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[Penn. Gaz.

continuance of life, and the attainment of old age, detrimental to the system, and can only be consi- and with more ease to himself. So with horn-d that existence may be said to depend on the due dered as one of those singular resources which may cattle. One cow will give four times as much milk exercise of the functions which they perform.-be employed in cases where, without it, life would as another, and not cost a cent more to keep her, Whether animals have their blood ærated by means speedily be extinguished. In situations where ani Also with pigs. Put two pigs of different breeds of lungs or gills, they require a regular supply of mals are deprived of their accustomed food, they into the same pen, and with the same food, at a oxygen gas. But as this gas is extensively consum- frequently avoid the effects of starvation, by devour given time, one pig will be found twice the weight ed in the process of combustion, putrefaction, ve- ing substances to which their digestive organs are of the other All this shows the immense imporgetation, and respiration, there is occasionally a de- not adapted. Pigeons can be brought to feed on tance it is to farmers to procure the best stock. To ficiency in particular places for the supply of animal flesh, and hawks on bread. Sheep, when covered promote this beneficial purpose, is the aim of the life. But, in general, where there is a deficiency with snow, have been known to eat the wool off agricultural societies, and the design of their exhiof oxygen, there is also a quantity of carbonic acid, each other's backs. bitions and cattle shows. or carburetted bydrogen present. These gases not The various diseases to which animals are subject, only injure the system by occupying the place of tend greatly to shorten the period of their existence. the oxygen which is required, but exercise on many With the methods of cure employed by different species a deleterious influence. To these circumspecies, we are but little acquainted. Few accurate stances may be referred the difficulty of preserving observations appear to have been made on the submany fishes and aquatic mollusca in glass jars or ject. Dogs frequently effect a cure of their sores small ponds; as a great deal of the oxygen in the by licking them. They eat grass to excite vomitair contained in the water, is necessarily consumed ing, and probably to cleanse their intestines from by the germination and growth of the aquatic cryp-obstructions or worms, by its mechanical effects. togamia, and the respiration of the infusory animal- Many land animals promote their health by bathing, cula In all cases, when the air of the atmosphere, others by rolling themselves in the dust. By the or that which the water contains, is impregnated last operation, they probably get rid of the parasiti with noxious particles, many individuals of a parti-cal insects with which they are infested. cular species, living in the same district, suffer at the same time. The disease, which is thus endemic or local, may, by being contagious, extend its ravages to other districts

The endemical and epidemical diseases which attack horses, sheep, and cows, obtain in this country the name of murrain, sometimes also the distemper. The general term, however, for the pestilential diseases with which these and other animals are infected, is Epizooty.

MR. SKINNER,

Gentlemen informed on the subject will confer a favour by answering the above inquiries, and by giving any other information on the subject which they may possess.

GEO. H. CHEESMAN.

ROLLING LAND-INQUIRIES. Rockingham, Va., Oct. 1, 1827. Feeling some interest in the improvement of our agriculture, I have observed with much satisfaction, the usefulness of the American Farmer as a channel for the communication of agricultural intelligence; and wishing to avail myself of the facility it affords, I would inquire, through the medium of the Farmer, what the rules are that ought to be ob served in rolling land. Are all kinds of land benefited by rolling? If all kinds are not, can the roller But independent of scarcity, or disease, comparabe advantageously used on a clay soil? Upon what tively few animals live to the ordinary term of na-kinds of grain is rolling beneficial? And at what tural death. There is a wasteful war every where times ought the roller to be used? At the time of raging in the animal kingdom. Tribe is divided sowing, or after the grain is up? Can it be used against tribe, and species against species, and neu with safety on lands sown with grass seeds? And trality is no where respected. Those which are what are the proper dimensions of the roller, &c.? preyed upon have certain means which they employ to avoid the foe; but the rapacious are likewise qualified for the pursuit. The exercise of the feel ings of benevolence may induce us to confine our The ravages which have been committed among the attention to the former, and adore that goodness domesticated animals, at various times, in Europe, by which gives shelter to the defenceless, and protecepizooties, have been detailed by a variety of aution to the weak, while we may be disposed to turn thors Horses, sheep, cows, swine, poultry, fish, precipitately, from viewing the latter, lest we discohave all been subject to such attacks; and it has ver marks of cruelty, where we wished to contemfrequently happened, that the circumstances which plate nothing but kindness. have produced the disease in one species, have likewise exercised a similar influence over others. That these diseases arise from the deranged functions of the respiratory organs, is rendered probable by the circumstance, that numerous individuals, and even species, are affected at the same time, and this/ed the Committee of Dry Culture, have made a re-and the Wilmot's superb strawberry, both of which opinion is strengthened, when the rapidity with port to show the beneficial effects on the health of the city from the prohibition of the culture of rice. berry seems to me a monstrosity of its species, and are in my collection. The Wilmot's superb strawwhich they spread is taken into consideration. Many diseases, which greatly contribute to shorten To show the improved state of the health of the I never could have supposed a variety could have life, take their rise from circumstances connected city within the last ten years, they have published been produced of such an enormous size. I have with the organs of digestion. Noxious food is fre- a table of the deaths in each year. They estimate now before me the coloured plate and description of quently consumed by mistake, particularly by do the average number of white inhabitants to have the originator himself, Mr. Wilmot, of Isleworth, mesticated animals. When cows, which have been been 5000. The number of deaths of whites in the near Loudon. He states that this strawberry is 6 confined to the house, during the winter season, and last ten years, as shown by the table, is 3484. The to 8 inches in circumference; and as this fact is corfed with straw, are turned out to the pastures in the number of deaths in 1817, was equal to 1 in 11 of roborated by the publications of the London Hortithe whole white population. In 1819, 1 in 10; and cultural Society, by Loudon in his "Gardener's Maspring, they eat indiscriminately every plant presented to them, and frequently fall victims to their 1820, 1 in 6. For the three last years, the mor gazine," and others, we cannot doubt its accuracy. imprudence. It is otherwise with animals in a wild tality has been much less, namely, 1 in 34, 1 in 40,it is represented as not so highly flavoured as some

state, whose instincts guard them from the common noxious substances of their ordinary situation. The shortening of life, in consequence of the derangement of the digestive organs, is chiefly produced by a scarcity of food. When the supply is not suffi cient to nourish the body, it becomes lean, the fat being absorbed to supply the deficiency; feebleness is speedily exhibited, the cutaneous and intestinal animals rapidly multiply, and, in conjunction, accelerate the downfall of the system.

