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T. PICKERING.

SHEEP-No. 5.

"Four tups were shown for the prize cup of sixty dollars value, as follows:

these tests of its quality. The case of the cow sold to which you refer, was shortly after his return from at the same price, as being, on the whole, the best by Mr. Welles to Mr. Quincy, justifies my caution Great Britain (which was in 1795.] He remarked, milkers." on this head. Mr. Welles supposed her milk to be that the cattle which he had generally met in New rich, and that on the same food she would yield as England, appeared to be of the Devonshire breed, much butter as the Oakes cow; yet, though so that he had seen in Great Britain." much larger an animal, Mr. Quincy's careful ex- Now although I suppose the Devon race of cattle periment proved her inferiority, even to the vast to be predominant in New England, I doubt not that MR. EDITOR, difference of one half. some of other breeds were early introduced by our FROM 1808, up to 1811, sheep of the home Ezekiel H. Derby, Esq. has favoured me with an ancestors; some Herefords unquestionably, whose breeds, in some instances slightly touched with meaccount of a heifer of the improved short horn descendants are yet distinguished by their white faces. rino, were shown for the cups. The seventh annibreed. She and a bull of the same breed, presents The following concludes Mr. Marshall's minute de-versary was remarkable for three out of the four from Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin to the Agricultural scription of a good Herefordshire ox: "The coat candidates, being of merino blood. The following Society of Massachusetts, were, by the Trustees, neatly haired, bright and silky; its colour middle account of the Exhibition, will show the weight and committed to the care of Mr. Derby, in Salem, to red, with a bald face;' the last being esteemed fleece; although the term unwashed is used, it is give to the farmers of Essex an opportunity of characteristic of the true Hereford breed."* By not properly applicable, as all the lambs prepared putting their best cows to the bull. The heifer, on "bald face" (marked by Marshall with commas, as for the shows were pet lambs, had been very carethe 28th of January last, dropped her first calf-a a local expression) white faces are doubtless intend- fully and cleanlily kept, and had little or no foreign female. A fortnight after, she gave ten quarts of ed. White faced cattle, of our native stock, are matter in their fleeces. milk in a day, besides what the calf sucked; and now often to be seen; but I think less frequently about six weeks from her calving, 8 quarts were than in the early part of my life, taken from her; being so much more than Mr. Der- Of Mr. Stuart's animals, the following is his own by thought necessary to the health and useful thriv-account, as verbally stated to a friend from whom ing of the calf; which is well grown and in good received it. That he sent to England for two heifcondition. Her milk is pronounced to be rich; but ers and a bull of the Bakewell breed: that they were has not yet been brought to the only certain test. shipped-but that the bull and one of the heifers Her food has been partly English and partly salt- were left on the passage; that the other arrived at marsh hay, with four quarts of corn and cob-meal Philadelphia, when he lived at Germantown, where, mixed with chaffed hay, and half a bushel of the a few months after, she brought forth a fine bull common flat or English turnips, daily. calf; that shortly afterwards, being determined to Major Rudd says of the improved short horns, remove to Boston, he sent thither the cow and her that "if this breed were every where disseminated, calf, where they were delivered to Mr. Joseph Rusthe produce of beef, on a given extent of land, sel, who sent them to his island below Boston, where would be nearly doubled; that their milk is richer in they for some time remained and propagated the The judges, after minute and very careful exami. quality, but less in quantity than of the old breed; breed, [but certainly within narrow limits, especial-nation of the comparative merits of the several canand that an improved short horned cow will yield ly as they were kept on an island] that they were didates, in conformity to the rule of decision furabout eight or nine pounds of butter per week, not large animals, but easily made fat, and on coarse nished them by the proprietor of the institution, avoirdupois weight." He says also, that in form fodder, that the cow was not a great milker, seldom (viz. general excellence,) unanimously adjudged the and handling, the improved short horns are a per- giving more than six quarts [at a milking, must be prize to the tup bred by J. C. Scott, Esq. of Strawfect contrast to the old breed; and he believes they understood,] under the most favourable circumstan- berry Vale, Fairfax county." consume less food: and that "in countries where ces; but the milk was rich: that they were of a liver Thus it will be seen, that an half bred merino, beef is in great demand, the improved short horns colour, spotted with white; some of the calves white, being a cross of merino upon the native stock, proare beyond all doubt the best.” with liver coloured ears: and that he sold them to duced the heaviest fleece in proportion to the weight Mr. Powell controverts an opinion which has been Mr. Bowdoin, who sent them to Nashaun, one of of carcass. expressed, that the cattle of Massachusetts are of the Elizabeth islands, (his property,) where both of The merino strain began about this time very the Devon breed. "I would contend (he says) that them died; poisoned, as Mr. Stuart thinks, by eat- generally to be adopted, in all parts of the United the finest cattle of Massachusetts are mixed with ing hemlock plants in the spring of the year. States. I had long combated the merino opinion,

*

Coton, native blood, property of Mr. Lee, of
Coton-Weight of carcass unclipt, 145 lbs.
Do. of fleece, unwashed,.
Columbus, quarter blood merino, pro-
perty of D. M. Chichester, Esq.
Fleece, unwashed,
Fairfax, half blooded merino, proper-
ty of John C. Scott, Esq.

