[March 26, 1824. county, and inspected in the usual way-of its which it was packed; and, he must also be aware, $1-Mangel Wurtzel, do. do. $1 50-Ruta Baga, quality, I have no recollection. that he altered the sample so as to represent and do. do. 81. No. 1441 made by Mr. Scott of Anne Arundel correspond with the tobacco in the hhd. These Retail prices of provision market-Beef, prime county, (WS3993)-this was a hogshead of new facts Mr. Dorsey ought to have stated, and then pieces, 10 cts.-Veal, 10 cts.-Mutton, 5 to 7 cts.tobacco, inspected in the usual way, and in pre-no inference could have been drawn prejudicial Turkeys, 75 cts. to 1-Geese, 50 to 56 cts. sence of a number of dealers, Mr. Gust. Magru-to either Mr. G. Magruder or myself. -Ducks, Canvasbacks, $1 25 to 2-Red heads, der among them, who saw all the breaks as well That great imposition has been practised in the 50 to 75 cts.-Chickens per pair, 50 to 62 cts. as the samples, and bought by him immediately-packing of tobacco, no person can doubt, who -Eggs, 12 cents-Butter, first quality, 20 to no appearance of raise or fraudulent packing, or knows the high and estimable character of the 31 cts.-Turnips, per bushel, 50 cts.-Potatoes, mixed qualities of tobacco. author of the letter from Bremen, from which an do. 50 cts. No. 138, 139 and 140 made by Nicholas Gor-extract has been published; and, indeed, recent such of Baltimore county, (NG3909, 10 and 11) instances of detraction, one in particular, only a For Sale. -these three hogsheads were inspected in pre-few days ago by Mr. Dorsey himself, proves, that A valuable and well improved Farm in Fredesence of M. G. Magruder and others, and bought similar impositions still are practised. It would rick County, immediately adjoining the town of by him immediately- -no appearance of fraud. not, however, be proper to impute the guilt in Westminster, belonging to the estate of the late No. 137 made by Daniel Warfield of Anne every instance to the planter, because it is well William Winchester, deceased, containing 330 Arundel county, (DW3972)—this hogshead was known, that many of them do not pack their to- acres of good arable land, the whole enclosed by a in peered on presence of Mr. Magruder-had bacco themselves, but leave it to an overseer, a substantial chesnut rail fence; between 50 and 60 some new tobacco at one end, which Mr. M. was black man, or a person hired for the and purpose, acres are in thriving young timber, which has apprised of by Mr. W. before it was opened it is not unlikely that frauds in this way have been been preserved with great care for the last fifbefore shipping it, Mr. M. had the hogshead frequently committed by those persons intrusted teen years, and is now capable of furnishing an opened and the new tobacco taken out, and had it with the packing, without the knowledge of the ample supply of wood for the farm; about forty filled up with upwards of two hundred pounds of planter. In one instance, I am satisfied, this of natural meadow are now in grass, the residue good Patuxent tobacco, but of very different qua must have been the case-I allude particularly is divided into convenient fields. The buildings lity-attended to in person by Mr. G. Magruder. to Mr. Daniel Warfield, a gentleman, with whom consist of a comfortable dwelling house, barn, staNo. 141 D made by Michael Bartholomew, of I have long been acquainted, whose character is bles, dairy, &c. Frederick county, and inspected in the name of above suspicion, and in whose integrity I have The adjoining farm being part of the same B. L. Roop, (BR1354)-this hogshead was in- such entire confidence, as to warrant me in the tract of land, containing 100 acres of prime land, spected in May, and bought by Mr. M. late in assertion, that whoever the guilty person may October, or early in November, and re-inspected be, he is not the man. in his presence, when his entire satisfaction was xpressed at the good order and appearance of the tobacco. D. F. MAGRUDER. BALTIMORE MARKET. WO is also offered for sale-20 acres are in fine timber, the remainder is divided into fields of suitable size by good fences; the whole in a high state of improvement.-The buildings consist of a convenient two story brick house and kitchen, I No. 128 made by Nicholas Harding, (NX3386) barn, stables, and other out houses, all recently of Baltimore county-this hogshead was inspect- PRICES CURRENT-CORRECTED WEEKLY. erected, and in excellent repair. These ed when but few were present, Mr. G. W. Riggs) Wharf flour, $550 to $5 621-Howard-st. do. $5 farms, to a purchaser of both, would form a most only recollected, who made a standing offer for it, as well as another hogshead. The next morning 75-Best family do. retail, 87-Wheat, red, 1 desirable establishment; they abound with spring when the dealers assembled, doubts were ex-14 to $1 16-Corn, 35 cts.-Rye, 40 cts.-Oats, 28 of the purest water, and it may be affirmed that pressed about the good condition of it, when it to 30 cts.-Whiskey, 25 to 27-Butter, inspect no situation in Maryland is more remarkable for was re-inspected in presence of many, and broke ed, 10 to 15 cts.-Coal, Liverpool, bushel 40 to its uniform healthfulness-the distance is twentyin five other separate places and well examined 45 cts.-Virginia, 28 cts.-Susquehannah, per ton eight miles from Baltimore, the road turupiked -when it was sold to Mr. Riggs and re-sold to Mr. 56 50 to $7-Rice, per cwt. $3 75 to 84-Beef the entire distance; and the Chambersburg mail Gust. Magruder, Mr. Magruder having himself northern mess, per barrel $10-Cargo, No. 1, stage passing through Westminster three timesa $8 to 8 50-do. No. 2, $6-Baltimore prime, week, (where the passengers arrive to breakfast) offered the grower more, than was paid for it. No. 143, 144 and 187, are represented in the $10-Bacon and hams, 10 to 11 cts.-Cotton, Waffords a quick and easy communication. One other tract of land, containing ninety acres letter as "infamously false packed." I. Island, 18 to 20 cts.