which he will put out at interest
10 per cent., and let him so" draw on the amount that at the end of
10 years (when all his trees are paying) he will use up the
and principal. This amount with what he can make off of the re-
maining half of his farm will enable him to live easier in thr
years than he could possibly have done otherwise : and now how
will we find him at the end of the ten years ? He has
acres instead of 200 ; but his 100 acres are worth, according to the
editor of the Country Grtntleman. $100,000 if properly mans,
while had he kept his 200 acres the whole farm would probably not
be worth $10,000. It would require some this, >nJ ~ -

a sure thing if the details are properly carried out.

A business man would not hesitate a minute in such a case, neither
should a farmer. Do not wait until your neighbor has succeeded ; it
will then be too late. " Faint heart never won fair I

W. F. Tallam.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 619

PUBLIC SPIRIT.

[This Address was delivered the 23d of June last, at Randolph Maeon College,
by John Hampden' Chamberlayne, Esq., and we ask for it the diligent exami-
nation of every reader of the Planter and Farmer.]

When one who is neither thinker nor orator, neither famous nor
learned, is asked to aid in such a celebration as yours, he may well
be doubtful both to choose what he shall say and how he shall say
it. Lie has been in the rough work of life, you in the quiet school.
He has been proving, limiting, enlarging and not seldom forgetting
the rules and the theories you have been learning and discussing.
He must allow for a thousand disturbing forces, your study has
been of principles, simple because abstract. He has dealt with
men and things, you with pure ideas. If he would amuse you and
'only amuse, you would hold him forgetful of your dignity. .Yet,
if he should try to enforce or to add to the lessons you have here
learned of able teachers in pure science or the arts which use it, in
logic or its rhetoric clothing, in the genius of your mother tongue
or the literature which is its fruit, then you might justly smile at
his presumption.

In such a difficulty, he must trust to your good will, and hope
the few thoughts he lays before you may atone by their honesty for
their lack of brilliancy or of polish.

And yet, after all is said, the lessons we learn in youth are not
all that manhood knows ; the drill-ground still fails to teach some-
thing that the battle needs ; and so, without presumption, I may,
perhaps, ask your attention to subjects doubtless outside your curri-
culum, yet, doubtless, worthy of your care.

From the school, call it University, Seminary, College or Acad-
emy, we go forth, some to the pulpit, some to trade, some to the
desk, some to the field or mine, some to the forum, seen of men,
and some to the humbler labor of the hand at plow, or loom, or
anvil. Yet, in a sense, we are all one, for whatever else we be, we
are still citizens, and I venture to ask you for a moment to consider
that large part of your civic duty which is roughly summed up in
the term Public Spirit. m

Do not think this term forebodes a lecture on politics, or that I
6hall so much as name the name of a party. Far higher than party
and politics lives this spirit, far deeper lies its strength than laws
and statutes, far wider its province than Legislatures and Con-
gresses. From it all these things are sprung. By its growth you
shall measure the march of man from his primeval cave to his free
city, for by its force was bridged the gulf between the lonely sav-
age, shivering and hungry, and civilized man, master of the earth
and wiulding the powers of nature.

This great principle has shown itself independent not only of
codes, but of climates and religions. It has flourished under des-
potisms and decayed in republics ; it has ennobled Pagans and it
has by times refused to adorn theocracies ; it has lived though op-
pressed by evil laws, and it has all but died where each man was

620 THE SOUTHERN [November

free to do what was right in his own eyes. Its splendor made famous
the petty states of Greece, the little republics of Italy, and the
Arab Empire in Spain ; its death foreboded the downfall of B
and its absence left the huge powers of Asia a prey to the first
comer. Poland fell because she lacked it. the Irish Kelt with all
his virtues has been a slave for the want of it. and its force made
the Northman the founder of the modern world, and carved out for
him kingdoms wherever he set his foot, from the shore of the nar-
row seas to the beauties of Sicily and the desert of J',i lea.

Let us not think then that freedom or formal belief, climate or
fertile soil, pride of birth or glorious memories can give us Public
Spirit, and, beyond all. let us not set down content that we have it
and satisfied with our own virtue, a virtue that will never preserve
us. if it live only in our infancy.

To define Public Spirit would be hard, and is happily needless.
We all know it to mean, in general terms, a devotion to the public,
the common good, an active desire to advance in all directioi
progress of the society we belong to. the State whereof we are mem-
bers. It is not hostile but complimentary to individuality of char-
acter, and it waxes great where, as in England, individual force is
everywhere apparent, in thought and art, in theology or in trade,
or even in manners or dress, just as it wanes and dwindles where
some absorbing tyrant, some Augustus or Torquemada or I
leon impresses one shape on all men, and where as once in Scotland
the Kirk, and always in China, ancient prescription moulds in one
mould the minds of generations.

Needless to say that the first requisite to Public Spirit is knowl-
edge, knowledge general and knowledge special. To touch on the
general knowledge needed is beyond my province, as also that
branch of the special knowledge by which you follow our race in
other lands, to see how our literature grew, and in what forms our
thought is embalmed. But there is a special knowledge mo:\
cial yet than this, and which is perhaps of necessity left out of the
studies through which our schools conduct you, and I ask you to
look with me into the past^ of our Commonwealth of Virginia to
learn from her story how, with the strength of her public spirit, her
power and fime both rose and fell, and to inquire why once and
again that spirit grew and flourished, yet in one long period sick-
ened and pined away.

Virginia passed through a peculiar development, and one little
acted on from without. She was settled for the most part by races
of strong individuality, English in the low lands; ScDtch-Irish
and Dutch in the valley, and French Huguenots grouped here and
there on her tidal streams. Lovers of the field and farm rather
than of the counting-house or the factory, her people found them-
selves holding a territory complete in itself, and furnished with
frequent rivers which so met everywhere the needs of their trade
as to forbid its concentration. Thus they lacked the bonds of co-
hesion which cities give, and living in rude abundance they repro-

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 621

djiced here much such a society as that which in England Fielding
drew and Walpide corrupted. Among them, therefore, we should
look to find much strength of individual character, with loose Bocial
ties and little public spirit. But one element is yet to count. This
Virginia of colonial days was essentially an aristocracy. Without
going into the vexed questions whether the first colonists were
gentry or convicts, whether our historic names were brought to us
by debauched spendthrifts and transported felons, or by cadets
worthy to fight by John Smith's side and to sail with \\ alter Ra-
leigh, "we must still agree that the Old Dominion was ruled by a
landed aristocracy. Now, aristocracies, so their base be wide enough,
are favorable to the growth of public spirit. This aristocracy was
widely rooted in the respect of the people, was trained in the learn-
ing of Europe and cherished here at Williamsburg, the pursuit of
knowledge, adding to public grants such private gifts as made of
William and Mary the greatest and the richest foundation of learn-
ing in the New World. It was forced, too, to master by wise coun-
sel, as well as active work, the roggedness of nature, the craft of
the Indian, and the prowess of the Frenchman.

At all events, when the colonies had outgrown their bands and
the war of Independence gave birth to a new people, in ^ irginia
of all the colonies we find the most public spirit. Not. mark you,
the quickest flare of revolt, not the noisiest clamor of passion, but
that deliberate conviction of duty, that steady devotion to the coro-
na _m purpose, that power of organization, that trust each man gave
his neighbor, that persistence under failure, and that firm confidence
in the event which, toucher, make of mobs armies, of rebellions
revolutions, and of scattered provinces a great people.

That whole period from the debate at the Burgesses House to the
decision at Yorktown, from the provincial declaration of the Apollo
Hall in Raleigh Tavern to the treaty of '83, was instinct with pub-
lic spirit. In Washington stripping his own Virginia of means
and men to seek the common good at Boston and New York. In
Henry, straining every nerve as Virginia's Governor, to hold up
the hands of Washington. In Nelson, devotii g his house to the
guns of his countrymen, and giving his estate to the public purse ;
in that Roman matron who .bade her sons come back no more to
their Valley home, if on their heels Tarleton should ride: in Henry
Lee of the Legion, never losing trust in the great nlan and the
greater genius of his commander, and with his little troop covering
the long, long retreat from middle Georgia to Dan river, to become,
at length, part of that great leaguer to which gathered at Yorktown,
Lafayette from the Valley, Washington from Long Island, and
Rochambeau from the Windward I>les.

These things are an oft told tale, and when war was done and
peace came with tasks yet harder, when destruction ended and con-
struction began, when the pullers down were called to be builders
up, that same public spirit lived to ends yet greater and on a scale far
wider. Then Virginia created the Union despite the loss to her

622 THE SOUTHERN [November

which prophetic Henry saw, then Washington gave eight years of
his mature wisdom to his country, and then, likewise, with self-
denial almost above the human, laid down a power well nigh abso-
lute ai.d wisely, as few of the sons of men are wise, warned his
countrymen to limit his great office, whether worth'ly held by
stitesrnan or patriot, or. as might be, in other days, made the prize
of intrigue or the spoil of some lucky captain. Then Virginia ceded
the boundless Northwest, and then she consented to make herself
in the Senate small as Rhode Island. Then at one blow she abol-
ished entail, primogeniture and the privileged church. Then Mad-
ison taught all the country through the Federalist. Marshall laid
the foundations of our jurisprudence, and John Taylor, of Caroline,
raised the empirics of the farm to the science of agriculture. On
every hand, from 1775 to 1*25. we find Virginia full of vigor at
home, respected and powerful abroad, because full of public spirit.

With further instances I will not weary you, the rather as we
easily remember what we take pride in and because I have a sadder
task, but I hope more useful. With the year 1825 the heroic
period of Virginia may be said to end, and a decadence followed
which we are apt enough to forget, but which to study is our highest
duty, since the lessons it teaches are needful — yesterday, to-day and
to-morrow — if our decadence is to be followed bv steadv and long-
continued progress in strength and power.

The decline of Virginia's power is generally acknowledged, but
you will often hear men say it was comparative only and not posi-
tive, and that whatever its extent it was due to the democratic ele-
ment of our institutions and sprang from universal suffrage, for, be
it known to you, there still lives among us a class of minds to which
Democracy is as the red flag to the bull, and whose religion it is to
pronounce the ballot-box anathema maranatha.

N w, I am here to preach no politics, but, as observers of affairs
and students of history we can see this view is false. The deca-
dence could not be caused by universal suffrage, because the suffrage
was not extended till long after the decay was plain. It could not
be caused by democracy, because no such effect followed the estab-
lishment of extreme democracy and the widest limit of suffrage,
both before in New England, and afterwards in the new common-
wealths of the West. Moreover, to take a wider view, public spirit,
and with it the most splendid prosperity, has been seen in countries
the most democratic, in the best days of Athens, in Rome when at
length the plebeians had seized a full share of power, in the Free
Cities flourishing by their democracy amidst robber barons and petty
kings. Public spirit, and with it prosperity, blessed the cantons of
• iss amidst their snows, and grew, thriving and indestructible,
in the Hollow Land, guiding and shielding the raging Democracy
of those Becrgrars of the Sea. true Sons of Civilis and of Herman,
who held their free rights against Alva and Torquemada and all
the wrath and power of the Empire which girdled the world with
the same constancy wherewith their race conquered and still holds
their teeming soil from the hungry waves of the Northern Ocean.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 623

Leaving these narrow notions, all too straight to fit the facts, let
us see when and why this decadence of Virginia took place.

I venture to date its beginning in the year 1825, and to call it
absolute. If relative, then it depended on the progress of her
neighbors, but we know their progress was not yet begun. The
great West was still all but a wilderness, and not yet the granary
ar once and the market of New York and Boston, Philadelphia
and Baltimore. The Appalachians still barred the way from East
to West, and the single point where nature leveled them had not
vet been seized by the genius of Clinton.

The Erie Canal was opened to traffic only in 1827, and only then
New York began to be a city. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
was onlv begun iu 1827. and in 1830 Baltimore was still a stra^-
gling village. The Pennsylvania Central was hardly a project, and
the Eludson and Erie Roads not even dreams. The coal of Penn-
sylvania had not been opened, and the cotton of the South was yet
but insignificant, the whole product being, in 1825, but 720,000
bales, not enough either to invite the people of Virginia to its cul-
ture in the South or to furnish to New England those mines of wealth,
the factories of Lowell and Falls River and Lawrence.

Till 1815 Virginia led all the States in power and in influence;
from '15 to '25 she stood still, and then for long years she grew
weak from day to day.

The race of The Fathers was dead or dying. Washington, first
in death as in life, had departed in 1779; Jefferson had yet one
year of labor for us : Madison still held at Montpelier assemblies
whither came the eminent of all lands to hear the oracles of expe-
rience, and Marshall still adorned the bench. But The Heroes
nearod their natural limit and none followed to take their place.
With Monroe ended the era of Virginia Presidents, if we except, as
we must, the accident of Harrison and the blunder of Tavlor. To .
Madison was to succeed Tyler, to Washington, Wingfield Scott.

The interval is long, but not longer than the step from the fruit-
ful period to the barren.

What labor prodigious and what noble aims made splendid that
fruitful time! Marshall, creating a system of law, yet found time
to give us his life of Washington. Taylor's great estates and his
profound inquiries into agriculture, gave employment for a life, yet
his work, Construction Construed, opposed to the sentiment of the
time and defaced with every crabbedness of style, is yet a monu-
ment of thought. Henry Lee's leisure produced his " Memoirs,"
an essay of military history, solid as Thucydides, glowing as Na-
pier, and to-day the only fit record of the transcendant powers of
the greatest soldier of English blood. Look where you will, de-
voted labor and lofty thought is seen. Washington founded the
college whiph long bore and still should bear his name alone ; he
attacked the Dismal Swamp and projected water ways through it
which should make a Virginian city the port of North Carolina, a
work but within the last decade completed; Washington, again,

624 THE SOUTHERN [November

his mighty aid to the great rlesign of drawing together the

-apeake and Ohio, and thus, whilst Clinton was still

. a "S irgiiiiari surveyed the route and made the plans

highways of commerce between the seaboard and that v. sf

d, which, then a wild ji •" would be the home of em-

I the hive of men. Madison, too. bent his great mind to

dra: _ m that should create on the Virginian shores of Che -

e city of the mid- Atlantic, the city which, through the

_'nia. is now found on Patapseo s narrow

rson. not content with the part

he played in the Revolution, in the chair of Virgin. . _ .-.:._ .- . :.

7 to France, and eight years in the Wa.te House,

both the tomato and the rice plant, and

md time to invent a plow; Jefferson, whose Declaration made an

epoch in the history <"»f man. and whose Notes on Virginia even vet

nsider Jefferson, hoarding the golden sand of his

: his fortune, leaving his children and his

- ountry. completing, ere he died, and starting in its

noble work the is last, and mayhap, if he

had lived to guide it, his best gift to his kind.

ge, the days of action and of thought to noble
it the time of torpor and almost death.
To t it, 1 : .... will seem exaggeration. But, hi truth, to ex-

hard.
In all dii ok the downward path or sat still and weak.

Virg a irth to the Constitution : she had overthrown

the false reading Adams made of it; she had furnished presidents
for eight out of nine terms, and directed the policy of the country
1 abroad. Now she iffer Van Buren and to be

eaction that thrust Harrison forward.

: 182i chosen arbitrarily or because then John
us entered the White House. In history, literature,
- well as politics, the age of production was gone; that
of compilation and of commentary had come. The notes on Vir-
...-:. and the series of Supreme Court decisions be-
long to the Fo 8C Bond, mere compilations and
commentaries lib and Tuckers, and a mass of pleas for

half forgot.
nnig from these provinces of thought to those material things
: _ :■:- at once prizes and affects to contemn, we find no progress.

I: the . g period from IS'25 to 1855 Virginia made no discovery
of physical acts, set on foot no new industries, her old mines were
abandoned, new ones remained unopened, her railroads crept pain-
fully ten m: Fhe canal, losing its first impulse, fell back
on Stat g hed and stood still, a costly failure. Lines of
juely projected, and meaning little effected
thing but to punish individual inertn .e creation of a
burdensome public debt. One line, diverted from its true cc nrae
by every accident or whim, halted ten years at the Blue Ridge and

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 625

gave up the ghost at Mill Mountain, leaving on miles of hills and
valley the skeleton of a work never inspired by faith and purpose;
the other line on the south of the Jam.es dragged tediously its scat-
tered links and abandoned quite the plan of the few who founded
it and reckoned without their host in counting on a Public Spirit
no longer awake. Thus, on the one side was "left Northern Virginia
and the lower Valley and the wealth of farthest Potomac to be
severed from the State and gathered by the grasp of Baltimore: and
thus on the other ihe riches of the Southwest, and the products of
Tennessee and North Georgia and Kentucky, were left to find what
market they might, and to beat in vain on the walls of nature's
making, which in other States man was piercing, but which the
sloth of Virginia .suffered to hem her in.

