THE 



SOUTHERN PLANTER. 

!Dctoote& to Agriculture sjortfculturi , attti the ffiouselioUj Wins. 



Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — 
Xcnophon. 



Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the 
Stale.— SuMy. 



FRANK: G. RUFFIN, Ei 



P. D. BERNARD, Publis 



Vol. XIV. 



RICHMOND, NOVEMBER, 1854. 



No. 11. 



For the Southern Planter. 

MINUTES OF AGRICULTURAL FACTS AND 
OBSERVATIONS, 

Collected and noted by the Agricultural Commissioner, 
and ordered to be published by the Executive Com- 
mittee of the Virginia Stale Agricultural Society. 

[Continued from page 291.] 

Fruit and Fruit Trees. 

35. Mr. R. T. Lacy, of New Kent, has been suc- 
cessful in rearing and growing peach trees. His 
orchard contains nearly forty fine varieties, and 
several of them of new and valuable kinds, all 
produced from seeds planted by himself. Some 
persons rely with confidence on the seeds of choice 
peaches producing trees of like fruit. Others dis- 
trust the seeds altogether for continuing the kind, 
and rely only on grafting or inoculating for that 
object. Mr. L. has found that in a great majority 
of cases, the seeds of the best peaches have pro- 
duced like kinds, without any diminution of size, 
flavor, or other value. In the cases of exception 
from this general result, the products of seeds have 
been other kinds of peaches, generally inferior, if 
not worthless. But in a small number of such 
cases of variation of the product from the parent 
fruit, he has obtained new and also improved and 
very fine kinds. 

36. Mr. Lacy has practised, with entire success, 
a similar mode (which he saw recommended in a 
Tennessee paper) guarding against the worms which 
injure peach trees, and destroy so many entire or- 
chards, by boring into the tender bark, just at the 
junction of the stem and the roots, or at the surface 
of the earth. The remedy is simply to raise a hill 
or mound of earth around the lower part of the 
body of each tree, about 12 or 18 inches high, (or 
as large as a sweet potato hill.) This covering 
kills the worms already in the tree, by excluding 
air — and the earth covers the tender bark, which 
is all at or below the former surface of the earth, 
so that there is not, in the harder bark above, a 
suitable place for the boring of the parent insect. 
The hills may be raised at any time. They have 
not been removed, nor have they required any fur- 
ther change. For some years of trial, the plan has 
been found entirely successful. 

[Query. Where marl is plenty, would it not be 

well to make the hill of marl, instead of common 

earth'? A thick and hard covering of the earth 

below stone fruit trees has been found greatly be- 
Vol. XIV.— 11. 



neit 

cu 

fnr< 

Ca 

litf 

pie 

tre< 

net 

tic, 

tou' 

to a 

the 

any 

plic: 



id in preventing the boring into the ground of 
uiio, wdiich breeds the worms that injure stone 
-..— E. R.] 

. Mr. Th. M. Crowell, of Halifax county, North 
lina, informed me that the smearing a very 
• tar, by rubbing over with a slightly tarred 
of cloth, will effectually prevent young fruit 
being barked by hares in winter. It is not 
sary, and would be injurious to the young 
W, to cover the exposed part with tar. A slight 
'i of the soft tar, here and there, from the earth 
high as the hares can reach, is sufficient, as 
rong odor of the tar deters them from eating 
irk so contaminated. Of course, such an ap- 
on, and so acting, will require renewal at the 
begii suing of every winter. As very young and 
smal: trees with tender bark only are exposed to 
this cunmon and great injury and destruction, such 
young trees are very easily treated as advised. 

38. If a valuable young apple tree should have 
the bark eaten around by hares, it may be saved. 
Mr. Julian C. Ruffin, of Prince George county, had 
a young tree, then about an inch in diameter, of 
which the bark was thus eaten off all around, the 
irregular ring so skinned being from one to three 
inches wide. This injury occurred some time in 
the winter. The next spring, at the proper time 
for grafting, (1850) two apple twigs (which had 
been before cut for grafting) were grafted into the 
remaining and living bark, both above and bekn 
the skinned wood — one graft on each side of th.- 
tree. The grafts united well with the tree, and grew 
rapidly, the whole sap passing through them. The 
skinned portion of the young tree soon died, and 
the grafts now make double stems, of sufficient 
size' and strength, and which will in time meet and 
unite. If, in such a case, there had been one or 
more sprouts growing from below the wound, it 
would be still better to ingraft above. 

39. Another fact and matter of trial may be use- 
ful. It is the universal understanding that grafting 
only can bo done in spring, and budding late in 
simmer. But if for any reason, apple twigs de- 
signed fur grafting, cannot be so used, their buds 
may be used for budding. Being kept buried in 
the earth, the sap will move in such twigs, the buds 
swell, and the bark will then slip. As soon as this 
condition occurs, buds from the twigs may be 
inserted in the bark, and will live as well as if at 
the usual and much later time — as Mr. R. has tried 
and proved in practice, as to apple grafts. He has 
not tried in this manner the buds of any stone- 
fruit. If they can be thus propagated, by spring- 



322 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



< 



budding from twigs cut off and buried in winter, 
an important purpose can be served. Stone-fruit, 
though easily and safely budded, cannot well be 
propagated by grafting. The buds cannot be con- 
veyed alive and healthy any considerable distance 
in summer, the usual (and supposed only) time for 
budding. But in winter, the twigs may be safely 
carried to any distance, and then, in the manner 
just described, (if applicable to stone-fruit,) the 
buds may be inoculated in the spring. 

40. Lieutenant M. F. Maury, U. S. N., long ago 
made some thermometrical experiments and obser- 
vations on the difference and changes of tempera- 
ture, on valley ground and different heights of the 
hill-sides rising above. The results were, of course, 
in accordance with the laws established by science, 
of the accumulation, radiation, &c. of heat. But 
the differences observed between hill and valley 
were unexpectedly great, and indicated important 
and sure rules for the proper positions of peach 
and other fruit trees, of which the young fruits 
are especially liable to be killed by late spring 
frosts. The surface, soil, and also the air nearest 
to the earth, in valleys, or low lying land, are much 
more highly heated in the day, and are also cooled 
to much lower degrees in the nights, and especially 
under conditions of the atmosphere most favorable 
to the radiation (and loss) of heat. Hence, the 
heat of the earth and of the air of valleys, in sun- 
shine, tend to forward the budding and blossoming 
of peach trees sooner than would be on the higher 
hill-sides, (other conditions being alike and equal,) 
and the much greater lowering of temperature in 
the valleys, in the clear nights, and consequent se- 
verer and later frosts, must act to kill tender fruits 
when they would be safe on higher though neigh- 
boring positions, where as great fluctuations and 
extremes of both heat and cold cannot exist. 

Though the experiments and observations made 
and stated to me by Lieutenant Maury would be 
enough to assure us of their value as instruction 
in practical agriculture, this instruction is not 
merely of theoretical and scientific reasoning. The 
rules indicated have, in some cases, been illustrated 
in practice, and the practical results have been 
found to accord with and sustain the theory. He 
stated as examples of the working of the rule, the 
following facts : 

In Amherst county, a gentleman pointed out to 
him, a particular horizontal strip of forest land, on 
which the young sprouts were never killed by se- 
vere late frosts, when they were generally killed on 
neighboring land of lower elevation. 

In Frederick county, there is an elevated ridge 
of land on which the apples so generally are safe, 
when all others in the neighborhood are killed by 
frosts, that it has acquired the name of "Apple-pie 
Ridge." 

When visiting a relative, in Albemarle, he found 
that all the peaches had been killed by frost in the 
peach orchards in the valley near the mansion, while 
they had escaped, and were bearing in abundance 
at another part of the estate, high up the side of 
the neighboring mountain. 

The usual safety of the peaches on elevated lo- 
calities near Washington, affords frequent and ex- 
tensive proof of the rule. And these proofs were, 
on one occasion, the more striking, by the contrast 
of the peach trees of a very careful culturisl, on 
much lower land, having been all killed by frost, 
when all the neighboring hill orchards had escaped. 

Lieutenant Maury farther remarked that the best 
fruit-bearing altitudes were not the same in dif- 



ferent localities. They must depend on latitude, 
and, perhaps, other conditions, and should be de- 
termined by experiment. 

[Most of the following minutes on "smut," in 
substance, were prepared for publication some six 
weeks ago, and (after approval by the Committee 
of Publication) were placed in the hands of a pub- 
lisher, who carelessly suffered the manuscript to 
be destroyed. Anxious that the warning and in- 
struction should be still made available for the en- 
suing seeding time, then already begun, the writer, 
after reaching home, on September 23d, had again 
to search out his authorities, and, without the aid 
of any fragment of the previous writing, to prepare 
what will here appear. This was all done in less 
than a day, and the second reference to the com- 
mittee and the sending to the press, &c, will follow 
as soon as possible after the hasty writing. As I 
could not again see the individuals whose opinions 
are quoted, (except in a single case,) my frail me- 
mory may have caused some errors or omissions — 
though certainly not as to anything important or 
material. These circumstances only have induced 
the thus offering an apology, so foreign to my usage, 
for even such hasty and imperfect preparation. — E. 
R.] 

Marlbourne, Sept. 25, 1854. 

Smut in Wheat and Remedies. — Danger of Brine as 
a Steep. 

41. The disease of wheat called smut is a mys- 
tery, in respect to its origin or cause, and also the 
manner of prevention. Among the difficulties of 
treating the subject, some arise from the one dis- 
ease, here understood, being called by different 
names, and also from the one name " smut" being 
applied to very different diseases of wheat. Hence, 
many old farmers do not yet know what is smut. 
The disease I refer to, if existing, is easily seen in 
the field when wheat is ripening. Most generally, 
but not universally) if one head of wheat is dis- 
eased, every head and grain from the same root is 
completely smutted. The heads appear dingy, and 
still darker when wet with rain. The skin of each 
grain is whole, and the grain full, but turgid and 
misshaped, and very dark. It is easily mashed be- 
tween the fingers, and instead of white flour, the 
skin is filled and distended with a loose black dust, 
having a disagreeable odor, something like that of 
putrid salt fish. The smutted grains of wheat, or 
" smut-balls," when broken in the threshing of the 
wheat, spread the dust over the sound grains, and 
injure them for making flour, in proportion to the 
extent of the contamination. 

Certain opinions in regard to this disease have 
long been generally received as true, and have been 
taught in numerous publications, and for many 
years, mostly without being denied or questioned 
by any opposer. Most of these doctrines, are gen- 
erally correct. But to nearly all the general rules, 
there are sometimes found, in practice, remarkable 
and unaccountable exceptions; and which excep- 
tions, no less than the general rules, it is very im- 
portant should be known and understood. For the 
want of such knowledge, great losses in wheat crops 
occur every year. 

The opinions referred to, and which have long 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



333 



been held by intelligent farmers, and writers, are 
the following: 

Smut is infectious by contagion. The smut dust 
being sprinkled upon grains of wheat, of a crop 
before entirely free from smut, will communicate the 
disease, and cause good and clean seed, so contami- 
nated, to produce a smutted crop. Of course, when 
but a few smutted heads first appear on a farm 
previously exempt, the bursting of the smut-balls, 
and their defiling the otherwise good seed, will in- 
duce the disease to increase from year to year, un- 
less clean seed be procured from abroad, or the 
foul seed be purified. The smut dust may be 
washed off, or its vitality destroyed, by various pro- 
cesses of washing, steeping or sprinkling. Among 
the salts most approved and recommended, for these 
purposes, are common salt, (muriate of soda,) Glau- 
ber's salt, (sulphate of soda,) and bluestone, (sul- 
phate of copper.) The most common steep has 
been a saturated solution of common salt, (or brine,) 
and for many years it has been repeated in nume- 
rous publications, and rarely contradicted, that 
steeping wheat in this solution was a safe and ef- 
fectual remedy. 

The other opinions are generally correct. But 
steeping in brine, I maintain, is, without exception, 
injurious to the germination of the seed. Yet many 
have advised this steeping for as long as 24 hours ; 
and many have so practised, and did not know the 
damage, for want of proper observation and com- 
parison. The editor of the American Farmer for 
this month, (September, 1854,) repeats the recom- 
mendation of washing seed wheat in saturated 
brine, as part of the process to prevent smut. He 
further adds: "Besides, the soaking will tend to 
facilitate the earlier vegetation of the seed." This 
supposed benefit, and also the safety of brining 
seed wheat, will be contradicted by some of the 
observations to be stated below. 

In 1836, 1 ascertained, by large practice and loss, 
that the steeping of wheat 12 hours was injurious, 
and (by experiment) still more so for 18 and 22 
hours, which was still within the maximum of time 
recommended in books, or at least deemed safe. 
My then observations on that head were published 
in the Farmers' Register, (Vol. III., p. 692,) but 
they have not served to guard others against still 
greater and more recent losses. This year, Mr. 
William H. Harrison, of Amelia, who had brined 
his seed wheat, estimated his loss of crop thereby 
incurred at not less than 1000 bushels. This, and 
reports of other like losses, have induced me to 
offer here an abstract of the observations formerly 
published, and also some later experiments and 
facts on different branches of this general subject. 

42. About 23 or 24 years ago, I first observed 
heads of smutted wheat sprinkled throughout my 
crop. The seed (part of that crop) for the next 
autumn's sowing, was washed first in fresh water 
and then steeped in saturated brine. The time of 
remaining in brine was not noted, and is not now 
remembered. But, then, supposing it altogether 
safe, it is probable that the times varied according 
to convenience. As no experiment or comparison 
was made, no damage to the germination was ob- 
served or suspected. The brined wheat was well 
dusted with quicklime, as usual. For want of lime, 
a few acres were sown with seed from the same 
bulk of slightly infected wheat. The crop was 
entirely clear of smut, (so far as observed,) and 
equally clear both from the few bushels of seed 
sown dry and unprepared, and that both brined 
and limed for the great body of the crop. 

11 L 



43. In 1835, smut having again appeared in the 
preceding crop, brining and liming was again re- 
sorted to with confidence, and without any suspi- 
cion of danger. I was further encouraged to steep 
longer, by learning previously from Mr. A. B. 
Spooner, near Petersburg, that he every year steeped 
his seed 18 hours in saturated brine, and did not 
fear extending the time to 24 hours. Mr. Spooner, 
on a small and highly manured farm, made very 
heavy crops of wheat. But probably he had not 
observed closely enough to detect any injury to 
germination ; and heavy seeding on rich land might 
hide the actual loss of an eighth or more of the 
seed sown. My seed for the first week's sowing 
was steeped 18 hours. The wheat came up so thin, 
that (together with the confirmation of the experi- 
ments to follow) I was convinced of the danger 
and injury to germination, and subsequently avoided 
the hazard of long steeping. The result on the 
next crop, as to smut, was not noted, and I do not 
now remember it. But, as I did not lose any of 
my previous confidence in the brining as a prevent- 
ive, I presume it was then of satisfactory effect. 

44. Experiments. — The same seeding time, and 
on September 30th, the day on which seeding was 
begun, I took a handful of the seed wheat, and 
reserving half dry, the other half was put in a glass 
of saturated brine, and suffered to remain twenty- 
two hours ; then taken out, drained, and while wet 
sprinkled with as much quicklime as would stick 
to the grains. One hundred of these grains were 
placed on wet cotton floating on half a pint of water 
in a glass — the water fresh and pure, except for 
the small remains of salt and lime adhering to the 
grains. Some hundreds of the dry grains (not 
steeped, or previously wetted,) were at the same 
time placed on like wet cotton floating in another 
glass. The remaining steeped seeds, and also the 
dry, were sown in two rows, side by side, and 
equally covered about an inch deep. 

Results. — The earth was then unusually dry. Yet 
the seeds sown dry came up about twenty-four 
hours earlier than those which had been steeped. 
A like result ensued, and about as much difference 
in the times of first sprouting of the respective 
quantities of seed in the glasses. 

As the sprouting was so evidently retarded by the 
steeping, the doubt arose whether the germinating 
power was not also weakened and damaged, and in 
many seeds destroyed. These imperfect experi- 
ments could not fully bear on this question, as to 
the sown seeds. As they had not been counted, 
the failures to sprout could not be known. Of the 
one hundred steeped seeds on floating cotton, new 
sprouts continued to show for sixteen days, after 
so placing the seeds, at which time nineteen still 
remained not sprouted. However, perhaps some 
of these seeds might have sprouted if observed 
longer — or that they were prevented from sprouting 
by being kept too wet. (A much surer and a per- 
fect mode of trying the germination of seeds, is to 
place them on cotton cloth folded to four or more 
thicknesses, and covered by the like, placed on 
some open or pervious support, and all kept moist 
by pouring water on as often as needed. The su- 
perfluous water, dripping off, can do no harm.) 

45. In 1845, there had been observed a very few 
heads of smut in my crop of wheat — which, ac- 
cording to my then views, made it necessary to 
again resort to the remedy then deemed effectual 
for its object, but dangerous to its germination. 
To lessen the risk, the wheat (after being first 
washed in fresh water,) was not permitted to re- 



324 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



main longer in brine than to stir it thoroughly, and 
skim off the floating impurities, and then to steep 
while the operator limed and stirred and spread the 
last preceding washed wheat. The time of steep- 
ing rarely exceeded half an hour. Yet, in the 
growth of the crop, and by comparison with small 
portions not steeped (and sown dry) it was manifest 
that much of the steeped seed failed to come up. 
This damage was doubtless increased by the thresh- 
ing of that crop having been done by a new (spiked 
cylinder) machine, which cracked an unusual great 
number of the grains. Many grains are cracked 
in all machines, though not perceptible to the eye. 
And I believe that in all such, the germ is killed 
by the penetrating brine. 

46. Experiments. — The same seeding time (1845) 
of good wheat, a portion was put in a saturated 
solution of Glauber's salts and lime, stood 12 hours, 
then taken out and drained, and spread thin, and 
sprinkled with and stirred in quicklime — so re- 
mained, and still moist, 12 hours longer, but had 
dried in 6 more, (or 18 in all.) After remaining 
dry for 18 hours longer, 30 grains of this, A, were 
washed slightly in fresh water, and put on cotton 
cloth, kept moist, to sprout. 

Of same wheat, kept 12 hours in a saturated so- 
lution of common salt and lime, B, then limed, &c, 
as above, and had barely dried in 86 hours, when 
washed, and 30 grains put to sprout on same cloth, 
and at same time with A. 

Of same wheat, not steeped, and dry, C, mois- 
tened and put to sprout with A and B. 

Results. — Of C, some germs had started in 12 
hours, and in 48 hours, 24 grains of the 30 had put 
cut radicles. Of B, the first sprouting was hours 
later than of C, and 9 grains only had sprouted in 
48 hours. Of A, no sprout was visible in 24 hours, 
and one only in 48 hours. The drying of the cloth 
and grains, by neglect, prevented longer observa- 
tions. Of A, 100 grains were also carefully planted, 
and not one came up. 

47. Seven bushels of seed had been saved from 
the rear (or feeding place) of the machine, shat- 
tered out without passing through the machine. 
This had been saved separately, as of the most 
perfect grain. But, without design, the sowing of 
this seed showed the much greater damage sus- 
tained by other seed being cracked by the machine, 
and then killed by steeping. This "drum" wheat 
was brined (say steeped about half an hour,) and 
limed precisely like the seed sown on both sides, 
and at the same rate. Yet, after the plants were 
well up, the ground sown with the 7 bushels was 
so much more thickly covered, that the difference 
and the outlines could be distinguished at some 
hundreds of yards distance, and in any direction. 
As the sowing of all was done in the same day, 
continuously, by the same seedsman, it is very im- 
probable that there could have been any percepti- 
ble difference in the rate of sowing. The "drum" 
wheat, like all other steeped in brine, was doubtless 
retarded in germination; but none being cracked, 
none had the germs killed, as in the threshed wheat. 
Though still deeming the brining of seed an ef- 
fectual remedy, (generally) against smut, it was 
thenceforward also deemed too injurious to be used. 
At a later time, I tried two other remedies. In 
England, it is believed that the keeping of seed a 
year will destroy the vitality of the smut, so that 
the most smutty seed may then be sown safely. 1 
tried this with 30 bushels of seed kept from the 
previous year's seeding, and which, like the new 
seed, had a very little smut. The product of the 



old seed was obviously cleaner than that of the 
new, (alike slightly smutted) but still was not en- 
tirely free from smut. 

48. The next year I tried the intermixing of dry 
lime, just slaked, with the seed wheat, as soon as 
it was threshed and fanned. About a cask of stone 
lime (3 bushels) was used to the 100 bushels of 
seed. This process had been before used by some 
of the farmers in Prince George and Charles City 
counties, and supposed a good preventive against 
smut, and it was certainly safe. This plan also 
seemed to lessen the proportion ^ smut, compared 
to the previous crop, but did not remove all. 

This keeping of seed wheat with dry quicklime 
thoroughly intermixed, is beneficial in several re- 
spects, besides so far as it may guard against smut. 
The wheat so treated is almost safe from being 
stolen, and is much less injured by rats and other 
vermin. The grain is discolored and would be da- 
maged for grinding. The germinating power is 
certainly unimpaired. Of 100 grains of seed, which 
had remained in lime for 14 months, tried in mois- 
tened cloth for trial, 96 sprouted. The wheat, thus 
treated, increases in bulk about 5 or 6 per cent, 
after fanning off the loose lime. 

49. Experiment. — For the next year's seeding, 
(1852,) I had left 84 bushels of old seed, which had 
remained in lime for 14 months. In all the portion 
of the next crop produced from this seed, I could 
not find a head of smutted wheat, though observ- 
ing closely through the reaping. The remainder 
of the crop, sown with new seed, and also put in 
dry lime, showed some little smut throughout. 
From this last trial of keeping seed a year, and in 
lime, and the entire exemption of the product from 
smut, I thought a safe and sure remedy was found. 
All my seed for the next sowing was of this kind. 
But the crop of 1854 did not show the exemption 
so marked in the preceding year. There was, in- 
deed, very little smut, but enough to show that 
both these means combined did not make a com- 
plete preventive. Lest I should be misunderstood, 
I will add that, though not finding any remedy cer- 
tain and complete, I have never yet had enough 
smut in any crop of wheat to cause material loss, 
or to make it an objection to the sale of the crop. 
But my main object, in the foregoing minutes, on 
smut, has not been so much to discuss the efficacy 
of any remedies, as to indicate the danger of the 
one most generally approved and in use. 

Messrs. John A. Selden and Hill Carter, both con- 
cur in deeming all modes of steeping or washing 
seed wheat in brine to be injurious. Each of them 
uses (when necessary) a different mode for pre- 
venting smut, and each confides in his method as 
being effectual, or as having beeu so to this time. 
They are as follows : 

50. Mr. John A. Selden, has long been satisfied 
of great injury being caused by steeping seed wheat 
in brine, and has avoided all use of brine for that 
purpose. He has seen two seedings of large crops, 
so much injured in germination, that there was no 
mistaking the cause, or the operation. In one of 
these cases, very little of the seed sown germinated. 
He does not know how long, in that case, the seed 
remained in the brine. He entirely believes in 
smut being contagious, and that merely washing 
in fresh water, and then dusting the wet seed with 
dry caustic lime will prevent smut, even when the 
seed was greatly mixed with smut. He washes the 
seed, if smutty, in three waters, then spreads it 
thin on the barn floor, sifts over and stirs among 
the wheat enough lime to slightly coat over every 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



325 



grain, (as usually done after steeping or washing 
in brine.) On one occasion, he treated in this man- 
ner some seed wheat which he bought, which was 
a beautiful sample of grain, but greatly mixed with 
smut — so much so, as to be offensive to the smell. 
The crop from the washed seed had no smut. 

51. Mr. Hill Carter, also, and for like reasons, 
objects to all use of brine. For prevention of smut, 
he puts the seed in whitewash, made by putting 
unslaked quicklime in water, and having the mix- 
ture thin enough for the light grains and impurities 
to float and be skimmed off, when stirring the seed 
under the fluid ; as soon as this has been done suf- 
ficiently, the wheat is dipped out and drained in 
baskets, and then spread to dry. Enough slaked 
quicklime is sprinkled over to separate the grains, 
and render them dry enough for convenient sowing. 
The same whitewash is used twice, or sometimes 
thrice ; but when it is deemed too foul, the remnant 
is thrown away. The heat produced by slaking 
the lime is not hurtful to the seed, if much below 
the boiling degree. The effect of this whitewash 
steep is always to discolor the grain, and sometimes 
the skin can easily be slipped off by pressing the 
wet grain between the finger and thumb, without 
the germination being affected. The wheat is al- 
lowed to remain no longer in the steep than to wash 
and stir and cleanse it well. This preventive is 
deemed by Mr. C. as both effectual and safe. 

