THE 



SOUTHEEN PLANTER 

BfoouXt to Agriculture, Sjortfculture, a«5 the j^ouscftolij Sins. 



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


Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of the 

State. — SuUy. 


FKANK: G. K.UFFIN, Editor and Proprietor. 


T. BAILIE, PuBLisHEri. 


Vol. XV. RICHMOND, 


APRIL, 1855. No 4-. 



For the Southern Planter. 

ON THE HORSE. 



:\ IX1/F.D FROM THE LAST SUMBER 



PART II. 



past season, eighteen hundred and forty-one 
race-horses started. The blood brood-mr res 
are not more than five times as numeronr-; as 
the breeding blood stallions. At New Market 
alone, there were last month ninety-two year- 
Blood or Race Horses — Passion of the Eng- j lings in training. The entries for the next 
lish for them — Tlieir peculiar merits and 1 Derby are a hundred and ninety- three, but for- . 
defects — Evils arising from too large an \ ty of the colts and fillies entered are alresdy 
admixture of their blood for the varieties j hors dc combat. The returns so far show, for 
of the useful horse, such as the saddle-horse,] 1854, nine hundred and seventy- three blood 
hunter, charger, coach-horse — Importance J foals of high lineage ; but out of that number 
of size — Tlie best system of breeding to not more than a dozen are likely to win placer* 
supply that is ql cross between the Cleveland in the first and second ranks of fame. They 
Ba,y and the thorough-bred — Inferiority i will run in one year for an amount exceeding 
of tlie Arab to tlie English Race-horse — j a million and a quarter of dollars, exclusive of 
American Trotters — Morgans — BlacV ' : added money." 

Haioks — Union of qualities in the Cleve-\ There are a few men in England who ride 
land Bay. : thorough-bred horses, as Hunters, Hacks, and 

The English have an undiminished passion £ fiar | erS ^ d drive them > a ° d in short ™ 
for the turf, and a consideration for the Blood- 1 hem for a " P™Tf e<3 > except those to which the 
horse as a being of rank. They look upon fe? ™ ^/J? 8 ,° f T bDg dwft ' , before 
him as the nobleman rf fe.< l ~mmd«tm lev- f*S ** 1 5*. dwarf raee * a ™ exclusive- 
aliner They give him credit for a degree of Vl ^jfl i* "rF^Sl ° bjeCt f (o 
spiritual courage; and Englishmen, £m m : the^ that they seldom have substance of body 
the humblest ranks of life, will tell you there* ' ? ton9 fT^ S ^ t* P ro l racted ^ 
nothing like blood-blood will tell-one can 0r *? ' nd " re ^dy^ork 'f they bare to carry 
call upon blood. The Crown, even in the per-! 01 ' ™ en ^ conside f ble /fg 1 '*" , T % »** 
.son of a Queen, has reestablished the breed- fc^ ^ liarr ° W ' f i at f ded > *»* low ^fore, 
ing stud at Hampton Court, and with such If 1 ?. su PP^ese m the knees, and carry their 
success that the Royal yearlings, a, the ^ « et ^9 f^ the ground (as Mai>y-cutterS»- 
sale, averaged the extraordinary sum of four! ' Wwtjejhpts ») i? be pleasant under the 
hundred and forty-one guineas apiece— the ^ddK particularly ma trot ; and they have 



prices varying from twenty-five to a thousand 
guineas.* The principal breeding fctallion at 
Hampton court is the superb Orlando, whom 
I made it a point to visit. As a ronsequence 
of this taste for thorough-bred horses, gerva- 
ding majesty, nobility, gantry, ...uonai- 

ty, they have greatly multiplied. Uuiing the 

The average price of all t'ne bloe^ yearling* 



I in England 
forty guinc." 
a. hnnd ■* I 



j ea 
in 1864, was about one hundred 

: j a-id of the brood m aiout 



Vol. 



x X , 



dften too great a development of the propelling 
hind parts for beauty, in proportion at least to 
the forehand, and an excessive length of trunk 
which is nrnch coveted for extent of stride as 
one of tin elements of speech' These objec- 
tions apply the more strongly *o horses for 
[juick draft, where generally gred* r rbDustaeSS, 
size, and show in action are required than un- 
der the Saddle: Lord Wests idM 5r row keeps 

*The"iifid<= >fihercriOWf tTtt 
pace w?.? twenty- 1 ?;?*: feet 



98 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



besides famous old Touchstone, a young stal- 
lion (formerly run by Lord Palmerston) called 
Buckthorn, with whom, the head groom told 
me, the racing men found fault on account of 
the shortness of his back, which, though a 
great source of strength and a favorite point 
in " useful" horses, does not meet the require- 
ments of the turf. 

Blood horses havc<had powerful and effec- 
tive advocates in the modern writers Nimrod. 
Harry Hicovcr, and Cecil, who contend that 
they arc the proper race to communicate the 
greater speed demanded at the present day, 
by the improved roads, the chase, the evolu- 
tions of armies, and the hurry of the world. 
This, together with the importance attached to 
fixity of type, has produced a further increase 
of their number, and very generally caused 
them to be resorted to as the progenitors of 
Hacks (I mean gentlemen's saddle horses), 
Hunters, Chargers (first class horses for mili- 
tary -officers and cavalry), and even carriage 
' horses of the lighter class, by part bred mares. 
The aim of the breeders is to produce hunters, 
as being the highest priced animals, averaging 
at Melton Mowbray £200, and fetching occa- 
sionally £1100; and if they fail in that, by 
reason of want of substance, to have a hack. 
Should the progeny be very strong, but desti- 
tute of the qualities of good hunters, they 
would probably answer in one of the other ser- 
vices mentioned. Between thorough-breds 
the attempt is always to breed racers; but in 
the event of want of speed the colts become 
either hacks, or hunters in a light country if 
they have strength enough. About three out 
of every seven of the blood horses actually put 
in training as yearlings, in England, are per- 
manently withdrawn from the turf, from want 
of merit and from constitutional inability to 
endure the severity of the probationary disci- 
pline at that tender age ; and, at a later period, 
many of them, the males especially, are dis- 
tributed among the various useful services to 
which they are respectively best adapted. In 
Yorkshire a, farmer is, by an old proverb, com- 
miserated if he has " a lot of ugly daughters 
and blood fillies," because they both are apt 
to remain on his hands a long time, sources of 
expense. The reason of this, in reference to 
the blood fillies, is that they arc rarely resorted 
to to breed " useful " horses from, and cannot 
earn their living by ordinary work ; nor will 
they often command remunerative prices, unless 
sired by " fashionable " horses as they are 
termed, standing at £30, £40, and £50, and 
unless they arc in the possession of the rich, 
who can afford to force them by feeding and 
housin«; and encounter the great cares, uncer- 



tainties, and risks of rearing them properly, 
and can train them and enter them for great 
races, and run them successfully ; for perform- 
ance on the turf is almost the only received 
and acknowledged test of the merit of a blood 
horse. 

With a continuation of the state of things 
in which Jthe greater number of the useful and 
stylish horses having activity are reproduced 
by thorough-bred stallions, out of mares of 
higher and higher breeding, losing their stam- 
ina every successive generation, it is easy to 
perceive that the steady and progressive ap- 
proximation to the characteristics of the race- 
horse (a perfect animal for its special purpose), 
is depriving those horses of England, intended 
for useful porposes, of their strength and size. 
The geometrical progression, obtained by cross- 
ing an ameliorating race on a common and 
wholly distinct one, always using pure-bred 
males of the ameliorating race with the female 
progeny of each successive cross, is such that 
an animal of the tenth generation would have 
of the blood of the common race but a rem- 
nant of one out of a thousand and twenty- 
four parts; and in the twentieth generation 
there would be very much less than one-mil- 
lionth part of the common blood left. The 
fractional series is: \ \ \ T ' v ^ ■£? T l r 
rrs srx Witt> & c -* An eminent member of 
the veterinarian faculty, an Englishman by 
birth, but now a resident of New York, soon 
after his return from a late visit to his native 
country, observed to me that he thought there 
was a marked want of bone, however dense it 
might be, in the majority of the horses now 
seen in Hyde Park. This subject of the 
diminished power of the classes of useful 
horses has arrested the attention of Spooner, 
the author of several distinguished veterinarian 
works, and he boldly and stoutly recommends, 
as a remedy, recourse to " half-bred" stallions, 
I saw no part-bred stallions in England ; some 
of the Cleveland Bays happily supplying the 
desideratum which Mr. Spooner would seek in 
half-bred stallions, with the additional advan- 
tage of fixity of type. These Yorkshire is 
fortunate in possessing as a distinct breed, 
which is the reason, perhaps, why this county 
furnishes almost all the very strong horses in 
England with beauty and action. Hence it is 
that the British Government have to give to a 
Yorkshire man the contract for mounting the 
crack cavalry regiments ; and the East India 
Company employ the same man, Jonathan 
Shaw, to supply their studs with Cleveland 
stallions, to strengthen and improve the indig- 

*Zootechnie G6n£ralc — M. Villeroy. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



9£> 



enous races of Asia, and especially to qualify 
them for cavalry service. 

Every now and then one sees a thorough- 
bred horse with a relatively high fore-hand, 
good crest, ample as well as deep chest, short- 
ish legs, and a body well ribbed home and not 
too long, with general rotundity of form and 
good action ; but in that case he is not apt to 
be of great speed on the turf. Such a horse 
the English ladies prefer to ride. After a long 
protracted search among blood horses, who are 
by no means all beauties, Wyatt found in Re- 
covery one he deemed a fit model for the Wel- 
lington equestrian statue. The Duke's favo- 
rite charger was a thorough-bred. A perfect 
Park Hack for a gentleman is usually of the 
same general style as a lady's riding horse of 
modern days, Palfreys being extinct, but of 
a rather larger size, which is commonly attained 
by a slight admixture of races. A Hunter is 
a large Hack, with less symmetry than a Hack 
often, provided he has the qualities sought, and 
from his size and therefore strength is fully up 
to the weight he has to carry on a long as well 
as a fast run. A Charger, in reference to natu- 
ral gifts, is in fact a hunter. I think carriage 
horses, certainly Lord Foley's dark bays, ap- 
proaching light browns, (the most celebrated 
in England, for one of which I was told he had 
paid or refused £600) may well be defined to 
be large, or as Youatt says, " over-sized," Hun- 
ters. Most of these varieties of horses in 
England are by blood stallions, out of part- 
bred mares, as I have before observed, except 
a majority of the horses for the larger car- 
riages; and they are more generally new 
Clevelands on both sides, and, of course, have 
an infusion, more or less remote, of blood. 
This, with a view to uniformity of results in 
breeding, it is expedient should not be so re- 
cent in the stallions a3 materially to affect the 
fixity of their type, — keeping in mind the theo- 
ry of Malingie Nouel and Huzard file,* that 
generally the parent of the longer established 
race, or of the purer descent, exercises a pre- 
dominant influence on the character of the 
offspnng. 

Mr. Dickenson f and Mr. Gray, the two 
great "job-masters "| of London, told me that 
they bought all their horses in Yorkshire, 
" raw," at two and three years old, at from £80 

[laras Domestiques. 

t Mentioned by Cat rd as a celebrated grower of 
Italian rye . 

let carriage horses to hire to 
ons who wish to avoid the risks and trouble 
ip. The Queen's mother "job:; " 
her he 



to £110, kept them on a farm until fit for use., 
and then brought them to Loudon, and edu- 
cated them in their brakes, for which they 
have accomplished drivers, with no other occu- 
pation. Mr. Gray spoke of William Burton's 
horses, and said " they are my sort." 

The forty-five Hunters of Lord Fitzbar- 
dinge, at Berkeley Castle, are exceedingly 
strong and heavy-limbed horses, from fifteem 
hands three inches to sixteen hands high ; and 
I understood from his huntsman that thorough- 
bred and very high bred horses could not live 
through a hard day's run, in that heavy coun- 
try. Nevertheless all foals from his strongest- 
Hunter mares, no longer used in the field, are. 
by thorough-bred stallions. A lighter style of 
Hunter is preferred at Melton Mowbray — the' 
metropolis of the fox-hunting world, as it iss 
termed — in Leicestershire, where the lands are* 
mostly in old grass. Some of the Hunters 
there, for light weights, are doubtless thorough- 
bred. In Hunters a fair stride, to gallop, tc» 
fence, and to leap well, is required, and for- 
that it is obviously necessary to have tall and . 
elongated, and not squat and punchy, horses,. 
The strength and size of Hunters vary accord - 
ing to the nature of the country, and in pro- 
portion to the weight they are to carry; and! 
hence the comrnou phrase, " weight-carriers.™ 
The English believe that in well-formed ani- 
mals, within reasonable limits, size stands to 
strength as cause and effect, and that if a heat - 
vy rider does not bear a just relation to the 
dimensions of his horse, he can never be we 1 - 
mounted, and much less appear 

" Ir.corps'd and demi-natur'd 
With the brave beast." 

Nor do they ever deem a " vehicular estsblisM 
ment" well "got up" if the "cattle" are &- 
proportionally small. In this country, and iij 
the New England states more especially, there 
is evidence of a growing appreciation of iss 
importance of size in horses for all useful p as 
poses. Even on the turf there is a maxim, w 
quoted by the accomplished President of the 
New York Joeksy Club, that " a good Mg 
horse always beats a good little one," 

I expressed to you orally the opinion «ha£ 
the modern Hack — the saddle horse of the ac 
bility and gentry — is fully as high brer] as the 
Hunter, and often higher hrcd, from a general 
comparison of the two classes, and the &ct 
that the male parentage of both is for the rp.gat 
part thorough-bred. Nimrod, as well as IIa:nty 
Hieover, frequently I peaks of "thorough-bred 
Hacks." The Hacks of the Queen for the 
use of her attendants are strong horses, m& 
arc certainly not thorough-bred. As throwing 



!60 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



sonic light on this .subject of the relative breed- 
ing of Hacks and Hunters, I shall be able to 
show you a fine portrait of a most celebrated 
hunting marc, and also an engraving of a Hack 
marc and foal from a picture by Herring — the 
equal in many respects of Landseer and M'lle 
llosa Bouheur as a painter of animals, — who 
had doubtless studied well all the points of a 
Hack. A- very superior animal may sometimes 
unite good qualities so well that if trained he 
would serve admirably either as a Hack, a 
Hunter, a Charger, or even as a harness horse, 
for the lighter description of vehicles ; but I 
do not mean to intimate that driving him much 
would not injure him for the saddle. To show 
you that a horse may be adapted to different 
uses, even in England where the division of 
brute labor, according to the qualities of ani- 
mals, is pushed to such extremes, I send you 
one of TattersalFs catalogues of weekly sales, 
where you will find a horse is sometimes ad- 
vertised as being Hunter, Hack and harness 
hor»e all in one. While my Virginia blood 
does not allow me to feel with those who stig- 
matize thorough-bred horses as "mere gam- 
bling machines," or ''grass-hoppers' 1 (Suute- 
relia, as your French friend called them), I 
cannot run into the other extreme, and believe 
that they are the best even for the plough and 
every other service. As it appears to me clear 
that they do not unite in themselves all the 
qualities desired in useful horses for quick 
movement even, the important point is to know 
.the best, if not the only other, race to be re- 
sorted to, in order to give them more size and 
weight ; or to counteract their tendency to 
weediness, delicateness, and want of suitable 
action, without taking away too much their 
speed, their wind, their " bloody heads," — as the 
common English people say, though all blood 
horses, have not blood-like heads, — and their 
general gentlemanly appearance It is not the 
easiest matter to maintain the size of the race 
of blood horses in their pure progeny, even 
with constant attention and a careful continu- 
ance of the best nourishment when young, per- 
haps from their inclination to revert to the 
normal proportions of their Asiatic and Afri- 
can ancestry, which are about a hand lower. 
As extreme crosses cannot answer, and pains 
must be taken not to run into coarseness while 
adding strength, in breeding horses for quick 
and useful service, I see but one race and that 
most probably a kindred one in all cases — the 
Cleveland — with which to effect the desired 
end. To produce horses lit for all useful, and 
at the same time pleasurable purposes, requi- 
ring less power than that of a coach or car- 
riage hone, and yet not the swiftness, on a 



burst, of a race horse, I think far more highly 
of the cross between Cleveland Bays, of the 
right sort (for that breed has its slugs as well 
as all others), and tkorough-breds, than of any 
other cross, apportioning the infusion of blood 
according to the nature of the service sought. 
The Cleveland bay seems to a certain extent 
to occupy the middle ground between the blood 
horse and the agricultural horses of England, 
having, with much of the strength of the lat- 
ter, the long neck, the clean limbs, the spare 
and oblique .shoulders, the finest color, the hor- 
izontal and uncioven croup, and the quick tem- 
perament of the former ; and on that account 
to be alike well adapted to bring up the di- 
minished substance, size and power of our Vir- 
ginia part bred horses, and to impart more ac- 
tion and muscularity, without too much dimi- 
nution of weight, to the soft and lymphatic 
Conestogas, for service in trucks, drays, and 
heavy wagons. In this country we have com- 
paratively but little division of labor among 
men, and so it is with our horses, although we 
have at least three times as many of the latter 
as Great Britain, and a million more than 
France. The national interest and chief de- 
mand arc for a horse of general utility, a 
horse that can move with activity and some 
quickness, as well as walk with a good load, or 
be serviceable in the plough. I do not think 
that I have seen twenty horses in Virginia and 
New York, that would be deemed large enough 
to pass muster at a show in England of agri- 
cultural horses. The diffusion of blood through 
nearly the whole mass of our horses was, I re- 
member, remarked by you in a walk in Broad- 
way the day after your last return from France, 
and it has often been the subject of comment 
by intelligent Europeans. It would seem that 
we should aim to breed horses of such size that 
if they failed occasionally for pleasure vehicles 
or the saddle, they would be of use in humbler 
spheres. 

Messrs. Henry and Cheslyn Hall at their 
stud at Dudding Hill, Willesden, about five 
miles from London, where they keep about 
a hundred and fifty horses, and in the number 
half a dozen most distinguished thorough bred 
stallions, * arc breeding some of their thorough 
bred mares and part bred Hunter mares to 
their Cleveland stallion, Cleveland Shortlegs, f 

* Among the blood stallions at Dudding Hill are 
Harkaway, the largest horse of the kind in Eng- 
land, The Libel, JSpirus and Lothario. The last- 
two only have "knee action.'' 

■fiice a portrait of this horse in trie British 
Farmer's Magazine for January, 1851. He stands 
sixiocn hands and one inch high, and " possesses 
immense bene, good action and excellent temper." 
I heard his preset cw?'s r^id Ave or six hundred 
guineas for bim. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTEi. 



101 



to get " weight carrying " Hunters for their 

own use. These gentlemen have but one 

Cleveland mare, valued at £200, who does the 

whole work of their establishment, in the way 

of drawing food. &c., with great despatch. 

At one time they intended to breed Hunters 

from her by the thorough bred Lothario, but 

they £nally concluded to rear Clevelands from 

her. Mr. E. Marjoribanks, the head of the 

house of Messrs. Coutts & Co., has a capital 

foal by Cleveland Shortlegs, out of a favorite 

high bred Hack mare of his daughter's, and 

Mr. Tanqueray. the celebrated short horn 

breeder, shewed me au excellent colt for slower 

work by the same horse out of a Suffolk mare 

of his. The practice of gentlemen of such 

knowledge and experience in breeding deserves 

the highest consideration. The qualities and 

points they most covet in large horses for 

service out of a walk, are action witli spirit, 

short backs, strong loins, shortish and dark 

legs, black feet and good eyes and heads. 

