COTTON AND WHEAT, A MIXED CROP.—An opi- deavour to correct him, believing his errors originate thing but hay and pasture; also "that the harness is nion prevails, that these two crops cannot be grown from want of observation in animals properly broken. so very economical.”† together, with any success, on the same farin; nor As to the extract from "Baily's Survey of Durham," A horse will consume, upon an average, two bushcan they, as wheat has been usually cultivated in I shall pass by that, and go on to where he says, els of rye or corn per week; which is 104 bushels this part of Virginia; wheat generally succeeded "when the comparison is fairly made, the horse is per year, which, at fifty cents per bushel, is fifty-two corn. About the 1st of October, after the fodder is far superior to the ox in intelligence, spirit, &c. &c. dollars per year for his food, more than for that of an secured, all hands are employed in clearing the field-provided there be an increased allowance of food." ox; and I insist on it that six oxen can do more work of the corn, and seeding the wheat. This operation As to intelligence, I think the ox possessed of fully on a farm than four horses, and by which there is a generally requires the whole force of hands and as much as the horse, because you may put a yoke saving in the food of nearly two hundred dollars. horses until about the middle of November, by which on him, and he will go to the right or to the left, at But on a farm where four horses can do all the latime the most important season for gathering cotton the command of his driver, without either bridle or bour, I would not advise having any oxen, as I think has passed. With a full crop of cotton, even upon line. But how is it with the horse? You must have it is necessary that every farmer should have some this plan, a small crop of wheat may be made; but a strong bridle and line, and then it is with difficulty horses; but where that number is not sufficient, I by fallowing a field, either spring or summer, for you can manage him. For activity and extraordina- would certainly recommend oxen, more especially wheat, a full crop of both may be made, and these ry exertions, in a short time, the horse is evidently where the principal part of the labour is done by additional important advantages will result; the superior. He next speaks of the quantity of work slaves. Upon a large estate, where horses are used wheat crop increased, by being seeded on a fallow, done by oxen, &c. In this county, I have known six altogether, the gear is a very important item, as to the corn crop be improved, by being planted on a oxen to a wagon, go in company with a five horse economy; the facility of gearing and ungearing the stubble field; you avoid the cut worm, and cultivate team about six miles, and hauled fifty bushels of un-ox is much better suited to the genius of the negro and the crop with greater ease. The only thing neces- slacked lime over a very rough and hilly road, and the place of depositing it, (in a fence corner) for the sary, is to begin the change and reverse the rota- kept in company with the horse wagon, having as ox yoke and the best horse gear generally share the tion. 1st, wheat, 2nd, corn; 3rd, oats, or rest, the much lime as it. This has been frequently per- same fate as to the place of deposit. one or the other, as these may be, three or more formed, and in warm weather. I have also known As to their performance-Joseph Lewis, Esq. of them to haul logs in company with horses two and this county, has a bull that works in shafts, and After having completed the business of fallowing, three miles, for several days at a time, and perform so docile that a small boy can manage him perfectly and crop ploughing, if the fallow be in the spring, the distance in the same time the horses would; well. This animal has frequently hauled a ton of commence seeding your wheat about the 20th of and horses that are in the habit of making a trip to plaister from the mill on the farm, and is made use September, being prepared with a drag or harrow, Alexandria and returning a distance of forty miles in of for hauling stone to make stone fence, in which having 20 or 25 iron teeth, to every pair of horses four days with 15 and 16 barrels of flour, and those situation it is supposed he hauls from 12 to 15 hunon the farm, and by employing two, three or four oxen but seldom had more than one day in seven to dred pounds. SANDY. hands, as the situation and extent of the farm may rest, and never were fed on grain. These facts are require, you will complete the seeding of your wheat known by numbers. in ten or twelve days. This will be a very inconsi- The oxen which your correspondent speaks of that derable loss of labour from the gathering of the cot-"refused to draw," and "dragging the harrow at a ton crop, and when compared with the advantages snail's pace," were evidently badly broken; for there- Great match between them decided in favour of the you reap, will not be estimated any loss whatever. in lies the great secret of having good oxen. shifts. If IMPROVED SHORT HORN AND HERE- Short Horns. MANURING FOR COTTON.-We have applied our when they are first put to work, they are made to A controversy has raged in England for some manures to very little permanent advantage, in the walk fast, they will always continue it; and if, on the years, between the advocates of these two breeds of south of Virginia; some change is necessary. I contrary, they are made to walk slow, you can never cattle. As far as we have seen, the decisions have have applied my manure, after lying in heaps for afterwards make them go faster, therefore, the proper preponderated decidedly in favour of the Short forty or fifty days, to the cotton land, in the follow-way to break them, is to have two yoke of well broken Horns. At last the two parties appear to have coning manner. Having prepared the land to receive oxen, having a proper walk-put one of these to the centrated their pretensions and hopes on the issue the seed, I spread the manure, broad cast, on the sur-tongue of the carriage-then put the yoke of young of a great match between Mr. Champion, as the face, drop the seed and cover them, as directed un- oxen to be broken, next before them, and the other champion of the Short horn stock, and Mr. White, der the head of planting. This operation covers yoke of well-broken ones before them, in which situa- as the champion of the Hereford breeders. So great but a small portion of manure, and much the greater tion the young ones are obliged to keep in their pro- was the excitement, as to warrant the former in part continues on the surface during the growth of per place. They should not be too much fatigued at sending his heifer, "Miss Points," two hundred miles the crop. Farmers need not be