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THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

We award to Capt. John D. Richardson of the county of Charlotte, a premium of $5 for the best variety of Indian corn, the number of grains upon one of the ears amounting to 1287, ■ the length of one of the ears being 13 inches. Many other varieties were presented by Dr. John R. Woods of Albemarle, Mr. Edmund Ruffin, Jr. of Prince George, Mr. Geo. W. Bas-eett of Hanover, Mr. T. M. B. Roy of Henrico, Mr. P. Bracy of Mecklenburg, Mr. Thomas Jones of Richmond county, Mr. James W. Logan of Goochland, and an exceedingly fine specimen of yellow corn by Mr. Charles Morriss of Buckingham.

We award a premium of $5 to Dr. John R. Woods of the county of Albemarle, for the finest variety of wheat, called Gale's Golden White Flint, said by Dr. Woods to ripen one week earlier than the White Purple Straw, and to resist the ravages of the joint worm.

We beg leave here to make favorable reference to samples of fine white wheat presented by Mr. Edmund Ruffin, Sr., by Commodore Jones of a white wheat called the Sole or New York Club Wheat; by Titus C. Rice of Henrico, of another fine specimen. Mr. N. Golds-borough of Talbot county, Maryland, offered another fine variety, and Messrs. Thomas Wilson of Rockbridge, and J. H. Davis of Cumberland, each presented fine samples of white wheat.

We award a premium of $20 to Thos. Jones, Jr. of Richmond county, for the best average product of wheat per acre for an entire shift of the farm—the yield being 27 7-9 bushels per acre of good wheat.

We award a premium of $5 to Mr. P. Bracy of Mecklenburg, for the best variety of manufacturing tobacco, which we consider exceedingly fine, both for quality and amount of product. We also beg leave to state that there were many other fine samples exhibited, but no names were attached to them and no person was present claiming them.

We award a premium of $10 to Mr. Ed. Ruffin, Jr. for the largest yield of cornfield peas for an entire field of 48 acres, the variety being a large early black, and the yield per acre 27^ bushels.

We award a premium of $5 to Mr. Edmund Ruffin. Sr. for the best variety of cornfield peas, a large early black.

We award to Mr. William D. Mansfield of Louisa, a premium of $10 for the largest yield per acre of sweet potatoes—variety, Nanse-mond—the yield at the rate of 450 bushels per acre. In this connection your committee would state, that many very fine specimens of Irish potatoes were exhibited by George W. Bassettf and Messrs J. and F. Clendining, but, according to the rules and regulations of the Executive Committee, we have no authority to award premiums for this article.

We award to Mr. George W. Bassett a premium of $5 for the best variety of turnips, called the Hybrid, being a mixture of the Ruta Baga and White Flat.

We award to Mr. J. Fulcher of Henrico, a premium of $5 for the best specimen of pumpkins, the largest weighing 72 pounds, next 67, next 52£.

We award to Mr. Thos. Hartley a premium of $5 each, for the best specimens of carrots and parsnips.

Your committee take this occasion»to bring to the notice of the Society a very fine sample of clover hay cured by Mr. Edmund Ruffin, Sr.

Before closing their report your committee deem it proper to state, and due to cme of their members, Mr. M'Cue, that the premiums awarded to him were, upon the unanimous votes of the other members of the committee, in which Mr. M'Cue took no part.

All of which is respectfully submitted, J. R. Garnett, Wm. L. Booker, T. Carrington, J. Marshall M'Cue.

Branch V.

i

LIVE STOCK EXHIBITED.

Horses — Thoroughbred.

The Committee on "Throroughbred Horses" exhibited at the Virginia State Agricultural Fair, November, 1853, submit the following report:

The committeJfenet on Wednesday, the 2d instant, all the members being present, and proceeded with their business.

Virginia, and especially that portion of it which lies around the metropolis, and South to the North Carolina line, has long been celebrated for its superior thoroughbred horses. The committee had hoped that at this exhibition the State would have maintained its ancient distinction and renown. Perhaps this has been done, and considering that this is the first exhibition of the kind in Virginia, we ought to feel gratification at the result. The number of animals was smaller than could have been wished, but many of those shown possessed considerable excellence and merit.

It is proper to remark, that in awarding premiums to stallions, Mr. Botts did not act with the committee, as he was* interested in their decision. For the like reason Dr. Crump did not act in relation to the mares.

The committee awarded the following premiums:

Premium of $30 for the best thoroughbred stallion to Hon. John M. Botts' Revenue, by Trustee, out of Rosalie Somers, by Sir Charles.

Premium of $15 for the second best thoroughbred stallion to Messrs. Tally & Macon's Tally-Ho, by Boston, dam by Tom Tough.

Premium of $15 for the best thoroughbred mare to Dr. Abner Crump's ch. m. Hunca Munca, by Priam, dam by Sir Alfred.

Premium of $8 for the second best thoroughbred mare to D. W. Haxall's b. m. Otelia, by Priam, out of imported P^-a.

Premium of $15 for the best thoroughbred three year old colt or filly to Captain James W.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

Williamson's ch. f. by Phil Brown, dam by Leviathan.

Premium of $10 for the best thoroughbred two year old colt or filly to Capt. Jas. W. Williamson's b. c. by Regent, dam by Rowton.

Premium of $8 for the best thoroughbred one year old colt or filly to Col. Walter Gwynn's gr. c. by Revenue, dam Andruetta.

The committee recommend that a premium

of $5 be given to Dr. Robert H. Cabell's b. f.

six months old, by Revenue, dam by Monmouth

Eclipse, on account of her superior excellence.

Wm. H. E. Merritt, Chairman.

Quick Draught and Saddle Horses.

From the Committee on Quick Draught and Saddle Horses:

Quick Draught Stallions. —First premium to Mr. Fellow's "Black Hawk," $30.

Second premium divided between "Vermont Morgan," a bay horse, and "Kossuth," $15,

No. 2. Brood Mares for Quick Draught. First premium to "Star of the West," by Mr. Fontaine, $15.

Second premium to "Roebuck," by T. D. C. Graves of Madison, $10.

"Morning Star," owned by Dr. C. C. Cocke, was considered the most perfect specimen in form, but lacked size to take the first or second premium.

No. 4. Best Brood Mare for the Saddle. First premium to Dr. Abner Crump's sorrel mare, $15.

Second premium to P. St. George Cocke's "Sally Hope," $10.

No. 5. Match Horses. —First premium to Mr. Dickinson's bay horses, $15.

Second premium to Mr. Crutchfield's gray horses, $10.

No. 6. Best Saddle Horse. —First premium to W. T. Johnson's brown horse, $15.

Second premium to H. M. Nelson's brown horse, $10.

No. 9. Best 3 year old Colt or Filly.— Premium awarded to Charles Cocke's sorrel filly, by Star of the East, $15.

No. 10. Best 2 year old Colt or Filly.— Premium awarded to William C. Rives' imported Cleveland Bay colt, $10.

No. 11. Oneyear old Colts. —Premium awarded to C. H. Rhodes' dark bay filly, $8.

The committee in several of the classes submitted to their inspection found a considerable proportion of the individuals, viz. in the class of brood mares, saddle horses and two year old colts, so nearly equal in all respects as to make it extremely difficult to discriminate between them; and, therefore, desire it to be understood that they have in making their decisions been

overned by mere shades of difference—there being other individuals in their respectiveclasscs go nearly equal as to amount to little or nothing in the opinion of the judges. In the case of the best brood stallion for saddle horses the committee had no difficulty in awarding the first premium unanimously to "Star of the East," as his progeny, in numbers, were before them, and compared with the get of any other horse-

stood unrivalled for symmetry, beauty and fine action under the saddle.

The committee take leave to say in regard to Mr. Rives' two year old Cleveland Bay colt, that the introduction of so perfect a specimen of one of the highly valued races of Great Britain may well be regarded as a public benefaction and entitles this distinguished member of our Society to its thanks. John H.

Heavy Draught Horses. The Committee on Heavy Draught Horses, Branch 5, award the first premium of $30 to Mr. W. J. Blackford of Jefferson, for his dun stallion, Orphan Boy.

The second premium of $15 they award to Mr. Henry Martin of Fairfax county, for his stallion, Black Hawk.

For the best mare for heavy draught they award the first premium of $15 to J. W. Ware of Clarke county, for his two year old black filly. This was the only mare presented for their inspection, but the committee were unanimous in the opinion that she was worthy a first premium.

James M. Ranson, M. G. Harman, James Bumgardner, Hillary Harris, W. P. Dabny.

Mules and Jacks. The Committee on Mules and Jacks having filled the vacancies occasioned by the absence of three of their number by the appointment of William Branch of Albemarle county, Joseph Jesse of Caroline county, and Thos. J. Deane of Richmond city, discharged the duty assigned them, and beg to submit the following report: They award the premium of $30 to Dr. John Minor of Stafford county, for his jack, "Daniel Boon," an animal of fine form and size, with good bone and great muscular power.

They award the second premium of $10 to Jos. W. Campbell of Albemarle county, for his jack, "Ferdinand," an animal of excellent parts. They award the premium of $20 for the best jennet, a very fine animal, to Dr. B. C. M. Francisco of Louisa county.

The committee also award to Benjamin W. Green of Henrico county, the premium of $20 for the best pair of mules, "Belle and Florence," one of which was six, the other five feet nine inches in height, of splendid form and great beauty. They were without competitors. The committee, without authority lo award other premiums than those above desiirnaied, would recommend the award of a premium of $10 to Mr. Wm. Gilmer of Albemarle county, for a yearling mule, "Mary," eighteen months and seven days old, five feet two inches in height, of excellent form and carriage.

Th. M. Bondurant, William Branch, R. M. Bridges, Thos. J. Deane, Joseph Jesse.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

Short Horns and Herefords.

The Committee on "Short Horn Durhams" report, that while they found some of fine character in all the points constituting the excellence of the Durham stock, others they could not recognise as belonging distinctly to that class.

They award the premium of $30 to "Billy," a bull over three years old, owned by P. T. Nelson of* Clarke county. In assigning this prize to that animal, they are governed by his marked and distinct trace of pure blood. His length, surloin, ribs, well set up and full formed thighs, are sufficient to give him the preference over all his competitors.

Your committee have not awarded any other premium to that class and age of bulls, because the standard of excellence to which they had determined that all, exhibited for prizes, should prove equal, was not found, as they believe, in any of those produced on the ground.

They award the first prejpium of $15 to "Red Rover," a bull between two and three years old, owned by William C. Rives of Albemarle. He was the only animal offered of that age. It would have been difficult to produce a better one. Every view you take of him announces a pure, unadulterated Durham. His silky feel, ingrained color, full formed thighs, loin, and good skin, places him justly in the position they have assigned him.

They award the first premium of $15 to "Talbot," a bull between one and two years old, owned by J. N. Goldsborough of Baltimore. The second best a premium of $8 to "Orion," owned by Wm. C. Rives of Albemarle.

Not much difference existed between the competitors for this premium, but your committee believe that Talbot will make the finest breeding animal.

They award the first premium of $30 on cows over three years old, to "Silkey," owned by W. W. Glenn of Baltimore. The second premium of $15 to "Belle Chester," owned by J. N. Goldsborough of Baltimore; and the third premium of $8 to "Dairy Maid," owned by Philip Slaughter of Rappahannock.

Your committee felt no hesitation in assigning the premium to one or the other of the two first named cows—both are good, possessing fine points and evidence of pure blood. In favor of Dairy Maid evidence was produced before them of remarkable good milking qualities —an excellent inducement to purchasers and of true value to the owner, yet in point of beauty and symmetrical formation she was inferior to her competitors.

No two year old heifers were shown them.

They award the first premium of $15 to "Snow Drop," a heifer one year old, owned by Corbin Warwick of Richmond. The second, of $8, to "Fanny," owned by the same gentleman—none others contending.

P. H. Steinbergen, Chairman.

Devons and Aldemeys. The undersigned, a committee to award pre-

miums on Devon cattle, beg leave to submit the following report:

Bulls 3 years old or over. Lewis Bailey of Fairfax, first premium, $30. F. G. Skinner of Rappahannock, second premium, $15.

Butts 2 years old. Thomas A. Hardy of Norfolk city, first premium, $15.

Gen. Bernard Peyton of Albemarle, second premium, $8.

Bulls 1 year old. William G. Crenshaw of Orange, first premium, $15.

Aaron Clement of Philadelphia, second premium, $8.

Cows 3 years old- or over.

Thomas A. Hardy of Norfolk city, first premium, $30.

W. W. Glenn of Baltimore, second premium, $15.

W. Allen of Surr)r, third premium, $8.

Heifers 2 years old. Thomas A. Hardy of Norfolk city, first premium, $15.

Gen. Bernard Peyton of Albemarle, second premium, $8.

Heifers 1 year old. Wm. Allen of Surry, first premium, $15. Aaron Clement of Philadelphia, second premium, $8. All of which is respectfully submitted,

Alex. S. Mathews, Charles C. Tate, Henry Massie, B. F. Taliaferro, R. H. Willis.

Ayrshires and Holsteins.

We, the committee appointed to award premiums on Ayrshires and Holsteins, beg to present the following report:

For the best Ayrshire bull 3 years old, Rob't Dunns' Sir Walter Scott, $30.

For the second best Ayrshire bull three years old, H. H. Rhodes' Red Skin, $15.

For the third best Ayrshire bull 3 years old^ John H. Cocke, $8.

For the best Ayrshire cows 3 years old and upwards—

First best, L. D. Crenshaw's Beauty, $30. Second best, R. B. Haxall's, $15. Third best, B. W. Haxall's Diamond, $8.

For the best Ayrshire bulls between 2 and 3 years old— First best, Ramsay M'Henry's Captain Del-

getty, $15. Second best, Ramsay M'Henry's Home, $8.

For the best Ayrshire heifers between 1 and 2 years old—

First best, L. D. Crenshaw's Rose, $15. Second best, Lewis Bailey's Mary, $8.

For the best Ayrshire bull between 1 and 2 years old. David Dunlop's, $15.

s

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

No Holsteins exhibited, within the knowledge of your committee.

The above report is respectfully submitted by your committee.

Andrew Maxwell, Jacob Baylor, N. T. Page,

RO. G RATTAN,

A. Nicol. Natives or Grades, The Committee on Natives and Grade Cattle report, that the number of animals exhibited, ling under the denomination of "Native and ide," much exceeded that of any other class; though the character of the stock of this description was not generally of as high an order as we should have desired, yet, in the main, it was highly respectable and affords conclusive evidence of a spirit of improvement amongst the exhibiters. The committee, in judging 01 the comparative merits of the animals submitted to their inspection, as classified by age, have been governed by a desire to recommend for premiums such animals only as in their opinion combined the best evidences of milking qualities, and the highest degree of aptitude to fatten. In the division of cows over three years old, many very fine animals were exhibited, and the committee had considerable difficulty in determining to which a premium should be given.

They recommend that the Society's first premium of thirty dollars in this division, be awarded to T. A. Hardy of Norfolk, for his Devon and Alderney cow, Milk Maid, five years old.

The second premium of fifteen dollars, to R. W. N. Noland of Albemarle, for his cow, Minnie Wilraer, six years old.

The third, of eight dollars, to B. W. Haxall of Henrico, for his Durham and Ayrshire cow, six years old.

In the division of heifers, between two and three years old, they recommend for the first premium of fifteen dollars, T. A. Hardy of Norfolk, for his heifer, "Dairy Maid," aged two years and two months.

For the second, of eight dollars, T. L. Farish of Albemarle, for his heifer "Alice," aged two years and five months.

For the third, of five dollars, R. H. Kuhn's l heifer, "Rachael," aged 2 years and 2 months.

In the class of heifers between one and two years, they recommend S. F. Christian of Augusta, for his native and Devon heifer, eighteen months old, for the first premium of 15 dollars.

For the second, of eight dollars, S. W. Fick-lin of Albemarle, for his Durham, Ayrshire and Devon heifer, aged fifteen 'months.

For the third, of five dollars, R. B. HaxallV Durham and Devon heifer, aged 17 months.

In the class of bulls three years old and upwards they award the first premium of thirty dollars toTDr. William G. Smith of Northampton, for his Ayrshire and Durham bull, "Char-ryton," five years old.

