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leave it rough to the action of the winter frosts and snow. In May, when danger of frost has passed, sow down 100 lbs. guano and two bushels of peas and put in with cultivators or single-horse ploughs. When the peas are matured-which will be about the middle of August-turn them under clean-not deep: spread twenty to forty bushels of lime per acre and roll with a heary roller. When ready to sow wheat, apply another 100 lbs, guano, covering it, and seed with cultivators, and immediately sow on this, grass seed-timothy one peck per acre, if the hay is for marketotherwise two bushels orchard grass seed. In the spring sow two gallons of clover seed. I should calculate upon a full return for the

For the "American Farmer." Lime-Guano-Peas-Clover. ........, Va., Feb. 4, 1868. MY DEAR J.: In a former letter I mentioned the tendency of lime to sink below the soil. Mr. Ruffin in his Essay on Calcareous Manures, mentions "Westover" as affording proof of this prior to 1851. It is reported that the present proprietor in fallowing with three horses in the fall of 1866 turned up pure lime in such abundance as to give to the field the appearance of having been freshly limed. This is conclusive, and establishes, also, the point made when we last conversed together, that deep ploughing was essential upon land which had been limed years before. I refer you to Johnston's Lecture on Chemis-outlay, including rent, &c., in the increased try and Geology applied to Agriculture, and to the essay on calcareous manures above referred to. I call your particular attention to Mr. Ruffin's essay, because his experiments were made in our own midst and on land similar to that we cultivate. You are in the first years of manhood and cannot better devote your leisure than to the study and thorough mastering of your profession.

product in wheat. With such a preparation I should not look in a favorable season for less than 20 bushels of wheat per acre.

In the mode proposed there would be secured for the action of the lime, a goodly quantity of vegetable matter—ensured by the first 100 lbs. of guano; a sufficient stand for wheat and grass seed, afforded by the second 100 lbs. of guano, until they could reach and feed on the pabulum furnished by the peas and

I have not much faith in guano as a fertilizer, i. e. an IMPROVER. I consider it a power-lime in the following spring. ful stimulant to the crop, but I have never been able to discover any improvement to the soil where guano was used alone. E contra, I think I have seen decided injury result from its use. Certain it is that the second crop, after its application, has been no better than that which preceded it. I do consider it, however, a most valuable assistant in speedily renovating worn-out lands.

I am speaking of pure Peruvian guano. I am not prepared to speak of the several compounds in which guano is the main constituent. I do know of one, however, which I could recommend upon my own experience. It is or was prepared by Magruder Sons of Richmond-and was one half Peruvian guano and one half bone-ash-thoroughly manipulated. This I know to be an improver, both from trial on my land, and observation of the effect of a similar preparation on the land of a neighbor who was engaged before the war in manufacturing a fertilizer of precisely the same materials and in the same proportions. I can recommend the Magruder Sons to you. To renovate an exhausted field with the least delay at a moderate charge, I would, if stiff land, break it up deep in the fall and

I am not alone in my estimate of guano as an improver per se. I am constantly hearing of others, heretofore strong advocates, now yielding to the conclusion that guano will not pay, unless used in combination with some other agent. The market gardeners in my section tie to bone dust-declaring that they do not get the real good of bone manure, until the third or fourth year; they use guano as a stimulant alone.

Guano-as well as all the manipulated fertilizers--are too costly to be wasted-and it is a waste if you fail to seed to grass where you have used these purchased manures. To improve your soil and to get the fullest return for your outlay in fertilizers, you must sow grass seed liberally.

Our lands, which are free from the carbonate of lime-the form in which it is used for agricultural purposes-do not readily produce clover-while those which are naturally calcareous or to which lime has been applied, yield abundant crops. I do not know of a single application of lime which has not been compensating. It mellows stiff land and stif fens sandy, and experience has proven that the cultivation of limed lands is easier than of

those not limed. In many instances the cost of liming has been fully met by the increase in the first crop, and not unfrequently has been exceeded, while a permanent improvement has been secured.

