THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 39*botet> to &fltfculturi, ?gortCcultuve, autr the f^oustliol* girts. Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. — Xenophon. Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts, of the Stale. — Sully. FRANK: G. RUFFIN, Editor. P. D. BERNARD, Publisher. Vol. XIV. t RICHMOND, FEBRUARY, 1854. No. 2. VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The following Premium Essays are published in continuation of the Proceedings of the first annual Exhibition of the Virginia State Agricultural Soci- ety, contained in the January number of this journal. The order in which they appear is in conformity to the schedule of premiums. We commend them to our readers as highly meritorious and worthy of their careful perusal. Branch I. EXPERIMENTS. Specification No. 1. Experiment to test the Effects {in profit or loss) of the usual mode of Savmg Com Fodder, dpc. Sept. 6th, 1853. — In a field planted in corn, 5 by 4 feet, 2 stalks to the hill, through a portion of it as equal in fertility as I could select, marked off 24 rows, 577 yards long — the whole occupying 4.71 acres of land. The following arrangements adopted to equalize any imperceptible change in fertility, viz. Lot a— 3 rows, fodder to be pulled and tops cut- corn standing. Lot b—3 rows, fodder to be pulled, corn cut down and shocked. Lot c— 3 rows — no fodder to be pulled — corn to be cut down and stiocked. Lot d— 6 rows — to be left standing with all fodder. Lot c— 3 rows— part of lot c. Lot b— 3 rows— part of lot b. Lot a — 3 rows — part of lot a. Sept. 1th. — Fodder being in good state for it, pulled the fodder from rows 1, 2, '&, 22, 23, 24 or lot a. Also pulled fodder from rows 4, 5, 6, 19, 20 and 21, or b. Sept. 8/4— A hard rain last night which drenched the fodder. Sept. 9th.— Rain nearly all day, which again caught the fodder before it was dry from rain of Wednes- day night. Sept. 14/A. — Cut the tops from lot a. Cut down the corn of lot b, below the ear and about 2 feet above the ground ^and immediately shocked it. Also cut down in same way the corn from rows 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, or lot c, and shocked it— the fodder being somewhat passed its prime. To-day secured in a house to itself the fodder pulled from lot a — much damaged by rains. Lot d consists of the 6 middle rows and will stand with all fodder on, till cut down to sow wheat. Vol. XIV-2. Sept. llth. — Housed the tops from lot a. Oct. 31s/.— Weighed fodder from lot a, 390 lbs. Weighed tops from lot a, 493 lbs. Gathered and carefully measured the corn from each lot — each to itself. Lots a and d still standing. Lot a yielded 33* bushels shelled corn. Lot b yielded 40 bushels, \\ pecks shelled corn. Lot c yielded 38| bushels shelled corn. Lot d yielded 42 bushels, \ gallon shelled corn. The corn was measured in the ear, shaking the measure when about half full and rounding oft the top. I also weighed carefully one struck half bushel of each lot. a weighed 29J- lbs. to the half bushel. b weighed 29 lbs. to the half bushel. c weighed 29 lbs. to the half bushel. d weighed 295 lbs. to the half bushel. There may possibly be some error in the above measurements and weights, but I personally super- intended the whole experiment, and am not aware of any. COMPARISON OF PRODUCTS. Lot a, 33 £ bushels corn at 60 cts. 390 lbs. fodder (damaged) 50 cts. 493 lbs. tops at 37| cts. ©20 10 1 95 1 85 S23 90 Lot b, 40 bushels, H pecks shelled corn at 60 cts. Fodder equal to that of lot a, Tops worth three-fourths as much as lot a, $24 22 1 95 1 38 S'27 55 Lot c, 38£ bus. shelled corn at 60 cts. $23 io Fodder worth the tops and fodder of lot b, 3 33 S26 43 Lot d, 42 bus. £ gal. shelled corn, S25 24 • The fodder worthless from exposure. I have made no estimate of the value of the shucks, but it is plain that the shucks of lots b and c must be more valuable than of the others, being - cured in shade and secured from weather. I put the value of tops, of lots b and c, at three-fourths of those of a on account of additional luggage in the handling — and I have put the fodder of lot c as only: equal to the damaged fodder of lot a. Lot c fur- nishes a large amount of excellent forage, but in a. more unwieldy shape than if pulled. This differ- 34 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. ence, it is believed, would be fully balanced by su- perior excellence of the shuck. Bringing the lots together we have — Lot a yielding $23 90 Lot b yielding 27 55 Lot c yielding 26 43 Lot d yielding 25 24 Some difference in the land must account for the greater productiveness of lot b. If so, comparing a with c and d, would show that nothing is gained by pulling fodder, even though it should escape rain and command its full value. I have said nothing about the expense of each of the different operations, nor do I deem it necessary to make a nice calculation of such expense, for a glance must show that it is much cheaper to clear a field for wheat, at one single operation of cutting down corn, fodder and all, than by three distinct operations of pulling fodder, cutting tops and cut- ting down corn. After trying it for several years I would not put the cost in labor at much more than one-third. It is worthy of note that there was but little rotten corn in either of the lots, but decidedly most in lot d, where I would least expect it. Each lot a, b, c, had about a half dozen rotten ears, and d about three times as much. Edmund Roffin, Jr. Specification No. 3. Experiment to test the Action of Lime as Manure above the Falls of the Tide Water Rivers of Virginia on Different Soil. Considering Lime as the only sure foundation for any system of farming which looks to the renova- tion of worn-out, or to the enriching of any poor land, I will give my experience of thirty years" in the suc- cessful use of that auxiliary. Lime, practically speaking, is not of itself a ma- nure, yet at the same time no soil, other than allu- vial, annually flooded, can be certainly fruitful and permanently productive that does not contain a due portion of lime in some form or other, to be absorbed by the rootlets of plants for the perfection of both straw and grain. I have known some curjous blun- ders and much detriment to the progress of liming, by the use of lime as a manure in comparison with strong putrescent manures; for instance, a shovelful of each, was, by a novice, put on the hills of alter- nate rows of corn. The first effect of such ill-judged experiments need not be told. Another common error, and one little less fatal to the general use of lime as an auxiliary renovator is, that it must be applied in quantities so large, as to interdict its use by most farmers who derive their support entirely from an exhausted soil. I was a great sufferer under this popular error. When I commenced farming, there were but few, if any, native periodicals devoted exclusively to agri- culture and adapted to the wants of our own coun- try; consequently, we had to look abroad for agri- cultural light, which when received, was illy adapted to our resources, our climate or our worn-out lands. The English works with which we were most fa- miliar, told us of liming by the 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 800 bushels per acre, and in Pennsylvania, where liming was -first brought into much use in the U. States, 40, 60, and 120 bushels per acre were gene- rally administered. I adopted as my standard 40 bushels per acre, and I have, occasionally, applied 60, and as much as 80 bushels on one occasion. The result was highly satisfictory in each case, but the expense was entirely beyond the means of most farmers. Long experience and close observation have satisfied me, that lime, in far smaller quantities than is generally supposed, may be applied in va- rious ways and with great advantage. I have had good results and lasting benefits from the applica- tion of as little as 15, and even down to five bushels of fresh burned lime per acre, mixed with three or four times its bulk of road scrapings and even of virgin clay, dug out of banks on road-sides incorpo- rated with lime and spread on grass land, in autumn. Lime thus neutralized by clay or earth forms a most valuable ingredient for making compost; a single bushel of lime well mixed with ashes, dry earth and the like, to prepare it for sowing by hand, ap- plied to one acre of wheat and harrowed in with it, on land destitute of lime will have a very salutary effect in hardening the straw and producing weli- filled heads. When the farmer is near enough to kilns to get ihe fine lime fresh drawn, and can get it on the land before it slakes, thirty bushels of that sort will be still better than the larger quantity slaked, but he should be very careful not to let any lime get wet before it is spread and harrowed in; but if he is so lemote from limekilns as not to be able to haul more than one load a day, it will be better to buy the fresh burned and best lump lime; because in that state it is much lighter, and when water-slaked will increase from three to fourfold. Such lime ought to be put under cover and slaked immediately with strong brine. Lime of the quality described, and treated accordingly, acts very promptly, mecha- nically as well as chemically; mechanically, in re- ducing stiff, rigid clays to a loose friable texture, and chemically, by neutralizing acids unfriendly to vegetable production, and by combining with, loose and light soils, they are rendered more adhesive and retentive of moisture; in other words, lime, judi- ciously applied to stiff land, renders it light, while it imparts to land too light, a firmer or more compact lexture. This dogma paradoxical as it may appear to many, is fully established by every brick chim- ney or stone dwelling in the land. All who build such houses know that lime and sand (the latter largely predominating in all light soils) with water, are the materials used by masons for the formation of mortar,, which in a short time becomes as hard, if not harder, than the bricks. It is also well known that if stiff clay or rich mould were to be used with lime for mortar, instead of sand, when dry it would moulder away, and become impalpable dust. Now with these piain truths before us, it is only neces- sary to apply smaller portions of lime to our lands, varying according to their texture, and we can have stiff or light land, as we may choose. My first experiment with lime as a fertilizer be- gan in 1822, with a single bushel applied to the one- sixtieih part of an acre, accurately measured, in the midst of a fifteen acre field. It was harrowed in with wheat in autumn; on which clover seed was sown the following spring. The land had been tho- roughly exhausted, and the effect of the lime on the wheat was not very striking, and would not have been noticed by a common observer, in fact, I was myself a little disappointed, although there was up- on closer examination, a decided improvement in the quality of grain and strength of straw. But when the clover began to blossom, next year, this acre was definable by the most casual eye at half a mile; the amount of clover being at least double on the limed acre. The spot is still traceable, although 1 he whole field was some years afterwards limed with sixty bushels per acre, and has been heavily cropped ever since. Encouraged by this experiment, my next applica- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 35 tion was sixty bushels per acre, for turnips. The season was a very dry one and there were no other turnips made in the neighborhood. A portion of my seeding on ground wkich was not limed, failed entirely. This has occurred several times with me. I have never had an acre of corn to fire or fall be- low an average crop on limed land, however dry the season may have been. Harrowing in 20, 30, or 40 bushels of lime per acre, in the spring of the year before seeding oats, or planting corn, with a bushel of Plaster of Paris applied io the young plants soon after they are well up, will insure, with me a full average crop in the dryest season, and especially when the land has been subsoiled. Thomas Ap C. Jones. Near Prospect Hill, Fairfax county, Virginia. October, 1853. Specification No. 6. Experiment in the Tillage of Indian Com. It is the practice of many good farmers to break up their land for corn the preceding autumn. My experience teaches me differently. I have always found that blue grass turned over in autumn, was not killed by frost, and gave a deal of cross-plough- ing and other work in spring, to get the ground in good order for plantitfg, and a great dealmore