bear wheat, but no peas; another, beans and turnips, but no tobacco; that a third will yield a plentiful crop of turnips, but will not bear clover," &c. But in most cases, even this knowledge is purchased at the expense of a crop-the farmer preferring to trust to blind experiment, rather than to obtain by a little patient study, the requisite knowledge to save his seed and labor-in other words, to plant and sow with certainty of a crop. "If a farmer," says Leibig, "without the guidance of just scientific principles, is trying experiments to render a field fertile for a plant which it otherwise will not bear, his prospect of success is uery small." While on the other hand, "the path indicated by science exposes to no danger of failing, but, on the contrary, furnishes every guaranty of suc Charles Harrold. Mathew Madison, On motion, the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That Messrs. Alexander Waddle, John F. Harrison, Elwell Pratt and Charles Harrold are hereby appointed delegates to represent the South Charleston Agricultural Society, in the State Convention to be held in Columbus, on the 25th and 26th instant. Resolved, That the proceeding of this meeting be published in the Ohio Cultivator and Springfield Republic. Whereupon the meeting adjourned. JOHN F. HARRISON, Pres't. C. HARROLD, Sec. WELL DONE SOUTH CHARLESTON! We like the spirit of the foregoing right well, and have no doubt that the enterprising farmers of that region will have an interesting and instructive exhibition next fall. We shall certainly comply with their polite invitation to be present, if no prior engagement or unavoidable circumstance occurs to prevent.-ED. O. CULT. "Mr. Summers said it might be proper to make a brief statement of the reasons which had induced the committee to recommend the ed, is very proper to be known, still it is not absolutely necessary. to the great interests of the state than the statistical information pro 4. The president of the State Agricultural Sopostponement of the bill. 1st. It does not appear to have been asked ciety, and the several presidents of the said for by the people. 2. Although the information sought to be obtain county societies, who shall receive or expend 3. To obtain this information this year, as contemplated by the bill, any of the moneys hereby appropriated, shall, now that the assessors have performed their duties in taking the as annually, in the month of December, transmit to which in the depressed state of our finances, the committee believe sessment, would incur an expense to the state of from 7 to $10,000, the comptroller a detailed account of the expenunreasonable. 1. There are many petitions for a state board of Ag. diture of all the moneys which shall come into riculture, which the committee believe would conduce much more their hands under this act, and stating to whom vided for by the bill. He said the committee on agriculture, &c., of and for what purpose paid, with the vouchers the two houses had conferred together, and wou'd be glad to see a thereof; and the said presidents of the several state board organized; and it might be organized and placed on a firm basis, by an appropriation of only a small part of what it would county agricultural societies shall annually transcost to get this statistical information this present year; yet they mit, in the month of December, to the Executive have become satisfied, an appropriation direct from the Treasury Committee of the New York State Agricultural could not be made for that purpose, and as another enumeration will not be made under two or three years, when the assessors might per- Society, all such reports or returns as they are form this duty with little expense, they recommended its postpone required to demand and receive from applicants for premiums, together with an abstract of their proceedings during the year. ment for the action of some future Legislature." Agriculture in New York. We give below, a copy of the law for the promotion of Agriculture in New York. This may afford useful suggestions for the approaching convention, though we do not think it is just such a law as is needed in Ohio. For instance, we are not in favor of organizing a State Ag. So. at the present time, in this State. A State Board of Agriculture can do more good, with much less expense and labor, at least for some years to come. Indeed, we perceive that some of the periodicals in New York, are advocating the appointment of such a Board. LAW TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE IN NEW YORK. The following is a copy of the law passed by the New York legislature, in 1841, and renewed with slight amendments in 1845: 5. The Executive Committee of the New York State Agricultural Society shall examine all reports and returns made by the presidents of the presidents of the county agricultural societies, and condense, arrange and report the same, together with a statement of their own proceedings, to the secretary of state, in the month of January in each year. 6. The president of the several county societies, or delegates to be chosen by them annually for that purpose, shall be ex-officio members of the New York State Agricultural Society. 7. It shall be the duty of the county clerks in the several counties of this state, to cause notice to be given in one or more newspapers in each county, of the time and place of a meeting to be held in such county for the purpose of organizing such county agricultural society; and notice thereof shall be given at least four weeks pre The people of the State of New York, repre- lows: 1. The sum of eight thousand dollars per an- Things in Licking County. Our visit to this county, as remarked in our last, was a very hasty one, and mainly of a business character; so that we spent but little time with farmers on whom we called, and we called on but very few among the many in that county, whom it would give us pleasure to hold a chat and take a stroll with, on their farms. We hope summer; in the mean time a few places and to be able to see more of that county during the things that interested us on this occasion may not be uninteresting to our readers. Resolved, That a special meeting of the board be held on the first Saturday of August next. 