Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

well." The committee are of opinion that the dollars and 37 cents, the cost of the manure, was proving by experiments, to the satisfaction of the roller should be used immediately after the seed 57 dollars and 38 cents." Trustees, the utility and comparative value of the is ploughed in, in preference to the fall, as recom- That, Messrs. Tristram and Henry Little, of Cobs of Indian Corn, when used with or without mended by Mr. Williams. Said Payson Williams Newbury, are entitled to the Society's premium the grain itself, ground, or broken. A paper on is also entitled to the premium of $20, for having of twenty dollars, for having raised the greatest the subject of raising Indian Corn, two successive raised the greatest quantity of Potatoes, being 547 quantity of common Turnips, being 687 bushels seasons, with the aid of Plaster Paris, on a high hill bushels, on one acre. "The land was twice and a half on one acre. "The soil is a clay loam on the farm of Mr. Rice, which from its difficulty ploughed, and furrowed three feet apart, and the and had been down to grass 6 or 7 years-in 1821, of approach, had until two years since been negmanure, unfermented, made by sheep, and neat cut about one ton of hay; it was then ploughed lected, was also exhibited. These communica cattle, its quantity about 14 cords, placed in hills as deep as the sward would turn over; 10 cords tions are too lengthy to be inserted in this report, two feet apart, hands immediately following the of compost manure, the principal part of the com- but your Committee recommended that said pacart with hoes to finish the planting process, to post was marsh mud, spread and well harrowed; pers, together with three very interesting comprevent the loss by evaporation-planting finished it was ploughed in ridges three feet apart; about munications from William Hull, Esq. of Newton, May 21-the kind of seed used was the South A-one pound of seed was sown with a machine on on the best mode of raising Indian Corn,-his merican reds, 28 bushels to the acre, cut so as to the ridges; and a hard roller made to pass over mode of cultivating seven-eighths of an acre, from allow two pieces to the hill-the weeding finished them, which completed the sowing-when out of which he procured 192 bushels of Corn in the ear, the 15th of June-the second and last hoeing the the way of the fly, they were thinned to the dis- 4 bushels of dry Beans and several bushels of Turfirst of July, the vines beginning to bud, and were tance of one foot apart on the ridge-they were nips-and on the culture of Carrots, and Ruta about eight inches in height; a few scattering twice ploughed and harrowed; and harvested the Baga, be copied into the Society's Journal for weeds were occasionally pulled up, but no other last of October-the entire expense of cultivating January next.

disturbance was given to the vines till harvesting this acre of Turnips, including 20 dollars for ma- Claims for premiums were also exhibited to the crop, which was finished November the 3d ;nure, was 35 dollars and 82 cents." your Committee by the following persons, for

and by a careful measurement was found to be 547 That, Silas Little, Esq. of Newbury, is entitled raising the greatest quantity of Indian Corn, on bushels-the expense of cultivating the acre of to the Society's premium of Twenty dollars, for one acre of land, to wit: Mr. Asa Rice, Jr. of wheat, including $10 charged for the manure, was raising the greatest quantity of common Turnips, Shrewsbury, raised 53 bushels; Mr. Nathan $24,71-that of cultivating the acre of Potatoes, after another crop in the same season; having Howe, Jr. also of Shrewsbury, 75 bushels; Mr. including $14 for manure, $54." raised 615 bushels on one acre. "In the year Daniel Mears, of Lynn, 87 bushels; Messrs.

