Chapter C: Original Correspondence (2)

As a specimen of what may be called light sandy lands we will refer to much of those lying between Albany and Schenectady. These, like the gravelly lands just mentioned, are not, in their natural state, calculated for the production of many different crops in perfection, nor indeed for any without manure. With the aid of gypsum alone, however, good crops of peas, and of buckwheat, may be had on most of these lands, tolerable of red clover, and on the lay of clover turned under, middling crops of rye may be had. Probably, with this manure, valuable crops of pumpkins might be raised on them. Lands of this description have, however, very essential properties, which gravelly lands do not possess; they are much easier cultivated than the harder soils, and, in proportion to their natural fertility, no lands are better adapted for root crops of almost every sort, or for the grasses whose roots extend deep into the earth, among which are clover of different kinds, St. Foin, Lucerne, &c.--Such lands are least adapted for crops of wheat and Indian corn; but when sufficiently manured with clay, or upland marle, which is better, they will yield tolerable crops of the latter, and also of the former, when raised on a lay of red clover.

Where little else than the contents of the barn yard and gypsum can be had for manuring sandy lands of the above description, the common turnip and ruta baga culture would not, perhaps, be advisable, but the rotation should be something like the following: First year, potatoes and pumpkins in alternate drills, manured and treated as before described; second, peas, soaked in the solution before-mentioned, and rolled in gypsum before sowing, with a top dressing of that manure; third, buckwheat, treated in the same manner, and clover seed sown with the crop; third and fourth, clover, with a top dressing of gypsum each spring; fifth, rye, on the clover turned under, as before described, which completes the course.

But where upland marle, or even clay, can be had, for the purpose of forming compost manures with the barn dung and the addition of some lime, as is described under manures, &c. we should advise to the rotation first described, or something similar, in which the root crops should form a prominent part; and in such case, let the manure be plentifully applied to the drilled crops. At first, perhaps, some of the crops would not be so abundant; but under this management the soil would be constantly improving, and of course the crops increasing. At first, perhaps, rye should be substituted for the wheat crop, but each addition to the soil of the caluminous and calcarious matter, of which the compost is principally composed, would render the land better adapted for grain crops of every description.

It is a matter of the first importance to the cultivator to possess an adequate knowledge of the different substances which may be used with advantage for fertilizing his land, of the different soils to which such substances are best adapted, of the proper quantities to be used, and of the most advantageous time and manner of their application. There is but little even of the richest earths that will not become exhausted with constant cropping without manure; and soils are seldom so sterile, but that with a proper application of suitable manures to them, they may be made the residence of plenty.

Manures are of different kinds: of animal, of vegetable, of fossil, and of mixed; of each of which notice will be taken in their order.

The flesh of animals is an excellent manure for all soils, and is used to a considerable extent on the sea coast, where fish are caught in plenty. It is believed that flesh is used to most advantage in composts, and the same may be observed with more certainty in regard to the use of the blood. The shavings of the horney substances of animals, have very desirable effects as a manure, in dry soil, by enduing such with a greater power to retain moisture: and the same may also be observed of the hair and wool. The bones, when calcined, are also valuable, as they are principally phosphate of lime. The miasma, produced by the putrefaction of the flesh and blood of animals, is also food for plants, or at least its presence assists their growth. The urine is a fertilizer principally by reason of the salt it contains, and probably also by its producing miasma.

When animals die, it is usual to let them lie above ground, to the annoyance of the public; but, if covered with earth, this together with the flesh, &c. of the animal, would be converted into good manure.

Of vegetable substances, it may be generally observed, that almost every sort of vegetable, not of woody texture, buried in the soil while green, is more or less efficacious as a manure; and that many sorts of these, when turned under where they grew, and while in a green state, will add much more fertility to the soil than their growth extracted from it; but that the same growth, when suffered to ripen on the ground, and then turned under, after the exhaustion of its juices, will not generally repay the soil the nutriment it extracted from it while growing. It would seem that the ripening of plants is the principal cause of the exhaustion of soils, and, for this reason, green dressings, that is, ploughing of green crops under, has been found advantageous in enriching lands. Where green dressings are resorted to, as a manure, such growth should be selected for the purpose as are cheap in the article of seed, and at the same time quick and bulky in their growths. Buckwheat has been much used for the purpose, though perhaps some other plants should be preferred. The growth should be turned under when in blossom; and, in order that this be done effectually, it should be laid prostrate, by running the roller over it, in the same direction in which the plough is to follow; after which, the ground should not be stirred again till this manure has sufficiently rotted. Generally, we think it would be most advisable to sow on the lay or furrow, by which the green crop is turned under.

There may be some instances where manuring with green dressings may be advisable, particularly where it can be done without preventing the growth of any intervening crop: Where this is not practicable, we should hardly advise to this method of manuring, unless in cases where other manures were not to be obtained. One case we will however mention, where a green dressing might be given to advantage. Suppose, for instance, a crop of rye, oats, or barley, harvested, and the ground cleared of the crop by the 20th of July; in that case, let the stubble be immediately turned under, and the ground harrowed in with buckwheat; by the 20th of September this growth would be fit to be turned under, when a crop of wheat might be sown on the lay. It should be understood, that rye is one of the best crops to precede a crop of wheat, or to follow it. In the same manner, therefore, the crop for a green dressing may be raised in the wheat stubble turned under, and the green crop turned under for a crop of rye.