work in after-culture, than when the sod is turned under as short a time as possible before planting: besides this, you lose yo»r best pasture, for sheep in particular, from early frost in autumn, till March; say, on an average, four months in every year. But whether you break up corn land in spring or autumn, it must be well done to insure a good crop. The depth of ploughing must depend on two things; first the depth of soil, which should always be kept uppermost, and secondly, by the ability of the farmer to use a two or three horse plough; but at all ha- zards, he must subsoil, if he expect to insure an average crop in dry seasons, and lime, too, if his land is deficient in that fertilizing auxiliary. Supposing the ground to have been broken as directed, and left in the rough state; till the time of planting approaches, which is better indicated by nature than bv the almanac, or than any man's no- tion of a particular day: for if you plant too soon, that is, before the ground is warm enough to sprout the seed quickly, you will, assuredly, have much replanting to do, which is sometimes attended with more labor and expense than the first planting, if you plant too late, the culture of your corn will in- terfere with your clover and grain harvests, and your corn may be injured by early frosts; so that, as in most oiher acts of man, a middle course is best for planting. In this and like matters, we may profitably follow nature's laws. I have found the budding and blossoming of forest trees a good crite- rion for planting corn and sowing some seeds; for instance, when the leaf of the tulip, or wild poplar tree is the size of half a dollar, Indian corn may be safely planted, and when the chestnut blossoms are fading, buckwheat may be sown with a fair pros- pect of a good crop. As short a time as practicable before planting corn, the ground should be rolled and thoroughly harrowed* and then marked off for planting at such distances as may be determined on, according to soil, situation and climate. I plant as close as I can, to allow room for after-culture. The poorer * If guano or any of the concentrated manures sown by hand, or lime are to be used on the corn land, they should be applied to the rough, broadcast before rolling or har- rowing. 2b the land, the closer I plant, regulating the number of stalks to the acre, by the number left in the hill, rather than by the distance between the hills of checkered, and ttie rows of stepped or drilled corn. Twelve hours, at least, before 1 intend to commence planting my corn I dissolve half a pound of cop- peras in some boiling water, into which I pour about a gill of tar, add as much more water as will make thirty gallons, then put the seed corn in. Stir it well and allow the corn to soak twelve hours at least. When ready for planting take the corn out and let it drain a while; then roll it in plaster of Paris, and put five or six grains in a hill. It will not be long coming up, nor much troubled by crows and the like, and will seldom require replanting. The next process, if the land was not subsoiled when broken up, is f , to run a naked, sharp coulter as near the corn, on each side, as a horse can walk, and as deep as he can draw it. This done, as soon as the first planting is large enough to thin, run your two horse heavy harrow over it, following at the same time, with hand-hoers to thin and draw a little earth about the remaining^ plants. Without any other cultivation than this, excepting a handful of plaster, wood ashes and lime, applied on the hill, after covering, I have made eleven barrels of corn to the acre, from several acres. As a general rule with me, the culture of Indian corn after it is planted, consists in surface culture altogether, taking care never to disturb the sod if any was turned under, and above all, never stir even the surface of corn ground when wet. A good general rule, alike indis- pensable to preserve the fertility of the land and to insure good crops, is not to work corn unless the dust will follow the plough, nor after the roots have ex- tended so far as to be disturbed by the implement. Strict adherence to these rules for the cultivation of all summer crops, will not only insure fair crops in any season, but will redeem that most valuable grain, Indian corn, from the unjust charge so pertina- ciously insisted on by all bad farmers, of ^robbing mother earth of her native fertility and rendering her powerless to produce." I have known some farmers of high reputation in Virginia and Maryland, and deservedly so, in all things except the culture of Indian corn, who born and reared in the tide water districts of those States, have their day oj the month and day of the week to commence corn planting, and a fixed number of times of ploughing before '■'laying by." One of this old school, a most successful renovator of the soil, now no more, who spared neither pains nor expense in his operations, limed, manured heavily, used guano freely, subsoiled and ploughed extra deep, but would break his corn ground in autumn, cross plough it in spring, plant early, and coulter and plough it four or five times, and until the tassel made its appearance. Three years ago, after my neighbor had planted his corn, I offered him ten barrels per acre, if he would allow me to cultivate it in my own way ; he declined, expecting fifteen or eighteen barrels, and went over the corn with one implement or another five times. The growth of the corn was heavy, but the ear was light, the product scarcely ten barrels per acre. The same season, with not one-fourth of the cost in manure or labor, I made on no better land, four- teen barrels and a half on several acres, and on one and a half acres over seventeen barrels per acre; and my land came out better than when the corn was planted, while my neighbor's was not a little worsted. My corn was followed next spring' by barley, thirty-five bushels per acre. (The barley stubble turned in and wheat sown in October— pro- duct twenty-five bushels per acre,) and my land is now well set in clover and timothy. 36 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. I am satisfied if my neighbor's corn had not been disturbed after it was thinned, and hand-hoed, he would have made at least fifty per cent, more, or fifteen instead of ten barrels per acre. The past season (1853) in a great drought, when a portion of my corn land become very hard, and I apprehended the worst consequences, the land hav- ing been merely coultered before planting, not tho- roughly subsoiled, I injudiciously set in the single barshare, throwing the mould next the com, and split the middle with the double shovel. Luckily, this operation was soon stopped by a genial shower, but the mischief had been done to the few rows so treated, for although up to that time the corn in those rows on the best land, had looked well and promised better than on any other part of the field, the product was at least twenty per cent, below the other portion of the cut, which was but twice passed over by the double shovel or cultivator. Heavy crops of corn are said to be raised on the western prairies by the simple process of ploughing deep and thoroughly inverting the sod, and then, with a sharp instrument, making a hole on the re- versed furrow, then dropping and covering the corn and leaving nature to do the rest. If this be true, it is an instructive lesson, and one which I have endeavored to follow, as shown in my "Essay on the Improvement of Worn-out Lands."* 'Tis true, we on the Atlantic board have not the prairie of the "West, but, by my six-field system which appropri- ates each field to at least two years successive close grazing, to be followed by corn, we have an artifi- cial prairie, which treated as I have recommended, has never, failed, with me, to bring fifty per cent, more corn than can be produced by any other mode of cultivation practised in the old States. Tho. Ap C. Jones. Fairfax County, Va., October, 1853. Specification No. 8. .Experiments on the Benefits and Products of Guano, compared to costs. I submit to the Virginia State Agricultural Soci- ety the following experiments on the benefits and •products of Guano, compared to costs, and in doing ■so, I wish to be considered a competitor for the pre- miutn offered on that subject. 1st. The first week in October, 1850, I sowed on ten acres of fallowed land ten bushels of blue stem •wheat, applying at the same time 200 lbs. of Peru- vian guano per acre. The wheat and guano were both ploughed in together with single horse ploughs, and then harrowed. The yield was 240 bushels of good wheat, or 24 bushels per acre and to the seed of one. The land on which this experiment was made, was very poor, and would not, under the • most favorable circumstances, without the guano, have yielded five bushels per acre. Two years be- * fore, it yielded less than a barrel and a half of corn per acre. The guano cost me $47 81k the ton ol 2240 lbs. delivered at my landing, or $4 27£ per acre. 2d. Between the 1st and 15th of November, of the same year, I sowed on thirty acres of corn land twenty-five bushels of the early purple straw wheat, applying at the same time 190 lbs. of Peruvian guano per acre. Both the wheat and guano were ploughed in with single horse ploughs, and left just as the plough left them. The yield was 600 bushels of wheat, or twenty bushels per acre, and twenty- four bushels to one of seed. The land on which r this experiment was made, was poorer than that on * Sent to the Committee on Branch II. which the preceding experiment was made. The cost of the guano was the same per ton, and $4 06 1-12 per acre. 3d. The last week in October, 1851, 1 sowed seven bushels of blue stem wheat on six acres of com land, applying at the same time 225 lbs. of Peru- vian guano per acre, and ploughing in both wheat and guano with single horse ploughs. The land was then rolled with a heavy log roller. The yield was 144 bushels of wheat, or twenty-four bushels per acre. This land would, probably, have pro- duced five bushels per acre without the guano. The corn had been manured in the hill, and yielded about four barrels per acre. It was not measured. The past summer this land was covered with clover knee high. The cost of the guano was $49 00 par ton of 2240 lbs. or $4 92 1-6 per acre. 4th. The last of September, 1852, I sowed on nineteen acres of land, which had been fallowed in July and August with a heavy two horse plough, twenty-three bushels of blue stem wheat, and ap- plied at the same time 220 lbs. of Peruvian guano per acre. Both wheat and guano were ploughed in as in the preceding experiments. The land had been harrowed before the wheat and guano were sowed. The yield was 520 bushels, or twenty-seven seven-nineteenth bushels per acre. This land con- sists of the ten acres mentioned in the first of these experiments and nine acres adjoining. About two- thirds of it was guanoed in the fall of '48, and the whole was guanoed in the fall of 1850. These pre- vious applications of guano had greatly improved the land, and it would probably have yielded from eight to ten bushels of wheat without the aid of fur- ther manuring. The costs of the guano was 343 32 per ton of 2000 lbs. or $4 76£ per acre. It is pro- per that I should state, that the greater part of the wheat grown on this land (four-fifths of it) was ex- posed to the long rains which fell during the latter part of the summer, and a great deal of it was thrown away in the straw. The guano and wheat, in all of the above experiments, were ploughed in from two to three inches deep. No gypsum was used with the guano. 