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Fleece, unwashed,
Gunston, quarter blooded merino, pro-
perty of George Mason, Esq. .
Fleece, unwashed,

8 1 oz.

111 5 6 4

94

6 3 123 8

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families of which Mr. Gore, Mr. Stuart and Mr. From this history of the Gore, Stuart, and Vaug in a correspondence with Chancellor Livingston Vaughan imported the sires. Lancaster, Leicester, han imported cattle, it may be possible to trace some and other eminent men, till finding myself almost and Hereford blood, can be traced by a practised of their progeny in the neighbourhood of Boston, left alone, I made a merit of necessity, and went eye, in many of the best working oxen exhibited at perhaps a few in Vermont, and a very small num- with the tide. Mr. L. had made me a present of a the New England Agricultural shows." ber in Maine, if Mr. Vaughan took his cow into Rambouillet merino of great value, with which I in Although satisfied that the blood of those import- that district: but on the New England stock at time bred away all my long wool, and became merino in toto. ed cattle of Gore, Stuart and Vaughan, was here of large, it is certain no effect could have been proBut I had previously sent abroad many of my Arlington long woolled, some to my very limited extent, I have made inquiry to ascer-duced, by any or all of them. tain the facts. From Mr. Gore I have received the From the writings of Young, Marshall and others, friends, and some to endeavour to raise a fund to following information. it appears that farmers in England entertained dif- establish a perpetual premium for American cloth,

The bull of English extraction, owned by me ferent opinions concerning the several breeds of to be annually adjudged at the seat of government. about the years 1794, 5, 6 and 7, was by a cow im- cattle; some preferring the long horned, especially Any of those gentlemen, or their neighbours, who ported from England by Mr. Charles Vaughan.- Bakewell's highly improved race; while others received those sheep, will do a most acceptable serThe bull was dropped from the cow on her passage chose the improved Holderness, or short horned. vice, by informing of the success which attended from England, and given to me by that gentleman, Others again, preferred the native breeds of their their introduction to the various parts of the counshortly after the arrival of the cow in America.-respective districts. So in our own country, opin-try, whither they were sent. A very fine young He proved to be a remarkably fine animal, large, ions vary. Mr. Powel disapproves of the lately im-ram was sent to Thomas Miller, Esq. of Powhatan, and of excellent form. His proportions were all good. ported Devonst and their offspring. Of these I can Virginia, but his success has not been heard of. The tide has now turned, and numerous applicaAccording to my recollection, he was as handsome say nothing, having seen none of them. But in and large as any bull I have since seen. I gave to some parts of England there are Devonshire cattle tions are made to me for long woolled. I am rallythe man who superintended my farm, all he could which are highly prized. "It has been found by a ing again under the flag of long woolled, and breedobtain for his services. I have no belief that many person in the vicinity of the Devizes, Wiltshire, ing from a Bakewell of the breed of Mr. Barneycows were brought to him. During my absence in who, as well as his father before him, has been in but I fear that the wool of the Persian, of sixteen Europe, he became unruly; and about the year the habit of letting cows to men who supply the inches, "I shall ne'er look upon its like again." I received also as a present, a ram and ewe, 1738, my agent sold him, and, as I understood, to town with milk; and who buys all his cows, and a man living in Vermont." consequently can have no partiality for any particu- brought from the island of San Fernando Aronha, "The observation expressed to me by Mr. Jay, lar sort, having at different times had all kinds; that in the Southern ocean. They were nearly hairy, the milkmen have uniformly, for the last thirty resembling goats, and died on the approach of years, given the preference to the Devonshire sort,

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English Hay is a term I do not recollect to have met with out of New England. By it is meant that mixture of grasses which constitute good upland meadow, such as our ancestors knew in England. They used the term to distinguish this upland hay from the wild, coarse, wet-meadow and salt-marsh hay of the country.

* Rural Economy of Gloucestershire, vol. 1, p. 247.

I believe these were a present to a gentleman in
Maryland, from Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, in England.

winter.

It appears that there are only certain parallels of latitude where wool-bearing sheep will flourish; when you exceed these, either by too much north

*Rees' Cyclopedia—Art. Dairying,

JOSEPH GALES, Jr., Chairman.

