In all the ports. 430,000 Import of U. States Cotton. 1823 409,721 254,721 Deficiency, = 155,000 Stock of U. States Cotton. 1823 1824 Difference, 61,750 124,450 The N. Orleans, &c. export will equal 250,000. papers. ALDERNEY COW. THOMAS JOHNSTON. Baltimore county, 3rd. Sept. 1825. A heifer calf from the above cow, by an Alderney bull, was sold to Commodore Chauncey, and by him taken to the state of New York. WHITE FLINT WHEAT-AGAIN. [By the following, as well as former favours of our correspondents, the subscribers to this journal will see our anxiety and labour to collect the best information for their use, on the leading objects of their pursuit.] DEAR SIR, Talbot, Sept. 8th, 1825. You some time since asked me what our farmers thought of the white flint wheat, and I have inquired of several who sowed small parcels of it. The general opinion is certainly favourable. It is a vigorous growing wheat, with a very strong, harsh MR. J. S. SKINNER, · Baltimore, 9th Sept. 1825 straw. A gentleman of Virginia has expressed the Sir.-A pretty general opinion having prevailed opinion, that it is a fine sample of the Lawler. I that Alderney cattle are not quick feeders, nor of a thought so too, from the appearance of the grain. size to be an object for graziers or victuallers, and a But it is a better yielding wheat in rich and fresh decided instance to the contrary having occurred manured lands; does not throw so much into straw, with me, I deem the result not unworthy a place in and ripens earlier-indeed, a fraction earlier than your valuable journal. our favourite white wheat. With regard to the You may recollect I became possessed of one of hessian fly, of its resistance or non-resistance, I can Import of Cotton into Great Britain, till the 23d June ton in 1819, she proved a superior mother, and for on thin ground, manured and well prepared, under the Alderney cows, imported by Mr. James Creigh-give you but one authentic instance. It was sowed a few months after calving would give 18 quarts per like circumstances, and alongside of a parcel hav- HENRY THOMPSON. I hereby certify, that I purchased a few days since One gentleman, who sowed it late in October, had it to ripen off later, and to rust-and this is the only adverse opinion I have heard of here. The samples sent us were very mixed; and one barrel, I believe direct from Albany, turned out to be wholly red chaff. Very respectfully, your obed't serv't, MR. SKINNER, ANTIDOTE TO THE WEVIL. Baltimore, Sept. 10th, 1825. During the life time of my worthy friend, the late Philip Thomas, esq. of Cecil county, Maryland, he communicated to me that any species of crawfish when in a putrid state, was an antidote to the mischievous and destructive insect, the wevil. A few crabs in a putrid state, I conjecture would have the same effect-they being put in different situations on the floor of a barn or warehouse, in a short time the wevil will disappear. I have never made any experiment myself Your most obdt. servant, HENRY ALEXANDER. at its cattle show, exhibition, &c., to be held in covered, is dried up by the first heats, and loses its For the best do. narrow do. 10 yds. 10 10 10 12 Best piece of carpeting, not less than 20 do. Best piece flaxen linen, yard wide, Best piece lindsey, Best piece diaper Best piece tow linen, Best piece hemp linen, do. do. do. Best pair knit woollen stockings. Best pair knit flax 10 10 10 15 Best pair knit gloves, of any material. The society intend awarding premiums for stock ARTICLE V. On the first Tillage. This work should be commenced generally at the end of March, or at least in April; in my opinion it should not be done until the vines begin to shoot, particularly in vineyards of humid soils. Vineyards tilled too early, do not thrive like those which are tilled late; the cold rains which fall generally in this season, harden the earth. Nevertheless, a distinction should be made: if the vineyards are situated on a declivity, of a light and gravelly soil, they may be worked early without receiving any injury, and likewise be greatly benefitted by it, the earth having time to settle, and thus preserve the humidity which protects it from the heat of the summer, and of which it would be deprived were this operation performed too late, and in dry and hot weather. The depth in working them depends on the depth of the soil of the vineyard, which varies from 5 to 10 and 12 inches in the vineyards around Vevey. There should be two spadings on each spot, that Dear Sir.-The summer just ended has been the warmest we have experienced for many years. The mercury has been at 1 o'clock, P. M. ten times above 90 deg. On the 19th July, it rose to 95 deg. The and farming utensils, as usual, a list of which will the vineyard may be well cultivated. By the first medium temperature of June was 84 3-10 deg.-Ju-be made out and published, when a better state of spading the earth is turned; and at the second, the ly, 83 deg.-August, 82 7-10 deg. the treasury is ascertained. The object in publish- earth that remains at the bottom of the furrow is Although the heat has been so excessive, we were ing at present, is with a view to give timely notice taken up, that all may be of an equal depth. The highly favoured with refreshing rains and almost to all persons, both manufacturers by profession and method of digging out the earth should not at all universal health. Rain fell on 32 days during the private families. The society, therefore, anticipate be adopted. They who do not turn up the earth at last 3 months to the depth of 12 6-10 inches. a very interesting variety of domestic goods gene- all, do still more injury-the vineyard is filled CROPS.