PU TO IMPROVE THE SOIL AND THE MIND. ALBANY, N. Y., JUNE, 1864. DUBLISHED BY LUTHER TUCKER & SON, EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS, 395 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N.Y. TERMS-SIXTY CENTS PER YEAR.-Ten copies of THE CUL TIVATOR and Ten of the ANNUAL REGISTER OF RURAL AFFAIRS, with one of each free to the Agent, Six Dollars. THE CULTIVATOR has been published thirty years. A NEW SERIES was commenced in 1853, and the eleven volumes for 1853, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 61, 62 and 63, can be furnished, bound and postpaid, at $1.00 each-the set of 11 vols. sent per Express for $8.25. "THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN," a weekly Agricultural Journal of 16 quarto pages, making two volumes yearly of 416 pages, at $2.00 per year, is issued by the same publishers. [SERIES. No. 6. crop lodging badly, probably because the land has become heavily charged with vegetable matter. Now had this farmer, after he got his land fairly goingfor he commenced on land that was badly run-gathered and fed his clover, carefully saving. and returning the manure to the land, and continuing to seed to clover as often as possible, and following some rotation of crops suitable to his soil and location, I can but think it would have been as well for the land and much more profitable for himself. For though he raised heavy crops of wheat, yet he only got one on the same field in two years, as but little was taken The Cultivator & Country Gentleman. off of the land but the wheat; so the average income from the land was not very large, say from $15 to $18 per year, while a rotation with the same good farming and management would undoubtedly have given an average of from $20 to $25 or more, the land yielding a crop to be harvested every year. Now the principal objection to plowing in clover is that it takes for manure a very valuable crop for feeding, and one that has taken the use of the land some time to raise; so if we can secure all of the advantages of the various uses of clover desired, and at the same time a continued and decided improvement of the soil, a great, if not the great desideratum, will be realized. This I claim can be done by seeding to clover often, say twice in six years' rotation, once with wheat and once with some spring crop, and plowing it up when in vigorous growth, thus turning under two good clover sods, containing in the roots and stubble left in mowing a large amount of rich vegetable manure-as much probably as may be needed on any but a very poor soil, or one very deficient in vegetable matterin that time. And during the same time giving in the three crops of clover that can be gathered or fed off on the land, an amount of forage that for its value for keeping or fattening farm stock, and for making a very rich and valuable manure, as well as for cheap and easy production, exceeds anything else within the reach of the American farmer. CLOVER FOR A RENOVATING CROP. MESSRS. EDITORS-Permit me to call the attention of your readers to some of the advantages of growing clover to improve the farm. Although there are many farms in various parts of the country that have been improved and brought up to a high state of fertility mainly by growing and using large quantities of clover, yet there is much reason for believing that the great mass of farmers have very inadequate conceptions of the many and great advantages that may be realized by growing and consuming large quantities of clover on the farm. I say consuming, because I do not believe that as a general thing it is necessary or best to take up any considerable part of the use of the land to raise clover to plow under, for I am satisfied that on all but very badly run land a very satisfactory improvement may be realized without. I am aware that most farmers associate the idea of improving land with clover, with plowing in large quantities for manure, but I hope to show before I get through that not only a high state of tertility may be secured without, but that it may be brought about easier and cheaper in this than in any other way. True there may be instances where it would be advisable to plow under a crop of clover. For instance, when land is badly run, and there is no manure nor time to gather and feed the clover to In regard to the value of clover roots to improve the make manure before it is wanted, and where the crop soil, I cannot do better than to quote the following perhaps is not very heavy, and will not make much from Johnston's Agricultural Chemistry, page 424, manure, though including roots and stubble there will where it is stated, "This burying of recent vegetable be enough to plow under to effect a very considerable matter in the soil, in the form of living and dead roots improvement. This is frequently the case in com- of plants, is one of the most important ameliorating mencing on a badly run farm. I have also known operations of nature which is always to some extent very satisfactory results obtained by plowing under going on wherever vegetation proceeds. It is one by clover every other year for wheat. And I have now which the practical man is often benefitted unawares, in mind a farmer