The second, of fifteen dollars, to G. Y. Wor-thington of Maryland, fop his Ayrshire and Durham bull, "Prince," three years old.

The third, of eight dollars, to B. W. Haxalf of Henrico, for his Durham and Ayrshire bull,, three years old.

In the class .between two and three years old they award the first premium of fifteen dollars to T. L. Farish of Albemarle, for his Durham and Ayrshire bull, "Ben Bolt," aged two years and five months.

The second, of eight dollars, to Woods & Price'i Devon and Alderney bull, from Prince Edward, two years and three months old.

In this division the number exhibited was very small, and the committee decline awarding a third premium.

Of bulls between one and two years old, they award the first premium of fifteen dollars to J. Marshall M'Cue of Augusta, for his Durhara and Devon bull, "Otho," aged eighteen months.

The second, of eight dollars, to L. D. Crenshaw of Henrico, for his grade bull, "Sam," aged twelve months.

The third, of five dollars, to S. W. Ficklin of Albemarle, for lis grade bull, "Ben," aged fifteen months.

There were exhibited by Dr. Woods of Albemarle, several grade animals of the stock presented by Lieutenant Lynch to the Commonwealth, of handsome appearance and great apparent activity; but as the useful qualities of this variety of cattle have not yet been tested the committee have not deemed it proper to bring them in competition with other grades of known and attested value. They would respectfully recommend them, however, to the consideration of the Committee on Discretionary Premiums, and that this breed should be further tested by judicious crosses with other improved stock.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

James Newman,

S. B. FlNLEY,

Thos. L. Farish, J. M. Trevilian.

Working Oxen.

For the best yoke of oxen over 4 years old, the committee awarded the premium of $30 to Mr. L. Bailey of Fairfax, for a pair of fine muscular afijfmals, of a rich red color, and especially remarkable for their thorough training and great docility.

For the second best yoke of oxen over four years old, the premium of $15 was awarded to Mr. Reuben Newman of Orange, for a yoke of Devons, of medium size and great muscular power.

For the best yoke of oxen under 4 years old there was no award, but for the second best the premium of $15 was awarded to a son of Dr. W. L. Wight of Goochland.

Fat Cattle. For the best pair of fat steers the premium of $30 was awarded to Mr. H. M. Nelson of Clarke county. For the best fat cow the premium of $15 to Major James Kent of Montgomery, and for the best fat heifer $8 to Mr. Jos. Fulcher of Henrico.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

9

SHEEP.

Fine Wools and Middle Wools.

The Committee on "Fine Wools and Middle Wools," respectfully report the following premiums:

Premium for best buck, fine wool, $20, to Theodore M. Davidson of Fauquier county, for his four year old Spanish Merino buck.

Premium for second best buck, fine wool, $10, to Theodore M. Davidson, for his one year old Spanish Merino buck.

Premium for third best buck, fine wool, $5, to Samuel F. Christian, for his two year old Spanish Merino buck.

Premium for best pen of ewes, not less than three, fine wool, $20, to Samuel F. Christian, for his 4 Spanish Merino ewes, three years old.

Premium for second best pen of ewes, not less than three, fine wool, $10, to Dr. Wm. L. Wight, for his five Spanish Merino ewes.

Premium for best pen of ewe lambs, not less than four, fine wool, $5, to Dr. Wm. L. Wight, for his four Spanish Merino lambs.

Premium for best pen of buck lambs, not less than four, fine wool, $5, to Samuel F. Christian, for his five Spanish Merino Iambs.

Premium for best buck, middle wool, $20, to be divided equally between William C. Rives' Cambridge II, South Down, and R. H. Dula-ny's yearling South Down buck.

Premium for second best buck, middle wool, $10, to Aaron Clement, for his South Down buck, two years and a half old.

Premium for third best buck, middle wool, $5, to Raleigh Colston, for his South Down buck.

Premium for best pen of ewes, not less than three, middle wool, $20, to R. H. Dulany, for his pen of South Down ewes, six in number.

Premium for second best pen of middle -wool ewes, $10, to R. H. Dulany, for his pen of South Down ewes.

Premium for third best pen of ewes, not less than three, middle wool, $5, to Aaron Clement, for his pen of five South Down ewes.

Premium for best pen of ewe lambs, middle •wool, $5, to R. H. Dulany.

Premium for best pen of buck lambs, middle wool, $5, to R. H. Dulany.

The committee think it proper to remark that they found some difference of opinion to exist among exhibiters as to the kind of animals embraced in their division. They were compelled to adopt their own construction, which confined them to the examination of French and Spanish Merinos as "fine wools," and South Down as " middle wools," thereby reluctantly excluding from their consideration eome fine crosses of South Down and Oxfordshire sheep of Col. J. W. Ware and Mr. Raleigh Colston to which their attention had been invited.

The Committee on Fine Wool Sheep would recommend to the notice of the Society a lot of very superior Spanish "Merino buck lambs belonging to Mr. T. F. Davidson of Fauquier, -and Mr. Newkirk -cf Geneva, New York, which

arrived on the ground too late to be offered for a premium.

James M. Morson, E. Cunningham, Charles L. Crockett. Mr. S. F. Christian desires it to be reported that he felt himself precluded by a clause of the 18th section of the "Rules and Regulations" from exhibiting any stock but that of his own raising.

C. L. Crockett.

Long Wools.

The Committee on Long Wools and Natives beg leave to present the following report:

That though the number contending for premiums in this department is small, still the specimens of stock exhibited are fine and do credit to the public spirit of the gentlemen exhibiting them. We have awarded the following premiums:

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke, for his imported Cotswold buck, 1st premium, $20.

To R. O. Morriss of Louisa, for his Leicester buck, 2d premium, $10.

To William Allen of Claremont, for his Cotswold buck, 3d premium, $5.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke, for his pen of imported Cotswold ewes, 1st premium, $20.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke, for his pen of imported ewes, 2d premium, $10.

To John Willis of Orange, for his pen of Cotswold ewes, 3d premium, $5.

To J. N. Goldsborough of Maryland, for the best pen of buck lambs, $5.

We have to report that there were no pens of ewe lambs of this grade offered for premiums.

All of which is respectfully submitted, William L. Wight, William Garth,

E. Fontaine,

F. P. Wood, Clayton G. Coleman.

Natives or Mixed Blood.

The undersigned, Committee on Native or Mixed Blood Sheep, beg leave to submit the following report:

There was no grade and only one native buck on exhibition. Not considering him worthy of the first premium, we have awarded him the second, as stated below.

The exhibition of grade lambs and ewes was quite extensive, and many of them so very superior that we had no little difficulty in making selections. We are pleased, however, to say that we were undivided in opinion in every instance. We award to

Geo. Taylor of Richmond, for native buck, the 2d premium, $10.

J. W. Ware of Clarke, for pen of ewes, 1st premium, $20.

W. Garth of Albemarle, for pen of ewes, 2d premium, $10.

James Newman of Orange, for pen of ewes, 3d premium, $5.

J. B. Newman of Orange, for pen of buck lambs, premium of $5.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

John Willis of Orange, for pen of ewe lamb?, premium of $5.

We cannot close our report without a regret that our list of premiums was too short to enable us to award to Dr. John R. Woods of Albemarle, for his fine yearling ewes and lambs, and also to Mr. J. L. Maury for his handsome grade ewes. Mr. S. F. Christian and Mr. George Taylor had also some very good ewes.

W. G. Crenshaw, S. M'D. Reid, D. M. Wharton.

Imported Sheep.

Your Committee on Imported Sheep, beg leave to submit the following report:

We have found the exhibition of imported sheep to embrace four varieties, each of the very finest of its kind. We have, therefore, proceeded to award all the premiums intrusted to us to each of the different varieties, as we are unwilling to discriminate between them.

To Hon. William C. Rives, for best imported Oxford Down buck, $20.

To Hon. William C. Rives, for best imported ewe, $20.

To Hon. William C. Rives, for 2d best imported ewe, $10.

To Hon. William C. Rives, for 3d best imported ewe, $5.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for best imported French Merino buck, $20.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for 2d best imported French Merino buck, $10.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for 3d best imported Frenjch Merino buck, $5.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for best imported French Merino ewe, $20.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for 2d best imported French Merino ewe, $10.

To J. & W. P. Brady of Brooke and Ohio counties, Virginia, for 3d best imported French Merino ewe, $5.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke county, Va. for best imported Cotswold buck, $20.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke county, Va. for best imported Cotswold ewe, $20.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke county, for 2d best imported Cotswold ewe, $10.

To Col. J. W. Ware of Clarke county, for 3d best imported Cotswold ewe, $5.

To Richard F. Dulany of Loudoun, for beet imported South Down ewe, $20.

To Richard F. Dulany of Loudoun, for 2d best imported South Down ewe, $10.

To Richard F. Dulany of Loudoun, for 3d best imported South Down ewe, $5.

• Raleigh Colston,

O. R. FUNSTEN,

Robert W. Baylor,

N. Loughborough, Nath'l Burwell.

SWINE.

Large Breed.

The Committee on Swine beg leave to submit the following report:

In the class of large breed they award the first premium of twenty dollars to L. D. Crenshaw of Henrico, for his Delaware boar, three years and seven months old. In making this award the committee consider it but just to Mr. Crenshaw to state, that, acting as a committeeman, he was desirous of withdrawing his stock from competition for premium, but as we were unanimous in the opinion that his hog was the best upon exhibilion the other members thought it but proper that the award should be made in his favor, without consulting his commendable delicacy upon the subject.

The committee award the 2d premium for boar above two years old to R. P. Graves for his Delaware and Chester county hog, two years old, $10.

3. Premium for boar one year old to Charles B. Williams of Henrico, for native and Chester county breed, $15.

4. To William Taylor for his boar "Onora," aged fourteen months, a premium of $8.

• 5. To Fendall Griffin for Surry boar, eleven months old, a premium of $15.

6. To Slaughter W. Ficklin of Albemarle, for his Chester boar, six months old, a premium of $8.

7. To John R. Woods for his Albemarle bred sow, with pigs, a premium of $20.

8. To John R. Woods for his Albemarle bred sow, a premium of $10.

9. To Lewis D. Crenshaw for his Delaware sow, a premium of $15.

10. To John R. Woods for his Albemarle bred sow, eleven months old, a premium of $S.

11. To Thos. W. Eppes of Petersburg, for the best lot of pigs, under five months old, a premium of $20.

12. To Benj. Hickman of Pennsylvania, for his Chester County pigs, a premium of $10.

The committee deem it their dutv to state that Mr. Chalkley Harvey of Pennsylvania, exhibited a lot of pigs equal to any presented, but being above five months old the committee had no power to award him the premium which the superiority of his stock deserved.

Small Breed.

13. To R. H. Kuhn of Henrico, the committee award a premium of fifteen dollars for his boar two years and six months old.

15. To Thomas A. Hardy of Norfolk, for his Essex boar, 16 months old, a premium of $15.

19. To T. A. Hardy for his three year old Suffolk sow, a premium of $15.

21. To T. A. Hardy for his Essex sow, sixteen months old, a premium of $15.

22. To T. A. Hardy for his Essex sow, seven months old, a premium of $8.

23. To T. A. Hardy for the best lot of pigs under five monlhs old, a premium of $15.

24. To R. H. Kuhn for two best pigs five months old, a premium of $8.

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The committee, congratulate the Society upon the highly creditable exhibition which was made in this department.

R. W. N. Noland, John S. Minor, Lewis D. Crenshaw, W. A. Bell, Samuel H. Bell.

PREMIUM ANIMALS.

The Committee on "Premium Animals" beg leave to submit the following report:

They examined, with much labor and care, the animals to which the other committees awarded premiums, and regret that they have not time, owing to the late period at which they received the reports of some of these committees to make such remarks as they deem appropriate, and would, with great pleasure, have offered under other circumstances. It was a matter of great difficulty, requiring much examination and nicety of discrimination, to award premiums in some cases, where the merits of some of the animals were so nearly equal. This was particularly the case with the premium sheep, where much diversity of opinion existed among the members of the committee, and they regretted they could not award premiums to some other very fine sheep, so very deserving of such distinction. Besides those to whom your committee gave these premiums, the remarkably fine sheep of Col. Ware, Mr. Clements and Mr. Brady, as well as others belonging to Mr. Rives and Mr. Dulany, arrested their attention and excited general admiration.

The same remarks may be made in regard to the premium cattle, where several very fine animals, of very nearly equal merit with those which were honored with these premiums, were presented to your committee and gave most unequivocal evidence of rare excellence and high breeding and form.

1. For the best stallion of any breed your committee awarded the premium of forty dollars to Hon. John M. Botts' "Revenue," by imported Trustee, out of Rosalie Somers, by Sir Charles.

2. For best mare of any breed they awarded the premium of forty dollars to Dr. A. Crump's cb. m. "Hunca Munca " by Priam, dam by Sir Alfred. y y

3. For the best bull of any breed the premium of forty dollars to Mr. J. N. Goldsbo-rough's Durham bull, "Talbot."

4. For the best cow of any breed the premium of forty dollars to Mr. J. N. Goldsbo roughs Durham cow, "Belle Chester."

5. For the best buck of any breed the premium of twenty dollars to Hon. Wm. C. Rives' Oxford Down buck, "Duke of Marlborough."

6. For the best ewe of any breed the premium of twenty dollars to Mr. R. H. Dulany's South Down ewe.

7. For the best boar of any breed the premium of twenty dollars to L. D. Crenshaw's Delaware and Chester boar, "Sam Walker."

8. For the best sow of any breed the pre-

mium of twenty dollars to Dr. John R. Woods' grade sow.

There were no pens of fat hogs offered for the premiums, which were at the disposal of this committee.

Although not entirely within the province of your committee, they beg leave to recommend to the Executive Committee the bestowal of a premium of fifty dollars to the two little sons of Mr. Lewis Bailey, for their four thoroughbred and beautiful Devon calves, which they have broken and work to a small cart. The com-miftee were urged by large numbers of the members of the Society, as well as by their own feelings, to present these boys to the favorable consideration of the Executive Committee, and they earnestly hope the Executive Committee will in this way reward these boys for their industry and talent. They are also strongly recommended as most promising and worthy, though poor, having incurred considerable ex pense in coming to our Fair. The committee believe it is the almost universal desire of the members of the Agricultural Society of Virginia that this reward of merit should be awarded these small boys.

A box of very fine hats, too late for examina tion by the proper committee, was brought to the Fair by Mr. Howell, a most worthy and respectable citizen of Alexandria. Your committee would also recommend these hats to your favorable consideration as superior in quality and worthy of some premium or token for their excellence.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

A. T. B. Merritt, James R. Kent, Thomas S. Hall, Benjamin Wood, Rufus A. French.

POULTRY.

The committee found it difficult to make distinctions in the fowls exhibited. They, however, awarded premiums to the following persons:

Best pair of white Shanghai chickens—C. C. Burton of Henrico.

Best pair of Cochin China—Aaron Clement of Philadelphia.

Best pair of red Shanghais—J. Morse of Richmond.

Best pair of yellow Shanghais—Wm. Smith of Henrico.

Best pair of Imperial China—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

Best pair of white Dorkings—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of red Chittagongs—Jer. Porter of Henrico.

Best pair of gray Chittagongs—J. Porter of Henrico.

Best pair of black Poland—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of white Poland—Lewis Bailey of Fairfax.

Best pair of Silver Pheasant—C. T. Thompson of Richmond.

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Best pair of spangled Hamburg—J. A. C Butters of Massachusetts.

Best pair of Bengal Game—J. Maury Garland of Richmond.

Best pair of Mexican Game—E. L. Taylor of Hanover.

Best pair of Virginia Topknot Game—J. T. Duke of Henrico.

Best pair of Sumatra Ebon Game—Dr. E. Powell of Goochland.

Best pair of Brahma Pootra—N. Taylor of Yorktown.

Best pair of black Spanish—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of Ostrich—Lewis Bailey of Fairfax.

Best pair of Seabright Bantams—Miss Exy Gill of Richmond.

Best pair of Java—R. H. Kuhn of Henrico.

Best pair of Sumatra Game—J. A. C. Butters of Massachusetts.

Best pair of Great Malays—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of Jersey Blues—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

Best pair of common Dorkings—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

Best pair of common barn door—H. J. Christian of Henrico.

Turkeys, Geese and Ducks.