apprehensive of this first, as is too often the case, and then they are made to the show, and so great was the excitement, as plan; I have tested its value. The losses from to walk slow, which produces the effect above stated. is stated by the editor of Fleming's Weekly Express," evaporation are far less than are generally appre- They should neither be very fat, nor very poor, when from which we got the account, that it occasioned hended. The crop will be better, and the effects of first put in the yoke, and not in warm weather. an assemblage of Agriculturalists more numerous the manure more lasting. I am satisfied from my But the principal advantages of the ox, are; the than had ever been witnessed on any former occaexperience, that all manures, to all crops, should be cheapness of his food, as he very seldom has any sion. applied on the surface of the land, and shall continue to pursue that course. If my future experience should prove it erroneous, I will apprise you of it. *At Harewood, Mr. Oliver's farm, 16 miles from Bal- Horns, have been going on for three years, at Sir Thus, sir, I have given you all the information I Devon oxen going, with several horse and mule teams, The first year, the prize was taken by Mr. Chamtimore, we have seen a pair of young half-blood North Charles Morgan's annual Cattle Show, at Tredegar. possess, on the article of cotton, collected from my turn and turn about, bringing in loads of turnips, from pion's heifer, Attraction; the second, there was no own experience, and my intercourse with many a field 14 miles distant, through the whole day. In decision, owing to, as we have been well convinced, intelligent and experienced cotton planters. I now states where slave labourers and overseers without hu- no want of superiority in the animal exhibited by put it under your entire control, with a hope that manity, prevail, the capabilities of the ox ought not to Mr. Champion, but to unfair deportment in his you will excuse the hasty, crude and undigested be pronounced upon; but let the enquirer go, as we manner in which it is communicated. have done, into Massachusetts, where the labour of the †A Connecticut farmer, present, says that a yoke of farm is done by the owner and his children, or by their oxen, seven feet in the girth, plows generally 11 white labourers, whose subsistence depends on their acres per day, and hauls never less than a ton in the humanity to the farm beasts, as well as on their skill cart. But our correspondent scems to omit another and industry in the use of them-where all operations point of economy-that is, that the ox seldom dies, as are graduated by the scale of economy; and then he the horse often does, by accident or disease-when will be able to estimate what the ox can do. He will worn out, he is fattened and consigned to the pickling there find him taken early into training; kept up through tub, and even his hide is more valuable than that of the the year; fed on dry food, and curried and cleaned as horse.-Ed. Am. Farmer. Believe me yours, very respectfully, THEO: FEILD. These matches between the Hereford and Short THE VALUE OF THE OX-OVER THE HORSE. horses; and when brought out to his labours, perfectly On this point we apprehend that even our New EngLoudon County, Va., March 14th, 1825. docile, tractable, and more intelligent and exactly at- land friends are to learn a lesson of economy in the tentive to all that is said to him, concerning his duties, preparation of food. We expect to show, before long, JOHN S. SKINNER, Esq. than some biped labourers. A New England farmer the practicability of preparing all food for domestic Sir,-A writer over the signature of "C." in the will talk to you of his oxen, and take pride in showing animals, by steam, at a saving that is almost incredible 49th No. 6th vol. of the American Farmer, "On the knows the horse to be an expensive machine-often Baltimore county, keeps in the best heart, more than 30 them to you, but he never speaks of his horses. He until taught by experience. Mr. John Patterson, of relative value of oxen and horses for the general pur-consuming more, before he is ready for labour, than he head of horses, cattle, &c. at an expense which he calposes of Agriculture," I think has done that valuable would then sell for; liable at all times, to get easily out culates not to exceed 3 cents per day each! Let the animal, the ox, great injustice; and as far as my fee-of order, and requiring expensive tackle of every reader ruminate on that, until we give him the details ble ability and slight observation will go, I will en- kind.-Ed. Am. Farmer. [Ed. Am. Farmer. competitor. The third year resulted in the victory won by Miss Points. This splendid animal was bred, as we learn by our private correspondence, from the same cow as White Rose, the heifer imported by the Editor of this journal, and now owned by Col. Lloyd; and was got by Mr. Champion's celebrated bull, Aid-decamp, which took the premium offered by the Board of Agriculture, at their exhibition at Smithfield, London. See American Farmer, vol. 4, pages 102 and 232. Aid-de-camp is the son of Warrior, the sire of White Rose, and has been sold for a very high price to the Marquis of Exeter, who takes many prizes, and appears by the English papers to be a very spirited and most successful breeder. His Short Horns are generally of Mr. Champion's breed; fine samples of which may be seen at Albany, in the possession of Gen. Van Ransellear, who gave to Mr. Champion, for a bull and two heifers, imported last summer, $1000, in Liverpool, and some at Powelton, near Philadelphia. TREDEGAR. SIR C. MORGAN'S CATTLE SHOW. For the best pen of four Ewes, to C. Leigh, Esq. Booth Grey. fray, Esq. for the best field of Turnips, not less than 5 acres, to Sir C. Morgan. his bull Aid-de-camp, her dan Young Tulip, by Mr. Mason's Charles. The business of inspection being concluded, the company adjourned to the King's Head Inn, Newsecond best 2 year old Short Horned Heifer, port, where they sat down, in number 116, to a most to C. Leigh, Esq. excellent dinner. After the cloth was withdrawn, best yearling Scotch Bull, to Mr. William and his Majesty's health, with other loyal toasts, Fotheringham. had been given by the worthy Baronet, he proceedbest 2 year old Heifer, do. to Samuel Hom-ed to distribute the several premiums, accompanying them with appropriate remarks and encouragebest 3 year old Steer, of any breed, to Sir ment to the fortunate candidates. Lord Rodney, C. Morgan, for his Short Horned Steer, sold by Sir Frederick Heniker, and many other gentlemen, auction for 56l. came forward in the most liberal manner with offor second best yearling Short Horned Bull, fers of cups for the ensuing meeting; but we were to Sir C. Morgan. sorry to observe no great promise of farther sweepstakes. In