NATIONAL CONVENTION OF FARMERS, GARDENERS, AND SILK CULTURISTS. NATIONAL CONVENTION OF FARMERS, 331 Florida for the Acclimatization of Foreign Trees THIS branch of the American Institute held its first meeting, agreeably to the announcement in our last number, at Mechanics' Hall, on Monday, the 12th of last month, and continued in session until the Friday following. General H. A. S. Dearborn, of Massachusetts, was chosen President; read a very able report, pointing out the immense General Dearborn, in behalf of said Committee, John Ogden, of New Jersey, and A. P. Byram, of advantages which may accrue to the whole Kentucky, Vice Presidents; and D. J. Browne, of Union, from the introduction and culture of the New York, and Thompson C. Munn, of New Jer-plants of the tropics and of the temperate zones, sey, Secretaries. The Convention was opened by an eloquent ad-rendered subservient to the interests of the menot indigenous to the United States, that may be dress by the President, setting forth the advantages chanical and manufacturing industry of the counof agriculture, and its kindred pursuits, with many try. It was contended that the establishment of interesting facts connected with science, and the such a garden would increase the variety and benefits derived from our agricultural institutions. The principal topics for discussion during the ses- augment the number of species of fruit, forest, and value of our exports, as well as afford aliment, and sion were as follows:ornamental trees or shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Botanic Garden in Florida, has been emphatically The favorable disposition of Congress to found a illustrated, by the liberal grant of a large tract of land to Doctor Perine, several years since; but that intelligent, adventurous, and zealous naturalist, having been unfortunately slain by the savages, during the Seminole war, just as he had commenced the transplantation of numerous tropical plants, which he had procured in Central America and Mexico, the great object of the government, in affording assistance to that patriotic man, was, thus, suddenly frustrated; but it is to be confidently presumed, that an equally liberal patronage will be again extended, and in such an efficient manner, as to render the realization of the important projects, for the acclimatization of foreign plants, as certain as it is desirable. The Report ended in recommending the following resolutions, which were adopted :- Washington's Department of Agriculture.-Mr. Meigs moved that a committee of thirteen be appointed for the purpose of taking into consideration the establishment of " Washington's Agricultural Department of Government," and the following gentlemen were chosen-Henry Meigs, of New York; A. P. Byram, of Brandenburgh, Ky.; Moses B. Coe, of Newark, N. J.; Martin Ellsworth, of Windsor, Ct.; Judge Tiffany, of Montgomery Co., N. Y.; James Darrach, of Orange Co., N. Y.; William J. Gilchrist, of Saratoga Co. N. Y.; Peter H. Brink, of Saugerties, N. Y.; Jacob D. Van Winkle, of Hudson Co., N. Y.; Jenison G. Ward, of Fulton Co., N. Y.; Dr. L. A. Smith, of Essex Co., N. J.; Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn, of Roxbury, Mass.; and Dr. R. T. Underhill, of New York. Mr. Meigs, Chairman of said Committee, subsequently presented a Report, accompanied by a Circular addressed to County Agricultural Societies, urging them to memorialize Congress to establish such a Department. The last words of WASHINGTON on this subject were as follows: Resolved, That the American Institute be requested to memorialize Congress, to adopt such mea"It will not be doubted that, with reference establishment of an Experimental Botanical Garden, sures, as may be deemed most expedient, for the "either to individual or national welfare, agricul- in Florida, for the Acclimatization of Tropical and "ture is of primary importance. In proportion as other Foreign Trees and Plants, and for the distribu"nations advance in population and other circum- tion among the several States, in such a manner as "stances of maturity, this truth becomes more ap-will best subserve the interests of each. "parent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more Resolved, That the American Institute be also re" and more an object of public patronage. Institu-quested to correspond with the Agricultural, Horti"tions for promoting it grow up, supported by the "public purse; and to what object can it be dedi"cated with greater propriety? Among the means "which have been employed to this end none have "been attended with greater success than the esta"blishments of boards, composed of proper charac"ters, charged with collecting and diffusing infor"mation, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of "discovery and improvement. This species of "establishment contributes doubly to the increase "of improvement, by stimulating to enterprise and "experiment, and by drawing to a common centre the results, everywhere, of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the 66 "whole nation." Experimental Garden in Florida.