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and quiet will be once more enjoyed by a thrifty and contented people. Then we can, with the confidence of success, invite to our extensive fields of industry the intelligent agriculturist, the skilled artisan, and the sturdy mechanic, with their capital and enterprise, to aid us in making these two old States the most powerful in wealth and population on this continent. I think they are now the most inviting field for the immigrant to be found in this country. The low price of land, the cheapness of labor, the high price of the staple productions, will enable the industrious and prudent immigrant to realize larger profits from any enterprise than he could in any other portion of the country. These advantages, with our internal improvement system—completed and in prospect of construction—together with the immense beds of coal, iron, and other valuable minerals found in nearly every hill and valley, cannot fail, when properly appreciated, to attract to our border immense numbers of those seeking new homes and occupations. In addition to the fertility of the soil and the other advantages of which we have spoken, these States are blessed with the most delightful climate known to the temperate zone.

I cannot close these remarks without directing the attention of visitors from a distance to the valuable water-power of Danville— the superior advantages of this locality for the establishment of manufactures in every branch.

In conclusion we desire to acknowledge our sense of obligation to the fair daughters of Virginia and North Carolina for the great interest they have taken in our enterprise, and for the aid they have rendered it, both by the liberal contributions of their handiwork and by their presence on this occasion. We feel that they are our nearest friends and companions—our ornament in prosperity; and in adversity, our solace and support.

It is, therefore, with the liveliest emotions of pride and pleasure that we welcome their beaming faces here to-day ; and it shall be our endeavor to win their approbation, with the assurance that whatever cause woman smiles upon receives the highest imprimatur of merit and success.

May we all hope that before another annual fair of our Society the sea of troubles which now opposes us will disappear, and that we shall enjoy a sure and lasting peace.

" Lovely art thou, 0, Peace: and lovely are thy foot prints, in the green valleys."

" Beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace."

ADDRESS OF DR. MALLET.

Danville, Va., October 21, 1868.

The rain has fallen incessantly here to day, and proceedings at the Fair Grounds have been suspended. Dr. Mallet's address was fixed for to-day at the Fair Grounds, but owing to the rain it was adjourned to the Masonic Hall to night, where it was delivered to a large audience of ladies, farmers, and citizens. It gave much interest to the audience, and the Doctor was warmly applauded.

Dr. Mallet, after a graceful introductory proceeded to discuss " The Relations of Agriculture to Natural Sciences."

The speaker commenced by a presentation of the importance and multiform character of the occupation of the soil. We may be inconvenienced by any temporary interruption in the labor of other men; but we suffer—often terribly suffer—when the labor of the husbandman fails. The terrible meaning of the^word " famine" had a vivid illustration in the scenes of Central India a year or two ago, when from the failure of the crops of a single season, the teeming population of a vast district lay down to die.

Farmers grumble sometimes at the measure of success with which they are rewarded, yet there was more risk in almost every other branch of human industry than with that of the farmer.

The objects of the industry of the farmer were few in number. The seeds, roots, leaves, and stems of some eight or ten species of plants and the flesh of some four or five species of domestic animals, are the materials upon which the vast majority of mankind depend for food. And from a still smaller number of vegetable and animal epecies we obtain almost all our supply of clothing. Such multitudes of men being employed in this limited range of tillage and production, it might be expected that the history of the art of agriculture should be one of continuous and rapid improvement, and its principles at the present day should be universally agreed upon, the manner of applying them being only varied by climate and soil.

This was far from the case. Other arts have grown and improved with more rapidity, and are better understood and practiced.

In the earlier ages all arts were empirical —men consulted their individual experience, and the results of such effort as were found to be useful were repeated. These efforts were without the guide of principle, and soon found a limit to their attainments. All of art in this way transmitted from one generation to another consisting of a set of arbitrary rules, for which no satisfactory reason can be assigned. Yet that these rules contained often much that was valua-

ble as well as false, was true ; but even truth was so distorted or imperfectly stated as to be often positively mischievous. Thus the Romans taught that slaked lime was useful as a manure to fruit-trees; while on the other' hand it was taught, little more than a hundred years ago, that ammonia was absolutely injurious to plants. The one statement was right—the other wrong. For neither was there an intelligent reason assigned, nor did either lead by well-founded inference, to any ulterior knowledge.

Principles, however, were gradually taking the place of arbitrary rules, and by their application to any branch of industry it ceases to be empirical, and is elevated to the rank of a scientific art. That agriculture had rested longer than most other arts upon reasonable rules rather than clearly-ascertained and sensibly-applied principles, is a fact. The speaker referred to the elaborate system of hand-cultivation in China, carried on habitually without improvement, for the support of millions ; to the Hindoo, tending his field of rice as it had been for untold generations ; to the husbandman, raising with his scoop and ballance-pole the water of the mill for irrigation ; to the precepts of Virgil, still illustrated by the farming in Italy, as they were nineteen hundred years ago.

Even in western Europe and in this country we find that though agriculture had not for a century been unprogressive, the advances that had been made may be referred almost wholly to the class of improvements in the mechanical tools and appliances of agriculture— not to that of improved methods of agriculture itself.

The effort to remove the stigma of empiricism and place this grand and ancient art upon a scientific basis was of an extremely modern date. It could not be dated back more than a hundred years. Chemistry had for sometime been well recognized among the sciences before its powerful aid began to be extended to the investigation of the principles on which rational agriculture should be based.

The speaker referred to the discovery of the chemical functions of leaves by Priestly near the close of the last century, and of Sau-sern about the beginning of the present century, as a step of great importance towards a knowledge of the chemistry of vegetable life, and therefore indirectly of agriculture. He is referred to the able attempt of Sir Humphrey Davy to collect all the chemical knowledge of that day (1802) bearing on vegetable physiology and agriculture. But no individual had probably done so much to promote this kind of research as Liebeg in his work on the " Applications of Chemistry to Agriculture and Physiology," the first edition of whose work

was published in 1840. Bousingault's "Economie Rurale," which appeared about the same time, gave a further impetus to investigations of this kind, and since then they have continued to occupy the attention of a large number of able thinkers and experimenters throughout the whole world.

The Doctor went on to speak of the industry with which the problems to be solved had been attacked : the analysis of soils—of rocks from whose disintegration they were produced, the ashes of plants, manures of natural and artificial origin, rain water and drainage-water, &c, &c, The effects of manures on crops growing in natural soils have been observed, and their effects varied by the application of different quantities of fertilizing materi-als, &c. He referred to the numerous agricultural schools that had sprung up in Europe and this country, to the many publications on agriculture, the united transactions of societies, to the assemblages like that of today as tending to stimulate zeal and brighten the intelligence of the people. He referred to the attention given to the subject by Governments, especially France, who has her Minister of Agriculture.

What progress, then, has been made in this branch of science ? If we were to listen indiscriminately to the answers of agricultural chemists of various schools, and from the practical farmers of various countries, it might seem impossible from conflicting views to adopt any settled opinion. The efforts of the last forty years had mastered some highly important principles, which we are ready to no inconsiderable extent to employ as guides in agricultural practice. Still the road to further knowledge stretches out far and untrodden before us.

Dr. Mallet went on to speak of the variety of views presented by essayists, their dogmatisms, sweeping generalities, w 7 ith no knowledge of the recorded results of others' investigations, etc. Agricultural problems are of a complex character, and require the consideration of many conditions at the same time. So long as the chemist has to deal with dead unorganized matter, he finds but little trouble in arriving at certain and equally accurate conclusions* Hand him a specimen of metalic ore, and he will tell you how much metal it contains, etc. But this is all changed when you pass from the lifeless to the animal kingdom of nature, the conditions of whose existences are so intricately related that it is extremely difficult to grasp them all at the same time. He proposed to look for a moment at the chief conditions in the life of a plant.

A plant was an individual sprung up from its parent plant, inheriting certain peculiarities and wants; it lives a few months or years,

and dies like ourselves, returning to mingle with the elements whence it was derived. The plant is stationary, inhaling two elements— earth and air. Pushing further and further into these, continual increase of size is the law of its life ; while animals, on the contrary, increase in mass only during the period of their youth, attain a limit of physical development, and afterwards exhibit a gain and loss of material which mutually balance each other.

The plant may be said to possess a mouth, a stomach, and lungs, though it has no heart or brain.

Its business is simply to live and grow—to store up in precious forms matter and force which may at a later day be expanded by the higher orders of creation—the inferior animals and God like man himself. To fill so lowly a place in the system of the universe, what structures of perfect adaptation and wondrous beauty have been created !

Basking in the light of the sun, continued the Doctor, its leaves drink in from the air carbonic acid, a noxious gas to the animal, but sustenance to the vegetable world. And while the carbon is fixed in new forms of combination, producing with hydrogen and oxygen, or water and nitrogen of ammonia, the great bulk of the plant itself, the remaining portion of the carbonic acid—oxygen is given off again into the atmosphere to freshen and renew it for the support of animal existence. From the air also are received the vapor of water and certain other gaseous forms of food ; though these are probably of minor importance. This air is, for the practical purposes of agriculture, almost beyond our control. In the green-house we may create an artificial atmosphere about a few choice flowers, but on a large scale this is impossible. Happily, the chemical composition of the atmosphere is everywhere very nearly the same, and plants everywhere receive from it the same supply of gaseous food.

The Dqctor went on to speak of the direct and indirect influences of the atmosphere on plants through its various gases, and its vapor of water or dew and rain ; which sinking beneath the surface, are presented to the roots of plants, in a condition to be by them absorbed. The extent to which the crop enjoys the benefit of this indirect influence is largely within our own control. It can be affected by the depth and thoroughness of tillage, and by proper arrangements for subterranean drainage ; also, by the admixture of soils of different degrees of porosity, and by the application of certain kinds of manure.

He proceeded to enumerate the different substances absorbed by the roots of plants, and of what a number of them arc composed.

We find by the ash of wheat that it contains large amounts of sillicic acid, phosphoric acid, and potash; Indian-corn, lime and magnesia; in the alkalis, phosphoric and silicic acid predominate. Turnips require a larger supply of sulphuric acid than many other plants, and tobacco makes heavy'demands for potash.

The silicic acid of wheat exists almost exclusively in the straw, while the phosphoric acid is almost all found in the grain, and the potash is common to both. Peas contain but a moderate amount of lime, while their leaves and stems contain a great deal of the same ingredient.

Dt\ Mallet went into a cursory view of the differences of compositions of plants, and the different amounts of the same substance absorbed by them at different seasons. In the main, he concluded that particular mineral substances in particular proportions are extracted from the soil by each particular plant. But if one of the essential mineral constituents of a certain plant be absent from or deficient in quantity in a soil, though all the others be present in abundance, that plant cannot be made to live and thrive upon the soil in question.

The speaker argued that, this being the case, it should be easy to determine whether a piece of land is fit to support a given crop or not; and what is of most practical importance, if not fitted by nature for the purpose, it would seem equally simple to render it so by artificial means. It may be that some of the mineral constituents needed for a plant may not be in a soluble state—a state that is indispensable for the support of the plant. This defect may be obviated by the manner of cultivation. The fallow and the rotation of crops assists to pulverize and decompose the constituents needed, and after a time the soil thus becomes suited to the plant that was not adapted to it a few years previous. Continuing his remarks on this branch of the subject, he explained the difference in soils, the evils from washings and from too compact soils, how the soluble constituents are lost by washings, &c. ; how the organic matter of the soil, by the gradual process of decay during which carbonic acid and ammonia are produced, furnishes from the earth a supply of these essential substances, additional to that which is drawn from the atmosphere.

Mechanically and chemically, continued the Doctor, we can to a large extent, change the character of the soil at our pleasure. And thus supply its natural defects and increase its productiveness and value.

Dr. Mallet, at much length, expatiated upon the mode of supply-

ing deficits and correcting or balancing excess of chemical substances in soils. It would be unjust to him to essay a condensation of his clear views. In the course of his remarks he suggested that where there was an absence of silicic acid it might be produced by burning refuse wood upon the soil, and heaping clay upon the fire, which after burning, being scattered over the land, would supply the deficient soluble silicic acid, and wheat and other cereals requiring this acid might be grown with success where they would not have thriven before.

The Doctor spoke generally of manures, some of which might be considered medicine. For instance, iron pyrites, by the oxydizing action of the atmosphere, produce copperas, soluable in water and injurious to plants; heated with lime, this copperas in conjunction with it, becomes sulphate of lime or gypsum, while the protoxide of iron set free rapidly absorbs more oxygen, and becomes peroxide of iron, which is at least harmless.

The Doctor continued his review of the life of plants and the effects wrought by chemical substances upon their existence at some length. These views, showing the importance of science as an aid to the farmer, Dr. Mallet went on to state the difficulties in the way of the employment of the teachings of science. The chief one was that the- farmer demanded concrete rules for special cases of agricultural practice, which he showed to be impossible from the variable and infinite combinations of soils.

Another difficulty was the liability of farmers in adapting scientific knowledge to cultivation to forget some one of the conditions imposed, and thus lose the benefit of the whole. But these difficulties, the speaker contended, could be mastered with care and perseverance.

Dr. Mallet laid down these propositions as essential to good farming :

1. More thorough pulverization of the soil, and to a greater depth.

2. Efficient drainage by means of tubular draining tiles.

3. The more extented introduction and use of improved agricultural implements and labor-saving machinery.

4. More strict attention to a systematic rotation of crops—pains being taken to discover the order of rotation best suited to the soil.

