was led to think of the drilling of crops in the fields of England, from having, when in France, of so interesting a nature, and relates to a matter ground for another crop. If a summer fallow be 183. The passage, to which I have alluded, is make it of the best quality; but, it prepares the observed the effects of inter-tillage on the vines, of so much importance, that I shall insert it entire, good for the land, here is a summer fallow; if 339 in the vineyards. If he had visited America and also the plates made use of by MR. TULL to the ploughing between Indian Corn prepares the instead of France, he would have seen the effects illustrate his meaning. I shall not, as so many the land for wheat, the digging between cabbages of that tillage, in a still more striking light, on others have, take the thoughts, and send them and other crops will, of course prepare the land plants, in your Indian Corn fields; for, he would forth as my own; nor, like MR. JOHN CHRISTIAN for succeeding crops. have seen these plants spindling, yellow, actually CURWEN, steal them from TULL, and give them, perishing, to-day, for want of ploughing; and, in with all the honour belonging to them, to a Bish-commended in English Gardening Books; and four days after a good, deep, clean and careful op. ploughing, especially in hot weather, he would 187. Watering plants, though so strongly rehave seen them wholly change their colour, be-" which roots extended horizontally. A piece, or tive injury, 184. "A Method how to find the distance to utility in any case, and, in most cases, of posicome of a bright and beautiful green, bending "plot dug and made fine, in whole hard ground, suffering from long drought; but, even if all so much in practice, is a thing of very doubtful their leaves over the intervals, and growing at the rate of four inches in the twenty-four hours. "as in Plate II. Fig. 1. A country often endures present the gardens and all the fields could, in such a case, be watered with a watering pot, I much question, whether it would be beneficial even to the crops of the dry season itself. It is not, observe, rain water that you can, one time out of a thousand, water with. And, to nourish plants, the water must be prepared in clouds and mists and dews. Observe this. Besides, when rain comes, the earth is prepared for it by that state of the air, which precedes rain, and which makes all things damp and slackens and loosens the earth, and disposes the roots and leaves for the reception of the rain. To pour water, therefore, upon plants, or upon the ground where they are growing, or where seeds are sown, is never of much use, and is generally mischievous; for, the air is dry; the sun comes immediately and bakes the ground, and vegetation is checked, rather than advanced, by the operation. The best protector against frequent drought is frequent digding, or, in the fields, ploughing, and always deep. Hence will arise a fermentation and dews. The ground will have moisture in it, in spite of all drought, which the hard, unmoved ground will not. But always dig or plough in dry weather, "The end A. 2 feet, the end B. 12 feet, the and, the drier the weather, the deeper you ought "length of the piece 20 yards; the figures in "gave a dark flourishing colour to these three When plants are covered by lights, or are in a to go, and the finer you ought to break the earth. "the middle of it are 20 Turnips, sown early rows; and the Turnips in the row d, which house, or are covered with cloths in the night time, and well hoed The manner of this hoeing"E, received so much benefit from it, as to grow must have it given them by hand. "stood farthest off from the new ploughed land they may need watering, and in such cases, "must be, at first, near the plants, with a spade, "and each time afterwards, a foot distance, till "twice as big as any of the more distant rows. "the earth be once well dug; and, if weeds "The row c being a foot nearer to the new serving on what I deem a vulgar error, and an 188. I shall conclude this Chapter with obappear where it has been so dug, hoe them out "ploughed land, became twice as large as those error, too, which sometimes produces inconve"shallow with the hand-hoe. But, dig all the "in d, but the row b, which was next to the land nience. It is believed, and stated, that the ground piece next the out-lines deep every time, that it "E, grew much larger yet. Fis a piece of hard grows tired, in time, of the same sort of plant; may be the finer for the roots to enter, when "whole ground, of about two perch in length, and and that, if it be, year after year, cropped with "they are permitted to come thither. If the "about two or three foot broad, lying betwixt the same sort of plant, the produce will be small, Turnips be all bigger, as they stand nearer to "those two lands, which had not been ploughed and the quality inferior to what it was at first. "the end B, it is a proof, they all extend to the "that year; it was remarkable that, during the Mr. TULL has most satisfactorily proved, both by "outside of the piece, and the Turnip 20, will length of this interjacent hard ground, the rows fact and argument, that this is not true. And I appear to draw nourishment from six foot dis"bed were as small and yellow as any in the will add this fact, that Mr. MISSING, a Barrister, tance from its centre. But if the Turnips 16, "land. The Turnips in the row d, about three living in the Parish of Tichfield, in Hampshire, "17, 18, 19, 20, acquire no greater bulk than the foot distant from the land E, receiving a double in England, and who was a most excellent and "Turnip 15, it will be clear, that their roots "increase, proves they had as much nourishment kind neighbour of mine, has a border under a "extend no farther than those of the Turnip 15 "from the land E as from the land A, wherein south wall, on which he and his father before him does; which is but about 4 foot. By this method they stood, which nourishment was brought have grown early peas, every year, for more than "the distance of the extent of roots of any plant, by less than half the number of roots of each of forty years; and, if, at any time, they had been แ may be discovered.