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happy to be enabled to furnish answers to any or all of them. The querist himself can richly repay any information he may obtain by communications of his own.

11 Question 1. What number of fields do you think it best to divide your farm into? In answering this question, 1 expect the number will be governed by the number of acres and its distance from town.

"Question 2. What is the best and most economical way to dispose of your manure? also what crops will give the best return, having regard to profit and the permanent improvement of your land ?

"Question 3. What is the most profitable crop ? To this question 1 shall expect an answer from each one, according to his own locality.

" Question 4. At what stage of improvement must your farm arrive, to make it advisable to graze ?

11 Question 5. Have you been in the habit of using lime or plaster, what quantity, and what effect, and what kind of soil is it best adapted to?

u Question 6. With what crops can you with the same amount of labor make the most rapid and permanent improvement, taking in view the profit at the same time.

11 Question 7. What is the best and cheapest mode of raising hogs ?

" Question 8. What is the best and cheapest feed for milch cows, and how prepared ?

11 Question 9. What is the best kind of grass for hay, improvement, and grazing ? This question will be governed by locality and soil.

"Question 10. What are your views as to the best mode and time of ploughing ?"

For the Southern Planter.

ORNAMENTAL FARMING.

I am happy to see, Mr. Editor, your frequent endeavors to excite in your readers a spirit for taste and ornament. Nothing is more wanting in our community. The necessaries of life we all have in the greatest abundance. It is the refinements and elegancies of society of which we are in search in this country. The poorest farmer in Virginia makes enough to eat, to drink, and clothe himself and family. But there is something beyond these mere necessaries universally sought for. Artificial wants have arisen with artificial society, which must be gratified. These wants are of all grades and degrees.— Their gratification constitutes the difference between civilized and savage life. Many of them are expensive and hurtful; others are simple, cheap, and gratify, while they elevate, the soul. Amongst this latter class should be ranked the pleasure of an ornamented homestead. There

is no good that may not be abused, and an extravagant fool may spend thousands that he cannot afford upon pleasure grounds, to the neglect of the productive farm. On the other hand though, you will frequently find a thrifty farmer, as he is called, who is laying up money rapidly, his stables are good ; his barns are good, but his house is uncomfortable, and his yard neglected ; his cattle and horses are well provided for; only his family are disregarded. I know not which of these characters is the biggest fool. What does the industrious miser lay up his hoards for? If he reflects, he will tell you thit it is only valuable to procure the luxuries of life, and yet he is doing forever without the cheapest and best of these luxuries, that he n ay lay up that which is only useful to procure them. This is very like the man, who, seeing a heavy shower coming up, jumped into a pond to protect himself from the rain.

But as gain is the order of the day, and as in truth the only avenue to the senses of our countrymen lies through the glittering plain of riches, I will drop any farther comments upon the happiness to be derived from a neat and ornamented homestead. It is not only, as you have frequently asserted, productive of elegance and refinement, but it is the most profitable outlay that can be made upon a farm. I once knew a very slovenly neighbor of mine to sell out an excellent little farm for the sum of five thousand dollars. The purchaser, by the use of paint, refreshened the appearance of the buildings—he enclosed the yard with a neat paling, which was also prettily painted. Grass plats, flowers, and shrubs altered the whole appearance of the place, and without having added a dollar to the fertility of the soil, he received an offer of nine thousand dollars for what had originally cost him five— his outlay in improvements had certainly not exceeded fifteen hundred dollars. The offerer was a gentleman to appreciate the beauties of such improvements, but had not the judgment to calculate the cost of them. I verily believe that a man of taste and energy might make a fortune by going about the country buying up dishevelled old farms, improving the appearance, and selling them again. Eveiy body appreciates such work when it is done, but very few are aware of its excellencies until they see it. Now, in this shifting country, where every man is ready to sell, can there be a more profitable outlay than that expended in bringing to order and neatness the dwelling, yard, and general appearance of the farm. Say it adds not a cent to the product, and say the owner takes no pleasure in such things himself, will not the increased j price that his farm will bring an hundredfold re-I pay him for the labor required ? Why, sir, to a 1 certain extent, and that a very considerable one, ! it will not cost a cent. The children and other ' members of the family, at times at which they

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would otherwise be idle,might be plantingfiowers and shrubs, which would not only add to their own comfort and pleasure, but greatly enhance the value of the property. I wish some poor man, who reads this, living in a log cabin in an old field, would only try it; whitewash his house, enclose a little yard with a neat paling, sod it, make two or three gravel walks, plant some flowers around the borders; his children will help him and thank him; he can do it at all times that would be much worse spent; and see if his condition does not begin to improve from the moment he completes it. My word for it he becomes a better, and happier, and richer man from that hour. He will soon begin to enjoy pleasures and delights, that are wanting to many of his richer and more heedless neighbors. His home will have a charm for him unknown before ; his wife and children will thank him for the new and elegant amusement that he has

afforded their leisure hours, and his neat and comfortable little homestead will become the envy of every passer-by. B.

Our correspondent is perhaps a little enthusiastic in his calculations, but we doubt not that neatness and ornament, to a certain extent, are 'profitable as well as pleasing. A farm that is neatly kept, with the dwelling house and ground about nicely ordered, gains a reputation that will cause it to command a purchaser at a high price, whenever the owner chooses to part with it. Let any one ask himself the difference he would make between a place surrounded by a general air of comfort, and one of those dingy, cheerless dwellings that disfigure the country, and he will find it much greater than the cost of improvement.

AYRSHIRE COW

We have heretofore intimated an opinion that this stock of cattle was best adapted to cross upon our native breed, which, we believe, must, at last, form the foundation for a permanent improvement. We present our readers with a specimen of this stock, to which the engraver has not done as much justice as we could have desired. They are a hardy race, coming from the North of Scotland, accustomed to slender herbage, and, therefore, not requiring the luxuriant grazing that our pastures seldom afford, and which it is well known is absolutely necessary to the constitution of the Durham family.

Their milking properties are very great, by some esteemed superior to the Durhams themselves ; amongst the supporters of this opinion

we have already recorded the name of the celebrated Sir John Sinclair. Whilst it is perhaps true, that, upon the most generous keep, no stock can vie with the/ar famed Durhams, we still incline to the opinion, that the Ayrshires are more hardy, better calculated to rough it, and infinitely superior for a short grass country.

For the Southern Planter.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION.

A few of the formers of this country are making loud demands for "legislative action." Let them take care that thay do not renew the old fable of the frogs that would have a king. Being a little old-fr hioned in my notions, I amj somewhat jealous of legislative action. I sup-.

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pose I have not kept up with the modern march of intellect. I am behind the age, &c.; but, sir, I am a devoted friend to agriculture, and I should like to know what it is these gentlemen seek. They say that manufactures are protected and agriculture neglected. Do they desire a duty upon foreign grain: it is not necessary ; we find sufficient protection in our natural advantages; a protection much more safe and certain than any that can be afforded by legislative action. I am afraid, you too, sir, have been smitten with the rage of improvement, and you will probably, shudder when I tell you, that, as a farmer, I rejoice that the bill establishing an agricultural board is likely to fail in our State Legislature. I looked with horror upon the proposal last winter, and began to tremble for our agricultural prosperity. I considered it only as an entering wedge to further "legislative action," and much dreaded that agriculture was at last doomed to experience the deadly effects of a legislative embrace. Luckily, the sound sense of the people of Virginia seems to have inspired her legislators this winter and they recognise the principle, that it is always safest to trust favorite occupations to private direction. Pursuits, desirable in themselves, but unpopular on account of natural or artificial obstacles, may require legislative aid. But this surely is not the case with agriculture. It is the favorite pursuit of America, numbering three-fourths of her inhabitants amongst its followers. No, gentlemen, agriculture is built upon a stronger foundation than legislative support. All she asks is, that you will let her alone in the full tide of prosperity, and all she has to dread is, the Upas-breath of the Legislature.

What do these brawlers for legislative action desire ? They say that manufactures and commerce are nursed at the legislative breast, whilst agriculture is left to cater for herself. Fools, do they not know, that commerce and manufactures are but the handmaids of agriculture, and, that, if these arts are benefitted by legislative aid, agriculture is best encouraged and sustained.— If it be indeed true, and I do not mean to dispute it here, that the direction of labor is the proper object of legislative action, what prayer should agriculture prefer to the directing authority, but that it would please to convert raisers of agricultural products into artificers and consumers of agricultural products. No, no, noble gentlemen of the Legislature, work away upon commerce and manufactures and, if you please, upon the currency; agriculture will not be jealous of your favors—if her name is never called in your legislative halls, none but a few unthinking fools will ever complain. I do not mean to call down upon my humble head the vengeance of your honorable body, for I know that you are potent, to kill, at least; but I am afraid your {ouch has not always been Midas-like, and I

think the grey-headed farmers of America have seen enough of " legislative action" to forbear to invoke its aid for the cause of agriculture.

An Old Virginia Farmer.

After some hesitation, we have consented to introduce our antiquated correspondent to our readers. Of course, we shall not be held responsible for all his opinions ; especially, do we disclaim any participation in those unbecoming sneers at that honorable body, the Legislature of Virginia, that we half suspect lie lurking in his communication. It would be tedious and unnecessary to say wherein we agree, and where we differ from the old gentleman, but wherever the reader is in doubt upon this point we beg him to imagine that our opinion exactly corresponds with his own.

NEW GROUNDS.

