No. 50.-VOL. 7. AGRICULTURE. SHEEP. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, MARCH 3, 1826. Extracts from Dr. Parry's Essay on the Nature, Pro duce, Origin, and Extension of the Merino breed of Sheep. (Continued from page 386.) RAMBOUILLET FLOCK-LASTEYRIE'S ACCOUNT. 393 weight of the rams descended from the first impor at the same time,for litter. Some of the sheep have tation, exceeded that of the second, 13 kilogrammes, each half a pound of oats daily. They are folded on 667 grammes, or about 31 lbs. 84 oz. each, and healthy ploughed land, in dry weather, from the that of the ewes 12 kilogrammes, 900 grammes, or middle of July to the end of October, and are housSELECTIONS FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTU-28 lbs. 5 oz. each. The average height of the ed during the whole winter in airy buildings; except RAL SOCIETY. rams from the first importation exceeded that of that they are made to walk out for two hours every the second, 8 centimetres, or 3.1656 inches English; day. Some oats are given to the rams during the that of the ewes 3 centimetres, or 1.1871 inch. In season of copulation; and the French think that a length (probably from the nape of the neck to the great deal of the size and woolliness of the offspring root of the tail,) the difference of the rams was 13 depends on the vigour of the ram, rather than of centimetres, or 5.1441 inches, and of the ewes, 22 the ewe." centimetres, or 8.7054 inches. In girt, round the At the beginning of the French revolution, the largest part of the carcass, the superiority of the DIVISION OF THE FOOD-YEANING. Rambouillet flock was placed under the direction rans was 4 centimetres, or 1,5828 inches; and of "The sheep are divided into three separate flocks, of an agricultural committee, consisting of Messrs. the ewes 14 centimetres, or 5.5398 inches lambs, ewes, and rams Bertholet, L'Heritier, Cels, Vilmorin, Dubois, Gil- I have seen several specimens of the Rambouillet with their dams during the day, are separated from The young lambs remain bert, Huzard, Parmentier, and Rougier-Labergerie; wool of 1802, and possess some of the same flock, them at night, and weaned at the age of five or six to whom was afterwards added M. Tessier. To obtained for me by a near relative from M. Lastey-months. the last of these gentlemen, in conjunction with M. rie. As far as I can judge of them by the naked A month before lambing, a little bran, or some Huzard, has of late devolved the office, at first ex-eye, they are equal to the R. wool of the Spanish oats, peas, horse beans, or other corn, is given to the ecuted by Gilbert, of presenting to the Class of Les piles. ewes; and the same food is continued for a month Sciences, &c. of the National Institute, an annual It appears from my former quotation, that the or more afterwards, especially when a sufficient report of the state of this flock. wool bears at least as great a price as that of the quantity of good herbage is not to be obtained in M. Lasteyrie has given extracts from these re- Spanish in the yolk, in France; and all the trials of the fields. A little bran is also given to the lambs, ports from the years 5 to 10, (1797 to 1802,) inclu- it in cloth, cassimere, &c., have proved it to be in as soon as they are able to eat it. This supply of sive. From these it appears that in 1797, the ave- no respect inferior in quality. bran and corn is said to be unnecessary when there rage weight of the fleeces in the yolk was 3 kilo- A school for shepherds has been established at is sufficient pasturage." grammes, 3 hectogrammes, or about 7 lbs. 81 oz. Rambouillet, to which young men are sent for inEnglish, without reckoning that of the bellies and struction from the different departments in France, tail; that the average price of the fleeces as above, and from private persons. For this privilege each was 4s. 2d., that of the rams 21. 19s. 2d. and of the pupil pays thirty shillings per month. ewes 41. 9s 2d.; and that the greatest price of any sheep was 81. 5s. Besides that of Rambouillet, there are two other national establishments of Merino sheep in France In the report of the same flock, for the year 1802. One of these is at Pompadour, formed in 1798, from of which but few particulars are given by Lasteyrie, a Rambouillet flock, composed of 70 ewes and 10 it is said that the medium weight of the fleeces of full rams. In 1802 this flock had increased to 249 sheep grown nursing ewes of all ages, was 3 kilogrs 680 and lambs. The other establishment of Merinoes grs., or about 8 lbs. 7 oz. English; that of the ewes of is at Perpignan. three years old, which had not had lambs, 4 kilo- We are told by Lasteyrie, that in 1799, there USE OF SALT. "It is recommended to allow salt, either alone, or mixed with bran or oats, in the proportion of half an ble, running water, is given to the sheep every day. ounce per diem to each sheep. Clear, and if possiWhether housed or folded, they are never permitted to go out to feed till the dew is dissipated; and tion from the rot. With the same view in moist to this precaution is chiefly attributed their exempweather, their hunger is first appeased with dry According to the French writers, the most unthe winter, and dry in the summer. food. grammes, 284 grs., or about 9 lbs. 13 oz. each; of were 500 flocks of French sheep, crossed with 557 grammes, or 10 lbs. 7 oz. English. The weight The eagerness to procure them was extremely BEST SHEEP AS WELL AS THE BEST FLEECES. wool of this flock appears, from these reports to FRENCH MERINOES IMPROVED BY SELECTING THE Of the sheep disposed of at the public sale in that year, 59 were rams, and 97 ewes. The owest price of a ram was 13l. 2s. 6d., and the highest 261. 5s. The lowest price of an ewe was 71. 13s. 4d., and the highest 14. 