SORTING WOOL.

154

LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE.-WATER FOR CALVES.

fleeces are usually long in staple, but a poor de- tion of organized matter, nearly or quite in contact fence against a low temperature. It is, therefore, a question for the wool-grower of the North to consider whether, in obliging the manufacturer, he will not adopt a policy injurious to the constitution of his sheep. In a more southern latitude, this consideration is not so important.

LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE.

As you declare your paper "free and independent," I ask the liberty to state my views respecting the last clause of your article on the "Potato Rot," in the December No. of the Agriculturist. The clause reads thus: "Our readers will do us a great favor by giving us facts on this interesting subject, free from speculation."

And

with the potato. I have said generally, because I believe any cause that kills the life of the potato may produce the same result. By the life of the potato I do not mean that kind of life that causes its growth, but that which resists decay. Hence, then, we see potato vines killed before the tubers are half grown, and yet the tubers do not rot. farther, experience teaches me that this poison is and dissipated or weakened by the powers of the almost universally eliminated early in the season, soil too much to affect the tubers, so far as to detoy that kind of life in the potato of which I am cannot take the form of rot. But in seasons like the treating. For ordinary seasons, then, this disease last two, when it is very cold the first part, and the last is warm, this peculiar development of the deMy experience teaches me the entire futility of accumulating facts from ordinary observation on and furnishes the poison with uncommon strength. composing geine takes place with great rapidity, this subject; and that the mariner might, in ascer- My experience teaches me that heavy rains may taining the velocity of his vessel, as well tie a dissipate this poison, and prevent its effects in some living wild goose to his log-line and throw it over-instances. My experience also teaches me that board. But the reader will say, and truly too, any if the rains be just enough to wet the ground fool knows better than this. That is true; but in around the tubers, the plants being dry will drink this case there is no danger of mistake. The error in the poison greedily, and thus produce more disoccasioned by the accidental attachment of the astrous effects than dry weather. You may see the goose is too manifest to deceive. But one fact, same effects produced in grain plants, and far more among numerous others which might be men-commonly, because the plants mature when in comtioned, will suffice to show that causes not obvious have a decided effect in producing, as well as con-ence teaches me that numerous causes of different mon seasons the poison is strongest. My experi. trolling this disease. A friend of mine, whose ve- soils, seasons, &c., control the development of racity I am willing to vouch for, relates the follow-this poison, and that it requires the most elaborate ing facts: In planting his potatoes the last season, and the most exact experiments to arrive at any it so happened that he planted certain portions at definite results. different times; and in doing this it so happened that a portion of the field was planted after a heavy is not that " new thing under the sun My experience also teaches me that this disease which peorain had fallen on the manure after being dropped ple seem generally to believe it. Every potato in the hill. The whole was planted with the same which when boiled gives a fœtid smell, is infected kind of seed, and otherwise treated alike in every with this disease; and these we find every year. other respect--the only difference being this, that They are poisoned, but the poison is not strong one portion of the dung was covered as taken from enough to kill them. JOSEPH H. JENNE. the heap, and the other exposed to the atmosphere in a drenching rain. The result was, that the potatoes on the portion where the manure was ex- As our correspondent proposes a continuation of posed to the atmosphere and the rain were but very this subject, we will wait till he gets through before little affected by the rot, compared with the por-making any comments. He is at least a shrewd tions where the manure was not so exposed.

Now it is a fact, that I could readily accumulate facts from my own experience and others in this vicinity, to fill a small volume; and yet every fact should go to support a different theory; and this assertion is not lightly made.

66

Peru, Me., March, 1846.

and curious observer, and we shall be pleased to have all the facts of the case within his knowledge. Much valuable information is now being prepared for publication by scientific men, appointed by several of the European governments, to investigate the disease, among numerous districts of farmers.

