necessity demanded. Their creed appeared to be, (CIRCULAR.) no grass, no labour. To use the hoe in anticipa- Addressed to Messrs. Elias Vanderhorst, Thomas A. tion, seemed to them, like administering medicine to a healthy man to prevent disease.* The secretary having concluded his observations on the various interesting subjects, which the letters under review have elicited, would subjoin but one or two remarks. The tendency of population is to increase beyond the means of subsistence. This is particularly true of St. John's, Colleton. Its population duplicates itself every twenty years. By the present, or un improving system, the arable land of the parish would not more than suffice to meet the exigencies Coffin, Kinsey Burden, William Scabrook, Sen., and John R. Mathewes. Edisto island, August 20, 1826. DEAR SIR, As the legitimate aim of agriculture is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of the various productions of the earth, I need not apologize to you, for the information I am about to solicit. Ex ercising the secretaryship of an agricultural society, the duty necessarily devolves on me, of collecting all the facts which my judgment may direct would be worthy of communication. most successful growers of fine long cotton in this state. Should it, therefore, comport with your convenience, and not be deemed an unwarrantable intrusion in your private concerns, have the goodness to reply, as early as possible, to all or any of the following queries, viz: 1st. Is all your cotton equally fine? If not, what description of your soil yields the most silky? 2d. What manure do you esteem the best to im prove the fineness of the staple? 3d. Is your cotton, which is so distinguished for one quality, remarkable also for the length and strength of its staple, or both? 4th. What has been your average crop for the last five years; and what quantity do you plant to the hand? 5th. Are you very particular in the selection of seed? Which kind do you prefer, the small or the large, the perfectly clean, or that which is a little woolly? of one third of the rising generation. If, then, pri- Rumor, sir, has pointed you out as one of the vate interest and political considerations invite us to an imitation of Mr. Burden's practice, so far as to cultivate the one half of the land, annually planted, and to aim, hereafter, at the quality, rather than exclusively at the quantity of the crop, it is apparent that the parish would be able to maintain, in equal abundance, double the number of its present families. As we estimate, then, the endearing tie which binds us to our offspring; as we appreciate the elevated station to which the agriculture of South Carolina legitimately aspires, so should our future geoponical schemes be governed and directed. Our pertinacious adherence to the raising of a single article, with its usual concomitant-over-production, has created a train of evils, which naught but a fundamental change of husbandry can effectually eradicate. The secretary is aware, that the prejudices of a planter are strong and difficult of removal. He perseveres in a settled custom, although by it, his profits continually diminish. His repugnance to test a new project is a truth of daily observation. You may convince him by argument; you may clearly illustrate your position by examples; yet, you cannot swerve him from his olden course. At length, perchance, the desire of novelty leads to an experiment. If it succeed, it is again enhjeeted to future trials. The contagion, in time, is communicated to his neighbour, and thus the old system and the new practice are, slowly, the one abandoned, and the other introduced. As inveteracy in his agricultural habits constitutes a trait in the character of the planter, it remains to be determined, whether it is a feature which adorns the mind or obscures the understanding. Interchange of sentiment not only guarantees success in his profession, but conduces most powerfully to the formation of friendships, and the annihilation of untenable opi nions. This suggestion, at all times true, is pecu liarly applicable to this society. Its members inhabit three distinct sections of the same parish. Although, in the formation of the human character, locality and society exercise unlimited sway, it is hoped that in all matters touching the welfare of this association, the interest of the parish, and the prosperity of the state, there is but one mind and one common feeling. That we may become better acquainted with one another; that we may, hereafter, unite more fervently to elevate the agricultural character of St. John's, Colleton, and to continue our acts of individual comity and kindness, is the ardent and reiterated supplication of a heart devoted to the promotion of the public weal. All which, is respectfully submitted by WHITEMARSH B. SEABROOK. * To avoid misapprehension, the secretary would state, that the oftener cotton is hoed, to the period when the fruit begins to disclose itself freely, the more vigorous and productive will it be. Afterwards the hoe should be used cautiously, and never later than the 10th of July. The parish of St. John's, Colleton, is composed of the islands of Edisto, john's, and Wadmalaw. The society consists, principally, of the planters of the three islands. 