No. 40.-VOL. 6. AGRICULTURE. THE PREMIUM FARM. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, DECEMBER 24, 1824. 7th. What number of hands do you employ? 313 hundred and sixty bushels of wheat-twelve hun-miles. It would be impossible for me to recollect 8th. What number of horses and oxen do you [The following are the documents which accom- Questions proposed by the Committee acting as 1st. How long have you had this farm in possession-and under cultivation? Answer. I have had the farm in possession since 1811-and in cultivation since 1812. 2d. In what state was the farm when you took it in possession? Answer. It was in a neglected state, almost uninclosed-the briers and brambles gave striking evidence that the former cultivators had very much neglected their interest. A great part of the land is naturally hilly, and was much broken: it was marked by deep ravines and thickets of briers. For the better guidance of the Judges, I submit the statements of some of my neighbours, to whom the situation of the farm when I first occupied it was known. So far I remain, respectfully, your's, ALEX. NISBET. Answer. Ten working oxen and nine horses. 9th. What is your stock of hogs, sheep-and your views of the different kinds of stock? hogs, supposed to average from 180 to 200 lbs. Answer. Forty-two sheep-thirty-four fatting each, about eighteen months old-four breeding Sows; thirty-four pigs and shoats; thirty two head of horned cattle, including working oxen. answer, as I have not given the subject of stock, of timothy and clover; and I weighed an averas this question refers to stock, I must decline an ninety cocks of hay, made on Col. Bosley's farm, I certify, that I counted nineteen hundred and formed an opinion. that deliberation which I would wish before I age cock, after it was well cured, fit for the stack, 10th. How many acres of land have you in your pounds; sixty loads of rye, which averaged twenwhich weighed three hundred and twenty-five farm? seventy of which I have recently purchased-oats; all of which I measured. There is about Answer. About four-hundred and sixty acres-bushels of wheat; and three hundred bushels of ty bushels per load; and two hundred and sixty about thirty in wood land. three hundred barrels of corn-and there has been about three hundred loads of manure hauled out-four oxen in a cart. fall, upwards of two hundred bushels of wheat. BENJAMIN AMOS. There have been seeded at Hayfields, the last NICHOLAS M. BOSLEY. Locast Grove, Nov. 15th, 1824. posed person at all times; and now particularly Feeling it a duty incumbent on every well dis3d. What course did you adopt in the first in- and economy, combined with agricultural im- [By another document it appears, that while at such times as those when industry, frugality, stance for the improvement of the soil? Answer. My first object was to clear the land farms,) are indispensably necessary for the good rations of farming, at Hayfields, he has had to enprovements, (or in other words improving our Col. Bosley has been carrying on the usual opeof the filth by a course of cropping, followed by of the community in general: and hoping it will counter the extraordinary expense and labour of clover and plaster. 4th. What manures did you find the most effec-ly in the different States, as well as in this neigh-ber of 60,300; whereof 55,000 have been hauled cause a spirit of emulation in Farmers collective- supplying himself with chesnut rails to the numtual—and in what manner were they employed? bourhood, I am induced to give the following: Answer. When I first took up the farm in its impoverished state, I employed every particle of Colonel Nicholas M. Bosley settled on the place In eighteen hundred and seventeen he sold the I certify, that to the best of my recollection, three miles. eight miles, and the remainder from a distance of stable manure, compost, and occasionally penning my cattle up for the purpose of bringing immedi- of Hayfields, about the year 1811; at which time $6,502 27; of which $2,378 4 was the proceeds he now lives on, known at this time by the name products of eighteen hundred and sixteen, for ately some portion of my land to a state of fer- the place was overrun (as we farmers call it) with of the hay crop.]-ED. AM. FARM. tility; having been compelled to buy hay, it was briers; the fields full of gullies; the whole farm an object of great importance that I should set remarkably stony; the fences so much out of re- BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. immediately some portion of my land in grass.-pair, they might comparatively be called none I afterwards applied lime at the rate of 50 bushels at all; the land generally poor and sedgy: and [The Proceedings of a great number of Agriculper acre on clear ground, such as corn ground: such has been his industry in reclaiming the soil, but I did not find the effect answer expectations; that when he came on it, it would not yield more tural Societies are sent to us, from all parts.I afterwards tried it on a sod turned down, applying the lime on the surface after being har- bushels of wheat, when at this time it will turn than five barrels of corn per acre, or ten or twelve It is impossible to insert so many details-The Agricultural Addresses too, are so numerous, rowed, and then harrowed the lime in. This generally followed by a corn crop in which I dis-twenty to thirty bushels of wheat to the acre:off from ten to twelve barrels of corn, and from and generally so long, that we might fill half of every number of the Farmer with them. Of covered good effects, even on the crop of corn; after taking off my corn crop and stalks, which in the neighbourhood. If the committee think it his fences at this time are rather superior to any these addresses and proceedings, we shall endeavor to select such parts as are most practigenerally have hauled to my barn yard, I have it expedient they can make use of the above. cal and of most general bearing.