That Mr. David Little, of Newbury, is entitled 1821, something less than a quarter part of the Tristram and Henry Little, of Newbury, 116 to the society's premium of $20, for having raised acre was cultivated with Turnips, and about five bushels and 9 quarts; Payson Williams, Esq. of the greatest quantity of Mangel Wurtzel, being common cart loads of compost manure, such as Fitchburg, 116 bushels and 12 quarts; and Mr. 970 bushels, and one half of a bushel, on one acre. salt marsh pulverized, strong earth and sand was Daniel Burnham, of Newburyport, 117 bushels "The situation of said acre is as follows-swell laid thereon; the produce was 80 bushels, the and 8 quarts, Mr. Jacob Wilkins, of Marblehead, inclining south-westerly, of a rich yellow loam- other three fourths had been laying to grass five raised 57 bushels of Barley, on one acre and an in 1821, it was planted with beets, manured with or six years; and the present year we sowed Flax eighth of an acre. "April 12, 1822, the land was about three cords of compost manure, and produ- seed, where the turnips grew the last year; ha- ploughed about 8 inches deep, the soil loamy, inced about 530 bushels. May 9th, 1822, ploughed, ving spread on about the same quantity and quality clining to gravel, descending to the North East harrowed and furrowed three feet apart; four and of manure as before; we pulled the flax soon af- from a ledgy knoll, which included part of the a half cords of compost manure were put in the ter the blossom had fallen off, and there was a premises. 13th sowed three bushels of six rowed furrows and covered with a plough; then a har- middling crop; the other part of the acre produ- Barley, on what I considered the largest half of row was drawn lengthwise the ridge to smooth ced about 700 weight of hay, which was cut on the the piece-at the same time sowed one and a half the land, the seed was then sowed one row on 26th of June; and the whole was ploughed and bushels of two rowed barley, on the remainder; each ridge, with four pounds of seed-half the manured-the quantity put on the acre was 19 sowed grass seed over the whole, and ploughed, quantity would, I think, be sufficient-June 10th, cart loads, of 40 bushels each-the quality of this and harrowed the same in. When the six rowed commenced ploughing between the rows, and manure was similar to that above described, but Barley was about six inches high, it was mowed weeding, and thinning at different times till July more sand in order to make the compost better, down, and left on the ground; this was for ex16th-the plants stood 10 or 12 inches apart in the when mixed with our dark clay loam, with a clay periment. July 18, mowed the six rowed Barley, rows-the work was done principally by boys, es- bottom; nearly two thirds of this manure was and put it into the barn. 24th, mowed, and put timating two boys to be equal to one man. Oct. 3, spread on one half the ground, and after harrowing, into the barn, the two rowed Barley. The six Nov. 1st and 20, they were harvested by men and was put into small ridges, with a small double rowed Barley appeared to be about 12 days forboys, and produced 970 bushels of Mangel Wurt mould board plough, two feet and nine inches ward of the two rowed in ripening-both were zel, besides 2 bushels of Carrots, and 109 Cabba-apart; the other part of the manure was shovel-stacked separately in the barn; and each quality ges-three loads of the Mangel Wurtzel contain-led into furrows made with the plough, the same thrashed and kept separate. August 30th, the ing 137 bushels, were weighed at the town scales, distance; the plough then passed between the fur- barley being cleansed, was measured-the six the weight according to the certificate annexed, rows, covered the manure, and although so great rowed measured 34 bushels; and the two rowed was 3 tons, 2 c. 2 qs. 20 lbs. Six swine were mostly a portion of the manure was spread on half the measured 23 bushels-the straw we consider in fed with the thinnings from the beginning of weed land, yet the other half produced about as much-value to be equal to the labour." No premium ing, until about the first of October-there are the quantity of seed used was one pound and a was offered for raising the greatest quantity of trees on the said lot sufficient to produce 21 bar-half; the time of sowing was from the 1st to the Barley; but your Committee are induced to rerels of fruit-the entire expense of cultivating 10th of July-the flax was pulled the 4th, and that commend that the Treasurer be authorised to pay this acre of Mangel Wurtzel, including the cost part of the ground sowed the last; the whole was said Jacob Wilkins, the sum of Twenty dolof the manure and gathering the crop, was $23 sown with a machine made for the purpose, and lars. 96 cents." but one row on a ridge-when the turnips were For raising the greatest quantity of common That, Mr. Adams Knight, of Newbury, is enti- up, and out of the way of flies, they were thinned Beets, Parsnips, Ruta Baga, Cabbages, and dry tled to the Society's premium of twenty dollars, with a hand hoe and fingers, at the distance of 10 Peas-for introducing any Grass not before cultifor having raised the greatest quantity of Onions, or 12 inches, and afterwards twice hoed and twice vated in this Commonwealth, and proving by being six hundred and fifty-one bushels, on one ploughed, with the small plough above mentioned actual experiment, and producing satisfactory eviacre." The soil is a rich gravelly loam, with a-the time of harvesting, from the 28th of Oct.dence of its superiority in any one quality, to any gravel bottom; in 1821, it was cultivated with to the 1st of November, and there was found to be now cultivated-for the most satisfactory evidence onions, and cabbages; and was manured with 615 bushels, well trimmed and fit for the market, on "Soiling Cattle," not less than six in number about five cords of barn manure, and produced a and about 5 or 6 bushels of large defective rotten and through the whole season, together with a good crop-after the crop was, off the ground, ones-we have weighed several bushels, and find particular account of the food given, and how culthere were five cords of barn manure, and two a bushel will weigh 59 pounds-the entire ex-tivated-for making the experiment of turning in and a half cords of leached ashes ploughed in-in pense of cultivating this acre of turnips, including green crops as a manure, on a tract not less April 1822, it was once ploughed, and sowed in thirteen dollars for manure, was twenty eight dol-than one acre, and proving its utility and cheapness, rows 14 inches apart, which took between 3 and 4 lars and seventy five cents." giving a particular account of the process and its pounds of seed-in the course of the season it That, Mr. Asa Rice, Jr. of Shrewsbury, is enti-results-for proving by actual experiment, the was hoed between the rows, and weeded four tled to the Society's premium of Twenty dollars, best season and mode of laying down land to times-in September the onions were harvested, for the account of the best mode of rearing, feed-grass, whether Spring, summer or Fall seeding be and there were 651 bushels-the entire expenseling and fattening Neat Cattle. Said Rice is also preferable, and with on without grain on different of cultivating this acre of onions, including 21 entitled to the premium of Twenty dollars, for soils-for raising the greatest quantity of vegeta

bles, Grain, Peas and Beans excepted, for winter, and as the demand increases, will your profit en-, enclosed, some seeds, and three or four of the consumption of the stock on his own farm, and large: by exerting the care, particularity and at-dry entire pods, of our kind-the seeds of this not for sale in proportion fo the size of the farm tention you formerly bestowed on breeding, you are much smaller than those you sent me-ours and stock kept, having regard to the respective may continue to derive wealth-and boast and are of the size and shape of grape seeds; yours value of said Vegetables as food, stating the ex-pride yourselves on the possession of the best like small, flat kidney beans; but in colour, they pense of raising the same, and the best mode of horse of America. are nearly alike, being of a dark, greenish hue. preserving the same through the winter-for ta- In suggesting the exercise of more zeal and I have lodged in Baltimore twenty or thirty king up in one season, on his farm, the greatest judgment in your efforts of breeding, I would not pounds of the Virginia herb, to be tried by any quantity of good Honey, and shall at the same recommend the particularity prevailing in Per-physician that chooses. It is left with Mr. Buttime, exhibit superior skill in the management sia and Arabia, of collecting persons to witness ier, an apothecary, for that purpose. I enclose of Bees-for giving proot of having produced the and certify to the act of coition of their mares you a few lines, which I received from Dr. largest quantity of dressed Flax raised on one and horses, and the birth of the foals; but I Daniel Annin, of Opiquon, Frederick County, acre. No claims for premiums have been exhi- would recommend the preservation of, and a who was with me, and took a little home for bited. strict regard to pedigree-a care to the perfec- trial. He observes, under date of Nov. 1822, "I The Board will perceive by the papers accom-tion and blood of your stallions-the necessity of" feel authorised to say, by a small trial, in one panying this report, that of the seven claimants a remote cross-a caution against the carelessness" case, of your Senna, that it is no doubt, a spe for the premium for raising the greatest quantity and villany of grooms in affording, or promoting" cies of that plant, and may be used as a subof Indian Corn on one acre, the quantity produ-opportunities of stolen enjoyments and lastly," stitute for the imported Senna, with advanced by four of the competitors was very nearly the and most important of all, I would guard you" tage." If physicians in your vicinity would same. Your committee in awarding the premi- against the impropriety of overstrained exer- try it, they may call at Mr. Butler's, and take um to Col. Valentine, were induced to decide tions, and urge the necessity of consulting the some for that purpose.