5th. In February and March of the present year, I sowed 1500 lbs. of Peruvian guano on nine acres and 17 perches of land, throwing it on the hard ground. I then threw the land up into four feet beds with a two horse plough. About one-half of these beds had a two horse harrow run over them. About the middle of April I split the beds with a single horse plough and dropped the corn two feet apart in the furrow, covering it with a two horse harrow. The corn came up beautifully and stood well. When about half leg high, and when the land began to be very grassy, 1 threw the dirt from the corn with a single horse plough, and followed with the hoe as rapidly as possible, cutting away the grass and weeds and pulling the dirt around the corn where it had been left too naked by the plough. Ten days after, I threw the dirt back to the com with the same plough, running but one furrow and leaving the beds as flat as I could. About six days after this, and with the same plough, I broke the middles out entirely finishing the whole process be- fore the 20th of June. After harvest, I ran over it with the hoes, chopping away the bunches of grass and weeds where they occurred and pulling off the suckers, of which there were not a few. At the first working of the corn it was thinned out to one stalk, except occasionally where the growing plants looked unusually vigorous, in which case two stalks were left in a hill. The nine acres and 17 perches yielded ninety barrels of com, a specimen of which I have brought with me for exhibition. The cost of the THE SOUTHERN PLANTER Si guano was $43 32 per ton of 2000 lbs. or S3 59 per acre. The quantity per acre 166 lbs. Eight acres of this land in 1847, the year that I bought it, yielded seven barrels of corn, less than a barrel to the acre. It has since been thrice dressed with guano for wheat, and about one-half of it has been limed. I gave for it $6 33 pe r acre. The following figures show the profits per acre, after deducting the cost of the land, the cost of the guano, and the costs of cultivation: 10 barrels of corn, at $'3 per bbl., $30 00 Fodder, shucks and stalks, 5 00 Cost of land, Cost of guano, Cost of cultivation, Balance after paying cultivation, Richmond county. $35 00 $6 33 3 59 5 00 14 92 10 and $20 08 Thomas Jones, Jr. Specification No. 10. Experiments with Tide Marsh Mud as Manure. The formation known as marsh mud is very abun- dant on all the rivers in the tide water region, but as the scope of the inquiry embraced in the 10th ar- ticle, of the list of subjects for experimental reports, seems to refer to all the various formations, the base of which is vegetable matter in combination with mud or alluvium, it may not be irrelevant for me to premise that alluvial matter, suitable to be carted out on the land or to be mixed in farm pens with lime, abounds throughout all the Southern Atlantic States. The deposits from the great rivers which penetrate far inland are uniformly found to be richer than on the short streams which have their source in a lower or more sandy region. There are, how- ever, formations to be found in every part of our tide water region, where the deposit is of a local character and in many places of considerable depth, which are of much value to the farmer. The depo- sits from our rivers are of immense extent, but rarely available for agricultural purposes. The regular visits; of the .tide and the extreme lowness of the for- mation making them inaccessible with carts to be profitably resorted to, except in certain v^y favora- ble places. Wherever marsh mud is situated so as to permit it to be drained, there can be little diffi- culty either in obtaining it or in ascertaining its fertilizing properties. The farmer in search of rich alluvium, available to be carted out, will in our tide water region find it usually where the deposit of leaves and rubbish and the rotting down of grass has filled up bottoms at the heads of coves and small valleys. There the running waier brings down every thing it can carry with it, gradually fill- ing up the low level, until the accumulation of sedi- ment and grass, in alternate layers, forms something like a natural compost. Of peat proper there is none in Eastern Virginia— that formation belongs to a'cooler and more moist, climate than ours. Spongy formations, made up of the roots of marsh grass, are sufficiently common in the extensive salt and fresh marshes which are found at various points on the shores of our broad rivers. I have found the fibrous roots more unmanageable than the rotted matter lying below them, and less fertile. The in- telligent farmer can have little difficulty in distin- guishing a formation which is rich in itself from one which is to be used merely as a base to be ope- rated on by other agents. A detail of my experi- ments in the use of marsh mud, so called, at my farm of Eagle Point, in Gloucester county, will best explain my views. The land in question lies on. Severn river, a salt water stream which bounds on two sides of the farm. I bought it twenty-three years ago, finding it, in common with all the coun- try then, miserably worn down. This tract is so flat and low that I soon found it necessary to siBk my ditches in many places to the level of low water. In doing so I had to cut through marsh formations which He at various places around my shore, and my attention was early directed to the value of the material as a fertilizing agent which I threw out of my ditches. Fifteen years ago I began regularly to widen and deepen my ditches, and having carted the mud from the outlets, where I cut through the marsh, back on the most convenient parts of my field, found such encouragement that I soon began to extend my operations; this I have continued to do ever since. The marsh mud in question is found usually covered with salt or fresh water grass ac- cording to its proximity to the salt water or other- wise. Generally there is a tough mat of roots for the first spade in depth, and below that a soft for- mation, evidently made up of rotted roots and leaves with the washings down of the soil from the land above. The depth of this formation varies much, as it is evidently an encroachment on the old level. In many places I expose logs covered by the marsh, mud and lying, perhaps, on a bed of sand; else- where I am stopped by the tide water, which fills the cut before I can get through a deeper bed of the mud. This formation I find common on the rivers in this region, but varying much in its fertility; de- riving as it does," its chief richness from the adjacent lands, it partakes of the character of the contiguous soil or that from which it receives its deposit. In procuring the mud, I have found it necessary to adapt my management rather to the peculiar cir- cumstances of thfcfarm or the command of labor I might have at the time, than to any preference I might have for the mud in a dry or frosted state, over the fresh condition. It is well to throw out a large quantity ahead and then to cart it on the land in a dry and pulverized condition, yet I think that there is little difference in the economy of the opera- tion whether the mud is carted on the land fresh or dry, it being: more important to find full work for the hands and team at a leisure time than to cart the mud dry, and when the loading the carts for short distances and spading up the mud makes one operation it more than counterbalances the addi- tional weight occasioned by the water, besides that in many cases the salt water^is in itself no disad- vantage. I have frequently occupied my hands in spading in the salt marsh in winter advantageously, which does not freeze as readily as fresh Avater marshes do, and have been able to work comforta- bly when in other places the ground would be too hard frozen to be penetrated at all by the spade. The mixing of marl or lime in compost with, marsh mud will be found to improve both, and on a small scale would be beneficial, but in going over a large surface the double hauling will be found to be a serious objection. I early observed an efflores- cence on the mud and marl produced by the com- bination which was evidently a carbonate of soda mild and fertilizing. I have been led to apply the mud freely to land which has been over-marled with excellent results. These experiments, so called, have ceased to be experiments with me, and rather belong to a permanent part of my system of im- provement, having regularly applied more or less of 3S THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. the above described mud to my fields for the last fifteen years, and varying according to the conve- nience of the fields, 1 happened to cultivate, to the deposits, but have averaged not less than fifteen acres a year during the last twelve years. The quantity applied has varied with the strength of the mud and the distance I had to cart it, the number of cart loads, being one horse or mule tumbril loads, averaging about fifty to the acre. In conclusion, I would remark that while the application of marsh mud is laborious when used as a means of extensive improvement, it will be found in many cases to be profitable. When nature has denied to a region otherwise favored the better qualities of soil, every thingjnust be turned to account which can beiused as a fertilizer. In my case the mud originally en- cumbered the banks of my ditches; after removing that, 1 was induced to go farther, and have now gone over some two hundred and twenty acres, be- sides what has been used in the summer farm pens which tells admirably. The rough sod being most beneficially trodden by the cattle and saturated with their manure at periods when it is difficult to find any thing else to place in them. Wheat and corn are alike benefitted by salt mud; corn stands dry weather remarkably after the application, and the weight of the ear and size of stalk alike show the good effect. I would remark that in reviewing the experience 1 have had in the use of marsh mud, 1 find myself unable to state more accurately than I have done what would be the proper quantity to apply to the acre, the substance varying as it does so much in strength or fertilizing properties, and being so heavy that the farmer is interested in applying as little as will do when he has any considerable distance to haul it, besides marsh mud ranking as it does in a low scale with the substances which produce any decided change or impression on soils, is only suit- able to be used on a large scale by farmers who may happen to have a strong force. Under the sti- mulus of high prices the English farmer has hauled sea sand a considerable distant to improve his land; when marsh mud has to be removed only a short distance, it must happen in numberless cases that it will be found most valuable used either in compost or placed upon the land in its raw or natu- ral state. I have found marsh mud more beneficial than ordinary farm pen manure, and more lasting in its effects on my crops, and when found as is ofen the case convenient to poor point land which can be limed, or marled, but not manured without hauling a great distance, its value will be fully appreciated by any farmer who will make a fair trial of its improvingfproperties. • John R. Bryan. Eagle Point, Gloucester County, Va. Specification No. 12. Experiments with Sulphate of Barytes as a Manure. Barytes as found in its native state, is either a sulphate, or carbonate, and is sometimes called "Heavy Spar." In various localities in the coun- ties of Rockbridge and Bottetourt, as well as on Cedar Creek in the counties of Shenandoah and Frederick, it pppears in the former shape, or, as a Sulphate of Barytes. One, the Carbonate of Ba- rytes, has been considered a virulent poison— the other, the Sulphate, was only remarkable for its ponderosity, the specific gravity (being nearly double that of gypsum) until this property attracted lhe attention of the manufacturers of white lead, and it is believed to be used to a considerable extent by them, in adulterating that article. And it is proba- ble we are indebted chiefly to the search of one of their agents, for the knowledge we now have of its value as a fertilizer. For it was this which called the attention of an enterprising farmer on Broad Creek, the late John Ackerly, to it, and induced him to have a wagon load ground, and sowed as plaster, under the impression it was really a native gypsum. And I was informed by him, that its good effects on the clover on which it was sown, were as manifest as where the Nova Scotia plaster had been sown alongside. Though an illiterate man, he was observant, and indeed possessed more acumen than usual, and his experiment was made under the mis- taken belief it was a native gypsum, for he was to- tally ignorant of the difference between a Sulphate of Lime, and a Sulphate of Barytes. The result, however, satisfied me it was worthy of further in- vestigation; and as we were ignorant of the affini- ties which governed the action of the Snlphate of Lime, it might be, that the Sulph. of Barytes (which I knew this to be) would be equally efficacious. With this impression, I had a wagon load dug from the road side on Elliott's Hill, within a mile of me, and after passing it through my corn crusher, ground as plaster — the whole beingaccomplished with about the same labor attendant on the crushing and grind- ing of gypsum. This was carefully sown in sepa- rate rows or strips, about fifty feet apart, on a field of oats and clover, in the spring of 1849. In con- sequence of unforeseen delays, this was not sown until the first of May, when the oats were several inches high. The ground being a high knoll of lime