-Amongst the ploughed up in the spring and occasionally stirred best of the many addresses on hand, are those during the summer, which has also the advantage of Mr. BARTON, Vice President of the Agricultural Society of the Valley, in Virginia, and the one delivered by Mr. WORTH, at the last meeting of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society. Of the proceedings of the Berkshire Agricultural Society, forwarded for publication, we are compelled to omit all but that which follows. Our own Board of Trustees may take some hints from what is said about the appropriation of premiums for certain designated objects]-ED. AM. FARM. was ABRAHAM H. PRICE. Baltimore, 16th Nov. 1824. of clearing the land of all filth, and at the same To the Committee for the inspection of Farms on the Western Shore of Maryland. bushels to the acre, the effects were much grea- Col. Bosley's farm at the time he took possession Gentlemen,-I resided in the neighbourhood of ter, and it has since been my constant habit to ap- of it, some time in the year 1811. It was at that ply that quantity. My long manure from the time, I think I may safely say, waste, and not culbarn yard and stables, I generally put out in the tivated. The fences good for nothing; the fields spring in the weakest portions of my corn ground sedgy, stony, and washed in large gullies. A conof the year previous, when it is in a state of fer-siderable part of what was Nailer's farm, had donationmentation, and have invariably found its applica been for a long time abandoned by Nailer as use. tion in that state more beneficial than any other. less and not worth cultivation, I mean particular- field, Best Managed Farm―the residue of a special The corn stalks, after being trampled by cattle ly that very high hill which now looks so flourishFirst premium, to William Weller, of Pittsduring the winter, and laying in the barn yard ing and fertile. There were no buildings on the field, during the ensuing summer, I haul to my wheat farm worth any thing, and they have all been Together with a diploma to each, as honorary Second do. to Oliver P. Dickinson, of Pittsground also in the fall. $20 long since removed as nuisances, except one small 15 log hut. The fences are now excellent, I believe members, agreeable to the 7th article of the more strongly shews Col. Bosley's great exertion sider as the most important of any on the Societhe best in the neighbourhood; and what still By Laws. For this premium, which the committee convery small part, were hauled a distance of eight never be abandoned, because it embraces within and industry, the rails, with the exception of a ty's list, and which, they confidently hope, will 5th. What depth do you plough your land? Answer. Froni six to eight inches. 6th. What is the quantity of products froin your soil-and of what particular kind? Answer. Three hundred barrels of corn-two itself "good management in every department of own. The committee are of opinion, that pre-effective value to our readers. The interruption husbandry," there were but three farms entered; miums on moderate sized orchards, to consist not of it, which has occurred would be inconvenient, on each of which, the committee found so much only of the apple, but of pears, plums, and cher-if it were not, as we have before explained, that to approve, so much neatness and economy, con-ries, would produce a salutary effect. the treatise we are giving may be naturally broken nected with such admirable system, and praise Secondly, on Manures. No branch of our hus-into parts, and published under various heads, worthy industry and perseverance, that they would bandry is, perhaps more generally defective, than without any diminution of effect. For instance, gladly go into considerable detail in relation to that which regards the careful preservation, and the last extract, given in number 33, related to each farm, were they not forbidden, by the ne-judicious application of manures; and in no way the application of lime as a manure; we come cessarily circumscribed limits of a report. The can we improve our farms so rapidly and profita-now to speak of GYPSUM, commonly called Plascommittee cannot, however, refrain from remark-bly, as by adopting the practice and experience ter of Paris-scientifically denominated, Selenite, ing, in regard to that of the venerable Judge of those who have scientifically and successfully or Sulphate of Lime. It is found in Oxfordshire, Walker, that he has successfully introduced the investigated the subject, as to the best means of and many parts of England and America. The system of rotation, judicious management, and making, increasing, and preserving-and the best writers of that country tell us that it is composed regularity of accounts, which he so earnestly re-manner of applying them, to various soils. The of water, salphuric acid and lime; 22 of water, commended in his address to the Society, when primary object being to increase the quantity, the 46 of salphuric acid, and 32 of lime. When the President, in 1819. committee beg leave to suggest the propriety of water is expelled by heat, we are told, that the The committee are fully aware that their de-instituting premiums on this subject. other constituents keep their proportion unaltercision will probably disappoint many. They trust, Thirdly, on Lime. In a district of country ed. As a manure, on the question of its modus however, with confidence, their endeavors to do abounding in Limestone, as is the case in Berk operandi, or to speak more plainly, its mode of impartial justice will be appreciated, even by shire, it would seem interesting to permanent operation, there is much difference of opinion.those who may deem them unsuccessful; to such, improvement in husbandry, to institute an inquiry, We regard it as a matter worthy the investigation as well as all others who may not obtain the ho- for the purpose of ascertaining how far our soils of our worthy Professor of Agricultural Chemisnor of a prize, they beg leave to remark, that it is may be improved by its use-in what manner it try; we have understood that it has been the subimpossible all should obtain rewards; that their may be most efficaciously applied-and, if the ject of special care and analysis with the accomturn for premiums may come another year; and benefits resulting from its application will warrant plished Professor of Chemistry in our University, that all the improvements they make in this ho- the expense. Dr. De Butts; but it is not probable, judging from norable strife, will either give them immediate The committee are induced to urge the subject the past, that he will ever have, at the same moprofits, or add to the value of their farms. Be-on the attention