But the contents of the barn-yard, and the excrements of cattle, are the principal sources of manure of the vegetable kind; and of these it is necessary to treat particularly, as well of the qualities of the different sorts, as of their most advantageous applications to soils. The sorts of dung or excrement to be noticed, are those of horses, neat cattle, sheep, and swine. The dung of swine is most valuable, where properly applied; that of sheep is the next; that of cows ranges in the third degree, and that of horses in the fourth. The dung of the latter, if suffered to lie in a heap till it becomes thoroughly heated, assumes a white, or mouldy colour, and is then of but little value. It is of a warm nature, and is best adapted for being well buried in moist or clayey soils; cow dung on the contrary, is most suitable for dry soils; sheep dung answers best on the soils for which that of horses is best suited, but is very valuable for almost any soil. Hog dung should only be applied to dry arable lands, and is most powerful in those of a sandy or gravelly nature. Dung, of all sorts, loses much of its valuable qualities by exposure to frequent rains, particularly when lying at but little depth over a considerable surface. Its good qualities are best preserved by lying in large heaps, and if under cover so much the better. The stercorary is the most effectual method for preserving barn dung, and it is believed that every farmer will find his money well expended in the erection of this receptacle for the contents of that part of his barn-yard, which is not used in the spring. The stercorary may serve for a sheep fold during winter, and will thus answer a two fold purpose. It may be, for instance, 40 feet in length, 16 in breadth, and of suitable height. The floor is to be made of a layer of clay, with the surface smoothly paved with small stones, and highest in the middle, so that the juices of the dung may run off to the sides, where a gutter receives this liquid, and carried it into a reservoir, sunk at one end, into which a pump is to be fixed to raise the liquid and throw it back over the heap. The floor, gutter, and reservoir, are on a plan similar to those of a cider press. The liquid that runs from the heap is the most valuable part, and should never be lost: this plan is therefore calculated to preserve it; and, for the purpose of absorbing the whole of it, any dry vegetable matter, or rich earth, may be laid over the heap, and this liquid thrown on that, which will serve to convert the whole into good manure. The juices and the soluble and gaseous parts of the excrements of cattle, together with the stale, are what principally affords nutriment for growing plants; and every means by which these can be saved, by their being absorbed in other substances, of rich earthy or vegetable matter, would seem to be well worthy of attention. We will next designate what is usually considered the methods most proper for the application of dung.

Where lands are in grasses of the fibrous rooted kinds, it is the generally received opinion of the best cultivators, that barn dung, as well as every other kind, should be applied as a top dressing, that is, by spreading it on the surface; but that for tap rooted grasses, or those whose roots extend deeply, as well as for all grain and root crops, this manure should be buried in the soil, at such depths as are best suited to the nature of the roots of the plants to be cultivated. The operation of barn dung, and of all vegetable and animal substances used in manure, seems to be this: If laid at a certain depth beneath the surface of the soil, in the progress of their decomposition their soluble parts pass into the form of gas, or vapour, and of course rise to the surface, and in their ascent are more or less absorbed by the roots of the plants; on the contrary, if these manures be laid on the surface, these soluble parts, in the progress of decomposition, never become aeriform, but are washed downwards, in their liquid state, where they are in like manner absorbed by the roots of the plants. This is probably as correct an explanation as can be given of the effect of these manures. It is well known, that ground long used as a graveyard, becomes very fertile, notwithstanding the substances which are the cause of such fertility, are laid at a very great depth.

It has been held by some English writers that barn dung should be well rotted previous to its application as a manure, but this opinion is rejected by Sir Humphrey Davy, one of the most scientific agriculturists of Great Britain, and also by Arthur Young, Esq. Mr. Davy contends that this manure may in most instances be as well applied fresh as in any other way, by its being laid at a proper depth beneath the surface, and that in scarcely any instance it is advisable that it should undergo more than the first stage of decomposition before it is used. When well rotted it is, however, more efficacious for a single crop, but its use is of much shorter duration. It seems, also, to be generally agreed that using this manure for drill crops, burying it at a good depth, and raising the plants over the dung thus buried, is the best possible way in which it can be used. We lately saw an account published of upwards of 100 bushels of Indian corn to the acre being raised by this mode of culture. The success of Mr. Cobbett, and others, in raising great crops of ruta baga by this method of using this manure, seems to demonstrate its utility, if evidence was wanting further than what appears in English publications on the subject.

The plan that we would therefore recommend, is, to apply the fresh barn dung to all drill crops which are to be put in the ground in the spring, and for these we refer to what has been said under rotation of crops. The shortest dung should be used for these purposes, except for potatoes, and it should, as far as practicable, be applied to the soils best adapted for each kind of dung, as has before been mentioned. The longer or more strawey parts of the dung we should advise to be laid in the stercorary, if this building has been provided, or else somewhere under cover; or if no cover can be afforded, let it be thrown into a heap about 3 or 4 feet high; and wherever it be laid let it be stirred up from the bottom in the course of about five or six weeks after it has thus been heaped or otherwise stored away, after which it will soon be found well fitted for being used for the crop of ruta baga. It is also advisable to cover the heap with a layer of good earth, which will serve to absorb and retain much of the steam or gaseous matter that rises from the heap, and when saturated with this, and mixed with the mass of dung, will be found a valuable addition.

(To be continued.)

FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.