Whilst Pennsylvania explored her coal and iron, Virginia let a
wilderness still stretch pathless between the ores of cis-Alleghany
and the coals of Kanawha. Still the harbor of Elizabeth vainly
offered her roadstead, fit for the navies of the world, and vainly
still ran down by the hills of Richmond an infinite power. Agri-
culture alone made a show of prosperity, and that only on the fer-
tile banks of our rivers, on the grassy hills of Piedmont, and among
the thrifty dwellers of the Yalley. Elsewhere waste was the rule
and want the consequence ; the white population of many counties
absolutely decreased, and deer and beaver throve undisturbed where
once Carters and Byrds, Blands and Spottswoods and Berkeleys
had discharged the duties of the citizen and adorned the pleasures
of the host. Here and there one still remained, like Edmund
Ruffin the farmer, like Joseph Cabell the canal builder, like Fon-
taine or Tunstail. faithful to their ideas. The iron and the flouring
mills of Richmond, still in time of dearth, showed how plenty
might be had. Here and there a forge was still fitfully hot, and
from the hills of Charlottesville and Lexington and the ancient city
of Williamsburg the light of culture still feebly shone, but seemed to
shine in vain.

Public spirit, in truth, was all but dead. No museums were es-
tablished, no libraries endowed, no schools founded. The outer
world we left to itself, or appeared at Washington to talk of a
power gone from us. Our Legislature grew to be a scene of small
intrigue, where the common good was-forgotten and log-rolling re-
placed patriotism. New York debated, extended, and completed
her Erie canal; Baltimore devised her road to the lakes; while Vir-
ginia legislators swore and sweated and scrambled over a mud pike
from Poverty Hill to Scuffletown.

Culture itself minished and dwindled. The University was soon
willing to lose the great names that Jefferson had called to her aid,
yielded to the public sentiment that distrusted free thought, and
preferred men safe to keep the beaten track ; and having once had
Bonnycastle, Long, ami Key, boasted now, and with justice, of her
Harrison and her Rogers, but, in spite of their genius and labors,
followed more and more, as years went on, a science that never in-

626 THE SOUTHERN [November

quired except of book.?, a philosophy of vague eclecticism, and a sys-
tem of teaching where the spirit of thought gave place 'to the spirit
of "cram."

The ancient foundation of William and Mary, despoiled by the
Revolution of all her wealth, yet long maintained her strength of
spirit and love of culture. In 1779 Jefferson became one of her
governing board, and made large changes in her system to fit the
eeds of a new time. Washington was her chancellor from '88
to the year of his death. The college still remained till I81d the
official guardian of State surveys, and under Bishop Madison and
Dr. John Augustine Smith her teaching kept abreast of the know-
ledge of the world, and trained almost all the generation of Virginia's
lesser heroes — Tylers. Roones, Gileses, Leighs, Lomaxes, and Bald-
wins.

In 1826. Dr. Smith was tempted, as so many other Virginians,
to leave Virginia, and losing his great powers and extended knowl-
William and Mary struggled henceforth with varied fortune,
until after the death of President Dew in 1846. she sank, as her
chronicler tells us. to a "hopeless condition," and sought, in the
hope of sectarian patronage, the fatal alliance of sectarian zeal.

The Institute, always useful in its sphere, yet found its highest
aspiration during this period in following the United States Mili-
tary Academy as Peter followed the Lord.

Of other schools, properly speaking, there were none. The sec-
tarian spirit did, indeed, design a few, but the sectarian spirit stifled
them, and Virginia was left either to the itinerant ignoramus from
New England or to the High Schools which had sprung up in the
shadow of the University, and which walked humbly in her foot-
Of literature and the scientific spirit there was an utter lack.
In poetry we had Poe. abnormal and overrated as he is, and exotic
to our country. Put him aside and you seek vainly for his fellow.

While Agassiz not only taught but discovered nature's laws,
while Lowell and Bryant sang, while Irving and Bancroft, Pres-
cott and Motley wrote, from that torpid generation of Virginians,
sprang nothing that will remain. Our oratory became mere appeal,
our logic a shriek or a threat : what should have been knowledge of
the world became contempt of all beyond our sacred soil: braggart
exaggeration usurped the place of history, and self-praise forbade
self-examination.

Elsewhere, discoveries led to new generalizations and theories that
ted the world: we shut our ears to them. Elsewhere, skill and
mechanic adjustment daily supplanted human muscle ; with us, man
and horse still essayed to rival steam, and crank, and lever. Else-
where men looked to present need and future achievement ; our
study was of the past, our pride in our ancestors, and of our apathy
and isolation we made a virtue.

Little wonder, then, that our population fled from us, seeking soils
not more fertile, skies less genial than our own. Little wonder
that to pierce the Blue Ridge we imported a Crozet, to climb it an

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 627

Ellett. Little wonder that we must ask New York for her Craw-
ford to design the monument to Washington and find in Massachu-
setts the eulogist of his fame.

Then, indeed, we had to go abroad for all we needed from the
dictionary of Noah Webster to the hoe of Oliver Ames. Legendre,
and Davies, and Church, gave us all we had of pure mathematics ;
Anthon furnished what he called classics ; the senilities of Good-
rich, and the flimsy rhetoric of Abbott and of Headley served us
for histories; thousands took Harper and Godey for literature, and
there were those who worshipped, as poetry, the jingling commonplace
of Longfellow.

But, not to weary you with instances, no man past his majority
but knows that when the end came of the second period of our his-
tory it found our homes full of other men's work, our fields tilled
by tools of other men's make, our crops carried in other men's shi ps,
our schools taught by other men's books, our wealth gathered by
other men's hands, our very pride founded on other men's lives.

The general fact is true as it is sad, and it is part of its sadness
that it is hard to prove in detail. There is not, properly speaking,
a history of Virginia, military, social and industrial. The facts must
be painfully picked from reports of corporations, census tables and
chance records, and, above all, they must be proved, and they are
proved chiefly by negation For in 1859, Virginia still had no
State census, no geologic survey, no safe depository of records ; her
very boundaries were and are still uncertain, one being now in dis-
pute, and another allowed to rest, only because the apathy of Ten-
nessee rivals the apathy of Virginia.

This line of inquiry is not new to me, will not long, I hope, be
new to you. With patience, and labor, and frankness that spared
nothing, and spared, least of all, that false and ignoble vanity we
often take for patriotism, I have laid before you the general condi-
tion of Virginia when the stock of John Brown's attack on Har-
per's Ferry ended that period and ushered in another.

The colors I have used are dark, the State I have pictured was
weak. But, fellow countrymen, we come of strong blood, our race
can withstand much from without and from within ; it is a race
which stumbles sometimes and falters often, but which has never
yet utterly fallen.

Thirty odd years had weakened our strength, but not yet sapped
our will. That period had rusted or softened our intellect, but our
hearts were still strong, and when war came from without, the moral
quality of our race sustained us, and in a moment awoke that pub-
lic spirit which had seemed dead, but was only sleeping. The sloth-
ful became energetic, the luxurious hardy, the arrogant submitted
to discipline, the selfish subdued self to the common good, and the
four years began of sacrifice, devotion, endurance and achievement.

Of the victories and the marches in the field, of the patience and
the self-denial in the homes, of the racked valor in the ranks, and
of the splendid genius of the leaders Virginia showed, I need not

THE SOUTHERN" [November

tell you. Of them enough and more than enough, the truth and
an the truth, you are likely to hear all your lives long, at
every ei ".. and by every household hearth. What concerns

us . the condition which forty years had brought us when

that war began, to explore the cause of that decadence, and to ask
how we. of this time, shall march not down hill but up.

That condition I have shown you. truly. I believe. Irs cause,
we have seen, was not democracy, as some falsely say ; neither was
it. as others tell us. lack of energy. Energy we had, enough and
to spare : an energy which overflowed across all our borders : an
energy which Virginians showed in Tennessee and Mississippi, in
gia and Alabama: an energy which made the Virginian re-
spected in all the new States of the West, an t by which, once rid
of the trammels that bound him in his home, he subdued the South
to cotton and won from the Indian the basin of Ohio and Ten -
see. Carrying with them that energy. Virginians felled fore?"
prairies, founded commonwealths aud ruled societies from the Al-
leghany to and beyond the B sky Mountains. They swarmed
from their old hive and settled whole counties and Btates. In their
homes they were leaders of trade and of though: "-ere

bishops, soldiers and sena: -

tveller, go where he might, — to the mouth of M
to the frr-off plains of the at, to Texan prairies or the golden

valleys of the Pacific coast — still found Virginian names in ha
Virg - sons in power. Her Breck _ Miens, Thur-

ma:.s, Garlands. Taylors. Thorntons. B s, Prestons, her Becks,

Penns, Maynards, Starkes, and ten thousand beside, prove ■
energy and worth could still be born of her. and by some
law ill fly from her soil. E . n. seen already in 1825,

had become in'the years Iv _ 1850 a st< -tream. which drained
away our very lif until it seenfed we were to repeat the story

of the Irish Kelr. who has for centuries showed in other lands a vir-
tue stifled* in its native home, and reaped in every kingdom of
E ;r:>pe the rewards denied to him in Ireland.

N 'her Democracy, then, nor native sloth is the 'cause we seek,
and. leaving the negative for the posit method, I should be i
to you as well as to myself if I should shrink from declaring what
s to me the root of the evil.
It is to be found in the repression of free thought and free inquiry,
■which the institution of slavery thought necessary fur its proteel

The leaders in the heroic period were to a man enemies to slavery
and incredulous both of its expediency and its rightfulness, and it
was they who offered the great free ordinance for the Northwest in
1781. Had natural causes met no hindrance, slavery would doubt-
less have been gradually abandoned. Bui the unwise war mail
it at the North, begun by Aaron Burr a- early as 1800, avowed in
New England in|1804 and 1810, and pushed by John Quincy Adams
with ever-increasing bitterness, forced Virginians to identify its pro.
tection with their right of self-government. "A poor thing." we

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 629

cried, with Touchstone, "but mine own," and shall I not do what I
will with mine own ? The abortive but frightful attempt of the negro
Gabriel in 1800. and the Southampton insurrection in 1882. brought
terror in to confuse reason, and turned prejudice to passion. Last
came the demand for cotton, raising its price from 9 cents in 1830
to 17 cents in 1834, and the corresponding rise in the value of the
negro, and a triple band tied as to slavery: first, the just and benefi-
cent theory of State Rights and local self-government; second, the
pride of race: and third, the greed of the pocket.

Determined thus to maintain slavery, we had next to justify it.
This we did by clinging to one interpretation of the Bible ; by
triumphantly citing the example of the patriarchs, and by finding all
doctrine in the famous case of Onesimus. On such texts as "ser-
vants obey your masters," a whole dogmatic theology grew up, fit
rival for narrowness and intolerance to that which from such words
as "• The powers that be are ordained of God." taught the Jacobites
of England the doctrine of Passive Obedience, or that, its antithesis.
which the Independents and the fierce Fifth Monarchists invoked
when they pulled down the prelates as "troublers of Israel," and
smote off Charles' head with the "Sword of the Lord and of Gideon."

Slavery once bound up with the Bible and with fixed belief, in-
quiry into the one and doubt of the other became a crime: all change
was looked on as danger, and every novelty distrusted. Where,
as in England and the States north of us, men were fiee to discuss
all things, there they had no slavery. Hence, with us. society sternly
repressed individual thought on this institution, and on all the facts
and fancies which we believed to support it. The next step was to
glorify it. and apology became eulogy. To this, too, a literature
was devoted. To belief in this eulogy or to acquiesce in it society
gave its smiles; to all question of it, gave frowns, suspicion, and
ostracism. As. too, it was glorified here only and by us alone, it
followed that the rest of the world and the opinion of other men we
ceased first to value, and then not to regard at all, and turned to the
contemplation solely of ourselves and our virtues.

Now. you cannot limit the mind without dwarfing it, nor shut off
all light without weakening the eye; so, when we left our faculties
unused we began to lose them, and digging for ourselves a mam-
mouth cave of darkness, we went near to be blind as its fish.

The effect was soon seen, as I have tried to indicate it to you. For
authors we hail commentators, for statesman politicians, for mer-
chants shopkeepers. As wherever prescription and tradition rule,
to the old all power was given, and youth was thrust aside. In like
manner laws and lawyers multiplied, but truth escape! us. Routine
Study was never more zealously pursued, and the University provided
for its law students complete apparatus of teachers, case reports,
moot courts, while it taught the art of medicine without a clinic, and
yearly licensed as physicians men who had never felt a pulse. The
tacts of our science we found in books instead of nature; not a
discoverer nor an investigator was left among us; the very spirit of

630 THE SOUTHERN" [November

inquiry was gone, and you might hear, as I have heard, an educated
country gentleman gravely maintain that the bird called rail or sora
every fall turns into a frog, and spends its winters buried in the
mud. Fighting-cocks, hunting-dogs and race-horses we still bred in
purity and excellence, but so little was known of the laws of species
and the methods of breeding, that for all other domestic animals
accidental mixture was the rule and degeneracy the fruit. History
was so little studied for its lessons, and the laws of wealth so little
understood, that I myself heard the late John M. Daniel, a leading
writer and thinker, declare his belief that political economy is, as
Swift thought it, all a fancy, and that wealth has no laws, proving
his sincerity by the astonishing assertion that the fall of the Roman
power was due to the exhaustion cf her Iberian mines, and that the
Spanish Empire declined because of the decrease in the supply of
gold from America.

Our people poured out in ceaseless streams to create or to enrich
a half-score of States. In the forty years from 1820 to 1860 our
population increased only 50 per cent., though living was cheap,
early marriage universal, and our rate of reproduction above the
average. So late as 1860 we had but 35,000 residents of foreign
birth, and Richmond, out of fifty chief cities of the country, had the
smallest foreign-born population. Our comparative numbers had
made us in 1800 and 1812 the first State of the Union; in '20 Ave
were second; in '30 we were third; in '40 fourth, and in 1860 fifth;
so severe was the drain of emigration and so strong the wall we
built against immigration, whether of men or of ideas. In wealth,
too, the same course was seen, for there is reason to believe that our
slave-owning agricultural class was bankrupt in 1840, and was
•saved from utter ruin only by the steady rise in the demand for cot-
ton and the steady increase in the value of slave property — an in-
crease vaguely estimated at four per cent, per annum on the stock
of slaves.

The ruling class had to restrict all activity of thought at home
and to fight against science and opinion abroad to maintain its safety.
Energy repressed here burst forth to bless other commonwealths or
to adorn other societies. McCormick would invent a reaper ; he
goes to Chicago to perfect it. Maury dreams of great theories of
wind and wave, but goes to Washington to work them out. Brooke
thinks to help toward the ocean cable, but 'tis in the service of the
United States he invents his device for deep sea soundings. Mahan
would teach science, but he must go to West Point to write his text-
books.

Here in Virginia, of labor-saving invention we wanted nothing,
for of the labor of slaves we of the governing class had enough, and
naturally we had no wish to relieve of drudgery the white man not
owning slaves, nor to make him rival the slave in production nor
ourselves in leisure.

Here in Virginia, there was no louger room for energy, for we
had determined we had all things in having slavery; there was no

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 631

room for inquiring minds, for we had answered Pilate's question,
and asked, "what is Truth?" We said, ''It is our peculiar institu-
tion."

The True, the Beautiful, the Good. 'and the Useful being thus at-
tained, there could be no further common object, and consequently
there was no need for Public Spirit. Hence, a people claiming
peculiar freedom from the vice of avarice, refused to contribute to
public works which adorn or defend a State. Hence, a people,
reverencing above all things tradition, refused to preserve the me-
morials of their own history, and wilfully forgot the warnings of
their wisest advisers. Hence, a people, glorying above all in their
individuality, shrank from every undertaking except with the help
of the State, and while they spoke with contempt of associated effort,
and found degeneracy and weakness in the arts which make great
cities, in this whole generation they produced no leader of thought,
no model of style, no discoverer of truth, but fell to one dead level
of mediocrity and ignorant content.

This state of things could not last in the modern world and
among our race, and in the decade that began with 1850 signs of re-
action appeared. At the University a school of history and a course
of experimental and analytic chemistry were established, and a phi-
lologist trained in the profoundest schools of German research was
called to train the young in the spirit as well as the words of Greek
thought. The number of its pupils correspondingly increased, aid
the same impulse being felt elsewhere, the classes seeking instruc-
tion gradually widened and the standard of teaching steadily rose.
Efforts never seen before were made to extend on the one hand the
railroad to the Ohio, and on the other to complete the highway
which should lead to the middle valley of Mississippi from the tides
of Atlantic. The iron industry of Virginia suddenly expanded,
and around Tredegar, at Richmond, sprang up a score of specialized
iron works ; the milling interest grew fast, ship building increased,
sugar refining began, the coffee trade promised to make of Richmond
one of its chief centres, and the great granite bed of Henrico, Ches-
terfield, and Dinwiddie, which had been left undisturbed since, in
1825, it furnished stone for Fortress Monroe, felt again the drill and
the blast, and yielded material for the monument to Washington, and
for the United States custom-house at Richmond.

The Virginia Historical Society made efforts at life, and a blind
reaction against the pressure of the general causes I have recited
showed itself in the custom which then began to obtain of sending
our youth abroad to bring from active societies and centres of thought
new ideas to enliven the torpid mind of Virginia. The State Agri-
cultural Society was formed, and subordinate associations aided it
to collect the products, to report the progress, and to enlighten the
labors of that great industry. Public opinion revolted against the
laws restricting the right of manumission, and the courts were forced
to construe them strictly as to the heirs at law, and with all liberality
as to the devise of freedom and property to the slave.