-Wheat unusually fine; rye, good; oats, rally. much sooner with pernicious weeds, and becomes, a middling crop; grass, good; corn, very abundant; The society have elected Messrs. John McPher- thereby, more difficult to keep clean during the roots and vegetables, abundant; apples, under half son, Richard Potts, George Baer, Sebastian Graff, year. By turning over the earth, a great part of a crop; peaches, none. and Joseph L. Smith, a committee in pursuance of the seeds of weeds is covered up sufficiently deep the provisions of a part of the fifteenth article of to prevent them from springing up again. If the the constitution, which are as follow: "that a stand- surface of the earth is dry when the first tillage is ing committee of five be annually appointed to re-given, the work will be better. To do this work to Mr. Darby, the geographer, says, the most valua-ceive and examine specimens of fruits grown in the the best advantage, too many large spadings should able vegetable production of Michigan and North County, and make report of the specimens exhibit- not be made, particularly in vineyards on a decliviWest territories, is the wild rice, (zizania aquatica.) ed, to the next meeting of the society." ty, where the earth should be prevented from falling It grows abundantly in the marshes, ponds, lakes, Mr. R. Potts' office was determined upon as the below, as much as possible. Attention should be and rivers of these territories, and exists upon other place of deposit, for all fruit sent for the inspection paid not to work them when the earth is wet, or streams and lakes in a greater or less quantity from of the above committee, where all persons having when there is any appearance of rain; under such Louisiana to the arctic circle. It vegetates spon-them, each in its respective season, for the purpose yard which will have been tilled sufficiently the choice fruits of any kind, are hereby invited to send circumstances, it is extremely pernicious. A vinetaneously; the appearance is more beautiful than that of wheat, and the grain is sweet and nutritious of furthering the general designs of the society. WILD RICE. JOHN MCPHERSON, Pres't. HORTICULTURE. ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE VINE. first time, should be tilled very deep the second time, when dry, and immediately after the digging. If these precautions are not observed, the vines will only vegetate and turn yellow, and the produce will be comparatively inferior to those which have been cultivated well. They who are in the habit of digging too late, do wrong. A vineyard which is left too long in the state in which it is found generally before it is worked, is considerably retarded; it is deprived of all the influence which (Translated for the American Farmer, from late num- the vernal sun exercises over it, and of the benefit A western writer describes it as "growing six or seven feet above the water, where the water is from one to seven feet deep, the stalk resembling the reed-cane of Kentucky, and the branches those of oats." Some Indian tribes live almost entirely upon this vegetable. In the narrative of Major Long's Expedition to the source of St. Peter's river, it is stated that the Chippewas chiefly subsist upon the wild rice, and the manner in which they obtain it is thus described: "They go in canoes, two men in each canoe, armed with long poles, into the rivers or lakes where it grows; one of the men with his pole turns down into the canoe the plant from one side, and the other threshes it until all the grain is separated from the stem. The same operation is Some vine-dressers, even at Vaux, remove the turning over the earth as it should be, and it may performed on the other side-after which they re-earth only every two or three years. This method is be added, that whatever precautions are taken, some move the canoe to another place, and continue un- pernicious, for the earth settled towards the bottom, of the grapes will be destroyed, and the branches til they have obtained a supply. They often collect especially in vineyards situated on a declivity, bu- which may be broken off will not the less, in this case, with ease from 20 to 30 bushels per day." The ries the lower vines, and, on the contrary, leaves also diminish the crop, and deform the appearance grain is subsequently dried, trampled under feet to those at the top part uncovered. Grapes cannot of the vines. All the roots which are not sufficienteparate the hull, and winnowed by stirring it in ripen on vines which are too much covered; more-ly deep should be cut off, and not pulled up as many wooden platters exposed to a gentle wind. over, so much earth being put against the walls, vine-dressers are accustomed to do. It is the cusrenders them liable to be washed in very rainy wea- tom at Vevey, to prop them, in giving the first tilFREDERICK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. should be renewed every year, during dry weather, ful that the props which he puts down, should not ther. I am, therefore, of opinion, that the earth lage. In this case, the digger should be very careAr a meeting of the Frederick county Agricultu- and before the vines begin to shoot. The top row have their ends decayed; he should break off with ral Society, held at Talbott's city hotel, in Frede-of the vineyard, that which is next to the wall, his hand the decayed part, and put down