No. 5.-VOL. 9. AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, APRIL 20, 1827. SCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE, Of the general principles of rearing, managing and feeding domestic Animals. 33 Food, though it must be supplied in abundance, tremes of weather. Cold rains and northerly winds ought not to be given to satiety. Intervals of rest-are highly injurious, by depriving the external suring and exercise must be allowed according to cir-face of the body of caloric more rapidly than it can cumstances. Even animals grazing on a rich pas-be supplied from within by respiration, and the acture have been found to feed faster when removed tion of the stomach; and also by contracting the from it once a day, and either folded or put in an pores of the skin, so as to impede circulation. When As the animals increase in size and strength, they inferior pasture for two or three hours. Stall-fed an animal happens to shed its covering, whether of should have abundance of air, exercise, and food, cattle and swine will have their flesh improved in hair, wool, or feathers, at such inclement seasons, according to their natures, and whatever is attempt- flavour by being turned out into a yard or field once the effects on its general health are highly injurious. ed by man in the way of taming or teaching, should a day; and many find that they feed better, and The excessive heats of summer, by expanding all be conducted on mild and conciliating principles, produce better flavoured meat when kept loose un-the parts of the animal frame, occasions a degree of rather than on those of harshness and compulsion. der warm sheds or hammels, one or two in a divi-1 ssitude, and want of energy even in the stomach Caresses, or familiar treatment, should generally sion, a practice now very general in Berwickshire. and intestines; and while the animal eats and digests be accompanied by small supplies of food, at least Coarser food may be first given to feeding animals; less food than usual, a greater waste than usual at first, as an inducement to render the animal sub and as they acquire flesh, that which is of more so- takes place by perspiration. Nature has provided missive to the; afterwards habit will, even in the lid and substantial quality. In general it may be trees, rocks, caverns, hills and waters, to moderate inferior creation, render the familiarities of man observed, that if the digestive powers of the animal these extremes of heat and weather, and man imiagreeable to them for their own sake; but even are in a sound state, the more food he eats, the tates them by hovels, sheds, and other buildings, acthen, to keep up this feeling, small portions of se-sooner will the desired result be obtained; a very cording to particular circumstances. lect food should frequently be employed as a re-moderate quantity beyond sufficiency constitutes Good air and water it may seem unnecessary to ward By contrasting this method with that of abundance; but by withholding this additional quan- insist on; but cattle and horses, and even poultry taming or teaching animals by fear or compulsion, tity, an animal, especially if young, may go on eat-pent up in close buildings, where there are no facithe advantages of the tormer mode will be evident.ing for several years, without ever attaining to fat-lities for a change of the atmosphere, often suffer on Interest is the grand mover of animals, as well as ness. Properly treated, a well fed ox, of moderate this account. A slight degree of fever is produced of man. In taning by fear, all the interest which size, will feed on a rich pasture in from four to six at first, and after a time, when the habit of the anian animal has is the avoiding an evil; in taming by months, and in stalls or covered pens, with green mal becomes reconciled to such a state, a retarded caresses and food, it is the attainment of enjoyment. or steamed food in a shorter period. circulation, and general decay or diminution of the The most extraordinary results are recorded as In young growing animals, the powers of diges-vital energies takes place. having been obtained by the mild mode with al- tion are so great, that they require less rich food Water ought to be soft and pure, as being a better most every species of animal on which it has been than such as are of mature age; for the same reason solvent than such as is hard and charged with earthy tried: to this may be advantageously joined, in the also they require more exercise. If rich food is sup- particles. It ought to be of a moderate temperamore powerful animals, hunger and fatigue. "The plied in liberal quantities, and exercise withheld, ture, under that of the open air in hot weather, and breeder Bakewell, Surgeon Hunt informs us, at an diseases are generated, the first of which may be exceeding it in winter. Deep wells afford this difadvanced period of life, not only conquered a vi- excessive fatness; growth is impeded by very rich ference. In particular cases, as in those animals in cious restive horse, but, without the assistance of food, for experience shows that the coarsest fed a suckling state, or milked by man, warmed water either grooms or jockies, taught this horse to obey animals have uniformly the largest bones. Common has been found advantageous. Meals, or other light his verbal orders with as great attention as the most sense will suggest the propriety of preferring a rich matters, are sometimes mixed with it; but it accomplished animal that was ever educated at medium course between very rich and very poor does not clearly appear, excepting in the last case, Astley's school. Bakewell was accustomed to say, nutriment. that liquid food is so generally advantageous for that his horse could do every think but speak. The Mastication and cooking. Unless food be tho- fattening animals, as that which being equally rich method which he took to conquer this vicious ani roughly deprived of its vegetative powers before it is solid. Soure judgment is requisite as to the time mal was never told, even to his own domestics. He enters the stomach, the whole nourishment which it most proper for giving water to animals. In geneordered his own saddle and bridle to be put on this is capable of affording cannot be derived from it. ral, it does not appear necessary to supply it immehorse, which at that time was thought to be ungo-In the case of the leaves and stalks of vegetables, diately after eating, for animals in a natural state, vernable, when he was prepared for a journey of this is in general effected by mastication; but it re- or pasturing in a field, generally lie down after filltwo or three hundred miles; and, that no ore might quires some care to accomplish it in the case of ing themselves, and after the