in his favour as well from the quantity of sound opinions of celebrated naturalists and breeders.— I raised sixty bushels of PALMA CHRISTI, or corn, as from the weight of the grain; it will be The great Buffon, and many others assure us that Castor Oil Beans, on two and one half acres of land, seen that Mr. Burnham's Council Bluff Corn, the progeny of animals overstrained in their upon which stood five large apple trees, that de weighed only fifty pounds; that of Col. Valen-sexual intercourse, dwindle and degenerate :stroyed ten hills square each there was also a tine, fifty eight to fifty nine pounds the bushel. that foals from stallions serving too many mares, row of cherry and peach trees, on two sides of the deteriorate from the pertection of their parents-ground, that injured the outside rows all their that the chances of conception greatly decrease length.

For the Committee,

THOMAS L. WINTHROP, Chairman. Boston, Dec. 28th, 1822.

I am, with respect, your's,

ABEL SEYMOUR.

FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER.

PROPOSAL TO FORM A PERMANEN
FUND FOR THE MARYLAND AGRICUI
TURAL SOCIETY.

MR. SKINNER,

from an excess of mares; and that disappoint- I found one stock in a hill was better than ment is too often the fate of those who dis- more, bearing more beans, and not growing so regard these facts. In England, the most ex- high. Where there were more stalks, we could TO THE BREEDERS OF THE VIRGINIA perienced breeders assert, and it is the generally not get the bunches of beans without breaking RACE-HORSE. prevailing practice there, that no stallion should them down, which was not the case with solitary Stimulated by a love for every thing which perform duty to more than 40 or 50 mares in a stocks-these branched out sooner and bore more gives importance to my native state, and having season-however, I believe that a horse while beans. If any farmer wishes to try the crop, observed the disrepute and neglect into which young and full of vigour, with careful manage-would advise him, if his land is good, to put twe you have suffered your blooded stock of horses ment, may serve somewhat more; but after he beans in a hill, and pull one plant up when they to fall, I am induced to offer you a few ramarks has advanced in years price and reputation, his have grown four or five inches high. The plant on that subject. You have long possessed a race number should be limited. It often happens that should be four feet one way and four and on of fine horses, and the great match lately run at the owner of a fine horse, too greedy for profit, half feet the other-these he should work as h the city of Washington, has turned the eyes of exceeds the power of the horse in the number of does his corn. all the United States to your Stock. Eclipse mares. Indeed, I am informed in some instances, himself is a descendant of the Virginia horse; where the profits are excessive, and the horse's and you have stocked the Carolinas, Georgia, power is quite unequal to the service required J. S. SKINner, Esq. Kentucky and Tennessee, with that spirited, for mares of the first character, that the owngenerous and noble animal, the race-horse. It ers, goaded on by avarice, and regardless of the therefore behoves you, from a consideration of reputation of your stock, crowd upon him many profit as well as a matter of pride, to devote a common plough mares, whose progeny is destingreater attention to the breeding and rearing of ed for hack and drudges. In cases like these, your horses than you have lately bestowed-to are you not destined to meet with failure or reap return to the particularity of your ancestors, disappointment? And to say the least of it, is it The Cattle Shows and Fairs, which are he whose attention, zeal and judgment produced so notan injustice to the public, and ungenerous and valuable a race of animals. The horse, whether illiberal to yourselves? Uniting in concert, you cite much attention. Many persons attended in Maryland, are novel exhibitions here, and e considered alone as ministering to our comforts might correct such errors by withholding your and convenience in agriculture and the pursuits support, or changing its direction, and thereby view the display of valuable stock, who are n of pleasure, is highly important, and as yielding teach the avaricious where their interest lies, directly interested, not having any to exhib profit and affording security in time of war, be- and the necessity of moderation in their desires But the far greater number seek informatic comes doubly more so. The Arabians possess the of gain. The community have a deep interest and estimate properly the advantages whi best war horse, which is known by exportation, in every fine horse, and the owner should never will result to the community, from the exertio and they derive from them annually a considera- so far forget it as to think alone of his individual of those praise-worthy, practical farmers, a ble revenue. The nimble saddle horse, the ge- profit; he should be made to feel the propriety others, who are improving our breeds of stoc nerous hunter, the majestic coach horse, and of preserving the value and reputation of your The Agricultural Society of Maryland, is y the proud and spirited charger, are all the pro-stock, by consulting the character of the mares, in its infancy; the members are not duce of the blooded horse; and we know from and exercise the justice which is due to his numerous, and as all the funds are deriv experience, that they are the most lasting and benefactors, by a limitation of their numbers from a small annual contribution from ea durable for the plough. How important then within reasonable bounds. By attending to the member, the amount is too limited to enable t does it become for you to renew your attention hints here thrown out, and exercising the judg-society to offer pecuniary rewards, sufficient and redouble your exertions to preserve and ment which I know you possess, you will restore induce those who would prefer compensation that way, to make efforts to be noticed in t propagate a race of animals so very valuable.-the perfection and retrieve the reputation of your distribution. Of all the United States, Virginia has hitherto horses. Then, you need not decline a contest possessed the finest horses. The liberal exer- with the Duke of York, or apprehend darkness or tions of many of her citizens in the costly impor- gloom from the recurrence of another Eclipse. tation of the Arabian horse, and the best blood stock of England, the judicious crossing of these, aided by her climate and her soil, so congenial to their propagation, have given to her a race, for activity and durability, for speed and bottom, that will vie with all the world.