the course of the evening, however, Mr. Berry addressed Sir Charles Morgan to the followThe Sweepstakes for 2 year old Steers, entered ing effect, from which we entertain hopes that we into by Sir Charles Morgan, Mr. Champion, and shall still witness new and useful competitions:--Mr. Berry, having failed to induce competion on the "Sir Charles, permit me to trespass on your atpart of the Hereford breeders, no exhibition of tention, while I execute a commission with which I these animals took place. have been charged. The present, it must be adThe Sweepstakes of ten guineas each, five sub-mitted, is a period fraught with satisfaction to the scribers, for the best yearling Heifer, was won by breeders of Short Horns-the events which occurMr. Champion's Improved Short Horned Heifer, red at Smithfield, and those which we have witnessThis exhibition, equally interesting and advantaaged 17 months, beating Mr. White's Hereford Heifer, ed to-day, reveal the sources from whence it is degeous to the public, took place on the 21st inst. aged 20 months. This being the most interesting rived. Those events will, it is hoped, place the Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weapart of the exhibition, and involving important con- despised Short Horns (despised only where they are ther, the increasing importance of the meeting, and, siderations, we shall be excused for remarking upon unknown,) in that rank in public estimation which on the present occasion, the intense curiosity which it somewhat fully. It was the opinion of two of the they are entitled to possess. To increase, if possi was universally entertained to learn the result of judges, and Mr. Champion gave his assent to the ble, the conviction now entertained of their merit, the long pending contest for usefulness and excel- proposal, that resort should be had to the scales, in is my object in addressing you. I have in my hand lence betwen the improved Short Horns and Here-order that their opinion in favour of the Short a letter from Mr. Rennie, of Phantassie, in Midlofords-promoted an assemblage of Agriculturalists Horned might receive additional corroboration. thian, proposing to stake a large sum upon a trial more numerous than had been witnessed on any But to this course Mr. Betterton, the third judge, between the Short Horns and Herefords; and though former occasion. Twice had this question been and Mr. White, objected. We have, however, been I should wish the stake dispensed with, I do not feel already contested; in the first year, favourably to favoured with the admeasurement of the two Heifers, justified in bringing forward the proposal in any the Short Horns; in the second, no decision had taken by a respectable and disinterested gentleman, other terms than those in which I received it. Mr. been made; and curiosity was raised to the highest and also a calculation founded upon it, with the cor- Rennie wishes to produce three Steers of the Short pitch respecting this the third. Mr. Champion's rect principles of which our Agricultural friends are Horned breed against a like number of Herefords, to Short Horned heifer, on whose appearance such acquainted. be matched as calves, for 500 guineas. Guided in high destinies depended, had however been seen on Mr. Champion's Heifer measured in girth behind his practice as a breeder by the principles of utility her journey of two hundred miles from Nottingham- the fore legs, 6 feet 7 inches; in length, from the and profit, Mr. Rennie rejects fanciful distinctions, shire, and had given rise to doubts and fears, which fore upper corner of the shoulder blade bone to the and proposes that this match shall be decided by induced many persons to remain at home, divining hindmost part of the rump, 5 feet. The given reference to those important points. Should any the issue of the battle from afar. Respecting that weight by this admeasurement is 52 stones of 14lbs. gentleman feel desirous to accede to Mr. Rennie's issue we shall hereafter speak; it may suffice in to the stone. Mr. White's Heifer measured in the proposal, I will communicate his wishes to that this place to observe, that Sir Charles Morgan's same way, in girth 6 feet 1 inch; in length 5 feet; gentleman, who will then proceed to make his own excellent arrangements rendered the bad weather of and by a similar calculation her given weight was arrangements.” near Cirencester. PREMIUMS. little consequence. The cattle stood, and were in-45 stones. From the foregoing statement, it ap- To this proposal no reply was made. After an spected in comfort; and the judges, who were inde- pears that Mr. Champion's Heifer nearly averaged evening spent in the greatest harmony, Sir C. Morfatigable in attention to their duty, alone suffered 43lbs. per month, and Mr. White's Heifer, also near-gan's firmness having prevented a repetition of the from the unpropitious elements. The gentlemen ly 32lbs. per month. To show the difference in point disagreeable contention which occurred last year, appointed to decide on the merits of the animals of profit in these two animals, it may be remarked, the party separated, highly gratified with the manexhibited, were,-Mr. Jolliff, of Long Ashton, near that there are 11lbs. per month gained by the Short ner in which they had spent the day, and looking Bristol, Mr. Coomer, of Bristol; and Mr. Betterton, Horn more than by the Hereford, which, taking forward with pleasurable expectation to the next them both at 17 months old, which is the age of the meeting. Short Horn, amounts 13 stone 5lbs.; but, calculating the Short Horn to gain 43lbs. per month, which she has already averaged, for 3 months longer, which ON THE SAGACITY AND USEFULNESS OF would place her on an equality as to age with the Hereford, she would then have gained 9 stone 3lbs. which, added to 13 stone 5lbs. before specified, makes the astonishing difference of 22 stone 8lbs;f this, calculated at a very moderate price for prize DEAR SIR, One of the most serious obstacles, to beef, say 8d. per lb., will make upwards of ten gui- the improvement of sheep by the introduction of neas difference in favour of the Short Horn, for 20 costly individuals, is the difficulty of guarding them months' keeping. against the attacks of their natural enemies, the various races of sporting, and cur dogs. The several Premiums were awarded as follows: For the best yearling Bull, North Devon breed, to Charles Morgan, Esq. best 2 year old Heifer, do. do. best yearling Bull, Short Horned breed, to the Rev. H. Berry. best 2 year old Heifer, do. to Sir. C. Morgan. best yearling Bull, Hereford breed, to Mr. John White. best 2 year old Heifer, do. to Mr. Caruthers. best yearling Bull, Glamorganshire breed, to Mr. M. Thomas. SPANISH SHEPHERD'S DOGS. Powelton, 1824. The first importations of Merino sheep, were ac