網頁圖片
PDF
ePub 版

its education, as generally adopted in this country, As I strenuously recommend the preservation of would be improved by having their heads covered are calculated to promote the growth and health of the warmth of the trunk and of the extremities, it with caps, instead of the silken curls, the adornment the body, and to unfold, in accordance with these, is natural to inquire why the head is to be left un-of nature, which cluster round their smiling faces. the faculties of the mind. covered? To explain this apparent inconsistency, With regard to the never-failing argument, founded Dress. No sooner is an infant born and placed it is proper to inform my readers that the head is on the necessity of covering the opening of the head, in the hands of the nurse, frequently an individual the part of the child most perfected, and more freely it may be proper to inform our fair readers, that who has taken on herself the office she holds because supplied with blood than the extremities,-a circum this is not a defect in the head of the child, nor a age has unfitted her for every other occupation, stance depending on the mode in which the child is part which requires more covering than the other than it is clothed in a manner materially to oppress furnished with the maternal blood before birth, and parts of the head, but that it is an admirable device and interrupt the functions of life. The body is the fetal circulation. Though this determination of of nature to facilitate the birth of the child, and to first rolled in several yards of flannel bandage, the blood to the head be natural, and productive of no admit the rapid developement of the brain which tightness of which is regulated by the discretion of bad consequence in a healthy infant, yet it renders occurs during infancy. As soon as ossification can the nurse; over this is placed a shirt, with sleeves, the head more susceptible of diseases of excitement take place with safety, bony matter is deposited on then a body or soft stays, to which is attached a and increased circulation of the blood, than other the edges of the bones in the vicinity of these fonpetticoat; and, lastly, a gown or frock, furnished parts of the infantile body, and thence the greater tenelles, or open parts, and these bones stretching also with sleeves. The head is covered with one frequency of inflammation of the membranes of the forward till they meet, what was before only memor more caps, the outermost of which, generally or brain, and of its sequel-water in the head-in in-brane becomes solid as the other parts of the skull, namented with a profusion of lace, is kept on with fancy than at any future period of life. The head, This process is not facilitated by any external covera strap or tapes applied under the chin. I must therefore, requires to be less clothed than the trunking, nor is it possible that cold, or any disease, can contend, that such a mode of clothing an infant as and extremities; and, experience has confirmed the be communicated through these membraneous parts is generally adopted, at so early an age, is incon- benefit to be expected from leaving it altogether of the skull, were they never to close. When the sistent with the comfort of the child, injurious to without a cap, or any other covering, except when head is kept totally uncovered, the hair grows rapidhealth, and in every respect irrational. I am, how- the child is carried into the open air; and then the ly; dandriff and other scurfy diseases rarely attack ever, ready to admit, that this mode of dressing a bonnet or hat employed should be formed of the the scalp; catarrhs, snuffles, and similar complaints, child is highly rational, compared with the custom lightest and least heating materials. By attending seldom show themselves; and the period of dentition, of swathing still practised in some parts of Europe; to these rules, and leaving uncovered the heads of the most precarious in the life of an infant, passes but, because English women are now too enlighten-infants, and washing them daily with cold water, and without trouble. Another custom of nurses, that of ed to permit a babe to be bandaged into the simili at the same time regulating the diet, and keeping laying children altogether under the bedclothes, so tude of an Egyptian mummy, and bound down on the bowels open, children strongly predisposed to that the head and face are as much covered as the a board, are they to remain insensible to any fur-water in the head have escaped this disease, though other parts of the body, cannot be too much reprother improvement? Certainly not; and I appeal to others of the same family, with whom these precau- bated. It renders the child much more susceptible their good sense and maternal feeling, whether it be tions were not observed, have fallen the victims of of cold than it would otherwise be; and many of the not of more importance to appropriate the clothing, attacks. But the recommendation of this practice instances of thrush, and the lamentable cases of both as regards quality and form, to the nature of is making a powerful assault on the prejudices of morbid snuffles, which sometimes occur, may be the child's habit in the first month, at least, of its both the mother and the nurse; and it is amusing to attributed to this custom. life, than to torture it by adorning it as a block, to remark the obstacles which oppose its adoption, As the child advances in age, and is capable of exhibit to advantage the work of the milliner and when it is urged by the physicians. At the first exercising its limbs, and especially after it can walk the lace maker. How, then, I hear many a mother mention of it, the look of amazement of the mother and run, the blood being then more freely circulat anxiously inquiring, is an infant to be clothed? is reflected by a glance of still greater astonishment ed, and the animal heat more equally diffused over will endeavour to instruct her; and if she closes her from the nurse, who, while she appears to be