6th. Have you ever tested the experiment on the difference of the product and quality of cotton, from seed taken from the bottom, middle or top of the stalk? 7th. How do you preserve your seed? Is it kept in a confined situation, or in a well ventilated room? 8th. In gathering your crop, do you ever pick the wool from those pods that, from their immaturity, are but imperfectly open? Should your answer be in the affirmative, state the reason. 9th. Do you dry your cotton in the sun or in the shade? If in the sun, how long? 10th. What is your mode of preparation, and what quantity do you clean to the hand per day? 11th. Are you in the habit of using the whipper before or after the cotton is ginned, or in both in stances? 12th. What is the character of your soil? Is your land high or low-indented with creeks, and how far from the ocean? Such other information, in relation to the subject matter of this communication, as you may be wil ling to disclose, I need not assure you, will be most gratefully acknowledged. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DEAR SIR, WHITEMARSH B SEABROOK, Cor. Sec'ry Agric. Society of St. John's, Colleton. Sullivan's Island, Sept 1, 1826. Your useful circular has been received. I answer, with pleasure, your queries, as far as my limited knowledge of the subjects adverted to will admit. You observe, "such other information in relation to the subject matter of this communication as you may be willing to disclose." Permit me to assure you, sir, if I had the good fortune to possess any information, not generally known, upon the culture of the cotton plant or its preparation for market, nothing could afford me more satisfaction than to disclose it for the benefit of others. A planter who would, from interested motives, conceal any discoveries which might improve the culture or the prepa ration for sale, of any of our staple products, must certainly be deficient in that patriotism and liberal feeling, which, at least, are supposed to govern every gentleman in this community. Question 1st. Is all your cotton equally fine? If not, what description of your soil yields the most silky? Ans. I consider that the most sandy parts of my soil produce the finest cotton and the most silky. Q. 2d. What manure do you esteem the best to improve the fineness of the staple? A. I have never used any but the soft salt mud; it is taken out of the creek during winter and spread in the old alleys with the back of the hoe, about two inches thick in the lowest spots; and in the most sandy, not more than a quarter of an inch. The land is then listed over the mud before it becomes hard. I have never manured more than eighty-five acres in one winter. Q. 3d. Is your cotton, which is so distinguished for one quality, remarkable also for the length and strength of its staple, or both? A. As machinery is the only test for fine cottons, allow me to give you an extract of a letter addressed to me from one of the most respectable spinners in Manchester. "Although your cotton is second to no mark (brand,) in health and fineness, still it does not possess sufficiently the latter requisite to spin our very finest numbers." Q. 4th. What has been your average crop for the last five years, and what quantity do you plant to the hand? A. I have never made more than 150 lbs. to the acre, and plant very short to the hand, in consequence of not having a sufficient quantity of land. Q. 5th. Are you very particular in the selection of your seed, and which kind do you prefer, the small or the large, the perfectly clean, or that which is a little woolly? A. I select that which has a little wool at the ends, but am not satisfied as to the advantage of it. Q. 6th. Have you ever tested the experiment on the difference of the product and quality of cotton, from seed taken from the bottom, middle, or top of the stalk? A. Never. Q. 7th. How do you preserve your seed? Is it kept in a confined situation, or in a well ventilated room? Q. 9th. Do you dry your cotton in the sun or in the shade? If in the sun, how long? A. I always dry in the sun, and suffered it, until the last year, to remain on the cotton scaffold the greater part of the day. Q10th. What is your mode of preparation, and what quantity do you clean to the hand per day? A. I require the cotton to be picked carefully from the pods, without leaves or dirt of any kind, and am very particular in the assorting before it goes to the gins. I give twenty-eight pounds as a task in moting. Q. 11th. Are you in the habit of using the whipper before or after the cotton is ginned, or in both instances? A. I use the whipper only for the cotton which is picked after frost, and for the stained; the operation is performed before it goes to the gins. Q. 12th. What is the character of your soil? Is your land high or low, indented with creeks, and how far from the ocean? A. I have both high and low land in the same fields; white sand in the highest, and a grey soil in the lowest. There are no creeks running into the fields; the distance from the ocean varies from a quarter to a half mile. With extreme regret, that the information I am enabled to impart, is so very limited on the import- spring, I should like to be informed of it immedi- wooden roller, to break the clods, and level the ant subjects embraced in