North and the South and the West that it is their in-tained as the sheet-anchor of safety, swamps will terest also to use the public moneys in this way? will be drained, and the uplands enriched by a judicious the farmers of once-poverty-stricken Montgomery application of manures. Poverty has hitherto comadmit that they require favors? Let the improve-pelled slaveholders to rid themselves of property ments everywhere apparent speak for themselves: which was unprofitable, but the good time is compublic spirit is the best guaranty of success; without it, all is vanity. ing" when both bond and free will rejoice in a common prosperity, if fanaticism be frowned down efOur enthusiastic friend, the editor of the Plough, fectually and forever. Some well-wishers propose the Loom, and the Anvil in every number reiterates sheep-husbandry, a greater diversity of crops, the the necessity of bringing those excellent instruments raising of cattle, &c.-all in good time, gentlemen of of industry along-side of each other. "Nature," he the North; we do not wish to give up your hay and very properly remarks, "if left alone will place the pork, your iron-ware and other sundries at once, alloom and the anvil near to the plough as naturally as though you press us so strongly and disinterestedly she places the country mill near to the corn-house." to do so, and even call us blockheads in the bargain Very true, we accordingly find in almost every vil- for not doing so. The fluctuations of English policy lage of the South a blacksmith's forge, and in very are not likely to interfere with the establishment of many families a loom for home-spun apparel; but a such branches of manufacture as can maintain themsteam-factory for making fine cottons and broad-selves under the protection of just laws-but, if they cloth, or a water-power for driving heavy machinery are not so easily brought just where we could wish them; so "if the mountain won't come to us, why not go to the mountain," as Mahomet recommended. It seems that some of" man's inventions" are absolutely necessary to bring them into juxtaposition, except in those localities where work requiring a large capital and surplus population may be advantageously undertaken to place them elsewhere is to do violence to the laws of trade, and which should be based on the laws of nature, or the aptness of things. : The story runs that king Henry the Fourth of France, in the plenitude of his bounteous disposition, once delivered himself thus,-"he wished every head of a family in his dominions should have a fat hen, with sundry fixings in his pot on feast days." He, however, never attempted to superintend the operation personally or by proxy, but promoted those great national objects which he knew would sooner or later produce that desirable result. Now, I doubt not but that every honest farmer, be he of high or low degree, will co-operate with others to render the population in his neighborhood thrifty and numerous; he will also encourage, as far as in him lies, every branch of industry, but not by improper or unconstitutional means, not by partial legislation, not by over taxing others so as to lighten his own taxes. Here is the great mistake. Because we wish to adopt some feasible and unobjectionable remedy, some sure process of recovery, we are supposed to be lukewarm to the best interests of agriculture, and less capable of promoting the general welfare. The tide is certainly rolling strongly against us just now, and threatens to overwhelm the friends of free trade, unless the West comes to the rescue, and the South be true to herself. We have a presentiment that capitalists at the North will soon discover, under the operation of fair play, openings for doing a profitable business at the South. With our present tolerably fair tariff of prices, a tariff which is likely to last the longer, the nearer it approaches perfect fairness, cotton may be manufactured more closely the spot where it grew; machinery, which does the head work of the process, may probably enlist slave hands to convert wool into cloth, or iron ore into bars of the pure metal. Railroads, canals, mining associations, &c. are advocated by the authorities and the public voice, in order to render the South as independent as possible of foreign countries and of the North, or the Southern States themselves of each other; without, however, compromising those tenets of political faith which have been steadfastly maintained and will be main. require unjust laws for their support, let them die the death of the unrighteous. Free trade, now likely to become universal among civilized nations, is but a measure of resistance against a great wrong on the part of those who gain their daily bread by the sweat of their brow. It may be decried by master manufacturers, or the proprietors of mining lands, or capitalists everywhere; it may be discountenanced in some Southern cities by leading merchants who can command bank facilities; or even by some of our own profession, large landholders, whose interests may be thought to square with monopolies of every kind; but the laboring class will instinctively right themselves at last. R. S. W. Washington County, D. C. CULTURE OF GRAIN IN ENGLAND AND NECESSITY FOR CHANGE OF SEED. BALTIMORE, February 8, 1849. To the Editor of the American Farmer. SIR-In my last letter I stated that I would give you an account of the different seeds and farm stocking of cattle, &c., used by the best practical farmers in the North of England and Scotland, with the dif ferent systems of raising them-and shall commence. with seeds, as they are indispensable in keeping a farm in good order. I shall therefore begin with the different kinds of grain. 