Having given you distinguished authorities for 

the breeding of thorough bred, Hunter, Hack 

and Suffolk mares to a Cleveland stallion, I 

moat add that the horse whose portrait appears 

in .Stephens " as the very perfection of what 

a farm horse should be, " " was not a thorough 

bred Clydesdale, but had a dash of coaching 

[Cle relandj blood in him, a species of farm 

horso very much in use on the borders, and 

admired for their action and spirit. 1 ' 

From a recent comparison between English 
blood horses on the one hand, aad the finest 
specimens of Arabian horses presented to the 
Queen of England by oriental sovereigns and 
African horses (Barbs) imported into France 
by military men on the other, it seemed to me 
that -he former were immeasurably superior to 
their ancestral races in every respect. In 
England, of late the Arab and Barb crosses 
Ml Wood mares have failed signally for the 
turf, and on the part bred mares have not 
pro-, ed valuable for useful purposes. Amusing 
pictures are drawn of some solid Anglo Saxon 
Celtic troopers in the East now of 
necessity mounted on Turkish horses, com- 
monly accepted a u a sub-variety of the Arab. 
But for the combined activity, height and 
weight, without regard to condition, of the 
hor- ■■•■ of the Scots Greys — ces diables de 
chcvaux gris, as they were called by the 
Napoleon in his last battle field — that 
Regiment would never have earned its well- 
ted fame either at Waterloo or at 
lava. 

American trotters, which are cdaeniialry 
a Northam creation, have obtained a just 
celebrity f> v .-->ad. They can hardly yet be 



called a type or pure race, and indeed they are 
for the most part of a very mixed lineage, and 
of an extraordinary diversity of sizes, shapes 
and colors ; but the further breeding together 
of animals of similar qualities and confor- 
mation will in the end produce a definite 
breed. As a class they are certainly not 
saddle horses, according to either Enelish or 
Virginia ideas; nor are they carriage horses, 
or horses of general utility, from defect of she. 
From the transactions of the New York State 
Agricultural Society, it appears that the 
Judges of that Society considered the Morgan 
family, — which furnishes many fair and some 
quick trotters. — as too small for " horses of 
all work."* They would in England bo 
designated as " cle.ver cobs. 1 ' You will be 
able to form a clear '{opinion of them, from 
having seen lately one or two correct examples 
at the Agricultural Fair in Richmond. The 
common ancestor from whom this family is 
derived, the original Morgan horse, so called 
from the name of his owner, was foaled m 
1793. He was sired by a blood stallion taken 
from M * ■** * **'s great uncle the loyal Col. 
DeLancey of this State, and out of a part 
bred mare. His four immediate descendants 
kept as stallions, in New Hampshire and Ver- 
mont, were all out of mares of obscure or 
unknown origin, some of them, however, 
probably having a dash of French blood 
as modified by the three-fold influences of 
climate, food and crosses, in the adjacent 
province of Canada. The admirers of 
the Morgans in the North, sensible of 
their deficiency in stature for most purposes 
do not estimate them by height, the usual 
method, but by weight like butcher's meat. 
When in high order they tell comparatively in 
the scales, for they have surprising aptitude in 
taking on fat even to the extent of obesity. 
Weight of .a certain sort, but not that derived 
from the adipose tissue, is certainly a very 
important element, for conjoined with muscular 
strength in due proportion it constitutes 
motive power, on which depends the sole* Value 
of the horse ; and that motive power is efficient 
as the height and length and general shape 
of the animal enable hirn to apply it with 
facility and advantage to the work required, of 
him. 

You will, doubtless, remember that another 
distinguished family . the Vermont Black 
Hawks, as they appeared in procession at. 
the New York Society's show at Saratoga 

*It ii aiiicb the faal ion of the i< %.■ ra La ikv 
North to call a horse of anji si':; a Merer &z. Ai 
the Springfield" National exhibition " aftyataHiaag 
pa«*e<3 oxider that name. 



102 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



in 1853, were decidedly inferior to the blood 
torse in size. I think that the Vermont 
Black Hawk stallion Ticonderoga, shown at 
the fair at Richmond, was entirely too small 
for general utility; but he was symmetrical, 
and the natural attitude of his head* and 
arched neck was admirable. His whole ap- 
pearance was distinguished, showing a conside- 
rable infusion of blood ; * and his trot, to my 
eye, was accurate, gentlemanly and graceful, 
though I do not know whether it was speedy. 
These families of horses unquestionably have 
their appropriate sphere, and that is singly, or, 
still better, in pairs in a light trotting wagon 
(as peculiar an American production as the 
trotters, for Carl Benson, Mr. Bristed, tell 
us that France neither possesses the wood nor 
the skill with which to construct one light 
enough) a vehicle that in the North has 
almost completely usurped the place of the 
saddle, and I regret to say it, for there is 
something peculiarly healthful, physically and 
even morally, in horseback exercise, which, I 
am persuaded, has contributed in no little 
degree to the formation of many of those 
sterling points of character, in which the 
English differ from their continental neigh- 
bors. For races also in the North the blood 
horse has almost entirely given way to the 
trotter. 

The most distinguished specimens of the 
trotters that I have seen are horses with no 
pretensions to elegance of shape. The other 
day a young Englishman, (whose noble father 
is the owner of the winner in the same year of 
two blue ribbons of the English turf) while 
expressing to me his surprise and delight with 
their performance in harness, observed that 
from their general appearance, and the danger- 
ous look of the position and nature of the 
shoulders of those he had seen, they would 
not fetch £10 in England. There is great 
diversity in the character of their gaits, some 
of the fastest having an ungainly and confused 
jumble of gallop before and trot behind, and 
other's a " square " action ; but the fast people 
do not care for the sort of gait on the road, 
or on the turf, so long as it is not ruled off, 
provided it is the fastest. These "fast crabs" 
are hardy, and much "fancy " work may be 
got out of them if used with care; but we 
must not suppose that we can take them 
potbellied with grass, or slavering from 
a clover field, and make them go, especially on 

* The better opinion reems to be that the original 
Vermont 5>!ack Hawk horse was got by Sherman 
Morgan, (a son of the original Morgan) out of a 
"three parts Wool" mare reared in the Province 
of New Brunswick. 



our roads, as they do in the North. To per- 
form well, they must be in condition and 
treated on the same general principles as 
the racers, whose management is admirably 
understood and whose successful cultivation 
has for a long time been pursued in Virginia 
with much talent and at great expense. I 
was gratified, at the late exhibition at Rich- 
mond, to perceive that we still retained splendid 
examples of the blood horse. 

The last time I met poor Captain Arnold, 
one of the first victims of the Russian war, 
he expressed himself in warm terms of admi- 
ration of your Cleveland horse, as embodying 
the points of Hack, Hunter, Charger and 
harness horse. Another high compliment 
he received was from a distinguished owner 
of blood stock in Virginia, who observed that 
he did not discover from the conformation 
of your horse any reason, except his size, why 
he should not run. For my part, I will 
merely say at present that I do not see in him, 
after a close examination, and comparison with 
English models while they are fresh hi my 
memory, any particular point to object to, — 
reserving, however, a full and minute opinion 
until next spring as I am not willing to risk 
a criticism of a fine horse in very rough 
condition, more especially before the compara- 
tively full development of his growth. Con- 
dition has immense influence with every body. 
One of the best judges of horses appointed by 
the Royal Agricultural Society of England 
candidly confessed to me, — with much regret 
apparently at his " shocking mistake," as he 
called it, — that Melbourne, now from his 
progeny, doubtless the most successful and 
renowned stallion in England, the sire of 
West Australian and many other winners, and 
at present distinguished for his powers and 
points in the eyes of all, came before him as a 
candidate for the prize offered to the best 
stallion for hunters, but in very bad order, 
with sprung knees, &c. ; and that he, with 
all his associate judges, immediately discarded 
Melbourne as worthless and unfit to compete 
for any prize. Before his reputation was 
established, a celebrated judge of horse flesh 
had seen him in bad order and laughed at him 
as an " omnibus horse." The effect of condi- 
tion is not at all unnatural. As a horse 
cannot exhibit speed until, after great and 
long labor, he has been put in condition for 
racing, why should he show his symmetry, his 
beauty and his merits when nothing has been 
done to bring them out? The late Lord 
Ducie waged war on the obese condition in 
which the breeding animals, of the races culti- 
vated for the secretion of fat, were exhibited 






THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



10i 



at the meetings of the Royal Agricultural 
Society, but in the end without avail, for 
while it was admitted that such a condition 
injured the various animals themselves, and 
tended to render them permanently sterile, yet 
it was alleged that if they were in low or 
only tolerable order, persons could only vaguely 
conjecture, and not at all know, the degree of 
their aptitude to secrete fat evenly and deposit 

it on the most valuable parts. 

* # % * * *= 

I remain, my dear father, ever yours, 

FRANCIS R. RIVES. 



From the Farmer and Planter. 
THE PEACH TREE BORER. 

It is desirable to destroy all insects that in- 
fest fruit trees, especially" the one at the head 
of this article. And this end is easily attained ; 
if we are to give credence to all the remedies 
recommended for that purpose, there are as 
many plans to effect this object, as there are 
cures for the toothache. They are applied with 
about the same success, unless the same re- 
medy is used in both cases, viz: extraction, 
which is the only effectual one. 

My purpose is to give only such remedies as 
I have tried, with my observations and expe- 
rience on the same. But before doing this, it 
is perhaps necessary to give some account of 
the parent insect — a slender, dark-blue, four- 
winged fly, resembling a wasp. Downing's 
work on Fruit and Fruit Trees, states, that 
this insect commences depositing its eggs in 
the tender bark of the tree at the surface of 
the ground the last of June. I think it makes 
its appearance at the South sooner, and con- 
tinues its operations until October. The egg 
hatches and produces the borer, which pene- 
trates and devours the bark and sap wood en- 
circling the tree, which causes its destruction. 
The insect continues in the tree during winter, 
' forma its cocoon, and comes out in the spring 
in its winged form, and commences depositing 
its eggs for another generation. I have taken 
the cocoon and kept it until it assumed the 
winged state. 

TJie Remedies I have Tried. — No. 1 . Down- 
ing and others, recommend forming low heads; 
this is done by topping trees when small, which 
causes them to branch out near the oround — 
this shades and keeps the ground moist and 
cool, thereby preventing the attacks of insects, 

( No. 2. By driving nails in the roots, which 
with the sap of the tree form:-! a salt of iron, 
thought to be destructive of the borer. 



3. Downing recommends a peck of air slaked 
lime or leached ashes to each tree. 

4. The manual operation, viz : extracting. 

5. The Prevention. — This is done by raising 
hillocks around the tree before the parent in- 
sect makes its appearance, and removing them 
at the commencement of cold weather. 

Observations on the Remedies. — Mo. 1 is 
objectionable on account of the roots being 
shaded and kept moist. This makes the bark 
more tender about the roots, thereby rendering 
it more susceptible to the attacks of insects. 
The first trees I set out, I pursued the course 
of low heads. By this method the limbs are 
so near the ground that it makes it very incon- 
venient to apply remedy No. 4, which is essen- 
tial, and will be described in its order. All 
trees which I have set' out recently, I have 
trimmed to four or five feet. This pruning 
should not all be done at one time, as it will 
cause the tree to grow so slender that it will 
not be able to sustain the top. Limbs ought 
to be left along the stock for the purpose of 
diverting the sap, which will have a tendency 
to give strength and a gradual slope to the 
stock. As soon as this object is attained, the 
limbs should be cut close and smooth from the 
trunk. By this course with the shortening-in 
process, a handsome tree may be formed. 

2 failed entirely, besides causing wounds from 
which the gum oozed out, injuring the tree. 

3 also failed. I have applied both ashes and 
lime to my trees, and find that the worm will 
work even among these substances (the opinion 
of Downing and others, to the contrary not- 
withstanding.) The truth of my assertion was 
proved with the former by the following fact: 
A tree standing near my ash-hopper, with ashes 
frequently unleached all the time around it. 
This tree would have been destroyed by the 
worms if I had not taken them out with my 
knife. Ashes or lime applied in small quanti- 
ties arc good fertilizers to trees, but applied 
in large quantities will cause a rapid tender 
growth, more susceptible to the attacks of the 
borer. 

4 is the only effectual remedy for getting rid 
of this blight to the peach orchard, when it h 
once lodged in the tree. To effect this remove 
the earth from the tree, the work of the enemy 
will be found by his eatings, and the gum oozing 
from the tree; find the cavity and follow it 
with the knife until the worm is destroyed 
This may be. denominated the cure. 

"But aji ounce of prevention i'-' worth a pound of cure" 

,'). .Prevention. — The 1 st of November scraps 
away the earth and expose the roots to the ac 
tion of the frosts for at lcaft three months. 



104 



HE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



which hardens the hark and destroys the eggs. 
If the worm should be there it can be easily 
removed. In February the trees should be 
hilled and remain so until three or four heavy 
frosts in the fall, and the roots again exposed 
as before directed. I once hilled my trees in 
June, but found this was not early enough, as 
I d:.- covered some worms in the fall. Since I 
made my hillocks in February, and find them 
free from worms. By this process the hillock 
does not remain long enough to injure the tree, 
or make the bark tender like it is at the sur- 
face of' the ground where it is covered all the 
tiniej musing it to be moist and tender (the 
hill covers this part) which is most favorable 
to 'the maturing and protecting the egg; be- 
sides' this mode causes the fly to deposit the 
egg so higii, if it should hatch, the worm tra- 
vels so slow that it cannot reach the ground, 
after the earth is removed. and- is, therefore. 
killed by the frost. 

As the time is approaching the prevention 
should be used. I send you this communication 
booing that others may be benefited by it. 
Yours, <S:c. 

R. A. Spkix<>. 

.-; '. -i >. C Nov. 30. 1854. 



I ihc So tfhorn Planter. 
MUSHROOMS AND HOGS. 

Mf, ll<ii'x-r : This is the first day of Spring 
and the song of the turtle will soon be heard 
io our laud, and, though quite a cool morning, 
numbers of Blue-birds and Robiu-red-breasts . 
are chirping and frisking about amongst the 
apple trees. Ij a few months the forests Willi 
pat on her glorious green mantle, and the show- 
ery spells of May will cause to spring up the 
peisonou^ nousl room, so hurtful- to the Hog, 
and indeed, I believe, too, to the sheep, though 
io a less degree It is customary with the far- 
mers in ihiii region, where woodland is plentiful, 
and especially after a good mast of acorns, to 
turn tiieir hogs out in die woods in the fall, 
after the ban <:,<-£' Ids are pretty well gleaned 
and dried up, i)A to permit them to remain 
there through the Y/iater and Spring, until the 
clover or harvest fields are ready for them in 
the Summer, u, 1 >..;j-e«i _;entlv they lose a good 
many oi " ring tin? . lontjis of May and 

Jtino from .■■ un-. # 

My obji mta ig ! I is piece, is to inquire of 

yoilj or some of your intelligent readers, why, 
when cor.: - gi . hogs, after they have eaten 
pleatiSullj of mushrooms, that they, in a very 
short time, suow - g is ■ f the effects of the poi- 
son " wnefeas if • eorr is given them, they 



rarely or never die from its effects. And I 
wish also to know what kiud of mushroom or 
; fungous production is so noxious, for certainly 
; they can eat that which springs from the por- 
lar and several other kinds with impunity. I 
advance the opinion that they are a narcotic 
poison, probably ucro-no/rcolic, causing conges- 
tion of the brain and spinal cord, and thereby 
; producing paralysis, to some extent, of the 
\ muscles of the legs, which is evinced by the 
i staggering and uncertain direction in which 
j they move, and by its acrid princ'qHc (if it 
really has any), causing irritation aud conges- 
I tion of the coats of the stomach and intestines, 
against winch the coarsely triturated or masti- 
cated particles of corn impinge, and scratch, 
and excite into active inflammation which may 
probably in most instances cause death. The 
'reason why there is not diarrhoea or laxity of 
bowels during the stage of congestion or irri- 
tation of the coats of the intestines, caused by 
i the probable acrid principle of the poison, is 
perhaps because the narcotic principle counter- 
'■ acts it, by a constipating tendency, like that 
of opium or laudanum. I hope that the in- 
troduction of this subject may elicit some pos- 
itive information and a cure if there be any, 
' for the deliterious effects of the mushroom. 
Louisa, March I. Bomero. 

It' any gentleman, eapeeiaillj any physician, can 
shed light on tli? above subject, we beg him io do 
m, — Ed. So. Vi. . 



BGSRAX WASHING RECIPE. 

A number of new subscribers have requested 
us to republish the following recipe, which ap- 
peared in a former number. We have been 
waiting to give the results of some careful ex- 
periments in our family, but which were broken 
off by sickness. Enough, however, was ascer- 
tained to convince us that there is really a 
great advantage in adding a small quantity of 
borax to common hard soap, previous to using 
it for washing. 

Our method is as follows: To every pound 
of soap add from one-half to three-quarters of 
an ounce of common borax, with one quart of 
water. Put the water in any convenient vessel 
upon the stove, add the borax, somewhat pul- 
verized, and then put in the soap cut up in thm 
pieces. Keep them hot, but not boiling, for 
two or three hours, or until the whole is dis- 
solved, and then set it aside to cool, when a 
solid mass will be formed. If the vessel is 
set upon the warm stove at night, the operation 
will be completed in the morning, though \h- 
think it better to stir the mass just before it is 
cooled. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, 



105 



The night before washing, rub the clothes 
where most soiled, with the soap, and soak in 
water till morning. This soap, which has been 
more than doubled in quantity, will go quite as 
far, bulk for bulk, as the original, thus saving 
at least one-half. The boiling and washing are 
to be performed in the usual manner: but it 
will be found that the labor of rubbing is di- 
minished three-fourths, while the usual caustic 
or eating effect of the soap is greatly lessened ; 
and the hands will retain a peculiar soft and 
silky feeling even after a large washing. The 
preparation is adapted to all kinds of fabrics, 
colored or uncolored, including flannels, and it 
is thought to increase their whiteness. By 
using this preparation, with the previous soak- 
ing over night, we have had sixteen dozen 
pieces finished early in the forenoon, when, by 
the old process, it would have been an " all 
day's job.*' — American Agriculturist. 



DISCOVERY IN BAKING. 

A correspondent of the " Scotsman," writing 
from Munich, says: ' ; I have visited Professor 
Liebig, and seen his admirable lecture-room 
and laboratory, models for imitation in other 
countries. . He told me that in England the 
bakers use a great quantity of alum in making 
bread. It is employed to make the bread white, 
moist and soft. It acts by coagulating the 
gluten of the wheat, and it is deleterious in its 
effects. He has discovered that water saturated 
with lime produces the same whiteness in bread, 
the same softness, and the same capacity to 
retain moisture, while the lime removes all 
acidity from the dough, and supplies an element 
needed in the structure of the bones, which is 
deficient in wheat, and still more so in rye. I 
ate bread made of it in his house; it was ex- 
cellent. He uses five pounds of water saturated 
with lime, to nineteen pounds of flour. No 
other change is necessary in the process of 
baking. The lime coagulates the gluten as 
effectually as alum does. The bread weighs 
well, and the bakers consequently approve of 
it. He allowed me to report the discovery at 
discretion. " 



and they talk so loosely as to convince a plain 
farmer that the matter is very little understood. 
But practice is our present theme ; and the 
benefit of lime is so visible, that the use of it 
has become general, where the price and carriage 
are moderate. However people may differ in 
other particulars, all agree that the operation 
of lime depends on its intimate mixture with 
the soil ; and therefore that the proper time of 
applying it is when it is perfectly powdered, 
and the soil at the same time in the highest 
degree of pulverization. This opinion appears 
to have a solid fotvndation. Lime of itself is 
absolutely barren ; and yet it enriches a barren 
soil. Neither of the two produces any good 
effect without the other ; therefore the effect 
must depend on the mixture, and consequently, 
the mere intimately they are mixed, the effect 
nmst be the greater. — Kaimes Gentleman 
Farmer, p. '259. 



LIME. 

