Our sincere thanks are due to the numerous I should be happy to take by the hand one to whom I am so much indebted for profitable in-editors who have so favorably noticed our proposed struction, and even amusement; and should you undertaking. All those who publish the substance in your future periginations chance to find Mount of our prospectus, and commend the Ohio CultiTabor, you will find the latch string on the out-vator to their farming readers, will be entitled to side, and a knife and fork for you inside of the the paper for a year, without sending theirs in dwelling of exchange-only sending the notice, marked.

Here the man suddenly remembered his errand, which was to borrow an improved harrow, a plan of which I had found in my paper, and which he Butter continues to advance in price; and in confirmawas pleased to say, "did the work so much better tion of our last advices, we can with confidence recommend than mine," (his)-so the subject was dropped.-shipments from the United States, and would suggest that I intend to speak to him again, ere long.-[Culti-purposes.) would be the safest shipment. In the milder and the lower priced qualities (if fit for eating or for culinary

VOL. I.

A Semi-Monthly Journal of Agriculture and Horticulture.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, JANUARY 15, 1845.

THE OHIO CULTIVATOR,
A SEMI-MONTHLY JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, HORTI-

CULTURE, DOMESTIC AND RURAL ECONOMY.

M. B. BATEHAM, EDITOR. Published on the 1st and 15th of each month. TERMS:-One dollar per year-When four or more sub

NO. 2.

roots of the tree. A little labor in this way may mentions, but we hope he will also remember to
prevent the injury that in this climate so often send us occasionally specimens by which we may
results from a few days of untimely hot weather
during the latter part of winter; and as a reward judge whether his descriptions are correct accord-
you may be able to luxuriate on fine peaches next ing to our taste as well as his own!-ED.
summer, while your less thoughtful neighbors
are destitute.
Experiments in Wheat Growing.
We are glad to find that our remarks on the

scribers order together, only 75 cents each, (four copies for Choice Fruit Trees in Coshocton County, Ohio. wheat crop are exciting some attention among

$3.) All payments to be made in advance, and all subscriptions to commence with the volume,,as long as back numbers can be furnished.

POST MASTERS, and all friends of agriculture, are re spectfully solicited to use their influence to obtain sub

scribers.

Money and subscriptions, by a regulation of the

Post Master General, may always be remitted by Post

Masters, to publishers, free of expense.

OUR PROSPECTS.

The first number of our paper has hardly had time as yet to reach the distant parts of the State, but subscriptions are coming in quite briskly, and the tone of the letters we receive gives every assurance that our enterprise meets the approbation and wants of the farmers of Ohio, and will be nobly sustained.

[A Letter from Hon. James Mathews, M. C.] practical farmers. If we are not greatly mistaken We have received an interesting letter from there will, in a very few years, be a vast increase Hon. Jas. Mathews, Member of Congress, from of this great staple of Ohio, resulting from imCoshocton, Ohio, in which, after highly compli-provements in the mode of culture. A farmer in menting our enterprise, he gives some account of one of the southern counties writes us as follows: his operations in agriculture and horticulture.- | "I have now in the ground five fields of wheat, The letter was not intended for publication, but we venture to give the following extract, which will be interesting to some of our readers:

"In these matters I feel a great interest. I have commenced the improvement of two farms in the neighborhood where I reside, and it is my desire to make them yield me the greatest quantity and best varieties of grain, grass, vegetables and fruits, that my ability and the capacities of the soil will allow. I shall therefore, of course, seek information from whatever source I can, that will tend to promote this object.

each put in differently, as follows: 6 acres on a heavy crop of buckwheat plowed in when ripe; 16 acres on a clover ley well turned in; 10 acres diately; 20 acres after corn, put in with the shoon fallow ground plowed once and sowed immevel plow; and 4 acres on oat stubble. I intend to watch the progress, and note the condition of each field very minutely, and especially to notice the effect of the weather upon them for a few weeks previous to harvesting, with reference to deciding the question of Rust-whether it is caused by the weather, or soil and culture, or both.The result will be made known through the colums of the Ohio Cultivator."