and soap stone, and the season unusually dry, the oat crop was a short one, and I was disappointed in finding no perceptible improvement in my oats on the strips sown. After harvest, however, the wea- ther became showery, and as soon as my stock had tramped down the stubble, these became visible, and there was a decided and marked superiority in the clover in the rows where the Barytes was applied. Here was at once a pleasing and most decisive evi- dence of the value of the article; and recollecting its insolubility — being greater even than that of the Sulph. of Lime, I could without difficulty account for its want of action on the oat crop — rain and moisture being essential, and necessary to produce those affinities and chemical combinations which science has not, as yet, fully and satisfactorily ex- plained. To the mere farmer, the result was most gratifying, and this determined me to withdraw this field from its regular rotation, and devote it entirely to the experiment; and though it is now approach- ing five years since the Barytes was applied, theie is no sensible diminution in the strongly marked verdure of those strips. In my letter to the Editor of the Southern Planter, published in the November number for 1851, of that invaluable agricultural Journal, page 3*25, to which I would also refer for the remarks of Mr. Ruffin and Professor Rogers, I say "I can distinguish the deep green strips where the Barvtes was sown, near a mile distant, almost as plainly as the pen-marks on the paper on which I write." However strong this language may seem to be, there is no exaggeration, and it is equally ap- plicable now, after a lapse of near five years. In the above letter, I mention the luxuriant growth of white clover; and this has now yielded to a grass indicat- ing a still higher grade of fertility. I mean the green sward, or English blue grass, as some call it, — not the genuine blue grass growing on a poorer soil, and a great pest in the wheat or corn crop. In the fifty feet spaces between these strips, there is at this time a thick growth of the fall, or crab grass, which, not being able to get through the compact mat or THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 39 sod of the green sward, contrasts curiously with it — the latter in bloom presenting a reddish hue. Hav- ing omitted to mention it in my letter to Mr. Ruffin, I will here state, that after my hands had sown the strips up and down the hill, and one across horizon- tally— I had the bags which had been used, shaken parallel to the latter, and the good effects of even this small quantity, are s'ill manifest, and very strik- ing! It may be well enough, also, to slate that a few other strips were sown on a different aspect of a hill, though on a similar soil, with the same de- cided benefit. Elsewhere I have referred to the experiments of the Rev. George D. Armstrong, made at the same time of my own. He was then the able Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy in Washing- ton College, and his use of the Baryta, was neces- sarily on a smaller scale. I feel, however, autho- rized to refer to them, as being decidedly beneficial on his garden vegetables, and also on a small lot of clover. In further proof of its efficacy, I would also refer to the experiments of William Paxton, Esq., residing on James river, in this county, on a free or sand stone land, on which the clover was as much benefitted, apparently, as if gypsum had been used. But in a conversation which I have just had with Daniel Crigler, who lived with me whilst I was con- ducting my experiment, but now lives near Elliott's Hill, I am informed, that in planting his corn, he dropped the ground Barytes and ashes, on several rows, "in the hill," and on the adjoining rows omit- ted to drop any thing; but next to the omitted rows, he dropped plaster and ashes, as is very customary here. And the result of this experiment, which does him great credit, was, that whilst the plaster and ashes produced its usually good effects, there was a remarkable superiority inlherowsonwhichtbe Barytes was applied, and the intermediate "omitted" rows, presented a puny and yellow appearance. This application of Mr. Crigler's was on an ex- hausted limestone land, and is interesting, as proving (what I did not doubt myself) the great value of this mineral on com, as well as clover. In addition, I may say, that a son of Mr. Saville, of the same neighborhood, was induced to. try the Barytes, on a row of peas in the garden, which resulted in like good effects. The Baryta used by them, as well as myself, was procured on Elliott's Hill, and I am sustained in pronouncing it a pure Sulphate, both by Professor Rogers and Major Gilham, the accom- plished Professor of Chemistry in the Virginia Mi- litary Institute. From the above it is incontrovertible, that in the Sulphate of Barytes, instead of a worse than useless article, we have found a most valuable fertilizer, and .while we leave the modus operandi, to further scientific research, we may rejoice that such an ad- dition has been made to the means of recuperating and improving our lands. « Since writing the foregoing, I have received from Major Gilham, the subjoined very interesting letter in reply to some inquiries made of him, in connec- tion with this subject. Knowing his readiness at all times to contribute to the cause of agriculture, or to aid in any scientific research, I shall take the liberty to copy his letter entire, with the exception of a single paragraph, not immediately relevant. Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Oct. 19, 1§53. My Dear Sir,— Yours of the 10th instant, accom- panying two samples q£ minerals, supposed to be Sulphate of Baryta, was received in due time, and in accordance with your request, I have examined both specimens. The sample from "Elliott's Hill," which you say is some of the same that you have been experimenting with so successfully, is pure crystalized Sulphate of Baryta; the other, from "Short's Quarry," is nothing more than a peculiar form of limestone, which most probably contains more or less magnesia, together with a very small quantity of phosphoric acid. Some years since Professor Armstrong made an experiment with Sulphate of Baryta upon a clover lot, using it in alternate strips with plaster. I saw the clover, which was very fine, and could see no difference between those portions treated with plas- ter and those to which the baryta had been applied. This experiment I did not regard, however, as per- fectly satisfactory, for no spaces had been left where neither plaster nor sulphate of baryta had been ap- plied, and hence one could not be certain that either had been beneficial. Some two years ago I learned that you had used sulphate of baryta upon clover, and that you had applied it in such a way that, if beneficial, the benefit must be apparent. Feeling interested in the matter, I visited your farm, and became convinced from seeing the field upon which you had used the mineral, that for clover, or perma- nent pasture, a better manure could not be desired. My visit occurred, you informed me, something like three years afier the application, and at that time the cross lines along which the sulphate of baryta had been strown, were as distinct almost as the lines on this paper. This was in the latter part of November or early in December, and at that time the strips upon which the baryta was sowed, were well set with blue grass, affording excellent pasture, while on the remaining portions of the field the grass was almost entirely dried up. To my mind, nothing could be more satisfactory than your expe- riment. ********* Your experiment not only establishes the fact that the sulphate of baryta may be used as a substitute for plaster upon clover and permanent pasture, but you have also proved it to be more lasting in its effects. . When I saw your pasture the barytes had been applied for three years you informed me, and still the effects were visible as far as the pasture could be seen, and I understand that, even now, the ma- nured strips are quite as conspicuous as at that time. The fertilizing power of sulphate of baryta must, of course, be due alone to the sulphuric acid which it contains, and this would lead to the conclusion that, in very many instances, the effects of plaster upon the grasses are due to the acid of the plaster, rather than to the lime. The greater permanence in the effects of the sulphate of baryta over plaster is due, I conceive, to the insolubility of the former, and to the difficulty with which it is decomposed by chemical agents. Chemists have no solvent for it, and to decompose it they arc obliged to resort to the use of the alkilies, and a strong heat. Your expe- riment proves that the agencies at work in the soil, are sufficient in time, and at common temperatures, to effect those changes in the mineral, which the chemist can only produce by the aid of his furnace. It may not be amiss to state that, in consequence of the "equivalent" of baryta being much higher than that of lime, an application of 100 pounds of plaster will supply as much sulphuric acid as 132 pounds of sulphate of baryta. Respectfully, your obedient servant, William Gilham, Prof. Chemistry Virginia Military Insitute, Dr. R. R. Barton. I need not say a word in commendation of this letter. The Committee on "Essays and Experi- ments," will fully appreciate its value. I will ody 40 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. add that, though this mineral is not found, as yet, in very extensive beds, except on Catawba, in Bote- tourt, it is believed to exist throughout our lime- stone valley; and, as Mr. Ruffin states in the Planter, page 324, that it is found in Fauquier, Greene and Albemarle, and I know it is in Bedford, it is proba- ble, as he states, that it does exist "in the whole tier of Piedmont counties." To those disposed to try its virtues, I would say, have it ground fine, as gypsum should always be, and as it is not volatile, like barn- yard manure, and more insoluble than plaster, apply it early, and probably January and February would be the most favorable months for its application. All of which is respectfully submitted to the Com- mittee on "Essays and Experiments," by Rob. R. Barton, M. D. Branch II. Specification No. 1. ESSAYS OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS. Essay on Enriching and Improving Worn-Out Lands. It may appear preposterous and even ridicu- lous in the eyes of some, for a ploughman of the main, to attempt to enlighten the lords of the manor upon agricultural subjects, and more espexially, for a sailor to undertake to instruct the genuine farmer as to what he ought, or ought not to do, for the Renovation of Worn- out Lands in Virginia. Be that as it may, the invitation of the Society upon this branch, as indeed upon every ramification of agricultural knowledge and improvement, is so expansive and liberal, and being so large a beneficiary from the writings^ of others, I feel called on to contribute all I do know, if of any value, to the general stock of useful knowledge to be diffused through the Agricultural Society of my native State. To my task, then, and what I may write will partake more of the character of a simple nar- rative or journal of my own doings than of a treatise derived from the doings of others. First, I will show what my land was in IS 19, when I took it in hand. Secondly, what it is now in 1853. Thirdly, by what means it has been resuscitated and brought to its more than pristine fertility. Fourthly, a system of rota- tion, for the guidance of young farmers of the most limited means, — and lastly, some observa- tions on Lime and Liming; — on Manures and Manuring: — concluding with a formula for com- pounding various manures and the formation of cheap compose. In the first- place, then, January, 1819, found me in possess ion of land in Fairfax county, Vir- ginia, s0 poor, as, even in that, then proverbially poor county ; (of which it was often said, the more Fairiax land a man owned, the poorer he was,") to be known and designated by the com- missioners vvh divided the old family estate, as Poor Bill n c a -=. s a -2 "3 a, -c 'Z. a w xs g a a JS 3 escap- ing throush the chloride of calcium, which absorbs any adhering moisture. The operation is repeated until effervescence ceases, and all the acid is poured out of the tube; after standing a short time, the flask is gently heated to expel any remaining carbonic acid, and after standing long enough to cool, it is returned to the balance, and the loss of weight de- termined. The loss of weight gives the proportion of carbonic acid, from which it is easy to determine the percentage of carbonate of lime. To determine the sulphuric acid, a weighed por- tion of the marl or earth, usually about 150 grains, is placed in a capacious basin, an abundance of water added, and heat applied; after digesting for some time it is filtered; more water is added, heat- ed, and filtered, as before, and so the process is continued until the filtrate ceases to become milky on the addition of chloride of barium. Chloride of barium is now added to the filtrate, which is allowed. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 55 to stand for twenty-four hours, and then it is filter- ed; the filter is then dried, heated to redness, and weighed. From the weight of the sulphate of ba- ryta, we are enabled to calculate the proportion of sulphuric acid, and of sulphate of lime. To ascertain the* presence, and determine the 'amount of phosphoric acid, a known weight, say from 150 to 300 grains, is digested for some time in dilute hydrochloric acid over a water bath. The solution is filtered into a capacious basin, and am- monia added until a precipitate begins to form ; then a few drops of acetic acid is added, and an excess of acetate of soda, and heat applied. By this means the phosphoric, acid is all thrown down as phosphate of iron, mixed with oxyde of iron. The contents of the basin are now thrown upon a filter, and the filter well washed with hot water; the precipitate is then dissolved in hydrochloric acid, ammonia is added until a precipitate begins to form, and then an excess of hydrosulphuret of ammonia. This throws down the iron as black sulphuret, leaving the phosphoric acid in solution. The sulphuret of iron is separated by filtration, and the solution eva- porated until it loses*all odor of hydrosulphuric acid, when it is again filtered. To the filtrate ammonia and solution of sulphate of magnesia are added, and alter standing for some time, the phosphate of mag- nesia falls down as a white crystalline powder. By the usual process the quantity of phosphate of mag- nesia is found, from which the proportion of phos- phoric acid follows by simple calculation. To determine the oxyde of iron, alumina, potassa, soda and bisulphuret of iron, a weighed portion of the marl or earth, generally 150 grains, is digested for a number of hours in dilute hydrochloric acid over a water bath; the iron, alumina, potassa and soda are dissolved, while the bisulphuret of iron is left untouched.* The solution is filtered, and the filter well washed. The contents of the filter are thrown back into the basin, treated with dilute aqua-regia, heated for a few minutes, and filtered. Ammonia in excess is added to the filtrate, which throws down all the iron of the bisulphuret as oxyde of iron. From the proportion of oxyde of iron the proportion of bisulphuret is obtained by calculation. The in- soluble residue, after being treated with aqua-regia, may be taken as the insoluble silica. To the original solution ammonia is added in slight excess, which throws down the iron and alu- mina mixed. This is filtered, the precipitate dried, heated and weighed. To the filtrate which flows from the filter contain- ing the oxyde of iron and alumina, chloride of ba- rium, or solution of baryta, is added, which throws down the sulphuric and phosphoric acids. It is filtered, the filtrate heated, carbonate of ammonia added in excess, and again filtered. The filtered solution is evaporated to dryness, and heated to red- ness. Then it is dissolved in water, filtered, a little hydrochloric acid added, evaporated to dryness, heated to redness, and weighed; the weisht is the potassa and soda as chlorides, mixed. The mixed chlorides are dissolved in water, chloride of plati- num added, and evaporated nearly to dryness, when the potassa is thrown down as double chloride of platinum and potassium. From this double chloride * The above process for effecting the solution of the oxyde of iron, alumina, potassa and soda, differs from the one ordinarily adopted, which is to heat the substance to .be dissolved with an excess of carbonate of baryta. The one I have used is recommended in Booth's Encyclopedia of Chemistry, article ' Analysis," and I am certain that for the marls and green sands it is correct, as I have tested it by aetual comparison with the other method. the potassa, and the chloride of potassium may be found, and the latter beingsubtracted from the mixed chlorides, gives the amount of chloride of sodium, from which it is easy to get the proportion of soda. The ammonia, which is of course a constituent of the organic matter is determined upon the same principle that the nitrogen of an organic body is determined; but the apparatus differs some what from that in use for organic analysis. About 300 grains of the substance under examination is mixed with caustic potassa in small fragments, and put into a small iron mercury bottle, to which a piece of wrought iron tube is attached; to the extremity of the tube is attached a "nitrogen tube" by means of a per- forated cork, and in this tube is placed pure dilute hydrochloricacid. The "bottle" is then placed in a charcoal furnace heated to redness and kept at this heat so long as any gas escapes. The potassa, in connection with the heat, effects the perfect expul- sion of all the ammonia, which is taken up by the hydrochloricacid as it reaches the "nitrogen tube," forming hydrochlorate of ammonia. When gas ceases to issue from the tube, the "nitrogen tube" removed, its contents poured into a porcelain or platinum basin, and evaporated to dryness over a water bath; water is added, the solution filtered, chloride of platinum added, and evaporated nearly to dryness, when the ammonia is thrown down as double chloride of platinum and ammonium. From the double chloride, the proportion of ammonia may be found. The balance used in the analyses is a very deli- cate one, and is known among chemists as the "Robinson" balance. Respectfully, your obedient servant, William Gilham. Virginia Military Institute, Oct. 25, 1853. APPENDIX To Mr. Edmund Rvjjiri's Essay on the Theory and Laws of Rotation of Crops, d/c, in continuation thereof A very important use and profit can be made of the pea crop, in diverting the matured peas from their purpose of manuring the field, to serve as food for the hogs designed to be fattened for slaughter. This is deemed the most profitable use of the pea crop in North Carolina and the more southern States— and this use-is the main object of the culture, where the growth is most favored by climate. Now that I sow a kind of pea (the early black) which ripens early enough to perfect the grain in this region, besides gathering enough for seed and for food, hundreds of bushels of ripe peas are ploughed under. If the hogs designed for slaugh- ter are suffered to eat as much of this richest of ve- getable food as they can take after the partial ga- thering for seed, and before the ploughing, they will be nearly fattened before having or requiring corn- feeding. In this manner, on my usual extent of pea- fallow, fifty hogs may be nearly fattened, with a saving of two hundred bushels of corn. It is true, that all of the product of ripe peas thus consumed, is so much of the richest of the manure abstracted from the improvement of the field where grown. But the case was above supposed possible when the manuring by this rotation might be greater than de- sirable; and this different direction of the product is but the taking of one kind of profit instead of an- other less needed. But this change will be only a lessening, and by no means an entire removal of manuring value of the crop. For though the peas are, doubtless, much the richer manuring portion of the \rtiole plant, yet even when these are mostly 56 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER taken away, the residue of vines and roots still re- turn much more to the land than the growth had ab- stracted of fertility. This fact is sufficiently proved by the general course of culture pursued, and con- tinued improvement of lands obtained, by some of the best farmers and largest pea-growers in North Carolina, who thus usually gather, or consume (by hogs in the field,) nearly all the ripe peas of their crops, and who, notwithstanding, have continued to improve their lands greatly, under rotations of crops which, but for the pea growth, would be necessarily and greatly exhausting of fertility. Edmund Ruffin. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. RICHMOND, FEBRUARY, 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 Dollabs, to be paid invariably in advance. §£jT No subscription received for a less time than one year. §3r Subscriptions may begin with any number. 53= No paper will be discontinued, until all arrearages are paid, except at the option of the Publisher. gjfT Office on Twelfth, between Main and Cary streets. ADVERTISEMENTS. A limited number will be inserted at the following rates: for each square of ten lines, first insertion, Si — each continuance, 75 cents. Advertisements out of the city must be accompanied with the mo- r ney, to insure their insertion. p. d. b. SCHEDULE OP PREMIUMS FOR THE VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR. In the Extra that accompanies this number of the Planter the reader will find the Schedule oi Premiums for our next Fair. We invite particular attention to it, satisfied that it is, in some respects, the most nearly perfect of any in the world. In some respects it might, perhaps, be altered for the better; for instance, the department of agricul- tural implements might, perhaps, be enlarged, and made, as it is in England, to come nearer the amount of the premiums for animals, and the department of fruits, &c. should, we think, correspond rather to the importance of the subject than to the extent ol land or capital now devoted to it. But when the large amount appropriated is considered we hardly see how more money could now be spared to these branches. The Executive Committee adopted the list after a good deal of consultation, and offer the result to the members of the Society. It is as follows : Premiums for agricultural experiments, $1,925 Essays and other written communications, of useful agricultural information, - 790 Best crops and products, - - 630 Livestock, .... .2,497 Agricultural implements, - - 990 Fruits, fruit trees, flowers and vegetables, 133 Dairy, honey, hams, &c. - - 33 Household and domestic manufactures, - 173 Special and individual premiums, - 530 Additional premiums distributed among different branches, about - 600 Total, &S,301 With some few yet to come on the list in the class of individual premiums and premiums on imported agricultural implements. In view of the uncommon liberality of this list we cannot doubt but that there will be an increased number of competitors for the prizes, and a number of visitors even greater than we had at the first Fair. We are induced to think so, not only from the very great interest the last Fair excited, and the re- port that was carried home in regard to it by all parties, but also from the fact that the extension of the rail road lines will give increased facilities for the conveyance, both of visitors and stock. POSTAGE ON THE PLANTER, When paid quarterly or yearly in advance. To any part of the United States one cent and a half per quarter, or six cents per annum. fTlflt is indispensably necessary that subscribers or- dering a change should say from what to what post office they wish the alteration made. It will save time to us and lose none to them. NOTICE. f^*If subscribers do not order a discontinuance of the Planter before the commencement of a new year, or vo- lume, it will be considered as a renewal of their subscrip- tions, and they will be charged accordingly. NECESSITY OF GOOD STOCK TO VIRGI- NIA FARMERS, AND HOW THEY MAY GET IT. The low state of the live stock in some of the finest parts of Virginia is a source of anxiety some- times to their owners, and we have heard some of them speak despondingly of efforts to improve them. That they must be improved and increased vastly in numbers, as well as in quality, before Virginia can take her proper place in the agricultural scale is almost too plain a point to argue. We have several times lately had occasion to show that England, the most productive country in the world and the most remarkable for her growth of wheat, which is com- puted to average twenty-four bushels per acre an- nually, devotes 66 per cent, of her arable lands to meadow and pasturage, and that, too, when it takes, in addition to the fixed capital of her farmers, a cash capital of forty dollars per acre, (or about five times the value of an average fee simple in Virginia,) to conduct her farms, of which something like nine- tenths are rented lands. And that England and Wales, with a population of one soul to two acres, and an area less than Virginia, had seven mil- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 57 lions more sheep alone, not counting other stock, than the whole United States put together, the num- bers being as 28,000,000 to 21 ,621,483. We have also showed that Ohio, greatly the heaviest wheat grower in the Union, devoted only one-ninth of her soil to that staple, one-ninth again being devoted to Indian corn, nearly the whole of which is fed — and 21 per cent, to meadows and pastures. And this, though she has a fine soil for wheat, a mild, humid climate, exactly adapted to it, and such facilities for market as are afforded by an extensive lake boundary, 1418 miles of rail road, probably now 600 miles more — for the figures are last year's— 920 miles of naviga- ble canal, and 450 miles of river shore. To her deficiency in grass and in stock, and to her want of attention to such as she has, as much as, if not more than to any other cause, do we attribute the present condition of our Virginia agriculture. Long years ago Arthur Young, the great English agriculturist, said, writing to General Washington, in comment on a system of cultivation which Mr. Jefferson had recommended, "But I have a heavier objection than this, and which bears upon the pith of the subject. How can Mr. Jefferson produce annually 5000 bushels of wheat, worth .