The value of the race horse is daily becoming better known; from Virginia they are sought,

I

Richmond Enquirer.

BELLEROPHON.

SENNA AND PALMA CHRISTI.
Moorfield, Dec. 25th, 1822.

DEAR SIR,

I have received the Senna seed you sent, which
will plant when the season arrives. I send you

ve

To gentlemen of wealth, the pecuniary g tuity is not an objeet; they esteem more high the honour of excelling, and it is honoura to excel in any laudable pursuit. But a f mer, who has to scuffle hard to get alo finds all his time and funds employed, in c rying on his business in the old way, and not risk a few extra dollars, if he has them experiments, unless he can make a reason. spare, or employ a part of his time, in mak calculation for profitable returns. And farm

who have only the common breeds of the coun- think it impracticable, I do not wish you to pub- entirely ignorant of the ordinary methods of cu try, have now, no encouragement to exhibit lish them; but as you have been most instru- tivation. The inevitable consequence is, th for premiums at cattle shows, for those who mental in establishing the Society, and feel a their estates become burthens, frequently t have been able to procure the improved breeds, deep interest in its usefulness, I know you will heavy to be borne. will carry off the prizes, until those fine ani determine the case as will be most proper.

mals become more numerous.

But although the funds of the society are very limited, I think it would be profitable to share the premiums between stock and crops. If a farmer has not got stock to vie with the Teeswater, and Devons, and Dishleys, he must

SONG-TUNE: ROY'S WIFE.

At least I wish them thine-believe me.

have managed his business very badly, if he Fare thee well, for I must leave thee,
has not a few acres of rich land; and although Happier days may yet be mine,
But, O, let not our parting grieve thee;
he may have nothing to compare with Champion,
or Bergami, or Mr. Barney's Bakewell's five inch-
es fat on the ribs, he might shew, that he can
raise as much corn, wheat, potatoes, turnips,
&c. &c., per acre in Maryland, as can be done
elsewhere. For instance, I would refer to Mr
Bennett's and Gen. Ringgold's crops of corn.
Mr. Bennett's seldom exceeded on one acre.
Gen. Ringgold's, equal to any other crop on a
large scale.

We part-but by those dew drops clear,
My love for thee will last for ever;
leave thee; but thy image dear-
Thy tender smiles will leave me never.
Fare thee well, &c.

I

O dry those pearly tears that flow,
One farewell smile before we sever;

The only balm for parting wo
Is-fondly hope 'tis not for ever.
Fare thee well, &c.

But I think the improvement of land, is of
primary importance, and instead of giving so
decided a preference for the improvement of
live stock, some of which require, compared
with our usual mode of treatment, very extra-Tho' dark and dreary low'rs the night,
ordinary keep; there ought to be simultaneous
Calm and serene may be the morrow;
endeavours to effect both objects. Where grass The cup of pleasure ne'er shone bright
has not been cultivated in sufficient quantity,
Without some mingling drops of sorrow.
roots can be substituted, until the grasses
Fare thee well, &c.
become more abundant; and if the society

could offer liberal premiums for crops and live- LEITH, Sept. 12th, 1822.
stock, it would persuade many to deviate from
the common practice; for if farmers can be con-

A.

Scotsman.]

The object of our labors, and of those w contribute to give them value, is to aid the pr sent cultivators, and give to the rising gener tion of Farmers and Planters, a spirit of inq ry and enterprize in their profession, to tea them to be justly proud of it, and each in sphere to reflect credit on the pursuit, whi he adds to the individual and aggregate co forts and enjoyments of society.

For the purpose of diffusing a more gene knowledge of our work, Mr. William F. R ding, has been employed to journey throu the southern states. He will establish agenci in the principal places by which we can mo conveniently furnish bound volumes and recei payment even from regular subscribers. has copies of the work with him for sale, $5 per vol. neatly bound-he will also recei subscriptions and payments for us. Our frien and patrons will confer especial favors upon by any assistance which they may give him, a any attention that may be shewn to him. T work, however, may be obtained of us as her tofore, by sending the money per mail, at t risk of the Editor.