process of digestion be witness to the contest, he led the horse till he grains. Hence the advantage of mixing corn given seems to have gone on some time, they go in quest was beyond the reach of observation; how far he to horses or cattle with chaff or chopped straw; and of water. Perhaps the immediate dilution of food, walked, or in what manner this great busness was hence, it is supposed by some, the intention of na-after being taken into the stomach with water, may, accomplished, was never known; but, when he re-ture, in the instinct which fowls have to swallow at the same time, weaken the digestive powers, by turned from his journey, the horse was as gentle as small stones, is intended for the same object. But a lamb, and would obey his master's verbal orders the most effectual mode of destroying the living on all occasions. When what are called irrational principle, is by the application of heat; and if vege table food of every kind could be steamed or boiled before it was given to animals (at least in winter, and for fattening to slaughter, or feeding for edibl products.) it is rendered probable by analogy and experiment, that much more nourishment would be derived from it. diluting the gastric juice. At all events the free use of water at any time, but especially during meals, is found to weaken digestion in the human species. As animals of every kind become reconciled to any habit, not ultimately injurious to health, perhaps for housed animals a stated quantity of water, given an hour, or an hour and a half after what may be called their meals, may be the best mode. Moderate exercise ought not to be dispensed with, where the flavour of animal produce is any object; it is known to promote circulation, perspiration and digestion, and by consequence to invigorate the appetite. Care must be taken, however, not to carry exercise to that point where it becomes a labour instead of a recreation. In some cases, as in feeding swine and poultry, fatness is hastened by promoting sleep and preventing motion, rather than encouraging it; but such animals cannot be considered healthy fed; in fact their fatness is most commonly the result of disease. animals are taught such strict obedience to the command of a superior order, it is in general supposed to be the effect of fear; but Bakewell never made use of either whip or spur. When on horseback he had a strong walking stick in his hand, which he made the most use of when on foot; he always rode with a slack rein, which he frequently let lie upon Salt, it appears, from various experiments, may the horse's neck, and so great was his objection to be advantageously given to most animals, in very spurs, that he never wore them. It was his opinion small quantities; it acts as a whet to the appetite, that all such animals might be conquered by gentle promotes the secretion of bile, and, in general, is means; and such was his knowledge of animal na-favourable to health and activity. In this way only ture, that he seldom failed in his opinion, whether can it be considered as preventing or curing diseashis attention was directed to me body or the mind." es; unless perhaps in the case of worms, to which Agri Mem. p. 127. all saline and bitter substances are known to be in The purposes for which animals are fed or nourish jurious. ad. are for promoting their enlargement or growth; That degree of heat which is aborigine, or has by for fitting them for labour; for the increase of cer- habit, and the breeding from successive generations tain animal products; or for fattening them for in a cold climate, become natural to animals, is neslaughter as human food We shall confine our re-cessary to their well being; and a somewhat increas marks to the last purpose as being the most impor-ed degree in the cold months, or diminished degree tant and as necessarily including much of what be-in such as are oppressively warm, is advantageous longs to the three others. In doing this, the follow in the fattening process. Where a sufficient degree ing points require to be attended to: abundance of of warmth to promote the ordinary circulation of proper food, a proper degree of heat, and protection the blood is not produced by the natural climate, or against extremes of weather; good air, water, mo- by exercise, it must be supplied by an artificial cli derate exercise, tranquility, cleanliness, comfort and mate. Houses and sheds are the obvious resources Cleanliness is favourable to health, by promoting health. both for this purpose, and for protection from ex-perspiration and circulation. Animals in a wild No. 5.-VOL. 9. Tranquility is an obvious requisite, for where the passions of brutes are called into action, by whatever means, their influence on their bodies is often as great as in the human species. Hence the use of castration, complete or partial separation, shading from too much light, protection from insects, dogs and other annoying animals, and from the too frequent intrusion of man. which must after a time render it nauseous. For [Loudon's Enc. of Ag. SCHOOLS FOR TEACHING AGRICULTURE, state attend to this part of their economy them- Farriery, as applied to cattle and sheep, is a de- wish, that, in the maturity of the university of Virselves; but in proportion as they are cultivated, or partment of medicine in which perhaps greater ig-ginia, such a system should be annexed to it. brought under the control of man, this becomes norance prevails than in any other. The subject I am, very respectfully, your ob't. ser'vt. out of their power; and to ensure their subserviency as applied to horses has, since the establishment of ANTHONY MORRIS. to his wishes, man must supply by art, this as well veterinary schools in this country, and in France, Washington, October 25, 1826. as other parts of culture. Combing and brushing become better understood; but the pupils from these The Rev. Emanuel Fellenberg, stall-fed cattle and cows is known to contribute ma-establishments are so thinly scattered, that as Lau- My Dear Sir,-Since I had the pleasure of visitterially to health; though washing sheep with a view rence (veterinary surgeon, and author of a Treatise ing your institution at Hoffwyl, in 1816, with a view to cleaning the wool often has a contrary effect on Horses) observes, it were desirable that country to the introduction of its principles and practice in from the length of time the wool requires to dry. surgeons should in their different localities give in the United States, various efforts have been made This often brings on colds, and aggravates the li-structions to the empirical local practitioners in the for that purpose, which now seem nearer to be rever complaint, so incident to these animals. Bath- country, and to intelligent bailifs, and that