SECOND YEAR. I am are to be drawn by the hoe, taking only so much of grass and weeds is promoted, is the reason, and the the surface soil, as will serve to retain together, only one, upon which its continuation is justified; Field No. 2-I would plant in corn six feet one keep damp, and decompose the vegetable matter. whilst it is admitted, that under this practice, the way, and from one to three feet the other way, ac- This work, as all other farming operations, ought range gradually declines, and if persisted in, will be cording to the strength of the land, on a small bed to be well done, and should be completed as early finally destroyed. By keeping our woodlands rough, made by running three deep furrows together, in as practicable. The bed for planting, is to be pre- the range for hogs, as well as the winter range for every other space between the cotton beds of the pared by throwing up a furrow on each side of the cattle, is obviously improved, as is, also, the exterlast year, and crossing these and the old cotton beds list. It may be objected, that by bedding on a fur-nal appearance of the land; and we are assured by with a narrow shovel plough, to insure regularity, row, the tap root will extend too deep, and conse-persons of the best information and experience, that and to open a place for the seed. When the plants quently the plant will not be so tall and luxuriant. the texture and quality of the soil is improved in are up two or three leaves, break up the lands with It is true, I believe, there will not be as much stalk the same, or in a greater degree. Had the fire been a Yankee iron mould-board plough, in the direction as when the root is obstructed by hard and unbro- kept from our lands, for the last twenty or thirty of the old cotton beds, and as deep as the soil will ken earth, but on the other hand, I believe it will years, I hesitate not to say, that they would now be admit, occasionally touching the subsoil without branch and form better, retain the leaves, forms and of more than double their present value; even our turning much of it to the surface, throwing the pods better-better resist the effects of excessive poor ridges would have been tolerable land. earth to the corn. When the grass begins to ap- drought or wet, and will, finally, produce more cot-aware that many respectable landholders excuse pear, hand hoe, drawing as much earth to the plants ton. My observation, for experience I have none, the practice, but certainly for want of giving it the as they will bear, and leaving as little grass on the does not authorize me to say more on the culture attention which it deserves. Let me entreat you beds as possible. At this working, the plants must of this crop, than merely to remark, that the beds seriously to consider the subject, and should you be thinned to one stalk in a place. As soon as ought to be of a tolerable size, and formed by the on reflection, agree with me as to the pernicious grass again appears, (which will not be before the two first workings, after which the plough ought tendency of this barbarous custom, to use your incorn is two feet high,) plough with a broad shovel not to be used-that the subsequent tillage should fluence towards its removal. as shallow as possible, particularly the furrow on be as shallow and seldom as possible to destroy the side next to the plants, sufficiently deep, how-grass and keep the crop clean, as well on account ever, to destroy the grass. After the lapse of fifteen of not injuring the lateral roots, as for the benefit or twenty days, by which time the forward plants of the soil-that the culture should be continued as will begin to tassel, hoe shallow, drawing the earth late as possible, both on account of the present, and from the alley towards the plant or top of the bed. the succeeding crop. The culture of the crop is then finished; for if the work is well done, the grass that may afterwards appear, will do little or no injury. The ploughing should be in one direction, by which two of the last year's cotton beds will be thrown into one corn bed, making a bed of the most proper size and to great advantage. Thus, with two ploughings, (one a breaking up) and two hoeings, a better crop will be made, than can be made on land of the same quality, where corn has grown the preceding year, with five ploughings and one or two hoeings in the usual way. I admit, taking a single year, that more land may be cultivated to the hand, and perhaps a little more corn may be made, in the usual method of ploughing and cross ploughing, but with much more injury to the land, and at double the expense of horses and provisions. I venture the assertion, confident it will be confirmed by experience, that the extensive corn crops which it is necessary for us in the present state of things to cultivate, cannot be made to greater advantage, or with less labour than after cotton, and in the way here recommended. This process, it is to be remarked, is intended for our medium quality of upland. Where the quality of the land requires a greater distance than three and a half feet between the cotton beds, it will be necessary to put a row of corn between each of the last year's cotton beds, giving distance to the plants in the row, according to circumstances. In that case, the corn bed is to be formed by plough ing one half of an old cotton bed, to each side of the corn. One of the principal circumstances which has retarded the progress of agricultural improvement, is the distrust, and sometimes the contempt with which a great portion of practical planters and farmers have ever looked upon theoretical, or as it is commonly called, book knowledge. To remove As much of the benefit to be expected from the this obstacle to improvement, is, I consider, one of course of crops here recommended, will be derived the chief objects of this society; and on this point, from the vegetable matter, to be incorporated with I cannot better express my sentiments, than by the soil, it must occur to every one, that four fields adopting the language of an eminent writer. "It resting, one a full year, between the oat and cotton is," says Sir Richard Steele, "by the joint force crops, would be an improvement, and that arrange-of men of different talent that useful purposes are ment is suggested as preferable, where the extent best accomplished; and a certain facility of invenof cleared land, and other circumstances will admit tion in one, joined to the experience and practical its introduction; always recollecting that the vege- skill of another, may bring works to perfection, table matter should be carefully preserved by listing which would be so far from growth, that they would or ploughing. not so much as have had birth, but from the good inteligence of persons of unlike abilities, whose good will to each other united their