THE NEW VOLUME. No. 1. Appreciating the pursuits of agriculture in this important light-and indulging in the feeling which fills our heart with joy and gladness, when we behold around us the evidences of human comfort, we trust we may be excused in the opening of our new volume, in appealing to agriculturists to exert a vig. ilant guard over their interests-to ascertain their wants, and demand a remedy for the evils under which they lie. How these things are to be attained, rests with agriculturists themselves; but, for ourself, we can see no better plan than the one suggested by Dr. Brewer, of Montgomery county, in this State. He suggested a Convention of agriculturists, who should come together in council, ascertain their wants, proclaim their rights, and, as a means of securing them, send such delegates only to our State and We present to our readers to day the first number of our volume for the current year, and in so doing we can but promise our patrons a continuance of that industry which has marked its course for years, and of that devotion to the interests of husbandmen, which with us amounts to a passion. Viewing as we ever have, and ever shall, agriculture as the interest of the earth-believing that, in proportion as it may prosper-as its followers shall advance in the art and science of their calling-so will human morals, the cause of christianity, and the arts of civilization, be improved and elevated, we have always cherished the most ardent desire to promote, by every means within our humble abilities, all that belonged to a branch of industry which we believed, in the sincerity of our heart, formed the rock on which rest-National legislatures, as will pursue a course of polied the frame-work of society. In all large commu- cy calculated to promote the welfare of the tillers of nities of civilized men, there must necessarily be a di- the soil. Comprising, as those who are engaged in the versity of callings and interests; for of such, are the cultivation of the earth, do, two-thirds of the entire great aggregates of nations comprised; but however population of the country, it is, relatively speaking, essential each of these callings may be, in securing very singular, that their's is the only interest that human comforts, or in enlarging the sphere of the may be said to be almost entirely overlooked in the luxuries and elegancies of life, take away those en- legislation of the country, both by the local and gengaged in the pursuits of husbandry, and you deprive eral governments. Why is this so? The answer is society of those supports on which reposes its well ready. It is, because the other classes of Society being-nay its very means of existence; for of a watch over and guard what they conceive to be their truth, agriculture is the ground work on which the hap-interests, and use means to bring their wants before piness and prosperity of man rests. Abundant harvests their respective governments-while agriculturists, never fail to give tone and energy to enterprise and with folded arms, patiently rest in a state of apathy industry of every hue, phase, and description.- and indifference, as fatal as they are suicidal to their Show us a people where an improved state of hus-own and their country's welfare. Those who desi e bandry exists-where science and art have conspired a redress of grievances, must make those grievances to enlighten the agricultural mind, and we will show you a happy and prosperous community, one in which every other interest shares of the blessings and benefits that abound. Agriculture, then, may be Considered the key-stone of human greatness, as witout it flourishes, the other occupations of man, depending, as they do, upon it for sustenance, must be despored of the elements upon which they subsist and have the physical as well as social being. known; for governments rarely volunteer acts calculated to meliorate the condition of those who bear their sufferings in silence, and wear the yoke with philosophic equanimity. We repeat it-agriculturists should meet in Conventions, in their respective States, counsel together, ascertain their wants, and take such measures as will secure their rights. TO WHOM AMONG AGRICULTURISTS SHALL THE COUNTRY BE INDEBTED FOR SETTING THIS BALL IN MOTION? WORK FOR JULY. day's work. To ensure these auspicious results, nothing is more conducive than kindly treatment and good fare. And whilst substantial food is being prepared, let it not be overlooked, that the hands while in the field, engaged in their arduous employment, require to be supplied with some refreshing beverage good tools, good implements, and abundant force to do their work quickly and well-that no effort should It would be a source of undissembled gratification be left unessayed to protect the grain, when cut, to us, could we, in this our monthly talk, feel ourself from the casualties of weather-and that their hands, justified, in giving to our agricultural friends the as- | while engaged in harvesting, should be well supplisurance that good prices await them-that the sur-ed with every necessary comfort of the inner-man, plus products of their farms will find willing pur-in order that they may go forth, each morning, to chasers and remunerating rates. But surrounded as their toils, with unimpaired strength, well nerved we are at home with present falling markets, a pros-arms, and the moral resolution