--Louisiana, &c. 16 to 17 cts. entirely in wood, lying one mile from Westmin Out of these eight hogsheads, seven were in--Georgia upland, 14 to 16 cts.-Alabama, 12 to spected in presence of Mr. Magruder, or his 13 cts.-Candles, mould, 12 to 13 cts.-Dipt, 10 ster, on the Union Town turnpike road, is als then partner, and who saw as much of the tobac- to 11 cts.-Spermaciti, 25-Feathers, live, 30 to offered for sale-there are on it several springs, co as I did, and it is but fair to infer, that they 35 cts.-Fish, herrings, Susquehanna, $275-Fall and a good proportion of natural meadow, The above property or any part thereof, will conceived the inspection and samples correct, or mackarel, No. 1, to 3, 84 50 to $7-Shad, be sold free of any incumbrance whatever, either they would not have bought the tobacco; and fur-trimmed, $6 to 6 50-Flax seed, rough, per for cash or on a credit at reasonable prices-pos ther, I think I am justified in saying, that he tells, bushel, 70 to 75 cts.-cleaned, cask, $8-Flax, sessions can be immediately given. condition. Persons wishing to view the premises, will apply to the manager on the farm, and for further particulars, to the subscriber in Baltimore. March 16, 1824. D. WINCHESTER. his agent in Bremen, at the time of shipping it, per lb. 10 to 11 cts.-Hemp, Russia, $175 ton,that he had seen all (or most) of this parcel of Country dew rot, 7 cts. per lb.-do. water rot, tobacco inspected, and that he considered the 9 cts.-Hops, fresh, 35 cts. per lb.-Hides, drysamples fairly taken, and the tobacco in good ed, 15 to 19 cts. per lb.-Hog's lard, 12 cts. per lb.-Lime, per bushel, 30 to 33 cts-LeaRODR. DORSEY, ther, soal, best, 24 to 27 cts. per lb.-do. EasCONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Inspector at Smith's Wa. ehouse. tern tan, 18 to 20 cts.-Lumber Doard measurement, cargo prices:-Of the following articles Deser ption of the Mouldebeart, an implement of Flemish we give the yard prices.-Oak timber and Husbandry-Experiments in rearing Poultry-Proceed To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. scant. $1 to 1 25-Boards all sizes, $1 50 to 2ngs of th Agricultural Society of the Valley-Extract SIR-There is a passage in Mr. Dorsey's com--Pine scantling, do. $1 to 1 25-Boards 4-4, from an unpublished Pamphlet entitled "A Warning Voice munication, on which, I think it necessary to $1 to 1 25-White do. 5-4, $1 75 to 2 50-do. to Cotton and Tobacco Planters, and Growers of Grain"make some remarks. The passage alluded to, co. 4-4, $1 15 to 1 30-do. cl. 4-4, $1 80-Shin-Marle, its application and effects on various soils-Opinion of Sir John Sinclair, the great benefactor of agriculture, on is, as follows: "No. 137, made by Daniel War-gles, cyp 18 in., $3 to 3 50-Shingles, junip. 24 the great benefit to be expected from the promotion of Agfield, of Anne Arundel county (D. W. 3972)-do. $7 50 to 7 75-jun. com. $3 50 to 5-Staves, ricultural Associations-Fruit-Salt-Pise mode of buildthis hhd. was inspected in presence of Mr. Ma W. O. pipe, $40 to 45- do. hhd. $25-do. bbl. ing, &c.--Clydesdale Orchards The Dynanometergruder-had some new tobacco at one end, which $15 to 17-R. O. bbl. $15-do. hhd. $17- Draining L kes in Holland-Newspapers in the United Mr. M. was apprised of by Mr. W. before it was Wool, fleece, merino full blood, 35 to 40 cts. States-Statement of the Commerce of each State, Terri opened; before shipping it, Mr. M. had the hhd. per lb.-Cropped, 28 to 30 cts.-Common country &c.-Statement of the situat on of the Bank of the United States-Weight of two Steers---Tobacco, Allega opened and the new tobacco taken out, and had it try, 20 to 30 cts.-Skinner, 35 to 40 cts.-Whertion of fraudulent Packing and unfaithful Inspection--- Prices filed up with upwards of two hundred pounds of assorted and cleaned, any of the above will ob- Current, Advertisement, &e good Patuxent tobacco, but of very different tain an advance of 15 to 20 cts. quality-attended to in person by Mr. G. Magru- Prices of Seed.-Orchard Grass per bushel, der." Mr. Dorsey must know, that 200 lbs. Pa-82 50--Lucerne, per lb., 50 cents-St. Foin, do. tuxent tobacco, if not far superior, was at least do. $7-Red Clover, do. do. $5 50-Timothy, do. equal both in quality and value, to that with do. $4-Herds Grass, do, do. $2-Millet, do. do. Printed every Friday at 84 per annum, for JOHN S. SKINNER, Ed tor, by JOSEPH ROBINSON, on the North West corner of Market and Belvidere streets, Baltimore: where every description of Book and Job Printing is executed with neatness and despatch-Orders from a distance for PRINTING or BINDING, with proper di rections promptly attended to, addressed to J. Robinson, Balumore. No: 2.-VOL. 6. AGRICULTURE. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, APRIL 2, 1824 9 soluble part of vegetable mould gradually as-Janimal remains, and which under such circumsumes this state, either by the action of the at-stances act as manures, or fatteners of the soil. mosphere, or of earths or salts, that the presence Carbonic acid, and probably other gases of the ITS PROPERTIES AND USES ON VARIOUS SOILS. of an acid, by counteracting this change, injures atmosphere, combine with the marl during its The Maryland Academy of Science and Lite that time is serviceable, partly by neutralising this respect all is conjecture, as we have no posithe nourishing quality of vegetable mould, and disintegration, but it must be admitted, that in rature, an institution devoted to the promotion of the acid, and partly by accelerating decompositive data from which we can draw conclusions. the useful sciences and polite letters, have retions of vegetable mould." ceived with much satisfaction through one of its The result however, of the action, although inmembers, Mr. Skinner, the Editor of the Ameri- are real and all important, but it is necessary, posed to the air, or the action of the gases which The qualities then of the specimens before us, explicable, is evident, and the longer marl is excan Farmer, several interesting specimens of the natural productions of our country-many of those of marl, in all their extent, as