endeavours; it is certain that great and worthy works are every day lost by the distance which is kept between men from the very reason, which would make them seek each other in their different ways of life and education." To encourage, therefore, a free intercourse and interchange of opinions, between the practically wise, and the theoretically learned, is one of the most useful results that can be expected from this and similar associations. In addition to the three or four principal fields, intended for the main crops, I would recommend two lots or small fields, each containing about an acre for every taskable hand on the plantation, se parately enclosed, and located conveniently to the stables and barn, to which the manure accumulated in and about the stables and barn yard might be applied, and in which sweet potatoes, and such other crops, as the judgment of the proprietor may suggest, might be cultivated alternately. Extra attention to live stock, it will be observed, is not included in this system. This is not, nor is The very low estimation in which elementary it likely to be, for ages to come, a grazing district. knowledge on the subject of agriculture, is generalOur present agricultural habits and staple products ly held by practical men, is to be ascribed in a must undergo an entire change before we can, with great measure to the want of judgment, with which the least prospect of profit, bestow any extraordi- most men reduce to practice what they find in books. nary attention or expense on this branch of domes-No new theory or supposed improvement, however tic economy. Dry cattle, above a year old, do plausible, or apparently well tested, should be very well in ordinary seasons without feeding; every adopted, except upon mature deliberation, and planter should, however, carefully preserve the upon a small scale; nor should any rational theory husks and stalks of his corn, as food for his cows, during the winter. Only as many cattle should be kept on a plantation, as can be supported in good heart through the winter, on the offal and least valuable parts of the crops. once adopted be abandoned or condemned, until In Field No. 1-Plough in oats about the middle by repeated experiments, it is found not to succeed; of January, or as soon as the season will admit. I for a process which has succeeded in one place, recommend planting in the spring, rather than in and in one year, may not be successful in another the fall, for several reasons. By planting in the place, or even in the same place with different seaspring, there is time for the removal of the pre- Many practices prevail among us, bearing direct sons. In no business or employment, whatever, is ceding corn crop, and, although there will be less ly on the present and future prosperity of agricul- the exercise of discretion, and a sound judgment grain than if planted in the fall; yet the stalk is ture, and to which, I would consider it my duty to more requisite, than in directing the various operanot so dry and hard, and the quantity greater, and advert, did time permit. The practice of burning tions of agriculture; yet it is certainly true, that besides, the shorter the time any crop is growing, woodlands in March or April, is, however, so sin-these operations should be conducted on fixed printhe less it exhausts the land. It is found that any gularly pernicious to our best interests, that it can ciples, the practice, however, must be varied and kind of small grain exhausts the land less when not be overlooked on this occasion. This absurd modified according to existing circumstances; and planted in the spring, than in the fall. This crop custom prevails, and has prevailed throughout this these are sometimes local and permanent, but often being intended merely as an auxiliary to the corn section of the state, ever since its first settlement. general and casual If the art of cultivating the erop, ought to be meliorating. At this time, I│It must have been derived from the aborigines of ground is reducible to certain principles, it is entiknow of no other that will better answer the purpose. the country, and is consistent with its savage ori-tled to rank as a science. Science is defined to be About the middle of September, of the first year, gin.-To attempt to prove by argument, the evil an art attained by precepts, or built on principles; commence preparing Field No. 3, for cotton, by tendency of repeatedly burning our woods, would but as in all operative sciences, for instance, as in listing, first running furrows across the field in the be idle, as its deleterious effects on the land, must medicine, so in agriculture, although bottomed on direction, and at the distance you intend your beds. have been remarked by every person of the least immutable principles, in practice, it is subjected to Into these furrows all the grass, weeds, and stubble discernment. That by it, the early vegetation of infinite modifications; as the treatment of a disease must be modified according to the stage of the dis-cated by the width of the hips, and the breadth of female parent is disproportionately small, the quantemper, the constitution of the patient, the state of the waist, which is the space between the thighs. tity of nourishment is deficient, and her offspring his system, &c. So a crop should be managed ac-The breadth of the loins is always in proportion to has all the disproportions of a starveling. But cording to the nature of the soil, its state of fertility, that of the chest and pelvis. when the female, from her size and good constituseasons, climate, &c. Agriculture then is a science, The head should be small, by which the birth is tion, is more than adequate to the nourishment of and as such it ought to be esteemed, taught, studied facilitated. Its smallness affords other advantages, a fœtus of a smaller male than herself, the growth and practised; and until that is the case, it can and generally indicates that the animal is of a good must be proportionately greater. The larger fenever attain the perfection of which it is susceptible, breed. Horns are useless to domestic animals, and male has also a larger quantity of milk, and her offor that rank and dignity among the pursuits of life, they are often a cause of accidents. It is not diffi-spring is more abundantly supplied with nourishto which it is justly entitled. cult to breed animals without them. The breeders ment after birth. of horned cattle and horned sheep, sustain a loss Abundant nourishment is necessary to produce the more extensive than they may conceive; for it is not most perfect formed animal, from the earliest peSCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE. the horns alone, but also much bone in the skulls of riod of its existence until its growth is complete. Of Improving the Breed of Animals. such