Chapter C: MCD

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_For the American Agriculturist._

HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF WHEAT.

_Buffalo, October 25th, 1843._

THERE are four conditions that modify the value of a wheat crop. One may not only be larger in measure than another, but heavier for the same measure; yielding more flour from a given weight; and lastly, affording a greater proportion of gluten from the same quantity of flour. It is necessary for the farmer to have each of these considerations in view, if he would attain the utmost success in the cultivation of this invaluable grain. My object, in this brief article, will be, to afford some helps to the agriculturist in increasing the ultimate value of his crop. As a starting point, it will, perhaps, be most instructive to inquire, what are the constituent elements of wheat?

Sprengel has analyzed both grain and straw, and the following is the result:--1000 lbs. of wheat afford 11.77 lbs. and of wheat straw, 35.18 lbs. of ash, consisting of

Grain of wheat. Straw of wheat.
Potash 2.25 lbs. 0.20 lbs.
Soda 2.40 .29
Lime .96 2.40
Magnesia .90 .32
Alumina with a trace of iron .26 .90
Silica 4.00 28.70
Sulphuric acid .50 .37
Phosphoric acid .40 1.70
Chlorine .10 0.30
----- -----
11.77 35.18

This analysis shows an amount of ash far below the average. Davy found 15.5 lbs. of ash in 100 lbs. of ripe wheat straw; and Johnstone, in one variety, grown on a soil abounding in limestone, 16.5 per cent. of ash.

Thus it will be seen, according to the above analysis of Sprengel, that of the total of grain, less than 11/2 per cent., and of straw, rather more than 31/2 per cent. is earthy or inorganic matter; while all the remainder is composed of the organic materials, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, of which carbon alone constitutes about one half. All these constituents are absolutely essential to the perfection of the crop. In the natural condition of a fertile soil when first reclaimed, these materials are usually found in sufficient abundance to produce wheat. Such was the condition of nearly all the land in New England, and the eastern portion of our own state; but a few years of careless, unscientific cropping, has exhausted one or more of those constituents which may have existed in an available form; and much of it, after a very few of the first years of its cultivation, has been of little or no value for wheat, under the system of tillage there adopted. It has been asserted by Dr. Dana, that in a soil purely granitic (and much of the land in that region partakes of this character), there is potash enough for successive crops of wheat for 3,000 years, and lime enough to last more than twice that period. But the result is the same for the growing vegetation, whether the materials do not exist at all, or are locked up beyond the reach of it. It is absolutely certain, if wheat will not grow with care and industry, and all the usual appliances of good husbandry, where it once nourished successfully, there is one or more ingredients wanted, in such a condition, that the plants can appropriate them to their own nourishment. And first of the inorganic matters.

The proportion of straw will vary from 2 to 31/2 times the weight of the grain. Suppose the quantity taken off the land be estimated at 21/2 times the weight of the grain. In a series of crops averaging 20 bushels of wheat per acre, for 30 years, we shall have as the result 36,000 lbs. of grain, and 90,000 lbs. of straw carried off the soil, charged with all the materials above enumerated, and probably sufficient to reduce the land to a very small capacity for production.

Some limited portions of the earth, as the plains of Babylon, when under skilful cultivation, the valleys of the Indus and the Nile, and the fields of Sicily, almost since the days of the flood, have produced luxuriantly, without the aid of manure to any extent; but it must be remembered the former have their fertility annually renewed by the rich overflowings of the rivers, which are charged with all the materials necessary to restore exhausted nature; while the soil of the last, being wholly of basaltic origin, is rich in the alkalies, which a year or two of rest, is sufficient to replenish in a soluble state, to be again taken up by the luxuriant crop. Hence, we have witnessed a drainage of nearly all the products from these fertile regions, for thousands of years, with impunity. But they are exceptions which only go to prove the general rule. The farmer must look to it, that all the ingredients that enter into his crops, are supplied by the materials in his soil, or a deficiency, or entire failure, will be the inevitable result.

Although all the constituents entering into the straw and grain, are absolutely essential to their perfection, they are not all equally essential to be contained in the soil. It is indispensable, however, that the earthy or inorganic portion of them be there, for these can not be obtained elsewhere. How shall they be best supplied? Ashes, it is believed, afford the cheapest, as well as one of the most effectual applications that can be made for grain. Of the ten fixed ingredients enumerated as entering into wheat, ashes yield potash, soda, lime, magnesia, sulphuric and phosphoric acids, in large proportions, and silica and iron in smaller. The chemical operation of the potash, and carbonate and sulphate of lime, however, when added to the soil, is to supply the silica, in a soluble state, from its natural condition, (it being found in abundance for this object in every soil, except in such as are formed almost exclusively of peat,) for the demands of the crop.

An increased supply of lime and gypsum, beyond what is found in the ashes, is frequently advantageous; and when the latter is beneficial, as it generally is, it should never be withheld to an extent in the highest degree useful. Of the operation of this last material, beyond yielding a portion of its sulphur to the gluten, we have as yet no satisfactory explanation. In respect to the theory of its concentrating ammonia in the soil from the atmosphere, we have very contradictory authority. Liebig asserts it, Johnstone questions it, and Dana denies it; yet the increasing fertility its application produces, would seem to give the weight of experience in favor of Liebig's views.

The chlorine and soda, if not furnished by the ashes in proportions sufficiently large, may be procured by the application of common salt, which yields both. The phosphoric acid may be obtained in any required quantity, by the addition of bones, which, dry or calcined, yield both that acid and lime, phosphate of lime constituting 86 per cent. of bones. Most soils contain alumina in abundance to furnish the food requisite for wheat; yet as it is one of the most valuable soils for this grain, both as seizing upon and retaining ammonia, and furnishing a firm foothold for the roots of the plants, it is important that lands intended for this purpose, should be adequately supplied with alumina as a top-dressing, if naturally deficient in it.

We have, then, above, all the inorganic materials for the purpose required. But there is about 97 per cent. of the crop yet to be made up of the organic constituents, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. How shall they be provided for?

First, by the selection of a calcareous or clay soil, which will furnish a proper bed for the roots of the plant, and by their peculiar mechanical texture and chemical composition, will not only hold the manures incorporated with them, but also draw some of the requisite constituents largely from the air; the former absorbing carbonic acid, and the latter ammonia.

Second, by the liberal application of common farm-yard manure, to a crop preceding that of wheat, which will leave a rich mould highly conducive to an abundant yield of perfect grain. An instance has been recently given, of a Maryland farmer raising large successive crops of wheat, by the application of putrescent manure directly upon the grain, and all injurious effects were obviated by the use of a moderate quantity of lime. This is a practice, however, which has not been found generally to be successful, causing either blight, or such rapid and luxuriant growth, as to crinkle and lodge. This effect is also produced in peaty and rich alluvial soils, where the silicate of potash, so essential to the formation of a strong, upright stalk, is not furnished in a quantity large enough for the object.