A valued friend asks us to insert the following 
article on lime, from Lord Kaimes" Gentleman 
Farmer : 

Lime, which is a profitable manure, and great- 
ly profitable when it can be got in plenty within 
a moderate distance. Philosophers differ wide- 
ly about its nature, and the cause of its effects; 



From the Alabama Planter. 
THE FIELD PEA. 
Edwards, Miss., Jan. 27, 1355. 

Messrs. Editors: The field pea being destructive to 
cattle and hogs under some circumstances, has, in 
your eighth number, January 22, another advocate 
in Mr. David Lee. This matter, I thought had 
been settled beyond all question by the many wri- 
ters of the Cultivator in the negative, or perhaps 
more correctly in the absurdity of such a thing, 
when Mr. John Smith has turned hogs into his pea 
field for forty years, more or less, and never lost 
one. 

Some ten or twelve years ago I gave notice in a 
paper devoted to agriculture, published in this 
State, that I had lost nearly my entire stock of hogs, 
and I could attribute it to no other cause than the 
cow pea (all field peas planted south are styled 
thus), having examined the field and opened sever- 
al hogs. This occurred two years after, and a 
3'ear after I lost nearly all of my milch cows and 
beeves. This brought upon me much talk of want 
of care in providing water, salt, &c. Some attrib- 
uted it to the cockle bur, though my hogs died in 
November; others to the root of the pea; others to 
the prickly down on the pea haulm, imagining that 
it resembled an article used for destroying worms ; 
others to an over quantity ate, though hogs had 
been in the pea field for thirty or sixty days and 
cattle for a month ; others to the pea being so hard 
that it irritated the stomach, and some had cut 
through ; but finally settled down to the fact, that 
no careful man lost stock. To all this I affirmed 
that salt and ashes and water were in abundance 
where my stock were ; that ray stock never died 
until after a moist, warm spell of weather, and that 
when kept out at such times, I lost none ; but all 
this would not do. I then produced the names of 
quite a number of planters who had also lost hogs 
and cattle, not as early by two pr three years as I 
had, but all would not do. 

I continue to sow peas* bountifully, permitting 
no stock but fattening hog* on them : for if hogs 



106 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, 



get to pea fields even in January or February, they 
are killed. Why this is, I leave to others to say, I 
am not able. Certainly hogs or cattle did not die 
thus the first twelve or fifteen years I lived here, 
though all water from the earth is too hard to wash 
with, indicating lime. 

I offer no hypothesis, 1 know it, is so, and I do 
not think I have a neighbor who has been here ten 
or fifteen years but can testify at their own experi- 
ence to the fact, that hogs are killed by something 
they eat in the pea field. 

I thought it but right to support Mr. Lee, as I 
do not remember that your readers have been 
served up this dish before. • Indeed, I think I was 
the first one to call attention to this matter ; there- 
fore, in aiding Mr. Lee, I am but helping myself, 
for none of us like to be deemed careless by our 
peers. 

Suppose chemists cannot find any poisonous sub- 
stance — forsooth our hogs are not dead. 1 have 
knowrr horses and mules killed by eating rotten 
sweet potatoes. Rye in a spoiled condition is very 
deleterious. Spoiled Irish potatoes, &c, also. Yet 
I know not that a poison has been detected. 

I would plant peas for manure and provide feed 
for hogs elsewhere, and advise all others to do so. 

Yours, with much respect, M. W. Pnin.ips. 



For the Southern Planter. 

GAS TAR IN HORTICULTURE. 

Clover Field, 26/A January, 1855. 
My Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find a scrap 
out from the Intelligencer, which might not meet 
your eye. It appears that the insect tribe have a 
great aversion to gas tar. Only suppose that roll- 
ing in this tar when the corn is planted should be 
a remedy against the bore worm, the benefit would 
be incalculable. 

I remain yours, 

F. K. Nki.son. 
F. G. Baffin, Esq. 

From Galignani's Messenger, as quoted in the 
Franklin Institute for December, 1854, we learn 
that a discovery, which is likely to be of great 
advantage to agriculture, has been reported to the 
Agricultural Society at Clermond, France. A 
gardener whose frames and hot houses required 
painting decided on making them black, as likely 
to attract the heat better, and from a principle of 
economy he made use of gas tor instead of black 
paint. The work was performed during the winter, 
and on the approach of spring the gardener was 
surprised to find that all the spiders and insects 
which usually infested his hot house had disap- 
peared, and also that a vine, which for the last 
two years had so fallen off that he had intended to 
replace it by another, had acquired fresh force and 
vigor, and gave every sign of producing a large 
crop of grapes. He afterwards used the same 
substance to the posts and trellis work which sup- 
ported the tiers in the open air, and met with the 
same results. All the caterpillars and other 
insects completely disappeared. It is said that 
similar experiments have been made in some of 
the vineyards in the Gironde, with similar results. 
We commend these facts to American horticul- 
turists as equally applicable to other growths than 
that of the vine. 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF RAIN. 

To understand the philosophy of this beautiful 
and often sublime phenomenon, so often witnessed 
since the creation of the world, and so essential 
to the very existence of plants and animals, a few 
facts derived from observation and a long train 
of experiments, must be remembered : 

1 . Were the atmosphere everywhere, at all times 
of a uniform temperature, we should never have 
rain, or hail, or snow. The water absorbed by 
it in evaporation from the sea and the earth's 
surface, would descend in an imperceptible vapor, 
or cease to be absorbed by the air when it was 
once fully saturated. 

2. The absorbing power of the atmosphere, and 
consequently its capacity to retain humidity, is 
proportionally greater in warm than cold air. 

3. The air near the surface of the earth is 
wanner than it is in the region of the clouds. 
The higher we ascend from the earth the colder do 
we find the atmosphere. Hence the perpetual 
snow on very high mountains in the hottest 
climate. 

Now, when, from continued evaporation, the air 
is highly saturated with vapor, though it be invisi- 
ble and the sky cloudless, it its temperature is 
suddenly reduced b; < old currents descending 
from above, or rushing from a higher to a lower 
latitude, or by the motion of saturated air to 
a cooler latitude, its capacity to retain moisture is 
diminished, clouds are formed, and the result is 
rain. Air condenses as it cools, and, like a sponge 
filled with water and compressed, pours out the 
water which its diminished capacity cannot hold. 
How singular, yet how simple, the philosophy of 
rain ! What but Omniscience could have devised 
such an admirable arrangement for watering the 
earth. — N. Y. Observer. 



Chloroform for Domestic Animals. — The last 
report of the Commissioner of Patents contains 
a very interesting article from the pen of Dr. 
Jackson, of Boston, Mass., (who first discovered, 
thirteen years since the paralisation of the nerves 
of sensation by inhaling ether,) on the use of 
ether with chloroform for domestic animals, 
for facilitating surgical operations, either for the 
cure of diseases, or for rendering them more ser- 
viceable to man. Among these operations he 
mentions the removal of tumors, the application of 
actual cautery, castration, &c, and also states 
that very refractory horses had been made to sub- 
mit to shoeing, and soon learn to submit after- 
wards without a repetition of the ether. 

The ether and chloroform mixture is adminis- 
tered with great facility, by attaching to the nose 
of the animal, a muzzle or basket, (fastened to the 
head-stall,) in the bottom of which has been 
placed a very coarse, open-textured sponge, which 
has been soaked in water and squeezed dry. One 
part of chloroform and four of ether are mixed in 
a bottle, and then poured upon the sponge from 
time to time as needed, renewing it as it evap- 
orates. The animal breathes it freely, and " soon 
falls down gently into a deep sleep of insensibility 
and unconsciousness," and becomes entirely pas- 
sive to any operation that may be performed. 

Dr. Jackson regards the use of pure chloroform 
as dangerous, and recommends its- mixture with 
ether for animals, as better than ether alone, on 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



107 



account of its greater power and concentration. 
The mixed vapors also act more kindly, on ac- 
count of the slightly stimulating property of the 
ether overcoming the deadly sedative effect of the 
pure chloroform. Dr. Jackson remarks that he 
has never known a single fatal accident from the 
administration of the vapor, nor of this mixture, 
provided air was also admitted into the lungs 
mingled with the vapor, so as to sustain the functions 
of life as required for respiration. This remark, 
we understand, he applies to its effects on the 
human system, in which his practice has heen most 
extensive. 

Animals that have considerable sensible perspi- 
ration, will bear large doses without any danger; 
such is the bull, horse, ccc, while a cat may 
be readily killed by a full dose of chloroform, and 
it should be very cautiously administered to the 
dog. Ether, alone, mixed with air, is considered 
as perfectly safe. — Country Gentleman. 



SCRATCHES IN HORSES. 

A correspondent of the Maine Farmer gives the 
following remedy : 

I noticed in your paper several receipts for the 
cure of scratches in horses, among them was that 
of a solution of lime, which, if it had appeared a 
little sooner, I should have been tempted to have 
tried on a three year old colt whose lameness, 
which appeared about three weeks since, was found 
to be caused by the scratches. After the repeated 
application of remedies said to cure the disease, 
for about a fortnight, with apparently no effect, I 
applied a coat of zinc paint and oil. By examina- 
tion the next day after the priming or application 
of paint, I found signs of amelioration of the con- 
dition of the sores, and in a day or two decided 
signs of improvement, and now, although it has 
been but a few days, the colt is free from lame- 
ness, and the sores are healed. The remarkable 
rapidity with which this cure was brought about 
was evidently owing to this simple and easily 
applied remedy, and the object of speaking of this 
remedy, is the good of those horses whose owners 
are ignorant of its food effects, in this disease. 



CAPACITY OF BOXES. 

A box 24 inches by 1G Laches, square, and 
28 inches deep, will contain a barrel, (five 
bushels.) 

A box 24 inches square, and 14 inches deep, 
will contain half a barrel. 

A box 26 inces by 15.02 inches square, and 
8 inches deep,, will contain one bushel. 

A box 12 inches by 1 1.02 inches square, and 
3 inches deep, will contain half a bushel. 

A box 8 inches by 8.04 inches square, and 
8 inches deep, will contain one peck. 

A box 8 inches by 8 inches square, and 4.02 
inches deep, will contain one gallon. 

A box 7 inches by 8 inches square, and 4.8 
inches, deep, will contain a half gallon. 

A box 4 inches by 4 inches square, and 4.01 
inches deep, will contain one quart. — Farmer's 
Jcwrnol. 



WEIGHTS OF MEASURES. 

The following table of the number of pounds 
of various articles to a bushel, may be of in- 
terest to our readers : 

Of wheat, sixty pounds. 

Of shelled corn, fifty-six pounds. 

Of corn on the cob, seventy pounds. 

Of rye, fifty-six pounds. 
• Of oats, thirty-six pounds. 

Of barley, forty pounds. 

Of potatoes, sixty pounds. 

Of bran, twenty pounds. 

Of clover seeds, sixty pounds. 

Of timothy seeds, forty-five pounds. 

Of flax seed, forty-five pounds. 

Of hemp seed, forty-four pounds. 

Of buckwheat, fifty-two pounds. 

Of blue grass seed, fourteen pounds. 

Of castor beans, forty-six pounds. 

Of ^dried peaches, thirty-three pounds. 

Of dried apples, twenty-four pounds. 

Of onions, fifty-seven pounds. 

Of salt, fifty pounds. 



A NEW REMEDY FOR SMUT. 

We give below a short extract of a letter* from 
a friend on this very important subject. We do 
not give the name of the writer because he wishes 
to test the efficacy of his plan before he recom- 
mends it too confidently. Wc hope others will re- 
member it at the proper time and give it a trial. 

" I sowed one hundred bushels of wheat last 
October, every grain of which- was put into 
boiling-hot water ; it is at this time the best 
looking wheat in this part of the country. I 
tried fifty bushels of very smutty wheat in the 
Fall of 1853, and had not one head of smutty 
wheat, nor fly, nor anything to injure the crop 
but rust. I got this hint from Virgil, so that 
it is not csactly new, and should it turn out 
well this harvest, I will give you a full account. 
I am afraid to holler on one experiment ; but 
knowing that smut proceeds from the puncture 
of a bug that deposits an egg which turns to 
a maggot, and then to a fly. I showed the 
worm in the smut grain to Mr. Newton and 
to Col. Brown, at my house. Now the boiling 
water will destroy all things of this sort. Let 
me refer you to the Agricultural Museum, pub- 
lished at Georgetown, 1). C, in 1811." 



Galls from the Harness or Saddle. — Major 
Long, in his valuable account of his expedition to 
the Rocky Mountains, says that his party found 
white lead insistence! with milk to succeed better 
than anything else in preventing the bad effects of 
the galls on the horse's back, in their march over 
the plains that border the mountains. Its effect in 
smoothing or soothing the irritated and inflamed 
surface was admirable. 



108 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



From the American Cotton Planter. 

COMPOST MANURES— STOCK YARDS, &g. 
Gov. Brown, 

Dear Sir: The preparation of stock-yard 
compost manure and its proper application lo 
the soil, as a fertilizer, in the production of our 
important crops, cotton and grain — with some 
remarks on the value of Guano to the Southern 
Planter, will claim our attention at this time. 
This species of fertilizer, the most common, 
and cheapest to the planter, is valuable in 
proportion to the care and attention exercised 
by the proprietor in its preparation. This fact 
I have clearly shown in a previous article. I 
have given this subject much careful atten- 
tion, and I am thoroughly convinced that too 
much importance cannot, be attached to it, as 
an integral item in our plantation economy. 
Compost manuring, in connection with stock 
raising and pasturage, is the true renovator 
of all agricultural exhaustion. Stock are the 
inseparable companions of agriculture. All 
the team service of the plantation they perform. 
They also furnish quite a considerable propor- 
tion of the food consumed b}' the family and 
operatives of the plantation. In the performance 
of all this important service they must consume 



plantation fit them for the greatest value as 
teamsters, milkers and porkers, and in that 
condition their excrements produce the most 
valuable fertilizers, how important is it, in an 
agricultural point of view, that the fact be 
distinctly understood and acted on by the 
planters of the country. My experience fully 
sustains this position. In a previous article I 
have shown that Ibis system of rotation and 
shift of crops furnish the necessary mear.s, in 
rich pasturage and abundance of grain to keep 
the stock of the plantation in proper condition. 
In this condition of the stock of the plantation, 
I may answer another one of your inquiries, as 
to the number of stock that may be thus kept 
to the hand. This answer is properly in place 
here previous to entering upon the details of 
preparing compost manure. Twenty head of 
cattle to five hands will answer all the wants of 
the plantation. The number of hogs is to be 
measured by the bacon necessary to do the 
place. Plough teams, one for every two hands, 
and sheep enough to clothe the negroes. Of 
course on large plantations the exact number 
cannot perhaps be preserved, but about this 
proportion will be. found to answer every need- 
ful purpose. Now then on a plantation ihus 
arranged and stocked, as mine is, I shall 



on their part a very considerable proportion | proceed lo give in detail the plan of operations 

which I pursue, by which I am enabled to make 
2500 bushels of good rich compost manure per 
hand every year, and the only proper mode 
of applying it to the land. 

In the first place, the farmers golden rule 
is emphatically applicable here, and I may add 
entirely essential to success — '•'• a place for every- 
thing and every thing in its place/' Each 
kind of stock must be provided with lots and 
shelter, and they must be induced or driven 
into their quarters every night during the 
entire year. These lots, stables and shelters 
are to be constantly and regularly kept well 
littered with vegetable matter, which being 
broken and tread up by the stock walking 
and tramping over it, forms a most valuable 
absorbent for preserving the fluid portions of 
the excrements. For gathering pine, straw, 
oak leaves and other decaying vegetable matter 
from the forest, I have seen various plans 
recommended, such as detailing such hand 
or hands and cart for every five or ten hands 
on the place, &c. But I have found no plan to 
answer so well in practice as this: I have 
prepared for each hand a good, substantial and 
handy iron toothed rake — during wet, rainy 
weather all hands, with these rakes, gather 
rapidly large quantities of vegetable matter, 
which is easily hauled into the lots on large 
frames made for the purpose. This is a gene- 
ral rule and rigidly persevered in during all 
the year, except in winter after the crop is 
gathered, when I have it hauled into the lots 
as it may be needed, as we are not then so 
particularly engaged in the plantation. In the 
spring and summer, after every fall of rain, all 
hands are engaged in raking up and hauling 
litter into the stock lots. Under this arrange- 
li then the proper treatment of stock on the 1 mem, a day after the fall of a wetting rain, can 



of the -produce of the plantation. In this con 
sumption, however, of hay, fodder and grain, 
under proper management there is really 
nothing destroyed or lost: to the plantation, it 
is at this point the great difficulty is encountered 
by planters in the preparatmii of compost 
manures. When the range is relied on for 
.stock- raising and feeding, as is almost 
universally the case, in the planting States, the 
penning and shelter of slock every night is 
attended with a great deal of trouble, and the 
food consumed — after the first month or so in 
the early spring— is of such character and 
procured at. such toil, on the part of the stock, 
as merely to sustain animal life, and their 
excrements, of course almost, valueless as a 
fertilizer, at least comparatively so. This fact, 
connected with the rude and careless means 
usually adopted on plantations for composting 
and saving manure, furnishes the criteria upon 
which the opinion of the planting public is 
based, as to the value of the compost manures 
and the importance of its preparation in the 
plantation economy of the country. 

In an article published in the November 
number of this journal, extracted from a pre- 
mium essay, prepared for the "Maryland 
Agricultural Society," the position is taken that 
compost manures are not worth the hauling. 
This is the result of experience in Virginia. 
This opinion is very common all over the 
country, and it is the effect of that state of 
things which we have detailed above. My 
experience for the last twelve years has led me 
to a very different conclusion. Analysis shows, 
that the dung of animals — the horse, cow and 
hog— well kept, abounds in the very same fer- 
tilizing' elements that make Guano so valuable. 



THE SOUTHERN PLAN TEE. 



109 



be more valuably employed by the hands of 
the plantation in collecting materials for pre- 
paring manure than by ploughing and hoeing 

i the wet soil. Every planter knows well the 
.Djury done to the land by working on it while 

| wet. The crop is not benefitted by work done 
a: such time, nor is the grass or weeds so likely 
to be subdued. But the time may be most 
valuably employed in preparing the materials 
:or composing manure, and when the land is in 
proper condition for work the cultivation of 
the crop is resumed under the most favorable 
circumstances. The great point gained is this : 
the large amount of rich, productive manure, 
which being applied to the land, under judicious 
culture, secures the production of the desired 
crops on one-third the surface required on 
the same land to grow it. without the manure. 
After the preparation and planting, manured 
land being just as easy to cultivate as that 
unmanured. :he time for preparing manure 
while the 'and is wet after a recent fall of rain, 
is most profitably employed. All decaying 
vegetable matter, about the plantation, such as 
weeds, grass. &c. that grow and collect in the 
fence jams, in low. wet places, in the ditches. 
&c. should be carefully raked up, and at a 
convenient time hauled into the stock lots. 
Muck also, where it may exist in ponds and 
branches within or contiguous to the plantation, 
should be hauled up in the summer while 
dry and light as nothing contributes more 
valuably to the compost heap, nor is any 
absorbent perhaps more retentive of the valua- 
ble fluid portions of fat animal excrements. This 
i's the process by which I am enabled to pre- 
pare the large quantities of rich, valuable, 
compost manure per hand, which I apply to my 
land annually. There is another important 
item in the preparation of manure, which 
should be mentioned here. It is the construc- 
tion of the stock lots. This should be done 
in such ma.nr.er as to prevent any water from 
running into them, that does not fall immediately 
on them, nor should any water be allowed 
to escape from them. Moisture is a component 
part of compost manure. Too much water. 
however, adds more to the expense of carriage 
than to value in fertility. This teaches the 
economy of housing and sheltering the compost 
heap, that we may be spared the expense of 
hauling to the field so much water, quite as 
heavy as the manure itself and of no value. 
Of course, every planter engaging in the 
preparation and saving of compost manure will 
consult the conveniences of locality. &c. of his 
plantation in the construction of his stock 
houses and lots, and other arrangements for 
the business. 

