old shoots that have borne, so as to leave but one course, send out shoots, which you will train up-not yet completed its history, but have ascerbud at the butt. And they will then be sending right against the building, and which you will tained, that it has three broods or generations in Out wood, while the other four will be sending cut out alternately, as directed in the other case. each year; the larva (small worm) of the first Out fruit. And thus you go on year after year 311. HUCKLEBERRY.-It is well known brood is found (in this climate) about the first for your life; for, as to the vine, it will, if well that it grows wild in great abundance, in many of May in the cavity of the culm, near the root, treated, outlive you and your children to the parts, and especially in Long Island, where it where it causes an enlargement of the stem and third and even thirtieth generation. I think give rise to a holiday called Huckleberry Mon-the plant declines as if affected by the fly-the they say, that the vine at Hampton Court, was day. It is a very good fruit for tarts mixed with second brood in June is lodged above the several planted in the reign of King William. During the Currants; and by no means bad to eat in its raw joints in the cavity of the straw; this does not summer there are two things to be observed, as state. entirely destroy the stalk, but very materially to pruning. Each of the last year's shoots has 32 312. MADEIRA NUT.-See Walnut. injures its yield-the third brood is found among buds, and, of course, it sends out 32 shoots with 313. MEDLAR. A very poor thing indeed. the plants that spring up in the stubble fields, or the grapes on them, for the grapes come out of The Medlar is propagated by grafting on crab-early sown crops in the fall, and lodged in the the 2 first fair buds of these shoots. So that here stocks, or pear-stocks. It is, at any rate, espe- manner of the first brood. would be an enormous quantity of wood, if it cially in this country, a thing not worthy of a I acknowledge the receipt of the Senna seed were all left till the end of summer. But, this place in a garden. At best, it is only one degree of South Carolina, which you so obligingly sent must not be. When the grapes get as big as better than a rotten apple. to me; for which I tender you my grateful peas, cut off the green shoots that bear them, at 314. MELON.-See Melon in Chapter IV. thanks. I shall be further indebted to you for a two buds distance from the fruit. This is neces- 315. MULBERRY.-This tree is raised from sample of the Egyptian Millet, mentioned by sary in order to clear the vine of confusion of cuttings or from layers. See Paragraphs 275 and Mr. Herbemont; but, from his description of branches, and also to keep the sap back for the 277. The White Mulberry, which is the finest, it, I am inclined to believe, that it is the same supply of the fruit. These new shoots, that and which the Silk worm feeds on, grows wild, plant which is cultivated in some some parts of have the bunches on, must be kept tied to the and bears well, at two miles from the spot where our western country, as a substitute for chocolate, trelis, or else the wind would tear them off-I am now writing. and is there called "chocolate corn The other thing is, to take care to keep nicely 316. NECTARINE.-As to propagation, I send by this mail a newspaper, in which is tied to the bars the shoots that are to send forth planting and cu tivation, the Nectarine is, in all published a communication that I made to the bearers the next year; and, if you observe any respects the same as the peach, which, there-Agricultural Society of Bucks, relating to insects, Ittle side shoots coming out of them to crop these fore, see. It is certainly a finer fruit, especi-&c. Your's respectfully, off as soon as they appear, leaving nothing but ally the Violet Nectarine; but, it is not grown, the clear, clean shoot. It may be remarked, that or, but very little in America. I cannot believe, the butt, as at b, when it is cut off the next time, that there is any insurmountable obstacle in the * The supposed peculiarity in this case was will be longer by a bud. That will be so; but, way. It is grown in England very well. The the circumstance of finding the eggs deposited in by the third year the vine will be so strong, that White French would certainly do here; and it is the membraneous substance of the blades midyou may safely cut the shoots back to within six the most beautiful of fruit, and a greater bearer, way between the edges and the centre, and inches of the main trunk, leaving the new shoots though not so fine in flavour as the Violet. The invariably nearest to the extremities or points of to come out of it where they will; taking care to Newington, the Roman are by no means so good.the leaves; whereas, the deposite of the Hessian let but one grow for the summer. If shoots start I would have in the Garden three trees of each fly, have uniformly been deposited, and observed out of the main trunk irregularly, rub them off of the two former. to be near to the stalks: the injury noticed (To be continued.) JAMES WORTH. CIETY OF BUCKS COUNTY. as soon as they appear, and never suffer your 317. NUT-Grows wild. Not worthy of a by Mr. Thornton, only affected parts of the vine to have any more than its regular number of place in the Garden. Is propagated, and the blades; whereas, the Hessian fly is chiefly deshoots. As to cultivation of the ground, the fruit preserved, like Filberd, which see. structive to the stalks.