A MODEL. The following female character is translated from the French. However highly coloured the portrait may appear, it is not without a living original. SPORTING OLIO. HENRY. It will be seen, by an advertisement in to-day's paper, that Henry, the celebrated competitor of [INTERESTING TO SPORTSMEN.-Having under- Eclipse, takes his station, for the ensuing season, at "It is her happiness to be ignorant of all that the stood that a very eminent surgeon of a neighbour-Snedeker's tavern, near the Union Course, Long world calls pleasure; her glory is to live in the dung city, an amateur and an excellent judge of Island. From possessing so large a portion of the ties of a wife and mother: and she consecrates her horses and dogs, had saved the lives of young dogs Sir Archy blood, being a double Diomed, (sired by days to the practice of social virtues. Occupied in laudanum, so opposite in its effects as we supposed lated to cross with our northern stock, particularly in the last stage of distemper, by administering Archy, his dam a Diomed mare,) he is well calcu the government of her family, she reigns over her to the aperient remedies usually given; we wrote with the produce of Messenger, Duroc, and his old husband by complaisance; over her children by to ask the particulars. mildness; over her domestics by goodness. Her friend Eclipse, who, we learn, has located himself house is the residence of religious sentiments, of valuable dogs have been lost by that deadly disease. Carolina, at or near the place where Henry was All who are fond of field sports, know how many in Mechlenburg county, on the borders of North filial piety, of conjugal love, of maternal tenderness, The following is an extract from the answer we bred. of order, peace, sweet sleep, and good health.[N. York paper. received, and for which, in the name of all who are, Economical and studious, she prevents want, and dissipates the evil passions; the indigent who pre-him thanks. Should it save the life of one valuaas we profess to be, fond of good dogs, we return sent themselves are never repulsed; the licentious ble animal that might otherwise sink into an untimeavoid her presence. She has a character of reserve ly grave without having contributed the services and dignity, that makes her respected; of indulgence and amusements for which each peculiar race is deand sensibility, that makes her loved; of prudence signed by Providence, we shall be amply gratified.] DEAR SIR, and firmness, that makes her esteemed. She dif fuses around her a mild warmth, a pure light, which vivify and illumine all that encircle her. Philadelphia, March 8, 1827. MISCELLANEOUS. FLANNEL. The following observations on the use of flannel as an article of clothing, appear at the end of Dr. John Armstrong's paper on Pulmonary Consumption, published a few years ago in London. We know them to be accurately true from personal ex[Boston Med. Intel. The horse Velocipede* was imported, I have un"Happy the man who possesses such a wife, and derstood, by Mr Patrullo, merchant of this place, can justly appreciate her worth; happy the child-in 1817 or 18, from Laguayra, where he cost be-perience. ren who are nurtured by her care, and modelled by tween four and five hundred dollars. For three or When flannel is worn next the skin, Dr. Barlow her counsel; happy the domestics who wait her four years he covered in Jersey, and became celecommands, and enjoy her benevolence; and happy brated for the size, form and speed of his colts, all on by night as well as by day. This is not only remarks, it is almost invariably the practice to keep the society which holds in its bosom a being worthy of which are said to be very fast trotters and pacers. unnecessary, but injurious. The chief advantage I am told that no horse, during the last twenty of using a flannel dress next the skin results, not years, has been seen in this neighbourhood, at all from the actual warmth imparted or retained, an approaching in speed to Velocipede; such as he pos-effect which might be obtained to an equal extent sessed, at least, four or five years ago of a better world." HYACINTHS. it by an increase of outward clothing; but from the uniformity of temperature thus insured to so large a portion of the surface of the body, and the tendency which this has to keep the highly important, but too much neglected functions of the skin, in an active and healthy condition. During the day the climate, are such as to render the effects of flannel frequent, and oftentimes sudden vicissitudes of our use. During this month (March) the choice kind of For the last two or three years I have amused hyacinths should be carefully protected from severe myself in raising Newfoundland pups. The first frost, for if it is permitted to penetrate so far as the litters were almost all destroyed by worms and disbulbs, especially about the time the plants begin to temper, notwithstanding the early exhibition of all appear above ground, it will produce a singular ef- the usual and most powerful remedies. Several fect by causing some of them to discharge their fine pups, a few months ago, were apparently restems or blossoms; but if at this time the roots be-duced to the last extremity, being worn to