wieldy capitalist may add another plum to the two ginian, who has tolled in the mill ten thousand nary purpose. At the same time, this system would or three already made. I guess that it would not bushels of wheat in the year, yet he has hung up rescue the native sheep from unmerited neglect, and suit our northern folks, to be cased in this way, and his fiddle-not in the general acceptation of the disperse the Merino strain through all parts of our fed by a keeper. They have no lack of industry, phrase, which means that he has played enough, country. Again, cloths made of the pure Merino and are no wise indisposed to gain; but they have but rather because it is so out of tune, that he wool, are only suited to the uses of the rich and still a spice left of the moral feeling of their pilgrim can play no more. I can come nearer home, my luxurious. Their costly nature precludes their inancestors, and would therefore choose to have time dear sir, and speak feelingly on this subject, and troduction to the humbler walks of life; and alto rest, perhaps to think, and to let their young peo- willingly publish my experience for the benefit of though the man of fortune may indulge in the comple work a little in their gardens, from which have others. I should have had some money, having ex- forts of warm clothing, flannels and night-caps, his been raised vegetables enough to build a church; tensive and highly productive estates, and they poorer neighbour will still be shivering in the horand it is better to build a church by good, old capitally managed, (by my stewards,) if these stew-rors of nakedness and neglect. fashioned industry and piety, than that excessive ards had not dealt in figures too much, in former If manufactures are wanting, they are especially labour should enable some huge monopolist to build times. We "order things" better now, and manu- wanting to the needy and distressed; a blanket is more a palace. facture from 3 to 4,000 yards of excellent woollen useful than a shawl, a strong cloth more extensively With us to the south, manufactories must al- and cotton clothing, shirting, &c.; we also tan lea- useful than a fine one. To encourage domestic estaways be on a limited scale. The drowsy nature of ther, (upper leather,) and make within ourselves blishments in parishes and townships, and to disour sable labourers, unfit them for works where various articles for farming uses. Groceries, salt, courage extensive monopolies, should form the esmachinery is employed-even the harsh music of iron, medicines, and scythes, we must buy-if we sential policy of our country at this time. When the engines would form a lullaby, from which they grow the rest, and beware of figures, I feel confi- we may become an exporting community, it may be would probably be aroused by the taking off of an dent that I shall soon find my purse in fast recovery desirable to fashion our fabrics to the taste of luxuarm, or some such thing. They make famous cy-from a very long consumption. clops, or iron workers, and the bowels of Mount Eina would not be too hot for them.

of a North American winter.

Respectfully, yours,

GEORGE W. P. CUSTIS.

Arlington House, 14th May.

MERINO SHEEP.

First published in 1810.