of doing a faithful pective, offering little, if any, improvement-and a state of things abroad so startling, so changeable, and so uncertain as to the future, we do not feel ourself at liberty even to guess what may be the result of events now transpiring. Should a general war grow out of the present convulsions in Europe, American ships may become the carriers of the transatlantic-and that where ardent drinks are prohibited, a world, and American Agriculturists, the suppliers of breadstuffs and provisions for the armies of the contending powers. These matters, however, lie enveloped in the future, and are covered by a veil impenetrable to the keenest sight; so that no deductions are to be drawn from the aspect of affairs, as presented to view. A few weeks or months may nevertheless furnish data from which inferences may be drawn, and upon which opinions may be based,-until these shall have been developed, it is the part, perhaps, of wisdom not to venture upon speculations, as speculations, at best, are among the last things to be relied upon. very excellent substitute may be found in Cool-water, Molasses, and Ginger, well mixed together, in the proportion of 5 gallons of water, gallon of molasses, and 2 ounces of pulverized ginger. A drink, thus prepared, is at once healthful and invigorating, without being in the least stimulating. Time of Cutting.-We are induced to believe that many suffer their wheat to get too ripe-too nearly approaching the condition of dead ripe-before they harvest it. Wheat to remain uncut thus long, not only loses much by the shattering of the grain while undergoing the process of being cut, but suffers also in the quality of the flour, as wheat cut at the right With these remarks we shall note a few of the nu- time-say at that period when the straw immediatemerous things that claim attention ON THE FARM. Cultivation of the Corn Crops.—It is altogether unnecessary to prescribe the mode by which the corn is to be cultivated, it being sufficient to say, that the main object should be, to keep it entirely free from grass and weeds of all kinds. This grain is one of generous habitudes, and never fails, when properly treated, to reward the culturist liberally; but it is one that requires to be well fed with nutritive and mineral manures, or to be grown in soil of great natural fertility, and to be kept clean from the time of planting until it shall be laid by, as it not only requires ample nourishment, but to be unencumbered | with other plants. Indeed, he who expects to grow a large crop should make up his mind at the onset of his labors, to do it justice in the broadest sense, to render it full and entire justice, as it is only through such means, that he can reasonably calculate on seeing his anticipations realized, as the corn-plant is one which is exacting in its demands, and will not, when neglected, yield in the fulness of its measure. Harvesting. In many parts of the wheat growing regions of our far-reaching country, the harvest has not only begun, but is over-still there are many degrees of latitude in which this important branch of rural labors has yet to be commenced. All we can say upon the subject, is, that all who have their grain yet to cradle, should provide themselves with ly under the head of the grain becomes dry, yields whiter and better flour than when cut dead ripe. Buckwheat.-It is time that you had got this grain in-indeed, it is late, almost too late, to sow-you may, however, do so with a pretty fair prospect of making a crop, provided you sow by the 10th of the month. When the ground may require manure, a few bushels of bone-dust will be found perhaps the most suitable of any other-10 bushels of bones, spread broadcast, will ensure a fair return of grain. Preparation of the Ground.-As we have recently seen inquiries as to the mode of its cultivation, we will state that the ground should be ploughed and harrowed, that a half bushel of seed should be sown on an acre of ground, which should be harrowed in well, and the ground rolled. Hay Harvest.-In cutting Timothy, we would advise that it be cut before the stalks and heads begin to turn brown. We are aware that the analysis of timothy hay, cut at the period when first in bloom, and when the seeds were ripe, showed several per centum of nutritive matter more in the latter than in the former, but notwithstanding such is the result of chemical analysis, we prefer to cut timothy grass a few days after it comes thoroughly into bloom.— When cut at that period the hay is less coarse and far more acceptable to horses—and, besides, the soi is much less exhausted. We believe all hay, er tainly clover, would be the better of being cixed in cocks, after being wilted a few hours in the sun. Millet. This grain may be sown for hay, up to the 10th of this month. A deep sandy loam is best suited to its growth-it should be well manured, well and truthfully ploughed, and harrowed until the tilth is perfectly fine; then sow half a bushel of seed thereon, harrow it in and finish by rolling. Depth of ploughing in Guano.