No. 25-VOL. 9. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, SEPTEMBER 7, 1827. 199 AGRICULTURE. for cattle, but I agree entirely with you that it is a beds, late in the autumn, or early in the spring, if most valuable and nutritive food. Many of our the climate be severe in winter. When the plants ablest writers on agriculture have been theoretical have tap roots about four inches long, they should ORIGINAL NOTICES ON CROPS AND MA men, and not good practical farmers: hence so many be set out, at the distance of 8 to 10 inches in rows NURES, errors in the books. In the "Memoirs" you have sufficiently wide apart to admit either a horse and inserted an able letter from Sir John S. Sebright, to cultivator, or a ten inch hoe, as the husbandman BY PRACTICAL MEN. the late Sir Joseph Banks, on the art of breeding shall determine, to keep them free from weeds. On the ill effects of soiling Cattle-the total failure domestic animals. Our best breeds of horses for When the leaves are about nine inches long, but alof Salt, and the successful application of Bone Dust the carriage, the road, the chase, &c.; our cattle, ways before their colour begins to change in any as manure-the excellence of Mangel Wurtzel and sheep, pigs, and dogs, have all derived their impart, they must be cut as spinach, with a knifeCabbages as winter food for live stock-the dege-provement from judicious crossing. All the cases placed in baskets, and carried into a barn, where neracy produced by breeding in and in-the advan of failure have been owing alone to injudicious they must be chopped forthwith, by means of a tageous results of judicious Crossing evinced in the crossing. You know that I have had long experience chaff cutter or similar instrument, into pieces of Turf horse and other breeds. By a gentleman well on these subjects, and have been intimately acquaint about a quarter of an inch. So soon as they have been thus prepared, they known in Great Britain as an enlightened agriculed with our great improvers of cattle, sheep, and must be bruised by a roller or bark mill, before they turist, and successful breeder of Neat Cattle and horses. Sheep. Many of our writers on agricultural subjects, shall have suffered from heating, which a very few The bruised matter must be such as Sir John. Sinclair, Mr. Curwen, and many hours would cause. others, have strongly recommended salt as a valua-rolled by the hand into balls of two or three inches I have tried the experiment myself, diameter, according to the heat of the weather. and have seen it tried by others on various soils and Care must be taken to expose it to the free operain various quantities; but I could never perceive tion of air, whilst protected from moisture. When the least benefit. As a condiment for cattle and dry, it may be stored in heaps. sheep, it is very beneficial by promoting digestion, when used in moderate quantities. Marton Lodge, near Stockton on Tees, (Eng.) DEAR SIR,-Accept my sincere thanks for your polite and friendly letter, and for your interesting present of the "Memoirs of the Pennsylvania Agri cultural Society." I have read them with grea pleasure; they contain much information respecting the state of agriculture in the United States, which is both new and gratifying to me. I rejoice that you are animated by such zeal and spirit for im provement. If the Atlantic did not intervene be tween us, I would undertake a journey to see you and your important agricultural improvements fear, however, that we shall never meet. I have desired one of my sons, who has a taste for draw. ing, to make a sketch of one of my cows in her or dinary condition, when heavy in calf, and giving milk, which I now enclose; and I request you to d me the honour to accept it It will give you a bet ter idea of my stock then any description can con vey, although my son has scarcely done the cow justice in the representation. You know that I pur chased Mr. Charles Colling's BEST cows; and you will be able to form some opinion from this sketch, whether the Short-horns, which have been import ed into America, are of the best kind A change of bull is indispensably necessary; FOR "IN AND INBREEDING" very soon creates degeneracy. ble manure. Europe. I shall always be happy to be honoured by your Most respectfully yours, BART'W RUDD. I shall be very glad to communicate with any gentleman on its cultivation, as its importance to manufactures makes it an object of great interest at this time in America. One bushel of seeds, if sown in drills, is sufficient for five acres, if sown broadcast, for one acre. It is to be observed, that the woad must undergo the process of couching, before it is fitted for the manuJ. ATHERSTONE. facturer. The subsequent crops may be twisted off, without the use of the knife, as the roots at the latter I do not observe in the "Memoirs," any mention stages of their growth are sufficiently strong to reof cabbages as a winter food for neat cattle and sist the necessary force to remove the leaves. It sheep. Perhaps your climate is not favourable to may be sown broadcast; but from the extreme their growth. Here the large Scotch or drum head lightness of the seeds, great difficulty is found in ed cabbage is a most valuable winter food, as it pro-distributing them equally. In this mode, of conseduces a greater weight per acre than turnips. It is quence, bare patches