Again, I wish to enter my protest against your conclusion with regard to the cause of this disease, or perhaps I ought to say your opinion as to what WATER FOR CALVES.-Accident, last year, taught the disease is. You say it is probably a fun-me that calves whose only food is milk, still need a gus." My experience, and it is a painful one, supply of water daily. I had supposed they were teaches me very different from this. I perfectly fully supplied with liquid in their food. But in agree with you as respects the propriety of pub-changing my calves from one lot to another, they lishing long prosy articles on the subject; but as to passed the water trough, where they drank heartily. what would constitute such articles, perhaps we I acted on the hint, and supplied them daily afterdiffer. Of this I do not complain. wards. They drank as often as other cattle, for

And I ask one more favor of you, and that is to aught I know, though milk remained their main state briefly the result to which my own experi-food. Perhaps everybody else knows this, but I did ence leads me, and of the truth of which I feel not not, and lest others may not, let me speak a kind a shadow of doubt. It is caused generally by a word for the calves who cannot speak for themsubstance poisonous to the tubers, which poison-selves.

ous substance is eliminated during the decomposi- Ohio, March, 1846, ́

T.

OVERSEERS AT THE SOUTH.-DISEASES OF ANIMALS.—No. 2.

OVERSEERS AT THE SOUTH.

is at pre

proper

155

tion, hoping that it may stimulate others to watch attentively the symptoms of every diseased ani

ON page 24 of your January No., I observe a paragraph about overseers of farms and planta-mal on their farms, and search for the cause of tions; and on page 17, Mr. Norton's letter, in death in every instance. No doubt many will say, which he mentions the Agricultural School of what can I tell of what part is diseased, or what Templemoyle. Sir Robert Ferguson I know perit is?" Why, it is a very easy matter to learn the sonally, and he recommended two young men to general structure of an animal. Every man lookme as stewards or overseers from that school, when ing at the inside of a beast can easily tell whether I resided in Ireland, ten years past; and two better the liver, heart, lungs, stomach, and bowels appear overseers, or more unexceptionable young men I healthy or diseased. If diseased, describe it; note never met with perfectly competent to do their it; perhaps others will become diseased in the business. Mr. Jas. Anderson, Sir Robert's agent, Examine the stomach, see what has been eaten, and same way, or have the same or similar symptoms. and also one of the trustees or managers, sent sending over at my desire, a young man from where the animal has been feeding. By observing there as an overseer for a friend of mine here, Mr. these things, the diseases of animals and their Woodfine. If you want for your friends causes would be as easily ascertained, and conseoverseers, who know their business, I recommend quently be as easily prevented or cured as those in their getting them from there. The salary menthe human subject, indeed much more so; for as tioned, viz., $500, is ample for trial. One servant the food of animals is more simple and natural, so is quite enough to wait on one of them in the would their diseases be fewer and more simple, house, for they are brought up plainly, and will not and be more easily and successfully treated. be above helping themselves, giving such assistance as is necessary-such as sowing grain, showing the farm servants how to manage horses, plows, &c.; and I venture to say they will raise as much grain off of half the land as is at present done, and keep it clear of weeds and the soil from deteriorating. Indian corn they know nothing of; but a little instruction will put them in the way of raising as large crops as any one can on the same kind of ground. They are well versed in the care and management of cattle of all kinds. If any friend of yours should require an overseer, I will write to Mr. Anderson to do so, if certain of their being employed when they arrive.

WM. MURDOCK. Ashville, Buncomb Co., N. C., March 27, 1846.

DISEASES OF ANIMALS, WITH REMARKS ON SHEEP HUSBANDRY.-No. 2. My object in availing myself of the privilege of your periodical, to communicate some facts and incidents in animal medicine and agriculture, is purely the good of the farmer; for I have long been aware of the unjust contempt which the farmer has received from the other classes. I can hardly reconcile the remark of the great English moralist with the general good tenor of his writings and disposition, and of course do not agree with him in his remark upon an admirer of nature, that "that man's conversation savored of bullocks." It might have been the result of aristocratic feelings, produced by royal patronage; but whatever might have been the cause of this state of feeling in England formerly, it has now entirely subsided, and given place to a most laudable encouragement and patronage to all agricultural pursuits (even from the hand of royalty itself), as shown by the absorbing interest now taken in England in this branch, by some of her most eminent statesmen. This commendable zeal to raise the dignity of the husbandman has reached our own land, and may it be cherished by every patriot and philanthropist until our country shall be covered with the results of industry and science.

