Chapter III: Part 3

There is no doubt, however, that the agriculture of Pennsylvania is steadily improving, and is at present actually improved as highly as that of any state in the union. In buildings for agricultural purposes (perhaps too expensive) she is unrivalled; so that without being over sanguine, we may promise ourselves an annual increase of the value of our lands. How this progress may be quickened, is a question which this Society should keep constantly in view.--To devise the means of acceleration, should be their study.--To the first great step towards general improvement, the organization of societies in every part of the state, we have one what was in our power, by petitioning the legislature to take the subject into consideration, and aid the undertaking with necessary funds. Nor is there any reason to doubt of success; for the legislature is always liberal when the general interest demands it. The institution of county societies, with the distribution of premiums, will be a powerful stimulus to the dormant faculties of thousands. The Eastern States, including New York, have already made the experiment with success; and I honour them for the example. Our Society, being situated in the capital, has the best means of correspondence; so that we can reciprocate information on agricultural subjects, with the different societies throughout this, and other states, and with countries beyond the sea. Hence will be collected a stock of knowledge, which being condensed, and methodized, may be offered to the public with great advantage.

A pattern farm is an object we have long had at heart, and it is not to be relinquished. But the time is not come, for carrying our wishes into effect. At present, we have not sufficient funds; and to incur a debt, in our corporate capacity, without the means of payment, would justly dishonour us. But the want of a pattern farm may be in some measure supplied, by the exertions of members of the society, who possess farms within a few miles of the city. Some of them are blessed with ample means, as well as inclination, to give a fair trial to every improvement which can be rationally suggested, either in instruments of husbandry, the application of manures, or the cultivation of new plants, grains, or grasses.

We may render ourselves useful, by collecting and diffusing the information contained in books recently published in Europe or America. In Europe the principal nobility and gentry are paying due honours to Agriculture. Chemistry has been called to her aid, from which important discoveries must result. Earths, minerals, and manures of all kinds are analysed. Philosophy is in the right path. Facts are first ascertained, and then accounted for. The increased power of magnifying glasses, lays open the hidden parts of plants, and minute animals. Hence may be discovered the _causes_, and consequently the _cure_, of many disorders by which plants are infested. Already it is asserted, (I vouch not for the truth of it) that the disease in wheat called the _smut_, is no other than a parasite plant, which adhering to the seed-wheat, grows with it, and may be destroyed by proper applications, before the seed is sown. Perhaps some fortunate observer may let us into the nature of that scourge of Agriculture, known by the name of the Hessian fly, so that we may get rid of it, as we did of the weevil fly, some forty years ago. Such a man would deserve a statue of gold, and I think the farmers would gladly erect it.

Another point of duty, to which we have not been wanting, is the importation of such foreign grains, grasses, and plants, as are suitable to our climate. Of all the grains which now grow in the middle states, I recollect none, but maize, (Indian corn) which is native. Perhaps we have not yet collected all which might be profitably cultivated; and even if we have, a change of seed is of great importance. What wealth has flowed into the southern states, from cotton, which, thirty years ago, was scarce known there! Something new is always turning up, and we should be on the alert, to avail ourselves of it.

The Society has heretofore given admonition of the necessity of change in seed-grain. I do not mean merely the change of one grain for another of a different kind, (as _wheat_ for _rye_, &c.) but a change of seed, where there is no change of kind. Farmers do not seem aware of this necessity, nor of the great advantage of procuring seed of the very best kind, and cleaning it in the most perfect manner. Or if they are aware, they are deterred from paying attention to it, by a little trouble and a little expense. It would be well to keep the subject before their eyes, until a conviction of its importance shall produce an alteration of practice.

The importation of foreign animals is not to be neglected. It is not the business of this Society, nor have they the means of importing them;--but they may point them out. We have, in Pennsylvania, good horses; but in the best breeds of cattle, hogs and sheep, we are defective. I know that some enterprising gentlemen in the city have gone to great expense in importing cattle, and others are in possession of excellent breeds of hogs, but they are not yet diffused through the state. It is understood, that in the Eastern States, no pains or expense have been spared, in procuring animals of the finest shape and quality. But it may be some time, before they have a surplus for exportation.

We are well situated for obtaining models of all newly invented implements of husbandry. Our workmen are ingenious, and able to execute any thing which is planned for them; and the genius of our countrymen in the application of the mechanic powers, is conspicuous. The high price of labour, rendered its abridgement of primary importance. What wonderful effects have been produced by Whitney's cotton gin? We are well supplied with implements for breaking the earth, and for cutting all kinds of straw, and cheap machines for shelling Indian corn. But a machine effectual for the threshing of wheat, and not too high-priced, is a desideratum. The machine for dressing flax, of British invention, is said to be a very great improvement, but is not yet much in use among us.

