348

REVIEW OF THE AUGUST NO. OF THE AGRICULTURIST.

"The old oaken bucket, the moss-covered bucket that hung in the well."

Sheep Husbandry.-Now, whoever knows Jacob | fire-place and great stone oven; the old settle and N. Blakeslee as well as I do, will bear witness, that long oak table; the great pewter platter and ditto he need not squirm because John Brown treads on plates; and ditto, too, the old cider mug, while just some folks' toes. No one will accuse friend Jacob by the back-door hung with puffing up a spurious article, because we know that he has a good flock, and his practice shows that he knows how to improve them. But he is quite mistaken in supposing that three-fourths All of which comforts and conveniences of a of the lambs will partake of the quality of the farm-house kitchen have given way to the little 7 fleece of the buck in all cases. In my opinion the by 9 room and despisable cook-stove; the cut glass quality of the fleece of the lamb will depend much and china dishes upon a costly mahogany table; upon the vigor of the buck at the period of coition. and other et ceteras of modern life; none of which If the buck is in low condition, or old, or sickly, show "the beauty of propriety" in a farm-house. or lacking vigor from any cause, which is often the In fact there is the greatest departure from propriety case from over-working, the fleeces of the progeny in a very large portion of all modern building, and will deteriorate from their sire. I am a strong ad- even in Mr. Downing's figures (59 and 61) in this vocate of cross-breeding; yet I must own that I article, it is not fully visible to my eye. Fig. 61, have seen some good flocks that never had enjoyed in particular, lacks elevation from the ground, and that advantage; and I very much doubt whether both are represented too low in the stories, while the mere relationship between the male and female the windows have too much of a prison-like apis so deleterious, as the breeding together male and female too nearly allied in form, and of a weak constitution.

pearance. If some person, who is fully capable, would publish a small work of designs, plans, description, and expense of farm buildings, it would Gardening, No. 6.-Mr. Talbot says that" cot- become as popular as "Cottage Residences." I tages and palaces are as much natural objects as don't believe, however, that the talented author of the nests of birds," which is a new idea, and at first that work is the man for the author of the "New seemed an absurd one; but, upon reflection, I am Farm-house Companion." Several designs already constrained to coincide with him in opinion. I published might be embodied. Who shall do it? have heard arguments against improvements in the About Manures.-I beg your pardon, Judge art and science of agriculture, as" contrary to na-Beatty, but you have got the cart before the horse ture." Now, in fact, this cannot be, for man, in a in the very first sentence of your valuable article; healthy state of body and mind, is an improving and if said cart were loaded with stone at the creek animal; and it is just as much instinct for him to in front of your house, you never could back up build beautiful houses, as it is for birds to build the hill. You say "there is nothing so importan* beautiful nests. But there is a difference in men as in the art of agriculture as the restoration and prewell as in birds, and there are some turkey buzzards servation of the fertility of the soil." Now what I in both classes. The closing line of this article object to is, that you should give the word "restorupon gardening, is a text upon which I could write ation" the precedence, when, in fact, if the word a long sermon. Reader, I pray you look to it, on" preservation" had been kept in view, such a soil page 247. as that of "Prospect Hill" would never need the On the same page is another article from Mr. restorative power of manure. And so it is with all Longworth, upon his favorite theory-practice, the new soil of the wide west. No thought of prerather--a practice, however much it may be scouted serving its natural fertility by a rational system of by theorists, that has furnished the city of Cincin-culture is ever exercised, until at length it falls into nati with a greater abundance of delicious straw-the hands of some one who perceives the necessity berries than any other city in the world. And this of resorting to a foreign author, and perhaps imis owing to the influence of one active mind, and goes to show what influence for good, one good man, and particularly with the aid of a good paper, can effect in agricultural improvement.