5. The more extensive cultivation of root crops.

6. The more general, liberal, and yet properly economical use of manure.

7. More pains taken in the preservation and use of animal ma-

nures. This should not be allowed to be exhausted by being washed while scattered over the stable-yard. The liquid manure should be also saved.

8. Take care of the forest, and where exhausted restore them by artificial means.

9. Care in the choice of seeds—extend the varieties and improve the breeds of animals.

10. Experiments in agriculture, directed by combination and intelligence.

The Doctor called attention to the movement of the University in behalf of agriculture. That institution is now engaged in the erection and equipment of a chemical laboratory, soon to be completed, which will rank amongst the most complete in America, and which will afford all necessary means for scientific researches connected with agriculture, so far as these can be carried on within laboratory walls.

Dr. Mallet invited farmers to aid in researches by experiments in the open fields, and he begged any willing to co-operate in this way to communicate with him. He explained the great advantages to be looked for from this co-operation.

Referring rapidly to the bright prospect now that the people of Virginia are aroused to a sense of the necessity of improving their agriculture and restoring their exhausted lands, he expressed the hope that in a few years all traces of past neglect and public misfortune will have been effaced, and renewed prosperity will cover the face of the " land we love."

Dr. Mallet was greeted with applause at the close of this very graceful and scientific address. I have, I fear, but imperfectly condensed it for the reader.

Having now revisited the scene of the second grand achievement of the Border Agricultural Society—gathering up the fragments that nothing be lost—having paid our respects to the President and Dr. Mallet, by reproducing so much of their addresses as came within our knowledge through the remarkable and well-directed enterprise of the press of this city, we pass on with like purpose to survey the field of the recent triumph of the

Augusta County Fair.

On Tuesday morning, the 27th of October, at 10 o'clock, the Corporators of the Augusta County Fair assembled on New Courthouse street, preparatory to marching in procession on horse-back

to the Fair Grounds, half a mile from Staunton. The procession ■was formed in the following order:

Chief Marshal—White Rosette and Scarf. His two Aids-^with White Rosettes.

Band—in Wagon.

Guests and Speakers—in Carriages.

President Augusta County Fair—Green Rosette.

Executive Committee—Blue Rosette.

Secretary and Engineer Augusta County Fair—Red Rosette.

Board of Directors—Blue Rosette.

Standards and Bearers.

Corporators—two by two.

Assistant Marshals—with Red Scarfs.

Corporators' Families—in Carriages.

Corporators' Families—on Horseback.

Assistant Marshals—with Red Scarfs.

Citizens Generally.

All decorated with their appropriate badges.

After arriving at the large building erected on the farther

extremity of the race-track the ceremonies were commenced by an

appropriate prayer by Rev. Mr. Baird, after which the address of

welcome was delivered by Colonel John B. Baldwin, President of

the Augusta County Fair. The following is the substance of his

address as furnished by the reporter of the Richmond Whig:

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS OF WELCOME.

Colonel Baldwin, in one of his most felicitous speeches, welcomed the vast concourse to the grounds of the Augusta Agricultural Society. These grounds, he explained, were the donation of the people of the county, having been purchased by means contributed by them in sums of one hundred dollars. It was only since the 1st of May that, by voluntary subscriptions of the people, the funds had begun to accumulate; and when it was borne in mind that much work had to be done on the grounds after they were purchased, buildings erected, &c, they would readily account for, and excuse any incompleteness in their condition. What had been done in the formation of the Society and the preparation for this exhibition, the condition of the country being considered, argued that there is some vitality in the old county yet, and proved that when the citizens of Augusta gave their sanction to any enterprise they are ready to back it with their means. He claimed for them a creditable public spirit and county feeling.

Though this is an agricultural district principally, said the speaker, this is not in a strict sense an agricultural, but an industrial Fair, for the exhibition of the industrial products of the country. Its object is to promote energy and economy and thrift among the people, and it addresses itself to no peculiar class of labor, but to all classes.

When it was first proposed to hold a fair, there were some who thought the time unpropitious, since the future was so full of uncertainty, and that we should wait until the affairs of the country were settled. He was glad that their counsel did not prevail, and that the majority held and acted upon the opinion that no time called so urgently for efforts to promote industry and the products of labor, as when we had least to expect from the administration of public affairs.

Before the war the people of Virginia were mainly occupied in agriculture, and even those engaged in vocations other than tilling the soil, looked forward as their highest ambition, to spending the evening of life in the calm pursuits of agriculture. The war, in its results, changed our system of labor and rendered agriculture somewhat less attractive, and the people now are, in some measure, disposed to turn from farming to manufacturing, mining and merchandising. We are now in the beginning of the process of diversifying our labor, in the transition state from a purely agricultural to a mixed agricultural and manufacturing people. Whatever else may result or fail to result from the war, it is obvious that it is daily producing a change in our agriculture. We of the Valley thought it a dreadful calamity when our barns and mills were burned and our stock destroyed, but even this has not been without advantage, in the manly and irrepressible energy it developed. You have built large barns and mills, and the fruits of your energy and skill have come to be so recognized, that the same power that issued the order to apply the torch to your mills, now orders that no flour shall be used by the troops in Virginia but that having the Staunton brand on it. Old-time implements of husbandry are being substituted by those of improved design and greater efficiency, and although it took two or more crops to restore the ravages of the war, the Valley is to-day benefited by the changes that have occurred.

Now is the time for the people to meet and compare ideas, to learn what improvements have been made in the machinery of farm labor, and what advance in the system and science of agriculture. At such a meeting, it behooves us to forget politics, by which we have been so often misled in the past, and to direct our attention to

the practical affairs of industry. Besides, it is one of the good effects of such meetings as this, that they make the people better acquainted with each other and cultivate a spirit of social kindness. The war brought us closer together, and engendered kindlier feelings towards each other. He wanted the people, too, old and young, once a year, for a few days, to leave their toil and devote themselves to recreation, to fun and frolic.

The present gathering is full of promise to the county and to the Valley—it is full of animating and suggestive hopes for the future. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that all present would find the occasion one of pleasure and profit.

After music, Colonel Baldwin introduced Mr. Stuart, to whom had been assigned the duty of making the Dedicatory Address.

ADDRESS OF HON. A. H. H. STUART.

Felloiv-Citizens, —The duty of delivering the address of welcome, on this interesting occasion, has been appropriately confided to my friend, Colonel Baldwin—I think I hazard little in saying, that he is the author and founder of the "Augusta County Fair." To his zeal and energy, seconded as they have been by the liberality and public spirit of the people of Augusta, we are indebted for the success of the enterprise. Every one will, therefore, recognize the propriety of calling on him to deliver the inaugural address at the commencement of the first exhibition.

He has performed his part in a manner which, I doubt not, has been acceptable to all who had the pleasure of hearing him.

We have now arrived at the second stage of our proceedings. We are about to dedicate the grounds which have been purchased, to the use of the Fair, and I have been called on to say a few words in connection with this auspicious event.

Why I should have been selected to perform this interesting task may not, at first view, be entirely clear. But when we advert to the nature of the duty to be performed, and the obvious propriety of entrusting it to one of your most skilful, experienced and successful practical farmers, I modestly infer that all doubts as to the reasons for and propriety of selecting the person who now has the honor to address you, as the organ of the managers, will immediately vanish! Accepting this as the true explanation of my appointment, I now tender my thanks to the managers for their favorable estimate of my merits as a farmer; nor can I withhold a word of compliment to their sagacity, in discovering, and officially proclaiming to the public, a fact, that otherwise, might have remained unknown, except to my immediate neighbors.

The people of Augusta, deeply impressed with the importance of doing all in their power to improve the system of agriculture in this and the surrounding counties, have purchased this beautiful lot of 21 acres, with a view of appropriating it, through all time, to the annual exhibitions of the products of the earth, and of the workshops of our country. It is true that the primary object is the development of the agricultural interests, but we all know that the mechanic arts are so intimately blended and interwoven with agriculture that whatever tends to advance the one necessarily increases the prosperity of the other.

On behalf of the managers and trustees of the Fair, in the presence of this crowd of witnesses, I proceed to dedicate and set apart now and forever, the grounds embraced within this enclosure to be held, used, and occupied for the use of agriculture, and the kindred branches of industry connected therewith.

In proclaiming this dedication I cannot forbear from adding a few words in commendation of the wisdom and patriotism of those who made it.

Agriculture is, unquestionably, the most important interest in Virginia. The census tables show that of the adult white population of the State, about one half are engaged in agriculture—of the colored population a much larger proportion—probably seven eights are cultivators of the soil. Of the residue of the entire population, white and colored, much the larger number are employed in manufacturing or marketing the products of agriculture, so as to render them available for the uses of man. Agriculture is therefore the substratum of all the other interest of society. It supplies the raw material and furnishes the market for manufactures and commerce. It is the Atlas, on whose shoulders the whole system of human industries securely rest.

Surely such a vast interest as this, deserves all the consideration, and all the aid which intellect and industry can afford to it, yet, strange to say, until within a very recent period, there was no occupation which received so little assistance from the intelligence of our people. Science seemed to turn away from agriculture, as something beneath her notice, and it was left to languish, in the hands of surfs and boors in Europe, and of slaves and uneducated laborers in America. These continued, through centuries of darkness, to delve away, plowing, sowing and reaping, with imperfect implements, in the modes pursued by their fathers, until production was diminished, and the lands worn out, and in many cases, espe-pecially in Eastern Virginia, abandoned to broom hedge and pine.

Fortunately a new era has dawned on the world. Diminished supply of food has compelled Science and mechanic arts to lend their aid to agriculture. Intellect and capital have been brought to bear in its behalf, and already it is beginning to assume its appropriate and honorable position in the front rank of the pursuits of intelligent men—Chemistry, philosophy, vegetable physiology, and the mechanics arts have all been enlisted and its allies and auxiliaries—our soil has been analyzed—the philosophy of vegetable growth has been the subject of careful study. The nature and constituents of cereals and grasses and other vegetable products, have been ascertained ; and the food and culture which they respectively require for their full development have been anxiously enquired into—labor-saving machinery has been invented, and more perfect farming implements manufactured, and a new interest has been awakened in regard to the philosophy and practice of farming.

The results are already visible, especially in the Valley of Virginia, in an improved system of culture, augmented production, an ameliorated condition of the soil, and the enhanced value of our lands.

Ev^ery farmer has been in the habit of making himself acquainted with the kinds of food most acceptable and beneficial to the different classes of animals on his farm.—The instinct of the animals in selecting what was most palatable to them furnishes a guide on this subject. But how few persons until recently, have understood that every tree and flower—every stalk of corn and wheat, and every blade of grass is a living thing, with an infinite number of mouths, in the form of pores, from the topmost blossoms to its lowest root, mutely, but constantly demanding appropriate food and drink [ How few have thought of the fact that the wants of these various plants are as diversified as their several natures ! and that what may be proper food for one is not adapted for another. We know, because we see that vegetables, like animals, droop and die when the clouds fail to yield the showers necessary to their healthful growth. But how many, even in the present day, are ignorant of the fact that lime, silica, and ammonia and phosphorus and soda are essential for the successful growth of corn and wheat and grass and potatoes.

Yet such is the fact; lime constitutes a large element in the stalk of the corn and wheat, and silica or sand of the enamel which encrusts and gives it strength to bear the weight of the full grown ear. How many, even of our farmers, when they find their hopes of a large crop of wheat on our heavy clay or rich alluvial lands disap. pointed by the failing of the luxuriant growth of straw before it matures, know that the disaster is attributable to the want of silica

or sand in the soil, out of which Nature in her laboratory supplies the enamel necessary to give strength and stiffness to the straw. How many, even in our day, are ignorant of the fact that the failure of sandy land to produce large crops of grain or grass is caused by the abseence of the clay and lime and other elements necessary to nourish the plant.

Science teaches us these lessons, and warns us of the necessity of studying the nature of our soil, so that when we ascertain their de-ficiences we may know how to supply them.

But I forbear enlarging on this subject because it opens a boundless field of enquiry. . I will simply remark to the farmers of Augusta, that the idea which prevails among many of them, that in our lime stone region there is sufficient quantity of lime for the purpose of agriculture is a grave mistake. Many years ago I was informed by that distinguished philosopher, Wm. B. Rogers, that the soil of the lime stone district of the valley was deficient in lime. If I remember aright, his theory was that in the convulsion of nature, the supply of lime which had been diffused through the soil, had been withdrawn by its affinity for carbonic acid gas and concentrated and consolidated in the form of limestone rocks and hence there was less lime in the soil of Augusta than in that of Albemarle.

In confirmation of this theory I will add that from my own observation and experien ?e, I am persuaded lime is the most valuable and permanent of all our manures. But I must not be understood as maintaining the proposition that lime alone will furnish sufficient food for our crops. No animal, from man down to the lowest order of creation, can subsist for a series of years, on one single article of diet, and in like manner no plant can flourish if fed by one kind of manure. Plants like animals, require a diversity of food, but in my judgment lime bears the same relation as food to the vegetable kingdom that grain does to the animal.

The object of dedicating these grounds to the purposes of agriculture is, to awaken among our fathers an intelligent and philosophic spirit of enquiry and experiment and annually to bring them together to make the results known and to bear with them the substantial evidences of their success in the form of animal and vegetable products of their farms : to compare opinions as to the best systems of culture, to impart information to each other and to inspire a spirit of generous emulation.