2. When the New York State Agricultural Resolved, That an exhibition be held by the Society, and any county agricultural society now society, at South Charleston, the ensuing fall. Resolved, That the officers be requested to in-state, or the American Institute in the city of formed, or which may hereafter be formed in this vite the Editor of the Ohio Cultivator to attend New York, shall raise by voluntary subscription, Granville Agricultural Society. the exhibition to be held the coming fall. shall make and subscribe an affidavit sf the facts Licking county, is a township association at any sum of money, the president and treasurer The only Agricultural society now existing in of the formation of such society, and of their Granville. This society has been sustained with having raised a certain sum, specifying the a good degree of spirit, for several years past, amount thereof, which affidavit shall be filed and has been the means of effecting considerawith the comptroller of this state, who shall ble improvement in agriculture and horticulture, draw his warrant on the treasurer for a sum in that vicinity, and contributing largely to the equal to the amount of such voluntary subscrip- enjoyment of those crncerned. The village of tion, not however, exceeding the amount to Granville has long been noted, for its educationwhich such county or state society would be en- al institutions-there being two large female titled, according to the apportionment aforesaid. seminaries, and a college located there, and all, 3. The New York State Agricultural Society, we believe, in a flourishing condition. A good end the several county agricultural societies now degree of horticultural taste is observable in the formed, or which shall be formed in this state, place, though there is much room for improveduring the continuance of this act, shall annu- ment in this department, as well as in architecally elect such and so many officers as they shall ture, especially in reference to the seminaries, deem proper; and it shall be the duty of such and other conspicuous locations. The lands officers, annually, to regulate and award pre- around Granville, are of excellent quality, finely miums on sucha rticles, productions and improve- rolling, and well adapted for wheat as well as ments, as they may deem best calculated to pro- corn and grass. The farmers are mostly from mote the agricultural and household manufac- the Eastern States, and their grounds, generally, Letter from Hon. B. Summers. turing interests of this state, having especial bear good testimony of their character for indusreference to the nett profits which accrue, or try and intelligence. We inadvertantly omitted to mention in our are likely to accrue, from the mode of raising The following gentlemen are officers of the last, that we received a private letter from Judge the crop or stock, or the fabrication of the arti- Granville Ag. Society, for the present year: Summers, chairman of the committee on Agricul- cle thus offered, with the intention that the reture, in the late House of Representatives, in ward shail be given for the most economical or which, after speaking of our expose of the doings profitable mode of competition; provided always of the late Legislature in reference to Agricul- that before any premium shall be delivered, the ture, (in No. 9, p. 70,) he gives some reasons person claiming the same, or to whom the same which influenced his committee in recommend- may be awarded, shall deliver in writing to the ing the postponement of the bill for obtaining president of the society as accurate a description agricultural statistics, &c., We have never of the process in preparing the soil, including doubted the truth of the remark in his letter, that the quantity and quality of manure applied, and he "may have erred in judgment, but not from in raising the crop, or feeding the animal, as any hostility or indifference regarding the great may be; and also of the expense and product of interests of agriculture." The explanation to the crop, or of increase in value of the animal, the increase in Licking county, and as the land which he refers us, we here willingly insert for with the view of showing accurately the profit is mostly well adapted for grazing, (as well as his benefit, as reported in the State Journal of of cultivating the crop, or feeding or fattening for grain growing,) it will doubtless be found profitable when well managed, especially with March 7th: the animal. zette. JOSEPH FASSETT, President; A. P. PRICHARD, Treasurer. Improved Bee Hives. With 50 steadily. With a left hand plow, the lead and the present and prospective advance in the price about 600-average yield of fleece, 2 to 3 lbs. the line of the beam, and of the bottom of the of cheese. We also found a flock of fine sheep on the land side must be parallel, so that when in moThe only dairy farm that we visited, was that farm of Mr. H. C. Taylor, of Granville, and we tion, it will run directly in the line of the furof Mr. E. Follet, near Granville, which we be- heard of several others, in all amounting to many row; whereas a two horse plow has the point lieve is the best in the county. The farm con- more than we supposed existed in any one coun- inclined towards the land, and consequently, sists of about 400 acres of land, mostly in grass, ty in Ohio. when in motion, it constantly presses in that (with some woods,) on which are kept 100 cows, direction. The second error is, I perceive from about 80 of which are giving milk. Quite a num- In passing through the little villages on the Now I am convinced that he never will be able ber of the cows, we noticed, are partly Durham-national road from Columbus to Hebron, we saw to plow with satisfaction with three horses his cut, that Marion uses a right hand plow. a few nearly or quite full blood. Mr. Follet informed us that his cows average about 350 lbs. of as many as three or four kinds of newly invented abreast, and a right hand plow, and I would beehives, all ingeniously constructed, and claim- advise him to abandon forever, such plows, if he cheese per year; but he could select half of themed to possess some superior qualifications. Some wishes to become a first rate plowman. that would yield