17s. 6d. and has considerably increased in size, by having 1st. By choosing for breeding the BEST, and finest air and exercise." Trees, sheds, or houses are ready for sheltering the flocks from the extreme heats of the summer and autumn. From 30 to 40 ewes are allotted to each ram. I have already mentioned that both sexes should be, sons are eager to augment their flocks, the 2-tooths Attention being paid to these cautions, the rams may be used for breeding till the age of seven or eight years, and the ewes till that of 11 or 12." WEANING GRADUALLY PERFORMED, "For the sake of the ewes, as well as of the lambs, the weaning is always performed gradually. The tails of the sheep, and the horns of the rams are always shortened. I have mentioned, that the wool of the fourth cross In order to afford the means of judging of the 2nd. By never allowing them to propagate till they of the Merino ram with common ewes, (of fine woolimprovement of this flock, both in quantity of wool have attained their ful! growth; which, at the led breeds) is usually equal to that of the pure race. and size of carcass, we are told, that while the best earliest, is not till nearly three years of age. It is asserted by Gilbert, and agreed to by other nursing ewes of the new importation in 1830, men- 3rd. By separating the weak from the strong, and breeders, that at this period, a ram of the mixed tioned above, and amounting to 30, unde various 4th. By giving them plenty of good food, and free breed, which appears to have all the requisite qualifavourable circumstances, and bearing feeces of ties of the fleece, may, in that view, be used for 15 months, produced only 994 kilogrammes of wool, or about 2271 lbs. English; the same number of the RAMBOUILLET FLOCK-FOOD. generation equally with the best pure Merino. Of the truth of this position, I shall, therefore, adduce nursing ewes of the improved Rambouilet breed, "With regard to food, it is certain that the Ram- many satisfactory proofs. yielded in twelve months, and with worse keep, bouillet flock is most abundantly supplied. In the 115 kilogrammes, or about 264 ibs. 54 oz. English; summer, they are fed in the field with natural grass, during their first heats; which happen, with hi a, which makes a difference of 1 lb. 34 oz. ach fleece, or soiled with clover or lucerne. In the winter they about the beginning of July. In this manner the The sheep were at the same time, considerably have meadow hay or lattermath; clover, lucerne, or lambs fall in December; and the ewes are fed in increased in size. The three largest rans and ewes vetch hay, or lattermath; straw, chaff of corn and the house from a mouth before yeaning till spring, of each sort being weighed, it was found that the oats. The straw is put in their racks, and serves, with lattermath hay of lucerne and clover, and a No. 50.-VOL. 7. Mr. Pictet prefers putting his ewes to the ram, handful or two of oats each every day. This food | This structure will necessarily influence the distance or the dainty palate leaves uneaten, and sells it as is said to give them abundance of milk. between the shoulder blades, and fore thighs, pro- tallow to the manufacturer of candles or soap. The In order to increase the growth of his lambs, ducing a broad chest. The pelvis in the female, proportion of this mutton so lost, would astonish which he considers as a point the most essential to should be wide and deep, for the purposes of easy those who have not seen the immense thickness of the size and form of the adult animal, Mr. Pictet gestation and labour, and therefore for the produc- fat, which loads the surface of the loins, shoulders, gives each of them, night and morning, from the tion of sound and healthy offspring. On the breadth and necks of the prize sheep, so constantly exhibitage of three months till the time of weaning, a of the pelvis will depend that of the loin, and the ed in large cities, to the great admiration of the handful of bran, and half a handful of oats; and afgoodness of the hind-quarter, which comprises the gaping multitude. But the tallow of a sheep is terwards double that quantity till they are eight size and distance of the hinder thighs. From these always less valuable than the lean, taken in connecmonths old. At five months, he weans them, grad-points must arise a straight back, and large barrel, tion with a due proportion of the fat with which it ually, by first separating them from the ewes at which regulate the dimensions of the stomach and is spread, or interlarded; and, perhaps, for this very night only. If, at the time of weaning, there is not intestines, and, therefore, the power of taking food. reason among others, the Leicester mutton usually abundance of healthy grass, he supplies this defect by Large bones are no sign of strength, but rather con- sells for common consumption, at a halfpenny, or a hay or lucerne.” nected with a sort of ricketty disposition, which al- penny per pound less than the Ryeland, Welsh, or ways implies weakness, and an incapacity of nutri-Southdown." tion; besides which they are not the food of man. The FOLDING. smaller therefore they are, the better. This princi- THE FAT OF NEW LEICESTER TO THEIR LEAN AS ple strongly applies to the head, which when large, 5 TO 1. "He folds his sheep at night upon his arable land, during five or six months of the fine season, where they feed, during the day, on the fallows, the stub- endangers the ewe at the birth. Horned heads are "But what, in the Leicester breed, is the nature bles, or natural and artificial grasses. He gives them much heavier than those that are hornless. Long and proportion of the muscular substance, or lean? also the leaves and tender branches of the under- legs are only an excess of offal, and require a pro- Exactly what must happen from their age, and wood of ash, poplar, and oak, which is cut in the portionable length of neck, in order to permit the habits of life. The muscles of young animals are autumn for firewood, and, after being stripped by animal to feed. Muscles constitute what is com- always small. They do not attain their ultimate the sheep, is made up into faggots. monly called lean, and are the instruments of mo- size till adult age. Whatever may be the vulgar A very long and minute set of directions for shep- tion. They should, therefore, be full and large opinion as to the Leicester sheep, at the age at herds, has been compiled from the works of Dau- If these circumstances are true, and their final which he is killed, he is immature, and his muscles benton, and published in France, with illustrative cause rightly explained, they are resolvable into the scarcely half grown. Farther, muscles, much used, plates by Gilbert, under the title of "Instruction