4tl ^] VOL. XVIII. [JUNE.] % — ; ^^ Published Monthly. No. 6. H Puffin without - 25 00 12 " \ alteration, 40 00 1st insertion, - -10 00 Each continuance, - 7 SO li months, ) without - 40 00 12 M S alteration, 70 00 Advertisements out of the city must he accojnpa- nied with the money or eity references ro insure inser- tion. Devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, and the Household Arts. Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. I Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of — Xenophon. the State. — Sully. FRANK. G. RUFFIN, Editor. F. G. RUFFIN & N. AUGUST, Prop'rs Vol. XVIII. RICHMOND, VA., JUNE, 1858. NO, 6. For the Planter. Ornithological Sketches— No. V. April 27th, 1858. My Dear Sir.— Having a little more leisure than usual to-day, I will resume our correspondence. All of our summer birds have arrived except the Baltimore oriole, and all are in fine plight and bril- liant plumage. 1 wisli that you could be here to witness their happiness, and drink in the music of their song. They carry me back to the days when I was young and happy too, and my own sweet-heart Note. — We accidentally deferred, until our friend's last Ornithological Sketch was in type. to correct his etymology in respect to the old proverb of " a hawk from a handsaw." It is not a hawk from an anser, which is rather too " high larnt" from the sancho who originated the saying. But it is, as our friend will be pleas- ed to learn, for it will suit his taste exactly — "a Hawk from a Hernshaw," " Heronshaw, ;; pi Jlernshaw being the bird, that in the old time, when Hawsingwas the pastime of knight and lady, was the " quarry" or game that the hawk was used to take.— Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2. . Ed. So. Pl. 21 used to strike her guitar, and accompany it with a simple little air, two verses of which I will venture to give you, replete with harmony and truth : Come let us rove, my love ; The primrose gay is springing, And Flora decks the grove. This is a joyous season, — Now woos the turtle-dove; Around us all creation, Is filled with joy and love." Poor little birds ! they had a hard time of it on Sunday, the 25th, during the snow storm. The Baltimore orioles olone were wise enough to hang back. We are never safe from snow till they get here. I see a great many white-throated finches pip- ing about, and they also are very weather- wise, never leaving until the warm weather fairly sets in. The prognostica- tion of the weather, from the actions of birds, engaged the attention of the old Roman farmers ; and doubtless the study is worthy of ours. We can anticipate, by close observation of the departure of the birds that sojourn with us in the winter, and the arrival of those who spend their winters in Southern latitudes, in a great 322 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. degree, what will be the character of the spring. And we can thus settle the ques- tion asked in the Planter as to the best time to plant corn. This is a matter of great importance to those whose lands are cold and stiff. On my farm, which is of this character, I find it best not to plant till the orioles come and finches leave. The' Pamunkey Indians used to say, " when the white oak leaf is as big as a squirrel's ear, plant corn quick." The swifts or chimney swallows by many are supposed to indicate the passing off of wintry weather. I saw two of these twittering around my chimneys last Thursday, the 22d. But " one swal- low does not make a summer," says the old proverb ; nor are several any proof that the winter is gone and past. For their power of flight is so great, that a day or two can take them away back beyond the reach of frost. But how do birds know when it is safe for them to come ? Has a kind Provi- dence given these beautiful little objects of his care a prescience necessary to their existence, and which he has withheld from man because it is not necessary ? Or are they arrested in their march North- wards by the cold spell commencing in the South before it does in the North ? These are questions as yet undecided. By a comparison of my journal with the announcement below from the " South" of to-day, we can see that Doctor Frank- lin's theory of storms commencing in the South, may be extended to cold weather also : <( HEAVY FROST AT THE SOUTH." '■' Augusta, Ga., April 21. — There were heavy frosts last night in the middle and upper portions of this State. Also in the region of Mobile, fears are entertained of injury having been done to the crops." By an inspection of my journal, which gives the height of the" thermometer at sunrise, 2 o'clock and 9 P. M., you will see that on the morning of the 21st, when frost fell in Alabama and Georgia, the temperature here was 58° at sunrise, 70° at 2, 66° at 9 P. M. Wind S. W., clear. Note on this day : " I saw for first time crested fly-catchers, cat birds, red-eye vireo, and two swifts." [ suppose that all the birds South of the cold current of air that was dejected in Alabama, and which caused the frost, were arrested in their progress ; whilst those North of it came on the wings < the warm South-west wind which we driven forward by the cold upper currer from the N. E. falling down behind it, an becoming for a time the lower currer still progressing towards the equator, an forcing^the South-w r est current as it m( it to rise above it. As the lower Soutr west current was cut off from its suppl behind, being forced upward, the upper fl E. current would continually fall to th ground step by step on its heels in its pre gress to the North-east. So that th North-east wind that brought frost i Alabama on the night of the 20th Apri having receded in this manner, brougl us the snow storm of the 25th. This we preceded by the North-west wind of Sal urday the 24th, which would have give us a killing frost that night but for ii clouding up and raining just before dai and finally snowing. Possibly in the la itude of New York the warm Soutb-we: wind was blowing on the 25th, whilst th North-east wind was pelting us here wit snow. Even as the cold wind was givin them frost in Alabama on the 21st, whih the South-west wind was giving uspleasar weather here. When birds are delaye beyond their usual times of arrival, w may infer that they have met with col weather, and that this cold weather wij reach us by a retrograde movement frorj South to North. We will continue ou extract from the journal : " 1858, 22d April.— Thermometer 6'J 76, 62, S. W., clear. House wrens, towh buntings, and Bartiam's vireo came to-dav] —23d— 60, 76, 46, S. W., clear. At 3| wind cloud from S. W. accompanied b| slight rain. Thermometer fell 22° in twj hours. The wind changed to N. E. witj cold rain at sunset. Saw this morninl orchard orioles, and scarlet tonagenl White-throated finches as numerous a] at any time during the winter." Here I suppose the derangement an change in the current of air in Alabam on the night of the 20th first struck lis " 24th— Thermometer 44, 66, 40. Nort clear. "25th— 36, 34, 36, N. E. Rain i the morning ; snowed fast from 9 till 2. 1 M. Rain in the evening; cleared off ; ni^ht ; heavy frost before day. ""26th— 34, 46, 36, N. E. ; cloudy slight rain before sunrise which melte- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 323 the frost and ice, which was one-eighth inch thick, and I hope has thus prevented injury to the fruit. Bee martins, hum- ming birds, orchard orioles, swallows, all gone. Plenty of cat birds, sandy mock- ings, wrens, goldfinches, white-throated finches, and mockings singing. " 27th— 35, 56, 42, N. W. ; cloudy in morning ; clear evening. Saw several brown swallows and two cross bills." The common cross bill, Loxia curveios- tra, builds from Pennsylvania very far North, It is a pretty and very gentle bird. To-day I saw two females feeding Dn the seeds of the elm. They then lit Dn a willow oak, noar where I was turn- ing up some rocks that had been placed around rose bushes, in order that a few cage birds which I had turned loose in the yard might pick up the insects concealed underneath. The tame birds would fol- low me from rock to rock, and Mrs. F. :ame out to remonstrate with me for dis- urbing her rocks, which she had careful- y arranged. But in a little while she be- ame interested in the movements of the rirds, when she saw how much delighted 1 little cat bird was with the crickets. A ;ardinal grass beak, named Dr. Burrows, was is well pleased to craunch the hard shell Dlack bugs as a D. D. would a hard shell- ed Baptist ! And two wood thrushes, aamed Jack and Billy, were busily seizing he spiders, and an insect called by the rroes " old sows ;" whilst a favourite mocking, named Dr. Jeter, was delicately mincing the wood lice and ants. This ippearing fine sport doubtless to the cross Dills, one of them flew and alighted upon i rock which I had just turned over, im- mediately between Mrs. F. and myself. We were standing so near to the rock that we could have joined hands over it. Lit- tle Richard Hugh, the cat bird, who jump- ed upon the rock so soon as I had turned it over, gave the intruder a very knowing look or two, and with a wag of his tail surrenderd his place to him. We stood stock still. After eating a minute or so the cross bill rejoined her companion, and w to the elm trees. I had thought to have descried the ^runlets when I set down to-day. But I feel inclined just now to say a word or so in behalf of my friends, the cat birds. You may have observed that a man who is fond of children, always falls into baby- talk when he speaks of the dear little prattlers. Just so it is with the ornitholo- gist. From Pennout down to Audubon, they all invariably slide into bird-talk. And this bird-talk is replete with hyper- bole and superlatives. The bird w T hich they are just then describing is either the sweetest songster of the grove, with the richest plumage or most engaging man- ners. Or if it be the turkey buzzard or the crow, of all birds they are the most useful to man, and should be universally protected as public benefactors ! By this indiscriminate praise naturalists have over- shot the mark, and the common sense of the people is outraged, so that they be- lieve but little of what they say. I hope to observe the golden mean, and to say that of each bird what he deserves, and nothing more. It is true that I have as yet spoken little except in praise ; but should I live to get to the history of the turkey buzzards and crows, " I will a tale unfold/ 7 that will prove that such robbing, murder- ing miscreants are unfit to live in King William, however useful the former may be as scavengers in the streets of Charles- ton and other filthy cities ; or the latter may be supposed to be in picking up cut- worms around the corn hills. The cat bird is certainly amongst the unthinking, the most unpopular of ail our birds, and he is persecuted with the most unrelenting ferocity. His nest, whenever discovered by negroes and children, never escapes destruction. The gardener shoots him, and the farmer gives his young to. his children to play with. When I once- remonstrated with one, — " Pshaw ! it is; nothing but a cat bird," he replied. I [ last summer endeavoured to ascertain i from different persons the cause of this ; dislike. The first said, " he has such an i ugly name." A second, " he has such a .. horrid voice, never singing at all, and hoi- - lowing quoe and quet all the time." A. third, " he is so saucy." A fourth, "he; is so ugly." A fifth, "he sucks up all l. the other bird's eggs, and eats their ■ youn< A sixth, "he draws snakes!' A seventh, " he eats up all the cherries ; and strawberries." An eighth, " Oh I '{ don't know exactly,— I hate him." And now for our .reply. 324 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 1. It is no fault of the poor bird if man has given him an ugly name. In this we have sinned against Mm. Doubtless if he could communicate his name by which he calls himself, it would be as soft and gentle as a zephyr. But if the common people have called him ugly names, natu- ralists have given him one as beautiful as it is appropriate — Orpheus Carolinensis-r- or Carolina Orpheus. He belongs to the noble family of the thrushes, and is of the same genus with the mocking bird or poilyglotter, and Orpheus rufus, that prince of song commonly belittled by the name of sandy mocking. I tell you, sir, not the nightingale himself could support such names as we daily give to our grand- est songsters, and stand his ground in public estimation. There is much in a name ! Do you think that Washington, had he borne the name of Sheepshanks, would ever have been " first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen ?" Henceforth away with the name of cat bird ; let it degrade the mouth alone that uses it. Our Philomel shall be, in plain English, the Carolina Orpheus. % Instead of having no other notes than quoes and quets, every lover of na- ture knows that he sings melodies as soft and plaintive as Orpheus himself could have played in his search for his lost Eu- rydice. And then again he swells out into louder, bolder, and more harmonious songs than either the orpheus polyglotte or rufus can attain. It is true that when angry, or quarreling, or surprised, his notes aie harsh, guttural, and grating to the ear. And in this respect he shows his good sense by speaking the language of nature. You would not have our or- pheus when angry to " roor you as gently as a sucking dove?" As well complain of the wild scream of the eagle. He uses his gutturals for his enemies, — a usurp- ing bird, a marauding cat, a cruel boy, or sneeking snake. He soon learns his friends from his foes ; and one that he knows to be a lover of himself and fam- ily, he will permit to approach his nest and handle his young without any abuse. He will sing in a few feet of such an one, and seem to be pleased at his listening to his song. 3. His fearlessness and fondness for the society of man his enemies call saucyness. 4. So far from being an ugly, I thinl it a very pretty bird, with a gracefu form, and possessing great activity. 5. Whence the charge of egg-sucking and robbing other birds of their young, originated I know not, unless from th< habit the old ones have of carrying offth( eggshells from their own nests when thei young have hatched. They seem to b( proud of this, and carry the eggshells fron bush to bush before they drop them as a trophy of their success. Our orphe us is a very fond parent, and very ten der-hearted towards the young of othe birds; and will make as much ado, if the;; are molested by cats, snakes, or men, a if they were their own. I knew them tt feed a young robin that was put in a cage and set near their own nest. 6. It is possible that, in common witl other birds, they do draw snakes to th •ihrubbery near a dwelling for the purpos of eating their young. But the orpheu, detests snakes, and ever keeps up a clos< lookout upon their movements? and wil be sure to give information of their where abouts to the man of the house, if he ha observation enough to learn their Ian guage. I have killed many a blacl snake, garter snake, and viper, crawlin- about my premises that I never woull have known of had these birds not toh me. Tt is astonishing how soon they lean what the man is about that helps them*t kill a snake once. Whilst I was at din ner last summer the cat birds gave th alarm of snake. I eent a little serva girl to keep the marauder in check. Sh returned and said the birds were quar reling with one another. I knew better so I jumped up and took a large pair o garden shears in my hand. There wer< four or five old birds in a terrible state o excitement, fluttering in and out of a ce dar hedge near the stable. They did no move at all out of my way, for they knev I was their ally that had turned the scah of victory in their favour in many a con test before. Great w T as their joy and ex ultation at my approach, as they gathere around a large black snake coiled up or one of their nests. I reached out my long-handed shears, and took his snake ship firmly by the middle, between th< steel blades, drew him out, and cut hin asunder. He had swallowed two of th young birds, all that were in the nest THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 325 The old ones approached his quivering body, — nor did they cease to thump and pick it as long as it showed any signs of life. I have frequently heard that snakes had the power of charming birds, and have read many marvellous accounts there- of in Burnoby's travels in Virginia, writ- ten more than a hundred years ago, and in other publications, down to the present day. Indeed I had witnessed the facts myself, and had heard sensible and well informed men, speak of it as a settled thing, which they had often seen. Very few persons in Virginia doubt it at all. I do not believe a word of it. The first in- cident that caused me to doubt it, occurred a dozen years ago. In the same cedar hedge that runs around my yard, T dis- covered a pair of cat birds very singu- larly affected. They were fluttering around a spot on the top of the hedge which was closely trimmed, making the most plain- tive and wailing cries, — approaching it with one wing raised and the head and body thrown back under cover of the upraised wing. I crept up close to them, and saw a long, keen black snake, about the size of my middle finger, with a white throat. Here, I thought, is a case of charming. The snake was partially coil- ed, with his head raised and his gaze fixed intently on., the birds ; and they seemed to be drawn to him by an irresist- ible spell. The. birds were near enough for him to have seized and swallowed either of them ; and nothing, I thought, but his diminutive size prevented his do- ing so. I felt vexed that so young a rogue should be showing his tricks upon objects too large for him to profit by them ; so I struck him a sharp blow with a fishing rod I had in my hand, but with little in- jury, for he glided off into the thick hedge, and soon lost him. The cat birds soon found him, however, and went through the same process of being charmed. With their help as often as lost I succeed- ed in finding, and at length killed him, and cut off his head. I threw him down by the hedge, and started on my way, but on looking back, was surprised to find that the headless snake had still the power of charming the birds, and they were fluttering around him with the same distressed cries as at first. Well now, thought I, these birds are under the mag- netic influence of the snake, they as yet are unable to throw it off, and were forc- ed to come to him. They begun to ap- proach him nearer and nearer, and struck him with their wings, and pulled at him with their beaks, and finally got upon him and tugged away in dead earnest. This looks very much like fighting, said I to myself, and it may be the birds were only coming to the snake for the purpose of fighting him at first. I soon had another opportunity of killing another snake and carrying him near a nest of cat birds, that were not at all under his magnetic in- fluence, for they had never seen him be- fore that I knew of. I threw him down, and the dead snake charmed the birds as effectually as the living one. From re- peated observations, I am convinced that snakes have no power of this kind, and the birds are only trying to thrash them off from their nests. That they are often caught in these attempts I do not doubt, though I never witnessed such a fact. 7. That our orpheus is fond of cherries, mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, I am free to admit. But the lover of nature had better plant out a few extra cherry trees, and cultivate a little patch of strawberries, and then he will have enough for himself and the birds too. They will richly repay him by the worms, slugs, grasshoppers, and other in- jurious insects, which they destroy in great numbers. And their sweet songs are worth more than all the berries they will consume. I have discovered that he is guilty of a more serious crime, which I have never heard him charged with ; and the very mention of which I am apprehensive will array against him a host of enemies. Yet I will neither falsify nor suppress the truth of history. He is very fond of eat- ing bees. Generally the dead ones that fall on the stand or ground near the hives. But occasionally he will kill a bee if pressed by hunger. Still I rather look upon his visits as advantageous, on the whole, to the bees. He clears away all the dead ones that might engender dis- ease, and picks up every moth around the hives, besides hunting them all over the grass yards and lawns. By light you will see him busy around the bee stands, and if he can get dead bees and moths enough, | he never ventures on the living ones; 326 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. same yard in great and then it is generally the old ones whose wings are worn too much to fly. But when he does venture, he kills them very adroitly, and picks them to pieces before swallowing. He kills the red wasp and hornet in the same manner. I think 1 may safely say that I have more bees and honey than any other farmer in this coun- ty, and more cat birds, too, for I never kill them. Nor do I often kill the bee martin, who certainly is a great destroyer of bees. This proves that birds and bees may be raised in the abundance.* The Carolina Orpheus travels at night in his migrations from the South. On the evening of the 20th, I looked out anxious- ly for my favourites, but could not see one. The next morning on going out into the porch, I heard his sweet, delicate song, so low and soft that it seemed like what in my childhood I imagined the music of the sons of the morning to have been when they sang together. He possesses a power like that of the ventriloquist's, and seems to be far off when he is close at hand. There he set in twenty feet of me, whilst a little further were perched five or six other males, answering each other in the same delicious strain. The next day their notes were loud and strong, and they were full of life and activity. At times you would see them all collected on the same bush, as if holding a consultation, — one beginning a sweet piping note, and the rest joining in in regular order, each swelling and puffing himself up, and dis- playing the bright chestnut under their tails, and cutting all kinds of grotesque antics. They seldom fight each other, and seem to be fond of each other's so- ciety. The orpheus is a sweet, gentle bird, with a kind affectionate heart, and wins upon the esteem and love of those inti- mately acquainted with him. He does not sing much in a cage during the first w r inter, yet he bears confinement well, and becomes very much attached to the person who feeds him. My little favourite, Richard Hugh, will follow me about like a young chicken with its mother w 7 hen I turn over the rocks for him ; ha leaps up to my hand to take an insect out and seems to be very happy in cole! weather if he can sit on the round of 1T13 chair and warm himself. During the win' ter he often was alone in my study, anc was very fond of stretching himself or the hearth, rumpling up his feathers as chickens do when they sun themselves He is very cleanly in his habits, anc bathes himself regularly every day. H( is rather a favourite with the other birds never fighting them, — but is a sort of wag, and likes to frighten these youn< mockings by chasing them up and dowr and around their cage, though he neve; touched them when he caught them. H( is very adroit in getting his share of gooc good things, such as insects, apples, driec peaches, raisins, &c, and will always takt a good mouthful to himself of those thing! from the mouths of the other birds be fore they can swallow them. He is of very inquisitive turn, ami is fond of getting on the bottom shelf of my book case, when I keep pamphlets and newspapers, anc rustling amongst them, and pulling then to pieces. Everything strange there h( would quote and quae over, and I realh become fonder of these notes than an) other, from their reminding me of sum mer. Richard Hugh and Dr. Burrow; spend their time very amicably in th( same cage. He sometimes ruffles th( Doctor's temper a little by snatching grasshopper or cricket from his mouth He was much put out by the return o the birds of his own species this spring They seemed determined to court his ac- quaintance, but he would always retrea to his cage, not liking their appearance. The Carolina Orpheus retires from th< U. S., with a few exceptions, in October and breed from N. C. to Mass. Its nesl is quite large, and placed in a weeping syringa rose bush or cedar. It lays five or six smooth, glossy, greenish blue eggs in May, and invariably brings forth twe broods in a season. * We have lately seen it stated that the bee martin catches only drones, the craw having been frequently searched in vain for working bees. Ed. So. Pl. To F. G. Ruffin, Esq. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 327 From the Massachusetts Ploughman. The Robin-Its Food and Habits. The robin was violently assailed last autumn through the columns of the Daily Evening Transcript, by "Horticulturist," who would not be satisfied with any thing short of the entire extermination of the beautiful and pleasant songster, because, forsooth, he picked cherries and other Widen fruits, and as was alleged, avoiding i/isects in consequence of his being a tfraharnite, and thus, from necessity, es- chewing all animal diet, being strictly fru- givorous, subsisting almost entirely upon garden fruits. Red-breast was defended from this ex- terminating assault, by an advocate who, while he admitted that the sweet singer, the farmers' and gardeners' pleasant com- panion, picked some fruit, claimed also that he is a destroyer of insects whose de- struction tended to promote and greatly increase the fruit crops, maintaining, more- over, that without this aid on the part of the birds, there would be no cherries. At the January meeting of the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society, an inter- esting discussion was had on the robin, its \ood and habits, and its relation to Horti- v :lture. The law prohibiting its destruc- * 10 ' was severely condemned by fruit grow, rs> wn0 re garded the bird as " a per- fect nu» ance " anc i were about to draw up a petition, asking for its immediate repeal. The othb, g j(} e f the question also found able adv oca t es , says the Transcript, from which we h. ve this extract, with Pro- fessor Jenks's lettb,. till finally, after a long discussion, the result was the appoint- ment of a committee with full power to investigate the matter thoroughly during every season of the year 1858, to ascer- tain the habits of the bird as fully as pos- sible ; to find out the nature of its food during each month, by examination of the crops of specimens killed at all seasons, and of different hours of the same day ; and to report from time time at regular meetings of the society. In accordance with the duty imposed upon them, the committee have made their report for the months of January, Februa- ry and March, and as the question respect- ing the utility of the bird has been long mooted, and is of general interest, I for- ward the report to you for publication. It will be observed that thus far the investi- gation has resulted very much in favor of the robin ; but from this we must not draw too hasty a conclusion, for during but one month thus far have robins been found, and the report of the next three months may be proportionably as great against the bird. In this investigation the committee w T ould solicit the aid of any interested in the settlement of this vexed question ; and certified facts on the subject, or specimens with communications stating the locality, and time when killed, would be thankfully received by any member of the committee. One of the Committee. Boston, April 26tk, 1859. Middleboro', Mass., April 23, '58. Mr. President : — It will be remember- ed, that at the January meeting of your Society, it was proposed to make the iood of the robin {Turdus migratorious) a sub- ject of special investigation throughout the year, to the end that we might arrive at some positive conclusion in reference to its utility to the horticulturist. As chairman of the committee appointed upon the investigation, I herewith submit a report of progress with the following re- sults : First. — No robins were seen in this re- gion, not even in our extensive cedar swamps, during the months of January and February — they being thoroughly ex- plored by my direction every few days. Early in March, however, numbers made their appearance, but until the second week in April only the male birds. Second. — I found the crops of those killed in the morning either entirely empty or but partially distended with food well macerated, while those killed in the latter part of the day were as uniformly well filled with food freshly taken. Third. — From the almost daily examina- tion of their crops from the early part of March to the present date, I have obtained and preserved in alcohol, ten varieties of food, consisting of larva), coleopterous in- sects (beetles,) orthopterous (grasshop- pers,) and araneidaus (spiders.) But nine- tenths of the aggregate mass of food thus collected, consists of one kind of larvae, which belongs to the curculio family ; but, as yet, I am unable to determine the species. I have frequently taken a hun- dred from a Single crop, and, in one in- 328 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. stance, I found one hundred and sixty- two, all in a fresh unmacerated condition. Casually, when this larvse is found, it is the only food in the crop. Fourth. — To the present date, I have not discovered the first particle of vegeta- ble matter in the crop of a single bird. Presenting the above, Mr. President, as the result of our investigations during one sixth of the year, it is Respectfully submitted, J. W. V. Jenks, Chairman. To Josiah Stickney, Esq., Pres. Mass. Horticultural Society. This is certainly a good beginning, — and more favorable to the robin than was claimed by his advocates, Helicon and others. He did not claim what Professor Jenks has demonstrated, and confirmed by exhibiting to us the contents of the crop, containing "the larva? of the curculio family," one of the most destructive tribes of insects known to fruit-growers, as all will admit. It is no matter, there- fore, what the next three months develope. Enough has already been demonstrated to teach all to spare the robin. Protect the birds, we would say to every farmer and gardener. You may save your fruit from being destroyed by them in various ways, short of exterminating the birds. One very simple method is to tether a cat, — more than one if need be, — among your strawberries, fruit, shrubs, &c. This has proved successful, as stated by Eng- lish gardeners who have tried it, and re- commend it. Birds are afraid of cats, and will not perch near where old grimal- kin is stationed. Ruricola. Cure for Dysentery. — Take Indian corn, roasted and ground in the manner of coffee, (or coarse meal browned) and boil in sufficient quantity of water to produce a strong liquid like coffee, and drink a tea- cupful (warm) two or three times a day. — One day's practice, it is said, will ordinarily effect a cure. . The weed known as "smart weed" which may be found in abundance along ditches, roads, lanes and barn-yards, is an effectual and certain destroyer of the bed- bug. A strong decoction is made of the herb, and the places infested with the in- sects thoroughly washed witji it. No good housewife will fail to avail her self of the practical hints contained in thi valuable article. — Eds. Preparations for Winter. BY HETTIE HAYFIELD. As We pick up our pen, "qn utefu thoughts intent," the vision of the r ai young housewife, in her afternoon leisure rises vividly before us. She sits in th< green twilight of a bower, over which tfc< clustering grape and flowering honeysuckl have woven a canopy ; in this, as in al her home surroundings, she has happil; blended the useful and the beautiful. An' now as she watches the unsparing reapei as its skeleton hand gathers every blade she exults in the advance of philanthropi science, or, perhaps, muses on the inevita ble hour when relentless death shall s pass over the teeming fields of huma; life. From such scenes as this, this green i est of summer, from such purifying thought! as these, it seems cruel to recall her to thi wearisome drudgery of life, yet if she heed j not, too, the busy bee, and toiling ant, whf store, beside her, for winter wants, we feam the hour will come when her presidenc over the home circle may be voted wear;,- » stale and unprofitable. For "flesh is nV J ' and Fanny Fern never edged a keer r sa ' I tire against man than when she -eclared: his stomach the portal to his hea c * Our limits are too brief to finish many|o particular receipts ; we wiP. nave *° con " tent ourselves with gener* a ^ es rather. The different division of housekeeping I are nearly all tributary to the winter store- 1 room. We hope the young housewife laidj her foundations for success long ago, byj putting in a first rate garden, proper atten-| tion to the orchard, and that her dairy ancj poultry yard are in high thrift. If so, thel poultry yard is filled with chirping brood: of every desirable variety that need bu|i care to be fatted by thanksgiving, and daj by day adds some to her stock of wintefl. eggs, which may be preserved, by beinji put in small jars on the little end. In ou.| experience they will keep months with n(j I further care, but longer if dipped in a thicl solution of gum arabic, drained and dried] We used to-day, some put up April 1st Commonly they are kept by covering then with water, saturated with lime, and havinj dissolved in it likewise, one pint of salt t« THE SOUTHERN-PLANTER ;20 one gallon of water. Lime, salt or strong ashes will partially cook eggs sometimes if packed in them. DAIRY. May is considered the charmed month • for packing butter, but we think any grass season, with a dairy of right temperature, good. We think cheese making best fol- lowed however in summer, as there is usu- ally time enough in cool fall weather to lay up a stock of winter butter, and less risks to be run by the inexperienced. VEGETABLES. Beside the great variety of vegetables raised purposely for winter use, there are many now commonly preserved which are used only to grace the summer banquet. Lima beans dried in the pod when it be- gins to grow yellow, are nice. Lima beans and green beans, in a green state, may be packed in alternate layers with salt, and, af- ter soaking, be cooked as in summer time. Corn deprived of all but the inner husks can be kept in strong brine and looks very natural. It may be cut after slightly scalding and strongly salted and put up in close cans. It may also be dried after scalding. Okra and pumpkins may be sliced thin and dried for winter use. Tomatoes may be stewed done, drained tnd spread in cakes an inch thick and ried. They may be kept in brine or cut ff with a stem and kept, not touching, on shelf, in a cool place, for a long time. ossessing the variety of fine vegetables as e do for every season, w T e cannot append note of admiration to the above recipe. omatoes prepared as for table, corn ditto, d green peas and asparagus slightly baked d put up in tight cans, as fresh fruits are, i have eaten, and esteem the two first eap luxuries. Fruits dried, potted, preserved, &c, &c, istitute the burden of the housekeeper's ■e, and in the shape of preserves, pickles, ., &c, we think, have by far too promi- lt a place in our bills of fare. But the servation of fresh fruits, we consider an r ance in sanitary economy. \> begin properly, have a supply of bot- or cans capable of being sealed air it. A boiler in which the empty cans r be set surrounded with water, which it be boiling briskly, while they are be- filled with fruit. A preserving kettle in which to scald the fruit and another to heat the syrup in. For bottles, have corks that fit very tight, even after dipping in boiling water. Have a wide mouthed fun- nel to pass the fruit through, tmd a perfo- rated ladle to drain it with. A vessel of melted sealing wax and some bits of ice or cold water convenient. Take sound, fresh fruit and prepare it precisely as for table use. Prepare a kettle of syrup of the fruit, if possible. When you are sure the syrup is boiling, and the fruit is boiling hot through and through, begin your operations. Fill your cans, while in the boiling water, with fruit ; fill up every crevice with boiling syrup ; close the can immediately, fill the grooves with wax, lay on the wax a piece of ice or some cold water to cool it instant- ly ; smooth it down firmly with a knife, and if you use tin cans, set them at once in cold water. To seal up instantly in air tight cans, sound fresh fruit or vegetables, while boiling hot, is the whole mystery of potting. Two parts bees-wax and one of rosin makes a good sealing wax. Plaster of paris mixed with water (small quantities at a time) makes a good seal for pickles. Old time cans, made when soldering was practiced, can be made very convenient, by having a ring two inches deep and one inch larger in circumference than the opening put on them. A cork fits into the ring as well as in a bottle and makes the can quite as con- venient. If your fruit keeps well it will shrink from the mouth of the bottle and the cans will show no signs of swelling, and will sometimes become concaved, slightly. A cool, dry place is of first im- portance for keeping potted fruits, preserves &c. PRESERVING. A wide porcelain lined kettle is best, if metal is used ; the fruit must never cool in it. A perforated skimmer to drain the fruit out with, and large dishes on which to cool it. Preserves keep best in small vessels, and should be kept airtight. Seal them when you put them up, and when opened, if not used at once, tie them over with oil cloth, leather, or thick paper, wet with the white of an egg. The best of sugar is required for pre- serving, and for superior preserves that will require clarifying. 1 lb. of sugar to 1 lb. of fruit is the usual allowance, but acid fruits or jellies require one and a half pounds. 330 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. Citron is made of the melon of that name, water melon rinds, or cantelopes. Peal and cut it to your fancy. Soak it a night in salt water; boil it one hour in alum water, putting layers of grape leaves between, if you wish to green it, changing them several times. Lay it in cold water for two hours. Then boil it until transpa- rent, in a fine, clear syrup, season it with any essence you prefer. Quinces should be stemmed, the flower bud cut out, and boiled until easily pricked with a fork. Then pealed, and cored or quartered, and set away for some hours with the sugar strewed amongst them. Some water will probably have to be used in making syrup for them. Boil them un- til clear and cover with a syrup nearly as stiff as jelly. Apples, peaches, pears and plums are made in the same way, using no water if you have syrup enough from the fruit. Small fruits do not need the prepatory har- dening. They should be stemmed, stoned, &c, and boiled until done. Preserve a few at a time if you wish to preserve their shape. If scarce of fruit you may strew them with sugar some hours before you cook them, and they will spare a good quantity of juice for jelly and yet retain enough to be preserved in." Jams and marmalades are made of fruits mashed to a pulp and stewed with equal quantities of sugar until very thick. JELLIES Are made of the juices of fruits procur- ed by boiling and pressure. The liquid must be strained through flannel strainers until transparent. To each pint of juice allow 1 lb. of best sugar, and stir in the beaten white of an egg for each pint of liquid. Boil and skim until you find it jel- lies well. Long boiling or exposure to the air darkens jelly. If scarce of fruit, you may only boil the juice to a thick s}'rup, and bottle it. When required for use, dis- solve a half ounce of clear ising glass in one pint of syrup, and it will scarcely be dis- tinguishable from pure fruit jelly. It must not be tough by excess of gelatine. Conserves. — The article we have met in the best houses of our State, do not come under the definition of this word in the best authorities. We have seen pears, quinces, tomatoes and citron preserved and dried in the sun and then kept in layers of dry sugar. These fill a basket as nicely as prunes or figs. Marmalades may be made dry and consistent enough to be sliced and cut into fancy shapes for the same use. Citron is prepared in this way for fruit cake. Brandy Fruits — Are made by pouring over them a rich syrup of sugar, agreeably flavored with the above anti-temperance exhilerant. DRINKS. Shrubs are made of the juices of acid fruit, currants, raspberries, lemons, &c. Prepare precisely as for jelly, only boiling to a syrup. Bottle and when diluted with water, if not sour enough, use a little tar- taric acid. Cordials — are the pure juices of fruits, prepared as for shrub, and flavored strongly with white brandy and sometimes alcohol. Blackberry cordial is highly spiced. Wines — are the juices of grapes or other berries which after fermentation are bot- tled — sometimes sugar is added. Any careful housekeeper may make better drinks than are generally marked with the best brands. But it is expensive and trou- blesome ; and morality considered, better dispensed with. Vinegar. — The best is made of cider, weakened and set in a warm place until it sours. We add one valuable, because easy and cheap receipt. Boil one gallon of shelled corn in 12 gal- lons of rain water until reduced two-thirds. Drain off the liquid, mix in it 2 lbs. of mo- lasses or sugar, 1 gallon of good cider vin- egar, and 1 pint of hop yeast, rolled up in pieces of thick, white paper. In bottles kept in the sun this will be fit for use in six weeks. PICKLES. Keep kegs or jars ready to receive your pickles as gathered. Those of no peculiar flavor can be put together, such as cucum- bers, melons, &c. Put in pickles and lay- ers of salt and pour over just enough wa- ter to keep them well covered. The brine should be strong. A coarse cloth and weight pressing down the pickles all the/ time. From time to time, when you wish 1 to use them, soak them in clear water un- til free from salt, then green them witij grape leaves and alum water. Scald then THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 331 in moderate vinegar for ten minutes, and tie them up closely in jars. After a few days, drain off this vinegar and pour over them strong spiced vinegar, boiling hot. Mangoes — Are of young musk-melons, large peppers, tomatoes, &c. They are freed from the seeds and after the first scalding in vinegar filled with scraped horse raddish, seeds Of coriander and mus- tard, chopped pickles, &c. The piece cut out is then nicely fitted in, and they are proceeded with as other pickles. Cold Pickles. — Vinegar may be seasoned agreeably, with salt, spices, &c, and cu- cumbers, nasturtions, peaches, and many other fruits are nicer for being pickled without scalding. These pickles require time for perfection. Yellow Pickle — Is made of white cab- bage or cucumbers, or of blanched vegeta- bles. The bleaching is done by keeping the vegetables in the salt, slightly covered with salt. Before the spiced vinegar is poured on them it is colored highly with teumeric. Sweet Pickles — Are made of almost any fruit. Peaches are freed from fur, not pealed, for this use, Pears, pealed, plums pricked with a fork and cherries placed be- tween their own leaves. Over the fruit a rich syrup of vinegar and delicate spices is poured boiling. CATSUPS. These are made of walnut, tomato or mushroon juice, procured by mashing, salting slightly, and (after standing some hours,) pressing severely. The juice is boiled to the consistency of cream, skim- med clean and flavored as pickles. Cucumbers grated up, peaches mashed to a pulp, or tomatoes chopped fine and then pressed dry make a delicious catsup. Sea- son the dry pulp with vinegar and spices. Peaches prepared thus and seasoned with vinegar and sugar are very nice. Flavored Vinegar — May be made by steeping the seed of any desired flavor un- til it is* impregnated. Celery vinegar is nice for chicken salad. If cabbage or celery are scarce in the fall, you may chop them fine, pack in jars and keep under strong vinegar. They an- swer well for hot slaw or chicken salad. DRIED FRUIT, CIDER, &C. Fruits are dried either in the sun or on ( kilns. The last is quickest and easiest, but needs care to prevent burning. Spread ; paper over your kiln, peal your fruit, slice it thin, and it will dry fair and well flavor- ed. Small fruits should be sprinkled thick- jly with sugar when just moist' enough to melt it. When dry, packed in jars with layers of dry sugar between, it is as nice as potted fruit for pies. Cider making belongs to the lord of the manor. . While it is going on, filter some through charcoal for winter use. Likewise convey some to your kettles direct from the press, boil it down to syrup ; then peal some of your sweetest apples and stew them in it to apple butter. Season it with spices if you like. Wild grapes may be preserved in this syrup. Nice jelly can be made by clearing, skimming and pre- serving, by boiling down cider without Valley Farmer. sugar Renovating Articles of Wearing' Apparel. The art of removing stains from clothes produced by acids, grease, mud, coffee, wine, etc., is denominated scouring. To carry the process to perfection requires not only vast experience, but some practical knowledge of chemistry. Our observa- tions upon this subject must therefore be only received as applicable to the ordinary cases of stained fabric ; because so much modification of the process is required to be subservient to the various colors and materials worked upon that nothing but practice can teach. The commonest marks are grease spots, and to scour them out of silk or satin the best materials to employ are ox gall or turpentine. If gall be used, it should be quite fresh, unless it is purified, of which we will speak hereafter. If turpentine be employed, it should be distilled, and perfectly free from rosin. The preparation called " scouring drops" is pure turpentine, perfumed with essence of lemon. Either of these sub- stances may be applied with a piece of sponge, or with a remnant of the same material that is being cleaned. When the grease spot is large, the greater part may be removed, in the first instance, by the application of blotting paper and a hot iron. If the stain upon silk or satin is pro- duced by an acid, such as fruits, and that upon black or dark colors, the best re-agent is liquid ammonia (strong hartshorn) rubbed in till it disappears. 332 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. For plain and figured silks, or delicate colors, we cannot give a general applicant, and therefore leave them to be operated upon by the professed degraisseurs. To obliterate grease spots on white silk, we may proceed as directed for colored silks ; but fruit, ink, and glove marks require a different treatment. These marks are gen- erally removed by damping the part with oxalic acid dissolved in water; about the eighth part of an ounce in a wine-glassful of water is strong enough. The common salts of lemon in water also answers well. Coffee stains, mud splashes, etc., w T ill mostly give way to the use of soap and water. Curd soap should be applied for this purpose. For grease spots upon cloth and all kinds of woollen goods, soap and water may be used without fear, provided it is well washed out afterwards. Fuller's earth, or powdered French chalk, made into a paste with water, and laid upon the part, is, however, the best applicant, to be brushed out when dry. Paint marks are removed with turpentine, the smell of which may be quickly dissipated by hanging the article upon a line in the air. The clarified bile, or gall, as it is termed, of the ox, is invaluable to painters in wa- ter-colors; it not only increases the brilli- ancy and durability of the colors, but makes them spread better upon paper, and especially ivory. When purified it is also much used by scourers for renovating the delicate coloured silks and satins. In its natural state it contains greenish coloring matter, and is then only applicable for restoring: the brightness of dark materials. It is discolored thus: Take one pint of gall; boil and skim it; then divide into two parts ; to one half pint add half an ounce of salt, to the other add half an ounce of powdered alum; each part is to be heated till the additions are dissolved ; then pour into separate bottles, and allow them to stand and clear (in a quiet place) for a month or eight weeks, even longer if not bright. The clear portions of both are then to be poured gently off the sediments and mixed together; the coloring matter coagulates and falls, from which the trans- parent gall is finally separated by filtering through bloting paper. Scientific American. Pickles. — Miss Leslie, in her Complete Cookery, prefaces her recipes for pickles with some remarks, from which we make a few extracts suitable for the season. Never, she says, on any consideration use brass, copper, or bell metal kettles for pickling ; the verdigris produced in them by the vinegar being of a most poisonous na- ture. Kettles lined with porcelain are the best, but if you cannot procure them, block tin may be substituted. Iron is apt to dis- color any acid that is boiled in it. Vinegar for pickles should always be of the best cider kind. In putting away pick- les use stone or glass jars. The lead which is an ingredient in the glazing of common earthen ware, is rendered \ery pernicious by the action of the vinegar. Have a large wooden spoon and a fork, for the express purpose of taking pickles out of the jar, when you want them for the table. See that, while in the jar, they are always com- pletely covered with vinegar. If you dis- cern in them any symptoms of not keeping well, do them over again in fresh vinegar and spice. The jars should be stopped with large flat corks., fitting closely, and having a lea- ther or a round peice of oil-cloth tied over the cork. It is a good rule to have two-thirds of the jar filled with pickles, and one-third with vinegar. Alum is very useful in extracting the salt taste from pickles, and in making them firm and crisp. A very small quantity is sufficient. Too much will spoil them. In greening pickles keep them very closely covered, so that none of the steam may escape; as its retention promotes their greenness and prevents the flavor from evaporating. Vinegar and spice for pickles should he boiled but a few minutes. Too much boil- ing takes away the strength. How to make Vinegar. — To one quart of molasses add three gallons of warm rain water. Stir well, and set the mixture near the stove in an open vessel, and it will soon form "mother," the most of which should be removed, when the vinegar is sharp enough. The "mother" may be added to other vessels of the mixture, and the vine- gar will be made in a very short time. Wm. McPherson. Prairie Farmer. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 333 Produce of Butter. One of the April numbers of an English Agricultural journal contains the following table, containing information valuable and interesting to the dairyman. "The relation of the food given, to the quantity and qualtity of the milk produced, is brought out very well in the following ta- ble, extracted from a paper in a recent No. of the Journal of the Albert Institution.'' 