This book made available by the Internet Archive.

state facts alone, and to have every man who reads them to draw his own inference.

The journey of the President to Richmond was remarkable for the cordiality with which he was received by all assemblies and individuals with whom he was brought in contact. He traversed a country battle-scarred in every direction. The heights of Fredericksburg, the house in which Stonewall Jackson died, Aquia creek, the approach to Richmond—all brought back with deep intensity the memories of the war, moving the pride of victory and the bitterness of defeat. But all these memories were evidently subdued by the event of the day, and without regret over the delay, without disposition to discuss the past, without reflections on one side and the other, the people welcomed the Chief Magistrate of a country in which all evidently realized that they had an equal interest. The same spirit was manifested by the committee of the city government of Richmond, composed, as I understood, of men of different opinions, but all united in the belief that sectional conflicts should be buried, for a time at least, beneath a common civilization based on the equal rights of all citizens under the law.

The reception of the President at Richmond was equally cordial. I expected to find, or I had been told rather that I should find, an air of triumph on one side and a corresponding air of depression on the other; that those who had opposed the election of the President would proudly and complacently claim- that he had been captured by them, and that those who supported his election would indicate in an unmistakable manner that their rights had been surrendered. But I saw nothing of this. Gratitude for something which the President had done seemed to fill the minds of all, and to.rise superior to every other thought and feeling. I should not have known that there were different races, or different parties, or that there had ever been other social relations than those now existing, from anything I saw and heard there. The streets were thronged by a grateful people'. From the windows of the best residences he received a warm welcome. The warehouses were draped with the American flag in honor of his presence. The colored population, who were also represented in the military escort, followed the procession in crowds, and eagerly sought the hand of the President and that of Mrs. Hayes, expressing in most earnest terms their thanks for an era of good feeling, in which they were delighted to share, evidently believing that their rights would be more freely accorded as a voluntary act than as a tribute received and sustained by force and reluctantly given as a necessity. This feeling was everywhere manifest. The colored people shouted it in the streets ; the girls sang it in the tobacco factories; the great assembly called together at the reception of Governor Kemper expressed it in word and act. A poor man, walking by the carriage in which were riding Mrs. Hayes and Mr. Evarts, pointed to the spirited and beautiful equestrian statue of Washington and said, " There is the statue of the greatest man who ever lived; but the man who has given us this day

is entitled to one a hundred times grander." An old Confederate army surgeon gave me a most graphic account of the condition of Richmond and its hospitals during the war, and of the trials which fell upon the wasted city in the early years of peace ; and he rejoiced, without complaining of the past, that all classes of the people could enjoy their possessions and protect each other in a, well-ordered, peaceful town. His estimate of the sanitary influences of the removal alone of the inevitable weight of despair following the close of the war astonished me, and he was a man of keen observation and high scientific attainments. A cultivated lawyer remarked to me that Washington had been further from Richmond than Japan for fifteen years, and now he rejoiced that the chasm was closed up. When I asked the reason of this sudden change of feeling in connection with recent events under the administration of President Hayes—events which had their parallel in the withdrawal of troops from Mississippi and Arkansas, and the appointment of Longstreet and Orr to high office under the administration of President Grant, out of which no feeling of reconciliation had grown—I could get no more definite reply than that " the pear was not ripe." In fact, the state of popular feeling was looked upon by all who- witnessed it as one of those remarkable political phenomena whose causes are not entirely within human control. The political consequences of all this were hardly discussed. The existing facts seemed to be satisfactory to Democrats and Republicans alike, so far as 1 could ascertain ; and the incalculable benefits of the policy to the material prosperity and popular elevation of Virginia appeared to outweigh all political considerations in the minds of those who considered thoughtfully the existing state of affairs. I often heard the political future of the negro discussed, and always with a full recognition of his rights under the Constitution, and often with the assurance that he would manifest just as much sagacity in exercising the right of suffrage as the white man. Perhaps I may properly state that I have warmly advocated all measures calculated to protect the freed-man in the rights secured to him by the war, and have witnessed with grave apprehension, not only now, but on many former occasions, the adoption of any policy which might possibly leave him unprotected. Without any change in my desires for his welfare, and with the firmest belief that a sacred obligation rests upon the country to see that he shall enjoy all the rights of citizenship under the amended Constitution, I state what I saw and heard respecting him while I was in Richmond, without undertaking to say how permanent and wide-spread this state of things may be.

The demonstration at the Fair Grounds was as impressive and significant as that within the city. The assembly which gathered to hear the speech of the President was as imposing as any I have ever-witnessed. On the balcony from which he spoke he was surrounded by many of the leading men of Virginia, including the Governor,-the officers of the Agricultural Society, many influential citizens from various parts of the Union, and those of his Cabinet who ac-

companied him. A large and intelligent crowd stood in front of the stand, extending as far as the voice could reach; and by those around him and by the audience below there was a warm response to every sentiment of equal rights, justice and humanity. The suggestions made by the President bearing upon the preservation of peace and concord, and touching the material prosperity of the State—suggestions which, by the way, no report has been given as forcibly as he stated them—were received with keen appreciation, and with an enthusiasm by no means common to agricultural audiences. The pacificatory utterances of Mr. Evarts, the practical truths set forth by Mr. Sherman, the sharp appeals of Mr. Thompson, and the elegant recitals of the relations existing between Virginia and Massachusetts by General Devens, were all received in the heartiest manner, and my own discussion of the peculiar character of the American system of land-holding, with the civil rights and opportunities which go with it, met with a most cordial approval from those to whom it was addressed. Neither in the speakers nor in the audience was there any reservation with regard to the topics to which I have alluded. The tone of the meeting was entirely in harmony with the best and most liberal and humane sentiments of the times. The assembly may have been divided on other questions, but not on these.

As an illustration of the material condition of the State the Fair was most interesting and encouraging. I have been for many years a close observer of the industrial products collected on such occasions, and I have never witnessed more striking evidences of agricultural and mechanical skill and thrift. The cattle were of the highest order, the Shorthorns, which always stand first on the list, being represented by animals not easily surpassed either in this country or in England; and the Devons and Jerseys, many of which were imported, being of the best quality. I have not seen so good a display of Shorthorns and Cotswolds for years, nor of the many breeds of swine. The collection of draught and driving-horses surprised me. Fresh from that splendid exhibition of eastern horses at Portland, Maine, at the New England Fair in September last, I was not prepared for a successful rivalry at a single State show. But I must acknowledge that in well-balanced, well-bred, strong and powerful roadsters, Virginia stands as near the head at least as New England; and in the matter of heavy-draught horses a little nearer. The exhibition of implements of husbandry indicated that the manufacturers found a good market in Virginia. And the crops indicated that the farmers found a good soil. To witness this exhibition there were gathered on the grounds the third day more than 30,000 people—neat, orderly, and apparently prosperous. At the rates charged for admission they had paid into the funds of the Society more than fifteen thousand dollars, and the value of the exhibition itself was undoubtedly more than two hundred thousand. The exhibitors and officers were among the largest landholders and farmers of the State ; and I have nowhere witnessed a more thorough

and substantial representation of the business of agriculture, as among the great industries of the world, than I witnessed in the exhibition itself, and in the character of those who had collected it from their large and prosperous farms, and had come together to sit in judgment on its merit and value. I have been somewhat particular in describing this exhibition because I think it is entitled to careful consideration, as illustrating that industrial prosperity in which I am sure Virginia is bound to be conspicuous.

Now, I have stated as accurately as possible what I saw and heard during my trip to Richmond, because I think the people of this country are entitled to know enough of each other to secure mutual respect, esteem and confidence, wherever they can be inspired. I have not discussed political results, about which I have very decided opinions, because I think they are subordinate to the great questions of peace and prosperity and the establishment of society' and the State upon the firm foundation of "equal and exact justice to all men," popular education and universal rights. Whether the state of affairs in Virginia means this, those can judge who saw.

George B. Loring.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

PROF. PAGE'S EXPERIMENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY.

I have just received a copy of Prof. Page's wheat experiments at the University of Virginia, but, valuable as they are, I think they require fuller explana ion before they can be of use to the average farmer. How is the value of the crop deduced ? To be of anv comparative value, the grain, straw and chaff should be valued at one standard throughout. For instance, compare section 3 with section 9. Judging by the total profit given^ No. 3, with outlay of $9.50 for fertilizers, gives a profit of $3.69 per acre above that realized by the $6.90 outlay of No. 9. Now compare the crops and the valuations:

No. 3.--Wheat, 171 bushels; straw, 1,500 pounds; chaff, 252 pounds; valued at $30.55.

No. 9 has I of a bushel more wheat, 100 pounds more straw, and 98 pounds more chaff, valued at $24.31.

Also. No. 7, with only about i of a bushel more wheat than No. 9, and with considerably less straw and chaff, is valued at $31.14—an excess of $6.83 in favor of oue of two crops practically identical in value. Add this $6.83 to the profit of No. 9, and you have the best returns of the whole series, viz: $17.57.

In fact, I see but little use in the figures—value of crop and expenses.-The former varies each season, and the latter on nearly every farm. Given the amount and cost of the fertilizers, and the returns in grain and straw, &c, each farmer must estimate for himself the cost of production and market price of produce. The increase over normal capacity, set against cost of fertilizers, will show which are the most profitable.

Probably I have missed some point iu the mode of valuing, and will be glad to be set right.

Orange county, Va. Arthur Davenport.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

" CLOSING IN " FOR WINTER.

In compliance with my promise to write an occasional article on prac" tical farming for your valuable journal, I do not know that I could introduce myself to your numerous readers better than to indite a few words on the above seasonable subject, although what I shall say will apply more particularly to the Middle States.

As the business of Fall seeding is now pretty well over, the attention of the farmer is necessarily directed to such other work on the farm as requires to be done before " closing in " for Winter. His potato crop, it is to be hoped, has already been dug and put away ; but his corn has yet to be shu *,ked and housed, and the fodder secured; the stabling for his work animals and milch cows to be seen to and, if necessary, rendered more secure and comfortable; his Winter's firewood to be provided, and a score or more of lesser jobs, impossible to be foreseen or enumerated, to be attended to before hard weather sets in. Of these latter may be mentioned cleaning out ditches, shrubbing off ditch banks, scraping up and throwing into one or more piles all the manure about the barnyard, ashes, cleanings-out of the hennery and other places, and covering the same with a good sprinkling of plaster and a few inches of earth to absorb and hold the ammonia and other enriching gases, which might otherwise escape—such piles to remain so until Springs when their contents will be found as powerful in their effects as the best Peruvian guano or any other concentrated manure, either for top-dressing small grain or applying to corn in the hill.

But to return to the shucking: If corn has been cut off at the ground and shocked in the usual manner, hands should now be set to work shucking it out, and the work paid for by the barrel. In this way, the amount of wages will depend on the amount of work done, and consequently nothing gained by skulking. But as many of the freedmen have not been accustomed to shucking from the shock, they need directing, and will find the following the most expeditious way of doing the work: when a shock is approached, half of the same should be spread out on the ground in a straight row, placing the stalks side by side and as near each other as possible, with the butts near to and facing the half shock left standing. Then the shucker, kneeling down on the edge of the prostrate half-shock, commences shucking, and gradually moving forward as he shucks, and leaving the shucks on the stalks, so continues until the half shock is completed, when the other half may be proceeded with in the same way—the two half shocks lying butt to butt. When two shuckers are engaged on the same shock (and which is much better, as the two can complete the reshocking better than one by himself), they can divide a shock between them. As each shock is shucked out, the stalks should then be tied into bundles of a stout armful each, with wisps of straw taken along for the purpose, and the fodder of three shocks be condensed into one. The proper way to make one of these shocks is to first lay a bundle flat on the ground, and another directly across the centre of and at right angles with it, in and around the hollow angles of which all the bundles of the three original shocks are to be set up compactly, so that each will support the other, and the whole then be securely bound around near the top with a twisted band of straw prepared for the purpose, and which (with the two prostrate bundles acting

as a sort of cross-tie) will hold the shock firmly together till wanted for use.

The long corn is then to be hauled to the crib, and the short corn put away, to be fed out just as it is or ground into meal (cob and all) for the stock. The fodder shocks may then be either put into ricks or left standing in the field, to be hauled out as needed and fed on the field intended for corn or wheat, as the case may be. It is on this field also that all the refuse and trampled straw from about the ricks where the cattle are wintered should be hauled and scattered, as it accumulates through the Winter, and the fodder strewn thereon—the best portion to be eaten by the cattle, and the refuse, together with the underlying straw, to remain so until the plow is introduced to break up the field preparatory to the succeeding crop of wheat or corn. If for the latter, it will be found of greater service than if a like amount of such material had first been deposited in the barn-yard and afterwards applied to the land in the shape of well-rotted manure; and if for the former, the advantages are still greater, not only in the vastly increased amount of pasturage afforded by the mulched clover or grass as it persists in pushing its luxuriant growth up through its warm and moist covering, but in the incalculable benefit done the land itself in protecting it from the scorching rays of the Summer's sun.

Then there is the stabling for his horses and milch cows to be seen to, and, if necessary, the proper repairs made, not only for the better comfort and thrift of the animals themselves, but to save a large percentage of food which would otherwise be required to carry them safely through the Winter. And then, let the wintry winds howl as they will, the owner can lie down at night with the conscious assurance that all around him are as happy and contented as himself.

The Winter's firewood, too—the greater portion of which should have been cut the Winter previous, to allow it to season—should now be hauled and stacked up on end in some place convenient for use, and which can be done when the ground is too wet to plow, or there is not much other out-door work to be done. It is well, too, to have a portion of green wood hauled to mix with the seasoned, so that the fires will not require replenishing so frequently as is the case when made entirely of dry or seasoned wood.

The above principal jobs having been gotten through with, then, and not till then, can the farmer be said to have " closed in " for Winter.

Middlebrook, Md., October 31st. G. 0. P.

[It is not often we hear from Lord Baltimore's dominions, brother Sands, we fear, holding a monopoly there; but G. C. P. knows so well whereof he speaks, that we pray him nor. to stop here, but let our Tuekahoe folks hear from him often. This article was intended for our November number.— Ed.1

Gov. Colquitt, in a recent speech at Columbus, Georgia, forcibly appealed to his people to make an effort to regain their former prosperity and social customs. This, he contended, could only be done bj raising their supplies at home, paying out of debt, having full cribs and smoke-houses again, and building up once more homes in which they could take a pride.

AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT—THE GRAPE AND WINE INTEREST IN VIRGINIA.

We take the following from the Richmond Dispatch of the 6th ultimo :

A meeting of persons interested in grape and wine-culture was held at the office of Dr. Thomas Pollard, Commissioner of Agriculture, in pursuance of a notice previously given. Dr. 0. A. Crenshaw was called to ihe chair.

After some preliminary discussion and interchange of views, Mr. Louis Ott, of Nelson, introduced and read for the consideration of the meeting a paper containing valuable hints on the subject of grape and wine culture, and furnishing the outlines of a plan for the organization of a company with the view of concentrating capital and combining enterprise to develop a branch of that industry, whii'h the meeting believed important for the promotion of temperance and health, as well as for the accumulation of wealth.

On motion, the thanks of the meeting were tenderrd Mr. Ott for the valuable suggestions and reflections contained in the paper referred to; and, on further motion, it was

Resolved, That a committee, consisting of Dr. Thomas Pollard, Mr. Louis Ott, and Dr. 0. A. Crenshaw, be appointed for the following purposes r

1. To open and conduct a correspondence with persons interested in the objects of the meeting, with the view both of obtaining the co-operation of grape and wine culturists and persons of capital.

2. To call, when they shall deem it suitable, an adjourned meeting, to be held at some time and place to be indicated by the committee, with the view of further promoting and maturing suitable plans for advancing the interests of grape and wine culture in Virginia, and for the purpose of considering and acting on such matters as the committee may then place before the meeting; and

3. As auxiliary to these purposes, to cause to be published in the Southern Planter the paper introduced by Mr. Ott, and to give such additional circulation to the same as may be practicable.

Adjourned.

The following is the paper of Mr. Louis Ott, referred to in the foregoing : Mr. Chairman and Fellow Wine- Culturists:

I do not intend to weary you with a treatise on the cultivation of grapes and the manufacture of wine. I will speak of the business in general, and of the way to make it a success in Virginia.

I am almost at home in all the prominent wine countries of Europe, and I can state that there is absolutely none the inhabitants of which are not at least in comfortable circumstances; in many of them they are very wealthy. This is the best proof that the business is profitable.

That the climate of Virginia is adapted to the cultivation of grapes is so much an acknowledged fact that a discussion of that matter is superfluous. In reality, there are but two countries on the globe which can compete in that respect with Virginia, and they are France and California. Besides that, there is such an abundance of first-class localities for the purpose in our State that, if they all could be brought into play, Virginia would soon be the equal of France in wealth. The indestruct-able wealth of that country is known, and was proved by its surprisingly rapid recovery from the immense Josses caused by the late French-German war. It is also known that that wealth is, to a considerable extent, due to the colossal revenues derived from the vineyards.

It was generally believed that our native varieties of grapes were not up to the European standard, in consequence of which experiments were made to acclimate foreign varieties in the United States; but they have failed—at least on this side of the Rocky Mountains. I am not convinced yet that foreign varieties could not be acclimated in Virginia; but I deny the necessity of that, holding that some of our native varie-

ties answer all the requirements which can be asked of good wine-grapes* The correctness of that opinion, which I have defended ever since I cam e to this country, was lately confirmed by an authority which cannot b disputed. The Academy of Sciences of France (the first authority on any question on the globe) has declared that the experiments made in France with American grapes have proved that some of them—and above all, the Norton's Virginia—produce wine of the first quality (vide Southern Planter and Farmer, October, 1877).

Too much importance is attributed in thfci country to the varieties of grapes, and hardly any to the selection of suitable localities for vineyards. This is so much the case that comparatively few of the vineyards now in operation in Virginia are in suitable localities. There is more probability of producing a tolerably good wine of an inferior wine-grape in a first-class locality, than of the very best grape in an unsuitable locality. One of the most enthusiastic grape-growers of Virginia claims to have a new variety of grapes which makes a wine similar to the celebrated Johannisberg brand. But the excellency of the Johannisberg wine is not due to the variety of grapes of which it is made, but to the situation and the soil of the vineyard, to the scrupulous attention given to its cultivation, and to the care and skill applied to the making and the treatment of the wine. The same grape-r-the Riesling, of which the Johannisberg wine is made—is cultivated all along the Rhine river, and the quality of the wine made of it is so different that its value ranges from twenty cents to twenty dollars a gallon, according to the locality of the vineyard in which it was produced. We cannot begin to make costly wines like those of Johannisberg in Germany, Clos Vougeot and Chambertin in Burgundy, Chateau Margeaux, Lafite or d'Yguene of the Medoc district of France, before we select the very best of our best localities—Ibefore we can make up our minds to go to so heavy an expense as, for instance, to protect a vineyard from injurious winds by a stone wall 20 feet high, as is done in the Johannisberg vineyard; to trench the s'oil five feet deep with the spade before planting; to cover the land 20 inches deep with soil hauled miles from the place; to select, in wine-making, not only the ripest bunches out of a crop of grapes, but to pick the ripest berries out of the bunches. I beg my fellow wine-culturists not to become frightened at that statement. I do not, propose to them to imitate such a course. The time to make costly wines in Virginia, worth $20 a gallon, has not yet come, but I hope and trust it will come some day, even after we all have gone. What we have to do now is to start at the beginning by producing, first, a light and cheap wine for home use and the local demand ; and, second, a wine which is chiefly intended for the markets outside of Virginia.

The first kind—the light and cheap wine for home use and the local demand—can be produced almost in all sections of the State, even in localities in which our first-class grapes do not flourish. The Concord and similar grapes answer that purpose. It may be made of the pure juice of the grape, strengthened with alcohol or sweetened with sugar to suit the taste of the consumers for whom it is intended. There is hardly a farm in the State without a locality suited to produce a pleasant and healthy drink for home use, and I advise all those who can do it to avail themselves of that great comfort. Some people in this country are afraid of the derogatory effect the introduction of the habit of drinking wine would have on the morals of the population; but I can give them the

comforting assurance that in my extensive travels I found that there is no drunkenness in those little French, German and Italian villages where the inhabitants, without regard to age, sex, rank or occupation, drink their light, home-made wine so freely. The people of wine countries are, more than any other people, merry, lively and social, but also peaceable, industrious and sober. They have no use for temperance societies. But I comprehend the necessity of such organizations since I have been living in countries where no wine is produced, and where the inhabitants have no other choice but either to take a pledge of total abstinence and drink nothing but water and buttermilk, or to kill themselves with poUonous whiskey and brandy.

I suppose that we ought not to content ourselves with producing merely a pleasant and healthy drink for home use. We would in that way solve only a very subordinate portion of our problem. The more important fea.ture of that is to produce a wine which will readily sell in the markets outside of Virginia, and bring money to our State—au article which, we all know, is very much in demand with us. Such wine has to be of prime quality, in order to stand the competition of foreign wines. It can be produced only in first-class localities and of our first-class wine-grapes. It has to be made by wine-ma'kers by profession and of the pure juice of the grape, without the addition of alcohol, sugar or anything else.

I have spoken of the location of a vineyard before; but I want to add to what I^said, that a first-class locality is that in which the first-class grapes not only ripen to perfection, but also the other elements which are essential to make an exquisite wine, as the flavor, taste, &c, are developed in the grape to perfection. Such loca;ities are to be found in Virginia exclusively, but in great abundance on the southern slopes of the Blue Ridge mountains and its spurs from Loudoun county on to the North Carolina line.

The expense of planting a vineyard of the first-class varieties is very little more than that of olanting a vineyard of Concord or similar inferior grapes. The first-class grapes make just as much wine to an acre as the others, but of a quality which brings twice as much in the market. It is therefore an unpardonable mistake to plant a Concord where the Clinton, Catawba or Norton's Virginia grow to perfection.

Wine intended for the markets outside of Virginia has to be made by wine-makers by profession, and of the pure juice of the grape. No wine has been made, and comparatively very little has been used, in Virginia heretofore. It can consequently not be expected that the Virginians know how to make it—particularly a wine which has to suit the tastes of other people. Experiments made by persons who do not know that wine is the fermented juice of grapes, and nothing else, and who do not admit that the addition of alcohol, sugar, or anything else, is a very objectionable adulteration, can have no other effect but to destroy the reputation of Virginia wine, and consequently our prospects. The theory of strengthening weak wine with alcohol, and sweetening sour wine with sugar, is irrational. Our problem is to make wine which is not so weak and sour as to need strengthening and sweetening^ If there is any country on the globe where this can be done, it is Virginia, where nature has favored us so bountifully with her assistance.

It is said that the character of the wine which we have to make depends upon the taste of the consumers whom we desire to supply. This

is a grave misapprehension. It is not in our power to choose what character of wine we want to make. The Almighty Creator has decided that for us. The character of wine which we can make does not depend upon our own taste, nor anybody else's, but solely upon our climate and the character of the material which is at our disposal to make wine of. It is, for instance, not in our power to make a sherry wine in Virginia. Those consumers who want sherry wine cannot expect to procure it from Germany, France or Virginia, where it cannot be produced, but from Spain; while those who want Virginia wine cannot procure it from France, Germany or Spain, where it cannot be produced, but from Virginia. All we can do and have to do, in order to bring the business into successful operation is to make a Virginia ivine in the most skilful, but at the same time in the most natural way, without regard to its having a similarity with 'the wine of any other country or not. I am filly acquainted with the wine markets, and have not the least doubt that wine of the character which can be made in Virginia will find admirers, and consequently a market. But we have to work for that. The market does not come to us; we have to search for it. Upon the auspicious solution of that problem depends principally the prospects of a business which promises to bring annually millions of dollars to our State, to enhance the value of the land of a large section at least a hundredfold, and to make its now destitute inhabitants prosperous and wealthy. That problem cannot be solved by individual efforts, but by an organization, which must be set on foot and conducted by men whose names are a guarantee for its solidity—an organization which works equally for the interests of its stockholders and those of the grape-growers. That organization has at the same time to lighten the burden of the grape-growers by giving them reliable information about their business, and by taking the making of wine off their hands, the most expensive and troublesome part of the business, which in reality no more belongs to the province of grape-grow T ers than the manufacture of chewing and smoking tobacco and cigars belongs to the province of tobacco-planters.

I will now lay before you the outlines of a plan for such an organization, which I consider will fill the bill to perfection:

The organization should be established on the joint-stock company plan, under the name of " Virginia Wine Company," and its seat should be at Richmond.

The company should establish vine-yards in first-class situations, located in different sections of the wine districts of Virginia. The main object of these vineyards is to serve as patterns for other grape-growers to work by; they have consequently to be carried on in the most perfect style. In connection wiih these vineyards, the company will have to erect press-houses, provided with presses, &c, and to build cellars sufficiently large to store one year's crop of these vineyards, and the wine made of grapes which the company will buy of grape growers in the vicinity of these establishments. The company should also buy the crops of grape-growers whose vineyards are located at a greater distance from these establishments, provided the grape-growers furnish press-houses, presses and cellars. These cellars need not be costly structures; a cellar built under ground, with rough stone walls covered with a rough shed, containing presses, &c, will serve the purpose.

It is well to mention here that wine has to be made so close to the

vineyard in which the grapes are raised that they can be brought to the press-house in the boxes in which they are gathered. If shipped in large vessels a great distance, the well-ripened grapes would become mashed and sour before they reached the press-house.

The company should also buy wine of those grape-growers who prefer making wine to selling grapes, provided the wine is of suitable quality.

All the wine produced in the different ways I have mentioned, after the first fermentation is over, should be shipped to the main cellars at Richmond.

The company shall effect the sale of the wine by extensive advertising and the distribution of price-lists and circulars by agents in the different cities, and by encouraging responsible persons to undertake the sale by retail.

It would certainly be to the interest of such a company to encourage the planting of vineyards as much as possible. This could be done most effectively by giving to those who intend to enter into that business, promptly and gratuitously, all the information they may need; by raising plants of the different varieties and selling them at a fair price—payable, if need be, out of the first crop of the vineyard; by giving premiums, consisting of plants, to those grape-growers who attend best to their vineyards and furnish the best grapes to the company.

The company should pay a good price for well and uniformly ripened grapes, but refuse peremptorily to buy poor grapes of neglected vineyards under any circumstances.

The foregoing is the picture of a perfect organization of a wine company. There are several similar establishments in very successful operation in the Northern States, particularly in the State of New York, but none of them, besides offering to capitalists a chance to invest money in an enterprise just as safe as profitable, are calculated to benefit the population of so extensive a section of country, and such a measure, as my scheme promises to do.

But that plan is susceptible of a considerable modification. I admit even that it cannot well be brought into operation in any other way but by degrees, even if the times were not as hard as they are at present. However, what may be done in that direction, no matter how small the beginning may be, has to be done well and with a view to and as a part of the perfect organization of which I was speaking. But I deny positively that the times are so hard that nothing can be done in the matter. Hard times are the times to act in order to better them.

I think we ought to know now that it is in vain for us to expect help from immigration, legislation or political changes. We have to rely on our own personal exertions; we have to put our own shoulders to the wheel. But, nevertheless, we are not forsaken; we yet have friends elsewhere who can assist us, and will do it, if we show them that we are willing to do more than to wait for events to turn up, which may save us.

There is no better way to work for the relief of our State from its destitute condition than by promoting and patronizing home industry. My scheme is pre-eminently qualified to promote home industry. I can do no more than hint at it, leaving its realization to more influential men.