—Although we have frequently, in our articles on this subject, indicated the depth that Guano should be ploughed in, we find inquiries still being made of us upon this point. And we here state, that it should be ploughed in to the full dept. of the furrow, whether that be 4, 6, or 8 inches-the object being to prevent the escape of the already formed, and forming, carbonate of ammonia. No one need be apprehensive of ploughing it in too deep, as from the character of its nutrient element, it will be sure to ascend, and meet the collateral roots of the plants in their search after food, and as for the other constituents of which it is comprised, they will be as sure to be taken up by the roots in their descent for similar purposes. Fall Potatoes.-As we trust every one has, at least four or six weeks ago, planted their fall potatoes, we will say nothing upon that head, but we will enjoin it upon all, to see that their potato patches are not over-run with weeds from the time of first working them until they are finally laid by. compost for turnips-and the value of it would be still more increased, if 5 or 10 bushels of bone-dust were added to the compost. Where bone-dust may be a component element of the compost, the whole should be well mixed together, and permitted to remain in pie, for, say 3 weeks before being used, in order that the incipient process of the decay of the bones might be brought on. If it should be imprac. ticable to get the quantity of ashes we have named for the compost, let two or three bushels be broadcasted over the ground after the seed shall have been sown. Culture. So soon as the plants come up, let a careful hand go over the patch with a mop in one hand and a vessel containing fish oil in the other, sprinkle the oil over the plants-then let him dust them with a mixture of equal parts of ashes, plaster and soot-continue dusting them with this mixture early each morning, while the dew is on the plants, until they get into the rough leaf. So soon as the roots begin to bottle let careful hands go into the patch, hoes in hands, and thin them out so as to stand about 6 inches apart, each way, taking care to pluck out every weed. In ten days give them another weeding, and then sow a bushel of salt per acre over them, and you may lay by your crop of turnips. The thinning out may, to a great extent, be effectTurnips. We are the advocate of thorough prep-ed by passing a harrow through the patch when the aration of the soil in turnip culture, and therefore, plants begin to bottle-we have substituted the haradvise you to spread one half the manure you intend row for hoes with excellent effect. to put on, and give the ground you design for turnips a deep ploughing, harrow and roll it, and let it lay until you are about to sow your seed, then put on the other half of your manure, plough it in four inches deep, and harrow lengthwise and cross-wise, when your ground will be fit to receive the seed. Preparation and sowing of the seed-Soak your seed in fish-oil for 12 hours, then drain off the oil, and mix a sufficiency of ashes with the seed not only to seperate them, but to enable you to distribute them evenly over the ground. Sow them, then harrow them in lightly, and roll the ground with a heavy roller. Quantity of Seed per Acre.-From 1 to 1 lbs. of seed, if properly sown will be enough for an acre. Time of Sowing.—Most farmers delay sowing until August, but we believe the safer course is to get your turnip seed sown by the 25th of July. By sowing thus early, should the fly or flea cut off your first sowing, time will be allowed you to resow, an object which every turnip culturist should always have in view. Manure. The best manure, usually to be found upon our farms, for turnips, is well-rotted cow dung, though any decomposed animal manure will answer. Either, however, are greatly enhanced in value by the addition of ashes. Twenty double horse-cart loads of the manure named and 20 bushels of ashes, to be well mixed together, will make an excellent Sheep.-Provide a trough under cover in your sheep pasture, spread tar over the bottom of it, and sprinkle salt thereon. In licking up the salt, your sheep will smear their noses with the tar and thus be ensured against the fly depositing its eggs in their nostrils. Orchards. If your meadows are not in cultivation, turn in your pigs to eat up the fruit as it may fall.— If in cultivation, pick up the falling fruit daily and give them to your hogs. Cankered, or dead wood, should be cut off close to the body of the tree, the wound should be made perfectly smooth and covered with one or the other of the following mixtures: Fresh cow dung, clay, and lime, incorporated together thoroughly, and made into a paste about the consistence of mortar, by the addition of equal parts of urine and water. Apply this to the wounded parts and tie over it either paper or coarse rag. Or take equal parts of rosin, beeswax, and turpentine, simmer them over a slow fire until thoroughly melted-apply this to the wounded parts with a paint-brush-when the first coat is dry, give a second one, and you will have a security against the weather. Give to the bodies of your trees a washing with a solution of potash, made in the proportion of 1 lb. of potash to 2 gallons of water. The wash for young trees should only be of half this strength. Where the bark of the trees are rough and scabby, all such | and soap suds of your kitchen and wash-house, the bark should be scraped off, and the bodies be painted contents of your chambers, and the manure of your with a mixture made in the proportion of 1 gallon of chickens, comprise the very best elements to form a soft soap, 1 lb. of flour of sulphur, and 1 quart of salt. compost heap, and you can well afford to employ one Put this on with a painter's brush, beginning at the man and a horse and cart, in making such collecground, and going as far up as you can reach. tions, from now until frost time. Don't say, "I hav'nt time-I can't spare the horse, cart and man" Peach Trees.