Private interest and individual enterprise alone culture, greatly improve the prospect of health air, the heavy chilling dews in the morning, and may effect the improvements contemplated. in this part of the state? the extreme heat of the sun should be carefully Where several are interested, they must asso- To give some idea of the simplicity and effect avoided. All such extremes have a great tenciate, and where all will not do so, legislative aid of a machine for draining fields incommoded by dency to excite the disease of summer and aumust be obtained. A planter may turn his at-uack water, or from any other cause too wet, Itumn, especially where the extremities of the tention to his own abandoned rice field, or be send a rough model of one that may be made by body are chilled by being wet with dew, and annoyed by those of other people. He knows any carpenter, from materials always at hand, the sun beaming with intense heat upon the head. that the soil is of the first quality of blue clay, which will enable each man employed on it to In such cases a warm bath would have the best superior to a great proportion of tide land. He raise about seventy-five gallons of water per effect in equalising the circulation and heat of knows that excellent crops have been made from minute.* the body. No one should ever lie down or sit

it in avourable seasons. He reads of the system. Besides the draining of such cleared swamps, in wet clothes. of draining and irrigation practised in China and there are bays and ponds in the neighbourhood of In other countries similarly situated, great other parts of Asia. He learns that a very every plantation, the draining of which would attention is paid to diet, and I have no doubt of cheap and simple machine may be used to flow greatly promote the health of the vicinity. its advantages. Ail excess in eating and drinking his fields when too dry, and to relieve him Another fruitful source of disease is the neglect-is forbidden-the food should be abundant, nourwhen there is an excess of water. He pur- ed stagnant water in the ditches and canals of fishing and simple; the only restrictions generally chases his neighbour's property for a trifle and the rice fields, after the water has been left off observed are as to eggs, butter, and milk, as removes the nuisance.* He makes certain preparatory to harvest.-You refresh the water food.

and abundant crops, and his success in a few in your fields as often as bubbles and scum, which If any preventive medicine is necessary, it years induces others to follow his example, and denote fermentation, are observed to collect; but certainly should not be of a debilitating nature; the dry culture of such fields becomes general. neglect that in the ditches altogether as soon as the mild tonics, such as bitters and bark, would Give me leave to offer the suggestion of a friend, the rice is ripe. From the continued warmth of be useful, and by many are deemed necessary. a man of the first respectability-that flax would the weather for the space of two months after To obviate as far as possible, the consequences probably succeed as well in such grounds as in this period, it is obvious that a vast quantity of of occasional exposure to rain, wet feet, and other the low country of Holland. If not exceeding my stagnant water must be in these ditches, and a contingencies of this nature, the best precaution province I would more particularly recommend proportionate quantity of noxious exhalation be is the daily use of the cold bath on an empty stothat they be allotted to all the purposes of gra- the consequence. The exhalations resulting mach at any time of the day, but particularly in zing and soiling. By this plan, all occasion for from rice culture are trifling compared with the morning. The most convenient way of apthe unwholesome reserves would be obviated, those from neglect and oversight in leaving stag-plying it probably is, the effusion of a pitcher of and the place for the reserve become the richest nant water where there need not be any. The cold water over the neck and shoulders. part of the field. The cultivation of Sugar Cane spirited and commendable experiment made by I forbear to urge the advantages to be derived as food for cattle of all kinds, both in summer our neighbours of Savannah, has not succeeded from a residence near your plantations throughout and winter, may be well worth your considera- quite as well as they merited. With deference, the year. Economy and superior skill and care tion. It would be a most luxuriant crop in such I think this is owing to two circumstances; will probably enable the planter to make a profit lands, and the juice when fermented and distilled, all the neighbouring rice fields are not subjected of 8 or 10 per cent. on his capital, whereas 4 is is said to be more profitable in Georgia, than the to dry culture, and they which are so subjected now the utmost that is generally realised. Hoping cultivation of Sea Island cotton. A few enter- are not perfectly drained. The water stagnating that these suggestions may be corrected and imprising men may soon improve a neighbourhood, in the drains from May to November, I believe proved by your practical knowledge and experiand enable their families to reside so near their to be the cause of sickness in the vicinity. If ence, I am, with much respect, own planting interests, as to superintend and in- they will not construct machinery for throwing Your obedient humble servant, spect them daily. off this water, they should at least make it ebb

JOSEPH JOHNSON.

FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER.

PREMIUM PLOUGHS.

Remarks on the hitherto erroneous manner of
testing the qualities of ploughs, and suggesting
a more favourable method.
FRIEND SKINNER,

