SHEET

ADVERTISING

FOR

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

BIEDICINES

COURTNEY S
'

FOIl

Hon. Lord
The Rig-lit
ratrons:"
Hants; the Right Hon. Lord YarAshburton,Granj,'e,
Line, and Isleot Wight; the lion.
borough.Brocclesby,
Society)
the Hants Ag-ncullural
W. Gage, (Presidentof
"Westbury House, Alton ; Sir T. Barintr, IJait. ; Sir
Houses SnJohn Pollen, Bart., M. P., Redenhain

AGRICULTURISTS

W.

of the Animal.

BALLS
cure
ASTRINGENT
COURTNEY'S
lambs, sheep, calves,fouls,fawns,oxen, "c., in scour
and looseness.
Sold, fit to use, boxes at os., 40 doses
half-size2s. 9d.
for lambs, and 10 ditto,
RESTORATIVE
ANIMAL
COURTNEY'S
of all kinds,prevents
in and outward swelling-s
cures
at
mares
of ewes, cows,
mortify,heave and strainingble
birth,ike; is the finestembrocation extant for the stahurts,strainsof allsorts,sores,
and animal in bruises,
does
blister,
and streng-thening
"wounds,udders, sting's,
not
destroy the hair. In2s. 9d.,5s.,and 7s. 6d. bottles.
and VERMIN
FLY
HAIMPSIHRE
COURTNEY'S
sheep,ticks and
POWDERS
stop Hies striking
keeps woo!." In packets3s. Gd. each,
lice,aids g-rowth,
to dress

300, "c.
^

83,

FOUNDKLl,

AND

WEST

LONDON

SMITHFIELD,

J. PLENTY

w.

AGRICUIitU"

"

MANUFACTURBi,

SMITH
No.

begs

kills liceand ticks.

of the year his latestImpipved

Cake
and
Chafl- cutting Machines, Oil
JMacliines,
at the prices as under,and
to say that
ruiuip Slicers,
lie can
warrant
them, as well as all other Implements
and Machines manufactured
by him, to be of the best

thisseason

at

materials and

workmanship.

for

for Horse Power

Do.
2 Knives
Do.
for a smaller
Do.
Do.
Rlachines for breaking Rape

Cake, from
Turnip Cutters and
Plenty'sImproved

consumption
Linseod

and

Ploughs.

Scotch
all description?.

13 6 to 10 10 0
3 13 6 to 5
5 0
.3 5 0 to 6
6 0

others of

Moulding up Ploughs " Horse Hoes 3 0

Findlay*on'sPatent Self CleaningHarrow

^^^

Lent

HUMUS
T^HE
by

Corn,

Pulse,

and CARBON,

14 0
10 0

0 to

scriptions
Scarihers or Cultivators of all de4 10 0 to 14 14 0
Lever

Improved

""c.

13 0
10 10 0
7
70

"13

"3

Sheer?
Patent
Iron Ploughs,and

Id po"s 4s. "c.

Turnips,

3 Knives

Improved ClialfMachine, with

cutting

for Horses,
POWDERS
WORM
COURTNEY'S
and wonderfully improve condition. In
kill worms,
packets of nine doses, 5s. fid.,"c.
FOOT-ROT
AND
THRUSH
COURTNEY'S
2s.
for horses and sheep. In packets,
POWDERS
6d. "c.
DRAUGHT
and CHOLIC
FRET
COURTNEY'S
In bottles,two
horses within five minutes.
cures
4s., "c.
draughts,
Prepared only by the proprietor, ]\Ir.W.CouRTNF.y,
and Church Farm, Barton Stacey,near
Newion
Macy,
tail
Sutton Scotncy, Hants ; and sold Wholesale and Recine
by him, and allLondon and Country Patent MediVendors in the United Kingdom.

XOTanure

rei-o-nn^ii

to

VERMIN
mange,

PLENTY,

PLOUGH,

IMPIjEMENT

RAL

AND
MANGE
INFALLIBLE
COURTNEY'S
for sheep and dogs, cures
OINTMENT,
^^^,^

J.

MACHINIST,

J. Barker

of Breeders

AND
FARMERS,
IN
GENERAt.

LANDOWNERS,

TO

ANIMALS."

Mill, Bart., Mottisloni, Har.is; Colonel

Colonel Ireninnsjr,
Hawker, Long-parishHouse;
Wherwell
House, and Colonel Wall, V/orlhy Park,
Congreve, Esq., vVklcrinaston House,
Hants; W.
Berks; R. Etwall, Esq., M.P., Longstock Down,
K. W. Blunt,
W.Taylor, Esq., Hockley;
Hants;
Esq., Kempshot Park, "c. ; and teslilicaby thousands

Drills of various

size

18

Drills for

Turnips,Mangel

zel,"c
Thrashing Machine,
"

Do.

ork

to any

by

8
6

6 0 "

10 0 to

hand

power.

Winnowing Machines, from

BruisingMachines, for all kinds
and
Grain, .Malt,

0 0

7
7 0
16 16 0
0 0 tol40
0 0
8 0 to 18 18 0

2
to \\

18 0 to 56

Wur-

Pulse

.35
of

upwards.

Mills of all sizes,for Grinding Wheat, Oats, Beans,

Malt, Barley,and other purposes, togetherwith all other
Implements ii^^cdby the Farmer,at the lowest possible
for Ready I\loney.
prices,

tain
W. J. P. begs to say, that he is determined to mainthe reputationof his Old Established Manufactory
and materials,
by a selection of the best workmen
and attention to all orders
and by a strict iiunctualitj
with which he may be favoured.

prepared

all the
" Co., contain
LANCE
of Bones, Gypsum, Potash, Soda,
essential qualities
Just
and Vegetable Decays, "c., and may, with
Animal
MAN
URES.
water, be converted into LIQUID
have been prepared with success,
These Manures
sewer
diments
sesince the earlypart of the year 1835, from
mixed in various
soil. They arc
and human
Messrs.

To
Agriculturists III
Published,Extra-Post 4to.,Price Five Shillings,
neatlybound,
ALL
MARSH'S
ANNUAL
AND
FAllMiai'S

ACCOUNT

BOOK.

of
By an Ewiinent Berkshire Agriculturist.
natures
to suit the different mineral
proportions
and to suit various crops.
'i'hisPlan being arranged under separate heads, it
soils,
agricultural
of the ITaxvuii s may
be seen
be easilyand accuratelykept by the most inexpeA Chemical Account
can
rienced
HOP
CO.AIPLETE
FARMER,"
lished
pubAccountant.
in " THE
their
cfl'ects
by Messrs. Ridgway, Piccadilly
;
Print"'d and pubSpeenhainlnnd,Ne\vl"ury,Berks:
with
and appropriation
to the various soils,conjointly
lish(!d by Hall and
London : Simpkin ami
Marsh,"
be seen
at the Polytechnic
may
a collectionof earths,
Stationers'Hall Court.
attached to the English Marshall,
209, Regent-street,
Institution,
"

Rooms.
Society's
Ag-ricultural
sold in l^ondon
The
Manures
by Mr. Ri r.are
and by Agents
"inAVE,25,Albanystreet,
Rcgent's-park;
in various parts of the country.
The
prices are. Carbonized

Humus,

Is. Od. per

ONNA

l^IAULi

SUPERB

SEED

SOWING.
ConsiderWHLAT
for SPRING
Consumption of Foreign
ing theeiKnaious a lidincreasingWlieat, llio above, of all others,demands immediate
to
attention. One Twenty ShillingPacket is sufficient
STOCK
a FARM.

Animalized Carbon, Is. (id. do.; inferiorCarA Mixture with tine I'one Dust, 2s. do.
Don, lOd. do.
Powder with which the offensive
The Carbonaceous
also be had at 2s. p^r
OBSERVF,.-Sold
81,
disinfected may
only at Mr. WEBBER'S,
matters
are
bushel.
Lombard-street, in sealed and signed PacKets of 20s.,
A HAND
for sowing Seeds and IManure, 10s.,and 5s. each,the latterintended for GARDENS
DRILL
SOs.
ONLY.

bushcl

NOTICE
We

CORRESPONDENTS.

TO

best thanks to many

kind and valued Correspondents,
who have favoured us with
their communications ; but which ive are, xmavoidably,
to postpone until the publicacompelled
tion
of the next number.

offerour

CONTENTS.
I'age.
The

Plate

Lord

"

New

Western's

Breed

Shoep

New, quick,and

173

The

Seeds, Roots, "c...

Management of tlie Forfarshire

175

To

District of Strathniore
Propertiesof Linn?

179

of Essex
To the Editor of

184

Tithe

Macliine

for

m-.ikingDrain-

the Selection of Grain

the

Rural

part of
On

tho Western

the Nature

Colchester

and

and

adjoiningHundieiis'

tural
Agricul-

Association
Potato
Tho Prince de Rohan
a new
Variety.
Tlie Corn Trade
,
On cuttingWheat
hefore it is ripe
The Corn Laws
The Trotsworth Manure
Commutation
of 'I'itheson Fruit Plantations..
On Subsoil Ploughing
"

Laws

proposedAct

The

Corn

of Continental
On
On
The

Corn

Laws

The

Corn

Laws

Rates

on

ib.
and

Occupiersof the County

^

The

"'

Morning Herald"

Portable

ih.
190
192

ib.
1 93

200
201

203
204

....

ib.

Hops

On

Manures

205

Draining

ib.

Agriculture

the Landowners

On

199

Laws

189

193

ing
Slaughter202

Poor

the Culture of the Potato

the Law
Glandered
respecting

196

Subsoil

New

On

195

Sods

Laws
Poor

of

On

tion
Encouraging the Cultiva-

Ploughing
AssessingCottagesto

201

Method

187

194
for

humane

188

ib.

Plough Drainage
Corn
The

Draining.

Animals

Tiles
On

the Effects of

171

of a
Iloscription
On

'age.
On

of

206

Horses

211

....

212

Answer to Queries respecting

Italian Ryo-Grass 213
The Corn Laws
ib.
First Annual Reportof the Harleston Farmers'
214
Club
2ir
The Corn Separator
ib.
Agricultural
Colleges
To the Right Hon. T^ord Melbourne, "c. "c.
219
A nti Corn Law
233
Delegation
235
To the Right Hon. Lord John Russell
.

Agricultural
Reports
Agricultural
Intelligence
of the Corn Trade
Review
during the month
February
Prices of Seeds, Hops, Potatoes, "c
\Vool

239
242

of
245
249

Markets

250
9

BATHER,
4,

SCALE

use-

I'HAMES

INVENrOE.
with common

AND

ROBINSON'S

MAKER,

belwicn
STREEi',
London
Bridge and Billingsgate
62, HAV; and
St. James's,Loudon.
M ARKET,

In

LOWER

PATENTEE.

weights

Patent

Barley
ULCO:MMrNDED

PATRONIZED

BY

The

attention

THE

Groats,

", Patent
BY

THE
AND

QUEEN

FACULTY.
ROYAL

FAMILY.

of Mothers

the

during
(especially
A most
important and
of nursing),Invalids,and Families, is particularly
valuable machine for all period
called to the above
Patent
Articles, being the
connected with agricultural
Oat
and Barley ever
purest Farinaj of the
produced,
pursuits.It i,savvcll-known
deprivedof their fermentative propertiesby a steam
ler
selfact,both to huyerand
of all kinds of grain,
that,although itis the law
and
to

custom

buyand

oft lie country

sellbymeasure,

process.

PATENT
ROBINSON'S
equalledby
be

cannot

any

BARLEY
making

article for

in a few minutes; all impurities

pure Barley water
ing
studyit is rendered more
than Barley
palatable
vvlinleach kind of grnin being rejected,
with Pearl Barley. It is an excellent
Water made
will weigh per bushel. The
ful
adjunct with milk for the lireakfast table,highly useusefulness and readiness of
licious
for culinarypurposes,
light suppers, making dethis weighiiijr
machine must
puddings, thickening soups ; also, with the
its
lo all such,as
appear
addition of lemon
juice and sweetened,forms a most
weis'hins'
apparatus is only
gratefulbeverage.
laid on when
to
you want
ROBINSON'S
PATENT
GROATS
sally
univerare
weigh any kind of goods ;
sack-truck or barrow,
esteemed
for making a delicate Gruel ; and both
as
a
nutritious food for Chill\'w can do without one ; as
the Groats and Barley are
dren,
a
it will answer
and those suffering
under difficult digestion.
so
many purposes,
either in the warehouse,
The Patentees, having received a SpeCAUTION.
cial
the farm, or in
at
of Appointment as
Warrant
Purveyors to Her
he field,
for weighingcorn, flour,
seeds,hops,potatoes, Majesty, consider it a duty they owe themselves and
butter,cheese,hay,straw, coals,liveor dead slock,or
tion,
their guard againstimitathe public,
to put them
on
ine
to pointout, that on
and respectfully
each Genuany kind "f goods whatever; also for inns,coach
or
Packet
offices,
wharfs,"c. It can bo used either with
waggon
are
placed, in addition to the Royal
or without the same
Letters
Royal
weights at present in use ; it can be Arms, the words "By
Patent,''
used a*asteelyardwith one weight; and il being light, audthe
ROBINSON."
Signature of "MATTS.
portable,and a working tool (snck-truck or barrow),
and
Manufactured
Bellville,
C4,
by Robinson
convince all that itsutility
must
surpasses all weighing Red
Lion Street, Holborn, Loudon
; and sold retail
machines ever before offered to the Public.
Druggists,Grocers,Oilmen, "c., in
by all respectable
Price to weigh 2 cwt
"3 10 0
town
and country.
3 cwt
Ditto
0
0
4
in
Ditto
5 cwt
0
6
0
Country Dealers are requestedto be particular
With steelyard
Patent."
and ball,
0
extra
ordering " Robinson's
"1 orl5
are
yul both parti(!*

"

,.

".S

CONTENTS.

Page.
Mr.

of

Epitome
of

for

Bill

Lands

Bill

Drainage

Handley's

facilitating

England

in

251

and

Wales

Agriculture
To

tlie

Editor

of

The

Corn

'J'he

obligation

the

Magazine

Farmers'

L:iws

Descri[)tion
and

and
of

Macijine

remarks

of

extent

Soot

on

humanity

to

for

distributing

as

Brutes

lu-and

Breeding

Woollen

in

Don

of

Siberia

Minagement

the

on

Farm

of

Sheep

260

On

Agricultural

Society

Agricultural

English

and

Society

the

262

Answers

Italian

on

Ryo-Grass

Society

ib.
SOO

and

INIeal

30I

i\).

Cultivation

of

Cabbages

and

iSIangel
SQ2

Factitiou:;,
Hint

264

Hoeing

266

Answers

Corn

272

The

304

Wheat

30

Queries

to

"

3C6

Italian

on

Rye

Grass

.308

Draining

ib.

Education

309

Laws

310

Consecjuencesand
and

Danger
Classes

Working

large

any

ib.

30.3

Farmers

heat

Agricultural

271

Animals
and

of

Piices

verage

Mule-bred

or

Landowners

to

273

Queries

to

298

California

the

265

terinary
Ve-

College

Farms

Gorse

Flour,
in

Hollow

Stock

breeding

Tlje

Grain,

258

of

of

value

Agricultural

256

267

English

On

Cultivation

Sway-

thorpe
The

296

the

Wurzel

John

System

Union

255

On

In

Manufacture

252

to

Crops
On

Laws

estimating

Soot,

top-dressing

Cora

On

Drainage

the

Page.
The

by

tho

to

throwing

Kingdom

of

out

of

proportion

Labourers

the

tivation
cul-

United

iJi.J..

3ll

....

Prices

Decennial
the

1770

year

the

On

the

coDtaining

Table

cheapest

of

and

both

England,

Oi\

from

inclusive

efficient

most

and

mode

of

the

second

Fertilizer

known

of

the

jil, ^I;i312

nure

274

275

I'he

Commissioners

Tithe

of

Report

District

Llandoverv

face
sur-

draining

Furrow

or

in

Wheat

1838,

lo

Annual

Average

Keeper's

BeH

3l6

Agricultural

Society

317

Manual

jb.
,

of

Nitrate

Report

on

Query

Subsoil

and

Trench

Ploughing

Economy

Stable
On

Soda."

the

of

progress

Improvement

Agricultural

Liverpool

in

Society's

Match
and

Meetings

and

Hedge-cutting

Geology

Spade

277

On

281

Agricultural

290

Gardening

Ploughing

and

Agriculture

292

Ditching

294

Prices

295

Wool

320

Reports

.3'^!

for

Operations

of

Review

Agitations

3i8

Wheat

Dibbling

Ajril

o'iS

Intelligence

Agriculluial
291

Agricultural
Rutland

Agriculture

Husbandry

276

the

Corn

Trade

324

during

the

March

Intelligence

of

Animals

ib.

of
325

of

Seeds

329

Markets

330
,

'the

month

THE

NEW

]yEONTHI.V

BELLE

UNDER

ASSEMBLEE,

THE

IMMEDIATE

The

PATRONAGE

OF

DUCHESS
Published

HER

of
the First

on

ROYAL

HIGHNESS

KENT,

of every

Month,

WITH

FINISHED

HIGHLY

CUTS

PRmE

OF

THE

"ME

COSTUxMES,

NEWEST

"mLum(^,
CONTAINS

Two

Plates

Coloured

IN

FINISHED

The

is Emhellished

Work

Tbe

beg

Proprietorshaving
offer

to

general,for
Years

Seven

their

THE

FIRST

STYLE.

qf the

arrive

Weekly from

they

commenced

Series

New

the

has

gratifyingfrom

more

DRESSES,

Paris.

of

their

to

Fashions.

FASHIONABLE

most

acknowledgements
liberal Patronage the work

success

Monthly

warmest

the very
"

the

CUTS

with
as

of

the

Monthly

Subscribers,

Belle
and

Assembles

the

Public

in

received

during a period of nearly

fact of its embracing an
era
cedented
unpre-

the

of Periodical
Literature.
lighter branches
which
tbe work
it unnecessary,
is published,
from tbe high auspices under
They deem
in
the Realm,)
direct
to
August Mother
(it being especially Patronized
by the most
its
which
the Belle
renders
attention
Assembl^e
to the moral
tone
contents,
pervading
and virtuous
of the young
desirable
a
so
female, while
Magazine to place in the hands
tor

continuation

the

in the

competition

of

the

of

the

has

which

talent

same

department, is

its Editorial

annals

hitherto

securitythey

the best

been

manifested
efficiently

so

to

present

can

its readers

in

for future

Literaryexcellence.
Number
for January contained
Majesty the Queen ; and that
Her
Royal Highness the Duchess

The

of

"This
"

'l"h"

llie arbiter
"In

truth,

"

Here

"

"

"

The

"

of the

one

have

find
Belle
of

literary
judges,

Here
of

we

romance,

This

Newcastle

All

have

and

elegant

most

cordially

all that
the

and

drawing-room
every
unrivalled
continues
have

of

still small

amusing

with."

everniot

any

fair

nnr

world."

fashionable

similar

it.""
to

inieieat

of the

its

"

claim

MAinsTONR

"

Most

cious
Gra-

News.
to

public notice,

our

Journal.

Mkrcurv.

Kf.nt

publication."
"

is accessible

tiLoucESTER

Carlisi,!!

"

to

Herald.
fair

our

readers,

to

whom,

to

be addressed

to

as

Journal.

fair countivwomen
"

well

"

the

Chelmsford
the

patronage

pencil

of

fashion,

24, Norfolk'Street,
Strand, London

the

Chronicle.
of

the

female

sex."

Courant.

Communications

as

Journal,

countrywomen."

warbling muee."
periodical promises to deserve
vaice

kingdom"

in

Kf:A!"ino

"

intelligence that

recommen.

is caUulated

Her

splendid Portrait

Gazkttr.

interest

to

those
surpnsn
of fashionable

contents

we

the

with

PRESSin the

of ihecla"s\ve

acquisition to

great

of

Engraving

PUBIiIC

Maidstone

is calculated

Steel

embellished

was

THE

into
it3 way
Assemblee'

tlie day.""

best

all that

'I'lie clii'kpeat medium

"

"

we

very

the best
pen

magazine shouW
'New
Monthly
elegantiarum

July

of Kent.

OF

OPINIONS

beautiful

for

(postpaid).

CONTENTS.
Page.

Page.
The

Mr. Chamberlain's

Plate"

Lecture
and
On

the

on

Marquis

331

Ox

To

Brick

of Tweeddale's

ih.

Tile Machine

Drain

Herbaceous

Green

333

Crops

335

Farming improved
Exhibition

of the

of

Productions

"

On

the Culture

of Potatoes

Society
Agricultural
Agricultural
College

Kent

the Selection of

On

"

"

.......

Ploughs and PloughingMatches

On

the Selection of Male

of Cattle and

The

Corn

Corn

few

Sheep

....

Laws

Thoughts on Agriculture
in Labour, and Improvement

Economy

Produce,
Importation of ForeignAgricultural
fate of Racing Horses

On

the Cultivation

On

the

as

Pitcher Plant

The

Abortion

On

355

Sagacityof the Dog

The VeterinaryScience

357

On

Subsoil-Ploughing
Dry
and easiest Mode
the simplest
on
AnalysingSoils
On Drainingand Subsoil-Ploughing
An

LIFE
BRITANNIA
COMPANY,
No. 1, PRINCES

STREET,

BANK,

E"q.

Bevin6ton,
Esq.
Wm.Fechney
Black, Esq.
JeriN BniGHTMAN,
Esq.
George
CeifEN, Esq.

37 1

Coventry, Esq.
John
Drewett, Esq.
Robert
Egunton, Esq.
MiLLis

MEDICAL

Morrison, Esq.
Wm.Shand,
Jun., Esq.
Lewis

Thomas

ib"

Laws

Corn

Points

397
398

of

perfectnew

Leicester

Sheep

of Interest

Soda

as

to

399
ib.

Manure

ib.

Farmers

400
403
404

month

of
405
410

payment being requiredoh a Policyfor the whole term

of lifethan in any other Office.
be paid either Annually,Half-yearly,
Premiums
may
in a limited number of
or Quarterly, in one
or
sum,
payments.
A Board of Directors in attendance daily at Two
o'clock.
admitted in the
Age of the assured in every case

Pohcy.
claims

payable within

one

month

after

proof of

Medical Attendants remunerated, in all cases, for

their reports.
A liberal Commission
allowed
to
Solicitors and

SMAi.E,Ei?q.
Agents.

Teed, Esq.

OFFICERS.

Stroud, M.D.

Wm.

Foster,

Peter
Henrv

The

Experimenton

Ail

Esq.

"

Figureand

Irvine, death.

Robert

ib.
396

376

Esq.
Alex.

Stock

Agricultural
Reports
Fairs,"c
Intelligence,
Agricultural
G ardeningOperations for May
of the Corn Trade duringthe
Review
April
Seed, Hop, Wool, and Potato Markets

LONDON.

Robert

Erasmus

Management

of Live

ib.

of

395

Agriculture

ib.

X^IZ.Z.ION.

Samuel

and

394
and

Case

DIRECTORS.

Bardgett,

William

the Nature

393

Canada

ASSURANCE

ONE

GAFZTAI.,

ib.

Manure

359

370

Essay

386

358

368

Land

385

or

Terms
Glossaryof Geological
The Globe Mangel Wurzel
On making Compost Heaps

The
On

ib.

352

Bone

ib.

of Soils

35l

363

Laws

Nature

SlinkingCalf
On the Application
of Lime
Banking

LiquidManure
Chemistry
Agricultural
Corn

382

Rutland

Bees, SpringFeeding

362

Manure

381

Laws

342

360

of Gas-Water

JManure

347

ib.

of Potatoes

Employment

379
380

....

384

tem
Sys-

The

Kingdom

The

ib.
of

Police for the whole

....

338

Questions put by the Anti-

"

Delegationanswered

Law

Corn
The

Laws

as

Corn

377

Manures

337

in the Breeding

Animals

Centralized
Urine

Preparationof

and

383

Seeds, Roots, "c.

Preservation

Magazine

Agricultural
Society
Fifeshire Agricultural
Society's
Meeting

336

Woollens

376

the Editor of the Farmers'

The

Industry

Leicestershire

Mill-Stones

Ebenkzer

Smith, Esq.,
Surgeon.

SOLICITOR.
William
ADVANTAGES
A

OF
set of

Esq. Old Jewry.

THIS

INSTITUTION.

Tables"

computed expressly
from authentic
and complete
Institution,
the lowest rates of assurance
data, and presenting
be offered without compromising the safetyof
can

most

lor the
that

economical

Bevan,

use

of this

the Institution.
and remarkable
Increasing Rates of Premium
on
a new
plan,for securing loans on debts ; a lessimmediate

PETER

MORRISON.
Resident Director.

CONTENTS.

Page,

Page.
The

Pr.ATE"

List

Baker,

W.

R.

by

obtained

Prizes

of

Culmiferous

On
On

the

Rlanure

of the

ib.

Horse-shoes
of

Account

Clay

the

Cross

the

Goodwood

Trial

ib.
of

Sheep

426

Cup

427

ib.
428

Cairo

Dog

432

433

English Peasantry

the

ib.
434

of

Experiments

Grasses

as

made

with

for Tares,

substitute

or

Turnip

Wool-Growers

County

of Essex

Liquor,
or

and

our

Reviewer"

'*

450
.

Draining.

"

451

452

Infant

Schools

in

swallowing
Horticulture

of

the

of

of several

Values

454

during

Sources

the
from

Element

Varieties

458
the

on

relative

of Wheat

460

Husbandry

Breeding
Linden

The

the

that

of

Plants

Experiment

an

Influence

the

Nitrogen
and

Plants,

of

Account

Spade

of

tliey derive

whence

of

Growth

the

on

jb.

into

Inquiry

Evolution

Growth

On

Agriculture
ib.

Nitrogen
On

An

and

453

Landlord

generous

Experimental

An

Sponge

France

just and

Horse

453

Sheep

ib.

Tree
.

Culture
of Manufacturers

Table

for the

Important

Sale

of

ib.

Tar,

Protection

Walls

of

4(35

of

Use

the

4.GQ

Cattle-Keeper

Properties
Productive

and

Use

of Soil

and

Subsoil

440
...

Powers

of

ib.

Nature

swarming
Lactaries

Unprofitableness
with

New

of

Old

Pasture

Rot

470

Cross

Down

of

in

Review

472
473

Club

474

tbe

Condition

of tlie Labouring
475

Sheep

475

Trade

477
478

Operations
of the

Corn

"c

483

for June

Trade

484

during

the

month

May
Seed,

471

Cultivator

Agricultural Intelligence, Fairs,

Gardening

443

Horses

Agricultural Reports

442

pared
com-

and

Ireland

in

Woollen

441

ib.

Manure

Trotsworth

Sheep

ib.

Improvement

The

Short-horns,

and

Smithfield

The

Footib.

of

Seed

Classes

sonry
Ma-

of Mud

The

Vegetable

Pyroligneous

or

of

Cotswold

The

Turnip

the

Society

the

for

Graziers

The

ib.
4^4

ib.

and

Mineral

of

The

tbe

449

Entomological Society

437

439

Friend

Employment

London

Birds

"

Englisli Agricultural Society

438

the

Bees

448

the

436

and

Turnips

of Swedish

Labourers'

On

the

Crops

Potato

To

Trees

Agriculture

on

ib.
....

....

of

Value

Comparative

Growth

Fly

Pasturage

ib.

Profits

the

Faringdon
the

Turnip

of

Turnip

of the

some

of After-math

failure

On

of

447

Bee

"

Account

446

Apple

Case

ib-

of Chickens

Potato

rarer

Phrenology

Thoughts

Show

Carrots

ib.

Geology

Hatching

"

of

Character

few

and

of Timber

Essay

the

on

Cattle

Discovery

Cultivation

Prize

445

Stockbridge

Apiary

an

Comparative
The

431

Farmers

Russian

The

of

of Economic

Grand

ib.

of Bone

Uses

Anecdote

Museum

of

the

430

Society
Steam-Engine

of the

Chemical

Situation
On

Sheep

in

Members

"".

Friend

Remarkable

Foot-Rot

Important

Cots-

the

between

Southdown

Rotatory

Agricultural

the

The

raising Turnips

for

Maaure

Labourers'
Patent

To

Stable-

of

Crib-Biting

On

the

425

Bone-Dust

Breed

On

..

Soil

and

Liquid

418

Prussia.

in

Corn

Comparative

and

Manure

The

417

Turnips

of

Prices

An

wold

"113

for

Caoutchouc

On

ib.

Esq

Discovery

Review

on

exhibited

Animals

for

411

Crops

proper

Important
A

Bull

short-horn

Baker's

Mr.

of
485

Hop,

Wool,

and

Potato

Markets

489
....,,

'"=!-"

.1.1'

t3

^'

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

VOLUJME

THE

(new

series.}

JUNE,

TO

JANUARY

SECOND.

MDCCCXXXTX.

LONDON:

OFFICE,

24,
MAY

BE

HAD

NORFOLK

BY

ORDER

STREET,
TFIROUGH

ALL

BOOKSELLERS.

STRAND.

LOXDON

PRINTED

BY

JOSEPH

R0C5ERS0X,

24,
NORFOLK-STREET,

STRAND.

SECOND

THE

TO

INDEX

VOLUME.

(new series.)

Abortion,
Act, the

Bath

or
Blinkingcalf,385
proposed, for encouraging

our

may

195
Account
some

of

experiments made

of

the

with

grasses
for tares, or the

substitute

raw

as

ure
fail-

Black

trade, review

Corn

and

Cross

the

on

on

essay

breed

Agricultural meetings

tions, Canada,
agita-

and

the

"

Cultivation
Cultivation

Caoutchouc

292

Case

of interest

Agricultural reports, 80, 157, 240,

Case

of

and

West

of

Character

357, 451
Agriculture,

few

the

on,

and

progress

folk,
Suf-

36

Anecdote

the

of

dog, 431

W.

VV.'s queries on
comparative merits of sheep,
to

"plate,

Choking

English peasantry,

imperial weekly, 89,

169, 249, 329, 409, 489

horse, a

Bank

of

the

as

the
"

machine

for making

machine

and

for distributing

remarks

top-dressing to

on

crops,

agriculturalsociety,to

'

the

the, 41
Dibbling machine, 297
of

members

of old, 47

and adjoininghundreds
association,187
Dibbling wheat, on, 320
agricultural
of the DoncasJohn, winner
Comparative phrenolosTj',birds, Don
ter St. Leger, 1838, 266
449
Comparative value of the turnip Drainage bill,Mr. Handley's, 251
"

and

potato crops,

Commutation

of

Draining land, remarks

438

tithes

fruit

on

descriptionof

laws, speech of E. Cayley,

Draining,
Draining,

on,

Draining

and

on,

Drill

East

on

with

mole-plough
England by his

the Duke

grace

on,

the

from

brought

145, 190, 194, 196. 199, 213,

258, 206, 310, 357, 368, 382
Com
laws, on the, 84, 103

of England
count
acEsq., 10
issues, securities, Cora laws, Mr. Huskisson
115
bullion,and surplus or rest, 387
Corn separator, 217
Banks, American, 391
"

soot

Devon

of,140

case

Colchester

Com

Banking

ox,

262

in the

queries respecting Compost heaps, on making, 393

Italian rye-grass,
213, 273, 308
Consequences and danger to the
Anti-corn
classes
law
labourers
and
working
delegation,233
Apple, the, 452
by throwing out of cultivation
Arable
and
turf
pared,
farming comlarge proportion of the
any
United
14
Kingdom, 311
Com
laws, the, 3, 15, 138, 143,
Assessing cottages to the poorrates, 199

ripe,

Hillyard,Esq.

soot,

to

Averages,

Devon

Description of

whole

plantations,192

Answer

it is

tiles,173

380
the

the, 206

on

91

Descriptionof

433

thoughts

improvement in, 290

Ancient
and
pricesin
wages

Answer

of

Christmas
on

the

police for

of

of C.

drain

kingdom,

trees, 448

Description of a short-horn
ox,
bred by Sir C. Knightley, Bart.,

425

farmers, 399

to

the

plate,1

swallowing sponge,

horse

Centralized

England, 77

Leicestershire,338
Rutland, 21

Agriculture, a

Description

on

453

321, 400, 478

Agriculturalsocieties,
Bath

between

South-down,

of timber

property

shoes,

the

189

laws, 398

horse

sheep

of the potato,
before
Cutting wheat

Carrots, 452

261
Agriculturalmuseums,
Agriculturalqueries,243

of
and

Culture

of, 302

corn

472

crops, on, 413

of gorse, 300
of potatoes, 360

Cultivation

"

the cultivation

cross,

428

the, 426

Culmiferous

the, 119
Black-water, on, 117
uses
Bone, agricultural

383

165

Crops, the, 482

of

Agriculturalchemistry,4, 363
of, 431
Agriculturalcollege,163, 217
Bone
Agriculturalcollege Kent, 342
manure,
on, 393
Breeding in-and-in, 264
Agriculturaleducation, 309
Agricultural intelligence,fairs, Breeding of stock, 141, 272
"c., 84, 164, 244, 324, 403,483
Breeding sheep, on, 463
Agriculturalmeetings.
Market
hill,51
Cabbages and mangel wurzel,
Rutland,

the,85,

189

Down

Crib-biting,
on,

Cotswold

caterpillar,
prize

of
485

trade, the,

Cotswold

trade, 241

corn

Corn

culture, 245, 325, 405,

agri-

77

Bee-keeper's manual, 317

Bees, spring feeding,384
Bees swarming, 441
Birmingham annual review

after-math, 436

of

of

encouragement

"c.,

turn
re-

primitivedowns,

their

to

own

of England Society

West

of continental

cultivation

the

soils that

and

for the

of Hamilton,

48

of, 201

the effects
212

subsoil

ploughing,

376

system,
Lothian
in

Economy

on

the, 107
rake,

stubble
labour

of system,

and

17

ment
improve-

358

English agriculturalsociety,271,
297, 466

"

on

the,

English agriculturalsociety,the
first

general meeting,

65

English agricultural
society,
prizes

INDEX.

11

to be awarded

at tbe

at
meeting-

Harleston

fiirmer's club, first annual

report of the,214
list Harvest, the late,28
society,
Englishagricultural
265
of subscribers,70
Hedge cutting,

of prizes obtained for animals

bred and exhibited by R.

List

Oxford, 68

English agricultural
societyand
tbe

38, 109,
college,
veterinary

W.Baker, Esq.,411
stock,on tbe nature
of,395

Live

green crops, 333

ox, bred and fed

Herbaceous

Hereford

and

nagement
ma-

by H.
Liverpoolmonthlyreview of the
332
corn
plate,
trade,153
and farmers, LiverpoolAgriculturalSociety's
match, 291
ploughing

Chamberlain, Esq.

273

"

Hint

Essayon

tbe

123
turnip-fly,

Essay on

tbe

simplestand easiest

to

landholders

304

371
mode of analysing
soils,
Hoeingwheat,306
Llandovery district agricultural
85
annual cattle sale,
317
Holkbam
Estimate of tbe produce of tbe
society,
London lactaries,
308
late harvest in Great Britain, Hollow draining,
442
districts from
and Ireland,118
Hops, particular
Evolution of nitrogenduring the
1818, to 1838, 79
Machine
for making drain-tiles,
and tbe sources
Hops,pricesof,90, 169,249, 410,
growth of plants,
of,173
description
489
from whence
they derive that
of,consumed by
Malt,the quantity
Horses, diseases of,113
element,on tbe,438
the brewers of London
and its
law
26
the
specting,
reHorses,
on
on
f
arm,
glandered,
an,
Experimental

Experiment on soda

as

79
vicinity,
and swine,83
Mangel wurzel potato, 137

211

manure,

]Man

399

tlierelative values
of several varieties of wheat,

Experimenton

83
Importantinvention,

Manure,

the

on

second

known

417
Importantdiscovery,
fertilizerof the soil,
312
417
chemical discovery,
160
Important
and
Manures, preservation
Important sale of short-horns,
of, 379
a
nd
at
horses,
shee)i,
Dodding- Mill-stones,
mule-bred animals,
or
Factitious,
376
ton, Northumberland,471
303
Herald, a letter
.Morning
of foreign
ral
agricultuing
Importation
Farm horses, on economical feedliditor of the,204

of, 134
Farmer's clubs, 294
letter
Farmer's IMagazine,
editor of the,2 J6, 377

Farmingaccounts,

on,

tbe

to

tbe value of,

Fai"ms,on estimating
298

432.

Infant schools of horticulture and

in France,453
agriculture
of,398
Napoleon,history
Influence of nitrogen
on the growth
Natural history
of the turnip-flea
quiry
inof plants,
an
experimental
on
beetle,
tbe,29
into the, 454
Nature and management of live
Italian rye-grass, answer
to queries

437
Faringdon,
Fate of racing
horses,3j9
Fifeshire
society's
agricultural
213
respecting,
383
meeting,
of animals,295
Intelligence
of
and
a
perfect
points
Figure
26
to agriculturists,
Interesting
399
Leicester sheep,
new

Food

of

Foot-rot

plants,143
in sheep,on tbe,445, 476

Foreigncorn,

state

Invitation
Kent

of, 146

to the

produce,359
M'Queen's letter to the righthon.
Improvement of the condition of
Lord Melbourne, 219
the labouring
class in Ireland,
Museum
of economic
geology,
475

111

ration
prepa-

to

49
landlords,

342
agricultural
college,

stock,on tbe,395
New, (|uick,and humane method
of slaughtering
animals, 202
New
poor
Nitrate of

laws,tbe,202
soda,query, 276
article
Notes, additional,
to
an
entitled

and

Hints

"

tions,"
sugges-

239
Labourers'

Friend

Society,430,

for January;
Gardening operations
439
83 ; for February, 164 ; for
Lapacb tree, tbe, 482
; for

323
April,

May, 404

for

June, 484
Gas-water

on

manure,
employmentof,362
as

terms,
Geological

glossaryef,

169, 249,329,409,489
Grain seeds, roots, "c.,
selection of,91, 175, 347

meal,

an

order of the House

on

the
to

of Commons,

301

Cairo

Grand

batchingof

Grass

to the

An

old

Western

to

Editor, by

"

Letter
Earl
Letter

land, on

tbe

improvement

lands near
London, 105
438
of Swedish turnips,

Haddinglon show

of seed corn,

16
Havkaway, plate,
"

to

domesticated

from

Lord

Patent rotatory
430
steam engine,
Perennial grasses, on, 45
Pitcher plant,
the,362
Plan of tbe societyof land-agents
and surveyors for managing the

highwaysconsidered,137
96
Plug or claydraining,
Western, 112.
Plough drainage,193
gencer,
Letter to tbe Editor of tbe IntelliPloughingmatches,36
Letter

to

the

righthon.

Lord

to

Ploughingmatch,

the Editor of the Sussex

to

the landowners

and

tbe

righthon.

Lord

J.

farms, 144
Letting
on

tbe

nature

and proper-

lies of, 184

of,386
Lime, on tlie application
tree, tbe, 463

Liquidmanure,

manures,

on, 205

market,90, 169, 250, 410,

490

Potato,the,434

Russell,235
Lime,

Portable
Potato

to

Murtidy

cupiers
oc-

of tbe county of Essex,

Letter

near

Castle,4

Ploughs and ploughingmatches.

140
Advertiser,

Linden

307
6cc.,

reference

Spencer,44

203

of,50
Growth

corn-

farmer,"43
practical

ens,
chick-

432

Grass

Letter

Letter
"

tbe

136

return

considered
brutes,principally

33U.

laws, 42.

mangel
terms, 396
Glossaryof geological
Goodwood
Cup, the,427
Gorse, cultivation of,300
Grain, comparative
pricesof,89,

to

260
ciety, animals,
AgriculturalSo-

Sir T,, and

Lethbridge,

wurzol, 397

319
Oaks, celebrated,
Obligationand extent of humanity

in

331.

Leicestershire

295
Geologyand agriculture,

Grain, flour,and

on

tbe

396

Globe

the Marquisof Tweeddale's brick and drain-tile machine,

Lecture

362, 427

Potato, on the culture of tbe,206,

337, 360
Potatoes, how to preserve, 47
Preservation
manures,

and

of
preparation

379

102
turnips,
Preserving

""

INDEX.

in
Prices of corn
of the,IIR
Prince de Roluin

Seed

Russia,a review
potato,a

Prize

the

on

essay
119

Prize essay

Societyon
our

"

new

pillar,
cater-

future

the,352

priceof wheat,

Situation of

an

447

powers

of nature, 440

manufactures,

465

exhibited, 114

138

Questions put by the anti-cornlaw delegation,

answered, 355

Soda

as

Soils,the

shire,112
ter
letSir T. Lethbridge's
the corn
laws, by " The
110
Bedfordshire Reporter,"
Report of the proceedingsof the
Yoxford farmers' club, 19
trench
subsoil and
Report on

Reply to
on

277
ploughing,
Reportoftithe commissioners,316

of the

corn

trade,85, 165,

245, 325, 405, 485

of the pricesof
Review

manure,

experiment on,

nature

"

463

raisingturnipson

corn

in

short-horn

Baker,

Esq.

and
hedge cutting

ing,
ditch-

294

the

Salt for manure,

of,37

on

tlie,

for,417
Tuxford's

machine

patent

for

cleansmg wheat, barley,oats,

"c., 155
298
agricultural
society,

for

of a
account
an
trial of,425
Statement of the expence of stocking,
of the annual
ments,
disburseand of the yearlyreturns,
in
on
a farm of 250
acres

States

flour trade,40
old pasture

of
Unproductiveness
comparedwith new,

clay soil, Urine

comparative

as

manure,

443

381

473
cultivator,
\^egetable

and the EngA'^eterinary

College,
lish
agricultural
society,38,

109,

273

Waltham
113
Ayrshire,
on
breedingand feeding, 106
144

of lumber

in the port of

Quebec, lltb December, 1838,

147

Stockbridgecattle show,

411
jilate,

of
Sagacity

the

to

Turnipculture,464
Turnipseed, 473
Turnip-fly,
essay on the,123
Turnips,on the cultivation of,99
Turnips,on the proper manure

to

the

of the Forfarmembers
shire
Rural management
of the,446
trict Subsoil ploughing,
dis])art of the western
on, 193, 198
of Stratbinoi e, on the,179
Subsoil j)loughing
dry land, 370
Russian farmers, 433
Subsoil plough,on the use of the,
Rutland
148
21,
agricultural
society,
Rutland

England, from

1838, 274
Tithe commutation, 135, 142

Union
United

of, 384

Stable economy, 281

Stable manure
and bone-dust

Stock
a

1770

year

association,
agricultural

Stock,

Russia,418
Roderick
Random,
bull,bred by R. W.

nual
average andecennial prices of

and
in

399

3l8,
Rent-day at Draycolt,Staflford- Spade husbandr}"-,

Review

of the cattle-

use

Tithe commission, 135

Tithe on hops,204
and bee pasapiary
liquid
turage,Tubsworth
manure,
2, 192, 442

Sraitlifield
club,474
Smithfield market, 139
Smithfield show, the late,1, 148
Prolific cow, 311
Propertiesand use of soil and Smithfield club great dinner,73
Smithfield club, prizecattle,77
subsoil,440
Smithfield show, account
of the
dead
weightsof the animals
Queries respectingItalian grass,
rye-

Productive

for the

470
keepe;-,
Tables containing
the

301
Sheep in California,

the, 39

Profits of

Table

wheat

Sheep,new breeds of, 51, 136

EntomologicalSheep, on breeding,106
and
Sheep, Lord Western's, 139, 143
turnip-fly

reviewer,"450

Probable
on

of the
the

black

market, 89, 169, 249, 329,

410, 489
Selection of male animals in the
breedingof cattleand sheep,on

188
variety,

"

111

dog,394
facture
proposedmanu-

Western's, Lord, three wether

sheep" Plate,171
Wheat, average pricesof,305
Wheat, the new varieties of,83
Wool

growers

Wool

and

of
graziers

the

Esses, to the,439
markets, 90, 170, 249, 330,
of

county
410,
Woollen

490

manufacture

in

Siberia,

265

WoolL-n trade,477
Surface or furrow
draining,on
efficient ^Voollens
the cheapestand most
exhibition of the productions
of industry,
mode of, 275
336
Swedish turnips,
101
tlie Zinc milk-pails,
432
on
System of management
farm of Swaythorpe,
267
"

Pniiteii by JosciiURogersou, 24, Norfolk-street, Strand, Jj"udon.

f KGKl^^^'

FARMERS

THE

MAGMlNfe

JANUARY,

No.

1839.

[New

II.]

1." Vol.

THE

Series.

PLATE.

of our firstPlate is a Devon

Ox, bred by the late GeorgeTalbot,
subject
the
and fed by
Moreton
on
Marsh, Gloucestershire,
near
GuitingHall,
of
the property of Clarke
and
near
Esq., Thorpelands,
Hillyard,
Northampton,
and
Author
President of the Northamptonshire
Farming-and GrazingSociety,
The

Esq.,of

entitled
Aa;riculture,

Practical Farmino- and

Grazinp-." This
exhibited
of fifteen
a prize
Show,
was
The silver medal was
in Class 3.
adjudgedto the executors of the late
sovereigns
Mr. Talbot, as the breeder ; and the gold medal to Mr. Hillyard,
for havingexhibited
We are informed that this Ox, havingbeen
the " best beast in any class."
fairs
sold at the sale of the late Mr. Talbot's stock, passed throughtwo or more
and was
without
attention,
standingunsold in Northampton fair late
attracting
its
iyithe day,when Mr. Hillyardchanced to notice it ; and, duly estimating
the purchase,
determined
and at once
to exhibit it at the next
merits,made

of

clever work

on

animal

at

the

"

late Smithfield

and obtained

Smithfield Show.

THE

LATE

SMITHFIELD

SHOW.

two

and
As

regards the
observed, that upon
fords

have

cattle
this

outnumbered

it
generally,

be
may
occasion, the Here-

the

pens, the
a

Merino

Merino
ram

the

one

Ewe,
and

produceof
the

other

half-bred

Leicester

the

ram

produce of

Ewe,

Merino

and

Leicester.
in obtaining The firstcross
is
the case
infusion of Meiino

Short-lJorns

the best,
the further
manifestly
ihe reverse
prizes,
havingbeen
blood, evidentlyshowmg a
in many
Of seven
the originalMerino
character.
to
precedingshows.
prizesfor retrogression
five have been carried off by the Herefords, These
oxen,
sheep will apparentlycut as good legsof
Earl Spencer's,
and
one
one
Southdown
Leicester. The
by a short-horn.
as
or
by mutton
any
a Devon, exliibiled by Mr.
bers
wool
is very fine : the fleeces of the first cross
Hillyard.The memof tlie Club, will doubtless remember
the ox
than
weigh about two
pounds per fleece more
wliich Mr. Hillyardsent to the yard last year, and
the pure
Merino, and fetch as high a price.
which
he described
as
possessingall the points The sheep exhibited have, we are told,been kept
which a good ox oughtnot to possess, Mr. Hillyard
cold clay land.
upon
time stated that he had a littleanimal
at the same
A number
of agricultural
bited
implementswere exhiin reserve
for the presentexhibition,
which would
by Messrs. Plenty,Read, Gardner, Binchshow them what an ox oughtto be. He has redeemed
field,
Novington,Wyatt, Hunt, and Wedlake, but
his pledge,and the breeders of Devon
stock are
did not observe any of a particularly
we
or
new
indebted to him.
This Devon
is pronouncedto be
with the exception
of (Gardner's
character,
superior
the best beast" in the yard,and has won
the turnipcutter,which is one of the best,if not the very
The estimated weightof this ox
is best instrument for that purpose:
gold medal.
indeed,tlieloft in
of 8lb., and has we
144 stone
understand
been
which
the agricultural
implements and machines
sold for fifty
pounds. The sheepof Lord Western's
are
placedfor exhibition is so miserably dark
breed attracted much
new
attention.* There were
and confined,
to render it impossibleto exas
amine
what theyare.
them or scarcely
The increased
see
"

See

page 44.
OLD

Lord

Western's

Letter

to

Earl

Spencer,

number

of animals

interest taken

SERIES.}

exhibited,and the additional

in the

show, is
[No.

l."

such
VOL,

as

X.

to

THE
render

extensive accommodation

more

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

a savins'
of four-fifthsof the expense
with the lattermaterial.

at
sable.
indispen-

Tlie commiltee

appointedlast year to
largerpremiseslias made a report, and

as

compared

The
land to Mr. Kimberley's
own
localityof my
farm enabled me, through his kindness,to procure several
cart-loads of his liquid,
with which I made
a variety
venienl premises"will be obtained.
of experiments too numerous
but
to insert in this letter;
the results of which I have communicated
The exhibition of seeds and roots by Messrs. T.
to that gentleman,
and I shall exceedinglyregret, consideringthe
Gibbs
and Co., of Half-Moon-street,
Piccadilly,
great boon held out to the nation at large,and the very
was
ly
exceedingvery superior.They had some
moderate
it may
be obtained,that the
terms
on which
fine specimensof mangel wurzel, Swedish
tarded
developmentof this importantdiscoveryshould be reand
other turnips,Kohl
tion
and liberal
withheld for want
Rabi, a largecollecof a prompt
or
of specimens of the most
on the part of those who
spirit
are so deeply interestedin
approvedgrasses
the economical cultivation of our
native soil. I am,
for layingdown
land to permanent grass, and a
A Subscriber
Sir,your obedient servant,

for

seek

doubt not, that before the

we

show

next

more

con-

"

sample

of

Blue

mote

blue

new

pea,

to the pamphletabove-mentioned.
Egham, Surrey,Dec. 14, 1838.

the
be

farmer,and too
given to those

ANSWER

seed trade, upon whose

in that branch implicit
confidence can

engaged in

correctness

be

Whit-

seeds of all kinds is

cannot

encouragement

pereons

the

Pea, which is onlyadapted for poor

lightland. The selection of

of the highest
to
importance
much

called

an
placed,

to the house

THE

will strictly
apply
Althoughnot formmg

named.

W.

W's.

COMPARATIVE

QUERIES

ON

MERITS

OF

SHEEP.

which

observation
above

TO

the

TO

THE

part of the exhibition in Sadler's yard,yet being

EDITOR

OF

FARMER's

THE

MAGAZINE.

Sir, Among the many interestingquestionsof

of those agriculpreparedfor the reexamination
turists your Hertfordshire correspondent,W. W., I find
who
visit London, we
omit
cannot
ticing
nothe comparative
merits of the Down
and halfone
on
the collection of roots now
exhibiting
by bred sheep,which are hardiest,best to fold,come
Messrs.