ry abroad-but let not this notable attribute of independence, be converted to other than the benevolent uses of the republic. Minister to the comforts Domestic manufactures, in their strictest senseof that large and useful class of our political family that is, manufactures in families, are all important, who support the cause of industry in peace, and and adapted to the south. Such was the opinion of protect the cause of freedom in war-who deserve Mr. Jefferson, expressed when I had the honour to the due attention of science and patriotism, to suppresent him with the first premium fabric exhibited at the Arlington sheep shearing of 1806, and created considerable interest among the farmers of THE late importations of Merino Sheep having ply their real wants, and whose claims to public and private protection are of the most virtuous cast. which was worn on the day of independence of that the United States, it may not be amiss for us to in- discourages the small farmer from improving his The great preference given to imported Sheep, year. His idea was, that only those who were unquire into the degree of esteem, in which these anifitted for agricultural purposes, could be spared to mals may be held abroad. The following is the exnative breeds. He says, that imported sheep, like manufactures in the south-and that our southern tract of a letter from an American gentleman, of that the "high mettled" racer will not descend to imported horses, are only for the uses of the richmanufactures should be especially for domestic con-considerable celebrity in the agricultural world, who sumption. I recollect when the habit was, to buy for the letter is addressed to Mr. Custis, of Arlington, and To introduce a proper admixture of the fine with has lately returned from a visit to England. The the walks of agricultural employment, nor will Merino cloth descend to comfort the labourer's body. winter clothing of the slaves, an article called ne-bears date 20th December, 1810: gro cotton; a miserable fabric formed out of the "Notwithstanding the present rage for Merino the coarser woolled sheep, will tend to equalize the sweepings of the European manufactories, and com- Sheep, with you, I have my doubts how far the pure mers in general. It were better to see every farprice, and bring it more within the compass of farprising all the trash, which could be appropriated Merino is the best breed for our country. Even in to no other purpose. This wretched apology for England, many of their most eminent agriculturists mer's little territory, spotted with a few sheep, than clothing soon became a thing of "shreds and patches," and after a very little wearing, you might study confining their stock to that breed. Dr. Parry, of know that many beneficial systems of human affairs are not satisfied of the advantage to their country, of far and wide. I too am a Merino man-but I well to see the cabannas of a Merino nabob extending anatomy through it. Thousands of slaves were Bath, has a flock he thinks so far improved, by cross-have their abuses, nor do. I believe the Merino sysrendered cripples, from colds, pains in the limbs, ing the Merino with the Ryeland, that he would not tem to be exempt. To see the labourer comfortaand premature infirmities, brought on by giving to permit a pure Merino ram to be in his flock for one ble, and his children no longer naked, should form the natives of a climate situated under the line, a thousand guineas. Mr. Coke, the best and most the pious wish of every true friend of humanity, or clothing so little suited to withstand the severities extensive agriculturist in England, is crossing the Had manufactures of a domestic character pre-faction. I have been for a few years crossing the the material which forms the heart of manufacture, Merino with the South Down, greatly to his satis of Merino sheep with the native breeds at large, his country. By intermixing the valuable qualities vailed in the south 30 or 40 years ago, so many fine Merino with the Bakewell. A young ram sold from will spread its genial current through the veins and estates would not have changed hands, or rather my flock the last year, has shorn eleven and an half have gone out of the hands of the hospitable fel- pounds. The only advantage of Merino is the fine-arteries of the agricultural body, and give life and lows of the good old times, whose bones have been sold, and their children scattered in distant inferior to some other breeds we might propagate ness of wool, in quantity, staple, and carcass, it is vigour to the best interests of the nation. lands. Dealing in figures has been the prime cause. to the advantage of our country. I wish you to AGRICULTURAL CORRESPONDENCE. No matter what may be the prices of south country make an experiment with a pure Merino ram and Extracts from letters addressed to W. M. BARTON, ESQ produce-say cotton at 30 cents, or tobacco at $30, unless there is household thrift, the proprietor goes some of your best Smith s island ewes. Vice President of the Agricultural Society of the "However friendly I am to domestic manufacdown. Dealing in figures, to a southron, is like! Valley, Va. by the Hon. JESSE BUEL, of Albany. placing him under high steam pressure; he drives tures, I am totally opposed to the mad scheme of DEAR SIR, on at a great rate for a while, but his boiler bursts. forcing manufactures by heavy duties, giving rise to Albany, Nov. 3, 1822. great manufacturing establishments, supported by "My turnips, which you saw growing, exceeded in the end. I could, in proof, point my finger to wealthy individuals, and tending to destroy the phy-my fondest hopes. The white and green tops gave very worthy Maryland gentleman, who exceeds an sical, moral and political character of the labourer. at the rate of 760 bushels the acre; and the ruta hundred hogsheads of very good tobacco per year, The great manufacturing towns are sinks of corbaga, sown broadcast upon a clover lay, after the yet he wishes to remove to cotton and sugar lands, because he is always in debt-or to as worthy a Virruption, misery and wretchedness: such is the ex-grass was mown, gave about 500 bushels. These perience of all the world, under whatever govern- raised in drills. I had between six and seven acres, roots were not so large, but more fair, than those up system, viz: to lock the weavers to their looms, and all a second crop. It is the first experiment I have have them fed by persons going round with food ready Note to the above by Mr. Custis. heard of raising the Swedish as a second crop, and roiled up in balls, and cramming them as we do turkies. The importation of Merinos may prove a real it succeeded so well, that hereafter I intend to raise By this mode a great saving will accrue, inasmuch as and important benefit to American economy, if the them altogether after clover. in the usual way some time is taken up in carrying the practice of Dr. Parry, Mr. Coke, and other distin- "I think the culture of this root might be successvictuals to the mouth, and then in wagging the jaws; by guished breeders, is promptly followed in the Uni- fully introduced in the Valley upon light soils. You the improved mode, the manual operation will all be ted States. To preserve the Merino race entire, should not sow the flat kinds till the 10th or 15th spared to the loom, and 'he food could be bolted. * In Connecticut, onions. enough were sold from the would be at once unwise, impolitic, and in many August, nor the Swedes till about the 15th or 20th gardens of a village, (which gardens were tended ex- respects injurious. We have many useful native of July. I think they would then escape the flyclusively by girls,) to pay for building a meeting-house. breeds, which, by crossing with these valued as I have never known this insect to disturb crops Pity to lock up such fine damsels as these, in the poi- strangers, would imbibe a sufficiency of their supe- here sown after the 28th July. Make an experisonous atmosphere of crowded manufactories. rior qualities to answer every necessary and ordi- ment upon my plan, that is, sow the flat sorts on

a

ment."

your stubble ground, and the others upon a clover sod. You will find them valuable for cattle."

Albany, Dec. 6, 1823.

me 35.

TO DESTROY DOCKWEED.

that the vines for a vineyard should be raised from the seed in preference to the cuttings from a thrifty vine of good quality? As it is believed to be a fact, that a red grape vine has so far conquered a white grape, planted a few yards from the red, as to have changed its colour to a full red, is it not a rational conclusion, if a thrifty grape vine of excellent qua