00 cococo JO in B JO P to Date of commencing with experiment. o n JO o < to 00 g B 3 A to 00 1 to £■5 Date of finishing experi- ment. 3g 2; sgg> L^^5 o ^ c «< e - s. is* 01 e /asA:-backsightedness ! that would with equal reason puzzle its I brains in looking for the pole and splinter- bar of a locomotive, the pendulum of a .watch, or the paddle-boxes of a screw steamer. " But if it is not ploughing, and it is not ; digging, what is it ? ' Go to the Mole, thou i dullard,' (the old proverb might be traves- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 345 ted,) 'consider her ways and be wise' — ' who without any coulter, share, or mould- board,- without spade, hoe, or pickaxe, leaves behind her in her rapid track a finer mould than ever Rausome, Howard, or Crosskill — than ever spade or rake pro- duced, or the most careful-handed garde- ner chopped up to pot his plants with. — The very rabbit that scratches his hole in the ground, or the fox that scratches after him — like the king-crab, to eat the kernel and lie in the shell — or the dog that scratch- es after both — the whole tribe of ' claw foot,' in fact — had scratched hard earth into soft mould, before ever the plough or the spade, or even the more ancient hoe, had broken ground on this planet. "Let us begin from the beginning: let us takes ' cultivation' itself into serious thought for a serious moment, and analyze it into its simplest elements, dropping all conventionalities of plodding custom. — What is it ? How would you do it, if you had neither plough, nor spade, nor hoe, nor rake to help you? With the same tools that the monks of La Trappe used to dig their graves with, and in the same man- ner ! If the mole, the rabbit, the fox, the dog, are not sufficient indicators, take the hand of a man, glove it with hardened steel, multiply it a dozen, or twenty times, till you have 'an instrument as broad a Grosskill's clod-crusher, each hand or claw with its separate arm forming the radius from a central shaft, which bristles all around with a forest of such arms, a sort of revolving Briareus, not rolling — let that • be especially remarked — but steam-driven, a thousand dog power, if you please, for we must not even mention horses, or we shall drop back into the old Scylla and Charybdis of 'traction' and of 'rolling' — two ideas to be eschewed like poison. " Let us suppose the picture of this for- midable looking cylinder of claws to be sufficiently described for the moment — re- minding one, at a distant view, of a half- breed between a hay-tedding machine and a Crosskill's clod-crusher — but unlike them, fundamentally distinct from any and every instrument that has ever seen a field, as doing its work not by traction, nor by its rolling weight, but driven by its axis, as the steam-paddle, the circular saw, the driving wheel of the locomotive, are dri- ven, supported by its own apparatus, and abrading the soil with its armed teeth, first cutting its own trench, burying itself to the required depth, and then commencing its onward task, tearing down the bank (so to speak) on the advancing side, canting back the abraded soil, earth's sawdust, com- minuted, aerated, and inverted, into the trench it leaves behind." When, Mr. Romaine first attempted to carry his " idea" into practice, he adopted the singular expedient of placing a steam- engine in a cart to work the "formidable looking cylinder of claws," while the cart and the engine were to be moved about the field by means of horse-power! This arrangement was evidently an absurd one ; but we find a passage in "Talpa," which might have suggested this idea also. He says : " When we have in idea and in fact de- tached the work of cultivation from the mere progression of the implement, made them perfectly separate and independent, so that if you ceased to proceed, your J coffee mill' would be still at work, and only want- ing fresh coffee to grind ; then, and only then, shall we have laid hold of the end of the 'clue that leads to cultivation by steam;' for then, and only then, shall we have be- gun to appreciate the real and unique value of the new agent we possess. To suppose that it would gear its noble faculty to the dragging of ploughs, or the redoubled sole- cism of a rolling spade machine, is to transgress the elementary axioms of natu- ral law, the fundamental relations and ex- actions that govern all physical progress and discovery." Talpa never meant to recommend any other power than steam for the two pur- poses ; he merely desired to have the two parts of the machine so adjusted that they could be put in motion independently of each other. In the next chapter to that from which we have made the above quotations, we meet with the following graphic descrip- tion of the very machine, in all its essen- tial details, just brought out by Messrs. Crosskill. It is, we believe, a rule of law, that no patent will be upheld for any ma- chine previously "described in a book." — If Mr. Romaine has never read " Talpa," we advise him to read it now. It might save him both trouble and expense, if he contemplates a patent: "Before we depart this life, we shall see one more wonder moving on the face 346 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. of the earth, something of this form and fashion — to wit — a complete locomotive engine on four wheels, the front pair turn- ing on a transome, the hind ones fixed ; behind them (suspended) a transverse, cy- lindrical shaft, three feet in diameter, from six to eight feet long, reminding one of a cross-breed between a clod-crusher and a hay-tedding machine, armed with case har- dened steel tine points, in shape like a mole's claw, arranged so that the side lap! of each claw may cover the work of the j other, and no interval or ridge be left un-j cut : the extremities of the cylinder just covering the wheel tracks. This cylinder of claws you will see raised or depressed at pleasure by the engine driver, and ad- justed to slow or rapid revolutions, worked either by cog wheels, or geared from the drum of the engine. That is the ' cultiva- tor.' A platform from the engine extends over it, ending in a sort of moveable tail- board, which may be raised or depressed at pleasure, to regulate the settlement of the soil which scatters from it. The rev- olution of the cylinder is not against but with that of the wheels — not dragging or retarding, but rather helping the advance of the whole machine, which is moved slowly forward by a detached force of about two horse-power from the engine." [ Canadian Agriculturist. . <«.«»> Diagonal Road Scraper. The Scraper depicted and described to us be- low strikes us as a very useful and desirable one. Having found the Scraper in many cases indispensable, and in many more an important auxiliary to the plough, we are anxious to see so useful an implement much more extensively introduced. We are glad to be able to recom- mend this one as deserving the notice of all who need such an implement. — Ed. So. Pl. xwyj Patented June (jtTi, 1854, by S. II. Dudley, Milton, Conn., Is confidently recommended to the public as being the best Scraper for all purposes ever introduced. Although specially designed for working roads it has been found to be superiorj| up to any other for digging cellars, banking! ita houses, leveling yards, and indeed all kinds of \ aid work where any Scraper is used. Parti cularlyj H has it been found valuable in removing the] ft surface earth preparatory to underdraining.j $ This is becoming an important part of good} ar husbandry, and would be much more exten-1 k sively practiced were it not for the expense, in By using this Scraper in a skilful manner, in > id all places where a team and plough can be] used, a ditch can be lowered to the depth of" eighteen inches or two feet, at probably one lie quarter of the labour and expense attending the ordinary method, and after the ditch has been completed and the underdrain laid, it is so constructed that by driving the team on the opposite side of the bank' of earth thrown out, it is rolled back into the ditch faster than ten men can do it with shovels and hoes. This alone would render it invaluable to every far- mer who has land that needs underdraining. DESCRIPTION. It is composed of a main plank from 5 to 7 feet long, 12 or 14 inches wide, 1J or 1| thick, ! with handles firmly bolted on the back, and | faced on the lower edge with a steel plate, 4 i inches wide, securety fastened with bolts and screws. It is drawn with a pair of steel bows or hooks attached to cast iron sockets on the back of the Scraper, and coming over the top through notches made for the purpose ; thus leaving the front of the Scraper free from chains, hooks, rings, or other obstructions. Each of these bows has a loop in the end for _ the purpose of attaching a chain. DIRECTIONS FOR USING. In working roads plough one or, at the most, two good furrows on each side. Then take a common two-hook ox chain and attach a chain to the loop in each bow, (after attaching the bows to the Scraper;) then hook the chain that goes between the cattle to such a link in the chain attached to the bows, as will give the Scraper an angle of fort} r -five degrees with the road, the end running in the ditch being forward, and the team travelling along the road in or near the middle. Raise the handles so that the Scraper instead of running under the dirt shall shove it forward of it, keeping the forward end down and resting against the shoulder made by the last furrow, and the other raised a little (if need be) so as to allow some of the dirt to run under, and not load the Scraper too heavily. Continue in this man- ner, changing the angle from time to time as occasion may require, and moving the dirt each time round near to the middle of the road, until it is complete ; when, if necessary, plough and scrape again. This Scraper leaves a road, if free from stone and large turf, so smooth and well graded that little or nothing need be done with a hoe. After the dirt is THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 347 noved from the ditch the angle should be hanged so that the Scraper will not incline ndwise too much. This Scraper works re- narkably well in stony and rocky ground. Vherever a plough can be made to loosen the :arth, (if rightly managed,) it will take and arry it on the road as clean or cleaner than he common Scraper. A good way to rjse it m highways is to have one team to plough and mother to follow with a Scraper throwing in >ach furrow as it is ploughed. It is very easy to manage after a little prac- ice, but it is recommended to new beginners o use it in mellow ground and get somewhat iccustomed to its movement before trying unong rocks and heavy turf. This Scraper needs only to be known to be generally used, as it is confidently believed that no one after using it in a proper manner for a short time would be willing to return to the use of the old fashioned kind. It took the first premium last Fall at our State Fair in New Haven, and also at Newark, New Jersey — the only places where it was exhibited. "We are manufacturing four sizes. The larg- est size is 7 feet long, the second 6J, the third S, and the fourth 5 feet in length, at prices varying from $6 to. $7 50, according to size, and will be delivered on the Naugatuck Rail- road, at Litchfield Station, at the above prices, suitably directed to any part of the country. All orders promptly attended to. Town, County and State Rights for sale. Address S. II. DUDLEY & CO., Milion, Conn. For the Southern Planter. Is Hay Necessary for Stock. Is it not strange how much doctors will dif- fer. A writer in the April number of the Planter, says, " He who has an abundant sup- ply of corn-stalks, shucks, wheat straw, and chaff has no need of hay for stock of any kind." 0, how the Dutch farmers in the Val- ley shake their heads, yes, even until their long heavy locks, hide their blushing faces. What ! me not give mine horses, mine colts, and mine calves, no hay, nothing but chaff, strata, and zorny stalks, and have them looking in the spring as rough as a rasp, and all covered over with vermin. I will do no such thing, I will feed mine hay, and the man over the Blue Ridge may feed his sassafras bushes, and bri- ers, for all I care. What he says about killing briers and bushes by mowing is true. If he will use one of Manny's Reapers and Mowers, he will do more in one day towards accomplish- ing the desired end than he can in three or four, with all his men with sc3^thes in hand. We in the Valley cannot agree that a crop of clover or timothy seed exhausts the soil as much as corn. We believe that the stubble and roots left in the ground weigh as much as the hay taken from it, and we know too, that when we protect our fields sufficiently to get one, two or three good crops of hay and seed we rarely ever fail to make a heavy crop of corn or wheat, which ever happens to follow, in fact, we generally get two crops of wheat, and one of corn before we put the same land in grass again. Another writer says, "I have also observed the soils which form the bottom of manure heaps, even within a few inches of the surface, do not seem to be enriched by the collection of fertilizing matter, which rested upon it." I established a pound some years ago in a cor- ner of my stable-yard, which I plowed up and hauled out; I also threw up a bank around two sides: in the centre I placed a rack in which I feed corn-stalks, with the fodder and shucks left in them ; the stable-loft is filled with clover and timothy hay, which is fed in the old way: The stable is kept littered, and when cleaned out, the manure, and also the scrapings of the yard are cast over the pound, which is covered several feet deep with straw, this operation is repeated as often as possible throughout the year, and tl!e manure is hauled out in the fall, and when opened much of it is as odoriferous as stable manure. Last fall I plowed the clay foundation as deep as three good horses could draw the plow, and the earth turned up smelt quite loud, (as a Dutchman would say): this was cast and spread on land plowed for wheat, and the wheat where it was spread looks now as if guano haers of the value of "root crops" for stock. '. may be charged with revolutionizing 'backward." i can't help that; but such s my deliberate opinion, based on many fears observation and practice. L. F. A. Erie Co., JV. Y., March 1858.. The Shepherds of the Pyrenees. translated for the Ohio Farmer, from the Ger. man, by Dr. Hartmarm, Cleveland. Numerous flocks of sheep are always leen in summer on the high mountain-pas- ures of the Pyrenees. These animals are ather small, but their ears are long and all backwards so as to cover part of the leek ; the wool is also long and of a medium mality. The shepherds wear, almost with- >ut a single exception, the mountain-jacket, ough caps, short pants, ani large, grayish- vhite burrusses, with a kind of monkish lood, which gives them a queer and ghost- ike appearance. During a rainstorm, these lidden forms would indeed resemble the leroes of Ossian, hovering about the rocks lalf enveloped in clouds. These shepherds ire, however, a strong class of men ; slight >ut sinewy, their skin all roasted by the iun, the eyes small and black, the aquiline lose finely cut, the hair falling unbound ipon the shoulder in copious coal-black juris. Every one has suspended from the ihoulder a small ornamental pocket, con- fining salt, this serves to attract those of he flock the shepherd wishes to catch/and separate from the rest, — a thing frequently •equired by fits of disease common in these nountains. The most common occupation )f all these shepherds is knitting woolen socks, which they practice all day long, sauntering leisurely along the pasture. — Many of them are accompanied by their children, the little ones representing in the nost remarkable- manner their fathers in niniature. The children are, as a general rule, dressed in such a manner in the Pyrenees as to impress the foreign eye with the appearance of strangely dressed- up dwarf gentlemen and ladies. The dogs belonging to these shepherds are mostly of noble blood. They are sel- dom allowed to visit the lower parts of the country, because the state of half wildness in which they are kept in order to render them useful in a region infested with bears and wolves, renders them in some degree malicious and uncontrollable. They often fight the most desperate battles among themselves, and many of their number fall victims in these ferocious contests. These dogs appear to be a singular breed, happily mixed from the Newfoundland do^, the St. Bernard dog, and the bull-dog of Eng- land." One snap of their gigantic jaws is more than sufficient to break the neck of the strongest wolf. The bears, protected by their thicker fur, are harder customers to deal with. Both these scourges are, however, disappearing from the Pyrenees, retiring to the wilder and less accessible defiles of the higher regions. The appear- ance of a bear in any valley more favora- ble to its human foe, is the signal for a general chase, never ending until he has paid for his temerity with his life. Wolves are more numerous and more dreaded. A bear seldom kills more than one sheep, selecting the best and fattest^ member of the flock, and starting off to devour it with all possible comfort. The wolf, on the contrary, not only satisfies his appetite on the spot, but even after that he continues in his bloody work from sheer licentious- ness and blood-thirstiness. Driven in mid- winter, by the tortures of hunger, down from the snow- fields of the upper moun- tains, these animals are really dangerous, and sometimes even men are attacked by them. Sometimes, however, one of them will live for years in some of the more fre- quented parts of the mountains, before a ball terminates its bloody career. Such are gen- erally gray-haired, cunning veterans, who have experienced a good many things and are acquainted with every trick of the hunter. The same thing will, though not so often, happen with a bear, who then usually'becomes known to everybody, and receives a regular appellation by which he is designated in the neighborhood. In the valley of Ossau, for instance, one was known for a long time by the name of Do- 356 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. minique, who, .confining bis robberies in praiseworthy moderation to the occasional carrying off of a sheep or a goat, evaded for a considerable term the trouble of a general hunting. The inhabitants began indeed to feel really proud of their Domin- ique, "the glory and the pest of the parish," as Prof. Wilson has it. Unhappily, one fine summer-day, he was overtaken, while digesting his food in too long-cherished se- curity, and shot by the forester. The huts of the shepherds are rather queer institutions, made from broom-straw, and wood of the box-tree. The furniture as completed by one or two chairs and a ;pot of ewes' milk. Cheese made from the latter and Indian corn constitute all the meals ; the fresh water of the mountain- springs serves against thirst. This, of course, is only in summer-time; the winters are spent in the villages and towns at the foot of the mountains, where the women reside the whole year round. All work in field and meadow is exclusively assigned to female hands. The women dig up and hoe the hard ground of the steep hill-sides, with surprising activity, to prepare it for the re- ception of the seeds ; they carry up the manure on their heads and distribute it themselves; they are skillful mowers ; they turn the fragrant hay, singing joyous songs, and carry it home in large bundles. Where a plow is seen, it is of the simplest form, commonly a long-curved bough, one end of which is fastened to the horns of an ox, the opposite one serving as a handle. The wooden plowshare is nailed on the exterior angle of the curvature. With this instru- ment they make furrows about an inch and a half in depth. The teams are generally of basket-work, upon two wheels, awkward indeed, but sufficient for the small loads that can be transported over the mountain roads. Many of these singular contrivances may be seen high upon the declivities, car- rying up the ferns used as manure, or filled with corn, winding down their zigzag ways to the mills. These mills, too, are very small concerns, but numerous. The mill- room is next to the creek, which moves the machinery ; the old-fashioned single stone is used everywhere. Above the mill there are the rooms of the miller and his family. The farmers living near villages usually sell the corn unground to the bakers, or rather exchange it for bread; those living higher up go directly to the mill, where the grain is ground and a certain part taken ai|| toll. This same custom formerly existe in Scotland, and is still in existence in somt of the mountainous parts of Germany J herein we have a proof that habits are thu same in all countries, as long as the mod of life remains in its simple and we migr say original character. The quarrels b<|; tween the miller and his customers ai likewise the same wherever this custom I observed. When harvest is over, the mi lers of the Pyrenees send out their wive on horseback, to look wherever Indian coi has been raised, anfl to ask there "fodde for the mill." These female emissarie; mounted upon their little ponies, in full Sunday dress, are never seen without trjei inevitable distaff in their hands. In the rocks near Aruns there are man stone-piles, where slate and marble is o! tained. The latter is carried in largij blocks to the highways on sleghs; the sla^, is carried off in baskets by women, and g is, indeed, surprising what loads they ca master sometimes. They seem to be h ferior to men in no way, in regard jj strength. The same observation may I made with reference to their work in tr field ; these women lift sacks filled wi potatoes or corn, such as many a man wou be unable to move. Their manner of doir field-work is somewhat characteristic; the tongues constantiy moving while at wort crying and singing, coaxing or cursing, the drive their oxen, harness them, plouc with them, and display occasionally the power with the whip. In spite of all tl hardships they undergo, the burning si and the rough weather they are constant' exposed to, you will find many beaut among them. The face is brown like th of an Italian or Spaniard, but they hai small aquiline noses, and superb eyes, ful sparkling, and almond-shaped. Their dre is peculiar, but beautiful. A scrupulous fitting black jacket is worn over a dre more or less ornamented with varion stripes, and its waist kept together by sm ribbons or strings. A kind of hood, of tl same color with the jacket, covers the hea this hood is sometimes folded square ai thrown back upon the back part of tl head, or so arranged as to protect from tl sun. In cold or rainy weather, the ho( reaches the shoulders. The stockings both sexes are more peculiar still ; they a made to cover the upper margin of tl THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 357 hoes, into which the foot is put naked. — 'he men in the valley of Ossau have brown aps, similar to the Tarn O'Shanter of outhern Scotland, but here called Berreti. k. jacket of a roundish cut, and short pants, lade of blue velvet for the holidays, com- letes their dress. In the more western alleys, they wear sandals made of un- mned leather. These sandals, girded eatly around a fine foot, have a beautiful ppearance ; in reality, however, there is carcely anything less comfortable, and a lan not accustomed to these strange pro- sctors of his pedal extremities, might, es- ecially in a damp atmosphere, expect with ome certainty to have at least some kind f a rheumatic affection, things however ntirely unknown among these unsophisti- ated children of the mountains. When Corn Grows. — Dr. R. Harrison, f Prince George County, Va., has taken iains to make some careful examinations 3 ascertain whether corn grows, as is enerally supposed, more at night than y day. August 1, corn grew in twenty- our hours five inches ; at night one and , half, and in the day time three and a lalf inches. August 2, it grew four and even-eighths inches : at night one and even-egihths, and in the day three inches. >everal other observations made at differ- ;nt times are detailed with similar results. New England Farmer. Carbonic Acid in the Soil. — The air bund in the interstices of arable soils has >een analyzed by Boussingault and Levy, ind found to contain from 22 to 23 times is much carbonic acid as the atmosphere, ind when they had been recently moistened, L45 times as much. Prairie Farmer. Prices of Provisions. The large railroad expenditures at home, md the short harvests abroad, have served :o sustain prices for some years at a high evel, and by so doing confer wealth on ;he farmers at the expense of the towns ind manufacturing districts. At this mo- ment, however, prices are lower in New 5Tork than they have been since 1852 — that year of cheap money. As an indica- tion of the course of events, we take the following prices in New York for ten years past at two periods of the year, viz : at the closing and just before the opening of the canals. -J-j-C ,-lr1r-l!-l P -(i-lMONOwOO»0)0»1 | NO y 2 B S 9 •uj©©i>©w»ft© «©©©©«©©©© w (NOOMlON«LOhK50'niOt»Oit50iO W S ^°° ■~'2* > 'Qoocoa5}>Qo I OO GO OJ 00 <-* OS © -T3 ^ a> „ <1> Sg < yt~©C5t~cot~t^t» ^ O . &© ©©©©©o©©^©©©©©©©© 01 (M .ir5'"H©os© Q a . FT] . ■&<© iooi | "*rrL'5io«iffli(«^ | ooQ«occ'*>t are very much improved in health and produe tiveness by shortening-in the long branches ai this season of the year, thus forcing them to make some thrifty new shoots. Plum trees like a moist soil. I have found that covering the ground 4 inches deep with old spent tan-bark, is a good way of preserving the moisture and keeping the tree in health. I scatter fresh lime thickly over the surface of tan every year, as soon as the green fruit be- gins to fall. This kills every curculio that at- tempts to enter the ground, the tan prevents the weeds from growing, keeps the roots cool, and insures me good crops of plums. I spread it as far as the roots extend, and it wants re- newing, or adding to, once in three or four years. Don't indulge in the folly of hilling up all the plants you raise in your kitchen garden. If you study nature, you will see that, as plants grow older, the roots at the base of the stem always incline to liaise out of the earth ; from which it is clear that they prefer not to be wholly buried in it. Besides, unless it is a plant that dislikes moisture, you lose half the benefit of the summer showers by piling up a hill over the roots to turn off the rain. It is much better to loosen the ground thoroughly, and keep it nearly level. Liquid manure is of great advantage to crops in a growing state ; but it has double the usual effect if applied in damp and cloud}'' weather. In raising hedges, the great point is to get breadth at the bottom. It is easy enough to get a hedge high enough ; but if you let it run up without cutting it back, so as to make a broad and thick base, you can never make that base broad and thick afterwards. Shorten back therefore, till you achieve what you want at the bottom, and the top will afterwards take care of itself. If you find any of your favorite fruit-trees are failing from the dryness of the season, or heat of the sun, cover the surface of the ground two or three inches deep with straw. Indeed nothing benefits any tree so much in this cJi mate, as keeping the roots in uniform tempera- ture, by this coat of straw laid on the surface of the ground. There are few trees such gross feeders as the grape-vine. Soap suds and liquid manure, ap plied every weefk, will give an amount of lux- uriance and a weight of fruit, on a single vine that seems almost incredible. I have seen an Isabella Grape produce 3,000 fine clusters of THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 359 well ripened fruit in a single season, by the liberal use of manure, and soap suds from the weekly wash. If you wish to bring fruit trees into bearing at an early age, pinch off the ends of the shoots now, and again at the end of six weeks. This accumulates the. sap, and the surplus becomes fruit and buds for the next season. The secret of neatness and economy in sum- mer culture of a garden, is to stir the ground often. It is a trifling task to destroy an acre of weeds if you take them half an inch high, but a very laborious undertaking to get them sub- dued, if they once are'allowed to make strong roots and leaves of full size. An Old Digger. [ The Horticulturist.