-EDIT. AM. FARMER. ground should not only be deeply dug in the fall, but, with a fork, two or three times during the Observations on INSECTS, with a view to arrest summer. They plough between them in Langue- HESSIAN FLY-DISEASES OF WHEAT &c.) their destructive ravages, by JAMES WORTH, doc, as we do between the Indian Corn. The Sharron, Bucks County, Penn. 28th Jan. 1823. read before the Agricultural Society of Bucks ground should be manured every fall, with good JOHN S. SKINNER, ESQ. County, 29th July, 1822. rich manure. Blood of any kind is excellent for Dear Sir-In the American Farmer vol. four To THE MEMBERS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SO vines. But, in a word, the tillage and the manu- page 183, you have published a letter signed ring cannot be too good. All that now remains is Philip Thornton, in which he says, " enclosed Gentlemen-1 MAY be considered as trespassto speak of the sorts of grapes. The climate of you will receive a few blades of wheat, and bying on your patience in addressing you at this this country will ripen any sort of grape. But, it examination, you will find that a deposite of eggs time, or perhaps it would have been more may be as well to have some that come early-has been made by the fly, in a mode not hereto consistent with the rules of the Society, that I The Black July grape, as it is called in England, fore mentioned by any one.' If the writer should have communicated my ideas through the or, as it is called in France, the Noir Hatif, is means, (as I presume he does) the Hessian fly Committee on Entomology, as my observations the earliest of all. I would have this for one of (Cecidomyia destructor, of Say ;) I beg leave will chiefly relate to insects; but as you are all my eight vines; and, for the other seven I would to refer him to a letter of mine addressed to so deeply and immediately interested in the case, have, the Chasselas; the Burgundy; the Black Robert Vaux, Esq. dated 1st February 1820, I have chosen the present course, and I now ask Muscadine; the Black Frontinac; the Red and published No. 23, in the second volume of your solemn attention. Frontinac; the White Sweet Water; and the your work, page 180; which, I believe, to be the Entomology or the science of insects, is I beBlack Hamburgh, which is the sort of the first publication of the true deposite of that des- lieve, admitted to be very defective in its most Hampton-Court Vine.-In cases where grapes tructive insect, and you will find its whole essential part; that is, an acquaintance with the are to be grown against houses, or to be trained history traced, and as I conceive the only way habits of insects. It is with insects as it is with over bowers, the principle is the same, though of guarding against its ravages pointed out, in man and all other things in nature; it is their use, the form may differ. If against the side of a two papers which I read before the Agricultural or works, or character that is the primary obhouse the main stem of the vine, might by de- Society of Bucks county, dated 1st February, ject. What care we for the portrait of a man, grees, be made to go, I dare say, a hundred feet and 1st June 1821, also published in the Ameri-unless for some great or good work that he has high. Supppose 40 feet. In that case, it would can Farmer volume 3 page 187 and 213: I beg done, or the relation in which he stands to us? be forty instead of four; but, the side shoots or leave, also to refer your readers to them and The print respecting the celebrated English Ox, alternate bearing limbs, would still come out in to a paper that was written by Doctor Isaac is indeed a valuable print, but it is only valuable the same manner. The stem, or side limbs, may Chapman, and a paper published in the same as it shows the essential points of a breed of with the greatest ease, be made to accommodate volume page 166, &c. My own observations cattle most easily fattened, and yielding beef of themselves to windows, or to any interruptions of were made without knowing any thing of the the finest quality. Now what interest have we smoothness on the surface. If the side of the Doctor's discovery, as he had never made it in the form or size, or color of an insect, other house, or place, be not very high, not more than public. I however, have no intention of detract- than to describe a thing that has done to us cer15 or 20 feet; the best way is to plant the vine in ing from the merit of any one, but wish things to tain benefit or injury. I bring this matter before the middle of your space, and, instead of train-appear as they really are. you in order to induce a proper examination of ing an upright stem, take the two lowest shoots I will now call the attention of Agriculturists to those insects that are so detrimental to the agriand lead them along, one from each side of the another insect, very destructive to the wheat cultural interests: for when we ascertain the plant, to become stems, to lie along withing six crop; which I discovered in the spring of 1821, parent, manner and place of depositing the inches or a foot of the ground. These will, of when searching after the Hessian fly. I have progeny, and general habits of insects, it is no B AMERICAN FARMER. 39 difficult task to destroy, or so cripple them as to render them harmless to our crops; and I know society, the common toad, as I am inclined to further observe that on planting my peas thI would further recommend to the notice of the of no way in which we can be more useful to our believe that it is very destructive to night insects. past season, I poured them immediately from I have also mentioned the pea fly, but I wil fellow beings, and better promote our own inter-Snakes are also useful in feeding upon the vermin where they had been kept closely covered, inte ests (in a pecuniary point of view,) than remove such pests. But it is said that man is to harmless ought to be protected. I might also little while, the flies rose to the surface of the to of our fields, and therefore such kinds as are a vessel of water, and letting them remain a govern, and not to destroy any part of the animal mention the ground mole. creation, further than his immediate necessities require. I would have subscribed to this doctrine the following insects, to wit: I will now call the attention of the society to wet. I think it did not take above fifteen minwater, and none could escape after being once in the first state of things, for then all were rightly balanced; there was a perfect adjustment of crops. The Hessian fly, so destructive to our wheat utes to kill them all. every part, and therefore each species held its The peach worm is generated by an insect of proper rank in the great scale of creation; but stalks of wheat and rye, in spring and fall, and dark or black body, with four narrow rings of A little worm found in the lower part of the seven eighths of an inch long. The male has a something of a wasp-like appearance, and about how do matters now stand? It would require about the joints in June. volumes to explain them fully, and would be deemed préposterous in me to make the attempt ; which causes the early change of color of the ear, to yellow, edged and streaked with black-a A worm in the straw above the upper joint, and thorax-wings transparent or little inclining