sive experiment that he made, for the fifth time, on ITEMS FROM LATE ENGLISH Papers. (From the New York Gazette of Saturday.) out exertions on the part of individual members. Further exertions are requisite to insure a continuance of these benefits, and keep alive the spirit At a late hour last night we received by the ship already excited. The interests of these exhibi-United States, Captain Wilson, Liverpool papers tions must be sustained-they must be made ex-to the 15th, and London to the 14th, inclusive. tensive and worthy of the county, or the associa- The most important intelligence is the DEATH OF tion itself will be of little advantage. We hope, MR. CANNING, which event took place on the 8th of therefore the zeal which has been manifested on August, and is announced in the Liverpool Adverformer anniversaries, will again animate our far-tiser of the 14th. mers at the approaching Fair, and that all will cheer- LORD GODERICH had been fixed upon as the new COTTON IMPROPER FOR WOUNDS. fully subject themselves to the little trouble which Prime Minister; which appointment would give an The real cause of the ill effects of cotton when must necessarily be incurred in the contributing assurance that the cabinet would not undergo any applied in the dressing of wounds is to be seen in something to the exhibition. Probably there is material change. its formation. On viewing the fibres of cotton in scarcely an industrious, enterprizing farmer in the the microscope, and under considerable magnifying county, who has not something on his farm worthy powers, it will be found that each fibre is flat, like to be brought forward on such an occasion;a ribbon, with sharp edges, which no doubt act in some animal remarkable for its form, strength, beaulacerating instead of healing wounds.-The fibres ty or usefulness-some improved implement of of flax or linen, on the contrary, when viewed in husbandry-some rare production of his fields, or the microscope under similar circumstances, and honourable specimen of the industry of his family especially when the flax has been dressed in the let it not be withheld; it will gratify a rational best manner, present the appearance of polished curiosity; it may diffuse important information; telegraphic communication, ten hours after it took cylinders beautifully transparent. Hence the supe- not unlikely be attended with personal advantage place. riority of linen will be self-evident. And it shows to the owner, and at any rate will aid in promoting that the microscope will frequently afford an uner-the great object for which the society was estab ring test of the real causes of the good or ill lished. properties of substances, when improperly applied, in their examination. THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1827. It is much to be desired that the exhibition on the Mr. Canning's funeral was to take place on the 16th, in Westminster Abbey, and be strictly private. The London Sun says, that the King's choice of Lord Goderich, as his first minister, has given great and general satisfaction. Mr. Huskisson is spoken of for the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. Canning's death was known in Paris, by BALTIMORE PRICES.CURRENT. Reported for the American Farmer, by Lewis Sutton & Co. TOBACCO Continues in good demand for Maryland, at fair prices; many small sales have been made this week according to qualities, from $3.75 to 5.50 for common and good red. We sold some from St. Mary's the other day at $4.50 a 5.50. Ohio plenty, and dull sale; Kentucky also is heavy sale. Maryland is brisk; considerable shipping off this week. Seconds, as in quality, $3.50 a 6.00-common crop, THE NEXT MARYLAND CATTLE SHOW, 23d and A valuable and handsome octavo volume, en-3.50 a 4. 0-Do. red, 4.50 a 4.75-good red, 5.00 a 6.00 24th of next month (October)-The following re- titled "HINTS FOR AMERICAN HUSBANDMEN," has fine red, 7.00 a 8.00-Yellow and red, 7.00 a 10.00marks are so exactly adapted to our purpose, as to just been issued by order of the Directors of the Yellow, 6.50 a 16.00-Fine Yellow, 15.00 a 20.00-Virleave us without inducement to attempt what could Pennsylvania Agricultural Society. It consists ginia fine, 6.00 a 8.00-Rappahannock, (none)-Kennot be better said. We sincerely hope that every chiefly of communications, of a practical nature, to lucky, fine, 3.50 a 6.00--do. wrapping, 7.00 a 8 60. farmer will take them at heart, and apply them, and that society; and its worth is enhanced by some Susq. 4.25-super white family, 6 00-CORN MEAL, per FLOUR-Superfine, $5.00 a 5.124-city mills, 4.75act under their influence, in reference to the next very neat and appropriate engravings. We scarce cwt. 1.50-GRAIN, white wheat, 1 00 a 1.05-best red do. Maryland Cattle Show, to be held on the 23d and ly need to mention, that a considerable and estima- .80 a .90-ordinary, .60 a 80--CORN, .44 a .50-RYE, 24th of next month! We take leave to repeat ble portion of its contents is from the pen of JOHN 40 a .50-OATS, 20 a 25-BEANS, 1.25-PEAS, .50— the invitation to publish in the American Farmer, HARE POWEL, Esq. of our city; who, we presume, CLOVER seed, 3.50 a 4.00-TIMOTHY 3.00-BARLEY, .70 without charge, whatever any one may wish to sell has edited he work, and to whom American agria.75-FLAXSEED, .65 a 75-COTTON, Virginia, 81 a.101 or to buy on that occasion; such a notice will be culture, in the most comprehensive sense, is so -North Carolina, .9 a .10-Louisiana, .114 a. 13-Misuseful to both parties. Let every one unite to make largely indebted. His intelligence, zeal and sucsouri, .10 a .il-WooL, washed, .18 a .22-unwashed, the exhibition worthy of the publick expectation. cess in the various departments of husbandry, must quarter