I observed in the last number of the American

If from your own experience, you are satisfied and flow in the ditches with every tide. of the great advantages resulting from your Give me leave to offer an opinion as to the residence on your plantations throughout the precautions that may be useful, if not necessary winter, what must be the additional advantages to a family about to spend the summer in the of such superintendance in the Summer and country. A residence in villages is not advisable Autumn-the most interesting and important the distance from your plantation is generally part of the whole year. so great as to render your superintendance difficult, if not inefficient, and your health is endanThat it is more advantageous to manure and gered by every change of weather that may improve an old field, than to clear a new one, is overtake you on the way, or that may detain you insisted on by the most experienced farmers even at the plantation. The dissipation and rivalry Farmer, that the Committee of Arrangement in countries where wood is much more valuable that will always arise in such settlements, very have appointed the time when the next CATTLE than with us and the cost of manure much great-soon render them unsuited to health and economy. SHOW for the Western shore of Maryland shall er. Independent of the facility with which an A suitable place may generally be found within a take place-for the exhibition of PLOUGHING immense mass of manure may be collected by al- mile or two of your planting interest, where you MATCHES, &C-As I feel deeply interested with ternate strata of marsh grass, stable manure, fennel, and other weeds, turf and marsh mud, &c.— without difficulty or delay. may inspect every thing, and obtain your supplies respect to ploughs and ploughing, the object of If two or three this communication is, to give some explanations the first cost of the land is the most conclusive families would unite in such a plan, it would of on those subjects, which I apprehend are not geconsideration, for without such collection the course be more agreeable. nerally understood. They may serve as a geneplanter will require at least twice the quantity of In making the choice, a pine ridge free from ral answer to a querry asked by many-some land for a change of fields. By rendering an old moss, having a moderate slope, should be prefer- personally, and some by writing-which is, that field productive, you not only recover so much red; but no such place should be finally adopted if my ploughs are the best, why do other ploughs land actually lost, but save the necessity of hold- until it is ascertained to afford good wholesome take the premiums at Agricultural Exhibitions? ing a greater quantity of land than is required clear water. The associates should agree, in The art of Husbandry is, to assist nature.-In for cultivation, and preserve the trees for the writing, not to make a clearing or even cut fire the present state of society, it is absolutely advantage of health. Is it not better to manure a wood within a given distance of the settlement; necessary to till the ground in order to obtain, field until it yields thirty or forty bushels or to provide for making a large fire morning and not only the luxuries and comforts, but even the more of corn to the acre, than to clear a new evening in some central situation, for the purpose necessaries of life. In tilling the ground, the one, which will not yield more than fifteen or of rarifying the air, expelling the dampness, and first and most material implement is the plough; twenty? Will not the same labour, time, and consuming the surrounding atmosphere; like- with that the most laborious or expensive operaexpense, effect the former as the latter, except wise to keep a certain space round each house tions are performed. This circumstance induces where the wood may be readily sent to market? clear of grass, weeds, and brush, all of which the husbandmen to use great exertions to obtain Would not the effectual draining of a great por-retain much moisture. The chilly, damp night the best.-Hence it is that premiums are offered tion of the inland swamps and rice fields, enable for the best ploughs. Thus the mechanics have them to afford the most abundant crops of This may be seen at Chisolm Taylor's become excited; and great exertions are used corn, hay, &c. Would not some such system of counting house. [The Editor of the Farmer has to produce the best. Many very ingenious men, written for a drawing of said machine, to be en-have undertaken to improve the plough, and The deserted Rice Fields, are the Pontine graved and published for the benefit of his pa- spent much time and labour and means also, with marshes of South Carolina. trous.] a view to render that most important implement

perfect. In order to give an idea of what has horses to draw, and more than they are able to both as to their performance, and the labour of been done, it will suffice to say that there has draw, only a little piece at a time, they will have the teams in urging them along. And if the been upwards of forty patents taken for improve-to exert themselves so hard that their style will implements were kept in operation six hours, it ments on the plough. There are but few, how-be deformed. The touch will be so much affect- would also afford an opportunity of comparing ever, that are considered valid. The consequence ed by the pressure (or draft) as to produce great the performance of oxen with that of horses at is, that a great variety have been made and intro excitement-they will move too fast, be quite the plough; which with many very judicious duced. Each competitor confident of his own, refractory, and unpleasant to work with. farmers, is a subject of much speculation.-I have feels offended if another should be preferred. Hence, in operating with animal power, we no doubt that if this mode of testing implements This renders it an important, interesting, and perceive the influence produced by the touch; is adopted at the next exhibition, that at the end of a very delicate subject for the agriculturist to de-if the pressure or draft is so hard as to produce six hours, the result will be found very different cide whose is the best; and the more so, the pain, or be unpleasant to bear, it will excite the from what it would be, if continued only fifteen more valuable the premium when obtained. But animal so as to quicken its pace, and increase or twenty minutes-that there would then be the fact is, that some are better than oth-exertion. Therefore in attempting to ascertain room enough to see through, so that all would be ers; and that some one kind are better than any the relative value of ploughs, by testing them fully satisfied-and then it would be seen, that other kind, or all the rest; and to ascertain with animal power, on so small a plat, or land, tests taken by the animal power in this way, which kind, or whose improvement that is, is not as the one eighth part of an acre, with reference would agree with tests taken by the Dynanomeonly just and right, but also very desirable. to time, is actually incorrect, and only calculated ter; by which I have no doubt that it is possible