The following persons were awarded premiums:

Best pair of common geese—D. E. Gardner of Henrico.

Best pair of wild Geese—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of China geese—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

Best pair of while Poland ducks—H.J. Smith of Henrico.

Best pair of Muscovy ducks—E. L. Taylor of Hanover.

Best pair of common ducks—J. C. Burton of Henrico.

Best pair of common turkeys—D. E. Gardner of Henrico.

Best pair of wild turkeys*—Mrs. F. P. Wood of Prince Edward.

Greatest variety of poultry—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

And for the purpose of encouraging the introduction into our State of new and valuable varieties of poultry, the judges would recommend premiums for the following, not mentioned in the catalogue, as entitled to premiums:

For the best pair of Egyptian geese—Dr. E. Powell of Goochland.

For the best pair of Curossons, or South American turkeys—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

For the best pair of Bremen geese—W. M. Bagley of Lunenburg.

For the best pair of Hong Kong geese—Dr. E. Powell of Goochland.

For the best pair of African geese—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

For the best pair Portuguese topknot ducks— Ro. M. Hicks of Albemarle.

For the best pair of Aylesbury ducks—Dr. E. Powell of Goochland.

For the best pair of Poland geese—William Palmer of Richmond.

For the best pair of black Java ducks—J. J. Bower of Baltimore.

For the best pair of crested ducks—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

For the best pair of crested, or topknot turkeys—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

For the best pair of white Calcutta chickens— J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

For best pair of Hong Kong chickens—J. G. Turpin of Chesterfield.

W. C. Scott, Chastain White, J. Maury Garland, J. H. Bosher, D. E. Gardner, W. M. Bagley.

Branch VI.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Class No. 1.

To William Palmer for the best single horse plough, $8.

To Stephen D. Boyd for his PagetVs iron shovel plough, $8.

To George Watt & Co. for Watt's cuff cultivator, $6.

To E. Whitman & Co., Baltimore, for their extension harrow, $8.

To Commodore Thos. Ap C. Jones for Gideon Davis' primitive subsoil plough, $5.

To Mott, Lewis & Co. for their gang plough-and sidewiper, $5.

To Messrs. Hall & Speer, Pittsburgh, for their hill-side revolving beam plough, $5.

To E. Whitman & Co., Baltimore, for their corn planter, $5.

To H. M. Smith, Richmond, for his flexible roller, $10.

To Mott, Lewis & Co. for the best ditching machine, $30.

The committee expressed their preference for the harrow, a model of which was exhibited by Commodore T. Ap C. Jones, and speak in terms of high commendation of the ploughs, harrows and cultivators exhibited by Messrs. Hall & Speer. They also recommend to the farming and planting community generally the large assortments of these articles, of superior workmanship, exhibited by Messrs. E. Whitman & Co., William Palmer, H. M. Smith, and Mott, Lewis & Co.

Class No. 2.

For the best broadcasting machine for guano to Joseph W. Fawkes, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, $30.

For the best broadcasting machine for sowing-lime, to the same, $30.

For the best corn planter to Colvin's drill, exhibited by A. Kuhn, Baltimore, $10.

For the best wheat drill, to Bickford & HoflV man, New York, $30.

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For the best horse rake, to H. M. Smith, for steel tooth rake exhibited by him, $5.

For the best ox yoke, to William Palmer, $4.

For the best grain cradle, to G. W. Anderson of Augusta, $4.

For the best horse cart, to George W. Bassett, ; manufactured by Eppes, $6.

For best set of cart gear, to Otey & Goff, $4.

Class No. 3.

The Committee on Agricultural Implements, Class 3, have found great difficulty in doing justice to the various machines which have been brought to their attention. This difficulty is increased, from the fact that the operation of many of the machines as exhibited on the grounds of the Society and as seen heretofore by the members of the committee on their own farms and the farms of their neighbors, show them to be of practical utility, and such as at the present time are meeting the wants of the agricultural community in this and adjoining States. In making the following distinctions, therefore, the committee will express the hope that their action will not be regarded as unfavorable to those machines which have not commanded their first approval:

1. For the best sweep horse power the judgment of the committee is in favor of that with bevel gear, manufactured and exhibited by J. Haw of Hanover county, Va. They award to him the premium of $30.

2. The large bevel geared power, with double bearings manufactured and exhibited by Heman Baldwin of Richmond, known as Cardwell's, is, in the opinion of the committee, the second best sweep power, and entitled to the premium of $10.

These powers, between which and the two above named, it was difficult to discriminate, were exhibited by H. M. Smith, Mott, Lewis & Co., and P. Rahm of Richmond; J. A. Pitts of Buffalo, county, New York; Mr. Sinclair of Baltimore, and Mr. Fitz of Pennsylvania, and these exhibiters deserve some expression of approbation from the committee, not only for the practical value of their machines, but for the liberal and spirited manner with which they have contributed to the exhibition of the Society and contended for its premiums.

3. The best railway horse power was exhibited by E. Whitman & Co. of Baltimore. This power operates well, but it commends itself particularly for the excellent quality of the materials, both wood and iron, of which it is constructed, and the very neat and substantial manner in which they are put together. It is entitled to the premium of $30.

4. The best threshing machine, without separator, was exhibited by H. M. Smith of Richmond. This machine, with its spring bed, self-oiling box and accurate adjustment, works without the slightest perceptible jar and most beautifully. A premium of $15.

5. The best threshing machine, with separating and cleaning apparatus, the premium of twenty dollars is awarded to II. M. Smith for J. A. Pitts' patent. This machine operates -well,

but the wood work is roughly executed, and when perfected in this respect will answer fully the desired purpose.

6. The committee are of opinion that it is proper to withhold the premium for the best separator or straw carrier. This article has become almost indispensable to all machines, and the different kinds seem to be indiscriminately used by the manufacturers. No article of this kind, involving any new principle, was presented for examination, but we are of opinion that the revolving straw carrier is much preferable to the shaker.

William Allen, F. Lewis Marshall, Robert M. Taylor, W. C. Knight.

Class No. 4.

For the best hay and straw cutter for horse power, to C. H. Drury for one of Eastman's patent, $10.

For best hay and straw cutter for hand power, to H. M. Smith, $10.

For the best corn sheller for horse power, to Mott, Lewis & Co. $10.

For the best grist mill for horse power, to C. H. Drury, $10.

For best corn and cob crusher, to E. Whitman & Co. Baltimore, for one of Nichols' patent, $8.

The committee recommend to the discretionary committee a premium of ten dollars for Hickock's patent apple grinder and cider press, made and exhibited by Mott, Lewis & Co.

Class No. 5.

To Montgomery & Brother, Baltimore, for their rockaway fan mill, a premium of $15.

To Mott, Lewis & Co., Richmond, for the best straw and hay fork, $2 50.

To the same, for the best hay or straw knife for cutting down stacks, $2 50.

To E. Whitman & Co., for best dung forks and hoes, $2 50.

To Mott, Lewis & Co., for best brier blade, $2 50.

To E. Whitman & Co. of Baltimore, for the best hay press, $30.

MOST EXTENSIVE AND VALUABLE COLLECTION OF USEFUL MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.

The committee appointed on the best collection of useful machines and implements, according to order, made a full and satisfactory inquiry and examination, and beg leave to submit the following report:

They were gratified to find upon the grounds of the 'Society a large and valuable collection of useful machines and implements adapted to almost all the purposes of life. Their office, however, was confined to the examination of collections, and not separate and individual articles. This view of their duty greatly lessened their labors by limiting their examinations chiefly to the most prominent contributors, each of whom is entitled to encomium for the public spirit which he has manifested. The display of each consisted for the most part of portions

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only of useful machinery in their respective warehouses, and the committee entertain the hope that in future exhibitions no article, useful and approved, will be held back from exhibition. The committee were highly gratified to find on the ground large exhibitions of machinery from some of our sister States. The display which those contributions made embraced many articles of prominent merit, and a great variety of useful machines. The same remark is applicable to those who are citizens of Virginia. The committee have had much difficulty in deciding between the several contributors, but looking as well to the number as to the utility of the various machines and instrument* submitted to their inspection (enumerating each class by one as its representative,) they feel themselves constrained to award the premium of the Society for "the best collection of useful machines and implements," to Mott, Lewis & Co. of the city of Richmond. John Tyler, James Magruder, Rob't W. Brooking, P. F. Gay, Wm. H. A. Southall.

PLOUGHING MATCH AND TRIAL OF PLOUGHS.

The Committee of Branch 6. Class 5, on "Ploughing Match and Trial of Ploughs," beg leave to make the following report:

That, although no premium was specifically offered upon four-horse ploughs, they have awarded a premium of twenty dollars to Wilson & Smithers of Goochland for their improved Livingston County plough. Messrs. Smith and French each offered adouble mouldboard Michigan plough which so nearly resembled each other, both in construction and performance, that they were unable to decide between them; they, therefore, gave to each a premium of twenty dollars. These ploughs are constructed upon a new principle, and are somewhat complicated. They were, however, highly approved of by the committee, but their exorbitantly high price constitutes a very serious objection to them and will probably prevent their general use, unless the objection be removed.

They award the first premium for the best ploughman to Mr. Richard Sampson's negro man, "Mann Randolph," who highly distinguished himself by managing his four mules without lines.

The second premium was not awarded in consequence of the smallness of the sum and the fact that the three competitors, W. Gilman of Henrico, Mr. Dudley of Henrico, and Mr. French of Michigan, were so nearly equal in skill that the committee was unable to decide between them. They take occasion to express their high commendation of the performance of most of the ploughmen who contended for the prizes. They were highly pleased with the performance of Joseph Rennie, Jr., whose youthful skill attracted general attention.

The committee award to Theodore Bailey a premium of tea dollars for the best ploughing

with steers, and it is but just to Mr. Lewis Bailey of Fairfax, to speak in high commendation of the steers with which the ploughing was done by his son. They were very fine animals and appeared to be perfectly broken to the plough. The premium so generously offered by Madam Sontag was by the committee divided, one-half to be awarded to the ploughs and the other to the ploughmen. Of that portion appropriated to the plough-makers, one-half, or twenty-five dollars, was awarded to Wilson & Smithers for their four-horse improved Livingston, manufactured in the county of Goochland. The other half equally divided between Messrs. French and Smith for their double mouldboard ploughs, twelve dollars and fifty cents each. Of the fifty dollars appropriated to the ploughmen, twenty dollars were awarded to Mann Randolph (negro of Richard Sampson), and ten dollars each to Messrs. Dudley, Gilman and French.

The committee recommend to the attention of the Committee of Discretionary Premiums the harrow-plough of Cyrus H. M'Cormick, and also the iron plough of Hall & Speer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These ploughs, in their opinion, are each worthy of a premium. All of which is respectfully submitted, C. Selden, R. W. N. Noland, W. W. Gilmer, John A. Selden, B. F. Dew.

WHEAT REAPER AND MOWER.

In accordance with the action of your body on the 19th of May last, appointing the undersigned a committee to test the "comparative merits of the different reaping machines offered for trial on a plane and on an undulated surface, on wheat of a tall and luxuriant, as well as of a shorter and thinner growth, and also, if practicable, on wheat of a lodged or tangled condition, and to award the premium of fifty dollars offered by the Society to the inventor whose machine, under the varied circumstances of trial, shall prove, in their judgment, the best and most effective in its operation and shall make report of their award to the Executive Committee, setting forth the principal reasons which shall have influenced them in the premises," we proceed respectfully to make our report as follows:

According to previous notice, published in most of the newspapers of the city of Richmond, the committee assembled on the day of trial (the 21st of June last) at the farm of Mr. William Allen, in Curies' Neck, on James river, and found in the field three machines with their owners or agents, ready to compete for the premium, viz. Messrs. Obed Hussey, C. H. M'Cormick and Thomas D. Burrall. The committee appointed to make the preliminary arrangements for the trial and to superintend the same, having executed their office with much ability and commendable dispatch, the three machines commenced their work about 12 o'clock, Hussey's with a fine team of four mules, and each of the other machines with only two mules; the wea-

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4her was excessively hot and dry, the wheat shattering ripe, (the Maryland or blue stem variety,) very tall and thick, averaging, we suppose, some twenty-five bushels per acre; the land generally level, but a sufficient portion of it undulated to test the machines on that kind of land.

M'Cormick's machine delivers its grain at the side exclusively. Hussey's and Burrall's deliver usually and much more conveniently in the rear, but each has what they call a "side attachment, 1 ' by which they are enabled to deliver at the side if it is desired to do so. The committee did not see the attachment for side delivery upon Hussey's machine, but upon the Bur-rail machine the attachment was arranged in a very few moments, and the side delivery was very beautifully executed, but with very great labor. The operation of the three machines during the trial of this day was so beautiful, so effective, so perfect, that the committee feeling conscious that it would be impossible to decide between them, determined to give them another trial on the 22d 3 hoping to be able jto test them early in the morning while the dew was upon the wheat. Unfortunately, however, there was no dew, and on our arrival in the field all the circumstances were as favorable for the operations of the machines as on the preceding day. The committee, nevertheless, determining to start the machines again, had three squares of land laid off containing five acres each, and allotted a square to each of the machines. The machine of Mr. Burrall having been driven by himself on the preceding day, assisted by a white man as raker, both of whom evidently possessed great skill in its management, the committee, in order to put the machines on a perfect equality, required Mr. Burrall to yield his machine to the management of a negro driver and raker belonging to the estate, with the addition of a third mule to M'Cormick's and Burrall's machines, Hussey's still having four mules. Each machine started in its allotted square of five acres. After the machines had been operating in these squares about one hour, by some means, we could not tell how, M'Cormick's machine lost a section of its blade, which accident was remedied by Mr. M'Cormick's substituting a new section in the place of the broken one in the short space of nineteen minutes, having to go some two or three hundred yards to a barn in the field to get the new one. Your committee are induced to mention this circumstance to show that what might be regarded as a serious accident, and would constitute an objection with many farmers to Ihe purchase of this machine, was as readily obviated and in as short a time as any trivial accident to an ordinary grain cradle. With the exception of this accident the working of the machines was as perfect as on the previous day—each machine finishing its square in almost precisely the same time, a small fraction less than two hours, allowing M'Cormick's machine the nineteen minutes lost by the above mentioned accident. Except at the corners of the squares where, from bad driving, the

machines were occasionally made to overlap too far its previous swath, scarcely a single stalk of wheat was left standing t)n the fifteen acres. Your committee are informed that Messrs. Hus-sey and M'Cormick each have an attachment for mowing hay which can be very easily adjusted to their reapers at very small cost, while there is no such attachment to Mr. Burrall's machine.

The committee regret that they were unable to apply any very severe tests in the trial of these reapers, such, for instance, as wet wheat, or short thin wheat, or over high beds and deep furrows. We could only see them operate on tall, thick, luxuriant and dry wheat, over broad smooth lands with rather shallow furrows.

The committee, while differing in opinion in regard to the comparative merits of these three machines, unanimously commend them all to the public favor, believing that if honestly and faithfully manufactured, they will prove valuable assistants to the farmer in the economy both of time and labor.

Upon a final comparison of opinion, the committee were divided as follows: Messrs. Taylor and Watkins giving the preference to Hussey's machine; Messrs. Royall and Garnett to Bur-ralPs, and Mr. Irby to M'Cormick's. Under these circumstances, instead of awarding the premium by a compromise of opinion, as is perhaps usual on such occasions, the committee believed that they would better promote the farmers' interests, the object of the Society in offering the premium, and the cause of justice to the inventors, by withholding the premium and simply reporting the facts to your body.

In conclusion, the committee cannot forbear to express their gratification and return their acknowledgments to Mr. William Allen, the gentlemanly proprietor of Curies' Neck, for his generous and princely hospitality in providing so sumptuously and profusely for the entertainment of the hundreds of gentlemen who were present on that occasion.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

John R. Garnett, • Edw'd O. Watkins, Richard Irby, J. P. Royall, Ro. M. Taylor.

Branch VII.

• fruits and fruit trees.

1. For the best and largest variety of apples suitable for Southern raising, each labelled, a premium of ten dollars to J. H. King of the District of Columbia.

2. For the best and largest variety of pears, a premium of eight dollars to the same.

3. For the greatest number of choice varieties of different kinds of fruit, a premium of ten dollars to Joseph Sinton & Sons of Henrico.

