TO SPORTSMEN. tions for the annual display of all that is most excel- and we propose that some two or three gentlemen, lent in agriculture, and family manufactures, to be in each county, sensible of the practicability and For sale, a splendid double barrelled GUN, made by kept up, if practical farmers should manifest an importance of the object, get up and hand about a Richards, London-calibre 5-8 inch; and length of barinsensibility to their importance, by failing to con- subscription paper somewhat in this shape: rels feet 7 inches. An opportunity is now offered to tribute their mite towards the purchase of pre- We, the subscribers, agree to take the number sportsmen to procure a gun at but little more than half miums, which may be handed down in the families of of shares opposite our names, to be paid by the prime cost, of a quality very rarely to be met with. those who win them with just pride and exultation? first day of December-each share to consist of $30. Inquire at the office of the American Farmer, where In common with others who have felt a convic- On fifty shares being subscribed, the stockholders the gun may be seen after the 27th inst. and for a few tion of the benefit which has resulted from the to meet and appoint a committee of three, to purdays only. Maryland Cattle Shows, we are confident that their chase with the proceeds thus raised, a thorough- this elegant gun: finish stub and twisted barrels; patent The following may serve as a partial description of continuance depends on the result of the next ex-bred stallion, to be kept under the management of breech and platina touch-hole, and raised rib for the hibition. If it be successful, as we have every rea- said committee, whose duty it shall be to render an purpose of elevating the shot; by this means the charge son to hope it will, they will improve every year, account of his expenses, and the avails of his ser-is point blank at about 30 or 35 yards. The locks are until all will perceive their great value and impor- vices. skeleton, and as fine as can be made; spring triggers; tance both to the country and the town. steel mounting, with scroll guard and gold thumb piece, As this is the season of racing and of cattle with mahogany case and appurtenances complete. It shows, and people's heads will be running on horses is expected there is but one gun in Baltimore of similar and oxen, we shall give, in our next number, an au-quality, and for which Wm. E. George gave 60 pounds thentic history of the celebrated horse American Eclipse, sold on the 11th inst. for $8050-which may prove acceptable to the readers of the American All persons having any thing to send to the Cattle Show and Exhibition of Domestic Manufactures, are requested to leave notice thereof with J. S. Skinner, Corresponding Secretary, at the office of the American Farmer, under Barnum's hotel, before Tuesday next. AMERICAN ECLIPSE-SOLD FOR $8050!!! This noble animal was sold at publick auction, on the race-course at New York, on the 11th inst. to Mr. Ludlow, of Claverack, in that state, for $8050. His celebrated competitor HENRY, was sold at the same time and place to the same person, for $4100; and it is stated that both are to remain in the state of New York. Farmer. sterling. BALTIMORE PRICES CURRENT. Reported for the American Farmer, by Lewis Sutton & Co. TOBACCO Continues depressed, but Maryland common A FARMER WANTED.-Having purchased a goes off nearly as the last week or two past. We have stand and large farm at this place, [Limestone, S. C.] sold some from the lower counties in this state, comand built a residence for the family, during the summon, second, &c. at $3.50 to 3.75, and some little Ohio mer near it, I shall feel myself greatly obliged if you and other tobaccoes are selling nearly as the last week; could recommend me an industrious, honest, clever but sales are comparatively small. Standard rates: man, that understands every branch of farming, and 3.00 a 4.00-Do. red, 4.00 a 4.50-good red, 5.00 a 6.00 Seconds, as in quality, $3.00 a 6.00-common crop, that has a decent, active woman for a wife, that-Fine red, 7.00 a 8.00-Yellow and red, 7.00 a 10.00could superintend the house. It is a great stand for Yellow do. 5.50 a 10.00-Fine yellow, 15.00 a 20.00cattle, mules and hogs from Kentucky, as well as Virginia good and fine, 6.00 a 8.00-Rappahannock, for travellers from the south during the summer. 3.00 a 3.50-Kentucky, fine, 3.50 a 6.00--do. for wrapJ. S. SKINNER, Esq. DAN'L BLAKE. ping, 6.00 a 7.00. COTTON GINS. By and bye, and for years to come, we, in Maryland, will no doubt be paying annually very large sums of money for fine horses from New York, of the Eclipse breed and the Henry breed, as we have FLOUR-white wheat family, $5.75 a 6 00-superfine been doing for many years, for horses of the MesHoward-street, 5.00 a 5.121-city mills, 4.50 a 4.75Susquehanna, 4.25 a 4.50-CORN MEAL, per bbl. 2.75senger breed, from New Jersey. The cause of this annual tax, as we have repeatedly stated, is ing for the Cotton Gin, and having, at the solicitation common do. .60 a.75--CORN, .44 a .45-RYE, 40 a 50 The season having now arrived when inquiry is mak- GRAIN, white wheat, best .90 a 1.00-red do. .80 a .85— the want of enterprise, on the part of the farmers of several of our customers in Virginia, and the lower-OATS, .20 a 25-BEANS, .80 a 1.00-PEAS, .40 a .50in each county, to associate and throw in, each parts of Maryland, made arrangements to manufacture CLOVER Seed, 4.50 a 5.00-TIMOTHY 3.00-BARLEY, .50 $30, for the purchase of a bred horse of the best the article on the latest and most approved model. a .60-FLAXSEED, .75 a .80-COTTON, Virginia, .81 a bone, figure and action. Such a horse would re- From some which we sold last year, we have receiv-.10-North Carolina, .81 a .94-Tennessee, .10 a .11pay each subscriber the first year, and all he would ed the most satisfactory and encouraging accounts. Louisiana, .11 a .13-Missouri, .9 a 10-WOOL, washmake after would be clear gains. He would re- One of which, we herewith publish for the information ed, .18 a .22-unwashed, .16-crossed blood, .22 a 24main for a long succession of years in the same of purchasers, the respectability of its signature is well half do. .24 a .26-three-quarter do. .28 a .30-full do. neighbourhood, on the same stand, and this would known in the above states. And we have now on hand, .30 a .35-FISH, Herrings, 2.50 a 3.00-Shad, 6.00 a 7.00 insure to the owners match horses for their own use, will be sold on moderate terms. ready to deliver, two of forty steel saws each, which-Mackerel, 4.50 a 5.75-BACON, Balt. hams, .9 a .10Other sizes will be country .64 a .7-middlings, .7-WHISKEY, .26 a .28or for sale in the cities. Stallions, such as would made to order at the shortest notice. HEMP, Russia, clean and new, long ton, $218 a 220-answer, might be had in the Southern states for In store,-Ploughs, Corn Shellers, Wheat Fans, Cut- Country, dew-rotted, per ton, 100-water-rotted, $160 from $1500 to $2500 each, and there are not want-ting Boxes, Field and Garden Seeds, &c., as usual, on-Feathers, .28 a .29-Beef, on the hoof, 4.00 a 4.50—— ing individuals in each county in Maryland, well moderate terms for cash, or acceptances in town only. hogs, do. 3.50 a 4.00-Veal, 2.50 a 3.00-Mutton, 1.50 a enough convinced of the utility and the profit of Balt. 10mo. 12, 1827. 