Powelton, 1824. THE BUFFALO. No animal, can be moved, without the consent ON BREEDING SHEEP-they should be adapted TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. of the Committee of Arrangement, upon pain of to the climate and circumstances of the country. forfeiture of any premium which it might obtain. No Director, can have a vote, for the award of any premium, wherefor he shall be a competitor. JONATHAN ROBERTS, Esq. President of the Penn-Mr. Editor, in your valuable paper respecting The various committees, are enjoined, to keep sylvania Agricultural Society. the Buffalo. Would it not be well to endeavour secret, their opinions, until they shall be formally Dear Sir,-The forms of the various breeds of to civilize this native of our forests; and instead conveyed in their reports. British Sheep, are distinct, as the districts from of extirpating the whole race, endeavour to inAll reports, will be handed sealed to the Assis- which they take their names. The objects to crease and improve it? At present he is hunted tant Recording Secretary, except those, on the be attained in Great Britain, and most parts of and destroyed principally for his skin—the tongue, trial of Oxen, and Horses, at the plough, before America, are a quick return in flesh, and fleece, a great delicacy, is sometimes also taken :-the 8 o'clock, on the morning of the 15th. with as little offal, as is compatible with the due rest of the carcass, except a small portion for the The Board of Directors, will assemble at 9 proportion of bone, indispensable for the health-present use of the hunter, is left for the fowls of o'clock on the same day; when the reports, willful exercise of the animal, or the exertion neces- the air. be read, and their decision finally taken. In Asia and some parts of Europe, particularThe Directors having rented the land upon found that particular breeds, have been for ages ly Italy, the Buffalo is much esteemed as a lawhich the Exhibition is to be held, and the farms retained in certain parts of Europe, where the bourer; I had some conversation a few years adjacent thereto, and being assured of the co-shape of the animal, has been made conformable ago, with Governor Miller, of Arkansas, on this operation of the High Sheriff of the County, as to the purposes, to the climate, to the food, and subject. He had broke several of them to the well as of the Magistrates of the neighbourhood, face of the country upon which it has been rear- yoke-they worked well; and he was of opinion will punish with the utmost rigour of the law, ed. On the mountains of Scotland and Wales-that they were very valuable, and might easily any intraction of the 10th section of the act of on the bare chalk-hills of the southern and west-be domesticated. We do not know enough of incorporation, or of the regulations, which they ern parts of England, races of sheep have always this animal, and I fear, despise him only because he is a native. have established, for the quiet, and good conduct been bred, which by the lightness of their car- We want a substitute for the Horse as a labour of the Exhibition. tinction. sary for the supply of its food. Thus we have THE POPPY. "O gentle Sleep! "Scatter thy drowsiest poppies from above; "And in new dreams, not soon to vanish, bless "My senses with the sight of her I love!" H. casses and the activity of their muscles are enastrained to limit the distribution of their premi- their fleeces, are fitted to support the exposure after he gets old serve for food. The ox comes Although the Society have been necessarily con-bled to find sustenance, and by the closeness of er, an animal that does not cost much-that will live with little or no care; do much work-and ums, for the objects enumerated in the larger which in mountainous regions, must always be bills, they will be glad to receive for Exhibition, met. In the rich vales of Leicestershire, and near this description. It is probable that the husbandry, or article of domestic manufacture, other counties in the North, families, the very op would probably answer our purpose better than and properly notice any animal, implement of highly cultivated marshes of Lincolnshire, and Buffalo is brisker, and equally strong and hardy. The mules between the Buffalo and common cow which by its form, usefulness, or the ingenuity of posite to these have been as carefully bred, posits construction, shall be deemed worthy of dis-sessing heavy carcasses, long wool, shorter legs, any thing we have ever tried. very small bone, with the most sluggish disposiAs the Exhibition will be held near to a town tions, without either the desire, or the power to affording ample accommodation by its inns, and make exertion to obtain food. In the western the means of easy access by steam-boats, the So- parts of America where the population is thin ciety hope that they may be gratified, by the and the consequent demand for flesh exceedingly presence of such agriculturists of this and the small, attention to the carcass of the sheep, has adjacent States, as shall feel an interest in their not been properly given. The value of its fleece proceedings. is certainly the more important object of regard, The Directors absolutely inhibit all persons as the difficulty of transportation of the wool, The cultivation of the poppy, with a view to from erecting, any booth, or placing, any cart, when manufactured into cloth, is so much dimin- the extraction of Opium, has been urged in this table, bench, or any other matter, for the sale ished, by the condensed value of the commodity, paper, as being profitably practicable, in Ameriof food, upon the premises leased to them. as to find a market at little cost. But it is to be ca; especially by a gentleman who was once perapprehended, that disregard of shape and inat-sonally conversant with its growth, and the prepatention to the rules of breeding, will eventually ration of opium from it; in the East Indies-It injure the constitution of the sheep, and material- cannot be questioned that he who could, under ly affect the useful secretions, and consequently the existing circumstances of our country, suggest Of Arrangement.