-There is also another way "these Turnips. In their own land they must finer than they were every one year of the four or to find the length of roots, by making a long have extended a yard all round, else they could five years that I saw them, they must have been narrow trench, at the distance you expect they "probable these few roots went more than another (the last four or five of the more than forty) they "not have reached the land E, wherein it is something very extraordinary; for, in those years "will extend to, and fill it with salt; if the plant "be killed by the salt, it is certain that some of yard, to give each Turnip as much increase as were as fine, and as full bearing, as any that I "the roots enter it. "all the roots had done in their own land. Except ever saw in England. "that it will hereafter appear, that the new "nourishment taken at the extremities of the roots Cultivation, there would be a few remarks to be 189. Before I entirely quitted the subject of "in the land E, might enable the plants to send made upon the means of preventing the depreda"out more new roots in their own land, and tions of vermin, some of which make their attacks "receive something more from thence. The row on the seed, others on the roots, others on the "c being twice as big as the row d, must be stem, others on the leaves and blossoms, and supposed to extend twice as far; and the row others on the fruit; but, as I shall have to be b, four times as far, in proportion as it was of very particular on this subject in speaking of growing plants is a great thing. Not only is it a bulk quadruple to the row d." 186. Thus, then, it is clear, that tillage amongst Fruits. fruits, I defer it till I come to the Chapter on greatly augment the amount of the Crop, and king and managing of Hot-Beds and Green Housof great benefit to the plants; not only does it Fencing, and Laying out of gardens; on the ma190. Having now treated of the Situation, Soil, x 44 64 44 44 84 44 4. 64 185. "What put me upon trying this me"thod was an observation of two lands, or "ridges (See Plate II. Fig. 2.) drilled with Turnips in rows, a foot asunder, and very even in them; the ground, at both ends and one side, was hard and unploughed. The Turnips not being hoed were very poor, small, and yellow, except the three outside rows, b c d which stood next to the land (or Ridge) E, which land, being ploughed and harrowed, at "the time the land A ought to have been hoed, a " (To be Continued.) PAPERS COMMUNICATED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES OF VIRGINIA. No. 4. es; and having given some directions as to pro-na or Flanders, the best cultivated and most So far as premiums of the second class (or pagation aod cultivation in general, I next pro- populous parts of the world, it can ever be pro-those for unprofitable practices) have influence ceed to give Alphabetical Lists of the several sorts fitable to bestow so much labour and manure, as on agriculture, their effects are injurious; and of plants, and to speak of the proper treatment to raise every acre to the maximum of produc- the best apology which can be made for them, for each, under the three heads, Vegetables and duction. In the United States, where land is so is, that their influence is extremely limited.Herbs; Fruits; and Flowers. cheap and labour so high, the least reflection That they cannot even indirectly produce the will shew such a course to be folly in the ex-least benefit, is taught by reason, and confirmed treme. The certain effects of these wonderful by experience. Within the space of two years, improvements in agriculture, prevent the exam-in New York, $20,000 was furnished from the ple being followed, and fortunately, the loss is State Treasury, in addition to the contributions AMERICAN FARMER, BY ORDER OF THE UNITED Confined to the few who make a single effort of their numerous Agricultural Societies, and merely to obtain a premium. He who succeeds devoted to premiums. No where have they best in a losing business, has not thereby bene-produced so many competitors, or greater exfitted himself or his neighbours; and universal ertions for success. Had the plan really tended ruin would ensue, could the Societies extend the to extend agricultural knowledge, we might have practices which they thus recommend, to every expected as fruits, from so many societies, a The committee instructed by the delegation acre and all the fattened stock in the country. mass of agricultural papers. Yet we have late"to inquire into the subject of premiums for the The Agricultural Societies of the northern states ly seen published, a circular letter from the improvement of Agriculture, the advantages stand foremost, both in activity and success in dis-Board of Agriculture, which draws together all "and disadvantages which have been found to tributing premiums of this kind; and we are more the correspondence of the societies, requesting "attend them, and the course which may be particularly called on to notice them, because their from private individuals, such communications as "deemed expedient for the Delegation to pur-example has more than once been held out to may enable the Board to print a volume. We "sue, for the purpose of fulfilling that part of us for imitation. Several numbers on the "North mean to cast no reflection on the farmers who "their duties as enjoined by the constitution"- ern Cattle Shows, &c." (which we believe were compose these societies; we doubt not their Report as follows:written by a gentleman who is certainly an able ability to have supplied the deficiency, which REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL PREMIUMS, (Submitted to the Delegation, and approved December 6th, 1822.) Own It has been almost universally the plan of Agri- and zealous, though in this and some other things, the circular letter admits to exist. We see too cultural Societies, to devote a large proportion a mistaken friend to Agriculture,) were, for this much of this deplorable inertness in our of their funds to premiums for such practices as purpose, published in the 2nd. vol. of the Ame-members to be surprised at the same fault in they considered improvements in agriculture.