busy the body, the trunk and the extremities require less ears against the foolish remarks of the nurse, and with the affairs of the room, is listening eagerly to external warmth from clothing than in infancy. listens without prejudice, I have little doubt of being the monstrous doctrine, ever and anon casting a Still, however, the dress, whatever may be its able to convince her of the propriety of my plan. look of extreme contempt on the speaker, and snio-fashion, should afford protection to the chest, to the All that a child requires, so far as regards clothing thering the wrath which is ready to burst forth on improper exposure of which, in this changeable in the first month of its existence, is a simple cover- his counsel the moment he leaves the apartment, climate, many consumptive attacks may be traced. ing for the trunk and extremities of the body, made "Did you ever hear the like of that? To make a The clothing should also continue to be light and of a material soft and agreeable to the skin, and fool of the little dear! No, no, ma'am! I knows loose; boys should be left in petticoats much longer which can retain, in an equable degree, the animal better. No baby that comes through my hands than is customary; and the trowsers now put on girls temperature. These qualities are to be found in shall never be so treated. Without a cap, forsooth! should be altogether discarded. In very young girls, perfection in fine flannel; and I recommend that I wonders, indeed, what he would do with the open also, stays, and all articles of attire which press unthe only clothing, for the first month or six weeks, of the head? Perhaps he would not put a piece of equally on parts of the body, and all ligatures and be a square piece of flannel, large enough to involve flannel on that neither; I always puts two pieces. bandages, should be avoided; for instead of afford fully, and overlapping the whole of the babe, with What would people say to see the poor child so ing support to a weak frame, stays and bandages the exception of the head, which for reasons which served; and all these beautiful caps, in which he favor deformity. It is a curious but an undoubted I shall presently state, should be left totally uncover-looks so handsome, to be thrown aside? What fact, that the majority of deformed persons are of ed. This wrapper should be fixed by a button near would Lady Busybody and Mrs. Lackwit, and all the female sex, a circumstance which probably is the breast, and left so loose as to permit the arms the genteel ladies that visit you, dear ma'am, say? owing to the restraints in dress imposed on this and legs to be freely stretched and moved in every Poor child! you shan't be treated so! Bless his part of the species, from the mistaken notion that direction. It should be succeeded by a loose flannel pretty face!" The idea of being the object of cri- the delicacy of their bodies requires artificial supgown, with sleeves, which should be worn till the ticism, and the dread of appearing singular, are at port. In proffering these remarks, it must not, howend of the second month; after which, this may be all times powerful motives against any attempt to ever, be supposed that I am an enemy to dress; on changed to the common clothing used for children walk out of the beaten track; and when these are the contrary, if cleanliness be justly considered a of this age. Whoever adopts this form of dress, backed by long-fostered prejudices, it is not wonder-virtue, an attention to neatness and elegance in will be gratified by observing the easy, unrestrained ful that mothers are shaken in their resolution to attire, as having a considerable share in the formamovements of the infant; and shall escape the mise- follow the advice of the physician in this matter, ation of character, ought to be early inculcated; but of hearing the screams which now always ac- even when they are convinced that it is right; but these attributes of dress are not incompatible with company the operation of dressing and undressing when they believe that the nurse's experience is warmth; and, surely the primary object of clothing every child. No chafings from friction can possibly paramount to what they consider the theory of the is to guard the body from the impression of those occur; and the insensible perspiration being pro- doctor, the decision is soon given; and, till disease atmospheric alterations which are likely to prove moted over the whole body, the sympathy between makes its attack, the infant is produced as an in-hurtful. the stomach and skin is maintained in such a state stance of the sagacity of the nurse, and of the good We have no doubt that many may imagine that as to promote the healthy function of the former, taste of the mother. If there were, however, no the attention which I have recommended to dress and, consequently, to preserve the latter from the other reason for disusing caps for infants but the in infancy, savors too much of the labor ineptiarum, attack of eruptions, depending on a depraved diges improvement which it produces in the look of the "the toil of trifling cares." To those who think in tion, not less than on checked perspiration. It is, child, I would maintain that this is a sufficient in this manner, I would reply, that much of the comindeed, distressing to observe the manner in which ducement. Nothing but custom can reconcile us to fort of life depends on attention to trivial circumthe chests and arms of very young children are ex- the cap, with all its lace and trumpery ornaments, stances; and that, as a beam, when accurately baposed, and the suffering, in cold weather, to which on the beautiful head of a child; and I would ask lanced, is turned by a feather, so health may be lost this custom subjects them, even when it is product- any one to say candidly, whether they think he by inattention to matters in themselves apparently ive of no greater evil. children in the pictures of Titian and Raffaelle, the most insignificant. Bruce, the Abyssinian tra