skeletons, come entirely frozen they are in danger of being their eyes sunk, and turned in upon their heads, &c. in preserving an equality of temperature most vadestroyed, or at least, materially injured. In the To relieve them of pain, and in fact to smooth their luable. But at night, and during sleep, we are subbeginning of April they will commence opening; it passage to the grave, I gave to each a large teaject to no such vicissitude; consequently the same will then be necessary to screen the finer kinds from spoonful of laudanum, mixed with a table-spoon-necessity for the use of flannel does not then exist, the scorching power of the sun, which otherwise ful of water. Two or three hours afterwards, in- But while the use of flannel at night thus appears to would destroy or tarnish their brilliancy of hue. It stead of finding them dead, they were remarkably be unnecessary, there are several considerations is necessary to support the stems as they advance changed for the better, and the next day discharged which show it to be injurious. These considerations in height: for this purpose small sticks or wires several masses of worms, some of which were coilpainted green should be forced into the earth im-ed up like a ball. From that period the amendment regard both the condition of the body and of the mediately behind the bulbs, to which the stems was surprisingly rapid, and soon followed by per warmth during the night may be, they are in geneflannel itself. Whatever the wants of the body for should be rather loosely tied with small pieces of fect recovery. Two of the same pups, now six ral fully supplied by the bed clothes in ordinary worsted as soon as they begin to bend; this opera months old, were yesterday attacked in a similar tion must be repeated as they advance in height. manner, with drowsiness, sickness of stomach, disThe body requires no extraordinary warmth for it is impossible to do it at once sufficiently to charge of worms by the mouth. To-day I gave to during sleep; on the contrary, there is at such times even a tendency to an increase of the natural answer the continued purpose. As soon as the each two tea spoonsful of laudanum in a little wawarmth. greater part of the bed appears in colour, an awn- ter. In less than an hour they became sprightly caused by flannel worn next the skin is superadded, When to this natural tendency the heat ing should be erected over it to keep out the sun and took food eagerly. Distemper, I am convinced, the effect is to keep the skin in a state of consideraand rain. A bed of hyacinths never requires to be is often caused by worms, as well as by indigestible excitement, and to induce perspiration more or watered at any period, the rains that happen pre ble matter in the stomach and bowels. In such less profuse. These effects are not calculated to viously to their colour appearing, is more than suf cases, I am sure, the laudanum, if timely adminisficient for them during the remaining season. the body for enduring the vicissitudes of prepare Το tered, will prove almost to a certainty a cure. the ensuing day, but rather to render it more susseveral of my friends, possessing valuable setters and pointers, I have mentioned the remedy, and ceptible of injury. Again, continues Dr. Barlow, have received from them decided testimony in its the property which renders woollen cloth so eminently suited to the purposes in view, is that of its being a slow conductor of heat. This property is directly proportionate to its dryness; and is greatly in harness, in 12 minutes, for 200 sovereigns, took flannel dress, however, that is worn next the skin Mr. Courtenay's great match to drive three miles impaired by its imbibing humidity of any kind. A place on Wednesday morning, September 12, from throughout the night, becomes so charged with perHounslow heath, opposite the Powder mills, to Bed-spiration, that its power of conducting heat is therefont lane, a measured three miles. Mr. Courtenay by greatly increased, and its preservative effects drove as follows: The first mile in 4 min. 3 seconds, proportionably diminished (having once to back the wheels through breaking These beautiful little flowering plants may, about into a gallop;) the second, in 3 min. 35 sec.; and the the end of this month, be taken from their winter third, in 3 min. 38 sec.-winning the match, tolerarepositories, and planted for edgings, in shady bor-bly easy, 44 seconds under the given time. ders. The roots may now be separated for increase, as every shoot of them, if snapped off, will root *A covering horse now owned by N. Martin, of freely. bot county, Md. CARNATIONS. About the middle of this month (March) carnations should be potted;-the pots should be ten inches wide at the top, five inches at the bottom. If the plants have been wintered, one plant in each pot only can be provided for in a size much smaller than the above, which are calculated for three. DOUBLE DAISIES. favour. TROTTING MATCH. Here then is a twofold injury resulting from the prevailing practice of continuing the flannel dress during sleep; namely, a diminution of the preservative powers of the flannel, and an increased susceptibility of the skin. By laying aside the flannel dress on