gentle-alized, as every year more fully demonstrates their ing or steeping the feet of stalled animals occasion- men of property might have such a sense of their utility, I might almost say, their necessity, to the ally in warm water would no doubt contribute to own interest as to call in a surgeon in all cases of permanency of our republic, which, without educatheir health; bathing swine two or three times a the least difficulty. All that we can here do is to tion and virtue in the most numerous class of our week in hot water, as in that used for boiling or repeat our advice of studying the art of prevention citizens (who are agriculturists) cannot probably steaming food, has been found a real advantage. rather than of cure; to suggest that, in general, an last long in any degree of purity. Comfort. An animal may be well fed, lodged, analogy subsists between the constitution and disThe union of religious, moral, scientific and clasand cleaned, without being comfortable in every eases of the human and brute creation; to avoid sical instruction, in institutions in the country, which respect; and in brutes, as well as men, want of com- recipes and specific cures, rarely to bleed animals, would combine with these branches of knowledge, fort operates on the digestive powers. If the sur- unless by regular advice; and to confine as much as the theory and practice of agriculture and rural face of a stall in which an ox, or a horse stands, de- possible the operations of cow doctors and smiths economicks, on the plan at Hoffwyl, in one or more viates much from a level, he will be continually un- to giving warn drinks, gentle purges, and glysters, of our states, is deemed by many of our most diseasy; and he will be uneasy during night, if its sur- which can seldom do any harm. tinguished citizens, a great desideratum in the U. face is rough, or if a proper bed of litter is not preStates, where education and agriculture are admitpared every evening for it to repose on. The form ted by all to be among the most essential sources of of racks and mangers is often less commodious than prosperity and happiness, national and individual, it might be. A hay rack which projects forward is yet the introduction of such an establishment here, bad; because the animal in drawing out the hay is however desirable, must probably depend for its en[In the hurry of giving out to the printer, the ma- tire success, on the practicability of procuring from teased with the hay seeds falling in its eyes or ears; and this form, it may be added, is apt to cause the terials for the last number, the following letters in Switzerland, persons prepared by education in your breath of the animal to ascend through its food, their nature introductory, were overlooked-They seminary, for the several situations in which their are now published for the sake of indicating more services will be required, particularly professors in this reason hay should lie as short a time as possi- clearly the public spirited views of those who would the departments of science and the arts, and assisble in lofts, but when practicable be given direct introduce here, in this emphatically agricultural tants to them, in the out of door discipline of the schofrom the rick. Poultry of different kinds are often country, the system of useful instruction, which in lars. This department I consider almost as essencrowded together without any regard to the comfort Europe has been so much admired, and which will tial as the proper studies of the school, as a liberty of the particular kinds by attending to their peculi-give immortal fame to its founder in Switzerland. Various and of salutary influence on the mind bits in the boys of our country, distinguishes their tending to, and generally producing licentious haarities, such as the web feet of the duck tribe, the proper size of roosting sticks for the toed feet of the and character are the sciences immediately con- sports and exercises, from that display of liberal, other tribes. Even the crowing of the cock must nected with the most successful practice of agricul- yet disciplined relaxation, so happily united in your cause some degree of irritation, and consequently ture, and it cannot require any argument to prove system, by the introduction of agricultural labours, that he will be entitled to the appellation of a be- mechanical employments and gymnastic exercises. impede health and fattening by disturbing the repose of quiet fowls, such as the turkey or goose to the establishment of institutions in and through kindness in the promotion of this plan, I will only nefactor of his country, who shall have contributed As I must be indebted to your formerly proffered Various other instances will occur to a reflecting mind; and surely it must be a duty as agreeable as out the country, where, at the least possible exnow state to you, that professors and assistants in it is conducive to our own interest to promote as pense, a foundation is laid for health by developing perhaps every branch of instruction and discipline much as possible the comfort of those animals and strengthening the physical powers, and for hap-adopted at Hoffwyl, will be requisite in the intended piness, by the culture of the intellectual faculties institutions here. whose lives are shortly to be sacrificed for ours. The locality of that now particuHealth. A good state of health will, in general, both objects being made subservient and contribu-larly in view, is in the state of Pennsylvania, on the be the result of the mode of feeding and treatment tory to the most certain success in the practice of farm of ny son, called Bolton Farm, near the bowhich we have described; but in proportion as our that calling by which succeeding generations of this treatment, either of ourselves or other animals, is community are to gain comfort and preserve their rough of Bristol, on the river Delaware, and distant twenty miles from Philadelphia; an anxious refined and artificial, in the same proportion are the independence; that is by agriculture and its va- wish to educate my grand-sons in the country where functions of nature liable to derangement or inter-rous processes, and the arts and trades immediate the associations of early life more directly tend to ruption from atmospherical changes, and variously connected with it. virtuous habits, than in towns and cities, and also How much more beneficial to this community create attachments to rural pursuits, incited me in accidental causes. When this takes place recourse must be had to art for relief. This is an obvious, would be institutions. such as that at Hoffwyl, than the first instance to visit your institution, (and others those which foster the military passion and attract in Switzerland) where