Note by the Editor. —Our friends will give us the credit of keeping before them the importance of this great interest. We know what its prosecution has done for other countries. With the great advantages we possess, should we not have our full share? The organization now effected provides a rallying

point, and we ask our friends all through the State to give it the benefit of their countenance. You see who the committee are. The post-office of Dr. Pollard and Dr. Crenshaw is Richmond; of Mr. Louis Ott, Greenfield, Nelson county. They will gladly answer all questions on the subject.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A MEDLEY OF SUGGESTIONS TO FARMERS.

After a continuation of declining years since 1865 in all that gives profit and encouragement to the masses, and particularly the bone and sinew of the country, there seems to be good ground of hope that we may be at the foot of the hill and that we may, if w T e will, start upward, and with industry, sobriety and economy, and putting our hands and hearts to the work, may encourage others; and with concert and home appreciation of our wares, wives and children and their schools, lands, climate, stock of the improved kinds, and of rational not extravagant keep, and then be careful in its selection and development, especially with far-fetched things and experiments, and our truly landed advantages, to be found out too late for our purses and good service, we should do well. Our people must learn to spend less and have less useless labor ; do much and do much better than is done by the "hired help," the term to us unusual and from a people who use them as help—they taking a lively part in all that is being done and showing each one the shortest and best way to.accomplish each hour's work " from early morn to dewy eve; " when the owner.is present to feed and see fed his stock to suit the season, sheltering or housing in bad weather, distributed well and judiciously, and the animals classified and fed to suit their ages and kind and the weather, going through, and the weather you may expect to encounter before grass comes again. It is well to divide the kinds of stock, crops, &c, so that each day has its appropriate work to be done and each child, as well as hired hand, may be appropriately employed when not at school. The great revolution we are passing through demands this of us, and we can't avoid it if we would. It is better to find employment if we can for the labor around us, and we should be careful not to pay prices that we cannot afford to pay for labor; and as far as practicable and safe, give constant employment, and where there are families, encourage them in feeling identified with the employers in their interest, and induce them to make their homes comfortable; be just but rigid in rules and discipline, and encourage their families to work when you can find proper employment for them ; allow no visiting on your premises during the week, and give no permission for them to attend courts and to find ways and means to rove about and neglect their work and lose the time, as dockage is unpleasant to both ; find in-door work on wet days, and thus be well occupied and in place at home. As far as practicable keep good stock and not adopt breeds unsuited to the section of country your lot is cast in, and take rational care of it, and if not able or decided as to the kind to breed from, by all means breed from pure bred sires that they may control in the impress on the grade stock. This ap-

plies in all animals and should be strictly adhered to. How far the farmers may be able to carry this out, they must judge from their situation and plans for the future. The style and kind of horses in better days are not as well suited to our present condition as those adapted to more uses. The running and trotting stock south of Maryland answers but limited wants, and we should breed and use horses of heavier and more useful kinds, nearer the horse " of all work " and heavy draught uses.

Cattle of various breeds are. desirable according to wants of the region they are desired in ; and wherever grass is found in fair quantity and quality, the Shorthorns stand without a rival ; next Here-fords and Holsteins : though but little known in the Tide-water country and lean pastures, the Devon, and even there they are rare; Ayrshires in the same districts, and probably as dairy cattle they may excel the'Devon, except in oxen ; in that, as far as size will allow, they are superb and beautiful, and occasionally fair milkers. Jerseys, Alderneys and Guernseys are delicate cattle and natives of the islands of these names between England and France ; light in frame, and furnish little that is valuable but a reasonable quota of milk, and usually richer than that of those which give larger quantities, but wholly unfit for the yoke and almost so for the shambles. There is a great and rapidly increasing demand for the best beef (and if exported to England alive, the Shorthorn cattle only can set up a claim to shipment), dead or alive, to compete with English beef, and the sooner we put ourselves in the position of raising this world-renowned breed, which, too, are good milkers, good oxen, early to mature and a year sooner than other breeds, and then will average (and also high grades) about one dollar per hundred gross over the fair-raised and fatted cattle of the country, and at the same age will weigh as beef two to three hundred pounds more. If both are well raised and fatted alike the better it will be for us.

Sheep are valuable on most farms, and what breed should be kept depends much on the locality. Some farmers should avoid them, and many should make it a large part of their stock, and others breed few and very select to sell as breeders ; and with these facilities increased the demand will become active. We should have from five hundred to one thousand to one kept now and from the sea shore to the mountain tops. In this breeding, it is probable no stock improves more rapidly in crossing pure bred bucks on the average wild scrub Western ewes, and no sheep breeder should be without pure bred bucks of whatever kind of sheep their situation may find it best to adopt. Of swine, much depends on location ; and range or not, and if to be starved or " root little pig or die," then take the smallest and hardiest kinds, and wait on them till two years before fattening the little bundle of muscles for tough chewing. If a woods range and a little grain to keep them gentle, to be able to find them when they are hungry, and mast is scarce or gone, then the " landpike" may do. Next, the Berkshire and other improved breeds; but all these kinds must have food, and the more the better/or early maturity ; and if of

early maturity kinds, say Chester Whites, Poland-China, Berkshire and Essex, and these breeds judiciously crossed often do well ; but when good of any kind, it is idle to destroy the purity of a good thing and carry stock back to mongrels. So of fowls; and most of the improved kinds are better than the old scrub kinds.

It is clear in breeding, a good kind is best; but if no better, be sure to breed from pure bred males, never grades, and then the impress will tell in the first cross. In all, if it must be, cheap care and feed is well, but better will do more marked good, and those who generally seem most liberal get the best paying returns, and then with mixed incomes, mixed and persistent attempts to better our condition, and we shall come nearer success than those who plod along as their fathers did in earlier days, and too often then but to live well if "tomorrow they die" and leave bankrupted estates and wives and children unfitted to produce for themselves in future.

Albemarle Co., Va. S. W. Ficklin.

Note by the Editor. —Col. Ficklin has a fine estate, and knows how to keep it fine ; and he has no beggarly showing of fine stock. With all this, and gray locks on his temples, he has a double right to advise, and this is the more acceptable when we think of what a remodelling of things our new economy involves. In nothing have we so much hope as the deep interest in this work our elderly men are taking, as witness the constant efforts of such men as Col. Ficklin, Col. Beverley, Maj. Drewry, Col. Barbour, Capt. Watkins, and—but we might fill this page with their names. [When we say "elderly" we hope they will pardon us ; our wife seems a little dubious if we even hint that way as far as she is concerned.] As to utilizing the labor we have with us, we do not know of anything better to improve its tone than a premium or two in each county, like that in Louisa, and written about in our October number. As to the proper kind of stock to breed, what is the use of our " Stock Department " if that does not lend our folks an efficient hand, and Col. Ficklin often appears there, we are thankful to say. But when sheep are mentioned, the inevitable dog forthwith pokes in his nose, rousing our ire against the unhappy people in the Legislature. [We have often wondered what the thickness of an average legislator's hide was, for if it is anything less than that of a rhinoceros, it is simply a miracle that he lives through a session, considering the numerous licks, and rough ones too, he gets. We admit that we have had a hand in laying some of them on.] Our friends will not charge us with neglect to point out ways in which Virginia may " better her condition ; " in fact, we do little more than think of these thi and if our readers will not tire, we propose to keep faithfully on the same This work is only suggestive on our part; but we have our rich reward : suggestions grow into tangible fruit anywhere within our borders.

REMEDY FOR FLY IN WHEAT.

Editors Dispatch: I hear there is much "fly" in the wheat that was sowed early this Fall. To correct this evil I offer the following remedy, which I and others have successfully tested for a good many seasons: Sow of air-slaked or water-slaked lime, one to two bushels per acre broadcast over the wheat in the early morning on the dew, or over night on a clear evening, when there is reason to expect dew

or frost. As it dissolves it will form a ley, which will follow the leaf towards the root, and destroy the egg or chrysalis of the fly near that point.

The sower must always sow with the wind, else the lime will be blown back into his face and eyes and on his clothes. And he must grease his hands, face, and nostrils with lard, which renders contact with the lime innocuous. If two or more sow they should sow en echelon, at such a distance that the rear shall cast no lime on the front.

A very good but not indispensable plan is to use tea-scoops—diminutive sugar-scoops—that will hold a double-handful. It enables one better to take up and measure the quantity to be applied.

This is an application so simple and cheap as to discredit it with the many who are often looking to be told "some great thing." I can only say that I know it to be effectual as a remedy, and that in no case can it do any harm.

As we make now in all of cismontane Virginia Lot more than, if as much as, one-tenth of the wheat we made before the war, it would seem that we ought to take pains to get all we can from what we sow. Respectfully, Frank G. Ruffin.

November 5, 1877.

Note by the Editor. —As will be seen, we take the above from the Richmond Dispatch, and we thank Col. Ruffin for writing it. Mr. Haxall tells us that we cannot possibly do a better service to our people than to impress upon them the necessity of raising more wheat. We have done our best in that way this Fall, and will be glad to know that our words have not gone unheeded.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.] LETTER FROM MR. E. G. BOOTH^THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, &c.

Though long delayed, I have not been unmindful of your request that I should contribute to your valuable journal a communication referring to the commencement and progress of that enterprise, and incidental topics and results of interest to the agricultural community and the general welfare of the State.

Whether a Northern or a Southern sun shall shed its beams around me, I can never forget that this is "rav own, my native land"—that distance only lends enchantment to the view, and her tribulations and afflictions only increasing solicitude for return of prosperity. I believe I served through the entire terms of Presidents Ruffin and Cocke, and can testify to the devotion, faithfulness and success of their patriotic efforts. Indeed, I believe I can truly say that the continued success of the Society is mainly attributable to the fortunate selection of Presidents and officers throughout its- entire career, and that today it is about the only enterprise that has maintained its ascendancy and importance amidst the shadows, clouds and darkness enveloping most every other operation, imparting at least a golden edge to gild the future. While all deserve the highest admiration and commendation, there are none who can contest the palm of superiority of the late Edmund Ruffin, to

PLANTER AND FARMER,

769

whom the agricultural community and the State generally owe a debt of gratitude difficult to repay.

It is said that he was about to leave the State in despair, when his attention was turned to the renovation of the soil by the use of marl— hog only inducing him to remain, but many others, and thus greatly increasing the fertility and productiveness of the soil. The comparative increase of such production has frequently been published in the columns of the Planter —such product not always accurately reported, uuless under accurate measurement. I well recollect when once, at my native home in Nottoway county, and when viewing a lot in wheat, he remarked: " That is the best growth of wheat I have ever seen. I ask, as a favor,-that you will carefully measure an acre and its product, and report to me." I faithfully complied, and was myself greatly astonished when such product was reported at 34 bushels, having so frequently heard of so much more.

I am here reminded of an anecdote of a gentleman who was boasting of the great product of his land. He was asked if he carefully measured. His reply was, ''No; I never measured but one crop, and lost half by it, and I never intend to measure another."

This, however, is very essential in all such reports. It may be true that the day of such improvements has comparatively passed; that "old things are done away, and all things have become new"; that the blazing fireside, the hearty and bountiful welcome, the hospitality which made strangers forget they were guests, may be somewhat impaired; but this is the greater incentive to increased zeal and ardor. There can be no doubt that many of these clouds have passed, or are passing away; that the beams of returning prosperity are dawning and brightening.' I may here enumerate the general pacification of the sections, so indispensable to such prosperity and exciting such general congratulation and commendation.

If my house is on fire; if I am sinking beneath the surging billows; if my family is suffering for necessaries, and any one comes to my relief, I shall not ask his name, his party, his color or former condition, to command ray appreciation. This should greatly cheer and comfort us. We have great cause to rejoice in the general abundant crops incident to almost every section of the country, and as long as physical suffering can be averted, there is hope in the future.

There is little doubt that the agitation of the subject will result in some satisfactory disposition of the public debt, so essential to immigration, and thus so important to the interest of general agricultural prosperity—a subject so appropriately and extensively discussed in your pages. The sentiment of the country is so concentrating and converging, that retrenchment and economy, some increase in the subjects of taxation, some reduction of interest, from increased security and certainty, may result in satisfactory arrangements to all concerned, without increase of present taxation. This incubus removed, immigration may require our surplus lands and afford product and capital.

I may also refer to the higher appreciation of the "dignity of labor," substituting that which has been lost. If I ever feel my inferiority, it is in passing one of these sons of toil, earning his bread by the sweat of his brow. By labor we do not always mean manual labor in the cultivation of the soil. Every occupation and profession requires labor—the physician, the merchant, the lawyer. The brilliant and distinguished John 2

Sergeant is said frequently to have exclaimed, " Oh, for a week of Sundays I" (days of rest.) Who labored more assiduously and with more distinguished and dignified success ?—thus embellishing labor with honor and distinction.

Some increased, attention to the construction of houses and conveniences in cooking, &c, can unite the " utile et dulce " —the useful and ornamental—and thus extract benefit from injury. All thi3 is certainly better than a life of murmuring and repining'over what cannot now be helped.

I must, however, return to my latitude and departure in the history of the origin and subsequent success of your State Agricultural Society. It indicates no deterioration in its present excellent management and exhibits encouraging signs for the future. Its funds being so largely invested in real estate of increasing value, an earnest appeal has been made for an increase of life-membership, affording about the best investment for the amount now attainable. The advantages of travel, admission, and other privileges and perquisites, far transcend the interest on the amount, and members have the satisfaction of contributing to the most important interests of the State. Let all, then, with one accord, dismiss the past, embrace and utilize the future, asking nothing of the Government but equal laws, and of heaven rain and sunshine, and quietly await the dawn and full meridian of such unfailing aspirations.

Philadelphia, October 3, 1877. E. G. Booth.

P. S.—To recapitulate: My position is, that the whole debt and interest should be paid, or made satisfactory to the bondholders, and that it can be by retrenchment and economy and some new sources of income, without any increase in present taxes. The State has interests—espe-pecially in the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad—that might much increase her income. Not believing that all these expedients and auxiliaries will be developed, and that inaction is practical repudiation, it is evident that the interests of all concerned require some adjustment. The most feasible and -reasonable suggestion is in some increase of security and certainty, justifying some reduction of interest—still paying the whole amount.

The General Government issues bonds at 4 per cent., commanding a premium, and exposed to wars and irevo utions. Pennsylvania 5 per cents command a premium of 81 per cent., and recently 11 per cent.—■ though the State once repudiated, reducing her bonds below 40. Philadelphia 6's command 13 per cent, premium, while the city has an enormous debt and high taxation. Delaware county, Pa., lately issued 5 per cent, bonds—all bought up before general information, and now in demand at a premium. Virginia can make her bonds as good, and benefit the bondholder, whose coupons are worth only 85 cents, and bonds much less, and thus put*all her bonds on an equal footing and pay all, or make arrangements to that effect. The State will thus remove a cloud, or at least brighten it by a golden border. E. G. B.

[Quoting Father Ritchie : "nous verrons.''' — Ed.]

General A. C. Jones, who recently made an extended Southern tour, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, reports that the entire South bears evidence of prosperity. Trade is reviving, planters are industrious and thrifty, and the colored population are well paid and happy. He predicts that the South will, in a short time, supply the markets of the world with its staple productions.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

SOME OBSERVATIONS.

I note two articles in the September number of the Planter. " Voter " gives us an interesting account of his liming his laud, but does not say now much he sowed to the acre. Please ask him.

"Spotsylvania" suggests " another retrenchment and reform," which, as far as it goes, is acceptable; but it don't go quite far enough, though even so mueh as he desires is probably unattainable. Still, it is well that he and others should say what they think should be, even though at present not to be looked for. Universal suffrage cannot at present be. overthrown ; an elective judiciary may throttle us for a season; public-, schools, and all the rest of the hell-born brood of communism, may op,--press us for the time (God forbid it should be forever!), but it is yet our privilege, and, I think, our duty, to say what we think should be, notwithstanding the fear that it may be at present unattainable. I therefore venture to amend " Spotsylvania's " motion, and to suggest that no. com^ pensation whatever be paid to our members of Assembly. This is the English system, and works better than our system does. Our mobocracy might be checked, in some measure, by this brake which English conservatism, for nearly six hundred years, has found to be a good cheek on legislative demagogueism and corruption, however the remedy may have failed, sometimes, to be effective.

If we could have the two houses of Assembly composed of those who should receive no compensation—no per diem, salary nor expenses —few would seek an election from lower motives than those of public duty or a generous and just ambition. The demagogues would be mowed down, in great numbers by such a system. Give us this and the viva vwe ballot, and we may yet hope for good government, in spite of the communistic principle of taxation for the benefit of public schools, and in spite of universal aud barbaric suffrage.

Louisa comity, Va. Mercer.

[We thank "Mercer" for the above, and can only say, "Lay on, Macduff! " Ed.]

Toads. —There is a very common prejudice against the toad. By many he is looked on with loathing and disgust. He is regarded as an ugly, uncouth and worthless nuisance, that should be abated at sight. But this prejudice is ill-founded and unjust, as the toad is not only harmless, but quite useful to farmers and gardeners. They should, therefore, be regarded as friends, instead of enemies . The eggs of the toad are usually laid in the water, but at times, when this is not accessible, they are laid in damp, dark places, and in such cases they do not pass through the tadpole state. While in the tadpole state they live on vegetable food, but as toads they live upon insects, spiders, etc. They are exceedingly well adapted to catching insects, having a tongue of marvelloi s construction. It is quite long, and may be projected six or eight inches, the tip of it being so directed as to reach the object, and being covered with a viscid, gummy substance, that causes the insect to adhere to it, it is thus conveyed to the mouth of the toad nnd buried alive. The movements of the tongue in taking a fly or a bug are so rapid that they cannot be followed by the eye. The number of insects that a toad will eat is almost incredible. A few of them in a garden will

keep it well rid of bugs, plant lice, etc. They generally spend the day in some dark, secluded spot, often a hole under a sod or clod or the side of a rook, and in the evening they come out and hop about in search of a supper of live insects. They may be induced to take up their residence in the garden by confining them two or three days to the place, when they will become quite well contented. A board laid about two inches from the ground is just the kind of hiding place that suits them. They are are long lived, being often known to be twelve to sixteen years old, and it is said one lived to be 36 years old. On account of their propensity for destroying insects, toads should be encouraged to become permanent residents of our fields and gardens.— Ohio Farmer.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Shipment of Apples. —According to the Boston Commercial Bullentin, the shipments of American apples to Great Britain during the last season were as follows :

To Liverpool, 276,529 barrels.

London, ,.,.„...... 25,065 do.

Glasgow, 83,703 do.

Total, 385,297 do.

The shipments began about the end of October, with a weekly average of 8,000 barrels, increasing in -November to 17,000 barrels per week, and in December to 27,000 and 28,000. During the month the sales in Liverpool were over 90,000 barrels. The improved condition and quality prevented decline in prices, which ranged from $3 25 in October to $3 75 in November. Poorer fruit, in small lots, sold at $J.62 to $3. Towards Spring, the shipments were cheifly Baldwins and Russets, the best of which sold for $4.50 per barrel, and at the close of the season sales were made as high as $5.50.

The London Field, in an article on the subject, speaks of the difficulty of shipping in warm weather on account of the liability to decay, and gives the following scientific explanation of the process : "There is a time when the growth of the fruit is completed, and when it will receive nothing further from the tree. It is then to be picked. The after-ripening is a chemical change, and the starch, so abundant in green fruit, is transformed into sugar. It is then in the best condition for use. Almost immediately after, putrefaction sets in, dissipating the volatile aroma, destroying all delicacy of flavor, converting the sugar into an unwholesome acid, and consuming the tissues of the fruit." We then have what farmers know as "rotton apples." A cool dry air will retard the process for months.

[Should Virginia keep out of this rich field, or has she enough money now to "lie on her oars?" Our friends must make the auswer.— Ed.]

Refutation of an Old Proverb. —A man who bumps his head against that of his neighbor, is not apt to think that "two heads are better than one."

jPtwlt department

CONDUCTED BY DR. M G. ELLZEY, AGRICULTURAL AND ME. CHAN1CAL COLLEGE, BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA.

THE GALLOWAY CATTLE.

Among the beef breeds of cattle, which have been imported into the United States, are the hornless Scotch breed, known as Galloways. These cattle are rather small in size, mostly of a black color, with plenty of hair and good handlers. The barrel is round and well ribbed home, and tne quarters are long, but there is no prominence of the hip bones, and they are rather narrow in the twist As milkers, they are confessedly poor, the quantity of the average cow being small and the quality, though good, inferior to either Devons or Jerseys. One thing these cattle have to recommend them, and that is, their extraordinary gentleness, even the bulls being very quiet in disposition and seldom savage or troublesome, whereas the absence of the horn renders them less capable of mischief. They have long been celebrated as profitable grazers and feeders;and when fully matured, are always favorites with English butchers. The bone is fine, the meat well marbled, sparkling and juicy. The proportion of oiTal and coarse parts being small, whereas they are deep fleshed and roomy in all the prime parts. Latterly, the Galloways have taken a sudden and rapid advance with the British public, and the breeders are obtaining profitable prices for them. The fact that the celebrated Charles Colling, made a cross of these animals with one branch of his Shorthorn herd has been made much of, and many very superior modern Shorthorns confessedly trace to this so called alloy branch of Colling's herd. However, only the name and the tradition remain. Not one two-thousandth part of the Galloway blood is found in any Shorthorn of the present held to be of any value. It has been swallowed up and obliterated by the later crosses; nor are we one of those who attribute any good effect to that cross ; we look upon it as a mere freak of Colling, and attach to it no importance whatever. There is one thing which we think will always stand in the way of any rapid advance of any breed of cat-, tie in favor with the American farmer, and that is confessedly poor milking qualities, for the average farmer in this country wants not only a cow that brings a good calf, but one that, at the same time, gives plenty of good milk. The business of breeding, especially for the grazier and butcher, is as yet on a very limited scale in America, whereas a majority, perhaps, value a cow either solely on account of her milking qualities or make' the production of beef a secondary matter. What may be called the cow of general utility, is what the average farmer wants.

The specialists are nearly all in the dairy line. They go for milk for market, or "gilt edge" butter or cheese. We do not, therefore, anticipate that the Galloway breed will make much headway in America, excellent as they are undoubtedly in their line; that is to say, for graziers and feeders outside of the profitable Shorthorn range. They will be rather light for profitable exportation when that trade is good ; and however they may be valued in England, we do not anticipate that they will ever gain strong foothold in other countries.

ANALYSIS OF FERTILIZERS.

Our recent brief article upon this subject has been referred to by some of our friends and correspondents as a reply to Col. Macdonald's letter, published in the Whig ; and on the other hand, Col. Macdonald's article has been spoken of as a reply to us. The truth is, neither of us knew anything of the others' views. Let' us explain, if our audience please, that there is no man whom we hold in higher esteem than we do Colonel Macdonald. He is a dear friend, and we hesitate not to say that we hold him to be one of the best and ablest men in Virginia. It is, however, very evident that, plainly and simply as we tried to write, our friends have not everywhere understood the true intent and meaning of our positions. We realize fully that our audience is, in the main, composed of men unlearned in science, and we endeavor so to write that the most unlearned man may comprehend us. We have never meant to say that a chemist cannot tell in what form the elements of any fertilizer exist. We have some personal experience in aaalysis, and we think we know what an analyst can and what he cannot do in this business. A substance which occurs in two different fertilizers, in the same percentage by weight, and in the same chemical form, is by no means necessarily of the same agricultural value. In one case, the sub stance may be ground coarse, in the other ground fine, and the latter is the more valuable, but this physical condition, upon which so much depends, does not reveal itself to the analyst. Again, the nitrogen in organic compounds is valued as "nitrogen yielding ammonia," and upon the source from which this nitrogen is derived depends its value ; for, from one source it "yields ammonia" promptly, while from other sources slowly and only after the lapse of many seasons, when exposed to natural conditions in the soil. Certainly no chemist will maintain that the kind o organic matter " yielding ammonia, " reveals itself to the analyst. As Mr. Lawes has recently, in a public lecture, so forcibly remarked in this matter of nitrogen "yielding ammonia :" "Caustic alkalies and red-hot crucibles level all distinctions, and the farmer is left in profound ignorance as to the time when this happy event is to take place in his soil.'*

Yet the nitrogen in all forms of organic matter "yielding ammonia/' in the regular analysis and valuations, is valued at one and the same price, and at one and the same price with the nitrogen in ammonia itself, and the salts of ammonia, and in nitric acid and nitrates. We venture to suggest this to the farmer, that he beware of that most convenient phrase of the analyst, "yielding ammonia." Many a farmer has Jong ago buried his money in those things "yielding ammonia," and the ammonia has not yet been yielded unto this day. Is there no telling when he will get his money back ? None. "It may be for years, and it may be forever." Somethiug like what we are trying to say, in a way not difficult to be understood, is what we meant in our former article, good friends, not as some of you seem to think that we ever said, or meant to say, that a chemist cannot tell whether nitrogen exists as nitric acid, or as ammonia, or as nitrogen in organic matter; the schoolboy can tell that But if it be organic matter, what sort is it which is capable of "yielding ammonia" to caustic alkalies and red-hot crucibles, and will it "yield ammonia" in the soil, and if so, when ? No chemist can answer these questions to save his life. But it is nitric acid ; how then is it combined ? Well, this fertilizer is a very complex mixture; there are several bases and several acids here besides the nitric acid, and the particular combinations of acids and bases are, in this case, in some degree a matter of inference, and then when this complex mixture is applied to that other complex mixture, the soil, the final disposition of the acids and bases becomes still further a matter of inference. And when the chemico-vital energies of the roots of growing plants enter the problem as a factor, the result becomes yet more obscure, and when the meteorological conditions are taken into the account, still more obscure. "But," says the farmer, "I am told that nitric acid is very apt to leach out of the soil, and out of some soils much more rapidly than others, and ver}^ rapidly in combination with some bases, and with others, perhaps, not at all. Are all these things so, and can you tell me what I must do to retain this nitric acid in my soil, and to prevent its leaching away as far as possible ? And now here are two fertilizers which you say contain equal amounts of nitric acid. Obviously that one the nitric acid in which is less liable to leach out of my land and be washed away, is the one most valuable to me as far as this ingredient is concerned. Can you tell me which one it is ?" If the farmer is dealing with an honest and competent chemist, what answer shall he make? "My dear sir, unfortunately in the present state of knowledge, I can throw but little light upon these matters. In the first place, I cannot be positive how this acid is combined in this complex mixture, nor can I tell what changes may take place, in this respect, when it is brought into contact with other acids and bases in the soil. In the next place, I am ignorant of the composition of your soil, I am ignorant of its physical texture, of its natural exposure, of its natural drain-

age, of its capacity for moisture, oi its temperature as compared with the temperature of the air, of the nature of the subsoil, of the general character of your seasons, of the average rain fall, and of many other matters material to this question, {par parenthesis, here is scope for the analytical proclivities of Agricultural Bureaus) ;and if I knew all these things I must confess that so complex a problem would be difficult of satisfactory solution." "I am further informed," says the farmer, "that ammonia may escape from the soil by volatilization, and that it may be converted in the soil into nitric acid, and leached out and so lost. I suppose, then, that the conclusion of the whole matter is that the volatilization of ammonia and leaching of nitric acid depend largely upon the particular combinations in which they are found in the fertilizer, and the changes which they undergo, in this respect, in the soil, and that, therefore, the value of these materials to me will depend upon the other substances in the fertilizer along with them, as much as upon themselves, and upon the peculiar character of my soil as much as upon either. " To all of which the chemist must make reply, "undoubtedly so." The only thing then left to the farmer will be to try these two fertilizers, side by side, in his field and note the effect, and after having so tried them through a .series of seasons, he will have sense enough to take that which jyays kirn the best returns for the outlay., and he will pay not the slightest regard thereafter to the opinion or the analysis of the chemist. Certainly the chemist may discover how much of material, known to be positively inert, exists in any given fertilizer, and he may discover that it is an article positively fraudulent in its character. Further than this, in our opinion, he cannot go. But you will hear some say, the chemist can teU us how much the materials cost the manufacturer, and what exorbitant profits he is making out of us poor farmers. In the first place, the chemist can tell no such thing at all, and if he could, he has no manner of right to do so. The price the manufacturer pays for his materials is his business, and none of the farmer's. The price the farmer pays the manufacturer is his business, and not the business of any officer of the law any more than it is the sheriffs business what the farmer pays for his boots or his breeches. The question the farmer has before him is, does this thing pay me a reasonable profit over what 1 have to pay the manufacturer for it ? Does it act well on my land and my crops?* We close this article by calling attention to the fact that the " worth of anything," "is but the money it will bring," and that all attempts a* interference, on the part of the Government, with prices, have invariably

*In the last bulletin of the "Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station," a sulphate of potash is valued by the "Station" at $67.68 (selling price, $65.), when by its use in the field, it was shown to have "ruined the potato and melon crop to which it was applied." This "valuation" by the Station is a very poor comfort to the farmer who used the article. To his mind and pocket it was worse than valueless.

made matters worse. We are a strong advocate of Government confining itself to its legitimate functions, minding its own business, and letting, nay, requiring every man to attend to his own business, and let other men's alone; which last is the great function of government after all, that is to say, securing to every citizen the right and the opportunity to manage his own affairs in his own way ; for whatsoever in government is more than this "cometh of evil ; " cometh, namely, of the desire of one man to obtain the assistance of Government to enable him to get the advantage of his neighbor. As, for instance, in the matter of one man getting his child schooled, as he supposes, at the expense of another, which appears in Massachusetts, for example, very naturally to have led to the well nigh universal attempt to get clothed and fed in the same way.