your circular, I remain, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. VANDERHORST. TO WHITEMARSH B. SEABROOK, ESQ. MR. SMITH'S "RICE PLANTER." DEAR SIR, Eastville, Va., 10th June, 1827. I have just perused with much pleasure, in the last "Farmer," a letter from Mr. Rowand, giving ately by mail, for if sufficient encouragement be J. S. SKINNER, Esq. DEAR SIR, surface. a In a week, or thereabouts, the young plants will be up: and if it be dry season, the fly' will be apt to destroy them: to prevent which, some powdered FRANCIS H. SMITH. soot, or lime, may be sown very thickly over them, by sifting, in a dewy morning. This will quicken the growth of the plants, as well as otherwise deCambridge, Md., May 26, 1827. fend them. And the faster the plants grow, the sooner they will unfold their rough leaves, and be out of danger of the fly. Or it may answer well to ground with an infusion of elder, wormwood, or tobacco. But it must be done as soon as In compliance with your request to know my the most full, fair, and satisfactory experiment in an account of the success which has attended the entire conviction of the services which you have pared field, as really mine was, I may safely report TURNIPS. JOS. E. MUSE. Turnips love a light sandy or gravelly soil, or a sandy loam. It should be made soft and fine, but not too rich, lest the turnips be rank and ill-tasted. Ground that has been rewly cleared, yields the largest and sweetest turnips: and on such a spot there is the least danger from insects. The chief object in this communication is, to inform you of another invention I have just completed, which must, I think, prove of infinite service to our southern planters. In my late visit to the south, I had an opportunity of visiting several rice plantations, and becoming acquainted with the whole process of cultivating the crop. It is drilled in rows fifteen inches asunder, but all done by hand. I leave you to judge then, the labour requisite, and the waste of seed consequent upon this mode of operation. It occurred to me, that this might be much better and more expeditiously performed by machinery; and to effect this, has occupied my attention almost exclusively for the last four weeks. After encountering many difficulties I have at length succeeded. This machine, which I shall call the "Rice Planter," drills three rows at once, performing all the different operations of trenching, plant ing and covering; and judging by the "Cotton Planter," this, in the same proportion will complete ten acres per day. A writer in the "American Far mer," No 4, vol. 5, in estimating the daily labour of negroes, says, that twenty labourers are required for five acres; consequently, a mule and boy with the soil is sufficiently rotten, and reduced by harthis machine will do the work of forty hands. The Next to new land, swarded ground is to be chosen for a crop of turnips; and the way to prepare it is, to plough it pretty deep in the spring, and fold it by turning in the stock for a good number of nights. For there is scarcely any of our fields sufficiently rich to produce turnips without manuring: and folding hitherto appears to be the best method of enriching the ground for this purpose. It should be well harrowed as often as once a week, while the folding is continued, to mix the excrements of the cattle with the soil. The ground should be cross ploughed as soon as rowing to a fine tilth, before it is sown.- Where quantity of seed may be regulated with the great- a good stock is kept, as much as an acre may be est precision, and when once fixed it never varies. sufficiently folded. Judge Wayne, of Savannah, to whom I communi- The time for sowing the seed is about the middle cated my ideas on this subject, appeared much of July. Doing it on a set day is ridiculous: for a struck with the importance of such a machine, and remarked, that the saving of seed rice alone, in a sin gle crop, would pay for it. It is equally well suited for drilling oats, wheat, rye, or any other small grain, and is also provided with the necessary fixtures for planting corn and cotton, which it performs precisely like the one spoken of by Mr. Rowand and Dr. Muse. The "Rice Planter" will be accompanied by a "Cultivator" for performing the hoe-work of this crop, which, if it works at all, will do ten acres in a day; equal to the labour of twenty hands. I cannot speak with certainty as to this, having no drilled crop near me upon which to make an experiment; I shall, however, send one to our friend Mr. time should be chosen when the ground has the One pound of seed is the common allowance for SIR, HORTICULTURE. ROANOKE OR SCUPPERNONG GRAPE. In your paper of the 20th of April, I find a com- The particular excellence of this vine, is the richness of the grape, and the longevity, productiveness, and hardiness of the vine. I know of no native grape of the United States, that lives so long, thrives well with so little cultivation, and produces such a profitable and luxuriant crop at an advanced age. The probable age of the vine is fifty or sixty years, and if properly managed, I believe many of them would live and produce a profitable crop much longer. The vines in this section of the country are never pruned, but are suffered to extend themselves according to the vagaries