-rican Farmer. In our own justification, there- others. Nor do we mention these facts in triFrom the general concurrence in this course, it fore, it is necessary to shew that we have not umph, nor with the view of affecting a supemust be inferred, that such societies consider the followed, because we do not approve the course riority, to which, in this respect, we have no prepremiums which they offer, as their best, if thus recommended, and not because we are care-tensions. We review the course of our respected not their only means for promoting the im-less of the great objects of our association. fellow labourers, to shew, that all the stimulus, af provement and extension of agricultural science. Though we freely object to the direction of forded by their premiums, has not at all advanced We venture to dissent from this received opinion, these premiums, we admire and fully estimate their knowledge of agriculture, nor in any way and though fully impressed with the benefits the zeal which prompted them in our sister so- promoted its interest or improvement. which might be derived from premiums judi- cieties of the north. We also readilyac knowledge Though our opinions would tend greatly to liciously bestowed, we feel satisfied that the usual that their Cattle Shows and Fairs were attended mit the range of premiums, there still remain practice is productive of but little good, and with collateral benefits, well worthy the atten- enough objects, for which they would be highly perhaps of more evil than good, to the objects tion of other Societies. By thus instituting an- useful. All these will be found in what we which they were intended to promote. nual agricultural festivals, the societies were have called the third class, i. e. practices, of Premiums can only be offered for practices of made more important, their meetings interesting which the actual or comparative profits are three kinds, viz:-1st. Those which are known and therefore well attended, and many who were doubtful, or disputed; and which, therefore, are to be profitable-2d. Those which are known to attracted only by parade and merriment, were proper subjects for investigation by experiments. be unprofitable-and 3d. Practices of which the drawn to the support of the zealous and sedate But premiums are as often thrown away on this profits are doubtful or uncertain. It is so evi- friends of agriculture. By these means, much class as on the other two. This must be the dent as to require no proof, that premiums of activity and zeal were suddenly excited, which case, whenever a premium is given for obtaining the first kind must always be useless. As general we should sincerely regret to see evaporate in some specified result, as for example, for the propositions, every farmer knows that it is most producing a few fat beeves and rich acres, with- heaviest crop of woad or madder, instead of for profitable to enrich his fields, to till them well, out being at all directed to the real improvement making such experiments as would shew the to use good utensils, and to keep his live-stock of agriculture. When the utter uselessness of degree of profit, or loss, attending those new in good condition. Yet want of capital, care, or such premiums is seen, as it soon must be, we crops. Many of the premiums usually given are industry, causes many of them to continue in fear that the zeal which they excited will sub- of this class, and courtesy requires that all should the opposite courses-to use insufficient or ex-side, instead of being turned into a proper chan- be considered as such, according to the opinions hausting tillage, bad utensils and half starved nel. of the societies conferring them; for nothing teams. But as much as improvement in this re- The recommendation by means of premiums, could be more absurd than proposing premispect is wanting, none could be produced by pre- of practices, which, in themselves are injudi ums for practices, which they themselves knew miums. Profit is the farmer's great object, and cious and unprofitable, is by no means confined to be unprofitable. Premiums may produce fine if that itself does not improve his practice, no-to the societies of the northern states. We have acres of wheat in Massachusetts, or of clover thing else can. If the reasonable expectation of seen no list of premiums in the southern states, in Lower Virginia, and yet leave the profit or doubling his crops, has no effect in inducing him entirely exempt from this fault. Even the Bri- loss as uncertain as before. to adopt a better system, it is idle to expect any tish Board of Agriculture is as liable to the Accurate experiments on any doubtful points are such exertion from the offer of a 20 dollar pre-charge as any association of inferior celebrity, as always valuable to agriculturists in general, but in mium. may be seen in the account of their last distri-far the greater number of cases, cause loss to The greater number of premiums offered arebution of premiums. (See pages 147, 8, and 9, their conductor. Hence the peculiar propriety of the second class, and are as clearly hurtful as 3d vol. of the American Farmer.) Nine bulls of of encouraging experiments by premiums. An the preceding are useless. A reference to the the Short Horned breed were exhibited, and the agricultural experimenter may, possibly, by some list of premiums offered by societies, will shew premium for the finest was awarded to one weigh fortunate discovery, compensate himself for his that much the greater number are for practices, ing 2465 lbs. which was admitted to be "too fat previous losses; but such good fortune is rare, which, so far from being profitable, would insure to serve" in his vocation, or we presume for any and most persons, who in this way have rena loss to every one who gained or contended for other purpose, unless for the tallow chandler and dered signal services to farmers, have done so them. Such are the premiums for the most pro soap boiler. An English newspaper, not long by great individual sacrifices. This great obstaductive acre of corn, wheat, rye, potatoes, &c. since, mentioned another society having confer-cle is not the only one which opposes the correct the finest (i. e. the fattest) ox, cow, sheep, hog, red their gold medal on some person, who had method of investigation, and the advancement of &c. To obtain these premiums, enormous crops planted the greatest number of acorns: yet if the science of agriculture. Notwithstanding the have been raised on many single acres, and beasts oaks were more profitable than grain or live-certain attendant loss, every