daily from the 1st of October to the 1st of February, RECIPES. TO DESTROY INSECTS IN VINES. SPORTING OLIO. market promising enough in appearance, and returned home without a cow, but satisfied at the price he had got for the "old 'un." The cow-dealer calculated upon Smithfield market as a better emporium for disposing of his bargain, and accordingly drove her there, in order to sell her to the polonypudding merchants; but there was a glut in that description of dainty, in consequence of the late floods, which have proved fatal to many poor beasts. The cow would not sell even for the money which had been just given for her, and the owner was about to dispose of her for less-when a doctor, who had been regarding the beast for some time, offered, for a fee of 5s., to make her as young as she had been ten years before. The fee was immediately paid, the doctor took his patient immediately to a stable, carded her all over, prescribed some strange diet for her, sawed down her horns from the rough and SPORTING AND OTHER ANECDOTES, irregular condition to which years had swelled AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, them, into the tapering and smoothness of youth, and delivered her to the owner, more like a calf, Taken chiefly from late English papers received at the office than the venerable ancestor of calves. The cowof the American Farmer. dealer was struck with the extraordinary transformation, and it immediately occurred to him (a proof Extraordinary Chase.-A few days ago, lord Fitz- that a cow-dealer can be dishonest as well as a william's hounds had one of the severest runs which horse-dealer,) to sell her for the highest price he The red spider is the grand enemy to the vine; they had experienced for thirty years. They met at could get for her, without saying a word about her after every winter's pruning and removal of the out- Hunt's closes; but not finding there, drew Raund's defects and infirmities. Having learned that the ward rind on the old wood, anoint the branches, old meadow, where they found a fox, which went Epping farmer (an apron farmer, it may be supposshoots, and trellis, with the following composition, away into Keyston field, where he was headed, and ed, by the upshot;) was in want of a cow, he thought the object of which is the destruction of their eggs the hounds killed him before he again reached cover. he could not send his bargain to better quarters or larvæ: Soft soap Flour of sulphur 2 lbs. Leaf of roll tobacco 2 do. Nux vomica 4 oz. Turpentine 1 English gill. A second fox was found in a plantation near Dentford than those she was accustomed to, and he forthwith Ash; he ran with uncommon speed and strength, despatched her to Romford market, where her old and was killed about two miles from Huntingdon, master was on the look-out for a beast. She immeafter a run of upwards of three miles, with only one diately caught his eye. He asked her age. The check of a few minutes. Out of a field of two hun- driver did not know, but she was a "fine young 'un." dred horsemen, only lord Milton, the huntsman, and "I've seen a cow very like her somewhere," said the Boil the above in 8 English gallons of soft river six or seven others, were in at the death; in a plough- farmer. "Ay," said the driver, "then you must water, till it is reduced to six. ed field, in the parish of Alconbury, upwards of have seen her a long way off, for I believe she is an Lay on this composition, milk warm, with a pain- twenty horses were seen standing with their riders Alderney." "An Alderney! What do you ask for ter's brush; then with a sponge carefully anoint dismounted, who for some time in vain endeavoured her?" The price was soon fixed. The driver got every branch, shoot, and bud; being sure to rub it either to lead or drive them on, they being ridden 15l. 7s., for the cow, and the farmer sent her home. well into every joint, hole, and angle. If the house to a stand-still. The hounds passed through four- The ingenuity exercised might be guessed at from is much infected, the walls, flues, rafters, &c. are teen lordships, and the distance in a straight line is the fact, that the person who drove the beast home also to be painted over with the same liquor. Wa- supposed to be about seventeen miles. tering over the leaves and fruit at all times, except the ripening season, is the preventive recommended, and which all gardeners approve. TO PROTECT GRAPES FROM WASPS. Plant near the grapes some yew-trees, and the wasps will so far prefer the yew-tree berries, as wholly to neglect the grapes. TO BOTTLE TABLE BEER. a As soon as a cask of table beer is received into the house, it is drawn off into quart stone bottles, with lump of white sugar in each, and securely corked In three days it becomes brisk, is equal in strength to table ale, remarkably pleasant, very wholesome, and will keep many months. REGENERATION OF A COW. had been at her tail for the last seven years at least twice a day, and yet he did not make the discovery, although she played some of her old tricks in the journey, and turned into the old cow-house, and [Quere.