sieves, which is about equal to 133 bushels, and the Mithridatic war, being one of the fruitsjing melons in this country; that is, by plantin that he then had many to spare. He adds, that brought from Armenia by Lucullus. It grows, them near to cucumbers, and sometimes quit the plants produced from twenty to forty pounds' says Miller, in that part of Armenia, which bor-surrounded by them, and often by gourds, which weight each, and that some of the apples mea-ders on Persia, in such plenty, that a horse-load it is well known, will, by their incestuous inter sured twelve inches in circumference. Mr. Wilmot recommends them to be planted melon, when in perfection, is delicious, and does but change the nature of the fruit, which has is sold for a French crown. The flesh of this course, not only affect the seeds for future plants against a bank, as being more congenial to their not offend the most tender stomach, but may be been polluted by the farina of other species of nature than a wall. There are several varieties eaten with safety. The outer coat of this melon the cucurbitacea. of the tomato; and that which produces fruit is full of knobs and protuberances like warts; it about the size of a cherry is the most acid, there- is of a middle size, rather round than long; that out any vacuity: this is known by knocking upon fore the most desirable kind for private gardens, with an orange-coloured flesh is best. When a melon is perfectly fine, it is full withalthough not so profitable for market. The Musk Melon appears to be a native of water running out, only a little dew, which should it; and, when, cut, the flesh should be dry, no Tartary, where it is found growing wild. It has be of a fine red colour. This fruit is principally lately been found in great abundance on the used at desserts in England, and eaten with suIn Botany, a Genus of the Icosandria Pentagy- This kind of melon has long been cultivated in taste, while in France it is chiefly served up at sandy plains in the neighbourhood of Jeypoor.-gar, ginger, pepper or salt, agreeable to the nia Class. This fruit was known to the ancients in Greece, England, as it was first introduced into this "the seeds should not be sown before they are Italy, from whence I conclude it was brought to dinner, as a sauce for boiled meats. Miller says, as it is mentioned by one of their authors, Theo- country in the year that Henry the Eighth re- three years old, but not older than six;" alphrastus, who wrote 300 years, B. C.; but it ap-ceived the title of "Defender of the Faith," A. though we read, in the Philosophical Transactions, pears not to have been cultivated in Italy so early, D. 1520: and from Gerard's account it appears of melons being raised from seeds that were fortyas Pliny states that it was not known in Rome in to have been nearly confined to the Royal Gar-three years old. Melon-seeds are cooling and Cato's days. Pliny mentions three kinds: the dens: he had not grown it himself, but says, diuretic: they are anodyne; and were formerly Anthedon, the Setanian Medlar, which he de-" They delight in hot regions, notwithstanding I used to take off stranguries occasioned by blisscribes as the largest and palest in colour, and the have seen, at the Queen's house at St. James's, ters; but sweet almonds are now preferred. Gallicum, or Bastard French Medlar. Some authors affirm it to have been originally and curious nourishing of them by a skilful gen-meat, cool the body, and make it soluble: the very many of this sort ripe, through the diligent Pliny writes, that "melons, being eaten as a German fruit; but the name Anthedon was tleman, the keeper of the said house, called fleshy substance of them applied to the eyes asdoubtless given to it from it's being brought from Master Fovvle; and in other places neere unto suage pain, and restraineth the waterish and a city of that name in Greece, while the last is the Right Honourable, the Lord of Sussex house, rheumatic flux. The root heals wens or ulcers; declared by this author to have been from of Bermondsey, by London, where from yeere to and being dried, stops vomits:"it was also used France: the Setanian seems to have derived it's yeere there is verie great plenty, especially if by the Romans in washing-balls and soap, as a name from it's growing near the marshes of Se-the weather be any thing temperate." tia. It appears also to have been indigenous to adds Geraad, "the smell of musk and from which "It hath," good scourer. this country, as it is mentioned by all our early account it is called the Musk Melon." writers. Tusser calls the fruit Medlers or MeThe water-melon, or cucurbita citullus, is a les. Gerard says, "The medlar-tree often-times that melons were common in this country as ear-cultivated to a great extent on account of it's It is stated in Gough's British Topography, East Indies, and other hot climates, where it is fruit greatly appreciated in Egypt, China, the grows in hedges among briars and brambles: be-ly as the time of Edward the Third, but were en- grateful coolness and delicious flavour; and the ing grafted on a white-thorn, it prospers and pro-tirely lost, as well as the cucumber, during the flesh of it is so succulent, that it melts in the duces fruit three times as large as those which wars of York and Lancaster. are not grafted at all, and almost the size of small apples. We have," says he, "divers sorts of there are too many melons produced of no value a hole in the rind, which is a most refreshing Miller justly remarks, that, in this country, nut, and may be sucked, or poured out, through mouth and its central pulp is fluid, like the cocoathem in our orchards." He mentions the by those who supply the market, who endeavour-beverage to the inhabitants of warm countries. Neapolitan Medlar, with leaves like the haw-ling to enlarge their size, render the fruit of no thorn, and the Dwarf, growing naturally upon value, and unworthy the trouble and expense, are covered with water-melons. They are sown the Alps, and hills of Narbonne and Verona. In some parts of Upper Egypt, whole districts The Dutch Medlar, which is much larger and warmer countries, the melon is raised with little this situation, where the burning heat cooperbeing more fit for the dunghill than the table. In in the sand, on the banks of rivers; and it is in finer flavoured