it would ject fulfilled. Marls of loose texture and favournotwithstanding, to avoid confounding them with are suspended in it, the better is its fertilizing obwhich are applicable to agriculture and com- lead inevitably to disappointment at least, and ably circumstanced, will frequently manifest their merce. The Academy invite the attention of in many cases to serious results. their fellow citizens to the objects upon which powers in a few months. their labours are employed-they will cheerfully Academy, have translated from the Dictionaire their component parts, and of consequence vary The committee, under the direction of the Marls vary without end in the proportion of investigate all objects in natural history which de Historie Naturelle, the following interesting to an infinite extent in their effects; and as the may be sent from the diversified soil and climate article on marls, the production of M. Bosc, as soils also vary, it is almost impossible to give any of the United States, and explain their history it presents at once a condensed view of the cheand uses. Among the objects already presented mical and fertilizing properties of these interestvery positive rules for their employment. In the to their notice, is a box containing specimens of ing materials. present state of our knowledge, however, the best shells in a state of decomposition, which has been applied extensively and with great benefit soils, appears to have been practiced at a very most susceptible of disintegration, by the action of The application of marl to the fertilization of lows-1st. we should select those which are the rules for their application appears to be as folto fertilizing the soil, under the name of marl, by remote antiquity-the Greek and Roman histo- the air, &c.—and 2d. those whose composition is the Messrs. R. d. Goldsborough and S. T. Kennard, rians speak of it as a very general practice, from most opposite to the nature of the soil we wish to farmers distinguished for their elegant and useful which the most advantageous results were ob- improve. Thus marls which contain sand, clay acquirements and publick spirit. The Academy, tained. Bernard de Pailissy, has published a and lime, in equal proportions, are those which through one of their committees, has investigated distinct work upon the subject, and Olivier de disintegrate the readiest. Thus we prefer those these specimens, and place the following report in Serres, the patriarch of French agriculture, marls in which time and sand predomina e, the possession of the Editor of the Farmer, as the speaks in exalted terms of its effects, and recom-when the character of the soil is clayey: and * result of their inquiries on the subject: mends its employment. The agriculturists of The committee appointed to examine the spe- tending its use in France, Great Britain and Ger- lime or sand is in excess. the last century combined for the purpose of exon the contrary, we select clayey marl, when we wish to impart energy to a soil in which cimens of supposed marl, remitted to the Acade-many, but much is still to be done to render its alone, in this respect, govern the prudent farmer. Local experience can my by Mr. Skinner, from Messrs. Goldsborough & Kennard, beg leave to report in a more formal application as advantageous as is desired. This But there are theoretical means by which he is referable to the great expense of hauling, and manner, what they expressed as their opinior. at the former meeting, viz.-That the specimens action, so slow indeed is its action, manifested in readily analyze the soil and the marl, and the rein some cantous or districts, to the slowness of its principles we have laid down be admitted, we can may be greatly assisted; for example, let the are not to be considered as specimens of marl, some soils, that the individual who marls the sult assures us, of the proportions in which either but merely fragments of shells, more or less disintegrated; and one parcel in division, No 4., is the holder of the lease who succeeds him, who land seldom reaps the profit of his labour; but it the one, or the other, constituent part obtains. owes its colour to the oxyd of iron-nor can they derives the advantage. Hence it is that in some ounces, dry it in an oven, and reduce it to powTo this end take any given weight, say two discover in either of the eight specimens any districts, the tillers of land require by their lease, der; the powder is then to be put into a clear thing to warrant the belief that such as they are, that the proprietors shall marl the soil. they can be considered as indicating beds of marl from which they have been drawn. It is not only upon lands destined for small glass vessel, and a quantity of acetous acid, (vineYour committee, anxious, however, to throw as its effects are the same, or even more advantageous the mixture must be set aside until settled. grain, upon which marl may be usefully spread, but either of these acids will combine with the lime gar) or nitric acid, (aquafortis) poured upon it, much light upon the subject as their knowledge upon meadows, pasture grounds, and gardens. will permit, and acting, they believe, in the true spirit, in which the society was instituted, beg clays for the most part contain lime, and sand; a certain by the cale the loss it has sustained, Marls are almost every where found, because in the glass must be again dried, and we can then The liquor is next to be poured off, the earth left leave to make the following additional remarks and on the other hand, lime is generally combined which loss gives the quantity of lime which it upon the fertilizing effects ascribed to the sub with clay and sand, but we can only employ with contained. The quantity of lime being fixed, stances by the donors, namely that their fertiliz economy such of the two sorts, as are susceptible the residue of the powder is again put into a ing qualities, admitting them to be as stated, are of disintegration on expo ure to the air, and moreconceived to depend, 1st, either upon the nature glass and