I shall now give you my mode of applying 
the manure to the land. Of course I esteem it 

. the proper mode. A3 I have stated elsewhere, 
my land, though but little undulating, is all 
.aid off in rows as nearly level as instrumental 
operations can accomplish. The manure is 
hauled out on the land in carts, with tumbling 
bodies, graduated, to hold an exact number 
bushels. In the commencement a r^w is 



selected 15 feet from the fence or beginning. 
This is the heap row. Fifteen feet from the 
end of this row the first heap, or half the load 
is deposited, it is raked out by removing the 
hind gate of the body. Thirty feet from this 
on the same row, the second heap is made by 
tumbling the body, when all the manure slips 
out and the further trouble of unloading is 
saved. The following simple diagram of a 
single acre, shows the simplicity and perfection 
of this mode of operation at a moment's time. 
and a negro of ordinary intelligence is enabled 
to do the work without any difficulty or incon- 
venience: 



Explanation. — The stars represent 
heaps of manure, each containing ten bushels. 
placed in the centre of squares of 900 square 
superficial feet — giving 49 to each acre. 

Thus it is seen with what perfect regular y 
and uniformity the manure is hauled on the 
land. This done, we proceed to spread it 
out over the land, by first running off the rows 
with a scooter plough in the old water furrows 
which is yet perfectly visible, though the land, 
lay last year in fallow— then two hands are put 
to each heap row of manure, with good shovels. 
(Ames' long handles are best.) and they scatter 
each heap for fifteen feet on all sides, which 
gives ten bushels of good manure to .the 
surface of 900 square feet. All this is plain, 
simple, efficacious and practical ; thus the 
broad-casting continues until one suit of rows 
is done, when the ploughs commence, by first 
running around these rows with a scooter goop 
and deep, and the balance is broken and 
bedded out with good turning ploughs, by 
running four times in each row, thus dividing 
the soil equally and throwing up each row 
uniformly. You thus see that the manure is 
incorporated equally and uniformly throughout 
all the soil. Whatever may be the opinion of 
casuists to the contrary, this is the true 
economy in the application of compost manure. 
I have given you in this detail the plat 
operations that 1 pursue in the preparation and 
application to the soil of compost manure 

Dr. Ciod. 



110 



Ti IE -SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



For the Southern Planter. 
POSTSCRIPT TO REMARKS ON THE EFFECT 
OF LIME ON SORREL. . . 

After my answer to the published denials 
|by Dv. Pendleton and the editor of the 
American Farmer,) of the growth of sorrel 
"being destroyed by lime, bad been sent to the 
press, I made a visit to Prince George county 
and attended the monthly court on March 8th. 
I made use of the accidental opportunity to 
invite the farmers then present to state 
their testimony on the question, whether for 
or against my views. A paper with both the two 
following headings, of opposite purport, were 
submitted, and, after full notice aud explana* 
nation, it received the signature (as was 
believed) of every experienced marling or 
liming farmer then on the ground. 

Among the signers who support my position, 
several reported strong cases of apparent excep- 
tions to the general rule affirmed. Of these, 
one farmer (like Dr. Pendleton and his friend,) 
had seen the quantity of sorrel increased for the 
first year after liming ; but having given longer 
time to observation, lie found the growth" to 
disappear the next year, and thereafter. 
Another, on his land from which previous 
marling had removed the sorrel, had known 
that plant to appear again partially, after a 
later dressing of a peculiar gypseous and sul- 
phureous and also fertilizing clay. Another 
had known the growth of sorrel, which had 
disappeared generally from- a field after marling, 
to return in great abundance on, and precisely 
limited to. a small space thickly covered with 
rotting pine leaves as manure. Others stated, 
(and perhaps every one might state,) that after 
light and irregular marling or liming, and the 
consequent general disappearance of sorrel, 
that some spots still continued to produce that 
growth. Tn a few other eases of the oldest 
and only marling-, and where the dressing had 
not been heavy, and also where the organic 
matter and the fertility of the soil have much 
increased since, that sorrel, after long disap- 
pearance, had again returned in a few scattered 
plants. This partial return, even after the 
oldest known single marlings, (of 36 years,) 
has not yet occurred where the dressing had 
been heavy. This late return of sorrel on 
marled land was anticipated and predicted; 
and other reasons therefor stated, many years 
before the occurrence of any such fact had 
been known. [Sec p. 219 of 5th edition, and 
the same passage in all the older editions of 
the Essay on Calcareous Manures.] Yet all of 
these apparent <•■;■ temporary exceptions did 
not invalidate or weaken the general rule, 
to the several witnesses and reporters, or 



oppose the written testimony which they have 
here offered. This testimony, I trust, will 
bo deemed more than enough to maintain, and 
that without exception, my position, which has 
been assailed and denied, viz : that marling or 
liming, in proper manner and quantity, will 
entirety destroy the groioth of sorrel, and 
prevent its return. Edmund Ruffin. 

Prince George, Va., March 9th, 1855. 
COPY. 
[First Heading, ,] 

" The undersigned, by personal experience and 
observation, as well as from general report, are 
perfectly sure that marling, or liming, sufficient 
and proper for the most profitable manuring of 
land, has, on our respective lands and others, 
destroyed the former growth of sheep-sorrel, and 
prevented its subsequent growth. : 





Years 


Age of 




since be- 


earlier 




ginning 


marli ng 


Names of Farmers. 


personal 
useofmarl 


(not since 
repeated,) 




or lime. 


by prede- 
cessor on 
same farm 


William Gee marl 


12 yeari 




Nat. W. Osborne lime 


10 " 




Edmund Ruffin, jr. - marl 


16 " 


36 years 


Alfred Butts " 


20 " 




Alex. C. Harrison " 


14 " 


18 years 


Wm. E. Proctor 


10 " 




Robert Harrison 


20 " 




Edward A. Marks 


26 " 


34 years 


David Tatum l: 


20 " 




William Bryant " 


10 " 




Peter Eppes 


10 " 




J. M. Jordan lime 


10 "■ 




Williamson Simmons marl 


15 " 




Nat. C. Cocke 


14 " 


34 years 


William Shands 


20 " 




J. C. Hobbs marl and lime 


14 " 




Archibald Glover marl 


9 t: 




James B. Cocke " 


20 ".' 


28 years 


Samuel T. Smith 


6 '■' 




Henry Hollingsworth 


15 " 




T, W. Simmons 


12 " 




John Averv 


20 " 




S. G. W 7 ells 


15' " 




Thomas IT.. Daniel 


12 <: 




Robert R. Collier 


16 " 




James S. Gee 


25 " 




Wm. L. Shackelford 
George A. Wilkin's 


15 " 




9 " 




Peter C. Marks 


15 " 




John A. Peterson 


25 " 




Wm. H. Edwards 


12 " 




Richard G. Dunn 


28 " 




Giles Johnson 


14 " 




W. H. Warthen 


5 " 





[Signatures — Ayes 34.] 

[Second Heading.] 

" The undersigned, mailers or limers of experi- 
ence, believe that marl or lime, applied as manure 
iu proper quantity, and well intermixed with the 
soil, does not destroy and will not prevent the 
growth of sheep-sorrel. 

[ Signature* — None. ]." 



I 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



HI 



A NEW CULTIVATOR. 

A correspondent of the Farmer's Compa- 
nion brings forward a good idea in relation to 
cultivators. 

• : As these implements are generally made, 
there is one pair of teeth standing side by side, 
and very close together, near the front end. 
These teeth, from their shape and position, 
are constantly picking up sods, stones, &c, 
making it necessary to lift the cultivator and 
shake it clear, or even to stop the horse for 
the same purpose. I made some alterations 
in mine to remedy this evil, two or three years 
ago, and it has worked ever since to my entire 
satisfaction. 

" The remedy is this : to alter the position 
of these' two teeth, placing one further forward 
and the other further back, so that any ob- 
stacle, instead of striking both at once, will 
strike first one, and then slide off to the other. 
It is obvious that the distance of these two 
teeth from the centre line of the machine 
must be kept the same, which there is no diffi- 
culty in doing, if the side pieces are made of 
tolerably wide stuff, say four inches. — Prairie 
Farmer. 



An exchange says : " Farms occupy two- 
thirds of the land of England. The number 
of the farms is 224,318 ; the average size 1 1 1 
acres. Two-thirds of the farms are under 
that size, but there are 771 of above 1,000 
acres. The large holdings abound in small 
farms in the north. There are 2000 English 
farmers holding nearly two million acres ; and 
there are 27,000 others who altogether do not 
hold more. There are 40,650 farmers who 
employ five laborers each; 16,801 have ten 
or more, and employ together 311,703 laborers ; 
170 farmers have sixty laborers each, and to- 
gether employ 77,000." 

A GOOD SOAP RECEIPT. 

Have the ley of sufficient- strength to float an 
egg: measure it into barrels as obtained, and to 
each gallon add 1 lb. of grease. Stir every day 
until it becomes thick, then to 10 gallons of this 
soft soap put 4 gallons of ley as strong as that 
above. Boil 1 hour or more, until the grease en- 
tirely disappears. Then dissolve 6 qts. of salt in 
4 gallons of water. Stir it in, and boil the whole 
15 minutes longer. Pour it out into tubs to har- 
den, cut it out in bars, and dry in the shade. 



A GOOD COMMON CAKE. 

One large tea-sup of sugar, three eggs, six oz. 
butter, one pint milk,- two cups raisins, one cup of 
yeast, three pints of flour; cinnamon and nutmeg. 
Bake in a pan after it has risen. 



From the Boston Cultivator. 

LICE ON CATTLE. 

Messrs. Editors : — Having seen in the 
Cultivator many articles on the subject, of lice 
on cattle, and one in particular from B. N. 
Andrews, Watersbury, Connecticut, I beg to 
reply thereto. I am accustomed to purchase 
cattle from droves in the fall for wintering, 
and have been greatly troubled in this 
way : and having tried tobacco, oils of various 
kinds, skimmings of the pot where pork had 
been boiled, &c, and finding all very objec- 
tionable, rendering the hair of the creatures 
rough and filthy, I resorted to other means, 
and found them better. Having purchased 
a pair of cattle with sore necks all covered 
with lice, some one told me to bathe them 
with N. E. rum; I did so, and it killed all the 
vermin that it came in contact with, and 
healed their sores at the same time. It may 
be applied conveniently with a. spouge ; I have 
used it for three years, and find it not only 
effectual but cheaper than any other dressing; 
half a pint, the cost of four cents, being suffi- 
cient to kill the vermin of any ox or cow; and 
I think that tobacco, unguentuin or grease 
need not be cheaper; besides which, it leaves 
the hair clean and smooth. It may require to 
be used twice, as some nits of the vermin may 
hatch after the first application. It is also an 
excellent remedy for the sore shoulders or 
back of galled horses, as well as lameness 
or hurts in all kinds of cattle, as also, the 
sore or creaked teats of milk cows. It should 
be disguised with camphor or other harmless 
article and be kept in every barn, or under 
lock and key, as it may possibly evaporate 
under some latitudes. George JD. Gates. 



Coiin Fodder. — My cows have eaten this 
winter without 20 lbs. waste, what came from 
an acre and one fourth, except what was cut 
and fed out green before November. I have 
bright clover, and English hay, red-top, &c, 
but nothing that is liked as well by cows 
giving milk, as cow-corn. They eat it " all up 
clean," and give more and better milk than 
when fed on hay. My cow-corn when sowed 
is the best white flat I can get, and from as far 
South as Delaware, the farther South the 
better. Rows, 3£ feet apart, from 40 to GO 
kernels to a foot in the drill, sowed with a 
machine of my own construction. The fodder 
from one rod square, weighed 225 lbs. when 
taken to the barn — a more perfect drying of 
the stalks would have reduced the number <vf 
pounds some, how much I know not. 

[Cor. Granite Farmer. 



112 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



Self-Regulating Windmill. — Daniel Halliday, 
says the Farm Journal, a mechanic in an obscure 
country village, Bellington, Connecticut, has done 
what the world of Mechanics have sought for in 
vain for centuries. He has invented and put in 
successful operation a Wind-mill, with self-furling 
sails: The mill built by him has five-feet wings, 
that is, the diameter of the wind-wheel is ten feet, 
and it has been in operation for six months with- 
out a hand being touched to it to regulate the sails. 
It ran fifteen days at one time without stopping 
day or night, and it has stood through hard gales : 
the beauty of the improvement is, that it does 
stand still when the wind rages hardest, with the 
edge of the wings to the wind, and as it lulls they 
gradually resume their position for the gentle 
'breeze. It is so contrived that nothing but a squall 
of great severity falling upon it without a moment's 
warning can produce damage. 

The mill mentioned has drawn water from a well 
Sweaty-eight feet deep, one hundred feet distant 
and forced it into a small reservoir in the upper 
part of the barn, sufficient for all farm purposes, 
garden irrigation, " and lots to spare." 

The cost of such a mill will be $50, and the 
pipss about $25. It is elevated on a single oak 
post a foot square, the turn circle being supported 
by iron braces. The wings are made of one longi- 
tudinal iron bar. through which run small rods ; 
npon these rods narrow boards half an inch thick 
are fitted, holes being bored trough from edge to 
edge, and screwed together, by nuts on the ends of 
the rods. 

This makes strong light sails, but as will bo seen 
are light fixtures not to be furled or clewed tip ; 
tat they are thrown up edge to the wind by a very 
ingenious and simple, arrangement of the machine- 
ry, which obviates the great objection to windmills 
for farm use : the necessity of constant supervision 
of the sails to suit the strength of the wind. 

[We scarcely know- of any one invention of so 
wide importance as this, of a good, sure, safe wind- 
mill ; one which could be put up and kept up at 
a small expense, and which could be relied on to 
do work a good part of the time. The uses to 
•which such a power could be put are almost innu- 
merable. We have already mentioned pumping 
as successfully done among us, by a mill built at 
-Jacksonville in this State. A young man in this 
city has taken a patent for a mill which exposes 
one set of sails to the" wind while the others are 
ftiried. — Ed.] — Prairie Farmer.' 

Number op Seeds in given AVeigiits. — Mr. 
Meivin stated in a late discussion at an English 
Farmer's Club, that after several trials he had 
fcand that — 
1 lb. of red clover of good quality gives, per acre, 

to each superficial foot, 6j seeds. 

1 "lb. yellow clover, (jmediaago lupidinaT) 6 " 

1 To. white clover. 1 ('. " 

1 To. rye grass, 5 " 

But as a large number of the seeds sown do not 
vegetate, and many of the plants which come up 
die, it is necessary to sow much larger quantities 
ife&n are specified; and Mr. M. recommends fat- 
al) acre 8 lbs. red clover, 2 lbs. white do., 2 lbs. 
yellow do., with one bushel of rye grass, which 
by his computation affords 100 seeds rye grass, 50 
red clover, 32 white, and 12 yellow clover, per su- 
:.' rficial foot. In this country, a good substitute 
for the rye grass would be the same quantity of 
:■ . ('- -op per acre. 



Cooking Food. — The Shakers, at Lebanon, New 
York, in the Patent Office Report, speak thus : 

" The experience of more than thirty years leads 
us to estimate giound corn, at one third higher 
than unground, as food for cattle, and especially 
for fattening pork ; hence, it has been the practice 
of our society for more than a quarter of a centu- 
ry to grind all our provender. The same experi- 
ence induces us to put a higer value on cooked than 
upon raw meal ; and for the fattening of animals, 
swine particularly, we consider three of cooked 
equal to four bushels of raw me ?, Until within 
the last three or four years, our society fattened 
annually, for thirty years, from -10,000 to 50,000 
pounds of pork exclusive of lard and offal fat; 
and it is the constant practice to cook the meal, 
for which purpose six or seven potash kettles are 
used." 

Scientific men have said this for years ; here is 
the testimony of practical men who make no pre- 
tensions to science. In this way true science and 
practice always agree. They are one and the same 
thing in a different shape. The new moon is no 
less a moon because we only see her horns. 

Far. Companion. 



A GOOD KIND OF CORN BREAD. 

Take one quart of corn meal, three eggs,- one 
table-spoonful of lard, a little yeast and salt; 
make it up tolerably stiff; after it has risen put a 
small tea-spoonful of soda and a tea-spoonful of 
brown sugar in a little milk, and stir it in; the 
quantity of milk depends on how you wish to bake 
it : if in rolls very little. It may be made thick 
enough to drop in spoonfuls into an oven and bake 
with a lid; or made thin enough to bake like bat- 
ter-bread. If it is made at one or two o'clock it 
will rise sufficiently for supper ; if at breakfast 
time it will do for dinner, when it should be baked 
in pones. 



GINGER CAKES 



Three pounds and a half of flour, li lbs. of but- 
ter, a tea-cup of ginger, (this quantity must be 
less if the ginger is very strong,) 1 lb. of sugar ,a, 
tea-spoonful of soda dissolved in sour cream or in 
vinegar, with a sufficient quantity of molasses to 
moisten ; work the ingredients well together, roll 
thin, and bake brown. 



Mr. Editor. — Will you allow me through your 
columns to make a recommendation which may 
prove serviceable to the farmers of the county in 
the coming season '?- 

The corn crop of this county, we all know, was 
more injured last summer by chinch bug than by 
the drought which prevailed throughout the coun- 
try. Upon examination, I find this insect in full 
force now in the broom sedge which abounds so 
extensively in our uncultivated lands. They are 
"alive" if not "kicking," and will be ready to 
sally forth upon their work of destruction as the 
warm weather approaches, unless some means be 
resorted to for destroying them at once. In their 
present partially torpid condition the application 
of fire to the sedge fields will do this work. Let 
i every farmer at once apply the torch before the 
I warmth of spring imparts to this destroyer the ac- 
tivity which enables it in warm weather to take 
1 refuge under ground where neither fire nor water 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, 



113 



can destroy it. By this means our farmers will 
not only rid themselves of one of their worst ene- 
mies, but will greatly improve the f?.ce of their 
country. Act promptly ! 

Yours. &c. 
Chcjrlottesr . Jeffersoraari.] Ivy Cr£ek. 




THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 

RICHMOND. APRIL. 1855. 



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For ea:h square of ten lines, first insertion, One Dollar; 
each continuance, Seventy-five Cents. Advertisements 
oat of the City must be accompanied with the money, to 
insure 'Jieir insertion. 



* It is indispensably necessary that subscribers or- 
dering a change should say from what to what post office 
tbey wish the alteration made. It will save time to us and 
lose none to them. 

£y Postage on the Southern Planter, (when paid in 
advance.) to any part of the United States one cent and a 
half p*r quarter, or six cents per annum. 



THE CLIMAX OF WHEAT REAPING 
INVENTIONS. 

>:': J. J. Hite, of White Post, Clarke county, 
writes us: " There is a patent now being taken 
out "oy W. F. Pagett, of this county, for an autom- 
ata a • inding apparatus to be combined with the 
improved McC'ormick Reaper, which by the aid of 
one, or perhaps two men, who ride on the platform 
the machine will bind the wheat into sheaves and 
will deposit them at intervals for shocking, probably 
■-. jy as six or twelve in a place." 

We know of one gentleman whose hands chris- 
tened the first reaper as "the big nigger." 1 This 
beaU :har ; or -.'.ill if it succeeds, so fur that the 
only improvement on it must be the invention 
of an automaton negro out and out, who can plow 
and and sow the wheat and take the machine 
to the field and cut it when it is ready. 



RESCUE GRASS. 

Columrus, Ga., Dec. 13th. 1864. 

Dear Sir : — I take this method to bring to your 
notice a foreign Winter Grass, the seed of which is 
now acclimated, and which I sincerely desire every 
farmer in the South to possess and cultivate. This 
grass grows in the fall, winter and spring only; 
and for the grazing of stock and making nutritious 
hay and restoring worn out fields, has no superior. 
This grass has the following valuable qualities, 
which four years' experience has abundantly 
demonstrated: 

1st. It has the largest grain of any known spe- 
cies of grass, being nearly as large as wheat. 