The power of fasting, or of surviving without food, possessed by some animals, is astonishingly great. An eagle has been known to live without food five weeks; a badger a month; a dog thirty six days; a toad fourteen months, and a beetle three years. This power of outliving scarcity for a time, is of signal use to many animals, whose food cannot be readily obtained; as is the case of beasts of prey and rapacious birds. But this faculty does not belong to such exclusively: wild pigeons have survived twelve days, an antelope twenty days, and a land tortoise eighteen months. Such fasting, however, is

(To be continued.) CULTURE OF RICE.

A Committee of the Savannah City Council, call

and 1 in 21.

HORTICULTURE.

STRAWBERRIES.

Linnæan Botanic Garden, near New York,
July 15, 1827.

J. S. SKINNER, Esq-
I noticed in April last, a comment on various
which were mentioned the Downton pippin apple,
fruits, in the pages of your publication; among

other kinds, but it is probably equal to the red Chili with which New York market is supplied.

IMPROVING THE BREED OF CATTLE.
There are other varieties of this fruit of great
Our attention has been drawn to this subject, by celebrity in England and France, but which are
a gentleman to whose liberality, zeal and intelli- little known and less disseminated in our country.
gence, this state is much indebted. The importance Among the most noted of these is the Roseberry, a
of improving the breed of cattle and domestic ani-kind so very productive that it forms a large pro-
mals, is made abundantly manifest from the fact, portion of those with which the London market is
that lean stock cattle, to the value of 800,000 dol supplied. It is very high flavoured, and derives its
lars, are yearly brought from the interior of New origin from the common wild scarlet strawberry
York, and sold in this state, at an average advance (Fragaria virginica,) of our woods; but, probably,
of one-third more price than cattle of a similar de after having passed through several generations of
scription from the interior of our own state. The reproduction from seeds. I have never seen any
cattle from New York are of better breed than ours. which was so productive of young plants by its run-
They feed easier and grow larger; and as before ners, and which so quickly covered a wide spread
stated, are considered worth one third more. surface of ground. It is also considered the best
for forcing in winter. I now annex a list of thirty
of the varieties cultivated in my garden, and shall
hereafter add descriptions of others which I may
deem worthy of notice.

Every body knows there is little or no difference in the trouble and expense of raising one colt more than another; yet one of a particular make and breed, at a given age, will be worth ten times more than another. One horse will travel with double the speed, and perform twice the labour of another,

No. 1. Scarlet Virginian, a native of our woods, fruit high flavoured, and ripens very early, it is the

parent of all the strawberries of that class denomi nated scarlets, of which 43 varieties are known.

19. Downton, highly esteemed; fruit large and of good flavour, the foliage very large and vigorous; it 2. English red wood, sometimes erroneously call-produces well. ed red hautbois, although it is smaller in size and 20. Knight's No. 14, called also the "narrow leavinferior in flavour; it is, however, one of our most|ed scarlet"-this is one of the fine varieties of No. productive varieties, and not apt to have a super-1; fruit large and of fine flavour. abundance of male flowers; and as the fruit does not all come to maturity at one time, but continues to ripen gradually for a considerably period, it is a very useful family strawberry.

3. English white wood, sometimes erroneously called white hautbois; this has precisely the same qualities as No. 2, except in point of colour.

4. English red hautbois, musk flavoured, very fine and nearly twice the size of No. 2; this variety is very apt to be overrun with male plants, in which case new beds ought to be made when in fruit, in making which they should be planted in the proportion of ten fruit-bearing, or female plants, to one barren or male one; and beds thus formed, will produce so abundantly as amply to compensate for the labour bestowed. If preferred, the plants can be carefully marked when in fruit, and be transplanted afterwards.

5 Hudson's Bay, a hardy northern variety, with fine flavoured scarlet fruit.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL ROAD.
MEMORIAL

To the President and Directors of the Baltimore and Ohio
Rail Road Company.

21. Bostock, a variety of the pine class. It has been known by no less than sixteen names in Eng. The undersigned, on behalf of the committee apland; which is of itself a strong proof of the esti-pointed by the citizens of the county of Kanawha, mation in which it has been held. in the state of Virginia, to present to the Baltimore 22. Montreuil,

23. Raspberry flavoured lavourite French va- and Ohio Rail Road Company, a memorial on the

rieties.

24. Bush Alpine, or monthly-this is exactly similar to No. 11, with the exception of its having no runners; a circumstance to which some amateurs are particularly partial.

subject of the contemplated Rail road to the Ohio river, respectfully begs leave to lay before the Board the accompanying document, with a hope it may claim an attentive perusal.