Another object is to induce machinists and others to bring before our farmers all useful inventions, in the form of machinery, to economise labor and promote production.

In a word, our object is to build up and consolidate, on a firm basis, the prosperity of Virginia. There has been, I fear, in some parts of the State, too much giving way to a feeling of despondency; too much of a disposition to fold our arms, and to call for immigration and for others to come and help us. I am not for calling on Hercules, but for putting our own shoulders to the wheel; I am, as we all are, in favor of immigration. All well disposed and orderly persons, who come to settle among us, will be well received, and kindly treated. But we must not depend on others for prosperity. • We must be the architect of our own fortunes.

We live in an age of progress. Within the last half century, the world has made greater advances in useful knowledge than in the five preceding centuries. Within that time the Steamship, the Railway, the Telegraph, the Photograph, Chloroform, the Reaper, the Drill, the Threshing machine and Sewing machine have been added to the facilities of commerce, manufactures and Agriculture. Within that period my distinguished friend (Com: Maury) who sits near me, has discovered new worlds in the firmament above us, and sounded the depths of the ocean, and mapped its currents so as to guide commerce over the most distant seas, and diminish, by one half, the time necessary for a voyage around Cape Horn.

Within that period new lights have been shed on Agriculture, and it has been raised to the dignity of a science. Let us see that we take no step backward. Let us stimulate enquiry and improvement by holding out every legitimate inducement.

We the Farmers of Augusta, have here secured "a local habitation and a name." Henceforth, this will be a place of annual reunion. Here new ideas will be presented and discussed. Here the results of new experiments will be reported and considered. Here the products of our farms, and workshops, and household industry, will be exhibited and all necessary sales and exchanges of property effected. Here the best seeds of all kinds, the most improved breeds of animals, and the most useful kinds of machinery will be introduced and distributed through the country. To sum up all in the fewest words, I trust that this will prove to be not merely a place of exhibition of the products of labor, but it will be a mart of commerce, and a central point from which light and knowledge and prosperity will be diffused through all our borders.

An ancient philosopher said, if you would give him a fulcrum and a lever, he could lift the world from its axis. Here on this spot, is our fulcrum—knowledge is our lever—let us seize it and lift from vol. n—47

agriculture the mountains of ignorance and error which have heretofore oppressed it.

" The most attractive and entertaining feature of the second day's exercises," says the Staunton Spectator, from, which we copy, "was the delivery of Commodore M. F. Maury's address," which we printed in our last number. " Second in interest to these," continues the Spectator, " was the contest for premiums by the Ladies of the Archery Club." Space will not allow us to dwell upon this 'novel and interesting exercise, but there are sentiments expressed in General Echols's very graceful and apposite address to the young gentlemen, which may not be let to pass off with the frolic and humor of the occasion, but deserve embodiment in a more enduring form. We, therefore, reproduce it in the pages of the Southern Planter and Farmer.

The following is the address of Gen. Echols, to the Knights as specially reported for the Spectator:

CHARGE TO THE KNIGHTS.

Sir Knights :—I feel honored in being deputed to address you, the representatives of the youthful manhood and chivalry of Virginia. The older men have already discharged their part in this great public demonstration. It is your turn now, as it soon must be, upon the stage of public affairs, to take the places so well filled by your fathers.

Although this is but a mimic tournament, yet, if we improve the occasion properly, it, too, shall not be without its usefulness. You claim to represent the chivalric feeling ot the people of this great State, as the Knights of old claimed to represent the feelings of their countrymen.

In the days of the olden Knights and of the crusades, the great object which they held in view was to rescue the sepulchre of the Saviour from infidel hands. There is an object for you to hold in view as sacred, and as glorious as that; it is to redeem your native State; it is that you, who must soon assume the lead, shall consecrate your lives to the redemption of the proud old mother of us all.

I do not speak to you as a politician, nor advise you to take part in what is known as politics. I would, on the contrary, advise you to eschew politics, and look alone to the developement of the great resources of your State. Work for this, and this alone. Then, coming in this spirit, let us not regard this as a mere boyish pastime, but let it be understood that you come here this day to pledge yourselves to this cloud of fairy witnesses that you will exert yourselves

as public men until your State shall stand redeemed from here desolation.

She is to you a mother, although she sits as a widowed matron at her fireside, with her children slain around her, and her fields laid waste. It is our duty to forget the past, and now only to remember that we are citizens of a great government, and that we should devote all that we have of intellect or of strength to promote the power, wealth, and happiness of our common country. It is true that one may not hereafter be able to look to our own dear old State as a political organization with her proud motto of Sic Semper Tyrannis, which has hitherto blazed forth so brightly, but we have it in our power to make her great in social and material wealth.

" Let us then, be up and doing With a heart for any fate ; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait."

If you have the ambition to follow in the footsteps of the Knight g of old, remember that, he, who was the most knightly gentleman, and whose name has come down to us through four centuries as the "spotless and the fearless" chevalier Bayard, has transmitted his name to succeeding generations, not through manly prowess nor skill with spear and sword alone, but for the great and high moral qualities which are the true test of manhood.

If you wish for a model of more modern times that model has been before you for two days past—a greater than Bayard. He stands before the civilized world, not only "spotless and fearless" in time of trial and danger, but firm and self-possessed in the hour of misfortune. And, in this respect, he affords you a model equal to any ever before seen. If the French had Bayard, you have Lee. Emulate his virtues and you will be led to honor, because his is the path of honor, and of virtue, and of patriotism. You have, then, the strongest incitements to action which young men ever had. In the dark and bloody years now gone,, we hope forever, many of you have shown high courage. Show now that you hsve within you the power of endurance. Show that you have the determination to work out for your country a glorious future. Look around you—you desire the smiles of these beautiful faces, gazing upon you from this vast amphitheatre. These smiles you can only deserve by bravery, prudence, piety and patriotism. And as you deserve, be assured that you shall so receive the smiles and plaudits of youth and beauty.

Gentlemen—I wish you God speed. I hope that you will, to-

day, deserve the smiles and approbation of these young and lovely daughters of Virginia, -who surrround you. I trust that, as your lives shall come to a close, you may look back to this time, as the period when you first resolved that you would win the plaudits of your countrymen and women. Go forth then, to the mimic joust as gallant young Virginians.

A Short Account of the Rockbridge Fair.

A visit to Rockbridge county^ with its pure air and beautiful scenery, must be pleasant at any time, but most so when all this is enhanced by delightful Indian summer weather, such as was enjoyed during their Agricultural Fair week. The Fair itself was a great success—and when considered with reference to their isolated position as regards means of transportation—the best we have had in Virginia since the war. The reason of this is obvious in the fact that they possess in their President, Mr. Jacob Fuller, the most determined, intelligent and energetic advocate of all agricultural interests in the State. His persistent appeals to the people of the county as well as to manufacturers abroad; his system of awards (quite novel by the way) and his excellent arrangement of articles on exhibition, were attended with the happiest results, and there was no dissenting voice, but his own, when his name was proposed for re-election at their annual meeting, held at the close of the Fair. In spite of his protestations, it was determined by acclamation that no man in the community could serve them with the same capability.

The same energy and continued harmonious efforts on the part of the officers and members of the Society cannot fail to keep Rockbridge, as she now is, ahead of most portions of the State in the development of agriculture, horticulture, pomology, and the introduction of improved appliances for cultivating the soil, and all labor-saving machinery.

Truly, Rockbridge is a highly-favored county, with a fine climate, a fertile soil, a conservative and industrious people, who exhibit great enterprise in developing their resources, and with Lexington in the centre, filled with institutions of learning—having, of course, the concomitants of high talent and pleasant society—it is, even minus the railroad which they are struggling for, a most attractive and desirable home.

It would be impossible to mention all the instances of individual enterprise which came under observation, but a few may be taken

as examples. Among these, Mr. E. S. Tutwiler may be considered as having done as much for the county as any other. While many have been talking about what could be done, he has quietly and unaided established a successful cheese factory, from which is now being produced cheese of excellent quality, and for which the demand greatly exceeds the supply. He has also planted a vineyard, which is being yearly increased in extent, and from which he is already producing wine. In this undertaking he has been fortunate enough, or sagacious enough to obtain the services of Mr. Weiss, who has devoted his life to the art of wine-making, and now produces, in Rockbridge county, a which, it is confidently asserted, would take high rank among the best wines of Europe. But Mr. T. is not the only one who has engaged in the cultivation of the vine. Mr. Prud'homme has also a large and successful vineyard, and his wines command a high price. Mr. P. A. Davidson, with much zeal and energy, has started upon the same enterprise—has already planted seven acres of grapes, and will extend it still more this fall. By his courtesy, a pleasant afternoon was spent in the country— first in a visit to his farm, then to Mr. Tutwiler's vineyard—the evening being finished at the hospitable house of the latter. But this made only one of the pleasant days spent in Lexington, and added one more to the many regrets at leaving such delightful scenes. J.

Some of the Reasons Why So Little Encouragement is Given to Agricultural Periodicals—Teachings of Science.

Dear Sir, —Your favor of the 12th inst., came to hand yesterday, requesting me to give you some account of the " meadow country of Dan river," for insertion in the Planter and Farmer. I have written so much of late, which I have no reason to think has benefited any human being, that I am inclined to give it up entirely, and betake myself to something that may prove more profitable. If I were to write anything further for your journal, it would be an article to show why it is that so little encouragement is given to agricultural works, such as yours, and why our system of culture is so defective and, consequently, so unremunerative. It would not be difficult to show to any candid mind that the main reason is that our farmers and planters rely, entirely for success, on the sweat of the body, and not at all on brain sweat. They use their hands to the exclusion of their minds, and hope to accomplish everything they desire \>y hard licks, unaided by mature thought. In other words, they

cannot give a reason for any of their operations, for they do not really know what they are doing.

Like the quack in medicine, they blunder on, sometimes making, by accident, a happy strike, when they take to themselves great credit for accomplishing a result for which they are in no wise indebted to any skill on their part.

I speak of'the mass of our agriculturists, and would not apply my censure to the few, men of thought, who reason on this as they would on any other science.

Unfortunately, this class includes but comparatively very few of those who till the soil.

Most of our planters and farmers reject and denounce all " booh learning," as they ternTall instruction published for their benefit.

They take as granted that a practical man, from whom only they are willing to receive instruction, is one who has grown wise by the use of his limbs and not of his brains; and if any one endeavors to explain to them the rationale by which' any result is brought about, they reject his counsel, as the fruit of science, of which they have a mortal dread.

They little think that the world is indebted to science and philosophy, for nearly all its comforts as well as its luxuries, and without the lights which they have afforded, it would now be in a state of barbarism.

Science teaches that, to insure good crops and to improve the land, thorough drainage and deep and close ploughing are indispensably necessary, and that, without them, manure will fail of its desired effects, and yet they reject its teachings on this important subject, and go on to scratch and to scrape the surface of the ground, loosening about as much as the next hard rain can wash away.

Science teaches that those plants which have no tap root should be placed low in the ground; and yet they plant their corn on a ridge, and wonder that it fires in dry weather and produces nubbins instead of large, long ears.

Science teaches, again, that it is injurious to the growing corn to break all of its roots at the same time ; and yet how few are there who avoid this by ploughing every alternate row in laying it by. If the farmer will regard the teachings of science, he will learn that land, which abounds in dark brown gravel, is poisoned by an article which contains one of the ingredients of a valuable fertilizer, to which, if he will apply lime freely, he will convert it into gypsum or plaster of paris. The gravel containing a large quantity of sul phate of iron, and the sulphuric acid, which it contains, having a

greater affinity for lime than it has for iron, seizes on the lime which he scatters over the ground, and forms the plaster of paris. This knowledge can. be obtained only from science, which he so much hates. Another lesson taught by science on this subject is, that loose dirt should he left equally distributed between the rows of corn ; yet not one in fifty of our corn growers regards its teachings, but the large majority of them prefer to heap the dirt around tlfe stalks, thus exposing to the sun the little feeders of the plants, and starving them nearly to death. There would be as much wisdom manifested by placing the food of your horse so high as to he beyond his reach. Such high feeding would soon bring the unfortunate animal to poverty and death.

Science teaches, further, that it is as unwise to expect any plant to thrive when the ground around it is saturated with water, as to suppose that a man can live and breathe under water.

How many of our planters reason from the fact that black being an absorbent of heat, therefore the keeping the surface of their plant-beds well covered with the fine dust from a coal kiln will keep the ground warm, and thus force their plants to maturity earlier than would otherwise be the case.

I might extend this illustration much further, but, as I apprehend that it would result in no good to any one, I will forbear.

I will conclude, by saying that as long as the most ignorant amongst the tillers of the soil shall think himself a Solomon in all things pertaining to his calling, there will be little hope of his improvement. He will leave the world as ignorant of the process by which he has accomplished any result on his farm as the mule which he used as the agent in effecting it. Nor would he be convinced that any custom, which has long had the mastery over him, is wrong or injurious. He is like Byron's Prisoner of Chillon, who said—

" My very chains and I grew friends, So much a long communion tends To make us what we are; even I Regained my freedom with a sigh."

As long as our agriculturists shall remain wedded to their old customs and to their hatred of all "book learning," your laudable efforts to instruct and benefit them by your monthly contributions— anything which savors of science—will prove a failure.