or south, the fleece degenerates to hair, but the shall speak hereafter. In reference to the power of evinced in the various communications on both the flesh is found of excellence in almost all climates. nature over all animals, I would beg leave to cite subjects proposed, that, if the terms on which they Of the original, or parent sheep, Luccock relates-an example, in the Arabian horse, taken from my are received would allow of it, each might be en"The mouflon, the argali of Dr. Pallas, which is address, published in 1808. titled to particular mention. They hope yet to see now perhaps entirely banished from Europe, bears The Arabian horse, while roaming in his native some of them usefully occupying the columns of the so great a resemblance to our domestic sheep, and deserts, gathers strength and activity from the American Farmer. possesses so many of its properties, as to be deem- quantity of exercise necessary to obtain his food. ed by naturalists the parent stock. The fleeces are The chieftain who subdues this tyrant of the herd, indeed so much alike, that the description of one takes care to preserve his former habits, that he MR. EDITOR, answers almost equally well for that of the other. may convert those habits to his own use. He is not In the report of the committee upon horses for They consist in summer of a short hair, sleek and immured in close stables, covered with cloths, or the late Cattle Show, mention is made of a "two resembling that of a deer; in winter of wool, like submitted to the farrier's skill, but rests in ease and down mingled with hair, every where an inch and happiness at the door of the tent, cheered by the year old colt from New York," as being “the property of Mr. Stephen Eustis." As you express a an half long at least, concealing all its roots; a fine attentions of his friend, and participating in the desire that all inaccuracies, which should accidentwoolly down, of a white colour in general. It is hospitalities of the family. Thus fitted for service, ally occur in the statement, might be pointed out, now confined almost, if not entirely to Asia, and is and preserved in those habits which nature at first it may not be amiss to observe, that the colt beso shy, that as new colonies settle, it retreats from had formed, the Arabian horse outstrips the wind, longs to Mr. Vanbrugh Livingston, of Westchester their observation, to the most wild and naked rocks, and bears his master in triumph o'er the field. where it delights to bask itself in the unintercepted The breeder, like the physician, should endea-county, N. Y., and was sent by him to the abovevour to assist nature, and not to counteract her "Observing in this manner, the different kinds of laws; and by studying the habits of animals in their fleeces which are produced in countries where do-native state, he may find a data from which better mestic animals have undergone the least alteration, systems may be formed than from all the hypotheand remarking how nearly they correspond with ses extant. Respectfully, yours, the coats of those which retain their native wildness, we perceive the astonishing effects of cultivation. The celebrated burdens, borne by the sneep of Spain, Persia, and Cachemire, were doubtless in their original state, as coarse and hairy as those produced on the wastes of Tartary, or among the morasses of Siberia. It is probable that in most,

rays of the sun.

G. W. P. CUSTIS.

Arlington House, June 17, 1825.

MARYLAND CATTLE SHOW.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON VOLUNTEER PREMIUMS.

named exhibition.

June 13, 1825.

AMICUS.

WHITE FLINT WHEAT. MR. SKINNER, Bremo, June 15, 1825. IN your inquiries about the white flint wheat sown last fall in Maryland and Virginia, I presume you allude to what has been sometimes called Cayuga, or New York white flint wheat. I received a barrel of this wheat from Gen. S. Van Rensselaer, of Albany, which was carefully sown in good time.

Yours, respectfully,

JOHN H. COCKE.

AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS.

THE Committee on the volunteer premiums have It is not quite ready to be harvested, but sufficientif not all these countries, the race which now inha-given to the subject of the premiums offered for ly advanced towards ripeness for me to pronounce bits them, is a breed imported from some neigh-essays on two important branches of rural economy, that it "withstands the attacks of the hessian fly," bouring region. But history, which is always de- that earnest and serious attention which the in- in every respect, as well as our well-known lawler fective in the narrative of rural affairs, is not suffi-portance of the subjects and the characters of the-which it so exactly resembles, in every particuciently explicit to enable us at this distant period, donors seemed to entitle them to. lar of grain, growth, time of ripening, and, lastly, even to guess at the time when they were first intro- The first which presented itself, following the being mixed with a portion of the peculiar darker duced; nor can we trace from it the different stages order of publication, was the silver cup, offered by coloured heads which I have always seen accom of their improvement. Those of Spain, probably, that liberal and public spirited citizen Robert Oliver, panying the lawler, that I cannot resist the conclu were brought from the opposite coast of Africa; and Esq. "to the author of the best essay on the natural sion, it is the same wheat. England is undoubtedly indebted for the flocks history of the mule, and its value for the general which adorn her pastures, to various parts of the purposes of agriculture, in comparison with horses." continent. For this premium there were six competitors, and "Certain it is, however, that the amelioration of several essays of great merit; giving a mature conthe flocks has always been closely connected with sideration to them respectively, and observing exthe progress of the arts and of civilization; for we actly the terms on which the premium is offered, uniformly find in countries where these have flou- the committee award the premium for the best DEAR Sir, Edisto Island, S. C., May 16, 1825. rished, a race of sheep which yield wool much su- essay on this subject, to Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, Since February, we have experienced a succesperior to that which we find all around them.- of Brighton, in Massachusetts. It might be deemed sion of very boisterous and inclement weather. The Where the best blessings of social life have been invidious to other competitors for this prize, to last month was unusually cold and rainy, and about but little cultivated, we sometimes meet with the speak of them by name. For the purposes of this four weeks since, the crops of cotton planted in strong and shy argali, which bounds before its communication, it is sufficient to state, that, at least March and the early part of April, were so seriously hunters, anxious for those recesses which never one of the other essays contained matter which injured by a severe gale, that even now many of were imprinted with the human footstep. But would have added to the practical value of that of our farmers are replanting. In the hope that good where the mattock of agriculture turns the soil, the Mr. Pomeroy, though inferior to it in other respects, weather would revive their plants, they neglected goat and its kindred sheep, little differing from each and particularly in what relates to the natural his- to apply the only remedy upon which they could other in their shape, or their fleece, crowd around tory of the animal, which it appears to have been rely. The cotton crops are, therefore, very backthe tent of the herdsman, and demand that care an important part of the object of the donor to ward, and unless we are blessed with a late fall, a which is necessary to their subsistence." draw forth. good harvest cannot be anticipated.