about 450 lbs. His cheese has of them were in actual use, but we could not a right hand plow, his near, or lead horse will obtained a high reputation in the markets, and learn that they had been tried a sufficient length be too far from the previous furrow, and will not brings the highest prices. Some that we saw and of time to fairly test their qualities. The one tasted was certainly very good. Mr. Follet grows that interested us most was shown us by Mr. J. root crops for feeding cows in winter-sugar W. Smith, Post Master at Hebron. It is the inmiddle horse should be attached to the doublebeets mainly, but the severe drought has been vention of a Mr. Ridenhour, of Licking co. trebletree,) then he will have the lead horse in tree, (and the third, or right hand horse to the hard on them this year. This hive is of the ordinary size and form; and the furrow-and the other two on the smooth instead of holes or an opening for the passage of land; in this way, they will walk steady, instead The farm of Mr. J. W. Brice, near Newark, is the the bees in the ordinary way, a tube or spout of zigzaging about, as they do on a right hand finest that we visited in Licking county, for 2 or 3 feet long is inserted near the bottom of the plow. Another thing to be observed, is, that a its size, fertility and good state of cultivation. front of the hive, through which the bees pass plow for three horses, does not require as much We were sorry, however, to find its proprietor so in and out. At the bottom of the hive is a strip pitch to give it depth as a two horse plow; as the much of a political misanthrope, that he is desi- of tin 4 or 5 inches wide, perforated with small additional weight of gearing will tend to give rous of renting his farm or selling out, and going holes, to admit air into the hive; and underneath to the west. He is a man of much intelligence is a box or drawer which is said to act as a trap it depth. and energy of character, however, and we hope for the miller. If these directions ars followed, I am sure We have some doubts about its that Marion wil no longer find difficulty in plowthat good crops and fair prices this year, will ef- effectually excluding the worms or moths, though ing with three horses abreast. fect an improvement in the state of his mental it is said to work admirably thus far. health! He has a number of very choice cattle and sheep, some of them imported and procured at great expense. Among these is a splendid (Answers to the inquiry of MARION, in No. 10.) Durham cow, imported for him by Mr. Sotham, We have received three communications on Farm and Stock of Mr. Brice. Plowing with Three Horses. of Albany, in 1841, bred by the Earl of Warwick; this subject, all of them from old plowmen, and Respectfully, &c., May 26, 1845. CHAMPAIGN FARMER. NOTE. The writers of the foregoing, both require that a plow should be procured on purpose for three horses. The following proposes a plan for avoiding that expense, and making a two horse plow answer:-ED. * * * * * In the first place, my plows are of the left hand kind. No. 8 or 9 is a good VISIT TO I. DILLE.-We were unfortunate in size for three horses. The double and trebletree, shown in the cut as used by Marion, are the not finding our friend and correspondent, Dille, kind in common use. I place my lead horse on at home. His residence and grounds are beautithe long end of the trebletree-he walks in the fully situated, just outside of the village of NewI have not followed farming for many furrow, the other two on smooth land. I make ark. We found the garden and nursery suffer-years past, but I was brought up to that business, my plow cut the desired width, by turning the ing severely from the effects of frost and drought, horses abreast, and never found any difficulty.ing it there by a block of wood 2 or 3 inches and have plowed many hundred acres with three clevice off to the right side of the beam, secur but presenting as good an appearance otherwise as could have been expected. The nursery con- Since I quit the business, everything seems to thick, placed between the clevice and the beam, tains a good assortment of young fruit trees, of have undergone a change. The plows we used, with a small hole through it, to admit the temthe different kinds, and much shrubbery, &c., of were made of wood, except the share and cut- perpin, which will hold the block in its place. I an ornamental kind. With the well known ter, which were of wrought iron, steeled at the am speaking of a plow which has "land" suffitaste and knowledge which Mr. Dille possess-points, and about half the weight of those now cient for two horses. es on horticultural affairs, we have no doubt that in a few years his grounds will contain a most valuable collection of trees, &c. horizontal, instead of perpendicular, as at pres- Fine Sheep in Licking County, But the great cause of difficulty with Marion, We called on Mr. Abram Miller, near Etna, a I think I can easily explain: Common plows, few days since, and found him at work shearing for two horses, are made with an allowance of his sheep. His flock consists of about 200, all of from one to two inches to land; that is, the point them of fine quality, mostly Saxon, part crossed of the share stands to the left of the beam that with Merino, and some pure Merino. They were distance from a straight line with the beam; but a selected with much care from various sources-plow for three horses, should have no such alsome of them from Duchess co., N. Y., and oth-lowance-it should be made straight with the ers from Pennsylvania, &c. About 30 of his beam. If made in this way, it is as easy to plow sheep are descended from a pair selected from with three as with two. the celebrated flock of the late Mr. Dickinson, Another important circumstance in plowing of Steubenville, in this state, who died some with three horses, is, the weakest horse should years since in Texas. These are Merino, and be placed on the near, or left side (in using more nearly resemble the Paulars in fineness and right hand plow,) and in proportion to his weight of fleece, than any others we have seen in strength, let advantage be given him by increasOhio. We weighed three of the fleeces without ing the length of his end of the