2.00 Butter, .20 a .25-ordinary, .15 a.20. such an investment, but they have not the means to advance for the purchase. But that which few individuals can do singly, forty or fifty united, could easily accomplish. MR. SINCLAIr. SINCLAIR & MOORE. Cambridge, July 9, 1827. Sir,-Agreeably to your request, I have the gratification to state to you, after a full and satisfactory experiment, that the Cotton Gin which you made for me last year performs in the most admirable style. Some object, that if they rear thorough-bred horses, they cannot train them; and that without The hand power which I at first applied by means of training they do not attain extraordinary value. To the large wheel and two cranks, that you made by my this objection we answer-That it is not thorough direction, was not competent to do full work. I was bred horses that are most wanting for most common fortunate in obtaining a millwright of universal skill, and general use. We want the half and three- (as I believe,) McNett from Delaware, who, (after my fourth bred, by large, spirited mares, to give us previous failure in a similar and expensive attempt by fine horses for the road, for the gig, for private car-an awkward workman,) erected for me a horse power, riages, and for the numerous stages that are trans-by which I can, with two horses, (my Gin having thirporting mails and passengers in all directions. Such ty-two saws,) accomplish two thousand pounds of seed horses, when matched, would generally bring four cotton per day; and at the same time, having added a hundred dollars the pair, and upwards; and fre- pair of mill-stones, turn out one hundred and thirty bushels of corn-chop for my horses and cattle, or grind quently as much for the saddle. We recollect, at this moment, four gentlemen who have recently in-twenty-five bushels of as fine meal as I have ever seen. quired for fine saddle horses, either of whom would not stand for $200 for a first rate nag. A few stallions of high pedigree and qualities have occasionally been sent into the state; but before the people have got in the way of experiencing the benefit of breeding from such horses, they have been removed to some place where they could get better encouragement. Now is the proper time to make arrangements for next spring. The county courts are meeting, To these fixtures I intend to add a Straw Cutter and a Threshing Machine, and I am quite sure the profits will shortly balance the cost, and the whole will then become a perpetual source of economy and convenience. Yours respectfully, JOSEPH E. MUSE. FOR SALE. TOBACCO.-Inspections in the three State Warehouses for the week ending yesterday morning: No. 1, 143 hhds. 71 138-352 2, 3, CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. On the manufacture of Cotton Bagging, Cordage, &c. and the employment of Slaves in the South for the manufacture of coarse cottons, recommended, No. 4Hemp, Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Letter to the Editor from Kentucky, Paterson Duck-Cotton shipped last year from Petersburg-Animal Pathology, or the Duration, Diseases, and Casualties of Animal lifeCulture of Rice-On Improving the Breed of CattleInquiry on Rolling Lands-Prince's Variety of Strawberries-Meloncito de Olor, or Sweet-scented MelonMemorial to the President and Directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-road Company-Recipes, To make savoury Veal, Mutton, Beef-steak and Ham Pies-Races at Canton, Broad Rock, New Market, and Long IslandTrotting Match at Long Island--Mistake---Cotton Thread better than Flax to sew Shoes-Editorial, Cattle Show, American Eclipse-Prices Current. Printed every Friday, at Five Dollars per annum, for JOHN S. SKINNER, Editor, by JOHN D. Tor, corner of St. Paul and Market-sts., where every description of Book and Job Printing is handsomely executed. No. 32.-VOL. 9.] AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, OCTOBER 26, 1827. MANUFACTURE OF COTTON IN THE SOUTHERN STATES. 249 Philadelphia, Oct. 1827. facture of that valuable staple, is found on every DEAR SIR, COTTON REcommended AS THE MATERIAL for Corgin ever made on the Mississippi was constructed this city and the gentlemen of the south who are TON BAGGING, CORDAGE, &c.-No. V. DEAR SIR, Cotton Spinster. Philadelphia, Oct. 16, 1827. by a slave of the late Col. Clarke, near Fort Adams, now on their return from their northern excursion. from a very imperfect description and drawing fur- One of the latter, who is perfectly persuaded of the nished by a traveller who had seen one in Georgia. importance of employing African operatives, has These gins perform the labour of one thousand men, obtained an estimate of the machinery which can Some years ago an ingenious mechanic of Ten-and are much more difficult to keep in perfect order be obtained at Patterson for a small manufactory of nessee invented a machine, which is used by many than mules, throssles, cards or power looms. Many cotton bagging, and of the proportion of hands newealthy planters, both in that state and in Alaba-extensive iron factories are carried on by slaves in $530-2 hands 250-2 do. 420-2 boys 560-2 girls 40-1 girl $1800 Three ex ma, and which deserves the notice of owners of Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, and Cessary to carry it on. estates in the south. It is called the Spinster-with in most of these states they do much of the labour One carding machine of 36 inches, with the cards, this machine one girl of fourteen years of age in hat factories, tanneries, brick-yards; and still farcan gin, card and spin as much cotton as will make ther to the south, take charge of rice mills, and at- One drawing frame, 3 heads, from eight to ten yards of yard-wide cloth every tend to the still more difficult processes of the su- One stretcher, 60 spindles at $7 per spindle, . day; which is