do. .28 a .30-full blood, .30 a .35-FISH, Hler.16-crossed blood, .22 a 24-half do. .24 a .26-threeOn that occasion, at least, let us forget all party secure for him the regard and gratitude, not only rings, 2.50 a 2.75-Shad, 6.00 a 7.00-Mackerel, 3.75 a contentions, and dedicate a single day to the pro- of actual farmers,.but of all patriotic citizens who 5.00 a 5.50-BACON, Balt. hams, .9 a 10-middlings, motion of agriculture-that universal and bountiful, understand the publick usefulness of agricultural 7 a .74-hog around, .7-WHISKEY, 26 a 28-Feabut too often neglected and abused mother, that pursuits. The main topics treated of in this vo- thers, 28-Beef, on the hoof, 4.50 a 5.00-hogs, do. 4.00 gives life and sustenance to all other interests. lume are, Neat Cattle; Sheep; Crops and Manures; a 4.50-Lambs, .1 a .2-Veal, . a .3-Chickens, per When she is oppressed or disregarded, what other Substitutes for Hay; Grass Lands; Art of Breed-doz. 1.25 a 2.00-Butter, 25 a .314—second, .15 a .20. pursuit is it, that will not, sooner or later, languish ing; and Root Crops. We have marked a few of CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. or decay? the papers, for the purpose of copying them hereafter into our first page, if we should find the op- Hay; Indian Corn sown broadcast on fallows; Value of Notices on Crops and Manures, On Substitutes for portunity of so doing: they would be interesting to Millet as long Fodder; European Practices in Manures The season for the annual Cattle Show and Fair all general readers. The whole will, no doubt, be and Composts inapplicable in America, by John Hare of our Agricultural Society is at hand, and we ere long in the hands of most of the American Powel, Esq.-Zoology, on the Study of the Animal King doubt not the farmers of our county are making country gentlemen. Some of the original commu-dom, with reference to Agriculture, continued-Inte suitable preparations for doing justice to the oc-nications are from England; others from different resting Letter from Liverpool on the Trade in Cotton, casion. With others, we have derived much gra States of our Union. [Nat. Gaz. &c.-Agricultural Meeting at Lancaster, Pa.--Food for tification from witnessing the zeal and enterprise Horses-Agricultural Premiums in Ohio-Cure for Wen which have hitherto so well sustained the interest in Cattle-Queries on the Culture of Hemp-Letters of these exhibitions; and we have regarded the QUICK TRAVELLING.-The Boston Patriot from William Prince, Washington Plum, Fruit Trees, continuance of such a spirit, after the novelty of states that a passenger who arrived there on Satur- Prince's Catalogues-Cultivation of Silk-New York the occasion had ceased, as furnishing an honour-day evening in the southern stage, left Baltimore Horticultural Society-Letter from Amphicon on Civil able comment on the utility of the society, and af- the Wednesday evening preceding, having been but Engineering-Influence of Diet on the Intellectual Fafording the most cheering evidence that the ob- three days on the passage; ten hours of which he culties-Races of the Maryland Association for the Imject contemplated in its institution, had to some ex- passed in Philadelphia and New York, and lodged provement of the Breed of Horses-Comparative me rits of Flint and Percussion Guns-Pedigrees of valuatent been realized; the attention of agriculturists is one night in New Brunswick. The distance nearly ble Horses, Trimmer, Chatham, Brilliant, Atlas, Steraroused to the importance of improvements in their ling, and Badger-Important Invention for Extracting department of industry; and a spirit of inquiry, [A few weeks since the Editor of this paper left Poisons-Cotton improper for Wounds-Editorial, Maenterprise, and laudable competition excited, cal- Philadelphia at 5 A. M. and came to Baltimore-aryland Cattle Show, Hartford Cattle Show, Items from culated to elevate the character of the profession, distance of 125 miles in 12 hours; wrote (and might late English Papers-Prices Current. as well as augment the wealth and resources of have gone,) back by the steam boat at 5 F. M. of the county. Such, as we fully believe, have been same day, a letter, which reached Philadelphia at 8 some of the benefits which have resulted from this A. M. next day-making 250 miles in twenty-seven association; but they have not been produced with- hours.] HARTFORD CATTLE SHOW. 500 miles. 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. 27.-VOL. 9. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, SEPTEMBER 21, 1827. AGRICULTURE. ZOOLOGY. OF THE STUDY OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM WITH RE- The muscular motions of animals are standing, walking, leaping, flying, and swimming. 209 served to leap. Many of the spiders and insects The ordinary shape of sleep is likewise exceeding Structure of the Nervous System. In standing it is necessary that the parts of the body be so disposed, as that the centre of gravity Serpents are said to leap, by folding their bodies The nervous system, by containing the organs of of the whole body fall within the space which they into several undulations, which they unbend all at sensation and volition, is that which distinguishes occupy, and that the muscles have sufficient power once, according as they wish to give more or less animal from vegetable beings. It consists, in the to counteract those movements which might dis-velocity to their motion. The jumping maggot. vertebral animals, of the brain, the spinal marrow, place the body from that position. It is obvious found in cheese, erects itself upon its anus, then and the nerves. that the more numerous the limbs, and the more forms its body into a circle, bringing its head to the The