No. 10-VOL. 7. MR. EDITOR, AGRICULTURE. SHEEP. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, MAY 27, 1825. ance. 73 were remarkable for a short, knotty, and cotton-washed, to a fleece, appears a fair average. it is like appearance of wool, hardly enough to keep the certainly enough for the South. animal itself comfortable, and hardly any to spare We have Wool as fine.-That we have some wool, to the farmer's use in any season. The Persian and native wool, as fine as that of England in genegreatly increased the length of staple-gave a very ral, no doubt exists; but this is very partially found The flocks in our wide extended territory. Inattention, and the I COMMENCE a series of papers on Sheep, by send-superior form to this degenerate race. upon the estate of Mr. Custis, in New Kent, were promiscuous intercourse of flocks, have greatly mixed ing you notes and remarks touching certain facts of the old race of the country, as just remarked, till the fine wool with the coarse; yet in most flocks some relative to American sheep, &c. You will perceive 1806, wool 2 or 3 inches long, and sparingly scat- fine woolled samples are to be met with. The Smith's that the remarks were calculated for the meridian tered upon a very spare and gaunt frame; since this island is fine-probably fine wool was first place. of fifteen years ago, but will be found very generally applicable to the subject, in the present times. period the flocks have become a fine long woolled there, and there it still remains, in a long extended In my next, I will send you details of the sheep exhi-race, and much admired both for wool and appear- line, from generation to generation again-for the island has received no race from abroad. Most bited at the various Arlington sheep shearings, their The imported Persian ewe died a few years since American sheep have three distinct wools upon the origin and properties-and also of the aboriginals of at Arlington. A thorough bred ram was sent from same carcass-the neck and shoulder fine, the body Smith's island, improved by the hand of nature. Arlington to the estate of George Calvert, Esq., of good, and the hips and thighs coarse. English sheep At this moment of flattering and happy prospects Riversdale, near Bladensburg, and was the only one are more uniform in the quality of their wools. for the domestic interests of our country, I cannot bred from the imported stock. Mr. Calvert sheared Few sheep keep their prime longer than 7 years.--but recur with pleasure to the recollection of huma very fine lamb, of the long woolled race, a year Four years, or the full mouth, may be considered ble services, devoted more than twenty years ago, since, probably derived from his Persian. It is pre-as the ripest age for sheep. Ewes generally fail in to the then thought sceptical, now prosperous cause, sumed that some of the Persian race are still exist-milk after this period, and wethers do not fatten so of national industry and independence and truly Six years do I rejoice, to have lived to witness the time when ing about the estate of Col. O'Donnel, near Balti- well when their teeth begin to wear. the declarations made in that distant day, have been more; and if so, they are well worth the attention would be a safe age to prune a flock at, when ewes of long wool breeders. and wethers should both be prepared for the knife. The average weight of sheep, to the South, is very It is essential, in raising improved sheep, to examine "America will become great and free in minister-similar-from 40 to 60 lbs. nett-100 is a very large the ewes frequently, to ascertain whether they be ing to her wants, by the employment of her own mutton, south of the Susquehanna, although, in a good nurses, since many ewes, to appearance well resources, and the American citizen proudly ap- few instances, they have been found of still greater looking, are but indifferent milkers. pear, when clothed in the product of his native soil." weights. Smith's island wethers are quoted at 60 It is rare for a Ewe to lamb twice a year.—It is Esto perpetua. lbs. nett. These sheep being children of our soil rare, but sometimes happens. I have known ewes and clime, may be considered as a fair average for to yean at almost all seasons. Young ewes, which the best pastures of the South. have been kept from ram for a length of time, will sometimes receive him at extra seasons, and produce accordingly. It very seldom occurs, except with young ewes. Premiums given by government.-Some of the country breeds, previous to 1802, was from 3 to $5. state governments have already adopted this meaThe Persian was, perhaps, the highest priced ram sure. sold from the revolution up to 1802. fulfilled-and Very truly, yours, NOTES AND REMARKS ON THE SUMMARY OF FACTS The price of sheep in Virginia, may be rated at from 1 to $2 per head for lambs-from 2 to $3 for grown sheep when poor-and from 3 to $5 for fat wethers, Relative to American Sheep-by a Farmer of Penn-according to the season. The price of rams, of the sylvania. Transmitted to the English Board of Agriculture, by General Washington, in 1794, by Mr. Custis, of Arlington-and first published in 1810. triotism. A perfect breed of domestic anima's.—Our breeds The Mutton of this country.-The mutton of Vir- of domestic animals are sufficiently perfect for their THE Persian Sheep were imported direct from the ginia has always been deemed excellent. The best various uses-sheep excepted. Horses have arrived East Indies, and a Ram and Ewe presented to Gen. mutton has, however, been derived from the sheep at a peculiar degree of perfection, and importations of Curracoa, imported many years since, and gene- from England have, within a few years, been imWashington, either by Col. O'Donnel, or Mr. Barry. For useful purposes, we want no more-At the sale of the General's stock in 1802, Mr. rally extended. The tail of these animals is esteem- mense. ed a great delicacy, although by no means so large yet it is truly a matter of regret, to see how few of Custis purchased the imported ram for the sum of The Curracoa are all these imported animals have conduced to the beneten pounds a sum in those days deemed the effect as that of the Barbary race. of enthusiasm or folly. In these days eleven hundred coarse woolled, though very thrifty in feeding, and fit of rural employments. Few of the stock of and fifty dollars have been given for a ram, and the fatten at an early age. General Washington re- Highflyer, or Eclipse, have descended from their same been deemed the result of wisdom and pa- some West India sheep, perfectly