POST MASTERS are rendering most efficient aid in the business of forwarding subscriptions, &c. We hope they will find a reward in seeing much lection of fruits possible, and plant them in orMy first object has been to obtain the best colbenefit result from the influence of this paper.-chards and in my garden-the latter contains This is the way to make improvements and disThey will oblige us by circulating any surplus principally dwarfs. I have planted in orchards coveries in agriculture, and to give value to agrinumbers that may arrive at their offices, and in- about 1,500 trees, embracing nearly 600 varieties, cultural papers. We hope to hear of many such forming us if any mistakes or omissions occur, as apricots, nectarines, &c. I selected them from including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, experiments, and to publish the results within a may happen at the commencement.

ments next season.

the highly respectable nurseries of Robt. Manning, year or two; and before another sowing time we (deceased,) William Kenrick, A. J. Downing & will give a few suggestions, based upon recent Fall and Winter Plowing. Co., Wilcomb and King, Thos. Hancock, Robt. discoveries in the science of vegetable chemistry, The winter has been so mild and free from Sinclair, Loyd N. Rodgers & Co., of the United to aid those who may be disposed to try experirain, that there has been opportunity for plowing States, and two of the best nurseries in England almost every week thus far. We have seen a and France. It is only three years since I comfew instances where this has been done, but we menced to plant, consequently but few of the think the majority of farmers do not rightly ap- trees are yet in bearing. I had the past season preciate its advantages. By plowing in fall or about 20 varieties of Lancashire gooseberries, and winter, so as to expose the soil to the full action half a dozen choice kinds of peaches, produce of the frost, the particles of lime and other fer- fruit; and the coming season, if favorable, I extilizing elements existing in the soil, are decom-pect to have about 50 varieties of peaches, and posed and rendered soluble, ready to become the 30 of gooseberries. [We shall try and be there to food of growing crops. Then, too, at this season see.-ED.]

Improved Farming in the Lake Counties. (By Hon. B. Summers, Chairman Com. on Agriculture, in House Rep.) MR. Bateham,

and a careful perusal of the first number of your Dear Sir:-A short acquaintance with yourself, farmers should always plow a little deeper than A Mr. Estinghausen and myself are preparing congratulating my fellow citizens through the mevaluable paper, induces me to ask the privilege of they ever did before, especially if the land has to commence a nursery, in which we shall propa- dium of your columns on the valuable acquisition been many years under cultivation. This will gate all the varieties of fruit in my collection, toge- of your labors at the centre of our State. Albring a new supply of virgin soil, with its fertil- ther with such new varieties as are considered ve- though there are many well read agriculturists izing salts and alkaline earths, which, by the ac-ry choice. We shall sell none however, except at within the State, still I apprehend one of the tion of frost and air will, on most lands in this the purchaser's risk as to correctness, until my State, be as good as a dressing of manure. It is trees come into bearing, when they will carefully greatest difficulties to be encountered on your also found that lime and other soluble portions of be compared with descriptions &c., to determine part, is the general distaste to reading works on the soil have a tendency to settle down below the whether they are genuine and suited to the cli- agriculture, alias book farming. reach of ordinary plowing and the roots of grain, mate. so that extra deep culture is required to bring them again to the surface where they will prove

serviceable.

I shall perhaps, if it meet your appprobation, send you occasionally sketches and descriptions of choice varieties of fruits that I may have come in bearing, so as to compare results with other cultivators who are engaged in the laudable work of introducing and testing the choice bounties and luxuries of nature adapted to our soil and climate. If I can be of any service to my fellow citizens of Ohio in this business, it will afford me much gratification. I enclose you $1, for the Ohio Cultivator, which you will please send to Washington during the Session of Congress, and Truly yours,

Care of Peach Trees in Winter. If there is a fall of snow, take a shovel and pile the snow around the tree, treading it well, two or three feet in height. Then cover it light-afterwards to Coshocton. J. M." ly with carpenters' shavings or straw, of light color, just so as to keep the sun from melting the Remarks. Our thanks are due to Mr. Mathews snow as long time as possible. A few pieces of for his very friendly letter. We wish him great board will answer nearly as well as shavings or success in his commendable undertaking for the straw. If there should not be sufficient snow, and the ground freezes to a considerable depth, promotion of fruit cultivation in Ohio. We shall it may answer the same purpose, if you place at all times be happy to hear from him, and to resomething of the kind on the south side of the ceive the sketches and descriptions of fruit he

Another difficulty in the way of sudden imabundance of cheap and very fertile land, which provement in our manner of farming, is the great enables the farmer to reap abundant harvests without resorting to those methods of making and applying manures so indispensable in the less the old continent. Any observing man, who has favored and older parts of the United States and traveled through our noble state, will bear testimony to this point. Still, much can be done, and will be I doubt not. But sir, I have wandered from the purpose I had in view in commencing

this scrawl:

You desire information from all parts of the State, of the character and progress of farming &c. in the various districts. I have resided within the Fire-land district, so called, composing the counties of Huron and Erie, almost from its earliest settlement. I have witnessed the destruction of the primeval forests, the rank luxuriance of vegetation on its virgin soil, and the scanty returns of the same soil when exhausted by the old and pernicious system of continual wear and tear,

and within a few years the restoration of that ough knowledge of the nature of his soil, its adap-es and exhaustion of soil, remain to be provided exhausted soil, to a great extent, by the improved tation to particular crops, and its susceptibility of for, in order to make this, the staple crop of Ohio, system of rotation in crops, introduced mainly improvement from the application of particular a profitable investment. The producer merely rethrough the information derived from works like manures, are matters of the highest importance to ceives employment which he is enabled to furnish the Ohio Cultivator, and no mean part of it from the farmer. This knowledge we ask the Legisla- himself, by becoming an agriculturist. There is the New Genesee Farmer which you in part con- ture to impart to every farmer in the State, no inducement for the investment of capital, betroled. Sir, the people of that district are fami- through the agency of a competent man of science cause it would pay no dividends. Farming is reliar with the name of BATEHAM, and should you whose labors shall be under the control of the sorted to, only as a sure means of employment in find it convenient to travel amongst them, my Board of Agriculture, as prayed for in our peti- a country where the farming interest is the founword for it, you will be made to feel that at their tion. dation of every other. The other crops exhibit fire sides you are not regarded as a stranger. about the same practical results. There is a great diversity of soils in that district; the rich river bottom," and the light chesnut ridge, the deep mucky "prairie," and the sandy "oak opening"-the strong maple, beach and hickory land, and all the intervening grades, commingled in indiscriminate confusion-which commingling, though it is against extensive farming in large fields, is perhaps no disadvantage to the

district.

We believe that proper culture would change this state of things, and that the reason why this is not done, is the want of public information and attention to the subject.

The agricultural interest of the States of New York and Massachusetts, under the fostering care of their Legislatures, has been carried to great perfection in all its varied branches. And shall the great and glorious" State of Ohio, be behind any of her elder sisters in public spirit, and in ex- We regard the present law as very defective. tending her aid to that noblest of all arts, agricul- It does not in plain terms make societies coporature? Since 1841, New York has appropriated, tions. The sum of one hundred dollars a year is out of the State Treasury, the sum of eight thou- authorized by the law from the county, but there is sand dollars, to be divided amongst the numerous nothing compulsory upon the Society to disburse Nearly all these different soils agree in one county societies of that State, and the law under it in the best manner, and to report to the Legisprinciple of production, viz: the grasses, which which that sum is allowed, provides, that any so-lature in such a full and exact manner, as to be of renders them excellent for stock of every kind, ciety which may hereafter be formed, shall be en- much future value. There is no Board of Control and enables the farmer with little expense to re-titled to receive from the Treasurer of State, an of proper persons to arrange and systematize the store their exhausted energies when reduced.- amount equal to that raised by the individual sub-matter thus furnished, so that it may be printed For example; it was thought twelve years ago scription of members. Is it not time for the Leg- and be useful. that this district would never produce wheat suf- islature of Ohio, to look to the improvement of the We believe that the State should encourage ficient for its own consumption. But by the condition of her farmers? Will you not second county surveys, and should provide for the analyuse of clover and gypsum (of which there is a the efforts of your friends in this county, in car-sis of soils, manures, and vegetables that may be used as manures. good bed near Sandusky Bay,) the openings and rying out their plans for improvement? ridges which were then considered nearly worth- We are endeavoring to purchase a "Model To secure the objects above specified, we reless, have become a part of our most productive Farm" to be under the control of our Board of Di- spectfully suggest, and most earnestly request, lands, and a large surplus of wheat is now annu- rectors, and from the manner in which the propo- the organization of a "State Board of Agricnlally exported. I had intended to speak more par-sition has been received, we do not doubt our ulture," upon economical principles. ticularly of the management of some of our best timate success. To enumerate the advantages to The encouragement of County Societies, to be farmers, but have not space. be derived from such a farm, under the imme- connected directly with, and to report to, the I give you my proper name, not from any vanity diate management of a man of practical and sci- Board of Control. To provide for a cheap and I trust, of being seen in print, but from a convic-entific knowledge, would be superfluous, they uniform system of county surveys, and premiums tion that this is the best, and to a great extent, the must be apparent to every one. Our object will upon crops-and such other and further provionly way for farmers and friends of improvement be, to afford an opportunity to farmer's sons to sions for the benefit of the farming community as in our State to become acquainted. work the farm, and obtain from the superinten- you, in your wisdom, may deem best. dent that amount of scientific knowledge, com- (Signed by each member of the Board of Direcbined with practical experience, which will qual-tors.) ify them for distinguished agriculturists, and render them useful ornaments of the county and State in which they live. The experiments which will

Yours, &c., B. SUMMERS. House Rep., Columbus, Jan. 14, 1845.