£750, by means of a cattle product of only £1251 I do not want to come to America to know that this is sim- ply impossible: at the commencement it may do, but how long will it last 3 This is the management that gives such products as eight and ten bushels an acre. Arable land can yield wheat only by means of cattle and sheep; it is not dung that is wanted so much as a change of products. Repose under grasses is the soul of management, and all clearing and tillage to be given in the year that yields green winter food. By such a system you may produce by means of forty oxen and five hun- dred sheep 5000 bushels of wheat; and if you raise the oxen te fifty and sheep to six hundred, you may have so much more wheat; but it is only by increas- ing; cattle that you can increase wheat permanently. £125 from cattle to £750 from wheat would reduce the poorest farm in the world to a caput mortuum, that is to say, to ten bushels an acre, which must be nearly such." We have seen just such effects as Young predicts from a rapid wheat rotation on very fine lands, we have read of many more than we have seen, and we have no doubt that such will always follow on lands of ordinary quality; on all, indeed, except those whose natural fertility makes them excep- tional cases. Guano may be thought a substitute for stock. We have heard intelligent farmers contend that it is, but we are compelled to differ with them. It is a great blessing to the farmer, but it is not a manure of universal application or endless duration. It can- not be, as a glance at facts will show. "In a crop of wheat," says Professor Hallowell, a practical man, "of twenty-five bushels and three thousand pounds of straw to the acre, there are removed from the soil about thirty- two pounds of potash and soda. But of the 7.97 pounds of alkaline salts'eon- tained in one hundred pounds of guano, about six pounds may be considered a liberal estimate of the quantity of potash and soda; that would be twelve pounds of these alkalies put on the land in an ap- plication of two hundred pounds of guano. But as the crop contains thirty-two pounds, it leaves the acre of land with twenty pounds less of these im- portant alkalies than before it was cropped, not- withstanding the liberal application of guano. As previously remarked, these alkalies exist in compa- ratively verv small quantities in the soil, and yet . they are indispensable to the growth of wheat and every other crop. Now, in a common sense view of the subject, what will be the consequence of con- tinued cropping, and dressing the ground at this rate with guano'? It must ultimately exhaust the soil of these elements, and the larger the crops the more rapidly will these elements become exhausted, and then the lands will become again 'worn out,' and less reclaimable than ever." He extends his re- marks to other elements of crops which we need not notice. , Guano will, it is true, become the basis of reform in our agriculture, because it will leach farmers what good crops are, and thereafter they will not be content with what they formerly made. But of it- self and by itself we are well convinced that it will produce but a fitful improvement. We do not mean to disparage it any more than the doctor disparages calomel when he says it is not a king-cure-all. We are friendly to its use, but we mean to say that its greatest benefit will be in teaching the value of ma- nures, and opening the way for stock husbandry. The experience of Peru, who has used guano, per- haps for centuries, amounts to nothing, because the guanoed lands are always irrigated at each appli- cation, twice and thrice in the course of a crop; and water judiciously flowed overland is well known to be of itself a source of vast fertility, and is thought to be the best solvent of those substances which ex- ist in the soil awaiting such action to fit them for the food of plants. In England, moist, rainy Eng- land, which buys all the manure she can lay her hands on, the trade in guano decreased from 243,014 tons in 1851 to 129,889 tons in 1852— (of 1853 we have no accounts.) The frauds in the article and the high price are the assigned causes. But there it is not considered a substitute but only an aid of the manures of the farm. "It may probably be said," remarks Professor Anderson, Transactions of the Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland, October, 1852, page 434, (italics ours,) "That if the state- ments 1 have made are correct, that guano, far from being beneficial, ought, in the long run, to be infe- rior to farm-yard manure; and it would certainly be so if we depended on it alone. Its peculiar advan- tages are as an auxiliary, which supplies a quantity of certain constituents in an immediately available condition, in which they are requisite for producing the rapid growth of the crop through the early stages of its existence; and the enormous mass of farm- yard manure which must be used when large crops are expected, is dependent, to some extent, on the small quantity of its constituents which exist in that condition; so that w« generally employ a larger total quantity of the valuable constituents of farm- yard manure thanis required for the whole rotation, merely, that by doing so, we may get a sufficiently large amount of those which we wish to act rapidly. The peculiar merit of guano is, that by mixing it with farm-yard manure, we can bring up the quan- tity of immediately available constituents without adding unnecessarily to those which are to be long dormant in the soil. The practical fact is that under liberal management by farm-yard manure alone, a soil becomes gradually richer in organic matter, ammonia and phosphates; and it is quite possible, so long as that excess remains to raise crops by the addition of the rapidly acting manure alone; but it is a system which the good farmer will only employ under exceptional cases." Here, we ascribe a somewhat different action to guano. We have heard of some of its most re- markable results on the poorest lands, and would mention, as an instance only of them, a well attested case where it produced twenty-seven bushels per acre on poor land and only four on rich land of the 58 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. same farm. This effect we think is due to its sol- vent power as much as to its nitrogen, but in the nature of things its action on such lands, if unaided, will produce more rapid exhaustion. The analysis made of a very rich soil in Ohio compared with that of a very poor soil in Massachusetts, showed less diversity in composition than in molecular struc- ture. The Ohio soil was nearly as fine as flour, the Massachusetts sample as coarse as sand; and hence was supposed to result a difference in solubility suf- ficient to account for the difference in productive- ness. If this be so, the poor soil, which by means of 200 lbs. of guano elaborated 1620 lbs. of wheat, or an excess of 1420 lbs. will, of course, have had its solvent (or productive) powers more severely taxed than a richer roil, when natural agents, al- ways superior to artificial ones, are constantly at work. Hence exhaustion will more speedily follow the application of guano. On the other hand, if the land shall begin to im- prove, and by means of other agencies, as clover, say, continue to acquire fertility, then, precisely as the fertility increses, is the effect of guano dimi- nished, until, as in the case of good lands, it will cease to repay the application For we have heard of many cases of good lands where guano has failed to act. We repeat, so fearful are we of misconstruction, that we desire to see guano used, but we warn our farmers not to expect to make of it a substitute for other manures, or to rely upon it to the exclusion of well kept stock in greater numbers than they are used at present. Western New York with her sheep makes more wheat than any old State, and buys but little guano She does not need it, her lands are too good for it, and the stereotype about her prodigious falling off in wheat is a mistake. Sheep keep up her wheat. And what is true of New York is still more true of Virginia. Lime will improve the lands of tide water, though, except on her most fertile alluvions, there is a limit to improvement, even there, by that means alone. But lime, whether desirable or not, cannot be obtained for the lands of middle Virginia. It is an error to suppose that rail roads will bring it cheap — they cannot transport cheaply enough for agricultural purposes any article which weighs eighty pounds to the bushel. On an average it will not cost the farmers who live on the line of the road less than fifteen cents a bushel— to say nothing of those who must haul it ten, twenty or thirty miles — and it can hardly pay at that price. It is by no means certain that the lands want lime. Experi- ment alone can decide that point. Thousands of bushels of lime have been waste!! on the soils of Massachusetts, and our farmers .should consult that experience far enough to save themselves from like loss. We say, then, they must improve by stock, or, in the long run, improve not at all. We do not speak of such moderate improvements as judicious far- mers now make with the ordinary materials and means of the country, but of an improvement com- mensurate with the general progress of things, and necessary to us, if we would regain our lost ascend- ancy, or even maintain our present second rate po- sition. The population of the United States now doubles in every quarterof a century, and impending events may accelerate this rapid rate. If we mean to pre- serve our r.'te of wealth and population, our pro- ducts should also double, and our lands be put in condition to keep up with' this arithmetical ratio. It is a blessing that we have guano to begin with, and that it will enable us to leap, as it were, into a better system, to slock our lands with cattle and grasses withouc that loss of revenue which John Taylor of Caroline contemplated under the old sys- tem, but which he urgently advised all to submit to in consideration of the benefits he promised from experience. How shall the stock and grass be obtained? We answer, with less difficulty than one would expect. But as we have occupied now all our spare space, we shall resume the subject in March. For the Southern Planter. INJURY TO TOBACCO PLANT BEDS BY FLIES A REMEDY. Mr. Editor, — The ravages of the fly on the tobacco plant beds of Eastern Virginia have so much in- creased of late years as to call for a more certain preventive or remedy than any heretofore suggested. A first, and sometimes a second series of plants is devoured by the insects, and before a third can at- tain a growth sufficient for transplantation, the early seasons have passed. The loss occasioned by the delay alone in planting must have been immense; and during the present year many growers of to- bacco wholly failed in occupying a part of their hills made for that purpose. During a -recent visit to the county of Amherst I met with Mr. James