No. 15-VOL. 7. AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, JULY 1, 1825. ON IMPROVING THE NATIVE BREED OF No. IV. 113 self, supports the general opinion; as may here be light. To these points of shape must be added the seen. 1st year, in 48 weeks, his cow yielded of 2d year, in 45 weeks, having gone dry 17 450 3d year, in 514 weeks, having gone dry 4th year, in 424 weeks, having gone dry 5th 675 466 594 This 5th year she had twin calves, which she suckled nine weeks, during which she yielded no I great essential of good handling. This was formerly not considered in this country, but has now be540 lbs come essential, since it has been discovered to be the touchstone as it were, or indea, of the propensity to fatten." I do not know to what period of time past Major Rudd's "formerly" was meant to be apI CONTEND for no particular breed of cattle, to plied. But certainly Bakewell understood and practhe exclusion of all others. It is doubtless a cortised on the art of handling," 50 or 60 years ago, rect opinion, "that in most of the genuine breeds when he had conceived, and practised upon those there are differences in the individuals. And as principles of breeding which have been the guide of many of the mixed breeds afford excellent milkers, other breeders from that to the present time. I reit may be the best mode, in order to establish a collect that in some of Arthur Young's works, which good dairy stock, whether for butter or cheese, for met with I believe from 30 to 40 years since, he the farmer to breed from such cows, of whatever butter. describes this matter of handling as a most imporkind they may be, as he has found from experience In his details of her weekly milk and butter, Mr. tant point, in Bakewell's opinion, and perfectly fathe best for the purpose.' But where a stock en- Cramp says he left off milking her on the 13th of miliar to him as an old established principle; and tirely new, is highly recommended, he can, in the first February, 1809, and that she calved the Sd of April gives the following striking illustration of it. Bakeinstance, only have recourse to the experience of following, yet he says afterwards, that she gave well told him, that if obliged to choose cattle in others: and when its superiority is established by milk, this year, until she calved-she would not go the day time, by seeing them only, without feeling— the only sure test-the greater quantity of butter or dry: but the milk was brackish, and fit only for the or in the dark by feeling only, without seeing them cheese from the same food-he may safely adopt it. hogs. -he would prefer choosing them in the dark by And in rearing young cow-stock, common sense, Mr. Cramp's and Mr. Oakes' cows have been feeling. And he endeavoured to make Vr. Young (the attention being roused to the subject,) will di-called "prodigies," and so, indeed, they were when practically acquainted with this art of determining rect every farmer to select his calves from the best compared with other cows. But with their consti-the disposition of the animal to thrive and fatten milkers, having regard to the quality as well as the tutional disposition to yield from the same food, well, by handling him. The evidence of that dispo quantity of their milk. And this rule of selection much more rich milk than cows in general, must be sition was a certain mellowness of the flesh, which applies as well to the male as to the female calves. combined the extraordinary keep of both; which was obvious to the touch of that experienced breedIn both, the situation of the teats will deserve atten- enabled them to produce such immense quantities er, and which enabled him to discriminate and detion: the farther apart the better. I ́much doubt of butter. In 1813, Mr. Oakes' cow, then four years cide the character of the animal simply by feeling whether any cow whose teats were very near toge-old, yielded only 180 lbs. of butter; but this being of him. ther, was ever a prime milker. about double the quantity usually obtained from a But although it was Bakewell who first made Because some cows will give milk till they calve, common cow, Mr. Oakes was induced to improve breeders sensible of the importance of good handtheir value has been supposed to be proportionably her keep; and in 1814 she yielded 300 lbs. of butter. ling, I presume there is no observing farmer who, advanced. I am inclined to think that this is an He then still farther increased her food, in quantity on the mention of it, would not assent to it as corerror. I recollect the observation of a friend, made and quality: so in 1815 she yielded over 400 lbs. rect, and immediately say, that a hide-bound ox or to me more than fifty years ago, as the result of his Finally, feeding her to the full, with as much rich cow would be a bad "feeder."* experience with two or three cows carefully attend- and varied sorts of food as he could tempt her to A hide-bound beast, I take it, is just the opposite ed--that a cow ought to go dry about five weeks take, she in 1816, in 32 weeks after her calf was to one whose mellow feel would indicate a disposibefore calving, that her bag might be filled and dis- killed, yielded 467 lbs. of butter, to which add the tion to thrive and fatten kindly. This term hidetended with milk, the effect of which would be a 17 lbs made while her calf sucked, and we have bound is familiarly transferred from unthrifty cattle much more abundant supply of milk afterwards. the 484 lbs. stated in the Repository. In the last to hard bound land; which having been kept long This same friend, at a subsequent period, kept a week, ending December 20, she yielded ten pounds in grass, cropped constantly, and never manured, herd of forty cows to yield milk for sale. And his of butter. And if in the next week she gave only has become hard and unproductive. Such land deson informs me that his father continued to prac-six pounds, and in the ten following weeks 5 lbs. mands the plough and manure to make it mellow. tice by the same rule. Another friend, whose per-per week, making 56 lbs. and this quantity be added Of the extraordinary disposition to fatten, Marsonal attention also was given to the subject, has to the 484 lbs., we have 540 lbs. just three tiines shall mentions a cow of Mr. Princep's, a superior experienced the same effect, even to the difference, as much as she yielded the first year, on common variety of the long horned breed, and rising 5 years in one instance, in his estimation, of one third in keep. Hence it may fairly be presumed, that the old. When they ceased to milk her, she was put the quantity of milk. In the great dairy county of production of at least half of her butter, arose from on prime keep for eight months, when