ON MILCH COWS-BY T. PICKERING. In order to encourage the procuring and propagation of improved breeds of cattle, sheep, and swine, the Trustees of the State Society of Agriculture have instituted an annual show of these animals, and given premiums for those deemed the best. I view it as a valuable institution. But, with great deference I would inquire, whether giving rewards for the biggest and the fattest is the best mode of obtaining the most valuable breeds. Bakewell, the English celebrated breeder of cattle, sheep, and swine, exercised his genius to produce such as were excellent in form, of sufficient size, which yielded the greatest quantity of meat on the most valuable joints, and would grow and fatten on the smaliest quantities of food. These circumstances will, I conceive, merit the attention of the Society, should it hereafter have means of bestowing premiums of this sort. In the fattening of cattle and sheep, there is a point to be attained at which their flesh will be of the best quality, and most valuable to the consumer. Is not all beyond this a waste of time and expense? The quality of cows is highly interesting to the farmer who makes butter and cheese. Some yield little of either, although giving much milk. And Dr. Anderson mentions an instance of one cow from whose milk no butter could be made. She was purchased of a farmer who kept a large dairy, by a person who had no other cow, and thus the discovery was made.-Thrown into the general mass, her milk had been useless, and her keeping a dead loss to the farmer-Hence the Doctor judiciously recommends the setting, in a separ ate pan, the milk of every cow, to ascertain its quality; that such as give meagre milk may be fattened and sent to the slaughter house.-This experiment will assist the farmer in selecting the cows most proper to be the parents of his future stock. Cows which, in equal time, make fatter calves than others may be presumed to give richer milk, or greater quantities of a good quality; and the calves of such cows mag be raised with a fair prospect of obtaining an improved breed.

I had often seen descriptive marks for a good cow; some appearing rational, others fanciful. If once asked an observing neighbour, what marks determined his choice. "I look" said he, "to the bag -if that be large, and the teats far apart, I am sa tisfied" I was struck with this answer. A cow's bag consists of four lobes, or dugs.

If these were large, the entire bag will be large, and the teats far asunder After the famous Oakes cow had obtained the premium at the Cattle show of 1816, I went purposely to see her. On approach ing near enough, I looked to her bag and teats. These were further asunder than those of any cow I had ever seen; and her bag, of course, was of an extraordinary size. But her milk was uncommonly rich Mr. Oakes told me the veal of her calves had always been unusually fat. Mr. Oakes not being a farmer, had not raised any of them. Probably the like disposition to fatten (depending, doubtless, as well on the offspring, as on the dams) has thrown into the butcher's hands many fine calves and lambs which ought to have been saved as the surest means of obtaining the most valuable stock. Bakewell's wonderful improvements in live stock were effected by his always selecting and keeping

the best of breeders.

RURAL ECONOMY.

MAPLE SUGAR MANUFACTORY.

13

chop all around, or on two sides, or only on one side. The first is, to examine the tree before they begin to cut, and mark well towards what side the top and higher parts of it lean. Let them be sure gravity being without the stump or base will infallity, that it will fall in that direction; the centre of to chop on that side, and there is a physical certainbly drag it that way. The second thing to be observed, is the direction and strength of the wind; if straight, and the wind be moderately strong, they the tree be pretty tall, and lean but a little or be must always cut on the side opposite to the wind, for it will fall that way.

(From the New York Statesman.) western part of this state, I heard of an extensive Messrs. Editors,-While passing through the sugar establishment at Bloomfield, Ontario county, and from curiosity merely, I was induced to visit it. Having been but little acquainted with the manu facturing of maple sugar, and that only on a small scale, I had always considered this part of husband ry not of sufficient consequence to pay the cost. But this establishment, combining, in so great a degree, convenience, neatness and despatch, quite the tree will fall to the South. If the tree be straight For example, if the wind blow from the North, removed my prejudices, and convinced me that this and the weather calm, and the tree be cut on two business may be made both pleasant and profitable. sides, and the incision on one side be lower and To convince your city readers that maple sugar is deeper than that on the other, it will fall on that side. not always made, as Billy Kirby, of Pioneer memo-if the incision be made at the same height and ry made his, and to shew them a specimen of west equally deep, the tree will fall in one of the two ern enterprise, I will give you a particular descrip- directions, but it will be doubtful which. tion of the establishment.

or the other side.

possibly be of any utility, and perhaps prevent some If you think, Mr Editor, that these remarks may poor fellow from being crushed to death by the work of his own hands; they are at the service of your readers. Yours, &c.