only, I have ever seen pracnatural, and reasonable practice; though some contend that as every disease is only an effort of nature more by the glare of military display, so imposing tically combined whatever is most desirable in a to relieve the being from some evil, it ought to be in all times; than by their tendency to qualify young system of education for the youth of America-this left to itself. To treat animals when in health ar- men for excelling in more useful pursuits.] wish has increased since my return to the United tificially, and the moment when they become dis-J. S. SKINner, Esq. Washington, March 17, 1827. States, and is now the motive of my troubling you, cased to abandon them to nature, is a proposition Dear Sir,-Keeping steadily in view the plan of though my views extend beyond the education of so incongruous and absurd, that one would suppose agricultural institutions in the United States, simi my own descendants, and embrace a plan of very it would be rejected by the common sense of man-lar to those of the Rev. Emanuel Fellenberg at extensive application, which, if happily realized, kind. There are, however, some solitary instances Hoffwyl, near Berne, in Switzerland, and wishing will I trust become in some degree national, and of medical men having adopted this opinion; but the attention of the friends to the introduction of si conducive to the continuance in the United States, the melancholy result of their acting on it in the milar systems in the United States to be kept alive of those principles of liberty, virtue and science, human species, as well as its utter rejection by all to their importance, I shall continue to send you connected with the simplicity and moderation, which rational professors, and men in general, has reduc such information of the probability of direct aid you have had the happiness to make familiar to all ed it to its intrinsie value. There may be much of from the parent institution at Hoffwyl, as I may re- classes of society in Switzerland. quackery in medicine; and unquestionably there is ceive from thence; in the interim, I forward the ena great deal in the art as applied to the brute crea closed copy of a letter to Mr. Fellenberg, for a vation by common practitioners; but to reject the me- cant page in the Farmer, hoping, through the same dical art altogether, becomes on the other hand a channel to ascertain how far individual and public species of quackery just as despisable as the other, opinion, in the agricultural states of the union, may and not less dangerous; for it cannot be much bet-be expected in their support. er for a patient to be left to die through neglect, I think I have heretofore sent you the expression to be killed by over-much care. of Mr. Jefferson's testimony in their favour, and his The immediate object of my inquiry is, whether professors and assistants in all or any of the departments of study and discipline at Hoffwyl, could be procured there, or from its vicinity, and at what salary and compensation. Your reply will greatly oblige, dear sir, ON GRASSES AND OTHER PLANTS. placed on a subsoil, of the same nature as that on Extracts from G. Sinclair's Hortus Gramineus-with dent. (Continued from p. 29.) Of Grasses and other Plants which constitute the produce of the richest Natural Pastures. It has long been a prevailing opinion, that rich pasture land, when once broken up for a course of crops, cannot for a great length of time be again brought to so great a sward; and this opinion is founded on the best grounds-on experience. The causes why those grasses, which constitute this valuable sward, cannot be renewed in as great perfection after a few years removal from their natural soil, must either be, that these plants require many years to attain to that degree of productiveness, or, the soil has been too much deteriorated by the crop, or course of grain crops, taken previous to renewing the grasses, or, lastly, that the seeds of grasses different from those which composed the valuable sward, have been employed in their stead. Whether to one, or all of those points, the want of success is to be imputed, it is of importance to inquire. place the ground under circumstances as similar as nature, and less grateful to cattle. In this case (which does sometimes happen) the grass may be brought back to its grateful and nutritive state, by stocking the pasture sufficiently with different cattle in succession throughout the season; the insuf ficiency of which seems to be the principle cause of the evil. But when such plants as knap-weed (Centaurea nigra) different species of senecio, hieracium, sonchus, carduus, &c. that are of no value as food for cattle, have established themselves in these pastures, from the neglect of foul hedges and roadsides, which abundantly supply the seeds of these plants, or part of them, according to the nature of the soils; the remedy of hard stocking and even 102 grains. weeding will be found inadequate to extirpate these unprofitable plants. But to return to the details of the experiment. The nature of the soil was now ascertained, by taking up a portion of it to the full depth, only rejecting the green living vegetable parts of the turf 400 grains, freed from moisture and the plants of grass, consisted of Calcareous and siliceous sand, of dif- Alumina, or pure matter of clay Soluble vegetable matter, and sul phate of lime, or gypsum Calcareous and siliceous sand, near- Decomposing vegetable matter, de- Carbonate of lime, or chalk, nearly 55 160 50 25 4 The results of the last chemical examination of the soil had shewn that it had lost a very considerable portion of its decomposing vegetable and animal matters. To supply this deficiency in some measure, manure was now for the first time applied, and, with the wheat stubble, dug in to the depth of rake, and sown with a mixture of grass-seeds, at the rate of five bushels to the acre. Festuca pratensis (meadow fescue) Alopecurus pratensis (meadow foxtail) Dactylis glomerata (round cock's-foot,) Holcus avenaceus (tall oak-like softgrass) Vicia sepium (creeping vetch,) Lolium perenne (rye grass,) Phleum pratense (meadow cat'stail,) Cynosurus cristatus (crested dog's-tail) Avena flavescens (yellow oat,) Avena pratensis (ineadow oat,) Festuca duriuscula (hard fescue,) Poa trivialis 100 grains. (smooth stalked meadow-grass) Poa fertilis (fertile meadow grass,) Poa nervata (nerved meadow grass,) Trifolium medium (cow-clover,) Trifolium repens (Dutch, or white clover,) Agrostis stolonifera (stoloniferous bent, or fiorin,) and Agrostis palustris (marsh bent.) 48 The soil was then cropped for five seasons alter-six inches; the surface was then made fine with a nately, with-1st, oats; 2d, potatoes; 3d, wheat; 4th, carrots; and 