-Jonathan Roberts, William the quality, and weight, of the wool. This mis-some new object for the profitable application of Darlington, Richard B. Jones, John G. Watmough, take has not been confined to those parts of our agricultural labour, would be entitled to as much John Hare Powel, Henry L. Waddell, John Wil country where the carcass can with difficulty be praise, if he would not display as much ingenuity, cox, William Harris, Reuben Haines, Manuel sold, but may be traced in some large merino as the political economist who should discover, in Eyre. flocks in the neighbourhood of our great towns.-England, a new object susceptible of taxation--For Neat Cattle.-Thomas Smith, Thomas Ser-The extraordinary power, which the vigilance, We are not convinced, it is true, that the poppy rill, William Harris, Mathew Roberts, Richard and science of some distinguished breeders in can be cultivated here with advantage, but we B. Jones. England, have shown, in varying the forms, and hold the reverse to be by no means certain :—and Horses.-Manuel Eyre, Algernon S. Logan, even in assigning, if the phrase may be used, de-at all events we suppose that our readers will be George Blight, John G. Watmough, John Wilcox, finite properties, shapes and even peculiar co-pleased with having an opportunity to read the Enos Morris. lours, to whole families of neat cattle and sheep, the facts which we have collected in elucidation can scarcely be believed, except by those who of its culture and application. But, aside from have seen the animals thus improved. its medicinal uses, as an ornamental flower in JONATHAN ROBERTS, President. JOHN HARE POWEL, Corresponding Sec'ry. COMMITTEES. Sheep and Swine-Samuel West, Job Roberts, William Evans, Elijah Lewis, Samuel Davis. Products of the Soil.-George Sheaff, George W. Holstein, William Darlington, Samuel West, Joseph George. An able exposition of the scientific princi- our gardens, it has almost unrivalled attractions, ples and practical deductions upon which their in its extreme delicacy of texture and splendid art has been founded, was made some years since colours. Of these last, in all their variety, we Implements of Husbandry.-Reuben Haines, by one of the most eminent surgeons in Europe were not so fully aware, until we received from Henry L. Waddell. Manufactures.--Stephen Duncan, William lington, John Elliot of Montgomery. the celebrated Henry Cline, whose authority has a Lady, an esteemed correspondent, a letter from Dar-been universally received, by practical men, ex- which we have taken the following extract. The cept upon one point, wherein he is directly at va-poppies which she describes, were obtained from riance with their daily experience of the injuri-seed sent from France to the Philadelphia Agrious effects of breeding closely in. cultural or Horticultural Society, and placed we Oxen at the Plough-Job Roberts, Mathew Roberts, G. W. Holstein. Horses at the Plough.-Samuel Davis, Samuel West, James Worth. Canal.-The water was let into the Erie canal as far as Lockport, on the 30th ult. and it was expected that the boats would reach there in about a week. A daily stage now runs between Lockport and Buffalo. Sir John S. Sebright at the instance of Sir Jo-believe, in the hands of Mathew Carey, Es]. for seph Banks has published an excellent paper, distribution-from him, we received a box conwhich as it exposes the error of Mr. Cline and taining a variety of seeds for publick use, ad evinces perfect knowledge of the breeder's art, I which may be obtained by any Ladies or Gentlehave recently obtained from England, and have men who will call, translate the labels, and take, now the honour to present. and carefully cultivate such as they do take. I am, with great respect, "I have a most magnificent display of poppies. The Dutch tulips that have been so long the subject of admiration, cannot equal the splendour and the exquisite colouring of these flowers. Ma poses of a dairy; and place every one having a Veal. The flesh of a bull calf is firmer, but thew Carey, Esq gave me the seed. When the well of fine cold water upon an equality with not in general so white as that of a cow calf. ExHorticultural Society distributed the French seed others having a spring at their door. If the exposures to the air for some time reddens the coof 1822, Mr. Carey sent me some, amongst pense attending such an operation (not including lour of the flesh. Veal is best of which the kidthem, these poppies. I did not think that nature the well,) would not exceed one hundred dollars, ney is well covered with thick white hard fat. could have produced any thing so beautiful-crim-I am fully convinced there are at least one thou Mutton. A wether, five years old, affords the son, carnation, vermillion, pink, scarlet, coqueli-sand persons who would immediately come into most delicate meat. The grain of the meat should cot, red, blossom, purple, lilach, pearl, pink tip-the measure. be fine, and the fat white and firm. The leg of a ped with green, all these colours variegated, white, Some may say, why not raise the water three wether mutton is known by a round lump of fat straw-coloured, mottled, striped, of all shapes-or four times a day by manual labour, fill a reser- on the insides of the thigh, the leg of an ewe by fringed, pendant, compact like a cabbage. minute voir and supply the dairy from thence? but did the udder. and open like a hydrangea, scolloped, curled, you never observe, that water in a reservoir soon Lamb.