In presenting this memorial, the committee are 25. French Hautbois-this much resembles No. aware, that by an act of the Virginia Legislature, 18, except that the fruit seems not quite as large; passed at their last session, the Baltimore Company but it is one of the greatest bearers I have ever seen. were restricted to a certain point for the western 26. Large Lima-this is one of the very largest termination of the Rail road. Should the compaand finest flavoured kinds I have ever seen; the fruit ny, however, on an examination of the memorial, is of a long conical form, and is very high flavour feel disposed to embrace ours, in a comparison with ed. I consider this one of the very best for a fami- other routes, to place it among those from which a ly garden, and perhaps it may prove equally so to route shall finally be selected, the committee cancultivate as a market strawberry. I understand it not but indulge the hope that a successful applicawas imported direct from Lima by T. P. Ives, Esq. of ion will be made to the next Legislature of VirProvidence, R. I. and I doubt its being yet in Europe. ginia, to remove the above restriction, and to en27. Early Hudson-fruit round, of a pale red co-large the powers of the company in selecting their lour, ripens about ten days earlier than the red Chili, line to the Ohio river. and forms, with that, the principal bulk of this fruit sold in the New York market.

28. Wilmot's superb, the largest strawberry known.
29. Bishop's orange, next in size to No. 28.
30. Grove-end scarlet, good bearers and fine fla-

6. Red Chili, a conical shaped fruit with a neck between it and the hull, from which it is conse quently detached with ease. It is exceedingly pro ductive and is raised in great quantities for the market of New York; it is inferior, however, in flavour, to the roseberry, hautbois, Lima, and many others. 7 Blush, or greenish Chili-this is called in England the "white Chili," and was imported by me from there under that name; as that name is, how-vour. ever, very inappropriate, I have changed it. It produces fruit more flat shaped than any other I have seen, which is always of a greenish and immature appearance on one side even when perfectly ripe, and of a light red on the other. It possesses a high MELONCITO DE OLOR-OR SWEET SCENTED MELON musky flavour, the taste being somewhat peculiar and by some, at first considered disagreeable; it ripens late, produces well, and quickly covers a large space of ground with its numerous runners.

One of my sons has preserved seeds of more than
twenty of the above varieties.
Yours, &c. WM. PRINCE.

DEAR SIR,

30, 1827.

Verville, Lancaster county, T., } In No. 12, vol. 9, of the American Farmer, there 8. Bourbon blush, a pale red fruit, less productive Meloncito de Olor, or Sweet scented Melon, upon is an extract from an English paper, describing the than many others, but of fine flavour.

On behalf of the committee, and himself individually, the undersigned tenders to the company assurances of profound respect and distinguished consideration. JAMES C. MCFARLAND.

Baltimore, August 14th, 1827.

To the President and Directors of the Baltimore and Ohio
Rail Road Company.

The undersigned, on behalf of their fellow citizens of the county of Kanawha, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, respectfully beg leave to offer to the consideration of the President and Directors, some of the facts and deductions which induce them

to believe, that the objects of the Company will be with the hope, that they will be able to excite suffibest attained, by conducting the proposed railway to the Ohioriver, by the valley of the Great Kanawha,

9. Pine apple, or Carolina-this is another native/which there is this editorial notice: "Should this cient interest in favour of this line of communicaof our country, and is the parent of nineteen known meet the eye of an American naval officer or super tion, to secure for it an examination and compari

son with the other routes, that may claim the consideration of the company. Before entering on the more immediate subject of this communication, the undersigned seize the occasion of offering their congratulations upon the interesting efforts which the

varieties, among which are Keen's imperial, Keen's cargo, or captain of a merchant vessel, &c. we make large seedling, and many others of the largest size. no doubt the meloncito de olor would be soon after It is distinguished by its large and vigorous. foliage, transplanted to North America." and fine flavoured fruit, but is subject, like No. 4, to be overrun with male plants, but by pursuing the same course, this may be successfully surmounted. my first recollection. I think they come up exactly citizens of Baltimore are making, to secure an en

10. Caroline, a seedling of No. 6—of good size, but less productive.

11. Red Alpine, monthly or ever-bearing. It is no uncommon thing to gather fruit of this kind when the autumn is mild, in the open air, at Christmas. In size and flavour it is similar to No. 2; produces fruit throughout the season.

12. White Alpine, possessing the same properties as No. 11, except as respects colour. It is considered best to make new beds of the Alpine varieties

every year,

13. Keen's large-much celebrated, foliage and runners vigorous, fruit large size and fine.

14. Keen's imperial- one of the largest and most noted English varieties, fruit fine flavoured, and well worthy of cultivation.

15. Roseberry, already described; none superior as a market strawberry.

16. Black-a blackish red fruit of good flavour. 17. Bath scarlet, a fine variety, fruit of good size and well flavoured.

18. New Hautbois, also called "black hautbois;" fruit of the largest size of this class, fine musk flavour; when full ripe, of a very dark or blackish red. It is exceedingly productive, and I consider it one of the most valuable kinds.

I send you by Capt. Davis some sweet-scented melons, which have been raised in this county since to the description of the melon sent by the British Consul from Colombia to England. Of this, how ever, you will yourself be able to judge.

Your obed't serv't,

E. CURRIE.

[The Secretary of the Colombian legation was present when these melons (not larger than hens' eggs,) were received. On being asked what they were, he at once recognized them for the fruit above mentioned; though, in Colombia, he says, they are as large as small sized cantaleups. They are there not much esteemed for being eaten; but the ladies, at parties, keep them in hand for the sake of their fine flavour. Any person wishing to see those sent by Mr. Currie, may be gratified by calling at the office of the American Farmer.]

larged participation in the commerce of the west—a commerce so rich and varied, so enlarged and increasing, as to rise in magnitude whilst the mind is engaged in estimating its extent-a commerce that swells with every additional avenue which enterprise may open, and which must enrich every point to which it may be invited, by adequate capital, combined with suitable facilities of approach.