In the present common mode of testing ploughs, to deceive all who look to it with a view to ascer to ascertain the difference in the draft of ploughs, the first thing is to obtain a nice smooth level tain the fact. Because there is no doubt, that if to a single per cent But the great and imporpiece of ground covered with a stiff green sward, the teams are all of about equal strength, and tant object is, to have a proper opportunity of which is laid off in lands, or plats of about an under similar circumstances of about equal speed, judging of the teams I have seen an eighth of eighth, twelfth, or sixteenth part of an acre in and the ploughs will all cut and turn just the an acre ploughed with a pair of horses in about each. When the ploughmen have chosen their same sized furrowslices, the team that is attach twenty-two minutes; but the team was then so situations, the word is given-all start and urge ed to the plough of the heaviest draft, being ef- much exhausted, that I believe it could not have their teams all they well can; and he that gets fected most by the touch, or pressure of draft, ploughed another eighth in much less than an done first, if he ploughs the ground equally will be excited most, and consequently move the hour. And another team of two horses with well and handsome, obtains the premium.-But I fastest; therefore in ploughing only the one which an eighth of an acre was ploughed, in a presume, that a little reflection will satisfy any eighth part of an acre, if it can hold out to finish, like situation, and in about the same time, that I scientific man, that this mode of testing ploughs, it will get done first. believe could have ploughed another eighth in with animal power, measured by time, is abso- Here I will relate a circumstance that took less time than it did the first. And that there lutely incorrect. Because in operations with place at the last cattle show for the Western may be so much difference as that in operating animal power, it is excitement that produces shore of Maryland. There was a premium with animal power, I have no doubt at all-and motion, not choice.-Excitement stimulates the awarded to a three horse plough, called the entirely owing to the draft of the implement. A mind (or will,) which commands the nerves-Brown plough. I had ploughs on the ground pair of good horses can stand its work, or use thus the muscles are operated on, and produce that day, and can produce a plough any day their greatest exertions about twenty minutes, motion. But the mind (or will) may be excited that a good ploughman with two horses, an equal but then they are exhausted-what could they mentally; that is, the feelings of the mind (or choice out of five, can in six hours, or six months do in the next twenty minutes?-I believe they will) only such as pleased or offended-love or if preferred, not only plough as much, but more; would not perform such another operation in envy, &c.—Or it may be excited physically, by and in rough ground do it better than any man much less than an hour. the sensations produced on the mind (or will,) by can with the other three horses, and the Brown In testing ploughs, we may put an indifferent the animal feelings, such as the touch, taste, plough in the same time, and a like situation.-plough into the hands of a good ploughman, who smell, light, hearing, &c. Therefore the great-And if any advocates of the Brown plough, think by taking pains, will do good work—and again, er the excitement, the more exertion-conse-those assertions too bold, and will offer a suitable we may put a good plough into the hands of an sequently the more power, or quicker the mo-opportunity, I hold myself bound to realize the indifferent ploughman, and he will do indifferent tion. For instance, if we lay a sack containing fact, and should be much pleased to have a suita- work But after having ascertained which is the one peck of wheat on a man's back or shoulders, ble opportunity to do so. But lest I may not be best plough, it is very rational to conclude, that, and request him to carry it one hundred yards, called upon to prove the case, I will just say that is the plough with which any kind of a without respect to haste or time, he will walk off I have had opportunities of comparing the Brown's ploughman would do the best work. The object very leisurely, and lay it down, without any pre-plough with my own, to full satisfaction; have in awarding premiums is, that they should be tension to haste; having been but little oppress-tested them very nicely, and know that it re-given for the best implements, and not for the ed, he is but little excited-and on his return, if quires just about fifty-two per cent. more power best work done with them, or the greatest quanwe put a sack containing a bushel on his back, of draft to propel the Brown's plough than my tity; especially in so short a time as fifteen or with the former request, he will move off consi own. Hence it is, that I have an assurance to twenty minutes; but extend the time to six derably faster, and lay it down in more haste, use so much freedom-and again, to question the hours, and then it might be a better guess to because the pressure affected the touch, and present, or former mode of testing ploughs, on so measure the quality of the implement, even by thereby produced greater excitement. But on small a scale, with animal power altogether. time. But if we want to know which is the his return again, if we lay a sack containing four I look upon this as a subject of very material best, the only way to ascertain the fact is, to bushels on his back, which we desire him to importance, and really deserving the attention judge of the performance by the eye, and weigh carry to the same place, that being about as of every man concerned in tilling the ground-the draft with an instrument adapted to the purmuch as he can carry, he dashes off with all his and have no doubt, but all wish to know the pose, and that will give the exact result to a sinmight; and when at his journey's end, downs truth of the case exactly. Therefore, having gle per cent.-Then there could be but one opiwith it as quick as possible.-In this case there challenged the present (or former) mode of nion in the case; because the truth would be is a double excitement-first, mentally, with a testing ploughs, I presume it will be expected, known. desire to please, in expectation of a favour or re that I would propose some other, or a better ward-secondly, physically by the touch; being plan. As it is a subject that I am deeply interas much oppressed as the system is able to bear, ested in, and of course have reflected much upon, the excitement is as great as can be produced, I will suggest a plan that has occurred to my and of course, the motion as quick and as pow-mind-which is to take a field, I should not care erful as can be effected. how rough or smooth, level or inclined, whether a Again if we attach a pair of smart horses to green sward, clover hay, stock or stubble ground; a plough, which will require just 300 lbs. power (indeed if it partook a little of all, it would afford of draft to propel it, (that is just about a hand the b st opportunity of realising the utility of the some draft for a pair of horses to draw,) they will implements,) have it struck out in lands of con walk off in their handsomest style, not disposed venient width, and then let the competitors ar Foot Rot. A disease in the feet of sheep, to hurry or be refractory; because the pressure range themselves, and commence precisely at which is first discovered by the animal becoming (or draft) does not affect the touch so hard as to nine o'clock, A. M.-take their lands alternately, lame. On examining the foot some ulceration produce much excitement.-But if we attach and plough just six hours, or until three o'clock will be found between the claws or hoofs, some. them to a plough that will require 450 pounds of P. M. Then the committee, (aye and every botimes penetrating under the horn; when this is draft to propel it, that is 50 per cent. more, which dy else ) would have an oppo tunity of judging of observed, the horn which covers the diseased really a very heavy draft for a pair of plough the operation of the ploughs to full satisfaction part must be completely pared away with a sharp