brain, exclusive of its integuments, appears equally they are distributed on the inferior side of tail; and, having contracted every part as much as in the form of a soft, compressible, slightly viscous the body, the more securely will the centre of gra: possible, unbends with a sudden jerk, and darts mass. The spinal marrow originates with the brain, vity be retained within the space which these feet forward to a surprising distance. Many crabs and and consists of four cords united in one body. The include. poduræ bend their tail, or hairs which supply its nerves, also, originate in the brain or spinal marWalking is defined by Cuvier, to be a motion on place under their belly, and then suddenly unbend-row. Some of them appear to have a simple oria fixed surface, in which the centre of gravity is ing, give to the body a considerable degree of pro-gin; but in general, several filaments, from different alternately moved by one part of the extremities.gressive motion. parts of the brain or spinal marrow, unite to form and sustained by the other, the body never being at Flying Flying is the continued suspension and the trunk of a nerve. This trunk again subdivides any time completely suspended over the ground. It progress of the whole body in the air, by the action in various ways; but the ramifications do not always is produced by the alternate flexion and extension of the wings. In leaping, the body is equally sus-exhibit a proportional decrease of size. It frequentof the limbs, aided by the motions of the trunk, ad-pended in the air, but the suspension is only mo-ly happens, that the branches of the same or of difvancing the position of the centre of gravity in the mentary. In flying, on the contrary, the body re-ferent nerves unite and separate repeatedly within a intended direction. mains in the air, and acquires a progressive motion small space, forming a kind of net-work, to which In animals with many feet, as the myriapoda, by repeated strokes of the wings on the surrounding the name plexus has been applied. Sometimes filawalking is performed by so uniform a motion, that fluid. The centre of gravity of the bodies of flying ments pass from one nerve to another; and, at the the body may be said to glide along the surface. animals, is always below the insertion of the wings, junction, there is usually an enlargement of medulIn animals with four feet, "each step is executed to prevent them falling on their backs, but near that lary matter, termed a ganglion. Numerous filaby two legs only; one belonging to the fore pair, point on which the body is, during flight, as it were ments, from different nerves, often unite to form a and the other to the hind pair; but sometimes they suspended. The action of flying is performed by ganglion, from which proceed trunks frequently of are those of the same side, and sometimes those of animals belonging to different classes. Among the greater magnitude than the filaments which entered. the opposite side." (Cuvier's Comparative Anatomy, mammalia, bats display this faculty, by means of Thus nerves, very different in their origin, form lect. vii. a, 1.) The latter is that kind of motion in wings, formed of a thin membrane extending be-communications with one another; so that the whole horses, which grooms term a pace. The right fore tween the toes, which are long and spreading, the nervous system may be considered as a kind of netleg is advanced so as to sustain the body, which is fore and hind legs, and between the hind legs and thrown upon it by the left hind foot, and at the same the tail. In birds, the wings, which occupy the time the latter bends in order to its being moved place of the anterior extremities in the mammalia, forward. While they are off the ground, the right and are the organs of flight, consist of feathers, hind foot begins to extend itself, and the moment which are stronger than those on the body, and of they touch the ground, the left fore foot moves for greater length. Among reptiles, the flying lizard ward to support the impulse of the right foot, which may be mentioned, whose membranaceous wings, likewise moves forward. The body is thus support-projecting from each side of the body, without beed alternately by two legs placed in a diagonal man-ing connected with the legs, enable it to fly from ner. When the right fore foot moves in order to one tree to another in search of food. A few fishes sustain the body, pushed forward by the right hind foot, the motion is then called an ambe. The body, being alternately supported by two legs on the same side, is obliged to balance itself to the right and left, in order to avoid falling; and it is this balancing movement which renders the gait so soft and agreeable to women and persors in a weak state of body. (Cuvier's Comp. Anat let. vii.) are likewise capable of sustaining themselves for a work, between the different parts of which an intimate connection subsists. In consequence of this arrangement, it is often matter of very great difficulty to ascertain the origin of those filaments, which unite to constitute the trunk of a nerve. In some instances, they appear to arise from the surface of the brain or spinal marrow; in other cases, from the more central parts. The brain in the animals without vertebræ, is destitute of the protecting bony covering, which forms the head and back bone in the vertebral animals. The brain itself is much more simple in its structure. Independent of very remarkable differences in the structure of the nervous system in the different genera of invertebral animals, there may still be perceived two models, according to which, the organs belonging to it are arranged. In the first, the brain is situated upon the esophagus. It presents