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No. 45.-VOL. 9.]

AGRICULTURE.

AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, JANUARY 25, 1828.

MANUFACTURE OF COTTON IN THE
SOUTHERN STATES-XV.

ple. Now, that the northern manufacturers should hold out these ideas, is not to be wondered at, when we consider that it is their interest to do so; but that these notions should be entertained by any well in formed persons acquainted with our black popula A Report on the establishment of Cotton and Wool-tion, is strange indeed. What branch of mechanics have we in our country, in which we do not find len Manufactures, and on the growing of Wool; made to the House of Commons of North Carolina, negroes often distinguished for their skill and ingeby Mr. Fisher, from Rowan, on Tuesday, January best white mechanics. nuity? In every place we see them equalling the

1, 1828.

(Concluded from p. 348.)

III. LABOUR.

353

The 33 whites, we have seen, will cost 3640 dollars per year, or, in other words, their wages may be put down as worth 3640 dollars.

Now 36 blacks, and one white superintendant, can certainly do as much work as 38 whites. We therefore put their labour down at the same price of 3,640 dollars.

Having thus ascertained the cost of black labour, and its value in wages, we proceed to make the annual calculations during the term of ten years. At the end of the 1st year.

Dr.

But if the evidence drawn from analogous pur suits be deemed insufficient, we offer proof in point. Mr. Donaldson, before mentioned, says, that he has It has hitherto been urged against the establish-been for some time in the habit of working blacks ment of manufactures in North Carolina, and in in his factories, and that he not only finds them the southern country generally, that the price of laequal to whites in aptness to learn and skill to exe bour is too high to yield profits, or to enable us to cute, but, all things considered, he actually prefers compete with the northern states and England, them. Mr. D. further states, that he has had sevewhere population is more dense. This is a great ral superintendants from the north, and all of them, mistake. If it were so, when the price of cotton with the exception of one, decidedly preferred black Cr. ranged from 15 to 20 cents per lb. it is certainly not help, as they term it, to white. With the blacks, so now, since the great fall in price in that and there is no turning out for wages, and no time lost other staples. in visiting musters and other public exhibitions.

We have two species of labour-white labour and black labour. As to white labour, we hazard no thing in saying, that it is cheaper in North Caroli na than it is either in England or at the north. The price of labour in England is regulated by the price of provisions and the onerous taxes imposed upon the people. When these are considered, it is clear that a common operator could not live in that country, unless he received nearly double what is paid here. In England, veal is worth from 16 to 18 cts. per lb.; beef, from 14 to 16; mutton from 12 to 14 cents; while here, beef in plenty can be had from 3 to 5 cents per lb. and other provisions in propor

tion.

Mr. Thomas Massey, a very intelligent manufacturer, who has been engaged for eighteen years in the business, gives the following as the lowest prices ever known in his neighbourhood, viz.

For boys and girls under 12 years, per week, $1.00

For do.
For do.

do. .de..

15 do. 150 18 do. 2.00 In the flannel factories at Amesbury, Massachusetts, the wages for females is 50 cents per day, and of males one dollar. The wages of girls at 14 years old, at Lowell, average more than one dollar a week

and their board.

But one of the great advantages of black labour is, that you can attach it permanently to the establishment by purchase. The following calculations will show the difference in cost between white and black labour:

Dr.

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We suppose a factory is erected in New England,
to be carried on for ten years, by white operatives.
Another is erected in North Carolina, to be car-
ried on for the same length of time by black opera- Cr. By wages, as above, ;
tives. Each of 1000 spindles, and both conducted
by good managers.

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At the end of the 3d year.
Dr. To balance as above,
Interest for twelve months,
Third item, as above,

$3,640 Cr. As above, .

at the end of each week, which, when the interest
The fact is, however, that the $70 is always paid
is carried forward, to the end of the year, makes
this aside, and state the sum at $3,640.
yearly, or altogether $109 more; but we will throw

$3,681 52

220 89

1,500 00

5,402 41

3,640 00

1,762 41

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end of the term of ten years, will be nine years; From the time of paying the first $3,640 to the therefore count the interest on that sum for nine According to a statement, taken from the Pater years. On the payment of the wages for the second Cr. By wages, as above, son Intelligencer, there are employed at the Pater-of the third year, add interest for seven years; and year, count interest for eight years; on the wages son factory, 381 men, 386 women, and 686 girls and so on to the end of the ten years. boys The average wages of the whole is $152 per ascertained that the sum paid out for wages alone, year, or nearly $3 per week. with simple interest thereon, will amount to more than $46,000.

Now let any one compare these prices with simi lar labour in the interior of North Carolina, and he will at once come to the conclusion that labour is cheaper here than at the north. Indeed, labourers of the south can always afford to take lower wages, as they require less fuel and clothing than in New England. The species of labour that has been high at the south, is that of male adults; while that of females and children has always been low.

When it will be

2. The establishment with black labour.
In place of hiring hands, we say let them be
pur-
chased, and we allow enough, when we estimate
that hands of the right description may be had for
200 dollars each, on an average.