Very respectfully thine,

George Town, (D. C.)
4th Month, 8th, 1824.

GIDEON DAVIS,
Manufacturer.

DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS

AND THEIR CURE.

knife. When the bleeding has ceased, let the affected part be washed twice a day with the following preparation: Take

Blue vitriol,
Alum,

}of each one ounce ;

Vinegar, four ounces;

Water, eight ounces.-Mix,

Or take

Verdigris in powder, one ounce ;

Nitrous acid, two ounces;
Water, four ounces.-Mix.

times, it makes its appearance in a large tumour goes forward or backward, grows richer or poorer. upon the cornet (coronet) between the hair and Neither is this science only useful to the merthe hoof, attended with violent pain and inflam-chant, but is reckoned the primum mobile (or first mation." It is evident from Skerrett's and mover) of all mundane affairs in general, and is Clater's description, that they have given the useful for all sorts and degrees of men, from the same name to dfferent diseases. Skerrett's highest to the lowest. treatment appears to be in some respects judi- As to the usefulness of geometry, it is as cercious, and I suppose has been found successful. tain, that no curious art, or mechanic work, can But I should not trespass on the reader's patience either be invented, improved, or performed, so much as to transcribe Doctor Clater's mode of without its assisting principles. It is owing to treatment, if I did not think that its injurious ten-this, that astronomers are put into a way of makIn slight cases, or at an early period of the dency ought to be exposed. After he has informed ing their observations, coming at the knowledge complaint, the first recipe will generally be found us that the disease is" attended with considerable of the extent of the heavens, the duration of time, to succeed; but in more inveterate cases, the inflammation," that "the pain is often so conside- the motions, magnitudes and distances of the heasecond will be found more efficacious. When rable as to reduce them of their flesh till they venly bodies, their situations, positions, risings, these applications fail, other astringents and become a mere skeleton," he directs "butter of settings, aspects and eclipses; also the measure caustics may be tried; the former for incipient antimony, oil of vitriol, or aquafortis" to be of seasons, of years, and of ages. It is by the or slight cases, the latter for such as are of long applied to the part: and he says that "this may assistance of this science, that geographers prestanding. A solution of blue or white vitriol, of be done for two or three days together." But," sent to our view at once, the magnitude and form alum, or of sugar of lead in vinegar, is a power- he observes, "if the part swell, and appear much of the whole earth, the vast extent of the seas, ful astringent: and a strong caustic may be made inflamed," (I should be much surprised if it were the divisions of empires, kingdoms, and provinby dissolving red precipitate in nitrous acid, or not so, after the Doctor's dressing,) let it be ces. sublimate in muriatic acid; but these must be well rubbed with the following liniment :

used with caution, and often require to be diluted with water.

It is essentially necessary in this disease, to keep the feet from moisture as much as possible, particularly for an hour or two after they have

Camphor, one ounce;

Spirit of turpentine, four ounces;
Oil of bays,

Ointment of elder,

of each, four Ointment of marsh mallows, S

ounces.

It is by the help of geometry, the ingenious mariner is instructed how to guide a ship through the vast ocean, from one part of the earth to the other, the nearest and safest way, and in the shortest time.

