No. 37.-VOL. 4. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, 6th DECEMBER, 1822. AGRICULTURE. FIRST VIRGINIA CATTLE SHOW. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT 289 Imittee are well convinced, from what they heard for some Pine-Apple Cheese, of his own making. on every side, that the display would greatly The making of Cheese, is a branch of domestic have exceeded what it was, if their worthy, but economy, too much neglected in this State; and incredulous Brethren, could only have been per-it is hoped, the encouragement held out by the suaded to believe, that such a thing as a respect-Society, will induce many of our Farmers' wives Of the Proceedings of the Fredericksburg Agri-able Agricultural Show could possibly have been and daughters to try their hands by the next cultural Society at their late meeting; and of gotten up, in this part of the Ancient Dominion. Show. their Agricultural Show. The public are now satisfied, that our Society Among the various Implements exhibited, all The Society met, according to notice, at the are quite in earnest, in what they have so long of which appeared to be useful, in their way, the Indian Queen Hotel, at 10 o'clock, A. M. of the promised; that we have both ability and the Committee examined, with much satisfaction, the 13th November, and continued by adjournment, will to offer good premiums, for the encourage-following: until the evening of the 14th. ment of Agriculture; and that it will be entirely A Wheat Fan, improved by Mr. Meyers, of their own fault, if hereafter our Shows and Fairs Georgetown, (Dist. of Col.) which turned with should not merit their constant attention, and great comparative ease, and had a motion comcordial support. municated both to the screen and the riddle by The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year : JAMES M. GARNETT, President. JOHN TALIAFERRO, of Hagley, Vice President. Committee of Correspondence. John Taliaferro, Robert Lewis, Garrit Minor, Enoch Mason, Wm. F. Gray. Committee of Premiums. The Show was held within one of the beauti-the same turn of the handle. But the commitful enclosed lots of Mr. J. S. Thornton, on the tee did not deem it within the rules of our society New Turnpike Road, the use of which he had to award a premium for it, although it well depolitely tendered to the Society. A more eligi-[served one. ble spot could not have been selected. As every Two Cutting Boxes of simple construction and thing pertaining to exhibitions of this sort, is new considerable power, made by Mr. Cochran, of in this State, it was to be expected, that some ne- Fredericksburg, which are well calculated to save cessary preparation for it would be overlooked. labor, and would be highly advantageous on large George Hamilton, Robert Lewis, John Gray, The committee, accordingly, have to notice a farms. sen. Wm. Richardson, Enoch Mason, Carey deficiency in the enclosures, designed for the Also, the model of an ingeniously contrived Selden, Wm. Bernard, John T. Ford, James reception of Stock; but as the number of Stock Drill Plough for planting corn, which would be Smock, Henry Thompson. brought on the ground was not very great, the of great service on the extensive flat corn fields A circular letter from the President of the Al-deficiency was not severely felt; and this defect of the lower country. bemarle Agricultural Society, accompanied with being seen, better arrangements will, of course, The committee also noticed with much satiscertain proceedings of that society, proposing the be made for the next Show, when it may be faction, a beautiful Counterpane, made by Mr. creation of a fund for the support of a Professor- calculated, that they will be more needed. Cummings, and a good looking roll of cloth made ship of Agriculture in the University of Virginia, The first day, according to arrangement, was by Mrs. Scott, of Spotsylvania, and fulled by Mr. and inviting the co-operation of this society for entirely devoted to the exhibition and examina- Curtis, of Fredericksburg. The committee inthat purpose, was read-Whereupon it was tion of Stock; the second, to the examination of dulge the hope that at the next Show, they will Resolved, That the members of this meeting Agricultural Implements, a trial of Ploughs, and have the pleasure of awarding some handsome highly approve of the proposition of the Albe- awarding of Premiums, which were delivered by premiums, for the encouragement of this branch marle Society for the establishment of an Agri- the President to the successful competitors, on the of industry and ingenuity; being well convinced cultural Professorship at the University of Vir-ground. that the fire-side manufactories are the best for ginia, and that our President be requested to ad- The following is the result of the adjudications an agricultural people. dress a letter to the President of said society, ex-of the Committee. Of the Ploughs, there were only three tried; pressive of this sentiment; and also to give gene- Horses.-A Silver Pitcher, with emblematic McCormick's, Wood's or Freeborn's, and Cochral notice to all our members, that the proposition devise and inscription, cost $33, was unanimous-ran's. The committee here subjoin their calcuwill be taken into consideration at our Spring ly awarded to Mr. Ira Lipscomb, of Spotsylva-lations, and leave it to the public to decide. meeting, there being too few members now pre- nia, for his Horse Superior, as the best Stallion M'CORMICK'S. sent to decide finally on so important a subject. exhibited. The Committee regret, that they Width of Furrows On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the are not furnished with the pedigree of this noble 1st trial thanks of this meeting be presented to J. S. Skin- animal. 