Legislative aid to Agriculture.

Tobacco Crop of Ohio.
Many of our distant readers will be surprised,

Letter and Petition from the Hamilton Co. Agri-be tried there will be regularly reported for the as we were at first, to learn that tobacco is quite cultural Society, to the Legislature of Ohio.

[COPY.]

POST OFFICE, CINCINNATI, O., I 3d January, 1845. DEAR SIRS :-In accordance with my duty as Corresponding Secretary of the Hamilton County Agricultural Society, I have this day put into the mail, the annual report required by law, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. I have also, in obedience to instructions from the Board of Directors of the Society, mailed to your address, a petition to the Legislature, asking its aid, by enactments, for the more liberal encouragement and support of Agricultural Societies.

benefit of the farmers, and the mode of manage-a staple product in some of the eastern counties of
ment adopted in the production of the largest Ohio. Mr. Ellsworth, in his report of the estimate
yields, the best crosses of stock, &c., &c., will re- of the crops of the different States, for the year
sult to the immense benefit of the farmers of this 1843, puts down the tobacco crop of Ohio at
country. If we succeed in our object, and I can- 5,991,286 lbs. A recent article in the Balti-
not doubt its success, old prejudices will be aban-more Sun, giving a review of the trade of that
doned, traditionary modes will give place to scien- city for the past year, states that the amount of
tific practices, and the whole community will be
greatly benefitted by the increase of better com-
modities. May we not expect a hearty response
of approbation from you upon this subject of such
vital importance?

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,

WM. H. H. TAYLOR,
Cor. Sec. H. C. A. S.

The farmers of the State are the largest contributors to its revenue, and there is no class of citi-Messrs. Disney and Jones, Flinn, Ewing, Brown and Reemelin, (Members from Hamilton county.) Copy of Petition.

of Representatives of the State of Ohio: Your memorialists the Eoard of Directors of the Hamilton County Agricultural Society, regarding the farming interest as the basis of every other, believe it to be worthy of the encouragement and protection of the Legislature.

We are impressed with the belief, that nothing adds more to the real and lasting prosperity of an Agricultural State like that of Ohio than a permanent improvement of its soil.

Ohio tobacco inspected there, was 15,404 hogsheads-a much larger quantity, and of better quality, than the year previous. The price at which this was sold was from $2,75 to $5,00 per 100 lbs., which, taking the average at $3,50, and estimating the hogshead at 1000 lbs., will make the pretty sum of $539,140; saying nothing of the amounts shipped to other markets, and consumed in the manufacture of cigars, &c., at home. Inquiries and Answers about Lime. For the Ohio Cultivator. Mr. EDITOR-I wish to describe to you a field on my farm, and ask a few questions concerning it. The field is about five acres; the soil for about nine inches deep, contains 15 or 20 per cent. of lime, and immediately under this is a stratum of lime, in grains, as white as chalk, about nine inches deep; and below this another stratum nearly two feet deep, consisting of about half lime, in grains, and half sand, clay, iron ore, &c; and below all this is a limestone rock of unknown depth, white and partially soluble in water, making, when burnt, lime of the first quality.

zens who receive so little encouragement from the Legislature. The mere pittance, allowed by the County Commissioners, of one hundred dollars, to societies organized under the act of the 12th To the Honorable the Senate and House March, 1839, is not enough to enable any Society to accomplish the objects of its formation, which are, to hold out inducements for improvement in the stock, mode of cultivation, and the production of the greatest quantity, and of the best quality, of the staple commodities. Premiums are not offered by us to excite the avaricious feelings of those who contend for them, nor for the intrinsic value of the article offered, but we offer them as testimonials of approbation, for the display of the skill and industry of that farmer who has produ- It is estimated that there now are, in cultivaced the best article of stock, produce, or domestic tion in wheat, within this State, 1,700,000 acres A spring rises at the east end of the field, large manufacture. To extend the benefits to all who of land, at an average expense for tillage, seeds, enough to fill a two inch tube, the water from are deserving, requires a much larger fund than harvesting and threshing, of $6,75 per acre. This which runs in two directions, N. W. and S. W.; that allowed by law, and the necessary amount does not include interest on the land, or other in- the streams unite at the west end of the lot, and must be taken from the pocket of the farmer, to vestments of a farm, and at sixty cents per bush- there the lime terminates. This, I think, shows carry on the operations of the Society successful- el, requires about eleven bushels and two-tenths that the lime has been deposited by water; that ly. From the limited amount raised in this way, to re-pay the actual outlay of production. The the field was once a low swamp, (about half an we are unable to defray the necessary expense of average yield for a period of twenty years past, is acre is still swampy); that evaporation caused an scientific surveys, the results of which will ena- thought to be not far from sixteen bushels per accumulation of lime, and the process continued ble the practical farmer to avail himself of all the acre, leaving four and eight-tenths bushels, as the till the swamp or basin was filled up, and soil advantages which nature has placed within his profit of the farmer, or $2,88, which is not more formed over it so as to make an island, around control, and without a knowledge of which the than six per cent. interest upon the value of the which the water continued to flow from the best practical farmer may toil in vain. A thor- land. "The wear and tear" of implements, tax-spring.