-Is it not probable that the cow dealer, lay down in her old bed, with all the familiarity of an who got to windward of the doctor in the following old acquaintance. At length the discovery was to be case, had taken some lessons from "the fancy," who made. The cow was milked, and milked, but the deal in the same articles about Baltimore? Could most that could be got from her for breakfast was a we not name a shrewd gentleman up Market-street, pint, and that was little better than sky-blue. The who bought up his own old cow, for a young one?] farmer, in grief and astonishment, sent her to a cow A gentleman applied to Mr. Hobler, the chief doctor, who had been in the habit of advising in her clerk, to know whether the Lord Mayor could reme- case, and complained that she gave no milk. "Milk!" dy a case, in which it could not but be considered said he, "how the devil should she, poor old creathat a very gross imposition had been practised.ture? Sure it is'nt by cutting her horns and giving been sold, and foisted upon the seller very soon af- that you can expect to make her give milk!" The The case, he said, related to an old cow, which had her linseed oil-cakes, and scrubbing her old limbs, terwards as a young one. Mr. Hobler requested to farmer was soon convinced of the imposture, and know how the deception was practised, as the im- would indeed forgive it if the laugh against him posture was to be collected from the circumstances. could be endured. The gentleman said his friend had been already so The following method is employed in Paris, by much laughed at for allowing himself to be imposed not interfere. He believed that the farmer must be Mr. Hobler regretted that the Lord Mayor could some venders of bottled beer, to render it what they on, that he could scarcely appear amongst his neigh- content with the benefit derived from his expeterm ripe.-It is merely by adding to each bottle bours. It would therefore, perhaps, be injudicious rience, which, it was to be hoped, would make him or 4 drops of yeast, and a lump of sugar, of the size to mention the case in a place, in which every thing take a judge with him the next time he went to buy of a large nutmeg. In the course of twenty-four that was said appeared before the public at break- a cow. hours, by this addition, stale or flat beer is rendered fast next morning. Mr. Hobler said, that perhaps transformation of old jaded horses into spirited Some facts had reached him about the most agreeably brisk. In consequence of the fer- the public would be benefitted by knowing the na- steeds, but he had not heard before of the effect mentative process that takes place in it, a small de- ture of the imposition, and that the trick, if exposed, filing down a cow's horns had in restoring old age posite follows, and on this account the bottles should would stand no chance of being repeated. be kept a an erect position. By this means white to youth. He supposed this was what was meant wine in y likewise be rendered brisk. The applicant then made the following statement: by "grinding young." The Lord Mayor was afterAbout a fortnight ago, a farmer residing at Epping wards informed by Mr. Hobler of the nature of the Forest, having rather an elderly cow which began application; and his Lordship, who, however, could to be very slack of milk, he determined to get rid of not help laughing at the deception, also regretted Hops lose all their fine flavour by exposure to the her, and to purchase another. He accordingly took that nothing could be done, and declared that he air and damp. They should be kept in a dry close her to Romford fair, and sold her to a cow-dealer wished it was in his power to punish a person capaplace, and lightly packed. for about 4l. 10s., but he did not see any cow in the ble of so scandalous a transaction. TO RENDER BOTTLED BEER RIPE. TO KEEP HOPS FOR FUTURE USE. Horse leap-On Saturday, July 20, an extraordi-panion and faithful friend. Bold in war, yet patient nary leap was made by a horse in the possession of in all the "dull pursuits of civil life," humanity, as Mr. Beardsworth, of Birmingham. On the ground well as interest, require that we make ourselves fabeing accurately measured by some gentlemen, who miliar with his anatomy and constitution; thence it witnessed the performance, it was found, that in is that we have appropriated so large a portion of a passing over a bar 3 feet 6 inches high, the leap was single number, to enable every young farmer to taken at the amazing distance of 17 feet 7 inches fulfil a duty, which ought to be as pleasing, as it is from it and the whole space of ground covered was imperative. 27 feet 8 inches. The horse is 15 hands high, and carried upwards of 12 stone. He was afterwards rode over the same bar several times, and cleared upwards of eight yards without much apparent effort. in Ohio. POETRY. AN ECLOGUE-ON THE PLOUGH. Wake up my muse! wake up my soul! The plough appears a high invention. Made yokes and ploughs, as we are taught, First takes the plough into his hand; His millions then in honour toil To pulverise the fertile soil. The fam'd Elisha, you'll allow, He drove the ox, or held the plough, The stubborn earth he rent and tore, Th' immortal Job, more rich and grand Than any in the Eastern land, He launch'd his ploughs—the earth gave way, Of all pursuits by men invented, The ploughman is the best contented. His calling's good, his profits high, Of him the merchants seek their bread; THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1825. The Editor will thank any gentleman who will send him some Holly berries-they are for a friend BEEF, Baltimore Prime, bbl. 8 509 An advance of 1 cent 12 13 14 16 10 11 10 12 12 8 10 2068 32 33 3 50 none bush 80 85 Quere. Is there in Europe, any adequate check A few pair of beautiful Lambs, by an imported Tu nisian Broad-Tail Ram on Merino Ewes-an excellent cross. They were yeaned last January, and will be de- The sire of these Lambs carries a heavy fleece of GARRICK, An imported full brad Devon Bull, will stand this spring and summer at the first Toll-gate on the Baltimore and Harford Turnpike Road, and be let to cows at five dollars each; the money in every instance to be sent with the cows and for which a warranty is given Garrick was purchased under this name last summer, at one year old, from the celebrated stock of Mr. Childes. near