the double yoke, and the bow consequently keeps tural Society, printed in the American Farmer, vol. | horse were no more liable to disease, which is its proper place: ii., where, in the 81st page, he quotes the following known not to be the case. With the foregoing |as Thomas A. Knight. Esqr's answer to a query put should be estimated $3 per anuum for shoeing each by the President of the British Board of Agricul- horse, which is not found so necessary for the ox in ture. "The more deep and capacious the chest, and the "middle and southern states," as in the eastern, the shorter and lower any animal is relative to its owing to a difference in the climate and the roughweight, the better adapted it will be to live and ness of the surface over which he has to traverse. | fatten upon little food, the more labour it will go Therefore, he who keeps four work horses, in 12 through; and I have always found the most short years must feed to them 4320 bushels of grain, the legged oxen to be the best labourers. It is also ob- interest of which at simple interest, would make an served in Marshall's Rural Economy of Glouces-aggregate of 5,706 bushels at the end of this petershire, that the best labouring ox he ever saw, riod. This valued at 35 cents a bushel, would prohad the shortest legs." duce in cash ($2007.) two thousand and seven dolWe again find the same experienced agricultu- lars. He must also have sunk $150, which is the rist, in his letter upon stock generally, published in probable difference between the first cost of four the 3d volume of the American Farmer, page 178, horses and four oxen. Add to this, the interest on making the same quotation; by which it may be in- this sum at simple interest for 11 years, which is 99 ferred that his extensive and practical knowledge dollars; again, the shoeing of four horses is $12 The whole of this latter plan will, perhaps, ap- upon this subject is in agreement with the forego- per annum for 12 years, equalling $144. This, pear quite novel to many; but it has for some time ing ideas. placed still at simple interest, amounts to near fifty past been successfully practised by one of my near To these may be added another and very re-dollars-making in the whole, twenty four hundred neighbours, who uses oxen for the draught, to the spectable authority, in a statement given us by Sir and fifty dollars; a sum equal to the purchase of a entire exclusion of horses. John Sinclair, in his "Code of Agriculture," page small estate: the whole of which is saved by the Oxen should, by all means, be stabled during 53, in which he says, "The form of animals has use of oxen; for after labouring till he is ten years the winter season, as their health and strength fortunately attracted the attention of an eminent old, and permitted to cease for one only, he will greatly depends upon their being protected from surgeon, (Henry Cline, Esq., of London,) the sub-command more in beef than he cost at 3 or 4 years the cold and wet. In common with other stock, stance of whose doctrines are, 1st, That the exter-old as an ox. Consequently, he can be exchanged they will also keep in good order on less food, when nal form is only an indication of the internal struc-or renewed at pleasure, without a sacrifice; which this is the mode of treatment. ture; 2d, That the lungs of an animal is the first is not the case with the horse, whose pecuniary va The stable should be divided into stalls 4 feet object to be attedned to, for on their size and lue decreases with advancing years. To this it wide, with a trough sufficient to contain as much soundness the health and strength of an animal will, perhaps, be objected, that the ox is not equal straw, hay, or fodder, as will serve them during principally depend; 3d, That the external indica- to the performance of the same quantity of work the night. In the front of the trough, should be in- tions of the size of the lungs, are the form and with the horse, especially in the plough. serted a staple, rivetted on the inner side, leaving size of the chest, and its breadth in particular." To this a reply may be found in an experiment space enough on the outer side for a chain to pass Steers of a moderate size, say from six to seven at our Fair at the Maryland tavern, 1823, where, in easily through. This chain should have a block hundred weight each, are preferable as oxen, to the presence of hundreds of spectators, an ox-team, appended to the lower end, of sufficient weight to such as are very large, because they are found which started with five horse teams, was the second keep the chain extended. About 18 inches from generally to excel in activity and speed, at the in completing the given quantity of ground, and this end of the chain should be affixed a ring large same time will keep in better order than those of would have been the first, had the horse team clearenough to prevent its passage through the staple, large dimensions, on inferior pasture. The observed out the middle furrow. But even admitting that to which should be attached two other chains of ing teamster will find in the countenance of an ox, the horse is able to do more ploughing in a day, sufficient length for the two to meet round the neck. certain indications of his qualities. For instance: there are many other kinds of work at which the ox At the end of one of these should be a ring, and at a full, prominent eye and lofty spreading horns, are is infinitely his superior, and may be sometimes observed to prevail amongst those of the most do- geared and a small job done by a boy, in the length the other aλ which, when passed through the cile nature; on the contrary, short, crumpled horns, of time taken by a man to harness and hitch his ring will fasten him. The weight of the block now keeps the chain stretched, and at the same time not so heavy as to prevent his lying down with ease. with an eye that not unfrequently shows the white, horses to a waggon. bespeak him of a restive disposition, and not so Another and not the least consideration, is the easily governed as the other. But when the load difference of expense in purchasing and keeping in comes heavy, and the sound of the whip is heard, repair a car and yoke, in comparison with a wagon In selecting steers for the draught, it is impor- he must be strongly geared, or something will give and gear. The two latter considerations alone, betant to obtain such as will be most likely to