trebletree. This selecting: the weight was 3, 34, 3 lbs., well will throw the plow a little more from land. A washed and with less gum or yolke than is com- plow for three horses may, of course, be made so as mon in Merino wool at the east. The Saxon to cut a wider and deeper furrow than ordinary sheep of Mr. Miller's flock average about 24 lbs; two horse plows. some of these are very fine. Mr. Miller has a noble farm of very fertile land, bordering on a fine stream. Yours respectfully, &c., a MR. P. ATKINSON, on a farm adjoining Mr. Mil- MR. BATEHAM:-Your correspondent, Marion, ler's, has also a stock of several hundred fine observes that he has frequently seen farmers in sheep similar to the majority of Mr. Miller's. Pennsylvania, plowing with three horses abreast. They propose sending their wool together to I am an old Pennsylvania farmer, and it is posMassachusetts for market. doubts as to a plows' running quite so well with I see, sir, in your remarks, you express some the clevice turned on one side. This, I believe, is the common opinion, and was formerly held by me, but 10 or 12 years experience have convinced me to the contrary. I have had two plows that worked very well in this way; one with a coulter, the other with a cutter; I have frequently run these plows 40 or 50 rods without touchturned a good furrow from one end to the other, ing them or the lines on the horses, and they and as well with three horses abreast, and the cle vice turned on one side, as with two horses and the clevice straight. I have now a new plow, which I have also tried with the clevice fastened on one side with a block, as before described, and it runs as well that way as when the clevice is straight. I use a jockey staff to keep the two off horses in their places, when plowing with three horses. It was my good fortune-for so I regard it-to have had a few years' experience in early life as a practical farmer; and as I advanced from boyhood, I remember among other things, my first effort and ultimate success in the science of mowing. For a time, I had much difficulty in keeping my sythe sharp. This, however, I found sible, he may have seen me plowing in that way; indispensable; no man can approach anything MR. JACOB STOOLFIRE, near Hebron, on whom but if he did, I am sure he did not see my plow-like an easy, or a good mower, without it. we had not time to call, informs us that his two tackling such as describes. In his case, I con- I had become a good mower, when I fell in bucks, from which he pulled the sample of wool ceive there are two important circumstances company with not only a good mower, but a scimentioned in our 9th No., page 68, sheared this that cause his difficulty: In the first place, he entific one; and after the second or third day, season, No. 1, 8 lbs, and No. 2, 64 lbs of wool, has attempted to work three horses with a two finding I could not keep up with him without washed on the sheep. This is a large yield for horse plow. Now, it is a well established rule, doing myself an injury; and painful as it was for wool of so fine a quality. His flock is unques- that a three horse plow must be made without me to acknowledge it, (for I was ambitions,) yet tionably one of the best in the state; it numbers any inclination of the point to the land-i. e., I was constrained to call my friend to a stand, in the midst of my swarth. I said, "Mr. Picket, (for of vegetables, they are too watery, and should He stopped, came back, took my scythe, and explained to me the main governing principles. I adopted them; and in less than one hour, I could keep up with perfect ease. Indeed, I had at least, 20 per cent. more physical strength than he had. It was science alone, which enabled him to lead me to this extreme. During the following summer, I came in contact with about a dozen good mowers, and I may say some three or four of them professed fast mowers. I adhered strictly to the science I had learned the preceding summer, and I could lead the field with great ease, but I kept the secret to myself. * * * * * * And now for the art! I will try to describe it; not as the inventor, be it remembered, but as the successful practitioner under it. 1st. The scythe should hang natural and easy, as I have said before, it must be kept in first rate order. 2. As you approach the standing grass, let the heel of the scythe move to the very point of commencement, and let it stop the instant it has done its work. Thus there is nothing lost by a backward or forward swing. If the grass stands up so as to admit of moving on, measure the utmost capacity forward of your scythe, take a quick, easy gait, moving your right foot well up towards the standing grass, and your body with it, though leaning back, by bending the knees a little forward, so as to bring your whole weight to bear on the scythe, without twisting the body from right to left, (as many do;) thus giving ease to each clip, and ability to repeat in an advanced position, without fatigue. NOTE. If you swing 6 inches too far back, and 6 inches to far in pointing out, it makes 24 inches loss! Then apply the same strength to a scientific forward motion, and you will find it difficult for ordinary mowers to keep up. JOHN R. PITKIN, Food for the Hard Working Season. Every good farmer knows, if he wishes to have an animal well prepared for enduring work, that it must not only be well fed, but the food must be of the proper kind; otherwise it will get too fat or too poor, soft and watery, or carry too much bulk in its stomach. Just so it is with man; and to be able to accompli-h his task with ease and energy during the most busy part of the season, he should pay particular atten ion to his food. His object should be to acquire the greatest degree of muscle with as little fat and bulk as possible. In fact, to use a trainer's phrase, he must get into condition, which will add greatly to his strength, and ease and quickness of motion. To acquire muscle, then, we must eat such food as makes it in the greatest perfection. The lean of venison, beef, mutton, pork hams EDITORS, especially in distant counties, can The Weather and the Crops. Our Trip South. We have just returned from a tour of ten days in the south parts of the state; passing down the Scioto