THE SOUTHERN [November

Before this reaction, however, is more than fairly begun, c
•wider than those which governed Virginia's special preeipi-

- bed the war. That it found us unready, you know. Bur war is
the simplest of the arts. and. a's all the world knows, we proved such
masters of it as that n lined for four rears our lopsided and

incomplete civilization again-: great I upheld our obsolete

.e though:. : te science, .1 the art of the world.

We filed, of course: but in the failure awoke that Public Spirit
which, like the insensible heat . . had laid hidden

late: to blaze out when pressure came to make solid

their mass and visible its force. Of the war and of what folio
it — of e, and of the endurance, the h

common purpose with which we adjusted and must still adjust
our society to its new environment — I need e . for it is

d to you all.

It has been my task to show how we weakened ourselves by nar-
rowing our thought. Of on€ :ion. whether it was good or
evil in itself, or under other circumstances I say nothing, but I have
shown how evil it was. when, to maintain it in the face of the world's
we were 1 strict thought, to dictate belief, to for-
bid discovery, :: contemn the social principle, and so to destroy
Public Spirit. With that >n our the B ■ its had
nothing to do. The theory was jus*, was natural to our race, and
our free development, and to save us from a central-
isation that must become d I: was worth fighting for,
I have triumphed but for being to the apprehension of
the world and to our purblind fancy, bound up with slavery and.

: efore, falling with it. But they fell with a difference. 9
fell dead. State Rights. Home Rule. Freedom was but wounded : for
slavery is mortal, freedom .

Already that principle of Home Rule, silent in both camr-.
nd hid in the dust of marches and the smoke of bar:
adv it asserts its native power, rictoi find vanquished alike con-
fessing its virtue.

Your generation, my friends, inherits the glories of the two great
periods of Virgi 1 yours is the task to shun the

deadly errors of those years when principles were forced into un-
natural connection with accidents, when inqu:: - -ilenced lest
::ge should follow, when facts were ignored lest dogma should be
weakened, when dread of comparison shut the eyes of Virginia to
all excellence outside her boundary, and when, with a limit put to
knowledge, a veto on progress, and a bridle on energy, associated ef-
fort ceased from amongst us. and Public Spirit fou:. est ebb.

Be it yours to welcome every truth, to seek light wherever it may
be found, to encourage the widest exercise of man's powers, and
forbid no province to his activity. Thus and thus only shall you
prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good, and thus _ -
ing free rein to every impulse of individuality, shall you preserve
that Public Spirit to noble triumphs of peace and war. to eonqn

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 633

over the yet unknown realms of nature, to solve many a social prob-
lem yet in doubt, and to subdue to man's final use and benefit, those
passions of his nature which still master him and divide him from
his neighbor.

In the life of nations decades are but as moments, centuries but
as hours, and, however a people may fall, if it but preserve knowl-
edge, and the love of knowledge, it rises again stronger for the les-
son of defeat.

Scarce seventy years have passed since Prussia, enfeebled by a
paternal despotism, and so destitute of public spirit that she even
contemned her own noble tongue, was, as if in a day, trampled to
the earth by the Corsican, and lost, not only all that Francis lost,
but lost her honor too.

Yet, you and I have seen that same Prussia so full of Public
Spirit, so strong through the strength that Stein and Scharnhorst
organized, but which the school, the laboratory and the spirit of en-
quiry gave, that she beat down with one blow the house of Haps-
burg, and with another destroyed the Napoleonic idea, prostrated
and despoiled the great French people, and set on a dull Hohen-
zollern's brows the Iron Crown of Charlemagne.

Or look at France, in her fall and her rise. Mastered by the
Napoleonic legend, as Virginia by slavery, subordinating all her
thoughts to the one fancy, that power and glory, wealth and stability
lay in that idea, sixteen years she obeyed it. stifled opinion, for-
bade doubt, and shut her eyes to the example, her ears to the warn-
ing of the world ; limiting knowledge lest it should shake the dy-
nasty, making self-examination crime, and self-praise virtue, she
found herself at length destitute of Public Spirit, with an army
distrusting its leaders and itself unworthy of trust, and a people
rash as it was ignorant, and as ready to cry "treason, treason," as
it was incapable of self-confidence.

Yet, we ourselves have seen the wonders wrought by that same
France in the five years since the benumbing tyranny of the Na-
poleonic legend was broken, and since the health-giving pressure of
adversity forced the mass of the people into unity, and evolved the
fire of Public Spirit. In five short years she has bound up her
wounds and brought order out of the Commune ; she has more than
regained her industrial force, and stands to-day more respected,
more powerful, and more worthy the name of nation than ever she
was when the glory of Louis made her a gilded misery, or when the
Little Napoleon flattered her vanity to blind her eyes and sap her
strength.

So low as these great states Virginia has never fallen ; nature
has gifted her with a ncble empire ; fertile soils blossom for her, and
genial skies smile on her. Countless streams make green her val-
leys and gathering into the mighty volume of her rivers roll by
many a stately haven to her own great land-locked sea. Her peo-
ple inherit the blood of the noblest races of men. To her in her
virgin days came the patient, unyielding Dutch, the quick-witted

634 THE SOUTHERN [November

Huguenot, devoted to his beliefs, the rugged Scotch-Irisher, un-
tamed by tyranny, and the self-contained, large brained Englishman,
conqueror and ruler of the modern world.

Heritage, more magnificent never had sons of men than you and
your generation. Prize it, I beseech you; guard it as you would >
your honor, and give it to those that shall follow you, not unsullied
only and laid away in the sluggard's napkin, but with yet added
worth of labor, of thought, of virtue, and of deed.

Note by the Editor. — We give space to this address by Capt. Chamberlatne
gladly ; because the time is come for us to look at things as they are. Whether
we agree with his conclusions or not, we cannot shut our eyes to the facts he pre-
sents, and they do not, by any means, flatter us. It is high time that we cease
to waste breath over the " glory of the past," and to address ourselves to the ur-
gent demands of the present. We have been quite long enough a mutual admi-
ration society ; we must realize that we, even we, have faults, and some very
grievous ones. No spur to good deeds should be so sharp as the consciousness of
descent from an honorable stock ; but the man is beggarly who boasts of it with-
out having himself added to its lustre. Virginia the widow, is not Virginia the
bride. She has been despoiled of her portion, and tasted of bitterness, and yet
she is not wholly cast down. Sons are still left to her, and what are they if they
will not prove themselves worthy of such a mother? The way is open to them
to assert their manhood, and the day is at hand for its exercise.

THE PERFORATING POWER OF ROOTS.

It is indeed wonderful how easily the roots of plants and trees
bore through hard impacted soils in search of the nourishment. They
use for this purpose a sort of awl, of immense power, situated at the
end of the root, and capable, with the aid of the other root machin-
ery, of thrusting aside heavy weights, and getting through almost
any obstructions. Yet the awl only consists of a mass of micro-
scopic absorbent cells formed by protoplasm or vegetable mucus —
the fluid in which vital action is first set up. The roots of the elm
and maple will bore through the hardest soil of walks or streets, en-
ter drains, twine about water pipes, and penetrate through the seams
of stone or brick structures. The roots of some plants have been
known to pass through eighteen inches of solid brick work, and
make their appearance in a wine cellar below. Plants have a great
power in overcoming obstacles, when foraging for food. They are
like a hungry animal which no fences can restrain when there is
food beyond. The movements of roots in soils proceed on certain
principles of utility in connection with the welfare of the plant.
Some need more moisture than others, and the roots will drive
through rocks to obtain it ; others need silicious food, and will pen-
etrate through a clay bank to reach the desired foraging ground.
The urgency with which nature drives plants and animals in pursuit
of food is almost irresistible. — Joui'hal of Chemistry.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 635

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION— WHERE ARE WE

DRIFTING TO?

Being engaged in two important occupations, ray time is so com-
pletely filled that I have always to write in a hurry. I shall con-
dense as much as possible.

The negroes were set free and turned loose among us without any
preliminary training for freedom. We had contended that the negro,
left free to direct and control himself, could not live to any advan-
tage in a temperate zone, where long winters prevail, and subsistence
must necessarily be dug out of the earth by patient, persevering toil,
backed by judgment and economy. Of the truth of this proposition
I am now as fully convinced as ever. But he is here with us, and
free at that. Those who know nothing about Sambo may prate as
much, as they please about his excellent qualities: they are ar a safe
distance from him, and know nothing of the subject that they pre-
tend to discuss so sapiently. But one thing is certain — I speak
most emphatically — we must control the negroes, or ruin is inevitable
both to them and us. I do not mean by this startling declaration
that we should deprive them of a solitary right that legitimately be-
l(Me/s to them as freemen; but the great law of nature declares in
divers ways, too clearly to be misunderstood, that " knowledge is
power." and that inside of the grand circle that it sweeps are to be
found wisdom, peace, safety, and prosperity. This law also declares
just as clearly, that ignorance enthroned is a power far evil.

Knowledge belongs comparatively to the white race, and must
have full sway and scope in all the grand departments of business,
or else prosperity and progress will ever be a mere phantasm of the
brain — a coveted goal that will never be reached. The negroes are
the best laborers that we have or can get. but they are liable to
undergo great changes in the future, unless we control them and
keep them in the right channel. If left to float at will, they will
zigzag in every direction along the cross and complex currents of a
boundless swamp. As for white laborers, it is nonsense to talk
about them where land is cheap and farming very unprofitable, they
are only adapted to sections where land is scarce and rich.

Directly after the negroes were set free they were hired mostly
for wages, and working under the control and direction of the whites
both races bid fair to prosper. But a great change has come o'er
the spirit of our dream. In the mind of the negro a great deal of
idle time is the sine qua non of happiness. He can grasp the pre-
sent, but all the powers of his intellect combined into one mighty
focus fail to illuminate the dark future one inch in advance of his
nose — ever did and ever will, bating a few exceptions. Since he
has been set free, he has taxed his limited intellect to the utmost to
discover some plan by which he can give a large portion of his time
to fishing, hunting, meetings, visiting, politics, and general idle-
ness; but how to make money, accumulate property, and secure
the solid comforts of life, are questions with him of minor importance.

636 THE SOUTHERN [November,

Finally they settled down upon the plan of renting land and pay-
ing said rent in cotton. This is now the negroes' plan originated

o ^ Ore

by themselves, and it is fast bringing both races to temporal ruin, as
I will clearly show. Tne white man argues thus: u 'A half loaf is
better than none'; the negro is free any how; so if he pays his rent*
I don't care how he works, or what he does, or how it's done." The
negro, on his part, argues thus: "My rent must be paid in cotton, so
I will plant the most of my crop in that article, that when the rent
has been paid I may have enough left to fill my pockets with green-
backs: then boots, calico, flour, whiskey, tobacco, mule and buggy,
will elevate me high above, both at home and abroad, the dusty foot-
men that tramp along the pad !" The negroes have no more judg-
ment about the proportion of corn and cotton that they should plant
than children. Remember, whites, that the negroes are among us.
They must live. If they starve, so will you. Don't flatter your-
selves for a momeitf that the negro race can starve in your midst
without dragging vou down in their fall ! The course that has been

■ _ -

pursued has furnished the world with more cotton than it needs, and
has raised the price of all the neces-aries of life, plunging the whites
into bankruptcy and ruin, and bringing the negroes to the very
brink of starvation ! We may toil day and night to make cotton,
but the more we make the lower the price, and the higher are pro-
visions. Upon this line we may work until we become walking
skeletons, and remain all the while miserably poor and half-starved,
while all the world outside of us is laughing at our folly, and grow-
fat and saucy upon the unremunerated sweat that issues from
every pore !

to the negro again. We do not control him ; he controls us !
He idles away fully one-third of every year, counting from Christ-
mas to Christmas. He makes no manure, and about half a crop
upon the land that he pretends to cultivate. Soon the land will be
so poor that he cannot support himself and pay rent. What then '(
You will take the land from him and let it rest, or sow it in grain.
But what will become of the negro ? He will be compelled to emi-
grate to Africa or the West, or they will go about in gangs, like
prowling wolves, plundering the country and robbing the whi:
You may call this sensational, or a mere phantasm of the brain; but
consider, if you please, the signs of the times and the causes now in
full operation, and their legitimate effects. The seasons for the last
two or three years, in this section, were almost perfect; yet starva-
tion is now at our doors. I have seen nearly all the renters in a
neighborhood gathered around one small farmer that happened to be
so fortunate as to have a little money, corn, and meat, offering to
gather bis whole crop in one day for a Utile something to keep soul
and body together ! When you see a dozen buzzards gathered
around one dead snake, or as many crows pecking away at a stray
nubb:n of corn, or hear the blackbirds chattering in the cracks of
your corn-crib, know ye that starvation is not far off.

And what is the cause of all this ? Various reasons have been

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 637

assigned; but the real cause is, the negroes have the agriculture of
the South pretty much in their own hands, and they are just about
as well qualified to manage it as so many children. If we give
them a farm upon their own hook, they cannot run it unless we ad-
vance to them; if we do that, they cannot pay the advance back
unless- we unsettle them and leave them right where we found them.
Many a white man has brought himself to grief on account of allow-
ing the negro the pleasure of running a farm at his (white man's) ex-
pense, vainly supposing that Sambo coukl support himself, pay rent
and debts, and do it all by skinning only a half-crop out of the land.

Well, what is the remedy ? Is it to be found in sowing more
grain, or planting more corn, or making less cotton? All these are
generally pointed out by the savans of the South as constituting an
effectual remedy. They are not the remedy, only the would-be
effects of a proper remedy applied. The true remedy is — and there
is no other — for the whites to take the great business of agriculture
into their own hands; then the reins will be held strong and steady,
and the "world's backbone" kept in the proper position. A course
will be pursued adapted to secure the permanent welfare of both
races for the present and future. It is generally admitted that the
whites must have "political supremacy," or the country is ruined.
Be not deceived; it is just as necessary that the whites should have
agricultural supremacy to save the country from ruin.

Finally, all sorry hands must be hired for wages. Renters must
be able to support themselves; must be directed in pitching their
crops and working them; must be required to make manure and
keep up fences. The land they work must not be allowed, at least,
to become any poorer. The law against vagrancy must be rigidly
enforced against both black and white; drones must be kicked out
of the hive and put on the chain-gang under an overseer. More
grain must be made, and less cotton; barn-yard manure must receive
more attention, and guano less. The low price of cotton and high
price of provisions furnish an argument that will convince tillers ot
the soil, by and by, that they have been pursuing a wrong course.
The tyrant necessity is the only argument that Southern farmers will
listen to. This old tyrant is now marching everywhere through the
South, and I discover a growing disposition in the Southern people
to pull off their hats and make him a bow.

I now hear much talk about sowing more grain, planting more
corn and less cotton, arid making more manure, &c, kc. Many of
the whites have a little reserved farm of their own that they are try-
ing to make rich; but outside of this they rent the balance of their
land to the helter-skelter negro, who is fast wearing it out. I again
ask the question: If this course is pursued much longer, what will
become of Sambo ? I am not his enemy, but a better friend to him
than he is practically to himself. He must be compelled in some
way to improve the land he tills, or else after awhile we shall be
compelled to ship him or do worse. When the black man has worn
out the land allotted him, he will not be allowed to fall back upon

638 THE SOUTHERN [November

the white roan's few "hale acres" that he has nursed as carefully as
his own children.

Let a wise course he pursued in due time, and soon our country
will resemble a garden; provisions will be cheap, and cotton
a remunerative price: our wives will he happy and our children
merry; Sambo will again look sleek and oily, and will whistle and
sing as he did in the good old days of yore. But. in order to reach
this happy state, the white man must hold the reins, both political and
agricultural, and not the negro.

'aville, Ga., September. 1S75. Jas. H. Oliphast.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
THE BEST REMEDY FOR POOR LAND.

The first article in your October No., by S. M. Shepherd, is the
best article on this subject I ever saw in an agricultural journal. I
reread it to find some point on which I could not agree with him,
hut I could not. The article must be original; I never read of or
talked with a man who dared put forth such views on the subject of
weeds and pasturing lands.

Weeds, ever since the fall of man, have been considered one of
the legitimate consequences of disobedience in our first parents, and
it has always been considered the orthodox practice to pasture lands
too poor for anything else, in order "to bring them to," as they
call it.

There is no greater fallacy than to suppose lands can be benefitted
by laying bare to the sun. The droppings, on which so much reli-
ance is placed, are left in the same situation as the soil, only more
exposed to the sun, which robs them of everything useful to plai
except the salts they contain, of which the land perhaps has a super-
abundance.

Th? tramping of the soil when wet is another evil of grazing, the
effect of which has been so well observed by Mr. Shepherd.

Notwithstanding it is so well known that grass will run out on
lands continually grazed — so much that the fields must be enlarged,
or the stock diminished from year to year, until the value of land
required to support the stock has raised the question in some parts
as to the policy of grazing or soiling during the summer — the far-
mers still cling to th? idea that their pastures are recuperating until
the grass entirely runs out. and the weeds, that nothing will eat,
kindly begin to restore something to the soil ; then they begin to be
deeply concerned lest the weeds should get the start of them and
scatter their seeds — to prevent which they mow them and put them
in the mud holes in the road, or cart them to a dry place and burn
them, the same as they used to treat the martyrs.

