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health of the hive, to cleanse the pedestal, sprink-lar pains in seeking out from their old hoards all month, and their internal health minutely asceling a little salt upon it, this will tend considerably the bits of old blankets and flannel, wherewith to tained. The late swarms should have particula to the health of the Bees: contract the entrance, decorate the hives, and keep the poor insects" attention paid to them, and every possibility avoidand plaster the hive to the stool. warm, during the inclemency of the winter: this ed of their perishing with hunger.

OCTOBER.

66

is all very humane and good-hearted, and I will It may happen, even with the most judicious One of the chief occupations during this month, grant the validity of the mode of management, management, that some hives will fail this month, is the feeding of the weak hives. Persons who when the hive has a superabundance of food; but, and the Bees, on examination, will be found dead. keep Bees appear, in general, not to be aware of as in the case of deprivation, that portion is only I would advise the hive, if it be a new one, to be the great advantange which is derived from a li- left in the hive, which, on a proper calculation, removed immediately into a dry place, and preberal system of feeding, and it may be affirmed ought to suffice for its support, it cannot, as far as, served for the ensuing season; but if it be an old without fear of refutation, that there is not any my experience extends, be kept too cold. As an hive, cut it up, and melt the combs-it is most department in the whole range of the apiary, in instance of the truth of this opinion, I will men- egregious folly to put a swarm into an old hive, which keepers of Bees in general are so wofully tion a particular experiment which I made on but where the combs are new it may prove u ignorant; the cottager goes to his elder tree, cuts two hives of equal weight; one I placed in a great advantage to the Bees, as the Queen wi off a branch, and having scooped out the pith of green-house, subject to a moderate temperature: deposit her eggs immediately in the cells. it, fills it with raw sugar, and inserts it at the en- the other I left exposed to all the influence of the The field mouse now shelters in the hive,-let trance of the hive. This system is adopted at weather; the former I enveloped in blankets-every method be adopted of preventing its adall seasons, and in all weathers-the Bees are ac- to the latter I gave no covering at all, excepting mission. So eager is this little animal to shelter cidentally observed eating the sugar, in the same what was necessary to protect it from the effect itself during the inclemency of the winter in a manner as a hungry man is not very choice of of snow: I weighed these two hives regularly Bee hive, that it will frequently gnaw the band the victuals which are set before him, and the cot-every month, and in the month of February of straw in order to obtain admission, but as it is tager immediately concludes that he has fed his found that the hive which had been kept warm, most destructive to the hive, living on the honey Bees; and should they survive the winter, he sa- had consumed eight pounds of food more than the and wax, the utmost precaution is necessary to gaciously concludes that it was the raw sugar hive which had been exposed to all the inclemen-prevent its getting a footing. that saved his Bees-a liberal supply of boiled cy of the season. It must, however, be allowed Particular care must be taken this month, that ale and sugar, will save many a hive, that would that the hive which had been so kindly nursed, the high winds which often prevail, do not overinevitably die upon the mere food of raw sugar; swarmed ten day's sooner than that which had throw the hives; I have frequently observed this and in this month, whatever hives appear weak, been fully exposed; no objection, therefore, can accident happen to the careless apiarian, who ve let them be bountifully fed-choose a fine day for exist to the keeping of a hive warm, provided a ry naturally blames the wind for it, whereas a the purpose, when the Bees are on the wing-certainty exists of a superabundance of food being rope, or a few stakes would have defied the place some plates full of the syrup before the in store; but to a poor hive it is only increasing strongest wind that ever blew. hives, and the Bees will soon regale upon it-the evil, and hastening its destruction. Examine the tops of your hives-the vermis they will carry it to their cells, and in the winter In treating of the effect of cold upon the hives, now take shelter under them, and by degrees inmonths it will supply the place of honey. it would be running in the face of all experience sinuate themselves into the hive. A prevention The hives, this month, should be all weighed, to say, that cold has no effect upon Bees. I am is in all cases better than a remedy, and were this and making due allowance for the weight of the able to adduce an instunce, in which, had the maxim to be adhered to more punctually in the hive and the Bees, an estimate can easily be made circumstance not occurred to myself, and I was at management of Bees, the success would be great of the actual quantity of honey. This should the time well aware of the actual state of my er, and the profit more abundant. always be the foundation and rule of the system Bees, it is probable I should have lost some of

DECEMBER.

of feeding, and the judicious manager will always my best hives. Towards the close of February, This month may be considered as entirely pay make an allowance for the openness or rigor of 1820, a most severe second frost set in, my Bees, sive, on the part of the apiarian; the cold is, in the season. In an open season the consumption from the lateness of the season, were taking eve-general, too intense to admit of any operation be of food is greater, and therefore a more liberal ry opportunity of a fine day to leave the hive; ing performed on the hives, should any be requi supply ought to be given, but it is at all times but it was not till the latter end of March that I site, but excepting it be a casualty by an overbetter to give an abundance at once, than to ad- observed any farina carried into the hives. I throw of the wind, or some other untoward acciminister it by driblets. was fearful that the severity of the second frost dent, the apiarian will have little more to do th's The covering of the hives must now be parti- would prove highly injurious to my Bees; and month, than to take a cursory survey of his hives, cularly attended to, the common straw covering observing a total inactivity in some of the hives, protecting them from snow, and prohibiting his is the best, provided, as is generally the case, it I examined them, and found the Bees clustering Bees from leaving the hive. Let it be considered as be not made to reach the ground, by which the on the combs, and to all appearance dead: I was a standing rule in the management of Bees, that the insects and mice are able to ascend into the hive. aware that Bees never cluster in a dead state, but less they are molested or examined in cold wea The covering should be cut close to the stool on only in a state of torpor. I therefore collected all ther the better. Every thing which tends to diswhich the hive stands, and there should not be the Bees; and carried the hive into the house, unite the Bees in cold weather, proves highly inany object behind, which could serve as a con- and placed it at a moderate distance from the jurious to them, for as they are kept alive in winductor to the insects. Cleanliness is one of the fire in about a quarter of an hour symptoms of ter by a reciprocity of animal heat, nothing should fundamental pillars of apiarian science, and al- returning life exhibited themselves; and in be attempted, which has a tendency to diminish though some cottagers conceive that a pigstye is less than two hours the complete resuscita- the temperature of the hive.