In adopting measures, which, in their completion, must secure a large portion of the trade of the great valley of the Mississippi, to the first commercial city of the Chesapeake; the citizens of Baltimore evince but another instance of that elevated patriotism and enlarged and sound mercantile policy, which has heretofore distinguished them.

To contribute, however humbly or slightly, to an REMARKABLE PEAR TREE.-The Warrenton, (N. accurate estimate of the means best calculated to C.) Reporter of Thursday last observes: We are in- advance the great objects of this important enterformed by good authority, that there is now within prise, will be a source of satisfaction to the undertwo miles of this village, a Pear tree which has signed; and stimulated by the hope, that an acyielded once, this season, a quantity of good fruit-quaintance with the geography of the western counis again bearing a second growth, nearly half matur- try, and the commerce of that important region, ed, and is also in full bloom for the third time. may enable them to furnish some suggestions, by There are several trees in this place, which now which examinations may be facilitated, and accuracy exhibit fruit the second time this season, and others of decision promoted, they venture upon the duties that are again in bloom. assigned them by their fellow-citizens.

In contemplating the duties devolved on the com-ridge; where the present turnpike road crosses, at a broken mountainous country, presents an exterior pany by its charter, of constructing a Rail-road from an angle departing but 50 from a horizontal line. different from those around it; the rise from its base Baltimore to the Ohio, the undersigned infer that From the top of the ridge, to the mouth of Dunlap's is very long, and of course less precipitous than the nearest point on that river, can only be regard-creek, the distance is about the same; the depres- most others, and instead of a narrow ridge on its ed as the preferable one, when it combines, in equal sion 1,240 feet. From data here presented, and summit, the form that the surrounding mountains degrees, the advantages of cheapness in the forma- which will be verified by the reports before referred generally assume, it spreads out, and exhibits to the tion and use of the road and railways, expedition to, when examined at large, it would seem that a view, a considerable extent of very high undulating in transportation, and the accumulation of trade and road might be formed and railways laid, from the land; the spurs projecting from it in various direcpassage upon the line. Whether any route can be Ohio river to the great falls of the Great Kanawha tions, bearing different names. For more than forty selected, connecting the trade of Baltimore with a river, with a regular ascent but little exceeding one miles, the New river has worked its way through point on the Ohio, above the mouth of the Little foot to the mile. From the great falls to Bowyer's this great tract of elevated land. Above Bowyer's Kanawha, combining these advantages in as great ferry, where the greatest ascent is encountered on the ferry the appearance from the river is that of high a degree as the one the undersigned are instructed margin of water-courses, the ascent may be kept mountains on cach side, indented by the waterto propose, is a question which they do not mean to within seventeen feet to the mile: from thence to courses which rise in the high grounds beyond the discuss. Their purpose will be attained, if each the mouth of Greenbrier river, with an ascent of six view, and descend by rapid cascades to the river. are carefully and equally examined. But it may not feet per mile, up the Greenbrier to the mouth of In places perpendicular cliffs of great height_are be irrelevant to their design, to remark, that from Howard's creek, with the same ascent; and from seen, but the general appearance is a steep slope their limited knowledge of railways, their use and thence to the west base of the Alleghany, with an covered with trees, contracting the water to an value seems greatly to depend on the selection of ascent of twenty-four feet to the mile: (C.) and average of about one hundred and twenty yards. ground, that will admit of the employment of loco- thence to the top of the ridge, by an ascent of 5°, Below Bowyer's ferry the scene is considerably motive carriages, with the least delay and expense, shewing a distance from the Ohio to the summit of changed; tremendous cliffs, from five to seven or from inclined planes and stationary engines. That the Alleghany, of two hundred and twenty-four eight hundred feet in height, generally form the the valley of the Potomac would furnish a route, in miles; the entire ascent 1,908 feet Descending boundaries of this frightful ravine; these are so cona great measure free from the last objection, as far from the top of the Alleghany to Covington, oppo- tinuous, that in one part, for four miles in extent, as it might comport with the views of the company site the mouth of Dunlap's creek, the descent is the river is entirely unapproachable by man, from to pursue it, is not questioned; but from the head 1,240 feet; which, like the opposite side of the ridge, either side. Confined within these rugged limits to of that valley, a series of lofty mountains, separated is encountered principally in passing down at an an- a very narrow space, the water sometimes rises to by deep and narrow vallies, must be encountered, gle of 5° into the valley which leads to Dunlap's the extraordinary height of fifty feet, notwithstanduntil the valley of Cheat river is gained; at which creek, and thence to Covington. Whether the iming the very great fall in its bed." point, (if Pennsylvania authorizes the measure,) the provements in steam carriages may be relied on to "The construction of an independent canal along alternative will be presented, of following the val- overcome an ascent as is presented at the ridge, we this ravine, from Bowyer's ferry to the falls, apley of the Cheat and Monongalia rivers to the Ohio; will not venture to predict; but taking Mr. Strick pears to be quite inexpedient, if not utterly impos or of taking a more direct route through Virginia, land as authority for the declaration, that where the sible, but I think it is possible, on the left or west to some more southern point on that river, but road may be made so nearly horizontal as not to de-side, to level the fallen rocks at the foot of the cliffs, which would probably encounter a succession of high viate more than twenty-seven feet six inches in a just above the high water mark, so as to admit of hills, difficult to avoid or to graduate, so as to dis-mile, locomotive engines may be employed on rail-a railway the whole distance; it would, however, be very expensive and will probably be left for posterity to execute." In which report, Isaac Briggs concurred.

pense, in a reasonable degree, with inclined planes and stationary engines.

ways to great advantage; and relying on his exam-
ple of the Hetton road, we feel great confidence in
the opinion, that a Rail-road may be constructed
from the Ohio river, to the west base of the Alle-
ghany, without an angle of elevation as great as that
of Sunderland, where the engines draw twenty-four
chaldron wagons in a train, at the rate of four
miles an hour; but if the improvements in locomo-
tive engines should not be carried to the intimated
extent, the dividing ridge presents a formation pecu-
liarly favourable, for either the adoption of the in-
clined plane and stationary engine, or for opening a
tunnel. Ascending the valley of Howard's creek
from the west, or that of Dunlap's creek from the
east, the ascent of twenty-four feet in a mile, con-
tinues until the base of the ridge dividing these two
streams is gained, at points perhaps not more than a
mile apart.