Mr. Champion's Heifer, Miss Points, (properly so named from her extraordinary excellence in those best 2 year old Heifer, do. to R. Jones, Esq. parts which render a beast valuable to the grazier, companied by some of the large, and powerful dogs best yearling Bull, any breed, cross breed butcher, and consumer), was a magnificent speci- of Spain, possessing all the valuable characteristics excepted. This premium, intended to bring all men of the Improved Short Horns; she was got by of the English Shepherd's dog, with sagacity, fidelithe previous winners together, was most numerty, and strength, peculiar to themselves. The imously contested, and won by the Rev. H. Berry's the net weight, by measuring the animal alive, as par- the objects of great care among husbandmen, on * Reference is here made to a mode of ascertaining portant uses, to which they are applied, render them Short Horned Bull, Wharfdale, (by Mr. Bate's ticularly explained with a diagram in the American Enchanter, out of Mr. Whitaker's Miranda) six- Farmer, vol. 4, page 185. the continent of Europe. In some countries, where the boundaries of different proprietors, are often designated, but by a stone or small ditch, they are stationed, as faithful sentinels, to guard the flocks from teen months old. best 3 year old Heifer, do. to Mr. Colling. best Ram Lam, to C. Leigh, Esq. By this calculation, to which no objection can be urged, Mr. Champion's Heifer will give upwards of twelve hundred pounds, net beef, at two years old! attack, and to confine them to their proper grounds, they are better formed than the breed before men- [Gen. Lafayette has kindly proffered to the Editor Their ferocity when roused, by any intruder, their tioned; as a large dog, on those rocky mountains, of the American Farmer, a pair of the best shepattachment to their own flock, and devotion to their would be liable to fall down the precipices, not being herd's dogs to be had in France.] HORTICULTURE. master, would, in the uncultivated parts of America, so sure-footed as those smaller short-legged dogs. make them an acquisition of infinite value, by afford- In some parts of Lincolnshire, there is a strong ing a defence against wolves, which they readily large dog, larger than either of those before describkill, and vagrant cur dogs, by which our flocks are ed, somewhat like a sort which is termed the houseoften destroyed. dog: some of these dogs are possessed of wonderful The force of their instinctive attachment to sheep, sagacity. The shepherd who superintended my flock and their resolution in attacking every dog, which at Skegnest, and had the care of upwards of 4000 [In copying the following extracts from "A ride of passes near to their charge, have been forcibly sheep during the summer, in above 40 pastures, had eight hundred miles in France, in the autumn of 1823, evinced upon my farm. one of this breed; the dog's name was Ball. About by James Paul Cobbett," son of the celebrated Wm. ON THE CULTURE OF GRAPES. A blundering labourer carefully confined, with all twelve o'clock in the day the shepherd, or one of his Cobbett, we act under the persuasion that, from the my flock in the fold, one of my dogs from a Spanish sons, would say, "Ball, it is time to go to shepherd;" progress making in the culture of the vine in this bitch, by an imported blood hound. He lay per- on which the dog would set off, and regularly visit country, and the great deficiency of knowledge as to fectly quiet, until dislodged by an old ewe, although every pasture, to see if there were any sheep over the practical details of the whole subject, such artihis sire was so ferocious towards all animals, as to cast, a circumstance that, from their long wool and cles as the following will be acceptable, as well to make it necessary that he should be killed. In other broad backs, frequently happens in hot weather. the general reader, as, yet more especially, to those instances he shows the savage temper of the blood The dog would, in his round, on some days, have who are appropriating a portion of their time and hound-even towards the man by whom he is fed. perhaps forty sheep or upwards to help up, which he labour to this interesting object. All such articles as I am aware, that in England, dogs are not now accomplished by putting his nose under the head, and these, should be put by farmers into the hands of much used upon enclosed lands-the more quiet races raising the fore parts, until the sheep could rise. their children, when not otherwise engaged. They In the county of Huntingdon, a very good method will serve, at least, to give them a general acquain of sheep having been so generally introduced, as to make the services of the little animal, which in is practiced, of putting two posts at a proper distance with matters that are often, now, brought up Great Britain had been generally employed, merely tance one from the other, with a rail across, the height as topicks of conversation, in good society. As to in keeping together the flocks, not sufficiently impor- of a sheep, so that he may at pleasure rub his back; the merits of the subject itself, we mean the exten tant, to compensate for the disquiet occasioned by which is a great means of preventing sheep being sion of the culture of the grape, and the use of it as his restlessness and noise. As much difference ex-over-cast, as it arises from an itching on the back, a table fruit, and of its generous juice as a table bevists between his habits and those of the grave shep- and their attempting to roll, to rub the part. When erage, it cannot be too highly recommended. We herds' dog of Spain, as in the temper of the heavy sheep get overcast, it sometimes occasions almost im- hold it to be an imperative duty with every good mediate death; and where there are many crows and citizen, who would promote the happiness of his English mastiff, and that of a fretful cur. ravens, they will peck the eyes of the sheep out: but country, and the dignity of his species, to lend his I have known a sheep lie over-cast forty-eight hours, hand to every project which may be, in the smallest without injury. degree, calculated to banish the degrading and per I am, very respectfully, yours, JOHN HARE POWEL. JONATHAN ROBERTS, ESQ. President of the Pennsylvania Agri-Į cultural Society. Extract from Parkinson on Live Stock. a I saw another striking instance of sagacity in the nicious use of ardent spirits: nay more, we conceive sheep-dog. A man had about sixty sheep bringing it to be as dishonorable to the character, as it is de through Doncaster, he walking before them, and structive of the morals and happiness of the nation, they regularly followed him. Seeing this, the people that a heavy tax is not at once laid upon ardent spirits, thought the man dealt in magic; but he had a dog, until every one, bearing the image of a man, should which the sheep knew was behind: the dog was not have to pay at least twenty-five cents for the quanti observed, as he went by the side of the walls, along ty required to make himself a beast.