sufficient to clothe a large family. gar factories. Possessed of such experience of their This machine costs at Nashville $130 It does not capacity, can we doubt of their fitness to work in Four power-looms, 50 inches broad, occupy more space than a small card table, and can cotton factories, where an ignorant child, in a month One bobbin-winder, 10 spindles, be transported from place to place in a dearborn. or two, is fitted to earn from a dollar and a quarter As this machine requires no additional buildings on to three dollars per week? With a small machine, a farm, and can be employed in wet days and in invented in Tennessee, and employed by most of With these machines, one overseer and nine hands cold weather, on a cotton plantation, and as the mo- the wealthy planters, a child of from 12 to 14 years will card, spin and weave 450 lbs. of cotton and del can be obtained at the Patent office, would it of age can gin, card and spin thread sufficient to make 450 yards of bagging per week, or 23,400 lbs. not be desirable to have a factory established at Bal- make eight or ten yards of cloth per day. This of twist, or yards of cloth per annum. timore and Richmond for their construction. There machine costs about half the price of the girl; with tensive practical manufacturers have made this estican be no doubt of their value in their present form, a machine which would not cost double that sum, mate, and agree that it is correct. and a premium should be offered for farther im-she might spin fifty, or one hundred yards per day. Here are ten hands carding, spinning and weavprovement in its form. It should be made at a low With the miserable machines now furnished by ing 450 yards of coarse cloth per week by the aid price, and might probably be made to spin twenty their improvident owners in Maryland and Virginia, of improved machinery. With common cotton or more threads instead of six. Gen. Jackson has they cannot spin one yard, and therefore go half cards, wheels and loom, would any overseer expect used this valuable little machine for several years, naked through the year. Would it not be infinitely from the same ten hands one hundred yards of and with one little girl clothes his large family most more wise to give the price of one slave for a pro-cloth in the week? Whilst the ten men, women, comfortably. They are sold at Nashville as fast per machine which will do the labour of fifty in the and children are fabricating 5000 yards of cloth per as they can be constructed. They would be very hands of the other; and thus, instead of two slaves, annum in the ordinary way, ten other hands are cavaluable on the cotton plantations of Virginia, Ma-enjoy the benefit of the labour of fifty? Let the pable, by proper machines, to make 23,400 yards. ryland, and the Carolinas. people of the south retain as many women and chil- Ought not Baltimore, Richmond, and every other J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. dren as will animate these machines-and water and considerable town in the slave states, to incorporate steam, and iron and wood, and brass, will accom and furnish capital to companies of machinists, who plish what millions of slaves and freemen could not would make cheap and simple machines for the effect. It is thus that England is said to possess slaves who are not employed in the labours of the the labour of more than two hundred millions of field? In this way, the mechanical skill and expemen. It is thus that steam and water, and iron and rience of the north would be called to the south, brass, will become the slave of the slave states, and and the energies of supernumerary slaves multipliclothe and feed them bountifully, and enable their ed almost beyond all calculation. By the establishowners to improve their condition to the utmost de- ment of machine factories, every neighbourhood could be supplied with machines proportionable to the demand; the supply of provisions and the number of hands not wanted in agricultural pursuits. DEAR SIR, A TENNESSEAN. Philadelphia, Oct. 16, 1827, As you requested, I send you my crude thoughts, much as they present themselves to me, and hope you will take the raw material and fit it for your vaJuable paper. I am delighted more and more with the project, which gains ground here. I am trying to draw the great mind of my friend Cooper to our side of this tariff question, by showing him the best way to meet the Yankees. I am in daily expectation to hear his opinion. I hope soon to tell you that much capital has gone from this place to employ slaves in Kentucky, near Cincinnati; I wish I could say to Baltimore and Richmond. Most respectfully yours, J. S. SKINNER, Esq. ern States. SAM'L BROWN. sirable extent. will be a peculiar object of attention in southern FERENCE TO AGRICULTURE. It is manifest that the strong and able bodied slaves in the south and west are sufficiently numerous to produce as much tobacco, cotton and bread Not one pound of yarn, sufficiently coarse for the stuffs as can meet the market at a fair price. Let use of slaves in winter, or for bagging, is spun in the women and children be furnished with good all the northern factories; and manufacturers do not machinery, and they will more than quadruple the like to work up cotton into heavy goods. These value of the labour of those states. Steam and water power, and machines which would not cost half the price of new plantations in the south and west, would in five years change the whole condition On Manufacturing coarse Cotton goods in the South-of those impoverished regions. With a little enterprise and capital, the water power at Baltimore and A very sensible and interesting essay appeared, in Richmond (without taking into account the falls of the Richmond Enquirer, a few days ago, on the the Great Kanawha and the interior) would be found OF THE STUDy of the Animal Kingdom with reimportance of employing slaves with machinery, in of more value than all the tobacco lands in Maryland the fabrication of coarse cotton goods. Every friend and Virginia. Such is the disproportion between to his country must rejoice to see that valuable pa-agricultural profit and that resulting from the opeper occupied by a subject of such vital importance rations of machinery! A tailor, with his needle and Of the Distribution of Animals. to the whole southern and south-western states. thimble, can produce more provisions in some parts The geographical distribution of each species of When this project is liberally and minutely examin- of the country, than a Maryland or Virginia farmer animal, Dr. Fleming observes, may be represented