submitted to three or four times its of the soil to which they are applied, or 2d, upon or so remote, that the expense of digging and haulover such as are not too deep below the surface, weight of clear water, and agitated or well stirthe properties which such substances possess of attracting moisture from the atmosphere, thereby culture the expense should always be proportion- sides. This operation is to be repeated until the og, would be too great; for in well conducted agri-water, which is to be poured off before it subred, for some time. The clay will mix with the disposing the earth to the usual operation of nature ate to the probable receipt. in vegetation, or 3dly, by their decomposition furnishing the carbonic acid gas. water comes off clear. In the bottom of the Coeval with the earliest introduction of marl glass we have the sand, which being dried and There is a species of vegetable mould, the fer- up to the present day, experience has proven that weighed, will give the quantity in which it obtility of which is greatly interfered with in con- they are completely, unfertile of themselves, and tains, and by adding its weight to that of the sequence of its containing acids, which opposes that it is only after they have been exposed to the lime, and deducting from the original amount, we the solution of the extractive, &c. which they air, and have become mixed with the vegetable re- can readily estimate the proportions in which contain-they are ordinarily called sour soils. By mains, that they augment the crop or increase theach of the agents exist. the application of lime or marl, to such soils the product of the soil. In many places, and parti- Both the marl, and the soil, should be submitacid principle is neutralized, and the extractive, cularly those districts, the soil of which rests ted to this very simple method of analysis, and and other vegetable principles are thereby render- upon a calcareous bed, of a ternary formation, by their results, the nature of the marl to be emed much more soluble. Carbonic acid is also where marl is found a few inches below the sur- ployed, and the proportion in which it should be given out during the gradual decomposition of face of the soil, the plough turns it up and mixes used, ascertained. these amenders, (shell, lime, or marl,) which, it with the vegetable remains. In such soils we In some of the cantons or districts of France, according to Mr. Henry of Manchester, Senne- should avoid as much as possible, ploughing too marls are so much used, that men are constantly bier, and others, is an essential pabulum of plants. deep, because it has been uniformly remarked, employed in working it, and it is to be found on Dr. Thomas Thomson, 4th book, chap. 3, that in proportion as we introduce marl in excess sale throughout the year. In most of the distreating of the effects of lime, remarks," Upon with the vegetable matter, so in the same ratio tricts however, the farmers dig it on their own the whole then it appears that plants are fed will the fertility of the soil be diminished-this account. Autumn or winter is preferred for this chiefly by that portion of vegetable matter, which we will explain presently. operation, whether they wish immediately to em becomes soluble in water, and assumes the proper- There are also marls, which, like certain cal-ploy it, or wait until disintegration has taken ties of extractiv ; that the quantity of it in soils must careous stones, even of very remote formation, as place before it is spread. Marl should always be neither be too great, nor too small: that the in-for example, chalk, which still preserves some dug during the winter, because at this period the VOL, 6.-2. hands are less employed with other concerns of poor lands well before marl is employed; and July, and August, (without the use of grain) the farm, and disintegration goes on much more lastly, that the employment of lime which also with an accurate description of the kind of rapidly at this period, from the constant humidity acts chemically, and of which not one hundredth food used, the number and kind of stock fed, and freezing. part is necessary, should always be preferred, the quantity of land so appropriated, together CROPS. It is, perhaps, preferable to spread marl imme because it acts with greater energy, and its ef- with an estimate of the quantity of manure diately after it is dug, because by strewing it over fects can be more readily calculated; above all, raised by the systein, the ground, the air acts more readily upon it, in those soils which are neither too stiff nor too from the greater surface that is exposed. When light, and which do not require either sand or thrown out from the marl pits, and permitted to clay. grate at all. For the best 20 acres of wheat, of one or more entire fields (to be not less than 25 bush. per acre,) Do. do. Indian corn, yield not less than 50 bushels per acre, Do. do. Rye, do. do. $20 25 20 15 20 Do. 12 For the best 10 acres of Indian corn, not less than 10 bbls. per acre, 10 35 For the best 10 acres of rye, not less than bush. per acre, For the best 10 acres of hay, as above, Best crop of tobacco not less than 5 hhds. Best crop of corn and pumpkins, corn crop to be not less than 8 bbls, per acre, remain in heaps, the access of the air, &c. is Marls which are much charged with iron, or prevented, and observation has proven that marls with magnesia, should be rejected as unfertile in which have not been at first exposed to the air, their properties, which is referable to the oxyd subsequently undergo disintegration with great of iron, and magnesia which they contain. difficulty, and very frequently will not disinte- A method of employing marl, but little prac- than 35 bushels do. tised, but of which experience speaks very favor- Do. do. Hay of Timothy, clover, rye, The same motive should also influence the ably, is to stratify the marl with vegetable matter or orchard grass, or any of the above mixed, agriculturist, in not permitting the marl to re- and manure: this mixture should be permitted