ported manures, to learn how to restore that which never should have been lost. This is too much like our city system of licensing dens of dissipation, vice, and misery, to preserve the morals of our The recipe to "make water cool," would be youth in, and then restoring them at Blackwell's more useful if equally applicable to make the wea-Island, Sing Sing, or Auburn. Our whole governther cool. We would wrap the whole city in mental land system is conducted upon the same coarse cotton if it would carry off the heat from principle. It holds out inducements for " squatters" the inside. to spread over the domain, and skim a little here Hints on the Construction of Farm-Houses.-This and there, and then press forward towards the boris one of the most sensible articles of its popular and ders of civilisation, leaving behind them their broad prolific author. It seems to us worthy of the at-tracks of deteriorated soil for some after comer to tention of every one who would render our country restore to its pristine value, by a system of artificial life expressive of its true usefulness and beauty." manuring, that makes such communications as this I think, too, that a farm-house should be " unmis- of your worthy old friend highly valuable. takeably a farm-house," not only in its exterior, but Butter-making-A few short answers to a few in its internal arrangement, which I consider of far plain short questions. more consequence than outward appearance; and the point upon which modern houses show the greatest lack of common sense in the builder. I am wedded to the old-fashioned New England farm-house kitchen, and can never forget the big

66

1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th.—If you have any other than man, or rather woman power, to drive the churn, let the milk sour till just beginning to grow thick, and then churn.

5th. Sometimes. But don't use too much.

A READY RULE FOR FARMERS.

6th. Yes, most decidedly, and better. 7th.-65 degrees.

8th. Not at all important

To make Bacon.-All right, except the direction to" smoke continually in damp weather," and that is all wrong. At such times the hams will be covered with drops of moisture, which, if smoked in, will give the meat an acrid taste. In packing away, first put the ham in a cheap cotton bag, and then charcoal is better than ashes.

349

is a lady, and single withal, Solus is bound to quit his bachelor's life, and go where he can get his stockings knit at home. If he don't I am sure 1 shall. I agree with (Miss, of course) E. L. that knitting for farmers' boys would be far better than idleness; but I must say, that I do not believe she will live to see such a specimen of universal industry in America. While it is the fashion for farmers' girls to murder music, and daub paper with many colors (calling them pictures), and spin ten times as much street yarn as they knit stocking yarn, and while "the store" gives credit, and sells

New York State Ag. Show.-I have but one comment to make. "The arrangements made by the citizens of Auburn are ample and satisfactory." so cheap," she must never expect to see the boy's There is room, and a hearty welcome for all." A similar announcement was made last year. The result proved that strangers, from different portions of our country, walked the streets of Utica in a cold frosty night, for want of shelter, while others paid the most exorbitant tavern bills (increased 100 per cent. for the occasion), while the fare could not well be worse. I hope the Auburn welcome will be less frosty-that is all.

Pennock's Grain Planter.-I have seen it work, and it is what it is recommended to be, except that it will not "work so well on hilly and rough land, as smooth." But it would work well on the western prairie land; and in connection with a harvesting machine, which cuts, threshes, winnows, and bags the wheat, what an immense business could be done. The letter heretofore alluded to, from Indiana, informs me that "Mr. Davis, of Au Sable Grove, near Oswego, Illinois," had such a machine in operation upon his farm this season. Will you, my dear Major, give us a detailed account of size, cost, motive power, amount of wheat harvested per day, and if it really works satisfactorily. Don't hesitate; the request comes from an Auld Lang Syne friend, and the information is much needed, We have theory enough of such machines; we want the practice.

patiently devoting their time to " knitting work." Boys Department.-Good Tools.-Most heartily and earnestly do I join in the appeal of "Lert" for good tools for the boys. But while I see men themselves so destitute of judgment, as to continually use the very poorest possible kind of tools, How can I hope to see the boys provided with such as they ought to use? Why, Mr. Editor, I have seen men doing an extensive haying this very month, that don't own a rake nor pitchfork (except a forked stick) in the world. One of my near neighbors has borrowed and kept all this summer, for the use of one of his boys, an old hoe of mine, so poor that I won't use it myself. How can we ever reach such farmers, or effect a reform for the benefit of the boys, while men pursue a course towards themselves so erroneous? However, let us never despair, while we have such good tools as our good pens and types; but keep steadily at work, and be assured that if we cannot induce the present generation of men to furnish good tools for their boys, we may so enlighten the minds of the boys to the wrong practised towards themselves, that, when they become men, they will be sure to furnish their boys with " Good tools”