I have noticed since my residence in the West, at times nearly whole flocks of sheep extensively diseased, and the owner, or shepherd, hardly seemed to have any idea what was the nature of the disease, or what the cause; and so for want of a little proper study and reflection, hundreds of these useful animals die annually. As regards sheep husbandry in this section of the country, an important consideration presents itself. To supply the want and demand occasioned by the immense tide of immigration that is constantly rolling to the west, millions of sheep must be brought in. These, tomed to a healthy climate and soil previous to our like ourselves, who have been raised and accusarrival here, but poorly bear the change; hence sheep and other animals become subject to new diseases, the result of new causes and new influences. It is in this way that the intelligence has gone forth that sheep will not do well on the western prairies. Now this is a sweeping conclusion, drawn from isolated circumstances; for there is as much difference in the situation of our prairies for health of both man and animal, as between a sea-coast and a lake-shore, and more so.

Many of our large prairies, upon which sheep are kept, are as level as a house floor; and for three or four months in a year are almost inundated with water. Every one informed as to the nature and habits of sheep, knows very well that they cannot long remain healthy in a wet or damp situation; and that they will sooner or later become diseased.

This is but one view of the case. Aside from the disease of moisture, the soil and atmosphere are impregnated with miasm, which is almost as deleterious to sheep as to man. Although I have not yet seen a sheep shake with the ague, yet I have seen dogs do so effectually--hence I draw the conclusion from extensive observation, that sheep and all animals, more or less, are frequently diseased with miasm, or the poison that exhales from the earth, and the decomposition of animal and vegetable matter. It is a fact that is well known in all the Western States, that the diseases of animals My object at present is, to mention some of the change materially from the diseases of old settled diseases among sheep and other animals, which countries; both man and animal seem to be affected have come to my own knowledge from observa-alike with the climate and different circumstances

156

DISEASES OF ANIMALS, NO 2, WITH REMARKS ON SHEEP HUSBANDRY.

to which they are subjected. It was long ago no- must be taken care of; they must have extraorditiced by Professor Drake, of Cincinnati, that hardly nary attention, and that continually. They must a hog was slaughtered at that market that had not have a sufficiency of good water, and that of easy a diseased liver. I have noticed it myself during access, so that they can drink whenever nature seven years' residence in this section of country. prompts. Many depend on springs and natural To satisfy my curiosity, when I have had the op- streams for water; this will not do; for the portunity in a number of cases of sheep dying springs in this country generally fail nearly every from staggers, running of the nose, &c., I have in- summer; consequently an efficient well of water, variably found their livers to be extensively diseased. with a good pump, should be provided. There is It would be an easy matter to assign the cause of no excuse for not being duly supplied with the this and other diseases among sheep in the West; best water, for generally through the West it can but we must be brief. In the first place, we must be found on an average within thirty feet of the commence with those sheep that are brought here. surface; and no impediment usually offers to digOne great error in most people is, that they look at ging. A pump with a little expense can be worked lowness of price, instead of looking at quality and with horse, or even sheep power; or it may be condition, and consequently a large portion are contrived on the wind-mill plan for summer operavery old and infirm, the cullings from choice sheep, tion, for on our broad expansive prairies a day whose more prudent breeders would not part with. hardly passes without a fine breeze from some Such sheep cannot stand being driven several hun-quarter. Narrow troughs or vats may be condred miles. They are generally driven west in very structed in the ground, on the plan of a small canal, hot and dry weather; the dust to which they are with hydraulic lime, and made with a little excontinually exposed, and which they inhale, is a pense to convey water to any distance. constant source of irritation to the lungs and air Let it be indelibly impressed on the memory of passages, and completely deranges the whole di-every one wishing for the health of his flocks, that gestive functions, and sooner or later the whole they never should be allowed to drink at a stagnant flock is extensively diseased. Such sheep gene- stream or puddle. The shepherd must be up early, rally die off the first winter in this country. and his sheep cropping the moist grass, that they Again, sheep, as well as other stock, suffer may be supplied before the heat of the sun enermuch, and often die in summer season on the vates vital energies; and a shady grove with a few prairies for want of sufficient good water; such sheds should be secured in the feeding range; for has been the case the season past; the drouth has during the summer sheep cannot feed with much been so great that streams that have usually afford- comfort from nine in the morning to six in the ed plenty of water have been entirely dry, and evening; therefore it is highly necessary for the if animals obtained any water at all it was very bad, attendant to keep them out until nine or ten o'clock stagnated, and full of filth and miasm. I have at night. Neither should they be huddled together often seen them sucking every particle of such in a close, dirty yard, so small and ill-ventilated water, when it looked so green and putrid that the that they are obliged to inhale each other's breath. very sight of it would excite in me a strong dispo- Again, another great error is not only the keeping sition to nausea. Dr. C. Stimson brought in a flock of too many together, but of those of different of two thousand sheep from parts of Canada and kinds. Ewes and lambs never should be kept Ohio, during the warm and dry season of the past with wethers, nor bucks, except in the proper seasummer. They appeared to have suffered much son. Many young lambs and weak sheep are from dust, fatigue, and heat. To add to their teased and fatigued by bucks and wethers until suffering and mortality, the drouth was so ex- they are completely overcome, and die in conse tensive that many died for want of water. I fre- quence. A diseased or affected sheep never should quently rode by them on the prairie where they were kept. The taste that I always have had for sheep-raising, combined with the interest I felt for my friend, caused me to observe them very closely. Once in particular, one half-grown lamb As the season is fast approaching when many and a sheep were completely prostrated for want of will undoubtedly be preparing to drive sheep, in water. The shepherd had taken the lamb all the their way of immigration into this country, one way in his arms, some three miles, to the stream, word of advice from one who has long been experihoping to find water, but there was none-a num-enced in sheep husbandry may not only save them ber had already died.