There is only one source of hope that this fatal prejudice may be removed, and that is found in the altered condition of our labor. Since every man in the South must "root for himself or die," our people may become willing to avail themselves of everything which

promises to lessen their toil, and so may become reconciled to the blessings of science.

I hold that every cultivator of the soil should first possess himself of a Bible and a good Commentary on it, and then subscribe to a good agricultural paper.

They are quick to take one or more political papers. This is well enough, for we all should know what is passing around us in the political world; but how slow are they to grasp at that which will teach them to make an honest living, according to the best lights of the wisest amongst us.

The great defect and misfortune of most of our farming community is that to which I have alluded—their abhorrence of all " book learning."

" They laugh to scorn the wisdom of the schools, And think the Jirst of teachers first of fools"

Th. P. Atkinson. Danville, Fa., November lith, 1868.

Report of the Gadsden County Agricultural Association to the State Association of Florida.

(Continued from page 593.)

We continue our extracts, from the "Quincy Commonwealth," of the above report. The cultivation of Cuba tobacco, the pea-nut, Irish and sweet potato, the sweet orange, Scuppernong grape and gardening for supplying vegetables to the Northern markets are the principal subjects referred to in the part of the report now introduced to the reader:

But the most distinguishing trait in the agriculture of Gadsden county prior to the war, was the great attention which was given to the cultivation of the Cuba Tobacco. This culture w r as inaugurated by a worthy gentleman, by the name of John Smith, who emigrated from Virginia and settled in the vicinity of Quincy about the year 1829. His extraordinary success soon induced others to go into the culture, and in the course of a few years, the "Cuba Tobacco," became a staple product of the county, second only, if at all, to cotton. For a number of years immediately preceding the war, the production of this staple within the limits of the county, averaged from three to four thousand boxes of four hundred pounds each, annually, and readily commanded on the plantations in cash, from twenty-five to fifty cents per pound. The purchases were generally

made by agents of German houses, sent out from New York and Bremen.

The great advantage attending this new enterprise, was that the principal labor required to save and house the crop came on between the laying by of the cotton crop and the picking season of the same, and the handling and boxing preparatory to sending to market could be done only in damp and rainy weather, when the laborers could not be employed in out-door work. It thus came to be esteemed by the cotton planters, as an extra crop, the avails of which, as a general thing, more than paid the entire expenses of the plantation, without, in the slightest degree, operating to curtail the staple crops of cotton and provisions. This culture was almost entirely confined to Gadsden county, whose soil and climate seemed peculiarly adapted to the production of the article, and to its introduction as a new staple, was she mainly indebted for her rapid increase in material wealth prior and up to the close of the late war; and if her citizens were in a condition to incur the expense, they would doubtless be ready to erect a monument to the memory of her worthy citizen, John Smith now deceased, more deserving of the homage and ap* probation of posterity, then are those which have been designed to perpetuate the deeds of military chieftains.

With the change in the system of agricultural labor, induced by the results of the late war, the culture of the "Cuba Tobacco " has been almost entirely abandoned, but this abandonment will be of only of temporary duration, for it is emphatically, the "poor man's crop," as every member of the family, from six years of age and upwards, can be profitably employed in either the cultivation or preparation of the article for market. It is a fact vouched for by every member of this committee, and worthy of note by political economists, that in no civilized community, was material wealth more equally distributed than in Gadsden county, and this can be accounted for only on the principle, that a new employment was presented to the poorer class, which from its adaptation to their means, elicited effort, aroused their ambition for the attainment of social equality, and caused them to inaugurate the good work of "leveling upwards." The pindar or ground nut has always been successfully cultivated in this county, but only as food for swine. The tediousness of gathering, and the fact that the gathering season comes on at a time when we are most closely pressed by the picking of cotton, has heretofore prevented it from being adopted as a market crop. There is no doubt, however, that if made a specialty, and resort be had to improved implements for

gathering, it could be made one of the most remunerative crops that could be grown. The results in the State of North Carolina fully attest the correctness of this opinion, and in point of soil and climate we certainly have the advantage. But Gadsden county does not rely alone upon her "field crops" for restoration to her former prosperity. A new business has been recently inaugurated, that of "gardening," and if the experiments of the past season afford any indication of the future, she has in that enterprise a most flattering promise of success. One of the first shipments of garden peas that reached New York the past season was sent from the vicinity of Quincy, and the remuneration is well calculated to excite and stimulate the enterprise of our citizens the coming season. On the same parallel with the cities of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, with a soil far superior in productiveness, with direct and speedy Railroad communication, there is no reason why this county may not enter into successful competition in this line of business. It is an established fact, that cabbage and all the root-crops are raised in as high perfection in Florida as in any part of the United States, and a further advantage is, that all of these products, with the exception of the Irish potato, may be permitted to remain in the ground during the entire winter, without suffering any material injury from the cold. It is also an established fact demonstrated by actual shipments made during the season, the vegetables shipped by railroad from Quincy, have been delivered in New York on the fourth day after being started.

The public have been educated to believe that the successful raising of the sweet orange is confined exclusively to the banks of the river St. John's, (the admitted pride of our State,) and to the country adjacent thereto, but it requires only a visit to the Apala-chicola river, the Western boundary of Gadsden county to dispel the illusion. The largest and finest oranges that the committee have ever seen or tasted, were raised on the banks of that river. The sameness of latitude and the great superiority of soil, give to that locality advantages which cannot be ignored. Since the close of the war great attention is being paid to the planting of the sweet orange and to the improvement and extension of the groves theretofore inaugurated, and the committee are credibly informed, that within the last four months five thousand dollars in cash have been refused for a grove of one acre in extent. It is within their knowledge that many individuals are now engaged in extending the culture of the sweet orange on the banks of that river, and it is a fact worthy of being noted, that the insect heretofore so destructive to

the groves in other sections of the State, have never been known to infest the trees in that locality. This may be accounted for from the fact that the soil is of unsurpassed fertility, which keeps the trees in a healthy and growing condition and renders them invulnerable to the attacks of the much dreaded enemy. The river communication with Columbus Georgia, affords an ample outlet, for all the oranges that can be grown on the banks of the Apalachicola river.

Another source to which we look with confidence for a restoration to our former prosperity, is the cultivation of the Scuppernong grape. This is no untried experiment in this county. The neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, situated about twelve miles west of Quincy, has been engaged in the cultivation of this grape for years, and now produces a wine which is pronounced by good judges to be equal to the best of the California productions and far superior to the great bulk of foreign importations which are imposed upon us, as the pure juice of the grape. Our people are now aroused upon the subject and in the course of a few years, Gadsden county will be as celebrated for the production of wine as she has heretofore been for that of the Cuba Tobacco.

Of the provision crops, the Indian corn or maize, is the great staple, and is chiefly relied upon as food, both for man and beast. In consequence of the great length of our summers, the climate is not as propitious, for the production of a large yield, as in more Northern latitudes; there is no deficiency in the size of the ear, but for the reason above stated, greater distance has to be given to the stalks, to guard against the firing of the leaves and hence there is a diminution of the number of hills to the acre. Upon the lands usually appropriated to the production of this cereal (unless it has been greatly exhausted) from twelve to fifteen bushels to the acre is considered a good average crop, though upon first rate bottom lands from forty to sixty bushels are not unfrequently realized.

Next to the corn comes the various varieties of the sweet potato. It is food for both man and beast, and is esteemed of great value on every well regulated plantation or farm, as affording great relief to the exactions upon the corn crib. It is of easy production, requiring less work than any other crop, and the yield is greater than that of any other crop planted. When properly attended to, and upon suitable soil, from two to three hundred bushels to the acre may be confidently relied upon. The sweet potato may be propagated by planting short pieces of the vine as late as the month

of August, after the cultivation of the cotton has been terminated, and with one ploughing and propitious seasons, invariably affords fine rooting for the hogs in the fall of the year. Indeed the most of the pork made in the county is fattened in the potato fields.

The cow.or field pea is another valuable auxiliary to the provision crop. It is esteemed a sine que non by every judicious and provident planter, as it is the main reliance for fattening up the stock in the fall of the year.-. This crop requires no special appropriation of land for its production, as it may always be planted between the hills or rows of corn, without interfering with the yield of the latter. Nor does it require any special or separate cultivation for its production. Upon fresh land, or when the soil is in good heart, it is invariably sowed broadcast and ploughed in at the last ploughing of the corn and receives no further attention as to tillage. Where the soil is somewhat exhausted, it is best to plant it in hills or drills on each side of the rows of co^n at the second ploughing, and this gives it a working when the corn is to be laid by. Rice is also cultivated in sufficient abundance for domestic consumption, and the straw is very highly prized as forage, being far preferable to that of oats or rye. This grain flourishes finely in this climate, and as it delights in moisture, is usually cultivated on lands, which are too wet for cotton or corn.

The soil an<J climate of this county are well adapted to the production of oats and rye. Both of these grains, have always been cultivated with success, and the former especially, is much relied upon for the support of the plough team. Upon the clay soils, wheat has been tried with satisfactory results, but in consequence of the lack of flouring mills has never been relied upon as a crop, except by a very few. With proper facilities to convert the grain into good flour, a stimulus would be given to the production of this valuable grain, which would soon render the citizens of the county entirely independent on that score.

Sugar cane is also a staple provision crop, is of easy culture, grows luxuriantly on good land, and the process of converting it into sugar and syrup, is so simple that but little experience is required to produce a good article. Except in a few instances, it has never been cultivated as a market crop, but it is of rare occurrence that any plantation does not produce an abundant supply for domestic use.

[To be continued.]

Hints and Queries about Home Manufactures.

Being very young, as an agriculturist, and unaccustomed to writing for the public, 1 trust that the very great anxiety I feel, to see our dear old State and its people once more restored to a condition of material prosperity, will plead my excuse for this communication. I have been a constant reader of your valuable paper during the past year, and have read with pleasure the various methods proposed for the advancement of our material wealth and resources— some recommend increase of population by imigration, Mr. Ruffin increased raising of sheep, and others, various means to the same end, all of which I heartily approve and hope to see accomplished. I hope, however, in relation to imigration, our agents will be careful to introduce only such as will make good, honest and industrious citizens, as those who prove otherwise would be a curse instead of a blessings. Mr. Ruffin's proposition to increase the raising of sheep, I regard as of incalculable value, if in addition to the sale of mutton and wool, our people would manufacture the wool into cloth. Now I doubt not, there are amongst our female population in Virginia, (white and black) a sufficient number of skilled spinners and weavers, to manufacture from the wool and cotton grown amongst us, good cloth enough to furnish the ordinary clothing of our entire popoulation. I think I have seen made in my own neighborhood Virginia jeans that would furnish as neat, appropriate and respectable a suit as any Virginia gentleman need wear. In fact I have known it repeatedly mistaken for broadcloth, at a very short distance—different grades of the same goods, coarser and heavier, may be made for plantation wear and for laborers—I wish some statistician, would make the calculation, and report the probable amount of money that would be saved in the state if every family that could do so, would make enough of jeans and cotton cloth for their own ordinary use, with a sufficient surplus to.supply the local demand around them from those less favorably situated for furnishing themselves. There are many other articles of consumption, which might and should be furnished by ourselves instead of draining the State of its means by sending abroad for them. I will only mention two or three of these, which strike me as the most important—any one visiting our country stores upon receiving their supply of goods in the spring and fall, will be struck with the immense supply of shoes and hats that are brought from without the State for the consumption of our people. Now why can not these be as well made by our own people, thus furnishing them the means of living, and retaining all this

money in the state. And now with the article of cheese, I will conclude this, perhaps already too long, article—I do not know how much cheese is annually consumed in Virginia, but I do know, that I have never known any merchant in this section of the State to bring on any amount of it, that was not exhausted in a very few days—Now why may not every farmer of moderate means, supply from his own farm one or two, or half a dozen cakes of cheese, for the use of his own family, and a little to spare to others, who are not so situated as to make it themselves. And now, Mr. Editor, I am living in a fine milk and butter country, but have never heard of any one who knew how to make cheese; we are all perfectly ignorant of the modus operandi and I doubt not that if you could procure from some competent person, and publish in your valuable paper, a simple, easily understood recipe for making one cake of cheese, you would confer a very great favor upon many of your readers, and through them on thousands of others. B.

Henry Co., Va., 1868.

Is the Close Breeding of Stocks Injurious?

BY J. B. BIDDLE, M. D., OF PHILADELPHIA.

The current opinion on this subject seems to be adverse to what is usually termed the in-and-in breeding of domesticated animals. In the advertisements for the sale of superior stock, we find sellers usually offering to furnish " pairs not akin ;" breeders are seen resorting to distant herds and flocks to cross their own; and there is in all quarters evidence of a prevailing idea, that close breeding is a violation of some natural law, entailing an inevitable degeneration of species. It may be doubted, however, whether there are really any facts in support of these views.

An analogous opinion obtains as regards the origin of many of our improved breeds of stock, attributing them to some happy blending of distinct varieties, by which a combination of valuable points is secured in the artificial creation, as it were, of a new type. How far this doctrine is in accordance with the history of these improved breeds, or with the ascertained laws of Nature, may be also questioned.

The effects of close breeding will be perhaps illustrated by refer-erence to the most highly-prized of our domesticated stocks—the Short-horn. No animal has been so carefully bred; and their pedigrees are accurately kept. Two or three references to the Herd

PLANTER AND FARMER.