Roads, bridges, canals, and all internal public improvements, are subjects, which though not within our control, have such an immediate bearing on Agriculture, by expediting and cheapening carriage, that it will be always proper to do what little is in our power, for their success. Works of such magnitude are not to be executed, without the combined exertions of many persons, sanctioned by the authority of the legislature, and assisted by the public purse. Our legislature has done nobly for roads and bridges, and we trust it will do the same for canals. The first great object of that kind, is the junction of the waters of the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill, which empties into the Delaware. That being accomplished, we may look westward to the waters of the Alleghany, and northward to the Seneca lake, which being once entered, and entered it may be with no great difficulty, we have the Delaware connected with the great northern lakes, by means of the magnificent work now in rapid progress, in the state of New York. The project is grand;--I may not live to see it executed, yet it is by no means so improbable as many things once appeared, which in my time have been accomplished.

Yet, it must be confessed, that in canals, we linger behind other states, who have boldly led the way. Except the works now carrying on, for the improvement of the navigation on the Schuylkill and the Lehigh, we have nothing to show but the Conewago canal of a single mile, which will be of little use, unless the Susquehanna and Delaware are united. Our tardiness may be accounted for. Five and twenty years ago, when the Conewago canal was begun, public spirit mounted perhaps too high. Great efforts were made, which, from causes not necessary now to mention, proved abortive.--Hence, a despondence on the subject of canals, from which we have scarce yet recovered. But it is high time to rouse ourselves. On the one side we have New York making great and successful exertions; on the other, Maryland, endeavouring to avail herself of the road, made at the expense of the United States, from Cumberland, on the Potowmac, to Wheeling, on the Ohio; on which wagons travel free from toll. But, if we can have water carriage from Philadelphia to Susquehanna, we shall be on a better footing than Baltimore; and preserve our wagon carriage to Pittsburg until the Susquehanna shall be joined to the Alleghany. This wagon carriage is of immense importance. It has been supposed, that between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, the yearly sum paid for carriage, amounted to 730,000 dollars. Nor is this the only consideration. A very great sum is expended all along the line of the turnpike road, which is diffused through the country to a considerable distance. A six horse wagon consumes five bushels of oats a day, besides hay. Now, it appears from an official return, made by the keeper of the turnpike gate, at the Chesnut Ridge, between Stoys Town, and Greensburg, that there passed through that gate, during the year ending May, 1818; among other things, 281 four-horse, 2412 five-horse, and 2698 six-horse teams; and it is said, that a gentleman, living on the road near Pittsburg, in the year 1813, counted the number of wagons, laden with merchandize, which passed his house that year, and that they amounted to 4055. Through the counties of Bedford and Somerset, the road, being generally on ridges, runs through a poor country, to which the market afforded by the wagons, is essential. Somerset abounds in _grass_; and for _oats_ is superior to any county in the state.--But the soil is not favourable to wheat; and, except in the southern part, Indian corn will scarce arrive at maturity. It appears, clearly, therefore, that the Agriculture of Pennsylvania is very much interested, even in parts far west of the Susquehanna, in a water communication between that river and the Delaware, as the most effectual means of preserving the land carriage to Pittsburg. Another weighty consideration is, the protection which ought to be afforded to Pittsburg, against the effect of the United States' turnpike from Cumberland to Wheeling. Pittsburg ought to be to the western part of the state, what Philadelphia is to the eastern: the reservoir of wealth sufficient to afford a market to the surrounding country. There is no rivalship between these cities. The prosperity of one promotes the prosperity of the other. Why then should we hesitate? New York has completed 120 miles of canal in less than two years and five months. By a line of less than half that length, the Delaware and Susquehanna are united.

Pennsylvania has been accused of want of attention to gardening, and I am afraid she must plead guilty to the charge. A good kitchen garden contributes much to the health, and even the elegance of life; the saving of meat makes it a source of economy, and the neatness which is necessary to keep it in order, may have an effect on the _manners_ of the family. The females might execute a good deal of the work, and for their sake it should be interspersed with flowers. I believe my feelings are not at all singular, and I declare that I am struck with a sensation of pleasure, at the sight of a flourishing, well enclosed garden. May I be allowed to add, that I have the same feelings, at sight of a neat inclosure in front of the dwelling house, separating it from the highway. With surprise and regret, I perceive this often neglected, by wealthy and liberal farmers, merely because they have been in the habit of living without it. Such things might be remedied at a very trifling expense, but they are of no trifling consequence. They have an influence on manners.

I say nothing on the subject of _hedges_, their importance, and the best mode of raising them have been fully shown by one of our Vice Presidents, on a former occasion.

The limits of this discourse confine me to _hints_, on subjects which merit _treatises_. May not means be taken to tincture the youthful mind, with the spirit of Agriculture? In _colleges_, natural philosophy and chemistry might sometimes be directed to that special purpose. But something may be done at an _earlier age_; particularly where opportunities are offered, in teaching the learned languages, which being acquired slowly and with difficulty, leave lasting impressions; for instance, besides the Georgics of Virgil, which are in general use, select passages might be read from Columella, one of the most ancient writers on rural affairs, which have reached us, in the Latin tongue. I am afraid mischief is done, by putting into the hands of boys, those finished models of Grecian and Roman eloquence, in which are painted, in too vivid colours, the pleasures of wine, and love, and the glory of war.