} the flag pavement, among the people; and as the sheep proceeded slowly, he crept into the passages The sheep-dog is so essentially necessary and useful to the shepherd and the drover, that it merits place in this treatise. Various kinds of dogs are made use of for shepherding, as almost any dog may and entries, and was not seen to notice either sheep "I see that there is very little variety in the mode be taught to serve this useful purpose; but there is or shepherd. I could mention many similar circum- of cultivating the vine in France, as far as I have one particular breed which seems naturally the best stances, showing the great use of these dogs, when gone through the country. In all the vineyards that adapted, viz. a rough sort, with very long soft hair, well broke and properly managed. I have seen, the vines are planted in rows. The and distinguished by being without tails. Their Some men have an utter objection to the shep- rows are from three to four feet apart, and the vines colour is black, or blue, with a white ring round the herd's dog, my father had. He contended that those in the row from two to three feet from each other. neck, a bald face, and the belly and feet white. These dogs chased the sheep unnecessarily about, and heated The vines seldom get up to above four or five feet dogs, although they appear similar, as to colour and them, thereby causing them to take the scab. From high. They are cut down, in the month of Februamake, vary in size, and seem the one to suit the his reasoning I imbibed the same prejudice; but when ry, or thereabouts, very close. There is a little of shepherd, the other the drover. The dog of the I was in Ireland, where the pastures were large, and the last year's wood left, but not many inches of it, largest size stands as high as a sheep; thus, when the sheep wild, I began to see they would be useful. to give new wood for the next season. When they bis teeth are broken in a proper manner, he can When I returned to England, I bought a large Lin- begin to shoot in the, spring, there are stakes, of take a sheep by the ear, and, from his weight and colnshire dog, and two whelps of the rough Dorset either round or split coppice wood, which are about strength, hold it without injury: this the smaller sized kind; after these dogs had been made use of for a four feet long and an inch and an half in diamedog could not do; but he seems nimbler, possessed short time, instead of the sheep being wilder, they ter; and one of these stakes is stuck into the ground of a more fiery spirit, and not so liable to tire; how-became perfectly submissive to the dogs: unless the near the stem of each vine. The stakes are intended ever, in folding pasture sheep, he appears to be too dogs were there, they would not come near the fold; to give a hold to the tendrils, by the means of which busy, and to chase the sheep more than is necessary: but the instant the dogs appeared, they regularly the vines climb up, and thus keep themselves clear the former, therefore, is the most proper for the shep-walked in with all the composure imaginable. We from the ground. herd. had 1500 sheep during the summer; and one shep- "The neighbourhood of Tours, is a great place for The county of Dorset lays claim to this breed of herd, attended by the large dog, managed them with vines, and for making fine wines. The vintage of dogs; and they are certainly to be found more gene- seemingly little to do: in the time of harvest he the black grape is not quite finished here, and that rally in that county than in any other: but they are worked the greatest part of the day; and while mov-of the white grapes is not begun. In this part of most frequently seen in Smithfield, attending the ing the turnip fold, the dog kept the sheep back, so France, they let the white grapes hang as long as London drovers. The hair of these dogs is a ne- that the shepherd could shift the hurdles alone.-possible, before they gather them; because they say cessary protection against the severity of weather, Now this man would not have been able to shepherd it makes the wine stronger and of better flavour. as they have to lie by the fold side during many cold our flock without the assistance of one or two boys, The snow is, they tell me, sometimes upon the days, while the shepherd is dressing the flock. There and then not with half the ease or so well: I am, ground, before the grapes are gathered. is also a small sheep-dog, long in the body, and short therefore, clearly of opinion, that, on a large farm, "I saw a great many acres of vineyard to-day.in the leg, with strong hair upon him; some of this where the pastures are spacious, a good dog is at The vines look beautiful at this time, (7th Novembreed are red, some black, generally having white least equal to one man. ber,) with all their leaves off and loads of grapes about the neck and face: they are to be found in The profit arising to the shepherd from these dogs hanging upon them. The vines, which are planted Westmoreland and Cumberland. These dogs are is also great. The dog is generally shorn at the in cuttings or slips, (just as gooseberries and currants so wonderfully sagacious, that it is well authenticated time of sheep shearing, and of the hair a hat is com- are) of the last year's wood, begin to bear when they know the brands of the sheep, and will select monly made: and the breed is now so sought after, about four or five years old. An acre of vineyard of their master's sheep from others, on parts of the that the whelps are frequently sold for a guinea, or the best sort of vines, in full bearing, is worth, at mountains inaccessible to man. For this service.[upwards, each. Tours, about 3,000 francs (or $600.) This year, they say, the vines will yield from 10 menting in the vat, pulp and juice all mixed toge-how ready we shall be to communicate things you to 12 barrels of wine to the acre, each barrel holding ther, like the red wine, the white wine must not be desire. 80 English wine gallons. The barrel will bring from allowed to ferment till it has undergone all the press- The reception and assistance given to Mr. Doug50 to 60 francs, (or 10 to $12) at this place. But the ing and separation of the pulp from the juice. It lass, by every one to whom he addressed himself in wine of this year will not be of the best quality, on must be bruised, pressed and put to ferment in the the United States, is one of the most gratifying ciraccount of the grapes not having ripened quickly, barrel, without there being any lapse of time be- cumstances which could have occurred: you may be which they should do to make very good wine.