lbs. had 180 lbs. of tallow. He cost me, while fat-soil and live only in song," they have been lost, no tening, 25 cents a day. He had previously cost doubt, from the confusion and havoc occasioned by My nett gain in fattening these two cattle, the irruption of barbarians into the then most DEAR SIR, was more than I have cleared before in fattening civilized nations of the earth. "Do you recollect seeing in the American Far- oxen and cows, in 15 years, and this is owing, I To obtain as good vines as these, can only be mer of February last, my report in the house of think, chiefly to the use of flax-seed. I never fat done by rearing from the seed, unless those we assembly, on the project of an Agricultural School? tened cattle that appeared so calm, so hearty, and have already are as good, and they can be raised I beg of you to give it a perusal, as you without digested all their fare with so much natural ease from the cuttings. doubt preserve the file, and view it in its different and regularity as these. I would therefore recom- In my communication, dated 9th of last month, bearings upon the fiscal, moral and political inter-mend the above preparation to the attention of far-inserted in your paper, I stated that only one-fifth ests of our country. The study which I have given mers as a good substitute for corn. I kept my cows of grape bearing vines could be raised from any the subject has convinced me that it is one of on it altogether during March for one-third the ex-given quantity of seed sown. I committed this error the deepest interest; and I could add many and pense of hay. It makes rich milk and excellent from defect of memory, as I should have said about weighty considerations in its favour, suggested butter. Farmers! by a proper attention to economy, one half from any given quantity of seed sown. since I made the report; but it is doubtful whether one half of your corn may be saved, to produce Besides the foregoing queries, I would ask intellithe public mind is in a temper to listen to, or to be abundance in the land, and your garners shall over-gent agriculturists and men of science among us, persuaded by them. I consider the plan suggested flow with oil and fatness. I shall pursue this me- whether there has been any thing written in the by the Albemarle Society as defective, inasmuch as thod of feeding, and endeavour to improve it, and books on the subject of the vine, from the it makes agriculture an auxiliary study. It ought I trust I shall be enabled to say, the half has not days of Virgil to the present day, prescribing to be the principal, and botany, chemistry, polite been told. literature, &c. made subservient to this great study. The pupil should go to it with the express view of learning to be a farmer, and should be taught so much science, blended with experimental and pracBrook Hall, Washington county, Va., TO THE EDITOR. May 14, 1825. tical knowledge, as should best promote this priIn one of your numbers, some time ago, I dismary end. Of what vast importance would a well conducted experimental farm, connected with covered an inquiry by a Tennessean, wishing infor- lity, would impart colour to a vine inferior in its such an institution, soon become to the agricultural mation how to destroy the weed called dock; and different qualities, that it would also give superior interest, and to the Union at large. The fact is not seeing any information given through your quality as to the liquor of the grape, as well as a self evident, that under the best management, our paper, I have concluded to answer the query. I greater durability to the wood? The writer of these farms might be made to double, treble, and quadru have found the best method to destroy that trouble- queries is a farmer anxious to diversify employment ple their ordinary products. What method so likely some weed, is not to cut them nor dig them up; but by the cultivation of the vine, as he is satisfied, that to produce this result, as that which I suggest? A let them stand and seed, and let the stalk stand to diversify occupation would be not only more botanic garden, among other important advantages, without interruption; and in the course of three profitable to himself and others engaged like him, would make us acquainted with our native grasses, years they will disappear. I have proven this me- but that it would be the more profitable to those and those of value from abroad; and instruct in the thod for fourteen years, and believe it to be an ef- who continued in the more usual modes of farming, best method of mixing and cultivating them. The fectual manner to get rid of them. When I first especially if the planting of vines should become labours of the Horticultural Society of London have, discovered it, I was much plagued with that weed; general among our farmers. It would create a new and since, I am but little interfered with, unless it staple in the products of our constantly increasing in a short time, produced a striking improvement in that branch of rural economy; and its agents is in places where the wash of roads, or something and already preponderating agricultural population, have already visited every quarter of the globe, and like that. It was an accident that I made the dis- and consequently better prices would be given for drawn from them every thing valuable in the vege-covery, by a thick patch being left in one of my what remained of our usual products, as less would table kingdom." meadows, one year, without my knowledge, and be raised for sale. the next year finding it to be much less; I then left There ought to be no hesitation as to planting them in that spot the next year, and in three years vineyards in this country, as it is evident that our they had disappeared, and was covered with a fine soil and climate are admirably suited for vines, from coat of grass. their naturally springing up within a few hundred yards of every farmer's door, and as thousands of these vines yield fruit in abundance, it only remains for their industry to gather them and to make wine; the worst of which would be more wholesome than the liquors generally consumed. Many persons believe that wine is a distilled liquor;-this was my opinion; but the fact is, it is but the juice of the grape, or what is more technically called must. From this must, when somewhat tart, is made brandy; in a similar manner to the making of apple or peach brandy from apple or peach liquor.

CHEAP METHOD OF FATTENING CATTLE. Communicated by Mr. Nathan Landon, of Lichfield, Connecticut.

WM. BYARS.

HORTICULTURE.
CULTURE OF THE GRAPE.

State of Delaware, May 21st, 1825.

THERE is a way to fatten cattle, in the absence of the common means, scarcely inferior to the best, as the following instances will prove. I fatted an ox and a three years old heifer, the winter past, without either corn or potatoes, for less expense than even that of common keeping, by a preparation of cut straw, &c. as follows: I boiled about two quarts SIR, of flaxseed, sprinkled it on cut straw, which had As there must be a considerable mass of knowbeen previously scalded and seasoned with salt, ledge in the possession of intelligent foreigners in together with some oil-cake and oat meal, working this country, as to the best practice of raising vinethem together in a tub with a short pitchfork, till yards, I have thought that I would ask of them a The generality of our farmers are mu h in the dark the whole became an oily mush. I fatted the heifer few questions on the subject through the medium of as to this interesting subject; and he that would first. She was of the common size, and in good your paper; answers to which would be, no doubt, elucidate it so as to point out what is most proper order to winter. I gave her about three pecks; useful to many persons who have planted, or who to be done to raise good vineyards would merit the which she ate voraciously; and in the course of four intend to plant vines. thanks of a grateful community. days, when the seed was gone, she was visibly al- Do you know of any other mode of rearing vineVery respectfully, tered. I fed her regularly in this way about two yards, in Europe or elsewhere, than by slips or cutmonths, in which time she had eaten about one tings? Are not all the vines therein more or less hundred bushels of boiled flax-seed with other in- crossed or mixed from the blossom? Will the seed [We have a treatise on the culture of the vine, gredients in proportion. When she was butchered, of those vines produce like from like, or will they translated from a recent French work, with which, she weighed 584 pounds, 84 pounds of which was produce varieties, some few good, but mostly bad if we are not much mistaken, our readers will be tallow. She would not have sold, before fattening, or indifferent? It must be conceded, that by raising much gratified and edified. We have put it on file, for more than sixteen dollars.—I sold two quarters vines from the seed, they can be raised of as good to be published as autumn approaches, that it may of her for $18.13. She cost me not more than $10, a quality as ever were in possession of man; but be then fresh in the recollection of those who are exclusive of the bay she ate, which was chiefly these, it is presumed, are only to be obtained by led by good judgment, as well as good taste, to culscalded as the above. On the first of February I dint of perseverance in the cultivation, and after a tivate the grape. We are promised a treatise on began with the ox. I fed him about three months, but number of years have elapsed before the quality can the making of wine, which it is said may be easily not altogether as well as I did the heifer. He digest- be ascertained. understood and put in practice in this country-but ed about one pint of boiled flax-seed a day, pre- It has been observed by Dr. Henderson, of Lon- the gentleman who promised it, acts on the reverse pared as above, which I suppose formed half the don, in his history of ancient and modern wines of Poor Richard's maxim: "Never put off until tofat in these two cattle. The ox was short, measur-"in vain we look for the Falernum, the Cœcubum, morrow what you can do to-day-one to-day is ed 7 feet 2 inches, and when killed weighed 1082 or the Rhotecum: they have disappeared from the worth two to-morrows."