animals to support their horns, for which the As already observed, the power to prepare the By improvement of a breed, is to be understood butcher pays nothing; and besides this there is an greatest quantity of nourishment from a given the producing such an alteration in shape or de-additional quantity of ligament and muscle in the quantity of food, depends principally on the magscription, as shall render the animal better fitted for neck, which is of small value. The skull of a ram nitude of the lungs, to which the organs of digesthe labours he has to perform; better fitted for be- with its horns, weighed five times more than a skull tion are subservient. To obtain animals with large coming fat; or for producing milk, wool, eggs, fea- which was hornless. Both these skulls were taken lungs, crossing is the most expeditious method; bethers, or particular qualities of these. The funda- from sheep of the same age, each being four years cause well formed females may be selected from a mental principle of this amelioration is the proper old. The great difference in weight depended chief- variety of large size, to be put to a well formed selection of parents. Two theories have obtainedly on the horns, for the lower jaws were nearly male of a variety that is rather smaller. By such notice on this subject, the one in favour of breeding equal; one weighing seven ounces, and the other a mode of crossing, the lungs and heart become from individuals of the same parentage, called the six ounces and three quarters; which proves that proportionately larger, in consequence of a peculiin and-in system, and the other in favour of breed- the natural size of the head was the same in both, arity in the circulation of the fœtus, which causes a ing from individuals of two different offsprings, independent of the horns and the thickness of bone larger proportion of the blood, under such circumcalled the system of cross-breeding. As is usual in which supports them. In horned animals the skull stances, to be distributed to the lungs than to the such cases, neither theory is exclusively correct, at is extremely thick. In a hornless animal it is much other parts of the body; and as the shape and size least as far as respects agricultural improvement; thinner, especially in that part where the horns of the chest depend upon that of the lungs, hence for. as will afterwards appear, the principles on usually grow. To those who have reflected on the arises that remarkably large chest, which is producwhich a selection for breeding so as to improve the subject, it may appear of little consequence whe-ed by crossing with females that are larger than the carcass of the animal depends, will lead occasional-ther sheep and cattle have horns; but on a mode-males. The practice, according to this principle of ly to either mode. rate calculation it will be found, that the loss in improvement, however, ought to be limited; for it That the breed of animals is improved by the larg- farming stock, and also in the diminution of animal may be carried to such an extent, that the bulk of est males, is a very general opinion; but this opinion food, is very considerable, from the production of the body might be so disproportioned to the size of is the reverse of the truth, and has done considera-horns and their appendages. A mode of breeding the limbs, as to prevent the animal from "moving ble mischief. The great object of breeding, by which would prevent the production of these, would with sufficient facility. In animals, where activity whatever mode, is the improvement of form, and afford a considerable profit in an increase of meat, is required, this practice should not be extended so experience has proved that crossing has only suc-wool, and other valuable parts. far as in those which are intended for the food of ceeded in an eminent degree, in those instances in man. which the females were larger than in the usual proportion of females to males; and that it has gen erally failed where the males were disproportionally large. (Culley's Introduction, &c.) The following epitome of the science of breeding, is by the late eminent surgeon, Henry Cline, who practised it extensively on his own farm at Southgate. The length of the neck should be proportioned to the height of the animal, that it may collect its food with ease. The muscles, and the tendons which are their appendages, should be large; by which an animal is enabled to travel with greater facility. The characters of animals, or the external appearances by which the varieties of the same species are distinguished, are observed in the offspring; but those of the male parent more frequently predominate. Thus, in the breeding of horned animals, The bones, when large, are commonly considered there are many varieties of sheep, and some of cat an indication of strength; but strength does not de-tle, which are hornless. If a hornless ram be put The external form of domestic animals has been pend on the size of the bones, but on that of the to horned ewes, almost all the lambs will be hornmuch studied, and the proportions are well ascer-muscles. Many animals with large bones are weak, less; partaking of the character of the male more tained. But the external form is an indication only their muscles being small. Animals that have been than of the female parent. In some counties, as of internal structure. The principles of improving imperfectly nourished during growth, have their Norfolk, Wiltshire, and Dorsetshire, most of the if must, therefore, be founded on a knowledge of bones disproportionately large. If such deficiency sheep have horns. In Norfolk the horns may be the structure and use of internal parts. of nourishment originated from a constitutional de-got rid of, by crossing with Ryeland rams; which The lungs are of the first importance. It is on fect, which is the most frequent cause, they remain would also improve the form of the chest, and the their size and soundness that the strength and health weak during life. Large bones, therefore, generally quality of the wool. In Wiltshire and Dorsetshire of animals principally depends. The power of con- indicate an imperfection in the organs of nutrition. the same improvements might be made, by crossing verting food into nourishment, is in proportion to To obtain the most improved form, the two modes the sheep with Southdown rams. An offspring their size. An animal with large lungs is capable of breeding described as the in-and in and crossing without horns, or rarely producing horns, might be of converting a given quantity of food into more modes, have been practised. The first mode may obtained from the Devonshire cattle, by crossing nourishment than one with smaller lungs; and there-be the better practice, when a particular variety with hornless bulls of the Galloway breed; which fore has a