2d do ner, Esq. Editor of the American Farmer, for the In regard to the Mares, although several were 3d do many instances of polite attention to the interests exhibited, the Committee being divided in opi- 4th do and wishes of this society which we have expe- nion, as to their merits, no premium was awardrienced at his hands, and for his meritorious la-ed. 1st trial bours in the cause of agriculture generally. Bulls.-A Silver Pitcher, with emblematic de- 2d do Resolved, unanimously, That this meeting vice and inscription, cost $28, was awarded to 3d do view with much satisfaction, the elegant work-Col. George Love, of Fauquier, for his Bull 4th do manship displayed on the premium plate award-Pluto, 1 year and 6 months old. Pluto was got 5th do ed by the society; and that the artist, Mr. War- by the celebrated Lancashire Bull, called Rising 6th-do ner, of Baltimore, be respectfully recommended Sun, imported from England by Mr. Smith Saunto the patronage of our sister societies. 4th do Depth Foree. 16 inches 14 7 inches 330 330 15 7 330 ders, of Kentucky, and came out of a fine milch 1st trial Twenty-five new members were admitted. Cow of the Cross breed, belonging to General 2d do Ordered, That the committee on premiums Donaldson, of Ky. He is a fine animal, and is 3d do cause a detailed report of the exhibition, toge- offered for sale by his present owner. ther with such remarks as they may deem pro- Cows. A beautiful Silver Cream Cup, with Sinclair's Bar share Plough, and Jenkins', hav per, to be drawn up and published. emblematic device and inscription, cost $22, was ing their mould boards very rusty, and there not Ordered, that the address of our President de-awarded to Mr Geo. N. Grymes, of King-George, being time to clean them, the committee thought livered to the citizens assembled at the Cattle for the best Milch Cow. it would be doing injustice to the proprietors to Show, be published with the proceedings of this make any comparative trial of them. morning. But the most singular exhibition of all, and one that caused general amusement, was the spectaSheep-A Silver Mug, cost $15, was awarded cle of two little goats completely harnessed and to Mr. John Gray, of Travellers' Rest, Stafford, attached to a cart, in which sat the driver, a man for the best Ram; and weighing nearly 200 pounds, who coursed his A similar article, of same value, was awarded proud looking little steeds about with much apto Capt. Lewis W. Daingerfield, of Spotsylva-parent ease and security. They were perfectly nia, for the best Mutton. tractable and true to the draft. This equipage, WM. F. GRAY, Sec'y. REPORT of the Committee appointed to prepare for publication, an account of the Fredericksburg Agricultural Show, on the 13th and 14th November, 1822. The Committee take peculiar pleasure in re- Ploughs.-A Silver Mug, value of $15, was although intended by the worthy proprietor porting to their Fellow Citizens, the result of the awarded to Mr. McCormick, of Fauquier, for the merely for amusement, conveys a good practical First Virginia Agricultural Show-inasmuch as best Plough; and also a discretionary premium lesson to husbandmen. It shows, in a striking the exhibition both of Stock and Agricultural of $5, for an Angular Balance, by which to ascer-manner, what things may be accomplished with Implements, far exceeded their expectations.-tain the force necessary to move a plough. our domestic animals by a proper course of edu The Show of Horses and of Cattle was very fine Cheese. A discretionary premium of $5, was cation. of Sheep and Hogs, excellent. And the Com- 'awarded to Mr. Thos. Cumings, of Spotsylvania, The committee cannot refrain from remarking with regret, that nearly one half of the premium at last become sensible of the great benefits and objects, always present to our minds, were plate prepared and offered by the society, has not which may result to our agriculture from similar we zealously to pursue such a plan, for a few been awarded for want of competitors. The meetings and exhibitions, to the one now before years, and exert, for its promotion, all the agribeautiful cup, for instance, offered for the best us. And I beg leave to avail myself of the pre-cultural talent and information among us; inbeef, was not claimed by any one, although good sent occasion, to offer my cordial congratulations stead of the afflicting prospect of deserted habibeef is an article in which our section of the to all my agricultural brethren who may now be tations, falling into ruins of fields, once under country abounds, as our markets daily testify. It with us, on this auspicious commencement of our culture, but now barren, desolate, and rarely is hoped that this will not be the case at any fu- long meditated Agricultural Shows. It is true, trodden by the foot of either man or beast; inture Show; but that the munificent intentions and that we have not, nor could we have, for the first stead of frequently having to undergo the pangs laudable exertions of the society will be met by time, an exhibition, to be compared with the of separation from our dearest friends and cona corresponding confidence and zeal on the part many highly imposing, and praise-worthy spec-nexions, compelled to seek, in distant regions, of their fellow citizens. tacles of a similar character, which have, for that support which our exhausted soil can no Upon the whole, however, the entire exhibition some years past, distinguished our sister States, longer yield, we should behold the heart-cheerwas highly gratifying. Not less than one thou- to the North. But we behold enough to afford ing, delightful spectacle of a moral, industrious, sand spectators attended the first day; all ap- us great encouragement, and a fair promise of well informed, and happy population, gradually, parently wishing well to the cause; and many of much better things hereafter. but continually increasing, in a ratio proportionthem determined to aid it by something more It would be passing strange, indeed, at a time ed to the augmented fertility of our lands, and efficient than mere good wishes. From this aus- when skill, zeal, and industry are pushing on all