going to bed, and Tal-substituting one of coarse calico, the body is kept in that temperature during the night, which fits if ANECDOTE. TO RAISE THE NAP ON CLOTH. The following curious circumstance happened at When woollens are worn thread-bare, as is geneIllogan, in Cornwall, Eng. A poor man of the name rally the case in the elbows, cuffs, sleeves, &c. of of Blight had twelve geese and a gander, which men's coats, the coat, &c. must be soaked in cold were fattening for sale at Redruth fair on Thurs-water for half an hour; then taken out of the water day. He saw them on Monday evening: they were and put on a board, and the thread-bare parts of in prime condition, and in the pride of his heart he the cloth rubbed with a half-worn hatters' card, was calculating the handsome sum he should re-filled with flocks, or with a prickly thistle, until a ceive for them. Alas! little did he imagine that he sufficient nap is raised. When this is done, hang was then bestowing his last "look of love." When your coat, &c. up to dry, and with a hard brush lay he went to revisit their domicile on the morning, the nap the right way. This is the method which the geese were gone: is pursued by the dealers in old clothes. for encountering the vicissitudes of the following Dr Barlow justly observes, that in many instances, the best interests of mankind, whether we consider their physical or moral welfare, are influ enced by circumstances which the world is pleased to deem trivial; but the above suggestions on clothing will not be regarded as such by those who can appreciate the importance of the subject to which they relate, or the talents of the individual from whom they proceeded. These suggestions, indeed, of Dr. Barlow, relate to the prevention of disease in general, but to that of phthisis* in particular, the pathologyt of which I have proved to be closety connected with the skin; and to show how the state of this organ may influence the cure of this disease, it is worth mentioning, that I recently reeeived, from a respectable correspondent, an account of two cases resembling phthisis, which were arrested; the one by an attack of pemphigus, and the other by that of small pox. THE FAMILY RECORD. In a little book, appropriated for the purpose, should be recorded the birth of each infant, with his weight, and any peculiarity of structure or condition. Once a year, on a fixed day, the height and weight of each child should be noted, with the annual changes in his progress, relating to bis acquirements, general state, and character, physical and moral, and whatever else may be worth knowing in future life. In this history should be recorded the time and the manner in which each individual may have passed through any of the diseases which we have once only, as chincough. measles, cowpock, &c.; so that, whenever one of the family is to leave home, he may not be in doubt in regard to any of these complaints This information would prevent any painful ap prehension where there is no danger, and any unconsciousness of danger where it really existed This record, which is easily kept, if continued to manhood, would furnish a complete natural history of each member of the domestic community, and might be of great value to the parent, the physician, or guardian in the management of individuals under their care. I have for a number of years kept such a record, and always find it more and more curious and interesting, and already perceive that it is becoming [П. useful. a "Mr. Blight, Mr. Blight, And left the amount with the gander." RECIPES. FOR SCOURING PARTY COLOURED WOOLLEN, AS CAR- It is customary with those engaged in the scour- TO STAIN LEATHER GLOVES, TO RESEMBLE THE These different pleasing hues of yellow, brown, * Phthisis, consumption; phthisis pulmonalis, pulmona-liquid. The quantity of saffron, as well as of water, ry consumption. tPathology, the doctrine of diseases. Pemphigus, a fever attended with the eruption of vesicles about the size of almonds, filled with yellowish water or serum, and which subside in 3 or 4 days. TO DYE COTTON A BUFF COLOUR. cleanse it; then wring it, run it through a dilute soLet the twist or yarn be boiled in pure water, to lution of iron in the vegetable acid, which printers call iron liquor; wring, and run it through lime water, to raise it; wring it again, and run it through a solution of starch and water; then wring it once more, and dry, wind, warp, and weave it for use. TOOTH-ACHE. alum reduced to an impalpable powder 2 drachms, has succeeded in ninety-five of a hundred cases, is A remedy for this most painful affection, which nitrous spirit of ether 7 drachms, mixed and applied to the tooth. At a recent meeting of the London Medical Society, Dr. Blake stated that the extraction of the tooth was no longer necessary, as he was enabled to cure the most desperate cases of tooth-ache (unless the disease was connected with rheumatism) by the application of this remedy. FOR INDIGESTION, OR SOUR STOMACH, Given to the Editor of the American Farmer by an experienced Physician. 1 oz. of carbonic of soda, and 1 oz. pulverized columbo; dissolved in a pint and a half of boiling water;-take a spoonful after eating, as occasion may require. THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1827. MARYLAND COTTON.