an excellent place for Bees, from an erroneous tion of the Bees had taken place, and I had The greatest danger which impends over a notion that they are particularly partial to the the satisfaction of returning the hive to its hive this month, is the snow; never let it rest on a balsamic odour of a piggery, yet the second year pedestal, with the whole community active hive, and confine your Bees during the time that will convince them of their error, if conviction and in vigor. I fear that the same circum-it is on the ground."

on particular points can be ever imparted to stance may have occurred to many hives, during

them-for I never knew an apiary prosper which the frost of February and March, and many per- * In the middle of December, during an intense was placed over a pigstye; on the contrary, the sons may have thrown away the Bees, on the frost, I opened one of my most populous hives, and -second or third year, at furthest, the Bees dwin- supposition that they were dead. Few persons inserted a small thermometer in the most crowd d dled away, or forsook the hive. are aware of the length of time in which a Bee part. The thermometer previously to the inserThe entrance must now be contracted, so as to will remain in a torpid state, with the functions of tion was ten degrees below the freezing point t admit only one Bee at once. All dampness should life apparently destroyed. The Bees already al-eleven o'clock, A. M. Isuffered the thermometer be carefully removed from the hives-it is highly luded to, had been, probably, in that benumbed to remain ten minutes, and on taking it out, it stand injurious, and will ultimately prove their ruin. state for a week or fortnight, yet they were re-at ten degrees above the freezing point, making e difference of twenty degrees between the internal The hives should be carefully visited this and external temperature of the hive. A Bee be comes benumbed in a temperature of two above the freezing point.

NOVEMBER.

covered.*

The chief occupation of the apiarian this month is the visitation of his hives. In a healthy hive, an evident decrease will be manifest in the con- * In a letter recently received from Mr. King, sumption of the hive; and due care should be Brill, Bucks, he mentions having lost a hundred taken that all chance of death by famine should and fifty hives by the dysentery; some strong susbe averted. It is the principle of many persons, picion rests upon my mind that the Bees have been but it is founded on erroneous ideas, that Bees benumbed by the cold, and that Mr. King concludought to be kept warm during the winter; and ed they were dead. It is an unheard of mortality the "gude wives" of the country bestow particu- by the effect of a particular disease.

Cotton Seed Oil.

Every planter in the Southern States is interested on this subject. Millions of bushels of cotton

seed are annually converted into manure, for ployed to assist in dividing room from room, and may be made to rest, if we bestow due attention which it is intrinsically worth about twelve and a floor from floor; in order to confine the inflamma-to it; particularly, as after a time we may genehalf cents a bushel. There are probably about tion to the spot where it originated. three hundred thousand bags of cotton, averaging In addition to these general principles, there the fire. Still however a number of precautions rally expect assistance from without to subdue out two hundred and fifty pounds each made in are a few independent facts to be brought into are to be observed, which we proceed to enumethe U.S.-for each bag there is about thirty bush-view to add force to our explanations. 1st. When rate.

FROM THE HALLOWELL GAZETTE.

[CONCLUDED.]

In treating of the best method of preventing damage to buildings from fire, we shall employ none but popular language; for what concerns all, should be understood by all.