the consequent expansion and multiplication of picious commencement, your committee antici- the other arts of civilized life to their highest our agricultural resources. We should no longer pate the happiest results: and they look forward state of attainable perfection, if that art, which witness the rapid depopulation of several of the to our next November Show as one which will fills the purse and sustains the sword of the na- good old United States from the operation of still more satisfactorily develope the agricultural tion; that art, by which, under God, we all live, that ever restless, erratic spirit, the general tenresources of this section of our country-stimu- and move, and have our being; which supplies dency of which is, to convert civilized man into late our zeal, yet farther to augment them; and not only most of the necessaries, but also of the a kind of wandering Arab, a stranger to all the satisfy all parties interested, that few, if any comforts and luxuries of our existence, should endearing associations, connected with the words means are better adapted to promote the prospe- be the only one neglected and despised among for his herds, new forests to subdue, and new fields "native home ;" always in search of new pastures rity of every branch of husbandry, than well sus-us. Yet this has been the fate of our agricultained Agricultural Shows and Fairs. ture, until within a few years past. And there to wear out, as fast as the process of continuOn the second day of the late meeting of the are still some among us, I fear, who, in their in-ally exhausting culture can destroy them. For Fredericksburg Agricultural Society, after the fatuated reliance upon the innate energies (as it my own part, I have always been strongly inclin business had been concluded, the Society partook would appear) of their art, or on some other yet ed to doubt our moral right to pursue such a of a sumptuous DINNER, prepared by Mr. J. more incomprehensible dependence, rest, with course; for the same general law, acknowledged Gray, Jr. of the Indian Queen. The President of folded arms, and drawn as it were within their by all rational men, which forbids us to abuse the Society presided at the festive board, and Ro- own shell, without ever spending a thought, mov- any of the gifts of our beneficent Creator, and bert Lewis, Esq. acted as Vice-President. The ing a finger, or bestowing a cent towards the which we willingly obey, in taking special good following TOASTS were drank, and mirth, song improvement of this first and best of all occupa-care of the constitution of our bodies, ought to and sentiment, closed the delightful labours of tions. Can they imagine it is all-sufficient to lead us, I think, also to take care of the constituthe two preceding days: take care of itself, single-handed, and without tion of our soil, as an essential means of attain masters. 1. The Day we celebrate-May each return of any concert or co-operation among those who ing the first object. A contrary course of conit invigorate our zeal, and augment our profes- pursue it? Is it so unlike all other avocations duct, if pursued by all the nations of the earth, sional knowledge. and professions in life, that the insulated powers would evidently have rendered the whole habita 2. Our soil and our Intellects-We must give of each individual, engaged in it, will suffice of ble globe itself, in the course of a few centuries, better culture to both, or the first will soon change themselves to bring it to perfection? No, my inadequate to the support of its inhabitants. To friends, there cannot be a more absurd, nor per-improve our agriculture, therefore, is a moral du3. Free Exports and Imports-The best secu-nicious notion, than the belief, that each man, ty, as well as a rational, agreeable and profitable rity for regular demand and supply. for himself, can study and practice any, or all the occupation. In a political point of view, there 4. The Congress of the United States-Would branches of husbandry, with equal advantage, in is nothing in this world, the contemplation of they give Agriculture more of their works, and seclusion from his agricultural brethren, as if he which, can give higher animation to the hopes of less of their faith; Agriculture would give them frequently mixed with them, and sought to realize the true Statesman, and swell the bosom of the more of her money, and less of her complaints. all the benefits of their experience, as well as of genuine patriot with more pleasing anticipations 5. Fair, free Trade and Universal Commerce-his own. If such belief be not sheer madness, it is, of his country's prosperity and happiness, than The best pioneers, for liberty, knowledge, and at least, the pitiable folly of those who are far too the prospect of realizing such a state of society, universal good government. wise in their own conceit, either to receive, or as an agricultural people may form and main6. Prohibitory Duties, and the self-flagellations impart knowledge. As well might we expect, tain, if they will only avail themselves of all the of Sancho Panza, plants from the same nursery-that the plants which are reared for human sus-means which are naturally connected with, and A fool's cap, with. ass's ears, is due to the invent- tenance, would yield their fruit without human grow out of their pursuits, for the promotion of labor; or that the aggregate products of human knowledge and virtue; for the security and be7. Moderate and competent profits to all, ex-industry, exercised in all the infinitely diversified neficent use of property; and for the permanent pursuits of life, would be found spontaneous in enjoyment of the highest degree of earthly fell8. Steady and regular prices to every occupa- their present abundance, as that the theory and city, which social man is capable of attaining.tion, the healthful trade-winds of national Pros- practice of agriculture can be brought to perfec-This, my friends, is