yellow around it-some yellow about its mouth. but allow me to make a few remarks as regards assuming a ripe appearance, but producing no small bunch of down at posterior, appearing the insect tribe. It must be obvious to every grain. man of observation, that many species of insects have increased to an alarming extent, and unless and feed upon the roots of wheat, corn, young lover except a rich orange stripe about one eighth A species of louse or aphis, that infest grounds is of a beautiful purple or mazarine blue, all through a glass like a feathered tail. The female timely checked, I verily believe that they will be trees, &c. and do immense damage. the means of producing a famine in our land, and we know not how soon that dreadful event may young leaves of peach trees, &c. A species of louse that feed upon cabbage, with a little interruption, under the belly; and of an inch broad, extending around the body take place; already we see our fruit and forest trees declining-our wheat crops nearly cut off, the trunk of peach trees. Worm that attacks the roots or lower part of transparent-the body is somewhat shorter, but the inner edges of the wings appear light or corn very uncertain, clover is failing, timothy affected, and even that hardy plant commonly great abundance. The white grub that infests our grounds in the third day after appearing in the winged state, fuller than that of the male-deposited eggs on called buckhorn, has not escaped, and our other crops will probably in turn, share the same fate. ground and cuts off the young plants early in the naked eye, are oval and of a dull yellow color, Cut worm or black grub, that harbors in the tumbler; the eggs are just discernable by the probably owing to its confined situation in a glass Look at the immense damage sustained the pre-season. sent season. If a fellow creature takes from us a pears later, at the roots. There is another black grub that ap-and were attached to the side of the tumbler with single bushel of grain, we pursue him to the utmost rigor of the law, and yet, oh! shameful to Curculio, that produces a worm which enters where on the trunk of the peach tree; but this Pea fly, that infests our peas. Ja gluey substance, so that I should suppose that relate, we suffer this lower grade of animals to into several kinds of fruit, and causes the drop-is a matter for further investigation. I have furnthe deposite is most likely, generally made somerob us of a great portion of our store. This thing ping before ripe, particularly the plum, necta-ished Thomas Say, Esq. with a pair of the insects has come upon us in consequence of our wanton rine, apricot and peach. destruction of the feathered tribe, which is that link in creation that seems intended to keep the the rose, and some seasons is destructive to Entomologist, he will furnish a scientific de, Rose bug, so injurious to that beautiful flower, examination, and if not already noticed by some in living state, and he will give them a proper insect race within proper bounds, and we are grapes, strawberries, early cherries, apples, scription of them. left to do a work which the birds would have peaches and other fruit. done for us; or rather, we are now suffering an evil that would never have happened to us. Then and through carelessness often blasts our pros-increased within the last several years, to an Caterpillar, that feeds upon the leaves of trees season to our grasses, grains and roots, and has The white grub has done great injury this let us at once reform, by reversing our course of pects of fruit. action. The insect tribe has got the ascendancy by man's misconduct, and it devolves upon the berry bushes, and quince and other kinds of trees. winged state, and bring forth a full progeny, we Canker worm, that infests currant and goose-the present number, that should all arrive to the extent that ought to alarm us. Indeed such is present generation to restore the equilibrium. Small insect that appears like scales or spots may calculate that there will be an increase of The increase of birds will greatly assist in the on the trunk, and sometimes extending to the at least one hundred (and perhaps several hunwork, and I earnestly intreat that some immedi- branches of young trees. ate measures may be taken for their preservation. I do think that if every member of the society causes the salivary disease of animals feeding sent, every description of plants may be devoured A species of spider or webbing insect that and if the season should prove as dry as the pre[dred) fold, to feed upon our next year's crops, would absolutely prohibit gunning on his lands, upon grass or hay infested with it. it would have a good effect in discouraging a practice that, to say the least of it, is disgraceful perhaps it may be the same, or similar to the to our nature. I rejoice to learn that in some turnip fly, for I have not examined it sufficiently Very small black fly that attacks young plants, by this single species of insects. parts of our country, the landholders have asso- close to describe it particularly. ciated for that express purpose, and I understand that an association of that kind exists in Mont gomery County, not far from the city of PhiladelStriped bug so destructive to cucumbers, &c. The rose bug may be destroyed by early attention without much labor: it first attacks the phia, where the inhabitants were almost as much Ash colored bug that annoys squashes, pump-as the bugs are seen to collect upon the rose, kins, &c. rose, having a preference for it; then, as soon annoyed by gunners as by insects: much good has been produced. Now I trust that our society and described to the society; but allow me to add a it under the infested flower, and with the other The Hessian fly I have already investigated, tin cup is a handy thing) in one hand, and hold take a vessel about half filled with water, (a large will not be behind hand in this praise worthy calculation of its astonishing increase. There are hand disturb the bugs, and they will instantly business; and as it will not be entered upon three complete broods in every year, and each fly fall into the water, and cannot extricate themthrough ill-nature, or with a view to lessen the deposites from one to two hundred eggs: ake the selves, and in that way I have collected great enjoyments of any one, but as indispensably ne- smaller number and say that one fly deposites 100 quantities of