of the Society, not only from a ment, leisure and inclination to favour the plodsides the committee indulge the hope, that a high-conviction, in their own minds, of its importance, ding practical farmer with the profound deducer and nobler wish than that of being the success- but especially from its having been recently stat-tions of his closet researches. Happily for our ful competitors, had an influence in inducing them ed in an address of the Hon. Jonathan Roberts, Society, its present Professor, Dr. J. T. Ducatel, to offer to view the results of their industry and President of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Soci-will answer to all reasonable calls on his time, and skill in the parent art; the art, which of all ety" that soils to which Gypsum has been appli- talents, which have a tendency to promote the others, deserves to be the most venerated and ed for several successive years, cease to afford cause of practical agriculture and of general encouraged; because, directly or indirectly, every either summer pasture, or winter fodder; whilst science. member of the community owes to it, all his en- an evident diminution of the ploughed crops fol- In regard to Gypsum, our author tells us that joyments, all his wealth." "The true objects of lowed." "A recourse," he adds, "has been had it may unravel some perplexities, and conduce to a the Agriculturist," (as is very justly remarked to the use of Lime, and its effects have been scarce fair estimate, if we treat of it under the followby the celebrated Davy) "are likewise those of ly less visible, than that of Gypsum, when first ap-ing heads.]-ED. AM. FARM. the patriot; men value most, what they have plied." gained with effort; a just confidence in their own Fourthly, on naked fallows. On some soils, and V. Gypsum, Selenite, or Sulphate of Lime, powers results from success; they love their coun- under some circumstances, they are undoubtedly is found native at Shotover Hill, Oxfordshire; try better, because they have seen it improved by necessary: whilst on others, they cause not only and abounds in many other parts of England. their own talents and industry; and they identify the loss of one crop, but a needless expense of Natural gypsum commonly consists of water, sulwith their interests, the existence of those insti- labour. Judicious rotations, adequate manuring, phuric acid and lime; 22 parts of water, 46 of tutions, which have afforded them security, inde- the culture of corn, peas, and rape, (the former, sulphuric acid, and 32 of lime. When the water pendence, and the multipled enjoyments of civili- of an early kind, to be cut up when seared, and is expelled by heat, the other constituents keep removed from the land to ripen and cure in stacks their proportion unaltered. As a manure, it is zed life." The committee have availed themselves of the-and the latter, to be fed to sheep)-or, the the subject of much difference of opinion. It opportunity afforded, not only to remark on the ploughing in of green crops, it is believed, would may unravel some perplexities, and conduce to general state of agriculture, but to profit of oc- be more advantageous, than the present general a fair estimate, if we treat of it under the four casions to elicit valuable information from the practice. following heads: many enlightened farmers whom they have met Fifthly, on Winter Meslin. Experience having 1. Theory of its operation.-Gypsum meets during their several tours; and deeming it in-demonstrated that this crop is subject to less ca- in few soils any thing which can decompose it; cumbent on them to communicate to the Society, sualties than either species of grain, when sown and while its elements remain fixed, it neither whatever, in their opinion, may tend to the pro- separate, the committee would recommend, that assists the putrefaction of animal remains, nor motion of its views, or the extension of its use. it be introduced into the list of premiums. the decomposition of manure. The ashes of parfulness, have judged it advisable to make it the Whilst we had an abundance of fresh and ticular sorts of peat contain a considerable quan subject of a separate report, which is hereunto fertile soil, it was the interest of the farmer to tity of gypsum; some kinds, a third part: and annexed, marked B. Per order, spread his labor over as great a surface as possible: such ashes have been applied with good effect as THOMAS MELVILL, Ír. Chairman. consequently, the study and practice of the true a top dressing for cultivated grasses. In corresprinciples of agriculture were neglected, until ne- pondence with this, the ashes of sanfoin, clover, AGRICULTURAL REPORT.—[B] cessity awakened us to the need of a reform. and rye-grass, afford considerable proportions of The Viewing Committee of the Berkshire Ag- To this cause we are principally indebted for gypsum: but only a very minute quantity of it is ricultural Society, considering the duties devolv-the numberless patriotic societies spread abroad found in barley, wheat and the turnip. The reaing on them, as not circumscribed to the views of through every section of our happy country, for son why the artificial mixture of gypsum with crops offered for premium, but as extending to the purpose of collecting and diffusing agricultu-soils is not generally efficacious, is probably, bewhatever may, in their opinion, have a tendency ral information. And it is gratifying (especially cause most cultivated soils contain sufficient quanto the promotion of its object, and the expansion to those who afforded them countenance and sup- tities of it for the use of the grasses, and an exof its usefulness, beg leave to offer a few brief port in their infancy) to perceive that the object cess of it above what other crops absorb in their remarks, with a view to this important subject. is pursued with a zeal and intelligence, which growth. Gypsum is contained in stable dung, And, firstly, in relation to Fruit Trees. It is characterizes the efforts of a self-governed peo-and in the dung of all cattle fed on grass; and it evident our old Orchards are rapidly decaying, ple, whatever may be the objects to which they is not taken up in corn crops, or crops of pulse, while it is equally so, that for the most part those are directed. lately set out are left to their fate. As well might we expect a young child would thrive and flourish, in defiance of want of nourishment, and the assaults of disease, without care, assistance, and protection, as that a young tree should work out its own salvation, without any exertions of our a THOMAS MELVILLE, Jr., Chairman. TREATISE ON SOILS AND MANURES. and in very small quantities in turnip crops. It is possible that lands which have ceased to bear good crops of cultivated grass, may be restored by a dressing of gypsum. As to the general standard for the application of gypsum, * Elements of Agricultural Chemistry, fi. 224. those plants seem most benefitted by its applica-cocted into pulp, may be thrown out unchanged · II. Experience of it abroad.