J. S. SKINNER, Esq.

J

It may, derable elevation, gave occasion to a prejudice, the We take this opportunity to recommend that ance of a longitudinal furrow is to be seen. every farmer gather grapes from all the vines grow-therefore, confidently be hoped that wheels ap-cause of innumerable accidents, and which has not, ing spontaneously in his fields, and mark those proaching to the cylindrical form will soon find up to the present time, entirely lost its influence; yet, a moment's consideration must be sufficient to which yield the sweetest and finest fruit. These he their way into general use. can trim and nourish into greater productiveness, The line of traction is mechanically best dis- convince any one, that when the body of a carand from cuttings propagate enough to make, in a posed when it lies exactly parallel to the direction riage is attached to certain given points, no other few years, with little trouble and expense, a delight- of motion, and its power is diminished at any in-effect can possibly be produced by raising or by deful beverage, far more palatable and wholesome clination of that line in the proportions of the co-pressing the weights within it, than to create a than still-burnt, or even pure whiskey; with this ex- sine of the angle to the radius. When obstacles fre-greater or less tendency to overturn. The extensive use of wagons suspended on cellent quality to recommend it, that it will be a quently occur, it had better, perhaps, receive a more sociable drink-for his children may innocent- small inclination upwards, for the purpose of acting springs, for conveying heavy articles, introduced ly and healthfully partake of it-and his wife may with most advantage when those are to be over- within these two or three last years, will form an join in a glass to his good health, and treat her come. But it is probable that different animals epoch in the history of internal land communicafriends, too, to a taste of the innocent and unadul- exert their strengths most advantageously in differ- tion, not much inferior, perhaps, in importance, to terated juice of the native grape. ent directions, and therefore practice alone can that when mail coaches were first adopted; and the

P. S. We have correspondents who can, and we determine what precise inclination of this line is extension of vans in so short a time to places the are sure will answer to the queries of J.] best adapted to horses, and what to oxen. These most remote from the metropolis, induces a hope considerations are, however, only applicable to cat- and expectation, that as roads improve, the means tle drawing immediately at the carriage; and the of preserving them will improve also, possibly in convenience of this draft as connected with the in- an equal degree, so that permanence and consesertion of the line of traction, which continued, quent cheapness, in addition to facility of conveyought to pass through the axis of the wheels, intro-ance, will be distinguished features of the M'Adam duces another limit to their size. system. [Journal of Science.

ON THE

RURAL ECONOMY.

GENERAL NATURE AND ADVANTAGES OF

WHEELS AND SPRINGS

For Carriages, the Draft of Cattle, and the Form of

Roads.

BY DAVIES GILBERT, ESQ., F. R. S., &c. TAKING wheels completely in the abstract, they must be considered as answering two different purposes.

diameters.

Springs were, in all likelihood, applied at first to carriages, with no other view than to accommodate travellers. They have since been found to answer several important ends.

They convert all percussion into mere increase of pressure-that is, the collision of two hard.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

RAIL-WAYS, CANALS, ROADS, &c.
No. 4.

bodies is changed by the interposition of one that is It is now proposed to exhibit the application of First, they transfer the friction which would take elastic, into a mere accession of weight. Thus the the principles developed in the preceding essays, to place between a sliding body and the comparative- carriage is preserved from injury, and the materials the state of Pennsylvania. ly rough, uneven surface over which it slides, to the of the road are not broken: and, in surmounting To connect the eastern and western divisions of smooth oiled peripheries of the axis and box, where obstacles, instead of the whole carriage with its the absolute quantity of the friction as opposing re-load being lifted over, the springs allow the wheels lic enterprise, is at the present moment in serious our country by some magnificent monument of pubsistance is also diminished by leverage, in the pro-to rise, while the weights suspended upon them are portion of the wheel to that of the axis. scarcely moved from their horizontal level. So since the plan for connecting the great vallies of the agitation. Nearly half a century has rolled away, Secondly, they procure mechanical advantage for that, if the whole of the weight could be supported Mississippi and St. Lawrence, with the vallies of overcoming obstacles in proportion to the square on the springs, and all the other parts supposed to the Susquehanna and Delaware, was first devised roots of their diameters when the obstacles are re- be devoid of inertia, while the springs themselves by the gigantic intellect of those statesmen, to the latively small, by increasing the time in that ratio, were very long, and extremely flexible, this conse-wisdom of whose measures we are indebted for the during which the wheel ascends: and they pass quence would clearly follow, however much it may benefits we are at the present moment so abundantover small transverse ruts, hollows, or pits, with an wear the appearance of a paradox; that such a carabsolute advantage of not sinking, proportionate riage may be drawn over a road abounding in small ed since the first canal from the Atlantic ocean to ly enjoying. About five-and-thirty years have elapsto their diameters, and with a mechanical one as obstacles without agitation, and without any mate- lake Erie, was commenced in Pennsylvania.* before, proportionate to the square roots of their rial addition being made to the moving power or The two first sections are now, after surmounting draft. It seems, therefore, probable that, under cer- innumerable obstacles, nearly completed. The two Consequently, wheels thus considered, cannot be tain modifications of form and material, springs remaining divisions are yet to be accomplished.— too large: in practice, however, they are limited by may be applied with advantage to the very heaviest To continue the work now depends on the wisdom weight, by expense, and by convenience. wagons; and consequently, if any fiscal regulations of an enlightened people. Meetings have been held With reference to the preservation of roads, exist either in regard to the public revenue or to in various districts of this commonwealth, to conwheels should be made wide, and so constructed as local taxation, tending to discourage the use of tribute to the accomplishment of this magnificent to allow of the whole breadth bearing at once; and springs, they should forthwith be removed. every portion in contact with the ground should Although the smoothness of roads and the appli- people has rung through the vallies and plains of undertaking, and the voice of approbation from the roll on it without the least dragging or slide: but, cation of springs are beneficial to all carriages and Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and it is evident from the well known properties of the to all rates of travelling, yet they are eminently so from York to Tioga. This was to have been excycloid, that the above conditions cannot unite in cases of swift conveyance, since obstacles when unless the roads are perfectly hard, smooth, and springs are not interposed, require an additional at a far distant period, led the way in the grand pected from the state, whose enterprising citizens, flat; and, unless the felloes of the wheels, with their force to surmount them beyond the regular draft, tires, are accurately portions of a cylinder. These equal to the weight of the load multiplied by the works of gigantic magnitude, long ere the attensystem of internal improvements, and accomplished forms, therefore, of roads and of wheels, are the sine of the angle intercepted on the periphery of tion of any of her sister states was attracted to the models towards which they should always approxi- the wheel between the points in contact with the subject. inate. ground and with the obstacle, and therefore propor- A state which, at the present period, offers to the Roads were heretofore made with a transverse tionate to the square of its height; and a still furcurvature to throw off water, and in that case it ther force, many times greater than the former eye of the traveller the noblest turnpikes in Ameseems evident that the peripheries of the wheels when the velocity is considerable, to overcome the rica, and bridges unrivalled in magnitude and scientific boldness of design; and which is modestly should in their transverse sections become tangents inertia, and this increases with the height of the pursuing the noiseless, even tenor of her way, has to this curve, from whence arose the necessity for obstacle, and with the rapidity of the motion, both dishing wheels, and for bending the axes; which squared. But, when springs are used, this latter expended in conjunction with her citizens, upwards contrivances gave some incidental advantage for part, by far the most important, almost entirely disturning, for protecting the nave, and by affording appears, and their beneficial effects in obviating the room for increased stowage above. But recent ex-injuries of percussion are proportionate also to the perience having proved that the curved form of velocities squared.