different forms, according to the species. It appears more like a ganglion, than the brain of the vertebral animals. It sends off several nerves to the Many animals move with ease in the water by means mouth, eyes, and feelers One on each side passes of repeated undulations of the body, as serpents, round the esophagus; these uniting below, form a eels, and leeches; or by varying the form of the ganglion; in some cases, larger than what is consibody by alternate contractile and expansive move-dered the true brain. From this ganglion, nerves ments, as the medusa. Swimming is the same kind of action in water, as flying is in air. The organs which are employed for this purpose, resemble the oars of a boat in their mode of action, and in general possess a conThe serpentine motion consists in bringing up the siderable extent of surface and freedom of motion. tail towards the head, by beading the body into one Swimming, however, is not confined to those anior more curves, then resting upon the tail, and ex-mals which are furnished with oars, or swimmers. tending the body, thus noving forwards, at each step, nearly the whole length of the body, or one or more of the curves into which it was formed. Among the mollusca, and many of the annulose animals, the same kind of motion is performed by alternate contractions and expansions, laterally and longitudinally of the whole body, or of those parts which are appropriated to progressive motion. A mode of moving analogous to walking, is per formed by animals who have suckers, and is exemplified in the leech, which at every step advances nearly the whole length of its body. In the action of leaping, the whole body rises from the ground; and for a short period is suspended in the air. It is produced by the sudden extension of the limbs, after they have undergone an unusual de gree of flexion. The extent of the leap depends on the form and size of the body, the length and strength of the limbs. The myriapoda are not obNo. 27.-VOL. 9. are likewise sent off to different parts of the body. In these different displays of voluntary motion, the The animals in which this nervous system prevails, muscles are only able to continue in exercise for a belong to the great division termed mollusca. In limited period, during which their irritability di- the second, the brain is situated as in the mollusca, minishes, and the further exertion of their powers sends out nerves to the surrounding parts, and likebecomes painful. When thus fatigued, animals en-wise one nerve on each side, which, by their union, deavour to place themselves in a condition for rest-form a ganglion, from which other nerves issue. ing, and fall into that state of temporary lethargy, This ganglion produces likewise a nervous cord, denominated sleep. which proceeds towards the extremity of the body, The positions assumed by animals during sleep, are forming throughout its length ganglia, from which extremely various. In the horse, they even differ ac- small nerves proceed; this cord, at its commencecording to circumstances. In the field he lies down,ment, is, in some cases, double for a short distance. in the stable he stands. Dogs and cats form their It has been compared to the medulla oblongata, and bodies into a circle, while birds place their heads spinal marrow of the vertebrai animals. This kind under their wings. of nervous system is peculiar to the annulose ani mals. There are usually ganglia on the nervous practice to theory, and am apprehensive M List (To be continued.) ON WHEAT TURNING TO CHEAT-ON 1827. MR. SKINNER, South Carolina, August 26, cheat. METHOD OF PRESERVING CREAM can state fully the systems (in effect) of Austria (the "Take 12 ounces of white sugar, and dissolve it in subject of Joseph the 2d's experiments) and all its water, over a moderate fire After the sugar is disresults, I do hope he will give us a display of them; solved, boil it for about two minutes in an earthen as well as of all those self-dependent governments in the same quarter, Bavaria, &c. &c. Judging vessel; after which, add immediately 12 ounces of from Du Serres, I should suppose the dominions of fresh cream, and mix the whole uniformly over the Austria to be the most self-dependent civilized countle and cork it carefully-keep it in a cool place, fire; then suffer it to cool; pour it into a quart bottry, except France, in the world. Hence, I hope, abandoning the disputes of Smith and Say, M. and it will continue fit for use for several weeks, List will tell us how "the Austrian system" resembles the "American system," of which he has become the advocate. AMPHICON. and even months." [Ibid. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL ECONOMY. "Unless for the improvement of agriculture and rural economy, several of the most useful and interesting branches of physical science, such as chem(Selected by David ap Owen, for the American Farmer.) istry, botany, mineralogy, zoology, would scarcely deserve to be cultivated." [New Farmer's Calendar, (Continued from page 179.) WHEN AND WHERE WAS BEER FIRST BREWED? "It was first brewed by the ancient Egyptians, before the Grecian conquest of Egypt. It was, therefore, natural for them to contrive to extract from their grain, since they had no vines, a fermentable, exhilirating and intoxicating liquor-a substitute for wine." [Phillips. TO DESTROY THE THISTLE. "It is frequently cut close above the ground, by Docks. "The importance of weeding, is such, both to the I will here take the liberty to say a word in confirmation of Mr. Robert H. Goldsborough's remarks, in No. 18, on the Hessian fly and rare ripe wheat, from his description of this wheat, I have no doubt but it is the same kind that is known here by the name of white May, or