disfigure the field, and mateThe ques peculiarly valuable in some districts, for it will flourially affect the amount of its product. rish on strong soils which are not proper for tur-tion whether the broadcast or drill system should be nips. You are so perfectly well informed of the employed, must be determined by the relative vastate of British agriculture, that I do not knowlue of labour and land. whether I can give you any new information, unless it be as to the recent use of bones as a manure for turnips, and the use, in the North of England, of the improved ploughs made wholly of iron, with out any wood whatever. The bones are first ground to powder in a mill constructed for that purpose, and in a powdered state are sown by the drill along with the turnip seed. Very luxuriant crops of tur nips are thus grown without any other manure.— I am deeply sensible of the handsome manner in Bones have become an article of commerce, and which you have mentioned my name in the "Me-large quantities are imported from various parts of moirs," and of the honour you have done me by inserting my letter. You request me to criticize them, but I do not feel myself competent to point out any defects in your system of agriculture; and the style of the Memoirs merits unqualified praise. The science of agriculture cannot be reduced to any certain and fixed principles, like other sciences, on account of the infinite variety of soils, and the dif❘ this letter. ference of climate. Your summers are much hotter and drier than ours, and your winters are more severe. In our summers, the thermometer of Fahrenheit seldom rises to eighty in the shade, and in the winter it is seldom much below the freezing point. Here we cannot grow Indian corn, which is so productive and so valuable. Our climate is, perThe portions which have become mature, are haps, better suited to the growth of turnips, and our harvested in succession by cutting the stems. They pastures in summer are perhaps more verdant and are carried in baskets to a convenient position at succulent than yours, from the greater moisture octhe end of the rows; thence to a proper house or casioned by our insular situation. I have travelled barn, where they are stirred occasionally until they much on the continent of Europe, and on my re- I have been accustomed to its cultivation in Eng have become so dry as to be secured against ferturn I have always admired the superior verdure of land, where I used it for thirty years as a manufac-mentation. An half peck of seed is sufficient for our English pastures. You read much in our Eng-turer. The soil of America is quite as well adapt- an acre, if it should be preferred to drill them as lish publications of the expediency of soiling cattle ed, and the climate of the middle, southern and turnips. In the early stages of its growth, it apin the house during the whole of the year. I do western states, is better suited to its growth, than pears feeble. After it has arrived at the height of not approve of this practice, for it is surely an un-that of Great Britain. The colouring matter was two or three feet, it grows vigorously, and becomes natural one, as air and exercise, and the selection much stronger-the plant was more vigorous and hardy as Indian corn. of their own food, must benefit cattle, as other ani rapid in its growth, and its product was larger than mals are benefited by them. I can say, from actual that to which I have been accustomed in Great experience of the two systems, that cattle thrive Britain. much better in the fields during the period from the middle of May to the middle of November, than they do when confined in a house. Soiling cattle is very little practised in England. We read in some books that mangel wurtzel is an unwholesome food No. 25.-VOL. 9. P. S.-You have my entire permission to publish To John Hare Powel, Esq Powelton, (U. S.) WOAD. Philadelphia county, Feb. 1, 1827. JOHN HARE POWEL, ESQ. Sir, I cultivated some acres of woad in the state of Ohio, which I cut six times during the sea son; it produced about 30 cwt to the acre; for which I received, when brought to market, 12 cts. per pound, equal to $420 per acre. It prefers a deep, rich, and light alluvial soil; its tap root extends a considerable distance below the surface. Fine tilth is necessary; but it may, like Indian corn, be grown upon a sward reversed. I have found it a better practice to sow the seeds in On Guinea Corn-its cultivation, great product, and value as food for cattle. By a Practical Farmer. Guinea corn has been found a valuable crop in South Carolina. It is believed that the climate of the eastern parts of Pennsylvania is well adapted to its growth. Its product on very rich land is said to exceed an hundred bushels per acre; its weight is greater than that of wheat; its farinaceous matter is exceedingly nutritious; its stalks and leaves are useful as food for cattle. Light alluvion is considered the best soil for its growth. It should be planted and cultivated in rows, as Indian corn. In July the heads appear; in August a part of them become ripe; in the course of September, the principal part of the crop is matured. The success of the crop depends much upon the fertility and preparation of the soil; upon frequent and light stirrings, and proper quantities of manure A FARMER. for the support of the plant. On Woad-its Culture in