Cormack, Son,and Oliver,at

their Bedford

"

earliest

to

Garden, and at the breeder of

he
that turists
conviction,
agricul- the one

maturity,"c.,

"cc.1

Having

been

like
very similar if not altogether
alludes to, (wliichI believe to be hardier
time expressing
same
our
than
the Leicester)the improved Cotswold
and
would
be much
gratified
by an inspection
Down
Ewe, for eight
years, and having persevered
of the particularly
fine specimensof turnips,
globe in it with the
view of producing a distinct
mangel wurzel,"c., and the permanent pasture breed of sheep,express
I may
probably be enabled to give
in
their
natural growing sta*e.
Mark
grasses
biin some
information
little interesting
portant
this imon
Lane Express.
subject
; but, as it is not my wish to trespass

Covent
Conservatory,

a cross

"

that they
now
your columns at too great a length,
of the different Christwith the accounts
mas
filling
cattle shows, I beg to refer him more
larly
particuto the Farmers'
Magasine for Januarylast,or
Lane Expressof the 4tb December, 183T,
the Mark
the refounded
where he will find my opinions,
on
sults

on

are

ON

THE

TROTSWORTH

LIQUID

MANURE.
TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

THE

MARK

I..A.NE

Sir," Observingan advertisement in

EXPRESS.

your

last

of

ber,
num-

then

seven

years'experienceand unceasing

announcing'the intention of Mr, Kimberley to publish

watching,fully
expressed.I presume the objectat
his long lookecl for pamphlet containing'
W, W. aims, is to bo made
a descripwhich
tion
acquaintedwith
of the Trotswortii liquid
I beg to offera
the descriptionof sheep, the most profitable
manure,
; now
few remarks
to

your

anxious
view

to

to

on

that

that
subject

may

not

be uninteresting

agriculturalreaders,who like myself are

obtain a knowledge of the ingredient,
with a

applyit to

our

own

benefit.

viz.,
necessarilyinvolve two questions,
for breeding,
and which
profitable
for fattening?
is there a descriptionof sheep,
or
which
beyond any other,will pay the breeder on the

this must

which

are

most

In consequence
of the very iiigh
opinionentertained
of soils,and tlio feeder on any system better
of the value of this manure,
(as described in Belt's average
I hold that there is, and thnt on any
Dec. 25, 1837) by many
of the first than another t
Weekly Messet^ger,
practicalfarmers in the county, numerous
applicationssoil where foldingis required,except that of the
made
consists of a wild range
who
had an
to Mr. Kimberley by persons
were
poorest nature, and which
state of his
of poor Down
opportunity of witnessingthe flourishing
land, where no large sheep of any
how
for some
they were to
the hnlf-breds will
crop*
years past, to know
breed can be kept to advantage,
obtain a supplyof the mixture,at the same
time ofiering beat
sheep yet known : the farm
any other folding
for that purpose ; but,
to subscribe any leasonahle sum
been valued
I keep them has this autumn
which
on
could not be conveyed in a manufactured
the manure
as
for
of tithe)
at eighteenshillings
an
acre, (exclusive
state to any
distance without considerable expense of
with
the arable,
moderate portionof water-meaa
dow,
carriage,"c., and as the inventor of the composition
of course
higher;part of it is farmed on the
of
of the article

desirous

maintaininga monopoly
tion
suggested that a publicsubscripat a remunerating
price should be offered for the
the
of
purchase
recipe; but the propositionwas genetously objectedto by Mr. Kimberley, on the ground

was

not

in

question,itwas

the five field system. The

travels frequently
nearlytwo miles from the fold,and the same distance
back the same
day, and every successive year more
field and part
flock for many weeks

four

on

in the autumn

rhat he wouhl
not
accept any payment until the value
confirms the opinion1 have so often publicly
strongly
should be clearlyascertained. To effect
of the manure
often sought to have tested (as
and
as
expressed,
this ohject,
some
gentlemen in his immediate
bourhood
neighin vain) by a fair,
impartialtrial,that no breed
yet
of
were
permitted to witness the application
of sheep will pay the breeder
so
well, or return to
the manure
by the side of horse dung, on different
and
wool
the grazierso much
mutton, in value, in
fields and soils at Trotsworth, and to observe the
gress
proof tiie several crops at intervals during the last
proportion to the food consumed.
has been perBy the cross the wool is rendered very superior
season
: the results of these exjieriments
fectly
at harvest
liie
to the original
satisfactory,
long wool, while it loses little,if any
a
crops

character

equalto those dressed

maintaining

with horse manure,

and

in

weight;

it is also of

more

value

per

lb. than

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

wool, and at least two-fifths

heavier,averaging
or
sliearling
teg welliers nine pounds each fleece,
at from 13
taking a hundred together;the carcass
old is allowed
in other
to he rij)er,
to 15 months
or
Down

THE

CORN

LAWS.

lor

words,

to

hear

hetter

of
proportion

fat and

TO

lean,

THE

EDITOn

OF

THE

FAHMEr's

MAGAZINE.

of the "Farmer's Malast number

gazine"
is an address to the landowners
and
tiian any other young mutton
; the size at
occupiersof West Somerset on the subjectof the
this age will vary according
of
the
to the object
It is from the mischief arising
Corn Laws.
from the
I am
breeder
whether he aims at size or not.
now
effortsof sucli avowed friends of the agricultural
terest
inbreedingsomewhat smaller, and pasturingthe same
that we
have chiefly
to guard against. There
numbers
of half-breds on
of acres
an
equal number
inclined to give way to a
too
who are
are
many
do of the Hampshire downs ; but
as my
neighbours
supposedclamour against the Corn Laws, and to
I have bred them weighingnineteen stone (of81bs,) advocate
a Don
Quixotishabandonment of protection
five pounds, at fifteenmonths
non
old, fed by Mr. Canfor fear it should "too often be repeated"that the
of Maidenhead, Berkshire,who
dred
sold one hunCorn Laws were
of the agricultufor the protection
ral
of that age, (or under,) in April,1836, at or
interest onlj-.Why this affectation of ignorance
lieve,on
nearlyan average of four pounds each, a price,I bethe question"? Is there any one
so foolish as to
unless for fancystock.
unparallelled,
disbelieve that the Corn Laws
are for the protection
With
regard to the next question of W. W., of the agricultural
interest only. For what purpose
"
whether the cross
of the long woolled sheepwith
else could theybe framed, and what landed proprietor
the Down
the Down
with the long
or
ram
ewe,
the avowal
of that
fence from
or
would
statesman
woolled
ewe, is best,"I submit the former is far preferable,being,the full and only purpose of thera?
Surely
is generally
inasmuch
pressednone
imthe offspring
as
would
but those who
by deceit endeavour to
with more
of the qualities
existingin the miscal a measure
the real designof it,
to disguise
male, than in the female,and lengthof wool, width
and thus shew an unfitness for their station as statesmen,
of carcass,
and aptitudeto fatten,beingmore
spicuous
conor for the enjoyment of a property they cannot
in the white-faced breed than in the Down,
or dare not
defend openly. It is time to cast away
itfollows the first named method
is much to be preLet the
ferred. such truckling
to expediency and clamour.
With
the view, as before
stated,of perpedebated on itsjust
tuating questionbe openly and fearlessly
a distinct breed,
(in which attempt, though grounds, and we need not fear for the result,but
in a different sheep, I have the satisfactionof seeing thus to work the
is now
only an opposition
way of what
myself followed by no less a person than Lord
from a weak minority is folly.As an example
I
have
heen for eightyears breeding half- of what
Western)
expect from
injurythe agriculturists
may
breds froTn lialf-breds.
a
practicealwayscondemned
the adoption
of an insuflScientfixed duty I will begbut which
by theorists,
experience of the above
What
has been the
to refer to the growth of rape.
of years, enables ine confidently
number
to maintain
effeet of the low fixed duty on rape on its growth in
is the best,indeed, onlyefficientwav
of arrivingat
which
influx of foreign,
this country 1 There was
an
the
of
desired points,viz., a uniformityof wool
reduced the priceone
half,from about 40/. per last
of middle quality
between
superiorvalue, of mutton
and in consequence
to below 20/.,
English growers
Leicester and Down, with close resemblance in the
exacted nearly
became
tired,and then the foreigner
feature and colour of the flock;this I am
fast the former
now
priceof 40/.,tillagainthe Englishgrowers
accomplishing,in my late bred sheep it is already competed,when the priceonce more
declined so as
and my shearling to drive
to my satisfaction,
and once
accomplished
cultivators out of the field,
our
that any
ewes
or
tegs are of such a description,
the foreigner
sacked highprices.The greatbulk
more
breeder of sheep would
be pleasedto see, and I
convinoed be of
of high pricedrapeseed will 1 am
could wish, by way of friendly
hibit
competition,to exforeigngrowth. What would have been the effect
them ujion equalterms
against any breed the
cultivators if they could not have resorted to
our
on
kingdom produces, as possessing a combination of the
course
of
and what could they have reand

and
equallydistributed both internally

more

Sir,
"

ternally,
ex-

In your

there

"

the most
If
qualities
usefuland profitable.

W.

W.

is

Mr. Betts, who lives near

Watford,
Herts, he will there find 150 lambs which I sold
him, 100 being of my breed, and the 50 of the same

acquaintedwith

but
description,

little coarser,

from

these

50

tup

grain,
cility
fato give the same
were
legislature
as
they have to
to the consumption of wheat
that of rapeseed? It is the surplusof other countries
look at, and that surplus would under
that we must
rate of price.
fixed duty come
in at the lowest
a
here at lOs. duty to
V/heat might be bought to come
growth

to if our

lambs were
selected,with them are 100 second cross
lambs from Down
ewes
by my half-bred rams, which
be afforded at 21. a quarter in the face of our harvest,
I understand are particularly
handsome.
the more
is the
the price is lowered
and the more
unable
cisively
deTo
W.
W's. eighthquestion 1 am
that we
to sell his produce, so
cultivator compelled
to speak,never
wheat
havingtried either the pure
even
might be compelledto sell our new
cline
inLeicester or Lincoln, but probabilities
strongly
lower than 40s. per quarter. In times of real scarcity
to the opinionthat the new
me
Leicesters,or
be maintained
as
would
not
also 10s. duty even
The
improved Cotswolds (whichlatter is a cross on the greatlyenhancing the cost to the consumer.
Cotswold
Leicester ram) possess
ewe
better than any
by the new
average system has worked much
both
of wool,
by far the most approvedqualities,
fixed duty we can obtain. From our heavy burthens
for preferring
symmetry, and mutton, and my reasons
be higher than those
in taxation
our
pricesmust
the improved Cotswold of the two, are, that while it
shall
them, aud we
of other countries free from
tiful
beaubears a heavier, longerwool, with the same
plies
war
excepted^to get supor
always be able (frost
arrive at
to
symmetry, and equal disposition
by paying greater prices than the average of
earlymaturity,it is bred on hillsas poor as the vale
cessary
pricesin those countries,and higher pricesare nehave
of Leicester is rich,consequentlywe
everjr
to prevent distress
here in time of scarcity
to calculate that a greater hardihood of constitution
reason
An inadequatefixed duty is sure to reduce
at home.
will be a leading characteristic in
the
of other countries plus that
the
average
pricesto
of low
scale will,in expectation
duty a graduated
of
a scale of pricesranging
and
the
necessity
duty,

our

progeny.

I am.

Sir,vour's respectfully,
J. T. TWYNAM.

Whitchurch,Hants,Dec. 11,

1838.

here to obtain

that,raise

abroad
prices
B

to an

approx-

limit of pricefor importing-.Howof

politicto incre-ase the minimum
importduty,and thus to let our exchequer share the
rise with the foreigner
is I admit a subjectworthy of
sumer,
conas not enhancing the priceto the
consideration,
it would help the payment
but insomuch
as
benefit the country at large. The
of taxes, would
variation of duty and pricesare the onlysafe limits
there
for admission
exclusion of import, and
or
should be none
except when needed, of which price
afraid
will usually be the most
certain index. I am
I am
occupying too much
space in your columns,
but the subject
be my -apology.
I am. Sir, yours,
must
R. IVESON.
Dec. 10.
Holderness,
imation to
far it would

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

CHEMISTRY.

AGRICULTURAL

our

be

HI.*

No.
HKNHY

BY

MADDEN,

U.

QuarterlyJournal of Agriculture.)

the

(From

the remarks

From

EDINBURGH.

L.R.C.S.,

ESQ.,

made

have

we

vegetable

on

self-evident
to
nutrition,1 am sure it must
appear
all,that the action of the " permanent" consiMuents of soil, namely, silica,
of
alumina, carbonate
be purely mechanical
time,"c., must
; and that it

"

PLOUGHING

GRAND

MATCH.

mated
Tuesday, the 5th December, one of the most aniwitnessed
and patrioticexhibitions ever
took
bald
place near Murthly Castle. The late Sir John ArchiStewart,of GrandtuUy, last year had intended,in
the agriculturalenergies of the
order to stimulate
On

tenantry of his
a

estates,to present them

numerous

with

peted
splendidsilver medal and other prizes,to be comDeath
has since deprived
for at a ploughingmatch.

the

of

country

the

Baronet

worthy

that

the

having constant
operations,which

are

employed

on

from

be

may

been

ously
advantagewhich

First,those

classes.

alter the

to

by

immemorial

time

These

tinually
con-

mechanical

various

to

be
done

natural

texture

dition
con-

or

ing,
draining,paring,and burnthose
tural
and, secondly,
by which the na-

of

by

have

be

only

can

recourse

for this purpose.

divided into two

used

soil shonld

of the

texture

proper

preserved,which

who
and

the patriotic
scheme, but his brother
originated
intentions
has nobly carried his predecessor's
successor
into effect,and again has the skill and science of our
lected
ploughmen been called into exertion. The field se-

soil,as

the

":c. ;
is restored,after it has been altered
texture
carried
been
the various
which have
processes
We
in the soil, 3.% ploughing harrowing,"ic.

the largehaugh, nearly opposite

with regard
shall now
therefore, say a few words
Murthly Castle on the north bank of the Tay.
to the theory of these operations. First,with
re"
of
horses
had
dawn,
seventy
pairs
passed
Long ere day
gard to draining. That certain plants only can
and
for the
o'clock
Dunkeld
for the

display-was

combat,
by eight
competitorshad arrived,and

Bridge

in soil which
is constantlywet and boggy, is
a
grow
course
conwho
have
be known
to all those
of the sura fact tliat must
rounding
to witness the contest,
taken
the trouble to look about them
country had
; and to such
of the
do
it must
be equallyevident, that the plantswhich
eager, if possible,to anticipatethe award
judges. The gentlemen appointed to this difficult generallyinhabit such situations,are far from being
Messrs.
Inches, Marlee House; Constable,
office were
'I'o grow
useful.
those vegetables,
the most
Mill of Kianaird.
Hill of Errol ; and Jack, West
therefore, which are most
prizedby the agriculturist,
awarded as follows :
The prizeswere
examined
the
first point to
be
very
1st,to Donald Stewart, Lagg of Graudtully.
with
of the land
into is the condition
respect to
2nd," John Stewart, Meikle Tombaue, Strathbraan.
attention
due
to which, no
soil,
water; without
3rd," Robert Dow, Dalbathie.
however
well constituted in other respects, will be
4th, Donald Keir, Ballanleek, Strathbiaan,
to
found capable of being cultivated by any means
5th, James Robertson, Pitleoch,do.
therefore
farmer
6th, George M'Farlane, servant to Mr. Campbell, the greatest advantage. When a
tivation,
intends
to bring any
new
pieceof ground into culMains
of GrandtuUy.
he must
firstexamine its natural herbage ;
7th, Alex. Chapman, Airntully.
"
New
M'Kenzie
Delvine.
and to one
has
who
8th, Wm.
country
any knowledge of

nearly a

hundred

most

of the
assembled

numerous

inhabitants

"

"

"

"

"

"

9th,"
10th,

Tyrie,servant to Mr. Sime, Airntully.

Duff, Lednaskae, GrandtuUy.
M'Laren, Airntully.

John

Peter
11th," James
12th," James
"

Duff, servant
loan, Strathbraan.

13tb,
"

David

Malcolm,

servant

Robertson,

14th," John

Robertson,Ballan-

to Mr.

do.

Bruce,

do.

tully.
Airn-

given

as

the

splendiddescription,of

-svith the
emblems,'

obverse, the ordinaryagricultural

of
inscription
Presented
Sir Wm.

D.

by
Stewart, of GrandtuUy,Bart.,

Stewart, Lagg

of

GrandtuUy,

The
and

other

prizeswere

to the first was

that

the

it

water

in

coarser

be the

some

next

parts,whether

coarser

ground or in hollows.
prevailingposition,more

; should this
the positionof

in others

placesthan

let him

case,

determine

they occur

the

on

rising

the latter be

Should

their

should
particularly

the

parts of the fields apjjear to

grass of all the lower
than that on
the more
be in a less thriving state

portions,there will
it is owing to some

be

that
either

of

the

soil

or

subsoil,

good

defect

reason

in the

by which

the

lieve
to betexture
water

1838.

handsome

added

frequentlystagnant
"

elevated

First Prize,
at a Competition of 93 Ploughs
which took placeon his Estate,

soil is wet, and

if however, these
not very evident, the farmer
must
are
symptoms
proceed further, let him see if the herbage is the
in all parts of the
same
field,or whetlier it ,s

as

5th Dec,

the

that

the

to

Donald

matters," this will be quite sufficient, since the

generalcharacter and appearance of the sward of a
take
soil is so distinct,that it is impossibleto miswet
the grass is coarse
it.
For example, wherever
clude
interspersedwith rushes and carices, we may concontains is

do.

first prize is of the most

the most
chaste
design and
beautiful workmatiship, and value 6/. ; it bears on the
side
the
armorial
of
one
bearings the family,on the
The

Medal

to Mr.

gratuitiesin
sovereign.

money,

(i

only,which is added to the

have
soil,that can
physiologicalor chemical
any
influence upon
vegetation. 1} is clear, therefore,
of all farming operationswill in a
that the success
depend upon
requisiteattention
great measure
gredients,
intransient"
being paid to the supply of these
minated.
as
they have very properly been denoNevertheless,it is absolutelynecessary
organic matter

is the

*
In No. 2 of this series,
p. 348, line 19, delete
Ccommon salt^aftercarbonate of soda.

FARMER'S

THE

falls on it is prevented from getting

iKiturally
dence
easilyaway.
Again, sliould any spot show evi-

that

of

moisture, that
its

and

should

at

be

once

amined,
ex-

if possible
ascertained, more

cause

MAGAZINE.
all of which

depend upon
found

soil,which
an

of

be rendered

^Vhen

occurrence.

there

is

happy

itself is of the very best texture,

bad, -and nearly useless, by sueh

say,
it is now

attracted

that
brought to a very fair degree of
how
to
is not
perfection, in fact, the difficulty
lords
drain, but how to persuade the farmers and land"

have their fields drained ; for strange as

not less strange than
appear, still it is
there are many
devoted
farmers who
n-i(C,"
are
so
look
that although they cannot
to their old ways,
without
the practicaladvantages of
around them
drainingpresentedto the eye, stillthey are content
to

it may

"

instead
rushes
to grow
of
the first expense
permanently fertile :

of grass,

rather

than

be

necessary
On

effect the

of

account

written

to

in this Journal

having
the

upon

been

already
principlesand

practiceof draining,I shall not occupy my limited

of the various methods
space with a recapitulation
of performing this valuable operation,but shall
merely, in the briefest manner
possible,give an
outline of the scientific principlesupon which
it
is founded.
The fundamental
law upon
which the success
of
all draining operationsdepends is simplj'this,
that water, in common
with all other fluids,
cannot
in an inclined position,
but will always
support itself
"

endeavour

to

obtain

horizontal

one,
obstacles
;
which
water

by insurmountable

be
to

cases,
for farmers

end

to
drainer, than for them
professional
risk of a failure, by attempting it themselves.
Before
concluding this subject,I may just
in which
the cases
quired.
drainingmay be re-

To

GET

unless

posed
op-

henc3,

so

KID

WATER.

SuRVACE

OF

"

1.

In

clays.

In horizontal

2.

of all textures, if reposing

lands

impervious clay.
3.
In ferruginous soils of any texture, where
it is termed,
there exists the moor-pan,
as
by
which
is meant
a
peculiarimpervious stratum,
composed chieflyof iron, which often exists beon

of

subsoil

"

situations.

subsoil in such

soil and

the

tweeen

Here, however, the breaking of the pan might

greatlyassist the subsequent drainingof the land.
To

II.

GET

RID

SPRINGS.

OF

these

Whcrcvcr

"

exist,it is clear that the only way to prevent them

injuringthe land, is by givingtheir contents a free
direction where
exit, in some
they can do no
harm.
This operation is recommended
writers as the readiest way
of bringing many
kinds
land into a fit
of waste
cultivation ; and yet there is
state for immediate
which
the opinion of different
no
process upon
Paring

cure.

much

so

study,and

in the

all stiff horizontal

at

having their land rendered

by which means, instead of
annually losing the rent of such land, they would
be receivinga large profitupon
the outlay which
was

1.

am

of late,

attention

much

so

enumerate

it his chief

it,it will always, in such

ascertained,

once

Di-aininghas,I

of remedies.

want

no

to

the fact is

make

must

economical

more
a

that, to practisedrainingsuccessfully,

prove
man

it depends upon
the exto wliether
istence employ
as
particularly
of a spring,since it frequentlyhappens that
the
run
may

Burning.

and

scientific

"

several

by

be

to

appears

men

at

more

variance,

"

stranglyopposingitas an unwarrantable waste

ly
of manure,
and others recommendingit as strenuousof economy! It is evident therefore,
the score
on
some

that

one

other

or

of these

two

sects

either

must

be

of them
or neither
principles,
guided by erroneous
have sufficiently
investigatedinto all the lars
particuwhich
of the subjectupon
they have written.
The

latter
be

to

prove

shall be
of these, I think, we
of this, as of many
the cause

able

to

other

directlyoppositeopinionsare held
the same
subject.We shall
upon
the
onwards.
All therefore, which
is required therefore, carefullydiscuss the point under
move
to be done, in order
tliatland should be thoroughly two followingheads.
a
drained, is to ensure
a
First, We shall state the different theories which
permanent
obliquech"nnel
for the water, the lower
of which
end
of
been
must
have
propounded to explain the action of
the various ways
and
mention
in
this process,
course
ultimatelyterminate in some
proper
tacle,
recepthe like. In securingthis
it may
which
as
a pond, river, or
possiblyact : and, secondly,See how,
be
it may
channel
in
there are various circumstances
what
to be conand
cases
sidered,
advantageously
various
theories
which
the neglectof any of which will inevitably applied to practice. The
reference
have
been
to
promulgated with
produce a failure : These are
whence
does
the water
this subject are
I. From
chiefly the following,namely,
proceed,from
above
it acts
of
ture
below ? Or, in other words, is the moisor
by altering the texture
1st, That
its aetion
the
the soil ; 2d, That
depends upon
owing to retained surface water, or emitted
of the soil must
heat decomposing inert vegetablematter
; 3d, That
spring water ? 2. The texture
the
be particularly
of the improvement depends upon
attended
to, If it be a stiff clay, the cause
of vegetablealkali (carbonate of potass)
and the cause
of the damage surface water, the
formation
and
the good
4th, That
which
first thing to be done
acts
to
as
is, by constant tillage,
manure;
jurious
vender
the clay as loose as possible, to raise the
effects are caused by the destruction of certain inwhich
land in ridges,and to furrotv-drai7i,
substances
previouslyexisted in the
as it is termed.
theories is the one
first of these
The
If aL!,ainthe clay is of a lighterkind, as a good
soil.
posed
proDavy, and has certaiidy
by Sir Humphrey
clay-loam,for example, or still more, if the soil
be sandy, the subsoil likewise possessingan
scientific
the merit of being founded
strictly
upon
open
that it is injutexture, the fault will almost
rious,
invariablydepend
principles
; for example he states
the existence
of a spring; in this case,
the
except upon clayey soils, but that, in the
upon
effect of the heat is to alter the
latter case, the
highestparts of the land should always be drained
first,
as it sometimes
happens that this effectually constitution of these soils in fact,to render them

long as the surface upon

the slightestdegree inclined,

is in

rests

it ^^ill continue

cases, in which
difterent men

to

by

of

in texture

"

"

"

"

"

cures

the

evil without

drainingthe
in

whole.

There

which, without

be
geology,it would
tor example, in those
the subsoil
sand.

incurring the

consists

Many

other

of

an

are

other

intimate

useless

to

expense
cases,

knowledge of

attempt draining;

perplexinginstances
irregular strata

cases, ton,

ever,
how-

might

of

where

clay and

be mentioned

own

words,

convert

similar

and

"

It may,

when

which
cold, into

matter

consequence,
warm,

more

much

much

life." Now
the alteration of

more

that
texture

was
one

to

proper
this

is

sands

; to use

his

judiciouslyapplied,
stiff",
damp, and, in
powdery, dry, and
as

statement

bed

for vegetable

concerning

true, needs
strictly

no

FARMER'S

THE

6
other

proof than

reference

to

process of
upon the

the

which essentially
depends
brick-making,
above

fact.

If for

shall find

example,

we

powder

brick,

this state, the clay possesses

propertiesextremely similar to those of sand,
we

namely,

that

that

when

in

with

mixed

its

water

MAGAZINE.
pendent
utilityof the process being dethe formation of carbonate
ofpotass
soils
In
has
shown.
calcareous
already been
there
be
would
moreover
formed, in addition,
of
certain
a
quantity of " hot lime," which

Thirdly, The
upon

would

particlescourse

act

in

the

same

as

manner

if

burned
in the kiln.
been
applied after it had
adhere together,and form a cohesive plastic
to
made
The
has
been
great objection which
dergone
The chemical
mass.
change which ic has unthe
of
is simply its being deprived of water, and
paring and burning, will be
process
ganic
best considered
"
here, as it is this " waste of orI stated in ray first paper,
as
dry alumina cannot
matter"
that is so
be made to unite with water, except through the
severely reprobated.
Those
who
hold this opinion,state that the quantity
of chemical solvents ;" so that having once
medium
cient
suffiof alkali which is formed, is by no means
completelydeprived it of that substance, there is
ed
loss sustainthe immense
to compensate
for
the
little
of
its
chance
ever
resuming
extremely
form of a hydrate. Moreover,
by the large quantityof organicmatter which
during the process
is necessarilydestroyed during the process ; and
of
into chemical union
the alumina
do

not

burning,

with

enters

the silica and

ist,
of the soil,should any exinsoluble compounds,
which are
; and
decomposed with great difficulty
hence it may be extremely useful in lands where
the iron is liable to become
soluble, in which state
before mentioned, it acts as a powerful poison
as
to almost all vegetables. An
objectionmight here
be raised,that although paring and burning altered

and

the

forms

iron

with

them

of the soil actuallyexposed to the

quantity would be too small, when
mixed
with the remainder, to produce

texture
this

tire,still

spread and

ing
placethey propose paring the land and forminto compost heaps, in order
part removed
That this
to
be decomposed by means
of lime.
there
might possiblybe applicablein a few cases
be no
doubt ; but to adopt it as a general
can
be extremely dangerous ; for I
principle,would
it would
be the very reverse
fear that, practically,
the priceof the lime, the
of economical
; for when
of making the heaps, and all the other
expense
in its

the

minutia;, are taken into consideration, it will

found
that, in fact,such a procedure would

be
be

be
expense than would
gained. I
it will be found, that even
by the quantityof manure
have heard a remark
could
by a very sagaciousfarmer,
half of its weight by burning which
one
I think will apply extremely well here,
which
ble
only take place when a large quantityof vegetaof a farm there
namely, that, " in the management
matter
was
present as it is generallycut two
is a certain point,beyond which if a man
goes he
be added
inches thick, there
at
would
or
more
will find himself a loser instead of a gainer; for it
least 14| per cent, of altered alumina
the
(having
farm like a
will never
to keep a market
answer
mechanical propertiesof silica)to the soil ; six
So also there are many
things, which
of tillage. garden."
taken as the
inches

any material

difference of

texture

attended with
culation,
calupon
compensated
if the turf lost

far

; but

more

"

"

depth
average
nomical,
Davey likewise takes notice of when considered abstractedly,might appear ecowhen
put into practicewould be found to
the second
method
by which paring and burning
be exactlythe reverse.
might be useful, namely, by decomposing inert
stroys
in which
He
The
last method
vegetable matter.
Although it deparing and burning
says,
has been
animal and vegetable matter, nevertheless
supposed to act, is that promulgatedby
fects Professor
this is more
Rennie
than compensated by the good it ef:
according to his hypothesis,
in fact, the
carhon
the texture, and
this process depciuls
the advantage derived from
upon
the heat decomposing certain perniof the ashes may be more
cious
useful than the original chieflyupon
in the soil.
ment
This statecontained
matters
fibre." Here however, it is not so easy,
vegetable
made on account
of the importance that
was
fully to comprehend the author's
meaning ; for
stance has been
attached
late writers to some
have already
we
seen
that, in order for any subby many
to be absorbed
experiments performed some
by plants,it must either be
years ago by M. JMathat
soluble in water, or in an
he endeavoured
to prove
extremely minute state
caire, by which
which
of division ; whereas, carbon, when fullydeveloped, plantsejected from
their roots substances
or, in other words, when
completelydisorganised were injuriousto them, or, in other words, that
into the soil.
is capable of being dissolved by no known
plantspassed ea;creme7ititiovsmatters
agent
sity
except fire ; and as to a spontaneous formation of
By this means
they have accounted for the necesother circumstances,
it
carbonic acid, by a union taking place between
of a rotation of crops,
and many
Sir

being
Humphrey

"

and

oxygen
is a

in the

cold, if

such

is the case,

it

the

tainly
cer-

chemical fact ; and lastly

very little
if any of the carbon
left after the incineration of
sion
of diviminute
state
turf, will be in a sufficiently
of its being absorbed
in the solid
to admit
The good effects,however, may
form.
depend
new

of which

causes

had

before been

be
wrapped in obscurity. Now, whatever
may
shall have an
the merits
of this theory and we
opportunity of discussingit fullywhen speaking
"

all others, has

most
least, to explain aloperationin husbandry : for example.
every
believe that the
Professor
would
have
Rennie
us
chief if not the only beneficial effects to be derived
ing,
from the various operations of paring and burnof the rotation

of

been

of, by

made

use

crops

"

some

it, like
at

burning actingin the followingway upon

vegetablefibre of the soil. Although a
be
must
pletely
comgreat part of the organic matter
disorganisedby the intensityof the heat,
and
the like,depended
not
still a portionof it may
suffer decomposition
fallowing,irrigation,
acted upon
their freeing the soil from this excrement.
to the same
extent, and this, when
by
upon
will be conthe carbonate
sidered
These, with the exceptionof the first,
ofpotass, produced during the process,
into soluble organic
be easilyconverted
afterwards; we shall,however, here make
may
far the cfl'ectsof paring
how
act
as
manure
a few remarks
food, which, of course, would
upon
;
and burning can
this hypothethat an accumube explained upon
it is very well known
lation
sis.
moreover,
One
which
he adduces
of undecomposed vegetablefibre is injurious
of the chief aiguments
of the most
to plants; in fact, is one
frequent in support of this statement, namely, that it is not
of ashes, and
the formation
nure,
of
their action as maloss of heart" in old pasture land, so
causes
which is the cause
of the improvement, but
that its destruction might be beneficial.

upon
the

the

inert

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

amelioration depends upon the decomposition

of remerely, therefore, take this oi)portunity
marking
how
of the excreinentitious matters
is,
impossibleit is to lay down practical
rules
fires have been lightedupon grass, the
that when
one
upon
operation in husbandry,
any
luxuriant for a certain
which can be applicableto all cases
most
sward is afterwards
; in fact,lam
convinced
that the chief cause
of practical
distance round the spoi occupied by the burning
agriculturists
not giving in to the suggestionsof men
of
or, in other words, as far as the heat of the
mass,
been
sufficient to decompose the excrefire has
ment."
science,is,that the latter are so extremely apt to
moment's
consideration
Now
ing
will, I
a
lay down general rules, without at first considergument.
think, be sufficient to show the fallacyof this arcarefullyall the various circumstances, local
that the spot itself on
or
First, is it lilcely
individual,which may influence greatlythe
bage,
herhave
of the plan proposed. For
which the fire stood should
a luxuriant
feasibility
example,
in the
with reference to the suggestionof making comwhen
post
every root and seed contained
been
have
soil must
completelydestroyedby the
heaps after paring, instead of burning the
is it possiblethat
the followingcircumstances
have
And again,how
to
intense heat ?
would
mass,
the heat could be sufficient to decompose the exthere is a
crement be
carefullyconsidered, l*^, Whether
and consequently that great
(an organic compound) for some distance scarcityof manure,
be taken
the spot, and yet that the roots of the grass
must
round
care
all that can be got
to husband
be obtained with facilime can
lity,
bodies likewise^ should not be in the
at; 2nd, Whether
{orr/anized
and at a trifling
Moreover,
least degree injured?
although this
on
expense ; 'ird. Whether
the instabilit}'
of
examination
reous
alone would be sufficient to show
the soil is not already full of calcathe fact related by no means
the argument
matter
the trouble and exproves
; Ath, Whether
of the plants ])ense of cartingthe lime, making the heaps, turnthat it is not the effect of the ashes
ing
them, and allowing the land to lie useless until
burned; for, since the active jjartof these ashes
the compost is fullyformed, will be compensated
is extremely soluble, the very first rain would
either exof manure
tremely for by the value
gained. Without due
carry it into the soil,and unless it were
the farmer
loose, or perfectlyhorizontal, a portion attention to all these circumstances
would
of it would most certainly
find in the end that he was
a
spread for some distance
very possibly
the increased luxuriance.
loser instead of a gainer, and that, in endeavourround the spot, and hence
ing
which
for all the theories
have
So much
to carry his
the greatestpossible
to
economy
We
shall
deduced as explanatoryof this process.
extent, he had, in point of fact,greatlyincreased
in
the various methods
his expense.
Thus
ing
that paring and burnnow
we
see
shortlyrecapitulate
is the easiest, quickest,and most economical
which it may
possiblyact.
of bringingpoor cold clays into a fit state for
be of
way
1. In stiff clays,paring and burning may
if stocked with undecomcropping, particularly
value, by deprivinga certain portionof alumina of
posedvegetablematter, unless under the peculiar
combined water, thus giving to it the
its chemically
above
circumstances
mentioned
of sand, and hence
inechanicr.l proi)erties
to a certain
; and that likewise
it may
be useful for sandy soils, should these be
of the soil.
the texture
extent altering
liable to
loss of heart,"either from the existence
where
iron exists in the soil,which
2. In cases
of iron in a soluble state, or, as in the former
is liable to become
soluble, this process may act
from the accumulation
of vegetable fibre,
case,
beneficially,
by causinga chemical union to take
ciency
more
if the soil has already a suffiparticularly
and the alumina and
this substance
between
j)]ace
of lime ; but should this not be the case,
silica,and thus rendering it incapable of being
unless lime were
expensive,it should be tried first,
doing away
again dissolved ; and in this manner
in many
it will be found the most
as
mical.
econocases
of " loss of heart."
with one
cause
The
above
those
methods
are
chieflyin
3. By destroyinga largequantityof inert vegetable
for alteringthe natural texture
use
of soils,and,
matter, tlie land
may be greatlycleaned and
has been
as
of " loss
shewn, are extremely useful for that
another
cause
improved by which means
that the whole

"

"

"

"

In addition
to these, however, there has
overcome.
purpose.
been
a great deal said of late concerning the judicious
of alkaline ashes
formation
nate
(carboof soils in order to improve their
admixture
of potass),
and the subsequent action of these
of the soil; fertility,
the remaining organic matters
as, for example, adding clay to sand, and
upon
vice versa.
however
Now,
into soluble food.
plausible these sugthus convertingthem
gestions
ful
soils the chalk will be reduced
5. In calcareous
may at first sightappear, it is very doubtof any
whether
great
they will ever
to lime, thus
prove
increasing the quantity of alkali
such
a
varietyof
found
in this particularinstance, the subsequent practicalvalue ; for there are
deration,
collateral circumstances
taken into consito be
be the same
as in
eflects of which will of course
that it is difficult to see how
they could
the precedingcase.
incurringa
6. By destroying tbe seeds of useless plants, possiblybe put in practice,without
time
most
and at the same
greater outlay of capitalthan the increased
probably the larvae of much
for,
of the soil would
ever
fertility
innumerable
recompense;
injuriousinsects.
when
consider the immense
of
we
7. The
quantityof sand
and
of

of heart
4. By

"

is

the

burning being
paring
by ploughing, the land will thus
be thoroughly stirred up, and
fullyprepared for
the subsequentoperationsof husbandry.
process

course

Thus

followed

we

have

at

least

seven

excellent

reasons

or

cessary
case
might be, which would be neture,*"
effect the requisitealteration of texwhen
calculate the time and expense
we

clay,as the
to

in

* About
quired
120f cubic yardsof earth would be reoperation,and only one against it,
inch thick,
each English acre, one
in a great meawhich we have alreadyseen
to cover
to be
sure
futile. We
shall proceed therefore
to say a
which, as before stated, taking six inches as the
few words in reference to its practical
would, when
thoroughly
application. average depth of tillage,
remarks
These
will requireto be indeed very brief,
mixed, onlyadd llf jier cent, of sand or clayto the
the ])ractical
soil. This shews
in a forcible ligiit
since it is clear that what
has
been
alreadysaid
in v"hich tlic procebs
concerning the methods
advantagesof paringand burning,over artiticial admay

favour

of this

act, will at
cases

in

once

which

suggest
it may

to the

be

thinking farmer

applicable.1

the

shall

mistme
too

in all

stiff".

cases

where

the texture

of the soil in

THE
"c., will
harrowing,
that theywill then he

be sure
to turn
all readyto return

FARMER'S
tliera up,

so

their thanks

to the

MAGAZINE.
after the addition of largequantities
of manure,
which always forms
a
part of the process ; for it
does not requireany great depth of knowledge
certcinly
that land will become
to discover
richer after
the addition of a considerable quantityof manure
!
How
then can
this exposure render the soil more
fertile? We
have alreadyseen that the fertility
of
soil by no means
depends merely upon the proportion
not

farmer for his kindness, by doing-liim all the

in their jiower.
The
holds true with
aame
the germs of annual weeds ; these being self-sown,
of course
lie near
the surface, and
the ploughing
will effectually
prevent them from being injured
by
the cold, even
be sufficiently
should the season
vere
sethem were
to destroy
theyleft in their original of organicmatter which it contains, but much more
useful in
such matter
position.The winter-fallow is especially
exists,since,as
upon the state in which
useless. Hence
long as it is insoluble,it is perfectly
breaking
up obdurate clods of earth ; this change is
the questioncomes
the constant
to be, can
as
duce
rebrought about by various means,
Summer-fallowing
hitherto insolubleorganicmatter
to such
a state
exposure lo all the inclemencies of the weather, "c.,
but move
that it is capable of being absorbed
frost oca
curs,
by frost. Wh^n
particularly
by plants? We
had occasion to remark, that this change
the water which is contained in the interstices have already
of the clods of earth is of course
is most
converted
into ice,
effected by some
probably
process analogous
effect which
duringwhicli change it has been distinctly
proved to fermentation and putrefaction
; to
that it expands with
that the substances be exposed
great force ; so that, by this
])urposes it is requisite
of earth are of course
to the jointinfluence of moisture,air, light,
expansion,the particles
rated
sepafrom each other, and thus the whole mass
and heat.
Now
shall find that the Summer-falwe
low
dered
renmuch
friable. This probablyis the most
combines all these requisites
more
; by the land being
essential benefit derived from the ^\'inter fallow,for
and repeatedly
thoroughly
ploughed,the vrhoie, or
it not only does away
with the necessity
of the repeated
nearlyso, of the organicmatter contained in it must
time to the action of these various
ploughingsand harrowings which the soil be exposed for some
would
otherwise requireto bring it into a fit state
aided to a great
agents, and thus putrefaction
for receiving
the seed,but it at the same
time greatly degree, and a stock of soluble
matter
preparedfor
facilitates the subsequent removal
the next
of root-weeds,
be very
crop ; in fact,the process
may
8cc. ; and
in this manner
therefore
makes
the land
aptlycompared to cookingpreviousto the seed beinoclean for the springsowing.
in order that theymay not have to wait for
sown,
beautifully
their food until they are half-famished.
This is the true fallow,and is
Summer
Fallow.
3dly. Some suppose that Summer-fallow
acts by
had recourse
to for the express
purpose of cleaning the
destruction of excrementitious
matter.
Here
and
the land thoroughly,
both of annual
perennial
have
we
Professor Ronnie's
theory again. He
time to refresh it by rest,
v.-eeds,and at the same
states, that, by the frequentturnings of the earth,
and renew
addition of manure
it by a plentiful
; so
and exposing it to the beat of the summer
sun, the
that after Summer-fallow
land is considered to be in
dark excrementitious
ot the soil are decommatters
posed,
the higliest
in fact,when
state of perfection,
used,
and the land thus rendered more
wholesome
of the rotation.
it always forms the commencement
for the succeedingcrop ; and moreover,
that the
A great many
have been hazarded
speculations
upon
this process
is more
for clays
reason
why
necessarj^
and
this point, both by practical
scientific men
;
thansands
is, that, in the latter class of soils,the

damage

"

"

some

of the former

in

objectingto

the

process

as

an

of time, and many of the latterin

endeavouringto explain its mode of action. With
as
regard to the first of these I shall say but little,
that would
detail: it may be remarked,
requiretoo much
however, that the best farmers of the true
wheat
soils (clayloams) agree, that, on
the whole,
is the safest preparation
for this
the Summer-fallow
rate,
that,if the claybe very obducrop ; and, moreover,
in order that the land may
it is indispensable,
For the lighter
be kept clean and open.
ever,
soils,howthe adoption of fallow-cropshas almost
tirely
ensuperseded the necessityof true fallow,and
is certainly
the most
economical.
unnecessary

excrement

evaporate,

may

waste

or

may

be

carried

down
subsoil be
this excrement
compares

with

descendingmoisture, provided the

open

and porous

; and

barren

to

lastly,he
Unfortunately,
however,

peat.

for this theory,each of these statements

be easily
can
explained,without any reference to the excretory
of plants,which
at best is not sufficiently
powers
well established at present.
First, with regard to
the decompositionof the excrement
by exposure,
and
consequently the renderingof the soil more
for the succeeding
wholesome
crop ; from all that I
have been able to gather from any work
upon the
of

plants,it appears that the advocates of

merely consider that this discharged
scend
deis injurious
matter
to plantsof the same
kind, and
it is
in general: on the
not that it is hurtful to vegetation

With

excretions

this

theory

regard to its action,however, we must

into particulars.
Ist, Some say that
useful solelyby the destruction of weeds ; some
more

himself states, that the excrement

contrary, M. Macaire
that it actually refreshes exhausted soils ; and others
of the bean and pea is useful, instead of injurious,
hold that its beneficial eflf'ects
the
composition
deare
to
owing
to ivheut plants
that the idea of rendering
; so
of excrementitious matters
in
contained
the land more
hold good, exwholesome
cannot
cept
is
tiiesoil. That it is useful by destroyingweeds
Summer-fallow
were
employed for the purpose

clear,for,by
perfectly

the

to which
repeatedtillings

these plantsare
is subjected,
broken
down
in all the stages of their growth ; and that farmer
be unwarrantablycareless who
must
allows a single
weed to ripen en a field whicli is in Sun-.mer-fallow.
It may
likewise be useful in destroyinginsects,for
if no vegetable
is allowed to grow,
theymust either
die of starvation,or migrate to some
other spot,
where they will be better providedfor.
the land

Summer'Jdly.

fallow is supposed actually to refresh

it has been
exhausted by previous
refer
cropping; tliisremark, of course, must
the soil as it existed previous
to the fallow, and
the

to

soil,after

of

to
restoringfertility

soil which

had

been

hausted
ex-

by the constant renetitions of the same

crop.
as
Summer-fallow
to the clays requiring
Sffcondly,
than

I
their
; this, take it,depends upon
permittingtliefree action of air,"c.upon
the insoluble
vegetablefibre which it contains,in
order to eflfect
its decomposition
; hence the liability
more

texture

sands

not

of such soils,
when
left in permanent pastxire,to lose
of vegetablematter.
heart from an
accumulation

Lastly,the
to

barren

facts.

similitude

peat

Peat

fibre,and

most

is

of the excrementitious

improbable, from

consists of

the

matter

following

undecomposed vegetable
likewise some
antiseptic
frequently

THE

10
substance

FARMER'S

nioditied creosote*),
wLicli
(^probably

MAGAZINE.
tion to those

vents
pre-

the

decomposition of any organic matter,

either naturallyexistingin it, or artificially
added
to
Jience the cause
of the
it; and
sterilityof
such soils,all the ort^anicmatter
being in nainsoluble
i'he excrements

state,

the other

on

would
it not
At
alone?
excretorytlieory
to

all events, until more

der
performed, in or-

experiments have

prove

data

stated

to

has hitherto

plantsdo really excrete

a matter
to themselves, when
injurious
placedunder perfectly

to

; and

have

have,
I do

house,

of the

pretty fully into all the

der
by farmers, both to len-

in
cultivation,

on

occasion,
affirm,

former

hesitate

not

agricultureof
to,

No

to

Great

and

Britain

land,
Ire-

of the whole

least, five-sixths

at

member
then, that the honourable
Hamlets
ions,
(Mr. Clay), with his opinject.
the apathy of the people on the sub-

wonder,

for the Tower

laments

the .*irstplace,and

it constantly in that condition

that all these processes are

preserve

is

population.

We

the soil fitfor

Of
corn-

made,

which
the

amount

natural

afterwards

of the

An
chieflycomposed.
the
indeed, to underrate
and importanceof the partiesconnected
interest in this country ; but
agricultural

from

been done, that all

circumstances.
have thus examined
diflerent methods employed

market

home

us,

market.

and
the
that (including the
provincial towns
classes which
are
employed by the agricultural
in the welfare and
body) those interested
perity
pros-

been

than
unequivocally

more

the

forsake

never

of the home
in the maintenance

customers

is often

numbers
with

For
gum.
better to leave the

be

the

attempt

who

customers

the

interested

laws

is said to resemble

these reasons,

extensive

those

described by M.
Macaire,
stated to be soluble ; for example,

Jiand,are

that of heans

namely,

But

when

he

states

that

there

fewer

are

no

repealof the corn-laws,

founded
he makes
the most
strictlyscientific principles
upon
; and,
pointed reply to the speech of
that theyrequirean accurate
moreover,
for their repeal. That
mover
knowledge the honourable
of these principles,
in order that they
be advantageously speech was
certainlyrepletewith ingenuity and
may
not convincing ; and it wanted
put to practice
; and, lastly,"
that, with
ability
; but it was
we

seen

of them, it is necessary,

before

petitionsin favour

of

he would
have been the first
of, namely, the support of the
have an extensive
acquaintancewith many
people. The fact is, that 12 or 15 years ago
thei e was
turing
higherbranches of science.
a
cry raised throughout the manufacWith
these remarks, we
shall conclude
the first
districts in favour of a repeal of the corndivision of the present sketch of Scientific Agrilaws ; but that cry has now
almost
subsided.
culture,
have now
as
we
finished tlie account
is to be assigned for this ?
And
what
ofthe
reason
and
nature
chemical compositionof soil,its requi- No other, I believe, than that the people have become

some

apply

to

sites for

them

any

that
practically,

tempts that
at-

one

he

should
of the

support

have

to

which

made

use

ried
enlightened; too much so to be carwere
by the delusive theories which
state for cultivation.
then abroad
Bitter
the subjectof cheap bread.
Our next
on
paper will therefore
the all-important
commence
and
extensive subject exi)eriencehas taught the labouring class that
of Manure.
tion
they have not been in the most flourishingcondiwhen
bread
has been
the cheapest. Ask any
the age
agriculturallabourer, at this day, above

supportingvegetablelife,and the various

to by farmers to bring it into a fit

methods

more

resorted

"

away

of 50, when

CORN

of Mr.

motion
whole

S.

Edivard

Speech of

House

when

LAWS.

Cayley,Esq,

Villiers

for

to consider

"

Act

M.

P.,

Committee
Geo.

the

on

of

the

c.

60,

IV.,

he

the

was

best of! ?

He

will answer,

Ask
bushel.
him,
when
he was
He will answer,
worst
when
off?
at its lowest
corn
was
price,a few years ago.
Even the distressed hand-loom
to whom
weavers,
this octhe honourable
member
on
casion,
(Mr. Villiers)
corn

8s.

was

or

10s.

so
patheticallyreferred, are not, in the
midst of their poverty, intent on
a
repealof the
Mr. Cay LEV,
Sir, I agree with most of the observations
I sat two years on
for
corn-laws.
the committee
have
which
fallen from the hon. memI think the hon.
ber
inquiring into their condition
who
has just sat down
in the lucid and
passionate
dismember
that committee
and a more
not on
was

to Foreign Corn.'"
relating

March

15, 1838.

"

"

"

related
has

to

speech he has made, especially

as
they
the questionof our
He
foreign trade.

shown
; and

own

that

other

that

they

will retain

own

market

supply of their
in spite of our

nations

ambition

have
to

with

will of their

themselves

occasionallybeating
the

to

In addition

world.

American

us

and South

to

in hosiery) in
(especially
American

markets.

And

that Belgium and Switzerland

it is notorious
have
of late years been making amazing strides in the
to compete with us as manufacturers
power
; so that
the notion enteitained
a few
years ago, that we might
for ourselves
create
a monopoly of the
turing
manufactrade
more

of the

vain and
us

to

world,

delusive.

pay,

at

least

each
It
an

than
or

the

men

day discovers to he
comes
therefore,better beequal share of attcn-

Dr. Corraack's Prize

Essay

on

Creosote.

who

of
1 should

""

in

favour

their
I

"

say, at

of

were

men

sentiments

in the

true

and

facts.

saw
us

velopment
de-

Of

generalimpi'cssion

speak from
least three

never

before

summoned

straightforwardand

)re

witnesses

these

out of five

were

not

repealof the corn-laws, althougii

their attention
that
to
was
prominently drawn
their condition.
subjectas one that might influence
I have only had time to refer to the opinion
of

of them.

two

We

Kichard

Necdham

says,

"

more
unjust favour
that has been shown
lothe possessors
of fixed money
do of the operationof the Corn
incomes, than we
which
is to j)rotcctthe landed proprietors;
liill,
we
*'

have

complain much

of the

the

same
objectionto the corn-law as to
of money as wages,
receivinglargesums
We
think it more
salaries,and so on.
unjust for

not

those
the

"

men

and
the
to i)rotect the I'undholder
interest of the country, than the landed interest."

government

monied

And
*

of

respectableset

weavers

the

manufactures,

for tlie
raanufactuie
what he has stated
this head, I may
on
add, that France is at this
moment
puttinga higher duty on linen yarn, for
the purpose
of excludingthe j)roduceof this country.
Prussia
is not confiningherself to
supply her
internal market; hut is competing with, and
own

whole

and
intelligent

Edward

Good

observes

Since the decline in the

"

of corn,
price^,

I do net

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

think

have
been
better oH'. 1 tiiink our wages
we
have kept pace with the decline of corn, and gone
before it in many
instances."
is the

Here

solution

the

change in opinion
the
working classes.

to

this

subject among
taught to consider
of upholding the
means

upon

They

were

were

their cxpencc,

for the

only. They
by their own

have

that

corn-laws

the

price of

at

corn,

benefit of the landlords

this theory contradicted

found

11

depreciatedin value
it has

all grown

laws.