1st. Wheat.-Wheat is the grain upon which all farmers look as the most valuable, and value land according as they think it will bear or produce that grain. In this genus there are many species; but I shall class them in two, viz: the white and the red. The former, in general, is the favorite, though many farmers hold out that the latter is the hardiest, not being so liable to be infected with smut or rust as the former. The ground is prepared in the same manher for either kind, and they are sown at the same season of the year-commencing in the month of August, and at all times until the month of March, whenever the weather will admit, and the land so dry that the harrows will drag the earth, so that the prints of the horses' feet will be filled up. As I mentioned formerly, the land for winter wheat is never harrowed fine or rolled before winter. The wheat that is sown in January, February, and beginning of March, is called Spring wheat, on account of the time of its being 30wn, though, very often, it is the very same kind as has been sown all the season. It is always a week or two later in ripening than that sown earlier, but if this produce is kept MAY.-1849. and sown progressively for three years it will ripen | almost as early as the produce of the other. for the horses in the depth of winter, and where it Barley is sown to a great extent. There are two All practical farmers take particular care never to sow the same produce more than four years at the most; for this purpose they get a few bushels of fresh seed. This is sown in order that its produce may be sufficient to supply the farm with seed the next season, and the produce of each season for the two following seasons after. Thus, the four sowings made. finish this seed, and then another change This change by the farmer buying or changing a few bushels with a brother farmer who farms land at some distance, (say 50 miles) of a very different quality, and also of climate, if possible-thus, if the farmer who wants to get a change of seed has a farm of a sandy loam and low or level ground, he tries to get seed from a strong clay soil and of an elevated situation, and vice versa, on all exchanges. In that part of the British Islands, every scheme had been tried to prevent smut in wheat, but all had failed to a certain extent;-and as I see that this disease is treated of, in your valuable work, with cures for the same, but not having perceived the one that had been found to be the best in that quarter taken notice of, I shall now state it to you. It is strong chamberley. In order that this may have proper effect, it ought to be collected weeks before it is intended to be used, and put in a large cask or hogshead, with its When the wheat end out, in the barn or out-house. is to be sown, on the day before, or same morning, Oats are of different species. The two most comput a few buckets full of this chamber-ley into a tub or such other vessel-then put a bushel or two of the monly sown are the Potato and Poland, yet in many wheat intended to be sown into the chamber-ley-places or farms in elevated sections of the country, stir it about, so that all the light grains, &c. will the others, such as the Common, Tartarian, &c. are swim on the top. Skim these off, and when this is sown; these last are preferred for feeding horses done, take the wheat out of the tub with a sieve, in used on the road in stages and other carriages, as order that the liquid may not be lost-lay the wheat well as for common hack horses, hunting and racers, on the floor, at the same time air slacked lime should because their being less meal in them than in the two be sifted upon it, turning the wheat repeatedly and first mentioned species, do not purge these horses sifting the lime upon it, until the wheat is complete- so much when put to severe exercise, as do the ly dry, which is easily known; for when it is so, others; the Potato kind are always used for making into every grain is by itself in a hard coat of lime, which meal for bread and hasty pudding or porridge in the will remain upon it until vegetation takes place. I North of England, Scotland and Ireland, on have kept wheat six weeks after it was treated in the count of their containing more meal than any other. above manner, before it was sown, and no difference I may also add, that when oats, of whatever species, It is therefore as necould be seen in the spring between this and what are repeatedly sown on the same farm