of TWENTY-FIVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS† for inter

The Susquehanna and Schuylkill, and Schuylkill and Delaware Canals, the two first links in this great roads is wholly inadequate for obtaining the end The advantages consequent to the draft from sus- $500,000 expended. These works, with the Delaware chain, were for some time prosecuted with vigour, and proposed, since the smallest rut intercepts the late-pending heavy baggage on the springs, were first and Chesapeake Canal, unfortunately were suspended, ral flow of the water; and, that the barrel-shape generally perceived about 40 years since on the in- but are now in rapid progress, or nearly completed, at confines carriages to the middle of the way, and troduction of mail coaches; then baskets and boots an expense of about 4,000,000 of dollars. thereby occasions these very ruts,-roads are now were removed, and their contents were heaped on the About two-thirds of this sum have been expended laid flat, carriages drive indifferently over every top of the carriage. The accidental circumstance, in improving our inland navigation, on roads and part, the wear is uniform, and not even the appear- however, of the height being thus placed at a consi- bridges, &c.; the remaining third has been expended

The

nal improvements, independently of the vast sums and intelligence of the state, will be called into ac- The blessings of Providence have been eminentdevoted to similar objects by the counties: an tion, to bestow the most cordial co-operation for its ly bestowed on our commonwealth-we enjoy a cliamount unequalled by any state in the Union, however accomplishment. The endeavour to impress on the mate remarkably favourable to health-the fertility ostentatious. But no single work, to concentrate minds of our citizens the benefits resulting from of our soil is unequalled by any state on the Atlanthe attention, and to diffuse its blessings impartial- this work is perhaps unnecessary. ly to all her citizens, similar to the Western Canal of New York, presents itself in Pennsylvania. Nearnished with cogs, and constructed for the passage of The southern route pursues the same course to Har locomotive steam engines.) ly all our works are local, and consequently partial risburg, but from thence traverses the valley of the In this railway three parallel ranges of props or piers in their operation. The period has now arrived to Conedoguinit and Conecocheauque to the Potomac, (an will be sufficient to support the two roads the middle remove this reproach. Pennsylvania may execute accurate survey of this portion of the route is not in ex- pier of course sustaining two bars. In this state, these the first grand railway in the new world. The istence, but the lockage will be considerable.) from piers can be constructed of wood, (which by a peculiar people have determined that a great public com- thence to Pittsburg, the Potomac and Ohio canal will preparation, will not decay for many years.) No tunmunication shall be effected between the east and constitute the residue. This route is also very circui- nel will be necessary, and the bridges over the Susquethe west. They have willed it, and it must be ex-tous; the lockage on the latter portion only, will be about hanna, now in existence, will be sufficient to support ecuted. The period has passed away when preju-mac, Susquehanna and the Delaware; the expense of sive aqueducts. 3,837 feet, in addition to the lockage between the Poto- the railway-the canals will require tunnels and expendice, ignorance, and interest opposed its progress. this route (including a long and difficult tunnel, and 2d. The railway can be use at all seasons-even snow The mound has been prostrated, and the deluge of numerous aqueducts, which will require many years to offers no obstruction, as a small scraper, attached to the information, boundless in quantity, and irresistible in execute,) will be enormous. foremost carriage, removes every obstacle from the force, is fast sweeping away the last vestiges of op- The middle route purs es the same course to the narrow surface of the edge railway. position. Let us, therefore, seize on the present Susquehanna with the two former-from thence the 3d. As the ascents are balanced by the descents on moment. The works already constructed by our Juniata, Coner augh and Alleghany rivers will consti- railways, little delay is occasioned by the inequalities of the ancestors for our benefit, demand the payment of tute the remaining portion of this route; it is the short-surface of the country-even the Alleghany mountain is the debt of gratitude which we have incurred, in est, and it is probable that it can be executed at the scarcely an obstacle; (see the preceding essay.) If rethe only manner in our power, to our posterity. The lockage will be about 3,358 feet; a long and expen- ported from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, in about four least expense- this point, however, is still uncertain.) lays of horses be employed, merchandize can be transThe works we ourselves have achieved demand sive tunnel will be indispensable. The canal will re- days and four hours (less time than will be required the continuance of our efforts. without relaxa-quire five years for its execution, and the tunnel will merely to pass the locks of the proposed canal.) The tion, to preserve the reputation so laboriously ac- require five years in addition. total time on the canal will be 10 days and 20 hours. quired. Surveys, by scientific, practical, and dis- 1st. The expense of the canal on this route, although 4th. The expense for salaries will be very inconsiinterested engineers, should be immediately com- less than on either of the preceding, will be (including derable on a railway, as a few collectors of tolls only menced; all the information on this subject in Eu- the tunnels and aqueducts.) at least 4,000,000 dollars, will be required. rope should be