Mr. Shepherd also observes, very truly, that "the great wai
our lands at this time is vegetable matter." Our worn out lands
have been stimulated with lime until everything has been worked
out of the soil but the mineral substances, the particles of which are

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 639

capable of being magnetized, and if the proper moisture be present
to afford the necessary conducting power to electricity every particle
becomes a magnet, and with the lubricating effect of the water they
are enabled to arrange themselves according to the laws that form
solids, particularly if stirred in any way by plowing or tramping,
which "causes the soil to become what is termed baked. There is no
way so effective in destroying the adhesion of the mineral particles
in the soil as to insert a particle of non-conducting vegetable matter
between them. Plow in the weeds, if they are the curse of Adam;
they will decompose and prove a great blessing to a baked soil.

A few years ago I saw an account of an experiment showing the
effect of electricity on the soil. The author, reasoning from analogy
(which is very apt to lead us astray), considered that a little artificial
electricity might have a good effect on vegetable life. He accord-
ingly passed currents of electricity near the roots, through the soil,
which he was obliged to moisten freely to favor its conduction, but
observed no marked effect, except a slight induration of the soil.
This would seem to favor the theory of the influence of magnetism
under favorable circumstances in the cause of baked soils, without
the consciousness of the author of the experiment.

Chesterfield county, Va., Oct. 10, 1875. D. S. Howard.

EFor the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PERUVIAN OR TALL MEADOW GRASS.

I notice in your paper for March some remarks on Peruvian or
tall meadow oat grass. Having some little experience with this
grass. I will give it to you, and compare it with orchard grass and
timothy. Peruvian grass is very hardy and always does best when
sown in the fall, although it may be sown in the spring, if so desired.
It will make a crop of hay sooner than any other grass I have ever
sown. In the fall of '73 I sowed a piece of land down to wheat
and Peruvian grass. In '74 I made a good wheat crop, and the
same fall I mowed considerable hay from the same land, and it now
looks like an old sod, and I think will now make ten tons to the acre
(by cutting twice) this summer. Sowed also in fall of '73 a sxnall
lot in rye ; in spring of '7-4 1 mowed the rye for my stock ; the Pe-
ruvian grass then came up and headed out. When compared with
orchard grass and timothy it stands as follows : Timothy can be cut
but once no matter how rich the land or how fine the season ; while
Peruvian grass can always be cut twice and sometimes three times,
and will make fully as much hay at each cutting, and as good as to
quality if properly cured. Peruvian grass must never be allowed to
get wet, for when wet it turns yellow, winch injures the looks of it
very much. Neither timothy or Peruvian grass can withstand
drought like orchard grass. Orchard grass is a year longer making
a crop and a sod, but when once a sod is made it lasts forever,
while a Peruvian or timothy sod does not last but five or six years
at best. If the season is favorable the difference between orchard

640 THE SOUTHERN [November

grass and Peruvian is not so perceptible, but when a drought sets in
rd grass will soon shoot ahead of either Peruvian Grass or
timothy. I believe Peruvian Grass does better on poor land than
orchard grass ; but on good land if you want a grass that will stick
to you like a faithful friend, through summer and winter, wet and
dry. orchard grass is the grass for you to sow. Peruvian grass I
place second and timothy third.

If Mr. H. G. H's neighbor will compost his manure and then
apply it to his grass he will derive twice the benefit from his manure
that he now gets by applying it green. He may argue as he pleases,
but the best of his manure is carried off in the air when applied
green. I think he is right about getting a good mil, but get your
sod and save your manure. Apply the compost on the top.

tgomery county. Va. W. F. Tallaxi.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
IMERCIAL FERTILIZERS.

DO THEY PAT THE FARMERS OF VIRGINIA ?

Having been a farmer in Virginia for 35 years, and having used
commercial fertilizers for the last 20 years' 'save the four years of
war;. 1 have come to the conclusion that they do not pay the farmer
who raises only wheat, corn and grass. I believe that if the Chincha
Islands (which gave a start to these commercial fertilizers) had never
been discovered the State cf Virginia would have been twenty mil-
lions of dollars better off to-day than she is — nay more, I believe
the sum spent in fertilizers that have paid no profit, together with
the actual depreciation of the land by the use of them, would, seve-
ral years ago, have paid the State debt, and yet I believe more of
them are being used this season than ever before — building up the
manufacturers of it, most of them outside of the State, forcing all
the money to the commercial centres and impoverishing the farmer,
and worse still, his land, which is his all. I take the ground that
bone, lime and plaster only are permanent improvers — that all others
are merely stimulants to the soil and crops, and. like whiskey to the
human system, the more and longer vou use them the more cer-
tainly they destroy. In the first place, the actual commercial value
of these manipulated fertilizers is from $14 to 824. and the farmer
is made to pay from $4o to $55. Then apply it to the wheat crop
if you please, which is considered the money cereal of our State, and
see the result. The average crop of Virginia is about seven bushels
per acre, worth, in market, at present price of wheat, after taking off
cost of transportation, -~ ke off the lowest cost of fertilizer per
acre, say S3, and I believe it is nearer §5, and you have $4 left ; take
out one bushel, equal to $1, for seed, and you 'have $3 left for plow-
ing, seeding, harvesting and threshing an acre of land. The cheap-
en: labor known in the world, even in China, could not live at that.
In fact a good hearty man would eat up the remnant of his crop

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 641

(after taking out seed and fertilizers) while making it. Does this
pay ? I am told we must use fertilizers to get our land in grass.
My experience is that it is a positive injury in that respect; for four
years out of five now, we have droughts in June and July, and these
fertilizers, being heating in their effects, contribute with the drought
to destroy the young grass, and, in truth, I can point to fine farms
(where those manipulated fertilizers of almost any brand have been
used for years, discarding the use of plaster) where not even weeds
will now grow without a dose, and an increased dose of these stimu-
lants ; and suppose it does give a set of grass, it acts merely as a
stimulant, and the grass is grazed off or mowed, and in two years
the stimulant gives out, the grass dies and leaves the land exhausted
and bearer than before. My observation is, that bone and plaster
are the only fertilizers that will grow grass permanently on all -soils.
Lime is a greater improver on many soils, but not on all, many of
the red soils in Piedmont Virginia having sufficient lime on them.
Peruvian guano and all, or many of the manipulated fertilizers,
honestly manipulated will pay on tobacco, where the crop will average
in price $10 per hundred, for the best of them will make a crop on
land that would make none without it; and on soils so entirely ex-
hausted that it will bring absolutely nothing, and can't be injured.
On wheat and corn it will not pay unless at §2 a bushel for the
former and $1 a bushel for the latter.

Then what are the farmers in Virginia to do ? It is clear that a
Virginia farmer making ten bushels of wheat to the acre, at a cost of

its 1 1 • ■ •

$5 per acre for fertilizers cannot compete with the rest in raising
wheat, 40 bushels to the acre, without fertilizers and paying but lit-
tle more freights to the seaboard markets, than we do 100 miles off,
which is an outrage on the part of these railroads. I say stop using
stimulants at any price. Save and husband all your farm manures,
from stable, cowpens, ashes, liquid manures, &c, &c Don't throw
your soapsuds out on the ground about your door, and don't let the
ashes and wood pile manure accumulate like little mountains, but
save, husband and apply all to 50 acres if you can ; if not 50, to
20, 10 or 2. Use as much bone or lime on 2, 10 or 20 acres, more
as you have means to buy, and apply plaster, which is the cheapest
and best of the three, to all your cleared land, whether in grass or crops.
Sow down in grass that 2, 10, 20 or 50 acres, and next year take as
much more and improve the same way, and on all your unimproved
land graze sheep. If our legislators are afraid of their popularity
for re-election, and won't give us a dog law, get $2 worth of strychnine
and you can protect any moderate size farm for a year against dogs.
By these means, Mr. Editor, the poorest farm in the State can be
made to blossom, and, with economy and industry, the owner can
soon use bone, lime and plaster enough to make it produce anything ;
but. my word for it, his land and he will get poorer and poorer every
year with the use of these manipulated stimulants. I will write you
in my next some facts and experiments in the use of plaster, which

THE SOUTHERN [November

«

Ifcr. iizer of all for its price, so cheap that it

' .- reach of all. and not a stimulant as some snppoc

Pekdmobt anl Tidewater Farmer.

• • — Oar eoi i'ht. The use of

Peruvian Guano has certain".- -bed our lands and people. In general

terms we think Bor e Liine and Plaster are barely ma-

nures— they are genera".- s I let cbemically. Tbe injurious effects of

■ian Guano were recognized soon a- was commenced. Tbe amount

of ammonia contained in it was! and being a power-

t it tool i ineral elements in 'which tbe guano itself

was deficient, making a fine crop al f the land. It was to remedy

this defect in Peruvian Guano that manipulated man Erst made, and

bones and phosphatic guanos were first used fbi pose. Manipulated

guanos when honestly and judiciously compounded have generally made beti
crops than Peruvian Guano alone, and in stead of impoverishing have improved
the land. They certainly enable us to get a stand of grass on land -where it would
have been impossible to hare sect: - -em. Of course the benefit of

the use of a commercial fertilizer when - : i improvement of the land,

as well as the improvement from any oth iralized by a scour-

ging system of grazing or cropping, but :_t : aoald not be blamed for

-.1 .:

-. '■'-.:.£. : a; : ::--:::. .-:_• :-;: sweeping when he lays the sonuaereaaJ
value of these fertih zz. '-.'-- ■ £24 We hav as one of

Prof. White's repor Society of Georgia, in which he

gives the commercial va. ricefron $35 to

I " " :>er ton, and thelowe- I y him is $25. i which, by tbe way. is that

:: - •' ra r a:.: . aa: :h~ highest is £54 • '. per ton, which u affixed tc a a
article sold $£ Chese values do not include the cost of bagging and

::- - - " : -:- :' - -".e. ~a::a :-::_. - : >' -: ton. This would show that
the standard fertilizers made by responsible parties generally contain the value
::' • - ia a-j :a .-;- 1 ::r -.heaa.

We agree with our correspondent in the estimate he places upon boneB. "vThen
pure, and unsteamed, and finely ground, they are very valuable, and will be
found more profitable, pound for pound, than Peruvian Guano. Bone Dust and
Bone Meal are slow has led to having them dissolved

with acid. When ground as fine as ; u dissolved bones,

and are more economical to the former, at a higher price than c e, or

dissolved bone, because they contain all of the ammonia, the greater part of
which is destroyed when dissolved, and they contain no m'isturt. [38 to 50 per
cent, of dissolved bone is water and acid, ) and being much more active than
coarse bone a smaller application w --re by reducing the

:-:-:.- a- _e--a:j :: :'-::.. air , ;. a a:- a.

Would it not be a good idea distrust manipulations to buy

guano and finely ground bone and mix them themselves? A mixture of one-
fourth to one-third Peruvian Guano with three- fourth- -birds Flour of
Bones would, we think, make a fertilizer which woa .the land
'-■ -*a -; ■ : t _■:*••— - .. z a.. a>e a : g crop of wheat — insure a stand of gram
and so put the land on the road to permanent improvement.

Our correspondent owns some of the largest and rich in the Valley,

Piedmont and Tide - rinia. and b a mpeer as a farmer

in these sections of - - We thank linn for this article, as well as for his

proposed article on plaster.]

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 643

CULTIVATE MORE FRUIT.

There is no doubt but that the free use of good fruit is highly con-
ducive to health, and, indeed, almost indispensable to it. Much of
the sickness in the western country is occasioned by the want of it.
It is the great scarcity of good fruit that creates such a demand for
physic. The various fevers and bilious disorders prevalent in the
summer season are more owing to the want of it than to any other
cause. And not until fruit is generally cultivated and used as an
article of medicine, instead of the physician's prescription, we have
no doubt it would be far better for the patient.

Fruit is more needed throughout the summer season than almost
any other part of the year. The farmer cannot take a step which
will add more to his own joys and- to those of his family, than by
having such a succession as will furnish him with fruit the entire
year.

First on the list in spring time comes the delicious strawberry.
But a little spot of ground is used for its cultivation for the use of
the family. Its healthful qualities are well known. Cities well sup-
plied with it are remarkably exempt from disease while the straw-
berry season lasts. We have accounts of wonderful cures effected
in ancient times by its use. There are many varieties, but it is not
our purpose to note the best of these at this time.

Next in order comes the raspberry — a most excellent fruit, and
indispensable to every family. Then follows the blackberry, the
cherry, currants and gooseberry. Then comes the apricot, the
peach, the nectarine and the plum. Apples and pears also com-
mence ripening early in summer, and the winter varieties, if pro-
perly stored, may be kept till the appearance of fruit the next sea-
son. Who will not have this succession ? How much it would add
to home happiness.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]
WHAT MAKES THE RIGHT KIND OF A WIFE.
In noticing one of your publications I saw the piece written "On
the right kind of a wife." But our correspondent never once said
what made that good wife; and what made her smile so much. It is
the affectionate husband, one who encourages her efforts with a smil-
ing face, and helps her out of her little troubles ; one who makes
pleasant surroundings at home. When she looks at her children,
helpless innocents, for whom the world has no inheritance but a lazy
father, and her children, half-clothed and half-fed, beseeching her to
give them such things that she is not able to do within herself; can
she be happy at home if she has any pride or respect for her family?
The man is the head of the woman, and it is natural for the woman to
look to her husband to do things for herself and children, though
they look in vain many a time; but when she has confidence in him,
and knows that he will manage his affairs to the interest of his
family, she is contented, and though she may be deprived of his

644 THE SOUTHERN [November

•

company all day. she looks forward to the time when he will be at-
home with an affectionate smile for her and a kiss for the little one?,
I then cheerfully speaks with her of the ev ate f the day. W hen
- is the o. i compc happy. Bat when he starts

in the morning and spen U Lay walking about, or sitting with

idlers, who have nothing to do but laugh and talk and drink whiskey
when s^me one offers it to them, and then at night comes home wi:h
a frown, perhaps cursing or abusing his wife because things have not
ne on right, and if she asks him a question she^gets no answer
but ves or no, or. I don't know, and that in the shortest way possi-
ble. Now I ask how can she be happy there, or how can he be
happy there? They see nothing at home to make them happy but
and disgrace, and that has never made any one happy. If
the man wishes to have a smiling, dutiful wife, he must be a smiling,
affectionate and encouraging husband. Woman ! weak woman ! how
can she smile unless she h - thing to make her smile, for smiles
can never come naturally from a sad heart.

From a Lady Friend.

~ :to?.. — Ve are willing to concede that good wives are the rule
and bad ones the exception. We are willing to go farther than this, and say that
where there is one wife who fails to do her duty as such lovingly and cheerfully,
there are two husbands who fall very far short of this, yet it stands out as a fact
that the happiness of homes depend almost exclusively upon the wife. We can-
not agree with our fair correspondent. A man of business s ends very ifcw hours
with his wife, and he, after all the toils and conflicts, and often disappointments
of the day, if he goes home and finds the one for whom he ha id labored

all day in anything else than a cheerful mood he feels that all his toil and labor
have been in vain. This is not sentimentalism, it is sober fact which every man
knows and feels. The man who. when met with a smile, repulses his wife, is a
brute, and don't deserve to have a home of any kind.]

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A NEW REMEDY FOR HARD TIMES.

Ten years ago the war close 1. and I have been looking forward,

from year to year, thinking that the next would bring us better

it I see no change and we cannot expect much better times

^e do better ourselves. All must go to work. We spend too
much time taking pleasure. We must not stop our work to go to

place of amusement, and spend our money foolishly. If we do,

U ever be at the foot of the hill. And young men. let me whis-
per softly in your ears and tell you that time is flying with rapid

s, and old age will soon be here, and if you wish to live comforta-

leclining years you must make provision in your youthful days.

of the young men spend too much timedn courting ; or going to
see the gir'-. And nine times out often they would think more of you

i would stay at home and try to accumulate something to take
care of her when you get her. Go to work and try to buy a home

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 645

for her ; try to have a plenty there when she comes. It is a mista-
ken notion to try to get the girl first. Make every preparation for
her, and then you will find it an easy task to select some fair one
to call your own. Some young men are five or ten years trying to
get married ; they perhaps succeed at last, and they carry her from
her father's house, where she lived comfortably, and they have no
home to call their own. And he is too poor to give her a neat apparel.
Now, young man, commence from the first day of the year, and set
down every hour you loose, and at the end of the year you will find
you have lost months ; and in five years you will find you have lost
years doing nothing. And now, young ladies, I have something to
say to you. The times have been when you could get a dress from
ten yards of cloth; now it takes from fifteen to twenty. You could
once fix up your hair in a becoming manner with the use of a few
hair-pins ; now it takes about a dozen different things to get it
" tucked up " in the present style ; and then it resembles a knot on
the camel's back. And it takes you all your time to keep in the
fashion. Now hard times will certainly remain with us as long as
things go on this way. If you would spend your time in learning
household duties and reading useful books, laziness and the frivol-
ities of fashion would sink to rise no more.

From a Subscriber.

