THE CROPS.-The Wheat and Rye Harvest, is very generally over in many parts of the middle and most of the Southern States, and we are happy to learn, that these crops are likely to prove more abundant than we have been favored with for some years past, and the grain heavier and more perfect than is usual. In some instances there are exceptions, but they are very rare, indeed. The harvest this year is earlier than it ever was before in this State, within the remembrance of that distinguished individual," the oldest inhabilant.” Since our visit to Col. Capron's, we took a short tour to the wheat regions in the upper section of our State,-and found the farmers of Washington and Frederick counties fairly under way with their harvest, and the golden fields falling before the blows of the sturdy husbandWe have assumed the liberty of copying below men. It was a glorious sight, and calculated to induce those who are the participants of the blessings the "Circular" which is to be forwarded to the indiof Providence, to lift up their hearts with thanks-viduals to whom our journal is to be sent by the givings and rejoicings to the bounteous giver of above named gentlemen: every good and perfect gift. in there establishment-for there are but few who are not susceptible of being aroused into a spirit of emulation when the proper incentives are used to give it spring and action. These remarks are rendered opportune by the fact, that the Hon. Mr. McKay, and the Hon. Mr. Daniel, members of Congress from the good Old North State, have subscribed for 150 copies of the American Farmer, for gratuitous circulation among their agricultural brethren at home, with the laudable view of encouraging a spirit of improvement among them. None can properly estimate the amount of good which these munificent acts may produce; and, surely, the motives which prompted them cannot be too highly appreciated. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Agricultural improvement, I have subscribed for a DEAR SIR:-Wishing to promote a spirit of great many copies of the American Farmer, said to be an excellent work, with a view to distribution, a number of which I send you. tural Society for the county: such societies have Allow me to suggest the formation of an Agriculbeen attended with the happiest effects in England and the Northern States, and would, if set on foot and properly conducted, be productive of similar results among us. Although it was admitted by all with whom we conversed upon the subject, that there had been but seldom a more abundant crop of Wheat, or one more free from every evil to which this grain is subjected, yet we found in no instance any field to compare with those which we examined at the Laurel. The general yield in those counties, would be from 20 to 25 bushels to the acre. The Rye, which has been so uncertain a crop for years past, as to the deter many from attempting its cultivation, is extraordinarily good this season. The Oats, however, in consequence of the long continued drought, it was feared would be very short; yet as we have had some very the subject to your consideration, and through you The suggestion is made for the purpose of bringing fine rains since the 17th, the period of our visit, to the consideration of others. they may still be able to head out, and in some degree recover from the effects of the dry weather.-number I send you to some neighbor who will likely If you are a subscriber to the work, hand the The Corn appeared quite healthy, but had made but take an interest in the object sought to be promoted. little progress since it reared its head above the ground, and we saw but one really good field of this grain between this and Hagerstown, and that was on the farm of our friend, Jno. Newcomer, esq. on the Beaver creek, in Washington county,-the rains which have refreshed the earth more recently, will, no doubt, have had an excellent effect upon this crop, and with anything like a favorable season during the rest of the time allotted to its perfecting the grain, we may still calculate upon an average of this all important crop. The Hay crop is fair, and the season excellent for making and securing it. From all that we hear, what we have said above is applicable to most other sections of our own, and other States. NORTH CAROLINA. A lively interest appears to have been awakened in this honest hearted member of the old confederacy for the improvement of her system of Agriculture; and we are pleased to find that our journal is to come in for its share of the good effects of the movement. The fact has, doubtless, often struck the mind of many of our readers, that it is competent for an individual, in his efforts to do good, to diffuse the benefits and blessings of his acts over entire communities, and that frequently the resulting benefits and blessings are more indebted to the goodness of the examples which they establish, than to the expense involved Very respectfully Your obedient servant. VIRGINIA. From the Old Dominion new lists of subscribers are pouring in from various counties. A letter from Columbia P. O., with the names of new subscribers, with a promise that we shall hear from the writer, with additions, adds: "It will give me great pleasure to add to the subscription list of a paper which I think so eminently worthy of the patronage of the agricultural community as the American Farmer; and on all proper occasions I never fail to add my commendations in its favor." NORTH CAROLINA.