_On the Grape Vine, with its wines, brandies, and dried fruits._

No. 1.

No principle of action in the business and industry of the United States has been so beneficial to them as the adoption of _new objects of culture_ by the planters and farmers, whose old objects of culture were likely to become redundant, and to fall in price. _Cotton_ and _sugar_ are well known and important examples. There are good grounds for estimating our whole cotton of our best year, (Sept. 1817, to Sept. 1818,) at forty-two millions of dollars, according to the price on the wharves of our sea-ports for that which was exported to foreign countries, and the price at our factories, stores, and dwellings, of that which was manufactured at home. It is now manifest that the East Indian and South American cotton greatly injure our markets; and as this arises from growing, permanent, and substantial causes, there is reason to expect the continuance of the injury to us from the foreign rival cotton cultivation. A brief and plain view of the history and prospect of cotton, will be found in the Philadelphia edition (A.D. 1818) of _Rees' English Cyclopædia_, by Murray, Bradford & Co. under the article or head of the "_United States_." The facts there stated, with many known subsequent circumstances, will give rise to serious reflections, in the minds of the landholder and the statesman, upon the subject of the protection of the productions of our own soil. The industry of the landed men of the United States is manifestly and unalterably much greater than any, and than all, the other branches of our domestic or national industry. The mercantile and manufacturing branches result almost entirely from the landed industry. While, therefore, the legislative and executive governments raise revenues of 27½ to 60 per cent. on a great quantity of foreign cotton cloths from India and Europe, and a greater revenue from the foreign manufactures of tobacco, and a still greater revenue from the foreign manufactures of grain, of fruit, and of the cane, to the great fundamental and convenient support of American manufactures, and while they are free to go further, if they find it right, in the joint encouragement of our agricultural and manufacturing industry it will be found beneficial to the landed interest to inquire into other means of promoting the prosperity of the _Colossus of our country_--the agricultural industry.

There can be no doubt that, between the sites of the vineyards of the Lower Schuylkill, Southwark, of Pennsylvania, Butler, of Pennsylvania, Glasgow, of Kentucky, New Vevay, of Indiana, and Harmony, of the same state, on the north, and the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico, on the south, the United States possess the climates and soils of "_the vine-covered hills and gay regions of France_." The sweet orange grows, in safety, in groves and gardens, in the vicinity of New Orleans, at a greater distance from the sea than any place of equally safe growth, in Provence or Languedoc, of France. As our country shall be cleared and drained, our climate will be still less severe in the states on the Mexican gulf. In the north, our climates of New Vevay and Harmony, in Indiana, Glasgow, in Kentucky, 37° to 38° 30' N. which are the present northern extremes of successful experiments in the vine cultivation, are as favourable and mild as the climates of Champagne, Tokay, Lorraine, Burgundy, and Hockheim, which are fine northern regions of the vine in France and Germany. Between our New Vevay, in Indiana, and the Gulf of Mexico, the states of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, and large parts of Virginia and Kentucky, must give us _all the vine climates of France_, _Germany_, _Switzerland_, and _Upper Italy_. This vine district of the United States is much larger than all those vine countries of France, Germany, Switzerland, and Upper Italy. The crop of wine and brandy in the vine country of France alone--though our vine country is more than twice the size--has been estimated at 100 millions of dollars. Let us then consider the propriety of a diligent inquiry into the cultivation of the vine, and the preparation of wines, brandies, dried fruits, and cremor tartar, in the United States, in order to maintain the prosperity of the landed interest by the variety and prices of our crops.

The present duties on foreign distilled and fermented spirits and liquors, (brandy, gin, rum, arack, wines, beer, ale, and porter,) and on dried fruits, though laid for revenue, afford a great and sure encouragement to the establishment and the manufacture of the grape. The demand will increase with our population, and the facility and certainty of the culture and crop will grow with the clearing and draining of our country. Ridges, hills, mountains, rocky lands, any steep ground, gravelly, stony, sandy, and other inferior lands, (if only dry,) will yield profit in large crops or in fine qualities of wine, or both. Fresh and dried grapes are both favourable to health and frugality. Ripe grapes have been administered to whole regiments of troops in France, who have been ravaged by fluxes and dysentaries.[18] The quantity of wine computed to be produced in France, is ten millions of casks, of nearly 63 gallons each, on two millions of arpents (not 2,000,000 acres) of land, often not fit for wheat, rice, or tobacco, valued very low, on a medium at fifty francs the cask or French hogsheads. This is three times the value of the cotton crop of the U. States, on a medium value, produced in 1818 or in 1819, and demands our early and serious attention, particularly from the Gulf of Mexico to the end of the 39th degree, when the country in that degree shall be cleared and drained in its wet or marshy parts.

[18] See Doctor Tissot's advice to the people of Lusanne.