Europe. Woad is a biennial plant usually cultivated on the continent of Europe, on light soils, reduced to It is fine tilth, and manured in the previous autumn. flexible, as they do not, like these, recede from the ed into bands or threads. It seldion experiences The seeds are sown in March or April, generally point of pressure in a straight line; and hence hat much change during the life of the animal. broadcast, and are harrowed and rolled as those of ters employ various methods to produce curl in the permanent, or does not experience those periodical grass. Great attention is given to free the land short fur of rabbits, hares, and moles, which they renovations which we have stated to take place from weeds during previous seasons, and to care- employ. This is accomplished chiefly by applying with hair and feathers. The deciduous horns of fully destroy them as they appear during its growth. the solution of certain metallic salts to the fur by a the stag are different in their nature from true horns, The leaves are gathered from June till September, brush; so that, when the hairs are dry, the surface and will be afterwards taken notice of. The term in the first season, and from June till August in the which was moistened, contracts more than the horn is usually restricted to the coverings of the next, when the plant puts forth its flower stems. other, and produces the requisite curve. projections of the frontal bones of oxen, sheep, and The process by which woad is converted into the It is owing to the asperities of the surface of hair similar quadrupeds; but various appendices of the state fitted for the manufacturer, requires much ex-that the spinning of wool is so difficult. This is in skin, composed of the same materials, and equally perience and minute attention. a great measure removed, by besmearing it with permanent, although seated on other parts of the oil, by which the inequalities are filled up, or, at body, may with propriety be included under the least, the asperities become less sensible When same appellation; among these may be enumerated the wool is made into cloth, it is necessary to re beaks, hoofs, claws, nails, and spurs. I have the honour to be, &c. Feb. 1, 1827. JOHN HARE POWEL. To the President of the Penn. Agric. Society. ZOOLOGY. move the oil, which is done by the process of fulling Beaks. The substance of these covers the exterThe cloth is placed in a trough, with water and nal surface of the maxillary bones of birds, and is clay, and agitated for some time; the oil is remov-composed of horn. OF THE STUDY OF the Animal KINGDOM WITH RE-ed by the clay and water, while the agitation, act Hoofs resemble horns in their manner of growth, FERENCE TO AGRICULTURE. (Continued from p. 187.) ing like pressure, brings the hairs into closer union, and in containing a central support, formed by the Spurs occur chiefly in what is termed the leg Hair grows by the roots. In some species they are renewed annually; and in all they are readily reproduced. When heated, they soften, and may be easily bent or squeezed into particular shapes. They consist of coagulated albumen, with a little gelatine; and, when incinerated, yield a little phosphate of lime. The appendices of the skin are hairs, feathers, horns, scales, shells, and crusts. Hairs differ remarkably, not only in their structure, but likewise in their situation. In some cases they appear to be merely filamentous prolongations of the cuticle, and subject to all its changes. This is obviously the case with the hair which covers the bodies of many caterpillars, and which separates along with the cuticle, when the animal is said to cast its skin. In true hair the root is in the form of a bulb, taking its rise in the cellular web. Each bulb consists of two parts; an external, which is vascular, and from which the hair probably derives its nourishment; and an internal, which is membraneous, and forms a tube or sheath to the hair dur ing its passage through the other layers of the skin, From this bulb, and enveloped by this membrane, the hair passes through the corium, mucus web, and cuticle. It usually raises up small scales of this last layer, which soon become dry and fall off, but do not form the external covering of the hair as some have supposed. The hair itself consists of an external horny covering, and a central vascular part, termed medulla or pith. This horny covering consists of numerous filaments placed laterally, to which different kinds of bair owe their striated appearance; these filaments appear of unequal lengths, those nearest the centre being the longest, and consequently the hair assumes the form of an elongat- Feathers are nearly related to hairs; they consist ed cone, with its base seated in the skin. This of the quill, shaft, and web. The quill. like the form gives to the hair that peculiar property on hair, takes its rise in the cellular membrane: the Scales vary remarkably in their form, structure, which the operation of felling depends. In conse-central portion of the shaft has a texture like cork, mode of adhesion, and situation in different aniquence of this structure of the surface, if a hair is and the web which usually occupies both sides of it mals. In general they are flat plates, variously seized at the middle between two fingers, and rub is composed of what are called barbes, and the marked. In some cases each