What,

; but
under

up

must

we

remember
existence of

the

that
corn

however, is it, compared to the

capitalsunk in the land.' In an article,
I believe, in the Edinburgh Review
(and if so,
probably written by Mr. M'Culloch), of a few
of

amount

years ago,
rental

it was
estimated that
think three-fourths
from the interest of

"

arose

very
of

"

largeproportion

the

landed

capitallaid out
soil, in buildings,
"c.

experience; for they have seen that, in the improvement of the

Now
with the fall of the j)rice
of corn,
supposingthe rent of the land in this country
landlords alone
to be 32,000,000/.;according to this estimate,
have not
suffered, but that all the industrious
classes have suffered along with them.
or
24,000,000/. is to be considered
The
nourablethree-fourths,
holaid out in improvements;
as the interest of capital
has argued this as a questionof
mover
interest equivalent,at three per cent,
an
self-interest on
the part of the landlord.
(and it
pure
has not paid more), to 800,000,000/. of capital.
that it is not so.
ISut is
Experience has shown
self-interest on the other side ?
Has
the
no
fixed annuitant no interest in reducing the price
and of manufactures
of corn
to the lowest possible
pitch,in order that his fixed income
may
go all
the further ? I do not know
whether
able
the honourthere

member

whether

be, himself,
be the

he

fixed

annuitant,

of
representative

or

the fixed

nuitants
an-

in this house; if he be, I teU him, that

his interest in the repeal of the corn
laws is a
much
individual and selfish one,
than
that
more
of the landlords in the preservationof them.
In

And

and
of

this which

wealth

With

is the

whom
with

classes
income

be

; because

may

he

those

lias

the farthest.

no

partieswho are
repeal of

One

the
to

of

more

cry for the

is

an

answer

fixed

up ?
and

Certainly

productive
interest,
namely,
that

so

his fixed

industrious

and

to take

want

remunerating

main

market.

originatorsof the
laws.

in favour
to

annuitant.

of the corn-laws

Mr.

gent
Oliver,a most intelliCommittee
of
Agricultural
the

Professor's chair

of

the

University of Edinburgh. He
asked what
effect the repeal of the corn
was
laws
the working class.
would have
He went
on
into
minute
a
calculation, and concluded
by saying
that, if 3,000,000 quarters of corn
(of all kinds)
were
of that proixgularlyimported, in the j)lace
duced
it would throw
by the British agriculturis';,
out of bread
1,000,000 of people and 2,000,000 of
of cultivation.
But the importation,to
out
acres
the

answer

end

of many
of its promoters,
this ; and the mischief

largerthan

much

must

and

be
ger
dan-

lightlyinjured,or

considerabl
in-

Why,

I do

not

under
mean

that

very system

any

which
has been in existence in this
since the beginning of the fifteenth
century ; for I find acts passed in 1436 and 1463
to regulatethe priceat which
exportationshould
a

system
ever

In UuO, also,
allowed,and importationcease.
act was
passed,extending the exportationprice
to 53s. 4d. a quarter for wheat, and
other grain in
proportion; and imposing, at the same
time, prohibitory
the importation of wheat, till
duties on
the pricerose
to 53s. 4d. and a duty of 8s. between
that and 80s.
So that there
is nothing new,
at

least,in the system of corn

laws
this system, be it remembered,
and

the

nation's care."

contrary,

corn

witness, before the

1833, and a candidate for

Agriculturein

The

tional
na-

self-interest,
then, from

the
the

chief argument

given in

only one
labour cheap,

and

go

hear

us

of

of the industrious

productiveclasses, on
their goods and labour
Let

worth

case

is his interest bound

that

buy goods

to

clare
de-

to

sign of the decay of

fallingof rents ; and that

raisingof them would

Take, however, the
not

Mr. Locke

caused

infallible

"an

laws"

corn

"

an

was

under

country

be

It

be

dealt with .' And

under
what
faith,
what sanction, has this capitalbeen so

particularact,
but the general spirit
of protectionwhich
it is the
undisguisedobjectof this motion entirelyto repeal

tenant

that

capitalto

freelyembarked

the

prosperityof the landlords, the welfare of the

and labourer, and
of at least five-sixths of
is also bound
the
population,
High rents
up.
be dictated by the landlords ; they are
cannot
mere
symptoms of prosperityon the part of those
who conduce
to the paying of them,
namely, of
farmers
the
and husbandmen, and
their customers.

is this

; and

that

it is under
all

our

mercial
com-

manufacturing greatness has sprung

up.
Protection and encouragement to our agriculture
is a matter
of prudence, also, as it relates to the

certaintyof a supply of the staff of life. Whilst

we
depend, entirely,or mainly, on ourselves for
the supply of bread corn, nothing but a visitation of
interfere with our
Providence
can
enjoyraenof the
most
article of consumption. On the
necessary
other band, if we
depended, for the most part on
foreignnations for our supply of food, we should
be exposed not
only to the hardships of adverse
but of the
seasons
capriciousnessor enmity of
man.
Supposing us to go to war with the country
the countries that suppliedus with the greater
or
proportion of the wheat we consumed, and they
followed the plan of withholdingthe suppliesas a
method
of starvingus into a compliance with their
in what a predicament should we
hostile demands
;
"

be ! Those
well

whohave

to

read

of

Mr.

not
already

done

so, would

do

Huskisson's

letter,published,I
think in 1814, on the danger of relyingon
foreign
countries for our supplyof food. But this is not altogether
a hypothetical
danger. We have alreadv had
experienceof the advantage a foreignnation might
take of our
deficiency. And here is a complete
to those who
answer
imagine that, under the pressure
great dearth

of

corn

in this

country,

vvc

could trust to foreignersto sell it us at the continental

proportionate.
In
price, provided we had no corn laws.
Every
would
production
1801, there was
of wheat; the
a
great
scarcity
be surcharged, and wages
and goods would
fall in
ports were
opened free of duty. Prussia had the
price, bjlow any remuneration
; and the competition
of supplying us ; what
means
did Prussia
do ?
for existence would be dreadful.
Why, finding that we
gave up the duty, she put
The honourable
has alluded to the amount
mover
the export of wheat
on
from Prussia,
a duty on
the
of capitalengaged in the cotton
trade, estimating King refused to take it off until he saw
whether
it at somewhere
about 30,000,000/.,
or
10,000,000/,;
the price in England would
rise high enough to
a largesum,
no
doubt, and I do not wish to see it allow him to retain it. 1 he following
is an extract
and

distress would, of course,

market
of labour and
of

be

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

12

the
in

King of Prussia,

from the order of his Majesty the

dated the 12th of September, 1801

:"

time

worked
"TO

OF

MINISTER

THE

VON

BARON

STATE,

And

sciiROETTER.

well

the end

to

of this year,

of
sliipments

the

as

much

continue
present calendar year, cannot
longer, the threshingout of the wheat will
the

supply to the seaport

of January next

fore the

be

not

towns

only begin

can

the month

with

year.
himself, if he has
It is the fault of the merchant

"

in

and

oOs.

,."

,1

the duty
price,
(Signed)

ticned

be modified

can

"

the last-men-

than

its

demand

10s.

or

great scarrepeal; and,

pretext, which

the

law,

unpopularitywith
they cannot at pre-

its

of

cause

corn-laws
a
i)Opular
raising
cry against

do

of steadiness of

talk

we

where

find it

we

countries

Not

in

price,however,
in the corn-growand
Hamburgh,

Dantsic

; witness
countries
which

ing

Not

prevail?

habitual

and

constant

are

of
In one
Rotterdam.
; witness
the agricultural
reports,there is the latest decennial
of

importers

corn

which
has been made
from the above places,
togetherwith the highestand lowest prices,giving the extreme
pointsof fluctuation at each place

average
up,

period:
"

ttn
-^
^
v,
Lowest
Price.
Hichest
Trice,
Averafre.
323. lOd.. 21s. 8d. (1826). 45s. 6d. (1831)
Hamburgh .30*. 2d.. 20s. Od. ( 1826)...41s. Od. ( 1831 )

Decennial
^,^^^^.^^

"

"

Rotterdam
..

.37s. 9d.. .25s. 6d.

56s. Od.. .39s. Od.

6d.

(1826). 52s.
.

(1831)

66s. Od.

accordingly.
According to this,there has been a rise,from the
pointto the highest,of above 100 per cent, in
aH ti^ese places,
except England ; whilst in England
fi^g fluctuation between
the extreme
pointsof price

Wiliielm."

Friedricu

duty,of

tixed

that, under

general.

England

'

"

the

want

"!

OOs.

periodrise something less

in this

who

When

per quarter,the dut"

shall then be taken off,and shall only be continued
in full if they rise again to 80s.or 90s. ; should they
,

between

tune

were

excellence, therefore, of

The

rind,for

sent

that

to

grower

repealed,it would not be easy to re-enact it.

Whereas
the duty diminishing,
by the present law,
leaves
to the vanishingpoint,
as scarcity
approaches,
for popularclamour; since,just at the mono
room
would
the clamour
ment
begin,the duty no longer

within the
continue

prices in England
"
.*;
,

the

there

working. If

those

accordingly.
Should

causc,
tlie " no

a[)prehend,is

pricesof the best wheats, will make up to him in

received in
have
oiiierwise
price what he would
bounty. Under these circumstances,I consider it so
the more
advisable to postpone the taking off
much
of December, as we
the duty on wheat till the month
whecertainty
shall then be able to judge with more
in
harvest
ther the report of an
unusuallyabundant
ineaEno-land is founded or not, and regulateour
"

better

exists.

he
than
himself
with a larger stock
encumbered
could send to England before the 1st October, as he
is sure of a good priceto that time; and the new
of the Englisli
measure
government for reducingthe
bounty,having occasioned an unnatural rise in the

sures

the

once

year, and there-

of the current

the end

finished before

and
scarcity,

l5s. per quarter, they know

city,populnrclamour would

see

tinuance

of

time

plenty, in fact,nothing can have

tor the public than this present law.
I firmlybelicve, of its unpopuhirity.
corn-law"
theorists,is its practical

of

oue

with

duty on wheat
respectto takingoff the new
that the country can sutfer from its con-

With

"

I do not

in

consumer
a

lowest

King

Che

Thus

of

Prussia

resolved

was

England, should not

in pricebetween
difference

at least in

consumer

that

the

have

the

British
benefit of the
that Prussia
took
care
and Prussian wheat; and
should have every advantage she could takeof the
then
precarioussituation of this country, with respect to its supplyof food. This example certainly

holds

out

very

no

strong inducement

countries,

to other

rather

than

to
to

us

to

jg jpgg ti,.,"75

trust

ourselves, for

production of the necessaries of lite.

that granting
however,
by some
laws, the prethe necessity or policyof the corn
and steady
a uniform
sent system does not secure
price. As far as any corn law can produce steadiNo rational being
of price,the present does.
ness
the

tjjg honourable

expects

that

law

corn

can

prevent

the

fluctua-

tion of pricesnecessarilyconsequent on abundant

But the present law under
deficient harvests.
or
ot
harvests, produces great steadiness
average
price; for instance, turn to the price of wheat for
It is as follows, in the returns
weeks.
the last si.x;
for the 150

according to

towns

the

act

:"

'

February

"

February 16
lebruury -0

"

"

March

"

of

state

any

pricesbe

10

more

j^^^jg ^^^^
^ical answer

even

under

is,if I may

so

i^^if of

to resist the

fall.Thus

it

of
much
that'ppriod,

the

with
p]ia,^ce
j,^^,working

do

member
view
of

honourable

j^^ds^ ^ith

ago,

the

corn-

his

made

classes

the

on

score

ex-

00

o.^

00

assumed,
a

market

that

the land-

into
of

so

being unemployed a

would

food been

our

however,

appealto

an

shaming them

views,

not, he
j^^^j^j^p^
|,gg" allowed

which

that

'.aw
prohibitory

remember,

^j^^j them to compete with

This taunt.
^^^^Continent.
when
it is notorious
j,.j,j^
ploynient,and consequent

serves

more

^"^^^present.
,5^.^^^

had
or
j^jj^oad,

supply,and so modifytiie rise. On i\n-.other hand,

risingas the price falls,tends to limit the
dtjty
so

existence

^vithstandingthe

the

to

in the last 20 years, notof the corn-law ; and for

call it,

and
importation,

charge, however,

j.t

great abundance
in
obstructive principle
an
is at variance
the o-raduated scale of duties which
with sudden fluctuations in price. 'Ihe duty falling
as the pricerises,tends to the admission of a foreign

And

the

to

doubled
^^,,,3j^.^^g j^^.^-iy

00

equablethan this?
or
scarcity,tliere

less

export

we

of not importing
consequence
it ^.;,s ^ot, if I remember, very clearly
almost appear a sufficientpracj^ ^^.q^I^j

i^pj,.
g,;,,jn^

^^^^

February b

"

Can

o4

endingJanuary26

whether

.rrowing countries, in

^'

Week

mover

;'or

Continent

the

to

come

now

It is affirmed

pe,. ^^^^^

onlypracticalobjectionwhich
urged againstthe corn-law,
it
that it cripples
our
^.j^.^
foreigntrade. Whether
of a higher priceof corn,
nedoes this on account
cessarilyinducing a higher rate of wages than can
successfully
compete with the lower wages of the
j

have

com-

many of
few years
been

the

for their work

cheap enough to have enathe low-priced labour of

say, is a little too

the absence of emdistress of the agricultu1830, drove ihem, in
ral labourers, which, about
to
acts of daring insubordination, and
cases,
many
it is
to a wide-sju-ead
even
system of incendiarism
notorious,1 say, that this distress was caused by an
attempt, only partially
put into execution, of the
the rate of wages
to a level with
to reduce
tarmers,
1

must

that

"

of agricultural
jirice
produce. So that
of jirice,
which
the honourable
rate
the cause
of that very disseeks for,was

the reduced
this very

member

low

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

13

of yarn requiring
of wliich lie lias so consistently
of yarn. Tiie manufacture
the landlord.
largecapitaland expensivemachinery,theyat present
But
if the honourable
member
tliiiilisthat the
apply themselves to the weaving departmentof
The
time will come,
the manufacture.
no
doubt,
our
present corn-lan-s have diminished
foreigntrade
than
when
swer
more
to anthey will resort to the preparationof the yarn
any former corn-law, I am prepared
for themthat objection
likewise. This disposition
to manufacture
selves
also, 'i'here is,very opportunely,
in the Appendix of the Third
though
is singularly
illustrated by the fact,that, alReport of the
off in the
last year
there was
of the
a
of 1836, a return
AgriculturalCommittee
great falling
of exports from
crease
Great Britain to the cornamount
exports of all other articles,there was a steadyinin the foreigndemand
for cotton yarn. I learn
growing countries of the world, from 1829 to 1836,
this from
the annual
\vbich exactly
is an
Trade and
this case.
The following
meets
return, entitled
cording
Acextract :
Navigation," this morning delivered to us.
tress,

account

on

for
apjiealecl

the

port

sympathyof

"

"

"

Account
of the Exports of British and Irish
Produce
and Manufactures to the several Countries
from which
Corn is imported, in the years
ending the oth of January,1829, 1830, 1831,
1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836."

this,although the export of cotton manufactures

bad fallen from "18,511,692 in 1836 to

to

An

"13,625,464
had

in

increased

^^6,953,467in

1837, yet the export of cotton yarn

in
from
1836
"6,120,366
to
This

1837.

tendencyin

some

tries
coun-

for themselves
manufacture
is, fortunately
for us, counterbalanced
demand
by an increased
from other parts of the globe;but the fact I have
stated is sufficient to put us on our
guard, that our
to

I will only trouble the house

last years, and the two or three

with

first and

the

countries
principal

Russia

Germany
United States,America

"1,849,424
"2,376,799
7,443,714.. 8,678,679
6,694,695.. 14,198,900

This

this

exports to

; and to teach us,

lesson of respect and

1835.

"20,387,316.

market,

which

schemes

of

an

will

to

rest

upon

our

foreign

I said, before, a prudent

encouragen.ent to the home
as

leave

never

anti-national

us,

unless

the

policyshall compel it

by poverty so to do, through an absence of the

God ! the country is no
to purchase. Thank
means
longer deluded by that wild and chimerical cry for

'

"

1829.

dependence ought not

trade

and

is

return

main

ence
the aggregate differin
all the countries mentioned

is officialvalue

in the

1836.

1829.

"32,828,030.

existed about 15 years ago, when

free trade which
leaders of both sides,cabinet
the principal
political
the rest, went
ministers
school
to
to Mr.
among
And
this increase has
taken
place since 1828, M'Culloch, and imaginedthat the habits and pursuits
when the present corn-law was enacted.
How, then,
of the populationwere, at once,
to be surrendered
the present corn -law be said to have a tendency
can
of some
abstraction in political
to the dictum
to diminish the trade of this country vv-ith the cornthis (the ministerial)
Hon. members
on
economy.
growing-countries ?
their decrease in
side of (he house may lament over
in the Ap'I'bis Return, in conjunction
with one
pendixthe number
of county members, and attribute it,as
of the Second Agricultural
Report of 1836, longas they please,to intimidation of landlords and
shows
have even
another curious fact,viz., that we
mers,
other causes
is, that the farcause
; but the main
exportedthe most to the corn-growingcountries in
believe that the
as
a
The declared

value

being,

"21,997,478.

"14,787,104.

body,

Tory country

tlemen
gen-

have imported the least corn.

we
(theleaders on both sides they have equally
lowing
example. We imported the folless bitten with the insanity
of free
were
distrusted)
in the following
quantities
years ; and I will
trade than the Whig country gentlemen ; and after
add the aggregate quantityof goods we
exportedto the feverish excitement respectingthe Reform Bill
the corn-growingcountries in the year :
had passedaway,
they relapsedinto their previous
and Colonial Total of British and Irish Produce
however,
Forei'jrn
feelingson this subject. Tlie declaration,

those

when

years
wheat

Take

as

an

"

Wheat

brought

exported

to
in-

from which

Consumption.

Countries

to

Corn

is

usually

imported.
Years.
1829.

1830.
1831..

OfficialValue.

Qrs.
1,364,220
1.701,885
,1,491,631

1832

325,435.

26,882,959
27,010,604

1833.

82,346

1834.

64,653
28,413

28,855,141

Return

32,828,030

1835.
No

1836

the fact of

Thus,

our

26,897,431

importing more

or

less

corn

the quantityof
have no effect whatever
on
manufacture
for expert. The truth is,
that the existence of machinery enters
so much
more
seems

goods

to

we

noble

friend
of the

at
(^LordJohn Russell)
in
session,so strongly

the

mencement
com-

favour of
fect
will,I have no doubt, have a great efagriculture,
in obtainingthe confidence of the farmers towards

"20,387,316
20,699,022
23,533,136

of my

his

government.

I omitted

to

state, in

ble
passing,that the honoura-

had invoked
(Mr. Yilliers)

mover

of the landlords

the

sympathy

this house

in

towards the working:

because
class,especially,
they had of late been very
much
bute
of employment, and he seemed
to attriout
this state of distress either to the corn-laws, or
to the

high price of

notorious
of

to

every

in the

disemploymentamong

the last twelve

months,

embarrassment

corn.

one

the
was

of the

thought it

had

been

country, that the state

working classes,within

owing

to

last year.

the
That

cial
commer-

rassment,
embar-

from
the
equally notorious, arose
medium
sudden
contractionof the circulating
traction
price of labour, that the competitionwith other
; a concountries is much
facilities
a question of the
doubt, to the safetyof the
no
more
necessary,
of England, under
for mnchineryand artificial power, than a contest to
Bank
the present standard of
reduce
where
But the ])revious
I mean
in those instances
value.
state of prosperity,
arising
wages

into the

comparative cost

of manufactures

than

it is

the

"

foreigncountries
compete
not.

And

of other

with

will

theirs.

nothingcan

allow
In

many

better

manufactures

our

instances
prove

the

to

out

of

an

abundance

of money,
shows
that we
can
in spiteof the corn-laws
;
have always contended for,

trade
they will have a flourishing
disposition and proves, also,what I

not sufficientto
for themselves, viz.,that the corn-laws alone were
manufacture
crease restore
where they have facilitiesfor it, than the great into the distressed agriculturist.
prosperity
In conclusion.Sir,three very goodreasons, oa one
which has taken place of late years in the ex-

countries

to

14

FARMER'S

THE

side of tliequestion,
mny be givenfor
tliecorn-laws ; and I will state them
somewliat more
explicitlythan the
the income
make
1. It would
mover:
and
go farther ; so long as war
2. It would

lower

rents.

repealof

the

shortly,and
honourable
of fixed

"

be avoided.

nuitants
an-

famine could
3. It would

diminish the influence of landlords at elections; all

desirable objects
which seem
with many of the parties
who
the repealof the corn-laws.
It is
urge
made, in fact,a political
question. There are also
three arguments against
the repealof the corn-laws ;
nues
so
long, at least,as the interest of the debt contiruin the landlords.
to be paid: 1. It would
"

"

ARABLE
Old

Rent and taxes

Manure for one year
spreading,bush
harrowing, and

10

rolling

10

"4
Value

of hay crop
lattermath.

and

and
Sowing,rolling,
"c..
harrowing,

Rentand

taxes.

..

Value of crop
aftermath

"1

10

"3

15

0
10

Seed

3. It would ruin the

2. It would ruin the tenants.
labourers and the country districts. But, Sir, we
in no danger of so destructive a change. The
are
country is wiser than to submit its experienceto any
such chimera.
Poll the whole country on the (]uesdent
confition of free trade and the corn-law, and I am
be in favour of the cornthat ten to one would
law rather than of free trade ; because
the one is an
and

and

it is because

I consider

turf

on

1 10

Profit

Barley.
One
ploughing,
ing
three tines,rolland grooping.
0 15
Seed, three bushels. 0 12
Water
furrowing,
0
1
"c

"1
1

taxes..

Average

Oats.
Potatoes

"c
rolling,
Seed,five bushels.
six tines

LOAMS.

Four

ploughings,

barrowings,and
3
0
at I5s.
rollings,
0 10
Two
drillings....
...

2s

and

Rent

taxes...

"4
crop, six qrs. 7

"2
"10
and

hoeing.
and two
Scuffling

earthings

...

15
10

Profit on

Rent

and

taxes.

"14

Average
an

acre

value
of

10

on

potatoes

potatoes. 1 15

Profit

on

Profit

on

wheat.
clover.

Profit

10

15

oats

on

(Years

14

Water
and

"13

on

Profit
lands

on
over

Good

and

turf.

10

turf"l 19
Turnip

10

rowings
drillings

Two

Two

sowing.

Profit on

...

12

wheat. ..710

SANDS.
Turf.
taxes

"c

1 10

"2

Rentand

10

15

taxes...

"

on

15

"3

Average

crop

10

Profit on

hay

10

15

3 10
15

Turnips.

ploughings,

"c.,"c
drillings

10

bones..

10

15

15

Two

or

ing,
Seed, sowing,hoe"c., and

fore
be-

as

and

"0

scuffling

Oats.

Seed, "c.,

turf

on

Manure

taxes..

"3

15
15

Rent and

taxes

....

10

crop five
6

quarters
Profit on

oats

Profit on
Profit on

turnips. 1
barley..5

"2

"l
turnips.

Profitonhay

Average crop... "10

Profit

Four

Profit

scufflings.

10

Average crop.

"1

0
10

Lands.

Hoeing?...
Rent and taxes.

10

arable

Manure

taxes.

19

ploughings,

Seed and

"2

LOAMY
Old
and
Rent

Profit

19

and liarrollings,

...

Seed, sowing, "c.

Average

Yearlyaverage"3
Profit

Four

furrowing

grooping

in course,

four)

On

Seed, three bushels

barley.."5

19

15

Wheat.
One ploughing
and
four tines

10

toes
pota0

Profit on

10

of
1()

Profit

15

cro]

Averagecrop

Rent

"11

1 10

Yearly manuring,

15

10

Cutting,
planting,

Average

1 15

"c
yearly,

Manure

Hay.

Av.

of

Thirty bushels
seed,at

Rent
4

0 15

of

loads
at 4s.

manure

"1

Twenty

15

croji, six

quarters

Turf.
taxes.

and
ploughing,

One

Strong

"

Old
and

Rent

10

bay...."l 15

on

COMPARED

"3
Profit

otJier is not

the corn-law to be

protection
and encouragement to British labour, British
that I give it my
and British enterprise,
capital,
best and warmest
support.

Rentand
5

......

the
industry,

to native

encouragement

FARMING

Cloveii.
s.

TURF

AND

Turf.

MAGAZINE.

on

on

(Yearsin

....

oats..

On

turf.

10

"3
barley..

Seed and

sowing.

"11

Hay.
Rent

average

"2
1

and taxes

Profit on tion
cultivaturf"l
over

....

"2

Averagecrop

Profits on
course,

five)
Yearly
profit

10

second

years'grass
Profit

0
7

Profit

on

bay...."l

10

15
5

FARMER'S

THE

years'
grass

Second

16

Third do

Profit

on

Profit

on

Profit

on

Profit

on

10

15

MAGAZINE.
fallow

Cloveh.

wheat

14

hay.. 2

15

oats..

Rentand

Oats.
before

As
Rent

and

taxes.

...

13

"3

"4

four)

.."l

16

Difference
oats..

on

15

."0

Turf
16
..

Second

nips
tur-

on

15

Profit on barley3
Profit on hay..15
second
Profit

16

Profit third year 0 10

Profit on oats. .116

year

years'
grass

(Yearsfive)

15

"5

"1

The

most

Difference

"1
crop....

Profit

bay...."l

Average

Rent

and

Lime

15

Seed
Seed

13

Oats.
As before
Rentand taxes.

1 10

..

l5

10

1
...

crop.

Profit

turf

on

"2

15

10

...

^^0

15

15

15

"2

10

3^

crop

Crop 3

oats...."l

14

furrowing,
0
"c-..
grooping,

16

dung

rent
years'

Averagecrop,

and

Profit

15

on

10

15

Profit on
Profit

on

Profit

on
on

beans.

."2

Wheat..

bay
beans

....

15

(Years in
four)

course,

four

"8
5

oats,..."l

15

quarters

10

16

"6
Two

2
4

qrs

0
3

or

on

Beans

taxes

"3

Average

10

OR

Wheat.

taxes...

...

qrs
Profit

Fallows.

Manuring, ":c.

on

As before
Rent and taxes

Profit

Clay

15

Average

tation
roprofitable

CLAYS
LEYS.

"18
turf

0
15

in the end.

14

Ploughings,"c.."2
On

BARREN

(Yearsin course
six)

..

Oats.

"4
Profit

taxes.

14

Yearlyaverage"l

quarters

fore
be-

as

(Yearsin course

Average crop, four

Profit

Seed, "c.,

Crop, 3i

qrs

Profit

wheat.

on

10

Yearlyaverage .."l

are
These barren claysor leysare usually
joinedwith And thoughsuch foolish notions in agriculture
riveted by power, we
better soils,and the separate value is not known
sanctioned by ignorance and
;
will
in very many
cases
generation
they are useful onlyin rotting may hope that the present intelligent
bite to a few young
tle,
catburst the fetters of thraldom, and sweep away the
a
sour
sheep and affording
and not worth
a half crown
Complete cobwebs of antiqueignorance.
per acre.
RUSTICUS.
must
precede the breakingup ; and it will
draining

happen that
crop,

the

and

loss

will

be

profitmust

sustained

the wheat

on

be looked for

on

an

Dec. 20, 1838.

rage
ave-

I'he above calculations are made

on
hired,and
average, and, as if all labour was
the crops
sold at current value on the ground, the
of years.

low

being

straw

for the expence

allowed

of

ingathering

THE

CORN

LAWS."

There

is

no

ever,
difference what-

I conceive,betwixt
and circumstances
into account.
consigningthe whole of our
Locality
as
woollen trade to foreignnations, and givingthem
will always render many allowances necessary
of our
much
agricultureas brings from the labour, skill
in all such cases.
amount.
Except,
and capitalof our people the same
The useless and very shameful state of cultivation
the whole of any trade out of
that by throwing at once
in which
turfs and leysare suffered to reour
main,
work, a greater degreeof destitution and distress might
fail to strike the most careless observer.
cannot
ed
happen than when a portionequally large was removMy own opinion is, that, except in some particular from employment, when there was stilla largepart
turfs are unprofitable,
nate
and the altercases, leys and
left. But
supposinghalf the peopleemployed in the
settled this point, woollen,and half those in the cotton trade,were, by
system has long ago most fully
not
except with those persons whose minds are wilfullythe tiansfer of those trades to foreign powers
dustry
shut to reason
To
this fact, wanted, and half the sum
and
conviction.
annually created by the inavow
of these trades (viz.20 millions) lost, I can
and to say that hay is not a very necessary appendage
and national point
in an economical
versal see no diiTerence,
on
any farm will subject the writer to uniyielding
of view, betwixt that state of things,and our
obloquy,and he will be assailed by the whole
of producingfrom their
to foreignersthe opportunity
host of old and
fixed opinions,
which, like the laws
for our
of 20 millions in corn
nations to the amount
of Rledes and Persians, alter not.
These
prejudiced

and

taken

not

notions

littleworth

viction,
heeding time will work conthough slowly and though any one person
who
dices
persons
oppose their doctrines to the prejuare

"

or

of

multitude

that if founded

on

must
reason

fail,we

know

very well

succeed.
theyultimately

of late producedby our

into the bargain, a
would
destitution in either case
the people of that trade which

portionhad

use,

which

own

people,and

"

we

been

findingthem,

market
for it. The
fall the heaviest upon
it the loss to
had been transferred, but depend upon
reduction
be very severelyfelt. The
the other would

lan.

THE

THE

EAST

FARMER'S

LOTHIAN

l7

MAGAZINE.

STUBBLE

RAKE.

18

FARMER'S

THE

TO

THE

EDITOR

OP

THE

MAGAZINE.
h h ; it will be perceived
that these hands are
to the longpieceof wood g g g, which""

hands

FARMERS

MAGAZINE.

fixed

by bolts

lies alongthe whole breadth of the machine, resting

the backs of all the teeth e e ee "c., the piece of
on
of three or four
wood
been cleared of the stocks, has been in actual
g g g is also attached by means
tion
operain fig.
links of a chain to each of the teeth,as seen
2,
among the East Lothian farmers for upwards of
of connexion,
four years. It is easy and simplein its construction, where a side view shows the mode
and
and also in figurethird,where the chain is seen
effective in the performanceof its
yet wonderfully
In emptying
work, so much so, that it is almost impossibleto find marked in both views by the letter m.
the rake, therefore,when
head or ear of corn
the ground over which
on
full,the handles have only
a single
the teeth up along with
it has passed ; it is drawn with the greatestpossible to be lifted,
which bringing
ease
by one horse,and is usuallydriven at a good them throughthe slightiron framework///,through
the straw
which the teeth can come,
but not
the horse may frequently
be
or corn
pace ; in East Lothian
from which theyare thus extricated,and which conin the most
sequently
with this implement,
seen
manner
trotting
lively
This

of

machine, whicb

is employed for the purpose

rakingthe stubble of

the harvest

field after it has

dered
or the
keepingthe man
boy (it is consilightand so easy to manage, that a boy is
out
usuallyset to it)in attendance upon it,stepping
so

at

smart

very

pace.

The

corn

and

which

straw

it

gathers,called technicallythe rakings,"is usually

"

laid down in longrows

at stated distances from each
other across
for the purpose of
a field ; this is done
speedyremoval afterwards,for ofcourse, it is much
"
easier to remove
the rakings"
thus laid down, than
if emptied irregularly
of a
the whole
extent
over
field.
minute explanation
But to proceedto a more
of
this " horse rake," (ascalled in East Lothian)I beg
to refer the reader to the first of the engravings. It
is a bird's-eye
view as it is termed, in more
plain
words, the ground plan, a a a is the principal
part
of the frame or body of the machine, d d the wheels
at each end of a o a, to which
they are fastened,b h
the shafts in which the horse is placed,
c c iron rods
secured by bolts at either end to the shafts and
frame,for the purpose of keeping the machine firm
and strong,e e e e e "c. are the wooden piecesto the
end of which the iron teeth are
fixed by means
of
in fig.
nuts
2 by the letters
or screws,
as represented
e and k
; these teeth are loose and moveable on their
axlei ", which axle,or round rod of iron runs
along
the whole breadth of the machine
from wheel
to
wheel, or from i to i,(infig.1) ; on this axle or rod,
all the teeth have free liberty
and therefore
to move,
their own
weight makes them falland dip into every
little hole or inequality
in the ground over
which
they traverse, taking all before them ; the teeth
(marked k in fig.2) are turned into a sort of curve at
the point; this provision,
of no
althoughseemingly
is designedfor a two-fold purpose ;
use
at first sight,
that by being so curved the teeth do not
first,
scrape
the ground,collecting
stones, clods,"c., but instead
of this,the bend of the teeth allows them to run
on
the top, or close to the ground without enteringit ;
the second advantageis, that it allows the rake to
over
water-tracks,or ebb-trenches made
pass freely
for the conveyance of water
from the land, without
risk of making a forcible impediment or halt in the

progressofthe rake, or breakingthe teeth, as would

be the case if the teeth were
straight.Turning again
the reader will perceivethe handles
to figure
first,
for emptying the rake when full,
marked
ters
by the leth h ;

these

the

on
freely

handles

also

generalaxle

work

like the

l, theyserve

to

couple of

same

manner

serve

to
more

niacliiue.

when

in figurefirst is of a very slight

tion,
descripfor this,the simplestof all reasons, it does not
require to be very strong ; it is fastened to the
wooden frame a a a by two bolts in each branch for
the purpose of keepingit somewhat
steady.There
is an arm
small rod placedbetween
or
every two

teeth, as representedin fig.1

below
teeth

the
are

long pieceof wood

attached)and juston

the reader

than

in the

other

views,

and

to explain the action of the

distinctly
Now
lo
explainiiow the rake is emptied

full, the

reader

must

eive

this iron frame

(to which

lies

g g g

the

level,or nearlyso,
fig.2. The mode of

with the top of the teeth,as in

the teeth by chains to g g g is convenient
attaching
and useful for two reasons,
it allows them free action
and is stilla method of raising
them, and it also prevents
into
them from falling
too far down
or sinking
the ground, if any deep holes should intervene.
The
rakings"are alwayssubjectto be mixed with
"

small

valustones, "c., gathered alono- with the more

able commodity, which circumstance cannot be helped
and is no faultof the construction of the rake, which
is one of the most simpleand effective machines with
which the agricultural
mechanical world is at present
acquainted. The " rakings" are generallystacked,
thian,
thrashed,and winnowed
by themselves in East Loof their
of the miscellaneous nature
account
on
thrashed twice, or
contents.
They are generally
the
put twice throughthe thrashingmill, because
heads of the corn
much
ears
mixed, and
or
are
so
lyingin so many different directions,that the drum
of the mill has not " fairplay" in thrashing
them.
The whole breadth of the rake is about nine feet,
doinga half of a ridgeat a time, (the East Lothian
,

"

rigs"being

that is

to

"

about

eighteenfeet broad, generally,

when not drained,in which case two

about
thrown into one) the wheels
are
twenty inches in diameter,the teeth

say,

rigs"are
eighteenor

sixteen inches
about fourteen,fifteen,
or
even
long,
or from e (infig.
2) to the point,and from e to the
axle i i about eighteeninches.
The generalpriceat
"which it is obtained in East Lothian, is 2/. 10s. or
if theycould be had at such a
31, ; but, I doubt much
where labour
pricein or near " the great metropolis,"
is so much dearer.
obedient servant,
I am. Sir,your most
JAMES
AINSLIE.

glance

at tiie

STAKES,
SWEEP-

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

THE

for green

as

perspectiveview is
given of a tooth e, and a separatoro, on the general
it will perhaps be more
axle i i separately,
clearly
obvious

be left behind

The
alluded to.
work///
The iron frameinstant.
before

teeth

teeth

figurethird,where

to

immediatelyfall,and

separate

in their respectiveplaces in the

those round piecesof wood marked
"c. likewise on
the axle i i, which
o o
are
placed
there for the purpose of separation
ence
only. On refera

must

form

part of the row

emptying is the work of an
to

:-

crops,

have

been

awarded

as

lows
fol-

"

Mangle
Swedish
Carrots
Hedging.

wurzel

Earl

Turnips

Mr.

Spencer.
Beasley.

Mr. Hillyard.
Earl Spencer's Prize of Ten
Pounds,
contended
for by
open to labourers of any county, was
twenty on Fiiday last. The judges'award was to No.
sf James
Hedges, of Helidon ; No. 3,
10, the work
the work of William
Bull, of Wormleightou,was highly
"

commeiuleii.

THE

OF

REPORT
THE

THE

FARMERS'

YOXFORD

During

the

PROCEEDINGS

past

year,

ending

OF

CLUB,
Oct.

28, 1838.

19

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

wheat
The enquiryas to the best mode of preparing
subjectsthat has
for seed was another of the practical
and many
under the considerationof thismeeting,
come
interesting
facts,the result of individual experience
offered to
were
with the detail of several experiments,
the meeting, and much interest was derived from the
the cause
chemists exhibiting
practical
remarks of some
and effectof the proposedremedies for counteracting

to draw up a report
your Committee, appelated
proceedingsof the Yoxford Farmers' Club during the tendency to smut, so generally
complainedof. The
the past year, have carefully
facts appears to be thereperusedthe minutes of its establishment of the following
tions,
several meetings ; and in accordance with our instrucsuit of the discussion.
have prepared the followingabstract,
believing
soils careful selection of the
That although on some
the spirit
of the conclusion at
it will be found to convey
to prevent smut,
seed alone has been found sufficient
which the meetings have arrived on most subjectswhich
it has
of soils)
yet on others,(and those the generality

We,

"

of the

"

under discussion.
have come
The first subject that engaged the attention of the
Club, was the consideration of the Act 6th and 7th W.
4th, to regulateParochial Assessments, with a view to
the actingupon
the arrivingat some
generalprinciples,
which should secure
unityof operation,and consequent
in the mode of carryingout the provisions
equalisation
of the act in the neighbouringparishes.
The
meeting derived considerable advantage from
interested
the remarks
who
were
of many
practically
ing
and unanimously arrived at the followin the subject,

to avoid itsformation on the crop,

found difficult
careful may have been the selectionof seed ;
that in these cases
a remedy for the evil has been
of the seed by immersion,either
found in a preparation

been

however

in salt brine

this meeting desirable that

selected from their
committees
the
assessment
make
such new
on
own
rate-payers,
suages,
estimate of the fair annual rental value of the meslands, tythes,"c., in their respectiveparishes,
ing
of the act, believto the provisions
agreeably
local knowledgewould enable them
that their own
would
as
to arrive at such an equitableassessment
It is in the

opinion of

parishesshould,by

givegeneralsatisfaction,and
necessarilyattendant upon
valuation."

chamberlye of sufficientdensity to

when
carefullydone, was
and this practice
to have had the
acknowledgedby all who had triedit,
desired effect of preventingthe growing crop from
of smut
the vegetation
upon it. It is also strongly
that greater attentionshould be paidto
recommended

wheat,

resolution.
''

or

solution of arsenic,
or vitriol,
egg, or in some
of
powers
sufficiently
strong to destroythe vegetative
the smut which may have accumulated on the outside
of the seed wheat, using,in order to dry the same,
of
of half a peck to each coomb
lime in the proportion
float an

the selectionof the best of wheat for sesd,and also to

and
of the soilby fine tillage,
the proper preparation
the plantingon a stale
to secure
when
practicable,

plough."
mode of
of the best and most efficient
On the question
thus avoid the expenses
to agricultural
property, aftera very
securingprotection
a
resolution
compulsoryor public full and interesting
the following
discussion,
was

unanimously carried.

valuable suggeswith this subject some

tions
ral
agricultu"Tlie subject of the best mode of protecting
of assessmade
to remedy the inequalities
ments
were
property having obtained the close attention of
the
but
that
an
to
isation
equalassuming
county rate,
proposedthat
thismeeting,and amongst the means
of these would
necessarilytake place on the
of the establishment of a system of rural policehaving
when
basis of the new
pleted
comparochialassessments
undergone considerable discussion,it is its opinion,
for the present left open.
attendant on the
necessarily
that from the expense
; this pointwas
ral
We have the satisfaction of being informed that seveadoptionof such a system, the establishment of a
acted upon the suggesparisheshave beneficially
tions
rural police
force,would, in this neighbourhood,be
thrown out at the meeting.
but itis desirous to record its opinionthat
ineligible,
At a subsequentmeetingthe subjectof the comparabe more
fullyachieved
of protection
tive
the object
may
lioration
as tend to the ameadvantage to be derived from tUe use of long or
by the adoptionof such measures
tention
short manure,
and improvement of the social and moral
engaged,at considerable length,the atand the following
information
of the club ; and much interesting
condition of the labouringclasses,
elicited from
alluded to which
fully
was
have been pointedly
practicalfarmers, tending,
modes
many
Connected

the improved
however, to show that difl:erentresults had frequently
the approvalof the meeting,viz.,
meet
them
of
the providing
been obtained,were
under an
education of the risinggeneration,
apparent similarity
for intellectual
improvement,
with increased facilities
practice,arisingprobablyfrom diversities of soil and
wants
moved,
seasons
increased attentionto theirmoral and physical
; this being the case, no resolution was
and the exertrial
tions
but several individuals having promisedto make
the part of theirricher neighbours,
on
of manure
various soils in
of the same
on
associations,and itis earnestly
of philanthropic
description
will be more^and
ble
the course
of the ensuing season, it is with considerato be hoped that these measures
interest we
the reportsof these
are
zealouslyadoptedand activelymaintained."
anticipating
more
ledge
experiments,and avail ourselves of this opportunity,
have to acknowwe
In connexion with that subject,
to press this subjectupon the attention of
particularly
munication
meeting,the receiptof a written comat our next
all practical
bers,
agriculturists.
from Mr. Thomas
Davy, one of our memtages
advanAt the meeting in February,the subjectof the
information it contained,
which for the interesting
as
of soot or saltpetre
to be derived from the use
and above all for thfe
the sound
argument it exhibited,
a top dressing,
was
out,
fullydiscussed,when the meeting
benevolent sentiments which characterized it throughto the followingconclusion.
came
highlyvalued by the meeting and ordered to
was
this we cannot for"
From
That from the remarks
that have been made, and
be recorded with itsminutes.
from the evidence that has been adduced,it appears
bear to quote the followingconcluding remarks, not
of all
that on light,
mixed, or thin skinned heavy soils, doubtingthey will find a response in the hearts
these artificialmanures
interested in the welfare of the poor around
have the effect of producing
who
are
much
them.
straw, and also an increased quantityof corn ;
but that on deep and productivesoils,and such as
After having alluded in detail to the advantageous
effect produced in the welfare of the labouring class
are
naturallycalculated to produce luxuriant crops,
the spreadof education,"
of
their tendency to force the earlygrowth of the plant
through themstrumentality
the exertions
the establishment of mechanics' institutions,
is prejudicial
to grain crops."
of agricultural
associations, labourer's friend,and
the consideration of
The meetingin April renewed
and above all,to the increased
horticulturalsocieties,
the subject,when
had the advantage of hearing
we
part
ministers to imexertions of the clergy and dissenting
of the result of his
from Mr. Lewin
a detailed account
the writer proceeds
moral and religiousinstruction,
all which
practicalexperiencein the use of saltpetre,
great im"That
through these means
to state"
recorded in the
tended to confirm the generalpi-inciple
has been effectedin the humble walks of sonrovement
previousresolution.
2
C
"

"

20

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

ciety, and

consequentlya great diminution of crime

neither retrograding
tionary,
are
they stanor
are
but I trust progressing
and daily producing
beneficialresults ; but there is stillanother means
which,
though acted upon by some, is capableof great extension,
these

causes

is within
to increase

the reach of all,and calculated not only

the social comforts and enjoymentsof the
but also to improve his moral condition I

man,
individual
Let us
lienefit.

poor

"

and

personal exertion as directed to his

then, every one of us in his individual
capacity,at all times,and on all occasions,treat the
with such kindness,consideration,
and respect
poor man
mean

him that we
him as a fellow
as shall show
esteem
by doinghim all the
countryman and a fellow Christian,
littleacts of kindness in our power
(and there are many

establishment of a Central Society,for the legitimate

would be highly
protectionof agricultural
interests,
but in order that such societyshould be
desirable,
the
it is necessary that it should embrace
efficient,
whole agricultural
body ; this unity can in our opinion
only be secured by such societyadoptingbroad and
taining
liberal principles
for tlieir basis,by mainof justice
those principles
in the exercise of sound and
expression
temperate judgment,by firm yet courteous
of its sentiments, and by a totalavoidance of anything
like party spirit."
In the course
of the year, several sweepstakeshave
been offered for the production of the best beet-root,

Swedes, and
were

friendly aids besides pecuniary ones, that are highly

prized by the poor man.) By thus endeavouringto

"

"

"

Common
turnip;Samuel
Pudding turnip;William

rural

or from
police,
any
any
other coercive system whatsoever.
It may
be said,what
of individual exertion 1 It cannot
is the use
produce
that nations are
much good, but letit be remembered
made
and like a community of ant5,
up of individuals,
who have the instinct to perceive that by every
one

following parties

competitors

1st class. Beet ; Thomas

Man, Darsham.
1st class. Swedes; Robert Foulsham, Darsham.
2nd class," Beet
; John Chandler,Middleton.
2nd class." Swedes ; John Mann, Huntingfield.

the hardships,
ameliorate the privations,
to soften down
and to alleviatethe misfortunes incidentalto the humble
and laborious lot of a poor working man, we shall secure
to ourselves and to our
cient
effiproperty a much more

safeguardthan from

turnips. The

common

the successful

It is due to

Crojs, Peasenhall.

Uurling,Peasenhall.
to state that
the unsuccessful competitors

of the roots shewn

by them, as well as by some
others who were
not included in the sweepstakes,
sessed
posmuch
merit.
With a view to the extension of any benefit that may
arise from the practicalinformation to be derived from
in carryingthe smallest particle
unweariedlypersisting
the discussion of agricultural
resolution to
a
questions,
of sand towards the erection of their hillock of protection,
the following
effectwas agreed to.
how soon
(when compared with the means) a
"
That a correspondingcommittee
be appointedto
mountain is raised,
individual
so by
many

contributing

every

communicate,from time to time,with the Ashbocking

and Harleston Clubs, or any others formed on a
similar principle,
and that providedthey agree to the

his mite of personalexertion towards

the amelioration
and improvement of the condition of the poor, the good
that will be done will be immense in the aggregate.
will not be lost sight
We
trust this interesting
subject
of, but that in our future meetings an attempt will be

made

organize our exertions to promote these objects.

time when Mr. Shaw
Lefevre's bill,
for removing
the difficulties
This arrangement was
attending the rating of comfully acceptedby the societies
muted
before the House, it was decided to call above named, and we
should hail with satisfactionthe
was
tithe,
and information
meeting for the purpose of inquiry
special
opportunityof extending-the rule to any other similar
interest.
association
as to its bearings
upon the agricultural
The meetingwas fullyattended,but during the interval We here take the opportunityof expressing our acknowledgments
the bill had been withdrawn.
to Sir C. B. Vere, to the Secretariesof
have
had
other societies,
and to others with whom
The following
resolution was unanimously adopted:
we
for the promptness and courtesy
That this meeting being fullyalive to the difficulties occasion to correspond,
with which they have at all times met our
tions.
communicawhicii from recent legaldecisions have attended the
of
and
commuted
the bill,
rating
tithe, believing
duced
introteresting
Several other subjects
have, from time to time,inLefevre, calculated to remove
by Mr. Shaw
engaged the attention of the meeting,to
these difficulties,
drawn.
withregrets to learn that it was
detail which would
beyond the reasonable
carry us
The chairman
and secretary are requestedto
limitsof a report. The following
are stillbefore
subjects
keep theirattentiondirected to the subject,and in the
the meeting for discussion :
of any measure
event
beingproposed to the legislature
vantages
The permanent improvement of poor pastures, adto bring it before the consideration of the meeting."
food as a substitutefor the growth
of artificial
At

resolution. All minutes and resolutionsof the

taries
said clubs shall be open to each other,and the Secreshall be at full libertyto furnish them with access
to the same."
same

to

the

"

of

la the
has

of the year considerable correspondence

course
been carried on
with tlie secretaries of other societies,
and one
subjectwhich occupied at some length

turnipson heavy land.

sirability
Advantages and disadvantagesof clod burning, destitution.
of adding our
libraryto this inagricultural

the deliberationsof the meeting was a proposition

nating
emaof the
Having thus given at some length asummary
from an association styledthe Farmers' Central
proceedings of the societythroughoutthe year, little
for unitingin one
ers
Agricultural
Society,
body the farmremains for us than to congratulateits members
more
of England,for the purpose of legislative
protection, on the perfectsuccess
with which its establishment has
and requesting the opinion of this club as to the prospectus been crowned;
this is evidenced in the uniform interest
for its organization.
which has attached to the discussion of every question,
The
meetingentertained the questionand were unanimously
has throughout preand the perfect harmony which
vailed.
of opinion that the proposed plan,as well as
We trust that instructionand profithave been
in which it was proposed to be carried out,
the manner
cussions,
combined with interest in the carrying out of the disdecidedlyinexpedient
was
: a committee
was
appointed
and we
take some
encouragement from the
full
to prepare

reply,statingthe grounds

The

report of the committee

full meeting
remarks

meetingon
"

and
are

the

was

of its objections.

brought to

unanimously adopted. The concluding

subjoinedas expressingthe sense of the
subjectof agricultural
protection.

thought it rightthus fullyto express our

the ground that it is due to tliose who
on
opinions,

We

have

have taken upon

to centralize

themselves the task of endeavouring

the hitherto too much
separated
that all local agricultural
societies

agricultural
body,
should fairly,
and
their views. We

openly, place you in possessionof

again repeat our
opinion,that the

that even
beyond
acknowledgments of other societies,
our
own
members, the establishment of this club as
witiiout utility.
not been
At the meeting of the 20th November, the report, as
unanimously
brought in by the committee, was
adopted, and ordered to be printed for the use of its
members, with the addition ofits record of tlianksto the
Chairman, Secretary,nnd Treasurer, for the efficient
assistance they have afforded the club in the management
of its affairs.

(Signed.)
Dated26th

November.

J. G.

COOPER,

Chairman,

THE

RUTLAND

SO-

AORTCULTURAL
CIETY.

21

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

of 7
1st premmm
Class 5." Fattened Dairy Cows.
of Burley,a 9 years and 6 month*
to Mr. J. Painter,
old Hereford Cow, bred by himself. 2d premium of 3
to Mr, Thos. Spencer, of Knossington,a 5 years
sovs.
shire.
old Cow, bred by Mr. Wm.Tutin, of WiBton, York-

sovs.

for the distributionof

Tlie annual show of this society,
took place at the Riding'-house,
Oakham, on
which, since the
Tuesday, Dec. 4. These exhibitions,

"c.
prizes,

No. 2 commended.
being a tenant farmer, of
Class 6." To the owner,
and the extent of the patronage
value of stock shown
the best pairof Steers. 1st premium of 5 sovs. to E.
reached
almost
and attendance,would
to have
seem
VV. Wilmott, Esq.,of Pickwell,a pairof Steers, under
The show of Tuesday last,
are informed
we
perfection.
1 year and 10 months old, bred and fed by himself.
by an agriculturist,
placesthe littlecounty of Rutland
2d premium of 2 sovs. to Mr. Baker, of Cottesmore, a
in tlie situation of a respectablerival to the extensive
pair of Steers,under 1 year and 10 months old,bred
and greatly
Smilhfield Christmas exhibition,
outstrips and fed by himself. No. 4 commended.
the etl'orts
of any local societythroughoutthe kingdom.
Sheep. 1st
Class 7." Long-wooUed Fat Wether
of agriin the cause
So much for zeal and perseverance
culture.
premium of 7 sovs. to Mr. W. Sanday, of Holme
tlie Riding-house so well
We
never
saw
near
Nottingham, three 20 months old
Pierrepoint,
the two days of exhibition Sheep, bred by himself. 2d premium of 3 sovs. to Lord
on
stocked ; and the company
The
and
judges Exeter, of BurghleyPark, three 20 months old Sheep,
was
highlyrespectable.
numerous,
this year were
Mr. S. Rennett, of Rickering's
Park, bred by himself. This class generally
commended.
shire,
Redfordshire,Mr. C. Stokes,of Kingston, NottinghamSheep. 1st
Class 8." Long-woolled Fat Wether
and Mr. W. Bartholomew, of Goltho,Lineolnpremium of 7 sovs. to Mr. Painter,of Burley,three 20
slure ; and their decisions have, we understand,given months old Leicester Sheep, bred by himself. 2d premium
perfectsatisfaction. The listof prizesawarded will be
of 3 sovs.
to Mr.
Burgess, of Ridhngton, three
need
here
of
dinner
found below,in our
himself.
the
we
fed
report
by
old Sheep, bred and
;
under 21 months
cited
merely refer to it. In addition to the stock,which exNo. 2 commended.
also
there were
and generalsatisfaction,
much
so
Sheep. 1st
Class 9." Long-woolled Fat Wether
some
of Ridlington,three
very excellent specimensof seeds,roots, ice, and
premium of 7 sovs. to Mr. Burgess,,
warded under
collection of improved agricultural
a
implements,formium
34 months old Sheep, bred by hmiself. 2d preat the request of the stewards,by Mr. Grant, of
of 3 sovs. to Mr. Bullock,of Manton, three under
of
most
the
Stamford. The whole exhibition was
tifying 34 moMths old Sheep, bred and fed by himself. No. 1
graand satisfactory
character.
commendedto
1st prizeof 5 sovs.
THE
DINNER.
Class 10." Breeding Ewes.
At about half-past
three o'clock,
upwards of 150 genExeter, of Burghley, five Ewes, bred and fed by
tlemen Lord
erected
2d premium of 3 sovs. to Mr. Cheethara,
to dinner in a temporary room
his lordship.
sat down
over
part of the yard of the George Inn, Lord Rarhani, of Hambleton, five Ewes, bred and fed by himself.
commended.
in the chair.
No. 2 commended, and Nos. 4 and 6 highly
presidentof the society,
1st premium of
The noble lord was
Class 11." Long-woolled Theaves.
by W. M.
supported,on his right,
4 sovs. to E. W. Wdmott, Esq.,Pickwell,fiveTheaves,
Noel, Esq.,M.P., the Earl of Aboyne, and the Rev. C.
"

have

commencement,

both
gradually
progressed,

in the

"

Swann,

and

on

his

left,
by

H.

the

Handley, Esq.,M.P.,

bred

anrt

fed

by

himself.

2d

premium

of 2

s-ovs.

to Mr.