she was Cheshire, in England, the same opinion is enter- her being supplied to the full, with a variety of slaughtered. She was "cracked on the back"tained; and the farmers permit their cows to be- good, and in part with the richest food. Mr. Cramp, that is, was cloven along the chine; but the skin come dry ten weeks before calving. This practice, having described the various and abundant quanti- had separated from the vertebræ (back bones) which however, may arise in part from their custom of ties of food given to his cow, and his manner of were entirely grown over, and buried a considerafeeding them, when dry, with wheat, barley and oat treating her, says he thinks that cows would ble depth in fat: her bosom was broad-her flesh straw, until within three weeks of their calving. - nearly double, in the course of a season, their quan- mellono-her bone extremely fine. Her fore leg was It is said, however, by the writer on dairying, in tity of milk and butter, by following his plan." exactly the size of a Scotch bullock of not half her Rees' Cyclopedia, that if cows are well fed, the Considering how little attention was formerly weight. She cut six inches of fat on the chine; and drying them of their milk for any time before calv given-if indeed any were given-to improve our weighed, each fore quarter, 361 lbs; one hind quaring, is wholly unnecessary. Mr. Powel says, "the native breed of cattle, it is not surprising that a ter 374 lbs., and the other 372 lbs.-total 1468 lbs. secretions of milk are certainly augmented by milk- very few of a superior character should now be of beef. ing carefully and systematically, stripping every seen. I doubt not, however, that enough may be In this part of Massachusetts, the victuallers indrop from the udder; but I have not found the dura- found of which, in a few years, a most valuable form me that the average weight of our common tion of a cow's milk in any wise affected by the stock may be raised, if only one or two substantial cows, fattened to be good beef, is 100 lbs. a quarter. period at which she had been dried, previous to farmers in every township would engage in the Young, in his Northern Tour, crossed the counthe birth of her young." But he then remarks that undertaking. The Agricultural Society of Essex try to Cheshire, the county famous for cheese.-"few cows (if left to themselves, as in a state of county in 1823, offered liberal premiums for this He says their breed of cows was in general small, nature, I suppose is meant,] allow their calves to object, the claims to be received and decided in and would not fatten to above 32 stone-that is, to suck longer than within two months of the time of 1828. In the present year they make like offers of 448 lbs., or 112 lbs. a quarter, round for the beef. parturition. During the latter stages of gestation, premiums on claims for such improved cattle, in According to Sir John Sinclair, the hide, tallow, the fetus requires those portions of nourishment 1829 and 1880. head and tongue, heart, and every other part of the animal, except the four quarters of beef, are considered as offal. from which the secretions of milk must necessarily Mr. Powel and Major Rudd mention, as of very detract." He adds, "I would turn off fine cows two material importance, that the improved short horns months before the birth of their young." Mr. Cramp, "handle" well. The latter gives the following de- Bakewell s superior skill as an agriculturist enathe owner of the famous Sussex cow, expresses the scription of this race. "A small and fine head-a bled him to surpass his neighbours in the managesame opinion, as to the duration and quantity of a capacious chest-the shoulders lying back in the ment of his farm, as well as of his live stock. The cow's milk. Yet the varying products of his own body-the ribs round and barrel like the back farm consisted of 440 acres, 110 of which were cow, in butter, in different years, as given by him straight from the neck to the top of the tail-the *Rees' Cyclopedia-Art. Dairying. 15-VOL. 7. loins wide-the hind quarter long and straight— * English farmers call cattle put to fatten, "feeders;" the twist full and deep-the bone small, and offal good or bad feeders, as they thrive well or ill. arable, and the rest grass. He kept 60 horses, 400 these doctrines, by being always in good order-wool of the ram was soft, silky, and beautifully large sheep, and 150 beasts of all sorts. He bought and as fatness is supposed to be a sign of content, white. These sheep retained their wild habits, not neither straw nor hay; all his animals were in high I have no doubt but that they are perfectly as they associating with the flock till winter, when they beflesh. His cattle, Young says, "were all fat as should be. came, from necessity, more domestic-but the enbears." A brook ran through his farm, the water 'The origin of the Smith island sheep is not ac- suing summer, from frequenting low, moist grounds, of which he could turn over from 60 to 80 acres, curately known; they are supposed to be the sheep they rotted and died. The bone of these sheep was put into a proper state for the purpose of being of the country, (first, of course, obtained from Eng peculiarly small, they were about the usual size, flooded, at suitable times, and so rendered very pro- land,) put on the island many years ago, and im- and their wool various, two of them having very ductive in grass and hay. proved by the hand of nature. Previous to the late fine, and three indifferently so. I have observed that English writers on husband- war, the stock of sheep consisted of about 600, and The samples of Smith's island wool, which I sent ry, mention the propriety of adapting cattle to the of cattle about 200. The occupation of the island to all the societies, and individuals zealous in such sort of land of which farms consist: if rich in grass, by the naval forces of the enemy, produced almost matters, a good many years ago, obtained the unchoose a large breed; if the pastures are poorer, the extinction of the stock of both kinds-scarcely qualified admiration of all who received it, and is select a smaller breed, because, they say, in the fifty of either sort remaining at the return of peace. spoken of in various publications of that date. It latter case, smaller cattle would do well; while on Since which period they have slowly recruited; but has enabled me to maintain a position, which I took the same poorer soils the large breeds would be un- the great distance of the island from my residence, in the outset of my endeavours in the cause of doprofitable. These observations refer to pasturage (200 miles,) prevents me from making those expe- mestic economy, viz: That the United States of