INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL ROAD. We copy the following detailed account of a meeting of the citizens of Ross county, Ohio, from the Scioto Gazette: In conformity with previous notice, a large and respectable meeting of the citizens of Chilicothe, and the county of Ross, was held at the courthouse on the 2d inst. for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of adopting measures for having continued the Rail way through this State, which the citizens of Maryland contemplate erecting from the city of Baltimore to some point on the Ohio river. Anthony Walke, Esq. having been appointed chairman, and Isaac Curd, secretary, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That for the purpose of inviting the to the mind of the inquirer, the cultivation of the The following resolution was then adopted: Whereas the State of Maryland, by an act of her legislature, passed during the last session, did in-town of Chilicothe. corporate a company, to construct a Rail-way from the city of Baltimore to the Ohio river: and whereas by a consenting act of the Virginia legislature, the aforesaid company are permitted to terminate said Rail-way on the Ohio river, within the territo rial limits of that state. Provided that said termination shall not be made south of the mouth of the NEW RAIL-WAY CARRIAGE. Stockbridge, Mass. June 14. RAIL-ROAD.-Among the useful improvements in the mechanic arts, the one we are about to mention, invented by our respected townsman, Mr. Richard P. Morgan, stands pre-eminent. It has been fairly tested by actual experiment. We will now notice, particularly, some of the most popular objections to the system which we have been advocating. The most prominent of these is, that most of the studies contemplated by such a system would be of no practical benefit to the female, in the affairs of life. We are far from despising the popular taste of utility, in estimating the real value of these attainments. On the contrary, we believe it a very wise and sensible rule, Little Kenhawa river: and whereas, it is understood and so far from shrinking from its application to by this meeting, to be the intention of the Board of our subject, we are persuaded that, if its terms be Directors to terminate this Rail-way on the Ohio properly settled and understood, it will fully abide river either at the Little Kenhawa, or between that this test. The rule, however, is rather vague in its point and the mouth of the Muskingum river: and This invention is an improved Rail way Carriage, term; and when it is asked, of what use to a female whereas, the extension of this Rail-way west, through which so reduces the friction, that one horse may is a liberal education? what good does it do? the the State of Ohio to the Great Miami Valley, would draw, with perfect case, upon a level road, fifty tons. precise meaning of these terms must be settled.greatly add to the wealth, population and commer Mr. M. has proved this fact both upon a small mo- Now, in contemplating man, and what is conducive cial importance of the city of Baltimore; to the del, and upon a wagon capable of carrying the usual to his good, we must keep steadily in view the two value of the stock of the Rail-road Company, and weight of a common wagon, and if any advantage great departments of his nature; the animal, and to the accommodation of the agricultural, manufac- was had, it was in favour of the latter. We believe, in the intellectual. We must not divorce them. If turing and commercial interests of that portion of all the experiments made by Mr. Tredgold, with the we do, and, more especially, if, in so doing, we adthe State of Ohio, through which this great avenue pulley and weight, he never succeeded in moving vance his animal above his intellectual capacities, to the ocean would pass-by opening to it and more than 150 lbs. with one pound. One pound at we commit a shameful mutilation. Compounded, through it, a cheap, safe and speedy communication tached to this carriage, and suspended over a pulley, therefore, as man is of these two distinct natures, with the middle and Atlantic cities; and in particu-moved quickly seven hundred pounds. it is evident that what may be good for one may be lar by throwing directly open to the city of Balti- It will be exhibited in Boston. Friction is obviat- bad for the other. Thus, the favourite indulgences more, the trade of the fairest and most fertile, (anded at the axles, by means of four additional wheels, of the epicure may be grateful to his animal nature, which is destined, in time, to be) the richest and which operate as rollers on the ground axle-the but they gradually subvert his intellect: and so most populous interior division of the western coun-friction wheels move one round, only, in going a those pursuits which enable us to accumulate wealth try. Therefore, quarter of a mile. We have seen this invention in and place within our reach the whole circle of anioperation, and fully believe that it will place Rail-mal gratifications, leave no room for the improveroads on a ground where canals can no longer come ment and gratification of our intellectual capacities; in competition with them. which frequently, in the midst of material abunWe conceive this to be one of the most important dance, go stinted and starving through life. Now, improvements ever invented, and, we think it is not if the idea of good is to have relation, only, to too much to say, will eventually supply the place those things which go to feed and sustain our of steam, on level roads, in all countries; as the ex-perishable bodies, which make us rich, and place pense of this Rail-way Carriage is, comparatively us above animal want, then, unquestionably, the very small. Resolved, That the mouth of the Little Kenhawa presents the most eligible point, in the judgment of this meeting, for the contemplated Rail-way to terminate, on the left bank of the Ohio. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. Resolved, That the continuation of this great avenue to the ocean, west, from the Ohio river, through this State to the Great Miami Valley, and ultimately from thence to the Valley of the Wabash, and to the Mississippi itself, as the settlement, population and trade of that rich and fertile region of country shall justify such extension-is a policy founded in the strongest and most powerful public reasons, based upon the wisest and safest calculations of interest to the city of Baltimore, and sup ported by the claims and considerations of one of the richest and most fertile countries in the world. But it may be proper to state our views as to the Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, extent to which, in our opinion, female education measures ought to be taken to represent to the ought to be carried: and here we have to array Board of Directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail ourselves, at once, against all the prejudices of soroad Company, the vast importance of extending ciety on this subject; for we hesitate not to declare this Rail way, west, both to them and to us; and of our opinion, thut with the exception of a few stucalling their immediate attention to a full considera-dies, such, for instance, as political economy, and tion of the subject. ON FEMALE EDUCATION. some others, which will readily suggest themselves whole round of literary tastes and attainments may be considered the greatest curses which can befall a human being; but we shall arrive at exactly the contrary conclusion, if we bear in mind the intellect of man, and the good, or rather, the sublime and indescribable enjoyment which this, the most dignified department of his nature, derives from cultivation. On this point, we might appeal to the consistency of our opponents. Would they be willing to expunge from the system of male education all those studies which are not pretended to be of any use, or to do any good, in the narrower and restricted, or rather, as we would prefer calling it, the animal sense of these terms? In the controversy, for example, which is now waging between what to the male sex? intended to have noticed a few more of these, but Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire, SPORTING OLIO. TROTTING. RACE-NO RACE. A match was to be trotted yesterday, near Bristol, by the Philadelphia horse Bull Calf, and the New York horse Rattler, for a purse of $4000-but the New York owners withdrew their horse and gave up the forfeit of $500. [U. S. Gaz. HUNTING. may be termed the old school, and certain new lights in literature, who, of late years, have maintained the heresy that the study of the dead languages, even by the male sex, ought to be abolished, do the In conclusion, notwithstanding our animadverformer pretend to rest the argument on the mere sions on some of the remaining errors of society on utility of these languages, in the sense in which this subject, yet, on the whole, justice constrains that time is applicable to reading, writing and arith us to acknowledge, in the present day, a considerametic? On the contrary, do they not rest the claims ble relaxation of prejudice, which we cannot but of these languages solely on their tendency to im- regard as a sure earnest of better things for the fuprove and gratify the taste and imagination? Why, ture. That the spirit of modern improvement, then, debar from the high privileges of a liberal which appears, in its various objects, to aim at A bet of one thousand dollars, to trot against time, course of study, the softer sex, who are admitted scarcely less than perfection, should, in this import- was decided yesterday on the Trotting Course to possess at least equally nice sensibilities, and na-ant pursuit, have entirely rested from its labours, Long Island. The conditions of the bet were to tures equally alive to every intellectual enjoyment, and settled down contented with its present achieve-trot in harness fifteen miles within an hour, which on grounds which are wholly rejected when applied ments, would be as natural as it would be lamenta was performed by the Long-island horse Whalebone, ble. We console ourselves that such is not the fact. in fifty-six minutes, notwithstanding the heaviness Another objection, frequently urged against a We recognize a gradual improvement, but we have of the course owing to the rain which fell the night course of liberal education in females, is, that in the to lament that it is by no means proportioned to the preceding and in the forenoon of the day of the race. multiplicity of studies which enter into such a intrinsic importance of the subject itself, and much The 14th mile was accomplished in 3 minutes and course, they can find no time to devote to the most less to its relative importance, when compared with 10 seconds, and the last, (15th mile,) in 3 minutes important of all studies to a female, that of domes the other great and leading interests of society, and 5 seconds-and what is very remarkable, the tic economy. It is not our purpose to disturb that which, in the present day, have been hurried