(NOTE A.

Appendage to the foregoing Note. From the great falls of Kanawha, crossing the Gauley river, at the distance of two miles, and passto the narrow falls, the difficulties, so vividly de ing up the margin of the New river for three miles scribed in the above quotation, have already been overcome. The immense rocks which had fallen from the high cliffs, have been blown to pieces and removed; and the state turnpike constructed on the edge of the river, above high water mark, affording sufficient space, as is thought, between the cliff and the river for the location of a Rail-road.

(B)

Extract from a report, made by Judge Marshall and others
to the Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1812.
"The New river, or that part of the Great Kana-
wha, which is above the mouth of Gauley, having
to search its intricate way and force a passage
through a long chain of lofty and rugged moun-
tains, whose feet it washes, exhibits an almost con-
tinued succession of shoals and falls, from which
the navigator is sometimes, though rarely relieved,
by a fine sheet of deep placid water.

The line which the undersigned are instructed to present to the consideration of the company, has the confluence of the Great Kanawha and Ohio rivers, for its western termination; proceeding eastward, we propose following the valley of the Great Kana wha to the great falls, ninety-four miles, within which distance the fall of the water is but 106 feet; from thence, along the margin of the same stream, which here assumes the name of New river, sixty seven miles, to the mouth of Greenbrier river. On this part of the line, and particularly on the first twenty miles, will be found the only serious difficulties which are believed to exist, on the entire route: the fall of the water is 743.77 feet; the valley is contracted, and the cliffs high. The late Thomas Moore, accompanied by Isaac Briggs, examined the bed and shores of this section of the river, in the summer of 1818; and although the description given of it by these gentlemen, in their report of the fol lowing winter, to the Board of Public Works of Vir ginia, is as deeply shaded with difficulties, as the lo calities would warrant, they concurred in the opin ion, that by levelling the fallen rocks at the foot of the cliffs, above high water, a railway might be formed from Bowyer's ferry to the great falls; "As we descend the valley of the New river, which includes the only part about which doubts from the mouth of Greenbrier, it becomes gradually river, were of a character, essentially different from "The difficulties encountered in descending this could be entertained of the practicability of this more contracted, and its mountain boundaries high those which were experienced in the Greenbrier. species of improvement. (A.) This part of the ri-er and more rugged. Several small tracts of bot Uncommon as had been the drought, the supply of ver was also examined by Judge Marshall and tom land are found in the first ten or twelve miles, water was abundant; the boat sometimes, though others, in the autumn of 1812, who, in December but from thence to Bowyer's ferry, ten acres of rarely, rubbed upon a shoal, but in every such case following, submitted their report to the Legislature good land in a body rarely occur:-and about five it was apparent, that a sufficient passage might be of Virginia. (B.) From the mouth of Greenbrier or six small cabins are the only human habitations opened without much labour or expense. The veriver, ascending the valley washed by this stream, that are to be seen in thirty-five miles. From the locity of the current, and the enormous rocks which fifty miles to the mouth of Howard's creek; the ele-mouth of Man's creek, one-fourth below Bowyer's often interrupt it, the number and magnitude of the vation gained is three hundred and nine feet. From ferry to the mouth of Gauley river, eighteen miles, rapids and falls; the steepness, cragginess, and the mouth of Howard's creek to the summit of the not a trace of human industry or art, is any where abruptness of the banks, constitute the great imAlleghany, the distance is about thirteen miles, the to be seen, except a part of a small field, which ap- pediments which at present exist to navigation, beascent is eight hundred and thirty-eight feet; but in proaches the river at the mouth of Mill creek. In tween the mouth of Greenbrier and the great falls passing up the valley of this creek, to the west base deed, for a large portion of that distance, a spot of of Kanawha. of the dividing ridge, the ascent does not exceed earth of sufficient dimensions for the ground plan of twenty four feet per mile; the residue of the elevaa moderate sized dwelling house, is rarely to be tion being surmounted in passing to the top of the seen. The Sewell mountain, rising in the midst of

Extract from the report of the late Thomas Moore, formerly Civil Engineer of Virginia, made to the Board of Public Works, under an order, directing the survey of Greenbrier and New rivers, with a view to the improvement of their navigation, and which was executed in the summer of 1818.