no romantic vision; no picperity; exorbitant gain, the tornadoes that ruin tion, or made even to approximate, in any very ture, the coloring of which is borrowed from an profitable degree, towards it, unless her sons can imagination, too sanguine, in regard to what may 9. Our Plough-shares and our Swords-May be prevailed upon to act more as a body, moving be done, provided only proper means are used, the first never be last, nor the last first. in harmonious concert—at least, in regard to their and assiduously applied. It would occupy more 10. Speed to our Ploughs, industry, skill, and great leading interests. In other words, they of our time than we can now spare, to attempt honesty to their drivers; and a prudent, enlight- should seek opportunities of frequently meeting even a brief enumeration of these means. ened economy to the owners of the soil. together; of conferring, consulting, and combin-it suffice for the present, that I earnestly entreat ors of both. travagant ones to none. them all. Let 11. Banks-The most appropriate ones for ing for the general good; of interchanging the you to turn your attention oftener to the objects Agriculture, are those erected by the Spade. results of individual experience and observation; at which I have merely hinted. There is nothing 12. The Land and the Ocean-The value of of encouraging by joint, but voluntary contribu-can afford us ampler scope for improving reflec the first, much depends on the free use of the last. tions, such exhibitions as we are now endeavor- tion, nor any thing in which our temporal inter13. The Matrons and Maidens of Confederat-ing to establish, with a view to elicit all that is ests are more deeply concerned. MR. GARNETT'S ADDRESS. ed America-Our last toast, but the first objects known among us, in regard to the improvement Although the foregoing speculations may not of our esteem and affection. of stock, of agricultural implements, of the vari-appear to have any immediate connexion with ous processes by which the soil itself can be best the purposes of our present meeting, they have cultivated, and most effectually fertilized-and, been suggested by it; and as long as I have the It affords me a degree of gratification which in short, of doing every thing in their power, to honor to be connected with this society, I shall I cannot easily express, to behold so conclusive a elevate, to honour, and to perfect the profession ever deem it my duty, to press similar topics up proef, as this assemblage presents, that we have to which they are devoted. With such views on the attention of its members, on every suita FELLOW CITIZENS: ble occasion. If they serve no other end, they ingenuity have devised for our use; and of which, cannot expect those who fail to obtain rewards may aid in illustrating the relative importance of we either might not hear for years; or if hearing, to be equally pleased with those who gain them; the agricultural portion of our people, as a com- might discredit, provided we confined ourselves, but we may and do calculate on the competitors ponent, and most material part of our great body as many do, to our own farms, nearly secluded for our premiums being true and genuine friends politic; in awakening sufficient vigilance, to guard from all intercourse with our fellow citizens, but to the cause of agriculture. And if they are, we against encroachment on their rights; and in such as live next door to us. That mind has ne- can rely fully on those who may be unsuccessful, rendering them more sensitive of the too frequent ver yet been formed, I believe, which could bear making all due allowances for their respective attempts to legislate them into mere "hewers of such seclusion, without being contracted, and ma-failures; so far at least as to acquit our commitwood and drawers of water." Not that I mean terially impaired by it. Another advantage, and tee of any design to thwart their particular efforts to charge the authors of these acts with design- by no means the smallest, evidently resulting to gain the prizes at which they have aimed. I ing such an effect; but if it be really produced, from such associations, is, that we learn to appre-feel the more solicitous on this subject from my the purity of their motives would be but a poor ciate more justly, the capabilities of our art, when anxious wish that in this our first attempt of the alleviation of the evil. occular proof is exhibited to us of what can be kind, no circumstance should occur, either to Let me now solicit your attention, for a few mi-effected by those who follow it assiduously, under produce disagreement among ourselves; or to nutes, to the particular objects of our present the influence of those powerful, because volunta- throw the slightest obstacle in the way of our fu meeting; and to an endeavor, briefly to point out ry encouragements, held out to them by agriculture exhibitions. Not that I fear either the com some of the many advantages resulting from such tural societies. Hence, we are naturally led to petency or inclination of our committee to decide exhibitions; as well as to suggest a few hints, in estimate more highly the power, resources, and correctly: But the same thing may possibly hap relation to the feelings and views of those who honorable character of agricultural pursuits, in pen here, which I see by the public Journals has attend them—either as mere spectators, contri- comparison with any other, instead of underva- taken place in one of our sister states; and I butors, or competitors for distinction. luing them, as far too many of us appear to do. would willingly guard against it by a timely cau We all well know the slow progress made by Men, in fact, must respect themselves and their tion. The case alluded to, is one of an indiviagricultural improvements, and the time which profession, to obtain the respect of others. And dual, evidently interested, coming forward to aralways elapses, before they get into general