FISH AND GAME.

[The following address was prepared for the meeting, during Fair week, of the representatives of the various Fish and Game Protective Associations throughout the State. The pressure of other matters prevented the holding of this meeting ; but, that the interest may be maintained, this address is presented in the pages of the Planter, with the earnest hope that what it urges may take shape everywhere in Virginia in associations whose honest effort will be to see that this great work is made to prosper.]

Mr, President and Gentlemen, —Let me endeavor to speak to the point briefly and simply. The business before us is the protection of fish and game. Without protection, it is clear that every valuable species will soon be exterminated. There are those who look upon the whole subject as trivial, and regard the angler and sportsman as vagabonds wastiug their lives in puerile pursuits. Such persons mostly regard the mere getting of money as the only rational or respectable employment, and from this point of view it is not unnatural that they look down with contempt upon the sports of the field. He who possesses not the skill to cast a fly; nor the nerve to steady a rifle; nor the vigor to follow the pointers over the frosty hills; nor the muscular energy and promptness of will to make a successful snap-shot at a woodcock quivering over the tops of the alders in the full robustness of his autumnal plumage; nor the yet more remarkable combination of powers needed to keep his legs under him in a pitching b:>at and wield a fifteen or twenty-pound gun with sufficient power and accuracy to stop a canvass-back in his flight of eighty or hundred yards, sweeping down the southwest wind at eighty or ninety miles an hour; and is not to be blamed if he holds in contempt the prowess of others; nor can we wonder that he who never ventured to mount a horse, and who must be left at home with the children when the hunt is up, looks upon him who rides with the hounds as a hair-brained fool. We who have taken part in all these glorious sports, view the matter in a different light. It appears to us that he who works must have recreation, not mere rest, more irksome than toil. Human nature craves with an insatiable craving some form of pleasurable excitement. The libertine seeks his in wine, women and cards; the miser finds pleasure in counting his gold; the fop is delighted with fashionable and costly clothing; the speculator delights to "wager

and venture and hunt down his fortune;" the soldier seeks glory in the cannon's mouth; the statesman is athirst for fame; we find relaxation from the toils of business in the wild freedom of nature and the health-giving and manly sports of the field. We seek to promote and encourage the field sports because they lead to select rather than vicious company ; to pure associations rather than dens of infamy ; to courage, high-miudedness aod health, rather than to riotous living and disease. Some pleasures lead to purity, others to defilement and brutality. I speak in solemn earnestness, one or the other men 'will have.

One of the most substantial grounds on which we defend the propagation and protection of fish and game is, that it tends to bring to our State immigrants of the best class, and, what is of far greater moment to us, to keep at home our own sons, to the end that the honor of Virginia, unblemished in all the past, may be preserved inviolate in all the time to come. By this means we add many a charm to rural life ; we keep alive the love of the old homestead in the hearts of the young men ; we bring healthy, vigorous and .manly sports within reach of the yeoman, and choice luxuries for his table at every poor man's door. Whatsoever tends in any degree to lighten the dark path the poor must tread is worthy the thoughts of the Christian statesman. I speak not in mockery and derision of notorious knaves, but of the man, whoever he may be, who having reached exalted station, yet serves God and loves his neighbor. That which cheapens food for the hungry poor and yields an opportunity for the enjoyment of health-giving and elevating sport is a great charm in any land. " Dives " may be left to choose his own share of the good things of this life. But why should not the fish and game of the State be protected ? No man is able to advance a single valid reason why. How, then, shall wise and equitable protection be carried into effect? What is the experience of the oldest countries of Europe? Nearly all of them have protective laws, but they are for the most part entirely unsuitable to our wants and irreconcilable with our institutions. It is little to be wondered at that the early settlers of America viewed with distaste everything that looked like abridgement of the rights and privileges of individuals; they looked back with detestation upon the tyrannies and oppressions from which they sought to escape by burying themselves in the wilds of an unexplored continent. They had found an asylum where all men were free. They possessed a country abounding, to great and marvellous profusion, in every species of fish and game. Why, then, should any man be hindered from taking and killing, when, where and for what purpose he pleased ? Time passed, primeval forests vanished, villages and towns sprung up, cities arose, the haunts of wild game and wilder men became the dwelling place of civilization and industry. Factories and mills also multipled marvellously, shutting off" the fish from their spawning grounds aud poisoning their native waters with refuse; and to meet the demands of wealth for luxuries and varieties for the table, waters once choked with astounding multitudes of fishes were now hedged and obstructed by thousands of seines, nets, pounds and traps of every conceivable device, so that which way soever any fish would pass he would be taken. Day and night, weekday and Sunday, in season and out of season, an indiscriminate aud reckless war of destruction was waged upon the finny tribes. The pothunter also greatly multiplied in the land, cruelly butchering all that came in his way. So that thoughtful men saw plainly unless this state

PLANTER AND FARMER.

779

of matters could be checked soon, every valuable species would be ex" terminated ; and under their influence a few local and imperfect laws (all they could get) were passed, soon to become a dead-letter because nobody saw any use in them.

This brings us down to the outbreak of the civil war between the States, and the dark and bloody period of its continuance brings us within a decade of the present day. Let that pass. "Let the dead past bury its dead." A few years since, public attention once more began to be directed to the rapid destruction of our fish and game and their threatened extinction. It was necessary that public opinion should be educated up to the point of protecting them by law. A few of us entered upon the work. The cause has rapidly gained adherents, and is now suDported by several ably edited, widely-circulated journals, of which, facile princeps, is the Forest and Stream, and I esteem it the best and most useful paper of the kind ever published in any country. Education of public opinion is still the work to be done and the appropriate work of associations like ours. We need standing committees to keep at work on the habits of species and revision of the laws. All local associations should have such committees to co-operate with the Committee of the State Association, which should be a consulting and advisory body. No change ought to be made in the laws until the committee is assured they have them right, so that frequent changes may thereafter be avoided.

These laws, like all others, to work successfully, must be founded on the laws of nature, and the natural close season for every species, and embrace the breeding period of that species, including protection for the young until they are legitimate game. This matter has by no means been so fully determined by naturalists and sportsmen as is desirable. Working committees on habits of species will be able to develop much of interest and value to science. The protective code should be simple and, as far as possible, non-technical, and not hard to be understood, and the mode of enforcement prompt and cheap. One feature of such laws let me protest against. Pay no part of the penalties and fines to informers, for I, for one, do utterly despise and abhor the paid informer and spy. It appears to be clear that common carriers transporting fish and game out of season are amenable to the law as having the game or fish in unlawful possession; but it would be well to increase the penalties with regard to these companies for having in possession and transporting the protected species unlawfully. Great mischief would thereby be prevented. We now come to a branch of the subject which is of great interest, that is to say, what species require protection ? It may be laid down as a principle, that all migratory species, breeding beyond the limits of our State, are in season whenever they are with us. A question of great interest here arises with regard to the woodcock—the nnest of all game birds—which breed with us to some extent, but for the most part to the north of us. That this noble bird is on the highway to a not distant extinction, is beyond dispute. Can anything be done to prevent it; if so, what ? If we abolish Summer shooting which involves the destruction of the young broods before they are fledged, that would be a great help; but my own view is, that the shooting of them in the Southern States by means of lights at night, is the true cause of their decline in number. Ought not this " fire-hunting" to be everywhere abolished by law ? It has been urged against the sportsman that he de-

stroys the insectivorous and song birds, as well as those properly ranking as game. No true sportsman, even in mere wantonness, does anything of the sort. Here I enter a plea for their protection, not simply because I love them, but because if you take out of nature their wild, sweet melody, their lively and interesting habits, their brilliant and beautiful plumage, you deprive her of too large a share of her charms, and because, as friends of farmers and gardeners, in the destruction of their insect enemies, the value of these sweet, little innocents, is be)ond computation. The law should prohibit their destruction and the molestation of their nests everywhere and at all times.

But there will be some who ,will ask for results. What have you done? What has been actually accomplished ? We have one example close at hand. Everywhere above Kocketts, in the waters of the great river on whose banks this glorious and beautiful city stands, until within a few years past, happy was the angler if his most patient and skilful efforts were rewarded with a few suckers and sun-fish, and haply an occasional eel. Now, from yonder rapids to the mountain sources of that classic stream, the black bass are caught in great numbers, affording not only sport to the angler, but money and food to the poor.. A friend reports that as far up as Buchanan he met a poor man with sixty taken in one day, weighing from a pound to four pounds and a half each ; food enough for his family for a week, and food fit for the gods. Whether for food or for sport, few species excel the bass. These splendid fish also abound in the Potomac, the Rappahannock, and the Roanoke, where they have been introduced into well-nigh barren waters by the fish-culturist. We believe that we have succeeded in planting the California salmon in the waters of the State, which, to the poor, will prove a boon indeed, and to the angler " a joy forever;" for to him this fish is a "thing of beauty." We have also introduced the land-locked salmon, a splendid species, not a sea-going fish, larger and much more prolific than the trout, and less exacting as to water and other conditions of life. Next year we are promised a supply of the European carp, successfully introduced by Professor Baird, and doing well in the Druid Hill Park, in the care of the accomplished and efficient Maryland Commissioner, Major T. B. Furguson. But shad and herring were hitherto the great food fishes of Virginia. From reliable data, Professor Baird concludes that the catch of these fish in the Potomac thirty years ago, in a single season, amounted to six hundred and thirty millions of pounds ! Now, those great fisheries are nearly all abandoned because it don't pay to fish them. Of what use can it be to hatch a few boxes of shad spawn in that river, and place no restriction upon the fishing ? It is no better than child's play. Nothing but excessive fishing has destroyed the fisheries; nothing but restraint of the fishing can restore them. The season must be shortened, and during the fishery there must be two days and nights in every week when all pounds shall be taken up, and every seine and net taken and kept out of the water; nothing less will do any good.

There are many other valuable kinds of fish which may be introduced profitably and propagated at will. For thousands of years the greater part of the animal food of the enormous population of the Chinese Empire has been the product of fish culture. Great fisheries have been created, and exhausted ones restored in many countries of Europe. Valuable species of game will also be introduced as soon as there is as-

surance that law will afford protection to enterprise in this direction* Finally, we should appeal to the landholders to assist us in carrying out our views, aud the law should be so framed that they may obtain the benefit of its provisions. They should be authorized and empowered to arrest persons violating the law on their own lands, and take them before a justice for sentence, and to destroy summarily all illegal nets, traps, &c, found on their premises.

In conclusion, I submit that old Virginia, or the remnant of what was old Virginia left to us still, asks of every true and loyal son that he shall do everything and neglect nothing that in any remote degree may add to her charms and improve her condition in these necessitous times. Let not the superserviceable demagogue, nor the self-dedicated apostle of any new-fangled creed pluck up the ancient land-marks of our own civilization. We may proudly remember that in all the agonies of the past the honor and fair fame of our State are untarnished by any act of voluntary self-degradation. While we cling to the traditions of our fathers; while we honor the memory of our dead—and we shall best honor them by living up to the principles they died to defend—yet, we turn to the future nut as men without hope. We ask of History, with her iron pen, the severe and exact justice of truth, and henceforth we would live in charity with all men.

ITEMS.

Our friend. General Meem, has just returned from Kentucky with fifty very superior Cotswolds, embracing prize-winners of the present season. The lot is highly commended by Kentucky papers. They were selected by the General in person; and there are few better judges of the long-wooled sheep. We suspect that he is actuated in this purchase by views not in conflict with our last issue on the question of the relative hardiness of imported stock and the descendants of the best imported strains, skillfully handled in this country. He has heretofore been an importer, and he has now r bought acclimated sheep from several of the best American breeders of this type. Experience is the best teacher. Will General Meem be so kind as to give us the benefit of the faith that is in him ? We are acquainted with no locality in the United States better suited to this very fine breed of sheep than the lower Valley and the best pastures on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge. Cotswolds do not do well on low wet lauds, and they, like Shorthorns, thrive only on rich pastures and in the hands of good farmers Those who are accustomed to surround themselves with "lean kine," unless they mean to turn over a new leaf in farming, had best stick to the native and the scrubs whose long-suffering resistance under mean and parsimonious treatment, to the overtures of starvation and the approaches of death, is both marvellous and melancholy to behold. The great benefactor is not he who makes "two blades of grass grow where formerly but one was found," but he who fills a country with good stock formerly occupied by bad and unprofitable sorts. Success to General Meem in his enterprise!

The "Tape-Line Theory" in Breeding.

Mr. H. Y. Helm continues his articles on the subject of breeding trotting horses, and still presses the utility of his measurements. The views of this gentleman have been much ridiculed, and for no good reason : he has undoubtedly gone too far in concluding that the peculiar measurements are as constant as his writings would appear to suggest in some families. It is, however, perfectly clear that a well-proportioned machine will work with less expenditure of force than an ill-arranged one, whether the force which works it be steam or that peculiar power which drives the motor levers of the horse. If these motor levers, viz., the legs of the horse, be badly proportioned, it will require a greater expenditure of that mysterious force than if said levers were arranged in accordance with correct mechanical principles. Moving the ful-crums of these complex levers a fraction of an inch in the wrong direction, doubtless adds very greatly to the expenditure of force necessary to move them effectively. Certainly some animals possess so great a degree of vital energy as to work a bad mechanism very effectively, and others possessing perfect mechanism are so deficient in power as to cut but a sorry figure on the race-course. As all qualities are hereditary, the wise horseman will study form as well as "instinct," so-called, and will seek to perpetuate not only speed, but also a correct model of size, style and form. When Mr. Helm states that a horse whose hocks are placed low and far from him, naturally trots, and that if the hocks were as low as his ankles, he could not gallop at all, we must say we don't know about all that. How does Mr. Helm know? If this be true of the horse, it is true of other animals; of the grey hound, for instance. According to this notion, the grey hound, whose hocks are nearly as low as his ankles, ought to trot mightily; yet we have frequently observed that these dogs appear often to pace rather than trot, whereas the grace and speed of their gallop is world-renowned. But the animal whose hock is lowest and farthest from him, of all others, is the hare, and we believe they cannot trot at all, but every small boy knows they can gallop. We believe that the manner of going or speed of a horse cannot be approximated by any mode of measurements or inspection. Very much will depend on the size and organization of the cerebellum—the governor of the muscular movements of all animals of the vertebrate sort. Yet we would be glad if the measurements and weights of all horses were recorded with their pedigrees; and if we kept the Stud Book we would require them as a part of the record iu all cases.

Six Imported Eussian Trotters sold recently for $3,205. Early in the season $20,000 was refused for the lot; a heavy decline of values.

The Woodlawn Farmers' Club held an exhibition in Alexandria recently, which was highly creditable, and led to making arrangements for a permanent exhibition there, which, we hope, may prove fully successful. Especially in the fruit, trucking and dairy departments, there is no town in Virginia which will be able to present a better exhibition. Loudoun, the banner county of the State in agricultural productions, is in double daily communication with the city, and so is Fauquier. Old Fairfax, herself, is not excelled as a fruit-growing region, and capable j as we think, of an astonishing development in agriculture in more directions than one. Prince William has already gone forward rapidly in dairying; and the stimulus of a good exhibition would not, we think, be lost upon the surrounding region. Such of the County Fairs as we have heard from have been successful, and the indications are that life and energy exists in old Virginia yet. If the voice of the demagogue can be silenced, we think there will be a great future for Virginia agriculture.

At the State Fair. Our occupation with business was such that we saw but little of the stock on exhibition, and such was the pre-occupation of everybody else with the Prescient and the military, that we could find out but little as to whom animals belonged to or what they were. In the Shorthorn class of cattle there was a falling off in the character of the animals exhibited. Bulls over three years, Mr. Palmer took first with Oneida Chief, and in the Sweepstakes, Major Bentley took the blue ribbon with Illustrious Airdrie. This animal, if he lacks anything, lacks length in the middle piece. In the crops he is the best bull we have ever seen at the State Fair. He has been pronounced by most competent judges to be a better animal than the celebrated Joe Johnston. The Devons were improved in character and numbers, and were represented by three fine herds, of which the judges thought the herd of Mr. Kermon the best, though Mr. Chiles and General Lee both had fine herds. The Devon class has never been so good at the State Fair. There was a very good herd of Ayrshires on exhibition, and Judge Fullerton showed his Holsteins, whijeh last attracted much attention. The show of swine was hardly up to last year's exhibition, but the sheep were unusually good. Poultry not very numerous, but some very fine birds in the Game and Light Brahma classes; who they belonged to did not appear on the exhibition card, and we found no person to tell us. We did not have an opportunity to see anything at all of the races, and have, therefore, no comments to offer. The Roadster cup of the Virginia Riding Club, a splendid trophy (three mile heats, best two and three, trotting under the saddle), was very cleverly won by Wyanoke, ridden by our

friend, Mr. Hewit. This is, to us, the most interesting contest of the Fair, as it tends to call out vigor and skill in horsemanship on the part of young gentlemen, and to develop speed and endurance in the horse at his best and most useful gait. A flat race of a mile or mile and a half, in our view, amounts to nothing; let it be four miles. Trotting in harness mile heats tends to develop great speed to the exclusion of other and far more valuable qualities. The vast crowd drawn by that strong impulse, idle curiosity, to see the President and the members of his cabinet, helped to pay the expenses of the occasion ; and the brilliant displays of the Army Association, Historical Society, etc., utterly overshadowed all interest in any matter relating to agriculture. As an Agricultural Fair, the occasion was very much like the play with the leading character left out; and there were, indeed, very few country people there. Loudoun, the banner agricultural county of the State, was represented, as far as we know, by three persons, and not an article on exhibition. After the State Agricultural Society gets out of debt, we hope to see it resume some agricultural features. At present it has none, and to the earnest farmer it possesses no attractions, offers no advantages.

The Lee Models. Along with some other countrymen, we found our way to the great Military State Fair and Presidential Exhibition, and with our companions went to see the Lee models on exhibition in the Senate Chamber. Why was not a poll-book opened for an expression of the public judgment on those models ? General Lee was a most finished modern gentleman, and had the most superb seat on horseback of any rider this writer ever saw in the saddle. He was never guilty of any vulgar display or exhibition of any wild antics ; calm, self-poised, dignified always, in the midst of the most tremendous scenes and events; he was a grand horseman, but his was the grandeur of severe simplicity. In view of these facts, we ruled out at a single glance every model representing the hero of the "Lost Cause" otherwise than in accordance with the facts, and thus quickly narrowed down to two. The best of which was found to be the work of Valentine and the other of Miss Viuuie Ream. Miss Ream's model presented in the head and face a correct likeness of our great soldier, but here its superiority ended. To begin with the horse, his jowl was much too narrowed, and the head set on wrong. In the right hind leg the round bone is placed too low, and this necessitates a wrong shape of the quarter, a sickle-shaped ham and other defects apparent at a glance. Standing a yard or two in front of the right shoulder and glancing back over the croup, the whole hinder part of the horse is like a Bsrkshire pig. The fore leg is set so far under the horse that every horseman knows at a glance he must be a stumbling, falling^

PLANTER AND FARMER.

785

down beast; on the same side General Lee's leg is much too large in the calf, and wabbles outward ungracefully. Our great commander is represented as equipped for the field, holsters and other trappings in place, field-glasses at his side, and in the act of viewing the field of battle and making his dispositions for the fight. Why, then, should he be bareheaded ? Why should his hat be grasped with energetic force after the manner of a drawn sword ? Is he about to assault the enemy and beat them down with his felt hat ? The place for that hat is on General Lee's head, where he wore it. Valentine has it so, and that is right. Valentine has General Lee's seat on horseback ; Miss Ream has it not. Sh« has put him too far back in the saddle. Valentine's horse is correct in his anatomy. He has been pawing a little with his left fore foot, and slightly checked by the rider; he rests the foot lightly in its extended position, arches his neck and slightly everts his muzzle; a little impatient to the bit—all perfectly natural. The artist does not give us a likeness of General Lee's features as Miss Ream does. If the gentlemen, as they seem disposed, give this work to Miss Ream, let her remodel that horse, and set the rider on him right and put his hat on his head. None of your conventionalities and rules of art. Bring him near to the hearts of the people.

Sex in Breeding. We observe that a great deal of stir is being made in the journals about the matter of regulation of sex in breeding. No physiological fact is known which throws any light on the subject of sex production, and the general result is that, among quadrupeds, in the long run, the number of the sexes is about equal in all climates, in all localities, under all systems, and in the hands of all breeders. That is to say, "no fellow can find out" about that.

The Fish and Game Protective Association are canvassing the question of a " Bench Show " at our next State Fair in Richmond. These dog-shows have proveu very attractive to the public, and we trust the views of the Association may be successfully carried into effect. Doubtless the Society will contribute to the premium list.

STOCK-FARMING IN THE SOUTHSIDE.

No man is doing more to develop the resources of Southside Virginia than Major A. R. Venable,of the Edgewood Stock-Farm, in this county. Major Venable has proved to demonstration that stock-farming can be successfully carried on in this section, which has advantages over the Valley and Southwest as regards cheapness of lands and labor, and excellence of climate. Major Venable's display at the Richmond State 3

Fair elicited warm commendation from all beholders, and was thus referred to by the Whig :

" We have selections of Berkshires, Essex and Poland-Chinas from the pens of Messrs. Venable, Fulford, Bowman, Pratt and Chiles, and whilst among so many fine specimens of these breeds it is difficult to select, yet one cannot refrain from noticing- specially the Edgewood stock-farm herd of Berkshires, which we regard as the best exhibition from one establishment we have ever known to be exhibited in Virginia.

" This farm is owned by Major Venable, of Farmville, a gentleman well-known to most of us, and an enthusiast in the Berkshire business. His Sniper sow, over two years, was awarded the first premium, and well she deserved it—having already taken a sweepstake premium at the Illinois State Fair. England's pride—his two year-old boar—carried off the blue, and he has just returned from a competition in Canada, (with several sows and others), in which he beat the celebrated " Cardiff," imported "Grange Court," "Tom Punch," "Sambo," " General Scott," and " Zeilida." Each were awarded first premiums, as also his Essex boar, " Edgewood Prince," and second on sow under two years."— Farmville Messenger.

At the Raleigh State Fair, Major Venable was the most successful of all the exhibitors of stock, and was awarded eight different first premiums. There is not a more reliable or conscientious breeder of stock and public-spirited gentleman in the country than Major Venable. —L. R. D.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

A POSSIBLE REMEDY FOR GLANDERS.

I beg pardon for trespassing on the domain of my friend Dr. Ellzey. But as I have not time to submit the following to his approbation, I trust his good nature will excuse me, in view of the importance of the subject—the cure of glanders.

I heard, a short time ago, that this disease was in Richmond ; and since then, upon enquiry, 1 have heard it again. I do not like to spread false reports, but I have seen such dreadful loss to owners of horses, and such suffering to the poor brutes themselves, from this dangerous disease, that I have thought I ought to give at least such warning as would put people on their guard—especially when I have a remedy to suggest that may be efficacious.

I first saw it prescribed eight years ago in the September number, for 18(39, of that excellent journal, the Southern Cultivator. I at once clipped it for insertion in the Planter, but mislaid it; I then wrote for it, and the editor sent me a copy: That the then editor of the Planter lost. But when I heard of the re-appearance of the glanders as above stated, I was induced to apply for it again through a friend, and it has .once more been kindly furnished me.

In 1805-6, having had to procure a complete supply of horses for my farm, the Yankees having got from me all of my stock but three, I purchased at the Yankee sales and bought twenty-seven before I established my number of twelve, the far larger part of the decedents being victims to glanders or farcy. But, in 1809, I had got rid of it, and having been clear ever since, I have had no occasion to look for a remedy ; and

PLANTER AND FARMER.

787

cannot, therefore, speak from personal knowledge of the sufficiency of the one I now offer.

But I have—or rather had, for he is dead—a very thorough personal knowledge of General Brandon, and can confidently endorse anything that he recommended or advocated. He was a large and successful planter in Wilkinson county, Mississippi, who had developed such military tastes and instincts that he came within a vote or two of being elected over Mr. Jefferson Davis to the Colonelcy of that celebrated Mississippi regiment whose achievements in Mexico first brought him prominently before the general public. At the commencement of the Confederate war, though then not less than sixty years of age, and having three grown sons in the army, he came to Virginia at the head of a fine company of infantry, from which he was immediately promoted and soon became Colonel of one of the best regiments from his State. Still higher honors would have been awarded him, but he lost a leg leading a gallant charge in the battle at Malvern Hill, and was thenceforth disqualified for field duty, or at least adjudged to be. No part of the Confederacy offered a knightlier gentleman or finer soldier to the service than this personal friend of mine, and of my father before me; whose splendid courage and admirable presence of mind once saved my life at a very critical period. This much I could not help saying in justice to him and to my own feelings upon the only public occasion where I have ever mentioned his name, even though in doing it I risk the charge of bathos, when I descend to so common place a matter as his remedy for glanders in horses.

Richmond, November 20, 1877. Frank G. Ruffin.