than the common sort, is the only or no trouble, and the fruit attains a peculiar fine ates with the freshness of the water, which moiskind now in request for planting in the garden or flavour; but in this climate it requires great at- tens the stalks, that this fruit acquires its agreeaorchard. This fruit cannot be eaten when fresh tention and expense to rear it, therefore gathered, being too harsh for the palate; but af-Grugde not, ye rich, (since luxury must have ter it has been laid up for a few weeks, and un-His dainties, and the world's more numerous half own melons are not so good as those grown in Euble pulp. The Egyptains esteem it equally dergone a putrefactive fermentation, it becomes Lives by contriving delicacies for you,) wholesome and agreeable. Sonnini says, their quite soft, and is an agreeable fruit for the des-Grudge not the cost. Ye little know the cares, serts in November and December. The vigilance, the labour, and the skill, This fruit is cooling, drying, and binding, espe-That day and night are exercised, and hang cially before it is ripe, and is useful in all kinds of Upon the ticklish balance of suspense, fluxes. The lapilli, or hard seeds, are accounted That ye may garnish your profuse regales good for the stone and gravel; they are an in- With summer fruits brought forth by wintry gredient in the syrupus myrtinus. (Miller's Bet. Off.) The medlar-tree is propagated by budding or grafting on the hawthorn, as has been noticed by Phillips: Men have gather'd from the hawthorn's branch It is sometimes grafted on the pear stock, but is more productive by the former mode. The pruner must observe not to shorten any of the branches, as the fruit is always produced at the extremities of the boughs. suns: Ten thousand dangers lie in wait to thwart Cowper. rope. The water-melon is allowed to be eaten in fevers and inflammatory complaints. One kind of the water-melon is pickled like gherkins, and wine. Gerard mentions, that the surgeons who much used by the French cooks in their fricassees; and they are sometimes baked in sweet belonged to the fleet, brought home many kinds of melons and pompions from the shores of the Mediterranean sea; but they could not have been ripened well in this country, before glasses in 1629. was a No country has a greater variety of melons were used for that purpose; and Parkinson seems than England, yet it is so rare to find them good to have been the earliest English author, who in the market, that the demand for them in Lon-gives directions for making hot beds for melons, don, compared to that in Paris, cannot be more and covering them with bell glasses, which was than the proportion of one to a thousand. I have observed, in other parts of this work, that the French have particular places where of Lockman, the famous fabulist, who Madame de Genlis relates, that, "the master they cultivate peculiar fruits only: this is the slave, having given a him a bitter melon, was case with melons, and where they are grown in astonished to see him eat the whole of it; and, such abundance as entirely to occupy the atten-on naming his surprise, received this answer: "I In Botany, a Genus of the Monacia Sygenesia rily be better understood than in our gardens, said Lockman, that it cannot be strange that I tion of whole villages, the culture must necessa-have experienced so many benefits from you,' Class. Natural Order, Cucurbitacea. The melon most esteemed, in every part of kind of fruit or vegetable: the mind being thus ter fruit which you ever presented me with.'where the same persons have to cultivate every should have eaten without complaint the first bitEurope, is the Cantaleupe, which takes it's divided between so many varieties, that none This answer so affected his master, that he gave name from a town so called, about fifteen miles can be so thoroughly understood. Another great Lockman his liberty." (To be continued.) MELON.-MELO.-CUCUMIS. from Rome, where it has been cultivated since disadvantage arises in the common mode of grow American Farmer. SIR JOHN SINCLAIR, on a remedy against the are liable. Selections from late numbers of the London Far-for five or six hours, or it may remain even lon-try some of the steeps recommended in you mers' Journal, received at the office of the ger, without risk. It should then be taken out, Journal. I am of opinion that all kinds of lane and thrown upon the floor. It is to be sown would be better sown by the middle of Oct broad-cast, it should be crusted with lime in ber, varying the quantity of seed (the cleanes the usual way; but if intended for drilling, it and dryest old wheat,) from two bushels to should be stirred about, for five or six hours in four, according to the quality and condition G: dry weather, or double that time in moist; or the soil; the lightest and dryest soils to be by the use of a fanner, it will soon become per-sown thickest and earliest, and if possible fectly dry. It may then be drilled with as much with most rain, and trod firm with sheep, being Sfacility, as grain that had not undergone any first tilled fine; the strong and heavier soils t be left rather cloddy, and not trodden or closenoperation. After from six to nine bushels have passeded by rolling or treading until the spring. The remedy against "The Smut," namely I hope that I shall not be censured in ad"The Sulphate of Copper," or "Blue Vitriol," through this operation, then add one pound of is likely not only to prevent the smut, but al-the sulphate, for every three bushels, until thir-ding, that these few observations are not the reso other disorders to which wheat is liable. Ity bushels have been used, when the liquor has sult of mere theory but of actual experience, was informed on the Continent, that it was an probably become so foul or turbid, that a fresh excepting so far as relates to the very best antidote to the mildew, but I did not wish to quantity of the preparation should be made soils, which I have not had the good fortune to cultivate. raise too high the expectations of the public ready. SIR, I remain, Sir, FROM THE VIRGINIA HERALD. Fredericksburg, July 17, 1822. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETÝ. respecting this most effectual remedy against The advantages to be derived from the use 1. The exsmut, by representing it to be a general speci-of this specific are very great. fic. In a letter, however, from Mr. Richard pense is but trifling, the price of blue vitriol Hipkiss of Birmingham, dated the 20th of Au-not exceeding from 6d. to 8d. or 10d. per pound. gust, 1821, there is the following paragraph: Five pounds will be sufficient for nine bushels, "I am happy, very happy, to have it in my or from 6d. to 10d. or 1s. per acre, according to power to confirm, by another year's experience, the price of the vitriol, and the quantity of all that you have said, relative to the use of seed sown; and after being used, the water the sulphate of copper, as an antidote to the may be evaporated, and the remains of the sulAn adjourned meeting of the Society was held smut; the wheat around me, is much diseased; phate will again chrystalise. 2. Liming is not mine is free, no smut, no mildew, and but lit- necessary, and in many places lime recently at the Indian Queen Tavern, on the 4th instant. The subject of the Agricultural Fair alone occuslacked cannot be had. 3. The grain may aftle, very little of the red mould." Mr. Hipkiss, however, states, that his expe- terwards be kept with safety for sometime. 4. pied their attention. The following scheme is the result. riments regarding the use of the sulphate, are The plant is so strengthened, that it is less liaWe are gratified in seeing the proposition asof little value, when placed in competition with ble to be lodged, or to suffer from other disorthose of a friend and neighbour of his, who has ders besides smut; and 5. This plan is much suming this definite shape. The experience of unfortunately the greatest reluctance to give superior, in point or cleanliness, to those dis-all countries where these Fairs have been held, has demonstrated their good effects upon the aghis experiments to the world, under the sanction gusting processes that are usually recommenricultural character of the community. We beof his name. The results however are decisive, ded for the same purpose. lieve also, that the one now under consideration, at which the following experiments furnish will benefit the business of this town. We therecomplete proof. fore hope to see it respectably attended for the sake of both town and country. ON PREVENTING SMUT. SIR, Having taken a quantity of Wheat of two kinds, the red Lammas, and a white wheat, called the velvet white, with these he mixed To the Agriculturists of Virginia. a portion of the powder of smut. After suffer- Much has lately been written by respecta- In submitting to their agricultural Brethren the ing them to remain together for 13 days, he ble correspondents, and particularly Sir John following scheme for an annual agricultural Show sowed one part of each, without subjecting it to Sinclair, in your Journal, giving various receipts and Fair at Fredericksburg, the members of the any preparation. The produce of the Lammas to prevent the Smut and Mildew in Wheat: Fredericksburg Agricultural Society, beg leave wheat is more than two-thirds smut; the white these, no doubt, are in many cases efficacious; most earnestly to invite their co-operation; in wheat, with the exception of one ear, is all yet, Sir, I venture to suggest, that if wheat were the full confidence that they can do nothing betsmut. The remaining quantity he steeped be-sown earlier, and clean dry old seed, we should ter calculated to promote the general interests of fore sowing with the preparation of blue vitri-hear little of Smut or Mildew. Of late years the landed proprietors and cultivators throughout ol, for various periods of time, of from one regular summer fallows have gone out of all that portion of our country sufficiently near to hour to several hours. In the Lammas wheat, fashion, and green crops having been substitu- Fredericksburg to participate in such a plan.— steeped for one hour, there is one head of smut, ted, the wheat seed-time has been much pro- The benefits which have been diffused by simiin all the others not one particle. I am thence tracted, besides, generally new and often damp lar institutions wherever they have been estainduced to rely, with (if possible) increased con- seed has been sown; these, I have no doubt, blished, are so obviously great and extensive, that fidence, in the security given to the wheat crop are causes of Smut and Mildew, and hence no argument is any longer necessary to demonby the aid of this invaluable specific; for nei-the yearly increasing prevalence of those dis-strate them. The practical advantages speak ther my friend who tried these experiments, eases in the grain. Allow me to say, from my for themselves. All which seems requisite to nor myself, have any smut in our crops, although own humble experience for fifteen years, that our undertaking is, so far to overcome that false it is this year so very prevalent in a field ad-invariably old dry wheat, sown before October, pride which checks effort by inspiring the fear joining to one of my own, that I speak within has been free from Smut and Mildew, while of failure, as to make a beginning. It would be bounds when I say, one sixth part of the entire the new wheat sown after that time has gene- absurd to expect from a first attempt, that full crop is smut, and in most of the fields around rally been more or less affected with those ru-success which results from similar exhibitions me there is more or less, and in all either mil-inous diseases. No two things, in my opinion, well matured by frequent recurrence. Let us dew or red gum to a great extent. Of the mil-conduce so much to a good clean crop of wheat once commence, and we feel well assured that no dew I have none, of the red gum so little, as as a proper summer fallow, and old seed sown future persuasions will be required to encourage not to be worth notice. It cannot be chance that early. I find that I can grow more grain, and the plan hereafter. In no other way can the ag has thus secured us, whilst others are suffering of a superior quality, from a good fallow and riculturists, connected with Fredericksburg, (to severely." early sown old wheat, than with an additional borrow a familiar phrase,)" kill so many birds The following is the simplest mode of apply-coat of manure, and consequently nearly dou-with one Stone." For they may combine busiing this important remedy:-After dissolving ble the quantity of straw, if