[Note by the Editor. — There is a good dpnl of sober common sense in what
our subscriber says, and our young men and young women would do well to
profit by it. We differ from our friend, however, in some respects. We do not
think a young man ought to wait until he has a home before he marries. Upon
the contrary, we think that if a young man is sober and industrious, the sooner
he marries after he attains his maj >rity the better, provided, of course he makes
a suitable choice.

It is well known that most of our young men never save anything until they are
married, and while we may argue against it as much as we please, the fact stands
out undisputed and indisputable.

Men must have company, they are naturally gregarious, and a good wife is the
best and most economical companion a man can have].

DOES PORK-RAISING PAY IN THE OLD STATES.

This question is frequently discussed, and usually answered in the
negative. A writer in the American Agriculturist comes to the
conclusion that pork-raising does not pay in New England, that pork
sells (on account of Western competition) for less than it costs. This
may possibly be true in hundreds of cases, but when he goes on to
enumerate what pays better, he mentions sheep, in mutton and
lambs, as paying better than pork; but this is quite a miscalculation,
as mutton does not bring more per pound, on an average, than pork,
and from the most careful experiments of Lawes and Gilbert it is
proved that the pig utilizes in growth 20 per cent, of its food, while
the sheep does only 12 per cent. This may be considered as a de-
monstration that a pound of pork is produced at less cost than a

946 THE SOUTHERN [November

pound of mutton. Very little can be claimed on pasture for sheep
that does not apply to the pigT The pig is a grass-eating animal,
and has often been found to increase from one to one and a half
pounds per day upon clover. Any comparative trial upon feeding
sheep and pigs upon grain or upon food of the same cost, will demon-
strate that the sheep has no advantage of the pig. He also mentions
that grazing and fattening cattle is more profitable, but in this he i3
quite as much at fault, for beef does not, on an average, bring as
high a price as pork ; when higher it is exceptional, and the cattle
do not utilize so large a proportion of their food as pigs. One hundred
pounds of corn will make more pork than beef, as can be very easily
tested if one is feeding a few steers and pigs at the same time. We
have tested it by the following experiment : Fed two three-year old
steers, weighing 1,200 pounds each, upon good hay and corn meal,
and five pigs, eight months old, weighing, on an average, 160 pounds
each, upon sugar beets and corn meal ; counting a pound of beets
equal to a pound of hay (which is above the usual estimate for beets;.
The result was that it took six pound? corn meal to make one pound
increase live weight during forty days, while it required only four
pounds of meal to make one of live weight on the pigs. The steers
ate 480 pounds each of meal, and gained eighty pounds. The five
pigs ate 1,000 pounds of meal and gained fifty pounds each, or 250
in all. The pigs were a cross of Chester- White with common blood.
We found that the pigs would eat just about the same weight of beets
as the steers of hay, and the same of meal. Pigs eat much more,
proportionally to weight, than steers, and gain much faster.

One great reason that pigs are condemned by Eastern feeders is,
that they keep them too long, mostly in a store condition, wherein
they are always kept at a loss. The pig, to be profitable, must in
no case be kept beyond twelve months, and ten months is the better
rule ; at which latter age they should weigh 800 pounds. We have
no domestic animal that utilizes its food better than the pig, and
none that pays a better profit unless the product brings a higher
price.

SUFFOLK HOGS.

A great deal of pains has been taken by interested parties to
bring the Suffolk hog into public notice and popular favor. I have
just been reading an article in one of the agricultural papers in which
the writer says "we think the Suffolk keeps easier, matures quicker
and makes better pork than any other kind of hog, at least in north-
ern Ohio." This is saying a great deal. If it is true, there is no
longer a doubt which breed of hogs a farmer ought to keep. But
those who are interested in the sale of other breeds will hardly admit
all that has been claimed for the Suffolks. Take the claim that it
"keeps easier." In one sense this may be true. Probably a Suf-
folk hog will not eat as much as a Chester-White of the same age,
but the reason can easily be found in the fact that the former is not

1875]. PLANTER AND FARMER. 647

nearly as large as the latter. While the Suffolk eats less, it also
makes less pork. x\nd as the object in keeping hogs is not to see
how many can be kept on a certain amount of food, but to obtain
the largest possible quantity of pork from the food consumed, the
fact that one breed does not eat as much as another should have no
bearing upon the choice of breeds. There is no doubt that the Suf-
folk " matures quicker " than some other breeds. In certain locali-
ties this would be a very desirable quality, while in others it would
be a decided objection. If small hogs are wanted, the Suffolk will
fill the bill. They stop growing at an age when the Chester White
has hardly reached half its size, and while the latter keeps on grow-
ing the former is rapidly fattening.

In regard to the claim that the Suffolks make "better pork than
any other hog " in northern Ohio, I do not see how it can be proved.
I do not know that the meat of this breed of hogs sells any higher
in market than that of other good breeds. That the pork is good I
have no doubt, but that it is better than can be obtained from other
breeds I seriously doubt. The writer to whom I have referred would
make us believe that the Suffolks are the most profitable hogs for
the farmer to keep. That is in regard to the first cost of the stock.
The profits of this business do not depend entirely upon the receipts.
The expenses must also be considered. If a farmer wants to grow
2,000 pounds of pork, and is obliged to buy his pigs, it may make
considerable difference with his profits which breed he choses. Prob-
ably the amount of food required to produce this amount of pork
will be about the same whether a small or a large breed is taken,
but in one case more pigs must be obtained than in the other. The
price of the pork will be the same in either case.

In the case of poultry, the product brings so much higher price
that the profit is greater if the stock is kept healthly. Dairy pro-
ducts also bring a higher price and pay better, but the pig is the best
animal to utilize the refuse of the dairy. When farmers learn that
the pig is simply a machine to make pork out of vegetable food, and
they adopt the economical principle recognized in running other
machinery, to keep it going to its capacity, there will be no disap-
pointment about the profits. The simple point to be made is, the
farmer takes nearly or quite twice the length of time necessary to
reach a given weight, say 800 pounds, and the loss is in the keeping
the pig half of the time without growth. — Live Stock Journal.

Ax honest reputation is within the reach of all men ; they obtain
it by social virtues and by doing their duty. This kind of reputa-
tion, it is true, is neither brilliant nor startling, but it is often the
most useful for happiness.

The farmer who is too poor to take a paper devoted to his inter-
ests, will always be poor in purse and management.
4

648 THE SOUTHERN [November

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

VIRGINIA DELEGATION AT THE NORTH CAROLINA

STATE EAIR.

The delegation from the Virginia State Agricultural Society, an
gentlemen representing the trade interests of Richmond, Petersburg
and Norfolk, attended the North Carolina State Fair at Raleigh, and
were very courteously received.

After visiting the extensive Fair grounds and fine exhibition on
Wednesday, the 13th instant, where they were met by and introduced
to the officers of the Society and many citizens of the " old North
State," they were invited in the evening to be present at a general
meeting of the Society, which was held in the House of Representa-
tives, in the Capitol, and had seats assigned them. An address of
welcome was then made, which was responded to by Col. Knight,
President of the Virginia Society, and also by Messrs. Ruffin and
H att of the delegation.

An interesting address was then made by one of the professors of
Chapel Hill University, on the subject of an agricultural department
in that institution. Dr. Elzy, one of the Virginia delegates and
professor at the Blacksburg Agricultural College, was then called on,
and made a most admirable off-hand speech on the subject of techni-
cal education, which for its practical good sense, made a most pro-
found impression on his hearers. The meeting closed with the most
cordial feeling between the citizens of the two States who were thus
thrown together.

Substance of the Remarks of Col. Knight, President of
Virginia State Agricultural Society:

We have come here, my friends, not for the purpose of speech-
makino; and mutual laudations. We have come to mingle with the
people of the "old North State," and to cultivate those kindly feel-
ings which should exist between the citizens of the two common-
wealths. We have come to see the exhibition of the products of your
soil, and of your mines, the fruit- of your orchards, and the cattle
which have been bred on your pastures. We have come to take
counsel and encouragement in all efforts to restore and advance the
material interest of the people of both States. In a mission such as
this, we accept your kind welcome. These annual gatherings of the
people of the States, bringing with them the products of their skill
and labor, have done much to infuse energy and confidence into the
:dual worker, whereby the general wealth and prosperity are
increased.

I could tell you how Virginia, like your own beloved State — both
impoverished by a cruel and worthless warfare — has been benefitted
by her own Agricultural Society.

Time will not permit, but I may say, in brief, that ten years ago
in April last the conflict of war being over, its sad results were on us,
(of which it is useless to speak, as they are familiar to us all), and
the heavy cloud which overshadowed us seemed rather to increase
than diminish. Military government in State affairs, and carpet-bag

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 649

government in local politics rendered us powerless. We had from
sheer necessity to leave to the powers which controlled us all matters
outside of our immediate fire-side interest, and these were not always
exempt from interference.

This impressed the fact that as owners of the domain we had to
look to it, and. the fruits of honest toil on it, for the support of our
wives and children and the means of payment of debts contracted
under better circumstances. In this condition of things, our farmers
had to bear the largest part of the burden of the adverse times; and
with old debts hanging over them, land which they had not capital
and labor to work, homes made desolate, they were overwhelmed
with despondency and gloom. It was necessary to confront the situ-
ation and in every sensible and practical way to relieve it. A con-
vention of farmers was called to assemble at the capitol which was
well attended. The questions presented were earnestly discussed,
and hope and confidence were strengthened. Words of encourage-
ment were spoken by members, and by one which went like an elec-
tric shock throughout the State. The State Agricultural Society,
founded by Ruifin and other men eminent in agriculture, was still an
organized body, and had preserved a portion of its funds .from the
wreck of war, and it stepped to the front. The friend to whose
words I have alluded was elected to the vacant Presidency, and all
the other vacancies in the official corps were filled with true and
faithful men. A Fair was determined on for the ensuing Fall and a
heavy premium list, under the circumstances, was adopted and pub-
lished. We looked with fear and trembling on the result, as our
people were so little able by their personal presence, or otherwise, to
contribute to or receive the benefits contemplated and hoped for.
An overruling- Providence directed all things well, and our first Fair
closed with the general impression that it was equal to, if not better,
than the best before the war. Six others have succeeded, and the
seventh is now nearly at hand, and year by year the last is pro-
nounced best — thus showing the continued progress of our people.

Visitors to our Fairs may now see the stalls, pens and coops filled
with cattle, horses, hogs, sheep and poultry, the largest portion of
which have been bred in our own State, and for purity of blood and
skill in breeding, cannot be excelled in any country.

They will also find agricultural implements and machinery of the
best kind, which have been produced by the hands and skill of our
own citizens; and will see the products of the mines fashioned for
use in many varied and important forms by our own Foundries.
And as the result of these facts, Virginia is fast growing in her agri-
cultural and manufacturing prospects ; and for this she is indebted,
in a great measure, to her agricultural and mechanical societies.

Our farming people, however, are far from being fully relieved.
They have a large surplus dead capital lands which they cannot cul-
tivate, and cannot rent or sell to advantage, and on which they must
be taxed The relief from this burden will, I hope, soon come in
the shape of immigration. We will not, therefore, despond, but

650 THE SOUTHERN [November

will cultivate only as much of our lands as we can judiciously and
profitably, and leave the residue for the time which surely will tcome
when it will be made valuable to us.

This brief picture of the condition of Virginia, will, in the main,
represent that of your own State; and, therefore, we may take coun-
sel together and extend to each other mutual encouragement. Let
us, then, associate more intimately in all relations of trade and per-
sonal intercourse, and, be assured, that the interests of Virginia and
North Carolina are "one and inseparable."

Raleigh, N. C. T. E. C.

OFFICERS OF THE STATE GRANGE.

Master— J. W. White, Eureka Mills, Va.
Overseer — T. T. Tredway, Prince Edward Va.
Lecturer — J. W. Morton, Eureka Mills, Va.
Steward — Wm. McComb, Gordonsville, Va.
Asst. Steward — I. B. Dunn, Washington county, Va.
Chaplain — J. C. Blackwell, Buckingham, Va.
Treasurer — W. B. Westbrook, Petersburg, Va.
Secretary — M. W. Hazlewood, Richmond, Va.
Gatekeeper — M. B. Hancock, Charlotte, Va.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

A. B. Lightner, of Augusta.
R. V. Gaines, of Charlotte.
A. M. Moore, of Clarke.
R. L. Ragland, of Halifax.

MAINTAIN YOUR ORGANIZATION.

The Grangers must pardon us for urging them to maintain their
organization intact at all hazards. To do this requires energy, vig-
ilance and good sense. They must not only exert themselves and
work manfully, but they must be wide awake and subordinate their
intelligence to the great ends contemplated. Without these essen-
tial prerequisites no organization can succeed. We have, all over
the country, weak and inefficient churches, made so by the want of
these very elements ; and the same remark is applicable to all secu-
lar associations of men. There must be, too, a vital and living interest
in the peculiar objects and aims of such associations. This interest
must never flag — never give up. It should be kept, all the time, to
fever heat. Enthusiasm, is the word. The fire must burn within.
No one yet ever achieved success in any undertaking where there
was no lively interest felt in its ultimate triumph.

To this ultimatum the Grangers must be brought. They must
throw their souls into their work, or else they will die out. One
thing they have to guard against, and that is, not to be led astray
by the large promises of financial gains, by which we mean that they

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 651

have higher and more exalted ends to reach. The heart and mind
deserve more care and attention than the body. It is well enough
to look after our pecuniary interests, to save money, and to buy as
cheap as we can and to sell for the highest figure, but, in the mean-
time, it is far more important to cultivate a higher moral sentiment
and to fortify the mind with the richest stores of information. They
cannot perform a more important duty, one that will bring with it
more genuine pleasure and permanent improvement than the discus-
sion of such subjects as relate to farm, garden and household. Too
many are controlled by the mere paraphernalia of the order — its rites
and ceremonies. Lay these aside, and strike for something more de-
serving our attention. Form libraries, subscribe for useful papers
and thus extend the area of knowledge. We must steadily bear in
mind that all success depends upon the expansion of the intellect.

The Order has done well not to have anything to do with politics.
It has passed over this dangerous shoal and thus silenced our enemies.
But let us not be deceived about one thing, that we should ignore
the discussion of questions relating to political economy. That is
all bosh. It is our duty to investigate such questions, and, especi-
ally, the question of the currency. We are more deeply interested
in it, at least for the present, than any question of the times. We
cannot all think alike about it, and for that reason, if no other, we
should seek to interchange views and try to come together.

[Note by the Editor. — We copy the above from The Living Age and Outlook,
published in Kentucky. We heartily endorse its sentiments. The past yefer has
been a year of progress among the Patrons of Husbandry in Virginia, and the
next meeting of the State Grange, which takes place in January, is looked for-
ward to with a great deal of interest. The last Grange adopted a constitution
and this is its year of trial. When the results of the year are summed up we will
be able to tell whether it has been a complete success or not. If the system we
have adopted has any flaws in it. we will then be able to find them out, and remc
dy them. The farmers of Virginia have gone into this movement in earnest —
they mean to accomplish through its agency all the good it is capable of accom-
plishing, and no present disappointment or partial failure will discourage them
or cause them to abate their efforts to make it a success.]

The National Grange will meet in Louisville, Ky., on the 17th
of November.

The Maryland Patrons will petition the next Legislature, to do
away with the present system and substitute therefor, private in-
spections of tobacco.

The California Grangers' Insurance Company has increased
its capital from 100,000 to §500.000. During the first twelve months
of its existence it had risks to the amount of $3,000,000 and its ag-
gregated losses were only $646. It is on the mutual plan and the
.nsured participate in the profits. Nothing but country risks are
'aken and the loss can never, as with city companies, be severe,
t

652 THE SOUTHERN [November

The Executive Committee of the National Grange recommend
that the Secretary of each County or Pomona Grange, report to the
Secretary of the National Grange within ten days of the close of
each quarter, the condition of each staple commercial product, and
that the reports of the County Grange be formulated under appro-
priate heads, and a copy of the complete report furnished each Coun-
ty Grange. This is a good move. By it the Patrons of each County
Grange will have in their own hands the most accurate data, from
which to estimate the probable prices which Mill control both, what
produce they wish to buy, and also what they may wish to sell.

Junction Grange. Mars-hall county. Kansas, believing that if the
birds were permitted to live, the grasshoppers would, in all proba-
bility, soon disappear, passed the following resolution: " That we,
the members of this Grange, will not allow any one to kill birds on
any farm within the jurisdiction of this Grange, and that we hereby
give notice to all persons found killing birds on our farms that
they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

dbitorial grprtuunf.

THE NEXT LEGISLATURE.

During our editorial management of the Southern Planter and Farmer we
have farefully avoided medling in politics as such, vet there are some questions
which though somewhat political in their nature, or at any rates someiimes used
by politicians for party purposes, which are so intimately connected with the
well-being of the farmers of the State, that they require at our hands some notice.