Bewaley, who has for some years been the most extensive and successful breeder of North The prize essay on the Horse, which we have se-Devon cattle in England, and Garrick was acknowledged to be his best yearling at the public sale in Septemlected for this paper, occupies more space than we ber last; he is by Prize out of Fill-Pail as per catacould wish to yield to one article; but the use of it logue and pedigree which accompanied him. would be much impaired by dividing it. Attention to this essay and the engraving which accompanies it, will enable every one, though without professionCONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. al knowledge, to understand, and to designate by name, every part of this valuable animal, as well as Address of Roberts Vaux-Philadelphia Society for Essay on the Structure of the Horse-Extract from the diseases incident to their mal-conformation.-Promoting Agriculture-Report of the Season-ImThere are few persons, whatever may be their vo-provement of Wool-Breed of Horses-Hogs-Law cation, who have not more or less to do with the Institute-Recipes-Extracts-Editorial-Advertischorse; to most of our readers, he is a daily com-ments-Prices Current. e8 Cleaned, Rye, Clover Seed, 4 25 lb. 9 11 38 90 95 Barley, 50 3 50 3 75 4 00 Ruta Baga Seed, Oats, 22 25 none none HOGS' LARD, LEATHER, Soal, best, lb. 22 30 2 2 50 gal. 25 27 65 14 15 10 50 11 bbl ton. 6 75 bush 33 c.lb. 3 do. Prime, . do. gal. 20 65 82 WHISKEY, 1st proof, Loaf, SALT, St. Ubes, 8 509 7 25 8 75 WINES, Madeira, L. P. gal. 2 50 3 25 3 004 00 1 10 1 15 1 30 1 10 1 15 1 50 1 75 doz. 3 7 gal. 2 Printed every Friday, at $4 per annum, for JOHN S. No. 4-VOL. 7. AGRICULTURE. ON GRASSES AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, APRIL 15, 1825. BEST ADAPTED TO PERMANENT PASTURE. fermentation. examined in the Duke of Bedford's experiments is 25 When food artificially composed is to be given to cattle, it should be brought as nearly as possible Nature has provided in all permanent pastures a to the state of natural food. Thus, when sugar is mixture of various grasses, the produce of which given to them, some dry fibrous matter should be differs at different seasons. Where pastures are to mixed with it, such as chopped straw, or dry witherbe made artificially, such a mixture ought to be ed grass, in order that the functions of the stomach imitated; and, perhaps, pastures superior to the oxen. Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis palustris, and sweet-scented THERE has been much difference of opinion with natural ones may be made by selecting due propor- and adhered with equal constancy to the cock's-foot respect to permanent pasture; but the advantages which afford respectively the greatest quantities of tions of those species of grasses fitted for the soil, during the remainder of the season. Dactylis glomerata, cock's foot, or orchard grass.-or disadvantages can only be reasoned upon according to the circumstances of situation and climate. spring, summer, latter-math, and winter produce; a Oxen, horses, and sheep, eat this grass readily. The Under the circumstances of irrigation, lands are reference to the details in the appendix will show oxen continue to eat the straws and flowers from the time of flowering till the time of perfecting the seed; extremely productive, with comparatively little that such a plan of cultivation is very practicable. this was exemplified in a striking manner in the field In all lands, whether arable or pasture, weeds of before alluded to. The oxen generally kept to the labour, and in climates where great quantities of every description should be rooted out before the cock's-foot and red clover, and the sheep to the ryerain fall, the natural irrigation produces the same seed is ripe; and if they are suffered to remain in grass and white clover. In the experiments pubeffects as artificial. When hay is in great demand, as sometimes happens in the neighbourhood of the hedge rows, they should be cut when in flower, or lished in the Amoenitates Academicæ, by the pupils of metropolis, where manure can be easily procured, before, and made into heaps for manure; in this Linnæus, it is asserted that this grass is rejected by the application of it to pasture is repaid by the case they will furnish more nutritive matter in their oxen; the above fact, however, is in contradiction of it. Alopecurus pratensis, meadow fox-tail.-Sheep and increase of crop; but top-dressing grass land with decomposition; and their increase by the dispersion animal or vegetable manure, cannot be recommend-of seeds will be prevented. The farmer, who suf- horses seem to have a greater relish for this grass than It delights in a soil of intermediate quality as fers weeds to remain till their ripe seeds are shed, to moisture or dryness, and is very productive. In the ed as a general system. Dr. Coventry very justly and scattered by the winds, is not only hostile to water-meadow at Priestley, it constitutes a consideraobserves, that there is a greater waste of the ma-his own interests, but is likewise an enemy to the ble part of the produce of that excellent meadow. It nure in this case, than when it is ploughed into the public: a few thistles neglected will soon stock a there keeps invariably possession of the top of the soil for seed crops. The loss by exposure to the farm; and by the light down which is attached to ridges, extending generally about six feet from each air, and the sunshine, offer reasons in addition to their seeds, they may be distributed over a whole side of the watercourse; the space below that, to where those that have been already quoted in the sixth lecture, for the application of manure even in this country. Nature has provided such ample resour-the ridge ends, is stocked with cock's-foot, rough stalkces for the continuance of even the meanest vegetaed meadow grass, Festuca pratensis, Festuca duriuscula, case, in a state of incipient, and not completed ble tribes, that it is very difficult to insure the devernal grass, with a small admixture of some other kinds. struction of such as are hostile to the agriculturist, Very little attention has been paid to the nature Phleum pratense, meadow cat's-tail.