little white wheat, taking the former name from the circumstance of its ripening frequently in this climate in the month of May. Mr. Goldsborough's description of the rare ripe wheat answers, in every particular, to that of the white May wheat of this country, except that the May wheat is sometimes, though seldom, injured by "Salt and Alcohol appear to owe their property rust, and this difference, perhaps, may be owing to a of preserving animal and vegetable substances to difference in climate; I have tried this wheat three their attraction for water, by which they prevent years in succession, during which time it has never its decomposing action, and likewise to their exclubeen injured by the fly, whilst other wheat immedi-ding air. The use of ice in preserving animal sub ately along side of it, has been very much injured. stances is owing to its keeping their temperature [Davy. Your obt. servt. A. P. AUSTRIAN SYSTEM. MR. SKINNER, South Carolina, Sept. 5, 1827. SALT AND ALCOHOL. [Dossie. DRILLING. "It gratified us much to find Tull so honorably mentioned as the father of that practice (drilling.) Though we have perused Tull's work as often as it merits, we were not aware that he laboured under any pecuniary difficulties; and it is with regret we find that we must add his name to the illustrious caworld to their own detriment. talogue of those who have benefitted an ungrateful drill husbandry would have been recited in few Our own opinion of words. That considered simply as planting corn in lines, it is frivolous. With the assistance of band hoeing, something better; but on the original Tullian plan, with the full benefit of horse hoeing, the most important discovery since the time of Ceres and Triptolemus." [Review of the New Farmer's Calendar. HORTICULTURE. OPIUM. IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT. "The improvement of agriculture is ever a matter of the greatest consequence, as well to each particular country, as to mankind in general. It is pe-culty with which agriculturists are brought to turn [To make remarks upon the tardiness and difficuliarly important to us, as a commercial nation; the their attention and their labour to new objects of support of our trade depending on our manufac cultivation, would be to repeat what has been a tures; those manufactures on the rate of labour, and thousand times observed. the rate of labour, in a great degree, on the price difficulty, it may be said there are not many farIn explanation of the of the necessaries of life" mers wealthy enough to make experiments of doubtful issue; and those who can afford it, are not always men of the most enterprise and publick spirit. The mass of cultivators are living from hand to mouth, and feel themselves obliged to apply all their means to the production of some known staple, by means familiar to them, and from which they hope to derive a certain, if a bare present subsistence for their families. "Suficient for the day," think they, "is the evil thereof Hence it is, that some culture of grain, tobacco, coton, &c. is not employof the labour and time given to the unprofitable ed in the production of wine and silk, opium, woad, I know you do not wish to enter into the fields of (1800) wool bill, exceed 40 millions; of which, in- &c. &c., all admirably adapted to our soil and cli a view to its obtaining an insight into the practice controversy, but I hope you will insert this with and experience of true national policy. Marcel du Serres, in his Austrian work, expressly declares that the Emperor Joseph the 2d, commenced about 1782, a prohibitory and bounty system as to manufactures, which according to M. du Marcel du Serres had succeeded, and was flourishing in 1809. M. List, a German gentleman of talents, is, I see, writing letters to Mr. Ingersol of Philadelphia, which have found their way into the National Gazette, on the subject of the true principles of political econo my. I agree with him; but as like yourself, I prefer cluding three millions of lambs, about fifteen mil "Adams' apple is the fruit of the Citrus Decuma- turning the industry of our agricultural friends into to the latter; and according to Dr. Thomson, con- mon product of opium is 24 pounds to an acre, besome channel that would enable them to rid them-tains but one third the quantity of morphia, and a sides which the cultivator reaps about forty pounds selves of debt, to live in the enjoyment of solid larger proportion of narcotine, which renders it a of seeds. The preparation of the raw opium is uncomfort, and to educate their children and put them far less desirable article. Dr. Coxe, in his valuable der the immediate superintendance of the company's in the way of gaining a good name and doing ser- American Dispensatory, remarks, that one-eighth agent, who adopts the following method to prepare vice to their country. Let us exhort them to prac- the cakes is allowed for the enormous quantity of it. It consists in evaporating, by exposure to the tice, under all circumstances, economy and forti- leaves with which they are enveloped This opium sun, the watery particles, which are replaced by oil tude: and to cast about for new articles of cultiva-is little used in this country, and is seldom, if ever, of poppy seeds to prevent the drying of the resin. tion. Of our immensely extended country, let us to be found in the shops of our druggists. The opium is then formed into cakes, and covered ask-in what sort of soil is it deficient? What cli English opium is generally in smaller cakes, fre- with the petals of the poppy, and when sufficiently mate does it not embrace? Are we deficient in quently thin and flat, of a more permanent consis- dried, it is packed in chests with the fragments of skill? in