2nd. It will grow (on very rich ground) from 
three to four feet high. 

3d. It is«*ever injured by cold — no freeze hurts 
it. 
• 4th. It is never troubled by insects of any kind. 

5th. It is never injured or retarded in growth by 
heavy rains, overflows or ordinary drought. 

6th. It grows as fast as Millet or Lucern. 

Tfch. It is as nutritious as barley, and stock arc 
as fond of it as they are of that. 

8th. It will keep horses, mules, cattle, sheep, 
goats, hogs and poultry fat, throughout the winter 
and spring, from November to June. 

Oth. It will then (the stock being withdrawn, 
and .the ground being rich) yield from four to six 
tons of excellent hay per acre. 

10th. It saves corn and fodder being fed away to 
stock during the winter and spring. 

11th. It completely protects fields from washing 
rains. 

12th. It enables farmers to have an abundance 
of rich milk, cream and butter, with fat beef, 
mutton, kid, pork, turkey and chicken for their 
table. 

13th. It will (if followed with our cornfield pea) 
give to farmers the cheapest, the simplest, the 
surest and most paying plan to reclaim worn out 
fields, and refertilize those not yet so, which the 
ingenuity of man can devise. 

14th. It will sow its own seeds after the first time, 
without expense or trouble, thereby reproducing 
itself through its seeds on the same ground ad 
infinitum. 

15th. It does not spread or take possession of a 
field, so as to be difficult to get rid of, but can be 
effectually destroyed at any stage before the seed 
ripen and fall out, by being ploughed up, or under. 

This grass having the above enumerated proper- 
ties will be found by all who cultivate it, far supe- 
rior to any other species ever introduced, or which 
can be introduced, for the climate and soil of the 
South. I shall be prepared by July next, to fur- 
nish seed of this valuable grass to all who desire 
to cultivate it. My price is $5 per peck, which is 
as much as is necessary to begin with ; it being 
distinctly understood that in every instance where 
the party is not satisfied (after giving it a fair trial, 
the price shall be returned. 

Your obediant servant. 

B. V. Iverson. 

A correspondent and subscriber recpiests U3 to 
give our opinion of the Rescue Grass, which, as 
many of our readers know, is a grass newly 
introduced into this country, whence is doubtful, 
and patronized by a Mr. Iverson of Georgia, who 
has given it the name it bears because he asserts 



114 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



it to be a remedy for nearly all the ills that land 
is heir to, first-rate for hay in summer and grazing 
in winter, and the greatest discovery yet made for 
improving good land and renovating exhausted 
soil. We give our opinion reluctantly, because it 
is almost a personal matter with Mr. Iverson to 
dispute the merits of his grass, and because we 
fear we offended him, or came near it, in declining 
an agency for the sale of it about a year ago. 
And really, it is unpleasant to fight the battles 
of the public with every individual who has an 
enthusiastic admiration for his own stock, grass, 
grain, pea, machine, implement or invention. 
Still we must try and do our duty, which is in this 
instance to say that we attach no peculiar value 
to the Ccratocldoa Breviarlstata, or Rescue Grass 
of Mr. B. V. Iverson of Columbus, Georgia. 

The price of the seed, ®5 per peck, with an 
obligation on the part of the purchaser to raise 
none for sale, is too much to pay, and it creates a 
monopoly to which we object decidedly, and which 



in the warmer and earlier climate of Georgia. In 
the second case, if left to seed itself it cannot 
be grazed, or cut for hay, in summer, because 
if it is it will make no seed, and so we lose 
the advantage of the pasturage or the hay. 

That it will yield from four to six, on an average 
five, tons of excellent hay per acre, after the stock 
have been withdrawn the first of June, will hardly 
be credited by those who know how slowly any of 
our valuable grasses or grains reach a good height 
after having been grazed to that period. If any 
are so credulous we beg them to look at this 
statement: The straw of wheat weighs about 
twice as much as the grain * and a maximum crop 
for an acre may be safely assumed at 40 bushels or 
2,400 lbs., the straw of which would be 4,800 lbs., 
and five feet high at that, to say nothing of the 
stubble. But 5 tons are 11,250 lbs. or 2i times 
more, and full lj times more than grain and straw 
combined ! A pretty fair yield when we remember 
?hat the stock had been only taken off the first of 



no farmer should desire, if really anxious for "every '< J ' ine > and that " this grass grows in the fall) winter 



fanner in the South to possess and cultivate" it. 

2. "Four years" is time enough to establish, 
by disinterested testimony, some of the merits 
of this grass, and though a diligent reader of 
the Soil of the South, the Southern Cultivator and 
the Alabama Cotton Planter, we have seen no testi- 
mony of the kind, so that the "experience" of 
others seems not to have endorsed Mr. Iverson. 

3. The grass is an annual: and we hold that 
none of that family of grasses can be invaluable, or 
very valuable even, as the seed have to be sown 
every year, or have to seed themselves. In the 
first case rye is as good a grass as we can get, 
(or oats further South), and will grow quite as 
luxuriantly, on similar soil, as Rescue Grass, and 
corn sown for soiling must be infinitely better and 
capable of producing more green meat on inferior 
soil. Wheat is well known to be among our most 
hardy winter plants and to grow as rapidly, in 
favorable seasons, as any other. It makes very 
good pasture for sheep and calves, and when very 
rank in growth, and the land is not liable to poach 
from the treading of heavy cattle, it is sometimes 
improved by grazing them on it. But nobody 
expects it to grow " as fast as millet or lucerne," 
and if the Rescue Grass does we cannot see how 
"in very rich ground" growing "in the fall, 
winter and spring," it shall reach a height of only 
"three or four feet." If it does no more than 
that rye will match it, at a cost of 80 cents per 
bushel, and only the labor of sowing the seed, for 
it may be put in with the last working of the corn, 
against $'20 per bushel for the Rescue Grass. 

Even cheat or chess, growing spontaneously on 
good land, will make fair hay, and under favorable 
circumstances attains as great height and luxuri- 
ance in our latitude as Mr. Iverson's grass reaches 



and spring only." Assuming June to be a sum- 
mer month in Georgia, which we know it was 
once, for we tried it, and assuming that Mr. Iver- 
non cuts hay in July, it follows that the Res- 
cue Grass has one curious property not stated 
in the circular, viz: that it will make 5 tons 
per acre and reach a height of four feet 
in a month without growing at all. 

Mr. Iverson's assertions prove too much, and 
until the laws of vegetable growth are changed, as 
in the case of Jonah's gourd, we cannot believe 
that any annual plant will keep cattle well, sum- 
mer and winter, improve the land, and seed itself. 
The blue grass sods of Kentucky cannot do it. We 
do not mean to say that Mr. Iverson does not 
believe all he utters about his grass ; he may be 
an enthusiast, and enthusiasts believe every thing 
about their idea of the moment. But we mean to 
to say that we do not believe one-tenth of what lie 
has told the public. So much we have a right to 
declare, without just cause of offence, and without 
being construed to attack any one's veracity. It 
is certainly fair to allow Mr. Iverson to speak for 
himself, as we have done by publishing his circular 
at the head of our strictures.' 

For all the purposes that we conceive our cor-'i 
respondent to have in view, we believe that rye 
sowed in the early fall or, preferably, at the time 
of laying by the corn land that is not destined for 
Wheat, will answer a better purpose, and we do not 
hesitate to advise him and every one else, to sow a 
quantity of it proportioned to his occasions for 
winter and spring grazing and for summer soiling, 
than which latter, nothing will better pay most 
of our Virginia farmers. 

P. S. Since writing the above we have seen Mr. 

*British Husbandry, vol. 2, p. 154. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



115 



J. C. Gates of Chesterfield, who bought last fall 
one peck of Rescue Grass and seeded it about the 
middle of September on land of medium quality, 
guanoed with 200 lbs. good Peruvian, per acre. 
He says that now, the 14th day of March, the 
grass, which has never been grazed, is as high 
as his finger. This statement is made by his 
authority. 



WIDE BEDS FOR LOW GROUNDS— BEAVERS 
IN VIRGINIA. 

It will excite the suprise of many to learn, from 

the Postscript to the following communication of 

our friend Mr. Irby, that the Beaver still lingers 

1 in Virginia. We had thought with Bryant in 

| the Prairies, 

" The beaver builds 
No longer by these screams, but far away, 
On waters whose blue surface ne"er gave back 
The white man's face, among Missouri's springs, 
And pools whose issues swell the Oregon, 
He rears his little Venice." 

But it seems that though a fugitive from the near, 
not far, West he can still be found within our limits. 
Mr. Edmund Ruffin referred us when we mentioned 
the subject to him, to the old Farmers' Register* 
in whicli they are spoken of as existing in Notto- 
way, and in Surry county, near Cabin Point, on 
the James River, about 50 miles from Richmond. 
Another gentleman informs us that they are 
very troublesome in Sussex and Southampton 
counties, both penetrated by the Nottoway river. 

Can any of our correspondents suggesta remedy 1 
Traps, which in 1838, were largely imported into 
Petersburg and thence distributed among the 
infested farms, seem not to have answered, since 
now, 17 years afterwards, we hear the same com- 
plaint. 

Frank G-. Ruffin, Esq., 

Editor of the Southern Planter. 
Dear Sir — In reply to your inquiries in re- 
gard to the " propriety of substituting wide 
for narrow beds in low grounds," I will briefly 
give you the result of my experience and ob- 
servation, and refer you to Mr. E. Ruffin'n 
full and satisfactory Essay on the subjeet, 
(embraced in the two volumes lately pub- 
lished,) for the particulars and reasons why 
the wide beds are preferable to the narrow. 
By this E.ssay, and the experience of my uncle 
W. B. Irby, Esq., I was induced to chanw 
my narrow into wide beds, and have never had 
cause to ^ regret it. My low grounds lie on 
Little Nottoway River, and creeks and 
branches running into it. The land is allu- 

*V<A r, 253, vol vi ,171 



vion, and generally not very difficult to drain. 
It is cultivated mostly in corn and oats, and 
but little in tobacco. Formerly the beds were 
from 11 to 15 feet wide. These I levelled 
down, and threw the land into beds forty feet 
wide. All of my flat land is now laid off in 
this manner, and I have been highly pleased 
with the result. In addition to what Mr. 
Ruffin recommends, I cultivate my land across 
the beds. The reason why this is done, is, to 
get the surface water in the water furrow a3 
soon as possible. By so doing the water has 
only to run from one to twenty feet before it 
reaches the^urrow; whereas if the rows of 
corn run tW length of the bed, it would not 
reach the furrow, except by percolation, until 
it reaches the foot of the bed. It is a gene- 
ral practice with us to cultivate our corn on 
low-land, in part, with the single " turning 
plow," and little extra trouble is required to 
throw the loose dirt out of the furrows. 

It is seldom practicable to get the beds into 
proper form and the furrows sufficiently deep 
at the first operation ; but two or more rota- 
tions will bring them right. Caution must 
also be^ observed to prevent the beds from be- 
coming too much crested, or too high in the 
middle. By a proper system of under-drain- 
ing, united with the wide beds, flat lands can 
be more profitably cultivated than with the 
narrow beds. Such is the experience of every 
farmer of our acquaintance who has tried 
both. 

Mr. W. R. Bland of Nottoway, was one of 
the first in the county to try the "wide-bed" 
system. He says : "A ten years experience 
confirms me in the belief that wide beds are 
greatly preferable to narrow. Any one who 
will try it will soon see, that with the same 
plow the wide bed can be thrown much higher 
than the narrow one. It diminishes the num- 
ber of water furrows, which facilitates the 
plowing, gives two or three additional row3 of 
whatever crop may be cultivated, and dimin- 
ishes by about three-fourths the trouble of 
grading and emptying the water furrows. It 
saves the necessity of head and foot beds, and 
keeps the extremities lower than the body of 
the bed ; for on a wide bed you can and ought 
to plow across the end, throwing the dirt from 
the ditch to the bed. My practice has been 
to run my rows, in cultivating, at right angles 
to the direction of the furrow; yet if they 
are run as usual, I believe the wide beds will 
still be found to be greatly superior to narrow, 
though of course the surface water would not 
so- rapidly flow into the water furrows, as 
where the rows run across the beds." 

If you deem the subject of sufficient im 



116 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



parlance, you would do well to republish the 
Essay above alluded to. 

Yours truly, 
Nottoway, Va. Richard Irby. 

March Idtk, 1655. 

P. S. — You will deem my situation a very 
peculiar one, when I tell you that one of the 
greatest hindrances I encounter in keeping my 
flat land dry, is dams made by beavers. I 
would not err much in saying that I have had 
as many as twenty dams on my land, which 
are rebuilt as fast as I pull thein down. The 
courses of large branches have been changed 
and the whole fiat land immdatedjn some in- 



bran 



stances, and not satisfied with branches, the 
community has become so large as to put a 
dam across the river, selecting a rock founda- 
tion ; which dam no freshet will remove. This 
would not appear so strange if the banks of 
the river were not cleared ; as it is there are 
only a few straggling trees for a mile or fur- 
ther. A fence offers but little impediment to 
them, as they soon cut a hole through. If 
you or any of your readers can suggest a 
practicable mode of getting rid of them, you 
would confer a favor on me, which can be 
communicated privately or publicly, as deemed 
best. I suppose but few are suffering from 
the same cause. 



SEYMOUR'S BROAD CASTING MACHINE. 

See the advertisement of this machine as well 
as Mr. Seymour's Grain Drill, in the advertising 
sheets of this paper. We were so much struck 
with the operation of this machine on Col. Ran- 
dolph's farm where we had an opportunity of 
seeing its capacity tested that we ordered one 
at once. Last fall, from causes not necessary 
to mention, we found it out of our power to ope- 
rate it. But we are so perfectly convinced of 
its great value in efficient working capacity, 
cheapness, durability and simplicity of construction 
that we do not hesitate to recommend it to the 
public, a thing which it is known we do not often 
venture upon. But let it be remembered that 
it is a machine, and therefore will not take care 
of itself. We believe, as Mr. Stabler of Maryland 
observes, that very many of the failures of machines 
arise as much from the ignorance or unskilfulness 
of those who operate them as from defects of the 
machines themselves. 

This machine will r.ot sow damp guano or 
wet lime to advantage. No machine will ; though 
that merit is claimed for some of them ; but it will 
sow damp plaster (though it should be dry when 
sown by a machine,) better than plaster of the 
same consistence can be sown by hand. 

Though not agents for this or any,other machine 



we will gladly aid those who wish to contract, but 
as any one can manage that matter for himself by 
consulting'the advertisement, we hope the trouble 
will be saved us. 

We have induced Mr. Seymour to promise to 
havC a supply for the fall seeding of wheat in 
Virginia and those who apply in time can get 
an implement, which, having once tried it they 
will not afterwards, we think willingly dispense 
with. 

With proper care we are well convinced that! 
with trifling repairs this machine will last twenty 
years on a plantation of ordinary size : but it must 
be properly taken care of. 



We very much regret that the accompanying 
letter of Mr. Rives, introducing the interesting 
communication of his son, T. R. Rives, the conclu- 
sion of which is published in the present number 
of the Planter, should have been accidentally 
omitted, thereby giving a very awkward and 
abrupt appearance to the article : 

For the Southern Planter. 

Castle Hill, 25th January, 1855. 

My Dear Sir : — The accompanying letter 
on the Horse has been addressed to me recently 
by my son Francis, as containing the result of 
observations and incjuiries which he pursued 
very closely and earnestly during a tour he 
made last summer and autumn in England 
and France. You will perceive that, like 
myself, he is quite an enthusiast on this 
subject, and warmly enlisted in the cause 
of improving our native breeds. Supposing 
the information he communicates to me would 
not be without interest and utility to many of 
our agricultural brethren, and knowing there 
is nothing he has more at heart than to be 
useful, in however humble a degree, to his 
native State, I have concluded to place the 
letter at your dispesal for the columns of the 
" Planter," as his contribution to a branch 
of rural economy which, I am glad to observe 
is beginning to attract the general and earnest 
attention due to it Lest it may prove too 
long for insertion in a single number of the 
Planter, it has been divided into two parts 
adapted to publication in two successive num- 
bers, if that should be deemed by you more 
convenient and appropriate. 

I remain, my dear sir, with great respect, 
very truly and faithfully yours, 

W. C. RlVE-5. 

F. G. Ruffin, Esq., Ed. So. PL 



Butter. — In churning cream, add a lump of bulier to 
the cream before commencing, and the butter will crao» in 
two-thirds the time it would without. 






THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



117 



For the Southern Planter. 

Ivy &ieek. March 20, 1855. 
Dear Planter : — In answer to M. R. K. 
Esq., of Frederick. I drop you a few lines on 
the culture of com, and hope he will do me 
the favour to try my method on a few acres, 
;jid state the comparative result. 

He plant- four feet each way — cici 66710? 
If the lauds in Frederick cannot bring corn 
with less distance, they are not so fertile as 
they look. Let Mr. K. try four and a half 
feet by two, drilled, two stalks in each hill, 
where the land is good, and two and one alter- 
nately when not so good. Run the rows on a 
level, with a two horse shovel, a coulter at- 
tached ; cover wifn a new ground coulter ; 
work the crop with a side wiper, the best tool 
I have "seen for the purpose, and frequently 
described in the Planter ;' (I sent C. T. Botts, 
""j., a drawing of it, but they made it at 



Cabell, Esq., made a great crop planted 2 A 
feet by 6 inches; as well as I remember, it 
was reported for the Southern Planter. 

With the best wishes for you, the Plaiater, 
Mr. K. and the Farmers all over the world, 
Your old friend, W. W. G-ilme'e. 

To F. G. Rvffin, Esq. 



ght angles; cannot you five us one in the I water, and that it may be well to thro?/ 



For the Southern Planter. 
ICE HOUSES AGAIN. 
Mr. Editor : — Your printer made a mistake 
in substituting ' ; high roof" for hip roof, in 
the printing of my last communication. The 
hip roof, is a low roof, extending around the 
house, so as?Jfo prevent the rains from soaking 
into the house. 

Recurring to the subject of fixed air. or 
carbonic acid gas, in ice houses, wells, &c. I 
would add, that a pine bush answers best, for 
beinw run up and down, wetted with lime 

in 



J next number?) It finishes a row at two 
strokes, and the best crops I have made were 
worked but twice with the horse ; the hoe fol- 
lowing with but little to do the second time. 

I am aware of the prejudice against hoeing 
corn, yet feel sure it is oi' great utility. Mr? 
K. can spare ploughmen to do the hoe work, 
graze his horses, save grain, and make more 
crop from less land. My horses are usually 
fat, and eat but very little grain after our corn 
is planted : we turn them out at night, get up 
at two or three in the morning, work them 

until 1 2 o'clock, take up another set, and work I charcoal, 2 or 3 inches deep, in the larger 
until near dusk ; the ploughmen usually give 
a few ear- of corn while they are eating dinner. 
Two sidewipers, with four good horses, can 
work with a fair season from 80 to 10*0 acres 
of corn. We run twice over always ; some 
seasons r-quire thrice; but generally the third 
time we run but one stroke in each row. I 
believe there is more corn lost, by too much 
work, and a want of stalks on rich land, than 
would build all our Rail Roads in 10 years. 
Rich alluvial land in Virginia has rarely over 
half the number of stalks it would bear to 
advantage. Dr. Morton is the father of 
this theory, it is said ; if so, honour to his name. 
I have Ixied it closer and closer for many 
years, and now believe that No. 1 flats, 
well drained and ploughed, free from chinch 
bug, can bring from 60 to 100 bushels of 
corn any ordinary year. We plant from 3£ to 
4 feet by from 15 to 18 inches, two stalks 
to the hill ; and on the best land thicker. I 
wish Dr. Morton would come out, and write 
thus to bring him. 