ry

veller, after surviving a thousand dangers during his
adventurous enterprise, fell a victim to carelessness
in descending a few steps at the threshold of his own
dwelling.
T.

February 10, 1827.

THE FLOWER GARDEN FOR MAY. The seeds of most kinds of perennial and biennial flowers may yet be sown in this month, but they will require occasional watering till up and well

established in the earth.

Pinks will require due attention at this time: they must be kept free from weeds; frequently watered, and not too much exposed to the mid-day sun in hot weather. Further directions will be given next

month.

STABLES.

by the humane sentiments it inculcates, and the considerable swelling of the legs, and sometimes clear excellent style and good sound judgment of lameness. 2d. Examine your saddle, valeice, portthe author.] manteau, barness, &c. as the case may be, to discover if they fit with ease and comfort to your Nothing conduces more to the health of a horse, horse, taking care to let them undergo the same With the caution of not applying cold water too than a good and wholesome stable. It should be examination every two or three days. For a sadearly even to the head, and substituting cotton in-built upon a high, airy and firm situation, that the die to fit properly, it must be neither wide enough stead of flannel for the first material of the infant's horse in bad weather, may come in and go out in the tree to slip upon the shoulders, or so narrow dress in our warmer seasons, we think the above an clean. No animal delights more in cleanliness than as to pinch or break the skin on the withers; the admirable piece of reason and good sense, and full of the horse, or to whom bad smells are more dis- bolstering or stuffing in the pannels should be adaptinstruction for all those mothers, nurses, and visit agreeable and pernicious. Great attention should be ed to the hollow spaces on each side of the back ing friends, whose minds are sufficiently expanded, paid to the removal of all offensive and putrid mat-bone or spine-when thus properly fitted, a crupper liberal, and independent to receive it. ter, to prevent the farcy, and other troublesome and will be useless, 3d. Your valeice should be fastendistressing diseases, which frequently proceed from ed on by passing two straps underneath two pieces such neglect. A log stable is preferable to any confined to the valeice pad, and through two loops other, on account of its admitting a free circulation at the back of the saddle: by which means it will of air in summer-and by the use of slabs or straw be kept steadily in its proper place, and the rider in winter, can be made warm and comfortable. will not be perplexed by its swinging first on one Opposite to each stall there should be a lattice or side and then on the other, and the danger of the window, with a shutter, by which means you can, horse's having a sore back from friction, will be at pleasure, either welcome the cheering breeze, or avoided. The only difference between the customabar out the threatening storm. The rack should ry way of fastening a valeice and the one I here be smooth, high, and firmly fastened to the wall; recommend, is the passing the straps through the which will prevent a horse from injuring his eyes, loops to the back of the saddle. skinning his face, and doing himself other injury On the night previous to your commencing your when feeding. The upright pieces in a rack should journey, after your horse is placed on a good bed be four, or four and an half inches apart, to proof cats, or one and an half gallons of old corn and of straw, and is well rubbed, feed with two gallons vent long food from being unnecessarily wasted. The halter should never be tied to the rack, (seve-hominy, and eight or ten bundles of fodder, or a ral fine horses having been ruined by such carequantity of hay equal to it. In the morning, feed lessness,) but should be passed through a ring in with half a gallon of oats, after which offer a bucket the manger, and confined to a logger or smooth of water. It is customary for horses to be watered piece of wood, weighing about a pound. With a before being fed, but it is much better not to water halter of this description, there is no danger of a them until afterwards; a large draught of water horse's hanging, alarming or injuring himself. A very often destroys the appetite and makes a horse stall should be four and an half or five feet wide, dull and sluggish for a whole day afterwards. When which will allow him to lay down with comfort he is watered in this way he seldom drinks too The stable floor should be planked, to make the coat of hair show to advantage: but a dirt floor is far preferable, when a horse is wanted for actual service. There is a moisture received by the hoof from the earth, which is absolutely necessary to make it tough and serviceable. Either kind of stable floors should be a little raised towards the manger, to turn the urine from the stall, which duces an unpleasant smell, and (when permitted to stand a length of time,) unwholesome very When the size of a stable is calculated for several horses, the partitions between the stalls should be neatly and smoothly planked low enough to the floor, to prevent a horse when lying down, getting his legs through, and high enough at top, to prevent them from smelling, biting and molesting each other. A plentiful bed of clean, dry straw, affords to a fatigued or travelling horse as great a welcome as bis food, and is as necessary in a stable as the pitchfork, curry-comb and brush.

Early Flowering Bulbs.-Any curious bulbs that are now in bloom, may be much prolonged in bloom and beauty, by occasional shade from the sun. Spring crocuses, snow-drops, fritillaries, crown imperials, denscanises, and all other early flowering bulbs that have done flowering, should be taken up as soon as their leaves have begun to decay. Auriculas and Polyanthuses. Now, or immediately after they have done flowering, is a proper time to repot and slip them. You may now transplant various kinds of annuals from the early sowings, into beds, borders or pots, as you think proper, observing to give them shade and water till well rooted.

Grass walks and lawns should now be duly mow ed and rolled; otherwise, the grass will soon grow rank and unsightly. [Phil. Album.

SPORTING OLIO.

UNION RACES.

TREATMENT ON A JOURNEY.

pro

vapours.

much, and his mouth is washed clean and is moist when he commences his journey. It also measurably destroys his inclination to drink out of every stream he may cross in the road, which is so tiresome and unpleasant to a rider.

Being now completely prepared for the contemplated journey, the following rules must be strictly observed. 1st. Never permit your horse, while travelling, to drink cold branch, well or pond water, or more than is necessary to wet or moisten his mouth. 2d. Every time you stop to feed (which will be morning, breakfast and dinner time,) give him a bucket of water, made a little salt, with about two handsful of corn meal stirred in it; he will very other drink; it cools the system, relieves thirst, and soon grow fond of it, and indeed prefer it to any contains considerable nutriment. Sd. Whenever

The preparations which are making at the Union course for the races which commence on Monday you stop for the purpose of breakfasting, let your after next, promise much sport and extensive comhorse cool about ten minutes; then feed with half a petition. To the number of fine horses which have gallon of oats or corn, and two bundles of fodder, been on the ground in the neighbourhood of the not forgetting to offer him again the water, meal course for some days in training, viz. Jeannette, and salt. 4th. At dinner time observe the same Lalla-Rookh, Sportsman and several others, there To perform a long journey, with comfort and treatment as directed at breakfast. 5th. At night, passed over the ferry this morning, on their way to ease to a horse, and satisfaction to the rider, re-(having arrived at the place you intend stopping the course. Mr. Laird's stable of horses, consisting quires some attention to the feeding for eight or at,) have your horse turned in a lot, for the purpose of Lance, Splendid, an Eclipse colt, and Corinthian commonly fat, running late at grass, fed with un-water, have all dirt removed from his legs. 7th. ten days previous to the setting out. A horse, un of wallowing, cooling, &c. 6th. With soap and Tom, an English 4 year old colt, imported about substantial food, such as barn, &c. or unaccustomed Have him placed on a good bed of straw, then take two years since by Capt. Davis. Col. Johnson's and Badger's stable, consisting of Sally Walker, to exercise and fatigue, is very unfit to perform a of spirits of any kind, half a pint, of vinegar half Trumpeter, a sorrel horse by John Richards, and journey on, unless prepared by being fed on old a pint, mix them together, and let his legs be rubbed a gray colt by Sir Hal. Ariel, who distanced all her fodder, oats or hay, and given moderate exercise. be well curried, brushed and rubbed with straw. and solid food for eight or ten days, such as corn, with the mixture until they are dry. 8th. Let him competitors at the late great race at Tree-Hill, near A horse about half fat is in the best situation to 9th. Water him plentifully. 10th. Feed him with Richmond, is on her way, and may be expected to arrive in a day or two. two gallons of oats, or one and an half gallons of corn and hominy, and eight or ten bundles of fodder. 11th. Let his hoofs be nicely cleaned out and stuffed with fresh cow manure; this application keeps them tough, moist and cool. your food as often as possible, carefully avoiding 12th. Change using any that is new, or just gathered. Observe the above rules to your journey's end, except your horse should prove a great feeder, and in that case you may indulge him a little; but the quantity I

THE HORSE.