procured, digested, and cautiously and will probably amount to double that sum. 5th. As this railway can be executed in half the time of constructing the New York canal, through and for half the expense of the proposed canal, and as the examined. If, on mature deliberation, a canal or expense a far more favourable district, where the lockage is repairs of the railway will be inconsiderable-the tolls railway be recommended,* all the zeal, patriotism about a fifth only of the above amount, where the length on an equal amount of tonnage may be reduced 50 per is much less, and no tunnels required, will be about cent. on the railway; (compared with the tolls which chiefly for the advancement of science, literature and $7,500,000. The length will be 379 miles. must be charged on a canal,) and yield the same intethe arts, objects of the first magnitude in the scale of 2d The canals will be obstructed by ice, about four rest on the capital expended in constructing it; but for internal improvements These expenses have been de-months in every year, (the New York canal is naviga- the reasons assigned above, and for those in the prefrayed in the majority of instances, by individuals, the ble only 220 days in each year,) the very elevated coun-vious essays-the tonnage which will be transported on State occasionally contributing a liberal portion. The try through which they must pass, will probably more the railway, will be greater in amount, than if a canal policy of this plan will be apparent to all who reflect than balance their more southern latitude; accidents be employed; the tolls (which depend on the quantum of on the abuses usually practised in the expenditure of from the bursting of banks and other injuries to the transportation,) may be still further reduced per ton. the public revenue. canal, will probably shorten the period of navigation, 6th. The labour and consequently expense of transIn the above large sum, the expenditures for the (these accidents continually occur on the New York portation on the railway, has been demonstrated to be county schools, and for charity, are not included. These canals.) much less than on the canal, and many other advantages sums it is difficult to estimate, but they are known to 3d. The time which will be required merely to pass of railways have been stated in the receding essays. be enormous. (The sum annually expended in chari- through the locks, (4,000 feet,) under the most favour- Some reasons will now be offered to prove that locoty in Philadelphia alone, is nearly $600,000! an amount able circumstances, will be 66 hours and 40 minutes; motive steam engines will not be beneficial in Pennsylunequalled by any city, not the capital of a kingdom, in but from causes, stated in the previous essay, 80 hours vania; and that they can be used advantageously only Christendom.) Documents in the possession of the will probably be required. The portion occupied by in very populous countries; and where several other writer of this sketch, confirm these statements beyond the canal will require 152 hours in addition, or 29 days circumstances are favourable. the possibility of doubt -See also Journal of the Senate and 2 hours for the total time required to navigate 379 1st. We have shown in the previous essay, that when of Pennsylvania for 1821; also State Laws. Does this miles of canal from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, if the the cost of coal is 10 cents per bushel, and the labour countenance the obloquy and slander, incessantly re- same horses be employed for the whole distance-or 10 of men 75 cents per day, that the expense of transportpeated, that Pennsylvania is dead to enterprise? days and 20 hours, if relays of horses are provided. ing 100 tons by a locomotive steam engine, on a railThe State is under great obligations to the American (See the previous essays) way constructed for the purpose, (exclusive of tolls,) is Philosophical Society, whose essays and surveys, effect- 4th. The numerous attendants required to superin-15 dollars per 100 miles, or 15 cents per mile. To ed with great expense, contributed to produce this spi- tend the locks, will require large sums to be expended ascertain the amount which must be charged per ton; rit for internal improvement, of which Pennsylvania for their salaries. if the tolls are intended to be sufficient merely to yield exhibits so many monuments. The Society recently 5th. The tolis on the canal (for reasons which will be an interest on the capital required to construct and established in this city, to promote one of the depart-presently mentioned,) will be at least double those required maintain a railway of the above description in repairs, ments of internal improvement, viz. the construction of on a railway. it will be necessary, 1st, to state the expense of concanals, roads, bridges and other similar objects; have 6th, The other expenses of transportation will be struction and repairs of that railway; and 2d, to ascerdistributed many pamphlets relating to those subjects, more than double, in addition to the tolls, (see the pre-tain the amount of tonnage which will be transported. and have commenced a correspondence with the most vious essay, where the expense of transporting 100 tons 1st, the expense of a railway of this description will be influential citizens in the Union. for one hundred miles, exclusive of tolls, and the 100 to 200 per cent greater than those usually adopted, time required to pass the locks,) is stated to be 32 to viz. the expense of the road to Pittsburg will be 6 to $40 on a canal, and $20 on a railway; or if relays of 9,000,000 of dollars! If, therefore, the sum of 7,500,000 horses be employed, 22.50 to $27.75; if the lockage be of dollars be required, the tolls must be 50 per cent. added, the expense will be from 33 to $40.75 on a canal, greater than when the railway costs only $3,000,000, and $18.75 on a railway. (the estimate when horse power is employed.)