els of seed of 25 pounds to the bushel, left on the a fire is kindled on the surface of snow, cold air 1st. Lord Stanhope mentions one mode of protectplantation, which at the above rate, would amount entering below among the fuel, rises upwards as fasting a stair-case; but he does not shew the great imto a little short of four dollars worth of seed as it is heated; and by carrying off the principal portance of providing this protection, nor give a for each bag of cotton. By the following state-heat of the fire as it ascends, little of the snow choice of different modes of effecting it. We ent from Massachusetts, it appears that a under the fire is melted, even though many em- must supply both deficiences. ushel of seed produces seven pints of oil:bers fall upon it. 2d. A red hot cinder of fossil- Dr. Franklin used to observe in conversation, and that the remainder of the seed is equal coal (here called sea-coal) may be laid on a fine that the English made upright tubes through their value to corn meal for feeding cattle. It is pro-cambric handkerchief, without even scorching it, houses, in the form of stair-cases, which they bable that a bushel of seed, even measure, light provided the handkerchief be stretched on a covered with combustible materials, calculated from the gin, would not be more than two-thirds smooth cold iron borrowed from the laundry-for to spread a fire from story to story; and thus to of a bushel, after being packed and transported the points of the cinder which rest on the hand-render the conflagration rapidly universal through to Massachusetts ; it may therefore be reasonable kerchief immediately become chilled, in conse-a house, and at the same time to cut off all esto calculate, for each bag of cotton of two hun-quence of heat being conducted downwards by cape both for life and for property. The French dred and fifty pounds there is produced twenty the iron below or of its being carried upwards by on the other hand, he said, had stone stairbushels of seed, that will yield one gallon each of the ascending air. 3d. The surplus wick of a cases, or stair-cases formed of brick held in by oil, and that the seed meal will be equal in value fresh candle is easily destroyed by flame; but solid pieces of wood bedded in mortar at least on to corn meal. If the oil is valued at one dollar a when the flame reaches the part where the wick two sides; with iron railing; so that no assistgallon, and the seed meal at thirty cents a bush-is penetrated with tallow or wax, the wick re-ance was given to the fire in the French method el, it appears that the seed will be found to be mains entire, and is merely discolored by the to travel from floor to floor, but on the contrary a worth, instead of about four dollars for that which flame; for it is not only protected by the melted passage way was left open both for escape and asfalls from each bag or bale, at least twenty six tallow or wax, which keeps it out of the reach of sistance. Common sense sufficiently shews, that dollars, being an increased value from the practice fresh air; but the flame passes parallel to its the French method of building a stair-case is of oil making, of twenty-two dollars on each bag sides, without striking through its substance.-abundantly preferable to the English, which is of cotton; and one crop in the Southern States, These several facts shew by what easy means also the American method of building one; and 6,600,000 dollars. Surely this subject is worthy of flame may sometimes be kept under good govern- when plastered below, it is also preferable to a more serious investigation than it has yet met ment. Lord Stanhope's.-As to the iron railing, some with in the Southern States.-Pee Dee Gazette. Let us now make a direct application of our may object to it, on account of its giving pasprinciples and facts to the case of fire acting on sage to lightning, when not connected with a buildings. lightning rod; besides, that a wooden railing is Suppose fire to seize on some particular portion easily struck away with any heavy or sharp body Remarks on the means of preserving inhabited of a given apartment, the doors and windows of in case of fire, to prevent its serving as a means buildings, in which much wood is employed, which are closed here smoke is produced in con- of communicating flame from one story to anofrom destruction by fire. siderable quantities, but there is little flame.— ther. Fresh air however being permitted to enter by 2d. The passages of a house are next to be the opening of a door, the fire is enabled to con- thought of, which if of unprotected wood, advert into flame, all the smoke which it has crea-mit of fire passing along them and reaching from ted; and the fire soon increases its intensity-room to room. But still, let the sides and ceiling of the room be covered with flat brick, tiles, stone, marble, or These passages then ought to be covered with plaster, and let the floor also have with plaster work (called stucco ;) 'unless Lord plaster immediately below it; and the damage Stanhope's method be preferred by those who 1st. Heat may be considered for our present will not be serious, if the inflamed materials do like to walk upon boards. But it is plain that purposes, as divided into the heat of flame, red not exceed a certain amount, and do not remain this part of the house deserves particular study heat (which belongs to heavy bodies,) and what too long unmolested: and provided also that their and that it may be treated in various ways accomwe shall term dark or dull heat. As to radiant influence does not reach to other places unpro-panied with little expense. heat (so called) we shall soon find that it has as tected by these safeguards. 3d. The floors of the upper parts, and often of little concern with our present subject, as dark Again: to know the course of the flame, we the lower parts of a house, and especially of heat. 2d. Flame does not issue from heavy bo-must know the course of the air; for the flame kitchens, &c. in various countries, are covered dics, till these bodies have lost more or less of floats about only by means of the air in which it with bricks, tiles, or stucco; and where fires their original texture; for as flame consists of in-swims; moving precisely as that air moves.—are constantly kept, are very warm, especially flamed vapor or gas, this must be produced be- This air then by its heat rises; but still not so if covered with mats or carpets in winter. If fore a body can be said to be in any part inflamed. obstinately, but that it seeks to escape by doors, left too rough, carpets put over them wear out As flame has thus its beginnings, if we can pre- therefore does not particularly attack the ceiling tile many of their apartments and bed-chambers by windows, and by the chimney. The flame faster than may be wished; but the French who rent these beginnings, we shall prevent flame which is incombustible, and affords no outlet to with care, and cover them with a preparation of for as to red heat in wood, it is the mere consequence of flame, which turns it into embers.-31. the air which it accompanies. Nor does it par-wax, (daily rubbed by the frotteur,) find no inAtmospheric air has several properties, which ticularly attack the sides of the room especially conveniences of this sort. require it to be noticed here: for when pure, this if of plaster; for these are upright, and the air feeds flame; when impure (or spent,) it exflame merely moves in lines parallel to them.-ed boards to these coverings, for stairs, passages, Some may prefer the neatness of clean or painttinguishes flame; when its bulk is increased by The floor on the other hand if inflamed, has its and apartments; but they should know what heat, it tends to ascend and to carry away heat flame perpetually lifted off from it by the ascend-they pay for this apparent neatness; and that in many cases; and it is lastly a bad conductor of ing air; without which air it cannot long remain those who employ incombustible materials inall kinds of heat. 4th. Lord Stanhope's layers of inflamed. Radiant heat also has little effect stead of boards, can obtain cleanliness, if they plaster then have several important operations. either to begin or to continue inflammation; or it please, as well as themselves; with less noise They prevent the commencements of inflammation would more readily melt snow, or burn a cambric from the feet in moving to and fro, and with a from occurring in what is placed behind them; they find to be the case under the circumstances above handkerchief or the wick of a candle, than we sleep undisturbed with the fear of fire. shut out the circulation of fresh air: they are Accordingly Dr. Franklin used to remark, that bad conductors of heat; and by helping to inclose mentioned. Thus we see on what simple measures in France, fires were commonly confined to the layers of air, (which we have said is another bad in general the safety of a particular apartment mere furniture of a single apartment; but that conductor of heat,) they increase the impediin England, they often extended to streets; and in the United States, he might have added, they sometimes destroy whole portions of towns. 4th. Partition walls running from the bottom of building to its roof, are of great utility, (made either of plaster according to Lord Stanhope's