ed, and its incalculable importance duly estimated, with a plantation stocked with animals and slaves. by a circle, towards the centre of which, existence its ultimate success cannot remain any longer equi- The price of making a coat in Nashville, Hunts may be comfortably maintained; but as we approach vocal. ville, and many other southern towns, is twelve dol- the circumference, restraints multiply, and life at The manufacture of two millions of cotton bagg-lars-which will procure six hundred pounds of last becomes impracticable. Each species has a ing of hemp in Kentucky by slaves, and that bagg pork, or fifty bushels of corn, sufficient to support range peculiar to itself, so that the circle of different ing superior to the Scotch, might, one would think, the tradesman one year, for two or three days' work. species intersect one another in every possible relasatisfy the most incredulous of the fact, that the Instead of wheat, cotton and tobacco, let the women tion. Hitherto the geographical limits of but few project was not visionary or impracticable. But can and children of Maryland and Virginia be furnished species have been satisfactorily determined. These a doubt on the subject remain, when it is known with good spinning machines and power looms. chiefly belong to the larger species of quadrupeds, that the cotton gin, invented by Whitney, the great-There hands can be hired at $10 per annum I own as the African and Asiatic elephants, the ass and est labour-saving machine employed in the manu- slaves, and am A SLAVE TO THEM. the quagga, the lion, hippopotamus, and polar bear. No. 32.-VOL. 9. In the tribes of the less perfect animals, the species The distribution of colour in the animal kingdom, neral they leave this country in autumn, and return of which have been investigated by few, the extent appears to be connected with the latitude as corre- in spring. They migrate about the same time from of their geographical distribution has been very im-lative with temperature. In the warmer districts of the eastern parts of the continent of Europe, and perfectly determined. They appear to be limited the earth, the colours of man, quadrupeds, and visit and revisit in their migrations the shores of the to circumstances connected with temperature, food, birds, exhibit greater variety, and are deeper and Mediterranean, Sicily, and the islands of the Archisituation, and foes. brighter, than in the natives of colder countries. pelago. While these birds perform those extensive The degree of heat at the equatorial regions ap- Among the inhabitants of the temperate and cold migrations which we have here mentioned, others pears to be most favourable for the increase of liv-regions, there are many species which, in reference are contented with shorter journeys. Thus the raing beings, and they diminish in numbers as we ap- to the colour of their dress, do not appear to be in zor-billed auk, (Alca torda,) and the puffin, (Alca proach the poles. There is no latitude, however, fluenced by the vicissitudes of the seasons. In arctica,) frequent the coast of Andalusia during the which the perseverance of man has yet reached, others, a very marked difference prevails between winter season, and return to us in the spring. where living beings have not been observed. The the colour of their summer and winter garb. A icy shores of the arctic regions are peopled, as well few of the more obvious instances of these changes, as the arid plains or shaded forests of tropical cli- in British species, may be here produced. mates. When, however, an inhabitant of the cold- The alpine hare is a very remarkable example. er regions is transported to a warmer district, the Its summer dress on the Grampian mountains is a increased temperature is painful, the functions be- tawny gray; but in winter it is a snowy white. The come deranged, and disease and death ensue. The hair of the ermine is of a pale reddish brown dur inhabitants of the warmer regions, when transport-ing summer; in harvest it becomes clouded with ed to the colder districts, experience inconvenience pale yellow; and in November is of a snow white from the change of temperature, equally hurtful to colour. There are many examples of changes in the system, and fatal to its continuance. The polar the colour of the clothing in the feathered tribe. bear appears to be accommodated to live in a region The white grous, or ptarmigan, is of an ash colour whose mean annual temperature is below the freezin summer, and fine white in winter. The black ing point. In those districts where the individuals guillemot (Uria grylle,) is of a sooty black during of a species are most vigorous and prolific, the tem-summer; during winter its plumage is clouded with perature most suitable for existence prevails. The ash coloured spots on a white ground. This change native country for the horse is probably Arabia.- of colour in the dress of animals seems intended to There he exists in a wild state in the greatest regulate their temperature by the radiation or ab numbers. In the Zetland islands, where he is sorption of caloric: a black animal will give out its nearly in a state of nature, he is approaching the heat by radiation much slower than one in a white polar limits of his distribution. He has become clothing. a dwarf. He does not reach maturity until his fourth year, seldom continues in vigor beyond his twelfth, and the female is never pregnant above once in two years. At the line where the energies of the horse terminate, however, the reindeer becomes a useful substitute. Its equatorial limits do not reach the shores of the Baltic. To compensate the variations of the seasons, a va riety of changes take place in the circumstances of animals. The clothing of animals, living in cold countries, is not only different from that of the ani mals of warm regions in its quantity, but in its arrangement. If we examine the covering of swine of warm countries, we find it consisting of bristles or hair of the same form and texture; while the same animals which live in colder districts, possess not only common bristles or strong hair, but a fine frizzled wool next the skin, over which the long hairs project. Between the swine of the south of England and Scottish Highlands, such differences may be observed Similar appearances present themselves among the sheep of warm and cold countries. The fleece of those of England consists entirely of wool; while the sheep of Zetland and Iceland possess a fleece, containing, besides the wool, a number of long hairs, which give to it, when on the back of the animal, the appearance of