use. unless our agricultural people evince their re-raign either the judgment, or the justice, or both Our scepticism, in this respect, exceeds that even gard for their own occupation, by always assert-together, of certain judges, as evidently disinterof St. Thomas' himself; for we believe nothing ing the rank to which they have a just claim, inested, who were selected by one of our sister sothat we hear and require not only to see, and to the great scale of national interest, they may cieties to form a committee of premiums. This feel, before we give any credit to what we are count with certainty, upon being degraded, not being a common cause to all agricultural societold; but rarely then, act immediately upon our only in public estimation, but likewise in their ties, I must take the liberty to offer one or two belief. The History of the Carey or Dagon own. general remarks prompted by the occasion. APlough among us, furnishes as remarkable an in- As to the feelings and views of those who at-ny such instance of palpable selfishness, so far stance of this fact, as any that I have ever known. tend such exhibitions as the present, in the cha-from engaging public sympathy, cannot fail to The two first ever brought to this town, remain-racter either of spectators, contributors, or com- excite unqualified disapprobation. The public, ed in the stable yard of the Indian Queen Ta-petitors for premiums, I will now offer a few re-whose sense of justice, will always lead them to veru nearly a year, before any one would even marks. Of the first, I shall only say, that I take right decisions in the end, will never take part try them. During all this time, they lay the it for granted, they have come well disposed to with any individual who complains of what he onobjects of doubt and cunning suspicion, to all the be pleased with the humble effort made to inter-ly conceives to be an injury, and that to himself knowing ones, each fearing to meddle with them, est them; and to engage their good wishes, for alone, in opposition to the decision of numerous lest he should render himself a mark of ridicule the success and continuance of our undertaking. and obviously impartial arbiters, who are so to the rest, for putting any faith in so ill-looking In regard to the second, although I confident-circumstanced, as to have no possible interest, a tool. And there probably they would have ly trust, that we all think much alike on the either direct, remote, or contingent in deciding continued for years, if an enterprising Yankee, subject of our institution, yet I cannot forbear to against him. At the worst, such a decision can then a resident here, had not boldly resolved, at suggest, that, if they notice any thing which falls only be an insulated, and single mistake, unacevery risk, to achieve the perilous adventure of very short of their expectations, they must not companied by any of those general consequences, making the first trial. Even after he had de- be too soon discouraged; nor suffer a small failure which threaten injury, either to the community monstrated the merit of this plough, I dare say it at first, to deter them from another effort to get at large, or to any portion thereof, considered as was nearly ten years, before it was generally up a Show and Fair, which shall be worthy of a separate class. used in all the contiguous parts of the country. the extensive and fertile country, over which our I must now, my friends, bid you farewell. We Nearly a similar fate has attended those superior society has already diffused itself. In one year have all met, as I sincerely trust, with feelings ploughs, which have been slowly superceding the more, we may hope for such an accession of such as should ever govern men engaged in a Carey. One principal reason, perhaps, of this members, (the annual contribution being only common cause, and bound together by the ties may be, that after our cobbling Smiths once get two dollars,) as will considerably augment the of a common interest. Let us all part in the into a way of generally making a new agricultu-premium fund, which we shall zealously appro- same spirit, to meet again, twelve months hence, ral implement, according to their fashion, which priate, in the best manner our judgments can de- with increased hopes and wishes for the prosperifrequently resembles almost any thing better than vise, for promoting our good cause; and if wety of our Agriculture, as the true basis, and best the article designed to be imitated; a common fail, (a misfortune I will not anticipate,) it shall security for the permanent welfare and happiness opinion prevails, that this implement costs us lit- not be the fault of the Agricultural Society of of our beloved country. tle or nothing, because we pay for it after months, Fredericksburg. and often years of delay, in some kind of agri- And now, before I conclude, I must make free cultural product-or, because, as it constitutes to suggest a few hints, for the consideration of an item in that unlucky thing called a black-those who mean to compete for the premiums smith's account, it is never paid for at all. There which we have already offered. LETTER III. ON THE POOR LAWS. SIR-I have employed more time, and been is so wide a difference between this method of ob- As our society in making this offer, have been at greater trouble to maintain the positions taining our agricultural implements, and paying prompted solely by their wishes to promote the advanced in my first letter, than their imporwhat is emphatically called "actual cash" for general good, they have studiously endeavoured, tance demanded; because I did not choose to them; that the Solomons of our tribe, who are in selecting their committee of premiums, to se- be met at the very threshold of my inquiry never surprised into the juvenile indiscretion of cure such awards as will be equally disinterested by a declaration, “that however true my ar being the first to try a new