From a conversation with our friend, Mr. Thomas S. Dicken, whose practical knowledge of farming is equal to that of any gentleman with whom we are acquainted, we derived the following hints for the management of new grounds:

Cut down your trees in spring or summer, whilst the sap is in full flow: this expedites extremely the decay of the stumps and laps.— Great advantage is obtained by cutting your trees as close as possible to the ground ; your swingletree then passes over the top of the stump, and }'ou can plough much closer to it; besides, the saving of fire-wood is considerable, and if the tree is a timber one, every body knows the most valuable part is that next the ground. After removing your fire-wood, never burn the laps and leaves, but permit them to remain upon the surface of the land, two years, if possible; by that time, if they were cut when the sap was up, they will be greatly decayed. Proceed, then, to fallow your ground, turning under everything that the plough can manage ; if any large sticks remain undecayed, they must of course be removed by hand. This fallowing should be done during the fall or winter. In the spring, plant your corn and take a little pains to cover it with dirt as free from the trash as possible. The process of decay still goes on, and a quantity of decomposed vegetable matter is obtained, much greater in quality and quantity, than could have been derived from the ashes of the burnt trash.

Mr. Dicken, whose experience is very great, and who attends to every operation on his fa* ti

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in person, informs us, that this system was once accidentally pursued, because it was not convenient to follow the old, and favorite, plan of burning. He was astonished at the result; he of course continued it, and he assurs us that he has never seen such crops of new ground corn as it is sure to produce.

Here, again, is the cover afforded to the land for two years producing extraordinary effects. Mr. Dicken gave no credit to this fact; but we are satisfied that the office of covering and sheltering alone, which the trash had performed for two years, would have been worth more than any benefits that could have been obtained by burning.

PLASTER. A distinguished agriculturist lately expressed to us the opinion that wheat was greatly benefitted by plaster, scattered at the time of sowing; but the application to the growing crop, in the spring, he considered highly injurious, inducing rust by the absorption of moisture.

THE HORSE.

A writer in the Cultivator has undertaken to give a series of very minute and particular directions for the keep and management of this noble animal. His treatise, which is chiefly a compilation from some English works, published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, although containing nothing new, forms, we think, a good summary upon the subject.— We are of opinion, however, that the writer has fallen, now and then, into a popular error, and we design to give a condensed view of his directions, accompanied with our own poor criticisms.

First, of the stable. He recommends that it should be so constructed, that its temperature, during spring, summer and fall, should be very nearly the same as that of the open air, and in winter, not more than ten degrees above that of the external atmosphere. Now this we apprehend should depend very much upon what is the temperature of the external atmosphere, which, certainly, varies much in different latitudes. We should prefer saying, construct your stables so that you can ventilate them and make them cool in summer, and close them and keep them warm in winter, rendering the horse at all times comfortable. It is undoubtedly true that serious injury might arise from keeping a horse

too long, even in winter, in the close and confined air of a heated stable, but we are inclined to think that animals in this latitude are in little danger yet awhile of suffering from that extreme. We are satisfied that a good warm stable, with a temperature much more than ten degrees above that of the external air, will add much to the health and comfort of the horse.

With the following directions we have no fault to find—the advice concerning the light we think particularly valuable:

" The whole stable, especially the stalls, should be kept clean as practicable, by frequently changing the beds and strewing plaster of Paris on those spots where the urine falls. This not only prevents its offensive odor, by combining with its ammonia, but thereby forms one of the most powerful of all the new manures yet discovered. The floor of the stalls should be sloped barely enough to drain off the urine not absorbed by the litter and plaster of Paris, since a level position for the horses' feet is the most natural, and consequently best for the muscles and sinews of their legs and ankles.

"Light is quite as essential to the soundness of your horse's eyes, as pure air is to the health of his body. But it should be let in through glazed windows, and open gratings, which serve also as ventilators, under the eaves of the roof. No openings should be made, either under the mangers, or opposite, or just above the horses' heads, as partial streams of air often produce colds, with all their bad consequences in horses ; especially if they are put up in such stables immediately after being much heated, and before they are rubbed dry. A glaring light, however, should always be avoided, since horses can neither rest, nor sleep, nor fatten so well in such light, as in that which is moderate."

Under the head of Grooming, good currying and rubbing is of course recommended. To obtain a glossy coat, an occasional mixture of two or three table spoonsful of brown sugar with the food is recommended in lieu of blanketing, which he deprecates altogether. We have no doubt that cold may be induced by exposure after heavy blanketing—but a light cover we hold to be indispensable to the high grooming which should mark a gentleman's riding horse from top to toe; and we would as soon fear the effeminating effects of a stable itself, as of such a cover.

We have never used the sugar, but have found carrots, in the spring of the year, a very healthy food, imparting fine life and spirits, and inducing a speedy shedding of the winter coat. ;

What follows appears to us to be unexcep-

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tionable, and we hopo we shall not be considered captious in the few objections we have had to make to this excellent essay :

"It is common, immediately after hard working or travelling in hot weather, to wash horses all over, or to swim them in water much cooler than their skins or their atmosphere. This practice is very dangerous, often producing colds, fevers, and frequently fatal chronic complaints, unless the same exercise is speedily repeated.— Even the partial application of very cold water to parts of the body, or the legs, when the horse is much heated, should be avoided; for his appearing to be gratified by it is no more a proof that it is good for him, than the manifest gratification of a sot in dram-drinking, after having been drunk, is proof that he is benefitted thereby. The poor horse, which knows no better, experiences present relief, at the expense of future suffering that he is incapable of anticipating, or brute as he is, he would probably reject it. Rubbing in the shade and leading the horse about at intervals, constitute the proper treatment both for farm and other horses, when much distressed by severe work of any kind.

u But all precautions to preserve the health and vigor of your horses will prove unavailable, unless you pay equal attention to the kind and quality of their food; the manner of feeding them, and also of giving them water.

" To enable either farm or other horses to render the utmost service of which they are capable, they should be fed wholly on dry food, the grain and long forage to be old anoVsound, the first of which should be ground, and the latter chopped in all cases where practicable. For saddle and carriage horses under hard and constant usage, oats are better than Indian corn, and that is preferable to every other grain. The blades also, when well cured, are better than any other kind of long forage, as they contain more saccharine matter. When either farm or other horses are much heated, and great haste is indispensable, no other food should be given them than a small handful or two of old oatmeal stirred into a few quarts of soft water, with a little salt dissolved in it. Before this is given, let their nostrils, inside and out, be cleansed by a sponge or rag wet with vinegar and water, if the former can be procured, if not, with water alone. After a very hard ride or travel in harness, the horse should be suffered to wallow, before any thing else is done to him, if time and weather permit, rather than to be led immediately into a stable to be cleaned and cooled.

"Manger feeding with ground grain and chopped long forage, is now very generally preferred in England and Belgium, as well as by the best judges in our own country, to the old-fashioned, most wasteful way of giving unground grain in mangers, and unchopped forage in racks.

These last are disused every where, but in a few places for green grass; and in lieu of the rack, wide, deep mangers are adopted, with small iron or wooden bars fastened across them, to prevent the horses from throwing out their food. In England the most common food for farm horses consists of a mixture of bruised oats, beans, and chaff, in the proportion of eight pounds of oats, which are equal to about five quarts, (their oats being a few pounds heavier per bushel than ours) two pounds of beans, with twenty of chaff. Thirty-five or six pounds of such food is the day's allowance for medium sized horses while at work, and forty pounds of it for large horses. Such is the common allowance during winter, when the horses are constantly stabled. But from the end of April to the end of July they are usually turned out at night, and the whole of rest days. Other kinds of food, however, are much used by small farmers, such as barley, unmerchantable wheat, beans, peas, Sweedish turnips, carrots, and potatoes, with grasses of various kinds, but very little oats or rye. In Belgium the chief food of their farm horses consists of green clover in summer, and roots with cut straw in winter. A few oats are occasionally given, but not in so regular a manner as to give great muscular strength. They usually go to work as soon as it is light, continue at it until ten, then rest and feed until two or three o'clock, when they resume and continue their labor till six or seven. In harvest time they work from daybreak until evening, resting only a few hours in the heat of the day. A pair of horses with one plough are allowed for every forty acres of arable land, the whole of which, on an average, is ploughed twice and harrowed three times; besides this they cart fodder and manure, and do the harvest work. Both in Belgium and England, they are moderately watered before and after feeding.— When not worked, water is given them three times a day, and always of the softest kind, when it can be procured. In ordinary travelling also, a liberal supply of such water is strongly recommended to be given, a little at a time, which prevents excessive thirst, and the consequent drinking to excess. This is very dangerous, especially to a horse much heated, especially if the water be very cold.

"In addition to the foregoing condensed remarks, taken chiefly from the two excellent works already mentioned, permit me now to offer such information as I have derived from others, and from my own long experience as an owner of every kind of horse but the race horse, in regard to the best mode of managing those most useful animals, in our own country. I will 1 begin (as the saying is) at the beginning.'

" Colts should always be weaned before the grass is generally gone, and should be put into some enclosure where they cannot hurt them-

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selves. Their dams should be stabled for a few-days, and milked if iheir bags swell much.— These colts should never be stabled until broke, nor much after that before they are full grown. But they should have well covered shelters, open to the south, under which to protect themselves from bad weather. Plenty of good corn, fodder, or hay in winter, and grass when it comes, and as long as it lasts, will keep them whilst unbroke, in a healthy, growing condition, which is far better than keeping them very fat to force their growth beyond what is natural; for overgrown horses, like overgrown men, rarely, if ever, have hardihood, vigor, and activity in proportion to their size. In fact, very large horses are objectionable, for all purposes, except slow and heavy drafts. The gentling of colts should commence soon after they are foaled, and continue until they are backed. Frequent handling, occasional salting or feeding them out of your hand, and stroking their necks are all good practices. From two or three years old, they should be accustomed, by degrees, to the saddle and bridle ; a light snaffle is best. Thus treated, j the breaking becomes so easy, that they will rarely play any trices, and may be soon taught, even to stand fire, by shooting off a gun or pistol, for a few days, just as they commence eating. In a word, uniformly kind, gentle treatment by their master, will always make such good, docile, gentle horses, that they will often follow him, like his dog, and will manifest equal regard for his person.