52. Judge Thomas Ruffin, of Allamance, North 
Carolina, has used the solution of bluestone for 
smutted seed wheat and always found the product 
perfectly free of the disease. From his practice 
and experience, he had entire confidence in this 
preventive remedy. 

53. Col. Williamson Simmons of Prince George 
county, Virginia, has used saturated brine for all 
his seed wheat, and afterwards dusting with quick- 
lime (the most generally used preventive) for eight 
or ten years ; has found it effectual against smut, 
and had not suspected any loss in or injury to the 
seed wheat. His. washing was always of short 
time. He had never made any comparative trials 
of the sprouting. 

The last two minutes, of cases of entire success, 
and confidence in the use of these different washes 
or steeps, might be multiplied to any number. 
These cases happened to be the last stated to me — 
and they will serve as examples of the more ex- 
tended opinions of numerous intelligent farmers. 
On the other side, as examples of remarkable ex- 
ceptions to these general rules of entire preventive 
effect, I will add the following cases, which, more 
fully reported, have just appeared in the last num- 
ber of the Southern Planter : 

54. Col. Edmund Fontaine, of Hanover, used the 
strong solution of bluestone, as a steep, for 12 to 
16 hours, and in the usual and approved manner, 
and with all due care, for his seed wheat, of a pre- 
vious smutty crop, and for his several farms. The 
wheat came up well. The crops produced from 
this seed had about as much smut as those from 
which the seed had been taken. 

For experiment, a small portion of the same seed 
had been mixed with a large quantity of smut balls 
and dust, before separated in fanning, the mixture 
rubbed together well by the hand, and then this 
foul sample sown separately for observation. The 
product had about as much smut as that from the 
steeped seed. For the next autumn's seeding, 
(1853,) he used tne seed of his crops having some 
smut (as stated above) without any preparation. 
When writing his communication, August 3d, he 



had heard, particularly, from only one of his farms, 
where the threshing was then nearly finished, and 
the overseer reported that he had found no smut 
in the crop. 

55. The other case of exception, referred to, is 
that of Dr. Thomas Meaux, of Amelia, whose very- 
striking facts cannot be more concisely quoted than 
in his own words, (Southern Planter, September, 
1854.) He says: "After fifteen years of what was 
considered the successful use of brining and liming 
seed wheat, in preventing smut, I published the 
fact in the Planter. Two consecutive years now 
satisfy me the conclusion arrived at was fallacious, 
and I retract the opinion. On the contrary, I have 
heard of three well authenticated cases of much 
injury being done to the vegetative power of the 
seed by the process." 

56. From all my experience and information on 
this mysterious disease, and its remedies, I draw 
the following inferences : 

That smut is infectious, and usually may be 
communicated by contagion of smut to other pure 
wheat: 

That smut also originates where none had existed 
before, from sources or causes as yet unknown: 

That all the usual remedies of washing or steep- 
ing, (and perhaps dry liming,) are generally effec- 
tual in guarding against smut occurring to any 
considerable extent ; but that no one is always and 
completely a preventive : 

That brining seed wheat is always injurious to 
the germinating power — and destructive as to all 
cracked grains. 

With much less confidence, and indeed much, 
doubt, I offer the following supposed reason for the 
apparent contradictory operations of the different 
preventive remedies for smut, viz : That the disease 
already produced, and the smut dust already in 
contact with sound grains of wheat, are certainly 
and always removed and destroyed by the usual 
washings and cleanings of the grain, or the vitality 
of existing smut is destroyed by contact of caustic 
lime. But any such remedy, however effectual 
and complete, cannot prevent the nevj originating 
of smut in the next growing crop, from the un- 
known sources or causes, whether these be in the 
peculiar condition of the soil, or the seed, or the 
atmosphere, or any thing else unknown serving in 
any other case to originate this disease where it 
had not been before. 

Softening or Disintegrating Stony or Hard Calca- 
reous Matters and Bones, by the Fermentation of 
Putrescent Manure. 

57. Dr. William S. Morton, of Cumberland, first 
made known to the public, through the first num- 
ber of the Farmers' Register, the existence of what 
he then supposed to be marl of peculiar character, 
on the farm of his then residence in Prince Edward 
county. The earth in question, though not marl 
in any of the many senses in which that term has 
been used, was indeed a bed, of very limited thick- 
ness, containing scattered nodules of stony hard- 
ness, and which contained 70 or 80 per cent, of car- 
bonate of lime. I have since seen the like forma- 
tion in various other places both in Virginia and in 
South Carolina. The lumps are manifestly the re- 
sult of the slow deposition (by evaporation) of 
rain water, which after having dissolved lime nearer 
the surface, had sunk as low as the earth permitted 
percolation, and had there deposited the dissolved 
lime. 

These lumps, though so rich in lime, ve:e tco 



326 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



few to be worth digging and collecting, and also so 
extremely hard as to he almost worthless as ma- 
nure, unless burnt, or otherwise reduced to powder. 
Accidentally, a small quantity of these collected 
nodules had been left by Dr. Morton in a pile in 
his stock yard where the winter's manure was to 
be made. After its ordinary and partial fermenta- 
tion, it was removed in the spring; and the calca- 
reous lumps had then become so reduced that if 
they had not been known, and searched for, they 
would not have been discovered or observed. 

58. This fact, very recently stated by Dr. M. 
brought to my recollection another like fact which 
I read long ago in the old Edinburgh Farmers' Ma- 
gazine — of a pile of hard shells being accidentally 
covered by a heap of fermenting manure, and being 
thereby so softened and reduced as to be suitable 
for manuring. 

59. But the same operation of strongly ferment- 
ing manure it seems may be brought to bear effect- 
ively on the important and difficult subject of bones. 
An anonymous but intelligent writer, in the New 
England Farmer, reports the following experiment 
of his neighbor Mr. Edward Willis, near Marshfield, 
Massachusetts : " Taking a quantity of bones, none 
of them perhaps larger, and most of them smaller 
than a man's two fists, he made a good layer of 
fresh horse-manure, on which he placed a layer of 
bones, then another layer of manure, then a layer 
of bones, and so on to the top, covering the heap 
over well with the manure. It lay somewhat longer 
than he intended, and was allowed to become some- 
what fire-fanged. But the bones were utterly de- 
composed, disintegrated and dissolved — so that the 
whole heap had become a homogeneous mass, and 
you could not even detect any bones in it." Now 
if this statement is true, (which I have no reason 
to doubt,) it was by the aid of the process of hot 
fermentation that the bones were so completely 
dissolved. I know that they are not sensibly af- 
fected (in my own practice of burying dead ani- 
mals in manure,) when there is no heat of fermen- 
tation. The disintegrating effect, above stated, was 
not promoted by the manure being allowed to " fire- 
fang" — but, if not completed before, would have 
been checked by "fire-fanging." This effect is 
caused by want of enough moisture; and when 
fully produced, the fermentation is stopped, as well 
as the manure being much damaged. Proper wa- 
tering of the heap would have prevented dryness 
and this damage, and would have maintained fer- 
mentation longer and more equably, and been better 
in all respects. — E. R. 

Green Corn as Forage. 

60. Mr. Edmund J. Plowden, of St. Mary's, Ma- 
ryland, in a visit to Cuba last year, found that In- 
dian corn, sown broad-cast, or planted so thickly 
as not to form ears, and the plants cut off when 
well in tassel, and later, made the chief and usu- 
ally the sole food of horses, mules, and other ani- 
mals, and of those at work, and when travelling, 
as well as when standing. This provender, green 
and newly cut, was brought to Havana, on the 
backs of pack-mules, (no wheel carriages being in 
use for transportation from or on the plantations,) 
and also was used as food generally in the country, 
so far as he travelled, and observed, or learned by 
his inquiries. He heard of horses and mules, tra- 
velling far and well on this provender alone. 

The Facts, and Causes, of Injury to Animals from 
Eating Peas. 

61. [It is a prevalent though disputed opinion in 



the Southern States, and held by many experienced 
planters, that the feeding of hogs and other live 
stock on pea-fields, is frequently and generally, 
though at uncertain times, injurious and sometimes 
fatal to the feeding stock. In particular, as to 
hogs — though the general practice of beginning 
the fattening of those for slaughter on the pea- 
fields is free from all danger,, and greatly benefi- 
cial, yet it is believed that if the store (or stock) 
hogs feed in like manner, they will generally be 
diseased, (with worms or otherwise.) in the course 
of the following year, and will be lii general bad 
condition, even if not actually dying from the con- 
sequences of the feeding on the pea-field the pre- 
vious winter. It is my purpose to collect facts or 
opinions bearing on this question, from experienced 
and judicious observers. — E. B,.] 

62. Mr. James C. Johnston, of Edenton, North 
Carolina, in former time has had cattle to die, and 
hogs to become diseased, from grazing in his pea- 
fields. There was then no care used to avoid such 
ill effects, and the grazing was continued through 
the whole winter, for the hogs to glean all the peas, 
and the cattle to eat the dry remains of pea-vines 
and the corn-shucks. The damage to cattle was 
by their being gorged with peas, and this food 
swelling in their stomachs. Latterly, cattle have 
never been turned into a pea-field when with empty 
stomachs, and eager for food — and with that pre- 
caution only, no cattle have suffered, from (in other 
respects) unlimited access to the pea-fields. 

The damage to hogs was different. They thrive 
well and fatten fast, and suffer no damage, for some 
weeks (say 4, or 5 at most,) on a pea-field. But if 
continued longer, they are apt to become diseased, 
and as believed, by having worms in the kidneys. 
He has in latter years effectually guarded against 
such and all damage, by removing the hogs, after 
4 or 5 weeks — when they are nearly fattened on 
the peas — and finishing the fattening with corn, of 
those designed for slaughter that season. He does 
not put sows having young pigs on the pea-field at 
all — having observed that when removed (for safety) 
afterwards to their usual woods range, they dwin- 
dled and got in bad condition. 

63. Mr. F. Nixon, of Perquimons, agrees with 
the views of Mr. Johnston. Pie also (in deference 
to common opinion) has feared damage to his sows 
and pigs, and tried to prevent their getting on the 
pea-fields. But sometimes they could not be kept 
out, and have fed on the pea-field until in winter, 
and, as long as there remained enough food. No 
damage to them ensued. Ascribes the injury pro- 
duced to the hogs getting fat on peas, and then 
being put on a comparatively stinted allowance of 
food. He formerly had his live-stock, when grazing 
on peas, to be sick, and die in some cases. But for 
the last 10 years, has had no such loss, or material 
injury. After a dry time, and then rain, the dry 
remains of vines are thereby made more tender 
and palatable, cows eat greedily, and are apt to 
have colic. 

64. Mr. Whitmill Hill, of Halifax county, North 
Calolina, concurs in the foregoing opinions. He 
keeps ashes in water for his hogs in the pea-field — 
and restricts their remaining to 5 or 6 weeks — but 
always gives a little corn every day, which change 
of food he deems important to their safety. Has 
lost as few as on any other feeding. He grinds 
peas and feeds the meal to milch cows in winter. 
They become fat, (and do not therefore f_.ve less, 
hut the more milk,) but when put on common scant 
food, they pined and continued to decline until all 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



357 



died. This occurred for three years. Since, he 
has continued the fattening of cows so fed (if not 
already quite fat,) and killed them for beef. 

Mr. H. is sure of the " clay" and the yellow 
" cow" pea being different kinds — though generally 
supposed to be the same — and he deems that the 
" clay" pea is safe, and (as is generally believed) 
the " cow" pea more dangerous fbr stock, than any 
other known pea. When hungry cattle eat plenti- 
fully of the cow pea, especially, and then drink, 
the peas swell, and the animals suffer with colic, 
or die. 

65. Mr. Nixon says it is a prevailing opinion that 
the peas on certain spaces of land, are much more 
likely to cause disease or death to cattle, than other 
lands -and without any cause being suspected. 
He thinks that the peas of a particular field of his 
own farm were more dangerous to cattle than of 
any other part of his land. Peas are more likely 
to be hurtful to cattle when the plants are first 
killed by frost. 

"3. Mr. Hanson, of Sumter county, Florida, 

nnks that in his country (where peas are exten- 
sively grown, and fed upon by stock,) no danger 
or damage occurs to hogs or cattle on pea- fields, 
provided the animals are never turned in when hun- 
gry. His land, hammock, lies high generally, and 
does not need draining. 

67. Mr. James Ruffin, formerly of Marengo, Ala- 
bama, planted on the highly calcareous and rich 
black land of that county. Both his hogs and cat- 
tle, grazing on peas, died to such extent, that he 
ceased such grazing entirely, and even to plant 
peas, (as he supposed they could not be safely used 
there for stock,) for ten years before he left that 
country. It was the general understanding, there, 
that the grazing of peas on the calcareous (or prai- 
rie and cane-brake) lands, was always dangerous, 
and often fatal to cattle and hogs, while on the 
sandy [and non-calcareous] soils there was no dan- 
ger or injury to stock. 

68. Mr. Thomas M. Johnston, of Greene, Alaba- 
ma, cultivates on the black cane-brake and calca- 
reous land of that region. Peas do not there pro- 
duce as well in seed as on the sandy soils. Some 
15 years ago, he first began to plant largely, and of 
a reddish pea, there called "Tory," and grazed 
after corn was removed. Late in winter, and when 
the pea provender was comparatively scanty, some 
of the cattle died, and as he supposed from feeding 
on the pea crop. The others, which did not die, 
did not seem to be in any way hurt by the like 
feeding. The hogs, also grazing, were not known 
to have received any damage. The injury to the 
cattle caused the pea-culture to be then suspended. 
Some length of time after, he heard stated what 
his informant believed to be sure means for avoid- 
ing all injury to stock, which consisted in fully 
feeding every animal before its being turned at any 
time on a pea-field. Thus encouraged, he again 
(three years ago,) planted peas largely, a black 
kind. In January the stock began again to die, 
and he lost soon after, and as supposed entirely 
from this cause, and with all the precaution advised, 
42 store hogs, and 22 head of cattle. Fearing in- 
jury, he did not let the hogs for slaughter go on 
the peas at all. None of the others died until in 
January. Since then, he has raised peas only as 
food for his negroes — and on the remains of such 
small quantities, his steck have not received any 
injury. He has abandoned pea- raising for feeding 
stock, deeming it, for him, altogether unsafe. 

69. Mr. Jas. W. Cotton, of Halifax, N. Carolina, 



cultivates light (or sandy) land. Some years ago, but 
for one year only, raised the cow-pea, which is ten- 
der, and soon rots after rain. The hogs for slaugh- 
ter had been before penned, and well fed (on corn) 
and were nearly fat, when turned upon the pea- 
field. After 10 or 12 days only, and in December, 
the hogs were declining. On examination, the peas 
in the field were found to be generally rotting, or 
already rotted. The hogs were immediately re- 
moved, and penned as before, and again fed abun- 
dantly on corn. Nevertheless, they continued to 
decline for some time longer, before recovering 
their lost flesh and health, which all did afterwards, 
to some extent, but not fully. He next planted a 
black pea, of which the grain or seeds produced 
were remarkably hard, and would not rot through- 
out all winter, or by remaining wet. The stock 
did not like these peas, and ate of them with ap- 
parently little relish — but were kept on the food 
through all winter, and until nearly all the peas 
were eaten. No loss, or sickness, of either hogs or 
'cattle occurred. Still, this black pea, though found 
safe, was very unproductive in seed, and was aban- 
doned as soon as a preferable kind was obtained. 
This was the "clay" pea — and which though in 
appearance it is much like the tender and easily 
rotting cow (or buff) pea, is a very different kind 
in other respects. The clay pea is of a paler yel- 
low (or buff) color than the cow pea. The " clay" 
was rather later than either the "cow" or the 
" Bass" pea — but has been since forwarded by his 
saving seed every year from the earliest ripened 
pods. It is a good vine-bearer, and usually the 
most productive of seed known. On a field of 200 
acres of corn and peas of this kind, after gathering 
the corn, he turned in (December) 100 hogs to be 
fattened for slaughter, and all his cattle and mules. 
No care or safeguard used, except to have enough 
water for the stock, and several accessible and good 
watering places. As usual when on peas, the fat- 
tening hogs had also a little corn every day, and 
were often salted. When fully fat, and removed 
and killed, the remaining store hogs, about 150 
were first turned upon the field, and remained un- 
til March, when the land was ploughed and sown 
in oats. At that time, the ground was still covered 
with sound peas, much more in quantity than 
enough for seeding the land. The store hogs were 
then fat — and after being then removed, no dwin- 
dling or marks of disease were found. But he al- 
ways feeds his store hogs every day with corn, (ex- 
cept when on the pea-field,) and thus maintains 
their good condition. 

Mr. Cotton had heard of both hogs and cattle 
dying, and in large proportion of the whole num- 
ber, by feeding on a field of black-eye peas— a 
white and very tender kind, which rots easily and 
quickly. 

He had heard that hogs were especially liable to 
disease (of the kidneys,) when feeding on a pea- 
field in wet weather, and were safe in dry weather. 
After an uncommonly dry feeding time, when 
slaughtering his hogs, then fat, and apparently 
healthy and in best condition, he directed the par- 
ticular negroes who gutted the carcasses to examine 
the kidneys of all. In every case, they were found 
to be inflamed, and generally wormy. Hogs, thus 
affected, if not killed, but kept through another 
year, as store hogs, he thinks would have become 
more diseased. At another time of killing, after a 
remarkably wet December, while the hogs were on 
the pea-field, none of their kidneys were found 
diseased. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



Cotton is decidedly of opinion that it is the 
lg of peas that is the most general cause of 
/r being injurious to animals feeding on them, 
he also thinks that animals are killed in some 
Jes by eating voraciously of sound peas, and then 
drinking, and the peas swelling greatly in the sto- 
mach, and so causing great pain, and often death. 
He knew of a horse, when hungry, breaking into 
a field of black-eye (white) peas, when ripe and 
dry, and quite sound. After eating as much as he 
chose, the horse went to drink, and died before he 
left the water's edge many yards. The white or 
other tender peas, the most liable to rot when ex- 
posed, also swell the most in the stomach. Neither 
green (unripe) peas of this kind, nor dry and sound 
peas of the hard kinds, (not easy to rot,) if eaten 
as ravenously, would have killed any animal. 

70. Mr. Thomas P. Devereux, of Halifax, North 
Carolina, raises peas very largely, both among corn, 
and also separately, and also, after reserving an 
abundant supply of pork, (at least 200 lbs. for every 
worker, man, woman and child, and his family 
supply,) sells a large surplus. His whole stock of 
hogs are turned on the pea-fields, and no damage 
found, or apprehended. He thinks that if hogs, 
after getting fat, on any kind of food, are stinted, 
or suffered to become poor, or are declining in con- 
dition, they will be very apt to die ; but not the 
more so because of having been fattened on peas. 
Also, if the peas are altogether of a tender kind, 
and they rot — or if sprouting in a warm spell in 
winter, and then the sprouts are killed by cold — in 
either case they are injurious to hogs who feed 
thereon. But even this danger is not incurred, if 
there are plenty of sound and unsprouted peas. 
For hogs exhibit, in a remarkable degree, discri- 
mination and preference in the selection of their 
food. If they have in the same field, for example, 
Bass and cow-peas, (the latter grain very tender 
and liable to rot, and the former the reverse — ) they 
will not touch the Bass-peas as long as the cow-peas 
are sound and in plenty. Also, they will not eat 
either of the green or of sprouted or rotten peas, 
though of a preferred kind, if they can find enough 
of other dry and sound peas. Acting on the rule 
of never letting fat hogs become poorer, he slaugh- 
ters eve'ry one, even if less than half grown, that 
is fat by Christmas. The remaining sows and pigs, 
&c, continue on the pea-field until in March, if the 
peas remain in plenty, which is always the case after 
a good bearing year. Wherever there are many 
hogs kept, of course it may be expected that some 
will be diseased, and some will die. But Mr. D. 
thinks that his losses by death have not been greater 
from the hogs being fed on peas to such great ex- 
tent as in his usual practice. He has not put other 
kinds of stock on peas. 

71. Mr. Ellerbe, of Darlington District, S. 

Carolina, says that in that part of the country it is 
the general opinion, and scarcely questioned by any, 
that it is dangerous for store hogs (those not de- 
signed to be killed as soon as fat,) to be fed on the 
pea-field — as they will be liable to become diseased, 
and many will die, during the following year. Si- 
milar results are found in the year succeeding an 
autumn when acorns, &c, have been very plentiful, 
and the hogs have become fat in their woods range, 
though not turned on peas. [This fact, or opinion, 
was also stated by others.] The cow-pea is the 
kind almost universally raised in Darlington — which 
is easy to rot in wet weather. The hogs designed 
for slaughter only are put on the field, after the 



used as to the hogs eating the peas, while remain- 
ing thereon, except that they are supplied with 
plenty of ashes, in which some salt is intermixed, 
and which they eat freely. When nearly fat enough, 
the hogs are fed on corn, to "harden the fat" until 
ready for slaughter. 

[However much difference of opinion and of 
conclusions may appear in the several views ex- 
pressed in the foregoing minutes, as to the injurious 
effects of stock feeding on pea-fields, it seems to 
me that there is enough of general agreement on 
main points to reconcile these differences, and to 
enable us to avoid the evils which many persons 
have suffered under so heavily. The inferences 
which may be safely drawn from all the foregoing 
testimony, seem to me to be as follows : 

1st. That rotten peas and pea-vines are always 
dangerous as food, and frequently and quickly fatal 
to the animals eating them in quantity. 

2d. That sound peas, alone, are not hurtful imme- 
diately m any case — unless swallowed in large quan- 
tity by very hungry animals, and then by swelling 
in the stomach. 

3d. That the seemingly contradictory facts expe- 
rienced, and also the opinions that certain kinds of 
peas — and also any kinds grown on certain locali- 
ties — are highly dangerous — while other kinds of 
peas, and the growths of other places, are safe, or 
much less dangerous — are to be explained and re- 
conciled by the facts that certain kinds of peas are 
much more liable to rot or sprout in wet weather — 
and also that ail growths of calcareous, close, and 
rich or wet soils, are more liable to rot than those 
of non-calcareous, sandy and dry soils. 

4th. That though sound peas, when not voraciously 
eaten, are not speedily injurious, the greater weight 
of testimony makes the exclusive and fall feeding 
on peas to be injurious to hogs and cattle at later 
times. Even this danger of future disease would 
seem avoidable by using other food besides peas, 
or by not permitting the animals to be more stinted 
in food afterwards, and to become poorer. — E. 11.] 
Peas and Sweet Potatoes for Fattening Hogs. 

72. Mr. Nathan Winslow, of Perquimons county, 
fattens his hogs for slaughter and sale, as well as 
for his own consumption, almost entirely on peas 
and sweet potatoes. From the 1st to 15th of Sep- 
tember, the hogs are turned on a pea-lield. At the 
same time, a small portion of the sweet potato 
ground is fenced off The wood-land is close at 
hand, and the hogs are turned therein every day. 
This is done, because he deems it better for the 
health of the hogs. Every night, alternately the 
hogs are turned into the pea-field and the potatoes — 
new portions of the latter being brought in as the 
first enclosed are exhausted. Thus kept, on peas 
and potatoes alone (for he supposes they get very 
little from the woods,) the hogs become very fat. 
For change of food, and late in the fattening, swill 
is added to the food, made of turnips, boiled with 
a littje corn-meal and seasoned with salt. Mr. 
Winslow is confident that all the corn consumed 



^orn has been gathered. No care or restriction I during the whole time of fattening, does not exceed 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTS' 



3<>9 



the average of a peck for each hog. Therefore the 
fattening is due in very slight degree to corn, and 
almost entirely to the peas and potatoes. Peas 
alone will fatten very considerably, hut not enough 
to make good pork. But with potatoes, the hogs 
are not only made very fat, hut their fat is even more 
firm and white than of hogs fattened on corn. After 
cold weather requires that potatoes should he dug, 
they are hoiled before being fed to the hogs. Mr. 
Winsiow is a very large and successful raiser of 
hogs, and seller of pork. I learn from others that 
his pork, fattened as above stated, is deemed the 
best in the markets. 