they degenerate into the common kind. was sown the day it was limed, &c. cessary to change them as it is to change wheat. In I expected to have the kind 1837, I got two bushels of potato oats sent from the Alas! to my vexation, in the Banks of the Tweed. in a complete state. fifth year they had become completely degenerated. I also got some very fine looking potato oats from I shall take no notice of the quantity of seed sown the Alleghany mountains, and in three years they or the produce upon an acre here or there, as both were also gone. It was in the low lands of Virginia, depend upon the quality of land. One thing, how. where these oats were sown,-therefore, I feel conever, I shall say that I prefer the system of cutting vinced that although the potato oat will keep in prime their wheat as soon as it is completely out of the condition in a very elevated situation, they will soon milky state, and let it harden in the sheaf. It is ful-run back if repeatedly sown in a contrary or warm ly known that all kinds of grain ripen from the top downwards therefore, as soon as the straw has got into a yellow hue or golden color, only a few inches from the head it ought to be cut, for several reaIf you think it would be of any service to your sons,-1st, the grain will measure and weigh more per bushel than if it had remained uncut until the publication, I shall next month give you a few lines straw was ripe to the bottom-2d, the flour will be upon the seeds used for green crops in that quarter whiter, and of a much better quality, than if allowed of the United Kingdom, and the general system of to remain standing until shrivelled up by the sun-cultivating them, before I say anything respecting 3d, there will not be the one-third lost in handling, the stocking raised on the farms. In regard to the rust, no preventive can be found against it, as it depends altogether on the weather. In warm and foggy weather it will attack the straw after it has been cut, therefore when it takes place when the grain is in the milky state nothing can save it. which must be the case when left standing-and 4th, its juice standing in it, it makes excellent provender ac climate. I may add, in conclusion, that every farmer will find his advantage in repeatedly changing the seeds of the different kinds of grain he sows upon his farm no matter of what kind. I am, dear sir, Yours sincerely, THOM. JOHNSON. 1 TRAPPE, Talbot County, Md. To the Editor of the American Farmer. DEAR SIR: Having just finished the perusal of the February No. of your valuable journal, from "cover to cover," I very naturally feel desirous of returning to you my heartfelt thanks for the enjoyment and instruction therein afforded me. The able address of GEN. TENCH TILGHMAN is "the feature" of the last No. of the invaluable "Farmer." No one can read the strong practical address of the General without believing with the talented author, that it is much better to cultivate well a small farm than to waste one's labor and means upon a large place-a fact that I have understood that Gen. Tilghman has proven by his own experience, having (if I mistake not) divided his large plantation into three distinct farms, and being, at this time, actually in receipt, yearly, off of onethird the original place, as much as the whole estate formerly yielded, thus making the place support three families instead of one, besides, no doubt, affording to the present farmers a considerable annual surplus. This fact proves that Gen. T.'s talents have made him a benefactor; for "if honor is due to him who makes two blades of grass grow on the spot that formerly produced but one," how much more honor is in reserve for HIм who has made the same spot support "three families" when it before supported but one? At such a school, the sons of the rich and the poo man could meet upon equal terms. All are preparing to make themselves scientific and practical farmers the first to be accomplished by study, and the latter by WORK. And another consideration for the poor man would be, that the work performed by his sons, besides gaining for them practical knowledge, to be gained by no other means, it would go towards lessening the expenses of their education. Schools, similar to the one I have suggested above, have already been successfully established in different parts of the country. As yet I have not been enabled to examine in detail the different plans on which they depend for the support of the public. Hereafter, I shall make myself familiar with all of the most successful, provided this communication meets with encouragement. That there are several high-minded, public-spirited gentlemen in this neighborhood who would highly approve of the above scheme, I have not a doubt; and it is by such generous aid we must look to for the establishment in our midst of such a convenience to the rich man, and blessing to the poor one. It would be highly gratifying to the writer if you would give the above suggestion the benefit of your powerful pen. In your MARCH No. I hope to see that you are clearly converted to the plan, until which