AGRICULTURE. T From the Complete Grazier. GRASSES BEST CALCULATED FOR DOWS AND PASTURES. If our readers be not tired of the subject, we It is equally our wish and our duty to diversify would wish it to be understood, that any subscriber shall resume in the next number, the remainder of the contents of this journal, as far as practicable, has a right to call for information where it can be the course of instruction, which has been interrupt- without departing too far from its land-marks-and had on any particular subject that interests him, and ed in this number by the foregoing specimens of this we apprehend has not been done when treating to prompt and promote discussion, by appropriate inthe examination on civil engineering. of timber, good roads, &c. In the mean time we quiries, where information is not otherwise to be had. middle of June. It abounds with seed, which may of which his horses were so fond as to reject clean be easily procured; but attention should be paid that corn for it. Mr. Pacey of Northleach, Gloucesterthe seed is ripe, otherwise it will fail, as was the case shire, has within a few years cultivated the natural with eight bushels which the Rev. A. Young once sort with great success, and to such an extent as to MEA-ordered to be sown on eight acres, and which never sell a considerable quantity of the seed annually, at came up on account of its deficiency in ripeness.* 10s. 6d. per bushel. It has, by competent judges, NATURE has provided in all permanent pastures a It grows naturally in dry situations, but will not been proved to be infinitely superior to the cultivamixture of various grasses, the produce of which thrive in very wet meadows; and, according to Mr. ted ray-grass, and he has a sufficient demand for his differs at different seasons. When pastures are to Stillingfleet, it makes a very fine turf upon dry, whole produce. be made artificially, such a mixture ought to be im- sandy, or chalky soils. Sheep and deer are remark- 3. Meadow-fescue (Festuca pratensis.)-The meaitated; and, perhaps, pastures superior to natural ably fond of this grass. dow-fescue is an early, perennial, and very hardy ones may be made, by selecting due proportions of 2. Darnel, or Ray-grass (Lolium perenne.) This grass; thriving with uncommon luxuriance in almost those species of grasses fitted for the soil, which res- valuable grass is now well known and cultivated every soil, producing very sweet herbage, which is pectively afford the greatest quantities of spring, throughout England; though, from its having been eaten with avidity by every sort of cattle, making summer, latter-math, and winter produce. Sir H. cultivated in improper situations, and from impro- excellent hay, and producing abundance of seed Davy, to whom we are indebted for this remark, has per seed, a considerable prejudice has been raised which may be easily gathered. According to Mr (in the Appendix to his "Lectures on Agricultural against ray-grass. Sheep prefer it to any other grass, Curtis, it bears a very great resemblance to the rayChemistry," p. 375-479,*) given the results of a se- in the early stage of its growth; but leave it for al- grass, to which it is in many respects greatly superies of most valuable experiments made by Mr. Sin-most any other kind, after the seed approaches to rior, at least for forming or improving meadows; as clair, under the direction of his grace the Duke of perfection. It is accused of running so much to it is much longer, and more productive of foliage.* Bedford, for this express purpose. Want of room seed-stalks, that, after a short time in the spring, it It flowers about the middle of June. compels us to refer the reader to that work: and as is refused by cattle. In a proper soil, however, this 4. Meadow fox-tail (Alopecurus pratensis.-This some observations on the same topic have already is not the case. Darnel abounds with succulent is one of the earliest grasses produced in our climate: been given in our Section on the culture of grass-leaves, that are extremely grateful to cattle: it at- it vegetates quickly, and with such uncommon luxulands, we shall in the present chapter invite his at-tains the height of two feet, and flowers toward the riancy, that according to Mr. Curtis, it may be well tention, first, to the natural grasses annually culti-end of May or early in June; and, by its early spring-cut thrice in the year. Its stalks are strong, and vated: we shall then treat of those wild or uncultiva-ing up, it supplies cattle with wholesome food at a provided with soft, juicy leaves, of a sweetish, agreeted grasses which are worthy of being cultivated; of time when it is very difficult to be procured. "Clean able taste; and, when made into hay, it possesses the artificial grasses or green crops which particu- hay, made of this grass," says Mr. Sole,§ "is parti- neither the hardness of straw, nor the roughness and larly deserve attention, and lastly of the vegetables cularly preferable