enterprise? or in perseverance? On the tence, of a clear, smooth fracture, and is in a great the capsules, from which the poppy seeds have been method of procuring American opium, and its effi- measure destitute of leaves, stalks, and other impu-threshed out. It is said opium is sometimes vitiatcacy, we find in the Philadelphia Medical Museum, rities, which generally accompany the preceding ed with an extract from the leaves and stalks of the vol. ii. p. 428, the remarks at the close of this arti- varieties. It has the general character of being su- poppy, and with the gum of the mimosa. cle, in a letter to Dr. John Redman Coxe from Dr. perior in quality to the Turkey opium, which che- The cultivation of opium in England, if pursued Tobias Watkins-dated Havre de Grace, 16th De-mical analysis has determined. The quality of extensively, will influence the price of the article in cember, 1805.] opium differs materially; even that from the same our market. It has lately been cultivated more OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS ON OPIUM, country, climate and soil. This arises, no doubt, in successfully by a Mr. Young, than any other person many instances, from the manner in which it is pre-who has yet attempted its culture in Great Britain, By George W. Carpenter, of Philadelphia. pared and cultivated. It is frequently found in our and from which more flattering expectations are Opium-its varieties and appearance in commerce, market mixed with leaves, stalks, seeds, &c. and entertained of its success. Dr. Coxe, however, in &c. This important article, from its extensive use from the great proportion of these admixtures in his standard work, the American Dispensatory, obfulness in modifying and alleviating the most afflict some opium, it would lead to the conjecture that serves, it is apprehended that the climate of Great ing and painful diseases incident to human nature, the leaves were worked in when the opium was in a Britain will be an insuperable obstacle to its bemerits, perhaps, the most conspicuous place in the very soft and recent state, for the purpose of in- coming a profitable branch of agriculture. It has materia medica; and yet, from the frequent abuse creasing its weight and the degree of its consistence. been obtained in the United States, where this obby injudicious administration, and more particularly I have seen opium whose external characters pos-jection will not prevail. I think the southern states, from improper pharmaceutical preparations, pro-sessed all the features of superior quality, and when particularly the Carolinas and Georgia, are admiraduces many injuries and distressing consequences. broken, exposed a large proportion of the leaves bly adapted, from climate, soil, &c. for the cultivaIt is therefore an important inquiry to discover the and capsules of the poppy; which, although it does tion of the poppy; and this plant, if properly macauses of these inconveniences. For this end, I not alter the particular effects, must diminish the naged, would no doubt become a source of consihave made a series of experiments, and am happy activity of the opium in direct proportion to the derable profit to the cultivator, if not an immense to submit the result, in the following observations. quantity and weight of these extraneous and insolu- revenue to the states, and a most important addition Before, however, immediately entering upon the ble matters; and I have ascertained, by careful ex-to the productions of our country. pharmaceutical preparations, it may not perhaps, periments, that the quantity of soluble or extrac be improper to offer a very concise view of the native matter by the same menstrua and process, tural history and physical characters of this article, yielded by different parcels of opium, varied from as it occurs at the present day in our commerce. four and a half to five and six drachms in the ounce. Opium is the product of the Papaver Somniferum, The consumption of opium is almost incredible. and is the inspissated juice of the capsules of that In the year 1800, 46,808 pounds were consumed in plant. It has been improperly termed a gum, by Europe, and the quantity has been increased largemany authors, and the error prevails to the present ly every year since. In 1809, the revenue which day. It is a native of the southern parts of Asia; the Bengal government derived from the sale of it may, however, be raised in our gardens, and is opium, was 1.594,978; and the exports of opium now cultivated in England on an imposing scale, from Calcutta to China alone in 1811-12, amountand increasing for several years. It possesses the ed to 4,542,968 sicca rupees-1.567,871. The supsame properties as the Turkey or East India opi-ply of Calcutta for 1827, is rated as follows: um, and is more pure, containing a larger propor tion of soluble matter. The Turkey opium has hitherto possessed the best reputation and has been considered superior to any other. Dr. Thomson* informs us, that he obtained nearly three times more morphia from the Turkey opium, than was yielded by the same quantity of East India. I have treat- The supply for 1826 was 10,300 chests-making ed equal quantities of Turkey and English opium an increase of 3,400 chests in the last year. by the same process, and obtained twenty per cent. The speculating spirit in this article at Calcutta more morphia from the latter than the former; this is at present said to be in a depressed state, which would sanction a superiority in favour of the Eng-is attributed to the large supply, but is perhaps prolish, which I believe it possesses, and which I think duced still more by the scarcity of the circulating is to be attributed to the careful manner in which it medium. is prepared. The following are the prominent characters of the several varieties of opium, by which they may be easily distinguished. Bengal,. 