And here I must close my review of the present month, without being able after jumping over seveManagement of Bees.-The remarks of Mr. ral articles, to reach the "Editor's Table." It is Miner upon this subject seem well calculated to do my object to write with a free pen, but not a cavilgood. Since I saw "Bevan on the Honey Bee" ling or caustic one. I wish my comments to be recommended by some correspondent of this paper, useful, and to induce further communications, and I have bought one, and I much like the hive de-not deter any one through fear of criticism. I am scribed by him. As you appear to be a practical not a critic-a fault finder. I seek information, man, neighbor Miner, will you tell us if you have and am willing to impart what I possess. If I differ any objection to his hives. But if it is required by in opinion with those I comment upon, I pray them nature that bees should have a hive no deeper than to reply in the same courteous and pleasant mood wide, How does it happen that they flourish so that I now feel towards them.

well in a hollow tree? I once saw while on a May it be for mutual good that I should conjourney to what was known twenty years ago only tinue a REVIEWER.

as

"the West," a hollow beech tree completely

filled twenty feet, while the cavity was not over A READY RULE FOR FARMERS.-We have been eight inches diameter. There was evidently no frequently asked to explain the difference between "sparseness of working bees" in this natural hive. the price of wheat per quarter and per barrel The When "doctors disagree" so much as they do simple rule is this. Multiply the price per quarter about the right way to manage bees, it is very diffi- by 7, and divide by 12; the result will give the cult for us ignorant mortals to tell which is the amount per barrel. Thus 568. per quarter multiright way. I fully agree with you in opinion that plied by 7 and divided by 12, gives 32s. 8d. per many of the patent hives are only patent novelties. barrel.-Quebec Gazette. Hives, with drawers, like those of Mr. Weeks' patent (from which yours seem to be copied), are very convenient when it is desired to sell the honey in the comb, as the drawers are of a convenient size for retailing.

Ladies' Department.-Knitting. This is a very pleasant and well-written article; and if the author

TO PREVENT THE RAVAGES OF THE CLOTHES MOTH.-You have nothing to do but to place shallow boxes in your drawers, with a little spirit of turpentine in them; and as the turpentine evaporates and penetrates the cloth, the larva will protrude, and be found dead on the surface.

PROPOSED SAFETY LAMP.-THE COTTON CROP.

Our opinion regarding prices is, that they cannot be forced so high as many anticipate, and as the nature of the case would seem to warrant, from one cause alone, not enumerating others, and that iscotton is shipped, as a general thing, too much encumbered with bills and cash advances, which tends to force it on the market, and sold at any 446,429 price buyers may choose to offer, by which means the planter loses his legitimate control.

AMERICAN WINE. THE POTATO DISEASE.

viz.: Ordinary, 84 a 8; Middling, 8 a 9; Good
middling, 9 a 94; Middling fair, 94 a 91; Fair, 9
a 10; Good fair, 10 a 11; and Fine, 11 a 12 cts.
These prices will, we think, prevail for some time,
and will approximate the average of the season,
unless the crop should be much less than our
figures indicate.
J. A. RUFF & Co.

New Orleans, Oct. 1st, 1846.

We place the above valuable estimate of the cotton crop before our readers, as a present guide and future reference. We will add, however, for ourselves, that the weather, since the date of Messrs. Ruff & Co.'s letter, has generally been favorable for the cotton plant, and increased receipts are anticipated. Judging from more recent advices from different parts of the South now before us, we are of opinion that the present crop will not fall short of 1,900,000, and may go up to 2,100,000. As an evidence of this, cotton (at the time we are writing this article, Oct. 19th) is dull in the market, with a slight downward tendency in New York. We may have advices of an advance by the Liverpool steamer, hourly expected, which of course will cause a corresponding advance on this side of the

water.

AMERICAN WINE,

351

own vines. The great difficulty generally with American wine is the deficiency of body and richness in the fruit, which renders it necessary to add sugar when this deficiency exists. This is always done even with the best wines abroad, when a cold or wet season impairs the accustomed richness of the fruit. We believe our fruits may be much improved, especially for the purpose of wine, by planting seeds from the best foreign varieties. Out of numerous specimens thus obtained, some would doubtless be found combining great richness and sufficient hardiness to endure our climate. The same care used in the cultivation of the vine, we may be led to expect will result in equal success with the cultivation of the peach and other fruits, which are natives of hot climates, but of which continued careful and scientific propagation has succeeded in producing the choicest kinds in profusion, and hardy enough for our severe climate.