The proper quantity of lime to the acre varies with the condition of the land. Some land is so free of vegetable matter, that any quantity, however small, would be a quant. suff, while there are others upon which 100 bushels per acre would do no injury. In England much heavier quantities of quick lime are used and repeated at short intervals. The amount of vegetable in the soil will greatly, if not entirely, determine what quantity of lime may be used without detriment. In five years rotation the quantity of pure lime abstracted from the soil in three crops of grain and one of potatoes, does not exceed four pounds or 0.8 pounds per year. The turnips, straw and clover abstract in the like period one hundred and twenty pounds or twenty-four pounds per annum, which, however, may be presumed to be returned to the soil in the shape of manure, and need not therefore be considered. Both quantities would be hardly appreciable-five pecks per acre would supply this abstraction.

Thus it would seem that six bushels per acre would perform all the "useful manuring functions of lime." Formerly the applications of lime were in quantities not only in excess of all necessity, but in many instances were positively injurious. The danger now is in running into the other extreme-either from a conviction that small doses are more beneficial or because the pocket will not bear a heavy strain. I am greatly inclined to believe that 40 bushels of lime is sufficient for any land in Eastern Virginia; and that 20 would be better adapted to much the larger portion. This for a rotation of six years. I am also much leaning to the opinion that if the amount determined on for the rotation were divided into as many quantities as there were years in the rotation and the yearly portion applied every spring, the greatest possible return would thus be obtained from the quantities sown. This would require additional labor and expense.

I would advise you by all means to sow lime on your wheat-say five bushels per acre -now and at any time before April-leave out every third or fourth bed, so you may see for yourself the effect. We really ought to

farm rationally. Dr. Stewart's article in February number "American Farmer" is worth to every thinking man the annual subscription of all the agricultural papers in America.

The dear old "Farmer" has on a new jacket -now wasn't it good in the printer to remember the old gentleman this cold weather and make him look so comfortable and respectable. Ah, my son, this self-same printer means for the good old man to pay for his new clothes just as your tailor expects you to pay for your coat. I hope you have remembered this and have already sent on your subscription, not only to pay for clothing our friend, but for feeding "his cherubs." Like every editor, in esse or posse, I ever heard of, (who was worth a copper) the "Farmer" has a house-full of children, young Americas, who are not to be put off with a stone or a scorpion when they ask for bread or a fish. I am just like these self-same children-I wouldn't give a good loaf of bread with a good fish, just at this present writing, for all the stones and scorpions in Washington, and if I ever get to be editor I hope it will be generally received and universally understood that the most certain way to my immutable love is through the Haversack.

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FLOUR MAKING.-The question how much wheat does it take to make a barrel of flour is often asked, and the answer is of general charAt the acter, "five bushels are allowed." annual fair of the Dubuque county (Iowa) Agricultural Society, in 1867, a premium of three dollars was offered for the best barrel of

flour made from winter wheat, and also the same made from spring wheat. A firm entered one barrel each, accompanied with the statement that sixteen bushels of winter wheat yielded three barrels and one hundred and three pounds of flour-at the rate of four bushels and fifteen pounds of wheat to the barrel. Of spring wheat, fifty bushels yielded eleven barrels of flour, being four bushels and thirty-two pounds to the barrel. The wheat was fair quality and no more.

In Benton Co., Ind., there is a farm of 24,000 acres owned by Messrs. Fowler & Earl. They design it to be used entirely in preparing cattle for market. When the whole tract has been brought into proper condition, it is expected 8,000 cattle can be fed on it.

For the "American Farmer."
The Fair at New Orleans.