-It is about half tion which always afford it on analysis; such as they may alter the flavour without entering into a century since gypsum was discovered to have in lucerne, clover, and most of the artificial grasses: the essence of the fruit. Pennsylvania almost a magical influence on the But where the soil already contains a sufficient Another step in the process of conversion brings growth of red clover; and it is there held in riquantity of this substance for the use of the grass- us to pure sulphur. Some plants yield this on sing estimation. The Pennsylvanian farmers seem es, its application even on pasture cannot be ad-analysis. Seeds, sown by way of experiment on to have derived from Europe the first suggestions vantageous: for plants require only a determinate nothing but this mineral, have produced healthy for applying this manure to artihcial grasses. M. quantity of manure; an excess may be detrimen- plants; and many soils, which nature has im- Gilbert, from whom a quotation is given in Sect. tal, and cannot be useful.† pregnated with sulphur, are highly fertile. IV., states the practice to have long prevailed in It has lately been asserted, on the authority of The peats or loams on which gypsum has been France with signal success. In Germany, Mr. a gentleman resident at Pittsburgh, in Pennsylva most successful, may contain vegetable acids cal-Mayer, a clergyman, discovered the use of gypnia, that gypsum is only useful as a manure in culated to decompose it. It is true that the means sum as a manure about the year 1768; and in those parts of the United States that are distant by which human art can at present separate its Voghtland, in Saxony, gypsum-earth is said to from the sea not less than eighty miles. On the elements are very limited. It is decomposed, 1. have converted several barren tracts into fruitful hypothesis that sea-air destroys the fertilizing by the oxalic acid; 2. by carbonates of potash; fields. The agriculture of Switzerland has also principle in gypsum, Mr. R. Bakewell, a corres-3. by carbonate of strontian; 4. by muriates of reaped much benefit from the same resource. pondent of the Monthly Magazine,‡ proceeds to barytes. The second and third solvents are only [Here follow some experiments and details peaccount for its failure as a manure in so many mentioned to be dismissed, as unlikely to be of culiar to English soil, climate, and practice, which parts of England. It is enough to dispel this any use in agriculture: the carbonate of lime ge- we deem it inexpedient to copy.]-Edit. opinion to name the county of Kent, as the place nerated by the second, being less soluble in water [On the subject of Burnt Clay, much has been where it has most fully succeeded. than the sulphate; and chalk, when wanted, can published in the Farmer, to which we now add Sir H. Davy in directing our attention to the be had at a cheaper rate. The third, carbonate the following:-] constituents of this manure, the composition of of strontian, is a newly-discovered earth, of rare VI. Burnt Clay-Of late, very flattering rethe soil, and the nature of the plant, has contri- occurrence. As to the compound produced by the ports have been circulated of the practice of buted material aids for judging when to apply it: fourth, sulphate of barytes is perfectly insoluble burning clay into ashes, for a top dressing. It is -But perhaps he has not adverted sufficiently to in water: and it is a reasonable suspicion that it not a recent invention: for very particular inthe inimitable chemistry of nature, by which would be pernicious to vegetable life. structions for doing it are given in a small Treashe may disengage the elements of gypsum when To recur to oxalic acid, the first-mentioned sol-tise, published near a century ago. Revived buried in a suitable soil, and enable particular vent. This is naturally present in wood-sorrel, lately in Scotland, the process described in a letplants to extract them in a simpler form. It and is procured artificially by the action of nitric ter by Mr. Craig, has excited much attention, therefore becomes important to recollect, that acid upon sugar, and several other vegetable sub-and induced many spirited agriculturists, in vathe sulphuric acid, which lodges in gypsum in a stances. Peat moss, in an unreclaimed state, usu-rious parts of the Island, to adopt it on a large solid state, can be resolved into-sulphurous acid ally abounds with oxalic acid: hence there is a scale. The expectations from it are sanguine; gas, about 40 parts; and oxygen, 60 parts; and mutual action between that sort of peat and gyp- although the experience had of it is not yet exthat when the water suspended with the two gas. sum. Perhaps such a compound might be cheap- tensive enough to form a ground of recommendes is dissipated, the proportions will be nearly, ly imitated, by mixing vegetable mould and wood-ing it for general application. It is called "BurnCondensible into sulphur ashes, urine and gypsum; or short muck, old ing Clay for Manure:" yet, as the torrified powcow-dung, sea-weed, and gypsum,—substituting, der is not valued for any vegetable ashes supposwhere sea-weed cannot be obtained, soap-lye; or ed to be contained in it, as in the common prac bleacher's lees; or salter's refuse, vegetable ashes, tice of paring and burning, but is simply to ope rate as burnt earth, it were more correct to modi Oxygen Water 16 parts. 