"Tartar emetic is also said to cure glanders in horses. This disease has been considered from time immemorial the opprobium of horse doctors! And they all agree that the only cure is an ounce of lead through the brain. To the contrary, notwithstanding, Mr. John Walworth, an eminent citizen of Natchez, Mississippi, who occupies a high position there, as a man, and a christian gentleman, says positively that tartar emetic will cure it. He told me soon after the surrender, that many years before the war, he had established a plantation in Arkansas, stocked it with the finest mules and horses the market afforded, built fine barns, stables and lots, and employed an experienced overseer, at a high salary. In June, he visited his plantation with high expectations, hoping to find everything progressing finely. To his great disappointment, he found the glanders amongst his mules. His overseer and neighbors all advised him to shoot the mules, and bum up the improvements. This he declined to do; returned to Natchez, and laid his trouble open to Mr. Frederick Stanton, who was a large planter, as well as cotton factor. Mr. William Stanton, who was a large and experienced planter near Natchez, was present. He told him the glanders could be easily cured with tartar emetic, if taken in time. He advised him to return at once, and all the mules that had the button farcy, to have killed and burned, that their case was hopeless, the disease had become constitutional, and the animal would be of no use if cured. To the others give each a teaspoonful of tartar emetic three times a day for six days consecutively ; then discontinue it for six days. At the expiration of that time, repeat the treatment on all that were not well. To continue to feed and work them as usual, it would be good for them. Be careful and suffer no stock, that had not been exposed to the infection, to go into

his stables, that glanders was not very contagious, and not apt to be communicated in the open air, but in stables, where the disease had become epidemic, all horses that went into them would contract the disease, and if any of his people had sores on their hands, or skin abraded, and suffered the matter from the glandered horse to touch the raw surface, they would certainly die a most wretched death ; to keep his stables well ventilated, and use disinfectants freely. He also advised not to separate the healthy animals from the diseased, as all must now be infected that had been exposed. He returned by the first boat and found some two or three mules with the button farcy, those he had dispatched, and gave the tartar as directed to the balance that had the disease, and did not so lose another mule. The new cases that occurred yielded readily to the treatment, and had it but slightly. He kept his stables clean and used lime freely, and though it was some three months before it went through all, yet he had no farther trouble, and lost noiie after he adopted the tartar treatment. Mr. Wra, Stanton directed his brother to write down the directions, as I probably would not understand or remember it, as I was new to the business. This he did, and here it is—taking out his pocket-book, he held up a small slip of paper, which he told me he had carried ever since, and would do so until the day of his death, for it had saved him from the loss of thousands of dollars. I have mentioned this to many persons, and several who knew the parties, told me that they had often heard Mr. Wra. Stanton say glanders was easily cured with tartar if given before the disease became constitutional. I urged Mr. Walworth to publish his treatment for glanders; he appeared to agree that it ought to be done, but has never done so. I hope he will excuse me for bringing him so prominently before the public; he is a gentleman of retiring disposition, and, I fear, may not like it; but I have done so for the public good, and at the urgent solicitations of others.

W. L. Brandon." Arcole Plantation, near Fort Adams, Miss., July, 1869.

Be Agreeable at Meals. —Every one can do something to add to the social life at the table. If one cannot talk, he can listen or ask questions and draw out others who can talk. Good listeners are as necessary as good talkers. Never argue at the table; but tell pleasant stories, relate or read anecdotes and look out for the good of all. Sometimes a single anecdote from a paper starts a conversation that lasts during the meal time.

A family table ought to be bright and cheerful, a sort of domestic altar, where every one casts down his or her offering, great or small, of pleasantness and peace ; where, for at least a brief space in the day, all annoyances are laid aside, all stormy tempers hushed, all quarrels healed; every one being glad and content to sit down at the same board and eat the same bread and salt, making it, whether it were a rich repast, or a dinner of herbs, equally a joyful, almost sacramental meal.— Dr. Holbrook.

PLANTER AND FARMER.

789

(JMttflriat—Javm-<Savdcn awl Jvuit

CONDUCTED BY DR. THOMAS POLLARD, COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE OF VIRGINIA.

We are now in the last month of the year—the twelfth in our calendar, but only the tenth (Decern, ten) in the Roman calendar, reckoning from March. The farm work for the year draws to a close, and almost the only holiday for the Southern farmer approaches—dear old Christmas; dear to us as being transmitted to us froai our ancestors of " Merrie old England " (the greatest people in the world); dear to our childhood's memory, and dear to us for our children's sake, in whom we are living over our boyhood again. But the close of the year has its duties as well as anticipated pleasures. We should now review our operations for the past twelve months; cast up accounts, make an estimate o* debits and credits, and find out whether we have been doing a paying or losing business. If we have been losing, the cause and the remedy should be sought for. If there has been bad farming, or waste and imperfect cultivation of crops, the resolution must be formed and carried out to correct the error, husband resources, save crops carefully, make more manure, end leave no stone unturned to do better for the next year. If one crop has been unprofitable, let another be tried—unless the fault has been ours in bad cultivation, wrong time of planting, imperfect husbanding, &c. If too much time and land have been devoted to one crop» let the products be diversified, taking care to raise all the supplies necessary to the farm. Many a discreet farmer has tound out that he should not devote all his labor and land to tobacco and cotton, and trust to buying all his supplies with money derived from these staples. It is much easier to buy than to sell, as many a poor debtor has found out too late. If we are forced to buy our supplies, we must pay the current price, be it ever so high, and cannot wait for a fall. To do this we must: go in debt, or frequently sell the cotton and tobacco at ruinously low prices. If we go in debt, waiting for a rise that may never come, permanent embarrassment may follow; whereas if the supplies were raised on the farm, we could afford to wait for a rise, and if it did not come, we should only have less money to spend in luxuries, and style, and dress, and diamonds, and other foolish extravagances. We remember our cotton-planters in old times. The farmer commits frequently the error of cultivating too much poor land instead of cultivating less and devoting more of his time and labor in improving what he cultivates. The farmers of Virginia have much surplus land which they had better sell at a small price, if possible, diminish their taxes in doing so, and devote the money received to improving the remainder of their farms. Immi-

gration is a great desideratum of Virginia—immigration of people who have means to buy lands and become farmers. Every wise citizen will use his endeavors to promote it, and every farmer in Virginia, in our opinion, owes his thanks to Senator Johnston for the effort he is making to bring purchasers of lands to our State,

In reviewing the past year, we are afraid that many will find they have wasted their time from home, and have failed in strict attention to the farm, in watching over labor, inspecting everything;, and taking care of everything. Let us, then, honestly review the year which is " going out/' and prepare for that which is "coming in " by our increased exertion and observation, and resolve to do better in the futnre, whether we have been successful or unsuccessful. If the former, then try to do still better; if the latter, strive to remedy our mistakes and conquer success by perseverance, industry and economy.

Gathering Corn —if not done before, should be no longer delayed, for it will waste in the field and be stolen. Put in the house with shucks on, and shuck in rainy days. Corn is less troubled with rats if put away with the shuck on. We have good crops of corn in Virginia. In some sections drought has shortened the crop very much, and in some few localities almost destroyed it. The farmers in these sections have our sympathies, for stock do not thrive on farms where corn has to be bought. With plenty of corn, everything "laughs and.grows fat;"' with de-deficiency or none, as happens to some farmers, everything is lank and lean, and sad and long-faced. Did the farmer ever notice how his " Berkshire" grows " short in the face" with his chubby cheeks, as he is plied with plenty of corn ?

Plowing must be pushed every good day in this month for tobacco and corn. This is very important in stiff lands and lands with much cover, or that has been standing in "sod " for some time. The freezing disintegrates and makes friable every particle of soil, kills the insects, and during the warmer spells in the winter the material has time to rot. For very light lands, with small cover, there is no advantage in plowing in the Winter, or until Spring, except to economize time. After the plowing is done, put the plow under shelter, after having cleaned it off and greased or whitewashed the iron portion of it, and on the wood-work it is well to apply crude petroleum (which may be obtained from the wholesale apothecaries).

Lime may well be applied now on fallowed land, if it is designed to use it at all. We regard it as very important on all lands not supplied by nature, and on all lands not destitute of vegetable matter. Apply from 50 to 100 bushels to the acre, according to the quality of the land? the quantity of vegetable matter upon it, the supply and cost, and the ability to purchase. If it is not convenient to apply the full quantity at

once, apply a smaller quantity, and repeat each year as circumstances justify it. Oyster shell lime is preferred by some, under the opinion that it may contain some animal matter (with nitrogen) and a little phosphate of lime. " Gas-house" lime near the cities is, we think, a very desirable form to use it, on account of its cheapness (not more than two or three cents a bushel), its containing, after exposure, some gypsum (plaster of Paris) and a minute quantity of ammonia. When just from the works it sometimes injures vegetation, but if exposed to the air a month or so before applied, or before the crop is planted, there is no danger in this respect. We have applied it to oats at the time of seeding, with no injurious effects, but with very good results on the oats and excellent effect on the clover sowed at the same time (just after the oats, we mean) in the Spring In tidewater Virginia this is frequently a good month for applying marl, and we are surprised that the farmers are not using it more extensively. In some localities it is too expensive, but in many places it crops out near the surface and in places where there is not much hill to overcome to get it to the fields. The " green sand marl," which usually coniains 10 per cent potash, some carbonate of lime, and sometimes some phosphate of lime, is very valuable and will justify considerable outlay to obtain it. The objection to its use is the necessity oj " pitting " for it and the danger that the pits will be filled with water by rainfalls before the marl can be obtained. It just occurs to us to suggest that this might be obviated by having a movable roof constructed to place over the pits while the marl is being removed, to prevent the flooding by rains. This it occurs to us would be effectual, if at the fame time small drains were made all around the pits to prevent the access of water on every side. We are sure farmers in Eastern Virginia, (tidewater) are neglecting too much these deposits of lime and potash which nature has placed in their way.

Root Crops that are not taken care of now, must be at once attended to. Turnips must be put in frost proof cellars, or pitted out, the dirt carefully raised over them in a well-shaped pyramid and ventilation afforded by withes of straw, or boards nailed together, or drain-tile, if they are at hand, taking care to plug the end of the ventilator with hay or straw.

Ruta bagas will generally keep well in the open air until this time, but it is better to take care of them now.

Cabbage should be kept in the ground until hard weather comes, and thea put away.

We gave directions about protecting celery the last month.

A large crop of wheat has been seeded, in good time generally, and is looking well, though we have more than the usual amount of complaint of " fly." In the Dispatch, during the month of October, appeared an

article by Col. F. G. Ruffin, advising air-slaked lime to be applied over the wheat as a remedy, and we have no doubt it is a good one. It is to be sowed on the wheat while the dew is on, or over night, that it may catch the moisture and the lime be carried down to the base of the wheat leaf, where it comes in contact with the larvae and destroys it. The hands must be greased, and the person who applies it must walk with the wind. [Col. Ruffin's article appears in this number.]

The crops for the present year are probably the largest in the history of the country, and the farmer and every one dependent on him (and who is not) is to be congratulated on the prospect ahead. Surely better times are near at hand, and that in all probability, in spite of what legislation may be in regard to "specie resumption" and " remonetizing silver," though wise measures, in this respect, will hasten the long-hoped for time. According to an estimate emanating from the " New York Produce Exchange," the harvest of 1877 is the greatest that has ever been gathered in this country. It amounts, in round numbers-, to 325,-000,000 bushels of wheat and 1,280,000,000 bushels of corn. The largest yield of wheat in any previous year was 309,000,000 (in 1874), but the corn crop then amounted to only 844,148,500 bushels. Compared with last year, the wheat crop shows an increase of 39,000,000 bushels. At the seaboard, tn.king the ruling price in October, the value of the wheat crop may be set down at $400,000,000, and the corn crop at $700,000,000. The immense increase in our wheat exports is already draining the gold from the " Bank of England " to America, and it is impossible that this great addition to the wealth of the country will not have a permanent effect upon the trade and business of the whole Union. The real and tangible effects will not be prominent until the crops of 1877 have been marketed, but the Spring of 1878 will witness the revival of trade in every branch of business. The outlook for the farmer is very encouraging, as it is for the country, but we regret that the tobacco-raisers will probably get a small price for their staple. As an evidence of the large shipments of farm produce going on from this country to Europe, we clip the following from a late number of the Country Gentleman:

Large Shipments of Farm Produce. —Whole fleets of large steamships are departing every week loaded down with American farm produce. Sometimes 500,000 bushels of wheat go on a Saturday. The steamship " England " of the National Line alone took 65,000 of wheat on October 8, equal to 3,900,000 lbs., or nearly 2,000 tons! The eight steamers on that day carried 363,000 bushels of wheat (16,780,000 lbs.), 9,150 ban els of flour (1,930,000 lbs ), 8,000 bushels of corn, 32,000 bushels of rye, 3,850 bales of cotton (1.925,000 lbs.). 2,465 boxes of bacon, 21.000 boxes of cheese, 4,500 packages of butter, 1,450 tierces of lard, about 2,000 pounds clover seed, 4,500 cases of canned meats, 1,530 bales of hops, about half a million pounds of fresh beef in quarters, besides large quantities of tobacco, apples, tallow, salted pork and beef, oil cake, cotton seed oil, starch, 1,200 bags of ivory nuts, 477 slabs of rubber, grass seed, etc., etc. By and by we shall get the official figures for these autumn months; they will show our estimate last month of $500,000,000 received from abroad for our surplus farm produce this year to be under the truth.

PLANTER AND FARMER.

7C3

P. S.— Exports in ten and a half months, 1877: Fresh beef, 36,132, 730 pounds; value, $8,000,388. Same time, I860, 10,000,865 pounds ; value, $1,755,101. Live cattle, 1877, 10,250; value, $1,450,350. Fresh mutton, 1,883,850 pounds; value, $123,000. Live sheep, 12,400; value, $81,350. Total value of live and dressed beeves and sheep exported January 1 to October 13, 1877, $11,460,320, against $1,755,101 in 1876.

We give the following to complete the list of fruits given last month. We omitted to advise, in setting out trees in the Fall, to make a moderate embankment around the tree. It is important to keep the tree from being bent out of position and loosened by the winds. It also helps to prevent the mice from injuring the trees, sometimes girdling and destroying them. If this embankment is made and the ground firmly-pressed around the tree, it will obviate, in a great measure, the use of the stake. In the Spring the ground around the tree should be levelled, and if the soil is a dry one, or the season dry, it is well to make a small depression around the tree.

Of Cherries, we advise the old May cherry, May Duke, Napoleon Bigarreau (which is a variety of wax cherry), Early Richmond (old cluster cherry), Black Tartarian and Morello. The soil must be good— either gray or red, though the first is best. We suspect they do best on cherry stock rather than on mahaleb. We have been told by an experienced Virginia nurseryman that they are very apt to die on the latter just as they come into bearing, and we have found that the case on two Napoleon Bigarreaus planted out eight or nine years since.

Of Plums, plant Green Gage, Jefferson and Washington. Try the Wild Goose plum, as it is said to escape the curculio; but it is of second rate quality.

Of Grapes, plant Concord, Delaware, Ives, and Norton Seedling. Some of "Rogers' Hybrids," particularly No. 1 and No. 4, are worth planting. They are not very productive, but are large and fine looking, and very good table grapes. Concord is the grape "for the million " in Virginia, and makes quite good wine. Norton is the great wine grape. Ives is early and is profitable for market. Delaware is an excellent table grape, but requires good land, of clay subsoil, and then is not very productive. The Catawba does well in Piedmont and the mountain regions. Grapes generally do best on light land with southern or southeastern exposure.

Of Gooseberries, Houghton's Seedling is the best for this latitude. There are many larger, but not so productive, and so free from mildew.

Of Raspberries, Philadelphia, Clark and Mammoth Cluster have been most relied on in Virginia, but Brandy wine is now thought best by those who have tried it.

Of Strawberries we spoke in the October number of this journal. Wilson is thus far, we think, the best market berry. Charles Downing, Lady Finger, Triomphe de Gaud and Kentucky are better table berries

for family use. Triomphe de Gand is the best of all of them, we think, but is a very poor bearer. We are trying Mouarch of the West, Duchesse (early), and Duncan, and will report on them another season.

There are doubtless other varieties of fruit than those we recommend which deserve propagation; but the variety from which selection is to be maoe is much too great, and indiscriminate praise is bestowed upon almost everything which is new in the fruit line. A great mapy useless kinds have been planted, particularly of apples. The old kinds of apples planted by our fathers are, in a general way, much superior to the modern, and few of the Northern apples succeed well in Virginia. The rule should be observed in this matter—to buy from responsible nurserymen.

With regard to forest trees, we have not space to enumerate the kinds we think most desirable. For one, we think the " Sugar Maple " should be more planted than it is. It is a beautiful tree, and if the farmer would plant groves of them, he might make his own sugar. The prejudice against the Ailauthus and Otaheite mulberry we think unfounded* They are both valuable and hardy trees—the Ailanthus, because of its rapid growth, hardiness, and the value of its timber ; the Mulberry, because it is extremely hardy (being of the few trees which will stand the reflected heat of the streets of the cities), its quick growth and excellent, dense shade. Our native elms (smooth bark), ash, maple and popfkr are all valuable shade trees; the latter should not be set out until Spring, after the buds begin to swell considerably.

Protecting Stock. —We must again remind our readers to give their stock good protection against the cold weather. It is a very important thing—will keep up the flesh of the stock and save feed. It is particularly necessary for sows with their pigs.

REPLY TO DR. ELLZEY ON THE

" We think the reasoning and the facts are on the side of analysis. Almost everything human may have some objections made to it, for there is nothing done by man which is perfect, as " there are none perfect." As man is fallible, so his works are fallible. But others think the reasoning is against analysis, and we must bring authority vs. authority, as what we deem facts are questioned. We have recently received from Dr. Voelcker, chemist to the " Royal Agricultural Society of England,'' a letter on this subject, in which he says no manufacturer of chemical manures who understands his business in ever so moderate a degree buys any fertilizing material except on the basis of an analysis. Why, then, should the analysis of fertilizers be of great value to manufacturers, and of no value to the farmer? The agricultural and commercial value of artificial manures mainly depends upon the component parts and the

relative proportions of the chief fertilizing ingredients, and the state of combination in which they occur can be determined by any good chemist with quite sufficient precision to indicate the comparative value of different fertilizers. Chemical analysis, in fact, is the only means of ascertaining with certainty whether a manure is good or worthless, &c.—the whole letter being a very strong endorsation of analysis of fertilizers by this distinguished chemist.

TUCKAHOE FARMERS' CLUB.

At the request of Col. Thomas Branch, the Tuckahoe Farmers' Club held their November meeting at his house in the city. Col. Branch? being quite an elderly gentleman and having much other business to occupy his time, wished'to sever his connection with the Tuckahoe Club, of which he has been a member almost since its formation. Although Col. Branch's time is principally taken up in the city, yet he finds time to cultivate and improve his very beautiful country seat, situated two miles from the city on the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad. That Col. Branch is a good, farmer, his crops and farm work attest. Taking under his management his present farm about six or seven years ago, when it was poor and in bad order, and incapable of producing any remunerative crops—now under his improving system of cultivation his crops, particularly grass and clover, compare favorably with many of the best to be found in the country.

At a former meeting of the Club, Mr. Branch advocated strongly that the farmers of Henrico should raise beef; if not beef to sell, beef for the use of their own families. In his experience this could be done very easily. He has done so himself, as we can attest.

Although it is not customary to elect honorary members in the Tuckahoe Farmers' Club, the members of the Club, wishing to express their regrets at Col. Branch severing his connection with them, unanimously made him an honorarv member, and desired him to be present at every meeting when he might find it convenient to do so.

As a splendid specimen of the ideal Old Virginia Gentleman, Col. Branch has very few peers. Though the frosts of seventy-five winters have made his locks as driven snow, the storms of life have dealt kindly with his person, and when we meet him on the street with his round, full face, ruddy with health and glowing with the smile of a warm and generous nature; when we look upon him clad in the vestments of ye olden time, yet so rotund and bouyant as not to seem out of place even on our busy streets, we cannot but wish that the rush and hurry of the present day had left us a few more such specimens of manhood to point our youth to and bid them pattern themselves after such exemplars. No one could meet Col. Branch, even in the most busy crowd, without

being struck at once with his appearance; and his manners and conversation are equally calculated to impress a stranger. ■

For many years Col. Branch has been identified with Richmond as a merchant and banker, and his fine business qualities, his indomitable energy and enterprise, his liberal views and high-toned honor, have made him a leader. Indeed, in every position in which we find him he always perforce comes to the front. As a Christian gentleman he ranks among the foremost in his Church, and naturally takes his place beside the bishops. Indeed, we often think what a splendid bishop the Church has lost. Yet we do not know but that as it furnishes the means of a generous charity, it is best after all. We are sorry to part with him as an active member of the Club; but as he still lives amongst us, we can have the benefit of his example; and in bidding him adieu, we wish him years of enjoyment of a green old age in the peacefnl shades of his beautiful country home. •

§j[0we §tyixtmmt.

CONDUCTED BY MRS. G. JULIAN PRATT.

OUR OWN.

If I had known in the morning How wearily all the day The words unkind Would trouble my mind, I said when I went away, I had been more careful^ darling, Nor given you heedless pain ; But we vex " our own " With look and tone We may never take back again.

For though in the quiet evening I may give you the kiss of peace. Yet it might be That never for me The pain at the heart should cease ! How many go forth in the morning That never come home at night! And hearts have been broken By harsh words spoken, That sorrow can ne'er set right.

We have careful thought for the stranger, And smiles for the sometime guest, But oft for u our own" The bitter tone, Though we love u our own " the best. Ah! lips, with curse impatient! Ah ! brow, with that look of scorn ! 'Twere a cruel fate Were the night too late To undo the work of the morn.— Home Journal.

PLANTER AND FARMER.

797

The prominent objects of interest among farmer's families for the past mouth have been the fairs—provincial and State. It was my privilege to attend the latter at Richmond, and while others write of the fine display of stock, implements, and the immense throng of people, my dot-tings must be confined to the " Ladies' Pavillion." The exhibition here was equal to that in every other department, and the whole was said to be a success never before reached in the history of the Society.

What a medley was presented to the eye on entering! but turning to the right as directed by the marshal, and making a slow tour of the buildings, a tolerably clear idea was gained. The needle work was of the finest and most elaborate character, followed by worsted work of every description, from the handsomest afghans, three yards square, to a little specimen from the inmates of the Williamsburg Lunatic Asylum. Bead work, shell work, spatter work. Applique (in every style), rustic, wax and hair work, were represented. It will give me pleasure at some future time to take these up in detail, for the benefit of those who had not the opportunity of personal inspection. Among the quilts was one made by a little girl not eight years old, and one made and designed by a little boy of a strikingly original character. Among the novelties, Madame Harding occupied a window, making her " Liquid Flowers." To a looker on, she seemed to have the power of " creating," so rapidly did they grow under her experienced fingers. Just opposite to her, a stand was occupied with shell and sea-bean ornaments from Florida. There was also on exhibition some ornaments made of " fish scales," alike admirable for beauty and durability, and specimens of silver filagree work.

The household department made a useful exhibit of bread, cake, jellies, preserves and pickles, that could not possibly be excelled. The butter department was poorly represented, though the first premium article was very superior, also a firkin of packed butter from Mr. G. W. Palmer, of Virginia. The poverty of the exhibition in this class will no doubt continue until the Society are aroused to the importance of this product to Virginia, and appoint judges who will serve and who can appreciate a genuine article, and not rule out butter colored by the cream of Jersey cows alone—" as 'a spurious article colored with carrots;" a fact that has occurred more than once in the last five years.

Going into a lower room, we were met by fragrance of flowers, and a wilderness of beauty was revealed. Growing plants and cut flowers in every variety of design from leading florists and individuals were exhibited.

The many excellencies of various washing, sewing and other machines were urged by their several energetic and polite agents. Cases of mille-nery, furs, hats and saddlery were displayed; and as we passed out at the last door, we felt amply repaid for the fatigue and personal discom-

fort experienced, by the insight we had gained of the thrift and enterprise of Virginia represented in this single department of our State Agricultural Fair.

Sensitive Children. —Extreme sensitiveness in children may be either a misfortune or an advantage, according to the influences which are brought to bear upon them. A hasty temper is the prevailing fault of sensitive children; it is their quick involuntary protest against whatever offends them, and it should be treated with moral medication, and as tenderly as a deformed foot or curvature of the spine. Little by little self-control can be taught, and infiltration of such ideas and motives and sentiments made in the child's mind as will enable him to outgrow and overcome his infirmity. Time cures a great many things; children outgrow infirmities and faults, and if right principles of action and feeling are instilled gently, constantly, wisety, the results will ultimately appear. It is mere cruelty to make the weak points of a child a source of teasing and ridicule, as is often done in schools and families. If he is born with a deformed foot, with defective sight or hearing, how careful are we to try. and make up to him what nature has denied. A defect in one's mental or moral organization should certainly be as tenderly and judiciously treated as a bodily deformity. A quick temper, an irritable or timorous or teasing disposition requires far more tact and judicious management than any physical infirmity. When grown to maturity our sensitive children become the poets, musicians, artists, writers, leaders of their time.— New York Tribune.

WHO ARE THE BLESSED?

Blessed is the man who minds his own business and attends only to his own affairs, and not the affairs of his neighbors.

Blessed is the woman who never says to her husband, " I told you so."

Blessed is the man who can sew on his buttons when the baby is crying.

Blessed is the mother-in-law who never reminds you that you married above your station.

Blessed is the rich relation who never looks down on you—when you are in the guiter.

Blessed is the poor relation who never looks up to you—for money.

Blessed is the old maid that don't hate old people and children.

Blessed is the old bachelor that don't hate cats and canary birds.

Blessed are the married people that don't wish they were single.

Blessed are the single people that are contented to remain so.

Blessed is the husband who never says his mother's pies were better than his wife's are.

Blessed is the wife (formerly a widow) who never calls up the virtues of her " dear departed " for No. 2 to emulate.

Blessed is the man who gives his wife ten cents without asking her what she is going to do with it.

Blessed is the woman who don't scold when the stove pipe falls down on the dinner table and—blessed is the man who can fix it up without swearing.

Blessed is the friend who never requires the loan of your umbrella.

Blessed is the neighbor who is so busy with his own affairs that he has no time to pry into yours.

Where are the blessed?

Echo answers, "Where?"

The origin and meaning of the word " woman " having been quite recently under discussion in the pages of the London Notes and Querie8,9, Dublin man sends the following old verse which he lately came across in his readings:

When Eve brought woe to all mankind,

Old Adam called her woe-man; But when she woo'd with love so kind,

He then pronounced it woo-man, ; But now with folly and with pride

Their husband's pockets trimming, The ladies are so full of whims.

That people call them whim-men.

To calcimine a good sized room with two coats, take ten pounds of whiting, dissolved in boiling water ; a quarter pound of glue (soaked in a pint of water from the night before), may now be melted slowly on the back of the stove, stirring frequently. To color a beautiful tint, take two ounces of ultramarine blue and one ounce of Venetian red ; mix separately with soft cold water, and strain through a stocking or thin cloth, each in a separate vessel. The whiting may now be stirred well; if too thick, add more hot water and strain through a flour sieve into a good sized pot. Add some of the blue and red alternately, till you get the shade desired, as shown by drying a little of the mixture on a pie^e of paper. When the color is determined, pour in the glue. After mixing well, apply the wash hot to the walls, brushing in any direction, as it mixes better than if put on too carefully. On white walls two coats are necessary; but after the room is once done, a single coat is sufficient* Should the ceiling have to be done, put on the whiting alone first, then' re-heat the wash and add the paint and glue, the latter to be light-colored if the walls are to be white. Common glue will answer for a painted wall.

Keeping Roots. —To keep roots sound and plump, Mr. Benjamin P. Ware, of Marblehead, a successful gardener, cuts off the fine roots close to the body, and pares away the crown of the turnip or beet sufficiently to destroy all bads or rudiments of buds. The thus doctored roots are then placed in barrels of sand or covered' with earth in the cellar to prevent wilting. Kemoving the buds and rootlets prevents that corkiness so common with these roots when kept till late in Winter, which is caused by the support of sprouts and rootlets using up much of the more tender and edible substance of the roots. Turnips and beets thus treated are as nice for the table in late Winter or early Spring as when first harvested. --

The value of dry earth in the hen-house, more especially where wooden floors are in use, is not generally appreciated. Any kind of clean loam, or clay soil, will answer. But it should be gathered now, before the Fall rains render it heavy and soggy, and plentifully stored away in a corner or heap, inside the poultry-house.