that has followed this course until, and of which-too often without understanding the as he says, he has got his land too rich for wheat, the source from whence the advantage comes-he sys Not having time and space to look up and quote these accounts, I shall leave this part of the subject, after introducing, as evidence on this point, the statement of Hon. GEORGE GEDDES, in Transactions of the New-York State Agricultural Society for 1859, page 323, where it is said: "The oftener we can fill the soil with roots (of clover) and plow them under, and thus allow them to rot, the sooner we expect to get our land in a condition to crop with grain. A very ty has never had any other manuring than this clover and gypsum, and its fertility is not diminishing." And in the discussions at the last State Fair, as reported in the Co. GENT., page 234, vol. 22, Mr. Geddes said: "There is more fertilizing matter in a good clover sod than in any twelve loads of manure you could purchase in New-York." And in Co. GENT., vol. 16, page 125, Prof. S. W. Johnson states: "It is evident, too, that when a clover lay is broken up and sown to wheat, this grain will yield well, because the decay. ing turf and roots are a ready source of every kind of plant food." tematically avails himself in some of the most skillful tity of clover roots can be or generally is grown to the steps he takes with a view to the improvement of his acre, yet such as I have come across tend strongly to land." In regard to the amount of clover roots in pro-show that they amount to a good deal more than is portion to the amount of hay, it is stated, page 428, given by Prof. Johnston. that "in a clover field at the end of the second year, the fresh roots were equal to one-third of the whole weight of green clover obtained at three cuttings one the first, and two the second year-while in the dry state there were 56 lbs. of dry roots to every 100 lbs. of clover hay which had been carried off." Accordingly it is stated, page 424, "in the case of clover, at the end of the second year the quantity of dry vegetable matter left in the form of roots, is equal to upwards of one-half the weight of the whole hay considerable part of the cultivated land of this counwhich the clover has yielded. Suppose there be three cuttings, yielding four tons of hay, then two tons of dry vegetable matter are added to the soil in the form of roots when the clover stubble is plowed up." Then on page 441, to show the value of clover roots as compared with farm-yard manure, it is stated that 250 lbs. of clover roots are equal to 1,000 lbs. of barn-yard manure; that is, equal effects are produced by these amounts, calculated according to the amount or per centage of nitrogen each contains. According to this, the two tons-4,480 lbs. of roots would be equal to about nine tons, or say loads of barn-yard manure. Now this would be about the amount of roots that Leaving this part of the subject for the present, I would be grown by the clover sown with the wheat, will now proceed to consider some of the advantages or the second sowing of clover in the rotation propos-of feeding large quantities of clover as hay and pased; while at the first sowing there should be a cutting ture, mainly in regard to the fertilizing matter that of one and a half to two tons of hay more, leaving may be thus obtained. Though considered a very from three-quarters to one ton of roots, or if the clover valuable crop to raise, for hay and pasture, by many, is cut early, and allowed a few weeks growth-as it yet a large portion of grain-growing farmers do not may be—and then plowed under for wheat, giving seem to appreciate clover at anything like its full valfrom one and a half to two tons, equal to from six to ue for these purposes; but when considered as a manine loads of manure, and equal to from fifteen to nure-producing crop, this lack of appreciation is a eighteen loads of bard-yard manure in all, in a rota- great deal greater; in fact, it hardly seems to be aption of six years. Another point to be kept in view, preciated at all. Few men seem to consider that is that the amount of roots grown the first year the nearly all of the fertilizing properties of the clover land is in clover, will be much larger than in any sub-plant, as it is plowed under, may be returned in the sequent year on the same seeding. After showing manure. Johnston's Agricultural Chemistry, page 474, that this is the case, Johnston says, page 425, that says: "The analysis of the dung itself proving that "that farming, therefore, is most economical-where in passing through the body of an animal, the food the land will admit of it-which permits the clover or parted with scarcely any of its nitrogen and saline grass seeds to occupy the land for one year only." matter," which, it is well known, constitutes the prinHence will be seen the great advantage of the extra cipal value of manure. Now, one of the greatest ador additional seeding in the rotation, over the usual vantages of growing clover is, that it is one of the custom of seeding down but once. Another advantage richest plants in these fertilizers grown on the farm; is found in the fact that there is but little land that is and