-tween these different stages of the process. The assured it has made a deep impression on all those Some of the vines are very old; some of them forty, reason for this is, that if the white wine were to be to whom it is known, and that knowledge is very exsome fifty years old. The land round Tours is hilly; allowed to ferment like the red, when its juice is tended. Your box of wheat is a beautiful sample.j uncommonly good strong land, and stony, which is mixed along with the pulp of the grapes, and their I shall not distribute it till the autumn; it arrived just the character to suit the vine. There is much stalks, the pulp and the stalks would spoil the colour too late to be sown with any prospect of doing it rock in the hills here, and the wine makers have of the wine, and the wine would not, in fact, be justice, at the time, in cultivation-so that the most caves hewed out of the rock under the brow of the white wine at all." hills, in which to deposit the wine, and to carry on the process of making it. "Some of the vines in this part of the country are cultivated in the espolier fashion. This is not, how GRAPE SEEDS FROM MADEIRA. Dear Sir,-I have imported from Madeira some ever, generally the case, where there is any consi- of the most approved kinds of grape seed. The vines derable quantity of vineyard together. The common raised from the seed will last 90 to 100 years, while way is to stick one stake, about 4 feet high, up to each those from the slip will last only 10 to 12 years. I vine. The stakes are pulled up at this season of the send you some of the seed to give your friends. year when no longer wanted, and placed away in a stack, just as hop poles are in England. The stakes are, as I said before, made of coppice wood, hazel, ash and other kinds. They do not last above a couple of years, for if used longer, they become rotten, and are easily broken by the wind. I was, when at Cha-ed to call early, as Mr. Bosley has been very boun[As it is now time to plant them, it is recommendteauroux, informed, that, further to the south, the tiful in the quantity he has sent.] cultivators of the vine make use of stakes of the focust, which, they say, grow in coppices, and last a Very respectfully, Your obedient serv't, March 18th, 1825. prudent course respecting it is, to keep it for another JOHN S. SKINNER, ESQ. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY-REGENT-STREET. London, Jan. 10, 1825. Dear Sir,-The separate packet enclosed herewith was prepared to be despatched to you, with others, in May; but circumstances, not within my control, prevented their despatch. great number of years. The locust, in France, is HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. generally called robinia. The Editor of the American Farmer has been tional, which is the most remote from the real cause. I trust you will not consider the omission as inten"There is a kind of grape, which I saw on some vines here, made use of to give a colour to the red honoured with a diploma, bearing the distinguished I trust to hear from you speedily in reply, and hope name of THOMAS ANDREW KNIGHT, conferring on for a continuance of your valued correspondence. wine: when this grape is squeezed, the juice is of a fine dark colour, a mixture of purple and red. It is him the privileges of a corresponding member of I have added the list of the Society for the year made use of in giving a colour to all red wine, which the great institution, whereof he is the President-1824, in which you will observe a great extension of could not have the fine colour that we see in it, but great, because its funds are immense, and its re- our members of all descriptions. You will also refor the use of this sort of grape. The vintage of the searches and its beneficence coextensive with all ceive our official thanks for the seeds you were so white grapes begins this year about this time. parts of the civilized world. the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 29th of good to send us by Dr. McCulloch, from whom I had May last. The bunches of grapes are cut from the vines by means of a pair of scissors; they are then put into large baskets, which the gatherers carry to one side of the vineyard, and then the grapes are tipped into his humble labours; and he trusts that his corres-volume of your interesting work, were duly received, It would be affectation, not to say ingratitude, were he not to acknowledge, that be accepts the notice of his election, as a flattering compliment to The additional volume, and preface of another pondents, to whom he is indebted for all that is and presented to the Society, as you will perceive cording the following letters, connected with his apuseful in his journal, will hold him justified in re- by the enclosed acknowledgement. pointment. I have the honor to be, dear sir, RURAL ECONOMY. WATER, BY BORING. TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. SINCE my return, after an absence of a month tubs placed ready for their reception. The tubs, when filled, are carried home in a cart or wagon; and the grapes are then (while in the tub,) pounded or bruised by a stout and pretty heavy piece of wood, which is made use of by hand. From the tubs, the HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY-REGENT-STREET, grapes are thrown into a very large vat, as soon as they are sufficiently bruised. In this vat the pulp of London, April 28, 1824. the bruised grapes, and their juice altogether, reDear Sir,-I was much gratified by the receipt of main for as much as a week or ten days, covered the letter you addressed me, by the hands of Mr. over as beer is when set to work, in order to under-Douglass, and am pleased that I am thus enabled to go the fermentation that is necessary; during the enter into correspondence with you. fermentation, the pulp and juice in the vat rise up, The council of the Society, having recommended ON THE PRACTICABILITY OF OBTAINING just as bread does that is made of yeast. After rising you for election, as a corresponding member of the up and frothing for some time, the head sinks, as Society, I have the honour to send you (in a packet that of beer does, and then the fermentation is sup- which accompanies this letter,) your Diploma, with posed to be nearly at an end. As soon as this sink- a list of the Society published last year, and a copy from my farm, I have read the communication from ing takes place, the juice that flows in the vat is of the chapter of our laws relating to corresponding drawn off, leaving the pulp and the juice which that members. The original laws being out of print, will Mr. Tyson and Mr. Mansfield, on the subject of boring still retains, behind. The juice thus drawn off, be sent you when reprinted. You have also here- for water. As far as their explanation goes, they are is considered to make the best wine of the vin- with the printed notice we usually send to our cor- correct, excepting in the latter clause of each paper. tage; when this juice is drawn off, all that which responding members, and two Reports for 1823 and Mr. M. says, that "as there are few places where the circumstances necessary to the production of springs remains in the vat is taken out and pressed in 1824, on our new garden, with the laws for the redo exist, there are still fewer where they exist and the wine press. The juice runs away from the gulation of the same.