Third, the liberal use of charcoal scattered through the soil. It is claimed from its use, that the wheat crop of France has been largely augmented within the few past years. Several instances of its greatly beneficial effects, have been noticed in this country; though its influence has not hitherto been felt on wheat, by an extensive Virginia planter, in two or three recent experiments. The great power of condensing gases peculiar to charcoal, was noticed by some of the early chemists. Murray mentions it, and Saussure gives a table of results, in which he shows that perfectly dry charcoal from boxwood, will absorb 90 volumes of ammonia; 85 of muriatic acid; 65 of sulphurous acid; 55 of sulphuretted hydrogen; 35 of carbonic acid, &c. This condensation takes place in its pores, and does not produce any alteration, or new chemical compounds of the gases thus stored up; but their use in an agricultural point of view, is invaluable; for while the coal yields no fertilizing matter from its own substance, being nearly indestructible, it takes from the atmosphere in great abundance, and hoards up for the future use of the plants, one of the most evanescent, as well as most useful materials for their perfection, viz., the nitrogen contained in the ammonia.

A fourth means for procuring a good yield of wheat, is by alternating with clover, and turning in a liberal share of it as a preparation for the wheat. This is practised extensively throughout the wheat districts of the United States, and has resulted in great benefit; for besides yielding a portion of food to the grain, it keeps the ground in the best possible mechanical condition.

A fifth means, is to return all the straw and chaff to the soil, as they contain a large quantity of the identical materials required for a succeeding crop.

With the foregoing causes in full action, and an adequate supply of moisture, whether from rains, dews, or artificial irrigation, the crop will draw largely from the atmosphere for the supply of its required organic constituents. Carbon will be furnished from its carbonic acid; nitrogen from its ammonia; hydrogen from its vapor, dews, and ammonia; and oxygen from air, water, and soil.

The use of all these materials, _together with the selection of the best varieties of seed_, will give the first three requisites of a wheat crop; large measure, heavy weight, and much flour.

Manures peculiarly adapted to the object, will tend in the highest degree to produce the greatest quantity of _gluten_, the most valuable portion of the flour. It is true, that climate has much to do in condensing, and of course, improving the value of wheat. It is a general principle, that the warmer and drier the climate where it is grown, the more valuable the grain. Wheat from the south of Europe, is worth more than when grown in the north; and that from any portion of the United States, owing to our superior dryness of climate, is more nutritive than what is produced in Great Britain. This difference is increased from 8 to 14 per cent. in favor of the American. Gluten varies in wheat from 8 to 35 per cent.; in rye, 9 to 13; barley, 3 to 6; and oats 2 to 5. The _quality_ of wheat with regard to the quantity of gluten it contains, is nicely estimated and fully regarded by accomplished bakers.

The nitrates of potash, or soda, are frequently used in England to increase not only the quantity, but especially the quality of their flour, a practice the high prices of land and produce may render profitable there, though it is hardly to be expected they could generally be used in this country to a profit. In an experiment lately tried in England, one acre of wheat dressed with one cwt. of nitrate of soda, gave 421/2 bushels, weighing 603/4 lbs. per bushel; another acre dressed with two cwt. yielded 47-3/8 bushels, weighing 601/2 lbs.; while an undressed acre, in every other respect similar to the others, yielded only 27-7/8 bushels, weighing 61 lbs. Numerous other instances could be given equally conclusive.

Although we may not be justified in using these somewhat expensive salts, so highly charged with nitrogen, there are sources of supply within our reach, especially rich in this material, and abounding in many of the other ingredients of fertility. These are animal manures of all kinds, but more particularly urine, human excrements, and the offal of animals, such as uncalcined bones, horns, hair, hides, flesh, blood, &c. All of these contain large proportions of nitrogen, and if carefully incorporated into the soil, would tend largely to the increased production and value of the wheat crops throughout the country. An experiment was made in manuring wheat with cow dung, which contains the smallest proportion of nitrogen, and this yielded 11.95 per cent. of gluten. Another parcel, grown on land manured with human urine, gave 35.1 per cent. Thus it will be seen, that the maximum of value in wheat, may be reached, by the application of an article, almost everywhere wasted in the United States.

It is by skilfully feeding the wheat plant with all the nourishment that it can take up, that the crops may be indefinitely increased. Lord Hardwicke stated, in a speech before the Royal Ag. Soc. of England, that the fine Suffolk wheat had produced 76 bushels per acre; and another and more improved variety had yielded the astonishing quantity, of 82 bushels per acre. There is no comparison between the capacity of an animal and seeds, to produce results; for while the former is limited to a definite growth, which no effort of science or skill can augment, a seed may multiply beyond almost any assignable limit. We have been shown a stool of wheat, originating from a single seed, the growth of the present season, with 30 stalks, averaging from 100 to 110 grains on each head. Over 3,000 perfect grains, is thus the product of a single parent in one season. It requires, then, but the proper pabulum to produce good wheat, within the wheat latitudes, in every portion of the Union. Some of our worn-out eastern lands may be so totally unsuited to its growth, as not to justify the efforts of reclaiming or fitting them for this object, especially, while we have a region in the west, every way adapted by nature, to its most successful cultivation. But we can not for a moment doubt, that when those western fields become comparatively full, industry and science will combine to clothe again those hills and valleys (now but partially robed with a scanty herbage), with teeming crops of wheat, such as gave to them, in their pristine days, a fame for fertility seldom exceeded.

R. L. ALLEN.

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_For the American Agriculturist._

A PENNSYLVANIA DAIRY.

_Philadelphia, Nov. 6th, 1843._

NOTICING in your October number an account of a dairy on Long Island, I am induced to give you a description of one in this vicinity. Mr. Henry Charley has a dairy farm near Laurel Hill, where he keeps from 40 to 50 cows, consisting of Ayrshire, Holderness, Alderny, Durham, and a few natives; but mostly crossed with a fine, thorough-bred Short-Horn bull, and is raising full bloods, and high grades of this breed as fast as possible. He makes veal of his bull-calves, and raises all his best heifer-calves from his best cows for his own use. I found the cows luxuriating in a rich clover pasture when I visited them last summer between 2 and 3 o'clock, the hour for afternoon milking, from which they were taken by the herdsman, and driven half a mile to the barn. This is a stone building 100 feet long, 46 feet wide, with a wing of 60 feet, the same width as the barn, high walls, and steep roof, which make it capable of holding a great quantity of fodder, consisting last year mostly of cornstalks, (some of which he bought very cheap of his neighbors, while others let theirs stand in the field and this spring raked them up and burned them,) rye straw, and oats unthrashed, all of which he cuts and steams--sometimes with a little hay cut also and mixed with the above articles. These are all steamed together, or each separately, (as best suits the appetites of the cows) in a large vat, connected with a pipe through which the steam passes from the boiler, which stands in a room adjoining with stone or ground floor. The chimney is of sheet-iron running up through the roof, and coal used for fuel, renders the risk for insurance at a very low rate. The water is supplied from a spring running into the yard, and thence through a pipe into the boiler. The cows are also watered from the same when the weather is stormy in winter, and they are not allowed to go out. But to return from this digression. After the fodder is sufficiently cooked, which takes but a short time, it is taken out into other larger vats or troughs, with scoop shovels, and there left to cool; then a suitable portion of Indian meal or ground rye, buck-wheat, or oats, or any two or all four mixed and ground together, (which in my opinion would be better,) adding a portion of ship-stuffs, shorts, or even bran. This is the food for the cows at all seasons, except when there is a full supply of grass. They are driven to a woods pasture for exercise and air when there is little or no grass. Air and exercise are indispensably necessary for the health of cows, and without these, the milk will always be more or less unhealthy, according to the nature of their confinement.