Occasionally, a portion of this fresh earth may be thrown around the floors, or scattered under the roosts. A compost heap may shortly be begun. Mix the droppings from the roosts where the fowls pass the night with some of this. Rake it away once or twice in a fortnight— and, next Spring, you will have a rich mass of mauure for your vegetable garden, or top-dressing for the grass or lawn around the house, that

cannot be excelled for its quality. It will cost you nothing but a little easy labor once a week. The earth will help to keep your house-atmosphere pure, and, if you add the fallen leaves around you to the mass, it will be improved when they rot away during the Winter.

To Protect Molten Lead from Explosion. —Molten lead, when poured around a damp or wet joint, will often convert the water into steam so suddenly as to Cause an explosion, scattering the hot metal in every direction. This trouble may, it is said, be avoided by putting into the ladle a bit of rosin the size of a man's thumb, and melting it before pouring.

An iron wash for woodwork can be made by taking fine iron filings one part, brickdust one part, and ashes one part. Put them in glue water, warm, and stir well together. Use two coats.

How can I give shirt bosoms the polish and stiffness obtained by shirt manufacturers? Ans. Rub one ounce best potato starch up with a little cold water, so as .to reduce all the lumps ; add a tablespoouful of best loaf sugar, an equal quantity of dextrin, a little soluble indigo, and a lump of pure paraffin about the size of a nutmeg. Then add a pint of boiling water, and boil, with occasional stirring, for half an hour (not less). The starch should be strained through a linen cloth before using. Scientific American.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.] The following is the recipe of the premium ham at the State Fair given to Mrs. Robert Crump :

Curing Hams. —Quarter pound of saltpetre, quarter pound of black pepper, one-eighth pound red pepper, two pounds common brown sugar (to two hams) to be mixed with salt enough to cover hams well. Pack them in tubs with skins down ; let them remain six weeks, turning over occasionally (if they should become mouldy during that time, rub off the mould with same mixture). After six weeks, hang up and drain one week, then smoke with green hickory wood moderately for two days. Keep in a dry smoke-house, and smoke your meat during damp spells and it will always be free from insects.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Process of Baking Hams. —Put a ham in a pan with a small quantity of water, and bake one and a half hours ; then take it out and skin; dress with cracker dust and eggs, adding a small quantity of black pepper. Beat the eggs and spread it over the ham, and sprinkle the cracker dust thickly over that; return it to oven and bake hour and a half more.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.]

Col. Ficklin's Recipe for Curing Hams. —Select well fatted pork, that has hung up to cool well one night. Round the hams short or lengthy according to size and wished for weight in hams; trim smooth, avoiding gashes in the flesh ; take off the feet at the bottom joint below the knees with the heel of a knife, and the bone, too, from each ham that connected them, and salt quite lightly one or two days to draw out what blood it may. To each one hundred pounds of ham, use eight to ten pounds salt, two ounces saltpetre, two pounds brown sugar, one ounce

PLANTER AND FARMER.

801

red pepper, dissolved and mixed in tubs with of about four to five gallons water and poured over the hams packed in a tight barrel or hogshead, intending just to cover the hams and chines and shoulders that there may be room for if desired. To be sure the brine is strong enough, and as a test, it should float a fresh egg. After four to six weeks in brine, hang by the skin at the end of the leg, and smoke gently several weeks with green hickory or other wood till dry and colored to suit the fancy and of a light brown, and before any balmy days in March that flies may start, wrap each ham in a newspaper and have a bag for each made from any coarse bags, and deep and narrow enough to put each in, hock end downwards and erect, resting mainly on the ends, and the bags and strings should last an age. With twine some fifteen inches, and with the ends tied to form double, and thus a loop around the mouth of the bag, and hang the loop over a nail to wait to August and September to become bacon, and for a year more it should be all that may be wished; greater age is no improvement to arrive at. Hams cured in this way with care will bring several cents over common and Western cured, and will be sought for by epicures and judges of good bacon.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.] Col. R. H. Hancock's Recipe for Curing Hams —I prefer pure Berkshire hogs "from fifteen to eighteen months old, and believe the breed has much to do with the ham. I feed in a barn lot, about two acres, with plenty of running water, what corn the hogs will eat clean from four to six weeks. Kill the usual way, and use about one bushel of salt to a thousand pounds of pork. Trim the hams close, and let them lie in salt from four to six weeks; then spread them in the meat house a day or two to dry. Make a mixture of black pepper (ground) and common molasses made into a thick paste, and spread HiorougJdy over the hock and flesh part of the ham. Hang them up and smoke with hickory chips till dry. Let them remain hanging till wanted for use.

[For the Southern Planter and Farmer.] Col. Robert Beverley's Receipt for Sugar Cured Hams. — For one thousand pounds of hams take one-half bushel of fine salt, two pounds of saltpetre, four pounds of brown sugar, one gallon of molasses ; mix all thoroughly, and rub the mixture on the fleshy side well and pack in tight casks, and every eight days take out and change top pieces to bottom for six weeks, and the first time taken up, sprinkle a small quantity of ground alum salt on the mixture first applied ; and, at the end of six weeks, must be taken up and well smoked; and by the middle of February, or first of March at farthest, must be taken down and rubbed with ground black pepper and molasses and canvassed and whitewashed; after whitewashing, a little smoke for a day or two to dry the canvass. Hang up early so as to escape the fly ; put but one piece in a sack or canvass. It is bast to have the sack large enough to stuff a little hay or straw between it and the ham, which will effectually prevent the fly getting to it.

Above is receipt you asked for, which is by far the best I have ever seen used.

To the Boys and Girls who read the Planter and Farmer:

As intimated in the last number of this Journal, I feel that the Home

Department would be incomplete without the interest of the children, 4

and hope our goad natured editor will accommodate us with room for our occasional greetings. I have faith in the boys and girls who are scattered among our country homes, and want them to take a personal interest in our Virginia journal.

Any information or amusement in my power will be cheerfully given, and I solicit unrestrained correspondence from them on any subject of geuwi interest. Mrs. G. J. P.

FATHER AT PLAY.

Such fun as we had one rainy day,

When father was home and helped us play I

We made a ship and hoisted sail, And crossed the sea in a fearful gale—

But we hadn't sailed- into London town, When captain and crew and vessel went dowo.

Down, down in a jolly wreck,

"With the captain rolling under the deck.

But be broke out again with a lion's roar r And we on two legs, and he on four,

Ran out of the parlor and up the stair, And frightened mama and the baby there.

Bo mama said she'd be policeman now,

And tried t' arrest us. She didn't know how„

Then the lion laughed' and forgot to roar Till we chased him out of the nursery door $

And then he turned to a pony gay, And carried us all on his back away.

Whippity, lickity, hickity. ho!

If we hadn't fun, then I don't know J

Till we tumbled off and he cantered on, Never stopping to see if his load was gone.

And I couldn't tell, any more than he, Which was Charlie and which was me,

Or which was Towser—for all in a mix v You"d think three people had turned to six.

Till Towser's tail was caught in the door; He wouldn't hurrah with us then any more.

And mama came out then the rumpus to quiet,

And told U3 a story to break up a riot.— Youth-s Companion.

CHILD MARIAN IN MISCHIEF.

What golden days they were—those early Summer days in the Austrian, capital, and what sights we saw, and what adventures we had, and how lovely Marian grew in the bracing air, and how we loved her more and more as the weeks went on! Well—no—we didn't mind her mischief very much, because, you see, she never meant to be mischievous, and that makes all the difference in the world. She generally thought she was doing right—and her little pranks were almost always mere er-»oft»,o£ judgment.

PLANTER AND FARMER.

803

She would never have cut off Harry's long hair, but that she thought it would be more becoming and comfortable short. She would never have pinned red stripes to the shoulders of my dress coat—which I wore to a court reception, and wasn't aware they were there until a fellow-countryman asked me if they were a pair of young shoulder-straps. And I'm sure she didn't mean any harm when she put a box of toilet powder into the hat of a distinguished United States officer who came to call on us, and he, poor man, who was nothing if not dignified, and much if he was, felt very angry when his red face and bald head and black coat received a white shower. We were very much mortified at this, and Aunt Elinor looked very severe and said:

" Marian—Marian, why did you do it—it was very naughty and thoughtless!" And the little lady replied that she had only hidden it there for a moment from Harry, and forgotten to take it out—and she continued:

" It didn't hurt him a bit, and it wasn't half as bad as Harry did—for he stirred up our mucilage pot with the old gentleman's umbrella-handle, and didn't wipe it off again. Harry was just going to wipe it off, when he came out of the parlor so mad about the powder-box, and seized his umbrella right out of Harry's hands, before we could tell him—and—O, my! didn't it stick to his gloves ! "

Aunt Elinor groaned, and no wonder.

And I looked very stern and said:

" Children, I'm surprised, when you know I charged you to be especially good while that gentleman was here."

" Well," said Marian, beginning to cry," we tried to be good, and we went down into the court-yard to keep out of mischief, and his carriage was there, and we climbed in, and we would have staid there till he came down, only the pins gave out."

" Pins—what do you mean?" asked Aunt Elinor.

" O, we had a paper of pins, and we stuck them all in the carriage cushions, and spelt words with the heads : we wrote ' Old Boy' with pin-heads way across the front seat, and it looked so well we left it for him to see."

Aunt Elinor groaned again.

" And we made a cat on the back seat, and then Harry made a fence all 'round her to keep her in—a lovely fence! We lifted up the linen cover of the seat, and stuck the pins point upwards—and I do hope he noticed it before he sat down."

I didn't wait to hear more, but I seized my hat and hurried off to the gentleman's house—and found him looking very flushed and angry, and as if he might be just on the point of striking our names off his visiting list. I did the best I could with an apology, but the old gentleman worked himself into a towering passion, and said:

" It's outrageous, sir, outrageous. I shall not be able to sit down with comfort for a week."

I told Marian and Harry what he said, and both children looked very sorry—but surely did the best they knew how to mend the injury, for when, a few days after, I went to search for my court-plaster case, Marian looked guilty, and said, very beseechingly:

" O, don't be angry with me, dear Uncle Will—I sent it to General

with such a nice note."

" 0! O!! 0! I! " I groaned, and &lt like tearing my hair.

" Don't feel so badly, dear Uncle Will, 'twas a very nice note—I have a copy of it here;" and she produced a letter that read as follows:

Dear General —We are very sorry that you hurt you when you sat down. We send you some court-plaster, and hope it will do you good. We didn't mean to be outrajus, and we don't think it was much trouble for you to get the powder out of your hair, because you have so little hair on top of your head, and it will brush out of that little fringe 'round the edges easy enough. Harry says he thinks your head very pretty behind ; it looks just like a ostriches egg he saw in the museum.

Did you see what we wrote on your carridge cushing—while your cotchman was drinking beer with our porter? Please send the pins back again when you get time.

" Don't you think that is a pretty good note?"

" Yes, Marian, it is well enough of itself, but you ought not to have done it—you are very naughty to do such things without asking leave."

" What do you suppose the man thinks ?" said Aunt Elinor, hardly knowing whether to cry or laugh.

"0," I said, trying to comfort her, "he thinks the children wrote it, and, I dare say, had a good laugh over it."

" I don't think he did," said Marian.

" Did what, Marian ?"

" Did think we wrote it," said Marian.

"Why not, dear?"

*' Because, Uncle Will, I thought he wouldn't think it much account if he thought we wrote it—and so I signed Aunt Elinor's name to it."

"How could you—how could you, Marian?" and Aunt Elinor for a moment thought she would cry a little, and then she saw how funny it all was, and she laughed a little instead, and then it seemed rather awkward, and she turned to me and asked what she should do.

" Do? why, there is only one thing to do, and that is to go to the General's and apologize "—which we proceeded to do forthwith, but not till Marian had promised never, while she was with us, to send another note without telling us about it, and never, never to put anybody's but her own name to her letters.— Wm. M. F. Hound, in October Wide Awake.

Where the Greatest of the John Smiths is Buried. —Opposite Newgate is St. Sepulchre's church, of which John Rogers, the Smithfield martyr, was Vicar, chiefly modern, but with a remarkable porch which has a beautiful fan-tracery roof. Many are the Americans who visit the interior to see a gray gravestone " in the church choir, on the south side thereof," with an almost obliterated epitaph which began:

" Here lies one conquer'd that hath conquer'd kings! "

for it covers the remains of Capt. John Smith (1579-1631), "some time Governor of Virginia and Admiral of New England," and author of many works upon the history of Virginia. The three Turk's heads whi are still visible on his shield of arras, were granted by Sigismund, Duke of Transylvania, in honor of Smith's having, in three single combats, overcome three Turks and cut off their heads in the wars of Hungary in 1602.— Good Words.

POULTRY EXHIBITION.

Office Virginia Poultry Association, Richmond, Va., November 21st, 1877.

The first exhibition of poultry by this Association will be held in this city on Wednesday, Tuesday and Friday, the 9th, 10th and 11th of January, 1878. We cordially invite all fanciers and breeders of poultry, pigeons, birds and rabbits to exhibit their stock. Our premium list will be ready after December 1st.

For further information, address H. Theo. Ellyson, Sec'y,

A. M. Bowman, President. Box 73, Richmond,. Va.

MxUxM — (&mml

"I pledge myself that South Carolina will pay punctually every dollar she owes, should it take the last cent, without inquiring whether it was spent wisely or foolishly. Should I in this be by possibility mistaken— should she tarnish her unsullied honor and bring discredit on our common country by refusing to redeem her plighted faith (which I hold impossible)—deep as is my devotion to her, and mother as she is to me, I would disown her."— John C. Calhoun.

THE PUBLIC FISC.

The following is a comparison of the condition of the Treasury, November 1, 1876, and November 1, 1877:

Balances. 1876. 1877.

Currency $12,901,326 $15,950,632

Special fund for the redemption of fractional

currency — 9,444,569

Special deposit of legal tenders, for redemption of certificates of deposit 40,670,000 37,620.000

Coin 75,967.027 131,022,843

Coin certificates 33,283,100 -33,543,200

Coin, less coin certificates 42,683,927 97,479,643

Outstanding called bonds ~ 1,692,950 26.290,900

Other outstanding coin liabilities 5,146,389 4,864,414

Outstanding legal tenders 367,535,710 354,492,892

Outstanding fractional currency 28,555.478 18,352,574

Outstanding silver eoin 21,913,408 36,651,850

Total debt lesseash in Treasury 2,088,878.436 2,047,350.700

Reduction of debt for October 3,338,139 4,236,554

Reduction of debt since July 1 10,560,908 12,807,522

Market value of gold 109 102

Imports (twelve months ending September

30) 435,427,270 468,131,788

Exports (twelve months ending September

30) , 619,173,350 667,403,577

We hold that for every calamity in this world a compensation of some sort is provided. The times since the panic of 1873 have been desperately hard, but the economy they enforced will make a firm foundation for our prosperity in the future. That this economy is real, the excess of exports over imports amply demonstrate. The figures above are all exceedingly interesting, but none so much so as the two lines at the bottom. We there see this gratifying result : Exports in excess of imports, year ending November 1, 1876, $183,746,080; same time 1877, $199,271,789 ; total excess for two years, $383,017,869. And this is bran-new wealth. If products are merely, exchanged in the same country, the increment of wealth consists in what is consumed of home material not before available; what is sold to other people is that portion of this material above the ability of home consumption to dispose of; and to command a surplus of this kind with regularity, if large in amount, must make any people possessing it very rapidly rich.

This country only needs reasonably decent government, and no man can tell to what limit her wealth will go. The following, which we take from the Neio York Herald, will show something in this direction :

"The United States Consul at Leeds, England, has forwarded to the Department of State a report on the export trade of that place with the United States. Woollens and linens are the principal manufactures of Leeds and high tariff and home manufactures have almost completely closed the markets of the United States against these goods, only a small quantity of the very highest class of woollens to meet the demand of that class who will have foreign goods at any price, and a somewhat larger quantity of the very cheapest being now exported hither. The exports of woollens from Leeds to the United States during the year ending September 30, 1876, amounted to $1,142,112, being a decrease, as compared with the preceding year, of $1,351,960. The English manufacturers seem to have given up all hopes of ever again being able to supply the American market with their goods, and have become thoroughly indifferent about our requirements. They are not sure now that even complete free trade would enable them to recover lost ground. The decline in the British export trade and how to regain their manufacturing supremacy, are the leading topics among the thinking people of England.

The Consul believes after a full investigation that no effectual remedy can be applied, but that British commercial interests must continue to decline, and American interests will be affected in inverse ratio. The perfection of our machinery, the style and finish of our goods, the results of the inventive genius of our country, together with the acknowledged fact that American artisans will do twice as much work in a given time as the English artisans, thus equalizing the rates of wages in both countries, have not only shut out British manufactures from our markets, but have enabled the United States to become a formidable competitor with England for the trade of the different countries. While the export trade of England to the United States is rapidly declining her import trade from the United States is increasing year after year, and these imports are goods which she must have, while her exports are goods not actually necessary to us.

During the year I860 England imported from the United States $84,700,000, and exported thereto $122,000,000, a balance of trade in favor of England of over $37,000,000. During the year 1876 she imported from this country goods to the value of $367,352,000, while her exports hither amounted to only $98,000,000 ($24,000,000 less than in 1865), showing a balance of trade in favor of the United States of over $265,000,000.

The Consul at Leeds concludes his report as follows :—

It is apparent that the United States is destined to be the only country on the whole globe where all requirements, both necessaries and luxuries, can be produced, being dependent upon other countries for nothing in exchange for her surplus productions, so that there must be constant accumulation of wealth "

When the balance of trade is so enormously in favor of the United States, as these figures show, we can understand why the Bank of England should advance so rapidly the rate of discount. When she cannot send goods here in return for

what she buys, she must either return us the bonds she holds of ours or send gold. She takes care of herself, in a business way, and when she worked for the abolishment of slavery in our Southern States, it was not so much in obedience to a sentiment reprobating slavery", as it was to break dowu American cotton pro, duction and American cotton manufacture both at once. It cost much to ga} n India, and cotton is India's chief staple production ; it cost no less to make Lancashire the spinner and weaver of cotton (as she hoped) for the world, and it was not desirable that this provision should be made either valueless or subject to the competition of any serious rival. She failed utterly to accomplish her purpose, indeed 'builded better than she knew; " for no more will cotton manufactures be confined to New England in this country. Before the war the South was an agricultural people by distinction, and all of her surplus went into negroes. Now it goes into trade and manufactures, and if any one supposes that the Southern mind is unfit for business pursuits, he will be like that Georgian who said that "if anybody fried him for a fool he would lose his fat." White men make cotton now in the South, and the crops are larger than in the best days before the war, and cotton mills are going up, with the utmost regularity, and right by the eot-ton fields. But, in every direction, new enterprises are springing into existence.

When we consider the advantages of the South, over every other part of this wonderfully favored country, we are overwhelmed with the contemplation. What a field for the energy of every man of us, and how worse than childish is the man who will not make that energy available. We are on the tide that leads to fortune ; and the determination to steer our own boat will bring us to a haven of prosperity the like of which we never dreamed of. Will not our mothers, filling the souls of their sons with that spirit which made Virginia glorious in the past, urge them to the accomplishment of the great work before them. The day for croaking and folding of hands is gone by; work now is the watchword.

"The London Telegraph, commenting upon the opposition shown in Germany and other countries to the introduction of free trade principles, observes that a dispassionate view of the situation enforces the conviction that in Europe the commercial horizon wears a somewhat gloomy aspect. Pursuing the sublect, the Pall Mall Gazette says: ' Our interests are inseparably bound up with the development of commerce,'and protective barriers erected in various directions against the introduction of our trade must inevitably inflict serious injury upon our mercantile interests. Unhappily, too, the Board of Trade returns for the last two months still leave us, as regards the revival of our industry and commerce, in an attitude of vague expectancy. We have now reached the anomalous position of buying from foreigners exactly twice as much as we sell them. American calicoes are reported to meet with increasing acceptance in Manchester. The saws and cutlery of Philadelphia and Pittsburg are sometimes preferred to similar manufactures produced in Sheffield. The machine-made watches of Waltham threaten to supplant the solid horologic workmanship of Coventry. Leather from the United States evokes from the tanners of Bermondsey the confession that they are no lotiger able to sell the same material of a certain quality against the Transatlantic product. Agricultural implements bearing the trademark of a New York company are to be found exposed for sale in English hardware shops. Nevertheless, the Telegraph has unbounded confidence ,in the future of British industry.'"

TIME TO AWAKE.

Virginia is passing through a fearful struggle—straining to recover from the disintegrations of the war, and to enter the race with the busy communities that are driving the plow and plying the hammer as men rarely ever toiled before. It is a busy age—doing in a decade the work of a century—effecting in a generation the transformations reached through painful and protracted periods of ordinary history. North of the Potomac up to the realm of snow, where the reindeer

"wandered fifty years ago, and from tbe palaces of Fifth Avenue to where the sun sinks behind tbe golden rocks of the Sierra Nevada, active brains and cunning hands are procuring and preparing into new forms the materials which contribute to the comfort and gratification of man with an intensity that rarely ever characterized the pursuit of wealth elsewhere. Roused from tbe slumber of three-quarters of a century, awaked by the rude menace of degradation and want, un-sustained by mere appeals to fading memories of the past, a brave and really sturdy race asks for the long-neglected implements of labor, and sets about the task, we hope, of redeeming their broken fortunes by downright work. Statecraft has been the chief occupation of Virginia in tbe past. She has been making constitutions when Massachusetts was making calicoes ; defining the theoretical powers of the State, while New England was acquiring that solid power which rests on the improvement of her soil, r.he development of her manufactures, the growth of her commerce, and tbe bettering of her labor by the education of her laborers.

He was a brave, polite gentleman, but your Virginia farmer of 1860 had hardly a correct opinion on any subject whatever connected with sociology, political economy, or business. He believed that "niggers," 7 as be called them, were a source of wealth ; that South Carolina was richer than Pennsylvania ; he believed that there was no benefit to be derived from a geological survey of the State;: he regarded railroads as mischievous in their influence, and general education for the masses as a mere Yankee invention, that only resulted in the Websterian spelling and a nasal pronunciation. Cities he regarded as sores on the body politic. His idea of a Terrestrial Paradise was Eastern South Carolina—about Georgetown or Beaufort—where the negroes were in tbe proportion of about eight to one as compared with the whites ; and no science, no art, no commerce, no manufactures, no schools, no newspapers, no literature, no roads, no machinery. This is no overdrawn picture ; it is only necessary to go amongst the old regime to hear these sentiments now.

Our New Virginia must improve her soil, develop her stores of mineral wealth, educate her masses so as to have intelligent labor, improve her country roads, complete her lines of transportation. Richmond is the heart; from the capital must go forth the lessons and the example to the rest of the State. Whatever benefits Richmond will beneBt the State; and when the State improves, Richmond will improve.

The great want of Virginia—of all languishing communities, with a good population and government—is adequate transportation facilities.

Let us illustrate: It is said that all the way from Lynchburg to Richmond, down the James river valley, there is a development of iron of the very finest quality and in great abundance. Considerable investments of Northern capital have, we believe, already been made here. The rare magnetic and specular ores which are now obtained from only a few parts of the world, are found here. Does any Virginian suppose that if these iron deposits were in the Valley of the Kennebec, or the Connecticut, that they would remain unutilized tv/elve months? And there is the whole story. We are dead, and they are alive. We are poor, and they are rich. We eke out a scanty subsistence ; they live like princes—with palatial establishments, beautiful grounds, splendid equipages—die, and leave their millions.

Attention has been called to this wonderful iron field, right under the nose of Lynchburg—not far from Richmond—for the past two or three years, and yet what has been done?

If they had the fuel there, pig iron could be made between Richmond and Lynchburg for $14.

Now, "what constitutes a State? 77 What is the source ofEngland\s greatness? What constitutes the wealth of Pennsylvania? Everybody knows that it is coal and iron.

Of coal and iron there is as much, it is believed, between Richmond and the Big Falls of Kanawha, as between Philadelphia and the Monongahela.

We reproduce the above from the State newspaper, and need hardly say that it is from Capt. Chamberlayne's brilliant pen. We are by no means an old fogy, still we do not long for the rush that has characterized the North and West for some years past. Unless society is made happier, by what is known as modern progress, it has failed of its end. The tendency of this rush is to break up farni-

lies, and as the family tie loses strength the country loses unity. England owes all she has to her conservatism, and her conservatism is due to the maintenance of the family. As ugly as the right of primogeniture looks to us, it has not done entirely ill for her. If under the old regime in the South, we were happy and content, who should complain ? With things changed as they are now, and as necessary as it is for us to fall into the new current, we still hope that its drift will never take a direction that will leave our traditions behind—in other words, destroy Virginia character.

The State speaks well when it points out what Virginia ought to do, in the matter of developing what nature has vouchsafed her, barring, of course, any reference to public schools; and it dwells specially on " adequate transportation facilities." This latter is a grievous business to think about. Instead of all roads leading to Rome (Richmond), they rather lead away from her. No blow has ever been struck her so serious, no matter how viewed, as the consolidation known as the A. M. & 0. R. R. The trade of Southwestern Virginia and East Tennessee, pouring through Richmond before the war, did more to help her growth than anything else. The consolidation referred to having its end elsewhere, Richmond is simply ignored on that railroad; and her trade along its line is a mere bagatelle compared with what it ought to be. Baltimore having command of the Virginia Midland Railroad and the railroad in the Valley, freights are against Richmond to such an extent as to prevent her making any material headway in the country traversed by either.

We are getting along gradually with the work on the James River Improvement, and would get along much better if our folks in Congress would press for larger appropriations than have heretofore been granted by Congress in its aid. If New York harbor is entitled to millions to help along the commerce of that city, it is wretched trifling for our people to be content with the crumbs thus far allowed to us. If the United States will allow Virginia a very small sum per acre on the grant she made to them of the domain which embraces Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota, she will ask no odds of anybody; and not only the James river but every other highway in our limits will be put in serviceable order. This claim, any how, should be pressed always when appropriations are asked for our internal improvements.

While on this matter of transportation, we cannot do better than reproduce the following memorandum of the late Gov. Wise on the feasibility of making our Tidewater country available to the trade of Richmond :

Ship canal between Richmond and Washington city and Alexandria :

1. Connect King's and Queen's creek at Williamsburg—2 miles ; or, connect the Diascund with York river—3J miles.

This will let the lumber of Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers come to Richmond, with the marketing that now goes to Baltimore.

2. This section will build out of its profits the section from Poropotank cr^ek to the Big Dragon, head of Piankatank—3^ miles.

3. The above two sections will connect Big Dragon with the Rappahannock river—33- miles.

4. The above four sections will connect the Anjamoy reach of the Potomac with the Rappahannock—3J miles. At most—14 miles.

Has Richmond live men enough in her limits to carry this work through for her local trade?

Henry A. Wise.

Baltimore commands this trade now; and without some arrangement like that suggested, or otherwise, she bids fair to hold it indefinitely.

Prof. Rogers executed a geological survey of the State ; but as no provision

was made to put in shape what he had done, the material remains with him to this day. Why should we not avail ourselves now of this data? It would be much less costly to work on this basis than to begin the survey afresh. We are persuaded that a Commission appointed to wait on Prof. Rogers would be able to secure this material on terms satisfactory to both sides.

VIRGINIA FISH AND GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION.