"All the general directions for the treatment of horses in England will suit quite as well for the horses of our own country. But the articles of food being somewhat different with us, I will now add a few remarks on that subject. In most of our States, the chief food for horses is Indian corn and the fodder thereof. Both are usually fed away in the most careless, extrava-gant,and wasteful manner—the corn being given in the ears, and the fodder in bundles, which are thrown united into the horse-racks or on the ground. Much, then, is wasted by being trampled under foot, and so dirtied that the horse'rejects it, whilst many of the grains of corn pass through his body undigested, and of course, render him no service whatever. He also loses all the benefit of the cobs, which he rarely eats when whole, although they make an excellent food, if ground up with the grain. This mode of feeding is much the most general, notwithstanding it has been indisputably proved by actual and numerous experiments, that to give the corn and cob ground together, which is called cobhominy, and the fodder chopped in a cutting-box, not only saves more than enough to pay the extra expenses of grinding and cutting, but actually keeps the horse in better condition than the same quantity of corn and fodder given in the usual way. Moreover, it is a cheaper food

than any other of which grain, either whole or crushed, forms a part. Take oats, for example, which are the most common, where corn is not used, and let us estimate the former at forty and the latter at sixty cents a bushel, which I think a fair general average in the States wherein corn is a staple crop. Now as only half the cob-hominy is grain, the mixture will cost only thirty cents a bushel, and is generally deemed fully equal in nutritive qualities to a bushel of oats. If these also be crushed, we must add about four cents to their cost, and the difference between the two kinds of ground food, (the chopped fodder being the same in both cases,) will be about fourteen cents per bushel, in favor of cob-hominy. Suppose, then, that one gallon, three times a day, is enough, as experience has proved it to be, for an ordinary sized horse, with eighteen or twenty bundles of fodder, the saving in one week, by feeding with cob-hominy, will be a fraction over thirty-six cents, or nearly nineteen dollars a year for each horse, which is the annual interest of rather more than three hundred and fifteen dollars. Yet not one in a hundred of us ever think of saving it! Few southern and western men who are ( well of,' (as the saying is,) keep less than three or four horses that do no farm work, and this they do at an additional yearly expense, when oats and un-chopped fodder are their food, of fifty-seven dollars for three, and seventy-five dollars for four horses, rather than be at the small trouble of having their fodder chopped, and their ears of corn ground into cob-hominy. Ten or twelve poor children might be annually schooled for that sum. For horses that are often hard ridden and rapidly travelled, oats are generally deemed better than corn, as less heating; but a greater quantity of them must be given, in the proportion of about one and a half gallons of oats to one of corn at each feed. Under such usage, green food should never be given if avoidable. But when the horse can rest for a few days some may be allowed him, in small quantities, by way of medicine. Any kind of grass that a horse will eat, may answer the purpose, but lucerne and clover of the first cutting are deemed best— the second always salivates—an effect, by the way, for which no cause, I believe, has yet been discovered. Presupposing that a horse has a plenty of wholesome food and proper grooming, if you would give him a finer coat than these alone can produce, let half a pint of sound wheat or a small handful of brown sugar be mixed with his food, about once in every six or eight days, for a few weeks, and the object will be attained far better than by blanketing, which always makes him more liable to take cold, when exposed to bad weather, as he sometimes must necessarily be. On long journeys, in hot weather give your horse a double feed at night; in< the morning travel sixteen or twenty miles before

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9

you feed him again, then do it lightly and after he is perfectly cool. Give a few quarts of soft water both before and after his food, then resume your journey and go fifteen or twenty miles farther. This will enable you to stop early every evening, without any night-riding, and will give both yourself and your horses a long rest to recruit your strength. If your horse be sound, you may thus travel him hundreds of miles without danger of his failing.

" Farm horses may be kept in good order at much less expense; for they may be fed, when unemployed, upon any of the roots which it is customary to give them in England. In addition to these, we have the pumpkin and its varieties, all of which are good food for horses, but the seeds should always be taken out, as they are powerfully diuretic. If such food be at first rejected, horses may soon be taught to eat it, by mixing a little salt with it, and offering them nothing else for a few days. To this should be added, as soon as they will eat such a mixture, from thirty to forty pounds of chopped provender, for every twenty-four hours, and this may be made either of well cured corn tops, blades, hay, wheat, oats, or rye straw, or chaff. Corn shucks, (which is the southern name for the covering of the ears,) answer well to mix when chopped up, with the roots or pumpkins; if they are salted as they are put up and kept dry. Another very good long forage peculiar to our country, consists of the various kinds of Indian pea-vines. These make excellent food for farm horses, if exposed to the sun until they are somewhat wilted, then stacked in alternate layers with the straw of either wheat, rye, or oats, and each layer sprinkled with salt, as they are stacked. Thus fed and protected from bad weather by warm shelters, open only to the south, and well covered with any kind of thatch, or corn tops or loose straw, farm horses may be kept healthy and in good order throughout the southern States, without their owners incurring the expense of wooden or brick stables for them. Stalls, however, should be made for them under the shelters, with divisions high and close enough to prevent their fighting, and in those they should be tied while eating. Their mangers or troughs should be wider and deeper, than when racks also are used although they never should be, or lazy hostlers will be sure to avail themselves of them, if not closely watched. When put to constant farm work, horses should have only dry food, three times a day. It may consist either of bran, shorts, cob-hominy, ground rye, oats, broom corn, or oats mixed with chopped stuff in the proportions already mentioned—that is, about thirty-five pounds for horses of common size, and forty pounds for the largest. But after the grass is in plenty, and as long as it lasts, (if it does not salivate,) they may be turned out of nights and rest-days, although if your pastures are large, more lime Vol. 2-2

is lost every morning in catching them and getting ready for work, than would amply compensate, if spent in farm labor, for the expense of keeping them up, especially should you have any grass to give them a moderate quantity in lieu of a portion of their dry food. To fatten a horse rapidly, his fodder or hay should always be chopped and steamed, before it is mixed with the meal of either corn, oats, or rye, and as much should be given him, three times a day, as he will eat without leaving any. Give him also salt alone as often as he will eat it, and soft water at least thrice a day, but always with some meal of either of the above mentioned grains stirred up with it. A small quantity of ground Indian peas will add much to the nutritive properties of his food ; and thus treated, with moderate daily exercise, in good weather, the process of fattening will soon be completed, provided the horse be in health at the commencement."

FENCING MACHINE.

The Editor of the New York Mechanic speaks of an improvement in the shape of a fencing machine, w T hich will enable the workman to afford a very superior fence at a much lower rate than the ordinary price of the common post and rail. He thinks it will soon be as common for a farmer to apply at an agricultural warehouse for this fencing as for his ploughs and axes.— Although well aware of the vast amount of labor that may be saved by well constructed machinery, we doubt very much if it can ever come into competition with southern labor, which is either employed at this work during the winter months or idle altogether, especially, when the cost of transportation and the city value of limber is to be added. For these reasons, this is the last subject to which we would have thought of applying any machinery, except that which could be worked by every farmer on his own plantation. The subject, however, is one of vast importance, and we should be glad to hear farther particulars of the improvement.

From the New England Farmer. KEEPING CATTLE WARM IN WINTER.

When I commenced farming, I prepared a good barn-yard, inclosed w T ith a close fence, and a well of water therein, covered with a shed. I used to turn out my cattle in the morning, and suffer them to remain out all day, unless there was a severe storm. The cattle were fed at noon with some coarse fodder spread on the snow in the barn-yard, or in racks under the shed. A plentiful supply of water was kept

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constantly in a trough in the }^ard. Now, sir, for years I thought that this was the best way I could manage. I have since adopted a diifer-ferent course. My cattle are fed several times in the morning, and carefully carded; and at about nine o'clock are turned out to water. While the cattle are drinking, the stalls are cleaned out and littered, and in about one hour the cattle are again tied up. If the weather is stormy or very cold, they are permitted to return to their stalls as soon as possible; but if the weather is mild, they are suffered to remain out longer, but not more than two hours. They are fed in their stalls several times during the day, always giving them little a time. In the afternoon they are again turned out and watered, and suffered to remain out as long as in the morning. The stalls having been again cleaned out and littered, the cattle are again tied up for the night. Great care is taken to make the barn warm. When the weather is cold, the doors and windows are closely shut. In this way the cattle being more comfortable, are kept at much less expense, and thrive better. A cow will give more milk when kept warm than when exposed to the cold.— Every farmer knows that cattle eat more in severely cold weather; and, notwithstanding, then cows give less milk. Few farmers take sufficient care to protect their stock from the severity of the weather. Hogs, also, thrive more on the same food, when kept warm.

William A. Hayes. S. Berwick, Maine, Feb. 18, 1841.

A HOMINY MORTAR. To some people, a hominy mortar may be a small matter, but without a mortar, there can be no hominy, and every body knows what that is to a Virginian. It is the national dish, the favorite alike of master and of slave. We doubt very much if a Virginian does not derive those characteristics, which are peculiar to him, from his devotion to hog and hominy; so that, although, abstractedly, a hominy mortar is nothing, relatively, it is every thing; and we return our profound thanks to Mr. Fontaine, who has not considered this matter beneath his notice. How the negroes will grin at the idea of a white man's making a hominy mortar! The only difficulty we have about the matter is in the belief we had entertained, that the subject did not admit of improvement. Mr. Fontaine, however, is a true Virginian, and, we warrant, a connoisseur in the article. A sample out of this new implement might satisfy us that there is room for improvement, even in hominy mortars.

To the Editor of the Southern Planter:

Dear Sir, —I send you two contributions to

your paper—my dollar for the present year and the following description of a hominy mortar— an implement of household comfort, I have found by no means easy to construct upon the old-fashioned plan of burning a hole in one end of a log; and as hominj' is peculiar]}- a Virginia dish, you may possibly spare enough room in a corner of your paper for its admission.