When the cows were brought into the yard, I was puzzled to know how they were to be handled; but the stable doors being thrown open, each cow entered the door nearest her stall, and went to it with as much regularity as a young miss goes to her seat in a boarding-school. There is a drop in the floor immediately behind the cows, 14 inches wide and 4 inches deep; into this all the excrements fall, the water running off immediately to a reservoir prepared for the purpose of receiving it; this, together with all the manure, was taken away daily, and put upon the land or crops or in a heap to make compost; so that the premises were kept perfectly clean and sweet. The floor was covered with a thin bed of cut straw, which was passed off with the manure as it became soiled, and by being cut, worked immediately into and incorporated itself with the manure, without vexing the husbandman or gardener as long green manure so frequently does. The floor behind the cows, between the trough to catch the liquid and the wall, is six feet wide, with strong plank platforms or tables on which to set the vessels containing the milk. There is an open space directly over the vat for steaming, where all the feed is cut and passed down through a hopper into the vat; also, hoppers or spouts leading from the meal room over head directly into the vats, which contain the steamed feed for cooking. The mangers in which the cows are fed are broad, so that the food may be thrown into them with scoop shovels without waste, of which I found nothing of the kind about the whole premises. If a little too much feed is given to one animal, and consequently left, it is carefully scraped out and fed to one having a better appetite; thus the mangers were kept clean and sweet. Mr. Charley feeds roots, but to what extent I did not learn. I hope he may be induced to write you a letter, giving a description of his cutting machine, which does its work better than any one I have ever seen; having two blades coming together like shears, cutting corn-stalks through their joints with as much apparent ease as a pair of tailor's shears would cut a thread.

There is a stable for dried cows which were feeding for the butcher. Box stalls are provided for cows about to calve; the young cattle are kept by themselves, as are also the calves. Mr. Charley was not at home when I visited his dairy; but this disappointment to me was made up by the kind Mrs. C., who, with justifiable pride, showed me her spring house with its large copper caldron for scalding her milk tubs, pans, pails, churns, &c. &c., in the best of order, all of which she personally superintends and looks after; and whenever there is an overstock of milk for city customers, it is here converted into butter of the choicest quality, and each market-day finds her at her stand with her butter and lots of garden vegetables, the raising of which she also superintends and takes into the city at the dawn of day. That some families are sick and others miserably poor, is not strange, to one who looks behind the curtain and sees what can never otherwise be described.

S. A.

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_For the American Agriculturist._

REPLY TO THE GARDENER'S CHRONICLE.

_New-York, 14th November, 1843._

THE Gardeners' Chronicle, published in England, has the following criticism on my essay of dock-mud, inserted in your April number of this year, page 13:--

"We trust the editor is more correct in his other statements than in this, concerning the percentage of sea-salt in guano, which contains little more than a trace of it."

I have never analysed the guano, but depended on one or two analyses given by Professor Johnston, reader of chemistry in the University of Durham, England, in the appendix to his Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry. He gives tables of contents of two parcels, the first containing 30.3 per cent., the second rather more than 11 per cent. of sea-salt. I took the larger quantity, to prove that if dock-mud contained sea-salt, it could be no objection to it as a fertilizer.

It is highly important that the tables of analysis of celebrated manures should be correctly given, and if the editor of the Chronicle can furnish correct tables, he will be conferring an important boon on the agricultural community of the whole world.

WM. PARTRIDGE.

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_From the American Agriculturist Almanac._

SOUTHERN CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER.

THE closing month of the year is one in which every agriculturist should take an interest, and for many useful hints we will refer the reader to the Northern Calendar for this month.

Cotton-picking will probably occupy this month until Christmas, when this business will have been completed, if the culture has been well managed, and the season favorable. It would be well to start your plows and break up ground for corn; let nothing but cotton prevent--not even cleaning; for plowing is only one job; yet, if done soon, it is generally advantageous, and if bad weather should set in when it must be done, time will be lost, and a drawback ensue, whereas by plowing in time, cleaning can be done later.

In weather not employed about other labor more important, manure and trim all kinds of vines and fruit-trees, except the orange tribe. Transplant evergreens and other trees, sweet briers, honeysuckles, jasmines, &c.; sow late peas and beans, and set out onions for seed; set all hands at work in cleaning up for other crops, picking up limbs, grubbing, cleaning up hollows, sides of bayous, cutting down corn-stalks with hoes, gathering materials for making manure, &c., &c.

If you do not live in the immediate vicinity, say five or six miles, from a sugar-plantation, by all means keep bees. This can be rendered one of the most productive branches of business of the day. Procure a few swarms at first, and they will soon multiply to any extent required. Use sections of hollow logs, four or five feet long, for hives, if you have no other more convenient materials to make them of, and allow the bees to work over the honey a second time, that you may avoid the injurious effects in eating honey which may have been gathered from poisonous flowers. If the above-named class of hives be used, there will be no necessity for killing the bees; for when the hives are filled with honey, they can be removed without harm from the end opposite to that in which the bees are at work, and they will immediately go to work and fill the vacancy. In most parts of the Southern States bees maybe kept at work during the winter. If there are not flowers for them, they can be made to work over the bad honey collected the season before.

This is also a busy month for the sugar-planter. He will be active in cutting and carting his cane with all possible despatch; and he should employ one or more practical and intelligent men to conduct the operations of the mill. In the manufacture of sugar, we know of no better method than that given by Professor Mapes in a letter to Hon. H. L. Ellsworth, from which we make the following extract:--

1. To cut the cane as ripe as possible, but before any acetic acid is formed; litmus paper, touched to the fresh-cut cane, will turn red if acid.

2. Express the juice without loss of time, as every moment after cutting will deteriorate its quality.

3. A small quantity of clear lime-water, say one quart to a hundred gallons of juice, should be added the moment it is expressed, unless the juice shows acidity with litmus paper; in that case, no lime should be used, but a solution of sal-soda or soda ash should be added, until it is precisely neutral.

4. When the juice is neutral, free from excess of acid or alkali, it should be evaporated in such an apparatus as would finish its charge in 30 minutes; if the boiling power is too small, good crystallization can not possibly be obtained.