to be weighed when well cured, not less than main in small heaps upon the land, upon which to remain for three or four years before it is ap 50 cwt. per acre, it has been hauled. It should be immediately plied to the soil. At this period almost all the do. 10 acres of wheat not less than spread In the spring of the year, those masses humus contained in the compost is dissolved, and 25 bushels per acre, which have escaped disintegration, should be its fertilizing influence is prompt. broken down, and their fragments dispersed, the It must not however be dissembled, that although marl should be then ploughed in, or the land lay marls give fertility to the soil, they sometimes ined down in barley or oats. jure very materially the vegetable product. It There are some marls which by boiling readily has been observed that cattle will not eat the dissolve, or rather, mix with the water; such grass of meadows which have been dressed the however, are not considered the best, as they preceding winter with marl, and Arthur Young contain but little lime or clay; the sand being in in his work on agriculture, informs us that potaexcess, they can only act mechanically. toes which have been cultivated in lands improvSince the writing of Bernard de Pailissy, who ed by marl, imbibe from the soil a very unpleasant sought to explain the rationale of their action, flavor. to the present day, there has existed much disFrom what has been said relative to superficial crepancy in the opinions which have been offer- marling, the conclusion may be drawn that lands ed by scientific men. naturally marly, are less fertile; such lands are In the "Nouveau cours d'agriculture," in 3 called white lands (terres blanche) marly volumes, published by Deterville, an attempt is lands, (terres marnueses.) It is only oy the re made to establish two series of effects in the ac-peated application of manure to such lands that Best crop of 1 acre mangel wurtzel, carrots tion of marls, viz: effects purely physical, and ef- they are rendered productive. They present or parsnips, with onions interspersed, fects which result from a play of chemical affinity; three very serious objections to their cultivation. Best crop of 5 acres ruta baga, to be not and that marls should rather be classed among 1st. their whiteness reflects the rays of the sun, less than 300 bushels per acre, the amenders of the soil, than among the ma- and consequently the soil is cold; hence vegeta- Best crop of 1 acre of millet, broom corn, or nures, as many agriculturists have done. tion in such lands is retarded. 2d. Moisture or any other species of maize, reference being According to this view, clayey marl is sup- rain, with the subsequent action of the sun, ren- had to the weight of fodder and quantity of posed to act physically, in rendering the soil ders their surface hard or crusted, which inter-grain, Best crop of 5 acres corn and potatoes, corn crop as above, 10 20 15 15 300 bushels per acre, 10 Best crop of 1 acre carrots, not less than 200 bushels per acre, 10 Best crop of 1 acre mangel wurtzel, not less than 1000 bushels per acre, 10 15 1 10 10 to which it is applied, more compact, thereby feres with the developement of the crops by com In every instance satisfactory evidence as to enabling it to retain the moisture, and the several pressing the tendrils of the roots They also op the cultivation and the product must be exhibited, gases, arising from the decomposition of organic pose the introduction of water, as well as the ac together with the samples of the crops; also a materials, hence it is to calcareous, or sandy tion of gases. 3d. Such lands are very powerful-statement of the time when the crop was sown or soils, which are too light, that the clayey marlly acted upon by the cold of winter; the frost planted, and the quantity sowed to the acre. is adapted. opens the integrant molcules of their surface and On the other hand, calcareous marls act physi- exposes the germs, which causes them to perish- For the best stallion over 3 years of age cally upon clayey soils, or those which are too wood, artificial meadows or vegetables of sum adapted to the saddle, mer or fall cultivation, are best adapted to such compact, thus rendering them more permea-lands. ble to moisture and to the roots of plants. Both of them again act chemically upon soils, for which they have an affinity, in rendering soluble by means of the calcareous matter which they contain, a greater quantity of the humus, or vegetable mould, which is found in it, and by this 1 means furnishing a more abundant aliment to the plants cultivated in it. To comprehend this last effect, it is necessary to refer to the experiments of Theodore de Saussure, and Braconnot, experiments which establish, 1st. that the alkalis dissolve the humus totally, and that lime and chalk dissolve a part, and 2d. that plants vegetate with a vigor proportionate to the quantity of the humus which they find in solution with the soil. These last results, countenanced likewise by a great number of facts, which remain unex FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. CATTLE SHOW. HE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY for the plained to the present day, facts which illustrate than 100 acres, reference being had to the than apply it at once in too great quantities, using For the 20 best do. particulars as above them more sparingly in poor soils than in rich For the most successful experiment in SOILes, and that it is always advantageous to dung ING throughout the months of May, June, For the best heifer over one and under 3 years of any breed, Do. do. do. under 1 year of any breed, For the best pair of well broke oxen, reference being had to their performance in the yoke, For the best butter, the sample exhibited 15 to be of a churning of not less than 5 lbs. and not less than one week old, A description of the manner of feeding and keeping in every instance, to accompany the description, and pedigree of each as far as practicable. SWINE. For the best boar over 1 year of age, Do. do. Do. do. bre ing sow over 1 year-off Do 2d best do. particulars as above, do. For the best potted butter, not less than 3 For the 2d best do particulars as above, By order of the Board of Trustees, 61ment of their exhibition--being well aware 4 that in all society, their influence indicates the 3 progress of refinement, and they are naturally desirous of enlisting that powerful influence in behalf of their institution. As to the time designated, the trustees had regard 10 to several considerations-1st, to the time fixed 8 for their exhibition by the "PENNSYLVANIA AGRI5 CULTURAL SOCIETY," with whom it is our wish to cherish the best understanding.