-From the Old North State we are also adding handsomely to our list. We must be permitted to take the following as a sample from this quarter: "I will send on again before the 1st of July, informing you of the result of my efforts in behalf of the American Farmer. From my heart, I wish success to the good cause of introducing system and order in the great business of Agriculture of the country. A noble business is your's, Mr. Editor, to enlighten and guide the heads of those whose hands guide the Plough, &c. &c." ALABAMA. We thank our friends in this State for their exertions in behalf of our journal. To our Montgomery correspondent, especially, we are indebted for his kindness. NORTHAMPTON Co., VA.-We shall, in our next | more legitimate one of agriculture; for no sooner number, endeavour to avail ourself of the facts in relation to the system of agriculture in this county, as detailed by our correspondent, Northampton, and see if we cannot point out one better calculated to promote the interests of the agriculturists in that county, than the system now practiced there. The industry of her citizens, so perseveringly persisted in, we believe may be so directed as to increase her products some hundred per cent. and thus believing, shall make the effort. BUCKWHEAT.-As the oat crop promises to be a small one, we would suggest the propriety of seeding an extra quantity of buckwheat. Chopt it makes an excellent food with cut hay or straw for horses, and is excellent as the basis of a slop for milch cows. Whilst it is conducive to the secretion of milk, it exerts a delightful influence upon the skin and hair. Its straw, when well saved, is a very acceptable provender for cattle. Besides which, buckwheat is the best grain to feed to hens where the laying of eggs may be desirable. THE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS. than transportation by steam was made to take the place of the snail-like course of flat-boats, than we find constitutional objections made to appropriations for the national road, and its ultimate abandonment to the States through which it respectively passed-so that, the moment the necessities of commerce did not require its continuance, it lost its national character in the eyes of the national legislature, and was cast upon the tender mercies of local legislation, and thus were the paramount interests of husbandry made to succumb to the supposed non-existence of commercial necessity for its being further fostered and cared for by the legislature of the Union. We note these facts, not with the view of engendering jealousies on the part of the agricultural classes against any others, but because we desire to inspire the former with a spirit which shall lead not only to an assertion, but a maintenance of their just and indisputable rights. If the interests which we have pointed out, are entitled to the fostering support and care which they have received from gov. ernment-and we do not question it-surely, it is fair that those who produce all the elements which go to add to the wealth of the nation, should have yet to learn that there should be any privileged oran equal claim upon the government; for we have ders under the genius of our constitution, which certainly, in its letter, as well as spirit, repudiates all such distinctions. Now, if those who are engaged in Commerce-who produce nothing-who do not in of the nation, but who grow rich on the industry and a century create a single dollar's worth of the wealth enterprise of the farming and planting interests-can have millions and hundreds of millions appropriated for their benefit and advantage, we cannot comprehend, what justice there is, in withholding from the whatsoever. cultivators of the earth any countenance and support If it be just to establish schools to make good officers and seamen to protect commerce, why should it not be equally so to instruct the rural youth of the country, in the ennobling calling which be done to elevate the standard of our husbandmen? they pursue? Why, we ask, should not something The Farmers and Planters of our country comprise the great majority of the people of the Union-they pay the major part of the taxes for the support of the government, at all times, and, in time of war, contribute the largest portion of the men raised for the defence of the country, and yet they are the most neglected, if not the only neglected, class in the community. Government appropriates liberally for the support of the interests of Commerce-supports a large Navy at a heavy expense for its protection in distart seas-she has naval schools to train our naval officers-government maintains an army and an Academy for the education of its officers-manufacturers and mechanics have laws passed for the protection of their peculiar interests,—but