It has been already observed, that ridges and hills are the most suitable shape or form of country for vineyards. The most proper exposure is from south-east to south. It is believed that all southern exposures will do. The propagation may be by seeds, or by cuttings, or by bending and covering a part of an old vine so as to make it grow out in another place at a proper distance. The plough is of much use in the cultivation, so that care must be taken to plant the vines at such distances as to facilitate the use of the plough and the harrow. The best grapes which can be obtained should be used, in order to put the culture forward. These may be foreign or American, native or imported. A harsh grape to the taste may produce a better wine than was expected, and more and better brandy. The finest grapes of Europe and the African isles are supposed to be native wildings improved by culture and selection. The region of the plum and peach appears to include the region of the vine. Although the south is the proper sphere of the grape, its cultivation there will leave the bread grains, tobacco, hemp, the grasses and cattle, to the more exclusive and profitable culture of the states north of the proper region of fine and abundant crops of wine. We pay annually to foreign nations a sum of money for wines, spirits, and materials to make spirits, and for fresh and dried grapes, as great as our whole specie medium. So important is this subject, in various points of view, to all the states, that it is respectfully recommended to the superintendants of all our public, agricultural, and philosophical libraries, to procure all the treatises on the culture of vines and making of grapes which are to be found in the languages of France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Great Britain.

The experiments made at Harmony in Pennsylvania, at Vevay, on the Ohio, and Harmony, on the Ouabache, both in Indiana, merit the utmost attention of the United States. It appears that in the present uncleared and uncultivated state of the country, Harmony, on the Ohio, in Penn. was probably too far north for making wine, though not for fruit. That Vevay and Harmony, in Indiana, are more suitable climes for the wines, will appear from the following letter from a respectable gentleman at Vevay to a very respectable friend of his, lately on a visit to Philadelphia. It is dated the 28th of August, 1819. The intelligent and experienced writer from Vevay, thus expresses himself: He "thinks the whole of Alabama doubtless better adapted to the culture of vines than the more northern country of the United States;[19] because the only two species of grapes that succeed in the United States are of the late sort, _having not time at Vevay, (Ind.) to ripen_. The Alabama season, being longer, will give more time, especially the Madeira grape, which gives the best wine of the two, where it can ripen and yields most. But it will not do at all at Vevay; and does better at Glasgow,[20] Ky. The various gardeners at Kentucky can furnish some. Vine dressers would go to new vineyards from Vevay. They have had 500 gallons of wine per acre at Vevay; more often 150; and 260 is a good crop. The Madeira grape would give more than the Cape of Good Hope grape, _where it would prosper_, but must have time to ripen, to be good. Of the labour, much may be done by women. They do about half. The men trim, make layers to fill vacancies, plough, harrow, hoe, and carry the grapes, and make the wine. None of those works are heavy. But trimming requires attention and discernment, for the vine-dresser must look two years before him, when he cuts each scion; women never do it, though light work. He has seen many women do it as well as any man. A little work in vineyards is to be done by night with lamps. When the grapes have got their size, the crickets, (not of the house or field) eat, in the night, the bark of the stem of the bunches, and ring or girdle them so that they die. They injure the bunches rapidly. They must be watched and searched for with lamps, by night, and destroyed. He says the native vines will not do to graft good kinds of grapes on: he has tried it often, without success. Grape vines grafted on the same kinds do well, yet they are a different tree, being _dioic_, while the vineferous kinds are _hermaphrodites_. I have found the same wild vines in Switzerland, and the kind called sour grapes makes pretty good wines; but are a smaller bearer than the grape vines. They are in Morerod's vineyard, at Glasgow, Kentucky. The Spanish grapes of Mexico and South America should be tried. They have been long cultivated. He is raising grape vines from the seed, to obtain flavour and quantity of wine. _The vine is of long life_, but it is ten or fifteen years before it bears _fully_ from the _seed_. Variety, however, is an object. Vines planted by cuttings, which have taken root freely in the first year, bear fruit in three years: in five they are in full force. He has considered and inspected the vineyards of Europe, and the cultivation by the plough and otherwise. It is to be studied to _save labour_ and make the _greatest crops_. If the _fendant vert_ will grow as well here as in Switzerland, 800 gallons per acre might be made. They cultivate by the plough in Languedoc, about Montpelier and Lunel. We make wine here to be like Madeira, and sell it at 37½ cents per quart, and $1 25 per gallon; but cannot make enough to send abroad, or to keep for ripening. Morerod made a cask of 800 gallons, full of wine, of last vintage, to be kept eighteen months or two years. He has seen wine (made of grapes like Vevay) at Glasgow, (in Barren county, Kentucky,) better than Vevay wine. The grapes were gathered a fortnight before the Vevay grapes. It is probable that wine of the banks of Tennessee will make 1-4 brandy; if of Cape of Good Hope grapes, common proof; Vevay yielded 1-5th; the best cider 1-10th; so do the best Burgundy wine, and that of the border of the lake of Geneva, in good years. The strongest of all the wines that I know of, is that of the south of France and Spain, which yields 1-3d brandy. The peculiar mode of vine cultivation at Vevay, Indiana, is worthy of attention, being a combination of various European modes, and American improvements adapted to the country. Some young men, bred at Vevay, would be useful in other places. Mr. D. thinks the blacks may be taught to cultivate vines." So runs and concludes the letter from the judicious writer, at Vevay of the United States, settled by persons from the original Vevay of Switzerland. It is very instructive and would seem to prove, as so much of our country continues in the wood and forest state, and with many undrained swamps, making a humid atmosphere, and a moist soil. Vevay, in 38° 30', is not yet perfectly so favourable, as the vicinity of Glasgow, in Kentucky, where a dry, hard soil, occasions the grape to be freer from injury by moisture of the earth, and of the air. Glasgow is about one degree and one half more southern than Vevay. These indications are distinct, nice, clear, and strong in regard to the vine climate of our country, at present and in prospect.

[19] Vevay, on the Ohio, is in 38° 30' N.