The whole time occupied, from the cutting of the cane to finishing its boiling, should not exceed one hour.

5. To know when the boiling is finished, place a thermometer in the kettle, and continue to evaporate until it stands at 239 deg. Fahrenheit. If, when placed to run off after cooling, it should be found too freely boiled, the next time boil to 240 deg., or, if too light to run off, to 238 deg., and so on.

6. The kettle or boiler should be so arranged, that the moment it is done its charge should be thrown into a cooler, capable of holding a number of charges. The first charge should be left in the cooler with stirring, until the second charge is thrown in; then with an oar scrape the crystals found on the side and bottom of the cooler loose, and gently stir the whole mass together: the less stirred the better; so continue at the letting in of each charge, to stir gently; and when all is in the cooler, let the whole stand until it cools down to 175 deg.; then fill out into sugar-moulds of a capacity not less than 14 gallons. When cooled in the mould sufficiently, say fourteen hours, pull the plug out of the bottom of the mould, and insert a sharp point, nearly as large as the hole, some six inches; withdraw the point, and stand the mould on a pot to drip.

7. If the sugar is intended to be brown, leaving it standing on the pot for a sufficient length of time, in a temperature of 80 deg., will run off its molasses, and leave it in a merchantable shape; it will probably require twenty days. It can then be thrown out of the moulds, and will be fit for use. When moulds can not be obtained, conical vessels of wood or metal, with a hole at the apex, will answer equally well.

D.

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_From the American Agriculturist Almanac._

NORTHERN CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER.

SETTLE all your accounts, collect what is due you, and pay what you owe. "Short settlements make long friends." Examine your farm statistics, and see what have been the results of your experiments with the different kinds of manures, seeds, modes of tillage, &c., &c.; and note them well for future use. No farmer ought to be without such a book, in which all experiments should be carefully recorded at the time, and the results carried into a separate book for his own use hereafter; and if new and valuable discoveries are obtained, communicate them to some agricultural periodical for the benefit of the world. Recollect, you have the experience of thousands to guide your operations, and, by contributing to the general stock whatever may be useful, you are but returning to mankind a part of the benefits you have derived from them. But avoid twaddle and humbuggery, and oft-published statements, and prolix or tedious narration, and give all the circumstances material to the subjects in the briefest, plainest, simplest language possible. Above all things, send in your subscription to one or more valuable agricultural papers, and get as many of your neighbors to subscribe as possible; and consider, in so doing, you are benefiting yourself by it ten times as much as you are the publishers. Summer is peculiarly the time for making observations and experiments, and winter the time for communicating them. _Remember the poor_, not only in this month, but every month through the year, and especially during the inclemency of winter. You need not give so much to them outright, but endeavor to put them in a way of making themselves comfortable, by affording them employment, by which, you may be benefited, while doing them good. You thus confer on them a triple benefit, by furnishing them the means of comfortable subsistence, teaching them to help themselves, and avoiding the habit of receiving _charity_, which insensibly weakens their sense of self-dependance.

Stock now requires increased attention: they must be well housed, or at least protected against wind, with a shelter to which they can resort in storms, well supplied with salt, and abundance of water, if possible, in the yard, where they can get it when they want, and without wearying themselves in looking for it, and wasting their manure by dropping it in the road, or by a running stream or pond, where it will all be lost. Their feed should be regular, and given to them as near stated times as possible. They look for their food then at certain hours, and are not uneasy and fretful till the customary period arrives, when they again fill themselves, and rest quietly, digesting their food till it is time to look for another supply. If brought up in regular habits, brutes are much better time-keepers than many are disposed to consider them who have not observed closely their intelligence. Now is a good time to break steers and colts, while the roads are smooth and hard. They ought to be early accustomed to handling and the halter, and be gently treated, by which they are more disposed to yield to the wishes of their master. If they have been always used to good treatment, they will acquire a confidence in their keepers, and the more readily submit to their guidance. 'Tis always better to train them with strong, well-broken animals. Sympathy has more to do with the brute creation than they have credit for generally; and the good habits and orderly behavior of the older animals, they have been accustomed to treat with deference, will not be without their wholesome effect on them.

This is the best month for spreading out hemp for dew-rotting, in the latitudes below 40 deg., as it gets a whiter and better rot than if spread earlier.

KITCHEN-GARDEN.--Every fine day uncover the frames in which are lettuce and cauliflower plants; otherwise they will become spindling, from want of air. Hot-beds can now be made, for forcing asparagus for the table in January. If the ground is open, continue trenching for spring crops. When the ground is frozen, cart manure, repair fences, clean seeds, prepare tools for spring. Provide pea-sticks, bean-poles, &c., and finish all that will be required in the spring, and which can be done when the ground is frozen.

FRUIT-GARDEN AND ORCHARD.--Finish those things which may have been omitted the previous month. If the weather continues open, digging and plowing may be done advantageously. Perform any work that may tend to forward your business in the spring.

FLOWER-GARDEN AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.--Continue to protect your beds of bulbs, and also flower-beds and shrubs as directed in last month. Should the weather continue open in the early part of this month, bulbs may still be planted. They should not be left as late as this, but if such has been the case, they had better be planted now than left until spring. Now carefully protect seedling bulbs. The more tender kinds of trees can have their roots protected from frost by laying manure or long litter about them.

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL NEWS.

BY the steamship Caledonia, we are favored by the receipt of our European journals up to the 4th November.

MARKETS.--_Ashes_, both pots and pearls, have advanced, and were brisk of sale. _Cotton_ had declined 1/8d. per lb. The recent advices from Bombay and Calcutta of the East India crop, were not quite so favorable. The stock of Cotton on hand at Liverpool on the 1st November, was 720,000 bales, against 520,000 at same period last season. _Flour_ was flat, and little doing in it. _Naval Stores_, declining. _Provisions_ were about the same as by our last advices, with the exception of Cheese, the finer qualities of which were of quick sale. _Tobacco_, steady and firm.

_Money_ still plenty, and the low rates of interest prevail.

_American Stocks_ continue nearly the same as at our last. Very few recent transactions.

_Agricultural School._--We see by the Berwick Warder, that an Agricultural School is established in Aberdeenshire, by the practical farmers of that county, which promises to be a very useful institution. It is superintended by Mr. R. O. Young, and we like its arrangements better than anything of the kind we have yet seen. To explain these, we make a few quotations from the prospectus.

The young gentlemen who may be intrusted to Mr. Young's charge for the purpose of being instructed in the principles and practice of Scottish agriculture, will have daily opportunities of witnessing the regular routine of farming operations going on at the farm, and of taking an active part in these operations.

They will be required to keep, in a farm-book, a daily record of what has been done on the farm. Explanations will be given of the principles upon which the different operations are conducted, and upon which they will be examined at stated times. Regular minutes will be kept by the pupils of all such explanations, as well as of any facts that may come to their knowledge through their occasional intercourse with the farmers of the country.