although the Agricultural classes contribute in such liberal measure towards the sustenance of the governmentINTERESTING TO WOOL GROWERS. although they, by their industry, skill, and enterprise, The following letter from the Hon. Samuel Lawfeed all, and raise the materials for clothing all, yet rence, one of the most intelligent and extensive woolstrange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that len manufacturers in the Union, will be received as government has done little or nothing, directly to pro- highly interesting by our entire agricultural commumote the interests and advance the prosperity of ag-nity. It expresses the opinion, in plain and emphatic riculturists. It did, to be sure, many years since, undertake to make a road, which was designated the National Road, to connect the Atlantic with the West -to afford a means of transportation for the products of the latter to the sea-board :—but even in that good work, it has years since tired of well-doing, and abandoned it to the States through which it passed, leaving its repairs to the precarious care of State legislation. And, indeed, though as a medium of transportation, it operated advantageously to the tillers of the soil, its projection was brought about more as a commercial than as an agricultural enter prise, and may be said to owe its brief existence more to the influences of commerce, than to the terms, that the present supply of wool is less than the annual home demand, by TEN MILLIONS OF POUNDS.The opinion of such a man as Samuel Lawrence, who is not only capable of forming one correctly, but incapable of practicing deception, should at once stir up those who own lands fit for sheep-walks to increase their flocks, and as there are millions of acres in our expansive country eminently suited for such purposes which are now unoccupied, yielding nothing to their owners, we sincerely hope that their proprietors will promptly take measures to increase the wool-growing branch of agricultural industry.— In the States of Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, there are millions of acres of land which are now unproductive, that might be profitably employed in the raising of sheep, and in the growth of wool of the very finest quality. Such being the case, should it not be a duty they owe to patriotism, as it is evidently their interest, for husbandmen to enter at once into an enterprise that promises so rich a harvest of individual benefit and public good? reclaimable desert; the place was disposed of, and the speculation turned out very disastrously to the old gentleman and his family. The spirit of imers of Montgomery, has, however, extended to this provement which has taken possession of the farmvery barren waste, and our friend informed us, that in conversation recently with gentlemen who have passed through that country, he has heard, that on that very tract, the purchase of which had nearly ruined his sire, the luxuriant fields bore evidence that its fertility was now equal to any of the very best lands It is now twelve years since we first called attention to the policy of increasing this particular de-of Washington county. The attempt at improvepartment of rural industry, and we have been gratified to observe its gradual increase, still, as is proved by the subjoined letter, there is a large horizon, an extensive verge yet to be filled up. LOWELL, Mass., Feb. 10, 1848. My Dear Sir:-Your very kind and interesting favor of the 27th ult. duly came to hand, and should, if practicable, have received an earlier reply. The business of wool growing in this country is destined to be of immense importance; and I am firm in the belief that within twenty-years we shall produce a greater quantity of wool than any other nation. You ask, "Is the present home demand supplied?" There is not enough annually raised in the country by 10,000,000 pounds to meet the demand of the manufactories. You ask, "What countries can we export wool to?" &c. This country will not export wool regularly for fifteen years, for the reason that the consumption will increase as rapidly as the production. I can point out articles made of wool now imported, which will require thirty millions of pounds of a medium and fine quality to support the consumption. The business of manufacturing wool in this country is on a better basis than ever before, inasmuch as the character, skill, and capital engaged in it is such that foreign competition is defied. A very few years, and all articles of wool used here will be of home manufacture. Now I beg of you to keep the wool-growers steady to the mark. Let them aim to excel in the blood and condition of their flocks, and the day is not far distant when they will be amply remunerated. I shall always have great pleasure in hearing from you, and remain yours, most truly. SAML. LAWRENCE. Henry S. Randall, Esq., Cortland, N. York. MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENTS.-In con versation with Mr. Jno. Funk, of Washington county, one of the most successful farmers of that region, he related a circumstance which we deem worthy of noticing, as evincing the spirit of improvement which is abroad in Montgomery county. Several years ago he mentioned to us the purchase by his father, of a tract of several hundred acres of land in the latter county; the old gentleman sent some of his family to settle on the farm, to cultivate it—but they soon found that the texture of the soil was a little different from that naturally excellent limestone land of their own county, to which they had been accustomed. After laboring for some time upon this tract, and drawing their support from the homestead in the meantime, they were finally compelled to give it up as a bad job, and returned to their former residence, glad to escape from what they deemed an ir ment, by the Messrs. Funk, was no doubt upon the same system which was followed in Washington county, and most probably, notwithstanding their industry and indomitable perseverance, the same barrenness would have ensued in the latter, ere this, had not their lands been so deeply imbued with a limestone formation. But even now, their fertility is decreasing, and an analysis shows that but a very small portion of lime is discernable in the soil, whilst the water is deeply impregnated with it. We learnt from one of our subscribers in Boons boro', Mr. Davis, who is enthusiastic in his devotion to the improvement of the lands of his neighborhood, that that pest of the farmer, sheep sorrel, is very rapidly taking possession of much of the land in that county, and that if something is not done to arrest its progress, the direst results cannot but be anticipated. He has set himself to work to remedy the evil, and has found in lime and ashes an antidote; therefore, from the experiments made by him, he believes he Mr. Davis is a great advocate for the use of ashes, and tho' he found some difficulty in inducing his tenants to spread them upon their fields, after they were purchased for them, yet now, the effects upon their crops have been so salutary, that they have become convinced of their great value. By reading the "Farmer," and having the lights of the experience of others as detailed in its pages placed monthly before him, Mr. Davis is highly improving his estate. FAIR OF THE MARYLAND INSTITUTE— AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION AND CATTLE SHOW-AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. The Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts, recently established in this city, is now in successful operation, under the guidance and di. rection of a number of our most respected citizens engaged in the Arts and Sciences. They have fitted up a spacious hall in the Post Office building, with Room, &c. which are open every evening for the acconvenient rooms attached for a Library, Reading commodation of the members. It is the intention of the Board of Managers to have a course of Lectures delivered during the ensuing winter months upon subjects suited to the objects of the Institute; and it will have been seen, by the advertisement in our journal, that a FAIR is to be held under its auspices, in October next, which we feel warranted in saying will redound in a high degree to the character of our Mechanics, Mannfacturers and Artizans, and will probably have been unsurpassed by any similar exhibition in the U. States. Invitations to attend will be addressed to the inventors and manufacturers of "articles in every department of labor or skill, which can in any way minister to the comfort and improvement of mankind "every description of articles "whether of wood, stone, metal, or any other ma. terial which may serve any useful or ornamental purpose"--and the products of the loom in silk, cotton, wool, flax, hair, and all articles the result of female ingenuity, taste or industry, will have a place in the exhibition." At a recent meeting of the Board of Managers resolutions were adopted directing the Committee on Fairs, in addition to their circular inviting the Mechanics and Manufacturers of the U. S., to aid them by their attendance at the Fair, with the products of their skill, also to address the Farmers, Planters, Horticulturists, manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery, and others in any way connected with Agricultural pursuits, suggesting to them to hold an AG. RICULTURAL EXHIBITION & CATTLE SHOW at the same time. A sub-committee is now making ar. rangements for the procurement of a suitable place for the Fair, and we would respectfully urge upon the Agriculturists of the Union to lend a helping hand in furthering the objects and designs of the Institute.Those disposed to aid in the same, either by the exhibition of stock, Implements, Machinery, &c. or by requested to address the Secretary of the Institute, donations in money, provender, &c. are respectfully SAMUEL SANDS, publisher of the American Farmer, at as early a day as possible. It is believed that a finer exhibition can be gotten up, than was perhaps ever held before in the United States. The owners of several of the most extensive herds of Cattle have promised to be in attendance with the same. Messrs. Capron and Calvert, with their Durhams and Devons will be on the ground, and we think