-In a way which leaves no room to question the fact, we are informed that cotton, produced on a considerable scale, on the farm of Doctor Muse, of Dorchester county, yields one third of its weight in clean cotton-whereas it is understood that one fourth is the usual proportion which cotton, when cleaned, bears to what it weighs when in the seed. We are further told, by a gentleman from Northampton county, E. S., Virginia, that cotton is getting to be one of their chief staples, and that a neighbour of his made from 30 acres, last year, 800 dollars' worth of cotton, when sold at 11 cents per pound. English turf horse, and a prime son of SIR ARCHY, RINALDO-A very splendid specimen of the may now be seen at the stables of the Fountain Inn, Light street. He will bear the strictest examination, and is, throughout, of a stock inferior to none in this or any other country; he is for sale, or to be let for the season. Enquire of the Editor. being particularly noted. COMMERCIAL RECORD. Liverpool Markets, Feb. 10. will of course depend on how much dye may be at 1-8 per lb. decline from the extreme prices of the been doing by private. There has been a good demand The Uplands brought similar prices to what had or cotton to-day, and 2000 bags have been sold at steady prices. The private sales comprise 130 Sea Island at the sale of Domestic Produce; and will most gladly serve About 700 bbls. Carolina Tar have been taken at 13s 6d to 14s; and 500 bbls. old Turpentine of good quality at 13s per cwt. Ashes-The sales are about 100 bbls. Montreal Pot at 26s; 80 bbls. Pearl at 27s; 140 bbls. New York Pot, for export 26s 6d to 27s; and 50 bbls. New York Pearl at 27s 6d per cwt. Indigo, rather more inquiry for. The business in Hides is confined to 500 New York salted cow and ox, at 4 3-8d per lb. The demand for Tobacco continues steady. Flaxseed, the sales are 1000 hhds old Du ch at 60s, and a small lot of New York at 6ɔs per hhd. Quercitron Bark, 150 hhds. Philadelphia, have been taken at 13s per cwt besides some small parcels of inferior at 9s 6d to 10s. PRICES OF GIDEON DAVIS'S PATENT And its Appendages. 12 inch, or three Horse Plough, with wrought share and coulter, Do. without coulter, Extra share, $3.-Extra shoe, or heel, 50 cents. 10 inch, or two Horse Plough, with wrought share and coulter, Do. without coulter, $14 12 Extra share, $2.50.-Extra shoe, 374 cts. 10 inch, or two horse Plough, with cast share and coulter, Do. without coulter, $12 10 Extra shares, or points, heavy, 56 cts.— light, 50 cents-shoe, 374 cts. 9 inch, a large one-horse, or Poney Plough, well adapted to the use of two poneys, or a pair of mules, with wrought share and coulter, Extra share, $2—and shoe, 25 cents. We are able to give the best reference in relation LEWIS SUTTON & JAS. BISCOE. [The Editor states with pleasure, that he has long known the first named of the above gentlemen, and hereby testifies his entire confidence in the honour and punctuality with which any business will be executed that may be committed to their care.] PRICES OF STOCKS. (Reported for the American Farmer.) BANK STOCKS. CITY STOCKS. 1 00 do. do. 1 25 1 50 5 50 45 Oats, 50 Beans, White, 1621 2 00 ton 250 255 120 200 Also, best cast steel Axes and other Implements, as CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. usual. JONATHAN S. EASTMAN, The Agriculture of modern Italy-Agriculture as inNo. 36, Pratt-st., Balt. fluenced by geographical circumstances-On the cul(Opposite the United Hotel.,ture of Barley, by J. Buel-Live Stock and Southdown Sheep Sheep Husbandry-OnGrasses and other Plants, COMMISSION AGENCY, No. 1, Extracts from G. Sinclair's Hortus Gramineus, with occasional notes and observations, by a Correspondent-Notices of pernicious and unprofitable I'lants, Baltimore, March 22, 1827. continued-The Cotton Trade-Prince's imported Trees We beg leave to inform certain honourable members and Plants-A Hint to Mothers-Women-Town and of the Agricultural Society, (and the public in general,) Country Life compared-A Model-On the culture of in conformity with a communication in the American Hyacinths, Carnations, and Double Daisies--Cure for Farmer of December last, signed "Richard," that we Distemper in Dogs-On the Use of Flannel-Family have been for some time in the Commission Agency, for Record-Recipes-Editorial--Commercial Record. FOR THE SALE OF DOMESTIC PRODUCE. Ginger, Ground, . do. crossed,. gal. 2 50 3 00 3 50 4 gal. 1 10 1 51 50 2 00 1 00 1 10 1 50 1 75 501 60 2 50' Printed every Friday, at $5 per annum, for JOHN S. 6 to 10 per ct. OIL, Whale, common,. gal. 30 32 Spermaceti, winter 70 40 75 89 (div. off,) do. do. PORK, Baltimore Mess, bbl 12 50 7.00* 11.00* do. Prime,. PLASTER, cargo price, RICE, fresh, SOAP, Baltimore White, lb. PEACH BRANDY, 4th pr 9 00 ton. 3 75 ground, bbl. 1 50 gal. do. 100 103.00* Louisiana, 18 No. 2.-VOL. 9. AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, MARCH 30, 1827. SCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE. strips of plantation; of sloping surfaces or banks, to 9 four inches in diameter; productions which may, in some respects be considered as diseased.