Having touched the subject of education, I will add, that when the benevolent intention of the constitution of Pennsylvania, shall be carried into effect, by "_the establishment of schools throughout the state, in such manner, that the poor may be taught gratis_," Agriculture will reap her full share of the benefit. Reading, writing, and common arithmetic, if not essential, are very serviceable to the farmer. And even the labourer will derive incalculable advantage from the improvement of his intellectual faculties. Work cannot be continued without intermission, and time hangs heavy on the mind which is torpid during the hours of repose. Exercise is as necessary to the mind as the body. How desirable then, that men should be qualified for that kind of reading, which gratifies and strengthens the mind, without the fatigue of severe study, while the body is at rest during the intervals of labour? Our legislature is not unmindful of the duty imposed by the constitution--the act "to provide for the education of children at the public expense within the city and county of Philadelphia," is working great good. By the first annual report of the controllers of these schools, made in February last, it appears that 2845 children were then in a course of education; and I am informed that the number is now much increased. Moreover, a most important fact is established--that by adopting the Lancasterian mode of teaching, which will do in all thickly settled districts, the annual expense will not exceed _four dollars_ for each child. Upon efforts like these the blessing of God may be confidently hoped for.

Nothing can be more effectual for the diffusion of the spirit of Christianity, than a moderate cultivation of the understanding. Men will thus become more mild, better content with the condition in which Providence has placed them, more attentive to their duties both moral and religious, more charitable towards each other, less jealous and vindictive in their feelings towards foreign nations, less prone to rapine, under whatever name disguised, and less easily dazzled by the false splendour of war.

But I must indulge myself on this topic no longer, lest it seduce me from my main design.

Closely connected with Agriculture is the subject of leases. Though not so important in the United States, as in other countries, because the body of tenantry is smaller here, yet it is not undeserving of attention. The leases generally in use, are for a short term, with a reservation, by way of rent, of a certain share of the produce of the land. This system is liable to two great objections. The shortness of the tenure, precludes all hope of improvement of the soil, and the mode of payment, (the rendering a share of the crop,) holds out inducements to fraud, which few tenants are able to resist. When the landlord lives upon the estate, he has some chance of checking the tenant, by obtaining an accurate knowledge of the amount of the crop; and if he is liberal, he may have something done in the way of improvement. But where he lives at a distance, the probability is, that the estate will go to ruin, while he receives but a small part of his due. The objections to long leases, for rents in money, are, that if the landlord parts with the possession for a long time, he may be injured by a bad tenant; that he precludes himself from the chance of a sale, if a good price should be offered, and that the great fluctuations in the price of grain, make it impossible to fix a rent in money, without danger to both parties. Where a man has it in view to sell his estate, he may be right, in making a short lease; that case forms an exception to the general rule. But where he means to keep it, the objection is removed; then, as to fluctuation of price, the matter might be easily managed, by reserving a rent of a certain quantity of grain, giving the tenant an election to pay the market price, in money, which might be more convenient than delivering the grain. That point being settled, a lease for a longer term, fixing the rotation in which the fields should be cultivated, with other proper covenants, would leave the landlord sufficiently protected, while it gave the tenant encouragement to meliorate the soil for his own interest. At the end of such a lease, the value of the estate would be increased, and the rent might be raised. With great deference I submit these remarks to gentlemen of the city, who have farms at some distance, or even in the neighbourhood, which are intended as a provision for their families.

One thing more remains, which I cannot in conscience pass by, and in which, perhaps the Society may find means to do some good. Can no method be devised, to check the inordinate use of spirituous liquors? This shocking habit, strikes at the root of agriculture, by robbing it of the labour necessary for its support. It would be a waste of time, to enumerate the ills which flow from this disgraceful vice, because they are obvious to everyone. Perhaps a small addition to the wages, would induce labourers to forego the use of this poisonous liquid; or they might consent to take as a substitute, beer, or cider, or some other harmless drink. The subject deserves the deepest consideration, and I cannot help hoping, that when societies shall be organized in the several counties, a plan may be formed, which being acted upon at once, throughout the state, may greatly lessen, if not eradicate the evil.

I have endeavoured, gentlemen, to obey your commands, in hopes that my example may call forth the efforts of others, better qualified to do justice to the subject.

_Law Case._

The following opinion delivered by JACOB RUSH, President of the Court of Common Pleas of the City and County of Philadelphia, will be found particularly interesting by persons residing in the Country, and who may be exposed to controversies about line fences, and their repairs. The examination of the provisions of the act of Assembly, and of the principles of law on the points involved in the case will be interesting and useful to every Lawyer.

Overseers of the Poor } Common Pleas, Philadelphia
of Byberry, } County,
_vs._ } Certiorari.
F.I. }

A Certiorari issued out of this Court, directed to Joshua Jones and Elisha Gordon, Esquires, requiring them to transmit certain proceedings had before them under the fence law of 1700, in which John T. Townshend and Israel Walton, Overseers of the poor of Byberry are the complainants, and F. I. the defendant.

Prior to stating the facts on the return, it will be proper to give a brief exposition of the very obscure law upon which the controversy has arisen.