the prop rick, on Wednesday, the 10th of August, 1825- should be dug out before the earth is carried to it, on the lower side of the vine, between the prongs. and if that part of the vineyard requires to be ma- They should be put down solidly, by giving them it was Resolved, That for the purpose of encouraging do-nured, the manure must be applied before the earth some blows with the head of the spade, to strike mestic manufactures in Frederick county, this soci- has been changed, and not put on afterwards. By them down. To know if it is sufficiently solid, take ety will award premiums, for the following articles, acting otherwise, the manure not being sufficiently it by the top and draw it to you; if it springs back and returns to its place, it is a certain mark that it is sufficiently deep. On level vineyards, the props should be put down perpendicularly, and in vineyards on a declivity, they should be bent upwards according to the slope of the earth. ARTICLE VI. ARTICLE IX. the grapes have faded, they require to be left per- injury by bruising the grapes, notwithstanding every fectly still. When they are tied before they blos- attention and care. In all cases this should be done som, if the wood is long enough, they are not much in dry weather, if you wish to destroy the grass, injured, if it is not in plentiful grape-years, nor except in vineyards of a flat and sandy soil, and exrainy ones. In plentiful years, the great number of posed to the drought, which are the first to be tilled branches being tied to props, keep the grapes shady a second time, and, if possible, when the earth is a and fresh; but then they blossom badly, and lose little moist. In those vineyards the second labour On the removal of the earth from the Roots. the blossom with greater difficulty, which causes a should not be too deep. If it is a fit season no risk I will only make a few remarks on this work, part of the fruit to fall. The worms destroy the is incurred by working them when the vineyard is which is not performed in the vineyards about Ve- grapes in the shade, more than those exposed to the in blossom; provided the labourer take precautions vey, but which I have attended to for many years sun. In cold and rainy years, you should not be not to touch the grapes, especially if it is a late seain my vineyards, and which I see with pleasure too eager to bind them, but wait until they blossom. son. The earth should be well turned. The vines adopted by my neighbours, on account of the ad- The grapes which are near the earth and more ex- which have been worked badly in digging should vantages which result from it. This work is ne- posed to the sun, bloom more easily, and more receive the second tillage, very deep, and when it is glected, probably, because few are propagated, not-quickly lose their blossom; which is not the case dry. He who gives the second tillage, should keep withstanding the great number of vineyards. The when the vine is tied before it blooms. Every thing all his earth from 4 to 6 inches in depth. Some method of replanting the vineyard has been prefer that prevents and retards them in the losing their vine-dressers will not permit their vines to receive red to propagation by slips-for as soon as a vine- flowers, should be carefully avoided; for, if the a second tillage when the earth is dry, and the vineyard is decayed, it can be renewed by the means grape keeps its blossom a long time, it is a proof yard is in blossom. They pretend that the dust, of cuttings. This method possesses many advan- that it will not thrive. It is best to observe a me- which is made in working them a second time, settages, especially that of making a good selection dium, which consists in commencing commonly tles in the blossoms and makes the fruit run. I was of cuttings, which conduces easily to obtain, in when the grapes begin to bloom; but then you of this opinion myself; but, after having examined the end, a better produce. Opening the earth should be careful not to perform this work when the thing more closely, I perceived it to be the rearound the roots should take place very early.the vines are wet, either with dew or rain. By not sult of prejudice. For if this were the case, the This work is performed with a bossoir, (spade;) attending to this precaution, a great part, and per- vines along the highways which are always covered it consists in opening the earth about the bottom haps half of the harvest, may be lost; especially if with dust in dry weather, would not yield any fruit; of the layers set the preceding years, particularly it is a delicate kind, such as the Fendant Roux.- but it is well known that they are as fine, at the time those of the last year, to ascertain if they have sent Some vine dressers strip off the leaves very unsea- of vintage, in those places as in any other. forth roots too near the surface of the earth; in this sonably, whilst, on the contrary, they should all be case, the labourer should be very careful to cut preserved as much as possible. To strip off the them. When this work is done early, it is attended leaves, is in some measure to kill the vine. HowOn Topping. (Biochage, or Pincage.) with this advantage, that the sap will not run ever, in rich vineyards, which produce a great deal This work should be performed immediately after through the roots that are cut off; but if this is per- of wood and large leaves, and where the grapes de- the grapes have blossomed and have fruited, if it formed late, the layer becomes necessarily weaken-cay