The
C. G. Noel, Stafford O'Brien, Esq., "c.
Cheethnm, of Hambleton, five Theaves, bred and fed
commended.
vice-chair was
ably filledby G.J. Heathcote,Esq., M.
by himself. This class generally
1st premium of 3
Gen. Johnson,M.P.,
Class 12." Long-woolledLambs.
were
P., and among the company
Hon.
to Mr.
Capt. Edwards, II. O'Brien,Esq., J. M. WingBurgess, of Ridlington, five Lambs, bred
sovs.
and fed by himself. 2d premium of 1 sov. to Mr. Bradiield,
Esq., Dr. Doncaster,T. H. Jackson, Esq.,R. W.
Baker, Esq.,Mr. Healy,Laughton,"c. "c. "c.
shaw, of Burlev, five Lambs, bred and fed by himself.
The cloth having been removed, and grace said by
Class 13." Pigs. Ist premium of 4 sovs. to Mr. W.
the Rev. C. Swann,
Lamb, of Colsterworth,a 11 and a half months old Pig,
The Chairman
said that he understood it to be usual
bred and fed by himself. 2d premium of 2 sovs. to Sir
in meetings of this kind to make
allusionsto any pono
Whichcote, a 43 weeks old Pig, bred and fed
liticalThomas
mended.
would be
and he trusted that the custom
by himself. No. 3 commended, and No. 1 highlycomsubjects,
adhered to that day. The firsttoast which he would
to Mr.
which must ever be uppermost
submit to them was
14." Pigs. l$t premium of 3 sovs.
Class
one
the Queen. (Applause.)
in the mind of Englishmen
Guilford,of Somerby, a 6 months old Pig, bred and fed
The Queen Dowager, and the
The Chairman.
by himself. 2d premium of 1 sov. to Mr. W. Bull,of
rest of the Royal Family." (Applause.)
Somerby,a 31 weeks old Pig, bred and fed by himseU.
"
Success
The Chairman.
to the Rutland
Class 15." The premiums of 10 and 5 sovs. were
tural
Agriculwin,
then
awarded
Society."(Loud applause.JHis lordship
Monday the 26lh March last,to JMr. Goodon
to anof Ayston, for his Stallion.
called upon Mr. R. Smith, one of the secretaries,
nounce
he immediatelyprothe list of prizes,which
Class 16." 'i'hepremium of 3 sovs. was awarded on
ceeded
ham,
made
follow :
as
to do,and the awards were
Monday the 26th JMarch last,to Mr. Draper, of OakHon.

"

"

"

"

"

1st premium of 15 sovs.

old Ox,
to INIr.Hodgkin,of Edenham, 4 yr. and 3 mo.
bred and fed by him on oil cake,cabbage, carrots,and
for his 4
hay." 2d premium of 7 sovs. to Lord Exeter,
old Ox, bred and fed by his lordship
years and 6 months

Class 1." Oxen

or

Steers.

linseedcake,barleymeal, carrots,and hay. Nos. 4,

6, and 9, were commended.

on

"

Class

Oxen

2.

"

or

Steers.

1st

premium of

10

sovs.

Grange, a 3 years and 10

months
old Steer,bred and fed by himself. 2d premium
of 5 sovs. to ]Mr. Baines,of Brook, near Oakham, a
4 years old Ox, bred by jMr. G. Royce.

to Mr.

of Oakham
C. Blorris,

"

Class

1st premium of 10 sovs.

3 years and 11 months
2d premium of 5
old Steer, bred and fed by himself.
to Mr. C. Smith,of Burley, a 4 years and 3 months
sovs.
old Ox, bred by Mr. Thompson, of Tallington.
Class 4. Cows
or
Heifers. 1st premium of 7 sovs.
to Mr. Baker, of Cottesmore,
a 4 years old Heifer,brrd
by himself. 2d premium of 3 sovs. to Sir J. Palmer,

to Mr.

3." Oxen

or

Steers.

Hodgkin, of Edenham,

"

Eart.,Carlton, a 4 years and six months

bred and fed by himself. No. 3 commended.

old

for his Boar.

Offered by Lord Barham.
were
Class 17." The premiums of 7 and 3 sovs.
to Mr. Baker,
awarded on Monday the 26th March last,
of Cottesmore, for his Bull.
Offered by the Hon. W. M. Noel.
of 5 sovs. to Mr.
Class 18" Heifers. 1st premium
Baker, of Cottesmore,a 1 year and 5 months old Htifer,
bred and fed by himself.

2d

premium

of 2

sovs.

to Mr.

Chapman, of Whitwell, a 1 year and 10 weeks old

Heifer,bred and fed by himself.
Offered by the Hon. Berkley Noel.
Class 19." Heifers.

1st

premium

of 7

sovs.

to Mr.

Baker, of Cottesmore,a 2 year and 1 month old Heifer,

bred and fed by himself. 2d premium of 3 sovs. to Mr.
Painter,of Burley, a 1 year and 7 months old Hereford
mended,
Heifer,bred and fed by himself. No. 2 highlycomand No?. 5, 7, and 9 commended.
Ofltered by the Hon. Charles George Noel.
1st premium of 7 guineas to Mr.
Class 2("." Steers.
Heifer,
Baker, of Cottesmore, a pairof 3 year and 1 month old

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE,

23

said" up-sidedown, because animals will frequently factor to the nation : he did not wish to apply any such
but this he would say, that
high-flown i)raise
to himself,
deceive a casual observer,seeming'to have good tops,
but havingnothing'underneath to carry weight. {Hear, he trusted he might aspireto a moderate share of their
that what they had
praises"as a fellow-worker in that cause in which all
hear.) He assured the company
theirinterestswere united prosperity
done had been
to the best of their judprment
to the agriculture
; and if
ot the country, which must
the welfare of
ever
secure
they had erred,it had been an error of the head, not of
the heart. They had,at all events fully
satisfied
themselves,
the country. He would, before he resumed his seat,
dates
and that he took to be always a fair criterion propose to them the toast of " the successful candiA portion
that they would satisfy
others. {Applause.)
for him,to be
;"and it was no small gratification
of a gentleman
of the stock had scarcelyappeared sufficiently
meritoenabled to unite with that toast the name
but they had not withheld the prizes of Lincolnshire,
who had taken the first
rius to the judges,
prizein Rutland.
He would give them " Mr Hodgkin, and the successful
this principle at the great Smithfield show, which
on
candidates." (Much applause.)
mig'htbe called the institution of the world, he should
Mr. Hodgkin
deem it most infamous in a judge to award a prizewhere
to the toast ; he said he feltthat
rose
such
he was
but in a local society,
the merit was
not competent
not sufficient,
to its proper
acknowledgment,
but he would leave it in the hands of Mr. Baker, who
and put an
would only produce a bad feeling,
a course
end to encouragement
in future. (Hear,and applause.) was
another of the successful candidates. (Applause.)
Baker
Mr.
G. J. Heathcote, Esq.,M. P., proposed
The
brieflyresponded to the call; he expressed
himself as being very happy to find that Mr.
Stewards."
(Applause.)
Mr. Burgess returned thanks in a neat and appropriHodgkin had done in the county of Rutland what he
ate
had done,he
speech. What he and his colleagues
(Mr, B.) had done in the county of Lincoln. (Applause.)
said,in furtherance of the arrangements of the society, He trusted to meet him again at Bourn, and againat
had afforded themselves much
and they
Oakham, in honest competition
so long as they lived.
gratification,
then gave
feltamply rewarded, in knowing that they had given
The Chairjian
"The Unsuccessful Candidates."
satisfaction. This was
his (Mr. B's) retiring
He felt that there was no class which more
year, he
He
and a stimuthe compliment,
lus
as a consolation,
havingfilledthe officeof steward for three years.
required
for them to appear in the listsanother time.
would only assure
them of the great pleasure he had
with other gentlemen in the
Mr. Handley
in rising,
pany,
experiencedin associating
begged to acquaintthe comthat he did not do so as an tmsuccessful
from which he now
retired with feelings
of the
first,
candidate,
office,
and secondly,
that he hoped a long time would
greatest satisfaction. {Applause.)
"
The Secretaries of the Society."
The Chairman.
elapsebefore that cap fitted. (Hear and laughter.
J
Mr.
R. Smith
acknowledged the toast on behalf of He had a duty devolved upon him of proposinga toast
with
the
a
nd
those
acted
and
Mr.
Heathcote
whom
he
health
secretaries.
of
the
as
himself,
vice-presidents
of the society.
He
In doingso, he must beg to congratulate
felt convinced,however, that t lie prosperous state
of the societywas
them
which
but
the
the highpre-eminence
not
on
Rutland agriowing to their exertions, to
cultural
of those who contributed to
the bounty and generosity
had attained under the care of its officers
society
its funds, and exhibited at itsshows.
under the patronage of the nobility
So long as they
of the neighbourhood
it would be their study to carry out
but chiefly,
the cordial co-operation
under
remained in office,
of the most
the fulfilment of its duties as they had done.
He took
and enterprising
in
intelligent
yeomanry
that opportunity
of Lincoln and
for the
of thankingthe noble president
England. He could tellthe yeomanry
in which theirexhibitions
other counties,
that they might well advantagethemselves
use of the magnificentbuilding
He concluded by proposing
had been huW.
the healths
by taking a leaf|outof the book of the enterprising
of the various donors to the society. ( Cheers. )
littlecounty of Rutland.
(Loud applause.)
W. M. Noel, M.P., briefly
Stafford
returned thanks : he believed,
O'Brien, Esq.,returned thanks as a donor,
and assured the committee,that if theywere
he said,
satisfied
that the greatest prosperity
of the country
with the donations,they (thedonors)had no reason
based on the plough.
was
to
The Chairman
the health of the Lord Lieutenant
nor
to regret their appropriation.
repent their gifts,
gave
The Hon
C. G. Noel
of the County,'' a nobleman
the soto whom
ciety
proposedthe health of G. J.
ways
Heathcote. That gentleman tliey well knew
had almuch indebted, not only as a warm
was
patron,
been one
of the firmestsupporters of the agriculbut as a good friend to agriculture. (Applause.)
tural
of this
interestsof the country, and particularly
the Members
The hon. Mr. Edwards, proposed
which was
in utility for the County.'' ('Drunk very cordially.)
society a society
yearly increasing
and importance,
W.
M
under the auspicesof so many indefatigable
Noel, M.P., in acknowledgingthe compliment,
declared his determination of endeayouringto
agriculturists.
(Applause.)
Mr. Heathcote
ciety,
received in a very
on
rising was
promote the interestsof the Rutland AgriculturalSoHe assured them that he should ever
convinced as he was, thatitsobject
to reward
gratifyingmanner.
was
be happy to be of use to the societyin any way, and
merit,and its effects to stimulate zeal and industry
stillmore
of its vice-presidents.
There was
allclassesof agriculturists.
so, as one
among
G.J. Heathcote, M.P., returned thanks on behalf
one
peculiarfeature in the compliment which had just
been paidto him. He believed,
first
of his father,
that it was the
time
who, he said,had longbeen known
among
that his young
friend had ever addressed them, and he
them as a good friend,neighbour,and landlord. It
took it to be a very kind compliment that he had began
for him to speak his father's praises,
was
not, he felt,
by proposing his health. They did not know Mr. Noel
he might trulysay, that none
desired to
although
more
so well as he did" when
they did,they would doubtless
gain and merit the approbation of his fellow-citizens.
Pie trusted that the virtues and
There were
different ways
of patronising
appreciatehim equally.
agriculture
of which he gave such generaland early
Sir Gilbert had his; while they paidtheir attentionto
good qualities
that happiness sheepand pigs,
promise,would secure to him, in afterlife,
he bred horses" and if they had been
which he deserved. (Applause.) He (Mr. H.) had so
Sir Gilbert
enabled to take the firstprizeat Smithfield,
often spoken to them on the subject so frequently
had taken it last year at Epsom.
urged
(Hear.) He believed
the praises,of that society,
in itsadvocacy of the great
that they were
all actingfor the benefit of the country,
interestsof agricultureto which they all belonged
be as
and he trusted that ere long its studs would
that all he could say
famous as its flocks and herds. (Applause.)
now, \f ould be but old argument
but an old speech; but, if there was nothing
else new,
Mr.
Healey, in risingto propose the next toast,
he would assure
them that itwas always a new
and fresh
highly complimentedthe societyon the progress it had
pleasurefor him to come
them, (bud applause) effected,and on the elevated positionit held. As a
among
one
thing more there was which was new
had done in Rutland, they
they had the
proof of what perseverance
noveltyoUielter times. He would not touch upon that would remember, that a few years ago, the county had
so
as to render it disagreeable
been
considered
subject
to the feelingsof
as
a
whereas,
nun-breedingcounty
it was
(Hear and cheers.) He should ever continue to
now
any.
agreed on all hands, that theynot only produced
direct his best effortstowards the prosperityof agriculture.
good stock,but also knew where to find them,
It had been said,that he who made two blades of
and how to keep them.
health
The gentlemanwhose
where only one grew before,
he was about to propose tg them was
was
a bene*
Mr, Baker"
grass grow
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

24

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

(cheen)"a geatlemanwhose fame was

known, and
whose merits were
in all parts of the
acknowiedg'ecl
kingdom. {Loudapplause.) He had met with more
in his agricultural
success
effortsthan any man
now
living and yet, he was not absolutelya farmer ; he
was
not brought up to the cart-tail
he was a man
of
;
"

He owed one of these debts to Mr. Healey,(laughter),

and for fear of having a summary
process in execution
againsthim, he would endeavour to clear it off at once,
and
set himself right,
(hear). I need not tell you
(saidMr. Handley), that Mr. Healey is a great wit
and like all other great wits,he has an uncommonly
For while he remembers
short memory.
what I said at
Grantham,he appears to have forgottenpart of what I
"

"

intellectand education,and he had shown that no one

could exceed him in abilityas a farmer besides.
Yet,
the merits of Mr. Baker
said to-day. I did not institute any comparison with reof prize-cattle
as a shower
gard
the
least
were
of
merits
look
him
his
in the
but the enterprise"
of the
at
to the respectability
among
o
f
of Rutland
ley
and other counties ; but Mr. Headischarge Insduties as an agent look at him engaged
yeomanry
in the improvemeut of his neighbourhood" and
loses an opportunity of exhibitingthat wit
who
never
can
which all know he has at his fingers'
He (Air. H.) believed that
ends" with regard
compete with him?
the ground-work of farming"that
good ploughingwas
to respectability,
the yeomanry
be equal
of Rutland
may
it was a rule,that where the land was
of Lincoln. Having
they cannot be superior
to the men
ploughedwell,it
could not be farmed ill : and Mr. Baker had originated
now
escaped the terrors of the Small Debts' Court,
all the good ploughingin the county of Rutland.
let me thank Mr. Baker for his mention
He
of me."
Mr.
knew the littlecounty well" he knew
the merits of its H. then proceeded to refer to his connexion with the
the good feeling of its landlords,who
yeomanry
EnglishAgriculturalSociety,and bade them bear in
would
be ashamed whenever they had good crops to
mind that all England was
not cultivated alike. In one
raise the tenants' rents," f/fear,)"
but he had
been
for instance,
been visiting,
county in which he iiadjust
rather nettled by a remark of Mr. Handley's. He had
althoughthey could produce a good sailor,one who
said,that they,the yeomanry
of the county of Rutland, could reef a top-sail,
vessel well, or make
a
or man
a
the most respectablebody of yeomanry
were
he knew ;
stillmost destituteof agriculgood speech, they were
tural
it
now
was
very curious,but Mr. Handley had told his
enterprise.He related an instance of what had
Lincolnshire constituents at Grantham, that t/iei/
He went
were
happened to him while on a visitin Wales.
the most
he knew.
to look over
of tyrnips,of which the proprietor
respectable body of yeomanry
a crop
(Loud and continued laughter.)Mr. Handley might was very proud" and met with a farmer,one of high
consider himself fortunate in having so small a number
repute, as the chronicle of that part of the country. He
of his constituents present, or he would, perhaps,have
asked him whether
he kept any sheep? No,
(Mr. ri.)
been taken very severelyto task. Mr. Healey said that
the answer, but he had heard so much
said of them
was
he would
abstain from any further remarks, but give that he really
of his
tcould try, and he would buy one
them " Mr. Baker, and the plougliing
lambs if he (Mr. H.) did not ask too much.
at Cottesmore."
Oh, he
should have one for a guinea. Ah, said the farmer,
(Much applause.)
Mr. Baker, on rising
that's too much
to acknowledgethe toast,said
he therefore did not commence
; and
that he feltit a great complimentto have hishealth prohis new
school of improvement (laughter). Mr. Handposed
so
early in the evening. With respect to the
leynext alluded to a discussion which had taken place
Cottesmore meetings" their principles and the proat Grantham
between him and his respectable
friend Mr.
gress
which they had made
he need not then explain
Healey,with reference to the comparativemerits of the
;
he believed they had effected some
wheel and swing ploughs,when
they had proposed a
good,as had also
the small allotment system, a system carried on by the
premium for the next meeting,by which their respective
exertions of great men
merits should be tested. Since then,he had had an
racter.
and good men
by title,
by chaOne of these good men
they had lost,yet they opportunityof tryingone of a series of experimentsas
might hope to have that loss suppliedby three or four
to the draught of ploughs of various constructions ; he
other good men.
had
had permission from the Messrs. Ransome, with
(Applause.) He congratulatedthe
the excel lence of theirpresent show ; nothing their usual civility,
on
society
had
to test their implements, and
could
have
Rutland
in
brought the
Agricultural had seven ploughs of differentmakes and principles
its
but that union
the same
Societyto
them by the aid of an instrument
present state of perfection,
field,
testing
between great men, the men
and the
of middle station,
called the Dniomometer:
all the ploughs had been set
cordial co-operationof the
classes. to the same
a pairof horses abreast,
poor and labouring
excepting
guage
They would
the double furrow, which
had three horses abi-east
again take up good animals to Smithfield
and althoughit was
at Christmas,
doubtful whether they furrows six inches deep, and ten inches wide
the field
brought away the gold medal, as thay did last year, they was a stubble field of sandy loam, partlyup hill : and
would still
be no unworthy competitors; his advice was
the trial,the following
found to be the mean
on
of
was
also to have somefour of them:
go on"
thing
go on, 1 fbeaten. They meant
for the Waltham
show in the spring,and there
of seeingsome
they should have an opportunity
of Sir
Description of
Draught,
Maker
and Mark.
Gilbert Heathcote's horses,of which they had heard so
Plough.
cwt.qrslbs
much.
He
take this
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

begged

to

to

opportunityto

which
them,that the hedge-cutting,

carried on

had

announce

been hitherto

the north side of the county of Rutland,

would,by the arrangements made for that purpose, be
taken into the South; the firstwould take
next
year
on

in February
placeat Belton,

He
next.
was
happy to
be enabled to state,that Sir Gilbert Heathcote had given
the sum
of 10/.,to be disposedin prizesto those who
should cut and ditch in the best manner.
(Applause.)
He (Mr. B.) received the compliment which had been
of the county of Rutland
paid him, as a yeoman
should
receive it" gratefully
and thankfully,
and he hoped that
all the good which
had been effected by his humble

with

Rutland*.

wlieelsf
Bedfordsliire,

Flansome,N.

L.

21

24

11

...

^yith wheels

Lincolnshire,
swing
Ditto,ditto...

Ransoino, L.L,.
White,

.i

some

with

Ran

Irons,B.M

Ditto, ditto,L.H.

So that the dr.iughtof the Rutland proves to be 2 qrs.

less than the Bedfordshire ivith wheels,and nearly3 qrs.
less than the Lincolnshire swing ploughtvithout wheels.
(Hear, hear). Another fact obtained was the comparatively
difference in the draught which the weight
trifling
be
thousand
times.
In
in
might
t
en
of the plough occasions,as
multiplied
means,
adding 1121bs. to the
Mr. Baker directed attention to the proconclusion,
jected weight of the Rutland itonly increased the draught 331bs.
To return to the English
EnglishAgriculturalSociety,and to the exertions
Society,he trusted
Agricultural
by Mr. Handley ; he begged to be
ithad in it the seeds of great utility
in gene: there was
ral
allowed to express once more
his feelings
of gratitude,
too much
promised,or loo much expected. I'hey
and to propose that gentleman's
health. ( This toast was
in the habit of seeing flaming advertisements of
were
received with much applause.)
the wonderful
wheats : this was not
yieldof prolific
Mr. Handley, M. P., rose
to acknowledgethe toast.
If he recollected aright (he said),
sion
during the last sesBaker
Invented
by R. W
of parliament,
been passed for the recoa billhad
very
mer's
Farof this plough see the
f For
printami descriptioT
of small debts at Oakham
and the neighbourhood.
for
Magazine"
Ajiril1835.
used

in its formation

"

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

gardens
their plan; neitherdid they go to her Majesty's
of a yard or two, for the
a hot-bed
at Kew, and sow
of astonishingthe publicwith the yield; no,
purpose
seeds, and
they intended fairlyto test the respective
turists.
communicate the resultsin a cheap form to all agricul-

25

advantageswhich others could not attain. Where would

place equalfor the showing of cattleto
any
the noble edifice they had visitedthat day? (Cheers.)

they find

only hoped that the committee would also turn their

attention to the after-dinner accommodations
of their
visitors : he had been in many
warm
climates,but very
few of them were
than the room
warmer
they were
He

with respect to implements; they

The
same
would introduce them into those parts where the drill
in.
of the
now
heard of, and where the ploughswere
never
was
Mr.
Handley
rudest con-^truction"where they say " Our grandfathers
responded to the last toast, as a
of the Grantham
member
Association ; he did not quite
shall use no
employed these implements, and we
which would take them back to the
with respect to the exother ;" a principle
agree with the gallantGeneral
clusive
the rake,and vote all improvements to be gimject
subuseless. (Applause), There was
one
should particularly
induce them to co-operaie with the EnglishAgricuitui'al
Society he alluded
of which he had the honour to be chairman,
to the branch

spade and

cracks and
which

"

the medical science with regard to

lor developing
of sheep and pig?.( Hear, hear.) E^ery
the treatment
which has attended the
of the vast utility
was
aware
one
establishment of the veterinarycollege40 years ago, for
of which noble animal,gentlein the treatment
men
liorses,
were

induced
frequently

to go to

an

far

expense

local

ciety"for
advantagesenjoyed by the Rutland Sohe believed that there was
better laud
no
for cultivation than that which lay between
Grantham
and the Humher
; though this is not
generally the
in any part. Much
case
had been said about English
and Scotch farming : now
he had seen
of it,and
some
could

speak to what that difference invariably was,

namely, that the Scotch was the best farming and the
best land,and the English was
the best farmingand
the toorst land. (Hear, hear.) Still,
where was
there
?
any enterpriselike that of the County of Rutland
GeneralJohnson
and Mr. Healey might, ifthev pleased,
lay their heads together,but they would find it difficult
to convince him by assertion alone that any enter.prisecould be found equal to that evinced within the

beyond their intrinsic worth. He did not doubt, too,

that if anything had happenedto the magnificentanimal
which had taken the firstprizethat day if it had been
have sent
taken illlast week, his friend Hodgkin would
last few years in Rutland
for Sir Henry Halford and the w hole collegeof surgeons
! (Applause.)
rather than have lost him : but this was
only the case
Mr.
in reply,stated the difference existHealey,
ing
stance,
with valuable animals" but for the poor pig, for inbetween
the Grantham
and Rutland
Societies ; the
if anything ailed it,the only practitioner
that
former had been established only through the humble
Ihe butcher.
called in was
(Hear and laughter.) means
was
of a ploughingmatch, to which had been subsequently
that
had
told a medical man,
he
He once
managed to
added premiums for the reward
of industry
of
oil
castor
through a pig,and he said, in that part of the county. No society could rival it
get a dose
The action was enough to establisha reputationequal
in the latter particular in its rewards
to labourers
"

"

"

to

that of

!"
Esculapius

He
(lAuighter.)

then congratulatethem
of Rutland : he then saw

more

county

would

once

the enterprise
of the
on
before him the designfor
local societyabout to be

budding wherein to hold a

establishedin the county of Rutland
(theFarmers' and
similar in design with the English
Graziers' Club
a

"

Societyhad
Society.Their Agricultural
Agricultural

and

farming

servants
who
had lived the
with the same
employer" to humble
had brought up the greatest number
parents who
of
children without receivingrelief" to deserving
widows,
The
Rutland
"c.
Societymight be termed the oi-nato

men"

longest period

mental society,but the Grantham

was
useful. (Hear, hear.) He admitted

the most
the

With

Mr.

really

impossibility
valuable auxiliary
to the great Central Society
of anythinglike a competitionbetween
them, from the
"
at Smithfield theirexertions had gained them
golden
vastlyextended patronage received by the Rutland Society
from all sorts of people" they had carried the
opinions
over
their's. Mr.
a few
servations
obHealey then made
and
the
from
from
Smithfield,
Derby
som"
Epgold medal
what
had
fallen from
Mr.
upon
Handley
and the new
Rutland
come
Club might be(c/ieej-s)"
with reference to swing and wheel
ploughs, declaring
to the EnglishAgriculturalhis conviction that the former were
an equally valuable auxiliary
much
better suited
Society as this has to its brother in Smithfield.
to a good system of farming than
the wheel ploiighs.
been

"

"

knew

He

of

no

place (not even

Grantham)

where

they

reference to

the

trials made

by
Handley on
institutionwith better hopes of
the draughts of the respective
ploughs, he was
by no
and he trusted that it would
with the enmeet
couragement
success,
sure
that the experiments had been fairly
means
tried,
which itdeserved.
He had only one wish,
would
as much
necessarilydepend on the prejudiceof
that theywould be induced to extend the macric circle
the man
who held them.
He
would
have been much
bounded : it was
o( 15 miles by wliich they were
now
more
satisfied,
also, if the experiments had been made,
if
and
extended
would
desirable
limit"
not
admit
a
not with differentdescriptions
of plough^,but with the

could establishsuch

who

some

name

if theybroughtnothing
bringrespectability,
for one
should be happy to have his

would

else. He
enrolled

an

as

member

of that

society,which

set

example worthy of imitationof the country at large

Success to the Rutland
(loudapplause.)He gave them
an

"

Farmers' and Graziers' Club."

Mr. R. Smith, the secretary to the

ledged
club, acknow-

Rutland

plough,with

Mr.

and

without

wheels.

Handley.
The experimentsonly went to prove
the draught; and with respect to trying the Rutland
plough with and without wheels,Mr. Healey must ( he
thought)be aware, that ploughsconstructed /sr wheels
will never
As for the plough, his
do M'ithout them.
opinion of it had always been, that it was
simply a
wedge, and in its employment, it ought, as the saying
"

the toast, and gave a Hattering

of its
account
funds and prospects, togetherwith the patronas"e it had
and as tickle as a
to swim as statelyas a swan,
was,
he said,130 memhitherto received. They had now,
bers,
mousetrap." He had further had Mr. Ransome's opinion
and donations towards the buildingto which i\Ir.
and he was
the subject,
on
decidedly in favor of
Handley had alluded, of 300/. (applause.)Their noble
the wheel plough. (Hear,hear.)
chairman
scription
had, in addition to his munificent sub"

of 50/.,presentedthem with the stone for the

had gratuitously
oftered
building,and other members
to

transport it to the site.

W. M. Noel, M. P. gave " The Visitors."
Lord Aboyne
briefly
respondedto the toast.
Mr.

jVicholls

repliedon

behalf of

The Hon. C. G. Noel then proposed" Lord Lonsdale

and Fox-hunting."
The Chairman.
of the county."
The Magistrates
"

"

(Cheers.)
WiNGFiELD
acknowledged thistoast in a pleasing
gracefulspeech,declaringhis conviction of the
good which such societiesas this eilected on the

J. M.

the Bourn

ciety.
So-

"
The
Chairman
The Duke
of Rutland and
gave
the Waltham
AgriculturalAssociation. (Applause.)
Gen. Johnson
proposed " Health and prosperity
to

the Grantham Association." He was

that they
aware
could
in
not compete, althoughever
so
enterprising,
point of excellence with the Rutland
Society to
which,in fact,there was none equal; itpossessedlocal
"

and
great
moral

condition of the poor, an assertion which his station

the bench well enabled him to make.
Mr.
Handley
Lady Barham."
(Loud apgave
plause.)
on

"'

Barham
brieflyacknowledgedthe compliment.
Stafford
O'Brien,
Esq., then rose to make a iew

Lord

observations

on

subject which

he had

hoped would

FARMER'S

THE

26

MAGAZINE,

have been ulluded to before" the extraordinary rise

This occurrence
which had taken place in corn.
ought
attentionto the condition of
to induce them to turn tlieir
of labour.
their poorer neighbours,and to raise the price
and it was
worth
the poor man's capital,
Labour
was
than it had been three
Were
they to tell the poor man, if wheat
years
ago.
live upon barley bread?
too dear for him, he must
was
useful branches of
He considered that one of the most
at least 10 per cent,

to him

more

market of Lonsle Saulnier.inpresence of the mayor and

of several members
of the Emulation
Society. The
nious
prefetalso was
present at the firstmeeting. This inge-

contrivance,
easilymoved,

and

of

size which

of barns
allows its being placed at the entrance
merely keeping the smoke-pipe,or chimney,on

or

sheds,

the outside,

of a very simple cog-work, set in

works by means
motion by a steam-engine of five horse power.
The
firsttrial gave a threshingof 73 sheaves,oidinarysize,
societieswas to promote a sufficientgrowth in 45 minutes, and the second 96, much
larger,in 71
agricultural
of corn
for their consumption. {Heur,hear.) In one
minutes. Two
to feed the mamen
are employed,one
chine,
him the sheaves ; and these
the other to hand
part of the country, they were already hearingof riots
be onlyliberal in the
and incendiaryfires ; and it would
effectin an hour and a half what ten common
two
men
farmers to raise the priceof labour in comparison with
threshers with the flail require
The cona day to do.
sumption
about a half-hectolitre
Two
of fuel was
the priceof corn.
or three years ago, he sold corn
(about three
at 35s. a quarter, and for that same
quarts) for the two operations. The invention of this
w^ieathe could now
tlian he could three
is due to Peter Lancy,
machine, of incontestibleutility,
get 80s.,or at all events, 40s. more
bourersresiding
at Ney, near
Champagnole, assistedby Jean
Ought not the tenants, then,to pay the layears ago.
lords
than they did then
commune."
Le Temps of
especiallyas landmore
BaptisteRiaele,of the same
"

did not raisetheir rents

do.

"

"

which they ought not

to

Nov. 19, 1838.

(Hear.)

Mr.
Bennett
said,that two sentiments had fallen
from Mr. O'Brien,which
did both honour to his head
vantage
and heart;the first that landlords should not take adof the rise in corn to raisetheir rents ; and the

second, that the tenants should

but
all the advantages of thisrise,

not

take

to

themselves

let the poor

FARM,

EXPERIMENTAL

AN

ON

"c.

labourer

rather too
in it. But Mr. O'Brien went
on
participate
he
broad a principle.He should remember, when
compared the present high priceof corn with the time

TO

THE

EBITOR

OF

THE

MARK

LANE

EXPRESS.

of
Sir, Before I proceed to consider the subject
then paid out of
last letter,as
seeds and roots in continuation of our
capital(Hear, hear,
J and at that time it contained in your paper of 12th curt.,I would previously
of
tor the labour account
uncommon
was
by no means
jections
offer a few remarks, in regardto the obhis
Had
those
times
farmer
rent.
a
to exceed
continued,
which you bring forward againstthe practicability,
that
did
he (Mr. Bennett)
not hesitate to say,
farmer,
and utility
farm.
I am
ofan experimental
involved
tenant, and landlord must have been speedily
than once
alluded to the
though,I have more
aware,
in one
destruction ; 35s. a quarter is not an
common
being a
adequateprice for corn under any circumstances that want of an establishment of this nature
to the agriculturalcommunity, that
that it was
double
but now
that, desideratum
occur
can
possibly

when

it was
the farmer's

35s.

quarter, that it

"

was

"

somethingto the priceof labour. I have not fullydefined the mode to be adopted,to
tended
of general benefit,as I inimportantchange in the agricultural
pulationmake such an institution
poof the operation
of the new
in consequence
into the merits and
to enter
at a future period,
with which he was
Poor-law; in one village
acquainted operationofan experimentalfarm.
But in the first
there were
formerlysixtymen
upon the roads,whereas
place, with regard to such an establishment only
able-bodied men
there were
to be found
not two
now
for,and embracing one particular
being applicable
there it had acted as a test to try pauperismin the

the tenant

There

might

was

add

an

offerof the

soil

poor-house.
(Hear,hear.)

climate if you will, I would

(Sec,and

observe

hat this objectionwill be obviated by appointing

stated that he agreed with Stafford
Healey
Mr.
in every district,
would
a committee
that it was
or county, who
not only the duty, but the
O'Brien
perfectly,
of the farm, any thingcommunicate
interest of the farmer to pay his labourers liberally.If
to the manager
they did so, the labourer would perform liberally.It
worthy of remark; and on the other hand, these
which a farmer could rethe worst possible
answer
ceive
was
be instructed b}' tlio manager
committees
would
to
who
complainedof the idleness of his labourer,
the difresults of
and
ferent
tliat

"

give me

You

nought." (Hear.)

'ihere

try the

was

seeds,

roots, "c.,

on

an

soils and under the various climates of Great

wiiat had occasioned the high
which could not be tested on the experimental
Brittiin,
pricein wheat. If it was from a deterioration of the
farm, owing to these influences operating
it
it
could
be
beneficial
the
farmer
to
not
nay,
;
crops,
in different siiuatioss.
By this means
diflferently
that the higher the price of wheat the
was
possible,
however, the whole
it might be for the larmer. (Hear.) But he had
country mightbe traced out,
worse
into one wide fieldof experiments,
it were,
doubt in his own
through
no
mind, that this high pricewas occasioned as
in the present crop, and the old
and the ditfereut comthe exertions of the manager
by a deficiency
stock being exhausted.
associations.
Nothing, however, could be
mittecs,or local agricultural
the
to the farmer, than beatingdown
more
disgraceful
allowed
tions,
communicaI have readily
in my former
of
the
lowest
ebb.
(Much tiyplame.)
price labour to
that many
valuable
discoveries, have from
"
Mr.
Reeve
then gave
The Noel family,root and
time to time been made
by individual agriculturists,

inquiryto

be

raised,as

to

branch."
The
noble Chairman

also be admitted, that years often elapsed

but it must
briefly
respondedto this toast,
before these became
known, and it only,
generally
shortlyafterwards left the room, accompanied by
in our opinion,
requiressuch a centre of operationas
of his family.
Lord Aboyne and the members
have pointedout to generate in the minds
of both
we
The next meeting of the subscribers for fixingthe day
landlords and tenants,
a
the bill of premiums, and transuctof showing, settling
strong and insuperable
ing-other business connected with the show of 1839,vviil desire for further improvemeni. These
ments
improvebe holden at the Crown
day
Inn, Oakam, on the firstMonobtained,tested and carried into effect,
by the
in January in that year.
of this experimentalfarm, would at once
manager

and

relieve

INTERESTING
TO AGRICULTURISTS.-We
find what follows in the Sentinelte clu Jura of Nov. 7 :
A threshingmachine, worked by steam, was
tried
the 5th and 6th of the presentmonth,under the corn
on
"

"

the mind

doubts

which

of any

new

scheme,

derivingtheir
source,

of the

farmer

from

any

of

those

arise regardingthe eflficacy

frequently
and

information

themselves

the landlords
from

such

respectable

more
readilyjointo assist their
accomplishmentof those improvements
which had received the stamp, and approval

would

tenantry

in the

the

tingof tbe manager of such an establishment,thus creathese

a contidence betwixt
partiesregarding
which could
and expediency,
their ultimate success
not fail to prove
highlybeneficial to both.
of obtaining
a
Secondly, As to tbe possibility
"

person

the
to superintend
properlyqualified
of an
experimentalfarm, I think

would

be

no

great

for
diflSculty,

gement
mana-

there

I believe many

amounts

be

187,075,

to

and

matter
of notoriety,that the individual exertions of
almost the whole of them when
directed to agriculture,
whether in the way of improvement or of profit,
have
Now
very seldom been attended with success.
a

which
they generally
highly finished classical
with these
education which most of them enjoy,still,
jitalwaysappears as if something more
advantages
take
was
wanting to enable them, with success, to underlonging
and discbarge the duties bethe management
reflect upon

we

the time

spend at college,and

occupying land,but

those

27

ing no tixod data to assist them in their operations,

nor
cution
any pointof reference to guide them in the exeof any new
and doubtful experiment; for it is

dividuals
inwhen

who
would
be both
found
capableand willingto undertake such a charge. If
of the
refer i'orinstance to the general
we
summary
populationof Great Britain,it will be found that
the number
labourers,
of occupiersof land, employing
could

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

to

the

their estates.

There

is

no

trade

or

fession
pro-

but what requiressome

small preparatory
employinglabourers,to be 168,815. Now it
with
be supposedthat individuals may be
practiceto render the followers of it conversant
may reasonably
for
found
tbe minutias of the different details,
neither can it be
from among so many,
perfectly
qualified
to an experimental
as manager,
presumedthat the proprietarywill be able properly
every duty,belonging,
not less to
to dischargethose duties which theyowe,
farm, for it must not be supposed Cas you would
be endowed
to infer,)
that such a person must
seem
societythan to their own credit and future prosperity,
littletime and attention to
with abilities and
genius superiorto all his
unles^theydevote some
not

of agriculture.It is, howthe science and practice

ever,
indeed we would say that the manager
of
establishment should be a man
not by lectures that this practical
knowledge is
terprise, to be
obtained, but by combining these with a pracstrictobservation,skilland enpractical
experience,
tical
crimination field of reference,
disthe atand therebydirecting
would
tention
however leave it to his own
we
but to
of the student not only to the theory,
and that of the committee of management
to call in the aid of science,when required.It must
the different processes and results as is exemplified
also be observed
in actual practice.Were
ment
that the experience of the most
an
experimentalestablishthese
eminent cultivators of the soil,and breeders of stock
therefore in full and active operation,
results would be obtained,and the advantageswould
throughoutthe kingdom, would be made available
of
and as importantfor the acquisition
be as many
to tbe managers
of the local agricultural
by means
ganized
associations,which it is presumedmight be so oragricultural
knowledge,as a botanical garden for the
establishment,
of botany,or the dissection of subjects
to the principal
as to act subsidiary
acquisition
for that of anatomy.
deed
and
Such an institution might intherebyrender their co-operationfor the
be denominated
of developing
and disseminating
school,conducted
a practical
cultural
every agripurpose
is absolutely
time such an exsuch an elegantand at the same
tensive
on
improvement. This organization
the
and
the
of
fail
to the young
could
not
to
scheme,
to
success
scale,
as
give
necessary
has indeed always formed
relish fer agricultural
a
pursuits,and
part of our plan. The
proprietary
of a refined
and
convenience
realize to the full all the expectations
utilityof such art arrangement
for
be
in its generalapplicability
would
found
and enquiringmind.
culture
Every sound theoryon agriand the young
would
there be exemplified,
ments
improveagricultural
speedilydisseminating
every

fellows. While
of such an

throughoutthe

and

country,

from

the

limited
un-

be given to the
that would
encouragement
transmission of plainstatements, of the most
simple

and

would
inexperienced

learn

more

of the

ples
princi-

the mode
of
science from
procedurethere adopted,than from all tbe hypotheses

and rainutiaj of the

been penned.
in practice.Every facility
and
that have ever
facts that may
occur
generalities
vagae
clined 1'he study of agriculture
would thus be afi'orded to those who might be inalso,as is exemplifiedin
that acquiring
is of so interesting
to assist in the general cause
nager
a nature,
practice,
; and, the mabe considered as a
in favour of
the knowledgeof it would never
havingno particular
prepossession
find all those individuals
than another, but bound
task by the student ; for we
one
more
by the very
theory
the processes and
of his situation to interpret
who
have turned their attention to it in youth,
nature
results of nature
whether
to all,by testingevei-y
to the cultivation of the soil or the breeding
impartially
doubtful statement, by comparing and classifying
of cattle,have invariably
perseveredin tbe same
the whole, would
be enabled to embody in his peand in fact delightin such pursuits. W"
riodical
course,
view of the subject
information
therefore take but a very partial
reports a map of real practical
farm
under the
when
we
upon
every
subjectbrought under review, which
suppose that every home
could

would

in
of

highlypleasing,instructive,and
These reports
community.
agricultural
highlyinstructive and comprehensive

fail to be

not

to
edifying

the
be

import,inasmuch as theywould contain the views

in every county and district thioughagriculturists

out

kingdom,with

the

systems
and

as

tested

account

an

pursued by them,
with

one

of

and

the

these

another would

different

compared

finallybe

made

of an
enterprising
proprietor,
superintendence
instead of
would become
^merelya profitable
a
losing investment for capital.On the contrary,
the almost indefinite
when
take into account
we
which we
ing
means
possess of introducingand perfectimprovement, we may fairlyand
any requisite
farm
would
not
infer, that the home
legitimately
but that it would take
only indemnify the proprietor,

immediate

which had for its object

tbe lead in every movement
subjectof direct experiment. "Nothing," says
come
and would thus beSir H. Davy,
is m^re
wanted in agriculture
than
tbe improvement of agriculture,
nutely
of the tenantry. The
a i)atternfor the imitation
experiments in which all the circumstances are miwell acquainted
and
also become
so
detailed,this art will then
scientifically
proprietorwould
in proportion
his tenantry had to
advance
in its mewith
wherewith
exact
the difficulties
thods."
as it becomes
'1he inconrenience
and loss which the agricultural
contend,and all tbe unfavourable vicissitudes by
that
which
their condition is so liable to be afl'ected,
community have hitherto suffered from the

the

"

want

of

will be

an

more

which
to in the

establishment

apparent
the

if

referred to,
consider the disadvantage

of the nature
we

he could administer reliefin the way and at the time

termine.
which no one would know than himself how to de-

themselves
proprietary

management

of their home

are
subjected
farms,from hav'

With

these

in
explanations

reference to your ob*

FARMER'S

THE

28

MAGAZINE.

of an experimental
and
as regards
theutility
farm, deficient,
Section
I would in the meantime confine myself; but I may
further observe, that to render the full benefit of
those experimentsavailable to the whole countrj', it

that it will

during-the ensuing year,

throughoutEurope ; and
by

be
consequently

not
so

very

dear
also
raised

only in Eng-lund but

far have the

rumours

interested

the
agricultural
speculator^:,and
journals,
operated on the public mind, that the people
have
institution of
an
may perhaps be necessary to
of
with fearful anticipation
to be lookingforward
the nature
proposedin England, another in Scotland, appear
That the product of this year is cona general dearth.
siderably
and a third in Ireland,with similar laws and regulations
below the average of several last past, no one
their exertions,and
to combine
to each, so as
will attempt to deny, but,that we
to endure
a
are likely
stitutions,
grand object. Were these inreal scarcity,
rious.
is,I believe,as fal-e as it would be injuonce
is to some
It may not be untrue
properlyorganized and
that a deficiency
associations in
in some
of the European markets,
connected with the local agricultural
extent
perceptible,
least three millions
but there will,
inallprobability,beat
each country, a reciprocal
interchangeof views and
of quarters imported ; on nearlytwo millions of quarters
facts relating
to the different experimentsinstituted
of which
the duty has been paid,and it has been brought
of each would be obtained nnd established,
by the managers
into home
consumption,chieflyin fine condition,
beingand
of
circumstance
notice
worthy
every
into

them

centre

one

however,

well suited for

new, which is mostly too

I think,it will not be
than a
suppose that more
field
extended
observation
and
of
An
periment
extingdom.
million of quarters will yet be brought into use during
be
and
thus
would
a practical the
opened up,
the duty is
as
year, and part if not all of it speedily,
the average
knowledge of the nature of those districtsobtained, decreasing
rapidly,and takinginto account
inherent and natural quality crop of springcorn
with a fair produce of potatoes, exwhich may possess some
cept
in a few placeswhere
for the proin their soil or situation better ailapted
failed,
they have partially
duction
calculation that I
of certain seeds and roots than that of others, it does appear by the most accurate
can
make, founded on approved data,that we shall be
and
and
districts
that had

and

would

distant reference to improvement,

the
readilydisseminated throughout

the most

be

these
once
recognized
proved
possessed of peculiarpropertiessuitable for
of
maturing seeds, grain,roots, "c., then by means
of intercourse
these establishments,and tlie facility
which
now
prevails,
rendering the inland fanner as

mixing-with our
damp to grind alone. Now,
the point too far to
stretching

were

to be

easy

of

access

as

those

on

the coast, the

not only be certain but performed with great

dispatchthroughout every district in tlie kingdom.
In fact, the properties
belonging to every soil in

and become
be known,
every district would
and
the managers
of those institutions,
of exchange of seed, which experiencehas

familiar
a

system

proved to
would be
be so advantageous to every agriculturist,
and rendered so perfectas to form a new
matured
annals
of agricultural
the
in
era
improvement.
With

reference

also to wiiat

stated in

we

of

it appears that,about
population,

fourteen millions of
sufficient annual supplyfor the
United
Kingdom, exclusive for what is used for seed ;
and calling
to nrnd, that the annual average
tion
importafor the last five years does not, I believe,
exceed
53,494 quarters, and sonoe of that has been re-shipped
for foreigncountries without paying duty,so that during
thiit periodwe
have nearly been independent of our

interchange quarters

would

to

able to keep the priceof bread a very great deal below

that of 1812,and ourselves at a happy distance from the
s'arvation point. On
of Doctor
the principle
Colquhouns's computation,allowingfor the increased amount

our

last in

of wheat

are

continental neighbours.The next thing we

have to
consider is the latenessof harvest,and that very little
wheat
foreign
Hence
year

into use
until late in September.
came
it follows that about one
month's supply for this
has been tak"n from the product of last,
then add

the supply of two months

and a half to which the three
regardto a frequentand direct change of seed wheat
millions of foreign
would
when
ing
alludwould
than adequate,and
be understood
be more
from England, we
at the usual time,it
suppose harvest next year to come
to the first year'sgrowth always proving the
is thus quite apparent that a supply for eight calendar
but as more
best,as not referring
larly
particugenerallv,
months and a half is all that would be required
from the
tions,
finest land and earliest situato our
applicable
In this view of the case, it
growth of the present year.
which
mal
for the laws of nature
regulateth.e anireallyappears to me that we shall have plentyof grain
also to operate to a certain degree
seem
economy,
of every description,
and that the average
priceof wheat
in the vegetablekingdom, and therefore in carrying
duringlast week, viz.,73s. lOd.per qr., is not owing to
these changes into effect caution may be necessary to
itsscarcitybut proceeds from other causes, one of which
And when we
guard againsta too sudden transition.
is,I think,
a great deal being unfit to grind is in consequence
rive
farmers deunsaleable ; and for this reason, togetherwith
refer to the advantagewhich the Scotch
the
their
of
the
vvith
seed
farmers being taken up
time
from procuringtheir seed wheat from England,
time engagements, our markets have hitherto been thinly
do not mean
to infer from
this,that an equal and
we
dition
supplied,but what is brought to market in good confavourable result would not be obtained
by a
as
,

change from other

countries

far

on

the

contrary, this

experiencegoes, and
are
we
sanguine that similar advantages would be
gained,more
especially
by the English farmer, from
as fre(]uent
change from favourable situations on the

is only

proved so

as

our

continent.
I shall in

letter resume
observations
a future
my
seeds and roots, as to continue them in connection
with these remarks
might perhaps trespass too much
the space of your
columns, and I may also have
on
of enteringmore
at largeinto
another opportunity
the merits of an experimentalestablishment.
FARMEn.
A Scotch

on

is in request, and

commands
high prices;and
is the
equallyimportant to be considered,
practiceof speculation,
co.mivance,and trickery. It is
notorious that 20,000 qrs. of Britishwheat was
returned
as
being sold at very higlipricesin Wakefield during
one
week, since the beginning of harvest,which was
probably more
by three-tourths than would be offered
another

cause

for sale at this season

of the year, and there is no doubt
in times like the prebut these fictitious
sales are made
sent,
to an alarmingextent, by large holders of corn for
and bringdown the
the ])urpose of enhancins- the price,

duty on
"

corn.
foreign

The frauds of law, what

Have

And

cumbrous

TO

THE

KDITOR

LATE
OF

THE

DERBYSHIRE

consider

of light
on
allaythe fears of the

HARVEST.
COURIER.

has prevailed,
a generalopinion
productof the wheat crop will be found very

ray

oblige.

dark

insidiousmen

added, to perplex the truth

these few remarks calculated to

this abstruse subject,
and tend to
their early
insertion will
fearful,
Your most obedient Servant,

J. U.

Sir," Since harvest

that the

are

into trade."
piejustice
lengthensir.2

If,Sir,you
throw

THE

These

Kov. 24.
Bartbro',

THE

NATURAL

THE

ON

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

destructive

most

OF

HISTORY

BEETLE,

FLEA

TURNIP

In many

ITS

REVIEWS
ITS

FOR

THE

EXTERMINATION,

OR

HABITS

ADOPTED

METHODS
THE

of

of these

files,
they

perfectinsect

of the

black

fessor
turnip fly. This Probut in
Rennie
improper name,
says, is an
of callingthe
the same
into the error
place runs
fly." The writer of this is
jumping beetle a
greatlymistaken if it does not ultimatelyturn out
the

"

TION
PREVEN-

reserved for one

of the
in
larvce of which arc
By Matthew
M. Milburn.
destructive to the turnips when
cases
so
some
of
they have acquired a size deservingthe name
for
These
observations
are
turnip.
necessary
A fullhistory
of noxious insects hurtful in the field,
clearingthe subject. Of the turnip flea we proceed
and
OF

"

OF

more

turnipfly.

is termed
caterpillar

AND

GENERATION,

ECONOMY,
WITH

the

cases

both ; but as
in the form

than

be called the

cannot

(Halticanemorum.J

to

wingless

appear

THE

29

garden,

ITS

ATTACKS.

all the
house,sugfjesting-

known

and

likely

them, would be allowed by the

destroying^
publicto be a most useful and importantwork. What
of

means

knowleds'ethere

is of this sort lies scattered,and wants

collected ; g-reatimprovements would soon follow
of course.
A knowledg'e
of the properties,
economy,
in short,of the life and conversation of
propag-ation,
these animals,is a necessary step to lead us to some
method of pi-eventingtheir depredations."Brown's
notes to White's Selborne,
}). 115.
to be

"

that the

name

muscidcB

or

is to

blow

be

flies,the

its appearance
subsist ; it
which it can
of cruciferous
devours
all kinds
indiscriminately
ing
plants,during their seed-leaf state ; and, thus eatto

treat.

wherever

them

It

generallymakes

there

is food

on

at

period

when

they

have

only just

the least able

their functions, and are
commenced
to resist such
devouring attacks. Often the seed
and
germinates in a speedy and healthymanner,
days in a favourable state ; soon
appears for some
fleas make
their appearance, and then constantly
a few

times
which is applied
increase,devouring the leaves until somethe turnip,in
feed upon
nothing but the stalk remains, and of course
are
different stages of its growth, all of which are difready if a
ferent the plant dies. The fleas,however,
their
second sowing occurs,
and commence
in their nature
and habits ; and thus writers
vages
rain the same
the second
the insects injuriousto agriculture
state
on
on
are
crop when
apt to
the former.
If the young
be misunderstoodr
The
as
plants survive the
present essa)'',let it be
it so
attack, the fleas still continue to feed upon
distinctlyunderstood, refers exclusivelyto the
small jumpingwill permit them to be abroad,
beetles which prey upon
the turnip long as the weather

The

to

name

several

"

turnipfly" is one

insects

which

in the very earlystages of its growth, and while

its seed-leaves remain.
Yet these insects are in
almost every part of the country, and in every
work
the " fly." It
on
agriculturedenominated
is time, however, that a different nomenclature
should be adopted ; whatever
be given to it,
name

but

then

plantsat

do

comparatively little injury

this

stage. Usuallythey first make

to

the

their

of May or June, but

in the months
this
earlier than
even
they are occasionallyseen
on
uncommonly fine days, and certainlycontinue
in the beetle state through the whole
year; but,
it certainlycannot
a
or
cession
sucwith any degree of propriety whether
individuals,
they are the same
be designateda fly. Beetles are
of the species,it is in our present degree
order of insects
an
of knowledge impossible to ascertain. If open
is never
to which
that name
attached, and
we
occurs
understand a beetle by that appellation. weather
never
very earlyin the Spring,and before
the Swedes
In some
are
they attack the charlock, or
sown,
counties,it is called by the vulgar but
when
in their seed leaves,but
nishes cabbage, or brocoli,
of
significant
name
hop," and this at once furwhite
as
with a less homely but not less approas soon
us
turnips make their appearance,
priate
for the insect, namely the
term
turnip they leave every other kind in preference for
In hot weather
them.
of
flea;" which is at once sufficiently
they do the greatest injury,
descriptive
the habits of the beetle to furnish the practical inasmuch
stimulated to greater activity,
as they are
with
man
he
a distinct idea of the insect to which
and, if we may use the term, manifest a greater
alludes,instead of the present vague mode of applying degree of animation, and the plantsare less able
the same
to resist the destruction of their foliagewhen
posed
exterra to several orders and genera
of insects.
to the witheringeffects of a hot sun, as well
The aphis,or plantlouse, is often termed the fly, as deprived of moisture
by its searching beams.
made
and the term
their
is much
more
appropriatethan applying Cold weather, after the plants have
is likewise
it to the above-mentioned
unfavourable, because
insect, though appearance,
not free from
nor
stance although the fleas are neither so numerous
so
objection. In proof of this,an inactive,stillthe turnip makes little progress, and it
as it is connected
occurred, which inasmuch
with the name
is exposed to their attacks for a much
more
of a person
tracted
prohigh in pracstandingtical
able,
late
bs quoted. The
to
science, deserves
period. Heavy rains are also unfavourRev. H. Berry was
mation
for they prevent the growth of the turnip,
appliedto to state any inforhe had
acquired respectingthe
turnip but do no injury to the fleas,for they escape to
accountable
he describes a pieceof land once
of security,having that astonishingand unfly." In answer,
jjlaces
covered
with
which
he
instinct which
brushwood,
"c., and
impels them to escape
cleared and planted with hops and cabbages,and
to their quarters on the approach of rain. In short,
when
the latter were
foot high they became
a
anything which impedes the growth of the jilants
certain ; while any
their destruction more
renders
covered, and ultimatelydestroyed by myriads of
the leaves.
blackened
which
turnip flies,
literally
thing unfavourable in soil,climate, or cultivation,
and
which
the cabbages they attacked
Having consumed
babilities
impedes their progress, increases the proof their
could
not be
destroyedthe hops." This certainly
being destroyed. This must
the beetle, which
constitutes
be kept in mind
the subject of this
ei^er
by the farmer, and after all,
nip
article,as it never feeds on hops,and never
devours
this will be found the keystone of successful turthe cabbage in the way
cultivation. This
is, however, anticipating
described by the rev. gentleman
have been aphides, which
the subsequent division of this article. In Scotaie
j they must
"

"

"

"

appearance

THE

dence
as well as
derogatory to the proviOmnipotent being ; for if a host of
beautifullyorganised insects could be created by
tous
fortuipeculiarstates of the atmosphere, other
circumstances
ders
might also create the other orfact,

phy and

of

an

of the
nature, up to the "lords
table
that the bosk of immuaware
truth
and
unerring wisdom, in describing
Lord
the Egyptian locust-plaguesays, tliat "the
brought an East wind upon the land all that day,
of

animated

creation."

