American Institute GOLD MEDAL. Albion Life Insurance Company. LONDON, NEW YORK, AND BALTIMORE. WAS INSTITUTED IN 1805, WITH A CAPITAL OF $5,000,000. Example of Rates of Insurance for $100. HE subscribers-who, at the late Fair of the Maryland Institute, received the first premiums for articles in their line of business, on exhibition-offer for sale a fine assortment of Ladies' and Gentlemen's SADDLES, Coach, Wagon and Cart HARNESS, Bridles, Whips, Collars and Harness, They particularly recommend their Spring Saddles for comfort to the rider and safety to the horses. S. & T. T. HUNT, 167 Baltimore street. THE Implements kept, embrace upwards of FIFTY dif- Trunks, Carpet Bags, Shot and Bird Bags, &c., &c., on terms ferent kinds of Plows, a great variety of Harrows, Cul-fully as cheap as the same quality can be obtained in the city. tivators, Rollers, Seed Sowers, Horse Powers, Grain Cradles. Threshing and Fanning Machines, Mills, Hay Cutters. Corn Shellers, Shovels, Spades, Hoes. Scythes, Rakes, Wagons, Wheels, Carts, Wheelbarrows, Pumps, Rice Threshers and Hullers, Road Scrapers, Axes, Chains, &c. &c. These implements are mostly made up from NEW and HIGHLY IMPROVED patterns, and are warranted to be of the best materials, and Jan1 3m A. G. MOTT, put together in the strongest manner, and of a superior finish. MANUFACTURER OF Horticultural Tools-A complete assortment. Castings, Skeleton Plows, Harrow Teeth, and Iron Work of all kinds done to order in the cheapest and best manner. Steam Engines, Sugar Boilers, Sugar Mills, Saw Mills, Ketules, Cauldrons, &c., for Plantations. Wire Cloth and Sieves-Different kinds and sizes, kept constantly on hand. Seeds for the Field and Garden-Such as Improved Winter and Spring Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Corn, Beans, Peas, Turnip, Cabbage, Beet, Carrot, Parsnip, Clover, and Grass Seeds, improved varieties of Potatoes, &c. &c. These are warranted fresh and superior of their kind. Fertilizers-Peruvian and African Guano, Lime, Plaster of Paris, Bone Dust, &c. &c. Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs-Orders taken for these, and executed from a choice of the best Nurseries, Gardens, and Conservatories in the United States. Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Swine-Orders received for stock of all kinds, to be executed to the best advantage, and shipped in the most careful manner. Agricultural Books-A general and varied assortment of these for sale. Produce on Consignment-All kinds of Agricultural Produce will be received for sale on consignment. A Catalogue of the above Implements, Seeds, &c., of 100 pages, handsomely illustrated with plates, will be forwarded, by mail, when requested. post paid. Subscriptions to the AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST received. Price, $1 per year, for 12 numbers, of 32 pages, each, royal octavo, numerously illustrated and descriptive of the latest improvements on all subjects connected with agricu!ture. Seven volumes now printed, and handsomely bound, at $1.25 each. jan 1-1t. PLOWS, HARROWS, CULTIVATORS, GRAIN CRADLES, WHEAT FANS, CORN SHELLERS CYLIN DRICAL STRAW CUTTERS, &c. &c. Plow Castings, of the New York composition chilled metal, always on hand, and old implements repaired, at No. 38 ENSOR STREET, adjoining the Bel-air Market, Baltimore. Jan1 CONTENTS OF THE JANUARY NO. Work on the Farm T. Johnson on Renovation 201 To our Patrons R. S. W. on Agr. Economy 203 Large yields of Corn ments W. M. Chamberlain on W. H. Ross on the use of Ashes A Subscriber on the Osage W., of Mt. Airy, on the same Wm. Reed's plan of a Mud 208 66 66 66 St. Mary's Agr. Society 208 A good sign in Caroline The late Cattle Show-proffered liberality of John Glenn, Esq. 219 Marsh Mud, how to mansge" 210 Shell Marl 66 210 Supply of Wool "On the application of Guano " Sales of fine stock 66 211 Correction in notice of Col. Ware's Sheep 212 F. P. Blair's farm, notice of " The Calvert Premium Changig of bearing years 212 Report on farms in P. Geo's " Queen Ann's Co. farms, 228 of Apple trees 213 Meteorological Table Saussage Stuffer (cut) "Work in the Garden Cylin. Straw Cutter (cut) 214 Oranges in Charles Co. Oyster Shell and Stone lime" Page's Wind Mill, (cut) Mt. Airy Agr. Institute 215 Horticultural Tool chest, Worthy of imitation (cut) Selling Corn on the Cob "Work among Flowers Notice Ag. Addresses 213, 215 Markets, &c. Resolution of State Soc. 216 AMERICAN FARMER. SPIRIT OF THE AGRICULTURAL JOURNALS OF THE DAY. Vol. IV. "O FORTUNATOS NIMIUM SUA SI BONA NORINT BALTIMORE, FEBRUARY, 1849. WORK FOR THE MONTH. Before we enter upon the details of the work for this month, we shall make a few remarks upon the WANTS AND RIGHTS OF AGRICULTURE. There is no intelligent agriculturist but will admit that the Science of Agriculture stands in need of the lights of instruction, and that as the whole frame work of society is sustained by the labors and products of the farmer and planter, they have irresistibly strong claims to the fostering care of governments, both State and National; and that as all other classes have been protected by the proper authorities, it is but fair that the agricultural class, who form eight-tenths of the entire population of the country, and sustains every other, are equally entitled to receive a share of the benefactions of government. There are, perhaps, in the United States, seven or eight of the State governments who annually appropriate certain amounts of money in aid of their respective Agricultural Scieties; but these appropriations, from the very nature of things, are calculated