Choice kinds of beverage are also made from other fruits. The pear yields perry, from which the most delicious champagne is made, with the addition of a little sugar. The red and white currant yields a good wine when properly treated with the addition of sugar. The quince, when grated with water, and sugar added, undergoes a fermentation, which, if arrested at the proper period by a small addition of brandy, yields an excellent wine. The best cider, with the addition of bruised or cut treated, subsequently yields a wine of excellent raisins, will undergo a fermentation, and if properly flavor and quality. The introduction of some or all of these may be made for our own use with desirable than the drugged, pernicious stuff which great advantage; and they are certainly far more is too often, we may almost say generally, imported for the use of the sick.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

AMONG the valuable contributions to the late Fair of the American Institute, were fine samples of wine from Mr. N. Longworth, of Cincinnati, and a few from other sections of the Union. These specimens were superior to any before sent for exhibition, showing a decided improvement in this branch of husbandry. Two samples of pure wine from Ohio were made from the Catawba grape, and possessed a good body and an excellent flavor, nearly resembling, but much surpassing the dry imported Hock. Another from a native grape, had a fine body, and a peculiar flavor, which use would Ar a late meeting of the British Association, undoubtedly soon render a favorite. A specimen Mr. Hogan read a communication which had apof pure sweet, or lady's wine, with a small quan-peared in a continental journal, in which it was tity of sugar added to the must, possessed a rich-recommended that the potato plant should be proness and delicacy of flavor similar to the Malmsey, pagated by seed, as the best means of guarding but more delicious, having the taste of a rich, fresh against the disease. grape. Two other samples, one from a native Dr. Lankaster said, that the number of facts grape of Alabama, and another from our own State, brought forward by Mr. Hogan to substantiate his showed a body and flavor which gives every pro- plan of remedying the potato disease, were quite mise that the subject needs only to be carefully insufficient. Unless this plan had been extensively studied and pursued, to reach a point in production adopted, and found to be extensively successful, when we can soon dispense with the importation it would be folly to proceed on it, with the amount of all foreign wine, excepting some peculiar

varieties.

American enterprise has not fully considered the peculiar circumstances of soil, manuring, cultivation, &c., which affect the quality of wine. One side of a hill will frequently yield an article totally different in quality from an opposite side, and the character varies with almost every field where the grape is produced. Generally, the best wine is made from grapes raised without manures, or such as are peculiarly mild in their character, and impart no flavor to the fruit. One of the best vineyards of France was seriously deteriorated for years by a dressing with fresh animal or putrescent manures. Some of the most delicate wines are made from grapes manured only from the trimmings of their

of evidence that could be brought against it. With regard to the causes of the disease, he said that there had not been one theory borne out by evidence that would lead to its being adopted by a man of science. That it depended on atmospheric changes was assumed, and there was no proof of it. There was only the coincidence of certain kinds of weather and the disease. That it arose from debility in the potato plant, was also an assumption. No debility had been proved to exist. He thought it right that it should go forth to the world, that the only conclusion yet arrived at was negative, and that the more they investigated the matter, the more evident did it become, that prevailing theories and remedial recommendations were founded on ignorance and assumption

352

ENTOMOLOGY.-No. 1.

ENTOMOLOGY.-NO. 1.

make use of many curious devices to escape observation; some penetrate the heart of the young shoot, or eat their way into the bud; many conceal themselves with great skill, by rolling up the leaves in which they have taken up their residence ; and others, again, spin themselves a silken case, where they live in security.