bear the fatigue and labour of a journey, by follow
[N. Y. Ev. Post of May 18.ing the mode of treatment I shall here recommend.
If he is only a tolerable good one, by the time he
reaches his journey's end, should it last four or five
weeks, his condition will be much improved, if he
is not entirely fat. 1st. It is necessary to have your
horse shod with a good and substantial set of shoes,
taking care that they fit easy, sit well, and are not
placed so near the inside of the foot as to cut the
ancles in travelling, which often produces stiffness,

[By the publisher, Peter Cottom, Esq. of Richmond, we are permitted to copy some portions of "THE GENTLEMAN'S NEW POCKET FARRIER"-by Richard Mason, M. D.; and we shall give enough of it to show that the work is distinguished equally

have here recommended, is enough for any common horse when travelling. It may not be amiss to remind the young traveller to inspect his horse's shoes once a day, and whatever appears amiss about them to have immediately rectified. It frequently happens that the skin of young horses, unaccustomed to travel, is frequently chafed and scalded by the friction of the girths; the part, washed clean with a little soap and water, and then washed with a little salt and water, will immediately cure and toughen the skin.

[ocr errors]

He proposes to publish a correct Map of the State of North Carolina, measuring 6 feet 9 inches in length, by 3 feet 6 inches in width, laid out upon a scale of five miles to the inch. The materials will be of the best kind, and the engraving executed in superior style.

But correctness of delineation being the most important circumstance, has claimed the subscriber's chief attention; to the attainment of which important object the Map of each county has been separately executed by R. H. B. Brazier, Esq. with the It often happens at little baiting places or coun-assistance of gentlemen of science residing in differtry taverns, (met with on the road by travellers,) ent parts of the state, and from the public surveys, that towards the end of harvest, servants are apt to and have been likewise revised and corrected by feed with green oats or wheat, in consequence of the several county surveyors, or some other compethe scarcity of fodder, unless otherwise directed. tent person, in each county. Food of this kind is poison to a travelling horse, Terms-For Maps, varnished, coloured, and and will produce a diarrhoea and extreme debility. mounted on rollers, or put up in portable form, $8 JOHN MAC RAE. It would be much better he should not have long each. food for two weeks, than to give it to him green from the field. When persons travelling, are not attentive to their horses, they are frequently given mouldy oats and corn, which is productive of the worst effects; there being but few kinds of food that can be given a horse, that will terminate his existence more speedily. Many of those valuable animals have been destroyed by such means, when the owners have been frequently at a loss to know with what disease, or from what cause they had died.

LOST APPETITE.

Fayetteville, N. C. Dec. 1, 1826.

"A FAITHFUL DOG."
We understand some of the inhabitants in the
vicinity of the "mill dam" were awakened from sleep
about 12 o'clock on Monday night, by an unusual
barking of a dog. Efforts were made to rid them-
selves of a troublesome disturber of their slumbers,
by killing the dog, and while in the pursuit, they
found his master in a deep hole near the dam, in
which he had fallen, and from which, on account of
the sad effects of intemperance, he was unable to
extricate himself. His faithful dog moaned by his
side, and brought that relief without which his mas-
[Yeoman's Gazette.
ter might have perished.

THE FARMER.

BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1827.

TOBACCO AUCTION.
We have added to our Commission Agency a PUBLIC
AUCTION, which we believe best calculated for the sale
of Tobacco, as it is all sold by sample This practice
has long been in use in places in this country, and also
in Europe, and is considered the best way by many
people, giving the fairest opportunity of obtaining the
value. We shall always advertise the property offered
for sale. However, we wish our friends in all cases to
have their own choice, and when they make consign-
ments to us, all that we require is, that they should give
us their instructions, whether at a public, or a private
sale, they wish their produce sold. We proceed with
the more confidence in this business, because we know
that many of the Planters wish this privilege. We shall
leave nothing undone which we ought to do, to serve
both the owner and dealer; we are satisfied it will be
useful to each, the usual expenses now paid will be all
that is expected. As we wish to make a regular busi-
ness, we solicit the public patronage. We shall pub-
lish our sales in the American Farmer, so that the pub-
lic may be advised of our proceedings; and it will give
a true specimen of the Baltimore market, on which the
public may depend. For the present we do our busi-
ness at No. 13, Light-street wharf, Baltimore, second
floor, where one of us may always be found, during the
business hours of the day. LEWIS SUTTON & Co.

FOR SALE,
On very moderate terms, a young, full blood DEVON
BULL, fit for service.

BALTIMORE PRICES CURRENT.

Reported for the American Farmer, by Lewis Sutton & Co. TOBACCO.-Considerable sold the week past at low prices. Tobacco in good condition, and good qualities, commands generally such prices as stated below, as nearly as we can estimate.

Second as in quality $3.00 a 8.00-Common crop, S.00 a 3.50-Do. red, 4.00 a 4.50-Good red, 5.00 a 6.00Fine red, 7.00 a 8.00-Yellow and red, 7.00 a 10.00Yellow, 10.00 a 15.00-Fine Yellow, 16.00 a 30.00-Fine Virginia fat, 6.00 a 8.00-Rappahannock, 3.50-Kentucky, fine, 3.50 a 6.00--do. for wrapping, 7.00 a 8.00.

Horses lose their appetite from various causes, viz: Excessive fatigue, want of a change in food, dirty fodder, mouldy corn or a dirty manger, &c. &c. but most frequently by the approach of some disease. So soon as you discover a horse has lost his appetite, observe the following treatment, viz: Take from the neck vein half a gallon of blood; take of assafœtida a quarter of an ounce, salt one table spoonful, sassafras tea one quart-mix and give them as a drench. On the second day, take of glauber salts A Cattle Show and Fair will be held at LIone pound, warm water one quart; after dissolving BERTY, on the 30th and 31st of this month, under the salts, give it as a drench, and in two or three the superintendance of the Frederick County Agri-ferior, 70. a .85-CORN, .42 a .44-RYE, .63 a .65days the appetite will be restored, unless the animal cultural Society. If farmers were as acute in dis- OATS, 574 a .43- FLAXSEED, .95-BARLEY, 1.00-CLOis laboring under some disease, which may be ascer-cerning, and as zealous to promote what is calcu-VER seed, 4.50-TIMOTHY Seed, 3.00--WHISKEY, per gall. tained by the symptoms.