PRICES CURRENT.-CORRECTED WEEKLY Flour, best white wheat, $7 25-Howard Superfine, $6 87-Wharf, do. 6 12-Whe white, $1 35 to 1 40-Red do., $1 27 to 1 30 Rye, 70 to 72 cents-Corn, 60 to 63 cts. Oats, 35 to 37 cents- Beef, live cattle,

vinced that by altering their plans, they can Mr. Thomas Jeffreys, of Melksham, Wiltshire, to $5 50 per cwt.-Beef, 8 cents per

to 11 cts.-Pork $4

increase their substance, a general emulation gave a dinner on Tuesday, the 29th ult., to 22 of -Bacon, round, 10 will soon take place. For Gen. Beatson's sys- his neighbours, all residents in the aforesaid par- to 5 50 per c lb.6 to 8 cts. per lb.-Mutton. tem to the contrary notwithstanding, the foun- ish, whose ages together amounted to 2000 years. to 6 cts. per lb.-Beans, $1 37 to 150-Pe dation of lasting improvement, is cultivating The hard winter, which began on Christmas Eve, black eyed, 55 to 60 cts.-Clover seed, $9 to 10 grasses, and enlarging the manure heap. 1789, was very familiar to many of the company, Timothy seed, 44 to $5-Flax seed, 75 to

I wish a plan could be devised to raise a and some well remember the ice to have been cts.-Whiskey, from the wagons, 32 to 34 c fund sufficient to offer an inducement to the ge- more than one yard in thickness in many of the per gal.-Apple brandy, 30 to 32 cts.-Peach d nerality of farmers to risk some money, time ponds in that vicinity. 65 to 70 cts.-Shad, none in market-Herring No. 1, $3 62 per bbl.-No. 2, $3 371-Fi salt 80 to 90 cts. per bush.-Coarse, do. 75 Butter, 20 to 25 per lb.-Eggs, 25 cts. per d -Turkeys, $1 25-Geese, 28 to 37 cts. Chickens, $150 per doz.-Straw, $10 per ton Hay, $17.

THE FARMER.

BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1823.

and labour, to increase their crops, and rear fine animals. And among other premiums, not necessary to detail, to offer liberally for the best and most profitably cultivated farm in each county, having reference to the mode and expense of cultivation, the produce and improvement. For collecting and applying the largest COMPLETE SETS OF "THE AMERICAN Maryland Tobacco-of the fine qualities, no quantity of stable and cow-yard manure; referFARMER." in the market-Good Patuxent, $6 to 8, scar ence being had to circumstances, size of farm, We have it now in our power to supply-Inferior, $2 to 5, plenty and dull-seconds, number of stock, means of accumulation, quali- Agriculturists and others with this Work from 25 to 5-Very little doing in the market. ty, &c. this premium to be extended to eve- its commencement; the two first volumes havry county in the state. But it is not necessary to ing been carefully revised and reprinted. The AGENTS FOR THE AMERICAN FARME enter into details here; there will be a variety whole embraces a great body of information, sup- Complete sets of the first, second and th

of opinions on those points, and if a sufficient fund plied by intelligent, practical farmers, graziers vols. of the " AMERICAN FARMER," new and c can be provided, the officers of the society will and planters of our own country; or drawn from rected Editions, can be had of the following v be competent to make a judicious distribution. celebrated foreign publications-and, to every sub- sons; price of which, bound, $5 per vol. or My plan to raise a fund would be by annual ject treated of, reference is made easy, by co-in Sheets :or biennial lotteries, which I make no doubt pious Indexes to each volume. M. CAREY & SONS and E. LITTELL, P the Legislature will authorise, as the rage for "The American Farmer" boasts not only the ladelphia. adventuring in lotteries, prevails to a considera- pecuniary patronage, but the intellectual sup- W. A. COLMAN, New-York. ble degree. I believe a scheme to raise annu- port of very many of the best Farmers, Plan- WELLS & LILLEY, Boston. ally, the sum of five thousand dollars, could be ters and men of Science of the United States.-PETER COTTOM, Richmond, Va. readily disposed of, for by putting the tickets They have made it an acceptable and useful pub-E. THAYER, Charleston, S. C. at a low price, say not more than five dollars, it lication, to every cultivator of the soil; one JOSEPH GALES, Raleigh, N. C. would be a popular lottery, and every farmer, which every farmer may advantageously put in- W. F. REDDING, special agent, now journ or breeder, or grazier, or victualler, would be to the hands of his children, who are to be the ing through the Southern States. interested in its success, and, I believe it would companions of his age, and the owners of his The fourth volume, now publishing, can be encouraged. est. te, which they will enjoy or waste, as he forwarded to any part of the United States, Five thousand dollars raised annually by lot-may have instructed them how best to im- application being made, by letter or otherwise tery, added to the other funds of the society, prove their faculties and inheritance, or have J. S. SKINNER, Baltimor would make a respectable sum for distribution, neglected these important duties. How long and would give a stimulous to agriculture, which will parents occupy themselves in amassing pro Printed every Friday at 8.4 per annum, for JOHN S. SKINNER would be a lasting benefit to the state. perty for their families, without teaching their I offer these hasty remarks with great defer- children to improve, employ and enjoy it? The nce; and if you disapprove of the plan, or future owners of the soil are often left almost

tor, by JOSEPH ROBINSON, at the North West corner of and Belvidere streets. Bitimore; where every description of and Job printing is executed with nearness and despach promptly attended to, addressed to J. Robinson, Baltimore from a distance for Printing or Binding, with proper dire

No. 48.-VOL. 4.

CHAPTER III.

SOWING.

AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, 17th JANUARY 1823.