sown with new ness with amusement, and profit with pleasure five pounds weight of the sulphate of copper, seed, and so late as November, even if the in a more compendious way on such an occasion, or blue vitriol, in hot water, add as much cold latter escape Smut and Mildew, which I find than on any other of a public nature which is water as may be sufficient to cover three bush-it never entirely does on my land. Still, how-likely to present itself. Friends and acquaintance els of wheat. Let the wheat be gradually ever, from the superior value of a wheat crop, from the remote parts of the contiguous counties passed through a riddle, in order that all the I am tempted to sow a few acres of turnip may here conveniently meet to renew and to light grains may swim on the surface, and be land, I mean turnips fed and folded by sheep, strengthen the social ties by which they are conskimmed off. Stir the wheat repeatedly, that with wheat after old Michaelmas, and this sea- nected; and to rub off a little of that country it may be effectually cleared of all the light son I intend sowing old grain. Should it prove rust of eccentric habits, awkward manners, rigrains. Let the wheat continue in the liquid affected with Smut or Mildew, in future I may diculous, and sometimes revolting peculiarities, which all men are liable to contract by uninter- width of furrow, to be considered the first recom-surement of the ground, which was ploughed, in rupted retirement from the busy haunts of their mendation, and this to be ascertained by the Dy-testing the ploughs that were entered for premifellow men. It is at such places as Agricultural nanometer. um. By that report it is stated that, Shows and Fairs, that sales and purchases of stock, of all kinds-pleasure horses, working cattle, farming implements, crops, and merchandize, might be made to more advantage proba-general purposes. bably than they could at any other time. And After a careful examination of the ploughs "in operation, tested by the dynanometer, the 8th. $15 for the best fixed Horse-Cart. 9th. $15 for the best contrived Wheat Fan. 10th. $15 for the best contrived Harrow for "Committee have come to the determination "that the premium, should be awarded to Mr. 11th. $10 for the best contrived Scythe-Cradle." William Brown of Brookville, Montgomery the general excitement to enterprise and improve- 12th. $20 for the best Beef-$15 for the best" county, Maryland-in 32 minutes of time, Mr. ment, in all the various branches of rural econo-Veal-$10 for the best Mutton, fattened in the Brown's plough went over a space of ground my, produced by these public competitions for shortest time, and most economical manner; of 330 feet long, 21 feet 8 inches wide, running a excellence in husbandry, cannot fail to exercise a which fact, certificates will be required from the "furrow 1 foot wide and 6 inches deep; carrying a most beneficent influence on the whole landed in-candidates, briefly stating their respective pro-" resistance of 500 pounds; price of this plough terest of our country. Without some such stimu- cesses. "$15. Mr. Hinks' plough in 32 minutes, went lus to the languid-and we may almost say torpid No patented Implement to be offered for a" over a space of 330 feet long, 17 feet 3 inches Premium. feelings of our agricultural people, we must con"wide, carrying a furrow of the same width and tinue, to the end of time, nearly a century bePublished by order: "depth, and having a resistance of 528 pounds; hind our brethren of the north and east, in all "price of plough $14. Mr. Davis' went over a those arts which contribute to embellish and adorn space of the 330 feet long, 19 feet, 6 inches the fair face of our beloved country; and to ren"wide, carrying a furrow of the same depth and der its soil productive of the necessaries, the The following commentaries of Gideon Da-" breadth, in the same time, and having a recomforts, and the luxuries of life. vis, were received, and put on file in the Editor's" sistance of 500 pounds; price of this plough The plan is as follows: absence; it being by the Printer, well known “$14.”— WM. F. GRAY, Sec'ry, That an Agricultural Show and Fair shall an- that we have an especial aversion to every thing There can be no doubt, but that the committee nually be held at Fredericksburg, in the month of which in any degree smacks of political or per- intended to give a fair statement of the acNovember; and that the first shall take place on sonal controversy-we have on perusal of his re- tual performance of the ploughs; and that it was the second Wednesday in November next, being marks, felt much hesitation in publishing them, the desire, and expectation of the whole Society, the 13th day of the month. It shall continue for and the reasons must be obvious. When the com- and that it is surely the expectation of all those two successive days-on the first of which, Stockmittee of Arrangement in behalf of the Society, that read the report, that were not made acof various kinds shall be exhibited; and on the have appointed three judges, as they always do, quainted with the circumstance. That the measecond, Agricultural Implements. with the utmost impartiality; their award, what- surement, both of the performance, and draft, The Society shall appoint a Committee of Pre-ever it may be, when once given in, and receiv- were taken in the most exact manner; that is, miums to consist of ten Members-five to con-ed by the Society, ought to be final and conclu- that Brown's plough did actually in 32 minutes of stitute a Committee on Stock, and five on Agri- sive. It is in the power of every one, before the time, go over 2 feet 2 inches in width and 330 cultural Implements; and these joint Commit- Judges make up their decision, to make every feet in length, more than my plough did in the tees shall possess the discretionary power to explanation of the subject which may be thought same space of time, amounting to about 11 per award premiums for any unspecified article, necessary and proper to be considered before cent difference, in the operation, in favour of which they may deem particularly well calcula- their verdict is given in-in the case in question Brown's plough, which would of course entitle ted to promote the objects of the Society. we are quite sure, that Mr. Davis was not denied him to the premium, in the opinion of every dis There shall be a Committee of Arrangement, the opportunity of doing justice to his plough.