} Plugging Trees with Brimstone. A belief has prevailed among farmers and gardeners, for aught we know, from time im- memorial, that if you bore a hole into the trunk of a tree and fill it with sulphur, or roll brim- stone, if there were insects upon it they would soon leave it, and if there were none on it at the time, there never would be. A very wor- thy friend told us not long ago, that he was full in the faith in the efficacy of this application ; "because," said he, "it has been tried 'out and out,' and found to be so." It was in vain that we assured him that it was of no more use than it would be to put a brickbat into the tree, and for these reasons : Sulphur, or roll brimstone, would not dis- solve and thereby be circulated throughout the tree ; and if it were dissolved and taken into the circulation, it would kill the tree before it would the insects. We are happy to find a communication on this subject, from Dr. Wright, of Boston, in this (April) number of Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, in which we find some tangible and indisputable experiments are related, which settle the question. The following is the com- munication. We invite the attention of our readers to the facts. The following appeared in the Country Gen- tleman of February 20, 1858 : " Sulphur for Insects. — I find by the Cul- tivator that you have no faith that sulphur has any effect on insects or blight, when put into a hole in the trunk of the tree. The Mockernut Hickory on this place, (Mr. Manice's estate) were dying very fast, the cause being an insect eating the buds in the spring and early summer * months. About four years ago my employer, Mr, Manice, had holes bored with an augur in the trunk of the tree, to the pith, and then filled with sulphur and the hole stopped up. Since that was done we have lost but few trees. I had no faith' in it at the time my employer did it, but such are the results. * * How it acts I cannot tell. You know vegetable phy- siology is yet imperfectly understood. Rich- ard Parnell, Queens, N. Y." The above is much the same as we meet with periodically going the rounds of newspapers. Agricultural editors are generally too well post- ed in such matters to believe that sulphur could have the least possible effect for the destruction of the curculio, canker worm, or any other in- sect, when applied as above recommended. A3 to its remedial qualities, it possesses none what- ever ; it is no remedy in the destruction of any insect as above proposed, for the reason that the sulphur will remain the same in quality ami quantity; no diminution of quantity takes place, for all capillary communication is cut off and ever remains so as long as the tree con- tinues to stand. Now for facts, showing the fallacy of boring and plugging with sulphur. About twenty-five years ago, an article went the rounds of the newspapers, saying the Shakers had tried the experiment of sulphur, and had entirely extir- pated the canker worm, and saved their trees in pristine freshness. The communication sta- ted, that, so sudden (?) was the effect, that in less than twenty-four hours scarce a vestige of the myriads was left; each had let himself down in " double-quick time" by a ladder of his own construction, (of course they do ; sul- phur or no sulphur, all leaving the tree at about the same time to take on the chrysalis state) ; neighbors gathered to see the way in which, young Mount Vesuvius was stirring up the in- habitants of the upper regions. The above was a stirring affair in more ways than one; my neighbours read the account, and forthwith set to work on their fruit and orna- mental trees ; sulphur was in demand, with an upward tendenc}'-, (not by the aid of sap, how- ever,) and results were looked for. Many a fruit tree was cared for, which was more than could have been said for any prior time since the first dibbling of them into holes as their last resting place. Some said, "sulphur was the thing ;" others had known quicksilver to keep off caterpillars, so long as any was left remaining in the hole; in other words, till the sap vessel had used up the charge first put into the auger hole. Determined to show the absurdity of such a mode of proceeding, I too set to work with both sulphur and quicksilver, carefully weighing the quicksilver in the balance distinctly sensi- ble to the hundredth part of a grain. The holes were bored and cleared so that I might thereafter remove it without trouble, as it all laid in one globula — the holes were cemented over. These holes were opened from year to year, and the quicksilver taken out and weigh- ed, showing no decrease from first to last. These facts I gave you, as you will notice on reference to your Magazine, Vol. XIX., p. 152. Amongst my trees selected for trial of sulphur, were two venerable elms. The augur used was of the size of the rolls of sulphur, and was al- 360 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. lowed to penetrate to the very heart of the an- cient specimens. Roll after roll of sulphur was put in and the holes plugged — one with grafting clay, the other a wooden plug. The one on which grafting clay was used soon heal- ed over, while the other showed signs of bleed- ing for a length of time. This was over twen- ty-five years since. ' Now, mark the result. This winter those two trees were cut down, one having been struck and killed by lightning, its mate on the oppo- site side must also share its fate for harmony's sake, and so give place to others planted some thirty years since, with the view of making up the deficiency. On cutting up the butts, it was found that sulphur and hole were of the same size as when operated on twenty-five years ago. The holes had grown over and that was the only change observable. The better to illustrate such folly, I send you a piece of the same, that you may have it to show to others. A like piece I shall place in the hands of Chas. L. Flint, Esq., Sec'y of the Mass. State Board of Agriculture, State House, Boston ; and still another will be sent to Col. B. P. Johnson, Corresponding Sec- retary N. Y. State Agricultural Society, Al- bany, N. Y — Maine Farmer. The Repulsion of the Yellow Bug from Pumpkin Vines, &c. Messrs, Tucker & Son — The class of vegeta- bles liable to the attack of the yellow bug, though not staples, are yet important. The pumpkin, as ordinarily cultivated by the farm- er, in the corn-field, is valuable in connection with the fall feeding of beef and pork, and the production of milk. It is the more valuable to the farmer because, when cultivated in connec- tion with corn, it is produced so cheaply. The winter squash is a valuable item in the winter stores of the family. The cucumber in July and August, and melons of all sorts in August and September, become cheap luxuries where- ver there is a light soil and a sufficiency of heat to ripen them. The greatest obstacle of- ten to their production is the attack of the yellow bug. And yet his repulsion is readily and cheaply accomplished. MODES OF REPULSION. 1. Cover the hill, just as the plant begins to appear, with thin bats of cotton or Jlax toic, securing them against the wind by earth placed on the edge. The rising plants will lift up this covering. It may be removed altogether when the plants make the fourth leaf. Such a cov- ering excludes a portion of the light and air from the plant, while, on the other hand, it se- cures it from harsh winds and light pests. On a small scale, in a private garden, I used this mode with great success in my boyhood. 2. Millinet covered boxes. These are made about 12 or 15 inches square, and about or 8 high, of thin boards, the top being covered with Milling, put on with* carpet tacks. A light brace ought to be let into the top of the box, across one course, to prevent the box from work- ing out of shape, before the covering is put on. This box is also a protection against wind and light posts, though, by shutting off a portion of light, it hinders the growth somewhat in fine weather. Even without the addition of the millinet this box is usually a protection against the bug. 3. Dirt mounds. In light, sandy soils, and for field- or market garden use, this mode is much more ready and cheap than the prece- ding. Prepare yourself, first making a mould- ing frame. This is done by taking good pine boards about eight inches wide, sawed into four pieces so as to make a beveling box about one foot square at the bottom, and fifteen inches at the top. A brace should be let in and nailed firmly across one of the corners, the whole thing being made like the box in No. 2 above, except that it is made beveling and much srton- ger. Place this box around your hill of melons or cucumbers. Then let the earth be firmly bank- ed around the outside up to the top of the box. Then strike the box a light blow on one side to loosen it a little, when it may be lifted out, leaving a firm, sloping bank around your hill. Two men should always work together in mak- ing them, standing on opposite sides. I used such banks many years in a market garden. They may be made probably for one-half cent a piece. When properly made they will stand a heavy rain uninjured. The second time of working among your plants they may be remo- ved readily with the hoe. Occasionally the bugs will get into these earth boxes : but, all things considered, I prefer them to auy mode I have ever used. They, too, like board boxes, protect the young plant from the cold winds. 4. Tomatoes sown among and around your vine plants. This plan has often been recom- mended. I have not tried, but certainly think very favorably of it. The rank flavor of the tomato plant it is well known, is offensive to most insects. It is easy, near the close of the summer, to save tomato seeds cheaply and in large quantities. Less perfect fruits may be selected than those used for your main crop. In dropping your melon or other seeds, drop a few tomato seeds with them, and a circle around them. Then cover all up. The tomatoes will spring up as soon as" the vines, and gain height faster. When your vines are out of the way of the bugs, pull up your tomato plants care- fully, and throw them away. In preparing your tomato seed for use, first soak them a few hours, and then mix them with fifteen or twenty times their amount of wood or coal ashes sifted. Stir them well together. In the use of this compound you will be able to sow j T our tomato seed more speedily, evenl} 7 , and economically, than you could if trying to sow them alone. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 361 It is sometimes recommended to bring for- ward your tomatoes for this purpose in a not- ed, then transplant them to your cucumber nd other hills, but this method will be quite >o expensive for the farmer and market gar- en er. 5. Mixtures of fresh wood ashes, plasler, miff, flour, the latter being used to produce he adhesion of the other things, are often used, ,nd with more or less good effect. When the roportion of ashes is too large they sometimes urn the plant. Such mixtures are, at best, j >ut an imperfect protection of the plant, at I east they have been so in my experience. J rhey also need renewal after heavy rains. One I mperfection attending their use is the almost mpossibility of applying them to the lower side »f the leaf of the plant, where often the bug vorks the most fatally. The application of a cheap wash with a sy- inge — a wash having a permanent and offen- sive odor and taste, but one not acrid, might be jseful. Of what such a wash should be consti- ;uted, experience alone can determine. Many ihings highly offensive to one species of animal ire not so to another. In conclusion, my experience throws me back m the millinet covered box, for the private garden, and on the dirt mounds for the market garden, as being the cheapest and surest modes )f defence. C. E. Goodrich. Utica, 1857. Count?-]/ Gentleman. From the Valley Farmer. Celery— Its Culture. Celery can be grown so as to be fit for the ;able by the month of August. Its early pro- luction is not so much required as its later, principally, because its best season of use, [through the winter,) is at a time when all oth- 3r salads are out of season. I shall endeavor ;o give the best methods of culture, for the general crop for winter use. For this purpose the seed may be sown from the beginning to the middle of April, either in ei cold frame or an open border. If in the for- mer do not elevate it but place it on the levei ground. In either case the ground should be well broken and pulverized, and tolerably rich. As the seed takes some time to germinate, care should be taken to preserve a moist surface. — This the frame assists in doing, by preventing the winds from drying the soil — but the sash may slope to the north, or be very slightly cov- ered with litter, till the plants are up, or a bor- der, partly shaded by a wall or a building will answer. The seed in this bed may be either sown thinly broadcast, or in drills, six inches apart, drawn by the linger or hoe handle.-.— When the young plants have got four or five leaves, undoubtedly the bestplan is to transplant them at once into another bed. The ground for this should be good, rich mould, and if you mix in with the top-soil some old, leafy, decom- posed manure, and prick the plants out in rows three or four inches apart, they will send out their fibrous roots into it and remove the next time with a ball of earth as big as a man's fist. The celery, like many other plants, sends down from the seed a straight tap root, which is broken when first removed and the roots spread. If the plants are allowed to get a good size before they are removed at all, they must be reduced at the top by taking off the extrem- ities of the leaves, so as to balance their meagre roots, for they will only have this tap root and a few fibres ; they will also require much wa- tering to start them anew in this state. This bed should receive good sprinklings of water a few times till the plants get established, and if the weather is very dry an occasional good soaking afterwards. By the beginning of July the plants will have attained sufficient size to plant out in their permanent trenches. This plant, being a na- tive of low, moist situations, it is in such, that it succeeds best A deep, rich, damp soil it re- vels in. If you have a damp (not wet) situa- tion, with good soil, select it. It is most com- mon to manure direct in the trenches for this crop, but if your ground is in good heart, by previous manuring, it is probably best not to manure afresh, as it doubtless has a tendency to cause it to speck and rust from our hot dry sun. Use well rotted manure, if any. Pre- pare your trenches by stretching a line and digging out the soil a spade deep, and a foot or eighteen inches wide. Lay the soil taken out evenly on either side and form a little ridge. — Then if you manure, scatter it along in the trench, and dig and mix it up well with the soil ; spade deep in the trench, scatter along another inch or two of soil on the top ; make it smooth and level and it is ready for planting. Choose a showery day, if you can, for this ope- tion, or a wet, damp spell, because we often get a fresh hold in the soil and be no more trouble as to watering. Take up the plants with a trowel or handfork, retaining as much soil as the roots will hold, and plant a single or double row along each trench about six inches apart each way. Give each row a good soaking as soon as planted. With this treatment they will need no shading, but .if the weather should prove dry, a thorough good soaking should be given them twice a week. It is a good plan to have a reserve of plants in case your first planting should fail ; indeed successive plantings may be made, till near the end of August, if desira- ble. After the plants have grown considerably, and after the weather begins to get cooler, earthing up may be done. Do not begin too soon, however, as they will not keep so well in the winter, if blanched too early. A dry sun- ny afternoon is the best time to do this. Pre- pare for it by going along the rows and pulling 362 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, off the lower broken stalks and offsets. Make the soil on each side fine and nice, and earth up about three inches, taking care to grasp the leaves of each plant in the hand, and to press the earth close around them, thus bringing the leaves all up together in an upright position. This earthing of the plants must be continued at intervals of a week or ten days, as the cele- ry advances in growth, and until it ceases. Just before severe weather sets in the stalks may be taken up and laid in for the winter. A raised bed or bank, with a slope that the stalks may be laid against, close together without touching, and covered all over with soil, and a coat of leaves or straw over all, will keep them in good condition all winter. The stalks of celery should be blanched white and when cut through they should be solid and crisp. C. SANDERS. St. Louis Fruit Garden, Feb. 25. From the Main Farmer. Mealy Potatoes all Summer. It has always been difficult to keep potatoes "mealy" after warm weather comes on. The starch in them becomes changed — the sprouts start and the potato becomes a waxy, watery thing — hardly fit to eat. We clip the following proposed mode of pre- serving them in good condition for the table, from the " Homestead." We have never seen the experiment tried. If the process will ac- complish the object it will be valuable. " If your readers are aware of the following process, which I am informed by Dr. J. M. Wilson is practised in Scotland, I presume they will have no objection to give it a second peru- sal, and to make the experiment on a small scale at least. " Diluted ammoniacal water in the propor- tion of an ounce of liquor of ammonia of the druggist, to a pint of river or rain water, has of late years been successfully employ- ed for shocking the vegetative power of po- tatoes, and prolonging their suitableness for food. Potatoes immersed four or five days in this liquid, retain all their edible properties unimpaired for a twelve month, improved in flavor and mealiness. The effect of the liquid is to consolidate their substance and extract their moisture. After immersion, the potatoe should be spread so as to dry, and will then keep good for ten months ; contributing in this way not only to the comfort of families, but also to the health of mariners exposed to Jpng voyages at sea. FORREST SHEPHERD. clay, and plastered up the holes left by th gentlemen within. The clay soon became dr\ the wound healed over, and, of course, th borers were smothered. Taking a hint from this, we, last summer, cu off the retreat of a borer in one of our youn. English elms. He had worked his way int the tree, an inch or more, and then ascended pushing behind him and out of the hole, th debris made by his incisors. With a sort o malicious delight, we cleared out the mouth c the hole with a knife, and then filled it up witi a mixture of gum-shellac, made of about th consistency of thick cream. This dried ver; soon, and, of course, gave the borer an aii tight parlor, which was fatal to his health am his future explorations. Nutritive Qualities of the Onion. It is worthy of notice as an extensive articl of consumption in this country. It is largel; cultivated at home (in England,) and is impor ted to the extent of 700 or 800 tons a yea from Portugal and Spain. But it rises in im portance when we consider that in these latte countries it forms one of the common and uni versal supports of life. It is interesting, there fore, to know that in addition to the peculia flavor which first recommends it, the onion i remarkably nutritious. According to my analy sis, the dried onion root contains from 25 to 3( per cent, of gluten. It ranks in this respec with the nutritious pea, and the grain of th< East. It is not merely as a relish, therefore that the Spaniard eats his onion with his hum ble crust of bread, as he sits by the refreshing spring ; it is because experience has lonj proved that, like the cheese of the Englisl laborer, it helps to sustain his strength also and adds beyond what its bulk would firs suggest — to the amount of nourishment whicl his simple meal suggests. — Johnson's Chem. Oj Com. Life. Receipt for Cooking Asparagus. Cut the tender part of the stalks into hah inch bits ; add a little water and let it remaic a short time. Then drain it off and add a littk J more water, and boil until done ; butter, salt ! and pepper to your taste ; and if you wish an ! extremely nice dish, break in one or two eggs, and stir it well just before pouring it off. [Homestead. Peach Borer Plastered Up. We lately heard of a fruit grower who, after cutting out a number of grubs from his peach trees, thought he would try the experiment of loalliiKj in a few. So he took some pure white The onion is a superior disinfectant. Two or three good sized ones, cut in halves, and placed on a plate on the floor, absorb the nox- ious effluvia, &c, which are generated in the sick room, in an incredibly short space of time. They should be changed every few (say six) hours. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 363 Summer Management of Fruit Trees. The management of fruit trees requires the constant attention of the cultivator. Unless he is willing to bestow care and attention upon them, it is of little use to plant with the ex- pectation of obtaining superior fruit. Neg- lected trees may, and undoubtedly will produce more or less, but of inferior quality, and so much unlike that obtained by high cultivation, that it would scarcely be recognized as the same variety. The mass of fruit offered for sale in our market is of this description ; and it only need to be compared with that raised by the skilful cultivator, to see how great is the difference in quality, or, to purchase, to learn how great the difference in its market value. It would be almost impossible to expect to find our markets supplied with the finest fruits. There always will be quantities of inferior quality raised, and it will reach the market for sale. But if those who produce it knew the value of that which is good, there would be less than there is at present, and there would soon be more attention given to its cultivation. But the truth is, a great many who raise fruit do not know to what perfection it can be grown ; and, ignorant of this, they remain sat- isfied with what they produce, and make no attempt at improvement. If it is an object to introduce new varieties in the place of old ones, it is certainly an object to grow them well, or they may be inferior to such as they already have. Were it not for the amateur cultivators, who send their surplus crop to market, it would be difficult to'procure superior fruit, not- withstanding the very high price it always com- mands. Fortunately, the fine specimens which have occasionally been offered, have shown to what perfection our best fruits may be grown ; and those who can profit by example have done so, and fine specimens, though by no means abundant, are less so than formerly. We can only hope that continued attention to the rearing and management of trees will re- sult in a liberal supply of that which is good, in place of the inferior products of our gar- dens and orchards. To accomplish this, however, especially with the pear, which stands at the head of our har- dy fruits, it is scarcely possible to do so only under what may be termed artificial culture, — that is, growing the trees as pyramids or espa- liers ; so many of the choicest kinds require shelter or protection from our cold winds, that as orchard trees, only in high favoured situa- tions, they cannot be relied on for constant crops of the finest fruit. We may in time possess such varieties, but at present there are but a few which give good results under such treatment. Other fruit trees are less capricious in their growth and produce. That our remarks may be better understood, we shall give them under these four heads : — Summer Pruning, Thinning the Fruit, Mulch- ing, Watering. Summer Pruning. — We have in our previous remarks above referred to, (p. 97,) given ad- vice in regard to winter pruning, manuring and insects. We shall suppose that the trees are now in vigorous growth, after the ordinary labours of the season. The first thing which will require attention, with all but orchard trees, is the summer pruning. This, with some kinds, should already have been com- menced, though July is the month when the greater portion of it should be done, — but it will require to be continued till the last of August, and even with some vigorous trees till into September. We have on several occasions given advice in regard to summer pruning, but at the risk of being tedious, we shall proceed without reference to anything we have said before. The whole process of summer prun- ing is new to most American cultivators, and little understood except by those who have made it a study, and perfected their study by practice. The French, who are masters of the art, have long managed their trees in this way, and it is to their intelligent cultivators that we are indebted for what we know in reference to its practice. They have reduced it to such a system^ that they can bring their trees early into bearing, and clothe them with fruit spurs from top to bottom. We intend, in a future article, to illustrate the practice with engrav- ings, from some of the French writers, by which alone it can be fully understood. Summer pruning or pinching, — for most of the work should be done with the thumb and ringer, before the shoots acquire solidity, — consists in stopping the elongation or growth of the young branches by pinching or cutting off the ends more or less, &c. By this means, an increasing formation of wood is prevented, and the accumulated sap forced into the shoots below those which are stopped, and what would otherwise be barren spurs, (called dards by the French,) become fruit buds in a short time. As an illustration: suppose a shoot was produced the last year two or more feet long, and at the winter pruning it was shortened to one foot. Now this shoot, when it begins to grow, will only push towards the end, say the last five or six buds ; the other buds will push so rapidly, that they soon crowd each other, and make wood two or three feet long, which would have to be cut back again at next win- ter's pruning. The process may go on for ►years if not checked, until the trees become a mass of wood, without any appearance of fruit buds. If such a shoot is examined now, it will be seen as we describe it, viz : with five or six young shoots springing from the last five or six buds. Their growth must be checked, in order to push out the dormant buds below ; pinch them off, therefore, at the second, third, or fourth joint from the branch — if already too tough to break, cut them with the knife. In 364 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER a short time the eyes below will begin to grow, or if already grown, they will begin to thicken and form a good strong bud at the end. The shoots that were pinched off will also grow stouter, and form one or more buds along the sides, or perhaps the terminal bud will break again; if it does, after making four or five leaves, it should be stopped a second time, la- ter in the season. The main shoot, if strong, may be nipped off at the same time, unless wanted to fill some vacancy, or make a more symmetrical tree. Pinching it off at a greater or less length, depends upon the vigour of the tree ; but as a general rule, it may be stopped when six or eight inches long. If stopped too short, it will make all the dormant buds below break too strong ; and, in the place of incipi- ent fruit spurs, fresh shoots will be formed, which will need pinching again. Proceed, in this way, to stop all the side shoots, unless they are wanted to fill some va- cant place, all over the tree, afterwards pinch- ing the main shoots, to give shape to the head. If the growth is carefully watched, the results of this process will soon be apparent, and spurs will be formed along the branches which will become bearing shoots in the second or third year, sometimes the first; but with trees upon the pear, not often till the second or third. Re- peat the pinching as often as the buds break on the shoots already operated upon, until the growth begins to slacken in autumn, when it may be discontinued, and the final pruning left to be completed after the ripening of the wood. Though summer pruning is applied princi- pally to the pear, it may be adopted with equal benefit upon the apple, plum, and other fruits, especially the peach, only with some modifica- tion, as the latter tree