that, by its production, they can be obtained a rich eneugh to give a good crop of wheat after any great deal easier and cheaper than in any other way. kind of spring grain; while there will be time enough The comparative value of the manure made by feedafter an early crop of clover hay is taken off, to make ing clover, and other crops grown in this country, as a very good summer fallow, which, with a good clover well as some idea of its real value, is seen in the folsod turned under, and a light top-dressing of rotten lowing extract, which may be found in the Report of manure previous to sowing, will be pretty sure to give the Commissioner of Agriculture, page 320, in an article a heavy crop of wheat. by Joseph Harris, in which it is stated: "From nume rous analyses, and from actual experiments, J. B. Lawes quotations in regard to clover roots relate to clover of England, estimates the manure made by the congrown in other countries, while I believe it is general-sumption of a ton of food as follows: ly admitted that there is no other country equal to this for growing clover, as has been repeatedly stated by Mr. JOSEPH HARRIS, editor of Genesee Farmer, whose experience in England and in this country, has given him excellent opportunities to judge. And while there have been but few experiments tried in this country-as far as I know-to ascertain how large a quan Then it should be kept in mind, that the above Description of food. Linseed cake. Oats Indian corn.. .... Sweedish turnips.. Estimated money value of the manure from one ton of each food. $19.72 13.33 7.40 6.65 6.32 9.64 6.43 .91 The cost This table, though but part of the one it is taken bushel. There was no allowance made for the use of from, gives the value of the manure made by feeding | the land in either case. The oilcake is put at the price the principal kinds of food fed in this country, in ma- at the mills in this section before the war. king manure, Mr. Harris further states, "that these of these crops and the oilcake would be at least onefigures indicate the relative value of manures made third higher now. from these different foods correctly, there can be no doubt." While in regard to their real value, he says: "Many farmers in the Eastern and Middle States are now purchasing artificial manures, such as guano, fish manure, poudrette, &c., and certainly they pay for the substances which these manures contain, fully as high rates as the above estimates." It will hardly be necessary to say that these values of manures from different crops are probably calculated mainly in regard to the amount of nitrogen they contain, though I believe due allowance is also made for mineral matters. What the most important of these constituents are, is very fully shown in a treatise on "Farm Yard Manure," by J. B. Lawes, in the TransNow, in the four tons of hay and two tons of roots actions of the New-York State Ag. Society for 1862, that we have seen may be grown on a two years' clo-in which, on page 274, will be found a table giving the ver lay, there would be six tons, which, at $9.64 a ton, would amount to $57.84. While, if we allow three tons of hay and roots-which would not be a large allowance, for one year—for the other seeding, it will make $28.92 more, and making in all $87.76 in value in fertilizing materials-calculated, as we have seen, at the price they would cost in artificial manures-that may be realized in a six years' rotation. And all of this, in reality, costing nothing, as the use of the clover hay to feed will much more than pay all expenses of raising, while more or less, but probably considerable pasture may be had in the meantime. average composition per cent. and per ton, of the various kinds of agricultural produce," &c., which those wishing more detailed information in regard to the most valuable substances contained in these crops, may consult. There is one point it seems to me of great importance to those that intend to buy, or are in the habit of buying guano, which is, that calculating the average amount of nitrogen in guano at 12 per cent., it will take 400 pounds of guano to contain as much nitrogen as a ton of clover hay, which, according to the table referred to, contains 56 lbs. While calculating one year's produce of clover, in hay and roots, at 34 tons, it would take 16 cwt. of guano to contain as much nitrogen as may be realized in one year's growht of clover. And to supply the nitrogen contained in the six tons of clover hay and clover roots grown in a six year's rotation, would require 2,800 lbs. of guano. Now as guano costs $60 or more a ton, every farmer can calculate for himself whether it is cheaper to buy it, or to grow clover and have the use of it to feed, as Another point of considerable importance may be learned from the above table, which relates to the value of the manure that may be obtained to the acre from some of the more common crops that are grown more or less to feed in this country. Calculating the clover for two cuttings, 14 tons for the first, and 1 ton for the second, and 1 ton for the roots, and adding one-fourth for the straw and cornstalks of the other crops, I find that one acre of each of the following well as for manure. crops will produce in manure : Swedish turnips,... 