only: for in that part of the year in which cattle riments in sheep farming, which I should have been America possess a portion of every climate and soil depend wholly on the stall, large cattle may be as happy to have done, were it more within my reach. known in the world, to be necessary or beneficial well fed as small ones. But in raising cattle, I sup- I hope to be able to let it to some judicious and en- to the growth and perfection of wool Learing anipose that the pasturage season is chiefly relied on for terprising person for a term of years-and from mals. 2d, that the native sheep of Smith's island, the growth of our young stock; and the short grass the terms which I would give, I flatter myself that being indigenal, and unimproved by other than the of our pastures in general, are probably better such person would have no cause to repent of his effects of climate and soil, are evidence of these adapted to a small than a large breed. However, bargain. great operating causes, and the extent to which with the disposition now prevailing, to improve and Smith's island is computed, by those who have they exist in the United States—and, 3d, that these render our lands more productive, many farms may been conversant with it for many years, to contain important and essential natural advantages, being become suitable to that middle sized race which may 2,000 acres of pasturage-and this is the pasturage duly cherished and employed, the United States be produced by a cross of our native cows with the of all seasons, the whole stock which it has carried may fairly expect to produce and preserve, a race large imported bulls. To what degree such cross-for a great length of time, never having cost a six- of wool-bearing animals equal to those produced in es may prove advantageous-of all the farmers in pence for their keep. I found the beef and mutton any of the other countries of the world. Massachusetts, those of Worcester county, espe- very fat there in November, and the mutton in The rot, the most formidable and fatal disease cially those in the vicinity of the high bred bull June. The English officers were pleased to say, belonging to sheep, is unknown on the salt pastur Denton, will be best able to decide. Experiments that they had never eaten better. age of the Sea islands. A very simple mode of remay be made, even where there are only two or "The sheep on Smith's island are perfectly wild, medying this great evil, may be applied any where. three of the Denton blood; by keeping their milk and so unconscious of the care of man, as to fly at viz: to fence it off, as you do yellow fever in towns. by itself, and seeing how much butter it will pro-his approach. They are taken in spring and fall, The rotting grounds are easily known by being alduce. To make a fair comparative experiment, an by certain stratagems, and sheared each time, after ways good snipe grounds, abounding in springs and equal number of native cows, equal in quality to which they are given to liberty and uncontrol. little stagnant pools, to which the sheep resort in the dams of the half-breeds, should be fed in the The growth of wool must be very rapid, since the dry seasons, from the freshness of the herbage. same manner as the half-breeds, the feed of both, period of a few months produces a second harvest The snipe is an excellent test of these grounds. I for quantity and quality, to be the same. Or if the for the shears. completely drained a small place of this description, half-breeds, being larger, require, and are allowed "It may be rather advisable to retain the Sea and the result has been, that I have neither killed a more food, they ought to yield a proportionally island sheep as nearly as possible in their primitive snipe, nor lost a sheep there since. greater quantity of butter. The native experimen- state, since it affords a partial security from depre- Another great enemy of this useful and unoffendtal cows ought to be as nearly as possible, of the dation, and no doubt contributes to their health and ing animal, is the dog. I have also a panacea for ages of the half-breeds. T. PICKERING. superior quality of fleece. Animals in a state of this evil, viz: accustom your sheep to sleep at a nature, teach us many lessons derived from instinct, particular place, by giving them salt at that spot at which puzzle even our mighty reason-and we often night fall. They will repair thither when done search, in vain, among the works of genius and feeding, and having licked the salt, lay down and knowledge, for truths which nature alone chooses rest. My sheep always sleep at my house door, I would ask permission, to continue a few more to reveal." and the dogs belonging to the house are their proremarks from my Address of 1808, on the impro- The wild sheep feed at particular hours, and al-tectors-for the sheep biter will never approach priety of confinement, to wool-bearing animals, &c. ways with their heads to windward, inhaling the where there is another dog. Or if your sheep rest "The practice, common in Europe, of immuring breeze from the ocean, which sets in at a particular at the farm, have a moveable kennel, in which chain animals in close houses, called shelters, is very de- time. I never discovered or heard of the smallest a dog, no matter of what kind, and place the kentrimental both to their health and vigour, in this disease, among these sheep, and am disposed to be-nel at the resort of your sheep; upon the approach country. Those which are intended for the knife, lieve that they live to a far greater age than their of the sheep biter, he will smell the other dog and may with some propriety be treated in this way, but brethren in a more domestic state. I shot a very retire-or the chained guardian will make a great such as are to form the breeding stock, should not ancient patriarch of the flock, in 1804-his teeth noise, knowing he cannot run away, which will efbe denied the air and exercise, so essential to all were worn entirely away, and his eyes grown "dim fectually preserve the flock. For your own dogs, with age." He may have been a pet lamb to the young ones particularly, tying them to the ram is a MR. EDITOR, onstitutions. SHEEP-No. 6. "Sheep are particularly delicate in some respects, pirate Blackbeard, who was in the habit of fre- certain cure for their disposition for sheep biting, and very liable to be injured by unwholesome at- quenting the island in former times, and, it is said, only let the discipline be sufficient. I have thought mosphere; and we know that those which frequent buried much treasure there-the discovery of which that it were a pity, some of the bad dispositions of the mountainous parts of most countries, are an would be very acceptable