does not form spurs, but bears only on the young wood of this year. It should not, therefore, be pinched but once, and not later than the last of July, otherwise the shoots will be too weak, and make too late a growth to form fruit buds. Thinning the Fruit. — Trees already com- ing into bearing need much attention in re- gard to thinning the crop, especially with some prolific sorts of the pear — the Bartlett, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Duchess and Passe Colmar, for example. These set their fruit so abun- dantly, that if all were allowed to grow, they would not only be small and indifferent, but at the same time would injure the tree if young. Some kinds have their fruit very regularly dis- tributed over the branches like the Beurre- Bosc, Swan's Orange, Dix, Columbia, &c. ; and if these are not thinned, the fruit is larger and better, and the trees receive less injury from the crop. .With the luxuriant sorts, the thin- ning process should be commenced at once, taking off all but one in each cluster immedi- ately, and subsequently, after the insects have made their customary attacks, gathering those in which they have established themselves, and thus not only relieve the tree, but accomplish something towards destroying the progeny for another year. We believe that if thinning was promptly attended to, and all the wormy spe- cimens picked before they were allowed to fall, in a few years the insects would cease to com- mit any very serious injury, and there would be a better selection in the important opera- tion of thinning. The early sorts of pears should have their thinning done immediately, complete ; but the latter varieties may be gathered as we have above detailed. The amateur cultivator rarely thins his fruit enough, — the desire to procure the first fruits of a new plantation tempts him to allow his trees to bear too freely ; but it is a fatal error, and one which has done more than anything else to bring dwarf trees (pears and the quince) into disrepute. The prolific bearing sorts pro- duce abundantly on the pear, but when to their abundance is added the still more prolific character of the quince, one or two heavy crops give the trees such a check that they recover slowly, or live out a miserable existence. There is no rule that can be given to guide the novice in fruit culture, so much depends on the vigour of the tree, &c. ; but if we say a tree three or four years old should not be al- lowed to bear over a dozen specimens, we set it within bounds. The quantity may be in- creased yearly, as the tree acquires age and strength, till the sixth or eighth year, when it may be allowed to produce seventy-five or one hundred pears. Now it is no uncommon oc- currence to see very small dwarf pear trees bearing fifty or more specimens ; and it is not till dear experience has taught the lesson, that this mistake is discovered and avoided. The habits of the different sorts of pears must be known to proceed with judicious -thinning ; still, the general rule which we have given will answer every purpose till such knowledge is acquired. It is better to err on the right side, and thin too much rather than not enough. Mulching. — In our warm and variable cli- mate, where we experience such seasons of drouth, the energies of the cultivator are often expanded without any adequate return. No sooner does a plantation of trees begin to show its beautiful fruit than one of our long and parching drouths sets in ; the trees, perhaps, show little diminution of vigour, but the prom- ising fruits of June become withered, cracked and knurly specimens by the end of August. The process goes on gradually, and only to at- tentive eyes is it observed till too late to be remedied. Knowing the tendency of many of our best pears to be subject to this injury, the cultivator will guard against it as far as it is possible to do so. Liberal quantities of water will supply the deficiency, and usually check the evil ; but this element is not always at hand in sufficient abundance to do any good, and the labour of supplying it is expensive. Other expedients must be resorted to, such as THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 365 frequeut stirring of the surface-soil, mulching, &c. The former operation is always attended with good results, but mulching is more effec- tual, and should be resorted to in all thin and shallow soils at least, and if deep ones all the better. A thin layer of strawy manure, old compost, tan, leaves or hay should be spread over the ground to the distance of six or eight feet from the tree. We say thin, because we think it more beneficial than if thick ; the ra- tionale of this is, that a thick covering entirely excludes the air, which is beneficial to the roots, while it serves no available object ; it is only for the purpose of checking evaporation, and a small quantity does this as well as a large one ; besides, the dews which fall on the the latter do not reach the roots so readily as on the former. If the mulching material con- tains within itself enriching substances, it is of course better than that which does not ; on this account we prefer manure, either old or new. It should be spread over the surface im- mediately. It effectually checks the growth of weeds, and when water is given, it prevents the surface from becoming hard and baked, as is always the case when water is applied in dry weather. Watering. — There are few sorts of pears which do not, in our climate, at some period of the summer need water. Sometimes the early part of the season is dry and the latter moist ; and again, the early part is wet and the lat- ter dry. In either case, there will be need of artificial watering, if the object is to have the best fruit. On thin soils it is still more neces- sary, and success cannot be complete without it. There have been objections made to fre- quent watering, and justly too ; but this has been because it has not been given with judg- ment. If the advice is to water, all trees are watered alike — the newly planted, the young, and bearing trees ; hence the advice to water often would be attended with injurious results, — for more newly planted trees are killed by constant soakings, than from any other cause. Water should not be administered till the tree is able to digest it. Recently planted, it is un- able to do so; but as soon as firmly rooted, and the demand for supplies of sap are made by the rapid growth, it may then be given freely and with the best results. One other injury there is, too, connected with watering even large trees ; this is the chilling the surface-soil and causing it to bake and become hard, and impermeable to the dews and air. This is to be avoided. Water should be given in liberal quantities, so that it may reach the bottom roots, and the surface should be stirred (when it is not mulched) as soon as it becomes dry enough to lose its adhesiveness. In an arti- cle in our last number, (p. 241,) we alluded to the great benefits of watering ; and, in con- nection with it, we forgot to quote some re- marks of the late Mr. Knight, President of the London Horticultural Society, showing the great importance of watering in vegetation, and refuting the idea that its application, even during sunshine — which to some gardeners is such a bugbear — results in any injury what- ever. " The quantity of water which may be given with advantage to plants, of almost every kind, during warm and bright weather, is, I believe, very much greater than any gar- dener, who has not seen the result, will be inclined to suppose possible ; and it is greater than I myself could have believed upon any other evidence than that of actual experience. " When water is distributed in the usual quantity from the watering pan, its effects for a short time are almost always beneficial, by wetting the surface of the ground. But, if water thus given be not continued regularly, injurious effects will follow ; for the roots of plants (as I have shown in the Phil. Trans.) extend themselves most rapidly wherever they find proper moisture and food — and if the sur- face alone be wetted, the roots extend them- selves superficially only, and the plants conse- quently become more subject to injury from drouth than they would have been if no water had been given them, — a circumstance which can hardly have escaped the notice of any ob- servant gardener. When, on the contrary, the soil is irrigated, it is wetted to a great depth ; and a single watering, once in eight or ten days, is, in almost all cases, fully sufficient. "It may be objected, that excess df rain is more'often injurious in the climate of England than the drouth ; but in wet seasons, plants suffer owing to want of light, and, generally, of warmth. And I feel confident that, if the same quantity of rain which the soil receives in our wettest summer, were to fall only be- tween the hours of nine in the evening and three in the following morning, and the sun were to shine brightly and warmly through the whole of the days, no injurious effects will fol- low ; and any experienced gardener knows with what luxuriance and rapidity plants of every species grow in hot and bright weather, after the ground has been drenched with water by thunder storms." This is the whole philosophy of watering ; and it bears us out in our remarks, that the "hot and bright sunshine" of our climate, which we always have, will never injure our best fruits, provided they are supplied with moisture at the extremities of the roots. Wa- tering in driblets is the bane of all good gar- dening, both in doors and out. Thousands of fine plants are lost every year from this con- stant shaking the water pot at the plants, in- stead of giving the soil a complete drenching ; and thousands of newly planted trees and shrubs are yearly spoiled from the same cause. Let it, then, be fully understood, that water is one of the most influential elements of vegetation, when administered abundantly and at the right time. — Hovcy's Magazine. 366 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. Currant Wine. [In compliance with a recent request of a correspondent, we asked for information in rela- tion to the manufacture of currant wine, of Dr. Sylvester of Lyons, N. Y., who has been very successful in making currant wine, for several years past, and who provides it exclu- sively for medical purposes. The following is a statement of the method, which he has kindly furnished us. — Country Gentleman, j Wine can be made from the juice of the cur- rant, combined with water and sugar, in al- most any proportions, but the quality will de- pend upon the proportions and mode of manu- facture. t The currant should he fully ripe, and grown with a full exposure to the sun, except such shade as may be given by their own bushes, properly trimmed and cultivated. The cur- rants should not be over ripe. Every one has probably noticed that currants eaten in Sep- tember and sometimes earlier, have an acid flavour, which is entirely different from the rich acid peculiar to the well cultivated cur- rant. If over ripe they are usually shrivelled a little, and are then unfit for first quality wine. The currants should be picked and the juice expressed from them before fermentation com- mences, which will happen in a day or two after they are gathered in warm weather. In a small way, the juice may be expressed by squeezers. I usually grind them in a hand cider mill, several bushels at a time, and ex- press the juice in the press. Let the juice be well strained and added to the sugar, and then add water until all the sugar is dissolved ; put it in the cask, and fill according to the recipe No. 1. I have tried various proportions. In 1850 I made seven barrels according to the recipe No. 1, and have three or four barrels now on hand, so that we are sure it keeps well, being now six years old. and is generally declared to be very superior, though some think it too sweet. It is prescribed by physicians as a tonic, and sells readily at $1 50 per gallon. I shall make the next according to recipe No 2, which will be less sweet, and / think will keep well. Recipe No. 1 — 10 gallons pure juice. 100 pounds good sugar. Water sufti'rit to fill 40 gal. cask. Recipe No. 2 — 10 gallons pure juice. 80 pounds good sugar. 20 gallons water. Mix well, and put into a very strong cask, (alcohol barrels,) in a cool dry cellar, and l>unthat the executioner may mount to the " scaffold" and execute the lower limbs ; and this is the way some pruners prune ! Disadvantages : The sap is in full circulation up the tree. The tree, in all its parts, is filled with sap, and the wood at the wqund cannot season. Hence the wood becomes corruptible, and readily decays. Any person who should cut timber at this season, especially hard wood, and expect it would season with the bark on, and become endurable, would be considered out of his senses. The sap vessels are open and will not close. The sap will flow out and run down the tree. The bark will become cankered, turn black and die, and cleave from the wood. A wound which can never heal will surely be the result. The sap being in brisk circulation up the tree, or waiting to be received by the leaf, and find- ing itself cut off in its communication, will re- sort to the recuperative principle common throughout nature, and will throw out innu- merable tickers. In many instances these are suffered to grow, to the great injury, if not de- struction of the tree. The tree is destitute of foliage and the pruner is not quick to note the limbs which should be removed on account of feebleness and decay. Summer pruning,— advantages : The sap has now ascended the tree, has passed into the leaves, and has been by them elaborated. It is descending between the wood and bark, or in the inner bark, for the formation of fruit and the growth of alburnum, a new grain of wood. The sap is appropriated, and nature is not pre- pared for the recuperative process, and throws out but few, if any shoots. The elaborated sap, being in active operation, may be seen in a few hours, oozing from between the wood and bark, ready to commence the healing process. It commences quickly, and progresses rapidly. When the tree is in full verdure, the pruner may readily observe which of the limbs are diseased and require amputation. He can the more readily see what part of the top should be removed, in order to admit the fructifying influences of heat and light. The pruning is very beneficial to the remaining fruit, it causes it to hold, to grow larger and fairer, and to ripen more perfectly. Disadvantages : Farmers are very busily en- gaged in other farm operations. Grass may be trod down in pruning. Thorns and shoots may be left to the detriment of haying operations. These should be carefully raked to the butt of the tree. The bark which is then tender and yielding, may be injured by the heel of the careless pruner's hook. The sun's more verti- cal rays may be let in upon tender limbs, in which case they become sun scalded, at those points where the sun's rays fall at right angles from noon until two o'clock ; the wound may not season as readily, and become as incorrupt- ible as at fall and winter pruning. Winter and fall pruning, — advantages : The sap has become quiescent. It has passed up the trunk and limbs, has been elaborated by the leaves ; has returned down the limbs, trunk and roots for the production of fruit, and the formation of a new growth of wood. The wood readily seasons and becomes hard, firm and incorrigible. It will seldom rot, although large defective limbs are amputated. The sap vessels consequently become closed, and the sap the next spring will not be so forced in that di- rection as to throw out so many shoots, as though pruned in the spring, neither can the sap flow from the wound. The operation can be performed without liability of injury to the bark. The farmer, if ever, has leisure : Most of his other farm operations have ceased necessa- rily ; for winter has laid his firm, broad, icy seat upon the earth. There is, therefore, time to perform this long neglected service. The limbs can be sledded to their resting place; perhaps to the wood-yard, where the young urchins, during intermission of school, can manufacture the largest of them into fine fuel, abating the talk of the women about " packing so much bi'usb." The thorns can be raked clean ; if not, yielding to the pressure of the snows, and the demolition of time, they will be found "just no where" by the next haying season. . Disadvantages : The operator cannot so quick- ly determine the points to be attacked, to dis- 368 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. lodge the defective limbs, and to open the top judiciously. The only serious objection to pruning now, is, the orchardist does not know, consider, and appreciate the very great advan- tage and necessity of pruning ! If the reader has followed this article as closely as the importance of the subject de- mands ; and if he have confidence that the po- sitions taken are tenable, he will now be pre- pared to strike a balance in favor of summer against spring pruning ; and a larger balance in favor of fall and winter pruning. Call this theory, if you please. Is it not a theory that sustains its own weight? Are not the reasons here advanced sound and logical ? Do they not commend themselves to your judg- ment ? But theories and reasons are entitled to no respect, if experience does not sustain them ; if facts are opposed to them. Our own experience and observation, during along life-time, corroborate the views advanced in this article. And are they entitled to no re- spect? One experiment proves nothing, but points in a certain direction. A thousand, well conducted, are entitled to respect. If they con- cur, they incontestibly prove a theory a fact. We have, from boyhood, noticed the delete- rious effects of spring pruning, arising from a flow of sap, and the multifarous production of suckers. We will not pretend that, as a whole, an orchard had not better be pruned in the spring than never to be pruned. Much de- pends upon the age and condition of an orchard, as regards the injury of spring pruning, and the great advantage of fall or winter pruning. A young, healthy, and vigorous tree may be pruned in the spring with less detriment than an old, decaying tree. The wounds will be smaller ; the sap will flow less ; the wood is firmer ; and the recuperation stronger, in the young than in the old tree. As the young, hale man can stand more exposure than the old and infirm man, hence he may indulge in the free use of narcotics, stand greater exposures, and commit greater excesses, with seeming im- punity, than the old and infirm. As regards the flowage of sap. the heating operation, and the multiplication of suckers, comparing April, May, and June, we have had ample experience. For the past twelve years we have had more than one man constantly sawing apple wood through these months. The advantage is decidedly and positively in favor of the latter part of this season. As regards the quantity and quality of fruit, from the pruning in April and July, we have had expe- rience to show that the balance is in the same direction. Regarding the advantage of fall or winter pruning over spring pruning, we have not had as much experience. Fall and winter pruning has not been much practiced in this State. From what we have seen, and from the reasons presented before you, we subscribe to it. As far as we are advised, most experts in pruning take this side of the question regard- ing spring, summer and fall pruning. Refer- ring to Cole, who was an expert in all matters appertaining to orcharding, in his '* American Fruit Book," we are happy to find that these views are fully sustained by him. He says, referring to fall pruning : "Thirty years ago, in September, we cut a very large branch from an apple tree. The tree was old, and it has never healed over, but is now hard — almost as hard as horn, and the tree perfectly sound around it. A few years before and after, large limbs were cut from the same tree in spring; and where they were cut off, the tree has rotted, so that a quart measure may be put into the cavity." If we have ascertained a more con- venient and better time for pruning, why not avail ourselves of it, and improve our old or- chards? — Maine Farmer. Wash your Fruit Trees. Now is the time to kill grubs and to keep away insects from trees of all kinds. June is the most proper month for washing apple trees. The borer fly will soon be out and busy in find- ing a suitable place to lay her eggs. Watch her motions and you need not fear any damage from the Borer, which has made great havoc in many orchards. We have annually had much to say to our friends in regard to the scourge of the apple tree, the quince, the yellow locust, and the white ash — for it is the same worm which causes destruction in all these trees. This fly is very regular in its habits, and it is an object worthy of the strict attention of all orchardists, to watch her motions and de- feat her plans. In the last days of June and in the first days of July, this insect is busy flying from tree to tree, in the night time, to find a good place to lay her eggs. Her instincts seem to teach her that her eggs would not stand a good chance on the body of a thrifty tree with a smooth and healthy bark. She therefore looks out for some crevice or wound where she may make a safe deposit. But generally she descends to the root of the tree where the bark is more tender and where her young worms will have an easier place to make an entry than in any other part of the tree. And when the trunk of the tree is sur- rounded with grass, the bark is still more ten- der, and a good protection is afforded to the young brood from the weather while they are working into the bark and making for them- selves a shelter for the winter, and they get their living from the tree. Now, in young orchards, where of course the soil is tilled, wo advise to bury up or cut up (burying is best) all the grass and weeds, and make a temporary hill of earth around the young tree, to be levelled down again before any spiouts come out from the trunk. Hilling up and burying in this way is cheaper and THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 309 better than digging close to the trunk. And a pile of earth against the body of a tree is a great protection against the fly. She likes nothing so well as a good lot of green grass around the trunk to keep the bark shaded, and of course more tender than it is in the sun or in the open, free air. The eggs of this fly are hatched in July, and soon the little white worms are seen making their way into the tender bark- If you look for them in October you find them one-fourth of an inch long just under the bark of the trunk. Now the question is often asked, " How are we to be rid of the borers V We are often told by those who have never tried the thing, that a wash of lye, or potash water, will kill apple trees. They therefore recommend other washes which will neither kill nor cure. One writer recommends weak soap suds— another, pure water, and a third, milk and water. We have seen other articles recommended in a mixture of tar and grease. Mortar is some- times plastered on to the bark. And a lime whitewash is often used. Clay mortar and fresh manure are sometimes plastered on with a brush. Now we have not the least confidence in any of these recommendations. The bodies of trees must never be plastered up, for the pores must be left open in trees as well as in animals, and while the latter should be carded instead of wearing blankets, tfrees should be washed and k-ept free to the action of the atmosphere. A wash of good lye, made as strong as one pound of potash to one gallon of water, will kill all the insects that are known to injure the apple tree. We have used this wash for more than forty years on young trees and old trees, and so far from sustaining any injury from the wash we have always found it effectu- al to keep the barks smooth and to destroy all kinds of animalcule?* that infest our apple trees. Remember that one pound of potash makes one gallon of lye strong enough for a wash for the apple tree. Now if you let this lye stand out in a kettle till half the liquid has evapora- ted, the balance may be too strong — twice as strong as the liquid which we recommend. Let us not be misunderstood — one pound of good potash to one gallon of water, makes a lye just strong enough for soap-making — lye that will just bear up a hen's egg, that is'all which is wanted to kill the numerous insects that infest our apple trees. The youngest trees will bear a lye of this strength as we know from many years experience. Now we advise all our readers who are trou- bled with the borer in their orchards to take a swab or mop and -apply this wash to the roots of their apple and quince trees about the first of July, for then is the time for the borer to commence laying her eggs at the root of the tree. Wash before she hatches her eggs and 42 you drive her off. Wash soon after she has hatched and you destroy the eggs or the young worms. About the roots of old trees, infested with borers, you may use lye twice as strong as this which we recommend for young trees. Also for the bodies of old trees you ought to use stronger lye than in other cases. The lye which we recommend to wash young trees with will turn the leaves yellow in a few minutes. But what of It? -Why, we have known people to be scared out. of their wits ahd their potash by seeing the leaves that had been sprinkled with lye turn red. We advise to wash the bodies of young apple trees as high as a man can reach. For moss often gathers in the crotch of the tree, where it is as injurious as on the body. Now suppose you touch a dozen leaves on each tree with the wash and they turn red or brown, it may save you some trouble in trimming, for you want no leaves near the place where the limbs branch off. We can conquer this grub more easily than the canker worm which is now so destructive in some of our towns near the capital. This pest quits work as regularly on the tenth of June as some -workmen do when ten hours have elapsed. It is a curious fact that the canker worm never trespasses after the tenth, whether the season is early or late. In regard to borers people should not com- plain if they neglect to apply a remedy. Soap- suds are not strong enough to kill a louse, and a wash of lime is not the thing to apply to the bodies of trees. Lime will do well enough to kill insects in a tub or cask — but they must be caught and put into it. Weak washes to kill grubs may amuse, but they are ineffectual and our time is thrown away in the application. — Mass. Ploughman. Watering Plants. Plants in pots require very careful attention in regard to watering. A requisite preliminary is good drainage, so as to allow the surplus moisture to escape readily, and equally impor- tant is a porous soil, not retentive of wet.