Pea- Culture for Manuring. 

73. Twelve to fifteen years ago, Judge Thomas 
Ruffin, of Allamance, North Carolina, gave up an 
enclosed lot of 14 acres, of very poor and exhausted 
land to the following culture: The land was ploughed 
every spring, usually in May, and peas planted in 
3 feet rows and about 15 to 18 inches apart — 12 to 
15 seed dropped at each place. Two slight plough- 
ings were subsequently given, soon after the last of 
which the vines crossed and covered the intervals, 
so that no further tillage was needed, or practicable. 
One slight hand-hoeing was given early, to chop 
out the strong weeds between the stations. The 
whole tillage very slight and cheap. When from 
half to two-thirds of the pods were ripe (or dry.) 
the hogs designed for slaughter that season only 
were put into the lot, (usually 80 to 100) and re- 
mained until they had eaten all the peas. They 
eat but little of either the vines and leaves, or of the 
pea-hulls. Sometimes a little grazing of beef cat- 
tle only occurred in addition to the hogs. All re- 
mained in the lot during the whole time of their 
grazing on it, night and day, and no other food 
given — except sometimes a cart load of pumpkins 
or turnips were given, once or twice a week, and 
this of course not until late, or after frost. For 5 
successive years, and about the middle of the whole 
term, the continued pea culture was varied by 3 
crops of oats being sown, in years alternating with 
others of pea-culture, making a crop of peas and 
of oats in alternate years. The oats, when in milk, 
had the hogs turned on, and as much of the crop 
eaten as the hogs would consume — and also of the 
second growth of young plants, from the wasted 
seeds germinating. This substitution of oats was 
deemed less valuable than the peas, and so was 
abandoned, and the general course resumed. No 
other manure, or aid, has been given to the land in 
this whole time. No products have been (or could 
have been) measured. But Judge R. is sure that 
the land could not have produced more than 5 
bushels of corn to the acre when his course was 
begun, and that it would now bring three times as 
much, or 15 bushels. This is still a poor rate of 
product — and much less of improvement than usu- 
ally obtained from pea-manuring. But in this case, 
all the product of seed or grain of every year's 
growth, has been consumed, (except the few pump- 
kins or turnips,) and no return, other than the ex- 
crements of the fattening animals. The hilly sur- 
face of the land permitting washing, with all the 
care to prevent, has also retarded the progress of 
improvement. 

Repealed Applications of Guano Losing Effect. — 
Rapid Disappearance of Animal Manure. 

74. Mr. Edmund J. Plowden, of St. Mary's 
county, Md., cultivates, near the mouth of the 
W icomico river, emptying in the Potomac, oppo- 



site AVestmoreland, Va. The land in question had 
been limed in 1840, with 150 bushels of slacked 
lime to the acre ; the lime burnt of shells of the 
" Indian banks," which, from admixtures of bones, 
&c., contains about two per cent, of phosphate of 
lime, the land red, not originally fertile, bore pine 
partly at first, and had been under a second growth 
of pine previous to the second clearing. Follow- 
ing a crop of corn, in 1844, the same autumn Peru- 
vian guano had been ploughed under for wheat, 
200 pounds to the acre. The crop good, and the 
benefit from guano satisfactory. It being neces- 
sary to make a change of the fields, or. of the 
cropping, the same land (in wheat stubble) was 
again ploughed for and sown in wheat, with 200 
pounds of Patagonian guano ploughed under. The 
effects good, and the crop of wheat satisfactory. 
The land had been sown in clover, and produced a 
very good growth, and remained under that erop 
the succeeding year, (as usual,) was grazed, but 
partially, after May 10th, and ploughed under in 
August for wheat, for which (wheat or clover fal- 
low,) there was ploughed under a third application 
of 150 pounds of Peruvian guano. Fair or mode- 
rate product of wheat, not so good as before, and 
the clover succeeding inferior, though a good clo- 
ver season. After one year of clover, corn, a tole- 
rable crop. No wheat followed the corn that 
autumn ; but next year the land was ploughed for 
wheat, (a usual practice, and good for destroying 
blue-grass, and called " corn-stubble fallow,") and. 
150 pounds of guano applied. The crop of wheat 
(1852) was very inferior to every one of the former 
crops, and inferior, as he thinks, to what would 
have been the crop if no guano had ever been 
used. The clover following was a very scanty 
sprinkling of plants, and these of very poor growth. 
The weeds which have possession of the ground 
are such as belong to poor land. All the guano 
used in this series of years, (700 pounds in all to 
the acre,) was bought of the importers, and each 
lot believed to be good of its kind. 

With the above first two, or, perhaps, three ap- 
plications of guano, there was intermixed and 
sown half a bushel of gypsum to the acre ; but not 
approving the addition, the gypsuni was afterwards 
omitted. 

75. Mr. Plowden further states that his county- 
man, Dr. Robert Neale, (an intelligent, observant 
and scientific farmer,) used on a piece of land — for 
corn — 250 pounds of guano, ploughed under broad- 
cast, and 200 pounds more in the drills, on same 
space, (450 pounds in all.) The corn stood very 
thick — the season was plenty wet — and the product 
very heavy. Mr. P. saw the crop standing, and it 
was supposed to be equal to 90 or 100 bushels to 
the acre. Next year the same land was prepared 
for tobacco, with another application of 250 to 300 
lbs. of guano, ploughed under broad-cast. From 
the time the tobacco plants were set out, they con- 
tinued stunted, and scarcely grew at all, and pro- 
duced scarcely any crop. On a part of the same, 
manured from the farm yard, (on the guano for 
the previous corn crop only,) there was made a 
very fine crop of tobacco. This land of Dr. Neale 
is part of a section of country on which guano has 
been found to be peculiarly efficacious. 

76. Another case of remarkable and rapid dis- 
appearance of the most abundant and rich animal 
manure had occurred in Mr. Plowden's personal 
experience. Formerly, when he was a very young 
and inexperienced farmer, and also owning a large 
herring fishery, he applied an immense quantity of 



330 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



fish offal to a quarter of an acre <$£ neighboring 
poor land, with the intention of making it a rich 
lot of timothy grass. 20,000 spoilt herrings were 
applied, and much of other fish offal, so as to 
cover the surface entirely. It was ploughed un- 
der, and the land tilled in corn, The crop was 
from 70 to 80 bushels to the acre. The land was 
next sown in timothy — but the product was so re- 
markably poor, that it was ploughed up the next 
year and corn again planted. The product of corn 
was not less remarkably small, as if no manure 
had recently or ever been applied. 

77. Mr. F. Nixon of Perquimons, N. C, also for- 
merly oVning one of the large fisheries on Albe- 
marle Sound, had, for ten years successively, ma- 
nured land (before' poor and rather sandy,) and to 
considerable extent with the* garbage of the mil- 
lions of herrings caught and " trimmed" for salt- 
ing. There was so much of this richest of ma- 
nures, that the proprietors -could not use it all in 
proper or economical manner, and, therefore, it 
was applied in very great quantities. A deep fur- 
row was run by the plough, along side of each row 
of the young corn, and the heads and other trim- 
mings of five herrings were dropped opposite each 
corn hill, and covered deeply. The growth of 
corn was from 35 to 40 bushels to the acre. The 
like manuring was given every spring, and a corn 
crop grown. Peas, as usual, were planted and 
grown among the corn — but these were consumed, 
by grazing animals, after the gathering of the corn. 
After ten years of rich animal manuring and crop- 
ping, the manuring was suspended and the same 
cropping continued. The before increased pro- 
duct ceased with the manuring, and the land re- 
turned immediately to its former very small amount 
of production. 

Per Cont?a. — Good Effects of Repeated 'Dressings 
of Guano, 

78. Mr. W. M. Ambler of Louisa county, on his 
farm on South Anna River, in 1849, applied 240 
lbs. of guano per acre to 8 acres of very poor and 
greatly washed and galled land. It was sown in 
wheat, and brought about 10 bushels to the acre, 
the exact measured product being a small portion 
over or under that quantity. This was deemed a 
good and profitable effect, as the land would have 
scarcely brought wheat at all, without the guano. 
Clover seed had been sown, and a moderate crop 
grew— as much as could be expected on other land 
yielding 10 bushels of wheat. Next year the land* 
was in corn, after 100 to 120 lbs. of guano added, 
and brought a crop satisfactory from the manure 
used, but the product not measured separately. 
(A light cover of wheat straw had been ploughed 
under, preceding the corn.) The ground sown the 
same autumn (after the corn) in wheat, on 300 lbs. 
more of guano. The product was supposed, by 
estimate, to be 17 bushels to the acre. 650 lbs. of 
guano, in all, applied, from 1849 to 1852. The 
clover was grazed, and seemed a moderate crop. 

In all other cases of repeated or excessive appli- 
cations, in Mr. Ambler's experience, and observa- 
tion in his neighborhood, there has been no dimi- 
nution of effect in the last, compared to the early 
applications. The locality is about thirty miles 
above the eastern visible granite. Lime has been 
repeatedly tried on his farm, and in various ways, 
and has produced no effects. 

Destruction of Sassafras Bushes. 

\ Judge Thos. Ruffin of Allemance, N. C., has 



found that close and continued, browsing by sheep 
and cattle on the young and tender leaves and 
shoots of sassafras bushes, for two years, will kill 
them, root and branch — at least on his land and in 
his neighborhood. (Red soil, stiff, but pervious to 
water, of good original fertility, with undulating 
or hilly surface.) If the bushes are too tall for 
their tops to be reached by the stock, they should 
be partly cut and broken down, but not cut off" or 
grubbed up. If the ground set with sassafras is 
turned out of culture, and left unenclosed, and ex- 
posed to the ranging cattle of all the neighbor- 
hood, the bushes will die in two years ; and as 
soon if in enclosed pasture land, if in like manner 
the young leaves and shoots are continually re- 
moved by grazing stock. All grazing stock, ex- 
cept hogs, are very fond of browsing on sassafras. 

80. Since entering the foregoing minute, I have 
been assured of the like destructive results of 
close grazing of sassafras bushes, by Messrs. 
Robert Bridgers of Edgecombe, and Nathan Win- 
slow of Perquimons. The latter was confident that 
on the close of the third year of grazing, there 
would not be a sassafras bush or its roots left 
alive. 

81. Mr. W. Mazyck Porcher of Charleston Dis- 
trict, S. C, remembers parts of his farm (near the 
Santee,) which, after having been previously long 
under cotton culture every year in succession, 
(which necessarily involved the repeated cutting 
off of every shoot of sassafras, as of every otheY 
weed,) were " turned out," and exposed imme- 
diately thereafter to the close grazing of cattle 
and of sheep also, for full ten years. Then the 
ground was again put under cotton-culture ; and 
the sassafras sprouts came up and stood as thickly 
over the ground as ever. The grazing, though 
seeming in some measure to keep down the growth 
had not killed it, even above ground, nor lessened 
the vitality of the roots. 

[Remarks by E. R. — In my own practice, and 
from observations continued for 40 years, I have 
had full evidence that the growth of sassafras bushes 
can neither be destroyed, nor permanently dimi- 
nished, by deep grubbing and all the weeding and 
tillage processes required in any ordinary rota- 
tion. The cessation of grubbing and chopping for 
even two months of the growing season, serves to 
give to every root and shoot a renewal of the tenu 
of life ; and the cessation for a whole year con- 
verts the ground infested with this growth to a 
thicket of large shrubs. The number of shoots 
increase under the best tillage and grubbing. The 
cause is in the peculiar manner of growth. The 
main roots of sassafras run horizontally in great 
numbers, and to great distances, forming a net- 
work at the depth of ten inches or more under the 
surface of the ground. From these horizontal 
roots spring up numerous perpendicular shoots 
above ground. Any grubbing that does not reach 
the deep horizontal root, though of the smallest 
bush, merely cuts through what appears to be its 
tap root, but which, supplied from the large hori- 
zontal root below, rapidly throws out new shoots. 
It would require very deep and unusual grubbing 
to cut the horizontal root ; and if doing so, at great 
labor, new shoots immediately pait out from both 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



331 



of the severed ends. No other ordinary tillage 
process- can reach these roots. Of course, the de- 
struction of sassafras hushes, hy grubbing, is im- 
possible. But the laws of vegetation would teach, 
what has been observed in practice, as above 
stated, that the continued removal of the leaves in 
their very early growth, must finally kill the entire 
plant, root and branch. 

My own farm furnishes a case approaching in 
success, as to time, to the above, and as complete , 
in effect — and another case of apparent failure. 
The first is of land surrounding the mansion, for- 
merly cultivated regularly, and a part of it then 
thickly set with small sassafras bushes. About 
five years ago, the land was made a standing pas- 
ture, and has since been constantly grazed, gener- 
ally by sheep, and always by a few cattle. The 
grazing has not been close. The sassafras bushes 
were first cut off by a scythe, and since have been 
chopped off, at the ground once, or perhaps twice. 
On examining the ground since receiving the above 
information, (Sept. 25th,) not a trace of a sassafras 
is to be found — nor even a dead stem remaining. 

Another adjoining field, kept as long as pasture, 
has numerous small sassafras bushels still living. 
But this has not been continuously grazed except 
by hogs — very rarely, and for short times by 
sheep — and sometimes in every summer there 
were neither cattle, sheep, nor horses, for one or 
two months together.] 

83. We all know that the young shoots and leaves 
of sassafras bushes are eaten with relish by most 
grazing stock — horses, mules, cattle and sheep. 
The young shoots and leaves (if not the older) krv 
also very mucilaginous, as all know who have 
chewed them for their pleasant flavor. But I 
have not until lately heard of their being used 
as forage. Mr. Francis Nixon of Perquimons, 
stated that he had known calves, when penned, to 
be separated from the cows, but not to be entirely 
deprived of milk, to be fed on the branches or tops 
of sassafras bushes — of which the calves ate fe»ar- 
tily, and kept in very good order on this food only, 
with a little milk which they were still permitted 
to suck after the milking of the cows. 

Suckering Corn. — Labor and Benefit. 

84. It is almost universally the custom to pull 
off the suckers which shoot out from the roots <>f 
young corn. But it is done so imperfectly, and so 
many of the later suckers are left to grow, that I 
have long doubted whether the operation, as per- 
formed, did any good. The earliest suckers will 
make good ears, if the land can yield as much. 
These are usually all pulled off, and by neglect, 
the latter suckers only are left, which bring eifcfeer 
deformed and imperfect ears, or more generally, 
none. Under these impressions, I have for many/ 
years omitted all suckering of corn, until making 
the following trial of the labor of perfect and ef- 
fectual suckering, (which is never done in large 
practice,) and the benefit of such suckering. 

Experiment. — On June 5th, 1851, five adjacent 
corn rows, 384 yards long, were suckered (for the 
first time) by only one careful and trusty laborer, 
who was thus employed 1 hour and 32 minutes. 



The corn stood two stalks together at every 3 feet 
in the row, and the rows 5£ feet apart. On June 
14th, these rows again needed and had suckering. 
The time required not observed ; but probably it 
was not less than the first. On July 2nd, again 
suckered the same. It then engaged the labor of 
two hands for 40 minutes, equal to 80 minutes 
for one laborer. The suckers pulled off at this 
third operation, I counted myself, after they were 
pulled off, and laid in rows for my inspection. 
They amounted to 936, varying from 10 to 40 inches 
in length, and generally from 18 to 24 inches. No 
doubt some of the larger had been omitted, be- 
cause small and not observed at the second pulling. 
All this and the adjoining ground w r as sown in 
peas on June 5th, and produced a heavy cover. 
Other experiments and measurements of corn made 
close by, showed that this growth of peas damaged 
the growth of the corn. Possibly it may have in- 
creased the evil of suckers remaining. 

Result.— October 15th.— Gathered, shucked, and 
measured the corn on these five rows, (suckered,) 
and also of five other rows on each side, of like 
corn and land, but from which no suckers had been 
pulled off. The products as follows : 
Five rows, suckered, 384 yards long, made of 

baskets of ears, (1 J bushels each) 31 £ 

Ten rows, (not suckered,) same length, 55 £ 

-r-2=average 25f 

Difference .• 3f 

Or rather more than 13 per cent, increase caused 
by this perfect and timely suckering. The corn 
suffered severely by drought, which probably made 
suckers, thick planting of corn, and also the cover 
of peas, sown thus early — all more injurious to the 
product of corn. 

But even if as great increase were always to be 
gained from suckering corn, it is clear that it is 
nevsr done, and cannot be done thus laboriously, 
and effectually through the crop. Since that trial, 
I have tried to have all the first suckers left ; but 
to pull off all the latter growth, and not to leave 
but one (the oldest,) on any one stalk. 

[My corn is an early kind — the Maryland " twin," 
or " prolific" corn. — E. R.] 

Want of Action^ or of Profitable Results of Guano. 

85. [Guano as manure has been so generally found 
beneficial, and also, in most cases, profitable, that 
success seems to be the general rule, and failures 
are but exceptions to the rule. This I readily ad- 
mit, at least as to immediate or early effects — 
though remaining more in doubt as to results of 
much later times. Heretofore, in all the nume- 
rous publications on guano, we have seen little else 
of facts stated than cases of successful and profita- 
ble applications of this manure. Of such exem- 
plifications of the working of the general rule, so 
many have been published, and so many have 
been observed or otherwise known by almost 
every intelligent farmer, that it would be use- 
less for me to swell these minutes by adding 
more of such facts of successful use. But, though 
not so published, or generally known, there are 
also many Well authenticated facts of failures — 
and within the accurate practice and observation of 
good farmers. It is important that such failures, 
or the absence of profitable results, or of but par- 
tial success, and whether in first applications or 
after several repetitions, shall be made as w r ell 
known, In offering the following minutes of some 



332 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



such cases, it is by no means my object to oppose 
the judicious and cautious use of guano. — E. 11.] 

86. Dr. Win. F. Gaines of Hanover, has used 
guano for five or six years, and in all about 25 or 
30 tons, on his farm, Powhite, bordering on Chicka- 
hominy. The soil light. The average product in 
corn (without and before guano,) 15 to 25 bushels 
to the acre, and from 6 to 8 of wheat, after corn. 
In some cases, good effects were obtained. But in 
the greater number of cases, so slight have been 
the benefits derived, that he is sure that, on the 
whole business, he has not been more than repaid 
for the outlay. No abiding improvement of the 
land has been seen, even where best early effect 
was noted. The guanoed land has not been 
thereby made capable of securing better stands of 
clover. 

87. Mr. Francis K. Nelson of New Kent, on the 
White House farm, has used guano to the extent of 
70 tons, in several different years. He estimated 
the returns as being about enough fully to reim- 
burse the costs — but yielding no clear profit to en- 
courage the continuation of the use. He has used 
this manure on soils of various qualities, including 
some very poor lands, as well as much of good. In 
the autumn, 1852, among the last of his trials, he 
used 3 tons for wheat on very poor land — some 
ploughed under, some harrowed in with the seed, 
and some as top-dressing. He is confident that 
the benefits did not more than repay the expense, 
if so much. 

88. Mr. John Taylor of Caroline, applied 10 tons 
of guano to his wheat, on Hazlewood farm, on the 
Rappahannock, in 1852. Soil, generally sandy, 
hazel loam, originally fertile, and now in good con- 
dition, [the farm and the subject of " Arator."] 
But there were smaller portions of different kinds 
of soil included, some very stiff. The guano was 
applied about 110 lbs. to the acre, with an equal 
quantity of gypsum previously mixed. A small 
space had double this quantity for comparison. 
Some of the dressing was ploughed under, and 
part harrowed in, at the time of seeding wheat. 
No benefit worth consideration was produced on 
any part of the field, or by any mode of application. 

89. In 1853, he again sowed, for Avheat, 4 tons of 
guano, without gypsum, and, as before, with very 
little effect, and certainly without anything like an 
approach to reimbursement of the costs. 

90. He has heard generally, and in many cases 
particularly, of the applications of guano made 
last autumn, (1853) on almost every farm along the 
southern side of the Rappahannock, for about 40 
miles in Caroline and Essex counties; [soil mostly 
sandy and rich] — and he does not believe that in 
any one case has the expenses been paid by the in- 
crease made in the crop of wheat. He has heard 
of much better results this year on sundry farms 
on the northern side of the river, in King George 
and Westmoreland counties. 

[To be continued.] 



To Save One's Bacon. — May I venture to sug- 
gest that this phrase has reference to the custom at 
Dunmow, in Essex, of giving a flitch of bacon to 
any married couple residing in the parish-, who live 
in harmony for a year and a day. A man and his 
wife who stopped short when on the verge of a 
quarrel mighi be said to have "just saved their 
bacon;" and in course of time the phrase would 
be applied to any one who barely escaped any loss 
or danger. — Notes and Queries, 



For the Southern Planter. 
ESSAY ON THE CULTURE OF TOBACCO. 

Mr. Editor, — In compliance with your request, 
I will attempt an essay on the culture of tobacco, 
though I confess in justice to myself I should have 
left the task for abler hands than mine. I scarcely 
know where to begin or where to stop, as too much 
detail will necessarily cause the repetition of mat- 
ter familiar to many, while to a beginner the minu- 
tia is quite essential. At the risk therefore of 
being tedious, I shall begin with raising plants, 
and treat briefly of the other operations until the 
crop is ready for market, requesting you to curtail 
such portions as you may think proper. 

Every tobacco planter knows that his success is 
greatly dependent upon his having an abundance 
of plants, of good size, and in good time. Like 
all other valuable objects, the attainment of them 
requires perseverance and trouble. It is first ne- 
cessary to select suitable locations for plant beds, 
and it is better to have several small beds than one 
or two large ones, since if any disaster should hap- 
pen the chance of success with several in different 
localities will be much better. For a crop of 
100,000 hills four beds of about 300 square yards 
each I should recommend. As to soil, the texture 
differs so widely in different sections of the coun- 
try, it is best to leave it to the planter's judgment, 
simply stating that a rich, moist, virgin soil in the 
woods with a southern exposure, and in a clay soil 
a little admixture of sand, is such as Ave generally 
find preferred. As early in the winter as possible, 
a sufficient quantity of wood should be cut at the 
places intended to be burned, the bed cleaned off 
by cutting off trees, shrubs, and raking off leaves, 
&c. I should prefer always to burn most or all 
before Christmas if possible, as the land is gener- 
ally in much better condition than after the winter 
rains, and it requires much less wood. Having the 
wood cut, skids are laid across the centre of the 
proposed bed, and wood laid across them covering 
some four or five feet. After burning about an 
hour, the hands with wooden hooks draw the fire 
from the centre towards each end on the skids, 
wood is put on, and so continue to draw the fire, 
and add wood until the bed is completed. I prefer 
beginning in the centre if the wood is at hand, 
lacing more expeditious, but otherwise commence 
at either end and burn as above. The fires should 
be good ones and kept burning a sufficient time to 
insure the burning of the land thoroughly. An 
hour (when the land is in good condition) from the 
time the fire has been well started, will be long 
enough for each pile of wood before it is moved. 
When sufficiently cool it is cleaned off and well 
coultered, the roots, &c, taken off, then a heavy 
dressing of fine stable manure (prepared during 
the summer for the purpose) chopped in with the 
hoes, the whole well raked, sowed and trod. I 
think it highly important to manure the plant bed 
at this time, as the plants derive an early support 
from it which they never lose, and 1 would recom- 
mend the preparation of enough manure for that 
purpose during the summer. About two table- 
spoonfuls of seed for every 100 square yards will 
be sufficient and not too much. The seed are 
mixed with old ashes, and to sow them regularly it 
is best to sow one-half over the bed, and the other 
half across the first sowing. It is then trodden 
and thickly covered with brush. About the first 
of March the beds should be sowed over, lc;-t some 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



333 



accident should destroy the first sowing. Some 
persons have standing beds in locations particu- 
larly favorable, but from my experience I cannot 
recommend them. Should it be necessary, how- 
ever, after tbe first year, the bed should be scraped 
over with the hoes and covered several inches deep 
with wheat straw or leaves (as soon as the plants 
are drawn from it) lightly burnt in the winter and 
similarly managed with those above spoken of. 
As to the use of guano, it may answer well, but 
stable manure succeeds well, and I think well 
enough should answer. As soon as the danger of 
frost is over the beds are uncovered, and from this 
time until time for planting, they should be closely 
attended to, for I know by close and persevering 
attention I have had most unpromising beds 
turn out well. If there should be any grass or 
weeds they should be gotten rid of, and from time 
to time repeatedly they should be well manured 
with stable manure and old ashes mixed, the for- 
mer prepared as for plant beds, and occasionally a 
dressing of plaster if the weather is dry will be all 
I can recommend. As to the fly, our worst enemy, 
I have no remedy to offer against them, save the 
preparation of our beds in such manner by manu- 
ring, and the subsequent attention, as to force the 
growth of the plants so rapidly that the fly can 
only destroy a part at most. Should a failure, 
after due care and attention, seem certain, recourse 
should be had to the hot-bed system recommended 
some time since in the Planter. 