We shall lay down our principles also as briefly as possible.

ments to the progress of conflagration. Plaster, * Radius is the Latin word for ray; and as
we remember, is chiefly made from lime and sand, there is a tendency in heat to move off from an
(that is, from incombustible stone;) and being highly heated body in right lines, in which form
turned back again into stone, when brought into light also is supposed to issue from the sun; we
'he shape of well formed mortar, it is wisely em-hear of radiant heat and radiant light.

a

plan, or of common brick-work;) for in case of and likewise to keep them as free as possible very important: for of what use are engines fire, by subdividing a house and consequently its from contact with other wood work. The same without water?

dangers, they permit attention to be given to the may be said of the casings of doors and win- These are transient hints; and let others add part of the house which most requires it. By dows; and also of closets. If either of these ar-to them. We have a great enemy to contend using partitions which are water-tight in their ticles should take fire, and by its destruction, with, which, though often easily conquered in vessels at sea, the Chinese are said to confine the open a passage into the interior wood-work of the its beginnings, yet when that golden moment operations of a leak to one section of a vessel; building; room is given for this entering wedge passes by, often defeats our best exertions; for leaving the other sections empty and buoyant.-to extend the passage for air and flame, where the as the evil proceeds, every part of the effect be And such is the encroaching nature both of fire fire engines will not so readily extinguish the comes a new cause for further mischief. A. B. and water, that each element requires the same evil. P. S. Lord Chatham's insinuation against principle for its treatment. 11. The fire-places in parlors and bed-cham-Charles II. recorded above, is scarcely to be con5th. The English in a large city like London, bers demand some notice. At present, in our sidered as serious. Charles certainly did not (as not only direct strong partition walls between common houses, the wood-work of our mantle-Nero is reported to have done,) fiddle during the house and house; but forbid the timbers of two pieces, &c. projects beyond the brick, stone, or conflagration of his metropolis; though his brother houses from approaching each other too nearly, marble, forming the opening of the chimney.-(afterwards James II.) shewed much unconcern or from approaching any of the chimnies.-The reverse of this ought to happen; and the amidst its ruins. In truth, it was needless for Wooden Cornices going from house to house are wood-work should retreat at the sides, and also not either brother to have urged forward a project, likewise forbidden. Great use has been derived descend to the floor. Again: the floor of the which others were as eager to propose, as to exefrom these regulations, the principles of which chimney should not be elevated, with a hearth cute. Happily none of the expected confusion , ought to be enforced by law in every country. descending toward the floor, down which brands arose from the event; and the rapid restoration 6th. The roof is a portion of our building re-and embers may roll; but the chimney floor of the city, as it marked the wealth and energy quiring much reform. Roofs made of shingles are should be low, and the hearth slant upwards.-of its inhabitants, so it proved the origin of a set on fire, not only in great conflagrations, but Fire-skreens also ought to be flat, and suspended new order of things; one happy result of which at other times by the very chimneys passing from the chimney jams; and be lifted by handles appears to have been, the prevention of any subthrough them. It is true that slates and tiles issuing upwards, out of their upward edge; by sequent appearance of the plague in England. have inconveniences also, during driving snows which they will remain firmly fixed, while in &c. which are not so properly remedied by wood-use; and be easily stowed away when out of use. work underneath, as by suitable cements. Roofs The kitchen, &c. should also receive some Extracts from the last file of the London Farare often reached with difficulty by fire-engines, thought. The oven should have a good foundafrom their position, and when they fall in, brands tion, to prevent cracks; and some advise its being tumble deeply and widely into the breach below, subjected to a red-heat, when first used, to give to extend the evil. it a connected glazing. The ashes should have a MR. CURWEN'S STATEMENT OF THE 7th. When houses are not built with brick or fixed place from the first, and not be tossed about stone, plaster should cover their exterior. EXPENSES OF SOILING. If by fancy or accident. The coppers should be plaster can resist (as it is known to do) the se- set with equal solidity and decision. Whatever Schoose Farm, Dec. 4, 1821. vere climates of Berlin and Gottenburg, it will doors are used about these places should either SIR,-I embrace the first leisure moment to also maintain its station here. Plaster under be of metal, or lined with metal. Kitchens comply with your wish for information on the cover is never affected by cold; and it is easy to should have very large hearths, and if possible expense of preparing steamed food for cattle. make plaster water-tight. Plaster is not expen- not have their floors of wood. The cost of the apparatus may be esteemed more sive; and against its expense we must set that of our clap-boards and the paint bestowed upon little as may be; their flues should be separate 12. Chimneys should bend in their course as considerable than it actually is; I think it expedient therefore to state the expense of a steaming them, and the protection received against fire. from each other, from end to end; and they apparatus adequate for supplying food for 100 The beauty of plaster certainly gives it another should be kept apart from all wood-work. Plas-head of cattle and 50 horses. advantage not only over clap-boards, but over bricks, as may be seen in some of the late buildter may be safely laid on such chimneys, without ings at Richmond in Virginia; and the durability furring, (as it is called ;) and thus deprive fire of one of its hiding places. of the plaster at Richmond shews that it can be made to defy frost. Plaster requires three So much for the modes of preparing buildings things; first, to be well made; next to be laid against fire.-A word or two will be said as to The capacity of the boiler is a thousand galon in thin coats; and lastly to find a building of the mode of meeting fire, when it occurs. lons; first cost, setting, &c. about sixty guineas. which the foundations, as well as the wood-work, 1. Our ancestors talked of smoke balls for ex- It is capable of working three stone boxes, five tinguishing fires; which must be of great use be-feet long, four broad, and three deep; likewise an 8 If the foundations of a building be not ren- fore the arrival of engines, or where engines can-iron box of equal dimensions; and also to warm dered immoveable by their depth and solidity, not be applied: and as it seems easy to deprive the water necessary for the dairy. By stop cocks and if the timbers are not kept from warping; air of its power of supporting flame from time to either the whole or any number of the boxes may plastering must suffer, whether it be placed time, by a succession of these balls, it is hoped be worked.