them, which by throwing into hot cessary for the preservation of our crops, in which eggs, which call the first brood; these 100 each water were in a moment destroyed; and I am the whole community are deeply interested, bringing forth 100, makes the second brood sure that half an hour so spent, for a few mornsurely no man will be found so lost to a sense of amount to ten thousand; and each of them pro-ings, would entirely rid us of that evil. duty and the dignity of his nature, as to oppose ducing 100, the third brood will amount to one such salutary measures. Do we not remember how the blackbirds former-million in one year; or if, as is very probable, of them on a farm may be destroyed in less than million-that is, a single fly is increased to afbut little about, as by a little attention the whole The caterpillar and canker worm I need say ly followed the plough in search of grubs? Alas that the deposite is two hundred fold, then the half a day, by a single individual. that faithful bird has almost disappeared. The increase amounts to eight millions in one year. woodpecker and other kinds, so diligent in Now if they were to go on in this way, all our future day to be able to give a better account of. guarding our fruit trees, are now scarcely to be wheat and rye, and barley would be but a morsel It seems indeed, an arduous undertaking, but if The other insects mentioned, I hope at some seen; the little wren, so industrious about our to them. houses and gardens, deserves our peculiar care; several enemies, and particularly the June brood; task would become light. May I calculate on Fortunately, however, they have all who are concerned would take a share, the even the despised hawk, I have observed to be but this may not always be the case, and there the zealous co operation of every member of the eminently useful in destroying field mice; indeed, fore it behoves us to look to the matter before society? But it is said that man is a fallen creaalmost every species claim our regard. fit be too late. ture, and doomed "to eat bread in the sweat of his stroyed by suffering hogs to pick up the fallen The curculio might, in a great degree, be defruit, in which the larva is lodged. From the same. Jace," and to be annoyed during his pilgrimagejevinced an unaccountable antipathy, and there The ears, which are small, grow near the here below. I fully believe such to be our situare some to whom the sight of a cat would occa- ground. A person accustomed to your southern ation; nevertheless, I have the most perfect sion the greatest terror, sometimes producing corn, on looking slightly at a field of this, would reliance that when man faithfully exercises the convulsions. think it of little value; but on examining it closepowers with which he is endowed, he is restored ly, and counting the number of ears in a short to his pristine state, and that he has as complete space, would have reason to alter his opinion."dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the However, I am not certain that it will answer fowls of the air, and over every living thing that well in your climate; your seasons may be too moveth upon the earth," now, as he ever had ; Looking into an old book, entitled "A new warm and dry for it. It requires a good and that he is still Lord of this world. All the evil Display of the Beauties of England," which, deep soil. I have raised at the rate of one hun that are upon us are of our own doings, and the besides a description of the public edifices, royal dred and thirty six bushels of it on the acre in moment we turn from the error of our own ways, palaces, noblemen's and gentlemen's seats, &c. Susquehanna county-but with some persons in we shall be blessed with the proper remedy.&c. &c. contains a body of information as to the the vicinity of this city, to whom I gave it, and But we are not to be mere idle spectators, we topography, geology, &c. of the different counties, who raised it last season, it did not turn out well. must devise all possible means of working: we I find the following remarks as to the coal of must be up and doing, and there is a part for Staffordshire : I am, Sir, Your very obedient servant, R. H. ROSE. FROM THE HERKIMER PEOPLE'S FRIEND. DEAR SIR, each one of us to perform-every member of the "Besides plenty of turf and peat, for firing, this society can and ought to do something; those county yields three sorts of coal, which are diswho do not like to write, let them speak, or take tinguished by the names of Pit Coal, Peacock their own way of communicating their knowledge; Coal and Canal Coal. The Pit Coal is dug chiefly and in that way I am sure they will be useful. in the South part of the county at Wednesbury, And remember that "your own knowledge is as Dudley and Sedgley, not far from Wolverhampnothing unless others know you to possess that ton. The Peacock Coal, so called from its reknowledge; besides if you possess knowledge that fecting various colors, like those of a Peacock's others need, (and I have no doubt but every one tail, is found at Henley Green, near New Castle of you do,) is it not your bounden duty to offer Under-Line, and is better for the forge than the from the maple, is loudly called for, from the a supply? And so far from detracting from kitchen. The Cnal Coal, which give a very clear your own store, the very act of imparting would and bright flame, derives its name from Canwil, erally managed. For many years have I been exnegligent manner in which the business is gentend to your improvement. Thus it is, my an ancient British word for candle.” friends, that I have so freely, on all occasions, It is said, also, that under the surface of the erting myself to effect such an improvement, and tender my little stock; and although not of much ground are found yellow and red ochre, pipeclay, method of operation, during which time I have by an experience of seven years in my present value, yet it has afforded myself both pleasure and potters' clay, fullers' earth, blue brick earth, (the been able to improve the quality of my sugar profit. same of which the Romans made their urns) firestone, lime-stone, iron ore, (of superior quality,) every year, my sample will now compare, according to the opinion of the most respectable copper ore, lead ore, blood-stone, alabaster, marjudges, with any that is made from the juice of the cane. FROM POULSON'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER. ble, &c. He