I come now to the second part of my subject, 
viz: the preparation of land, planting and cultiva- 
tion. Fresh land seems peculiarly adapted to the 
tobacco crop, but there is now so little to clear in 
Virginia I shall only speak of old land, taking it 
for granted that the newly cleared land will be 
well coultered and put in as good order as possible. 
The tobacco crop requires a rich soil, needs but 
little rain, and is a precarious crop in low, wet, 
situations. In this portion of the state it requires 
all the manure that is raised on the plantation. 
The land intended for tobacco, whether an old lot, 
or one to be made, should be broken up with a 
two-horse plough early in the winter. In addition 
to the freezes, and better pulverization, I think a 
number of insects are thereby destroyed. As to 
the raising and management of manure, it is not 
necessary to speak, as that is a subject of itself, 
ably treated of by many of your correspondents. 
I must remark, however, that I think the man ire 
is generally applied too late. It is generally coarse, 
prepared with but little care, and not under cover. 
Hence, a valuable portion is lost, and the remainder 
is far from being in a suitable condition for the 
nourishment of young plants. If composted some 
weeks before use, or ploughed early in the land, 
(virtually composting it in the soil,) it will then be 
ready to give the plant, when it most needs it, an 
early and vigorous start. When applied late, it re- 
quires time for it to be in a condition to be appro- 
priated, and the young plant suffers at the most 
critical time, and seldom recovers. Should there 
be a deficiency of manure, guano should be ap- 
plied in ample quantity to supply what is wanting : 
Indeed, from the quality of manure generally 
made, the addition of a little guano maybe profita- 
bly made. I have seen most marked effect from a 
small quantity applied on land after the farm-yard 
manure had been ploughed in, and do not hesitate 
to recommend its use in that manner. I have no 
doubt it gives the tobacco a good start, and keeps 
it in a growing state until the farm-yard manure 



is ready to be taken up. As to the artificial 
grasses, I believe herdsgrass is the best preparation, 
and clover with us has not succeeded, being hard 
to get a stand often, and it seems to generate 
the cut-worm. From the analysis of the pea, it 
containing a large amount of potash, I am disposed 
to think our lots might be kept up with a good 
fallow of them and a little guano. I am now try- 
ing the experiment. I shall have two lots, and 
plant one in tobacco and sow one in wheat; after 
cutting the wheat sow in peas and fallow for to- 
bacco, and follow the tobacco with wheat, thus 
raising a remunerating crop from each lot every 
year. Having digressed a little too far, I return 
again to the preparation of the land. Having 
ploughed the land, it is well to harrow once or 
twice during the winter. The latter part of Feb- 
ruary, plough in the farm-yard manure with single 
mould-board ploughs. In April, when the land is 
in good order, that is, moist enough for a season in 
the hill, if guano is used, sow it on the land and 
with the same single ploughs, bed the land, laying 
off the bed three feet three inches. If the land 
will admit of it, I should lay it off both ways by 
simply crossing the beds with a trowel hoe the 
same distance of the beds. The land is now hilled, 
and care should be taken to have large, full hills, 
applying all the loam to the hill. The first season 
after the 10th of May commence planting, though 
it will be good time any season in May, or up to 
10th of June, while I should never, if I had plants, 
wait for the old fogie's notion and not plant until 
25th of May or 1st of June. Having a season, or 
if the plants are large enough and a season in the 
hill when made, the plants should be drawn by the 
most trusty hands, while the others cut off the hills 
and clap them in the centre with the hoes, the plants 
being drawn, are dropped by a few hands, while oth- 
ers follow with pegs and plant them. It is very 
important to guard against a common error, plant- 
ing too deep ; only bury the roots of the plant, 
and press the dirt closely to them, but do not bury 
the bud. Should the seasons be difficult for plant- 
ing, or, as is the case sometimes, should it be ne- 
cessary, to water and plant, I know no method as 
likely to insure every plant, as covering with a 
handful of wheat chaff. It will be necessary to 
replant every season until late, to secure a good 
stand. The cut-worm is the first enemy we have 
to contend with. The best plan is to go over a 
portion of the crop early every morning and kill 
them while above ground. The cultivation of the 
crop will in some measure depend upon the seasons, 
and the judgment of the planter must decide the 
necessary changes from any established method. 
As soon as convenient, say in a week or ten days 
after planting, the hills should be scraped down. 
A crust is generally formed around the plant, ex- 
cluding the air from the roots of the plant which 
this slight Avorking removes, and any young grass 
is also destroyed. The next working should be 
more thorough, and should be given as soon as the 
plant has started to grow, with the single-horse 
Dagon run as close as possible to the plant, throw- 
ing off one-third of the hill, lapping the dirt be- 
tween the rows, then throw back to the plant with 
the same, and follow with the hoes, giving a good 
hill. I think it highly important to have the hills 
large, and all the loose dirt drawn up on the hill. 
Large hills, with clean furrows between the rows of 
tobacco, will allow all superfluous water to sink or 
run off, so as not to injure the tobacco. From ten to 
fifteen days after this working, it will be necessary 



334 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



to give just such another working, hilling up the 
tohacco still higher. Should the land be laid off' 
both ways, let this working be across the first. 
As soon as the plants are high enough, one or two 
hands should begin to prime and top them by taking 
off a few of the lower leaves, and taking out the 
buds. There is great difference of opinion as to 
the proper height of topping. From eight to 
twenty leaves are recommended — the latter for 
manufacturing. If the tobacco is pretty forward 
and the land rich, at first prime off just enough 
leaves to hill up the tobacco well, and top to from 
twelve to fourteen leaves ; continue to top to twelve 
leaves until 1st of August, then top to ten until, 
say, middle of August, and from that time until 
1st of September top to eight, then six. By thus 
priming and topping, I believe more tobacco is 
made, and of as good qualitj^ as if topped altogether 
at eight leaves, inasmuch as the lower leaves soon 
get their growth, and take no more support from 
the soil, and serve to protect the balance from dirt 
and the roots from the effects of the sun. The 
above workings, will generally be enough with 
the plough, though grass should never be per- 
mitted to grow among the tobacco, and as it 
will be necessary to scrape up once or twice more 
with the hoes, if grassy or hard, it will facilitate 
the hoe work very much by simply running a 
trowel hoe once in the middle of the row. By 
thorough working, keeping all loose dirt scraped 
up in the hill and topping as above, I think we do 
all to prevent the crop from one of its worst dis- 
asters — spotting or firing. About the same time 
that topping is begun, another enemy, viz : the 
horn worm, makes its appearance, and it will be 
necessary to kill them by going over the crop as 
often as possible, and diligent watching. By being 
very careful, not only can a number of worms (be- 
fore they have done any mischief) be destroyed, 
but the eggs also. In addition to killing them on 
the plants, I think it well to have as many flies as 
possible destroyed, which can be easily done by 
watching about the Jamestown weeds about sunset, 
and catching them. If this plan was generally pur- 
sued, I have no doubt it would greatly diminish 
the number of worms. Shortly after topping, suck- 
ers come out, and it will be necessary (to use plan- 
ter's language) to worm and sucker the crops all 
together. The crop should be gone over at least 
once every week. But two crops of suckers ap- 
pear, but the crop is generally so irregular, the 
process of suckering and worming continues until 
the crop is cut. Next comes cutting and housing. 
The houses should be large and tight. At least 
twenty-four feet square. The better plan is to 
have them tight, with windows to admit air when 
requisite. I prefer them tight, as it requires less 
wood to cure the tobacco, and it will not come in 
order when cured after every rain. While almost 
every planter will admit the importance of per- 
mitting tobacco to become thoroughly ripe before 
it is cut, but few have the patience to wait for it. 
Overseers and hands are eager to get rid of it when 
cutting commences, and not unfrequently the em- 
ployers join in the onslaught. Unless it spots (in 
which case no time should be lost, but cut forth- 
with) it should be allowed to get fully ripe. When 
ripe,, it has a rich, glossy look, (and some varieties 
ripen piebald,) the edges and ends of the leaves 
curl under, and the leaf when doubled upon itself 
and pressed between the fingers, crack very freely. 
Having determined to cut, it is well to order the 
cutters to loave every plant about which there is 



any doubt. The plant is split with a knife to within 
a few inches of the ground, cut off below the last 
leaf and placed bottom upwards between the hills. 
As soon as it can be handled without breaking, it 
is placed in small parcels, say enough to hang from 
six to eight sticks and hung on the sticks, from 
eight to twelve plants, according to size, on each, 
and then laid upon the ground like shingles on a 
house. A large quantity may be put together in 
this way without injury until time to scaffold or 
house as preferred. A better plan, however, is to 
put the sticks in the hill on the north side, with the 
ends or butts of the plant to the south. When all 
that is cut is hung, it is then removed, and I have 
never sustained any loss by it. If time will allow, 
and the weather is not threatening, I prefer housing 
the tobacco without scaffolding. It will yellow as 
well crow r ded in the barn as on the scaffold, and all 
danger of injury from rain is avoided, as well as 
loss of some from the effects of the sun. When 
put in the house it may remain a few days longer 
than if scaffolded, before firing, which, however, 
is no disadvantage. It is carried from the field 
crowded as closely as possible on the tiers, permit- 
ted to remain from six to eight days or longer, until 
it is yellowed sufficiently, then it should be opened, 
and the sticks arranged in the barn for firing. 
The sticks should be placed from six to eight inches 
apart, and may be placed a little closer in the roof 
than the body of the barn. The wood being ar- 
ranged around the barn for the first two days, the 
fires should be small; a little warmer the second 
than the first day, and raised still higher the third 
and fourth days. If the weather is not damp in 
four or five days, (without firing at night, which is 
very hazardous,) the fires may be stopped, as the 
tobacco will be sufficiently cured for the process to 
continue without fire.* The degree of heat, though 
often spoken of as judged by the thermometer, is 
generally tested by the hand being applied to the 
lowest tier pole. When the fires are hottest the 
hand can bear without being very disagreeable, 
the heat of the tier pole, and by frequently apply- 
ing the hand during the process of curing, it be- 
comes a good test of the heat. Whenever the 
weather is so damp as to bring the tobacco in high 
order it must be dried by fire. When so thoroughly 
cured as to be bulked down without any risk, it 
should be taken down in supple order the first sea- 
son for stripping. A platform little raised from the 
ground should be made across the barn, (the sticks 
generally used for that purpose laid across logs,) 
the tobacco taken off the sticks and well packed, 
lapping the tails and then covered with tobacco 
sticks — straw is better, to prevent its drying. When- 
ever the weather is such as not to allow out-door 
work, the tobacco is stripped. No operation is 
more important than properly assorting tobacco. 
The buyer always judges by the meanest sample 
in a hogshead, so that good tobacco may sell at in- 
ferior prices by being badly assorted. Every to- 
bacco, planter should have a good stove to use in 
his barn when stripping. It is more comfortable, 
no smoke, and there is no danger of fire from it — 
quite an important consideration. Hands enough 
to keep the remainder employed, assort, while the 
others tie up in bundles of from six to eight leaves. 
The proper number of kinds depend upon the looks 
of the crop after it is cured. If the crop is a 
mixed one in color, as is generally the case with 

* If the leaf is cured well and weather fair and cool, the 
fires may be stopped. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



335 



mine, I make five kinds. 1st, the largest and best 
dark; 2d, largest yellow; 3d, second quality, or 
short of those are put together, making third kind, 
and two kinds of lugs ; those leaves that are 
whole and inferior leaves of the best tobacco make 
the best quality, while the ragged and most indif- 
ferent of the whole compose the meanest lugs. If 
the crop is a uniform one in color, either dark or 
yellow, of course four kinds would be enough, 1st 
and 2d quality, leaf and lugs. The manner of as- 
sorting as well as tying, should be frequently no- 
ticed. The tyers should have leaves of the same 
length in a bundle, and of same color, and the 
heads should be short. A small leaf, or a portion 
of a large leaf should be used for tying. A good 
hand will tie one thousand bundles a day, which is 
the only manner I know of judging a day's work- 
By a few trials, a planter will soon know how much 
each hand will tie. At night the day's work is 
bulked down, unless the order is doubtful, in which 
case it is hung up. If bulked, it should be laid 
straight, taking two bundles at a time, and covered. 
It remains in this condition until near time for 
prizing, when it is taken up, hung upon sticks, 
twelve or fourteen bundles on a stick, hoisted in 
the barn, the sticks eight or ten inches apart. 
After it dries thoroughly, the first good season it 
is taken down — should be straightened and packed 
with almost as much care as in prizing. This, I 
think, adds greatly to the appearance of tobacco, 
especially, if it is indifferent, and as good tobacco 
sells on its own merits, we should do all we can to 
sell an inferior article well. While packing, the 
inferior bundles of each class should be thrown 
out and put with the class they suit. After pack- 
ing, it should be heavily weighted and covered. 
For prizing, at least three hands are needed. Here 
again, any inferior bundles should be picked out, 
and the bundles of good tobacco passed through 
the hands of those handing and put each one sepa- 
rately in the hogshead. Handling as much as pos- 
sible gets rid of the dirt, and when opened in mar- 
ket the sample shows much better than if prized 
without being properly straightened. About 1,400 
lbs., if good tobacco, should be prized in a hogs- 
head, and if lugs, the heavier the better. 



Mecklenburg, August, 1854. 



Wm. H. Jones. 



PRESERVING BUTTER. 

The farmers of Aberdeen, Scotland, are said to 
practice the following method of curing their but- 
ter, which gives it a great superiority over that of 
their neighbors : 

" Take two quarts of the best common salt, one 
ounce of sugar, and one ounce of common salt- 
petre ; take one ounce of this composition for one 
pound of butter, work it well into the mass, and 
close it up for use. The butter Cured with this 
mixture appears of a rich marrowy consistency, 
and fine color, and never acquires a brittle hardness 
nor tastes salty. Dr. Anderson says : ' I have eaten 
butter cured with the above composition that has 
been kept for three years, and it was as sweet as 
at first. It must be noted, however, that butter 
thus cured, requires to stand three weeks or a 
month before it is used. If it is sooner opened, 
the salts are not sufficiently blended with it, and 
sometimes the coolness of the nitre will be per- 
ceived, which totally disappears afterwards.' " 



For the Southern Planter. 
EXPERIMENT IN RE-SEEDING WHEAT. 

[Selected from the papers of the> Nottoway Club.] 

Mr. President, — In compliance with a regulation 
of our Club, which requires each member to write 
occasionally an experiment on some agricultural 
subject, and as the wheat crop is the subject of 
discussion at our next meeting, I propose to give 
an account of an experiment made last fall in re- 
seeding wheat. 

On the 10th of November last, having examined 
a lot of my wheat which had been seeded the first 
of the previous month, (October,) I discovered that 
there was not more than one-half of the quantity 
of wheat up that was usually upon the land. The 
question arose in my mind, how am I to remedy this 1 
Here I have a rich lot which has been seeded up- 
wards of five weeks, and the wheat up, not more than 
half thick enough. To lose no time in re-sowing 
it I became satisfied at once that it was necessary, 
and with better seed than the first, which was da- 
maged. But what quantity of seed and in what 
manner I should re-sow were the subjects of doubt 
with me. After recollecting the many reports given 
that wheat harrowed over in the spring, in seeding 
clover, was not injured, but continued to be im- 
proved, I concluded it would not receive injury 
from the same treatment, or if broken up entirely 
at so early a stage of its growth, and, therefore, 
determined to re-sow one-half of the quantity of 
seed that was usually sowed, calculating on the 
half then up, to enable the land to produce its full 
crop. I thought of and preferred getting in the 
seed with Geddes' large harrow, but finding the 
land (which is naturally stiff) made so hard and 
close by the frequent rains, which had recently 
fallen, that the harrow could not accomplish it. I 
finally concluded to put the seed in with the trowel- 
hoe. At the time of operation one of my neighbors 
remarked to me, "you are destroying what little 
wheat you have there." I then called his attention 
to the effect produced by the plough — how nicely 
it removed and placed the wheat uprightly, and 
how few grains were left exposed or blades covered. 
I was apprehensive that the manner of putting in 
the seed might not answer so well, as it had no 
rain sooner than the seventh day after being seeded, 
and also that it would ripen irregularly. My fears, 
however, proved to be ill founded. Both seedings 
ripened together, and came to the scythe, yielding 
a fine crop of grain, and I believe as much as the 
said lot would have made had there been a suffi- 
ciency of wheat upon the land from the first seed- 
ing. I re -seeded also a piece of fresh land a day 
or two afterwards. In this case I used the trowel- 
hoe on one portion and the harrow on the other, (as 
the soil here is light and porous,) but discovered 
no difference, either in the growth or yield of wheat 
from the two modes of putting the seed in. This 
land likewise succeeded in yielding an average 
crop. 

R. E. Haskins. 



Wheat Trade in Fredericksburg. — To give an 
idea of what the millers of that vicinity are doing 
this season, the Fredericksburg News states that 
one of them has already taken in 11,000 bushels, 
to say nothing of what he has bought besides. One 
of them has sold 15,000 bushels in the shape of 
flour and has the cash ready to buy more. 



336 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



For the Southern Planter. 

SAVING PORK. 

Mr. Editor, — As the season for the slaughtering 
of hogs for bacon is near at hand I venture, at the 
risk of being considered a bore, to add a scrap to 
others which I have already written for the Planter. 
I wrote for it some years ago a series of short arti- 
cles, and among them one upon my present sub- 
ject. Though a trite and hackneyed subject it is an 
important one. 

The error still prevails that it is wrong to salt 
pork until it is rid of the animal heat, and a mis- 
chievous error it is. It may be wrong to pack it, 
but it is not far wrong to apply salt to it, for the 
salt will rid it the sooner of the animal heat, and 
propare it the sooner for " salting clown" and pack- 
ing. I have known house-keepers, in doubtful 
weather, to slaughter their hogs, split them down 
the spine, and keep them lying out of doors all 
night, to clear them of animal heat. In the name 
of animal chemistry and common sense, I ask why 
not sprinkle them with pure salt and keep apart, 
either in the house or out of doors 1 They get cool 
the sooner by so managing, and by the time the 
animal heat gets out, the salt gets in nearly to the 
bone. This I know from many years' experience ; 
yet some of my neighbors have said to me " I have 
tried your plan, and my meat is tainted by the hot 
weather." But on inquiry, they salted and packed 
while the meat was warm — whereas, if they had 
salted first, and after it had got cool then re-salted 
and packed, they would have had sound bacon, as 
I had the same seasons, upon the plan which I am 
advocating. 

I will not trespass upon your columns by com- 
menting upon the almost innumerable expedients 
for making good bacon, nor pretend to originality 
which I do not claim, except it be original with me 
to write and talk upon a common-place practical 
subject, rather than upon a more ideal one. It was 
well said by a medical writer, in his prefatory re- 
marks upon an excellent essay upon burns and 
scalds, that a man who could make an improvement 
in addition to the knowledge which we had in the 
treatment of our prevalent fevers, would deserve 
more credit than would the discoverer of an infal- 
lible remedy for hydrophobia. 

T. H. A. 



From the New England Fanner. 
HOUSE PAINTING. 

The item of painting, paper-hanging and 
glazing, is no small one in New England, where 
there is, without question, a more general use 
of paint than in any other section of the world. 
Nowhere will you find less unpainted buildings, 
in proportion to the number, than here. Every- 
body uses paint — we are sorry not to be able to 
except even some of the sweet heart confec- 
tionary people. All are interested more or 
less in its cost and preservation. The general 
subject, with appropriateness of the various 
hues for the different purposes of use and or- 
nament, will be the subject of these articles. 

I need not say to those who understand the 



subject, that it is one which is usually far too 
little understood ; coming as it does under every 
day observation, it would seem to be well for 
all to know its most simple details. 

Since the recent extensive manufacture of 
zinc, white as a pigment, there has been great 
inquiry as to its merits, in comparison with 
lead. Having given the subject personal at- 
tention for the past two years, I am prepared 
to recommend zinc, because it is not so poison- 
ous, an equal number of pounds will cover 
more surface equally well, and it is more beauti- 
ful. And besides, I know no reason why it is 
not more durable. There is a mistaken notion, 
which is very prevalent, that white lead is the 
oxide of lead. It is the subcarbonate — litharge 
is the oxide, and red lead the deutoxide, while 
white zinc, as it is called, is the oxide of zinc ; 
and not a carbonate, like white lead. 

The drying process is not by evaporation like 
varnish, but by the absorption of oxygen from 
the atmosphere. Inexperienced painters fre- 
quently complain that zinc does not cover so 
well as lead ; the reason is they use it too thin ; 
it has to be mixed apparently thicker and 
spread on more flowing than lead; so treated, 
it is more satisfactory, and still not so expen- 
sive as lead. The idea has been extensively 
promulgated, that painting done in the fall of 
the year, is far better than at any other season. 
It is easy to see the origin of this notion and 
the means of its continuance. Painters always 
have a special rush of work in the spring ; all 
nature is then thawing out of winter quarters. 
Man feels the renovating influences, and then, 
if ever, a desire to assist nature in the beauti- 
fying processes going on round him, to make 
improvements and repairs. All want their 
work done " right off," but they can't all be 
accommodated at once; the painter must be 
idle "most of the year, or have his work distri- 
buted through the season. Some shrewd one 
starts the idea that it is actually better to wait — 
the economical ones do wait — and the idea is 
extensively diffused ; everybody believes it, and 
the painter is benefited, and the story has per- 
formed its mission. Now the proper time to 
repaint is, when your buildings need it; when 
they begin to chalk, for even if there is an ad- 
vantage, the loss sustained, will, beyond all 
doubt, more than counterbalance the benefit to 
be derived by waiting. The best time to paint 
is when it will be thoroughly dry, before either 
very hot or very cold w r eather ; were there no 
other considerations to be taken into account. 
As to color for outside painting, a house 
with no architectural pretensions may, with 
propriety, be painted white, or almost any 
other lively color, but a building, the moulding, 






THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



337 



cornices, carvings, &c, which are alone orna- 
mental, should not be painted white, or any 
other brilliant color, because the amount of 
light reflected, would in a great measure de- 
stroy the architectural effect. 

Skylight. 



ONIONS FOR FOWLS. 

Scarcely too much can be said in praise of onions 
for fowls. They seem to be a preventive and re- 
medy for various diseases to which domestic poul- 
try is liable. Having frequently tested their ex- 
cellence, we can speak understandingly. For gapes 
and inflammation of the throat, eyes and head, 
onions are almost a specific. We would recommend 
feeding fowls, and especially the young chickens, 
as many as they will eat as often as twice or three 
times a week. They should be finely chopped. A 
small addition of corn meal is an improvement. 



EDITORIAL. 

For the last week we have been working, with 
three clerks, in the office of the Virginia State 
Agricultural Society for forty-eight hours out of 
every twenty-four, and have no time for editorial. 




THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 

RICHMOND, NOVEMBER, 1854. 



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For the Southern Planter. 

LEXINGTON (KENTUCKY) FAIR. 