500 16.07 5.94 12.54 Again, the great difference in the advantage of nure per ton. nure pr acre. growing clover over that of growing large quantities of root crops, as practiced in England, can but strike the American farmer as very forcible. The advantage of the extra cultivation, hoeing and cleaning the land, which is much prized by the English farmer, may be realized here by planting corn one year in the rotation, In this table in the meadow hay three-fourths of a say on the two-year old clover-lay, which will not only ton is allowed for the grass roots, and the turnips are give a good chance to clean the land, but will furnish calculated at 50 pounds to the bushel. According to the grain needed to feed with clover hay in making the above table it takes nearly 14 acres of meadow beef and mutton. Hence it will be seen that by folhay to equal one of clover, nearly 3 acres of corn, near-lowing the course here proposed, the American farmers ly 5 acres of barley and of oats, about 24 acre of peas may not only realize all the advantages secured by and nearly 24 acres of turnips to return the same value growing large quantities of root crops to make main manure as one acre of clover. The following table will give very near the comparative cost of producing the same amount in value of manure by each one of the kinds of food specified : nure, but by raising heavy and frequent crops of clover, which contains a comparatively large amount of nitrogen, he is saved the expense of buying oil-cake and other rich nitrogenous substances for making maCost per Cost of food to nure, as well as of buying guano and other artificial produce equal am't of manure manures. The advantage that clover has over root crops in regard to labor, will be too well understood to require anything more than is already given. acre. $7.44 $7.44 Description of food. Clover bay, Acres. Meadow hay,. 1% 13.02 Corn, 3 12.50 37.50 Oats, Barley, 37.80 Swedish turnips, 28.13 lbs. 30.00 pr. ton. 42.19 It may be objected to this course of reasoning, that clover only restores to the land what it has taken from it. If this is true, it only does what is almost always done The cost of the different crops is taken in part from by barn-yard manure; while I believe it is generally Mr. Geddes' Survey of Onondaga Co., N. Y., except if not universally conceded, that the American farmer barley, which is put at the same as oats, and peas, not only can, but should make his farm self-sustaining. which I have put at $1.50 over oats, and turnips, Nay, that he can and ought to do more, and keep it which I have calculated at the low cost of 6 cents a constantly improving-as many farmers are doing in all parts of the country. But while it is true that clover is produced on the farm the same as other crops, it is also true that it draws the main part of its sustenance from sources either out of the reach of other crops, or that are reached to a comparatively limited extent. So that the fertilizing matter furnished by clover for other crops, is for those crops almost a clear gain. Hence it will be seen that if there is any crop that can or will tend more strongly than any other to make American farming self-sustaining, that crop is clover; and, as I believe I have sufficiently shown, as long as we can raise good crops of clover, our land may not only be kept in its present condition, but constantly improving. This point might be strongly for tified, by quoting from the opinions and practice of many of the ablest scientific and practical farmers, did space permit. F. Orleans Co., N. Y., 1864. I have a barn which, with the L. attached, is over one hundred and twenty feet long. Until within two years it had no ventilation from the roof, though I had long been aware of its necessity, both for the benefit of the stock and the hay stored therein. Having one cupola on an adjoining barn, I was unwilling to incur the expense of building another, as a very ordinary cupola with blinds will cost fifty dollars in stock and labor. On seeing your plan for ventilators I was much While on the subject of ventilation, I would remark on the importance of a change of air in the lean-to, or those parts of the barn where animals stand. I have a barn ninety feet in length, on each side of which cows are tied. I used to be painfully impressed with the unhealthfulness of the atmosphere for man or beast, on going into the barn on a cold winter morning, when all had been tightly closed through the night. Hoping to make an improvement, I caused four boxes, twelve by twenty-four inches, to be carried up on each side of the barn, back of the cattle, against the outside walls. These opened in the floor over the lean-to, and also on the outside of the building just under the eaves; slides fitted to the lower opening regulate the draft. The plan has operated to my entire satisfaction, and with the ventilation in the roof, serves to keep the air always pure, which is no easy matter in a modern barn, containing sixty head of cattle. One suggestion more and I have done. Much complaint is made by those having close sided or clapboarded barns, that the hay laying near the outer walls becomes damp and