* To increase the number, improve the quality, and increase the magnitude of particular parts of vegetaOrigin and Principles of Culture as derived from the the sun may shine on both sides of the row, drill, bles. It is necessary, in this case, to remove such Study of Vegetables. or ridge, or on the soil between rows and drills parts of the vegetables as are not wanted, as the The final object of all the sciences is their appli-every day in the year; of soils better calculated to blooms of bulbous or tuberous rooted plants, when cation to purposes subservient to the wants and desires absorb and retain heat; walls fully exposed to the the bulbs are to be increased, and the contrary; the of men. The study of the vegetable kingdom is south, or to the north; of training or spreading out water-shoots and leaf-buds of fruit trees; the flower one of the most important in this point of view, as the branches of trees on these walls; of hot walls; stems of tobacco; the male flowers and barren rundirectly subservient to the arts which supply food, of hot beds; and finally, of all the variety of hot ners of the cucumis tribe, &c. Hence the importclothing, and medicine; and indirectly to those houses. Nature suggests this part of culture, by ant operations of pruning, ringing, cutting off large which supply houses, machines for conveying us by presenting, in every country, different degrees of roots, and other practices for improving fruits and land, or by water, and in short almost every comfort shelter, shade, and surface, and in every zone dif- throwing trees into a bearing state. At first sight and luxury. Without the aid of the vegetable ferent climates. these practices do not appear to be copied from nakingdom, few mineral bodies would be employed in The regulation of moisture is the next point de-ture; but, independently of accidents by fire, alreathe arts, and the great majority of animals, whether manding attention; for when the soil is pulverized, dy mentioned, which both prune and manure, and used by man as labourers, or as food, could not live. it is more easily dried by the penetration of the of fruit bearing trees, say thorns or oaks, partially Agriculture and gardening are the two arts which air; when an increase of food is supplied, the me-blown out by the roots, or washed out of the soil embrace the whole business of cultivating vegeta-dium through which that food is taken up by the by torrents, which always bear better afterwards, bles, for whatever purpose they are applied by civi-plant should be increased; and when the tempera- why may not the necessity that man was under, in lized man. Their fundamental principles as arts ture is increased. evaporation becomes greater-a primitive state of society, of cutting or breaking of culture are the same; they are for the most part Hence the origin of watering by surface or subter off branches of trees, to form huts. fences or fires, suggested by nature, and explained by vegetable raneous irrigation, manual supplies to the root, and the consequent vigorous shoots produced from chemistry and physiology; and most of them have showering over the leaves, steaming the surround-the parts where the amputation took place, or the been put in practice by man for an unknown lengthing atmosphere, &c. This is only to imitate the larger fruit on that part of the tree which remained, of time, without much reference to principles. All dews and showers, streams and floods of nature; have given the first idea of pruning, cutting off that is necessary. therefore, for effecting this branch and it is to be regretted that the imitation is in most roots, &c. It may be said that this is not nature, of culture, is to imitate the habitation, and to pro- countries attended with so much labour, and re-but art; but man, though an improving animal, is pagate. This is, or ought to be the case, wherever quires so much nicety in the arrangement of the still in a state of nature, and all his practices, in plants are grown for medical or botanical purposes, means, and judgment in the application of the wa every stage of civilization, are as natural to him as as in herb and botanic gardens. Nature is here ter, that it is but very partially applied by man in those of the other animals are to them. Cottages imitated as exactly as possible, and the result is, every part of the world, excepting perhaps a small and palaces are as much natural objects as the productions resembling, as near as possible, those district of Italy. But moisture may be excessive; nests of birds, or the burrows of quadrupeds; and and on certain soils at certain seasons, and on cer-all the laws and institutions by which social man is To increase the number and improve the qualities of tain productions at particular periods of their pro guided in his morals and politics, are no more artiplants, it is necessary to facilitate their mode of nu-gress, it may be necessary to carry off a great part ficial than the instinct which congregates sheep and trition by removing all obstacles to the progress of of the natural moisture, rather than let it sink into cattle in flocks and herds, and guides them in their the plant. These obstacles may either exist under the earth, or draw it off where it has sunk in and choice of