thing-especially if and exempt from all local or partial considera-gument, it was founded in inhumanity and init comes from a distance, and "costs money;" tions. Should any individual competitor, there-difference to the sufferings of the Poor, and can scarcely yet forego the prophetic pleasure of fore, be inclined to question the correctness of ought therefore to be disregarded." It was the shaking their wise heads at, and consigning to their decision in his particular case, I must be more necessary that this objection should be ruin the man who dares to violate this cardinal permitted to express my hope, that he will deem obviated, because although the subject of the maxim of their rural economy. Nothing is bet- it better, silently to acquiesce in a determination Poor Laws has occupied much attention in Great ter calculated to banish these ridiculous prejudi- which, although it should be erroneous, cannot Britain, and is there well understood, and although ces; and nothing more facilitates the general proceed from any but correct motives; rather a few of our best informed Citizens have arriadoption of agricultural implements, of every than impair the utility and general good effect of ved at the same conclusions, yet I do not recolkind, than the frequent recurrence of spectacles agricultural premiums publicly awarded, by ar-leet to have seen their reasoning fairly submitof a similar character to the present. For, on raigning either the judgment, or the equity of ted in any general view to the consideration of such occasions, we become eye-witnesses of most men, who must necessarily decide right in many the people. Having attempted to remove this of those inventions, which mechanical skill and more instances than they determine wrong. We great obstacle, it is necessary that I should refer tion. I remain yours, &c. LUCIUS. to some of the best known principles of popula-[of wealth. A class thus deprived of the means will be wrought for them? Do they believe that of natural increase, as no new members are born they can follow them that have gone astray and The population of every country will increase or at least raised, to supply the places of those that their end will not be like theirs? Can they in proportion to the increase of its means of sub-who die, must in time become extinct. The tread in the steps of the lost, and yet be saved? sistence. Where the whole produce of the lands second and third classes in society become then If they were wise, if they would weigh well and labour of a nation are more than sufficient the lowest, and as the same causes continue to what they do, the arguments in this letter, for the support of its inhabitants, food and the operate, are also extinguished. But as in all pressed home, would abolish the Poor Laws. other necessaries of life being readily obtained, countries which have been long settled, the rich But they will not listen, they will not learn, the every impediment to the gratification of the con-bear but a small proportion to the poor, it is experience of others cannot teach them, the stant and universal desire of procreation is re-evident that the number of those who can mar-miseries of others cannot warn them, and the moved by the facility with which young families ry is very small compared to those who cannot, ruin of others does not alarm them. They must are maintained. Early and prolific marriages and that this number must be continually de-feel in their own persons, the burden of miseare the consequence of a state in which food is creasing. When a nation, then, has very near-ry must lye at their own doors, and the cry of plenty and the means of obtaining it not very ly attained its maximum of population, the ratio anguish must be heard in their own dwellings. laborious. In such a state not only are marriages of the increase of its inhabitants must be very I know all this; and here abandon the exposimore numerous and prolific, but the offspring nearly a minimum.—Thus it may require hun- tion of the evils which the Poor Laws will enof such marriages are more certainly reared to dreds, nay thousands of years to bring a nation tail upon a distant posterity; and shall confine maturity than they could be if the means of sub-to that state in which no more children can be myself in the succeeding letters to the mischiefs sistence were precarious, and the labour necessa-born, or rather, no more can be raised than are they produce in the present state of our counry to obtain it excessive. To be assured of the just sufficient to supply the places of those who try. truth of these principles, it is only necessary to die. But if in the progress of a nation to this observe the difference of the rate of increase in state, and before it was nearly arrived at, a law the population of old and new countries. Great was passed to divide all the wealth of the counBritain has required 56 years to double its po-try equally among the whole of the citizens, it pulation, while it is ascertained that the same would follow that every man having the same increase is produced by procreation* alone in ability to maintain a family, and the same dethe United States in less than 25 years.