hairy, and much culture. ceived as a present, from a Mr. Athol, of Antigua, dignity so far as to minister to the duties of agriThe patient animal which draws the The imported Persian had tupped at Mount Ver- resembling deer, but delicious as mutton. These plough, is a better servant to the Republic, than the That blooded non, but a short time previous to his sale, but his tropical strangers soon lost their hair, which soften- gallant courser who wins the race. ed into wool, as a protection from the inclemency of horses have their merits, is most true; but unforget had wonderfully improved the form and greatly increased the length of staple in the Mount Vernon a colder climate. From the facts of coarse woolled tunately, these merits are much obscured by beflocks and although the mutton at that hospitable and in all countries, it may fairly be supposed, that the practice of industry. The wealthy and caresheep always producing the best mutton, at all ages ing more devoted to the pursuits of pleasure, than board was always much esteemed, its delicacy and Merinos will fail in these respects; but if the Meri-less may indulge in the delights of the turf, but they flavour was greatly increased by the Persian adnos are not so well suited to the interior, they are should remember, that the enjoyment of their famixture. certainly amply provided with every requisite for vourite pleasures, gives nothing to virtue and industhe exterior economy of our citizens. try, but is rather an encouragement to idleness and The heaviest Fleece.-The fleece of Bakewell, the vice. The Persian are a sheep of fine constitution, and possess the admirable requisites of short legs and round bodies; and although the wool is harsh in fibre; first premium lamb at the Arlington sheep shearing As to the food. The food proper for sheep is to it forms an excellent foundation for long woolled in 1805, weighed 12 lbs. 5 oz. clean wool. In an- be found in all lands, very rich and very wet ones stock. The Arlington long woolled, founded on this race, have had their staple much meliorated by Smith's island, and others conversant therewith, 13 sheep. The grass of hills is most preferable.— swer to certain queries proposed to the agent at excepted. Rank grass purges, and wet grass rots the introduction of finer woolled crosses, and the length at the same time retained in sufficient de- lbs. is reported as the greatest fleece; but as the Old lands, which have put up white clover, are pargree. The very superior flocks of Mr. Foote, and Smith's island sheep have generally a good deal of ticularly healthful for this delicate animal, but to sand in their fleeces, Bakewell's fleece may be con- all pastures, whether high or low, some portion of Mr. Meade, of Frederick, bred from the Arlington sidered as superior. Mr. Foote's Badger, a lamb of wood should be attached. This in summer serves long woolled, still trace their origin to the imported Mr. Peter's, one of Mr. Calvert's, all of the Arling- as a protection from the meridian heat, and in the Persian, although the latter flock received an essenton long woolled, averaged 10 lbs.-5 lbs. of clean winter screens them from driving snows. In spring, tial benefit from the improved or Bakewell cross wool is nevertheless an ample, and indeed a great sheep should be driven to woods, where they browse upon the long woolled. average fleece for American flocks. upon the young twigs and buds, which operates as the South is generally sold in the dirt from one to provender. The price of Wool.-The price varies: wool to an aperient medicine after the long feeding on dry three shillings per pound. Thirty cents ought to Sheep should not be kept in close sheds.--Nothing R. K. Meade, Esq., of Frederick, produced, to the be deemed an average value for unwashed. We injures sheep more than confinement. They seem surprise of Dr. Logan and other eminent agriculturists of Pennsylvania, a sample of the Arlington long woolled should hope that this slovenly practice of selling by nature free, and are so domestic as to need little The close mephitic atmosphere, genebred in Frederick, measuring sixteen inches in length. wool and filth together, will now give place to a control. The name of the first premium ram of 1805. more desirable system. Three pounds of clean rated in hot stables, is highly injurious to the ten The general race of sheep in the Southern country, previous to the introduction of the Persian, 10-VOL. 7. weather. From the New England Farmer, April 29. der organs of sheep; and although a shelter is use- is preserved. The rage for importation, seemed to little better than ours. We so perfectly coincide in ful in wet freezing weather, its only use is to keep have made our citizens forget, that Providence had the high opinion expressed of the agricultural latheir beds dry-for their bodies feel harm only blessed them with a country abounding with every bours of this distinguished individual, that we canfrom lying on wet ground, and not from falling possible resource for their wants. Feeble and help- not hesitate to give the following paper-whilst we less, indeed, must have been the colonists, before have pleasure in republishing, at this time, the comThe most common diseases.-The diseases of Eng- the revolution, who imported handles from England mencement of Col. Pickering's letter, No. 3, evincland and America are very similar, and often pro- to fit to their scythes and hoes. Was America so ing the same spirit of urbanity, at the time he atceed from the same causes, although the climate is scarce of wood as to be unable to furnish this hum-tempts to overthrow the arguments which have been naturally different. The scower generally attacks ble requisite-or rather was American skill and in-adduced to show, that American farm stock may in the spring, and often proceeds from eating young dustry, still more wanting. be successfully improved by the introduction of the clover. When it appears at this season, it is gene- The nation has at length awakened from its long best races from Europe.] rally cured by shearing the animal, which giving a and dangerous slumber. It is becoming praise worfree vent to perspiration, checks and ultimately con- thy for a man to clothe himself from the resources quers the disease. When at other seasons, dry of his farm, and the industry of his family. Inde- ON IMPROVING THE NATIVE BREED OF NEW ENGLAND meal and salt, is, perhaps, the best medicine, and pendence, the price of the patriot's labours and high short pastures the best regimen. martyrs' blood, will bless our land, while industry, In the last number of the Massachusetts AgriThe running at the nose.