-Mr. Samuel B. Parsons offered a Resolution on the " Expediency of establishing an Experimental Garden in cultural, and Botanical Societies, throughout the United States, on this subject, and ask their generous co-operation, by transmitting memorials to Congress, of a like import to that, designated in the foregoing resolution. General Mercer, on invitation from the chair, rose, and said he cheerfully responded to the request made on the part of the Convention, and proceeded to state that he had resided and travelled six year's in Florida, and could speak with experience on the soil, climate, and capabilities of that country. It has a soil, he said, varying from the lightest sand of the most sterile kind, to the richest alluvial; f-om its evergreen forests, which change but little in their temperature, from summer to winter, and the Gulf stream that runs by, hugging, as it were, almost its entire coast, its climate is less variable than that of any other portion of the United States. The orange and the delicate lemon are and 332 NATIONAL CONVENTION OF FARMERS, GARDENRRS, AND SILK CULTURISTS. seldom injured by the frost. The olive and the soft-made by Congress in the duties on imported silks, as shelled almond arrive at perfection there, but the altogether misjudged, and calculated directly to apple, the pear, and the Spanish chestnut not, on throw additional embarrassments in our way which account of the continued heat. He considered that we are altogether unprepared to surmount; and the project of an experimental garden in Florida, was that unless a more judicious policy be adopted by practicable, and would be attended with beneficial | the next Congress, the business generally must be results that trees and plants of the choicest, and immeasurably retarded, and in some of its branches of the most useful kinds, could gradually be accli- utterly destroyed. mated there, from every region of the globe. But Resolved, That we consider the practice of famias to receiving aid from government, he thought ly reeling productive of irregular and imperfect that in the present temper of Congress, nothing of raw silk, and thus greatly interfering with the the kind could be hoped for-yet they might be dis- after uses to which such silks may be devoted. posed to grant a tract of land. It was his belief Hence, we recommend the establishment of a reguthat the project could be carried into effect by pri- lar filature system, furnishing a cash market for vate enterprise, and for one he was willing to con- all the cocoons produced, as the only effectual retribute to its support. The sum necessary to com-medy for this evil, and intimately and inseparably mence operations, he said, need not exceed $1,000 per annum. connected with the ultimate success of the enterprise Resolved, That we most earnestly urge upon the approaching Congress the importance of so correcting the duties upon both raw and manufactured silks, as to give such protection for us as to place us beyond the possibility of injury from foreign competition. Supposed Effects of the Gases of Brick-kilns on Vegetation.-Dr. Underhill described what he conceived to be the "Noxious Effects of the Gases of Brick-kilns on Fruits and Vegetation," which led to the appointment of a committee to report on the nature of said effects, if they exist, and to institute Resolved, That the establishment by Congress of inquiries as to a remedy, &c., whereupon the fol- a national Filature Nursery Plantation and Cocoonlowing were chosen :-Martin Ellsworth, of Con-ery, in or near the District of Columbia, under necticut; Dr. R. T. Underhill, Professor James the superintendence of a competent and experiRenwick, and Dr. J. R. Chilton, of New York; Peter enced person, where individuals can obtain all the H. Brink, of Saugerties, N Y.; James Darrach, of information necessary for prosecuting the reeling Orange Co., N. Y.; and Stephen Haight. of silk, the cultivation of the mulberry-tree, and the successful nurture of the silk-worm, would be a measure of the utmost importance to every section of the Union, and calculated to advance the enterprise more than any other single instrumental - Progress of Silk-Culture in the United States.General Dearborn suggested the expediency of appointing a committee to report on the "Culture of Silk" in this country, which was adopted, and the following gentlemen were chosen :-A. C. Vanity can do. Epps, of New York; J. B. Hyde, of Long Island; J. M. Summy, of Lancaster, Pa.; and H. P. Byram, of Kentucky. Resolved, That we believe it the duty of the Legislatures of the several States, each to offer immediately a liberal bounty for the production of cocoons, and that we regret that the State of New York should have refused, in opposition to the memorials of a considerable portion of the people, to renew a bounty which has been fostering the business for six years past. Resolved, That we recommend to State and County Agricultural Colleges and Institutes, the importance of connecting with their operations a department for the culture of silk, under the direction of those qualified to give instructions on this branch of industry. Mr. Van Epps, Chairman of said committee, read a report on this subject, stating that it is a matter of regret that a branch of industry so evidently and intimately connected with our interests as a nation, and which, at the same time, has been so fully tested in every latitude of our country, should advance so slowly, and elicit the energies of so few of our people. The committee go on further to state, emphatically, that they believe no other country or people are so well calculated to perfect the whole silk business, as our own, and that the chief obstacles are altogether artificial. They in- Culture of the Grape.