time I dismiss the subject. "Honor to whom honor is due," is quite a just as well as an equally common quotation. And, in looking around me at the great improvement of this There are many other articles in the number neighborhood, I know of no one who is entitled more alluded to that deserve particular notice; but, inas-justly to honor and esteem than Mr. -, an inmuch as they speak for themselves, it is unnecessary dependent and excellent farmer of this county, a son for me to here refer to them, as my object in writing of one of the old families of the county. Mr. is upon quite a different subject, which I have for is residing in a district called BOLINGBROKE, the land some time desired to bring, in a proper manner, be- of which district has been generally bought up by fore yourself and readers. him; and, owing to his great liberality to tenants, in encouraging them to spread manure, the land, which was formerly remarkably poor, is fast getting enriched, and the population in a proportionable manner acquiring "the goods of this world." Mr. has also, very recently, as I am informed, purchased a STEAM BOAT, in company with one or two other gentlemen, which they intend to run as a passenger and market boat, between the different landings on the Choptank river, and the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia, thus, as the accomplished and talented Mr. Skinner says, in effect bringing together "The Plough, the Loom and the Anvil." You are well aware that, notwithstanding the enlightened views of the population of this shore, that certain prejudices have long existed against "Manual Labor," particularly that labor which is so necessary in carrying on the farm. This prejudice (for a mere prejudice it is) is one of the great drawbacks that still exist here, even amidst the great improvements that, for the last few years, have so materially changed the face of this lovely section of country. Now, how is this to be remedied, and a healthy reaction be made to take place? Must we not commence at the very root of the evil? And are there not patriotic men hereabout who will assist us to eradicate this deplorable evil-men who believe that labor is of itself honorable, and the labor of the farmer most honorable of all. Now, my dear sir, how shall we commence the work of reform. Will not the establishment of an "Agricultural School," upon one of the desirable farms of this county a school at which a light and profitable "manual labor" shall be indiscriminately required from all the students-tend, in a great measure, to correct the evil, and, at the same time, by teaching the usual higher branches of a first class education, together with "Agricultural Chemistry," the "practical management of the farm," "Vegetable Physiology," "Geology," &c. &c., furnish for the farmers of the rising generation scientific men, acquainted with farming in all its details? Would not the land. holder, when he has land to rent, prefer to rent to such men? Aye! if he has it to sell, will he not rather sell it to the man whose SCIENTIFIC ACQUIREMENTS are such as to do honor to a most honorable and profitable profession. This last enterprise will be of incalculable advantage to the farmers of the Choptank and its vicinity, as it will furnish, at once, a market for the more profitable and perishable products of their farms. I sincerely hope that the enterprizing owners may more than realize all their expectations. Mr. -'s enterprize knows no bounds. Besides being largely engaged in agriculture, boat building, &c., thus furnishing work for the "bone and sinew," he has, on his homestead, an excellent "steam saw mill," in full operation. To how much more advantage does the above gentleman live, both to himself and his neighbors, than if he hoarded up his means in the safes of a bank, or invested it in poor lands, which he permitted to remain so. Yours, E. F. R. Fragrant Odor for Sick Rooms.-A few drops of oil of sandal-wood, which though not in general use, may be easily obtained, when dropped on a hot shovel, will diffuse a most agreeable balsamic perfume throughout the atmosphere of sick-rooms, &c. MAY-1849. HET AMERICAN FARMER. CULTIVATION OF THE SWEET POTATO. New Town, March 7th, 1849. very dry seasons the sprout or plant must be water- The Editor of the American Farmer has been fur- CURE FOR BONE SPAVIN.