— - When these two things are properly attended to the water will rapidly pass through the pots, and hence arises the need of caution not to give more at a time than the soil will hold — for if at every watering a quantity of water es- capes by the bottom of the pot, the plant is soon deprived of all the exciting qualities of the mould, and, unless liquid manures are ap- plied, will soon be impoverished. If water put to the surface of a pot remains for a time on the surface, the fact shoAvs one of two things ; either that the soil is dry, and requires a good soaking, or that it is so saturated with mois- ture that it will hold no more, in which case the pot should be set by itself, or marked, so that water may be withheld for a time. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. It is customary for a collection of plants in a frame or a greenhouse to be all watered at regular periods ; but while, at first sight, such a practice seems right enough, it is really a bad one, and makes no provision for the very vari- ous conditions of the plants. In a hundred pots of miscellaneous plants there will be found great diversities of habit which should regu- late watering. Plants require more watering when growing than when at rest, and more in warm than in cold weather ; some demand for their healthy growth a heavy kind of potting, which will retain moisture much longer than ordinary porous composts. A gardener of ex- perience, whether a lady with a few window plants, or a professionol one, to whom green- houses, &c, are entrusted, should therefore know the habits of all the stock, and regulates watering accordingly. Indeed, a glance at a plant will generally be enough to ascertain whether watering is needed ; and, so long as there are no signs of flagging, the operation may be best withheld. This advice refers to gardeners who are always on the spot, and who can at once apply the remedy should signs of drought appear. But those who have to leave their plants for some hours, or a whole day, should always make sure that the supply of moisture will suffice till their return. As we said last week, the general crops of a garden will do well without artificial watering in ordinary seasons ; but there are many ex- ceptions to the rule, some of which we before alluded to. In a flower garden art prevails over nature so much, that each kind of plant must be consulted before water is applied. — Scarlet Geraniums will bloom best in a dry soil ; while Verbenas require rather more mois- ture. At this season, after the plants are all bedded out, the comparative thirstiness of plants will become obvious, and they must be treated accordingly. Until fresh roots are made in the new soil, and the plants are thoroughly es- tablished, it will be well to go round the gar- den every day, and to apply water when needed. Use a water-pot with a long, slender spout, and apply the water to the 7-oots of the plants with the spout, and not with the rose. In about a week this care will be unnecessaiy, and there will be very few„occasions, in our climate, for watering afterwards. The plan of drenching the whole of a garden with garden engines or from the roses of water-pots, is more often than not, time thrown away ; and in many cases an actual injury is inflicted by the process. Water should never be applied fresh drawn from a well ; but it should be allowed to ac- quire the temperature of the atmosphere by standing for a time — that is, when the supply of rain-water collected in butts, is not equal to the demand. The rain-water for a green- house should be collected in some convenient receptable, so as to be ready for use. For a general supply our plan is to place a sugar hogshead, well tarred, and with two or three iron hoops, outside the wash-house window, and it is filled by a wooden trough affixed to the spout of the pump. But a good supply of rain-water is a great blessing to gardeners, es- pecially if they can be independent of those insatiable drawers of soft water, the washer- women. — London Field. THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. The Virginia State Agricultural Society and the Central Society. The report of the Committee made to a meet- ing of the citizens convened to form an Agri- cultural Society contains an error, unintentional no doubt, in its inference from the quoted ex- tract of the report of the Executive Committee of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. We refer to the impression created that Rich- mond had given that Society fifty-four thousand dollars. A part of the assumed donation is the Fair Grounds ; and the report passes over the very important fact that that was a gift upon condition, and has already reverted to the City of Richmond. So that the donation amounts to very much less than fifty-four thou- sand dollars. As to " the grading" and laying out the Fair Grounds, we well recollect that when that was done it was said that it only an- ticipated an expense that must be increased whenever the lot was converted into a Park — its original destination. We take leave to correct also an error into which the Mayor fell in a late speech of his, when he justified the refusal of the Council to subscribe three thousand dollars to the Society after what they had already done ; thereby in- timating that it was a request for an additional sum of money. Now, in the first place, there was no application to the Council for one cent, but only for a poll to be opened that the citi- zens of Richmond might vote the desired contri" bution, if they chose ; in the second place, the desired contribution- was not for one cent addi- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 371 tional ; but only for enough money to purchase other grounds in lieu of those theretofore occu- pied by the Society. It had become a matter of such delay and difficulty to get money from the Council towards the payment of the expenses of the Society's exhibitions, that the Executive Committee had determined to dispense with their assistance, and rely upon the Society to sustain itself, provided it could have grounds of a proper character. But the present grounds had become unsuitable: the buildings were out of repairs, and some of them were deemed un- safe ; and the horse lot was always with diffi- culty obtained, some of its various proprietors constantly asserting a purpose to build on their portions of it, and demanding high rents for surrendering their designs. The proposition to the Council, then, went to surrender the present lot, and to obtain from the citizens, and not from the Council, either a new and suitable place of exhibition, or the means of purchasing one. That fact fras dis- tinctly stated to the Council, and must have been understood by some of them, because two, from opposite ends of the city, were casting about for suitable sites for the new grounds. If the Council had acceded to that proposi- tion, and the city had voted the money asked, the Executive Committee could have obtained the most eligible grounds that can ever be had, on such a credit as would have ensured the payment of principal and interest in a reason- able time. But the Council, as they had a right to do, elected differently, and the city means to establish a Fair in Richmond, at an annual cost of ten thousand dollars instead of three thousand. The Report alluded to disclaims hostility to the State Society. We are glad of it ; though it is immaterial, except so far as the new Society is concerned. The purpose of this new Soci- ety — called the Central — is declared to be to hold an annual Fair in the City of Richmond. If that succeeds, then the State Society is su- perseded, so far as Richmond is concerned, and need never hold another Fair here. This re- leases its funds for other purposes. There are several such, and particularly one, which we forbear to mention at this time, well worthy the attention of the State Society. With such in view, and the holding a Fair rendered unne- cessary, we for one, and we presume, (without authority, however,) the other members of the Executive Committee will feel relieved from a good deal of responsibility and a great deal of trouble in providing an annual entertainment for the farmers ; and will gladly embrace the opportunity of expenditures of a higher char- acter. With such objects and feelings it were surely an unwise ambition and contemptible jealousy which could stimulate the Executive Committee of the State Society to wish aught than complete success to the Central Society. Our only fear is that they; will not achieve it. Precautions About Using Reapers. Machinery must inevitably be introduced to perform much of the labor that is required by the Farmer , and that it may be successfully employed, some cautions must be invariably observed. If it is proposed, for instance, to use a Reaping and Mowing Machine, the far- mer should carefully study every feature of it, and ascertain the object each is intended to ac- complish. He should find out what points re- quire constant and particular attention, but never fail to inspect the wliolt machine every morning before taking it into the field. All the boxes should be kept oiled with the best oil, and the bolts should be screwed neither too tightly nor too loosely. The knives should be kept sharp, and not less than two should be procured with each machine. It would be well, too, always to duplicate the crank-rod, and the bevelled pinion. At the close of har- vest the machine should, without delay, be put in order, the wood work and iron-work both well covered with paint, and then put away in a dry place. The Field Pea. Its Permanence as a Fertilizer, and a Preparatory Crop for Tobacco. The corn-field pea has not, as a general thing, succeeded above tide-water as a prepa- ration for the wheat crop; and instances have occurred, as in our own experience, where the wheat crop was very seriously curtailed by a, pea-fallow. Other cases, also, are known in which it has failed to reproduce its own seed, though the vine has been most luxuriant. Still it may be made to serve a valuable pur- pose in that region. One such at least, we. think, is its application to the land the year 372 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER, preceding a tobacco crop. We have not here- tofore recommended this, because some said it would not show its improvement beyond the year it was seeded; and others, that it ought by all means to be fallowed in its green or suc- culent state, or its value would be lost. The following experiment assures us to the contrary. Last Spring we fallowed up and put in oats all that we could of a particular field that had been the year before in corn. But a protracted rain made it impossible to sow or fallow the whole until it would have been too late. All the land fallowed was not got in: and a strip in a wet white flat, thus excluded from oats, was at the proper time — only it was too early — sowed down in peas ; so that the strip of peas grew between oats on the one hand, and uncultivated land of the same 'quality on the other. This Spring the whole was fallowed and again sowed in oats, and now ^presents this appearance: The strip on which the peas grew is a very fine crop: the oat-stub- ble shows a verjr-geod crop ; and the land that rested a, very ordinary crop. "From this experi- ment, which finds abundant analogy in other ..green manure crops, and is supported by theory, itwo results may be inferred: 1st. That peas need not be followed until the year after their growth. 2nd. That their fertilization will certainly last until that time. These deductions. are all that we need to as- sure us of the practicability of a pea-fallow to precede tobacco; and if it can be applied to that purpose it will be very' valuable. The difficulty with most people now is to obtain sufficient putrescent manure for their tobacco; :and a great deal of useless labour is en- countered in hauling stalks and wheat-straw into a pen, treading them and saturating them with voidings of cattle, and hauling them out again. In many cases this quantity of coarse manure is still further increased by hauling litter from the woods. It takes in that way as •much labour to manure the land as it does to cultivate an ordinary crop on the same area. In 'fact, where the land lies at the barn-door, and is distant from it at its farthest point only six hundred yards, it will take the teams and hands of a farm longer to haul and deposit, without spreading, ten wagon loads of manure per acre, than to plough and harrow the land with two or three-horse ploughs. This we know; for we have just tried it. When that is done the manure is not much better for tobacco than the straw would have been; and neither answers as well as a condition of vegetable matter more nearly approaching humus. Now this may be attained by sowing peas and ploughing them down at such times in the Fall, Winter, or Spring, as may be convenient. The shade of the growing peas is itself ferti- lizing, and the vines begin to rot as soon as warm weather commences. A very light dress- ing of stable or farm-pen manure, or of guano, if stable manure be not at hand, will furnish the tobacco with everything else it wants. Peas may not be desirable where all the land of a farm is sufficiently charged with vegetable matter; but very few farms present this con- dition. On nearly all are spots of land which it is very desirable to improve, in many cases too remote from the curtilage to admit of eco- nomical manuring in the usual way. On such places, peas, on a very light cover of straw, or woods litter, sowed down by the middle of June, will, in a decent season, give a growth which a good November or December plough- ing will convert into a fine tobacco tilth ; and every planter knows that his land once up to that point, except in certain very peculiar soils, it is his own fault if it is not thenceforth rapidly improved. On such places the land may be ploughed and sowed in peas in less time than it would take to manure it; and the manure may be more beneficially applied to other tobacco; or as a top-dressing to grass or clover lands. It is possible that in many cases the land thus treated with peas would at once produce as good tobacco as the lots, especially if aided by guano, as by all means it should be. In other cases the planter must look to the improvement of his land as a part of the profit from the crop, frequently an incident not to be despised. Finally, we would say to those who doubt the speedy cure of galls in this way, that we would be glad to show them, on some spots of our own, on hills from which all the soil had become abraded, the happy effect of one ap- plication of rotten straw and one sowing of peas. . ■ < ♦»•► The Time Test in the Race Horse. To the Editor of the Southern Planter: Dear Sir — In an article in your number for THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 373 this month concerning the time in which race horses have run certain distances, entitled "About Horses Running a Mile in a Minute," you observe (in a note) : "The Editor begs to add that he considers the time test a perfect fallacy — it is no criterion or test of a horse's powers or merits." The italics are your own. Will you be so good as to inform at least one of your subscribers what you do consider the proper Jest ; it is a matter of so much import- ance that all, it is presumed, would like to have as much information as can be obtained to guide them in breeding. A. Subscriber. May, 1858. The article to which our esteemed corres- pondent alludes was from the "Spirit of the Times," and the italics belong to that Editor, not to us. If one as unskilled as ourselves, however, in matters appertaining to the race-course, may venture an opinion, we should dare to agree that " the time test" was a fallacy in racing. More speed may simplify betting; but it may not improve the breed of horses for other than running raees, which we think the smallest of the numerous merits of the thorough-bred horse. The horse that can carry the heaviest weight, through the longest heats, in the best time, it would seem ought to be thought the best animal. The stamina thus evidenced might be transmitted from sire or dam, and we should have an animal suited to work of some kind if it should not prove a courser. This is not often the case with the "weedy" things of the present day. Sir Archie was not, we be- lieve, very greatly distinguished as a racer, but he is esteemed to have been the greatest stallion ever bred in America. Tom Tough is barely remembered as a thorough-bred horse, but he won a race at Norfolk, early in the . present century, in which he ran twenty-four miles, or six heats. We should like to see the horse that could do it now in respectable time. The time made by Lexington at New Orleans (7.19J we believe), was better than Boston ever made or probably could have made. But the track he ran on, which is several seconds the quickest in the United States, was made quicker still by being fixed up. It was no test of his general merits; and we question, if he had not gone blind, whether he would ever have made such seasons as Boston, who had speed, bottom and substance combined as no other horse in he U nion ever had, and who, but for his chuckle head, heavy shoulders, bad temper and great plainness, would have been the best stallion in the world. We regard the Arab as the model of the horse for all but the heavy work of commerce or the farm ; and his speed is not equal to that of the race horse, though his bottom is a great deal better. In the desert his type is as fixed as IshmaePs. If we could produce the same type of horse fifteen and a half hands high, we should think perfection in that department of things had been reached. But can we get it by sticking to the leggy, slouching, ewe- necked slabs that the present demand for speed on the turf, especially the English turf, has produced among us ? If any one thinks so let him see the noble bay Arab mare that visited Richmond from Baltimore a week or so ago, and then find the race mare that in style, action, finish, and substance, that can compare with her. Phosphatic Manures for Wheat and for Clover. We do not propose to go very deeply into the philosophy of Phosphatic Manures. It pre- scribes their application to certain plants in preference to others, on the ground that chem- ical analysis ascertains a comparative excess of phosphoric acid in those plants, especially wheat, to which, therefore, it must be offered as nutriment. But facts render it certain, 1st. That this direct application is not always ben- eficial to wheat ; and 2nd. That it is sometimes beneficial to other crops where, on analysis, we should expect to see no effect. Before the valuable experiments of Lawes & Gilbert were made public, every one knew that bones were the best specific application to the turnip crop. But it was not equally well known that they contained but very little phos- phoric acid. According to those experiments the precise reverse of what analysis had indi: cated took place : wheat, with an excess of phosphoric acid on their land, was not benefit- ted by phosphate of lime ; turnips, with a de- ficiency of phosphoric acid, were benefited. The more, in other words, each plant required by nature, the less it would take from direc artificial applications. Could it be because na- ture has adopted the phosphatic affinity of each plant to its phosphatic wants, and given to wheat a capacity to appropriate phosphates 374 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER independently of art, and to turnips a weaker power of appropriation ? We had heard of other cases in which spe- cial applications of phosphates to wheat had failed ; and, an opportunity offering, we deter, mined to go to Baltimore, the centre of the phosphatic guano trade, as a point where the most information could be obtained on this subject ; where, if anywhere, some definite views might be gathered on the subject. We did so ; and were induced to go thence to Tal- bot county, on the Eastern shore of Maryland, — a district in which the manipulated or mixed phosphatic and ammoniacal guanoes had been extensively used. We there heard of only one case in which the Columbian — a very high phosphate with no ammonia — had been used by itself. In that case on land contiguous, and of the same composition, the application had been made broadcast and by drill. The broadcast application produced no perceptible effect ; but the drilled made a very marked im- provement ; so great that no measurement was made to ascertain the fact, as none was needed. The manipulated guano used was generally Reese's ; and in all cases that we heard of or saw, the opinion seemed to be, that the appli- cation was equal pound for pound to the gen- uine Peruvian. And such was our own conclu- sion, from what the wheat appeared to be at that time. But the lands of that district, lying on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake bay, about fifty miles below Baltimore, are very pe- culiar, and find no analogue in Virginia. Returning to Baltimore, we were introduced to a gentleman who had used Kettlewell's Ma- nipulated guano extensively for some year or two, on several farms ; as had a good many of his neighbours ; and they had found it to equal Peruvian guano. But we could not visit the lands of this gentleman, and cannot, therefore, class them with any that we know in Vir- ginia. One thing should be stated in regard to the application of the manipulated guano in Tal- bot county. The gentleman there who had given most attention to the subject thought he could afford to pay the manipulator his price, which gives a very large profit on the opera- tion, on account of the superior order of the guano, and the ease with which the drill tubes delivered it into the furrow. This remark, made by one whose educated knowledge of mechanical principles and thorough mastery of the details of agricultural machinery entitles his opinions to unqualified acceptance, may include more than he meant to convey. At least it suggests if one hundred pounds of gu- ano properly distributed by drill be not equal to double the quantity broadcast ; be not, in fact, enough for the requirements of the plant ; so that more, even if drilled in, would be sur- plusage ; as on this supposition would be the whole of the phosphate. We happen to know at this moment a crop of wheat on good, but* until lately, mismanaged land, which promises twenty bushels per acre from an application of one hundred pounds of guano broadcast. This is about sixteen pounds of ammonia. Now Reese's guano is warranted, and we believe honestly, to contain eight pounds of ammonia to the hundred weight, every pound of which is rendered available by perfect trituration. Applied by drill at the rate of one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds per acre, it would certainly be worth the amount of the broadcast application we allude to. Subsequent to the application in question, phosphatic guano was applied ; but it has not exhibited any improve- ment. Had it been used over the whole crop cotemporaneously with the Peruvian, might not the latter have been robbed of a portion of its credit? This view would appear to receive confirma- tion from one result of the very valuable series of experiments on corn made by Mr. Harris oi the Genesee Farmer, and reported at length in the last number of this paper. It may be re- membered that in those experiments, it appeared that one hundred pounds of gypsum produced just the sanie effect as three hundred pounds of superphosphate ; and that a mixture of one hundred and fifty pounds of sulphate of ammo- nia, which is a large excess of ammonia over Pe- ruvian guano, and three hundred pounds ot phosphate gave a little less than the same quantity of the sulphate of ammonia when ap- plied alone. That a very small quantity of ammonia is sufficient for healthy vegetation, is proved by the experiments of Boussingault, reported in the April No. of the Planter, whereby he de- veloped an isolated plant grown in perfectly barren soil to full growth and fructification by a compound of phosphate of lime, ashes, and nitrate of potash, in which the phosphata THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 575 amounted to 155 grains in 200, and the ammo- nia to only 3? or If per cent., being from about 14 to 30 per cent, less than we are in the habit of giving our wheat in guano. The experi- ments of M. Ville, quoted by Prof. W. B. Rogers in a very interesting article,— -see p. 472 of the Planter for 1857,— demonstrated " that one ten thousandth part of ammonia in- creases in a remarkable degree the activity of vegetation ;" and that wheat in particular ap- propriated nitrogen so vigorously as to abstract what it would from the air when the soil sup- ply was exhausted. This supposition and the above facts are en- titled to very considerable reflection on the part of our readers, for they involve the question of the necessity of phosphatic manures to wheat and corn; and the enquiry whether any in- gredient is wanted with guano sowed broad- cast, and any other with guano drilled, than a mere absorbent of that moisture which clogs the machinery that delivers it. If so, then it is clear that a great deal of money has been waisted in phosphatic applications where a greatly cheaper divisor would have answered. As soluble nitrogen, which is abstracted by the vegetable from direct applications which hold it in combination and from the air, has been proved to be not only indispensable to its growth^ but always a promoter of it> we may concede its advantage ascertained. But is it equally clear that we should add phosphates ? That many soils possess an abundance of phosphates for a good crop of wheat, and only need a solvent or a stimulant to develope it, or those other soil ingredients which will develope it, is very evident. That was proved in Lawes & Gilbert's experiments-; in those made by Mr. Harris above referred to ; in a case of our own, where we made, side by side, as good wheat with nitrate of potash as with Peruvian guano ; and, not to exhaust the list by any means, in those hundreds of cases where lime alone, with its solvent influence, has increased the crop without the addition of manure. But it should not be thence inferred that no lands require phosphate ; they may not be in so available a form as the ingredient added, even when it exists abundantly in the soil. We know land which abounds in lime, on which even so small a quantity as twenty-five bushels per acre has acted like magic in producing a healthy growth of clover, (and that ensures, against all but the casualties of season, a good crop of wheat.) We saw in Talbot county, lands in which a de- posit of oyster shells, a foot thick or more, had been incorporated and rotting for centuries, that had exhibited from a small application of hydrate of lime to their rich, calcareous and "progressed" (!) mass an effect scarcely less striking than was visible on the poorer lands of the vicinage. But whether lands will need phosphates or not cannot be inferred either from analysis of soil or plant, or from their previous agricultural history. We observe in a report of a foolish speech of a Mr. Morrill of Connecticut, member of Congress, in which he advocates the giving Public Lands to the States to found Agricultural Colleges, which, as spe- cialties, are an exploded humbug in Europe, that he quotes approvingly Liebig's assertion that in one hundred years there has been re- moved from the soil of Virginia