before they arrive at maturity, on account of was not done at the time of tying them. It consists ed. You should, likewise, in cleaning the roots, great humidity, it would be well to nip off some of in removing all the wood which has grown between take off the buds where there are too many, which the leaves, particularly those which surround the the leaves since they were trimmed, or which was is commonly the case; you can, moreover, elevate central ones. There are small leaves found at the forgotten the first time; and topping all the branches the layer, in order to make it level with the other bottom of the stalk, which should always be nipped even with the prop, which should be 4 feet long. If off, in order that the stalk of the leaf may remain the trellis be shorter, the branches should be left a fitted to the branch to nourish the bud, which should little longer, and all that require it, tied successivebe cut the following year. Most vine-dressers make ly. Vines which have not wood sufficiently long to On stripping the Leaves, and Tying. two or three stories to the prop with branches; they reach to the top of the trellis, are tied without being The first thing that should be observed in strip- tie the smallest first, the middle next, and the larg-topped; for it is important that the trellis should be ping, would be to remove all the useless buds. This est last. This method of tying the vines, prevents covered, as well for the preservation of the vine, as work should be done as soon as the grapes are seen, them from thriving; the small branches which were for its appearance. If you put off this work till too and the buds are six inches long. The method of tied first, are all the year under the shade of the late, great injury will be done to the annual produce, stripping the buds early, is infinitely preferable to large ones-the grapes remain green, and do not to the following one, and to the quality of the wine; that which most vine-dressers pursue-which is, not thrive as well as the largest, and, as I have already the vine being exhausted by the length of the branchto commence until the spurious buds have grown to observed, the insects being thus protected, do much es and the great number of suckers, the vine-branchthe injury of the good ones. It is well to observe; more injury. The proper way of tying, is to make es cannot acquire that strength and thickness, which that when this work is performed early, some of one tie to each horn, fixing the small shoots to the is the only guarantee of a good harvest the following the best buds are liable to be destroyed-but this larger branch, and this last to the prop: so that the year. In wet seasons the vine grows with much evil is nothing in comparison to the great advan-number of ties on the prop will not exceed four. more luxuriance than in dry ones, they should theretages they derive from the sap being furnished The advantage of this method is to throw all the fore be topped and cleaned twice, if not thrice. more abundantly, which makes them thrive. When grapes outside of the trellis, by which means they are With regard to vineyards which suffer from drought this work is done late, the sap runs more freely, better exposed to the influence of the sun. Besides, and where the leaves wither, I have consulted many the cuts of the buds being larger and deeper than the topping is more easily performed, insects are no experienced vine-dressers, and the most of them when it is done early. I repeat it, that stripping longer to be so much dreaded, the fruit ripens bet- have told me, and I was of the same opinion myself, the buds in time is attended with invaluable advan-ter and acquires a better flavour. Care should be that they ought to be kept well topped, which causes tages. Pruning (or stripping the buds,) consists in had, not to tie the leaves with the branches, and the sap to return, and checks the disease; but I have leaving no more than two branches on each horn still less, the grapes, which is but too often done. seen it proved on the contrary, that when a vine (or crook,) unless they should have grapes. This The branches must be well secured to the trellis, is well covered with these long branches, it suffers exception is only applied to flourishing vineyards: and not too near to their extremities. vines. ARTICLE VII. for young vineyards should only have two branches on each horn. Not more than four to six branches should be left on each vine, provided there be no grapes. This thinning should not take place until ARTICLE VIII. Of the Second Tillage. less from the heat. Vineyards exposed to drought and where the leaves burn, should be worked in a dry season as soon as the leaves appear, which lessens their liability to suffer from drought. In general vines require to be topped every year. It is at this time, that the branches which were not done before, and where the vine-branches were too short, Although this work appears of little importance, the branches are tied with straw; for were this ope- it presents likewise its advantages and deserves at ration done sooner, the vineyard would be conside- tention. Some vine-dressers begin the second tilrably injured by storms, frosts, hail, and other ac-lage as soon as they have tied the vine, others later are topped. cidents. They who thin, should be very careful in when the grapes are ripening. As the second tillage Some vine-dressers top at the time of tying, or of selecting the branches which they wish to cut. The is a work quickly done, it is advantageous