of their own ramifications, upon scaffolds reared by props about six feet from the ground, and covered with common Should any of our southern planters wish to proThe seed sown broadcast must be harrowed in sence rails. Vines reared in this way are subject cure either of these machines against the next with a short tined harrow, and then rolled with a to be buffetted by every storm, and suffer many Rowand for trial, who will report the result. Nei- ture of equal parts of new and old seeds, that the ther can I speak positively of the cost until I con- plants coming up at different times, the one sort or sult the mechanics in Baltimore I presume, how the other may chance to escape the insects. - With ever, it will be from thirty to forty dollars. I shall this view, Mr. Tull constructed his turnip drill to take it with me to Baltimore in a few days for your lodge the seeds at different depths, which it seems examination. had the desired effect. other injuries from the improper practice of per- which should be gently pressed to the cutting, tak worms, with equal success, and was imitated, from mitting horses and cattle to run loose among them. ing care to leave a little loose earth over the upper time to time, in several towns of Italy. In all these If the vines were inclosed, pruned, and properly cul- eye, to prevent its injury from severe frosts and places, extensive manufactures were established, tivated, they would not only produce grapes of su- want of moisture. Too much care cannot be taken with silk of domestic production. perior quality in greater abundance, but would thrive to keep them moist and to promote their vegetation. "From the reign of Justinian, it was mostly in and produce well at a more advanced age. The After they have taken sufficient root they will stand Greece, and some of the adjacent islands, that silk Roanoke grape grows quite luxuriantly, (but not so the severest drought, and may be managed accord-worms were reared. Soon after the conquest of much so as the Muscadine and some other species ing to the direction of Mr. Adlum, in his valuable Constantinople by the Venetians, in the year 1204, of native grapes) and if left to the "vagaries of its treatise on the vine. In planting from the slip, they they attempted the establishment of the silk manuown ramifications," would in a few years cover a may be managed in the same manner as other vines, facture in their dominions; and in a short time, the large space of ground. It is rendered very valua- taking care to keep the earth moist about them, and silk fabrics of Venice vied with those of Greece and ble as a wine grape by its superior hardihood, which to add a sufficient quantity of manure to promote Sicily. alike defies the rigors of winter, the winds of spring, their growth, after which they may be pruned and "About the beginning of the fourteenth century, the heat and gusts of summer, and the gales of autumn. The leaves are smooth, and it blossoms in June; the grape is round, white, and very sweet, and about "the size of a hog's eye," and sometimes larger, the size depending much on the vigour of the vine. The grapes eat well, and contain a large quantity of saccharine matter, so happily united with the acids of the fruit, as to render them finely flavoured for the palate and highly valued for wine. I have never known the Roanoke grape analyzed, but I believe that in the richness of the grape, and in the happy combination of its properties, it will vie with the finest varieties of France and Spain. managed as other vines. They will begin to bear JAMES G. HALL. (From the National Intelligencer.) the Florentine manufactures of silk became very considerable. It was introduced much later into France; the manufacture of silk though considerably encouraged by Henry IV. not having been fully established there, till under Louis XIV. by Colbert. "It is an established and well known fact, that both the white and the black mulberry trees grow as well in almost every part of the United States, as in any country on earth; and also that silk has been raised and manufactured into a most excellent fa The culture of silk seems likely to be seriously entered into in this country: practical men in dif. ferent parts of the Union having taken the experi- bric, under the direction of the great and venerable ment in hand. Amongst these is Mr. Joshua Peirce, patriot, and friend of mankind, Dr. Benjamin Frankwhose Nursery and Farm on the bank of Rock creek lin. That so useful a pursuit should be suffered to are at the distance of a short but romantic ride from die away, in a country as well adapted for it as any this city and Georgetown. From him we have received the following letter, which shows that he is liberally disposed, not only to acquire information, but to impart it for the benefit of others. Linnæan Hill, near Washington, It is the opinion of many good judges that the Roanoke wine has a richness and a peculiar, fine flavour unknown in most of our foreign wines. If this opinion is correct, in the present imperfect manner in which our wines are made, our most sanguine ex pectations will be realized, when wine making shall be reduced to the state of perfection necessary to exhibit in happy combination the properties of this grape. The grape ripens the last of