reaped the field, and they but only gleaned. CATS. which are in Staffordshire? A. B. As the conformation of the earth is found to be nearly the same in different countries, so that According to the notice inserted in the 'Plough when we meet with one characteristic we may six thousand pounds of sugar from the sap of the Boy last year, I manufactured in the season of 1821, reasonably expect to find the same concomitants which usually attend it elsewhere, may we not maple. The present season I have made at the expect to find, near our beds of Peacock Coal; same factory, about six thousand and ninety pounds, of the best quality of sugar-as will ap These animals have met with very different re- on the head waters of the Schuylkill and Lehigh, ceptions among various nations. By the Egyp-the other kinds of Coal, Earths, Minerals, &c. Pear to those who have never seen it, when informed, that last year and the present, my sutians they were worshipped as deities, and, at, death, were embalmed and interred in catacombs. If the argument from analogy will hold, it gar sold, and is selling from ten to twelve dollars If the statement of Herodotus is correct, when ought to encourage those who are engaging in the per cwt. and it is preferred by many of our most the house of an Egyptian took fire, he first has-Coal trade, or are proprietors of lands in those respectable families, to the most Muscovado. Many samples have been sent abroad both to tened to convey his cats to a place of security, Districts, to dig deep and explore wide-per-New-England and New York. and afterwards looked about for his wife and chil-chance they may find other species of Coal, and dren. In some cities of Europe, on the contra- Earths and Minerals, which will increase their ry, it was the custom, on St. John's day, to burn own wealth and add to the prosperity of our state a cat, with all the honors of an auto da fe. Buf- and city. As yet, their researches seem to be fon was of opinion, that the cat was a selfish satisfied with one discovery, eminently important and faithless servant, that conformed to some of indeed, but they have been limited to a few spots, the habits of society, without being imbued with and merely to the surface. its spirit, and whose predatory and robberlike disposition had not been totally eradicated, but only modified, by a careful education, into the flattering stupidity of a knave." Rosseau preferred the cat to the dog, because the one has preserved its freedom and independence, while The other has willingly entered into bondage.I have directed some Susquehanna County Petrarch entertained the most lively affection for Maple Sugar, and Indian Corn, to be sent to Mr. a cat, the companion of his solitude. Mahomet Bailey of this place, for you. I am informed that preferred cutting off the sleeve of his robe to they will go by the stage. disturbing the repose of his favorite Grimalkin, Of the sugar, upwards of an hundred tons that had fallen asleep upon it. Madame Helve-have been made in a season, in Susquehanna kimer county) and encloses about fifty acres of tius had a cat who, after a long attachment, in county. Where care is taken in the making of ground, on which I have set two thousand pailswhich puss showed some traits uncommon in the it, I think the maple sugar, much superior to to the largest trees 4 pails, to some 3, to others feline race, fled to the cemetery of its mistress, that which is made from the cane. It would be a 2, and to many 1; my whole number of trees in and expired upon her grave. Poets have sung profitable article of domestic produce, were it use about eleven hundred, making an average their praises, and Artists devoted their talents to properly attended to. But I regret to see my crop from a pail of 3 lbs. and from a tree 54, them; amongst the latter, Godfrey Mind, of neighbours in clearing their land, pay no respect which is considered a fair estimate for this latiSwitzerland, is distinguished; he painted them to the superb tree which produces it; but de-ftude. The labour required to manage my factoin every situation and attitude, and with such as-stroy it with the rest of the timber. ry is much less than would be imagined, and TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. Philadelphia, Feb. 26, 1823. Presuming that the result of my experience on this important subject, would be pleasing to you, and I doubt not useful to the public, I thought proper to add a few hints respecting my sugar undoubtedly true, that the sap of the maple is factory. The subject is important, because it is the purest sweet known, if unadulterated by the hand of the manufacturer. About three fourths of my sugar is stirred off dry and packed into dry casks, and thus keeps in perfect order, without being subject to any drain of molasses; the remaining 1-4, is drained with clay in the heat of summer, and is then nearly equal to lump sugar. This circumstance shows that sap is less adulterated than the juice of the cane, for all the West India sugars are subject to drain of molasses of from 1-3 to 1-4 (See Edwards' "West Indies.") My sugar lot is in the town of Norway, (Her tonishing skill and fidelity as to have been called The corn is a very early kind-it should be without a knowledge of the plan might exceed the Raphael of Cats. planted in rows, about three feet apart-the belief. I have but one place for evaporating, Whilst these and others have been remarka-plants a foot from each other in the rows. It is where all the sap is collected; and all necessary ble for their love of this animal, others have short, not growing higher than five or six feet. house room prepared to store pails and reservoirs through the year. After becoming acquaint ed/wards and exposed to the weather. This is understood, there are three ways in which water with the situation of all the trees for use, roads found to be the best way of preserving them; promotes their improvement. It preserves a were cut in all directions, nearly parallel to each my oldest pan has been thus used eight years, favorable degree of temperature; feeds by conother, and so near that no tree stands more than and it is perfectly free from rust and unimpaired. veying nourishing substances; and so as a pure 100 feet from one of those roads. By these Much more should be written to give you a full element, it is beneficial." To prove that water means the labour of carrying the sap by hand is knowledge of my whole process of operation, and enters largely into the composition of vegetables, only the same as if the number of trees stood on after all the theory, nothing but experience can and is thus advantageous, the same writer oba space of two hundred feet diameter. To gath-enable a person to convert syrup into sugar, I serves:-"That plants cut green, and afterwards er the sap, light one horse sleds are used, with trust, Sir, the time is at hand, when such im-dried, lose by exsiccation 66 to 70 parts out of tapering casks fastened to them 6 feet in length, provement will be made in our manufacturing of 100." 