The act of 1700, for the regulation of fences, gives authority to fence viewers in two cases.--1st. Where a person finding a fence actually erected, takes advantage of such existing fence, and makes it a part of a subsequent enclosure. The person making such subsequent enclosure, and deriving a benefit from his neighbours fence, is bound to pay one half the expense of such fence. He is equally bound afterwards himself to keep in repair one half of it, or to pay the expense of repairing it.--Which leads to the 2d. point, and this consists in the power the fence viewers have over fences, either erected or subsequently divided, by agreement between two neighbours. The fence viewers cannot compel a person to join fences with his neighbour, every man having an undoubted right to erect a fence upon his own ground. The authority of the viewers is derived from the consent of the parties expressed or implied. In the case of a person deriving a benefit from making a fence actually existing, a part of the enclosure around his own field, he virtually agrees by his conduct, to make compensation.--In the 2d. case, viz: repairing fences, the parties are supposed to have joined originally in erecting the fence, or by some subsequent contract, to have come under an engagement to keep in repair a moity of the fence.

The viewers being only judges of the value, or of the sufficiency of fences, cannot order a _new_ fence to be erected. In the former case, that is, the value, they are to award compensation; in the latter, they are to direct the party delinquent to repair the fence, and in case of his neglecting it for ten days, then upon application and proof thereof before two Justices, they are to order the _persons aggrieved_ to repair the fence, who shall be reimbursed by the party refusing to repair the fence. When the party _aggrieved_, has repaired the the fence, in obedience to the order of the two justices, the fence viewers, who by the law are the _sole judges_ of the charge to be borne by the delinquent, must be called upon to fix the amount of compensation, to be reimbursed by the delinquent, for which sum, together with costs, the justices are required to issue a warrant against him to be levied upon his goods and chattels.

If the viewers and the two justices have in all respects conformed to the law, and have kept _within_ their jurisdiction, the facts cannot _now_ be controverted. What are the facts in this case?

The viewers have been legally summoned to view and examine a fence which separates the lands of the complainant's from the land of the defendants. They say they were called to view a _partition fence_ between the said parties, and that on such examination, they found the defendant's part to be deficient, or not lawful, and that they directed him to make a good and sufficient fence _on the line_ within ten days. This order of the viewers is dated 21st January, 1815.

The defendants having neglected to repair the fence for _more_ than ten days, the complainants did according to law, apply to two justices for an order to be issued to him to repair the fence, which order, the said justices, after being satisfied by due proof, that the defendant had neglected to repair the fence, for ten days, did issue on the 26th August, 1815.--To this order the complainants have returned to the justices that they have complied therewith and repaired the fence.

As far as the proceedings have gone, every thing has been done agreeable to the law.

Four exceptions however have been filed by the defendant. The first and second objections may be comprised in one, and present a difficulty of a legal nature, that the complainants represent a corporate body, and are therefore not included in the law that relates to fences.--If this objection were well founded, its operation would be conclusive in favour of the defendant, because a law that does not bind both parties in interest, never ought to be carried into execution against _either_.--In our opinion, however, the law in the case before us includes _corporate bodies_, as well as natural persons. The statute 22. H. 8. ch. 5. for the repair of bridges which subjects to taxation, the _inhabitants_ of every Shire, Riding, City, or Town, and for non-payment of which their goods may be seized and sold, has been universally acknowledged and held to include _Corporations_. 2 inst. 703. comp. 79. Sir T. Jones 167.

The word _Inhabitants_, says Sir Edward Coke, is the largest word of the kind, and includes every corporation or Body Politic, residing in any County, Riding, City or Town. To these authorities we shall only add, that in 2 Bac. Abr. Wilson's Edition, page 10, it is expressly laid down, that _Corporations_ in the character of _owners_ or _occupiers_ of houses or lands, are subject to the same burden to which _individuals_ are subject, in the same character.

The good sense of these decisions, must strike every body, as their tendency is to place natural and artificial bodies on the same footing.

The third exception filed by the defendant, viz: that the two justices ordered the complainants to put up the fence, _without_ requiring proof that the defendant had _not_ complied with the order of the viewers, is destitute of foundation. The record of the justices show that this exception is founded in mistake.

The fourth exception is, that the viewers had no authority to order the defendant to put up and repair his fence _on the line_.

It is certain they could not order him to put it up or repair it _off the line_; and having directed him to repair it _on the line_, cannot invalidate the order. Viewing the words, _on the line_, in the most exceptionable light, they can be deemed nothing but surplusage. The substantial drift of the order is, that the defendant shall repair the fence.

With respect to the affidavit of the defendant of the 6th of January, 1816, that he has enclosed completely the burial ground on his _own_ ground, leaving an interval of 10 feet between the line of the burial ground and the fence he has put up, the Court would remark, that generally speaking, a man has a right to put up a fence upon his own land, and as many as he pleases. A man must however so exercise his right, as not to injure those of another. Having once joined fences with his neighbours he cannot, when ordered to repair his share of it, evade the law, by removing it, and placing it altogether upon his _own_ ground. Where the law has once laid its hands upon a man, he must not be allowed to escape from its operation. Nothing can meet the approbation of a Court, that would look like an evasion of the law. A man cannot in one and the same breath, say he is bound and not bound. Whether a person might remove his share of a _division fence_ and place it upon his _own_ ground, prior to an inspection by the fence viewers, is a point not now before the Court. But we are very clearly of opinion, removing a fence _after_ it had been repaired in obedience to the order of two Justices, cannot exempt him from the operation of the law.