for- horse came in at the end of the race in gallant style, wise distribution of duties and pursuits which socie-ward with such a rapid and almost incredible pace, not appearing more distressed than the common run ty has established between the sexes. We are not in the career of improvement. We hope some of horses would in performing the same distance at for converting the fair and delicate part of creation abler advocate may awaken the public to the im- the rate of eight miles the hour. The owner has into heroines and statesmen, or even into authoress portance of this subject; and that the time is not offered to trot him seventeen miles in an hour, for a es. He would certainly show himself but an equifar distant when woman, already rich in so many thousand dollars. vocal friend to their best interests, who would seek attractions, shall find the consummation of them all to disqualify them for the peculiar duties of the do- in the due cultivation of those intellectual gifts mestic circle, and to draw them out from that mo- which heaven has so bountifully bestowed upon dest and unobtrusive sphere of action, into the noisy her. scenes of active life; to embroil them in the turmoils of business, or the jarring conflicts of mascu THE MAID'S SOLILOQUY. line ambition. On the contrary, it is at home that woman is always the most lovely. That is her na (A maiden alone-Milton in her hand. She opens at tural and appropriate sphere; and it is wide enough the passage, Hail wedded love! mysterious law. &c.' for the exhibition of all her virtues, and the gratifi-It must be so! Milton thou reasonest well; She then soliloquises.) cation of all her tastes. Domestic economy is, undoubtedly, her peculiar department. If ignorant of this. she may almost be said to know nothing; and any system of female education, in which this accomplishment should be neglected, ought to be rejected as manifestly defective. But let us look a little further into this objection, even admitting it is reason, faithful reason, stirs within us; to be well founded in point of fact. Domestic eco "Tis nature's self that points out an alliance, nomy is to a woman, what the great business and And intimates a husband to the sex. duty of life is to a man. Now, by way of another Marriage! thou pleasing, and yet anxious thought! appeal to the consistency of our opponents, we Thro' what new and various changes must we pass! would ask them, do they reject the present system The marriage state in prospect lies before me, of male education, because young men come out of But shadows, clouds and darkness rest upon it. college, green in the ways of the world, unacquaint- Here will I hold -If nature prompts the wish,ed with human nature, and but little qualified to And that she does is plain from all her worksenter immediately on the great business of life? Our duty, interest, pleasure bid, indulge it, Such, unquestionably, is the fact; and so, to a cer For the great end of nature's law is bliss, tain extent, it must ever continue. A knowledge of But yet-in wedlock-the woman must obeymankind, a tact for business, can be acquired only I'm weary of these doubts, the priest shall end 'em by experience. Precisely so with females. We Nor rashly do I venture loss and gain, cannot expect a young miss, of sixteen, to emerge Pleasure and bondage meet my thoughts at once. from boarding school an accomplished and thrifty! wed-my liberty is gone forever, housewife, and fully qualified to take the head of a But happiness itself from this secured! domestic establishment. The evil appears to be Love first shall recompence my loss, equally incipient to both sexes; not so much grow-And when my charms shall have faded, ing out of any particular systems of education, as resulting from nature herself. Yet this objection is never urged against the present course of male education. If there is any difference in the two cases, it is, evidently, in favour of female education: because, at school or at college there is no professor who can teach young men human nature. This is the acquisition of dear experience in after life; whereas, the principles and practices of female economy may be taught, very advantageous ly, to the pupils of a female boarding school. This may constitute a regular part of their system of study: and, if we are not misinformed, it has already been elevated to that dignity in some of our most celebrated female seminaries. This last ob jection, therefore, appears to be as unsubstantial as the many others, with which the opponents of improvement endeavour to support their position. We Or whence this secret dread, this inward horror Mine eyes grow dim, and stature bent with years, A QUESTION. I am constrain'd to plant a grove, I win the maid, a glorious prize. V. There recently went out in Tuftonborough two rival parties, for the purpose of bunting, whose object was both utility and amusement, and their adventures were crowned with brilliant success. They started a little before sunrise, fifteen in each party, with their guns, and returned about sunset, both parties having killed 621 wild animals of different kinds; among which were 368 squirrels, and a large number of crows and other animals hostile to the coming fruits of the season. By the lovers of sporting the day was passed in high glee, and both parties separated amicably in the evening, proud of the idea that they had rid the good farmer of a few of his most troublesome enemies.