we are authorised in saying that Mr. Geo. Patterson's splendid herd of Devons will also be here, a sight of which is well worth a visit to our city, from the most distant parts of the country-Mr. M'Henry's, Mr. Ridgely's and Gen. Howard's Ayrshires also; Mr. Carey's and other grade herds will be on the ground; Mr. Carroll's Oxford Sheep, and no doubt Mr. Reybold's splendid flock will grace the Show. Mr. Gorsuch's Berkshire and Mr. Jessup's Chester Hogs, and an innumerable host of others, will be here from all parts of this and the neighboring States. We would take occasion to add, that the opporLunity would be a good one, to hold the contemplated Agricultural Convention, urged by Dr. Brewer and others, through the columns of our journal. Any suggestions or advice upon the subject, would be thankfully received by the committee, addressed as above. fecting here and elsewhere-it is producing its legiti mate effects, improvement of mind, as well as of land." We rejoice on receiving intelligence of the forma⚫ tion of such associations, knowing as we do, that it is the surest evidence of the increasing attention which is being paid to the improvement of agriculture in the States where they are formed. We often hear the remark, that " a good time is coming," and we verily believe that such is the fact in regard to the old States of our confederacy-the drain upon their population is restrained, and a more determined feeling is evinced to resuscitate our lands, and to make them vie in fertility with the soil of the new States, to which so many of their sons have been enticed in past years. The association, of which we herald the formation, has elected Wm. Hopkins, esq., President and Treasurer; and Dr. J. B. Owens, Secretary. The following resolutions have been adopted, which may be found worthy of being imitated in other quarters. Manor Agricultural Club, will use every means to Resolved, That we, the members of the Portland or cause to be killed, 300 head of the Blower. destroy the Horn-blower. Resolved, That each of us pledge ourselves to kill, Resolved, That any member who fails to kill, or 25 cents for each and every hundred he may fail to cause to be killed, 300 Blowers, will forfeit and pay kill, the said forfeit to be paid the Treasurer for the bers of Blowers during the season; the said negroes use of any 3 negroes who may kill the greatest numto belong to, or live with any member of this Club. Resolved, That each of us pledge ourselves to pay our negroes, 25 cents for every 100 Blowers, he or she may kill on the farm, where he or she may reside; the said money to be paid by certificate on the Treasurer, and that each of us shall place in the hands of the Treasurer, a sum sufficient to meet such certificate. ANOTHER FARMER'S CLUB. the establishment of a Farmers' Club in Queen Ann's We insert with pleasure the following notice of good whether embracing Counties, or neighborCounty. Such institutions are promotive of great hoods. We greet this one with our best wishes for its triumphant success, and hope they will, emulating the Club of Montgomery County, honor our Journal with their transactions: The Farmers' Club.-We understand that an association of gentlemen of this county is about being ANOTHER CLUB FORMED.-A correspondent at formed under the above, or some other appropriate designation. Its extent we believe, will be limited West River, informs us that an Agricultural Asso-comprising only that portion of our neighborhood ciation has been formed in that neighborhood, under known as Corsica, (or Tilghman's) Neck-and exthe name of "Portland Manor Agricultural Club"- cluding from membership any who are not practical and that there is reason to believe that similar assofarmers and living within the specified bounds. It will beyond doubt, be a useful undertaking-drawing together a combination of Agricultural experience, from which not only the members may derive benefit, but by which the interests of our farming community generally may be materially promoted. We wish them success-the Neck produces some of the best practical farmers on this peninsula-and we shall at all times be gratified to note their progress, and give publicity to such matters as may be so directed by them.-Centreville Times. ciations will be formed throughout the lower part of the county, (Anne Arundel). Our correspondent adds: "Most of our members reside in the "Bristol" hundred, and are subscribers to your Farmer. Our objects are two-fold, 1st, Mental Improvement-2dly, The Improvement of Lands, Stock, &c." "I heartily congratulate you on the increasing reputation of your paper, and the good which it is ef THE LEMON TREE. WEST RIVER, June 19th, 1848. To the Editor of the American Farmer. ORNAMENTAL FENCING.-In our August No. of | last year we published a drawing of a Section of the Fence, described in the advertisement of Mr. Coleman, in our advertising pages. We had the oppor. tunity of seeing the machinery in operation, by which it is manufactured, at the late fair held at Washington Hall, in this city, and were highly gratified therewith.