—I can by no means agree with her joyous train, happiness and content, shall cultural Repository and Journal, (No. 3, vol. 8,) are with the Pennsylvania farmer, as it respects this hail the virtuous regeneration of our country. The some communications from John Hare Powel, Esq., disease. My experience has shewn me, that a run-American citizen will no longer seek from abroad to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society, from ning at the nose is liable to all ages, and conditions those comforts which are now to be found at home; whose memoirs they were extracted. The subject of sheep, and is generated by damp foul weather, and the American Republic shall present to the of the communications, is the various breeds of want of salt, and crowded folds. I have known it world the commanding spectacle of a nation, great neat cattle. The editors of the Repository, in into occur and disappear within a few days. I have within itself-a people prosperous and happy in the troducing those papers, say-"We give no opinion no idea of its being a concomitant of the rot, but enjoyments derived from domestic industry, and a as to the soundness of Mr. Powel's opinion; we rather think it an influenza, liable to be generated Republic flourishing in the blessings of rational li- mean to hold an even balance between all the conand removed by the state of the atmosphere. berty. May we sleep no more. The rot-I consider as a local disease almost entirely confined to the liver of the animal, and in no wise contagious. Parkinson, in his Practical Farmer, gives a minute and satisfactory explanation of this formidable disease, from actual experiment. It is certain that the rot always proceeds from feeding in moist places, where animalcula are generated, and thence imbibed by the sheep. A sheep dying of rot, will always be found to have a morbid liver, and by use of glasses, small flowkes or insects, will be perceived therein. The rot never originates in frozen weather, because such insects. could not then exist. The rot when taken, admits of no cure other than nature may perform, nor is it contagious, from its being the effect of extra causes. All sheep which feed in moist places, are not alike affected; some escape fortuitously, and do not imbibe the insects; others perhaps imbibe, but from a peculiar state of the stomach, discharge them without injury. Some few have their livers healed, but generally speaking, the disease is fatal. Sheep do not always waste away with this disorder; they sometimes die full fat; and the experience of Smithfield tends to show, that it is no injury to the mutton. A small pendulous bag appears under the jaws in the latter stages of the disorder; when this appears, the farmer may proceed to save his wool, and pelt, for death invariably follows this symptom. EXTRAORDINARY WEIGHT OF A JERSEY SHEEP. CATTLE.. tending parties. This, however, we owe to Mr. Powel, to say, in zeal, public spirit, industry, and experience, he yields to no man." "I have (says Col Pickering,) the pleasure of knowing Mr. Pow[The following comes in a way to satisfy us of el; and have been gratified in seeing his signal disits accuracy:] play of talent, and energy, in applying his ample A wether, 4 years old, fatted and lately sold by means, to improve the agriculture of our country. Mr. Solomon Holcomb, of Amwell township, Hun- [Col. Pickering's four numbers will be published, terdon county, N. J., to a victualler in Trenton, for consecutively, in the American Farmer-commencninety dollars, weighed and was disposed of as fol-ing their insertion in No. 11, June 10.] lows: 148 lbs. REPLY TO COL. PICKERING-ON NATIVE CATTLE. JONATHAN ROBERTS, ESQ. Total weight of the quarters, Saddle-83 lbs. sold for The rough tallow weighed. $122.40 President of the Penn. Agricultural Society: DEAR SIR, Col. Pickering has given the spur to my hobby, in a series of letters published in the New England 261 lbs. Farmer, wherein I am honoured, by direct allusions, to my communications and myself. The wether was one of three lambs at the same yeaning, and is supposed to be a mixture of the stock, and a very little Tunisian blood in him. common sheep of the country with the Bakewell He was fed with grain from September last, and was killed in the latter part of March. TICUT. Extract to the Editor. I am flattered by the commendation of this venerable gentleman, and am aware of the distinction, which his interesting, and elaborate papers, cannot fail to confer upon my notices. on cattle; but I will not protract the discussion, by quotations from British authorities, which cannot bear upon questions that had not arisen, nor upon races of animals, which "50 and 60 years since" had not appeared. I gladly embrace the opportunity he has given, for illustrating "the positions I had assumed;" for although as a practical man, I pass without notice, the fretful effusions of those, who vainly give their names, whilst farming but upon paper, I would elicit the sentiments of a gentleman, who has been distinguished, not by writing, but by thinking, and acting, and among farmers, by his labours, and success at the tail of the plough. The fleeces are clipped.-Sheep in all parts of the WEIGHT OF MILK AND PRICE OF SHEEP IN CONNECUnited States, Smith's island excepted, are clipped once a year. This should be done as early as the season will permit, or considerable loss in wool will East Windsor, Jan. 29, 1825. ensue, for the animal seeks to get rid of its winter's Your letter of 29th September was duly received. coat, so soon as spring appears, and will rub off You ask me what proportion the measure of milk much wool in course of a short time. The Smith's bears to the weight. A pint, wine measure, weighs island sheep are clipped in April and September-| the reasons and practice will be made known to the one pound. It is generally supposed rich milk is public in a memoir hereafter. Lambs, unless early ascertain the fact, but am inclined to believe milk the heaviest. I have never tried an experiment to My shelves are loaded with British agricultural and well grown, should not be sheared the first sea- that will produce but little butter, is as heavy as any. books. I have all that "Marshall" ever wrote-I son. The practice of shearing lambs has been remight, from the quantity, suppose all he ever commended by Dr. Logan, and other distinguished My cow will be eight years old next spring, and is a fine red, and has the finest formed bag I have ever thought. I knew "Young"-I heard his lecturesagriculturists-but it can only answer in favourable seen. When full, the distance between her forward he was a good talker, a bad farmer, but a most inseasons, and when the animals are in fine keep. A wet season, I should suppose, would be very fatal teats, is 10 inches; side teats 8 inches; and bind teresting man. ones 74 inches-is almost square. I have sold one fifty years after him. I lounged during three years The state of our population and habits.