greater aptitude to fatten. approaches perfection in form; especially for those would also improve the form of the chest, in which The chest, according to its external form and size, who may not be acquainted with the principles on the Devonshire cattle are often deficient. indicates the size of the lungs. The form of the which improvement depends. When the male is chest should approach to the figure of a cone, hav much larger than the female, the offspring is geneing its apex situated between the shoulders, and its rally of an imperfect form. If the female be probase towards the loins. Its capacity depends on its portionately larger than the male, the offspring is of form more than on the extent of its circumference; an improved form. For instance, if a well formed for where the girth is equal in two animals, one may large ram be put to ewes proportionately smaller, have much larger lungs than the other. A circle the lambs will not be so well shaped as their pacontains more than an ellipsis of equal circumfer-rents; but if a small ram be put to larger ewes, the ence; and in proportion as the ellipsis deviates from lambs will be of an improved form. The proper the circle it contains less. A deep chest, therefore, method of improving the form of animals, consists Examples of the bad effects of crossing the breed is not capacious, unless it is proportionably broad. in selecting a well formed female, proportionately are more numerous. When it became the fashion The pelvis is the cavity formed by the junction of larger than the male. The improvement depends in London to drive large bay horses, the farmers in the haunch bones with the bone of the rump. It is on this principle, that the power of the female to Yorkshire put their mares to much larger stallions essential that this cavity should be large in the fe-supply her offspring with nourishment, is in prothan usual, and thus did infinite mischief to their male, that she may be enabled to bring forth her portion to her size, and to the power of nourishing breed, by producing a race of small chested, long young with less difficulty. When this cavity is herself from the excellence of her constitution-legged, large boned, worthless animals A similar small, the life of the mother and her offspring is The size of the foetus is generally in proportion to project was adopted in Normandy, to enlarge the endangered. The size of the pelvis is chiefly indi that of the male parent, and therefore, when the breed of horses there, by the use of stallions from Examples of the good effects of crossing may be found in the improved breeds of horses and swine in England. The great improvement of the breed of horses arose from crossing with the diminutive stallions, Barbs and Arabians; and the introduction of Flanders mares into this country was the source of improvement in the breed of cart horses. The form of the swine has been greatly improved by crossing with the small Chinese boar. Holstein; and in consequence, the best breed of The above opinions may be considered as support- the propensity to fatten in cattle, and the fine wool horses in France would have been spoiled, had noted by the most eminent practical breeders, as Bake-in sheep, are improvements which have been made the farmers discovered their mistake in time, by ob- well, Culley, Somerville, Parry, and others; and by in particular varieties of the species to which those serving the offspring much inferior in form to that most theorists, as Coventry, Darwin, Hunt, Young, animals belong. What has been produced by art of the native stallions. Some graziers in the Isle &c. T. A. Knight writes in the Communications to must be produced by the same means, for the most of Sheppy conceived that they could improve their the Board of Agriculture in favour of cross breed-improved breeds will soon return to a state of nasheep by large Lincolnshire rams; the produce of ing, as do Pitt and others in the County Surveys, ture, or perhaps defects will arise, which did not which, however, was much inferior to the shape of but mostly from very limited experience. Sir J. S. exist when the breed was in its natural state, unless the carcass, and the quality of the wool; and the Sebright, in a letter addressed to Sir Joseph Banks, the greatest attention is paid to the selection of the flocks were greatly impaired by this attempt to im- on improving the breed of domestic animals, 1809, individuals who are to breed together. prove them. Attempts to improve the animals of a has taken the opposite side of the question; but the "We must observe the smallest tendency to imperfeccountry by any plan of crossing, should be made meaning he attaches to the term breeding in-and-in tion in our stock, the moment it appears, so as to be with the greatest caution; for by a mistaken prac-is so limited, as to render it a very different sort of able to counteract it, before it becomes a defect; as tice, extensively pursued, irreparable mischief may breeding from that practised by Messrs. Bakewell a rope dancer, to preserve his equilibrium, must be done. In any country where a particular race and Culley, which has been generally so named, correct the balance, before it is gone too far, and of animals has continued for centuries, it may be and recommended by Cline and others, who favour, then not by such a motion as will incline it too presumed that their constitution is adapted to the rather than otherwise, the in-and-in system. He much to the opposite side. The breeder's success food and climate. says, "Magnell's fox-hounds are quoted as an in-will depend entirely upon the degree in which he The pliancy of the animal economy is such, that an stance of the success of breeding in-and-in; but may happen to possess this particular talent." animal will gradually accommodate itself to great upon speaking to that gentleman upon the subject, Bakewell and Culley say, "like begets like;" therevicissitudes in climate, and alterations in food; and I found that he did not attach the meaning that I fore breed from the best. Of this, says Sir J. S. by degrees undergo great changes in constitution; do, to the term in and in. He said that he frequent Sebright, there can be no doubt, "but it is to be but these changes can be effected only by degrees, ly bred from the father and the daughter, and the proved how long the same family, bred in-and-in, and may often require a great number of successive mother and the son. This is not what I consider as will continue to be the best" Cross breeding apgenerations for their accomplishment. It may be breeding in-and-in; for the daughter is only half of pears, no doubt, more consonant to what takes proper to improve the form of a native race, but at the same blood as the father, and will probably par-place in nature than breeding from very near relathe same time it