are firm.

mer's Journal, received at the office of the Ame rican Farmer.

The water is boiled by steam, which is introduced into the boxes by iron pipes. It requires a strong power of steam to heat the water quickly and prevent its being smoked, which renders it unpalatable to the cattle.

within or without. All know how to lay good that our modern chemists will not long suffer this The stone boxes, iron pipes for conveying steam, foundations, if they will go to the cost of them; to be reckoned among the lost arts. 2. Mr. Per- and also supplying water, with the pump, &c. and warping may be prevented by filling up all kins's Supply-Engine for gathering up the water might, exclusive of the building, cost £100. the angles of the timber work with triangular running along the streets at fires, is cheap and of Two women are fully equal to the whole busiblocks of wood, (or their equivalents.) Sir Rich-great use, where water is scarce; especially as ness, as well as for washing and cutting by a waard Seppings has taught this secret to the natives muddy water is said to be more efficacious in put-ter wheel the Swede turnips. of the world, and it will ultimately spread to our ting our fires, than water which is pure. 3. Wet steamed five days in the week, and nine on the Six boxes are merchantmen; and should now enter our build-mops, with long handles, are good for shingled Saturday for Sunday's food. The boxes are filings on terra firma. The carelessness of our roofs: and large tin squirts are useful for the led one third with water, from 25 stone to 30 of builders in common wooden houses, is seen by same purpose, and for crooked places. 4. A lit-chaff, (husk or grain) and about 30 stones of cut the risings and fallings often manifested in their tle sand is no mean thing to keep at the top of a Swedes. When completely boiled, which, when floors after the lapse of a few years: and yet house, ready to be wetted, in order to extinguish the steam is completely up, may be an hour and much of the use of plastering as a preservative fire, or stop up smoke-holes. 5. Wet blankets a half, the drinks are lifted into iron boxes; the against fire is lost, if the plaster be not solid and put before chimney places, have often been effi-contents, without the liquor, may exceed half a air-tight. cacious in putting out fires in chimnies. 6. Small en-ton. Iron boxes are used for receiving the drinks,

9. The union of dwelling houses with out-gines, to move about for the mere purpose of keep-as they cool the food more rapidly than wood; it houses may promise some conveniences, but it will ing buildings damp, when exposed to fire are very would be injurious to give the food too hot. On be found better to obtain these conveniences by serviceable; particularly as they prevent the serving the cattle, salt is applied, allowing after passages, which can easily be torn down in case of loss of time and the breaking up of water-lines, the rate of four ounces to full grown cattle, and fire; for otherwise each part of the double build- which usually follow upon moving the greater en-one ounce to calves. The general quantity may be ing is made subject to a double risk. gines to act for the same purposes. 7. Large cis-from four to six stone in the two feeds to full

10. Within an apartment, care must be taken terns or pits in the earth (for making which there grown cattle, and in proportion to younger stock. to have the cornices and didos, where used, well are various receipts in books) in order to hold The appetite with which the preceding drink bedded in plaster; as also the skirting boards; rain water, especially on the sides of hills, are has been eaten regulates the feeder, and on