Now I wish to ask, (1)—if this granulated lime (6.) The quantity per acre is not very material, of Washington, need not be told that, with such is as good for applying to land, as that which has and may be governed mainly by the distance and extraordinary combinations of advantages, the been burnt? (2): If not, would it be enough bet-expense of hauling, &c. There is very little dan-"Old Dominion" would not now be razeed in the ter when burnt, to pay for the trouble of burning? ger of applying too much in this mild form, espe- scale of States, if the spirit which influenced that (3): If as good, would you advise kiln or sun dry- cially if the land is heavy, and in any way defi- illustrious patriot had been continuously applied ing, before casting on to the soil, or would drying cient in lime. Some of the most productive wheat for the last half century towards the advancement injure it? (4): When is the time to apply lime soils in England consist of more than 50 per cent. of that Commonwealth in the career which he to the land? (5): Do you recommend top dress- of carbonate of lime similar to this. For the sake foreshadowed for her in Agriculture, Commerce ing (of growing crops) or plowing it in? (6): A- of experiment, however, we would advise Mr. and Manufactures, additional to all her political bout what quantity would you apply to an acre McGregor to apply it to his land in different pro-renown. in our region? (You know that our soil is gene- portions, say at the rate of 100 to 1000 bushels per The intercourse and correspondence with rally heavy.) (7): Would you recommend using acre, and note the result for several succeeding which the undersigned have been favored by maall between the soil and the rock, or only the nine years. It decomposes very slowly, and the effects ny distinguished Virginians, and also by gentleinches of lime alone? will last many years, though perhaps not very ob- men of other States, such as Maryland, Kentucservable at first. ky, the Carolinas and Tennessee-together with personal observation and much inquiry among the farming community-induce the belief that a systematic effort for promoting the sale and settlement of uncultivated lands in those States, may now be made with strong hopes of successful results. Under these circumstances, it is deemed essential, by various Southern gentlemen, as well as ourselves, to collect all practical information concerning the condition and price of lands in the regions above mentioned, and all other information which the friends of improvement may choose to communicate, for the purpose of extending a knowledge of

If you think these questions worth answering, through the Ohio Cultivator, you will confer a favor on the subscriber, and perhaps others, by doing so. I should also be gratified if you will, at your convenience, describe the best mode of constructing lime kilns.

Yours, &c.,
J. M'GREGOR.
Wadsworth, Medina co., O., Jan. 6, 1845.

REMARKS BY THE EDITOR.

(7.) We would only use the lime stratum, as the other is not probably worth the getting out and carting.

The following circular, from our esteemed friends Skinner and O'Rielly, meets our most cordial approbation. We commend it to the attention of our readers in southern States, and also those at the east who think of emigrating.-ED.

We always like to receive letters of inquiry from our readers, even though they may contain Agricultural Improvement in Virginia, Maryland,

questions, like some of the foregoing, rather difficult to answer in the brief space we can devote to them. Such letters show that some farmers, at least, have inquiring minds, and desire knowledge, and also that they understand the value of an agricultural paper.

Carolina, &c.