Mr. Editor,— On the 2d of September last I started 
for Kentucky, with the intention of being present 
at the Lexington Show. It will not be worth while 
to describe my trip, for there is nothing worth 
writing about until you get into Kentucky proper. 
I had a most disagreeable time for travelling, for 
it was a week of unmitigated drought, scorching 
sun, suffocating dust, and heat unparalleled. The 
whole country over which I travelled is burnt up; 
the crop of corn reduced in consequence, generally 
to one-fourth, and in no case will there be more 
than half a crop. I thought we, in this portion of 
Virginia, had suffered badly from the drought, but 
after getting to Kentucky I concluded that we had 
escaped wonderfully. The people of Kentucky, in 
addition to the burning up of their pastures and 
diminution of their corn crop, have suffered very 
much for the want of water for their stock, having 
to haul, in some cases, some two or three miles. 
There will be but few hogs fattened, and none, I 
think, for the Virginia and Southern markets, for 
corn is selling, for nearly as much by the bushel 
as it generally brings by the barrel. The loss of a 
corn crop is a serious matter in Kentucky, for it is 
upon that they depend for fattening their mules, 
hogs and cattle; and whenever there is such a 
failure of the crop as there is at present the prices 
of lean stock of all kinds is sure to fall. Fat stock, 
both mules and cattle, sell readily and at fair prices, 
but I think stock mules and stock cattle are at least 
twenty-five per cent, lower now than when I was 
in Kentucky two years ago. Good beef cattle, of 
sufficient age to drive to the New York market, 
were selling readily at 7 dollars per hundred, whilst 
two year olds, fat, but which are two young to be 
driven as far as New York, and are generally sent 
to Cincinnati, Louisville, Frankfort, and the nearer 
markets, were selling at about 6 cents net. Most 
of the cattle in Kentucky are sold by net weight, 
as there are hay scales erected at convenient places 
f r weighing them. For cattle not thoroughly fat 
the rule is to take off 45 lbs. in the hundred. 
Whilst on the subject of beef, I will give you the 
weight of a lot of two year old high grade Short- 
Horn steers which I saw and which were weighed 
by the above rule. They were 30 in number, well 
formed, beautiful cattle, but owing to the drought 
not near so fat as I have seen cattle of the same 
age. They weighed 725 lbs. net, and come to $43 
50 per head. Had they been in the usual condi- 
tion they would have weighed at least 850 lbs. 
The Kentuckians use oxen on their farms generally, 
and do nearly all their hauling with them, and they 
have a great deal of hauling to do in the winter, in 
getting out their feed to their stock, fire-wood for 
their families, and rails for fencing. They prefer, 
even for oxen, high grade Short-Horns, for the rea- 
son that they buy them at three or four years old, 
work them two or three years, feed them on corn 
through the months of March and April and sell 



338 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



them in the fall, weighing generally over 1000 lbs. 
net.- I saw six weighed, at the same time with the 
two year olds, which averaged over 1100 lbs. net, 
and sold for nearly $160 a pair. The two year olds, 
mentioned above, were nothing extra; they were a 
fair sample of Kentucky two year old steers, and it 
was for that reason I have given you the weight and 
prices. But I must come to the Lexington Show. 
The Show Grounds are beautifully located, on ele- 
vated grounds about half a mile south of the city, 
in a beautiful grove, affording fine shade for the 
visitors and stock, which was so much needed on 
account of the extreme heat. The grounds contain 
about 50 acres, which were purchased by the Society 
at an expense of about $12,000. The Society has 
spent about as much more in fitting up the grounds, 
and I thought the whole arrangements of the 
grounds, whether we consider the facilities of get- 
ing to and from the show, or the comfort and con- 
venience of the crowd when in the enclosure, were 
perfect and complete. They manage their shows 
in Kentucky different from any I have ever been 
at, and I will endeavor to describe their mode of 
management. There is an amphitheatre erected, 
which is over 300 feet in diameter. It is a circle 
and closely planked up about 6 feet high, when the 
seats commence, and rise one above the other, like 
the seats of a circus, and run back some 40 feet, 
affording room for 12 or 15,000 persons; under the 
seats and outside the ring are booths, in which all 
kinds of refreshments are served. The whole is 
well covered with shingles, and the spectators are 
comfortably seated during the whole show. On the 
first day nothing is exhibited except manufactures, 
agricultural implements, grain of different kinds, 
fruit, products of the garden, and dairy, poultry, &c. 
There is no stock of any kind on the ground the 
first day; on the second day cattle, sheep and hogs 
are exhibited ; on the third, horses for harness and 
saddle; and on the fourth, draught horses, jacks, 
mules, &c. 

The first day is called the ladies' day, as on that 
day all kinds of domestic manufactures are shown, 
consisting of jeans, shirts, socks, blankets, needle- 
Work of various kinds, but most of all, of fine quilts, 
some of silk, silk velvet, worsted, and cotton. The 
quilts were hung upon lines stretched across the 
ring, and looked most beautiful. I tried to count 
them, and if I made no mistake, there were up- 
wards of eighty. I am not good at describing such 
things, and will pass to the second day. And here, 
again, the show is different, for they do not class 
the cattle into Short-Horns, Herefords, Devons, Ayr- 
shires and natives. They have but one class as far 
as breed is concerned. They give a premium for 
the " best bull four years old or over," and so on 
down to calves ; and all kinds show against each 
other. There was not a Hereford, Devon or Ayr- 
shire on the ground, and never will be, I suppose, 
if they have to show against the Short-Horns. 

You will, of course, expect me to give a descrip- 
tion of the show of cattle more particularly than 
any thing else. I was enabled to examine the cat- 
tle well, for through the kindness and partiality of 
some of my friends in Kentucky, I had been ap- 
pointed one of the judges of cattle, The judges 
were all selected from other States, none of whom 
attended, however, except Mr. E. H. Smith, of New 
York, and myself. 

I thought of you often whilst examining the cat- 
tle, and wished that you could be present, so that 
you could have seen, how entirely you were mis- 
take^ when comparing the Short- Horns, with the 



Devons and Herefords, You said "though there 
might be a sprinkling of premium animals, the 
average of excellence would be less." I pledge 
you my word as a man, and what little judgment 
I may have about cattle, that out of more than one 
hundred Short-Horns, which were shown, I saw 
very few ordinary, and not one inferior animal. 
And they were of all ages from calves to four year 
olds. You know how I begged you to go with me 
to Kentucky, for it is there you must go, if you 
wish to see the Short-Horns in perfection, for Ken- 
tucky is, in truth, "the home of the Short-Horns." 
They have got to be the common cattle of the 
country, and "see cattle where you will, you will 
see the Short-Horn colors, of red, and white, and 
roan, and you will see the form too, and the horn." 
The Kentuckians have long since learned that ani- 
mals, well bred and properly managed, are profi- 
table, whilst bad stock of any kind, and badly pro- 
vided for, seldom repay the expense of keeping 
them. They get an earlier and better return, and 
the expense of fattening is diminished, for they get 
them into market so much earlier. I was very 
anxious to see the late importation of Short-Horns, 
which sold at such enormous prices last year, and 
to see whether they were better than the fine ani- 
mals which I had seen in Kentucky at previous vi- 
sits. Some of the animals are very fine, and others 
I think had better have been left in England — they 
certainly, at least, will not improve the many fine 
herds which they already had in Kentucky. I am 
the last person to say anything against the improve- 
ment of stock of any kind ; and every one who at- 
tempts it has my best wishes. But improving stock 
is one thing, aud importing miserable brutes — the 
refuse of English herds for the sake of the profit — 
is another and quite different affair. The success 
of the Company last year was so great that it gave 
rise to several other companies, who have imported 
a great many, both sheep and cattle. I saw several 
which had just got to Kentucky, which I think 
they will find some difficulty in disposing of. They 
had a few, and only a few, which were very good, 
I never could conceive why a bad animal should 
be made good merely by crossing the Atlantic. 
But to the Show. 

In the class of bulls, four years or over, therci 
were two entries. The premium was taken by 
Young Chilton, (No. 11,278 in the Herd Book,) im- 
ported last year, and purchased by Wm. Warlield 
at $3005. He is, to my thinking, the best of tht| 
imported bulls. He is an animal of fine symmetry 
well proportioned; the quality of his flesh verj 
fine, and his handling superior. He stood at $21 
last year, and cleared his cost; he now stands a.| 
$50, and is making a full season, which I was glao 
to hear, for there is no person who has taken mor< 
pains to have fine stock, or who better deserve.*! 
them, than his liberal and gentlemanly owner. 

In the class of bulls over three and under ftnv 
years old, there were four entries; three of then 
imported, belonging to Mr. Alexander, of Woodford 
and one bred in Kentucky. The premium wa 
taken by Mr. Alexander with Lord John, and tb 
second premium by the Kentucky bull belonging 
to Mr. Gratz — both very good. 

Bulls two years old, eight entries, premiums botl 
taken by imported bulls. The first was Mr. Alex 
ander's " Grand Master," a very fine animal — ver; 
fat, however. The second, taken by A. & J. Alle 
with " Senator," a very fair bull, but his handlin, 
not as good as it ought to have been for a whit 
animal. 



' 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



339 



Bulls one year old, nine entries; premium taken 
by George M. Bedford. This bull was eighteen 
months old, and weighed 1430 lbs. This was, in 
my opinion, the finest bull on the ground. He was 
good all over, and notwithstanding his size, which 
is no merit of itself, he was fine in every point, 
with small bones, perfect symmetry, and a fineness 
of handling, unsurpassed ; in a word, he came up 
entirely to my ideas of what a pure, high-bred 
Short-Horn bull should be. The second prize was 
taken by E. G. Bedford, with a roan bull — very 
fine, as he had to be to get even the second prize, 
for the class was an excellent one, and contained 
several animals of uncommon merit. 

Bull calves, twenty-five entries ; premium to 
George Bowman, with a bull calf of perfect form 
and first rate quality. He was, I understood, got 
by the imported bull John O'Gaunt (No. 11,621 in 
Herd Book). It was this bull, John O'Gaunt, which 
I said in my article in the September number I 
thought one of the finest bulls I had ever seen, with 
the exception of his horns. I saw him in 1852 

! just imported, and about twenty-two months old. 
He cost his owner, Col. James S. Matson, in Ken- 
tucky, about $1000. He stood him twelve months 
at $25, and he went to 104 cows during the year. 
He sold him before the great sale last year at 
$4000 to a company on the south side of the Ken- 
tucky river. The company stood him for the last 
year at $50, and he went to 80 cows. So you see 
Col. Matson made $5000 by him, and the company 
have made this year $4000, and the bull not yet 
four years old. This is the way they do things in 
Kentucky. Our folks think $50 a pretty high price 
for a calf. Matson bought a Cots wold buck at the 
Company's sale last year, and stood him at $25, 
and made a "big season." I am, however, getting 
off my subject. 

Cows four years or over, nine entries; premium 
to Mr. R. Duncan for a Kentucky bred cow, and a 
fine animal she was. Second premium to B. J. 
Clay for " Diana," bred in Kentucky, beating some 
imported cows. 

Cows three years and under four, five entries; 
premium to Abram Renick for a Kentucky bred 
cow, '•' Duchess," as perfect an animal as any man 
need wish to see. Her pedigree, which I happen 
to know, is long and rich, and her appearance equals 
her breeding. No breeder need wish to possess a 
superior animal, and if he does, he is not likely to 
get it, for this cow is as near perfection as cows 
get to be. It affords me great pleasure to give my 
opinion about this cow, for no breeder has taken 
more pains in breeding and rearing his stock than 
Abram Renick. I doubt whether any man in the 

e) Union has bred as many good bulls, and bull breed- 
ing tests a breeder's qualifications more than any 
thing else. As strange as it may seem to you, it 
is much easier to breed good cows and heifers than 

m|*t is to breed good bulls. Tested in this way Abram 
Renick stands at the top of his profession. He 
bred the premium yearling bull, spoken of above 
as belonging to George M. Bedford. The second 
premium bull was bred by his brother James. 
They were both got by the same bull, "Renick," 
which last was also bred by the R,enicks and sold 
to Capt. Ben. Warfield and his son William, who 
now own him and the imported bull Young Chilton 
also. The bull "Renick" is now eight years old, 
but fine and vigorous, and the getter of more real 

it< fine stock than any bull in the Union. I purchased, 
when in Kentucky two years ago, for my friend, 
Mr.. John Sanders, of this county, "Cossack," an 



own brother of the above cow "Duchess." He is 
very fine, and will, no doubt, leave some superior 
stock in this county. The second premium in this 
class was taken by Mr. William T. Calmes, with 
"Princess," bred by himself, an uncommonly fine 
cow, not quite equal in quality to the premium, 
cow, but one of which any breeder might well be 
proud. I think there were one or two imported 
cows shown in this class. 

Heifers two years old, eight entries. This, as a 
class, was the best of any class shown. It was 
the best I ever saw or expect to see again soon ; 
they were all so good that there was great diffi- 
culty in deciding the superiority of one over the 
other. I think I was nearly paid for my trip, in 
seeing 8 two year old heifers, of such perfection of 
form, and first rate quality. They elicited the ad- 
miration of every judge, and they desired procla- 
mation to be made from the stand " that such a 
ring was never seen, and that each was worthy of 
a premium." Highly as I have always thought of 
the Short-Horns, their great excellencies were ne- 
ver before more fully impressed upon me. To mag- 
nificent size they united fine touch and every cha- 
racteristic which belongs to their celebrated race. 
The premium was given to E. G. Bedford; and the 
second to W. II. Renick — both bred in Kentucky. 
There were, I understood, some imported heifers 
shown in this class. 

Heifers one year old, twelve entries. First pre- 
mium to J. Duncan; second to H. Stonestreet. 
This as a class was also very fine, and the judges 
differed more in their opinions than in any other. 

Heifer calves, eighteen entries. Premium to Mr. 
Alexander for a perfectly formed heifer, rather 
hard in "the touch," but with that exception as 
perfect as any animal of her age could be. Second 
premium to Col. J. S. Williams — fine, also, and if 
I recollect right, superior in quality to her com- 
petitor. 

There were four entries of "fat bullocks, four 
years old or over;" two entries of " free martins, 
or spayed heifers, four years old or over;" three 
entries of " fat bullocks, free martins, or spayed 
heifers, three years old and under four;" two en- 
tries of " free martin, or spayed heifers, two years old 
and under three;" five entries "fat bullock, free 
martin, or spayed heifer, one year old and under 
two;" " oxen three years old and over," eleven en- 
tries; "oxen under three years old," six entries — 
all fat and fine as Kentucky corn and blue-grass 
could make them. 

Hogs came next, and although there were not 
very many upon the ground — about fifty in all — 
they were fine. They like the Irish Grazier and 
Woburn hogs better, I believe, than any others. 
They must have hogs that can travel well after 
they are fattened. The Suffolks are too short- 
legged for travelling, but I have no doubt that to 
cross a Suffolk boar with Grazier and Woburn sows 
would give them a very superior animal, with suf- 
ficient length of leg for travelling. 

The show of sheep was most excellent, especially 
in Cotswolds and South Downs. There were about 
forty sheep shown, consisting of long, middle and 
fine wool. I do not profess to be much of a judge 
of Cotswolds, but cannot help thinking those shown 
by Mr. 0. H. Burbidge, of Bourbon, who took all 
the premiums for long wools, are as fine as any of 
their kind. 

On the third day the horses were shown. It was 
a fine show, as might be expected in Kentucky, 
both in blooded horses and roadsters. There were 



340 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 






about three hundred and fifty horses of all kinds 
shown. 

The fourth day the " draught horses, jacks, stock 
mules," &c, were shown. I did not stay to see it, 
having seen several shows of the same kind; and 
having no fancy for these long eared gentrv, which, 
however, is a source of great wealth to Kentucky, 
I concluded to go up to my friend Renick's and 
take a good look at his Short-Horns. To give our 
"folks" some idea of Kentucky jacks and mules, 
I will give you the height of some of them which 
I learned afterwards. With all this size they were 
said by those who are good judges of this kind of 
stock to be fine also. Mules one year old. Pre- 
mium mule 16i hands high f second premium 16 
hands l£ inches. Jacks one year old. Premium 
jack 14 hands 3 inches high; second premium jack 
14| hands high. Jacks under one year. Premium 
jack 13 hands 3 inches high. 

The show of poultry was quite moderate ; one 
pair of Seabright bantams, the handsomest of the 
kind I ever saw; a few Dorkings; a dozen or so 
Shanghais, and a like number of Brahma Pootras; 
which last looked as though they would not be 
able to hang together much longer, and a coop of 
Poland top-knots, made up the collection. There 
was only one coop of ducks, the white top-knots. 
The Kentuckians seem to care very little about 
"fancy poultry;" and I can hardly tell why it is 
they have not gone into the " Chittagongs," the 
" Great Malays," the "Great Chin-India," " Hoang 
Hos," "Hong Kong," "Imperial Chinese or Man- 
darin," &c. &c. fowls. If there is any place that 
would suit them it is Kentucky. They would be 
fine to follow the fattening cattle, to keep the corn 
from being wasted. Instead of one of these " cock- 
erels," weighing 12 to 15 lbs., he ought, after fol- 
lowing fat cattle one winter, to draw 20 or 25 lbs. 
One of the Brahma Pootra " cockerels" (I believe 
that is the name the "fancy books" give young 
cocks,) which I saw, I would have taken to be the 
identical chap which sat for the portrait which you 
published in the June number of the Planter if I 
had not met him in Kentucky. 

To say that I was highly delighted with the show 
in every department gives me great pleasure. So 
hearty, warm and hospitable is the welcome which 
a stranger receives in this glorious State, it would 
disqualify him for criticism, if any thing faultv 
had appeared. But I can with truth say that of 
four or five shows which I have been at, this was 
the best I have been at. Every comfort and con- 
venience was provided for the judges and invited 
guests, and dinner provided each day at the ex- 
pense of the Society. This was hardly necessary, 
however, for the visitors take their dinners with 
them in their carriages, and about one o'clock the 
cloths are spread under the sugar trees, and every 
person invited to eat. Lexington was filled to over- 
flowing, and but for the fact that the private houses 
were opened for the reception of company, not only 
in Lexington, but for miles around, I do not see 
how the crowd could have been accommodated. I 
had a most happy time of it at my friend William 
Warfieid's, about four miles from Lexington, who 
"keeps open house" on such occasions. He had 
kindly invited me before leaving home to "make 
his house my home" during my stay in Kentucky, 
and I was glad to accept his kind invitation, to get 
out of the bustle and confusion of the town. 

You must excuse me for not writing earlier. It 
is with difficulty I have written at all. I was taken 
sick the second night after leaving Kentucky, and 



had a hard time of it getting home. Since getting 
home, I have been confined to my room and to my 
bed most of my time, and would not attempt tc 
write now but for the fact that I promised you a 
description of the show, and I suppose you would 
like to have it for the November number. I an: 
afraid it is not in time, but I could not write 11 
sooner. I intend as soon as I can to write you ar 
article about "Abram Renickand his Short-Horns' 
and some other things which I saw in Kentucky 
Truly yours, 

Alex. S. Mathews. 

Wythe County, October, 1854. 



For the Southern Planter. 

HARVEST, THE PAST YEAR, FROM EXTRi 
EARLY SEEDING. 

Mr. Editor, — I promised you in a former commu I 
nication to give the result at harvest of a field c 
wheat sowed from the 25th of August to the 15t | 
September inclusive. I proceed to do so, by statin i 
what you already know, from sad experience, ths* 
it was quite a disastrous year for wheat, on accour; 
of the rust. I had 47 acres, sowed as above statec 
and reaped from them 946 bushels of good whea 
making an average of a little over 20 per acre. : 
is fair to state that the field was badly gleaned, b 
hirelings, and badly threshed by a machine out < 
order. I have no hesitation in stating, howeve 
from the experiment, that no one need fear earl 
seeding, as early as August, who uses guano or wl 
has very rich land. In the part experimented on tl 
rust injured me much less than any other part i 
my field; and I doubt exceedingly if I had n» 
feared the frost of spring, and grazed until the 271 
of February, whether I should have been hurt I 
rust, although, seeding as I did a late variety • 
wheat. I will state just here what I noticed in r 
gard to frost injuring wheat, as regards luxurainc 
&c. In the above experiment there was a bed 
wheat from some cause, much more luxuriant ths 
any other, so much so, that the cattle, horses ar 
sheep, refused to eat it. That bed stood the frost 
winter and the late ones of -spring better than ai 
in the field, and yielded in proportion to 47 bushe 
per acre. 

If you can give me any experience on grazh 
as to its benefits or injury to the crop, you will co 
fer a favor. If no injury is sustained on behalf 
suffering sheep in winter, I would say graze. 
Yours truly, &c. 

Wat H. Tyler.; 

Wilton, Westmoreland, October, 1854. 



We thank our correspondent for the above coi 
munication on early seeding. We think that mc 
persons in lower Virginia are too much afraid 
it, and if each man would make the experime 
we doubt not he would be satisfied to sow mu 
earlier than is now done. Whether as early as t 
seeding above, is rather questionable, but still 
matter of fair experiment. 

As to grazing wheat with sheep we have no dou< 
of its benefit, under proper conditions, to both she 
and wheat. To state them now requires more tii 
than we have at command. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



341 



FATTENING ANIMALS. 

There are certain principles which apply to 
the feeding of all animals which we will shortly 
notice. 

1. The breed is of great importance. A 
well bred animal not only affords less waste, 
but has the meat in the right places, the fibre 
is tender and juicy, and the fat is put on just 
where it is wanted. Compare the hind leg of 
a full-bloom Durham ox, and a common ori£. 
The bone at the base of the tail extends much 
further in the former, affording more room for 
flesh, and the thigh swells out of convex or cir- 
cular shape ; while in the common ox it falls in, 
dishing and hollow. Now the " round" is the 
most valuable cut, and is only found in perfec- 
tion in high-bred stock. The same is the case 
lover the whole body. So well do eastern 
butchers understand this, that their prices are 
regulated by the breed, even where too ani- 
mals are equally fat. They know that in a 
Durham or Hereford ox, not only will there be 
less offal in proportion to weight, the greatest 
quantity of meat will be where it brings the 
highest price when retailed, and will be of a 
richer flavor, and more tender fibre. The same 
is the case with hogs. A large hog may chance 
to make more meat on a given quantity of food 
than a small one, but the meat of the first will 
be coarse and tasteless compared with the 
other; and in the east, flavor and tenderness 
greatly regulate prices. Consequently, mode- 
rate sized, short-legged, small headed hogs, 
always, in the long run, beat large breeds out 
of favor. In preparing for a market, " fashion 
and taste" must be as much considered by the 
farmer as by the tailor. This one fact is at 
present revolutionizing the English breed of 
sheep. The aristocracy always paid high for 
small Welch and Scotch mutton ; but the great 
consumers, the mechanics, preferred large fat 
joints. The taste is now changed. In Man 
Chester and other such cities, these large joints 
have become unsaleable ; and all the efforts of 
the breeder are now turned towards small 
breeds maturing early, with comparatively lit- 
tle fat. According to late writers, the large 
I Leicester and Cotswolds are going quite out of 
j fashion. When we give $3,000 for a Durham 
i bull it is not that his progeny are " intrinsi- 
| catty" more valuable to that amount, but the 
| increased value and the fashion together, make 
i up the difference. And it is thus, that while 
: Durhams and Herefords are preferred for ships 
! and packing, Devons are high in repute for 
private families. The joints are smaller, but 
the meat has a peculiar richness, probably 
found in no other kind of stock ; and the pro 
portionate waste is said to be less than in any 



other breed. Thus in the London market, the 
Scotch Kyloes, and then the Devons, (the for- 
mer even smaller than the latter,) bring the 
highest price, because preferred by the aristoc- 
racy. So in Dublin, spayed heifers are sought 
for. But the breed also regulates the profit. 
There is nc thing more certain than that one 
kind of animal will fatten to a given point on 
much less food than another, and as fattening 
our stock is only another mode of selling our 
grain and grass, those animals are to be pre- 
ferred which come to maturity soonest, and fat- 
ten on the least food. The difference in hogs is 
very great and important. While some breeds 
must be fed for two, or even three winters, 
others are full grown and fattened at ten months 
old ; and the difference in profit is enormous. 
We cannot go into particulars, but the follow- 
ing rules may be considered as applying to all : 
An animal may be expected to fatten easily 
when it has fine bone, and fine soft elastic skin, 
with thin or silky hair ; the head and legs short, 
the " barrel" large, but chest and lungs small; 
and when it is quiet, sleepy, and easy in tem- 
per. An unquiet, restless, quick-tempered ani- 
mal, is generally a bad feeder, and unprofitable. 