There will be stated times set apart for reading, as text-books, the most approved agricultural works of the day; and on the subjects of their reading Mr. Y. will minutely examine the young gentlemen, and will also require them to write exercises upon given agricultural topics--particularly those that bear on practice.

While it will be Mr. Y.'s care to direct the attention of the pupils to chemistry and geology in their application to practical agriculture, a branch of study until lately very little attended to, he will make arrangements for procuring the services of the professor of agriculture in the University of Aberdeen, for a few weeks every summer, to give lectures and conduct experiments on the analysis of soils, manures, &c.--thus securing to the pupils more than a mere theoretical knowledge of this important branch of agricultural education.

As nothing is so much calculated to impress any subject upon the youthful mind, as to invest it with a _personal interest_, Mr. Y. proposes to devote to the exclusive use of his pupils, a small farm, of about 50 acres in extent, adjoining to his other farm. This small farm contains a variety of soils, upon which experiments of different kinds may be conducted, on a small scale. It will be possessed and managed by the pupils, under Mr. Y.'s direction, and upon certain equitable rules as to each pupil's share of the concern. Each pupil will be required to keep regular books, exhibiting all disbursements and receipts, and the results of all experiments tried, with every particular connected with such experiments. Each pupil will be required to take his share of management, &c., and the profits of the concern, after paying a certain moderate rent, will, at each term, be divided among the young gentlemen, in proportion to their respective interests. It is conceived that such a plan will have a strong tendency to promote exactness, regularity, and business habits; but, without the consent of their parents or guardians, pupils will not be asked to join in this scheme.

FARMERS' MAGAZINE.--_Meat-Salting Instrument._--The instrument resembles a common syringe of more than ordinary dimensions, and, although not quite so simple in its construction, it is intended to be used in the same way as the syringe, provided the point or tube be not exposed to the air. The advantages to be derived from the use of the instrument are explained by the fact that a joint of meat may, in the simplest manner, be properly salted in less than ten minutes. The brine is made of the usual ingredients, and after the salt and other substances are completely dissolved, the liquid is poured into the machine, and the nipple or tube (the circumference of which is perforated with three small holes) is inserted into the most solid part of a joint of meat, and the contents are, by a very strong pressure, forced through the fibres until the brine is seen to escape on the surface. For this purpose a smaller quantity of pickle is used than is employed in the ordinary method of curing meat, and the bone (if there be any,) in the centre becomes thoroughly impregnated with the fluid. By the present mode of salting meat, it is a matter of some difficulty to inject the brine into the innermost part of a large joint, whereas by the process which is adopted in the use of Mr. Carson's instrument, the size or substance of the meat presents no additional trouble to the operator.

_Prince Albert's Annual Sale of Live Stock._--Since Prince Albert has turned farmer, he has an annual sale of his fat stock, and is said to realize from 50 to 60 per cent. profit on it. The last took place in October, at which time 417 sheep, 55 oxen, and 9 cows and heifers, were disposed of, realising him L1,743, (about $8,000;) a clever sum for fat sheep and cattle.

_Produce of Ewes._--Count de Gourcey states in that part of his Agricultural Tour in Europe, just received, that Mr. Walker, manager of the late Duke of Gordon's estates, in Scotland, informed him that from 200 Leicester ewes, and as many Southdowns, they _bring up on an average_, 450 lambs. We wish we had possessed this information when writing our notes to Mr. Grove's letter in this paper, as it would have been something of an argument in our favor, regarding the difference of opinion existing between us about the number of lambs bred in the United States.

NEW FARMERS' JOURNAL.--_Exportation of Cattle to Prussia._--One bull and eight heifers have been recently purchased in England, for the Royal Agricultural Society of Prussia.

NETTING FOR SHEEP-FOLDS.--The fibre of the cocoa-nut is said to make the most durable netting for sheep-folds; it out-wearing several sets of tarred-hemp netting, and is so light, that a herdsman can with ease carry 200 yards of it.

_Soiling._--Feeding animals in the summer-season with green food, cut daily, and given them in stalls or yards, is far preferable to grazing--First, because the food is consumed with less waste; secondly, because rest is an equivalent for food. The bodies of animals do not remain stationary, but are constantly wasting in proportion to the amount of exercise they undergo--hence, while they rove at large, they must receive from time to time new supplies in the shape of food, to make up for this waste, which are not needed when they are at rest, and consequently, by the system of soiling, less food will be required to fatten them. Thirdly, because by soiling there is an increase of valuable manure, which, by the old method of grazing, was nearly altogether lost.

_American Provisions._--Within the last few days, 204 boxes of American cheese have been received in Liverpool. Every year the quality of the American cheese improves. Another article, which is arriving in very large quantities, is American lard, which is coming into use for many purposes for which salt and even fresh butter has been employed. Very excellent salted beef has come from the United States in considerable quantities.

_Epidemic among Cattle._--This has broken out again in a most virulent shape in the north of England.

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE.--_Miller's Safety Reins._--These consist of gut covered with leather, and are, therefore, proof against fracture; and being round, and of neat light appearance, form a rather ornamental and sporting-like appendage to harness or saddle. They are mounted in this way:--They pass through a hook placed on the head of the harness-bridle, and through a leather loop on the head of the riding-bridle, and come down on each side of the neck. About middle-way down the neck is a coupling with two swivels, which receive the reins from the head, and they then pass through the dees of the harness, and through the turrets of the harness-saddle, and along to the front of the splashboard to a rein-holder, by which they are held always ready for use. The head of the horse and the turrets of the saddle being both higher than the throat, and the coupling being short, and having leave to traverse the reins on each side of the neck, it settles on that part of the throat at which the reins, on being pulled, exert the greatest force, when, the windpipe being forcibly compressed, the horse becomes affected in his respiration, and, therefore, stands still, or slackens his pace for breath, which he immediately obtains on the reins being slackened. Thus, feeling he is mastered, the horse shows no farther inclination to run off again; but in case he should renew symptoms of starting off, a few firm grips of the coupling on the throat will let him feel the futility of his attempts.

In explanation of the origin of the invention, Mr. Miller stated that he was a farmer's son, and that, in his youth, he used to be employed at times to assist in catching horses at grass, by means of surrounding them with a rope, borne by a person at each end of it. He remarked that, in this service, although no restraint was laid upon the horses when the rope rested on their chests, yet, whenever it could be got upon their throats, they instantly stood still and allowed themselves to be taken. The idea which this recollection suggested, of the probable effect of pressure on the throat in stopping a runaway horse, led Mr. Miller to the contrivance of his safety-reins. In his first experiment, the band which connects the reins under the neck was attached to the headstall by hooks and straps; but it has been considered an improvement to allow it to move freely upon the reins, on which it settles in contact with the throat, in a proper position for use when required.