valley to Portsmouth, by the Ohio river to Cincinnati, and home via Lebanon, Xenia, &c. Our time was not half long enough, but the trip was a very pleasant and instructive one, and we should like to tell our reader about a thousand things that we witnessed; but alas! our printer tells us that we must hold up for this time, for he has already more copy than can be disposed of in this number. Well, we will tell some of it in our next, any how! for such lands, and towns, and cities; such men and women! such farmers, and cattle; such vineyards, and last, but not least, such strawberries and cream! are not often met with, and shall not all be unnoticed, or very soon forgotten! Need More "Cultivatoring.” The editor of the Springfield Republic, (who was Speaker of the late House of Rep.,) after commenting on our expose of the votes on the several legislative bills relating to agriculture, and exculpating us from the suspicion of party bias, makes the following humiliating remarks: "But these bills were in no sense party measures, and we only look at the votes in that aspect because of what had been previously said on the subject. We wish to call the attention of the Cultivator to this view of the case: the measures whose failure it regrets, were defeated by the votes of the farmers in the Legislature! Other professions voted for them, but the farmers almost unanimously against them. On the first bill, 22 farmiers voted for indefinite postponement, and 9 against it. On the passage of the second bill, 13 farmers voted for the bill, and 18 against it. So you see, friend Bateham, the farming mind of the state will require considerable Cultivatoring before it will justify or insist upon special legislation for farmers." Yes, friend Gallagher, it is too true that the farmers are the last to perceive the need of the advancement of their own profession. But this apathy is not peculiar to the farmers of Ohio: it was just the same in the New York Legislature only five years and a half ago, when with our Genesee Farmer we commenced the advocacy of that system of legislative aid which has since wrought such obviously beneficial results, that all parties and professions are in favor of the convanced, that they must be quite light in most that object. And so, we are convinced, it will The wheat and grass crops were so far ad- tinuance and increase of the appropriations for parts of the State, although the rains will greatly be in this state; although it is true that a less benefit them, and the yield will be better, gen- number of the farmers are readers of agriculturstraw, wheat will be less liable to suffer from of the improvements that can be effected in their erally, than was anticipated. Being light in al papers, and consequently have less knowledge rust, than is usual, so that the yield may be as profession, and of the advantages that will regreat, if not greater than for several years past, sult from legislative encouragement; hence the the State. Corn is now advancing with great Ohio needs "Cultivatoring," and we trust the especially in the central and southern parts of remark is a just one, that the farming mind of rapidity. We have just returned from a tour friends of the cause will take the hint, and aid us through much of the best corn region, and have in performing this work. It has progressed finely no doubt the crop will prove, at least an thus far, and its influence will be felt in the next average one. legislature, and upon the future prosperity of the state. continue quite favorable; especially, at the east Subsoil Plows, of a good quality, from Cincinnati, will be for sale at the convention in this city-price $10, and canal charges. Sowing Corn for Fodder, as mentioned in our last, may now be done with the best prospect of success. and shoulders, is the best meat for this purpose; next comes veal, poultry, and the drier kinds of fish; side pork is too fat and gross, and should be avoided as much as possible, especially during the summer season. It is decidedly better to eat meat fresh: salted it makes one so thirsty that he is apt to overload his stomach with water, and thus become heavy and sluggish. Oatmeal is undoubtedly the best for bread; but as the AmerInfluence of the Moon on Agriculture.- We ican farmer is not accustomed to it, he prefers have several times been requested to take up this wheat, then rye, with both of which a slight subject, and discuss it seriously. We design to quantity of Indian meal should be mixed. We do so before long; in the mean time, in order that YIELD OF CORN FODDER PER ACRE.-It is stated have heard barley bread much vaunted; yet as we may have some tangible materials to do it in a report of Mr. Leak to the Pedee Agricultural we have little experience in it, and that not of with, we wish such of our readers as have in Society of S. C., that an acre of corn, when first the most favorable kind, we do not recommend their own experience, met with any facts, going cut for fodder, weighed 156,816 lbs.-over 70 it; and if we did, we doubt whether our far- to prove the existence of lunar influence, on the tons; and that when thoroughly cured for formers would consider it fit for their tables. Oat-weather, the soil, the growth of seeds, or plants, age, the same weighed 27,297 lbs. over 10 tons. meal cakes we have often eaten, and relish them the productiveness of crops, &c. &c., would send It was thought the dried forage would have been highly. Corn-bread has a large per centage of us statements of the same, either for publication something more had not the corn been cut too oil in it, and for this reason it is rather too freely or our guidance in discussing the subject. Or if early. used at the west and the south. Rice is much facts cannot readily be found, give us the most used at the south for bread, and should be placed prevalent opinions on the subject, and the explabefore corn. Of vegetables, beans and peas nation or reasons for the same, if any are adduced. one volume; reader, if you are well pleased with stand far higher than any other within our exit thus far, ask your neighbors to subscribe. perience; mealy potatoes come next on the Our thanks are due to Bro. Hooper, of muscular list; but as to most of the other kinds Cincinnati, for the use of a number of wood cuts. This number completes the first half of Remarks on leached ashes, &c., in our next. Revolving Horse Rake. This implement ought to be in more common use in Ohio. Few farmers in New York are now without them. They save a vast amount of time and labor in haying-when time and labor are most valuable. They cost only 6 or $8, and we believe, are not restricted by any patents. Why are not more made, and used throughout Ohio? Cutting Rusted Wheat. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. Letter from a Lady, with Inquiries SPRINGFIELD, O., May 31, 1845. ever, that an opportunity will shortly present, for us to call and inspect it; at which time, it will afford us pleasure to give such advice as our limited knowledge may suggest. In the mean time, we shall be pleased to hear from any of our correspondents, who have had experience in the management of such lands. M. B. BATEHAM, Esq.:-The establishment of an We can briefly remark, that, in our opinion, Agricultural paper at Columbus, is welcomed by it will be necessary to drain more effectually, the all interested in the improvement of our country, wet portion of the land, before timothy, or any as an omen of good presage-and when we see of the cultivated grasses will flourish on it, and that Horticulture is to find a place on your pages, in order to exterminate flags, &c., where they and that the Ladies are invited to give their have taken possession. The dry and light poraid, we are sure that a good work is in progress. tion would doubtless be most permanently and We wish you God speed-and though our wel- effectually improved, by a good dressing of loam, come has been tardy, be assured it is sincere. or clay soil, evenly spread over the whole surI have inquiries to make, and some experience face, and harrowed at the time of seeding to to give, that may be useful to your readers-but grass. But this may be too expensive, and other the subjects crowd before me so importunately, I plans will be needed. If the subsoil is more scarcely know how to select. The first in im- compact than the surface, we should advise plowportance, (to me) perhaps, is, to learn what is ing, and thorough harrowing before seeding; and the best method to get prarie land into good even if all is light sand or muck, we would stir meadows? The land is so light, that to plow and mix it well before sowing grass seed. If where it is dry, is to give the soil to the winds; done late in the fall, or early in spring, the moistand a part is too wet to plow at all, though the ure will prevent much injury being done by the ditches are kept open. Should the land be harrowed, and seeded down, and at what time? Will the treading of cattle be an advantage, to The wheat straw is so light this year, in most Will timothy do well on black praire soil? and parts of Ohio, that much less injury than usual, how managed? How can flags best be extermiis anticipated, from the rust. There will, doubt-nated, where they have taken possession? less, be some fields attacked by this plague, how- Is it best to pasture heavily, this prarie land? ever, and it will be well to remind farmers, that it is best to cut wheat as soon as the rust makes its appearance, if the grain is grown to its full size, as it generally is. This practice has often been recommended in the papers, and well established by experiments. The following extract from a letter, is to the point: wind. A dressing of lime and leached ashes, (either or both,) will be found of advantage, especially in exterminating wild carex, flags, &c. The common time for seeding is as early in the spring as the ground is in good order; and a thin sowing of oats is usually applied at the same time, in such cases, as a protection to the young grass. We do not think that timothy is the best grass for such lands, though it would be well to mix some of it with other kinds. Red-top and blue grass, would be more likely to flourish, and mixture of all three would be safe and sure. (The seed can be got at seed stores in Cincinnati.) We second the call for advice on making a selection of fruit trees; and as our friend Dille is travelling this summer, we would solicit the favor from Dr. J. P. Kirtland, whom we know is eminently qualified for the task.-ED. a Letter from "Rosella of Richland." This ground is intended for hay and pasture, alternating the fields. You will much oblige me by giving information on this subject. There is much written on the subject of peach trees; but I do not see noticed, the use of tobacco. "I would suggest to farmers everywhere, I once knew a tobaccoist, whose peach trees (though it is hard to make many believe it,) that lived to a good old age, free from worm or diswheat struck by the rust, say a week before it ease; all he did, was to tie a good bundle of towould ripen, should be cut immediately, as the bacco stems at the crotch of each tree-the rain spread of the disease is thereby stopped, and did the rest, and made a solution strong enough there is nutriment enough in the straw to fill out to prevent the worm from doing mischief. and harden the grain. This matter was well Another plan was adopted by an aged Hortitested, by one of my neighbors, to whom I gave culturist with great success; When he planted MR. EDITOR:-Since you have been so kind as this advice, at my mill, last summer. He went his young peach trees, he put earthen crocks, to devote a portion of your paper to the use and home, fully determined to carry out my sugges- open at each end, like those used for stove pipes, benefit of your female readers, I cannot resist tion, and actually commenced cutting his wheat, over each tree; in the spring he filled those with the temptation to throw in my mite, if it is only but after cutting one acre, he concluded it was sand. The fly deposites its egg at the surface to inform you that your labors are appreciated, too green, and deferred the rest till it ripened. of the earth, or sand, where the bark is tender- and to pursuade others to aid you in making the The consequence was, the acre cut green, pro- as soon as frost came, the crock was raised, the Ohio Cultivator useful, and entertaining to those duced plump, well filled wheat, while that left sand