the advantages presented for settlers. The genIn unison with the views of sundry Southern tleman to whom this circular is addressed may gentlemen who are warmly interested in agricul- therefore promote the object, if he approves of it, tural improvement, and in accordance with the by communicating to the subscribers such facts as inquiries of various friends in the Northern State, he may deem proper concerning the number, exthe undersigned are collecting statistics illustra- tent, soil, condition, price and products of estates The use of lime in agriculture is a subject which tive of the vast field for enterprise presented by for sale in his vicinity, with the names of the Ohio farmers will find of great importance to the uncultivated lands of the South. The dilapi- owners or occupants, including particulars conthem, wherever it shall be rightly understood.But it is one that requires no small share of read-dated estates, as well as the virgin soil, in various cerning proximity to water courses and mineral ing and study, before they will be able to reduce sections of the old Southern States, present at- manures; and maps of the land should, when tractions which would not long be slighted, were convenient, accompany the descriptions. Where it to practice intelligently, and with advantage. the facts generally known. Thousands of enter- the lands are new, whether in the mountains or We intend to take up the subject before long, in prising emigrants from the Northern States would otherwise, it is desirable to know the probable adconnection with wheat cultivation, and shall endeavor to explain it in a way that all who read annually select Virginia in preference to the vantages for sheep husbandry and grazing genemay understand. We shall therefore be very ed in a manner calculated to arrest their atten- the high lands of the Southern States are beginWestern Country, were her advantages present- rally, as well as for grain-growing, especially as brief at present in our replies to the foregoing tion. At present, all the Guide-Books for Settle-ning to attract, as they may be made to attract interrogations. ment point exclusively to the West: while exam- largely, the attention of wool growers and graIn reference to the origin of the lime deposit, ination and reflection will probably satisfy any in- ziers-while the vast water power abounding in described by friend McGregor, we have no doubt telligent man that the world nowhere presents a those regions, amid inexhaustible supplies of fuel, that he is correct in the supposition that it was better field for enlightened enterprise than is fur- iron, &c., should be specified, as offering multitubrought up by the water of the spring, but he is nished by the millions of acres which now invite dinous inducements for extended manufacturing mistaken in attributing it to evaporation. If he will take a tumbler of pure lime water, and breathe into improvement in the high-land regions as well as operations. Gratified to find that the views here briefly exit a few times, he will discover that the water be- in the tide-water section of the "Old Dominion." The natural advantages of Virginia are unsur- pressed have met with the cordial concurrence of comes slightly turbid; after a short time a white passed by those of any country in the world. gentlemen from the several States above mensediment is deposited at the bottom. This is carbonate of lime, formed by the union of the lime, The richness of the soil in large sections of the tioned-gentlemen whose approbation encourages held in solution in the water, with the carbonic commonwealth still defies the exhausting influ- this mode of acquiring and diffusing information acid from the breath, for which it has, in the lan-ence of improvident cultivation. Even the "worn concerning the inducements for enterprise preguage of chemistry, a strong affinity. So in the out estates," as they are sometimes styled, abound sented by the uncultivated lands within the borcase of this spring. The water, in passing generally with mineral and fossil manures, admi- ders of those States-the undersigned will close through lime rocks, becomes impregnated with rably calculated to replenish the soil wherever for the present, by mentioning that their connecthe lime, and on rising to the surface, it imbibes mismanagement has robbed it of qualities essen- tion with the friends of Agriculture in various carbonic acid from the atmosphere, and carbonate tial to successful farming. The land abounds, not quarters satisfies them that the diffusion of accuonly with these manures, but with other mineral rate information is only necessary to attract enof lime is deposited. treasures of incalculable value. The mountains terprising settlers, whose capital and industry embowel iron and coal, transcending in quantity would speedily bring into profitable cultivation any possible requirements of the largest popula- millions of acres scattered in tracts of various sizes tion which could be crowded for centuries within over all sections of Virginia and the adjoining and other natural fertilizers, abundant nearly evthat ancient commonwealth; while the lime, marl States. ery where in the State, furnish inexhaustible and richest agricultural regions of the earth. The Atcheap resources for rendering Virginia one of the lantic and the Western waters, with numerous bays and rivers penetrating various sections, fur

(1.) The value of this deposit as a fertilizer for the soil, depends greatly on several circumstances not stated in the letter, such as the degree of fineness of the grains or particles, the particular nature of the soil, and the crops for which it is intended, &c. If in fine grains, like sand or fine gravel, it will, in that form, prove a valuable application to most soils not abounding in lime, but especially to clayey soils, where, in addition to its effects as means of furnishing food to the crops, it serves mechanically to render the land more friable and suitable for vegetation. Such lime, however, as a general thing, is not considered as valuable as burnt or caustic lime.

a

(2.) It would not be worth the trouble to attempt burning this lime, as, owing to its fineness, it would be a difficult operation. If burnt lime is wanted, it would be better to use the solid lime

stone of the lower stratum.

for a while.

(3.) Drying will not injure the quality, and for the sake of convenience in carting and spreading, it had better be thrown up in heaps in the sun (4 and 5.) Apply it to the land at any time when preparing for a crop, by spreading evenly and plowing in. Such lime is of but little use as a top dressing for growing crops-burnt lime, air slacked, is sometimes used with advantage in that

way.