Let a piece of timber, of sufficient size, be split through the middle with a whipsaw, three feet, and then sawed off—describe with a pair of compasses the cavity you wish to make on the two sides just divided with the whipsaw, and when hollowed out with a foot-adze and gouge, you have only to put the two pieces together and you have the hominy mortar. To confine them together, have two bolts going through the solid end, with a screw and tap at one end and a head at the other; and on the upper or hollowed end put an iron hoop.

Respectfully, E. Fontaine,

PROFITS OF AGRICULTURE.

Suppose you were to tell an individual on the look out for an investment of capital, that you could point him to a business, peculiarly adapted to the natural resources of the country, in which, the demand was greater than the supply, and which was conducted in a very imperfect and slovenly manner, would he not exclaim, here is an opportunity for investment which I shall certainly embrace; and may not all this, and more, be said for the pursuit of agriculture in this country, at this day ?

Whilst the professions, as they are called, are confessedly overburdened—whilst there is more talent brought to them than is required, such is certainly not the case with agriculture. All admit, that talent has been diverted into other channels, and we repeat, there never was a finer opening for the exercise of it than this pursuit now affords. Men seek, every thing else equal, those pursuits in which they will meet least competition. When the supply is not greater than the demand, the cost of production regulates the price, that is the cost of production to the great mass. If, then, in any business, the mass are unskilful and ignorant, the price is always far above the rate at which an individual of skill and information can afford it. Of necessity, he gets rich, under such circumstances. Wheat, tobacco, and the growth of the earth in general, are not produced in the cheapest manner ; consequently their price is far above what skill and ingenuity can afford them at, and we

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11

have demonstrated the proposition with which we started, that their cultivation offers a fine field for the exercise of those qualities.

We do not mean to say that men of talent are not engaged in the pursuit of agriculture— far from it; but we do mean to say that they do not devote their talents to it. Why and how is this ? We will endeavor to explain. Agriculture is partly mechanical ) that is, a great many operations, upon which its success depends, are pure mechanical; and a most unjust and fatal prejudice exists against mechanical employments.

Of the different pursuits of life, all require the exercise of certain proportions of mind and body. These proportions differ in different occupations; some requiring much mental and little physical effort, and others uniting great physical exertions with small mental exercise. We naturally and properly admire more the efforts of mental, than physical, skill—hence, as all men are ambitious, those pursuits are most like to be overburdened, which are of the latter class. But although those occupations, requiring most of the mental, are most prized, we doubt very much whether wisdom would lead us to their pursuit. We believe that mankind are so constituted, that the greatest happiness is afforded by those employments, that exercise a due proportion of the mental and physical faculties, with which we are blessed. Of this character, is the pursuit of agriculture. The mental labor, which it most powerfully calls forth, is relieved by the bodily exercise which is equally necessary to its prosecution ; and health and happiness are the result. We believe, that no occupation is healthy, (and without health, there can be no happiness) which does not allow, aye, require, a large portion of physical exertion: indeed, nothing is so well calculated to increase and cherish mental vigor as bodily exercise: the health of the mind is extremely dependant upon the health of the body. Away then with the absurd and ridiculous prejudices against occupation, combining high mental, with a certain degree of physical exertion. Such are the callings for which the God of nature intended the best of us, and it is from such, you may always select those specimens, conferring the greatest honor upon human nature.

But, unfortunately, these evil spirits, as they did not come at our calling, will not vanish at our command. They are the offspring of pride

and folly, and upon no pursuit in life do they exert a more baneful influence, than upon agriculture.

If we are right in saying that the pursuit of agriculture is in a great part mechanical, it follows of course, that he who pursues it, should be, in spite of prejudice, a mechanic Where is the farmer who is a mechanic? Where is the farmer who thoroughly understands the simple tools that are even now required in his profession ? What avails it to him to be chock full of science, if he knows not how to apply it ? Can he teach his servants how to handle the tools of his trade ? Can he learn one to spade, another to plough, or another to reap? Does he even know whether his dependants are skilful or not ? Many that we have seen did not even know when their tools were in order, and full of learning they were working at the greatest possible disadvantage.

A farmer in Virginia has a smart, likely negro boy, of twelve or fourteen years of age, and he wants to make a ploughman o( him. What does he do ? He tells old Jim, that he must learn Joe to plough. A proper teacher truly ! Is he not aware, that if he knew how to plough, himself, that he could teach Joe more in an hour, than Jim would learn him in a year ?

The mechanical knowledge of which we speak is, in the present retarded state of agriculture, of an inferior degree, easily acquired, but absolutely necessary to the successful prosecution of the art. It is much more rare than the science of agriculture, and not a whit less important. You will find ten men that read, for one that practises. How is this to be remedied 1 Instead of filling the ranks of agriculture from the trained off of other professions, men who have devoted their best and earliest days to other callings, train your children to this profession, as you would to any other. Select your finest boy, he will find verge and scope enough for any talents he may possess, and make a farmer of him—induct him into the practical details of his business. Teach him, that in no profession is time more precious; learn him to rise with the lark, and remind him that every moment he loses is multiplied by the number of his dependants; let him thoroughly understand the laborious mechanical operations, upon which his success so much depends, and then, will he be ready to avail himself of labor-saving machinery, by which those labors can be so much

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abridged. In addition to all this, give him a liberal education, and then will he be prepared to study the science of his profession—then will he be enabled to detect the errors into which the mere chemist is daily falling for want of practi-

cal knowledge—then will he by the application of mind to agricultural facts draw the art from its present obscurity into the broad day-light of glorious science.

ALPACA.

The Alpaca is a species of the Lama, and indigenous to the mountains of Peru, in South America. Its valuable properties are attracting great attention in England, where attempts are being made for its domestication. It is described as most beautiful in appearance, its flesh more highly flavored than venison itself, and the hair of a quality between silk and the finest wool.— Many splendid articles are made from it, almost equal in beauty to the far-famed fabrics of Cashmere. The animal is represented as being much more hardy than the sheep, and affording the farmer, every two years, a shearing of its fine and silky coat, without requiring any attention at his hands. About eighty of them are now in England, and no doubt seems to be entertained of their adaptation to the mountainous regions of Wales and Scotland. Indeed, they are quite the fashion, at present, and we are told that, "In 1811, when Mr. Cross exhibited his first Alpaca in London, the late Lady Liver-

pool repeatedly went to see it, and so much was she delighted with its beauty, the softness and brilliancy of its coat, and its animated and beaming features, that she kissed it, as if it had been a child, and had it turned loose on her own lawn, in order that she might witness its movements when freed from restraint."

Several manufacturing houses in England are preparing to make large importations of the wool, the manufacture of which they find extremely profitable. We are very happy to hear that some enterprising gentlemen of our own State have sent out orders, through our new Charge d'AfTaires to Chili, for some of the finest specimens of this valuable animal, for the purpose of establishing it in the mountains of Virginia; in whose temperature and bountiful herbage, we hope they will find a satisfactory substitute for their native homes. Their arrival in the city of Richmond may be expected during the spring.

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13

HOW TO MAKE GOOD COFFEE.

The question is often asked, why it is, that good coffee cannot be procured in this country ? The reason is simply this: coffee is spoiled in the burning, and sufficient care is not taken in preparing it for the table. To make coffee equal to the French is very simple, and very easy, and for the benefit of all good housewives, and all lovers of good coffee, we will state the manner in which it should be done. First, procure the best coffee possible. See that your cook does not burn it, but roast it to the color of a golden brown, and never allow it to remain in its burnt or roasted state for more than three days, as after that time it will lose its strength. Secondly, in lieu of the ancient method of boiling your coffee for an hour or more over a hot fire, and then being obliged to settle it with such rarities as fish-skin, egg-shells and the like, procure a biggen, as it is termed, and make a distillation or decoction by putting the coffee in the apartment in which the strainer is, and turning thereon boiling hot water. Take care that the nose of the coffee pot has a stopper to prevent the steam from escaping, and cover the top of your biggen immediately after having turned the water upon the coffee; as it is a most important requisite to have the steam confined. Judgment is also to be used, as to the amount of coffee required, and also as to the quantity of water to be used. The best coffee may be spoiled by too much water applied to it. The coffee should be made very strong; and if strong enough, its color will be quite black. Lastly, having made your coffee of great strength, do not use hot ivater to dilute it, but in lieu thereof, take boiling hot milk, and weaken the coffee to your taste. By following these directions you will have as fine a cup of coffee as can be made in any country.

The time required for making coffee in this manner, is but a few minutes, the coffee being made as fast as the liquid issues through the strainer.— Daily Times.

We endorse the above without any kind of hesitation. The formula has been long ago adopted in our culinary department, and the result has been such as to give entire satisfaction. Nothing but a reverence for the customs of antiquity could obstruct the progress of patent coffee-pots. Now, we have a fondness for old things, ourselves, always excepting old eggs and old butter, yet is our morning cup of coffee an item of too much importance to be sacrificed at the shrine of antiquity.

We beg leave to remark, that the addition of boiled milk is altogether a matter of taste. We ourselves prefer to substitute a couple of spoonsful of thick cream.

HOUSE PAINTING.

We shall give general and full instructions in the arts of house painting, and carriage painting, when we have completed those of "Landscape Painting on walls of rooms."

We copy the above from that most excellent paper, (which by the bye no mechanic should be without) the ' : New York Mechanic." We have endeavored, heretofore, to impress upon our readers the advantage and economy of a more general use of paint. We promised, moreover, to give some simple directions for its preparation and management. We were about to redeem that promise, when our eye fell upon the paragraph at the head of this article. Recognising at once the superior ability of our cotemporary to do justice to this subject, we resolved to await his instructions, and adopt them instead of our own. May we respectfully request our friend, that, in addition to the rules that he may lay down for the use of artists, he will be pleased to furnish the public with some simple directions for mixing and laying on, that will enable any man who can handle a brush, to paint his own gates, implements, &c.? By complying with this request, he will add another to the long list of favors he has already conferred upon the agricultural community.