Instead of taking 33 operatives, the number employed in the white establishment, add one in eleMr. Donaldson, who owns a cotton factory at ven, making 36. These supernumeraries are put Fayetteville, and another at the falls of Tar river-in to make up for any loss of time on account of a gentleman who has visited the northern establish- sickness or other causes. Thirty-six slaves, at $200 ments and those of England, and who is well ac-each, is $7,200 quainted with the subject, gives it to the committee The next inquiry is, what will it cost per annum as his decided opinion, that factory labour is cheap- to clothe and feed these thirty-six blacks? Some er høre than in either in Old or New England. very intelligent gentlemen, large owners of slaves, Black Labour-But if this be the fact as to white give it as their opinion, that slaves of this descriplabour, it is still more so when black labour is em- tion can be decently clothed and plentifully fed for ployed. 25 dollars each, which would make 850 dollars per We are aware, that the opinion is entertained at year; but not to fall under the mark, the committee the north, and even by some persons among our estimate that the cost will be 1000 dollars per year. selves, that our slaves cannot be advantageeusly To these sums should be also added, the wages of a employed in manufactories. 1st. Because, as is al superintendant-say 500 dollars per year. leged, they are deficient in intellectual qualifica-being the expenses of black labour, we wish now to tions; and 2d. Because they have no moral princi- compare it with the cost of white labour of 33 hands. No. 45.-VOL. 9.

This

Over-pays by

$1,762 41

157 44 1,500 00

3,419 85

3,640 00

220 15

invested in slaves, with interest regularly carried
'Thus, at the end of the fourth year, the capital
forward, will be paid off, and more than paid. by
$220.15. Besides this, the slaves have been well
fed and clothed, and 500 dollars annually allowed
as wages to a white superintendant.
Now carry on this sum of $220.15, with

interest, from the end of the 4th year,
to the end of the term of ten years, is
Nett wages of the 5th year, (after de-
ducting 1000 dollars for clothing and
feeding, and 500 dollars for superin-
tendant, will be 2140 dollars, and in-
terest to end of term,
Nett wages of 6th year, with interest,
Do. of 7th year,

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a saving on the basis of white labour, of $15.021 80
In addition to this, the blacks are still on hand,
and worth more than when first purchased. But, to
be on the safe side, deduct for deaths and casual-it
ties 25 per cent. from first cost, leaves $5,400.
Then so far as regards wages of the operatives.
if you employ white labour, at the end of ten years
you pay about $46,000.
If blacks are employed, you have the same la-
bour, and at the end of ten years, actually save
$15,021.10

The two sums added together, $61,021, shows the difference between black and white labour for ten years, in an establishment of only 1000 spindles. But there are many establishments of 5000; of course, the difference would be in proportion--that is, $305 105.

To this add the item of transportation on the raw material for ten years, on 500 bales, at $7 50 per bale, that being the quantity of cotton annually consumed by such an establishment, equal to 5000, at $7.50, is $37,500.

Total difference in favour of black establishment is $342,605.

persons, while we shali find no difficulty in procur-ly reached the lowest point of depression, and it is ing such persons from the north. time for the reaction to begin. Our habits and preAs to capital, owing to the pursuits of our people, judices are against manufacturing; but we must is hard to be commanded here. The wealth of yield to the force of things, and profit by the indiour citizens consists in property that is not easily cations of nature. The policy that resists the converted into money; in lands and negroes. We change is unwise and suicidal. Nothing else can recan find among us but few persons who are able to store us. command either the whole, or a part of the funds Let the manufacturing system but take root necessary to put manufactories into operation; and, among us, and it will soon flourish like a vigourous therefore, for capital as for skill, we must be in some plant in its native soil: It will become our greatest measure dependant on the northern states: and it is means of wealth and prosperity; it will change the certain, when the monied and enterprising men of course of trade, and, in a great measure, make us the north fully understand how profitably the busi- independent of Europe and the north. ness may be pursued here, they will be the first to Nature has made us far more independent of embark in it. But if, from prejudice, or from a them than they are of us. They can manufacture want of a knowledge of the superior advantages our raw material, but they cannot produce it. We enjoyed here, that should not be the case, then can raise it and manufacture it too. Such are our there is yet a way by which capital in sufficient superior advantages, that we may anticipate the amounts may be collected, to move forward the sy's time, when the manufactured articles of the south tem. What one or two, or a few individuals can will be shipped to the north, and sold in their marnot effect, may be accomplished by the union of kets cheaper than their own fabrics, and when the many persons. Companies may be formed in every course of trade and difference of exchange will county of the state, composed of individuals, each turn in our favour. The committee, at this time, contributing a small amount, which in the aggre are not aware that it is within the power of this gate, will make sums sufficient to carry through the General Assembly, by any legislative act, to forThe soil and climate of North Carolina are well object. It is a fact, well known, that the manufac- ward the introduction of the system into North Casuited to the production of all the necessaries of turing system was first principally introduced and rolina. They, however, recommend the granting life depending on agriculture. In this respect established in New England, by the means of in of acts of incorportion to companies for manufacunites advantages over the states either further corporated companies. Thus, we see during a sin turing purposes as often as suitable applications north or south. We occupy a sort of middle ground session of the Massachusetts legislature, that may be made. where the staples and products of the north and eight manufacturing companies were incorporated, All which is respectfully submitted, south meet in social proximity in the same rich at the north, are applications of this nature ever resome with large capitals; and in none of the states CHARLES FISHER, Chairman. fields. As we recede from the sea-board towards fused. The "London Magazine," in a very able the western part of the state, we are constantly article on the resources of our country, remarks on ascending, and it is known that climate depends as this subject: much on altitude as on latitude. Thus, in the upper regions of the state, we have a climate and at mosphere well suited to the growth of all the small grains and all the vegetables necessary for the comforts of life. Indeed, there is no part of the state where they do not grow well. Furnish but markets for articles of this description, and they will soon be produced here in the greatest quantities and at the cheapest rates. The same may be said of butcher's meat, particularly of beef and mutton. In a word then, so far as the manufacturing establishments depend on supplies of provisions, abundant and cheap, North Carolina can furnish them.