337

THE AMERICAN GARDENER. Ispring, the moment the frost was out of the ground,, in the head. This head is made of White Oak, and they were in bloom full fifteen days earlier 2 inches by 21; and has teeth in it at eight inches than those, sown in the same field as early as pos- asunder, each tooth being about six inches long, On Propagation and Cultivation in general. sible in the spring. Doubtless, they would have and an inch in diameter at the head, and is pointed borne peas fifteen days sconer; but there were a little at the end that meets the ground. This but a very few of them, and those standing strag-gives nine teeth, there being four inches over at 155. The first thing, relating to sowing, is, the ling about; and I was obliged to plough up the each end of the head. In this head, there is preparation of the ground. It may be more or ground where they were growing. In some cases a handle fixed of about six feet long. When my less fine according to the sort of seed to be sown.it would be a good way, to cover the sown ground ground is prepared, raked nice and smooth, and Peas and beans do not, of course, require the with litter, or with leaves of trees, as soon as cleaned from stones and clods, I begin at the left earth so fine as small seeds do. But, still, the the frost has fairly set in; but not before; for, hand end of the bed, and draw across it nine rows finer the better for every thing; for, it is best if if you do it before, the seed may vegetate, and at once. I then proceed, taking care to keep the seed be actually pressed by the earth in every then may be killed by the frost. One object of the left hand tooth of the Driller in the right hand part; and many seeds, if not all, are best situated this fall-sowing, is, to get the work done ready for drill that has just been made; so that now I make when the earth is trodden down upon them. spring; for, at that season, you have so many but eight new drills, because (for a guide) the 156. Of course the ground should be good, things to do at once! Besides you cannot sow left hand tooth goes this time in the drill, which either in itself or made good by manure of some the instant the frost breaks up; for the ground is was before made by the right hand tooth. Thus, sort, and, on the subject of manure, see Para-wet and clammy, unfit to be dug or touched or at every draw, I make eight drills. And, in this graphs 28 and 29. But, in all cases, the ground trodden upon. So that here are ten days lost. way a pretty long bed is formed into nice, straight should be fresh; that is to say, it should be dug But, the seed, which has lain in the ground all the drills in a very few minutes. The sowing, after just before the act of sowing, in order that the winter, is ready to start the moment the earth is this, is done with truth, and the depth of the coseeds may have the full benefit of the fermen-clear of the winter frost, and it is up by the time vering must be alike for all the seeds. If it be tation, that takes place upon every moving of you can get other seed into the ground in a good Parsnips or Carrots, which require a wider disstate. Fall-sowing of seeds to come up in the tance between the rows; or, Cabbage plants, 157. Never sow when the ground is wet; nor, spring is not practised in England, though they which, as they are to stand only for a while, do indeed, if it can be avoided, perform any other there are always desirous to get their things early. not require distances so wide: in these cases, act with, or on, the ground of a garden. If you The reason is, the uncertainty of their winter, other Drillers may be made. And, what is the dig ground in wet weather, you make a sort of which passes, sometimes with hardly any frost at expense? There is scarcely an American farmer, mortar of it: it binds when the sun or wind dries all; and which, at other times, is severe enough who would not make a set of Drillers, for six-inch, it. The fermentation does not take place: and to freeze the Thames over. It is sometimes mild eight inch, and twelve-inch distances, in a winit becomes unfavourable to vegetation, especially till February, and then severe. Sometimes itter's day; and, consisting of a White Oak head if the ground be, in the smallest degree, stiff in begins with severity and ends with mildness. So and handle, and of Locust teeth, every body its nature. It is even desirable, that wet should that, nine times out of ten, their seed would come knows that the tools might descend from father not come for some days after ground has been up and the plants would be destroyed before to son, to the fourth or fifth generation. I hope, moved; for, if the wet come before the ground spring. Besides they have slugs that come out in therefore, that no one will, on the score of tedibe dry at top, the earth will run together, and mild weather, and eat small plants up in the win-ousness, object to the drilling of seeds in a garden. will become bound at top. Sow, therefore, if ter. Other insects and reptiles do the like. From 163. In the case of large pieces of ground, a possible, in dry weather, but in freshly-moved these obstacles the American gardener is free. hand Driller is not sufficient. Yet, if the land ground. His winter sets in; and the earth is safely closed be ploughed, furrows might make the paths, the

the earth.

158. The season for sowing will, of course, up against vegetation till the spring. I am speak- harrow might smooth the ground, and the handfind a place under the names of the respective ing of the North of Virginia, to be sure; but the driller might be used for onions, or for any thing plants; and, I do hope, that it is, when I am gardener to the south will adapt the observations else. However, what I have done for Kidney addressing myself to Americans, unnecessary to his climate, as far as they relate to it. Beans is this. I have a roller drawn by an ox,

for me to say, that sowing according to the Moon 160. As to the act of sowing, the distances and or a horse. The roller is about eight inches in is wholly absurd and ridiculous, and that it arose depths differ with different plants, and these will, diameter, and ten feet long. To that part of the solely out of the circumstance, that our forefa- of course be pointed out under the names of those frame of the roller, which projects, or hangs over thers, who could not read, had neither Almanack different plants; but, one thing is common to all beyond the roller behind, I attach, by means of nor Calendar to guide them, and who counted by seeds; and that is, that they should be sown in two pieces of wood and two pins, a bar ten teet Moons and Festivals instead of by Months and rows or drills; for, unless they be sown in this long. Into this bar I put ten teeth; and near the Days of Months. way, all is uncertainty. The distribution of the middle of the bar two handles. The roller being