COMPOST. We believe that no vegetable matter that will form a covering for land should ever be hauled into the farm pen, but there is much of it unsuitable for such purpose; all such should, undoubtedly go into the compost heap, along with the muck, mud, dirt, and stable manure. For the management of such a heap, we have the following directions from professor Jackson. We should be careful to add the lime whenever any symptoms of fermentation are perceived.

"When we compost together, through the winter, peat, swamp muck, rotten wood, or any vegetable matters, with barn-yard manure, and in the spring season we mix into the heap, about three weeks before w T e intend to use the compost, some recently slacked lime, (or, if that is not to be had, some unleached ashes or potash will answer,) we generate, from the decomposition of the animal matters, an enormous quantity of ammonia, which will be absorbed by the vegetable acids, and the manure will be powerfully augmented in strength and value.

" The proportions in which peat or swamp

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muck and stable manure have been employed on a large scale, successfully, are as follows :— Three loads of swamp muck or peat and one load of stable or barn-yard or any animal manure.

" These are made into a compost heap, and are allowed to ferment over winter, or long-enough for decomposition to commence.

11 In the spring season, one cask of recently, slacked lime is to be carefully mixed in while digging over the heap. The lime extricates the pungent, gaseous alkali ammonia which penetrates every part of the compost heap and neutralises the organic acids, forming valuable soluble compounds."

From the Farmers' Cabinet. HANDLING.

How few of us ever think any thing about the quality of an animal, if it only please the eye; and how little did I myself know or care for this distinctive property until the perusal of the excellent article at page 363, Cabinet, Vol. V. by that spirited and first-rate judge of cattle, W. H. Sotham. In the article above alluded to, Mr. Sotham has said, very properly, it is absurd for a man to form a correct idea of the quality of an animal by the eye alone, that is ascertained by the hand; and as the handling is the governing point in purchasing with all graziers and butchers, breeders also should look to that point. I find some excellent observations in Culley on this very important subject. He says:

" We undoubtedly first judge by the sight, which, being pleased, we then bring the sense of feeling to its aid, and, if this also approves, we conclude that the animal suits our purpose, or is answerable to the idea we have formed of it. A nice or good judge of cattle or sheep, with a slight touch of the finger upon the fattening points, the hips, rump, ribs, flank, breast, twist, shoulders, core, &c. will know in an instant whether the animal will make fat or not, and in what part he will make fattest. I have often wished that I could convey in language that idea or sensation we acquire by the touch or feel of our fingers, which enables us to form a judgment when we are handling an animal intended to be fattened ; but I have as often found myself unequal to fulfil that wish. It is very easy to know where an animal is fattest that is already made fat, because we can feel a substance or quantity of fat upon all those parts which are denominated fatting points; but the difficulty is to explain how we know or distinguish animals in a lean state which will make fat, and those which will not, or, rather, which will make fat in such and such points or parts and not in others, which a person of judgment, and in practice, can tell instantly—I say in prac-

tice, because I believe that the best judges out of practice are not able to judge with precision. We say 'this beast touches nicely on the ribs, hips,' &c. because we find a mellow, pleasant feel on those parts; but w 7 e do not say soft, because there are some of the same sort of animals which have a soft, loose handle, of which we do not approve, because, although soft and loose, they have not that rnelloiu feel above mentioned—for although they both handle loose and soft, 3 T et we know that the one will make fat and the other will not; and in this lies the difficulty of the explanation. We clearly find a particular kindliness or pleasantness in the feel of the one much superior to the other, by which we immediately conclude that this will make fat, and the other not; and in this a person of judgment, and in practice, is very seldom mistaken."

For the Southern Planter.

It is with much satisfaction, Mr. Editor, that I have observed your efforts to establish an agricultural journal, in the metropolis of the Old Dominion, and with more, that they have been successful. To render an agricultural journal emphatically useful to the farmer, every one, engaged in this occupation, who writes legibly, and spells so as to be understood, should circulate any useful information he may have gathered from long observation and experience.— Mind acting upon mind speeds on improvements; and an interchange of opinions, is the quickening spirit of agriculture.

With motives such as these have I sat down to give you my mode of moving some kinds of trees, which are difficult to transplant successfully, in the ordinary way. Some of the most beautiful trees for the yard or an avenue, are to be found in the forests of Virginia. Amongst them, the yew, the holfy, the oaks, the ash, the locust, the sycamore, the red bud, and the American tulip tree. I have met with the greatest success in transplanting all these, more particularly that beautiful evergreen, the holly, by] adopting the following mode:—I select the most/ beautiful and flourishing trees from five to twelve feet in height, and about the last of ihe fall, or during winter, when the ground is soft, and before very cold weather, have them dug around in a circular shape. This circle must vary from four to seven or eight feet in circumference, according to the size of the tree. You dig your trench about a foot straight down, then incline the spade towards the tree, and dig a little deeper, so as to have the lower circumference much smaller than the upper. The circle or ball of earth left to the tree being neatly dressed, leave it till there happens a freeze, when you will find your tree ready for removal. A coarse, f strong sleigh frame, with plank placed across it,

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10

is the best conveyance for removing the tree and its balls, should there be snow on the ground-

if not, an ox cart, thou

;h not so convenient, will

answer jour purpose.

Your ball of earth being hard frozen, prize it up on one side with a lever, and pass under it an ox-chain, which hook about half way from the circumference of the ball and tree—do the same on the opposite side, then thrust two strong poles, ten or twelve feet long, through the chains, one on each side of the tree, and several strong fellows will be able to lift it out of its place, and deposit it in the sleigh or cart. By the aid of two strong planks reaching from the back of the cart or sleigh to the hole previously dug, you may easily slide the ball and tree to their new place of abode. This is of course a slow mode of adding trees to your avenue or yard; but it is almost in every case successful—and is accomplished at a period of the year when labor is cheap. Thus may you remove hollies, yews, the American tulip tree, and the oaks, all beautiful and highly ornamental, but rarely surviving transplanting in the usual way; or if they do, in so crippled a state that you can barely observe an increase of size in a series of years.

Ety the method above recommended, told in a bungling way, but I hope understanding^, the forest may be robbed of maHy a beautiful tree, so cunningly, that it grows on, not aware, so to speak, of the change in its condition.

There is perhaps no object of inanimate nature, more beautiful than a fine tree. Even seen on a foreign soil, it imparts a pleasure which no

thins: of the kind can give. The fruits, or its

other gro^

unfolding verdure of its leaves, its

shade, produce associations and reflections in the

enlarged mind, which are virtuous, and therefore

agreeable. How much greater then the delight

of cherishing a tree planted by the hand of a

beloved ancestor, or one planted by yourself and

growing into treehood, under your fostering care.

One of the best and greatest of men, Sir Walter Scott, took great delight in planting trees.— Not long before his death he had the satisfaction to learn from the lips of a nobleman of England, [that to a remark he met with in one of Sir Walter's novels was he indebted for a fine grove of oaks, then in a flourishing condition. In recommending the planting of trees, Sir Weaker says, " while you sleep the tree will grow."— Let no man, then, be influenced by selfish considerations, when his better nature prompts him ko plant a tree. Life is ever on the ebb and flow—to-day we may transplant a tree—to-morrow we may be growing cold for the grave ; yet stay not thy purpose—it may do good; some kind successor may bless thee for it, and w T atch its growth with pleasure. My love for trees may lead me to enthusiasm on the subject, but

believe the luscious fruit, the graceful shape, or the cool shade of a tree may arouse in the

heart of a fellow-creature emotions so vivid and touching as to calm excited passions, or soften unkind or bad thoughts.

The planting and taking care of trees, is at any rate, Mr. Editor, part of the farmer's calling. But it is not sufficient that your tree be dug up and put in the earth as you insert a post Far from it: take up the roots of the tree as well as the body; and this do with care. The fibrous roots supply a " removed tree," at any rate for some time, with food, and one must be careful not to injure them. The only certain made to avoid this is, to have two hands, each with a spade, who should insert their spades on opposite sides of the tree, prize them up a little, then move half-around ; repeat the operation, while a third person gently pulls up the tree; which will be found to have attached to it all the young or fibrous roots. The hole to receive the tree should, if practicable, be previously dug, and larger in size than the extent of the roots. Plant it about I an inch deeper than it grew, and as the earth is thrown upon the roots, arrange them neatly, and j as nearly as possible as they grow. Give your tree a stake, to which attach it with a nail, by a piece of leather an inch broad, and a few inches long. Cultivate the ground about your trees in potatoes or peas, and cover the earth around them with chaff, saw-dust, or rotten wood, which will keep the roots shaded and moist. Many young trees are killed by a stroke of the sun—and shading the roots the first year or two, is all-important. Keep your tree pruned, and curtail the longest horizontal limbs so as to give it a good body and a round head.

With well-wishes for the success which the " Southern Planter" so well deserves,

I am, with respect, yours, H.

Port Royal.

MANURE.

To the Editor of the Southern Planter:

Dear Sir, —Manure has been very justly styled the :( Sheet Anchor of the Farmer"—as such, I esteem it. Every well directed effort, therefore, to improve the quantity and quality should be regarded with interest by intelligent and enterprising farmers. I shall attempt, in as plain a manner as I can, to throw out some hints by which both the quantity and quality of manure may be greatly improved. Farmers should make their stable floors where horses or other animals are kept perfectly tight so that none of the urine would pass through them, and they should elevate the floor a little, next to the manger, that the urine may flow out; fix underneath lowest point of the floor, a gutter or conductor to receive the urine, so constructed as to convey it to a reservoir, prepared to receive it, which must be well sheltered, and protected from ihe weather. The reservoir may be made of timber

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or of bricks. If of the latter, it should be well plastered inside with hydraulic cement, to make it tight. Let the solid excrements, with the ordinary cleanings of stables, be thrown into this reservoir, with the liquid; put also, for every layer of the solid excrements of a foot in thickness, a thin layer of plaster of Paris. I will briefly state my reasons for recommending this plan. The liquid excrements are of much greater value than the solid ; as stable floors are generally constructed, the whole of the liquid is lost, except what is absorbed by the solid excrements and the litter.