to select removing the shoots that grow among the leaves, one which is outside should be generally left, though a good time. The most favourable is when the and others not at all; some find that it causes the it should not have any fruit. When the branches blossoms have faded. Vineyards which receive the sap to flow again into the interior, and thence to the are long enough, they are fastened to a prop, which second tillage too soon are attended with this disad- fruit; others on the contrary, are of opinion that it is called tying, or binding. When the grapes are vantage, that the grapes do not thrive as well as in is very advantageous. Having made several expein blossom, is the time to be selected for this work. those which have had it at the proper time; they are riments on this subject, I have discovered that no They who tie them up too late, experience a consi- more liable to disease in case of hail. They who injury will result from topping them as they are tied, derable loss in their crop, the grapes already faded give them the second tillage too late, when the if it is not such vines, as have not branches long being exposed to the sun, fall partially. As soon as grapes are ripening, are apt to do them a serious enough to cover the trellis. With regard to these (From the National Ægis.) last you should wait till they have grown sufficiently being absorbed by these destructive plants. It is it in your valuable paper, with a confident hope that to admit of this operation. It might be deferred therefore of the utmost importance to vine-dressers it will be read by every farmer of Maryland. W. later without any disadvantage, provided the top-to keep their vineyards clean, particularly when ping be done after the grapes are formed. To re- manure is very scarce. The best way to destroy turn to the custom of early topping, have not all the grass is to root it up with an iron rake, (rablois) tural Society, the Rev. Joseph Goffe, of Milbury, one At the late Cattle Show of the Worcester Agriculvine-dressers frequently seen branches broken by after the vintage; by this means the vineyard will of its members, presented for the premium propostying before and at the time of blossoming, and that continue clean till the season for working it, at which ed by the Trustees, a barrel of Cider, of excellent notwithstanding the grapes were very fine and close? time you will be well rewarded for having cleaned it, by the facility with which the labourers accele- taste and body. The cider was used at the table rate their work. The iron rake is well calculated| and was pronounced by competent judges to be for destroying the grass; with this instrument you worthy of the premium, which was adjudged to be Every vine-dresser is well aware that if the vines can succeed much better than with the hand. Those paid, upon the requisite certificate of the mode of are not manured, they will not produce well; it is who use it, may in some measure give a third work-making and preserving it, being filed with the severy important therefore, to manure them. We ing even before vintage; this can be done without cretary. The reverend gentleman has since furnishwill attend now to the manner of using it and the touching the grapes, pulling up with the hand, the tion upon the subject, which is now published, by ed the following useful and instructive communicakind which suits each soil. 1st, in the spring, at the grass immediately under the vine. A sure means order of the Trustees, for the notice and informatime of the first tillage;-2d, in the summer, when to get rid of these injurious plants, is, not to let the tion of the public. they are worked a second time;--and 3d, in autumn, seeds ripen. At a certain period it would, perhaps, after the vintage, are the seasons generally selected be very dangerous to pull up the grass; this is be ARTICLE X. On Manuring Vines. ARTICLE XII. Of Gardening in Vineyards. cultural Society. Owing to the lateness of the time in which I entered the barrel of cider for premium at the Cattle Show in Worcester, occasioned by unexpected delays, I did not accompany it with an account of the manner in which it was made and preserved. will supply that deficiency by transmitting to you the following statement. I to manure the ground; they are equally good, pro- tween the first working and the binding; for the To the President and Trustees of the Worcester Agrivided the earth be not too moist nor the weather too branches of the vine being then very long, it is harddry. Autumn is however the most favourable sea-ly possible to rake the vineyard without risking the GENTLEMEN, son to do this work successfully. The manure which loss of many of the branches. This work should is buried in the ground should be well dried, it de- not therefore be done, till immediately after they composes better than when it is wet. Those who are tied. cover it should take care not to press it with their feet. The method of carrying manure to the vineyard long beforehand, is very bad, for the quality of the manure becomes worse daily, if the weather is At the commencement of my establishment, blind dry. Those who spread it beforehand even in au- to my true interests and not being acquainted with It has, for many years, been a considerable obtumn, with the intention of not covering it till the the culture of the grape, I gathered annually from ject with me to make and preserve good cider in following spring, cause it to lose at least half its my vineyards about 5 or 7 bags of Indian corn, and