—If sixteen of my Saxon Bucks for $130-two at $120 each-about England, and saw, every variety of cattle, years ago the state of our population and habits was Ewe for $110, and three for $100 each. one for $100-and half of another for $100-one which the bleak mountains of Scotland, or the rich vales of Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, are fitted to thought unfriendly to sheep farming, the state of bear. our country is peculiarly adapted to its encourageAll English cows, are not good: if some were ment and practica at this time. It is amazing that [The following communication to the Pennsylva- not bad, high prices would not be paid for improved the people of the United States should so long have nia Agricultural Society, appears to have arisen bulls, by "mere farmers," to make their stock good. been blinded, to a sense of their true interests.- from a series of letters published by Col. Pickering Col. Pickering states from "Young's" tour, made Strange, that a people who loved the name of inde- in the New England Farmer, in which he endea- 50 or 60 years ago, "some cows gave only two galpendence, should neglect the practice by which it vours to prove, that English neat cattle are very lons of milk a day, while others gave 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, to shorn lambs. I made tours in the same counties 8 and some 9 gallons of milk a day—the average quan-lected, that I have made no allusion, in the "opin-produce twice as much as common farmers could tity 5 gallons per cow." In another district, "a dai-ions" founded upon my "experience," to animals hope to obtain. ry of MIDDLING cows yielded from 4 to 7 pounds of which had died twenty years before I was born- "AS DAIRY CATTLE, the Devonshire breed are not butter per week," equal to 208 or 365 pounds per an- nor have I at any time asserted, that the English excellent. Rearing for the East country GRAZIERS num. The best cows of the Lincolnshire breed dairies were better than ours. It has been left for has ever, or long, been the main object of the cattle will give, on an average, 6 gallons of milk a day, the advocates of "native" dairies to show, that the farmers of this county."-West of England, vol. 1, seven or eight pounds of butter a week,” equal to 365 annual products of Massachusetts dairies, in five page 242-written by "the ingenious Mr. Marshall, or 417 pounds of butter a year. instances out of six, are, when contrasted with "mid- (according to Col. Pickering, letter No. 1,) who He further informs us, from the highest authority, dling English dairies," as 92 to 286-the product travelled over England, taking up his residence that near Framingham, Massachusetts, a dairy of 7 of the Oakes cow, to that of Cramp's English cow, for many months, in a central station of every cows, in "six months, commencing the latter part as 4844 to 675-and the product of an American large district, to survey and note the course of husof May, and ending in November, produced 9414 dairy of 7 picked fresh cows, during the best pas bandry in each." pounds of butter, and 1300 pounds of skim-milk turage season, to a whole dairy of English cows, cheese-being nearly 5 pounds of butter, and 7 "on a medium," neither fresh nor picked, as 54 to 6. pounds of cheese, for each cow, for six months." I have adhered to the British authorities which TO PREVENT RIVER BANKS WASHING. But, he continues, the "common product of dairies Col. Pickering had given in his letters, intended to in five other parts of the state, averaged only 92 show how little can be gained, by the use of Eng Columbia, S C. May 7, 1825. pounds of butter annually, and as much skim-milk lish cattle, for the improvement of ours, of which JOHN S. SKINNER, ESQ. cheese"-about 12 pounds of butter a week, and the he confesses "very few can be found of superior I observed in one of your late American Farmers, same quantity of skim-milk cheese per cow. Seven character." I shall, by American proofs, hereafter that one of your correspondents requests informapicked cows, fed purposely-selected, and recorded, attempt to establish, that much has been gained- tion as to the best mode of securing the banks of a as the best specimen of the best cows-of one of the that much more may be acquired, by taking advan- river from being washed away. I cannot pretend best agricultural districts-of the best of the New tage of the labours of nearly a century-of the skill to know the best mode; but I will give your corres England states-under the best management-pro- of even "professional breeders," whose exertions pondent a description of what I have seen adopted duced, during the best term of their milking-in the have been directed by the science of Sir Joseph on the bank of a canal, when I was last in France. best pasturage season, "5 pounds of butter, and 7 Banks, Sir John Sebright, and Cline, whose deduc- At a place where the canal of St. Quentin, after pounds of skim-milk cheese, each, per week." We tions have been made with the diligence and habits having been carried under ground for several miles, are told, one of the seven cows "was purchased the of "practical men"-and whose success has been issues from its subterraneous course, (the bank latter end of June, with her calf; the calf being kept measured by the standards which every man can was very high, I should not suppose less than forthree and an half weeks, the cow could not contribest comprehend, "high prices and profit.” ty or fifty perpendicular feet,)-the slope was bute to the product of the dairy, until after the midJOHN HARE POWEL. what I considered much too steep; it was so much dle of July." Here is a dairy of fresh cows, taken Powelton, Phila. county, 1825. so as to make it almost impossible to walk either for a particular object-nursed with peculiar care up or down it. They were securing it from de-their product so accurately ascertained, that an predation while I was there, in the following manhalf pound, in the aggregate of nearly a thousand, ner having made the slope smooth and even, is stated; yet during the six months, when the largest