It is situated on a handsome elevation in the most ed is, for the cutter never to leave the tree until he The third and most important thing to be observbeautiful part of this interesting town, comp ising sees it falling and has noted well the direction. He an area of forty or fifty acres, on which are about has then only to retire a few paces in the opposite two thousand large and thrifty maples. The trees direction, and he will be perfectly safe. When he are bored with small augers, and the sap caught in judges that it is nearly time for the tree to fall, he buckets containing from 12 to 16 quarts, suspended should often cast his eye to the top of it, for the from the spout by a wire, in such a manner as not motion there becomes visible long before it does in to need taking off to empty. The manner of gathe trunk. Having perceived which way the tree thering appeared both easy and expeditious. It is is falling, he should, I say, recede from it to the disdone by a horse attached to a sled, on which is a tance of about 15 or 20 feet, always directly oppotwo barrel cask; the horse goes without leading, in site to the way it is going, never to one side of it, roads at convenient distances, through the works, for it may happen that the butt will bound off to one while one man fills the cask. sap is boiled, is a frame building of the size of a The place where the small farm house, and situated on a side hill so as to be somewhat similar to a three story building. The sap is drawn on a level with the chamber or third story, and emptied into a trough. It is carried from this by tubes to large cisterns in the second story, and drawn from them into boilers in the lower story These boilers are two sheet iron pans si milar to those used for manufacturing salt, nine feet long and three wide, containing nine barrels each. Charlotte co. Va. Feb. 15, 1827. They are shallow, and evaporate the watery partithe Farmer for driving the cockroach from books, Having seen a plan proposed some time since in eles very fast. The fire only has access to the bot-furniture, &c. by the use of spirits of turpentine, for tom of them; of course there is no danger of burn the benefit of those infested with them, I propose ing After the sap is boiled to a thick syrup, it is the following plan, the success of which I have fully drawn off into tubes to settle. It is then boiled to sugar in a cauldron, and put in casks to drain. Spe cimens of the drained sugar were shown me, almost as white as loaf sugar. Four men will make two tens of sugar in a good season, and as easy as they could make half a ton in the common way.

There are places all over the country where the business might be carried on with equal facility; and had the owners the enterprise of Mr. Adams, the proprietor of this establishment, our cities might be supplied with this necessary article of a quality superior to that imp rted from the W. Indies. S. N.

ON FELLING TREES.

MR SKinner,

tested

COCKROACHES.

N.

Take an ounce vial and put in sweet oil or soap suds, to the depth of an inch, and set the vial to facilitate their getting in. They will readily go against the books, shelves, or places infested, so as into the vial, and are unable to return, as the oil or sides of the vial. I tried this plan in a closet very suds renders it impossible for them to climb up the much infested, and in a few weeks the vial was filled within an inch of the neck; I emptied it, and in a few days there was not one to be found in the cloIf you consider this worthy of publication, it is at your service.

set.

LADIES' DEPARTMENT.

and Nursery Discipline.) VANITY AND AFFECTATION.

(From the Georgetown Columbian.) Mr. Editor,-I observed in the last Columbian, an extract from Poulson, in which it is related that (From Hints for the Improvement of Early Education man came to his death by the fall of a tree, and quent uncertain direction of its fall are given as the the trees being chopped all round, and the conseThere are few defects which appear earlier than cause of the accident. I will barely suggest that vanity. Children delight in being noticed and adthe direction in which a large tree will fall, is fre-mired, and it is therefore of importance, that amidst quently uncertain, whether it be chopped on every all our affectionate attentions to them, all our efRapid Growth of the Plane Tree, or Button Woodside, or only two sides. I have frequently seen trees forts for their good and happiness, we guard against Samuel W. Pomeroy, Esq. has sent to the office fall, even when cut on two sides only, in directions nurturing their self-love, self importance, and fondof the New-England Farmer, a block, cut from a quite opposite to the sides that were cut; and if the ness for admiration. Children ought to be the obsprout of a stump of Button wood, which is 17 tree be a little bent in the opposite direction, and jects of our assiduous attention; we should be wilinches in circumference, and was part of a trunk or the wood be brittle, such as old oak, &c. it will al-ling to give up our time, not only for the more sestem 324 feet high The same stump produced 10 most always happen. more sprouts of nearly the same dimensions, all the growth of nine years!