Our communications with Mr. Miller impressed us favorably in regard to his contrivance; but, wishing to see it in practice we availed ourselves of an offer by him to afford us an opportunity of judging of it in operation. We, accordingly, on a day appointed, accompanied him in a carriage drawn by one horse, for the purpose of trial; and we witnessed as spectators, as well as made ourselves, repeated tests of the reins, with the horse going at a smart canter, both on a level road and on a descent, and we invariably observed that the tightening of the reins caused the horse immediately to stop. No injurious effect seemed to be produced on the horse by the interruption of his respiration. He always appeared to breathe freely, and to be ready to resume his work, as soon as the tension of the reins was relaxed.

Upon the whole, therefore, we consider Mr. Miller's invention to be a neat and simple, as well as, to appearance, an effective contrivance for the accomplishment of its important object, in the prevention of the disastrous accidents which not unfrequently occur from horses running away; and we think it reflects much credit on the ingenuity of its inventor.

GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.--_Rhododendron._--There is a variety of the Rhododendron ponticum growing here, which appears to be different from any of the others. It comes into flower about the same time as the others, but instead of unfolding its blossoms at the same rate as its neighbors, it only opens a few at a time, and continues long in flower. It did not cease flowering this season the whole month of August; consequently was nearly a month longer in bloom than the others. It has a southern exposure, and is sheltered from the north and east.

_Blight on Grain from the Barberry._--In the Chronicle of August 19, under the head of "Vulgar Errors," we read as follows: "People still maintain that the barberry blights their grain." This is, nevertheless, a matter deserving attention; for in this, as in many other instances, a popular prejudice has been founded on truth, although the real cause has been often overlooked. Some writers have treated this subject with respect, and among them is Dr. Thornton. The latter says that the "leaves are very subject to the _rubigo_, which will infect the grain in the neighborhood." Here the secret is at once explained, and the aversion of farmers to the barberry-bush at once justified. The vulgar notion is, that the barberry exercises some evil agency upon grain within a certain distance, and accordingly farmers will never suffer it to grow near their fields. They are right as to the effect, but they attribute it to a wrong cause. I have seen some remarkable instances of grain perishing in a semicircle, in front of a barberry-bush, and extending a good way into a field. Any one who has but superficially noticed the barberry, must have observed that the leaves and young shoots of the shrub were covered with a peculiar kind of blight or mildew. Now it is by no means extraordinary that this should be carried by the wind into grain-fields, and infect the grain so as to cause its destruction. This is the true explanation of the mischief caused by the barberry to grain in its neighborhood. [This is the common explanation, but if any one will take the trouble to examine the parasitical plant which attacks the barberry, and that of grain, he will find that they are totally different things. One is the AEcidium Berberidis, and the other some species of Uredo or Puccinia, for it is sometimes one and sometimes the other. We should as soon believe that a hen's egg would be hatched into toads, as that the seed of an AEcidium would produce an Uredo or Puccinia. We are aware of the facts mentioned by Mr. Wighton, for we have seen them ourselves, and they form a curious problem yet to solve.]

REVIEW OF THE MARKET.

PRICES CURRENT IN NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 28, 1843.

ASHES, Pots, per 100 lbs. $4 62 to $4 68
Pearls, do. 5 12 " 5 18
BACON SIDES, Smoked, per lb. 31/2 " 41/2
In pickle do. 3 " 4
BALE ROPE do. 6 " 9
BARK, Quercitron per ton 23 00 " 24 50
BARLEY per bush. 52 " 56
BEANS, White do. 1 121/2 " 1 25
BEEF, Mess per bbl. 6 00 " 7 00
Prime do. 4 00 " 5 00
Smoked per lb. 6 " 71/2
Rounds, in pickle do. 4 " 51/2
BEESWAX, Am. Yellow do. 28 " 30
BOLT ROPE do. 12 " 13
BRISTLES, American do. 25 " 65
BUTTER, Table do. 12 " 15
Shipping do. 6 " 10
CANDLES, Mould, Tallow do. 9 " 12
Sperm do. 32 " 38
Stearic do. 20 " 25
CHEESE do. 4 " 7
CIDER BRANDY, Eastern per gal. 35 " 40
Western do. 28 " 35
CLOVER SEED per lb. 81/2 " 91/2
COAL, Anthracite 2000 lbs. 5 00 " 6 00
Sidney and Pictou per chal. 7 00 " 7 50
CORDAGE, American per lb. 11 " 12
CORN, Northern per bush. 56 " 58
Southern do. 54 " 56
COTTON per lb. 6 " 11
COTTON BAGGING, Amer. hemp per yard. 16 " 18
American Flax do. 15 " 16
FEATHERS per lb. 27 " 31
FLAX, American do. 8 " 81/2
FLAX SEED, rough per 7 bush. 8 75 " 9 00
clean do. -- -- " -- --
FLOUR, Northern and Western per bbl. 4 56 " 4 75
Fancy do. 5 50 " 5 621/2
Southern per bbl. 4 50 " 4 75
Richmond City Mills do. 5 50 " 5 62
Rye do. 3 00 " 3 12
HAMS, Smoked per lb. 5 " 71/2
Pickled do. 4 " 5
HAY per 100 lbs. 40 " 45
HIDES, Dry Southern per lb. 9 " 11
HEMP, Russia, clean per ton. 185 00 " 190 00
American, water-rotted do. 140 00 " 180 00
do dew-rotted do. 90 00 " 140 00
HOPS per lb. 6 " 8
HORNS per 100 1 25 " 5 00
LARD per lb. 51/2 " 7
LEAD do. 31/2 " 4
Sheet and bar do. 4 " 41/2
MEAL, Corn per bbl. 2 75 " 3 00
Corn per hhd. 12 50 " 13 00
MOLASSES, New Orleans per gal. 23 " 25
MUSTARD, American per lb. 16 " 31
OATS, Northern per bush. 30 " 32
Southern do. 26 " 28
OIL, Linseed, American per gal. 75 " 80
Castor do. 90 " 1 00
Lard do. 55 " 65
OIL CAKE per 100 lbs. 1 00 " -- --
PEAS, Field per bush. 1 25 " -- --
PITCH per bbl. 1 121/2 " 1 37
PLASTER OF PARIS per ton. 2 00 " 2 25
Ground, in bbls. per cwt. 50 " -- --
PORK, Mess per bbl. 10 50 " 11 38
Prime do. 9 25 " 10 12
RICE per 100 lbs. 2 75 " 3 12
ROSIN per bbl. 65 " 95
RYE per bush. 65 " 66
SALT per sack 1 35 " 1 50
SHOULDERS, Smoked per lb. 3 " 41/2
Pickled do. 3 " 4
SPIRITS TURPENTINE, Southern per gal. 38 " 40
SUGAR, New Orleans per lb. 6 " 71/2
SUMAC, American per ton 25 00 " 27 50
TALLOW per lb. 7 " 71/2
TAR per bbl. 1 25 " 1 50
TIMOTHY SEED per 7 bush. 13 00 " 14 00
TOBACCO per lb. 3 " 61/2
TURPENTINE per bbl. 2 62 " 2 87
WHEAT, Western per bush. 1 00 " 1 05
Southern do. 90 " 1 00
WHISKEY, American per gal. 23 " 25
WOOL, Saxony per lb. 35 " 50
Merino do. 30 " 35
Half-blood do. 25 " 27
Common do. 18 " 22

ADVERTISEMENTS

New York Cattle Market--November 27.