-[Dover, N. H. Gaz. MISCELLANEOUS. MR. SKINNER, COCKROACHES. For the information of Mr. Simon Magwood, of Charleston, South Carolina, who is a great deal plagued with the above vermin, and wishes to get acquainted with the plant Hellebore-I can inform him, upon many trials, that it has very little or no effect; but I can give him a better remedy. Let him go to a china store, and buy a few glazed deep basins; put them every evening close to the wall, and the next morning he will find, to his great astonishment, what numbers have been caught. AMERICAN CHEESE. have From our correspondent at Philadelphia, we some account of the cheese market; and as a large portion of our readers are farmers, who depend principally on the productions of their dairies for a supply of their wants, we hasten to lay before them such information as we possess. It appears that there was on hand, in Philadelphia market, on the 2d inst. from 400 to 500 casks of old cheese, averaging about 200 lbs.-in all say 75,000 lbs. The following are extracts: "There was rising of 50 casks sold at auction yesterday, at from 14 to 64 cents per lb.-most of it "This is only the state of our market; the other markets, New York and Baltimore, have been glutted all the year, and can tell of large quantities that have perished besides." 200,000 lbs. of cheese comes to $20,000, at ten cents a pound. The protecting duty, or duty on foreign cheese, is 9 cents a pound. THE PULSE. A case was lately admitted into St. Thomas's Hospital, London, which points out the necessity of examining the pulse in both wrists. The patient (a man) had received a severe contusion on the left side of the abdomen. The surgeon finding the pulse of the left wrist so small and weak as scarcely to be distinguishable, supposed that an external bleeding had taken place, and cordials were in consequence freely exhibited to keep up the vital functions. On the following day, the left pulse was in the same state, and observing symptoms indicative of increased action of the head, and fulness of the sangufferons system, he examined the pulse in the right wrist, which he found to be full and beat with such force that he lost no time, in abstracting blood. The left pulse was not affected by the loss of blood, and continued very feeble when he had nearly recovered. THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1827. A FARM TO RENT. week, picking up, at fixed points, and stated times, N. B. In the currency of this country, a groat is To be rented, a FARM containing about sixty acres, whereof twenty-five acres were set last spring in clotimothy; four miles from the city. A person who can ver-and seven acres are getting ready to be put in come well recommended for good management and sobriety, will meet with good terms, and the stock, if required, will be found. BALTIMORE PRICES CURRENT. Reported for the American Farmer, by Lewis Sutton & Co. ble change since last week; a good deal has been sold TOBACCO.-Our tobacco market has met no perceptiat our former quotations. The last few days we have closed the sales of twenty or thirty hogsheads from St. Mary's and Calvert counties-a part of H. Lyles', of Calvert, are amongst the number, at $4.00 a 4.50. Better qualities are better prices. Inspected last week, at the three State warehouses, ending Saturday, 790 hhds. We have been requested by a member of the whole number inspected this year, 8329 hhds. Committee of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-road 3.00 a 3.50-Do. red, 4.00 a 4.50-good red, 5.00 a Seconds, as in quality, $2.50 a 6.00-common crop, Company, who lately visited Mauch Chunck, to 6.00-Fine red, 7.00 a 8.00-Yellow and red, 7.00 a state that there is an error in the printed copy of 10.00-Yellow, 10.00 a 15.00-Fine Yellow, 15.00 a their Report, which represents the chute at the ter-25.00-Fine Virginia fat, 6.00 a 8.00-Rappahannock, mination of this road near to the Lehigh river to be 3.50-Kentucky, fine, 4.00 a 5.50--do. for wrapping, 700 yards long-the actual length being 700 feet. Those Editors who have copied the report, will please correct this error. 7.00 a 8.00. FLOUR-Howard-st. $5.00-City mills, standard, 4.621 a 4.75-Susquehanna, $4.371 a 4.50-CORN MEAL, per barrel, 2.75 a 2.874--WHEAT, best white, .90 a 93ordinary, good .85 a .90-inferior, .70 a 75-CORN, .44 a.48-RYE, .55 a .60-OATS, 41 a .43-WHITE BEANS, 1.25-PEAS, .60--CLOVER seed, 4.00 a 4.50-TIMOTHY, 3.00-BARLEY, 1.00-FLAXSEED, .90-COTTON, Virginia, 9.00 a 11.00--North Carolina, 9.00 a 10.00-Louisiana, 11.00 a 13.00-Upland, fair, 10.00 a 11.00-WOOL, country, washed on the sheep's back, 18.00 a 22.00-mixt do. 20.00 a 22.00-half blood, 24.00 a 26.00-threeHerrings, No. 1, p. bbl. 2.25 a 2.50-Shad, in good order, 6.00 a 7.00-Mackerel, 4.50 a 5.50 a 6.00-BACON, best hams, 9.00 a 10.00-hog around, 5.00 a 6.00-country, 5.50-WHISKEY, in hhds. .29; in barrels 30.-FEATHERS, .28 a .29--LIVE STOCсk, beef on hoof, 5.00 a 5.50 -Pork do. 4 a 4.50-Veal-3.00-Lambs, do. 1.50 a 2.00. Capt. M'NEAL and Doctor HOWARD, detailed by the War Department to assist in the necessary THE SEASON AND THE CROPS.