It is the liquid excrements alone, which enables the solid excrements to emit ammonia, which being thrown out in the usual way, unprotected from the weather, the moment putrefaction takes place the ammonia escapes into the atmosphere, in the state of carbonate of ammonia and is lost; the other soluble salts are washed out by the rain; the remainder is of but little comparative value. The plan proposed has this advantage, first, a saving of all the urine, (any one who may practice this plan effectually, will soon be astonished at the quantity of urine made by animals, which he has heretofore lost) ; secondly, protection from the weather; and thirdly, all the ammonia will be retained. Plaster of Paris being the sulphate of lime, will convert all the carbonate of ammonia (which is very volatile) into the sulphate of ammonia, which has no volatility; thus the whole value of the manure is retained for the use of crops. Having been engaged for the last six months in manufacturing chemical manures from human excrements, I have been compelled to turn my attention to the study of agricultural chemistry, I can, therefore, with confidence recommend the above plan to your numerous readers. Manure, made in this manner, will be vastly superior, perhaps ten times as valuable as that made in the usual way. I am making an interesting experiment upon wheat with urate, and in the spring I shall make an experiment with pou-drette and bone dust on corn.

The results I will make known in due time to my brother farmers through your journal. Very truly, yours,

George Woodfin.

Richmond, Jan. 12, 1842.

Mr. Woodfin, from the official station which he fills, has a most excellent opportunity of experimenting upon urate and poudrette, which. are exciting so much attention in the agricultural w T orld. This opportunity, we are pleased to hear, he has improved in a manner as creditable to himself as beneficial to the community. We are very happy to add his name to the list of our correspondents, and will look with much interest for his promised communications.

HENRICO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Henrico Agricultural and Horticultural Society, held at the Capitol on the 8th day of January, 1842—present, J. H. Turner, Jos. Rennie, William D. Wren, and William H. Richardson, the following were determined upon as the subjects for and amount of the premiums to be awarded at the third exhibition of the Society, to be held on the 25th May next:

For the best brood mare for domestic

purposes, $10 00

For the best mules raised by the ex-

hibitor.

10 00

For the best horse colt or filly, not exceeding two years old, raised by the exhibitor, 10 00

For the best bull of the imported improved stock, 10 00

For the best cow of the imported improved stock, 10 00

For the best heifer of the imported improved stock, 5 00

For the best bull of native stock, raised

by the exhibitor, 10 00

For the best cow of native stock, raised

by the exhibitor, 10 00

For the best heifer of native stock,

raised by the exhibitor, 5 00

For the best oxen, raised by the exhibitor, 5 00

For the best boar, of the improved

breed, 5 00

For the best sow and pigs, of the improved breed, 5 CO

For the best boar of native breed, 5 00

Do. do. sow and pigs, do. do. 5 00

Do. do. fatted beef, raised by the

exhibitor, 5 00

For the best buck, 5 00

Do. do. ewes, 5 00

Do. do. specimens of early fruits, 5 00

Do. do. 2d do. do. do. 2 50

Do. do. specimen of rare and beautiful plants and flowers, 10 00

For the second specimen of rare and

beautiful plants, 5 00

For the best market garden, not less

than an acre, 20 00

For the second best market garden,

not less than an acre,

15 00

For the best specimen of vegetables, regard being had to variety as well as quality, 5 00

For the second best specimen of vegetables, regard being had to variety as well as qualit}', 2 50

For the best specimen of domestic

wine, not less than one gallon, 5 00

For the best specimen of domestic

silk, not less than one pound, 5 001

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17

For the best specimen of butter, not

less than five pounds, $5 00

For the best suit of clothes of domestic manufacture, 10 00

For the best plough, to be exhibited in actual operation with dynamometer, at the expense of the exhibitor, 10 00

For the second best plough, to be exhibited in actual operation with dynamometer, at the expense of the exhibitor, 5 00

For the best corn shelter, 5 00

Do. do. cutting machine, 5 00

Do. do. threshing machine and fan, 10 00

Do. do. specimen of farming tools,

axes, spades, hoes, 5 00

For the best specimen of worsted work, intended coverings for chairs, ottomans, hearth rugs and shade mats, 10 00

For the best lot of three shirts of the

neatest workmanship, 5 00

For the best essay on root culture, 5 00

Do. do. on making, preserving and

applying manures, 5 00

For the best essay on the cultivation

of grass, 5 00

Resolved, That die Executive Committee, with Mr. Charles T. Botts, attend the first exhibition of the Hanover Agricultural Society.

We hope that our readers will remember that these premiums are open to general competition, and that many of them will grace the coming fair with their presence, not only as spectators, but as competitors.

The successful candidate not only secures the amount of the premium, which is a small matter, but he enjoys the honest satisfaction of having outstripped his competitors in a noble race; moreover, he gains for his production a reputation it can acquire in no other way, and this may, under certain circumstances, be a matter of vast importance in a pecuniary point of view.

Exhibitions of this kind are always interesting ; but those of the Henrico Society, held as they are, in the metropolis of the State, animated and enlivened by the presence of its inhabitants, presents a spectacle of the deepest interest to the eye of a farmer, and never fails to repay him for the trouble of a distant visit. The coming fair is already the common topic of conversation, and great preparations are making for its arrival. We venture to say, that it is fated to throw the preceding ones, interesting as they were, completely in the shade. He, who is absent from Richmond on the 25th of May, 1842, will have much to regret. Vol. 2—3

VIRGINIA FARMING.

Our attention has been called to a very interesting letter from Mr. " Simon Brown" to the Editor of the Farmers' Visitor, giving an account of a tour, made lately by the aforesaid Mr. Brown, through a portion of the Old Dominion. Mr. Brown speaks rather slightingly of our system of cultivation ; now, although we take the liberty, occasionally, of rating our own people roundly for their carelessness and inattention to their business, that is no reason why we should stand by and permit a stranger to do so with impunity.

We had gotten thus far, quite nettled with the aspersions thrown upon our good old State, and determined to refute, and punish the as-perser; for this purpose we re-read Mr. Brown's communication, and really there is so much of justice, and withal of liberality in his observations, and what he has to say, he says so well, that we have concluded e'en to pocket the affront. But if we are compelled to bottle the wrath we had prepared for Mr. Brown, it shall be only to pour it out upon the heads of our own citizens, who render our State the subject of such disparaging remarks. In the first place, we arraign all ye, (alas! your name is legion,) who have made us powerless to deny the truth of the following imputations:

DEFICIENCY OF COMFORT AT THE SOUTH.

With all the advantages, however, of a most generous soil, and a mild and general climate, with good markets for all the produce they can spare, the planters through all the South lack many of the comforts and elegancies of life which are a common blessing throughout New England. Their houses are in the first place loosely constructed, and there is generally a carelessness about making the necessary repairs, which gives them a dilapidated appearance, in one or two years after their erection. During the short, but frequently severe cold weather, they are cheerless and uncomfortable tenements. They seldom have barns, and what I believe is still more rare, wood-houses. The consequence is, in regard to the want of the first, that their stock requires much more feeding than would be necessary if housed during the long, cold storms of rain, hail and snow which always prevail in the winter, and then come out lean in the spring, and unprofitable for milk or labor.— But the wood-house, trhteh to the thrifty New England housewife is deemed indispensable, cannot be expected, where the animals themselves are denied a shelter. The want of it, however, is often a source of vexation, and is bad economy.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

On many plantations the wood is brought up from time to time, just in sufficient quantities to afford a scanty supply, and used in its green state—or, if collected in considerable quantities, suffered to lie exposed to all weathers, and consequently much of the time unfit for use. But particularly as regards many of their domestic arrangements—that peculiar methodizing, and those thousands nameless comforts and conveniences which give home an air and delight above all other places, there seems to be an indifference which is altogether inexplicable. And this is often the case where there is wealth sufficient, not only to ensure the comforts of life, but to introduce the graces themselves. But in the improved mode of husbandry abroad, which shall bring neatness and method into the corners, and under the fences, of every field, we may hope to see a corresponding improvement in the out-buildings, as w r ell as the kitchen, dairy and parlor. To make note, however, of all to which my observation extended, would, perhaps, make my remarks out of place in your paper, and occupy too much of your space.

But " all is not evil." Mr. Brown pays the following handsome compliment to a gentleman, with whom, in former ckiys, we were slightly acquainted ; and who, we doubt not, deserves all, and more, than he has received. We say more, because, Mr. Brown, with an ignorance that is excusable, seems to expect a form of fifteen hundred acres to come up to the standard of a New England onion patch. Now, this we apprehend would be neither practicable nor profitable. Northern men, who have settled amongst us, have long ago discovered, that the system, that was adapted to a few acres of root crops, was by no means applicable to the cultivation, on an extended scale, of our great staples, of corn, wheat, tobacco, &c. The inevitable accumulation of our labor forces us to cultivate extensively, and there are many peculiarities, flowing from this circumstance, invisible to the eyes of a stranger. We certainly do not mean to insinuate that there is not great room for improvement, but we do mean to deny, that it is practicable to cultivate a farm like a hot bed.

A NODLE EXAMPLE.