At market, 1,150 beef Cattle, (110 from the south), 35 Cows and Calves, and 2,350 Sheep and Lambs.

PRICES.--_Beef Cattle_ have slightly improved, and we quote $4.25 a $5 to $5.25 a $5.50 for the best. 1,101 unsold.

_Cows and Calves._--All taken at $18 a $27.

_Sheep and Lambs._--Sales of Lambs at $1 a $2, and of Sheep at 1.371/2 a $3.50. 100 unsold.

_Hay_.--Sales at 621/2 a 75 cents per cwt.

* * * * *

REMARKS.--_Ashes_, since the late news from Europe, have been in good request. _Candles_, especially those made of stearic, are brisk. _Cotton_. The day after the arrival of the Caledonia with advices of a fall in England, this article receded nearly 1/4 of a cent per lb.; but a brisk demand springing up for export, it has recovered, and is about the same now as before the reception of the late news. We hear nothing particularly new from the south regarding the picking, the weather upon the whole supposed to be more favorable. Export from the United States since 1st September last, 62,450 bales; same time last year, 113,301; same time year before, 99,904. _Flour_. The continued navigation on the canals, has brought us an unprecedented supply, and a large quantity has gone into store; a good business, however, continues to be done in it. The total arrivals this season have been 1,440,000 brls. _Rye-flour_ is dull. _Buckwheat_, very scarce and advancing. _Cornmeal_, dull. _Wheat_ is in good demand, and prices stiff. _Rye_, declining. _Barley_, _Oats_, and _Corn_, in fair demand. _Hemp_, dull. _Hops_, improving. _Molasses_, not much inquired for. _Beef_ and _Pork_, quiet, and little doing at present in them. _Lard_, much wanted. _Hogs_. Extreme rates now in Cincinnati are from $2.25 to $2.75; we are free to repeat, however, that we believe the first quality of hogs will be worth $3 by Christmas. _Rice_, of the better qualities, scarce. _Seeds_, especially Timothy, in good request. _Sugar_, quite inactive. _Tobacco_, fine Kentucky, scarce and wanted; stems, none in market. _Wool_ seems to have taken a fresh start again, and prices have an upward tendency.

_Stocks_. A large business continues to be done in these, and they are still gradually advancing.

_Money_ plenty, and seeking investment at the usual low rates.

_Real Estate_ seems at last to have come into demand, and considerable sales in this species of property have recently taken place at good prices. It must henceforth advance. Our population and wealth have increased in an unprecedented ratio within the past four years, and there is no reason why real estate should remain at its late low prices, and transactions in it any longer stagnant.

_Business generally_, the past season, has been extremely good; and we do not hesitate to say, few years can show a greater amount of substantial profits. We consider the days of darkness as passed, and we may now look forward to the future with the brightest anticipations.

_Packing Pork._--On this subject we quote from the Cincinnati Chronicle of 22d November. For the benefit of our distant readers, who may be disposed to send their orders here for pork, we give below the pork-merchant's prices for _packing_ this season, based upon 60 cents per bushel for Turk-Island salt, 871/2 cents for bbls., 28 cents per bushel for Kenhawa fine salt, and 75 cents to $1.50 per day, for laborers. For receiving, weighing, and cutting the hogs, a block-fee of 5 cents each.

For packing per bbl., including all charges, $1.60 _a_ $1.75. For salting 100 lbs. in bulk, including saltpetre for the joints, $1.62 _a_ $1.75. Smoking per 1.000 lbs., including washing, $1.25. Rendering lard, 37 _a_ 50 cents per 100 lbs., which does not include the price of the keg or barrel--2 to 5 cents is also charged on each keg or barrel, for nailing the hoops, boring, weighing, and marking. The cooperage is charged at cost.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

--A. B. Your package of Essays is sent to T. C. R. of P., as directed, and we have written you in full in it. The sheep-articles shall be condensed as you suggest, if we can possibly find room, and papers in any event sent to the gentlemen whose names are given. Good South-Downs, or Merinos, can be had from $10 to $20 each. It is not worth while to transport lower-priced animals such a distance. For Rambouillets, $30 to $50 each. See Mr. Collins' letter, Sept. No., page 166.

Henry A. Field, J. W. Stuart, S. B. Parsons, James Bates, and D. K. Minor, in our next.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

--From some unknown friend, we have received a tin case containing two fine paintings of cattle, sheep, &c. We should be pleased to know to whom we are indebted for these, for no note accompanied them, and we can hardly guess.

* * * * *

BLACK GALLOWAY CATTLE.

A pure-bred imported cow, and a bull of the Galloway or Kyloe breed of Scotch Highland cattle, are for sale in this vicinity. These animals are very fine of their kind, and were chosen from one of the most celebrated breeders of this stock in Scotland. The cow took several prizes at the agricultural shows before being shipped to this country, and gives a superior quality of milk. The bull is quite equal to the cow, and they will be sold at a reasonable price.

Apply, post paid, to the Editor of this paper.

* * * * *

FARMING LANDS FOR SALE.

For sale, about 500 acres of choice farming lands, lying on the Erie canal and Niagara river, 5 miles from Buffalo, and one mile below the Hydraulic Works in Black Rock. There is a due proportion of cleared and timber land, and the soil is equally adapted for grain, grass, and roots. Its proximity to an extensive and growing market, as well as the convenience, beauty, and healthfulness of the location, render this one of the most desirable situations in western New York. The most liberal credit will be given to purchasers.

Address, post paid, R. L. ALLEN, 156 Main st., Buffalo.

* * * * *

LINNAEAN BOTANIC GARDEN AND NURSERY--LATE PRINCE'S.

FLUSHING, L. I., NEAR NEW YORK.

The New Descriptive Catalogue, not only of Fruit, but also of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Plants, cultivated and for sale at this ancient and celebrated Nursery (known as Prince's, and by the above title for nearly fifty years), with directions for their culture, may be had _gratis_ on application to the new proprietors by mail, post paid. The collection at this establishment is unrivalled, and prices generally very much reduced; and the proprietors flatter themselves that the catalogue will be found to surpass in extent of information and usefulness, anything of the kind ever before presented to the public, and to be worthy of a permanent place in the library of the horticulturist. Orders will be promptly executed.

WINTER & Co., Proprietors.

Flushing, Oct. 24th, 1843.

* * * * *

A STOCK MAN WANTED TO GO SOUTH.