739

Book (which might be indefinitely multiplied) will probably surprise some believers in the disastrous effects of in-and-in breeding. One of the most noted of the earlier Short-horn bulls, from whom many of the best existing stock are derived, Comet had the following breeding :—

Foljambe Foljambe

Bolingbroke

Phoenix (a)

Favorite 252 (b)

Phoenix (a)

Young Phoenix

Favorite 252 (b)

Comet

The letters a and b are appended to show where the same animal recurs.

A celebrated cow, called Barmton, has a pedigree in which the same bull Favorite 252, appears as the sire of four successive generations. And Sir Samuel, bred in 1855, has the following descent:

Fitz-leonard Charity

The Bakewell bred of sheep, it has always been believed, were extensively bred in-and-in ; and many of the most celebrated race-horses, among them the king of the turf, Flying Childers, were very closely bred.

Among animals in the wild state, it can scarcely be supposed that consanguinity is respected in the Sir Samuel congress of the sexes. Why, then,

is it assumed that any absolute law of Nature is violated when we

Crown Prince Charity

disregard it in rearing domesticated stock ? And are not our prejudices on this subject derived from moral and social ideas of human relation.

Even as regard mankind, the most careful investigation of facts (collected often under opposite impressions) is adverse to the opinion thatconsanguinous marriages lead to physieal or mental degeneration. The statistics of Dr. Bemiss, of Kentucky, collected in 1858 for the American Medical Association, have been cited as unfavorable to such marriages. But a recent and careful analysis of these statistics, by Dr. Child, of England has shown a contrary result, The fertility of the marriages appear to be great; the proportion of of deaths occurring in the offspring before maturity is below the the average mortality of children ; and the condition of those who obtain maturity cannot be considered bad. Thus, 34 such marriages yielded 192 children, of whom 58 died in early life, and 134 reached maturity. Of the 134 adults, 86 were of fair health ; 9 unaccounted for; 39 diseased ; and in some of the families there was admitted to be an unusual amouut of scrofula and consumption hereditary.

If we study Nature closely, have we not indeed reason to suppose that the union of the like is more in accordance with natural laws than unlike f Sterility and decay appear to follow the offspring of opposite species and even varieties. And Nature evinces everywhere a disposition to maintain her primordial types unchanged.

It must be admitted, as like produces like, peculiarities and defects will be intensified and exaggerated by close breeding. But there are no facts to warrant the opinion, that there is an inherent tendency to degeneracy in the offspring of near relations; or, that if proper attention be paid to the points of animals chosen for breeding, consanguinity is in itself objectionable.

The best results in breeding have undoubtedly been obtained from efforts to improve the points of distinct varieties. The Short-horns are an illustration.* Some animals, however, bear crossing with hap pier results than others. The hog is susceptible of more successful crosses than the sheep ; and for the butcher or the dairy, the farmer can obtain useful and profitable stock by crossing females of inferior and less costly varieties with males of superior pedigree.

* See an article on the origin of the Short-horned cattle in the English Year Book of Agricultural Facts for 18G0. It is there clearly shown that the Shorthorns " have most erroneously been called a composite animal. * * * * * They are wholy unlike any of the herds said to have contributed to their formation or improvement, and bear every internal evidence of a pure race in fixity of type, and the power of largely imparting their own characteristic to other breeds."

Jorticulfural JUplmeni

The Results of the Year.

Two years ago we wrote as follows:

Standing as we do at the close of another year, it becomes us to look back over the past and draw from it that wisdom of experience which will be our best guide in the future. The present year has been important and eventful. In Southern Agriculture it marks a new era. Emerging from the ruins of a great disaster, we set ourselves, one year ago, to organize on a new basis our whole industrial interest. With untried and insufficient labor, with overgrown and wasted fields, without the necessary stock or tools even, and with no money to buy, we rose from our desolate heartstones and began to lay anew the foundations of material prosperity. Though oppressed by misfortune and surrounded by unprecedented difficulties, the energy, the zeal, the hopefulness, which the war had developed so prominently, continued to characterize our people. With earnest hearts and willing hands we set about the work. Useless regrets and repinings were stifled as we addressed ourselves to the solution of the new problems before us. All went to work with a determination to extort favor from fortune. The children of ease, old men and boys, contributed to make up the deficiency caused by the indolence and disorganization of the freeclmen. The Southern people became a most industrious and hard working race. Every means at our command was called into requisition to aid us in our purpose or encourage us in prosecuting it. Difficulties were only considered in respect to how they might best be overcome. The new order of things was entered upon with hardly less zeal than if it had been the successful result of our cherished wishes.

And what has been accomplished ? As we pause at the first step in our journey and look back over the way we have come, is there ground for satisfaction and encouragement ? We think there is much.

Since then two years of labor, hard unceasing labor, in the midst VOL. II—48

of poverty, civil commotion and unparalled taxation, have passed, and we again pause to review our course to see if there is anything to encourage us for the future.

It is, we trust, with hearts filled with gratitude to the Great Giver of all good that as we looked over the road we have come, we say to the sons of adversity, well done ; Nobly have you made the fight and a rich reward has already accrued, while a richer is in store. Though the mountain be still steep and many, many miles lie before you, look back and see what has been accomplished, take courage and press on. The worst part of the way is over, the rest becomes easier as you progress.

Two years ago, steady, manageable labor was the exception, disorderly, lazy hordes of negroes working to-day and idling to-morrow, the rule. Now it is reversed, and complaints with regard to labor are, if not rare, very much less than at that time. Then our farms were barren wastes, fenceless, orchardless, often houseless, now they teem with shocks of corn, well filled tobacco houses and graneries. Some sections of our State are really more prosperous than at any former time, while those districts which suffered most by the war, and owing to .peculiar circumstances had most difficulties to overcome, are making rapid headway in the work of restoration. In the special department of Fruit culture, the progress has been most remarkable. At the close of the year 1866 there were probably three hundred acres in vineyards in the State, to day there are at least three thousand. Since that time there have been sent from the nurseries around Richmond alone, fruit trees sufficient to plant six thousand acres in orchards. During the same period, not less than one thousand acres have been planted in small fruits, while whole plantations have been turned into trucking farms, producing vegetables for the Northern market. This too, is but the beginning and as our political and domestic troubles pass away, our progress will be still more rapid.

These results will stimulate us, notwithstanding the difficulties still in our way, to renewed effort, to persevering labor and cheerful endurance of our present evils, sustained by a strong and abiding hope of a brighter future near at hand.

Some reflections upon the lessons taught by the experience of the past and the duties of the future are deferred till our next.

The Roman Cato has left for farmers the two following maxims :

1. Never work within doors when there is anything to be done without.

2. Never do in fair weather what may be done in wet.

Grapes and Virginia.

The editor of the Gardener s Monthly, in a late issue, referring to the adaptability of Virginia soil to grape growing, uses the following language:

" We are often surprised that any inquiry should be made as to the capacity of Virginia to produce grapes. It ought to be the paradise of grape culture, not only for the Catawba, but for all kinds of grapes. It has the best of grape soils and grape climate, and wants nothing but grape men. If Virginia would furnish a Longworth, Buchanan, Campbell, Knox, Grant, Hussman, or some other similar element of successful grape growing, we fear Iona, Pittsburg, Delaware, Cincinnati or Hermann, would be little heard of. That is the only element we ever found, on analysis, Virginia soil deficient in."

He is entirely right so far as the climate and soil of our State are concerned, and to a certain extent correct, when he, with what may be considered a " left-handed " compliment, describes the deficient element. We say, to a certain extent, correct; for although there is no doubt that our people are sadly defective in the practical knowledge that a Longworth or Hussman might bring to bear upon this branch of industry, still they have the energy to work and the disposition to acquire information, which would soon overcome all difficulties, and make Virginia what she must sooner or later become—the leading wine producing State on the continent, provided they had that other important requisite— money. It is customary with our active, pushing, working friends of the Northern States to speak and think of us of the South as slow, lazy bodies, reared in luxury, accustomed to being waited upon by our slaves and, consequently, lacking in the enterprise end industry requisite to the successful development of profitable agriculture and horticulture. We can tell them differently. Our people are ready and willing to work, nay farther, they have accomplished more, all the circumstances considered, towards the restoration of their material prosperity, since the close of the late war, than has ever been done in the same length of time by any people. But it must be borne in mind that we are very poor. And while it may sound nonsensical to men surrounded with wealth to talk of being too poor to engage in trucking and fruit growing, still to us it is a sad reality. 'Tis true that one hundred dollars will buy one thousand grape vines, but then one hundred dollars is fully one-fourth of the annual income of many a householder in the South. It is easy

to talk of energy, &c, but when a man has not five dollars in ready money, although, perhaps, the proprietor of a hundred acres of land, energy will not, by itself, stock his land with trees or vines. He must have capital, and it requires time to accumulate this. It is the work of years to repair the damages of such a strife as was ours, and we must necessarily advance slowly in the work of revolutionizing our modes of industry, gaining strength as we progress. If the question is asked, Why not begin in a small way, by planting a few trees and vines and increasing gradually ? We reply, that is just what is being done all over the South; but large results cannot be anticipated immediately from such a beginning. We need the knowledge, experience, energy and capital of such men as Longworth, Grant, Knox, Meehan, &c, and if they will come among us, we will give them what we possess, viz: fine soil, genial climate, kindness and hospitality. Will not some of them favor us, and at the same time benefit themselves, by leaving their ice-bound regions and casting their lots in our sunny South ?

The Scuppernong and Flowers Grapes.

Par nobile sororum.

So much has been said and written about the Scuppernong grape that it is taken for granted most of the readers, of this journal know as much about it as the present writer. Recent correspondence, however, with a gentlemen familiar with its history and long accustomed to its cultivation, has put him in possession of a few facts relating to it, which are new and interesting to himself, and may be so to some others. These will be noticed briefly, and then their attention will be directed to its more youthful, but scarcely less remarkable, sister.

It is confidently asserted that the Rev. Mr. Pettigrew, grandfather of the late and lamented General Charles Pettigrew, of the Confederate service, was the first person who called the public attention to this now justly celebrated grape. He was a minister of the Episcopal Church, and much esteemed in his day and generation for his unaffected piety, sound principles, good sense and consistency of character and conduct. While the Church has to thank him for the services rendered to her, society will not be so ungrateful as to forget the debt she owes him for bringing into notice a fruit so fitted to minister to health and the gratification of the palate, and to produce so superior an article of the sanctified

beverage which maketh glad the heart of man, and when used in the moderation which reason and religion require, finds its evident approval by the Author of nature in the revelation of His will. It is a well-settled fact, I believe, that this grape, like the Catawba and Isabella, hails from North Carolina. It was first discovered by the original settlers on Roanoke Island, in Tyrell county, on the borders of Scuppernong creek. There the original vine may yet be seen flourishing in its green old age, and extending itself, in unbroken expanse, over at least nine acres of ground.

We all know—at least we have all heard of—the superior quality of the wine manufactured from this grape. It is said, by good judges, to resemble very much the celebrated Tokay wine of Hungary. However that may be, those who have partaken of the pure article, can vouch for its pleasantness as a beverage of very little intoxicating power, and can have no doubt, that if it were generally brought into use, as the French use their lighter wines, as a substitute for tea and coffee, it would not only save much suffering, brought on by those expensive and deleterious luxuries, but do more to promote the cause of genuine temperance in our unhappily intemperate country, than all the so-called temperance associations that ever have existed among us, or ever will.

If accounts are to be relied on, the productive powers of the Scuppernong are wonderful. One hundred gallons of wine from a single vine, that has been well and long established, is by no means an uncommon yield in the vicinity of its native soil and climate. That, however, is but a trifle compared with what it is known from well-established facts to be capable of; but want of time and space forbids my giving more than the one or two instances of it, which follows : There is now a single vine in Columbus county, of this State, about thirty years old, which has been known to produce in one season over eighty bushels of fruit. This, allowing three gallons of juice to the bushel, would give about two hundred and fifty gallons of wine; and that, at three dollars a gallon—the common wholesale price—would give seven hundred and fifty dollars a year, a very pretty little income for a laboring man, who might just as well have a vine as not—for it will flourish and bear abundantly in any part of this State—if he were not too indolent to cultivate it, or too short-sighted to appreciate its value. Speaking on this point, Mr. T. S. Memory, of Whitesville, Columbus county, N. C, writes me : " There is much difference of opinion as to the distance these "— Scuppernong—"vines should be planted apart, some contending for twenty feet, others for thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, and some for even

s

seventy feet; but let the distance be what it may, they should stand in rows both ways. We are unable to give the productive capacity of any acre of land planted in this way, but think it safe to estimate a yield of thirty bushels of grapes for every space required to grow one bushel of corn." Supposing, then, an acre of land capable of producing thirty bushels of corn, it would give on this calculation no less than nine hundred bushels of grapes. Allowing three gallons of juice to the bushel—the common estimate—it would give twenty-seven hundred gallons of wine to the acre, and that at two dollars a gallon, which is the lowest wholesale rate mentioned, would make up a return that would set one to blinking, rubbing his eyes, and stretching them open with all his might, in order to get them wide enough to take it all in. This, however, is only calculation ; and Mr. Memory may be mistaken, as numbers of others often are. But I shall presently come to facts and figures, which every one knows are stubborn things, not to be successfully gainsaid. So much for the Scuppernong.