Massachusetts Agricultural Journal, vol. 4, page 254, horizontally, fascines, about eight feet long, and and beginning at the bottom, they pinned down, quantity could be derived from them, and at the very season, when both the climate and the food were quoted by Col. Pickering. probably about 8 inches in diameter, with willow best fitted for the object in view, they produced | "Mr. Oakes bought her in April, 1813, at which sticks from to an inch in diameter, and about 24 but 54 pounds of butter and 7 pounds of cheese, per time she was five years old. He made from her the or 3 feet in length. These were selected young, week. first year, without any extra feeding, 180 pounds smooth and green, so that they would take root at But we have been assured by Col. Pickering, and of butter." the same time as they fastened down the fascines. by Arthur Young, who wrote "50 or 60 years" ago, Col. Pickering adds, "the cow was purchased out This being done, the whole surface of the fascines that an English "dairy of middling cows, yielded of a common drove of cattle, probably from New was covered with about 4 inches thick of a good from 4 to 7 pounds of butter per week"-that the Hampshire." I apprehend the acceptation of the stiff clay, so as completely to cover the fascines "best cows of the Lincolnshire breed would give, term, native, requires some definition. that thickness, and leaving the ends of the willow NOTE. on an average, 7 or 8 pounds of butter a week." If, We had been told, that the superiority of New pins that fastened them down, sticking out about 8 then, 7 Lincolnshire cows, had been taken, even England cattle, proceeded from the excellence of or 4 inches. This work being done in the fall, win"50 or 60 years ago," they would have given an- the Devon stock, traced to the embarkation some ter, or early in the spring, will secure the willow nually from 2,548 to 2,912 pounds of butter. A ages since, of our ancestors at Plymouth, England. sticks taking root below, and above the fascinesdairy of cows, means in England, and I believe Mr. Welles' cow, "descended by a cross from Mr. and, it appears to me, will completely secure the generally in America, not the cows which are fresh, Stuart's cow," imported nearly thirty years ago, is surface from washing away by common occurrences. but the aggregate number employed for the dairy criticised, as of "English breed." How much of They certainly had there the advantage of an exhouse, fresh and dry. English blood was traced in Mr. Welles' cow, re-cellent clay. It appears to me, therefore, that this We are informed, that "scarcely any butter and mains to be shewn-and of what blood, and in what method of securing a bank, may probably answer cheese are made by the New England farmers, in part of America, the Oakes cow was produced, we the purpose of your inquiring correspondent. It is general, except during the pasturage season." It is have no means to ascertain. at least well worth trying, and the best I can think to be presumed, that the thrifty husbandmen of I remember Mr Stuart's cow when a youth. She of. It must be observed, that your correspondent Massachusetts would make butter and cheese, at all was not of a breed which I most approve-but it wishes also for trees that will afford a shelter from seasons, if the product of their dairies would repay appears that Mr. Welles' cow, with but little of certain winds; but I would advise to plant no tall the labour and expense. This, however, could not English blood, was "purchased at a high price, as trees, except it were on, or very near the top of the be done, where the common product of the dairies an excellent milker, and did not disappoint the ex-bank-for in this situation, should a high wind blow in five parts of the state, averaged only 14 pounds pectations" of the gentleman by whom she was them down, the injury to the bank is not likely to of butter per week from each cow. If the English bought, and by whom the Oakes cow was at the be so great at the top as at the bottom. Another cows, which "gave 9 gallons" daily, had been milk- same time possessed. The Massachusetts Journal thing well worthy of observation, is this—that if ed separately, (admitting that only one pound of has shown, that the Oakes cow, produced when five the gentleman could procure for the pins, osier, (wilbutter could have been obtained from 14 to 16 years old, (not four,) but 180 pounds of butter, in low used for basket making,) this security to his quarts of milk,) each cow would have afforded from the first year-and that when one of the "Trustees" bank might be attended with a source of considera15 to 18 pounds of butter a week. If they had had requested Mr. Oakes to keep a particular ac- ble profit, for it is every where a valuable article. been forced, as the Danvers, or Oakes cow, by count "this year (1816,)" she produced 4844 pounds I do not know whether it can be procured conve"corn meal, skim milk, butter-milk, gruel, and so upon extraordinary keep. niently in your part of the world; but, although I much food in the stable that they would have lain Quere-Whether the product of a cow, which have not much of it, I am very willing to give a litdown upon the pasture," and the milk had been yielded only 180 pounds when not forced, and which tle of what I have, to gentlemen who will afford placed in an "extra number of pans," how much yielded 4844 pounds when forced, by "an extraordi- me the means of sending the cuttings at any time they would have surpassed the Danvers cow, no nary quantity of rich food," is to be brought in in fall, winter, or spring. Communications through man can know. I am not fond of deductions from proof of the excellence of "native" cattle, when your paper, or directly to me, (postage paid,) I would figures, in relation to agricultural matters; I am her origin is not shown-or should be adduced, in attend to with pleasure. · much more disposed, to take the impressions found- proof of the ingenuity, and skill, of the New Eng- I am, very respectfully, ed upon a series of evidence, arising from general land farmer, who can, by substituting milk for waDear sir, investigation, than isolated facts. It will be recol- ter, eorn meal for grass, make the same animal Your obedient serv't, N. H. application of manure. It is well known to those who possess any knowledge of the economy of vegetation, that plants receive the greater part of their nourishment at the root, by means of capillary attraction; but in order that the tender roots may properly perform their functions, a previous preparation of the soil