-The flesh of fine lamb looks a delifrosted, round and fringed leaves on one flower,becomes vapid, losing that active penetrating fri-cate pale red colour; the fat is splendid white, but in short I cannot give you an idea of the richness gidity it possesses when flowing immediately from it does not possess a great solidity. Grass Lamb and beauty of these princely poppies. I will give the source, a quality essential thereto in its use is in season from Easter to Michalmas House you some of the seed, with the nanner of raising for the dairy? Lamb from Christmas to Lady-day. them, the mode I adopt with all my flowers. I It would be very gratifying if some gentleman Pork-This species of meat of the best fed am sorry that these beautiful exoticks cannot be would apply his thoughts to this subject, who is animals is particularly fine grained, and may be more seen. I will send the seed to the publick capable of forming a more correct judgment there-bruised by forcibly pressing it between the fin gardeners that they may get into private hands-on than the writer hereof, who is a farmer with-gers. The skin of the young animal is thin; the I suppose you think that I have said quite enough out a spring and no mechanic; perhaps an inser-flesh of old pigs is hard and tough, and the skin on the subject of a poppy, if you do tire of this tion of the above in your highly useful Register very thick. The prime season for pork is from description it is because you have not enjoyed the might produce this effect. pleasure of seeing the flowers in bloom. They are about two feet high, and each flower is as large as a saucer. They have not the flaunting and gaudy appearance that belong to the common tribe." In subsequent numbers we shall speak of the preparation of opium which is extracted chiefly from the white poppy. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. WATER; Very respectfully yours, &c. AGRICOLA. HOUSE-KEEPERS ATTEND! Michalmas to March. The western pigs, chiefly those of Berks, Oxford, and Bucks, possess a decided superiority over the eastern of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Hare. To ascertain its age, examine the first joint of the fore foot; you will find a small knob, The flesh of animals which are suddenly killed if it is a leveret, which disappears as the hare when in high health, so far as the palate is con- grows older; then examine the ears; if they tear cerned, is not yet fit for the table, although fully easily, the animal it young. When newly killed, nutritious and in perfection for making soup; be- the body is stiff; as it grows stale,it becomes flaccid. cause sometime after the death, the muscular Venison-is of a darken colour than mutton. If parts suffer contraction-their fibres become ri-the fat be clear, bright and thick, and the cleft of gid. When this has taken place, the flesh is not the hoof smooth and close, it is young, but if the long in experiencing the commencement of those cleft is wide and tough, it is old. By pushing a chemical changes which terminate in putrefac-skewer or knife under the bone which sticks out A NEW METHOD PROPOSED FOR OBTAINING IT. tion; and it is of the utmost importance, in do- of a haunch or shoulder, the odour of the skewer Mr. Skinner :-There is nothing more desira-mestic economy, to take care that all large joints will tell whether the meat be fresh or tainted.— ble to a farmer than a plentiful spring of pure of meat be in this intermediate state when they Venison is best flavoured in the month of August, cold water flowing at his door. Hence the many are cooked: for no skill in the culinary art will the animal should not be killed till he is about substitutes therefor, such as aqueducts, wells, and compensate for negligence in this point, as every four years old. the project lately practised in England, and suc-one must have often experienced to his great disFowls-for boiling should be chosen as white as cessfully repeated not long since in the State of appointment. possible, those which have bla k legs had better New-Jersey, of boring into the bowels of the earth The degree of inteneration m be known by be roasted. The season of perfection in poultry and raising by tubes, veins of water to the surface, the flesh yielding readily to the pressure of the is just before they have qu te come to their full their natural level, from a depth of a hundred finger, and by its opposing little resistance to an growth. Chickens three months old are very defeet and upwards. attempt to bend the joint. Poultry also thus part licate. Age makes a striking difference in the I would recommend another scheme, and if readily with their feathers; and it would be ad-lesh of fowls, since after the age of twelve months there be plausibility and economy therein, per- visable to leave a few when the bird is plucked, it becomes tougher. The cock indeed, at that haps the Agricultural Society of Maryland will in order to assist in determining their state. age, is only used for making soup. offer a premium for the most approved draft or The following wholesome advice on this sub- Pigeons are in their greatest perfection in model, of such a machine as will accomplish the ject we copy from Doctor Kitchiner:*" When September, there is then the most plentiful and meditated purpose. you order meat, poultry, or fish, tell the trades-best food for them; their finest growth is just A good well may be had in most situations; by man when you intend to dress it, and he will then when they are full feathered. When they are in sinking it something deeper than usual a very have it in his power to serve you with provision the penfeathers, they are flabby; when they are plentiful supply of water may generally be ob- that will do him credit, which the finest meat, full grown, and have flown some time, they are tained. Could not an economical machine be &c. in the world, will never do, unless it has been hard. Pheasants-may be distinguished by the length contrived that would, when at work, be continual-kept a proper time to be ripe and tender. If you ly and gradually raising to the surface this water have a well-ventilated larder, in a shady, dry si-and sharpness of their spurs, which in the youngjust as fast as the springs below supplied it? the tuation, you may make still surer, by ordering in er ones are short and blunt. machine to be propelled by a weight, sinking your meat and poultry, such a time before you Partridges-if old are always to be known durfrom a moderate elevation above the earth into want it as will render it tender, which the finest ing the early part of the season, by their legs bethe well, and wound up twice daily? meat cannot be, unless hung a proper time, ac-jing of a pale blue, instead of a yellowish brown The power, i. e. the weight may be increased cording to the seasor and nature of the meat, &c. colour: "so that when a Londoner receives his at pleasure. Most farmers have horses; in the but always till it has made some very slight ad- brace of blue legged birds in September, he should morning before they go to work and at evening