for race-horses or hunters, as it unpleasant taste attendant on some of the grasses. best calculated for fodder, together with the best does not affect their wind, nor blow them as other It is, therefore, justly considered as holding the first modes of storing and preserving them. SECTION I. hay does; and notwithstanding it runs all to bents, place among the good grasses, whether used in a yet the juice is so concentrated in them as to afford fresh state as fodder, or made into hay. Oxen, howgreater nourishment." He mentions an instance of ever, relish it less than sheep and horses. The soil best suited to it is sound meadow-land, occasionally overflowed; though it will succeed on almost any soil, except the extremes of wet and dry. NATURAL GRASSES USUALLY CULTIVA-a fine crop belonging to a Mr. Croom, well got in, TED. 1. Crested Dog's-tail, (Cynosurus cristatus). This grass will be found useful in the formation of upland iii. pastures, as it affords a wholesome food for sheep: it produces a thick, short turf, and flowers about the "Communications to the Board of Agriculture," Vol. p 145. † Stillingfleet's Tracts, p. 390. Sir H. Davy's Agricultural Chemistry, p. 365. "Letters and Papers of the Bath and West of EngWe shall give this in some early subsequent number. land Society," Vol. ix. p. 149. The meadow fox tail yields abundance of seed, which may, according to Mr. Martin, be easily procured; but Mr. Swayne states it to be subject to be * Curtis on Grasses, p. 13. destroyed by an insect.* Linnæus states it to be subject of the growth of useful timber. While agri- AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY. CORN CRUSHERS. 5. Smooth-stalked Poa, or Meadow-grass (Poa pra- farms in this state at this time, are nearly bare of EAR SIR, Warminster, 10th July, 1825. tensis.)—This grass is one of the finest and most use- firewood, and quite so of rail timber. Many valu- Some years ago I requested of you some informaful of any we have: it vegetates on the driest soils, able farms have to be enclosed and divided by bank- tion relative to the best and most approved Corn and may be seen flourishing on the tops of walls. It ing and wattling with brush, &c. It is generally Crushers, and was favoured with all, then at your flowers in May, and possesses the very valuable pro- known by farmers how valuable chestnut timber is, command. I have never yet seen a perfect Cast perty of resisting excessive drought, having been re- and how long rails made of that noble wood will Iron Mill, or Crusher, that would reduce corn to a marked to be green in the gravelly pastures near last. I have heard it asserted that a good chestnut degree of fineness sufficient to dispense with the millLondon, when every other grass has been parched rail, made of young timber, would last from 60 to stone. I consider such a discovery a great desideraby drought. The smooth-stalked poa yields abun- 70 years, in fact that it will last until it wears away; tum in agriculture; particularly on a cheap scale, and dance of seed, which, in a separate state, are difficult and it is as well known how quick the growth of the capable of being worked conveniently by horse powto sow, on account of their filaments causing them trees are. How easy it would be for every land- er. I have for some years been engaged in frequent to adhere together. To counteract this inconveni- owner in a few years to have a supply of this tim- conferences with the Founders, and Millers, and ence, Mr. Swayne recommends them to be put into ber? provided they would come up and grow from Farmers, in this state, on this subject, but as yet newly-slaked lime, in order to separate them; and the nut or seed, which can be had in abundance; have not accomplished my object. At one time I Mr. Tollet thinks, that, if they were afterwards well for many farmers have land that is not fit for any thought I had got hold of the very best plan. This rubbed in a sufficient quantity of dry sand, they may thing else, as it is said poor worn out land* is as good was to improve on Evans's patent, by making the then be sown with proper regularity. as any. Some of my friends that have such land grinding part very fine, and to cast them in separate Mr. Curtis says, in his valuable "Flora Londinen- are anxious to try the experiment, but wish to be pieces, so as to be able to renew them after getting sis," the smooth-stalked poa is a sweet grass, and informed how to plant and cultivate them. Say the dull, without throwing away the rest of the casting. readily eaten by cattle in general. It carries its kinds of soil, the depth to be planted, the time of The exterior grinding surface of the cone, and the verdure in the winter better than most others, and year when to plant, and the state the nut should be corresponding part of the inverted cone, were the in the following spring throws out numerous young in at the time of planting, whether better to be cul- parts which, on this plan, were to be