The old idea that corn would burn up from 
thick planting, holds not on my flats. Mayo 



quick lime to neutralize the gas. 

Frequently more ice is lost, by too often 
going into the house, than would serve a 
family. Every house-keeper who has an ice 
house ought to have a large box or refrigerator. 
The box answering just as well, if it be made 
so that finely powdered charcoal, or some other 
non-conductor, can intervene between the ice 
and outside of the box. One may be thus 
constructed Upon a very cheap plan. Take 
two boxes, one about two inches or more longer 
than the other, then pour in the powdered 

x, 
next put in the smaller one, and cram down 
the powdered charcoal at the sides and ends ; a 
strip will be necessary at the top to keep 
the charcoal in place. The lid to the large 
box should be fixed in such a manner as that 
it can be filled with the charcoal, and it may 
be well to bore a bole in the bottom, or in 
ODe end or corner, with a tube to let off 
the water from the melting ice. 

With such a fixture as this there can be no 
need of going into the ice house more than 
once or twice a day. T. H. A. 



HOW TO SHOE A KICKING HORSE 
Rein him up with the bearing rein or the bridle 
rein drawn over the saddle; then take a forked 
stick, each end of the fork ty be fastened to the bit 
and the other end secured at his breast or to 
the girth, .so that he cannot lower his head from 
a. high position. They say, he cannot kick then. 
It is vcrv easily tried and costs nothing. 



Rowc's Prize Crusher advertized in the Planter 
of this issue, can b^ seen in operation at Mr. f/2wi.5 
mil's Mill. 



118 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, 



Communicated through the Agricultural 

Commissioner, and ordered to be -published. 

ON DISTEMPER AMONG- CATTLE. 

Tliere are some subjects intrinsically im- 
portant, both as regards individual and public 
interests, which, at the same time, are dry and 
uninteresting. A man desirous of doing good 
may feel himself called upon to communicate 
to the public, observations, which his position 
in life may have enabled him to make on such 
matters, whilst he is oppressed, with the 
thought that the whole effort of writing may 
be unpalatable to himself, and its result dis- 
gusting to his readers, if any be foijnd. Such 
a writer has at least the consolation of re- 
flecting, that although the path of duty may 
often be steep and rugged, it is sound and 
safe, and leads the persevering to destinations 
where the flowery and delusive paths of plea- 
sure never go. 

Apologies are generally unpleasant, except 
to him making them ; but I must be permitted 
to say, that I approach this dry and intricate 
subject with no books within my reach to aid 
me in the investigation. Although my per- 
sonal acquaintance with the disease has been 
expensive, in a great loss of cattle, it is far 
from having been sufficiently extensive to au- 
thorize me to take the position I now occupy, 
if one more suitable could be found to per- 
form the work. But I have promised that "I 
will try." 

I will premise, that I have but little to offer 
regarding the treatment and cure of this dis- 
ease. Observing that a great majority of its 
severer eases, and all that I ever saw with one 
particular symptom — bloody urine — proved 
fatal, I have thought it more important to in- 
vestigate the laws of contagion, governing its 
progress through the country, and, if possible, 
to discover the means of prevention, than 
vainly to search after the sanative treatment 
of a disease so often incurable, and in which 
the sufferers, before they were known, to be 
ill; had, to use a common phrase, been already 
''struck for death/' 

This disease made its appearance in Prince 
Edward, my native county, nearly sixty years 
ago. It was brought to within about two miles 
of my father's residence, by a drove of cattle 
from North Carolina. , Many of this drove 
died, and destruction among cattle was spread 
all around. Great anxiety was excited through 
that region, and observing men began to no- 
tice the peculiarities of the disease. Unfor- 
tunately, from ascertaining that all cattle took 
the distemper which grazed on the grounds on 
which the drove had been, and that other 
grounds also were contaminated as the disease 



spread around, a notion sprung up that in some 
strange way a permanent and immovable poi- 
son was rooted in the ground. It is true that 
the ground, or the grass on it, may become a 
medium of conveyance to other cattle, and I 
doubt whether even this step towards its de- 
velopment would have been made in an old 
and thickly settled country, where even the 
intelligent had long looked upon its propaga- 
tion as an inscrutable mystery — a matter like 
the wind, which " bloweth where it listeth." 
The writer hopes to explain how it is, that the 
ground becomes a medium for its extension 
among sound cattle, and to suggest means for 
its entire abolishment from the country. I 
moreover believe that in a uew and sparsely 
inhabited country, recently invaded by such a 
plague, although there may be fewer cases for 
investigating the causes of contagion, yet there 
will be less liability to error from confounding 
one cause with another, than where the num- 
ber is so great that it is almost impossible to 
trace to the right one. During the active 
portion of my professional life, I almost en- 
vied the city physicians their many opportu- 
nities of scrutinizing into the laws of infec- 
tious diseases. I have since been induced to 
believe that these very abundant opportunities 
lead sometimes into confusion and error. A 
watchfully observant man, with cases " few 
and far between," and not entangled amongst 
a multiplicity of others, has a better opportu- 
nity of making sure progress, although it may 
be slow. 

There is strong probability, amounting al- 
most to certainty, that this disease, in identity, 
is really " the bloody murrain" of England 
and Scotland. I have not access to books 
affording such a "diagnosis of murrain as will 
enable me to identify them. The only detail 
of symptoms in my possession of that Euro- 
pean disease is given by Dr. Willich, in his 
Domestic Encyclopedia; and from that is left 
out the most threatening symptom of our dis- 
ease called " distemper." I allude to bloody 
urine. Dr. Willich says, " murrain is a con- 
tagious disease, incident to cattle ; it is known 
by the animals hanging down their heads, 
which are swollen ; by short and hot breath- 
ing ; palpitation of the heart ; staggering ; an' 
abundant secretion of viscid matter in the 
eyes; rattling in the throat; and a shining 
tongue." Most of these symptoms generally 
occur in our distemper ; but the most unfail- 
ing diagnostic, so uniformly accompanying the 
disease that it deserves to be called, in medical 
phrase, pathognomonic, that I have witnessed, 
is a morbid appearance of the urine, which 
either becomes bloody, or assumes a dark 






THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



119 



greenish color, resembling a strong solution of 
copperas. As I said before, I have not known 
a single recovery, where the urine was bloody. 
Multitudes get well, either with or without 
medicine, when it is only dark greenish, and 
some few hardly appear to be sick at all, 
If it could be established that bloody urine 
accompanies the bloody murrain of Europe — 
which I suppose to be doubtless, from the very 
name of the disease — and with similar fatality, 
it would not only go far towards proving iden- 
tity* with what we call distemper, but it would 
give force to a belief which I have long held, 
that infectious and contagious diseases, whether 
of men or brutes, are the same in all latitudes ; 
while atmospheric diseases vary with climate 
and locality. This law of infectious diseases 
j compels smallpox to be the same in Quebec 
that it is in New Orleans. Its cause being a 
specific virus, unconnected with the atmosphere, 
it is little affected by atmospheric influences. 
I. will not, in deference to common, or even 
professional opinion, call that an atmospheric 
disease over which the atmosphere exerts little 
or no influence. An attentive and searching 
investigation into the laws of infection and 
contagion, is so exceedingly important, that I 
trust I shall be pardoned, if I afford what 
may appear to be undue prolixity to this por- 
tion of the subject. The annals of surgery 
warrant us in feeling undoubting confidence 
that the virus of hydrophobia will not affect 
the nerves of the part bitten, previously to the 
eighth day after the bite ; so that ample time 
is afforded both to ascertain whether the dog 
"biting was certainly mad, and to procure the 
best surgical skill for the thorough extirpation 

* Being requested to write the above article by 
a member of the executive committee of the Vir- 
ginia State Agricultural Society, I felt that I had 
nothing to urge, except a scheme for preventing or 
even exterminating the disease in question, by 
cutting off all possibility of extending it in the 
only way in which I think it communicable. I did 
not therefore pay much attention to its diagnosis, 
as — being the only destructive pestilence among 
cattle in all this region — its symptoms are gene- 
rally well known._ Since writing the article, I have 
been able to procure ' : Youatt on Cattle," and find 
the symptoms of :: murrain" as detailed by that 
fine writer, almost identical with those in the dis- 
ease which we call " distemper." It is true, there 
are discrepancies for which I cannot account. In 
our "distemper" there is, so far a3.I know, no 
hemorrhage, except from the bladder; and whilst 
I have not heard of tumors and abscesses, I have 
uniformly found the skins, in all the worst cases, 
destroyed by gangrenous action. There is, more- 
over, another difference. Youatt represents mur- 
rain as committing its greatest ravages in winter 
and spring : our distemper has not been known to 
occur between the first of January and the last of 
June. 



of the wound. In many diseases, whether in- 
fectious or contagious, it is often desirable to 
know exactly the time transpiring between ex- 
posure and attack. For example, should a 
man have a cow which had strayed into in- 
fected commons, or other place of exposure, 
he would be glad to know how long he should 
keep her in quarantine, or in seclusion from 
his other stock. Nature has her laws for the 
regulation of all earthly things, and marked 
with wonderful uniformity of action. She re- 
veals not her secrets to the careless, the pre- 
sumptuous, or self-concceited observer ; but to 
the modest and patient investigator discloses 
them generously. I wish that I could specify 
precisely the time intervening between the ex- 
posure and attack in this disease. I did as- 
certain it to my satisfaction some twenty odd 
years ago ; but not then feeling the importance 
of treasuring up every such particular, I suf- 
fered it to slip my memory. Perhaps some 
other writer may be able, with accuracy, to 
furnish this information. I admit that coun- 
tervailing causes may suspend the action of a 
virus in the animal system, in some rare cases ; 
but where no such causes interfere, I believe 
there is perfect regularity in this matter. 

When I had daily opportunities, during the 
hot months of summer, of making observa- 
tions on the phenomena accompanying distem- 
per among cattle, I noticed the following facts. 
There were several farms, which I had to pass 
almost daily, on which distemper raged sadly, 
and the diseased and dead cattle would be 
lying in the corners of a dividing fence, while 
the sound cattle of a neighbor would be on 
the other side of the fence, bellowing the ob- 
sequies of the dead, with their noses almost 
touching their carcasses. I observed, more- 
over, that dogs carried the bones, with flesh on 
them too, from the diseased to the healthy side 
of the fence. From these facts, as no disease 
accrued to the sound cattle, the inference wa? 
fair, that distemper is not contracted by pro- 
pinquity to the diseased, the dying, or the 
dead. Further, these two descriptions of 
cattle remained, thus near to each other, in 
the standing pastures of their respective 
owners, for a number of years, with perfect 
impunity to the sound portion. I frequently 
sent my oxen into the most exposed situations, 
without injury, after seeing that they were se- 
curely muzzled ; others did the same. The fore- 
going inference was thus strengthened. Facts 
of the following kind were also very common. 
Gentlemen bought lands on which distempered 
cattle had long been living and dying; en- 
closed them in winter, the only time that a to- 
bacco maker has to do such work — stocking 



120 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



then? during winter with sound cattle, which 
afterwards enjoyed perfect freedom from dis- 
temper. After knowing this to be repeatedly 
done with safety, I cut off a portion of an in- 
fected farm in winter, procuring sound cattle, 
and pasturing them on this secluded portion 
of land, with perfect immunity from the dis- 
ease. Here now is another step of progress, 
and fair ground for another inference : That 
however much land may have been infected in 
summer, it will be cleansed by the influence of 
winter. Well, we have seen that the disease 
is not induced by propinquity to the diseased 
and the dead ; we have seen that sound cattle 
may safely graze on land on which no distem- 
pered cattle, nor such as have been distem- 
pered, have grazed, during the same summer. 
Where, then, shall we look for the cause of 
infection ? With the further fact fully known 
and believed, the conclusion, as a third infer- 
ence, seems almost irresistibly forced upon us, 
namely, That the taint of infection is imbibed 
by their taking the saliva of tainted cattle into 
their mouths, from the grass on which they 
have mutually grazed, or licking themselves 
with their tongues after having been licked by 
such cattle. The law of nature, fully believed, 
in other matters, is, that she is economical in 
the use of means, and chooses to adopt but 
one mode pi effecting the same object. Now, 
if the disease be certainly induced by taking 
tainted saliva into the mouth, it seems hardly 
rational, when no other mode of infection .has 
been discovered, to be still searching for one, 
or to adopt the old notion of the superstitious 
.regarding murrain, that it was all the malig- 
nant work of fairies and witches. 

We have drawn long ago the three follow- 
ing inferences, which, in so far as our slight 
experience immediately before our removal 
from a distempered region could do so, were 
supported by it. I st. The distemper is not 
communicated by proximity, however close, to 
•tainted cattle, fid. The ground cannot be 
permanently poisoned by such taint, but is dis- 
infected as- soon as time is allowed for the sa- 
liva of the tainted to be cleansed from the 
grass, by the rains, snows and frosts of winter. 
3d. This malady is contracted by sound ani- 
mals taking tainted saliva into then- mouths, 
and in no other way. We have a fact, per- 
fectly analogous, regarding the distemper 
among horses. A distempered horse may 
travel daily by the side of a sound one, or he 
may stand day and night, in ah adjacent stall, 
without communicating his disease. But if 
he eat from the same manger, wear the same 
bridle, or if itf any other %lfey his saliva gets 
hate the mouth of the sound horse, the disease 



is certainly contracted. If asked, why? W 
reply, " nature has so ordained." Further, 
horse, which has apparently recovered fror 
the disease called " glanders," will infect ever 
horse into whose mouth his saliva may ge* 
If asked, why ? we give the same answer. 

Satisfactory as the foregoing deduction 
were to the writer, he has found it difficult t 
induce his friends to ponder and carry thei 
out practically. In his own experience, h 
was resolved to test their truth, and endeavc 
to ascertain whether a distempered farm migl 
not be purified from the pest by pursuing thei 
indications. But his experiment and furthe 
intercourse with the disease were both intei 
rupted by his removal to Cumberland. 

The unequivocal establishment of our thir 
inference is so important, that we must beg lea\ 
to dwell a little longer on the laws of contagio 
controlling the spread of this disease. The be: 
confirmation of a doctrine of such a charact< 
is generally that deduced from facts. A gei 
tleman possessing a large herd of cattl 
finding that some infected animals, havhi 
been C distempered several years previous! 
had made an irruption into his pasture, ar 
some of his cattle contracted the disease, o 
dered that all the sufferers be put into a we 
enclosed lot, and that they should never con 
out of it alive. Most of them died, an 
being a law-abiding man, he buried them- 
yery uselessly, except to show a temper 
obedience to law— six feet deep, unskinne 
The remainder of his cattle were very close 
watched, that if any symptoms of disease a 
peared, they might forthwith be transferred 
the lot of diseased stock. The few which r 
covered were fattened and killed in the lot f 
beef. There was no more distemper on b 
farm afterwards. No man, familiar with tl 
disease, can doubt but there would have bee 
had the cattle which recovered been permitti 
to live, and graze among the untainte 
Another gentleman, who had long enjoyed e 
emption from the disease among his stock, ; 
though surrounded by neighbors with distei 
pered cattle, saw at a distance a lawless m! 
ride through and leave down the fence sep 
rating his pasture from perhaps the woi 
poisoned commons I ever knew. . In a ft 
days he lost every cow he had — about twen 
—although the cows were driven back wi 
all practicable dispatch, and had not progress 
more than fifty yards into the commoi 
When asking, why such cattle never took t 
distemper before? I have been answere 
•' Why, Sir, the ground in .their pasture w 
not poisoned." [ could only answer bat 
"What poison could they get on the co] 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



1.21 



mons, besides the saliva of infected cattle ? 
It is well known, that they might have tra- 
velled over that ground every day, guarded by 
muzzles, with impunity, if no tainted cattle 
were permitted to lick them." I once saw the 
fence between my sound and infected cattle 
left down by a similar intruder. Before the 
thing could be rectified, a valuable ox passed 
through the gap, grazing, but progressed but 
a few yards before he was restored to his pro- 
per place. A few days after this — I regret 
that I forget how long — -I ordered him to be 
yoked, to ' do a little hauling. My carter, 
possessing that most valuable gift of discern- 
ing slight changes by his eye, said to me, 
I That steer ought not to work, Sir ; lie has 
the distemper coming/' " How do you know 
that?" "I know by his eye, Sir; it looks 
like their eyes always do when they have that 
complaint.'' I — for I profess that I also try 
to be observant in that way— examined his 
$yes closely, without discovering any thing 
wrcng. I. however, directed him to be un- 
yoked; and though he had walked briskly, 
and had a lively appearance just before the 
yoking, he died within an hour — one of the 
most malignant cases of distemper I ever saw. 
I can conceive of no cause for his taking the 
disease, but from his having gotten tainted 
saliva in his mouth during the short time that 
he was exposed. 

As regards the treatment of this disease, 
the writer has already confessed great poverty 
of knowledge.* For costiveness, he has usually 

* Meeting with my friend Dr. Abucr Crump, ol' 
Powhatan, during the agricultural fair, lie commu- 
nicated to me his mode of curing distemper among 
flattie, and his reasons for it. Considering the dis- 
ease to commence in the membranes of the brain, 
and to be transferred throughout the lining mem- 
branes of the cavities and cellular structure of the 
bkull, he carefully examined the horns of the dis- 
eased cattle ; and when finding them cold, he bored 
into them with a large gimlet, and injected vinegar 
and water. The first rush of atmospheric air into 
the bony cavities, often caused a gush of very 
fetid matter to run from the nostrils, or it was more 
-.lowly brought away by the injections of vinegar 
ind water. If the diseased cattle are hornless'or 
If. having horns, these are not yet sufficiently af- 
fected to produce coldness on "feeling them,- the 
Doctor, instead of boring them, throws the animal 
with ropes, and bores into some of the large cavi- 
ties Of the skull, such as the frontal sinus, between 
the ere and horn, or the poll at the top or hack 
part of the head. The integnments are carefully 
lissccted away before the boring is commenced. 
go one, of course, would attempt this operation. 
without previously examining a skull, to ascertain 
precisely where to bore. I would judge that a car- 
penter's wimble, if at hand, might be a better im- 
plement than the gimlet, as making a, smoother 
perforation, and causing less pa'm to the animal. 
[ thought proper to append this Dote, ?,s the plai 



administered about three gills of spirits tur- 
pentine, or between one and two pounds of 
Glauber's salts. When there has been great 
heat, he has in a few cases thought that much 
relief was afforded by rubbing about the head 
and along the spine freely with large lumps 
of ice. For the comfort of the poor sufferers, 
it is important to protect them against the at- 
tacks of little grey biting flics, which congre- 
gate about them in amazing numbers. This 
may be done by putting the sick animal in a 
dark house, or, when such house is not at 
hand, by piling on them strong-scented weeds, 
leaves, and small brush, whose,,odor may either 
drive off the flies, or so disguise the smell of 
the animal that the flies cannot find him. The 
poor patient should also be shaded, if an ar- 
bour has to be erected for the purpose. Dr. 
Willich, after telling that murrain raged at a 
certain time, says, " The remedy then em- 
ployed, both for its prevention and cure, con- 
sisted in a mixture of equal parts of gunpow- 
der, salt, soot, and brimstone; one spoonful of 
this composition was given for a dose, and 
washed down with warm water." In one of 
our worst cases of distemper, I would just as 
soon rely on one spoonful of warm water 
alone, or of anything weaker, if weaker could 
be found. 

Concerning the disease itself the writer has 
written enough, and perhaps more. There are 
some some matters which he might notice by 
way of addenda. 