vance towards putrefaction." immediately snap their legs and draw out the when they come in, let them be hitched to the ma- Ox-beef when a young animal, has a shining sinews, by means of pulling off the feet, instead chine, and in a few minutes they raise the weight oily smoothness, a fine oper, grain, and dark florid of leaving them to torment him, like so many which will keep the machine in motion, and the red colour. The fat is splendish yellowish white. strings, when he would be wishing to enjoy his spring flowing for twenty-four hours. If the animal has been fed upon oil cakes, the fat repast." This remedy to make the legs tender, A machine somewhat on the clock principle has a golden yellow colour. removes the objection to old birds, provided the would probably answer, the water to be raised in Cow-Beef-is closer in the grain than ox-beef, weather will admit of their being sufficiently long small buckets attached to an endless strap revolv-out the muscular parts are not of so bright a red kept. If birds are overkept, their eyes will be ing over a head; or a pump with an inch bore olour. In old meat there is a streak of cartilage much sunk, and the trail becomes soft, and somemight be used, so calculated as to be continually r bone in the ribs, called by butchers, the crush-what discoloured. The first place to ascertain pumping up exactly the quantity furnished by one; the harder this is, the older has been the if they are beginning to be tainted, is the inside the springs of the well, without at all sinking tì nimal. of the bill. head thereof; coming up thus gradually frest. from the source, and cold, it would serve the pur *The Cook's Oracle. Fish, and Crimping of Fish.-Both sea and river fish cannot be eaten too fresh. The gills should ticulars: be of a fine red colour, the eyes glistening, the out its contents, and discovered that each worm sulphate of lime, carbonates of soda and lime, scales brilliant, and the whole fish should feel had passed into the chrysalis state without cast- with a very small portion of sand, the whole stiff and firm, if soft or flabby the fish is old. ing the skin which had dried over it, so as to slightly coloured by iron, and containing 17 per To improve the quality of fish, they are some- preserve its former appearance. Four of those cent. of free alkali. From this analysis, Dr. Gristimes subject to the process called crimping-skins the flies had left, the others I opened, and com gives it as his opinion, that the article may The operation has been examined by Mr. Carlisle, found each contained a fly in every way like those be profitably employed in the manufacture of soap, to whom we are indebted for the following par- that had come out. I immediately then went to probably of glass, and other coarse purposes for my pasture, where my flock of sheep was, to see which common potash is sometimes used. As "Whenever the rigid contractions of death whether the flies were to be found among them, this article is understood to be abundant about the have not taken place, this process may be prac- and observed the sheep were in detached parcels. salt-works at Salina, the foregoing information tised with success. The sea fish destined for or squads, some with their heads turned together, may be acceptable to our readers. crimping, are usually struck on the head when with the nose against the ground; others with caught, which it is said protracts the term of the their heads under the sides of fences, or bushes. contractibility and the muscles which retain the On approaching near a parcel that appeared rest- A company has been formed in England to esproperty longest are those about the head. Many less, I distinctly saw several of the flies about tablish a line of steam and land conveyance from transverse sections of the muscles being made, them, of which the sheep appeared to have great some port in the Mediterranean to India. The and the fish immersed in cold water, the con- dread, and would suddenly start and run a con- port now in contemplation is Marseilles-and it tractions called crimping takes place in about siderable distance, then stop, and place them is computed that the passage from thence to Bomfive minutes, but if the mass be large, it often re-selves in the same position again; evidently to bay, might be effected in 25 days. The following quires 30 minutes to complete the process. The protect the nose from the flies; a thing I had fre- are the distances and estimated rate of travel:crimping of fresh water fish is said to require quently seen before without reflecting on the From hard water, and the London fishmongers usually cause. I was by this time fully satisfied as to the Marseilles to Malta employ it." parent of the worm, and the great pest and anMr. Carlisle found, that by crimping, the mus noyance they were to the sheep, whether destruc- Alexandria to Cairo cles subjected to the process have both their ab- tive or not, and that the egg, or larva, was desolute weight, and their specific gravity increas- posited at the nostril of the sheep, from whence ed, so that it appears, that water is absorbed and it ascended into the cavities of the head-I at condensation takes place. It was also observed once concluded the only remedy was to apply that the effect was greater in proportion to the something that would keep off the flies-for which Scocotra to Bombay vivaciousness of the fish. purpose I had every sheep old and young caught, From these observations, it appears, that the and the nose of each up to the eyes smeared with object of crimping is first to retard the natural tar-they were then turned into the same fieldstiffness of the muscles, and then by the sudden On going among them the next day, I found the application of cold water, to excite it in the great- application of tar had far exceeded my expectaest possible degree, by which means the flesh tion; for they were feeding in great comfort, the Extract of a letter, dated Raleigh, (N. C.) Aug both requires the desired firmness and keeps lon- flies having entirely left them at liberty to do so. ger.