-Take oil of amber, oil Turpoth mineral as will lay on a five penny bit, make AMOS GORE. To the Editor of the American Farmer. Mr. Editor,-The mode of cultivating the Sweet Potato, as practised in the districts where they are grown to the greatest perfection, and to profit, I have never seen published, and as I have recently learned from a very intelligent gentleman of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, their system of cultivating the potato, I have no doubt but many of your readers would like to know the secret of their suc cess, with this favorite root, 1 therefore give you the information. The sweet potato is grown upon all soils sufficiently dry, but a clay and sandy loam, with a clay subsoil, is preferred. In the fall of the year and during the winter season, the leaves and vegetable mould of the woods, is carted on the field, sufficiently thick to cover the field, from 2 to 3 inches with woods litter. In the spring it is spread and ploughed in, and those who have lime, give the land a slight dressing, but this is not generally done. The land is ploughed very shallow, from 2 to 3 inches deep, only deep enough to form the hill mixIt is found from many ed with the woods litter. years experience, that the potato yields more marketable potatoes when the ground is hard under the hill. If the land is pulverized to a great depth, the potato root penetrates the earth, and forms a long slim potato unfit for the market, whereas, if the ground is hard under the hill, the root grows to the hard ground, and there stops; the potato then grows in circumference, which gives it sufficient size to make it sell with the larger potatoes. The potatoes are grown from the sprouts, being more profitable to the producer and better for the table; they are more regular in shape and size, than the potato grown from the slip or seed potato. From the 15th of March to the 15th of April, depending on the season and latitude, is the proper time to prepare the hot bed, for sprouting the seed. The hot bed is prepared either with fresh stable manure mixed with straw, or with straw or hay alone, by placing the hot bed in some warm situation, making it from 2 to 3 feet deep with manure or straw, packing it close and moistening it with water, to produce a slow fermentation, it is then covered with rich earth from 2 to 3 inches, the potato seed is regularly placed on Having turned his attention to the subject of raisthe bed, so as not to touch, and is then covered with rich earth to the depth of 2 inches. If the weathering and curing tea, and the nature of climate and soil is cold, bushes either pine or cedar are procured, to cover the bed, taking them off in favorable weather. When the sprouts are from 4 to 5 inches long, enough of the field is ploughed or harrowed the sec. ond time, to plant all sprouts of suitable size. It is thrown into ridges about 2 feet apart and crossed the same distance with the plough, making about 6900 hills to the acre; the hoe follows the plough, making a small hill; a hole is made in each hill with the corner of the hoe, to prepare for planting. If the weather is very dry, water is poured into the hill, and one sprout is put in each hill, the hill not As the much larger than a half bushel measure. sprouts appear of sufficient size, the hills are made to receive them, and the planting continues until the field is planted. It is more favorable if the season is too dry than too wet, both for setting out the sprout and the growth of the potato; the most favorable time for setting out the sprouts is just before or after a shower of rain; in moderately dry seasons some dip the sprout in water mixed with earth, so that a portion of wet earth adheres to the sprout; in 'telligencer. CULTURE OF TEA IN THE UNITED STATES.-An attempt is about to be made on an extensive scale to raise, or to grow, tea in this country. For this purpose an importation of tea plants arrived a few days since in this city. They are about five hundred in number, and they are generally from one to two feet in height. The gentleman who is engaged in this enterprise is Mr. Junius Smith, a native of the State of Connecticut, but a resident for many years in London, where he was largely engaged in trade and He was one of the early and efficient commerce. advocates of the practicability of navigating the ocean by steam, and did much in England towards forwarding that enterprise. adapted to that plant, he thinks there is no reason THE AMERICAN FARMER. THE AMERICAN FARMER. BALTIMORE: MAY 1, 1849. TERMS OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. $1 per annum, in advance; 6 copies for $5; 12 copies for VOL. IV-NO. 11 Mimosa Seed.-We are indeeted to Mrs. Dr. Thomas for an additional supply of the seed of the beautiful Mimosa, for distribution. Glass Milk Pans.-Messrs. Edwards & Stevenson, Merchants of this city, have placed in the State Agricultural Society's Hall, a pair of Glass Milk Pans, made by Deming Jarvis, country-they are 14 inches in diameter, and the glass about of Boston, and are believed to be the first manufactured in this of an inch thick. highly spoken of, as being used in the dairies on the Continent We have seen glass milk pans highly of Europe-and we should suppose they would be found admirably suited for the purpose. We would direct the attention of dairymen and others to them. Maryland State Agricultural Society. is a yellow corn, and we think among the finest speci The Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Managers, compris THE MEETING OF THE STATE SOCIETY.