4. For the best and largest collection of apple trees, suitable for Southern raising, a premium of ten dollars to H. C. Williams of Fairfax.

5. For the best pear trees, a premium of ten dollars to Joseph Rennie of Henrico.

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6. For the best peach trees, a premium often dollars to the same. v

7. For the best grown and finest variety of apple trees, a premium of ten dollars to James Via of Henrico.

FLOWERS.

The committee to whom was assigned the duty of reporting the premiums on flowers, beg leave to express their sense of the benefits which arise from their cultivation. These beautiful productions, which Providence has scattered over the earth, are naturally calculated to please the senses and refine the imagination. They are a symbol of civilization itself. They impart a brighter grace to the landscape, to our gardens and to our houses. They give delicious perfumes to the boudoir. They ornament our centre tables, and add new beauties to the charms of the fair. They constitute too a distinct and interesting branch of science. The genius of Linneeus has been dedicated to their classification, and the Muse in every form has sung their praises. But there are other lights in which they present themselves to our consideration. As the fruit naturally follows the flower, so botany becomes one of the handmaids to agriculture. How can we clearly understand the way, in which the variety of fruits and flowers of the same family is produced, without some acquaintance with the parts and physiology of the plant? We know how much the various sorts of Indian corn, for instance, mix together and cross each other; but it is not every one who has examined the formation of the ear of corn, as it is covered with the shuck. Strip it of its green leaves, and we find that every single grain has a silk thread attached to it which extends beyond the end of the ear. This thread is the pistil, or the female organ which receives the powder or pollen that falls from the tassel. It is this thread and this tassel which constitute the flower of the Indian corn. When varieties grow near each other, the pollen from the surrounding stalks falls upon the silken texture, and produces further varieties of the grain. It is so with thousands of other plants, and by mixing with each other of the same family, they lead to new varieties, new forms, new tints, new beauties. In this way the splendid Azalia has been highly improved; and, in like manner, greater varieties of flowers are constantly produced.

In another way, also, new flowers are continually exhibited. It is when the florist succeeds in turning the seed vessels into new petals, that they become doubled, and those beautiful compound flowers are struck out, which multiply the sorts of our roses, and other productions of the garden. There is no assignable limit to this variety. It is probably by mixing the roses together, that the blue rose has been recently produced at Paris; and our common Jamestown weed, or Stramonium, which is now about to assume new importance in the practice of medicine, has lately been turned into a double flower in one of the gardens of Boston. But a still larger space than these is opened to the introduction of flowers. Commerce is

busy in transporting to other scenes the flower s of other regions. South America is filled with beauties which are new to us. Taste is collecting them and introducing them among us.— Within a few years we see new Cactuses, new Fuchsias, and that most delicate and brilliant of the flowery family, the Calceolarias, are appearing among us. The Acacias of Australia; the Norfolk Island Pine, the most exquisite evergreen in the world, and the Victoria Regina, the most superb of all the flowers, are adding new graces to our green-houses and gardens.

The fact is, that not only are new species of fruits and flowers coming among us, but the old families are feeling the touch of improvement and assuming more brilliant colors. The deep red Chrysanthemum was supposed, upon its first introduction some few years ago, to be a splendid addition to our fall flowers; but new varieties of the Chrysanthemum have succeeded to throw the old flower completely into the shade.

Such is the progress of the age, even on flowers. Nothing is so easy as to encourage their further improvement. By attending to the process of mixing flowers, and of doubling their petals, we create, as it were, new species. And by obtaining new families from abroad, we enlarge their number and their beauty. We earnestly recommend to the Agricultural Society, therefore, to encourage their introduction from other regions. Request our ministers and captains of vessels, when they go abroad, to send home the roots and seeds of the choicest flowers—place these in the hands of proper florists, when they arrive—and you will see a new creation arise, as it were, under your eyes. Who has not been struck, for example, with the description which has been recently given by our new Consul at Rio de Janeiro, Mr. Robert G. Scott of this city, of the Botanical Garden, near that town? He has promised to send us every variety which he found there. Let us avail ourselves of his suggestion, and request him to send our Society the first he can obtain. Let us extend the same commission to our other officers and captains who visit distant climes. Let us also draw on the seeds of the Patent Office, and on the public garden at Washington. In this way your patriotic association may becomea sort of focal point, from which the plants of the most distant regions may be disseminated throughout Virginia. It was with a hope of extending our resources, that a call was made on Mr. Brack-enridge, the skilful and obliging Superintendent of the Public Conservatory at Washington, who was kind enough to furnish a fine collection of one hundred and thirteen valuable roots and seeds, accompanied by the following letter:

" Washington, D. C, Oct. 29,1S53. "Dear Sirs, —With this you will receive a packet, containing one hundred and thirteen distinct kinds of seeds, all labeled, or named correctly. A number of them are from Russia, some from Italy, and a great many are from the most choice plants of our own gardens; but I would particularly call your attention to a paper of the Zamia horrida, or Hottentot's bread tree,

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which is very rare and fine. I have also added a packet of the roots of Gladiolus Prittacinus, and another of very fine Tulips; and I shall feel much gratified to learn that the collection pleases you, and is calculated to answer your purpose."

We have deposited these roots and seeds with the Executive Committee, whose duty it is, under the 7th Article of the Constitution of your Society, to lake charge of and distribute or preserve all seeds, plants. &c.

In proceeding to the direct execution of our duty, the Committee must express the great satisfaction which they feel at the marked improvement that has taken place in the cultivation of flowers, in this city and its vicinity. New florists have appeared among us—new and splendid flowers have been introduced—and a general taste begins to display its benefits, in the beautiful productions which, they have spread before us.

We should have been happy if more premiums had been placed at our disposal to reward those who deserved them; but those premiums do not exceed six in number, and we are compelled to confine our distribution to the following competitors:

No. 1. The prize of ten dollars, to Mr. Guest, for the largest and choicest variety of flowers.

No. 2. The prize of five dollars, to Mr. Ren-nie, for second largest and choicest variety of flowers.

No. 3. To Mr. Guest, also, five dollars, for the best and greatest variety of Dahlias. Mr. Morton would have received a prize for his beautiful variety of Dahlias, if it had been in our power to award it. There was no premium ordered to be given to the favorite flower of the season, the Camelia.

No. 4. The prize of five dollars, to Mrs. Wool-dridge of Chesterfield county, for the finest and greatest variety of roses.

No. 5. To Mr. Morton, five dollars for the best floral ornament. It would have given us sincere pleasure to award a premium to Mr. Eggeling, for his singularly beautiful floral ornament, and we have no doubt that his fine taste will be more successful on another occasion.

No. 6. We feel it our duty to award to Mr. Guest the last prize of five dollars for the best and largest variety of green-house plants.

There were other competitors who exhibited some beautiful specimens. We should have been happy to reward them, but we bid them never to despair. They may bear off the palm the next time, and if they are irue lovers of the art, they will ' : pick their flints and try again."

The floral exhibition was not as extensive as might have been expected, for, as Mr. Bracken-ridge slates in his letter, "at present, flowers are very scarce, the out of door plants having suffered by frost, and there are very Cev/ flowers in the hot houses at this season."

Thomas Ritchie, Chairman.

Branch VIII.

DAIRY AND HONEY.

A premium for the best specimen of fresh

butter, to Mrs. Daniel Ammen of Botetourt county, of $5.

For the second best specimen of fresh butter, to James Newman, Esq. of Orange county, a premium of $3.

For the best firkin of salted butter, not less than six months old, to Mrs. Dr. Read of Roanoke, a premium of $6.

The second premium to Robert Roper, Esq. of Wythe county, for a firkin of one hundred and two pounds, of $3.

The premium for honey, to Mrs. Lucy Cox of Henrico county, of $5.

BACON HAM3.

For the best ham, cured by exhibiter, a premium to Blair Burwell of Powhatan, of $10.

For the second best, to Mrs. Henry Cox of Henrico, a premium of $5.

HOUSEHOLD AND DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

From the Committee on Household Manufactures, and specifications 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of Domestic Manufactures:

First premium, for the best quilt, five dollars, to Misses Ann E. and Fanny T. Overton of Hanover.

Second premium, for the next best, four dollars, to Miss Mary A. E. Bohannan of Richmond city.

First premium, for the best counterpane, five dollars, to Miss H. T. Turner of Louisa.

Second premium, for the next best, four dollars, to Miss Nannie Mountjoy of Richmond city.

For the best specimen of embroidery, three dollars, to Mrs. Sarah B. Scott of Dinwiddie.

For the best specimen of worsted work, five dollars, to Mrs. E. A. Smith of Richmond city.

For the best hearth rug, three dollars, to Mrs. Dr. Garnett of Henrico.

For the best pair of home made blankets, five dollars, to Mrs. E. V. Hansbarger of Rockingham.

For the best home made carpet, five dollars, to Mrs. John Bagby of King & Queen.

For the best piece of winter clothing for negroes, woven by hand, five dollars, to Mrs. A. G. Hansbarger of Augusta.

For the best piece of heavy woollen jeans, woven by hand, five dollars, to Mrs. Maria E. Carson of Spottsylvania.

For the second best piece of heavy woollen jeans, woven by hand, three dollars, to Mrs. Dr. Garnett of Henrico.

For the best fine long yarn hose, five dollars, to Mrs. Ann Christian of New Kent—a lady eighty-three years of age.

For the best home made bread, five dollars, to Mrs. Thomas L. Lyne of Henrico—of Mr. T. L. Lyne's own crop of wheat, and ground at Rowland's mill in the same county.

For the best home made pound cake, three dollars, to Mrs. E. A. Burton of Henrico.

For the best home made sponge cake, three dollars, to Mrs. Henry Cox of Henrico county.

For the best varieties of home made pickles, three dollars, to Mrs. Henry Cox of Henrico.

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For beet varieties of home made preserves, three dollars, to Mrs. Henry Cox of Henrico.

For the best variety of home made fruit jelly, three dollars, to Mrs. J. Masters of Amelia.

For the best sample of home made soap, (process of making to be described by exhibiter,) five dollars, to Mrs. Peers of Goochland.

For the best pair of bed blankets, five dollars, to M. T. Ammen of Fincastle, Bottetourt.

For the best piece of woollens, five dollars, to Mary C. Saunders.

For the best and greatest variety of shoes, five dollars, to Pemberton & Brother and W. P. W. Taylor of Richmond city. Two dollars and fifty cents to each—they being so nearly equal that the committee cannot decide.

For the best and greatest variety of hats, five dollars, to Richard Moore of Richmond city.

For the best and greatest variety of hardware. Mr. Wm. Rady of Richmond city exhibited a number of very superior locks and lock fixtures, of his own manufacture; although these do not strictly come under this head, the committee decided to give him a premium of five dollars for them. They were the only articles of the kind presented to them which could be properly denominated of "domestic manufacture."

Branch IX.

HONORARY TESTIMONIALS.

The committee on the subjects included in Branch 9 of the Society's Schedule are expected to offer "honorary testimonials to each individual of Virginia who, previous to 1853, has discovered or introduced, or brought into use, any principle, process or facility, or generally any improvement by which important value has been gained for the agricultural interests of Virginia."

It will at once appear that the duties of this committee are somewhat peculiar. They are not called to decide on the comparative merits of the various objects which on the present occasion have been collected and presented for inspection. It is their province to make honorable mention of each and every individual, so far as can now be ascertained, who has discovered or introduced any of the principles or means by which those objects have been produced. The preliminary inquiry which is here implied, if at all adequate to the end, must be comprehensive in its scope, directed to many and various objects, co-extensive with the Commonwealth—reaching back to the commencement of our history. For, in taking this wide range, no less space or time must be traversed, and the matters to be investigated are as numerous and as varied as the departments and sub-divisions of the great and complex subject which has brought us together.

It is obvious that no single individual—perhaps no committee, of reasonable numbers, that the Society could appoint—ought to be presumed to possess all this information. Those of them who are now assembled are constrained to announce that they cannot acquire it within the allotted time without the assistance of other members of this body who will take an active interest in the matter. The difficulty of discharging the duty assigned in a manner that should be satisfactory to the Society might thus be inferred from its extent alone. Of the many causes which have contributed further to embarrass our movements we can here suggest but a few.

The State of Virginia has been settled for more

than two centuries. Her territory is extensive. She is distinguished by a variety of climate and soils, which in its turn has led to a similar variety of productions; and the improved methods of raising certain of these products are hence to be sought only in particular districts. Two of her principal staples, tobacco and Indian corn, having been in a manner unknown to England and continental Europe, the best modes of producing them had to be discovered, gradually perfected or improved, and wrought into her general system or systems of management.

Her people are not as yet homogeneous. While yet a colony she was settled by men of different races—Celt and Teuton—still farther characterized by theirdistinctnationalities. These having brought with them the systems of culture practised in the several countries of Europe to which they traced their lineage, may be presumed to have long continued, and in some cases still to adhere to certain peculiarities thence derived, so far as circumstances would encourage or permit.

The general objects of agriculture are two fold. First, to extract from a given soil the greatest amount of valuable products; and then to maintain and increase its capacity for yielding such products in future. During the entire colonial period of our history, and subsequently, the first of these objects would appear to be that which absorbed the attention of the planters of Virginia; and in attaining this they succeeded but too well. They doubtless felt themselves justified in the adoption of a system destructive rather than improving, by two principal considerations. With a territory but partially occupied, and covered for the most part with a dense forest, which must be cleared before the regular operations of husbandry could be commenced, they had at their disposal, for a long season, an amount of labor insufficient for the purpose. Hence were they compelled to tax more frequently and heavily that which was subjected to culture, and which, if wasted or reduced in its capacities, left an indefinite amount of equal or greater original fertility in reserve. In a word, land, good land, virgin soil, ever kindly if of variable durability—was abundant and cheap, while labor was dear. At a later date, the high prices of produce which grew out of the wars of the French Revolution, concurred with these causes in tempting to a continuance of this abusive system, long after the immediate occasion for it had ceased.

When the process of improvement commenced, it was for the most part by isolated individuals, the influence of whose example was confined to their several neighborhoods or districts; and this evil was aggravated by the want of those facilities of intercourse between the more distant portions of the State which we are so happy as to enjoy. Many improvements may have been thus simultaneously or successively introduced into different districts, while the authors were ignorant of what had been done in the same kind elsewhere within the State. In such cases white honor is justly due to all, it is desirable to ascertain the priority of claims; and this requires an, attention to dates and a disposition to make permanent record of important facts connected with agriculture, for which, we regret to say, Virginians of the olden time were not remarkable. The regular historian seems to have regarded such subjects as of minor importance if not foreign to his province. This chapter of our annals therefore, remains to be written, so far as the materials are extant and can be made available.

Many of these, having been left to the care of uncertain tradition, it is to be feared have irretrievably perished. Not that any process or improvement really valuable has been wholly lost, but the names of

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19

those who first discovered or introduced them.— Others, however, and those the most important, it is believed, may be traced to their sources, and by timely effort their several histories may be collected and embodied for preservation. Of the items which would go to make up the entire aggregate, some are mentioned in separate volumesor pamphlets; ethers in the series of our agricultural periodicals; and, yet others have never been committed to a permanent record—but exist only in manuscript, or in the memory of individuals dispersed throughout the commonwealth. To gather up this information and digest it into proper form, is certainly a desideratum. It is, moreover, a duty—a duty which we owe to the dead as well as the living; the dictate of gratitude no less than of a spirit of liberal curiosity. If properly performed, it would constitute a tribute to our benefactors, which has long been due, and which, if now tardily paid, should no longer be withheld. It must, however, be a work of time; and as it does not admit, so it does not require a hasty or incomplete preparation.