2. Much depends in fattening on outward 
and mechanical management. Fat is carbon, 
or the coal which supplies the body with heat. 
If we are exposed to cold, it is burnt up in our 
lungs as fast as it is deposited by the blood ; 
but if we are kept warm, by shelter or cloth- 
ing, it is deposited throughout the body, as a 
supply on hand when needed. Warm stables 
and pens are a great assistance in fattening, and 
should never be neglected. So also quiet and 
peacefulness are important. Every excited ac- 
tion consumes some part of the body which 
has to be supplied by the food, and detracts 
from the fat. In the climate of Michigan, 
warm stables, regular feeding at fixed hours, 
and kind treatment, with perfect cleanliness, 
save many a bushel of grain. Animals fed at 
irregular times are always uneasy and fretting. 

3. Ground and cooked food fatten much 
more profitably than raw food. Mr. Ellsworth 
found that hogs made as much flesh on one 
pound of corn ground and boiled to mush, as 
two pounds raw unground corn; though the 
first did not fatten quite as rapidly, as they 
could not consume as much food in the 
twenty-four hours. By grinding and smoking, 
ten hogs will each gain 100 pounds in weight, 
on the same food that five would do if it were 
raw. 

4. A change of food helps in fattening. 
Thus an ox fed entirely on corn and hay will 
not fatten as fast, or as well, as one which has 
roots, pumpkins, ground oats or buckwheat, 



342 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



&c, fed to it at regular periods. The latter 
may contain intrinsically less nourishing mat- 
ter than the corn, but the change produces 
some unknown effect on the stomach and sys- 
tem, that adds to the capability of depositing 
fat. The best feeders change the food very 
frequently, and find that they make a decided 
profit by so doing. Salt should be given with 
every meal to cattle — say an ounce a day. It 
preserves the appetite and prevents torpor of 
the liver to which all fattening animals are 
subject. This torpor, or disease, is to a certain 
extent conducive to fat; but carried too far 
the animal sinks under it. 

5. In cattle the skin should be particularly 
attended to. A fat animal is in an unnatural 
state, and consequently easily subject to disease. 
Taking no excercise, it has not its usual power 
of throwing off poisons out of the system ; and 
if the skin is foul, the whole labor is thrown 
on the kidneys. It is found by experience 
that oxen, regularly curried and cleaned daily, 
fatten better and faster than when left to 
themselves ; and if the legs are pasted with 
dung, as is too often the case, it seriously in- 
jures the animal. 

6. Too much rich food is injurious. The 
stomach can only assimilate a certain quantity 
at once. Thus an ox will prosper better on 
30 lbs. of corn and 30 lbs. of cob ground to- 
gether daily, than on 40 pounds of ground corn. 
These mixtures are also valuable and saving of 
cost for hogs when first put in the pen. If an 
animal loses its appetite, the food should at 
once be changed, and if possible roots, pump- 
kins, or steamed hay may be given. 

7. Oxen will fatten better if the hay or 
stalks are cut for them, but care must be taken 
not to cut too short. An inch in length is 
about the right size for oxen, half or three- 
quarters of an inch for horses. — Farmer's Com. 

Horticultural Gazette. 



thirty years ; have been a close observer 



From the Richmond Whig. 

THE DROUGHT, CROPS, PRICES, &c 

Linden, Westmoreland County, Va. 
September 20, 1854. 

To the Editors of the New York Herald. 

I have read with much satisfaction your cir- 
cular letter, asking for information in regard to 
the drought, crops, &c. Although not specially 
addressed, I consider myself included in your 
general invitation, and shall proceed to give 
you such information as I possess on a subject 
at this time, of vast importance to the whole 
country, and about which it is desirable the 
whole truth should be known. I have been 
largely engaged in grain growing for more than 



every circumstance affecting crops and pric 
during that period, and have read attentive 
nearly all that has been published on these su 
jects in our own and foreign journals. My i 
terest as a farmer is of course promoted 1 
high prices. This, candor requires me to stal 
yet I trust I am incapable of desiring to a 
vance my own interest at the expense of t, 
general prosperity of the country. 

I spent a short time this summer at one 
the Virginia watering places, and returned 
the lower country during the first week of tl 
month. During my absence from here, I co | 
versed with a great many intelligent gentlem I 
from various parts of the country, and had J 
opportunity to observe, critically, the condith ' { 
of the crops in a large portion of Marylai l e 
and Virginia. The result of my observatio I 
and inquiries is, that the estimate of the crol* 
of Virginia, contained in the letter of C- j 
Gr. W. Munford, is in the main correct. Fiil 
the falls of the rivers to the seaboard, there I 
much corn that is good, some that is very hea\ | 
and a vast deal that will be scarcely wor l 
gathering. The crops in the fine valleys 
the Rappahannock and Potomac until witl 
30 miles of the Chesapeake Bay, may be sa 
to be a failure, and from that quarter, whi! 
usually exports largely, there will be little I 
none to spare. Above the falls of the rivd 
the drought was still more fatal. From t| 
county of Albemarle to the Potomac, and frd 
the head of tide to the Alleghany mountah 1 
the crop is entirely insufficient to supply tj 
domestic consumption. In the valley of V V 
ginia, one of the finest agricultural regions 
the world, where lands sell from thirty to sixi 
dollars an acre, the most experienced farme 
assured me that the average product of co 
would not exceed a barrel (five bushels) to t 
acre, whilst many fields would produce ah 
lutely nothing. My own observation on t 
spot confirmed the correctness of their opi 
ions. The same state of things exists as i 
as I could observe, in the neighboring counti 
of Washington and Frederick Maryland. I 
yond the Alleghany mountains, I have no i 
curate information, but that portion of t 
State is chiefly engaged in grazing, and vej 
little grain is there grown for market. 

Of the crops in the States west and noi 
of Virginia, I heard much from gentlemen w 
had seen them, and I am satisfied that t 
press of the country is misleading the publ 
in the effort, now so general, to produce t 
impression that the crops of the great col 
growing States approximate an average. 
A great error prevails in the country as : 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



343 



ards the high price of grain. Considering 
|ie circumstances affecting prices, existing in 
ur country and throughout the world, the 
resent price of grain is very loiv. Let as ad- 
ert to some of these circumstances. 
I. 
The cost of production. However much 
rices of commodities may be affected from 
me to time by supply and demand, it cannot 
e doubted that in the long run the cost of 
roduction will regulate prices. The cost of 
heat to the producer is the rent of land, the 
r ages of labor, and the profits of capital ne- 
3ssary to produce it. For fifty years or more 
le average price of wheat in New York has 
een over one dollar a bushel. The wheat 
ntil of late years was grown on new lands, 
squiring no manure, and by labor demanding 
sss than half the present rate of wages. Now 
i is grown to a great extent on exhausted lands, 
squiring a heavy outlay in guano, lime and 
ther expensive manures. In harvest, three 
ollars are often demanded for a day's labor, 
hilst formerly one dollar was the highest price 
aid. So scarce and dear is labor, that crops 
i the West are left to rot upon the ground, 
ecause of the impossibility of saving them. 
q Virginia, and other southern grain-growing 
tates, the price of labor has, within a few 
ears, more than doubled. Such laborers as 
)ld a few years ago for four or five hundred 
ollars, now readily command a thousand ; and 
ich as hired for sixty dollars, are now in de- 
Land in the factories, and public improvements, 
b one hundred and fifty dollars a year. Medi- 
i\ bills and life insurance being also paid by 
le hirers. Mules that sold for fifty or sixty 
ollars, now bring from one hundred and ten to 
ae hundred and fifty dollars, and lands also 
ave advanced more than 100 per cent. Is it 
onderful that where all the elements of prices 
ave more than doubled, that the price of grain 
lould advance? I repeat, it is extremely 
>W, and but for the money pressure, occasioned 
y over-trading and fraudulent stock specula- 
.ons, wheat would be to-day $2 50 per bushel 
i the principal markets of the United States. 
'his general rise of prices is not speculative 
r transitory, but permanent and progressive. 
iTume, in his essay on money, has described 
,] lis subject with much greater clearness than 
i exhibited in the more elaborate articles pub- 
jshed during the last year or two in the fo- 
i iign periodicals. He says, that at the end of 
I le century from the discovery of the Spanish 
lines in South America, prices had advanced 
lore than 400 per cent., and would have ad- 
anced still more but for the increased demand 
)r money, arising from the new impulse to en- 



terprise occasioned by the influx of the precious 
metals. If the opening of those mines, chiefly 
of silver, produced such an effect upon prices, 
during the last century, what may we not ex- 
pect during the next, from the vast treasures 
in gold continuity pouring in from the mines of 
California and Australia ? Mankind seem to 
forget that gold is but the measure and not the 
standard of value, and that it fluctuates quite 
as much in price as other commodities ; its 
value being at last regulated by the cost of 
production. None need be surprised if the 
average price of wheat for the next century 
should exceed two dollars and fifty cents a 
bushel. This cause operating on prices is a 
permanent one, only to be checked by the fail- 
ure of the gold mines. There are other causes 
affecting prices of grain, more or less tempo- 
rary, that require notice. 
II. 
The price of grain is not regulated by the 
quantity of land in the country, or even by 
the quantity in actual cultivation, but by the 
labor and capital that can be employed in ma- 
nuring the land, and producing the crops. No 
greater error can exist, than that it is possible 
naturally to increase crops by increasing the 
breadth of land sown, without a corresponding 
increase of labor and capital. The census re- 
veals some striking facts on this subject, which 
it is well to consider. The tendency of our 
population is to the cities and towns, fearfully 
increasing the number of consumers without a 
corresponding increase of producers. From 
among many others, take these examples : The 
increase of population in the State of New 
York, from 1840 to 1850, was 668,475 ; of 
this increase the city of New York had about 
202,837, and Brooklyn, Albany, Buffalo, Ro- 
chester, Troy and Utica, had together 132,230 ; 
making in the aggregate an increase in these 
seven cities of 335,067 — being more than one- 
half the entire increase of the State. If the in- 
quiry were pursued through all the towns and 
villages of the State, it would probably appear, 
that whilst in this great State there is a fearful 
increase of mouths to be fed, the rural population 
— the only producers — have in fact been dimin- 
ished. The increase of population during the 
decade in Pennsylvania, was 587,753; of 
this increase Philadelphia alone had 1 19,622. 
In slaveholding Maryland the same state of 
things to some extent prevails — though happily 
for the inhabitants and the welfare of the coun- 
try at large, the general tendency of the slave- 
holding States is to a diffusion of the popula- 
tion over the rural districts. The increase in 
Maryland was 113,015; of which the city of 
Baltimore alone had 66,741. It will thus be 



344 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



seen that whilst the producers of food, in some 
of the States at least, remain stationary, the 
consumers have increased at a fearful rate. It 
requires no profound knowledge of arithmetic 
or political economy to perceive that this state 
of things must have its effect on prices. 

III. The Effects of the War in Europe. 

That large fleets and armies must require 
supplies, is most obvious, and however guilt- 
less they may be of shedding each other's blood, 
the effect of the war upon prices is not the less 
certain. Besides disturbing the natural course 
of industry in the countries that become the 
theatres of war, producers are taken from the 
fields of agriculture to the camp, and become 
the most wasteful consumers ; thus diminish- 
ing the supply and greatly increasing the de- 
mand for bread. 

IV. Short Crop. 
I have already spoken of the corn crop. I 
think you are greatly mistaken in supposing 
the last crop of wheat to have been an average 
one. In what State was it a full crop ? Not 
in Ohio, New York, Virginia, Maryland, or 
even in Pennsylvania, as far as I am informed. 
Of the crops in the far West I know nothing, 
but always receive the paper estimates with 
many grains of allowance. In Virginia the 
crop is certainly very deficient, both in quan- 
tity and quality. When the quality of wheat 
is indifferent, the quantity is invariably short. 
The Executive Committee of the Agricultural 
Society of Maryland, after full inquiry, came 
to the conclusion, that the wheat crop of that 
State did not exceed half an average. The 
same may also be said of the crop of Virginia. 
I have passed through the Baltimore corn ex- 
change several times during the summer, and 
examined the samples of wheat, and I have 
never seen them so poor. I sent wheat, the 
last season, to Baltimore, that weighed upwards 
of 63 lbs. to the bushel. I have examined the 
sales book of one of the largest commission 
houses this season, and the weight of the same 
variety ranges from 55 to 58 — rarely making 
58 pounds. An intelligent member of the firm 
stated to me, that he was satisfied, from the 
shipments made to his house, that the crop of 
the tide-water country was one-half short. Of 
the crops of Europe you will have more here- 
after, when the necessity will reveal the truth 
that policy now seeks to reveal. Long con- 
tinued rains before harvest are now followed 
by good or abundant crops. The only samples 
of new wheat offered in the London markets are 
reported as being of inferior quality. This, 
of itself, is a pregnant fact, which farmers can 
understand, if merchants will ignore it. 



In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I have but ; 
word to say. Should the general effort of th< 
press to lower prices for the temporary relief o 
the necessities of the cities be successful, an< 
large shipments of corn and other breadstuff 
be made to foreign countries, we may yet ru< 
our folly, when the pressing wants of our owi 
countrymen shall demand supplies, which cai 
neither be had at home nor abroad. 

I am yours, very respectfully, 

WlLLOUGHBY NeWTON. 



PAYMENTS TO THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, 

To the 28th of October, 1854. 

All persons who have made payments early enough 1 
be entered, and whose names do not appear in the fbllowin 
receipt list, are requested to give immediate notice of th 
omission, in order that the correction may be made in thi 
next issue : 

B. W. Fitzgerald to January 1855 

R. Fitzgerald to July 1852 

Warwick & Barksdale to January 1855 

John B. Hurt to July 1855 

Dr. N. M. Osborne to January 1856 

John H. Eustace & Son to October 1855 

Rev. John Cooke to January 1855 

William Gough to January 1855 

Jackson Hogeland to October 1855 

Annanias Hancock to January 1855 

William Y. Mordecai to November 1855 

William S. Hinton to July 1855 

S. B. Jones to September 1855 

W. B. Gates to October 1855 

J. P. Taliaferro to January 1855 

E. M. Anderson to January 1855 

Dr. T. J. Hughes to October 1855 

Rev. William Crawford to January 1856 

A. E. Smith to July 1854 

Col. W. 0. Harris to January 1855 

William F. Bentley to September 1855 

Dr. John R. Baylor to October 1855 

R. C. Noel to June 1851 

Fleming James to September 1851 

Isham Pearcy to September 185-1 

William E. B. Ruflin to January 1856 

George S. Blakey to July 1855 

Col. J. N. Trice to July 1851 

William T. H. Pollard to April 1855 

N. C. Clarkson to September 1855 

Josiah Smith to January 1855 

James W. Graves to January 1856 

Dr. P. T. Johnson to January 1856 

Thomas L. Humphreys to October 1851 

Col. John Hargrove to January 1855 

Dr. W. S. Morton to May 1856 

Edmund A. Pendleton to January 1855 

Robert N. Kelso to January 1856 

John S. Walker to July 1856 

Scott & Mockbee to November 1855 

Richard Stokes to August 1855 

James S. Oden to October 1855 

John T. Sawyer to November 1855 

James Wysong to July 1855 

G. P. Kcesec to January 1856 

W. H. Hall, Jr. to January 1856 

Dr. Thomas G. Peachy to January 1856 

William T. Scott to January 1855 



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THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



345 



S. M. Baker to July 1855 

Philip Slaughter to January 1856 

John C. Mayo to January 1856 

James Skinner to July 1855 

Col. H. P>. Powell to November 1855 

John A. Herring to July 1855 

Col. R. R. Brown to July 1855 

Ed. L. Travis to January 1855 

Major H. D. Thrower to September 1855 

E. A. Tillman to November 1855 

Joshua White to July 1855 

Joseph Mead to July 1855 

Charles Williams to July 1855 

John A. Carter to September 1856 

JI. H. Fleisher to January 1855 

Dr. W. W. Oliver to November 1855 

VV. B. Stanard to July 1855 



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SCOTT'S LITTLE GIANT PATENT CORN AND 
COB MILL, 

Patented May 16, 1854. 

The attention of Planters, 
Farmers and Stock-feed- 
ers in general, are respect- 
fully called to this Mill as 
the most important article 
)f the kind now in use ; not only well adapted for grinding 
dob Meal for Stock, but Grits for the table and especially 
Bread Meal from corn not fully ripe or dry in the fall. 

In setting this Mill no mechanic or frame work is wanted, 
>nly requiring to be fasted to a floor or platform. Easily 
tdjusted and used by any body, even a child. 

The Little Giant has received the first premiums at 
he late Agricultural Fairs of Missouri, Kentucky, Mary- 
and and other States ; and that in the most complimentary 
nner; as wpII as the most ready commendations from 
he ihousands witnessing its performance. 

These Mills are guaranteed in the most positive manner ; 
nd No. 2 warranted to grind 10 bushels of feed per honr 
with one horse, and offered at the low price of $44, ail 
omplere, ready for attaching the team — No. 4, at 866, 
grinds 20 bushels per hour with 2 horses. 

Manufactured by SCOTT & MOCKBEE, No. 7 Bal- 
ierston Street, near Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland. 
Libera! discount to dealers. State and County Rights for 
ale. 

From the Cincinnati Gazette. 
Corn and Cob Crushers. — We stepped in yesterday 
lo the establishment of Messrs. Scott &. Hedges, No. 9 
Water Street, and witnessed the performance of Scott's 
Patent Corn and Cob Mill, called the "Little Gi- 
ant " and can assure those who are in need of a mill for 
rinding ear-corn for feed, or cracking corn and oats to- 
gether, that this article is the best adapted for that purpose 
af any thing we have ever examined. With one horse, 
they are able to grind at the rate of from 10 to 12 bushels 
per hour, breaking all the corn and pulverizing the cob 
ompletely. The whole mill, ready to hitch the horse to, 
weighing about 300 lbs, and sold at the low price of $44, 
and warranted at that — it does strike us it will soon find 
fts way to every good farmer and economical teamster in 
the whole country. In regard to the style and workman- 
ship of this Little Giant, we must say it is a little ahead 
pf the rest of the family, and no wonder, for it is Western 
born. no3t* 

IMPROVED ESSEX PIGS.— The subscribers are now 
ready to engage pigs from fall litters, got by their supe- 
rior boars "Lord Weston" and "Uncle Tom." Prices — 
$25 per pair; $15 a single pig. Also the reserved lot of 5 
om a spring litter, which won the first prize at the New 
York State Show this year, consisting of 3 boars and 2 
Bows — price $20 a piece. In all cases the money must be 
forwarded before shipment of the pigs, which will be well 
boxed and sent by express or otherwise, as desired. 

W. P. & C S. WAINWRIGHT. 
Rhinebeck, Duchess Co., N. Y. — nov2t 



VALUABLE FARM AND WOOD LAND FOR SALE. 
The subscribers offer for sale a most valuable farm, 
called "Farmington," lying in the county of Charles City, 
about six miles below the Court House, within two miles 
of "Kennon's," one of the most public landings on James 
River, having also the advantage of a creek running up to 
the land, making it very convenient to receive lime and 
deliver grain and wood. Said tract contains about 1500 
acres, 575 of which are in cultivation under the five field 
rotation, all of which has been limed once, about two-thirds 
twice, and a portion three times. It is now well set in 
clover and producing heavy crops of wheat, corn and oats. 
The balance of the land is heavily timbered, and well wor- 
thy the attention of persons engaged in the lumber and 
wood business. It is supposed by judges that from 8000 
to 10,000 cords of wood might be cut off the land, (leaving 
a sufficiency of timber for the farm,) which commands rea- 
dily, at the landing, $3 50 to $4 per cord. The buildings 
on the farm are all in good repair; the dwelling is a frame 
one, containing seven rooms, with an office in the yard and 
all necessary outhouses, barns, stables, &c. for carrying on 
farming on a large scale. For further information apply to 
RUFFIN & AUGUST, 
General Agents for the sale and purchase of Lands, 
octf No. 153 Main Street, Richmond, Va. 



SUFFOLK PIGS from the stock of Prince Albert, which 
gained the gold medal at Smithfield Club, England, also 
the first prize at the exhibition of the Norfolk Agricultural 
Society, Massachusetts, 1853, two to three months old. sup- 
plied with food delivered on board Express cars or vessel on 
receiving thirty dollars per pair. Or they will be sent to 
any part of the United States, upon receiving a certificate of 
deposit for forty dollars, from the Postmaster, that upon their 
reception, in good order, free of expense, he will pay. 
Address' JAMES MORTON, 

West Needham, Mass. 
Or GEORGE H. P. FLAGG, 

Boston, Massachusetts. 
se3t* 

"pOOKS ON AGRICULTURE, &c— J. W. Randolph, 
XJ Publisher, Bookseller and Binder, Richmond, offers for 
sale a large stock of works on Farming, Gardening, Horses, 
Cattle, &c. Among the most valuable are the Plantation 
Book, Ruffin on Manures and Agricultural Education. 

Catalogues will be furnished to all who apply. 

Ruffin's Agricultural Essays will be published soon. 

oc— 2t 



BROGUES!! BROGUES!! BROGUES! !!— 6000 pair 
Richmond made Brogues for sale on accommodating 
terms, by N. DEVEREUX, Leather Dealer, 

132 Gary Street, 
oc2t between the Columbian Hotel and the Basin. 



PURE GAME FOWLS.— The subscriber takes pleasure 
in the announcement to the public his stock of Game 
Fowls, which he keeps on hand and for sale. Thorough 
breeds from the best stock of Mexican, Kinney, Butcher, 
Caroline, Creole and Earl of Derby Game. Prices ranging 
from two to ten dollars per pair, according to quality and 
age. Address J. McL. ANDERSON, 

octf Ruther Glen P. O., Caroline County, Va. 



ARTIFICIAL GUANO for sale in quantities to suit pur- 
chasers, at $25 per ton. Apply to 
oc3t RICHARD CAUTHORN, 15th Street. 



/CHOICE FOWLS FOR SALE.— She subscriber 
V_y has the following kinds of chickens, ducks and geese : 
Ebon Sumatra, Bengal, Java, Pheasant and Mallacca game 
chickens ; the Aylesbury and Jnva ducks, and Hong Kong 
geese: each breed warranted pure and distinct. He has 
also various crosses of the above named chickens, which 
in size, beauty and symmetry surpass the original stock. 
All of which he will sell on reasonable terms, securely 
cooped and delivered either in Richmond or on the Canal, 
(free of extra charge.) Address 

DR. ERASMUS POWELL, 
oc3t* Powell's Tavern Goochland Co.. Va. 






346 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



THE HORSE, THE HORSE, 

TVTOBLEST OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS, and the 

JL\ one most frequently ill-treated, neglected and abused. 
We have just published a book so valuable to every man 
who owns a Horse, that no one should willingly be without 
it. It is entitled the modern horse doctor, and is from 
the pen of that celebrated English Veterinary Surgeon, 
Dr. George H. Dadd, well known for many years in this 
Country, as one of the most successful, scientific and popu- 
lar writers and lecturers in this branch of medical and sur- 
gical science. The book which he now offers to the pub- 
lic, is the result of many years study and practiced expe- 
rience which few have had. From the numerous and 
(Strong commendations, of distinguished men and the news- 
paper" press, we select the following: 
Extract from a letter from Hon. John H. Clifford, Ex- 
Governor of Massachusetts. 

New Bedford, May 11, 1854. 
Dh. Dadd, — Dear Sir: — 1 hope your new work on the 
noblest creature that man has ever been permitted to hold 
in subjection, (the Horse,) Will meet with that success, 
whi«h all your efforts in this direction so well deserve. 
Your obedieut servant. 

John H. Clifford. 

From Hon. Marshall P. Wilder. 

Boston, May 13, 1854. 
Dr. Dadd, — My Dear Sir: — I am greatly obliged to 
you for the valuable treatise, the results of your own inves- 
tigations, which you have recently issued, hoping that it 
may meet with the patronage of a discriminating commu- 
nity. I remain yours with great regard, 

Marshall P. Wilder. 

The Modern Horse Doctor, by Dr. G. H. Dadd, is a 
manual of genuine science, and ought to be owned and 
studied on the score of humanity, as well as interest, by 
every man who owns a horse. — Boston Congregationalisi 

Dr. Dadd has had great experience in the cure of sick 
horses, and explains the secret of his success in this vol. — 
New York Tribune. 