general principle of fitness, and therefore, according enlarge; not used, shrink and decay. Hence the pour les Bergers." This book, though containing to the opinion of certain critics, are those points leg of a postillion is almost without a calf, while much useful information to beginners, which might which, so far, justly constitute the beauty of a sheep. that of a chairman is exuberantly full. Were the well serve as an example worthy of imitation by All these points are supposed to be united in the strongest man to keep his arm for a year in a sling, some competent writer in this country, abounds in New Leicester sheep; which is, accordingly, exhi- experience shows that the muscles would be reducpuerilities, which have not escaped the lash of the bited as the ultimate standard of excellence; and ed to less than half their original solidity and bulk. therefore as a model of perfect beauty in this species So wild birds, which are much on the wing have of animals. Let us more minutely examine its pre- plump pectoral muscles, or breasts; while those which only walk, and the former, when domesticated from the egg, have the breast comparatively thin and flaccid. Examine the muscular substance of a Leicester sheep, and you will find it exactly in French critics themselves." MERINOES CROSSED WITH RYELANDS-THEIR SUPE-tensions. RIORITY. WELL SHEEP. "In point of size, my Merino-Ryeland sheep are at CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW LEICESTER, OR BAKEpresent, equal to the Ryeland. There is no subject which has more divided agriculturalists, than the The Leicester sheep has a peculiar temper and the same state. I will venture to assert, that the question as to the comparative profitableness of the disposition. He is naturally dull and indolent. He lean of one of these animals, at 24 years old, larger, or smaller breeds of animals. is scarcely sensible when you come near him. Any weighing 25 or 30 pounds a quarter, is scarcely At the same time that a small sheep becomes fit fence confines him. He never runs about from vi- heavier than that of a Ryeland of proper age, for food from a proportionably smaller quantity of vacity, or the love of change. His whole object, weighing 16 pounds. The fat on the loin of this keep than a large one, the joints into which he is di- the very end of his existence, is to fill his belly-breed, is to the lean as five or sometimes six to one; vided, are better accommodated to the use of com- He moves for food to a short distance all around and Mr. Marshall quotes an instance of an old New mon families. In this respect, however, there is him, soon satiates himself, and then lies down to Leicester sheep, the quarter of which, weighing 26 certainly a minimum in point of convenience, which rest. From this genius and mode of life, all his food pounds, was reduced to 2 pounds when divested I should consider as lying between 14 and 18 pounds readily becomes chyle, soon fills his vessels, and as of its fat. a quarter. To this size, wethers of the Merino- is usual in all animals in such cases, is in great Farther; the red colour of the internal parts of Ryeland breed are easily brought. It is well known abundance poured out of the vessels in form of that animals, arises from the blood which is contained that a great deal of the success, in this respect, de- secretion which is called fat, and which among oth- in the vessels; and the redness of the blood itself depends on the constant administration of a sufficient er useful purposes, is certainly a wise provision of pends on the oxygen which it imbibes from the air, quantity of proper food during the whole life, not nature to remove a degree of distension in the vas- chiefly in the process of respiration. Now exercise, only of the animal himself, but of several preceding cular system, which might, probably, in various by increasing the action of the heart, drives a larger generations. From actual experiment I find that my ways, soon become fatal. The animal therefore quantity of blood, in a given time, through the shearling rams, in the same state of flesh, have gain- soon becomes loaded with fat; which at an early lungs, and therefore accelerates respiration. The ed from 10 to 12 pounds each in weight, during the period of life, is always deposited in that sort of net same cause propels the blood more copiously last three years; and my ram hogs are now (in the work immediately subjacent to the inner skin, call through those minuter vessels, in which otherwise month of March) to all appearance nearly as heavy ed, from its structure, the cellular membrane, or it would either not exist, or else not be perceived as those of 1804, when six months older. The great texture, and from its use, the adipose membrane. by the naked eye, Hence the blood, and all the est weight, in the month of September, of a living It is evident, therefore, that a Leicester sheep, un- parts through which it most circulates, are redden4-tooth ram of my flock, in store order, has hitherto der proper circumstances, is fit for growing fat. ed by exercise. We see this difference in indivibeen 120 pounds." duals of the human race, who become pale and sallow from indolence, but, from habitual exercise, obtain a clear carnation, and what is called the bloom of health. We see the difference in the common IMPORTANCE OF GOOD FROMS. "VERY FAT MUTTON AN OBJECT OF AVERSION." The capacity of quick growth and early fatness, proportion of it, according to the modes of cook fowl, which, when at large, and feeding at the barn is generally supposed to be connected with particu- ery in England, and I might add, almost in Eng-door, and in the fields has dark coloured flesh, but lar circumstances of form and proportion. These land only, is doubtless coveted by every palate; and which becomes white by domestication and confinecircumstances, Mr. Cline, in a paper addressed to a larger proportion is desired by the labouring part ment. So in sheep; the muscle of the Welsh, Portthis board, has attempted to explain on physiologi- of the people, who like it in their broths, their pud-land, or Ryeland, which run about in quest of food, cal, and as it appears to me, just principles. He dings, and with their fried vegetables. But the is brown when