5th, wheat; to the end that it might Grasses, like all other vegetables, possess a pecu- suffer as much as could possibly happen, under or liar life, in which various periods may be distinctly dinary circumstances, by an impoverishing or injumarked. Some species of grass are annual, or ar-dicious rotation of annual crops. Every trace of rive to perfection in one year, and then die away: the turf was by this time entirely lost in the generas different species of brome-grass, fox tail grass, al mass of the soil, which was now examined, to rye-grass, oat-grass, &c. Other species, in two or ascertain what change it had undergone by these three years attain to that degree of perfection which crops. It appeared to consist ofthey never exceed: as perennial rye-grass (Lolium Perenne,) rough meadow-grass (Poa trivialis,) meadow cat's-tail grass (Phleum pratense,) tall oak like soft-grass (Holcus avenaceus,) round cock's-foot-grass, (Dactylis glomerata,) &c.; and there are but few grasses that require more than three years to bring them to that state of productiveness which they never exceed, if properly treated during that time: meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis,) meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis,) meadow barley (Hordeum pratense,) smooth meadow grass (Poa pralensis,) and meadow oat-grass (Avena pratensis,) are of this number. These facts, obtained from the results of experiments and attentive observation, made on these grasses when cultivated singly, and also when combined with others, as in their raural places of growth, offer sufficient proofs to decide that it is not to the great length of time they require to arrive at perfection that the want of sucess, in attempts to renew rich pastures, is to be imputed. Silica, or earth of flint Alumina, or pure matter of clay Soluble vegetable and saline matter 159 57 26 5 The seeds of the six first mentioned grasses being much larger than the others, were first mixed and sown, and covered with the rake; the rest of The above details shew that very little, if any, the seeds were mixed and sown, without any other change had taken place in the constitution of the means of covering but that afforded by the roller, soil, in respect of its earthy ingredients; but a very which was liberally employed till the surface was considerable diminution of its decomposing vegeta-perfectly level and consolidated. This was effected ble and animal matters; particularly when it is con- on the 23d of August, 1813. sidered how great an addition had been made to the The seeds of all these grasses vegetated before the original proportion it contained of this constituent, first week of October, except the seed of the Vicia by the turf which was incorporated with the soil. sepium, which did not vegetate till the autumn of the The finely-divided animal and vegetable matters succeeding year. Before the frost set in, these seedof soils are so intimately blended with the other con-ling grasses had a top-dressing with compost of rotOn converting this land into tillag, the first crops stituents, that manure, though applied in sufficient ten dung, lime, and vegetable mould laid on in a are generally too luxuriant. Were we to conclude, quantity to supply its loss, requires considerable fine and dry state, after which the ground was again from this circumstance, that the superior pasture time to bring its parts into that minute state of divi- well rolled: in the month of February this operagrasses require a much richer soil o produce them in sion in which it was found in the rich pasture tion was again repeated, when the ground was suffi perfection than what is required for the production land on the first examination before-mentioned. It ciently dry to admit of it. The plants sprang earof grain crops; and, consequetly, that a course of is evident the finely-divided vegetable matter of the lier than those of the old pasture; (a circumstance white crops, by lessening considerably this degree of pasture land had been supplied to it (as it is indeed common to young plants in general.) In April, the fertility, would proportional render the land less to all other pasture lands) by manure successively ap-weeds which had accompanied the top-dressing, fitted for the re-productior of its former valuable plied to the surface, either by the cattle which graz were carefully cleared away, and the rolling was grasses, it would not be just; because it is evident ed upon it, or by top-dressing, and divided and repeated, to keep the surface compact. The plants that this over-richness a the land for the first carried into the soil by the effects of rain. That grew vigorously till a continuance of unfavourable crops of grain, does not arise solely from that de- this essential ingredient of the fertility of soils is weather in the end of June checked their growth. gree of richness in the sal which produced the su- exhausted, even by the growth of the pasture In the first week of July the produce was cut and perior grasses in such ibundance, but rather from grasses, when the annual supply of manure is sus-weighed; it amounted to one eighth more than the the accession of so Irge a quantity of vegetable pended, is shewn by daily experience; as in the produce of the ground in its original state, but matter, which is at ace supplied to the land by instance of mowing a pasture for several seasons which had been fed off with sheep in the spring; ploughing in the turf successively without any top dressing, or depastur- the after-math of the seedling grasses, however, Having met withno specific information in any ing with cattle: the produce of grass is found to de- weighed one fifth less than that of the natural pasagricultural works within my reach, respecting the crease annually, and if the practice is continued ture. A very slight top dressing was applied in change produced on the nature of rich pasture land long, it will require many years, under the best the month of November, and the whole was then by a course of grain crops, I made several experi- management, to restore the pasture to the same well rolled; this operation was continued at favourments to supply the apparent defect. The results of productive state it was in previous to the suspension One of these experiments I may permitted to detail. of its annual supply of surface manure. This like- * The dung was buried to this depth, in order to supA space of two square yards of rich ancient pas-wise shews that pasture land arrives at a certain deply the leading roots of the perennial grasses in the enture land was dug to ue deph of the surface soil, gree of productiveness, which it never exceeds but degree for annual grain crops, whose roots do not penesuing seasons, a circumstance not wanted in