2 feet at one end, and 20 inches at the other in maple sugar, as shall raise its value, and super- The loss of weight by drying will be found in diameter, and containing about a hogshead.-cede in a great measure the importation of West this country to vary very essentially from what When drawn to the reservoir, the sap is conduct-India sugars into these northern regions, which ed to it in one minute without moving the cask; so abound with maple sngar. and in a similar way the sap is conducted into the evaporators, as need requires. The one horse teams are usually managed with two hands to each, and in this way each team MOSES MATHER. G. H. Feeter, Esq. Little Falls. takes place in Scotland, especially as it respects different plants. But our hay is of necessity made lighter by the heat of our summer, as well as for the purpose of its being stowed in large bodies and tight barns. It should be premised, that the time of cutting ment was the same as is usually practised by husbandmen in our state. will load and empty once in every thirty minutes. FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL RE- the several grasses, &c. in the following stateWhen the sap has been plenty, 25 loads have been gathered with one team and two hands in a POSITORY. ON GRASSES. Of 100 lbs. of vegetables cured in 1822, the product was as follows, viz. 100 of Salt Grass, gave gave gave gave lbs. 271' 40 38 39 day. For the two last years, two horses have To the Recording Secretary. drawn all the sap from the said 2000 pails, DEAR SIR-At your suggestion, that there though an extra sled has been kept in case of ne-might be some utility in publishing the result of lbs. cessity. Four evaporaters are provided, made some experiments made the past season upon 100" of Green white clover, gave of hay 17“ do. of sheet iron, weighing 3 lbs. to the square foot, the evaporation of certain Grasses, &c. in the 100" of Red each of which is about 9 feet in length, 6 feet process of drying or making for safe and useful 100" of Herds' Grass, wide, and 12 inches deep. The plan of setting preservation; I herein inclose the same to you 100" of Fresh Meadow, them is simple; the bottoms being flat, two for such disposition as you may think proper. walls are built nearly equal to the width of the The great object of research seems to be, 100" of Mixed, 2d crop on Eng. Rowan, 183 evaporators or pan; a flue is made in the cen- what is that admirable process of nature, (as yet 100" of Corn Stalks, gave tre, so that no fire is permitted to strike the sides too little understood,) by which vegetable life is 100" of do. out in milk with the ear, 25 of the pan, but its whole force comes upon the sustained and promoted? And how can this be It is to be observed, that the weight will vary bottom only. Last season three of these pans traced or pursued so as to allow the human skill from ripeness, and many other causes, such as were used, and the present only two were in use, and ingenuity the nearest approach to the won-wetness of season, shade, thickness of growth, &c. to evaporate the 6090 lbs. in consequence of the derful perfection of the great design? That this I am, Sir, with respect, yours, moderate flowing of the sap. may be usefully done-that it is indeed partly JOHN WELLES. According to the calculation which I have accomplished, and that we are in full progres- Dorchester, Oct. 1822. made, sugar makers may venture to set seven or sion to this effect, cannot be doubted. The diseight hundred pails to one of these pans, provi-coveries and improvements in those sciences, ded dry wood be procured, and the fires kept up particularly in Europe, which have a reference through the night, in case of extraordinary runs, to the theory of agriculture, have of late shed which, however do not often happen. I have such a light upon the subject, and these have J. used from four to five cords of wood to a thousand been so followed up by practice and confirmed pounds of sugar made, which is cut and put un- by experience, that the result is indeed most I der cover, a year before used.-The above plan auspicious, and marks the present age as an era of evaporating is well worthy of consideration by of improvement. CULTURE OF SWEET POTATOES. Sir-In the American Farmer, of the 3d inst. find an enquiry, as to the kind of manure best adapted to the raising of sweet potatoes, and the best kind of culture, to insure a great crop. I most valuable vegetable, and has been too long very much neglected. Yet I make no pretensions to answer his enquiries on this subject; but only to state a few facts, giving a brief detail of my own mode of cultivating this root. those who wish to improve the quality of their But the process of nature is indeed subtle and readily agree with the enquirer, that this is a sugar, as it is acknowledged by all who have be- mysterious, and can only be unfolded to the most come acquainted with it, to be preferable to any earnest and diligent inquirer. other in use. Its prominent advantages are 1st. An accurate knowledge of the elements which It carries on the evaporation without the least compose vegetable life, and different degrees in particle of waste, as you cannot raise a fire suffi- which they prevail in its formation, cannot be cient to cause the sap to overflow. 