to the proprietor, in these man could not be butted out of him in early youth; hardy vigorous race." Even folding in the open latter days. how much would it lessen the evil-one's kingdom in air will not answer in the southern latitudes, where Both the sheep and cattle are so shy of the great this world. the temperature is so liable to change. My friend destroyer, man, as to be approached with extreme You find, my dear sir, that I have used the priviFitzhugh, of Ravensworth, who farms largely in difficulty-greater than would be the approach to lege of an old servant of the cause, by occupying, the sheep way, has suffered severely from folding. an herd of deer. The cattle are very fierce when very liberally, the columns of your valuable journal. My small flock at this place are perfectly in puris wounded. One instance occurred during my visit It is time for me to hand in my valedictory, and natura libus, having neither shepherd, dog, fold, or in 1804, in which a bull, after receiving four balls, make my bow, which will be done in my next. I shelter, and they appear to take very good care of pursued one of our men into the surf, keeping him conclude this letter by an extract from one which I themselves. I give them a large pasture ground, for some moments exposed to the alternatives of received in 1807, from the hon. Governeur Morris, and presuming that the selection of their food, their death by land or water. When finally rescued by one of the conscript fathers of the revolution; a time of taking it, of lying down, and of getting up, the slaughter of the animal, the poor fellow shook distinguished diplomatist and statesman, and an exand, in short, all their little economies, must be bet- his ears, and declared himself perfectly satisfied cellent judge of both men and things. It will be ter known to them than can possibly be known "to with bull hunting for the rest of his life. consolatory and encouraging to the farmers of all my philosophy," I leave them to themselves on the A ram and four ewes, were caught on Smith's countries, and those whose attentions may be "let me alone system"-and they prove the truth of island, and sent to Arlington, many years ago. The turned toward rural affairs, and to you, sir-the American Farmer,-whose labours in that good a climate which, in point of salubrity, is equalled by secure us permanent prosperity. When, in consecause have been deservedly attended with so much few, and exceeded by no portions of the globe-quence of the late unparalleled state of the world, the with a soil which, though inferior in natural fertili-produce of our labour commanded high prices, and success. G. W. P. CUSTIS. Respectfully, yours, Arlington House, June 24, 1825. "By turning your attention to husbandry, plant- ty to much of the country lying westward, was yet wealth flowed rapidly into our country, we were ing, and the rearing of quadrupeds, whatever may in this respect greatly superior to that lying east- taught to ascribe our prosperity solely to the freebe your success, you will have at least this consola- ward; abounding in streams admirably adapted to dom of our institutions, and to confide in its pertion-that the objects of your care will not be guil- manufacturing operations, but with an obstructed petuity-this error led to habits of idleness, extraty of ingratitude: those who spend their lives in the and temporary navigation, it was obvious that until vagance and wild speculation, the true causes of all service of mankind, have not so fair a prospect." our population and the circumstances of our coun- our embarrassments. Vanity appeared to be the try should lead to the erection of numerous and ex-leading trait in our national character. We seemed tensive manufacturing establishments, our princi- to claim it as one of our privileges, to be exempt pal reliance for profit must be on the raising of live from the operation of the laws which govern the stock, to be disposed of in the eastern and southern moral world; and even when a change in the affairs markets. While our soil retained its original fer- of the world, which we ought to have foreseen and tility, and the country east of us its comparative provided against, unexpectedly took place, we still sterility, this resource could not fail us. The su- deluded ourselves with the vain hope that our misAr a regular meeting of the society, held this perior productiveness of our soil, enabled us to fortunes arose from causes of a temporary characday, the president, Thomas Emmerson, Esq. deli- compete successfully with our eastern neighbours, ter, which would soon pass away. Nay, we were vered an address on subjects connected with the notwithstanding the great advantage arising from taught to believe that the rest of the world could interests of agriculture. After which a communica- their proximity to market; and at the same time our not subsist without us. Hence the innumerable potion from Thomas G. Watkins, M. D. on the subject greater proximity to market, enabled us to compete litical nostrums to which we were exhorted to have of the falling or lodging of wheat, was read: also, with our western rivals, notwithstanding the supe- recourse for the relief of our embarrassments. Ina letter addressed by John F. Dufour, of Vevay, rior fertility of their soil. Necessity has at length stead of relying on industry and rigid economy, to Indiana, to the corresponding secretary, making compelled many of our eastern fellow citizens to remove the evils which the want of them had procertain inquiries relative to the culture of the vine. choose between the alternatives of an improvement duced, we were vainly looking to legislative interOn motion of Col. Taylor, it was of their soil and migration to the west. Some have ference in some shape or other, forgetting that there WASHINGTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. culture. D. A. DEADERICK, Rec. Sec'ry. Resolved, That the society tender to Doctor Tho-chosen the latter, and thereby added to the num- was no other honest way of getting rid of debts, mas G. Watkins, their late president, its acknow-ber of our rivals, at the same time diminishing the than by paying them; and that the government had ledgments for his public spirited exertions for the demand and increasing the supply. The west are nothing to give us but what it took from us. Nay, honour of the society, and for the interests of agri successfully engaged in the improvement of their even now, when the fallacy of such expectations soil. Should they progress in improving, and we in has been so often demonstrated, too many are still Resolved, That the committee of correspondence deteriorating our respective soils, it is easy to see looking to similar projects