The author of this work is well known as a most skilful 
veterinary surgeon. His book is based on the soundest 
common sense, and as a hand-book for practical use, we 
know of nothing to compare with it. — Yankee Blade. 

We know Dr. Dadd well, and are satisfied that he pos- 
sesses most important qualifications for preparing such a 
book as this. — Neic England Farmer. 

Messrs. Jewett & Co. have just published a very valua- 
ble work by Dr. Dadd, a well known veterinary surgeon, 
on the causes, nature and treatment of disease, and lame- 
ness in horses. — Farmer's Cabinet. 

This is one of the most valuable treatises on the subject, 
ever published; and no owner of that noblest of the ani- 
mal race, the horse, should be without it. Especially 
should it be in the hands of every hotel and livery- stable 
keeper. To many a man would it be worth hundreds of 
dollars every year. — Ind. Democrat, Concord. 

By far the most learned and copious work on the horse 
and his diseases we have ever seen. — N. Y. Evangelist. 

One of the greatest and most commendable qualities of 
this work, is, it is practical and plain to the comprehension 
of those farmers and others for whom it is mainly designed. 
The course of treatment favors generally a more sanative 
and rational system of medication than that recommended 
in any previously existing woi ks on farriery. No farmer 
or owner of a horse should be without this book. Stable 
keepers, stage proprietors and hackmen, we believe, would 
derive profit, by having at least one copy hung up in their 
stdbles for use and reference by their stable men. — Daily 
News, Philadelphia. 

There is more common sense in this book than any of 
the kind we have ever seen, and farmers and owners of 
horses woidd find it a matter of economy to possess them- 
selves of it. It will be of more service than the counsel 
of n score of ordinary doctors. — Albany Courier. 

We deem this decidedly the best and most reliable work 
on the "Cause, INature and Treatment of Disease and 
Lameness in Horses," ever published. — Nantucket In 
quirer. 



What we have read of this book induces us to regar ■&$ 
as a very sensible and valuable work; and we learn t W 
those much more competent to judge of its value have gr 1 fer 
it their unqualified approval. — Ev. Traveller, Boston. I ill 

This book supplies a great desideratum, which Skinnf ' fl ; 
admirable treatise on the horse did not fill. Every n ^ 
may be his own-veterinary surgeon, and with much greai 
safety to this noble animal, than by trusting him to 
treatment of the empirical itinerants who infest the coifff 
try. It is well illustrated, and should be purchased 
every man who owns a horse. — Ev. Mirror, N. Y. 

This is a book that should be forthwith put into 1 
hands of all who own or drive horses whether fonthe di 
or gig, for the plough, omnibus or road, for hard serv 
or pleasure. — McMakin's Courier, Philadelphia. 

A good, clearly written book, which should be in I 
hands of every man who has a horse whose ills his afT< 
tion or his purse make it worth while to cure. — Bani 
Mercury. 

This is a scientific, thorough and complete treatise u{ 
the diseases to which one of the noblest of animals is si 
ject, and the remedies which they severally require 
Troy Daily Budget. 

It is a valuable book to those who have the care 
Horses. — Hartford Herald. 

He is not worthy to have a horse in his care, who v 
not use such a work to qualify himself for his duties to t 
animal. — Commonwealth, Boston. 

Published by JOHN P. JEWETT & CO., 

Boston 
Jewett, Proctor & Worthington 

Cleveland, Ohio, 
se — 3t spf For sale by all Booksellers. 



I FARMERS' AND PLANTERS' DEPOT, N. E. cofi 
of 7th and Market Street, Philadelphia. — The most i 
ried assortment of Agricultural and Horticultural Imp 
ments, Seeds, Dairy Utensils, Fruit and Ornamental Tre 
&c, in the United States may now be seen at our Wa: 
house, and to which we respectfully invite the attention 
Farmers and Planters. It having been our earnest end 
vor to secure custom, by keeping only the most improv I 
and best made implements, we guarantee all articles s< 
by us fully equal to representations. Orders from a d 
tance as punctually and faithfully filled, as if the purchas 
were present. We have but one price, to which we stric 
adhere. Comprehensive, illustrated catalogues will be fi h 
nished gratis, on post paid application. 

PASCHALL MORRIS & CO 

Agricultural Warehouse, N. E. corner 7th and 

oc3t Market Street, Philadelph 



COOPER'S PATENT LIME AND GUANO SPREA 
ERS. — Cooper's Lime Spreader, Guano Spreader, a; 
Lime and Guano Spreaders combined. Sole Agents, 
PASCHALL MORRIS & CO. 

Agricultural and Seed Warehouse, 
' oc3t 269 Market Street, Philadelph 



HALLADAY'S WIND ENGINE.— The best machi 
for raising water by wind-power, in use. 



oc3t 



PASCHALL MORRIS & CO. 

Agricultural Warehouse, N. E. corner 7th 
and Market Street, Philadelph 



DEERING & DEDERICH'S 
are pr 



HAY PRESSES— V 
prepared to supply these excellent Presses at 
short notice. They are warranted. 

PASCHALL MORRIS & CO. 

Agricultural Warehouse, 
oc3t 269 Market Street, Philadelphi 



V 



SPAIN'S ATMOSPHERIC BARREL CHURN, 

O are now manufacturing these superior Churns of ; 
siles. They are warranted equal to any in use. 

PASCHALL MORRIS & CO. 

Agric ultural Warehouse, 
oc3t No. 269 Market Street, Philadelph 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



:47 



K)R SALE! A BEAUTIFUL AND VALUABLE ES- 
TATE. — Desirous to close my business in Frederick 
unty, and remove to a central part of Virginia more con- 
:nient to a large landed estate I own in that quarter, I 
fer for sale, Springdale and Bartonsvitlc, with various 
ills, forming certainly one of the finest estates in the whole 
iuntry. Springdale contains upwards of 800 acres of fer- 
e land chiefly limestone, or of a kind, mixed soil, upon a 
ay basis, all admirably adapted to wheat, corn, timothy 
id clover. There are about 60 acres of creek bottom of 
irpassing fertility, which might be cultivated twenty years 

succession with but little depreciation. Indeed, the en- 
lring quality of the soil is a characteristic of the whole 
rm, justifying stubbling and repeated continuous crops. 
Dr example, I have a small field which for twelve years 
is been in wheat or corn, and in all that time never failed 

yield a noble crop. Three or four successive crops of 
heat from the same ground is a common practice with 
e, without injury to the land or of any abatement of quan- 
y produced. 

The improvements on this estate are those which taste 
id a free expenditure of money for fifty years could make, 
lere are 6§ miles of limestone fencing, 5 miles of paling 
id plank, and the balance of locust stake fencing. There 
e 26 enclosures from lots of 4 or 5 acres to fields of 50 
res. The wood land, 170 acres, consisting of open forests 

black walnut, ash, hickory and oak, is divided in eight 
ts, all enclosed and yielding pasture for sheep and cattle, 
fine stream flows a mile and a half through the farm, and 
ver failing springs .rise in many of the fields. 
The dwelling-house is a well constructed building of two 
Dries, covered with tin roof, having dining-room, parlor, 
)rary, six chambers, beside four cellar and three attic rooms, 
here is a large and handsome piazza in front and a portico 

the rear. The building is 90 feet in length, including 
wings, of substantial hewn, square limestone, and hav- 
g eight dormer-windows. A two story stone building, 50 
et in length, used as a negro quarter. An extensive barn, 
ith stone underpinning and shedding; excellent stabling, 
me and frame, sufficient for thirty head of horses; also, 
(uses for hay and extensive shedding for cattle; two corn 
tuses, one rat-proof, capable of containing 1000 barrels of 
rn, besides granaries for wheat, oats, &c; carriage house, 
3 house, admirable dairy, with a large limestone spring 
ry convenient to the house; large stone smoke house, 
erseer's house, wagon and cart sheds, and other conve- 
ent out houses. 

The Village consists of stone house with eight rooms, 
ag used as a wagon stand, large stone blacksmith shop, 
agon and cooper shop, several excellent buildings, occu- 
ed by mechanics, with stabling, stone smoke houses, gar- 
ns, &c. 

There are two excellent and large orchards of selected 
immer and winter fruit, the proceeds of which I sold one 
ar for $1200. 

The Merchant Mill is a three story building partly of 
me and partly frame, capable of grinding 20,000 bushels 

wheat annually. It does also a large share of country 
inding, and has a valuable plaster and saw mill attached; 
so, near it a miller's house, stabling, garden, (fee. 

This property is 5£ miles from Winchester, a flourishing 
wn of near 5000 people, and the terminus of the rail road 
nnecting with Baltimore. The Manassas Gap Rail Road, 
nnecting with Alexandria, Washington and Richmond, is 
ily 1 1 miles south. The projected rail road from the Ma- 
tssas Gap to the Coal Field will pass only a mile from 
jHngdale, while the Valley Rail Road from Winchester 

Staunton, undoubtedly soon to be made, will touch upon 
e farm. The Great Valley Turnpike, extending from 
r inchester to Tennessee, passes nearly a mile and a quarter 
rough the farm, over which several mail coaches are 
iven every morning and evening, directly in sight of the 
)usc These, together with the large number of carriages 
id other vehicles, hourly passing through a densely settled 
untry, give to the farm a most cheerful aspect. The 
orning papers from Washington and Baltimore are re- 
lived every day soon after dinner. The celebrated Capon 
)rings are but 20 miles off" — Jordan's Sulphur but 10. 
lere are 20 churches of various denominations within a 



circle of 6 miles. A mile and a half from the farm is the 
village of Newtown, containing nearly 1000 inhabitants, 
with churches, an academy, post office, several stores, and 
various mechanic shops, &c. The farm is surrounded by 
a refined society, and in forty minutes a gentleman can take 
his family to Winchester over a beautiful turnpike to church, 
or upon a visit to a very clever and genteel people. 

Sincerely desirous to sell this estate, but to avoid all hig- 
gling and needless applications, I will state my price for the 
whole, including the mills described, is $72,000 — one-hair 
cash, the balance I am content to say two, four, six and eight 
years, the purchaser paying interest and securing all by a 
lien on the property. There are three farms united, with 
improvements on each, but I will not separate them in any 
sale. A good manager may always calculate on from 5000 
to 6000 bushels of wheat each year, worth at the home 
market an average of $6000. This is a clear net crop, for 
the corn, hay, stock, &c, will more than pay all expenses. 
The mills, houses and orchards, will rent for $1200 per an- 
num — thus making an income of $7200 from about $80,000 
invested, including stock on farm, &c, or about 9 per cent. 
Such is the admirable tilth of this farm, its cleanness, con- 
dition of the fences, its level or gently rolling surface, &c, 
eight laborers can cultivate it. A healthier spot can hardly 
be found on earth. In a family of some 75 persons, includ- 
ing tenants, for 35 years, I have never known a case of 
bilious or intermittent fever. 

To the wealthy merchant or professional man, who wishes 
to retire from business and enjoy health and ease, at a de- 
lightful residence, or the industrious farmer, looking to a 
profitable investment of his money, the extraordinary con- 
veniences and resources of this farm present equal attrac- 
tions. No one will purchase so valuable an estate without 
some personal acquaintance. To those at a distance dis- 
posed to inform themselves, I refer to a number of friends 
or neighbors who have visited this farm, many of whom are 
extensively acquainted with the facts set forth in this adver- 
tisement. In the event of a sale, the purchaser may have 
leave to sow wheat this fall, one hundred acres being already 
ploughed for the purpose, and I will give complete posses- 
sion by the first of next October, if desired. 

References. — Hon. James M. Mason, Senator; Hon. 
A. A. H. Stuart, Staunton, Virginia ; Charles Barnard, Esq., 
Boston; Moncure Robinson, Benjamin Etting, Esqs., Phi- 
ladelphia; A. P. Kennedy, S. K. Burkholder, Esqs., Balti- 
more; Capt. L. M. Powell, Capt. William McBlair, United 
States Navy, Washington ; Ro. B. Boiling, Esq., Petersburg, 
Virginia; William H. Macfarland, R. B. Haxall, Samuel 
Marx, Esqs.,' Richmond, Virginia; Myer Myers, Esq., Nor- 
folk, Virginia; James K. Marshall, Esq., Alexandria, Va.; 
John G. Meem. Esq., Lynchburg, Virginia; Dr. Rice, New 
Market, Virginia; Dr. R. T. Baldwin, T. A. Tidball, H. M. 
Brent, James Marshall, Joseph H. Sherrard, D. W. Barton, 
Esqs., Winchester, Virginia; John S. Magill, William S. 
Jones, Joseph Long, James Chipley, F. B. Jones, James 
Gilkeson, Esqs., Frederick county, Virginia. 

R. W. BARTON. 

Near Winchester, Va., July 10, 1854. — autf 



WILLIAM P. LADD, Apothecary and Druggist, 
No. 319, head of Broad Street, Shockoe Hill, Rich- 
mond, Virginia, dealer in English, Mediterranean, India and 
all Foreign and Domestic Drugs and Medicines ; also, Paints, 
Oils, Varnish, Dye-Stuffs, Window Glass, Putty, (fee. For 
sale on the most accommodating terms. 

jpgp* Orders from Country Merchants and Physicians 
thankfully received and promptly attended to. 
jan '51— tf 



A GENCY FOR THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF 
Ol IMPROVED STOCK.— Stock Cattle of all the differ- 
ent breeds, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, &c. will be purchased 
to order, and carefully shipped to any part of the United 
States, for which a reasonable commission will be charged. 

Apply to AARON CLEMENT, Philadelphia. 

Refer to Gen. Wm. H. Richardson, Richmond, Virginia. 

N. B. — All letters, post-paid, will be promptly attended 
to. 

ap'53— tf . 



348 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 









A MORRIS, 97 Main Street, is constantly sup- 
• plied with all New and Standard Agricul- 
tural Works. The subscriber respectfully invites 
the attention of the public to his extensive assort- 
ment of Books on Agriculture, among which may 
be found — 

The Chemical Field Lectures for Agriculturists, 
by Dr. J. A. Stockhardt; translated from the Ger- 
man: edited with notes by James E. Tesehemasher. 

The Field Book of Manures, or the American 
Muck Book; treating of.the nature, properties, &c. 
of all the principal manures in common use, by 
D. J. Brown. 

The American Farm Book, or Compend of Arae 
rican Agriculture, being a practical treatise on soils, 
manures, draining, &c. and every staple product of 
the United States, with the best methods of planting, 
culiivatingand preparation formarket, by R.L.Allen 

Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Gtology, 
by James F. W. Johnston, M. A. 

The Monthly Journal ofAgrieulture, containing 
the best current productions in promotion of agri- 
cultural improvement, including the choicest prize 
essays issued in Europe and America, with original 
contributions from eminent farmers and statesmen, 
3 vols. 8vo., John S. Skinner, Editor. 

The Principles of Agriculture, by Albert D. 
Thaer. 

The Farmer's and Planter's Encyclopaedia of 
Rural Affairs, embracing all the most recent disco- 
veries in agricultural chemistry, adapted to the 
comprehension of unscientific readers, by C. W. 
Johnson, Esq. 

European Agriculture and Rural Economy, from 
personal observations, by Henry Colman. 

Chemistry in its Application to Agriculture and 
Physiology, by Justus Liebig, M. D. 

The Book of the Farm, detailing the labors of 
the farmer, ploughman, field worker, &c, by Henry 
Stephens. 

Elements of Scientific Agriculture, or the Con- 
nection between Science and the Art of Practical 
Farming, by John P. Norton, M. A. 

An Essay on Calcareous Manures, by Edmund 
Ruffin: 5th edition, amended and enlarged. 

The Farmer's Barn-Book, by Claier, Youatt, Skin- 
ner and Mills. 

Together with many other valuable works on 
farming, the treatment and management of cattle, 
&c. A: MORRIS, 

Bookseller, Stationer, and Dealer in 

feb— tf Piano Fortes, 97 Main street. 



ALBEMARLE PIGS, 

I AM prepared to receive orders for Albemarle 
Pigs — a breed made by crossing several varieties, 
which will grow to good size, and fatten easily at 
any age. This breed received some of the highest 
prizes at the Virginia State Fair. I have, also, four 
boar pigs, from my large Delaware Sow, (estimated 
to weigh, nett, near one thousand pounds,) which 
will be ready for delivery in a few weeks. Address, 
(postpaid,) JOHN II. WOODS, 

ja — tf WoodvilLe Depot, Albemarle, Va. 



ANALYSIS OF SOILS, &c. 

THE undersigned is prepared to execute the an- 
alyses of Soils, Guano, Marls, Plastf i. ftc. &c. 
at the Laboratory of the Virginia Military Institute. 
Packages may be forwarded through Webb, Bacon 
& Co. Richmond, or Echols & Pryor, Lynchburg. 
Persons desiring further information will please 
address '. WILLIAM GILH AM, 

Prof. Chemistry and Agriculture, V. M. I. 
Feb. 1, 1852. Lexington, Va. 



STOVES AND FANCY IRON CASTINGS! 

Exhibited at Ike Virginia State Agricultural Fair } 
By Messrs. Bowers, Snyder & Carter. 

THESE Gentlemen erected Works, about tw 
years since, by which ihey have been exter 
sively supplying the State with articles for whic 
we have heretofore depended entirely upon norther 
foundries,. 

Their Cooking Stoves have given entire satisfa* 
tion to all Virginia housewives who have used then 
On the door of one of these we notice a represent; 
tion of a sheaf of wheat, in which the heads an 
even the distinct grains stand out in beautiful relie 
They exhibit a specimen of parlor stove especial! 
worthy of notice. Its style and finish are highl 
ornamental. Its chief merit consists of a door d' 
signed to increase the draught of the fire, which 
made to revolve vertically upon a pivot. 

These manufacturers, in a modest, unpretendir 
way, are rendering good service to the Slate, by d- 
veloping her resources in this branch of domest 
industry. E. B. Spence, 

H. M. Smith, 
James Pae, 
Committee on Household Implement 

I have sold principally, for the past two year 
the stoves manufactured by Messrs. Bowers, Snyd' 
& Carter, at the Richmond Stove Works, and ha^ 
found them to give my patrons entire satisfactio 
both in their operation and durability. 

Charles D. Yale, 
130, Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, Depot f« 

Bolton & Yale's "Caloric Air Furnace." 

jan 1854— ly 



EAGLE FOUNDER Y. 

TFIE subscriber having removed to the larj 
Foundery, just erected by him and fitted o 
with machinery of the latest and most approv( 
style, is, in addition to the manufacture of Tobaci 
Flattening Mills, prepared to receive orders for St 
nonary Steam Engines, Saw and Grist Mills, Agi 
cultural Machines, Tobacco Presses of every d 
scription, and all kinds of Iron and Brass Casting 
He pledges himself to execute faithfully, and wi 
dispatch, all work entrusted to him, and respectful 
solictsacall from hisfriendsand the public generall 
The highest cash prices paid for old cast iro 
brass and copper. PHILIP RAHM, 

ja— ly Gary, between Pearl and loth st 



BOOKS, PIANOS, MUSIC, &c. 

JAMES WOODHOUSE, Wholesale and R 
tail Dealer in Books, Piano Fortes, Statio: 
ery, Music, &c. 139 Main St., Richmond, Virgini 
Constantly on hand, a full supply of standa: 
Agricultural Works. oc — tf 



SIN TON & SONS' NURSERY, N EA 
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. 

AS the season for planting has arrived, the su 
scribers would respectfully call the attention 
their friends and the public generally, to their lar; 
and extensive collection of Fruit Trees, embra 
ing, perhaps, a selection that has not been surpasse 
for the climate of Virginia, and nearly all prop 
gated from fruit-bearing trees in their own orchar 

Catalogues, with directions for planting, may I 
had at William Palmer's Seed and Plough Stor 
at Peyton Johnston & Brother's Apothecary Stor 
at C.J. Simon & Co's. Hardware Store, and at L 
gan Waller's Commission House, where any orde 
left will be punctually attended to, and letters a 
dressed to the subscribers, Richmond, will receu 
prompt attention. 

nov— tf JOSEPH SINTON & SONS. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



349 



FARM, STOCK, CROPS, NEGROES, &C., FOR 
SALE. — The subscribers are authorized to sell a valu- 
able farm in the county of Buckingham, 5£ miles from the 
Court House, containing upwards of 800 acres, having on 
t every necessary improvement, consisting of a handsome 
;vvo story dwelling just completed, barn with threshing 
machine, stables, corn crib, carriage and ice houses, black- 
smith's shop, &c, with a kitchen and meat house about to 
be erected. It has also a fine garden and an orchard of 
choice fruit, embracing almost every variety grown in Vir- 
ginia. It will be sold with the growing crops, (175 bushels 
jf wheat and 100 bushels of oats have been seeded) stock, 
tools and implements of every description, and 16 first rate 
farm and house servants, one of whom is a good black- 
smith. 

This farm is situated in a region proverbial for health 
and agreeable society, 15 farms and dwellings being in 
view from the dwelling. 

The owner desiring to remove to the South, and being 
unwilling to break up the relations existing among his ne- 
groes, will dispose of the whole at a great bargain. 

For terms, &c, apply to 

MARTIN GOLDSBOROUGH, Baltimore, or 
RUFFIN & AUGUST, Richmond, Va. 

j un — tf 



SUPERIOR SWINE AND PREMIUM POULTRY.— 
I am prepared to engage pigs by my large Byefield and 
Isuperior Suffolk boars, from matchless sows of the following 
|breeds : Byefield, Suffolk, Skinner, Essex, Chester, Dela- 
ware, Cheshire and Russian — most of them of mammoth 
|size. 

The finest collection of ornamental and domestic Poultry 
in Virginia — receiving the premium as the finest collection 
jand upon individual pairs. They consist of the following : 
Brahma Pootra, Imperidl Chinese, Colatta, Dorking, Span- 
gled Hamburg, Seabright and African Bantams, Sumatra 
Pheasant Game, Ablin Game, Mexican Game, Ebon Game, 
Crested Turkey, Purple Turkey, Pure White Turkey, Bre- 
men Geese, Hong Kong Geese, Wild Geese, Crested Black 
and White Ducks, Java Ducks, Penguin Ducks, Rouen 
iDucks, Aylesbury Ducks, Pure White Guinea Fowls, Ita- 
lian Pea Fowl, Madagascar or Lopped Eared Rabbits — ears 
22 inches long, 5 broad. 

The above are bred in separate apartments, and can be 
obtained at moderate prices by addressing 

JOHN G. TURPIN, 

mar — tf Clover Dale, near Petersburg, Va. 



IMPROVED SUPER PHOSPHATE OF LIME— The 
subscriber is manufacturing the above at his Bone Mill, 
a short distance from the city, of the best and purest kind. 
Farmers are requested to examine his before purchasing 
elsewhere ; the quality will speak for itself, and his price is 
the same as that manufactured out of the State. 

may— tf R. R. DUVAL. 



GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES OF HATS AND 
BOOTS.— J. H. ANTHONY'S Fashionable Hat 
Store, Columbian Hotel Corner. The cheapest place in 
the city of Richmond to buy hats and boots is at the above 
store, where every article sold may be relied on as repre- 
sented. By this means he has gained a good run of cus- 
tom, and his customers feel satisfied. Below is a list of his 
prices, which will be strictly adhered to: 

Best quality moleskin, - - - $3 50 

Second quality moleskin, - - 3 00 

Best quality silk, - - - 2 50 

Second quality silk, - - - 2 00 

Fine Calfskin Sewed Boots only three dollars and fifty 
cents. 

Also, Caps, Shoes and Umbrellas. 

J. H. Anthony has made an arrangement with one of the 
best makers in the city of Philadelphia to supply him with 
a handsome and substantial calfskin sewed Boot, which he 
will sell at the unprecedented low price of three dollars and 
fifty cents. The attention of gentlemen is respectfully soli- 
cited, as they are the best and cheapest boots that have ever 
been offered for sale in this city. He intends to keep but 
the one kind, and sell them at one price. 
mar '54 — tf 



GREAT PREMIUM FAN, patented December 20, 1853. 
Montgomery's Celebrated Double Screen Rockaway 
Wheat Fan, has, during the past year, been proved to be. 
the best Fan ever offered in the Middle States, having taken 
premiums over all that have been offered to the public from 
every quarter of the United States. It took the first pre- 
mium at the Maryland State Agricultural Society's Exhibi- 
tion, in October last, where all the most celebrated Fans 
were in competition. 