being very coarse. By means of this arrangement, in reference to the quantity of clothing, individuals of the same species can maintain life comfortably in climates which differ considerably in their average annual temperature. The process of casting the hair takes place at different seasons, according to the constitution of the animal with respect to heat. The mole has, in general, finished this operation before the end of May. The fleece of the sheep, when suffered to fall, is sel dom cast before the end of June. In the northern islands of Scotland, where the shears are never used, the inhabitants watch the time when the fleece is ready to fall, and pull it off with their fingers. The long hairs, which likewise form a part of the covering, remain for several weeks, as they are not ripe for casting at the same time with the fine wool. The moulting of birds is another preparation for winter, which is analogous to the casting of the hair in quadrupeds. The migration of animals is another circumstance affecting their distribution. Quadrupeds make only partial migrations; as the stag and the roe from the mountains to the plains. The winged and finned quadrupeds migrate more extensively, as the great bat which inhabits England during summer, and spends its winters in a torpid state in Italy: and the Greenland seal; which migrates southwards to Ireland in winter. Our summer birds of passage thus appears to come to us from southern countries, and, after remaining during the warm season, return again to milder regions. A few of our summer visitants may winter in Spain or Portugal; but it appears that in general they migrate to Africa, that unexplored country, possessing every variety of surface, and consequently great diversity of climate. It is true that we are unacquainted with the winter retreats of many of our summer birds of passage, particularly of small birds; but as these arrive and depart under similar circumstances with those whose migrations are ascertained, and as the operations which they perform during their residence with us are also similar, we have a right to conclude that they are subject to the same laws, and execute the same movements. What gives weight to this opinion, is the absence of all proof of a summer bird retiring to the north during the winter season. In proof of the accuracy of the preceding conclusion, we may observe that it is a fact generally acknowledged, that the summer birds of passage visit the southern parts of the country a few days, or even weeks, before they make their appearance in the northern districts. Thus, the common swallow (Hirundo rustica,) appears in Sussex about the beginning of the third week in April; while in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh it is seldom seen before the first of May. The cuckoo appears in the same district about the last week of April; in EdinThe migrations of the feathered tribe are the most burgh seldom before the second week of May. The numerous; but the same species which is migratory reverse of this holds true with these summer viin one country, is in some cases stationary in ano-sitants at their departure. Thus dotterells (Chather; as the linnet, which is migratory in Green-radrius morinellus,) forsake the Grampians about land, but stationary in Britain. Migrating birds are the beginning of August, and Scotland by the end either summer birds of passage, which arrive in of that month; while they return to England in this country in spring; or winter birds of passage, which arrive in autumn and depart in spring. September, and remain there even until November. THE LAFAYETTE GRANT. The summer birds of passage are, among water birds, the terns and gulls; among land birds. the swallow, quail, turtle dove, &c. The winter birds of passage chiefly belong to the tribe of water fowls. The swallow, about whose migrations so many idle stories have been propagated and believed, departs from Scotland about the end of September, and from England about the middle of October. In the The township of land granted to General Lalatter month M. Adanson observed then on the fayette, by the Congress of the United States, for shores of Africa after their migrations from Europe: his disinterested services in the cause of the AmeriHe informs us, however, that they do not build can revolution, is in extent six miles square, and their nests in that country, but only come to spend contains 23.040 acres. It is located in the centre of the winter. M. Prelong has not only confirmed the a truly desirable and fertile country, and is adjacent observations of Adanson, in reference to swallows, to the city of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida.but has stated, at the same time, that the yellow The citizens of the neighbourhood, by common conand gray wag-tails visit Senegal at the beginning of sent, have called this township the La Grange Fowinter. The former (Motacilla flava,) is well known rest, and in rambling over a surface of uncommon as one of our summer visitants. The nightingale fascinations, and through the romantic shades of departs from England about the beginning of Oc-overshadowing evergreens, the thoughts are irresist tober, and from the other parts of Europe about ibly associated with "Beautiful France," and the the same period. During the winter season it is home of him whose life has been unceasingly devotfound in abundance in Lower Egypt, among the ed to the political amelioration of mankind, and the thickest coverts, in different parts of the D Ita. cause of suffering humanity. The location of the Those birds do not breed in that country, and to grant has been exceedingly judicious, as it regards the inhabitants are merely winter birds of passage. soil, productions, and climate. The country is eleThey arrive in autumn and depart in spring, and at vated, being evidently one of the last expiring spurs the time of migration are plentiful in the islands of of the Appalachee mountain, which, in extending the Archipelago. The quail is another of our sum-south. has presented a nucleus for the attraction of mer guests, which has been traced in Africa. A those alluvial deposits forming the Peninsula of few, indeed, brave the winters of England, and in Florida. The surface of the land is beautifully Portugal they appear to be stationary. But in gewaving, sometimes precipitous, often hilly, but SMUT IN WHEAT. never mountainous, and the scenery though seldom soils and climate of Florida to ost of the produc- tions by which I can accomplish this desirable obgrand, is varied and interesting. The majestic live tions which have contributed