[20] Glasgow is in 37°.

In the hilly Spanish colonial country of North America, about the 29th degree of north latitude, south of the Rio bravo del Norte, there is authentic evidence, in a report to the government, that the vine grows well, though its culture was forbidden by the crown, produces good crops of fine wine, and supplies the province and its neighbours. That country being as far south as any part of the Floridas, it is ascertained that, where this country has become, or shall be made dry enough and cleared, the vine region runs to the southern limits of the United States, even if we should maintain our right to Louisiana _in extenso_, in consequence of the apparent frustration of our offer _to limit ourselves by the Sabine_.

The most distinguished wine of Spain is the true and best _Xeres_, or Sherry of the district around the city of _Xeres_ de la Frontera, in Andalusia. The vineyards of that district are, in situations corresponding in temperature with the most extreme southern parts of East Florida and Louisiana. It is interesting to our inquiry, that all the Portuguese European wines are produced in situations north of Xeres, such as those called by us the Lisbon, the Careavella, the red and the white Port, or Oporto. It is observable, also, that the Malaga, or sweet and dry mountain wines of Spain, long highly esteemed by medical men, those of Alicante and Catalonia, which three kinds we principally import, and all the Spanish brandies we consume, come from districts as far north as that of Xeres. The wines of Castile, and other interior districts of Spain which are consumed at home, and are not exported, are from places also north of Xeres. We can have no reason to doubt, then, that, as our country now is, and shall in future be cleared and drained, and if ridges, hills, and mountain sides, with south exposures, shall be carefully selected, the most southern of our states, territories, and districts, will be as suitable for the vine, its wines, and dried fruits, as the most proper and fruitful parts of the peninsula of Spain and Portugal. The works of travellers, agriculturists, and men of distinction in the arts and sciences, upon the subject of the vine, and wines, and dried grapes of Spain and Portugal, are therefore strongly recommended, by our best interests, to the attention of our citizens, especially concerning the vineyards of _Xeres_, St. Lucar, Malaga, and Oporto. The Portuguese send to us no brandy; the Spaniards a little of that spirit which is not estimated as good. It seems, from the excellence of the French _Cognac_ brandy, the best, and the farthest north of any denomination of brandy which we know, that the extreme south is not the most favourable for the delicacy, though it is for the quantity of that spirit. The _Cette_ brandy of France is not liked here, but it has been said that much Armagnac brandy is used in Paris. The celebrated French chemist[21] of the grape and of distilled and fermented wine spirits, was a native of Montpelier, and took very great pains to improve the vine, and all its liquors, in that southern region.

_A Friend to the National Industry._
PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 1, 1819.

[21] _Chaptal_, whose writings on the subject should be in every
planter's hands, and in every agricultural and public library. The
title of Mr. Chaptal's work is "A Theoretical and Practical Treatise
on the culture of the Vine, with the art of preparing wine, brandy,
&c. By Chaptal, Parmentier, and Dasseux. 2 vols. octavo, Paris, A.
D. 1801." In French, Chaptal, P. and D. sur la culture de la Vigne,
&c. Paris, 1801, 2 tom. oct.

_A Wild Goose Chase._

At the early dawn of Thanksgiving day, Mr. Eliphalet Thayer, of Dorcester, (Massachusetts,) took his gun and went to Neponset river for the purpose of getting a shot at gulls. He saw seven wild geese in the river, at which he fired, and hit the gander so as to break his wing. The other geese immediately flew; but the call of the gander brought them down again, so that he had the chance of firing again, and killed the old goose, and one of the young; the four others rose, but the wounded gander by his calls served as a decoy, and they again alighted by him. The third shot crippled another.--Mr. T. then took a boat, and from it killed two as they rose to fly; and soon after shot the seventh. He returned home to his breakfast, about nine o'clock, bringing his seven geese, which weighed about eight pounds each, and produced him above 3 _lbs._ of feather.

[_Salem Gazette._

_Imports of Wool into England._

WOOL.

AN ACCOUNT OF THE QUANTITY OF WOOL, (SHEEP'S) IMPORTED INTO GREAT BRITAIN,
IN TEN YEARS; DISTINGUISHING EACH YEAR, AND THE COUNTRIES FROM WHENCE
IMPORTED.--_From an English Paper._

Countries from whence
imported. 1802. 1803. 1804. 1805. 1806.
------------------------------------------------------
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
Denmark & Norway -- 105,956 212,086 445,125 61,783
Heligoland -- -- -- -- --
Russia -- -- -- -- 7,567
Sweden -- -- -- -- --
Poland and Prussia 228 3,532 7,925 25,189 30,767
Germany 426,091 238,256 21,628 36,787 683,988
Holland 195,843 155,270 63,019 30,244 1,127
Flanders and France 201,195 54,714 -- -- --
Portugal & Madeira 495,213 230,430 161,204 200,366 239,945
Spain and Canaries 5,646,522 4,355,254 6,990,194 6,858,738 5,444,165
Gibraltar and Malta 25,000 107,876 159,176 41,395 28,216
Italy and Levant 86,258 437,856 206,426 35,173 8,679
Ireland, Guernsey 80,754 117,225 242,113 484,929 576,914
and Jersey
Asia -- -- -- -- 245
Africa 453,953 163,746 3,360 -- --
America, North 40,216 26,073 4,939 5,304 1,636
America, South -- 20,012 86,898 21,649 20,493
Prize 105,839 4,568 48,175 361,499 168,468
------------------------------------------------------
Total 7,749,112 6,020,775 8,157,213 8,546,378 7,333,996