6,570 chests. 4,000 1,500 1,000 13,700 chests. Although opium is prohibited by the Chinese government, yet about 2,000 chests are annually imported into Canton, the average sale price being about 1200 dollars per chest, making the amount Turkey opium is of a reddish brown colour, pos- annually expended by Canton for this drug, the sessing a strong narcotic odour, of a solid and com- enormous sum of $2,400,000. About 40,000 pounds pact consistence; when dry, has a shining and uni-are annually imported into London. form fracture of a dark brown colour, producing a In the provinces of Bahar and Benares, among reddish brown powder. The best kind is generally the most productive of the East Indies, the comin flat pieces. The opium raised in England, has been used for several years by physicians and surgeons, who pronounce it superior to the best Turkey and East Inpia opium. One thing is very certain; it is prepared with more care and attention, and is more free from leaves and other impurities. The fracture of English opium, when dry, is as smooth and uniform as that of liquorice. What I have seen has been put up in small flat cakes, and is of a good consistence. Opium is frequently put up in a soft state, and packed with a large proportion of leaves, to prevent the lumps from adhering together, these leaves, adhering to the sides, are gradually taken into the body of the opium, which, with those previously incorporated with it, constitute the impurities already described. [Silliman's Journal of Science and Arts. WHITE POPPY. Papaver somniferum of Linnæus. As this plant has found a place in almost every garden for the beauty of its flower, it will be needless to give any description, or make any remarks son of 1822, raised 143 lbs. of excellent opium from 11 Messrs. Cowley & Stains, of Wainslow, in the seaacres and 5 poles of land, for which they received a premium from the society instituted at London for the encouragement of arts, manufactures and commerce. A medal has been given by the society to J. W Jeston, Esq., surgeon, for an improvement in collecting the juice of the poppy, which consists in collecting it imallowing it to be inspissated on the capsule. The capmediately after it exudes from the capsules instead of sule is scarified with a sharp instrument guaged to a proper depth, when the juice is scraped off with a kind of funnel form scoop, fixed into the mouth of a vial; when one vial is filled, the scoop is removed to another, and the juice is evaporated in shallow pans; some varieties are much more productive than others. (See Transactions of the Society of Manufactures and Commerce, vol. 41.) East India opium is of thin consistence, some- * It is to chemistry that we are indebted for many imtimes almost like that of honey; when dry it is more portant facts in relation to opium, and for the knowfriable, its colour nearly black, and possesses less ledge of the nature of morphia, and narcotine, the two bitter and a more nauseous taste than the Turkey.gular fact, that principles of a directly opposite nature active principles of opium; thus disclosing a very sinIt has a strong empyreumatic odour, and not the exist in the same substance, and exercise individuallyciety for the encouragement of Arts for a specimen of Mr. Ball, in 1796, received a premium from the Sonarcotic heavy odour so sensible in the Turkey. It their particular effects on the constitution. This en- British opium little inferior to oriental. (Transactions is considerably cheaper but much inferior in strength tirely subverts several hypotheses which had been fram- of the Society of Arts, vol. 14, 260, 270.) ed to account for the modus operandi of this medicine. There appears to me to be no difference in the juice Hamilton's East India Gazetteer. of several other species of the poppy. *London Dispensatory. on its cultivation; I shall therefore only relate the method which I took to procure the juice, and some experiments on its strength and virtue. A day or two after the flowers had fully blown, with a sharp knife I made from three to five incisions, longitudi nally on the capsules or heads of the plant, at sunrise, taking care not to make the incision so deep as to wound the seed. The juice would continue to exude from these incisions until sun-set, when it was carefully collected on a clean glass and exposed to the next day's sun, by which time it would become sufficiently inspissated to form pills. In taste and smell it exactly resembles the common Turkey opium, but the colour is considerably darker. fore mentioned theory as to its cause,--as it is the flower is in the centre. I then press the apparatus It has also been noticed that these attacks are by far the most frequent during seasons of excessive rains, which by saturating the earth, cause a superabundance of sap to arise in the tree, and thereby produce an exuberance of growth in the branches. It seems singular, however, that while the trees in so many parts of the country are labouring under these attacks of blight, that in this vicinity we should have so few affected by it, for In a violent fit of the colic, in which I suffered in five years, numerous as is my collection, I have the most excruciating pain, I took one grain of the not had above two trees attacked by it. I must juice, (my usual dose of opium,) which produced mention one other circumstance, which may aid no effect; in twenty minutes I repeated the same others in their observations, which is, that the pear dose, and in less than fifteen minutes afterwards the called here, early green chisel, and in France the pain was entirely