for relief. It is by no that the period cannot be far distant when we shall means my design to depreciate the value of free be empowered to procure a plough of the best construction, for the use of the society; and that the be no longer able to compete with them in the mar-institutions. They are truly invaluable when righttreasurer furnish the money necessary to make the ket of live stock. On what, then, shall we rely? ly appreciated; but if relied on as substitutes for On manufactures. But manufacturing establish- virtue, intelligence, industry, or economy, the result purchase. Resolved, That each member of this society ap water power and raw materials, but cheap and abun- in good earnest, to those means, and those alone, ments require not only capital, salubrity of climate, must ever be disappointment. Let us, then resort, pear at the meeting on the second Monday in April next, clothed in the manufacture of East dant supplies of labour and provisions. To suc- by which our situation can be improved. I mean Tennessee. ceed, therefore, as a manufacturing country, we industry, integrity, and economy. The first will Resolved, That the address of the president, the must have capital, a dense population, and an abun- insure us the confidence of others, and perhaps communication of Doctor Watkins, and the above dance of provisions. To obtain these, especially either the voluntary indulgence of our creditors, or resolutions and proceedings be transmitted to the the two latter, we must have a fertile soil. This we the aid of those who have it in their power to assist editors of the American Economist, Knoxville Re-can yet obtain, with comparatively great facility.-us-the two latter will supply the means of our gister, Knoxville Enquirer, and American Farmer, Our lands are very susceptible of improvement, and emancipation; for let it be remembered, that to be for publication. the means are at hand. Red clover, as well as in debt is to be in slavery. In order to accomplish most other grasses, flourish luxuriantly. The quan- this desirable end, however, we must abandon a tity of vegetable matter which our soil yet yields, course too generally pursued, which forms an in[It would be utterly impossible for us to publish affords the means of procuring abundant supplies surmountable barrier to our pecuniary prosperity; one-fourth part of the agricultural addresses that of manure. Gypsum is obtained at no great dis- it is the practice of requiring the prospect of a high are ordered to be published in the American Far-tance, and limestone and fuel are abundant. Indus price for our produce, before we will consent to mer. It was not difficult to do so six years ago, when try in the use of these materials, aided by a judi- make it. We must have money, and it can only this paper was established; but since that period, cious system of cultivation, would soon restore our be obtained by the produce of our labour, or the these associations have multiplied without number; lands to their original fertility, and enable us to sale of our property. The price of our produce, and much as we esteem the compliment of having progress in their improvement, with continually in- like that of all other people, must be proportioned addresses furnished for publication, and highly as we creasing rapidity. If, then, with the consequences to the price where it is consumed, and the expense admire them, in most cases, for their intrinsic merits, of our folly so plainly disclosed to us, we obstinate- and risk of transporting it thither. The lower that we are yet unable to do more than extract the prac-ly persist in a course of agricultural practices utter- price is, the greater should be our exertions to make tical hints they convey-and, in some cases, to give ly irreconcilable with the prosperity of our country, up by the increased quantity, for the decreased such portions of them as throw light on the pecu- we shall merit the fate that awaits us, in being com- value. This is peculiarly necessary as respects our liar features and productions of the country where pelled to choose between emigration to a more fer live stock; because the greater trouble, expense, they are delivered. This explanation, it is appre- tile region, and poverty and distress, in a country and loss of time, in collecting a drove of horses, hended, may serve for all future cases, and save us highly favoured by nature, but rendered frightfully hogs, or cattle, where they are scarce, and to be from the imputation of disrespect to the authors, or barren by our own exertions. These alternatives collected from a large tract of country, will and the matter of any address which may be forwarded. are before us, and we must speedily make our elec- ought to be taken into consideration by purchasers; One hint only would we venture to give, without tion, or wisely determine to retrace our steps, and because it is an item seriously affecting their profit. intending to apply it in any particular case-and to profit by the experience of others, whose exam- Let it be once generally known that stock are so that is, that those who are appointed to deliver ple we have too long blindly followed. But it may abundant, that droves can be as easily and speedily these addresses, would do well to avoid all apolo-be said we are in debt, and must adopt whatever collected here as elsewhere, and we shall soon find getical flourishes and long preambles about politi- course shall promise most speedily to relieve us. that instead of having no market, or being compelcal economy, and matters and things in general. This is unfortunately true; but the remedy lies not led to sell to adventurers without capital, who perThe more practical the better.] in fruitless and unavailing efforts, laboriously to ex-haps will never pay, drovers will be ready to purtract from the earth, products which we have ren- chase with money, at such prices as the eastern Extract from the Address of President Emmerson. dered her incapable of yielding; but in strict and market will justify, and it is unreasonable for us to "But if considerations of a general nature are rigid economy, accompanied by industry judicious- expect more. Under an improved system of agriinsufficient to awaken our utmost ardour, and to ly applied. If these will not save us, nothing can. culture, I am convinced experience will demonstrate call forth all our energy for the improvement of our It is much to be lamented, that our people should that more profit can be made at the present low soil, there are others arising from our local situa- have suffered themselves to be so long deluded into prices, than under the present one, at the highest tion and peculiar circumstances, which it would be the