renewed. An shoots, so as to make excellent spring food. It pro- tivated in nurseries until of a proper age and size intelligent miller suggested a change in this plan, duces a good crop of leaves at the bottom, which for transplanting, at what age best to be set out, &c. which was to have the grinding part of the inverted make exceedingly fine hay, and is fit for cutting ear-&c. You, as the editor of an agricultural and valu- cone, including its exterior part, cast all in one sely in the spring. ble paper, and an enterprising member of the Agri-parate piece, but so as to be adjusted by screws to 6. Sweet-scented Vernal, or Spring-grass (Anthox-cultural Society, would add to your usefulness by the upper part of the cone. The cone in both cases antum odoratum,) is one of the earliest British pas-giving the necessary information through the Far- was to have the form which it has on Evans's plan, ture grasses, and grows in almost every situation, mer and the different newspapers, or should you not but with projecting points like the Bark Mill. On though it is not equally productive: it flowers in May be sufficiently informed on the subject yourself, the first plan, the inner surface of the cone above and June. Mr. Swayne thinks it of little conse-please ask for the information through the same me- the grinding parts was to be cast in a fluted form, the quence, as it is neither very productive to the far-dium. If this information was given, I would ven- ridges running straight up and down. On the last, mer, nor relished by cattle: it is certain, that cattle ture to say that hundreds in this state would try the it was to be simply a square box. I have a plaister will not eat it while they can get at other grasses. experiment, and if successful, would be of a great mill on the first plan, but with grinding parts too Other agriculturists, however, are of a different opi and lasting benefit to posterity. nion; and Mr. Sole conceives, that the spring-grass Your obedient servant, would be a useful addition to meadows, if sown in the proportion of one-eighth. This is the only odoriferous grass produced in our climate, and imparts the delicate flavour perceptible in new hay. It is A FRIEND TO AGRICULTURE. REMARKABLE HEIFER. coarse for corn. I employed a workman to execute a pattern on the last plan, but he has disappointed me; and for the present, I shall postpone the execution, on the expectation that some better plan is already in operation to the north. In the course of the investigation, an intelligent founder objected less productive of seed than many of the other grass- DEAR SIR, Annapolis, July 21, 1825. strenuously to the adoption of the form of an inverted es; and Mr. Curtis states, that, in certain situations, Having seen in your last paper an account of the cone, because on that plan the ridges converge as particularly in dry seasons, its leaves are liable to measurement of some cattle of Mr. Powel's, I was the grain descends and grows finer, which he thinks become blighted, from a disease which changes their induced, (as well as I could understand the manner would make the operation too tardy, and have a tencolour to an orange tinge, and which is very hurtful of doing it from that account,) to measure an heifer dency to choak. This founder preferred the form to this vegetable when in a state of cultivation.‡ of my own raising. She was fourteen months old of the cast iron bark mills now in general use, where 7. Yorkshire White, or Meadow Soft-grass (Holcus the fifteenth instant, I measured her on the sixteenth. the grinding surface expands as the matter to be relanatus,) is a perennial, flourishing well in any moist She has been raised entirely by hand since she was duced descends. This machine you know consists situation, and growing very generally, except on fifteen days old. I think her as fine an animal as I of two truncated cones united at their smaller extremoist, barren, and dry soils: it flowers in June and ever saw, indeed, this is the opinion of all who have mities. The objection urged to the form of the bark July. It is chiefly calculated for sheep, and has an-seen her. I think you saw her when she was four mill, is that the grinding ridges diverge from each swered uncommonly well, when closely fed. This or five months old; and I shall be glad if you will grass is not much relished by other cattle, and is call again when you next visit this place. said to be very injurious to horses, which become From the root of the horns to the extreme affected with a profuse discharge of urine and geneend of the rump, ral weakness. Should any hay made from this grass From the same point to the hind part of the shoulder, be accidentally given to these animals, an immediate change of food will prevent any further ill ef- From the same point of the shoulder to the hip, fects. Its foliage is soft and woolly; if not disliked by cattle on that account, Mr. Curtis says, it may From the same point of the hip to the end rank with some of the best grasses. If it were more early, it would be more valuable. (To be continued.) 