EXTRACT TO THE EDITOR.

Man can certainly, sir, do much, but not all; na- For the other essay, "on the value and use of The present high prices for cotton, and the proture must and will do her share-climate and soil oxen, in comparison with horses, in the middle and bability of an advance the next year, have induced will have their due influence upon all animals, whe-southern states, accompanied by a description of the many of our planters to neglect the corn crop. As ther for food or fleece. The care of man in select- best method of gearing and breaking them," the there will no doubt be a very great want of that ing various breeds of animals, is a truly important committee after a mature and deliberate examina- article in the fall, our friends at the north and east step toward bringing them to perfection, but unless tion of a number of able and practical essays on may reasonably calculate on ready and profitable he shall place them in those latitudes adapted to the subject, do award the premium of a silver cup sales. So long as the price of cotton is high, so their several natures and properties, but little bene- of the value of $25, patriotically presented by the long will the southern states need a large supply of fit will result from his knowledge. venerable Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, to Thomas corn. Respectfully, yours, WHITEMARSH B. SEABROOK.

Sheep appear by Providence to have been in- P. Stabler, of Montgomery county, Maryland. His tended for the use of all mankind, in a more or essay is considered entitled to the premium, as conless degree, and hence are found in nearly all the forming to the intention of the donor, which doubtcountries of the globe; and it is very certain that less was, to elicit the best practical information on the arts of civilization have produced far greater the subject.

HORTICULTURE.

PEACH WASP.

improvements than belong to the animal in its sa- The committee take much pleasure in stating to vage state. But that sheep, if left to the influence the friends of the agricultural society, that the com- MR. SKINNER, Bremo, May, 1825. of climate and soil alone, and that climate and soil positions on both the above subjects demonstrated UNTIL this and the last spring, I had never found peculiarly adapted to their nature and necessities; the growing interest which is felt in the improve-the Peach Wasp in the chrysaloid state earlier than that they will not degenerate, but rather improve, I'ment of agriculture, and the advantages which July, but for the most part in August. (See Ameriam disposed to believe from the experience of the result to the community by the labours and contri- can Farmer, vol. 1, p. 350.) In many instances this Sea Island sheep of our own country, of which Ilbutions of the association. So much merit was spring, I have discovered them in that state which

immediately precedes their existence in the fly form, as early as the last of February and first of March; and subsequently, in the spring examination of my peach trees, I found many of the worms just commencing their destructive ravages, in a very minute state-clearly indicating that they had but recently come forth from the egg. Hence, I infer these eggs were deposited by flies transformed from the chrysaloids of February and March. This change in the attack demands a corresponding change in the defence.

Q. What productions of nature are included| under the name of plants or vegetables?

A. Plants or vegetables are all those productions which possess life, and derive their nourishment from the earth in which they grow.*

Q. Are they not extremely numerous?

4. Foot-stalks; these support the leaf, and defend and convey nourishment to the bud.

5. Flower-stalks; or foot-stalks to the flower and fruit.

6. Arms; which is the term given to the offensive | parts of plants; as thorns, prickles, stings, &c. A. Yes: it is supposed there are upwards of 7. Pubes; a name applied to the defensive parts; twenty thousand species of plants, which compose, such as the hairy, woolly, or clammy substances what naturalists have termed, the vegetable kingdom; common to certain plants. nor will this number appear so very surprising when Q. What is the flower?

CHAPTER II.

we consider that the whole surface of the earth is A. The flower is that temporary and beautiful I have hitherto kept this enemy at bay, by post- covered with them. About 2000 of these are natives | part of vegetables which is intended for the introing my guards in time to meet the July and August of Great Britain, of which nearly one half are mosses duction of the seed. It consists of seven principal generation of filies. In future, I apprehend, we and the like. must prepare ourselves against a spring invasion also; for, from the various sizes and conditions of the worms I examined this spring, I have every reason to conclude, there is in reserve for us, the usual supply of summer.

Of the Structure of Plants in General.

Q. Of what does a perfect plant consist?

A. A perfect plant consists of the trunk or stem,
the root, the leaves, the supports, the flower, and
the fruit.

Q. What is the trunk or stem?
A.
4. The trunk is composed of six organic parts,
namely:

parts, namely: the calyx, corolla, stamen, pistil, pericarp or seed vessel, seed, and receptacle; the four first belong properly to the flower, and the three last to the fruit.*

Q. What are annual plants?

A. Plants are said to be annual, when they are sown, , blossom, produce seeds, and die, in the course of one year.

A.

Those plants which totally perish the second Q. What are biennial plants? after they have been sown are termed biennial, Q. Which are perennial plants? A. Such as continue alive in the ground for seve years.

CHAPTER III.

Parts of Fructification.