WM. THORPE,

this much depends. Milch cows, in full milk, marks upon his letter. I trust he will excuse me portion to the said statemeat, carried on progreshave a little bran mixed with their steamed food. calling upon him for an explanation, why he should sively for the said five months, is no inconsideraThe great advantage resulting from a portion recommend mangel wurtzel, when I assure him,ble thrift even for an ox of the middling size ; as, of steamed food is the keeping the stomach in that I am ignorant both of the proper mode of according to this gradation, he adds 16 stone to good order; lessening the quantity of turnips cultivating it, and (though with his letter before his weight, which would at 5s. per stone, leave which would be otherwise requisite. Instead of me) of an advantageous application of it. Yes. the grazier a remunerating profit. 1 have spun six stone, which is ample, nine would be required. I even make this last declaration with the fact, as out my remarks probably to the tiring of your paIt also lessens the demand for straw; about 8 lbs. it is stated to me, staring me in the face, that tience, for which, therefore, I have to apologise. per head will do. 8lbs. per quarter may be added to a sheep in five If, at any time you may think it proper to give Work-horses have 10 lbs. of cut hay and an weeks by the use of this root. But without them a place in your valuable Journal, you will equal quantity of straw steamed, with three lbs. doubting the possibility of such a result, let me much oblige, Sir, your very obedient servant. of oats and the same weight of straw; with this examine by the test of my own experience in feed they are in admirable working condition. other root crops, what may be the probable proThe whole of the stock are reared in this man- duce of an acre of mangel wurtzel well cultiva-CULTURE OF POTATOES, AND PLOUGHner, and never set their feet on the grass. ted (be it remembered that I am going upon supBetween three and four years old they reach position :) and now supposing that 1, 2, or 3 roots from 70 to 80 stone. Two killed last month, may be grown upon one square yard, weighing three years three months, carcass 76 stone 8 lbs. together 14lbs. hence that about 31 tons shall be and 74 stone 10lbs. with 9 stone of loose fat, long produced upon an acre ;* what number of sheep, I some time ago promised you the result of an weight. The meat is of most admirable quality. I would ask, will this acre keep, for the space of experiment I was then making in the culture of I can only furnish you with the cost of food as ap- 20 weeks? and what, by consequence, will be a potatoes, which I now send. My object was to asplicable to this spot, where fuel is so cheap; fif- fair valuation of the crop? This question I an- certain whether it was better to plant cuttings of ty-four Winchesters of inferior coals are consum-swer by P.'s report, who says, that he gave to large potatoes, or whole ones about the size of ed weekly, two thirds of better coal would do the each slicep 25lbs. of the roots per day (if I under-large walnuts; also, the comparative merits of stand him right,) and therefore, with this quanti-three sorts, one which I have had long in my pos

work.

for 100 head of cattle.

Two women's wages

Fifty-four Winchesters of coals

Taking the food from the steam-house,

and giving it to the cattle,

Seven tons of cut Swedes at 7s. 6d. per

ton

Wear and tear of machine.

Chaff

£0 12
09

0 17

£5

3360 stone prepared weekly at two thirds of half-penny per stone,

£5 5

Cost of one full grown steer for a day. Steamed chaff

Six stone of Swedes

Straw

s.

d.

0

2

0

3

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Cost of preparing steamed food for one week ty, an acre would suffice for 20' sheep. Now, as session, and on which I mainly depend; another, per head per week for sheep at Sweedish tur- of very great size, given me by a friend; and onips has lately been a low price, I shall take 6d. Phillipps's red, which you procured for me in the 0 for my calculation, and so make the acre of man- spring of 1820. In that year the produce of the gle wurtzel worth £10, allowing their comparared was very inferior in quantity to the other; but 6tive value to be equal, (an acre of Swedes will, I observing that it produced very little top, at most know, keep 20 sheep 20 weeks without hay, not half so much as the other. I determined to 2 12 6 though not a first rate crop :) here then is £10 in give it another trial, and to plant the sets in every 0 10 0 roots. But we have now a more important arti-way closer, and which appears to have brought i 0 0 Ocle to notice, namely, the hay which P. has nearer in quantity to the other. * thought necessary for each sheep, viz: 5lbs per not trouble you. With the mode of preparing the land, I shall oday; thus consuming, with 20 sheep, 6} cwt. per 1 It was alike in every respect, one week, which, for 20 weeks, I value at £25. It and what difference there was in natural quality, 0 must now be asked, in what way 20 sheep can be was in favour of what I shall call No. 4. and gramake to leave a fair profit, having consumed in dually decline to No. 1. The potatoes were plant20 weeks £35, worth of food, besides the labor in ed in two broad ridges, or warps, adjoining each other; the sorts separated by the furrows, and the preparing it? I answer, by P.'s method, and success only. But it has occurred to me, Mr. Editor, whole done by the same two men, in the same manthat I may have mistaken P.'s statement, and ner, and as near as possible at the same time, cxthat, instead of 25lbs. of roots per day for each cept, as I before observed, that the red were planted twice as thick as either of the others. sheep, he means 25lbs. per day only for the 8. or four shillings and a penny per week. | sheep; though, as the difference is so great, I No. 1, was planted with my own sort, After this statement, the question that would am frightened back to my former construction of large potatoes, in cuttings containing naturally be put is,-What condition are the cat- his letter; indeed, the latter quantity cannot I two or three eyes cach, and occutle in? I would be the last person who would think, be sufficient, though the former appears No. 2, the same sort whole, but smaller 0 pied chuse to make an answer; I may however con- far beyond probability. Without farther comfidently state, of the many visitors to the Schoose, ment upon the quantity of food necessary for No. 3, the large potatoes I had from a I have seldom known any one to withhold his sur- sheep. I shall just state, that 230 lamb-hogs, friend, cut to two or three eyes prise at the health and order, not of a few, but and 40 old sheep of mine, are now doing well No. 4, the red, some cut, some whole of the whole stock. I am, with much personal with about 2400lbs. of Swedish turnips per day No. 1, produced 423 sacks, or 160 sacks per esteem, your obedient servant, J. C. and 250lbs. of oats and cut straw mixed; by which acre, the potatoes larger than those of No. 2, and N. B. No credit is taken for the fuel consumed, it seems, that not quite 10lbs. of food is the averin every respect better. or the labour in preparing food for the horse.-age quantity consumed by each sheep per day.My wish has been to over rather than under rate Such of your readers as may chance to contrast the expense. Neither hay, corn, nor cake, was my report with that of P.'s, will perhaps observe, subtract the extra quantity of seed used, to say No. 4, 34 sacks, or 113 per acre; but if we used for any of the stock. that mine is accompanied by the signature of my nothing of double the expense of planting, it will name. If P. means to say, that his sheep were There is within two miles of this city, a milk fed with 3lb. 2oz. of mangel wurtzel, and 5lbs. of| reduce the produce of No. 4 to 105 sacks per acre. establishment, on the farm of R. Smith, Esq. hay (a quantity of food approaching near to mine,) I have now by me, upwards of 3000 sacks of President of the Agricultural Society of Mary-instead of 25lbs. of that root, then I call it feed-potatoes, safely packed, the produce of about 25 acres. I commenced feeding twenty Scots and land, where upwards of 100 cows are sustained on ing with hay and not with the roots. I have now steamed-food. An exact account of this establish- only to return to the weight said by P. to be ad-twenty heifers with them, about a fortnight ago. Much has been said in your paper of ploughing, ment, with drawings and details, expenses and ded to each sheep in a given time, namely 32lbs. results, would make an interesting communica- in 5 weeks, which strikes me with wonder, know- or not ploughing land, immediately after the tur tion for the Agricultural Society. ing as I do that the five best grazing months, com- nips have been fed off. I shall do this year just the same as I have done for some years past,mencing with May, will produce at grass no greater weight, taking the average of 100 sheep, bours do. I have now a piece of 28 acres cleared. plough for my barley much less than my neighthough they shall be of the most thrifty sort: As soon as it be dry enough, and not too dry, I and further, that an increase of weight, in pro- shall plough it clean, and at a moderate depth. A