2" 4 2" 2 other as the grain descends. To obviate this, the founder proposed to introduce intermediate ridges towards the lower side of the grinding surface. This 6 ft. 3 in. expedient is not deemed satisfactory by the advocates of the single inverted cone, or the form of Evans's patent; moreover these last contend that the expanding form is objectionable, inasmuch as upon that plan it would be more difficult to renew the grinding surface from time to time, without throwing away too large a proportion of the cast metal. It was also objected that the Corn Crushers made on the plan of the bark mill are too large and too expensive in their prime cost. This objection, however, applies rather to the patterns in actual use in Virginia, than to the form of the machine. To the north, cast iron mills on this plan are made of every size. Such are the arguments prevailing in a small circle of intelligent men in this state with of the rump, ON PLANTING CHESTNUTS.—WHEN AND Across the end of the rump, MR. SKINNER, HOW DONE? SIR, Much is said on the subject of agriculture, the breeding of horses, cattle, sheep; and other useful animals, all of which must be highly appreciated by the friends of their country, but little is said on the *Tollet, in "Communications to the Board of Agriculture," Vol. iii. p. 428. † Sole, in "Bath Papers," Vol. ix. p. 7. Girth of the fore leg below the joint of the do. 1" 7 71 9 cattle show, but was disappointed. Yours, very respectfully, *I hope in a few years we shall have no such land in Curtis's "Practical Observations on British Grasses," this state. Why should not such be resuscitated where the means are so abundant and convenient? subject. Nothing is doing to solve the problem: nevertheless it is one of great interest to the public. A cheap cast iron mill, moveable by horse power, as an appendage to a wheat machine, capable of reducing corn to meal, and ears of corn to fine hominy, would be an immense acquisition to the agricultural interest. Whatever form may be adopted as the best, different sizes are desirable with a view to dif-France are both more zealous than the government masts of vessels, afford no security. The heat of ferent positions in machinery, giving different num- of the United States in bringing to perfection the the electric fluid scarcely alters the temperature of bers of revolutions per minute. The nature of the science of Franklin, of whom it was well said, a bar of metal, on account of its mass; and no insubstance to be crushed, also influences the proper Eripuit cœlo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis. stance has yet occurred of a bar, of rather more velocity of the Crusher; 151 revolutions per minute The valuable report of M. Gay-Lussac on parrathan half an inch square, or of a cylinder of the in a Crusher of about the size of Evans's, answers tonnerres, or lightning rods, has been published in same diameter, having been fused, or even heated extremely well for plaister. I have one of those the Annals de Chimie, and may be advantageously red hot by lightning. A lightning rod, therefore, which is worked by two horses, and crushes 12 bush-consulted by translation in the Annals of Philoso-need not be of a greater size; but as its stem should els per hour, so fine as that two-thirds may be used phy. It was drawn up at the instance of the French rise from 15 to 30 feet above the building, it would without grinding, and it is impossible to conceive an Academy of Sciences, and offers many very inte- not be of sufficient strength at the base to resist operation more steady or beautiful. But this velo- resting observations. the action of the wind, unless it were thicker at city would be too slow for corn. It is doubtful with The means proposed in the 3d vol. of the Ameri-that end. An iron bar, about of an inch, is suffime whether the same crusher answers equally well can Journal of Sciences, p. 347, for the greater se-cient for the conductor of a lightning rod. for plaister and corn. Perhaps a quick motion would curity of buildings, are fully adequate to that pur- which projects above the roof into the air, and the A lightning rod consists of two parts, the stem suit plaister as well as corn; but I know that a slow pose, and should be extensively adopted. With a motion will do for plaister, and that it will not do view to draw public attention to this important sub-conductor, which descends from the stem to the for corn. I would suggest four sizes for these mills, ject, perhaps, the following observations may be ground. The stem is proposed by M. Gay-Lussac, to suit 20, 40, 60, and 80 revolutions per minute; serviceable; premising that the papers of MM. Gay- to be a small bar of iron, tapering from base to 20 and 80 being the minimum and maximum. Were Lussac, de Romas, and Charles, contain a collec- summit in form of a pyramid, and for