my house for family use. To obtain this desirable strength; those who bury it in the earth when it is 2 or 3 of beans. For some years past I have not object, I have made several experiments; and I wet, especially when it rains afterwards, injure seri- planted a seed; and I am well convinced that the flatter myself, not wholly without success. It must ously the vineyard and the two following crops;-introduction of any kind of vegetable is prejudicial be obvious to every one, upon the least reflection, this should be particularly attended to. All kinds to a vineyard. that clean casks are essential to its preservation in of manure are not equally good for every soil; some a state fit to be used. Unless these are kept clean even do more harm than good: for example-the and sweet, it is impossible the cider preserved in manure of horses, sheep, or goats, if it is not well them should be good. Dirty, musty casks, ruin a rotted, when buried in a light sandy soil, exposed Those who wish to plant a vineyard in a place great portion of the cider that is usually made. My to the drought where the leaves burn, would lose a where vines have never before grown, should choose first attention, therefore, is turned to my casks; and great deal if the season were in the least dry. Cow cuttings from a good stock; the petite blanchette suits my practice is, as soon as a barrel is emptied, to and hog manure are better adapted to such soils; best. As cuttings generally succeed well in such wash it thoroughly, then scald it; and after drying manure however, which is too much rotted, is not soils, and give much wood, the blanchette is prefer- it in the sun for several days, to put it by, in some so favourable to vegetation. When the manure is able, because it yields less wood and a greater abun- dry place, for future use. ARTICLE XIII. Of Planting Vines in new ground. in a state of fermentation, or immediately after, is dance of grapes. If you wish to plant the vineyard My apples are of the common kind, partly natuthe best time to put it in the earth. The manure in a meadow, field, or green turf, you must pay ral and partly grafted. Those with which I make of cows and sheep suits heavy and moist soils, and great attention to removing all the sods or stubble my best cider, are gathered about the middle of those vineyards which have a flat exposure. All which you find there, before ploughing up the October, and laid on an open floor, where they are vineyards do not require the same quantity of ma- ground. For if they are buried it may alter the qua- suffered to lie under a free circulation of air, until nure; soils which are naturally rich will not require lity of the cuttings. In general, vineyards planted they become mellow. From the floor, the apples manuring more than once in four years, and once in in new ground, do not yield as soon as in those where are taken to the mill and ground. For this part of three years is sufficient for a light sandy soil. It is vines have formerly grown: in the former the vines the process, I always prefer a clear day, when the well to observe that too much manure is very inju- grow large and yield but little fruit; but there is a air is cool and dry, that the aqueous part of the rious to the quantity of wine, the grapes rot much means of making them produce well, by putting on juice may evaporate as much as possible. The quicker, the branches are more brittle, and the wine manure which has gone through a fermentation. pomace is suffered to be in the trough until the cannot be so well preserved in cellars. If, instead They must be pruned once or twice more than next morning, when it is put upon the press. This, of manuring the ground every three or four years, is usual, according to the strength of the stalk: by I think, is essential to the goodness of the cider, as you would take the trouble to put every year the this means they will produce less wood and a great- it serves to mellow it, and to give it a higher colour third or fourth of the same quantity of manure, you er abundance of grapes. When you perceive them and richer flavour And that these advantages may would find it much better; for by these means, the beginning to lose their vigour, they are then to be be increased, I choose to express the juice slowly, vines would always preserve the same strength and pruned according to the method pointed out in the wishing to occupy the space of three days at least, Article 3d, on pruning. to make a pressing of eight or ten barrels, or even It were to be wished that all vine-dressers would of a less quantity. When removed from the press, imitate those who have the good habit of clearing the casks are placed in the open air, exposed as the old stalks of moss: this useless plant retains mois- much as possible to the heat of the sun, where they ture and freshness, and serves as a retreat for in-are allowed to remain until the first fermentation sects, these are so many causes which hasten the ceases, and the liquor becomes clear and of a vinous decay of the vine. verdure. ARTICLE XI. RURAL ECONOMY. Of the Grass which is destructive to Vineyards. It is well known to every vine-dresser that grass in general is pernicious to vineyards, consequently care should be taken to destroy it. It injures the quality of the wine, is destructive to the produce of the vine, and causes it to decay much sooner than it otherwise would; the quality of the wine is injured by the freshness the vine receives from the grass, the sun not having the power of warming the