to cover, but to a very limited amount, the real wants of the husbandmen of the country: they aid the Societies in their award of premiums, and, to that extent, serve to excite a laudable spirit of emulation, and to keep alive an ambition and rivalry well calculated to make agricultors enegetic and enterprising. But, say what we may of these State allowances, they do not meet the real wants of the rural population of our country; nor can it be expected that State authorities can make such grants as will be sufficient for the purpose. Indulging in the belief expressed above, we hold it that it is especially proper for every Agricultural Society and Club in the country to get up memorials, and forward them to Congress, asking that appropriations of the public lands be made to the several States, according to their respective populations, sufficient to establish Agricultural Institutes in each of the Congressional Districts in the country. At these ostitutes the art and science of Agriculture should No. 8. be taught, practically, as well as theoretically. Therefore, the grants of land should not only be sufficient to establish, but to sustain the Institutes after they may be established, throughout all time to come. The Public lands being the common property of all the States, no possible objection could be raised against such a disposition of the required portions of them, as the people of each of the States would equally share in the benefits to flow from the suggested measure. We throw out these brief remarks in the hope that the Executive officers of Agricultural Societies will feel themselves called upon to go to work promptly. Every thing must have a beginning; and the sooner the better is it that a good measure shall be begun. Should the memorials meet with the cold shoulders of the Congressmen at first, that must not discourage future efforts, as it is within the power of human perseverance to overcome all obstacles, however great they may be; and especially is such the case when that perseverance is directed to the achievement of a noble and generous purpose. It should be borne in mind, that as the Representatives in Congress are elective, their repugnance can be overcome through a resort to the ballot box; and if this resort be not adopted by the agricultural classes, they will prove not only craven of spirit, but recreant to that duty which they owe themselves and offspring. They possess the power to enforce compliance with their just demands, and they must fearlessly use it. Manure making.-No effort within your power should be omitted to add to the quantity of your manure; and you should be equally careful to preserve its quality from deterioration. It is useless to expect good corn or root crops, unless the land is well manured. Therefore, we repeat our admonition-increase your stock of manures. The sources whence you may draw the materials, it is scarcely necessary to point them out; but we will say that any thing which will rot, is an element of manure. Pastures. If you have any pastures, strew over each acre of them, as early this month as possible, a bushel of plaster. If you have ashes to spare, broadcast two bushels over each acre, also. If you have neither plaster nor ashes, spread five bushels of lime on each acre. Either of these substances will encourage the growth of grass, and increase your depasturing resources a hundred fold. Winter Ploughing.-—As this is the last winter month, if you have any stiff clays that you intend for spring crops, you must use all your energy in ploughing them up; by so doing, you will save time and improve the texture of your land, provided you do not plough it when wet. Clover-leys. If you have a clover-ley that you intend to put in corn, we would advise you to sow on each acre of it, after ploughing, rolling and harrowing, 2 bushels of salt. Such application will not only give a quietus to the myriads of worms who congregate in such places, but will prove a valuable manure for your corn. Fencing. Have you cut and got out all the timber you may need for fencing? If not, let us tell you that you have no time to lose, and should go to work at once and make up for lost time. Without good and substantial fences, your crops are always in danger from your own as well as your neighbors' stock; interest, then, as well as pride, should spur you on to complete this work. straw should be put in the nests, and the house itself white-washed inside and out. Milch Cows.-This and the ensuing month are trying ones; therefore, increase your attentions to your milch cows; see that they have plenty of long and slop food; and, while you are thus discharging an imperative duty to these generous creatures, make up your mind to put in a few acres of roots, next spring, for food for them next winter. In-Calf Cows.-These will require to be well attended to. Working animals, of all kinds, should be cared for this month with redoubled attention. They should be well fed, regularly curried and rubbed down, watered thrice a day, and receive allowances of a mixture of equal parts of ashes, lime and salt, twice a week. Sheep.-Be careful of these animals; feed them regularly thrice a day; water them as often, and keep a mixture of salt and tar always before them, in a trough, under cover. Let their shed be dry and well littered. Salling of Stock generally.-A mixture of salt, ashes and oyster shell lime, in equal parts, should always be kept on hand, and each head of horses, mules, oxen and cows, young and old, should receive one ounce at a time, twice or thrice a week. Oyster shell lime is preferable to stone lime, because it contains about two per cent of bone earth, a substance essential to keep up the wear and tear of the bones of the animals. Tobacco Beds.