the same which was cinches, and removed to a place at the expense of the quality of its produce; as the trate so deep into the soil, and which greedily exhaust more convenient for making the experiment, but surface becomes unequal, the grass rank, of a coarse manure, however gross. able opportunities until April last (1815.) The grass was cut and weighed in the first weeks of June and August, and again in the middle of September; the total weight of these three crops exceeded that of the old turf exactly in the proportion of nine to eight. It is therefore evident that the results of the two nodes of experiment here adopted, perfectly agree in confirming the opinion, that a five years' course of the more impoverishing annual crops may be taken from land of the nature before described, without unfitting it for the reproduction of the superior natural grasses. The first experiment, or that which ascertained the nature of the soil before and after undergoing the impoverishing course of crops, proves, that the loss of decomposing animal and vegetable matter is the principal injury it sustained, which it is evident may be supplied by manure, though not in one season. The actual experiment of sowing the grasses on the soil thus cropped, and comparing the produce with that which it yielded in its natural state, proves clearly, that after undergoing a course of crops, it may be returned to grass, and afford produce more abundant than before.* a Agrostis stolonifera, (creeping bent, or fiorin,) I DEAR SIR, April 4, 1827. On the evening of the 29th of March, I began to cut green rye for my milch cows, about eighteen be two feet high where I began, when I shall have inches high. By the time I get through it, it will cut it all the second time, my clover field for grazing will be in full blossom. They then graze until 1st Dec. when I begin to feed regularly in the barn yard, grain is designed to be grown next year. From the not suffering them to go where grass or winter small 1st Dec. to the 10th or 20th February, they are fed night and morning, a peck of pumpkins each, chopped up with half an old scythe, the pumpkins preserved by being carefully put away on the 1st November in a fodder house, suitably located and covered with husks. To dry provender they have free access at all times. When the pumpkins are gone, white turnips and then ruta baga are given them in the same quantity; and these last until the rye (sown early in September for the purpose, on strong ground. in a favourable situation for early growth,) is high enough for cutting with the scythe. The lot contains about an acre, is thickly sown, and "So what signifies wishing and hoping for better times? after being mown twice, is on the 15th June plantwe may make these times better, if we bestir our-ed with pumpkins, heavily manured in the hill to selves." SYSTEMATIC FARMING. The different grasses, and other plants which keep up its strength. I have two such lots, treated compose the produce of the richest natural pas- [The following extract from a letter to the Edi- alternately in this way; and the one so used last tures, are in number twenty-six. From the spring tor, may be better understood and appreciated, with year produced me upwards of 2200 pumpkins.till the end of autumn, there is not a month but a little explanation. This lot is this spring cultivated in early corn, what constitutes the particular season of luxuriance The writer was brought up in town, with a clas- spring potatoes, water melons, canteleups, cucumof one or more of these grasses: hence proceeds sical education, and was bred to one of what are bers and cymlins, heavily manured in the hill or the constant supply of rich succulent herbage termed the liberal professions. From earliest life drill--they being such crops as will have been used throughout the whole of the season; a circumstance he has been remarkable for a propensity which is by the 10th September, when it will be seeded in which but seldom or never happens in artificial auspicious of success in every sort of business; and rye for soiling next year, to be followed by pumppastures, where the herbage consists of two or three in nothing more than in farming-where it is most kins. My dairy consists of eight cows, which, with plants only. If the best natural pastures be ex- neglected. We mean the habit of setting things such management, yield me $50 a year each, in amined with care during various periods of the down! To receive and to invest, to pay away milk sold at 25 cents per gallon, butter at from 25 season, the produce will be found to consist of the money, and to make entry thereof, is, with him, to 374 cents per lb, veal at 64 cents per lb. &c. following plants: as habitual as to eat at the call of hunger. Sums, I am now planting in corn the only fields of my however small, command with him attention as farm I have never before cultivated-and my sysminute and respectful as the largest. "Many a tem is for the first time in full operation. It is the little makes a mickle," "a small leak will sink a five field system. Rotation-1st. Wheat upon a great ship;" "always taking out of the meal tub and clover lay 2d. Corn upon the stubble, and upon never putting in;"-these are amongst his favourite all the manure I can make upon the farm the year maxims of Poor Richard, all of which are at his before, or get elsewhere. Then, Sdly. Oats or rye, fingers'-ends; and by observance whereof he has at- and clover. 4th. Clover, to be cut for hay. 5th. tained that most delightful, we had like to have Clover, to be depastured from the 10th or 15th May. said divine, of all earthly conditions, a state of The whole fam is thus annually producing crops of conscious independence, and the power and dispo-grain or grass,with rapid improvement of the soil, sition to combine genuine liberality, with the prac tice of true and sound economy. Alopecurus pratensis, (meadow fox-tail,) grass,) Holcus avenaceus, (tall oat-like soft-grass,) Bromus arvensis, (field brome-grass,) frequent, But the publick use which we propose to make of this extract from a friendly letter, is to hold it up as one of the few cases where farms bought and held, and cultivated in this way, yield a profit to their owners; and to ascribe that result to the exact calculating, systematic habits of its owner; and hence to inculcate upon farmers, young and old, the indispensable importance of industry and perseverance, of reasoning, and of keeping precise accounts of their out-goings as well as of their in-comings. Poa trivialis, (rough stalked meadow-grass.) tumn. thyrus.) Achillea millefolium, (yarrow,) with a regulariy that keeps the smallest hand on the place alway informed what is to be done in every field at all times-and with very little labour