-Accum's Culinary Chymistry. HIGHLY IMPORTANT. WORMS IN THE HEADS OF SHEEP-cause discovered-means of prevention described. September, 11th, 1824. DEAR SIR,-Observing in your highly valuable paper No. 24, Vol. 6. a communication from Alexander Reed, on the worms in the head of sheepand having in the following manner acquired some information on the subject which, perhaps may be useful to the public, I willingly give it. Being always fond of good mutton, or lamb, and believing that the flavour greatly depends on the Since that time I have not omitted to have my I am respectfully yours, &c. Malta to Alexandria Cairo to Suez Suez to Mocha Mocha to Scocotra 690 Dist. of Miles. Days. Hours. 3 5 840 4 4. 2 73 1 4 Editorial Correspondence. 19, 1824. "The crop of cotton from the Roanoke south, is a large one. In this part of the state, it has the rot, a disease in the plant which prevails when there is an abundance of rain, and also when the plant suffers for the want of it-the cause therefore is yet to be learned by me at least. P. S. If you think the above worth a place in The plan recommended to prevent the rot by a your paper, you are at liberty to insert it. TO RAISE NEW VARIETIES OF Gallatin, (Tennessee,) Aug. 23d, 1824. gentleman thro' the "American Farmer," of cutting round and separating the bark of the plant, would be too tedious an operation, ever to be practised to advantage. If the rot should prevail in the cotton in the states south of us also, I am not so sure but it will be an advantage to the planters there as well as to ours-but for the rot or the rust &c. &c. the crop would be too abundant-perhaps butchering, I have for a number of years past SIR,-I observed in your paper directions how more than the consumption of the article-and butchered, or attended to it, for my own table, to raise new kinds of potatoes from the seed of if one sixth is destroyed by rot or other disease, and have no recollection of ever having killed the Potato Apple; but I do not approve of the the five sixths will bring more in amount. For if one in the summer season, without finding more, way laid down, that is, to string the apples and it be ascertained that the crop is to be one sixth or less, of the worms described by Mr. Reed, (in let them dry. About 15 years since, I collected more than that of last season, I should expect the the head) until within the last ten years; some a number of Potato Apples when ripe, and article to command not more than 10 or 12 cents; time in the summer of 1814, I killed a very fine squeezed them down in a basin of water and whereas, if the growing crop be not greater than fat lamb, and on opening the head, found an unwashed the seed, then dried them in the shade, that of last year, the article will maintain its usual number of worms of various sizes-I was then put the seed in paper and sowed them in the present price of 14 or 15 cents." thereby induced to try to find out how they origi-spring. When the plants got to have 4 or 6 leaves, nated. I selected eight of the largest and put transplanted them in rows, giving them the same them in a tumbler, with some warm moist earth, distance that other potatoes have; hilled thenf and tied thin linen over the top, then placed the several times, and I had some potatoes as large A tumbler in a warm and airy situation, where it as ducks eggs. Some were very small, but there remained about two weeks, before I examined it. was a variety of kinds. I have some potatoes On taking it down, I found a dark grey coloured growing this year that I managed in the same way, fly, nearly as large as a honey bee, in it, in shape and they look very well. They ought to have 9 very much like the common house flies, except inches distance in the row, the rows about 2 feet the head which was larger in proportion to its apart. In a word, I think the best way is to. size, without proboscis or mouth to be discovered squeeze the seed out of the apple, dry them in the by the naked eye, from which I supposed that shade, and put them carefully away until spring. (like the locust) in its last shape, it was of short duration, and its only business to propagate its species. I let them remain two days longer; then THE NEW MODE OF OBTAINING WATER. correspondent near New Brunswick, NewJersey, writes thus to the Editor, under date of September 14th. You have noticed the new mode of obtaining water, by Levi Disbrow. He commenced on my farm about a month since, and I have no doubt of success. You can easily appreciate the advantages of such a stream of water on a farm. Mr. Disbrow works at his own risk; when water is obtained I am to pay him at the rate of two dollars and a half a foot.-If he go down 200 feet, Kelp-The new article of commerce lately I must pay him 500 dollars-one summer of found three more, precisely of the same size, co brought to this city, from Salina, under the name drought will pay the expenses-to say nothing of lour, and form, had made their appearance; being of Kelp, has undergone a chemical analysis by overflowing your stables, hogpens, stercorarythen satisfied that the worms had produced the Professor Griscom, and is found to consist of mu-making duck ponds, and filling reservoirs for files, I took the cover off the tumbler, and turned riate of soda (common salt,) sulphate of soda, cattle. ROT IN COTTON. The Lancaster Gazette will please insert the THE PENNSYLVANIA CATTLE SHOW. Cattle Show. lof post and rail. Enquire of the Editor of the con, 6 a 7 ets.-Leather, Best Gole, 24 to 27 cts.In the last Farmer we inserted a letter from an American Farmer for the terms, which will be Feathers, live, per lb. 30 a 35-Cotton, Louisiana, Ouachita Farmer, on the subject of the rot in liberal. 116 to 18 cts.-Georgia, Upland, 15 to 17 cts.-AlaCotton. The writer states that his friend was bama, 13 to 15-New Wool, 30 to 35 cts.-Merino directed, when in France, to make "an inci-above. full blooded 35 to 40 cts.- do. 30 to 35 cts.- do sion near the roots," which "was tried without 25 to 28 cts.-Common, 20 to 25 cts.-25 per success." The method presented by Mr. Pomecent. more when well washed on the sheep and roy, is to remove a ring of bark, leaving the sap- The location of the next Pennsylvania free from tags-Coal, pit, foreign, 40 cts.