Fellers of timber should observe three things, and there will be no danger of accidents, whether they

rious business of education, but to please, to amuse, and to make them happy. This, however, may be done without throwing back their attention on

evitable.

themselves. We may shew them every kindness, less our own manners are simple and natural. If it towards the offender, and those who are amused at without flattering their vanity; but here many peo-be the main object of those who are engaged in his fault, and we must take care that our looks corple are apt to mistake, their notice is bestowed in education, that themselves or their children should respond with our conduct; for a secret smile will more so injudicious a manner. If, for instance, upon the please and excel, a similar spirit will most likely than counteract the effect of the severest reproof. entrance of children into a room, a general whisper shew itself in the objects of their care. If we alA great deal on the subject before us, will depend of approbation go round the circle; if remarks are low ourselves to speak in affected tones of voice; on the nice principles, the correct propriety, and the made on their persons, their carriage, and their fondling our children to excess, and using extrava constant watchfulness of a nurse; for it is by a strict manner, if their sayings are eagerly listened to gant expressions of affection and admiration, a de- and minute attention to little things, that modest and repeated in their presence, the ill effect is infect so frequent amongst nurses, something answer- and refined habits are formed, and a disgust inducing to it will certainly appear in them; for we shall ed at all that is improper and vulgar. A nurse canPraise and encouragement, judiciously and spar- find that they are wonderfully alive to sympathy not be too much guarded in what she does or says ingly administered, will have effects very different and imitation: quick in discerning what passes be- in the presence of children, nor must she fancy that from those produced by the kind of notice here ob-fore them, especially if it regard themselves, and, they are always infants, or less alive than herself to jected to. The one injures while it pleases, leading when we least suppose it, strongly affected by the what passes before them. At the same time, the the subjects of it to think of themselves, and ex-conduct and feeling of those around them. precautions taken should be perceived as little as citing a self-complacency, which is very soon folpossible, for she will defeat her end, if she excite lowed by display; the other is a just reward of mecuriosity, by giving the idea that there is something rit, and a stimulus to what is good. In bestowing to be concealed. praise, however, even when most deserved, we should bear in mind the great importance of leading our children to a habit of examining their motives, of doing right from a sense of duty, rather than from the love of applause, or the desire of excelling others. Whilst we stimulate to exertion, care must at the same time be taken to uphold the beauty of humility as the chief ornament of childhood; but unless this, in some measure, exist in our own hearts; unless we ourselves are influenced by that meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price, there is little hope that we shall succeed in our endeavour to foster it in others.

DELICACY.

Diligence and regular employment are great safeguards to purity, for it is the indolent and vacant mind, that is the most susceptible of improper impressions.

On this subject there is little to be said, for it is only those who have refined and delicate feelings; who shrink from all that is coarse or impure, and who desire for themselves to be "wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil," who can fully appreciate so invaluable a spirit in their When children ask embarrassing questions, we children; or, who would know how to guard it in are not to deceive them or resort to a falsehood, them as the choicest plant, though of the tenderest that we may keep them in ignorance. If we receive growth. If children are tempted to commit other such questions, with an unmoved countenance, and faults; if they are misled into other errors, there is seeming indifference; without the least air of mysgreat hope that the voice of conscience will be tery or concealment, and with no apparent awkheard, and bring them back to the path of duty; wardness or confusion, we may answer them, with but if the purity of the mind be sullied or lost, this truth, though perhaps, only in part, without excit cannot be regained: the outward conduct may be ing further curiosity, or improperly opening their correct; but a beauty, a charm, a security to all minds, and we may easily prevent their pursuing that is good, is gone. The necessity of giving chil- the subject, by diverting their thoughts to other obdren good principles is generally acknowledged, but jects. It is also to be remen.bered, that there are the importance of inspiring them with good tastes some things, which, it is safer for children to learn from their parents, than from those who are less judicious and less guarded; for, in many cases, it is not so much the matter of fact, as an improper spirit in conveying it, which is injurious to the mind.

SPORTING OLIO.