The chairman of your committee, not supposing that he had access to sources of information other than those common to the members of the society generally, had he consulted his own feelings, would have shrunk from a task to which he felt his incompetence. Having accepted the trust with the understanding that a longer time than was originally contemplated, would be allowed for its fulfilment, he still did not feel at liberty to give form and character to this report without consulting with his colleagues, and this before the present meeting of the society was impracticable. Not all of them attended. Of those who did, it appeared on conference that each member was in possession of certain facts, which were previously unknown to the others; but the sum of their knowledge *was far short of what was desired, and might probably be obtained, if timely and proper measures were taken for the purpose. It was therefore concluded to offer a brief report explanatory of the causes of our present failure, and expressive of our willingness to endeavor its accomplishment at or before another meeting of the Society. On the present occasion, we could do but little more than to propose and determine on some plan of inquiry and thorough research, by which the materials sought might be collected from the broad length of our land, and transmitted to the committee for their use in the preparation of a future and more ample report. That this may be more readily and completely effected, your committee have agreed on the following mode of procedure:

Acknowledging the scantiness of their own information on many points, and desiring its increase, they have notonly pledged themselves as individuals to use their best exertions in seeking such addition within their several districts and the circle of their acquaintance, but to invite the cooperation of others who may be both able and willing to unite in the requisite inquiry. This, we are happy to add, has already been done in part. Of the many gentlemen who have assembled on the present occasion from all parts of Virginia, not a few, when applied to, have promised the aid of their personal reminiscences or research. They also assure us that they will endeavor to enlist others equally competent in the fulfilment of what must needs be a general task, and which if properly completed will enure to the general satisfaction. When the labor is thus distributed among many, the burden will be light on each and yet the result may be all that the society could reasonably expect under the circumstances.

Should "it be the good pleasure of the society then to continue the committee for the present object, and

should those of its members now present, constitute a part of the same, another appeal and through a different channel will be made to the agriculturists of Virginia, in the hope of stimulating those who are possessed of information in this kind, to impart it to the committee for the purpose above suggested.

As an evidence that we have not been wholly remiss in our duty; as a sample of the facts which our inquiry has already elicited, and as some indication of the nature and objects of our proposed future investigation, we offer the few that follow. And we hereby invite the cooperation of the members of the Virginia Agricultural Society—one and all—until the list shall be as complete as practicable.

Among the initial steps in the improvement of the agriculture of our State, was the use of horizontal ploughing, or ploughing across hills and nearly on a level, as distinguished from the old and barbarous method of tracing the furrows directly up and down the ascent. The credit of introducing this improvement, so indispensable to the preservation of the soil, and without which all others would be transient, is due to the late Gov. Thomas Mann Randolph of Albemarle, from whose example it spread throughout the State; although it had been known in Europe and the East long before, (see American Farmer, XIII, 43,115, XV, 57, 82; Farmers' Register, II, 667,) and even practised by individuals in other parts of Virginia—as by a Mr. Spindle and others, in Essex county, so early as 1785, (see Farmers' Reg., II, 744,) and Mr. J. S. Slaughter of Culpeper, in 1804, (Papers of Virginia Agricultural Society, page 22; American Farmer, II, 14.) As auxiliaries to these may be mentioned the hillside plough of Mr. Ryland Rhodes, (see it mentioned in American Farmer, VI, 355,) late of Albemarle, now of Nelson, (the principle of which had also been previously known—see Amer. Farmer, XV, 82.)—Col. Randolph had himself invented a hfll-side plough, on which Mr. R.'s was an improvement; (see it described with a figure in Memoirs Philadelphia Agricultural Society, IV, 13-18, and in Amer. Farmer, II, 94, 320,) and the hill-side trenches of Mr. Humberstone Skipwith of Mecklenburg, subsequently modified into the open graduated furrow, whose author is unknown to the committee. The , mode of breaking up low grounds in beds of a limited and specified width was employed, near the beginning of the present century, by Mr. Philip Tabb of Gloucester. This improvement so important in the drill culture of corn, so essential to the proper draining of such lands, and to the healthful growth of crops of small grain and of the artificial grasses which follow them, is, by general consent, ascribed to Mr. Tabb as an independent author, so far as our country is concerned. A doubt, however, has been intimated to us by several intelligent farmers, as to whether he was the first in Virginia to propose or adopt this plan.

So early as the year 1822, Commodore Jones of Fairfax, a member of this committee, procured of Gideon Davis of Georgetown, the maker, and very soon after its invention, a substratum plough, which, he has used annually ever since in the operation now so widely known as subsoiliwg, and the identical implement is now on exhibition at the Society's Fair. The mention of this fact might lead us into a wide field. We must, however, content ourselves with the remark, that all the agricultural imple-* ments and labor-saving machines now in use, from the plough and harrow to the thresher, have, since their invention or introduction, received important modifications at the hands of Virginians, suited to their peculiar circumstances. It is hoped that these improvements, great in the aggregate though gra-

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dual in their progress, will be duly ascertained and attributed to their proper authors.

To several of these we will barely allude at present. Very recently our attention has been called to an implement which, if it answers the description given of its effects, must prove of signal benefit to the farmers of Virginia, in the economy both of seed and of the costly fertilizer, guano. We, refer to a "Virginia Improved Seed-Drill with the Guano Attachment," two models of which are being exhibited at the Society's Fair. As there are two different claimants to the honor of this invention, whose conflicting pretensions have been submitted to the judicial tribunals of the country, we refrain from expressing our opinion as to who is the rightful author. We know not as yet who among us first substituted the scythe and cradle for the reap-hook; and in lieu of the jlail or treading out small grain by the feet of animals Mr. John Murphy of Westmoreland, is believed to have been the first to introduce a threshing machine into the Northern Neck. Without pretending to adjudge the question of relative merit between him and his Maryland competitor, we feel bound to commemorate the world renowned reaper of C. H. M'Cormick of Rockbridge.

To advert to improvements of another kind. We learn that the late Mr. Fielding Lewis of Charles City, was the pioneer in our State in the use of lime on a large scale as an improver of the soil. By him it was obtained for that purpose from oyster shells, burnt after a simple method.—(See Farmers' Register, I, 16.) Those who have followed in his footsteps, besides availing themselves of this source, have also resorted to that which was procured from the mineral strata of this and other States and burnt in kilns. Of the use of marl and green sand by Edmund Ruffin, Sr., it were needless to speak at any length. Others before him may have made isolated experiments with the former, on a narrow surface and with no marked result,—and of these, the earliest of which we have heard mention was by the late Col. Short of Surry—but to Mr. R. we owe an exhibition of its virtues, so varied and so complete, and a demonstration of its mode of operation so rational and plain, as to place its utility, when judiciously employed, beyond all possibility of doubt. Its agency in renovating much of the soil of Eastern Virginia has already added millions to the value of her real estate, and may be taken as a pledge of the ultimate redemption of all the rest to which it is accessible. It has been stated to us, as we believe on good authority^ that some time during the last quarter of the last century, Israel Janney of Loudoun, brought into that county from Chester county, Pennsylvania, a small quantity of gypsum, or plaster of Paris, with which he tried several experiments. Its magical effect on vegetation induced the repeated and more liberal use of it by himself and certain of his neighbors. And this occurred before the date of certain other experiments by Mr. John A. Binns of the same county, a published report of which was widely circulated through the State. It has been hastily inferred—it may be from this publication—that to Mr. Binns is to be attributed the first introduction of this most important agent in our improved systems, whereas it should of right be credited to Mr. Janney. We know not whether its paternity was ever claimed by the former gentleman or by his friends for him, » but we do not feel at liberty to suppress a statement so avouched; and the rather that Mr. B. could afford to be both generous and just, since his own example became the more influential, the virtues of gypsum, through his agency, having been more widely known and more generally called into requisition. The late Commodore Porter took precedence of all others in

introducing guano into the United States; but the first ton of that article was brought to Virginia by Commodore Jones, who, after reserving a portion for his own use, distributed the remainder among certain of his neighbors and brother farmers for the trial of experiments. It does not appear, however, tnat either his example or theirs was immediately followed, nor until it was strengthened by reports of its distinguished success, both abroad and in other States.

Of some of the principal artificial grasses we have heard as follows: It is believed that Israel Janney, already mentioned, was the first to sow the seed of the red clover in the northern part of Virginia, though it, or a variety of the same plant, is said to be indigenous in some parts of the Valley; and it is known that Mr. John G. Mosby of Curies, first made trial of it in the tide water region.* % President Madison, while a member of Congress* sent from Philadelphia to his farm in Orange county a small parcel of timothy seed. Its superiority to the natural grasses of the country, and its special adaptation to meadow lands were soon perceived. The increase of its seed was eagerly sought by others, and from that point it has spread into many other counties of the Piedmont district, on the north side of James river. Mr. A. B. Venableof Prince Edward, some time a Senator of the United States from this State, likewise sent from Philadelphia to his farm in that county, a similar parcel of red top, or herds grass, and to that importation may be traced hundreds of meadows, some of considerable extent, which are now or have been laid down on the south side of James river. The number of these would have farther increased, and they would have been of longer continuance but for the invasion of broomsedge, that great and general pest of Eastern Virginia, which showed the expediency of occasionally breaking them up to be cleansed by other crops. This grass has, moreover, been used with good effect, either alone or in company with others, on high lands, supposed to be too much reduced to yield a remunerating crop of clover. It has also been advantageously employed in the rotation on lots designed for the growth of a particular kind of tobacco.

In regard to the important subject of the rotation of crops we should be pleased to distinguish the individuals who first dared to break the spell of custom in departing from the two and three shift systems, so baneful in their operation on the soil of Virginia. In this connection we should have to make special mention of the services of John Taylor of Caroline, Wilson Carev Nicholas, John Wick-ham, Thomas Marshall, John G. Mosby, John A. Selden and others. But this part of our duty, with many more, must be postponed. At present we will refer to but two other improvements, each of which

* We learn since it was written, that this statement should be modified. Clover had been raised by others in this quarter, on small lots, naturally rich or highly manured. But Mr. M. was among the first who made it a part of his field rotation, and increased its yield by the aid of gypsum. The peculiar character of the Curies lands made them an exceptional case. Many planters of lower Virginia had tried on their fields both clover and gypsum, shortly after their introduction into the State. The failure of the latter to act, being nearly universal, was ascribed to the influence of sea air; that of the former, to an excess of sand in the soil. The true cause was a defect of calcareous matter, and a consequent acidity in the soil. This popular error was refuted by the experiments and reasonings of Mr. Edmund Ruffin. On lands which have received a sufficient dressing of lime or marl, clover grows as luxuriantly here, and is as much aided by gypsum, as in those of equal fertility in the Piedmont district.

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has exerted no small influence in giving direction to the labor of Virginia, and has added millions to the wealth of this and other States.

The first of these was the cutting down of Indian corn with its stalk entire, to be shocked in the field, and thus used as the food of cattle. This was first practiced by John Harness of Moorfield, Hardy county, about the year 1780. His example was soon followed throughout Western Virginia. From thence it extended to the valleys of the Ohio, the Mississippi and their tributaries, and generally to the grazing, districts of the West. As a result of its universal adoption, it is believed that the quantity of stock raised for market in this immense region has been double of what it would have been had the top and blades been first taken from the stalk and the corn dealtout to them in the former method.

It is peculiar to that one of the staple crops of Virginia, for which she was formerly and still is best kno\«i abroad—we mean tobacco— that its market value should depend upon skill in its management subsequent to its production. In this respect it differs both from Indian corn and Wheat, of which the quality in any given year is, ceteris paribus, too nearly uniform, to vary materially the prices offered to different individuals. It was otherwise when tobacco was sold by the note of the inspectors, which simply indicated the weight, and when all that passed inspection was presumed to be of nearly the same value. The prices now offered are regulated by the quality and condition of the article, as well as by the general state of the market. A premium is thus held out to skill and fidelity in its preparation for market, which is principally conducted within doors, and at a season of the year when the labors of the field are often suspended by stress of weather. The first step in this matter, and which led to a long series of others on the part of the planter, wasftaken by the late Benjamin Hatcher of the town of Manchester, and county of Chesterfield. This gentleman, a liberal dealer, was guided in his purchases by a just discrimination of the quality, and not alone by the quantity of this production. The measure bore hard at first on the ignorant and the obstinate; but others were stimulated to fresh efforts to supply the new demand. The nature and composition of the plant were studied anew. Experiments in its cure and after-handling were multiplied in endless variety, and the effects noted by sagacious minds until that which had been a process wholly empirical and ordered by custom or individual caprice, became an art, founded in principle and reducible to rule. The natural result of the whole was the more general supply of an article better suited to the purposes of the manufacturer and the taste of the consumer. The standard of attainment being thus elevated, the planter also received the reward of his greater diligence and attention in the enhancement of his revenue.

Other, though indirect benefits have flowed from this great change in the policy of the tobacco planter. His labor, though limited in amount, is continued throughout the year, and when most profitable, is distributed among his several crops; being applied to each in due season and at particular stages of its growth. The calls of this plant on the grower's attention, if numerous and imperative, are definite; and if promptly answered will leave him at leisure for other objects. The timely observance of these critical stages is thought by competent judges to furnish the best test of good management under our mixed system of farming and planting. The fact just mentioned would go far to show that the culture of tobacco is not necessarily destructive to all the other interests of the planter, as has been often urged.

But this position is strengthened by other considerations. The amount of labor now required by this plant during its growth and subsequent manipulation, has lessened the quantity that can be profitably raised. But this, in turn, has narrowed the surface on which it is raised which yet yields a larger revenue than when the space was greater. Tobacco, therefore, is no longer the monopolist of land it formerly was, and a larger arable surface may be devoted to other and ameliorating crops.

Again: tobacco being now generally grown on a series of lots of moderate extent, these are subjected to a rotation of their own, in which that plant is followed by wheat—for which its culture is the best known preparation—and that again by clover, which in the second year of its growth is returned to the soil. The manure required for themiaintenance of its fertility is hence far less than ft once exacted, and a larger residuum is left to be applied to the fields of grain. The experience of many has thus demonstrated that its growth is by no means incompatible with general improvement, though this may be less conspicuous and rapid than where a farming system is exclusively pursued.

The improvements here specified are taken from a larger catalogue which we hope yet to see greatly extended. Their number is inconsiderable, but they have been generally adopted by our more fortunate and intelligent brethren, and their effects, in joint and several operation, in recovering, preserving and improving our inheritance, are beyond estimation. It is not pretended that those in reserve are all of equal importance. But they are numerous, though subordinate; and if many of them are singly of less moment, in the aggregate they are worthy of being placed on record and consigned to our grateful recollection. The changes wrought by some of these were so immediate and conspicuous as early to induce inquiry into their authorship, while the benefit of others has been widely diffused without the beneficiaries knowing to whom they are principally indebted. Many practices have also been incorporated into the systems of judicious farmers of which it may now be difficult to ascertain the remote origin or even proximate sources, and which yet they would be very unwilling to surrender. We speak not so much of those which were the growth of ages long past, and have been the common property of our brethren in all civilized lands from time immemorial, as of others which, from their special adaptation to our wants, may be presumed to have sprung from our peculiar situation. The names of the patriots just given, are now brought into juxtaposition for such a purpose as ours, it is believed, for the first time. An honorable place in the list is reserved for their fellows who must not be forgotten. The tendency of their labors and example, is to illustrate the practical character of the leading minds of Virginia, their devotion to utilitarian pursuits, recuperative energy, and another trait for which they have obtained less credit—their versatility and fertility in resource when under the pressure of difficulty. The sum of the results, past and present, of their several improvements, as we have seen, is highly worthy of note, and this is but an earnest of what we may hope for, when the knowledge already accumulated shall have been used wherever applicable, and when chemistry and physiology and mechanics shall bring their future tributes to her who should be the queen, as she has been the nursing mother, of all the sciences.

Our inquiries have not as yet been directed to all parts of the State, and it may be, that in consequence, errors have crept into'a statement so brief as the present. Though offered with some degree

TJIE SOUTHERN PLANTER

of confidence, it is held as subject to correction, and to be substituted by better knowledge in the future.

Such, then, are a few of the facts which have been brought to our notice, and which are here repeated, to show the character of those we are still to seek. Should our brethren respond to our call, we will return them to the Society in a different form, and through it to the community of farmers.

We have already mentioned the names of several of our distinguished public servants, in connection with valuable innovations on our systems of husbandry. Others, as we have said, might be added from their rank, as well as from that of private citizens who have chosen this walk of usefulness. But ve resist the temptation. We are unwilling, however, to close this report without a more special reference to three of the sons of Virginia, whom we are constrained to regard as preeminently the benefactors of this, the chief interest of the State Their labors in this department appear also to be coincident with the three principal eras of our progress.