alike to the prosperity, ject. General Beatson's pamphlet, I never have oak, the graceful cedar, and the white flowering the comforts, and luxury of the south of Europe; been so fortunate as to obtain, although I have fremagnolia cast their shades over the smaller growths and if the attempts of Americans to introduce these quently inquired for it at our booksellers. I have of the forest; while lakes of transparent water varie exotics hitherto, have not been crowned with all the tried without success, the plan recommended in gate the picture, and add enchantment to the scene. success desirable, it may be ascribed more to want Cobbett's Year's Residence, and what Loudon in his These lakes are of irregular figures, and surround- of skill and management than any other cause. Our Encyclopædia of Agriculture, (page 467,) terms, ed by hills projecting bluff to their margins, and Americans, however, are apt scholars, and but af "the common method of burning clay." From a again gently sloping to the water's edge, and the ford them the example, and our Tallahassee, La want of skill, or practical knowledge of the subject, whole clothed with a scattering growth of live oaks, Grange, and Cho co-halloway wines, may, at no I have failed; as well as several of my neighbours, magnolias, and other evergreens, resembling more | distant day, vie in delicacy with the St. Julian, the who have made the same trial. In the 8th vol. page an artificial park than a natural forest. They Hermitage and the La Rose, and the health, the 90, of your useful American Farmer, I see it stated, abound in fish, soft shell turtle, and wild game, and comfort, and the luxury of climate and good fare, that the committee of the Maryland Agricultural the lovers of nature or the sports of the field, may fall equally to the lot of the inhabitants of the banks Society awarded "the first premium on wheat to on their surface and margins, find inexhaustible food of the Attapulgus, and the elevations of Allachua, John Mercer, Esq. of Cedar Park, West river, for for the gratification of their different tastes. Though as to those living in the valleys of the Arno, or on the very capital crop of 36 bushels of prime wheat dignified with the name of lakes, these water basins the shores of the Garonne. to the acre from 31 acres of land, actual produce." are but enlarged springs, the sources of rivers or This is followed by a communication from Mr. Merbranches which they supply directly, or communi cer, dated May 30th, 1826, in which he says, the cate with subterraneously. The whole country is soil of the field on which this crop was grown, "was based on a calcareous porous rock, through the fis- Some curious and interesting experiments upon formed of a tenacious, whitish clay, resembling in sures of which the minor streams, and even some of this subject have been made by Dr. Pew, within the colour and consistency, what is commonly called the larger rivers precipitate their waters, and seek last two years. In a glass of rain water he put fifty fullers' earth. In its natural state, there is no soil a subterraneous passage to the gulf. Such is the smut-balls, which, on the tenth day, exhibited an less productive." He then goes on to say, that he character of all the beautiful rivulets rising in and immense number of minute animalcula; which, on met with the tract of General Beatson on the submeandering through the hills of La Grange Forest, examination with a microscope, proved to be of two ject of clay burning, and accordingly set to work the principal of which, after passing the boundary kinds; eel-like insects, and very minute creatures, to prepare his kilns. To this clay burning, and the of the grant, environs the city of Tallahassee, and destined to be the food of the former. The eel like ashes spread upon the land, he ascribes the great at its limits forms a cascade and precipitates its insects amounted to about thirty; the minute ani improvement of this field, and the very fine crop of waters through the crevices of a rock to the caverns malcula to several millions. In the course of the wheat it yielded him. Now, sir, you would oblige beneath The re-appearance of these streams is not month, Dr. P. witnessed three or four generations several of your subscribers by publishing in your less singular, impatient of confinement and strug of the eel-like insects, and the others were continu paper, from the tract of General Beatson, (which if gling for a vent, their agitated waters force a pas-ally regenerating; but some cold nights about the you have not, I am sure you can obtain from some sage through the rocks, and roll in successive middle of October, induced torpor, and finally death, one, of your many friends,) the General's directions volumes to the surface to both kinds. From this last circumstance, the at large for clay burning, and his mode of applying Doctor concludes, that severe winters, attended the ashes; and to Mr. Mercer please say, that he with much frost, and much snow lying on the would do the public an act of much service, if he ground, must be the most effectual preventive of would be kind enough to communicate, through the smut for a time, sensible as these creatures appear medium of your valuable journal, the process he to be of cold. It seems also, that if old wheat be followed, and if it differed from General Beatson's sown, even though infected with smut-balls, little or directions in any respect; how large his kilns or no smut may be produced; which is accounted for piles of clay were, how long was it necessary to on the same principle that the eggs of hens and keep up the fire before the clay was reduced to ashother birds become addled by long keeping, so those es; what was the probable cost of burning; the of the smut animalcula fail to hatch. The Doctor chief difficulties he encountered, and how deep he finds that the very soil, at length, becomes affected buried the ashes with the plough? Also, if his field with the smut-balls, and that though pure and clean continues to present an appearance of lasting imwheat be sown, smut on these lands will be produc provement, or if the crops of wheat consumed most ed. He proves also, that lime, used hot from the of the manure. These, and any other remarks kiln in great quantities, effectually destroys the in- which Mr. Mercer may think will throw light on the fection, and frees the land from smut. subject, and render the mode of clay burning easily understood, and easy to be practised, will greatly REMARKS -There may arise, in the minds of oblige some of his acquaintances in Virginia. If some, a