Countries from whence
imported. 1807. 1808. 1809. 1810. 1811.
------------------------------------------------------
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
Denmark & Norway 481,696 11,253 35,523 363,671 12,081
Heligoland -- 58,814 246,441 67,311 112
Russia 5,211 168 896 32,149 --
Sweden -- -- 8,633 15,424 504
Poland and Prussia -- -- 76,528 123,057 --
Germany 192,010 7,549 367,372 711,524 30,165
Holland 34,536 -- 237,052 2,873 --
Flanders and France 61,633 -- -- -- --
Portugal & Madeira 289,067 30,619 969,033 3,018,961 1,790,286
Spain and Canaries 10,291,316 1,961,750 4,283,674 5,952,407 2,581,262
Gibraltar and Malta 14,349 78,130 297,445 889,098 210,236
Italy and Levant 6,992 -- 10,244 21,554 780
Ireland, Guernsey 299,809 75,409 93,341 63,494 10,353
and Jersey
Asia 3,222 -- -- 868 --
Africa 6,298 10,717 3,320 29,717 11,791
America, North 406 14,196 -- 4,111 20,192
America, South 61,176 67,193 213,812 116,178 69,323
Prize 25,205 37,927 3,619 23,837 2,551
------------------------------------------------------
Total 11,768,926 2,353,725 6,845,933 10,936,224 4,739,972

MISCELLANY.

The President of the United States transmitted a message to Congress on the 20th of last month, relating to the acts prohibiting the slave trade, in which he stated that a public vessel was to be sent to Africa, with two public agents, tools and implements necessary to form a settlement, and thereby give relief and support to the people of colour who may be captured on board of slave ships and returned thither.

* * * * *

In Denmark much confusion is stated to prevail, on account of the Jews, particularly at Copenhagen. The king had interfered in their behalf, but neither the people nor the army appeared to pay much respect to him in this matter. A vessel, laden with 500 Jews, flying from persecution in Germany, had arrived at Copenhagen, but were not permitted to land.

* * * * *

It appears by a census lately taken, that the population of the city of New York is 119,657. When the census was taken by order of Rep. Vandam, then president of the province in the year 1731, the population was 8622. The increase in ninety years is nearly twelve-fold.

* * * * *

Died suddenly on the 29th ult. at Salem, (Mass.) the Rev. W. Bentley, D. D. in the 61st year of his age, minister at the east meeting house, and the character to whom the public were indebted, during a great many years, for the unparalleled summaries and notices of events, with historical and critical notes, which so distinguished the _Salem_, or as it is now denominated, the _Essex Register_. He was universally respected as a pious and good man.

* * * * *

Great exertions are making, says H. Niles, in his Register, to introduce the practice of manufacturing sugar and molasses from grain, into the western country; and from the representations made, we apprehend that it must be very beneficial in all parts of our country, distant from a market. It is said, that one bushel of good wheat, rye, or corn, will yield from 3½ or 4 gallons of molasses, or about 15 pounds of sugar. The discovery has been patented to James Wiseheart.

* * * * *

The venerable William Ellery, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is now living at Newport, (R.I.) in the 93d year of his age.

* * * * *

Walsh's "Appeal from the judgments of Great Britain," which appeared in this country about the end of September, was republished in London from the American copy, as early as the 23d of November. The price of the English copy is 18 shillings sterling.

* * * * *

News has been received from Great Britain to the 3d of January. The country continued in a very disturbed state. Parliament was opened on the 23d of November. The Regent recommended such strong measures as to manifest how the matter is viewed by government. His speech was echoed from both houses by great majorities.

* * * * *

The confidential servants of the crown have proposed several bills to parliament, and which were under debate; they are to the following effect. 1st. A stamp duty upon all publications, except religious tracts, and such works consisting of fewer than a stated number of sheets. 2d. Persons convicted a second time of a political libel are subjected to a long imprisonment, banishment, or transportation, at the discretion of the court. 3d. All printers and publishers of works comprehended in the first law, are required to enter into securities with two sureties to be answerable for penalties. 4th. Public meetings not convened by regular constituted authorities are prohibited; it is also proposed to make it unlawful for any person to attend a public meeting out of his own parish, or township. 5th. Magistrates, on information or even on suspicion, are empowered to enter any man's house, in search of arms, and to seize them if found, giving the persons suffering such visits, a right of appeal to the quarter sessions.

* * * * *

Generally the accounts from England prove that the country does not yet experience the blessings of repose, nor are there any indications that it speedily will. On the one hand the reformers appear to be uniting and preparing themselves; and on the other, the government is adopting stronger measures to quell and disperse them.

* * * * *

The reformers have agreed to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, tobacco, and such other exciseable articles as can conveniently be dispensed with, and they strenuously adhere to the principle. This has already had a very severe effect upon the revenue.

* * * * *

Many parts of Ireland appear to be equally unsettled and distressed. The county of Roscommon, in particular, has been declared by proclamation, in a state of disturbance.

* * * * *

The king of France, in his speech to the Chambers, represents that country as in the most auspicious and flourishing condition.

* * * * *

The king of Spain, on the occasion of his marriage, has granted an amnesty to prisoners and subjects in rebellion, with some few exceptions.