Several of the meetings of citizens, held in this state, which have passed resolutions approving of the junction of the eastern and western waters of Pennsylvania, have been convened by the exertions of this society, whose laudable zeal deserves commendation.

*A brief comparison of the relative advantages of a railway or canal from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, will now be presented; referring to the preceding essays for more general and detailed statements.

Three routes for canals have been surveyed-the northern, middle, and southern. The lockage on each of these routes is enormous, and expensive aqueducts and tunnels will be indispensable.

The following statement will exhibit a comparison 2d. The tonnage which will be annually transported between railways and canals in the above six instances: between Philadelphia and the western country, whenIst. No correct surveys, made in reference to the con- ever the railway shall be completed, has been estimastruction of a railway from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, ted at 500,000 tons. (The reasons for this estimate are exist: therefore any calculation of the expense, pre-presented in the above essay,) if, therefore, the toll on tending to accuracy, will be at once presumptuous, vague each ton amount to one-third of a cent per mile-the and unsatisfactory. amount will be 500,000 dollars for 300 miles; a sum

But from the data already in our possession, we are sufficient to yield an interest of 5 per cent. viz. 375,000 The route for the northern canal by the west branch authorized, without incurring the above imputation, to dollars, and yield 125,000 to maintain the railway in of the Susquehanna is very circuitous-the surveys have, assume the sum of $3,900,000, as the probable estimate repair. not been made with sufficient accuracy to determine for constructing an edge railway of 300 miles in extent, The tolls on the above 100 tons will be $33.38 per the amount of lockage, but is presumed that it is nearly composed of two sets of tracks, for the going and re- 100 miles, and the cost of transportation $5 only; 4,000 feet-it is also supposed that a tunnel will be ne- turning trade, (these tracks are calculated for horses as (see the preceding essay;) viz the tolls are more cessary. The country is also comparatively uninha- moving power, and may be constructed for about one than double the other expenses of conveyance-the third of the expense required for the double tracks, fur-total expense is therefore $48,333, for the transporta

bited.

tic and never failing streams meander through tic consumption with far greater economy. Stone, New York is the third rival to be considered: her every portion of our territory, offering unequalled timber and lime, to construct his buildings; furni- beautiful harbour open at all seasons, and situated advantages to the agriculturist and manufacturer. ture, clothes and fuel for his household; farming near the ocean, possesses many advantages over Our mineral treasures exceed those of any state utensils, rails for fencing; salt for his stock of cattle; the port of Philadelphia; but the communication in the Union-treasures far more valuable than the marl, lime, gypsum, and other manures, to enrich between New York and Pittsburg must be effected mines of Potosi or Golconda. Coal, of every varie- his soil, and many other articles of considerable by a long, tedious and expensive voyage, requiring ty of species, salt, iron, lead, copper, sulphur, alum, utility, which at present cannot defray the expense four changes of vessels. The route of nearly 800 miles ochres, limestone, marble, marl, clay, and many of carriage, will then be attainable with the most will be very circuitous, and will be impracticable five other minerals, excellent in quality and inexhausti- perfect facility. months in every year. ble in quantity, are diffused throughout our territo- Manufactures, for which nature has provided in The route from Philadelphia to Pittsburg is about ry. Millions have been expended to increase the this state particularly, such unbounded water pow-half the distance, and the expense of transportation facilities of our commercial intercourse; but with er, will be established in every district, providing at (exclusive of tolls,) will be on a canal about one all these advantages, three-fourths of our state is a the very door of the farmer, a market for his pro- half, and on a railway about one fifth only of the wilderness shaded by the primitive forests. duce and cheap articles for his consumption. At expense required on the New York route: and, if Our soil supports scarcely one-tenth of the popu- present many of the manufacturers in the interior the tolls on the New York canal, should be reduced lation it might maintain with convenience; the tide of this state, are limited in their operations in con- so as to yield merely five per cent. on the cost of of foreign emigration passes over our delightful sequence of the enormous freight demanded for the same, the tolls on the Pennsylvania route would vallies, leaving scarcely a solitary straggler behind. conveying the raw materials to their factories, and be about one fourth only of the tolls which would Our citizens, the sinews of our strength, abandon- the manufactured articles to the consumers. If this be payable on the New York route. If, therefore, ing their native soil, seek in the western wilder- heavy expense could be diminished, how vast an New York should not construct a railway from her ness a happier home; our commerce, deserting the amount of capital now dormant in the state, would metropolis to Pittsburg, Philadelphia will monopoaccustomed channels, is abandoning our metropolis, immediately be profitably invested in manufactures, lize the commerce of the western country. to enrich the capitals of rival commonwealths: our in the interior counties, where the cheapness of la- The amount of tonnage transported on the New state, once the first in the number of her popula- bour, and of provisions, with the abundance of York canal, in the year 1824, was about 157,000 tion, is now outnumbered by a northern rival. But water power, of coal, iron, and timber, will offer tons. On the completion of the canal during the a brighter day is about to dawn on Pennsylvania; facilities unequalled by any state in the Union.-present year, it is calculated (by judges whose the attention of her citizens has been directed to Villages will rise in the wilderness with the rapidi- means of information and accuracy in prediction, the infallible panacea which alone can remedy these ty of enchantment; and a numerous, industrious, has hitherto entitled them to implicit credit,) that evils-and that panacea is the union of the eastern and intelligent population, will soon convert our upwards of three hundred thousand tons will be and western waters. When this mighty scheme gloomy forests into blooming gardens, or farms of transported. shall be accomplished, we may hail with perfect luxuriant fertility. The population who will receive the benefit of confidence the commencement of permanent pros- Commerce will revive with tenfold energy, arti-this canal does not exceed 1,200,000 persons. perity. cles hitherto unknown in our exports-articles The population which will be within the sphere of Agriculture, so justly the pride and glory of our which, in consequence of the expense of land con- influence of the Pennsylvania railway (or even canal,) state, will no longer languish from the difficulty or veyance by roads, could never enter our market, will be more than double this number of persons; this, impossibility of conveying its productions to mar-will then form prominent items in our exports. in conjunction with the other circumstances stated ket: produce of every description can then be transOur mountains of coal, of iron, and of marble, in this essay, induces us to suppose that less than ported at one-tenth of the expense now required; at present in many districts worse than useless-the double the above annual amount of tonnage may and the farmer can procure every article of domes forests of excellent timber, which are now devoted be confidently assumed, as the estimate for the to the flames-and many of the productions of agri- tonnage on the Pennsylvania railway-viz. 500,000 culture, which at present cannot defray the expense tons-an amount of inland commerce far exceedof transportation, will then become inestimable ing the whole commerce of the port of Philadelphia.*