a height of I to select one of these numbers with a view to both tion of valuable and interesting observations so 50 feet, which is the mean length of stems placed corn and plaister, and to convenience of adaptation very generally found in the able and lucid reports on buildings; the base should be about 24 inches to a well constructed horse mill attached to a wheat made to the French Academy. square. Iron being liable to rust by action of air machine, I should choose 40. If the resistance in It is estimated that the velocity of electric mat and moisture, the point of the stem would soon becrushing plaister and corn in the ear were always ter, or of lightning, is at the rate of about 1950 feet come blunt; and, therefore, to prevent it, a portion equal, like that in grinding corn, the greatest velo- per second: that it penetrates bodies, and traverses of the top, about 20 inches in length, should be a city would probably be best for all these purposes. their substance with unequal degrees of velocity; conical stem of brass or copper, gilded at its extreThe tooth of a cast iron wheel is not so apt to be that the resistance of a conductor increases with its mity, or terminated by a small platina needle, two broken in swift as in slow motions; and this because length, and may exceed that offered by a worse but inches long. Instead of the platina needle, one of the momentum of a body increases with its velocity. shorter conductor, and that conductors of small standard silver may be substituted. The platina But in unequal resistances, it would seem neces- diameter are worse conductors than those of larger. needle should be united by a silver solder to the sary to avoid high velocities. Mr. Luther Gale, of The electric matter, too, tends to spread itself copper stem; and as it might separate, notwithBerkshire county, Massachusetts, makes Crushers of over conductors, and to assume a state of equili- standing the solder, it should be further secured by every size on the expanding plan. I have seen none brium in them, becoming divided among them in a small collar of copper. The copper stem is uniof them myself, but some gentleman in Virginia, proportion to their form, and principally to their ted to the iron one by means of a gudgeon, which who had made the experiment, speaks favourably extent of surface; hence a body that is charged with screws into each: the gudgeon being first united to of them. It is probable that he is able to throw light the fluid, being in communication with the immense the copper stem by two steady pins at right angles, on the questions connected with this subject. He surface of the earth, will retain no sensible portion is then to be screwed into the iron stem, and securresides near an enlightened Agricultural Society at of it. ed by a pin. Pittsfield. The public prints have lately announced A lightning rod is defined to be a conductor which The conductors should be three-fourths of an that Mr. Henry Baily of Hartford, Connecticut, has the electric matter prefers to the surrounding bo- inch square, and, as already mentioned, should invented a Cast Iron Mill, moveable by horse pow-dies, in its descent to the ground for the purpose reach from the stem to the ground. It should be er, capable of grinding 10 bushels of corn per hour, of expanding itself, and commonly consists of a bar firmly united to the stem, by being jammed between into good meal. Some of the meal made from one of of iron elevated on the buildings it is intended to the two ears of a collar, by means of a bolt. The his mills was said to be deposited at one of the ho- protect, and descends, without any divisions or conductor should be supported parallel to the roof, tels in Washington, for public inspection. He pro- breaks in its length, into water or moist ground.-about 6 inches from it, by forked stanchions, and mises too much. Nevertheless I should be thankful When the rod is not perfect in its communication after turning over the cornice, without touching it, for any information respecting it, or any intelligence with a moist soil, or has breaks in it, the lightning, should be brought down the wall, to which it should on the subject generally. in its course, leaves it at that spot, for some other be fastened by means of cramps. At the bottom of near body, or divides itself between the two to pass ried in that direction 12 or 15 feet. the wall, it should be bent at right angles, and carmore rapidly into the earth. I am, dear sir, with great respect, JOS. C. CABELL. It is proved by the experiments of MM. de RoIron, in immediate contact with moist earth, soon PROSPECT OF CROPS. mas and Charles, that the higher the rod is elevated becomes covered with rust, and in time is destroyNottoway Court-House, Va. 18th July, 1825. in the air, other circumstances being equal, the ed: to prevent this, the conductor should be placed The crops of wheat in this section of country will more its efficacy will be increased. It is announc-in