scale consists of sebed by them, the root will gradually recede, while sides of these with barbules. Feathers exhibit great veral plates, the lowest of which are largest; so the point of the hair will approach the fingers; in difference as to colour: in some birds it varies with that the upper surface becomes somewhat imbricatother words, the hair will exhibit a progressive mo- the seasons, in others with food, and in others with ed. Some scales adhere by the whole of their cention in the direction of the root, the imbricated sur-the extinction of life. Like hairs, feathers are not tral surface; while others resemble the human nail, face preventing all motion in the opposite directio. only renewed periodically, but they are readily re-in having the distal extremity free. It is owing to this state of the surface of hairs, that produced, if accidentally destroyed. woollen cloth, however soft and pliable, excites a disagreeable sensation of the skin in those not ac customed to wear it. It likewise irritates sores by these asperities, and excites inflammation. The surface of linen cloth, on the other hand, feels smooth, because the fibres of which it consists possess none of those inequalities of surface by which hairs are characterized. If a quantity of wool be spread upon a table, covered with a woollen cloth, and pressed down in different directions, it is obvious that each hair will begin to move in the direction of its root, as if it had been rubbed between the fingers. The different hairs, thus moving in every direction, become interwoven with each other, and unite in a continuous mass. This is the felt with which hats are made. Curled hairs entwine themselves with one another more closely than those which are straight, though Hair is the most permanent of all the substances consisting of animal matter, resisting putrefaction for a great length of time. Their use, in animal economy, is to protect the soft parts from being injured by pressure against hard bodies. They are in general wanting, where the parts are in no danger of suffering from the influence of such agents. When torn off from the base, they are seldom completely renewed, although very remarkable exertions are frequently made by the system to repair the loss. Shells consist of layers of an earthly salt, with inHorns take their rise in the same situation as terposed membranes of animal matter, resembling hairs or feathers. They may be regarded as hairs coagulated albumen. They grow by the addition agglutinated, and forming a hollow cone: the fibrous of layers of new matter to the edges and internal structure of horn may be perceived in many ani- surface. When broken, the animal can cement the mals at the base, where it unites with the skin. At edges and fill up the crack, or supply the deficienthis part it receives the additions to its growth, the cy when a portion is abstracted. apex of the cone being pushed out in proportion as The earthy matter of shells is lime, in union with the increase takes place at the root, and on the in-carbonic acid. Phosphate of lime has likewise ner surface. But horns differ remarkably from hair. been detected, but in small quantity. The colour in having their central cavity filled by a projection is secreted from the animal, along with the matter of bone, or other solid substance from the body be- of the shell. neath. The different markings of the horns, particularly the transverse ridges, are indications of the different layers of growth; and in many cases the number of these ridges corresponds with the years of life. The colour of the horn is, in general, distributed through the mass; sometimes, however, it is collect Crusts are, in general, more brittle in their texture than shell. They exhibit remarkable differences as to thickness and composition. They differ from shells chiefly in containing a considerable portion of phosphate of lime, and in a greater subdivision of parts. In some cases, however, as the crusts of the bodies of insects, the earthy matter is al most absent, and they may be regarded as formed aess? How are the articles just enumerated, seve- The secretions of the skin are of three kinds, one class performing the office of lubricating the skin; another of regulating the temperature of the body; and a third of carrying off the superfluous carbon. Unciuous secretions are confined to animals which have warm blood, and the cells of the cellular web filled with fat, mammalia and birds. Viscous secretions. In the animals with cold blood, secretions are produced by the skin, of substances differing in quality from those of warm-blooded animals; but destined to serve the same purposes, namely, to protect the skin from the action of the surrounding element. Sweat, in ordinary cases, exudes from the skin in a state of vapour; and when condensed, consists of water with a small portion of acetic acid and common salt. This secretion is considered as intended to regulate the degree of animal heat, and prevent its accumulation beyond certain limits. Would persons engaged largely in the brewing business to the north, purchase barley of southern growth, in the markets of Savannah, Augusta, or Macon, in Georgia, or Charleston, S. C., and what price could the farmer reasonably expect to receive in those markets? Is it practicable, profitably to establish extensive breweries in the states as far south