Edit. American Farmer.

ON FEEDING SHEEP WITH ROOTS.
Kelmarsh, Jan. 3, 1822.

SIR,-Being very much at a loss in what way to reconcile the result of your correspondent's ex

0 1 6

0 1 9

No. 2, produced 40 sacks, or 145 sacks pr. acre.
No. 3, 30 sacks, or 104} per acre.

* At 18 inches apart the rows, and a foot the It deserves to be proved by experiment whethperiments, who appears before us with the sig-plants in the rows, each square yard will contain er potatoes which give large tops should not be nature of P., in your Journal of December, the six roots, which, at only four lbs. each, gives preferred on dry soils, and those which give short 24th last past, I beg to trouble you with a few re-more than 53 tons.—EDIT. FARM. JOUR.

tohs, on rich and mellow soils.

exact order.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE

NATURE AND PROPERTIES OF THE
YELLOW TURNIP.

Drawn up at the request of the Right Honorable Sir
JOHN SINCLAIR, Bart. by R. BARCLAY ALLAR-
DICE, Esq. of Ury.

AMERICAN FARMER.
APPLICATION OF THE HOLKHAN MA-
NUFACTURE.

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North Creak, Burnham, Norfolk
Νου. 30, 1821.

ON TARES.

short while before seed time, I shall harrow it,Į first with rank, and then with finer harrows, roll it with a light roller, sow the seed broadcast, and plough it in with our light one horse ploughs, made and used for that purpose only. In this Bedfordshire, Dec. 1, 1821. SIR,-In the late Farmers' Journals we have put in about 140 acres last year, and nearly the way, I been reading much concerning tares. They are the like quantity annually for some years before. short time since, my eye was caught by a number for seed, for which latter purpose they have often SIR, AS I was riding through Holkham, a estimable upon heavy soils, whether used as I am satisfied that the less you stir your land, the of poor people passing to and from the Hail: on green food, or eaten off by sheep, or preserved better your chance of a cup of clover, and there- inquiring the occasion, was informed that Miss that there is no better preparation for whatever fore I always sow trefoil after potatoes, because Coke had been giving her annual donation. The paid as well as a wheat crop. We also consider the culture, takingup, &c. of that root, neecssari- poor had received one hundred large good blank-the authority of some of the best Norfolk farmers, ly renders the land so much more loose. corn may follow, particularly for wheat: upon satisfied it is still more requisite to plough very to keep them warm the approaching winter. less applicable to light sandy soils. It surprises I am ets, with a great many sheets and bed coverlids, little for barley on strong land, provided that They spoke of the sheets with unusual pleasure, us, that a question should have arisen, whether we must however conclude, that their culture is ploughing be given when the land is exactly in the stating, that they were dressed and spun by there be a real distinction between summer and state to receive it. I was obliged last Michaelmas themselves from the flax grown in the Park last winter tares. to take a heavy land farm into my own occupa- year: they appeared grateful, and said that they discriminate the seed of the one from that of the tion, where, if I can, I will plough but once, sow had been now doubly paid, first for dressing and other; but when they get into leaf, the winter It may perhaps not be possible to or drill, and harrow in. I will wait almost for spinning them, and now receiving them as a free tare is of a deeper duller green, and is less luxu ever, rather than plough when the land is not in gift. They are all now busily employed in dressing riant. The leading difference, however, is, that and spinning the flax grown in the Park this year. the winter tare never suffers from the severest Their benefactress is indefatigable in her atten- frost, if it have once well taken root; while the tion to them, observing St. Paul's directions to other is sure to die in any but the mildest winters. the Hebrews, "To do good and to distribute for- A neighbour of mine happened not to have seed get not, for with such sacrifices God is well neighbouring gentry following such a laudable from a distance: at first the more rapid growth pleased." I did hope to have seen more of the example, and setting their poor deserted neigh and lively green of the latter appeared flattering; enough for the whole of a field destined for winter tares: he obtained some seed to finish with, I certainly think, taking every thing into con- what St. John says on brotherly love to one ano-ished in the winter, while the others were unafbours to work; but I fear they don't observe but they proved to be summer tares, and all persideration, that the yellow turnip, when of the ther: proper sort, is the best kind of any. I proved last his brother have need, and shutteth up his bow-soon after harvest; the others should be sown at Whoso hath this world's goods and seeth fected. The winter tares cannot be put in too year, that they had double the keep of the com-els of compassion from him, how dwelleth the intervals, from March to June: both are fittest mon turnips; for the same number of sheep that love of God in him?". The poor are willing to for mowing green, and most healthy for cows and required shifting twice a week on the globe and work if employment is found for them. Some-horses when the blossom drops off, and the pod red sorts, when they came to the yellow, requir-thing must be done for them, and that immediate- begins to form. ed only being shifted once a week. They have ly, for it is now out of the power of the farmers