* press into a large tub sunk in the ground, from which The copy of the American Farmer is a very usecannot find an outlet, and that it is only in such it is emptied directly into the barrel. There is ful addition to our library, and we shall be happy to places where these outlets or springs are seen, that nothing at all mixed with the juice of the grape, and, receive from you the continuation of it. Our official any advantage from boring can be obtained." And from the time that it is first put into the barrel, it re- acknowledgements for this work, and for the seeds where, sir, do such places not exist? Every little brook and rivulet-the springs that form rivers, wells mains there until it is drawn off to bottle. The bung-supplied by Mr. Harrison, which you were so good hole of the barrel, after receiving the juice, must be as to send us by Mr. Douglas, are in the packet with that are formed by art, all indicate to the borer where he may obtain water; and even if a region could left open, covered only by a vine leaf, for about ten the diploma. You will perceive from the nature of days, in order that all fermentation may subside our institution, and from the general view the docubefore the barrel be made close for good. This is ments I have sent you will furnish, in what way you the whole process of the vintage, as far as relates can render us service; and as reciprocity of kind to the red wine. That of the white wine is somewhat offices is one of our ruling principles, I need not add different. The white grapes must be pressed direct ly after they have been bruised, and instead of fer- * A plan of the garden, also, has been received. Sent by Tench Tilghman, Esq. of Talbot county, Maryland, at the Editor's instance-and probably the most perfect and beautiful sample of white wheat ever seen in England. A very nutritious and valuable plant from the Pronoco, resembling the sweet potato. Yours, respectfully, SPORTING OLIO. C. be discovered where there were no springs within a rection, under the base of a mountain, may inter- may not be obtained until a considerable depth has thousand miles, still there, if the borer could go down sect a stream of gas; if the gas be more than equal been bored, say 500 feet, the well must be tubed to the depth of a thousand or fifteen hundred feet, to the weight of water, it will force the water up down to that depth. It is a different affair when we he would get water. In New York there are many through the fissures, and either find an outlet at the bore merely for fresh water. From 60 to 80 feet is spontaneous springs; some that were obtained by sides or at the top. This water will be impregnated quite sufficient in any case. Water, according to digging, and some that found outlets for themselves. with the mineral qualities of the gas which some- Mr. Tyson, in its ascent through the bored well, may At present the Manhattan Company are boring for times is the result of acid, and sometimes of alkaline encounter fissures, and run off. In no instance has water. Unfortunately for the theory, they have chosen combinations. Sometimes these streams of gas and it occurred in my experience. These fissures are a spot where a thick primitive rock lies unbroken; of water may be present in the midst of plains 500 feet either traversed by water or gas-both rush to the course, until they have bored through that rock, or un- below the surface. If we could be assured of it, we vacuum above, and the water below is not depressed til they shall encounter several fissures in that rock, might bore to that depth, and the water would rise; nor carried off laterally, but rises up with the upper they cannot expect water. I hope that they will not be more than probable, however, it would be strongly stratum. To tube below these springs we must ex deterred from continuing the experiment. I will put impregnated with salt, for I believe that salt may be clude them-and after going down 300 feet with them in a way of getting a spontaneous flow of water obtained any where, at irregular depths. tubes, the springs or veins that we may find, may at a trifling expense, and their machinery, can for a I have reduced the theory of boring to two points not possess sufficient force to make them rise above time, be removed from the present spot to another-that we can obtain water by encountering superfi- the surface;-from 60 to 80 feet is tube enough. where a new attempt can be made. At the corner cial springs, and again by central springs. Superfi-1 of Maiden lane and William-street is a corporation cial springs are those waters that we obtain by the pump; the well was dug by them about twenty years simple laws of gravitation-water is formed on the ago. While the well-digger was at work, a friend of tops of mountains; it percolates through fissures and mine, luckily, was looking at him; the ladder by porosities; descends below the base of the mountain, which the man descended lay near the well at the runs horizontally, and is intersected by a well digger, top-"put down the ladder," said the man below, or borer-this water has no pulse-no ebb nor flow"I have just struck a spring." The man was but it forms rivers and lakes. Central springs are those just able to reach the surface, when the water, which waters that have gravitated, unobstructed, to the came up with a roaring sound, not only filled the point whence gravitation ceases. Surely there is well, which was 14 feet deep, but actually ran over such a point, and as water has been gravitating ever into the street. In a few days the water, finding since the creation, some must have reached this porous earth in the well, soaked off and stood a few point. It will ever be impossible to ascertain what feet from the surface-this pump has never been the central power is, that propels from it all such pumped dry, although there have been fires in the matter as is presented. There are many things that vicinity of six hour's continuance. The water was gravitate to this point, both with water, and apart delicious and continued so until the well was satu- from it-caloric, atmospherical gasses, &c. The rated with the foul matter that it absorbed from the central power, whatever