159. However, it is necessary to observe, seed is unequal; the covering is of unequal put in motion breaks all the clods that the harrow that some, and even many, things, which are depth; and, when the plants come up in company has left, draws after it the ten teeth, and the ten usually sown in the Spring, would be better sown with the weeds, the difficulty of ridding the ground teeth make ten drills, as deep, or as shallow, as in the fall; and especially when we consider how of the latter, without destroying the former, is the man chooses who follows the roller, holding little time there is for doing all things in the spring. very great indeed, and attended with ten times the the two handles of the bar. The two pieces of Parsnips, carrots, beets, onions, and many other labour. Plants, in their earliest state, generally wood, which connect the bar with the hinder prothings, may be safely sown in the fall. The seed require to be thinned; which cannot be done with jecting part of the frame of the roller, work on will not perish, if covered by the earth. But, regularity, unless they stand in rows; and, as to the pins, so as to let the bar up and down, as octhen, care must be taken to sow early enough every future operation, how easy is the labour in casion may require; and, of course, while the in the fall for the plants to come up before the the one case and how hard in the other! It is of roller is turning, at the end, the bar, with the frost set in. The seed of all plants will lie safe great advantage to almost all plants to move the teeth in it, is raised from the ground. in this way all the winter, though the frost pene-ground somewhat deep while they are growing; 164. Thus are ten drills made by an ox, in trate to the distance of three feet beneath them, but, how is this to be done, unless they stand in about five minutes, which would perhaps require except the seeds of such plants as a slight frost will rows? If they be dispersed promiscuously over a man more than a day to make with a hoe. In cut down. The seed of kidney beans, for in-the ground, to perform this operation is next to short, an ox, or a horse, and a man and a boy, stance, will rot, if the ground be not warm impossible. will do twelve acres in a day with ease. And to enough to bring it up. So will the seed of cu- 161. The great obstacle to the following of a draw the drills with a hoe would require fortycumbers, melons, and Indian Corn, unless buried method so obviously advantageous, is, the trouble. eight men at the least; for, there is the line to beyond the reach of the influence of the atmos- To draw lines for peas and beans is not deemed be at work as well as the hoe. Wheat and even phere. Even early peas would be best sown in troublesome; but, to do this for raddishes, onions, Peas are, in the fields, drilled by machines; but the fall, could you have an insurance against mice, carrots, lettuces, beds of cabbages, and other beans cannot, and especially kidney beans. Drills We all know, what a bustle there is to get in early mall seeds, is regarded as tedious. When we must be made: and, where they are cultivated on peas. If they were sown in the fall, they would consider the saving of trouble afterwards, this a large scale, how tedious and expensive must start up the moment the frost were out of the trouble is really nothing, even if the drills were be the operation to make the drills, by line and ground, and would be ten days earlier in bearing drawn one at a time by a line or rule; but, this hoe! When the drills are made, the beans are in spite of every effort made by the spring sowers need not be the case; for, a very cheap and laid in at proper distances, then covered with a to make their peas overtake them. Upon a spot, simple tool does the business with as much quick-light harrow frame of White-Oak and tines of where I saved peas for seed, last year, some thatness as sowing at random. Locust, ) and after all comes the roller, with the was left, in a lock of haulm, at the harvesting, and 162. Suppose there be a bed of onions to be teeth lifted up of course; and all is smooth and that lay upon the dry ground, till the land was sown. I make my drills in this way. I have neat. The expense of such an apparatus is really ploughed late in November, came up, in the what I call a Driller, which is a rake six feet long orning. The barrel of the roller, and the teeth

CULTIVATION.

bar, ought to be Locust, which never perishes, The earth should be as fine as possible; for, if it be of those ways. Cuttings are pieces cut off from and the shafts and frame of White-Oak, which not, part of the roots will remain untouched by branches of trees and plants. Slips are branches even without paint, will last a life time. the earth. If ground be wet, it cannot be fine. pulled off and slipped down at a joint. Layers 165. In order to render the march of the ox And, if mixed wet, it will remain in a sort of mor- are branches left on the plant or tree, and bent straight, my ground was ploughed into lands, one tar, and will cling and bind together, and will down to the ground, and fastened, with earth laid of which took the ten rows of kidney-beans; so leave more or less of cracks, when it become upon the part between the plant and the top of that the ox had only to be kept straight along dry. the branch. Offsets are parts of the root and upon the middle of the land. And, in order to 170. If possible, therefore, transplant when the plant separated from the main root. have the lands flat, not arched at all, the ground ground is not wet; but, here again, as in the case was ploughed twice in this shape, which brought of sowing, let it be dug, or deeply moved, and the middle of the lands where the furrows were well broken, immediately before you transplant 176. Here, as in the foregoing parts of this before. If, however, the ground had been flat-into it. There is a fermentation that takes place Chapter, I propose to speak only of what is of ploughed, without any furrow, there would have immediately after moving, and a dew arises, general application, in order to save the room been no difficulty. I should have started on a which did not arise before. These greatly exceed, that would be necessary to repeat instructions for straight side, or on the straightest side, leaving in power of causing the plant to strike, any thing cultivation under the names of the several plants. out any crook or angle that there might have to be obtained by rain on the plants at the time of 177. The ground being good, and the sowing, been. I should have taken two distant objects, planting, or by planting in wet earth. Cabbages or planting, having been properly performed, the found, or placed, beyond the end of the and Ruta Raga (or Swedish Turnip) I have pro- next thing is the after-management, which is work, and should have directed the head of ved, in innumerable instances, will, if planted usually called the cultivation. the ox in a line with those two objects. Before I in freshly-moved earth, under a burning sun, be 178. If the subject be from seed, the first thing started, I should have measured off the width to a great deal finer than those planted in wet is to see that the plants stand at a proper distance find where the ox ought to come to again, and ground, or during rain. The causes are explain- from each other; because, if left too close, they then have fixed two objects to direct his coming ed in the foregoing paragraph; and, there never cannot come to good. Let them also be thinned back. I should have done this at each end, till was a greater, though most popular error, than early; for, even while in seed-leaf, they injure the piece had been finished that of waiting for a shower in order to set about each other. Carrots, parsnips, lettuces, every