I once believed, the co-operation of all the individuals of a neighbourhood, in destroying all the old neglected peach trees, which serve as so many nurseries of this fly, and carefully protecting every peach tree that was permitted to stand, would 1. The cuticle (or epidermis,) which is the out-year exterminate the evil, within prescribed limits; but, ward thin covering, answering to the skin of anito say nothing of the difficulty of effecting such a mals. co-operation, there is now reason to believe that ral 2. The outward bark (or cortex,) which protects this enemy to the peach, is propagated in some the plant from the effects of the cold. of our forest trees. I have found a worm resembling it, in every appearance, in the common red oak-and I am informed by Tucker Coles, Esq., of Albemarle, that he had discovered it, since the alA. The flower and fruit; these consist of seven most entire destruction of the peach trees of the parts, as before observed, which are particularly Green Mountain, in the young chestnuts of the fo6. The pith (or medulla,) which is a soft white requisite to be known, as on them the classification rest. This destructive insect, which was unknown substance, and in young plants is very copious, but of plants, according to the system of Linnæus, is in this part of Virginia 25 years ago, now threatens diminishes as the plant grows, and at length dis-founded. in a few years more to leave not a peach tree standing, if not carefully and regularly protected against Q. What is the root?

3. The inner bark (or liber.)

4. The alburnum, which is a soft white substance,
situate between the inner bark and the wood.
5. The wood (or lignum,) which is the compact
fibrous substance, surrounding the pith.

appears.

Q What parts of a plant are necessary for the young botanist to be first acquainted with?'

Q. What is the calyx? A. The calyx, empalement, or flower-cup, is the its ravages. A. The root, which enables the tree to stand firm green part which is situated immediately below the The Rose-bug of the eastern shore of Virginia, in the ground, and which absorbs the juices from the blossom. Its chief use is to enclose and protect the has made its appearance on the western side of the earth, necessary for its growth, by means of small other parts of the flower. It sometimes consists of Chesapeake within a few years past. Hitherto a fibres, is a continuation of the trunk descending two or more leaves, as in the rose, and sometimes very few have been seen. They are in considera- into the earth, and consists of the same parts, tabular, is like the cowslip, &c.t ble numbers here this spring, (60 miles above the although less conspicuous. Q. What is the corolla? head of the tide.) They have not, as yet, done Q. What are the leaves? A. The corolla, blossom, or what is commonly any serious injury to the flowers and fruits, of which A. The leaves, which differ much in their forms called the flower, is the part which is most beautithey are so destructive in the lower part of the and manner of growth, consist of an immense num- fully coloured, of the finest texture, and often smells state-but from the activity and thriving appear-ber of fibres, termed the nerves of the leaf, but which sweet. The leaves which compose the corolla are ance of this year's race, I think it probable, their are merely its vessels, running in every direction, called petals.

descendants of the next, may inflict upon us some and branching out into innumerable small threads. Q. What are the stamens?
of the evils which our fellow citizens of the eastern The surface of the leaf, like the skin of animals, is A. The stamens or chives, which are
shore have so long complained of. If any of your full of pores, which serve both for respiration and
readers in that quarter can provide us with a reme- the absorption of dew, air, &c. thereby nourishing
dy against this new enemy, it will be at once ren- the plant, and contributing to its growth.
dering us a friendly service, and subserving one of
the objects of your valuable paper.
Yours, respectfully,

JOHN H. COCKE.

BOTANY.

PINNOCK'S CATECHISM OF BOTANY;

BEING A PLEASING AND FAMILIAR DESCRIPTION OF
THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM; IN WHICH THE LIN-

Q. What are the supports?

A. The supports (or fulcra,) are certain external parts of plants, which are useful to support and defend them from enemies and injuries. They are divided into seven kinds.

Q. Describe them.

situated in the centre of the flower, are
composed of two parts, one long and thin,
by which they are fastened to the bottom
of the corolla, called the filament; the other
thicker, placed at the top of the filament,
called the anthera, which opens when it is
ripe, and discharges a yellowish dust, called
pollen or farina, from its being like flour.*
Q. What are the pistils?

Anthera

Filament

d. 1. Tendrils; which are small strings that are A. The pistils, or pointals, commonly appear in not strong enough to stand alone; but support them the centre of the corolla, from which they rise like selves by embracing some shrub, &c. near to them. so many columns. There are from one to twelve, The vine and pea will serve for examples of this. or more, in each flower. The pistil consists of three 2. Floral leaves; which are very small leaves parts.

NEAN CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS HAS BEEN AD-placed near the flower.

HERED TO, AND SUITABLE EXAMPLES OF EACH
CLASS GIVEN,

"On every thorn delightful wisdom grows;
In every rill a sweet instruction flows."-YOUNG.

FROM THE SIXTH LONDON EDITION.

CHAPTER I.

Introduction.

Question. WHAT is Botany?

Answer. Botany is that science which arranges and distinguishes all plants or vegetables, and teaches us their peculiar properties and uses.

Q. What are they?

3. Stipules; small leafy appendages, situate on
the sides or below the leaf, to protect it when | Emer 'ging, part. coming forth, rising into view.
emerging from the bud.