dressed, and emits much gravy of sets out with considering the external form of the number of such persons, who are able to purchase the same colour; while the lean of the indolent animal as being of consequence, only as it is indica- mutton, is comparatively small. Among the mid- Leicester is pale, and imbued with comparatively tive of the internal structure. The power of con- dle, and wealthier classes of people, and more espe- colourless juices. To the same end contributes the verting food into flesh, chiefly depends on the rela- cially their domestics, very fat mutton on the table age at which the animal is killed. He dies premative size of the lungs, which must be proportioned is an object of utter aversion. It is indeed, very turely; for he becomes fat before he is adult; his flesh to the mean circumference of the chest of a given much to the liking of the cook, who receives, as and juices have therefore the same pallid hue, relaform, which should be as nearly as possible circular. her perquisite, all which either the fire separates, 'tively to those of the full grown Ryeland, that the the flesh of a calf has to that of an ox. It is ac- room. I think it would be improved by working (known as the patentee of the rail-way,) which knowledged that the flavour keeps pace with the the screw horizontally, on the plan recommended must, I think, supersede all others. This press, it defect of colour. There can be little doubt that, by Mr. Burr, in your paper. The whole operation appears to me, possesses every advantage which under the same circumstances of close confinement, might then be performed on one floor. It is not can be desired. It may be put up in any gin house; and early fattening, the Ryeland or Southdown susceptible of having the speed increased much in is easily worked; simple in its construction; of immutton would be as pale and tasteless as that of the its first pressure, when but little power is required. mense power; loss by friction very little; the press Leicester. If worked by a ten feet lever, the hands must walk box filled with great facility; and costs, exclusive If then the form of that sheep is necessarily con- 840 yards to pack a bale. The machine costs $250. of the patent right, about $60. It is to this invennected with his disposition to inactivity, and early After seeing several other presses, none of which tion, called the "Twin Lever Press," that I would proneness to obesity, it is evident that it unfits him need a particular description, I had finally concluded particularly call the attention of your readers. Alfrom obtaining a large proportion of well flavoured to adopt the one first described, as being liable to though not an adept at drawing, I will endeavour to muscular substance. fewer objections (the cost taken also into considera- give such a sketch as to make the description inIt is common with all animals to become fat tion,) than any other, when I became acquainted telligible. about the internal parts, only at an advanced period with one lately invented by Charles Williams, of life. When sheep are sold to the butcher by weight, these parts are not usually weighed with the joints and the rest of the carcass, but are considered as belonging to the fifth quarter; and, therefore, as the profit of the butcher. Now if, in this case no deduction be made for its deficiency, the Leicester breed of sheep, which is always killed in its infancy, and therefore, is more defective in this respect than any other breed, is, comparatively speaking, unfit for the butcher. If, on the other hand the butcher, on that account, gives less per pound for the quarters, the loss only changes its object, and the breed becomes, so far, unfit for the grazier." You doubtless recollect an inquiry I made some months since, through the American Farmer, concerning cotton presses, which elicited much useful information upon the subject. But none of the maA. is the bed, 16 feet long and 21 inches wide-no further hesitation among the farmers to go chines described by your correspondents, appeared B. B. the twin levers moving on each side of largely into the crop. However, there are numeto me entirely free from defects. After some fruit- the press box, the fulcrum being at C. and operated rous gins, convenient to navigation, on the Western less efforts on my own part, I concluded to visit this on by the second lever D. The follower E. has Shore of Virginia, where your cotton may be picked place, the cotton market of Virginia, and where all three upright pieces framed into it, five feet long, and packed. For the information of those who the experience and information of the state on the the centre one with straps of iron on each side, per- may be disposed to incur the risk and expense of subject, is brought to a focus; and by seeing the forated with holes, into which the hooks G. are erecting a gin, I will suggest that the size of the different machines in actual operation, I should have made to take as the lever operates. The other two building should not be less than 28 feet square in an opportunity of selecting the one most approved. uprights serve a double purpose; first, as guides, to the clear; to give an easy draught to the horses, Having succeeded to my entire satisfaction, I feel carry the follower down square; and, 2dly. notches mine is 29 feet. Two horses will drive a fifty saw it my duty to communicate the result of my inves- being made in the side, two wooden keys, H. H. gin; one horse, a gin of thirty. The present price tigation, for the benefit of those of your readers passing through the cheeks, are made to play in is $24 per saw. Messrs. Sinclair & Moore, of Balwho may feel interested, in return for the many them by a spring, so as to confine the follower as it timore, are preparing to make them, and will, I useful hints I have derived from your valuable is worked down by the lever. The lever is operated have no doubt, execute the work well. The majournal. on by an iron rack K. and pall L.; another rack is chinery (iron is preferable,) costs from 60 to $70 The points I conceive essential in the construc- made fast to the upright M. which serves to keep complete. I procured mine from the Richmond tion of a press, are-1st. Its power. 