3 Provisions.

4. Climate, healthy and mild.

it

The rigour of the New England climate is a drawback on the profits of manufacturing. 1st. It requires more fuel there to keep the establishments comfortable, and for the use of the operatives than here. 2d. The operatives have to be more thickly and expensively clothed. And 3d. The streams often freeze up and stop operations altogether.

PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY FOR PROMOT-
ING AGRICULTURE.

Annual Meeting, January 15, 1828.-Dr. Mease, Vice President in the chair. The following officers were elected:

President--Richard Peters.

Vice Presidents-James Mease, Nicholas Biddle,
Isaac C. Jones, Wm. Phillips.

Secretary and Librarian-W. S. Warder.
Treasurer-W. M. Walmsley.
Corresponding Committee-Richard Peters, James
Mease, Z. Collins, John Vaughan, Wm. Phillips.
Curators--Reuben Haines, Roberts Vaux, Ste-
phen Duncan, Jeremiah Warder, John H. Powel.
The following communications and donations
were received:

"By what secret the Americans contrive to ren der concerns under the management of companies of this sort profitable, would be worth inquiring; for it is evident, from the gradual and continued growth of establishments of this kind, that they are not unprofitable. Seeing that they do prosper, companies of this description are of the highest importance in a country like AmericaThough wealth increases rapidly, it is also much subdivided, by the custom of the equal partition of property among the children, in a country where marriage is universal, and families are large. There are few large capitals; and the enterprizes which require large capitals, if performed at all, must be performed by the union of the small portions of I. From Signor Barbieri, curator of the Botanic wealth, which, in a saving and thriving country, Garden of Mantua, Italy, an account of the Hibis must remain unemployed in the hands of the own-cus Roseus Thore, a plant which grows abundantly in the marshes of Italy, and reaches to the height ers, unless employed by others for them." kind is, that in this way large capitals may be con- many stems from each root, and beautiful blossoms Another reason in favour of incorporations of this of from 7 to 12 feet. It is perennial, produces centrated, and large capitals will build up large from 18 to 22 inches in circumference. It is appliestablishments. Large establishments always make cable to all the uses of hemp and flax. A specimen because they can afford to procure greater skill a quantity of the seeds of the plant, were sent by greater profit than small ones; among other reasons, of cord and of paper made from it, accompanied by and better management. Thus, some few years Mr. Barbieri. The seeds germinate easily, and the ago, before the late protection, the Waltham facto- plants may be multiplied by dividing the roots. The ry, which had an immense capital, divided 40 per thready fibres of the stalks, it is said, separate reacent. profits, while the smaller establishments com dily by maceration in water, or by being passed plained of making nothing. To insure success in through channelled rollers The common brake In these two requisites North Carolina acknow- our state, therefore, the first establishment ought to would, doubtless, answer this object. If the stalks ledges her deficiency; but they are wants that can be commenced on a scale of considerable extent, be cut when in full blossom, they produce fibres be supplied; they are elements that may be created. and then they could afford to procure the best ma- almost as fine as silk, and very strong. As this For skill, we must in the beginning, be indebted to nagers that the northern states can furnish. plant requires neither the annual sowing, nor the the north and to Europe: but let the system once We wish not, by this remark, to convey the idea same degree of attention, or expense for manure, as take root among us, and experience will create skill that small establishments cannot be made profita- hemp or flax, it may lay claim to some excisive at home. When manufactories were first introduc-ble. On the contrary, these are the ones that will advantages over these vegetables. Experiments can ed into New England, the want of knowledge and do most to improve the general condition of the alone determine their comparative merits. skill in the business was as much felt there, as we community. There are ten native and three foreign species of The h. ro

In North Carolina we have a milder climate; our

streams but seldom freeze. In point of healthiness, the western section of the state is not inferior to any part of the Union; and when the swamps in the east are drained, the same may be anticipated

of that section.