as Georgia? If so, why is it that capitalists have never turned their attention to the business in those states? Could a Georgia farmer find a ready and convenient market for the seed of the Palma Christi, and what price could he anticipate per bushel for the (From the Richmond Enquirer.) To the Author of the Address to the Tobacco Planters. article? Yours, SALE OF RAMS. Carbon is also emitted by the skin, and appears Sale at Brighton, on Friday, August 24, at three to be in effect a secondary kind of respiration; but o'clock. P. M. Terms cash-Coolidge, Poor & Head, the discovery is but recent. (See Ellis on the Germi-auctioneers. nation of Seeds and Respiration of Animals, 1807 and 1811.) Absorption. There are several circumstances which prove, that the skin of the human body, in particular states, is capable of exerting an absorbing power. Whether the absorption takes place by peculiar vessels, or by the exhaling vessels having their motions reversed, or whether absorption ever takes place in the state of health, are questions to which no satisfactory answer has been given. [Loudon's Enc. of Agric. (To be continued.) INQUIRY. STONE AND LIVE FENCE-BARLEY, PALMA CHRISTI. Through the medium of the Farmer permit me to tender my thanks to your correspondents (one anonymous, in the 5th, the other under the signature of P. in the 52d number of the 8th vol. of the American Farmer, in answer to certain inqui ries of mine inserted in page 380 of the same vo lume,) for their polite attention, and to inform them that as soon as practicable their kind instructions shall be put to the test. Again I beg to be indulg ed in further inquisitiveness. What quantity of stone fence could a sort of halfmason (for I presume it would not require a first rate mechanic,) make per day. the stone being furnished convenient to the spot where the fence is to be built? Also, the necessary shape and dimensions of such a fence? Wishing to enclose a garden by a live-fence, I would be peculiarly gratified in receiving information on the following points: What is the most convenient size for a small family in the country? What is the best material in the southern states for such an enclosure? What are the merits of the wild crab apple, the little wild thorn, the parsley haw, the holly, and more especially the Cherokee rose, regard being bad to early maturity and permanency, as well as impenetrable PEN NO. 1. PEN NO. 4. No. 1, age 1 year $24 100, 1 year $24 8 33 3 10 11 3 4. After cutting early in the season, how many days should intervene, before the tobacco is sufficiently yellow for the first firing? 5. After the first firing shall commence, and it shall be continued for some days, say six, eight, or ten days, will any injury arise to the tobacco by putting out the fires late at night and rekindling them in the morning? What kind of wood is preferable, and whether green or seasoned? 6. If cutting ripe enough and pursuing the above means will be certain to secure to the tobacco the saleable colour; that is to say, the fat lightwood colour, or any other colour in demand? 7. If there be any other means of curing tobacco with the most desired colours, be pleased to state them APPOMATTOX PLANTER. 1st. Sunning the tobacco is very necessary after cutting, but it should not be kept in the field any longer than to kill and make it sufficiently limber for removal to hang on sticks, upon a scaffold at the tobacco house; where it should hang in open airy order, at first letting in the sun well upon the stalks. In this way the butt-end of the stalks, and big ends of the leaves and stems will get a great deal of the sun's heat, which they require in curing. And as fast as the leaves contract and draw up from heat, and in drying, the plants should be moved up nearer to each other, in closer and closer order, to prevent the lower parts of the leaves from being exposed to the sun. It would be a great advantage to split the stalks, as it facilitates the curing very much. They should be split from the top down within two or three inches of the cutting point. The plants thus split should straddle the sticks, and the sticks should range north and south, so that the morning's sun will shine on one side of the stalks and the even. 2d. The firing should be in close houses; the closer the better. And the more windows, in reason, the better, all with tight shutters, to shut out the damp in long wet spells, and let it in when wanted to bring the tobacco in order. No tobacco can be finally well cured without coming and going frequently. HORTICULTURE. SILK TRADE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 12.952 pieces Taffetas and other Silks. In copying to-day an interesting article on the Together with a few other articles; amongst which subject of silk manufactures of Great Britain, pre-were 106 Turbans of Caps, paying a duty of 1.79 pared by the Editor of the Boston Patriot, from a 10s; 118 Bonnets, l.147 10s; 47 Dresses, .106. The late number of the Edinburgh Review, we have, duty received on the whole, for the six months, for the purpose of showing how small a proportion amounted to l.146,660 15s 3d. of the quantity manufactured, leaves the country, The exports of British manufactured silks for accompanied it with the following statement of the the two years, amounted in valuesilk trade of Great Britain, which we have abstractOf Silk only. Silk mixed with other mat❜ls. ed from an official report on that subject, laid before 1825, 1.57.483 5 8 93.332 3 4 the House of Commons on the 2d of May last, by 1826, 1.53,046 48 63,601 19 4 the Inspector-General of Imports and Exports. It embraces the years 1825 and 1826, and gives a full view of the trade with the exception of foreign manufactured silks. You cannot have any command of your tobacco Raw and Waste, as regards weather, without close, tight houses-Thrown, which are of very great importance. 