September and the first of October, a time much better calculated for the making of wine than any earlier season of the year. The Roanoke grape is very productive, lucrative business, and of introducing them into this and one acre, properly cultivated, and managed by section of our country, I have now on hand about a skilful vigneron, would yield several hundred gal- eight or ten thousand which have just commenced lons of wine. I have heard of some vines, that did spinning, and, as a number of my acquaintances not cover more than about a quarter of an acre of have expressed a wish to see them, you will much ground, that produced grapes to make ten and oblige me by giving notice in your paper, that they Messrs. Gales & Seaton: Having engaged in raising of Silk Worms with a view of making an experiment as to the practicability of making it a in the universe, is as extraordinary as it is unfortunate and injurious to the real interest of the nation." RURAL ECONOMY. (From the Wabash Intelligencer.) Niles' Register copies the following paragraph from the "American Farmer." "It has been stated to us, by gentlemen in the south, that the 'operations of the tariff, and the apprehensions of the 'woollens bill,' so termed, have put them to casting about for the most simple efficient means of manufacturing coarse clothing for twelve barrels of wine; and I think, at a moderate will be exhibited gratis for the present and next their negroes, and they wish particularly some more calculation, that four or five hundred gallons of week, Sunday excepted. All persons desirous of exact information in regard to what has been called wine may be made from an acre of ground judi- seeing them are invited to call at my residence at in the papers, 'the multiplied spindle wheel. - Maciously cultivated in Roanoke grapes. I think the Linnæan Hill. As it is a subject that has of late chinery for the purpose here stated, to answer the Roanoke grape would do well in the western and excited much attention, some account of the silk purpose, must be of simple construction and easimiddle states. In the middle states, I think the worm, its history, management, &c. and the culti- ly repaired; some contrivance of that character, grapes would come to perfection about the last of vation of the mulberry tree, will no doubt be read which would save labour in the operation of spinOctober or first of November, a season of the year with much interest by many of your subscribers. ning, has long been wanting in private families. happily calculated for the manufacture of the finest I send you McMahon's gardening, which contains The loom which is now in common use, is very wines. A few years ago this grape attracted little quite an interesting article on the subject, and beg attention, but it now seems to be fast rising into leave to suggest to you the propriety of inserting it that importance to which it is justly entitled by its in your paper. fitness for the finest wines. If your correspondent Yours, with much respect, JOSHUA PEIRCE. We have pleasure in availing ourselves of Mr. C. and his friends should think proper to try the "About the year of Christ 551, two Persian monks, employed as missionaries in some of the christian churches established in India, penetrated into the well; and so well adapted to its end, that a great number of poor people make their living by working at it as in the towns. For the operation of spinning, and any simple and cheap contrivance to facilitate it, we respectfully solicit information." The editor of the Telegraph is much gratified in communicating the information called for, by noticing a contrivance invented and made by Mr. Wm. R. M'Call, an ingenious mechanic of this neighbourhood, which is so simple, so cheap, and seems to be so admirably calculated to answer as a labour-saving spinner, of either wool or cotton for the labours of the silk worm, and became acquaint- domestic purposes, that he thinks he hazards novariety of elegant fabrics. They explained to the heretofore in use for that purpose. During the had orders for fourteen barrels of this wine from ed with the art of working up its productions into a thing in declaring it to be superior to any machine one small town in Kentucky, and the demand seems to be increasing in every part of the country. A Greek Emperor at Constantinople these mysteries, view taken of Mr. M'Call's invention, Miss M'Call light, sandy soil produces this grape best, but I be- hitherto unknown, or very imperfectly understood kept it in motion, and with great ease and accuracy lieve it may be profitably cultivated in any soil by in Europe; and undertook to bring to the capital a attended to the eight spindles. A horizontal wheel the application of light manures. It may be propa- sufficient number of those wonderful insects. This operated upon by means of the foot in the usual gated from the slip or the cutting; if propagated they accomplished, by conveying the eggs of the manner, gives velocity to the spindles; which, Miss from the cutting, great care should be taken to keep silk worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched, M'Call remarked, may be increased to any given the earth moist until the cutting has taken root. In and afterwards fed with the leaves of a wild mul- number within