MISCELLANEOUS.

MAP OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. [It is to be supposed, that merchants who have correspondents in North Carolina, would like to have the means of knowing correctly the geography of the country, and that a good map of it would be a source of satisfaction to the guests of keepers of Inns and houses of accommodation-we call their attention, therefore, to the design of Mr. Mac Rae, as set forth in the following proposals, and which, with the aid of the local authorities, which has been promised him, we have no doubt will be executed with ability and to the best effect.]

A correct Map of the State in which he resides must be a desirable object to every individual. Whatever may be a man's occupation in life, it frequently becomes important to him, as a matter of pecuniary interest, to possess a correct knowledge of the relative situation of the different sections of country. In the present enlightened state of society, the subscriber is convinced that, apart from all considerations of interest or convenience, there are very few of our citizens who do not feel it an affair of personal pride that they and their children should be able to speak with familiarity of those parts of the state lying at a distance from them, as well as those in their immediate vicinity. The subscriber, therefore, flatters himself that the following proposals will be received with pleasure by a large portion of the inhabitants of his native state.

lated to improve their peculiar concerns, as other
classes of people are, the above meeting would be
fully attended; every one would contribute his mite,
and would send whatever he could collect on his
farm which is better than common, were it only
a pound of the best butter, a spear of superior
grain, or even a large goose or strawberry. It is for
these fairs that the best animals of every kind
should be reserved and there exhibited, and sales
and exchanges of them made. It is there that nota
ble and thrifty housewives should be encouraged to
send specimens of their domestic industry and
taste, and the young women should take rank in the
country dance, and be the first to be led to a cer-
tain altar, in proportion to their number of prizes
for their skill and diligence in the various depart-
ments of housewifery. To have it so, fathers and
brothers have only to encourage these fairs.

In the next number we shall bring up to this time the sketch of what has been done, so far, preparatory to the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio rail-way.

Those who would have catalogues of Mr.
Prince's fruit and ornamental trees, and green-house
plants, will please call at the office of the American
Farmer.

Messrs. Starr & M Cormick sold last week
four hhds. of tobacco, at $17.75, $18.50, $25.25, and
$31.00, and one bhd. this week for $22.50—all made
near Lancaster, Ohio.

FLOUR, a little fallen-Howard-street, 5.00 a 5.124City mills, 4.874 a 5.00-Susquehanna, $4.75 a 4.871WHEAT, best white, 1.00 a 1.01-ordinary, 90 a 97-in

30 a 31-BACON, Baltimore hams, 9.00 a 10.00-middings, 6.00 a 6.25-country, (assorted,) 5.00 a 5.50— FISH, Herrings, p. bbl. 2.25 a 2.50-LIVE STOCK, Fat cattie, 5.50 a 6.00-Lambs and Mutton, 1.50 a 2.00-Veal, 3.00-FEATHERS, new, 28.00 a 29.00-WOOL, country, washed on the sheep's back, 18 00 a 22.00-cross-breed, do. 20.00 a 22.00-half do. 24.00 a 26.00-three-quarters, 28.00 a 30.00-fuil blood, S0.00 a 35.00.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Experiments on the Guinea Grass, with a comparison of nutritive matter contained in it with other grassesOn Grasses and other Plants, from G. Sinclair's Hortus Gramineus, with notes, &c. (Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis,) No. 9, continued-J. Kersey, on the value of Southdown Sheep for quick fattening-Book-knowledge in Agriculture-To destroy Thistles with Salt-On Liquid Manure in horticulture, and hints for making it-Account of Prince's Botanic Garden, from Loudon's Gardener's Magazine-Composition for the cure of diseases, defects, and injuries in Fruit and Forest Trees, by Wm. Forsyth-Hints for the preservation of ornamental Trees-On the cultivation and preparation of the Weld plant as a dye-Bedsteads and Beds contrasted with matrasses-Internal Improvement in North Carolina-Machine for grubbing up Trees, from the Report of the Commissioners on the New York Canal-Rail Roads-Essay on the Dress of Infants-The Flower Garden for May-Union Races, near New York-Extracts from Dr. Mason's New Pocket Farrier; Stables, Treatment on a journey, Lost appetite-Map of the State of N. Carolina, by J. Mac Rae-A Faithful DogCattle Show in Frederick county-Editorial. 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.

[ocr errors]

No. 11.-VOL. 9.

AGRICULTURE.

ORCHARD GRASS.

AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, JUNE 1, 1827.