a trough filled with charcoal, in the following ed that the most advantageous form for the extre- manner. Having made a trench in the ground fall very far short in quality and quantity of that of In this country about two feet deep, a row of bricks is laid on the any previous year that has come within my recollec-mity, is that of a very sharp cone. tion. The causes which produced the diminution in it is usual to have three points diverging-in Eu broad side, and covered by another row placed on the crop, is attributable in part to a violent hail storm rope, on the continent particularly, only one is used, the edge: a stratum of charcoal is then strewed over the bottom of the bricks, about two inches which occurred on the 19th day of May; the fields placed perpendicularly. How far the sphere of action of the rod extends, thick, on which the conductor is laid, and the trough through which it passed were completely destroyed; has not been accurately determined; but it is known is then filled with more charcoal, and closed by a the fields which escaped its destructive effects, were so much injured by the hessian fly, chinch bug and that some buildings have been struck even when row of bricks laid on the top. Iron, thus buried in rust, that the present crop will not be more than they had rods attached to them. This, however, charcoal, will suffer no change in thirty years. Afone-fourth of an average crop. Corn crop is pro- the conductor, say three or four times its length. tor into a well, at least two feet below the lowest has always taken place at a certain distance from ter leaving the trough, it is best to lead the conducmising, the cotton crop very backward, and without a late fall will be short. MISCELLANEOUS. ON LIGHTNING RODS. It is the opinion of M. Charles, that a rod will effec-water mark. The extremity of the conductor should tually protect from lightning a circular space whose terminate in two or three branches, to afford a more radius is twice that of the height of the conductor. ready and divided passage to the lightning into By increasing the height of the conductor, there the water. If there is no well convenient, then a fore, the space protected will be enlarged in pro-hole, at least six inches in diameter, should be made portion. 10 or 15 feet deep, and the conductor passed to the By Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, M. D.--read before the A current of electric matter, whether luminous bottom of it, in the centre, and the hole then careLyceum of Natural History, New York. or not, is always accompanied by heat, the intensi- fully filled up with charcoal, and beat down as hard WE hear so frequently of the destruction of lives rent. This heat is sufficient to make a metallic rock, the trench for the conductor should be at In a dry soil or ty of which depends upon the velocity of the cur-as possible around the conductor and property by the effect of lightning, that it is wire red hot, or to fuse or disperse it, if sufficiently least twice as long as in a common soil, or even surprising more effectual measures are not taken small, so that thin slips of copper nailed to the longer, if then it can reach moist ground to guard against its power. In a country where it be impossible to extend the trench, others, in a the discovery was made, we should naturally expect *The length of the stem, and not of the whole rod, transverse direction, should be made, in which are to find it in extensive use; and yet England and is undoubtedly here intended. C. H. Should to be placed small bars of iron, surrounded with Montreal, Ticonderoga, (village) From Quebec to Baltimore. € 170 St. John's, 27 Shoreham, 150 35 61 160 100 - 100 Caldwell, Albany, -805 charcoal, and connected with the conductor. In It is allowed, from experiment, that the stem of a general, the trench should be made in the dampest, lightning rod effectually defends a circle of which it and consequently lowest spot near the building, and is the centre, and whose radius is twice its own the water gutters made to discharge the water over height. According to this rule, a building sixty it so as always to keep it moist. Too great precau-feet square requires a stem only fifteen or eighteen tion cannot be taken to give the lightning a ready feet, raised in the centre of the roof. A buildpassage to the ground, for it is chiefly on this that ing of one hundred and twenty feet, by the same the efficacy of the lightning rod depends. rule, would require a stem of thirty feet, and such is Iron bars being difficult to bend according to the often used; but it is better, instead of one stem of projections of a building, it has been proposed to that length, to have two of fifteen or eighteen feet, substitute metallic ropes. Fifteen iron wires are one being erected thirty feet from one end of the twisted together to form one strand, and four of building, the other at the same distance from the these form a rope about an inch in diameter. To