-This grass is even with every precaution. Seeds excluded from eaten without reserve, by oxen, sheep, and horses. Dr. of the grasses best adapted for permanent pasture. the air, will remain for years inattive in the soil, Pulteney says, that it is disliked by sheep; but in pasThe chief circumstance which gives value to a and yet germinate under favourable circumstances; tures where it abounds, it does not appear to be reject grass, is the quantity of nutritive matter that the and the different plants, the seeds of which, like ed by these animals; but eaten in common with such whole crop will afford; but the time and duration those of the thistle and dandelion, are furnished others as are growing with it. Hares are remarkably of its produce are likewise points of great impor- with beards or wings, may be brought from an im-fond of it. The Phleum nodosum, Phleum alpinum, Poa tance; and a grass that supplies green nutriment mense distance. The fleabane of Canada has only they were closely adjoining to it. It seems to attain fertilis, and Poa compressa, were left untouched, although throughout the whole of the year, may be more lately been found in Europe; and Linnæus sup- the greatest perfection in a deep rich loam. valuable than a grass which yields its produce only poses that it has been transported from America, by in summer, though the whole quantity of food sup- the very light downy plumes with which the seed is tailed in the Amoenitates Academicæ, it is said, that Agrostis stolonifera, fiorin.-In the Experiments deplied by it should be much less. The grasses that propagate themselves by layers, horses, sheep and oxen, eat this grass readily. On the provided. In feeding cattle with green food, there are many Duke of Bedford's farm at Maulden, fiorin hay was the different species of Agrostis, supply pasture advantages in soiling, or supplying them with food, placed in the racks before horses in small distinct throughout the year, and as it has been mentioned where their manure is preserved, out of the field; quantities, alternately with common hay; but no decidon a former occasion, the concrete sap stored up in the plants are less injured when cut, than when ed preference for either was manifested by the horses their joints, renders them a good food even in win- torn or jagged by the teeth of the cattle, and no when in a green state, seems fully proved by Dr. Richin this trial. But that cows and horses prefer it to hay, ter. I saw four square yards of fiorin grass cut in food is wasted by being trodden down. They are ardson, in his several publications on Fiorin; and of its the end of January, this year, in a meadow exclu-likewise obliged to feed without making selection; productive powers in England (which has been doubted sively appropriated to the cultivation of fiorin, by and in consequence the whole food is consumed: by some,) there are satisfactory proofs. Lady Hardthe Countess of Hardwicke, the soil of which is a the attachment, or dislike to a particular kind of wicke has given an account of a trial of this grass, damp stiff clay. They afforded 28 pounds of fod-food, exhibited by animals, offers no proof of its wherein twenty-three milch cows, and one young horse, der, of which 1000 parts afforded, 64 parts of nu-nutritive powers. Cattle at first refuse linseed cake, besides a number of pigs, were kept a fortnight on the tritive matter, consisting nearly one-sixth of sugar, one of the most nutritive substances on which they produce of one acre. and five-sixths of mucilage, with a little extractive matter. In another experiment, four square yards gave 27 pounds of grass. The quality of this grass is inferior to that of the fiorin referred to in the table, in the latter part of the third lecture, which was cultivated by Sir Joseph Banks, in Middlesex, in a much richer soil, and cut in December. can be fed.t Poa trivialis, rough-stalked meadow.-Oxen, horses, and sheep, eat this grass with avidity. Hares also eat it; but they give a decided preference to the smoothstalked meadow-grass, to which it is, in many respects, nearly allied. *The appearance of seeds in places where their parent plants are not found may be easily accounted for from this and other circumstances.-Many seeds are carried from island to island by currents in the and horses are observed to eat this grass in common Poa pratensis, smooth-stalked meadow grass.-Oxen sea, and are defended by their hard coats from the with others; but sheep rather prefer the hard fescue, The fiorin grass, to be in perfection, requires a immediate action of the water. West Indian seeds and sheeps' fescue, which affect a similar soil. This moist climate or a wet soil, and it grows luxuriantly (of this description,) are often found on our coasts, species exhausts the soil in a greater degree than alin cold clays unfitted for other grasses. In light and readily germinate: their long voyage having been most any other species of grass; the roots being numesands, and in dry situations, its produce is much in- barely sufficient to afford the cotyledon its due proporrous, and powerfully creeping, become in two or three ferior as to quantity and quality. tion of moisture. Other seeds are carried indigested years completely matted together; the produce dimiThe common grasses, properly so called, that in the stomach of birds, and supplied with food at the nishes as this takes place. It grows common in some afford most nutritive matter in early spring, are the moment of their deposition. The light seeds of the meadows, dry banks, and even on walls. vernal meadow grass, and meadow fox-tail grass; atmosphere, and abound on the surface of the sea. mosses and lichens probably float in every part of the Cynosurus cristatus, crested dog's-tail grass.