destroyed, and I felt somewhat citron and carmes or madeleine, is here more subdrowsy and stupid; my pulse, during this time, suf-ject to its attacks than any other, which I can only fered no variation; but I continued to experience account for from the reasons before deduced, viz. the effect of the opium for three hours; having no its extremely vigorous growth and superfluous quanreturn of pain during all that time. As this prov-tity of sap. ed to me that the poppy juice might be given, at least without any bad consequences, I felt no hesitation in trying it the next opportunity, which occurred a few days after, in a case of obstinate and troublesome diarrhoea in an adult. After the operation of a dose ol. ricin. I directed the patient to take one grain of the poppy juice every two hours, until the frequency of his motions should be abated: after the third dose, my patient fell into a profound sleep, which lasted uninterrupted, for five or six hours; when he awoke and continued perfectly free from his complaint. In a third case of violent tooth ache, one grain placed in the decayed tooth, procured relief in ten minutes. For six months past I have occasionally used it in those cases where opium was necessary, with precisely the same effects; the only difference I have experienced is, that the Turkey opium is about one-sixth stronger. Common rum extracts the whole virtue of the juice, leaving scarcely any residuum. [Coxe's Medical Museum. Having recently seen numerous publications on the subject of what is termed a "disease of the pear tree," I beg leave to refer you for a notice on that subject, to the treatise, page 123, attached to the 23d edition of my catalogue, published in 1825, where you will find the following remarks: "This tree (pear) is, however, subject to one malady peculiar to itself, commonly called the fire blight or brulere, which attacks trees in the most flourishing state, generally commencing at the top or extremity of the branches and extending downwards. This is caused by a single stroke of the sun, which extracts the sap from the uppermost branches of the tree, or from such as are most exposed to its influence, with more rapidity than it can be replaced, or from powerful rays of the sun, heating the bark to such a degree, as to arrest or nullify the progress of the sap." In my treatise of 1825 before referred to are MR. SKINNER, WM. PRINCE. TRANSPLANTING-ORANGE BOX. a I also send a model of an orange box. The advantage which these boxes have over the tub, or box, is, that you can with so little trouble take them to pieces, and examine the roots of the trees; remove old, and replace fresh mould; prune the roots, and see whether they are in a proper state as regards moisture, &c. The last particular I think very material to their health. The sides folding down, you can, as often as you may judge necessary, paint or pitch the inside of the boxes; which will, if properly attended to, make them last, if made of good wood, for twenty years. Another advantage they have over the common tub is, that you can take the trees out of one box and place them in another without breaking them to pieces; which you cannot do with the others, as they are made of strong framed posts, so joined together that it is impossible to take out your trees In taking this box to pieces, you have only to pull up the two iron bars, and gently pull out two of the sides, (a,) the remaining sides lift up. I generally fill up all the bottom of the boxes with broken bricks or tiles, for draining, so as to be level with the top of the bottom bar. Yours, wrth respect, R. W. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL. At this moment, when the season is at band for receiving subscriptions to the stock of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, we are pleased at being able to lay before our readers, a series of papers relative to that great object, so full of interest and information as we think our readers will find the essays of "Franklin," to be, the first of which we publish to day. We hear that the people in the interior of the states interested in the canal, begin to This opinion, then expressed, I do not give as rouse themselves, and that it is probable, when they being altogether original with myself, for several When the instrument is put together, it forms a become possessed of the information which the pubgentlemen with whom I have long been in inter cylinder, as (a,) and when separated, it consists of lication of these essays will furnish, that large indicourse, seemed to coincide in this opinion. I have two parts, (b,) which are joined together something vidual subscriptions will be made. The subscripnow further to state that I have remarked that it on the principle of a common door hinge. In using tions of the corporations of Washington city, Alexis generally those varieties which are most thrifty this instrument, it is best to have two of them: one andria, and Georgetown, will together be of themin their growths that are most frequently attacked; to take out the earth at the spot where you wish to selves to a sufficient amount to authorize the orgaand even that those branches, which have made insert the plant, and one to remove the flower with nization of the company. But every share subscribthe most vigorous shoots on any particular tree its ball of earth. The instrument may be made of ed by individuals, beyond that amount, will have are first subject to its effects. These circumstances any size. Mine is six inches long and six inches in the effect to expedite and give strength to the unwould seem to add greater strength to the be- diameter. In using it, it is so placed that the plant or dertaking. In this city, we already learn, there will |