-It attracted much attention, and the right to manufacture in this city was sold to a mechanic here, who will no doubt be soon underway with it, and announce the fact to the public. The right for Prince George's, and perhaps other counties was also disposed of. "The peculiar advantages of this fence are, that it takes less lumber than any other kind, will occupy less space upon the ground, is light and open, and not of course affected by high winds, yet it is sufficiently strong to afford ample protection from all species of intruders. We perceive also that it is portable, and capable of being al- ing in my yard, and although they bear fully, yet toI have several plum trees of superior kinds standtered to suit any shaped lot. It affords gates at any ward the time that they should ripen, nearly all of point and of any size, and can be manufactured from them rot on the tree. lumber that cannot be split into rails. It is worthy the earth around them is pretty rich-the fault perThey stand on a grass plat, the attention of all who have ground or land to in-haps, lies in the earth being, as remarked, too rich. If there is a remedy for preventing their rotting, I should feel gratified if I could receive the information. I am, respectfully yours, &c. HENRY MEYERS. close." CARROLL CO. With the names of some new subscribers at Double Pipe Creek, we received the following note: [If any of our horticulturists can give the desired information, they will oblige us by answering the above in time for our next No.-Ed. A. Far.] ROTTING OF PLUMS. York Co., Pa. We suspect the cause of the falling of the fruit arises from the punctures of insects, and would recommend that freshly made ashes be dusted over the trees early in the morning for several days in succession. This operation should be performed while the leaves are still wet with the dew. THE "FARMER" IN VIRGINIA. VIRGINIA, June 19th, 1848. To the Editor of the American Farmer. "I am trying to get others to subscribe for the Farmer, and think that I shall succeed, as there seems a great spirit in the people for improving their Lands, and farming is being more generally attended to than formerly. Lime is much used, and with great advantage to our soil,-we generally apply to corn in the spring, say 50 bushels to the acre, and also on wheat fallow, the same as on corn land;meadows are benefitted by applying 50 bushels per acre, as a top-dressing on the sward. Some few have tried the Guano, but I think it has not done what was expected, and I think also, that it is too I have just received the Prospectus of the Ameridear to use as a general manure; I would prefer can Farmer, and I was pleased to see that you had Lime, Bone-dust, Stable manure, Composts, Plaster, placed my name on your list of Agents for Virginia. Ashes, and plenty of Clover Seed sown, and when in I can assure you the Farmer has no warmer friend, full bloom ploughed in; this course, I think, is suffi- and be assured, Mr. Editor, that no opportunity cient to improve any land. The great secret of shall pass without an effort to advance its interest. farming is, to improve the land in the cheapest man-bers with your old friends and acquaintances; for I may not be so fortunate as to count lists of Subscriner or at the least expense, or the most profitable way I have deep rooted prejudice to deal with. The agriwe can get at it. What would suit one part of our cultors of this neighborhood belong generally to the country would not another. Every one can suit himself, and enjoy his own notions-but all should old school system, to which they cling tenaciously, and it is hard, very hard, to induce them to subscribe to Agricultural Journals-for political papers they have a peculiar fondness; yet I shall do my best to obtain subscribers for the Farmer, and if I fail, I shall have the consolation to know that it was not for the want of effort on my part. If I obtain any more "I take pleasure now in enclosing $3 to cover the subscribers I will forward their names as fast as obamount due your office, and to subscribe for, in ad- tained. There are two Agricultural Journals that vance, another year's continuance of your most val- should be in the hands of every Agricultor in the uable journal. Indeed, I have been for so long a United States, viz.-the American Farmer and the time a reader of the "Farmer," and have been there- Southern Cultivator. I will guaranty that every farby so much benefitted, that I now look upon it as my mer who takes and reads the above named Journals best friend, and, of course, feel interested in its wel will be richly rewarded by the valuable information to fare. For want of a proper currency of the descrip- be found within their pages. It is ever my ardent tion of one dollar bills, it is almost impossible to re-desire to do all I can to advance the cause of Agrimit regularly each annual subscription-hence my delays heretofore: in future, however, I will endeavor to keep ahead with you. My subscription now will reach July, 1849." take the American Farmer." A letter from a gentleman in Mississippi, in remitting his subscription to the American Farmer, remarks: culture, and I do not believe that I can do any thing |