unfounded belief, that the superiority of our po- we have ever obtained, because the increase in madness to overlook. Blessed by Providence with litical institutions might alone be safely relied on to quantity will more than compensate for the diminu tion in value. It is mortifying to think, that our more technically expressed, from over luxuriance in operate upon, of course, became inert and worthneighbours in Kentucky, who have to drive their the stalk. Gentlemen of correct practical observa- less. Return to your land some portion of the stock from 150 to 300 miles farther than we have, tion, have assured me, and I have witnessed some-plaster food, either in the shape of green crops or should be every day seen travelling through this thing of the fact myself, that a crop of wheat that barn-yard manures, and I venture to predict, you state with fine droves of stock, or returning with will yield fifteen bushels to the acre, in East Ten- will restore to plaster its primitive virtues. I speak large sums of money arising from the sale of them, nessee, will full more than a crop in some other confidently, because I speak from experience. I while we are sitting down in despondency, com- parts of the United States, yielding from thirty to have this year received from the use of plaster as plaining that the prices are too low to justify our forty bushels. What is the cause of this difference, decided a benefit as I ever witnessed in my life. raising them. By industry, economy and agricul- and if any, what the remedy? I beg leave to pro- We now come to the more particular mention of tural skill, ours may soon be rendered one of the pose, through you, sir, to the Society, that, as soon | barn-yard manures, Under this head may be armost desirable sections of the Union. By indolence, as the funds will admit of it, a premium of a com- ranged the litter from your stables, the straw from extravagance, and a persistance in our former ha-plete set of the "American Farmer," or any other, your barns, and the corn-stalks and other rough bits, it must ultimately become a barren wilderness. if any other preferable work can be had, be offered provender from your fields. The most experienced If, contrary to all expectation, our people should to any member of the society, who shall furnish farmers differ materially as to the proper time for elect the latter alternative, let us, my friends, have the most profitable and satisfactory information applying this species of manure. One will tell you the consolation of reflecting, that our efforts were upon this subject. that vegetable matter should be spread upon your not wanting to produce a different result. soil in its perfectly dry state. Another, that it should be partially fermented before it is applied; and a third, that it should pass through all the stages of decomposition in your stercoraries before it is fit for use. The latter doctrine is supported by many of the Pennsylvania farmers, whose opinions on this subject are entitled to great consideration. The two first are principally entertained by Virginia cultivators. You must not infer, from this I am, respectfully, your most obed't serv't, PRACTICAL HINTS. FROM AGRICULTURAL ADDRESSES. Extract from un address delivered by W. M. BARTON: of To excite, and to gratify a desire for agricultural knowledge and improvement, nothing will be found more efficient than the perusal of the various publications which of late abound both in foreign countries and in our own. Amongst the latter, I would most earnestly recommend that valuable work, the American Farmer, published in Baltimore, by John S. Skinner. Were this paper generally difference of opinion, that either party is in error circulated among us, I am persuaded that the effect The system which certain peculiarities of soil and would be a rapid improvement of our country.— Should it be objected that the times are too hard to climate may recommend in one country, may be authorize incurring the expense, I would answer, It will be recollected, gentlemen, that when I had very exceptionable in another; and indeed it frethat every intelligent farmer who will avail himself the honor of addressing you, twelve months since, quently happens, that upon different parts of the of the knowledge to be derived from the perusal of I directed your attention to a subject of great prac-same farm it is prudent to apply manure in different that paper, will find himself, even in a pecuniary tical importance to farmers,─I mean the improve-stages of its decomposition. If your land be cold, point of view, by no means a loser. Besides, could ment of lands by the application of manures. I then adhesive and ungrateful, it is advisable to apply it not some of us save the expense, by discontinuing advised you to make experiments at least, and in in its perfectly dry state; for, by its fermentation, our support to some of those vehicles of calumny, this way to ascertain the expediency of turning that degree of warmth in which the soil is deficient, ribaldry and party rancour, which serve only to de- under green crops, as an auxiliary to the litter of will be supplied; its tenacity will be destroyed by ceive and corrupt the people, to sap the very foun- your farm-yards. In this country, it is impracticable its mechanical influence-and it will be rendered dation of our government, and to degrade our coun- to pursue any rotation of your principal crops, that generous and productive. But, if your lands be try in the estimation of all virtuous and intelligent will improve your lands, support your families, and sufficiently porous, and only so far unproductive as men. I by no means wish to depreciate the merit insure you a reasonable profit, without great atten- arises from the absence of fertilizing matter, which of those political publications which are conducted tion to the article of manures. By uniting green is certainly the case with a large proportion of our with candour, decency, and ability, and which fur- crops with your barn yard and fossil manures, you lands, I would advise the application of manure after nish us with useful and correct information relative will be enabled to return to the soil as inuch fertiliz- it had undergone a partial decomposition in your to our political concerns. The more extensive the ing matter as is annually withdrawn from it; and barn-yards. After all, there can be no established circulation of these, the better, but it must be ad- by pursuing the system recommended by our best or universal standard on this subject: your judgmitted that those of an opposite character abound farmers, of always having twice as much of your ment must dictate the proper course to pursue in the United States to an injurious