-Uncover the roots of your peach trees to the depth of 4 or 5 inches, and whenever you see a puncture or discover the oozing out of gum, insert the point of a sharp wire, or that of a knitting kneedle or pen knife, and thus kill the worm that has been feeding on the life-blood of your trees: then paint the bodies and roots of your trees, as far as they are uncovered, with the mixture of soft soap, sulphur and salt, as recommended above for apple trees; then mix up half a peck of freshly slacked lime with the earth taken from around the trees, and return the whole, so as to cover up the roots well: then take a mixture of 7 parts salt and 1 part salt petre, and sow it around and under your trees, in the proportion of 1 pint of the mixture to each tree; the salt-petre must be pounded fine before being mixed with the salt. Prop up the limbs of your trees to prevent their being broken down by the weight of the fruit. for you may rest assured of this, that a hand, horse and cart, thus employed, will contribute more towards the increase of your next year's crops, than any four hands on your place. It is a well received maxim of agricultural economy, that “manure is the farmer's gold mine," and yet there are but few amongst us that carry out its practical application. If manure be our gold mine-and who doubts it?— surely the accumulation of it, should form one of the chief objects of every agriculturist. Where materials such as we have named are abundant-and they are so on most large estates-one hand with a cart and horse could easily collect ten or twelve, or fif. teen loads a day, besides composting them, so that the aggregate collection in a year, would enable most farmers to manure their entire corn fields heavily, thus secure abundant yields of this excellent grain, and thereby ensure the highest state of fertility to all the arable land, if the culture of such corn fields were followed by wheat, clover, and plaster, as it should be, not omitting to lime all such fields as might need that mineral. Plum, Cherry and Pear Trees.-If any of the limbs on either of these varieties of fruit trees should be blighted, cut them off into the sound wood, burn the blighted branches, ard then pare off the wounded parts smoothly and paint them with a mixture made of Draining Wet Lands.-Any fields of stiff clay equal parts of rosin, bees-wax and turpentine. Then whereon the water lies, should be thoroughly drainwash the bodies with the solution of potash as re-ed, and as there is no better month than this to comcommended for apple trees, and in two weeks thereafter apply the paint of soft soap, sulphur and salt. Caterpillar Nests.-Pick these off your fruit trees, of all kinds, and burn them. Broadcast Corn.-As the pastures generally give out in the months of August and September, we should like to see our farming friends get into the fashion of putting in an acre of corn, broadcast, for every 10 head of milch cows. Such an acre, if the ground were well manured and prepared, and sown | with 4 bushels of corn, would yield green food enough to allow two good feeds a day for 6 weeks from the commencement of its being cut-would keep the cows to their milk and in good condition up to frost. The corn when used for feeding should be cut a day ahead. The ground on which corn is grown, broadcast, should be heavily manured. Bushes, Weeds, &c.-Have all such incumbrances cut up. mence such work in, we commend it to the owners of all such lands to begin forthwith. We have been long since convinced, that it was the superabundance of water existing in wet clays, that winter killed the wheat, and we are equally sure, that thorough drain. ing will operate as a corrective-that many stiff clays that now defy alike the strength of the team, and the skill of the plowman, to put them in good condition, would, by the process of draining, be converted into friable clay moulds so soon as they were relieved of their excess of water. Deep Plowing-As the period is approaching when our brethren will begin to break up their wheat grounds, we avail ourself of the occasion to remind them, that deep ploughing is one of the farmer's best helps. Before wET lands, however, are deeply ploughed, they should be drained. Sprouting. This operation should be done during this and the ensuing month. The sprouts when cut, should be put into piles and burnt for their ashes. Compost Heaps.-Now is the time for you to set about collecting the materials for compost heaps. Liming of Land.-As we believe that most of the Marsh mud, peat, scrapings of the roads, scrapings lands which have been long in culture without havof ditches, of head-lands, fence-sides, fence-corners, ing had lime applied to them, have become nearly and lanes, weeds, refuse vegetables, marsh grass, exhausted of that essential component of the conmould and leaves from the woods, pine shatters, the stituent elements of a good soil, we take time by the contents of your cow and stable yards, and hog forelock to recommend to all who may have such pens, the sweepings of your dwelling-yard-the slops | lands, to make arrangements to purchase lime, or |