-There has not surveys for the Rail-way to the Ohio, have arrived been for many years past, a season so favourable as in this city with a view to commence their labours. this has been for crops of grain, grass, corn, tobac- The Directors of the company are pushing with inco, &c. and if the Farmer could have been favour-dustry and the best judgment, every other measure ed for the next two weeks with a continuation of necessary to the execution of the trust confided to the cool and clear weather, which prevailed for a them. Their constituents may rely on their activi-quarters, 28.00 a 30.00-full blood, 30.00 a 35.00-FISH, month past, his grain and grass crops might have ty, but they must not expect them to overlook the been saved in fine order; but we heartily regret homely old maxim-"Sure bind, sure find." there is too much reason to apprehend, during the harvest season a prevalence of damp sultry weather. It was owing to weather during the last year's harvest, like that which now threatens to It is said in Charleston, that the southern plantcontinue for some days that the grain was damag-ers will find it difficult next year to obtain cordage ed, and having been sown without sufficient exa- for their cotton. Sufficient is not likely to be had mination of its condition, caused the present crop, from Kentucky. Is there any way of accounting of course, to be too thin; otherwise this would have for this circumstance? Not, surely, in any deficienbeen the most abundant harvest which has been cy of duty on foreign hemp. Be pleased to notice known since 1816, especially on the Eastern Shore the fact. Yours, &c. of Maryland, where the fly has been less injurious than on this shore. The grain, so far, promises to be excellent in weight and quality. MR. SKINNER, CORDAGE. AMPHICON. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. An Inaugural Essay on the Vegetation of Plants, by S. S. Griffin, of Virginia-On Grasses and other Plants, with notes, &c. (Medicago lupulina, black nonsuch, trehead,) continued-The parent-plant of the cultivated foil medick; Hedysarum onobrychis, sainfoin, or cock'sPotatoe On watering Potatoe beds-On Wheat and Cheat-On Salt, as a Manure-Consumption of Cotton in France, Switzerland, and the United States-A valuExtract of a letter from Balfour C. Bailey, merchantable experiment in Harvesting, without the use of rum of Bremen, to Lewis Sutton, of Baltimore, dated April 28, 1827. TOBACCO MARKET AT BREMEN. Referring to the Eastern Shore, we cannot refrain from the expression of regret, that our friends in that quarter should avail themselves to such a "SIR,-For three weeks past but little has been limited extent, of unparalleled advantages. Scarcely transpiring in the article, and at this moment Marya farmer is more than five miles from the clean shore land descriptions have depreciated fully 1 gts. per of some deep and placid water course, that tempts lb. This decline is not attached to any particular him to send a thousand "odds and ends," by a sort, as all kinds, without exception, labour under a safe unbroken navigation to a market of 80,000 dai-depreciating influence. Sales for the week were at ly consumers--yet the practice is to rely almost ex-auction, 41 hhds. Kentucky, at 6 13-16; 34 do. Maclusively on wheat and corn! Now, that the art of ryland, at 8 7-16; 39 do. at 10 3-16; and 7 do. Virapplying steam to navigation has been so much sim-ginia, at 8 9-16 gts. per lb.-besides which, 20 hhds. plified and cheapened, would it not be easy to at Maryland, and 15 do. Virginia, were sold privately. tach an engine of small power, to boats of plain The imports of all sorts this week are very extenstrong construction, which should sweep along the sive, viz: 1835 hhds. and 40,000 lbs. stems, which shores of all their fine rivers two or three times al increases our stocks." Mammoth Hogs in Vermont-Essay on the cultivation of Silk, continued-Visit to Messrs. David & Cuthbert Prodigious Cucumber-Large Carrots-To Destroy Landreth's Nursery and Seed Garden, near Philadelphia Caterpillars-To remove the taste of garlic or turnips from Milk-Proceedings in Ross county, Ohio, respecting the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-way-New Rail-way Carriage-Essay on Female Education, concluded-Poetry, The Maid's Soliloquy; A Question-Trotting-Race no Race-Hunting-To Destroy Cockroaches-Cheese. Market-The Pulse-Editorial-Cordage-Tobacco at Bremen-Advertisement-Prices Current. Printed every Friday, at Five Dollars per annum, for JOHN S. SKINNER, Editor, by JOHN D. Toy, corner of St. Paul and Market-sts., where every description of Book and Job Printing is handsomely executed. No. 16.-VOL. 9. AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, JULY 6, 1827. (From the Massachusetts Agricultural Journal.) ON THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF OXEN AND HORSES FOR AGRICULTURAL LABOURS. This is a subject which has already occupied many pages of our journal, but not in any degree in proportion to its vital importance. The increase of manufactures produces an increase of the use of horse labour, and threatens a change in our habits and usages-a change which we think would be most disastrous. Whether the recent projects of canals, some of which we apprehend, from what we know of this part of our country would be much better on paper than on terra firma, will effect any change in this respect, we cannot say; but this we must believe, that New England, the whole of it, is deeply interested in preferring the ox to the horse, as an animal for labour. It is pretty well known that horses are chiefly employed in cultivation in England; but there have been always sensible men in that country, so crowded with population-so destitute of extensive pastures, and therefore less adapted to grazing, (except their sheep walks,) who have in all ages protested against cultivation by 121 in every place: whereas the husbandman hath se- their allotted work of ploughing, carrying corn, veral pastures to put his oxen in, when they come dung, &c. in all respects as well