81

compact sod, but each tuft being separate from the day, and stopped at the half way house; when preothers, gives us a high opinion of its adaptation to sently there came through a lot thirteen horses, on our climate. In this respect it has the same advan-each horse a negro, and over each horse's shoulders tage over clover that corn has over root crops. a bag of oats. They came along at a very slow [The following observations upon Orchard grass, However, we are not at all disposed to think that it walk, and stopped at the tavern well. I asked them still practically unknown to many of our readers, ought to supersede the culture of clover. For the how far they had come, and was answered "half a appear to us to be very judicious and worthy of at improvement of land, no grass has yet been found to mile," and that each horse was to be watered; and tention. They are from a correspondent whose equal clover; in this respect it stands first. What that then they would proceed to a field, at some hand we cannot recognize.]*. we have stated, is only to show that orchard grass distance, to sow these oats. I remained half an SIR, Union-Town, May 19, 1827. would be a valuable auxiliary to the grazier, and hour, and when I left, they had not finished waterThe introduction and culture of the grasses has should cover a part of his grazing ground. Every ing the horses. I said to myself, here are thirteen been (where they have been properly attended to,) man must know that has fattened cattle on grass, horses worth each $60-and thirteen negroes worth of immense benefit to the agriculturist in this coun- how important it is to get them out early, while the each on an average $300-say a capital of $4680 of try, as well as elsewhere, in the general improve-weather is comparatively cool, and before the flies ready cash, employed in seeding a field of oals!! ment of his farm and immediate profits of his stock. begin to worry them, so that they can neither eat Quere-What will these oats cost the cultivator of So far as we have gone into the system, and varied nor rest in the day time. And who does not know them on such a system? I presently passed a small it to suit the peculiarities of our climate, so the importance of meadow pasture, natural and ar- new house, and about 30 acres, well fenced and dihave done well. But, in general, we have been too tificial, of the spire grass kind, to finish the fatten- vided into four or five fields; and in one field were much disposed to take up the views and practices ing in the closing of the season. After harvest, a white man and two lads planting potatoes; the faas they are handed to us from the other side of the clover is generally good for nothing to fatten stock: ther dropped manure from a cart drawn by a yoke Atlantic. It is certainly right that we try whatever for if it be a wet season, they slabber all their sub- of oxen, (good beef;) one boy dropped the seed their System recommends to us, but it is not right stance away; and if dry, which is mostly the case, from a basket, and the other covered the hill before that we be satisfied only to try it in their way. Here, there is nothing to eat. Here, then, a grass is of the manure became sun-dried and impoverished. indeed, is our error. We must do exactly as they fered to us that supplies the defects of clover, and Thinks-1-to myself, this man will be able to underhave done; and if the result is bad, the course is will answer all the purposes of meadow for late sell his wealthier neighbour in potatoes and oats condemned and abandoned as one that is ruinous, pasture. Should such a grass be entirely excluded too, if he make any, or else his neighbour will or comparatively bad. And all this, perhaps, for from our system? Or should we not rather use it lose money. the want of a little attention and management in to promote our prosperity in the way it offers, and Z. matters, so as to suit it to the peculiarities of our which is most suitable to its nature? climate, and the general principles by which we regulate our farms.

we

MARYLAND LANDS-No. 1.

I trust, sir, that instances of oat-sowing, such as I have named above, are rare in our state. I am glad to be able to say they are rare, and are becoming more rare every day. You will agree with me, I know, that such management can bring upon its conductors nothing but speedy ruin.

These reflections have grown out of some observations made by the writer of this article (among MR. SKINNER, other matters,) on the culture and application of I some time ago read a few remarks, made by If the man who possesses 20 negroes, sells 15 at the orchard grass, (Dactylis glomerata.) Great ef-you, on the prospects of Maryland, and of Mary- $500 each, and also 1000 acres of land, at $15 per forts were made to introduce it into use as a grass land farmers particularly. You stated that the acre, he will soon be able to invest $20,000 in good for hay, and so successful was Mr. P in the in- tine has arrived when slave labour can be no long-stocks, which will yield $1200 a year towards his troduction of it into the neighbourhood of Philaer advantageously employed on Maryland lands, maintenance; and the residue of his lands will indelphia, that it has nearly driven that best of all (except a few of the very best of them,) because it crease in value by the neighbourhood becoming grasses for hay, (timothy,) out of their meadows.is, too expensive; and that, therefore, it is going out settled and cultivated. He will have time to culti But with us, it has not been so. The rage is over. of use among us, without coercive measures, be- vate properly his 500 remaining acres, more or less, It was found, as a hay grass, to fall very far below cause it is no longer for our advantage to employ and be rid of his troublesome negroes. the expectations excited by the extraordinary re- such labour. You say that such being the visible presentations of its friends. The grass, when made operation or fact, (if I may use the expression,) that into hay, was found to be light and weak, when it therefore becomes us to be awake to the progress compared with timothy, and by no means proper to of this change, for that it deserves attention; and be substituted for that grass in our meadows, and that the wisdom of the state (I mean active and in therefore to be abandoned altogether. telligent minds,) should endeavour to make this reNow, in our opinion, the whole of this is wrong.volution in agriculture and population, work rightly It was wrong in the friends of orchard grass to and prosperously and terminate in a happy issue. have made it every thing, and above every thing of The subject is one of the greatest importance. its kind; and it was equally wrong in him who tried Human nature is much the same, I take it, all the it to have been discouraged when he found it would world over; and mankind are not slow to perceive, not answer for hay. He should have set his head and when discovered, to pursue their own individu to work, and his hands too, to know if it could not al interests. When one of our farmers, with his be used to more, or better advantage, in some other twenty, or more or less of negroes, cultivates his way; and whether it might not be a useful auxiliary estate, and at the end of the year finds himself a in grazing or soiling. Our own observations and loser; and this loss is repeated at the end of another experience have led us to believe that it might be year; he may sigh, indeed, but vainly, for another introduced in this way to great advantage. I will Napoleon, to restore to us by his wars, the feeding here throw together some of its valuable properties as a grass for that purpose.

The Maryland lands have been shamefully and wickedly abused, and misused by our fathers; for they cut down the trees and cropped the soil till no more tobacco would grow, and then left it for new lands. Proceeding this, they passed over the soil of almost the whole province. They thoughtlessly did all the injury they could; but they could not destroy the elements of the soil, and judicious and kind treatment will restore it. The same destructive process of agriculture, by excessive cropping, is now going on in the WEST, the boasted west; and already its effects are beginning to be felt there. We, here, have suffered all we can from bad husbandry, and our present business is to repair the injuries done by those who have preceded us.