reach, with equal ease. The moplanting the cutting, a hole should be dug or made berry tree, and multiplied and worked in the same tion is regular, and Mr. M'Call believes he can apin the earth sixteen or eighteen inches deep, in manner as in those climates where they first became pend cards to it without any important change. which the cutting should be placed, the upper eye the objects of human attention and care. Vast The editor has seen the "vertical spinner" and he of the cutting being nearly even with the surface of numbers of these insects were soon reared in differ- has heard of the contrivance, called "The Farmer's the ground, the hole should then be filled up with ent parts of Greece, particularly in the Peloponne- Daughter," but the ladies, whose industry these marsh mud. branch manure, or other moist earth, sus. Sicily afterwards undertook to breed silk useful inventions are calculated to promote, will find their comfort consulted and their labour re- composing qualities of earth are well known. Every warded by a preference of Mr. M'Call's invention. thing of a perishable nature, even metals themselves, The necessary steps have been adopted to secure will undergo deterioration, when brought into uni a patent, and it cannot be doubted that the demand on with the surface of the earth. To render a for this contrivance will amply compensate the wooden building durable, we are always careful to meritorious toil of the patentee. A model is now elevate it above the ground, and otherwise secure it preparing for the patent office, and a visit to exam- from moisture. ine its easy and simple construction will repay the It would be possible to make a scale, which would time required. The cost of a complete machine exhibit the relative duration of timber, according will not be over twelve dollars. A full description to the three states in which it is placed. 1st. When noticed, is the worst situation in which wood can be placed for durability. Now, the plan annexed proposes to raise the cap or wheel rails entirely above the ground, (one foot or more,) supporting them at every ten or twelve feet by piles or posts of wood driven into the ground, and well secured there with stone or gravel, (these posts may, if required, be of stone,) the rails are bound together across by iron or wooden bars, as represented in the drawing annexed. shall be given in a farther notice hereafter. And in contact with the earth. 2d. When raised above According to this plan, it will be seen, that no while we can all join in rejoicing that the character it, (but still exposed to the influence of sun and sleepers are required, nor stone foundations; neither of the wion has been materially advanced by suc- rain.) And, 3d. When sheltered from the weather. are the timbers exposed to premature decay, by cessful inventions-that power looms, carding ma- According to this result, and assuming, for the du- coming in contact with the earth, except (in case of chines, and many other things, afford the best evi- ration of timber in the first state, a period of ten or using wooden supports,) that portion of the post dence of American genius-that even Europe avails of our mechanical skill; who will fail to rejoice that the young state of Indiana is now entitled to an original share of the credit by the invention above alluded to, of so much importance for home use. It is by such inventions the progressive improvement of society is chiefly promoted-it is by such the comfort and happiness of man are increased. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. many years, by using suitable qualities of timber and charring the outer side deeply. twelve years, and for the last state, only one hun- which is near the surface of the ground, and which Seasoned timber, in all cases, is best adapted for these and other frame works; the best mode of seasoning timber is by fire. The decay in wood is caused by internal, not external moisture, and this only when it becomes stagnant-hence the bad con riod, we may certainly be satisfied with the use of sequences of excluding the air from timbers, either The palm of superiority being now adjudged to -as the presumption is, that (at least for many years,) we shall construct our rail-ways of this material. The durability of timber depends upon a variety of circumstances: on the quality or texture of the wood; the season when it is felled; and the protection it receives from the weather. Wood, when allowed to come in contact with the ground, or when it is only partially covered by it, experiences the most rapid decay; from being subject to excessive moisture, and not being allowed a free circulation of air. The natural decay of timber is very gradual, even though much exposed to weather. Placed under favourable circumstances, it is surprising what a length of time it will remain sound. I could enu merate several instances (which have come within my own knowledge,) where timber, taken out of houses erected more than a century previous, was in a perfectly sound state. Some very old buildings were pulled down near the London Monument in 1816, some of the timbers of which were in excellent preservation; they were known to have been there for the last one hundred and fifty years; how much longer previous was questionable, as they bore