There being no error in point of law in the proceedings removed, the judgment of the Court is, they must be confirmed.

[_Poulson's Am. daily Adv._

MISCELLANY.

_Modes of salutation._--From the form of salutations among different nations we may learn something of their character, at least of their manners. In the southern provinces of China the common people ask "Ya Tan," that is, How have you eaten your rice; for in that is their greatest felicity. If two Dutchmen meet in the morning they wish each other good appetite. "Smaakelyk leten." In Cairo the inhabitants ask how do you sweat? for the not sweating is the symptom of an approaching fever. The Italian and Spaniard ask How does it stand? "Come sta." The Frenchman, How do you carry yourself? "Comment vous portez vous?" The German, How do you find yourself? "Wie befinden sie sich." The English, "How do you do?" The Dutchman says, How fare you. "Hau vaart uwe." There is one nation (we forget which) which ask "How do you live," and these are certainly the most wise of all.

_To make starch._--To make starch from wheat, the grain is steeped in cold water until it becomes soft and yields a milky juice by pressure; it is then put into sacks of linen, and pressed in a vat filled with cold water; as long as any milky juice exudes, the pressure is continued; the fluid gradually becomes clear, and a white powder subsides, which is starch.

_Chestnut wood_ has recently been successfully applied to the purpose of dyeing and tanning, thus forming a substitute for log-wood, and oak bark. Leather tanned by it, is declared by the gentleman who made the experiments, to be superior to that tanned with oak bark; and in dyeing, its affinity for wool is said, on the same authority, to be greater than that of either galls or sumac, and consequently the colour given more permanent. It also makes admirable ink.

_The ants of Valencia._--M. Humboldt informs, that ants abound to such a degree near Valencia, that their excavations resemble subterraneous canals, which are filled with water in the time of the rains, and become very dangerous to the buildings.

Mr. Heathfield has published a pamphlet, in England, proposing to pay off one half of the national debt, by an assessment of 15 per cent. on the capital of all property in the kingdom. The Courier says the project "is wise, necessary, and will be effectual," and permit the repeal of twenty millions of taxes.

_Longitude._--La Baronne De Paris Boisrowvray, has arrived in England from Paris, charged with a commission to present to the Admiralty Board, a theory of the compass, which gives the longitude and latitude of the globe, for the discovery of which the whole world has so long looked. The husband of this lady has submitted his theory to the Academy at Paris. His wife's mission to London was to prevent delay, as well as to have a trustworthy agent.

_Indian Jurisprudence._--The Cherokees, it is said, have established something like a judiciary system, and introduced into their society many of the laws and usages of civilization. Some of their savage institutions are disappearing, under the ameliorating influence of moral justice. As a specimen of the manner in which they dispense justice in cases of trivial import, we relate the following anecdote, said to be authentic:

An Indian assaulted another, of which regular information was made. The judge ordered the sheriff to bring the parties before him. The sheriff went in pursuit of them, but returned without them. "Where are your prisoners?" said the judge. "I caught them," replied the sheriff,--"What did you do with them?" "I gave the defendant fifteen lashes." "What did you do with the plaintiff?" "Gave him fifteen too." "What with the informer or witness?" "Why I gave him twenty-five lashes--for, had he held his tongue, there would have been none of this fuss and trouble." It would be well if all the dispensations of justice could be so equally and promptly administered.

[_Savannah Museum._

_Preservation of Water at Sea._--M. Pernet, after an examination of the means which are, or may be adopted for the preservation of fresh water at sea, gives the preference to the following: 1½ parts of oxide of manganese in powder is mixed with 250 parts of water, and agitated every fifteen days. In this way water has been preserved unchanged for seven years.

The editor of the Annales de Chimie observes, that oxide of manganese has the power, not only of preserving water, but of rendering that sweet which has become putrid; but he also points out the important circumstance, that the oxide is slightly soluble in water, and therefore recommends the use of iron tanks for the water, as in England.

_A species of limestone_ has been discovered in working the canal through the state of New York, and since in many parts of the country, so well adapted for water cement as to supercede the necessity of importing, as heretofore done, at great expense the principal ingredient of hydraulic mortar.

_Charleston, January 27._--We have seen a specimen of white marble, recently discovered in Spartenburg district, about five miles from Broad river. It is acknowledged to be very superior; and its grain is said to surpass that of the Italian marble.

DIED,

At Charleston, (S. C.) on the 8th instant, Mrs. STARR BARRETT, aged one hundred and twenty years--a Jewess, born in one of the Barbary states in the year 1699, but since the year 1780 a resident of Charleston.

On the 1st ult. near Annapolis, (Md.) THOMAS LANE, aged 107 years--born within 5 miles of the place on which he died. Until a few months past was able to do considerable business on his farm.