-interested person. consisting of three Members, whose duty it shall It is not our province or wish to say whether the But there are some facts relative to this subbe to contract for the erection of suitable stalls decision by the Committee, be correct or not.-ject, which when explained, will alter the case and pens, for the temporary confinement of the It is enough for us to know that they are all es- very much. These facts should have been exStock offered for Premiums. teemed excellent practical judges, and that they plained very shortly after the report of the Com All candidates for Premiums shall enter with are all equally incapable of wilful partiality. It mittee was published, but in consequence of inthe Committee of Premiums, by 10 o'clock, on will, however, rarely happen that unsuccessful disposition in my family, I was hindered from the first day, the animal, or implement designed competitors will all be satisfied on such occasions. going to the ground, to take the exact measureto be offered. At 12 o'clock, the Committee They may more naturally be suspected of parti- ment, until this time, which I have now done, and will proceed to examine the merits of the arti-ality of which they are not conscious; and the find the performance to have been thus. (I think cles; and their determination will be publicly reason of the hesitation we felt in publishing Mr. it right that it should be understood, that in the announced by the President, on the second day; Davis' remarks was, that we should thereby open commencement, the lands were all laid off 330 immediately after which, the Premiums will be the door, for infinite altercation about the justice feet long and just 20 feet wide, that the ploughdistributed. The candidates, in all cases, ex-of all awards, in every case hereafter. In the men were then requested to draw their first furcept where discretionary Premiums are given, mean time we thought it best to submit his obser- rows, which when done, they were then requestmust be inhabitants of counties wherein some vations to the Chairman of the Committee, from ed to be ready, and at the word given, start and member or members of the Society may reside; whom we received a letter not intended for pub- see who could plough out their land first; they and they must be the owners in the case of Stock, lication. But as we have now yielded to the rei-did so, and at the expiration of 32 minutes, my and the inventors or improvers in the case of the terated request of Mr. Davis, to let his commen-plough had finished the land it was placed in; Implements exhibited. taries appear, we have concluded to put out then the ploughs were all stopped. In running the The Premiums shall consist, in every instance, Commodore Porter's reply, and this according to first furrows, some of the ploughmen went coneither of a medal, of a certain value, or of some our judgment will be all that need be said in the siderably crooked, which will account for the article of plate. difference in the measurement of the perform The following regular Premiums shall be offered: 1st. Some description of Plate, worth $30, the best Stallion. for 2d. $25 for the best Mare: fitness for the draft and saddle-to be the test of merit in both these cases. 3d. $25 for the best Bull. 4th. $20 for the best Cow-considering excellence of form, rather than largeness of size, as the most valuable quality. case. To Mr. Davis as a Mechanic of excellent judg-ance.) ment, and honourable industry in the line of his The measurement was taken in three places, business, we are ready to testify our esteem and 15 paces from each end and midway; of which good will. All such mechanics, are far more useful we took the average, and found that Brown's land and honorable to Society than your rich miserly measured from out to out 21 feet 3 inches, that nabobs, whose sole merit, is in the length of there was left in the middle still to plough 5 feet their purse. Those are the bees, these the 8 inches, which makes the quantity ploughed by drones of the political hive. Editor American Farmer. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. Brown only 15 feet 7 inches, instead of 21 feet 8 inches, that is 39 per cent more, than he actually ploughed. Hinks' land measured from out to out 16 feet 6 inches, and there was left in the middle still to plough 10 inches, which makes By a reference to the report of the Committee the quantity ploughed by Hinks 15 feet 8 inches peculiar propensity to fatten, and to produce a on Agricultural Implements, Machines, &c. &c. at instead of 17 feet 3 inches the work done by quantity of wool. 5th. $15 for the best Ram; the qualities chiefly to be considered, such a form as indicates a 6th. $15 for the best Boar or Sow. the Cattle Show, No. 2, of Maryland, held on my plough was 17 feet 4 inches, instead of 19 the two last days in May last, with a proper ex-feet 6 inches, so that by measurement, the 7th. $15 for the best Plough, for two or more planation, it will be easily understood, that there operation was thus: Brown 15 feet 7 incheshorses easiness of draft, next to the depth and did a very material mistake occur in the mea-Hinks, 15 feet 8 inches-Davis, 17 feet 4 inch es-that is, that the operation of my plough, in to say, that this particular plough, had been fin-tance only that it was wished to determine) but h 32 minutes of time, was worth 11 5-10 per cent. ished off in a very nice manner; that the share is certainly mistaken, for I paid particular at more than the operation of Brown's plough. and coulter had been laid with steel, and ground tention to that part of the test, and can sa By the report of the Committee it is stated, very sharp, and that the moulding part of the with confidence that the result reported by the that the ploughs each cut and turned 1 foot wide plough had been tallowed all over, how much ad-Committee is strictly correct-the vibration c and 6 inches deep-Brown and Hinks' teams, vantage that might be, I cannot say, I have no the instrument was free, and any little variatic. ploughed each 14 furrows-my team ploughed doubt but it would be some. The committee in in the depth or breadth of the furrow was in16 furrows, so that if we measure by