zealous farmer is, have been brought to a degree of fatness, which stock, there is no doubt that a premium would to some extent, an experimenter. But the results no consideration of market price, or nett proit not be required for the culture and if not, the of his experiments are not known except to himwould ever have induced, or will ever cause individual obtained a premium for planting the self, and even to him many appear useless, which others to imitate. It is doubtful whether in Chi-least profitable crop. if compared with those of others, would lead to searches. important consequences. To prove by experi-green and dry grass for improving the soil, and diseases with which they are afflicted, and we ment that a doubtful practice is wrong, would in estimating the value of every other kind of may add to this, all that are killed by dogs and be as valuable to agriculture, as if the result manure within our reach. Yet the knowledge which wolves. I therefore consider that a true history should shew that it is right; but on many such we seek can only be attained through experiment; of these worms, their manner of breeding, topoints, proof has perhaps been obtained fifty and all we now possess was derived from ex-gether with the best method of destroying them, different times, by as many farmers having no periments, though mostly made by accident, and will be important to the public, especially at communication with each other, and still the their results forced on our observation. To such this time, when our farmers are so generally results may be unknown to all but the several chance discoveries, made at long intervals, and turning their attention to the breeding of sheep experimenters. Premiums for experiments, con-separated by errors and absurdities innumerable, and supplying our infant manufactories with wool. ducted with care and accuracy, and repeated we are indebted for almost every thing that de-] 1st. These grubs proceed from a large bee, under different circumstances, until the point in serves the name of agricultural knowledge. which lays its eggs in the nostrils of sheep, the question was clearly settled, could not fail great- When, in addition to the obstacles already last of August and first of September, where ly to promote the improvement of agriculture.- mentioned, to experiments being made by sepa- they soon hatch, so that by the 20th of the The advantage derived would not be inconsider-rate individuals, urged only by zeal for research, month, you may discover in the cavity between able, even if such premiums had merely the we consider the time and labour, the unremit- the nostrils and the wind pipe, from 25 to 100 effect of giving publicity to the numerous ex-ting attention and perfect accuracy required, the small white grubs, with black heads and a black periments which are made with other views, sacrifice is evidently too great to expect from streak on the back, and in June a black streak and which would otherwise never be known.any one unaided farmer. To fix beyond doubt crosswise. They continue in this place till July But we can scarcely doubt that their number the most inconsiderable fact, requires many ex- and August, at which time they get their growth, could be greatly increased, be directed to the periments, to be made on different soils, in dif- and are as large as a pipe stem, and near an inch most important objects, and conducted with far ferent seasons, and by different persons. When long, with four large teeth as hard as bone.more care and attention, when, in addition to the results are intended to be compared, the slight- They then leave the sheep, and soon cast off hope of being honoured with a premium, the est difference in the process may sometimes their skin, when the bee appears, and is ready perimenter would expect to profit by the la- make a false conclusion appear true. Hence all to lay a new parcel of eggs. birs of many others, engaged in similar re- private experiments are made with so little care Symptoms. The symptoms do not appear till as to be scarcely satisfactory to their conductor, towards spring, at which time they may be disAgriculture remains in the same situation in and of no value to other persons. Societies by covered, by sickly countenance and loss of flesh, which formerly all sciences were, that required premiums, may effect whatever in this respect notwithstanding all the grain and roots that can experiment for their proper investigation. From is wanting. They can point out the most im- be given them; sometimes running at the nose, the time of Aristotle to that of Lord Bacon, phi-portant subjects for experiments, require atten- (though not always,) and snorting as if trying to losophy made scarcely any progress. During tion to every thing which can affect results, and blow something from the head. In some instanthis long period, every philosopher who reached unite the labours of many, for the attainment of ces they will suddenly spring about in a wild celebrity, distinguished himself by producing a single object. The members of the society frantic manner, and drop down dead. When some baseless hypothesis, which was received which shall commence this course, can ir. no this last symptom takes place, the grubs have as true until overthrown by one more plausible, other way, draw more honour on themselves, or made a lodgment in the brain. When they do but which was alike destined to yield in its turn. render more benefit to agriculture. We are ig- not die in this manner, the grubs make the sheep The profound Bacon first pointed out the tedious, norant on so many points in husbandry, that the so poor that their wool stops growing, becomes but sure road to escape from this labyrinth of only difficulty would be in selecting subjects for loose and much of it falls before shearing, many error, and Newton by pursuing that course, and experiments. However little might be done by of the lambs are lost, and those that live are stinttesting every proposition by experiment, was a single society, yet every premium conferred ed by reason of the ewes being poor and sickly, enabled to go farther than all his predecessors. would mark some progress towards true know- and consequently give little or no milk; someSince then, the old mode of theorising has given ledge. We doubt whether as much could be times