By help of this science the architects take their been dressed; when the sheep should be kept in And then if the tumour be likely to suppurate, just measures for the structure of buildings, as a dry fold yard, and afterwards turned into some apply the following poultice: tar one pound, private houses, churches, palaces, ships, fortifiupland, dry pasture. It is equally important to melt it over the fire, then add linseed in powder cations, &c. examine the foot every time of dressing, lest half a pound." The doctor concludes his sub- By its help engineers conduct all their works, the ulceration spread under the horn; whenever ject by recommending two or three purging take the situation and plan of towns, forts, and this is observed, the horny part must be carefully drinks. The treatment of this disorder, or castles, measure their distances from one another, pared away, or the diseased part will be out of" foul in the foot," as farriers have named it, is and carry their measure into places that are only the reach of the remedy, and the ulceration may in reality very simple. If it be caused by gravel accessible to the eye. From hence also is decontinue to spread until the whole foot is affected. or other hard matter getting between the claws, duced that admirable art of drawing sun dials on When the land is so situate, that exposure to after washing the part, the application of some any plane howsoever situate, and for any part of moisture is unavoidable, the foot may be in some emollient ointment will probably soon remove the world, to point out the exact time of the day, measure defended from it, by means of tar ren- any inflammation it may have produced; if the sun's declination, altitude, amplitude, azimuth, dered more adhesive by the admixture of a little inflammation run high, a poultice of linseed and other astronomical matters. pitch or rosin. When spungy or proud flesh meal and bran will, perhaps, be more effectual. By geometry, the surveyor is directed how to springs up between the claws, it should be re- If the beast is feverish, bleeding will be proper; draw a map of any country, to divide his lands, moved either with the knife or lunar caustic. if costive, a laxative drench. Should ulceration and to lay down any plot of any piece of ground, Some useful observations on foot-rot have been be observed after the inflammation has been and thereby discover the area in acres, rods and published by M. Pictet in the Philosophical Ma- subdued, try first an astringent wash, as a solution perches. The gauger is instructed how to find gazine. He found the acetate of lead or satarine of alum, white vitriol, or sugar of lead; and if the capacities or solid contents of all kinds of vesextract useful, (I suppose sugar of lead and this fail, let a solution of blue vitriol be applied. sels, in barrels, gallons, bushels, &c. And the Goulard's extract are meant,) and lapis infernalis If it degenerate into, or appear at first, as a foul measurer is furnished with rules for finding the to destroy bad flesh. He thinks the disorder is spreading sore, dicharging stinking matter, some areas and contents of superficies and solids, and contagious. A copious extract from M. Pictet's caustic preparation will be most effectual; not casting up all manner of workmanship. All these work may be found in a Treatise on the Disease omitting to pare away freely any horn under and many more useful arts, too many to be enuand Management of Sheep, by Sir George Stew-which the disease may have spread; and to keep merated here, wholly depend upon the aforesaid art Mackenzie, bart., and is well worth the atten- the parts from dirt and moisture. The disease sciences, viz. arithmetic and geometry. tion of those who are interested in the subject. appears to be local; and bleeding or purging can This science is descended from the infancy of Foul in the foot. A disease incident to horn-only be required when the pain and inflammation the world, the inventors of which were the first ed cattle, which appears to resemble the foot-rot have brought on symptomatic fever, attended propagators of human kind, as Adam, Noah, in sheep. According to Mr. Skerrett, it proceeds with costiveness. from two causes; accidents, and a morbid state of the system. The accidents which produce it are gravel, or other hard bodies getting between

DOCTOR FRANKLIN

Abraham, Moses, and divers others.

There has not been any science so much esteemed and honoured as this of the mathematics, nor with so much industry and vigilance become the claws, and causing by their pressure and ON THE USEFULNESS OF THE MATHEMATICS. the care of great men, and laboured in by the pofriction great pain and inflammation. This, he Mathematics originally signifies any kind of dis- tentates of the world, viz. emperors, kings, prinsays, may be cured by the following ointment cipline or learning, but now it is taken for that ces, &c. spread on tow, and bound on the part. It may science, which teaches or contemplates whatever. Mathematical demonstrations, are a logic of as be superfluous, perhaps, to add that the part is is capable of being numbered or measured That much or more use, than that commonly learned first to be washed. "Take soft soap and common part of the mathematics which relates to numbers at schools, serving to a just formation of the minds turpentine, of each one pound; let them be only, is called arithmetic; and that which is con- enlarging its capacity, and strengthening it so, as melted together over a slow fire until they are cerned about measure in general, whether length, to render the same capable of exact reasoning, perfectly united. The dressings," he says, "may breadth, motion, force, &c. is called geometry. and discerning truth from falsdhood in all occurbe repeated two or three times, which never fails As to the usefulness of arithmetic, it is well rences, even subjects not mathematical. to complete a cure." Mr. Clater, being a drug-known that no business, commerce, trade, or em- which reason it is said, the Egyptians, Persians, gist as well as a cow doctor, does not consider it ployment whatsoever, even from the merchant to and Lacedemonians, seldom elected any new as a local disease, and thinks that "cows of a the shopkeeper, &c. can be managed and carried kings, but such as had some knowledge in magross habit suffer most by it:" generally he ob on, without the assistance of numbers; for by thematics imagining those who had not, men of serves it makes its appearance be ween the these the trader computes the value of all sorts imperfect judgments, and unfit to rule and govern. claws of the hoof in the form of a hard crack, of goods that he dealeth in, does his business with Though Plato's censure, that those who did not attended with considerable inflammation: and in care and certainty, and informs himself how mat- understand the 117th proposition of the 13th book a short time will discharge offensive matter simi- ters stand at any time with respect to men, money, of Euclid's Elements, ought not to be ranked lar to that in grease in horse's heels. At other or merchandise, to profit and loss, whether he amongst rational creatures, was unreasonable and

For

TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER.