at any one time since the first cultivation, in preparing for which I frevailed upon them to exert themselves to remove very impediment to the operation of the plough, by taking up stones and depositing them where they might be conveniently had for underpinning or builång, and grubbing up trees or stumps for fire wood. Having thus in thre years got my fields clean and secured by good ncing. I can spare a hand from the operations of the farm, to be in future devoted, with occasional asistance from the rest, ta cultivating neatly, and beutifying the garden and other grounds about the hose. My cows have good sheler in the winter; a dry and comfortable bed, affored by hauling all the A very high authority observes, that in pastures corn-stalks into the yard: ad while eating their closely stocked in the beginning of summer, with either pumpkins, turnips or rye, are onfined in racks, the *The produce of the different annual crops, grain, horses or sheep, the stems of the butter-cups are not construction of which, for eigh, cost me only $3and bulbs, were all heavy, except that of the last crop suffered to rise; which indicate that these animals eat which keep them from interruping each other by of wheat, which was very inferior, as might be expect this plant in its infant state; under the same circum- fighting, and into which each put her head voluned. The exact weight of each crop was not ascertain- stances sheep will keep down the sorrel-dock and tarily, so soon as they notice the usual preparations ed, as the experiment was not made with any view to sheep's-sorrel (Rumex acetosella.) It is also a just and for feeding. It is frequently said, 'hat pumpkins, obtain a knowledge of the comparative advantages or valuable observation, that these two last mentioned turnips, or cabbage, give the butter an unpleasant disadvantages of permanent pasture and tillage land; plants indicate a soil surcharged with acids, requiring taste and smell, but my short experience has found but merely for the purpose above mentioned. How lime or other calcareous manure to correct the evil and much less a judicious rotation of crops might have improve the pasture. The yarrow Achillea millefolium,) affected the soil, cannot at this mom nt be decided; in general indicates a siliceous soil; and the narrow[We have recently tasted a sp-men of butter of but it will be allowed that a more severe course of leaved plantain, a light or sandy soil.-W. P. Taun-high colour and delicate fine flavour, crops could hardly have been adopted. ton, Esq. cows-so fed on green rycl ma from these DOCTOR MUSE'S ADDRESS. that effect to be produced by giving each cow more pily such dogmas are vanishing before the Catholic ning of the seventeenth century, from the Gulf of than half a bushel a day-that is to say, by giving ism of the age. As a number of patriotic farmers Corinth, and hence were called Corinthian raisins. her so much as will operate an unhealthy looseness are laudably engaged in breeding improved short They were cultivated on all the hills about Corinth, of the bowels, when only are such smell and taste horns, Devons and Herefords; our countrymen will which, from the centre of the isthmus, slope graoffensive. Half a bushel a day of any such succu soon be enabled to eat as good roast beef as John dually towards the two seas, and on which, out of lent food, is necessary and sufficient, to enable them Bull, and as we ought to follow the good examples all the ancient groves, there only remained, in 1798, to relish and digest, advantageously, a due propor-of our mother country, it is desirable to have plum those fine clumps of cypress that sheltered Diogenes tion of dry food-to make them feel well themselves puddings in as great perfection also; but this the ac-while he was basking, in the finest sun that ever and to others, and to keep them giving rich milk complished housewife will tell you is impracticable, shone, when Alexander came to disturb him. and in good quantity throughout the winter and unless she can nave at command a due portion of M. Beaujour had not been able to ascertain whefeeding season. Any considerable quantity more Corinthian raisins, and they are also said to be a ther the Corinthian was a variety of the common I have found to be injurious to the animal, and very necessary ingredient in the composition of that grape, or constituted a distinct species. One fact he therefore to the milk. M. indispensable article, wedding cake, which will pro-was sure of, that it was not indigenous in the Morea. bably continue to be in brisk demand, even should No writer, before the 17th century, bas mentioned the project for taxing batchelors be "indefinitely it; and from the researches he had made in Greece postponed," ," and when it is considered that all of this and in the Ionian isles, it appeared that the Corin[The following notice of Doctor Muse's Address species of fruit that is consumed in the world, is at thian grape was introduced into the Morea from to the Agricultural Society of Dorchester county, the present time the product of a few small islands Naxia, (ancient Naxos,) about the year 1580; alis taken from the last number of a scientific jour-in the Ionian sea, and almost the entire crop engross-though the plant was not to be found in that island nal, which, in Europe, is considered as doing credited by British and Italian agents and factors-a small of the Archipelago when he resided in Greece. It to the United States-whilst in the United States, portion only reaching this country, usually highly had also disappeared from the country about Cowe are sorry to say, it has not, hitherto, been pa seasoned with gravel, it is evident that very little rinth, although it was certainly cultivated there tronized in any measure proportioned to its merits.] can come in contact with the palates of our nume- when in possession of the Venetians. At the period (From Silliman's Journal of Science and Arts.) rous and rapidly increasing population. It is, there he wrote (1798,) the culture was confined to the Agriculture-Wheat.-Dr. JOSEPH E. MUSE, Pre-fore, a desideratum, that an abundant supply should territories of the Morea and the Ionian islands; but sident of the Dorchester Agricultural Society, Md. be produced on our own soil, free from heteroge- he was of the opinion it might be introduced with in an address delivered before that body, Nov. 9, neous substances. To promote the introduction success into other countries of the south of Europe. 