--The South Down sheep, and deer, appear to be remarkably but their produce, at the time of flowering and For the following observations on the selection of fond of this grass: in some parts of Woburn Park this ripening the seed, are inferior to that of a great different kinds of common food by sheep and cattle, I grass forms the principal part of the herbage on which number of other grasses; their latter-math, is, how-am obliged to Mr. George Sinclair. these animals chiefly browse: while another part of ever abundant. Lolium perenne, rye grass.-Sheep eat this grass the Park, that contains the Agrostis capilaris, Agrostis, Tall fescue grass stands highest, according to the when it is in the early stage of its growth, in preference pumilis, Festuca ovina, Festuca duriuscula, and Festuca experiments of the Duke of Bedford, of any grass, to most others; but after the seed approaches towards cambrica, is seldom touched by them; but the Welch properly so called, as to the quantity of nutritive perfection, they leave it for almost any other kind. A breed of sheep almost constantly browse upon these, mat er afforded by the whole crop when cut at the parts, one part with rye grass and white clover, and Poa trivialis. field in the Park at Woburn was laid down in two equal and neglect the Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, and time of flowering, and meadow cat's-tail grass af-the other part with cock's foot and red clover: from fords most food when cut at the time the seed is the spring till midsummer the sheep kept almost con- bent. This is a very common grass on all poor, dry Agrostis vulgaris (capillaris, Linn.,) fine bent; common ripe; the highest latter-math produce of the grasses stantly on the rye grass; but after that time they left it, sandy soils. It is not palatable to cattle, as they never 4-VOL. 7. In washing sheep, the use of water containing carbonate of lime should be avoided; for this substance decomposes the yolk of the wool, which is an animal soap, the natural defence of the wooland wool often washed in calcareous water, becomes rough and more brittle. The finest wool, such as that of the Spanish and Saxon sheep, is most abundant in yolk. M. Vauquelin has analyzed several different species of yolk, and has found the and bowels may be performed in a natural manner. [principal part of all of them a soap, with a basis of There are other considerations in favour of the The principle is the same as that of the practice al- potassa, (i. e. a compound of oily matter and potas- ox, worthy of being taken into account: the harness luded to in the third lecture, of giving chopped sa,) with a little oily matter in excess. He has of a pair of oxen, yoke and chain, costs about $4; straw with barley. found in them, likewise, a notable quantity of ace- that of a pair of horses about $20. The ox feeds tate of potassa, and minute quantities of carbonate through the summer on grass, and is ready for his of potassa and muriate of potassa, and a peculiar labour in the morning as soon as his driver rises odorous animal matter. from his bed; but the horse must be allowed at least M. Vauquelin states, that he found some speci- one hour in the morning to eat, which usually afmens of wool lose as much as 45 per cent. in being fords the driver an excuse for loitering two, during deprived of their yolk; and the smallest loss in his the most precious part of the day. experiments was 35 per cent. There is no kind of work on our farms, except The yolk is most useful to the wool on the back dressing corn, which oxen may not be trained to of the sheep in cold and wet seasons; probably the perform as well as horses-also for hauling heavy application of a little soap of potassa, with excess loads short distances on the roads, they are equally eat it readily, if any other kinds be within their reach. of grease to the sheep brought from warmer cli- as good, and much better for hauling logs; but the The Welch sheep, however, prefer it, as I before ob-mates in our winter, that is, increasing their yolk ox does not naturally endure heat as well as the served; and it is singular, that those sheep being bred artificially, might be useful in cases where the fine- horse; he seldom perspires, but habit will enable him in the park, when some of the best grasses are equally ness of the wool is of great importance. A mixture to endure it for all necessary purposes. Nor does within their reach, should still prefer those grasses of this kind is more conformable to nature, than he naturally walk so fast-much may be done in which naturally grow on the Welch mountains; it that ingeniously adopted by Mr. Blakewell, but at breaking, to improve his walk. But my object is to seems to argue that such a preference is the effect of the time his labours commenced, the chemical na- examine him as he is usually found. Allowing then some other cause, than that of habit. for the difference of his capacity to endure heat and for that of his speed, my experience is, that a pair of oxen will plough 1 1-2 acres while a pair of horses will plough 2 acres. This difference will be allowed. by all experienced persons as a liberal estimate in favour of the horse. Now, if we suppose the same ture of the yolk was unknown. [Davy's Agr. Chemistry. Festuca ovina, sheeps' fescue.