treasures.

tion of 100 tons of merchandize by a locomotive steam engine. The expense, if horse power only is employed, will now be stated. When the maintenance of horses re- Our metropolis, once the emporium of the Union, The benefit which Philadelphia and the state quires 374 cents per day, and the wages of drivers 75 may, perhaps, again assume her former pre-emi- will derive from the execution of this important cents, the expense of transporting the 100 tons 100 nence. That this expectation is not altogether vi- chain of communication, may be obtained for the miles will be $18.75. (See the preceding essay.) The sionary, will appear from the following considera- sum of $3,000,000, (an amount scarcely exceeding railway in this case will cost $3,000,000-to obtain tions. The only rivals Philadelphia must contend the expenditure on the great Pittsburg turnpike, an interest of 5 per cent. viz. $150,000, and the sum of with, are New Orleans, Baltimore and New York. including the bridges over the rivers Schuylkill and $50,000 for repairs, the toll on the above 500,000 If a railway, or even a canal, existed between Susquehanna,) a sum so trifling, so far and so comtons must be $200,000-viz. 2-15 of a cent per ton per Pittsburg and Philadelphia, New Orleans would pletely within the means of the Commonwealth of mile, or about $18.334, will be the amount of tolls charged on the above 100 tons per 100 miles; if this be not require the consideration of a moment. The Pennsylvania, (the most wealthy in the Union,) added to the $18.75, (the expense for carriage,) the great distance of that port from Kentucky, Indiana, that any attempt to point out ways and means to total charge for transportation will be $32.08 for 100 Ohio, and Pennsylvania; in winter, the ice in the obtain this trifle, might seem a premeditated insult miles on the railway when constructed for horse pow- Ohio river, and the numerous sawyers obstructing to the majesty of a state, whose unbroken faith in er; deduct this sum from $48.334, the expense as stat- the navigation at a season when otherwise it would all financial engagements, from her settlement to. ed above when a locomotive steam engine is used, be more profitable to the owners of produce; (who the present hour, enables her to raise, at a moment's the remainder $18.25 will be the expense saved by generally arrive at New Orleans when the market warning, any sums, however large, which those who the employment of horses: therefore, if goods could is overstocked;) the pestilential atmosphere of the guide her destinies, may think requisite for her acbe transported gratis, (i. e. excepting the tolis,) convey- lower portion of the Mississippi river, destructive commodation. ance would be more expensive, (even in this case,

when the labour or power required could be obtained equally to the health of the navigators and to their When all these circumstances are considered, without expense,) and for the following reason the cargoes; the want of capital in New Orleans, and policy indicates the only course which our comtolls alone would be more expensive on a railway con- the distance from the ocean and from Europe, &c. monwealth should pursue; the history of our state structed with great expense for a locomotive steam en- are powerful objections to this port. In conse- justifies the sanguine expectation, that our citizens gine, than the whole cost of conveyance by horse pow-quence of the introduction of steam boats, the ex- will avail themselves of the advantages which Proer, including the tolls, on a railway constructed for this pense of the transportation from Louisville to New vidence has so bountifully bestowed, and that all the purpose, at half the expense of the former. Orleans, is only 5 mills per lb., or $10 per ton; but resources of the state have not been conferred on

tance.

If the tolls charged should be more expensive than from Louisville to Philadelphia, by a canal or rail- a population ignorant of their value, or too indothe extremely low estimate which is given above,† (and if the amount of tonnage should be less than 500,000 way, the expense would be far less. (See the pre- lent to enjoy the treasures offered to their acceptons per annum, the tolls would be higher in proportion vious essay.) to the deficiency,) then transportation by the locomo- Baltimore presents itself as the second rival: at To facilitate the transportation of commodities; tive steam engine, will be far more expensive. In present, by the free turnpike to Wheeling, and the to destroy monopoly;† to promote agriculture, comEngland. where the amount of commerce is enormous, shortness of the distance, some advantage is acquirand the tolls on the canals very expensive, the benefits ed over Philadelphia; but unless Baltimore conwhich will result from this engine are incalculable-structs a canal or a railway, she cannot for a mobut it cannot be introduced with advantage into Penn-ment endure the competition of the enormous capisylvania, until a long period shali have elapsed. tal of Philadelphia; and in the latter case but little * M-Clure, the eminent geologist, remarks this fact. is to be apprehended, as the length and expense of The tolls on the New York canal are 1 1-2 cents per ton per those contemplated in Pennsylvania. constructing these works will be far greater than

mile for produce, and 3 cents for a ten of merchandize.

The tonnage sent to Pittsburg at present, does not amount of the tonnage of the port, is about one-fourth exceed 30,000 tons per annum, and the registered only of the estimated tonnage on the railway or canal.

operation in the year 1794, when the Philadelphia and The entering wedge to destroy monopoly was put in Lancaster turnpike (the first executed on this side of the