doubt, whether the microscopic insects or dents, have practised the same process to improve animalcula of Dr. Pew, proceeded from eggs in their lands, they are invited to lay the mode, and other gentlemen among your many corresponthe smut balls, or were generated in the rain water. But when it is recollected, that smut is propagated times, when farmers should not be backward in their experience before the public. These are by smutty seed, or by putting clean seed into a bag communicating their ideas on such subjects as will that has held smutty wheat; that seed which is a prove of practicable benefit to their brethren, and Whatever difference of year old, although smutty, seldom or never gives the public at large. By giving this a place in your a smutty crop; and that hot lime, applied to the seed, effectually prevents this malady; which truths valuable journal, or using it, in any way, that will have been proved by innumerable experiments-I obtain the information sought for, you will greatly think we ought not to doubt the Doctor's inferences, oblige, A SUBSCRIBER. until, by experience, we have found them to be in The soils of the Lafayette grant possess all the various qualities of the oak and hickory and the hammock lands. The former a rich earthy mould mixed with vegetable decomposition; the latter more silicious with a preponderance of the vegetable matter, and both durable as based on clay. The pro ductions are sugar cane, tobacco, black and green seed cotton, rice and corn, with the smaller grains, as wheat, rye, oats, and the esculent roots. The orange, the olive, the fig and the grape, have been cultivated with success, and a well grounded ex pectation is entertained that most of the tropical fruits may be gradually acclimated. The La Grange Forest is on an elevation of about 200 feet above the surface of the ocean, within twenty miles of the gulf of Mexico, and in latitude 30° 30', North. The climate is mild, salubrious and healthful, tempered in winter by its vicinity to the sea, and refreshed in summer by the constant breezes sweeping over its surface. Within the influence of the trade winds, and in the neighbourhood of the tropics, the atmosphere is constantly agitated by the alternate currents of air struggling by day and by night for supremacy. The days in summer are generally pleasant, and the nights invariably cool and never oppressive. opinion may prevail as to the beauty of the country and the character of the soil, all travellers concur in paying tribute to the delightful climate of the land of flowers. So soft, so pleasurable, and exhilarating to the feelings, that the enjoyment of it is invariably accompanied with the regret that, Camelion like, we could not exist and luxuriate on air. What disposition General Lafayette may contemplate making of this desirable body of land is yet unknown It is rumoured that he has in agita tion the project of a colony of French peasants, with a view of introducing extensively and success fully in Florida, the cultivation and preservation of the fig, the olive and the grape. Should he do so, a nation's gratitude for his agency in behalf of our political revolution, will be heightened by the obli gation for these his latter efforts in contributing to our social comforts and moral improvements. There can be no doubt of the favourable adaptation of the correct. [ Gard. Mag. March. wheat, not limed, without having a smutty crop— and have never had smut when the seed was limed. any PRODUCTIONS OF KENTUCKY. To give our readers an idea of the productions of Kentucky, we extract the following paragraph from the Lexington Reporter, of the 15th ult. ON BURNING CLAY-INQUIRY. "The Season-The crops are very abundant in this section of the state. The hemp stalks 151 feet MR. SKINNER. Virginia, Oct. 10, 1827. long, sent to us by Major Robb, are much admired. Sir.-I find it frequently stated in your very use- We have likewise a specimen of fine corn from ful agricultural paper, that burnt clay is a valuable General Shelby's farm. The ears are between 13 improver of lands, worn out by severe cropping. I and 14 inches in length, and contain each between am the owner of a clay land farm, much exhausted | 800 and 900 grains. Fruit-apples, peaches, pears, by previous bad management, and have been long plums, &c is also abundant. We received yesteranxious to try clay burning as a manure, but have day morning from our friend J. E. Davis, Esq. a not been enabled to meet with any practical direc- large basket, full of large apples, with the follow ing note: I send you a basket of apples, averaging 12 inches in circumference. You will find them as excellent in quality as size.' They are indeed very fine; some of them weigh more than a pound. We have seen peaches from Mr. White's orchard almost as large as these apples." FAMILY MILLS-INQUIRY. MR. SKINNER, MR. SKINNER, HORTICULTURE. PEARS. 1. White quilled. ty of this plant was introduced to this country about the year 1798, having been carried from China to Europe in 1790. This was the dark purple, and was imported by John Stevens, Esq. of Hoboken, Albany Nursery, Oct. 13, 1827. N. J.—a gentleman distinguished for his love of boThe improvement of this excellent table fruit has tany, as well as for other departments of science. for many years been prosecuted with zeal in Flan- About the years 1814 and 1815, many other varieders. Gentlemen of fortune, amateurs and nursery ties were introduced; but it remained for the last men, have vied with each other in producing supe-four years to present to the view the rich accumuPrinceton, N. J., Oct. 17, 1827. rior varieties; and every year brings us acquainted lation of splendid varieties which had doubtless An agriculturist of New Jersey, who has derived with the names of new kinds possessing uncommon been cultivated for ages in China unseen, and unthe greatest advantages from the study of your ad-merit. The Flemish gardeners are now enabled to known to the rest of the world. The number at mirable publication, and owes to it nearly all the furnish a succession of pears for the table, during present in my collection consists of forty-three vatheoretical knowledge of farming he possesses, would the whole year, surpassing in excellence most of rieties, of which thirty only are in the latest edition be glad to be informed through it on the subject of the old varieties. of my Catalogue, viz: "Family Mills." He saw a newly invented one advertised about a year ago, by a Mr. David Hagg, of Maine, which seemed by the description likely to answer all the purposes of so greatly needed a machine, but has not