-It was moved by Dr. timate that unwise legislation on the part of the Underhill that a committee of three be appointed to general government, and the want of suitable en-report on the "Culture of the Native Grape in couragement from State authorities, are the chief Vineyards for Wine, and for the Table," which reasons why this branch of industry has never was adopted, and Dr. R. T. Underhill, Charles been more extensively prosecuted. In accordance Henry Hall, and Henry Meigs, of New York, with these views, they begged leave to adopt the were chosen. following Resolutions: Dr. Underhill, as chairman of said Committee, Resolved, That we recommend the careful pre-offered a report in which was embodied the followservation and cultivation of the Mulberry Trees ing resolution :- -Resolved, That the culture of the now among us, and to increase them to a sufficient Native Grape is a subject of primary importance, extent to supply a constantly increasing demand; and that it be recommended to all the agricultural and that we urge upon every farmer the planting associations in the Union to make experiments of at least one acre of trees, from the foliage of with the different kinds growing in their vicinity, which one or more crops of worms may annually in order to ascertain their properties, to test their be fed, without interfering with the ordinary pur-qualities, procure seedlings from them, and by high suits of the farm. cultivation to secure such varieties as will lay the Resolved, That we view the change recently foundation for successful culture. SHOW OF THE QUEENS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—ETC. 333 Mr. Charles Henry Hall said that he could not play. Mr. Wm. H. Schermerhorn contributed a concur in the opinion expressed in the report of Dr. plate of new seedling peaches, very large and fine. Underhill that the foreign grape is totally unsuited They much resembled the Late Crawford, but are to the climate of the United States; for, it was his less elongated in shape. He has given them the belief that, with proper culture, in chosen localities, name of the Rose Hill from his residence, where it could be brought to perfection. He could not they originated. We are not much of a connoisseur speak positively, however, on this point, but ex-in domestic fabrics, but could not help noticing a pressed a desire that the Chairman should give what curious counterpane, made by Mrs. Jesse Brown, of information he possessed in relation to the subject, 6,722 pieces! and a beautiful knit bed-spread, by upon which General Dearborn rose and said that, the ingenious Mrs. Jander. Other curiosities there in early life, he attempted to cultivate the European were in abundance, but we have not space to mengrape in the open air, in Massachusetts, by high tion them. Among the stock present we counted manuring, pruning, smoking, &c., but could not 37 yoke of superb working oxen, made up, we besucceed in obtaining good fruit. He stated that, lieve, from the town of Flushing alone. This was when his father was Minister, near Lisbon, he just the same number as was exhibited in Auburn, caused a selection of some cuttings of the choicest at the late State Show, and they would compare varieties of grapes to be made there, by an experi- favorably with them in appearance. The other enced vine-dresser, with minute directions for their animals present were respectable. Perhaps the culture and management, which were sent home most attractive after the big team, were a pair of and planted in his garden near Boston, and after beautiful Shetland ponies in harness, about the size nurturing them with seven years' excessive care, of stout Newfoundland dogs. no grapes were produced, and at last he dug them up and threw them away. From personal observation, and long intercourse with persons from different parts of the Union, he unequivocally expressed it as his opinion that the foreign grape will not thrive in this country in the open air. Adjournment.