-All kinds of cattle relish this grass; but it appears from the trial that has been made with it on clayey soils, that it continues but a short time in possession of such, being soon overpowered by the most luxuriant kinds. On dry shallow soils, that are incapable of producing the larger sorts, this should form the principal crop, or rather Their value and economy for Pennsylvania Farming difference to exist in all other kinds of labour to the whole; for it is seldom or never, in its natural state, found intimately mixed with others; but by itself. THE OX AND THE HORSE. Festuca duriuscula, hard fescue grass.-This is cer- MR. SKINNER, tainly one of the best of the dwarf sorts of grasses. trivialis. It compared. Buck's county, Pa. 28th March, 1825. which the ox is adapted, it will give the labour of the horse to that of the ox as 4 to 3-and according to the foregoing estimate, the expense of 3 horses for ten years, (their average life of useful labour,) be, That of 4 oxen, . General balance in favour of oxen, .. $1320 120 $1200 is grateful to all kinds of cattle; hares are very fond I have recently observed some remarks from corof it: they cropped it close to the roots, and neglected respondents in your paper respecting the compara-will the Fustuca ovina, and Fustuca rubra, which were conti- tive usefulness of horses and oxen. Although the guous to it. It is present in most good meadows and subject may seem to be exhausted, I am not withpastures. out hope of being able to add somewhat to the Festuca pratensis, meadow fescue. This grass is sel- general stock of experience on this subject. In dom absent from rich meadows and pastures; it is ob- order to understand the relative value of animals served to be highly grateful to oxen, sheep and horses, of this nature, we have only to resort to actual calparticularly the former. It appears to grow most luxIt must be admitted, however, that there are many uriantly when combined with the hard fescue, and Poa culation and such facts as will not be denied by any purposes to which the ox is not adapted: such as one who has the least experience on the subject. going on distant journies with despatch, the carAvena eliator, tall oat-grass.-This is a very produc- In the first place, then, a pair of tolerably good riage, gig and saddle, to which that of dressing corn tive grass, frequent in meadows and pastures, but is dis. work horses can be bought at 5 years old for $160-must be added. No farmer can therefore dispense liked by cattle, particularly by horses; this, perfectly, their lives may be averaged at ten years more, in- with all his horses; but it is bad economy to keep a agrees with the small portion of nutritive matter which cluding diseases, accidents, &c.-the cost of keep- single labouring horse more than is necessary for it affords. It seems to thrive best on a strong tenacious ing them, as our work horses in Pennsylvania are those purposes which the ox is not adapted forclay. usually kept, will be for grain $1.20 per week, at and when the number of horses which must be thus Avena flavescens, yellow oat-grass.-This grass seems the present price-the grain being ground, and used occasionally employed, is sufficient to perform, at partial to dry soils, and meadows, and appears to be eaten by sheep and oxen, equally with the meadow with cut straw, which is more economical than feed- their intervals of leisure, all the other business of barley, crested dog's-tail and sweet-scented vernal ing whole grain: in addition to this grain, horses the farm, it would be bad economy to keep oxen; grasses, which naturally grow in company with it. It will eat about the same hay or grass that will sus- for it costs very little, if any more, to keep horses nearly doubles the quantity of its produce by the appli- tain a pair of oxen-the latter food may therefore constantly at work, than it does to keep them in be estimated as common to both, and of equal ex- idleness. A horse, though a noble, is an expensive cation of calcareous manure. Holcus lanatus, meadow soft grass.-This is a very pense. The cost of a pair of oxen four years old animal, and the high state of his domestication has common grass, and grows on all soils, from the richest is $60, and they may be used five years without the given him a constitution liable to innumerable disto the poorest. It affords an abundance of seed, which least injury to their capacity for fattening-when, if eases, (not found among animals more in a state of is light, and easily dispersed by the wind. It appears the owner did not choose to make a profit in that nature,) which increases the expense of his mainto be generally disliked by all sorts of cattle. The produce is not so great as a view of it in fields would in-way, he might sell them for $50. We have from tenance. He is also, from his spirit, more easily A late writer in your paper, dicate; but being left almost entirely untouched by these data the following results as to expense of the spoiled than the ox. cattle, it appears as the most productive part of the two animals: who observed that the ox was not as true to the herbage. The hay which is made of it, from the numdraught as the horse, could not have had any genber of downy hairs which cover the surface of the $160 eral experience on the subject; for all who have leaves, is soft and spongy, and disliked by cattle in 96 long used both animals know that the fact is quite general. the reverse. The present is a period when it be624 hoves farmers to practice the most rigid economy. Anthoxanthum odoratum, sweet-scented vernal grass. Horses, oxen, and sheep, eat this