We

are

it was
morning the
night, and when
brought the locusts."* And at first sight
of insect
this example seems
to imply a possibility
in peculiar atmospheric agency.
pests originating
and

all that

East

u'ind

31

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

that
not a f"5W converts)to show
made
of the
witnessed the transformation
from the egg to
it to emerge
insect, or observed
the perfectstate, and therefore it is the plausibility
mends
recomand rationalityof the view alone which
other
it to our attention,and of course
any
views

have

they had

ever

hypothesis which
the

insects in

for

accounts

the

in

manner

of

t'.ieappearance

which

they present

The practical
is equally credible.
entomologist will, however, instantly tell Mr.
of
Sutton
that his suppositionis alien to all matter

themselves,

fact, and
which

that

does

has

insect

no

not

yet

through

pass

(pupa)

(larva.)adolescent,

the

and

discovered

been

(ovre)grub,
perfect (imago)

egg,

other
that the above
it is remembered,
supposition is an outrage upon
however,
states, any
these
natural history. Doubtless
described visitation was
opinions have
miraculous, and
altogether
that as naturalists
the circumstance
had their originfrom
of nature, the
therefore out of the common
course
tect
sides
time, had failed to dewhole face of the scriptureauthorityvanishes, beup to Mr. Sutton's
the flea in its grub state, and therefore the
it is not
said that the east wind created the
one
gration,
readiest supposition and the uncontradicted
events, but merely acted as an
agent in their miWhen

"

in creation, and never

that it was
to do
was
a monster
certainlyno more
in producing them, than the
existed in the grub state at all. Mr. S. doubtless
stretchingforth of
had
also upon
his views
a
Moses' rod" had ; the one
is equallyforcible
founded
plan which
case
tack
of generationthey
been
method
Whatever
as the other.
occasionallyeffectual in preventingthe atwards
of the enemies, and to which we shall afternot propagated
by any
may have, they are certainly
have
occasion to advert, but as experience
kind of weather, though ic is not denied that some
it to be inefficacious, all
male'shas subsequently shown
facilitate the depositing of the feseasons
may

and the wind

had

"

"

"

eggs,

or

tend

vigorous and active

to
; but

evidence
render their attacks more
serves, ground.
Professor Rennie obas

it, of

from

derived

falls

course,

to the

and
it is as absurd"
But
the
most
to say they are
probable, straightforward,
produced
started
could
that the wind
to say
as
seemingly well-supportedhypothesis was
by the weather,
bring a flock of cattle,or that the blightcould generate by a writer in the EntomologicalMagazine in 1833,
of sparrows,
to be written
a flight
or rooks, without
signed Rusticus," and professing
eggs
periments
them
from Godalming, in which he states a series of exto hatch
from."
Another
made by himself, and which seem
quite
a system of geattempt at establishing
neration
coln,
made
A wonderful
conclusive.
was
discoverywas conceived
by Mr. Hett, a surgeon, of Linthority
that the insect was
who
contended
produced to be made, and though unsupported by the auit created no small
from
of the writer's name,
a
hybernated in foreign bones,
maggot,
He
he
sensation, and was
riodical
copied into nearly every pebrought to this country for manure.
says
observed
of the day at all embracing natural history,
tlrem in abundance
with a microscope,
both in the grub and chrysalis
the writer's descriptionof
state in the bones,
or
agriculture.From
he was
observer and
and vascular, the insect, it is evident
such
an
and especially
as
were
porous
sect
inthe same
and contended
he was
that the existence of the flies (fleas) knew
what
about, and 'meant
in places where
bones
had
which forms the subjectof this article. Having
been used was
no
no
shall proceed to detail
evidence against his views, as they might be conthus
cleared the way,
we
veyed
his experiments nearly in his own
words, and then
by the wind to a great distance. That bones
have not only fostered, but even
introduced new
apply them to the test of science and experience.
He first sowed
some
turnip seed,in a flower pot,
speciesof insects,there can be no doubt, but one
in earth out of his garden, and fleas in abundance
very material link in JMr. Ilett's chain of evidence
is wanting. He
has
servation,
obestablished from
never
appeared on his plants. Next, he inclosed a pot
result
and the same
that these
with pasteboard and
canvass,
grubs he discovered, ever
insect
changed to the turnip flea ; and they may as likely followed ; but fancying that the minute
crevice to the plants,
scribed.
belong to any other species,as to the insect demight find its way by some
it with silk gauze,
It is,however, quiteimpossiblethat they
he made
a lightframe, covered
could
have been introduced
and carefullystopped every crevice through which
by foreignbones, for
however, the fleas
the intruders might enter ; still,
they have been a pest to the turnipcrop long before
before they
were
imported, and even
appeared, but he considered he had established
any bones
ing
the surroundfrom
It is, also,rather
the fact,that they did not come
were
thought of as a manure.
improbablethat the larva of an herbiverous insect,
plants. He then proceeded and baked the
"

"

"

should

the annual
feed upon
contained in
matter
Others
similar opinions;
have
started
bones.
Mr.D. Hillocks stated he" thought itwas bred in the
the

"

but any mere

dung
suppositionquite unsupported
do not deserve
attention
by facts,
; canvassing
these, is raisingghosts for the purpose of laying
A theory, once
them.
started
very popular,was
held the opinion
who
by Mr. Sutton of Salisbury,
that the flea sprung into its perfectstate from
eggs
vivified
depositedin the earth, and that it became
to the
by exposure
sun,
by the working of the
land. No attempt has, however, been made
either
his
by Air. Sutton, or his numerous
partisans(^for

earth, and watered the seed with boiled water, to

of the insect's introduction
prevent the possibility
nerchles in any state, using the
in either of these
and
allowing the plants to
previous precaution,
remain until they had attained a considerable size,
allalive
he found them
and on taking off'the cover

Exodus, 10th chap.,23rd

verse.

(fleas).This

he

concluded

was

cond
se-

negativeevidence ; at any rate he had upset

the seed with
Mr. Sutton. He proceeds to examine
of
a
magnifier,and discovered upon it numbers
white

flattish substances, from

singleseed, and
of the
"

beetle

with

states

insect.

He

no

he

then

to

two

concluded

were

proceedsto

five
the

attack

on

eggs
these

in brine for three

and liassubsequently
fleas appeared,

steeped

he

hours, and

these

the

seed

THE

32
used

the

plan with cabbage, and

same

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S
other

ciform
cru-

dry. This

leaf becomes

secluded creation

secret and

of the larvse is sufficient to account

for its being so
is
There
success.
unfailingimperceptible
and Dr. Pearson
long unobserved, for it is necessarily
something in this very attractive,
In sixteen days, the larvae
to the unassisted eye.
the opinion that the
of Birmingham entertained
its secure
and plentiful
seclusion,
the turnip seed were
the eggs of
white specks on
gnaws itsvvayoutof
and drops to the earth,making its way into it to the
the turnip flea, but the questionrecuri'ed to him.
low
and a half inch, immediatelybeposited depthof about one
the eggs,
how
such, dewere
provided they were
the root; the
the plant,and consequentlynear
there ? as the turnip seed is inclosed in a
admitting the plant
pod, and consequentlyunapproachable by the parent leaves actingas shelter. Thus
posits
to be three days above ground before the insect deinsect,and as it is quiteunprovided with any
with

seeds

its eggs upon it,it will be a month before the

larviB leave it, and therefore the plantwill be in no
insects which issue from this
danger from ttie perfect
tobetheeg-gs of the insect. " Rusticus" cannot
that it conwood.
Mr. Le Keux
his belief,
states
tinues
get over this,by any possiblemeans, and thus this
stroys
dein the pupa
about
or
fourteen days more
little and seemingly unimportant fact at once
sequent chrysalis
the fabric he had so ingeniouslyraised. Subinsect,
as a perfect
state, before it emerges
ciently
himself suffitrines, but of this fact he has not quite made
experiment has failed to establish his docobservations
far his interesting
and the strong probability
certain. Thus
is,that by some
other the fleas had obtained
but the question arises from
are
means
or
ingressto
satisfactory,
whence
do the fleas come
which
attack the plants
his garden pot ; but be that as it ma)'', they could
tlieirappearance,
since it canafter they make
not
not be produced from
sown
eggs depositedon the seed
Dr. Pearson states, " I have
arise from insects bred in the plantsthemselves.
by the parent insect.
considerable
We
have
before shown
that even
since been
this opinion,
compelled to abandon
instrument

to
it it

its eggs,

make

was

way

for the

having had
sown

introduction

quite impossiblefor

flies (fleas^
when
the
no
soil contained
in pots covered

in

the

of

specks

seed
with

themselves

was

numbers

bell

through the winter, and

method
secure
glasses." A more
by the way than
of Rusticus,for preventing the ingressof the
turnip fleas.

that

We
of the true
to the derelopement
come
now
method of their generation
and transformations,as
furnished by the discoveries of Henry Le Keux, Esq.,
dating
which is unworthyof beingmade
public,as eluci-

conceal

as

in

soon

dormant

a
as

state

genialweather

ciency
them from their slumbers, there is a suffiof charlock, and other cruciferous plants
to
furnish them with a nidus, and these emerge in the
form of beetles,just in time to meet the Swedes and
by
yellowAberdeen turnips,which are generally,
arouses

in May.
The eggs deposited
on
again,after goingthroughthe ordinarychanges
(occupyingbetween five and six weeks,) are just in

good farmers,sown
them

a questionso
of mystery. The
long a subject
existence of the larvae was
for a long series of years
time to meet
the fresh and attractive white ISIorJ'olk
a
from the 21st to the 30th of
point involved in considerable intricacy.Mr.
usuall}'
turnips,sown
ferous
Thus if the race of charlock and other cruciDuncan, in an article published in the Quarterly June.
Journal of Agriculture,
weeds
there can be no
could be extirpated,
speaks of the larva; feedingthe leaves of the turnip plant,but neither describesquestion that it would
tend more
than any other
on
the larva;, nor
states
anythingrespecting means, to lessen the virulence of the attacks of the

and hence it is probablethat that intellitheir habits,

gent
naturalist had made
either from
the statement

beetle in

question
; and

it is

not

admits of weeds

which

until the base management

where
luxuriating
growingis extermi-

should be
analogy,and a very probable analogytoo ; or that
somethingprofitable
in comthe inference had been made
that we can
bating
turalist. n-dted,
previousnaby some
hope for better success
Le Keux, on examiningthis dreadful enemy to the turnipcrop.
a turnipleaf placed
of the continual attacks
The
againstthe lightthrough a magnifier,perceiveda
very circumstance
less experienced
which are every year more
by
or
larvK,between the upper and lower surfaces of the
leaf,which turned out to belong to the turnipflea every farmer, might induce the idea that numerous

beetle,(^Haltica
nemoruni) and

be devised for preservingthe plants

remedies would
moving
subsequently on resoil from
the plant, discovered more
from
so
its attaclis,and the recommendations
are
mer.
in the pupa
This induced numerous,
state.
larvae,besides some
as to bevi'ilderrather than assist the farthe

him to make further experiments,

by enclosing
pairsof the perfectinsects in a glasstube, in
which he placeda turnip leaf, supplied with water
able to examine the iuto keep it alive,
so that he was
without disturbing
sects, -andwatch their operations,
On
them.
the following
day lie discovered five
smooth, oval-shapedeggs, (ova:)attached to the under
side of the turnipleaf,and of alightgreen colour.
He had previously-attempted
breed the beetles,
to
and had actu-ally
confined tliem and kept them alive
for seven
months, without success, but he h-ad only
ten

them
supplied
and
eggs,

or

placedthe

with

this he

the

larvaj

fresh leaves

as

the old

ones

Many

are

more

or

far

leaf in water, and

side
placed fresh ones beit began to wither.
it when
He
suppliedthe
beetles with a second turnipleaf,and on the following
day three more
placedupon
similarly
eggs were
the second
leaf. In ten days the eggs hatched,and
and
the larvae m;ide its appearance,
immediately
commenced
eating its way into the interior of the
leaf,between the upper and under skin, forming a
burrow
in the inside of the leaf,wliich is of course
until the
extremelyminute,and cannot be perceived

useful, but

more

are

as

their effects. It may however

which
that every plan recommended
subsequenttrial succeeded is not to be

practicableof

be borne in mind

has

not

upon

condemned.
altogether
thered,a plan devised, owing
wi-

conceived had been fatal to the

when
hatched ; he therefore

less

the results of impudent quackery,and tend onlyby

their practical
inutilityto disgustthe experimentalist,
with every plan however natural. It becomes
therefore a very necessary part of an article on the
natural history
of the insect,intended for the reading
of farmers, to revise these,and collect evidence as

which

not

may

Partial
to

success

may

attend

peculiarcircumstances,

tuitously
be calculated upon, and if these forthan one, an anxiety
in more
cases

happen

to
benefit others,may induce the experimenialist
but if upon
result of his trialsto the public,
further trial they fail,be is neither to be blamed nor
In similar circumstances
discarded.
his plans altogether
ferent
it may be equallysuccessful,while in difbe ineflicacious.
circumstances
It may
One class of remedies
consists m
hasieningthe
germinationof the seed. As the saccharine matter
to

give the

which

during the germiuanon of the

attractive to the insects.
particularly

is evolved

seed, seems

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

33

and as it commences
its attacks a short time after
a drilled crop, and
eightto ten over broadcast. I
makes
its appearance, but can do no injury have
the plant
failed to prevent the ravages
of the fly
never
after the rough leaves of the plume are developed, (flea)
ing
by this method of liming, My time for sowit appears reasonable that if the process of germinathe lime, is as soon
as sufficient plants for the
tion
could be accelerated the attacks might possibly crop are up." The testimony
in favour of lime however
With
is far from being unvarying,
be rendered less destructive.
but many
this view Sir
eminent
"
I
have
used
it with frequentsuccess.
agriculturists
Humphrey Davy made the following
experiment.
radish seeds for twelve
hours
mediately
in a solution
M.. S. Perkins who used it in a very hot state, imsteeped
of chlorine, and similar seeds in very diluted nitric
after its being slacked, states that both
the perfectinsect aod larvae are
acid,in very diluted sulphuricacid,in weak solution
so
completely
of iron, and some
in common
of oxysulphate
water.
"burnt, suffocated,or debiltated,that before they
The seeds in solutions of chlorine and oxysulphate can recover
themselves, the young turnipplantswill
of iron threw out the germ in ten days; those in nitric be sure to be in rough leaf." Some
prefersowing
acid in five,and those in water
in seven
the lime when the dew is upon the plants,by which
days." He
found however, that this premature vigour was
be
it adheres to the leaves, but care must
means
ceeded
suctaken not to sow
it will increase
the
too much,
or
by subsequent sickliness and weakness, and
tual.
ineffecconvinced that the plan was
was
evil,by damaging the plant. It should however be
practically
in conSimilar too is the recommendation
of very
that as the lime will not come
remembered
tact
the fleas will
with the under side of the plants,
earlysowing. It is not every farmer who can have
his land in readiness at a very early
and we
find their way to such
period,
parts, and though they may
have invariably
found it to be the case, that the early be less observed, will no less certainly
continue
so
suffered most, as they attracted fleas
to consume
sown
ones
them, rather than starve
; for it is quite
certain that the lime will not destroythe insect, in
from a considerable distance,in the absence of other
attractive food ; and if sown
they its beetle state, and as for the larvee and pupa, it can
equally
very early,
often retarded by the season
Several
touch
farmers have
them.
are
never
impeding their
practical
which
them to remain exposed recorded their experiments,
growth,and thus allowing
go to prove that
been
to the fleas' attacks for a much
lime, so far from being infalliblehas repeatedly
longerperiod.
the plan
Some farmers recommend
late sowing, alledging tried and has been ineffectual. As however
in the month
that as the beetles decrease in activity
is comparativelyinexpensive,and has occasionally
in seasons
of July,there is a stronger probability
of the crop
been found useful,it is worth a trial,
when
to be numerous.
escaping,if the sowingis deferred until that period. the beetle proffers
however be taken into account, that the crop
Other trials have been made of lime combined with
It must
in a year when
be littledoubt that if
the fleas are very
at that period,
soot and urine, and there can
even
is not quitefree from them, and it will be
the plants
such compositionscould be made
to cover
numerous
with the farmer,whether
venience,
he will sow
at
a question
completely,
theywould put them to no little inconthe risk of a re-sowing,or
the usual time and run
and even
render them less voracious.
Mr.
ling
defer the operation,
until he has a certain prospect
J. A. Knight made a successful experimentby drilthe ab )ve
of his crop beingconsiderably
along with the seed.
lighter.In most
composition
it was
it will doubtless be to his advantageto adopt "Whether," he says,
cases
by affordinghighly
in case
the soil be readyfor the
the former course,
food to the plant,
flavour
some
or giving
stimulating
of the seed, and the season
the fleas do not like,I cannot
at all genial, which
tell,but in the
reception
of warmth and moisture,two conditions
eaten
i. e., plenty
1811
the adjoining
rows
were
year
away and
those to which the composition
was
applied,were
developmentof the young
necessary to the healthy
to be
plants.
scarcelyat all touched. One advantageseems
tended the acceleration given to the growthof the plants,
Another class of remedies is those which are instantly
either to destroythe perfectbeetle,render
by the highlystimulative effects of the food they inthe plantdistasteful or obnoxious to it,or by steepreceive,as soon as their growth commences,
ing
and long before their radicles reach the dung." In
of the seed before sowing it,attemptingto give
effluvia somewhat
pleasant
unthe plant an
unpleasantflavour to the flea. Mr.
may also be remarked that an
also arise,and therelore
to the insect,may
Hett, whose hypothesisis alluded to, when treating
of the insects,on the supposition where it has the choice of other plantsnot so tainted,
of the propagation
but might not so
in the importedbones
for
it may attack them
in preference,
that theyare generated
the
recommends
sulphur vivum
being mixed
manure,
rejectthem, if all were done alike. Frequently
the plants,and
the larvae. As
prove composition
dishas been
with the bones to destroy
we
sown
upon
but more
his positions
with success,
his remedy falls sometimes
experimentsare
above,of course
recommended.
and whatever
usefulness to the crop,
before it can be invnriably
with his theory,
requisite
"

to other root insects the

far as the turnipflea beetle
than
have greater eflBcacy
the seed ; a plan to which

or

to
presently

nostrum

might have, so

is concerned

it will not

mixing the sulphur with

we

advert.

shall

have

occasion

The

steepingof

the seed

in train oil has

been

commended,
re-

is said to have preventedthe attack

of the flea at Lord Orford's in Norfolk,for three
but they added
that of
to this precaution
seasons,
Seven gallonsof
it a whole nightin brine.
steeping
hundred
sufficient for seed to sow
two
oil was
ever,
afterwards howacres.*
The drying of the seed
is no slight
matter, and it is almost impossible
We
to fit it for the drill.
to effect this sufficiently
and

sulphur and lime, which is found

and
shigs,which attack both corn
turnipcrops, was tried on a largescale by the Duke
of Bedford,at the suggestionof Sir H. Davy, at
but it might not he
known
it answer,
farm.
Woburn
It was
on
one
sown
part of a turnip have however
observed
tioned
of the above-menas
was
the other part being left without it; the result
field,
equallyeffectual,
used. Oil,by
if it were
attacked
however was, that both parts were
composition,
generally
equally
to insects,
the way, is generallyvery loathsome
pecially
esby the beetle.
of lime in its caustic state, as soon
far the plant
their perfectstate, but how
The application
in
their attacks has been recommended when
commence
may
as the enemies
acquirean oilyflavour,merely
germinated,
and adoptedwith some
cess.
degreeof sucby steepingthe seed, is a questionwhich requires
riddled
Mr. W.
Long says, I have sown
*
lime at the rate of six to eightbushels per acre, over
Ann. A^ric.vol, 14, p. 168.
A mixture
destructive

of

to

"

34

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

and so close together,

that the fumesof the
ignition,
the
cover
burningmatter may completely
every part of
seed for some
the burning of stubble,
time before sowing, for the same
field." Sinclair recommends
pose
purof the oil,and is an old plan;
tlie application
as
straw, furze, dried weeds, heath,wood, shavings,or
of cheap inflammable matter
have witnessed however
The
its utter inutility.
we
;" this
any other sort
elder tree is well known
and he says
however is before the turnips are sown,
to grow leaves disliked by
insects generally,
mode of preventingthe ravages
it is
and hence not a few recommenan
dations
infallible
stroyed
have been made, of drawing hurdles made
of
of the fly (flea)in turnips,for theyare either dethe green boughs of this shrub over
the plants.The
by tbe fire and smoke, or driven out of tbe
of their leaving
field." Code of Agric.
extreme
High an authorityas
improbability
p. 443.
any offensive
ciently Sir J. Sinclair is,we
how
this can at all
is suffiaroma
cannot
see
upon the plantsby such an operation,
much
afiiectthe attacks of the flea,seeing that how
mnn
to induce the practical
to
objectionable
in dashing
soever
rejectthe plan ; and any supposed efficacy
they may be dispersedbefore the sowing of
the i'lsects from the plants,is too
their station when
gardless the turnips,
grosslyrethey will soon recover
before it can

observation

moi"e

Sometimes

brimstone

be

swered.
ansatisfactorily

is mixed

with

of

tbe

"

of their habits,either to need refutation or

Ashes have been frequently
used as a top
dressing.Mr. G. Cant of Ickwell, has saved his
ashes, and Mr. Fowler
crop by the sowingof wood
of Jarnerton says, that tbe flea will not attack them
so
long as the wood ashes remain upon them. In
mixed
with the seed,
America, ashes or gypsum
are
and thus they act to quickenvegetation,
and grow
the plantout of the
way of the beetle ; and as everything
valuable in the use of ashes doubtless is in
their quickening
the growth of the plant,this may
be effected by any method
calculated for the purpose
in the adaptation
"c.
A mixture of sawof manure,
dust
and urine as well as an
almost endless list of
similar nostrums
have been applied; but hitherto it
has not furnished us
may be ventured that chemistry
remark.

"

them in any
seldom
food attracts them, and we
see
considerable numbers
before tbe turnipsare sown.
With
tracted,
respect to the brimstone fumigationabove exthe farmer
mention
it only to warn
we
against such quackery. The wind will not nine
the
in ten, carry the fumes
near
sufficiently
times)
be
would
earth to affect the fleas,and no farmer
to
fool-hardy
sufficiently

the

scatter

burning liquid

that the fumes

close together,
every
may cover
part of the field,"who had any value for his crop.
shall
lude,
alThe next train of remedies to which we
It has been
of the seed.
respect the ordering
could sow
and very rationally
that if we
suggested
"

so

any other seed

turnips,which

to

with
germinatesimultaneously

the

attractive to tbe fleas than

the turnips,
the crop
mightbe saved. For this end
of turnips,
the rows
the sowing of radish between
in order to attract the fleas,has been
adopted ; but
as the fleas feed indiscriminately
on
both,tho plan
has failed. The Ceres' Gold Medal of the Societyof
was

more

with a specific
remedy. If any applicationto the
seed could be available nothingis so probableas a
decoction of bitter almonds, which in addition to
to leave its
readilyimbibed,and likely
being more
sect. Arts, was
flavour,is very offensive to almost every kind of inawarded to Mr. Poppy, an observingand
the
Before any steep is extensively
tried it should
for an experiment,on
intelligent
agriculturist,
he appliedto samples of the seed,by
white turnipsand Swedes,
sowing of the common
way of test ;
lest it should prevent the seed from germinating.,
in alternate rows.
attracted by the
The flea was
*'
in rows
between
thickly sown
Rusticus," whose opinionsare before alluded to, former,which were
declared a steep of salt brine to be successful in deeach
of Swedes
the result was
that tbe
stroying
row
; and
the eggs,
which
while
he fancied adhered to tbe
former were
covered with the beetle,
literally
exist there,its
the latter were
free from them. When
seed, but as no such eggs in reality
comparatively
could not depend upon that. Imaginingthat
in rough leaf,the white
the Swedes
were
turnips
efficacy
brine miglitstillbe useful,
I steepedseveral pounds
a good
were
ploughedup,* and the former were
of seed last year (1838), and sowed
in tho
This is extremely valuable, for though it apsome
plies
crop.
field unsteeped,
but could not detect the slightsame
est
only to the saving of Swedes, and leaves us
difference in the attacks of the fleas. All we can
without a remedy for tbe common
kinds, the securing
"
Rusticus"
is a great desideratum.
is that he must
have been misof tbem
Of the accutaken,
racy
say of
he is not
and unfortunately
the firstperson
be no question,
of the experiment,
there can
has
who
and Mr. Poppy deserves tbe thanks of tbe agricultoo
adopted a wrong
theory,or come
turists,
to a decision.
The agitation
of the question
We may
for his enlightenedobservations.
hastily
however
did incalculable good.
that the thick sowing of the decoy turnips,
remark
The
class of remedies which are proposed, for so we
next
term
not
them, is no
inappropriately
may
consists of annoying,scattering
further useful than inasmuch
the
as
or
they provideplenty
destroying
fleas by means
of fumigation. The editor of the
until the Swedes
out of
of food for the insects,
are
"
Farmer's Journal" recommends
stone
the use of brimtheir reach, for thick sowing is calculated to save
for this purpose. Lest we should not correctly
the crop ; and Lord Leicester sows
a largequantity
"
state his plan,we
Let the farmer
of seed, with a view to prevent the ravages of the
giveit verbatim:
He sows
carefullywatch his turnips as they come
flea,and always succeeds with his crops.
up, and
the fly (flea*)makes
whenever
its appearance, or
three pounds per acre.
It has been stated that the
its ravages become
rather when
visible en the rising flea prefersthe white
top to the red top variety;
let him take a certain quantity
of Elberthorpe,
had two
of brimstone
and
Mr.
Tovrnend
fields
root, (plant)
to the extent
of ground infested by
according
each other, of these two
species,and the
adjoining
tbe insect,about
and a half or
three pounds to
two
jured.
former were
destroyed,while tbe latter were uninbe placed on
Much
reliance however cannot
acre
an
; let this be put into a kettle and melted in
in a situation most
the turnipfield,
rence
diffefor the
this circumstance, for M'e have known
a day's
eligible
the fumes over the ground ; then take
wind
to carry
in the time of sowing, save
a
cious
crop, so capricalculated
matter
to make
their visitations.
derable
a consiare
any combustible
It is doubtless an excellent plan to sow
smoke, wiiich being dipped in the liquid
plentyof
"

brimstone

must

be strewed

all

over

the

fieldin

state

seed, so
may

Once

for all we
observe,we adopt the nomay
menclature
bufore determined upon, for reasons
we
there

stated,in transcribing-.

that if

be left for

part of
a

tbem

crop ; and

be

destroyed,sufficient
thicklysown
they

when

*
This is extremely valuable, as
these plantswill destroythe larvae.

the destruction of

THE
tend to draw

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

35

anotLer up, and thus more

rapidly before it sprung to the earth. No better device than
the flea,and
they are easily the board could be conceived to scare the fleas from
afterwards thinned by the Loe. It is stated in the
the turnips,
but we
much mistaken if any consiare
derable
Forfarshire Report, p. 363, that Mr. Johnstone, of
number
could be sacrificed.
Hill House, near Edinburgh,
A machine has been invented, but was
thins or pricks
out his
used
never

get

out

of

one

danger of

as soon
turnips,
they are sure

as

to

they a[)pear

be

above

ground;

and

the next
day !
Iiere,for the thinning

There must
be some
mistake
have littleeffect in so wonderfully
can
getation
excitingvein the roots,

leaf

one

after
niglit

looseningthe

as
"

to

into

stimulate them

thev appear above

doubt useful,but
no

of the foregoing.
any extent, much
upon the principle
A board placedin an obliquedirection,and
in length across
half the lands, was
fixed
extending
of the board being
upon a pair of wheels, the forepart
to

rough leaf

in

elevated

rough

two

feet above

ground:" nearlytouchingit,and

the

the under

ground, the
side

back

beingsmeared

with white paint. This was

maybe
pushed (for if it were
fore
ridges. drawn all the fleas would be flatupon the earth beDonaldson
(Mod. Agric, vol. ii.,p. 313,) advises
it passedover
them),and this entangledseveral
the sowing of seed
ing
of two different years'
growth; in jumpingto escape from it,the painteither fastenthe steepingone-half of both kinds in water for 24
them to the board, or suffocating,
or
poisoning
ferent them by the mixture ; the paintbeing renewed
hours,in order to induce it to germinate
9.1four difas
occasion
served.
We
doubt not this might destroy
periods; and thus if one crop be taken, he
contends the other will escape.
numbers if judiciously
No turnipseed, by
worked, but it requires
ral
sevethe way, can
be steeped24 hours, or you will not
tests before we
should placeany thing
practical
earth is

effected by runninga
equally

hoe

between

it

the

have seed to sow,

but turnips
if the seed
; and
should so germinateas be describes, the fleas could
not have a better provisionof fresh food,after they

like

confidence
implicit

in savingan infected
crop
machine.
The outline of a new
was
given in The
expedient
Mark
Lane
the turnip
each successive crop, and that too without
destroyed
Expressof Nov. 19, to destroy
the trouble of migration! Mi: Balydon practices fly. Confased as the present nomenclature
of the
are
not
wateringthe plantsin dry seasons, and occasionallyinsects obnoxious to the agriculturist
are, we
his crops.
saves
This can be useful onliiin dry seasons,
quiteclear which insect the inventor means, whether
the saw-fl}'^
of the black caterpillar,
which
by promotingthe vigour of the plants,for the
or the one
will neither destroy
nor
watering
injurethe insects. forms the subjectof this article. From the proposal
We
fear it savours
he makes of destroying
of " whim," as the
the insect in its chriisalis
too much
mill-horse farmers term
the turnipflea,
for the black
to be
it, ever
generally state, we infer he means
does no further injuryto the crop after it
adopted,and thousands would risk the crop sooner
caterpillar
than have the trouble:
has betaken to its chrysalis
shall
with what wisdom
state.
fore
we
Assuming therethat this is the insect he means,
not stop to determine.
would just
we
The last head of propositions
make
remarks
for ridding
the farmer
a few
the proposal,for we know
on
of this pest we shall briefly
review, under the head
nothingof the machine, nor do we wish to prejudge
of mechanical operations a class to which
its merits, nor injurethe inventor, to which so important
we
are
an
rality,
Agricultural
sorry to say has partakenof its share of empiricism.
Paper,with its usual libeallude to rolling
has introduced.
He proposes
the land, as recommended
we
to provideby
First,
certain means,
small deference
for a jetof steam
the
to pass between
to which
by seme
no
authorities,
"
has been paid. Sinclair
of turnips,
To destroy
and
thus destroythe fleas which
rows
the flea
says,
it has been recommended
night, have dropped to the ground, as well as their proto roll the land
at midgeny
in itschrysalis
while the dew is on the ground,by means
Let it be remembered
state.
of
that
which
this is to be effected duringthe tenderest part of the
these insects may be crushed against
the moist
earth."
We
loss to determine
a
are
at
why it is to existence of the plants,and if the steam should
be rolled at midnight,seeing the fleas are abroad
come
near
them, or the hot boiler pass over them
sufficientduringthe day time, and more
be immediately
and
so
as their
closely,they must
destroyed,
small bodies would
thus the cure
will be worse
much
than the disease. If it be
not be at all injured,
less
the insects destroyed,
the plant,
near
repliedthat the steam will not come
by the passingof a roller over
them.
But how
crushing them againstthe moist
say within three or four inches,we
say that such
fleas as dropnear,
under the plants,will thereearth,rather than tlie hard and dry is to be recomfore
or
mended,
is a paradox which
vour
we
may in vain endeaescape, and thus the objectof the machine be
If rolling
be at all calculated to facito solve !
to
litate defeated ; as
destroyingthe insects in the
the growth of the plants,
it
of the question,
state this is quite out
ful,
chrysalis
may be so far useand
for they lie buried
this we
much
doubt ; but it cannot
at
a
depth of from one to
very
Lave the remotest
influence in destroying
the beetles.
one-and-a-half inches, and
therefore are
in no
Another plan is, to draw
a
dangerfrom the effects even of steam ! We repeat,
rope smeared with tar
above the infested plants,
do not wish to prejudgethe value of the implewe
ment
by two persons walking in
the furrows,and iis advocates
and hope it may
be tried, but we
shall not
allegethat the fleas
it.
until experiencehas jiroved
jumpingup from the plantsas it passes over them, admit its efficacy
are
We
has yet been discovered
securelycaughtby the tar, from which theycannot
rbpeat that no specific
for preventingthe ravages of the flea. The subject
be destructive to
escape. Possiblythis may
it may even
be somewhat
cleared by the previous
remarks,
ensnare
thousands, but what are
many
may

by

such

"

"

theyamong

so
many ^
indeed who could even

He

would

be

an

enthusiast

and

it is

and

it is to

for experiment and investigation,

open
will more
than ever
be hoped attention

bers
numcontemplatedestroying
sufficient to save
if it were
in danger
a crop,
of being destroyed.
Some
improve ("!)upon the

be attracted to a subjectinvolvingso much importance.

With
respect to Swedes, Mr. Poppy's plan

rope, and substitute

above

across

the

land,

glance at

the

tarred board, which theydraw

the same
objectas the rope.
habits of the insect will shew
the
a

with

of this. It maybe remembered

futility
we
stated,
when
of the habits of the flea,that it skiptreating
ped
from the plant us soon
it
as
did not wait to be touched,
or even

and
approached,
closelyinspected.

was

detailed is

to the

may
1.

valuable,
exceedingly

and

until

plan is discovered,let attention be paid

the crop
and generally
particulars,
following

certain

more

be saved.

Hasten
means,

manure,

the
as

germinationof

the seed

sowing when

tural
by all na-

of stimulating
portion
proper degreeof moisture

some
applying

FARMER'S

THE

56
exists,and in
it at

secure

the

making
possible
2. Sow

most

of seed, never
quantity

liberal

to
connexion with the manure,
benefit of it to the roots, if
when favourable.
of the season

close

once

less than

which will
pounds, and sow it in drills,
vegetationafter it has come
up.

three
the

Clear

o.

that
perfectly,

land

the

hasten

weeds

no

may

spring up to impede the growth of the plants,and

suited to its
give the soil a liberal supplyof manure
character.
4. As

horse

rid the soil by hand

preventive,
of
"c. as much
as possible
hoeing,

5. Select
how

see

test it before

good seed, and

many

germinate,

and

weeding,
weeds.

sowing, to

little time.

in how

Dec.
near
Think, Yorkshire,
Thorpjitld,

3.

MAGAZINE.
WAGES

ANCIENT

IN

PRICES

AND

SUFFOLK.
It has often been a question of deep consideration
with statists,and writers upon
the science of political
whether
the English agriculturallabourer,
economy,
and working artisan, are remunerated
times
in modern
in the same
ratio in which
fathers.
they were
paid by our foreIn order to place the questionupon less debateable ground than it appears at present, with regard
intend giving a series of extracts
ing
sources, of the wages paidto farmservants, carpenters, masons,
plumbers, "c., at
different times,for labour performed in the county of
Suffolk.
The first extract has reference to sums
paid between

to

our

own

we
locality,

from

various

the year

and

bour
Kytson, for lathe erection of his splendidmansion
The
those earned by
are
Hengrave Hall.
wages
of the first class,as the mansion
workmen
mas
of Sir Thoed
Kytson, was of magnificentproportions " finishcunningly,both within and without," and the gateway
has been spoken of by one of the first Antiquaries
of our
Mr.
such
as
of
own
singular
Gough
being
age
1528

1538, by Sir Thomas

performed in

"

MATCHES.

PLOUGHING

"

TO

THE

OF

EDITOR

FLYING-POST.

EXETER

THE

ing
Sir, It being now an admitted fact that ploughmatches
shows tend not only to
and agricultural
the increase of human
beauty, that perhaps a more
food, but also to improve the
elegant specimen of the
moral condition of the labouring
aud thereby architecture of the time in which it was erected cannot
classes,
promoting the national welfare, I have, therefore, be seen.
in hopes that my
intruded myselfbefore the public,
Extracts
from
of disbursements
a book
containing
fifteen successive and annual accounts, the first of
suggestionsmay tend to the improvement of a part,
"

"

Mr.
Fulford at the late
the county.
seldom that
dinner stated that it was
agricultural
his part of the county to
sent from
any cattle were
at

the

least,of

and

agricultural
show;

there

will be much

far

as

from

as

judge

can

the

"

which

"'
accounts is entitled,
Costys laid owte and
the handes of Thoms. Shethe, for the reand bylding
of the manour
of Hengrave
peracyonns
don,
belongingunto Thomas
Kytson, Mercer of LonAo. Dni. 1525."

paideby

neighbourhood
of Dartmoor, to
j days
compete with Exminster, Itm, paide John Whitehand
claying
Crediton,Sandford, and such like fertileparishes.
Itm, paideto Escope the sawer,
of benefitting
The obvious way
a poor
country like
and his fellow,
for iiij
days
this, is to form a district societyat MoretonhampItm, paide to John Liuge, mason,
unite
where
or
seven
slead,
might
eight parishes
and his son, for v days apiece.
togetherfor the purpose above named ; where poor
Itm, paideto John Haddenhamfor
soils might compete with each other on an
equality; sarving the mason
for ijdays,at
and though the soil is poor and sterile,and it is
the day
iiijd.
of
hopeless to expect sheep
seventy pounds per
Itm, pd. for castingof vijloads of
sand
as
as
good mutton
quarter; yet some
any in the
1526.
kingdom is here produced. It is well known tiiat
Itm, paide to Davy, the carvar,
sheep of from fourteen to thirtylbs. per quartercan
never

sent

iiijcZ.
iiijs.
vs.

be reared

here, and

that is what

the best

commands

foradayes

viij(Z.
vijd.

worcke

yjd.
the

paide
Dyriche,
ioyner,
pricein the market; our pigsare known lobe of good Itm,
and Bartholomew
his svaunt, for
and
be
and
improved
quality,
perhaps may
brought
xvj dayes, at viijd. the day
first step towards
provement
imto greater perfection. The
apiece
to

in
can

xxjs. iiijd.

in our neighbourhood,
I think,should be
Itm, paide for Dyrich's horde and
it being at present almost as bnd as
ploughing,
his man, for iij
weeks
Ihe
be.
ploughmentroublingthemselves little Itm, paide to Rowland the ioyner,

about the

pieceis
which

in which

manner

gone

over

shall soon
hope we
ploughing be performed in at
I

done, providedthe

it is

most

practice,
reprehensible
get rid of, and
least

decent

our

manner.

vjs.

iijdayes worcke of the portall

intheparlar
to him for xxjlb of
Itm, pd. more
and great
iron for plor. window
for

xxjrf.

chamber
xxvijs. ixd.
emboldened
1 am
the knowing
to write this, from
to gret Richard, the mortar
that the principallandowners of the neighbourhood Itm, pd.
maker
for v dayes
%xd.
in favour
of such societies,
Devon
are
my Lord
Hill of IckItm
pd. to William
and Mr. Fulford taking part in such meetings
; and
of brick at iiijs.
worth, for xxm.
the Rev. Mr. Gregory has tried it on his own
manor,
with carriadge.
the m.
iijh". xiijs. iiijdf.
viijd.
but which, from some
cause
or
other,was dropped Itm, pd. for sxijchaulderof
lyme,
convinced
that if a few gentlemen
\d. the chaulder
again. I am
at iijs.
xljs,
take the matter
would
of the neighbourhoodItm, paideto William Rambellow,
up the yeomanry
would
the xth day of May, for both his
jointhem ; and there would be no
tomberells, a daye
xviijcf.
lack of funds for the purpose. One thingI would wish to
Itm, payde to the vycher of Catheir minds, which is,that in Scotland
impress
"

upon
tlie very best farmers are, it is poor land like
but improved to the higiiest
fore
own,
degree; there-

where
our

should

we

forward

and

not

I think

despond, but
a

little money

strive
spent

to

by

get

owners
land-

the improvement

be amplv repaid in
this you
proihicedby it. By inserting
A Morkton
Farmer.
oblige
yov. '.23.
Moretonhampsteud,
would

that would
will much

he

venham

leyde
Itm, paide
leyde

for

cxijlb.wayght

.,

of

vs.

at Thetforde

for

jc.of

iijs. iiijrf.

Itm, paide to John

dayes thatching

1527.
Adams
for

vj
iis.

1528.

Itm, paide

to Walter

Fletcher

in

iijrf.

FARMER'S

THE
partiepayment for castingof
dytche of L polelong
pd.

Itm,

John

to

Paid to John Parker for carriageof

ix lodes of ledd from the abbey
in the town
Paide to Robert
riage
Reyner for carof xix tonne of stone from
Bertell Bridge to Brandon
weeks
Pd, to William Barber for iij
and
at
the Kmgscliffe,meate

xls.

for

Newman

the
stabyll, iij
chambers and the windows...
Itm, paide to Roberte
Wright for

planching of

....

xvijfoote of glasse
Itm, paidefor carriadge of vxx
and viijload of tymbar, from

xxijs. ijd.
xiijs.i '}d.

wagis
Paide at Thetford for
and
borde of iiij
men

vj/t.
painter,for iiij

to the

ujs.

Denhamwoode

Itm, paide

37

MAGAZINE.

days

vj weeks
month

of
xxixs.

man

iiijd.

1529.

Itm, pd.

for

Jno. Chapman

to

watch
night's
of
Itm, pd. for making and setting
iiijii.
ijdytches

Itm, paid

John

to

Metcalfe,

for

MANUFACTURE

PROPOSED

making of the stove in the vyneyarde,and for the hording of

vj men for a weeke

SALT

i}d.

XVIJS.

(fuom

1531.
son
Itm, paid for hordingRobert Wathe
weeks at Comby, when
iij
went
to superintendthe gret fell
of woode for the manor
place

VUJS.

1535.

Daye for making

Wm.

Itm, pd. to

iij
payer of bryck molds
Itm, pd.

for sealyng the

which isiijxx
xiij

him

to

greate chamber

yardes,at vjd
Itm, paidfor a lb. of glue
lodes
Itm, pd. for carriageof xiiij
from
of woode
Comby to the

XXXVJS.

of stone

of stone

from

ye quary

XX

side

water

of stone

tonne

riage
car-

from

the

Woorlington,at

to

xiiijtf
lodes
Itm, pd, for carriage of xxviij
from
of stone
Woorlington to
Hengrave
Shethe for
Itm, paid to Thomas
bordyng of workmen, from Mychaelmas ]535untylMychaelmas
in Ao 1536, as apperythby his

bookofytyere

in the way
now
so
results,principally
satisfactory
I have also used it for cattle,
stronglyrecommended.
success, not
sheep,horses,and pigs with undeviating

jc.ij/i.
xiiji.

of disease ; in fact I am
cure
ministered,
of any condiment equal to salt properly adassists in improving the conthat so much
dition
bility
of all kinds of stock, while it increases the duraWith
reference to
and value of their manure.
I
of marine salt for my liquid
the applicability
manure,
have no hesitation in statingthat it is one of the most
valuable ingredientsof its basis,and a material that
in his possesson, as one of
every farmer should have
of supplying himself with
the most
important means
that
measure
at all times, and therefore any
manure

1536.

only as

lode of stone carriage

XXXV
from ye quarry to the water side
Paide to Willm. Tomlyne for hewing"
of xl lodes of tymber
Itm. pd. for Ij lode of stone carriadge
from
King's Clyffe to

not

at xvrf. the lode

iij/i.
Robert Bayly for xx tonne
stone caryadgefrom Gowarde
to
Brandon
Pd. to Goodman
Bede, of Fornstone
ham, for iijloade carriageof freefrom Brandon
to Hengrave.
Itm, paid to Roger Tom, freemason,

Gowarde,

xv

Paid

to

days work, at iiijrf.

per day

Stevyng Browne

to

for

will

the

one

thousande tyle,at iiijs.iijrf.

sm.
the smith for
to Ambrose
iron worke for windows
and
viijc

iiij/i.

doors

vj/i.

to William

carry
to

Paid

lyme
John

Grene,for

Nap

for

helping to

the holydays
Vasse,and William
carriageof xxijlodes
on

of stone from Ixworth.

xvixs.

but
preventive,

cheapen

and

facilitatethe introduction

districts,
as
agricultural

now

of salt into
Mr.
the landed

by
contemplated

of the most

essential of

our

artificial
manures,

for

It also app.ears
and horticulturalpurposes.
agricultural
that if the proposedlocal salt companies could be
to me

Itm, pd.

Pd.

aware

Cort, will confer an incalculable benefit on

in its various combinations,
interest,as I consider salt,

xv
.

to the

Pd. for

Paide

with regard
agriculturists,

that any plan which shall reduce the firstcost of the

worthy of the countenance
materials will be in every
way
of this country.
and support of the agriculturists
under
The proposalworks are to be erected it seems
the authority of a patent grantedto Mr. Wilson,and
are
now
to ]Mr. Baylis,
or other approvedprocess, and
by Mr. Cort,
to the notice of agriculturists
introducing
the
Central Society
the late Secretaryto
; a gentleman,
who
deavoured
enhas on several occasions not unsuccessfully
In the
the cultivators of the soil.
to serve
"
Observations on
12th editionof INIr.Cuthbert Johnson's
the following
remarks of Mr.
are
Salt,"justpublished,
Kimberley of Trotsworth
"I
have used decomposed salt for upwards often
and with the most
years past, in considerable quantity

iiij/i

to the water

side,at xiiijd
for
Itm, pd. to Ihone Shingell

of many

salt,and also when the

is mixed with lime, or soot, are found to
same
manure
be correct
(and recent important experiments of Mr.
Bennett, in Wiltshire,go far to confirm the truth of
be no doubt but
their asserted value) then there can

tonne

the tonne, pd. by

at ijs.
Robert Watson
Itm, pd. for niaykingmortr for ye
littelkichen
Itm, pd. for carriage of xxijlodes

correspondent.)

of common
fertilizing
properties

X11IJ"'.

Frysbe for xl

Wm.

Manufactories are about to be established in various

for the purpose
of
districts,
parts of the agricultural
viijci.supplyingthe farmers with marine salt,soda,and lime
for manure, at a reduced rate" and this is to be effected
these works, in such situations as are
by establishing
xijd. mosteasy of generalaccess.
which have just
issued from the press
Some pamphlets,
commend
to the
we
explanatory of these great objects,
interest; for if the
"vjd. serious attentionof the agricultural

iijd. conclusion

frame

Itm, pd.to

OF

MANURE.

FOR

i\]d.

established contiguous to chalk or lime stone, so that

and
with the same
fuel,
the latter could be prepared
salt as well as lime could be delivered at half its present
price,there can be no questionbut that an immense
increase in the consumption of salt would
cmtinuous
take place,and the land might be dressed at a cost of
to the best horse
from
15s. to 20s. per acre, e"iual
manure."