may be very injudicious to attempt take, in a great degree, of the properties of the tionship; and arguing from analogy, the result of to enlarge their size; for the size of animals is com- mother. Magnell sometimes bred from brother and certain experiments made by T. A. Knight, on the monly adapted to the soil and climate which they sister; this is certainly what may be called a little vegetable kingdom, seems to justify us in concludinhabit. Where produce is nutritive and abundant close: but should they both be very good, and, par- ing that occasional crossing may become not only the animals are large, having grown proportionally ticularly, should the same defects not predominate advantageous, but even necessary for the purpose of to the quantity of food which, for generations, they in both, but the perfections of the one promise to correcting defects. Nevertheless, as the last menhave been accustomed to obtain. Where the pro- correct in the produce the imperfections of the tioned writer and Cline observe, it can only be safeduce is scanty, the animals are small, being propor- other, I do not think it objectionable: much fartherly resorted to by skilful and experienced breeders. tioned to the quantity of food which they were able than this the system of breeding from the same fami[Loudon's Enc. of Agric. to procure. Of these contrasts, the sheep of Lin-ly, cannot, in my opinion, be pursued with safety." colnshire and of Wales are examples. The sheep of (p. 10.) John Hunt, surgeon at Loughborough, a Lincolnshire would starve on the mountains of friend of Bakewell and Darwin, in a reply to Šir J. Wales. S. Sebright's pamphlet, entitled Agricultural Memoirs, &c 1812, justly observes, that as Sir John has given no definition of the term in-and-in, from what may be gathered from the above extract, he seems to have been as near as possible of the same mind as Bakewell, whose practice it is on all sides allowed, was "to put together those animals which were most perfect in shape without regard to affinity in blood." This, in fact, is the general practice in all the best breeding districts, and especially in Leicestershire and Northumberland. Crossing the breed of animals may be attended with | bad effects in various ways; and that even when adopted in the beginning on a good principle: for instance, suppose some larger ewes than those of the native breed were taken to the mountains of Wales, and put to the rams of that country; if these foreign ewes were fed in proportion to their size, their lambs would be of an improved form, and larger in size than the native animals; but the males produced by this cross, though of a good form, would be disproportionate in size to the na George Culley, a Northumberland farmer of great tive ewes; and, therefore, if permitted to mix with practice in breeding and feeding, in his Observations them, would be productive of a starveling, ill-form- on Live Stock, not only concurs in this principle as ed progeny. Thus a cross, which at first was an far as respects quadrupeds, but considers it to hold improvement, would, by giving occasion to a con- good in the feathered tribe, and, in short, in anitrary cross, ultimately prejudice the breed. The mals of every kind. His conclusion is, "That of general mistake in crossing has arisen from an at-all animals, of whatever kind, those which have the tempt to increase the size of a native race of animals; being a fruitless effort to counteract the laws of nature. The Arabian horses are, in general, the most perfect in the world; which, probably, has arisen from great care in selection, and also from being unmixed with any variety of the same species; the males, therefore, have never been disproportioned in size to the females. The native horses of India are small, but well pro portioned, and good of their kind. With the in tention of increasing their size, the India company have adopted the plan of sending large stallions to India. If these stallions should be extensively used, a disproportioned race must be the result, and a valuable breed of horses may be irretrievably spoiled. From theory, from practice, and from extensive observation, the last more to be depended on than either, "it is reasonable," Cline continues, "to form this conclusion: it is wrong to enlarge a native breed of animals, tor in proportion to their increase of size, they become worse in form, less hardy, and more liable to disease." (Comm. to the B. of Ag. vol. iv. p. 446.) FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. ON GRASSES AND OTHER PLANTS. No. 3. Extracts from G. Sinclair's Hortus Gramineus—with occasional notes and observations, by a Correspondent. (Continued from page 11.) "As every different soil produces grasses peculiar to itself, and as no other kinds can be established or cultivated upon it without first changing its nature to resemble that which produced the kinds of grasses we wish to introduce; it becomes a point of the first importance, in making experiments on different species of this numerous family of plants, and in stating the results, to determine with sufficient accuracy the nature of the soil or different soils employed, and to describe them accordingly. It may here be unnecessary to state, that the basis of every improvement in the cultivation of grasses smallest, cleanest, finest bones, are in general the is, to sow the seeds of those species only which are best proportioned, and covered with the best and adapted to the soil; or, to change the nature of unfinest grained meat." "I believe," he adds, "they suitable soils to that which is fitted for the growth are also the hardiest, healthiest, and most inclinable of grasses most desirable to be cultivated; and unto feed; able to bear the most fatigue while living, less this important point is in the first place attendand worth the most per lb. when dead." (Observa-ed to fully, disappointment, rather than success, tions, &c. 222.) may be expected to follow the labours of the farmer. Cross breeding, under judicious management, might In many instances, where experiments have been probably be often employed to correct the faults of made on the produce of plants, this very essential particular breeds, or to impart to them new quali-point has been too much disregarded. It is to this ties. "Were I," says Sir J. S. Sebright, "to define only we can look for a satisfactory reason to reconwhat is called the art of breeding, I should say, that it consisted in the selection of males and females, intended to breed together, in reference to each other's merits and defects. It is not always by put ting the best male to the best female, that the best produce will be obtained; for should they both have a tendency to the same defect, although in ever so slight a degree, it will in general preponderate so much in the produce, as to render