Akin to this is the scarcely less valuable Flowers grape, sometimes also called the Babston, from the fact of its having been first brought to the county of Columbus, N. C, by a gentleman of that name. But it derives its first and proper name from a Mr. Flowers, who discovered it growing on an island or hummock in a swamp in Robeson county, *N. C, some forty or fifty miles north of the sea coast, in the year. 1816. It is evidently of the same family with the Scuppernong ; has the same habits of growth, the same rounded leaf, the same general conformation of trunk, branches and tendrils ; so that most persons consider them the same species. In fact, it would be difficult for an unscientific and unpracticed eye to distinguish the one vine from the other at any time before the appearance of the fruit, when there is observable a marked difference between them, which grows more and more obvious as it advances towards maturity. The Scuppernong, for instance, produces its berries singly, or one by one, upon the stem. Sometimes, however, they are in pairs; now and then three, four, and even more, may be seen clustering together, but very rarely more than four; while those of the Flowers grow in bunches of from ten to fifteen or twenty together—even as many as twenty-three have been found in one cluster, but this is a marked exception. The berry of the Scuppernong, when fully ripe, is of a*creamy white; that of the Flowers, from the time it begins to ripen, grows dark, becoming more and more so, till at full maturity it is quite black. The pulp is large in both. The skin of the one is thick, slightly speckled, sometimes a

little rough and rusty in its appearance ; that of the other is comparatively thin, smooth, and uniform in color. The fruit of the one matures in early autumn, and is easily shaken from the vines, or falls of its own accord; that of the other ripens later, holds its own till late in December, unless killed by severe frosts, and even then, unless gathered by hand, will wither and dry up where it hangs. The Scuppernong makes a white wine ; the Flowers a beautiful claret. Tastes differ; but, for one, I decidedly prefer the latter to the former, not only as more inviting to the eye, but pleasing to the palate. The fruit of both abounds in saccharine matter; yet strange to say, each requires something to prevent its wine from becoming acid—a little sugar or a little alcohol. The wine of the Flowers is decidedly too sweet with the addition of sugar, even though a pound and a half to the gallon of juice is all that is found necessary to preserve it from acidity. With alcohol alone, I think, it would be quite too much so for the general taste of Europeans, among whom it is a common remark that we Americans do not make wines, but syrups. The two mixed together, say one-third with sugar to two-thirds with the alcohol, make one of the most pleasant wines I ever tasted-—far superior to any still wine I have ever seen from the Catawba. Every person who has tasted of a sample kindly sent me by Mr. Memory last winter, has been very much pleased with it; some, I believe, so much so, that they would actually go to cultivating the vine, were it not that there is an enormous lion in the way, grinning and growling at them, in the shape of some three or four dreadfully long and fruitless years.

The productive powers of the Flowers it»vould seem are scarcely less remarkable than those of the Scuppernong. I promised a little above to come to facts and figures. Mr. Memory, at the close of a recent letter, writes me: "Mr. Chester H. Rockwell, near this place"— Whitesville—'-' has one arbor of the Flowers containing five vines, all joining, and from these he has gathered two hundred bushels." I presume it is meant to be understood, in one season. The distance at which these vines stand from each other is not given ; but allowing it to be forty-five feet, nearly the medium distance contended for by cultivators, the five vines together, would occupy just about one-fourth of an acre. A full acre, then, containing twenty vines, would, of course, at the same rate, yield eight hundred bushels of grapes, and allowing three gallons of juice to the bushel, it would give two thousand, four hundred gallons of wine, which, at two dollars and fifty cents a gallon, would amount to the comfortable little income of just six thousand dollars a year from one acre of land.

No wonder some one has written a book called " Ten Acres Enough." A moderate man would think half an acre enough, at that rate I The fact is, the thing looks a little large when one comes to follow it out into its legitimate results; but w r e are confident that Mr. Memory is a gentleman entirely above wilful exaggeration. It is, however, to be considered that an acre of Scuppernong, or of Flowers grapes, is a very different thing from an acre of common grapes. The roots may occupy only that one area ; but when the vines have become fully established, they will spread out from twenty to forty, or more feet, on every side, making the whole space occupied, a good deal more like two acres than like one. But if we confine the calculation to vines instead of acres, it will still be found that the yield is very great: no less than forty bushels of grapes, one hundred and twenty gallons of wine, and at three dollars a gallon—the maximum wholesale price—three hundred and sixty dollars a year to each vine. A man might " sit down" pretty comfortably under such a vine as that without any "fig tree " to help it out, provided he had a few acres besides to raise his corn, and wheat, and oats, and all his et-ceteras upon; yet it is very little more than we find confirmed by the statements of others. The truth is, the Scuppernong, and there is every reason for supposing its twin sister, the Flowers, is equally so, is an enormous bearer. Of the latter, as a bearer, I have yet no personal knowledge ; but even in this colder clime and ungenial soil, I have seen the vines of the Scuppernong so loaded, that I am prepared to believe almost any report of its productiveness. What is more, it is a grape about which there is little or no uncertainty, ^t is subject to no disease whatever that I am aware of—to no enemy. Some seasons the fruit may not be as abundant as others; but, in all probability, this is to be attributed to the want of a proper supply of plant food rather than to any natural incapacity in the vine to bear the same quantity from year to year. There is no apparent reason why the Flowers should not be equally as healthy, prolific, and constant in bearing as the Scuppernong.

We have the Scuppernong in this part of the country, but as it may have deteriorated in the course of years in a climate and soil differing so widely from those of its native locality, I am ordering a supply of the best kind of vines from the low country for a fresh start, and would advise all who are about to commence a vineyard of this kind to do the same.

So much has been said elsewhere about the manner of cultivating the Scuppernong, that it is needless to describe it here. The

Flowers require exactly the same treatment. Both do best, running on arbors about seven feet high ; neither requires any pruning. It is best, however, to cut out all dead wood every fall.

Few States have contributed more richly to the wine producing interests of the country than North Carolina. She has given to these already, if the statements I have seen are correct, the Catawba, the Isabella, the Scuppernong and the Flowers, and is now about to add a fifth—the Thomas. I have no knowledge of it, however, farther than that it is said to be a superior table grape, and makes a most excellent wine. Her present annual production of wine is something over fifty-four thousand gallons—principally, I believe, from natives of her own soil—the Scuppernong and Flowers.

T. S. W. Mott.

Garden Farm, October 12th, 18G8.

"Mason's Stranger Apple."

Editor So. Planter and Farmer. —I rely on your kind and generous nature, stimulated by "these presents," to acquit me of intentional neglect, in not complying with your request to have a full history of the apple, noticed in your January number, at an earlier date. The apple was discovered about thirty years ago, by some gentlemen in a fox chase, on the Sandy Grove Plantation of Dr. George Mason, in Greensville County. It was growing in an " old field," remote from any habitation, and this circumstance caused some parties who have cultivated it to call it the " old field apple."

A Mr. Izzard, living near, grafted from it, and from him it was called the " Izzard Apple.'? Dr. Mason has always called it the " Stranger Apple," and by that cognomen I propose to introduce it to the public at large, as "Mason's Stranger Apple." The tree is of vigorous growth, having a large well-formed head, with more symmetry in its proportions than any other variety of the apple with which I am acquainted. My trees have been planted nearly twenty years, upon a soil that would not be considered stiff, but having a heavy red clay, within easy reach of a two-horse plough, and are now as remarkable for their beautiful proportions as for their elegant fruit. It is rarely that it does not bear heavily, and I cannot now recall a year that it has failed entirely. I think that both the tree and the fruit have been improved by planting in my soil, which is better suited to the apple than the light, sandy section of country in which this apple originated. I look for their greater improvement in

in that region of the State best adapted to the apple. Even here, I think the fruit superior to any known to me, and I concur in your opinion that it surpasses the "Albemarle Pippin" in "beauty and quality." You have called it a Pippin. In some of its characteristics, I admit that it does resemble the Pippin ; but it has some qualities which would make me think it more properly called a Crab. No other family has-so much fragrance and perfume, and none except the crab has its beautiful shades and tints of coloring. If it is a Pippin, it is the first of that name that has ever matured fruit in Brunswick—at least within my experience and observation. I wish to encourage its general cultivation here, where it has proven itself to have all the qualities which make a first class apple, and I have therefore preferred not to call it a Pippin, for our people have well-founded objections to the whole Pippin family. Only experience can determine the kinds of apple, that are best adapted to the different sections of the country. Besides Mason's Stranger apple, there are but three varieties of winter apples, the Gully, the Winesap and the Abram, which in my experience, deserve cultivation here. The Winesap and the Abram are generally known, but I have never seen the Gully apple except in this portion of the State. It has a richness of flavor which is much admired, and is in perfection from November until January.

Specimens of Mason's Stranger Apple, and the Gully Apple will will be sent you by express. Believe me,

Very truly Yours,

J. Bavenscroft Jones.

Brunswick Springs Fa., October 10iA, 1868.

A few Items on Pear Culture.

In selecting a suitable place for planting a pear orchard, care should be taken to select a piece of ground that has natural drainage; if it has not, artificial drainage must be resorted to, as it will more than pay the additional cost of the drains in growth and in increased fruitfulness. (Tile drains, if properly laid, are the best.) Pears are cultivated as Dwarf and Standard. I have tried both kinds and if I had another orchard to plant out, I should plant the "Standard" variety exclusively; the Dwarf may fruit a little earlier, but it is not so healthy as the Standard, and during my experience I have heard of but one man who was at all successful with a dwarf pear orchard, and he only to a limited extent.

In preparing the ground for pears, plow deep both ways following immediately with a subsoil plow, and if you do so and tend to the trees properly, they will be a source of pleasure and profit to you as long as you live. After plowing and subsoiling, harrow the ground finely and then draw furrows through the field ; if for standard trees, they should be 20 feet apart one way by 20 feet the other; if for dwarf trees, 20 feet by 10 feet is the distance we plant them ; the hole should be dug about 18 inches deep and about 2 feet wide, and care should be taken to spread the roots as naturally as possible, and not plant them too deep : the right depth can be ascertained by examining the trees as they come from the nursery, and you can easily see how far they shall be planted.

The one great desideratum in planting trees, is to get them good and true to name, which is rather difficult for an inexperienced hand ; the best plan is to find out an honest and reliable man and purchase direct from the nursery, even if you are offered an inferior quality of trees a few cents less.

In planting the trees, be careful to settle the ground firmly around the roots, and after the hole is filled up, press the ground down around the tree, lightly, with the foot, but be sure not to press too hard, for if it is a stiff clayey soil, it will bake very hard, to the injury of the trees ; and if the grass and weeds are Kept from the tree and the ground loosened, it will thrive much better, appear more thrifty, and bear more abundantly and oftener than a scrawny tree, that does not pay for planting, because of the want of proper attention.

The kinds most cultivated here are the Duchess, a very large pear, of excellent flavor, and bear enormously ; the Bartlett, a pear of exquisite flavor, in fact next to the Seckel in flavor, allthough considerably smaller than the " Duchess," is a very good sized pear, and what little it lacks in size it doubly gains in flavor; the Lucrative, a variety of great beauty, and on account of its extreme high and delightful flavor, is pronounced by the majority of pomologist " the very best pear,".as it combines excellency of quality, with productiveness, two of the great requisites of the pear. We have also several other varieties of acknowledged worth, of which I will not speak at present. The pear grower should take care that his trees do not over-bear, and thin the pears out, for by so doing you get uuiformly large fruit, not only the first bearing year, but all succeeding years, if the trees are properly tended the pears will sell for more, be easier picked, and the trees will remain in a more healthy condition, capable of bearing next year's crop without

any diminution of quantity or quality. Those which bear the greatest quantity of fruit are the Duchess, Louise Bonne De Jersey and Bartlett, not to mention other varieties. They should be thinned; not more than six to one dozen should be left on a tree as specimens, until the fourth or fifth year; care should be taken in thinning to leave.the largest and most healthy on the tree, for this purpose they should not all be thinned at once, and not until the fruit is about half an inch in diameter, and then you can distinguish the good from the bad.

In marketing, care should be taken to gather the fruit before it becomes fully ripe, as shippers do not like to buy pears which are ripe, as they have to change hands several times before reaching the consumer; and it would occasion considerable loss and trouble in sorting them over before they could be sold at all, for five or six faulty pears in a basket or box would injure the sale of them all. This is the reason why so many of the fruit growers complain of such poor fruit; the fruit is packed in a slovenly manner, without regard to size, quality or condition and then shipped with the expectation of realizing as much for their fruits as those do who spend more time in packing, and take greater pains to ship them in the best order. The kinds of acknowledged worth are the following, and the beginner should get two or three of each kind, and then see which do best in his locality. Of Dwarfs: Duchess, Louise Bonne De Jersey, Brandywine, W. Doyenne, B. D.*Anjou, Doyene Bus-sett, Lawrence, B. Lucrative, Onondaga Kirtland, Stevens Genessee, Kingsessing, Howell, Buffum, De Fontaine, Vicar, Lodge and Glout Morceau. Of Standards: Buffum, Sheldon, Bartlett, Onondnga, Burre Lucrative, Urbanist, Flemish Beauty, Belle Lucrative, Osborne, Seckel, Lawrence, Howell, St. Gilsain, Brandywine, Madaline. There are several different ways of pruning, budding, &c, for a thorough knowledge of which I would advise the reader to send to Orange, Judd & Co., 245 Broadway, N. Y., for the book entitled "Field Pear Culture," price $1 50. It is an excellent work.