twelve hun- dred pounds per acre of alkalies in tobacco, and in the leaves, grain and straw of wheat ; and that many of our districts are no longer cul- tivated. These, like Leibig's other assertion that tobacco is an injury to land, happen to be destitute of foundation. Virginia ranks third of the wheat growers of the Union, and first in proportion to arable, not arated, surface ; and tobacco keeps up the fertility of the land that makes it, the revenue of the planter who grows it, and the value of the slave who tills it. But suppose analysis proved this — which it never can, for the lands have not been tilled to the assumed extent ; let us see for a moment, somethimg- about the exhaustion of mineral manures. According to Johnson, Part II, p. 318, a crop of wheat of twenty-five bushels with its resulting straw would remove only 16.08 lbs. of potash, lime and soda, of which about 3.75 is potash, or one part of this alkali in 800,000, assuming the weight of an acre of soil a foot deep at 2,920,000 lbs. But as these ingredients of a soil are vastly more abundant in wheat than is phosphoric acid, we may see how little reason there is to apprehend a fail- ure of the phosphates. If the absolute requirements of a plant can, in the present state of science, be inferred from analysis, the cases in which it has been done can be easily produced, and we should be very glad to see them cited and authenticated. [76 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. Rut if it were practicable it would not prove tiie necessity of phosphate of lime as an inde- pendent application. According to Johnson, as quoted above, twenty-five bushels of wheat and the straw will take from the land 5.70 lbs. of phosphoric acid, equal to about 12 lbs. of phosphate of lime, which at the assumed weight of soil amounts to about one part of phosphoric acid in 300,000, — or enough for three thousand centuries ! Is it not probable, therefore, that there is enough phosphoric acid in the soil to last until judgment day ? If not, Peruviau guano may supply our need for the present'; for one hundred pounds of it contain about 24 lbs. of phosphate of lime, or twice as much as Johnson's analysis assumes as ex- isting in the whole plant, where straw, be it remembered, with 5.10 per cent, of phosphoric acid in its ash, is, here in Virginia, always re- turned to the land. But it is thought by some that the existing phosphate is found for the most part, in such insoluble combinations as phosphates of iron and alumina, and that the addition of it in a more soluble form is necessary. But, to use the words of an eminent chemist, there is no such term as insoluble in chemistry; and i^ there were, it would be found among the terms of the laboratory, but not in nature. If, of two substances reputed insoluble, we can say that one is more so than another, we may say that sulphate of Baryta is more insoluble than any known form of phosphate. But the well observed and well attested experiments of the late Dr. R. R. Barton, of Rockbridge, reported in the Southern Planter several years ago, prove that, as a specific application to clover, the ef- fects of this so-called insoluble compound are quite as remarkable on clover as gypsum ever ia on the same land. We need not, then, dis- regard the phosphate already presumed to be in the land because of its particular form of combination, though we should prefer if adding phosphates to the soil to select the most soluble. Theory, then, would seem to indicato that the application of an excess of phosphoric is, as a general rule, to wheat, unnecessary, a sol- vent for that already in the soil being all that can be required. But theory is not to be re. lied on, unless we could know much more than we now do of the secrets of vegetable chemis- try and physiology. As we have seen lime improve a calcareous soil, so may phosphates improve a phosphatic soil. But as there is much more expense attending the experiment, there should be much more care and much less area directed to it. So fiar, then, it appears that the efficiency of the phosphates as a direct application to wheat is doubtful, though there may be special cases in which its action would be beneficial; and this is the result of very extended trial in Great Britain. " As a manure for grain crops," says an able writer in Morton's Cyclopedia of Agriculture, " bones" — phosphates — * hold no plan in general or even local practice. For this reason it is not to be assumed that they are not capable of conferring any advantage upon such crops. The most rational conclu- sion to be arrived at in explanation of the fact is, that they are not equal in effect to the other standard imported and home-made ma- nures. It is now an admitted doctrine, fully established by the whole bearing of the expe- riments of the writer and of Mr. Gardiner, and most completely confirmed by numerous experiments recorded in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, and by the recent minute and elaborate investigations of Mr. Lawes, that organic and agotized — " ammo- niacal manures are most visible in their effects upon the- bulk and luxuriance of grain crops; and that mineral food, especially phosphate of lime, is equally important as an element of the turnip. Now, bones act principally, as we have fully explained, by their phosphate of lime, and many of the bones used are entirely or nearly devoid of the organic matter,"— our Ameri- can phosphates are entirely devoid of it — " capable of supplying the grain crop with ni- trogen by the formation, of ammonia during decomposition. The quantity of ammonia sup- plied in an ordinary application being, under favourable circumstances, less than is furnish, ed by an application of rape dust, guano or farm manure, the failure of bones to act as well as any of these, and to become a standard application for grain crops is apparent." In Great Britain the most remarkable effect of the phosphates is seen in the turnip crop, which is there largely cultivated to feed stock and so make manure. It is to the following grain crop as a preparation of the land very much what tobacco is in our rotations in Yir- THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 377 inia, where, as is well known here, the " or- er" of the land in developing the plant od is many times equal to the application of good dressing of manure. Whether it re- aces the phosphates to a form assimilable by le succeeding crop of grain is a fact of o practical value here where the turnip is ot, and probably never will be, extensively own. But the same authority says that bones ex- t a very remarkable effect on the growth of over and the grasses, especially on white do- er, which it endows with extraordinary luxu- ance. If the various forms of our phosphates hall be found to exert the same effect in our limate, they will prove of scarcely less value ) us than they have been proved to be in Eng- ind, where, in extending the culture of tur- ips, they have certainly inaugurated a new ra in her agriculture. We hope experiments r ill be made with special reference to this oint next fall. As to the kind of. phosphates to be selected r e have only a few words to say. We have eard that the brown Mexican guano, as it is ailed, is the best form in which it can be ap. lied ; as, though it is the lowest in price and ie poorest in per centage of phosphate, what S has is most soluble, and therefore most im- mediately available. Of other kinds some on tain more and some less of phosphate of :on and phosphate of alumina. As those are he most insoluble forms of phosphates, a sam- ile containing them is inferior to one which resents an equal amount of phosphoric acid a combination with lime and magnesia. But ome parties are in the habit of classing the rhole phosphatic compounds as phosphates of ime. This is not right. It is true that chem- sts differ in opinion as to the relative value of hese ingredients; but the dealers are not ntitled to settle that difference of opinion as ome of them now do by classing ever}' thing ,s phosphate of lime: the purchaser is enti- led to know it and to decide for himself. As o the genuineness of any article of the kind, et the farmer remember that the inspection >oth here and in Baltimore is an unmitigated mrribug, and should not be relied on for one noment. Let him remember also that the inalysis of many a so called chemist is utterly vorthless. When a merchant proposes to sell on the analysis of Dr. So-and-So of New York, we always think of the question of the horse racer, when squire Brown was brought up to " hold the stakes." " Who'll hold squire Brown," said the wary gambler. There are some consulting chemists of high character, and some of no character at all. It is not our business to make enemies by pointing out thus publicly and exclusively the reliable men. The farmer must look out for that himself,. and his best course will be to rely on the merchant at home, and hold that merchant responsible for a correct statement of every form of phos- phoric acid that exist in the manure. The merchant can, and if honest will, find out the best cherhist. M he is too negligent or indif- ferent to do it, he is not fit to sell phosphatic guano. As to the use of phosphates on tobacco, we have not said a word, because we know noth- ing of it practically, and have no means of ar- riving at, even a theoretical opinion. What has been published on that subject in the Planter has, no doubt, been seen by all of our readers who feel an interest in the subject. 4 m ■ m > South Down Sheep. We have annually, for a year or two past, advertised part breed South Down Buck Lambs for sale. We have them still ; and if they are wanted, can furnish them at the next weaning season at $15 for the half breed, and $20 for the three quarter breed, the remaining cross being of Cotswold and Bakewell. We have uniformly advised breeders who might fancy this breed, to get the pure breed Bucks, at from $40 to $60, either from R. H. Dulaney, Esq., of Upperville, Fauquier Co., who has the best, or from Raleigh Colston, Esq., of Ivy Depot Albemarle, who has the next best, both of w T hom are gentlemen every way reliable, and are of our own people. But we have also said that a half of a loaf was a good deal better than no bread in this matter, and if persons did not choose to purchase the pure bred, they had better get ours than breed from commom rams. It is said of this breed in the standard Eng- lish work on The Sheep: "The South Down is adapted to almost any situation in the Mid- land part of England ; it has a patience of oc- casional short keep, and an endurance of hard stocking equal to any other sheep ; an early 378 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. maturity, scarcely inferior to that of the Lei- cester's, (BakewelFs,) and the flesh finely grained, and of peculiarly good flavor ;" " and the wool of the most useful quality." — The Sheep, pp. Ill, 233. They also make particularly fine lambs for an early market. . i m m m > For the Planter. Reply to "X" of the Republican. Mr. Editor. — In the May number of the Planter, over the signature " X of the Repub- lican," appeared some remarks upon a piece in the March number over the signature " B," which he regards as demanding some slight notice. May not the heresy of the hackneyed say- ing, " it matters not what the faith is, if the f>ractice be right," be regarded as having been ong since exploded, by the light which has beamed from the pathway of science in its progressive march from heathenish ignorance and superstition to the present luminous day ? and is not the maxim now established, that sound, intelligent notions and views of things are necessary in order to sound conservative practice? And that intelligent men are respon- sible, as well for the correctness of their faith, their views, their notions of things, as for their conduct and management? and this upon the principle, that the translucent stream flows, not from the turbid, but the limpid fountain ; and that good fruit is gathered not from the corrupt but the good tree ? As well may we ex- pect to slake thirst with cool, limpid water, flowing from a, hot and turbid fountain — or pluck the delicious peach or orange from the bitter, rough and sour crab tree ; as soon ex- pect that a man believing Baal to be God and worshipping him as such, shall, by a life of holy obedience, reach the abodes of unending bliss, as expect clear, intelligent, practical ideas to flow from muddy brains, or sound, suc- cessful practice to spring from ignorance and error, or blind, baseless hypotheses. As a matter of science it can scarcely be con- sidered as unimportant whether the sun is re- garded as revolving around the earth or the earth around the sun : and a man of science, who " writing to a western paper" should de- scribe the sun as revolving around the earth, would hardly be excused of his ignorance or want of scientific propriety of language upon the plea, that he " was writing to a western paper and used the expression which he sup- posed would " convey an idea to Western" Astronomers. Says " X," " I was writing to a Western paper and used the expression, which I supposed would convey an idea to Western Farmers." Now, sir, there is about as much likeness between the sun revolving around the earth and the earth revolving around the sun, as there is between stimula- ting the soil and stimulating the plant. The difference is all the distance there is betweer'j 11 truth and error, facts and falsehood. It is im »' measurable. " X" claims that " B" admits thiW idea he intended to convey was correct," &c What idea ? That guano stimulates the soi and impoverishes it, and that strong drinl stimulates and impoverishes the human sys tern. Where does he find this admission ! " B" admits that there is " a remote likeness ii the " modus operandi" of the two agents, s< far as guano stimulates the organism of th< plant, but does not admit, either that guan< "stimulates and impoverishes the soil," ortha strong drink impoverishes the human system He admits that strong drink affords but littl nutriment to the human system, but he consid ers the difference between affording little nu triment and abstracting to impoverishment, as very wide. " X" asserts that guano by th< excess of ammonia stimulates the soil, and a the same time impoverishes it." Can language be plainer ? Let it be that he means stimulate, the plant, still it is the soil that is impoverish, ed. " B" denies that he has conceded an^ such idea, which he then knew and is now bu more confirmed, was conceived in error. More over, he denies having intended to concedf that guano affords but little nutriment to tht plant, or that there was any special likenes: in the action of guano upon vegetables, to th< action of strong drink upon the human systen differing from that which the action of strong drinks bears to the action of all other fertili zers or manures — nothing can nourish tha|n does not to some extent stimulate. " B" knows and can establish by testimony unquestioned and unquestionable, tnat notonb guano does not impoverish the soil, but upot utterly exhausted soils, originally good, will applied in proper quantity, give a good returr in crop and maintain the soil highly improved giving a succeeding crop of wheat and sustain ing a good crop of clover. Further, " B" assert! that exhausted lands (originally good) may, ty u guano alone, be restored to original fertility and so maintained by proper rotation of crop rest, clover or other suitable grasses. Bu upon lands originally poor, much permanen improvement need not be expected ; from sucl good crops may be reaped by renewed applica| tion, but lasting improvement may not be exh pected, as all lands originally poor need th« | elements or principles necessary to attract ap propriate and retain fertilizing agents — upoi such lands, the agriculturist must rely upoi|j each crop for present pay. "X" consoles himself that his views are en dorsed by Dr. Higgins, who says, " Phosphati* i guano should be applied to crops which hav< a leafy and broad development," &c. Thi; notion of Dr. Higgins may or may not be sus I taincd by facts, — none are adduced, and it ma^l I be, and it probably is, a mere hypothesis. Bu suppose it confirmed by established facts, wha then ? Does this prove that Peruvian Guanch THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 379 mlates and impoverishes the soil, while >des' superphosphate of lime furnishes nu- ous materials and enriches the soil? Here- onsists the very gist of the question in dis- 3. If guano stimulates and impoverishes soil, and Rhodes' superphosphate furnishes ritious materials and enriches, then " X" ight and " B" wrong. But on the other d, if guano applied to the soil will greatly •ease the crop and leave the land greatly roved in fertility, then " B" is right and " wrong. Whether the criticism in the March number >rred to by " X" be regarded as " far-fetch- >r pertinent, is a matter of minor conside- on, and while " B" has no special gratifica- i to serve by intruding upon " the self- iplacency which ' X' is pleased to draw n the assumed admission of the correctness fhe idea " he intended to convey," yet re- ping the correction of error as always im- (tant — seeing that the slighest divergence in the right line necessarily widens as it ances, and can never meet — he asks to be used for the zeal he has evinced, n conclusion, " B" would warn his agricul- al brethren to receive, with many grains of >wance, the published account of the won- ful properties of the many substitutes for, uixiliaries to, Peruvian guano. Doubtless st of them may be valuable, rightly under- )d and used. But he that relies upon what promised, will assuredly be disappointed. n with wonderful facility persuade them- res to believe what they desire, and what it their interest to believe. Thus, without ,rging fraudulent design, we may realize importance of being guarded against impo- on. "B." For the Southern Planter. Seed. 5ir:— In the Planter for April, I ventured a - remarks, which might be taken as a mere line in considering the vitality of seed ; for lie we bear in mind the fact, that seed is link in the chain of vegetable existence, it st needs be of paramount importance to in- tigate the peculiar properties in this link ich connects the old and new plant. The d, true to its mission, perpetuates and be- ivs its perennial verdure to the world's land- pe as well as affording all the necessaries of to man and beast, not even excepting the iest insect that crawls upon the ground. It veil known that every plant, herb or flower t grows, have their uses and applications in i arts, while their fragrance and diversity colors are especially intended in the econo- of nature to minister to the sensual desires 1 gratifications of the human family, and how little ungrateful man appreciates those ssings, and how limited too our knowledge n not being able to comprehend the vital vers of a little seed. Let the intellectual Tyroes of the day bow with submission before it, and no longer hold up their superior genius on the may-pole for public gaze, while the but- terfly that flutters before him, knows more of the nature and properties of this little seed. Look at it — view it with all the pride of your intellect — bring to your aid the history of ages, and the light of science, and then in a spirit of humility, tell me what is seed. You will not — you cannot — the book says it is the bulb, and if I ask the book what is the bulb, can it tell — or if any thing I say on the subject conveys the idea that I am giving my opinion on it, I beg to revoke such sayings, as my object is to elicit information, and if possible, induce some intelligent writer to Lake the matter in hand, for it is a theme pregnant with much interest ; and the gentle warmth and copious showers of the present spring, were sufficiently favourable to induce the germination of the most tenacious seeds, yet I have to record the fact that «eeds of dif- ferent kinds fail with me. Thus, let the men- tion of one sort suffice for the present. About the 25th of March I prepared a square of ground in the warmest aspect in my garden. In this square I planted at the usual distance, and in the usual way, eight different kinds of the earliest corn known. Six sorts grew after a sickly, tedious fashion, the other two that did not grow, were of the sugar species. In scra- ping for missing sorts, I found the radicles made a descent of some two and a half inches, while the plume or ascending part of the germ, made no effort to rise. And my aston- isment is, that the plumula did not start from the embryo simultaneously with the radicle but Maze within maze the lucid webs are roll'd, And as they burst the living flame unfold. Truly there seems to be some secret connect- ed with the grain of corn seed that I can neither explain nor comprehend. It may be that the thin coating or bark on this seed did not admit of so much carbon as is necessary for the preservation of its vitality, or per- haps the abortion happened from the ab- sence of albumen, which is said to be very abundant in corn and other grasses — but the incidental blights are so numerous that it is use- less to try to trace them to their course, for .while we bear in mind the minuteness of the embryo, we must acknowledge our inability to comprehend or judge the phenomena by any test or cannon of law or criticism. This embryo so small as a dot, and in some in- stances cannot be seen by the naked eye ; and yet this invisible dot — less than a dot — when stimulated to action by the decomposition of the carbon, begin to develop its various parts — the little vessels and organs external and internal that were encased in the embryo begin to move, there cannot be any exaggeration in the lines which says — 380 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. That grain within grain successive harvest dwell And boundless forests slumber in a shell. I must repeat my inability to comprehend how a thing so small as the embryo can contain the roots, stem and branches of the most majes- tic oaks of our forest with their countless organs and ramifications — the oper; tions of nature are mvsterious to me. R. C. May teik, 1858. For the Southern Planter. How to Kill Dogwood Trees— Query. New Kent, May 2nd, 1858. Mr. Editor — I have quite an extensive new ground to get in order for tobacco, (next year's crop,) most of the timber has been gotten off for rails and wood. The dogwood has been purposely left standing for the convenience of grubbing, in which I anticipate a heavy job. Can you or any of your readers inform me from actual experience whether cutting the dogwood in July or August will kill it, root and branch ? 1 have tried that plan with sas- safras, and find it succeeds well. Any infor- mation on this point will be thankfully re- ceived by Yours, Truly, G. G. M. For the Planter. Still Chopping the Roots. After the heinous portraiture my friend " Tyro" has drawn of the few plain remarks I unwittingly made in the April number of the Planter, and the terrible castigation I have re- ceived at his hands, I feel ashamed ever again to use my head, or say a word about his fabled apple tree or its appendages, not even except- ing the learned and original conceptions re- specting the peculiar functions of the spangioles or medullary veins ; but had he known the humble position I occupy, he would not, I fancy, have honored me with his slimy criti- cism. The writer is an humble laboring man, not possessing a particle of education, and I know as little about the art or style of compo- sition as I do about the man in the moon. So you perceive your galbanum acerbity have not added a single blossom to the plume of you? proud intellect, nor in the slightest could such inoderous breathings tarnish my literary re- pute. I found you chopping off' the roots of my apple trees, and for so doing I told you, you were wrong, and I was willing to give you my reasons for saying so, when you pounced upon me and held me up to public scorn be cause, forsooth, I could not tell it by the rule of grammar, or the etiquette of the day. With such usages I am entirely unacquainted, and I am further willing to give you the benefit of my. avowal that a word of my scribbling nt appeared in print before that article that stfl| you from your lair. Surely you are a veriti " Tyro," as is clearly exemplified by the v flashes which have gone forth from the iifl vitality that reigns within you. Your duty head monitor, was to bear, not only with ge forbearance, the uncouth propensities of a -in low-laborer, but to accept with gratitud grain of good, even in its rudest elements, jioi prune, or reject, with becoming gravity, casual or deleterious matter. No, sir — seem to have forgotten your vocation, as went far out of your way for weapons of |n fence. Witness this man who dwells so patt cally on the beauties of Nature, linking | golden sentences with the soft tissue and drils of the rose and honeysuckle — witness I I say, as he draws his inspirations from all 1 is lovely and odoriferous in the floral kingdor|li with bland smiles, bowing and dancing on green-sward of the world's velvet landsca^lj and while in this reverie a pebble is throwr his flowery pathway, which did not so mucjeh blister his toe ; but lo ! and behold him ri ing with animal ferocity into the bowels of earth for fire and steel, and deeper — to regions of hell — for he brings up his sat: majesty. Wanting a third, he looks aro the animal kingdom ; nor has he failed, brings out a pig. Now, there stands the p< and learned pomologist, in company with , own selection — fire and steel, the devil and ire pig — there he stands ; and if I were as sj| fulas he I could give him a dash; but id charity tells me to forbear ; for though pas 1 11 precipitated him into evil company, h(j,y stamped with the image of God and I shall bear. But before I clismiss you, allow m remind you of your error in choosing such company, or using these imps as a sort of b< guard. The vegetable kingdom, which s to be your espoused habitation, would afl you material enough for weapons of defe or objects of comparison, and leave you bes a reputation for taste and elegance, wlj ought to be the peculiar characteristic of who tries to paint the tiny flowers of ea Nor have I } T et done with you till 1 sever connection between " Tyro," the devil and pig. Let satan go to the burning lake and pig to her brute companions; and drop] your fossil implement, I present you wit vase filled with the flowers of the valley, f whose sweet nectar you can distil some po while I am giving you a pruning and top-di a ing ; for the tree looks bad, and, in truth, oc | amining it, I find a corroding gangrene vading stock and branch, even the parench; » is afflicted, which leaves nothing for pomol cal inspection. If Virgil or Columella foui degenerate tree of this kind in the hortici: ral department in their time, they most suredly would have either eradicated it transplanted it in the back-grounds as a wojkt THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 381 deciduous under shrub ; but we will not so t our plant — the compound and elementary ,ns may wear the mantle of decay, while embryo conceals its vital power, and in its good time