To enter, at this late day, into a lengthy argument as to the utility and practical results of mechanical and industrial exhibitions, would be an insult to the intelligent reader, and a waste of time and words, It is true that in the South we have heretofore paid but little attention to such exhibitions, done little to foster and encourage them. But the events of the past few years have wrought many changes in our condition as a people. We have now to rebuild what was torn down and swept away by leaden and iron hail; to foster new industries; to inculcate habits of thrift and economy; and to stimulate and encourage the labors of the artisan and agriculturist. As a means to accomplish these ends, industrial exhibitions occupy a prominent place; and they are daily growing into form in all parts of the country. The Louisiana State Fair, held at Baton Rouge, at the close of 1867, was quite a success, despite the untoward condi

of $25 each, twenty-five per cent. of the same to be paid annually for five consecutive years.

The war intervening, the association did not commence its labors until 1866, when officers and directors were chosen, and a fair held, which proved a far greater success than even the most sanguine had anticipated. The grounds of the association, known for many years as the Creole Race Course, contain 110 acres, enclosed by a substantial fence, and were purchased for $60,000. Since the first fair was held, the grounds have been greatly improved and embellished; streets and walks laid out, canals and sewers dug, and a permanent draining machine erected. Hot-houses have been built, and filled with rare plants; trees planted, in addition to the noble live oaks "native to the soil;" a telegraph station erected, communicating with the city; and various buildings put up for the use of exhibitors, and for other purposes. Commodious stables, a mile race-course, a spacious arena for the exhibition of stock, with a stand

for judges and musicians in the centre, and an amphitheatre capable of seating 10,000 people. are located on the grounds; and improvements now projected will add still further to their attractiveness.

tion of affairs. At this fair was exhibited an invention for making sugar from cane or sorgum, in which the defecation is produced by filtering through wool, without the agency of any chemical whatever. The Baton Rouge The main exhibition building is octagon in Gazette describes it as a most simple, economi- shape, 80 feet in diameter, and surmounted by cal, and practical method. Next in import-a dome 80 feet from the ground. It contains ance were specimens of the ramie plant, of which we shall speak more at length farther

on.

In November, 1866, was held, at New Orleans, the first fair of the Mechanics' and Agricultural Fair Association of Louisiana. This association was incorporated in 1860, and its object, as set forth in the second article of its charter, is, "to promote and foster improvements in all the various departments of agriculture, including cotton, sugar, coffee, tobacco, rice, hemp, etc.; horticulture, fruits, vegetables, ornamental and staple gardening; the promotion and development of the mechanic arts; home manufactures in all branches; the rearing, improvement and development of the races of useful animals; the general advancement of rural economy; the encouragement of household manufactures, and the dissemination of useful knowledge upon such subjects, by offering inducements and premiums therefore."

The capital stock of the association was fixed at $150,000, represented by 6000 shares,

a spacious, gallery, used to exhibit paintings, etc. One of the adjoining buildings contains steam-power and a line of shafting for the exhibition of machinery; and other buildings are devoted to stock of all kinds, vehicles, and useful and ornamental articles.

The Club-House, which is to be kept open permanently, is a handsome little building, one-story high and surmounted by a gallery. The restaurant and bar are in competent hands, and the club already numbers some 300 members.

The second fair of the association was to have been held during the month of November, 1867; but owing to the epidemic and other causes, it was postponed to January 9th, 1868, on which day it was opened with the usual ceremonies. The Directors this year had much to contend with. The weather in January is almost always unfavorable and

was so in this instance. The rivers were unusually low, interrupting business and travel: unfavorable reports as to the sanitary condition of the city had gone abroad, and deterred

many from coming here; and the depressed condition of all branches of trade; the universal poverty of the people and the gloomy political prospects, all combined to make the the second State fair, if not quite a failure, at least not such a success as it must otherwise have been.

In some departments there was an evident improvement over the first fair; and but for the unfortunate condition of the country, there would doubtless have been a much fuller exhibit of industry and natural resources. Under the circumstances, it is only surprising that so much was accomplished.