and manure is absolutely necessary. In vain do we bury manure recently made, under solid furrows of tenacious clay, through which the tender fibres of plants can never penetrate, and with which the manure never can be incorporated. The soil must first be reduced to a certain degree of friability, its parts must be divided and rendered permeable to the action of the atmosphere. This is effected by being repeatedly turned over in the summer months. The heat emitted by the sun having extracted the moisture from the soil, its power of absorption is increased; and on the application of rain its parts become soluble; and hard and impenetrable clods are reduced into genial mould. Manure, applied to land in this state, naturally undergoes a chemical process AN EASY METHOD OF ACCUSTOMING ANIMALS TO DRAW. cords fixed to a bar or swingle tree, to which ano-in the soil, by which it becomes decomposed, its Translated from the French, by the Ed. Am. Farmer. ther cord is attached at B, which passes through FROM THE FARMERS' JOURNAL-ENG. THE readiest way to make animals submit to the the pulley at C, and to which is suspended a weight, particles are rendered volatile, and it is brought yoke or harness, is to habituate them gradually to to be increased or diminished at pleasure-things into such a state of fluidity as is necessary for ite the draft, in the very act of satisfying the cravings being thus arranged, forage is put in the rack. The essential parts to be taken up into the roots of the of hunger. For this purpose, attach them to the animal, when pressed by hunger, approaches his plants, under which it is deposited. Finally, we manger by means of a cord, which runs through a food; in doing which he raises the weight, and may add, that Summer Fallows prepare the land ring-and at the extremity of which a weight is at- keeps it suspended as long as he continues to eat for receiving fertility from the atmosphere. It has tached, as represented in the annexed figure, so that and thus contracts the habit of drawing, in a few been ascertained by scientific researches, that certhe animal may at pleasure approach or recede from days. He is free to relax his exertions, for when-tain portions of rarified matter are communicated the manger. A collar is put on the animal with two ever he recedes, the weight reposes on the ground. to plants by the atmosphere, which being absorbed by the leaves, promote the purposes of vegetation. When land is rendered porous by the effects of influences, aided by the repeated applications of the Summer Fallows, and void of plants of every desplough, &c. can destroy the vegetative power of the cription, it is extremely probable, that this subtiliznoxious roots bound up in the soil, which by thus ed matter or portions of the atmosphere are, by the being brought into a state of decomposition, are power of gravitation, or the elasticity of the air, In my letter on the subject of Fallows, inserted rendered subservient to the production of future deposited in the soil and tend to increase its fertiin your Journal of the 16th inst. having endeavoured crops. But the destruction of weeds and noxious lity. As a proof of this, we have frequently obto show the impropriety and the evil effects of at- grasses is not the only cleansing operation attend-served, that sterile mould, dug out of trenches and tempting to substitute turnips and other green crops ing naked fallows: the same salutary process effec- thrown up in banks, after remaining some length of for Summer Fallows on stiff clay lands, I now, ac- tually clears the ground of various kinds of insects time, being levelled down again, becomes very procording to promise, avail myself of this opportunity and grubs. It is a well known fact, that the insect ductive. This change seems to be effected by the to point out some of the leading advantages which tribes commit their depredations on the foliage of influence of the air only. Thus we have seen that result from the practice of making Summer Fallows corn and grain crops, while the wire-worm and va-periodical Summer Fallows, on stiff clay lands, are rious other grubs powerfully prey upon the roots. absolutely necessary, as they cleanse the soil of all SIR, on all such lands. ON FALLOWS. Sezincot, Dec. 15, 1824. I am, sir, your most obed't h'ble ser'vt, W. GIBSON. PROSPECT OF CROPS, West River, May 19, 1825. In the first place, this system possesses the pecu- Both are assiduous in their attacks, and both equal- its impurities, and remove every obstacle to vegeliar advantage of cleansing stiff land of all kinds of ly successful in effecting the destruction of the pro-tation. They restore the exhausted powers of proweeds and worthless grasses. The degree of ex-duce of the fields. Like the two grand divisions of duction; and by fitting the land for another profitertion necessary to clean foul land in general, de-a besieging army, the former assuming the attitude able course of crops, reward the husbandman for pends chiefly upon the nature of the soil and the of an open enemy, boldly scales the walls, and in his expense and toil. state of the weather. Dry and free soils, in a fa- defiance of an opposing power, forcibly enters the vourable season, are easily cleansed of all their im- citadel, plants his victorious banners upon the rampurities. The repeated operations of the plough parts, and revels on the spoils of a vanquished garand other appropriate implements, under the direc-rison. The latter is characteristic of the latent foe, tion of a skilful husbandman, quickly bring the who secretly sallies forth in the dark, and insidiousweeds and grass roots to the surface, after which ly undermining the foundations of the fortress, lays the process is attended with very little difficulty. its stately edifices in ruins, and levels their towering Hence arises the propriety and facility of growing grandeur with the ground. Such, frequently, on I have about 110,000 tobacco plants out, and turnips on such land. The case is not so, however, the corn fields, are the devastations of these little fairly growing; 25,000 of which were planted three on soils of a stiff and cohesive texture. The stub- depredators; such the destructive influence of this, weeks ago, and have been worked over. What born masses of clay, recently ploughed up in a apparently insignificant, but powerful enemy to the d'ye think of that? moist state, and interwoven with couch and the vegetable kingdom. In the absence of Summer roots of other grasses and weeds, are not to be Fallows, the grubs particularly are numerously enspeedily