3d. Five fires, dispersed, are enough for a room twenty feet square; and they should not be large, but burn free, steady and gradual, and would be the better of never going entirely out, if you intend curing by this destructive mode. But why make fires in the house at all? As smoke is now so very objectionable, why not do the little firing that may be necessary in very long wet or damp spells, to prevent mould, mildews, &c. in the manner that plank is steamed and dried at saw mills; by stoves, or running a ditch or two through the house, and cover with flat slabs of rock, or arch over with brick, and make the fire at one end, out of doors, and the heat and smoke will pass through, and give heat enough in a close house, with the windows all shut, to prevent mould, mildew, &c. In 1826, 1.110,529 10 4 146,934 2 8 Total. 150,815 9 106,648 4 257,463 13 The total quantity and the official value of the Mixed. 24,395 In 1825. Pieces, 2.646 Duties. 138,050 10 11 769,604 204,383 00 7 lbs. 3,883,050 1. 242,433 11 6 Shawls, Dresses, 4th. Those who cure without firing, or with as little as possible, let it remain after it turns yellow, antil the stalks and stems get dry, as well as the leaves, in the open air and sun, if the weather permits, or in the house, by the aid of fire, if necessary. But if the stalks, stems, and leaves get dry before the leaves get sufficiently yellow, let it hang until it becomes very high indeed from wet or damp Cape of Good weather, and bulk it in this damp, soft, high order, in very large bulks, in a very close room, and cover well with straw, &c. with heavy weights on the top, and let it remain till it gets warm; examine it every three to four hours, night and day, and so soon as it yellows sufficiently, hang it up in the house if the weather be wet or very damp, and fire it, moderately and gradually until dry. 5th. This inquiry has been answered, except as to the wood. The best kinds of wood are those which make the most heat and weakest smoke. The kinds best for smoking bacon, are the worst for firing tobacco, since the smoke flavour has become objectionable. 6th. This question is not sufficiently refined to enable me to give an answer. 7th. I know of but two methods of the curing of the desired colours, viz: The quick curing by fire; and by bulking in high order, until it yellows, as has been explained. Wishing that these answers may be satisfactory, I conclude, Your friend, Total to the U. States, 1825, 50,966 4 Stockings, doz. pairs 569 Total value export, L.150,815 9 In 1826. Silk only. Mixed. Pieces, 471 Total. lbs. 9,939 10,399 Yards, 15,035 Pounds, 523 87 15,488 15,894 5,338 15 82 13,300 7,507! 402 6,127 2,832,586 6,929 5,600,456 581,947 402 6,127 2,832,386 6,929 Total to the U. States, 1826, 21,415 9 Total value exported,. 1.106,648 4 The estimated value of silks annually manufactured in Great Britain, is 10,000,000l.; while the va lue of these manufactures exported in two years, is stated at less than 260,000l. The exports of British manufactured silks in 1826, amounts to but about two-thirds of that of 1825; and the amount exported to the United States in 1826, is but twofifths of the amount exported to this country in 944,271 6,544,727 The total value of manufactured silks exported in the two years, is 1.257,463 13s. The amount of 450,152 00 4274,674 17 8 324,826 18 0 duty paid on unmanufactured silks imported during this period, was 1.324,826 13s.; and the duties on the imports of foreign manufactured silks for six months of 1826, amounted to nearly 1.150,000. [National Journal. Quantity exported during the same period. Raw & Waste. In 1825, 129,051 1826, 257,254 386,305 Thrown. 24,554 22,258 46,812 Total. 153,605 279,512 Leaving in the country, of the two years' impor-J. S. SKINNER, Esq. tation of unmanufactured silk, 6,111,610 lbs. Dear Sir,-So many developements have recentOf the importation of manufactured silks, wely taken place with regard to the vegetable kinghave an account only for the last six months of 1826. It amounts to 161,521 ps. Bandannoes and other handkerchiefs. 4,083 pieces Crape. 