The cattle department, though far from what it ought to have been, and doubtless will be, at succeeding exhibitions, contained some fine animals. The South has heretofore paid but little attention to the improvement of stock; though it is to be hoped these annual exhibitions will stimulate endeavors in this direction. Some sheep produce twice the quantity of wool, and of finer quality, than others; there are hogs which, with the same quality and quantity of food as that given to the "grey-hound" breed, fill the pork barrel or smokehouse more speedily, and with a better article; there are cattle which give finer beef; horses capable of more work or greater speed, than those to be met with in many portions of the South. And it should be the aim of

the Southern farmer or stock raiser to replace

the articles on exhibition would be a useless and tiresome undertaking. We shall therefore refer only to those articles which seem to demand attention more than others, and which possess general interest.

An improved petroleum stove, invented and manufactured in New Orleans, (Jervey & DeMaley,) attracted much attention, especially from the fair sex. We have been informed by those who have had these stoves for some time in use, that for heating offices, or for family use, they are much cheaper, cleaner, and more easily managed than stoves which These are certainly

burn wood or coal.
strong recommendations. Every housekeeper
must necessarily feel an interest in the great
cooking stove contest, an account of which
we summarize from the N. O. Times' report.
Says the Times:

"By far the most exciting contest that has yet taken place at the fair was the grand stove trial. For this great race there were six entries, in the following order:

1. E. Wood Perry enters Norton's Furnace. 2. Rice Bros. & Co. enter Charter Oak. Peerless.

3.

4.

5. Levi & Navra

6.

Good Samaritan.
Cotton Plant.
Buck's Brilliant.

The latter is very unique in appearance, being provided with glass sides, through

which the bread can be seen baking, without the necessity of opening the door. All were arranged upon a platform in the open air, each being surrounded by its special corps of managers. The "Cotton Plant," and "Charter Oak" were run by lady engineers, whose professional skill served them to good purpose, in opposition to those run by man power. Each was provided with eight pounds of dough, made into two loaves, and fifteen pounds of fuel. As the time approached for the contest to commence, the attendant crowd had increased to about two hundred persons, about one-half of whom were ladies."

with such breeds the inferior stock to be seen on the prairies or in the farm-yard, as soon as possible. It is not the work of a day, certainly; but it cannot be commenced too soon. The great West, which supplies the Mississippi Valley with agricultural implements, and so many other articles, contributed largely to this fair; but the tobacco interests of Virginia were represented by only two pounds of smoking tobacco! Richmond, Va., was represented by a few excellent circular saws, from the Southern Saw Works; by a display of nuts, bolts and washers from the Vulcan Iron Works (Messrs. Archer, Goodwin & Co.,) and by a large collection of wooden ware, from Allen, McCarthey & Co., which received a blue ribbon. Maryland would have been represented by the cotton ducks and twines of the Mount Vernon Company of Baltimore, but, unfortunately, the steamer on which the "At ten minutes to one the drum tapped goods were shipped did not arrive until the and all lighted up, Norton's Furnace, run by fair was over. Mr. E. Wood Perry, led off in smoke amid To attempt anything like a catalogue of the cheers of the crowd and loud cries of 'go

The result of the contest not being satisfactory, a new trial was ordered for the following day, when there was a large increase of spectators. The entries and engineers were the same as at the previous trial.