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

39

the price
When speakingof the extension of the knowledg-eof
of the staff of life. The salaries of those
and the introduction of demonstrations of the
the pupil,
who are working at annual engagements will not
he stated
anatomical structure of domesticated animals,
be increased upon an occasion which will, by most
that " it was possible
that buildings
might be erected
pendants
persons, be considered temporary ; and the dewithin the Collegewalls for this purpose, and that he
small fixed incomes, of which
would contribute to the best of his power to follow out
upon
ciety."it is well known
Sothe plan suggestedhy the EnglishAgricultural
that the greater proportionof
I wish that there had not been a damper immediately
those who receive the interest of the funds consists,
that
he must be forgiven
this,
following
viz.,
obtain no increase.
can
How, then,must all such
if he feared that the scheme
well
would
not
so
answer
persons meet the increased cost of this article of
as the Societyexpected." If the Professor will kindly
but
convince the Societyof this,
subsistence,
by a decreased consumption,
they will go elsewhere.
fessor
and
the substitution of other articles.
Grateful,
however,for the concession which the ProThe
"

complishment
made, and if he does devote himselfto the acmaintainmg of priceswill operate as a premium
the writer of
of the purposes of the Society,
for the
production of suppliesfrom
this articlepledgeshimself,
that,neither as Editor of this
of Europe. Some
corner
time
every
since,
mittee
of the VeterinarySub-ComJournal,nor
as Chairman
when
the demand
for wool
of the Society,will he do any thing to annoy :
was
great, and
but rather will he try to propitiate,
and to
and to please,
pricesaveragedvery high,suppliesof that article
be felhasten the arrivalof that periodwhen they may
low-labourers
were
produced from placeswhich had before never
in the promotion of a good cause.
But
been heard of. The landowners in those
parts of
the anonymous
in
such
!
slandering? Why
a case,
Europe,where their income is solelyderived from
itand somethingelse,should be considered as a misconception
the labour of theirserfs in the production
of grain,
both of meaning and of fact,
or should be no
Y.
more
remembered.
will have an opportunity
which they have not had

has

for

years, of

some

realising
good pricesfor

quartertheycan

spare.
convince us,

combined
ON

PROBABLE

THE

continue

FUTURE

actual
OF

PRICE

Subjoinedis

letter signed"

whose
correspondent
he offers to the farmer

which

Veritas,"from

in the advice which

sincerity
have not the slightest
son
rearemarks

are

worthyof

serious consideration of the grower of corn.

the price
of wheat increases,
however
result from

may

farmer

have

can

to hear him

if it be
withholds

no

loaded

we

doubt, and whose

to

WHEAT.

causes

ever
When-

known,

or

that
suspected,

even

he

his

of
grainfrom market in anticipation
stillhigherprices. These unreflecting
do
censors
not consider that if the priceto the grower be enhanced,
the very cause
of that increase of price
of available produce is a
namely,a deficiency
"

"

loss to the farmer.

the soundness
that the

farmer

has

But

we

hold it to be

of which

cannot

be

sition,
propo-

will

we

as

our

an

much

not

should
anticipate

deficient harvest. So
farmers
keep back the

befal

us,

fore,
long,theregrainfrom

to the

obaining

supply, which will not be lost

merchant.
by the active and intelligent

extraneous

sightof
the

this

in

one

operate well, by bringingforward

consumer

course

may

and

spect
re-

supply,
But if

guardingagainstactual want.
should, by over
speculation,
grower
cause
a larger
foreign
supplyto be broughtin than
the deficiency
warrants, he will have to sellhereafter
at a reduced price
will have received
; the foreigner
tlie highest
price,and neither the consumer
nor
the

home

the

home

will have
been
benefited.
It
grower
be forgotten,
of any
that,independent
hesitation which the farmers may feel in bringing
must

not

disputed,their dry corn

rightto hold back

of obtaining
advanced
an
expectation
as

that,althoughpricesmay
high, there is no apprehensionof aa
unless,indeed,that misfortune
scarcity,

market, theyoffer encouragement

the

it is not uncommon
controul,
with reproaches,
more
cially
espe-

every
these circumstances

namely,another

that increase For

which

over

the

All

to

market

at

which
considerable quantity

present,there is
is

now

very

unfit for use,

but which will be in condition so soon

his grain in
as
shall
we
have some
manufacturer
of any other
ing
as the grower
or
price,
good dry wintryweather. Upon lookback we seem
article. Whilst, however, we
somewhat
to observe
a
fully admit his
parallel
in the years 1828
The
9.
case
tent
rightso to do, it becomes a questionto what exaverage priceof
wheat for the month of November, 1827, was
he should become
and how far
a
.50s.
speculator,
under the circumstances (and we are now
of
alluding lid. the Wincheste}' quarter. The season
1828
which
to the present time),the expectations
he
was
wet; a largeportionof the crop in the
entertains are likely
to be realized. As in years of
growing counties was housed in bad
great corn
the weather
cheapnessplenty leads to profusionwe might condition ; but in the northern districts,
have said waste;
havingcleared up, it was well secured. The
so, in years of dearth,scarcity
t;ivesrise to economy.
The season
of 1835
6 is
pricesreached 73s. per
crop proving deficient,
fresh in our recollection,
of
when
Wincheste?'quarter, in the month of November
if
a largequantity,
not of the best, of the secondaryqualities
that year, and the portsbecame
of the
open at the lowest
and 1829
the harvests of 1828
graincommonly used for thefood of man, was given duty. Between
to cattle.
about 850,000
of tie care with which, in
Winchester
Independent
quarters of foreign
of presentprices,every
the year 1829
and throughout
consequence
grainat all fit wheat were imported,
for market will be preserved,
of
itbe doubted that
can
pricescontinued to fall,until in November
less bread will be consumed
that year they had dechned
in three-fourths of the
cheste/to 54s. 8d. the Winfamilies in the kingdom,when that article sells at
quarter. In the montii of November, last
than when the same
ten pence the loaf,
could
averagedabout 53s. Id. per imperiul
quantity
year, Wheat
he obtained at half that price? The wages of the
of this year it will,
in all
quarter. In November
labourer and the mechanic,althoughsome
increase
reach 73s. 6d. per quarterimperial.
probability,
We call the attention of the growers of corn to
to
may be made, will not advance in proportion
"

"

"

"

THE

FARMER'S

and
as worthy of their consideration,
somewhat
the case
seems
as
particularly
analagous. Prices receded through the whole of

these facts

MAGAZINE.
STATES"

UNITED

FLOUR

TRADE.

more

shall be
the year 1829; we
they will be affectedin 1839.

curious

to

see

how

THE

FROM

The

NEW

trade in this
that

we

YORK

EXPRESS,

24tH

ULT.

portant,
article is so imfew tables that may
the public. The great wheat

most

necessary

compileda

have

to
not be uninteresting
I am a constant reader of your paper, and carefully
New
states are
York, Pennsylvania,Ohio,
growing
look over
the various reports, generaland particular,
ginia,
and latterly
Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, Virof
which have reference to the present position
Maryland and North Carolina also to some
the corn
trade, as well as the speculationsas to what
for the
The followingis the table of prices
extent.
of this most
to mark the future course
may be expected
last forty-four
years :
important branch of social commerce.
That there is a considerable
deficiencyin the wheat

Sir,
"

"

"

of this
and upon the amount
now
indisputable,
deficiency,hinges the solution of that query, which to
of our country,is paramount
the labouring
population
rate
bread is to be at a modeto every other, viz.,whether
crop, is

exorbitant

or

how

price.

I shall not presume

to say

lieve,
high pricesare likelyto attain, but I firmlybethat if the farmer pursues his presentcourse
they

classes.
out of the reach of the poorer
still
undefined
expectationof realising
rent
at the diffehigher rates, scarcely
any wheat appears
of this neighbourhood, and millers are
markets
this
hard set to get the necessary supplies. Now,
holdingback,is based upon the notion of a deficiency
will be
From

almost

some

extensive,that neither from our own resources, nor

additions thereto, shall we be able to
any extraneous
Is this a fallacyor not ? Let
reach another harvest.
have alreadypassedone-third of an average
we
lis see,
agriculturalyear, and how are the stackyards going
on ? Are they less cheering in their aspect than usual
at this period? Do they exhibit any symptoms of premature
exhaustion?
Not
they1 on the contrary, I
that many,
of our
assert
most
fearlessly,
very many
so

"

"

seed,
larger farmers, have not even thrashed their own
have their enbut have bought in the market, and now
tire
crop untouched.
Look
from most of the largemarkets,
at the returns
has anything like an
to London
and
particularly,
Indeed
the supquantity been reported?
average
plies
to the
metropolishave been so limited, that
it only required a couple of speculatorson
each

ruled the highest

It appears that prices
duringthe
mediately
imadministration of Gen. Washington, which was
In that of
revolution.
after the American
maintained.
In
the Elder Adams, high priceswere
the eight
were
years of Mr. Jefferson's term, prices
Under
]Mr. Madison's
very uniform at moderate rates.
administration,and at a periodof peace and

market
day, to deal with them as they pleased; and
been complained of in
has any material deficiency
ever
the counties immediately surrounding
London
? Certainly
not ; there,quantityis satisfactory,
and quality
excellent.
without
Why then is London
supply? I
prices were
war,
high and fluctuated. Under Mr.
because the farmer, infected with a speculative
answer,
Monroe's, Adam's, and Jackson's, embracinga period
mania, believes the future has somethingbetter in
ruled at least two dollars
of twenty years, prices
store for him ; and by readingthe exaggerated reports
below
the previoustwenty years.
of interested parties,imbibes the idea of a deficiency
of flour
The following
table exhibits the receipts
be supplied. The speculatoris wise in his
that cannot
down the north river :
he creates
alarm
and keeps it alive,he
generation,
wants
We have
only a nominal duty and he succeeds.
In 1837.
In 1838.
alreadyhad released a million and a half of quarters of April
April
12,196
26,746
wheat besides a considerable
quantity of other grain May
49,892
May
100,943
and flour,and
there does not appear any reason
to
June
June
27,183
99,646
doubt our
to obtain a million and a half more.
ability
52,517
July
84,848
July
Our crops of all other grain are abundant, and of fine
30,786
74,254
August
August
ture
quality,and will doubtless be appropriated
by admix-

62,612
September.
September
103,305
nance,
susteotherwise,to the purposes of human
October.
October
lu addition to this,the dearness of food will
148,456
November.
November
244,064'
preventwaste or profusion,and greatlyeconomise the
December
consumption. Upon the whole, after anxious enquiry December....
47,685
and observation,I see no
for alarm.
I believe
cause
there will be food enough and to spare.
680,079
489,741
It may not be amiss to observe,that we have had a
last
For
the
the last
two
fine seed time, and that a greatlyincreased breadth of
yearS' not including
of the present year, the result of this
three months
land is under the cultivation of wheat, so that if it
but there is no question it
be known,
should pleasethe Almighty to give us " the former and
year cannot
the latter rain" and a moderatelyearly harvest, the
will exceed a million of barrels. Last year there was
hopes of the speculatorswill be completely frustrated, importedinto this cityupwards of four millions of
and the story of 1831 repeated,and those farmers who
of grain,this year there will probably
bushels
be
withhold their grain from the market, will,as the
now
It is calculated that the amount
of breadstuffs
more.
season
advances, find themselves competing with unlooked-for
suppliesof foreign
produce,and a great reduction
*
in priceis far from improbable.
Embargo.
I am, Sir,your'svery respectfully, VERITAS.
with Great Britain.
"t"War
or

,.

....

"

^ Peace

Nov. 28.
Gainsbro'f

..

with Great Britain.

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

for the Eastern States will be sensibly

nished.
dimiThe demand
from the West
Indies and
South America will,in consequence of the short supplies
in Europe, fullymake
up any short demand
from other quarters. Our article,it will be seen, is
composed of Western supplies
by the
principally
in fact impossible,
canal. It is very difficult,
to
make
table of the suppliesfrom the
up any correct
mills on the North River.
From
the South or from
New
Orleans, as the best criterion of these supplies
table.
As the flour consumed
we
givethe following
this
the cityis not requiredto be inspected,
m
may
be added to the table. The cityconsumptionis computed
at 1,000 bbls. per day, which for 365
days is
wanted

41

ceptances,
theyare duringthe year under aclions
way or another, for eightor ten milof dollars. Their commission
this large
on
calculation at nine million two and a half per cent.is
hundred
and
two
twenty five thousand dollars, a
and a liberal sum,
largesum for the millers to pay
but not too much
lor the merchant to receive for the
hazard he has to run
the advances he has made, and
the services performed.
We
form littleor no calculation ourselves
can
as
to the pricesof flour for the coming winter.
It has
been stated pretty generally
in the papers in various
parts of the country that the wheat crop has been
doubted whether these reports
large. It is now
have not been exaggerated,
and it is much
feared the
36.3,000.
Until
anticipated.
crop has not been as great as was
The following
of flour for the last
is the inspection
within a very iew weeks
the rivers have been so
sixteen years :
low, that many of the mills have stood idle. The
1822
331 ,670
1830
767,387
quantity of wheat grown in New England is greater
1823
409.016
1831
893,846
than ever, and the
and potatoes in that
crops of corn
1824
1832
434,788
998,167
section have been good. The supplies,
therefore,
1825
1833
459,113
1,003,446
for that quarter will be less than usual. This demand,
1826
1834
520,577
1,257,703
be more
than made up by inhowever, must
creased
1827
1835
597,648
1,154,613
.^.
suppliesthat will be wanted from South
1828
1836
695,900
1,138,554 America and the West
Indies
a large portionof
1829
1837
686,696
904,488
from Engwhich cannot
be furnished,as heretofore,
land,
and some
whether
The above table shows that there has been no increase
portionof the Continent
show.
There
of flour since 1834 ; and establishes the fact, prices will advance or not, time must
is,we
these years have been short.
fear,but little prospect that those will fall
that the crops duringmuch from presentrates.
The operations
in Flour in this cityare immense,

greatmeans,

as

one

"

"

"

"

"

..

"

"

which at eight
a million and a half of bbls.,
dollars will amount
to eight
millions of dollars.
We propose to give the generalcourse
of thistrade
of doing business with the W^est.
and the manner
TO
The principal
mills are at Rochester, and have increased
to an astonishing
ter
extent, not onlyat Roches-

being over

but

at Black

Rock, Orange, Seneca

Falls,and

at

of largecapitals
various other places. Men
are
barked
emin the business.
York
New
which formerly

THE

MEMBERS

OF

AGRICULTURAL
In

DEVON

THE

SOCIETY.

last week
I treated on
the
communication
loss to the feeder,my remarks
shall be
the consumer,
in doing
now
to consider it as regards
which I will first speak of the wastingjoints,
which
my

profitand

suppliedall or nearly all the wheat manufacturers,

now
requirea greater
only suppliesher quota. Ohio, Pennsylvania,beingvery thick,must necessarily
of coal than fair-fed meat
of less density;
and Michigan furnish a very largeportionof the
quantum
this additional quantity
of fuel not only increases the
that is manufactured.
wheat
The
received
quantity
will be over
million of barrels. To
this season
price of the meat, but it also facilitatesthe solution
a
and beingleft in
of the fat to a much greater degree,
purchasewheat for this great quantityrequiresa
the dripping-pan,
becomes
the perquisite
vast capital,
those engaged in the
generally
greater than even
business, rich as they are, are enabled to supply. of the cook; whether it be or not, it is sold to the
tallow-chandler at about
one-third cost
The purchaseof wheat, the sale of the flour,and the
price,and
raising of funds, are therefore very important the joint when brought on the table still contains
twice as much
fat as is eaten in the parlour,and we
branches of the business. The raising
of funds is
consumes
accomplishedmainly in this way. The miller first need not be told that the kitchen never
what is left on
the parlour plates. The result is,
selects his agent in New
he makes
York, with whom
arrangements

for the

by placing in the
by mortgages

of money.
raising

hands
on

This

is done

of the agent

mills and

credi*; is

rity,
ample secupersonalsecurity
;a

thus established for fifty

hundred
a
or
York
thousand dollars from the New
merchant
who
under a stipulation
comes
to accept drafts for the
sum
agreed upon at usuallysixtyor ninety
days,and
this before a bushel of wheat is purchased or a barrel
of flour ground. These
drafts are made
at the pleasure

that half the dressed fat is

givento

the

not more
a very moderate
calculation,
upon
the weight of the original
jointis eaten

beings. I

at

am

loss then

to

dogs,and
than

by

imagine how

half

human

there

be two opinions on
this head, and I believe it
be obvious to every reflective mind, that has
must
that the
paid but even littleattention to the subject,
can

system is fraughtwith disadvantagein every point

I am
of view.
to slaughtering
as
decidedlyaverse
the loss is equallyclear and evinces
half-fed stock
of the drawer, and the interior banks
mostly at
Rochester,Buffalo,Canandaigua.Utica,and Albany, a weakness somewhere, generallyI expect in the
discount these drafts. Their bank notes are received
pocket, if so, it may not be under the feeder's conwith
which
made
the purchasers of wheat
are
by troul,and may be denominated a sign of the times.
be a difficult task to determine the exact
sylvania, It may
York, Ohio, Pennagents at diflferent pointsin New
it is fat
and
Michigan. The banks are benefited
proper time to kill a bullock, so as to say
enough, and not too fat : 5'et I conceive its arrival at
by thn circulation of their bills. The miller obtains
the fat does not bear
when
his wheat,
that slate of adiposity,
the canals, manufacturers, and commission
too great a proportion
merchants
all benefited,and the consumer
to the lean, and that all of it
are
is not injured. The commission
calculated on for edible purposes, is
ceive
merchants, who remay be fairly
the fair criterion to judge of its being then in
this million of barrels of flour,are confined to
a
a very
kw, not probably exceeding ten in number.
proper state to pay the most generalprofit.
Now
I contend that were
two bullocks fed with
be men
of good credit and
They must
"

"

necessarily

42

FARMER'S

THE

natural food of eiactly the

same

extra-fed

"c.

ones

butcher

would

profit,and
than

the

corn,

both

pricefor every
family.
willingto admit

am

good

relative

cost

the

better
would

be

consumer

half the

his

by

on

as

MAGAZINE.

of these

one

feeder

and

its fine state.

Is there the most
the two
between
.'
cases
Could

the

compensatedas

to

man

does
argument
Swine, fed and consumed

not

of which

the

of which

hold
the

footingas

same

stand

we

stapleproduction

the

the remunerating price

upon
of so many
existence
classes

very

the

reasonable

any

duty, as articles

to

it is

need, and which

in actual

policy to obtain at the cheapestrate ? they

farmer ; the scale evidently
factures
being the raw material, without which our manupreponderates on the
other side: --in the firstplace,
the habits of the bullock
stand
must
idle,and that portionof the
and the pig differ very materiallyconstitutionally
populationemployed therein reduced to starvation.
;
as

to

by

and

country,

hinges,on

my

put wheat,

to

propose

of this

have

paid more
pound actuallyeaten
not

analogy

remote

the former
is a clean and mostlydelicate feeder
tlie latter quitethe reverse, so as to merit the appellation
of the scavenger of Nature.
^Ve have onlyto
"

view
the

the

large heaps of scavenger'smanure

from the
Metropolis,"c. to be convinced
maintained,
not

are

have

natural

and

nice

over

as

the

aptitudeto

fatten ; when

ber
num-

that

theymake,
they eat, but

proot

what

to

near

that

they
they

pig begins

our

Does
an
a

the

hon.

baronet

contend

to

mean

that,

on

of

this country cannot

seasons,
grow
of wheat
for the consumption of its
sufficiency

average

inhabitants,or

with

very small
laws have

which the present corn

the
introduction
from
terras

and

Let him

mark

the

abroad

refer back

deficiency,of
always allowed
reasonable

upon

1833-4-5-6,

to the years

progressive fall in

each

of

those

nearlydone growing in size,it years of full crops, with the smallest importations
known
low
ebb
to so
contented and happy,passing ever
did prices
an
; and
appears to be perfectly
its time in layingdown, and a considerable portion sink,that, in October, 1836, the average
priceof
Mark-lane
of it in sleep;this indolent habit and a contented
35s. 8d. per quarter ! with a duty
was
then
mind naturally
totallyprohibitoryon foreigncorn ; and so
producebulk,and so it will continue
thrive,and

to

do

has

it

raise

itselffrom the ground,

feed provided
its
broughtto it and will also increase in weight,
and
with
this advantage,that the falter it gets the
less quantityof food satisfiesit,so
that the longer
it is kept the better it
killed,
pays ; and when
every
pound of fat is as valuable to the farmer as the lean,
to

long

as

as

as

can

when it cannot,

and even
food be

every

ounce

is eaten
is wasted

it will

by

the

atom

an

no

"

that

1838.
JV(M).27t/i,

the

was

of

supply,of our own growth,

fed with
dogs were
order to quit rid of it. If Sir

excess

horses, pigs,cattle, and

bread and corn

in
"
Thomas
other
friend of the farmer,"
or
some
had recommended
the government
to have
bought
have
up the then superfluous growth, it would
caused
in the markets
a little animation
thing
some"

approaching fair pricesmight have

the
end
the markets
have
been
would
consequence,
since regularlyfed by our own
growth produce ;
should not then have seen
we
millions of English
at 66s. or 70s
gold paid away for foreignwheat
merchants
have been
our
per quarter, nor would
tempt
compelled to ransack the whole world in vain at-

family,and tiiereby

conversion into soap and

of the extra- fed bullock,
candles" the very reverse
considerable portionof which proves
national
a
a
viewed it may appear
loss,and although cursorily
but a trifle,
yet as an aggregate it is immense, if
tiiat reach Smithfield against
calculate the number
we
Christmas only,and considering
these as half,the
amount
lity.
throughoutthe kingdom exceeds credibiAGRICOLA.
not

great

raise

to

us

for
sufficiency

been

murmuring

our

liut instead
of this wise
policy being
was
adopted, the food of man
shamefully squandered
the
farmers, in despair,abandoned
; and
cultivation of the soils, not of the best quality;
and here we
are, in 1838, with a fearful deficiency
breadth
of acres.
on
a vastlydiminished
poor.

The

first and

eiFect of an 8s. or 10s. duty

of average
produce, an
abroad ; they could
overwhelming supply from
Sir, The letter of Sir Thomas
Lethbridge,in well aflfordto sell, as will be presently shewn, at
attentive perusal, be
will, on
from
44s.
48s.
to
this duty.
your last paper,
per quarter, with
found
to contain
a stringof propositions
most
connected,The
unland now
about
to be
tion
brought into cultivaand attempted to be supportedby the
will assume
we
again would be abandoned
illusive arguments.
most
No determined
adherent
than one-fourth.
We
no
more
are
supposed in
to the present system of corn
laws could desire an
England and Scotland to appropriatefour millions
abler document
in support of his tenets than this
of acres
to the growth of wheat
annually,which,
letter of
the Somersetshire
far-famed
at 24 bushels
baronet,
to the acre,
amounts
to 12,000,000
is
it
with
pregnant as
this the one-fourth
doned,
abanerror, contradiction,and
quarters ; take from

SIRT.

LETHBRIDGE

AND

THE

CORN

would

LAWS.

be,

in

sure

season

"

"

inconsistency.
It is

nature

After
"

"If

for

why

my

of his several
many

propositions.
introductory remarks, it is asked
at fixed duties
ports arc always open

your
cotton, wool, silks,timber, and
should
they not be so for corn

notorious, that

have

we

intention to set up a justification

of
the present scale of duties in all their bearings,
to deny that alterations or modifications
or
might
be advantageously made ; but
I trust I shall be
littletrouble to prove the unsoundness
able with
of the hon. baronet's views,and the irreconcileable
not

the

other

.'"

foreignersfor
Is not

starve.
us

Left

to ?

it not

this

of
will

knowing
ensure

we

that

contends

is

must

some

with

starve, or
which

by our
production

buy
the

held

now

few

of

the

the first

to

wants

our

or

of
we

to bring
foreign,probably

baronet

monopoly

Sir, the
cidtivate

hon.

quarters,

condition

of

mercy

the

ascertain

not

of

enviable

an

mercies

tender

millions

supply us

to

life,does

the

crave

the

at

hostile powers,

articles,
Is

to

three

they
nicety, and
their price,

at

hon.

baronet

merchants
of

sary
neces-

suppose

wheat

fifteen million

at

?
courage,
Enhome ;

acres

of

importation of the articles now unbroken, unproductiveland in Great Britain,

enumerated
and I will pledgemyself that on an average
of years
depends the dailybread of millions of
our
countrymen ?
They are essentially
products you will more effectually
guardofffamine pricesthan
of foreign climes, and which
capablebymakii;g us dependent on foreignstates. There
we
are
is
utterlyinof producing even
the article of wool in
these now
waste
including
now,
acres, sufficient
on

"

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

43

millions
ten
to be produced to maintain
discussion,being well convinced, if fair play is
given to the disputants,the fatal policy of the
inhabitants,and if Old England, in her
the rough seas
ride over
repealerswill be made so conspicuous to all not
present greatness, can
is
of trouble prepared for her, until this number
wilfullyblind,that the result will go a great way
added
to our
annihilatingthat iniquitousspiritwhich,
present population,the generation towards
in adopting
under a speciouscloak of obtaining cheap bread,
then alive may
perliaps be justified
baronet.
would
still farther
of the Somersetshire
the recommendations
enrich the overflowingcoffers
of the capitalist,
that
8s. per
bushel is high
Sir Thomas
and non-producing classes of the
says
7s. 6d.
so
enough for wheat'"
community (alreadyfreed from their just quota of
say I, and even
is
would satisf)'
with average
us
public burthens),at the expence of the whole procrops ; but how
ducing
8s. or 10s. duty ?
either sum
to be realised with
an
classes, whether
turing,
agriculturalor manufacLet the evidence
taken
before
the parliamentary
by deprivingthem of employment in their
several occupations. The
of 1836 be referred to, and it will
committees
story of the Irishman
should be borne
in mind.
asked
He was
shew, beyond the
possibilityof dispute, that
wliy he
to England, where
came
bread
15d. a gallon,
foreignv.'heat can be sold at a profiton an average,
was
while he could buy it in Ireland for lOd.
in the English markets, at 32s. per quarter, or 4s.
Arrah !
bushel ; taking the minimum
lod. in England, but
(saidPat) I can earn
in
duty of Sir
per
Ireland nothing; of what benefit then is the tenThomas, it will be 5s. per bushel,or 10/. per load ;
that 16/. per
how
does he reconcile his admission
loaf, if Pat has no tenpence to pay with ?
penny
I am, "c.
load is about a remunerating price his professed
A FARMER.
regard for the landed interest,and his advocacy of
Whitchurch, Dec. 7.
To
tliese
me
a fixed duty of 8s. per
quarter ?
pointsappear totallyirreconcilable.
Again, the reference to the article of wool, as
shewing the advantage of free trade, is of all things
the most
Here
unhappy.
again we want the aid
TO
THE
EDITOR.
of a foreign clime, for be it known
to the hon.
As
farmer
a
SiH,
nearl\' 50 years in the
it
that
one-half
of
is
established
practical
an
fact,
baronet,
counties of Essex
and
tured
wools would
not be manufacour
Suflblk,
English coarse
upon a soil what is
termed
white clay,I am
astonished
the
for the admixture
of foreign fine
to hear
at all but
hoary-headedswain" assert with such confidence
wools, the mixing of the two being indispensably
that a naked fallow is totallyunnecessary."
to the
production of the manufactured
necessary
I beg to assure
of
articles in which our clothiers are drivingso great
him, the lands in the vicinity
the Roodlands, (where they in
for our
Here we
have
demand
Duntiiow,Braintree,
a trade.
own
a
troduction
created by the inmany instances adoptthe system of one
growth of wools indisputably
crop and a
naked
fallow for years in succession),
of foreign. His argument, therefore,
and a great
of Essex
instead of being supported by this comparison, is
farmed otherwise
part of the Hundreds
were
than the four course
that is clean or naked
shift,
miserablyweakened.
fallow once
in four years ; otherwise
the landThe
owners
time is arrived when
very littlecorn
Again
indeed would
be grown.
and occupierscan
to their countrymen
prove
I contend,
a fourth of
manure
ble
that they are
you cannot
any ararealy and willingto compete
farm, a year. 12 tumbrill or cart loads per acre,
with
the foreigners on
fair and
terms."
equal
each cart to contain
-15 heaping bushels,or
540
Bravo!
Sir Thomas
to the
at last agree
we
; here
bushels to the acre, with no earth,chalk,lime or
the politicsof the hon.
not
any
very letter. I know
other compost
with it ; and in
thousand
baronet
of
acres
but, having myself a perfectabhorrence
many
be purchased.
so situatedno
manures
can
the principlesof Whigs, Tories, and Radicals, I
I believe,
for every 100 acres were
most
anxious to be made
am
you to keep 10
acquainted with the
beasts in the yardsix months, allow them 500 oilcake,
fair and
to be put on
means
are
whereby we
(31hs.per cake) per bullock,also one ton of
equal terms" with foreigners. Is Sir Thomas
hay each,and one bushel of turnipsper day each,
to go the whole
calism
prepared
hog'' with ultra-radialso five working horses,and two colts,grazin"'
50
in sponging out the debt, batteringdown
pigs a year, 300 carts, or 13,500 bushels of good fair
the
from
the
churches, and tearing the crown
muck
rotten
could not be annuallymade.
Of course
brow
of royalty. To make
of
us level with
many
no
suffers any straw
to be eaten
wheat
good farmer
do
must
our
by
supplying friends,Sir Thomas
into chafi";
cattle,
cut
also
this ; and if the nation is prepared to make
this
except a small quantity
horses to consume
of clover and Lay,also
15 tons
doubt
be eaten
barter for cheap bread, it no
can
six acres
of tares, consumed
in the yard.
A good
until this great resolve is
at foreign prices; but
fair crop of straw shall be grown, and I contend not
Sir Thomas
entreat
to
made, let me
weigh more
250 loads, or
bushels of good fair rotten
11,250
laws
to
maturely his propositionson the corn
muck
shall be made.
scheme
refrain from publiclymaintaining the mad
It is not uncommon
where manure
of fixing
8s. per quarter on the protectingduty on
may be bought
in towns
had
from
or
London, for farmers to buy
tax, tithe,and poor-burthenedEnglish corn, when
2,500 bushels of muck
that a fixed duty of 30s.
it is a fact,clear as noon,
(25 waggon loads)for every
wheat

more

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

would

no

have

haunted
operates

and

than

more

remunerating

at much

secure

The

price.

Sir Thomas,
on

me,

or

what
same

viz.,that
I should

allows

he

dread
with

of

present high prices of

to

being prolix,
more

greater length, have commented

untenable opinions; but

his inconsistent and

as

appears

care,
on
as

the

corn
(which are indisputably
osving to the ruinous
prices obtained by the
in 1835-36),will lead to much
English farmer
agitationon the subject,I trust the advocates of
the presentscale of duties will not shrink from the

100

of arable

acres

every year
make

for the

land,

also 500

same

bushels of sprats

quantityof land, and yet

of naked fallow to every

100 acres,
acres
do otherwise upon these clays,the rents
on
which
from 20s. to 30s.
are
per acre, tithes,6s.,and
and beer 25s. to 30s,
labour
6s. per acre, and
rates
from this system of naked
acre
per
; to deviate
deed.
infallows, would be considered very bad farming
ynd

i5

to

iNIanyfarmers,it is
10

acres

of

tares

here

admitted,grow from 6 to
or mow
them, and

every year, feed

FARMER'S

THE

44

MAGAZINE,

of all the qualities

which are geneand their possession
rally
they can
; also five or six ncres(if
admired
in the livinganimals ; but I shall
most
get a plantof Swede turnipsor mangel wurzel) But
submit
them to publicinspecalso,without hesitation,
tion
all will tell you how dearlythey pay for this crop,
when slaughtered. I beg you to understand,that,
and say they had better buy cake than grow turnips
in thus attemptingto create a distinct variety
the
among
or
mangel.
idea of disparaging
I have no
actual
differentbreeds,
What
to us clay land farmers so very extraordinary
appears
those highlyvaluable breeds which have been so much
is,that this old practitioner
pugning
says he produces
improved in the course of the last sixtyyears ; or of im-

fallow after them

lightland farm, 39

his

on

and

14 cwt.

tons,

71bs. of turnipsupon one Englishf 160 square rods. J

?
What
sort or kind of turnipsare they l When
sown
rowed,
harHow
times the land ploughed,
scarified,
many
and

rolled

twitch

(ofcourse

good

so

farmer

never

times
weeds that are not many
bushels of manure
harrowed} ? How
per acre
many
(not carts as theyvary in size in different counties)?
What is the nature of the compost, what weight of
rape cake, or bushels of bone-dust, drilled with the
and how
of this weight of turnips
acres
manure,
many
produced annually ? We should be glad to hear
these questionsanswered.
Also, are these turnips
topped and tailed,and made fit for the beast, when
grows

weighed
I have

or

grass

with

or

and

roots

by the

seen

tops upon

river Stour

theml

in Suffolk, some

cellent
ex-

Swede

turnipsgrown upon
them.
I have assisted in measuring and weighing
been topped and tailed
after they have
many acres
their
in a
proper state to be given to the beasts in
and

turnipland,

in
stalls.
But I never
22 tons upon
acre
one
saw
the land
that state when weighed, and I have known
"well fallowed and manured
with 650 bushels per acre
of

good
But

muck.

rotten

what

are

to think and
of 51 tons, 17

we

statement

to

say

cwt.

to

this gentleman's

I61bs.

and

10

of many
the energy
in various ranks of life,
not excepting
of opinionthat we
the most exalted.
But I am
should never
stand still,
but rather be always aimingat
think that that for which I
I sincerely
new
: and
objects
is not absolutelyUtopian. There is
now
am
striving
the

most

science,the skill,and

intelligent
persons

for the introduction of another breed of

plentyof room
in any
animals,without trenchingupon, or superseding
way

those which

valuable and

are

in existence.

now

object,then, may be famiharly stated to be, the

placingiVIerino wool upon a Leicester carcase; perhaps
wool of
the short finest clothing
not exactlyresembling
to any that
Saxony, but a fine combing wool, superior
that similar
has heretofore been grown.
It is possible
by other persons, but they
attempts have been made
have not been carried out upon any generalprinciple
of
extensive application
to my
knowledge.
My

The means
which I use are an intermixture of various
breeds of long wool sheep with the pure Merino ; the
latterof which,by the attentiveeffortsof many
years, 1
have so improved in carcase, that they have become
an
differentanimal, in pointof substance and
exceedingly

size,to

those which
I have now
generallyseen.
are
a
flock of about a hundred
of this crossed
breeding ewes
and
they certainlyso closely resemble each
species,
of their
other in their countenances, the appearance

wools,

their relative sizes,that

and

character

no

very

variable

discerned
them ; certainlyI
among
as is to be found in other flocks
may say, quiteas little
breed.
which are stated to be of a pure specific
With a view to some
of my purpose,
I
justification
be

can

being grown upon one

English acre 1 I can
don,
nothing here,but if there is a railroad from Lonthis gentleman'shouse, and he will be
to near
beg to direct the attention of your Lordship to the breed
of the new
to
Leicester sheep. The very name
so friendly
which they
as
give me an invitation,I shall be
most
happy to accept it, to view his wonderful production, have universallyacquired namely, that of the new
tinct
and be content
with turnipand bacon for my
breed,impliesa modern origin.I apprehend that a disbreed may be created in three ways :
by
Firstly,
I should be silent,
fare. But on my return
as I fear
ozs.,

say

"

"

none

what

of my
brother
I might assert

friends who

are

would
credit
Norfolk
as a fact,or any of my
notorious for growing most excellent
clay land

farmers

turnips.I remain. Sir,your obliged,

"

An

Phactical

Old

Farmeii.

the selection of one or two extraordinaryanimals"

vanations from their class which may arise,as in the vegetable,
in
and
from
the animal world ;
so
thence, if
be
well followed up, a new
formed. Another
race
may
mode
is the crossingof various animals ; and among
other reports, I have heard that the new
Leicester were
of the heavy, long wool
formed by crossing
sheep and
the Hereford Ryland. I cannot
pretendto vouch for
"

the accuracy

LETTER

FROM

LORD

EARL

WESTERN

TO

SPENCER.

Mv Dear Lord Spencer," In addressingyou as the

President of the great AgriculturalSocietyof England,
with considerable anxiety,the charge of
I anticipate,
presumption which the subjectmatter of my letter may
incur. I know, indeed,that you will put a favourable
construction

upon

it,as

appreciatethe motive.

your

will
friendship

But

I think

of the attempt which I

am

lead you

to

that the representation

about to communicate
to the notion of being a

should not
effort.

of this report ; but I am

that I
not
sure
from thence
the originof my present

date

A third mode
breed
is,by engraftinga particular
which bears seme
analogy
upon a native stock in away
For exa crab stalk.
to the engraftinga peach upon
ample,
with a view of creatinga Merino
flock out of
to any
ram
any inferiorbreed of sheep, put a Merino
and again a Merino
breed of ewes;
ram
to their progeny
in constant
succession ; and I think it would
not
all
efiace
of
to
generations
requiremany
appearance
breed.
the original
That the new
Leicester sheep

fifty
years

ago

were

will,perhaps justly,
in very few
subjectme
very scarce, that the prime s])ecimenswere
in that one
ing
visionaryprojector
hands" so few, that the breeders sold or let their rams
particularline of farmI have, as you know, devoted great atto which
tention.at an almost incredible price" isbeyond allcontroversy.
These sheep, so bred, and I may say, so created,were
I will then at once
firstexhibited to the publicby Mr. liakewell,
to your
announce
and by a
lordshipthat I
few other clever men
who followed close upon his steps;
have,for the last four years, appliedmyself to an experiment
of the possibility
of creating a 7iew
and distinct
and the late Duke
of Bedford and Lord Leicester were
breed of sheep
the result
the first,
perhaps, vvho mainly contributed to spread
; and, as far as I have
gone,
has encouraged the attempt; and of this result 1 intend their notorietyand improve their quality. Their example
to exhibit a specimen at the
followed to such an extent, that the pricesof
Smithfield
next
was
I shall there exhibit three shearlingwethers of
Show.
their rams
to the summit
to go at ence
even
arose
to
shear wethere ; and
five hundred
so created breed, and three two
my
pounds for the use only of one of these
1 earnestlyrequest the notice of your
animals. Since that time there has hardly been a breed
lordshipand of
the other members
of the societyto theirexamination.
of long wool sheep which has not
been mixed up with
I have a confidence in doingthis,
because 1 have not
these new
the
although, in many instances,
Leicestcrs,
fact is not readilyadmitted by the respective
only ray own experience,and the opinionof many other
breeders.
most
able judges,as to the beauty of their symmetry,
Certain it is that an infusion of their blood is found.
"

"

THE
more
so

or

less,in

every

improved by this

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

45

in my
long'-wool
sheep,and the breeds, imputationof being unwarrantablyspeculative
attempt, as some
cross, perpetuated. They have
persons may perhapsimagine.

been crossed with South Downs, but not with a view to

what is
I look upon
the perpetuation of a cross breed.
ferent
to be now
a
commonly called a South Down
very difof 50years
animal from the little
pure South Down
try
ag'o. The admixture of the Hampshire or West CounDown
Sheep,crossed with the originalSouth Down,
as now
adopted and recommended
by Lord Leicester,
ditl'erentbreed of animal.
lias created an exceedingly
Lord Leicester has further,
by his judgment,and by the

Whether
the sheep which I shall exhibit at the Smithfield show will come
within any of the rules of the society,
to admit them as competitorsfor a prize,I do not
them
know.
My objectwill be attained by submitting
to the examination of
your Lordship and the public ; at
in obtaining
least, if I succeed,as I trust 1 shall,
your

particularnotice.
Believe me, my
Felix Hall,Dec. 1.

dear

Lord,yours

truly,

very

WESTERN.

of varyinga breed by selection,

certainlycreated
South Downs, or
sheepvery unlike the original
The Holkham
sheepare
any other breed then known.
obviouslyhighly valuable in almost every important
PERENNIAL
ON
with a view to the grandobject,
GRASSES.
namely, the
particular
of sound good meat
productionof the greatest quantity
It
has
been
constant
a
and
universal remark,
of land.
and useful wool upon the smallest quantity
that of all the arts practisedby mankind, none
is
The contemplation
of his achievement, instead of any
than that of agrito greater improvement
culture,
has been to me a stimulus to my own
open
discouragement,
exertions.
ther
time, it is always acand, at the same
1 know
add anything furknowledged
not that I need
in justification
that none
I have,
of what I have undertaken.
progresses so slowly. The
to u
cultivation of the earth must
take precedence of
however,heard of a similar idea having prevailed,
method

certain extent, in some

other countries,as well as in
in Saxony some
this. I have been informed that even
attempt of the kind has been thought of; and I am

other

every

art

and

it affords

"

the

material

of

factures,
manu-

be

practisedbefore they can

e.xist and, as it produces food and raiment, the
Leicester sheep have been
pretty confident that some
indispensable requisitesof life,it seems
very
imported into that kingdom.
natural to suppose that this primary art, the very
I should be going too far were
I to prosecute extensively
foundation of natural and social existence,
and of
the inquiry
into the proceedingswhich may have
comfort
and
enjoyment of civilized life,
every
taken place in respect to other domestic animals ; but I
"would
be jjushedto the utmost
extent
by every
cannot
refrain from callingyour attention to the contemplation
known
In producing this
means.
of one of the noblest animals in the creation, possibleand
and to the specimens,almost exclusively
causes
cur
conproduced in slowness of progress, no doubt
many
this country, of his improvement ; I allude to the Engcauses
lish
incomprehensible and
indefinable,
horse.
Is he not unquestionably
the creation
race
of events, and
from that
arisingfrom the course
must

"

"

of an admixture
of breed; ? Can he be the pure Arab,
thus altered and enlarged by selection? 1 conceive the
be an admixture
decided probability
to be, that he must
with other breeds. Then, again,the varietyof English
from the superior hunter
Is
to the hackney*
horses,
not such
a
composition,which must have been formed
Is not an infusion of Arab
at various periodsof time?
blood into every breed more
and in
less prevalent,
or

almost every case useful?

To descend from the horse

irresistible "
which
affairs,

to

our

When

the
lowest animal in
the least valuable,

in the breeds of this animal to a considerdistricts

able
extent, and which is further progressivein other
This has been accomplished by a
parts of the country.
some

breed
found

which
is
commonly called the Neapolitan,
race
in its greatest purity in that beautiful peninsula,
of land which liesbetween
the Bay
or rather a tongue
of Naples and that of Salerno. It has very peculiar
and valuable qualities
the flavour of the meat
is ex:
cellent,
I should say superiorto that of any other breed ;
and the disposition
of the animal to fatten,
est
on the small-

absolutelybeyond the power of

These
are
disquisitions
foreign
we
tention
only intend to call the at-

readers to

our

look

within

means

books

their reach.

agriculture,and
societies generaland local,and
our
periodicals,
exertions of scientific men
in aid of agriculture,
we

at

conclude,

we

due

and

as

purpose,
of

the

estimation,
though,perhaps, not
namely, a pig : it appears to me that an important
change and improvement have alreadytaken piace in

to be
controul.

the current
of human
baffle all legislation
the
on

to

seems

subject,and
human

our

to

something" in

our

that the

on

art has

had

than

more

of

share

anxiety evinced for its promotion ;

read our
we
weekly discoveries of new
shape of barley,wheats, cabbages, "c.,

when

plantsin
think

that

the farmer
will soon
be enriched
hidden store
of wealth.
The value of
of these discoveries exist only in the sanguine
many
imagination of the projector exotic plants,
and
others
forced by some
adventitious circumstance
we

from

some

"

to

very

acclimated,

and

prolific
growth, will

become

soon

themselves under the standard

of productionfixed by soil and climate.
Mankind
range

of food,is unrivalled.
quantity

engiafted this
that

my

herd

I have so completely
always expect too much ; and, when
some
Bntish breeds, that I think
discoveries fail,
conclusions are too hastilydrawn
from the
scarcelybe distinguished
againstothers. Among other discoveries and

stock
can

upon

blocd.
I understand,
Upon a similar principle
a great eflxirt,
is making at this time by a few intelligent
individuals to
engraft the Cashmere upon the Angola goat, so as to

plications
ap-

pure

the latter the beautiful wool of the former.

This attempt was
first made
by a French gentleman,
"who, as I have been informed, has advanced a considerable
in the accomplishmentof his object.I
way
have seen some
of these animals,
which were
purchased
of him in order to be taken to Van
Diemen's Land ;
"with him I closelyinspected
them ; and their appearance
certainlywarranted
good hopes of a favourable
grow

upon

in

agriculture,a knowledge

of the

attracted

grasses,

if

and

nature

and

for the use

found
Richardson
gave

be

not

late

uses

Dr.

flaming

of

account

our

attention,in order

greater number,

of

the

us

value

many
of

"

be

the

applied,and

situations
we

now

tended
ex-

numerous

to ascertain

of greater value, could

of
the farmer.
The

(agrostis
stolonifera)circumstances
and

more

are

hear

and

grass

were

looked,
over-

few where
very

long

fioren

it could

little of it.

The

of grasses
with great zeal by the late Duke
undertaken
were
But I will no further press the argument, which I
of Bedford
the practical
part was confided to Mr.
have founded upon these,as I consider,
analogouscases ;
Sinclair,his gardener, and the scientific to the
but I conclude with a hope that I may
have led your
of the most
illustrious philosophers
Lordshipto the consideration of some interesting
point*, late Sir H. Davy, one
which might not have occurred
of modern
times ; and they entered into
to you, and which,unquestionably,
have a tendencyto relieve me from the
it from the noblest motive that can influence a hu^

result.

cultivation

and

"

relative

examination

THE
Jtig sands

of

want

most
profitablymanaged by
eatingby sheep. The great and
in sowing small seeds,
committed
cleaningand pulverizingthe land.
be

may

crops and
generalmistake
green

is the

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

who was
1695, according to the relationof Dr. Oliver,
present at the entertainment : ^There was in the middle

of the
finest tilth that can
be produced,and pressedin by
roll to make
to retain moisture.
a
a flat surface and
in laying down
The
for permanent
want of success
pasturehas been greatlyowing to this negligence,
Too
arisingfrom the usual dread of expense.
of
small
is sown
acre
a quantityof seeds
on
an
land ; in common
cultivation,where
produce and
profitare required,a greater quantityof the most
useful seeds should be sown, rather than the seeds
doubtful
of a number
of the finer and of more
a choice
lawns being excepted,and where
success,

They should

sward

permanent
sands

I have

of clover

committed

be

be

may

mentioned,
should

seed

to

surface

required.
less than

not

be

on

sown

an

On

hot

the

30 to

401bs.
to

acre,

cure
se-

crop for eatingon by sheep. To prevent

by trampling by feet of sheep, green
the
over
crops should be cut by hand, and thrown
fence into racks.
The savingwill amply repay the
close

waste

labour.
mory
praise and gratitudeare due to the meplayed
of the illustrious nobleman
for the zeal disthe experiments,and of the
in instituting
for the laborious perseveratice in bringing
results,
them
to a
termination,and of the phdosopher
his time
who
devoted
and his talents to benefit
the cultivator of the soil. And
though the greater
part of such speculationsand researches
may
of life, yet that
be applicableto the uses
never
detracts in no way
circumstance
from the merit of
the persons
engaged in them ; the motive is most
laudable,the object in view most
philanthropic;
and some
lucky hit, chance, or observation, may
be the means
of making some
splendiddiscoveries
which may amply repay for all former
failures and
and confer an everlasting
benefit
disappointments,
Fcr
been
mankind.
of the arts have
most
on
such
covery,
wonderfully forwarded by some
single dishas accelerated its progress
much
which

Great

beyond

what

might

have

been

expected in

number

of years, and
has introduced
into its historyand application.
In

the

of grasses,

case

great

new

era

great step has been

made.

They are placed before us for our choice ;

and
for nearly twenty years I have
ceased
never
these
results and
usiingsix or eight of what
experiencetaught me to be the most useful both for
ried
hay and pasture, with great advantage and unvaIn layingdown
success.
permanent pastures,
the

directions and selections are excellent, and I

followed them
with a little variation.
successfully,
The keeping of permanent pastures is a

have

lands
wet
our
problematicalquestion. When
ing,
improved by the modern
system of drainif the improvement
do not" render
these
capableof producing green crops, it will at

very
are

once

"

soils

least facilitatethe execution

of

cultivation,i-ender
certain

at

them

the

of the

lands

accessible

g'ardenof
to

lemons

Don

and

Pedro

grasses,

which

constitutes the best and

Gardener's

Velasco, Governor

in
Christmas-day,

longed
be-

Gales)

fountain which

was
set with Dutch tilesin the bottom
sides,and was made as clean as a Japan punchbowl.
In this fountain,
Ghristmas-day,was poured
on
butts
six
of water, half a hogsheadof strong mountain
of brandy, six hundred
INIalagawine, two hundred gallons

megs
weight of sugar, twelve diousand lemons, and nutand sugar in proportion. The Admiral
hired the
to the garden, and resided
governor'shouse, belonsring
there all the winter. He
invited all the English and

Dutch
merchants and officers,
belongingto the fleet to
dine with him ; there was one hundred dishes of fresh
other dishes of rarities; but such a
meat, besides many
flesh-feastwas
in Spain before. He
also
never
seen
roasted an
for the entertamment
of the company.
ox
tain,
Dinner being ended, they marched in order to the founthe punch was
floatinga
cups to serve it out to the
The Admiral began the allies'healths ; and
company.
they drew off,and
havmg drank what theythoughtfit,
and all
in went the mob, with their shoes and stockings
or

punch-bowl,
a boy

little
boat with

where on
in it,and

like to have turned the boat, with the boy,

in punch ;
he might have been drowned
but to prevent furtherdanger they sucked it up, and left
the punch-bowlbehind. This is a comical but a very
and

on,

had

over, and

true

so

relation and

worth

noUng."

From

Moore's Almanack

of llll.

HOW
TO

TO
THE

EDITOR

PRESERVE
OF

THE

POTATOES.
TEN

TOWNS'

MESSENGER.

of Friday last,a
paper
hint how to preserve potatoes throughthe winter,
which
was
strictly
correct, so far as keepingthem in cellars go ;
the poor peopleare obliged
but as, generallyspeaking,
to keep their potatoes in Tumps, perhaps the following
additional hints may be of some
littleservice to those
who
have
the convenience
of a dry cellar. When
not
the potatoes are ridged up, ready for covering,let a
littlestraw or dry fern be spread over them, after which
let afoot thick of earth be added, chopped, or otherwise
rendered as fine as coal ashes ; let neither a foot tread
it,nor a spade beat it,but leave the whole as lightas
the soil will admit of; but where the soil is naturally
of it must be added, and the
a greater thickness
stiff,
sides of the ridgesto be left as steep as possible,
and
the lighter
the soil is put on, the more
frostwill it keep
The reason
is obvious enough,for when light
out.
soil
is laid on steep ridges
rain never
enters deeper,perhaps,
than two or three inches,itbeing held in a kind of solution
with the fine earth,by capillary
attraction; or,
in other words, the air in the light
soil keeps the rain
from sinking,
consequentlyit runs down the sides of the
and keeps the interiorof the mass
as dry as posridges,
sible,
and, of course, the frost never enters to any very
When
the
soil
otherwise
is trodden, or
great depth.
made firm,the air beats out of it,every drop of rain enters,
and smks
the
whole mass, then Master
through
Frost takes libertyto follow,vowing vengeance
to JMr.
I preset ved
hundred
Murphy.
some
bags of potatoes

Sir," Having seen

throughthe
advised.

last

in your

winter, as above
extraordinary
Sir,
yours obediently,

I am,

JOHN
Kinlet

Gardens,near

Bewdley.Nov.

PEARSON.
14.

our

Gazette.

Spain, on

of

most

CHRISTMAS
OF
OLD.-An
account of Admiral
Russel's punch-bowl, and of his noble treat at Gales,

Ca(hz,in

(which garden

oranges

and

increase the produce, and render

adapted for the mixed
system of
grazingby artificial pastures of perennial

of cultivation practisedin
profitablemode
CULTOR.
present knowledge of the art.

alias

seasons,
more

cropping and

"

"

of

present system
more

47

the year

the Norfolk,
on
Sprats (Clupea spraftus)abound
Suffolk,Essex, Kentish, and other coasts, and afford,
during the whole of the winter, a cheap supply of food
"
to both rich and poor.
The largestquantities
are
taken when
400
the nights are dark and foggy. From
boats are
stow
employed during the winter.
thousand
in some
taken and
tons
seasons
are
sold at 6d. and 3d. the bushel,dependingon the supply

to

500

Many

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

48

It is well known to every intelligent

farmer,that
the greatest hindrance to the prosperity
of agriculture,
20 acres
at the cost of 20s. an
and the most
serious injurydone to the crops of
manure
abundant
"winter of 1829-30 sprats were
;
particularly
grain,roots, "c. arises from the climate ; and especially
large loads, containingfrom 1,000 to 1,500 bushels,
in the western
districtsof Scotland, where the
sent up the Medway
as
bought at 6d. a bushel, were
fallof rain is copious,
and the time it occupiesin
withstanding
the hop-grounds. Notfar as
Maidstone, to manure
is greater than on
the eastern
falling
parts of the
the immense
by the
quantity consumed
the soil is so permeable to moisture,
island. Where
London
inhabitants
of
and
its
hood,
neighbour1,500,000
that the rain water
and find a ready
can
percolate
there is yet occasionally
a surplus to be disposed
the superabundanceof moisture that falls in
outlet,
of at so low a priceas to induce the farmers, even
so
rain or snow
does little injuryto the land or the
the metropolisas Dartford,to use them for manure."
near
Yarr ell'sBritish Fishes.
part of the
crops, farther than by carrying away
But
where
the soil is chiefly
finest of the mould.
perabundant
composed of clay,loam, or soft earthymatter, the suand

demand, to farmers, who

of spratsover
acre
an

bushels

distribute about

of

40

sometimes
In the
acre.

land,and

"

REMARKS
WITH

ON
A

DRAINING

MOLE-PLOUGH
BY
OF
BY

OF

HIS

THE

FROM

BROUGHT

ENGLAND

DUKE

LAND,

DESCRIPTION

GRACE

THE

HAMILTON.
MR.