100 and water. Now, instead of confining the possible benefit to It may be worth while also to try, whether in fy the term to "Burning Clay to improve the such plants as afford gypsum in an unaltered state, those cases where quicklime would form an inso- Texture of the soil." This is not a verbal dismay we not conclude that a large number of ve- luble compound, or diminish the nutritive rich-tinction, but a practical difference. If attention getables, constituted to reject the calcareous base ness of a compost, gypsum may not be a capital to it should much contract the field for the opealtogether, may appropriate some modification of ingredient; for instance, with some of the fol-ration, it may prevent many disappointments. the other elements? The saline compounds (as lowing substances; oily matters;—animal acids; Thus, suppose the agriculturist is induced, from Professor Davy in another place notices) contain--all animal manures, particularly such as con- his system of farming, to cultivate turnips on a ed in plants, or afforded by their ashes, are very tain albumen, (one element in the white of eggs clayey soil, not well adapted to their growth, it numerous. The sulphuric acid, combined with is sulphur ;)-the common dung of cattle. is plain that the ashes of burnt clay, copiously potassa, or sulphate of potassa, is one of the Further, as mild lime and gypsum seem to be distributed over the surface, would immediately most usual. Compounds of the nitric, muriatic, as unlike each other as two substances with the consult the habits of the plant, by dividing a tesulphuric, and phosphoric acids, exist in the sap same base can well be, it may be of practical nacious, and rendering drier a humid soil; and of most plants.' In analogy with some late ex-benefit to compare their effects in various com-thus, without supposing the burnt clay to act as periments of De Saussure, we may further sup-posts of the same strength. a manure, the texture of the staple would receive pose that sulphuric acid, diluted with water by To close this theoretical part, sulphuric acid a permanent improvement. On the other hand the chemistry of Nature, may be instrumental in has a great attraction for water, and may be use- if on a soil not rich in the common basis of vege converting the starch of plants into sugar. "Asful in a soil in summer. Where the sulphur can- tables, and which is to be planted with any of starch boiled in water with sulphuric acid, and not be decomposed, it may diminish the coldness the exhausting culmiferous crops, or other crops thereby changed into sugar, increases in weight of some lands. Gypsum may be offensive to de-dependent on a generous soil, the panacea of mere without uniting with any sulphuric acid or gas, licate aphides by the same impregnation; and it burnt earth is resorted to, as a substitute for the or without forming any gas, we are under the ne. may kill some hardy insects by setting into a hard long tried proportions of consumable manure, the cessity of ascribing the change solely to the fixa-crust upon them. result of such an ill-timed application of fire mus tion of water. Hence we must conclude, that In addition to the common case of land being be disappointment. starch-sugar is nothing else than a combination of already saturated with gypsum or lime, are there Indeed the operation of burning clay for ashe sta:ch with water in a solid state. The sulphuric any descriptions of soil on which decomposed is so tedious and expensive, that even where the acid is neither decomposed, nor united to the gypsum might have a bad effect? 1. Would circumstances of the land demand such an im starch as a constituent; nevertheless it is like- it not deteriorate a soil containing particles of wise found that long boiling in pure water does iron? This may be put as a caution; for sul- †The Practical Farmer; or, the Herefordshir not convert the starch into sugar." This fact phate of iron is pernicious to vegetation; but as Husbandman. See a letter in the Farmer's Ma opens a large field for rational speculation on the lime is the antidote to that vice in a soil, decom gazine, No. LXIII with the signature“ J. G. F. physiology of vegetables; as it renders it possible posed gypsum seems, even in this case, to contain It is also mentioned in the Country Gentleman that some of the mineral acids in the sap of its own remedy, unless the proportion of lime be Companion by Stephen Switzer, Gardener, (Lo plants, after acting chemically on the juices con- thought too low. 2. Might not the sulphuric acid don, 8vo. 1732) This latter work states, that th Elements of Agricultural Chemistry, p. 19. hurt the texture of a soil almost wholly composed Earl of Halifax was the inventor of this resource of pure clay? Sulphate of alumina is not bane-and it gives several letters, written in 1730 an ful to plants as a salt, though, as a mineral ear-1731, attesting its success in several parts of Eng thy compound, it is not the most tractable under land; with accounts from Scotland that it ha nals of Philosophy, for December, 1815. (No. tillage: but here again lime is present, to prevent answered better than lime or dung ;—but it w‹ XXXVI. pp. 425, 426. ) its formation, or to dissolve it. § See a Translation of the original Paper in An found too expensive. provement, the outlay would overwhelm the far-¡burnt to a powdery state, or until they will fall to prove it to be the excrement in question. I was mer-unless he intermit the practice during those powder from a slight stroke; and it does not ap- in these islands when several barks came to load stages of rotation in which he can raise beans, pear that the calcination of any earth lessens its with it; when the insupportable smell left me and other crops fit for clay soils, by easier modes absorbing power. The finer clay-ashes are, the no room to doubt of the nature of their cargo.of tillage. If, however, he is satisfied to pre- greater is their capacity of absorption from the I do not, however, pretend to deny, but that it pare land, by this practice, for the green crop, atmosphere. may be mixed with earth, or that the most suor other stage of a rotation which most requires Some idea may be formed of the spirit with perficial part of the earth does not contract the it, and is attentive at other times to keep up the which Mr. C. has taken up the trial of this sys-like virtue, so as to produce the same effect.