-See to the burning and preparation of these, preparatory to sowing the seed. Farming Implements and Tools.—Have you an ample Fences. See that all the briars, brambles and shrubbery are cut up from the sides of your fences. The stranger who passes by your farm who beholds no nuisances of the kind, will, very justly, conclude that you are a neat and notable husbandman; whereas, if he sees your whole line of fence thus encum-stock on hand: if not, purchase those needed, and bered, he will draw a conclusion the very opposite. Implements of Husbandry, Tools, Carts, Wagons, &c. -Examine every thing of this kind with care, YOURSELF, and have all that need it instantly repaired, so that they may be ready at a moment's warning. By attention to this, now, you will save yourself from waste of time and vexation of spirit next month. Every farmer should, at all times, have his tools and implements in good order: an omission to do so, is a neglect as wilful as it is unpardonable. If the master is neglectful of his duty, his hands are very apt to follow his example—much more so than if the example were a good one. Fire Wood.-Have you wood enough piled up, convenient to your dwelling and quarters, to last you till next November. If not, see, and that quickly, that a sufficient quantity is felled, hauled in, and piled up. be sure to get them of the best and most approved kinds. It is folly to attempt to farm without a good supply, and just as bad to keep them in bad repair. No man should make his calculation to make up his deficiency in implements by borrowing from his neighbors. While every farmer should take pleasure in lending to his neighbor, when required so to do, all should consider it their duty to provide themselves so fully, as never to be compelled, except by accident, to be a borrower. Good implements, and plenty of them, are essentials in good farming. Post Timber.-As timber for posts are getting scarce, we would advise all who may be short of such timber on their farms, to sow yellow locust seed next spring. If they do so, the plants will be fit to set out the succeeding one, and in twelve years they will be large enough for posts. The best way to prepare the seed, is to pour hot water over them, and let them Barns, Stables and Out-houses.-Have these cleaned remain in the soak 48 hours. The seed should be and white-washed. Poultry and Poultry Houses.-Your poultry should be well fed this month-provided with lime or old mortar and sand. Your poultry houses should be thoroughly cleansed, nests and other fixtures; new sown in deep loamy ground, which should be ma nured well, deeply ploughed and harrowed; then make drills two feet apart, 2 inches deep; drill the seed in about 4 inches asunder, cover up and press down the earth with the back of a shovel or hoe, When the plants come up, keep them clean of weeds and grass until, from their size, the plants shade the ground and prevent the growth of all intruders. A very few acres set in yellow locusts, would keep even a large size farm in posts, which, when thus occupied, would be permanent; therefore, let no farmer in need of posts, fail to sow the seed. If he bas to wait a few years, he waits with a certainty. ADDRESS | cesses of trade, there are scarcely any which are not included among the products of the soil. The accumulation of wealth as a means of happiness, is the culture is the principal source of wealth, and of the chief object of every business pursuit; and as agrisupport of the human race, it may emphatically be termed the great business of life. The manufacturer, the merchant, the members of the learned professions, are equally dependent on the products of the soil for their support; and a failure of any of the great agricultural staples, entails the horrors of famine upon some, whilst, to others, it brings the evils of commercial ruin and distress. It is not ON THE PRESENT CONDITION OF AGRI-merely, therefore, our individual happiness, which CULTURE IN MARYLAND, AND THE BEST MEANS FOR ITS BY GEN. T. TILGHMAN, OF TALBOT COUNTY. is dependent on the success of our business. Its consequences are far more extensive; and in proportion to their importance, is the obligation which is imposed on us, to exert our energies in its prosecution. We have no right to consider the profession in which we are engaged, as merely an agreeable For several years I have promised myself the recreation; one which may be taken up and laid gratification of attending your annual Fair, as an down at will; and without regard to any other conhumble spectator; and as I have perused the suc-sideration, than our individual pleasure or advan cessive accounts of your proceedings, I have felt an increased desire to witness them. tage. He who has been placed by Providence in charge of a farm and a family, has a high and reNotwithstanding, however, the obligation imposed sponsible duty to perform. He has to see that the on me to visit you on the present occasion, by your five or the ten talents which he has received, have equally kind and unexpected invitation to participate become as many other talents; that that portion in your proceedings, I should have asked to be ex- of the territory of the republic entrusted to his care, cused from a compliance with your request, if I had has suffered no detriment, and that the welfare of all felt at liberty to consult my own feelings, without those who are dependent on him for their