the sheep will linger along, pining away way to actual experiment, in every branch of said for every score of premiums heretofore be- continually, and not die until June or July. knowledge to which it was applicable, except stowed. Remedy-Take half a pound of good Scotch agriculture, the most important of all; and it is Resolved by the Delegation of the United Agri- snuff, pour two quarts of boiling water on it, stir therefore not surprising that agriculture has re-cnltural Societies of Virginia, that a committee be it and let it stand till cold, inject about a table mained almost stationary, while other sciences appointed to prepare and report to the next Gene-spoonful of this liquid and sediment up each nostril have advanced with such rapidity, as scarcely ral Meeting of Delegates, a list of such premiums of the sheep with a syringe. This must be reto allow the world to mark their progress. Agri- as may be deemed expedient to be offered by the peated three or four times at proper intervals, culturists alone continue to grope through theo-Delegation, which premiums shall conform gen- from the middle of October to the first January; ries, unfounded opinions and prejudices. Some erally to the opinions supported in the foregoing the grubs are then small and are much easier deone proposes a new theory or system of cultiva-report. And whereas, several of the Societies stroyed than afterwards, and have not injured tion every speculative farmer immediately be-belonging to this association, have already held the sheep as they will, if deferred until later.— comes its advocate or opponent-volumes may be ploughing matches, and have practically proved Haif an ounce of assafœtida, pounded in a little written for and against, and perhaps a century that much benefit may be derived from the con- water, and added to the snuff, will make it more spent before it is decided whether the opinion was tinuation of this course, effectual. The owner of the sheep need not be right or wrong. Such is the course we regularly Resolved, That the committee shall provide alarmed when the operation is performed, to see pursue; and as in every contested point, one party that one premium of the number to be offered the sheep very drunk and apparently in the must be wrong, and in consequence, pursue an by the Delegation, shall be annually conferred agonies of death, as they will in a few minutes unprofitable practice, the loss of money, labour on the ploughman who shall gain the premium, recover. I never knew any bad effects to follow. and time may exceed a hundred times the cost or the highest of the several premiums, bestow- Dry snuff may be blown up the nose with a quill, of all the experiments necessary to remove the ed by one of the Societies; and this premium and have a good effect; but it is a tedious dirty difficulty. They who lose most by this improper shall be thus given in rotation to as many of the job. I have tried vinegar and blue dye with but course, are always the last to see the want of a guide Societies as may establish ploughing matches; little or no success. more sure than theory. Farmers are generally and at the time and place of bestowing this premuch too easy of belief; they take sides with mium, all others granted by the Delegation shall the feelings of partisans, and whether they sup-be distributed. port an antiquated prejudice, or the wildest modern hypothesis, are equally sure that they are right. As examples of the chance for success in this method of searching for truth, in England, the merits of Tull's Drill system is scarce [Extract from the Minutes.] EDM. RUFFIN, Secretary. DISEASES OF SHEEP. The reason why it is necessary to perform the operation so often is, that in the heads of the sheep, there are many cavities, and a little above each nostril there is a thin substance wound up into four folds, the grubs get into these cavities and folds, where it is not common to reach them the first operation, but by repeating it three or four times, at proper intervals, they will crawl ly yet settled, and the war between the Fallow- As far as I have learnt, it has been but a few out and be all destroyed. The reason of my diists and the Anti-Fallowists, will probably con-years since worms have been discovered to breed recting the sediment of the snuff to be injected, tinue another thirty years. The advocates for in the heads of sheep, though it is probable they together with the decoction, is, the sediment is rotted and unrotted manure, still contend in this have, from time immemorial. They are not only retained in the head longer that the liquid, which country and in Europe, without appearing to found in the heads of sheep but also in the deer makes it more certain to prove effectual. approach a decision, and in this district we are of our forest. The above knowledge` I have obtained from as much divided in comparing the advantages of I am fully satisfied that these grubs do more dissecting the heads of a number of sheep, in grazing and inclosing, natural and artificial, injury to the sheep of our country, than all the different seasons of the year, and making expe riments on some before they were killed, and in in Minorca. Nature has been so indulgent to us so that I have had gloves and stockings made of this way I could discover exactly the effect of the that the planter has little incitement to indus-it, equal to fleecy hosiery. I have had better different medicines. try, but it is to be hoped that the example of cloth made of this wool, when judiciously seIf the above directions are strictly attended to the foreigners will gradually inspire emulation.lected, than I could obtain from that of common with all the sheep of our country, more than a I am a half enthusiast in these matters myself, sheep, by many degrees. Merinos were then million of dollars would be saved in the United and you cannot oblige me more, than in giving unknown. As to their prolific capacities, no States yearly; as all sheep (in this part of the me any information respecting new inventions doubt can be entertained, provided the right kind world at least) are infected with these vermin; or discoveries. Please to put me down as a re-be procured. In this I may have been peculiarly if any person doubts it, let them examine sheep gular subscriber to Mr. Skinner's Work, and send lucky; yet I am satisfied that enough of the same from the 20th of September to the first of June. it as the volumes are annually completed. I class can be obtained, by careful and intelligent I have found that our sheep are sometimes wish you to enquire whether there is any one persons. Where are there any other breeders afflicted with the consumption on the lungs.