2d. The di- down the lever by aid of the pall N. The main foundery. If water power can be had, it is to be mensions; it being very important that it should be lever is to be carried down six times, and by each used by all means, when a smaller house will ansecured from the weather, and especially under the cast the follower gains one foot. The lever is to swer. The saws should revolve about 300 times same roof with the gin, if possible. 3d. The facili-be thrown up by a pulley, and at the first pressure, per minute. The best gins I have ever seen are ty of stowing the cotton in the press box-and 4th. its weight alone will perhaps carry the follower made in Massachusetts, and known by the name of the cost of the machine. down twelve or eighteen inches. At the commence-"Carver Gins;" they cost $5 per saw. Having alThe first press I visited was put up on Layssard's ment the foot of the rack K. is to be fixed at P. ready detained you much longer than I expected, I plan, described in a former number of the Ameri- giving a leverage of ten inches; as more power is conclude. can Farmer. It requires a space of sixteen feet in required it is to be moved to Q. affording a leverage length, about two feet in width, and not less than of six inches, and subsequently to R. with only twenty in height; consequently it is not well suited three inches leverage. This last purchase gives to the interior of a gin house, although that I saw the weight of one man (150 lbs.) with a lever nine SCIENTIFIC MEMORANDA-APPLICABLE was put up in one. The press box is badly con- feet long, a power equal to 32,400 lbs. pressure. It trived, as the follower cannot be removed; consi- is said that one man can complete a bale in one derable delay must therefore be experienced in hour. There is also an ingenious contrivance, by stowing the cotton. The power of a man with a which the bale is easily extricated after it is ropednine feet lever in the windlass, gives a pressure of rather a difficult matter with some presses Which have acquired maturity in a warm climate, 10,800 lbs. on the bale. From this, however, a done, the follower is to be raised up by a pulley, a colder one, than those which proceed from seeds produce plants which come to greater perfection in by successive generations on the same spot. Knight, This considerable deduction must be made for friction. and laid aside, and you are then ready to begin Cost of the machine about $75. It works well. again. Yours, &c. FRANCIS H. SMITH. TO RURAL ECONOMY. McKenzie, &c. The next that attracted my attention, was a new Since writing the above, I have seen an inquiry application of the screw, a northern invention, in the last Farmer, as to how we gin our cotton. which produced beautiful bales. It was in the This will always be a formidable obstacle where To stop the bleeding of Vines, house, but required an elevation of three stories-the crop is first introduced I believe that all my Mr. Knight takes four parts of scraped cheese, the power being applied on the first, the press box efforts would have proved fruitless, had I not pledg- and one of calcined oyster shells, or chalk burnt to occupying the second, and the cotton thrown in on ed myself to have a machine put up against the lime for quick-lime.] This is pressed into the pores the third, upon which also was situated the blow ensuing season. This difficulty removed, there was of the wood. In this way the longest branches may Composition for Palings, Fences, &c. Take 1 gallon tar from the pyroligneous manufacture, 1 oz. tallow, 2 oz. pulverized rosin, melt together, and put on warm. Parkes' Chem. Ess. vol. ii. p. 277. Varnish for Palings, &c. 1 gall. wood tar, pint rectified spirits of wine; intimately mixed by a gentle heat. Ibid. 278. Lime, The Hence the impropriety of using unfermented dung it escapes, much of the alcohol and aroma. in planting trees or shrubbery, or with crops of sweet wines depend for their grateful and peculiar small grain. In the latter it produces much straw, properties on the abundance of undecomposed sacgenerally affected with rust or mildew, but little charine matter; and the high aroma of Burgundy, grain, and that of inferior quality. And hence too, for which it is so much prized, is obtained by the the impropriety of applying it in shovels-full or sacrifice of its vinous attributes. masses to hoed crops, in hills or drills. Though the Dr. Henderson next examines the comparative rule admits of exceptions: for Indian corn, ruta ba-'perfection of the red and white wines; and the inga, potatoes, beans, and most of the hoed crops, are termediate colours, claret, pale yellow, &c., the discoarse feeders, and are never injured by the heat or tinction between the fine and the ordinary, and the effluvia of unfermented dung, when it is spread effects of keeping on each. He concludes this chapbroadcast and ploughed under. Those crops thrive ter with referring to France as furnishing some of on the heat and effluvia which would injure the the best specimens of wine in each class, and unwheat and barley. From these considerations we questionably excelling every other region of the derive additional reasons for substituting fallow globe in the manufacture of red wines in particular. crops for naked fallows; and of giving to them all our manure in an unfermented state. Dung, Or other cause of fertility, increases wood and foliage, but generally retards fructification, or disinclines a plant to mature its fruit or seeds. Ibid. The second chapter, which treats of the wines of France consists of some preliminary remarks on the introduction and spread of the vine in that country; the quantity of land at present under its culture; the different modes of cultivating and draining it; the changes that have taken place in the reputation or the qualities of different wines; and the probable or ascertained causes of such changes. "At present," To perennials, this holds good. But in regard to he informs us, "the growths of the ancient provinMay act as a manure by combining with and di- annual plants, it is liable to the same exceptions as ces of Champaigne, Burgundy, Dauphiny, and the viding the particles of clay, and thus forming a the preceding. There is little danger of our farm Bordelais, are decidedly the best." Some of the species of marle; by uniting with the oily substan-ers applying manure to the maize crop in such ex-sweet wines of Languedoc and Roussillon rank also ces contained in the soil, and rendering them solucess as to injure the seed. ble in water; and by absorbing the dews and the rains, and preventing them sinking too speedily into the earth, by which the food of plants is washed from their radical fibres. Percival's Georg. Ess. vol. 2, p. 99. Shrinkage of Grain. Wheat, gathered ripe, lost in 49 days, nearly one tenth of its weight. Barley, in 40 days, lost one seventh of its weight. This took place in September. In October wheat lost, in 24 days, 2 lbs. 1 oz. 15 drs. per bushel of 70 lbs. In January it lost at the rate of 2 lbs. 15 drs. per bushel in 31 days. See Holt, ib. 177.