endure way. ing sufficient to justify the expense of keeping an the heat of the "middle and southern states," with An ox, to move brisk, should move his feet in a additional yole of oxen on a farm. the least suffering; and in order to obtain this end, line; that is, the hind feet should never deviate Seeing the mbarrassments and difficulty under the most effectual means is, to choose such as are from the direction in which the fore feet pass; for which many of he agriculturists in the "middle and most active and have the greatest depth and breadth the same reasons that horses are found to travel southern states, labour at the present time, it canof chest, and also breadth across the loins; which best that move in this manner: it being an indica- not be too strongy urged upon those who are about are the most important points in regard to wind and tion of strong muscular powers and activity. embarking in agreultural pursuits as a means of sesirength. Let us now take a view of the comparative ex-curing a livelihood (and who perhaps may be conI am aware that popular opinion will be arrayed cellence of the horse and the ox, as applied to farm-sidered free from nany of the prejudices which still against me upon this point; but time and expe- ing purposes generally, in point of economy. exist against oxen, to make the experiment at least, rience, so far from weakening, have only tended to Here it will be found, upon calculation, and with and give the thing a fair trial, before they encumconfirm my views upon the subject. In opposition equal certainty when reduced to practice, that by ber themselves with that moth, a stock of farm to this idea, I have never heard a reason given, in substituting the latter in lieu of the former, the dif- horses. In doing which it will easily be seen they any degree satisfactory. We are gravely told, that ference in favour of the ox is indeed immense. hazard nothing, for sould any wish to abandon the to the eastward, a loose, open made steer is pre- When at work, the horse must have at least three plan after a sufficient rial, one summer's grass will ferred. But, is it not an incontrovertible fact, that gallons of grain per day, and for six months in the enable them to obtain, in cash,) an advance on the the more flimsy the construction of an animal, the year 125 lbs. of hay per week. Supposing him to first cost of their cattle if young and thrifty; and weaker he is-and the weaker he is, the sooner he be at work only two thirds of his time, and during such are always to be hd. will be overcome by the heat? It is again asserted, the remainder to be kept on hay or pasture alone, The funds of many a yung farmer are very limitthat the long-legged open made steer can breathe he must consume upwards of ninety bushels of ed, and if in stocking hisfarm he has just money more freely, and therefore does not suffer to the grain, and 2875 lbs. of hay annually; which latter enough, (and no more than nough) for the purchase same extent in hot weather. Here it will be proper is amply sufficient, with such pasture as the horse of four oxen and other inspensible domestic anito observe, that long legs and a deep, broad chest, must have, (and some additional coarse food in the mals and farming utensils; he purchase instead are rarely, if ever found in the same animal; and winter.) to keep the ox in prime order for work, of the oxen four good horses, e must even now give does it not appear reasonable that an appeal to without the use of any grain. Thus it appears, for $300 for them, which will case him to go in debt facts, and an impartial examination of the matter, every ox substituted for a horse, there is 90 bushels $150. Let him substitute fou oxen, and his farm will satisfy any candid man upon this subject. But of grain saved in each year. Add to this, the differ will be stocked with at least n equally effective in addition to what I have stated, I wish to call the ence in the wear of the horse, which must be re-force, and thus be enabled to stat fair, and without attention of the public to the very interesting ad-newed at double the cost of the ox at least once in being encumbered with the $150debt, which togedress of Timothy Pickering to the Essex Agricul- twelve years: thus doubling the risk, even if the ther with some little contingencie he might other wise have struggled through, may have been the tershire, and at Woburn, are upon a clayey subThe annual value being raised to 41. per acre, foundation of incalculable difficulties, and in the end stratum.* hence it is calculated that there is a clear profit of proved the rock on which he would have split. Barren slopes may be advantageously improved 21. 7s. per acre, per annum.* There is a singular feature in the character of the under the catch work system; and in this way much A very distinct account is given of the expense ox which deserves notice, and that is his capacity land, at present covered with heath, furze or broom, and profit of a water-meadow, in the Hampshire for taking into the stomach a sufficient quantity of may be rendered productive of hay or valuable Report. The produce is stated at 91. 3s. 4d. per food in a very short time, to satisfy the cravings of grasses. The most suitable soils, however, are annum, without including the advantage of folding nature for a longer period than any other animal those of a sandy or gravelly nature; more especial- the sheep from the meadow, on tillage or other used for the draught in our country. Hence while ly when they can be irrigated by muddy streams, uplands, which is estimated to be worth 16s. 8d. the horse is busily engaged in ranging the pasture, the sediment of which corrects their excessive more, or, in all 10l. The expenses, including the or standing at the manger for hours together, the ox openness. Indeed, by means of the warm and rich interest of the money expended in forming the is found taking his rest and chewing his cud. And waters of a low, fertile and populous district, im- meadow, amount to 57. 188. 