pasturage and shelter or above the surface; and hence the origin of drain injuriously accumulated, or prevent its falling on To form new varieties of vegetables, as well as of ing, clearing from surface-incumbrances, and the the crop at all; and hence the origin of surface-flowers and useful plants of every description, it is various operations, as digging, ploughing, &c. for drainage by ridges, and of under-draining by cover- necessary to take advantage of their sexual difpulverizing the soil. Nature suggests this in acci-ed conduits, or gutters; and of awnings and other ferences, and to operate in a manner analogous to dental ruptures of the surface, broken banks, the crossing the breed in animals. Hence the origin of alluvial depositions from overflowing rivers, and the new sorts of fruits, grains, legumes, and roots. earth thrown up by underground animals. Many The regulation of light is the remaining point. Even this practice is but an imitation of what takes of the vegetables within the influence of such acci Light sometimes requires to be excluded, and some place in nature by the agency of bees and other indents are destroyed, but such as remain are ameli- times to be increased, in order to improve the quali-sects, and the wind; all the difference is, that man orated in quality, and the reason is, their food is ties of vegetables; and hence the origin of thinning operates with a particular end in view, and selects increased, because their roots, being enabled to the leaves which overshadow fruits and flowers, the individuals possessing the particular properties take a more extensive range, more is brought with practice of shading cuttings, seeds, &c, and the which he wishes to perpetuate or improve. New practice of blanching. The latter practice is de varieties, or rather subvarieties, are formed by alrived from accidents observable among vegetables tering the habits of plants; by dwarfing through in a wild state, and its influence on their quality is want of nourishment: variegating by arenacious physiologically accounted for by the obstruction of soils; giving, or rather continuing peculiar habits perspiration, and the prevention of the chemical when formed by nature, as in propagating from changes effected by light on the epidermis. monstrosities-fasciculi of shoots, weeping shoots, shoots with peculiar leaves, flowers, fruit, &c. To propagate and preserve from degeneracy ap of nature. in their reach. covers to keep off the rain or dews from ripe fruits, It is necessary, or at least advantageous, to supply food artificially; and hence the origin of manuring All organized matters are capable of being con verted into the food of plants; but the best manure for ameliorating the quality, and yet retaining the peculiar chemical properties of plants, must neces Increasing the magnitude of vegetables, without resarily be decayed plants of their own species It is ference to their quality, is to be obtained by an intrue that plants do not differ greatly in their prima creased supply of all the ingredients of food, distri-proved varieties of vegetables, it is in general nery principles, and that a supply of any description buted in such a body of well pulverized soil as the of putrescent manure will cause all plants to thrive. roots can reach to; of heat and moisture; of a par *The predominant rage for large animals, large fleecBut some plants, as wheat, contain peculiar subtial exclusion of the direct rays of the sun, so as to es, large fruit, and large vegetables, is founded on the stances, (as gluten and phosphate of lime,) and moderate perspiration; and of wind, so as to pre-mistaken notion, that the extrinsic appearance is a some manures, as those of animals, or decayed vent sudden desiccation. But experience alone can fair indication of intrinsic value; whereas the latter is wheat, containing the same substances, must ne determine what plants are best suited for this, and often in an inverse ratio to the former; or at all events cessarily be a better food or manure for such plants. to what extent the practice can be carried Na perfection is found in a medium between the two exManuring is an obvious imitation of nature, every ture gives the hint in the occasional luxuriance of tremes. We must learn to regard excellence more and where observable by the decaying herbage of her plants accidentally placed in favourable circum magnitude less. The error, in regard to animals, is baceous plants, or the fallen leaves of trees, rotting stances, and man adopts it, and improving on it, amply shown in an extract which I shail send you, "on into dust or vegetable mould about their roots; and produces cabbages and turnips of half a cwt.; ap- the richest and most highly flavoured, are found among improving the breed of animals." As it regards fruit, by the effect of the dung left by pasturing or other ples of one pound and a half; and cabbage-roses of the medium or small sized varieties; such as the green gage and St. Catharine plums, the Seikle and spice pears, the Newtown, Golden and Downton pippins, &c. and accurate analysis has shown, that nutritious matter portion that it is in the large ox-noble tuber. This inis found in the small kidney potato in double the profatuation of considering magnitude and merit synony mous, has had a particular deleterious effect upon the population and politics of the great state of New York. animals. Amelioration of climate is farther advantageous, in improving the qualities of vegetables, by increas ing or diminishing its temperature, according to the nature of the plant, unless, indeed, it is situated in a climate which experience and observation show to be exactly suited to its nature. Hence the origin of shelter and shade, by means of walls, hedges, or No. 2.