"The distance from the mouth of Greenbrier to Bowyer's ferry, is forty miles, one quarter and forty-six poles, and the descent is four hundred and

"In general, there is much sameness in the appearance of this part of the river. Long rapids, frequently terminated by a fall of from five to ten feet, in a distance of ten, twenty, thirty, and sometimes a greater number of poles, an intervening space, sometimes more, sometimes less considerable, of swift or smooth water; rocks sometimes above the surface, sometimes near it, so as to require great caution to save a boat from washing on them; a copious stream, with a current commonly impetuous, constitutes its leading characteristics." (C.)

sixty-six feet seven inches; that is eleven feet six | Bake it well; have ready, when it comes out of the At starting for the second heat, Eliza White was inches in each mile. oven, some rich beef-gravy, enough to fill the pie: still the favourite, and so sanguine were all of her lay on the crust, and send it to table hot. A fresh success that bets could not be obtained at any ham will not be so tender; so that I boil my ham odds; the Maid of the Forest took the lead, but one day, and bring it to table, and the next day was very soon locked by Yankee Doodle, between make a pie of it. It does better than an unboiled whom a very animated struggle ensued; they were ham. If you put two large fowls in, they will make followed in tolerably close succession by Ratler, a fine pie; but that is according to your company. Gregory, and Eliza White. In coming in the first The larger the pie, the finer the meat eats. The mile Yankee Doodle was a half length ahead of the crust must be the same you make for a venison-Maid of the Forest, and as they passed the starting pasty. You should pour a little strong gravy in chair the second round the Maid of the Forest the pie when you make it, just to bake the meat, made a noble push, and obtained the lead; but Yanand fill it up when it comes out of the oven Boil kee Doodle's exertions seemed to increase with the some truffles and morels and put into the pie, which exigency of the occasion, and kept his fair adveris a great addition, and some fresh mushrooms, or sary busy; nor did Eliza White remain indifferent dried ones. to the strife; but on reaching the north eastern turn of the course on the second round, made a dash to gain the lead, in which she would have succeeded but that she unfortunately took lame, and was hauled up. The contest between the Maid of the Forest and Yankee Doodle continued highly animated to the end of the heat, which was won by the former by about a length. Ratler bolted, and Gregory was distanced. The time of running this heat was about six minutes. The rider of the Maid of the Forest, dismounted before he received orders from the Judges, and the heat was of course awarded to Yankee Doodle. Mr. Elliott, his owner, with a magnanimity characteristic of a high-minded and genuine sportsman, waived his right, and gave to lantly won, but which had been forfeited by the ignorance of her rider.

"If the pass, between the White Sulphur springs, and Dunlap's creek, should be found less eligible than is supposed, the following suggestions from a gentleman whose opinions are entitled to much respect may attract the attention of the company, to a depression of the mountain south of that pass.

SPORTING OLIO.

CANTON RACES.

"On examination, it may be found practicable, and eligible, to avoid either an inclined plane, or a tunnel, to cross the Alleghany mountains. It is be lieved, that the elevation of the head of Dunlap's creek, where it is approached by Second creek is not greater than between Howard's creek and Ogley's creek. Should this prove to be the case, it may admit of constructing the railway, from the 1st Day. The purse was won by Mr. Elliott's mouth of Greenbrier to Covington, with an ascent mare Betsey Ransom, who won both heats with on which the locomotive engine may act. The disease. She was decidedly the favourite at the comthe Maid of the Forest the honour she had so galtance by either route will probably not vary mate- mencement and by her performance, proved that rially." (To be continued.) the good opinion which had been formed of her powers were well grounded. On starting, Florivell took the lead, but was passed within the first quar ter by Mr. Elliott's mare and General Jackson, who continued locked for about a hundred yards, when

LADIES' DEPARTMENT.

(From Mrs. Holland's Complete Economical Cook.) Betsey Ransom shot ahead and maintained the post

PIES.

TO MAKE A SAVORY LAMB OR VEAL PIE.

Make a good puff paste crust, cut your meat in pieces, season it to your palate with pepper, salt, mace, cloves, and nutmeg, finely beat; lay it into your crust with a few lamb-stones and sweet breads, seasoned as your meat; also oysters and force meat balls, hard yolks of eggs, and the tops of asparagus two inches long, first boiled green; put butter all over the pie, put on the lid, and set it on a quick oven an hour and a half, and have ready the liquor, made thus: take a pint of gravy, the oyster liquor, a gill of red wine, and a little grated nutmeg, mix all together with the yolks of two or three eggs beat, and keep it stirring one way all the time. When it boils, pour it in your pie; put on the lid again. Send it hot to table. You must make liquor according to your pie.

A MUTTON PIE.

Take a loin of mutton, pare off the skin and fat off the inside, cut it in steaks, season it well with pepper and salt to your palate. Lay it in your crust, fill it, pour in as much water as will almost fill the dish; put on the crust and bake it well.

A BEEF STEAK PIE.

On coming up to the starting chair for the third heat, Mr. Elliott's horse, Yankee Doodle, was evidently the favorite, and evinced the least fatigue from the previous rencontre. The Maid of the Forest got the start and dashed off under the whip, throughout the first mile under a heavy pull; in but was soon locked by Yankee Doodle, who passed coming in at the starting chair, Mulatto Mary made her within the first quarter, the mare still under the a dash at her, contending for the lead for about 300 whip. The contest continued close throughout, yards, when she fell ten or twelve lengths behind, each alternately taking the lead, and sometimes which distance she kept till the end of the heat.-locking for an eighth of a mile upon a stretch, until General Jackson who had evidently run himself out making the northern turn in the last round, when of wind and heels, was reined in after the second Yankee Doodle shot ahead a length or so, round. Florivell after clearing the distance chair tinued to gain until they each got within the dison the fourth round was hauled up; Betsey Ransom tance chair, when the Maid of the Forest reined came in 10 or 12 lengths ahead. in, being then about four lengths behind The heat was won by Yankee Doodle, who came in in fine style, evincing good bottom, heels and order.

The second heat was won by Betsey Ransom with ease, she took the lead at starting, which with the exception of the first quarter of the first mile, when Mulatto Mary made a generous effort and partially succeeded in locking her, she kept gaining on her adversaries every leap, notwithstanding she was rode hard in hand. Florivell was reined in the first quarter of the fourth round, being more than a distance behind. Mulatto Mary though she struggled hard, could not save her distance. Betsey Ransom won the heat hard in hand, having run all her competitors off the field.