-The meeting of the Board of Managers of the Maryland State Agricultural Society will be held at the Hall of the Society on the 2d inst. (being the first Wednesday). As this meeting will be an important one, we would respectfully urge upon all the officers of the society to be present on the occasion. The members generally, who can make it convenient to attend, are also invited. The reports of several committees will be made, and the arrangements for the next Exhibition of the Society will be matured at this meeting, and various subjects of deep interest to the agriculturists of our State considered. Draining. The essay on Draining, which will be found in our journal for this month, is from the pen of professor Wilkinson, of the Mount Airy Agricultural College, near Germantown, Pa. The intelligent manner in which he treats the subject will command attention. It will be seen that he promises "a full description" of the method of "constructing Cement Pipes," the which we shall be happy to receive and publish. The essay, on the same subject by the Hon. Willoughby Newton, is able and practical-treated so as to be understood by all-we need not commend it to our readers, as it has that about it that will secure its perusal. These essays are upon a subject of the utmost importance to the agricultural community-and we are gratified at being able to present such valuable papers to our readers. They are worth the price of many years subscription of our journal to every farmer. Seed Corn.-A sample of seed corn, raised by Mr. Wm. B. mens we have seen. Samples of Mexican (white) Corn, and Dobbin, of Elk Ridge Landing, can be seen at the Society's of the Oregon, can also be examined at the Hall. Hall-it ticle, which is highly prized by dairymen and stock raisers-a Rock Salt.-Frequent inquiries have been made for this arsample is left at the Hall, and we learn from Capt. Graham, of this city, that an importation will be made of some of it in a few weeks-it is sold at $12 per ton. the advertisement of Messrs. Kettlewell & Davison, offering to Another Fertilizer.-In our advertising pages will be found the farmers, their "Agricultural Renovator." The spirit of imattention of men of science and of capital, to supply the wants provement which is abroad among the farmers, is attracting the thus necessarily created for the improvement of the soil, and we hope that all who may be found aiding in so desirable an object, may meet that reward which their labors deserve. Pub. Doc.-We acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the President's Message, and accompanying documents, presented to Congress at the opening of the late session, from the Hon. Mr. Pearce. Mr. P. will please accept our thanks. We have received a copy of an address delivered on the 17th Agricultural Club of 3d Election District of Kent Co. Md.February before this society, by Albert E. Basford, esq. and by the unanimous vote of the club requested for publication in cludes its insertion this month, but we will give place to it in the American Farmer. A prior occupation of our pages pre our next. of our friend " Patuxent Planter," on the subject of Clover Clover and Plaster of Paris.-A valuable paper from the pen zette, which we shall take much pleasure in transferring to our and the use of Plaster, recently appeared in the Marlboro' Gapages in the June No. Although it will not have appeared originally in our journal, yet it will do well to grace the last number of this volume of our journal, the previous ones of which have contained so many valuable essays. The State Chemist.-Two papers from Dr. Higgins, the State Agricultural Chemist, will be found in the present No.; one containing an Analysis of the "Agricultural Salts," and of Gu-grown in our country, we learn that the wheat crop has stood ano-the other, the first part of the "Glossary," promised in our The Wheat Crop.-From all directions, where wheat is last-both of which will attract the attention of our readers. up strong against the frosts of winter, and bids fair to yield well. Of this latter anticipated result, it is too soon to form To a Correspondent.-Our friend T. Johnson's communica-opinions, as the casualties to which the wheat crop is liable, tions are always interesting and instructive-and we leave him to pursue his own taste in the selection of his subjects, as well too often blight the best grounded prospects. as in the priority he may give the one over the other. We are again compelled to defer the promised paper from Mr. E. Stabler, on the erection of Lime Kilns. It will not spoil by keeping. Washington County.-We received after our pages were filled, a note from a correspondent in this county, in which he speaks in high terms of the address of our friend and fellowtownsinan, Dr. Wharton, delivered at the late meeting of the Agricultural Society, at Hagerstown. our inability to publish it this month. We extremely regret "A Subscriber in Va," on the cultivation of Corn for subBoiling, is received. A Valuable Farm.-We would refer to the advertisement of Farm for sale. The situation is in one of the most fertile disCol. Cary, on another page, in which he offers his valuable tricts of Baltimore county, and is well worthy the attention of any person desirous of obtaining a landed estate in the vicinity of Baltimore. the Relay House, near this city, on his way to Washington, he |