be allowed to remain with the healthy; the flock should be closely watched, and as soon as a diseased one is noticed it should be instantly removed to its appropriate place the hospital.

many a dollar, but do a service to our western It may be thought by some that I am too minute population likewise. Select such sheep as are in the detail of circumstances; but I think a few hardy, of a rugged and sound constitution. They instances like the above worth more than a volume should be from one and a half to four years old, of theory. If sheep or other animals do not do which is the true scale to be confined to in that well here, there are good reasons for it! Many respect. Old sheep will not only die off after arget a quantity, regardless whether they are the riving here, but should they be ewes (which kind kind adapted by constitution, &c., to our climate, it is supposed will mostly be brought as breeders), and the circumstances of the country, and turn they will not raise their lambs. Sheep younger them out to take care of themselves, and if they than one a half years will not stand the fatigue of fail to do well, " sheep business," in their estima- a long journey without much trouble and care. tion, is “bad business." No prudent person can will well pay, and be a great saving in the end, to reasonably expect to succeed in this way. Sheep give something more for choice kinds of sheep

It

H

In driving, never feel in a hurry, be at home; and Jamaica, Long Island; one portion of the land was for that purpose fix well before the start, so that manured with stable manure, one portion left withcomfortable quarters can be had on the road without any manure, and a third portion was well out fretting to push ahead. See well that the limed. Those produced on the limed land were sheep have plenty of time to rest and eat, and perfectly sound, whilst both the others were geneplenty of good substantial food: for such a purpose rally defective. have them accustomed before starting to eating threshed oats, which are a nourishing and unstimulating food for the road. Recollect that sheep will naturally be a little feverish on the road, and will require plenty of good water, and that often, and on that account never over-salt, for fear they should drink so much as would cause them to scour bad, and thereby become weakened.