marks of being fired, (supposed the effects of the great fire in 1666.) least cost possible. What remains now for us to timber. I was called upon some short time since In England, wood was the first material used for rail-ways; it was not until its cost became very great, so as to make it almost equal to the cost of iron, that iron was substituted in its place. Railways of wood in some parts of England, are, how ever, yet used; for instance, at the Durham and Northumberland coal works, and near the Tyne. The first rail-ways of any extent constructed in our country, (the Mauch Chunck and Quincy rail-roads) are built of wood. The difference of cost between wood and iron in the United States is so disproportionate, that on the ground of economy, we cannot hesitate to choose wood. Iron rail-ways cannot be built for less than 10 or $12,000 per mile, per single track; the cost of wooden rail-ways in this country would not exceed $5000 per mile, per single track; and upon a plan which I purpose now to exhibit, this expense may be reduced one third. We have adverted to the propriety of consider ing the best mode of constructing these roads, so as to guard their timbers from premature decay, (for this they are now subject to, in consequence of the The Old Jewry chapel pews in London, (made of manner in which they are built:) this important deoak and pine,) were in such a sound condition when sideratum will be found to be capable of being efexamined, that they were used again in the new building, though more than one hundred years standing. Chestnut and oak (in England,) are the pre-eminent woods for durability: they have been sected by the plans annexed, and thus we can pro- The present mode of constructing these rail-ways known to last a thousand years. Indeed, under par- is, by laying a series of sleepers cross-wise upon the ticular circumstances, wood is more durable than ground, (prepared for this purpose,) five or ten feet iron. Vitruvius observes of the oak, that "it is of apart, the ends resting on stone foundations. On eternal duration;" which expression, of coure, is to these sleepers the wheel rails are laid, and bolted be taken in the comparative degree. It is very cer- down, or otherwise secured into the sleepers. After tain, however, that its merits in this respect are which the space between the rails is filled up with very great. We have said, that the worst state in which timber can be placed, so as to cause its premature decay, is when it is in contact with the ground. The de earth or gravel as high as the bottom of the rails, seven years had suffered entire decay. It had been laid, I knew, under circumstances favourable to its preservation, and yet it had rotted in this short time: the cause was soon discovered-it had been covered during the whole of this period with an oil cloth, painted, which totally excluded the air. The proof of the fact was at hand; those parts of the floor which the painted cloth did not cover, were in a perfectly sound state. Had this floor been covered by a woollen carpet, it would have continued sound for au indefinite period. It would be in opposition to the generally received opinion, to assert, that painting wood hastens its decay; but this is the fact. No wood ought ever to be painted except for ornament. When painted only on one side, wood will cæteris paribus, last as long again as when it is painted on both sides: that painted not at all is most durable. On examining old buildings we shall find, that the parts not painted are in the soundest state, although exposed to wet and dry. Gates, posts, rails and pallisades, kept well painted, seldom last longer than ten or twelve years; whereas, if they had not been painted, they would have lasted twice or thrice this time, according to the qualities of the wood, &c. Sir Humphrey Davy says, that "trees possessing the firmest and least porous heart wood, are the longest in duration." The quantity of charcoal furnished by woods, indicate tolerably accurately their comparative durability. The following are the results on this head: parts. 100 parts of Elm, Do. Do. Do. Do. . Norway pine, 19.2 17.4 16.4 19.5 of charcoal nomical: a rough enclosure, of stone or brick, is to be built around the fire, and the timber being laid, across it on proper supports, is turned round so as to allow the fire to act on the surface equally. The timber should be covered from the air, as much as The great utility of charring wood, (especially possible, by brush, &c. to prevent the decomposiwhere it is to be exposed to continual dampness,) tion of the charred wood: the timber, thus preshould induce us to prepare all posts or piles intend- pared, will be seasoned at the same time, whilst its ed to be driven into the earth, in this manner. The durability is increased immensely-this being alcharring should be deep, say of an inch thick ways in the ratio of the thickness of the charred The mode of doing this is both simple and eco-coat. The drawings annexed, exhibit two sections of ed carriage on this plan: the bottoms of these the proposed plan of constructing wooden ways. wagons do not descend lower than the rail, and No. 1 shews the rail raised from two to three feet will consequently require wheels of larger radius above the ground, and supported by posts or