We have on every occasion endeavored to impress upon our readers the neces-
sity of a dog tax. We are aware of the fact that, in many localities, this is very
unpopular, hut believing as we firmly do. that the welfare of the farmers
ginia and of the rrhole country would be greatly promoted by the taxing out of
existence three-fourths of the dogs that infest the State, and that decimate the
flocks of those who try to raise sheep, we do not hesitate to say that it ought
by all means to be done. We hardly know what more to say than we have said,
but we believe that if the farmers of the State. | a very large majority of whom are
heartily in favor of the tax) will only memorialize the legislature en v
pass such a law. the members will not disregard their wishes. We - _.
following as a form which would be convenient and convey distinctly the wishes
of the signers :

"We the undersigned farmers of county, petition the Legislature of

Virginia to pass a law imposing a tax of dollars, upon every dog owned by

a citizen of this State, and appropriate the fund thus raised, first, to reimbursing
the farmers whose sheep may have been killed by dogs, and the remainder to go
to the general improvement of the county."' [Sigued].

This is merely suggestive.

Tennessee raises $30,000 this year by her dog tax, and other States even larger
sums, and sometimes when passing among the freedman sections of our towns,
we think that a tax of $1 per head on dogs would largely aid in extinguishing
the State debt.

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER.

Persons who have never been accustomed to stock, will hardly realize the vast
loss the farmers of the State are suffering year after year, by being unable to
keep sheep. It may be broadly asserted that there is hardly a 200 acre farm in
the State that would not maintain from 50 to 100 sheep id addition to the stock
now kept upon it. If we estimate the return at $2 per head, which is very mod-
erate when lambs are selling at from three and a half to six dollars per head, and
wool in the gross at from thirty to forty cents per pound— it would very nearly
double the actual profit on many of our farms. Let us have a dog tax.

THE FENCE LAW.

Hardly a week passes that we do not receive a communicatiou of some kind
with reference to the enclosure law of the State. The present enclosure law,
subject as it is to local option, is very good so far as it goes, but practically it
subjects a very large class of our citizens to all the burdens of both systems. In
many places the no-fence law is adopted, by one county or part of a county,
while the opposite system prevails in the adjourning county or township. In this
case, those living upon the border have all the burdens of both sections to bear.

What we want is a law applied to one or more of the large geographical divi-
sions of the State. Sections bounded by rivers that are lawful fences, or by
mountains sufficiently large to make natural barriers to stock, should all be un-
der the same systems. Our leaislature should make such alterations in the pre-
sent law as would conform it to these suggestions, and then it would not work so
unjustly to those living upon the line between the two systems.

ENCOURAGING HOME MANUFACTURES.
The development of our manufacturing interest as a means of creating a home
demand for the perishable produce of our farms, is another matter that should
claim the attention of the in-coming legislature. We already have at different
points in our State, some very flourishing manufactories of woolen and cotton
fabrics, farming implements and machinery of various kinds. At Char-
lottesville, they have a woolen mill and an implement manufactory, which are
turning out excellent articles of their class. Indeed the woolen mills of Char-
lottesville with those of Fredericksburg, make goods which in quality, finish and
price, will compare favorably with those manufactured anywhere in the North.
Richmond, though not appropriating one- tenth of the water power which rolls its
almost inexhaustible strength at her feet, has many first class factories. In the
matter of farm implements, we have the Watt Cuff Brace Plow, the Starke Dixie
Plow, the Farmers Friend Plow, and the Granger Plow. Cardwell and Compa-
ny's extensive manufactory, devoted principally to making threshers, which are
superior to anything we have ever seen, at any rate for the price. At Charles
T. Palmer's, manufacturer of Valley Chief Reapers and Mowers, and H. M.
Smith & Co., manufacturers and dealers in all sorts of agricultural implement*.
This does not exhaust the list, but it serves to show something of what we are doing.

With all these manufacturies, three-fourths if not seven-eighths of the manufac-
tured articles used in Virginia are. made in other States.

If the legislature would pass a law exempting capital invested in manufactures
from taxation for a short time ; long enough to get the factories in successful op-
eration; we think it would be calculated to encourage the introduction of foreign
. capital.

654 THE SOUTHERN [November

THE ETBICS OF BUTTER.

Going through one of the markets in Richmond some time since, we ob-
served, at the stand of a dealer, several packages of "'Goshen" (New York)
batter. On expressing surprise at this, inasmuch as Virginia should be able to
produce butter enough, both as to quantity and quality, to meet the demands of
her people, he auswered : "We are forced to this course for those who want
honest butter, and I will give you the reasons : In the first place, Goshen butter
runs perfectly uuiform. and every grain of weight you pay for it is ac'ual butter ;
hence every buyer is satisfied. In the second place, our Virginia folks too often
show a disposition to the contrary ; the most common trouble is to be found in
the large quantity of buttermilk that is left in it. This settles at the bottom of
the jar and is paid for at the market rate of butter : which is too high a price
for something that is absolutely worthless : besides, the presence of this butter-
milk makes the butter frothy and causes it to turn rancid directly. Again, when
it is marketed in rolls, we have gotten whole packages, in which every roll had
a cabbage stalk snugly packed away in the centre ; others show pieces of iron or
small stones. Again, the heart of the roll will be composed entirely of lard, the
butter on the outside running say an inch to an inch and a half thick. We have
encountered them. also, packed in the heart with pure ground alum salt ; and
sometimes filled with clear water. Again, the rule of " tare and tret " appears
to be fully mastered ; for we not seldom get firkius marked with the tare usual
on vessels of that size and character in which we find the staves, as they approach
the bottom, swell to the thickness of some three inches. We pay, in conse-
quence, " butter price " for three or four pounds of wood, and that eats up the
profit on the package. The trouble and expense attending reclamations for our
losses by these " ways that are dark and tricks that are vain," induces us, as a
rule, to avoid the purchase of '•home-grown butter." except for such of our
customers as icill have a low-priced article, and when we can't otherwise avoid it."

This was certainly a delightful revelation. It shows that human nature is
marvelously human, no matter where you find it, and that cupidity is confined
to no particular section of country, although we have heard, in our time, pa-
triotic Virginians swear it only existed — not in Virginia. Now. " nesting " but-
ter is no less infamous than " nesting" tobacco, and we know of but one remedy
for it. and that is to take the trouble to find out the names of the persons guilty
of it. and publish them in the papers.

It is a shame that Virginia butter, because of the discredit thrown upon it by
the conduct of unworthy people, should rule 5 to 10 cents a pound less in the
market than that from Xew York, or other places, where honest butter is sold.

THE GRAPE CROP OF ALBEMARLE.

It is certainly a source of great pleasure to us to print such a statement as the
following, which we clip from the Chirlottesville Chronicle. It shows one direc-
tion in which we are diversifying our operations, and, as time advances, we will
find a wine interest growing up in this State that will result in adding hundreds
of thousands of dollars to the income of our people. The way to foster the
"temperance cause"' is to induce men to leave off ''strong drink,"
and take to light wines. Men are not put into the world merely to exist,
but to enjoy themselves, and the Almighty has made ample provision for
it in every way. Because some men make gluttons of themselves and die with

1875.J PLANTER AND FARMER. 655

apoplexy, does not prove that food is a bad thing. It simply shows that we must
use and not abuse the good things arranged for our enjoyment.

In our December number, Louis Ott, Esq., of Nelson. Co., will commence a
series of articles (six in number) discussing the following subjects, viz: 1st. Vir-
ginia as a Grape Country ; 2nd. Object of Raising Grapes, (table and wine) : 3rd.
Varieties of Grapes ; 4th. Planting of and Attending to Vineyard ; oth. Cost and
Yield of a Vineyard ; 6th. Making Wine. We are sure that these articles will
demonstrate the ability of our State as well as North Carolina, to embark in the
business of wine-making on a large and profitable scale, which will demand the
services of numbers of men fitted, as Mr. Ott is, by skill and experience, to
make * a perfect success. What say Messrs. Stearns, Haxall, Palmer, Cren-
shaw. Carrington and other wealthy and enterprising gentlemen to the formation
of a large manufactory of this kind. The Chronicle says:

"Some idea of the extent of grape culture in Albemarle Co. may be gathered
from the facts in regard to the quantity of grapes shipped by express, and the quan-
tity received at the wine cellar. During the months of September and October,
81,797 pounds were shipped by the Adams Express Company. Of these To. 778
pounds went to New York; 3.828 pounds to Baltimore: 1.323 pounds to the White
Sulphur Springs ; 550 pounds to Huntington. West Virginia, and 318 pounds to
Charleston. West Virginia.

In addition to this. 84.872 pounds were received at the wine cellars of the
Monticello Wine Company, making a total of 166,669 pounds of grapes marketed,
over and above consumption. The crop was not so larsre as it was last year, but
brought remunerative prices. The wet weather injured the Delaware variety to
such an extent that it was almost a failure."

COL. W. C. KNIGHT.

We have the pleasure of presenting to our readers this month the likeness of
the President of the Virginia State Agricultural Society.

Col. William Carter Knight was born in Nottoway county, Va., June 28th,
1818. On his father's side he is of English extraction, his grandmother being a
Walton, and nearly related to one of the signers of the Declaration of that name.

Col. Knight's mother was a Miss Carter, whose father had removed to Notto-
way from the Northern neck about the close of the revolution.

Col. Knight received his academic education at Prince Edward C. H., under
the tuition of Mr. David Comfort. He was sent to Randolph Macon College, in
Mecklenburg county, in the Fall of 1832 and remained two sessions ; then
to Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated in 1835. From thence he went
to the University of Virginia and studied Law and the Modern Languages.

He was licensed to practice law in 1839.

In 1840 he married, and in 1841 settled himself upon a farm and devoted himself
to an improved system of culture. The vast improvement made in this farm may
be judged by the fact that though valued at only 85 per acre when he came in pos-
session, he sold it, at the end of 17 years, for -$50 per acre for 400 acres under cul-
ture, and $8 per acre for the remainder. Heathen purchased the estate known as
Wilton, situated on the north side of the James river six miles below Richmond,
where he resided until his removal to Richmond seven years ago. Though giving
strict attention to the practice of his profession he found time to take an active
interest in the improvement of his farm and in the general agricultural improve-
ment of the State. In 1858 he was elected to the Senate of the State from the
districts composed of the counties of Nottoway. Prince Edward and Lunenburg.

He took an active part in the formation of the State Agricultural Society, and

656 THE SOUTHERN [November

in 1855 was elected a member of the Executive Committee, and has continued
an officer of the Society to the present time, and for two years past has
been its President. He took a deep interest in the improvement of the
"Wilton estate. In 1862. the third year of his occupancy, he had 200
acres of very fine clover, which proved a Godsend to the army of General Lee
when it was almost impossible to obtain forage elsewhere. He devoted all the
resources of the farm to the support of the army during the entire struggle, and
the Government was in debt to him more than half a million dollars at its close.

After the close of the war he removed to Richmond for the purpose of educat-
ing his children, and became engaged in the manufacture of agricultural imple-
ments in partnership with George Watt, the inventor of the celebrated Watt
Plow. At the close of five years the partnership of Watt &, Knight expired by
limitation. He is now President of the Richmond Sto%-e Company, one of the
most active and enterprising manufacturing companies in the city.

In person, Col. Knight is an excellent specimen of the Virginia gentleman, and
is noted for his high-toned principle, and manly bearing. Though modest and re-
tiring he is looked up to by his acquaintances and friends, (of which he has a
hostj) as one of the most judicious and enterprising citizens of the State.

GEN. FITZ. LEE AND HIS MISSION NORTH.

The Potomac Immigration Society has taken the most sensible course we have
yet seen taken by any of the emigrant societies, in sending delegates North, to
lay before the people who have money to invest the advantages of coming to
Virginia to invest it. Nothing will convince the Northern people so quickly that
we are in earnest in our desire to have them come down to live among us as to
go to them and tell them to their faces. There is nothing that so readily convinces
men of each others intentions as personal intercourse.

We are perfectly satisfied that if the people of the North knew the exact state
of affairs in Virginia there would soon be such an immigration to this State as
would relieve us of all our surplus lands, and our debts too. Let some
more such men as those who recently visited New York go to Philadelphia,
or any other large commercial centre at the North, and tell what we are
willing to let them do for us, and what we are willing to do for them, and we feel
assured that much good will be accomplished.

POT FLOWERS IN SLEEPING ROOMS.

^e copy the following on this interesting subject from that sterling paper,
" The Aeic York Journal of Commerce :

New Yokk, October 6, 1875.
Editors of the Journal of Commerce :

Is it injurious »o health to have plants growing in the same apartments where
persons are sleeping?

Your reply will be considered sufficient authority to decide the matter with a
number of readers of your valuable journal. W.

Reply. — It is injurious to health to have growing plants in sleeping apartments.
The reason this is so little understood among people of intelligence is to be found
in the fact that the action of plants upon the atmosphere having been tested by
day and found to be favorable, it has not occurred to the same observers to test
it again by night, when the conditions are naturally changed. Carbonic acid is

1875.] PLANTER AND FARMER. 657

the product of perfect combustion of cai"bon, and is therefore produces by the
breathing of animals. Upon inhalation the oxygen in part unites with carbon
in the system, and the air exjired contains 4} per cent, carbonic acid gas. This
is quickly diffused through the atmosphere of an apartment, but a continual re-
breathing of the same atmosphere without thorough ventilation must result in
rendering it unhealthy. A single pair of lungs require for healthy action from
212 to 353 cubic inches of pure air per hour, containing about four pounds of
oxygen. During the day growing plants counteract the effect of a man's breath
upon the atmosphere, reversing the process. That is, the carbonic acid gas is
inhaled by the plant through the leaves, which are the lungs, and being therein
decomposed, the solid carbon is added to their structure" and the pure oxygen is
expired. This only takes place where there is light. The moment it becomes
dark the plants give back some of the carbonic acid gas to the atmosphere.
Thus, plants fill a sitting.room during the day'with life'and health, but at night
contaminate the air of a sleeping apartment.

FLUES FOR CURING TOBACCO— AN INQUIRY.

The following letter was received by a friend of ours, and as the answer to the
inquiry it contains will prove of general service, we request that such of our cor-
respondents who have had the most experience in "flue curing," and their con"
struction, will favor us with a full and circumstautial uccount of the matter:

Cumberland Co., Va., Sept. 29, 1875.

"I take the liberty of troubling you with an inquiry in regard to stove flues for
curing tobacco. Our present way of building an open fire on the floor of the
house is very uncertain, laborious and dangerous. There is, besides, never any
certainty Sis to what the color of the tobacco will be. 1 hear that those who use
the flues think them dangerous, as they sometimes burst from excessive heat. Is
this the case everywhere our sandstone or granite is used for their construction ?
I should be glad to know the shape and size of these flues ; how the fireplaces
are constructed, and whether a chimney is necessary. If it is, what should be
its height? The houses in which I would put them would be 24 feet square.

"I raise only what is known as " shipping tobacco, " in the curing of which it
is only necessary to got a high degree of heat in the early stages of curing. This
we cannot do with wood fires, as the blaze will coddle the leaf on the lower tiers.
I have used charcoal with great success, but its preparation is laborious and
costly.

" These inquiries cannot, of course, be of any service for the present season.
I desire their answer for my guidance in the future. E. R. C.

The State Fair comes off before another issue of this journal, and hundreds of
its readers will flock to Richmond. All who are in want of dry goods, fancy goods,
cloths, carpets, oil cloths, &c, &c, should call and examine the immense stock
of goods which are offered for sale by Messrs. Levy Brothers, 1017 and 1019
Main Street, Richmond. Never before has a larger stock of goods, or one more
complete in every department, been offered by Messrs. Levy. Their stock is the
largest south of New York, and gives employment to thirty or forty lady and
gentlemen clerks, all of whom are polite and attentive. See their advertisement.

Mr. Jno. Sanders, of Smythe county, Va., has just sold 19 head of two year
old cattle in Philadelphia, averaging 1,164£ pounds. They were of the short
horn Durham breed. The Richmond market does not require such large cattle
as our Northern cities. This speaks well for our Southwest farmers.

658 THE SOUTHERN [November

We call special attention to the card of Wilkinson & With-r's Clothing Em-
porium, on second cover page. They keep a large and desirable stock of
clothing and furnishing goods, of style, quality and finish to suit all classes and
conditions. Whilst providing for the wants of the finest city trade, they pay
special attention to supplying the wants of the farmers and mechanics. They are
active, responsible business men. and rapidly becoming known as the leading
house in their department in our State. They keep good goods at low prices;
and we recommend them with pleasure.

We had the pleasure a few days since of meeting at the Exchange Hotel in
this city, Gen. H. H. Hurt, the Conservative candidate for the Senate in Halifax
county. The General's empty sleave shows that he has seen service. We found
him a very intelligent and agreeable gentleman, and have no doubt he will, if
elected, make a useful and valuable member of the Senate.

The Patriot and Herald, published at Marion, Ya., by Col. Wm. C. Pendleton,
is one of the most readable and enterprising exchanges which we receive from
Southwest Virginia. We recommend it to our Southwestern subscribers and
to such of our advertisers who wish to reach the rich farmers of Smythe, Tyzewell,
Wythe and Washington counties.

St. James Hotel. — This is the best located, as well as one of the best hotels in
every respect in this city. The price of board is cheaper than others of the same
class. Col. John P. Ballard, the veteran hotel keeper of Virginia is associated
with Maj. Hoenniger. See their advertisement.