BENE SEED-ITS CULTURE AND USE.
Skidaway Island, Jan. 31st, 1824.

unjust; yet to give a man the character of univer-to try this untrod and thorny path in 1813,† to aid sal learning who is destitute of a competent know-the country in its "second struggle for Indepenledge in the mathematics, is no less so. dence," nevertheless, "let them go to the d-1,” The usefulness of some particular parts of the said the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or Commathematics in the common affairs of human life,mittee of Ways and Means, in 1816; and so says DEAR SIR, has rendered some knowledge of them very ne-Domine Ruris Consultus, and that unsociable Your letter of the 19th, has reached me, wherecessary to a great part of mankind, and very con-knight, the honorable Mr. Randolph, in 1824; in you request some bene seed for the purpose of venient to all the rest that are any way conver-but so say not the great body of the farmers, and distributing among your friends who are desirous sant beyond the limits of their own particular so says not the nation; and they'll find my words of cultivating it; I have sent you, or will send callings. true e'er congress rises, if their infatuation about you from Savannah, by the first vessel that sails Those whom necessity has obliged to get their the successor of our present worthy President thence for Baltimore, a small parcel of this seed, bread by manual industry, where some degree of don't prevent them from performing a most and should that not prove enough for your purart is required to go along with it, and who have solemn and important duty:-and as a "juxta po- poses, can let you have more. I have no doubt of very often found advantages from them sufficient sition" piece, equal to a whole battery and all the its arriving to maturity, in your climate; it should to reward the pains they were at in acquiring" geese" of old Rome too, I have to request of be sown early as possible after the frost is out of them. And whatever may have been imputed to you Mr. Editor, to copy into your useful columns the ground, care should be taken that some shelsome other studies, under the notion of insignifi-the following "Report of the Committee on Agri- tered situation be selected to plant in, otherwise cancy and loss of time, yet these, I believe, never culture"-a committee which has a VAN RANSEL-SO soon as the seed ripen you would be apt to loose caused repentance in any, except it was for their LAER as chairman, and whose voice may always them. The least agitation causes the pod to open remissness in the prosecution of them. be safely listened to by every farmer in these and the seed will fall, and in all probability be lost.

PHILO-HAMILTON.
Frederick County, April 3d, 1824.

Philosophers do generally affirm, that human United States. knowledge to be most excellent, which is conversant amongst the most excellent things. What science then can there be, more noble, more excellent, more useful for men, more admirably high and demonstrative, than this of the mathematics.

The negroes in this part of the country are well aware of its virtues as a medicine; they likewise cultivate it for food; it is thought by them to be much better in soup than okra, and it is used by them in the same manner. I am told it is very

[We have already published the Report of the good, but have never tasted it. You are well Agricultural Committee, in Congress, mentioned aware that oil of a superior quality, is extracted I shall conclude with what Plato says, lib. 7, above. The writer will see that we have omitted from the seed. Mr. John McQueen (whom you of his republic, with regard to the excellence and none of the argumentative part of his letter, and mentioned in your letter, and is now dead) told usefulness of geometry, being to this purpose. that is all that concerns our readers; witticisms me that the oil was equal, if not superior to the "Dear Friend-You see then that mathematics and jeux d'esprit are well enough, once in a while; olive oil; and the reason that he did not pursue are necessary, because by the exactness of the they may sometimes serve to enliven arguments, the cultivation of it for that purpose, was on acmethod, we get a habit of using our minds to the with which they are interspersed, but for the count of the difficulty of collecting the seed, bebest advantage: and it is remarkable, that all most part our readers prefer plain matter of facting obliged when cultivating it extensively to have men being capable by nature to reason and under-reasoning. We would therefore, where the case it exposed to the winds, and more seed was lost stand the sciences; the less acute, by studying ad:nits, rather "pare and burn," these ornamen- than could be gathered. I am happy in being this though useless to them in every other respect, tal decorations, which though they may beautify made useful in any manner towards improving the will gain this advantage, that their minds will be the surface, do not enrich the soil of agricultural condition of my fellow beings, and in contributing improved in reasoning aright; for no study em- essays; as the cook removes the scales of the fish, my mite in promoting the cause of agriculture ploys it more, nor makes it susceptible of atten- that are glittering and useful in their proper throughout our union, and at any time you may tion so much; and these who we find have a mind elements, but are of no value on dry land. As command my services as you may deem them worth cultivating, ought to apply themselves to for anonymous writers turning aside from the useful. this study."

EXTRACT-From Philo-Hamilton, in answer Hamilton his valiant friends, he deserves them;

to Ruris Consultus.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER.

*

*

**

*

With regard, yours, &c.

ROBT. M. GOODWIN.

FROM THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, for June 1822.