as two horses, fro their warke; there the ox-ploughe is better. For though not with equal celerity. The late Lord an oxe may not endure his warke, to labour all Kaimes states,* that Col. Pole, lately deceased, of daye, and than to be put to the commons, or before Radburne, in Derbyshire, ploughed as much ground the herdman, and to be sette in a foulde al nyghte with three oxen, as his neighbours did with four or without meate. But and he be put in a good pas-five horses; feeding them in summer with grass, ture all nyghte, he will labour much of all the daye and in winter with straw, when moderately worked, dayely. or, when much worked, with hay or turnips. The "And oxen wyl plowe in tough clay and upon late right honourable Edmund Burke, at his ground hylly ground, whereas horses wyl stand styll. And near Beaconsfield, in the county of Bucks, ploughwhereas is now suerall pastures, there the horse-ed one acre per diem with four oxen, while his plowe is better, for the horses may be teddered, or neighbours performed the same work with an equal tyed, upon leys, balkes, or hades, whereas oxen may number of horses. not be kept; and it is not used to tedder them, but In ploughing and rolling, oxen are extremely usein few places. And horses wyl go faster than oxen ful. Horses are better in harrows, from their quick on even grounde or lighte grounde, and be quicker step, by which the pulverization of the soil is accelefor carriage; but they be farre more costly to kepe rated: in harvest, likewise, when expedition is necesin winter, for they must have bothe hey and corn sary, horses are preferable. In breaking up old to eate, and strawe for litter; they must be well turf-land, however, oxen are better in the plough, shodde on all foure fete; and the gere that they their motion being more steady than that of horses; shall drawe with is more costly than for the oxen, the flag is less broken in turning over, which is a and shorter whyle it will last. And oxen wyll cat great advantage. For short carriages, as in cartbut straw and a lyttel hey, the whiche is not half ing dung, turnips, &c. the advantage of using oxen the coste, that the horses must have, and they have must be very great; and they may occasionally be no shoes as the horses have.' [But the practice is used in the plough, when the horses are sent for now changed as to this point, and the shoeing of lime, or to market.f oxen, though essentially necessary, is infinitely Recently the question has been agitated in Ma- cheaper than that required for horses.] And if any ryland, with some zeal on both sides, and we have sorance come to the horse, or waxe old, broysed, thought we could not render a more acceptable ser- or blynde, than he is lyttle worthe; and if any sorvice to our readers, than by giving them the argu-ance come to an oxe, or he waxe olde, broysed, or ments of distinguished cultivators in England on blynde, he will sell for ii s. and than he is manne's this subject: not that they are new to us, but meate, and as good or better than ever he was.the coincidence of opinion will have its deserved And the horse, when he dyeth, is but caryen. And therefore, meseemeth, all thinges considered, the weight. ploughe of oxen is much more profitable than the ploughe of horses."* horses. The principal argument of the advocates for cultivation by horses, in Maryland seems to be the su For the length of this extract from the learned perior speed of the horse. Now this must proceed from an imperfect training of the cattle. With us, judge, (who was himself a practical husbandman, our cattle will plough an acre of ground much bet- and consequently has here given the result of many ter, and in as short a time as a pair of horses would years experience,) its excellence, we trust, will be a do it, unless they can trot their horses in the plough. suficient apology; as when taken in connexion with So they will get in a ton of hay in as short a time. the account of Fleta, it will present a striking reOn this topic we beg to introduce some extracts cord, or document, of the superior utility of oxen from English and Scotch writers, where all the pre-over horses. In order, however, that this imporjudices are in favour of horses. "Few subjects have, of late years, more exercis- view as possible, we shall proceed to contrast the ed the ingenuity of theorists, and the attention of respective services of the two animals, supporting farmers, than the question concerning the superiori- our remarks on modern date; though, probably, some ty of oxen to horses The use of these animals, of the preceding strictures may seem to render even under many impediments, has been persevered them unnecessary. And, when it is considered, in for many ages, and will continue in every coun- that oxen, fit for grazing, are now of rare occurtry where a breed of cattle exists which are active rence, it becomes daily a question of greater moof themselves, and of a form and size well calculat-ment, particularly as it respects the supply of our ed for labour. And in the ancient law work, deno- navy. For the two following facts, which evince the superiority of oxen, even under circumstances unfavourable to these animals, we are indebted to that enlightened agriculturist, Lord Somerville, of whom we have already had occasion to make honourable mention. At the last meeting, in 1803, of the Dublin Society, his lordship was informed, by a spectator of undoubted veracity, that several ploughs were entered for the prizes given; and, to the surprise of every one, the