W. Phillips, an intelligent citi- zen and planter of that county, with whom I con- versed at large on the best modes of rearing and managing tobacco. From him I learned that he was in possession of a remedy against the fly, which he had tried with unvarying success for thirteen years past, with the exception of one year, when no flies appeared. He had not divulged it before, but is willing that it should be made public now. And as it is both simple and cheap I send for publication in the Planter a copy of what was written down from his dictation: "As soon after the cattle are taken in from graz- ing and put up for winter feeding as we may be cer- tain that their manure will be free from grass seeds, a quantity of this is collected and stored in several barrels. Old flour or lime barrels will answer the purpose. Over each layer of eight or ten inches thickness, pour water until it is moistened through, and then sprinkle a handful or two of slaked lime. About four or five handfuls generally suffice lor a barrel. These are either to be kept under shelter or covered during wet weather. As soon as the fly makes its appearance — which is generally from the last week in March to the middle of April — sprinkle the mixture, which will now be thoroughly pulver- ized, over the beds so as nearly to cover the plants. The flies will cease to trouble them and the manure will stimulate their growth as well or better than any other he has ever tried. Mr. P. covers his beds with brush, as is the general custom, and rather thicker than usual; but never removes it entirely until shortly before the plants are drawn. He thinks it better to have two layers of brush, one across the other, as in case the plants are too much shaded, the second may be removed without disturbing the first, and thus injuring the plants." The remedy here proposed may not be as new to all your readers as it was to myself. But I doubt if it be generally known, and Mr. Phillips assures me that, as thus compounded, it is original with him. I have heard of liquid manure, or a weak solution of guano, or the brine of fish being poured over the beds— of lime or plaster of Paris, either singly or successively, sprinkled over the plants— but not with uniform results. It has been said that if brush fires THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 59 be kindled at night to the leeward of the beds, the flies will be attracted by the flames. Recent observ- ers of the habits of these interests also tell us that they rarely or never rise more than three feet from the ground, and that beds enclosed by a tight plank fence of that height will keep them out. Of the efficacy of either of these modes I know* nothing; but the first I suppose would be but temporary, and the other both troublesome and expensive. Mr. P.'s continued success was attested by several of his neighbors, and his preparation may be considered worthy of trial by many others during the coming season. Should it prove equally efficacious under a variety of circumstances, he will have entitled himself to the thanks of our planters generally, and perhaps to some more solid testimonial of their ob- ligations. 4 N. F. Cabell. Nelson, Dec. 7, 1853. [The above article was crowded out at an earlier period, but we hope it is still in time. All persons who try this remedy, which is certainly inexpensive, will please report result to Southern Planter. — Ed. Southern Planter.] PAYMENTS TO THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, From 1st December, to the 1st January, 1854. All persons who have made payments early enough to be entered, and whose names do not ap- pear in the following receipt list, are requested to give immediate notice of the omission, in order that the correction may be made in the next issue: Ebenezer M'Gregor to January 1855 W. L. Wallace to September 1854 Rev. W. Timberlake to January 1855 J. T. Mann to November 1854 John A. B. Thornton to January 1855 Miles C. Tunstall to January 1855 A. B. Carter to September 1855 Dr. Robert Harrison to January 1855 Dr. B. P. Morriss to September 1854 Edwin J. Bates to December 1854 M. Harrison to January 1855 George Calvert to December 1854 Samuel Howell to December 1854 James Long to December 1854 H. H. Reck to December 1854 John Edmunds, Jr., to November 1854 R. O. Morris to January 1854 John T. Sawyer to November 1854 George T. Brumley to December 1854 F. W. Coleman to December 1854 John Echols to December 1854 R. H. Kinney to December 1854 William S. Dancl to January 1855 Martin James to January 1855 A. Tompkins to December 1854 James A. Walker to July 1854 John Shuey to July 1854 James F. Jones to September 1854 L. H. Minor to September 1854 Orville Allen to Septemcer 1852 Capt. James Cormick to December 1854 Frederick Wilson to December 1854 James S. Garrison, Sr., to December 1854 Borum & Fisher to December 1854 James Newby to January 1855 Henrv Erwin to December 1854 Dr. William Collins to December 1854 John M. Hodges to December 1854 James H. Johnston to December 1854 Col. George Blow to December 1854 $1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 o 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 4 00 1,00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 J. P. Shuster to December 1854 $1 00 Col. William Etheridge to December 1854 1 00 F. M. Marchont to December 1854 1 00 James Nichols to December 1854 1 00 W. W. Sylvester to December 1854 1 00 George H. Deshield to December 1854 Sidney Weller to December 1854 D. H. Hatton to December 1854 Henry Butt to December 1854 George H. Wilson to December 1854 William R. Hamburg to December 1854 Henry B. Styron to December 1854 Edgar Burroughs to February 1855 A. R. L. Keeling to February 1855 John J. Burroughs to December 1854 H. F. Woodhouse to January 1855 W. P. Smith to January 1854 Robert Peed to December 1854 B. L. Christian to January 1854 ' William Benton to July 1854 B. P. Noland to September 1853 William Rogers to July 1854 Isaac Vandeventer to jnly 1854 Henry T. Harrison to July 1854 Joseph Mead to July 1854" John Janney to July 1854 William Williams to July 1854 Noble S. Braden to July 1854 William Giddnjgs to December 1854 John Aldridge to July 1854 Mrs. E. O. Carter to September J853 Robert L. Wright to July 1855 Yardley Taylor to July 1854 Col. John H. White to July 1854 John George to July 1854 Robert A. Ish to July 1854 John Snider to July 1854 James M. Laidley to January 1S56 William S. Davis to December 1854 Littleion J. Chappell to January 1854 J. R. Bryan to January T855 R. W. Morris to September 1854 Albert S. Jones to December 1854 A. K. Bowles to January 1855 J. S. Spangler to January 1855 Col. Joseph Martin to July 1854 Garland Haines to January 1856 R. Kirkiand to January 1853 J. B. Lundy to January 1853 J. A. Riddick to October 1853 T. C. Proctor to October 1853 Charles Turnbull to October 1853 Turner Saunders to October 1853 John E. Shell to October 1853 R. H. Sharpe to January 1854 John H. Lewis to October 1853 Thomas Green to October 1853 Edward Dromgoole to October 1852 George B. Clark to January 1854 William H. House to June 1854 M. Noble to January 1855 JohrvE. Crowder to December 1854 William B. Sanderson to December 1854 1 00 Thomas M. Powers to December 1854 1 William Holman to December 1854 1 William A. Perkins to December 1S54 1 Dr. R. P. Walton to December 1854 1 William C. Flournoy to December 1854 1 Joel J. Scott to December 1854 1 James Woodfin to December 1854 l 00 Capt. Benjamin Allen to December 1854 1 W. S. Daniel to December 1854 l J. P. Woodson to December 1854 1 Henry J. Brown to December 1854 l W. M. Thornton to December 1854 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 25 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 CO 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 CO CO 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 60 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, William M. Bagley to January 1855 ! John Morton to January 1855 R. H. Whitfield to January 1854 James M. Smith to January 1855 Col. P. W. Meredith to January 1855 Col. W. C. J. Rothrock to January 1854 Dr. James M. Blanton to December 1857 Dr. Carter to January 1855 R. Turnbull to July 1854 P. W. Hairston to July 1854 Lewis Mabry to October 1854 William Rixey to June 1854 Benjamin C. Anderson to September 1854 Samuel T. Chandler to January 1855 Col. T. C. Dennis to September 1854 James R. Cumpton to January 1855 R. W. Grisvvold to January 1855 Capt. Jacob Morton to June 1854 Capt. Samuel D. Morton to January 1854 Henry M. Vaughn to April 1854 William H. Clark to January 1855 Larkin Hundley to January 1854 John T. Van Deusen to January 1855 James E. Harris to September 1854 George W. Ruffin to January 1855 William A. Leavitt to January 1855 A. G. Moody to January 1855 Robert Campbell to January 1855 Thornton Hanshaw to January 1855 Josiah Duke to July 1854 J. J. Daly to January 1855 Dr. S. Maupin to January 1855 Patterson Allen to January 1855 Thomas Hite to January 1855 Thomas E. Baylor to January 1855 Dr. John M. Shelton to January 1855 Robert Henderson to January i855 N. Sowell to January 1855 Jame R. Leath to January 1855 Dr. James L. Cabell to June 1854 Meredith Helm to July 1854 Samuel W. Martin to July 1854 Dr. D. E. Watson to January 1854 B. H. Eubank to September 1853 William Rodes to July 1854 Rev. James Fife to January 1853 J. H. Maddex to September 1854 Dabney Minor to September 1854 James Davis to January 1855 Dr. S. Patrick to January 1855 Judge George W, Summers to January 1855 George H. Matthews to December 1854 Richard H. Carter to September 1854 Thomas F. Buck to December 1854 William P. Winfree to January 1854 R. G. Grigg to January 1854 Capt. G. Choice to January 1855 Judge Field to January 1855 Dr. George C. Scott to January 1855 Dr. J. F. Earley to January 1855 Dr. William Martin to January 1854 Col. John Mercer Waller to January 1855 William H Mitchell to November 1854 Manlius Chapman to January 1854 W. M. Tate to April 1855 Daniel Wilson to September 1854 Joseph C. Burton to January 1854 N. W. Harris to January 1855 John S. Hardaway to January 185G B. A. Curry to July 1851 B. W. Roper to January 1855 L. D. Horner to January 1855 Dr. John A. Davidson to June 1857 Richard V. Waikins to July 1851 George W. Whitfield to January 1855 a oo 2 00 5 00 8 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 2 00 3 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 1 00 5 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 5 00 1 00 1 00 R. F. Gaines to January 1855 A. P. Sennett to December 1855 S. J. Cabell to December 1855 T. M. Shelton to December 1855 Frank Vicars to December 1855 B. S. Thompson to December 1855 Frederick Gillum to December 1855 Dr. George Fleming to September 1854 Jacob Graves to September 1855 John G. Guthrie to July 1854 R. U. Brooking to January 1S54 Mrs. Dr. W. B. Smith to Januarv 1855 Dr. E. G. Clay to September 1854 Rev. William Crawford to January 1855 James D. Massenburg to January 1855 Joseph E. Gillet to May 1855 Warren Edwards to May 1855 Alfred Ricks to January 1855 Fras. W. Connor to January 1855 John Lawton to January 1855 H. H. Cocke to January 1855 Camm S. Garrett to January 1854 Edward W. Shepherd to January 1855 R. S. Farmer to January 1855 A. D. Martin to January 1855 Rev. Samuel Taylor to January 1855 D. H. Flournoy to January 1855 E. F. Perkinson to January 1855 Col. R. W. Baylor to September 1855 R. B. Washington to July 1854 Capt. James G. Hunt to July 1854 Martin Slaughter to January 1855 Henry Taylor to January 1855 Jabez Gravely to Januarv 1855 William W. Garrett to January 1855 H. S. Hathaway to January 1854 N. W. Diggs to January 1854 James K Marshall to January 1855 Dr. J. L. Burroughs to October 1854 John A. Hutchens to January 1855 Frederick Hanbury to January 1855 William L. Parson to January 1855 Dr. H. T. Minor to January 1855 Archibald Gills to January 1S54 Benjamin R. Woody to January 1855 John C. Moncure to September 1854 James D. Watts to January 1855 R. C. L. Moncure to January 1855 James Ruffner to January 1S55 Woodson Hughes to January 1855 Charles Yates to July 1854 James D. Gibson to April 1854 A. & W. Hogue to April 1855 A. Wright to April 1855 Columbus Stanley to April 1855 Henry G. Tucker to April 1855 B. H. Smith to April 1855 A. W. Gluarrier to April 1855 'John A. Wright to April 1855 Joel Ruffner to Apjil 1855 William Gilkeson to April 1855 John G. Carr to April 1855 F. Brooks to April 1855 J. S. O. Brooks to April 1855 Edward Lewis to January 1855 Samuel Hannah to April 1855 S. A. Miller to January 1855 J. D. Lewis to January 1855 William Tompkins, Jr., to January 1855 B. L. Cole to January 1854 J. R. Coupland to January 1855 Samuel L. Brooke to January 1855 Peter D. G. Hedgman to January 1855 John M. Conway to January 1855 John S. Ellis to January 1855 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 61 SUFFOLK PIGS. THE subscribers are prepared to receive orders lor 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 OF IMPROVED STOCK. STOCK Cattle of all the different breeds, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, &c. will be purchased to order, ind carefully shipped to any part of the United Slates, for which a reasonable commission will be iharged. 