this rule, their report go on and say. "Those were the only stantly made manifest by the index. To this we shall find that Brown and Hinks ploughed 14" ploughs fairly in competition, and which came test, as I before observed, my attention wa feet each, and that my plough turned 16 feet," fully under the observation of the committee-particularly directed, and to the frequent mea that is about 12 per cent more. There is ano- other ploughs were turned in however, more surement of the depth of the furrow durin ther subject that those who feel an interest in this" for the satisfaction of the owners, than for in- the time that the ploughs were in motion, t matter should be made acquainted with; that is," spection, and the performance in general was see that the ploughmen ran the proper depth that one of my horses was not in condition for " remarkably fine, and the work in all cases done They were allowed to plough any width they such an experiment; he was in such condition," with great neatness and expedition. It is due to pleased, provided they turned the sod fairl that he could not walk as fast as a plough horse" Mr. Davis, to say, that his plough is plain and over, and it was only during the test of th should, until he had considerable exercise, in con- simple, and of course cheap, and from appear-draft by the instrument, that they were limit sequence of which, when Brown's and Hinks'" ance, not liable to get out of order easily." ed to a foot wide, and six inches deep; there teams had each ploughed 4 furrows, my team had Now, to sum up the case, it appears to stand fore Gideon Davis's estimate of the work don ploughed only three; when their teams had thus; that in the operation my plough exceeded by furrows, allowing a foot to each, is not corploughed 4 furrows more, that is, 8 furrows each, Brown's plough 111 per cent that his team must rect. How far he is correct in his measurement in all, my team had ploughed 8 furrows also have been the best-that in the price my plough of the width I am unable to say, for the ground after that, my team gained, when they had each is $1 less than the Brown's plough-Now I will was not measured by me. It was as much as ploughed 6 furrows more, my team had ploughed appeal to the great Agricultural Society of Mary-I could do to attend to the draft and ploughing eight so that I do really believe, that if my land whether I am not fairly entitled to the pre- John Marsh and Roger Brooke, two highly res team had been in proper condition, that my mium offered for the best plough, at their last pectable men of the Society of friends were, a plough instead of performing only 11 per cent. cattle show and fair. more than Brown's plough, would have perform ed upwards of 20 per cent. more. Asit respects the draft, I believe that the dy 66 GIDEON DAVIS. Gideon Davis states, entrusted with the mea surement, and the statement in the report was taken from their minutes. Manufacturer. I observed that they appeared to be very particular, and I can know no reason for believing that they would have any motive for introducing into the report any thing not strictly correct. They ap peared to be very exact, and I believe they were really so. nanometer, or instrument by which that was tri-George Town, D. C. Į per cent. Pendleton County, (S. C.) furrows ploughed all the way down on the east GIDEON DAVIS, side of Brown's land, and one chief part of the June 20th, 1822. } If Gideon Davis's horses were not good, the Committee were surely not blamable on that depth about 6 inches, it was still said to weigh I have also forwarded an extract of a letter account; and if any of the ploughs were in betabout the same; but there must have been a great that I received from Gen. Thomas Pinckney, ter order, or greased, or steel pointed, the difference in the draft, I should think at least 50 President of the Farmers Society of Pendleton Committee had no right to object thereto. County, South Carolina, in which I presume thee If any should think this statement incorrect, will feel some interest. I only extracted what They were appointed to test ploughs, not horby going on the ground, they may make measure- relates to the subject with which thee was ac- to enter the field, be their condition what it ses, and were bound to decide on such as chose ments and satisfy themselves; let it be remem-quainted. bered, that after the expiration of 32 minutes, might; and whether the winning plough was there was one furrow ploughed on the east side "old fashioned" or new fashioned was not a of Hinks' land to finish it, and that there was two subject of inquiry, the actual performance was all they had to look to. It appeared to be Dear Sir,-I am sorry that circumstances have of Mr.. Brown's plough was very far superior the universal sentiment that the performance way, and one furrow on the west side all the way been such as to oblige me to defer answering to any other on the field, and I then thought, up, and that there still remains about 1 foot 9 in-your letter so long-but we are so remote from a and still think, that the premium was fairly ches in the middle to plough. seaport, and the difficulties and length of time re-awarded to it. I have since been told that there The above I believe to be a fair statement of quired to get your ploughs up to our mountain the measurement of the performance of the country, prevented us from giving them a trial Brown and Davis, at or in the neighbourhood was previously a similar competition between ploughs; how it could have happened, that the till the last meeting of our Farmers Society. I of Brookville, and that Mr. Brown then took two members of the Committee, John Marsh, am happy to say the very respectable committee the premium. If this was the case I cannot and Roger Brooke, to whom the measurement of of gentlemen chosen to make a trial of about a see how Gideon Davis can charge our Comthe performance was entrusted, could have been dozen different ploughs from New York, Phila-mittee with unfairness or claim for his plough so much mistaken in their measurement, is for delphia, and Baltimore, gave a preference to the premium with more propriety than he them to say, or others to judge, not for me, for your small bar share. They thought the other could claim the premium at Brookville, or reflect I dont know. equally good for lighter