-And I have found that Indian Corn lost 20 per cent. or one fifth, by measure, from October to April. HORTICULTURE. very high; but, in general, they are more distinguished by strength than flavour. To the wines of To promote the puberty of apple and pear trees. these territories, therefore, and only to the best wines John Williams planted in pots, in Nov. 1809; of these, Dr. Henderson directs his attention in the transplanted after midsummer the following year five sections into which he divides this chapter. Beinto the open ground; transplanted again in the au- fore, however, we proceed to examine these sections, tumn of 1811, six feet apart-pruned away every we shall offer one or two preliminary remarks. We winter the trifling lateral shoots, leaving the large have seen that, at the period of the vigour of the laterals at full length to the bottom of the plants, Roman empire, the vine had barely passed into the of six feet the branches ceased to produce thorns. many, and the remainder of Gaul, were ignorant of and gave a good exposure to the sun. At the height southern provinces of Gaul, and into Spain. GerOne yielded fruit at four years old, and several at it. In the fourth century we have the evidence of Ausonius and Eumenius, as quoted by Dr. Henderfive and six years.—Rep. of Arts, 1819, p. 175. son [143 and 218,] that the banks of the Soane and of the Moselle produced abundance of excellent wine. Whence this rapid extension of the vine towards the north? Did it arise from the amelioration of the climate, or principally from other causes? We think little, if at all, from the first cause. Strabo, indeed, expressly states, that in his time (the commencement of the Christian era) the cold was so intense beyond the Cevennes that grapes seldom ripened, and it was thought impossible to make wine We now proceed to the history of modern wines. in those parts of Gaul [p. 143.] Cutting down forThe introductory chapter comprehends some very ests, draining land, and other agricultural improvejudicious remarks on the imperfection of chemical ments, are the only causes in the power of man, by science when employed to explain the phenomena which a climate can be ameliorated: but, at this peof fermentation, or the various qualities of wines, as riod, when agriculture was little understood, and affected by that process; and the want of words in especially while the circumstances of the Roman Can take place only where there is air, moisture, all languages, particularly in the English (from ours empire prevented much attention from being paid and a due degree of heat. Water is then decom- not being a wine country,) to express with accuracy to it, we cannot suppose that, in the course of three posed,-vital air absorbed, heat disengaged, and the chief distinctions of wines, and the different or four centuries, the climate would be so far amenew combinations formed. Lord Dundonald's treatise shades in their sensible qualities. One term, of which liorated by cutting down the wood, draining land, on Agriculture, p. 28. it is essential to acquire and retain a clear and defi- &c. as to give to the latitude of 49°, the climate of Cause of Snow, &c. The overcharge, [of the air] says Dr. White, in frosty weather, [with moisture] when falling from a great height, forms snow in flakes; and from that height which in warm seasons produces mizzling rains, it becomes sleet; but when floating over the surface, the watery particles, too small to be visible, collect upon the ground and leaves of vegetables, and form hoar frost. Ib. 460. Vegetable Putrefaction From the Westminster Review-London. By Alexander Henderson, M. D. Apply this principle to the fermentation of dung. nite idea, is flavour, which Dr. Henderson uses "to the latitude of 45°, for such is the difference of latiWe have seen, that of the excrementitious matter designate that full impression on the palate which is tude between the Cevennes and the Moselle. We of earth, urine alone furnishes an essential element made by a wine or any other fluid, when the sense know of no other cause, either natural or artificial, for the glutine of wheat. In my method of con- of smell is entire, and which, therefore, conveys some which could ameliorate the climate; and, therefore, structing cattle yards, the urine of the stock is ab-idea of a combined conception of both organs"-p. we think we are justified in ascribing the extended sorbed by the litter in a concave yard; but as fer- 135, note. culture of the vine four degrees further north, in the the soil. mentation would dissipate this element, in the vol- He then explains the principles on which he means course of the third or fourth centuries, principally atile form of ammonia, this process is retarded by to classify modern wines; and the characters of the to the taste for its produce, introduced among the a good covering of litter in the spring, which ex- more perfect wines. In good wines a perfect com- Gauls and Germans, which stimulated them to atcludes two of its great agents-air and heat-until pound should be formed, in which neither the aque-tempt what previously had been deemed impractithe dung is carted to the field and ploughed under ous, acid, saline, mucilaginous, extractive or aroma- cable. That the vineyards of France, however, tic principles, or the alcohol, ought to predominate; were not very abundant, nor the use of wine very but this compound should have its distinct and pe- common in the fourth century, we think is apparent culiar