comfort regard to any other considerations. But when I re- and. happiness, has been properly attended to, and collected the generous rivalry which exists between provided for. More especially is this the case with our respective counties, in the great race of agricul- us, farmers of Maryland, where, not only the anitural improvement; when I remembered the mag-mals which we use belong to us, and are entirely denanimity which has been so often displayed by the pendent on our protection; but where the largest gentlemen of Prince George's in their intercourse portion of laborers, are not of our own condition; but with their fellow citizens of the other counties, I "of the children of the stranger that do sojourn in could but regard your invitation as a courtesy ex- our land; of those of whom it was expressly said, tended to that section of the State in which it is my" of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are good fortune to reside, rather than a personal compliment to myself; and, as such, I felt bound to acknowledge it in person. I have come among you as a brother agriculturist, to lend my feeble aid to the many noble efforts, the results of which have adorned your exhibition; relying on your indulgence for any deficiencies you may discover, in the performance of the duty you have been pleased to assign me. I am a plain farmer, unskilled" in the graces of oratory, and unaccustomed to cull the flowers of rhetoric; but enthusiastically devoted to the culture of those natural flowers, whose graceful symmetry, delicate tints, and refined perfumes, render them the most appropriate ornaments for the still fairer specimens of nature's handiwork, by whose presence we are now honored; whose charms, can "throw a perfume on the violet," and of whose favors, the soldier, the statesman, and the farmer are all equally ambitious. The profession to which we belong requires no effort of mine to elevate its dignity or magnify its importance. The most ancient employment of man, it has always been regarded as the most honorable occupation of the human race. We are the practical chemists of the Universe. With the earth for our crucible, and the broad expanse of the Heavens for our laboratory, all the phenomena of nature are the subjects of our investigations. The products of the earth are the principal sources of wealth, and of those products the agricultural form by far the largest portion. Of all the materials which are used as articles of food and raiment, and in the various pro among you, which they begat in your land; and they shall be your possession; and they shall be your bondmen forever." When these various duties are faithfully performed, there is indeed no higher gratification than that experienced by the head of a family, derived from the consciousness of having contributed his share, not only to the support of the community of which he is a member, but to the comfort and happiness of those who are dependant on his care. I propose, on this occasion, to examine briefly, into our present condition as an agricultural community, compared with that which existed in former years; and to endeavor to ascertain in what respects it is most in need of amendment, and what are the most appropriate remedies for its relief. In reference to the first branch of the enquiry, no doubt whatsoever can exist. The specimens of ag ricultural and mechanical skill which have been collected here, afford the most satisfactory evidence, that the spirit of improvement has been aroused amongst us. There is no more unerring indication of an improved condition of agriculture, than the success of such exhibitions, where they are dependent, in a great degree, upon the voluntary support of the community for the means of defraying the expenses. The flourishing condition of agriculture in Great Britain, as compared with the most other parts of Europe, and in the State of Massachusetts and New York in our own country, are sufficient proofs of the correctness of this position. It may be supposed by some, however, that I have mistaken the effect for the cause; and that the pros fences' or the live enclosure, which has sprung up, Phoenix-like from its ruins. The road itself is not in such condition as to entitle it to be adopted as a model for Pennsylvania avenue, and the bridges seem intended to remind him, that, with all our lus. urious habits, we do not always travel upon velvet. He reaches the gate of entrance to the farm, and here he is indeed perplexed; for it is no easy matter to decide, whether it is better calculated to let him in or keep him out; and to determine which of the various wooden fastenings is intended for the latch, and which for the hinges, is a task which he does not always succeed in accomplishing to his entire satis perous state of agriculture in the locations above alluded to, is owing to the interest which these exhibitions have excited. To a certain extent, the view is undoubtedly correct; and I avail myself with pleasure, of the opportunity here afforded, to bear testimony to the valuable services of those pioneers in our agricultural improvement, who thirty years ago engaged in the formation of a State agricultural society, with branches in several of the counties; a movement, which undoubtedly gave the first impetus to agriculture in Maryland; and to which we are indebted in no small degree for the present improved condition of the farming interest in our State. Nor should we ever forget the aid we have deriv-faction. At length he forces his way in; and the far ed from that veteran journal, the American