oxen beat the horses in speed; they were worked in pairs only, without drivers. These animals, he states, were not selected from the breeds most esteemed for labour, but from the oxen of that country. Of the succeeding instance, Lord S. was himself an eye-witness. In May, 1803, a meeting was held at Burnham Wyek, in the county of Essex, to award three prizes, which were given for the best plough. tant subject may be placed in as clear a point of ing. Upwards of twenty ploughs started, three of which were each worked by three pair of oxen, without drivers. These animals were bred on the estate, and of a sort which are deemed by no means well adapted to labour; the horse ploughs were picked teams. The difference of time in finishing the work allotted was, to the best of his lordship's remembrance, about twelve or fourteen minutes between the average of the horse and ox teams; so that, supposing them to be an hour and an half minated Fleta, which is supposed to have been 1. With regard to their original price, or cost. longer in their day's work, the difference in the written about ne time of Henry 1.) we have induThe prime cost of an ox, upon an average, is at time of rest will be, if any thing, in favour of the bitable evidence, not only that oxen were then com- least one half less than the price of a horse; hence oxen; because animals which perspire by the tongue monly used for the purposes of husbandry, but also it is obvious that an ox of the value of 71. or St. will do not require the dressing and attention demanded of their operiority over horses. The author of perform the same quantity of work as a horse worth by those whose perspiration escapes by the skin. that work states, Ist, that two oxen and two horses 14l. or 16l. This is a circumstance of no small im- The following is his lordship's method of workwill puugh as much in one day as four horses; 2dly, portance to a young farmer, to whom labouring cat-ing oxen: the animals are broken in at three years that in heavy land, oxen made a stronger draught; tle are the most expensive part of his stock, as he old, their first half year's work being easy. At six 3dy, that a horse requires the sixth part of can thus be enabled to branch out his capital into years old they are sold to graziers, and in eight hushel of oats per diem, whereas, for a whole week, various useful channels. months they come to Smithfield good beef. In the three one-half measures of oats (ten of which make intervening period his work is done at the rate of a bushel,) are sufficient for an ox; lastly, that an about eighty acres of tillage to four oxen; and his twelve oxen, exclusive of his three-years old steers, old horse is of no value except for his skin; while an ox, after being past labour, will yield a good will work thirty acres of land per week, when not employed in carrying lime or manure, which is ten A price when fattened.t a 2. With respect to labour. By well known means the nature of the bull is tamed; and, when properly broken, the ox becomes as tractable, and may be trained to the plough or "Equally strenuous in favour of these animals is to draught as easily as horses. Of this we have the author of the 'Boke of Husbandry,' Judge Fitz numerous instances. Messrs. Culleys, of the counherbert, who lived in the time of Henry VIII. Ity of Northumberland, employ 150 oxen in the is to be known,' says he, 'whether is better a plough draught, which practice they have followed, with of horses, or a plough of oxen, and therein me- great success, for more than thirty years. The aniseemeth ought to be made a distinction. For in mals are used singly in carts, and two in a plough, somme places a horse plough is better; that is to say, with cords, without a driver; and thus they perform *"Boke of Husbandry," p. 78. Edit. 1767. * Fleta, lib. ii. c. 73, s. 2. No. 16.-VOL. 9. † Ibid. s. 3. *The Gentleman Farmer," p. 30, 5th edit. 1802; an interesting and practical work on husbandry, to which we are indebted for some of the following' hints and facts. Sir John Sinclair's Account of the Systems of Husbandry in Scotland, vol. i. p. 123, which contains numerous important facts relative to the working of oxen. Farmer's Magazine," vol. iv. p. 343. acres per week for each four oxen, or five acres for each pair; that is, two acres per diem for four days in the week, for cach team of four, allowing them two resting days. Thus their daily labour is completed in seven hours and a half, which gives them sixteen hours for rest. Lord S. remarks, that if they were allowed corn, they would probably do more work; and, if they did less, he would not employ them at all. He allows one horse for every 100 acres of land, for extra work, and no larger number. more than compensat- but ultimately bringing him a considerable clear profit. The same event ble to spasms, farcy, the leaves towards the roots of the plant; for if we Lastly. Before we conclude the present contrast, as it respects labour, we would observe, that oxen are preferable to horses for steady draught, as they uniformly pull to their strength without variation; whereas the last mentioned animals are apt to stop on encountering the slightest resistance. And though it is objected that oxen are unfit for draught in mountainous situations, yet, let it be recollected, that under such circumstances, no draught can well be used; and that the descending of steep hills is, in all respects, as dangerous to horses as to oxen. In ad- Another advantage arising from the keeping of dition to the facts already stated, it