flavour, full and entire, not cloying on the pa- from the epigram of the emperor Julian, in which Is detrimental to plants when it is produced by late, or leaving any unpleasant after-taste. In the Gaul is represented as obliged, for want of the grape, substances in contact with the roots, stems or branch-manufacture of certain wines, however, this species to drink paltry beer. Unless beer had been the es; and often, either by the heat, or by the effluvia of excellence is sacrificed in order to obtain parti- usual beverage with those with whom the emperor emitted, causes disease and death. Rep. of Arts, vol. cular qualities, as briskness in Champaigne, in which was likely to associate, we can hardly suppose he $5, p. 172. carbonic gas predominates, and carries with it, when would have noticed the circumstance, or written the Fermentation epigram. The establishment of Christianity, and munications he had received from Messrs. Moett racter in early life, or to edify and improve them in the subsequent foundation of chapters and monas and Co., the principal persons concerned in the fa- the exercise of the social relations and more veneteries, contributed much to the extension of vine- brication of the Vins d' Ay et Epernai, in which they rable duties of maturer years. yards, their good cultivation, and the superior qua acknowledge that a liqueur, of which sugar was an It is too obviously the fashion to regard women lity of the wines. In the charters and writings of element, was used in those years when the grapes as beings formed merely to subserve the pleasure the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries, vineyards did not arrive at maturity; but that the wine manu- and convenience of man, rather than to be his comand vintages of the monasteries of France and other facturers kept the fabrication of the liqueur a secret, panion, with equal rights, and his friend, with incountries are frequently mentioned t and did not wish that even its use should be known. tellect and character fitted to deliberate and advise The great variety and the excellency in general-Dr. Clarke's Travels, 8vo. vol. i. p. 264. with him on all his concerns. Of a woman of suof the French wines, as well as the care, skill, and The second section relates to the wines of Bur-perior character it has been said, that "she wished judgment with which their vineyards and vintages gundy. These Dr. Henderson considers, in some her children to obtain intellectual refinement, posare managed, have very properly induced Dr. Hen-respects, as more perfect than the Champaigne sess fully the attributes of a rational nature, and to derson to divide his second chapter into five sections. wines. "In richness of flavour and perfume, and all be as far removed as possible from the condition of In the first he treats of the wines of Champaigne: the more delicate qualities of the juice of the grape, stocks and stones, by accumulating a magazine of these, as early as the ninth century, were divided they unquestionably rank as the first in the world" thoughts, and by a rich and cultivated sensibility." into the river and mountain wines; the former for [p. 161.] But, as the prime growths are confined to This honourable wish of a noble mother of ancient the most part white, the latter red. Many do not a few vineyards, and all consumed in the country, times, according to existing habits and systems of effervesce, those which do slightly are the best; the we have little idea in England either of their excel- education, seems to have existence, now-a-days, white are superior to the red. Among these Sillery lence or variety. They are produced in the great- where it does practically exist at all, only in relahas the first rank; it is, when genuine and good, est excellence, in the departments of Côte d'Or, tion to the male children of the family; whilst the dry, still, of a light water colour, with considerable Yonne, and Saône, and Loirea. In the Côté d'Or, young ladies, instead of being reared in the acquibody: its flavour something like that of the first the choicest red growths are the Romanée, Conti, sition of useful knowledge, and the cultivation of growths of the Rhine. The best white wines are Clos Vougeot, Chambertin, Richebourg, Romance de appropriate literature for its own sake, and to quasupplied from the banks of the Marne; in general St. Vivant, Tache and St. George. These, according lify them for the most sacred and honourable of they degenerate as they recede from the river. The to Dr. Henderson, “are distinguished by their beau- all duties, that of instructing their offspring in early vintages of Hautvilliers and Ay are the most esteem-tiful colour, and exquisite flavour and perfume, com- youth; are brought up as if destined by providence ed; the former Dr Henderson pronounces to be "an bining, in a greater degree than any other wines, to spend the first half of their lives in acquiring exquisite liquor, lighter and sweeter than Sillery, the qualities of lightness and delicacy with richness the arts and the graces of the toilette, and of with a delicate flavour and aroma, like that of a and fulness of body." The other red wines are personal exhibitions; and the other half in the pine apple." All the good wines of Champaigne those of Volnay and Pomard in the vicinity of cares of the nursery and the regulations of the will keep in cool cellars for ten or twenty years: the Beaune, the former light and delicate, the latter of kitchen. vaults in which they are stored are thirty or forty more body. The Macon rank next to the Beaune So far as our humble influence can be exercised feet deep, of calcareous tufa. The soil best suited wines. The white wines of Burgundy, less nume- through a corner of this journal, we shall continue to the vineyard is calcareous; indeed volcanic, cal-rous than the red, are not inferior to them in fla- to employ it, in presenting subjects for the rational careous, gravelly, rocky, dry, and open soils, in all vour and perfection. The Mont Rachet wine, near amusement and instruction of our female readers, countries and climates, produce the best wine. The Beaune, is the most celebrated: it has a high per- more especially matrons; and if we sometimes eke best growths of Champaigne are all