it of little value. A breed of animals may be said to be improved, when any desired quality has been increased by art, beyond what that quality was in the same breed, in a state of nature; the swiftness of the race horse, cile the discordance of results obtained from experiments made on the same plant by different persons equally eminent for agricultural knowledge. From the same source, in a great measure, will be found to proceed the difference of opinion respecting the impoverishing effects of different plants to the soil. It is well known that, on certain soils, some plants have greater impoverishing effects than on others; and though the preparation of the land, and quantity of manure applied, &c. should be the same in two cases, yet a specific difference in the nature of the soils will give different results as to their produce and impoverishing effects. "The terms adopted to denote different soils have been used without due precision; or rather, the terms have had no definite idea affixed to them. The term loam, for instance, is defined by one to be a fat earth, or marl, and by others a mixture of clay, sand, and calcareous earth, without stating the proportions. In general, on referring to books on agriculture and gardening, we are directed to a hazel loam, a brown loam, clayey loam, or to a hungry sandy soil, bog soil, peat earth, garden mould, &c.; but from the want of proper definitions of these terms, it is perplexing or nearly impracticable, to determine which kind of soil is meant I have examined above fifty kinds of soil and composts, collected, with their local names, in different parts of the country, and, in several instances, soils of the same name were found to differ greatly in their natural qualities. "The method of determining the nature of soils by chemical analysis has been of late years so much simplified by Sir Humphrey Davy, that it is now in the power of every practical person to ascertain, with comparative facility, the qualities of any kind of soil, and consequently to describe the same without any risk of being misunderstood, which before this was absolutely unavoidable "All soils consist of sand of various degrees of fineness, and impalpable earthy matter: when, there fore, the exact proportions in which these are com bined in a soil are known, with their general properties, it shews directly to which class of soil it belongs; whether to the loamy, clayey, calcareous, sandy, peaty, &c. NOTICES OF PERNICIOUS AND UNPRO- Which infest the Farms in Chester county, Penn. No. 6. This is a worthless, and very common weed, in MONADELPHIA. PENTANDRIA. Lobelia inflata. Eye-bright. Indian tobacco. A common, worthless weed, in pasture fields. The lactescent juice of the plant is very acrid, when applied to the eye: hence one of its names. As a weed, it has not been considered very important; and, consequently, no pains are taken to eradicate it. One or two other species of lobelia occur in our fields, equally valueless, but scarcely injurious. MONADELPHIA.-POLYANDRIA. Sida abutilon. Indian mallow. De Witt weed. A naturalized foreigner, of no value; very abundant in lanes, about barn-yards, &c. and beginning to be troublesome in cultivated lots. It is to be Nepeta cataria. Cat-mint. Cat-nep. kept down, like most other such nuisances, by careA naturalized foreigner, pretty frequent in gar-S. spinosa, another species from abroad, equally fully preventing it from maturing its seeds. The dens, along fence rows, &c., and sometimes straying worthless, but smaller, and of less importance, is into the open pastures, where its presence is objec- becoming extensively naturalized in similar situationable; but it is easily kept in subjection, with a little care. Being a popular medicine, it is generally tolerated to some extent, about houses and gardens. Leonurus cardiaca. Mother-wort. tions. Malva rotundifolia. Running mallows. This well known foreigner, though somewhat medicinal, is so abundantly naturalized in yards and This is an obnoxious foreign weed, totally worth-gardens, as to be considered, by the gardeners, a less and unwelcome wherever it appears. It is source of "more plague than profit." most frequent among rubbish, along fences, &c. and may be kept under with a little attention. Lamium amplexicaule. Hen-bit. Dead nettle. Antirrhinum linaria. Toad flax. Ransted weed. Devil's flax. This foreigner is a vile nuisance on our farms; "Sir Humphrey Davy, in his 'Elements of Agri cultural Chemistry,' states the proportions of sand and impalpable earthy matter, to which the terms usually adopted should be limited. "The term sandy should never be applied to any soil that does not at least contain seven-eighths of sand; sandy soils that effervesce with acids, should be distin guished by the name of calcareous sandy soil, to distinguish them from those that are siliceous. The term clayey should not be applied to any land that contains less than one sixth of impalpable earthy the word loam should be limited to soils containing matter, not considerably effervescing with acids; at least one-third of impalpable earthy matter. soil to be considered as peaty, ought to contain at least one-half of vegetable matter.' These may Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris. Shepherd's purse. be considered as the generic characters of soils, and A foreign weed, extensively naturalized, and radetermined by a very simple process-that of wash-ther troublesome in gardens and grain fields. It ing the impalpable earthy matter of the soil from seems difficult to get rid of it. the sandy portion, and by drying and ascertaining their respective weights, when the application of an acid shews whether it belongs to the calcareous or siliceous kinds of soil. A Lepidium virginicum. Wild pepper-grass. perse A plant of no value to the farmer, and pretty abundant in yards and pasture lots; but it is not very important evil. a Camelina sativa, Torrey. Wild flax. Gold of (To be continued.) RURAL ECONOMY. SHAKERS' BARN. Mr. Starr,-I hand you for the amusement and information of the practical farmer, a description which I have verbally received from a friend of mine living in that vicinity, of a large barn, built the last season, in the town of Hancock, Berkshire county, in that town. It is possible that in some points the (Massachusetts,) by the family of Shakers located that they are materially correct. Both the size and dimensions may be inaccurate; but you may rely form are probably unfit for any common purpose; very few farmers would wish to collect so much forage and manure, or have so much stock at one place; but all who have any experience in the business, will agree that there is much ingenuity and convenience in the design, for a large establishment. The barn is built on ground inclining southwardly, in a perfect circle, and is ninety feet