— vegetable strength of the staple by soluble ma-tem of surfuce-soil and clay-burning, when he But, however it be, this is the manure used in nures adapted to repair the exhaustion of prece- says, "I have just completed paring twenty-six the fields sowed with maize, and with proper wading harvests, and to meet the appetite of the acres of clover lea of the second crop, which I tering, is found greatly to fertilize the soil, a little expected crop, the texture of the soil will be intended next year for turnips. The sods were of it being put close to every stem, and immedigradually improved, while the danger of relying well broken with the harrows, which freed them ately watered. It is also of use in fields of other upon burnt earth as a manure will be avoided. If of the greatest part of the mould. The residue grain, except wheat and barley; and, consequentthe surface burnt is a peat, or moss, or contains was burnt, and has afforded me above a thousand ¡y, prodigious quantities of it yearly used in agthe roots or other remains of plants, the ashes single-horse carts of ashes. There are twelve riculture." may be truly a manure; but then the principle mounds with seventy-two Winchester bushels of NOTE. The Chancay here spoken of, lies along and its application are assimilated to the practice lime each-I have manufactured for use this the coast adjoining, and to the north of Lima of paring and burning turf, and the useful com-season, two thousand single carts of ashes." The specimen of guano dung furnished you was merce in peat ashes; neither of which is a novel- On lands thus manured, while turnips and clo- procured at the port of Molienda, a small village ty. So a marl, fraught with animal remains, is ver have, in the most favourable cases, surpassed a few miles to the north of the river Tambo, in decidedly a manure. expectation, wheat has fallen below it. At pre- the jurisdiction of Moquehua. This dung is obThe clay may be either burnt in heaps, or in sent the balance of experience from the recent tained from the small roosting islands of the sea kilns. For this purpose, it is dug or pared off in trials seems to have this inclination: the advan- birds, all along the coast; and is of two colours shallow spits, about four inches thick. Two lay-tage of burning clay alone is questionable, as a and qualities,-the red is considered the best, the ers of these are commonly taken. Whether any measure of general application; and unless vege- white not so good. The white guano is found in part of the subsoil should or should not be also table matter or lime is burnt with it, the benefit great abundance on the island of the village of dug up, depends upon its composition. It accele- will seldom repay the expense. When clay has Iquique, in latitude 20°, 12', S. rates the process of ignition to set the spitfuls been burnt alone, dung, or other manure containfirst to dry, either separately or in open piles.-ing vegetable nutriment, should be spread with Amongst other valuable and curious things The kiln may be fired with furze, wood, cinders, it, especially in preparing land for an exhausting brought by Midshipman Bland from the Pacific coal, or any combustible refuse. As to the quan-crop. Ocean, was a small quantity of that celebrated tity of ashes to be applied, the Hertfordshire Many discoveries in tillage fall into disrepute manure, Guano dung, possessing such astonishHusbandman says,-"About forty bushels, sown by being applied without regard to local circum-ing fertilizing properties. Of this article he furon an acre by the hand, out of the seed-cot, and stances, or by being continued after a sufficient nishes the following notice:harrowed in with barley and grass seeds, does change has been effected in the original constituvast service." The Scottish agriculturists assign tion of the soil. Burnt clay can only be what phyfrom twenty to twenty-five cubic yards per acre, sicians would call a topical remedy. as a dressing for turnips. When kilns are used, limestone may be burnt with the clay. If this practice be combined with that of burning with lime instead of fire, the expense will be lessened, and a manure of better composition obtained. It may be acceptable to describe a good method of doing both together.* GUANO-A celebrated Manure used in South America. DESCRIPTION OF THE GUANO; OR, PERUVIAN MANURE. This substance to which the naturally sterile coasts of Peru, owe their fertility, had already been partially described by Don Ulloa. Messrs. Humboldt and Bonplan have, however, more re[With some other curious articles and valuable cently, by communicating specimens of it to seeds brought from the Pacific by Midshipman Fourcroy and Vanguelin, furnished an opportunity Bland, in the Franklin, he favoured us with a of becoming satisfactorily acquainted with its naspecimen of GUANO, and with some extracts in ture. The analysis of it, made by the latter named chemists, and which is detailed in the 56th regard to it. These we handed to our obliging! Professor of Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Du-vol. of the Annales de Chienie, gave the following CATEL, and from him we have obtained the result: 1st. A fourth part in weight of uric acid, partly saturated with ammonia. 2d. Oxalic acid, partly combined with ammonia and potash. 3d. Phosphoric acid, united to the same bases, and to lime." 4th. Small proportions of the sulphates and muriates of potash and ammonia. 5th. A small proportion of fatty matter. Pare off the sods, or turf, and surface clay, with the skim coulter plough, or other convenient instrument, and dry the parings ready for burning. Get quicklime fresh from the kiln in the following proportion; having marked out a base for the pile, for every square superficial yard, three Winchester bushels of lime; or for a mound seven yards in length, three yards and a half in Extract from "A voyage to South America," by breadth, 72 bushels. In building, begin with a Don Antonio de Ulloa.-vol. 2, page 99. layer of dry parings, six inches in height; on "The lands in the jurisdiction of Chancay, like which spread half the lime intended to be used, the other parts of the coasts of Peru, are manurabout five inches thick, mixing sods with it; then ed with the dung of certain sea birds, which aa covering of eight inches of sods; on this the bound here in a very extraordinary manner.