-That Exhibition 10 is announced for Thursday and Friday the 14th 8 and 15th of October.-It is thought probable 5 that the Eastern Shore Exhibition will be held by our friends at Easton, the Thursday and Fri day following, and on the succeeding Sunday the steam boat Maryland will afford an opportunity to gentlemen disposed to visit our exhibition on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; and the Maryland Association for the improvement of the breed of The first thing that strikes us is the increased Horses, may then wind up the week with trials 10 amount of premiums, being nearly double that of speed and sports of the turf. Certificates of the weight of the fleeces and a which has been awarded at any previous show.— sample to be exhibited, with the sheep; the fleece This sum has been raised under the Resolution to be of a single year's growth. $10 do. pig under i 5 spring to be shown, 10 Do. do. sow pig under 1 year. 5 SHEEP. making it the duty of the Trustees to procure subscribers at $5 per annum for five years, and almost the whole has been subscribed in the city of Baltimore, and in its immediate vicinity, in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties.--Some of the Trustees who had not found leisure to procure ten names, the minimum of what was ex- Should the following observations be thought of pected from each, very handsomely offered to sufficient value to be placed amongst the many make up the deficiency-such liberality is of real useful articles in the "American Farmer," you benefit to society, and is creditable, as well to the are at liberty so to dispose of them. I am not a judgment, as to the patriotism of those who ex- regular farmer, having only four acres under ercise it: Why, after all, should rich men deal cultivation; but am fond of the practice of agriout their money as they would part with their culture, both from inclination and principle5 blood?-in a short time they must "shuffle off believing it to be the basis of our national wealth their mortal coil," they must yield up their strong and greatness, conducive to good morals, and to 10 boxes, with their avarice and all other sordid good health. $10 DOMESTIC FAMILY MANUFACTURES. For the best piece of broad cloth, 7-4 not less than 12 yards of any colour, Do. do. Flannel, The premiums for the above to be awarded to passions; the grave, which "proclaims the sa- My four acres are divided into three lots, of those who may have produced the greatest weight cred dogma of equality," will confound them with one acre and one-third in each-lying within the with the least cost. the dust of the meanest beggar, and the best town plat of Marietta. Although my agricultuevidence they can offer of gratitude to Provi- ral experiments are on a very small scale, they dence for its bounties, is to use them with judg- are nevertheless as conclusive, as if made on an $15 ment and benevolence for the good of society. hundred acres. My object is to demonstrate that Do. do. Cassimere, not less than 25 yds do. 10 The next reflection is one that ought to recom-meadow land, may be cultivated as such, for a Do. do. Cassinett, do. do. 8 mend our institution to the people of the whole series of years, without the loss of a single crop do. do. 10 state, and the patronage of their Representatives. of grass, although the land should undergo the 30 do. do. 10-It will be seen that half the amount offered, is operation of ploughing, and planting with corn, Do. do. Kersey, adapted to labourers use for objects that farmers and farmer's wives, in as often as may be necessary to keep the soil in 30 yards of any colour, 5 any county in the state, may compete for on equal a proper state, for the growth and nourishment terms. The committee will hereafter specify the of the roots of the grass; a subject of no small 10 kind of proof that will be requisite to accompany importance to those who have small farms, and do. do. 10 every claim for premiums; it will be made as lit- cannot conveniently afford to lose their crop of Do. do. Linen Diaper for table cloths, 8-4 tle troublesome as possible, consistently with that hay, even for one year; although the usual mode 15 yards, 8 caution which is necessary to prevent the misap- is to plant with corn one year, and the succeed5plication of our funds. ing year to sow hay seed, amongst a crop of small Do do. Carpeting, Do. do. Linen Sheeting, not less than 25 yds. of any colour, Do. do. do. Shirting, Do. do. do. towelling 7-8 15 yards Do. do. pr. of knit woollen hose of full size IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY. For the best agricultural machine or implement that may be considered new, and as deserving of the notice of the society, and worthy of patronage, For the best flax and hemp breaker, which may be deemed useful and worthy of premium, FERMENTED LIQUORS. For the sample of the best barrel of cider, of the make of any preceding year, of the pure juice of the apple, PLOUGHING MATCH. For the best ploughing by 3 horses, 5 It will be seen that a more conspicuous station, ain. The scene of my operations was on one 2 and a higher amount has been assigned to crops of those small lots.