It is not universally known to the present race of Virginia farmers, that the Father of his Country had other claims on their gratitude than those of the soldier and civilian. But it is even so. Washington was also a cultivator of the soil. This was his chosen occupation, his first love, to which he ever returned when he could divest himself of the cares of State. Throughout life he was known as a diligent and methodical farmer, who brought his strong common sense and practical sagacity to bear on this subject as on all others. When he had exemplified all the maxims of good husbandry as known in his own country, besides a multitude of early experiments with mineral manures, with grasses and other novel products, in varying his rotations, and in other matters of rural economy—to him we probably owe the first substitution of the labor of mules for that of horses in the work of the farm— (Southern Planter, Vol. XIII, page 236,) he sought further light from abroad, as is proved by his published correspondence with Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair—the two men who, in the British Isles and in all Europe, were the most distinguished promoters of the same cause. Nor should it be forgotten, that as the father of the system of internal improvement in Virginia, he has most materially contributed to the advancement of her agricultural interest. Though his ideas on this head hnve not, as yet, been fully carried out, their partial execution has given to farmers greater facilities for the conveyance of their products to market, and a proportional increase in the value of their lands. That it was his desire that the immense resources of his native State should be fully developed, not to be prodigally wasted, but spent in further enriching and adorning her surface, we cannot doubt. But the wish was greater than the man, although that man was Washington. He could be wise in his own generation; but if he foresaw, he could not precipitate the course of events. He had done his duty. When the crisis came, the man for the occasion— as always happens—made his appearance.

Near the close of the last centurv, Mr. William Strickland, a scientific farmer of England, visited the United States, with the conditional purpose of seeking a new theatre for the skill of himself and friends in the new home of freedom. He traversed our country—was discouraged by what he saw-returned and made an unfavorable report. This report may be found in Farmers' Register, III, 201, 262. Gen. Washington speaks of this tour of observation in his third letter to Sir J. Sinclair, and a valuable letter of his addressed to Mr. S. may be

found in his writings, XII, 329. Our State was included in his survey, and of that he was pleased to say, that "Agriculture in Virginia had reached the lowest stage of degradation." The truth, though bitter, should have been welcome then, but our people heard it not immediately, for the taunt was not addressed to them. His words, however, were not lost and we thank him now. There was one who caught up the echo, and treasured them for future use. The body of the planters of Eastern Virginia persisted for another decade in their ancient and destructive system: impoverishing their lands, wasting the heritage of their posterity, until both were ready to sink down in contented apathy, without heart or hope of bettering their condition, except in another clime, and on a more patient soil.

There had all along been honorable exceptions to the charge, and among these was one who, both by precept and example, had endeavored to stay the plague. John Taylor of Caroline, who, while he was not blind to the social and civic virtues of his countrymen, had blushed for their degeneracy as farmers, at length spoke out. He re-echoed the words of the foreigner, and from his lips they came in tones of solemn warning and terrible rebuke, not unmingled with encouragement. The voice of Arator came sounding across our plains—it reached the ears of the sluggard and the reckless—and roused them like a trumpet-call. It now appeared that the planters of Virginia, when thus addressed, were yet willing to enter on the path of amendment, when made plain before them. This manifesto, however, of the great leader among the cultivators of that day, was not without both its errors and defects. And, were he now among us, he would be the first to concede that his prescriptions were not a "panacea" for "all the ills that land is heir to." For he was eminently an inquiring and progressive, as well as a practical farmer. He recommended nothing to others which he had not first tried himself, and with success. That his counsels were not followed with due discrimination, was our misfortune, and not his fault.

The Volume of Arator was not his only tribute to our cause. Col. Taylor succeeded Chief Justice Marshall as President of the first "Agricultural Society of Virginia," and among its published transactions, as also in those of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society, are several memoirs from his pen, which, at this day, may be read with instructive interest. Many letters also, explanatory of his system generally, addressed to a private individual— Mr. G. W. Jeffries of North Carolina—appear in the American Farmer, Vol. II. See also Vol. X, 74, for an eulogium on his character and services as an agriculturist, as warm as it was well-merited, by his friend, the late James M. Garnett, whose own zeal in the same cause is entitled to our remembrance.

Thus much was done by the venerated dead; but something—much remained to be accomplished. The giant was indeed aroused from his lethargy; the weapons which had been used with more valor than discretion, and which had dropped from his hand, were resumed, and he was again ready for action. He looked around—rather listlessly, we must say—for a leader; for some one, in whom was the spirit of command, who should direct him where to bestow his courage and his strength. And, again, the man appeared, although he was not immediately recognized by all.

There was one who had seen the danger which menaced the best interests pf Eastern Virginia, and who had the courage to face it; who had felt the evil, and had an abiding confidence that a remedy

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was in reserve. Great names among the votaries of science abroad had professed to expound the mysteries of chemistry, as applied to agriculture, but their doctrines, when applied, often failed in the promised results. But he would not believe that the last word had yet been spoken; and, therefore, did he enter on the search anew, and with a perseverance that would take no denial. He questioned Nature, he questioned man. He deferred to authority where authority was right. He brushed it away with scant ceremony, when it stood between him and the sun. "While he disdained not to listen to the humblest who came with genuine instruction, he used his own eyes, his own hands, and both were guided by a sincerity of purpose and directness of judgment, which pierced through every fallacy, however speciously disguised. In fine, he sought the truth, and he found it. •

Having found it for himself, he was now ready to impart it to others. He had done enough to show that he also could become a plodding, methodical,

Eradical, successful farmer. To such let all due onor be paid. But for him to aspire to nothing more, would have been to forget his true mission. The philosopher must not degenerate into the mere man of details: the general must not descend into the ranks. In his case the trumpet gave forth no uncertain sound. He spoke out with clearness and emphasis. He exploded all sorts of vulgar errors— of the men of science, so called—of the practical men, so called. He pointed to the remedy, which was near at hand. His own experience had proved its efficacy. It remained to show how and why it was mighty to invigorate as well as to heal, and it was done.

The many at first were incredulous, but one and another, and another, imbibed his precepts and followed his example, until that which in the beginning was sneered at as the whisper of a faction has become the voice of the nation. For more than thirty years has he labored for the public good; sometimes amid discouragements and against the most appalling obstacles, and while yet living—what can rarely be said of the benefactors of our kind—he has reaped his reward. Not in the mere accession to his material substance, or to that of his fellow-citizens, great and gratifying as this may be, but in the consciousness of having discharged his duty with fidelity—in the assurance that those who have a proper sense of his services are ever increasing in numbers— that he presents in his own person a proof of the ultimate justice and honest gratitude of republics. We honor him not alone for his theories or his practice, but also for the numerous coadjutors whom he has called to the rescue. For all that has followed among us up to this day, whether illustrative of our science or honorable to our calling, is but the natural corollary from his efforts. Do you ask who this is! Gentlemen of the Agricultural Society, there is but one such man, and that man is Edmund Ruffin, the elder. Not Edmund Ruffin of Prince George—of Petersburg—of Hanover, but Edmund Ruffin of Virginia. He now belongs to us all, and him we hail as field marshal of the army of farmers and planters of the Old Dominion. This day and this occasion witnesses his victory after his life-long battle, and he might be borne in triumph, if his modest dignity and unpretending merit would permit the display. There are, however, trophies of that victory which he would not disclaim. If we are asked, where are they to be seen; we bid you look around.

On behalf of the committee,

N. Francis Cabell. The other members of the committee who were present and gave their sanction to this report, were

Commodore Thomas Ap C. Jones of Fairfax, Gen. Peter H. Steenbergen of Mason, Wm. B. Harrison of Prince George, B. Johnson Barbour of Orange, and Hugh M. Nelson of Clarke county.

The report was then received and the committee continued for the same service.

Branch XI. The Committee on the Ruffin Premium respectfully report, that Professor Gilham of the Virginia Military Institute, was the only applicant for the premium, and the committee regarding his analyses of marls, a report of which is herewith presented, as very valuable and interesting, take pleasure in awarding him the premium, and at the same time tender him the thanks of the Society for his efficient and disinterested labors in the advancement of agricultural science.

WlLLOUGHBY NEWTON,

John B. Harvie, Ro. W. Tomlin. [Note by the Secretary. —The report of the analyses of marls, above referred to, has been published by the Executive Committee in the April number of the Southern Planter for the current year and in the preceding pages of the Transactions of the Society, except some additional matter furnished by Professor Gil-ham, which will appear in the sequel among the premium essays.]

Branch XII. The undersigned, committee appointed by the Virginia State Agricultural Society to award a premium of ten dollars for the best family flour exhibited at its present Fair, beg leave to report as follows:

Fourteen different samples have been submitted and have been carefully compared and examined, and the committee have unanimously awarded the premium to the brand "Valley Mills," manufactured in the county of Augusta by P. O. Palmer, and exhibited by Matthew Blair. This sample is superior to all exhibited in whiteness, and is not their inferior in grain and strength.

The committee take pleasure in adding that ail the other brands submitted are of excellent quality and can confidently be recommended to the public; they are as follows: Taliaferro and Brother, Ivy Mills by John R. Woods, Rock Mills by William M. Moseley, Genito Mills by Dr. John G. Skelton, C. T. Mills by R. H. Bra-zeal, R. A. Banks by R, A. Banks, Mount Solon by Dr. C. R. Harris, N. B. Clarke by N. B. Clarke, Bragg City Mills by Joel B. Bragg, Burnley by N. Burnley, Folly, Jas. M. Ranson by J. M. Ranson and manufactured by H. S. Locker of Lexington, Wm. Radford by Wm. Radford.

For the Committee,

R. B. Haxall, John J. Brown, Rob't B. Somerville.

Branch XII. The Committee on Manufactured Tobacco report, that the specimens exhibited displayed

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the highest skill and taste. Both the manufacture and the polished cases in which it was put up were most creditable to the parties. In a show in which there was so much excellence and so near an approach to equality on the part of many of the manufacturers, the committee was embarrassed in determining that any one sample was superior to the rest. Ifpon the whole, the committee reports in favor of the Koh-I-Nor and Diadem brands of James Thomas, Jr., but desire to mention, with strong commendation, the tobacco of Harwood & Blackburn, Colin Seay, James Sizer, Jr., Robert J. Christian, Cosby & Winfree, H. B. Dickinson, George VV. Gilliam and Blair & Burton. All which is respectfully submitted,

Wm. H. Macfarland, Rich. Hill, Jr. Benj. C. Gray.

DISCRETIONARY PREMIUMS.

The Committee on Discretionary Premiums award the subjoined list of premiums to the articles therein mentioned, recommended to their notice by the Committee on Household Manufactures, and on Dairy and Honey:

A premium of two dollars, to Mrs. Mott of Richmond city, for home-made linen.

A premium of two dollars, to Miss Womack, (a blind lady,) for a very neat and well made counterpane.

A premium of two dollars to Miss Eliza Bowen of Albemarle, for a pair of embroidered sleeves. A premium of three dollars, to Miss J. Bruce Williams of Henrico, for a crotcheted vest.

A premium of two dollars, to Mrs. E.T. Mos-by of Matthews, for a quilt containing 23,945 pieces.

A premium of three dollars, to Mrs. George M. Woolhouse of Richmond city, for a very handsome pin cushion, embroidered in gold bullion.

A premium of three dollars, to Miss Mary E. Wad del of Waynesboro', Augusta, for a crotcheted bonnet and hat.

A premium of two dollars, to Miss L. F. Ken-nerly of Clarke, who is deaf and blind, for a tidy and net purse. »

A premium of three dollars, to Mrs. E. A. Smith of Richmond city, for two vases of wax flowers.

, A premium of three dollars, to Mrs. Mary Anna Page of Richmond city, for an embroidered hair cloth chair.

A premium of five dollars, to A. Morris of Richmond city, for a case of very superior merchant's account books.

A premium of three dollars, to Hugh M'Cub-ben & Co. of Petersburg, for several bales of very excellent seine twine.

A premium of two dollars, for a pair of shell flower vases, to Miss D. H. Flournoy of Chesterfield.

A premium of three dollars, to Miss S. P. Cobb of Buckingham, for an embroidered chair.

A premium of two dollars, to Miss Eliza M. Jackson of Cumberland, for a domestic rug, the colors of which were dyed by herself.

A premium of three dollars to Mrs. Charles Bates of Richmond city, for five very handsome embroidered chairs.

A premium of two dollars, to Corb'm, an old slave, from the county of Hanover, for a large and well made broom straw chair.

A premium of two dollars, to Mrs. H. Kimpel of Richmond city, for a case of bonnets and ladies' caps.

A premium of two dollars, to Miss Jenny Bery-hill and her assistant, for an embroidered centre table cover, presented by George Calvert, at the request of Mrs. Collins, the Principal of the Calvert Institute, Perrysville, Chickasaw district, Arkansas.

A premium of three dollars, to Mrs. Alfred Slaughter of Rockingham, for a collection of excellent willow baskets—materials of home growth and home manufacture.

A premium of two dollars, to Mrs. E. W. Metauer of Petersburg, for a pair of silk socks, entirely of home manufacture—the worms having been raised by herself.

A premium of two dollars to Mrs. G. S. Burton of Henrico, for a net sofa blanket.

A premium of three dollars to Mrs. Mary Susan Graves of Chesterfield, for a beautiful silk crib quilt; two other quilts and two yarn counterpanes.

A premium of three dollars to Mrs. Paulina Pollard of Albemarle, for a block-work quilt and specimens of worsted work.

A premium of two dollars to Mrs. Sarah Mun-ford of Richmond city, for some very beautiful specimensof silk made from the productof worms fed on leaves of the common mulberry.

A premium of two dollars to Mrs. F. Butler of Richmond city, for domestic baskets and several articles of fancy work made of pine burs. A premium of three dollars to Miss Spencer of Powhatan, for a straw hat made of wheat straw.

A premium of two dollars to Mrs. Wren of same county, for same.

A premium of two dollars to Mrs. W. N. Whiting of Amelia, for a beautifully embroidered infant's sack.

A quilt by Mrs. E. Wills of Goochland, (a lady of seventy years of age.) was received too late to be entered. It is well deserving of a premium.

A premium of five dollars to John Howell of Alexandria, for a case of remarkably fine and well made hats, manufactured throughout in that city by Mr. H. [These articles were detained by an accident, and arrived after the committee had completed their examination.]

A premium of three dollars for a piece of woollen jeans woven by hand, and a piece of home-made flannel, by Mrs. William E. Britton of Halifax. These were covered over with other goods when the committee made their examination, and were consequently overlooked.

A premium of three dollars to Mrs. Lucy Minor of Albemarle, for a very beautiful pair of ladies' gaiter boots, made by herself in less than one day.

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25

A premium of five dollars to George Calvert of Fauquier, for a very ingenious beehive, eo constructed as to guard against the bee-moth.

A premium of ten dollars to Matthew Kahle of Lexington, for models of two machines of his own invention, the one for gathering and hulling clover seed with one horse, and the other a scraper, which promises to be of great value to the constructer of roads as well as to the farmer.

A premium of five dollars to Dr. John R. Woods of Albemarle, for the bacon hams offered by him and cured by the process described in his statement.

A premium of twenty dollars to Dr. John R. Woods of Albemarle, for a lot of Kaiei cattle exhibited by him.

W. C. Rives, Chairman.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

RICHMOND, JANUARY, 1854.

TERMS.

One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents per annum, ■which may be discharged by the payment of One Dollar only, if.paid in office or sent free of postage within six months from the date of subscription. Six copies for Five Dollars ; thirteen copies for Ten Dollars, to be paid invariably in advance.

IdrJNo subscription received for a less time than one year. ,

fjr Subscriptions may begin with any number.

HjTNo paper will be discontinued, until all arrearages are paid, except at the option of the Publisher.

H^ Office on Twelfth, between Main and Cary streets.

POSTAGE ON THE PLANTER,

When paid quarterly or yearly in advance. To any partof the United States one cent and a half per quarter, or six cents per annum.

THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE PLANTER

Commences with this day's issue. As the new type has not yet come to hand, we are compelled to use the old for this number, and, we hope, for the last time. The number of pages will not be increased, but the greater size of the sheet will be equal to an addition of eighty-four pages, or twenty per cent.

For reimbursement, we trust to the liberality of our friends. We have now 4200 names on our list, but we are so confident of an increase, that we shall commence with an issue of 5000 copies, which will enable us to supply 5000 subscribers, or about one-sixth of the number that one paper gets in New York. But we do not mean, thereby, to restrict our number to that, being just as willing to take ten thousand, in fact, rather preferring the latter number.