-nous sands. other half of the lime is spread, and covered a These they call Guanoes, and the dung guano, In Rees' Cyclopedia, the guano is described as foot thick; the height of the mound at this stage the Indian name for excrement in general. These a yellowish brown earthy substance, without taste, being about a yard. Mr. Curwen deems it better birds, after spending the whole day in catching and of a smell resembling that of castoreum.to suffer it to ignite of itself, than to effect the their food in the sea, repair at night to rest on The specimen furnished by Midshipman Bland, combustion by applying water. In twenty-four the islands near the coast; and their number be- has a saline taste, and a slight castoreum odour ours it will take fire. When the fire is fairly ing so great as entirely to cover the ground, they Exposed to the fire, it blackens and emits strong kindled, fresh sods must be applied. Mr. C. re-leave a proportionable quantity of excrement, or ammoniacal fumes, as observed by Sir H. Davy. commends obtaining a sufficient quantity of ashes dung. This is dried by the heat of the sun into It is found in strata of from 50 to 60 feet in before any clay is put upon the mounds. The a crust, and is daily increasing, so that notwith-thickness, which are worked on the surface, in the ire naturally rises to the top. It takes less time standing great quantities are taken away, it is same manner as iron ochre mines. The island of n piling, and effects more work, to draw down never exhausted. Some will have this guano to Chinche, near Pisco, on the more southern coast he ashes from the top, and not carry the mound be only earth endowed with the quality of raising of Peru, (no where, however, observes Mr. Humigher than six feet. The clay if not sufficiently a ferment in the soil with which it is mixed.-boldt, but between the 13th and 21st degrees of urnt is lumpy, and untractable under tillage; This opinion is founded on the prodigious quanti. S. lat.) and the small islands of Ilo, Isa, and Arica, n the other hand, Mr. C. regards calcined ashes ties carried off from those islands, and on the ex-furnish it in abundance. These islands are visi s of no value; but they ought certainly to be periment made by digging or boring, by which ted by immense flocks of birds, principally of the the appearance at a certain depth was the same heron and flamingo genus, (Ardea it Phanicopte *The following is derived from the Letter of as at the superficies; whence it is concluded, that rus-Cuv.) that tarry there through the night. Mr. Curwen, of Workington-Hall, to Mr. Demp-the earth is naturally endowed with the heating Hence the guano has been considered as producter, of Dunichen, published, by permission, in the quality of dung, or guano. This would seem less ed entirely by them; but it can scarcely be posFarmer's Magazine, No. LXIV. p. 411. improbable, did not both its appearance and smell sible, that such immense strata, should have been accumulated in that way alone. The question for breeders, is almost out of the question, while gument, however, that this question will be decidthen suggested by Mr. Homboldt, is, whether the the wool continues at the low price of 50 cents a ed; and as the author presumes to differ from guano might not be considered, as the product of pound. these gentlemen on this point, it will be proper one of the revolutions of the earth, and classed | Third- My flock consists of about 550, and the to state his facts, which appear to him far preferwith the formations of coal, and fossil wood? Mr. yield is as nearly as can be four pound the fleece ; able to theories, in order to justify his rejection of Guido Ricci has consequently proposed to give it the flock round when shorn without washing, the opinion of men, otherwise, perhaps wiser than a place in our Mineralogical systems, under the which has been my practice for the last five years, himself. name of Ammoniaque Uratée, (Urate of Ammo- partly from its being less trouble, and partly from It is not here meant to deny that the useful nia,) or at least to consider it as a natural product. a belief that the merino from his close and thick quality of giving much milk, has not in certain From the composition of the guano, it is easy fleece, is injured by washing, especially if a spell instances, for a time, been lost, by persevering in to conclude its fertilizing properties, and it must of wet weather immediately succeeds, which is a favourite line of blood, in which that quality did be judged to be a powerful manure. Sir H. Davy not uncommon at that season of the year. When not predominate, and by other causes which it is observes, that it requires water for the solution washed on the back, the average was about three unnecessary to enumerate. It is only contended, of its soluble matter to enable it to produce its pounds the fleece, making a difference of one that the two properties of good milking, and a disfull beneficial effect on crops. Its principal appli quarter. position to carry flesh, may be united, where both cation is to corn; but it must be used in small I am well satisfied that the merino sheep, so are duly attended to; and although the very great quantities, its causticity being fatal to the roots of far from degenerating in our country, may be quantity of the former, which is obtained from the plant, when used too freely. much improved by care in selecting them of the the ordinary breed of Short-horns, will not freMessrs. Humboldt and Bonplan to whom, as be- finest wool and good form for breeders. When Iquently be drawn from the improved breed, still fore observed, we have been indebted for the began 12 or 13 years ago, I purchased a few meri-the deficiency in quantity will be more than atonmeans of ascertaining its value, further remark:-nos, and by crossing them with the old flock of ed for by the superior quality,-an increased that the inhabitants of Chancay, engaged in the coarse wooled sheep, being careful always to pre-richness in the milk being one of the improv transportation of this manure, perform the voyage serve the finest, and put off the coarse ones, ments which has been accomplished in the breed to and from Chinche, in twenty days, in boats call-have now got the flock in such a state, that the in question. ed Guaneros. Each boat containing from fifteen wool is considered by experienced manufacturers, As some reflections may, perhaps, be made uphundred to two thousand cubic feet of guano.