subject to "make a pass" at the person of their supposed adversaries, its like the fighting of blind cocks; they are apt to pass each other without entertaining the spectators--we do not envy but surely no living writer was ever more ready to defend himself. With respect to the Report of the Committee understand that Professor Olmstead of the UniGeological Survey of North Carolina.-We on Agriculture, we may here mention a fact, to shew the zeal and activity which characterises versity of North Carolina, will soon commence a To mend the matter again, the very next piece, sent to us by no less than seven correspondents scientific survey of the State. that side of the question. This report has been tious, intended, eventually to comprehend a series of geological and mineralogical observa(a forty-two pounder) was, by the mal-a-pert ar- for publication in the Farmer. In the meanFrom the known rangement of your imposer, headed MANU-time we had received it direct from an atten Professor Olmstead, we cannot doubt, that if intelligence, zeal, and scientific attainments of FACTURES-being an official "statement of the amount and VALUE of dutiable articles, ma- of congress, and had put it in the way of being duce very important advantages to science, tive and valued friend, an honorable member adequately encouraged, the enterprise will pronufactured annually in the United States, the amount of CAPITAL invested, &c." from which it is this journal, and we concluded that we could not published and preserved as a matter of course in agriculture, and the other useful arts; and will evident that previous to 1820, the amount annually give it better effect, or better stamp it with ortho-ble State of North Carolina. In no way, in our prove highly honourable to the very respectamanufactured by "wool gatherers," rag gather-doxy, than to send it forth under the seal of ers, ore-gatherers, &c. owners of "wind mills that Hamilton. Edit. Am. Far. apprehension, could the same sum of money be go by water,' was upwards of 32 millions of dolmore usefully expended; and it would be no small honour to have set the first example of the which is at this day, for want of the new tariff, ly- † Manufacturers were not then stigmatized, as scientific survey of an entire American State. ing dormant, if not worse than dormant-rotting" greedy improvident, and miscalculating builders We hope then to see the next edition of the map down!) is now upwards of 70 millions of dollars; of air-castles for manufacturing." Let him stand of North Carolina,* present at least, the leading which is of greater amount and value (if in full forth as tangible as they do, and then we could as features of its geology, and mineralogy. It play) than all the shipping and mercantile capitals clearly discern what epithet would best befit the man would be very desirable also, that the Botany, of the country together. But as the Treasury in and his vocation. The utility, however, nay, the nd if practicable, the Zeology of the country 1816, thought they could do without manufactur-nec ssity of these "air-castle builders," and of those should be investigated at the same time. ers (except as stalking horses to disguise a finan- "wind mills that go by water," has become so evicial tariff, making a rich treasury and a poor peo dent as to induce a great man to do a great thing, ple) although the government had held out the to recant and publicly acknowledge that he had enmost coaxing, but alas, seductive persuasions, to tertained a long cherished and erroneous opinion men of capital, enterprise, and patriotic feeling, especting them, I mean JEFFERSON himself.— Whether Ruris Consultus can ever possess the same magnanimity is of very little consequence to the manufacturers or their friends.

lars; and that the capital invested, (and most of

*For the meaning of this technical term, Ruris Consultus must apply to the Printer.

* Price and Strother's map of North Carolina from actual survey, has great merit.

PROPOSALS

Treatise, on the diseases of the foot of the
For publishing by subscription, a Practical
Horse, containing a correct description of their

No. 6.]

nature, causes, and methods of prevention, with suggestions of improved plans of treatment,

"Mr. Budd, we look upon, from the testimony of his book, to stand in the superior rank of Veterinary Surgeons, and he seems to be in need of nothing but the opportunities to evince his claim to the highest distinction of merit and utility in the professional line which he has chosen."

Editorial Correspondence.

PONDENCE OF THE EDITOR OF THE FARMER.

Nottaway Co. (Va.) April 6, 1824.

DEAR SIR, The Egyptian millet you sent me, I think very highly of; it grew 143 feet high, and some of the "We think this author's choice of subjects seed threw up one hundred branches, I cut one judicious, as confined to particular accidental and bunch only, and cut that three times in the difficult diseases of the horse, on which he gives season about 5 feet long at each cutting. the results of his own experience."

"Tracts

Bowling Green, 1st April, 1824.