consumed in fume, and an agreeable nutty flavour. out an additional column for their use, the genFrance. The third section relates to the wines of Dauphi- tleman farmer who objects to it as intrenching on We are surprised that Dr. Henderson has not no-ny, the Lyonnais, and the country of Avignon. On his grounds, will please send his-name. The seticed the allegation that sugar is employed in making a granite hill, on the left bank of the Rhone, near lections we shall offer must be from casual readings, the brisk Champaigne wines whenever the grapes Valence, are the famous vineyards of the flermi- which, from constant occupations otherwise, are of do not ripen thoroughly. Dr. Clark stated in the tage. The grapes are not treated in the most care too limited range; we invoke, therefore, the aid of first edition of his Travels, from inquiries he made ful manner: hence their ascescency, and the loss of ladies of taste and observation, from whom we shall on the spot, that such was the case. The French a portion of their alcohol and aroma. In the depart-be glad to receive contributions for their own detranslator of his work denied it: in consequence of ment of the Rhone, the wines of Côte Rotie take the partment. To one of great worth and intelligence this, Dr. Clarke published in his fourth edition, com-lead. A sweet wine, made in small quantities from we are indebted for the following:] the ripest Hermitage grapes, in flavour and perfume resembles the best Constantia. *This epigram may be found in the Leipsic edition of the Greek Anthology, Epig. 368; and also in the preface there. The fourth section comprehends the wines of Lan CONJUGAL HAPPINESS-ENHANCED BY HAVING CHIL- to Juliani Opera, Paris, 1641, 4to. We are aware that guedoc, Roussillon, and Provence. Though the cli"Never shall I forget (says a fond husband) the inthis Epigram, and another on an organ, have been as-mate of this part of France is peculiarly favourable terview between us immediately subsequent to her cribed to a Julian. prefect of Egypt, and not to the Em-to the vine, and the soils for the most part equally first parturition, the effusion of soul with which we peror:—but a prefect of Egypt could have nothing to do so, no excellent red wine is produced here. This met each other after all danger seemed to have subsiwith Gaul, whereas Julian spent the early part of his life arises from the flavour and aroma being sacrificed ded, the kindness which animated us, increased as it to ensure the complete developement of the colour- was by ideas of peril and suffering, the sacred sensa† Lupus, who was abbot of the monastery of Bethlem, ing matter. The sweet white wines, however, from tion with which the mother presented her infant to in Burgundy, in the middle of the ninth century, fre- the richest and ripest grapes, are of a very superior her husband, or the complacency with which we quently mentions his vintage in his letters; it seems often quality: there are the celebrated Muscadine wines read in each other's eyes a common sentiment of to have failed, on which occasions perry was used.[Lupi Opera, p. 161, &c.] In the charters for founding of Frontignian, Lunel, and Beziers in Languedoc, melting tenderness and inviolable attachment! monasteries about the same period, vineyards are always and of Rivesaltes, and Salces in Roussillon. That "This, she seemed to say, is the joint result of our particularized [pp. 510, 527, 530, &c.] English lead was of Rivesaltes, Dr. Henderson says, is the best mus- common affection. It partakes equally of both, and in much request at this time for covering the roofs of cadine wine, not only in Roussillon, but in France, is the shrine in which our sympathies and our life monasteries (pp. 32 and 348.] Gregory of Tours, who or perhaps in the whole world: when sufficiently ma- have been poured together, never to be separated. lived in the twelfth century, mentions two Touraine tured, "it is of a bright golden colour, and has an Let other lovers testify their engagements by prewines, as brought forth only on great occasions or to oily smoothness, a fragrant aroma, and a delicate sents and tokens; we record and stamp our attachhigh personages, Laticin and Gaticin; but what they flavour of the quince, by which it is distinguished ment in this precious creature, a creature of that were, or where grown, cannot be ascertained. Vol. i. p. from all other wines." 472, and note; and Vol. ii. p. 307-Old French Translation, Paris, 1678. (To be continued.) LADIES' DEPARTMENT. species which is more admirable than any thing else the world has to boast, a creature susceptible of Dr. Henderson, indeed, states, in a cursory and incipleasure and pain, of affection and love, of sentidental manner, in a passage we shall afterwards quote, ment and fancy, of wisdom and virtue. This crea"that, in order to preserve their sweetness, and promote ture will daily stand in need of an aid we shall deeffervescence, the manufacturers of Champaigne comlight to afford; will require our meditations and exmonly add to each bottle a portion of syrup, composed [It is a remarkable fact, which does not redound ertions to forward its improvement, and confirm its of sugar-candy and cream of tartar; the highly frothing to the credit of the country, that amongst the great merits and its worth. We shall each blend our exkinds receiving the largest quantity" [p. 354.] But Dr number and variety of periodical and other publi-ertions for that purpose, and our union, confirmed by Clarke's allegation, and the authority on which it rests, cations, from the ponderous quarterly to the lightest this common object of our labour and affection, will go much further; according to them, the best judges cannot distinguish between the natural and artificial Cham- and most trivial of our weekly or daily journals; all every day become more sacred and indissoluble.paigne-between that made from grapes perfectly ripe, are dedicated to the amusement and business of All this the present weakness of my beloved Mwithout sugar; and that made from immature grapes, men-scarcely a type is set with a particular view would not allow her to say. But all this occurwith sugar. to the best formation of the female mind and cha-'red to my reflections; and, when we had time |