in diameter, or across it from side to side. The walls are stone, 22 feet in height, of suitable thickness, and laid in lime, or well pointed on each side. Round the barn, on the inner side, are stables forming a circle, the manger within, and suitable places over it to throw the hay or feed down. The stable and manger occupy about 12 feet, and are 8 feet high; the stables open to and from several different barn yards, in "The results of all my observations in these exorder to make as many and such division of their periments on grasses, and likewise in the cultiva-pleasure. stock as they have thought proper. The covering tion of a large collection of plants on various kinds This is a foreigner, and is generally found grow- of the stables form the barn floor, which also exof soil, tend to confirm the opinion, that the fitnessing among flax, or in wheat fields. It is sometimes tends round the barn. There is but one large dooror unfitness of particular soils for particular plants, so abundant in flax crops as to be quite a nuisance. way for entrance with teams and loads; this is from depends, in a general sense, on the due proportions Some worthy farmers are so afflicted with the infir- the northern side, from an offset or causeway, eight of sand and impalpable earthy matter, of which mity of blind faith, as to believe that this plant is feet above the base, and of course fourteen feet bethey consist. If writers, therefore, on the compa-nothing but transmuted flax. They imagine that low the eaves. The cart or wagon that enters with rative produce of plants, whether of the farm or this vegetable alchymy is effected by sowing flax a load, makes the whole circuit of the floor, and afthe garden, would only thus far describe the nature seed on grounds that have been subjected to the ter unloading, comes out at the same door; thus of the soils employed in their experiments, the bene-action of fire: hence, instead of directing their at-eight or ten teams can occupy the floor at one time fit of it would be felt and duly appreciated by every tention to procuring clean seed, they plod on in in unloading, and not hinder each other. Within practical person; but more so, by those who wish patient resignation and wonderment, at the suppos- this circle of the stables and barn floor, is an area to repeat such experiments. But misconceptioned metamorphosis. This plant is deemed altoge- or bay, as it is usually called, which is filled with with respect to the nature of soils employed in ex-ther worthless here, although it is said to be culti-hay, &c. and must be over sixty feet in diameter. periments, must be effectually prevented by ascer vated, in Germany, for the sake of the oil which its This is pitched in and on from any side or place taining the number and proportion of the consti- seeds afford, tuent parts, because the smallest difference in the natural qualities of soils is thereby detected. It would surely assist in raising the art of agriculture to the certainty of science, if, in all experiments on the comparative produce of plants, the intimate nature of the soil, as well as the properties of the subsoil, were accurately determined." TETRADYNAMIA.-SILIQUOSA. Erysimum officinale. Hedge mustard. A foreign weed, of no value to the agriculturist, and frequent in gardens, lots, along fences, &c. It has not, however, been found very troublesome, as yet. most convenient, or where wanted. The roof comes to a point at the centre, and sheds off the rain all around, something similar to an umbrella. It is supported from the inner circle of the barn floor. The roof boards are laid up and down, which by a traverse sawing of the log, were all brought to a point, and then shingled round in the usual mode. [Middleton Sentinel. HORTICULTURE. But here it must be remarked, that in our earnestness to render our children pleasing, and to improve their manners, care will be required that we do not rob them of their chief charm-the simplicity of childhood; for how greatly are to be preferred even an uncouthness of behaviour, and awkward shyness, to any thing of premature forwardness, formality or affectation "Affectation is but lighting up a candle to our defeets, and though it has the laudable aim of pleasing, always misses it."* We must also avoid working upon vanity to secure good manners, lest we nurture that love of admiration which is apt, but too soon, to take an overbearing possession of the heart. gratification of others, which is the foundation of nothing is it more true that "we are all a sort of good manners. If, therefore, we are successful in camelions, and, still, take a tincture from things inspiring children with such a disposition, we secure around us." On this account, as on every other, it VINEYARDS. the most important means of rendering them pleas- is of importance that children should witness no Perhaps the cultivation of the vine is carried on ing. We should endeavour early to infuse the vulgar habits in the nursery, and that the conversato a greater extent in Pennsylvania than in any spirit of that precept-"Honour all men;" to teach tion between the nurses themselves should be guardother state. In one county, we perceive it stated, them that kindness and civility are due to all; that ed and correct. that there are twenty-seven vineyards, producing a haughty, peremptory, or contemptuous manner is annually about 400 barrels of wine. Cuttings of not only ill-bred, but unchristian; and that this is, the vines are sold at thirty dollars per thousand, and especially, to be guarded against in their behaviour the cost of setting out an acre, including cuttings, to servants. Nor will young people, generally, be is about $70. We hope this species of cultivation tempted to treat with unkindness those, whose serwill be extensively tried throughout the whole coun- vices claim a return of affection and gratitude, untry, as nothing will tend so much to remove the less they are led to it by the example of others. curse of drunkenness, with which, as a nation, we It will, also, be necessary to guard children are scourged, as the predominance of the use of against vulgar habits, against roughness of manner, wine over ardent spirits. It will be recollected, as well as coarseness of mind; as loud talking and that at the late session of our legislature, a tract of laughing, the use of violent exclamations and ex 500 acres of land in Wilkes' county, was given to pressions, "shocking! terrible! monstrous!" &c.; a native of France, who has located himself there, nor should they be allowed to continue their infanby way of testing the suitableness of our climate tine language too long; the imperfect words and for the growth of the vine. We wish him all the broken sentences of an infant, will be unpleasant success which his enterprise deserves. and appear like affectation, when used by elder Order.