DEAR SIR, "The section of country in which I live, is yet founded on physiological principles. Also, rules of EXTRACTS FROM THE AGRICULTURAL CORRES- young; too young for the labours of the husbandmen to have been carried to a great extent of shoeing, by which the ordinary evils attending this process, may be in some measure prevented. Taberg, N. Y. 12th April, 1824. wealth and profit. Efforts, however, are making Dedicated, by permissson, to General Charles "Cannot you get some of your correspondents, to rouse a spirit of emulation, of honest compeRidgely, of Hampton, by Richard Hayward Budd, Veterinary surgeon. Second edition, revi- to brighten the ideas, and improve the agriculture tition, among the farmers. I am one of those who of the pioneers of the back and western country; believe, the farming interest is the great interest sed and improved by the author. I find a general defect round me, in taking off too of this nation: that the destinies of the governThis work has been submitted to several gentlemen, who have been many years familiar with many corn crops, before the ground is laid down ment may, at some future period, be staked upthe treatment of horses, and they are of opinion to clover; the result is, a difficulty in seeding, on the practical illustration of this principle. No it is a valuable practical work, which should be and general growth of some. All the vegetable man whose views have extended beyond the Alin the hands of every one who may own a horse, substance in the soil is exposed to the air, and of leghany mountains, could for a moment doubt the and regard the comfort and health of this useful course goes off. I am convinced by my short ex designs of providence, in regard to the vast reanimal. The work was published in England a perience in this new country, that where a settler gions of the western country. You are acquainted few years ago by the author, who now resides in has capital to afford it, the best plan, is in the with the history of what we familiarly call the the city of Baltimore. There is a review of it first instance after "the burn" in the spring or barrens of Kentucky. I live in the heart of them. of some length in the Sporting Magazine for fall (preferring the former) to take off a crop of There is no country in the world, with proper April 1816, and continued in the number for wheat, rye, or oats, and seed down immediately; management and attention, more admirably adaptMay, in which the author and the work are both the advantage to be derived from this course, is ed to all the purposes of the agriculturist. We noticed with great respect. The following short the rotting of all the small roots, leaves, &c. and want nothing now but a dense population and a of improvement has not yet been at work among extracts from the review are selected, in order when ploughed the third year a rich soil for a spirit of enterprise and perseverance. The genius us. Our planters are slow in changing the rules to shew how Mr. Budd's labour and science have number of years is secured, without manure, which is an article so little attended to, by new and habits to which they have been accustomed been appreciated. settlers in Virginia soils; that I know it to be a from their infancy: and are too much disposed to fact, that barns have been removed in preference say with the honest Dutchman, who ploughed his to wasting time to cart it away.” team through the deep and miry sloughs of the old, in preference to the greater conveniences of the new road-“ mine fader drive here, and X drives here too." An agricultural society is now in contemplation in this place. Its constitution was formed a twelve-month ago, and we anticipate good from it. I circulate your paper among my friends, and nothing but the miserable, wretched condition of our currency, prevents a general subscription to it. We pray for better times. There is a point of depression surely, beyond Newburyport, (Mass.) April, 16, 1824. Agriculture is at a low ebb here. Farms of which our affairs cannot go. I have no doubt we general Veterinary Treatises, with which the the best kind selling for 1-3 what fair price was have reached it. If you will send me a subscripBritish public has been long since furnished to 10 years since. Labour this season is quite low tion paper, I will exert myself to add respectable satiety." "We conclude with strongly recom-compared with former years, the best men ob- and safe patrons to your list." mending this book, not only on the score of its taining only $10 per month and board; a farmer You would confer a great obligation, and practical and professional ability, but for those free from debt is as well off as formerly, but ruin must fall, and that speedily on all those involved. perhaps an everlasting benefit, on a subscriber, by traits of humanity and feeling, which are occasionally visible." Waddington, 7th April, 1824 enquiring of your numerous correspondents, and St. Lawrence county, N. Y. S publishing in the American Farmer,' a remedy for naturally weak eyes. If I have not already acknowledged your attenCONDITIONS.-It will be printed on good paper, tion in sending me small parcels of millet, Swedin one volume duodecimo, neatly bound and ish oats, barley, wheat, and ruta baga seeds, I lettered, for one dollar, payable on the delivery embrace the opportunity of returning you my sincere thanks. The result was as follows: one Tie up some flowers of sulphur in a piece of of the work. Subscriptions received by BUDD & FENNER, season was too short for the millet, it grew strong muslin or fine linen, and with this the leaves of at their Livery Stables, and at the Bookstore of but did not head out; the oats and barley did young shoots of plants should be dusted, or it well; the wheat will not be harvested before Au-may be thrown on them by means of a commor EDWARD J. COALE, opposite the Post Office. gust; the ruta bagas were excellent; I procured swansdown puff, or even by a dredging-box. 50 bushels from the seed you sent, and have Fresh assurances have repeatedly been re[We have seen the above treatise, and fully distributed several bushels for seed among my ceived of the powerful influence of sulphur concur in the favourable opinion expressed of it. against the whole tribe of insects and worms which infest and prey on vegetables. Sulphur Works of this description, wherein the subject is treated on scientific principles, and these princihas also been found to promote the health of ples illustrated and enforced by the experience of "I send you a paper of upland bearded rice, plants, on which it was sprinkled; and that an intelligent author, who has made the veteri- and feel well convinced it will come to perfection peach trees in particular, were remarkably nary art his particular study, in the best school in Maryland if sown early. A few years since an improved by it, and seemed to absorb it. It has in England, may be safely recommended to the impression prevailed, even here, that rice could been likewise observed, that the verdure and American publick.-But the approbation of the only be cultivated, to advantage, on land that other healthful appearances, were perceptibly gentleman to whom the work is, by permission could be flooded at pleasure. But now rice is fast increased; for the quantity of new shoots and dedicated, and who is both an amateur and con- superceding corn in the poor piny wood lands of leaves formed subsequently to the operation, and noisseur, in all that relates to the conformation this country, and will soon become the provision having no sulphur on their surfaces, served as a and qualities of that noble animal, is, of itself, a crop on such lands. I am sure I made forty bush- kind of comparative index, and pointed out dissufficient guarantee, that the Treatise is worthy els of rough rice to the acre the last year at my tinctly the accumulation of health. of extensive patronage.

like these, of the practical experience of the author, are far more valuable at the present time, and ought to be in far greater request, than

The above extracts from the Sporting Magazine, are sufficient to enable the reader duly to DEAR SIR, appreciate the merits of this work.

friends.

Mobile, January 20, 1824.

cowpen, or land that would not have brought ten

JAMES T. MOREHEAD.

RECEIPTS.

TO DESTROY INSECTS ON PLANTS.

S.

We shall be rendering a willing service to bushels of corn; I do not know that the bearded TO REMOVE HERBS AND FLOWERS IN THE SUMMER. them and the publishers, by bespeaking copies rice is much better than the smooth; I grow both; If you have occasion to transplant in the sumof the book for any of our subscribers or cor the bearded has a larger head and larger grain mer season, let it be in the evening, after the respondents, who may indicate a desire to secure and is said to be far more productive than the heat has passed; plant and water the same immediately, and there will be no danger from the them.]-Edit. Am. Far.

other.