At Newport, (R. I.) on the 29th ult. WILLIAM ELLERY, Esq. in the 93d year of his age. _He was one of the signers of the declaration of independence._

On Saturday last at his residence, in Chester County, the Rev. DAVID JONES, A. M. Senior Pastor of the Great Valley Baptist Church, at the advanced age of 84 years.

At Boston, on Friday last, Don JUAN STAUGHTON, his Catholic Majesty's Consul in that town for above thirty years, aged 75.

At Chacewater (England) aged 21, ELIZABETH, daughter of Joseph Ralp; her height was only two feet ten inches; she was not at all deformed, but rather well proportioned; she was never known to laugh or cry, or utter any sound whatever, though it was evident she both saw and heard; her weight never exceeded twenty pounds.

On Saturday, the 29th of January, at their late residence in Wantage, County of Sussex, New Jersey, GEORGE BACKSTER, Esq. and his wife JANE, in the 64th year of their ages--were married 42 years. The wife survived her husband but 15 hours.

At Nazareth, (Penn.) on the 2d ult, in the 76th year of his age, Dr. JOSEPH OTTO.

At Ringwood, (England,) CHRISTOPHER COBB, aged 102, who lived in the reigns of three kings.

At Richmond, (Va.) on Tuesday, the 8th inst. ROBERT COWLEY, a man of colour, aged 125 years. For many years he had been a faithful servant to the commonwealth of Virginia, by acting as door keeper to the Capitol, which office was given him by the executive, as a reward for his revolutionary services, in which situation he gave universal satisfaction.

* * * * *

The following is a correct list of the number of DEATHS, in the principal cities of the United States.

PHILADELPHIA--3124, from 1st January, 1819, to 1st January, 1820.--_Of these, there were_

Males of 20 years and upwards, 795
Do. under 20 years, 824
----1619

Females of 20 years and upwards, 616
Do. under 20 years, 659
----1275

Children, principally under one }
year, whose sex is unknown, } 230

----
Total, 3124
----

NEW YORK--3176, from 1st January, 1819, to 1st January, 1820.--_Of these, there were_

Men, 895
Boys, 871
----1746 Males.

Women, 703
Girls, 727
----1430 Females

----
Total, 3176
----

REMARKS.--It must be highly gratifying to the benevolent mind, and to those whose humane labours have been so long directed to mitigate the ravages of Small Pox, to learn, that there has not been a single case of death, by that disease, reported in this city within the last year--a disease which has been, for so many ages, a scourge to every part of the world; and has, at times, been particularly fatal here.

Whilst Consumption and Fever, generally, occupy a considerable space in the annual returns, it is consolatory to observe, that the former has not increased: and that Fever, particularly Typhus, so fatal, so wide spread, and so unyielding to medical skill in Europe, has been much less malignant in this city the present, than in former years.

GEORGE CUMING, _City Inspector_.
_City Inspector's Office_, }
_10th Jan. 1820_. }

BALTIMORE, from 1st January, 1819, to 1st January, 1820--2287; of which number, 571 were coloured persons.--_Of these, there were_

Above 20 years, 849
Below 20 do. 1440
----2287
----

BOSTON, from 1st January, 1819, to 1st January, 1820. Total, 1070

CHARLESTON--1092, from 1st October, 1818, to 1st October, 1819.--_Of these, there were_

Males, 639
Females, 453
---1092

_Of whom, there were_

Whites, 492
Blacks, 600
---1092
----

It is a singular fact, and perhaps worthy the attention of medical gentlemen, that more deaths were occasioned by TETANUS or LOCKED JAW, in the city of Charleston, during the last three years, than occurred in the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Boston, during the same period, as is shown by the following abstract:--

DEATHS BY TETANUS OR LOCKED JAW.

1817 1818 1819 Total.
---- ---- ---- ------
Charleston, 25 20 14 59
Philadelphia, 9 3 3 15
New York, 3 5 4 12
Baltimore, 2 3 2 7
Boston, 1 0 1 2
-- -- -- --
15 11 10 36
-- -- -- --
Excess in Charleston, }
above the whole number } 10 9 4 23
in the four cities. }

* * * * *

Christenings and burials in London last year--Christened 12,574 males, and 11,726 females--total 24,300.

Buried 9,671 males and 9,557 females--total 19,228. Being a decrease of 477 burials from the preceding year.

FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.

The following trifle was published in one of the earlier numbers of the Port Folio, when that work was edited by the late JOS. DENNIE; but the author would be gratified, by seeing it transplanted into the columns of the _Rural Magazine_.

THE ASPEN TREE.

Lines written on seeing an Aspen tree, which the venerable owner
had determined to fell; but observing the initials of the name of
a much lamented son incised on the bark, he resolved to protect
it from every assailant.

Hail! fortunate tree, which has weather'd the blast,
And 'scaped the blind fury of woodchopper's arm,
Thy bark was inscribed in times which are past,
And the favourite letters protect thee from harm:

For to the fond breast of a father they bring,
The image how dear! of a promising youth;
Whose bosom was warm as the noon-tide of spring,
Whose conduct dictated by virtue and truth:

But alas! when the summons to sleep with the dead,
Is signed by the merciless fingers of death,
Nor virtue, nor truth can its influence shed,
To detain for a moment the fast ebbing breath.