AITON,

mains
moisture, having no readyoutlet,rein the soil,and forms it into mortar,
loitering
chills the herbage,banishes the richest grasses, or
renders them
stunted,and raises coarse
subaquatic
plants,that are neither relished by, nor nutritive to
the Carex panicea,or others
live stock.
Wherever
of that family,
their blue coloured foliage,
set up
theyserve to point out to all who see them that the
soil is overcharged with moisture, and ought to be
"

We
drained.
have not yet discovered the
of preventingan over
quantityof rain from
falling.The cold blast will blow, and the rain and
will continue to fall,even
to an
snow
tent.
injuriousexBut
the soil is improvedby culture,
when
enriched by manure,
and opened to receive and
it will not be so
carry off the rain-water as it falls,

furrow

HAMILTON.

means

(From

the

QuarterlyJournal ofAgriculture.

Draining of

land was,
till lately,
restricted
the opening of outlets for springs that "ozed
from under the surface of the ground,and rendered
the soil where
it rested damp or marshy ;
but
that subject has
already been so often,
and
so
amply treated of, that it need not be
resumed here. Every pieceof marshyland requires
stances,
to be drained in a way
adapted to local circumof which, intelligent
farmers and labourers
in all the arable disAnd
to judge.
ar"
tricts
qualified
of Scotland, by far the greatest number
of
ed,
marshy patchesof groundhave been alreadydrainof those that remain are laid
and every year some
time said and written
dry. Much was for some
about Mr
discoveries,
Elkington's
by which springs
and stagnated water, formingmarshes, were
ried
carto

off,by merely boring a hole,or

much

injuredb}'the weather, because

the

ture
tempera-

of the climate will be in part ameliorated.

It has been ascertained beyond controversy, that,
when
soil that would bring 20s. of yearly rent
clayhas been effectually
furrow-drained with small stones
from
it will repay the expense of draining,
or
tiles,
the additionalproduce obtained from two or three
and the land better worth 30s. than it was
crops,
I
worth
of rent before being drained.
20s. per acre
have furrow-drainknow of instances where
ed
tenants
parts of fieldsof clayeysoil,and the first crop of

potatoes amply refunded

the

(about5/. per acre,)beyond

expense

the return

of

draining,

of such

parts

and
of the same
manured
field,everyway
similar,
that had not been furrow-drainand dressed equally,
ed.
And
it has been found,that where strong clay
be greensoil has
been
so
drained, that it can
the same
as sandydry land.
cropped aud drill-cropped
Such
being the case, it must be great misconduct in
the marshy spot laid dry,by tappingor boring a
of such land, and especially
if it is
any proprietor
hole from the surface to where
the water
was
lodged. situated on the western
parts of the island,to allow
But however
well these modes of draining
undraincd.
By
might do
any part of his property to remain
in some
districtsof England,where the strata are
such
land, employment is carried out for
draining
and
littledisturbed,
lie nearlyhorizontal,
in Scotland,
labouringpeople,the ground rendered from onfwhere the strata under the soil are generally fourth to one-third part more
of human
productive
Mr. Elkington's
much distorted,
food.
wimble can seldom
be used to advantage,
and nothingwill do but drains
the Duke
When
of Portland begandrainingon his
filledwith stones, tile,
in gettingthe
"c. through which the water
he bad difficulty
estates in Ayrshire,
terest
tenants
to pay 5s. per acre
additional of rent, as incan
percolate.The wimble has therefore been but
seldom used in Scotland.
of the expense of draining. But
in a few
The only other method of draining
land, that seems
ference,
years after theyall struggledwith each other for preand were
quitereadyto pay the additional
necessary to be noticed is that of furroio-drainino-,
His Grace has not exacted more
than five
rent.
recentlyintroduced into Scotland, by his Grace the
Duke of Portland, and now
fast extendingover
under
lease ;
all
shillings
per acre where the land was
the arable districts of the kingdom.
but when
the current
leases expire,hu will get twice
As this is one
of the most importantimprovements ever introduced
that sum
of additional rent, above
what the land of
into the science of husbandry,
and as some
diversityequal qualitythat has not been drained will yield.
of opinion stillprevailsas to the best methods
of
I have always been afraid that where
fourteen or
conductingit,I feel inclined to offer a few remarks
laid over
fifteen inches of clay soil was
the tiles,
the subject,
well as to describe a draining
on
as
which
or
is done to prevent them from being broken
or
mole plough,that has recently
been brought by his
derangedby the feet of horses or the plough,there
Grace the Duke
of Hamilton, from
the county of
was
danger that the claywould, after a few years,
to his estates in Scotland,
and which seems
Suffolk,
become so compact above the tiles,
that the water on
to merit attention.
the surface of the ground would not find its way to

sinkinga

small
to let the moisture sink
pitin some
particular
place,
from the soil to some
under strata of gravel,sand,or
other permeablematter, through which it could pass
in other places,
other outlet. And
to some
the water
and
pent up under the soilwas broughtto the surface,

THE

FARMER'S

the conduit formed by the tiles,but remain stagnant

tbe soilabove them, and render the drain in some
to
measure
nugatory. To prevent this,and secure
the water
free passage to the tiles,I have often
a
suggestedthe proprietyof mixing with the clay a
portionof gravel,sand, coal-culm, or other such
matter
as would
give free vent to the water from the
The people in
surface to the conduit at all limes.
convinced that my fears are
however, seem
Ayrshire,
formed
unfounded, as where the drains were
wards
upof a dozen
years ago, they are still answering
well

may
that

as

at

first.

alwaysprove
no

drains

in

inches,the surface

shall be

efficient.

clay soil

glad to
But

will

I
draw

find that
must

they

mention

beyond

six

therefore find access

into them from under the plough furrow.
I am
that when
of opinion,
the drains are dug to the
depthof fifteen or sixteen inches,and onlytwo or
three inches wide at bottom, well cleaned, and filled
four or five inches with stones, broken as small as
Macadamized
road metal, with three or four inches
of sand, gravel or coal culm above
the stones, the
drains may, where stones
abound, or rock is near
at hand, be
executed
at less expense, and prove
water

must

49

mounted
iron)six feet long,and four broad, surfour wheels,one
those
at each corner,
on
and the two
before being thirty,
behind, twenty

with

ed

on

as

MAGAZINE.

inches diameter.
A capstan is placedin tbe middle
of the platform,having its upper axle fixed in a

strong beam

of

wood, supported by

bars of iron

at

platform, Tbe capstan is four

and a half feet in circumference, eighteeninches in
lengthor height,and is moved round by two horses
the axle of the capon
by a shaft placedhorizontally
stan
of a strong chain,58 yardslong,
; and by means
and weighing
eightand a halfhundred weight,brings
to within
two
or three yards of
up the mole-plough
and which
the platform,
by 22 circuits of the horses,
the

four feet above

theymake

in
generally

space
about

twelve

removed
to
of three minutes more,

platformcan
210

or

be

215

minutes
a
a

new

drain

; and

station
can

as

the

in

the

be formed

yards in lengthevery hour.

firm in its place,

To keep tbe platform
a
strong
pieceof timber, havinga prong of iron, is fixed by a

hinge

to

each

of the

two

hindermost

corners

of the

sinks into
platform,and which, pointing
diagonally,
the ground whenever
the horses are put in motion.

of
There
besides two anchors at the fore corners
are
which
the platform,
or even
more
keep the platformfrom being
so, than where
"very way as effectual,
mers
fartiles are used ; and I find that many intelligent
backward
moved
by the draughtof the chain, which
in this opinion.
draws
concur
yardsin
up the plough at the rate of fifty-five
have
horses and three
Some
formed
drains with turf, generallytwelve minutes.
So that,with
two
the least
termed wedge-drains.
this ploughcan be made to form a drain in everj-These are certainly
men,
costlyof all drains ; but in clay soil,the wedge of furrow of an acre of land, where the ridges do not
clay,trod firm into the drain, must prevent the exceed fifteen feet in breadth, in the space of seven
from sinking
the most speedy
water
to tbe conduit below ; and if the
hours or thereby; which is certainly
land
and
least expensive mode
of furrow-draining
wedge is not made firm,or if the soil and subsoil
abound with sand or small stones, the conduit will
that has vet been invented.
fillup and the drain become
inefficient.
soon
It appears to me,
duit
however, that althoughthe conThe onlyother mode of furrow-draining
that I have
formed
by the ploughmay generallyremain
heard of,is formingand completingthe drain with
open for a good many }:ears and its dimensions may
that can
be sufficient to carry off all the water
ever
something resembling a plough, termed a moleweather
afraid
proved fall into it in ordinary
plough; and as one of these,formed on the most im; yet I am
that the slit formed by the broad
plateof iron beplanofanylhave ever seen, has recentlybeen
the estate of his Grace the Duke of
tweeen
the surface of the groundand the pipe,being
on
putin operation
the purpose of
onlv one inch wide, may in a short time, from the
Hamilton,and is expectedto answer
at a very moderate
draining
highly vicissitudes of the weather,and pressure of the feet
expense, it seems
of this improved implement of cattle,collapse,
account
so as to
prevent the water from
proper that an
should meet
the publiceye, so that proprietors
and
from the surface of the ground
having free access
if so, the draining
be
tention.to the conduit ; and
would
occupiersof land may judge how far it merits atrendered nugatory. If the mole-ploughis put in motion
is eightfeet long,
of the mole-plough
in very soft clay,the slit will not remain
open
with iron on the underside, and having
for even
a
strengthened
singleday; and though it may remain
two handles behind, by which it is guided. A plate
it will
the
for a
time
close whenever
open
of iron,ten inches broad, one inch in thickness, and
clayis drenched in moisture. It can only be used
about twenty inches long, is fixed into the beam by
in clay-soils,
and to the greatesteffect in old pasture
iron wedges, like a coulter,and it can be let down
land.
farther
or drawn
It is fair however, to state, that it is well attested,
up to make the conduit for the water
or nearer
to the
surface of the ground at pleasure.that the land drained by the mole plough in the
On the lower end of this plate,
the mole, or conical
than
county of Suffolk several years ago, has more
As
of its utility.
formed
answered the expectations
shaped sock, about eighteeninches long,three inches
that on
the Hamilton
estate
was
deep,and two and a half inches wide, is fixed ; and
only drained last
it is,that the
which, when the ploughis moved forward, forms and
spring,all that can be said respecting
leaves open a conduit to carry off the water that may
drains are in general open, and dischargingwater
fall into it from the surface,by the slit formed by the
that could not fail to injurethe soil ; althoughin
broad plateof iron, which
is thinned away in the
few placesthe conduit has been obstructed,and
some
fore edge. A slight
furrow
slice is generally
has burst up to the surface. The season
cut
the water
by
in the direction in which the drain
a common
plouo;h,
having been wet, the sedge grasses are still growingis to be formed, and
the ground
who
know
be replacedwhen
the drains; but some
which may
over
the drain is finished ; and as the sock is generally well, think the herbage is of darker colour than formerly.
fixed at fifteen inches from the beam, and as the
in the furrow cut by the common
beam moves
plough,
the bottom
of the conduit
is about
eighteeninches
below the surface of the ground ; but this depth can
I invite the attention of young
TO
LANDLORDS."
be altered by raising
or
lowering tbe platein the landed proprietors
which theirincomes,
on
to a subject
beam, as has been mentioned.
as well as the national prosperity
depends.The Highland
The apparatus by which the mole ploughis moved
Societyhas offered their gold and silver medals without
consists of a strong platformof wood (wellsupportlimit as to numbers, to travellerswho may notice and
The

beam

FARMER'S

THE

50

MAGAZINE.

side into drains resembling

abroaJ. And these
the stetch furrows ; and
repnrt improvement in rural economy
3"rizesseem
most
judicious,the value of such medals
there
is a stream
this,when
flowing abundantly
be small, but to tliose in easy circumstances the
may
and winter, I shall call irrigation,
tinguished
dissummer
as
stimulous maybe
little
blue
ribbon
is
trinsic
inof
a
great;
from
catchingof springs and floods,
worth, and yet it probably has led to much useful
clined
where
the
is
formed into such inexertion

ground
naturally
have
We
planes as admit of its being done.
then irrigation,
catch ivork of springsavd floodwater
combined, catch work of springs
alone,and catch work
alone ; and here let me
observe, that
intelli- of winter floods

the distinction. Sea birds

to merit

shot

are

by sportsmen who do not even

stoop to pick them up
the pleasure arising'
in aiming'
from the skillshown
well
being-the sole reward of a toilsome day'swork.
How

much

then may
it prove to an
more
interesting'
the catching
of winter flood water
of the countries
he
g-ent youth to notice the customs
complished
onlymay be actravels throug'h,
with the view of his report placing'
him
very often, and almost alwayswith great
the
benefactors
of
his
domestic
A
native land.
I hardly know
amongst
in which
a farm
some
facility.
portunity
opafflictionwhich
befel Sir J. Sinclair,
induced him
to
does not occur
of rendering flood water
disinclined
him
and
him
serve
obtravel,
to dissipation,
led
to
fice
available ; and of its utility
one
experimentwill sufthe agricultureof the continent"
and to form
quaintance
acof
The
to satisfy
the most
incredulous.
quality
with such
distinguished persons there as
soil makes
difference, because all are benefited
no
could assist his future researches. And, in endeavouring'
by the accession of fine mould, of which these floods
to confer benefits on others he recovered
his own
spiritsand activity.
are
And
injuredby flowing
the Highland Ag'ricultural are the carriers ; and none
water.
Society bears gratefultestimony to the extent of his
services in promoting'
Catch work
consists
South Britain
tural
impro^ementSjWhich
simplvin divertingthe nais now
J. S.
endeavouringto emulate,
it in one
of the water, and leading
less
course

rapid; that which you choose for it must be, indeed,

but as near
level as will suffice to
falling,
a perfect
keep the water on in constant
gentlemotion ; then,
by puttinga littlestop (a spade full of earth)in this
channel, here

new

ON

THE

IMPROVEMENT

OF

GRASS

it and

LAND.
letter from

Lord

Western

this

upon

has

recentlybeen published
by Ridgway ;

the

extract
following

from

give

it, and stronglyrecommend

the

perusalof the whole to our

containingmuch useful information.
"

readers
Ed.

F.

spring or flood
husbandman, who

M.]

accurate

an

found

eye.

The

system I advise and

to
place,studiously
the earth
by deep

and

then

drain

under

lead them

water-course,
that appears
the

practiceis, in the first

stands,without
springs from out of
drains
(no open gripps), level; he must

various means,
to
according
the form of the ground, and as far as the levels will
can

be collected,on

allowingthe
the

water

to

and

all pasture

over

hang

that

lands

far from
certainly,

; not

it ;

on

be taken that it shall be in

must
contrary, care
motion, and have free passage to go off;the

constant

it

slower

perhaps the better,because

moves

his

by

permit, togetherwith every drop oi floodwater

of the sediment

it

the

course

shall

water

out

mav

to

some

instances,

ploughman with a
fix his ploughin the

in

to

tion
and take his line in any direche
to the level where
nearest

making
work

with
cases,

common

have, in

practicableto set
pair of horses, directinghim

off the

in

pert
water, it may be done by an exis accustomed
and
to drainage,

it

natural

channel,

new

experiencedman

employed:

catch
has

as

be

its

over

space between

find this

To

difficult,
an

is

case

must
subject spirit-level
we

there, it will flow

the
gradually

water

its 7ia"itra"channel.

if the

[A

and

and
lipsgenerally,

it

perfect

and

absolute

an

his

furrow, however

be, in such

direction

slowly follow him

as

he

as

goes.

cuitous
cir-

that
His

will,indeed, often be very curved, according

course

to the variations of the

this circumstance
must

follow this sole and

ground

or

injuryto

level of the
not

be

ground.

regarded ;

But

he must

will any loss of

follow.
The bottom
be enlargedand
finished with

simplerule, nor
the meadow

it deposits of this channel must

the spade, and will
This

be coated with
grass soon, and
softer mould of the fields, fed when
the floods are gone, or the springslet off
from
whence
it comes
it comes
again. I can shew an instance, of which there
; in this country
loaded with richness from our
would
be many,
fallow fields,and is
has
no
doubt, where a meadow
efficacious even
than
the dung cart in giving
thus been managed, and flood water
laid
more
effectually
of a few shillings.
The beneficial
on, -at the expense
permanent value, whilst vegetationis hastened, and
more

sediment

it.

is the finer and

beautiful

herbage is produced

groundsnot
The

bringswith

so

much

earlier than in

treated.

adoptedto

lead the

and over
ou
refer you to
the various
treated the science
and
1 would
to whom
wish you to have refully,
course
will learn more
in an
man
; but the practical
hour, by seeing and examining the work
that is
means

lands, are

easy to describe.
authors who
have

not

done,than by weeks
naturallyslopingever

of

water
must

study. Where
so

the lands

catch work,
little,

as

lay
it is

termed, is alwayseasy ; here the springsor floodsare

caught and turned, as the natural variations of level
will admit.
inclined

Flat meadows

must

be thrown

into artificial

planes,like a wide land, or stetch of

twelve
or sixteen
furrows,the water beingled along
is the highest
the middle, which
part, in a small
channel, overflowingthe lips of it regularly
it
as
down the inclined plane on each
goes, and trickling

"

effects are immediate and accumulative, if I

may so
express myself; each successive j-ear increasingthe
of wealth
thus annually brought. I have
store
channel
thus formed
six weeks
one
not
ago,*

which,

watering a piece of grass land, exhibits at

in a most
the influence
striking
manner,

this moment,

merely of
forth

so

than

in

say

much

last floods

our

; the

herbage shooting

thick, and beautiful,

vigorously,

more

the part of the field not

sandy countries the

in poor

I do not
watered.
floods would be so

immediatelyproductive,nor, indeed, at any time so

productiveas here. This is the county of all others
be most
in which
charged with value,
they must
from the extent
arable lands ; acand qualityof our
cordingly,
I say, we
of all others should adopt and
would
benefit by the practice.
*

Written in May,

THE

NEW

BREEDS

OF

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

;i

IMPORTANT

SHEEP.

AGRICULTURAL
AT

COPY

OF

LETTER

FROM

C.

T.

TOWER,

ESQ.,

TO

ING
MEET-

MARKETHILL.

EARL

(abridgedfrom

SPENCER.

THE

NEWRY

TELEGRAPH.)

Lord Gosford's Farmer's Dinner was

Weald Hall,Dec. 15, 1838.
held here
few days ago.
The
a
tempestuous
Spencer
Dear
Lord
My friend and neighbour, (Markethill),
state
of the weather
prevented many gentlemen
Lord Western, in bis letter to you of recent publication,
from
distance attending
of
a
; and the absence
propounds three modes, by either of "which he
Colonel
chell,
Close, of Drumbanagher,of Mr. Mitbreed of sheep may be created. Havstates
a
new
ing
of Carrickmacross,agent to Mr. Shirley's
had considerable experiencefor many
j'ears ia
extensive property, and of Mr. Rose, an eminent
Merino
from it, I am
sheep and crosses
breeding
induced to trouble your lordshipwith the following improver from the neighbourhoodof Monaghan,
much
were
tion
informaparticularly
practical
regretted,
remarks
if not all those modes.
to some,
as applicable
havingbeen expectedfrom the latter gentleman
In 1810-11,1 importedfrom Spain a considerable
of the subjects
discussed
one
the advantage
upon
flock of Merino sheep. I also,with a view to an
of furrow draining.
native
our
breeds, purchased
experiment with
The lion of the day,however, was
Mr. Van Buren,
through the late Mr. EUman, of his Grace the Duke
son
to the President of the United States,
who honoured
of Southdown
of Bedford, a number
and
ewes,
the meetingby his
In each successive
presence, anxious to add
crossed them with a Merino ram.
in this counto his knowledgeof the highest
try,
society
asd
ram,
year, I put the produce to another Merino
and
an
acquaintance with the habits,manners,
in the course
of eightor ten years that stock became
modes
of thinking
of the middle classes,those who
both in appearance
and every other
so
identified,
form
the soul and substance of the State.
Among
quality,with the pure stock kept,and fed together,
the other strangers,
those most
were
distinguished
and distinctly
ear-marked as lambs, that in few instances
Mr. Mollony,a gentleman of property in county
could
any difference be discerned in them.
Clare ; Mr. Boyd, of Ballymacool,
county Donegall
;
Finding this,therefore,to be only a circuitous mode
Mr. Taaft'e,
from
county Sligo,and Mr. Jamieson,
of gettingback to the Merino breed, I determined
of the Waste Land Company's estates, in
about six or seven
years ago on another experiment, manager
that part of Ireland ; Mr. Milne, agriculturist
to
the object
to give permanence
of which
was
to that
Colonel Close, one
of the Judges; besides some
of
breed,which would better unite the propertiesof a
the principal
Lord
Charleraont's. and
tenants
on
fleece far superior
to any of the British breeds would
other neighbouring estates, Mr. M'Anally, and
more
on
a carcase
to receive
readilydisposed
yield,
several of the gentlemen of Markethill,and the chief
fat than that of the Merino breed of sheep. For this
tenants
the Gosford
on
Estate,who, togetherwith
I
from
obtained
friend
a
handsome
a
purpose
ram,
the successful candidates, are always included in
and
half
Leicester
half
Cheviot,which,beingput to
the invitations by his Lordship's
desire.
Merino ewes, producedexcellent lambs. From
some
The
Earl of Gosford, who
presided,addressed
this first cross
I then selected the best rams, and bv
the company,
and alluded to the standingrules of
puttingthem to the same breed of first crossed ewes,
the meeting that no controversial or political
jects
subestablished a distinct and valuable sort, which I then
should be iutroduced,
nor
termed
any toasts proposed
breed of sheep. It is quite
creatinga new
not
sanctioned by the Chair.
His Lordshipconcluded
clear,that as long as a similar course
is pursued,
jesty
by giving the health of " Her Gracious Mafollow. 'J"6 give uniformity
similar results must
to
the Queen, with long life and good health to
it is obvious that the
any breed so established,
est
greather and those who wished
her well." After which
be taken in the selection of stock for
must
care
followed the usual standard toasts of "The
Duke
that does not
breeding,rejecting
every peculiarity
of Sussex
and
the other branches
of the Royal Family,"
harmonise with the generalcharacter of sheep
you
"The Army and Navy"" and " Lord Lieutenant
wish to establish,
more
in the rams.
To
especially
and prosperity
His Lordship
to Ireland."
avoid degeneracy
from breeding
in, and in the adoption then called the
attention of the company
to the unusual
of it rather extensively
by breeders will become
circumstance
of having so distinguished
a
otherwise recourse
essential,
be had
must
necessarily
the son
of the President of the
combination. Being a breeder, stranger present as
again to the original
United States of America, from whom
he (Lord G.^
and not a feeder,I regret that I have it not in
my
had very recently
received the kindest reception
power to exhibit at this show any fat carcase
worthy
duringhis short stay at Washington, where, nevertheless,
of the publiceye. Indeed,my park beingclose fed
he had had full time to satisfy
himself of the
with deer and abundance
of other stock,and by no
and sincerity
friendly
disposition,
uprightness,
integrity,
of good quality,
means
affords only a state of store
of the government
; and, also, to observe the
condition
to my
flock,ill adaptedto be placedany
kind feelingalmost
universallyexistingtowards
where near
those gaudy carcases, by which
this
these countries.
He trusted,therefore,
the company
exhibition is ornamented.
ever,
howIfyour lordship,
would receive,with the greatestsatisfaction, The
will do me
or
the
any other agriculturist,
health of Mr. Van Buren, President of the United
honour to inspectthese sheep,they will see some
States of America," in whose son he was
happy to
framed
wliether
useful,
for
"

"

"

"

"

sheep,
pretty
upland or
lowland, carryinu;
fleeces well adapted for fane combing

trace

which

of wool very much in demand),

(a description
This
on
little
grown
hardy sheep,with carcases
to the Merino
breed ; a breed
by their afiinity

purposes
affected

the
his
toast

same
near

talents and
relative

having

been

was

friendly
dispositions
by
so highly
distinguished.

drunk

with the greatest enthusiasm,

Mr. Van
Buren, jun., returned thanks to the
cious
delinoble Chairman
for proposing,and to the company
invaluable the fleece,
a natural
for the cordial manner
in which
thpy had received,
is not its distinguishing
tendencyto obesity
teristic.
characthis sentiment;and concluded
"The
by
proposing,
I am,
dear
lord,yours very sincerely, health
my
of the Earl of Gosford."
C.T. TOWER.
The Earl of Gosford, having returned thanks in
To the Right Him. Earl Spencer,
the most
for the compliment paid
Sfc."c.
feelingmanner

of which it must
the mutton

be admitted that,however
fairly
and

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

him

Mr. Robert
by Mr. Van Buren and the meeting, concluded
Cross,having
Mitchell, of Drumhee
ness
been announced
by callingon Mr. Blacker to proceed with the busias
mium
having obtained the second preof the evening by readingout the premium list,
for best cultivated farms, next came
forward;
and calling
He
his farm being 14 acres,
at a rent of 14/. IBs.
upon the successful candidates to state,

usual,

as

the

benefits,if

anv,

which

theyhad

ceived
re-

under the change of system in their mode of

cultivation.
]\Ir.Blacker then rose, and, addressing
his Lordship,
that the practicehad been not to
mentioned
had
tained
continue premiums to those who
alreadyobthem
for three succeedingyears, as they
mended
ought then to be sensible whether the plan recom-

staled

that, in the year 1833, he had but one cow,

and an indifferent horse, and his rent then was
only
in
in 8/. of arrears
8/. 16s.,and he was
; but now,
the year 1838, by changing his mode of cultivation,^
he had three cows,
heiter,and one calf,and a
one
rightgood young horse ; that he had paidoff full 50/.
of old debts and
worth

of lime

all his arrears, besides

he
that, whereas

; and

lavingout 12/.
formerlyhad

worth pursuing for its own

the
was
not
or was
of potatoes, and those, from
scarce
two
acres
sake ; without which was
the case,
to give premiof stock and house
want
ums
feeding,badlymanured,
to introduce it would
he now
had four acres
of potatoes and three roods
only be money thrown
He then read over
of
a
of turnips,
long list of names
away.
rightwell manured, and he could pay
cates
the company
the advanced
premium men, who are now
only entitled to certifirent without trouble, as
though in a
J and also manj^ others, who,
might well believe when he told them, he could, of
guished late years, sell from 40/. to 50/. worth of produceoff
distinhigherrank than to claim premiums, were
his farm, when
by their adoptionof the new
system from
formerlyhe could not sell more than
conviction.
He then mentioned that all the candidates
10/. to 12/.
is
for the best cultivated farms, beingin what
His Lordship here observed, that the company
termed
the four-course rotation,the judgeshad been
might readilyimagine the comfort which Mitchell
directed to give a preferenceto those who
had
the
and his familymust
enjoy,now that they were free
best provisionfor the winter feeding
of their stock, from debt, and were
turn
receivingso much better a reand also the more
eminent exertions of the individual
all
for their labour, and he thoughtthey would
in arrivingat his present state ; and after cautioning
drink,with pleasure " Peace and plenty to Mr.
nil the parties
to be careful not to state anything
Mitchell,and long lifeand good health to enjoy it."
which
Mr. Blacker
here pointed out that Mitchel was
they could not fullysubstantiate,if
called on next
day,which might probablybe the a strong instance of the truth of what he had always
from so man};^ strangers being present, he declared stated
case
who
that the man
turnips
grows the most
Mr. James Bradford, of Druminnis, as entitled
would
always be able to plantthe most potatoes,for
to the first premium for best cultivation,on
tion,
cultivaa
the turnipsnot onlygave plentyfor their own
farm of 5 acres
and
there was
3 roods, in which
but a great surplus also to be given to the
considerable
waste
by roads, and the rent 61. potatoes. Mitchell had formerly,when he had no
12s. 8d.
turnips,only two acres of potatoes,badlymanured,
health
Mr. Bradford's
and now
he had four acres, well manured, and nearly
being drunk, and success
and
to his exertions,he came
forward in the room
of turnipsbesides. Many people he had
an
acre
stated that, in the year 1829
(beforeLord Gosford
seen
who, after first gettinginto a stock of manure
had been foolish enough to rob the turnipcrop of its
purchased Colonel Graham's estate, on which he
lived) he was in a heavy arrear of 21i., owing to a
share, and put the whole under potatoes.
proper
fever which
had attacked himself and a young family, Ttis was
like robbingthe nest of the nest e^^ ; and
and had disabled him from paying off what the
of course
they fell back the followingyear, as might
former occupierhad left due on the farm, which was
be expected, and the second start was
always more
then only 2\ acres
reduced he had
so
difficultthan the first,
; that he was
except when clover, by house
been obliged
to borrow 30s. from the late curate, Mr.
brought another trial within their power.
feeding,
Mr. Samuel
then called forward as
Loudon
Lofty,to keep his familyfrom starving; that ever
was
since he had come
under his Lordship, and had
gettingthe third premium. Mr. Blacker introduced
"

"

adoptedthe green crop system, he had been

He
improvingin his circumstances.
and his other
debts,
paid off his arrear
had

nearly cleared

than

three

made
about

acres

off
more

his house
10/. worth

dually
gra-

had
and
better

the

purchase of
land.
He
had,

comfortable, and

of lime

had

sides,
be-

laid
his

since then upon

land,and had got two good cows and two good pigs,
in 1829 he had no
whereas
stock of any kind ; and
added, that upon a former occasion he had made
something of a similar statement, which he was now
glad to repeat before his Lordship only this was
he was
better
as
yearlyimproving, and he had
out

"

"

quitegiven up sowingone

graincrop on the stubble

which
he stronglyrecommended
of another,
every
other farmer to do.
He concluded
by sayinglie
humbly thanked his Lordshipand Mr. Blacker for
their kindness, and Mr. Bruce*
for his instructions.
His

Lordshiphere

recommended

all

occupiersof

him

to

and

his

Lordshipas

farm it was

"whose

he had

would

two

industrious

tenant,

rent

be

stood
visit ; that he underby the sale of his

perhaps

more

that

he

factory
satis-

of it from himself
he
held nearly8J acres, and

account

"

rent.

then

confirmed

what

had

been

his butter ; said he

in placeof one
as
formerly, and

payinghis
cows

his

it would

only add

Loudon

pleasureto

than

the

hear

paid9/. 18s.
to

more

that

butter, but
to

most

thankful, contented, cheerful fellow,

most

rent

by

stated
had

would

as

now

be

keep a third next year. He said he bad been

had been
Bruce
at seeingMr.
as if he
a
friglitened
to him, but now
the first time he came
was
boggleboo,
at his own
pidity,
stuglad to see him, and he wondered
stinacy
and
freelyacknowledged all his former obwell
and
ignorance,and said he was now
He had a rightgood crop of oats, two excontent.
cellent
])igsthat would be fit to pay the rent if he
had nothingelse to do it with ; that he had increased
able to

land to attend to Bradford's example" to leave off

the practice
of sowing graincrops in succession,and
his potato crop since last year one acre, and had no
concluded by givingas a toast, " Alternate cropping, more
and happy, and
but that he was
content
to say
the farmer's surest profit."
him.
most
to his Lordship and those under
grateful
of the company
Mr. Blacker
said, that if some
"
at what
for the instruction of the teThe sjriculturist
theyhad justheard, he had
surprised
nants. were
another case to bringforward,which would surprise

THE

FARMER'S

and called upon Robert M'Cammon,

in tlie listof persons who
bad
alreadyobtained three prizes,and asked him if it
what
he had heard, that he had sold 71, 10s,
true
was
of butter, made
from the milk of one
worth
cow,
stillmore,

them
who

one

was

of those

since November, 18371

this
M'Cammon
upoa
that

enough,

true

was

forward

came

he

had

and

said it
had

which

cow

calved at November, he had plenty of turnips to

feed her with, and bad sold, i" Armagh, from that
time to thcs present, ISOlbs. of butter, at an average
of lOd. per pound, which was
just71. 10s.
said that he could
here
Mr. Blacker
not help
which
a
cow
callingattention to the great return
mon
mightmake if well fed and taken care of. M'Camhad onlythree acres
of land, and his rent was

bad, therefore,it appeared,made

He

;3/. 10s.

double

his rent

have fallen ofl' to six

soon

alone,and the
animal

to

time

look at, without

wearing

was

on

the company
occupy
other
as there were

so

her

have

put in his pocket. Mr.

to

B. here observed

fast that

he

formed.

He also praised
very highlyan
the pony plough,invented by Mr.

Bruce.
His Lordship

here mentioned

attached

was

to

the

the

turnipcrop

importancethat
his

by

tenants

in

Suffolk,where, to attempt to hold land without the

would
be considered
turnip manure,
an
absolute
absurdity. He then gave, as a toast, A speedyincrease to turnip husbandry." After which
he
but in a
briefly,
very complimentary
manner,
posed
proThe health of Mr.
Van
tinguished
Buren, their disguest."
Mv. Van
Burkn
repliedin a manner
fying
very gratito the company,
by sayingthat he had so many"

"

Irishmen
almost

who

fellow-citizens in the United

States, he
Ireland as his country, and certainly
felt himself very much
at home
amongst those
considered

surrounded

him.

However,

he

as

had

already

trespassedvery much on their attention,he felt it

would
be justlypunishable if he repeated the offence,
and would, therefore,
merely confine himself
to simply thankinghis Lordship and
the company
for the honor theyliad done him.
His Lordship
called on Mr. Blacker to pronow
ceed
with the list of successful
Candidates
for best
turnipcrops, upon which it appeared that Mr. J.
entitled to the firstpremium.
Cochran was

ultimately,

keep upon straw

only a halt-starved
duce
any thing from her pro-

would

farmer

and

seven,

paid for

have
scarci^ly

would

or

drills were

S3

improvement in

more

by his cow, besides having the

had
buttermilk for his family. If M'Camraon's
cow
well fed on
not been
turnips,she would not have
given one-half the milk she did ; and, in place of
perhaps,sixteen or seventeen
giving,
quarts of milk,
worth ad. a quart, or 2s. 8d. per day,she would
than

MAGAZINE.

did not

that
like to

On

his health

the benefit

to

be

being drank, Mr.

derived

C.

from the

confirmed
fully

turnipcrop, and

too long upon

subject, said he had increased his quantity
any one
every year since he
important discussions to follow. began, and would not be without them on any account.

would, therefore,omit to call on the remainder

in the class of best cultivated
Jacob Albin was
called forward as being
next
prpmium men
entitled to the second premium for best turnips,
farms, and merely say of Mr. M'Cutcheon, JMr.
who
said he had lately
Beattv, and Mr. M'Parlan, the remaining successful
bought the farm he was in, containing
bourers,
competitors,that there could not be better lanearly62 acres, for whicli iie had paid 70/.;
that last year he found so much
or
more
benefit from the turthriving,industrious tenants, any
nips
he had, that he bought as
where ; and he would
to trespasson
only venture
many as he could get
the meeting to pass a remark
from those who had any to dispose
M'Parlan, who
on
of; that this year
the top, in placeof being
would
have ranked
he bad sown
and would
near
have enough tor himself;
more,
last in the list,if be had not neglected his turnij)
that he was
his potatoes as well as
increasing
The
his turnips,and
had now
much
experience of this season, which had
as
crop.
manure
actually
been
show
those who
unusually wet, would
to
with 22 acres, in other parts of
so
as peoplehe knew
had
it
the country.
better not to stir
was
heavy clay land, that
the ground,particularly
where horses were
Mr. Blacker
here again apologizedfor taking
used,
up
time with the Premium
during the wet weather; and it would likewise shew
so much
Lists,the detailsof
them that the turnipcrop need
be despaired which, however, he thought would
never
be gratifying
to
and
all those present ; but he would
of, if there were
with his Lordplants enough in the ground,
ship's
now,
the crop put in in good time.
A crop might be good
the remainder of the
permission,pass over
late. But the
with only a passingremark
to their being
as
once, in a dozen years, though sowed
names,
all most
cidental
He then read out the names
thing for a farmer to consider was not what in an acdeservingmen.
of James
son
season
Al'Connell, of Cornecrew, entitled to Snl
might succeed, but what in any seaicas
not to Jail. There
sure
was
always, in the premium for best turnips; William
Campbell,of
tivationArgonnell,
wettest
4th premium ; Robert
some
seasons,
dry interval in which the culMaxwell, of Arof a turnipcrop might be attended to ; and
crew,
gonnell,5th premium ; and John Beatty,of Cornethere were
instances
of worse
6th premium ; and
than
concluded
crops
many
by proposing
The
M'Parlan's
healths of Mr.
Milne
and
Mr. Bruce, the
having been recovered
by care, and
luxuriant. Mr. B. here produced a
most
were
now
Judges.'
small instrument
with three teeth, made
like a rake,
Mr. Milne
and spoke as follows :
rose
(or drag for weeding hedges),and fastened into the
My Lord and Gentlemen, Having had the honor
handle of an old reaping hook, which he mentioned
of being appointedby
you this year, as on former
been of the greatest possibleutility
to have
in stirring
occasions, one of the Judgesfor the premiums on
the ground between
the plants, m
the drill
Lord
Gosford's estates, I am
happy to state that the
which
the rain had beat into a solid mass,
and
the
with the people's
improvements are stillincreasing,
He

of the

"

"

"

horse hoe could

and

had

not

get at

nearlydoubled

where
beingapplicable
as

not

to

admit of any

; it cost

the

produce

only2d.
some

on

or

3d.,

plots,

the crop was

so far advanced
other implement and it was
"

the most
could be

and useful little implement that

expeditious
imagined ; and by going backwards, when
using it, and holdingon one side,with one
hand,
the leaves
of the plants,winlst
the ground was

loosened all round

them with
the other, the earth
left as open and free from weeds as the day the
was

anxietyfor the
ness

tor

; and

same

likewise, their anxious-

succession

of green
food
benefit of such
in

the
Having seen
farms,1 was
surprisedto
turnips,after such a wet

see

so

season.

many
In

for Winter.
their
visiting
fine fields of

regardto the

Drumbanagher

to
estates, I am
doing my utmost
the appearance
of the country, by advising
the tenantry to dispensewith all their crooked
inside

improve

fences; and, by the encouragement given by Col.

Close and Mr. Blacker,in allowingpremiums and

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

the season, and will not believe that, by perseverance,

the ground loose about them,
and keeping'
their crop may be recovered.
Many turnip crops
have
been lost this year from this cause.
Having
made
these tew observations,
I have only to express

from

55

changingtheir present system

the

alternate

and

practising

these
husbandry, which
by arguments adapted to the

of

system

vphich, perhaps,some

pamphlets inculcated
induced to
humblest capacity. He was
principally
from seeingin that very useful
advert to this subject,
publication, the Farmer's Magaziyie" (in the
of the
number
for November
last), an account
prizesdistributed by the Ashfon Farming Society,

not

in which

he

be

mistake, for

hopes that

my
out

the striinpjers
present,should

visit his

to

Lordship's property

they go

to-morrow,

may be inclined to do, will

find the entire property improved to
the same
extent
as the farmers in the
premium list
have described
that the
and will keep in mind
failureof the potato crop for three years in succession,
has materially retarded the small farmers' advancement.
It must
that the premiums
be understood
and certificate men
the most
are
deserving on the
to

expect

"

"

some

inclined

almost

was

think

to

there

must

of the
adjudication

in the

miums
pre-

for the best cultivated farms, Mr. Winder's

farm,to which the firstprizewas awarded, was stated
but in
to contain 165
acres, 1 rood and 2 perches,
the specification
of the crops there were
only 112 or
at all
113 acres
accounted
for, and of these none

under
were
grain crops, which led him to suppose
and, of course, the others are not on a par
that the graincrops had, by mistake, been omitted ;
with them ; but any one
going out to inspectwill
the
but
this will
parison
comthe clover
visible,that both the
now
only tend to make
see, from
for it appeared by a list
the more
second graincrop, and the useless pasture are exstriking,
ploded,
estate,

and that a decided improvement is in progress

and I am
always sorry wljen expectations
raised beyondthis point. I beg to return thanks
are
for the flatterinoobservations which have been made
will

and
regard to myself,

in

longerdetain the

not

company.
The

next

success

to

Colonel

Close, and
estate,"
Mr. Milne,
agriculturist,

given was

toast

the

"

improving tenants

on

his

which was repliedto by his

who handed in sundrystatements
Blacker of
to Mr.
the progress of the tenants
under his care, which
will be found
and are highlycreditable
subjoined,
to bis exertions.
(See No. 2.)
"
the health of Mr.
His Lordshipthen
gave

him

given

and

the

to

success

his
prefacing

tonst

ought all to feel indebted

were

having h^lf

but

"

favour.

and

no

such

could

man

matters, and

be
he

competent

more

judgein

glad to

find he had

been

latelyadvocatingthe introduction

of the green

crop

was

better

The
are

heifers

are

9 horses here

tenants

alike,being 10 m
againsthis 4, and
bull and

have

the

4 calves

advantage by

horses, 26 pigs,with a bull and 4 calves,

Winder's
remaining stock of 7
and 8 lambs ; from
7 calves,and 20 ewes,
yearlings,

Commissioners,

work
bis interesting
and Miseries of Ireland."
of the Agricultural
Poor
Law

cows,

one

in

country

there

that the Gosford

Beauties

of

grain crops, keep

pigs againsthis 4, besides

so

to set

made

this land under

dairycows.

19

each

"

to

turist
Lordship'sAgricul-

"

30
Lancaster Farming Society,''
how
much
we
by stating,
that gentlemanfor the honourable11

had

he

his

stock than Mr. Winder is stated to have upcn the 113

of which the particulars
are
given,besidesalacres,
lowing to him the advantageof all the fodder which
might be derivable from the grainand other crops,
which it would appearhadbeen omitted to be noticed
the rest of the farm, consistingof about 52
upon
His
ship's
LordThe
acres.
comparisonstands thus:
Mr. Winder's
have 30 dairycows
tenants
against

this part of the

entitled
"The
Mr. Binns was

mention

Bruce,

upon 115 acres, of which 3^

the tenants
unfit for cultivation,
here, although

Binns,

Mr.

by

(seeNo. 3), that

againstMr,

in our
it is evident the comparison is greatly
remarkable
it is rendered stillmore
And
by
ford
this consideration,that besides the half of the Gostenants' land being in grain,
nearlyone-fourth
lies
in potatoes for the consumption of their famiwas

which

though fed on the land, were,

employed half their time in the
cultivation of tbeir farms, but were
to replyto this toast, and having
engaged in other
rose
the pleasure of knowing Mr. Binns,
has been obliged
work
ventured to
; and it appears Mr. Winder
whilst we
of manure,
say, on his behalf,that he would feel highlygratified to purchase large quantities
make
what is amply sufficient on the farms. The use
by the compliment just paid him, and certainly
no
is to bringsuch results
of all farmingpublications
claims on the good feeling
of this
person had higher
scribed
the practicedethese
into comparison: even
as
meeting. He (Mr. Binns) was so struck with the
caster
almost uninterruptedsheet of grain crops
followed on
the prize farm at the Lanwhich
as
covered the face of the country, and the absence of
perior
sumeeting would not appear by any means

system

and

into his own

housefeeding

in Lancashire.
Mr. Blacker

in

pasture, that he
there

was

no

adoptingthe
several
of

seemed

company,
company

to

feel

conviction, that

for the English farmer except

safety

system,

same

of the little

small

for

and

he had ordered

pamphletson

farms, which
would

; and

neighbourhood

were

the

familiar

in

over

than the half of the entire is inraeadow

the consequence of which is an immense
which
the farm itselfought to provide.
outlayin manure
;

of the

distribution in Lancaster, and the

hear that so
be gratified
to
many

more

and

pasture;

and

therefore

We

improvement
to most

the 9 horses,

pointof fact, not

are

not

cannot

furnished

with

the

stock

kept,

into any strictcomparison

Scott sanctions
that Mr.
two

enter

produce, but I see

graincrops in succession, that is wheat

of

and

barley,

ter
and grass seeds with the latof England,
think this to be decidedlya bad
that he
: whereas, we
send a number
of them to Ridgway's and Groompractice,and that the seeds, if hE(rrowed well in
the growingwheat, or covered with the
for sale ; and certainly
bridge'sin London
it did
Spring,
upon
to him, both
from his own
observation
rake
sometimes
and
do, would greatlyimprove
as
we
appear
from what appearedin different farming
publications, the wheat crop and make the clover and grass seeds

more

had been circulated

by others in different parts

(Mr. B.) had been induced to

and he

sows

his clover

of the practical
yield at least one third,or I might say oce half more.
plication
apScott will be
Mr.
i trust neither Mr. Binns
nor
inculcated in many
in most
sure
offended at my making these observations,for I aspbrts of England, as there was
parts of
Ireland.
As the proceedingsof this meeting
in the most
them they are made
spirit,
friendly
rally
geneof inquiry
found tbei'-way into the columns
and
and with the wish
glish
to excite a spirit
of the Enif it could be made
take the liberty examination, which
agricultural
general
papers, he would
of drawing the attention of the farmers in those
parts would be attended with the very best effects ; and
of the empireto the advantagethey would
deriye without such being the CP,se The Farmers' Magaziric
that

there was
of the

as

great

want

therein
principles

THE

56
would

lose half its

I
utility.

am

FARMER'S

sensible I have

long on your attention,hut

of the subjecthas led me
unawares
now,
great length of observation ; and even
trespassedtoo

MAGAZINE.
coupled with

the importance
brock,* and
this

to

not
can-

nor

the toast,or Lord Clements,Lord Clonduced,

long list of others that might be ad-

I inclined

am

proprietors
; no

to

who

person

confine myselfto titled

the trouble to enquire,

takes

sit down
without
of commonnumbers
will fail in discovering
ers
pressingupon the English
landlords and AgriculturalSocieties,
that if their
in every county in Ireland
who
are
devoting
farmers are ignorantand uninstructed,the natural
laudable pursuits. I, by acthemselves 1o the same
cident,
is
what
I
have
with
from Col.
met
remedy
advocated,viz. to get people
some
one
letters,
lately,
send the whole
to teach them ; if theycannot
Connolly,and another from Mr. Kirwan, of Castlelation
popuof their districtto Scotland, let them
idea of the exertions
bring a
hacket, which will convey some
Scotchman
to them ; if tliey
in progress ; the dates will show
that they were
cannot
tain
bring the mounnow
to Mahomet,
but to serve
to the mountain.*
intended for publication,
not
bringMahomet
my present
By so doingthe whole modern improvements in agriculture
object,as there is nothingof a privatenature in
are
embodied in the teacher selected,and at
them, I feel certain they will not be angry at my
stride the march of agricultural
one
to
to them
improvement
having recourse
prove
my assertion in
favour of the exertions of Irish landlords : they are
oversteps the limits to which, for a century to
it might otherwise
1 shall not
be confined.
but I shall give them
too
to
come,
long for perusal now,
fail to acquaintMr. Binns of the complimentpaidto
others. (See No.
the reporter, with perhaps some
him by this meeting,as a fellow labourer in the good
who
travels
cases
4.) They are not solitary
; no one

and I am sure there is no one whatever who

be more
at havingsuch a compliment
gratified
paid him.
The noble Chaikman
then gave, " The Earl of
and
tenants."
In reply
Charlemont
his imjiroving
ship's
to which
Mr.
Scott, of Lurgaboy, one of his lordthanks for
most
respectable
tenants, returned
Lis landlord,and stated,that he had been every year

for information,
principal
landlord,alin pursuing some
n^ost in the kingdom, is occupied
plan of improvement some
followingthe plan
others confining
adopted here of appointingagriculturists,
themselves to the lendingof lime, or seeds, or
giving premiums for best crops, stock, "c.; some
employed in the improvement of land that has been
the plough,and others reclaimingthat which
under
been entered by plough or spade, as
has never
Mr.
Fetherston, Capt. Kennedy,and Hon. J. Hewitt, "c.-

cause,

throughIreland,and

would

can

his turnip crop,

increasing
sensible

more

of

and

was

coming
every year be-

the greatadvantage
derived

wishes

to seek

avoid learning that every

"

the cultivation of that crop.

of the Earl of Caledon and the improvingIn the latter,
in the former, the differentlandlords
as
then given.
landlords of Ireland," was
cumstances.
are
adoptingdifferent plans accordingto local cirand said : AlthoughI have
here rose
Mr. Blacker
On
the part of the commissioners
of
I not
so often claimed
lies
education, I have located up to Nov., 1837, 53 famiyour attention this evening, canallow the toast just given to pass without rewho
marking
had been under-tenants or cottiers on
their
littleupon the observations from time to
a
the uncultivated edges of a largebog in
estate, on
time appearing in several of the London
to
the property, producing a rental of 68/. lis. 8d.
papers,
the prejudiceof the Irish landlords,
which having yearly,a considerable portion
of which is paid up to
been
allowed
to
circulate,without contradiction, the ist of Nov.
1838 ; and, except in a few lots
have produced an
afraid are absolutely
impressionupon the publicmind
which I am
this
irreclaimable,
that nine persons
in England, to such an extent
out
be considered as well secured
provement
rental mav
by the imof ten really
believe
the Irish landlords to be universally
made : besides this,there are three more
the heartless extortioners which
these papers
families since taken in, who will not appear in the
rental until next
mating
represent them to be, and are led to consider them
year, so that, on the whole, estias
the well-secured rental at 65/.,and valuing
wholly careless of the comfort and welfare
of
the
their tenants
or
to
improvement of their it at 25 years'
purchase,it will amount
estates, and only solicitous to obtain the greatest
0
0

by the farmer
"

The

from

health

"1625

which

extract
they can by any possiblemeans
Add
lam
from them.
happy to avail myself of the opportunity
And
which this toast has afforded me
to give a
I
have
decided contradiction to the representations
there must, of
alluded to.
In every class of society
be some
who will bringdiscredit upon the
necessity,
rent

rest, but,

as

body^I

assert

land
the landlords of Ire-

up

this alreadyremitted
this year'srent in course

to

206

16

68

11

of payment

total gain therefore will be. ."1900

The

to the end

of this

year, without

any

cost

ever,
what-

to the commissioners, further than

or
expense
challengecompetitionin the present day
exceeded
a trifling
loan, interest free, which never
with
circumstanced in the empire. The
similarly
1"23L I3s. Sjd., and which
is now
reduced,by the
of unimproved but reclaimable lands have,
owners
of 36/.
payment of the instalments,to the small sum
I admit, been heretofore indolent in regardto them,
lis. 2d,, which in due time will be also repaid. An
from their attention not having been directed to that
will scarcelybelieve that
point; hut I assert theyare now, as a body, Englishor Scotch reader
particular

may
any

neither

careless

of the comforts of their tenants

or

the

not

of their estates, nor

ers
are
they extortionmore
dividuals
inIt is almost invidious to mention
rent.
was
when
entitled to notice. Your
so many
are

improvement
in

lordship's
presence

prevents me

sayingwhat

I should

otherwise feel called upon to do ; but where will you

ardent in the
any
country, landlords more
nefit
pursuitof every thingwhich can conduce to the beof their tenants, or the improvement of their
is
estates, than the Earl of Caledon, whose name

find, in

who is himself a Scotchman,

See Mr. Rose's letter,
of his estate
and ardentlyengaged in the improveinent
in thiscountry.

whatever

strange, in
asked

going
and

of these poor peoplehave a lease or any tenure

is still
of their holdings
; and what

one

to

the

layingout

by any
charge

him

their

allotments,1

individual what

one

yet I
commissioners, for
;

was

an

rent

never

was

entire

whom

stranger,
acted, were

in the
This shows
a confidence
which is not
generalgood faith of Irish landlords,
the growth of a day, but has been handed down from
father to son ; with the lower Irish," actinglike a
likewise

unknown.

is
gentleman,"

synonymous

with

every

thingthat

is

See

letter from

mingham, No.

5.

his

Lordship'sAgent, Mr.

Ber-

"
i

FARMER'S

THE
fair and honourable, and to tell a man
with
is to charge him
I

reverse.

the

put

first year.

the tenants

under

is

he

no

tleman, than
gen-

everythingthe
small

Captain Kennedy gives

rent

after

his land for

for fourteen years after adds Is.

6.) The Hon. Mr. Hewitt
a year annually. (See No.
giveshis land five years free,and five years more at
Mr. Cole Hamilton
Is. of annual increase.
pursues
seven

years free,and

another
for

Colonel

course.

itself.

Sir

Robert

MAGAZINE.