-VOL. 9. And it is more easily saturated with moisture, in the form of dew, always loaded with nutriment, from earth's surface. It is more permeable to light and heat, the decomposing animal and vegetable matter upon the which bring moisture from the subsoil, and accelerate the preparation of food for the growing crop Surring the soil, and freeing it from weeds, are the best means of obviating the effects of drought. J. B. J. B. DECANDRIA. PENTAGYNIA. DECANDRIA.-DECAGYNIA. ed you THE CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO. (From the Christian Statesman.) ON THE SELECTION OF SEED CORN. Agrostemma githago. Cockle. Corn cockle. DEAR SIR, Wake Forest, N. C., Jan. 15, 1827. This foreign weed is a good deal troublesome in I have endeavoured, in conformity to your re- This valuable vegetable is a native of Northour wheat and rye fields, to which it is chiefly conquest, to find the communication I some years ago America. It was discovered by Sir Walter Rafined; but it is not understood that any one has yet made to the newspapers, of Joseph Cooper's method leigh, in the latter part of the 16th century, near charged either wheat, or rye, with the mal practice of selecting seed corn; but in vain, though I have the Blue Ridge, in Virginia. In its native state, the of changing into cockle! When permitted to grow searched several files of papers, and a series of al-size of the root did not exceed one inch in diamein considerable quantities among wheat, the black manacks, in which I remember to have seen it. It ter. It is chiefly owing to the potato that the popuseeds of this plant injure the appearance and quality of the flour. It is to be kept out by careful was my intention, upon this failure, to have furnish-lation of Ireland, has increased within the last twe with what my memory retained of the in hundred years from 4,000,000 to nearly 8,000,000. weeding, when in bloom, at which time it is most formation Mr. Cooper gave me, but it has somehow The Liverpool and London Irish potato is probareadily detected. been delayed to this time, when happening to see bly the best in the world. In its native soil, the in the 2d volume of the American Farmer, a letter United States, it has not been cultivated with that from John Taylor, of Caroline, to George W. Jef care to which it is entitled by its importance. The freys, recommending a mode of selection that was following experiment, made on the grounds near This plant sometimes requires the interference of pointedly condemned by Mr. Cooper's, I have been Caldenham Academy, last summer, may afford the farmer, to keep it in check, but it is not very reminded of what I owe to one who has laid the some useful hints to the gardener and farmer.-The troublesome, as it usually grows along fences, or whole agricultural community under so many obli- ground which, in its state of nature, was a light soil, about old stumps. The young shoots, in the spring gations. As these conflicting opinions are sustain about one inch in depth, on a bed of yellow clay, of the year, afford a tolerable substitute for aspara-ed by perhaps equal authority, it appears to me mixed with small pebbles had been under cultivagus, at table. now, as it may have done to you before, that it is tion for three years. During that time, it had but important both should be known, in order that the one light dressing of barn-yard manure. fact, now held doubtful, may be subjected to further experiment, and settled by other and uniform testimony. Phytolacca decandra. Pigeon berry. Poke. Poke-berry bush. ICOSANDRIA-POLYGYNIA. Rosa corymbosa Swamp rose. This is quite a nuisance in many low grounds, which have been neglected; but careful grubbing, and culture with the plough, will soon convert such grounds into clean, valuable meadows. Rubus villosus. Common briar. Black-berry bush. Although this, and the following species of rubus, afford a pleasant fruit, yet neat farmers are careful to keep them all in subjection. The common briar is a troublesome and annoying plant, requiring constant and persevering attention to keep it out of It is usually cut off near the ground, in the latter part of summer. Rubus occidentalis. Wild raspberry. Thimble our fields. berry. This species is usually pretty much confined to fence rows and ditch banks; and is by no means so troublesome as the common briar. I In the fall of 1825, barn yard manure was laid on the ground in heaps, which, when spread in the spring of 1826, was about two inches in depth. In In a tour to the north, about the year 1810, the latter part of March, this coating of manure paid a visit to the celebrated New Jersey farmer, was ploughed down. On the 17th of April, (the