6d.; leaving a balance again, it must be a smart boy or man, who will fi- pregnated with mud, and containing animal and of 4l. 1s. 6d. in favour of the meadow. nish his breakfast or dinner ere his cattle will have vegetable manures, almost any soil may be con- It is, however, contended, that neither the grass, swallowed enough to chew at intervals of leisure, verted into a rich meadow. nor the hay, produced by irrigation, contains those until their driver becomes impatient to hear his sum- The bottom or subsoil of a water meadow, is of feeding or fattening qualities which are found in mons to another repast. more consequence than even the quality or depth upland herbage. The stock will "hold their own," Another and very important matter in relation to of the soil. A loose gravel, or bed of broken flint, or keep to the state they were in, when put to such the management of oxen, remains to be noticed. As with little or no intermixture of earth, where that food; they will increase in size, but not in condisoon as the young cattle are sufficiently gentle to can be obtained, is the most desirable subsoil. tion. Others will not admit to its full extent, the make it safe, and begin to understand the word of With such a bottom, in seasons when water is truth of that doctrine; and besides maintain, that command, the halter should be laid upon the yoke, abundant, a soil not six inches in depth, is quite the benefits resulting from irrigation are sufficiently and the driver remaining near them, should motion sufficient to produce large crops. with his whip as he calls to them to "come haw," touching the off one lightly with his whip upon the back, and the near one upon the nose. This will Effect of Climate. ample to support the practice, even though its produce may not possess a feeding or grazing quality.† Nor is the pecuniary profit arising from irrigation, The process of irrigation seems to be attended so material, as those indirect, or secondary advantend to reverse their motions, and facilitate his views. with much more beneficial effects in warm, than in tages resulting from the system, which shall afterWhen turning to the right, touch the near ox upon cold climates. The difference of the seasons be-wards be detailed. his left side, at the same time passing rather before tween Gloucestershire in England, and Aberdeen them, and motioning with his whip in front of the shire in Scotland, produces very important conse- VII. The Grasses best adapted for Water-Meadows. off one. By pursuing this plan I have had oxen un-quences. The latter is usually about five weeks Where the catch-work system is adopted, the der such complete command in a few weeks after more backward than the former: hence it is hardly surface of the meadow is rarely much broken; the being yoked, as to be entirely governable by the possible to get such early crops of spring grass in natural grasses in the ground are trusted to, and it word and whip, without the use of the halter, which the districts of Scotland, as are easily to be obtained is seldom necessary to procure any seeds, except should, in all cases, be dispensed with as soon as in England; and thus, one of the principal objects for bare or vacant spots. When ridges, however, possible. Great care should be taken for some time of irrigation (feeding ewes and lambs in spring,) is are formed by the spade or the plough, they are not to overload, and by this means discourage them, thought to be unattainable. Nor will the applica- generally destitute of grass when first laid down. and they will very soon be found willing, Sampson- tion of water produce two, and sometimes even It is necessary, therefore, to sow the seeds of such like, "to put forth all their strength." three crops of hay in Scotland, as it does in North plants as are best calculated to produce valuable VI. The Profit. There are many different instruments used for America. The advantages of water-meadows, how- and abundant crops. The most usual are: 1. Pedriving, but that which appears attended with most ever, are important, independent of spring feed-rennial red clover, cow, or marl grass, (trifolium mebenefit and the least inconvenience to the animal more especially when the catch-work system can dium.) 2. The rough-stalked meadow-grass, (poa and the driver, is a light whip, which is severe enough be adopted, as the expense of that process is incon- trivialis.) And, 3. The crested dog's-tail, cynosuon all occasions, and when in the hands of the un-siderable. rus crystatus.) Timothy (phleum pratense,) is greatfeeling and cruel, not so likely to be abused as a ly preferred for water-meadows in America; and in pole or even a goad, and can often be effectually adboggy lands, fiorin (agrostis stolonifera,) is found ministered through the medium of the ear: and sure- The profit resulting from this operation, when peculiarly productive in that species of soil. Where ly all means within our power should be used to mi- properly conducted, is always considerable. Mr. the object is pasture, rather than hay, white clover, tigate in every possible manner, the suferings of Wilkinson proves, by authentic documents, that all rye-grass, and the meadow fox-tail ought not to be the outgoings, both capital and interest, were re- omitted. The soil of itself, when watered, will funded within two years, besides a very considera- produce grasses the most congenial to the state of ble permanent increase in the value of the land. the land and the degree of moisture applied to it; Of Montgomery couny, Maryland. Mr. Eyres derived great advantage from his mea- but a little manure, at the commencement of irriga dow, even the first season, by pasturing on it sheep, tion, by beds, (unless the turf has been pared, and cattle, and even cart horses. Mr. Clough found preserved to be put upon the surface,) is thought that land, which, before irrigation was applied, was by some advisable. In short, the superior grasses not worth more than six shillings per acre, was in general, will thrive under irrigation. thereby increased in value to 21. 15s per acre, even such an invaluable animal. Respectfully submitted by THOMAS P. STABLER, ON IRRIGATION. (Concluded from p. 250, American Farmer.) V. Of the Soil and Subsoil. Irrigation is not restricted to any particular description of soil. Land naturally wet, may be greatly improved by it, when accompanied by drainage; and it is equally beneficial to that which is dry.* to a farmer; and if let to the inhabitants of a mar- if not more.