ANDREW STONE, M. D. Lake Court House, Ind., Feb., 1845.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

I have one more fact to offer which I consider highly important to our farmers. We made an acre of garden on the sea-sand, at Gravesend, Long Island, and in the compost heap we used about thirty per cent. of fine charcoal. It would be useless to describe all the other materials used, as they were numerous, being a collection of everything we could scrape together that could be obtained without cost. Among the numerous articles were the refuse of a whiting manufactory, of about half a sloop load, and twenty-one barrels of the refuse of a soda water manufactory, or pure plaster of Paris. In this garden we planted our winter potatoes the year before last, and they were not only sound, but the most delightfully tasted of the kind we had ever eaten. The last year some of the same kind were planted on a piece of old meadow land, and they were not only unsound, but disagreeable to the taste, and we had to discard them, and buy for family use.

I SHALL not attempt to account for this disease, but shall give some facts derived from experience, which may go far towards a prevention. Many writers have attempted to explain the cause of the disease; some by supposing it to be insectial, others again say it is caused by a fungus. If a medical man should find insects or proud flesh in or about a wound, would he pronounce the insects or proud flesh to be the cause of the wound, or the effects of I infer from the above-named facts, that lime diseased action? It must be known, or should be, unburnt, or burnt, and charcoal, are the best preto all natural philosophers, that when vitality ventives for the disease in potatoes, and for otherceases, either in the whole, or in any part of organ-wise improving their quality. ized matter, it immediately begins to change Any farmer, in this woody country, has waste into other organisms, many of which products bear limbs of trees sufficient to make one or two thouno resemblance to the original organic product. It sand bushels of charcoal annually, which he could follows, of course, that we should be very careful render sufficiently fine for his purpose, by passing in our investigations not to attribute effects to a heavy roller over it on any hard ground. causes; for, by such a mode of reasoning, we never would be no great labor for an industrious man. can find a cure for either animal or vegetable Let him, when he plants a potato, put in with it diseases. about a quarter of a pint of fine charcoal and ground oyster shell in about equal quantities, and I feel pretty confident that his product will not only be sound, but of very superior quality.

This

In raising potatoes in the part of England I came from, the rocky strata calcareous, we always found the best and soundest product from new land that had received no manure; and never considered they Farmers who cannot obtain charcoal or ground could be of prime quality when grown in soils shell, can buy it ready prepared, and mixed in due highly manured. To obtain choice potatoes for proportions, from a Mr. Atwater, of New Haven, family use, we set men to grub up the bushy dis- Connecticut; or it can be obtained in this city. tricts, and in such soils we never failed in raising Mr. Atwater has invented a machine for grinding a sound and choice product. Limestone soils we bones, shell, &c., fine enough for all agricultural and always considered more agreeable to the potato horticultural purposes Such a machine is a great crop than soils principally argillaceous. The desideratum for bon, as this article, when in lumps, farms, therefore, on the chalk downs, were celebrated for this esculent. I had an uncle on the Wiltshire downs, at a town called Kennett, whose potatoes were in great repute, and I have seen spots in a field, plowed for potatoes, turn up white chalk to the surface. He fatted his pigs and cattle on steamed potatoes, until two or three weeks before killing he gave them grain to harden the fat. They were washed in a machine, five bushels at a time, and the steamer held about thirty bushels. He once gave to a hog some of the liquor left in the kettle below the steamer, and this liquor nearly killed the animal, bringing all its hair off, and it was more than two months before it fully recovered from its effect.

In confirmation of the advantage of lime in soils, for raising this crop, we had presented last fall to the Brooklyn Natural History Society, three samples of potatoes raised by Mr. Ladanskie, near

will take many years to decompose; and its beneficial effects be so slowly developed, as to induce the consumer to condemn them as useless. Mr. A. will prepare a mixture of fine charcoal and lime shell, also of charcoal and ground bone. I am pretty certain, from actual experiment, as before mentioned, that charcoal and lime, if planted with the potato, about a gill in each hole, would prevent the rot. I should expect as good or a better result from t.. charcoal and ground bone, as the bone supplies not only lime but phosphate, one of the elements of that esculent. At all events, let some of our farmers try the latter, and report the result; for I cannot speak of it from actual trial, the only real test to be relied on. It will be perceived that one bushel of either of the above mixtures will suffice for two hundred and fifty plants; a cheap and safe manure, producing no weeds.

Charcoal should always be used with bone ma