1826, states the opinion, that animal manures are of the plants and elicit experiments in the cultiva-He says the soil best adapted to this plant, is a dry, peculiarly necessary for wheat crops, because glu- tion, I know of no one whose efficiency may be more light, friable and flinty; it does not like a moist, ten, the characteristic proximate principle of wheat, relied on, and to whom his fellow citizens will look close and heavy earth. The analysis which he made contains nitrogen, which assimilates it to animal with so much hope and confidence, as to the Editor on different soils, in various parts of the Morea, bodies. If, therefore, manures of animal origin are of the American Farmer. gave from eight parts, five of flinty earth, two and withheld, the soil becomes less adapted to the It is doubtful whether a single plant of the true an half of clay, and one half of calcareous earth. Corinthian vine has ever been cultivated in the The common vines in France, and most other counproduction of wheat. United States. About thirty years ago, I was at tries, prefer a south-eastern aspect, and hills or great pains to procure some from Naples and Leg slopes; on the contrary, the Corinthian succeeds horn, but without effect; though I found no difficul- best on plains, and open to the west. It prefers the ty in obtaining choice Italian varieties of grapes. vicinity of the sea, and does not succeed on mounthen sent an order to one of the most eminent tains. The vineyards on the delightful banks of the nurserymen in the neighbourhood of London, but Alpheus were in a languishing state; which was atwith no better success; and I am inclined to believe tributed to their being surrounded with mountains, it was not then cultivated in England, as Speechly, that intercepted the marine vapour: and what renwho enumerates more than a hundred marked varie-dered the conjecture probable, they succeeded betties of the vine growing in the bot houses and vine-ter on the neighbouring plains of the ancient Elis. ries belonging to the Duke of Portland, which he The management of the Corinthian does not difhad collected under the most favourable circum- fer essentially from that of the common vine; some stances from all parts of the world, makes no mention of it. It is proposed by Dr. Muse, as an interesting in quiry, "What proportion of gluten does wheat af ford in different parts of the United States?" He supposes that this principle prevails most in the wheat of the south. It would be interesting to ascertain this fact by experiment. Dr. Muse, speaking of the analysis of American wheat, says, "From 100 parts of white flint wheat, grown in Dorchester, Md on a clayey soil, I obtain ed 30 parts of gluten. Wheat grown in northern Europe, is stated to yield only about 20 parts of gluten in 100." Dr. Muse concludes, from his own experiments, of the processes, however, are rather peculiar, and that cotton may be profitably raised in Maryland. resemble those pointed out by Columella, 2000 He recommends the introduction of the madder, or The only account of the culture and manage years ago. The ground for a vineyard is prepared rubia tinctorum, and a greater attention to the fari- ment of the Corinthian raisin that I have met with, in the fall, and the planting commences in January. naceous and saccharine roots-potatoes, beets, carwas published at the close of the last century, in a The field is laid out in squares of six feet; at the rots, &c. From 100 parts of the beet he obtained work entitled a "View of the Commerce of Greece, intersection of each, two cuttings or slips, which 12 of saccharine matter; and from the carrot 10 of by Felix Beaujour, late French Consul in that coun-are preferred to layers, are deposited in a trench, a saccharine and 4 of mucilaginous matter. His ad-try." The memoir appears very circumstantial, foot and a half apart, in a sloping position from dress contains many judicious and valuable remarks and from which I took copious minutes, merely for each other, with two eyes only above the surface. relative to American agriculture. HORTICULTURE. J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. RANT. Brighton, 4th April, 1827. Dear Sir,-As the attention of the public seems to be directed to the culture of the vine, perhaps you may deem it useful to offer to their notice a species or variety called the grape of Corinth, that affords the Corinthian raisins, commonly denominated Zante currant, which it is probable may be cultivated in some sections of our country, to as much or more profit for raisins, than other descriptions for wine. my own information; but as more than twenty-five The plants undergo a severe pruning, and show that if he did not eat all the grapes himself, or con vert them into raisins, he might at least have the pleasure of seeing them taken away by the descendants of Antiochus and Seleucus, who certainly could have no idea of the wonderful fortune of their ancestors, when they came in tatters and with naked feet, to sport and play in his fields CORINTHIAN GRAPE, OR ZANTE CURtioned the Corinthian vine-Vitis Corinthiaca, or M. Beaujour was cultivating a vineyard at his cipyrena; a shrub that rises only from four to five country retreat at Pella, with every prospect of feet. Consequently, lower than other vines cultisuccess; and was in hopes, in that way, to enrich vated in France or elsewhere, but is thicker, more the country that produced Alexander-observing, woody, and puts forth more roots and a greater number of shoots; its leaves are larger, more ob tuse, less indented, of a more delicate green at the top and paler at the bottom. It is denominated by Linnæus the small Corinthian grape-uva passu mi nima, or passula Corinthiaca. The berries are simi lar to those of the currant; they are first green, then of a deep red, and when ripe of a dark purple, and No manure was used in the Morea; but in Zante, not unlike, in appearance, to those of the elder. It where the Corinthian vine is much better cultivated, is sweet to the taste, but when fresh, has an agree-manure is applied in trenches, as in France. The able acidity. As it has fewer seeds, and is more husks of common grapes, and a mixture of salt and juicy than the common grape, it is admired by the ashes, had been used with great success. In some amateurs of fruit, who eat it by bunches and crush vineyards props were used, but generally the vines the seeds between their teeth. were suffered to ramble and support each other. The crop begins to ripen about the first of Au It is well known that the Corinthian raisin, or Zante currant, occupies an important station among the ingredients of those pleasant amalgams, Plum Puddings and Minced Pies, which the partaking of, or abstaining from, at certain festivals, were viewed by many of our truly pious ancestors, according to the faith of their sects, as tests of orthodoxy. Hap-great marts of Europe, were brought, at the begin-gust, but the harvest is not completed till about the The first grapes of Corinth that appeared in the |