other end, and consequently sixty feet from each prevent its rusting, each strand is well tarred sepa- other. The same rule should be followed for any rately, and after they are twisted together, the larger or smaller building. whole rope is tarred over again with great care, Copper or brass wire is, however, a better material for their construction than iron. If a building conTHE FALLS OF NIAGARA. tain large masses of metal, as sheets of copper, or Travelling has got to be so easy and cheap, that lead on the roof, metal pipes and gutters, iron braces, &c., they must all be connected with the many people seem to think it more expedient to shut lightning rod, by bars of something less than half up house and go off, than to stay at home, even on the score of expense. The current running now to the east is like the return of the Gulf stream. CURE FOR THE BITE OF THE VIPER, RATTLE-SNAKE' Those whose trunks are not yet packed may profit to Niagara and Quebec. by the following table of distances from Baltimore an inch square. Without this precaution, the lightning might strike from the conductor to the metal, especially if there should be any accidental break in the former. to the very serious injury of the building, and the danger of the inhabitants, Lightning Rods for Churches. For a tower, the stem of the rod should rise 15 or 25 feet, according to the area; the domes and steeples of churches being usually much higher than surrounding objects, do not require so high a conductor as buildings with extensive flat roofs. For the former, therefore, their stems, rising 6 feet above the cross or weather cock, will be sufficient; and being light, may be easily fixed to them, without altering their appearance, or interfering with the motions of the vane. Lightning Rods for Powder Magazines. These require to be constructed with the greatest eare. They should not be placed on the buildings, but on poles at 6 or 10 feet distance. The stem should be about seven feet long, and the poles of such a height that the stem may rise 15 or 20 feet above the building. It is also advisable to have several lightning rods about each magazine. If the magazine be in a tower, or other very lofty building, it may be sufficient to defend it by a double copper conductor, without any stem. This is done! on the European Continent. As the influence of this conductor will not extend beyond the building, it cannot attract the lightning from a distance, and will yet protect the magazine, should it be struck. Lightning Rods for Ships. The stem of a lightning rod for a ship consists merely of a copper point screwed into a round iron rod, entering the extremity of the top-gallant mast. An iron bar, connected with the foot of the round rod, descends down the pole and is terminated by a crook or ring, to which the conductor of the lightning rod is attached, which in this case is formed of a metallic rope, connected at its lower extremity with a bar or plate of metal, and which latter is connected to the copper sheathing on the bottom of the vessel. Small vessels require but one; large ships should have one on the mainmast, and another on the mizen mast. It has been proposed to have conductors fixed to the surfaces of the masts, and the electric fluid conveyed by means of strips of metal, over the deck and sides of the vessel. But this mode is highly objectionable; and perhaps the best method yet devised, is to convey the electric fluid from the mast head to the surface of the water, in a direct line, by means of a series of long copper links. It has come to my knowledge, within a few months, that a vessel in the gulf stream with powder on board, was struck by lightning and blown up, in consequence of the conductor not reaching the water, having been loose, and drawn on deck. [Silliman's Journal. It will take, without hurry, about four weeks to make the tour, and cost about one or two hundred dollars. It ought not to exceed one; but as the trimmings sometimes cost more than the coat, so it is in travelling; more is spent in fine clothes, fine wines, &c. &c. than would defray the mere expenses of comfortable travelling. RECIPES. &c. England, to have read in the Royal Society in London, a curious circumstance of one of these viper catchers. A member of the society had received casually, information that a man engaged in this -360 business was frequently bitten, and that he cured himself by sweet olive oil. After a considerable inquiry the viper-catcher was found, and the questions asked whether he did cure himself by the oil, and whether he was willing to satisfy a number of gentlemen of the fact? The man answered in the affirmative to both questions. Accordingly, a very numerous meeting of the Royal Society was convened, composed of a considerable number of 10bility, &c., the viper-catcher attended, accompanied by his wife and a large viper, and laying his arm -96 naked to the shoulder, suffered the irritated reptile to strike, which it did