THE HEIGHT OF RACE HORSES. [In the last volume, p. 286, we published a list of celebrated English race horses, with a statement of their height, names of their owners or breeders, and of their sires and dams. To that list we now publish a supplement, having still chiefly in view

An excess of personal vanity is rarely to be overcome by direct opposition, or positive restraint. We shall be more likely to succeed in counteracting such a disposition, by allowing to external appearance its due value, its due share of attention-by is much oftener overlooked. A correct moral taste inculcating general moderation in every selfish gra- will not only prove an invaluable aid to religious tification, and still more, by improving the tone of principle, but will be a safe-guard against the inmind, and raising it to higher tastes and better ob- roads of corruption, even when religion has but jects. Dress should be treated as a matter of very too little influence on the heart. Purity of characsecondary importance; new and smart clothes ought ter is so little in unison with the spirit of the world, not to be offered as a reward for good conduct; and that, unless carefully cherished and watched over, whether they are to be of one shape or another, this we cannot hope to retain it; and it is on this account colour or that, is never to be brought forward as an more than on any other, that companions for chilaffair of consequence. Too much restraint on this dren should be selected with the greatest care; that subject, generally defeats its own end, and renders unguarded intercourse with others is to be dreaded; dress, just what we should wish it not to be, an low company prohibited, and that peculiar discern object of unnecessary thought and attention. The ment and discretion are necessary, in the choice of desire to please, so strongly implanted in the heart, those, to whose care they are entrusted. must be allowed to have some play, and when kept During the first ten years of life, it is generally the folly of the prejudice, which leads those in within due bounds, is not to be despised or treated the case, with both boys and girls, that the charac-search of blooded horses, to consider great height as a fault; while we strictly avoid all that is incor-ter is chiefly formed by female influence; and how and size as indispensable, and to overlook other far rect or extravagant, we should not, unnecessarily, well calculated ought that influence to prove, to fos-more important points, for the sake of what is of expose our children to the pain and awkwardness ter the purity and innocence of childhood! It is comparatively little importance. It will be seen, of feeling themselves singular in manner and ap-only to be lamented that women, both in the higher that of the 75 celebrated horses whose names are pearance. and lower walks of life, should endanger that refin here given, only three reached 15 hands, and but one Closely connected with vanity is affectation, to ed delicacy, so essential to their character, by ever of them exceeded it. which children are also extremely prone. Nothing allowing themselves to treat what is impure, as a In selecting an animal for breeding, especially the can be more delightful than the innocent prattle subject of curiosity or amusement; by admitting male, form and proportions are of far more importand merriment of a child, when it flows simply conversation which is not perfectly delicate; by ance, and in the case of the stallion, particularly, bone from the gaiety of his heart; we should encourage reading books of an improper tendency, or by de- and sinew ought to be much more regarded than it and be merry with him; but if we have the weak-vouring promiscuously the contents of our public mere size; and an ounce of the best blood, that gives ness, may we not say the unkindness, to let him see papers.* capacity to endure privation and fatigue, is worth that he is an object of attention and admiration, Even little children are sometimes inclined, in more than an inch of ill organized frame, or stones to put him upon shewing off his pretty ways for the their measure, to indelicate conversation, and will weight of flesh. With good blood, a large flat bony amusement of our friends, or allow it to be done for indulge in it, for the amusement of each other, and leg, stout arm, short back, strong loin, fine muzzle, the laugh of the kitchen; we gain our object in- to excite a laugh; but in nothing has a license of open nostril and tapering shoulder, running well into deed; he is sprightly and talkative, but no longer tongue a more corrupting effect; and any tendency the back, we should never require more than from because he is gay at heart, but because he longs to to indelicacy in words or actions, is one of the few 5 feet to 5 feet 2, in a stallion, to get stock for any be noticed and admired-and this is affectation. things in children, which ought to be treated with use. What judge looks for strength or action in Those who are accustomed to children will be able severity. An incorrect word, or an improper trick, the length of a horse's legs? quickly to discern affectation, not only in their in infancy, may, at the time, be amusing, as appear- The list of horses is followed by various items words and actions, but even in their looks, and should always disappoint it—always receive it with coldness and disapprobation.

ing to spring from childish playfulness and humour;
but here an object of no small importance is at
stake: we are to manifest our disapprobation, both

We shall succeed very imperfectly in securing our children from vanity and affectation, unless we first set a guard upon our own conduct; unless we ourselves are acting from better motives than the love of admiration, or the desire of excelling others; un- to them.