Farmer; which, commencing at the period above mentioned, has continued to the present time; and is now conducted with renewed vigor and ability, by the present enterprising incumbent of its editorial chair; on whom I can bestow no higher praise than to say, that he is a worthy successor of its distinguished founder, the present editor of that able advocate of our domestic interests, the Plough, the Loom and the Anvil. ther he advances the more his wonder is increased. The ditches are as well filled with a luxuriant growth of grass, as if they had been intended pur posely for its cultivation; and the ditch banks are constructed on the most approved principles to pre vent the admission of the water into them. The fields are studded with a growth of wild flow. ers; the thistle, the wild carrot and the St. John's wort, which for beauty and luxuriance might vie with the productions of the rich prairies of the West, These societies aroused the spirit of improvement; and the tempting fruit of the dewberry, affords him but its progress, though sure, was unavoidably grad- ample assurance, that he has at length arrived at the ual, and the exbibitions were successively abandon- precincts of the land of plenty. He sees some ob ed for want of sufficient support. Several unsuc-ject approaching slowly in the distance, which he cessful attempts to renew them have been made at would never have suspected of being intended for a various times; especially in Dorchester, Baltimore, farming team, until he finds upon a nearer inspecand Talbot counties; but to Prince George's, which tion, that, what he had supposed to be yearlings, had been the pioneer of the period above alluded to, have really a few rings on their horns; and that the belongs also the honor of having made the first suc- musical machine to which they are attached, was cessful attempt, to re-establish on a permanent basis actually designed for a cart. I will not attempt a these exhibitions, of which the present is the eighth description of the individual who is the presiding in regular rotation, which has been held within her genius of such a team; who "whistles as he goes for limits. The fairs of the Montgomery and Talbot so- want of thought", or lightens the labor of his daily cicties in 1846, were the next in order; and the lat-task, by practising those strains of exquisite har ter were established for a period of ten years from their commencement, under the joint auspices of the two societies now existing in that county. The present year has witnessed the gratifying spectacle, of the appointment of a State Agricultural Chemist by the Legislature; the formation of a State Institute for the promotion of the Mechanic Arts, similar to the National Institute in New York, and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia; and also, of a State Agricultural Society. For the establishment of the latter Institute, we are chiefly indebted to a citizen of Prince George's county, the Hon Charles B. Calvert, whose superior qualifications and successful enterprise, richly entitle him to the honor of being its first President. I now come to the second branch of the enquiry, viz: in what respects is our agriculture in need of farther improvement, and what are the best remedies for this purpose. If the display of superior productions, exhibited at our Fairs, were a criterion of the flourishing state of agriculture throughout the communities in which they are held; if the improved condition of particular farms, which are to be found in almost every county in this State, afforded an indication of the general improvement which had taken place, our condition would indeed be an enviable one. Unfortunately, however, such is not the case. The traveller who visits the interior of our State, either for recreation, or in search of a desira. ble location, too often finds the view of our fields obstructed by a luxuriant growth of nondescripts upon our fence rows, leaving him in doubt as to which is to be regarded as the principal enclosure, the skeleton which marks the place where once there was a mony, with which "when stars are in the quiet skies," he woos the dusky object of his love. He approaches the mansion, (for the farm yard with its picturesque collection of out-buildings is, as a gener al rule, carefully concealed from view,) and here he is sure to receive a warm welcome. The trees which were intended for a stately avenue, if they had not been planted rather too late in the season, and cultivated rather too assiduously by the cattle, do not offer much obstruction to the view of his ap proach, and as soon as he "heaves in sight," all the sentinels that guard the castle are turned out, and Tray, Blanche and Sweetheart, vie with each other in displaying the varied accomplishments of a thor. ough-bred and thoroughly unbroken cur dog. It is unnecessary to detain you with a description of the various objects of interest or curiosity, which attract the attention of the traveller and obstruct his path. The broken plows, the wheels which once were new, the wood pile with its battered axe, and mingled mass of chips and house sweepings, the bones and broken bottles, the fragments of departed earthenware, the abandoned household utensils, and all the various relics of departed usefulness: The half starved sow, whose lean and squealing pigs, But I must reign in my poetical Pegasus, lest in his gambols, he should trample on some of these interesting creatures; for I would not have my fair hearers to suppose, that I have a heart insensible to others' woes; or one which does not throb with the |