removed, and the bark hardened through for whom it is designed. I have been highly to ripen was so badly shrunk as to be of very the winter. The same process was repeated delighted with it thus far, and feel gratified to little value. More at another time. Yours, &c., every year. think that our own OHIO is no longer behind her Union, Montgomery co., O. A. GEORGE. sister States, in that important aid to prosperity, a well conducted, and I trust, well sustained agricultural paper. Dogs vs. Sheep. If, in addition to this care, a little saltpetre and common salt be added, early in March, vegetation would be retarded, and we might anticipate with more certainty, the pleasure of eating peaches. At a future time, I may speak of blight in pears-and curculio on the plum. I have read with much pleasure, a communi- If Mr. Dille would give us a list of the best A. A. But what a pity it is, that so many young farmers-those who would derive most advan tage from its pages, are not subscribers and readers of the Ohio Cultivator? And this should remind us of a duty that we can perform in reference to such. Girls! we have a deep interest in their welfare, and we should seek to promote their improvement and elevation, by persuading scribe and become reading, thinking men-more all within the sphere of our influence to subpleasing companions, better farmers and better neighbors. Within a few days past, there has been a large number of sheep, belonging to different individuals, in this neighborhood, killed by dogs-some we believe, have lost as high as 20 or 30. We hear like accounts from other portions of the State, which admonish us that something must be done to remedy the evil. What can be more provoking, after having reared a fine flock of sheep, than to have them destroyed by a gang of worthless dogs. If there was any excuse for keeping so many ravenous, half starved, prowling animals, the evil could be born more easily, Now, Girls! I propose that we all set about but there is none whatever. The number of sheep destroyed by dogs, in Ohio, in one year, Remarks.-The foregoing is from a lady, whose this work at once, and make a special effort, and if we mistake not is estimated at upwards of talents and experience eminently qualify her to at the end of the year let us see which of twenty thousand. This is taxing sheep for the afford instruction and pleasure to our readers, and us will procure the largest number of subscribenefit of dogs, with a vengeance, and is too we hope it may be convenient and agreeable for bers, as a new year's present for the (editor) grevious to be borne. We go in for taxing sheep, her frequently to use her pen for that purpose. bachelor, (detestable word.) but not in this way, and if the evil cannot be Our fair readers mus: not suppose, from the style will gladden his cold heart, and if proper remedied in any other manner, a heavy tax will of the foregoing, that the writer is more familiar efforts are put forth, on the part of his friends, have to be levied upon extra dogs. with the operations of the field and the garden in this way, he will no longer have any excuse than with the affairs of her husehold; for such for not engaging that "assistant, to take charge we are sure, is not the case; and if so disposed, of the Ladies' Department," which he promised she can readily convince them that she is still in the first number of the Cultivator, he would more at home amid the duties and pleasures of obtain when the list was sufficiently large to the family circle, and above all, in the exalted warrant such a step. I am much pleased, Mr. Editor, to find that occupation of cultivating the immortal mind. We regret that our space will not, at present, your ladies' department is so well appreciated, allow us to fully answer her inquiries respecting and contributed for, by your female readers. I prairie lands: nor could we do so in any case hope we shall be favored with communications satisfactorily, without more particular knowledge from many farmers' wives and daughters-such of the soil alluded to. We are in hopes, how- as are more gifted than I am, with ability to af We wish our friends in the several townships would furnish us with an estimate of the number of sheep killed by dogs per year, that we may show the tax one part of community pay for the support and amusement of the dogs of the other. What say you friends, to giving the required information?-Warren, Trumbull co. Dem. The Cincinnati Hort. Soc. will send delegates to the Convention, to introduce the subject of extending the law for the protection of gardens This, I'm sure, they will shear, on an average, about 1-4 pound Down ewes, and lambs and wethers, in winter, ford instruction and amusement. Wishing you Respectfully yours, You JACOB T. PUGSLEY. REMARKS. With the foregoing, we received 36 samples of wool, neatly arranged, and of very fine quality, which sheep-farmers are invited to call and inspect. We do not think we have any finer specimens than these, though some have a better appearance as to color and feel; this we cannot think is owing to some defect or unhealthiness in the sheep, as intimated by Mr. P. We have always supposed such beauty of appearance was attributable to quite an opposite cause.-ED. Although we backwoods farmers have many advantages in sheep raising, over those in Europe, yet we have not the practice and experience which the numerous agricultural societies have tended to produce in England. I calculate that when the South Down breed have been fairly introduced here, their mutton will be so much valued to its flavor and its tendency to health, that it will supercede the too common use of pork; this article will now be wanted for export in the shape of lard and oil, for which it is principally valuable. Excuse for being tedious, and believe me GEO. SMITH. Legislative aid to Agriculture. LOYDSVILLE, June 1st, 1845. Mr. EDITOR: The inquiry is often made, "what can the State or General government do for the promotion of agriculture?" Build up an agricultural school, says one, like the national milimuch can be done in this way. I have been tary academy at West Point. I do not believe perusing Colman's account of the Agricultural Institutions in England, Ireland and Scotland. None