2d. No heat aseless, in looking back for its origin and first prin- I will premise that any increase of crop was coming upon the sides, the syrup comes down in ciples. The tendency of most modern discoveries not ascertained by actual admeasurement, but all its purity without the scorching or burning, in relation to vegetation has been to shew the only by the eye, when viewed in bulk, and a larand without any smoke or ashes disturbing the great prevalence of water in its composition. ger root for several years in succession, after my surface, as in the common way. 3d. The ease This has not only been made to appear by the mode had been fairly tried and small labour of tending, and the advantage analysis of plants, but it has to the astonishment The first step in the process, is to inclose the of building in the night; as a fire of large wood of those who prosecuted these researches, ap- lot intended for your sweet potato crop to itself. will evaporate 200 gallons, and sometimes more peared, that an acre of ground gave according Your ground is, of course, to be next plowed; with perfect safety, while the tender may be en-to its humidity, from 2 to 4000 gallons of water and here I will remark, that for no crop is deep joying sleep. When sap is boiled in cast iron to the atmosphere in a day by evaporation only. tilth more necessary. When your ground is thus kettles, it is impossible to preserve the purity of The operation of this element has appeared so prepared, throw it into ridges, three and a half the sweetness in its natural state-but it will be extensive that it has led to the most delicate ex feet apart, with a large bar share plough, causcome adulterated and darkened, in proportion to periments, and induced some even to suppose it ing the upper points of the two meeting furrows, the heat applied above the surface of the sap.-the sole source of vegetation. to come within two or three inches of each To this circumstance alone is to be attributed the A curious instance has been frequently publish- other. On top of these ridges lay your plantings unpleasant fact of maple sugar being so univer-led, of a willow inserted in a leaden vessel with a one foot apart, each planting forming a triangle sally bad, especially in the color. It was first given quantity of earth, and supplied constantly with the two preceding, then cover them with a calculated that sugar making on so large a scale with water; the willow thrived and acquired great hoe, pulling up the earth from between the ridgas I had adopted, would require six or seven growth and weight in a few years;-whilst on a es. It is desirable to cover them with rich hands; but incredible as it may appear, five subsequent examination of the soil, it appeared mould; if the planting is embedded in a clay covhands managed my work last year with case; no sensible diminution had taken place. ering, it does not vegetate so quick; consequent and this season, from the moderation with It is observed by an ingenious writer, to whom ly the root is more apt to perish. This ridge, which the sap has overflowed, four hands only agricultural science is much indebted, "That when it is covered, should be as high as a large have been employed. The total expense of fit-although the mode in which man. es operate on potato hill This mode of putting in your crop, ting up the above works was about $750. soils is not obvious to the senses as to be fully together with the subsequent culture, will be The evaporators are not removed during summer, fall and winter, but only turned bottom up *Sir John Sinclair. found, upon trial, to take far less labour than the usual method of making and planting in hills. The chief of the tillage, until you come to hil-understand that Mr Wm. Fink,* a name always Homespun, not less than ten yards, of a Cotton ling, may be done with a light one horse plough. delightful to the ears of the lovers of roast beef, Warp and Wool Filling. But the greatest saving of labour is in gathering says that he has never before seen 12 steers equal At the stated Meeting on the 3d Monday in your crop; which is performed after throwing to these; and Mr. Purdy certainly deserves en-October next, they will award Two dollars for the the vines in a line between the ridges, then with couragement for his exertions to raise the heaviest Pumpkin; and also the heaviest Sweet a plough, throwing one third on each side of each character of western beef. When he first went Potato, Two dollars. The Pumpkin and Potaridge on the vines. Nearly all the potatoes will into the western part of this state, the cattle raised to must be exhibited to the Society on that day. be left in the remainder of the ridge, which are in that region, were considered rather inferior ;| Each Animal must be raised by the competitor, to be thrown in baskets, and conveyed immedi-but such has been his success in improving the and exhibited at the said meeting in January. ately to your potato cellar, which ought to be un-breed, and in fattening and driving them, that the Should the Animals exhibited not be deemed covered every day until they are done sweating. butchers are now anxious to obtain supplies from above mediocrity, the Society will not award a The chief advantage, however, which I pro- thence. The cattle were driven 6 miles per day; Premium. mise myself is the subsequent use I make of my and the inhabitants of two of the villages on the potato lot. Those who prefer the old mode of way, paid Mr. P.$30 respectively, as an encourage feet square. The Crops must be planted and harThe Acre to be square and not more than 210 management, may still pursue it, and derive the ment for preseverance in producing such extraor-vested in a sound and merchantable state, within same advantage in giving their ground an apti-dinary fine animals for the market.-Com. Adv. tude for the growth of this root. Nothing is necessary to insure an annual increase of crop, the Already aware of the enterprise of this seasons being equal, than as soon as you get your gentleman in the line of his business, and others potatoes off the ground to turn in your hogs inten-in the State of New York-we are somewhat It is expected all candidates will produce such ded for slaughter, and there to fatten them, until surprised that the offer of one of the most wealthy testimony as to prevent any doubts relative to the they are ready for slaughter. I have known a and respectable Farmers in Virginia has not correctness of their statements in regard to the good crop made where this plan had been pur-been taken up-we allude to the offer to risk age of their animals, and the produce of their sued in a very dry season, when not a single the sum of $500 that he would produce at the fields. neighbour, without it, made any. Maryland Cattle Show, in 1824, a bullock yieldJOHN S. BELLINGER, President. If you deem the foregoing worthy of being pre-ing a greater nett weight than any that could