reduced, and their particles separated by gendered in the soil, and by a long course of uninthe application of the above mentioned implements, terrupted cropping, they are fostered and suffered &e, and when, by the effects of dry weather, these to enjoy the undisturbed possession of their native are converted into clods of impenetrable hardness residence. Nothing but a good Summer Fallow and tenacity, their component parts cannot be se- can radically destroy these noxious reptiles. By parated by the art of man. Nothing therefore can this, they are deprived of food, in consequence of DEAR SIR, exceed the folly of planting green crops upon such which many of them die; and those that survive, Finding in your very useful and valuable work, land in this condition: with equal prospect of suc- being frequently turned up to the surface by the some difference of opinion respecting the culture of cess might we attempt to cultivate the vine in the operations of the plough, are exposed to the des- the vine, I beg leave to make a few remarks, which open air, upon the Grampian hills, or on the moun-tructive effects of a scorching sun, and to the keen I hope will be of some use to our friends. tains of Wales. As the roots of weeds and grasses researches, and devouring beaks of those sable feaI have cultivated the vine, in a small way, many HORTICULTURE. ON THE CULTURE OF THE VINE, THE SUGGESTIONS OF EXPERIENCE IN MARYLAND. Oxford, May 14, 1825. cannot be separated from land in this condition, thered tribes which so much frequent the fallows years, with success. I would, from the following neither can their destruction be effected by instan- during the summer evenings. Another advantage statement, recommend all gentlemen to raise grapes, taneous efforts. It is under the slow but certain attending naked Summer Fallows on stiff clays, is who wish them, from layers, where they can be operations of time only, that solar and atmospheric their tendency to prepare the land properly for the had-if not, cuttings; yet I find, cut of upwards of twenty sorts, when I had my white sweet water, doWe may safely state the average price of a single expense which is at present required on canals, and Muscat, do. Arbocie, &c., all white, which I kept to wilay calculated for horse power in Great Britain, with three times the velocity; (it is not stated whethemselves, in about 17 years they begun to fail previously to the late alteration in the price of ther the tolls are considered in this estimate.) The yet by preparing the soil with gravel and proper iron.) at 1000! per mile, exclusive of engines, deep expense of canal conveyance has been demonstratmanure, they can be kept up many years longer.cuttings and bridges. The extra expense in the ed to be as 1 to 20, compared with the turnpikes But let it be understood that other sorts, of different United States, will of course vary. In this country, constructed in the most approved manner, therecolours and descriptions, do not fail, but grow better. commerce is not sufficiently active to require two fore the expense of conveyance by turnpike roads, and I think will be good, or at least some of them. sets of rails; and as places to turn out without de- will be to the expense by locomotive engines on a for a man's age. lay or difficulty, may be situated every half mile or railway, as 60 to 1, if the tolls be not considered.* I believe grape vines raised from seed will last as even at less distances, 2000l. would probably be an To illustrate this: If it be possible to carry this plan long as an oak tree-there is no doubt but with ample average allowance for a railway composed of into execution in Pennsylvania, with the same advanproper care they will last several hundred years. one set of tracks, similarly situated. Whenever tages, produce can be transported at much less exSee the account of the great vine at Hampton Court commerce shall be sufficiently active, a second, or pense from Pittsburg, distant 287 miles, (350 by the palace, (England,) which still, or recently, has borne returning set of tracks; can be laid at a small ad-rail road probably,) than from Germantown to Phiseveral thousand weight per annum; see the Trea-ditional expense. The two other tracks used in ladelphia, by the present turnpike, a distance of tise on Forsyth, written by Cobbett, p. 79, where you England for the transportation of the mail and pas-only 9 miles! Market supplies are generally drawn will find it was planted in the reign of king Wil-sengers, at a velocity greatly exceeding six miles from a circle of twenty miles diameter, or ten miles liam. But let it be remembered, it is a long time per hour, will not be required in this country for radins. These supplies could be obtained at the before vines from seed will bear in this climate, and many years. same expense, from sixty times the distance, by the Railways composed of wood may be advantage- rail road and locomotive engine, viz. from a circle like fruit-and when a few do bear, it may not be ously constructed at a very small expense in the of 600 miles radius, or 1200 miles diameter. (The genuine, or be a better sort. I would recommend United States, when the quantum of transportation is area or contents of a circle of 20 miles, is to the those that cannot obtain layers or cuttings to suit, inconsiderable, these rail roads are preferable to area of a circle of 1200 diameter, as 1 to 3,600) i. e. and must plant seed, to take the top at 3 years old, those composed of iron, although the weight which the country whence our supplies could be drawn. (if it has made any growth,) and bend it to the a horse is capable of drawing on them is less.