A. B.

We see the injury done to our lands by bad cultivation; and the extravagance of slave labour is too demonstrable to be denied. Already has the of all Europe; he may groan over the prices cur change from the use of slave labour to that of freerent of our cities; may put on more plaister and men begun, and less land is therefore cultivated, It is an early grass. In general it will afford a manure, and complain of the ravages of the fly, but and many farms are lying idle. It is proper to consufficient growth of vegetation to turn on by the it will not raise the price of wheat or tobacco one sider well the present situation of the State, and to middle of April. It is rapid in its growth. No grass cent; for the evil lies in the admitted fact that slave devise the means to improve it. Let us, then, that we have can exceed it in putting forth, after it labour is so dear, that the maintenance of his ne-wisely realize our present condition, and carefully has been eaten off. It is abundant in foliage. The groes runs away with all his crops, and brings him improve it. flowering stems are few, comparatively, and by pro- in debt besides. The state of the world is altered; per management in eating it off, the whole may be produce is fallen. Agricultural operations must consumed. In times of excessive drought, it will change too, or the peril of persisting in ruinous be refreshed and grow vigorously from showers operations must light on the short sighted wisdom On the qualities of the Nankin Cotton-cultivated that would make no impression on the clover crop. that will defy circumstances. The planter who Its roots, being near the surface, immediately drink pursues such a course as is above described, now, in the refreshing shower as soon as it touches the will see his grocer's bill too large to be paid; will earth; while the tap root of the clover, waiting for witness his negroes and lands sold at auction by the the earth to become saturated, is disappointed by sheriff, and his broad acres will be tilled by the the exhalations of the superficial moisture, and hardy sons of Pennsylvania, who are already set again droops its half withered leaf. The fibrous thing on our upper county lands, which they buy at lateral roots of the orchard grass, in conjunction $4 to $20 per acre. with the circumstance of its not forming into a No. 11.-VOL. 9.

I was coming up from Washington City the other

NANKIN COTTON.

in North Carolina.

J. S. SKINNER, Esq.
Patterson, April 13, 1827.
Sir,-We yesterday received a cover from you,
enclosing a letter from Mr. Mitchell, and sample of
Nankin cotton. As regards the manufacture of
nankeens in England, they are, as Mr. Colt ob-
serves, all dyed. The Surat cotton, respecting
which Mr. Mitchell makes inquiry, is a white cotton,
with a peculiar and rather unpleasant smell; staple

[ocr errors]

Aylesbury, it constitutes a considerable portion of the most valuable and fattening pastures of that rich grazing district."

from five-eighths to three-fourths of an inch; fibre It may be observed here, that there is a great difcoarse and strong, and apparently not of the same ference between culms and leaves of grasses that size at point as at base. Mr. Mitchell's sample re- have been dried after they were cut in a green sembles the Surats in length of staple only, being and succulent state, or in possession of their nu- This grass (or perhaps F. elatior, which, if disfiner and softer, and therefore more difficult to work trient qualities, and those culms and leaves which tinct, is nearly allied to it,) has become extensively by machinery. Mr. Mitchell is in an error (if he have been dried (if I may so express it,) by nature naturalized in the rich meadows and pastures of refers to the sample sent us,) when he states the when growing: the former retain all their nutritive the United States; and is probably worthy of more staple to be as long as any cotton grown in 36 N.powers, but the latter very little, if any. In point particular attention than it has yet received. It is latitude; it is shorter by an eighth or one-fourth of early produce in the spring, this grass stands valuable, both for hay and pasture.

of an inch, the sample being only three-fourths of an inch long. The Virginia and North Carolina cotton will very rarely be as short as that.

next to the Alopecurus pratensis, (meadow fox-tail,)
and is superior in this respect to the cock's-foot.
About the middle of April, the meadow fox-tail lbs.
affords of nutritive matter, per acre,
At the same season, the meadow fescue, as
round-panicled cock's-foot, (Dactylis glo-
above, affords of nutritive matter, per acre,

The objections to this cotton exist in the shortness and extreme fineness of the staple; the former rendering it difficult to spin, the latter difficult to card with machinery without injury. It will doubt-The less require a different arrangement of machinery, but certainly can be spun; whether with advantage or not, cannot be decided by the small sample sent

483

382

358

"HOLCUS lanatus. Woolly soft-grass.*

"Specific character: Root fibrous; calyx woolly; lower floret perfect, awnless, upper with an arched awn; leaves downy on both sides. Sm. Engl. Fl. i. P. 107.

"This is a very common grass, and grows on all soils, from the richest to the poorest. It attains to merata,) ditto ditto. "It is eaten by horses, oxen, and sheep, but parti- soils; particularly on those of a peaty nature. Catthe greatest degree of luxuriance on light moist us. We, however, are willing to meet Mr. Mitchell cularly by the two first; its merits will be more tle prefer almost any other grass to this; it is seen clearly seen by comparing it farther with the cock's-in pastures with full grown perfect leaves, while the foot and meadow fox-tail. As it is often three weeks later in flowering than the fox-tail grass, the grasses that surround it are cropped to the roots. latter-math produce must be left out for the truth surface of the whole plant, render the hay that is "The numerous downy hairs which cover the made of it soft and spongy, and in this state it is

of comparison as regards its comparative value for

cost and much trouble; and if Mr. Mitchell will hay; and as it is much slower in growth after being disliked by cattle, particularly horses. Sir Hum

in trying the experiment upon it. Without trying it with entire fairness, it would be best not to make any trial; the results of which might, and probably would be, deceptive. This trial, conducted as it should be, would be made at the expense of some send us, to the care of William F. & S. Mott, New York, one bale, we will pay him for that the same price as white cotton of same quality would bring in New York. We should, at the same time, re quire him to fix the price of his crop, and give us the refusal of it at that price; the bale sent us being a fair sample. Mr. Mitchell will also please say how many bales he has, and what weight.

In haste, respectfully,

Your obed't serv'ts,

JOSEPH SMITH & CO.

ON GRASSES AND OTHER PLANTS.
No. 10.
Extracts from G. Sinclair's Hortus Gramineus-with
occasional notes and observations, by a Correspon-

dent.