Travelling through Fairfax, into Prince William county, I sojourned three days at the hospitable mansion of Alfred Ball, Esq. Here I found myself upon one of the old Virginia plantations, with all the substantial about me which go to make life comfortable and happy. His homestead consists of about fifteen hundred acres, containing all the varieties of soil com-

mon in that part of the State, and watered by the Bull Run river, which flows nearly through the centre of the estate. His house, a model of the old Virginia, palace-like mode of building, stands upon a gentle eminence, overlooking every • part of the plantation. Around it is a handsome area, planted with fruit trees and shrubbeiy, among which are interspersed numerous beehives. About one-half of this estate fell to Mr. B. by inheritance, and while walking over a large tract on which the new 7 , thickset clover had almost hid the ground, he informed me that when he came upon it there was not a field which would produce crop enough to pay the expenses of cultivation. When his determination to cultivate it was made known, his friends j remonstrated against such a step, and predicted'! starvation as the result. But with most commendable ambition he told them he had an irrepressible desire to restore what had been lost; upon the lands of his ancestors, through neglect. partly, and the want of a proper knowledge of" the true modes of husbandry; and that he could not sit down and appropriate the labors of others, with their improvements and results, with that satisfaction and contentedness which he fancied he should realize, after overcoming the difficulties which surrounded him by his own energies and industry. How nobly he has succeeded— how the once barren waste now r pours into his lap the full reward cf all his labors and cares, | may be seen by a ramble over portions of his I plantation. Still, it must be borne in mind that this is Virginia improvement, and will not bear contrasting with a well managed New- England farm. It will be noticed by the remarks which follow 7 , that, notwithstanding he considers himself amply repaid, by the crops produced, for any extra labor bestowed, the capabilities of the soil have been nothing like fairly tested.

Mr. Ball cultivates only about four hundred acres. One hundred he plants with corn, the average }neld of which is twenty bushels to the acre. He usually sows one hundred and fifty acres in wheat, the average crop of which is not! over five bushels to the acre ; seeds a bushel and! a peck. On these crops, with the other necessary labor of the plantation, eight efficient menf six horses, and three yoke of oxen, are employed; | There are no stones. Immediately in front of his house he has enclosed a field containing one hundred acres. This he calls his pet field ; and! is to be thoroughly dressed and tended in future, in preference to every other part of the farm.— i Here he has commenced the new system of cultivation, in which he expects to be greatly aided! by a careful perusal of the Visitor, of which he' is a subscriber. He reasons in this manner. He, now seeds one hundred and fiftj 7 acres with! wheat, and obtains five bushels to the acre, anctt an aggregate of seven hundred and fifty bushelsf Now, he says, if by extra dressing and labor hf I

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19

can increase the crop to fifteen bushels to the acre, (and of which there can be little doubt,) there will be an aggregate of two thousand two hundred fifty bushels, and a nett gain of fifteen hundred bushels, or nearly so, taking into the account the value of the extra quantity of straw. Now if this reasoning be correct, and I have no doubt the result would prove it so, it shows at a glance the great importance of cultivating a less quantity of land, and of bestowing upon that more than all the labor which has been bestowed upon a much larger quantity. The same process will hold good with respect to all other crops as well as that of wheat. Mr. B. will open an account of debt and credit with this field, and such minutes as will show the cost and kind of dressing, the amount of labor expended, the ploughing, harrowing, seeding, time of planting, sowing, reaping, &c. of all of which he has engaged to furnish me a paper, which shall be forwarded to you in due time when I receive it.

We are glad to see this " Ball in motion," but hope he will find no necessity for rolling himself into New Hampshire, whilst he has the opportunity we shall be happy to afford him of unfolding himself nearer home.

Mr. Brown went down into the Northern Neck, and speaks in glowing terms of the timber he found upon the banks of the Potomac. He declares that, although not so extensive, the forests are not less thickly covered than the celebrated timber districts in the State of Maine, with which he professes to be well acquainted. He does not however leave this region without hitting us another hard lick; hear him:

VIRGINIA FARMING.

Leaving the river, and travelling nearly south, [ passed through extensive timber forests on bottom lands, which, when cleared, prove of the best quality. On my way lay a plantation belonging to a nephew of Col. Taliaferro, the present member of Congress, but now occupied by i Mr. Brown. On this' plantation seven thousand bushels of corn and fifteen hundred bushels 3f wheat have been raised this season. A few miles farther south I tarried two or three days

Dn one of the plantations of Dr. Murphy,

i gentleman of much agricultural as well as medicinal skill, possessing vast landed estates, md who has set an example which is already working a revolution in the modes of husbandry in the section of country in which he resides.— As the land is generally flat, and consequently wet, he is ditching round large tracts of "old fields," fencing, manuring and ploughing, and endeavoring to bring them back to vegetable iife, and is determined no longer to act upon the

principle which always takes but never gives. — What is uncommon, he has a fine barn and granary, a garden handsomely laid out and well tended, and a thrifty orchard. The house, a neat cottage, overshadowed by lofty locusts, and standing nearly in the centre of a field of corn containing one hundred and fifty acres, has a most quiet and inviting appearance. From this point, fields beyond fields rise to the sight,

"Far as the circling eye can shoot around, Unbounded tossing in a flood of corn."

Every planter I conversed with in this region stated to me his conviction that their system of farming is wrong; that they attempt to cultivate too much—that their lands are rapidly becoming, or have already become, impoverished, and that they do not understand the method of renovating them, and that each succeeding year brings less and less under their present practice. Melancholy as is this picture, the whole aspect of things, as you travel through much of Virginia, Maryland, and probably all the southern States, proves it to be true. Thousands upon thousands of acres lie in "old fields," lands which have been worn out by successive crops of corn and tobacco, with scarcely the appearance of verdure upon them, not affording even a pasturage for sheep worthy of the name. My host informed me that if his field brought him fifteen bushels to the acre he should consider it a good crop ! The land is a light, sandy loam, and is as capable of producing fifty or sixty bushels to the acre as fifteen, if rightly cultivated. A new impulse, however, has been infused into many minds.— x4gricultural papers are sent for—compost heaps are gathered—lime, plaster, and ashes are introduced, and a spirit of inquiry is abroad in the land. But experiments will be combatted by ignorance and prejudice, and many years will elapse before their fields will be divided into "convenient lots,"—their fodder housed, their cattle stocked, and their manure saved. But the conviction that they are in error, is a great point gained, and we cannot but hope that, eventually, it will embrace and correct the most prejudiced minds.

In another part of the State which I have more recently visited, Fairfax county, the same spirit of inquiiy, and desire for improvement is manifested. Recently, a number of individuals, practical farmers, from the State of New York, have purchased large tracts of the worn-out lands in the vicinity of the court-house, and have commenced a system of operations which has at once awakened the surrounding husbandmen to new efforts, and enhanced the price of land. They have settled upon the lands, erected barns, divided the extensive fields, introduced better implements, and are setting examples of industry and carefulness, which are giving a new aspect to all the adjacent country.

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

We flatter ourselves, however, that Mr. Brown did not see the best Virginia farming, notwithstanding he extended his visit, a little way, into the celebrated county of Loudoun; and as he seems to be a good, gbntlemanlj 7 fellow, who has a high relish for the Virginia hospitality, of which he has had a taste, we invite him, if he has no objection to thawing a little earlier than usual, to join us in our projected tour this spring. We will take him along on James River, and will show him some things that will gladden his heart, and afford him opportunities of writing home the prettiest sort of letters to his friend, Governor Hill, of the Visitor.

PREMIUM TOBACCO PRIZE.

In our last number, we furnished a cut of Mr. Morriss' Tobacco Prize; we now give an engraving of another, manufactured by Sinclair & Co. of Baltimore, which the Editor of the American Farmer recommends in high terms,

and which obtained the highest premium offered by the Prince George's Agricultural Society at its late fair, held at Upper Marlborough.

The machine is so clearly delineated as to make an explanation almost unnecessary. It is, however, thus described in the American Farmer:

11 It consists of a strong horizontal frame work, which is secured by iron bolts, braced at the tops by heavy iron rods, in which, in the operation of pressing, as will be seen by the figure, the hogshead is placed. The six wooden levers represented in the cut, work a pinion which operates on a large wheel, in the centre of which an iron shaft is secured, upon the bottom of which is another pinion, which operates on the line of cogs placed on the side of the stvffer shaft, which forces the tobacco into the hogshead with a pressure that gives it the desired compactness."

This machine is sold at $125 00, and is, we think, in no whit superier to that of Mr. Morriss, which is in pretty general use amongst our planters, and the whole cost of which, we suppose, would be covered by the sum of twenty dollars, at the outside. It is true, that a little time may be saved by the former, but, in our opinion, this is much more than counterbalanced by the fact, that repairs cannot be effected without going to a machine shop. It is a matter of the utmost importance in getting up a machine for a farmer, to give him one, if possible, that he can construct without, going off his plantation—for what he can construct, he can work, and what he can construct, he can repair. This, we think, is a point not sufficiently attended to by the committees, who award premiums for agricultural implements.

We do not desire by these remarks to injure the enterprising manufacturers of this new prize. Our opinion is, that the desired object can be j effected by a press of easier, cheaper, and simpler construction, but we place both plans before our readers, leaving them to form their opinions, which may probably differ from our own.

A pail full of lye, with a piece of copperas half as big as a hen's egg boiled in it, will produce a fine nankeen color, which will not wash out. This is very useful for the linings of bed-quilts, comforters, &c.— Western Farmer.

A correspondent of the Boston Transcript says that a small quantity of green sage placed inj the c oset will cause red ants to disappear.

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MANURES.

Sir Humphrey Davy, long ago, demonstrated that in the process of fermentation some of the most valuable properties of manures were evaporated. By means of a retort, filled with heated dung, the neck of which was introduced in the soil amongst the roots of vegetables, he produced an extraordinary luxuriance of growth. Indeed, it is certain, that all the valuable properties of manure are volatile and soluble; that is, may be evaporated by heat, or washed away by water. How necessary then to imprison these subtle agents before they have time to escape, and what folly it is to expose them to the seducing influence of heat and rain. Remember, uiat these thieving devils are ever on the alert to rob you of your most valuable property; and do not forget to guard your dung heap against the rogues with the same care you bestow upon your corn house; and, as you lock your door upon the latter, turn the soil over upon the former; or, what is still better, throw it abroad amongst your growing crops; they will act as a most vigilant police, and arrest the runaways just as they are flattering themselves with the certainty of escape.