-(See ground in June, slipe off the bark from each side the commencement of this essay.) many of them will never bear, nor show any thing I am, dear sir, yours, with due respect, JOHN WILLIS. would be 3,600 times more extensive than it is at present! This may appear rather startling to some persons, but if the above data be correct, this deduction is unquestionably legitimate. two or three inches long, and put it in the carth Here let us observe, that rail roads may be made from two to three inches deep, and press the earth to accommodate any amount of commerce. If the hard to it, and the very top end left out a foot-and road should be completely occupied by cars, a cir- If horse power be employed on railways, a horse, the next spring cut away the mother vine, and prune cumstance almost impossible, a parallel set of and a boy to direct him, can transport on a railthe other to three eyes, and by that means it will tracks may be easily added; but the amount of way of the best form, (as shown above,) about fourbear fruit, if not entirely barren, much sooner than commerce on a canal is limited by the supply of teen tons, at the rate of three miles per hour. One it otherwise would do; and no doubt but the vine, if water, and the time necessary to pass the locks, boy can attend to many horses and cars if necessary; not of some of the sorts mentioned, will live many (which, however, may be increased in number in whereas on a canal, one horse, a boy, and a man, years. Besides, layers can be renewed at pleasure, some cases, if the water be sufficient, thereby in-are absolutely necessary to every boat, and someand will bear better than those from seed will, until creasing the expense.) The quantity of commerce times another bargeman is requisite. On a rail old. Besides, it seems like labour in vain for a man is also limited by the duration of frost and drought. road, the expense of a man being saved, two addito raise all his vines from seed, when he must live Rail roads can be made in every situation. The ma- tional horses may be attached to the cars, with this so many years before he can see the fruits of his la- jority of them are at the present time subterrane-expense. The united efforts of the three horses bour. Vines should be planted in a soil prepared ous, viz. in mines. Canals are frequently imprac- can transport 28 tons of merchandize, (or 42 tous, for the purpose, and trained, while young, to 45° ticable from a deficiency of water, or when hills, the cars inclusive) three miles per hour, a weight elevation, with only one stem for three or four years; rocks, or a limestone district are encountered. The greater than it is deemed expedient to transport on and to have the fruit fine, prune close, except the distance of two given stations is less by a railway canals. With locomotive engines, (as I have statvines make very spontaneous growth, then a few than a canal, the length of the latter must be regued above.) even more (75 tons) may be transported. more eyes may be left. But every sort of grape-lated by the summit level, and if the supply of water at the same expense in Great Britain, which is there vine does not demand the same treatment-neither be drawn wholly from thence, one summit only can required for the transportation of 25 tons on canals.‡ do the vines of every age. be adopted: but on a railway the number may be unlimited. Railways can be executed in a much shorter time, and in the majority of cases at a less ex- which the operation of locomotive engines is compared * Sce the remarks in the appendix to this essay, in pense, than canals* or turnpike roads, and are pre- with horses. served and repaired with more facility; when re- † On the majority of canals, it has been ascertained INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. pairs are necessary, a substitute can be easily pro- to be most economical to employ boats conveying 15 to cured, and no delay in consequence occurs, as on 25 tons; and in some instances, even when the canal canals and turnpikes. When the locks or banks of would admit a boat of larger dimensions. On some a canal are destroyed or injured, months may elapse canals, where the quantity of transportation is very before the damage can be repaired. If the course considerable, boats of larger size are more economical; HAVING now explained some of the properties of of trade should be turned into other channels, rail- but the number of canals of this description is very li a railway, it is intended to compare them with roads ways can be removed to the more favourable sta- mited. The reason of this difference is, that high tolis and canals, in reference to the division made in the tion; or the materials (which are always valuable,) small; and on a large canal the toils must be higher to must be charged, when the annual amount of tonnage is beginning of this essay; viz. 1. Expense. 2. Expe- may be sold. Rail roads can be used all the winter, produce an equal interest on the greater amount of cadition. 3. Safety, and 4. Certainty. if perfectly constructed; even snow offers no impe-pital expended in their construction. A small cargo is The expense of construction must vary in differ-diment. The drought in summer, and ice in winter, obtained with more facility and less delay. A sufficient ent countries, in proportion to the value of land, are serious obstacles to the utility of canals; rain and supply of water is procured with more certainty and iron, stone and labour. The land required for a frost are equally so on roads. Railways are crossed economy for a small canal; and smail boats can convey railway is much less than the quantity occupied by with great facility. The road crossing the tracks the limited amount of merchandize. a canal. In England; a rail road has been actually must be paved two or three inches higher than the if they be considered in the prospectus of the CompaThe tolls on the English canals are very high; and made over a bog for the small sum of 300 pounds railway. A trench two or three inches wide and sterling per mile. This is the cheapest on record.* deep, containing the iron tracks, effectually protects lity at one-third of the expense requisite on canals; but nies, merchandize may be transported with great faciThe cost of a single stone railway in Linlithgow, them from the contact of wheels traversing the line. as the quantity transported will be immense, and the was shown above to amount to 5281. per mile. Canals require expensive and extremely inconve- engine proceed with great velocity, and coals, &c. are The railway of the Earl of Glasgow, as shown nient bridges. very cheap,-if the same tolis be charged on canals and railways, the expense will probably he 3 to 1; or 60 to 1, compared with transportation by the best turnpikes. the comparative expense of coal, iron, and machinery, In the United States, the limited amount of commerce, will deprive us of this prodigious comparative advantage. RAIL-WAYS, CANALS, ROADS, &c. No. 3. above, was 6601, per mile: these required no em- The companies recently organized in Great Bri- * In a level district, and through favourable soil, canals can be constructed for less than railways. The following estimates are offered to exhibit the pro bable expense of transportation in this state. As the † A small scraper attached to the leading car effectu-toll levied is not a fixed quantity, but depends on the amount of transportation, and the expense of repairing ally removes snow, or other impediments. |