grass; though in pastres where it is combined with the meadow fox-tail, and white clover, cock's-foot, rough-stalked meadow, it is left untouched; from which it would seem unpalatable to cattle. Mr. Grant, of Leighton, laid down one half a field of a considerable extent with this grass, combined with white clover. The other half of the field with fox-tail and red clover. The sheep would not touch the sweet-scented vernal, but kept constantly upon the fox-tail. The writer of this, saw the field when the grasses were in the highest state of perfection; and hardly any thing could be more satisfactory. Equal quantities of the seeds of white clover, were sown with each of the grasses; but from the dwarf nature of the sweet-scented vernal grass, the clover mixed with it had attained to greater luxuriance, than that mixed with the meadow fox-tail." EXPENSE OF HORSES. I think there cannot be a doubt, that the introduc$880 tion of oxen as a substitute for working horses, would greatly improve our agricultural economy$60 but as this cannot be done very generally upon 60 small plantations, some other substitute must be found, or we must endure the inconvenience. This, 40 I am persuaded, may be done most effectually by the introduction of mules. This animal, except for 160 the saddle and pleasure-carriage, will perform all 100 the service of the horse, at about one third of the expense. But I am sure you must have a distaste 60 for long essays, and will forbear enlarging on this 820 branch of economy at present. $880 IMPROVED SHORT HORN CATTLE. American public to their merits, and the superior large district to convert grounds occupied by wood quality of Mr. Champion's stock was made known to the production of valuable crops, and lime and Remarks on the communication signed Agricola, in to the United States by my remarks on the cattle other manures will be transported by canals, to TO THE EDITOR, No. 52, vol. 6. Philadelphia, April 2, 1825. procession that took place in March 1821, in Phila-points which they could never otherwise have reach- THE piece signed Agricola, in No. 52 of your 6th The object of the paper by Agricola is to prove, DRESSES. kill, now completed, extend one hundred and eleven miles. Forty miles of the Union canal are nearly the aggregate will not be much short of two hundred miles. To encourage and promote in future that the zeal of the advocates of the "improved NEXT in importance to the improvement of the the formation of canals, wherever the geological short horned cattle" is not founded in "cool and de- land by judicious modes of cropping, and the ap- features of the territory invite, or will admit of such liberate judgment," but in a love of "novelty;" and plication of restoratives suited to the various quali-improvement, is at once the duty and the interest of that "the old stock is better than the new." To ties of the soil, are roads, bridges, canals, and the all who seek the permanent welfare of our agriculprove this, he refers in the first place, to some pas-rendering of streams navigable. The husbandman ture. In addition to the early aids afforded to the sages from a writer in your 5th volume, which Agri-will toil in vain, if the products of his labour cannot husbandry of the state, I ought not to omit the im cola says, would "induce a belief that the Teeswa- reach a market by a moderate expenditure of time portant fact, that the selection and introduction of ters possess the quality of subsisting without food." and money. The necessity of facilitating the inter- valuable domestic animals was not disregarded, Too much, however, is made of the passage alluded course between the interior, remote parts, and the even when the minds of the early benefactors of to. No one can suppose that the writer literally sea board of Pennsylvania, was early perceived by agriculture were directed to the primary duty of inmeant what is attributed to him--but merely that many of her enlightened citizens, who, in the pro-creasing the products of the land. Some excellent upon short allowance in winter, the improved short secution of their designs, had to contend with diffi-breeds of sheep, and swine, were brought from horns lived while other breeds suffered. That cat-culties similar to those which impeded the exertions abroad, many years ago, and great pains were taken tle which take on fat so readily as the "improved to renovate her husbandry. Some improvements to spread them among our farmers. But the great short horns," would live better on scanty food had been made during the provincial age of Penn-importance of this subject has been but recently through the winter than common cattle, I can easily sylvania, by the removal of obstructions to the urged with effect upon their notice. Our useful felconceive, because it is a well known fact, that the ab- descending navigation of rivers; but the first turn-low citizen and associate, John Hare Powel, whose sorption of fat by a set of vessels called lymphatics, pike constructed on this side of the Atlantic, is that indefatigable labours deserve the highest commenin the bodies of all animals, takes place when food which was completed between Philadelphia and dation, has, at much expense, imported some indiis withheld, and as the short horns possess more Lancaster in 1794. Since that period, more than aviduals of the best families of cattle and sheep than an ordinary degree of it, they would be able thousand miles of artificial road have been made of known in Europe. His judicious and liberal deto endure privation of food with less injury than stone in various parts of the commonwealth. Bridg-sign is to prove, that all the beasts which adminiscommon cattle, which are deficient in this source of es of great