*Perhaps no amusement can be less suitable than this for elder children, or young people, especially girls; and it is surprising that newspapers are so often entrusted

from the January number of the Annals of Sporting, which, if not altogether congenial with our taste and pursuits, will serve, in some measure, to shew the state of society, and the sorts of diversions yet prevalent in our mother country. For our own parts, since every bow requires to be sometimes unbent, and relaxation of some sort is essential to mental vigour and bodily health, we give de

cided preference to such as is necessarily pursued in the open field, with nothing under the "canopy of heaven" to conceal our actions-where, with generous and manly feelings,

"Soon as Aurora drives away the night
And edges eastern clouds with rosy light,
The healthy huntsman, with the cheerful horn,
Summons the dogs, and greets the dappled morn."]

ADVENT OF THE MARTINS. These harbingers of spring, after having without any outfit, performed the duties of their mission to South America, have sent on special messengers to announce their return, and to take possession of their old quarters. The whole corps may be soon expected, as their avant couriers never precede the main body more than a week. The usual time of their return from their southern residence, is about the 20th March; and when they come sooner, it is to announce a great fruit year. Our horticultural friends are therefore advised to prepare their brandy casks and cordial jugs in due time, as there can be no doubt of their having use for all they ever had, and more besides. [Warrenton Rep.

MARK ANTHONY, the splendid son of Sir Archy, has gone from Maryland to Jersey, where there are already engaged to him, seventy-five mares, at $20 each.

ANIMAL LONGEVITY.-A correspondent of the Daily Advertiser says, "There is now at GreenThe farmers of that state, know the value of such wich village, town of Horse Neck, two Geese, both horses-having levied annual contributions of many of the age of 32 years-one is now sitting. They thousand dollars on Maryland and other states, for have both laid regularly for 81 years. They now road and harness horses. How strange, let us repeat. belong to Mr. Jared Mead, and were hatched on to the farmers of Maryland, that in this state, where his father's place." [Curious would be the calcula we learn and love to ride almost as soon as to walk, tion to shew the number of their descendants, sup so low an estimate should be put upon noble ani posing each goose to have reared four pair per an-mals that derive their high blood and faithful gener num, and that none had fallen by the jaws of the wily fox, nor the knife of the ruthless cook!]

ous qualities through a line of distinguished ances try unbroken for centuries! It is to this want of discernment and of true economy, that it has be A sow belonging to Mr. P. Barslett, of Northamp come, of all things, one of the most difficult to proton, had 35 pigs at 3 litters in 13 months. Ninecure a first rate saddle or harness horse for quick teen were butchered in January and sold for $299 50; travelling, bred and raised in the state of Maryland nine were 15 months old, and ten 9 months old. But the loss of Mark Anthony, may be repaired by the use of

RECIPES.

AN EXCELLENT FAMILY WINE,

RINALDO,

MERINO SHEEP. One or two hundred head for sale, price six dollars; ewes three-rams and wethers with the fleeces on. The greater part of them from the original imported stock, the residue of domestic growth, and as near full blood as can be obtained in that way. Salem, N. J., March 1827. THOMAS ROWAN.

BALTIMORE PRICES CURRENT. TOBACCO, sales are small.

Ohio in demand, 9 hogsheads, all stayed, were offered on Monday to the highest bidder, $12 were bid. It was bid in at $14, and sold at private sale at $14 50. Raised by Mr. Allen Corban, all on one field. Quality very fine. Mr. Kirk, of St. Mary's county, had four hogsheads sold yesterday, two ground leaf, at $6 and $8, two common crop at $5, another St. Mary's ground leaf at $6 50, and Mr. Cole, some common dark crop, at $3.50 estimate may be

Second as in quality,
Common crop,

do red,

Good red,
Fine red,

Fine yellow,
Virginia fat,
Rappahannock,

The

$3 00 a 8 00 3 00 a 3 50

Yellow and red,

FLOUR, Susquehanna,
Baltimore, Howard street,
do white family,
WHEAT, good,
CORN,.
RYE,

OATS,
FLAXSEED,
BARLEY,
CLOVER SEED, Red,
TIMOTHY SEED,
HERDS' GRASS,
MILLET,
IRISH POTATOES,
CORN MEAL, per cwt.

WHISKEY, per bbl.

Do.

per hhd. PLASTER, per bbl.