The officers of this Association at Richmond made all the arrangements necessary to have a meeting during Fair week, of everybody who took an interest in the enforcement of the laws made and provided in this behalf. It was called for Wednesday night; but what availed the pibroch when the clans would not listen to it. It turned out that on that very night several other things took place, to-wit: 1. The meeting of the Southern Historical Society; 2. The State Agricultural Society; and 3, but not least, by any means, the President held his reception at the Governor's; and, of course, everybody wanted to be there. Sc the fish and game folks, of whom the writer was one, found themselves to be a very small squad in a very big hall; and thereupon, like decent men, adjourned. It was agreed, however, that the call should be repeated, and Friday night be the time for the meeting. That night came ; but, the bulk of the folks having gone home, the assembly showed no particular increase in numbers over the first night; and so it adjourned, this time for good, as far as this year was concerned. The truth is, everything like work, during the progress of the Fair, was literally knocked into a cocked hat; and it is a question whether it is good to have the legitimate business of such an occasion made secondary to anything, even though these " outside issues " do help the fisc of the Society. Properly pushed it would help itself, and the matter of agriculture, for which it was erected, receive the benefit it deserves.

It is nevertheless gratifying to inform our readers that Virginia has now fourteen working associations in this great business ; and we have every hope that, by another year, the number will be four times as many. We observe a great deal of interest throughout the State on the subject, and this interest is bound to crystallize into something substantial.

The Richmond Association has created a committee of gentlemen, representing all sections of the State, whose business it is to thoroughly overhaul the laws on the subject, and so arrange them that everybody (the-pot hunter, of course, excepted) will be satisfied. It is not to be presumed that the same provision of law will suit the circumstances of all parts of the State ; hence, the necessity for the formation of such a committee. Capt. John S. Wise, of Richmond, is its chairman ; and he has never been noted for having many lazy bones in his body. When this revision is completed, it will be presented to the Legislature for adoption. The committee would be glad to have the fullest advice from all quarters ; the letters will be addressed to Capt. Wise.

SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER.

We love to write all the name—each word in full. We greet this monthly witk more earnestness and pleasure than any that comes to our sanctum. We almost think we are in the country seeing the broom straw wave over red galls that in imagination disappear before the yellow wheat and purple clover, of which we are reading. This ought to be the richest publication in the South. What right has a man to call himself u an eminent farmer" if he does not take and pay for the Virginia text book of his profession. This volume is all good reading. Our friend Slaughter Ficklin became u one of them literary fellers," and wrote the

" Death of Black Hawk," big sterling old horse. Professor Ellzey's Stock Department is, as usual, very interesting, and while we differ with him in many respects on the school question, we admire the style and spirit of t$e article on the "Public Debt and Public Schools." The report of the committee of the Smythe County Farmers' Club on the dog tax is worthy of the attention of every Virginia agriculturist, and shows where much of their money goes. Every good farmer can afford $2 per year for this magazine."

We are very much obliged to Brother Whitehead, of the Lynchburg News, for the great kindness that runs all through the foregoing.

Our good people in Virginia (m/ist we say it?) have always had a greater fancy for foreign than for home productions. Some time ago, a very large farmer was asked to buy a certain Virginia product, when he replied, "I will buy when you folks can compete with the North in this line." Now, how, in the name of sense, one can compete if people don't give him encouragement enough to compete, is a problem altogether too hard for us to solve. So far from the Planter being the "richest" publication in the South, if the actual truth were known, we fear we would be rated as the " poor relation " of " Job's turkey hen."

With only reasonable encouragement from our people,there would be no difficulty in our procuring plenty of pictorial illustrations for the articles with which we are favored by our friends; indeed, in all respects, we feel sure we would be able to "fill the bill." The New Year is at hand. It has been said that a certain forbidding place is paved with good resolutions. We hope that the good resolution on the part of every one of our readers, to make us a Christmas gift of five new subscribers, will not take that road.

THE TOBACCO TAX.

The Hon. George C. Cabell, Member of Congress from Virginia, is doing good service, in connection with his colleague, Hon. John Randolph Tucker, on the Tobacco Tax. We give below the text of Mr. Cabell's bill, lately presented, on this subject. We do hope that neither he nor Mr. Tucker will sleep until something is done to relieve us of this grievous burden, at least in part. We tried to show last month (article " Another Aspect of the Tobacco Tax,'' 1 ) how this tax bore upon the manufacture of tobacco in the South ; and that it was only a question of time how long, under its operation, we could sustain ourselves. Our material interests now must be the business of our members of Congress; the day is passed when our people will be content with a regimen no more substantial than " wind pudding. "

Mr. Cabell, on leave, introduced the following bill: A BILL to reduce the tax upon manufactured tobacco, and to regulate the tax

upon dealers in, and producers of, leaf tobacco.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there shall be levied and collected on all chewing and smoking, all fine-cut, cavendish, plug, twist, cut, and granulated tobaccos of every description ; on tobacco twisted by hand, or reduced into a condition to be consumed, or in any manner other than the ordinary mode of drying and curing, prepared for sale or consumption, even if prepared without the use of any machine or instrument, or without being pressed or sweetened; and all fine-cut shorts, and refuse scraps, clippings, cuttings, and sweepings of tobacco, a tax of twelve cents per pound : Provided, That all tobacco shipped out of the manufactory after the passage of this act shall be taxed at the rate hereby fixed ; And provided further, That every manufacturer or trader in tobacco who has paid the former tax rate of twenty-four cents upon his unsold tobaccos prior to the passage of this act shall be entitled upon such tobaccos, either

in his own hands or in the hands of his agents, factors or jobbers, to a drawback of such taxes paid, to a sum aud amount equal to the difference between the tax rates of twelve and twenty-four cents; the same to bf had or recovered under regulations to be prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

Sec. 2. That no license tax or special tax, as a dealer in leaf tobacco, or as a retail dealer in leaf tobacco, shall be assessed against or collected from any farmer or planter for selling or disposing of, to any person or persons, leaf tobacco of his own production, or tobacco received by him as compensation or rent, from tenants or others who have raised the same upon his lands or lands under his control, to an amount and value not exceeding one hundred and fifty dollars; Provided, That the same shall be sold by such planter or farmer or his agent on the premises where produced; And provided further, That where said farmer or producer shall make sale of the tobacco raised by him, or obtained from tenants as aforesaid, elsewhere than upon his own premises, such sale or sales shall only be made in market overt, or to duly licensed dealers in leaf tobacco.

Sec. 3. That no sheriff, marshal, or other officer acting under the order or process of any court or magistrate, no executor or other representative of the estate of a deceased person, shall be required to pay a special tax for, nor to obtain a license to make sale of tobacco which came to his or their hands as such public officer or personal representative; nor shall any person or persons be assessed with, or held liable for, specific or other taxes, for or on account of the purchase of leaf tobacco at sales made by such officers or fiduciaries as hereinbefore provided.

Sec. 4. That any planter, public officer, or fiduciary availing himself of the provisions of the second and third sections of this act shall keep an account of the tobacco sold by him, the parties to whom sold, the time of sale, and the quantity or quantities sold to each person or firm, which account in case of need can be referred to by the proper collector or deputy collector of the district wherein said planter, officer, or fiduciary resides.

Sec. 5. That all laws and parts of laws in conflict with the provisions of this act be, and the same are hereby, repealed.

Sec. 6. That this act shall go into effect from the date*of its passage.

CIGAR TOBACCO IN VIRGINIA.

We noticed last Spring, at the time of it3 issue, a document published by the Southern Fertilizing Company, Richmond, entitled " Tobacco in Virginia and North Carolina.' 1 '' That Comoany, believing the time had arrived when the matter of cigar tobacco could be considered with profit by our people, presented, in the document mentioned, a map showing the spots throughout the State where the cultivation of this .type of tobacco gave the greatest promise. This map was accompanied by a description of these spots, prepared by Maj. Jed. Hotchkiss, Topographical Engineer, Staunton, and two essays on the cultivation aud curing of cigar tobacco, one written by a grower in the Connecticut Valley and the other by a grower in Lancaster county, Pa., both of which regions are noted for the excellence of their product. This document, we understand, was very generally distributed through the tobacco country of Virginia and North Carolina.

We mention the matter now, because the season is at hand when our friends will determine what they will do in the tobacco line the coming year; and we beg that those of them who have preserved the document referred to, will examine it, and where their farms are located in the spots marked on the map, take steps to try say the eighth of an acre in cigar tobacco. Messrs. Allison & Addison, Richmond, we are persuaded will be able to procure them the proper seed for the purpose. When the samples of the product there grown are ready to be sent forward, if our friends will take the trouble to address us, we will arrange with Mr. John F. Allen, of John F. Allen & Co., Richmond, to thoroughly examine and report on them. Mr. Allen is an ; ' old stager " in this character of

tobacco ; indeed, we learn that he supplies most if not all of our cigar manufacturers with the leaf they use.

We cannot tell what we can do until we try; and this is a most inviting field.

Virginia and North Carolina can only hold their own in tobacco, by diversifying the types as much as possible. We see what an enormous element our "fancy bright" tobacco is now in the market; and it is, comparatively speaking, a new product. Our latitude ought to enable us to grow a cigar tobacco of equal excellence. Certainly the matter should not miscarry because we refused to look thoroughly into it, and see for ourselves what it involved.

The Tobacco News, Louisville, Ky. —This is a weekly journal of twelve pages, published in the tobacco interest, and conducted by Alexander Harthill? one of the best posted tobacco men in the world. The type is clean and ot good size, and the substance well arranged. The tobacco interest in the country is certainly large enough to sustain a first-class^ journal ; and we are acquainted with no man in this line, and we^believe we know them all, who is better able to do the work acceptably than Mr. Harthill. Its contents will be found not less interesting to the planter than to the dealer ; and we accordingly bespeak, both in Virginia and North Carolina, a good patronage to the enterprise. The price is $3.50 per annum (postage paid).

While on the matter of tobacco, we will say that we have advice from Dr. Benj. Rush Senseney, of Chambersburg, Pa., that he is about to issueTrom the press a practical work on tobacco. From an inspection of some of the proof-sheets, which he has submitted to us, the book will prove a valuable manual to the tobacco grower generally throughout the country. When the book itself comes to hand, we will give it the fullest notice its merits deserve.

SOUTHERN TRADE ABROAD.

"It is stated that seven steamships are loading with cotton and grain at New Orleans, taking 222,000 bushels of wheat. The Baring Brothers are said to be interested in the new grain movement from that port, which is looked upon as the beginning of Eads's commerce."

We have heard it urged that New York is full grown ; and that her future, in fact, will be one of gradual decline. She has, it is true, one great internal drawback ; we refer to the immense cost of her maintenance. Her debt is as large as what that of a whole country ought to be, and her city administration is notoriously corrupt. If all the people who are licensed to do business there had all their property within the city limits, the general average of taxation would be materially lightened ; but every man who can live out of the city takes good care to do it. The burden on what is found in the city is grievous to be borne, and it appears to be impossible, under the operation of "manhood suffrage," to provide any remedy. We wonder if any salvation is provided for the authors of that atrocious humbug; for of all the curses invented to afflict men that of universal suffrage is the chief. But even this, as bad as it is, will not hinder the career of New York, nor will the diversion of trade to other points, one of which we observe in the item above. The natural location of the city, as the best distributing point in the country, and, by consequence, its real money centre, will enable her to keep the foremost place always. She ha3 lived long enough ^to have many retired merchants, and these men have had the benefit of other schools as well as that of the counting room. They form the body called the Chamber of Commerce, and give shape to the schemes necessary to the city's advancement. Trade divert-

ed to other cities must work two ways to be of any real damage to New York. These cities must not only be able to ship produce abroad, but they must have the means of distributing return cargoes to better advantage than New York. It will not do, for instance, to ship grain from New Orleans, and let the return cargo go to New York for distribution. New Orleans is looking, with a longing eye, to the trade of the West Indies and South America, She wants to be the distributing point of the products from those countries to the States of the Northwest. Of course, we want her, as a Southern city, to get this trade if she possibly can ; but, as against the capital and facilities of New York she is bound to find the road a rough one. We know how Norfolk has grown as a cotton port: but to this time her gain is confined to what may come of the handling of the raw cotton sold and shipped from there. She has no return cargoes to distribute. So, we see, to grow in wealth with any rapidity, it is not enough to be only a forwarding point. We will find that generally, in the South, our advantage lies not so much in our trade, as it is in turning into manufactured articles the crude materials of all kinds with which our section so much abounds ; and we are delighted to see that more and more attention is given to this fact. This begets trade. Our State governments, being now in our own hands, enterprise will no longer be taxed out of existence. As much as the average Northerner sentimentally loved the negro, he had too much sense to put his money where negro and carpet-bag legislators could lay their vile hands upon it. Now he will come; and we will see that the flow of capital that has so long set to the West will change to the South. We can at last say "the good times are coming."

The Election. —We are not disappointed at the result. It did not take the wisdom of Solomon to understand that this would come of the timid policy of Col. Holilday. No man ever had a greater opportunity than he enjoyed ; no other party candidate in the field, and two-thirds of the largest convention ever held in Virginia utterly opposed to "readjustment." He had nothing to do but at once put himself on the high ground Virginia held when she incurred her debt, and say that, as far as he was concerned, this debt would have to be paid to the uttermost farthing. The platform, it is true, might have been drawn by Machiayelli; but as it admitted of a construction consonant with our ancient renown, the candidate for Governor could have stood on it, and firmly too, backed as we have shown him to have been. He chose to "hold his peace, " while the demagogues worked like beavers; and so he comes into office having the confidence of neither side. A Governor without a reasonable following in the Legislature is a figure-head indeed.

What will be the issue of this business the future must determine ; we are unable to foretell it. We hope for the best; and shall be swift to chronicle our agreeable disappointment if an arrangement honorable to the State is settled upon. The market-price of our bonds is a perfect ,index of the public regard for our faith, and they have been steadily declining even since the election. Of course all private credit suffers. It is needless to protest against this estimate on the part of other people ; for credit, like a woman's virtue, must 'be above suspicion.

Dependence on the North. —"Concord cassimeres are largely worn in this city."

This item is from a Georgia newspaper, and tells its own story ; but it will not be said many years longer. The enterprise that has brought into existence the magnificent cotton mills at Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia, will not stop with

them. The world wa-5 not made in a day, and the time will come when as fine woollens will be made in Georgia as are now produced at Charlottsville, in this State. Before the Yankee is done with us he will curse the day that he ever shouted for the abolition of slavery. We have got him badly on the hip, and we are not men if we do not press our advantage to the utmost limit. The South has been on the bed-rock now for a long time ; any movement must be to advance her fortunes. With peace in the land, our time is not all taken up as it was in thwarting the machinations of the scoundrels put on ua by Grant, but every man now may think only of hoeing his own row, and there is every reason to believe that he will do the work well.

DRIED FRUIT AGAIN.

"The quantity of dried fruit sent from the mercantile house of Messrs. Pleasant, Ragan & Co., at High Point, this season, has reached the enormous quantity of twenty-five car loads. This firm is said to have bought from two families in that section the large quantity of 4,488 pounds of dried fruit of their own drying, of which Dr. J. G. Ector furnished 2,287 pounds, and John T. Poe, 2,001 pounds. These figures show what can be done in fruit drying in this section of the State."

The above item appeared in the Greensboro' (N. C.) New State; and we note all such'facts with the sincerest pleasure. The little things help to fill up as well as the big ones, and there are so many more able to share in small industries than in large ones. When we have, as was shown by us sometime ago that we had, customers abroad to take all the dried fruit we could furnish at a good price, we cannot have any more perfect inducement to produce it. It behooves our influential men, at all points in Virginia, not to allow any of their neighbors to enjoy the luxury of croaking, seeing that we have so many means at command, if we will only use them, to keep busy the boiling of the pot. A certain farmer of small possessions in Nottoway owed his store-keeper a debt of $59 that the short tobacco crop of last year prevented his paying. He bewailed his ill luck sorely, when his creditor asked him if he and his little boys had time to gather some sumac ; for if they had, he would be glad to take it at the market price. [The gathering of this article now reaches a figure in Virginia, as nearly as can be ascertained, of 82,500.000 annually.] The farmer said they had the time, and would do the work sooner than let the debt stand and longer gather interest. It was jlone in a week's time ; and the leaves being duly cured were delivered and the debt cancelled. When he got his acquittance, he remarked : "I will never say again that I cannot pay my debts." This was no great matter ; but the lesson taught was a wholesome one to that humble household ; and one they will never forget,

A chief business with all of us in Virginia is to cheer one another up ; and where means are discovered, however small in themselves, .which, pushed to their end, help us out of our embarrassments, we have done a good work, lifted a weight off of our hearts, and seasoned our prayers with sincere thanksgiving.

"THE FARMER AND MECHANIC," RALEIGH. This is a handsome, eight-page, weekly, printed in the interest of agriculture and mechanics in North Carolina. It is well arranged, and does not lack either for good contributors or a lively, well-informed editor. We are glad to see that Prof. Kerr is lending a hand to make it the more interesting. The resources of North Carolina are, perhaps, without a parallel, in variety, anywhere in the world} and we know of no one better able than the Professor to tell exactly

where and what they are. North Carolina is happy in such an officer ; we wish we in Virginia were as well off. And then Colonel Polk, the Commissioner of Agriculture, who also helps the columns of this journal, "is no sardine," by a good deal. He is fall of energy, and his efforts are bound to bear good fruit. We wish, in few words, our brethren of the Farmer and Mechanic all manner of good fortune, and trust the folks in North Carolina will stand up to the support of this venture in a way to enable it to be of the highest usefulness to the State. It is hard for. one to be patriotic on an empty stomach. Our army retreated from Williamsburg in the night; the sky was black and lowering, and the rain pouring down. The men were wet, cold, hungry and forlorn ; nothing was heard in the road but splash, splash, few having any disposition to talk about anything. At last an infantryman, getting on solid ground in a fence corner, brought down his musket with a vim, and said : " I'll be damned if I ever love another country." Take heed, therefore, good friends, if you expect the Farmer and Mechanic to be spry on anything but a full larder. The price is but $2 per annum ; and we know of nothing our Virginia people in the country could add to their list that would give them greater pleasure. The interests of Virginia and North Carolina are identical, and what will advance the one surely will not leave behind the other. The il boys " stood side by side in war ; let them not be strangers in peace.

Senator Johnston, of Virginia, Engaged in the Important Work of Inviting Immigration to our State. —We have recently received from this gentleman a letter giving an account of his trip to Pennsylvania in behalf of immigration to Virginia. He says he was surprised at the crowds which came to hear his addresses, and he feels so much encouraged that he designs making another visit to the North, if time is allowed him, between the extra and regular session of Congress, in prosecution of this desirable object. He is also thinking of making a trip to Europe the next Summer to carry on the good work there. We hear many commendations of Senator Johnston's patriotic and unselfish endeavors in behalf of the interests of Virginia. He is a person admirably fitted for the work, his candor and high standing giving weight and authority to everything he says. Besides, when it is known that he is making these efforts and these trips at his own cost, no one can refuse to award him double praise. In Pennsylvania and New York, there is a large class of renters, but, the land ruling so high, the rent per annum is enough to buy a respectable farm in Virginia. These are steady men, and would prove a valuable accession to our population.

If a " United States Commissioner for Virginia" is to be appointed to the Paris Exposition' in 1878, we know no one who could more suitably fill this appointment than Senator Johnston. We make this suggestion without any consultation with this gentleman, and without knowing that he desires it.

The Virginia Educational Poor House.— In the report, just published, of the Superintendent of the public school charity, we observe the following items, and they must be comfortable reading to not a few in Virginia :

For pay Of Superintendents..... ,.... $46,360 55

For pay of Treasurers „ 25,268 04

For pay of District Clerks 15,793 93

Expenses of Central Office 5,819 50

They foot up $93,242.02; and show handsomely for a people who talk of readjustment, and perhaps something worse. It will be observed that they cover mere machinery, the teaching being done by other people.

Not only is the work done by this charity, especially in the country, notoriously valueless, but the existence of such an institution prevents the opening of private schools.

When it is considered that this charity is supported solely by cheating our creditors (for, if we paid our debts we could not maintain it), the spectacle is a lovely one ; it puts a stain on the honor of Virginia that can never be erased.

WHEAT STATISTICS AT RICHMOND.

The Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce has submitted to the Board of Di" rectors a statement of the offerings of wheat on 'Change in this market for the past ten years. The statement embraces the period from the 1st of July to the •8th of November in each year, and shows the highest prices on the latter date.

Years. Bushels. Years. Bushels.

1867 310,459 1873 337,720

1868 412,121 1874 327,483

1869 617,591 1875 438,180

1870 650,217 1876 489,997

1871 446,905 1877 774,594

1872 542,178

From the above it will be seen that the offerings of wheat have been larger this year than at any time within the past ten years. It is highly probable that they are larger than they have ever been in this market.

Prices on the 8th of November of each year were as follows :

1867—Prime white, $2.65; prime red, $2.45. 1868—Prime white, $2.35; very good red, $2.07^. 1869—Very good white, $1.50; very good red, $1.32£. 1870— Prime white, $1.622-; very good red, $1.42^. 1871—Prime white, $1.70 ; very good red, $1.60. 1872—Prime white, $2 ; very good red, $1.95. 1873—Very good white, $1.70; good red, $1.50. 1874—Prime white. $1.38; choice red, $1.38. 1875—Prime white, $1.45; prime red, $1.45. 1876—Prime white, $1.40; prime red, $1.40. 1877—Prime white, $1.48; prime red, $1.45.

With a grain elevator at Richmond we would see a showing very different from the totals given above. We observe that the interest in this matter does not abate, some one appearing, from week to week, in one or other of the newspapers, urging its provision. This agitation will not be bootless ; the time has come when an elevator is absolutely needed at Richmond ; and we do not expect another year to go by without seeing the foundation laid for its erection.

The Palmetto. —'.'The palmetto has been considered one of.the most worthless trees of Florida. A gentleman from Volusia now comes forward with a display of brushes, mattings and ropes made from the inner bark, and contemplates the building of a manufactory at Volusia."

Every little helps. Our resources in the South are practically endless. All we require is the determination all round to make them available. And we are charmed to observe that this spirit is abroad everywhere amongst us. Let it grow and flourish. Poverty and strength do not go together, and we must be rich if we would wield the influence our surroundings so amply authorize.

Richmond. — f 'We have labored for a long time to convince our people that manufacturing our own raw material will immensely advance the interests of the State and that it alone will raise our towns into cities. Richmond is the only city in the State in which the capitalists have pushed manufactures—reached out for the raw material of the State and worked it up for the benefit of their own trade. It is alleged that Richmond has a powerful influence over the legislature —more than she is entitled to wield. If so she well deserves it. The State of Virginia has a right to be proud of her capital, proud of its record in war and in peace. We have encouraged every scheme to advance our capital city, and hope to see-it the Queen City of the South."

The Lynchburg News, and we cannot enough commend the spirit of this excellent sheet, holds the above language, and nothing could be more sensible. There is no room for jealousy, by any city in the §>tate, of Richmond ; she being the chief market, what helps her helps them, and vice versa. The main thing for us all to do is to work in harmony; the world is big enough to give e?ery one of us a living if we will only strive industriously to gain it. No man is so absurd as he who wastes his time in watching his neighbor.

Royal Sweet Potatoes. —It was our good fortune to specially examine the magnificent sweet potatoes exhibited at the State Fair by Mr. Adolphus Tinslet, of Hanover. We doubt if anything as fine as these potatoes has ever been seen before in this State; we certainly never saw anything like them; and, in this judgment, Col. B. Johnson Barbour fully agreed with us. And to think of a yield of 245 bushels to the acre ! Mr. Talley had also a fine collection of the yam family at the Fair.

The Virginia Riding Club. —The young gentlemen composing this Club have given liberally of their money and time every year, gladly, to make the State Fair more attractive. This service seems to have utterly failed of appreciation by the Executive Committee, opposition to allowing them any privileges, beyond the mere matter of free individual admission, being made every year. The Club, we understand, has done its last work in this behalf; and will not accordingly appear again on the Fair Grounds to enliven any future Fair. We certainly regret it.

There will be found iu our advertising columns, the card of Mr. Alex. M. Ful-ford, of Belair, Md., who comes before many of our readers, no longer as a stranger personally, since he had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of hundreds of our subscribers at our late State Fair ; where, the display made by his thoroughbred Berkshire swine, was one of the principal attractions. Mr. Fulford's herd, composed largely of animals of his own breeding, was chiefly to be noted for the very high quality of all the individual animals composing it, which is something seldom seen in so large an exhibit. Short, dished faces and fine ears were shown in every case; while the more important points were developed to perfection. We were especially attracted by a pen of very choice three-months old pigs, sired by bis noted imported boar Smythe—to-wit: They were said by many persons, who have the means of knowing, to have been the best pen of young pigs ever exhibited on our Fair Grounds. One of them, we are pleased to say, fell into the bands of Mr. T. L. Payne. Mr. Fulford informs us that he has more of the same breeding and quality at home, it being his especial aim to produce just such animals. For further particulars, see his advertisement.

Erratta. —Tn the essay on "Raising Cattle for Market," as published in the November number of the Planter, are some errors and omissions. 1st. For more thoroughbred males, should read none but thoroughbred males. 2d. By successful crops, should read by successive crops. 3d. From producing by young stock, should read from poaching by young stock. 4th. Its digestive and assimilative stage of growth, should be its digestive and assimilative functions are most active and during the active stage of growth. 5th. On grass as above, should read on grass alone. There are some others which the reader could correct.

James A. Reid.

* ■ -

The Tobacco Outlook. —The stocks on hand, both in this country and Europe, are heavy; but the bulk of the tobacco in these stocks is undesirable. In con versation we had with a large plug manufacturer, a week or two since, he said the past season was the most unsatisfactory one he had ever seen encountered. He had been living, as it were, "from hand to mouth," because he could not command the character of stock necessary to maintain the integrity of his brands. He iooked, with great pleasure, to the probable excellent turnout of the crop raised this year. Now, it seems to us that when this new crop comes on the market, it will be bought on its own merits, that is to say, without reference to the stocks on hand, (that go for little more than the name of tobacco,) and will bring a paying price to the planter. What is to become of these old indifferent tobaccos in stock is more than we can tell. We wish we could. It would be a service to the whole tobacco interest if the "King's Pipe" at Shockoe Warehouse smoked now as it did in colonial days. We know of no better road for this accumulated trash to take than to make ashes for manure.

In the matter of the tax on manufactured tobacco, we understand that Mr. Lo rillard would not object to its being raised to 50 cents per pound. Of course, he wouldn't; for the destruction of all small manufacturers would then be complete.

P. S.—Since writing the above, we have received the Tobacco Circular of W. A. & T. G. Maxwell & Co., dated Liverpool, November 1st, and find in it the following: "The glowing accounts of the new crop [in America], which has been safely housed, are of course made usa of to depress prices; but, while admitting that this is not likely to enhance values, it seems to be overlooked by some that the crop being so fine, there may be keen competition for it, and stemmers compelled to pay high for or go without it."

Astounding News. —"He administered the government with moderation, generosity, wisdom and success, and his place in history, as a civil magistrate, will be among the foremost. After sixteen 3 ears of such labor as few men could endure; after such success in war andpeaceas few men ever attain, he seeks recreation in many lands\ and an opportunity to compare the institutions of his country with the civilization and the forms of government in the Old World."

We could hardly believe our own eyes when we read the above. It is Noyes on Grant at Paris. One has certainly got to go away from home to learn about th'ngs at home. Who would recognize these sweet words as the picture of the ''drunkard of Galena," and the creature of "Boss Shepherd^?" Grant, if he had any wisdom, showed it when he left the country on this jaunt to Europe ; for the contrast between that country's condition, under his tyrannical rule and the beneficent rule of his successor, would have utterly sunk him out of sight.

Forestry. —The National Forest Association petitioned the Senate to-day to send a commission to Europe to examine the forest system of the Continent for the purpose of protecting and increasing the forests of America by the information obtained thereby.

A most excellent move, and it has not been undertaken one moment too early. We have tried, from time to time, to point out to our friends what the destruction of our forests was fast bringing us to. We can no longer afford to act in this matter with the thoughtlessness of children. No man's bones can rest easy who is cursed by his posterity.