The celebrated Mr. Coke fully recognised the fact that fermentation occasioned loss, but still he permitted it, to a slight extent, because, the vitality of noxious seeds, contained in the manure, was thereby destroyed; and he thought, that, in that way, he gained more than he lost by the escape of the fertilizing gases.

With due deference to Mr. Coke's opinion, we incline to think that, in a majority of cases, the sooner manure is applied the better.

NEW PAPERS. We have been much pleased to observe the extended influence of agriculture, as evinced in the course of many of- our political and miscellaneous papers. The truth is, this great interest, the pursuit, for which nature and circumstances have peculiarly adapted our country, begins to make itself heard in every direction. Our people have just awakened from their golden dreams, to return, with all the ardor of first love, to this certain, honorable, and congenial occupation. The consciousness of the delusion under which thej' have been laboring, the utter folly and madness, and crime, of substituting speculation, which is but another name for gambling, for the toil of honorable occupations have

become apparent, and these wild dreamers, conscience stricken, humble, and repentant, have submitted themselves again to the great law of nature, which dooms man to obtain his bread by the sweat of his brow. Amongst the many honorable pursuits of life, which have been thus recruited, agriculture has come in for its full share. This circumstance has given a new impulse to this noble art, and has excited an interest in the community, which has secured it a place in many of the political journals of the day. Amongst these, we are happj^ to find our friends of the Compiler taking a distinguished part.— They have remodelled their paper ; reducing the price, and adding an agricultural head, which, from the long experience and known ability of the conductor, will, we doubt not, render the Compiler as acceptable to the agricultural, as it is now to the commercial, community.

Mr. Fisk, too, late of the " Old Dominion," Portsmouth, has started, in this city, a weekly paper, called the State Rights Republican, in which, we understand, a considerable space is to be devoted to the cause of agriculture and mechanics. We hear that Mr. Fisk has figured largely in the political world, and doubt not, he will sustain, in his new sphere, the reputation he obtained in his old one. We wish him success in his enterprise.

We have also received, indirectly, an intimation that a new agricultural paper will be started, shortly, in the city of New York, under the superintendence of that well known breeder and writer, Mr. A. B. Allen. We shall look forward to its arrival with much interest, and have no doubt it will prove a powerful aid to the Cultivator, which has already done so much for the cause of agriculture.

CORN.

The following is an extract from a letter addressed to the Editor of this paper. Mr. Green is not the only one of our subscribers who is desirous of a " talk" upon the cultivation of this important crop. Much contrariety of opinion exists, where certainly experience should by this time have arrived at some definite conclusion. Although difference of opinion may be frequently owing to difference of soil, climate, &c. still there are great general principles upon this subject yet unsettled. We hope Mr. Green's inquiries will bring to the columns of the Planter a full, fair, and condensed discussion of this impor-

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.

tant topic. We assure him we will do all we can to elicit it. We undertake for at least one essay upon the subject in the February number from an " experienced, practical corn planter."

" Can you not induce some experienced, practical corn planter to furnish for the Planter a full and minute account of the best plan of raising corn ? Such a paper would be invaluable to a large number of your subscribers, who, like myself, are beginners, and not too old to learn, nor too wise to be benefitted by the instruction of others. To meet our wants, the paper should embrace the preparation of the ground before planting—the time of planting—the distance between the rows, and the distance between the hills—the number of stalks to be left in a hill— howitshould becultivated—the kind of plough— how often ploughed—how often hoed—when it should be laid by—whether the seed should be soaked, and if so, in what 1 If you can procure some instruction upon these points from an experienced and successful corn grower, in time for your February number you will render a great service, not only to me, but to many others, and the author of the paper will be a benefactor both to man and beast. Col. Isbell's paper in your last number is very valuable, and I for one am under great obligations to him for it, but it does not go sufficiently into detail to supply my wants fully.

" With the sincerest desire for the success and prosperity of the Southern Planter, I am, sir, Very respectfully, yours,

Nathaniel T. Green."

MISCELLANY

TO GET ON IN THE WORLD.

Volumes have been written to tell how it is done, and the condensed substance of the whole is contained in the following paragraph from Blackwood. The advice there given is infallible.

" To get on in this world you must be content to be always stopping where you are; to advance you must be stationary; to get up you must keep down ; following riches is like following wild geese, and you must crawl after both on your belly; the minute you pop up your head, off they go whistling down the wind, and you see no more of them. If you hav'nt the art of sticking by nature you must acquire it by art; put a couple of pounds of birdlime upon your office stool, and sit down on it; get a chain round your leg, and tie yourself to your counter like a pair of shop scissors; nail yourself up against the wall of your place of business, like a weasel on a barn door or the sign of the spread eagle; or, what will do best of all, marry an honest poor girl, without a penny, and my life for yours if you don't do business ! Never mind

what your relations say about genius, talent, learning, pushing enterprise, and such stuff; when they come advising you for your good, stick up to them for the loan of a sovereign, and if ever you see them on your side of the street again, shiver me and welcome; but, to do any good I tell you over and over again, you must be a sticker. You may get fat upon a rock if you never quit your hold of it."

We cut the following from an exchange paper. It is not new, but well worthy of preservation. It is penned in a strain of lofty independence that must find a response in the breast of every freeman.

A NOBLE EPITAPH.

The following epitaph, found upon a cannon in the Island of Jamaica, near the spot where the remains of Bradshaw, the chief of the regicide judges, was interred, and published in a newspaper in this country in 1775, is the noblest production of its kind I ever met with. The reader will find in the closing line that great maxim which has hitherto been erroneously ascribed to the immortal Thomas Jefferson : STRANGER! Ere thou pass, contemplate this cannon ; Nor regardless be told, That near its base lies deposited the dust of

JOHN BRADSHAW,

Who nobly, superior to all selfish regards,

Despising alike the pageantry of courtlysplendor,

The blast of calumny and the terrors of vengeance,

Presided in the illustrious band of heroes and

patriots

Who fairly and openly adjudged

CHARLES STUART,

Tyrant of England,

To a public and exemplary death ;

Thereby presenting to the amazed world,

And transmitting down through applauding ages

The most glorious example Of unshaken virtue, love of freedom, and impartial justice, Ever exhibited on the blood-stained theatre of human action. o! reader! Pass not on till thou hast blessed his memory; And never, never forget, That Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.

YANKEES.

Jeffries, the celebrated British review, once paid, unwittingly most likely, a handsome compliment to the indomitable perseverance of our countrymen. He remarked that it was his firm belief that if a premium of one thousand dollars were offered for the best translation of the Greek

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23

Bible, it would be taken by a Yankee, who till the offer was made, had never seen a word of Greek in his life—that he would commence learning the language immediately, to qualify himself for the great undertaking-, and would finish the whole work quicker than any other person, and bear off the premium.

We have not much fancy for " Lady" poetry in the general, but there are some subjects that seem to fall peculiarly within the province of the gentler sex. We are sure none but a woman could have written the following beautiful and touching lines from the pen of Mrs. Sigour-ney. They are called,

THE WIDOW'S CHARGE,

AT HER DAUGHTER'S BRIDAL.

Deal gently thou, whose hand has won

The young bird from the next away, Where careless 'neath a vernal sun

She gaily caroll'd day by day— The haunt is lone,—the heart must grieve,

From whence her timid wing doth soar, They pensive list, at hush of eve,

Yet hear her gushing song no more.

Deal gently with her,—thou art dear,

Beyond what vestal lips have told, And like a lamb, from fountains clear

She turns, confiding to the fold; She round thy sweet domestic bower,

The wreaths of changeless love shall twine, Watch for thy step at vesper hour,

And blend her holiest prayer with thine.

Deal gently, thou when far away,

'Mid stranger scenes her foot shall rove, Nor let thy tender cares decay,

The soul of woman lives in love; And should'st thou wondering, mark a tear

Unconscious from her eyelid break, Be pitiful, and soothe the fear

That man's strong heart can ne'er partake.

A mother yields her gem to thee,

On thy true breast to sparkle rare— She places 'neath thy household tree

The idol of her fondest care; And by thy trust to be forgiven,

When judgment wakes in terror wild, By all thy treasur'd hopes of heaven,

Deal gently with the widow's child.

A SEASONABLE HINT.

Dean Cowper of Durham, who was very economical of his wine, descanting one day on the extraordinary performance of a man who was blind, he remarked, that the poor fellow could see no more than " that bottle." " I do not won-

der at it at all, sir," replied Mr. Drake, a minor canon, " for ive have seen no more than ' that bottle,' all the afternoon."

TO THE READER. We must apologise for the lateness of this number, and taking time by the forelock, for what will be the lateness of the next. We did not commence the Planter until late in February, 1841, and our desire to finish the twelve numbers within the year induced us to publish a double number in December. This circumstance, together with the great press of job work at the office where our paper is printed, (as yet we have none of our own,) has put us a little behind hand. Our printer, too, is so good a fellow, and labors so hard to accommodate all the custom that his well earned reputation brings him, and withal, gives us our work, when we do get it, in such neat and handsome style, that we cannot find it in our hearts to scold him for the vexation, which the delay has occasioned us. Nevertheless, we are well aware of the value of punctuality, and we are determined that the Planter shall be punctual to the first of the month. Probably it will be the first of March before we effect this desirable object, but let us once get matters straight, and it shall go hard but we keep them so.

BACK NUMBERS. The second number is now completed, and the fifth, the last to be reprinted, is in hand. By the middle of February, the back numbers will be mailed to our old subscribers, and the whole of the first volume will be ready for delivery, bound or unbound, to new ones.

O^r We have been induced to believe, that many of our subscribers, who intend to renew their subscription, will, from the procrastination that is natural to mankind, fail to do so for a time, greater or less, as the case may be. Now, as it is extremely important for us to know, as soon as possible, the extent of our subscription list, we have taken the liberty of sending this number to all of our old subscribers, whom we respectfully request to renew their subscriptions. If they decline doing so, will they be good enough to envelope the number and direct it again to the Southern Planter? We would not trouble them with this request, but that the