extent. lands in grass as in wheat, you not only prevent under the various circumstances that may exist. Since our last meeting, I have received a copy of them from deteriorating, but you insure them cer- I shall this day, however, present to the society, Sir John Sinclair's "Code of Agriculture." For this tain and positive improvement. Let me here re-at its private meeting, a letter from one of its valuable addition to our small library, we are in- commend to you the renewed application of plaster honorary members, the late John Taylor, of Carodebted to the patriotism of Jesse Beane, Esq., for- paris to your lands. I am aware that many of you line, on the subject of vegetable manures, from merly of this state, now of Alabama, who has pre-who formerly reposed the most implicit confidence which, I am well assured, some valuable informasented it to our society as a testimonial of his re-in its virtues, and applied it extensively, have lately tion may be gathered. And here I am reminded abandoned its use altogether, under the impression that some tribute is due to the memory of that great gard for his native state. tent to the task. I have endeavoured, my friends, to perform the that it was either injuring your lands, or, at best, and good man, who not only bore so conspicuous a task expected of me, as well as my capacity and had become useless and inoperative. Rest assured part in the councils of the nation, but was equally the want of health and leisure would permit. I you do it great injustice. Admit that plaster has distinguished for his literary and scientific attainam aware that some of my remarks are not very from its improper application been the means of ments; for his unwearied and successful devotion flattering to our vanity. They appeared to me, impoverishing our lands; this is no argument against to agriculture; for his affectionate and amiable however, to be founded in truth, and therefore to its proper and reasonable use. You may as well heart, and his gentle and conciliating deportment; demand attention. Under more favourable circum- refuse to employ iron implements upon your farms, and for his rigid adherence to that whole series of stances, they should have been more fully illustrat- because weapons of war are made of the same ma- duties which attach to the humble relations of pried. As it is, they are submitted, from the purest terial; you may as well object to the use of the vate life. He now sleeps in the bosom of the earth, motives, and with an earnest desire that they may most salutary medicine, because somebody has been which, while living, he so fondly cherished, and so soon be more ably elucidated by one more compe- injured by incautiously taking a double dose; nay, diligently cultivated. Perhaps no gorgeous monuyou may upon the same principle, reject the very mental pile, or laboured epitaph, denotes to the aliment of life-your ordinary meat and drink- passing traveller that here is the tomb of moral exbecause gluttony and intemperance have slain their cellence or of political greatness. Perhaps the thousands. By the excessive use of plaster, your clods of his own valley rest unbroken upon his relands were suddenly stimulated; and all their ener- mains, and he boasts no other monument than the gies being called into action at once, their produce simple sod-the farmer's sod-placed and nurtured was immense beyond all former example. The vege-by the pious hand of gratitude and affection upon table matter that had been accumulating for years, the humble grave of departed worth. With us, was, by some peculiar property in the plaster, ex- however, as members of the same association, and In our efforts to advance the improvement of tracted from the baser soil, and converted into living co-workers with him in the great cause of agriculTennessee agriculture, it would seem to be an im- plants. This, although an admirable process, was tural improvement, he claims a lasting and grateful portant desideratum to ascertain, as early and as necessarily of limited duration. The sole virtue of remembrance. With his precepts and practice satisfactorily as may be done, whether there is any the plaster consisting in this,-its effect upon dor-before us, it becomes us to follow, though at humble practicable method for increasing the product of mant vegetable matter, as soon as this matter distance; his illustrious footsteps. We should learn wheat per acre, without its falling, or lodging, asl became exhausted, the plaster, having no subject to from his example, that the pursuits of science, and The other business of the society now demands our attention. Extract from the communication of Dr. Thomas G. Society. DEAR SIR, Careland, Feb. 22, 1825. even the ignoble employments of husbandry, are The construction of those machines is simple, and I Q. How many orders are there of the fourteenth not wholly irreconcileable with devoted patriotism do not believe that a description of their different class (Didynamia,) and how are they known? and public usefulness-that these modern days, with parts, and the manner of putting them in operation, A. In the fourteenth class there are only two all their reprobacy, are not too degenerate to pro- (being probably known to the writer,) would be of orders, which depend on the presence or absence of duce another and another Cincinnatus, who, like any utility. A WASHITA FARMER. the pericarp or seed-vessel. him of old, would desert the plough for the senate, and, the emergency over, descend again to the drudgery of the field. Let us contemplate this admirable model-meditate upon its many excellencies and earnestly resolve to "go and do likewise." CULTURE OF COTTON. SIR, MILLET. Charleston, S. C., 13th June, 1825. 1. Gymnospermia. Naked seeds in the bottom of the calyx: as in mint, dead nettle, and thyme. 2. Angiospermia. Seeds enclosed in a pericarp; as in fox-glove, eye-bright, wood-flax, and. fig-wort. Q. What orders are there of the fifteenth class? A. Two, which are taken from a difference in the of the pericarp. 