-Virwood bare and uninjured. Cattle Show will afford to the Agriculturists ofginia, do. 20 to 25-Susquehannah, do. 6 50 to $7 We think the result of experiments very ably neighbouring States, especially of New-Jersey Lime, bushel, 30 to 33 cents. couducted by Dr. Bracey, and communicated to a and of the Eastern and Western Shores of Macommittee of the Claremont Agricultural Society ryland, a very convenient opportunity of attendof South Carolina, go far to establish the conclu- ing an exhibition, which, we are confident, will By the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Agsions advanced by Mr. Pomeroy, as the following be one of the most extensive and interesting ricultural Society for the Eastern Shore, Sepextract will show: "On a spot of luxuriant cot- of that character, which has ever been held this tember 24, 1824. ton, which I had observed to rot rather worse than side of Worcester, in Massachusetts. It will be the rest of the field, I was induced to try various seen by the official notice, in this number of the Electors of President and Vice President of the The Board considering that the Election of experiments, such as taking away the bud, twist- Farmer, that the Cattle Show will take place at United States on Monday the 8th day of Noveming the branches, wounding the stalk, breaking CHESTER, on the margin of the Delaware, some ber next, and the session of some of the neighthe limbs, &c. I found when vegetation was, by distance above New-Castle-of course, gentlemen bouring County Courts about the same period, my means, interrupted, the rot was uniformly may even leave Easton, in Maryland, in the morn-may very much interfere with the arrangements checked, and the wounded pod either healed up or ing, get on board the steam-boat here in the af-of the Cattle Show proposed to be exhibited on spread no farther." ternoon, be at Chester the next morning at 7the 4th and the two following days of the same stay six or seven hours; see every thing on the month, and prevent the attendance of distant reground; and, if they choose, return the same day sidents and members, have to Baltimore. We doubt not that a large party RESOLVED, That the CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR will go on; we know of many who have already for the Eastern Shore be postponed to Thursday, Farmers, take warning!-The steel-pointed agreed to join in an excursion, which cannot fail Friday and Saturday the 18th, 19th, and 20th of rod prefixed to the barn of Mr. William Bunn, to be very agreeable and highly instructive. of Florida, New-York, was struck with lightning Persons owning young horses, suitable for on Friday, the 30th ult. Several of the labourers were in the barn-the shock was tremendous, but military uses, especially such as are of approved the destructive element was conducted harmless colour, with flowing mane and tail, would, in all probability meet with a ready sale in this city, at to the foot of the rod. Barns at this season of the year are more lia- high prices, if they were here before the arrival ble to be struck, than any other buildings of the of Gen. La Fayette. We take this occasion same height, as they contain large quantities of to express our satisfaction at having ascertained, that an establishment of great publick importance vegetable matter, constantly emitting a steam, which, rising in the air, serves as a conductor to and convenience exists here under the skilful the lightning. The trifling expense of a lightning management of Messrs. Budd & Fenner. rod, and the security which they afford, should induce every farmer immediately to put one up to his barn, where so much of his treasure is deposited. See American Farmer, vol. V. No. 4. FROM THE MOHAWK HERALD. November next; and that notice be given in the Law Lectures and Law For the information of those at a distance, the fee now established, is as follows. 1. Law Institute.-This comprehends office accommodations, use of an extensive Law and miscellaneous Library, direction of studies, private examinations, private readings occasionally, and public lectures five a week for four months, commencing first Monday in October, in every year, fee $100 per annum. The owners of valuable young horses, who wish to have them properly broken, to the saddle and harness, have only to commit them, let them be never so vicious, to the care of Messrs. Budd & Fenner, at their stables in Liberty-street, and for the sum of ten dollars, they will undertake to Flax Machine-A Mr. Roumaga, of N. York, break and train them in a manner which ensures has advertised that he has invented a Machine all practicable grace in their movements, docility for dressing flax, by which (with only a half size in their temper and safety in their habits. It2. machine) a man and a boy may break 400 wt. of strikes us that such an institution, conducted as 3. flax in a day. The flax is taken to the machine we know theirs is, with strict personal attention 4. without preparation, and by a simple operation is and a thorough mastery of their business, ought 5. broken without injury to the fibre. The bleach-to prove a great convenience to the owners of vaing is effected by another process, and also with-luable horses, in the country as well as in town. out resorting to acids or corrosives, is prepared It is for the sake of serving the publick that we for manufacturing, Grape Vine.-The New-York papers mention a grape vine belonging to Mr. Shatzel, in that city, only four years old, which covers a frame grape house of about 25 to 33; the clusters on which have been lately counted, and found to exceed 700 in number. It is the white or Madeira grape. THE FARMER. give notice of this establishment rather than to Law Institute. For those who enter only du- 6. Moot Court and Lectures, $40 CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. The fee of the Law Institutute (which entitles the Student to every advantage, the Moot Court excepted, for which there is a distinct fee) will always remain the same. As the Course of Lectures will annually increase, until ten months daily for two years will be occupied in the delivery PRICES OF COUNTRY PRODUCE-caretul-of the course, the fee for those who do not attach ly collected every Thursday, for the American themselves to the Institute, will be annually inFarmer. By ROGERS & SYMINGTON. creased until it amounts to $100 per annum for Flour, Howard-St. $5 37, wagon price-do. Sus-the entire course DAVID HOFFMAN, quehannah, $5, cargo price-Do. Wharf 4 75 a $5 Baltimore. Wheat, white, $1 5-Do. Red, $1-Corn, white, 34 a 35 cts.