§ The following is the statement given, of profit from the formation of an irrigated meadow on the estate of the late Mr. Ferguson of Pitfour, in ScotRich loams produce the argest crops, even land, who carried on that species of improvement though the waters be not of the first quality. Peat with much energy and success: bogs, when properly drained will likewise yield good crops. Irrigating adhesive clays is expensive, and the beneficial effecs from it do not soon appear, but it is evident, fron a meadow near Longleat, that even this sort of land may, by good management, be thus rendered more fertile; and it is well known that some of the best meadows in Glouces Smith's Observations, p. 26. Water is of great benefit to peat bogs, or mossy grounds, by washing away improper ingredients, as the sulphate of alum, by which that description of soil is rendered unfertile. in this way peat bogs may be enabled to produce succulent and nutritive grasses, and to rival the best natural meadows. 1. Interest, at 7 per cent., on the original ex- 2. The old rent of the land, 3. The annual expense, 0 10 0 7.1 13 0 VIII. The Stock to be fed on Water-Meadows. The advantage which a sheep farmer derives, when the climate will admit of it, by feeding his ewes and lambs in spring, on a watered meadow, can hardly be sufficiently estimated.§ At that pinching period of the year food is always scarce, and lambs, once checked in their growth, cannot be afterwards fattened. There is an interregnum (if the * General Report of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 601. † Hamshire Report, p 277. It is generally supposed, that sheep would be rolled by pasturing on watered meadows at any time, except in the spring-but in Derbyshire, there are several well authenticated instances to the contrary. Report, vol. ii. p. 472 and 475.-Much probably depends upon the slope, but more on the soil or water being calcareous. It is said that in Ireland, sheep and lambs are rotted on Smith's Observations on Irrigation, p. 44. Derby-water-meadows even in spring, but that is not the case shire Report, vol ii. p. 462. † Communications to the Board of Agriculture, vol. § Ditto, p. 269. in England. § Half an acre of water-meadow will support 1000 sheep per day, in spring.-Smith's Observations, p. 111. Wiltshire Report, p. 127. per acre.* A small bundle of bearded wheat was brought by ed observations. There could be no hesitation in expression may be used,) between the vegetation of nure, to be used on other lands, thus augmenting, in a On shelling them out early in September, and disone year and that of another, which is best supplied compound proportion, that great source of fertility. secting them, the larva was readily found in some by an early crop of grass. Where this expedient Were these advantages more generally known, or and the chrysalis in others; nestling amidst the erois not resorted to, or where Swedish turnips, cole, or more fully appreciated, a large proportion of the sion and ruin they had formed. A hole was easily savoys, (kail,) are not extensively cultivated, the kingdom might become like South Cerney, in Glou- distinguishable where the wound had been made by farmer may have no succulent food to give his cestershire, where every spring or rivulet, however the parent insect in the seed, while young and sucflocks, and he will of course suffer severely. Dur- insignificant, is made subservient to the purpose of culent, for inserting the egg. In this respect, there ing spring, Bakewell recommends, that no heavier irrigation, fertilizing, in proportion to its size, either is a resemblance to the injury done the pea, in its stock than sheep or calves should be admitted on a small quantity, or a large tract of land.† immature state by the bug, (bruchus.) The ravages the meadow. Much, however, depends upon the XI. Improvements suggested in the Practice of Irri- were committed in the sheaf, while yet in the stack quality of the soil and subsoil, for where either gation. or barn, and the full amount of the mischief ascerconsists of gravel, a farmer can feed his milch-cows In some recent publications on the subject of ir- tained only when the wheat was measured up, or during the spring, and after making a considerable rigation, hints are suggested, for the farther exten-carried to mill. quantity of cheese, may obtain three tons of hay sion and improvement of that operation. In Wiltshire, after a crop of hay is! The first is, that of watering land by machinery. J. Remsen, Esq. from his father's unthreshed. The taken, it is not usual to attempt a second, unless If the land be put in a proper form for irrigation, ears were put under a large and convenient vessel hay is very scarce; for the grass being of a soft and supplied with a good stream, at proper seasons, of glass, and carefully watched from time to time. nature, it takes so much time to dry, that it can there can be no difference, from the method of Day after day imagos or perfect winged insects conseldom be well made into hay: and it is of much greater value when fed with dairy cows, which may stances are equally favourable, the same fertility getting it on the surface; and if all other circum-tinued to hatch. They were the subject of repeatremain on the meadows till the flooder begins to may be expected from water thrown up by a drain pronouncing them to belong to the lepidopterous prepare for the winter watering. In autumn, fat-mill, as that which runs from a brook. A cheap order; and it seemed about as plain that in scientific ting beasts, and even cart-horses, have been put on and effectual power, for raising water in sufficient arrangement they ought to be placed in the tinea, or a water-meadow.‡ quantities, to flow about ten acres at a time, would "moth" family, of the phalena, or "miller" tribe. IX. On Water-Meadow Hay. be an invaluable acquisition; for a productive wa-deration is sufficiently discriminated from the HesIn all these particulars, the creature under consiThe grass of water-meadows being frequently ter-meadow is probably the true mark of perfection sian fly, which is a cecidomia, and from the weevil, large and coarse in its nature, makes it advisable in the management of a farm.§ which is a curculio. It is, however, not the tinea to cut it young; and then, if it be well made, the The other suggestion is, that of employing mahay is of a nourishing and milky quality, either for chinery to raise not only fresh, but even sea-water, teigne des bles,) which preys upon the grain and congranella of the books, (called by the French, fausse ewes or dairy cows. It has likewise been given to for irrigation. It is well known, how much all horses, and when properly made, they thrive upon kinds of stock are improved by salt marshes, and it.