it old one.' Charter Oak followed, and the rest gave out vapor almost immediately after. In four minutes, just as they were (we might say) rounding the quarter stretch, Cotton Plant' popped in bread, all followed suit as quickly as though life depended on the issue, but Buck's Brilliant had started fire with bread al eady in the stove. Then came the tug, the cooks' countenances glowed like the stoves; a perpetual snapping of opening and shutting doors resounded over the arena. Stoves were patted, coaxed and petted as though they were human beings. All seemed confident of winning, and the crowd enlivened the scene with humorous and encouraging comments from time to time, Mr. Perry's efforts seeming to be the greatest favored. At twenty minutes past one 'Cotton Plant' threw open its throttle valves and announced that it wanted no more fuel. All the others 'shut up' and 'keeping dark.' As the time for the bread to be baked approached, excitement had increased to a baking heat, both within and without the arena. At last Peerless turned out its bread in 42 minutes; Norton's Furnace followed suit, in 42:15; Cotton Plant next, in 43; then Charter Oak, in 43:2; then Good Samaritan, in 44:20; and lastly, Buck's Brilliant, in 47. The grand result of the trial was as follows: Norton's Furnace, E. Wood Perry, bread weighed 7 lb. 3 oz.; burned fuel, 74 lb.

Charter Oak, Rice Bros. & Co., bread weighed 7 lb. 4 oz.; burned fuel, 6 lb.

Peerless, Campman & Co., bread weighed 7 lb. 4 oz.; burned fuel, 64 lb.

Good Samaritan, bread weighed 7 lb. 9 oz.; burned fuel, 74 lb.

Cotton Plant, Levi & Navra, bread weighed 7 lb. 1 oz.; burned fuel, 74 lb. Buck's Brilliant, Buck & Wright, bread weighed 7 lb. 4 oz.; burned fuel, 34 lb.

At the conclusion of the trial the bread was taken charge of by the Awarding Committee, who awarded to Buck & Wright, of St. Louis, the gold medal for the best wood stoves.— Honorable mention being made of the Peerless,' Campman & Co.

Next in order was the trial for coal stoves, for which there were three entered, Buck & Wright entering the Paragon; E. Wood Perry the Norton Furnace, and Campman & Co. the Peerless. One loaf of four pounds of dough and the same quantity of wood and Pittsburg coal were served out to each, and all at a given

signal fired up and went in,' with the following result:

Norton's Furnace, entered by E. Wood Perry, burned coal, 2 lb. 7 oz.; wood, 2 lb. 8 oz.; time 46 minutes; bread weighed 3 lb. 11 oz.

Peerless, entered by Campman & Co., burned coal, 2 lb.; wood 1 lb. 6 oz.; time, 46 minutes; bread weighed 3 lb. 10 oz.

Paragon, entered by Buck & Wright, burned coal, 2 lb.; wood, 2 lb. 3 oz.; time, 58 minutes; bread weighed 3 lb 10 oz.

The committee unanimously awarded the gold medal to Campman & Co., for the best coal stove exhibited.

A street car, from the Southern Car Works, located 61 miles from New Orleans, on the Jackson Railroad, for beauty and serviceability will compare favorably with those from Northern works. This establishment was started some years before the war. During the war it of course was idle, and the works were burnt, destroyed, or carried away; so that the present works had to rise literally, Phenixlike, from the ashes of the old. Native woods are used principally, and are equal in beauty and durability to anything in use elsewhere, The castings are made on the spot, and the painting and upholstering are executed by the best of workmen. The Southern Car Works builds steam cars as well as horse cars; and four cars of the former description, intended for the Georgia Central Road, were recently inspected at the Works by competent judges, who pronounced them "superior to the cars usually bought North, in strength and wearing qualities, and fully equal to them in beauty of finish." One hears a great deal said about “patronizing home manufactures," which is sheer nonsense. People buy where they can buy the cheapest and the best. If we can get a better article at home at the same price, or as good an article, we are not going elsewhere for it. Otherwise, we may continue to talk of home manufactures, but we will buy from New England. It is gratifying, therefore, to note that the Southern Car Works is able to sustain itself in the face of all outside competition.

A Steam Levee Builder, patented and constructed by Mr. Stowell, of Quincy, Ill., was exhibited, but we did not see it in operation. It is estimated that 2000 cubic yards of earth, in a day with this machine; or carts filled at 25 feet base, and 12 feet high, can be piled up the rate of three per minute.

[To be continued.]

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