* * * * *

Germany, in general, seems still unsettled, and great anxiety apparently prevails. There is much dread of secret societies, and many reports of bands of robbers.

* * * * *

Standt, the murderer of the celebrated _Kotzebue_, is stated to have recovered from his wounds which he inflicted on himself, and is soon to be brought to trial.

* * * * *

The plague had ceased at Algiers, but still continued to rage at Tunis, where it is said to have carried off 60,000 persons.

* * * * *

Of the number of manuscripts found in the ruins of Herculaneum, and which have been there enclosed for 1696 years, 88 have been unrolled, and are now legible. The unrolling is effected by means of an expensive chemical operation.

* * * * *

The whole district and territory of Kutch, a country situated on the N. W. of Bombay, and including several towns and villages have been destroyed by an earthquake, together with 2000 inhabitants.

* * * * *

A man at Montreal has been fined for cruelly beating his dog.--A person in the state of New York has been fined $30, for maliciously and vexatiously hindering with his wagon, other persons in a carriage from passing him on the highway, by turning his horses so as to impede them.

* * * * *

A fire broke out in Savannah on the night of the 10th ult. which has reduced to ashes the greater and much the most valuable part of that city. Scarcely a fire-proof building is left. The town presents a most wretched picture: 400 houses are said to be entirely consumed. Not a hardware, saddler, or apothecary's shop, or scarcely a dry-good store to be seen. The loss is estimated at from 3 to 5,000,000 of dollars.

* * * * *

_Jewish Emigrants._

Among the memorials presented to the legislature of the state of New York, is one from Mordecai M. Noah, of the city of N. York, setting forth that he "is desirous of purchasing that tract of land belonging to the state, known by the name of Grand Island, situated in the Niagara river, between lake Erie and lake Ontario, and bounded by the possessions of Great Britain in Upper Canada."

The object of the memorialist in this purchase, is to build a town or city, to be inhabited "by a community of Jewish emigrants." Grand Island is stated to contain 20,000 acres of land, being about six miles in length, and two in width.

* * * * *

A pamphlet has been published in Europe, recommending the Jews to form a colony in the United States. The Upper Mississippi and Missouri is recommended for its soil, situation, and climate, as the most suitable place for purchase and settlement.

* * * * *

A national vaccine institution is about forming at Washington, with the view of affording greater facility and certainty in the distribution of vaccine matter.

* * * * *

On the 20th December last, Robert De Bow, of Allentown, (N. J.) killed a hog 23 months old, which, when dressed, weighed 700 pounds.

* * * * *

_Boston, Jan. 13._

The great ox, fattened by Mr. Luke Fiske of Waltham, which gained the first premium at Brighton, has been slaughtered, and the beef exhibited for sale in State street. The weight of the parts is as follows:

Fore quarter, _lbs._ 482
do. 477
Hind quarter, 407
do. 407
Hide, 159
Tallow, 305
----
Total, 2237

* * * * *

In Spain some experiments have lately been made for the purpose of testing the efficacy of inoculating for the plague. The trials were made on some deserters, 14 in number. The virus was taken from plague sores of the most malignant cast. The patients had olive oil administered internally and externally. Soon after the inoculation, the patients experienced some slight attacks, and little sores broke out on them; but in a few days they were all restored to health. These experiments are calculated to induce a belief that inoculation for the plague may prove as beneficial as it has for the small pox.

* * * * *

The mechanics of Ontario county, (N. Y.) have prepared a memorial to the legislature, which they expect will be supported in other counties, praying that the legislature may pass a law to prevent the sales of mechanical tools and implements by execution or in distress for rent.

* * * * *

From England many are emigrating to the Cape of Good Hope: 1,500 families sailed for that country in November last. Upwards of 12,000 emigrants arrived at Quebec, from Great Britain, during the last season.

* * * * *

Mr. W. Parker, and about 400 others, left England in November last, to establish a colony in Africa, between Cape Town and Algoa bay.

* * * * *

A cast iron pillar, about 48 feet high, is about to be erected in the centre of the town of Sheffield, England, at the top of which, a large ball, lighted with gas is to be placed, for the purpose of lighting the whole town, and its environs.

* * * * *

Twenty-five miles up the Severn, England, a whale, 60 feet in length, and 10 in breadth, was lately stranded. The visit of his whaleship proved highly welcome, and considerable confusion and contention ensued among the neighbouring people who should have the largest part of him.

* * * * *

A London paper of November 7, says, that a new palace is to be begun for the Prince Regent in the spring, on the same spot where Buckingham house now stands. It is to be a superb palace of three fronts, to overlook all Pimlico; and the _moderate_ sum of _seven millions_ is the estimate of its cost! But, as the Prince Regent is reluctant to apply to parliament, the ground of St. James' palace, the King's Mews, and Warwick house are to be sold, and then but 700,000_l._ will be wanting to complete the new structure. The duke of York is to have Carleton house for a _valuable_ consideration. The triumphal arch is to be the grand entrance to London from the new palace.

* * * * *

Wm. Ogden Niles of Baltimore, has issued proposals for publishing a weekly paper, to be entitled, "The Domestic Economist," to be devoted exclusively to manufacturing industry and political economy, with statistical facts and remarks. Price $3 per annum.

* * * * *

_Wolf Bounty._

The Comptroller of the State of New York, has communicated to the legislature a detailed statement of the monies paid out of the state treasury, to the several counties, during the last five years, as bounties for the destruction of wolves.