speaking, is the first state or stage in the life of an MUCH has been said and written upon the various insect. The forms which distinguish the different modes of destroying insects injurious to vegetation, tribes are numerous and varied; but none are proand of counteracting in a measure their injurious vided with wings. They are known in common effects. Were we to enumerate all that have been parlance by the names of grub, caterpillar, maggot, recommended by various writers on agriculture and or wire-worm. All insects in this state feed voragardening, it would surely be a matter of astonish- ciously, and consequently at this period of their ment that the races of injurious insects had not lives they are the most destructive to vegetation. long ago been exterminated, not that they should They do not feed on all plants alike; some confine appear in such undue proportion as almost to baffle themselves to one particular species, without which our exertions to destroy them. It must surely be they die; others eat the leaves of two or three confessed that in no one department, either of agri- plants only; while some few are general feeders, culture or gardening, is there such a lamentable de-attacking almost every kind of plants without disficiency as in this. The reasons for it will be evi- crimination. Hence it is that the larvæ of insects dent, when it is remembered, that in order to check found in flower gardens, are different from those of or counteract the operations of these numerous the fields, kitchen garden, or orchard. The smaller classes of depredators with any success, a know-species are generally the most injurious, as they ledge of the peculiar habits and economy of each species is first to be acquired; without this, little can be done of any account, and even the remedies that are applied are used at random. It may be said, and perhaps with some truth, that this subject belongs to the naturalist, and that the agriculturist and gardener should look to him for information, and for effective remedies. The naturalist studies Of the Pupa or Chrysalis.-This is the second. out and explains the animal economy, but it remains state, and here they are not to be dreaded, as in for those most interested, those who daily see and general the pupæ are torpid, inactive, and incapable feel their effects, to apply remedies which their pre-of receiving nourishment. When the larva has atvious knowledge, obtained from the naturalist, will enable them to do. The agriculturist should devote a portion of his leisure moments in acquiring a perfect knowledge of the general forms which belong to insects, the changes they undergo, and of the primary divisions into which they have been formed by modern naturalists. He should watch their progress, note the manner of their feeding, mark the time they pass in their larva and pupa states, and the period of their becoming perfect insects. He should learn to distinguish between beneficial insects whose increase should be promoted, and injurious insects whose depredations should be arrested.

In some future communication I may give to your readers, if desirable, a description of the different operations which, in a general way, may be directed to the removal of insects; but, in this, I propose to give a general view of the changes which insects pass through, from the egg to the perfect state; the different appearances which the various tribes assume, before they reach their final development; and the several orders or divisions under which they are classed by modern naturalists. Insects are distinguished from vertebrated animals by being destitute of a back-bone, and furnished with more than two feet; and from worms, by possessing feet. Most insects are furnished with six feet, but some few have a greater number, as the centipede, wood-louse, &c.

The generality of insects are produced from eggs; some are hatched within the body, and the young are produced in a living state; while most others are hatched from eggs deposited in some secure place, either above or below the surface of the earth. The period required for these eggs to hatch is very variable; in some species this process takes place in a few days, while, with others, it is not accomplished until the following year.

Of the Larva or Caterpillar.-This, properly

tained its growth, it retires either into the earth, or to some secure situation, where the change to the chrysalis state is effected in a few hours, or at most, a few days. The pupæ are as various in their forms and situations as the larvæ. Those of the beetle tribe are found in the earth, or in other substances; they have usually the first rudiments of feet, and of other parts, which become fully developed only in the perfect state. The pupa of butterflies are entirely naked; and are either suspended by the tail, or attached to trees, walls, &c., by a strong thread. The duration of the chrysalis varies according to the species; and there are many insects which undergo so trifling a change, that it is scarcely perceptible.

Of the Imago or Winged Form.-This is the third and last stage in the life of an insect, and the one in which the organs are fully developed, and when it becomes a perfect being, exhibiting those characters which point out its station in nature. The habits and economy of perfect insects, no less than their external appearance, are, in most cases, totally different from those which belong to the previous stages of their existence. The caterpillar, furnished with strong jaws for devouring foliage, is changed into an insect, without any organs for mastication, and which lives only by sucking the nectar of flowers. The duration of this state of the insect is also variable. Most are probably annual, coming from the egg and passing through all their changes within the year. Some, however, as some of the beetle tribe, are long-lived. Moths are biennial, passing the winter in the chrysalis state under ground. Butterflies are mostly annual; although some few survive the winter, and appear early in the spring. The perfect insect of some species exists but a few hours, and seems born only to provide for a continuation of the species; while in the lower state it enjoys an aquatic existence of two or three years.

L. T. T.