5. Skill and capital.

now feel it here. Indeed, they laboured under The committee have thus, at greater length than the genus hibiscus in the United States. greater disadvantages than we do; for they had to they could wish, presented their views on the policy seus is not among either; but it appears from the import their superintendants and mechanics from of introducing the manufacturing system into North publication of Signor Barbieri, that it is a variety of Europe, while we have them nearer at home. They Carolina. They firmly believe that it is the only, the h. palustris, which grows abundantly in the found it difficult, owing to the laws of Great Britain, course that will relieve our people from the evils lower parts of New Jersey, the farmers of which to get out from that country suitable and qualified that now so heavily press on them. We have near-state have long since found it, when macerated and

Mantua.

"Hædorumque gregem viridi compellere hibisco."

And

Eclogue 2.

"Dum sedet, et gracili fiscellam texit hibisco."

lbs.

prepared, a good and cheap substitute for hemp, for segars are made in the island. This seed was part called together a very large collection of tarbers cord, plough lines, &c. The hibiscus has, from of a parcel imported by the donor, for the express of the county, and from some of the adjacent counremote time, been known in Italy. The classical purpose of distribution in the United States. The ties. student will at once call to mind the two places in Society, duly sensible of the patriotic conduct of Twenty-five hogs and pigs were exhibited, and which it is mentioned by the agricultural poet of Mr. P., resolved to present their thanks to him for weighed with patent balances, by Thos. C. Ferebee, this disinterested and praiseworthy attempt to im- Esq., and the premiums awarded: prove one of the staple productions of the United States--an example worthy of being followed by Dr. W. F. Davis' hog, 24 years old, weight, 525 Hogs 24 years old. our native citizens who trade to or visit foreign Cartwright Bell's do. 2 years old, do. countries. The donor may rely upon the best mea$40 awarded to Doctor Win. F. Davis. Eclogue 10. sures being taken with the seed, in order to fulfil his intentions. Year old Pigs. It is highly probable that the plant alluded to was the hibiscus roseus. The ancients, we see, IV. Mr. J. C. Loudon, of London, presented the Benjamin Sand's pig, weight, used it as a rod, and to make baskets: its applica- tenth number of his Gardener's Magazine, viz: for Joseph J. Ballantine's do. do. November last. The preceding nine numbers had C. Bell's, tion to the purposes of hemp and flax, is a recent discovery, for which Italy is indebted to Signor Barbeen already received. This truly excellent work Lycurgus Bell's bieri. Our countrymen have, however, anticipated is warmly recommended to every one who wishes Thomas S. Sand's him in the knowledge of the utility of one of the to improve his ground, or the quality of the escu-Tully Bell's family, as a substitute for some of the objects to lent or ornamental productions of his garden. The James Sand's which these vegetables are applied. Whether the editor is a practical man, and well known as the au- James P. Hughes native plant possesses the fine fibre of its Italian thor of two works on laying out country seats and Jeremiah Sand's relation, upon which Signor Barbieri dwells, re-grounds, and of the Encyclopædia of Gardening, John Brabble's Wallace Bray's and of Agriculture. do. do. mains to be ascertained. $30 awarded to Benjamin Sand-$10 to Joseph J. Ballantine, second best-$7 to Cart. Bell, third best-and $3 to L. Bell, fourth best.

The Horticultural Society of Paris sent the first number of their transactions.

A NEW VARIETY OF OATS.

any

best.

413

lbs.

355

315

do. do.

311

do. do.