(Continued from page 74.) "FESTUCA pratensis. Meadow fescue.

of

cropped than the cock's-foot, it is likewise neces-
sary to omit the latter-math in a comparison
their produce.

Alopecurus pratensis, (meadow fox-tail,)
at the time of flowering, affords of nu-
tritive matter, per acre,

487 461

At the time the seed is ripe, do. do.
The produce of latter-math, do. do. 255
The Festuca pratensis, (meadow fescue,) as
above, affords, from the flowering and seed-
ing crops only,
The weight of nutritive matter in which the
produce of one acre of the meadow fescue
exceeds that of fox tail, is

Or the meadow fescue is of greater value than
that of the fox-tail, in the proportion of
Dactylis glomerata, (round cock's-foot,) af-
nearly 11 to 9.
fords of nutritive matter, per acre, from
three crops, that is, at the time of flower-
ing, at the time of seeding, and from the
latter-math crop, as before,

1194

1403

209

phrey Davy has shown, that its nutritive matter consists entirely of mucilage and sugar; and that the nutritive matters of the grasses most liked by cattle have either a sub-acid or saline taste; and lbs. observes that the taste of the nutritive matter of the Holcus lanatus is similar to that of gum Arabic, and this grass might probably be made more palatable to cattle by being sprinkled over with salt. This may be done at so little expense and trouble at the time the hay is carried, that it cannot be too earnestly recommended to the notice of those gentlemen who may have much of this grass in their meadows or pastures. The late Duke of Bedford made trial of this grass on a large scale: the results proved that it was a very inferior grass for pasture or for hay. Its merits consist in being productive and easy of cultivation. But it is disliked by cattle, as not an early grass, and when once in possession of the soil can hardly be again rooted out. There being so many grasses superior to this in every respect, it cannot support a good claim to a place in the composition of the best permanent The Festuca pratensis, as above, pastures, and for the cultivation singly, or by itself, The weight of nutritive matter, in which the it is wholly inadmissible. The quantity of nutricock's foot exceeds the meadow fescue when tive matter it affords, and being found a constitutaken as hay crops, per acre is 1418 ent of the produce of some of the richest grazing "Obs. Dr. Withering makes this a variety of the the cock's-foot grass is superior, in point of pro-lands in Devonshire, are circumstances, however, duce, to the meadow fescue, in the proportion which recommend it to a place, in a small degree, Festuca elatior; but it is more justly made a disnearly of 2 to 1. But for grazing, the latter-in permanent pastures, where the soil is not light tinct species in Sir J. E. Smith's English Botany, math produce of the meadow fescue must be and siliceous; where the soil is light and siliceous, and in his English Flora. It differs from the Fesbrought forward; in this case it approaches it will increase to a degree injurious to the superior tuca elatior in having only half the height, the leaves nearer to cock's foot in value, and increases its grasses of the pasture. The seeds of the Holcus only half the breadth, the panicle shorter, and consuperiority, in point of produce, over the mea- lanatus should, therefore, not be introduced under taining only half the number of flowers. The pani dow fox tail. the circumstances of soil above mentioned, without cle is but once branched, droops but slightly, and leans to one side when in flower, and the flowers "The meadow fescue constitutes a very consider- much caution. It produces a profusion of seed, grow all one way. In the elatior the panicle branch-able portion of the herbage of all rich natural pas- which, being light, is easily dispersed by the winds; es both ways, it droops much at first, and the flow-tures and irrigated meadows; it makes excellent and though a late flowering grass, the seed ripens ers grow much more loosely; the spikets are more hay, and though a large plant, the leaves or her sooner than that of most others, and before hayund, ovate, and pointed: whereas in the pratensis bage are succulent and tender, and apparently much harvest begins is generally perfected. The quesey are somewhat linear, flat, and obtuse. liked by cattle, as they never form rank tufts, which tion is, therefore, how to get free of it: hard stockThe grass, at the time of flowering, is of greater is the case with the larger grasses. It does not ap-ing, and never suffering it to run to seed, will at value than at the time the seed is ripe, proportion-pear to arrive at its full productive powers from least prevent it from spreading farther. But ploughseed so soon as either the cock's-foot or fox-tail ing up the pasture, and taking not less than a five ally, as 3 to 1.

"Specific character: Panicle nearly upright, branched, spreading, turned to one side; spikelets linear, compressed; florets numerous, cylindrical, obscurely ribbed; nectary four-cleft; root fibrous. Sm. Engl. Fl. i. p. 147. Native of Britain. Root fibrous, perennial.

Or

2821
1403

The weight of nutritive matter which is lost by grass, and though essential for permanent pasture, years' course of crops, and then returning the land leaving the crop of this grass till the seed be ripe, is not by itself very well adapted for the alternate to other grasses, will be found the best remedy. is therefore very great. That it should lose more husbandry, but should be combined with cock's Flowers and ripens the seed in July."

of its weight at this stage of growth thau at the foot, rye-grass, and rough-stalked meadow-grass. This plant is completely naturalized in the Unitime of flowering, perfectly agrees with the defi- Mr. Taunton's experience of this grass on a stiff ted States; and although Dr. Muhlenburg calls it ciency of nutritive matter in the seed crop, in pro- clayey soil, proved that a copious crop of seed-"excellens pabulum," it is not esteemed by the farportion to the nutritive matter afforded by the flow-stalks may be obtained the second year from sow-mers-and, it is believed, has never been cultivated ering crop; the straws being succulent in the grassing. Flowers in June, and ripens the seed at the in this country. of the latter crop, while those of the former are end of July and the beginning of August. In the dry, and constitute a much smaller proportion of deep alluvial soils in Lincolnshire, this grass is not the weight of the crop than in the flowering crop. so prevalent as in the clay districts. In the vale of

(To be continued.)

*Known by the names of Salem grass, and white timothy, in the United States.

« 上一頁繼續 »