A planter, in the state of Georgia, wishes to engage a faithful competent man to take charge of his stock. If he be married, and his wife be a good dairywoman, she will also find employment. The situation is in the interior of the country, and quite healthy. None need apply if above middle age, or who have not had some experience in their business in this country, and can bring the best of references.

Address the Editor of this paper.

* * * * *

BUSINESS AGENCY.

The Subscriber will attend promptly to the execution of all orders for the purchase of stock, agricultural implements, or merchandise of any kind; also the negotiation of loans, sales of lands, payment of taxes, &c. He has been more or less engaged in mercantile pursuits in this city for ten years, and has an extensive acquaintance with moneyed men, and a thorough knowledge of business in general. Cash or produce must invariably be in hand, before orders for purchases can be executed.

A. B. ALLEN.

205 Broadway, New York.

* * * * *

CHEAP CASH BOOKSTORE,

205 BROADWAY, NEW YORK.

Saxton & Miles, Publishers, and dealers in Books in every department of Literature, at very reduced prices for _cash_.

S. & M. publish the following Book, which should be in every family in the United States: GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE, or the Poor Man's Friend.

Among the many publications of more than doubtful utility, with which our presses groan, it is pleasant to offer to the public one which, while it can not injure the mental and moral powers, is capable of improving our health and prolonging our days. It is now about ten years since this work was first published, since which time it has passed through many large editions, and the astonishing number of _one hundred thousand_ copies has been sold in the southern and western states, and the demand is increasing.

It has just been revised and corrected, containing 900 pages, and executed in superior style. People may be disposed to smile when we tell them that they can save money by purchasing this book, but we think we can satisfy them that such is the fact, In every family more or less is paid yearly for doctor's bills. A child is taken with a fever, or some other complaint, and from ignorance nothing is or can be done effectually to check it. The physician is called, and a large bill is contracted; whereas, had GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE been on hand, a remedy could easily have been found which would have checked the disease in its first stage, and not only have saved the purse, but perhaps the life.

* * * * *

American Agriculturist Almanac for 1844.

This work comprises 64 pages, double columns octavo, with numerous wood cuts, price $8 per hundred, 121/2 cents each. In the contents will be found--Agricultural Statistics of the United States--Aspects and Nodes--Astronomical Calendars for Montreal, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, and New Orleans--Characters and Names of the Planets, &c.--Farmers' Northern Calendars, with particular directions for the management of the Farm, Cattle, Fruit and Flower Garden, &c.--Southern Calendars for the Planter and Farmer, with explicit directions for the culture and harvesting of Cotton, Rice, Tobacco, &c., &c.

THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST.

Published Monthly, each number containing 32 pages, royal octavo.

TERMS--One Dollar per year in advance; single numbers, Ten Cents; three copies for Two Dollars; eight copies for Five Dollars.

Each number of the Agriculturist contains but One sheet, subject to newspaper postage only, which is _one cent_ in the State, or within 100 miles of its publication, and _one and a half cents_, if over 100 miles, without the State.

ADVERTISEMENTS will be inserted at One Dollar, if not exceeding twelve lines, and in the same proportion, if exceeding that number.

[Symbol] _Remit through Postmasters, as the law allows._

Editors of Newspapers noticing the numbers of this work monthly, or advertising it, will be furnished a copy gratis, upon sending such notice to this Office.

Volume I of THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST, with table of contents complete, for sale at $1; handsomely bound in cloth, $1 25. It is a neat and tasteful book, and makes a handsome premium for distribution with Agricultural Societies; to which, when several copies are ordered, a liberal discount will be made.

[Symbol] To prevent confusion, all letters merely ordering this work, or enclosing money for subscriptions, should be addressed to Saxton & Miles, 205 Broadway, post-paid or franked by the Postmaster.

Communications for publication, to be directed to the Editor; and all _private_ letters, or those on business disconnected with the paper, should be addressed, simply, A. B. Allen, 205 Broadway. New York.

* * * * *

STOCK FOR SALE.

R. H. Hendrickson & Co., of Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, will promptly attend to orders for Short-Horn Cattle, Bakewell, Merino, South-Down, and Saxon Sheep; also for Berkshire pigs from Windsor Castle, imported from England, and twenty choice Berkshire sows, a part of which were also imported. Windsor Castle stands 3 feet high, and is estimated by competent judges to weigh 1000 lbs. Pigs of crosses with the imported Kenilworth, the large Miami, Byfield, and Grazier stocks, will likewise be furnished.

None but choice specimens of any of the above stock will be supplied, and at prices corresponding with the times. Address, post paid, as above.

Oct. 12th, 1843.

R. H. HENDRICKSON & Co.

AGENTS FOR THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST.

John Halsall, Bookseller, St. Louis, Mo.
G. S. Taintor, Bookseller, Natchez, Miss.
S. F. Gale & Co., Chicago, Ill.
John J. Herrick, Detroit, Mich.
J. B. Steele, New Orleans.
C. M. Hovey, Boston, Mass.
Saxton, Peirce, & Co., Boston.
Arthur D. Phelps, Boston.
R. H. Hendrickson, Middletown, Ohio
Andrew Campbell.
E. Cornell, Ithaca, N. Y.
H. Kirkland, Northampton, Mass.
John Bonner, White Plains, Georgia.

* * * * *

CONTENTS OF DECEMBER NUMBER.

EDITORIAL.

Page.

Fattening Poultry, 321
Fertility of Sea-Mud, 322
Sketches of the West, No. 2, 323
Breeds of Fowls, } 325
New York Farmers' Club, }
Next Annual Show of the State Ag. Society, 327
Tour in England, No. 15, 328
Agricultural Shows, 330
Sale of Rambouillet Merinos, }
Price of Sheep Dogs, }
Annual Meeting of the New York State Ag. Society, } 332
List of Premiums of the American Institute (continued), }
Foreign Agricultural News, 349
Review of the Market, }
To Correspondents, } 351
Acknowledgment, }
Terms and list of Agents, 352

EXTRACTS.

Making Capons, 334
Grafting and Budding, 335
High Cranberry, 339

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

H. D. Grove, Fine-Wool Sheep, 340
R. B. C, Sea-Mud as a Fertilizer, 341
Henry Meigs, Farm of Hugh Maxwell, Esq., 342
Robert L. Wright, Mediterranean Wheat, }
C. McD., Topping Cotton-Marl, } 343
R. L. Allen, Hints on the Cultivation of Wheat, 344
S. A., A Pennsylvania Dairy, 346
Wm. Partridge, Reply to the Gardeners' Chronicle, } 347
Amer. Ag. Almanac, Southern Calendar for December, }
do. do. Northern do. do. 348

Transcribers notes:

A mixture of archaic and modern spelling is used. For example;
visiters and visitors. This is retained.

Inconsistent hyphenation is retained.

Italics are shown thus: _sloping_.

Small capitals have been capitalised.