305

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Some of the seeds were distributed to the members of the society; the remainder shall be given to any one disposed to make a trial of them, and who will promise to report the result of his experiments with them. The society have to regret the neglect Our agricultural friends will be gratified in learn-Cartwright Bell's pig, weight, in this respect, of most persons to whom foreign ing that a new species of oats, possessing rare and Dr. Wm. F. Davis' seeds on which they set a value, have been annually estimable qualities, has been introduced this season Thomas Etheredge's given for a series of years, and of their forgetful into the province. A few bushels of them, we un- Benjamin Sand's ness to comply with their promises to send in re-derstand, were imported by his excellency the lieu-Joshua Baxler's turn a few seeds of the various plants and trees of tenant governor-sown during the last spring, in a Jeremiah Sand's the United States, which were particularly asked field upon the peninsula, and have been found to Wallace Bray's for by the superintendent of the Garden of Plants mature and ripen nearly a month sooner than $10 awarded to C. Bell-$6 to Dr. W. F. Davis, in Paris, to whose polite and kind attention the so- oat which has yet been naturalized in our climate. second best-and $2.50 to Thomas Etheredge, third ciety are regularly indebted every season for a box They are productive, rise with a strong vigourous of seeds, the growth of that magnificent establish- stalk, and are large and plump in the grain. The Pigs eleven months old. ment. The seeds, nuts and acorns, of our gardens produce of the field, to which we have alluded Cartwright Beli's pig, weight, swamp and field plants, and forests, will all be ac- above, will be preserved as seed for the ensuing Thomas J. Sand's do. do. ceptable, and will find places in the great reposito- season. It will be sown during the next in the dif- Dr. Wm F. Davis', do. do. ry just mentioned--one of the chief sources of graferent quarters of the province; and should it pre John W. Hughes', do. do. tification and delight to every traveller of taste and lover of rural nature who visits the French capital. early in future years as in this, it must be regarded serve its present qualities, and continue to ripen as II. The Committee of the Society, charged with as a benefaction of the most important character. the management of the fund left by the late John Such an oat, in fact, has long been a desideratum in SAVE YOUR OLD BONES. Scott, of Edinburgh, to the corporation of PhilaThey are useful for many things, even after they delphia, to reward those who "make useful inven- our agriculture. The species, which is now common in the country, lingers so long before it reaches have been boiled for soap grease, and all the oil and tions," reported, that during the past year they had maturity, that it delays the harvest beyond the most fatty matter is extracted that the skill of man or awarded four premiums, viz: convenient periods, and crowds the farmer's labour woman, aided by heat and potash, can obtain. In on his hands. An oat which will ripen, as this the first place, when pulverized they make an exdoes, before or along with the early sown wheat, cellent manure. In the second place, when charred 2. To James Cooper and Thomas Barnit, of Phi- of the harvest, bring the sheaf to the stack or barn what is sometimes called animal charcoal, and will cause a more regular distribution of the toils or burnt in vessels closed from the air, they make ladelphia, for an apparatus to finish hats, which in finer condition; and multiply at once the amount sometimes what is called ivory black-substances, greatly diminishes the labour of the operation, of food both for the family and for the stock. Not the particular uses of which we hope to have an without injury to the hat—A medal and twenty dol-withstanding Dr Johnson's cynical definition of the opportunity of relating hereafter. At present we will inform you of the French method of making BONE GLUE, which they consider as superior to the ordinary glue made from the skins of animals.

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Currituck county, N. C. tracted. These materials are soaked for about a Early in January, 1827, a number of farmers in week in water, rendered very sour by the addition the vicinity of Currituck Court House, formed an of a little spirit of salt, (muriatic acid,) in which association, and offered a premium of $40 for the they become quite flexible, and may be bent with best 24 years old hog-$30 for the best year old ease. Being taken out of the acid, boiling water is pig-$10 for the second best year old pig-$7 for poured upon the bones, or rather the glue, to sepathe third best year old pig-and $3 for the fourth rate any grease, and also the acid that adheres to best year old pig; $10 for the best year old pig of the it. The pieces of glue are then wiped, washed in same farrow-$6 for the second best year old pig cold water, and dried in the shade. When this of the same farrow-$2.50 for the third best year glue is to be used, it is boiled in water to a proper old pig of the same farrow-and $6 for the best pig consistence. eleven months old--to be exhibited at the courthouse, dead and neatly cleaned, on the 5th day of January, 1828.

The novelty and interest of such an exhibition,

"There is a finer kind of bone glue made in the same manner, from leg of mutton bones, which is used instead of isinglass by the French manufacturers. The teeth extracted from the ox cheek bones

are sold to the apothecaries, who use them for the making of salts of hartshorn; as they yield a large quantity of carbonate of ammonia, the scent of which resembles that of the true scent of hartshorn, and is free from the fetidity of the salt of bones." [London Mech. Mag.

PROFITABLE DAIRYING.

The Rutland Herald says, "The following proceeds from twenty-five cows, the last season," we have from the owner, Mr. Jonathan Dyer, of Clarenden. Such enterprise is worthy of imitation: 6017 lbs. of cheese, worth 64 cents, 450 do. do. do. 4 do. do. do. 12 do.

1000 do.

Proceeds from the sale of calves,

$375 10
18 00
137 50

$580 60 Mr. Dyer further assures us that the whey and butter-milk amply paid for making and all contingent expenses. The cows had no extraordinary keeping, but were doubtless well attended to.

SHEEP.

three to four feet wide, and from ten to twelve The addition of such an extensive number, con-
inches apart each way, according to the extent to sisting of varieties of the grape that have borne the
which the variety usually expands in its growth test of scrutiny amid the connoisseurs of France
Most varieties do best when allowed to run together, itself, cannot but be deemed a subject of national
so as to form a complete matt-as in this case one interest. I shall consequently, on the reception of
forms a shelter for the other from excessive heat the residue, furnish you with a complete detail, ac-
but where the fruit is desired of the largest possible companied by a statement, mentioning the particu-
size, the plants must be kept distinct, and at the lar department of France where the respective va-
distance of one foot asunder, and the runners should rieties have been found most to flourish, so far as
be cut off as fast as they appear. By some persons that point has been satisfactorily ascertained
Yours, most respectfully,
it is recommended to make plantations in the au-
tumn, as before stated, and to keep them divested
of all runners till after the maturity of the fruit the
ensuing season.

WM. PRINCE.