magnitude and beauty have also been ter to our necessities, or conduce to our comforts, internal nourishment. thrown across our principal rivers, at an expense of ought to be chosen and bred in reference to their 2d. Agricola attempts to show the inferiority of more than a million and a half of dollars, whilst respective qualities. The horse, for the various the "improved short horns" by comparing the weight the utility and cost of those of an inferior grade, in employments to which that noble and generous aniand quality of a seven year old steer fed by Mr. nearly all the counties of the state, cannot be readi-mal is so admirably fitted. The ox, whether for laLowry, and recently killed in Philadelphia, with ly estimated. It is now almost half a century since bour, or for the shambles. Sheep, whether most some cattle of Gen. Ridgely's breed, and killed at the noble design was formed of uniting the Dela-profitable for the fleece, or carcass. The cow, as the same time. He says the steer was of the "Tees-ware and Susquehanna rivers, by means of the adapted to the dairy, or otherwise more advantawater breed," and gained a premium at the agricul-waters of the Schuylkill and Swatara. The failure geous, as circumstances and interest may dictate. tural exhibition near Philadelphia, in June 1822, for of so grand a scheme, with great pecuniary loss to To this laudable pursuit, combined with rural affairs his great merits: In answer, I reply, that the "Tees- those who engaged in it, vitally affected the inte- generally, he has succeeded in awakening the attenwater" and "improved short horns" are not synoni- rests of our agriculture; but the lock navigation ra- tion of a body of respectable and intelligent cultimous. The former was, indeed, the foundation from pidly progressing to completion on the same route, vators of their own farms, in various counties of the which the latter admirable stock was produced, and penetrating as it will to a remote interior point, state, who, constituting "The Agricultural Society upon which such great changes have been made by hitherto inaccessible by such modes of communica- of Pennsylvania," will no doubt contribute largely judicious crosses, as to entitle it to the character of tion, promises to all our different interests results of to the general good. a new creation. The progress of improvement in the greatest magnitude. The difference between The first volume of the Memoirs of that society, this breed, was detailed in my letter (written at transportation upon a good turnpike and upon a containing the observations and experience of prac your request,) of April 4, 1821. Upon reference, common road, is familiar to every one; but the dif- tical farmers and breeders of stock, will, I trust, be moreover, to the account of the exhibition in the ference is immense between even the best turnpike widely disseminated for the instruction and gratifiAmerican Farmer, vol. 4, p. 123, I find that the pre- and a canal. A single horse will draw, with ease, cation of their brethren throughout our country.— mium of $10, was given to Mr. Lowry for having twenty-five tons, two miles and a half per hour upon And although, in some respects, the association produced the best steer between the ages of one the latter, but to move an equal weight upon the may be regarded as a rival of this institution, I am and five years. No mention is made of his breed. former, at the same rate, would require forty horses. confident the members of the parent establishment, The steer having produced only "1302 lbs. of infe- What a vast saving must here be made in animals whom I now address, will never cease to contemrior beef, at the age of seven years, is therefore no and in provender, and a large part of this, too, for plate, with unaffected pleasure, the prosperity and argument against the superior merit of the "short the benefit of the husbandman; because his stock usefulness of all its descendants, however numerous horns." I do not wish to make comparisons be- may be less, and his saleable produce greater, and they may become throughout the land, Associa tween the genuine specimens of that breed, and he may be enabled to carry many new articles to tions of this kind have performed no small part in Gen. Ridgely's stock, which I have not seen, but market, by all the difference of consumption. Ca-bringing agriculture to its present improved state, which I am willing to believe are worthy of com- nals will also promote the use of oxen instead of and they deserve to be classed among the most effi mendation. My sole object is, to correct the er- horses, to the acknowledged profit of the farmer. cient means of future advancement to that dignified rors into which Agricola has fallen, by arguing from The introduction of coal will constitute a new era occupation. To these beneficent ends, this society false premises, and to defend the character of a in Pennsylvania. It will enable the farmers of a has been devoted for forty years, in the course of breed of cattle, to which I have long been a steady which it has sought information, and maintained an friend, although owning none of them. I believe I may safely say, that I first called the attention of the * American Farmer, vol. 3, No. 4. + See Archives of Useful Knowledge, vol. 1, p. 294; intercourse with similar institutions, and with indiIb. p. 358, Philadelphia, 1810; with a portrait of a fine viduals engaged in the promotion of improvements bull of the improved breed. See also American Far-in the agriculture of Europe, whence it has derived | mer, vol. 2, pp. 314, 406. American Farmer, vol. 3, pp. 17, 29. not only books of great utility, but implements of | husbandry of various kinds, as well as grains, grass,. |