JOHN S. SKINNER, Washington, (Former editor of the American Farmer.) HENRY O'RIELLY, Albany, (Of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society.) December, 1844.

nish. facilities for commerce with other countries, Farmers' Boys, do you hear that?
as well as for easy communication between the
The following is the postscript of a letter from
people in nearly all quarters of the Common-
perienced, not merely in the tide-water region,
wealth. The value of the fisheries is largely ex- a post master in a neighboring county:
"I was 'raised' a farmer, and pursued that bu-
but to a great extent through the interior; and siness till 1831; since which time I have been
what territory anywhere surpasses the Virginia engaged in merchantile operations, and part of
mountains in qualifications for sheep husbandry? the time largely; but I never shall be contented
Superadded to all these considerations, and equal- till I get on to a farm again. It is the most bean
ly important with any of them, is the mildness of tiful and healthful occupation in the world; and
the climate-an attraction alone sufficient to ren- yet how many of our young farmers are discon-
der Virginia desirable to thousands of enterpri- tented, thinking if they were merchants they
sing settlers, who, when abandoning their homes would live so much easier and happier! This is
in the North, would prefer the Southern tempera- a grand mistake; I have tried both, and know it
ture if it could be enjoyed under advantages like to be so from experience. I intend closing up as
those presented by the Western States now most soon as I can with safety, and get me a farm on
which to spend the remainder of my life.
rapidly accumulating immigrant population.
"Yours,

The men of Virginia, familiar with the career

G."

The Pork Trade of the West. Decrease of the Pork Business in the Scioto Valley. By the following table, furnished to the Chillicothe Advertiser, by S. D. Wesson, Esq., the largest pork-packer in the Scioto Valley, it will be seen that the number of hogs slaughtered in this portion of the State is more than one half less the present season than the year previous. This is partly attributable, we presume, to the deficiency of the corn crop, but more, as we learn, to the low prices paid for pork in 1843, which rendered the business unprofitable to the farmers, and has caused them to devote more attention to other products. We should be glad if Gen. Jas. Worthington, or some other experienced agriculturist, would furnish us an account of the changes and improvements in the practice of farming in the Scioto Valley during the past five or ten years. No. of Hogs slaughtered

It is said there is also a very considerable decrease in the amount of pork slaughtered at Cincinnati and elsewhere, the present season, though we have not seen any definite statistics in reference to this point. It will be seen by the following table that the exports to New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, during the year 1844, were about twice as great as the year previous. This, it will be borne in mind, was nearly all of it slaughtered a year ago.

1841.

1842. 1843.

1844.

To Correspondents and Readers.
The Office of this paper is now in the Bank
Building, next south of the State House, up stairs;
where the editor will at all times be happy to see
such of his friends as may be in town and dis-
posed to call.

Distressing, very!-Our time is so entirely oc-
Distressing, very!-Our time is so entirely oc-
cupied in attending to the letters, and taking care
of the dollars that are daily received, that it is
impossible for us at this time to visit any of our
country friends, or even be sociable with city ones.
We trust, in view of the circumstances, they will
excuse us for what might otherwise be attributed
to a want of the disposition to be friendly.

TWICE A MONTH.-Our friends seem to forget that we issue twice a month now, instead of but once as in old times, and that it is necessary for them to write early whatever is designed for our first succeeding number. Several interesting articles were too late for this number; among them one from J. S. Sullivant Esq., Columbus, and a letter from T. Winch, Cleveland. They shall have a place in our next, with as many more as come early. We hope to hear from some of our eastern friends again by that time-who will have read our first number and found out our whereabouts, &c.

out.

Notices of Agricultural papers are crowded

Receipts of Pork at different points, for 4 years.
Politics. In answer to inquiries, we assure
On Hudson, 115,150 79,235 85,493 105,110 the readers of this paper that nothing of a party
215,074 244,142 204,641 412,928 political character shall appear in its columns.-
29,794 52,272 13,177 36 683 The editor is no partisan, nor is any one connect-
2,658 2,124 26,531 ed with him in this enterprise.

N. Orleans,

Cleveland,
Pittsburgh,

To N. York. Boston. Philada. Baltimore.
15,083 24,001 3,209
40,035 16,115 14,781
72,671 71,254 10,165
69,275 60,278 4,794

1844 219,756 109,410 13,702 11,939 354,107

Colman's European Agriculture. The third number of this admirable work, which is daily expected to reach us, it is said is more practical and valuable than the two preceding. It contains among other things a full account of the use and value of new kinds of manure, includiug Guano, &c.

PROF. ST. JOHN of the Western Reserve College is just commencing a course of lectures in this city on geology; and from his known qualifications, there can be no doubt that they will be quite interesting. We especially advise young men in this vicinity, who are, or expect to be engagedjin agriculture, to attend these lectures.