mouldy. I think this may be avoided by nailing strips of board on the studs a few inches apart, which will prevent the hay touching the outside. In my own case, I have, in addition to in each section, six inches square; this creates ventilathe strips, an opening in the outer wall, near the sill tion and keeps all dry and sweet. Southboro, Mass. HENRY H. PETERS. CANADIAN HORSES. of your paper. With regard to the merits of the VerI see an inquiry for farm horses in the last number mont and Conestoga, I know but very little, but of the Canadian I can speak from experience. They are the best class of farm horses in the country, and admirably struck with its simplicity and apparent efficiency, and Their average height is 14 hands-their weight is adapted to work on clay land. They are easily kept. immediately had four made, three for the main barn, from 800 to 1,000 pounds. There are a great many of twenty-two inches square on the inside, and one for them owned in this county, but it is a poor place for the L., sixteen inches. As soon as they were put up, the improvement in the air of the barn was immedi- any one to come to purchase, as anything in the shape ately noticeable; the rafter and roof boards that were wish to buy generally go into St. Lawrence county or of a horse commands a high price, and farmers who ordinarily damp and sometimes wet from the con-Canada. In St. Lawrence Co. they can be purchased densed vapor, were at once dried, and the hay has for $150 to $200 per pair. A good stallion of that since been sweeter and more free from must. The If Mr. Brady does not find out from some one else how to break that carriage horse of his bad habits, perhaps in another communication I will give him the benefit of my experience in that line. [Send it on.] LEWIS COUNTY FARMER. expense of these four ventilators, fitted and placed, in- breed is worth $300. As to color, they can be found of all shades, though black and sorrel seem to precluding the cost of material, was thirty dollars; they dominate. are much more efficient in their operation than a cupola, as they take the air from four different parts of the barn, while a cupola operates only thoroughly near the centre. I am just completing a large barn, on which have been placed three ventilators of this description, each measuring two feet square in the clear; they are made of the best of lumber, and cost on the barn complete, at this time of high prices, twelve dollars each. In locating them on the building, I placed one in the centre of the roof, the other two one-fifth of the length of the barn from either end; this equalizes the ventilation throughout the building. These ventilators are rather ornamental than other-where the bars are. The advantages of support to wise, giving a completeness of finish, and breaking a long line of roof. I would strongly recommend them to those persons who contemplate putting up buildings for the storage of cattle or hay. I have cupolas on two of my barns that I should be very glad to have replaced by the ventilators. FIELDS SURROUNDED BY ORCHARDS. EDITORS CO. GENT.-The editorial in your paper of 7th inst., on laying out orchards, leads me to suggest a plan I have adopted in a small way, and rather like, in the fence, leaving of course a sufficiently open space of planting around a field on the four sides, just with the trees when young, when the borer is playing hob with them; of avoiding the great probability of their being plowed down; and of getting the use of the tain extent by shelter improving it for other purposes, ground for trees, without altogether losing it, to a cerare among those that may suggest themselves to you or some of your skilled readers. H. L. DEATH OF EDWARD G. FAILE. DIED-At his residence, West Farms, Westchester County, on Wednesday, April 20, of pneumonia, EDWARD G. FAILE, in the 66th year of his age. A week has not yet passed since we were startled by the foregoing announcement,-only heralded by a few hours' knowledge that Mr. FAILE's life had been suddenly endangered, and that fears of a fatal termination had begun to be entertained. On the grounds of a charitable institution, in which he was warmly interested—an interest manifested not only in the benevolence of gifts but also in that of personal exertion-he had been spending some time, on the morning of the 13th we believe, in trimming the trees and otherwise supervising out-door affairs; and, becoming overheated, took a cold resulting in the disease which, only seven days later, carried him beyond the region of earthly culture and the farther exercise of earthly charity. country life, he hesitated long before he would consent to serve as President of the State Agricultural Society; and when at last his friends prevailed and his election was declared at our Annual Meeting in 1863, the mention of his name, for the first and only time within the recollection of the writer, in connection with that of fice, was greeted by the spontaneous and hearty applause of all who were present. Those who knew Mr. FAILE need not be told how conscientiously and faithfully he applied himself to the duties of the place, nor of his determination to continue as active and earnest on the board during