will spring into life, exhibiting he grandeur peculiar to its species, as well earing the fruit of its kind. Now, though i not half done with this languid tree, i t let it go, for fear it is too long on exhi- pn; but the tap-root must come off, so must branches, for they seem filled with fluid ter; it looks very unsightly just now, with ich and root amputated, still its organs are id, though out of place, and its vitality is uestionable. So we plant it in some sunny ;, and shall use due vigilance in minister- to its wants, in hope that at some future it will bring forth good fruit, stated that any one may observe examples both in a given spot— see page 200 in nter for April — not "green," as was errone- ly printed. Surely, the vivid flashes must e departed from you, when you cannot com- hend a negation. R. C. lay 12th, 1858. For the Planter. Cultivation of the Corn Crop. Henrico Co., May, 1858. [fr. Editor. — It may not be out of place to e, at this time, what I consider to be the t method of cultivating curn upon enough to cultivate. As soon as the plants have three or four leaves, is to run a narrow- tooth cultivator twice in each row. After the cultivators have gone through once, let them go immediately over again, the hoes fol- lowing and thinning out the corn to one stalk. If the cultivators have been worked properly — that is, deep and close to the corn as possi- ble — there will be little for the hoes to do but thin. I believe that hands can hoe nearly twice as much corn in this way as they can after " siding" with a plough. If this is com- pleted before harvest, I would say run once in the rows again with the cultivators, as I think it is an error to plough corn before harvest ; and if it is done the grass will generally be fourffl to have taken possession of the rows again, and will require hoe-work, or that the rows should be thrown up high enough to plant sweet potatoes on. After harvest let the ploughs go through the corn, two furrows to the row, as shallow as possible so as to cover the grass, then break the middles with the cul- tivators, or, if the grass is too strong, with the plough, very shallow. Corn roots should not be exposed to the sun and broken by deep ploughing. Now take care, if you pull the fodder at all, not to do so too soon, and you will gather the best crop that the land and the season (and the chinch bug) will produce, with as little labour as the corn crop will admit of. Yours, Y. d, — and I give this plan because I light think it I be found to be less labour than that usu- adopted. In the first place, the land >uld not be ploughed too deep: This may m a sentiment of the retrograde order at s period of deep ploughing, but still it is as preaching with regard to the light ds of this portion of the State. If it is de- ed to break such soil deeper than five or six hes, it must be done with the subsoil plough the cross, if not, the land itself will suffer consequence of the poor subsoil turned up [the surface. Land for corn should be bro- p up as near to the time of planting as prac- pible, so that the earth may be fresh and jllow for the young plants. These remarks are too late for this season, t as our friends cannot profit by the first jrt, perhaps they may in some measure by e latter. The land now is to be well harrowed and lawn off four and a half feet with a single ough, (deep enough to prevent the grain j)m being moved by the harrow,) the corn ppped two and a half feet apart, and three four grains in a place: it should then be reered with a cultivator, the front tooth of hich has been removed, followed by a double irrow. This planting leaves the land in niee order, ^d checks the grass till the corn is large Seasons for Crops. ssions of gooc present phenomena which have at times at- tracted the attention of scientific men, and from the time of the seven years of famine and seven years of plenty indicated by Joseph in his administration of Egypt, intelligent far- mers have recognized the fact that a course of deficient crops is pretty sure to follow a course of abundant ones, but in how far the succes- sion is regular of determinate length, appears not to have been definitely fixed. In 1853, M. Becquerel read to the Academy of Sciences a paper on the wheat culture of Frauce, Avhich has much interest in this relation. The inter- nal system of tariffs in France — the want of agricultural enterprise and means of prompt communication, cause the prices to depend there upon the local crops almost altogether. Indeed the tariff seems devised to enhance famine and increase abundance, since if one section of France has a short crop, it can im- port only at a high duty grain from sections where the crops are superabundant. The re- sult is, however, that the aggregate prices vary with the production. In our number for Jan. 14, 1854, we gave from the paper of M. Bec- querel the following table quoted from Count Hugo, showing the movement in France for every five years: 382 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. SEASONS AND PRICES IN FRANCE. Excess of Imports. Hectolitres. Scarcity 1816(3)1821 6,247,000 Plenty 1822(2)1827 Scarcity 1828(5)1832 9,528,000 Plenty". 1833(2)1837 Mixed 1838(2)1842 1,126,000 Scarcity 1843(21847 18,697,000 Plenty 1848(21852 This is a ver} T remarkable table, and we re- marked then upon it, vol. ., page 220: "The five years, 1847 to 1852, were years of abundance both in France and Great Britain. Supposing, then, the change takes place quin- quennially, we should now be at the com- mencement of a period of scarcity, and that Scarcity 1853(2)1857 These figures, for the last five years, show that scarcity has been greater than ever in France, and that the cycle fulfilled its limit. We may observe the leading events which have marked the close of each of these cycles in France. The first period of scarcity, ending in 1821, was complicated with the settlement of France after the fall of the empire, and was marked by the Spanish war. The cycle of low prices, plenty having imparted courage to government, ended with the battle of Navarino, in 1827. The dear cycle that succeeded ended in the revolution and crisis. When the restoration fell, and Louis Phillip succeeded, a season of plenty followed, ending in the United States revulsion of 1837. There was no marked Prices in France. Cycle — s. d. 1822(2)1827 36 1828(2)1832 50 1833(2)1837 37 1838(21842 46 1843(2)1847 59 1848(2)1852 38 1853(2)1857 60 Exports 1,258,000 944,000 13,188,000 Per hecto. f. c. 23.67 22.00 20.31 25.68 f. c. 15.80 16.16 16.68 Shillini Per C, 54 36 50 37 46 59 38 the present year fulfils this character, is ma fest from the state of the markets on both si of the British channel." Let us now add the line embraced in the i years since elapsed, 1853 to 1857, from oflk sources as follows : Hestolitres. Per hecto Per 22,099,792 28.01 64 failure up to 1842, but food rose, produci uneasiness. When the financial cycle follow ending with the revolution of 1848, plenty s ceeded, and the cycle closed with the establi ment of the "Empire." An adverse cycle 1 now passed, ending with a "crisis." We now again at the commencement of a sea* of plenty without political changes in Euro The question here is for American interes The want of food abroad has always caused active demand for American products. If take a table of the value of breadstuff's a provisions exported from the United States, cording to the above cycles, the results are follows : End of cycle. Exports fc from U. Stai lu The crisis of 1842 produced the quintuple treaty, and the fall of M. Thiers. In the last cycle the exports from the United States would have been much larger but for the short crop of 1854, which sent prices to an exorbitant level, and stopped the exports of 1855. The 4 Plenty— Navarino $63,450,< 7 Scarcity — Revolution 66,631,: 2 Plenty— Crisis 57,945,( 8 Mixed — Crisis 76,950,* Scarcity — Revolution 143,320,": 4 ...... Plenty — Empire 149,486/ 1 Scarcity— Crisis 290,078/ following table gives the quantities of gn sent from the United States to France in es year of the last cycle, also the aggregate ports, and average export prices of flour each year: EXPORTS FROM UNITED STATES. -Wheat.- -Flour.- To France. bush. 1852 1853 ' 6,100 1854 1,041,086 1855 1856 1,923,732 1857 1,527,128 1S58— 8 raos 201,101 To all countries. bush. 2,694,540 3,890,141 8,036,665 798,884 8,154,877 14,570,331 4,073,234 To France. bbls. 2,700 8,784 728,279 8,557 3,948,499 184,803 171,101 To all countries. bbls. 2,7U9,733 2,920,918 4,022,386 1.024,540 3,510,626 3,712,053 1,511,101 To France. 100 39,400 302,740 50,082 207,580 11,681 -Corn.- To all countries. 2,627,075 2,274,909 7,768.S16 7,807,383 10,292,280 7,505,318 2,948,101 Fo Prlo Flc ii U. |u $ 4 5 7 10 6 5 4 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 183 The highest point of flour here was in 1855, hen the supply was not equal to the home de- and, heightened by railroads and emigration, id the exportation was cut off. In that year, >wever, France took more corn than ever, his fact has begun to attract attention theye, id may become very important. It has .been merally supposed in France, as formerly in ngland, that there are countries other than ranee so prolific in grain, that if it were not r the corn laws they would so overwhelm the mntry with wheat at low prices, as to compel e abandonment of the culture there. The :perience of the past few years, when stern icessity has compelled the removal of duties, is excited other fears, since it has demon- rated that when the crops are very short, iere*is great difficulty of getting a sufficient ipply at any price. In 1855, wheat was 75s. 3r quarter in England, and 70s. in France, 3t the United States, which had been looked i for an inexhaustible supply, was unable to irnish any, even at these exorbitant rates, he capacity of Russia, it is now ascertained, very much overrated, and the supplies of the iisin of the Baltic are annually growing less. t this point, intelligent French inquire what in America furnish? The response is, that )rn is an inexhaustible and indispensable 'op. It furnishes a large portion of the food >r man and beast in the Union, and was the tainstay of Ireland in the famine cf 1847. he grain is already largely used in the South- en and South-western departments. Intro- uced in the Northern departments, and a ;eady market opened, the United States could apply 80,000,000 bush, per annum at low rices. If it served no other purpose than as >od for animals, it would relieve the pressure i times of scarcity very materially, and reatly promote the extension of French trade. The import, export, and prices of wheat in 'ranee for each of the five years embraced in ae cycle ending with 1857, were as follows: Average Per hecto. Import. Export. f. c. 853 4,219,104 301.102 22.39 854 4,743.247 285,738 28.82 |855 3,041,258 208,064 29.32 856 7,197,483 193,042 32.46 857 4,231,953 355,750 27.09 "otal, hectolitres, 23,433,488 1,353,696 28.01 )o. in bush 64.442,092 3,722,664 $1.90 Thus France purchased over 60 million >ushels wheat at 114 million of dollars, a sum phich she, in all probability, will save during he present cycle. The idea of the capabilities of the United States to supply food, has been drawn from the ;reat quantity of lands, and of emigrants who ;o on to them. It is not, however, sufficiently >orne in mind, that the surplus which those occupiers can raise is very small for want of assistance. Labor is not to be had, and the unaided industry of the farmer enables him now only to supply his own wants. It is only to the machinery introduced that we are in- debted for any surplus. Every grazier must raise corn, because it is indispensable food for man and beast, and a little labor will procure a great deal. It is also most easily harvested. It can, therefore, be supplied cheaper and more abundantly than most other articles. Since corn was introduced into Great Britain in 1846, she has not ceased to be a large consumer, an- nually taking a larger quantity. We have now before us clearly a "cycle" of cheap food, when the demands of Europe will be less, and it is to be expected that the ex- ports will fall off. It is to be borne in mind, however, that the great elements of internal consumption has ceased, viz., railroad expendi- ture and migration, while, on the other hand, great tracts of land have been settled and enjoy cheap avenues to market. A larger surplus at lower prices may therefore tempt purchasers from Europe, and still serve to equalize prices. — U. S. Economist. From the Farmer's Practical Horse Farriery. The Horse and how to use Him. REMARKS ON POWEL's TREATMENT HOW TO GOVERN HORSES OF ANY KIND. To those who understand the philosophy of horsemanship, these are the easiest trained ; for when we have a horse that is wild and live- ly, we can train him to our will in a very short time ; for they are generally quick to learn, and always ready to obey. But there is anoth- er kind that are of a stubborn or vicious dispo- sition, and although they are not wild, and do not require taming, in the sense it is generally understood, they are just as ignorant as a wild horse, if not more so, and need to be learned just as much ; and in order to have them obey quickly, it is very necessary that they should be made to fear their master ; for in order to obtain perfect obedience from any horse, we must first have him fear us, for our motto is Fear, love, and obey; and we must have the fulfilment of the first two, before we can ex- pect the latter, and it is by our philosophy of creating fear, love and confidence, that we gov- ern to our will every kind of horse whatever. Then, in order to take horses as we find them, of all kinds, and train them to our liking, we will always take with us when we go into a stable to train a colt, a long switch whip, (whalebone buggy whips are the best,) with a good silk cracker, so as to cut keen and make a sharp report, which, if handled with dexteri- ty, rightly applied, accompained with a sharp, fierce word, will be sufficient to enliven the spirits of any horse. With this whip in your right hand, with the ;84 THE SOUTHERN PLANTER lash pointing backward, enter the stable alone. It is a great disadvantage in training a horse, to have any one in the stable with you ; you should be entirely alone, so as have nothing but yourself to attract his attention. If he is wild, you will soon see him in the opposite side of the stable from you ; and now is the time to use a little judgment. I would not want for myself, more than half or three-quar- ters of an hour to handle any kind of a colt, and have him running about in the stable after me ; though I would advise a new beginner to take more time and not be in too much of a hurry. If you have but one colt to gentle, and are not particular about the length of time you spend, and have not had my experience in handling colts, I would advise you to take Mr. PowePs method at first, till you gentle him, which he says takes from two to six hours. But as I want to accomplish the same, and what is much more, learn the horse to lead in less than one hour, I shall give you a much quicker process of accomplishing the same end. Accordingly, when you have entered the sta- ble, stand still and let your horse look at you a minute or two ; and as soon as he is settled in one place, approach him slowly, with both arms stationary, your right hanging by your side holding the whip as directed, and the left bent at the elbow, with your right hand pro- jecting, As you approach him, go not too much towards his head or croup, so as not to make him move, either forward or backward, thus keeping your horse stationary ; if he does move a little forward, or backward, step a little to the right or left very cautiously ; this will keep him in* one place. As you get very near him, draw a little to his shoulder, and stop a few seconds. If you are in his reach he will turn his head and smell of your hand, not that he has any preference for your hand, but be- cause that is projecting, and is the nearest por- tion of your body to the horse. This all colts will do ; and they will smell of your naked hand just as quick as of anything that you can put in it, and with "just as good an effect, how- ever much some men may have preached the doctrine of taming horses by giving them the scent of articles from the hand. I have al- ready proved that to be a mistake. As soon as he touches his nose to your hand caress him as before directed, always using a very light, soft hand merely touching the horse, always rub- bing the Avay the hair lies, so that your hand will pass along as smoothly as possible. As you stand by his side you may find it more convenient to rub his neck, or the side of his head, which will answer the same purpose as rubbing his forehead. Favor every inclimation of the horse to smell or touch you with his nose ; always follow each touch or communi- cation of this kind with the most tender and affectionate caresses, accompaincd with a kind look, and pleasant word of some sort, such as, " Ho ! my little boy, ho ! my little boy, pretty boy nice lady, !" or something of that kind constantly repeating the same words with th same kind, steady tone of voice ; for the hors soon learns to read the expression of face an voice, and will know as well when fear, love o anger prevails, as you know your own feelings two of which, fear and anger, a good horsema should never feel. HOW TO PROCEED IF YOUR HORSE IS OF A STUI | BORN DISPOSITION. If your horse, instead of being wild, seem to be of a stubborn or mulish disposition ; : he lays back his ears as you approch him, c turns his heels to kick you, he has not the regar^ or fear of man that he should have, to euabl you to handle him quickly and easily ; and might be well to give him a few sharp cui with the whip, about his legs, pretty close i the body. It will crack keen as it plies aroun his legs, and the crack of the whip will affe< him as much as the stroke, besides, one shar cut about his legs will affect him more tha two or three over his back, the skin on the ii ner part of his legs or about his flank bein thinner, more tender than on his back. But c not whip him much, just enough to scare hin it is not because we want to hurt the horse tin we whip him, we only do it to scare that bai disposition out of him. But whatever you d< i do quickly, sharply, and with a good deal of fir but always without anger. If you are going I sq scare him at all, you musj do it at once. Nev< I go into a pitch battle with your horse, and whi I him until he is mad, and will fight you ; ya S3 had better not touch him at all, for you es- tablish instead of fear and regard, feelings ■' resentment, ill-will and hatred. It will do hi no good, but an injury to strike a blow unle you can scare him; but if you succeed in scarin him, you can whip him without making hi mad ; for fear and anger never exist together! the horse, and as one is visible, you will fir that the other has disappeared. As soon as yo have frightened him so that he will stand u straight, and pay some attention to you, a]|of proach him again, and caress him a good de; more than you whipped him, then yon will e. cite the two controlling passions of natur love and fear, and then he will love and fe* you too, and as soon as he learns what to d will obey quickly. To be continued. 111! To Prevent Cows losing their Mili Francis Van Doren, of Adrian, Michigar had a valuable cow that lost much of h( milk, and found a preventive in placing a India rubber around the teat aft( milking. He says this is found effectu: Exc/iange. Dibit, ililnri, wii. SOUTHERN PLANTER.— ADVERTISING SHEET. 3 Iricultuml REomMfflcToiffi Richmond, June 1858. he undersigned offer the following desirable FARMS for sale upon accommodating terms: 1. On James River, in Henrico County, near Richmond, containing 400 acres. Improve- very good. Price $15,000. Land first rate. 2. Near this city. Improvements new. 185 acres. All, or any part of this, is for sale on jcomraodating terms. 3. 200 acres of very fine land, near a large city, with a well established school, of good age and large income. Improvements all new. Price $11,000, including good will of school. In Lancaster county, Va. 1,000 acres. In the -'fish and oyster region." The improve- as good as can be. Price $50,000. 5. In Lancaster also. 750 acres, with houses, barns, &c. Price $25 an acre. 6. In Henry county, Va. 850 acres. The dwelling house is worth $2,500. The soil very Extensive facilities for curing Tobacco, with easy access to several markets. Price $20 an This farm will be divided if desired. 7. In Prince William county. Containing 525 acres. The improvements on this farm are ry fine and commodious. The soil produciive. Price $30 an acre. 8. In Fauquier. 265 acres. Very fine buildings. This is a superb place. Price $85 an 9. . In Fauquier county. Upwards of 500 acres. Soil prodiy^jj 20 an acre. e and well set in clover. 10. In Cumberland. 228 acres. Improvements good. A large manufacturing mill close house, (not belonging to the farm.) This is a cheap and productive farm. Price $3,000. 11. In Caroline county. 500 acres. A very good farm. Price $6,000. 12. In Georgia. A large tract, with extensive improvements, embracing dwelling houses, mills, &c. 13. 2 Farms near Williamsburg — containing 154 acres. Price ^1,500; and 130 acres, price 0. The land highly improved. "Green sand marl" very abundant. Buildings good. Will be eparately, or together. . 14. In Nicholas county, Virginia. 325 acres. Price $1,800. This is a good stock farm, and II the usual buildings (nearly new) on it. 15. In Prince Edward county, Virginia. 830 acres, 80 acres of which are river and creek ' 500 acres cleared. Buildings all new. Price $15 an acre. . 16. In Amelia county. 375 acres. 100 acres cleared, balance in good timber. Good s, orchards, &c. Is near to churches of several denominations. Price $10 an acre. 17. Near Richmond. 65 acres. All the buildings in thorough repair. This is a beautiful Price $7,500. 18. In Amelia county, of rather more than 600 acres, 375 of which are in cultivation. 80 of the best quality ''bottom land." Houses good. Near to mechanics' shops, of all kinds, and churches, and of easy access to market. Price $25 an acre. . 19. Near Richmond. 50 acres. Unimproved. Price $1500. . 20. About 6 miles from Richmond. 27f acres. Price $500. . 21. In New Kent County, on York River Railroad) 12 miles from Richmond. 800 acres, )f which are Chickahominy low grounds. All the necessary improvements new and substan- Price $25 an acre. .SO— 2 thorough-bred young STALLIONS. 3 are also prepared to receive and execute orders for all kinds of Agricultural Implements and Machinery, Seeds, &c.j f[\e our personal attention to the selection of the same. imc 1858. AUGUST & WILLIAMS, Office of the "Southern Planter." % 1 Peruvian Guano. \ Mexican " lumbian ' " mbrero " lifornia Guano from Elide Island. Burg's No. 1 Manipulated Guano. For sale bv E. H. fciKlNKEK & CO., rch — 3t RIcTnnond, Va. Improved Pigs For Sale. I have on hand a few very fine shoats, Price $10 for one, or $16 for two in ihfi same box, and piit on the cars at Ivy depot, Albemarle, Va, About 1st of June 1 will have ano- ther lot ready for delivery, some pure Chester County, and all from my best sow. JOHN It. WOODS, Near Ivy Depot, April — 2t Albemarle, Va. SOUTHERN PLANTER— ADVERTISING SHEET. 3\^Cr- Liefetovre's Schoo! Comer of Grace and Foushee Streets, RICHMOND, VA. The next Session of this Institution will open on the FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER, 1 and close on the First Day of July, 1858. TERMS FOR THE SCHOLASTIC YEAR, For Board, - - - $200 For Washing, - - 20 G 40 20 40 20 For Lights, For English Tuition, For Modern Languages, (each,) For French, when studied exclusively of the English branches, For Latin, For Music on Piano, Harp, Guitar, Or- gan or Singing : For one lesson (of an hour) a week, REFERENCES: The Patrons of the Schq^. — Right Rev. Bishop Meade, Right Rev. Bishop Johns, Right Bishop Elliott of Gcorg^^llight Rev. Bishop Cobbs of Alabama, Rev. Moses D. Hog< D., Rev. Charley II. Rejjff>._ D., Rev. T. V. Mo.rre, D. D., Rev. B. Gildersleve. The C| of the Episcopal Church in Virginia. P. LEFEBVRE, A. M,, Principal. 40 For two lessons (of an hour) a week, For three lessons (of an hour) a -week, For four lessons (of an hour) a week, For the use of Piano, For Drawing, from Models, For Drawing, from Nature, For Painting in Water Colors, For Oil Painting, Primary Department — for Children un- der 11 years of age, HUBERT Rev. II. S. Keppler, William G. Williamsj^v. m John P. Little, M R. A. Lewis, M. D. Eliodoro Camps, All letters ito be d John A. Calyo, C. W. Thilow, W. F. Grabau, Mrs. A. E. J. Gibson Miss Mary Gordon, MAD'ELLE L. VILLEMET, French Governess. infected to Hubert P. Lefebvre, Richmond, Va. \ Miss E. Bartlett, Mrs. M. Taylor, Mad'me M. Estvan, Mad'elle Lacy, Charles H. Roseen, [July ; 51 Fourth Annual Catalogue of Thoroupbred North Devon Cattle, THE PROPERTY OF C. S. WJINWRIGHT, "The Meadows," Rhine- beck, Duchess Co., N. Y. The subscriber has just issued his Catalogue for the present'season, containing full pedigrees of all the uninials composing his herd at this date. ^Tkkms of Sale, &c: He offers .at private sale some half a dozen young Bulls, and Miout the same number of females ; all of them of the very first quality, and either bred or im- ported by himself. Copies, with the prices marked against such animals us are for sale, mav.be had by addressing him as above. may-3r,. ' C. S. WAIN WR IGHT. Why isVthat E. P. Nash of Petersburg Continues to sell so many Pianos ? THE ANSWER IS PLAIN AND TRUTH- FUL AS FOLLOWS: Because, lor more than twenty years he has con scientiously avoided selling any but the be*t instru- ments I And the natural result has been, that every one of the Thousands of Pianos he Ins r^?. ; BOhl has had the effect of selling others, gf~; ' Iff! and thus \ car after \ ear, his sales have \J U ^ \J increased until, to meet the dcfnaiid, ho finds it ne- iv to keep on hand a Murk of from forty lo fifty Instruments ; bill suppose for a moment that his Pianos had been of doubtful quality, can any candid, thinking person fail to see, that the public would long since have found it out, and the results have been a falling oil' instead of increase in spies. ltia\ — tf K. P. NASH, Petersburg, Va. 548 ACEES O ORANGE 'LAND TOR SAO ]Sc«r Barbour sville. and six Miles from Got villc Depot. To both places there is an excellent ^SloM izel road. About i ii'-lluntb of the land is ] ily timbered, the balance is cleared and adapted to the growth of GRAIN and TOBA< There are Fifty Acres of Blue Run L( Grounds ; which is very hue Meadow Land. The provoihents consist of a. comfortable dw.< and all necessary out. houses, in good u There is u large APPLE OKCHAHD, and an abundance of other fruit. The nefl hood is healthy, and the society inferior lo in the State. The farm is "remarkably watered: nicl is (hs all acquainted with i' testify) equal to any <»f its size in the cO For terms and further in format ion, addrfl I subscriber at Bakboursvii,le, Orange Cv. \\.\l. ('. GRAW I also wish to sell, with tin' hind or sepaij one moiety of a valuable SAW and G MILL, within mj,e mile of the farm. may— t! I