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 311 LL. 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 in- ends 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 ow as the same quality articles can be bought for, North or South. The highest cash price will be Daid for dry bones, delivered at his Mill adjoining ;he Paper Mill. oc— tf R. R. DUVAL. Dr. VALENTINE'S RECIPE for MAKING ARTIFICIAL GUANO. Dry Peat,* ... 20 bushels Wood Ashes, ... 3 bushels Fine Bone Dust, - 3 bushels Calcined Plaster, - 3 bushels Nitrate of Soda, - - - 40 pounds Sal Ammoniac, 22 pounds Carb Ammonia, - - - 11 pounds Sulph: Sodas, 20 pounds Sulph: Magnesia, 10 pounds Common Salt, 10 pounds No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. No. 5. No. 6. No. 7. No. 8. No. 9. " 10. * If peat cannot be obtained, use garden mould, *r clean virgin soil instead. Directions for Mixing. — Mix Nos. 1,2, 3, toge- ther — 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 tho- roughly 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 — ob- serve 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 farm- ers 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, comer above the American Hotel, Richmond, Va. oc — tf HALL r toll, by addressing the subscriber, who is sole srent here. 1 have a few of the above machines ready for 'ork, but on account of the heavy expense ot get- ng them up, and the length of time necessarily Dnsumed in doing so, it is very important to get all rders as early as possible. Price of horse power, with thresher, separator nd cleaner, in one frame and mounted upon wheels >r moving. from field to field or from farm to farm, ; $400. This machine can be seen at my Factory, nd any inquiries by letter will be answered promptly. Premium Straw Cutters. In calling attention to my large stock of imple- lents, comprising Threshers of all sizes, Horse 'owers from 4 to 10 horses, Wheat Fans, Corn- hellers, Seed Drills, Horse rakes, Cradles & Scythes, Lay Presses, Hussey. and McCormick Reapers, &c. I wish to ask especial attention to my Patent traw Cutter for hand purposes. This machine re- eived the first premium at the Virginia State Fair, nd also at the Rappahannock River Society's Fair, nd at the Norfolk Fair, and has the unqualified ecommedation of many thousands now using them, 'rice $10, warranted to give satisfaction on trial, am also manufacturin Smith's patent double plough, :nown as the Michigan Double Plough. This dough received the first premium offered for a hree horse plough, which was divided between the ubscriber and Mr. French, who exhibited the same ilough, as will be seen by official report in Planter .s above.- I have Hussey's Reapers ready for the next har- dest; please call and examine. feb-4t H. M. SMITH. A MORRIS, 97 Main Street, is constantly sup- • plied with all New and Standard Agricul- tural Works. The subscriber respectfully invites the attention of the public to his extensive assort- ment of Books on Agriculture, among which may be found — The Chemical Field Lectures for Agricultures, by Dr. J. A. Stockhardt; translated from the Ger- man: edited with notes by James E. Tesehemseher. The Field Book of Manures, or the American Muck Book; treating of the nature, properties, &c. of all the principal manures in common use, by D. J. Brown. The American Farm Book, or Compend of Ame- rican Agriculture, being a practical treatise on soils, manures, draining, &c. and every staple product of the United States, with the best methods of planting, cultivating and preparation for market, by R. l! Allen. Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology, by James F. W. Johnston, M. A. The Monthly Journal of Agriculture, containing the best current productions in promotion of agri- cultural improvement, including the choicest prize essays issued in Europe and America, with original contributions from eminent farmers and statesmen, 3 vols. 8vo., John S. Skinner, Editor. The Principles of Agriculture, by Albert D. Thaer. The Farmer's and Planter's Encyclopaedia of Rural Affairs, embracing all the most recent disco- veries in agricultural chemistry, adapted to the comprehension of unscientific readers, by C. W. Johnson, Esq. European Agriculture and Rural Economy, from personal observations, by Henry Colman. Chemistry in its Application to Agriculture and Physiology, by Justus Liebig, M. D. The Book of the Farm, detailing the labors of the farmer, ploughman, field worker, &c, by Henry Stephens. Elements of Scientific Agriculture, or the Con- nection between Science and the Art of Practical Farming, by John P. Norton, M. A. An Essay on Calcareous. Manures, by Edmund Ruffin: 5th edition, amended and enlarged. The Farmer's Barn-Book, by Clater, Youatt, Skin- ner and Mills. Together with many other valuable works on farming, the treatment and management of cattle, &c. A. MORRIS, Bookseller, Stationer, and Dealer in feb— tf Piano Fortes, 97 Main street. REAPERS ! I am now supplied with Hussey's Reapers with all the late improvements. From he great success of this machine throughout the :ountrv, and particularly in the heavy growth of >vheat"on James River, I feel great confidence in •ecommending them to farmers. Call and examine :hem. H. M. SMITH. feb— It AMMONIATED SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. THIS very superior fertilizer, having been fairly tested by Farmers and Planters, is acknow- ledged to possess many advantages over Guano. At the same price per ton, and sown in equal quan- tity, its first effects are equal, if not superior, on most crops to those of Guano, whilst they last much longer. It may be applied as a top dressing until April, with as much benefit as if used at the time of sowing. Manufactured and for sale at the Seed and Agri- cultural Warehouse of C. B. ROGERS, feb— 1 1 No. 29, Market street, Philadelphia. IMPROVED SUFFOLK PIGS ! THE undersigned can now supply Gentlemen who are in search of purely bred stock of Suf- folk Pigs. Price five dollars. GRAY BOULWARE. fe— It* Bowling Green, Caroline County, Va. 64 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. CONTENTS OF NUMBER II. PAGE Experiment to Test the Effects (in profit or loss) of the Usual Mode of Saving Corn Fodder, &c. by Edmund Ruffin, Jr 33 Experiment to Test the Action of Lime as Ma- nure above the Falls of the Tide-water Rivers of Virrginia, on Different Soils, by Com. T. Ap C. Jones 34 Experiment in the Tillage of Indian Corn, by Comodore Thomas Ap C. Jones 35 Experiments on the Benefits and Products of Guano, compared to costs, by Thos. Jones, Jr. . . 36 Experiments with Tide Marsh Mud as Ma- nure, by John R. Bryan 37 Experiments with Sulphate of Barytes as a Ma- nure 38 Essay on Enriching and Improving Worn-Out Lands, by Commodore Thos. Ap C. Jones 40 Essay on the Properties and Value of the South- ern Pea, or Cornfield Pea, by P. M. Edmond- ston 48 Essay on the Treatment and Management of Milch Cows, by Lewis Bailey 52 Appendix to Professor Gilham's Essay on the Analyses of Marls in Lower Virginia, &c 54 Appendix to Mr. Edmund Ruffin's Essay on the Theory and Laws of Rotation of Crops, &c. .55 Schedule of Premiums for the Virginia State Agricultural Fair 56 Necessity of Good Stock to Virginia Farmers, and how they may get it 56 Injury to Tobacco Plant Beds ^y Flies. 58 ROWE'S PRIZE CRUSHER HAS never failed to take all the honors, and all the premiums, wherever exhibited in competi- tion with others. It is the only mill in the world that makes a thorough mixture of corn cobs and shucks, and pulverizes straw and hay, with ease and facility, when mixed with corn and cob. It has no rival for crushing tan bark, rock plaster or shells. It reduces fresh shells to a proper consistence for land, at the rate of one barrel per hour, by the power of two mules; or three bushels of the hardest plaster, or eight bushels of ears of unshucked corn — all of which the patentee guarantees, or no sale. For par- ticulars, adddress, (post paid,) A MOST DESIRABLE FARM FOR SALE. Q/XQ ACRES of Land, 16 miles from Rich- AjkJ^J mond, 70 acres being "James river low grounds" and the residue the best quality of up-land on clay bottom, separated from the 70 acres by the "James River and Kanawha Canal." which passes through the farm, and over which there is a bridge, to be supported in perpetuity at the expense of the Canal Company. The hidings on the farm are comfortable and beautifully located, commanding ihe most picturesque view of James river. This farm offers peculiar advantages from the facility of communication^ with Richmond — one of the best markets in the country— the proverbial fertility of "James river lands," and the tact that such a farm is rarely offered for sale. It will be sold unusually low, if application be made soon, and on accommo- dating terms, with the growing crops, cattle, horses, mules and farming implements, including a new "Hussey's Reaper," &c. &c. &c. 3pT There are 135 bushels of wheat sown, and about 60 acres ploughed for corn. Apply, pre-paid, to GODDIN & APPERSON, Richmond, Va. Or to P. D. BERNARD u Publisher So'n Planter. Baltimore Sun, Philadelphia Ledger, and National Intelligencer insert three times each, and send ac- counts 10 this office for settlement. feb — 3t T ! STOVES AND FANCY IRON CASTINGS, Exhibited at the Virginia State Agricultural Fair, By Messrs. Bowers, Snyder «$s Carter. HESE Gentlemen erected Works, about two years since, by which they have been exten- sively supplying the State with articles for which we have heretolbre depended entirely upon northern foundries. Their Cooking Stoves have given entire satisfac- tion to all Virginia housewives who have used them. On the door of one of these we notice a representa- tion of a sheaf of wheat, in which the heads and even the distinct grains stand out in beautiful relief. They exhibit a specimen of parlor stove especially worthy of notice. Its style and finish are highly- ornamental. Its chief merit consists of a door de- signed to increase the draught of the fire, which is made to revolve vertically upon a pivot. . These manufacturers, in a modest, unpretending if i -n rn J" -'way, are rendering good service to the State, by de- Nashvill e, Tennessee? ] vel J opiDg her reso b u?ces in this branch of domestic industry. > E. B. Spence, H. M. Smith, ■ James Par, Committee on Household Implements. CHOICE FOWLS FOR SALE. THE Subscriber having devoied special attention, for the last three years, to the breeding of the finest Fowls known, takes pleasure in the announce- ment, that he keeps on hand and for sale, thorough- breds from the best stock of Brahma Pootras, Grey Chitligongs, White and Buff Shanghais, Cochin Chinas, Black Spanish, and Bolton Greys Fowls, on favorable terms. Orders by mail promptly attended to. Address E. H. BLIVEN, ja — 2t Bridgewater, Oneida county, N. Y. ALBEMARLE PIGS. I AM prepared to receive orders for Albemarle Pigs— a breed made.by crossing several varieties, which will grow to good size, and fatten easily at any age. This breed received some of the highest prizes at the Virginia State Fair. I have, also, four boar pigs, from my large Delaware Sow, (estimated to weigh, nett, near one thousand pounds,) which will be ready for delivery in a few weeks. Address, (post paid,) JOHN R, WOODS, -tf Woodville Depot, Albemarle, Va. I have' sold principally, for the past two vears, the stoves manufactured by Messrs. Bowers, Snyder & Carter, at the Richmond Stove Works, and have found them to give my patrons entire satisfaction, both in their operation and durability. Charles D. Yale, 130, Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, Depot for Bolton & Yale's "Caloric Air Furnace." jan 1854— ly OSAGE ORANGE PLANTS FOR LIVE FENCES.— The best and most durable enclo- sure for farms, gardens or lots. I have some of these plants for sale— SI per hundred— and would be glad if those who want them would inform me as soon as convenient. WM. H. RICHARDSON. Richmond, Jan. 1, 1854. — 3t. SOUTHERN PLANTER (1841) Vol. 14 1854 Missing: no. 3, March