Acknowledgements.

We have received from our friend, Dr. J. W. We shall be happy to show any of our friends Thompson, of Wilmington Del., Communications specimens of this work, and receive orders for from Drs. Darlington and Gibbons, and a letter by Mr. Colman. The publisher at Boston, A. D. himself on the subject of thorn hedges,in answer to Phelps Esq. has authorized us to say that those in a request of ours, made while connected with the this State who prefer to pay for the numbers sep- Genesee Farmer. As the subject would be too erately, as they appear, may do so. If ten co- lengthy for that paper or this, we have conclupies or more are ordered in this region, we will endeavor to have them forwarded to Columbus free of postage.

The work is to be completed in ten numbers or parts; price $5 for the whole or 50 cents each.

is a very useful and cheap little aunual for the

farmers.

Mr. Wm. R. Prince of the Linnæn Garden and Nursery, Flushing L. I., has sent us a copy of his new and very extensive Catalogue. This will be found a valuable work for nurserymen, florists, and fruit growers; and as the proprietor offers to send them gratuitously to all (post paid) applicants we presume he will soon dispose of a large edi

tion.

Send in the Petitions!

"I know of no pursuit, in which more real and important services can be rendered in any country. than by improving its Agriculture."-Washington.

Both branches of the Legislature are very much engaged in matters relating to banks, and various other financial and political affairs. If the farmers expect to be heard, or to obtain any assistance from their professed servants, in promoting agricultural improvement, they must send in the petitions. See the letter and memorial from the Hamilton Co. Agricultural Society, in another column. Others are forthcoming.

Madder Culture in Ohio.

In traveling through the northern part of this State in 1843, we paid a visit to Mr. Swift of Erie county, who was largely engaged in the cultivation of Madder. We then wrote an article on the subject, descriptive of his practice, as he kindly detailed it to us, and showing conclusively that the business might be made very profitable. The article has been extensively published in the agricultural journals, and we intend hereafter to give the substance of it in this paper. We should be glad if Mr. Swift would inform us what his success has been the past two seasons, and whether he has made any improvements in the busi

ness since our visit.

We were informed a day or two since that a farmer in this county has, for a year or two past produced fine crops of Madder. We shall try and find out the particulars.

HOGS FATTENED ON APPLES.-Mr. Jas. M. Trimble of Hillsboro', informed us in conversation a few days since, that he fattened a lot of hogs almost entirely on apples, the past season, and with more profit than when fed with corn. We should be glad if he would furnish us with the particulars respecting this and other experiments that he or his neighbors have made.

The Ohio Everbearing Raspberry--How to improve its Flavor!

MR. EDITOR:--You have said in the Genesee Farmer, that "the Ohio Everbearing Raspberry has been introduced into this region, (Rochester) but is not very highly esteemed, owing to its deficiency of flavor." Now sir I will tell you how to improve the flavor of this excellent fruit:Just get you a Buckeye wife, as I have done, and let her make you some pies of these berries; and when you come in from the harvest field sit down with her at table and let her hand you a piece, covered with delicious cream from the cool spring house; and, as I know you to be a man of taste, I will pledge my word that you will never say they "lack flavor" when used in this way!These observations are founded on FACT, and I can recommend them to you and others, with all the force of practical experience. Truly your friend,

D. LAPHAM. ded to send the papers to friend O'Rielly for pub-like to appear to doubt your "pledged word" but Capital! friend L., in theory at least. We don't lication in the forthcoming volume of the "Transactions of the N. Y. State Ag. Soc. as tastes are known to differ, we trust you will

We are also indebted to Dr. Darlington for a pardon us if we defer action on the subject till we copy of his very interesting address delivered be-have an opportunity to "drop in" about harvest fore the Philadelphia society for promoting Agri

See that your fences are all put in order-culture, last October; also his beautiful lecture time, at Mt. Tabor, and test the matter for ournew ones built and old ones relaid and repaired, before the Ladies' Botanical Society at Wilming- selves!-ED. so as not to be hindered by this business when ton, and his valuable Essay on grasses. It is a spring plowing and planting time arrives. Look to long time since we have received a more acceptyour wood-pile also, and while the ground is fro-able present than these three pamphlets. zen haul home a plentiful supply for the coming Mr. A. Randall of Cincinnati will accept our thanks for a copy of the Plow Poy Almanac. It

summer.

Look well to your wheat fields during wet weather in winter and spring, to see that the furrows are opened so that water will not stand long enough to kill the plants.