it may be, is of such force surrounding earth-the soakings of the street. If as to throw from it all extraneous matter. The agent, the Manhattan Company could exclude the drip- that this power employs is, undoubtedly, gas-not water from that well, and bore down a few feet, four the common gas that is extricated from beds of minwould be sufficient, they could bring to the surface, erals, but pure elastic oxygen gas-as this gas proor many feet above the surface, an inexhaustible flow ceeds upwards to the surface, it is sometimes united Taken chiefly from late English papers received at the office of water. One hundred dollars would be quite suffi- with other gasses, such as alkaline or acid, or other of the American Farmer. cient for the experiment. mephitic gasses. If it escape upwards through the Difference between the English and American Hare. Now the spring that supplied this well must have ocean, the proportion of other gasses is so small as -The Monkleigh harriers met at Littleham, Devon, come from an immense depth, for it was pure and that the atmosphere is fitter for respiration than on on Monday last, and started a hare on Northam soft; whereas two other wells that were begun at the land. Water, therefore, that is propelled to the sur-Ridge; she ran through Littleham, crossed the river same time in Broadway, were dug to the depth of 30 face by the central power, I call central springs; they at Landcross; from thence to Monkleigh, over the feet and more, and the water was brackish immedi- have a pulse, an ebb and flow-they form the reci- river Torridge three times at Wear Gifford, pursaately. Although all those who are conversant in hy-procating springs-and form, too, seas and oceans.- ing her way to Bideford, Hunshaw, Alverdiscott, and drostatics adopt the theory of Dr. Halley respecting As this subject is investigated by the learned, a new Westleigh, where she was killed, having run through the reproduction of water and its descent by the gra- theory of the tides will be elicited for I am con- ten parishes from ten in the morning to four in the vitating principle, yet no one has, thus far, accounted vinced that the present theory of the tides is not the afternoon, affording equal fatigue and pleasure to for those spontaneous springs that are often seen at correct one. The similarity of the motions of the the sportsmen. SPORTING AND OTHER ANECDOTES, AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, the side, near the summit of high mountains, and moon, has led to its adoption. As there is a given Sagacity of a Fox.-A few days ago, two foxes sometimes on the very top of mountains. There are impetus to the earth, enabling it to revolve round its were discovered in the gardens at Houston, Cheshire, numerous instances where these springs have exist- own centre every 24 hours-there may be an inter- the seat of Sir T. Stanley. One of them afforded ed for ages, undiminished. Now, springs are easily nal power, of sufficient strength to force from itself, much sport, and was killed; the other was permitdistinguished from reservoirs; the latter are often all transmitted matter, at stated intervals; say every ted to escape. Sir Thomas's hounds drove a fine seen both on plains and on the tops of very high 12 hours, as with the tides. The more direct the dog-fox from cover, and had a glorious run with mountains; when on plains, they are produced by communication is between the outlet, and the agent him to Brimstage-in the whole a distance of about heavy rains, and are dissipated by evaporation-of the central power, the more regular will be the 20 miles. Being closely pursued, Reynard made for when on mountains, they are constant, because con- ebb and flow. If we pursue this idea, more satisfac-a farm-house there, and leaped on a wall about six densation is continually going on. The water is only tory results may be obtained than with the present feet high, and from thence on an adjoining cartsimple rain water, and is soft and pure. Springs, on system. Now, we are obliged to take much for grant- house three feet higher, close to the dwelling-house, the contrary, assume a different character. To give ed, and overlook the singular and glaring fact, that which, on that side is nearly covered with ivy. This one instance on the side of Scholey's mountain, lakes, as large as some seas, are unaffected by the afforded too fine a shelter to be lost, and up it did about 30 feet from the top, issues a spring that has supposed influence of the moon, although the volume the cunning animal creep, till he had gained the been there for ages. It is a chalybeate. I was there of water could be as easily elevated, or depressed, as roof, and was screened from observation! The in the last summer of drought. Not a reservoir, not the ocean. There is no accounting, to a certainty, for hounds soon came up, and had the scent fresh to the a pond, was to be seen any where on the top-the the ebb and flow. It may reciprocate on a large wall, where they were obliged to "stop at a gage," two previous summers had been of uncommon drought scale, as some springs are supposed to reciprocate. and the pursuit terminated, greatly to the disap-so that had this spring originated from the leakage But this may furnish matter for another paper. All pointment of a large field. In the course of the of reservoirs or ponds at the top, it would have been that I want to advance at present, is, that we may night, the farmer was annoyed by the barking of exhausted each summer. This water, and other get a permanent supply of water, at whatever place his yard-dog, which, the next morning, was observed water that issues from this mountain, has formed a we may choose to bore for it,-and that the water making several attempts to get on the cart-house. lake about five miles distance. thus obtained, is entirely independent of gravitation This afforded a clue to the farmer that some strange Assuming the hypothesis that "mountains have-and that by tubing down to a certain depth, all visitor was near, and he accordingly got a ladder, and been upheaved by some internal commotion," there soakings of foul matter will be shut out. Mr. Tyson mounted the roof, where snugly couchant in a spout, must be innumerable fissures and cavities through- observes, that it is the practice to tube down to the closely shaded by the ivy, was sly Reynard! The aniout. Through these fissures, water gravitates, and very bottom of bored wells. This only applies to mal immediately made a fresh start, descended to through these same fissures elastic gasses escape up- those wells that have been bored for salt. It is ne- the cart-house and the ground, and once more got wards. Water that is gravitating in a horizontal di-cessary to exclude the fresh water; and as salt water into the fields without injury. |