-Mr. Robert Lawrence of New York, moved that this Convention be adjourned to the next Annual Fair of the American Institute, at such time and place as the managers may designate, which was adopted. SHOW OF THE QUEENS COUNTY AGRI- Upon the whole the Queens County Show went off well. It was attended by several thousands of both sexes, and seemed to give general satisfaction. This Society is one of the most spirited and flourishing in the State. We are under obligations to its gentlemanly officers for their polite attention to us while on the ground, and close our brief notice, by wishing them well through their arduous duties, and as good a show next year. THE PROPER TIME FOR CUTTING TIMBER. NINE-TENTHS of the community think winter the time for this purpose, but the reason assigned, "that the sap is then in the roots," shows its THIS was held on the 9th of last month, at futility, as it is evident to the most superficial obFlushing, and certainly was one of the most agree-server that there is nearly the same quantity of sap able meetings we ever attended. It was made the in the tree at all seasons. It is less active in winmore attractive by the plowing and spading matches ter, and like all other moisture, is congealed during of the American Institute, being arranged to come the coldest weather; yet when not absolutely off at the same time, near the show-ground. A de- frozen, circulation is never entirely stopped in the lightful hour's sail up the East River into Flushing living tree. Reason or philosophy would seem to Bay, brought us to the town, where we found thou- indicate that the period of the maturity of the leaf, sands of ladies and gentlemen already assembled or from the last of June to the first of November, is there, and enjoying the festivities of the occasion. the season for cutting timber in its perfection. CerThe show-ground was located in the heart of tain it is, that we have numerous examples of timthe village, near the Friends' Meeting House, and ber cut within this period, which has exhibited a was ample and commodious. It was well fenced durability twice or three times as great as that cut in, and all around the different kinds of stock were in winter, when placed under precisely the same arranged, and showed to great advantage. In the circumstances. After it is felled, it should at once centre of the ground a magnificent tent of 80 to 100 be peeled, drawn from the woods, and elevated feet diameter was pitched, and within this was from the ground to facilitate drying; and if it is inarranged a great variety of the flowers, fruits, vege- tended to be used under cover, the sooner it is put tables, and seeds, of the season. In the centre of there the better. Wood designed for fuel, will the tent stood the Temple of Flora. This was spend much better when cut as above mentioned really one of the most beautiful and tastefully and immediately housed, but as this is generally inexecuted things we ever saw. It was the handi- convenient from the labor of the farm being then rework of the fair ladies of Flushing, and did them quired for the harvesting of the crops, it may be great credit. Thousands of choice flowers were more economical to cut it whenever there is most culled to adorn the Temple, principally from the leisure.-Allen's American Agriculture. gardens of Messrs. Winter & Co. But Flushing is a town of flowers, and many of the private gardens TRAVELLING AGENCY.-Mr. J. Vanderbilt, Jr., contributed to form the Temple, and the pretty is now travelling in the Southern States, as agent pyramids and bouquets which surrounded it. We for our Agricultural Warehouse in this city; also doubt whether this show of flowers has ever been for the American Agriculturist. All moneys paid excelled in the United States. The dahlias particu- to him on our account we guarantee shall be prolarly were very abundant and perfect. Of the perly applied, and all orders given through him will fruits, Messrs. Prince & Co. made the largest dis- be faithfully and promptly executed by us. 334 THE ALPACA.-NO. 6.-SAUSAGE STUFFER. THE ALPACA.-No. 6. time I had it, though repeatedly offered drink. I Introduction of the Alpaca into Europe. The fed it upon bran, oats, carrots, and hay; occasiongreatest number of llamas that were ever carried to ally in the season with a little green tares. Its wool Europe at one time, was a herd that arrived at was about eighteen inches long, mixed with some Cadiz, in 1808. It originally consisted of thirty-six trifling portions of hair. It was remarkably tame, individuals, including the sorts called llamas, and I may say affectionate. I have since had sevealpacas, and vicuñas. They were brought from ral others of various colors, some quite black, Lima, in Peru, and Concepcion, in Chili, to Buenos and others piebald, &c. Having had them so often, Ayres, by slow journeys of two or three leagues. I let them take their chance in the stalls, giving They were fed on the road with potatoes, maize, them the opportunity of running into a paddock, and hay; but when their supply of potatoes was and they always did well. The last pair I had exhausted they became so constipated, that it was were perfectly black, and I sold them to Mr. Advenecessary to afford them medical relief. Eleven nant, who immediately took them over to the King only of the number arrived at Cadiz, of which two of Bavaria. The late King of Wirtemburg, and died there. These animals were carried to Europe other continental monarchs, also had some of me. as a present from Godoy (Prince of Peace), to the think they might be introduced into some parts of Empress Josephine; but they arrived just at the this country with great advantage, particularly in period of his disgrace, at the commencement of the the hilly parts of Scotland and Ireland, where they Spanish Revolution; and the populace, in hatred of could have an opportunity of browsing as well as their late minister, were