-That sire to propagate his species, marriages would country, which is as rare as it is valuable. We this rapid increase is the result of procreation, be unrestrained and the measure of population confess our own want of it, and we most sincerely and not (as some have supposed) of emigration, rapidly filled up. independently of the injus- regret it, because it disables us from forming any the authorities to which I have referred will tice of such a law, which robs industry and in-satisfactory opinion upon those great public imgenuity of their rewards, (for wealth can only provements on which hundreds, and hundreds of But no more men can live and no more chil- have been acquired by the ingenuity or indus- thousands of the public money are annually exdren can be raised, than can eat. It follows, try of its possessors or their ancestors) to bes- pended. We mean the talent of Civil Engineerthen, that if the whole product of all the land tow them upon idleness and profligacy; (for ing. The best mode of clearing and improving our rivers (taking into account the present and and labour of any country were a fixed quantity, these, although not the only, are the most proliwhere the number of inhabitants amounted to as fic sources of poverty :) who does not at a glance probable situation of the country some fifty years many as were sufficient to consume all the food, perceive the impolicy of hastening a nation into hence) is one of those problems, which cannot be which the land produced or the labour could all the evils and misery of excessive population? too seriously considered; because an error in purchase, there must be an end to any increase Yet this is the direct effect of all Poor Laws this may cost the public an immense sum of in the number of inhabitants. Every child born they take away the property of the rich to give money. Few people are qualified to discuss it-and raised, then, must have subsisted on the food to the poor; they increase the rapidity of popu- of a good scheme, which they devised. He, who still fewer, to put into execution all the details of some other person who was starved or died lation without increasing the amount of produc- has the necessary talents for it, ought to be well rewarded. The salary ought to be good; and is prove. CIVIL ENGINEERING. about the time that child was born. And every tion, by enabling the poor to marry, not in conchild born when no other person ceased to consume sequence of having added to, but of having difood, or whose parents were unable to procure vided the common stock of wealth; and thus generally good, because the talent is so valuable for it that portion which had subsisted another, encourage idleness and bestow a bounty on de-and so scarce. We have sometimes wished, that must starve. In a country so circumstanced, bauchery by declaring that their offspring shall competent professor would establish a school the desire of propagating the species, which acts be supported at the general expense. From in some central and eligible situation in the U. uniformly, constantly and universally, which the natural consequences of such a tax upon in-States, for the purpose of teaching the science rules alike the haughtiest hero and the mean-dustry, and such a bounty upon idleness, we see on proper principles. We have men to teach us est hind, and in the gratification of which, alone, England in the very hour of her triumph, at the the elements of gunnery and fortification-others, the enjoyments of the monarch and the beg-end of a war which, whatever may have been to teach architecture, by practice at least, if not gar are equalized, can only be indulged in by its effects upon other nations, was to her glo- by theory-and yet the art of civil engineering those who have the power of depriving some rious in its progress and successful in its termin-which is so important to this young and thriving other persons of their portion of food, and mar-ation; at the very time when her weight was al- country, is left almost to chance medley. At all events a small library, consisting of the riage would necessarily be confined to a very few most doubled in the political balance of Europe; of the most powerful and wealthy. But, the de- we see her groaning under a burthen which her best approved authors, both theoretical and prac sire being equally strong in all, and only res-wisest statesmen are unable to remove, and hertical, American and foreign, ought to be attached to the Virginia Board of Public Works. trained by the idea of beholding their children very throne rocked by the commotion of a poWe conclude these hasty remarks by calling perish before their eyes, the most indefatigable pulation forced into life by the hot-bed cultivaindustry, the strictest care and the most rigid tion of law before art and industry had won from to the reader's attention the advertisement of our economy would be exerted by every one to se-nature the means of their support. But this Secretary, to the Board of Public Works. A cure to himself the means of life, aud to ar-example taken from a nation with which Civil Engineer, in place of Mr. Moore, deceas ed, is wanted. This situation is worthy of the rest from others the means of gratifying his own we are best acquainted, which we most resempassions. But the legitimate exertions of pru-ble, and with which we are most intimately attention of those, who are properly qualified. Edit. Richmond Eng. dence, industry and economy, would soon give connected, will I know, have no effect upon way to more lawless means of acquiring and our countrymen. They are like all men, deaf preserving property. It is surely unnecessary to the voice which warns them of future ill, to point out the crimes, horrors, and ultimate blind to the approach of distant danger, and ruin which await a nation thus excessively po-heedless of consequences that are remote. How parcel of Senna seeds from Wm. Cattell, Esq. pulated. To this state all countries at first ra-long shall a grain of present good be greater in of Charleston, South Carolina; who informs us pidly, and afterwards more slowly approximate. the eyes of the shortsighted, than a mountain of that, "the plant is cultivated by some persons -As it becomes more difficult to raise a family coming ruin? How long shall a loaf now be of" in that state, and is found to possess the virthe poorer classes are more and more deterred more worth to the improvident than a harvest "tues of the imported Senna. from marriage, suffer greater privations, and as hereafter? How long shall they love a moment "the plant are collected before they are touchthe rich continue to marry, are successively de-of present ease more than they dread an age of "ed by frost, and they are then dried in the prived