65,699 Crape Shawls, Scarfs and Dresses. [Of dom, that I propose, occasionally to enumerate some of these anomalies in nature. By reference to "Loudon's Gardener's Magazine," you will perceive it there stated, that inoculation has so far succeeded as to have made the rose flourish for a considerable period on the oak. Rosa centifolia, bicolor, lutea, semperflorens and alba, were budded on young oaks-the semperflorens bloomed the same yearthe others grew, but produced no flowers. In ano ther publication it is stated that, at the Royal Garthat I accord with that gentleman in his opinion, selves, very much in proportion as we lead them to den at Monza, near Milan, the rose has been made that those recently received from Chili, are of the do so; we must manifest our confidence in them, if to succeed on the orange. It is necessary, how-genuine species, solanum tuberosum, cultivated to so we would render them worthy of it. Where can ever, to remark, that in this cross inoculation of ge-great an extent in our gardens; more especially as I we find a being more helpless, more unable to connera so distinct from each other-the success is not have them now under cultivation, and their growth trive for himself; to guard against danger, or to esof permanent continuance; and the rose can seldom and foliage are the same. The species received cape from it when it comes upon him, than a child be made to endure a course of culture so foreign to from the Island of St. Lorenzo, is totally distinct, who has been brought up by his mother's or his its nature, longer than the second year. having but one eye. For these two species, I am in nurse's side, looking to her for every enjoyment; On the score of impregnation, I have a curious common, with many others in our country, indebted and feeling his safety to be wholly dependent on circumstance to relate. Immediately beneath a to the liberality of that distinguished philanthropist, her care? On the other hand, it may excite surpine and a cypress tree in my garden, there grows a whose communication I have referred to. The Hor-prise to observe how much good sense and self-possmall cluster of our native red plum, (prunus ameri-ticultural Society of London, also acknowledges the session children will display, when early accustomed cana)-for several years I have regarded these reception of them from the same individual. But to depend upon themselves. This object, like every plum trees as producing only abortive fruits, of an what is deserving of particular notice is, that I have other connected with education, is not to be attained oblong or finger shape, small in diameter, and with- received a third species from the province of Texas, by great efforts, but gradually, and by gentle meaout pits. On examining them, I found them of a very distinct from the two former, from which I in-sures. We are not to impose upon children that spongy nature. Such have been the regular profer that numerous species of the solanum with tu- which is beyond their strength or skill; but we may ductions of these trees for several years, except of berous roots exist in that part of North America, lead them to take pleasure in accomplishing their one branch, which is not overhung by the pine and south of Louisiana, as well as in various parts of objects without assistance; to feel it a point of cypress; and which has generally produced a few South America. The three species are now flour-honour to pursue them, notwithstanding some diffiperfect fruits. Careful examination has brought me ishing in my garden, where experiments will be culties; to extricate themselves, to submit to trou to the necessary conclusion, that it is the impregna- made on their esculent qualities. ble, and to surmount obstacles. tion of the flowers of the plum by the pollen of the Yours, &c. WM. PRINCE. overhanging trees, and the connexion thereby of genera so foreign in their character that has render ed the fruit abortive, or rather a monstrosity. I have noticed and made records of a great many other remarkable circumstances attendant on my culture of fruits for the last half century, and shall give them to the public as my convenience may enaYours, &c. WM. PRINCE. ble me. HULINGS' SUPERB. Linnæan Botanic Garden, near New York, J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. August 28th, 1827. Dear Sir, I have cultivated for three years a DEAR SIR, CAULIFLOWERS. Paterson, N. J., August 26, 1827. Instead of cutting the whole head of a cauliflower, leave a part on, the size of a gooseberry, and on the leaves second, and even third heads will be formed: and thus they may be eaten for two or three months, when a present, by cutting the head completely off, the bed of cauliflowers is gone in two or three weeks. GERMINATING PRINCIPLE OF SEEDS. In 1762, melon seeds were found in the cabinet new seedling plum, of remarkable size, which I have of Lord Mortimer, which were collected in 1660. called "Hulings' superb," in honour of the gentle. On being sown, they produced excellent melons. man who presented it to me, Doctor Wm. E. Hulings, a distinguished horticulturist of Pennsylvania. And as I wish the origin of this plum to be known and perpetuated, I will give you the remarks relative thereto contained in his letter to me of October 19, LADIES' DEPARTMENT. As it is by the "neglect of beginnings" that bad habits are contracted, we should not overlook even those minor occurrences of life, which early afford opportunities for inculcating a spirit of independence; for example: a little child runs to the door, impatiently turns and twists the handle, but cannot open it; the nurse springs up and does it for him. But it would have been better had she kindly encouraged him to exert his own skill, and, with the aid of her instructions, to effect his purpose. He may by degrees take care of, and put away his own play-things, dress himself, &c.; but in urging him to these little efforts, care will be required that we do not carry it so far, as to make them too serious a age, let him in his walks climb the gate and hedge business, or to try his temper. As he advances in alone; attend to his own garden; saddle his own poney; and as far as he is able, find amusements for himself in his play-hours. When it can be done with safety, he may, occasionally, be entrusted with the care of a younger brother or sister. This has a tendency to endear children to each other, the elder tection, whilst the younger looks up to his brother for help and defence. By cultivating these sentiments, we may check the oppression, teasing, and, consequently, disputes so common between the elder and younger children of a family. 