David L. Evans, Jr. Town Point, Chesapeake City, Cecil Co., Md.

The above article we endorse, so far as the mode of preparation of soil, selection of location and, to some extent, the choice of varieties are concerned, but differ in toto with Mr. Evans as regards the comparative merits of dwarf and standard pears. In this State, dwarfs grow more vigorously, bear early and well, and live as long, so far as we can tell, as the standard. At least, we know dwarf trees, twenty years old, quite healthy and vigorous ; nor can we think it desirable to plant dwarfs twenty feet by ten. The latter distance each way is abundantly wide; indeed, we prefer to put them eight feet square.— Ed. So. Planter aijd Farmer.

Cuttings of all hard-wooded plants or shrubs, such as the gooseberry, currant, spiraeas, prairie roses, etc., made and planted out this month in a light sandy or loamy soil, well drained so that no water can lay upon it during winter, will callus, make some roots, and grow off rapidly and vigorously next spring. The bed should have a light covering of straw, leaves, or other mulching, to prevent the frost heaving the ground and displacing the plants during winter; but the mulch should not be applied until the ground is completely frozen for winter.— Horticulturist.

With us this work may be done during the early part of the present month, and the results will be much better than when delayed until Spring.— Ed. So. Planter and Farmer.

Goodrich Potatoes. — Editor Horticulturist: I wish to say one word about the Goodrich Potatoes which are yearly advertised as one of the best and most prolific. I have grown them now four years—they produce well, but when sent to market cannot be sold a second time to the same consumer, because of their inferiority in quality. I have tested the matter thoroughly, and while so far I have sold my crop freely in spring at three dollars a bushel for seed, in autumn no person knowing them will buy at twenty per cent, below price of other eatable sorts. It is about time for this variety to be laid on the shelf and a better one introduced, which perhaps we have in Early Rose, Shaw, or some other of comparatively new introduction.—A., in Horticulturist.

We are almost inclined to think that the writer of the above does not know the genuine Goodrich. In this State it is not only unequalled for earliness and prolificness, but is unsurpassed in quality even by the famous Mercers, and we are sure that no one who has eaten them once will fail to procure them again.— Ed. So. P. & F.

How to Obtain Young Trees for Transplanting.

" When you wish to procure young fruit trees of a particular kind for transplanting, the way is this: Dig around the old tree for some eight or ten feet off, and turn the end of the detached root up out of the ground, and it will send out shoots the first season, and in a few years bear fruit of the same kind as the parent tree, and it will make just as good a tree as the one that you would have to purchase of a nurseryman and pay two or three dollars for."

[We cut the above from one of our exchanges, and give it inser-

tion merely to draw the editor's attention, and suggest to him that when he advised as above to procure a young fruit tree, he forgot to tell the operator that the young tree would be like the stock on which the nurseryman had grafted his variety, and it might produce a crab, tough and stringy, or a sweet fruit, dry and tasteless, but never the same kind as the budded or grafted tree procured from the nurseryman. With the facility and at the low price at which trees can now be procured, together with the more than usual knowledge and integrity engaged in the nursery profession, there is no reasonable cause, other than that of a desire to know how to do everything, on the score of economy or correctness, for any planter of trees, to practice growing them himself. Our advice to every tree planter is to apply to a reliable professional grower and obtain of him trees duly named and of the best character at a good, fair, living price. Take no scrubs or cull trees even as a gift.]— Horticulturist.

The Scupperrcong Grape South of the Potomac.

Bear Sir, —In accordance with your request. I send you some observations on the Scuppernong grape. I shall endeavor to give the important points overlooked by your other correspondents.

It has been shown by others to yield from eighty to one hundred gallons of juice to the vine. The berry is very firm, and would bear transportation to market better than most grapes. The facility of gathering, as previously described, insures only the ripest fruit entering into the wine, making success thereby more certain. All correspondents attest its successful cultivation south of the Potomac. Why, then,, should it not be generally cultivated south of that stream ? It prospers well in every variety of soil, and though it had its origin in the alluvial soil of an island, yet it grows equally as well on the hilltops. It succeeds in the lightest sand (that is not blowing) to the heaviest clay, and is equally adapted to the red, gray or black land. I have seen it prosper in them all, and it has only two requirements: the one is that no dead or stagnant water lies about its roots; the other, in a climate liable to drought, it should have a good mulch previous to May 2d, to secure moisture in time of setting its fruit, which takes place from June 10th to July 10th. A drought at this season sometimes causes a shedding of the berry and lessens the crop. In a word, I know of no soil in which it would not prosper with an annual dressing of leaf,

mold or woods earth, to supply the drain of the annual crop. Like all other crops—the better the care, the better the profits. The vine should not be pruned in late winter or spring months, as the bleeding is dangerous to its vitality, but may be pruned from the 10th of July to the 10th of December. In forming layers for new vines they should be covered six inches deep, and secured by forked sticks,, securing the vines in a permanent position. This should be done June 1st to the 15th; and when well rooted, (say September the 10th,) should be severed from the parent vine. These vines may be trained to a stake with a single stem until they attain to the height you wish to form your arbor, say about seven or eight feet, when the branches should be separated and led in the various directions over the arbor, so as to prevent too much clustering at one point, (an error committed by many). It requires free circulation of air to insure fertility. The roots of the Scupper-nong pasture mostly in the surface mold, and do not require much disturbance for several feet around the stem; pull the rank weeds and return them as a mulch to the main stem ; A very important thing is to keep the young vine mulched for a yard or two for the first few years, in its new position in the vineyard. It is best that the arbour be not commenced until the vines are large enough to begin to spread upon it. They may be added to each year, to-meet the requirements of each vine. The best posts are made of Wild Locust, Sassafras, and Mulberry, in their order.

The railing may be made of any good heart timber; they would be the better for painting. I would prefer making plantings in late fall or early winter, never delaying it until spring, if to be avoided, as the vines are in danger of bleeding to exhaustion from any little split or fracture of its branches. Few persons are aware that there is more than one variety of this grape. The one in general cultivation is nearly clear and colorless, with a portion of the berries slight russet. There are also various colored ones. I would refer to one cultivated by Col. George, near Wliitesville, Columbus co., N. C, on the lower Cape Fear river, that ripens a little later—a colored grape, which yields wine of a stronger quality than the first; also a third, a black grape, ripening later still, which is frequently in good eating at Christmas, yielding a wine stronger still, and will intoxicate nearly as soon as French brandy and by judicious combination; of these juices, wines of various degrees of strength may be procured, from the lightest to the strongest. I have also heard of some seedlings raised by Mr. Wyche, of Henderson, Granville co., N. C, very highly spoken of, but know nothing of their merits. A very important matter in the cul-

tureof the Scuppernong is an abundant supply of vegetable mould, as a mulch for a circle of ten feet around its stem, and a plenty of scaffold room, over which to spread its long branching limbs, are its main requirements. The gathering of the fruit may be accomplished by one fourth the labor of any other grape, and- as yet they have never been subject to disease of any kind. The berry, if excluded from the air, to prevent evaporation, would keep sound for an indefinite period. They never rot about the time of ripening as other grapes. Then consider its yield, from eigth to sixteen hundred gallons per acre ; the freedom from disease ; the simplicity of culture; the certainty of crop; the small cost of plantings, only requiring about twenty vines per acre; the delightful eating, all these combine to render it the most promising enterprise to the people south of the Potomac.

Allow me to suggest that the main cause why the Scuppernong has not been more extensively cultivated is, that most persons concluded it would only prosper in an alluvial soil, having originated on an island.

But now that it has been tested in every variety of soil and climate south of the Potomac, why should our people hesitate to plant largely and prepare for themselves and posterity a delightful repast for the palate, and a rich return for the purse.

When we consider that 20 vines suffice for an acre, that in four years they begin to bear ; in eight or ten years the yield is eighty to one hundred gallons per vine, now, let me ask, is there an enterprise that offers such inducements as the culture of the Scuppernong ?

If persons familiar with the wine-making process can only be induced to apply their capital to this enterprise, the golden harvest will repay all their cost and make ample returns for the outlay. I presume that persons desirous of stock, can obtain them by application to Colonel George as above.

J. J. Thaxton.

Milton, JST. 0.

Oranges attain gigantic growth in Florida. Jacksonville has had some on exhibition that measured from nineteen to twenty-three inches in circumference. On the Mandarian plantation, near that city, three trees alone yielded 12,000 oranges. The fruit trade of the South, by itself, offers the most superb opportunity for enterprising speculators.— Maryland Farmer,

MECHANIC ARTS.

Mr. Editor, —In the Patent Office Report for 1866, kindly forwarded to me by our representative in Congress from this district, N. Boyden, Esq., I observe a notice and engraving of a newly invented machine, called, the Little Giant Stump Puller.

From the accompanying description, it would seem to be a very effiicent and useful invention, and, what is more, not at all expensive. It is on all accounts, therefore, just the thing that is wanted in this neighborhood, and in fact, as far as I can judge, from past as well as present observation, all over the South, where a man can scarcely plough twenty yards in any one direction without running against a stump of some kind, unless it may be in old worn out and cast-away fields. But where can this machine be had ? I have been looking over your list of advertisements for it, but in vain; nor do I find a notice of it in any of the papers, agricultural or otherwise, that come to hand. Please enlighten me.

Again: I clip the following, from the Weekly Reports of the New York Farmer's Club of Sept. 2nd. The machine named strikes me—if it will broadcast lime, ashes, bonedust, and other fertilizers as well as it does seed—as the very thing that is wanted among the small farmers of the Southern States in these days of scarce labor and lank purses. Few, who used to be slaveholders, know how to sow a bushel of grain; and it they did, the very best among them would find it utterly impracticable to scatter a bushel of Baugh's Rawbone Phosphate, for instance, with the evenness necessary to give the best results. Let us hope Mr. Tothaker, will take means to bring his invention to the highest state of practical usefulness as soon as may be and let us know all about it—where we can get it and at what price. By the way, do you know of any other machine of the kind that would answer the same purpose ? It strikes me I have seen one noticed, but where and when has escaped my memory. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

North Carolina, Oct. 10, 1868. Smith Webb.

Broadcast Seeder-—C. W. Tothaker, from Ohio. This weighs about six pounds, is not complicated, and it sows grain of all kinds, from the coarsest to the finest, equally well. The spread is from 30 to 60 feet, and it throws low. It works as if one was playing on a fiddle ; and as the exhibitor walked to and fro across the stage, telling his story and drawing his bow, he created much amusement. Of the great things the machine will do, he said a boy had sown 50 bushels of oats in five hours. This the gentlemen and ladies thought was good farming; but those who had walked over 30 or 40 acres of ground thought the boy uncommonly smart, or that there was some mistake. Still, the machine was commended without dissent.

veil ti— 49

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, . DECEMBER, 1868.

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Genera! Meeting of the Virginia State Agricultural Society.

" It seems to be the general public expectation, and to be deemed expedient by most of the members of the Executive Committee, that the Society should hold a Fair on its grounds near Richmond during the next fall. This being so, it is particularly desirable that the earliest steps should be taken to provide the ways and means, and to make the necessary preparations. Concurring heartily in the object, I do now, therefore, call a general meeting of the Virginia State Agricultural Society for the purposes above indicated, to be held at the Exchange Hotel on the tenth day of December next.

" Willoughbt Newton, President."

From the foregoing call, it will be seen that the Virginia State Agricultural Society is expected to convene in this city on the 10th instant; and so important to the welfare of the State, as well as to this time honored institution, is the business to come before this meeting, that we earnestly hope a full attendance of its membership may be had.

Although two meetings of the Society have been held since the close of the war, owing to our unsettled political relations and to the great pecuniary trials through which our people have been passing, it was not deemed wise or expedient at either of these meetings to take immediate steps toward a revival of annual fairs.

That this was not done, regardless of all reasons to Hie contrary, has given

occasion to slighting remarks, and many have pronounced the Society a fossil that had died an easy natural death.

The above call, setting forth the principal object of the meeting to be initiatory of a fair to be held next autumn in Richmond, will doubtless convince these wiseacres that ''the lion" is not dead, whil; the announcement that, within a few months past, the committee intrusted with the negotiation at the general meeting last December has purchased, and handsomely inclosed, the grounds known as "The Hermitage Fair Grounds," should convince the most skeptical that "he" has not even been asleep.

For three years the Society has been husbanding strength, and slowly but surely making ready to do valiant work when a fitting time and opportunity should offer. The success attending the exhibitions at Danville, Staunton and Lexington, in this State, has (under all the adverse circumstances by which we have been surrounded) been most flattering, and each of these Societies has done much to strengthen and revive the cause of agriculture, as well as to re-assure the officers of the State Society. They, therefore, feel encouraged to put forth renewed effort, and to hope that, with the generous aid of their brethren of the Societies above-named and of our people throughout the State, an exhibition may be held in Richmond during the autumn of 1869 that shall be crowned a complete success.

To Our Readers.

With this number we close the second volume of our new series, published since the war, and it is with mingled feelings that we look back upjsn the two years' journey we have made. When we conceived the idea of reviving the publication of the Southern Planter in the autumn of 1866, we acknowledge that the enterprise gave little promise of pecuniary success, and we felt assured then that it could only be sustained at great personal inconvenience, labor and sacrifice, while time and increased prosperity among our people could alone place it upon an enduring basis. The first few numbers issued brought us many old friends, well known to us in the Halcyon days, when Southern hearthstones were bright and joyous, and no besom of destruction had, with desolating power, swept over us.