soils, but rather too large This exposition of the case, I believe to be for our very stiff clays; the society have desired ty Society. In conclusion I must say that I believe on the Committee of the Montgomery coundue, not only to myself and family; but to a large me to express their thanks to you. portion of the Agricultural community; who Yours, &c. have had their attention turned towards my establishment, with an expectation, of there finding some improvements in Implements of husbandry, that might tend to their advantage. THOMAS PINCKNEY, JR. Meridian Hill, August 20th, 1822. DEAR SIR, Gideon Davis's a very fine plough, and from the explanations he gave me as to his manner of making them in stocks, I think it likely there would be great uniformity in all of them What one would perform, I think it likely all would perform, and whether this is the case with all the ploughs of Mr. Brown's make, or In order to satisfy the enquiry of the thousands who have read that report, and will read Your favour of the 28th has been received, of the make of any of the others who exhithis exposition, I think it right for me to give a and I have given as much attention to the pa-bited ploughs on the occasion, I am unable to description of the Brown's plough, for I have no per of Gideon Davis which it inclosed, as my say—his plough also I should think in the long doubt but that the expectations of many are public duties would allow. raised considerably, and that they are looking The error which he states to exist in the re-very little wrought iron about it, and it would run would be a very cheap one, as there is out for something very superior. The Brown's port of the committee, lays, according to his be seldom necessary to send it to the shop. plough is nothing more, nor less, than an old fash-account, principally in the measurement of the foned, (what in this part of the country is called a ground ploughed. The error in the dynanomeWith great respect, long) barshare plough, without any other im-ter had it existed, is of little consequence as provement that I know of, except the cast-iron all the ploughs were tested by the same inmould board instead of wood. It would be right strument, (and it was their comparative resis Your ob't serv❜t, NGLISH CATTLE-account of Mr. Clay's better, so as to produce more meat on the good" primum mobile”—that is March and Septemimportation-communicated at the request of parts. Animals which are ill made, are difficult ber. Was such an establishment in action, the Editor, to be made matter of record, in the to keep in good order, because they cannot there is not a gentleman or liberal farmer, but American Farmer. struggle for subsistence as well as those which are would aid much to its success, and would cheerwell built. I may, at some future period, inform fully give 100 per cent advance, on first_rate you how my cattle turn out. With great respect, ASHLAND, 19th August, 1822. Dear Sir, Your letter under date the 11th ultimo, reached Lexington, whilst I was absent from home, on a visit to one of our watering places, and on that account there has arisen some delay in my answer. I received the portraits by mail, shortly afer I addressed you on the subject of them. You request some account of my imported H. CLAY. I am your obedient servant, FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. seeds thus brought to his farm, or at the Court House, where he could have occular demonstration of the great benefit to be derived from such an intercourse while each would be anxious to send back some of their superfluities to increase the general stock. This would give men the greatest taste for agricultural improvements, and tend much to the raising and increasing of Agricultural Societies. Numbers who are Euglish Cattle, which I give with great pleasure. A PLAN FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF too remote to attend, might join themselves to In 1816, I wrote to my friend, Peter Irving at Liverpool, the brother of our distinguished countryman, Washington Irving, and requested him to purchase for me two pair of English Cattle, one of the beef and the other of the milk breed. I gave him a carte blanche, both as to price and all the means of information at his command; SIR, thought of the man, who should raise the greatest or no crop. AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGEsome society by subscription; and thus lay the SEEDS, IMPLEMENTS, &c. foundation for improvement in the union and Perquimino, N. C. August, 1822. means that such societies would then have. Indeed the wealth, prosperity, and comfort, of eveThe utility, and great benefit derived from ry individual would be improved by such means, races. He took great pains to satisfy himself of Agricultural books, and Societies, are now quite and a great national good effected. The system the best breeds in the kingdom, by a resort to established in the minds of every reflecting per- of agriculture thoroughly understood, and more son. And now may the field smile; the dreary, places be clothed with fruitful verdure; orand he became convinced that the Hereford reds chards and gardens yield their various and abun- quantity of food on the smallest piece of ground, was the best, as combining in themselves the dant routine of fruits, roots, and vegetables. cultivate the most thousands of coru hills, crop than of the wild ambition of those who aim to three great qualities, beef, milk and draught, But the object with many judicious persons, who which it is desirable that cattle should possess.