The following is a more scientific definition:
Plants or vegetables are all those bodies which have
organization and life, but are destitute of sensibility
and the powers of voluntary motion, deriving their
nourishment from the earth in which they grow.
Organ 'ic, a. consisting of various parts so constructed
as to co-operate together.
Fi'brous, a. composed of fibres, thread-like.
Absorb', v. to suck up.

Respiration', s. the act of inhaling, breathing.

* By the flower and fruit, or parts of fructification, the species of each plant may be for ever renewed: all other modes of propagation, such as by buds, grafts, or layers, will sooner or later have their termination.

Although the colour of the calyx is usually green, yet in some plants it is of other colours. In some instances, also, the calyx remains till the seed is ripe, as in the dead nettle; in others it falls before the flower is at maturity, as in the poppy; while the lily, and some others, appear to be wholly without it.

This dust, falling on the stigma of the pistil, is the cause of complete fructification..

No. 14.-VOL. 7.]

A. The germ, the style, and the stigma. Stigma The germ is the pedestal or base of the pistil, generally of a roundish shape, though sometimes slender. Its office is to contain the seeds which are not yet arrived at maturity; the style is the pillar or thread which supports the stigma; and the stigma is the highest part of the pistil.*

Q. What is the pericarp?

Style.

A. The pericarp, or seed-vessel, is the case or covering of the seed, and is the external part of the germ come to maturity. It is of various shapes; globular, as in the poppy, long, as in the pod of the pea; pulpy, with a stone in the middle, as in the plum; pulpy, containing seeds inclosed in a case, as in the pear, juicy, and containing seeds which have only an external case, as the gooseberry.

Germ.

Q. On what are the characters of the classes founded?

A. The characters of the classes are taken from the number, connexion, length, or situation of the

stamens.

Q. What plants are comprehended in the thirteenth class (Polyandria?)

A. Those that have more than twenty stamens attached to the receptacle.

Q. What distinguishes the fourteenth class (Di

Q. You say there are twenty-four classes; how dynamia?) may they be distinguished?

A. When there are four stamens in a flower, of which two are longer than the others, it belongs to

Q. How may the fifteenth be known? A. Tetradynamia, the fifteenth class, is known by having six stamens in the flower, four of which are longer than the other two.

Q. Describe those of the sixteenth class (Monadelphia?)

A. In each of the first twenty classes there are stamens and pistils in the same flower; in the twen- the fourteenth class. ty-first class they are in distinct flowers on the same plant; in the twenty-second, in distinct flowers on different plants; in the twenty-third, they are in the same flower, as well as in distinct ones; and they are not all to be seen in the twenty-fourth class. Q. As no progress can be made in botany till the names of the classes are well understood, I will A. In the sixteenth class the stamens are united thank you to inform me whence they are derived, by their filaments into one set, forming a case round the lower part of the pistils, but separating at the and then repeat them. A. The names of the classes are formed from top. Greek words, and express the characteristics of each Q. How may the seventeenth class (Diadelphia) A. The seed of plants is that part of every vege- class. The first ten classes are named from the be distinguished? table which, at a certain state of maturity, is sepa- Greek numerals, and the word andria, which the sturated from it, and contains the rudiments of a new dent must consider as meaning the same as stamens. plant, though the parts are too minute to be discerned by our organs of sight.

Q. What is the seed?

Q. What is the receptacle?

A. The receptacle, or base, is that part which supports and connects the whole together. In some plants it is very conspicuous: particularly, for instance, in the artichoke; the whole of the lower part, which we eat, being the receptacle.

Q. When is a flower said to be superior?

CLASSES.

1. Monandria,
2. Diandria,
3. Triandria,
4. Tetrandria,
5. Pentandria,
6. Hexandria,
7. Heptandria,
8. Octandria,

A. A flower is superior when the receptacle of 9. Enneandria,

the flower is above the germ.

Q. When is it inferior?

A. When the receptacle is below the germ.

Q. Is not a flower sometimes called naked?

A. Yes; it is said to be naked when the calyx is absent.

Q. Are not flowers sometimes called complete, and at other times incomplete?

A. Yes; a flower is complete when it has both a calyx and corolla; and incomplete when either of these are deficient.

Q. What is an aggregate flower?

A. An aggregate flower is a flower composed of florets standing on foot-stalks, attached to a broad receptacle.

What is an umbellated

10. Decandria,
11. Dodecandria,
12. Icosandria,
18. Polyandria,
14. Didynamia,
15. Tetradynamia,

16. Monadelphia,

17. Diadelphia,
18. Polyadelphia,
19. Syngenesia,
20. Gynandria,

21. Monœcia,

An umbellated plant plant which sends out towards the top, from the same point or centre, a 22. Diœcia, number of branches, like the spokes of an umbrella, and bearing flowers on the top, as the carrot, pars- 23. Polygamia, nip, and parsley.

CHAPTER IV.

On the Classification of Plants.

24. Cryptogamia,

One stamen.
Two stamens.
Three stamens.
Four stamens.
Five stamens.
Six stamens.
Seven stamens.
Eight stamens.
Nine stamens.
Ten stamens.
Twelve stamens.
Twenty stamens.
Many stamens.