-to be fully equal to some flocks which are pure on the selection of one stock, to afford instances The price of the vanega, (1 3-5 bushel) at Chan-descendants from the imported Spanish sheep. of the improved Short-horns possessing valuable cay, is four francs (80 cents); at Arica, 15 francs, The price I have sold at, as mentioned above, dairy qualifications, it may not be improper, in (83); making it, as may be perceived, a very has been for the last four years about 50 cents this place, to disclaim any intention to favour a profitable business. It is said that the strong am- unwashed, and to manufacturers in this state. particular stock. In collecting the facts which moniacal smell, which the guano emits, would The communication respecting a new mode of these pages contain, no trifling trouble has been cause those unaccustomed to its neighbourhood, burning lime I did not send, as I found on looking experienced; and the author having made known to be incessantly sneezing. over one of the volumes of the Farmer, it had his intentions as widely as his opportunites would It may be here observed, that the dung of pi-already been published. I shall at all times be allow, it became necessary for him to wait the geons, and of other birds, which bears much ana-happy, if I can in any way contribute to the pa-pleasure of such gentlemen as should condescend logy to the guano, is known to form a very valua-per, in which I feel much interest. to communicate with him, and to avail himself ble manure. Hence, in France, it has been pro- [We are much indebted to the writer of the of the communications which reached him, withposed to use, for the same effect, those immense above-similar letters-one at least from each out any reference to those he might hope for. accumulations of bat dung, which occur in the state, would throw much important light on an im- The instances which are given as to milk, were extensive caves of the Department of Yonne.-portant question. We respectfully renew our re-obtained by himself on the spot; and though he In this country, the soil under the woods, where quest upon the subject. What we wish further would gladly have included any others, had they great flocks of the wild pigeons roost, must be and particularly to know, is the current price of been furnished; it appears to him that no trifling highly impregnated with their dung, and would pure merinos in the different states, and along with force is afforded to his argument, by the circumno doubt, form an excellent manure. MERINO SHEEP, the price of the sheep, let us have that of their stance of the cases which are set forth being dewool; for the purity of the former must, in a rived from one stock,-irrefragable proof being great degree, be tested by the price of the latter. thus furnished, that they are not solitary instanWe understand that the choice lot of alces, but happening in the regular course. Weight of Fleeces, Prices of Wool, Effect of flock of pure merinos, property of N. Ridgely, The cows recorded, are the property of J. Tariff, &c &c. TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. Rahway, Dec. 6, 1824. Respected Friend- observed some questions addressed to persons interested in sheep in the Farmer, which I am willing to answer as far as I am able. Esq. and sold on the breaking up of his farming Whitaker, Esq. of Greenholme, near Otley, and Extract from a Pamphlet, entitled "IMPROVED MAGDALENA, upwards of four gallons. 1824. quart. First-I do not know what are the legal provisions in our state for the protection of sheep against dogs, as our legislature make and unmake their laws at such a rate, that it is difficult to keep up with them. In some parts of the state, however, the amount of the dog tax is applied to making up the losses sustained by the destruction of sheep by dogs; but it falls very far short of It therefore only remains, the pretensions of ADELA, first ea!f, three gallons. the object, and there is no doubt, but the number Short Horns having been established as a good YARM, three gallons. of sheep in the state would be much greater, if grazing stock, that a few words be added on their MOSS ROSE, at all times a moving mountain of they could be effectually secured against dogs. utility for the dairy; a quality which, lightly as flesh, two gallons. All wine measure. Second-The present low price of wool is dis- it may be regarded in the county of Hereford, has, These cows are steady milkers, possessing couraging; but we have a hope that the new ta-notwithstanding, been found, especially in the late great inclination to fatten, and Mr. Whitaker riff, will, by checking the importation of foreign distressing times, to put an end to the clamour of cannot be too highly complimented on his sucwool, and at the same time giving some small en-many a scolding housewife, whose philosophy cessful exertions to combine the two qualities. couragement to our manufactures, enable us to was unequal to support her under the mortifica- The remainder of his stock will be found by no get a better price for it hereafter. If it does not, tion of returning from market without the luxu-means contemptible as milkers; but it is thought the keeping of merino sheep will not be an ob-ries of tea and sugar in one corner of her bas unnecessary to remark upon any ordinary quanject worth attention; as with them, the wool is ket,-the unhappy result of having no dairy pro- tities. almost all that can be calculated on, the carcases' duce. Having thus drawn his account of this celebrabeing very unsaleable, although, notwithstanding An opinion has gone forth, and is zealously pro ted breed to a close, it only remains for the authe prejudices against it, we consider the mutton pagated by Heretord breeders, that no animals thor to remind his readers, that it is of the imwhen of the right age and sufficiently fat, to be which are greatly inclined to carry flesh, can give proved short-horns he writes, and not of the ge quite equal at least to the common breed of the much milk. Some of their reasoning is plausible neral herd of cattle, which are sold as short-horns, Country. The butchers, however, have an inve- but very frequently inapplicable, and invariably from the northern districts; and to those who, terate prejudice against it; and selling the sheep founded on experience at home. It is not by ar-lin their ignorance of the improved breed, hay |