may be added, oxen preferably to horses will be, the introduction that notwithstanding oxen have less air and spirit of a more lenient conduct towards those useful ani than a horse, their motion is not materially slower; mals; and, as has been judiciously observed, in and as the labours of husbandry are regular and proportion as ox teams are used, they certainly di progressive, the step of these animals will be found minish animal suffering; for no man will work his little inferior to that of the horse. They are, inox team so hard, or feed it so inadequately, as horse deed, reputed to be less expeditious for galloping or trotting; but repeated instances have occurred, where Sussex oxen have beaten horses at the plough in the deepest clay; and the Herefordshire breed is admitted to be superior to any other in long journeys, for conveying chalk, or other heavy substances, over a hilly and flinty country road. In the north of England, we understand that it is not an unfrequent occurrence, to see a light ox saddled, and briskly trotting along the road, obedient to his. rider's voice: the Devonshire cattle also walk with uncommon speed; and, if four or five horses can till 100 acres of land, the same work might doubtless be equally well performed by a similar number of the Devonshire or Herefordshire breeds, provided they were trained and fed with a special view to speed, with the same care as horses. 3. Comparative expense of keep and general savings. 2. Every day that oxen are employed, they earn more than their keep; while, if properly fed, they will require no other care. 3. The gear necessary for a pair of oxen may be procured at a very moderate price. 4. At the end of five, six, or seven years, during which they will have 1. Horses require to be 2. A horse not only re quires more stable at- selves in order to keep teams are sometimes worked and supported, merely HORSE. Prime cost of a horse at 4 years 1.30 0 old, old, OX. 1.20 Prime cost of an Keep, &c. for ten 100 0 Deduct the value Deduct the value Total cost Ditto of ox, Difference in fa- VEGETATION. But the re The medullary vessels are merely the cells constituting the medulla, or pith, which may be assimilated to the tela cellulosa of animals. These medullary vessels are never assembled in bundles. Except in elder and a few other plants, the pith is in small quantity, and its vessels pass off horizontally, like diverging rays, from the centre towards the circumference of the plant. In monocotyledonous plants, according to Desfontaines, they do not form diverging rays; the pith is far more fibres, which are not formed in concentric strata, abundant, and completely envelops the ligneous but are irregularly disposed, and more distant from each other, nearer to the centre of the plant than towards the circumference. The excretory vessels have been satisfactorily shewn to exist by Dr. Hales upon the surface of the 1.120 0 trunk, branches, leaves and flowers. He found that a very considerable part of the moisture, absorbed by the roots of plants, is perspired; and ex40 0 periments, of a date more recent, attest that oxygen gas is excreted from the leaves of plants. According to Humboldt, the liquids excreted from the roots 0 of some plants, are injurious and even pernicious to other plants in their vicinity. "Sic læditur avena," says he, "a serratula arvensi, Triticum ab Erigero Acri, Linum ab Euphorbia Peplo et Scabiosa arvensi, Polygonum Fagopyrum a spergula arvensi.”* 1.80 The existence of secretory vessels cannot be questioned. Their office is to secrete juices of utility in the economy of the vegetable. A glandular apparatus generally accompanies trem. The utricles are the secreting vessels It has already been observed that he sap is the general humour of vegetables; that it mounts to the leaves, and that from it are secreted the proper juices. A knowledge, then, of those changes which light upon the nature of vegetation. We know hat the sap undergoes in the leaves, must reflect much leaves exist long before they appear. They re The proper vessels are larger than the sap vescompletely formed in the bud, and rolled up fo sels; they serve for the secretion of the various evolution many months before that spring in which juices and to preserve them unmingled with the they are developed. The bud, then, is the "winter general mass of humours. Hence juices of differ-cradle" of the tender embryo, which is destined is, in general, an expen-ent natures, of very different colour and consistence, in due time to burst its folds and enjoy an enlarged are found in the same vegetable, and frequently in existence. Anatomically viewed, the leaves are atthe same organ. The sap, it appears, mounts to tached to the branches of plants by short foot-stalks. the leaves, and there by elaboration having under- From these foot-stalks, or peduncles, a number of gone certain alterations, is changed into the succus fibres issue, which ramify and inosculate with each proprius, or peculiar juice, which may be consider other in every part of the leaf, forming a singular ed as analogous to the blood of animals. The vesreticulated appearance. The whole leaf is covered 4. Horses become less sels containing this peculiar juice, Mr. Knight has with the epidermis of the plant. valuable every year they traced running from the leaves into the cortical are kept. They are lia-strata of the liber. The succus proprius flows from 3. The harness of a team sive article, especially ments. * See Von Uslar upon plants. † An expression of Linnæus. |