As a fact connected with this subject, and 
with natural history, we will remark, that the 
same drove of cattle which brought distemper 
into our region, brought also multitudes of a 
species of greyish brown ticks, "larger than 
such as we had seen before. They appeared 
to be viviparous, and brought forth their young 
while playing the parasite on the skins of the 
cattle, as several young ones might be seen 
around the mouths of the old ones, and the 
poor animals were soon shingled over with 
these annoying vermin. It was dangerous to 

recommended by Dr. Crump affords hopes to those 
who wish to save the lives of their diseased ani- 
mals, so rational, and far superior to the empirical 
nostrums in common use, and founded on autho- 
rity so high and reliable. The Doctor informed 
me that it had uniformly succeeded when resorted 
to in time. 

There is a disease in our western states, among 
horses, termed "big-Lead," consisting of infiam- 
nfation ia the lining membranes of the bony cavi- 
ties of the face. It is there cured by placing the 
muzzle of a rifle obliquely against the unnaturally 
projecting process of the bone, between the nostril 
and the eye, and by firing the gun, blowing off a 
part, of the bone. This they call " shooting for the 
big-i»ead." I have owed this disease, by boring 

. '. rviiy , ith .. -- .'able. 



122 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



a young colt or calf to contract them, unless 
special attention were turned to getting them 
off. These ticks were first observed on the 
cattle of the drove, and to spread from them 
through the surrounding region. So strangely 
is popular opinion inclined to leap to conclu- 
sions, that they were at once pronounced to he 
the harbingers and the cause of distemper, and 
those who saw the vermin on their cows, with 
great concern expected also to be visited by 
that calamity. The ticks, however, soon 
spread through the greater part of middle 
Virginia, and for aught that I know, the tide- 
water country too, without vaccinating with 
distemper as they went, and now, all who 
know any thing of their advent believe that 
they merely rode on cow-back in their immi- 
gration. From the power of climate, or some 
other cause, they propagate much less nume- 
rously than at first, and in most places scarce- 
ly inflict any annoyance. This remark may 
also, in most places, be applied to all the spe- 
cies of our ticks. The seed-tick becomes ex- 
tinct wherever all the cattle are confined in 
pastures. 

Before closing, we feel bound to say some- 
thing about the extermination of this destruc- 
tive disease, and to call upon all who are able 
to afford aid in effecting so desirable an object. 
We have distinctly declared our belief that it 
can be done. The very fact of enclosing cattle 
has done this on some farms, and the desola- 
tions of the disease have been greatly dimi- 
nished, in the region so often alluded to, as we 
believe, by cessation, in a great degree, from 
the old practice of general grazing on com- 
mons. A man who wishes to deliver his herd 
of cattle from this terrible malady has only 
most watchfully to segregate such of them as 
he knows to have been all their lives clear of 
the disease, from such as may have expe- 
rienced it, during the time intervening be- 
tween nearly the last of June and almost 
the arrival of Christmas. The most speedy 
;ind sure way would be, in some manner to 
dispose of all his cattle that could be at all 
auspected, during the fall season, get a new 
set, after the winter had cleansed the grass — 
about Christmas, or a little after — and secure 
them, as far as individual exertions can do 
■tftcrwards, from any possibility of contami- 
nation. But after all his trouble and ex- 
pense, lie is liable to have the disease brought 
back- upon him, and perhaps with increased 
violence, by the irruptions of marauding cattle 
which graze upon an adjoining common. Thus 
he is compelled to risk a thousand dollars or 
more, that his neighbors may have the privi- 
lege of grazing a few cattle on poverty-stricken 



outlying lands, that do not belong to them. 
The legislature alone can place it in every 
man's power to exterminate the disease from 
his farm, by enacting a law, with effectual pe- 
nalties, forbidding all cattle to run at large. 
But great bodies are said to move slowly. 
We would call upon the executive committee, 
and the whole Agricultural Society, and every 
member — upon the editors of agricultural 
papers, and the whole cores of editors, to 
hurry them. » 

This subject increases greatly in importance 
as so many costly and blooded cattle are 
coming into the State. The writer begs all 
purchasing such to be watchfully cautious, to 
buy none which could be tainted, to transmit 
them from place to place between January 
and June, and if circumstances require that 
they should be moved at the wrong season, to 
guard them well with muzzles while passing 
through distempered regions. 

W. S. Morton. 

Curnherlaiul, Jala 107/?, 1854. 



Extract from Correspondence. 
SMUT IN WHEAT. 

I cannot withhold from you the pleasure 1 
feel in seeing announced through your paper 
the true cause of smut in wheat. I have over 
and over again concluded to write you on this 
subject; but as my experience is not founded 
upon so many experiments as your correspon- 
dent, the meed of praise is certainly his due. 
I allude to the grub contained in the smut-ball, 
and that grub changing into small grey and 
black bugs, which may always be seen on the 
heads of wheat where smut is commencing. 

Very Respectfully, B. F. Eppes. 

The above alludes to the valuable article of our 
friend, Col. Braxton Davenport, of Jefferson, on the; 
cause of smut, in wheat. — Ed. So. P>, 



P'rom the N. Y. Economist cl' March 16th. 

GRAIN. 

A favorable change in the weather since 
our last publication has been without influence 
on our Wheat market; receipts continue light, 
notwithstanding prices have reached a point 
never before known in this market, at least 
not during this century, aud as our stock 
is daily diminishing, higher prices appear 
inevitable. The rapid advance in' flour here 
and in the interior, does not draw out the 
supplies, and the conclusion to be drawn from 
it is, that there is little left in the interior 
even for their own trade. From the Upper 
Lakes we learn there is now about a millio" 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



123 



)f bushels accumulated, and but little addi- 
tion can be expected to this the present month, 
is the consumption has materially increased, 
md the extravagant prices current on the 
seaboard will stimulate production immensely, 
md the demand for seed wheat is likely to 
;xceed any previous season. The winter wheat 
is represented as looking finely at the West, 
md little apprehension is felt of its being 
Winter killed. Our main dependence for 
supplies is upon Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and 
Wisconsin ; in the new States it' is difficult 
to say how much will be drawn out. The 
high prices current in the Mississippi Valley 
wSl draw out the surplus of Iowa, and a good 
nquiry is anticipated at Chicago for the same 
lestination. From St. Louis we learn prices 
iad advanced to $2 for white wheat — a point 
never before reached in that market ; and with 
the opening of the upper rivers, only moderate 
receipts were anticipated. 

From Canada we look for considerable 
supplies, but the advices thence are very 
jonflicting. The bulk of the wheat is still in 
the hands of the farmers, and consequently it 
was very difficult to arrive at the quantity 
to be drawn out. From all the information 
we have obtained since our last, the prospects 
for low prices the ensuing season appear to 
lessen daily, hence nothing can be expected of 
importance for export. 

It is pretty conclusive proof of a dearth of 
supplies when nothing of moment is drawn 
out from the interior even at these very ex- 
travagant prices. The wants of our own 
millers compel them to pay the current high 
figures for making Patent Self-Raising Flour, 
&.c. ; these prices could not be paid for making 
Extra brands of Flour, this being lower than 
the wheat, consequently the former must 
advance to correspond. The arrivals from the 
South continue limited, and we learn little can 
be expected thence after this month. The 
extreme prices demanded deter naillers from 
buying freely. The absence of later intelli- 
gence from Europe has added somewhat to the 
dullness that has prevailed, although our 
market is so far above theirs that we can- 
cot expect to be influenced by them at present ; 
one thing is quite certain, they must look 
elsewhere for supplies to carry them to next 
harvest. A t the close a good demand prevailed 
for milling, and the most inferior descriptions 
have been disposed of to-day at $2 03a2 20 
per bushel. The reduced stock gives hold- 
■ A advantage at the close. The 

I >race 11,600 bushels Common to 

< .hern White at $2 20 a 2 35 ; 400 

do. Prime White Wisconsin at $2 40; 2,000 



do. Good White Canadian at $2 40, duty 
paid; 3,000 do. very Smutty do at $2 03, and 
and 250 do. Prime White Gennessee at $2 70. 
This we believe is the highest price ever paid 
in this market, at least during this century. 



THE JOURNAL OF TRANSACTIONS OF THE 
VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The first volume of this work, including the 
transactions of the society from its organization to 
the close of the first annual exhibition of 1853, is 
now complete and can be purchased at the book 
store of J. W. Randolph, of Richmond, who 
has them on sale, and algo at the office of the Sec- 
retary of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. 

The price is fifty cents a copy, and when they are 
ordered by mail, the postage, amounting to nine 
cents or stamps to that amount, must be sent along 
with the price of the book, to ensure attention. 

The Executive Committee have bought this 
work from Mr. Bernard, who published it on his 
own account, and offer it as another of the suc- 
cessful results of their labors in behalf of agricul- 
ture. Probably no volume of its size abounds 
more in practical matter of interest to the farmer. 
The essays alone, which have all, it is true, beeo 
published in the Southern Planter, but have not 
probably in ninety nine out of one hundred instan- 
ces, been preserved, cannot be found anywhere 
else, and yet they form a very valuable mass 
of practical Agricultural writing. 

The volume contains 220 pages, about the size 
of the Planter, bound in paper, and can bo 
easily sent by mail. 



Recif-e to prevent Mole;, Cut Worms and Birds frov. 
destroying Seed Corn. 

Mr. John G. Turpin, of Clover Dale, near Peters- 
burg, furnishes at our request the following '•ecipe, 
which we feel no hesitation in recommending, par- 
ticularly s.v, Mr. Turpin says, that with him and 
those who use this compound the trouble is to 
thin the corn, and not to replant it, which is never 
necessary. 

To each bushel of seed corn add one gallon of 
coal or ga»s tar ; stir in the corn until it is well 
coated and saturated ; then take three parts of 
wood ashe.3 and one of fine salt — unleached ashes 
are best — mix them thoroughly, and roll the tarred 
corn in it, until each grain is well coated. Pre- 
pare no more at a time than can be planted in a 
day. 

For the information of those who may wish to 
try this experiment, we will add, that we have 
just enquired at the gas works and find the price 
of gas tar to be merely nominal, say 25 cents for 
ten gallons, exclusive of the vessel that contains 
it, which may be selected by the party ordering 
it, or his commission merchant. In this connec- 
tion read the article in this number headed, " Gas 
Tar in Horticulture." 



124 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



For the Southern Planter. 
UJPFUL HINTS FOR VIRGINIA GARDENERS. 

BY E. G. KGCF.L1NG. FLORIST. 

April, the second of the spring months, gives 
fuli employment to all the hours and energies 
■of the gardener. The weather is usually mild, 
and the frequent showers and the genial rays 
of the sun, not only cause the useful plants 
to grow; but also bring out a plentiful crop 
of grasses and seeds. To keep these under, 
lest they hinder the growth of the vegetables, 
must be the first great concern. Every gardener 



should have as 
homely rhyme : 



the rule of his conduct the 

"The more we hoc 
The more we grow.'" 

A "e\v rules of treatment for the leading 
vegetables, is all that we give at present. 

Asparagus. — The beds should be kept clear 
of weeds, etc., and the earth stirred frequently 
so as to be kept loose and light, especially where 
it is inclined to bake and harden after rains. 
This will greatly promote the growth of the 
buds, which are already out in favorable 
locations. During the month the bude will 
be in condition for cutting. Care should be 
exercised in cutting, to cut only the larger buds 
leaving the small ones that often make their 
appearance. 

Means. — Between the first and the fifteenth 
of the month a full crop should be planted. 
Lima beans should not be put in until between 
the fifteenth and last of the month. It is the 
better plan to put the poles in before planting 
the beans, and be sure to put them in deep 
enough, lest they be blown down by the strong 
winds. It is well, too, to plant beans enough as 
they will many of them rot. 

Celery. — If the plants are up then free them 
of weeds. 

Cabbage. — From the middle of this month to 
the first of the next, is the period for sowing 
£,eesl, to rear plants for fall and. winter cabbage. 
It often occurs, that plants for this purpose are 
scarce. They are liable to destruction from 
insects and drought, but a proper cultivation 
will ensure a sufficient supply. The following 
directions may be safely followed, with the 
most satisfactory results : 

To make a .plant bed for this season.} take 
a piece of poor ground in preference to that 
Which is rich, and break it very deep, and 
pulverize thoroughly. Two reasons justify the 
selection of jwor [father than rich ground. 
First; because the richer the land the more 
Ukely the plants are to suffer front the ravages 
of insects; and secondly, if plants are transfered 
from richer to poorer soil, they are checked 
hi their growth for the time. The bed may be 
larger or smaller, according as a greater or less 
number of plants are wanted. Two thousand, 
nr more plants may be had from a bet) twelve 
by sixteen ieet. The seed may be sown in 
orills or broadcast, at pleasure. If the earth is 
mtnst at the time of sowing, or .mould there be 
tin *oon nfter. \hr plant.-! will make their' 



appearance in two or three days. The dang 
from drought may be easily avoided by irrig 
tion. If the soil is dry when the seed are sow 
give plenty of water, with the watering p 
and strainer, cover the bed with planks raised 
few inches above the surface of the soil, ai 
remove the boards so soon as the plants ma 
their appearance. If left covered for a clay, f, 
plants will likely be ruined by over forcin 
Supposing the plants up they are immediate 
liable to attacks from insects. To prevent th 
the bed should be sprinkled with air slack- 
lime, directly after the seed are sowed and tl 
application renewed the moment the plar 
appear. This should be done every eight 
ten days, for three or four weeks, and it shou 
be put on early in the morning while the dew 
upon the plants. It is vitally essential that tl 
plants be thus protected in infancy. Tra 
Tobacco will serve the same end and is perha 
better than lime. 

We have been thus particular and minui 
because persons so often fail to get a supp 
of cabbage plants at this season, when nothir 
is easier, with due attention to them while tbi 
are very young. Erroneous ideas concernii 
their culture is at the bottom of nine out of U 
failures which take place. To many pereo; 
the views submitted will be novel, but x 
are sure an experiment will satisfy the roo 
sceptical of their soundness. 

The best kinds are the large Bergen. Dru 
Head and Savoy. 

Egg Plant. — The process of hardening shou 
be continued, by raising the sash of the hot b<s 
occasionally, as the weather permits. It is n 
prudent to remove them to the open grout 
thia month. 

Lettuce. — Those planted last fall, shou 
be well hoed. Those sowed in March are n 
usually large enough for transplantation. So 
now the variety called the India Cape Lettuc 
which is the best for summer, as they star 
longer before seeding and are very tender. 

Peas — Sow Marrowfat pea for a eufomi 
supply. 

Raddish. should be sowed every ten or tweh 
days as they soon become pithy. 

Potatoes. — Concerning this crop it may t 
well to say, that experience teaches us th 
lesson, that while to have them early and 
good flavor the Northern Mercer is best f< 
seed, these will not answer when they are to I 
kept for winter. These should be raised fro 
root 3 grown in our own soils. If such as we: 
planted last month are up, keep them clean. 

Tomatoes. — About half in the bed may \ 
removed to the open ground about the fifteen! 
of the month, and the balance reserved to su; 
ply the place of such as are killed. When pi 
out they need some such support as a stick pi 
by them will afford. Lackingthfs they will pro' 
ably be broken by the winds. 

THE FLOWER GARDES. 

This mouth is the season for work, in th 
department. Yet. there is nec-d. of diacreiic 
ana citation, lest bv too much hum* injiB 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



125 



suits rather than good. Many persons begin .older. This is sometimes true. When all the 
teir work among the flowers far too soon, wood more than a year old has been cut away, 
pth the first warm summer day thev begin | then the one year old shoots should be 
feeing the borders, stirring the soil about the j shortened. One-third of the entire length may 
Btotsliad performing other processes, which [be judiciously cut off. 

aghi veil be postponed. This is an evil and ] These directions are intended to apply only 
eeds jo be corrected. I to the finer varieties of Roses, such as Tea 

It may be well to give our reasons for wishing Roses, Bourbons, and hybrid Remontant. 

change in this respect. A portion of the The older varieties such as were formerly 
orders in our flower gardens, is almost invari- 



d!v < ::upied by annuals, as Pinksy Phloxes, 
erbe.ies, Partulacca, etc., which scatter their 
feds when they Teach maturity'. From the 
I - thus dropped by the plant, we get the 
leg! specimens of flowers. If, however, the 
idei is worked in February, March or early 
i April, these seed are disturbed and so kept 
c. germinating, whereas by waiting until 
iey make their appearance it is easy to 
>ade around them, leaving the young plants to 
rcvv. Again, the plants we usually rear, such 
> fine Roses. Crape Sfyrtles, Pomegraniie, &c, 
■e what we term half hardy. If the soil be 
tpkea early, it exposes the roots to the late 
: - ; . which not unfrequently come, and destroy 
aluable plants. Ever, should they escape 
estruction, they are greatly injured. The 
Dung buds are blighted, the plan' rendered 
ickly and the visits of a small green insect 
ivitei. Then herbaceous and bulbous plants, 
jch as Peonies, Lilies. Tulips, Hyacinths, and 
ie like, make their appearance about the 



common in our gardens, which bloom but on ;e 
in the year, are not worth the trouble of cultiva- 
tion, iwheo others, which flower from May 
to November, can be had very cheaply. and are 
not more troublesome. These plants are emi- 
nently adapted to this latitude, produce magnifi- 
cent flowers and continue to delight the eye 
and the olfactories, until " boreas, rude blus- 
terer," shakes the fragant leaves from (he 
parent stem. 

We especially commend fine roser- to our 
lady readers. No flower will so re; ty their 
care as this queen of the garden, and they can 
be had now at so little cost that we hold no 
female absolved from the obligation of intro- 
ducing their bloom and fragrance into their 
homes. 

Flower Seeds. ^-This is the season for sow- 
ing all Kinds. 



DISCONTINUANCE OF AGENCY 



My connection with Mr. N. August in an agency 
! April and any attempt to spade near! for "the purchase and sale of real estat-e, ceases 
33t sure to result in injuiy from this date. He will continue in it, and I can 
recommend him to those who may need his ser- 
vices. 1 am satisfied of his competency in the pre 
miscs, because he has had the whole management 



of it from the commencement, my connection with 



> them, by the heedlessness or ignorance of 

e laborer. 

For these and other reasons, we advise 

[ai the borders be not dressed earlier than 

■fifteenth of April. And we advise, further, .. 
L„. „ <•,»! -.i.*!. a . u „ I. »■ . i it having been entirely nominal. 

: irs wita three hat prongs, be substituted & ' 

spade. Previous to "forking, let the j April 1, 1855. FRANK G. RUFFE*. 

rder be well covered with manure that is well 

efimposed. Cow dung should not be used, 

".able manure that has been removed 

cm the stalls at least six months. 

The usual habit in dressing borders is to 

ilverize the soil and by means of the rake to 

ak •; it smooth and level. This delights 

e -. , ! it is true, but is an injury to the plants. 

he fast fall of rain, succeeded by sunshines, 



RICHMOND MARKETS, APRIL 3. ISSS. 

Apples — Va. So per bbL none in raarket 

Bacon — City cured hog round, 9a9Jc., Western Side;, 
(new) held at 8£c., no old in market, would bring 74a7Jc., 
new. Shoulders, 7|a 7fe.j Hams lOialUc, SmithfieM hog 
round, 9ial0c. 

Butteb — Mountain 29 to 30 cU., Roll 20 to 2. r < ets.^ do 



ir^ens the powdered earth into a' cake which l G ™ h ™ 32|a35 cts., old and inferior, SalQ* cts. 

,v„ • • ■ c ■ i i 1 Beeswax — 2jii26 J , per lb. 

, the ingress of air and sun rays, and CorroN-SJaalcts perlb. 
■events the heat from rising from the earth.' Cotton Tasks— l7«I8"cts., cash. Cotton Cot 



border is well broken with the fork it jet. ., per lb. 
all the healthy growth of the plant requires. Corn— We quote S5a87| 

rn ■ j . ••/... saleS at 90 Cti '- 

.— It is now the time lor tnrnmmff Cohn Meal— 95c a«i. 



dago 90 
'., per bushel; in ssoali lots 

Lag ii li-; c ., Jam i>4J 



id pruning shrubbery, box, roses, &c, &c. Coffee— Rio lojalli 

To Prune Roses is an easy matter, if the ; r ' , Mocha 15 . c -, ,. v 

Flour — btock lisht and receipts small. We quote 
country superfine at $9! to 9j, extra 9£al0, family tPia) 1. 