-do. yellow,-; Rye, bushel, 40 cts.— Corn Meal, brl. $2-Rye, per bus. 37 cts.-Oats, An Inaugural Discourse delivered before the N. York Hor19 cts. cargo price-B. E. Peas, 50-White Beans, ticultural Society at their Anniversary meeting, on 31st Aug. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1824. 100-Whiskey, 27 cts.-Apple Brandy, 25 cts-1824: By DAVID HOSACK, M. D. F. L. S.-Second Exbibition of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society-On breedPeach do. $1.-Herrings, No. 1, $2 25- No. 2, ing Sheep, they should be adapted to the climate and cirFOR RENT OR SALE, the Maryland Tavern $2--Do. Old, No. 1, 81 50-Ditto ditto No. 2, cumstances of the country-Canal-The Poppy-Buffaloand fifty-five acres of Land, four miles from Bal- $1 25-Shad, trimmed, $6 75-Do. untrimmed, Water, a new method proposed for obtaining it--House-keeptimore, on the Frederick turnpike. The tavern $5 75-Ginseng, out of season-Linseed Oil, 65 ers attend, observations on the choice of meat-Worms in is a commodious stone building. The Maryland cents-Flax Seed, rough, 75 per bush.-Timothy, the head of Sheep, cause discovered; means of prevention Cattle Shows are held there for three days in suc-do. out of season-Hay, per ton, $10-Flax, 10 described-To raise new varieties of Potatoes from the seed; cession, annually; and no place, if well kept, is cts.-Candles, Mould, 12-Soap, 7-Pork, Mess, Kelp-Steam-boats from the Mediterranean to India-Extract from the Editor's Correspondence dated Raleigh, (N. better calculated to attract custom. About half $16 00-Ditto Prime, $12-Beef, northern, mess, C.) Aug. 19.-The new method of obtaining water-Rot in the land is in wood-the rest well improved and per bbl. $10-cargo, No. 1, 8 a $8 50-Do. No. 2, Cotton-Farmers, take warning-Flax Machine-Grap all well inclosed with outside and division fences 86-Butter, 7 cts. a 14 cts.-Lard, 8 a 9 cts.-Ba-Vine-Editorial remarks-Advertisements, &c. No. 28.-VOL. 6, AGRICULTURE. BY A PRACTICAL AGRICULTURIST. USE OF THE SOIL. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, OCTOBER 1, 1824, 217 In the extensive field of his inquiry, he touches water having a channel in the soil affords a white on the principles of many other arts; it therefore earthy deposit when boiled. "TREATISE ON SOILS AND MANURES him, which shall embrace only the department of portion of clay, and sometimes of peat, with a becomes necessary, in sketching an outline after A marle consists of mild lime with a small proagriculture, to connect the extracts by details and mixture of marine sand and animal remains; the observations for which Sir H. Davy is not respon- lime having originated, for the most part, from Correct views of the office of the soil disclose sible. the decomposition of sea-shells. the rationale of approved modes of tillage; if one "Soils, in all cases, consist of, either a mixture mode is found superior to another, they lay open of finely divided earthy matter, for of earthy a small comparative quantity of magnesian stone A soil may be treated as magnesian, where but the cause of it; and proceeding from courses matters not reduced to powder, such as gravel which are experienced to be beneficial, a princi-and other stones; more or less combined with de-s present; as will be explained in treating of ple is thus obtained for extending their application. composed animal or vegetable substances; saline imagnesia as a manure. One great use of the soil, is to afford a bed for ingredients, also, frequently lodge in a soil; and The combination of animal or vegetable matthe plant, and a cover for its roots from the sun the earthy matters are frequently accompanied ter in an inferior proportion with earthy matter, and from the wind; while the roots, by taking with the oxides of minerals, particularly the but not lower than one-sixth, makes a loam: the hold of the ground, act as stays and supports for oxide of iron. The earthy matters form the word loam should be limited to soils containing at the trunk of the plant. A second important of-true basis of the soil; the other parts, whether least one third of impalpable earthy matter (disfice is that both of a depository and a channel of naturally present, or artificially introduced, ope- tinguishable by the touch from sand, chalk, or nutriment: In these relations, the soil ought to rate in the same manner as manures. clay,) combined with decayed animal or vegetacontain a certain proportion of common vegetable Four Earths generally abound in soils:§ 1. The ble substances not exceeding half the weight of basis, and of peculiar substances found in plants aluminous, i. e. Clay, including alum; 2. The the mere earth; the earthy matters may comon analysis; it ought again to be easily permeable siliceous, i. e. Flint, in various stages of decompo- prehend aluminous, siliceous, or calcareous ingreto air, also porous, for the percolation of water sition, including flinty sand; 3. The calcareous, dients, and in some cases be mixed with mineral and passage of fluid manures; well fitting for al-i. e. Limestone, under various modifications, in-oxides: according to the proportions of which, lowing a plant, by the fine tubes within its roots, cluding marle, chalk, and chalky sand; 4. The the soil may be red loam, brown loam, or black to derive sustenance slowly and gradually from magnesian, i. e. Magnesia, a stone sometimes mis-loam; and in regard to the basis, a clayey loam, the dissolved and soluble substances mixed with taken for common limestone, but when burnt and a sandy, or a chalky loam. the earths. applied to land it is much longer in passing from A superior proportion of vegetable matter, that As the systems of roots, branches, and leaves, a caustic to a mild state, and under most circum- is to say, an excess of this above half the bulk of are very different in different vegetables, so spe- stances is highly pernicious to vegetation. The the earthy basis, makes a peat. To bring this cific plants have a preference for peculiar soils in small proportion in which it may be sometimes