earth, as in vineyards that are kept clean; grass too is destructive to the produce by receiving the nourishment from the soil which is only destined to assist TO THE EDITOr of the Baltimore Patriot: the vegetation of the vine. The vine experiences a Sir,-Having had some experience in cider-mak- it from ever acquiring an unpleasant acidity, and premature decay from the same cause, the manure, ing, and being satisfied that the following article is improves its flavour and quality. The cider is then which is intended to make them more productive, in all respects true, I respectfully ask you to insert fit for use, and affords a pleasant and healthful be ON MAKING AND PRESERVING CIDER. taste. It is then drawn off, as free as may be on the lees, and put into clean casks in the cellar, when I add about one quart of the spirits of cider, usually called cider brandy, and when this cannot be procured, of N. E. rum, to each barrel. This, I believe, is the best use that can be made of these fiery spirits. Sometimes, in the latter part of March or beginning of April, I rack it off again, and add another quart of the same spirits, which preserves verage during the summer and succeeding autumn, centuries, it was a generally received opinion, that not for the excesses which are too frequently conand indeed may be preserved in the same state for the greater the length of the gun barrel, the greater nected with this manner of life, it might prove sinseveral years with increasing advantage. the distance to which the shot would be thrown; or, gularly conducive to vigour and longevity. As it is, Such was the process in which the barrel of cider in other words, the projectile force, or power of im- however, the fox hunter seldom dies of a broken was made and preserved, which was used at your pulsion, would be found to increase precisely in the neck, to which he seems continually liable, but very table on the late anniversary. same ratio as the length of the barrel. And under generally of a broken constitution, to which his From the foregoing statement, it will be perceiv- this hasty and erroneous impression, gun barrels, habits in the field by no means contribute. He aled, that it is an object with me to make as little all over the world, were increased to an enormous ways stands out longer than the sedentary or indoeider as I can, consistently with saving the whole. length. Among the Montenegrins, the Albanians, lent debauchee, though he may yield at last to the Instead of adding water, even so much as to mois and other semi-barbarous people, very long barrels destructive power of licentious indulgence. ten the straw, as is too generally the practice, to still continue to be used in preference; and, even Coxe states, in his history of the Bourbons of increase the quantity, my endeavour is to diminish in this country, it is not an uncommon sight, in the Spain, that hunting first became a royal amuseit as much as possible, by exposing the apples and fens of Lincolnshire, and the swamps of Lan- ment, or at least was more cultivated as such, in the pomace, during the whole process, to a dry cashire, where wild fowl shooting is practised, (chief- consequence of its having been professionally adevaporating air, which carries off at least one-eighth ly by the rustics,) to see guns of such enormous vised, as an antidote to the hypochondriasis, to which or one tenth part of the moisture, and the aqueous lengths as to require a rest to fire them from, as it that august family were continually liable. To this part of it, which is usually incorporated with the would be impossible to hold them steadily to the the pithy observation of Dr. Sydenham may be cider, and deteriorates its quality. Another object shoulder. I am not aware of any treatises that added: "I have frequently seen broken-up spirits is to preserve cleanliness through the whole process. have been lately written on the length of the gun and apparently reduced constitutions restored to The floor, the cart, the mill and the press, and barrel, either in England or on the continent; though strength and cheerfulness, by horse exercise, when especially the casks, must all be clean and sweet. experiments have been tried for the purpose of esta- almost every other method of recovery had been There is, perhaps, no kind of liquor which more bli-hing some rule, by which an opinion might be tried without advantage. To many of my nervous easily acquires a taint from any unclean thing with formed, supposing mathematical precision to be and bilious patients, I have recommended it as alwhich it may come in contact. The dirty and slo- not altogether attainable. most my sole prescription-to live on horseback.'" MISCELLANEOUS. TOBACCO. venly manner in which cider is too often made, and This point has not been yet decided; but enough the more filthy casks into which it is put, destroy has been done to show that very long barrels, so far the goodness of this cheap and valuable beverage, from increasing the power of impulsion, will not and renders it unfit for use, except by that fallen carry nearly so far as barrels considerably shorter. class of beings usually called cider drinkers. I have From a conviction of the comparative inefficacy of ON THE DELETERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF THE USE OF tried several methods to improve the quality of ci- long barrels, I some years ago cut four inches from der, such as boiling, freezing, and leaching it the barrel of a fowling-piece, which was originally BEING once intimate