about to throw the llamas grazing. Occasionally they will breed with the into the sea. The governor of Cadiz, however, llama; and a more elegant animal than the offspring rescued them; and they were given in charge to an cannot be imagined, but whether the latter will eminent Spaniard, Don Francisco de Theran, who breed again, I cannot say." had a fine zoological garden at San Lucar de Barra- About the time Mr. Cross was exhibiting his inméda, in Andalusia. The French armies having teresting specimen, the late Duchess of York had subsequently traversed this province, Marshal four or five llama and alpaca pets at Oatlands, Soult took the llamas under his care; and Monsieur where she took great delight in watching their Bory de Saint Vincent, a distinguished French sportive antics on the lawn, or contemplating their naturalist, who accompanied the army, studied their intelligent and expressive countenances, greatly rehabits with great attention, and made some draw.sembling that of the gazelle. They ran the chance ings of them, which were afterwards lost at the of all exotics, whether animal or vegetable; left to battle of Vittoria. He paid particular attention to the care of servants who, when the master and the the quality of their wool, and transmitted some mistress are away, usually treat them as mere matspecimens of each sort to the Academy of Sciences, at Paris. It appears from the report of M. de Saint Vincent and Don Francisco de Theran, that the fleece of the alpa-vigonia (the cross between the vicuña and the alpaca) is much longer and six times heavier, than that of any other variety. The first account of this interesting race of quadrupeds as having been introduced into Britain, was that of the beautiful white and brown female alpaca exhibited by Mr. Cross, in the Surrey Zoological Gardens, from 1810 to 1816, and is noticed and figured in page 217 of the present volume. In a letter to Mr. Walton, dated May 2d, 1843, Mr. Cross gives the result of his experience in regard to this animal in the following words:: "As you are desirous of having the result of my observations relative to the alpacas which have fallen under my notice, I beg to say that the first one brought to this country came into my possession after being for two years in that of Mr. De Tastet, of Halshead, in Essex, who exchanged it with ters of course, and often with a strong feeling of prejudice. When the Duchess died, these pets necessarily were dispersed; and, in all probability, at that early period breeding with them was deemed an impracticability. They, however, lived long enough at Oatlands to render it apparent that they are of a hardy race, although the old and plainspoken park-keeper has more than once been heard to say, that, while under his charge, they were not in their proper element, the grass being too firm— meaning too rich and good. SAUSAGE STUFFER. SAUSAGE STUFFER.-FIG. 78. Tharpe, Esq., of Chippenham Park, near Newmarket, for a pair of magnificent coach-horses. The latter gentleman kept it for about two years, in the hope that one might arrive from Peru of a dif- THIS ingenious contrivance will save the labor ferent sex, as he was anxious to breed from them in of eight or ten persons in filling sausages, and the consequence of the fineness of their wool. Disap-work is performed with the greatest facility, and in pointed in his object, I bought it of him for one the most perfect manner. To those who have only hundred guineas, and exhibited it about six years; a few sausages to make, this machine is certainly consequently it must have been eleven or twelve worthy of attention. Price $4.50 to $5. years old when it died. "It was fonder of browsing than grazing. One remarkable fact I cannot help mentioning, and that work so as to send your boys to school Do not forget to arrange your fall and winter's Be kind is, that it never drank anything during the whole to your flocks, and remember the poor. BRITISH AND IRISH FLAX CULTURE.-No. 1. 335 Firstly. By a partial alteration of the rotation of crops to increase the annual profits of the cultivators of the soil. Secondly.-By the introduction of flax, the culture of which affords considerable employment to women and children, to add to the scanty earnings of the agricultural laborer. The third object we have in view is to open a new source of employment for the manufacturers of the city of Norwich, and thus to relieve the distress so prevalent among the industriously-disposed poor of that ancient city. BRITISH AND IRISH FLAX CULTURE.-No. 1. merit as regarded its mechanical arrangement, the History.