kind of soil into successful cultivation, the quanwhich they flourish most. The plants that have beneficial, will be afterwards explained. tity of vegetable matter must, in most cases, bulbous roots require a looser and lighter soil than The above are the only earths which have been either be reduced or counterbalanced by the adsuch as have fibrous roots: and those of the lat- hitherto found in plants. mixture of some of the simple earths. ter, which have short and slender fibrous radi- Other primitive earths sometimes enter into cles, demand a firmer soil than such as have tap soils by the pulverization of rocky materials. roots or extensive lateral roots. Hence, when successive crops of the same plant have drawn the head Rotation of Crops,) are more or less applicable to all the branches of Gardening and Ag riculture. BASIS OF SOILS. ble. TERMS FOR SOILS DEFINED. Where a slight tincture of any particular mineral substance has a strong effect on vegetation, this quality should be indicated by a correspond out from a soil the peculiar properties most adapt- The popular terms for soils are seldom appli-ing word prefixed to the principal name for the soil. ed to its individual nature, the bed of earth be-ed with precision. What one man calls a marle,hus the presence of either salts of iren, or sulcomes less fit for the same plant, until it has been another will call a clay; and so on. But if a gen hate of iron, ought to be marked by prefixing the rested and recruited: while it may be fitter for eral circulation and acceptance could be obtained term ferruginous to the denomination taken from some other plant of a different constitution than for the principles of definition judiciously laid the basis, to remind the cultivator that the effect it originally was; though exhausted in regard to down by Professor Davy-according to which a on vegetation will be pernicious, unless he has rethe crop which it has long borne, it may be fresh soil is to be styled a clay, sand, or chalk; a marle, course to an effective remedy. If on the contrafor a new sort of vegetable. In short, the prin- loam or peat; or a compound of these the chay, oxide of iron be found in the soil, there is selciples laid down in the "Practical Gardener," racteristic terms would be every where intelligi-dom any occasion to notice it in the name: in small quantities, it forms a useful part of soils, (introduction to the KITCHEN GARDEN, under take a particular denomination from a particular 10th part of several highly fertile fields: it is In framing a system of definitions, a soil is to and has been found to constitute from a 15th to a kind of earth, not exactly in proportion as that found in the ashes of plants. To persons unacearth may preponderate, or not, over others in quainted with chemistry it may be useful to add, forming the basis of the soil, but rather in pro- that salt of iron exhibits the crystals obtained Sir Humphrey Davy, ar. illustrious ornament portion to the influence which a particular kind from iron by the action of an acid fluid. Sulphate of the English school of Chemistry, is not more of earth, forming part of the staple, has on tillage of iron is Copperas, a native kind of which is distinguished by his discoveries in philosophy, and vegetation. Thus, as clay is a substance of produced in some soils by the effect of the springs than by seeking, with true ambition, to make which a comparative small quantity will give a and earths on each other. Black oxide of iron is profound knowledge subservient to the common cold and stubborn character to a soil, the name the substance that flies off from red-hot iron when it is hammered. Iron appears to be only hurtful arts by which the common wants of mankind clayey is often properly bestowed, where the quanare supplied; he has contributed largely to the tity of pure clay to be collected from a given to vegetation in its acid combinations. See Zests service of agriculture, by publishing his scien piece of land, is but as 8 to 42, compared with of Soils. tific researches into the composition of earths, the quantity of sand which another field may conand the true food of plants. With the object tain, and yet barely deserve the denomination of of founding a course of agricultural improve. sandy. ment on fixed principles, he has communicated, "The term clayey should not be given to a soil in the Elements of Agricultural Chemistry, some which contains less than one-sixth of aluminous very important results from a systematic train of matter;" because less than that will not be atexperiments. We propose to lay before the read tended with the common effects which govern the er the substance of his leading conclusions, di culture, and limit the crops, for a clayey soil. vested, as much as possible, of chemical terms; The epithet sandy is not an appropriate disand to review the peculiarities of his system with tinction for any soil that does not contain at least candour and independence; concentrating, for seven-eight parts of sand; and sandy soils are to unity of method, scattered articles belonging to be distinguished into siliceous sandy or flinty sand, the same branch of rural economy. and calcareous sandy or chalky sand. The word calcareous, or any denomination imThis work, which will be frequently referred plying the presence of mild lime or chalk, is not to, is entitled Elements of Agricultural Chemistry, properly applied unless a specimen of the soil is in a Course of Lectures for the Board of Agri- found strongly to effervesce with acids, or unless culture: By Sir Humphrey Davy, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. &c. &c. 8vo. American, 1820. †Ibid. p. 15. Ibid. pp. 111, 123. §Ibid. p. 15. IMPROVEMENT OF SOILS. Almost all the expedients for improving, enriching, or correcting a soil, known to agriculturists, may be comprehended under one of the following heads: 1. The admixture of Earths to improve the Texture of the Soil. 2. Draining. 3. Paring and burning. 4. Turning in Green Crops as Manure. 5. Fallowing. 6. Irrigation. 7. Applying Earths as Manures. 8. Introducing Mineral or Saline Elements as Manures. 9. Manuring with Refuse Substances not excrementitious. 10. Manuring with Excrementitious Substances. VOL. 6.-28. |