Four stamens, two longer.
Six stamens, four longer.
Filaments united at bot-
tom, but separated at
top.
Filaments in two sets.
Filaments in many sets.
Stamens united by antheræ.
Stamens and pistils together.
Stamens and pistils in se-
parate flowers, upon the
same plant.
Stamens and pistils dis-
tinct, upon
different
plants.
Variously situated.

Flowers invisible.

CHAPTER V.

The Classification of Plants explained.

A. In the seventeenth class the corollas are papillionaceous, or like a butterfly, as the blossom of a pea; the stamens are connected by their filaments, but divided into two sets, one of which is thicker, and forms a case round the pistil; the other is smaller, and leans towards the pistil.

Q. How is the eighteenth class known? A. In the eighteenth class, (Polyadelphia,) the stamens are united by their filaments into more than two sets or parcels.

Q. By what means may the nineteenth class be known?

A. Syngenesia (the name of the nineteenth) consists of compound flowers, as the common daisy or dandelion; and they are called compound, because each single flower consists of a collection of little flowers or florets, attached to the same broad receptacle, and contained within one calyx.

Q. What distinguishes the twentieth class, (Gynandria?)

A. In the twentieth class the stamens are attached to the pistil.

QBy what means may the twenty-first class be known?

A. The twenty-first class (Monoecia) contains those plants which have flowers of different kinds on the same plant, some bearing pistils, and others stamens only.

Q. How may the twenty-second class (Diœcia) be known?

A. The twenty-second class consists of those species which have stamens on one plant, and pistils on another.

Q. What kind of plants does the twenty-third class (Polygamia) comprehend?

A. The twenty-third class comprehends those

Q. What is intended by the classification of Q. The principles on which the classes are form- plants which have at least two, and sometimes three plants? ed are certainly simple, and easily to be compre-kind of flowers. 1. Some with pistils and stamens A. For the more easy comprehension of the hended: but it will be necessary for us to go over in the same flower. 2. Others having stamens science of botany, Linnæus divided the whole vege- them again, and distinguish the properties of each only. 3. Or having flowers with pistils only. table creation into twenty-four classes. These are class more particularly before we proceed farther. Q. What are comprehended in the twenty-fourth again divided into orders, which are subdivided into Tell me, therefore, how the first ten classes are class? genera or tribes; and these genera are further di-known. A. The twenty-fourth class (Cryptogamia) comvided into species, or individuals. A. All plants which have only one stamen are of prehends all plants in which the flowers are invisithe first class; those that have only two are of the ble to the naked eye, as mosses, ferns, mushrooms, second; those that have only three are of the third; sea-weeds, &c. and so on, the number of stamens being the same as the number of the class in the first ten classes. Q. How is the eleventh class (Dodecandria) known?

Q. What may this division be likened to?

A. A class resembles an army; an order, a regiment; a genus, a company; and a species, a soldier.

MISCELLANEOUS.
ITEMS,

* Numerous experiments have been made to ascertain the importance of the Stamina and Pistilla to the production of perfect seed, and the results have been A. The eleventh class contains all those plants, uniformly conclusive. In fact, although botany, as a which have from twelve to nineteen stamens, fixed Selected from late English papers received at the office of the American Farmer. science, was little understood by the ancients, yet they to the receptacle. were aware of the importance of these two parts of the

Q. How is the twelfth class (Icosandria) known? There is at present, at Stralsund, an extraordinaflower in maturing the fruit of the palm tree; for those A. By having twenty or more stamens, fixed to ry Elephant, which has been taught to manœuvre a trees bearing stamens only were carefully planted among those that bore the pistils, that the dates (the the inside of the calyx. In this class the place of piece of artillery. He brings a 48-pounder up to fruit) might come to perfection; and in the present insertion is more to be relied on than the number the ramparts, loads it, rams it down, points it, lights day, in those countries where this fruit is an article of of the stamens, for there are sometimes less than the match, and fires the cannon, all in seven food, it is scrupulously attended to. twenty, and sometimes more. minutes and a half.

METEOROLOGICAL.

[Quantity of rain which fell in Glamorgan county, in Wales, during the last year-inserted to gratify those who keep meteorological tables in our own country, and make comparison of the climates of different countries.]

Although the quantity of rain we have noted during the past year may be found in your Journal, we have again stated it below, as some of your readers may not have your Journal at hand to refer to We trust we may not have so great a quantity to record again as the last four months present: Inches. Dec. pts.

January
February
March.

April

May June

July
August

September

October

November

December

Average per month

Do. for the last 4 months

2

0

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20

30

40

30

70

95

60

75

12153

80

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nomical advantages resulting from it are as follows:
According to the old method, a calf intended for
intended for agriculture from six to eight weeks.
slaughter is made to suck for three weeks; and those
Supposing the cow gives only a moderate quantity BEEF, Baltimore Prime, bbl. 10
of milk, the value of it will amount, in three weeks, BACON, and Hams,
to nearly the value of the calf. If, on the contrary, COFFEE, W.I. Green,
we rear a calf according to this method, we con-
do. Common,
sume during the three weeks only three quarts of COTTON, Louisiana, &c.
oatmeal at most, and the skimmed milk-calves COTTON YARN, No. 10,
that have been brought up by this method have
been always healthy and strong, and not subject to
disease. They are not suffered to suck at all, but CANDLES, Mould,
to have the pure milk of the mother to drink for Dipt,
the first four days; because it has been observed, CHEESE,.
that the separation after four days is more painful, FEATHERS, Live,.
to the mother than when the calf is taken from her FISH, Herrings, Sus. new bbl. 2 18
soon after its birth.