PEA BUG-INQUIRY. As beds of strawberries generally want renewing EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED two or three years, it will be necessary, in every 50 00 forming the new beds, to select the plants in the MR. J. S. SKINNER, Lancaster, (Pa.) Jan. 14, 1828. proportion of nine bearing plants to one barren; Sir, I cannot persuade myself to close this letand, in order to do this with certainty, it will be ter, without calling the attention of entomologists best to mark them when in fruit. If, however, your to an insect that does unaccountable damage to beds are not encumbered with a superfluous number fruits, and whose habits are yet so very much in the of barren plants, this precaution will not be indis- dark. pensably necessary; though it is generally requisite It would certainly be a very desirable object to with the varieties of hautbois, the red Chili, pine others, as well as myself, if some of your corresponapple, and some others, which are apt to produce a dents, who are acquainted with the habits of the great proportion of barren plants-and even, with pea bug, would give us their opinion, through the out proper attention, beds of these, and of some Farmer, concerning it--as I verily believe it the other kinds, will become almost totally unproductive. most destructive insect to plums, peaches, apples, With respect to the varieties of the Alpine, or &c., we have to contend with. I remember once monthly, it is preferable to form new beds every au- showing the insect, in the very act of cutting a tumn, as the runners of the previous year produce a | semi-circular incision on a plum, to a gentleman much greater quantity of fruit than the old plants. well versed in horticulture, who instantly recognised it for the curculio; and showing it to another, he called it the pea bug, and informed me that he had frequently kept peas tied up in bags, and on openLinnæan Botanic Garden, near New York.ing them found this very insect issuing in great Jan. 18, 1828,

The island of "Rhode Island," fourteen miles long, and less than three wide, has more than 30,000 sheep upon it. There are about 200 000 in Berkshire county, Mass.; about 4,000,000 in the state of New York; between 2 and 3,000,000 in Pennsylvania; 1,000,000 in Vermont, &c.

HORTICULTURE.

STRAWBERRIES.

Linnæan Botanic Garden, near New-York, J. S. SKINNER, Esq. January 14, 1828. Sir,-You some months since published my com munication, containing descriptions of a number of varieties of strawberries; and I now send you directions for their culture.

Yours, most respectfully,

WM. PRINCE. (Extracted from "Prince's Treatise on Horticulture.")

STRAWBERRIES— -Soil and Situation. The situation should be an open exposure, but somewhat sheltered from the excessive heat of noon-day. Moisture, and a degree of shade, are natural to this plant, as may be inferred from the situations it occupies in a wild state. A sandy soil may cause an carlier maturity of the fruit, but will not be conducive to an abundant yield. A light rich loam is considered the most favourable, being soft and pliable, so that the runners may easily penetrate it with their roots. A mixture of bog earth is found advantageous; and, in enriching the soil, cold manures are to be used. In the southern states, I should consider the best situations for this plant to be the north sides of hills, or the shady borders on the north side of a garden fence or a hedge. The plantations in the vicinity of New York, and which furnish that city with this fruit, are generally made by plain farmers, on good loamy soils, which are light and mellow, and occupy open and unsheltered fields. The yield from them is immense, and they are considered among the most advantageous appropriations of the soil.

GRAPES.

J. S. SKINNER, ESQ.
It has, doubtless, been long known to you that the
garden of the Luxembourg, at Paris, was formed
as a national establishment, in which the choicest
fruits of that fine empire were concentrated, as weli
to test their qualities as to perpetuate those most es
teemed. In fact, this establishment in France bore
a striking analogy to that of the Horticultural Soci
ety of London. The collection of grapes, concen
trated at the Luxembourg garden, was by far the
most extensive in existence, and is said to have ex-

ceeded 700 varieties, and to comprise all those most
desirable which could be found in France and other
countries. It may not be equally well known, that
it was determined by the French government, about
a year since, to suppress this establishment, and
that the past season was fixed on for its total demoli
tion. In fact, in our bright and prosperous country.
where every department of science seems like the ex-
panding bud, seeking some new developement, we
can scarcely imagine a cause which should lead to the
destruction of an establishment, so susceptible of
imparting benefit to that country, and which has
been heretofore considered as an honour to the
French nation.

numbers.

[blocks in formation]

Report and Proceedings in relation to a Rail-road
from Baltimore to the Susquehanna.
(Continued from p. 351.)

feet rise in a mile.