the five years to come of his ex officio membership, as he had previously been. At the last meeting, in March, he was not present-owing to the miscarriage in the mail of the notice of its appointment; and he was not a little chagrined that he should even seem, through this accident, to have neglected what he regarded as an imperative engagement. During the past year, ascertaining that the Mr. FAILE was for a long period actively engaged Society required a new flag for use at its exhibitions, in business in New-York, although while still a young hecaused a large and expensive one to be made, which man, the injurious effects of city confinement, together he presented on the sole condition that nothing should with a natural taste for rural life, led him to seek a be said about it, and we doubt if the Board, excepting a home where he had since resided, in Westchester. At few of the officers immediately concerned, were generally length the country became uppermost in his thoughts; aware of the fact. These incidents we should not menand while, from his undeviating probity and untiring tion, except as simple illustrations, in matters of comperformance of duty in whatever positions he accept-paratively smaller consequence, of characteristic traits ed, he had been selected from time to time for various in the life and habits of a departed friend. posts of important trust, still he was fonder than all else of agricultural pursuits, and appreciated as only those of deep insight and comprehensive views can fully do, the great fact that the basis of all our commercial prosperity and the foundation of our national wealth, are where the farmer sows the seed and gathers in the harvest. Previous to, as well as during, his official connection with the State Agricultural Society, his active efforts to create an interest in its operations among the merchants of the city, resulted in large and frequent additions to its roll of Life Mem-deared by the warmest ties of affection and esteem. We cannot yet realize that he is gone from among us forever. Although somewhat advanced in of parting might yet be long in the distant future. years, there seemed every reason to hope that the day With all his Scotch firmness of principle and opinion, which those who differed from him were compelled to respect and admire, Mr. FAILE united a warm heart when in the service of others. To those who came and a hand never more industriously employed than into intimate intercourse with him, his memory is en Of the sadness and suddenness of this blow to them, we cannot trust ourselves to speak. Nor can we yet career, and to the services he had rendered and was prepare a fitting tribute to his virtuous and useful still rendering in the cause of Agriculture;-to his sound judgment, whether in the walks of commerce bers; and, in conversations since the breaking out of the present war particularly, he had often urged that they would only be promoting their own thrift by encouraging wherever the opportunity is offered, every means by which the improvement of our agriculture can be advanced and its productiveness rendered greater and more profitable. His only complaint was that even the friends of Agriculture themselves door on the farm; to his candor and fidelity, in friendnot take a high enough ground when its claims are presented; and whenever the question should arise as to the propriety of seeking farther Legislative aid in carrying out the objects of the State Society, he held the view that any such appropriation of public money could only be properly regarded as an investment in the behalf of the State itself, certain to yield an early and abundant return. ship, as well as in business; to his love of country, which during the rebellion, had been for him, next to his religion, the supreme and single consideration of thought and action; to his benevolent interest in, and encouragement of, every good work; to his undisguised rigidness for himself, and, except in matters of of others; to his constant tenderness and devotion in principle and honor, his leniency for the short-comings every domestic relation, where his loss occasions a void that no human sympathies can fill. But we look beyond the portals of Time, where the seeds of truth and charity and faith, planted and nurtured in the trialfield of earth, yield their full harvest and final reward; and we trust the promise of the Great Master, that "as he has sown, so also shall he reap." But he was not one who would base the success of any undertaking upon extraneous support or aid. The principles which governed him in private life, were with him in the board of management, whether of railroad, or bank, or agricultural society, and he would never favor corporate action of a tone less pure and elevated, nor exertions less faithful and constant, than in his own dealings as a man of unstained integrity Wool Growers Awake. The wool growers of and honor. Singularly unostentatious, and sincerely Addison Co., Vt., have just sent on to Congress a petimodest in his estimate of himself, even with nearly tion twenty-five feet in length, with columns of names, two score years of more or less direct experience in asking for increased duties on wool. |