(seed,)

Do. per ton,
BACON, Baltimore hams,
Do. Hog round,
BUTTER, in kegs, No. 1 to 3, cwt.
Do. Country,
LARD, do

a capital son of Sir Archy, six years old this spring. fifteen and a half hands high, of a beautiful deep bay colour, will be put upon his stands early next|| May be made of equal parts of red, white, and week, at Ellicott's mills, and somewhere near the black currants, ripe cherries, and raspberries, well Arsenal, on the Reisterstown road-particulars in bruised, and mixed with soft water, in the propor-hand-bills and in the next number of this paper. tion of four pounds of fruit to one gallon of water In the mean time it is stated with confidence, that When strained and pressed, three pounds of moist no horse ever stood in Maryland, that would bear sugar are to be added to each gallon of liquid. After a closer scrutiny of pedigree, figure and action. He standing open three days, during which it is to be is proud of his ancestry, and defies individual ex stirred frequently, and scummed as it may require, amination. His sire, at about twenty-five years of it is to be put into a barrel, and left for a fortnightage, is now covering in North Carolina, at $75to work, when a ninth part of brandy is to be added, and it is the opinion of John Randolph, of Roanoke, FISH, Herrings, per bbl. old, and the whole bunged down: and in two or three Esq., that Rinaldo resembles Sir Archy in his best years it will be rich and valuable. points, and is free from some defects in Sir Archy's symmetry.

CURRANT WINE.

Gather your currants on a fine dry day, when the fruit is full ripe, steep them, put them in a large pan, and bruise them with a wooden pestle; let them stand in a pan or tub twenty-four hours, to ferment, then run it through a hair sieve, and do not let your hand touch the liquor; to every gallon of this liquor, put two pounds and a half of white sugar, stir it well together, and put it into your ves sel. To every six gallons put in a quart of brandy, and let it stand six weeks: if it is fine, bottle it; if it is not, draw it off as clear as you can into another vessel, or large bottles, and in a fortnight bottle it

into smaller bottles.

ELDER WINE.

Pick the elder berries when full ripe; put them into a stone jar, and set them in the oven, or a kettle of boiling water, till the jar is hot through; then take them out and strain them through a coarse cloth, wringing the berries, and put the juices into a clean kettle; to every quart of juice put a pound of fine Lisbon sugar; let it boil, and skim it well; when it is clear and fine, pour it into a jar; when cold cover it close, and keep it till you make raisin

COTTON,

Virginia, asking,
Upland, fair,
Louisiana,
Carolina,

Mackerel, No. 1,
Do.
Do.
Shad, per barrel,
Do
do. trimmed,
FEATHERS, per lb.
LIVE STOCK, Beef, good, on the hoof,
Hogs, good pork,
Chickens, retail,

A subscriber requests to know through the me
dium of the American Farmer, what is the process
of obtaining Salt from sea water; by evaporation by
the sun?-What number of vats are used, and their
size, and material and cost, and how long the water EGGS, per dozen,
remains in each vat, and any other information,
which any of our correspondents can give on the
subject.

1 00 a

7 25 a

4.00 a 4.50

4.50 a 500

625

5 25

4 25

6 00

a 3 00

10 a 12 LEWIS SUTTON.

LARGE CARROT-One weighing, some time after being pulled, 2 lb. 15 oz. and measuring elevenes and other Plants, No. 2. continued-Notices of perinches in the circumference of the largest part, was raised on the farm of Mr. W. H. Stump, at the head of the bay.

A GOOD HINT.—The following lines from the New York Enquirer, ought to be placed in large letters on the door of the offices of all editors and public officers:

"Friend, whosoe'er you be
That come to visit me,

Make quick despatch, and go away,
Or labour with me, if you stay."

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. On the Origin and Principles of Culture, as derived from the Study of Vegetables-Agricultural and Horticultural Queries-Distribution of Vegetables-OnGrassnicious and unprofitable 'lants, continued-On the Selection of Seed Corn On the Cultivation of the Potatoe -On Milch Cows, by T. Pickering-Rapid growth of the Plane Tree, or Button Wood-Maple Sugar Manufactory-On Felling Trees-Cockroaches-On Vanity and Affectation--On Delicacy-Height of Race Horses Duck Shooting Game Shooting-Pedigree of Clockfast-Pigeons-Martins-Animal Longevity-Recipes. Printed every Friday, at Five Dollars per annum, for JOHN S. SKINNER, Editor, by JOHN D. Toy, corner of St. Paul and Market-sts., where every description of Book and Job Printing is handsomely executed.

No. 3.-VOL. 9.