Salty Butter. —The Abingdon Standard says : " To our country friends who ship their own produce, or dealers in produce in Southwest Virginia, we simply say, if you w?nt to get the most money for the least produce, make your produce worth the most money. If you are packing and shipping butter, don't try to sell your salt at the same you would like to get for your butter, but ship butter only, and you will not be dissatisfied. If you want to get "the highest market price," make yellow butter and roll it, wrapping each roll in a nice white cloth, and instead of selling for less, it will bring from two and a half to five cents more per pound."

Ah, it does not stop with the salt; it goes sometimes (we blush to say it) to the extent of a cabbage-stalk in each roll, and now and then a cobblestone. We do not refer to any particular locality. That these " accidents " do happen the butter-vendors in the city markets know to their sorrow. We trust that such gullies in the road of honesty will be filled up, and the good advice of the Standard be the exponent of the general practice. If the devil should get us it woul d be disgraceful that he won his prize through a fraudulent roll of butter.

Senator Morton. —This man is dead ; and we will not play the hypocrite by saying that we feel the least sorrow at his going. He manifested, in his life, one chief moving spring, namely, the bitter persecution of the Southern people ; and that they are not utterly ruined is not because he did not do his very best to compass it. He was one of the "bottom rails" brought to the surface by the surges of civil war, and he could only exist while this condition lasted. Hayes ended it, and Morton died. To call such a man a statesman is to give to the word a meaning the lexicographer never intended ; and to cover his name with glory, now that the earth is closed over him, is to drag Fame from her pedestal, and make valueless the reward only due to a life of noble purpose and generous deeds.

The Flood. —When Chicago was laid waste by fire, a friend of the writer there (a man of large property) wrote: "We have lost everything but our pluck." What that town has accomplished since verifies fully our friend's assertion. Fire nor anything else but absolute death could take that away. Now, in the face of the fearful calamity that has just come to so many of us in Virginia, through the flood that has hurt so badly our farms and our factories, we must have recourse to the same excellent friend, our pluck, and, thanking God that the trouble was no worse, go to work like men.

Since 1861 we have had to encounter an army of drawbacks, and some of them big ones, and yet none of us have perished for food or shelter. We have not been wholly bereft, blessings, neither few nor trivial, coming to soften our trials. As ease too often ruins men, trouble as often makes them.

The Canal. —The flood of 1870 was bad enough in its effects on this ancient line; the present one will doubtless batter it even worse. It is a serious question whether any more money should be spent upon it beyond what may be necessary to keep the water-power intact and the dock in Richmond serviceable. We stood by the Canal as long as there was any hope in it, and we have thought much about it since the struggle last Winter over the lease. Our judgment on its merits has been materially modified. So far from its having been any real advantage since the railway system became developed, it has proven, in fact, a real disadvantage—certainly as far as Richmond is concerned. The railroads had to come through the State, and, for fear they might damage the Canal, they have gone almost everywhere else but to Richmond—that is, the roads draining the country Richmond should supply.

The real question now is, not so much to maintain the water line as it is to supersede it altogether by a railway down the James River Valley to Richmond, of which line the Buchanan and Clifton Forge railroad is but the beginning. It will no longer do to count on these floods coming once in a hundred years; we have had two in seven years, and we may have another next year. The enormous delay and expense attending the fixing up of the water line is something the patience and the purse of the present time cannflt much longer stand. Railways are repaired in a few days, at most, and if the expense was the same, we would have at least the gain of time, and time is money. We think, therefore, the sooner our people determine upon this change of base, the better all hands will be off.

With this No. we send out a ll Supplement," which we will thank our readers to examine and show to their neighbors. We beg at the hands of our present subscribers their good offices in bringing the claims of the Planter to such of their neighbors as are not now subscribers. A little effort on the part of our friends would soon double our subscription. Will you do so f

Many of our subscribers' time of subscription expires with this issue. We will be greatly obliged to them if they will remit their subscriptions promptly.

DR. THOMAS POLLARD.

It is always with pleasure that we bring before our readers the lives of men who have been really useful. By far the larger number of individuals pursue the various avocations of life with an eye single to the pecuniary profit which they expect to realize; and while we admit this as a laudable object, yet we cannot fail to appreciate more highly the work of a man who, for love of a pursuit or profession, devotes himself enthusiastically to its prosecution. It is with feelings of this kind that we present the following brief sketch of our esteemed friend, Dr. Thomas Pollard :

He was born in the county of Hanover, and was reared upon a farm. Different mpuibers of his family were for many years clerks in various counties of Eastern Virginia, and were noted for their probity and fine business qualifications. In those days it was a high honor to hold from year to year and generation to generation the position of county clerk.

Early in life Dr. Pollard was sent to Hampden-Sydney College, where he graduated and received the degree of A. M. He taught for two years after graduation, and then made choice of the medical profession as the one best suited to his taste. For ten years he practised his profession in the lower end of Henrico and the neighboring portions of Charles City and New Kent, residing in the mean time on a farm in Henrico, which he greatly improved by marling and good culture, including the use of clover. During this period he sat upon the bench as one of the justices of the county of Henrico, under the good old county court system of the old regime.

He spent some time in 1851 travelling in Europe, and in December of that year returned and located in the city of Richmond. Here he pursued the practice of his profession with the most satisfactory success until 1868, when, his

health failing, he again travelled in Europe, and on his return, removed to a good farm in the western suburbs of the city, where he now resides. Here we find him in the character in which we wish to present him to our readers.

As soon as he found himself upon a farm his, love for improvement developed itself in the most wonderful manner. The whole aspect of the place was changed. Beautiful plantations of trees and flowers were made, the fields improved by the application of manures and drainage. The finest fruits, in great profusion and almost endless variety, were planted; choice stock was bought and bred, and everything gave token of energy and enterprise. Nor did it stop here. From that time to the present the most unremitting attention has been given to the cultivation and dressing of his orchards, vineyards and berries, and he has to-day some of the finest and thriftiest' specimens of trees and vines, and in season can show as great a variety of first-class fruit as any individual within our knowledge.

Dr. Pollard not only is practically a,nd successfully acquainted with all the details of farming, fruit-raising and gardening, but he possesses the happy faculty of imparting it to others, and, as editor of that department of the Planter, has done a great deal to enlighten our readers upon these various subjects. He is eminently practical and draws from the rich store-house of his own experience, so that he is to be relied on as few editors can be.

When the Legislature authorized the appointment of a Commissioner of Agriculture for the State, Gov. Kemper selected Dr. Pollard as the man of all others best suited to the position, and experience has proven the choice a happy one.

Though considerably advanced in life, our friend has much of the vigor and enthusiasm of youth, which, joined with his great experience and excellent natural judgment, and withal a thorough devotion to the cause of agriculture and the prosperity of the grand old State, makes us very hopeful that aJarge and useful career is still before him.

THE RELIGIOUS HERALD.

We take pleasure in referring to the advertisement of the Religious Herald, which appears in our columns this month. For fifty years it has been the organ of the Baptists of Virginia, and its influence has gradually spread, until it may be called the organ of the Baptists of the South. But, though ranking among the foremost of the denominational papers of the country, this is not its chief or greatest merit. It is only in its social aspect as a family newspaper that we commend it to our readers. For entertaining reading for families of grown adults and children, it is excelled by none of the religious, and certainly not equaled by any secular paper published in the South. The original articles are all chaste, novel and entertaining, both in style and matter; and the selections are culled from the very best sources. The news and notes column is the raciest melange of news and humor we meet with among our exchanges.

It has a farmer's column, which is well conducted, and always contains one or more articles of practical value. Of the personnel of the editorial staff we need not speak. The senior editor has long occupied a position which, elevating him above denominational landmarks, has placed him among the leading Divines of his lay, and the ubiquitous junior is known throughout the South, almost invariably turning up wherever the Baptist people meet to hold an association or organize a church. And just here we must remark that to this wonderful activity of the junior, the Herald owes a great deal of that extensive circulation which has made it the most popular advertising medium in the South.

Though perhaps one of the oldest Baptist papers in the country, the Herald is

still in the heyday of youth, and is brimfull of life and enterprise, and has before it a future as brilliant as its most ardent admirers and warmest friends could wish. .

LISBURN FARM.

We regret to learn that our valued friend, Dr. J. G. Beattie, is losing some of his fine Essex pigs from pleuro-pneumonia, contracted from exposure in open pens during the State Fair, the weather being cold and rainy. Dr. Beattie deserves better luck. He is one of the most enterprising among our citizens. Since he came amongst us a few years ago he has shown a public spirit that entitles him to the respect and gratitude of our people. To him more than to any one else, if not more than to all others, we are indebted for the condition of the Grove Avenue, by far the handsomest and most.pleasant and fashionable drive about our city.

His private grounds he has adorned with beautiful plantations of shade and ornamental trees, conspicuous among which we notice many fine specimens of the sugar maple. He has also planted profusely the very choicest fruits, including among other trees, 1,000 pears, dwarf and standard. His farm management is good, and he has greatly improved his lands by underdraining and manuring. He has a good deal of choice stock. Of horses, he has some 20 head, brood mares of the blood of Planet, Australian, Orion, King Lear, Wickliffe, Hamiltonian and Imported Consternation, and a fine Stallion by Bonner's Edward Everett and of a mare by Imported Constirnation.

Among his cattle we find some nice grades and crosses of Jersey and Shorthorn, though as yet he has no thoroughbred cows. He uses thoroughbred Shorthorn and Jersey bulls. From a mixture of these breeds and the common stock of the country he has produced some splendid milk stock, the process of interbreeding has not been carried far enough to establish a type. His Essex pigs, of which we made mention in the first part of our article, are very fine, being descended directly from imported stock and very carefully and highly bred. The Doctor seems to have a weakness for crossing, as he has bred the cross of the Essex on the Berkshire. This seems very much like gilding refined gold ; but as the Doctor breeds for amusement and instruction, we suppose he will find himself repaid. We hope he will continue his efforts to improve our stock, and that the example of enterprise which he has set may not be lost upon our people.

His farm and residence, on Grove Avenue, is one of the most beautiful in the vicinity of the city—is immediately in the line of city improvements, and must, in a few years, be almost invaluable. Persons who are fond of fine stock and who have a taste for the beautiful in trees and planting, will be well repaid by a visit to Dr. Beattie's farm.

THE WATT PLOW.

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh.—Seven First Premiums over the best plows from all parts of the country. For five successive years, the Watt Plows have swept the field at these fairs: . Weldon, N. C.—Four First Premiums over all competitors.

Atlanta, Ga.—First Premium.

Lynchburg, Va.—Three First Premiums.

South Carolina State Fair, Columbia.—All Premiums awarded on each size. At the plowing match, every plowman contending for the prizes, selected a Watt Plow with which to show his skill.

Orangeburg, S. C.—First Premiums.

Virginia State Fair, Richmond.—Three First Premiums for best Turning Plows, also for best Subsoil Plow ; best Flexible Chain Harrow ; and Diploma for greatest variety and best display of plows on the grounds.

The plowing match came off on the grounds. The working of the Watt Plows, the ease with which they are handled, and their peculiar manner of pulverizing the soil, complete burial of weeds, &c, lightness of draft and freedom from choking, show their superiority in every essential point. No uncut soil is left between farrows, and no furrows half turned. The two-horse plow ran almost the entire length of the furrow, with no one touchiug it, and was thrown out only by the roughness of the ground.

After the trial of plows, a flexible harrow, recently invented by Mr. Watt, a most valuable implement, was put to work, and its performance excelled any. thing of the kind ever seen. Harrowing the ground once, put it in a condition as finely pulverized as though a garden rake had been used; and though the hairow used was intended for two horses, it was found by actual trial to pull easier with one mule than a common one-horse harrow. It is so perfectly flexible as to adapt itself to every inequality of the ground; breaks all clods, pulverizes the earth, and smooths the surface-soil perfectly. It is made of all sizes for harrowing and cultivating, and can be used between rows of corn, cotton and tobacco, breaking the crust, eradicating weeds, and leaving the ground perfectly mellow, without breaking the roots or checking the growth of plants.

TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS.

This number of the Planter ends our efforts for the year 1877. We have tried both to please and instruct our readers, and have not stinted them in the quantity offered. Now, all this can't be done without money, and money must come to us from subscriptions. We hope, then, that whether our patrons are in or out of the Grange, the Planter will have free course, and show such an array of names, for the new year, as will put gladness in our heart and strength in our hd,nd. Good wishes are by no means unacceptable to us, but they must season the deed, which is, that all who love us will add to their own several orders the names of at least four others. It is astonishing what a handsome thing such an aggregation will be, and how it will inspire us to work our very finger nails off to see that "value received " is rendered. If your subscription is due, please remit at once. We are greatly in need of it.

Christmas is near at hand. If we have said aught to give offense to any of our readers, we beg their forgiveness. We are unfit to sit in the place of an editor if we fail to express our honest convictions. It is certain we will compliment no man if his deserts do not command it.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT—PREMIUMS. Wm. N. Armstrong, Esq., Attorney at Law, of New York city, encloses us $100, with the following letter :

57 Broadway, New York, Sept. 8th, 1876. To the Editor of the Planter and Farmer:

Dear Sir, —I hereby authorize you to offer, through your journal, premiums amounting * hundred dollars, in the manner as follows, to-wit:

j ,ue best essay on the true method of farming one hundred acres of land in Tidewater Virginia, on the plan of diversified production, TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS.

II.—For the best essay on the true method of farming one hundred acres of land in Southside Virginia, on the plan of diversified production, TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS. III.—For the best essay on the true method of farming one hundred acres of land in Piedmont Virginia, on the plan of diversified production, TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS. IV.—For the best essay on the true method of farming one hundred acres of land in the Valley or Southwestern Virginia, on the plan of diversified production, TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS. It is desired, in few words, to show the capabilities of a one hundred acre farm in each of the several localities mentioned.

The conditions, in respect of these premiums, are as follows :

1. The competing essays will be delivered to the editor of the Southern Planter and Farmer on or before the first day of January, 1877, and by him be delivered to the Executive Committee of the Virginia State Agricultural Society.

2. The said Committee will determine the relative merits of the essays in such manner as they may deem just, and to the author of the best essay, respectively, they will award the premium.

3. The successful essays will be given, in the first instance, to the Southern Planter and Farmer for publication.

Wishing Virginia a most prosperous future,

I am, yours, &c, Wm. N. Armstrong.

The above essays must be delivered at this office by the 5th of January, 1878, when the Executive Committee will pass on them. The successful essays will be published in the Planter.

Mr. F. W. Chiles, Tolersville, Va., reports sales of following stock since 1st August 187f : To Maj. J. W. Morton, Charlotte Co., Va., one Devon bull, "6th Duke of Clifton," one Southdown buck; Mr. J. F. Layton, Surry Co., N. C, five Southdown Sheep and two Poland-China pigs; Mr. H. B. Howe, Pulaski Co., Va., three Leicester ewes and two do. bucks, one Poland China pig ; Mr. H. P. Jones, Hanover Co., Va., one Southdown buck; Mr. E. P. Cary, Orange Co., N. C, two Devon heifers and one bull; Mr. Curtis 0. Ives, Norfolk Co., Va., one Essex pig; Mr. Sykes, Norfolk, Va., two Poland-China pigs; Dr. 0. A. Crenshaw, Richmond, Va., two Poland-China pigs; Genl. Richard Swinewick, (U. S. Army.) Williamsburg, Va., two Berkshire pigs; Mr. E. L. Mansfield, Louisa Co., Va., one Berkshire pig ; Mr. 0. H. Eaton, Charlotte, N. C, one Devon bull calf and three Poland-China pigs; Mr. Z. C. Daniel, Spottsylvania Co., Va., one bull calf and one heifer calf; Mr. F. H. C. White, Crawfords-ville, Ga., two Poland-China pigs and one Southdown buck; Miss Nannie D. Montjoy, Columbus, S. C, two Berkshire pigs; Mr. J. Henshaw, Louisville, Ky., one Leicester buck; Mr. Frank Ford, Johnson's Depot, Tennessee, one Devon bull calf and two heifer do.; Mr. Frank T. Lee, Lynchburg, Va., 2 Devon heifers; Mr. J. M. Miller, Lynchburg. Va , one Devon cow and one do. calf; Mr. Geo. J. Hundley, Richmond, Va., Devon bull, Royal George, Devon cows, "Fairy" and "Delphia;" Mr. A. J. Chewning, Richmond, Va.,two Essex pigs; Mr. H. C. Taylor, Petersburg, Va., one Poland-China boar pig; N. B. Watson, Esq., Egypt, Chatham Co., N. C, two Berkshire pigs; Mr. Wythe G. Bane, Giles Co., Va., one Poland-China pig; Mr. Thos. Fauntleroy, Campbell Co., Va., two Berkshire pigs and one Essex pig; Mr. E. T. Faunt, Frederick, Md., who Poland-China pigs ; Col. D. Burton, Baltimore, Md., one Poland-China pig.

ESSE

Tkoroufk

PIGSI

ctAT mJESim

These Pigs have been bred with great care. Only the choicest animals being kept for breeding, and are bred from stock imported from England in 1868.

ICES.

Pigs six to eight weeks old, $10 per pair; four to five months old, $20 to $25 each; six to eight months old, $25 to $30.

Address

Nov—tf

J. G. BEATTIE, Lisburn Farm,

Richmond, Va.

Wilber's Direct Draft

mem

CUTS SIX FEET

WITH

LIGHTER DRAFT

THAN ANY FOUR FOOT SIDE

.„ ig* a «W"iPP»»«»* CUT MOWFIR MADE.

Farmers save twenty-five per cent, in gathering their Hay Crop by using the

Professor John H. Winston, , agent, Bristol, Tennessee ; Look & Lincoln, agents, Marion, Va. ; Fox & Ewald, agents, Wytheville, Va. ; Graham & Robinson, agents, Graham's Forge, Va.; John D. Noble, agent, Dublin, Va.; P. L. Terry, agent, Big Lick, Va.

Send for Circular.

GEO. D. DAVIS' SONS,

General Agents tor Virginia. ■ 131 Main Street, Lynchburg. Va.

FOR THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER.

Knowing, from experience, the disadvantage under which country ladies labor from having no one of their own sex to conduct their " shipping " business, Mrs. John Wilkinson, upon her romoval to Richmond, offers her services in that connection. Her arrangements will enable her to make cash purchases of shoes, millinery and every description of dry goods to the best ad-

vantage : and all articles will be selected by herself. Special attention paid to orders for suits made by the most stylish and fashionable dress-makers. The terms are a commission of 4 per cent., and cash to accompany all orders. Terms to the wives and daughters of Patrons of Husbandry, as specified in Confidential Circulars.

Mrs. JNO. WILKINSON,

308 east Main Street, Nov-tf Richmond,-Va.

CHARLES SPEAR,

85 WEST ST., NEW YORK.

IMPORTER OF

"KainiV

Or Gernjan Potash. Salts,

MURIATE

—AND—

SULPHATE OF POTASH.

MANUFACTURER OF

And Animal Matter, and Ag-ents for the sale of Fertilizing- Materials Generally. Ground and Crude Phosphate Rock, Bone Black, Ground Bones, Bone Meal, Acids, &c. All goods warranted as represented. Orders promptly executed at the lowest market rates. sept-3 t

"for sale.

REGISTERE D JERSEYS from choice stock Bulls, Cows and Heifers. Calves of both sexes. Prices reasonable. Catalogues furnished on application.

GEO. A. QU1NBY, Loudoun Stock Farm,

sep-ly

Aldie, Loudoun county, Va.

Belmont Stock Farm

I am breeding and have for sale Thoroughbred Horses, Trotting and Riding Stock, and from Imported Per-cheron-Norman and Clydesdales Draft Horses, and have Stallions to sell or let; and it offers to Clubs and Granges the cheapest and best mode to get the services of the horses for the times ; also have Shorthorn Bulls for similar purposes, and all ages of the males and females of pure and the most fashionably bred Shorthorn cattle, and Chester White and Berkshire Swine at prices to suit our depreciated values. Persons interested in good stock, will please send for a new catalogue.

S. W. FICKLIN,

Aug-ly near Charlottesville, Va.

Habit Cured

A Certain and Sure Cure. Large reduction in prices. A trial bot-*t~ 1 fi "Pi* t* p*

Mrs! J. A. DROLLINGER,

La Porte, Ind. (formerly Mrs. Dr. S. B. Collins.)

Box 1038. Oct 3t

BE8KSHIRES FOR SALE.

A fine lot of Pigs, Boars 6 Months Old, and a Few Brood Sows. Address

DR. 0. A CRENSHAW, Aug-tf Richmond, Va.

CWESTf ALADDIN .& sons'[SecurityOil,

THE BEST HOUSEHOLD OIL IN USE.

Warranted 150 Degrees Fire-Testi

WATER WHITE IN COLOR. Fully Deodorized.

WILLftOT EXPLODE

HIGHEST AWARD

AT

Centennial Exposition

For Excelleat.ee of .Manufacture

AKD HIGH FIRS TEST.

Endorsed by the Insurance Companies,,

Head this Certificate — One of Many.

Howard Fire Insurance Co. of Baltimore, Baltimore, Dec. 23d, 1874.— Messrs. C. West d- Sons, — Gentlemen: Having used the various oils sold in this city for illuminating purposes, I take pleasure in recommending your "Aladdin. Security Oil" as the safest and best ever used in our household. Yours truly,

[Signed] ANDREW B.EESE, President.

Manufactured Tby

Co WEST & SOWS, Baltimore.

Try it s and you will use no other. Oct-6 t

A SOUTHERN LADY OF EXPE-rience, taste and discrimination, and now a resident of New York City, will make purchases of all kinds of Dress Goods, Millinery, Children's Wear, Books, Music and Musical Instruments, (Pianos a specialty), Furniture, Carpets, &c, without commission from the person ordering. Circulars, containing full particulars, with references of the highest order, sent free, on application enclosing stamp. Adrress Mrs. HELEN M. DECKER, oct— Box 5345 New York Cit y

Mrs. Decker is a widow who lost her husband in the Southern Army. We can confidently recommend her to our patrons.-—L R. D.

TDERKSHIRES FOR SALE.

I have some good Berkshire Pigs of different ages, and two Berkshire Boars tweivt months old, for sale. Prices moderate. Address

Dr. THOMAS POLLARD,

oct—tf Richmond, Va.

(£j"| o a day at home. Agents wanted. Outfit 1^)14 and terms free. TKUE & CO., Augusta, Maine. jan-ly,

HOLBROOK PLOW COS

culars Free.)

New Swivel Plows, 1,2 & 3 horse, avoid dead and back furrows, and have peculiar advantages over all other iwivel Plows. Prices low. E. Chatham Bow, Boston. Mass.

HIGH-BRED AND TROTTING STOCK FOR SALE AT FAIR-LAWN STOCK FARM, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY.

I offer, at private sale, eighty head of High-bred Trotting Stallions, Colts and Fillies from one to five years old, most of them sired by Almont, who has sired more winners of contested races than any trotting stallion of his age that has ever lived.

Fairlawn is strictly a Breeding Farm, with seventy Highly-bred Trotting Brood 31 ares used for breeding, with the noted Trotting Stailions Almont and Cassius M. Clay, Jr., in use as private Stallions.

The Southern States should diversify their industry and the breeding of highly-bred stock, for which their soil and climate offer peculiar advantages—should be largely engaged in. and will constantly pay large profits if properly conducted.

Liberal terms of payment will be given responsible parties.

For Catalogues, which give descriptions and pedigrees of the stock and lowest prices, or other information, apply to

WM. T. WITHERS,

feb—ly Lock Box 392, Lexington, Kentucky.

HOUDANS A SPECIALTY.

fcSIIS: iz-jp^jeuds, to select fpioovc-

As a Table Fowl, Unequalled. As a Layer, Unexcelled,

Fowls. Prices.

Single Cocks, $4 to $ 8.

Pairs, 7 to 14.

Trios, 10 to 20.

Chicks. Single Cockerels, $2 to $ 5 Pairs, 5 to 10

Trios, 8 to 15

I have one of the finest collections in the country, and am continually improving it.

Birds delivered free of charge at Orange C. H. or Fredericksburg,Va.

WM. L. BRADBURY,

sept-

Montclair Stock Farm, Orange C. H., Va.

IMPROVED STOCK.

Thoroughbred Shorthorn Cattle, Merino Sheep and Berkshire Pigs bred and for sale at very moderate prices by

S. S. BRADFORD.

Aug-ly Culpeper, Va.

ALDERNEY

HEIFERS and COWS :fo:r. sale.

Served by a

REGISTERED JERSEY BULL.

B. H. JOHNSTON, Aug-2t Alexandria, Va.

Tlie largest and" most complete Stork of Fruit sand Ornamental Trees in tlie U. S. Priced Catalogues sent as follows: Mo. 1,

Fruits, with colored plate, lScts.; plain, lOcts. No. 2, Ornamental Trees, ec, with plate, 25cts.; plain, 15cts. No. 3, Greenhouse; No. 4, Wholesale, and No.5, List of New Roses. FREE. Address,

ELLWANGER * BARRY, Rochester, N. Y.

SI TOI WAT f fi©W

AND REDUCTION

YOU WILL IN PRICES.

HAVE NO CHEAPESi

OTHER.

11 PLOW MADE.

Unequaled in every essential of Strength, Durability, Ease of Draft, Ease to Plowman. Perfect Pulverization of the Soil, Complete Burial of Weeds, Grass, &c. Simplicity of Construction, Entire Freedom from Choking.

Wherever tested by the side of any other, they are pronounced the BEST FOR ALL PURPOSES. They are guaranteed to work in Sandy, Clay and Hard Land, in Sod, Stubble or Weeds of the heaviest growth, with Less Draught than any Plow in use : and without Choking.

THEY LEAVE NO UNTURNED SOIL.

Making some fifteen different numbers, we are prepared to furnish any size wanted. If you want a Plow that pulls easy to the team, works easy to the plowman, does its work well, covers up all vegetation, and does not choke, get a Watt Plow?

We do not ask you to buy these Plows on the strength of what we or others say of them. We only ask a trial. Test them to your satisfaction, and if they do not do what we claim, return at our expense, and price will be refunded. We warn you not to be deceived by Plows claiming to be an improvement on the Watt Plow. Get none but the Watt, each of which has our firm-name and trade-mark branded on the beam. The attention of those who have used our Plows is called to our new sizes, recently constructed.

XWJK

In buying duplicate castings for this Plow all parties are warned to use only those bearing this TRADE MARK.

All genuine Points, Slides, Moulds, and Standards have it. All without it are Spurious, and are made and used in violation of law. All genuine are warranted.

RTATT & CALL, Sole Manufacturers,

1518 and 1520 Franklin Street,

RICHMOND, VA.

■-?_-. :-?r—

25

Fashionable Cards, no 2 alike, with name, 10c. 20 Scroll, with name, 10c. post-paid. Geo. I. Reed & Co., Dec-ly Nassau, N. Y.

25

Elegant Cards, no 2 alike, with

20 styles, 10c, post-paid.

Dec-ly J. B. Husted, Nassau, N. Y.

BERKSHIRE STOCK

For Sale.

Sows, with pigs, nine cents per pound, gross weight.

Pigs, $8 per pair.