IN EXPLANATION OF THE PLANTER PREMIUMS.

# We have had several letters asking for explanations of our premiums. As others may wish the same information, we will state, that the premiums were intended by the Editor of this paper to serve the double purpose of extending the circulation of the Planter, and, at the same time, diffusing fine stock throughout Virginia^ and that if the experiment succeeds to our satisfaction, we hope to continue the plan on a still larger scale. At present, of course, our main object is to get the largest number of new, paying subscribers, and we inserted the clause allowing each collection to count as a subscription, in order that gentlemen might make up their lists. But we trusted, and still trust, very confidently, to the good faith and sense of justice of our friends not to let their lists consist altogether of collections.

We have very cheerfully encountered the expense of this thing, and have provided fine animals—since the calf was purchased of Gen'l Peyton, and before he was offered in premium, one hundred dollars was offered for him; and twice that sum would not have obtained him, because we meant to apply him to this very purpose.

Persons meaning to compete can have credit, if they request it, for every subscriber sent from now until the 1st of April, when the awards will be published.

Contestants are not restricted to their own counties; but every man that chooses is, of course, at liberty to get subscribers from the whole State.

THE LATE DISTRICT FAIRS IN VIRGINIA.

Most of these interesting and successful exhibitions were held just about the time of the grand State Fair, the business of which so absorbed us that we really were unable to give them such notice and words of encouragement as we could have wished. There were five of them: that at Wheeling, that of the county of Loudoun at Leesburg, the Valley Society at Charlestown, the Tide Water Society at Port Royal, and the Norfolk and Princess Anne County—now enlarged and christened the Sea Board—Agricultural Society at Norfolk city. Of that at Wheeling, we have heard nothing, though, as the North West is noted for fine cattle and the best Merino sheep in Virginia, if not in the Union, and has the example of Ohio to stimulate her, we shall take it for granted that she had a good show.

The Valley Society at Charlestown comprises in its ranks the farmers of Jefferson, Clarke, Frederick and Berkeley; and as two of these counties are the richest in the State, and admirably farmed, (and, but for their contiguity to a free State, the most desirable places to live in in Virginia, which is as much as if we had said the whole world,) it ought to have had a first rate show. But as their papers sung rather small on the occasion, we fear they had nothing to brag of.

At Leesburg they were unlucky, the snow falling to the depth of several inches on the day fixed for the fair. This was enough to have defeated it altogether, but nothing daunted, they rallied in a few days and held their fair a week later, on the first of November. Under the circumstances, it was, we learn, very creditable. We do not well see how it can ever be otherwise, under any sort of weather, as long as our friend Robert L. Wright of Wheatland is President of their association. A man of great public spirit and liberality, one of the finest

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fellows in Virginia, a capital farmer—by the by, he has the best barn in the State, Rockingham not excepted, to those, at least, who like large barns— such a man, with only half a chance, can get up and keep up a good county society, not only in spite of snow, but "in spite of thunder."

Of the show at Port Royal, we had glowing accounts, both from our private correspondent, and from the newspapers of Fredericksburg. The weather there, too, was bad the day before, so bad as to prevent many persons and articles from reaching the grounds in time: but there were many there whose energies and spirits were not to be dampened by an ordinary rain; and enough attended to prove the feasibility of such societies for that country. For two days, the old town of Port Royal, the seat of hospitality, and erst the abode of gaiety, had her streets and her hands perfectly full, and enjoyed the grandest, if not the liveliest frolic, she has had this many a day. The address on the occasion was delivered by the Hon. Willoughby Newton of Westmoreland; we hear it was good, and we so far believe it, that we mean to publish it as soon after we get a copy as we can find room in the crowded columns of the Planter. The Society re-elected, we believe, its.old officers, certainly the principal ones, such as Col. Tayloe, President; Corbin, Wm. P. Taylor, Dr. White, Henry Garnett, (who would be a little more highly esteemed by the Editor of this paper if he would write for it—what greater right has a man to hide his light under a bushel of wheat, than under any other sort of a bushel "?) Fitzhugh, &e., &c.—"which &c," as my Lord Coke says, "includeth many things."

The Society will hold its next annual fair at Fredericksburg, and then expects, we learn, to give Tappahannock a benefit the year after. Indeed, if Essex had been present in force, she might have moved it there for next year; but, for this time, we think Fredericksburg is entitled to it. After her, however, we go in for Tappahannock, and we give notice that the whole influence of the Planter, which is a full one "horse" power, will be thrown in the Tappahannock scale, when, of course, all other rivals, including the city of , sometimes known

as Westmoreland Court House, must kick the beam. We remember, when in the year 1829, old Colonel Ritchie hauled his corn ten miles to Tappahannock, and sold it for SI 50 per barrel. Who then would have thought of an "Agricultural Show and Fair" in that village'? But now the time has come, and we hope that the tramp of hundreds will kill some of the grass that grows in the streets of that beautiful village. We like grass in its proper place, and perhaps it may be our hobby, but we hate it in streets.

By the way, there is none in Norfolk—we heard there was, but now we have seen with our own eyes and can say there is none, though the county can boast its fine meadows, and might boast its pastures. We saw hay there of the best, cured by Colonel Herbert; and we saw on the farm of another gentleman, fine bunches of real Kentucky blue grass-where that grew, more can be made to grow, and Frederick Wilson, we take it, is the man to make it grow if he chooses.

We went to the Norfolk Fair, the guest of the Society, the best possible station for a gentleman to occupy who goes to such places. We had never visited the city before, and were more than delighted with all we saw. Her hospitality is based on the old Virginia style, and her edibles on fish and oysters, especially the latter. For our part, we must confess that in the matter of eating we never got beyond the foundation, and would advise every one who

goes to Norfolk, and all should go, to Jay down, or "lay in" oysters as "first principles."

Her show was a good one—decidedly good; and we say it who should say it, for we were fresh from the State Fair with all its beauties still lingering on the retina. Mr. Hardy's Devon bull was there, and his other beautiful cattle and some fine ones beside. To be sure we came near being lanced by a "native" (we do not think "orgrade" need be added,) coming upon us stern foremost; but we saw not many like him. The horses too might have been larger, fatter, handsomer, without loss to their owners or spoiling the looks of the fair. The sheep might also be improved; but the hogs could not well be—they were as fine as the State Fair boasted. But the department that struck us most favorably, was the display of implements. Messrs. Bowen & Fisher, and that "pioneer of agricultural implements in Eastern Virginia," as the Argus calls him, Seth March, had each handsomer buildings than any of our implement makers had at the State Fair—their internal arrangements were better, and their show of implements larger and of greater variety.

This is a good sign—many, very many, of the implements found in all implement stores, are of little use, and many a positive disadvantage to a farmer. But the variety indicates an activity of inquiry on the part of any community in which they may be found. This activity does exist about Norfolk. "The green pea and strawberry interest has set her upon her legs," and she now begins to see that she has a fine soil, and such advantages as no other section of Virginia can boast of. We feel well assured that she will make good use of them. We saw intelligent, public spirited men in Norfolk; industrious and enterprising men, who have learned that

Is more than to have lost;"

To doubt

it will not take them long to retrieve their ground, and to make Norfolk and Princess Anne counties, what Norfolk in England is—a similar county, similar, even in its tertians—and that is one of the very finest agricultural districts in the world.

We have said less of these fairs than we would have wished, yet enough perhaps to tire the reader. Still, we are sorry that we have no more fairs to record—only five for the one hundred and fifty counties of Virginia! only five! and Ohio has held seventy-nine 1 Think of it. Is she more intelligent than we are, or ought she to be more public spirited, or richer? She has a noble soil, but we have the Atlantic Coast to match it—commercial facilities, against doubtful agricultural advantages—doubtful, because, though their average of wheat one year with another is sixteen bushels per acre, and of corn, thirty-five bushels: yet, their lands sell for vastly more than ours do. Can we doubt that much of her success, her thirty millions of wheat, her seventy millions of corn, her cattle and hogs and sheep in proportion, against our eleven and a quarter millions, now probably fourteen millions, of wheat, and our thirty-five and a half millions of corn,.are due, in some measure, to that spirit of rivalry which shows itself in her fairs and her agricultural societies.

We wish we could see such fairs all over Virginia, and we believe we shall. To those who dislike them, and distrust them, we would ask one question. Why do politicians call mass meetings'? Not surely that they may excite the crowd by harangues, but .that the crowd excited by contact, and by numbers, may be ready for their purposes—they know that the

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excitement exists before they, by speaking, give it the direction they wish.

Itwasobservedbyoneofthefinestthinkerswehave ever met with, that the excitement of 1840 did more good by the intellectual excitement it produced, and the consequent information imparted, than harm by its excesses. We do not think that, though such a consideration may be some palliation of the universal political demoralization produced by the orgies of those days. But we think there is enough truth in the remark to make us wish that there could be annual mass meetings in every county of the State, animated by zeal for the improvement of agriculture in each of its many departments. We say again, we believe we shall see it. The public mind of Virginia, always resistless in whatever direction it has earnestly taken, seems now to set in the direction of agriculture. If the Legislature will take the helm and keep us in the current, we shall run our course without faltering and without failure. So mote it be.

RICHMOND AND THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

which was adopted:

"Resolved, That the rooms of the second story in the building ordered by the Council to be erected on Governor street, be tendered to the State Agricultural Society for their use as offices; and that the Building Committee are hereby authorized to communicate this resolution to the proper committee of the Agricultural Society, and to confer with said committee as to the plan of said rooms."

If we are not surprised at the passage of the above resolution by the Common Council of the City of Richmond, it is because we have already seen so much of her generosity that there is no room for any thing but thanks for what she has done and means to do.

The city and its citizens have given not less, already, than twenty-five thousand dollars to the Society; and now they tender, what in other places, as New York, for example, the State has given, a handsome suite of rooms for the officers of the Society on a fine site and in a central part of the city. This offer, amountingin value, to upwards of ten thousand dollars more, will, of course, be accepted, and thus impose on the agricultural community an additional debt of gratitude. We feel authorized to say that the way in which this debt can be best discharged will be for the farmers of the Slate to do as much for themselves as Richmond has done for them, and thus stimulate her liberality to a still higher pitch. We owe it to Richmond as well as to ourselves to keep moving.

Let the farmers, then, continue their efforts. Already have their zeal and enthusiasm produced the happiest results; and now the eye of the Union is upon us. We see many agricultural newspapers, and we tell our friends that all we have done is known, and all we should do is waited for. Let us keep up the credit of "the Old Dominion." The Legislature, too, is now ready to lend a helping hand. We have seen some of the most prominent and intelligent gentlemen of both Houses, and we can say, with confidence, that we never saw their temper so fine towards any thing as towards the State Agricultural Society. It will naturally add to their kind feelings if our friends in the country will help on the work.

DEATH OF THOMAS E. BLUNT.

The following resolutions will inform our friends of the death of the good farmer and good man, whose name heads this article. We were indebted to Mr. Blunt for many excellent articles contributed to the Planter; and we know perfectly well that he is a great loss to the community among whom he dwelt:

"At the meeting of the Stoney Creek Agricultural Club, No. 1, held at the residence of M. R. Dissos-vvay, Esq., on Friday, the 18th day of November, 1853, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

" Whereas, it has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from this life, Thomas E. Blunt, Esq., the President of this Club,

"Resolved, By this dispensation of Providence, this Club has lost its founder and most energetic member, agriculture an indefatigable friend, the community a heavy loss, and the church a devoted member. But, although, the blow is heavy on us, we feel confident that our loss is his gain.

"Resolved, That we, as a club, deeply sympathize with the widow in her affliction, and, that, as a testimony of respect for the deceased, we wear crape on our arm for thirty days; and that these proceedings be entered on the journal of the Club, and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased by the Corresponding Secretary.

"Resolved., That these proceedings be sent to the Editor of the Petersburg Intelligencer, and to the Editor of the Southern Planter, with request to publish.

John F. Winfield, Secretary"

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE PLANTER.

It may not be amiss to publish the following extract from a letter sent us by a friend: "Enclosed I send you ten dollars for ten new subscribers to the Planter, and if life lasts, I hope to send you ten more in a few days. To this 1 have been greatly moved, (apart from my regard for you) by the article of 'Incog' in the last number. That article was in the right spirit, and the author, so far from being 'Incog,' ought to 'cog' of all men, at least of all true Virginians."'

In two days more came another letter with the ten additional subscribers, and the pleasing assurance that our friend, whom we rather incline to esteem a gentleman of the first water, is "just coming to his wind" in the efforts that he is making.— Of course we can do nothing but thank him, and "lay upon our back and await the course of events." The subscriptions this time come from as far west as "Incog's" did from the east, and it is, we can assure all parties, a great comfort to see these different, and too often hostile, sections merging their differences in a common support of the Southern Planter. Who says that Kanawha does not contain "the salt of the earth," or that Elizabeth City does not get. every now and then, a smart sprinkling of the salt of the sea'?

It is now in order for any other of our friends to proceed.

Since writing the above, the same friend sends five more names; and we have had a letter also from our old friend and sometime contributor, Dr. Wm. S. Morton of Cumberland county, who sends us twenty-five names, all obtained at Court in one day, he, though old and infirm, having ridden thirteen miles that day on no other business than to obtain them. He says in his letter: "Whilstsucha blaze of agricultural enthusiasm is flaming through

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

the land, I trust it will not be forgotten, that the best way to begin the promotion of the glorious cause, is to diffuse agricultural knowledge through the length and breadth of the State. Without this, no amount of funds vested in agricultural societies and expended in fairs, &c, can do much good. I trusted that my noble and beloved little county would have subscribed more largely to 'The Planter,' and still hope that further gleanings may be gathered."

We commend both the substance of this paragraph and the zeal of its author to the consideration of younger gentlemen.

' In medio tutissiraus ibia"

has been a maxim since the days of Ovid. It remains to be seen whether we shall translate it, "To get the largest number of subscribers you must go

JEFFERSON'S NOTES ON VIRGINIA.

We have received from the publisher, J. W. Randolph, a new and enlarged edition of this celebrated and most interesting work. The old edition having been long out of print, and there being a very considerable demand for it, Mr. Randolph purchased the copy-right from Mr. Jefferson's executor and residuary legatee, and now offers it to the public. We hope that the public will do justice to themselves and give encouragement to Mr. Randolph by fa liberal patronage. He has commenced the business of publisher, and surely it is a most praiseworthy enterprise. He cannot come before them better recommended than with a "new edition, prepared by the author," of Jefferson's Notes on Virginia.

PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

We have received from Mr. J. Woodhouse, bookseller, a book entitled, Parks and Pleasure Grounds, with practical notes on Country Residences, Villas, Public Parks and Gardens, by Charles H. J. Smith, Landscape Gardener, Garden Architect, &c, with notes and additions, by Lewis F. Allen, of New York, author of Rural Architecture. Published by Sax ton, New York.

We have looked through this work attentively-very attentively—because we are at this time in need of the very sort of information that such a book should afford, and we are compelled to say in candor, and in duty to that public which looks to us for information on such points, that it is really hard to say whether the text or the notes of this work are the most indifferent. It is a mere catch-penny.

Persons in want of the kind of knowledge that this book professes to afford, should purchase Down-ing's Rural Essays, price S3 00, and Downing's Country Houses, price $4 00—both to be had of Mr. Woodhouse.

In nothing are the Virginia farmers more defective than in their architecture, and if persons would only get such books as we have recommended above, they would see that it costs no more to build a handsome and convenient house than an ugly and inconvenient one, and that in very many cases the existing structures, reared against all rules of taste, architecture and convenience, can be improved into handsome edifices at a very slight cost.

One thing only we have to guard our friends against—avoid the gothic buildings. Gothic was the architecture of a rude, almost barbarous age, only tolerated now because it is peculiar, and destined to condemnation as soon as it becomes common enough for its ugliness to be appreciated.

THE PENNY POST.

This daily and neutral newspaper has appeared in Richmond since our last issue, and we welcome it most cordially. Mr. Shepherd does not go into the paper as was at first announced, but Messrs. Hugh R. and James Pleasants are the sole editors and proprietors. The first is too well known as one of the best and most agreeable writers in Virginia for us to say anything of him. The last is a gentleman of fine talents and high character. Success to the Penny Post.

FINE STOCK FOR SALE.