of subsistence to maintain the offspring future sorrow? Because their country is not yet "shade." We have already divided the most in the state of England, do they think that the et. same foolish policy will not have the same terrible termination? Do they hope that a miracle * Seybert's Statistical Annals, page 28, seq. and Edinburgh Review, p. 364 to 367. SENNA. We have received for distribution a small The leaves of of these seeds amongst our correspondents, but a few are still left that will be sent to any one who may wish to experiment therewith, if ear ly application be made to us. The best im-Jtheir being narrower, longer, and sharper point- Jabler pen, more important information. I be ported senna, usually sells at 40 or 50 cts. per ed, from Mocha; or larger, broader, and round lieve they continue residents for life, of th ib. The Senna of our own country is to be found pointed, with small prominent veins, from Italy; building in which chance may place them, and tha in the shops; and a neighbour tells me that or large and obtuse, of a fresh green colour, they do not migrate from one barn to another 29 he has a very fine parcel, which he has not without any yellow cast, from Tripoli. been able to bring it into use. It is to be hoped that our men of science will encourage the of the leaves of Senna, as causing gripes and I have found numbers of them at that season agriculturists of this country, by giving fair tri-pains in the bowels; but this is a mere pre-on the lower side of boards which were lying It has been customary to reject the pedicles ter they lie in a dormant state near the ground unless carried thither. That during the win als of whatever their industry and enterprize judice, for both leaves and pedicles act in the under the mangers in the stables. Instinct, no may present to their notice. But of this we can- very same way. not entertain a doubt; whenever the cultivator of the soil shall produce, and offer a fit substi-tic, operating mildly, and yet effectually; and lie secure, and where they will be somewhat tute for imported articles. MEDICAL USE.-Senha is a very useful cathar-cold weather, to seek a retreat where they may doubt, teaches them at the commencement of The extract which is here subjoined from sioning the ill consequences which too frequent-ed in the mow, on threshing the grain, they beThornton's Family Herbal, shows that there are ly follow the exhibition of the stronger pur-ing in a dormant state, would probably be desif judiciously dosed and managed, rarely occa- sheltered from intense cold. Had they remainseveral varieties of Senna-we know not with ges. The only inconveniences complained of troyed. About the middle of the 5th month, which the American Senna corresponds, or in this drug, are its being apt to gripe, and May, they begin to travel, crawling up the walls, whether it differs in colour or shape from them its nauseous flavour. all, but the extract from our intelligent correspondent, at Charleston, proves that the variety Senna some aromatic substance, as ginger, cin- seen as many as eight or ten on one grain of cultivated in South Carolina, of which he has namon, &c. and by facilitating its operation by Indian corn, the eye of which they at first con These are best obviated by adding to the grain be in the barn, they find it; and I have and in every direction in search of food. If any sent us the seed, is equally valuable, since ac-drinking plentifully of any mild diluent. tual trial has proved it so, and it will be seen in page 216, in a letter from Abel Seymour, tent of about a drachm; but it is rather too bulky, apprehend, deposite their eggs in the grain, Esq. that Senna grows on the margin of our ri-and it is therefore better to divide it into two which serves for food for the young insects, till Senna may be given in substance to the ex-into the barn, they penetrate the mow, and I sume. When wheat, rye, or barley, is brought vers spontaneously, and in sufficient abundance doses, and to take one half at night, and the they arrive at nearly the size of the parents; probably, to supply the United States. There other in the morning. It is more conveniently probably the sweating and warmth of the mow, doubtless many indigenous productions, given in the form of infusion, which is gene- much assist in the depositing of the egg, and in which, if brought into notice, might be made to rally made by pouring about six ounces of boil-bringing the insect to perfection. supply the place of imported articles, for ing water upon from two to six drachms of Senwhich large sums are now sent abroad, and na leaves in a tea-pot, and letting it stand for grain, it will be found, that if wheat be threshwe beg to recommend this important branch a few minutes, when it may be sweetened, and ed some short time after harvest, in barns where of rural economy, to our country practitioners of a little milk added to it, and taken as tea, or weevils abound, when it will be very little eaten As a proof that the egg is deposited in the medicine-who are for the most part enquir-even mixed with tea to deceive children, who by them, and put into bags, and perhaps few ing, and therefore good farmers. will take it so; or this tea may be boiled with of the insects then to be seen, that in a few sliced apples with sugar with it, when it will be weeks it will be very much eaten, and numreadily taken. Senna ought never to be ordered bers of weevils in the bags. Having thus briefin decoction, Gren says, because it becomes ly stated my opinion of their habits, I will sugperfectly inert, from the total dissipation of the gest a few propositions for destroying them. nauseous and volatile principle on which its The most efficacious mode, I apprehend, would purgative effects depend. The tincture, on ac-be to stack the grain out for one or two years, count of the menstruum, cannot be given in do- and keep all kinds of it from laying in the barn, ses large enough to purge. |