—are remote from good nurseries, is the acAccordingly he caused to be selected and purNorth Carolina labours under the disadvanchased for me, in January 1817, two pair of that quiring good seed; the difficulty in getting tage, of being more remote from intercourse breed of cattle. Two of them were two year liability of being imposed on, makes them much praise cannot be given to the fair sex of this it, the uncertainty of its goodness, and the and improvement, than her sister states. But too olds, and the other two yearlings; the sum of cautious. The soil requisite, the manner of their cost was £105 sterling. They were ship-| section of the Union, who are not only daily ped at Liverpool, in March 1817, on board the culture, and best method of saving the seed resame ship, which imported the English Cattle, of your valuable paper, suggest a means by the management of the garden, and indefatigaquire to be known. I will through the medium employed at the wheel or loom, and their other many avocations, but to them, generally belong for some gentlemen in this neighbourhood, an ac- which societies, and individuals engaged in the count of which you have already published, but farming interest may communicate with more With what pleasure will they, through your inble are they to the extent of their knowledge. that was altogether accidental, there having been no concert whatever between those gentlemen the first place let every Agricultural Society advantage than has hitherto ever been done. In structions, be enabled to furnish green peas, asand me, in making our respective importations. immediately establish a nursery for the raising dishes, sallads, &c. the season through; and other paragus, &c. half the summer on their tables; radThey were received by Messrs. McDonald and of the most valuable plants and seeds. SecondRidgely, in April or May 1817, and I immedidelicious roots and vegetables, that are yet unly, put up all kinds of garden seeds in small ately upon hearing of their landing in the United parcels, folded up with printed directions res-load with health the Rustic Board, and by their known, or the things of a day, may hereafter States, despatched a messenger for them. He pecting time, culture, method, &c. &c. which salubrious tendency counteract the effects of a brought them about one hundred and fifty miles may be sealed with the Society's Seal. The from Baltimore into the State of Virginia, and seeds being thus enclosed and sealed, would too general living on salt provisions. owing to the great heat of the season and the prevent any peculation; and the purchasers benefitted by such establishments, which after two Now sir, the agricultural world would be much wearing away of their hoofs, he was obliged to would buy with more confidence; small seeds leave them there to rest, until the weather be-might be put up in ounces, &c. Peas, beans, &c. or three years might be superceded, or the necesscame cooler; so that it was late in August before in pints, &c. Some might be assorted in light boxity not so immediate. I would recommend to they reached Kentucky. One of the bulls died es for gentlemen containing every kind; and some something of the kind, as you have all the to you, sir, to take the lead in fitting out on his way from Baltimore to Virginia, from over in the same manner of the most useful for small feeding on red clover. Estimating the first cost farmers. Thirdly a small covered wagon might means, and possess that amor patria"-which of the cattle, and all incidental charges from then be fitted out, lined inside with small draw- you are now constantly shewing in the Amerithe time they were purchased in England, until ers to contain the seed, &c. The brims at can Farmer. LIZEUR. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. I received them in Kentucky, and charging the bottom might on their top contain a matrass. JOHN S. SKINNER, Esq. three survivors with what was lost by the death A portable stove also, for damp weather, might of their companion, those three have come to be very useful. Such vehicles under the care of me at five hundred dollars each. My cattle are two steady men; might repair and almost counvery beautiful, fine form, symmetry and color.-teract all the ills that ever escaped Pandoras' They are all without exception, a deep red, white box. One of these men should be well acquaint- ENGLISH METHOD OF CURING BACON, faces, white under the belly, at the tip end of ed with budding, grafting, &c. Thus might we MR. SKINNER, the tail and on one or more of the feet. As I have very soon have many of the northern fruits in- About twelve months ago, or perhaps more, generally parted with the young, I am not able yet troduced into the southern climes; and vice two very pleasing communications were inserted to pronounce, with certainty, whether they will versa. As buds and grafts might thus have a in your highly valued paper, teaching us how realize the high expectations, which were enter-direct and ready conveyance. Such persons to save our bacon, and should it ever be my tained of them by my friend, Mr. Irving; but I might also be furnished with the most useful lot to take charge of that very interesting believe he has not been deceived as to their qua- agricultural books, prints of small light models branch of domestic economy, (for as yet I of all the best and most economical agricultu-am only a consumer) the information therein lities. We have been for some years breeding in this ral machines, which would be furnished by the contained will be attentively perused, and so far State, very extensively, from some English Cat-manufactures, or patentees; as they also could as the receipts of the adepts are not incontle, imported forty or forty-five years ago, by, I allow them a small premium for orders thus re-sistent, will be strictly adhered to. They are believe, Mr. Gough, of Maryland, and Mr. Miller ceived. Such machinery could then be forward-both, no doubt, the result of experience, and Virginia. This race of cattle attains a larger ed to the nearest seaport in trading vessels. whoever should be doomed to dine with either size, than any of those of the late importations There are in North Carolina six circuits of the of the gentlemen I am persuaded would not have which we have made. The latter do not, however, superiour court; and it is more than probable, cause to regret that their kind host had adminwant size, and the circumstance of their being that a load of seeds might be disposed of in istered any other than his own favourite presmaller than the descendants of the old importa- each circuit; by attending the same, considera-scription in the curing of his hams, and it is more tion is abundantly compensated by their having ble knowledge would be elicited, and much cor-than probable such is the excellencies of both, less bone, being greatly superior in symmetry, rect information obtained. The time too very that as strong a party could be formed to susand distributing their flesh on the carcase much seasonable for travelling and dispersing of this tain and advocate the merits of each particular |