§ how beneficial to them is a moderate quantity of It is proper, however, to observe, that from the saline matter. There are many parts of the kinggreat succulence of the herbage, the making of dom, where, by the aid of machinery, these advanwater-meadow hay requires a very considerable de- tages might be obtained at a moderate expense. gree of attention, and that when the grass from which it is made has been over-watered, or rendered impure by scum or mud; or when the hay has been ill made in the fields or injured in the stacks, it will be hurtful to any stock to which it is given: but that altogether originates from mismanagement; and it has been found by experience, that cows, if they do not fatten so well, yet give much more milk from hay produced by irrigation, when cut early, and thence having much softness and succulency, than from any hay produced from grass-lands that had not been irrigated.** X. Advantages of Irrigation. Where the situation is favourable the following benefits result from the practice of irrigation. INSECT IN WHEAT. ** [N. Y. pap. nects several seeds together by its web, forming thereby a sort of tunnel or tube where it conceals have searched Count Ginannis' elaborate work upon itself, and whence it comes forth for depredation. I the diseases of wheat in its growing state, (Malatie del Grano in Erba; Pesaro, 4to. 1759,) without finding such an insect as this. Our invader is about the size of a woollen moth; and of a dull tin or polished on wheat, on certain farms in the town of Brooklyn, evolution of the germs, comes forth while the opeThe following notices of an insect, that preys up-iron colour, and if the season is favourable to the on Long island, which have been furnished us for ration of harvesting is going on. As far as I can judge, this is the insect intended publication, are contained in a letter to Stephen Van Rensselaer, president of the State Agricultural by Colonel Langdon Carter, of Sabine Hall, Virgiof botany, &c. dated New York, Oct. 3, 1825. Society, &c. &c. from Samuel L. Mitchill, professor nia, in his memoir upon a creature that he denominates the fly-weevil. He wrote in 1768, and his tract was published in the transactions of the American An enemy to the cultivation of wheat, unknown Philosophical Society at Philadelphia, vol. i. p. 274, in these parts until now, has very lately been disco and sequel. Though dated that year, the author vered in King's county. It is estimated that Mr. refers to the time twenty-five years prior, that is to Remsen, of the Wallabout, has lost one-third of his 1743, for the confirmation of his statement. It is crop by it. The destroyer is an insect which infests delightful to honour the memory of this gentleman. As far as an inference can be drawn from his com1. With the exception of warping, it is by far the grains of wheat, while yet in the spike or ear. munication, it may be comprehended in these propothe easiest, cheapest and most certain mode of improving poor land, in particular if it is of a dry and of water-meadows will, on a moderate estimate, proIn Davis' Wiltshire, it is calculated that 2000 acres sitions, viz:gravelly nature 2. Land, when once improved by duce in four or five years, 10,000 tons of manure, and irrigation, is put in a state of perpetual fertility, will keep in permanent fertility, 400 acres per annum without any occasion for manure, or trouble of of arable land. weeding, or any other material expense. 3. It be- + Gloucestershire Report, p. 280.-Watering of land, comes so productive, as to yield the largest bulk of is also of use, by destroying vermin in the soil. Bakehay, besides abundance of the very best support well practised this with success in lands under tillage. for ewes and lambs in the spring, and for cows and Red worms were thus destroyed; and snails, and grey or housing. other cattle in the autumn of every year. 4. In fa- slugs, though they in general like moisture, and injure vourable situations, it produces very early grass we ness. crops most in damp weather, yet do not agree with in the spring, when it is doubly valuable. And, Smith's Observations on Water-Meadows, &c. p. 93. 5. Not only is the land thus rendered fertile, with The celebrated wheel, invented by Mickle, and emout having any occasion for manure, but it pro-ployed for raising water to float off the moss, at Blairduces food for animals, which is converted into ma Drummond, in Stirlingshire, might supply the water. vil, but a moth.. 2. That it attacks the grain in its soft and juicy state, as the bug does the pea. 3. That it breaks out complete, between harvesting and threshing time, while the sheaves are in stack 4. That to avod such destroyers of a valuable crop, there is a mode of proceeding which I transcribe with satisfaction. "At least two feet round the mow," says he, I leave a vacancy, which is to be well trod with soft hay or beaten straw. Therefore, I keep persons constantly treading down these margins as the mow rises. And when I reach the eaves of my barn, I hy on and tread down a very thick covering of the sime straw or hay; and weigh it well down at the top," &c. For the reasoning employed to his friend Colonel Lee, whom he addresses on the occasion, the agricultural inquirer is referred to the original document. Smith's Observations, p. 87. **Several works are published which give practical directions for the formation and management of watermeadows: as those of Wright, and Boswell; Smith's Treatise above quoted; and Mr. Young's Calendar In the Appendix to the General Report of Scotland, vol. Cooper's edition of Willich Domestic EncyclopæThis is the animal mentioned by Dr. Mease, in ii. p. 130, there are a number of useful plans and sug-dia, (article wheat,) under the name of moth; the gestions, by Mr. John Boulton, a native of Gloucestershire, who had been for seven years an irrigator there, best means of obviating the ravages of which is said and has since practised for above twelve years in Aber- to be, threshing speedily after cutting the crop, and deenshire. before it is sweated, I have requested further inquiries and observa destruction. Is there any way to prevent them? patent digesters, much less by the youthful stomach tions to be made, which I hope 1 may be enabled in Do they continue for any given number of years? of a christian mortal!