The following exhibits the amount paid to each county.

_Dolls._
Allegany, 5527
Albany, 40
Broome, 1760
Chautauque, 1762
Chenango, 440
Cayuga, 600
Clinton, 280
Cortland, 77
Delaware, 1490
Essex, 577
Franklin, 2445
Greene, 520
Genesee, 1937
Herkimer, 260
Jefferson, 2177
Lewis, 1250
Madison, 162
Montgomery, 160
Niagara, 1475
Otsego, 143
Oswego, 1180
Orange, 200
Ontario, 1450
Oneida, 1320
Onondaga, 480
St. Lawrence, 3190
Saratoga, 165
Schenectady, 22
Steuben, 3520
Seneca, 67
Schoharie, 120
Sullivan, 970
Tioga, 1487
Tompkins, 20
Ulster, 380
Warren, 435
Washington, 20
------
Total, D. 38,259

* * * * *

The earl of Dalhousie is appointed governor of the Canadas. Sir P. Maitland administers the government till spring.

* * * * *

_Boerhaave in his old age._

All peculiarities in the lives of great men are interesting, and much more so when they relate to their latter years. The name of Boerhaave is regarded as the most illustrious in the annals of modern medicine. After having courageously withstood the evils of poverty in his youth, his talents and reputation enabled him, it is said, to realize a property of two millions of florins, which he left to an only daughter. Let us see whether his wealth had not changed his occupations and taste.

In a letter, written in his 67th year, to his old pupil Bassand, then appointed Physician to the Emperor of Germany, he speaks thus of himself:

"My health is very good--I sleep at my country house, and return to town at five in the morning; I am engaged till six in the evening in visiting the sick. I know something of chemistry--I amuse myself with reading--I revere, I love, I adore God alone. On my return to the country, I visit my plants--and gratefully acknowledge and admire the liberal presents of my friend Bassend. My garden appears proud of the variety and vigour of its trees. I waste my life in contemplating my plants, and grow old with the desire of possessing new ones--Pleasing delusion! who will give me the large-leaved linden tree of Bohemia, and that of Silicia, more extraordinary, with _folio cucullato_. Thus riches serve only to increase the thirst for wealth, and the covetous man abuses the liberality of his benefactor. Pardon the dotage of an old friend, who wishes to plant trees, the beauty and shade of which can charm only his nephews. Thus my years glide on without any chagrin, but that of your absence."

How much is there in these few lines! what activity, what zeal for suffering humanity, what piety; what innocence and vivacity in his taste, at an age when they are nearly extinct in most men.

[_Literary Panorama._

* * * * *

_Mummies._

Under the mountains adjoining Kiow, on the frontiers of Russia and in the deserts of Podolia, are several catacombs or subterranean vaults, which the ancients used for burying places, and where a great number of human bodies are still preserved entire, though interred many ages since, having been better embalmed, and become neither so hard nor so black as the Egyptian mummies. Among them are two princes in the habits they used to wear. It is thought that this preserving quality is owing to the nature of the soil, which is dry and sandy.

[_London Paper._

* * * * *

A correspondent, who observed some time since a publication relative to the extraction of oil from pumpkin seeds, has recently, from curiosity, made an experiment of the same on a very limited scale. He assures us, the extract obtained, is of equal flavour and sweetness with the best of olive oil. Our correspondent is of opinion, that the publication alluded to above, originated with the "Harmony Society," in the state of Pennsylvania; and if so, is desirous of knowing the best method in practice for extracting the oil from the seed.

[_Bost. Pat._

* * * * *

There are few sentiments stronger, or more natural to the human heart, than that of indignation at oppression. So predominant is it, that it is to be found, not with the good and virtuous only, but even amongst the most unprincipled and vicious. If there is any thing that addresses itself to all that is generous in the heart, it is this sentiment. What is more, it is the solemn duty of every man, to set his face against injustice.

* * * * *

_New Invention._

We understand a patent has lately been taken out, by a gentleman from Massachusetts, for an invention which seems to promise extensive, advantage to navigation, if once fairly brought into operation. It consists, principally, in a new method for _sub-marine ploughing_, to any necessary depth, by the power of a steam boat. When the matter is effectually loosened up and pulverized, it cannot reasonably be doubted but the rapidity of ebb-tides, united with the natural current of the rivers, will soon carry it off, and keep the channel open. The inventor is now in this city, giving a perspicuous view of his plan, which appears uncommonly simple and practicable. The advantages of being able to plough open channels through the shoals which so frequently form in many of our immense rivers, would, alone, be an object of very great advantage to our southern and western states; but, when we consider the invention as extending to opening channels for large ships to enter the harbours and rivers throughout our whole sea-board, the advantages presented to view are incalculable.

[_Nat. Int._

* * * * *

The Agricultural Society of Fredericksburg, in Virginia, have drawn up and transmitted a remonstrance to Congress, against the attempts making by our Domestic manufacturers, and their friends, to increase the duties upon foreign goods, wares and merchandise.

* * * * *

In the short space of two years and five months, _One hundred and twenty miles_ of Artificial Navigation, on two great canals through the interior of the State of New York have been completed, by which the physical practicability of uniting the Atlantic Ocean, with the great western lakes, is rendered no longer doubtful!

* * * * *

_Straw Bonnets._