His soul from its cerement compelled to depart,
Winged its way to the regions of bliss and repose,
And left a loved parent in sorrow of heart,
To think on his loss, and to tell o'er his woes:

But though the fond form to his eye may be lost,
Yet shall dear _mementos_ recall it to mind;
And the tree which by tempest and storm has been tost,
Shall with tremulous motion still wave in the wind.
E.

FOR THE R. MAGAZINE.

SONG OF GRATITUDE.

Who bade to light the morning skies,
The glorious orb of day to rise?--
Who first the waves of ocean curl'd,
And roll'd its waters round the world?--
Who bade the soil the harvest yield
And deck'd the flow'rets of the field--
From Chaos this terrestrial ball
Call'd into life?----The GOD of all.
HE, within whose almighty hands
Humility supported stands,
Who with his _own_ bestow'd _our_ breath
And saved us from eternal death.

To him then let us joyous raise
The song of gratitude and praise,
And bless him, that his bounties flow,
In endless streams to all below;
And that his boundless grace has given,
To man--a final rest in heaven.
A.

THE HAMLET,

AN ODE BY THOMAS WARTON.

The hinds how blest who ne'er beguil'd,
To quit their hamlet's hawthorn wild;
Nor haunt the crowd, nor tempt the main,
For splendid care, and guilty gain!

When morning's twilight tinctur'd beam
Strikes their low thatch with slanting gleam,
They rove abroad in ether blue,
To dip the scythe in fragrant dew;
The sheaf to bind, the beech to fell,
That nodding shades a craggy dell.

'Midst gloomy glades, in warbles clear,
Wild nature's sweetest notes they hear:
On green untrodden banks they view
The hyacinth's neglected hue:
In their lone haunts, and woodland rounds,
They spy the squirrel's airy bounds:
And startle from her ashen spray,
Across the glen, the screaming jay:
Each native charm their steps explore
Of Solitude's sequester'd store.

For them the moon with cloudless ray
Mounts, to illume their homeward way.
Their weary spirits to relieve
The meadows, incense breathe at eve.
No riot mars the simple fare,
That o'er a glimmering hearth they share:
But when the curfeu's measur'd roar
Duly, the darkening vallies o'er,
Has echoed from the distant town,
They wish no beds of cygnet down,
No trophied canopies, to close
Their drooping eyes in quick repose.

Their little sons, who spread the bloom
Of health around the clay-built room,
Or through the primrose coppice stray,
Or gambol in the new-mown hay;
Or quaintly braid the cowslip-twine,
Or drive afield the tardy kine;
Or hasten from the sultry hill,
To loitre at the shady rill;
Or climb the tall pine's gloomy crest,
To rob the raven's ancient nest.

Their humble porch with honey'd flow'rs,
The curling woodbine's shade embow'rs:
From the small garden's thymy mound,
Their bees in busy swarms resound;
Nor fell Disease, before his time,
Hastes to consume life's golden prime;
But when their temples long have wore
The silvan crown of tresses hoar;
As studious still calm peace to keep,
Beneath a flowery turf they sleep.

VERSES WRITTEN AFTER SEEING WINDSOR CASTLE.

BY THOMAS WARTON THE ELDER.

From beaut'ous Windsor's high and storied halls,
Where Edward's chiefs start from the glowing walls,
To my low cot, from ivory beds of state,
Pleas'd I return, unenvious of the great.
So the bee ranges o'er the vary'd scenes
Of corn, of heaths, of fallows, and of greens;
Pervade the thicket, soars above the hill,
Or murmurs to the meadow's murmuring rill;
Now haunts old hollow'd oaks, deserted cells,
Now seeks the low vale-lily's silver bells;
Sips the warm fragrance of the green-house bowers,
And tastes the myrtle and the citron flowers;
At length returning to the wonted comb,
Prefers to all his little straw-built home.

FINLAND SONG.

Addressed by a mother to her child.

BY DR. LEYDEN.

Sweet bird of the meadow, oh! soft be thy rest,
Thy mother will wake thee at morn from thy nest;
She has made a soft nest, little red-breast for thee,
Of the leaves of the birch, and the moss of the tree.
Then soothe thee, sweet bird of my bosom, once more,
'Tis Sleep, little infant, that stands at the door.
"Where is the sweet babe?" you may hear how he cries,
"Where is the sweet babe?" in his cradle that lies;
"In his cradle, soft swaddled in vestments of down,
"'Tis mine to watch o'er him till darkness be flown."

QUIET MIND.

"My mind to me a kingdom is,
Such perfect joy therein I find,
As far exceeds all earthly bliss,
That God or nature hath assign'd:
Though much I want, that most would have,
Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

"Content to live, this is my stay;
I seek no more than may suffice:
I press to bear no haughty sway,
Look, what I lack, _my mind supplies_.
Lo! thus I triumph like a king,
Content with what my mind doth bring.