-and it would be well if this due time to lay before you. In the mean while, for if seed is procured from a section of the country advice were followed by many of our male readers, the purpose of bestowing a specific name upon the where they are not, will they injure the crop from it? children of larger growth." annoyer, I propose to call it TINEA SEGETIS, or moth corroding wheat in the grain, between the field and which are of obvious importance.] [Who can answer satisfactorily these questions, the floor. Specimens of the ripe and unshelled heads are ready for despatch to our distinguished fellow-citizens, J. S Skinner, editor of the invaluable journal, entitled the American Farmer; to Thomas Say, author of the splendid work on North American Entomology, and to Jesse Buel, whom the whole commonwealth knows as corresponding secretary of the board. I beg you to accept, once more, my friendly salutations and best wishes. SAMUEL L. MITCHELL. HINTS TO WRITERS. native cattle NOT INJURED BY CROSSES WITH IM PORTED BULLS. RURAL ECONOMY. THE BEE WORM. Some of the greatest men the world ever produced, have acknowledged, that to their mothers they were indebted for the ideas and principles that formed the substratum of their renown; almost all depend on maternal management and resolution for the strength of their constitution: hence it is that we shall often select for the Ladies' Department, obAn insect, thus called, has been making very de-servations connected with the physical as well as structive ravages among the bees in Virginia, and in the glorious destiny and high duties of a mother moral government of children. For those to whom other parts of the country, by destroying them in the hive, and thus cutting off the supply of honey and have not yet been assigned, we make selections of wax, so comfortable, and almost necessary in rural a different character, altogether congenial, as we life. A friend, who takes great interest in whatever hope, with good taste and virtuous minds.] is connected with rural economy, has furnished us with the following recipe for preventing the destructive incursions of this enemy of the bee: DIETETICAL REMARKS "Take two boards, of an inch thickness each, ALMOST every person who can afford it, eats more Extract from the report of the Committee on Neat perforate the one in 15 or 20 places, with a half than is requisite for promoting the growth, and reCattle, at the late Cattle Show at Worcester, inch auger; place this board upon the other; mark newing the strength and waste of his body. It Massachusetts. the places opposite to these holes when laid on the would be ridiculous to speak concerning the precise Governor Lincoln offered for exhibition three half other board; then bore this marked board one third quantity of food necessary to support the body of Denton cows, all of excellent quality, but one of through, on the upper side, in the marked places, different individuals. Such rules do not exist in them particularly noticed as an extraordinary ani- with a two inch auger, then place the board con- nature. The particular state or condition of the mal of her kind. She has often given from 24 to 27 taining the small holes on top of the other, and put individual, the variety of constitution, and other quarts of milk per day, of excellent quality, yielding the hive upon them. The miller, or bee worm, circumstances, must be taken into account. If, afa large proportion of cream. The least quantity of when he enters the hive, seeks a place, or is inter- ter dinner, we feel ourselves as cheerful as before, milk given by her in any one day during the summer rupted by the bees, to deposite his eggs; the cavity we may be assured that we have made a dietetical drought, on grass feed only, was 13 quarts! The formed as above affords a convenient place; the meal. WEALTH. PROSPECT OF CROPS. EXTRACT FROM A CORRESPONDENT. committee considered her THE MOST VALUABLE boards are to be removed two or three times a Much has been said of temperance. The fact is, MILCH COW, EVER EXHIBITED IN THE COMMON- Week, and the eggs brushed from the holes. This that there is an absolute determined standard of course will prevent the ravages of the bee worm, temperance, the point of which must be fixed by I wonder whether they had seen the Oakes cow? for it is produced from these eggs." every man's natural and unprovoked appetite, while Denton is a thorough bred Improved Durham [It has fallen within our observation, that several he continues in a state of health. As long as a perShort Horned Bull. persons have bestowed much care and no little ex- son who pursues a right habit of life, eats and A FULL-BLOODED YANKEE. pense in attempts to raise bees-in some instances, drinks no more than his stomach calls for and will Worcester county, Massachusetts, Oct. 15, 1825. more for the amusement than the profit of the un- bear, without occasioning uneasiness of any kind dertaking. They have had hives made of the most to himself, he may be said to live temperately. The promising construction, to prevent the intrusion of stomach revolts against the reverse of it; indeed, other insects, and to save the lives of the bees; but the stomach is the grand organ of the human syswe have heard, with regret, that all these efforts are tem; it is the conscience of the body, and like that, likely to prove abortive against the destructive will become uneasy if all is not right within; it OUR crops of corn gather worse than we expect- inroads of the vile bee worm, or bee miller, above speaks pretty plainly to those who lead an intempeed. Wheat has been sown unusually early, and re- mentioned. We have published some valuable rate life. markably well put in. Our earliest seeding is full communications on the subject of bees, especially "We may compare," says Dr. Kitchener, "the of fly. The Watson wheat has an abundant share from our New Jersey correspondent, and we shall human frame to a watch, of which the heart is the of them. By the bye, I am decidedly of opinion, soon publish more interesting extracts on the natu- main spring, the stomach the regulator, and what that the northern, or New York wheat, which we ral history and economy of that milliferous insect.] we put into it, the key, by which the machine is set are growing by the name of white flint wheat, should be distinguished as the Watson wheat. As soon as Mr. Watson gave public notice of his receiving the grain mentioned in the Farmer, Vol. vi. page 235, I wrote to him requesting a small sample of each kind; Cecil county, Oct. 21, 1825. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. a-going; according to the quantity, quality, and proper digestion of what we eat and drink, will be the action of the system: and when a due proportion is preserved between the quantum of exercise and that of excitement, all goes well. If the machine [As the question may arise in the minds of our be disordered, the same expedients are employed he was so kind as to comply with my request, by fair readers, "By what consideration is the Editor for its re-adjustment, as are used by the watchforwarding to General Mason, of Georgetown, a of the Farmer influenced to select for our depart maker, it must be carefully cleaned and then judisupply for me, which the General did me the favour ment, remarks on the choice and quantity of food?"ciously oiled. To affirm that such a thing is wholeto forward. Owing to some cause which I do not we must explain. The reason is this: Disorders of now recollect, instead of planting these small par the most obstinate character, destructive of health, some, or unwholesome, without considering the subject in all the circumstances to which it bears cels of wheat on my own land, I placed them in the and often of life itself, result from imprudent indul- relation, and the unaccountable idiosyncrasies of care of an attentive and intelligent neighbour, who gence in the kind and quantity of our food. The drilled them with much care in his wheat field. All foundation of these disorders, is frequently laid in nonsense. Every man must consult his stomach; particular constitutions is, with submission, talking of the wheats failed except two varieties, a smooth early childhood. Young people, while yet under red and a smooth white, both of which were freer the constant observation and control of mothers, some for him, whilst it continues to do so whenever whatever agrees with that perfectly well, is wholefrom fly and rust, than any other plant of the field, are allowed, nay, often encouraged, in indiscrimi- natural appetite calls for food." and the successful white, was in every respect ex-nate indulgence of their appetite, and the powers actly the form and quality of the wheat sent me last of digestion so enfeebled, that years of the most year from the Seneca falls, by Colonel Mynderse judicious medical treatment often fails to restore The Seneca wheat is the Watson wheat in every them. respect. An accident arising from neglect, prevented my going on with the produce of Mr. Watson's sample. Celsus spoke very right when he said that a healthy man ought not to tie himself up by strict rules, nor to abstain from any sort of food; that he ought sometimes to fast, and sometimes to feast. When applied to eating, nothing is more true than the proverb "Bonarum rerum consuetudo pessima est."-Syrus. "The too constant use, even of good things, is hurt It would be well if mothers, who thus stuff their darlings with cake, jellies, sweatmeats, sugar, meat, milk, fish, tea, hot rolls, &c. &c. would, for one day, keep a vessel at hand, and deposite in it the exact duplicate of all that, in their killing kindness. they allow their children to eat; and at night examine ful." OUR wheat crop, the last harvest, was very good; the compound, and see whether it could be digest- It is certainly better to restrain ourselves, so as to but the weevil, for the first time, is making dreadful'ed by the gizzard of an ostrich, or one of Pappin's use, but not to abuse, our enjoyments; and to this we EXTRACT TO The editor. Belpre, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1825. stomach." pow [Nov. 4, 1825. SPORTING OLIO. may add the opinion of Dr. Fothergill, which the pickle a pungent taste. A small quantity of experience of every individual confirms, namely, dered cochineal is also frequently added, with an that "the food we fancy most, sits easiest on the intent to give to the cabbage a beautiful red colour; the cochineal should be strewed amongst the sliced What has been so far stated on the choice and leaves previous to the infusion of the vinegar; two quantity of food to be taken at a time, of course, drachms are sufficient to one pound of cabbage. relates only to persons in a state of health; the diet Red beet root is employed for a similar purpose, of the delicate, the sickly, and the infirm, must be but the former pigment, which is perfectly harmregulated by the physician, and even the aged re- less, is preferable. When the pickle is cold, it FALL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND JOCKEY CLUB. quire particular kinds of food. should be tied over with a bladder skin to exclude the air. PICKLED ONIONS. "Experience has fully convinced me, (says an October 18, 1825. eminent physiologist,) that the latter stages of huFirst Day-Sweepstakes for 3 years old, 2 mile man life, are often abridged by unsuitable diet." heats, $200 entrance, half forfeit. "The most numerous tribe of disorders incident the size of a child's playing marble, are usually For this pickle, the small white round onions, of Gen. Wm. Winn's b. f. Eliza White by Sir Arto advanced life, spring from the failure or errors chosen. Having peeled off the exterior brown coat Theo. Field's s. c. by Sir Archy, chy, of the stomach, and its dependencies, and perhaps of the onions, simmer them in water, till their outer J. J. Harrison's b. c. Instructor by Virginian, 2 8 the first sources of all the infirmities of inability: layers have acquired a semi-transparency, (not may be traced to effects arising from imperfectly longer,) then strain off the water and suffer the digested food," PICKLES. PICKLED WALNUTS. old, 1 1 S 2 1 1 2 2 4 Time.-1st heat 4 m. 5 s.-2d heat 3 m. 55 s. Second Day.-Proprietor's purse, $300, 3 mile onions to dry; put them into an unglazed earthen heats, entrance 15 dollars. jar, and pour over them so much colourless vine- Theo. Field's g. g. Mark-time, 6 years old, by gar, previously heated nearly to the boiling point, Gallatin, The antiseptic power of vinegar is employed as will cover them. The seasoning spices usually J. J. Harrison's b. h. Aratus by Director, 5 years with advantage in domestic economy, for preserv-added are white pepper, ginger root, white mustard ing from decay a variety of fruits, roots, leaves, and seed, mace, and salt. G. B. Autlaw's b. m. Margaret by Sir Archy, 3 other parts of vegetables, which by a species of reJohn Baker's b. g. Elshender by Sir Hal, finement and luxury, are often considered as condi4 3 ments to improve the relish of several kinds of each in several places; suffer them to macerate for Take unripe walnuts; run a large needle through W. R. Johnson's s. h. Washington by Timofood. Their qualities, no doubt, depends almost en- ten or twelve days, in a strong brine of common leon, 5 dis. Time-1st heat 5 m. 51 s.