2d Day. The race was one of intense interest, and fully repaid those who visited Canton. Eliza White was decidedly the favorite, bets being more than fifty per cent in her favour. The first heat Take fine rump steaks, beat them with a rolling-fest desire on the part of each rider to feel the speed was run in slow time, there appearing to be a mani pin, then season with pepper and salt, according to of bis neighbour. At starting Ratler took the lead, your palate. Make a crust, lay in your steaks, fill but was passed by Gregory, within the first quarter your dish, and pour in water so as to half fill the of the first mile, who was closely pressed by the

dish. Put on the crust and bake it well.

A HAM PIE.

Maid of the Forest and Yankee Doodle; Eliza White and Gregory maintaining each a length in Take some cold boiled ham, and slice it about the rear, all apparently under a heavy pull. Grehalf an inch thick, make a good crust, and thick, gory made an effort at the commencement of the over the dish, and lay a layer of ham. shake a lit-third round to pass the Maid of the Forest, and tle pepper over it, then take a large young fowl, succeeded in locking her, the contest between these picked, gutted, washed, and singed; put a little pep-two was indeed sharp for the first third of this round, per and salt in the belly, rub a very little salt on the outside; lay the fowl on the ham; boil some eggs hard, put in the yolks, and cover with ham, then shake some pepper on, and put on the crust.

when Eliza White, with apparent ease, shot ahead
and won the heat a few lengths. Maid of the Fo
rest came in second, Yankee Doodle third, Ratler
fourth, and Gregory last.

and con

In starting for the fourth heat, Yankee Doodle continued to be the favorite, he took the lead but was immediately locked by the Maid of the Forest, who was rode under whip from the word go-such a heat was probably never witnessed before; neither horse being able, for the better part of the three miles, to clear the flanks of the other—this heat, and consequently the purse, was won by the Maid of the Forest, by about four inches, both under the whip. The spectators were delighted, and it was acknowledged by many old sportsmen, that they had never beheld such a scene before. The time of the third and fourth heats we could not obtain.

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public opinion, in anticipation. She won it accordingly with ease. The time in which this heat was ran, is believed to be as good as any on record in Virginia. Time, 3 m. 47 s.

3d Day.-Jockey Club Purse $600-three mile Dr. Wyche's Ariel.

heats.

passed him, and won the race in fine style. Ratler was rode by Mr. M. Clintock; Screw Driver by Mr. White Howard.

3 years old. The two favourites were Jeanette and Count Piper; there were bets on the superiority of these two horses for the two first miles, in the first heat, and it was expected they would make a despe- This match was certainly the greatest treat that rate effort from the score, nor was that expectation amateurs have probably witnessed on this or any disappointed. At the appointed hour the whole five other course, in the annals of trotting. Time of set off for the prize, a fair and even start, Jeanette trotting the first heat 5 m. 24 sec.; second heat, 5 m. taking the lead and keeping it to the end of the two 26 sec. [N. York paper. first miles, closely hugged by Count Piper, which terminated the bets as between them on that part of the heat. The other three horses which had kept This race excited prodigious expectation and snugly in their wake, hard in hand, showed pretty drew large crowds of spectators. Ariel had attain-clearly that they meant before the four miles were ed a celebrity hardly ever equalled in this country; completed to make a struggle for the heat, and on

Mr. Johnson's Sally Walker.
Mr. Botts' La Fayette.

Mr. Adams' Pacolet, (the Tennessee Horse, half brother of Mon. Tonson.)

order.

MISCELLANEOUS.

THE MISTAKE.

A turkey and a chicken were placed on the table

delicacies, made the following sad mistake in addressing Mr. Clarke: "Will you be helped to turkey or clarke, Mr. Chicken?" This reminds us of a similar mistake which occurred in a steamboat on the North river. A gentleman who was carving a goosewished to help his friend, Mr. Bird, to a slice of the best, and thus addressed him: "Mr. Goose, shall I help you to some of the bird?" The misfortune was, that Mr. Bird was a tailor, and thought himself insulted.

COTTON THREAD PREFERABLE TO FLAX FOR SHOES.

We would strongly recommend to those among our readers who may be shoemakers, the use of cotton thread instead of flax, in the manufacture of shoes. It is said that shoes sewed with cotton thread are worth ten or twelve per cent. more than those sewed with flax, so much longer do they last.