The approach to this point from Baltimore up the ravine of Jones' falls and Roland's run, and the It was, however, my good fortune, to number valley, (which is not more than a stone's throw,) among my correspondents, Professor Bosc, the disconnecting it with the Beaver dam, does certainly tinguished director of that institution; and by that present a most flattering aspect, affording a gentle gentleman I was apprized of the intended dissolu-ascent, broken by some elevations, which relieves tion of the establishment. Under these circum from the uniform and questionable utility of a constances, I availed myself largely of the contributinued ascent, and giving a total elevation above tions most politely and gratuitously tendered there-tide of two hundred and forty-two feet in fourteen from, and my gardens now concentrate several hun-miles, which makes an average of only seventeen dred species and varieties derived from that cele brated French institution. Another correspondent It is not necessary here to express the opinion of mine in France, whose particular pursuit is the which follows the statements and investigation The most favourable season to form beds is in vine, has sought to concentrate in his vineyards and which we have thus briefly laid before you; to us it September or October, which gives the plants suffi- gardens as many of the choice grapes of the Lux-is manifest that the line of the turnpike with some cient time to establish themselves, and become well embourg collection as it was possible to do, from a deviation, can be accommodated to the purposes of rooted before the ground freezes, and thereby pre-particular desire that they should not be lost to a rail-road from the city of Baltimore to the Susvents their being thrown out. by the winter frosts. mankind. This gentleman has also supplied mequehanna, suited to a mutual and convenient interIn forming these beds, you should select strong and with above 200 varieties, and I am in daily expec- course in both ways. The route which we have vigourous runners, or offsets, in preference to tak-tation of the whole of the remainder of his collec- thus pointed out, may be placed in more distinct reing old plants; these may be placed in beds from tion, the total of which exceeds 400 varieties. lief by a slight recapitulation.

Forming Beds.

THE FIRST SECTION.

ed after you pass the slight hill on the left bank of merce of the cities with the country which lies in the Codorus, by winding round it for a short dis- their vicinity, or within the reach of attraction, From Baltimore along the valley of Jones' falls tance, on a very handsome plain which has not must pass over a broken and undulating surface, into its intersection with Roland's run, thence along more elevation than would be necessary to carry off capable of being reduced to a level, or any thing the valley of that stream to the head of Beaver dam, the water, till you reach the ridge which forms the approaching to a level the elevations and depresand pursuing that to were it crosses the turnpike right bank of the Susquehanna. There is, however, sions must be as various as the country over which road at Cockey's tavern, or leaving that valley aa choice of routes upon this section either to the it passes, and the power used upon them must be as short distance before it intersects the turnpike road, right or left of the road. On the left to follow the flexible as such varieties of surface demand. There and keeping a short distance to the west to stretch direction of the old road, or nearly so, and on the can be but one sort of power suited to such a purupon a convenient level, (which is easily attained,) right striking off from the turnpike a short distance pose-and that is horse-power, capable of being into the western branch of the Gunpowder, at Mr on this side (the south,) of Liverpool, there is a creased or diminished, or its loss supplied to meet Webster's farm. This section of the route is in the continued valley of gentle inclination, going down accidents or circumstances, and where, as in this first fourteen, and by the second about fifteen miles to the Susquehanna, near a town called New Hol-rail-way, occasional points may require increased from Baltimore; it passes over the most favourable land, on the Susquehanna, from whence the road power, it is as easily afforded as the change of ground, and the total elevation above tide is two may be taken along the bank of the Susquehanna, horses for a mail-stage, at the positions where such hundred and forty-two and a half feet, which is or what is termed the Conewago gut, to York relief is required. Neither is it requisite that the equal to but sixteen feet and a fraction per mile; Haven. locomotive power used upon rail-roads in this counbut if you take the elevation from the level of the The result of this is to show, upon the whole, the try, should be of that extreme kind as to transport Falls turnpike road at the tollgate, from whence the following: immense burdens at one travel or voyage. The rail-road would depart, you may deduct, at least, First section-from Baltimore to the Western power of a single horse, according to the most mothe forty-two and a half feet, and thus leave the to- run, fifteen miles. derate computation of the latest writers, is, upon a tal elevation to be surmounted in fifteen miles to be Second section-from the Western run to Gun-rail road, equal to seven and a half times that of but two hundred feet, or thirteen feet and one third powder, ten miles. the same animal upon a turnpike road-this power, of a foot per mile. Indeed, even some of this elemultiplied by five, six, or seven, will be found to be vation might be saved, as it is desirable to apat amply sufficient to give an impetus to any burden proach the Western run by as high a level as posnecessary to be transported upon any rail road, sible, in order to cross the ravine of that stream which the commerce and intercourse between any at an elevated point to diminish the ascent on the section of the country may call for during the preleft bank. Fifth section-from York Town to York Haven, sent, or some succeeding generations; and when a twelve miles. different period does arrive, the hills will be prosThe first, third and fifth sections, make up forty-trated, and the vallies filled up, so as to admit the application of a power suited to the wants and necessities of our posterity.

Third section-from Gunpowder to the summit Strasburg, and thence to the valley of the Codo rus, eighteen miles.

Fourth section-from the Codorus to York Town, fourteen miles.

ed.