As one subscriber after another (to whom the Southern Planter had in years past been as a friend and counsellor) was added to our list, we took courage, and girded ourselves for renewed effort. Thus the Southern Planter, and since January last, the Southern Planter and Farmer, has struggled on, gaining step by step, until even these adverse times find us in better condition to buffet with them than we could have hoped for two years ago.

In the outset we determined, as far as our means would allow, to aid our impoverished people, by sending the journal to such as desired a limited credit, although our advertised terms were in advance. A fellow feeling for those who sincerely desired to subscribe and, at that stage in the process of recuperation, felt really too poor to advance the subscription price, induced us to take this step, and most nobly have a large number of those in whom we then reposed confidence redeemed their pledges. As is ever the case, however, where credit is given, we have on our books a large number of forgetful ones— many owe for the Southern Planter last year, and the current year besides,

while the subscription price in advance for 1869 will soon be due. Were we to continue this indefinite credit system, our friends will readily perceive that the bulk of our receipts from year to year would be consumed in paying the expenses incurred in publication, and thus our energy, capital, and even the promptitude of those who pay promptly, will be consumed in furnishing the non-payers with reading matter, which, if it be worth anything, is certainly worth paying for at the low price we ask.

"We believe, too, (the opinions of many to the contrary, notwithstanding,) that, to a great extent, at least, our people are in a much better condition than they were two years ago, and therefore do not need the trifling indulgence we have been able to give, and even were this not the case, we do not feel disposed, nor can we afford, longer to publish our journal on the credit system.

To our friends who have paid promptly in the past, our journal will make its monthly visitation in future, as we feel assured that they will not forget their duty to us, so well discharged heretofore.

To our forgetful friends we appeal in all kindness, not without the hope that they will immediately come up to our help with a generous hand, and thus enable us to push forward our enterprise, and make it even more worthy of their support. Should they fail to meet our expectations, it will then become our duty, not only to ourselves but to our paying subscribers, to drop them from our list.

We here take occision to express our gratitude to those who have, by their valuable contributions, greatly enriched our pages. That our standard of excellence is so high as to meet the approbation of a large number of readers, is due to these kind friends, and we cheerfully give them all the honor and praise, while we invoke their aid in the future.

In entering upon the new year, we pledge untiring effort and increased zeal, and would ask in return that our friends give evidence of their appreciation of our labors by lending a helping hand in the extension of our circulation.

We extract the following account of the Norfolk Convention from the Richmond Dispatch, that our readers may be informed as to what was then and there proposed to be accomplished. Let us hope that the important matters there discussed may not end in talk, but be pushed forward with an energy that shall know no such word as fail:

The Norfolk Convention.

Norfolk, October 15, 1868.

This morning the Committee on Business (General Mahone chairman) reported, with their approval, the report of the Bristol Convention on the subject of establishing a steam line between Norfolk and Liverpool. The questions referred to the committee were the obtaining a charter incorporating a steamship company and raising the necessary funds for establishing the company.

The committee report that they find a charter granted by the Legislature of Virginia, at its session in 1866—'67, for the incorporation of a company to be known as the International Commercial Company of Norfolk, which is admirably adapted to the objects sought to be attained by the Convention. Under

this charter there are ample powers and privileges certainly for all immediate purposes, and in accordance with its provisions subscriptions may at once be made and an organization effected.

The committee urge that the time has arrived for positive and practical action ; that the flood-tide in the movement is now at band, and if taken advantage of, glorious results will fellow. It is an admitted fact, they say, that the productive resources of the country interested are more than ample to sustain the enterprise they are now about to inaugurate. The entire exports for the year 1856 amounted to over $310,000,00 in value, of which the Southern States exported direct over $150,000,000. to say nothing of the amount of their products exported through eastern cities. The imports taken by the South the same year were over $130,0000 000, of which she imported direct only 21,000,000. She paid $11,000,000 for the services of middlemen, and in outside commissions some $3,000,000 more. In 1860, the value of Northern productions exported was $164 000,000, while of Southern it was $208,000,000. The imports North were $321,000,000, while those South were only $40,000,000.

After this statement it needs no argument to show that your section possesses means for conducting direct trade with Europe. The only question before the body is, Shall we now undertake the organization of a steamship company and the immediate establishment of the service? This is the sum and substance of the problem you have to solve. It is within the compass of the several interests of Virginia and Tennessee to make up the small amount of capital necessary to establish direct trade, which will secure to both States a degree of prosperity not otherwise attainable. The committee would as soon doubt their individual fidelity to the scheme as to doubt that such a response will be made by all sections as will place the consummation of the enterprise beyond perad-venture. Its success depends upon making it the common cause, in cost and management, of the entire section over which its beneficial effects will be felt. No other plan will protect the interests of all parties.

The committee think $300,000 enough for present purposes, and to form a basis of more extended operations hereafter.

The committee further recommended a resolution hailing with pleasure the interest manifested by western and northwesteru States in the water line communication between the Mississippi Valley and the Atlantic via the Ohio, Kanawha, and James river, and declaring that ii< view of the importance of that work the Convention look forward most hopefully to its speedy completion as a matter of the greatest importance to the nation.

Pending the question of concurring with the report, debate was limited to ten minutes.

General Mahone urged the adoption of the report and the making of subscriptions to the steam line at once.

Colonel Johnson, president of the North Carolina and Augusta railroad, favored the steam line very heartily. He asked for a more complete system of connection with his line of road, and said that his road would soon be completed to Augusta. He should expect to send fifty thousand bales of cotton to Norfolk this year; and if the complication in connecting lines were done away with, he would next year send 100,000 bales.

Colonel Lamb, in behalf of the Norfolk delegation, approved the scheme, and urged its immediate approval—he added, Us practical adoption.

The report was unanimously adopted.

Colonel Lamb promised a subscription of $50,000 to the steam line by the city of Norfolk ; and he further promised for the use of the steamship company one of the finest wharves and warehouses in the city.

The Hon. Waller R. Staples, by invitation, addressed the Convention. He urged, as the only way to restore the country, the encouragement of commerce and internal improvement. War and politics had signally failed. Now we must turn our attention to the filling of our waters with shipping and traversing the country with railroads. He denied the charges of coldness towards northern capitalist investing with us in the South. In Southwest Virginia they had been received kindly and shaken by the hand. The people invited them to come amongst them as brothers in the common cause of developing the count-xy. He predicted a glorious future for the south.

Judge Shackleford, of Tennessee, expressed the warm interest of his State in the enterprise of the steam line, He promised that the City Council of Nashville would subscribe $25,000 to it.

Other addresses were made. A congratulatory letter was read from Hon. T. A. Nelson, president of the Bristol Convention. A resolution of Colonel Flournoy requesting chairmen of delegations to ascertain amounts of subscriptions made by delegations to be reported to the secretaries of the Convention before adjournment was adopted.

A resolution offered by General Ruggles appointing permanent committees to petition Legislatures of States represented in the Convention to issue bonds for the purpose of establishing the direct line was referred to the Business Com-mitteee.

Major Johnson, of Petersburg, in behalf of his delegation, pledged Petersburg for $20,000.

The delegation from Roanoke county subscribed $2,000.

Mr. Collier, of Petersburg, moved to discharge the committee on the resolution regarding the tapping of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad.

Mr. Burr, of Richmond, favored the resolution, expressing the lively interest of Richmond in the enterprise, and urging the Convention to desist from an attempt to create competition between two great lines of such importance to the welfare of the State at large. Each was dependent upon the other.

Colonel Fontaine said there was no local feeling among the friends of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad on the subject of this enterprise. They gave it their warmest interest and best feelings. They knew no Northside nor South-side ; but they thougbt the resolution was unjust, and calculated to create discord.

The motion to discharge was carried by the Convention ; which then adjourned till 4 o'clock.

Norfolk to day showed the same liberal hospitality displayed yesterday toward her guests. Several thousand were again entertained around a luxurious board after the adjournment of the Convention this morning.

To-night the citizens of Portsmouth give a grand ball to the delegates, which, from present indications, promises to be a most brilliant affair.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Convention re-assembled at 4 o'clock.

Montgomery subscribed two thousand dollars; Washington, four thousand. Other counties not being ready to report, the Convention adjourned until to-morrow.

Third Day, Norfolk, Va,, October 16—11 A. M.

This morning the Convention was engaged in making subscriptions. The Wythe delegation subscribed sixteen hundred dollars ; Lynchburg, ten thousand ; Smyth, two thousand ; Southampton, five thousand; Dinwiddie, two thousand. A resolution was adopted appointing the chairmen of delegations canvassers for the several States. The Bedford delegation subscribed eleven hundred dollars. A resolution expressing the sense of the Convention in favor of the speedy completion of the Virginia and Kentucky Railroad was adopted. A resolution in favor of building a road from some point on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad to Louisville, Ky., was adopted.

The Convention then adjourned until 6 o'clock to go upon an excursion around the Capes.

AN EXCURSION.

The delegates to-day went on an excursion to Fortress Monroe and the Capes. The three steamers, George Leary, Lady of the Lake and Eolus, carrying them, were crowded. Arriving at the Fort, the excursionists were received by General Barry, commanding, with a salute. The troops were drawn up in line, under General Hays, and the bands played lively airs. Afterwards there was a grand review before the officers and delegates, and artillery practice and skirmish exercise closed the entertainment. At 4 o'clock P. M. the excursionists returned to Norfolk.

EVENING SESSION.

The Convention met at half-past 6 o'clock.

Resolutions expressing the hope that the bill before Congress for building the international Pacific railway would be so amended as to embrace within its provisions the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad, connecting it with the line of railway from Norfolk, were offered by Mr. Clapp, of Memphis, and adopted.

A resolution to the effect that the Convention adjourn to meet at Memphis at a time to be fixed by the Chamber of Commerce of that city was adopted.

Resolutions were adopted requesting delegates to canvass their sections ; providing for an early meeting of stockholders for a provisional organization ; requesting commissioners to publish a comparative estimate of exportation and importation to and from seaports of the country ; and expressive of the importance of encouraging English merchants to establish branch houses in Norfolk and other cities on this line.

Resolutions of thanks were tendered the citizens of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Petersburg for their munificent hospitality ; to railroad companies for transportation ; to General Barry for their distinguished reception at Fortress Monroe; and to the President and Secretaries for the faithful discharge of their duties.

A resolution was adopted in favor of encouraging immigration. General Imboden addressed the Convention.

The Convention adjourned at half-past 10 o'clock.

Our Commercial Report is omitted this month, as we failed to get statistics of tobacco inspections in different parts of the Stat3. In January we will I I endeavor to have a full report, and any valuable information we may be able to get, in regard to the tobacco trade.

Errors Corrected in the Articles of A. Featherman, Esq.

We take pleasure in making the following corrections, and promise to be more vigilant in future. It is always a source of rezret to us when our contributors are misrepresented by the occurrence of errors in typography. In the October number, on the eighth line from -the beginning of Mr. Feather-man's article, the word "pharmaceutics" should be " pharmacopsoas." On the fifth line, page 613, " tabular" ought to be "tubular," and on the twenty-second line of the same page, " bag like" should be " berry-like."

In the November number, on the twenty-first line in page 689, "status quo" was intended to read " statu quo," and in the twenty-fourth line, " expenditures abstracted" should read "expenditure of liquid materials abstracted."

Book Notices.

We are indebted to Dr. Edmund C. Evans, of Cabinet Postoffice, Montgomery county, Pa., for a neatly bound volume of Evan's Rural Economist. This Journal dated its existence from April 1st, 1861, running through twelve months or more, and owing to causes growing out of the war was then discontinued. This we sincerely regret, as we feel assured that the cause of agriculture has lost in the Rural Economist one of its most active and zealous supporters. The volume we have, will be placed among our valued treasures.

Lippincott's Magazine. —The December number of this journal is before us, and its table of contents is, as usual, very attractive. It is cheap at the subscription price—$4 per annum.

The Galaxy. —This handsomely illustrated journal is one of the best published in the country. The subscription price is only $4 per annum.

The Land we love is the only Sjuthern literary enterprise that now successfully rivals the host of journals so well gotten up and sustained in other sections of the country. Let our people give it a liberal support. We send "The Land we Love" and "The Southern Planter and Farmer" to one address for $4.35 per annum.

Rinderpest. —We are indebted to B. P. Johnson, Esq., Secretary of the New York State Agricultural Society, for a handsome copy of this work. It embraces the first and second reports of the Special Committee, appointed by the Executive Board of the New York State Agricultural Society, on the statistics, pathology, and treatment of the Epizootic disease, known as the Rinderpest. The work has many cuts illustrative of the disease at different stages, and imparts most valuable information in regard to its history, treatment, etc. In bringing out such a work the New York State Agricultural Society has placed the public under many obligations, and deserves all praise.

Gardening for the South, by Mr. N. White, of Athens, Ga. Just as we are going to press we have to acknowledge the kindness of Messrs. Orange, Judd & Co. (the publishers) in sending us this valuable work. We will take pleasure in reading it, and giving a more extended notice at a future time. The lamented author was a favorite with us, and occupied a most important post of usefulness in the South. His work will be eagerly sought a^d highly prized by all his friends.