The first premium at the Virginia State Agricultural So- 
ciety's Exhibition, in November last. 

The Maryland Institute awarded silver medals to it at its 
Exhibitions in 1852 and 1853, as superior to all others on 
exhibition. 

The first premium was awarded at the Talbot County 
(Maryland) Show, in 1852; and 

The first premium at the Prince George's County (Mary- 
land) Exhibition, in 1853, by the special vote of the Society, 
in consequence of its superiority and value, it being con- 
trary to their standing rules to award premiums to articles 
made out of the county. 

We annex the following certificate from a respectable far- 
mer of St. Mary's county, and any number of others could 
be published if necessary, all tending to show the decided 
superiority of this Fan over any others that have ever been 
introduced in the Middle States — and as the manufacturers 
devote their whole attention to this one article, and rely for 
its continued success upon the faithfulness of its make, as 
well as the superiority of its principles of construction, far- 
mers and others may rely on having their Fans made of 
the best materials and workmanship. 

St. Geramers, St. Mary's Co., Md., Oct. 6, 1853. 

This is to certify, that I have tried Messrs. J. Montgo- 
mery & Brother's Wheat Fan in some tailings I made in 
cleaning a part of my crop, which I did not think could be 
made worth anything; it extracted from a bushel and a 
half of filth about three pecks of pure wheat. I must say 
that I never saw a Fan that can even come in competition 
with J. Montgomery & Brother's Rockaway Wheat Fan, 
for screening wheat. Benjamin M'Kay. 

REFERENCES. 
City of Baltimore : John S. Williams, foot of Commerce 
street; Messrs. Seth & Godwin, No. 4 Bowly's wharf; E. 

B. Harris, No. 4 Bowly's wharf; Michael Dorsey, Light 
street; Thos. J. Hall, Light street; N. E. Berry, Lombard 
street, near Charles; R. D. Burns, foot of Bowly's wharf; 
Mr. Wiliner, No. 2 Bowly's wharf — all commission mer- 
chants. 

Virginia references: Hon. William S.Archer, Virginia; 
Gen. B. Peyton, Virginia; Hill Carter, Virginia; Lewis G. 
Harvey, Virginia; Rowlett Hardy & Co., Petersburg; A. 

C. Lane, Richmond; Robert Cole, Richmond, Virginia; M. 
Heartwall, D. T. Payner, James B. Lundy, J. Ravenscroft 
Jones, Geo. W. Field, Col. Isham Trotter, John Winbeiks, 
Win. Towns, Jas. Hays, Sr., Dr. Wm. W. Oliver, Samuel F. 
M'Gehee, William M. Watkins, William I. Scott. 

We are prepared to sell State or County rights to those 
who wish to manufacture our Fan. 

All orders addressed to the undersigned at the Baltimore 
City (Md.) Post Office, will be promptly attended to. 
J. MONTGOMERY & BRO. 
No. 155 N. High St., between Hillen and Gay streets, 
may — ly Baltimore. 



GENERAL AGENCY FOR THE SALE AND PUR- 
CHASE OF LANDS.— FRANK : G. RUFFIN, Secre- 
tary of the Virginia State Agricultural Society, and N. 
AUGUST, Notary Public and Accountant, offer their ser- 
vices to the public as General Agents for the sale and pur- 
chase of lands in Virginia, and in the Southern and West- 
ern States. Those wishing our services, having lands for 
sale, are requested to furnish us with a full description of 
such property, and the terms, &c, upon which they are 
willing to sell ; and those wishing to purchase are requested 
to inform us of the locality in which they wish to purchase, 
the price they are willing to pay, &c. Our charges will 
be moderate. » 

Office at the office of the Virginia State Agricultural So- 
ciety. 

jan — tf 



350 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 






! 






1 



WOOL DEPOT. 

Richmond, June 22, 1854. 

Dear Sir, — Having been engaged fur years past in the sale of Wool, we are fully aware of the difficulties that thd 
Wool Growers of this State have labored under to obtain for their Wool its fair market value. For this there are twe 
causes — one is, that in each lot of Wool, indeed in each bag of Woo!, there are several grades, and each purchaser hat 
to buy some Wool that does not answer his purposes; he could not, therefore, afford to pay the full value for an article! 
that he did not want, and which he only bought because it was not assorted. All who are familiar with the sale oi 
tobacco, are fully aware of the loss that the planter sustains who does not assort his tobacco. It is the same case with 
Wool, to a considerable extent. 

Another reason is, that the receipts of Wool have been light, and so scattered that it was difficult to get together i 
sufficient quantity to attract the attention of purchasers. We have found this operate so strongly that we have no 
generally attempted to make sale of small parcels of Wool, but allowed our receipts to accumulate; and we have 
generally obtained from three to five cents per pound more for such large parcels than could be had for small lots. The 
Wool interest of Virginia is now rapidly increasing, and we think is destined, in a short time, to become an extensive 
trade. Already there is a sufficient quantity grown, if concentrated to one point and properly graded, to overcome, tc 
some extent, the difficulties referred to above. We think this can be best accomplished by a well conducted Wooj 
Depot. This city appears to be the most accessible point for a majority of the Wool Growers in Virginia. 

Being already in this trade, and having an extensive acquaintance with the producers as well as the manufacturer; 
and dealers in Wool, we have determined to open such a Depot in this city, in connection with our present business 
In order to conduct it in the most satisfactory manner, we have engaged the services of Mr. John Waterhouse, whe 
was long and favorably known as the efficient Agent of the late Woollen Factory in this city. 

All the Fleece Wool sent to us and tub washed Wool, so far as it is practicable, will be graded, and each quality pu 
together, unless the owner prefers that his Wool should be sold alone — in that event he will so direct us. 

Our charges will be — 

Commission for selling, 2£ per cent. 

Storage, grading, fire insurance, advertising and labor, 1 cent per lb. 

We shall always sell for cash, unless we find it to the interest of the owners to sell on time. In that event, we wil j 
charge 2£ per cent, guarantee. We will be prepared to cash all such sales as soon as made, deducting the interest. 

We hope the establishment of such a Depot will meet with your approval, and that we may be favored with youi 
consignments. Yours, most obedient, CRENSHAW & CO., 

Grocers and Commission Merchants, North Side of the Basin, Richmond, Va. 

13?" Liberal advances will be made on consignments of Wool, when required. 

Genuine No. 1 Peruvian Guano always on hand, and for sale on the best terms. C. & CO. 

autf 



STEPHEN H. FISHER, Manufacturer of Boots 
and Shoes, No. 228, Bread Street, north side, be- 
tween 3d and 4th streets, Richmond, Virginia, keeps con- 
stantly on hand a full assortment of ready made Boots and 
Shoes of his own manufacture, for Ladies' and Children's 
wear, which he will sell as low as can be purchased in this 
city. Boots and Shoes for Gentlemen and Boys on hand, 
<sr made to order at short notice. Servants' Shoes of all 
qualities always on hand. All work warranted. 

Elf Farmers are invited to give him a call. ocly 

GENERAL AGENCY AND COMMISSION BUSI- 
NESS. — The subscriber tenders his thanks for the 
many calls heretofore received, and again offers his services 
on reasonable terms. Now for sale many Farms in Mary- 
ryland and Virginia, Stallions, Bulls, Bucks, Boars, of im- 
proved stock; improved Fowls of all kinds; Mares, Cows, 
Ewes, Sows; Ewes one-half and three-fourths Cotswold; 
Calves at three months old, one-half Alderney ; South Down 
Ewes with their lambs. For particulars address (post paid) 
the subscriber, 

MARTIN GOLDSBOROUGH, 
38 Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland. 
P. S. — Answers to letters particularly desired. M. G. 
may — tf 



ALBANY TILE WORKS, corner of Patroon and Knox 
streets, Albany, N. Y. Drain Tile of the following 
descriptions and prices suitable for land drainage, always 
on hand in large or small quantities of the first quality, 
delivered at the docks and railroad depots free of cartage: 
Horse-shoe r nie. 

4i inch calibre, $18 per 1000 feet. 

3i do. 15 do. 

2i do. 12 do. 

Sole Tile or Pipe. 

3 inch calibre, $18 per 1000 feet. 

2 do. 12 do. 

Large Tile for drains about dwellings, yards, &c, of 
various sizes, $4 and $8 per 100 feet. Sole Tile, 4 inch 
calibre, for sink drains at $4 per 100 feet. Drain your land 
and save your crops. Orders from a distance will receive 1 
prompt attention. A. S. BABCOCK. 

Albany, April 20, 1854. jun— tf 



VALUABLE ALBEMARLE FARM FOR SALE.— The 
, subscriber offers for sale that valuable and well knowr 
farm, the D. S., situated on the waters of Ivy Creek, 3| 
miles from the University of Virginia, 4£ from Charlottes- 
ville, and immediately on the Staunton and Charlottesville 
Turnpike, and Virginia Central Rail Road, in one of the 
most beautiful sections of the State, and in a neighborhood 
long proverbial for its highly cultivated society, its fertile 
lands, its pure and abundant watelt* and general healthful 
ness; also possessing the greatest facilities to the best ol 
markets. The D. S. contains 695 acres, about one hundred 
acres in timber, and the balance in a fine state of improv 
ment. It has for many years been considered one of the 
most productive farms in the county, producing finely all 
the various crops of this section. There is an abundant 
supply of running water in every field, and large portions 
of the farm could be converted into watered meadow. The 
improvements are good and of every variety. Being anxious 
to sell, terms will be made very accommodating. Address 
GEO. B. STEPHENS, 
ap — tf Woodville Depot, Albemarle, Va. 



OOTSWOLD OR NEW OXFORDSHIRE SHEEP. 

Vy The subscriber has for sale a number of yearling Bucks 
of the Cotswold or New Oxfordshire breed, which he willj 
sell at any time when called for. This flock has been bred 
from some of the best ever imported, and are superior to all 
other breeds for large carcass, heavy fleece, early maturing 
of constitution, and defy all competition with other breeds 
for profit. The clips of the two Bucks which were imported] 
last year weighed 17 lbs. of each, of washed wool. A lot 
of wethers slaughtered last March averaged, alive, 308 lbs., 
and when dressed for market, 206j lbs. Gentlemen are 
invited to call and see for themselves, or communicate by 
mail. Address WILLIAM REYBOLD, 

au3t Marshmount, near Delaware City, Del. 



G^UANO AND WHEAT DRILLS— We are now re- 
T ceiving orders for PENNOCK'S celebrated Wheat 
Drill, with Nelson's Guano Attachment. By the use of the 
Attachment, at least two-thirds of the guano is saved to the 
farmer, and as fine a crop of wheat is insured. We war- 
rant the Drill to work well. Persons wishing them will 
please send in their orders as soon as possible. 

MEADE & EACHES, 
R. S. Huck's Old Stand, Fairfax St., 4 doors from King. 






THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



351 



CRYSTAL PALACE.— World's Fair, New York, United 
States of America — Association for the Exhibition of 
the Industry of all Nations. 

EXCELSIOR. 

The Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all 
Nations awards to Elisha S. Snyder of Charlestown, Jef- 
ferson County, Virgina, the highest premium Bronze Medal, 
with special approbation, for the combination he has effected, 
and the practical application he has given the same, in his 
Labor Saving Machine for Threshing, Separating, Cleaning 
and Bagging Grain. Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, President 
of the Association ; Hon. Henry Wager, Western New York, 
Chairman; Watson Newbold, Esq. Columbus, New Jersey; 
Col. John W. Proctor, Danvers, Massachusetts; Maj. Philip 
R. Freas, Germantown, Pennsylvania; Hon. Henry S. Bab- 
bit, Brooklyn, Long Island, acting Secretary in Class 9, 
Jury C. 

My Patent Premium Threshing, Separating, Cleaning 
and Bagging Grain Machine, is for sale, which received 
the first premium at the Crystal Palace, New York, over 
all Threshing Separating, Cleaning and Bagging Grain 
Machines on exhibition, thus proving conclusively that sim- 
plicity in construction, cheapness in price and durability in 
my machine, is being fully appreciated, and the old and 
new costly inferior complicated Separating Machines, must 
yield their places to a superior Labor Saving Machine. 
The celebrated Machine for Threshing, Separating, Clean- 
ing twice, Screening and Bagging Grain by one simple 
operation. The greatest labor saving Machine in the world 
for separating all pure and impurities. This Machine throws 
the straw to itself, the chaff to itself, the wheat in the bag, 
the screenings to itself, and the smut and cheat to itself. 
Every thing has a place., and every thing is in its place to 
suit the conveniences of the farmer. For simplicity, dura- 
bility, cheapness and capacity, it has no equal in the world. 
As for what has been stated in the different papers concern- 
ing Mr. Zimmerman's Machine receiving the first premium 
at the Crystal Palace, New York, is false, and not true. It 
is also stated that Mr. Zimmerman received a number of 

premiums at and other fairs. That I know nothing 

about; perhaps he did; but it is very easy to win the race, 
as the boy said when he fan by himself. But, my honora- 
ble friends, this was not the case at the World's Fair, New 
York. Mr. Zimmerman had a number of other boys to 
run with besides himself, which made the race more diffi- 
cult for him; so much so, that he, Mr. Zimmerman, was 
neither first nor second; so you may judge where he was. 

These are facts that cannot be denied. The undersigned 
would inform the public that his Farmers' Labor Saving 
Machine for Threshing, Separating, Cleaning, Screening 
and Bagging all kinds of Grain, is for sale. Farmers wish- 
ing to buy the best Machine in use, will address Joseph 
Glaze, Frederick City, Maryland. Those wishing to pur- 
chase the Patent Right to manufacture the Machines, will 
address me at Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. 
ELISHA S. SNYDER. 

July 1, 1854— 12t 



NOTICE.— DRAYTON G. MEADE, (late of the firm 
of Addison & Meade,) and WILLIAM EACHES, 
having entered into a copartnership, under the name of 
MEADE & EACHES, for the sale of Agricultural Imple- 
ments, Seeds, Manures, &c, having bought out the entire 
stock of R. S. Huck, and located at his old stand on Fairfax 
street, east side, between King and Prince, will continue to 
keep on hand a full and complete assortment of the various 
articles in their line of business, and will always be happy 
to see their friends, and all who may be pleased to give 
them their patronage. D. G. MEADE, 

WM. EACHES. 

$2^° The undersigned having sold his stock of Agricul- 
tural Implements, &c, to Messrs. Meade & Eaches, returns 
his thanks to his friends for their past patronage, and re- 
spectfully asks a continuance of the same to his successors. 

Alexandria, Sept. 1— 3t R. S. HUCK. 



WM. A. BUTTERS, 

BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, 

No. 157 Main Street, Richmond, Va. 



THE CHINCHA ISLANDS. 

AS many ships to our address are under charter to pro- ' 
ceed to these Islands to load Guano, we beg to submit 
some particulars relative to the detention of ships and the 
expenses of loading. 

All vessels may expect to lay out the full number of their 
lay days before loading is completed. A bonus of $10 to 
$15 per day, for every day saved, is sometimes paid as a 
gratification to officials. Most ships are kept a month after 
arrival, before an order is given to ballast, after which it is 
decided whether they are to load by lighter or by "Mangu- 
era," or shoot, by which the Guano is run into the hold. 

The "Manguera" discharges from 400 to 500 tons per 
day. All ships dry up very much, from being exposed to a 
hot sun, and nearly all are obliged to caulk before leaving, 
unless they have been very recently caulked. Vessels 
should be provided with oakum and pitch, and English 
Caulkers can be obtained at $4 per day and board. Ame- 
rican coin or Sovereigns are best for disbursements — the for^ 
mer passing at par, and the latter at $5 each. Captains of 
vessels, short of funds, can obtain money of resident 
Houses, if well accredited, at 6 per cent, premium upon 
sight bills, or draw upon their charters at 12 per cent, pre- 
mium. The following were the Port Charges and disburse- 
ments for a ship of 700 tons : 
Callao.— Stamps, $5; Sailing License, $11" • $16 00 

Tonnage Dues, 25c per ton 175 00 

Clearance dues, Pisco 4 00 

Com'n on Charter 150 00 

At the Islands 345 00 

Manguera Fees, mooring • • • $20 00 

Pilot attending 24 00 

Trimm'g Fees, 17c reg'r ton 119 00 

163 .00 

Crew to load from Callao and 
back, 16 men three months 
each, at $20 per month •• • 960 00 

Com'n shipping & boat hire, 

$2 each 32 00 

Market bill for beef and vege- 
tables, 3 months < 300 00 

Water bill for the Islands • • • 50 00 

Crew shipped to go home, 16 
men, at $35 per month, 2 
months in advance, $70 
each, is 1,120 00 

Com'n ship'g and boat hire, 

$5 each 80 00 

Water to go home 30 00 

Captain's expenses at Callao 

and Lima 25 00 

2,597 00 

Add for caulking ship 200 00 

" " gratification to trimmers and 
pilots 30 00 

$3,335 00 
There is another charge for hire of water casks (2 cents 
per gallon,) to carry water from Callao to the Islands, which 
the charter says is to be delivered "free of expense." The 
water has to be bought, and if the ship has no spare casks, 
they have to be hired. There is also a chance of losing 
$50 on the boats or lighters used in ballasting or loading, 
vessels arriving purchasing of those leaving and whea 
loaded, but not always obtaining as much as they expended, 
se— tf HUSSEY, BOND & HALE. 

BROWN & SHOOK, General Commission and For- 
warding Merchants, corner Union and Franklin streets, 
Richmond, Virginia. All business carefully and promptly 
executed, 
mar — ly 

UNITED STATES HOTEL, 

(formerly union,) 
Comer of Main and Nineteenth Streets, Richmond , 
J. E. NORRIS, Proprietor. 
martf Price of Board, per day, $1 60. 






!52 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



CONTENTS OF NUMBER XI. 

PAGE 

Minutes of Agricultural Facts and Observations 321 

Fruit and Fruit Trees 221 

Smut in Wheat and Remedies. — Danger of Brine as a 

Steep ^ 322 

Softening or Disintegrating Stony or Hard Calcareous 
Matters and Bones, by the Fermentation of Putrescent 

Manure 325 

Green Corn as Forage 326 

The Facts and Causes of Injury to Animals from Eat- 
ing Peas * 326 

Preserving Butter 335 

Experiment in Re-Seeding Wheat 335 

Wheat Trade in Fredericksburg 835 

Saving Pork 336 

House Painting 336 

Onions for Fowls 337 

Editorial 337 

Eexington (Kentucky) Fair 337 

Harvest, the past year, from Extra Early Seeding 340 

Fattening Animals 341 

The Drought, Crops, Prices, &c. 342 



WORMS! WORMS!! 

$3F° There is no disease more common among children, 
and vet none which so frequently baffles the skill of the 
physician, as worms. They are highly detrimental to the 
constitution; and their presence should be carefully guarded 
against by parents. On the first manifestation of symptoms, 
every means should be used to expel them promptly and 
thoroughly. McLane's Vermifuge is well established as 
the most certain, safe and speedy remedy ever ottered for 
this troublesome and dangerous malady ; and all who have 
the management of children should keep this invaluable 
medicine at hand. In addition to its perfect safety, it never 
fails to produce the desired effect. 

/ " =f Purchasers will be careful to ask for "Dr. McLane's 
Celebrated Vermifuge," and take none else. All other ver- 
mifuges, in comparison, are worthless. Dr. McLane's genu- 
ine Vermifuge, also his celebrated Liver Pills, can now be 
had at all respectable Drug Stores in the United States and 
Canada. 

LIVER COMPLAINT. 

|?lPThis dangerous and often fatal disease had long 
baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians, when the 
discovery of Dr. McLane's Liver Pills solved the difficulty, 
and presented to the world the great specific for that com- 
plicated malady, which has attained such widely spread 
celebrity for its certainty of cure. This successful remedy 
was the result of many years' study, in which the symptofias 
were narrowly observed, and are thus described by the 
Doctor himself: 

"Symptoms of a Diseased Liver. — Pain iu the righ; 
side, and sometimes in the left, under the edge of the ribs — 
the patient being rarely able to lie on the left; pain some- 
times under the shoulder-blade, frequently extending to the 
top of the shoulder — often mistaken for rheumatism in the 
arm; sickness of stomach, and loss of appetite; bowels 
mostly costive, but sometimes alternate with lax; dull, heavy 
sensation in the back part of the head; loss of memory, 
with uneasiness of having neglected something; sometimes 
dry cough; weariness and debility; nervous irritability ; 
feet cold or burning, and prickly sensation of skin; low 
spirits, lassitude, with disinclination to exercise, although 
satisfied it would be beneficial. In fact, patient distrusts 
every remedy." 

Have you any or all of these symptoms? If so, you will 
find a certain remedy in Dr. DcLane's Pills. 

Purchasers will be careful to ask for Dr. McLane's 
I !i lebrated Liver Pills, and take none else. There are other 
Pills, purporting to be Liver Pills, now before the public. 
Dr. McLane's Liver Pills, also his Celebrated Vermifuge, 
can now be had at all respectable Drug Stores in the United 
States and Canada. 

For side by PURCELL, LADD & CO. 

nolt Corner Main and 14th streets, Richmond. 



READ, CONSIDER AND ACT WISELY 

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS! 



What is that 
you have got 
there boy, and 
what doing? 



Ah ! Massa, dis de Wells' Seed 

Sower — de berry best ting in di| 

world to sow de clober and d^ 

.timoty seed, de plaster, de goi 

no, and de wheat. 

I sows 25 acres in onij 

day massa — trj 

im. 




It is only by the use of valuable improvements that w< 
can reasonably expect to keep up with the age in whicl 
we live, and public opinion everywhere has placed M. D 
Wells' Improved Patent Seed Sower in the first class o: 
agricultural implements. The above drawing exhibits i 
in use, and any ordinary mind must at once be impressed 
with the certain conviction that it is an indispensable im- 
plement of husbandry, and that every good farmer should 
have it. By its use you save time, which is money and 
labor which costs money, and experience in using it proves 
you will not be driven from the field unless by very rougl 
weather, and the almost mathematical precision w T ith which 
the seed is distributed, compared with hand sowing, renders 
it self-evident in the opinion of the best farmers that a sav- 
ing or gain of two dollars per acre is made in two crops of 
grass and the succeeding crop of wheat, one year's inte- 
rest on an acre of land at $33£, and sowing three acres 
pays for a machine with lid at $6. 

The first premium was recommended for this machine 
at the late Virginia State Fair, and four of the committee 
(all having use for it) engaged one each ; and we think if 
governed by your interest you will do likewise. 

MOTT, LEWIS & WILLSON, 
Sole agents for Richmond — Agricultural Implement 

fe— tf Store, No. 36, Main Street. 

]\ /[ ERINO SHEEP.— Having increased my flqpk of Me- 
LVjL rino Sheep on my farm, in Orange county, to over 
800 I, am now prepared to sell a few choice yearling Bucks 
and Ewes. To all who have any acquaintance with Col. 
Henry S. Randall of New York, and the reputation of his 
flock, it is only necessary to say that the yearlings I pro- 
pose selling are the product of ewes purchased of him when 
he sold out last year, and selected by him personally as the 
best in his flock. I have his letters, saying that be was 
offered the same price for his ewes by his neighbors, but 
that in starting the growth of fine wool in Virginia it was 
very important to have good sheep, and as he knew these 
were superior, he preferred selling them to go there. I 
shall sell no bucks except such as show marks of supe- 
riority. All who want to raise their flocks to a high stand- 
ard at once will do well to apply early, as I have but a 
limited number for sale. Address by mad, or applv to 
WM. G. CRENSHAW,' or 
CRENSHAW & CO., 
June — tf North side of the Basin, Richmond, Va. 

PERUVIAN GUANO.— Having on hand, and engaged 
to arrive, a large supply of Guano, we solicit orders. 
All who buy of us may rely on getting it genuine, as we 
sell none except what comes direct from the Peruvian agents 
CRENSHAW & CO., 
june — tf North side of the Basin, Richmond, Va. 



M'CONNELL & BURTON, 
DENTISTS, 

Main Street, between 9th and 10th Streets, Richmond. Va. 

JOHN M'CONNELL. W. LEIGH BUBTON. 

ap— tf