Flaxseeb — We quote at 351,60 per bushel. 

Feathebs — Live geese 42 cts. per lb. 

Fj«i — Herrings, N. Carolina, clipped, $7 per bbi, MaIi- 
fa.t, clipped, No- 1, 86$ ; No. 2, $4$. Shaft— $8 Maatec- 
rel, No. 1, §20 per bbl., half bbia. tl I, No. 2, $ tO 50, Mo. 
3, large, $u 50a6, No. 4, 8-1 gOafi 

fJinaawo — 30a36 cte., per lb 

GtiAea Sunt**— Ctover $6 75a/ por bushel, I'imaehy 
$4a4 Vi, Ue*M Gtasa 9 1 S5aJ 50 per bustxtl 



t.:'. .:'.•- understands his business. Indeed 

jy jie who will heed the hints we now 

; to give can prove successful. The 

ing to be borne in mind is that the only 

pita which produce flowers are those one year 

i. Such as are older, ■ as they 'produce 

• but leaves, are to be removed, unless 

u case where flowers producing shoota are 

7 upon such as are two years old or 



126 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



Guano — We quote $50 from wharf, $50 50 delivered, 
for Peruvian, Mexican Guano $30a$35. 

Gunpowder — Dupont's and Hazard's Sporting, P, FP, 
and FFF, S4J, Blasting, $2,75a$3 per keg. 

Hoop Poles — We quote at S7a88 per thousand. 

Hides — Slaughtered 6j cents per lb., green weight; calf 
skins, green, Si. No Spanish Hides in market. 

Hay — Sales from store $1 35. 

Iron and Nails — Pig Iron, no sales since 1st January, 
and prices nominal, §3'2aS40 per ton, Swedes 8107 50 per 
ton, English refined and Tredegar $95, Common English 
§80, American country S85. Cut Nails 4|c, cash, 5c. 
time. 

LIQUORS — Brandy, Otard, Dupuy & Co. S3a5 per gal.; 
A. Seignette, $2 25a$4; Sazerac, $3 25a$4 50; Hennessey, 
$3 95a$5; Peach, scarce at SlaSl 25; Virginia Apple, 60c. 
a85c; do. old, 75c.a8l 50; Northern do, 55a75c ; Imitation, 
45a47jc. Rum, New England, 48c. Gin, Holland, Sla 
Si 50; American 45 cts. 

Lead — Pig 6ja6f c, cash and time. 

Lard— Prime Lard, inbbls. lOalOic, in kegs, llalljc, 
in pails, 13c. 

Leather — Good stamp 20a22c., per lb., damaged 18c, 
poor 15a 17c., upper leather $1 50a$3, as in size, weight 
and quality, the latter price only for superior heavy sides. 
Skirting and harness Leather is more plenty with less 
demand. We quote 20 to 29c, as extremes, principally 
sales 22a26c. 

Lime — Si 25 in fstore, Si 12?- from vessel, none in first 
hands. 

Molasses — New Orleans 26a28c. per gallon. No 
Cuba and Porto Rico received yet. 

Oats — Stock very light— sales at 65cts. per bush. 

Offal — Bran, 20c. per bushel; shorts, 30c; brown stuff, 
40c; shipstuff, 75c. 

Potatoes — Stock on hand much diminished, and we 
quote $1 75 per bushel. 

Plaster — Lump sells at §4 75a-S5 on the wharf, ground 
S3 per ton, calcined $1 75 per bbl. 

Rye— Si 15 per bushel. 

Rice — New 5a5J cts. per pound. ' 

Salt — Liverpool fine Si 60 per sack from wharf. 

Sugars — Fair to strictly prime New Orleans 5aGi cts., 
Porto Rico 5aG, Coffee Sugar 6ja7f , refined loaf 9}a9|, 
crushed and powdered 8£a9c. 

Shot — 7a7J cts. per lb. 

Teas — Imperial and Gunpowder 55c.a$l 20. 

Tobacco — We quote Lugs at Si 75a5 25 for inferior, 
good and fine S3 75a6 25. Common Leaf $7 50aS. 
Common 8 50a9. Good $9 50all 50. 

Wheat — Prime red $2 15, do white 552. Good quali- 
ties 5 cts. less, 5 cts. per bushel advance on these quota- 
tions on time. 

Whiskey — Richmond rectified 35a3G cts. Cincinnati 
40c, 4 mos. , nominal, none now in market. 

Wines — Port, Burgundy 8laS2 50 per gallon; Port 
Juice, 82 50aS4; Madeira, Sicily 45ca$l 75; Old Madeira, 
£2 50a$4; Sherry, Permartin, Duff Gordon and Amontilado, 
$2aS4 50. 

Wood— Oak S3 50 per cord, 82a2 25 for Pine, retail 
84 50a5 for Oak, $3a3 25 for Pine. 

Wool— Nominal holders generally above the Tiews of 
buyers. 

CATTLE, HOGS AND SHEEP. 

Beef — $4 50, 5a5 50 per cwt. gross, which is$9al0 and 
011 net. It is understood that there are English agents 
purchasing Beef in Virginia for packing for the army now 
invading Russia. 

Hogs— 87 per huudred, supply moderate. 

Sheep — Mutton sells for $3a7 a piece for ordinary and 
superior Sheep. 

Stocks — Va. G per cents, (34 years) no sales; Va. 6 
per cents (25 years) $98; State Coupons $97^ Bonds 
guaranteed by the State, 895 ; Richmond City Bonds, (34 
years) $97; Va. Bank stock 73; Farmer's Bank stock 103; 
Exchange Bank stock $104; Richmond, Fredericksburg 
and Potomac Itailroad stock, 95 dol. ; Va. Central Rail 
Road stock 37.' dol ; Richmond and Petersburg Rail Road 
stock 45 dol ; Richmond and Danville Rail Road stock, 
60 dol.; James River and Kanawha stock 13.dol. ' 



PAYMENTS TO THE SOUTHERN PLANTEfl 

To the 26iA of March, 1865. 

All persons who have made payments early enoagh I 
be entered, and whose names do not appear in the followin 
receipt list, are requested to give immediate notice of tl 
omission, in order that the correction may be made in tl 
next issue : 

A. Y. Kiter to January 1856 
Col. J. H. Ferich to September 1855 
T. T. Totty to January 1856 
J. Overby to November 1855 

A. Moseley to January 1856 
W. Dupin to January 1850 
Rev. S. G. Price to January 1856 
G. S. Harper to January 1856 
J. Elam to January 1856 
H. W. Fowlkes to July 1855 
Jno. Henley to July 1856 
R. W. Anderson to March 1856 
R. B. Hendrick to January 1856 
N. P. Fitchett to January 1856 
Capt. T. Hardin to January 1856 

B. B. Keesee to January 1856 
W. Parsons to January 1856 
J. Robinson to January 1856 
D. W. Waller to January 1850 
Col. G. Baylor to July 1855 
W. S. Payne to January 1850 
R. II. Turner to January 1856 

B. F. Manley to January 1856 
S. H. Ginter to January 1856 
J. W. Barker to January 1856 

C, Meriwether to January 1855 
C. F. Morton to January 1856 
J. Wingfield to January 1856 
J. F. Wingfield to January 1850 

A. Aldridge to January 1856 
Dr. P. Goodwyn to January 1856 
Maj. J. R Disoway to January I860 
Dr. B. F. Eppes to January 185G 
Maj. T. J. Eppes to January 1856 

B. R. Smith to January 185G 
B. W. Bass to January 1856 
W. A. Wright to January 1850 
Coles H. T. Garuett to January 1856 
S. Tunstalito January 1856 
W. M. Keblinger to October 1855 
J. S. Field to January 1856 
R. H. Harwood to January 1856 
T. H. Walthall to January 1856 
Capt. W. II. Goodvifyii balance 
T. Walker to January 1856 
Col. C. Cocke to September 1S55 
H. T. Kidd to January 1856 
M. Wade to January 1856 
Mrs. T. H. Hobson to September 1855 
J. S. Barbour, jr., to March 1855 
G. W. Whitfield to January 1856 
Rev. D. Witt to January 1856 
T. Clarks to January 1850 
W. J. McGehee to January 1856 
J. D. Walthall to January 1856 
J. M. Johns to January 1856 
J. W. Allen to January 1856 
J. R. Holliday to January 1856 
J. W. Moseby to January 1856 
W. P. Tucker to January 1856 
W. A. Wilkins to January 1856 
AV. Griffin to January 1S56 
W. C. Tucker to January 1856 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



127 



j. L. Plummer to January 1856 
rs. C. G. Garland to January 185(1 
>hn Moir to January 1856 

A. Hundley to January 1856 
T. G. Morton to January 1856 
■. J. R. Woods to July 1855 
•. J. N. Hudson to April 1855 

W. Price to January 1856 
;n. W. H. Richardson, to January 1856 
10. Walker to January 1856 
;v. W. W. Kennedy to January 1856 
. C. Carrington to January 1856 
. M. Radford to January 1857 
ipt. W. Walden to January 1856 

M. Kennedy to January 1856 

Gerst to May 1856 

Friend to January 1856 

A. Bragg to January 1856 
Sutherland to July 1856 

D. Watkins to January 1856 
rchie Brown to January 1856 

C. Roy to January 1856 
D. Dunn to November 1855 
ios. Branch to July 1856 

L. Archer to January 1856 

W. Friend to April 1856 
>L J. A. Peterson to January 1856 

Boisseaux to January 1856 

B. Hamblin to January 1856 
. Bote to January 1856 

f. R. Harrison to January 1856 
reer; Hill to January 1856 

J. Cabiness to September 1856 

. 0. Chambliss to April 1856 

■ Thweat, to September 1855 

• F. Jones to January 1856 

". H. Field to January 1856 

. L. Lee to January 1856 

*. P. H. Anderson to January 1856 

F. Perkinson to January 1856 
I R. Eppes to January 1856 

H. Brooks to January 1856 

M. Jordan to January 1856 
. Mitchell to January 1856 

H. Fendley (Est. ) 

Hill to January 1856 

T. Bibb to January 1850 
. B. Harris to January 1856 
r. W. W. Oliver to January 1856 
K J. C. Hill to January 1856 
. C. Land to January 1851 

F. McGehee to January 1856 

W. Spindle to January 1856 

P. Terrill to January 1856 
'. B. Harris to September 1855 
r. W. H. Goodwyn to January 185V; 

Chesher to May 1855 
. Hairston. Sen. to July 185:! 
)hn Walker to May 1856 
. B. Harrison to January 1856 

W. Brockwell to January 1856 
. Brown to Januarv 1856 
. H. Browi, ro April 1856 

A. Barley to September 1856 
. B. Brown to July 1856 
. J. Thompson to January 1850 
'.J. Parrott to January 1856 

T. Bark-sdale to January 1857 
'. P. Farish to January 1856 

W. Feeklin to July 1857 
L J. ftobinson to July 1855 
. J. Cook to July 1857 

P. Fnrrisb to Julv 185.". 



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P. Sowell to September 1856 
A. C. Hughes 

Col. J. J. Bocock to July 1856 
A. C. Wood to January 1856 
D. R. Goodman to September 1855 
S. C. Hurnly to January 1856 
R. Doesey to September 1856 
M. L. Anderson to July 1856 
J. Wood, jr., to July 1856 
A. Carpenter to January 1856 
J. B. Chandler to January 1856 
Capt. F. Lang to July 1857 
Thos. E. Shannon July 1856 '■ 
J. Riddick to July 1856 

F. W. Scott to January 1856 

J. L. Armistead to January 1856 
Upton H. Herbert to March 1856 
Jos. Spriggs to March 1856 

G. W. Turner to January 1856 
J. R. Miller to January 1856 
G. Redman to July 1855 

H. E. Coleman, jr., to November 1856 
R. B. Baptist to January 1860 
Sand. Farrar to April I ^55 

D. M. Carter to April 1855 

J. N. Ryland to January 1856 
J. C. naley to January 1856 
Col J. Wootin to Januarv 1856 
Dr. T. P. Shields to January 1856 
M. F. Finks to January 1856 
R. N. Harris to January 1856 
C. H. Harrison to April 1856 
H. M. Baker to March 1856 
Dr. 0. B. Finney to January 1856 

E. T. Mapp to January 1856 

S. H. Crenshaw to January 1855 
W. E. Glen to January 1850 
J. B. Anderson to April 1855 
R. Sampson to Januarv 1855 

C. C. Snow to Januarv 1856 
W. D. Wallace to January 1856 
J. E. Morris to January 1856 
J. W. Mays to January 1856 
Dr. H. Curtis to January 1856 
A. R. Stringer to July 1855 
W. 0. Eubank to January 1857 

E. T. Jeffries to Januarv 1856 
J. W. Downey to March 1856 

T. B. Montague to January 1856 

F. G. Bridges to January 1856 
J. C. Dickenson to January 1856 

D. Rice to January 1856 
J. B. Bell to January 1850 
L. Brutfh to January 1856 
J. t. Ege to May 1855 

J. Mann to January 1856 

Capt. T. F. Spencer to January 1856 

P. -II. Wilkerson to January 1856 

J. W. Butler to Sept. 1855 

n. M. Hutcheson to January 1856 
I). Warwick to January 1856 
Matthews to January 1856 
D. Matthews to January 185t> 
D. Crenshaw to October 1856 
W. Cousins to January 185C 

J. W. Butler to September 1855 

P. Jones to September 1855 
T. C:unpbell to January 1856 



M. 



W. Snoddy to January 1855 
W. F. Iilackweil to January 1856 
Dr. J. L. Jones to January 7856 
T. .1. Benehaw to January 18CG 
J. T. Anderson to Jatuary 7.356 



3 50 


1 00 


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1 00 


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128 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



J. A. Harman to January 1856 
T. Carrington to January 1856 
Rev. A. B. Davidson to January 1855 

E. H. Penchbaek to January 1856 
M. TJtz to January 1856 

S. Redd to January 1857 
R. A. White to January 1856 
R. G. Morriss to January 1856 
H. Irwine to December 1859 
R. B. Haxall to January 1856 
L. PI. B. Whitaker to January 1856 
J. R. Saunders to January 1856 
P. E. Seward to January 1856 
S. G. Cooke to Sept. 1855 
T. Minson to January 1856 
K. P. Minson to January 1856 
S. G. Curtis to January 1866 

F. Yager to January 1856 
E. Smith to March 1855 
N. Mills to January 1856 
R. Mills to January 1856 
W. T. Young to April 1855 
H. C. Logan to January 1856 



2-09 



Rev. E. W. Roach, 
Col. T. Pugh, 
Jackson & Williamson. 
A. Bailey, 
C. A. Anderson, * 
Capt. J. W. Arniistead, 



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1 



^Clue, to Jan. '56 00 



CONTESTS OF NUMBER -IV. 



PA 



On the Horse. 

The Peach Tree Borer ..........7.7,.. 

Mushrooms and Hogs . 

Borax Washing Recipe „ 

Discovery in Baking 

Gas Tar in Horticulture 

The Philosophy of Rain . „ ... 

Chloroform for Domestic Animals 

Scratches in Horses 

Capacity of Boxes 

Weights of Measures 

A new Remedy for Smut 

Galls from the Harness or Saddle- • • • 

Corr.po6t Manures, Stock Yards, &c. 

Postscript to Remarks on the Effect of Lime on Sorrel 

A new Cultivator 

A good Soap Receipt 

A good Common Ccke 

lace on Cattle 

Com Fodder 

Self-regulating Windmill 

Number of Seeds in given Weights 

A good Kind of Corn Bread • 

Ginger Cakes 

The Chinch Bug • 

The Climax of Wheat-reaping Inventions • • 

Wide Beds for Low Grounds — Beavers in Virginia- •• 

Seymour's Broad-casting Machine 

Butter- 



On the Culture of Corn 

Ice Houses • 

Hew to shoe a Kicking Horse- 
On Distemper among Cattle •• 

Smi.t in Wheat 

Grain 



Breeding Torkeys 

Useful Hints for Virginia Gardeners-- - - . - 

Journal of Transactions of the Va. State Agricultural 
Society • 

Discontinuance of Agency 

To prevent Molts, Cut Worms &nd Birds from destroy- 
ing Seed Corn • 

Richmond Markets ■ 

Pavra'Ptr tc the Southern Planter •• ■--•>- 



FIELD, GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS, AGR 
CULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL IMPL1 

MENTS, &c. — The subscribers have established, in co 
nection with their extensive Agricultural and Horticultur 
Implement Establishment in Philadelphia, a Seed Farm, t 
growing all kinds of seeds for Farm and Garden, whit 
they are now able to supply, fresh and genuine, in eve! 
variety. Merchants and Dealers supplied at a liberal di 
count. A choice selection of rare Flower Seeds — 20 fit 
varieties, neatly put up in fancy boxes, for one dollar. 

They are also prepared to supply, either by wholesale i 
retail, every description of Agricultural and Horticultur 
Implements, with all the recent improvements, being so 
agents in Philadelphia for many of the best ones now 
the market, for which they received over seventy premiun 
at the last Pennsylvania State Fair. 

They have also for sale Red and White Clover, Timoth 
Herd's Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, Rye Grass, Orchai 
Grass, Alsike Clover, Lucerne, Sainfoin, Sweet Seenti 
Vernal, Foxtail, Fescues, and other Foreign Grasses. 

Implement, Seed and Nursery Catalogues furnished 
all post-paid applications. 

PASCHALL MORRIS & CO., 
Agricultural Warehouse and Seed Store, 

fe3t N. E. corner /th and Market, Philadelphia. 



REAPERS, AND REAPERS & MOWERS 
COMBINED. 

HAVING been familiar with the manufactui 
and working of these now indispensable m; 
chines lor the last fifteen years, I can with entii 
confidence recommend Hussey's, delivering behim 
or, with rear platform, at the side; and McCo 
mick's, delivering always at the side, as embracin 
all that is valuable in reapers at the present A 
All others are but variations of these, and hav 
value only as they possess the true principles estal 
lished in them. Out of eighty reapers which I sol 
last harvest, there were no failures. 

Orders should be sent early to prevent disappoin 
ment. Terras of payment for machines delivere 
now will be the .same as if delivered the first i 
June. 

Premium Threshers and Threshers and Cleane: 
made to order; Stationary and Portable superic 
Wheat Fans always on hand, and a general assoi 
ment of implements. 

ap 3mo H. M. SMITH. 



PREMIUM THRESHERS. 

HAVING been awarded the highest premium § 
Threshers and for Threshers and Cleaners t 
the Virginia Agricultural Society in 1653, and agai 
in 1854, when, each year, they were operated i 
competition with all the prominent machines oft! 
country, and being able to refer to more than 10( 
farmers who have them in use, I feel competent i 
satisfy all purchasers of the superiority of such J 
I offer them. 

The Pitts Thresher, with separater and cleane 
mounted on wheels, is the most reliable machir 
for threshing in remote fields on large farms; ar 
as a portable machine, to thresh on toll, hasadvat 
tages possessed by no other. 

I make a great variety of Threshers, both st; 
tionary and portable, and pay particular attentic 
to the repairs of threshers made by Jabez Parkt 
and by Parker & Smith. Have for sale Husseyan 
McCormick Reapers, and do repairs to same. 

Orders should be sent^oon to ensure seasonab 
fulfilment. 
_ap_3mo H. M. SMITH . 

ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PEAR TREES.- 
Or Pear and Quince roots for sale by 

G. W. WILSON, Maiden, Mas-. 
Refer to T. A. Hardy,Esq., Norfolk, Va.,C.B.Ca 
vert, R'versdale, Md., and Samuel Sands. Bolt.