166. But, is there no other use, to which this the work of transplanting. In all the books, that thing, ought to be thinned in the seed-leaf. roller could be put? Have I not seen, in the I have read, without a single exception: in_the 179. Hoe, or weed, immediately; and, let me marking of a corn-field, a man (nay the farmer English Gardening books; in the English Far- observe here, once for all, that weeds never ought himself) mounted upon a horse, which dragged a mer's Dictionary, and many other works on Eng-to be suffered to get to any size either in field or log of wood after it, in order to indicate the lines lish husbandry; in the Encyclopedia; in short, garden, and especially in the latter. In England, upon which the corn was to be planted? And in all the books on husbandry and on gardening where it rains, or drips, sometimes, for a month have I not, at other times, seen the farmer making that I have ever read, English or French, this together, it is impossible to prevent weeds from these marks, one at a time, with a plough? And transplanting in showery weather is recommended. growing. But in this fine climate, under this have I not seen the beauty of these most beautiful 171. If you transplant in hot weather, the blessed sun, who never absents himself for more scenes of vegetation marred by the crookedness leaves of the plants will be scorched; but the than about forty-eight hours at a time, and who of the lines thus drawn? Now, take my roller, hearts will live; and the heat, assisting the fer-will scorch a dock-root, or a dandelion root, to take all the teeth out but three, let these three be mentation, will produce new roots in twenty-four death in a day, and lengthen a water-melon shoot at four feet apart. Begin well on one side of the hours, and new leaves in a few days. Then it is 24 inches in as many hours: in this climate, scanfield; mount your horse; load the teeth well with that you see fine vegetation come on. If you dalous indeed it is to see the garden, or the field, a stone tied on each; drop the bar; take two plant in wet, that wet must be followed by dry; infested with weeds.

objects in your eye; go on, keep the two objects the earth, from being moved in wet, contracts the 180. But, besides the act of killing weeds, in line, and you draw three lines at once, all mortary nature; hardens first, and then cracks; cultivation means moving the earth between the straight and parallel, even if a mile long. Then, and the plants will stand in a stunted state, till plants while growing. This assists them in their turn, and carefully fix the horse again, so that the ground be moved about them in dry weather. growth: it feeds them: it raises food for their you leave four feet between the outside line drawn If I could have my wish in the planting of a piece roots to live upon. A mere flat-hoeing does nobefore and the inside tooth. You have already of Cabbages, Ruta Baga, Lettuces, or, almost any thing but keep down the weeds. The hoeing measured at the other end (where you started,) thing, I would find the ground perfectly dry at when the plants are become stout, should be and have placed two objects for your guide. Go top; I would have it dug deeply; plant immedi- deep; and, in general, with a hoe that has spanes on, keeping these objects in a line; and you have ately; and have no rain for three or four days. instead of a mere flat plate. In short, a sort of three more lines. Thus you proceed till the field' I would prefer no rain for a month to rain at the rong in the posture of a hoe. And the spane be finished. Here is a great saving of time; but, time of planting. of this prong-hoe may be longer, or shorter, were it for nothing but the look, ought not the log 172. This is a matter of primary importance. according to the nature of the crop to be hoed. to give place to the roller? How many crops are lost by the waiting for a Deep-hoeing is enough in some cases; but, in 167. If I have strayed here out of the garden shower! And, when the shower comes, the ground others, digging is necessary to produce a fine and into the field, let it be recollected, that I write is either not dug, or it has been dug for some full crop. If any body will have a piece of principally for the use of farmers. I now return time, and the benefit of the fermentation is whol-Cabbages, and will dig between the rows of one to garden-sowing. ly lost. half of them, twice during their growth, and let

168. When the seeds are properly, and at 173. However, there are some very tender the other half of the piece have nothing but a suitable distances, placed in the drills, rake the plants; plants so soft and juicy as to be absolutely flat-hoeing, that person will find that the half ground, and, in all cases, tread it with your feet, burnt up and totally destroyed, stems and all, in which has been digged between, will, when the unless it be very moist. Then rake it slightly a hot sun, in a few hours. Cucumbers and Melons, crop is ripe, weigh nearly, if not quite twice as again; for all seeds grow best when the earth is for instance, and some plants of flowers. These, much as the other half. But, why need this be pressed closely about them. When the plants which lie in a small compass, must be shaded at said in an Indian Corn country, where it is so come up, thin them, keep them clear of weeds, least, if not watered, upon their removal; a more well known, that, without being ploughed be and attend to the directions given under the names particular notice of which will be taken as we tween, the corn will produce next to nothing? of the several plants. proceed in the Lists of the Plants. 181. It may appear, that, to dig thus amongst 174. In the act of transplanting the main things growing plants is to cut off, or tear off, their TRANSPLANTING. are to take care not to bury the heart of the plant; roots, of which the ground is full. This is really 169. The weather for transplanting, whether of and to take care that the earth be well pressed the case, and this does great good; for the roots, table vegetables, or of trees, is the same as that about the point of the root of the plant. To press thus cut asunder, shoot again from the plant side, for sowing. If you do this work in wet weather, the earth very closely about the stem of the plant find new food, and send, instantly, fresh vigour to or, when the ground is wet, the work cannot be is of little use, if you leave the point of the root the plant. The effect of this tillage is quite

well done. It is no matter what the plant is, loose. I beg that this may be borne in mind; for surprising. We are hardly aware of its power in whether it be a cucumber plant, or an oak-tree. the growth, and even the life, of the plant depend producing vegetation; and we are still less aware It has been observed, as to seeds, that they like on great care as to this particular. See Cabbage, of the distance, to which the roots of plants exthe earth to touch them in every part, and to lie Paragraph 200, for a minute description of the tend in every direction. close about them. It is the same with roots. One act of planting 182. MR. TULL, the father of the drill-husbandhalf of the bad growth that we see in orchards 175. As to propagation by cuttings, slips, layers ry, gives the following account of the manner, in arises from negligence in the planting: from and offsets, it will be spoken of under the names which he discovered the distance to which certain *mbling the earth carelessly in upon the roots. of the several plants usually propagated in any roots extend. I should observe here, that he

« AnteriorContinuar »