Joseph Cooper, who then resided on the banks of moon in the wane.f) the ground was dug with the the Delaware, opposite to Philadelphia. In a walk spade to the depth of about 14 inches. It was then over his fields, I remarked what I thought the great raked smooth. The plat thus prepared was 45 proportion of ears of corn to the stalks on which they feet long and ten feet wide. Four trenches were grew, and asked Mr. C. if my impression was cor- then made with a spade, two feet apart, and about rect-if his corn was not unusually prolific? He the depth of the furrow in which farmers usually inform me how it had attained that quality. It was answered me in the affirmative, and proceeded to plant corn. In these trenches barn-yard manure was laid about three inches in depth. A potato, owing to his selecting for seed the ears from stalks known in Orange, by the name of the Black Potawhich produced two or more each, while the corn to. was laid on the manure, the pieces about five of his peculiar mode of selection by an anecdote. large, and each one cut in four or five pieces. The was standing in the field. He illustrated the effects inches apart. The potatoes used for planting were A Judge Pennington (I think that was the name.) ground was then raked level, covering the potate had made the same observation that I had, and about three inches in depth. This is a very annoying plant in old neglected Mr Cooper suppiied him. After a few years, the asked for some of his prolific sort of corn for seed. fields, as the ankles of the ploughman, and others who traverse them, will bear witness. It is also exJudge applied for more, saying the seed had de tremely difficult to eradicate completely, and re-generated and quite run out, and though at first quires much care and perseverance to effect it. unusually productive, it was now no better than Potentilla canadensis. Cinquefoil. corn of the common sort. Mr. C. asked if he had observed his injunctions as to the method of saving seed. thod had been, when the corn lay in a heap, to se- potatoes, were the size of a hen's egg. On the 28th, He said he remembered none; but his me On the 29th of June, the largest of the young lect the largest and fairest ears. Mr. C. assured about two quarts of them were taken to New York, made, for these large and fair ears were produced the new potatoes in that market him that this was the worst selection he could have in the expectation that they would be earlier than But it was found singly upon a stalk, and would infallibly produce that young potatoes bad made their appearance in stalks bearing no more, and of course an inferior the New York market, about the 20th of June. Had crop The Judge was once more furnished with the planting been ten days sooner, and the plants seed, upon a promise to select in the prescribed carefully watered, there can hardly be a doubt that manner, and no complaints were afterwards made they might have been in New-York market before of its degeneracy. those cultivated in the gardens around the city. Rubus trivialis. Dew-berry. Running briar. u a A plant of no value, and very abundant in poor old fields, but not at all difficult to get rid of truth, it is rarely to be met with on the lands of good, thrifty farmer. I should not ask more con clusive evidence against a man, pretending to be a farmer, than to see his fields over-run with Indian grass and cinquefoil. POLYANDRIA.MONOGYNIA. Portulaca oleracea. Purslane. Said to be indigenous on the plains of the Missouri, but probably not in this region. It is chiefly confined to gardens, and cultivated lots, where it is rather troublesome, as a weed. It is sometimes used as a pot herb. POLYANDRIA.-DI-PENTAGYNIA. Hypericum perforatum. Saint John's wort. This is a vile, troublesome weed in our pastures, introduced from Europe. It often causes scabby What the estimated advantage of Mr. Cooper's mode of selection was, I do not exactly recollect; I only remember the impression that it was more mo derate than I had expected, considering the impor tance he seemed to attach to it. I think he might have calculated, that in the many years be bad pursued the plan, his crops had from this cause been improved about 12 or 15 per cent. sores on horses and horned cattle, where it comes (To be continued.) With great respect, (J. S. SKINNER, Esq. Your obedient servant, one inch deep. About the middle of May the tops The potatoes by these furrows, furnished abundantly the dinner table of a large family for more than a month. The Black Potato is mealy and finely flavoured, and of more rapid growth than any potato known to us It is cultivated very successfully by Mr. Robert Lowers, a farmer of this county, from whom those planted on the Academy grounds were procured. All this labour might be performed with the large patent plough and two yoke of oxen, except the covering, which must be done with the rake or hoe We are inclined to believe, from some experiments made in England, that a top dressing of manure, laid on immediately after the potato was covered, would have improved the crop Sir John Kirby, of Ipswich, raised 400 bushels of potatoes off an acre. *He introduced it into Ireland, 1586. † Perhaps the moon has an influence on vegetation, |