NEW METHOD OF CLEARING FEATHERS FROM THEIR

ANIMAL OIL.

Georgia Upland,.

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Take for every gallon of clear water, a pound of quick lime; mix them well together; and when undissolved lime is precipitated in fine powder, pour off the clear lime water for use at the time it is wanted. Put the feathers to be cleaned in another tub, and add to them a sufficient quantity of the clear lime water to cover the feathers about 3 inches; when well immersed and stirred therein, the feathers when thoroughly moistened will sink down -and should remain in the lime water three or four days; after which the foul liquor should be separated from the feathers by laying them on a sieve. The feathers should be afterwards well washed in clean water and dried on nets, the meshes being The letters from Egypt state, that the greatest about the same fineness as those of cabbage nets. attention has been lately given to the cultivation of The feathers must, from time to time, be shaken on sugar. It is also stated that the Pacha has trans- the nets; and as they dry they will fall through the mitted orders to England to send out immediately meshes, and are to be collected for use, The adpersons acquainted with the manufacture of rum. mission of air will be serviceable in the drying; MEAL, Corn, kiln dried, bbl. We believe two gentlemen are already engaged for and the whole process may be completed in about this undertaking. three weeks. The feathers, after being thus prepar-NAVAL STORES, Tar, bbl. NAILS, 8a20d. ed, will want nothing more than beating for use, either for beds, bolsters, pillows, or cushions.

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EASY METHOD OF CURING THE SEA SCURVY.

The root of the garden carrot abounds in nutritious saccharine juice, and is slightly aromatic. These are desirable properties against the scurvy. To experience the good effects of these properties, the roots must be eaten raw. There is nothing unpleasant in this: on the contrary, it is what the common people often do by choice. These roots would keep well during the longest voyage, packed up casks, having the interstices filled with sand; each sailor might be allowed to eat one root every day, or every other day, according to the state of his health and the quantity of roots on board.

THE FARMER.

BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1825.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

in

TOBACCO.-Four hogsheads Tobacco, made by Mr. Outerbridge Horsey, on his farm in Frederick Put some water on the fire, nearly the quantity county, sold for $23 per hundred round. that the calf can drink; when it boils, throw into it Inspections in Baltimore during the last week, at one or two handfuls of oatmeal, and suffer the whole the three state warehouses-No. 1, 200 hhds.-No. to boil for a minute. Then leave it to cool until 2, 200 hhds.-No. 3, 265 hhds. Total, 665 hhds. new-milk warm; then mix with it one or two quarts of milk that has stood twelve hours, and has been skimmed; stir the whole and give it to the calf to Col. J. H. Powel, in Reply to Col. Pickering on Native drink. At first it is necessary to make the calf Cattle, No. 2-On Improving the Native Breed of New drink by presenting the fingers to it; but it soon Sheep, by G. W. P. Custis, Esq., No. 5-Maryland CatEngland Cattle, by Col. T. Pickering, No. 3-Essay on learns to do without this help, and will grow incom-tle Show, Report on Volunteer premiums-White Flint, parably faster than by the old method. Wheat-Agricultural Prospects-Peach Wasp-PinThis metood is not only a theoretical truth, but nock's Catechism of Botany-Miscellaneous Items from its success is confirmed by experience. The eco-'late English papers-Recipes-Prices Current.

Peas, Black Eyed,
Beans, White,
HEMP, Russia, clean,.
HOGS' LARD,.
LEATHER, Soal, best,
Eastern Tan,
MOLASSES, Havana,

Pitch,.
Turpentine, Soft,
OIL, Whale, common,
Linseed,

312-2

ton 215

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PORK, Baltimore Mess, bbl
do. Prime,

35

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PLASTER, cargo price, ton. 6 75
POTATOES,
RICE, fresh,
SOAP, Baltimore White, lb.
do. Brown,
WHISKEY, 1st proof,
PEACH BRANDY, 4th pr
SUGARS, Havana White, c.lb. 13 00 13 50 14
APPLE BRANDY, 1st pr
do. Brown,
Louisiana,

Loaf,

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22

25

95

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dull

24

27

18

20

2 37

gal. 27 33 37

50

61

7

7

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Nutmegs,.
Pepper,.
SALT, St. Ubes,
Ground Alum,
SHOT, all sizes,
WINES, Madeira, L. P.
do. Sicily,.
Lisbon,.
Claret,
Port, first quality,

WOOL, Merino, full bl'd lb.
do. crossed,.
Common, Country,
Skinners' or Pulled,

221

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2 50 3 25 3 004 00

1 10 1 15:

4333

Printed every Friday, at $5 per annum, for JOHN S.
SKINNER, Editor, by JOHN D. Toy, corner of St.
Paul and Market streets, where every description of
Book and Job Printing is handsomely executed.

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