1. Siliculosa. Seeds enclosed in a silicle, or roundish seed-vessel, consisting of two pieces called valves, and the seeds fixed to both edges, or satures, as in shepherd's purse and cress. IN that very interesting communication on the principal gramina, useful, or likely to be useful in husbandry-by the late Mr. Girardin, I observe that he speaks of several species of millet or holcus form -viz: holcus spicatus, or Egyptian millet; holcus J. S. SKINNER, Esq. Washita 20th May, 1825. socyhum, or French millet. Among these, it apSir, I have seen in one of your papers, an ar pears, that there are several varieties; one particuticle on the culture of cotton, which is a very valua-arly (the variety gamma of the holcus spicatus,) ble one. The only objection which might be made which must be of importance to us in this southern to it, is, the writer's advice not to accelerate the section of the Union, as I presume that from the growth of the plant by too much culture. It might similarity of our climate to that of Egypt, it would have been very correct to have suggested it as a thrive here. When practical men communicate the Q. How are the orders of the next four classes probable method to prevent the rot, in the country results of their experiments, they are apt to use the known? where the gentleman resides; but I do not think it common name without adverting to the botanical A. In the classes Monadelphia, Diadelphia, Polya-` would be prudent to adopt it here. I have uniform- names of plants. This frequently breeds confusion, delphia, and Gynandria, the orders are distinguished ly observed that the best cultivated fields, cæteris and in no instance more, perhaps, than in the case by the number of stamens, viz. Pentandria, five staparibus, produced the most cotton. I never could of millet. As it appears to have excited consider mens; Hexandria, six stamens, &c. see that the most luxuriant growth produced the able attention at the north, it is much to be desired Q. How many orders are there in the nineteenth most rot. I could rather assert the contrary, hav- that some of your useful correspondents would point class (Syngenesia?) Your obedient serv't, A CONSTANT READER. 2. Siliquosa. Seeds enclosed in a silique, or long seed-vessel; as in mustard. Q. Which is the first? A. Polygamia Equalis; having both stamens and pistils in the same floret, as in dandelion, thistle, &c. Q. Which is the second? A. Polygamia Superflua; when the flower is com posed of two parts-a disk, or central part, and rays or petals projecting outwards; as in the sunflower, tansy, daisy, camomile, &c. ing generally observed most of that disease in the out which species is most preferred, and what vari- A. There are six orders in the nineteenth class. same field, in spots of poorer land occasionally in- eties of such species. I should wish to know whe-which are taken from the structure of the flower. tervening in the richest soil. In the new grounds, ther the variety gamma, already referred to, is to where vegetation is extremely strong, the cotton be met with in this country. Perhaps that enlightrots less than in lands cultivated many years since. ened agriculturist, Col. J. H. Powel, could give the We never manure our fields here. The soil, after desired information. having been cultivated for a long space of time, some for forty years, still produces very good crops. The owners of cotton gins, however, generally spread about one inch thick of cotton seed on the poorest parts of their farm; and it proves a most excellent manure. When made use of fresh, its DEAR SIR, effects are sensibly felt for five or six years. If Our prospects for crops are only tolerable-corn employed after it has rotted in heaps, its duration looks well, but the cotton is unusually small and irdoes not exceed four years; but it is always better regular, from the great quantity planted, however, to plant corn or other grain for the first crop in the there must be a considerable quantity made-perfield thus manured-for experience has taught that haps 150 to 200,000 bags. cotton planted the same year is harder to gather; it adheres much more to the bole capsula, and the gatherers cannot pick as much. The second year that effect is less; it is null the third. AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS. rust, and some by the fly. BOTANY. PINNOCK'S CATECHISM OF BOTANY. (Continued from page 111.) CHAPTER VI. Of the Orders of Plants. Q. On what are the Orders founded? Q. Which the third? A. Polygamia Frustranea; the florets of the centre perfect or united; those of the margin without either stamens or pistils; as blue-bottles. Q. The fourth? disk, though apparently perfect, are not really so, A. Polygamia Necessaria; where the florets in the and therefore produce no perfect seed; but the fertility of the pistilliferous floscules in the ray compensate for the deficiency of those in the centre of the flower, as in the marygold. Q. The fifth? A. Polygamia Segregata; when each of the florets has a calyx, besides the common or general calyx of the flower. Q. Which is the sixth? A. Monogamia; when the flower is not compound, but single, and the anther united. Q. From what are the orders formed in the next three classes? A. In the classes Gynandria, Monacia, and Dia As to the distance of planting, I have no doubt but the one prescribed by the writer, is the best for the soil he cultivates, and the climate which sheds its influence on his crop-but in this country, where vegetation stalks on with gigantic strides, and a luxuriancy hardly equalled any where, cotton is planted much farther apart. I have some in a piece of new ground, (which, however, had before this produced four crops of corn,) planted on the 21st of April last, at a distance of more than 7 feet- A. The formation of the orders is as ingenious and I think I should have done much better to have and simple as that of the classes. In the first thir-cia, the orders are formed from the number, and sown it at 8 feet between the rows, leaving a space teen classes, the orders are founded wholly on the other peculiarities of the stamens: of at least two feet between each stock in the row. number of the pistils; so that by adding gynia in- Monandria, It will certainly interlock more than I should wish. stead of andria, to the Greek words signifying the Diandria, &c. I am convinced that a different mode of culture numbers, they will be easily recollected. Where Polandria, ought to be adopted in different soils and different they are not distinguished by the number of the Monadelphia, olimates. pistils, their names are taken from some circum-Polyadelphia, stances relative to the stamens, pistils, or seed. Gynandria, Q Name the first thirteen orders. A. Monogynia, As to the best mode of packing the cotton, as the writer expresses a wish to know the most expeditious and cheapest method to put it in square bagsI can only say, that in the one generally made use of here, the pressure of the cotton is performed with two wooden screws, 11 inches to one foot diameter, probably in a manner similar to the one alluded to by that gentleman. With a cotton press of that description, four good hands will make 7 or 8 bales a day. I have known them to go even as far as 10-each bale averaging 400 lbs., measuring four feet in length, 20 to 22 inches wide, and two feet high. When taken from under the pressure, they will naturally swell to a size a little larger.— |