"I see how plenty surfeits oft,
And hasty climbers soonest fall,
I see that such as sit aloft,
Mishap doth threaten most of all:
These get with toil, and keep with fear,
Such cares my mind could never bear.

"No princely pomp, nor wealthy store,
No force to win a victory,
No wily wit to salve a sore,
No shape to win a lover's eye.
To none of these I yield as thrall,
For why? my mind despiseth all.

"Some have too much, yet still they crave;
I little have, yet seek no more,
They are but poor, though much they have,
And I am rich with little store:
They poor, I rich; they beg, I give,
They lack, I lend; they pine, I live.

"I laugh not at another's loss,
I grudge not at another's gain;
No worldly wave my mind can toss,
I brook what is another's bane;
I fear no foe, nor fawn no friend,
I loathe not life, nor dread its end.

"My wealth is health--and perfect ease,
My conscience clear, my chief defence:
I never seek by bribes to please,
Nor by desert to give offence;
Thus do I live, thus will I die,
Would all did so, as well as I.

"I take no joy in earthly bliss,
I weigh not Crœsus' wealth a straw;
For care, I care not what it is,
I fear not Fortune's fatal law.
My mind is such as may not move,
For beauty bright, or force of love.

"I wish but what I have at will,
I wander not, to seek for more;
I like the plain, I climb no hill,
In greatest storms, I sit on shore;
And laugh at them who toil in vain,
To get what must be lost again.

"I kiss not where I wish to kill,
I feign not love where most I hate,
I break no sleep to win my will,
I wait not at the miser's gate.
I scorn no poor, I fear no rich,
I feel no want, nor have too much.

"The court nor camp I like, nor loathe,
Extremes are counted worst of all,
The golden mean between them both,
Doth surest sit, and fears no fall.
This is my choice; for why? I find,
_No wealth is like a quiet mind_."

MOONLIGHT AND CALM AT SEA.

When every breeze is hush'd to rest,
And the soft zephyr of the dappled west
Its voice does lose;
When Dian's silver light does sleep,
O'er the smooth bosom of the deep,
How sweet to muse!

When ocean's swelling bosom bright,
Seems studded o'er with golden light,
Of many a star;
And the wild sea fowls' harsh shrill strain
Echoing along th' unruffled main
Is heard afar;

'Tis then each rising care does sleep
With the soft stillness of the deep,
In sympathetic power.
'Tis then each swelling pulse does thrill,
And sweetest bliss the heart does fill,
In such an hour.

The soul too fond is soothed to rest;
By mild serenity possess'd,
Nor thinks the storm is nigh;
But soon the placid scene is o'er,
And swelling ocean round does roar,
Contesting with the sky.

'Tis thus on life's deceitful tide,
With placid course we seem to glide,
All free from care;
But soon the too delusive charm,
Flies fast away with every calm,
And prospect fair!

Then happy they, who list'ning hear,
The voice that speaks the tempest near.
And arms for every ill;
The whirlwind blast is then disarmed,
Of many a shaft that would have harm'd
And half the storm is still.

GO, IDLE LAYS!

In imitation of Waller's "Go, lovely Rose!"

Go, idle lays!
Tell her whose youthful heart beats high
To future days
That now so fair in prospect lie,
How soon our dearest transports die.
Tell her whose cheek
The blush of conscious pleasure wears,
That they who seek
To find delights unmix'd with cares
Shall own the fond deceit in tears.
Say that while charms
Which Hebe's transient presence lends
The bosom warms,
Time's envious breath the canker sends
That youth's enchanting season ends.
To her whom health
With ruddy blushes high illumes,
Say that by stealth
Disease to pallid wrinkles dooms,
The cheek that now so sweetly blooms.
Tell her whose form
The partial hand of Beauty gave,
That from the worm
Kind Pity's touch shall never save
The charms that moulder in the grave!
Go, idle lays!
Tell her whose youthful heart beats high
To future days
That now so fair in prospect lie,
How soon our dearest transports die!
Then softly say
That, when terrestrial joys and pains
Shall melt away,
The soul, absolv'd from sensual stains,
Shall soar where bliss immortal re'gns!
_Port Folio._

* * * * *

Mrs. Morris, the lady of major Morris, who lately descended in the diving-bell, at Plymouth, whilst under water, wrote a long letter to her father, which concluded with the following lines:--

From a _belle_, my dear father you've oft had a line.
But not from a _bell_ under water;
Just now I can only assure you I am thine--
Your _diving_ affectionate daughter.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Of the few essays refused admittance in the _Rural Magazine_, we regret most, the necessity we apprehend ourselves under of declining to insert the one on Politics by Lucius. The ability with which it was written, was not sufficient to overcome our objection to the subject.--We invite him heartily, as we have heretofore personally done, to our _Evening Fire Side_, when he may be disposed to amuse or instruct our company on any suitable subject.

Our other friends, who know they are welcome, we hope will not require a monthly invitation.

* * * * *

PHILADELPHIA,
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
RICHARDS & CALEB JOHNSON,

_No. 31, Market Street_,

At $3.00 per annum.

GRIGGS & DICKINSON--_Printers, Whitehall_.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.

Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.

Enclosed italics markup in _underscores_.