to also many advantages over the Swedes. They support them. will grow on inferior land, and with less manure ; As it is right to try every-thing, I drilled last and may be treated in the same manner as the select such things as you think worthy their no- in the same field with the above three acres, turnYou would gratify your readers, Sir, if you will other beans, about forty acres, inclusive of some spring three acres of Heligoland beans. All my common sorts of turnip. Indeed, I have got a tice from the Bath Agricultural papers, they be-ed out every thing I could wish; but so miserable proportion of Swedes, that were manured at the ing too voluminous to meet the public eye; much a crop as the Heligolands never was seen on my rate of thirty-five double cart loads per English valuable information lies in obscurity in them, farm. There was no fullness of fruit to compenacre, which is at the rate of from ten to fifteen but by this means would be made useful to the sate for the shortness of the straw; and as always loads more than the yellow, yet the latter is very public. The culture of lucerne is not generally happens where there is failure, weeds usurped superior. They have not that hardiness, also, so well known as it ought your quotations from the space that should have been occupied or shawhich the Swedes possess, which is so injurious those papers will be found useful; but three feet ded by the beans, with probable injury even to young stock and to sheep. The proper sort, intervals, as mentioned there, are too wide; al- the wheat in the succeeding season. likewise, will stand the winter equally well-though a great weight may be obtained, the out- have to encounter a contrariety of opinion; but Cows fed on yellow turnips, give milk and but-side plants in the rows fall down on the fresh never again will I be induced to try this puny ter, equal in quality and flavour, to the middle of mould in those wide intervals, and in rainy wea-abortion of a bean. Your's, &c. I expect to summer. The best time for sowing them in the ther get so full of grit, that the stock will not eat it. middling districts of Scotland, is from the 10th to The best plan that I have found to answer, is to the 20th of June. In cultivating turnips, I found the Revolving the plants, keeping them clean the first two drill at twelve inch intervals; to hoe and weed Harrow of the greatest service. I grew them years. If the ground is very good, and the plants (From Mr. MIDDLETON's Survey of Middlesex, in one field of twenty acres, which got one deep very vigorous, every other row may be taken up, ploughing before winter, after oats. It was ne- and the crop will then do well, as the intervals ver touched again till the middle of May, when may be ploughed, and the plants receive a fresh vations on the value of the grains and wash (that the whole culture, previous to the drilling, the supply of mould for their support. Your very va- is, the refuse of the corn distilled,) by which it published in 1807.) dunging, and sowing, was done by the Revolving luable correspondent, Mr. Curwen, I should think, will appear that but little of the food of man is Under the above head are the following obserHarrow. I have just drawn a third part of the might grow this plant to advantage for soiling; deducted from the corn. The quantity per annum crop of turnips, and placed them according to but in preference to any thing I have yet seen for is estimated at 500,000 quarters. The distillers the plan recommended by Mr. Blaikie. By a fattening of cattle, are the mangel wurtzel roots; fatten annually 50,000 hogs for bacon, increasing fair trial last year, I found they would keep, much greater weight of valuable food may be ob- the value of them £4 each or £200,000. Also, when placed, from November till the middle of tained per acre with them than from any thing the wash probably increases milk and beef in May; and that tops and all, they were as good and fresh as the day they were drawn. I showed nips, they will continue good all the summer, if things eaten with it, to the annual amount of we grow; and they have this advantage over tur- London, besides paying for all the hay and other them in May last to several farmers, who cut laid up dry in pies, the same as potatoes general-£130,000. them open, and convinced themselves of the greatly are. I am, Sir, your's respectfully, superiority of Mr. Blaikie's plan, over every other, for preserving turnips. It is now getting into very general use in this neighbourhood. Ury, Nov. 5th, 1821.

THOS. HEROD.

66

DISTILLERIES.

BEDS.

to

It redounds much to the credit of Mr. Man, of Bromley, in this county, who about the year 1789 began to give distillers' wash for the fattening From recent information it appears, that that he soon tried mixing other food with the neat cattle, which so evidently improved them, We suppose this to be the Scotch yellow tur-quently would not do well with Mr. Curwen. The quantity, to consume it in less time, and to inlucerne will not succeed on heavy land, and conse-wash, in order to induce the cattle to eat more in nip, sent to R. Caton, Esq. by Mr. Coke, and dis- mangel wurtzel is very valuable, and we learn that crease the number of hours for them to rest.tributed amongst some of our subscribers.-Peter the yellow sort is by much the more fattening, al-This succeeded in so extraordinary a manner, Minor, Esq. of Virginia, speaks highly of it. though it does not give so large a crop. that he has extended his buildings, and increased Edit. Farm. Journal. the number of his bullocks, so as to be able to feed

Edit. Am. Farmer.

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