In

From the Western run the second section of ten miles, is intersected by the vallies of the Piney run, the Great Gunpowder and the Little Gunpowder, five miles of the whole distance, and there could not and the intermediate high lands of Love's bill, Ma-be an equal proportion of the same distance found in thew's hill and Hereford bill. This section presents any part of the country better adapted for the bed of We annex to this report some tables, showing the the most prominent difficulties on the whole dis-a rail-road-and the whole route would present not value and capacity of horse power, applied as a lotance, but some of them can be evaded by deviating exceeding fifteen miles of track where difficult or comotive power, over a given elevation, and transfrom the line of the road, and others must be over-expensive operations would have to be construct-porting a given burden. According to the latest come by excavation and embankments, or bridges and best writers, the opinion with regard to the apacross the valley. That some deviations from the line of the road plication of steam engines, as a locomotive power, The third section is from the valley of the Little might be found judicious, we also believe and re- have undergone a considerable change; and the use Gunpowder, to or near the valley of the Codorus, a commend; and particularly suggest, for accurate of horses has been more extensively resorted to, as distance of near eighteen miles, the first ten of and minute examination, the vallies of Jones' falls, preferable in point of convenience and expense. which stretches up to the summit a: Strasburg, at as forming a line of communication and connexion this country, where the original cost is so much less an elevation of thirty-six feet to the mile, and de- with the main road at the valley of the Beaver dam, and the feed and support comparatively trifling, the scends for the next eight miles to the summit of the on the western branch of the Gunpowder, at Mr. use of horses must become more extensive and univalley of the Codorus, at the rate of about twenty-Webster's farm, near the fifteenth mile stone. versal. Indeed, it does not seem to be a matter of two feet to the mile. The third section compre- One of the subjects which we proposed to exam choice what kind of power, shall be used upon a hends the valley and hills of the Codorus, and the ine as essentially connected with the location of the rail-road, where the angle of depression and elevaplane of the York valley, a distance of about fifteen rail-road, is the propelling power to be used upon it, tion exceeds a given point. The power must acmiles; a portion of this route, say two-thirds, pre-and indeed any opinion with regard to the location commodate itself to the road, and as there is none sents obstacles similar to those of the second sec-of the road must depend, in a great measure, upon other capable of that flexibility but horse power, it tion, and can be surmounted in the same way; the the kind of power to be applied in giving motion to would seem that there is no alternative in the apremaining one third is perfectly easy and conve- carriages to be used upon it. Rail roads and loco-plication of it; unless, indeed, the road shall be made nient. Upon this section, however, if it became an motive steam engines seem to have been imported to accommodate itself to the application of steam object to do so, a line might be struck off to the and introduced amongst us as if they were essen- carriages, which, as we before observed, includes east of the turnpike road, and following nearly the tially connected with each other, and could not ex- the idea of a level, or what is equivalent to a level. track of the old road to Yorktown, which presents ist without being associated. This we think to be The use of horses as a motive power has many ada beautiful plane, and would avoid the whole diffi- an erroneous notion, and one not founded in truth, vantages:-eulties of this section of the road. The range of or existing from any absolute necessity. The kind kills which is traversed by the old York road, leads of power which is to be used upon a rail-road must to the summit ridge about the dividing line, and depend upon the nature of the road itself, and not several points of departure from the line of the the road upon the power. In England they go upon turnpike road may be selected, either on or near the principle of locating their rail-roads upon a le-ly supplied. the summit, or lower down, as might be found most vel, or upon what is equivalent to it, an ascent of advisable. about thirty feet in the mile, which is found to be the greatest elevation that can be overcome by a locomotive steam engine, the power which is found most convenient, cheapest and best suited to their circumstances, to apply as the motive power upon rail-roads. Hence the association of rail-roads and steam engines in that country.

The fourth section of twelve miles extends from York to York Haven. The line of the turnpike road traverses the range of hills which intervene between the Codorus and the Conewago nearly at right angles. In the location of this road, there seems to have been a most obstinate adherence to the principle of pursuing a straight line, and that But in this country, it is folly to think of locating too without even the plausible excuse of gaining in a road for any distance and capable of any useful distance, for the turnpike runs along the edge of purpose, upon a dead level, or upon an elevation of the hills just at the point where they are losing thirty feet in the mile. Such a thing is wholly imthemselves in the plain, and along which the old road practicable, and as a necessary consequence it foltraversed nearly upon a level, and is constantly in lows, that the locomotive power to be used upon sight during your undulating passage over the ups rail-roads in this country, must be of a different and downs of the truly artificial line of the turnpike kind from that which is applied in England. Our road. Upon this section the river may be approach-rail-roads, as the great avenues to connect the com

First-It can be suited to travel the depressions and elevations at much greater angles.

Second-It is more certain and less subject to accidents, and in case of accident it can be prompt

Third-It is capable of performing all that is required of a steam engine in the same time, and it is believed at much less expense.

Fourth-In the ascent of an inclination, horses may be made to control the burthen acting against them, by their own power, and avoid the dangers to which the steam power is always subject, because of its dependence on a secondary power, or power by a rope or chain, which is never safe.

Fifth-It is a power with which our people are familiar, and understand the management and control of.

The following tables will serve as a rule by which the performance of a horse, on the contemplated railway, may be estimated, and the effect that any variation or increase of the power, burden or speed, may have respectively on each other:

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