AGRICULTURE.

AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, APRIL 6, 1827.

FARMERS' SOCIETY OF BARNWELL DIS-
TRICT, S. CAROLINA.

DEAR SIR,

Charleston, S. C., Nov. 11, 1826. I send by this day's mail Mr. Patterson's Address, which you will oblige our Society by having inserted in the American Farmer.

With much respect,

I am your obed't serv't,
JOHN S. BELLINGER.
AN ADDRESS

In obedience to a resolution of the last meeting, I am now to discharge the duty thereby assigned to me-a requisition with which I should comply with much pleasure, could I think myself adequate to the task It is not to be expected that I can address you on an occupation, which most of you have studied and practised from youth, and of which I have very little practical knowledge, without some embarrassment. I, however, consider it to be my duty to lend my humble exertions towards advancing the object of our association; and confiding in your indulgence, I will proceed, conscious, never theless, that I have much to learn before I can with propriety assume the office of an instructor.

stances.

17

observed ordinary industry and economy, who, if time spent in carting compost from these places, to not wealthy, is not in easy and comfortable circum-the different parts of our ordinary sized plantations, will detract very much from its value. The quanThe attention of the planter is first directed to tity of land which we cultivate to the hand, and the clearing and reducing his lands to a proper state for great extent of our plantations, render it impracti cultivation. The usual method of performing this cable for us to derive that advantage from manurwork has to me appeared injudicious It ought ing, which is experienced in places where farms are always to be borne in mind, that the only difference small and compact. To remedy this inconvenience, between new land, and that which is old and worn and as a substitute for manure, the enclosing sysout, is, that the soil of the former contains a portion tem has been introduced; a system remarkably suitof vegetable matter, which by repeated cultivation, ed to our district where lands are so cheap, and and the action of the sun and rains, is washed and are cleared and enclosed with so much facility.extracted from the latter. Too much use is gene- The beneficial effect derived from permitting land rally made of fire; by burning the surface much veto rest, that is to say, to remain uncultivated and To the Farmers' Society of Barnwell District-deli-getable matter is destroyed, which, with little addi-not pastured on, every second or third year, and by vered on the 2d of Jan. 1826, by ANGUS PATTER- tional labour, might be advantageously worked into carefully ploughing, or listing under, the natural SON, a member of the Senate of this state, from and made part of the soil. The mode which has growth of weeds and grass, must have occurred to Barnwell District. occurred to me as more judicious, would be to list every one. There is not the least doubt on my GENTLEMEN, or plough in as much of the leaves and trash, as mind, but this plan, if adopted in time and steadily may be found practicable; and to remove, heap up, pursued, will in itself be effectual. The credit of or burn only so much of the rubbish as cannot thus first demonstrating the utility of this system, I bebe disposed of. According to this plan, the product lieve, is due to the late John Taylor, of Virginia; of the first year might not be as great, but I ven- but notwithstanding all that has been said and provture to say, that succeeding crops will be better ed by that enlightened agriculturist, confirmed by than on lands of the same quality, cleared by rak- our own experience and observation, the system has ing and burning. not in practice been appreciated as highly as it deAfter the land is cleared, enclosed and prepared serves. The time will soon come, if it has not alfor tillage, the next consideration is the mode of ready arrived, when something must be done. The culture; and on this subject, men eminent for their old plan of clearing, exhausting and turning out knowledge, and distinguished for their zeal in the land will not answer much longer. When it is recause of agriculture, differ. It is probable that the collected, that on a moderate calculation, half of advocates of both the level and the ridge system, our cultivated land affords no clear profit, and that are right to a certain extent, and that the propriety it is doubtful whether a considerable portion deWhat I have to say, is to be received rather as of either depends, in a great measure, on local cir- frays the expense of culture; it must be admitted. hints and unattested propositions, than as the result cumstances. If my observation is to be relied on, that some plan of resuscitating our exhausted fields of experience, the only sure guide to agricultural the ridge culture is best adapted to our soil; but in must be resorted to; under these impressions, the knowledge. I trust, however, that some of the sug this, as in every thing else relating to farming, mo- following suggestions are, with much deference, gestions which I shall offer, will not be entirely void deration is to be observed. I think it will be found submitted. of utility, or uninteresting to the practical farmer.that the ridges recommended in "Arator," are too I will not trouble you with an historical sketch of high to succeed on the lands of this district. In no the progress of agriculture in different ages and na- part of our system of planting, is our practice more tions, or with abstract speculations on its antiquity, faulty than in the culture of our crops. Our lands dignity and importance, as is sometimes done on are light and porous, requiring to be well, but not similar occasions. I take leave, however, to re- frequently worked. It has been remarked, and with mark, that husbandry is supposed to be coeval with a great deal of truth, that more land has been in man himself, at least in a civilized state, and has jured by the injudicious use of the plough, than by been and must continue to be in all ages, the pri- all the other causes (and there are several,) put tomary source of public as well as of individual pros-gether. perity. I will not attempt a dissertation on the va rieties of earths and soils, or on the various theories of vegetation, which have been promulgated and advocated; for though some knowledge on these subjects, is indispensable to enlightened and scientific farming, the nature of this address does not allow me to do more, than barely to recommend them to your attention.