-competent to analyse soils, in your College*, in which would produce a lamb at twice the age of Bucks that have been put to too great a number the manner recommended by Sir Humphrey other sheep? My Selima yeaned a healthy of ewes, without being well fed with corn or Davy; it appears to be a very easy process. I lamb in her sixteenth year. All of the race may 101 beans, a little before tuppying time, are most also request you to procure me the "Laws and do this-but all I have known retained fecundisubject to this disorder. regulations relating to the Bank Turnpikes in ty much longer than any other race of sheep.Symptoms.-The eyes uncommonly bright and Maryland." I have to beg your pardon for all Their freedom from all diseases incident to shining, water constantly running from them, this encroachment on your time, but can assure other sheep, may have assisted this natural perand a gradual loss of flesh, they generally decline you I will be much gratified, in being called up-fection. They yeaned with much more till the latter part of the winter and then die.-on to send you, or your friends, any information and few if any casualties occurred in lambing.— I lost a Buck last winter with the above symp-from this Island, in return. I have, now, none of this breed I can recomtoms, and on dissecting, I found every part natumend. ral except the lights, which were nearly all ulcerated. Remedy.-Tar, or tar water is good, but after the disorder is fully seated, it is doubtful whether any thing will be of service. I remain, Dear Sir, J*** F***** Editorial Correspondence. LATICAUDŒE OR TUNISIAN BROADTAIL Belmont, near Philad. Jan. 5th, 1823. ease, Your pair may not be prolific, yet may be of a good kind, except as to the wool. How many pair of comely and promising Bipeds do we see, without progeny? Were we to generalize such instances, we should tremble under the apprehension that the human race would cease to increase and multiply, and replenish the earth." In my account of the Tunis sheep, vol. 2d. page 221, I relate the difficulty of a Tup of the common kind, coupling with a Tunis Ewe. But no such difficulty is experienced either with a common ewe, orwith a female Laticaudæ. Nature is too wisely directed, to permit any impediments to their intercourse. I would not be understood to say, that the Tunis fleece is comparable to that of really fine wooled sheep. But its abundance, its not being deciduous, and its applicability to all common uses, for which fine * Dr. Elisha De Butts, Professor of ChemisFoot rot. This disorder is occasioned by sheep try in the University of Maryland, is eminently cagoing in wet pastures. There is an issue in the able of rendering this service to Agriculturists; division of each hoof, a little above the hoof, and, whenever his usual engagements will permit some have erroneously supposed it to be a liv-him, we believe he would cheerfully make such in- Malthus' alarms would then be nugatory indeed. ing worm. When the sheep stand long in water, it vestigations for them.—ED. AM. FARMER. affects the issue of their feet, so that an inflammation takes place, and if they are not removed to a dry pasture the feet will rot off. Perhaps it would be better for those, whose land is low to take out those issues, which may be easily done, by putting the finger the under side of the foot and pressing upward, then with a sharp penknife cut through the skin around the mouth of the issue, and with a strong pair of tweesers it may be pulled out, the place will then heal and I was mortified to perceive in a late "American wool is unfit, far overbalance its inferiority in this the sheep will not be liable to the rot in the foot, Farmer," that you had been unsuccessful in your regard, and entitle this singular animal, emphati though they should run in wet pastures. But pair of Tunis Sheep; which had neither answer-cally; its superior carcass, too, considered; to when the pastures are dry, which on the whole, ed your expectations as to their capacity to pro- the appellation of the Farmers' Sheep. is best for sheep, I think it not proper to pull out create, nor in the quality of the wool. These for- In some instances of apparent incapacity, I the issue; for this reason, the God of nature has bidding defects, especially the former, may tend have succeeded by changing the male, or the made them thus, and undoubtedly for the benefit to discourage our farmers in their endeavours to female, as the case required. This I have pracof the sheep, as much as the issue in the legs of obtain and multiply this valuable race. Mr. tised with cattle, as well as sheep. hogs. Jefferson's account of his sheep, would corrobo- I have been, at several periods of my life, a JNO. T. ADDOMS. rate the idea that your sheep were not singular. breeder of sheep and cattle, and have had as I should be sorry, indeed, that such opinions fine animals as most I now see. The English [Northern Intelligencer. should prevail generally; although I cannot en-breeds were then not so highly improved, as tertain any doubts of the facts you state, I must they are now esteemed to be. We procured our confidently repeat my former assertions, as to breeders chiefly from Holland, the low countries STATE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ISL- the generative and all other faculties of this race of Europe and Germany. Save that the Alderney of the Laticaudæ, from my experience of and race were always in high estimation. I had personal attention to them, for a period of four-them, during twenty years, in great perfection Extract from a letter received by a gentleman of lure in any of the sheep, whereof I have given milkers, even from the best parentage; though teen years. I never had, or heard of, a similar fai-I never found much certainty in breeding great Baltimore, dated Plattsbugh, Oct. 10, 1822. AND OF CUBA. MATANZAS, 19th Nov. 1822. an account in our second volume of Memoirs.