-It had been in my possession 2 than heretofore—this will have the effect of de- for twelve years, and was laid down into meadow 2 monstrating what Maryland soil and climate can three years before it came into my hands; but be made to yield, with the cost of production; from its long cultivation as grass land, became 10 and the farmer may afterwards regulate his la- what the farmers call "bound out," and yielded bour and expenditures, and select his objects, but light crops, compared with the growth of according to the profit which may be expected former years. The soil had never been broken On this occasion, a smaller amount in propor- by the plough; the land was low, and had for tion is offered for that more expensive animal the ages been covered with water the greater part 10 horse, and the difference is judiciously bestowed of the year, but not of such depth, as to prevent upon neat cattle, which are more economical and the growth of trees, and certain kinds of aquatic 8 of more universal consumption and value. shrubs. By draining and cleaning, a fine light In regard to Family Domestic Manufactures, mould, made from decayed vegetable matter, the Editor has always felt a particular interest.- was exposed to the influence of the air and sun. These premiums are in fact offered chiefly to the On this light earth, the seed of "herds grass,' 5 ladies, and it is hoped that the competitors from or "timothy," was sown, and lightly covered both shores will be numerous.-The trustees have with a harrow of brush, in the month of Sep10 it in contemplation to set apart a time and a place tember. 8 for their exhibition of household industry and The seed vegetated well, and for a number of 10 skill, under such circumstances and regulations years afforded a crop of at least three tons to 'he 8 as wil make it convenient and agreeable for acre of excellent hay, free from w、c or other 2 or more oxen, 10 the ladies to attend and examine this depart-foreign matter. The crops had become so light 2 tons of hay. 2 tons of fodder. 5 bushels of potatoes. 1 do. of beans. 3 cart loads of pumpkins. exhausted. Very respectfully, JOHN S. SKINNER. ESQ. ARROW-ROOT, for the last year or two, that it was thought ad-re-seeding my meadow, and yet mowing it every ful climate, I should be weary, and your patience visable to plough it. Accordingly, the 14th and year-no manure was used. 15th of June, 1822, the grass was mowed, cured The produce of the lot in 1822, stands thus, and put into the barn. The crop this year, was viz. about a ton and a half to the acre. On the 16th and 17th, it was deeply ploughed, and the furrows made to turn over neatly, so as to leave but little space between them; and in the corners of the lot, where the plough could not work, the spade was used, and the grassy part of the sods turned carefully under. On the 18th and 19th of June, the ground was planted with Indian corn.— One of my other lots is occupied for pasturage, The kind used, was the " eight rowed," white and the third lot is in meadow, with one half corn, such as is common in New England, it be-acre of the same in an apple orchard. It produing rather late in the season for our Ohio corn, ces as much grass at present, as if not planted although we have fully two months in the spring, with trees, they being at the distance of thirty in which we can plant, and be certain of a crop ; feet, and only ten years old They have for but the best are usually obtained, by planting the several years produced a sufficiency of fruit for to send me some time since, I planted, pursuant first week in May. The corners of the lot were my family, and last year 20 barrels of excellent to the directions published in your 26th No., vol. planted with potatoes. The season was unusu- winter apples, and enough for 8 or 10 barrels of 5; about one half are now up, and with few exally dry, and in some parts of the field, the light cider of autumn apples. One third of acre in ceptions, look vigorous and healthful. May I be permitted to enquire, whether you friable soil was so much like dry ashes, that the this lot had been cultivated in corn, beans, &c. ITS VALUABLE QUALITIES, PREPARATION FOR Edisto Island, S. C. March 15, 1824. The sea kale seed which you had the goodness corn did not germinate at all; but where there for several years and highly manured. The lat- can procure for me, a few seed of the tea plant ? was sufficient moisture, it appeared above ground ter part of March, 1823, it was ploughed and I am fully persuaded, it will succeed here-at in three or four days. The vacant places, after sown with oats and clover seed. The first of any rate, the experiment is worth testing.Should you ever be able to comply with my rethe first shower, were planted with beans and July, the oats had attained the height of five feet, pumpkins; it being necessary that the ground and were so close and heavy, as to threaten the quest, an essay on its cultivation would also be desirable. should all be sheltered from the heat of the sun, destruction of the clover; they were cut while As I do not remember of ever having seen an as I proposed to sow it with grass seed in Sep- in the milk, and afforded about half a ton of fod article in your valuable paper, on the subject of tember following. The corn, when sufficiently der. This gave the clover sun and air, and its high, was once harrowed, and afterwards dres-growth was so rapid, that by the first of Septem- the arrow-root, permit me to communicate such sed over with the hoe, and made as level as pos- ber, it was thought best to mow it, a practice, Iperties, as experience has afforded. This plant, information, relative to its cultivation and prosible, for the reception of the grass seed. About believe, not common the first year. This piece in botany Maranta, a genus of the monandria the tenth of September, the seed was sown at the afforded at least a ton of hay, and I am in hopes monogynia class, is a native of the West Indies, rate of eight quarts to the acre, and lightly co-will not injure the next crop. and has long been justly esteemed for its many vered, by raking the ground carefully over, by hand, with an iron tooth rake. This operation to the growth of Indian corn. Our soil and climate are both very congenial valuable qualities. History