-The general order of a nursery will be [Raleigh Reg. children; but this habit is often encouraged by the affected and babyish tones of voice in which their greatly promoted by early rising, by regular hours attendants frequently address them. It is essential for all the employments of the day, and by an attention to this maxim, It is said that in the parts of France where wine to good breeding, that children be taught to express A place for every thing, and every thing in its place. is made, one man will cultivate ten acres of vine themselves well, and to speak distinctly and grammatically. Method and true order are attainments of a highyard, and that in this country twenty acres might As satire and ridicule are instruments, ill calcu-er stamp than is generally supposed; for they are be taken care of by one man. Experiments in Ma-lated to be employed in education; so any tenden- not only useful in the lesser concerns of life, but ryland prove, that ten acres of vineyard will yield a nett profit of $3127 annually. A Milledgeville pa- be repressed; mimickry, also, though highly amus-it is by these that the powers and activity of the cy to these dispositions in children themselves is to necessary to success in the most important objects: per notices the formation of two large vineyards in ing, ought to be discouraged; as being likely to mind are turned to good account. "Method," as the neighbourhood of that place. The climate of induce an unpleasant and improper turn of mind. Mrs. H. More says, "is the hinge of business, and Georgia is every way suitable to the cultivation of Good conduct at meals, is, with children, a fair there is no method without order and punctuality." the grape, and the experiment has been successfully criterion of good manners, and meals may be made "Method is important, as it gains time; it is like tried. The continued depreciation of cotton ren- use of, as favourable opportunities for inculcating packing things in a box; a good packer will get in .ders it more than ever necessary to seek for some staple, which will reward the toil and return an in- propriety of behaviour. Children should be taught half as much more than a bad one."t terest on the capital of the planter. to sit down, and rise up from table, at the same time; to wait, whilst others are served, without be[Petersburg Intel. traying eagerness or impatience; to avoid noise and PRE PLANTÉ A Sconversation, and if they are no longer confined to INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. the nursery, to be able to see delicacies, without expecting or asking to partake of them. To know when to be silent is more important to good manCAPE FEAR NAVIGATION COMPANY. ners than is generally supposed. Speaking, when The Board for Internal Improvements met at it interrupts reading or conversation, and the habit Fayetteville on Friday last, and the Cape Fear Na- of contradicting others, should be checked, as also vigation Company held a meeting on the same day. that ill-timed garrulity, so unpleasing in some chilAfter finishing their business, on Saturday, the dren, and which, generally, springs from an undemembers of the former Board proceeded in the sirable self-confidence and forwardness of charsteam boat Henrietta, down the river, in order to acter. THE VINE. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. SPORTING OLIO. EXTRACT-FROM A FRIEND TO THE EDITOR. DEAR SIR, Washington, March 10, 1827. take a view of the river, and of the work carrying Nor is the person to be neglected in early life; for on below Wilmington. Measures, we believe, were it will spare children many awkward feelings as taken at this meeting for resuming the exertions of they grow up, if they are taught to walk and to the Cape Fear Company to remove any obstruc- carry themselves well; to enter, leave a room, and tions which may yet remain to a free navigation to address others with ease and propriety. With between Fayetteville and Wilmington; which being many, the acquirement of this external polish will effected, the attention of the Company will then be prove a very slow work, and a subject of consideragiven to the opening of the river above Fayetteville. ble difficulty; but if we see an amiable and obedient The day I wrote last, it was determined to hunt [Raleigh Reg. disposition, there is every reason to hope that rough-to-day; none, however, attended, except Capt. D. and ness of manner will be smoothed down by time and myself Soon after passing the causeway, the dogs the example of others. Parents ought not, there winded the trail of a fox at the distance of fifty fore, to allow themselves, from their own irritabili-yards, and went off in full cry to Pineyhill; round (From Hints for the Improvement of Early Education in so many families, the cause of daily vexation, Alexandria road at the brick bridge; went to Arty and impatience, to render manner, as is the case that, crossed the Alexandria road to Major Hunter's; up the river bank to Wise's; recrossed the and Nursery Discipline.) and of continual though fruitless complaints. Welington, Alexander's, Chapman's woods, and back must receive with patience and good nature numLocke considers that manner is the object of next berless little failures in those whose happiness it is to Arlington-where we met the dogs in the road importance to religion and virtue, to be preferred to think little of the effect they produce upon others; near which they had killed. In the last cast to reto learning, and it is evident that there is no pass nor is it by reproofs and admonitions, showered port so good in the world; nothing that adds so down upon the child, at the moment in which we great a lustre to virtue, or that so well brings into wish him to display his good manners, that we shall daily use, more solid acquirements. "Good man- effect our purpose; but by accustoming him to exer ners are the blossom of good sense," and may it cise habitual kindness and civility towards his com not be added, of good feeling too? For if the law panions, and those with whom he lives. With all of kindness be written in the heart, it will lead to our care, however, we are not to expect that the that disinterestedness in little as well as in great manners of children will be superior to those of the things-that desire to oblige, and attention to the persons with whom they chiefly associate; for, in MANNERS AND ORDER. cover him, dead or alive, we absolutely stumbled minutes. Fortunately it was a dog fox. The chase on an unfortunate grey fox, who paid forfeit in fifty after the red was uncommonly fast, and without a loss of five seconds duration; indeed, the cry never ceased. When we reached Arlington, the young Juthe dogs when we found them in the road. After no hounds (seven months old,) joined, and were with * Locke. Cecil. |