-often I have had success. My farms have been In my early life, I had a fine flock of English and chiefly devoted to large dairies, during more than "Dear Sir, I have received the three vols. of other sheep-finer animals of the kind, I have ne- forty years past. "the American Farmer" and Mr. Eastman's ver since seen. I spared no care nor expense in My days of agricultural activity have passed Cylinder Straw Cutter; I find much information relation to them; and was then well acquainted away, and I can now only enjoy recollections; and entertainment in the former, and the latter was with the qualities and modes of treatment of and also the gratification of seeing my early tried last week, when it performed to the satis- these valuable parts of our farm stock. I paid, at endeavours now far exceeded. I rejoice to perfaction of several gentlemen, who were invited one time, a sum for four South-Downs, which, ceive the spirit for improving our stock, so gen to see it. Although Cuba is a very old colony, although trifling compared with modern prices, erally and meritoriously diffused; and am signalwe are, in many respects, a very new people; was accounted a most extravagant expenditure. ly delighted by its prevailing where it was most shut out as the Creoles have been, until ve- I mention this circumstance, merely to shew my required. ry lately, from all communication with fo- early and long acquaintance with the subject. I I, at one time, was seized with a zeal for reign countries, they have groped their way in must confirm, without hesitation, all I have said, breeding of Horses. In 1777, when the British the old beaten track of their forefathers; and both as to the qualities of the Tunis Sheep, and took possession of our city and its environs, I had n no respect is this more evident than in every the superiority of the wool. Many of my sheep a number of high blooded young Colts, which I thing connected with Agriculture. I verily be-bore fleeces not only far more abundant, but in-failed in having driven off from one of my farms. lieve that the plough now in use amongst the na-comparably more valuable than those of the best Ten or eleven of them were shot down by the tives, has received no improvement since the common sheep. Some of the fleeces would bear Hessian or Yager Banditti, for their skins. This time of discovery; it is the same described in two and some three cuts in the length of the was a damper to my equestrian propensities.the third volume of the Farmer, as the one used wool. That next the pelt was furry and soft ;When I returned to my domicil, I found my farm near the city, desolated and temporarily | And that good wine has been made by Major I visited myself. It is never done, but by the ex ruined-houses and farm buildings all burnt; and Adlum, we have the assurance of Mr. Jefferson, porting merchants, and then only for the English all enclosures and much forest timber taken conveyed in the subjoined letters, which he wrote and American markets, where by a vitiated taste away. Yet the wanton destruction of the young sometime since. In these, he compares part of the intoxicating quality of wine, more than its horses, and the barbarian and merely mischiev-Major Adlum's wine to good red Burgundy; and flavor, is required by the palate. ous prostration of an extensive and well selected then advocates the culture of grapes, and fabri- I pray you to accept my thanks for your kind collection of fine, young and thriving fruit trees, cation of wine from their pure juice. attention to my request. It was made with a mortified me more than the more important de- We have tasted wine, subsequently made by view to encourage the example you have set, of privations. Added to weightier excitements to Major Adlum, in imitation of Madeira, that was trying our native grapes already acclimated, raavenge my rebellious exertions, an illiberal offi-strong and sound; it had been brandied however, ther than those which will require an age to habicer of a British picket, was stung by an impru-and the flavour partook of "a hard" or mawkish tuate them to our climate, and will disappoint and dently smart girl, who remained with her wi-character, very different from that of good Ma-discourage those who try them; and with my dowed mother in the farm house. He sarcas-deira. Whether this arose in the fabrication, or thanks, I tender the assurance of my great esteem tically told her, that "Washington had been a is attributable to the flavour of the grapes, we and respect. low mechanic."-She replied that she had never could not tell, but we hope the former, because it heard that part of his history-but their General, more easily admits of a remedy. Experience will Howe, was assuredly one-he was a Whig-maker. soon teach our vignerons to make perfect wine; The house was burned in a night or two after. and scientific observers will hasten that result. George Town, D. C. July 1st, 1822. But, as a mark of good breeding, I will close We have received from Major Adlum the DEAR SIR, In one of Mr. Jefferson's letters to me, my prosing letter, which I began only to rescue small volume on the fabrication of wine, of which my favourite Tunisians from unmerited imputa- we formerly made mention, and as soon as we he mentions" the wine made of the Fox grape of tions. My subject is, however, not a barren one. can find room for it, our readers shall be made Maryland, which is very different from the grape You will, therefore excuse my prolific prolixity, acquainted with its contents. This will proba-so called in Virginia." It may be, therefore, and permit me to offer you sincere assurances of bly occur about the commencement of our next well to add the following observations on this my best regards. vol., and be then in time to permit its re-publi- fox grape :-Mr. Bartram, who had the botanication long before the recurrence of our wine cal garden at Kingsessing, on the Schuylkill riand cider making months. Your's, very truly, J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. RICHARD PETERS. CULTIVATION OF GRAPES, AND FABRICA- ED. AM. FARMER. MAJOR J. ALDUM. TH. JEFFERSON. ver, not far from Philadelphia, gave me the following history of it-It was found growing near the Schuylkill, by a Mr. Alexander, who was tion, and he thought it so superior to any of the gardener to Governor Penn, before the revolunative grapes, he was