--The cultivation of flax has engaged the machine has not been found of greater practical attention of mankind from the earliest ages, in utility than that of Mr. Lee." But this branch of almost every part of the globe; and has continued, national industry may not be said to have been to the present time, a source of profit to the culti-thoroughly established before the formation of the vator, and of employment to the people. Several Norfolk Flax Society, the first annual meeting of lively allusions occur in the Sacred Scriptures. which was held on the 6th of January, 1843. The "The flax and the barley was smitten; for the barley objects of this association arewas in the ear, and the flax was bolled. But the wheat and the rye were not smitten, for they were not grown up." From this simple statement we discover the accuracy of the Mosaic account, for in England also flax ripens before wheat. Rahab hid the spies with the stalks of flax that were laid in order on the roof of her house. Now as a nice regard is paid to the order in which flax is laid to dry at the present time preparatory to scutching and spinning, doubtless hers was placed upon the roof for similar purposes. Many cottiers in Ireland grow small patches of flax in their gardens, which they prepare and spin for their own private uses. On the 3d of November, 1843, a National Flax Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and and Agricultural Improvement Association was linen yarn; the king's merchants received the linen also formed at Ipswich, for the purpose of affording yarn at a price. Job complained that his days instruction and assistance in the cultivation of flax, were swifter than a weaver's shuttle. From these the use of the seed to fatten cattle, box-feeding, quotations we learn that flax was cultivated, pre-summer-grazing, &c., &c.; on which occasion pared, spun into yarn, woven into linen, and consi- many specimens of flax and linseed of superior dered an important article of merchandize in those quality were exhibited from various counties, provremote ages. Indeed, fine linen is frequently men- ing that the soil and climate of Great Britain and tioned amongst the ornaments of the Temple at Ireland are peculiarly adapted to the culture of Jerusalem. "The Egyptians," says Belzoni, the plant. "were certainly well acquainted with linen manuFrom a series of experiments made during the factures equal to our own, for in many of their past four years, and now in extensive operation, figures we observe their garments quite transparent, particularly in Norfolk, it has been incontestaand among the foldings of the mummies he observ. bly proved that a compound of flax-seed, with ed some cloth quite as fine as our common muslin, grain, pulse, or chaff, for fattening cattle, is far suvery strong, and of an even texture," which proves perior to foreign oil-cake; and if used in connecthat their manufactures must have arrived at a tion with box-feeding and summer-grazing, will great degree of excellence. Pliny describes the enable every farmer in Great Britain to fatten more different qualities of flax respectively produced by than double his usual number of stock, and render each country, with a particularity which argues him forever independent of foreign aid, both for that the manufacture of linen was already become food for his cattle and manure for his land. an important branch of commerce to many nations. Hence it will readily be seen that a more abundant Flax was first introduced into England by the supply of grain, meat, wool, leather, tallow, oil, Romans. In 1175 it was classed amongst all tithe-flax, and hemp, &c., &c., must be produced, and the able productions. In 1531 a statute was enacted, merchant, the tradesman, the artisan, and the laborrequiring that, under certain penalties, "for every er, reap proportionable benefits with the cultivators sixty acres of land fit for tillage, one rood should be of the soil. sown with flax and hemp-seed." From that period to 1767 many unsuceessful attempts were made to extend and improve the cultivation and preparation of flax. In the latter year several thousand pounds were proposed to be divided amongst the successful cultivators of the plant. About the year 1798 a bounty of 4d. per stone was given to claimants for Three years since, the quantity of Irish flax grown the growth of flax. "In 1810 a new method of was computed to be about 25,000 tons. The indressing flax was proposed by Mr. Lee, who not crease of value upon this amount effected through only patented the invention, but obtained an act of the exertions of the Society was, at the least, taking Parliament by which the specification of his inven- a general average, £10 per cent., which would gain tion was ordered to be deposited in the Court of a sum of £250,000 additional in circulation among Chancery, to be kept secret from the public for 15 our farmers. But, my Lord Erne, it is now undermonths, and then to be produced only by order of stood by calculations, there will be fully 14,200 the Lord Chancellor, and by him to be examined tons of flax more in the markets this season than whenever occasion required. . . . Messrs. Hill there was three years since, which, at the low rate of and Bundy, in the year 1817, likewise patented an £45 a ton value, would give the sum of £643,050; ingenious machine for breaking and rubbing flax; and this, added to the above additional value, makes but though this was said to have considerable it clearly appear that fully a million of money At the Annual Meeting of the Tenants of the Earl of Erne's Estate in Ireland, Capt. Skinner, the benevolent and zealous Secretary of the Irish Flax Improvement Society, addressed the meeting; from whose speech we take the following brief and important extract: |