piles, to give the proper depth to the wagon. No. 6 which are preserved in parallel lines to each other, exhibits the common form of the carriages used on and kept in their places by means of a bent bar of iron, descending from the rail, down to the lower part of each support and across; secured on each side by bolts, which admits of adjusting the rails when requisite. The reason for bending the iron bar down, instead of running it straight across is, in order to admit of a modification of the common plan of a car riage or wagon used on rail-roads, which disposes of the load below the axle of the wheels, and also below the rail, by which means greater security is afforded to the wagons; besides, they will be more easily loaded and unloaded, the bottom being brought near to the ground. The drawing exhibits a section of this carriage. No 5 is a late ral view of the same carriage, suspended; the direct weight or load is thrown off of the axles of the wheels upon the horizontal beams running longitudinally with the rail. No. 2 shews the rail elevated only about one foot above the ground on stone sleepers, with its suspended carriage. These stone supports are long enough to descend into the ground below the influence of frost; the rails are bolted and secured into the tops of these stone posts, and (if necessary,) bound together across by bars of iron, placed at proper distances, and fastened with screw bolts at each end. No. 4 is a side view of the suspend rail-roads; the load here being elevated above the A ten horse engine will draw 120 tons at the After this expose, we may come to the conclusion that the desideratum referred to has been accomplished; namely, having it in our power to give great comparative durability to the timbers compos ing a rail-way, as well as reducing the expenses of its cost; two important considerations, and which will enable us now to enter upon the construction of works of this nature without fear of failing in the enterprise, from the want of extensive means, which, upon the common plan of making these roads, would be necessary. The ratio of expense of the three plans of rail-ways will stand as follows: There is another important object gained by the plan No. 1, which, to rail-road companies having small capitals to begin with, would prove of immense value. From the elevated position given this road, it could be put into useful operation as soon as one track-way is completed, as it embraces the single rail rail-way principle; consequently, the carriages adapted to these rail-ways can be put in requisition, and the transportation be begun even before the rail-way is half finished; the proceeds from tolls, therefore, without any increase of the original capital, might be appropriated to perfect the plan. (For a more particular account of this species of rail-way, see my letter to the Postmaster General of the United States, republished lately in this journal.) This kind of carriage, which has its load suspended on each side of the rail and below the same, with both wheels running in the same plane, has been proved capable of carrying more weight than the common carriage, in proportion to the number of wheels employed, in consequence of being subject to less lateral friction, the resistance in this direction being less. The dotted lines in the drawing No. 1, shew the position of these out carriages. As in most, if not in all cases, where rail-roads of any extent will be made, steam power will be applied to propel the wagons (being only half the expense of horse power,) the plan of raising the rails will reduce the cost of such works in another way. Little labour in cutting or levelling the ground will be here requisite; te; the irregularities of country presenting few obstacles to its execution, as lengthening the supports is only necessary to cross ravines, streams, cross roads, &c. The present plan of building rail-roads subjects them, in winter, to obstructions from snow and ice, (lying immediately in contact with the earth;) indeed, deep snows would cover them entirely, so as to make them impassable, or dangerous to travel at this season, as the wagon wheels would be liable to run out of the track. Where the rails are elevated two or three feet, such interruptions would not probably occur, and the front carriage being provided with a scraper in advance as a guard to remove casual obstructions off the rails, every facility would be afforded to get along even in the worst state of the case. In passing through a town or city, a very handsome and judicious disposition of the new plan could be made, which would take up little room, as the ways might be supported by a continued open arcade or colonnade the whole distance; or the space below the base of the road might be usefully applied as store houses, where the wagons, might deposit their loads with great convenience, by means of a drop door. But I must not trespass longer on the patience of your readers, though much remains to be said on this subject. Gentlemen desirous of more particular information with reference to this plan of rail-way, having in view its execution, by addressing a letter to me here, or at Columbia, South Carolina, shall have every attention paid to their requisitions. Very respectfully, Baltimore, July 1827. ROBERT MILLS. |