La Fayette's speed was at one time, unrivalled- the third mile round they were let out, every one for on board of one of our United States' ships; a numSally Walker's close contest with Mon. Tonson in himself, and Lady Flirt took the heat-7m. 54 s.ber of gentlemen seated themselves to partake of Mecklenburg, twelve months ago, was supposed to At the end of this heat it was discovered that Jea- them. Mr. Willey was carver; and when about to have laid the foundation of that injury which final-nette had lamed herself, and she was withdrawn help his companions to some of the above named ly drove him from the turf, and had placed her re- from any further participation in the contest for the putation on high ground-and ungainly as Pacolet purse. Lady Flirt now became the favorite, but on appeared, his pedigree and the distance from which setting off for the second heat Betsey Ransom, who he travelled, induced expectation in his favour on had come in last on the first heat, soon convinced the part of some. The bets were largely in favour the spectators that the last meant to be first in the of Ariel at first, but as she was evidently in too remainder of the contest, and she shot off ahead of high order, Sally Walker superseded her with ma- her opponents in fine style, leaving them further and ny. But little was expected from La Fayette, as in further behind until the gap became so great that it addition to his capriciousness, his legs were in bad appeared a difficult task to close it up sufficiently to save their distance on coming in the third mile 1st Heat-The Tennessean ran off ahead for round; but this we believe they effected, and strange some distance, and for the first mile the contest as it may appear, as soon as they got within the seemed close. After this Ariel and Sally Walker distance pole, all three of the riders of the horses asserted their superiority, and left their antagonists opposed to Betsey Ransom, held up until they came far in the rear. Pacolet was double distanced, and to a stand still, believing they had been round the La Fayette did but save his. After the second course four times, when they had performed only mile, Sally Walker led Ariel some three or four three miles of the four. Betsey Ransom kept on her lengths to the goal. Time 5 m. 44 s. course, and before they discovered their blunder, 2d Heat.-La Fayette was drawn, and there was she was a third of the way at least, round the course a general conviction that Sally Walker would take on the last mile of the heat. The shouts from the the heat. This was realized. From start to poll judges' box, and from the spectators of "go on-go she kept the track, and Ariel was foiled in every aton," awakened the riders, and they all took a fresh tempt to pass her. Time 5 m. 44 s. start and pushed on with spirit, but could not recover the lost ground sufficiently to save their distance, and the spectators were disappointed in seeing the purse borne off by Lady Ransom, without another heat. The time of performing this heat we could not learn; but considering that Lady Ransom is only a three year old filly; and run two four mile heats in such gallant style, we safely say that she has given promise that in more riper years, she will prove a match for any of our first rate horses. At twelve o'clock, previous to the commencement of the races, the celebrated horses Eclipse and Henry, were sold at auction, on the ground, in front of the judges' box, by Mr. James Seton. They were both purchased by Mr. Ludlow, of Claverack. in this state. The former at $8050; the latter $4100 -we are pleased to learn that they are not to leave

Sally Walker by beating Ariel, has added Ariel's laurels to her own, and may now be considered as the first race horse in the United States. She is a beautiful chestnut sorrel, and if surpassed by Ariel, is surpassed by her alone, in elegance of figure and the spring and elasticity of gait. Ariel, even to un critical eyes, was out of order, and her admirers confidently expect her to recover her laurels on the approaching contest at Petersburg and Tree Hill In this (though but indifferent judges of such matters) we predict their disappointment.

[Richmond Whig.

NEW MARKET RACES Commenced on Tuesday last, (2d inst) when there was an interesting contest between three fine colts for the sweepstake, two mile heats, $200 entrance. The first heat was taken by Colonel Wm. Wynn's colt-the second by Mr. Wm. R.Johnson's; and the third and fourth by Mr. Bott's colt. The course very heavy from a previous fall of rain.

On Wednesday, the Proprietor's Purse, $300; 3 mile heats was won by Mr. Johnson's Trumpeter, beating Mr. Bott's La Fayette, Mr. Garrison's Pac tolus, and Mr. Wynn's There were three heats, La Fayette taking the first. On Thursday, the Jockey Club Purse of $700, four mile heats, was obtained by Mr. Wm. R. Johnson's Sally Walker, beating Mr. J. J. Harrison's Frantic, and Mr. A. A. Wyche's Ariel. [Petersburg Intel.

LONG ISLAND RACES. Yesterday the 11th Oct. the fall races commenced over the Union Course. Five horses started for the purse, $500, four mile heats, viz: Mr. Stevens' Jeanette, Mr. Laird's Count Piper, Major Jones' Lady Flirt, Mr. Badger's English horse Valentine, and Mr. Elliott's Betsey Ransom, a Southern colt,

the state.

we understand was finely contested. The first heat
2d Day. The purse of $300-three mile heats,
was won by Mr. Elliott's horse Richard III-the fol-
lowing two heats, by Mr. Cole's Sportsman, who of
course took the purse.
[N. Y. Ev. Post.

TROTTING MATCH UNDER THE SADDLE.
A trotting match took place Oct. 3, on the Long
Island course, between the celebrated horse Ratler,
owned by Mr. William Jackson, and Screw Driver,
the property of Mr. Brown, for one thousand
dollars aside, two miles and repeat. At starting
Screw Driver had the pole. The horses went off
even head and head for some distance, when Ratler
made a break, and in pulling up to regain his trot,
lost between fifty and sixty yards. By the good
management of his rider, he gained gradually on his
opponent, and finally won the heat by about a foot.
The second beat the horses went off again head
and head; Ratler made another break, which left
bim considerably in the rear; but having more foot
than his opponent, soon regained his lost ground,

THE FARMER.

BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1827.

This is the last number of the American Farmer that will appear prior to the Cattle Show which commences on Tuesday next. The Trustees are particularly requested to be on the cattle show ground before 12 o'clock, on Saturday, the 20th inst. to make such final arrangements as may there appear to be necessary.

We entreat the practical farmers of the State to recollect that this is their exhibition-their annual festival; one in which party politics--blind devotion to this man, and implacable antipathy to that, are never allowed to intrude. It is a fair for the display of all that is most skilful, most economical, and most exemplary in practical agriculture and domestic economy-on the success and practice whereof the When capital is wastefully expended, and labour prosperity of every class of society sensibly depends. improvidently applied to farming-when, by igno rant management and a gross indifference to the most certain processes for improving our lands, our domestic animals, and our household fabrics, the farmers get impoverished and depressed, every other trade and calling will languish and decline.

If some would assert that the business of farming is too simple to admit of progressive melioration, let them reflect how much every other art has been improved within half a century; knowledge has been advancing in every thing, and there is no reason why valuable discoveries should not be made in the art and the objects of cultivation; as well as in the structure of ships and the materials of commerce. How then are these improvements to be elicited? We know of no means more direct and certain, than that of holding up honorary distinctions to stimulate the ingenuity and ambition, (a most laudable ambition,) of those whose happy lot it is to live by the plough. But how are these exhibi

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