of these seem to be well adapted to our country. Those based on something like the manual labor system, might do the best; but all of them look to the formation of a superior class, a kind of priesthood among the farmers to superintend and direct the rest. This might be a good arrangement in the slave States; with us, we want something general, something that every man may partake of freely. Allow me to suggest a few thoughts. Let there be a permanent office created, the holder to be styled the commissioner of agriculture. Let him be required to understand mineralogy, geology, botany, and agricultural chimistry.Let it be his business to visit, in succession, the several counties in the State, to make his home among the farmers, to examine the soils, mines, and whatever else is interesting; to investigate and note the various modes of culture, management of stock, and the whole process of agriculture; to suggest improved modes, and to deliver occasional lectures at the county seats, and to make an annual report of whatever may seem to be important. * My stock were selected with great care, by my friends and self, from some of the test full blooded Saxony flocks, in Dutchess county, N. Y.; my place of nativity and residence, until the last five years, which I have spent in this place, experimenting somewhat in the management of sheep, for wool growing. I will here state that I have been raised to farming and wool growing; that my father and ancestors were farmers of considerable extent, occupying from seven to ten hundred acres each; which gave me an opportuOn the breeds of Sheep. nity for an acquaintance with the business, at an The following letter is from an experienced early age, and likewise, of the great improve- sheep farmer, to whom, at his request, we forments in farming and managing stock in that warded specimens of wool from Mr. Randall's county, for the last fifteen years, which, to my Paular Merino sheep. We do not fully agree knowledge, enables a farmer to support a family, with all its positions, but shall leave the matter educate and set them up in business, much better to those having experience to guide them, in on two hundred acres of land, at present, than settling disputed points.-ED. formerly on five of the same natural advantages. As to my experience here; the first eighteen CARY'S ACADEMY, HAMILTON CO., O. months proved almost fatal to my flock, from acMay 5th, 1845 climating. They travelled from Dutches county, MR. BATEHAM:-I am much obliged for the speA small experimental farm, with a suitable New York, to Highland county, Ohio, wintered mens of wool, the produce of Col. Randall's flock. superintendent, connected with this office, would and summered without any loss of moment, and The quality is very superior, and the weight quo- seem to complete the arrangement. On the then they commenced dying from a disease of ted is even more remarkable. Probably I may arm trial and exhibition could be made of the the liver, and continued to die for about one request your assistance in procuring a buck, improved processes. year; no cause discoverable, other than a change when you go to New York; but of this We are told, upon authority not to be quesshall you of climate, as they were in good order, and on hear again. I am aware that this sort of sheep tioned, that fifty, and even eighty, and one an old improved farm of rolling ground, well will pay more than the South Down or Bake- hundred bushels of wheat, can be raised on an watered, purchased by a brother, expressly for well, where the pastures are large, such as prai- acre, and certainly it is worthy the consideration the health of the sheep. They stopped dying rie or the table and mountain lands in the south, of our farmers, to consult with each other, how after a loss of 3-4 of the original flock, and then where the flocks are numerous, and the sole ob- it is to be done. The superintendent of agriculremained stationary for about one year, when I ject is the fleece; but in [this part of] Ohio, the ture, and his annual report, would form a mediremoved my part of the stock to my present res- flocks are generally small, and kept principally um of communication. He would form the conidence, in quite a level country, where they for family use, or for their mutton or market; for necting link between science and labor. He are fast redeeming themselves, being as healthy, these purposes the South Down and Bakewell would bring the treasures of knowledge from the and increasing more rapidly than I ever had a breeds have vastly the superiorty in their wool four quarters of the world, and pour them into flock in New York, and a part of the remainder of for domestic uses; and as to the quality of their the lap of the industrious husbandman. the flock are on the same farm, in fine condition. mutton, both in appearance and taste, there is no would not deal altogether in books, but he would It would be desirable, if any one could suggest comparison; in addition to the above, the con- see the farmer at his home, he would communia plan by which so great a loss might be avoided. stitutions and symmetry of the South Down would cate with him orally, and in many matters exI have heard of several flocks having the same warrant their importation for crossing all other hibit practically, what can be done. He would breeds, except where raising fine wool is the ob- ascertain and report the best seeds, grains and ject. grasses, and the most useful and valuable animals. He would kindle up every where the fire of improvement, and it would run from farmer result. He As it respects quality of the wool, I was in Dutchess county last fall, and brought samples Arthur Young says, "The South Down sheep from the same flocks from which mine were se- has many advantages for early maturity, an inlected, and I confidently believe them to retain durance of hard stocking; the flesh is finely their fineness of wool, and if any thing, to im-grained, and the wool of most useful quality." plan, and employed Dr. D. LEE, a well qualified individual, to trav prove on the samples, but am of the opinion, Ellman, on 500 acres of land, kept 700 Southerse the State for these purposes.-ED. *The New York State Agricultural Society have adopted this |