If the experience of other countries can be relied on, much advantage would result from a change of crops, (I mean from cultivating different crops in succession on the same land.) This is termed a rotation of crops. That in the production of one crop, the land becomes better prepared for another crop of a different nature, cannot, I apprehend, be doubted. You have all observed, that corn grows better after cotton, than if nothing had grown on the land the preceding year; for the reason and To restore our lands when worn out-to retain principles to which it is ascribed, I must refer you them in the state of fertility in which we found to our library. It will there be seen that it has been them, and to improve them beyond their natural ascertained, that with a proper rotation, the same condition, are subjects which require the ardent at- land may be planted for years, and yet gradually tention of every planter. Can this be effected with improve. This subject has as yet attracted but litmaterials found on every plantation, within the tle attention among our practical men, and I am, power of every planter, without resorting to extra-myself, without experience. I will, however, venneous expedients? I think it can. The importance ture a few observations on the subject, which are The improvement of the agriculture of the dis- and efficacy of manure in restoring our impoverish- certainly well intended, and will, I doubt not, be trict being our principal object, it may not be amissed fieids, are admitted by all; yet how few of us received for as much as they are worth. to advert, for a moment, to our natural resources pay any attention to it in practice; and of the few The selection ought to be made from such crops, and advantages as planters and farmers. Located who do, how feeble and spiritless are their exer- as are least injurious to the land, and at the same between the lower and upper country, we possess tions. Writers on this subject have recommended time make an adequate return for the labour beadvantages not enjoyed by either. Our lands are a variety of manures, but unless marl, or some other stowed in the cultivation. It is only by comparing generally level, not liable to be soaked or washed such substance should be hereafter discovered, we the advantages of different crops for a series of by rains, easily tilled, liberally remunerating the ju must be dependent on animal and vegetable matter, years, that we can determine as to an eligible rotadicious cultivator, and cheap below comparison. and it is certain that by a proper use of these agents tion; and we should always remember, that the Our crops are less affected by the vicissitudes of alone, our object may be accomplished. The quan- condition of the land at the end of the course is to the seasons, than those of many other places. We tity of manure that may be accumulated in the be taken into consideration, as well as the value of never experience those total failures of crops, of course of a year, without interfering materially with the product. Were I to presume to recommend a which we often read in the newspapers. Our dis- the common operations of the plantation, is incon-course to your attention, it would be the following. trict is more healthy than the low, and as healthy ceivable, except to those who have made the expe- When practicable, I would recommend the plantaas any part of the upper country, below the vicini riment. The stalks of corn, the leaves and trash tions to be all in one enclosure, equally divided into ty of the mountains; in short, there is no part of found around our fences, and every description of three fields by turning rows, which should be shift. this state, or indeed of any other state, where the vegetable offal trodden by stock, and being partially ed in the course of every rotation. poor man who is dependent on his labour, can sup- decomposed and slightly mixed with animal matter, port and educate a family in more comfort and re- make manure peculiarly adapted to our crops.spectability, or where the moderate capitalist can Every man's judgment and experience will readily invest his money with a view to planting, to greater point out to him the time and mode of its applica

advantage, than in this District; and, as a proof of tion.

THE FIRST YEAR.

Field No. 1. In Indian corn.

2. In cotton, on three feet beds. 3. In oats.

this remark, the man cannot be found, who has For manure, however, we must principally rely In giving my views of the proper culture with cultivated the soil for any number of years, and on our barn and stable yards, and the labour and this rotation, I will begin with the No. 3.-VOL. 9.