been able to get any information about it since. Having lately observed in some of Mr. Cobbett's writings, that mills, making flour of all kinds, in the best manner, are extensively used in England on farms, worked both by hand and by one-horse power, his desires to obtain something of the kind has been greatly increased. Are the farmers of Maryland acquainted with one which can be recommended? And at what expense can it be obtained? If the machinists and agriculturists in the eastern parts of the Union could give the information here desired, and tell at what expense a machine of the kind, well proved and recommended, can be delivered at, in New York or Philadelphia, it would greatly oblige, I doubt not I may say many, as well as ONE OF YOUR CONSTANT READERS. A GOOD SHEARING. Mr. Ezra Childs, a farmer of Bath, Me., sheared this season from 182 Merinoes, 481 lbs. of wool. Probably from not finding a market for the article in its present depressed state, he manufactured from it 16 pieces, containing 435 yards of fine cloth. As this is said to have been excellent cloth, it might nett, deducting the expense of manufacturing, &c. $3.00 per yard. This would give Mr. Childs about $2.70 per lb. for his wool. If the present system continues, the farmers must all turn manufacturers, and sell their wool in cloths of their own make. DEAR SIR, [Boston paper. PROSPECT OF CROPS. Near Woodville, N. C., Oct. 9, 1827. The storm of the 25th and 26th of August, and the previous heavy blows which we have had in this section of the state during the present year, have presented us with a gloomy prospect of crops, in deed. Dr. Van Mons, professor of agriculture in the University of Louvain, has taken the lead in this branch of horticultural improvement. Some idea of the extent of his labours may be formed, from his manner of improvement, and the extent to which it has been carried. His method is, to select seedlings of promising appearance, bearing analogy in wood, foliage, &c. to some good known variety, and when they fruit, to select seeds of the best, plant them, cull the best plants, and when these bear fruit, to select the best for planting again; and so continue to the fifth and sixth generation, culling the best plants and best seeds for propagation.* In this way he has produced an infinite number of fine varieties. It is stated, that in these operations, which have been continued nearly forty years, he has raised eighty thousand seedling pears. When we consider that the same means have been employed by him to procure new and valuable varieties of the apple, peach, apricot, and other fruits, we cannot but admire the industry and patience which have distinguished his labours, nor avoid the expression of our gratitude for the benefits which he has conferred on society. Dr. Van Mons' labours have had the further beneficial effect of stimulating others to imitate his example; and we find among the propagators of choice new varieties, the names of the Duke d'Aremberg, of Brussels, Count Caloma, Chevalier Neilis, and M. Stoffles, of Malines, &c. The horticultural periodical publications of Great Britain and France, canvass the relative merits of these new pears, and furnish lists of the choicest varieties, drawn up by amateurs and experienced nurserymen. I find them all, with partial exceptions, enumerated in the collection in the London horticultural garden, from which I have received and propagated about 30 kinds, and taken measures to obtain the other most esteemed varieties in the spring. J. BUEL. CHINESE CHRYSANTHEMUM. To me the delight at introducing new plants from 2. Buff, or orange, changeable, red and orange 4. Lilac quilled. 5. Rose-coloured, or pink. 6. Lilac and white, changeable. 7. Dark crimson, or Spanish brown. 8. Straw coloured. 9. Straw-coloured quilled. 10. Golden yellow. 11 Orange. 12. Tasselled white. 14. Semi-double quilled white. 16. Quilled flame yellow. 18. Superb clustered yellow. 19. Small yellow. 20. Single yellow. 21. Quilled pink. 22 Cluster pink. 23. Semi-double quilled pink. 25. Semi-double quilled orange, 28. Quilled light purple. The following are entirely new, having been introduced by myself the last spring, and with the exception of one kind, they are supposed not to be in the possession of any one else in this country; but as I have greatly increased them, they will be speedily disseminated. 81. Double Indian yellow. 89. Parks' small yellow. 41. Semi-double quilled pale orange. We have had an unusually long drought immediately following the storm, and to a great extent our corn stopped growing, from that time, being not more than from one half to one third made This is consoling, indeed, to the agriculturist, when he remembers that notwithstanding the price of the article upon which he chiefly depends for the support of his family, or the payment of his debts, from the great abundance which may be made, will hint of invaluable importance to the gardener and far- ty and variety of form, &c. as can be found in Flo not thereby be at all the more in demand; and if it should, it must be from the mutual losses of his neighbours, or fellow citizens, and will pass away when the effects of the casualty is removed and a proper equilibrium is restored! This state of things is almost sufficient to make him, like the desperate gamester, willing to hazard every thing, and wish for the success of the "great American system," although to him, in every view, at variance with every evidence of his senses, and only the schemes of mental delusion or infatuation. This 43. Curled buff or salmon. I consider the entire collection of this plant to form as interesting an assemblage in point of beau*The experiments of Professor Von Mons affords a mer-that if seed is selected only from the best plants, ra's domain. They are also deservedly esteemed a progressive improvement may be depended on. on account of their being perfectly bardy, and aftruth was amply demonstrated by the late Mr. Cooper, fording a most brilliant display, at a time when the of New Jersey. It furnishes another striking analogy chilling blasts of autumn have left us but the vesbetween the vegetable and animal kingdoms. Bake- tiges of departed verdure. well, and other distinguished breeders, succeeded in With the highest respect, their great improvement of live stock, by breeding only from the best individuals. Loudon pays you a great compliment in calling your Farmer the best agricultuone; but I ought not to say this, as you have been in ral paper published in any country-and I believe a just Albany twice without calling on me. WM. PRINCE: every one.- |