R. L. Wright, Esq. of Wheatland, Loudoun county, has for sale, some very fine heifers, a cross of the Devon and Durham breeds. They took the premiums, in their class, at the late fair at Leesburg. He also offers for sale, his noble boar of the celebrated Duchess breed. The boar we have seen, and have now one of his pigs—we admire the whole stock as much as any hogs we ever saw, particularly, for their great length. This boar is now four years old, and offered for sale because Mr. Wright has no use for him. Price $50. For the heifers, $50 eaeh.

Our friend, Dr. Woods, too, (see advertisement,) offers for sale, some of his new variety of hogs—an entirely new breed, made by himself. It was a sow of this breed that took the first prize at the State Fair. The sow pig that we offer for a premium in the Planter is of this strain.

We recommend both Mr. Wright and Dr. Woods to the public, as gentlemen who will not knowingly deceive them in the character of any stock they offer to sell.

ACCEPTABLE PRESENT.

Our thanks are due, and should have long since been tendered to our friend, Mr. Joseph H. James, (of the firm of Gennet & James, Watchmakers and Jewellers, No. 149, Main street,) for the present of a fine cow. This takes the cream off the'Snacks of Oysters. Egg Nogg, &c, that our brethren of the city daily press are constantly bragging about;— Mr. James is quite an enthusiast on the subject of farming, and spares neither trouble er expense in enriching his land and improving his stock. We bid him God speed in his noble undertaking.

THE PEOPLE'S JOURNAL.

We have received the second number of this paper, which is "an illustrated record of agriculture, mechanics, science and useful knowledge. Every number contains thirty-two large pages of letterpress, beautifully printed on fine paper, and profusely illustrated with engravings." Price fifty cents.— This bids fair to be a useful publication, especially where the youth of a family can have access to it, as it seems to be something on the plan of the old Penny Magazine, only not.half so well got up in the matter of engravings, though the paper is better. Published by Alfred E. Beach, No. 86 Nassau street, New York.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER

29

PROCEEDINGS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY.

We have received a copy of the above pamphlet containing the very interesting address of the Hon. Willoughby Newton. We regret that all our space was occupied before receiving it, so as to leave us no room for even an extract.

THE SOUTHERN FARMER.

We have received the second and subsequent number, (the first has not come to hand,) of " the Southern Farmer, a weekly journal devoted to agriculture and kindred subjects, edited by Thomas S. Pleasants and Andrew Nicol, and published by W. A. J. Martin and J. W. Syme, proprietors, Petersburg, Virginia—price, one dollar per annum.". We wish the proprietors of this new enterprise much success, confident that there is room enough for both of us in the State, and convinced that newspapers, like rail roads, create a demand for their use. If the agriculturists of Virginia mean to read at all, one newspaper, alone, can not be enough for them, and it is not right that it should seek to be. We never hear a man objecting to the establishment of a rival newspaper, that we are not reminded of the anecdote of Franklin's father-in-law, who objected to his marriage, because he was going to set up a newspaper in Philadelphia, when there was one already in Boston, which was enough for the demand; and another in Philadelphia could do nothing, because that town had evidently reached its highest point of prosperity and was beginning to decline.

ERRATA.

In the November number, in Mr. Braxton's article on Wheat Reapers, page 324, line 12, read, <*Mr. Booth advocates a machine of Mr. Hussey's which has cut its fifth harvest." "At Chericoke there is a M'Cormick's reaper which has gone through five consecutive harvests,

For the SoEftrern Planter. A NEW INVENTION.

Passing the road a few days ago, I was very forcibly struck with a new and perfect mode of scotching wheels, invented by the Editor of the "Southern Planter." It would, doubtless, have appeared in his paper before this, but being a man of* extreme diffidence, he waited for some of his neighbors to recommend it. Verily, verily, this is an age of improvement. The plan is this:

In the place of four short arms, have four about four and a half feet long, with nothing to confine them at top, put on your load of rails or lumber, and the pressure of the load on the arms and the arms on the wheels will check the motion up hill, as well as down. With an arrangement of this kind you may, (as the Editor did,) haul with a team of four uncommonly fine fat mules, 700 feet of inch plank over a good neighborhood road.

A Friend to New Inventions.

We hf.ve not much to say to the above communication, which may possibly be an invention of the author, who is quite remarkable in that line, and as much a friend to such things as his signature shows.

But if it be true, we can only say that it is as much as we can do to attend to the farming of other people without looking too closely to our own, which, as may be observed, our friends do for us. But we like them to be rather more disinterested than this gentleman, who being a cunning fellow, has taken this plan to advertise his father-in-law's Jack, not satisfied with his having taken the second premium at the late State Fair. You will notice, kind reader, that he says we had four uncommonly fine fat mules — that is true. But why did he say so? from friendship to us—not at all. But because one of them was by the said Jack, and not knowing which it was, he determined, in order to get at that one, to praise the whole team. Having sufficiently exposed the trick, we dismiss the subject.

CHOICE FOWLS FOR SALE.

We invite the attention of our readers to the advertisement, in another column, of choice Fowls, for sale by Mr. E. H. Bliven of Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York.

p. D. B.

PAYMENTS TO THE PLANTER.

The Payments to the Southern Planter, tog-ether with several interesting articles, already in type, intended for the present number, are unavoidably deferred. They will be published in the Frebruary number.

For the Southern Planter.

TOBACCO.

Mr. Editor, —As the season is approaching for stripping the present crop of tobacco and preparing to sow the seed for the next, I take the liberty, through your valuable paper, of advancing to the planters a few ideas on the subject, which experience has taught me. Owing to the great diversity of climate and soil in Virginia, a corresponding change is produced in the grades of tobacco laised throughout the State, yet she produces more valuable tobacco than any othajr State in the Union. The Oro-noko and the Prior for manufacturing, and the White Stem and Big Frederick for shipping, both in strips and stems, are the most profitable to the planter of all the various kinds raised. Having twenty years, experience in cultivating and manufacturing, and for the last five years in selling the article, I am clearly of the opinion that on all lands suitable the Oronoko is decidedly preferable for manufacturing, from the fact that it is the oaly kind that is sweet by nature, if ripe. It should be sun-cured, or as much so as the season and circumstances will admit. If thoroughly ripe it is much easier to be cured of the right color, (I know of no object in nature that is nearer that color than the land terrapin, which, doubtless, is familiar to every planter,) and it stands manufacturing better. If cut before being ripe it chews bitter, its color is forced, and it will not hold it. The Prior is a good kind to cultivate on all mountainous lands, as it stands the wind better than any other kind, being tough. For shipping purposes I give the preference to the White Stem. It can be grown large and rich, is smooth and tough when cured, and loses less weight in the curing than any other kind. Any kind is better

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

than the Ruffle, which is very brittle when growing, and after being cured also, and is rough, spongy, and large at the head of the stem, when cured, preventing its being neatly bundled and prised. It shows badly in the break, owing to the above defects.

It is best to fire all grades of shipping tobacco and cure it a dark nutmeg color. The proper mode of curing is very much neglected by some planters. Some commence firing too soon and some not soon enough, after cutting. From twenty-four to thirty-six hours after cutting, if the tobacco is ripe, if not, from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, according to the weather, seems about right to commence firing. Begin with small fires and bring the tobacco to a proper state and then increase the fires. If fired too hard at first the leaf seems to become watery, the oil evaporates and leaves the tobaccor poor and papery, husky in color, and without body. If cured properly the stem will be small and the leaf oily and tough, smooth and easy to keep in order, and has more weight. All husky red or reddish colors are the worst to cure tobacco, and should be avoided, if possible.

With proper cultivation and attention in curing and prising, Virginia is capable of producing much finer grades of tobacco than are now raised by a majority of her planters. With such management, her tobacco would stand unrivalled in the markets of the world, and it ought to be the pride of her planters, (as it is undoubtedly their interest,) to bring its culture to the highest perfection attainable. To produce fine tobacco, both in vjeight and quality, I need scarcely to urge upon the planter the necessity of enriching his tobacco lands, as experience must have taught him that none but rich lands, either old or virgin soil, will yield such tobacco.

From the general deficiency of the present tobacco crop throughout the Union, it will be to the interest of the planter to raise a good crop the ensuing year. The inspections for 1853 will amount to about 50,800 hogsheads, about 800 less than in 1852, which falls short a few thousand of what was anticipated. My opinion is, that it is owing to the quantity manufactured in the country.

In addition to curing and prising tobacco properly, it is advantageous to have the hogsheads of lawful size, well made and lined, to secure the article from injuries incident to bringing to market, besides a good outward appearance makes a favorable impression, as indicating a proper care to what is within.

All grades of tobacco should be carefully assorted as to size, length and color, as far as practicable, so as to make the hogsheads uniform, which will cause them to sell better. A few poor or green or dingy leaves in a sample will injure the sale of a hogshead very much. All tobacco intended for market after April 25th, should be prised in safe, dry order, except the long, dark grades, suitable for strips, which it is best to put up in pliant order, and not heavier than 1350 to 1400 pounds net; it opens freer and stems better than when prised too heavy or too light. Every grade of manufacturing toba-cco should be in safe, keeping order, and 1300 to 1350 pounds net, and the fine grades of that class should not be prised too heavy, as it defaces them. Dark shipping tobacco should be dry, and each bundle laid straight in prising and about 1400 to 1450 pounds net. The dark heavy lugs should be in pliant order, if sent in soon, and about 1400 pounds net. The last layer or filling up of all dry tobacco should be prised sufficiently tight to prevent its falling out when the hogshead is opened for inspection.

William H. Brown.

Richmond, Dec. 20,1853.

GENERAL. AGENCY

For the Sale and Purchase of Lands.

FRANK:G. RUFFIN, Secretary of the Virginia Slate Agricultural Society, and N. AUGUST, Notary Public and Accountant, offer their services to the public as General Agents for the sale and purchase of lands iu Virginia, and in the Southern and Western 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.

OFFrcE at the office of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. jan—tf

STEPHEN H. FISHER, MANUFACTURER OF BOOTS AND SHOES, No. 228, Broad Street, north side, between 3d and 4th streets, Richmond, Virginia, keeps constantly 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, or made to order at short notice. Servants' Shoes of all qualities always on hand.

|5»A11 work warranted.«Cl ICjr Farmers are invited to give him a call, oc—ly

GENERAL AGENCY.

THE Subscriber offers his services, as Agent, to buy and sell, land; furnish men homes; selling, renting, and buying houses in Baltimore; furnishing improved Stock and Poultry of every description: also, to buy Guano, sell gram, and other articles of farm production. And begs leave to refer those desirous of employing an Agent, to the President and other officers of the Maryland Agricultusal Society, and to the Secretary of the Virginia State Agricultural Society.

MARTIN GOLDSBOROUGH, ja—ly No. 38, Holliday street, Baltimore, Md.

WILLIAM P. LADD,

APOTHECARY AND DRUGGIST, No. 319, head of Broad Street, Shockoe Hill, Richmond, Virginia. DEALER in English, Mediterranean, India and all Foreign and Domestic Drugs and Medicines; also, Paints, Oils, Varnish, Dye-Stuffs, Window Glass, Putty, &c. For sale on the most accommodating terms.

fj»Orders from Country Merchants and Physicians thankfully received and promptly attended to. ja 1851—tf

BOOKS, PIANOS, MUSIC, &c.

JAMES WOODHOUSE, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Bocks, Piano Fortes, Stationery, Music, &c. 139 Main St., Richmond, Virginia. Constantly on hand, a full supply of standard Agricultural Works. oc—tf

BOOK AND JOB PRINTING executed with neatness and dispatch, at the Office of the Southern Planter, South Twelfth Street, between Main and Cary.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

31

SUFFOLK PIGS.

THE subscribers are prepared to receive orders for pure Suffolk Pigs, bred from stock imported in 1848 by the late William Stickney, also by the subscribers in January last. Address

JOSIAH STICKNEY, Waterton, Or, ISAAC STICKNEY, Boston, Mass. Boston, August, 1853—6t.

AGENCY FOR THE PURCHASE AND SALE OP IMPROVED STOCK.

STOCK Cattle of all the different 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. W. H. Richardson, Richmond, Va. N. B.—All letters, post-paid, will be promptly attended to. ap—tf

NEW PLASTER AND BONE MILL..

THE subscriber offers for sale fine Ground and Calcined Plaster, both of the best and purest quality; he has also a Bone Mill attached, and intends to keep a supply of Ground Bones, fine and pure. ^ Farmers and others are invited to call and examine for themselves. His prices shall be as low as the same quality articles can be bought for, North or South. The highest cash price will be paid for dry bones, delivered at his Mill adjoining the Paper Mill, oc—tf R. R. DUVAL.

* If peat cannot be obtained, use garden mould, or clean virgin soil instead.

Directions for Mixing.— Mix Nos. 1,2, 3, together—mix Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, in four or five pails of water, or enough to dissolve the ingredients. When dissolved, add the liquid to the mixture, (1, 2, 3,) and mix as in making mortar. When thoroughly mixed, add No. 4, (the calcined plaster,) which will absorb the liquid and bring the whole to a dry state. Mix under cover in a dry place—observe the proportions in making small or large quantities. The above receipt will make one ton, which will manure seven and a half acres of land.

Having furnished the above to a number of farmers who have tested its qualities—many thinking it equal to natural guano—the subscribers have made arrangements to furnish any quantity during this season, and will sell the ingredients exclusive of the Peat, Wood Ashes, Plaster and Salt, (articles on every farm,) at the low price of $10 per ton. One sugar hogshead will hold ingredients enough for five tons. All orders will be carefully and promptly executed, and sent to any part of the State.

R. R. DUVAL & BRO.

Chemists and Druggists, corner above the American Hotel, Richmond, Va, oc—tf

HALL & SPEER, PLOUGH MANUFACTURERS, No. 166 Penn Street, Pittsburgh, Patentees of the celebrated First Premium Iron Centre and Hillside Revolving Beam Ploughs, also manufacture Patent Lever, Centre Lever, Improved Peacock, Wrought Mouldboard, Creole, Valley, and every other description of Ploughs, Plough Castings, Cultivators, &c.

Morton & Booker, Agents, Richmond, Va.

Watkins & Morton, Agents, Petersburg, Va.

Agencies will be established in all the principal towns throughout Virginia, so that points can be supplied regularly and conveniently.

nov—6t* H. & S.

J. W. SMITH,

13th Street, below Main, Richmond, Virginia,

PLUMBER AND GAS FITTER, and dealer in Lift and Force Pumps, Hydraulic Rams, and all kinds of Apparatus for raising and distributing water; Lead, Wrought and Cast Iron Pipe, for Steam, Gas, or Water Circulation. Planters and others in want of Water or Steam Fixtures, Pumps or Hydraulic Rams, would do well to send their orders, as every thing sold or put up, is warranted to give satisfaction, or no charge.

Itl* Orders from any part of the country promptly attended to. Prices moderate. dec—tf

SINTON & SONS' NURSERY, NEAR RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

AS the season for planting has arrived, the subscribers would respectfully call the attention of their friends and the public generally, to their large and extensive collection of Fruit Trees, embracing, perhaps, a selection that has not been surpassed, for the climate of Virginia, and nearly all propagated from fruit-bearing trees in their own orchard.

Catalogues, with directions for planting, may be had at William Palmer's Seed and Plough Store; at Peyton Johnston & Brother's Apothecary Store; at C.J. Sinton & Co's. Hardware Store, and at Logan Waller's Commission House, where any orders left will be punctually attended to, and letters addressed to the subscribers, Richmond, will receive prompt attention.

nov—tf JOSEPH SINTON & SONS,

LIFE INSURANCE.—MUTUAL BENEFIT COMPANY. Office at the Book Store of Knowles & Walfold, corner of Main and 11th streets, Richmond, Virginia.

B. W. KNOWLES, Agent.

After paying all losses and expenses, the receipts

of this company on the 1st July, 1853, amounted

to j $2,036,877 30

Paid in dividends to the insured, 360,921 40

Leaving a net capital of 81,675,955 99

Showing a business unprecedented in life insurance.

The annual dividends average over one-third the premium paid, thus making the actual cost very low.

A few dollars paid annually secures hundreds or thousands to the policy holder. dec—3t

ANALYSIS OF SOILS, &c.

THE undersigned is prepared to execute the analyses of Soils, Guano, Marls, Plaster, &c &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 GILHAM,

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