be SERMON BONSALL, Sec'ry. pro. tem. sented to your correspondents, you are at liberty produced at the same place, bred in the state of Barnwell Court House, Jan. 23, 1823. New York. We have no doubt that $500 would be given by Mr. Rusk, or some of our spirited to do so. Your's &c. A. Z. the period of twelve months. A detailed account of the mode of cultivation and preparation is requested. victuallers here, for the prize beef, and surely IMPORTANT MELIORATION IN SUR NOTE. You will perceive that I have not at-the sum of $1000 for a single bullock, togethGERY. tempted any reasoning on the foregoing; no er with the honour of victory in an useful doubt, the chief benefit is by the deep rooting contest, would amply compensate for the expense the extraction of the stone or calculus, is now The formidable operation of Lithotomy, or of of the hogs, and consequent action of frost upon and trouble of raising and bringing on the animal the earth-moreover, some manure is deposited. to Baltimore-the transportation of such an one reduced to a degree of simplicity almost incredifrom New York to this place, might be effected ble, by an invention of W. W. Sleigh, Esq. Prowithout a mile of land carriage. The Editors of fessor of Anatomy, Physiology and Surgery in the New York Statesman are requested to copy this city. We shall not mention the particulars, the original challenge from the American Farm-except the remarkable circumstances that foler, that the spirited graziers and victuallers of low. The skin is not touched with the knife; that town and state may not plead ignorance of the operation occupies not more than the eighth the opportunity now presented of plucking if they part of a minute; and it is not accompanied with can, another feather from the Agricultural cap of much more danger or pain, if it is so much, as the "ancient dominion."-Edit. Am. Farmer. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. Mr. Skinner, AGRICULTURAL PREMIUMS. I have a choice lot of 15 acres in fine heart, but foul with blue grass and rib-wort-it was well ploughed last fall; my wish is, to put it down in September to wheat. I should be greatly obli ged to any of your practical correspondents for advice, which doubtless might benefit many others, as well as myself, as to the most advantageous and œconomical crop, that may in the interim be taken from the lot in question, and The Farmers' Society of Barnwell District will which crop would also, at the same time, be a award the following premiums-each to consist good preparative for the wheat crop, and not in of Twenty dollars, or a Silver Cup of that value, any material degree lessen the strength of the at their stated meeting, the 3d Monday in Januground? If there be no such advisable crop, Iary, 1824. I wish also to be informed, whether Millet be thought a great exhauster when cut for hay-and if it may not be sown with safety and advantage, early in the spring? A YOUNG FARMER. Anne Arundel, February, 1823. the bleeding in the arm. Thus an operation regarded by the most celebrated men of the age as accompanied with the most imminent danger, and the most acute pain, becomes as simple as mere venesection. We understand that the operation, such as it was originally conceived by have been effectually obviated by certain meaDr. Sleigh, was subject to many difficulties, which sures discovered by him during the last twelve months of his application to the subject, without which it cannot be undertaken with safety. The should be glad to learn what they deem the best 1st, For the best Male or Female Calf, not Doctor has not yet communicated his method in and cheapest method of putting the ground in a more than one year old; 2d. For the best Bull, full to any one; but he will soon publish a treaclean tilth for wheat? Steer or Heifer, not more than two years old; tise in London, where we understand he intends 3d, For the best Stallion, or brood Mare. going in the course of the approaching summer. Also premiums of Fifteen dollars or a Silver We have seen a stone which the Doctor exCup of that value-1st. For the greatest quantity tracted on the 18th inst. It weighs, independentof Indian Corn, the produce of one acre of upland; ly of numerous fragments, 788 grains; and its 2d, For the greatest quantity of Indian Corn, the circumference, measured in two opposite direcproduce of one acre of either swamp or pond land. tions, is five inches. The patient was well on The Corn may be of Carolina Seed, or obtained the third day.-Montreal paper. from any part of the United States; 3d, For the greatest quantity of Rice, the produce of one One of the finest lots of fat cattle has recently acre of either high or low, land, and 4th, For arrived in this city, perhaps, that has ever been the greatest quantity of Root or Slip Potatoes, offered in our market, It consists of 12 extraor-the produce of one acre of either high or low It is a very remarkable circumstance, that land. dinary steers, fattened by Mr. Monmouth Purdy, since vaccine inoculation has become general, as of Scipio, Cayuga County. We have been warn- Also, Premiums of Ten dollars or a Cup of that a substitute for small-pox, we scarcely ever see ed of the approach of these animals in anticipa-value-1st, For the greatest quantity of Peas, or hear of those eruptive disorders to which the tion, by the newspapers of villages through which the produce of one acre of either high or low term varicella or chicken-pox, has been somethey passed. These cattle have been purchased land; 2d, For the best Hog, not more than two what vaguely applied. The fact no one will disby Mr. David Marsh, and Mr. Andrew C. years old; 3d, For the best Male or Female Hog, pute; but opinion does not seem quite so unaniWheeler, of Fulton Market, and the beef will be not more than one year old; and 4th, For the mous as to the explanation of which the circumoffered for sale on Saturday the 8th of March. It best Ram. stance is susceptible. Dr. Thompson maintains, FAT CATTLE. VACCINE INOCULATION. s supposed they will weigh from 2500 lbs. to Also, Premiums of Five Dollars-1st, for the and we think justly, that all varioloid diseases 3000 lbs. each; one pair for which the purchas-bost specimen of Cotton Homespun, not less than spring from one source; and the modified smallers gave $500, is judged to weigh 6000 lbs. We ten yards; and 2d, For the best specimen of pox which so frequently follows vaccination, and |