acquainted with, that he introduced it into Mr. Penn's garden, from whence it has made its way by the name of the English fox grape, and sometimes by the name of the The following are the letters from Mr. Jefferson on the subject of domestic wine. MAJOR ADLUM, Monticello, Nov. 11, 1809. J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. Sir-While I lived in Washington, a member of Dear Sir-I have been examining my wine congress from your state, (I do not recollect which) this morning, and find it fit to rack, which I presented me with two bottles of wine made by Alexander grape. shall do the first clear cold weather. Some of you, one of which, of Madeira colour, he said In a letter from Wm. Penn, dated August 18th, it is very rich; but a part of it has rather a was entirely factitious; the other, a dark red 1683, to the Free Society of Traders residing in nard taste; yet this I expect will go off after wine, was made from a wild or native grape, call- London, (see Proud's History of Pennsylvania, vol. it is racked. I intend to rack it twice, between ed in Maryland, the Fox Grape, but very differ-1, page 249,) speaking of the natural produce of this and the close of January; and as soon as it ent from what is called by that name in Virgi-the country, he says: is bright after the last racking, I expect it will nia. This was a very fine wine, and so exactly "The great red grape (now ripe) called by have assumed its character, so that its quality resembling the red Burgundy of Chambertin ignorance, the fox grape, because of the relish it may then be determined. I have most of it sub-(one of the best crops) that on fair comparison hath with some unskilful palates, is in itself an scribed for, by officers of the United States go- with it, of which I had very good on the same extraordinary grape; and by art, doubtless may vernment, and citizens of Washington or George-table, imported by myself from the place where be cultivated to an excellent wine, if not so sweet, Town. made, the company could not distinguish the yet little inferior to the Frontiniac, as it is not I observe that my letter, which you published one from the other. I think it would be well to push much unlike it in taste, ruddiness set aside; in No. 32 of the American Farmer, is rather the culture of this native grape, without losing which, in such things, as well as mankind, differs obscure, where it says, so that the whole vin- our time and efforts in search of foreign vines, the case much." And on the same page he furtage was 65 bushels." This was the produce which it will take centuries to adapt to our soil ther observes" It seems most reasonable to of four tenths of an acre; I had in the whole, and climate. believe, that not only a thing groweth best, where more than double that quantity of grapes, The object of the present letter is so far to it naturally grows, but will hardly be equalled which grew on," in all," about an acre of tresspass on your kindness, and your disposition by another species of the same kind, that doth ground. Your's respectfully, to promote a culture so useful, as to request you not naturally grow there. But to solve the doubt, at the proper season, to send me some cuttings I intend, if God gives me life, to try both, and of that vine-They should be taken off in Febru- hope the consequence will be, as good wine as Upwards of one hundred and thirty bushels of ary, with 5 buds to each cutting-and if done up any of the European countries, of the same lagrapes may have been gathered as above, off first in strong linen, and then covered with paper titude do yield."" JOHN ADLUM. one acre of land. One bushel of grapes yielded and addressed to me at Monticello near Milton, I have given the above extract to do away, if Major Adlum, as is stated in No. 32, page and committed to the post, they will come safely, possible, some of the prejudice that exists against 256, three gallons of juice. An acre of land and so speedily as to render their success pro- the fox grape, having paid more attention to it, would therefore yield agreeably to that rate, bable. Praying your pardon to a brother-amateur than I suppose any other person has. I have nearly 400 gallons of juice, or probably about in these things, I beg leave to tender you my sa- found several varieties of it very palatable, and 350 gallons of wine. The value of this produce, lutation and assurances of respect. would chiefly depend, first upon the choice of a good grape, and secondly upon the skill of the fabricator. And independently of these, the profit might finally turn upon the economy TH. JEFFERSON. Extract, dated Monticello, April 20, 1810. prejudice aside, many of them may be used by the most delicate palate, with a degree of satisfaction-though I, at the same time admit, that a great majority of them are far from being agreeable to the taste. Respectfully your's, J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. JOHN ADLUM. of labour practised in the various operations. "I noted Cooper's recipe for making wine, The arrangements will in the infancy of this which you mentioned in your letter, and regretted business be unavoidably imperfect; but when it because it will have a tendency to continue the prudence will permit the formation of large general error in this country, that brandy alestablishments, the cost of fabrication may ways, and sugar sometimes are necessary for be greatly reduced. Still, if at this day, wine. This idea will retard and discourage our We had arranged the above for the press, begood wine could be furnished worth only one progress in making good wine. Be assured that fore we read the following remarks in the Nadollar per gallon, and 350 gallons be obtainable there is never one atom of any thing whatever put tional Intelligencer, upon the manufacture of from the produce of one acre of land, would into any of the good wines made in France. I wine, &c.; the writer of which, observes, that this not be a great return, if the cost of pro-name that country, because I can vouch the fact" in his method, a bushel of grapes did not yield duction even amounted to five sevenths of its from the assurance to myself of the vignerons of one gallon of juice;" whereas, Major Adlum value? all the best wine cantons of that country, which obtains nearly three gallons of juice from the |