We call the attention of our readers to the card of Taliaferro & Loving. Mr.
F. A. Sanders, of Smyth county, has associated himself with this firm, and will,
at all times, be ready to attend to the wants of his friends in Southwest Ya.
We can safely recommend him and this firm to our readers.

The Districts Fairs. — In our next issue, we hope to give full accounts of the
Wytheville. Lynchburg, Staunton and Culpeper Fairs. This- number of our
Journal goes to press just as the above fairs close, in order that it may reach our
readers before they start to our State Fair. The reports received state that all
of the above fairs have been a success. Novo let all of them unite in making our
grand old State Fair such a success as she deserves.

The New York World says : ;" The speculation in cotton has taken a turn to-
wards higher prices, and the decline which has been going on almost uninter-
ruptedly since March last seems at length to have received a decided check.
Prices have been forced down in the meantime more than four cents a pound,
and this affords an assurance of safe values which it is impossible to ignore, for-
tified as it is by other circumstances of more or less significance. The Liver*
pool market has become quite active, with a partial advance in prices. That
market requires more liberal shipments from the American ports, and bids higher
prices to stimulate them. Besides it begins to be suspected that the crop for the
current year has been overestimated in placing it at 4^ to 4i million bales. The
planting season was late, the acreage without important increase, the growing
crops was assailed by drouths in some sections, floods in other, and latterly by
storms, high winds, excessive rains, and unseasonable cold in various parts.

BOTTOnyC TOTJCHBri.

Dry Goods at Lower Prices than Ever*

Money sayed ty Myiug your Dry Goods from Levy Broilers,

Who have made large purchases since the recent decline.

Fancy Grenadines at 8£, 10 and 12£c. per yard, worth 16|, 20 and 25c; Rich
Styles Fancy Grenadines at 16f, 20, 25, 30 and 35c, worth from 25 to 50c;

Black Grenadines in all qualities from 12Jc. up to $2.25 per yard—this em-
braces not only the cheapest, but best assorted stock everoffered in this city;

Ecru Linen Tussore Suiting at 8Jc. per yard, worth 16§c; at 12Jc, would be
a bargain at 25c; at 16fc, worth 30c — these goods must be seen to be appre-
ciated; Silk- Warp Japanese Stripes and Plaids at 30c per yard, worth 50c;

Japanese Cloth at 12$c, worth 25c; Wash Poplins, best goods manufactured,
at 12$c. and 15c, worth 16f and 25c; Debeges, at 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50c These
goods can be had in all the new shades ;

New style' Plaid Dress} Goods from 25 to 50c; per yard— a reduction of from
twenty-five to fifty per cent, has been made in these goods ; Fast- Colored Lawns
at 8£, 10, 16|, 20* 25, 30, 37 h and 50c;

Also, at the lowest prices, Pongees, Mohairs, Japanese Silks, Jaconets, Cam-
brics, Linen Lawns, and all other styles of fashionable dress goods : Black Al-
pacas at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, GO, 75, 85, 90c, $1 and $1.25 ;

Australian Crepe at 50, 60 and 75c, worth 65c, 75c and $1; Yard- wide
Printed Percales and Cambrics at 12J and 16|c per yard— regular prices, 16f
and £5c;

Victoria Lawns at 16f, 20, 25 and 30c; also, Piques at 16|, 20, 25, 30, 35 and
40c — all remarkably cheap ; Swiss Muslins from 12^c up to 50c per yard— all
very cheap;

Checked and Striped Nainsook Muslins, Checked and Striped Swiss Muslins ;
Corded, Striped and Figured Piques— all at extraordinary bargains ;

Lonsdale Cambric, first quality, one yard wide, ] at 16f per yard ; Knight's
Cambric 33 inches wides, at 10c, would be a bargain at 12ic;

Utica Sheeting, 10-4 wide, in remnants from two and a half up to ten yards,
at 40c per yard ; 50c is the regular price everywhere ; Remnants of Dress Goods
of every description to be sold at less than half value ;

Black and Colored Silks at lower prices and in greater variety than at any other
establishment in this State; Embroidered Curtain-Muslin, ope yard wide, at 25c,
worth 37.1c;

Hamburgh Net for Curtains, at 20', 25, 30, 35, 40, 50c, and up to $1 per yard ;
Hamburgh Lace Curtains from $4 to $30 per set for two windows ; Hamburgh
Lace Lambrequins, from $2 50 up to $5 a pair— all very cheap and desirable ; _

Window-Shades in great variety, among which will be found an exact imitation
of lace shades, now so fashionable : A large assortment of Curtain Fixtures, such
as Cornices, Bands, Loops and Hooks ;

Black, White and Ecru Hamburgh Nets, at a reduction of 50c ; A full assort-
ment of Laces suitable for trimming ; A large assortment of Silk Neck Scarfs
and Ties ; Also. Black Lace Scarfs and White Lace and Muslin Scarfs ;

Ready-Made Dresses for ladies in all of the latest styles, from $3 to $25; A
full assortment of Under-Garments at extraordinary low prices ;; A large assort-
ment of Ducks and Drillings for boys' and men's wear ;

Sash Ribbons at 25c, 30c, 35c, 40c and 50c, and up to $1.25 per yard-all
extraordinarily cheap ; A full assortment of Ribbons from a halt-inch up to
seven inches at the lowest prices; Gauze Shirts for men and women— some as
low as 40c for men ; .

Bustles in all the new styles ; also, Hoop Skirts and Balmorals ; Matting, Oil-
Cloths, Rugs, Carpets, Mats and Hassocks; Rubber, Jet and Gol'd Plated Jew-
elry in great variety ; Summer Shawls, Lace Points and Jackets ;

Black Grenadine Shawls at $3, worth $4 ; Laces and Embroideries in end ess
variety at low prices ; Goodrich & Barnum's Tuckers at 75c; Machine ISeedles
at 4 and 5c; Machine Oil in large bottles at 15c;

Clark's and Coat's Spool Cotton at 70c per dozen ; '
And thousands of other articles not enumerated in this advertisement.

Prompt attention to orders. __ „. , , „

July— tf r LEVY BROTHERS, Richmond, Va.

TZHUE

YIRG-IISI'IA

A^D

CIDER MILL

Is superior to any MILL now made, and more sold annually in
this market than of all other kind.? combined. It does not grate,
but thoroughly eras lit cell, insuring all cider tLe apples

v :'.'. --.:'. ':.

Send for Catalogue.

CHAS. T. PALMER,
-ly 152o Main . '<:•■-.:. Rteh umd, V

G. F. WATSON'S

IlEff

?

RICHMOND.

"-- " - "■-'.-' -" " n ": - ■ : ; :.• HL'.i-z.'. " i- ' ~ -•." ~- ' r- *-;"L -_ : \zli " : -. J a Wring
rs.:'':.! - : 1 1 •:"-.. -. ",:_ .zv.. :_ ::' i_::_- :__ • ' _ ■ -. - - - ... •_ - . ' - :.: z_ ■ :::_. : r :'..:. >
r-;-ii:i^ •-•■.•ji'.rj I 'vi'.-i L- :-_• :.:- :■•.:.:' ..-:.-■:. 1 pfaramd hard rood i s fl : inc Low-
price* 3 I XI nhor Wesi^and fine W» I | NKUHK
riaeaper. A stoek of one million feet of lumber insures seasor Us and

IjirabfT-giill, IndianioTrr and Pojlar

straets; wamuuc J.iehmond. apl

FARHERS AND DEALERS
Pure Fine Ground Bone

m. PUfiE : RAW BOMB

'-■n V" [SAIilB. Pure Chemicals- for mi. fa . osphaa;

R. J. BAKER & COS.

SOLUBLE PACIFIC GUANO,

FOR TOBACCO, CORN AND OTHER CROPS..

After ten years' continuous use, throughout Virginia and the South, Soluble Pacific Guano has
acquired a reputation for reliability equal to that formerly enjoyed by the Peruvian Guano, and
the quantity used annually exceeds that Ol any other fertilizer.

It has been the aim of all connected with this Gnano to produce the best possible fertilizer at
the lowest possible cost, and we claim that the unusual resources and facilities of the manufactu-
rers have enabled them to approach this more nearly than has been done in any other fertilizer
with which we are acquainted. Those who have been using it unite with us in the opinion, that
by its use the consumer g

THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM THE SMALLEST OUTLAY.

We ofl'er it with great confidence for use on the Tobacco and other crops to be grown in 1S7j,
with the assurance that it is, in all respects, equal to what it has been in the past.

PURE PERUVIAN GUANO,

AS IMPORTED.

We have a full supply of No. I Ouanape Peruvian Gnaim, from the Government
Agent in New York, selected from one of the finest cargoes ever imported. It is dry and in beau-
tiful order, and contains within a fraction of IS per cent, of Ammonia, which is within
two per cent, of what the old Chincha Peruvian used to contain — in fact, it would be difficult to
tell one from the other.

We offer these standard and thoroughly tested fertilizers for Tobacco, Corn, and all Spring
Crops, and are prepared to sell them at such prices as will make it to the interest of consumers and
dealers to purchase their supplies of us instead of sending their orders to New York, or elsewhere.

For fu.-ther information and supplies, address,

ALLISON & ADDISON,

mar— tf Seed and Guano Merchants, Eiehmond, Ya

35 6 S O 3C m £> §

Pleasantly located on Twelfth Street, facing Bank Street and the Capi-
tol Square. In the centre of the business portion of the city, within
one square of the Post Office and Custom House, it is, by its retired
location opposite the southeast corner of the beautiful park surrounding
the Capitol of Virginia, the most quiet hotel in Richmond.

The proprietor having had a life long experience in hotel business —
first at the Everett House, New York, and afterwards as proprietor of
the Spotswood Hotel, Richmond, in its best days — and now assisted by
Mr. JOHN P. BALLARD, the popular veteran hotel-keeper of Vir-
ginia, assures visitors of the ST. JAMES that no effort on his part will
be spared to make them comfortable and to keep the house in first-class
style. Coaches will attend the arrival of all trains. Elegant carriages
are at all times at the service of the traveling public.

June T. W. HOENNIGER, Proprietor.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CAEDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces

TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.

Merchants desiring samples, will please address,

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

- — J. B. LIGHTFOOT.

CKW, HOTSTER «3fe OQ„

Coniniissioii Merchants,

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA,

l:'.:± :::.:l~::z-.:i :: T::i::: araia ?.::/ ana 7::i::.:z jsnsraHy

Refer by Special Permission to J. W. Loce~ al Bank of

Ta.. Richmond: Isaac Datejtpobt. Ji Richmond.

Grain Bags furnished on application. ang — It

_ _: m • ... : has . :i band

WlSSIi £R33 SJ.HIS

■ mode-
rate terms. - » call from
all in want of any article in his li ie, and he guarant work-
manship, and first-rate materiaL A. B. LIPSCOMB,
riT 116 C f St

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO R. R.

On and - V. June loth, 1*75, passenger trains will

run as follows

PROM RICHMOND:
chmond, A-M. 9.10 P. H

nlle, 12.45 P.M. 12.30 A.M.

7.33 P. M. G.33 A. M.
lie, 145 P. M. 1.24 A. M.
Mg, M. 4.50 A .M.

4.10 P. M. 3.30 A. M.
P.M. 5.14 A. - -
A: llboro', 6.17 P. M. 5.36 A. M.

.: on, 7.51 P. M. 7.06 A. M.

u i :: - :4 a. m.

bur, 15P.M. B.32 A. M.

aton, 12.15 A. M. 10.35 A. M.

At: aawha Falls, 4.2 A. M. 1.25 P. M.

Ar: arleston, A. M 3.25 P.M.

A 11. 5.45. P. M.
) A. M.
Train leaving Richmond s pping

at all regular stations.

leaving Richmond 9.10 P. M. runs daflj -r-ar stations

west of Alleghany.

_._ - - .-;- •:■&;- !tv;: Bi'/ini'M. d :'or GorccmsviHeandall intermediate
stations daily (Sunday except* I ML

: _;;:- ._- «.' '~: ; ^ •. i: :_.- :l -.1 - ?. 1-1. irair. 1 r^een Richmond and tThite
Sulphur.

For further information, rates. :r at Company b

:5:1V"" " AT R. HOWABJ

eral Passenger and Ticket Age
W. M. ; . 7 Transportation, jy

WSiZJP± W£S

THE WATT PLOW

VICTORIOUS OXjEVERY FIELD!

A combined TUNING PLOW. CUL-
TIVATOR. SIT SO I.ER. ROW-OPEN-
ER, PEANUT-I IG EH. TOBACCO and
COTTON SCRA. ..d and SWEEP.

No CHOKING when bright and smooth;
no LABOR to the plowman"; ONE-THIRD
LESS DRAUGHT to the team ; thorough
BURIAL of Weeds. Grass. &c. ; great
STRENGTH, Durability and Economy in
its use, and complete pulverization of the
soil.

FARMERS WHO USE IT WILL USE
NO OTHER.

Awarded all the Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1873.

Awarded First Premiums at every
Fair attended in 1874.
Virginia State Fair, Richmond— FIRST PREMIUMS ON THREE AND
FOUR- HORSE PLOWS.
Right and Left Hand -ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED THEIR SIZES.
Also at the Plowing Match ALL PREMIUMS AWARDED WHITE PLOW-
MEN were taken with WATT PLOWS of ONE, TWO. THREE and FOUR-
HORSE SIZES; and COLORED PLOWMAN by ONE, TWO and THREE-
HORSE SIZES ; being

SEVEN PREMIUMS OUT OF EIGHT.
The superior work done by the WATT, and the complete ease with which it is
handled, was apparent to all.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR. Raleigh, October 10th;
GEORGIA STATE FAIR. Atlanta, October 19th ;
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, Columbia, November 10th ;
STAUNTON. VA., October 13th;
LYNCHBURG. October 20th ;
WELDON. N. C, October 20th;
ORANGEBURG, S. C. November 3rd;
CHARLOTTE. N. C, November 3rd ;
DANVILLE. VA.. November 3rd;
POINT PLEASANT, W. VA., October.

Thus, with its great reputation before, it has gained new laurels this year,
which must convince every farmer of its vast superiority over other plows.

We warrant every plow sold to be as represented or to be returned to us. We
solicit a trial. Catalogues sent to any address.

WATT & CALL,

SOLE MANUFACTURERS, ■
1432 Franklin St., Richmond, Va.
Special A srents for "The Best" Spring-Tooth Horse-Rake and Gleaner; also
for sale of our own manufacture. HARROWS. CULTIVATORS, and all kinds,
of IMPLEMENTS at lowest prices— all warranted.

-3 cm- ©if

I have a NEW BURDETT ORGAN which I will sell for $150—
Manufacturer's price $175 — Boxed and delivered at any Depot or
Wharf in Baltimore. Terms of payment accommodating.

L. R. DICKINSON,

Also, THREE FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES which
will be sold at a discount of forty per cent, on Manufacturers'
prices.

fj

1

V

TREES! TREES!

r, 1 The largest and most Complete
Stock oi gruit and Ornamental frees
in the I . S.

l>e«eripjive and Illustrated Priced
Catal«s«tes sent as foil jns : No. 1 —
Fruits, IOC. No. 2 — Ornamental Trees, new
ed., with colored plate, 25c. No. 3 — Green-
house plants, 10c. No. 47—Wholesale— Free.

ELLWANGER & BARRY,

sep Mount Hope Nurseries, ROCHESTER, X. Y.

NUlSERY STOCK.

FALL, 1875.

We desire to call the attention of Nurserymen
•and Dealers to our exceedingly large, thrifty,
and great variety of stock for Fall trade.

Special inducements offered in standard,
Dwarf and Crab Apples; Standard and Dwarf
Pears, Cherries, Gooseberries, Currants, Elms,
Maples, Evergreens, Shrubs and Roses.

Correspondence solicited.

SMITH & POWELL,

Syracuse Nurseries, Syracuse, N. Y

BLATCHLEY'S

Improved Cucumber
Wood Pump is the ac-
, knowledged Standard
y'of the market, by pop-
ular verdict, the best
pump for the least
.money. Attention is invited to
iBlatchley's Improved Bracket, the
t Drop Check Valve, which can be with-
drawn without disturbing the joints,
i and the copper chamber which never
Ija cracks, scales or rusts and will last a
I life time. For Sale by Dealers and
^^tlj ''"' trade generally, in order to be
sure that you get Blatchley's Pump,
be careful and see that it has my trade mark as
above. If yon do not know where to buy, de-
scriptive circular, together with the name and
address of the agent nearest you, will be prompt-
ly furnished bv addressing with stamp,

CHAS. G". BLATCH LEY, Manufacturer,
mar-9m 50G Commerce St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Tboroilred Stocl for Sale.

I am breeding Thoroughbred Devon
Cattle, Poland China, and Essex Hogs,
South Down Sheep, &c. Also Light
Brahma Fowls, and have for sale seve-
ral pairs of White and Black Guineas.
Persons ordering from me can rely on
getting as good stock as any in this
country. My herd of Devons are of
the most improved strains. They took
7 first premiums at our last Virginia
State Fair. For further particulars,

F. W. CHILES,

feb — 6m Louisa C. H., Va.

I7RESH
J GARDE SI and FIELD SEED

At the old stand cf Palmer <S Turpin,
1526 Main street, Richmond,
Orchard Grass,

Timothy, Herds. Clover,

Kentucky Blue Grass.
Send for Catalogue,
teb-tf W. H. TURPIN.