1825. The origin of the large plum, which you (From Hints for Improvement of Early Education and feels the younger to be under his particular pro Nursery Discipline.) have called mine, (and which honour I have no pretension to) is as follows:-A man living in Roxbury, a few miles from Germantown, planted a number of Connected with that strength of character, the plum stones, and after they had grown to some size, cultivation of which has been recommended, is inhe threw part of them out of his garden, just as an dependence. It will be of great advantage to chilinhabitant of Germantown was passing by, who dren if they are early induced to put forth their It is not unfrequently the case that mothers and picked one up, took it home with him, and planted powe s; to resort first to the resources within them- nurses are pleased by the unqualified dependence of it. Wm. Keyser, of the same place, had grafts selves; and as far as possible, to obtain their objects of those under their care; and, for self-gratification, from that seedling, and I had my grafts from him, by their own exertions. Such an exercise strength-encourage it, at the expense of their children. with the account of it-and called it (not at the ens the faculties, and gradually prepares a child for They strive to retain their influence, and to secure time knowing the history) Keyser's big green. acting alone; whilst the habit of having every thing a selfish affection, by rendering their darlings helphave had a full ripe and delicious plum from my done for him, of depending upon others for all his less, and by fostering their babyish habits. But it is tree this season, weighing three ounces and seventy- enjoyments, enervates the mind, and has a tenden- to be remembered that general independence and eight grains, and measuring round six inches and cy to weaken the active powers. The "I can't," vigour of character are perfectly compatible with seven tenths." Such is the history of this plum, with which children are apt to reply to the com- the dependence of affection. This, indeed, is an obwhich I consider as the largest of the green or mands given to them is rarely to be admitted. "ject of first-rate importance, and must necessarily white plums known. The Washington plum has, it can't" is too often brought forward merely as an ex- nection between a mother and her children; it must spring out of that tenderest connection-the con is true, weighed 3 ounces-but the fruit was ga-cuse for indolence, or an apology for disobedience. be the result of those innumerable kindnesses, of thered from a full grown tree; I therefore consi Our pupils must learn that success depends upon that flow of love and sympathy, which an affectionder that under the same circumstances the Hulings' resolute exertion; and that, under certain limitations, superb will be the largest. Both are of superior it is a truth that man can do what he chooses to do ate and judicious mother cannot but uniformly disflavour, being, probably, descendants of the gage. This conviction, adopted as a practical principle, the aid of a morbid dependence to retain her influplay toward her children. Such a mother needs not I find it a tree of strong growth, and have now se- will be powerful in its effects; and will materially ence, she has no occasion to nurture the infirmities veral hundreds in a very flourishing state in my nur- contribute to improve the capacities, and augment of her children, that she may strengthen their affecYours, &c. the usefulness of any character. Children will act tion. It is to be desired that children should poswith prudence, will employ and take care of themsess the greatest tenderness toward a mother, an enjoyment and delight in her society, a reverence for her opinions, and submission to her authority, Linnaan Botanic Garden, near New York, combined with power to act alone, and to pursue August 30th, 1827. various undertakings, answered, 'My rule is deliberateDear Sir,-Having perused the letter of they to consider before I commence, whether the thing be their independent objects with vigour and pleasure; practicable. If it be not practicable, I do not attempt for it is necessary to all, but more especially to boys, learned Professor Mitchell, of New York, to N. Hit-if it be practicable, I can accomplish it, if I give suf- that they should mingle strength with affection; that Carter, Esq. on the subject of two species of pota ficient pains to it-and having begun, I never stop till they should be manly as well as tender, and be train toes received from South America; I have to state, the thing is done. To this rule I owe all my success.""ed to help, as well as to be helped. series. WM. PRINCE. SOLANUM TUBEROSUM. J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. "Dr. Hunter, the celebrated surgeon, being asked by what methods he had contrived to succeed in all his |