with an eminent Attorney, I through coarse sand, but without any success, ex-two feet ten inches long, by which I found the force had occasion to call on him-When I entered his cept in the latter method, which, by speedily clean- of the discharge considerably increased. I then room he was absorbed in study, I took the liberty to ing it from the floating lees, serves to preserve its proceeded to shorten it, inch by inch, till I had re- ask of him what occasioned his occupation so stuflavour, and to prevent an untimely acetous fermen- duced the barrel to two feet two inches, and uni- diously as he appeared to be engaged; he observed tation. By the little experience I have, or care to formly found the power of impulsion increased. I that Tobacco and its effects occupied his mind, and have, in making and preserving cider, I am fully have since tried the same experiment on two other that he was searching into every author relative to convinced, that such improvements might be made fowling-pieces, with precisely the same results. I the effects of Tobacco. He then drew a conclusion, in preparing this domestic article, as to render the reduced none of them, however, lower than two and told me the effect of Tobacco was poisonous, produce of our orchards equal, if not superior to feet two inches; and, consequently, did not ascer- acting like opium, and added that his daughter lathe fruit of the vine. It is desirable that the atten-tain how much farther the reduction could have boured under mental derangement from the excestion of our agriculturists should be more turned to been carried with success-but this sufficiently de- sive use of Tobacco. Her commencement was by this valuable production of their farms. It might monstrated the erroneous opinion, so long enter- using it in the powdered state as a dentifrice, (and greatly increase their comforts at home, and add tained, respecting the length of the gun barrel. The there is no doubt but that powdered Tobacco cleanmuch to their resources by commanding a higher three fowling-pieces which I cut were of the general ses the mouth and teeth;) using it in this way causprice in the market. And what must be still more calibre: if the width of the bores were to be much ed it to become necessary in another respect. The interesting to the patriot and moralist, it might, in a increased, in all probability a greater length than effect was like the prepared opium, which is so exmeasure, supersede the supposed necessity of those two feet two inches might be found to increase the tensively used by the Chinese, and natives of India; flaming importations, which are now ravaging our force. If we examine great guns or cannons, it habit makes it necessary to their existence, so it is beloved country, and turning many useful citizens will be found that the longest cannon is not nearly with Tobacco when used in a powdered state by feinto madmen, paupers and fools. so long, comparatively, as the shortest fowling- males. In the first instance it is used as a cleanser sub-piece-that is, taking into consideration the very of the teeth, but the effect steals on them until they wide difference in the calibre of the two. In mak cannot do without it. In secret they fly to it when ing experiments, with a view to obtain precision as their spirits become low, and it causes a comfortato the length of the barrel, due regard must be had ble feeling; but like effects of spirituous liquors or not only to the strength of the gunpowder, but also laudanum, the dose must be increased, and goes on to the state of the atmosphere. to such an extent as brings around destruction or insanity, let the constitution be ever so robust. I subscribe my name and know what I have developHENRY ALEXANDER, The foregoing statement and remarks are Milbury, Nov. 1824. SPORTING OLIO. (From the Annals of Sporting.) ON THE LENGTH OF GUN BARRELS. Yours, &c. T. THE ROAD TO HEALTH-OR, A PHYSICIAN'S OPINION ed to be true. OF HUNTING. Baltimore, Sept. 10, 1825. No persons (it has been observed by an eminent physician,) more strikingly illustrate the importance of bodily exercise than that class of bons vivans A young and blooming heiress of Staffordshire, who, with a luxurious mode of living, combine worth 50,000 l., has eloped, it is said, with a young amusements which consist in strenuous and almost apothecary of Uttoxeter. Notwithstanding an arindefatigable exertions. The sportsman works as dent pursuit, the happy pair reached the Gretna temhard for pastime as the ordinary day-labourer is ple in safety. obliged to do for his bread. The toils of both are equally arduous, and differ only in the one being a A dispute having arisen between two brewers, chase. An evening of noisy and jovial intemperance The Enterprize steam packet had proceeded on not unusually crowns a day of equally jovial and her voyage to India; her passage, it was expected, noisy activity; and a man will often be found, for a would be performed in eleven weeks. SIR,-I venture to submit to your examination long time, to escape the dangers of the field, and some remarks upon the length of gun barrels, which. the still more imminent dangers of a festival. The The duty on tobacco is now 3s. per lb. for home as they are founded upon experience, may, perhaps, follower of the hounds is on the road to health, al- consumption, instead of 4s. per lb., in consequence prove useful to my brother sportsmen. For some though he may not be in search of it, and if it were of the omission to renew the customs war duty act. |