-2d heat 5 m. 54 s. tirely on the vinegar, spice, or salt imbibed by them. salt. When this has been done, decant the brine, The art of preparing vinegar pickles consists in transfer the walnuts into a stone jar, and pour J. J. Harrison's b. m. Betsey Robinson by Third Day.-Jockey Club purse $1000, 4 mile impregnating the vegetable substances with the vinegar, previously heated nearly to the boiling portion of common salt and the most heating spices point, over them, in a sufficient quantity to cover Theo. Field's s. m. Phillis by Sir Archy, 4 strongest vinegar, to which are usually added a Thadeus, 4 years old, They may be seasoned with long pepper, capsi- Wm. R. Johnson's b. h. John Richards by years old, These substances should be simmered with the vin- John Tillery's b. h. Marion by Sir Archy, 5 cum, ginger, mustard seed, mace, and pimento. Sir Archy, 6 years old, The walnuts will not be fit for use till when about W. B. Wynn's b. m. Carinna by Sir Archy, years old, To effect this object, the substance to be pickled is usually suffered to macerate, or slightly boiled with the acid, and afterwards kept infused in it, together with spices and salt. them. PICKLED CUCUMBERS. heats. 4 years old, John Armistead's s. g. Liberator by Direc It is customary to impregnate the article to be egar for a few minutes. pickled first in a strong brine of common salt; but six months old. this is not absolutely necessary for the preservation of the pickled substance. To facilitate the action of the vinegar or salt, the articles to be pickled, Perforate fresh gathered cucumbers with a needle especially such as walnuts, cucumbers, &c. should or fork, put them into a stone jar, and pour over be punctured with a large needle or fork. To as them boiling hot vinegar. Season with salt, pimensist their preservation, and to improve their flavour, to, long pepper, and ginger. These substances a variety of pungent and aromatic spices are added, should be simmered with the vinegar for a few Sd heat 8 m. 44 s. which vary according to the fancy of the cook; minutes. pepper, pimento, cloves, mace, ginger, capsicum, To this pickle is sometimes intentionally given a and mustard, are the spices usually employed. lively green colour, by copper, and numerous fatal For the preparation of acid pickles, the vinegar consequences are known to have ensued from the prepared from wood, as in itself containing no sub- use of such a practice.* 1 4 1 5 1 2 4 4 S 2 3 dis. 3 dis. dis. John Baker's b. m. Rosabelle by Sir Hal, 5 [From the Annals of Sporting.] Worthy of imitation by the militia cavalry of the stance liable to a spontaneous decay, is preferable If pickled cucumber, or any other kind of vege- tive, and daring men, mounted on the most beautiUnited States, which should consist of young, acto common malt vinegar, although the contrary has table pickle, be wanted of a lively green colour, it ful and powerful horses, capable of running three been asserted, because it is free from mucilage, may readily be effected by soaking them when miles in fifteen minutes, and of taking six leaps in which promotes the spoiling of common vinegar, ready prepared, for a few minutes, first in tincture the three miles, of not less than four feet high. Such and therefore the former is a better antiseptic than of turmeric, and then in a diluted solution of the co- horse would be really efficient. Our cavalry should vinegar abounding in mucilage. We prepare our louring matter of indigo, dissolved in water. This be our proudest and most ambitious troops, and no home-made pickles with this acid, and we are au- method of staining the pickle is perfectly harmless. drone should be admitted among them. thorized to state, that although kept for years, they Samphire, French beans, tomatoes, capsicum are inferior to none met with in commerce. pods, nasturtium and raddish pods, may be pickled in the same manner. F. On Wednesday, 13th November, the Standhill troop of yeomanry cavalry, assembled at Monmouth for the purpose of performing two days' exercise. On the Thursday afternoon, at the conclusion of the it into thin slices. Put it into a stone jar, and pour Mr. John Moggridge, Mr. W. Jones, of Clythe, and Boil the root till sufficiently done; peel it and cut field exercise, a hurdle race stakes was run for by horse-raddish, cut into small slices, alspice, cloves, tive troop horses, the best of three one mile heats, it white vinegar, seasoned with long pepper, Mr. Scroope, members of the troop, on their respecand salt. over PICKLED MUSHROOMS. which is once round the course and a distance. They started at the distance post, and when they Put sliced red cabbage into a stone jar, and in a strong brine of salt for three or four days; two in different parts of the mead. In running the Having peeled small button mushrooms, put them came to the first leap at the winning post, they each strew amongst it common salt, then heat vinegar strain off the brine, and pour over them boiling took their leaps in gallant style, as they did the other nearly to a boiling point, and pour it over the cab- hot vinegar: season with long pepper, ginger, and second heat, the three horses bolted together when bage in a sufficient quantity to cover the sliced leaves. It is customary to add long pepper, alspice, [Accum's Culinary Chemistry. they came to the turn in the mead which leads to and ginger, to the vinegar, which impart to the the gate; but their riders brought them back to the *Treatise on the Adulteration of Food and Culinary scratch, and they concluded the race in a well con* Carlisle on the Disorders of Old Age, pp. 2 and 27. Poisons, 1821.-"Poisonous Pickles." tested manner, which was won by Mr. Moggridge. This book exhibits an excellent view of the most suit-tense (not liquid blue, which is quite a different prepa-mounted, afforded a high treat to the inhabitants, This substance is called, at the colour-shops, in- These gentlemen being persons of fortune, and well ration of indigo,) blue. able diet for aged, weak, and sickly people. mace. who never before witnessed such a trial of speed |