C. R. CULLEN, 1305 Main St., Richmond, Va. Dec-tf

BERKSHIRE PICS,

I offer for sale BERKSHIRE PIGS, of all ages, not to be surpassed in breeding and quality by any in the country, as will be attested by the following record : At the State Fair of Alabama, a YOUNG BOAR, bred by me, took 1st prize, and three of his sisters were 1st prize winners at the Georgia State Fair, at Atlanta ; while at the latter place a THREE MONTHS BOAR PIG, bred and sent by me, was "the admiration of all who saw him." All the above were sent out to customers, in the usual course of business, without any special selection for showing purposes, thus proving the general high qualities of my shipments. At the Maryland State Fair, my herd took six 1st prizes, outstripping every competitor ; while at the State Fair of Virginia, they won three 2nd and three 1st prizes in the face of very heavy competition, showing against animals bred by some of the best breeders, both in this country and Europe, some of which had already taken sweep-stakes prizes in the Western States and Canada.

Parties who have seen my stock at home, or at any of these Fairs, need no further reference. To them, and to those who have bought from me, I refer persons wishing to purchase who have not time to call and make their own selections.

ALEX. M. FULFORD,

dec-

BEL AIR, Maryland.

BRED

jora

PURELY FROM

C3r O

IMPORTED

STOCK.

My flock of ANGORA GOATS has now been kept in Virginia for eight years. are thoroughly acclimated, prove hardy and prolific. They are /very fond of weeds, brush, briers, &c, and will therefore live and thrive on the poorest of land, and in clearing and improving such land, they prove invaluable. They shear yearly from four to eight pounds of mohair as white as snow and as fine as silk. Specimens from my flock have never failed to take first premiums at all Fairs where they have been exhibited. Goats bred in this country are even superior to those imported from Asia Minor, which proves how thoroughly they are adapted to this country and climate. To any person wishing to procure stock of this kind, strictly pure and first class, I offer an opportunity at a lower rate than can be had any where else in the United States. Address, F. S. FULMER, Importer anfl Breeder of Pure Angora Goats. Spring Mills, Appomattox Co., Va. Please state that this notice was seen in the Planter and Farmer, dec-ly

"W\ "W\ ESTILL,

LEXINGTON, EX, Proprietor of

ELM WOOD FLOCK of COTSWOLDS,

From Imported Stock. Young Stock For Sale. Dec-ly

^^ TuiiMMim iM n i n niima iiM——n—a^

<&££ a week in your own town. Terms aid $5 iJ>V\J outfit free. H. HALLETT & CO., P6rt-

Jan-ly

and, Maine.

H. THEO. ELLYSON,

BOX 73,

RICHMOND, V-A-. Breeder of High Class Poultry,

Light Brahmas, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Plymouth Rocks and Black Hamburgs. Also, Pekin, Rouen and Cayuga Ducks. My birds are bred from the best stock and are kept in separate yards. Eggs for Hatching in Season. Write for what you want. dec.—tf

W. 0, VIRG. MIDLAND & G. S. R. R.

JOHN S. BARBOUR, Receiver.

On and after Sunday, Nov. 11,1877, Passenger Trains will run as follows:

All trains daily on main line.

The EXPRESS SOUTH bound connects at Lynchburg for the West and Southwest, and at Danville for the South, South East and South West.

The MAIL south bound connects with C. & O. East and West, and at Lynchburg for the South and South West; at Manassas for Strasburg, except Sunday.

For WARRENTON 8 10 a. m. daily. «

GORDONSVILLE LOCAL leaves Alexandria 9 40 a. m., and arrives at Gordonsville 7 00 p. m. daily, except Sunday. Leaves Gordonsville 4 40 a. m. ,and arrives at Alexandria 2 40 p. m. daily, except Saturday and Sunday.

Passengers for MANASSAS LINE leave Washington daily, except Sunday, at 8 10 a. m., and Alexandria 8 40 a. m. Returning, leave Strasburg 5 00 a. m., and arrive at Alexandria at 2 15 p. m.

North bound trains make close connection with Balto. & Ohio and Balto. & Potomac trains to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, and to all points North and Northwest.

The Express Train has SLEEPING CARS through, without change, between New York and Lynchburg, and between Washington and New Orleans.

Through tickets to the South and West. \ J. M. BROADUS, G. T. A.

S. SPENCER, Supt Transp'n. dec

BELLEVUE STOCK FARM.

LARGE ADDITIONS FROM THE BEST HERDS AND FLOCKS IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA.

The large additions, both by purchase 'and otherwise, to my supply of Improved Stock, eDables me to offer a quality of stock rarely found in our Southern States, or t-hat is seldom equaled, and never surpassed even by the most distinguished breeders at the North. I offer fine specimens of

SHORT-HOEW BULLS & HEIFERS,

bred from my Premium Cows, and the magnificent Bates bull, 5179 Fidget's Oxford Twelfth, 23152, now at the head of my Shorthorn herd

Berkshire, Essex and Poland-China Pigs

From my best Imported and Premium Sows (some of which have never been beaten in the show-ring), and the get of first-class Premium and Imported Boars. My Berkshires are from the best herds in England. My Essex from the importations of Harris, Thorne & Brown, of New York ; and my Poland-Chinas have just been received from the best breeders in Illinois. Fine crop of Pigs now ready to ship.

SOUT'HDOWltf SM1S13F.

I have just completed arrangements with Mr. John D. Wing, of New York, by which I have secured the larger portion of the celebrated "Maple Shade Flock," a number of which were imported from the flock of Lord Walsingham, of England. This flock will be bred jointly by Mr. Wing and myself—using nothing but the best imported rams. A number of fine rams constantly on hand for sale. I also offer a limited number of ewes, bred to the celebrated ram " Imported Royal Man. Chester 2d."

Dark Brahma, Houdan and White-faced Black Spanish Fowls, Bronze Turkeys.

Don't send North for stock, when you can get the same already acclimated from me, and save transportation charges. My motto is to keep up with the improvement of the age ; and I do not intend that anybody shall excel me. Fair dealing and satisfaction in all cases ! For my new Catalogue, just issued, with pedigrees, prices and other information, address

A. M. BOWMAN,

feb—ly—Aug Waynesboro, Augusta co., Va.

ifisbnllUU SiULK. !M1.

THE LARGEST AND BEST HERD OF

IMPORTED BERKSHIRE®

IN THE SOUTH.

From the pens of the most celebrated breeders in England, Messr

Ileber Humfrey, Capt Arthur Stewart and Russell Swanwick.

I have now on hand, and offer at reasonable prices, a beautiful lot of Pigs from my Imported SOWS, bred to the most celebrated boars owned by the above-named distinguished breeders. Also a number of Choice Pigs out of my Thoroughbred SOWS, by first-class boars, as good as any offered by any breeder in the North or South,

Will sell several choice Berkshire Sows in pig to IMPORTED "TIM PINCH," and two boars, "Gen. Scott" and "Gen. Johnson," now ready for service, and suitable, in breeding and points, to do credit to any herd.

I also offer a few Choice Animals (young bulls and heifers) from my superior herd of

•A."5t:rs:e3:x:r,:e3S,

Many of them prize winners, and selected from the best breeders in America and Scotland. Also,

PURE BBEB ESSEX FIGS,

And

Thoroughbred and Grade Jersey Cattle.

I have just added to my herd

LIVERPOOL'S SMITHEREEN

Son of Old Lady Liverpool (Sallie 6th) and by Smithereen.

Special attention is called to the fact that I am breeding from three boars and fifteen sows, and can furnish pigs not related on either side, which, in my opinion, no other breeder in the State can say.

Address A, R VENABLE, Jr.,

sept— Farmville, Fa.

Agricultural and Mechanical College.

SHORT-HORN CATTLE

—AND—

For Sale at the College Farm.

The Swine are bred directly from recent importations, and from the stock of Maj. J. T. Cowan, and A. M. Bowman, Esq. At the head of the Shorthorn herd is the Bates Bull, Raleigh, bred by Maj. Cowan; sire and dam both bred by Abram Renick, of Kentucky, and both of the celebrated Rose of Sharon family. This Bull is believed to be equal in breeding and quality to any in the State. The cows are from the herds of Messrs. William A. Stuart, George W. Palmer, and John T. Cowan, and are animals of good pedigrees and excellent qualities. Stock will be sold at prices and on such terms as will enable farmers to obtain them. Correspondence invited.

Address Col. NORBORNE BERKELEY

July—tf Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Va.

WALMJT ami FARM

THOROUGHBRED AND GRADE JERSEY CATTLE, BERKSHIRE, ESSEX and POLAND-CHINA SWINE,

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP, from the best importations—Ewes in lamb to rams bred by Mr. Cornell, of New York, and imported ''Royal Man-chetter 2nd," bred and used by Lord Walsingham, England.

Walnut Grove stock received its share of Premiums at the diiferent State Fairs this fall.

Prices moderate. Satisfaction guaranteed. Address

G. JULIAN PRATT,

ju-tf Waynesboro' Va.

B. H. JOHNSTON,

EVERGKENE STOCK FaRM, NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Virginia. Breeder of Jerseys and Aldemeys, registered and unregistered, from the best butter stock. Also Berkshire Pigs bred from best imported stock. Prices reasonable. mh-ly

Two months old $10 per pair.

CRANBERRY VINES,

$2.50 per thousand; $10 per barrel. C. R. CULLEN, 1305 Main st., Richmond,Va.

CENTENNIAL.

Commission House of Hull & Scot-ney, 346 N. Water st.„Phila. dealers in Vegetables, Fruit, Produce, Furs, <&c. Marking Plates, Tags, Price Lists, etc., on application

$5 to $20 M.

CO., Portland, Maine.

at home. Samp e free. STINSON & jan-ly

ALBKBNRY BU.U F®1 SALK.

Four years old ; regularly registered. Price, $150, or will exchauge

r two cows. Address

Dec—tf Dr. THOS. CROXTON, Tappahannock, Va.

SAUL'S NTJKSERIES,

isMftffton. B, dL

The undersigned offers a fine stock of the following at low rates :

PEARS —Souvenir du Congress, Pitmaston Duchess, and other new sorts, &c; a heavy stock of fine trees.

NEW PEACHES —Alexander, Amsden June, &c; also the fine, new late varieties.

FRUIT TREES— Of all kinds; an extensive stock, viz: Plums, Cherries, Apricots, Apples, suitable to the South, &c.

GRAPE VINES —Strawberries, Raspberries, &c; new sorts.

EVERGREENS— New Ornamental Trees, new Shrubs, &c, Small Signs suitable for Nurserymen, as well as large stock in great variety.

DUTCH BULBS —Large importations direct from the leading growers in Holland ; First Quality Bulbs, Hyacinths, Lilies, Tulips, &c.

New and Rare Greenhouse Plants, Winter Blooming, &c.

PELARGONIUMS— A large stock of the new choice varieties.

NEW ROSES— Duchess of Edinburgh, Perle des Jardins, &c, with an immense stock of finest varieties grown in pots or open ground.

NEW WISTERIAS— New Clematis, Geraniums, Primulas, &c.

Catalogues mailed to applicants. sep-3t

JOHN SAUL,

Washington* D.O.

SEEDS! FERTILIZESS!

We have a fine line of specialties for the Southern trade. We can fill all seed orders from our Southern friends for new crop after October 1st. Prompt shipments of fertilizers and seeds. Correspondence solicited. Circulars. CHARLES J. WESTALL,

Nov-6t 88 Warren St., N. Y.

"\70UNG 1HOROUGHBRED JER-X SEY(or ALDERNEY BULL) for sale. Descended from imported "May Flower," a cow that yielded seventeen pounds of butter in a week, and sold for $400. Pedigree furnished on application. Address

Thos. A. Smith, Gish's Station, Nov-lt A. M. & 0. Railroad.

ill

Oct

e?r rfarvest for Agents. "We send free, our new 40-page illustrated catalogue of Jewelry and Watches, with instructions how to make money. Address, M. CRONEGH & CO.", Philadelphia, Pa., or Milwaukee, Wis.

JW. REYNOLDS, Cuckoo, Vir-v ginia, will sell one pair Black High-flying Tumbler Pigeons for $5; one pair Mottled Tumblers for $3; one pair Black Baldheads for $5 ; also first-class Fantail Barbs and Pouters cheap ; one pair White Polish Fowls, $7 ; Game fowl of the best strains. Price, according to quality. A few Silver Spangled Hamburgs, Todd's strain. Correspondence solicited and carefully answered.

Nov-lt

The FARQUHAB SEPARATOR

/fr A,B.FARaUHAR For*, Pa.

One Celt only.

Threshers and Horse Powers of all Kinds a Specialty. Send for new Illustrated Catalogue. ' ' A. B. FARQUHAR,

££i£———^ —■ „X2._-_^ «.

r i^WROUGH^^FES^FpTas"FOR SALE, bred from Prize Winners at the State Fair of 1876. This family of Essex is a cross of the importations of Joseph Harris and Samuel Thorne, and is of the most superior quality. A trial of t hem will convince the most incredulous that the Essex is the best hog for the Virginia farmer. Prices to suit the times.

R. H. FIFE, may—ly Ch arlottesville, Va.

ELLERSLIE FARM.— THOROUGHBRED AND HALF BRED

HORSES

Pure Shorten Cattle ^Berkshire Pigs

For sale. Address

R. J. HANCOCK, ja n Qvertoit i, Albemarle co., "Va.

Breeder of ITKoroucjKlbrcci Stock,

I am breeding thoroughbred Poland China and Essex Hogs, Bronze Turkeys, Light Brah-mas, White Leghorns, White-faced Black Spanish and Dark-crested Ducks, all carefully boxed and delivered at depot,with feed for destination. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Bronze Turkey Eggs, $3 50 setting 12. Light Brahma Eggs, §2 00 setting 15. White Leghorn Eggs, $2 00 setting 15. White-faced Black Spanish Eggs, $2 00 setting 15. Dark-crested Duck Eggs, $2 00 setting 15.

Eggs for hatching carefully boxed and delivered at Express office. For further particulars address Z C. DANIEL,

Twyman's Store Postoffice,

jan-ly Spotsylv ania count y, Ya .

Mfc tn 1 r T r ri7lMW7rei < r cr T?7Tir»iTrtTiKTO'.^^

Dp. F. DAVISON,

711 Grace Street, between 7th and 8th. Office hours from 9 A. M. to 5£ P. M. july-ly

TROTTING & HARNESS HORSES

•JERSEY CATTLE (herd register),

SHETLAND PONIES,

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP AND BERK

SHIRE PIGS.

For sale by

CAMPBELL BROWN, Spring Hill, Maury co., Tenn. -ly | ,.„._„._

Week to Agents. Samples free. H IP * * P. O. VICKERY, Augusta, Me.

sepl — „.,..,„

our name printed on 40 Mixed Card for 10c. STEVENS BROS., Northford,Con

sep-

52 $77

T AGER BEER, ALE and POETER ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE TRADE

AND THE

PUBLIC GENERALLY

I have erected, in connection with the James River Brewery, an establishment for the bottling of

LAGER BEER, ALE AND PORTER, and am now prepared to fill all orders in quantities to suit customers.

Having adopted the latest and most important improvements in the manufacture of these healthful beverages, (recommended by the medical profes, sion) I can furnish as good an article as can be found anywhere, at the lowest prices.

$^° All GOODS delivered to any part of the city and to all depots, free of charge.

D. G. YUENGLING, Jr.,

july-ly Richmond, V a>

PURE BRED

SHORTHORN CATTLE,

tEokwofi ana* Southuoum Sheep

AND BERKSHIRE PIGS,

For sale at "CLINCHDALE," Bean's Station Grainger county, Tenn. jan-ly J. T. & W. S. SHIELDS.

Y

THOBQTOHBRED STOCK.

I am breeding

DEVON CATTLE, LEICESTER,

SOUTHDOW r N and MERINO

SHEEP. POLAND-CHINA.

BERKSHIRE AND ESSEX PIGS.

My Cattle, Sheep and Hogs took many first premiums at Fiedmont, Lynchburg and Richmond Fairs. All bred from the most noted and fashionable strains of Prize Winningstock. Selected with great care from the best herds in^the United States. Send for price list. Address F. W. CHILES,

jan-ly Tolersville, C. & O. R. R., Va.

THOROUGHBRED

BERKSHIRE PIGS

IFOR S-A-I^E-

Bred from stock imported by T. S. Cooper, of Pennsylvania. Prices, pedigrees, &c, upon application to

JOHN M. PAYNE,

Aug-ly P. O. Lynchburg, Va,

Prepared Agricultural Lime

FOE THE

A Complete Revolution in Fertilizers!

The Lowest Priced proves to be the Best! It Prevents Smut!

I have not heard of a single complaint of Smut where it

was used. Whereas, on the same farm, and

from the same Seed, the Crop was

materially injured where

it was not used.

When properly used, its results are superior to fertilizers costing

four times as much!

I have the results from farmers from the Tidewater and Piedmont sections of Va., and from various sections of North Carolina, showing its superiority over other costly fertilizers for Wheat.

Jno. B. Davis, Esq., President of the Planters National Bank, has been using it by way of experiment for the last two seasons, and is so well pleased with its results on all his crops, especially on the various grasses, that he says he will use it altogether this fall in preference to any other fertilizer.

Owing to the Eastern war, foreign freights have advanced, thereby causing an advance in the material; yet, I will not abate one particle from the standard, nor advance the price, but continue to sell it at the low price of $12 per ton cash.

J&zBT' Farmers will consult their own interest by buying, so as to have it on hand for return loads while delivering their crops of wheat.

S^° Send for Circulars containing certificates as to its results on the last crops of wheat.

A. S. LEE, Richmond, Ya.

AGENTS.—N. M. Tannor, Petersburg; Warren Paulett & Co., Farmville, Va.; Moon & Bro., Scottsville, Va.; R. T. Knox & Bro., Fredericksburg, Va.; J. M. Norvell, New Canton, Va.; Acree & Walker, Walkerton, Va,; Wm. A. Miller, Lynchburg, Va. Aug—tf

Peruvian Guano Guaranteed.

By this Brand is designated Pure and Genuine Peruvian

Guano, &i which the lumps have been crushed, stones (when found) and all other impurities, removed :—it is, threfore, sold in purer Condition than when landed from Peru,

Put up in bags of 200 pounds each, on which the guaranteed' analysis is printed, and the retail price per ton of 2,000 pounds clearly marked.

The retail price is fixed according to the analysis, at the following rates, which are considerably below those adopted by Inspectors of Fertilizers in this country, or the trade in Europe, thus making the Guaranteed Peruvian Guano the cheapest Fertilizer in the world.

For Ammonia 17Jc. per pound.

" Soluble Phosphoric Acid 10c. "

" Reverted " " 8c. "

" Insoluble " " 2c. "

" Potash (as Sulphate) 7£c. "

None genuine unless put up as above and bearing the following Trade Mark of the undersigned, Peruvian Government Agents in New York, and Lead ifpljVIAN Gil* Seals— on which the Monogram of the Trade Mark_ is PEp"-—^^""""^^Ito stamped—attached to the extremities of the twine with fk ^Ui n\^ which the mouth of the bag is sewn, to guard against VA ►jPiH W adulteration.

^TTa — ~~ £ r l£0 ^ s a s P ec i men °f Analysis and Price of Peruvian Guano *MR4NTH»-^ Guaranteed, we give those of two cargoes, now on sale, respectively designated A and B.

CARGO A. PRICE MARKED $56.

Ammonia 6.80 percent $23 80

Soluble Phosphoric Acid 3.80 " 7 60

Reverted " " 11.50 " 18 40

Total available Phosphoric Acid 15.30 "

Insoluble Phosphoric Acid 3.00 u 120

Potassa 3.70 " 5 55

Estimated Retail Price $56 55

The commercial value of the above Guano is $79.40 per ton, at the rates lately adopted for valuing fertilizing ingredients, by Hon Thomas P. Janes, Commissioner of Agriculture of Atlanta, Georgia, and State Inspector, Prof. Win. I Land, Chemist of the Department of Agriculture, which are as follows :

For Ammonia 18£c. per pound.

" Available Phos. Acid, (Soluble and Reverted) 15£c. "

u Insoluble Phosphoric Acid 4£c. "

" Potassa 6}c. "

Thus, the commercial value of the above Guano b is fully 42 per cent, in excess of the selling price, $56 per ton.

CARGO B. PRICE MARKED $70.

Ammonia „ 11.50 per cent $40 25

Soluble Phosphoric Acid 5.40 " 10 80

Reverted " " 10.00 " 16 00

Total available Phosphoric Acid 15.40 "

Insoluble Phosphoric Acid 1.70 " 68

Potassa 2.30 " 3 45

Estimated Retail Price $71 18

According to the rates adopted by the Agricultural Department of Georgia, already referred to* the commercial value of this Guano is $93.83 per ton, consequently, 34 per cent, above our selling price, $70 per ton..

We invite Agriculturists to test the value of Commercial Fertilizers by our Standard, and to compare the result with their selling prices.

Litoeral Discount AlloTveci to Dealers. For further information, Circulars, &c, apply to

HOBSON, HTJRTADO & CO.,

—6m Agents of the Government of Peru, No. 63, Pine Street, N. Y.

TI3CEZ

VIEGINIA

AND

CIDER MILL

Is superior to any MILL now made, and more sold annually in this market than of all other kinds combined. It does not grate, but thoroughly crushes every fruit cell, insuring all cider the apples will yield. Send for Catalogue.

July—tf No. l^^O Main. St., Rioti wnoiicl, Va M

FALXi STYLES, 1874.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS

SAMPLE CARDS

Are now ready for mailing. Our assortment embraces

TWENTY-FOUR PATTERNS.

Merchants desiring samples, will please address,

CHARLOTTESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS, Charlottesville, Va.

N. G-UILBERT,

Evergreen Farm, Gwynedd, Pa.

Importer and Breeder of Improved Blooded Live Stock, Horses, Cattle, Cotsworld and Southdown Sheep, Chester, Berkshire and Yorkshire Pigs, Toulouse, Bremen, Hong Kong, White China and Wild Geese, Cayuga, Rouen, Aylesbury, Fekin and Musk Ducks, Bronze, Blue, Buff and White Turkeys, Dorkings, Brahma, Cochin, Guinea and all other Fowl. Deer, Swans, Peacocks. Pigeons, Fggs, &c, at low prices. Best Breeds of Dogs and Maltese Cats, Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pi?s, White Mice, &c. Song Birds of all kinds, and Shetland Ponies. Fine Milch Cows always on hand.

Fewfoundland Pups of Centennial First Premium Stock.

Dec-tf

Full particulars of this cut and merits of the best Knitting Machine will be sent on application.

Branch Offices: fWd.

Chicago,

Cincinnati,

Philadelphia

San Francisco.

Lamb Knitting Machine Co., Cbicopee Falls, Mass,

A

GET THE BEST

^foScraarara-g

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT

For Parent, Child, Teacher, Pastor, Friend,

"The best practical English Dictionary extant."— LondonQuar-terly Review, Oct. 1873.

" August 4, 1877. The Dictionary uaed in the Government Printing Office is Webster's Unabridged."

"Indispensable to every student of the English, language."—M. K. Waite, Chief Justice United States.

Published by

G. & C. MEKRIAM,

Dec-It Springfield, Mass.

50 Elegant Mixed Cards, with name, 13c. ; 20 Engraved, 10c. ; 25 Fun Cards, 10c. ; 12 Model Love Letters, 10c.; 20 Snow-flake, 15c. ; 25 Birch Bark, 15c. ; 25 flowered, 15c. ; 20 Transparent, 15c. ; 20 Devil Cards, 15c.; 25 Comic Envelopes, 15c. Agent's Outfit, 10c.

SEAVY BROS., Dec 3t Northford, Ct.

OIC

My annual Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seed for 1878 will be sent FREE, in January, to all who apply. Customers of last season need not write for it. I offer one of the largest collections of vegetable seed ever sent out by any seed house in America, a large portion of which were grown on my six seed farms. Printed directions for cultivation on each package. All seed sold from my establishment warranted to be both fresh and true to name ; so far, that should it prove otherwise I will refill the order gratis. As the original introducer of the Hubbard and Marble-head Squashes, the Marblehead Cabbages, and a score of other new vegetables, I invite the patronage of all who are anxious to have their seed directly f om the grower, fresh, true, and of the very best strain. New vegetables a specialty. JAMES J. H. GREGORY,

dec—4t

Marblehead, Mass.

Each Number contains Thirty-two Pages of reading, many fine Wood Cut Illustrations, and one Colored Plate. A beautiful Garden Magazine, printed on elegant paper, and full of information. In English and German. Price, $1.25 a year; Five copies. $5.00.

Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden 50 cents in paper covers; in elegant cloth covers, $1.00.

"Vick's Catalogue,—300 Illustrations, only 2 cents dec

MMZDI

2 cents. Address, JAMES VICK, Rochester, N. Y.

^:,^^

^ \if

$2*^

Premium Chester White, Berkshire and Essex Pigs, bred and for sale by George B. Hickman. | Also Fancy Poultry.

West Chester, Chester County, Penn.

Send Stamp for Circulars and Price List. sep—ly

K,. I?. JLilDDJBETITEtt, Oolu.mt>ia, Tennessee,

Breeder and importer of Berkshire Hogs and Black Spanish Fowls, nn& general live stock agent. Pigs, the get of imported Othello second, and the great Longfellow, Choice Sallie and Sambo Pigs. Send stamp to ensure an answer to inquiries. se P—ly

*

THE GREAT CLOSING-OUT SALE.

STOCK MUST BE REDUCED.

Prices Reduced so as to work off Stock.

Black Silks at 60, 75, 85, 90c, $1.25, $1.35, $1.50, $1.75, $2, $2.25< $2.50, $2.75, and $3 per yard;

Wide Black Lining-Silk at 35c per yard worth 75c; Gray-and-Black Striped Silks at 70c worth $1 per yard; Black-and-Blue-and Brown-and-Black Striped Silks at 75c per yard worth $1;

Brown-and-Black Striped Silks at 90c per yard worth $1,25; Black and-White Plaid Silks at 75c per yard worth $1; Black-and-White and Black-and-Gray Striped Silks at 75 and 90c per vard worth $1 and $1,25;

Gray-and-Black Plaid Silks at 90c and $1 worth $1.20 and $L30 ; Colored Figured and Striped Grenadines at 5, 61, 8i, and 10c per yard worth more than double the money ;

Black Striped Grenadines at 12} and 16fc per yard worth 20 and 30c ; Black Iron Grenadines at 20c worth 30c, at 25c worth 40c at 30c, worth 50c, per yard;

Handsome Lawns at 10, 121, 20, and 25c ; Jaconets at 15c per yard very handsome styles;

Calicoes at 5, 61, and 8£c. per yard—all less than the wholesale prices ; Knickerbocker Printed Cambrics at lie per yard—cost lHc by the case;

Domestic Ginghams at 8J, 10, and 12}c. per yard worth 12J, 15, and 16fc per yard;

Wash-Poplins at 6ic, Plaid Poplins at 8ic, Striped Delaines at 12ic, and a general reduction in all kinds of Fancy Dress Goods for ladies and children;

Double-Width Black Alpacas at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50c, and up to $1.25 per yard;

Chinese Grass-Cloth at 6£ and 10c per yard worth 10 and 161c per yard ;

Australian Crepe at 45, 50, 60, and 75c per yard, worth 25c per yard more ; this is the cheapest mourning goods manufactured; Bargains in Cashmeres, Tamises, Bombazines, Delaines, and other Dress Goods suitable for mourning;

Lace-Striped Victoria Lawn at 12£c. worth 20c per yard ; Checked Muslins at 18 and 25c per yard worth 30 and 45c; Real French Pique at 25c per yard reduced from 75c ; Genuine Turkey-Red Table-Damask (or Wine-Cloth) at 75c per yard worth $1; extra qualities at $1 and $1.25 per yard worth $1.25 and $1.75; Goods sent by express C. O. D., or upon the receipt of the cash or its equivalent. Parties ordering goods to be sent by mail will please enclose sufficient to pay the postage.

1017 JLNTD 1019 iMZ^ITsT STBEBT Aug.—tf Richmond, Va.