very forcibly. His wife permitted the poison to operate till her husband's head, face and tongue were greatly swollen, his arm and fa e turned very black, and his senses much affected, when she applied the oil by pouring a small quantity down him, and bathing the part bitten.The man gradually soon recovered. This circum-76 stance being strongly impressed upon my mind, and knowing the poison of an English viper is considered in that country the most venomous in nature, -44 determined me to try its power in the bite of a rattle-snake, the first opportunity that should offer in the district I reside in. In 1766, I was travelling through Pendleton, S. C., and met a man who inquired of me, if I could assist to relieve the pain: of a person who had been bitten by a large rattlesnake. Although sorry for the man's misfortune, I rejoiced at the opportunity I had offered to ascertain fully the properties of olive oil, as an antidote to this deadly poison; having a phial of this oil in my pocket, I hastened to the suffering creature; and on seeing him, his appearance struck me as the most frightful object I ever beheld. His head and face were extremely swollen, and the latter black; his tongue proportionably enlarged, and extending out 698 of his mouth; his eyes appeared as if they would shoot from their sockets, his senses gone, and every appearance of immediate death. He had been bitten on the side of the foot. I immediately, but with great difficulty, poured down him two table spoonsful of the oil. Its effects were almost instantaneous, and exceeding powerful in counteracting the poison, as appeared by the strong, though quick convulsions, which followed. In about 30 minutes it operated strongly, both as an emetic and cathar-096 uc; alter which the swelling of the head, face, &c., 10 16 7 37 10 11 9 11 The circumstances of their presentation and arrival, are thus appropriately communicated by our esteemed friend in New England. "The Cleveland Bays have arrived, the horse is PRICES CURRENT. ARTICLES. do. Common, An advance of 1 cent CANDLES, Mould, WHOLESALE. RETAIL. per from to from to 9 50 lb. 17 gradually abated, and the tongue began to assume Dear Sir: In your paper of the 22d inst. I find my initial introduced under the head of "Sporting Olio," as having spent the 4th on a shooting party. I did join two other gentlemen on that day to visit the Caves, but having missed our way, did not arrive at the shooting ground until near 10 o'clock-when, ascertaining that birds were very scarce, our hunt lasted only about two hours. FEATHERS, Live,. 10 11 12 6 8 10 12 "The mare is also a large bay, black mane, tail and FISH, Herrings, Sus. us [*It is their cross with the blooded horse that will give the splendid animal for quick draught, they will give size, bone, and muscle, and the true blood of the English Racer; such as are to be found in highest purity and perfection at Roanoke, Va. will give foot and bottom. It is of the greatest importance to have got the mare, to enable us to preserve the full blood; it is to be hoped she has been stinted by a different horse of the same breed.-EDITOR AMERICAN FARMER. THE VINE AND WINE Fine, Susquehanna, зuperfi. Wheat, White, . Red, & Lawler Clover Seed, Red ཙ| | 4 12 lb. 9 11 25 lb 5 5 50 On the subject of planting and cultivating the but 75 cents. AGRICULTURAL DEPOSITES, In the office of the American Farmer. DEAR SIR, Bloomsbury, July 23, 1825. I have just received by the brig Alfred, from New Orleans, a small box containing samples of the different varieties of cotton in bowl. The office of the Farmer being a repository of every thing curious or We were not aware that the Hampton party was out, there was no match made, nor has there been interesting in agriculture, I have the pleasure to send any proposed to me; I never have been engaged in you the package, with a hope that it may serve to one, and although I like occasionally to spend a lei- gratify some of your agricultural friends. Yours truly, sure hour in the field with a friend and my gun, I have no wish to have it recorded. TOBACCO. A small crop of J. Bond's, of Calvert [An interesting communication under this head, county, sold this week for $5 and $10-another crop signed B. will appear in our next.] from Prince George's, about a dozen hogsheads, one of which was second, sold for $11.374 round. Amount of inspections for the last week in the three state warehouses, 277 hhds. THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1825. Our notice of the Academy at West Point has occupied much more space than was anticipated. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. lb. SOAP, Baltimore White, lb. 62 75 WHISKEY, 1st proof, Jo. Brown, Loaf, Ginger, Ground, Nutmegs,. SALT, St. Ubes, Ground Alum, bush c.lb. 3 25 3 75 7 10 . gal. 26 82 1 40 15 9 50 10 WINES, Madeira, L. P. gal. 2 50 2 70 3 00 do. Lisbon,. Claret, Sicily,. 135 1 10 1 25 Port, first quality, Printed every Friday, at $5 per annum, for JOHN S. |