acquaints us, that It is common for it was a certain antidote to the milk of the manwas performed by one man, in a day and a half. our farmers to raise eighty bushels on an acre chinel tree, and that the Caraib Indians, who invaAhout the twentieth of October, the corn was without any extra labour, in preparing the land riably poisoned their arrows with this deleterious sufficiently ripe for cutting up by the ground, in or cultivating the corn. I have known it average fluid, appeared to have considered the toulola, the manner frequently practised, so as to make that in a twenty acre field, on the farm of Ma- (Indian,) as the only remedy sufficiently poweran excellent fodder, and yet the corn to ripen on jor W. Putnam, in Belpie. The last season, an ful in its application, and instantaneous in its efthe stalk. It was removed into an adjoining pas- acquaintance of mine raised this quantity on a fects, to arrest its direful progress. Whether ture on a sled, and stacked in such form as to field of four acres, of fresh ploughed grass land. applied externally, or administered as a ptisan, cure without becoming mouldy-at this time, the The corn was planted on the furrows, in hills, the consequences were equally happy. As the lot was quite green, with a vigorous growth of three and a half or four feet distant, with three milk of the manchinel operated rapidly; and as young "herds grass." The corn was not measured, or four stalks in a hill; owing to sickness in his the arrow-root was the only antidote, the inferbut estimated to be at the rate of forty bushels family, it received no attention, but one dressing ence is fairly deducible, that against any poison, to the acre, after furnishing my own family, and with the harrow and hoe, when six or eight in- if timely used it would serve as an effectual safeseveral of my neighbours, with many delicious ches high.-The corn was husked on the hill, and guard. As a wholesome, nutritious and pleasant meals, while in the proper state for roasting and carefully measured and afforded eighty bushels beverage, experience bears amply testimony.boiling. After the potatoes were dug, the ground to the acre of sound corn, (no manure was used.) To the infant, the aged or the diseased, no food which they occupied was levelled with the rake, Potatoes are not so prolific as in the eastern can be administered, which will be more palataand sowed with grass seed. It had sufficient time states; the warmth and length of our summers ble, or more easily digested. In bowel comto vegetate, before the hard weather commen-occasions too great a growth of vine, though by plaints, it is of itself a remedy; and in dyspeptic ced, but was injured by the severe frosts in the late planting, this difficulty is so far overcome as cases, and acute diseases, it constitutes the most winter months, its young roots being too tender to afford crops of 250 or 300 bushels to an acre. proper aliment; as a diet drink, no article of to resist repeated freezing and thawing. The Flax and hemp yield excellent crops. Of some the materia medica, is to be preferred; in fact, latter part of March, the lot was carefully ex- of the early kinds of bush beans, we can raise the stomach will readily accommodate itself to amined, and where any spots were found injured three crops in a season.-Oats and barley succeed it, when every other nourishment has been reor killed by the winter, fresh seed was scattered and covered as before with the rake. The spring tion in this state, is wheat-it flourishes best on virtues of the arrow-root, its cultivation for dovery well. Our staple commodity for exporta-jected. If such are the useful and medicinal months were favourable to its growth, and the the uplands, the bottoms being too rich for it, mestic purposes should be general. Twenty fore part of July, 1823, the grass was cut, and afforded three tons of excellent hay. The crop natural soil will produce thirty bushels to the cient for a large family for two years. except in dry seasons; with good culture, the feet square of earth will yield a quantity suffiwas so luxuriant and tall, that it began to lodge, acre. or fall down, by the middle of June. The ground from the stone; and apple trees in the fifth or lows-upon a piece of ground moderately high, Peach trees produce fruit, in three years, The method of culture is simple, and is as folis now covered with a heavy coat of fall growth, sixth year from the seed. Both are of an excel- and of a loose soil, make small beds, three feet although two cows were pastured on it for six or lent quality, and ripened in the greatest perfec- asunder, and at the distance of every two feet, eight weeks in the autumn; and should this year tion, in good seasons. be favourable to vegetation, I have no doubt of Rhode Island greening, weigh from 18 to 26 two inches deep. The middle of March, with I have seen apples of the drop one seed, which should be covered about cutting at least four tons on this small piece of an ounces each; and the large winter, or pound us, is the proper season for planting, and no care pear, from 20 to 38 ounces each. Various kinds or attention is subsequently required, but to keep The usual mode of cultivating such lands by of grapes flourish well, but the more delicate the plants free from grass and weeds. After the two or three crops of corn or grain, before seed-kinds, such as the white water, &c. require cover-first frost, they should be dug; and when you have ing, I was unwilling to comply with, as I could ing in the winter while young, or until the vine is selected the seed, it is necessary for their preserno spare my meadow for so long a time; this five or six years old, when they bear the cold of vation, that they should be buried at least one led me to make trial of the above course, where our winters without flinching. But should I go foot in some dry and warm spot. The preparaby I have accomplished all I had in view, namely, on to describe all the productions of this beauti-tion of the root for food is tedious, and in conse acre and a third. |