1ST AMI UIEAVIST IS ISE.

Have taken over 30O Premiums at

Fairs throughout theftouth. Bend for

illustrated Catalogue with

Price Lwt,and certificates

of planters who use them.

SOLE MANUFACTURERS:

BRIHLY, MILES & HARDY
Louisville, Ky.

TIN WIRE RINGS.

... Will not make a Hot's

,2^°' Hardware Dealers sell them.

*c-Emger, 91; Tin Siiigt; (100i,

jy60e; Coppered 'RinfH. GOe;

•^Tongo, 41.25 ; by mci], poat-

DCCATUP..1L1. paid. Circulars free.

mm ! CAMER

1 1

Attention is called to the great suc-
cess which has been achieved in the per-
manent cure of this loathsome disease,
by the us^ of

"BemM's Enreta Cancer Salve.

Hitherto it has baffled the heat medical skill,
and the poor unfortunates with this leprosy,
clinging to their bodies and eating out their
vitals, are left to drag out a miserable existence.
Testimonials of the most convincing character
are accumulating daily, and many heretofore
incredulous, are now entirely satisfied as to its
inestimable value.

F. H. ROBERTSON & SON, Index-Appeal
Office, Petersburg, Va., are the General Agents,
to whom all letters for information, and orders
for Salve should be addressed.

March tf

ELLERSLIE FARM.

Thoroughbred HORSES,

Half Bred HORSES,
Pure SHORT HORN CATTLE,

Improved BERKSHIRES
For sale.

Price $10 apiece.
Address

R. J. HANCOCK,
oct Overton, Albemarle co., Va

KILLINGLY, CONN.
Offers for sale a few Superior PART-
RIDGE, COCHIN and PLYMOUTH
ROCK CHICKS, at reasonable prices.
Also, White Fantail PIGEONS. oc

Maryland Eye and Ear Institute,

66 N. Charles St , Baltimore, Md.

GEORGE REUL1NG, M. D., late Prof, of Eye &

Ear Surgery in the Washington University,

SURGEON IN CHARGE.
The large, handsome residence of the late
Charles Carroll has been fitted up with all the
improvements adopted in the latest Schools of
Europe, for the special treatment of this class
of diseases Apply by letter to
fe- (iEiikGlE kllMSG. 91. U.,

oct — 3m

3. w. PEEGt7ssrar a sour.,

Book and Job Printers,

Corner Main and 14th Streets, Richmond, Va.

Execute in the very best style and on reasonable terms all styles
of Books, Pamphlets and Job Printing. Secretaries of County Ag-
ricultural Societies can have their Premium Lists and Blanks
printed promptly and in good style by ordering of us.

Catalogues for schools printed in a style that cannot fail to give
satisfaction.

In the most elegant style of the art made a specialty.
Orders from the country promptly attended to.

J. W. FERGUSSON & SON.

nov

FARMERS AND DEALERS

PURE BONE FLOUR,

PURE DISSOLVED BONE ASH,

66° Oil Vitrei], German Potash Salts,
Pure Chemicals for making Superphos-
phate at the lowest market price.

Call at R. J, BAKER & CO'S.

Aug— ly BALTIUOHK, MD.

IMPROVE YOUR STOCK.

FOR SALE — Aldernetf and Durham Cattle. Ootmcold a?id
Shropshire Lambs and Berkshire Sarins.

PBEMim ALDERXET BrLL. 'EZRA.*'

three - -:00.

PREMirM ALDEKXET BrLL •• (.OLD DUST" two years old. Sire Imp. South-
ampton i.llT; : Dam California _ |W.

ALDERXET lTIL CHAIHiM.

eighteen months oH : now fit for service. Sire Sudor -: : . - I -m Imp. Rose Harebell (3243)
so^id color, black points. Price - -

ALDEBXET Brit CALF ACCIDENT.

three months o". I " Hi Minervs i :* the best Jersey coirs in the

S
All the above are from Herd-Book Stock, and can be entered in next volume of Herd Book.

HERDBOOS ALDERVET BELL SCDBHOOK U i

nine years old ;. bred by J. Howard Mcl-L nnest bulls in the State. Price $100.

PREJIIE:* ALDEBXEl BELL HAXMBAE.

four years old. Sire Imp. Hannibal 'SIS;, Dam pure Alder:: sot registered : took 1st

Premium State Fair l^'-j. Pri. -

DERHAM BELL STOSEWALL.

bred by James Goiren of Pennsylvania, roan color, of fine size, and splendid form. Price §100
•worth twice the i^

TWO DERHAH CAITIS HI: r and Bull),

four months old, roan color. Price §30 each.

COTSWOLD All SHROPSHIRE LAMBS.

at from §10 to §15 each.

BERKSRIRE PIGS.

from best stock ir the

above pnees are one-fourth less than Xorchern prices for such

A, P, E0WE,
ocr — 2t Fredericksburg, Virginia.

SAUL'S NURSERIES, Washington, D. C.

The undersigned offers a fine stock of the following NEW PEARS :
du CongiooB, Bearre 'd ' Assumption. Pkrnaston Duchess. &c. NEW

PEACHES : Early Beatrice, Early Louisa. Earl; zander, ic,

with a collection of new peaches raised by T. Rivers. FRUIT TREE^
extensive stock of well grown trees, pear, apple, cherry, plum, apricot, ic. ;
grape vines, small fruit*. fee. EVERGREENS: Small sizes suitable for Nur-
men, as well ae k in great var:

DUTCH BULBS. — Lar^e importations direct from the leading growers in Hol-
land, first quality Bulbs: Hyacinths. Lilies. T :.ew and rare: Green-
house plants for winter blooming : New Clematises, a fine] collection : New Wis-
terias : roses new and rare. A large stock growr>in four and five-inch pots —
prices low. New Rose. D linborough. at reduced rates. Primula Ja-
ponica — stony — in five inch pots. Catalogues mailed to applicants.

sep— tf JOHN SAUL. Washington City, D. C.

— T

"LIN" DEIST GROVE."

^U5^ =__

2 /y^i ^ ?-

Importer^ Breeder and Shipper of

English Worses, Sljort Horn ar)d Ayrshire Cattle,
Cotswold, Oxford and Shropshire-Down Sheep,

And Berkshire Pigs of the most Fashionable Blood.

"SALLIE FAMILY A "SPECIALTY "
At " LINDEN G-ROVE."

The grand Imp. Boars. " Othello," (sire of Sambo 2d, and other
prize winners), "Plymouth," Sambo Tenth, First and Second " Duke
of St. Bridge," and " Mark Antony," now in use in my herd at
"Linden Grove," and offer Young Pigs for sale, sired by them out
of my choice Imp. sows, Sallie IVth, IXth, Xth, Xlth, Xllth,
XHIth, XlVth, XVth, " Royal Beauty," " Cleopatra," " Bailey's
Duchess," " Stumpey," Vth and Yllth, and full sister to " Sweet
Seventeen," (same litter.)

Also a few young sows, in pig to some of the above named Boars.

Also, a choice lot of Cotswold rams (lambs, yearlings, and two or
three shear's) some of them sired by the renowned ram " Diamond
Fleece," and all out of imported ewes.

Also, some fine Ayrshire calves, both sexes, which will be sold at
reasonable prices, from the best milking stock in the country, selected
in person from the best breeders in Scotland.

Address,

T. S, COOPER,

" Linden Grove,"
sep — ly Coopersburg, Lehigh county, Pa.

If you wish eg^s all the winter use f

!AP CAKE or EEEF

It n ftp food for hogs and dogs. In feeding this Scrap Cake to hens

a very small quantity is required, as it is not expected to take the place of the
regular food. One pound a dav to 30 or 40 hens would give a large increase in :he
number of eggs. It has been tried with great success. We give copy of an order
received from Rev. Dr. Lee.

ASHTJ.XD, April 12. 1875.

Nevei A an effect as- that Beef Meat or Crackling produced ^n my

chickens — from no eggs to 15 or 20 a day. Please send me two more cakes bj first
freight. Yours, Lerot M. Lee.

For Sale by P. J. Crew & Co.. Soap Manufacturers. 17th Street,
opposite Old Market, Cichmond. Va. Price 83 per 100
nov

BUCKEYE MOWER AND REAPER

Sweepstakes

Ttoiier and Cleaner.

ECLIPSE ASRIGILTIRAL ENGINE,

Best, Cheapest and most Economical Engine in the market.

Mill Stones, Bolting Cloths, Eureka and other
Smut Machines : Belting, -. Mill Picks, Portable Farm and

Cucumber Wood Pumps with Patent Cast Iran Cylinder. War-
ranted best and most durable Pump in the marker. &c., &C.

JOSHUA THOMAS,

53 Light Street, Baltimore, Md-

riptive Circulars furnished on application.

ASK FOS THE

"L0CKW00D HOE."

BLADE ALL STEEL.

Etp malleable iron. Every Hoe -warranted*

', Best Hoe for general use in the market. The

i| Hoe fur merchants to sell, because it gives

-faction.
*** Manufactured by

BALTIMORE STEEL HOE WORKS,

and O. £. HICKS & CO.

. Sale by the trade generally.

11 'J v

1876-Postpaid-$L60

THE NURSERY,

A Monthly Magazine for Young Read-
ies. Superbly Illustrated. <K5=Send 10
cents for a .sample Number. Subscribe before
November, anJ get the last tJivee numbers of
this year F a EE.

tobot x,. sasceija.E'sr,

nov 36 Broorufield St r.-(, Boston.

NATHAN C. TALIAFERRO,

Formerly of Lynchburg, Va.

HENRY LOVING,

Amherst Co.,Va.

TALIAFERRO & LOVING,

GENERAL

I

Consignments of TOBACCO and all other
kinds of COUNTRY PRODUCE respectfully so-
licited. Office: 1M12 GARY STREET, RICH-
MOND, VA.

REFER TO

Hon. R. A. Coghill, Amherst C. H., Va.: Col.
John L. Eubank, Path co., Va,; J. V. Musgrove,
Esq., Charlotte co., Va.; Col. A. G. Pendleton,
Giles C. H. Va.; Dr. R. L. Barrett, Louisa C. II.,
Va.; A. G. Pettit, Esq., Nelson co., Va.; Banks
and business men of Lynchburg, Va. nov —

MME. DEMOREST'S

EMPORIUM OF

FASHION.

No. 17 East Uth Street,

NEW YORK.

A full stock of the Latest Patterns at
SINGER MAK17FACTUKIKO CO'S,

821 MAIN STREEr,

and

JUMUS MKTFR'S,

603 BROAD STREET, RICHMOND, VA.

. [nov] ,

PREMIUM FARM

GRIST. MILL.

Is simple, cheap and
dm able, and grinds all
kinds of grain rapid-
ly It is adapted to
all kinds of horse-
powers.

Send for Descbip-
tivk Circular.
WM. L. BUYER

& BRO.,
Philadelphia, Pa.

E

STABLISHED 1816.

CHAS. SI^ON & SONS,

63 NORTH HOWARD ST., BALTIMORE, MD.

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC DRY GOODS,

■would call special attention to their splendid stock
of Dress Goods, Linen Goods, Embroideries, Laces,
and Hosiery ; the best assortment of Mourning
Goods iu the city.

SAMPLES SENT FREE!

All orders amounting to $.!0.00 or over, will be
sent free of freight charges by Express, but parties
"whose orders are not accompanied by the money,
and having their good3 Bent C. O. D., must pay for
return of the money.

oct

IS.

U PALMAMfeQ U I <CjfifL «« a , ,T

— ^£^A.NN, Sec y and Treas.

~MW^

jonppany,

YA.

ifju.

DIEQUALEDl

in capacity and excel;

md highly recommended
.. mmETrCopne,cS, in every respect, a first

nary excellence o s to . ■ ,L • » .

ftlUJftVC awardrWince you ot this tact.

Europe. Cut of bun . , ... , .

all where any other *.-g US that it exhibited 16-

Dtol hemispheres. -e, and made 14 bushels

TESTIMONIAL CIRf 7
than One Tliousa

ibjoiot on havin?

I II UE OB take any O'

ssn^r^K: in a ]e,ter dated Aus-
NEW STYLES ;» the estate of the kte

Solo and Combtu:
Etagore and other i

quisite'combination of th After a test 01 yOUr

EftSY PAYMENT' seas°"s »" my wheat

imwslSir,i,izer9nowoffei'ed

KAMLIN ORGAN CO., 3
TON; 25 Union Square,
Adams St., CillCAGO.

The Powhatan Raw

CHAMPION E

cultivated * ripens io to 'ou last season, was the

Hartford. Fruit and 1'

pact vine thrifty, luul used it on wlieat, and,

dew ever having appear- . .

leading Pomoiogists. si used no iertilizef. i

circular.

oet-jm rl,arlnarm.

'©77.0 '£' .(} f) (I
and AGRifuL^ijRA, and BONE FLOUR,

H. J. BAK „ , •

2*5 Poari *t.ny ot our brands on ap-

Itnporters and d m1 rs
FKRTI.

Special fertilizers for

GEO. B. FORRESTE
partment.

SI ! H A I FRE)^RICKSBURG, VA.

i , ^DID STOCK OF FRUIT TREES,
a vei? smalfqla: 'HER N WINTER APPLES A SPECIALTY.
regular food. OneXD p\\'ARF PEARS. Peach Trees. Cherrv. Apricot and
number of eggs. ln& the smaii Fruits.

received from Be .vn. on fresh land, with splendid roots.

- low prices. Send lor price list.

Never saw nw/_ H. R. ROBEY.

chickens — from n " n/\ni\Awio i?s\s\r\

freight. ^--~^% GORDONS FOOD

For Sale bv Ifl BIHI ™»„

opposite Old MS KB m_T;

l/p\i 1 U.K.IJ.H AL FOOD FOR STOCK.

U U u I \ L 1. .nutritious,

-viih fjuie and in-
X_ J_ -are

nflTnirL ; tb-actior. -that
liNiflKr s PCKK BLOOD, and . on this depends HEALTH, and often lift
UUliULklivL idly, and the I r- in-

* st on-r-: and quantity, the final result being
""Vi/if TT~lftYjl N & CO., Patentees and Propri
f'l\j t< I lr kSaii Philadelphia and Baltimore.
A3V»A5AA *JXy ■_.. .■,_-. :_-.-;:;' ,.;-.- -- . Richmond. \a. n ■■.■ —

Beat, pest 7£ FARM. — ■.....-. _-s«co

■ - AT-1 r- !■--■. &&. AI-BANV. M.V.

AT ,- ^EaDE JERSEY '^.-r;-^-

bmut Machines : -b - ■; - -^nrw-i

r : - at;Uo ja\H.

Cucumber TV

i i - teAgieul- . ' i

ranted

ion Guaranteed. ^ - ~^^g9E^KM™4B>eMK

■ »*• f^BBg'.Oj^M*PCPErUALBALl»6 PKB

AX PRATT. nor

Augusta CO., Va. ■

' " ■ BALTIMORE

rfSL.* EVE A V LI EAR IASTIIL'TE.

a Jfarnu K .-,,.,.,„„„„„ *,.. n,.iii,.,„r... 'mi.

___„ _____«^— . one insertion... ?.

x months. 10 00 JULI

and Ear Diseases in the Ini.

." ind,

- IX CHAB

.r.ized and

":'.«dup with evenr conn

MACHINE EXCHANGE! '

d temporary retirement from the 8 Ma-

li* RESUME IT AGAIN IX ALL ITS

ALL KINDS SEWING MACHINES,

BALTIMOR NEEDLES. OIL, fo

•II RENT! Ali kii - 8 _■ Machines re-
of anv kind supplied to Grangers and clul
fgrFor Sale t,rers' prices.

no¥ G-. DARBY,

-_: . Main st., bet. 8th and 9th, Richmond, \.

TO PLANTERS.

JAS. G. DOWNWARD, Pres't. JOHN WHANN, Sec'y and Treas.

Powhatai) Phosphate Company,

MANUFACTURERS OF

HIM

The above brand of Phosphate is used and highly recommended
by the best wheat raisers in Virginia. It is, in every respect, a first
class Fertilizer for wheat. A trial will convince you of this fact.

H. D. Twyman, of Orange county, writes us that it exhibited it-
self finely. He applied 150 pounds per acre, and made 14 bushels
to one seeded.

T. W. Bond, of the same county, tells us, in a letter dated Aug.
10, 1875, that ij gave entire satisfaction on the estate of the late
John Bond, and gave us another good order.

J. G. Dulaney, of Green county, writes : "After a test of your
Powhatan Raw Bone Super Phosphate for two seasons on my wheat
crop, I feel satisfied that it is one of the best fertilizers now offered
in the market."

R. R. Porter, of North Carolina, writes: "The Powhatan Raw
Bone Super Phosphate, which I bought of you last season, was the
best fertilizer I ever had on my plantation. I used it on wheat, and,
I think, raised double the quantity as when I used no fertilizer. I
also used it on tobacco, and it acted like a charm."

We also manufacture Pure BONE MEAL and BONE FLOUR,

and will be pleased to furnish samples of any of our brands on ap-
plication.