Conelly'sletter will speak

Ferguson affords a very

57

any
person of bis rank and fortune in the
His
lordship
stopped to inquirefrom one

pire.
em-

of
whether he had yet got possession
of a
portion of land from one of his neighbours,which

his tenants
was

necessary

in the

to

square

and
affirmative,

his farm

the

; the

answer

then

enquirywas

was

made

what he had paid for the good will of it, and it

turned out to be 27/. the Irish acre, for land that the
rent

of

was

23s. per acre, which

it without

any

rent

a(

is
all.

nearlythe
Now

full value
don't say

whether it is right
his property ; and Lord
do I
to permit this ; nor
not
or
upon
The particulars say that the rent was
also reclaimed largely.
Clonhrock
not fully
equal to what itought
of Sir R. Ferguson's
to be, but I do say that it is a positive
refutation of
improvements are publishedin
that charge of rapncitywhich is made; and is net
the Irish Farmers' Magazine, It is several years
since,in a small pamphlet addressed to the Royal the openness with which we have seen the tenants
bouringhere this night (scarcely
I asserted the possibility
of making the laof whom
has a lease)
one
Society,
and their families, boastingof their additional gains,a sure
poor support themselves
proofif any
dustry were
provements
by givingthem allotments of land to exert their inwanting, how secure
they feel that their imto landlords and
will not be taken advantageof,and how
upon ; and the advantage,
the state, by adopting this plan,I conceive to be
fully concerned they are that their landlord rejoices

splendid example

which is attendingevery
in their growing comfort and prosperity
to
as
; and
of my havingsucceeded in deriving rents
exacted, I think I may say the rents paid in the
from these locations so much
a yearlyincome
county of Armagh, are, takingthe county generally,
than others,is not from any superior
the highestin Ireland,and
ness
cleversoouer
yet where will you find
in England any farm where tjje tenant
or
on
good management
can
my part,but from the
pay the
in the neighbourhood,the want of
from his dairy,and have half the land under
dense population
rent
which makes
graincrop, and his pigsand poultry,and nearlyoneCaptain Kennedy'sand Mr. Hewitt's
fourth of his land in potatoes besides,for his own
land almost valueless,althoughintrinsically
acre
one
trinsically
use?
of theirs in many cases, which they give free,is inThis evening you
have seen
this proved,
than three or four acres
of the
and if it can be done here, I am certain there is not
worth more
farm in Ireland under
school lands belongingto the commissioners, which
a
any principallandlord,
where
the tenant
if he chooses
are
fullyto prove the
paying me rentj this seems
may not do the same,
to follow the plan here in practice.I trust, therefore,
follyof sending to the woods of America so many
the conductors of the
industrious people, who might be so much
quire,
more
press will pause and inI trust I have
said
before they villify,
beneficially
as
employed at home.
they have done, a body
of men
of exertion
who may challenge
want
enough to show there is no apathyor
competitionas a body,
with any in the empire.
in Irish landlords at present, whatever
foundation
After which much
there may have been for such a chargeformerly; and
ing
conversation,relatinteresting
the appearance here at this inclement season
of gento the improvement of Ireland,commenced,
and
tlemen
continued
from Clare, from Donegall, and Sligo,
is in
until his lordship
was
ness
observingthe lateitselfsufficientproofof the spirit
of the hour, called on Mr. Blacker to bring forthat is abroad ; nor
ward
is a spirit
of inquiry
and exertion in this respect conthe agricultural
fined
for discussion.
subjects
appointed
hesitation in mento landlords, for I have
no
tioning
"
wJiat appears
first in the list were,
The subjects
to me
to mark
in
the benefit of
a new
era
the history
of Ireland
of a
ploughing in October and November, for the fallow
namely, the application
the advantage of
to obtain
clergyman,at the suit of his parishioners,
crop of the following
year, and
for them an agriculturist,
in the manure
to be paidby funds collected formingthe potato ridgesand putting
from themselves ; a fact which speaksvolumes
after as possible,
and putting
as
soon
in the seed at
in itselfand requiresno comment
the back of the spadein Spring."
I have
from me.
In opening this discussion,Mr. Blacker
still,however, a few words to say as to the charges
observed,
of rapacity
and extortion so liberally
these two subjectswere
bestowed upon
connected with each other
Irish landlords ; in this respect I shall just mention
in this respect, that theyboth had for their objectthe
facts.
one
two
of the
or
there
forwardingof the springlabour, and if even
Upon this estate a man
of Anderson, in old times, had got a lease, was
name
other advantage,
no
this alone was
cient
quitesuffiwhich, as is often the case, he and his son after him
to induce
any thinkingperson to adopt them ;
until there was
little or none
left in their own
and particularly
the poorer farmers,who, not having
sublet,
hands ; there was, however, a small portion,
horses of their own, are often obliged
the risk
to run
which,
not beingsuflScientfor their
of losingtheir entire crop, because in the hurryof
support, the son of the
lessee sold to one
of the undertenants.
the spring season
This sale
theycannot get a horse to hire,
took placeprecisely
at the time Mr.
set about in winter, theymight
Richmond, the
whereas, if this was
land valuator,was
his way
on
to lay a new
rent on
get the iand ploughed or dug, without the least diflfithe land at the fallof the lease
The poor man
culty.
is therefore particularly
called
partiesknew
; both
this fact,and
able to obtain for
in
to be the very first to get his land ploughed,
was
on
yet Anderson
his good will of this small
piece of land the rate of placeof being the last ; but, this is not all,for every
171. the English
that ploughingbefore
experiencedfarmer will testify,
acre, the purchasertakingchance
of whatever valuation might be laid on.
the winter is of the highestuse to the land, and that
I will now
mention
another fact, and then drav/ the inference
by so doing,the frost is working for the farmer in
which
time
last year
arises. I was
naturally
some
pulverizingthe ground, whilst the farmer himself is
at a farming
dinner on Lord
Downshire's
property, sleeping in his bed, and does that for him much
and spent part of the
better than he would do it for himself.
tate
morning in ridingover the esAgain, in
which his lordship,
who very earlydevoted himself
and formingthe
rejard to puttingout the manure,
to promote the improvement of his
goes one-half
property, and
potato ridges in winter, the manure
the education of his
farther ; the land gets the full benefit of it,and by
tenants, and still,
perhaps,devotes more
of his tiojeand attention to those subjects beingleft dry all the winter,from the trenches being
fullyproved by the
attempt. The cause

success

"

"

58

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

ppened, the soil is in

it
tercepting

ing the

nothing can
althoughit

the very finest state for rflceivwhich is proved by this,that the crop
is ten or fourteen days earlier
put in in this manner,
than when
the seed is plantedin the common
way.
There is no fear of weeds, for the ground is turned
crop,

in its

be

and

course

it off; but
carrying
than

erroneous

more

such

idea, for

is

will run
down
quiteclear that water
the hill,above ground,it does not follow that it will
make
its passage
direction underneath.
good in the same
This
is sufficiently
proved by the fact,of

the growing season

is over.
I
up at a time when
have sometimes
thought,from seeing the potatoes which every one is aware, that in many cases, the
which had been left ungathered
uriantlysprings
break
the top of the hill the water
out
on
springing
up so luxin the succeeding
danger undergroundforces its way in whatever direction it
crop, that no
would
be incurred by puttingthe seed in uncut
ing
durwith
tbe least resistance,
and no one
tell
meets
can
"

the winter,covering it
deep in order to protect in what direction it may approachthe surface ; but
it from the frost,
and to prevent itstoo early
it is evident cross
drains will only catch it in one
ance
appearabove ground. It is evident the danger of
direction that is the descending
furrow
drains
; and
failure of the seed from its heating or
exliausting at every fifteenfeet, are sure to tO[)the flow towards
itself by throwingout shoots in the bins before
the surface,let it advance
in what
direction it may
in this way
be completelypreplanting
out, would
face
vented, before it reaches within such a distance of the surand I intend to have
the experiment tried
the
as to chill the seat of the manure
or injure
this year upon a small scale, in order to
when
their effect is
report the
growth of the crop, particularly
result at our next
the ground either with the
assisted by trenching
meeting. I would not wish the
practicefollowed to any great extent, until exthe subsoil plough. The
perience spade or
draining and
had confirmed its utilitv,but
I don't believe
trenchingshould always accompany each other ; for
there is
the seed, nor
in most
countries the deep trenchingand ploughing
any fear of the frost injuring
do I think frost will injurepotatoes, as food, materially,
of stones
for the drains,and
produce a sufficiency
if they are allowed to thaw without being exin cost of
thus a considerable savingin carriage
posed
or
to the light,
which producessome
effect that
tiles as a substitute is obtained.
The advantage of
is not well understood ; and, therefore,
if I am
is now
right, furrow-draining
so well understood, that the
in the habit
potato bins should always be perfectly
landlords in Scotland, are very generally
covered, and
should not be opened tillsome
time after the mildness
of advancing
for
5/. or 61. per acre
to their tenants
of the weather
had thawed any frost that might
this work, for which the tenant willingly
pays 5 per
have penetrated.
of an acre will encent, interest. Thas the draining
tail
Mr.
Rennox
then addressed the meeting. He
upon the tenant a chargeof 5s. or 6s. a year until
said The formingof the potato ridgesand putting the debt can be
paidoff,but the crop will pay them
out the manure
duringwinter,the seed to be ])ut in five or six times that charge. I have seen an account
in springat the back of the spade, I have for some
made
of an exjjerimentwhere
the drains were
and always found it
at 45 feet, or S ridges asunder, and the result was
years practised,
very beneficial ;
in the first place,the ridgescan be formed when
the
that the partial
effect by the single
drain on the ridge
farmer has very little work to do, and the manure
rightand left,was at the rate of from 7 to 9 bushels
used will be properlydecomposed ; by the time the
than
the centre
more
rid^e,which had not
per acre
seed is put in in the spring,tbe soil will be dry, and
the same
advantage. I speak, Gentlemen, merely
in a better state to receive the seed early; it will
the theory
of the
of the matter, but I hope some
on
vanced
greatlyforward the farmer with his spring work,
company
may be able to confirm what I have adthose who have no horses ; it will enable
especially
experience;
by the result of their practical
them to have in their crop of potatoes in
of the utility
of this practice
but I am
so convinced
proper time,
vance
that I have [)rocured
his Lordship'sconsent
they will also be readyfor raisingnearlya fortnight
to adearlierthan those set in the usual way.
wishes to try the experiment
who
to any man
Mr.
MoLi.ONEY
mentioned
that he could speak
or
part of a field,as much per acre
upon any field,
also in confirmation of puttingout the manure
a day for every day'swork
early, as will pay him a shilling
for he had tried it, and had dibbled in the seed in
he is employed at it,providedthe work is eflfectually
that
spring,and he thought he was safe in sayinghe had
executed, and notice givento me before beginning,
an
understood.
need
No man
ordinary
crop and a half upon the ground.
everythingmay be clearly
Other gentlemen spoke in confirmation
of the
nant
therefore say he cannot afford a trial nor need any teabove.
After which,
complain for want of employment. Mr. B. then
I\Ir. Blacker
he
introduced the discussion of the next
read a letterfrom Lord William
Bentinck, to whom
"

the relative merits of the new

subject,which was
of furrow-draining,
compared with the old
method
of cross
he began b)-remarking
drains,which
that much
new
lighthad broken in upon this part
of agriculture
of late years in Scotland, where
it had

Duke

of Portland,

had

appliedto procure from the

method

who

had

been found that, however

experimentthere,which his Lordshiphad done, and

him a report made
returned
latelyto his Grace, by
Mr. Sample, who superintendedthe improvements

useful

one

or

more

cross

drains

(with a tail drain, where necessary,)

might
be for carryingoflFthewater, which made
its way
in
different placesto the surface,there was
no
way that
land could be thoroughly and evenly drained, except
now
as
by the principleof furrow-draining,
the ridges
practised,
being made from 16 to 18 feet
to the
wide, according

of the soil. I attribute

nature
the generalprejudice
which exists
in favour of the old method
of cross
drains to
the not very
unnatural mistake, that because
when
Mr. B.)
(continued

water

reaches

the surface

on

the side of

hill,it of

in all
downwards
; that it will therefore,
the same
under ground as what
course
cases, pursue
it is seen
that in either case, the
to do above, and
drain is therefore th? most effecttiaj
of in^
gross
course

runs

w"y

first introduced furrow

of his Grace's

some

on

of the results that had

account

some

in Scotland,
draining

estates, which

attended

was

the

lows
fol-

as

:
"

the effects

On

has
furrow-draining

Tenrother

on

producedon

those farms

where

been

sults
applied,the followingre-

Lane

Farm, where

it has

been

noted dnwn
have been carefully
longestin operation,
by the tenant, at my request: In a field called
row
Lowerberry Laws, containing17 acres, 7 were furdrained in 18"'M, the field then being oat stubble
fore
beThe general produce of this field,
after clover.
being drnined, varied from 12 to 16 bushels per
acre

when

being

the

bushels
f In

more

wheat

in

"

that

part which

was

drained,

soil, generallyproduced about

than the other part of the field.

best

J835--tbefieldin fjtUow,

THE

FARMER'S

"
12
wheat.
The drained land yielding
In 1836
than the other,or an increase
bushels per acre more
of 8 bushels per acre,
"
clover.
The drained land producing
In 1837
beingnearlydouble the produce
If ton of hay per acre
of the other part.
"In
1838
oats, recentlycut and in bulk, onethan the other part of the field.
third more
Half
another field of inferior qualitywas

MAGAZINE,
cept when

59
meet

sand

gravelbed,

which
order to catch the
springs,if a fall can be obtained ; but whatever
depth theymay be cast, they should always be filled
to within 15 inches of the surface with stones, broken
in such a manner
that they may
as
pass through a
three-inch ring in all directions,and then covered
with a thin sod, tramped neatlyin with the grassy
be spread over
side down ; the clayor subsoil must
the ground,which will renew
drained.
it very much when
"
wheat.
In 1837
The drained land yielding
with the frost ; afterwards the ground
4
pulverised
than the other.
15 inches deep, either with the
should be all moved
bushels more
"
clover.
The drained land producing spade or subsoil plough. The ground handled in
In 1838
than the other."
this manner
will never
fullone-third more
return
to its former
retentive
stances,
will not lie upon
the surface,
that he might multiplyinbut
JMr. Sample added
state, as the water
but he had selected these Las being on land
filterinto the drains as fast as it falls. The drains
should not be more
than four inches wide at the
where the draininghas been longestin operation.
followed
Mr. B. was
by Mr. Gramam, a native of bottom, for the less bounds the water has to spread
land,
who had justreturned from Scotit will run
the neighbourhood,
the stronger, and keep the drain
over
he had been employed by different farmers, open longer. The ridges should be always kept in
where
He
the same
in the execution of drains by contract.
form, and the furrows always above the
said :
drains. Men should pay particular
attention to good
the seed without breakingin ;
My Lord, I wish to direct the attention of the ploughing,and sow
when
this is attended to they will not have to shovel
for,and the
people of this country to the necessity
"

be

must

we

cut

to

the

bottom,

or

in

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

all the
of,a thorough drainage,
as beingthe first ruover
diments, up their furrows, but have
a level crop
utility
face of the ground. But, my lord, to give a full acand most importantpart of farming; those
count
who hare been
of this system (and enumerate
the benefits to
broughtup in the old school, and

yet shaken off the selfish chains of opinion be derived from it by an increase of crop, ease of
which their minds
are
fettered,still believe
horses,saving of manure,
saving of seed, and the
that the old rumblingdrain is the only method
to be
advantagesof having the ground at all seasons
dry
adopted. These drains were cast wherever a spring and in good order, so that we could put in our crop
much
or
earlier,and get it sooner
out, which would
spout appearedto inundate the surface. They
cast
were
deep,and from 12 to 18 inches wide at give us a longerday, and generallybetter weather,
bottom, filledwith stones
gatheredoff the ground, besides it would almost totally
destroyweeds of all
and thrown
tend,
roughlyin, or otherwise, having a pipe kinds),would almost swell a volume ; and as I inwith
the largeststones, and the
in a few weeks, submitting these and many
laid in the bottom
smaller ones
put on the top. Either of these plans other importantconsiderations to the public,I will
to be very unprofitnot trespasslongerat present,bnt I confideuth- hope
are
found,by long experience,
able,
when compared with the present system of
that all who have it in their jiower will try this system,
In the former of these plans,the
and it will afterwards speak volumes
for itself;
furrow-draining.
had such a wide
and as your lordshiphas put it within the reach of
water
space to spread over, that it
could not run with any force, but rather oozed iiS
all,by advancingmoney to improve the land, not
way throughthe largestones, which were
constantly seekinganythingbut simple interest at five per cent.,
its progress, and leaving
than 5s. per
a
which would seldom raise the land more
retarding
glitor
slippery
murl behind
came
and I am
that in a few years it beit, insomuch
certain, from experience,it would
acre
useless ; and in the latter plan,which
be a pound better
I think the sooner
an
experiment
entirely
is made all will have the greater cause
is,having an open pipe,there was such a barbourto rejoice.
of rats, mice, frogs,
ance
ceeded
"c., which were constantly Mr. Graham
having resumed his seat, was sucof mould, and must
who
a quantity
have inevitably
said, With respect to
raising
by Mr. Rennox
commenced
in a short
last
we
stopped the progress of the water
trenching
furrow-draining,
the drain of non-effect. Many
time, and rendered
winter, with the intention of doingonly a few acres ;
other proofsI could add of their insufficiency,
but the Rev. Dr.
but I
Blacker,on seeing the distress of
think these should answer
class at that time, continued on till we
my
purpose at present. the labouring
ing
It onlyremains with me
ficial trenched and drained 14 acres.
beneto shew a more
now
Expense of trenchand
ing
Ditto of drain18 inches deep,21. 14s.
one
acre
permanent plan; but ere I proceed to
to each other,at
this,I would wish to impress on the minds of all
one
acre, the drains made parallel
7 yards'distance,sunk
30 inches deep and 14 inches
better
present that anythingonce well done, is much
than that which
is gene over
effectual
twice in a slight
wide at top 21. 2s. Trenchingand draining,
or inper acre,
'i'he sinking
has such a
manner
of the drains may be assisted
41. 16s.
as
; and
your lordship
desire that
in the trenching,
able,
comfortby casting off the earth to each
your tenantry should be made
and every man
inherit the land of his forefathe drains aie
side of the placewhere
to be made;
thers,
I hope all will duly understand
ing
that every
this will sink the drains to the same
depth the trenchsoils there will be nearly
as
shilling
has done ; in some
expended in the improvement of their land,
of a thorough
by means
raised by trenching as will fill the
stones
drainage,where the third or
many
fourth generationwill most undoubtedlycontinue to
1 observed
drains.
One
very material circumstance
trenched and drained,
is much
than hoardreap the benefits,
ing
more
profitable
concerningthis land that was
have

not

with

"

"

"

it ma;still fall
up gold in a strong box, where
into the hands of the spendthrift therefore I
;
hope
whatever the people drain (be the
ever
so

quantity
small),they will do it to pprfection,The system
I
would
from 15
propose is a regularfurrow drainage,
to 21 feet apart from
each other, according to the
of the surface,
wetness
and retentive subsoil. These
drainsneed not be cut more
than 2^ feet deep,tx-

duringthe

that

is,

and

that of
particularly

"

very

heavy rains of this

day, there was

this

season,
no

face
sur-

of it whatever
; but
any part
down
to the parallel
as
soon
as the rain fell,it sunk
drains,and was immediatelycarried oft'to the main
is a
It appears evident that furrow-draining
ones.
more
perfectsystem of drainingthan the old system
to the distance we made
pf cross drains,as, according
water

to

be

seen

on

FARMER'S

THE

60

MAGAZINE.

them, the ridges

mightbe formed

so as that the drains

plain,that if you cany one
appears, I think,quite
correspond; by this it is plain rightround the hill you would only tap the flow of
kept free from any superfluous the water between one dish and another, and if you
land managed in the aforementioned
The
it diagonally
run
water.
only tap two or more,
you would
was
as the line was
more
or less slanted,which
manner,
plantedin potatoes, and only for the
according
have
two
would
or more
good drainageit had, the crop would have been
tapped in a much shorter
much deficient in produce to what it is ; there was
of drain, by taking it right up and down.
space
But let us consider further,
be other
that there must
acre
2^ cwt. per perch,which is 20 tons per P^nglish
"this
a
cross-drains below
those round the hill to catch the
good produce when the
may be considered

the furrows may

the ridgeswould
be
and

of the weather

state

it. The

last

is considered

summer

of

total management

one

acre

water

other

and

courses,

10-feet lower
does it not appear
at

then

From
one

acre,

as

wht^n

producebeing 20

priceis put

tons,

calculation of what

about

or

acre

one

the potatoes, the

800 bushels.
to

in the total

cost

of the orop

nagement
ma-

these succeed each

suppose
level than the one
above,

plainthat unless you sink

deep as that the bottom of it will

each upper drain so

calculation, 15/. 19s.
per annexed
this calculation it will be easy to trv the profit be at the least upon

labonr, "c., is

other

potatoes,
lime, seed,

includingtrenching,draining,manure,

on

with

of

level with

immeHiatelybelmv it,

there

space, on the surface of the

from which
the flow of water

will

the top of the drain,

be an
intervening
the two,

between
liill,
will not

be

intercepted

harrowing
Opening and closingdrills
and spreadingdo
Carryingout manure
Scouringand grapeingtops off drills
Strippingand harrowing
Moulding

if
you say the diagonaldrain will obviate
gonal
this objection,
then yon will have to make these diadrains within 15 or 16 feet of each other, for
in heavy claysoils nothingwider will answer
; and

if

10

10

Manure

Lime

1.5

down drain will accomplish this with less cutting,

and is of course
to be preferred
; and every one must
that to cut the horizontal drains down to the level
see
of those below
be quiteout of the questhem, must
tion.
zontal
But to pursue this a little further : these horidrains, if they were
made, would be right
the generalline of the furrows,and would,
across
the rain
therefore,have littleeffect in carrying
away
what
1 have
said with the
water.
Now
compare
in the
effect of the up-and-down or furrow drain
tween
befirst placeit taps the flow of every water-course

Trenching one
Draining do

at all ; and

and
Scuffling

Digging

14

"2

acre

12

Rent

Seed

out

potatoes

do

von

this

will

you

again

find

that

up-and-

the

"

"15

19

bility
Several of the company
here expressed
their inato understand
the advantageof the furrowdrain, which must, in general,go up and down the
hill or fall of the ground. Mr. Blacker said it was
and requireda good
not an
to explain,
easy matter
ed
that existdeal of thoughtto get rid of the prejudice
from preconceivedopinionsof longstanding,
and
the following
additional
made
remarks:
I have already
(saidMr. B.) stated that wnier vnder ground
does not follow always the coui se of water
above
down the hill),
but
runs
ground ("whichuniformly
that it is sure often to rise up, and vent itself at the
tlie very highest part of the
very top, and make
"

ground the

part of the whole, and this

very wettest
the side
pretty well understood by supposing

be

may

hill

of the

to be

covered

with

layerof

retentive

clay which the water cannot

through ; it is
escape
in such
forced through some
vein
cases
therefore,
the top, and in striving
to rise to
leadingtownrds
the heightof the parent spring,it bursts forth as I
all easily
have said. Tiiis appears to me
understood,
and
that the course
of water
under
proves
ground
direction of what
may be exactlyin the very opposite

the

layersof clay,at

distance

of 15 to 20

at such a
of the soil,)
depth from the surface that the moistare is directed
into the drain before it reaches the seat of the manure,
is
and
of the manure
therefore the warmth
This
preserved,and one-half less of it will answer.
in tappingthe flow
effect of the drain up and down,

feet,(accordingto

of water,
you may
the dishes in the

for

inch

an

or

the nature

fullycomprehend,by supposing
pileto be cut throughthe edges,

two, frem the top dish

to

the

bottom,

quiteplain any moisture flowing

between
them tvoiildescape throtigh
the cut so made,
and none
whatever
would reach the edgesofthe dishes
with the surface of the hill they
which correspond
have been supposed to represent.The furrow-drain,
therefore,
appears calculated completelyto carry
in which

away

harm,
water

case

it is

do any
every flow of under water before it can
and the shape of the ridge,throwing the rain
rightand left into the furrow ; next over each

drain it is
water

it

as

effectual in carryingoff surface

eijually
and thereby prevents the mould in
falls,

to
It seems
the furrows from beingwashed away.
is the
therefore plain,thr.t the furrow
draining
me,
it takes
when
itis libercted at the surface, and descends cheapestand most
effectual for layingground dry
of course
and
useful and necessary when
more
by its own
weight. Now supjiose
throughout,
that in its passage to the top of the hill,
there is a rapidfall,
there is but a gentle
instead of
than when
inclination of the land. Observe, however, that in
being entirely
pent up, that a certain portionshould
tween what 1 have said I don't enter into the questionof
through any more
earth, lying beescape
porous
beds
of clay,forming the hill in horizontal
what any
one
singledrain may do to carry off any
then the point to be considered is, main spout that breaks
lude
in a field,nor
strata or
do I alout
layers,
how
of a horizontal drain,surrounding
to the utility
passingtap this flow of water
you can
veins
of it from
fore
the base of a hill,to cut off the seepage
towards the surface bethrough so many

it

can
come
niglienough to injurethe crop ?
suppose the strata of clayto form this hill,as
often see dishes piled,one
another, in a
upon

Now,
we

and
delf-shop,
water

between

passage
formed
see
us

to

that the passage for the oozingof the

the beds of clayshould resemble
the

the

between

aforesaid

surface
one

how the two kinds

firsttake the crogs

dish

and

by

of drains would
or

the

channel

another, then let

operate.

us

Let

drains,and
hprijsoptal

it

any

flat ;
adjoining

down

in

roaner

speak merely of layingland

and evenlydry, and
effectnally

partialattempt. Before I sit down I

the
explain that, althoughI recommend
the
trenching,or subsoil ploughingto accompany
it wdl supplystones
because
m
most
cases
draining,
time break
enough for the drains,and at the same
met
sometimes
throughthat hard k-'nd of stratum
with,called in Englandthe pan, and by this means

not

of

should

any

giv"the ground more

drains,by giving

immediate

MAGAZINE.

FARMEll'S

THE

advantagefrom the

kind

some

of iron

forms into

ore

to
passage for the water
fullyof opinion that furrow

in the

soil,which

and that
a cement,
of this moisture,by

ble

this pan will be

the

longerto be injurious.I wish likewise to

that drains, 2J feet deep, as Mr. Graham
has stated,in some
soils are
found to be deep
not
enough ; for at the Highland Society
Meeting lield
at Dumfries, I recollect to have
heard Sir James
Graham of Netherby (who was
said,if I recollect
his entire estate 2^ feet deep),
to have drained
right,
regret that he had not sunk the drains 3 feet deep,
which he would certainly
do if it were
to be done
so

as

no

mention

again.

over

Several of the company

still

such

person

No. 2.

handed

in

by Mr. Milne,from the

Colonel

consideration of the

on

Nov. 10, 1838,

Aughantaraghan,
for last year consisted of 2 horses, 3
My
2 ewes, and 2 sows, with some
cows, 2 heifers,
young
pigs,house-fed upon two roods of vetches,sowed
after rape ; 2 roods clover and grass-seed,
cut twice ;
1 rood Italian grass, cut three times, and saved
four
bushels of seed ; 1 acre and 2 roods of pasture, and
the feedingI bad this summer,
kail,was
some
and
"

"

stock

all in

good

condition.

have

about

acres

and

roods of potatoes, a very good crop ; the remainder

of my farm I had in wheat and oats, a tolerable crop;
with
1 acre
I can
of meadow.
one-fourth
manure
part of my farm by adding soil and weeds to the manure

heaps

culty
expressed the diffi-

reader,and the

tenants

Close'sestate.

in summer,

6cc.

am

so

well satisfied

and
house-feeding,
theyhad in comprehending the matter clearly,with the four-course,
that I mean
that the subject
to continue it.
be referred to the more
must
ture
ma-

so

indispensi-

introducingany rapidimprovement."

to

the moisture

drawing
gradual withof the drains,
means
decomposed and crumble into pieces,

by

of
appointment

the

dered

freer

them; yet I am
little time, destroy
of itself,
will, in some
draining,
it is generally
the pan altogether
sidered
con; for I believe
Statements
that this pan is produced by the effect of
reach

61

I have the honour

"

green-crops,

be. Sir,your humble

to

servant,
Samuel
Jem"hson.
"
To William Blacker, Esq., Gosford
Lord GosFORD
the discussion by sayinterrupted
ing,
Castle,Markethill."
this was
and as he thoughtit
a very
dry subject,
"
I feel grateful
to you for the encouragement you
was
now
gettinglate,he proposed that the first application
to improve the system of
of the drainage
give the tenants in trying
shall be to draiyi
principle
the jug, for which purpose
he gave, with all the
farming. From the littleexperienceI have of houseI can safely
feeding,
honours," Live and let live."
say that no farmer,under the
old system, can keep his land and stock in good conMr. Blacker
then said,the meetingsurely
dition.
would
I commenced
not
sowing turnips four years
separate without drinkingthe health of ]Mr.
lowing,
M'Anally, who had so well and so ablyfilledthe back. The first year I had only1 rood ; the year fol2 roods ; the third year, 1 acre _; and this
his much
vice-president's
chair, which
respected
friend Mr. M'Kee
assure
had been preventedfrom occupyyear, 1^ acre; and 1 can
you that,from the
ing
domestic calamity. Mr. M'Anally system I follow, I derive great benefit. I farm 36
by a severe
the health of the countess
acres, I keep 11 head of black cattle,and a pairof
of Gosgave, in return,
farm horses, and all in fair condition ; I keep them
ford,"to which his lordship
said he
havingreplied,
clover and
would now
on
vetches,and in
give them a toast which had attracted his throughthe summer
the winter months, I feed my cows
notice in a newspaper
on turnips.Since
then
lately
; he
gave,
"
I commenced
this system my cows
give a great deal
Happy we meet, sorry we part, happy may we
milk and butter,and are in a highercondition
more
meet
again."
in the end.
After which his lordship
and the other gentlemen
"
I commenced
In the year 1836, when
the above,
rose
to withdraw, and
the entire company
diately
immefarm was
in a very poor
state, hardlyable to
separated.
my
support my familyand keep one cow, being a farm
sure

test

of

"

experience.

"

I glad to
five English acres
am
; but now
No, 1.
containing
state, by the directions given me, I have one
Mr. Boyd's
Statement.
cow,
"
all fed on Ij acres
calf, two pigs,
of
one
In the Townland
of Ballymacoole,
containing one heifer,
386 acres, there have been
clover,and saved off the same a four fathom cock of
sowed this year, 1838,
to get into the third course,
hay. I am endeavouring
beingthe firstyear of my commencement
Mr.
on
into a better wav.
which I think will get me
Blacker's plan
By
I will have no difficulty
the produceof house-feeding
R.
A,
p.
in manuringthe third part of my farm every year.
I
16 1 26 of Clover.
have a very fine crop of all sorts this year, and by
11 2 15 of Vetches.
I trust
the directions given me and my own
2 0
8 of Turnips.
industry,
I will alwaysbe improving. I have the honour.Sir,
2 0 32 of land has been reclaimed.
"

"

506
84

In

perchesof
perchesof

drains

been

to be

made, and

servant,

of

"

294
Tullyguy,containing

"

To

Wm.

Samuel

Waddle.

Blacker, Esq., Gosford."

Cremore, 27th Oct., 1838.

18 Englishacres, including
roads,on which I kept this season,
"

acres

"

19

0 20

10

3 2

have been sown

0 in Vetches.
6 in Turnips.

1 2 25

My farm
nearlyone acre

in Clover.

2 roods vetches ;

? ?,?' "

perches of drains made, and

perchesof fences.

His

culturist
agri-

he consi-

clover;

1 acre

on

horse,

130

was

fed

530

greater extent next year.

and
very attentive man,

of

3 cows,

reclaimed.

to a much

contains

"

In these townlands
the above
crops had been
almost unknown
previously
but had certainly
by name,
not
been cultivated
; and having this year
turned
out very well,he had no doubt
theywould be
sown

your obedient

fences.

new

the Townland

have

clover,

acres

heller, J
CROPS.

500

acres

do,

do. potatoes ;

2 roods

I intend

to

go

oats

flax

"

"

stocks

good crop

;
;

turnips.

by

the

course

5 rotation

as

soon

THE
No.
Extract

Letter

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.
forced

4.

from J. Kirwan, Esq.,of Castle-

63

nothing
;

I have

done

everythingby advice

and

persuasion.I imported22 cwt. of Englishwhite

seed wheat, which, I hope,in a year or so will improve
hacket,dated 26th Dec, 1837.
favourahle
the samples of wheat, as
This Iiaabeen
a
most
nothing could he
year for every
under Providence, worse
than what they had, and there was
evident
an
thing,I Lave every reason to be tliankful,
takings
for the success
with which all my underimprovement in the state of their fallows,and in their
ment,
have
been
attended.
In point of advanceseed wheat.
I took
an
inventoryof their stock at

of a

"

1 had a great deal

we
are
some
years behind.
contend witn at first,
not only from ignorantpeople,
but from those who
ought to have known better
a trial.
and at least encouraged the peopleto make
StillI feel I have made some
advance, and though I
cannot
(how could it in
say the system is flourishing
to

and I am
taken now
sure
one
commencement;
show a great increase. This has been brought
about by
markably
my loan fund of 600/.,which is working rewell : it paid 7^
for the year,
cent,
per
and, after paying interest (of one per cent, only),

my

would

of 3 per cent.
a net profit
expi^nses, "c., there was
This year I expect to get some
others to follow them,
as our
estate is sadlyover-populated,
thoughless so
than most
of our
you,
neighbours. 1 have done a good
deal in the way
sowed
done.
clover and rye-grass on
of draining, dividingfarms,
Forty-five
thing
acres, and nothirty-three
potato soil,
straightening
walls, "c., and have commenced
a
beingaltogether
model farm of 13 acres, in the centre of the estate,
can
promise better than the appearance of the
in getting
it
clover.
I had much
which I intend to farm
the five-course shift.
difficulty
on
young
the matured
sown
on
ground,but there will hardly This year I had 5 roods of very good turnipsin it,
be a tenant
sown
the estate who will not have a field
with bone-dust,
which
is a manure
on
particularly
sowed it after oats
well suited for getting a tenant
next
into the turnip
or three who
year, and two
and wheat are determined not to do so again,as it system the first year.
I imported one
hundred
bushels of it,and theywere
failed. Twelve
sowed turnips
entirely
at firstall laughing
(mostlywith
at
of
the idea of growing turnipswith it.
bone dust)and eleven mangel wurtzel,and some
Next
year I
ditional
them are now
can
feedinga cow, besides keeping an adget it at Galway, as they have put up a mill at
I got some
milch cow
and a heifer,and there is a genethe Gaol.
wcoden
ral
ploughs made with
succeed
in their favour, so that if we
metal mould-boards,
can
and theyare pleasedwith them ;
feeling
doubt of
in preventing
their beingstolen,I have no
but we
I
cannot
get a well-shaped mould-board.
cultivated before tvfo years.
have now
ordered a few on trialfrom Scotland.
Do
seeingthem extensively
who
sowed
I cannot
tell the number
of persons
recommend
the small fans for cleaninsr corn,
vou
I see
which
advertised in your
vetches, but I sowed four tons, which, at 16 stones
premium lists?
to the acre, would
Bruce told me they onlycost 30s. and I would
sow
like
fortyacres ; some of this was
sown
estates, and they very much
to try one, as
also one
of the donkeyby persons in neighbouring
all greatly
were
pleasedwith them, and I have been
ploughs, if made of wood, as I have one made of
don
iron which I got at L'Estrange's. There are many
paid most
punctually. I got three tons from Lonand
and I sold them, the
from ^Dublin,
one
daysoften in this country when, for want of wind,
fornier at 2s. l^d. per stone, and the latterat 2s. 3d., thev cannot
I found greatdifficulty
clean tbeir corn.
for the payficiently
givingtime tillthe middle of November
ment. in gettingthe turnips and mangel wurzel crop sufthem cheaper.
Next
hoed and cleaned,but now
theysee the use
year I hope to have
There were
fifteenacres
of grey and maple peas sown
of it. Bone manure
oughtto be dibbled in, and not
fallow and exhausted soils,and the crop was
with a machine.
I had better turnipsfrom
on
sown
very
which I broke in this year than from what I
good ; horses and cattle eat them greedil}^but they some
inclined to sell the peas and give the straw
to
are
A
nine
gentleman sent me
got from London.
their cattle,
and they ought to pay from six to eight mangel wurzel
one
potatoes this year, which sowed
this gives
One gentleman near
pounds to the acre.
square perch of ground,and the producewas 3^ cwt.,
his horses no oats, but feeds them
on
entirely
pea
being at the rate of 28 tons to the Irish acre, and
straw
and peas, and theyare always in good condition;
the largest
of any other kind in this country
return
the peas were
and the wheat, whe?e
exceeded
and had mine been sown
17 tons;
never
grown,
looks remarkablywell now.
I also solilflax-seed for
I
thicker,there would have been a greaterreturn.
45 acres
I see you have
look upon them as a valuable root.
(late3s. per stone),but no tenant sowed
than a rood, as they onlygrow it here for their
more
got one or two crops of mangel wurzel returned at
This you will approve
own
the rate of 38 tons to the acre, which astonished the
use, and not for market.
together,
of,as I see you are not encouragingit with you. Alfellows very much.
I sold nearly
300/. worth of seeds, and all
those I have asked have paid most
punctually. The
No. .5.
above seeds being high,I have given them
time for
Extract from Mr. Birmingham^ letter,
to the im'
as
the payment of them
till May next, when theywill
be nearlyfit to cut.
provements on Lord Clonbrock's property.
The grass seeds 1 got from
"
London from Gibbs, and paidtoo much for them. This
Carameena, Kilcennel,29th October,1838.
"
I do not
make
better bargain. I tried some
year I must
a
despairof yet having the system in
Italianrye-grass, and it succeeded remarkablywell ;
full operation
here ere long. This country is so wel
It IS as
difficultto get
in September. Thane,
adapted to grazing,that it is more
green as any aftergrass
whom
the system of green crops, which requireslabour,
you sent me, is goingon as well as I could
I look
wish.
the difficulty
of fencing off the
and
into operation,
in
man
upon him as a very respectable
his station,and the
pastures is also a great bar, as the sheep get over
beginning to
people are now
understand and like him.
the stone
walls ; I have, however, great reason
to be
He
is a good surveyor,
which
has been of use to me in dividingfarms, "c.,
have
satisfied with the progress
we
made, for the
has taken root, and is so deeply
rooted, too, I trust, that it must flourish. I shall
I can, what has been
tell
now
as
as
shortly
so

short

and

time!) it

I find him

man.
steadyand experienced

broughtover

He

his wife and family

last Summer.
I
have had maps made of most farms, and recommended
the rotations which we thought
advisable for each,
and a good number
advice : I have
are
our

following

tenants

sow

small

arrears

tenants

patches

of

clover, mangel

ceeds
rye grass : this latter sucindeed ; the
and is very beneficial,
admirably,
much
the estate
are
reduced, and the
on
most
punctuallypay for the seed,and lime

wurzel, rape, and

Italian

THE

64

and ploughing. 1 heir houses are very good,and

Lord Clonbrock buys metal windows for them, from
Messrs.

timber.

Upple,
The

of

Birmingham,

tenant

pays

and

gives

them

for the rest, and I think

good house is a great advantage. I wish

roomy
could follow the Belgiaii
we
system in making butter
the land.
You
and cultivating
know
theyhave no
permanent pasture, and therefore theyare forced to
cultivate the green crops. Not a spot of land is left
another is put
The moment
the crop is off,
unsown.
in. The urine from the cattle is preservedin tanks,
and spread over
the crop growing. In ray mind
from the dairy
yard go further
they make the manure
than
do, by putting it immediatelyunder the
we
plant. I have seen this country twice,and am only
satisfied that were
the
justreturned from it,and am
a

system pursued in Ireland,a

of land with us
cleanliness and

might become

man

holdingten acres
Above
all,the

rich.

of the dairyis wonderful,

is that London
you know
is suppliedin a great degree,
with butter from Holland
and Belgium, though Ireland might gain this
of a million a year by a little
trade to the amount
and the feedattention to the care of the dairy,
ing
more
the cows.
A farmer near
Liege assured me that
theywere so nice about the feed of their milch cows
that they gather up the dung off the fields every
morning and then it is dried and spreadout againon
the pasture. They use
carrots
very much, and a
the carrot-seed
fine food it is. They sow
with the
rot
corn, cut the stubble high ; hoe well round the carin Autumn
; carry off the stubble to the straw yard,
and have a fine
crop in the winter for the horses."
The

management

consequence,

as

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

that
from

families
fiftu-eight

of

out

send children

who

neighbouringproperties,six onh^ have

themneglectedsowing turnips,and the children selves
the

and
the sowers
are
generally
managers of
told
of their fathers have
these crops, and many
ver
would
that
not have sown
me
turnipsor clothe)'
had it not been for the advice of their children."
It is inconvenient for the people to get these seeds,
I
from their livingso far from the market town.
purchased most of the turnip seed for them, and
sold it at the same
price for which I bought it. It
"

is

that
generalprinciple
is bred

in his

to whatever

3'outhhe

will not

system
be

son
per-

to
likely

part
de-

it when he grows up : we may reasonably

conclude from this that none
of the children who
of farmingwill
have been bred to the proper system
sists
departfrom it afterwards.
Loughash townland conthree-fourths of which,
of 1150
acres, about
four years since, was
under heath,and onlygiving'
to gather
support to a few miserable cattle,striving
been divided into
a
scanty subsistence. It has now
from

farms, and

let to tenants

the seventh year,

at
the poorer
generally

seven

of
description

that
neighbouringproperties
such

has been

have

now

been
to

years,

free,and

take

cottiers from

such

and

thirtyfamilies

who

ninetyacres
givingfood and
have

the

farms, and

their progress, that

reclaimed

after
It is

rent.
yearlyincreasing

hitherto

of it
ployment
em-

been

of the year for their support

these people
upon the country. The first thing
do when they take a farm, is to build a sod hut,
is building,
which they live in whilst a stone one
suitable assistance is given. They reclaim
for which
It is
the land in the followingmanner
:
No. 6.
formed into ridgesof six feet wide, and trenches
Statement of CaptainKennedy'sImprovements,
between, from two and a half to three feet,out of
"
which the bog is dug and laid upon the ridgesover
Loughash,Sept.15, 1838.
"
WM.
ESQ.
the sward to rot it; it then receives from 40 to 50
BLACKER,
"
convinced of the interest you take in
the lime a
barrels of lime to the acre, and
over
Beingfully
for the bettering
of the condition of
proposed
coveringof clay is laid, if it can be got out of the
any plans
the
trenches,or if not, it is carried on it from the most
poor farmers,permitme to giveyou a statement of
the lands of Loaghash,
the system introduced
is generally
on
convenient places. The first operation
by J. Pitts Kennedy, Esq., whose exertions have
performedin the Summer, it remains in that state till
in spreading those practices
been unremitting
of
November, when it receives the limingand claying:
which ultimately
failto produce
cannot
in the following
agriculture
Spring the sward is completely
the results which
an
is
improved system of tillage
rotted, when it is fit for planting with potatoes
capable of doing. In the Spring of 1834 I was
which, with a little manure,
generallyproducesa
struction
employed by him to superintenda school for the ingood crop. They generallykeep an acre trenched a
of the children in farming,and to instruct
the sward is
year before theyput a crop in it,when
the tenants
to sow
well decomposed,and much easier wrought with the
turnips,and clover, and grass,
who were
lieved spade, and
beso much
opposed to it that they firmly
consequentlyproduces a much better
that nothingof the kind could be raised in
after
crop of potatoes than if planted immediately
such
mountainous
a
district. There
is a modelthe first operation. In conclusion,I can inform you
farm of four acres
attached to the school, where the
that there is no one idle in the properiii,and no biggar,
children are instructed in the proper methods of cultivating
has there been a singlelau-snit or law proceedings
nor
the differentkinds of crops, and the results, against
the propetty for the last four
on
any one
compared with the management pursued at home,
may yet be said of the
years. Hoping that the same
which the children do not fail to communicate
to
greater part of Ireland,I remain. Sir,your obedient
"
their parents, are very important. By a simpleexIMooitE."
James
planation,
servant.
they make an impression upon their
"
fected
11th Dec, 1838.
parents'minds, which, perhaps,could not be ef"
a general
I have made an experimentef furrow
by persons of maturer
draining
age. It was
that I followed,never
rood and
to let them sow
small piece of land containingone
a
principle
on
any
not certain of success
made in potathree perches; the above drains were
crop where I was
; and to let
to
them
from the previousyear, upon the modelsee,
ground ; the potatoes being dug out, I began to
obtained of the crops raised upon it, sink the drains in every second furrow, thirty
inches
farm,the profit
sixteen
compared with the produce of a similar portionof deep, nine at bottom, and filledthe same
their own
land ; and now,
after three years'trial, inches deep with stones, which
leftfourteen inches
there are only three tenants
the property who
on
which
filled those were
to the surface ; the stones
Lave not adopted the rotation suited to their land ;
got in the drains or convenient to tliem.
"
and where the one half of their farms were
of perches of drains put in this
The number
occupied
in grazingmay now
be seen only the proper proporat threepence
per
pieceof ground were thirty-nine,
tions
in clover
The
and grass.
improvement in perch,or 9s. 9d. in all. Total expence, 9s. 9d.
"
Herd.
Wm.
croppingis not alone confined to Loughash, for on
"
at the children who attend the School,I find
To WoJ. Blacker,Esq."
inquiry

dependingfor three-fourths

"

THE

ENGLISH

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

65

limited
Society,has necessarily
English Agricultural
sphereof their labours, and has, in fact,precluded

AGRICULTURAL

the
them

SOCIETY.

than laying the foundation

from
doing much more
for future operations; but being anxious that such
steps as they have taken for promoting the objects of
the society should be submitted
to those who placing
the
to their care
confidence in them, have entrusted
importantduty of conducting its affairs, they deena
scribers
it a duty incumbent
upon them to lay before the subthe result of their management since their appointment
ever,
the 27th of June last. They cannot, howon

The first generalmeeting of this Soociety,

was
Dec. 18, at the Society's
No.
held on Tuesday,
rooms,
5, Cavendish Square.The RightHon. the Earl Spencer,
President of the Societ}-,
took the chair. There
of members, and amongst those
a full attendance
was
who were
of
present,we noticed his Grace the Duke
Richmond, the Earl of Euston, Lord Moreton, H.
of their ovs^n labours
proceed to the statement
Esq.,M.P.,T. L. Hodges, Esq., M.P., E.
Handle)-,
the provito
without
first tendering their thanks
sional
W.
Childers, Esq., M.P.,
Cayley,Esq.,M.P., J.
exertions made
committee
for the valuable
by
E. C. Buller, Esq., M:P., W.
G. Hayter, Esq.,
them
in framing rules for the generalconduct of the
M.P., Col. Challoner, Rev. J. R. Smitliies,Messrs.
stitution
society. As, however, must be the case in every inJ. Ellman, T. R. Barker, C. Hillyard,
J. Buckley,
extensive field of operawhich
embraces
an
tion,
D. Barclay,
H. Boys, W. F. Hobbs, W. J. Patterson,
it would
be impossible for any singlecommittee,
W. Youatt, F. Burke, T. Chapman, and a great numhowever
ber
diligentand zealous, to attend to all the details
of the business to be transacted,one of the first acts of
of other gentlemen of the highest
respectability,
the committee
the appointmentof sub-committees
was
connected with agricultural
pnrsuits.
One
to carry into effect the objestsof this institution.
The noble
in opening the business of
Chairman
to
of these sub-committees, whose
provinceit was
the day,said, that the present was he might say, the
additional

frame

first meetingof the

rules for the

government

of the

lish
Eng-

formation.
Societysince its original
Society,has suggestedmany valuable
Agricnltural
During the periodwhich had intervened since
rules, which have been adopted. It will shortlyresume
the Societywas
first formed, various
committee
its sittings,and will direct its attention to framing
meetingshad been held,and much had been done, such further rules and regulations
as the daily-extending
but from the shortness of that period,many
render necessary.
connections
of the societymay
things
to enlist talent
were
mittee
necessarily
yet to be attended to. The comBeing desirous,as earlyas possible,
ter
in the investigation
of those subjectswhich involve mathowever had agieedto, and prepared a report
for
of deep interest to the practical
farmer, prizes
which would be read to the meeting,and which disclosed
"

the
He

was

factjryto them,
the

funds

report would

that the
of

as

the

society. essays upon a varietyof topicshave been offered,some

at the meeting
awarded
this day, some
of which
highlysatis- at Oxford will^be
and others at the
next

of the affairs of the

present state
sure

be

from

it,they could perceivethat

ing
flourishin
a
society were

do
well.
to
condition,and that it was
likely
sidered
(Cheers.) After the report should be read,he con-

it would

by any

not

be necessary to detain the meeting

upcn the state of the affairs

observations

of the society,as the report itself,

would be found to
ever,
so full and
explanatory. It was necessary howfor him to touch upon one or two points,which
in the report,and wliich had in
not mentioned
were
fact been agreed to after the report had been
pared.
preIt had been agreedthat a quarterly
journal
the first
of their proceedingsshould be published,
number of which, he had to announce,
would appear
it was
as soon
intended,
as
possible.This journal,
should contain the prizeessays, and other matters
connected
with their institution,
and the pursuitsof
and
agriculture
generally. It had been suggested,
he was gladto be enabled to announce,
that the state
of the funds was
consistent with the adoptionof the
should
that the numbers
of this journal,
suggestion,
be delivered to each of the subscribers,and members
of the institution gratuitously,
to the
on
application
and to those who
were
not members,
secretary (cheers),
it would
be sold at a reasonable price. Perhaps
theymightconsider that the committee had acted
rather too boldlyin coming to this determination,
but it was done for the purpose
of disseminating
as

be

be

to

held

prizesare

year,
in the year

country meeting

The majority of those

subjectsdirectlycalculated to 'mprove

upon
cultivation of the
specialinterest by the

1840.

an
object regardedwith
English AgiiculturalSociety.
The prizes for cattle to be given at the Oxford meeting,
and through which
improvement in the breeding of
nounced
stock is mainly contemplated, will be publicly antrust that
in a few days ; aud your committee
and
and occupiersof land in Oxfordshire
the owners

the

soil,

the neighbouriug
counties will co-operate in rendering
the first meeting of this societyefficient for the objects
for which

it was
instituted.
in conseloss sustained
of the immense
quence
Aware
of the want
of better knowledge in the treattention
meut
of the diseases of cattle,
sheep, and pigs,the atject,
has been turned to this subof the committee
"

for supplying
to devise means
in order,if possible,
the deficiency. A
veterinary school has been long
established
in the neighbourhoodof the metropolis,
the scientific
useful in teachiftg
and it has been most
of the diseases by which
treatment
and
successful
tention
thousands
of horses used to be destroyed
; but its athas been almost
exclusivelydevoted to the
considered that if its labours could
horse ; and it was
to the management
be directed with the same
success
in health and disease of our cattle and sheep, it would
be of inestimable advantage to the British farmer.
"
Applicationhas been made to the governors of the
Veterinary College,stating the anxious wish of the

Societythat this most important

EnglishAgricultural
extension
of its inquiriesand its benefits should take
agricultural
upon
ments
and to giveto the members
of the society, place, this society not interferingwith the arrangesubjects,
of the college,
of the governors
or
proceedings
peculiar advantagesof obtainingthat information.
Such was the inteution of the committee, and he, (Earl but contributingfrom its funds to the accomplishment
of this purpose.
Speuc"r)thought the meeting would say with him,
has been received from
A most
valuable answer
that theyhad decided rightlyin determiningto deliver
take
and a meeting will soon
of the governors;
some
the new
ber.
of your committee,
quarterlyjournalgratisto each memplace between them and a delegation
for
(Hear and cheers.)It was
be anticipated.
from which the happiestresultsmay
unnecessary
him to say more
and they would row
siness.
horticultural,
Correspondence with agricultural,
proceedto bu-

widely as possible,information

"

"

His

Lordshipthen
Report

"

In

read the

following

and abroad,
at home
formation
of the means
proposedwhereby useful inhas been made
may be obtained,a proposition
with several societiesat
for opening a correspondence
from the
home, from most of which, but most especially
Society of Scotland, your
Highland and Agricultural

and

both
other scientific
societies,

being

of

tfie

making this,their

Committee.

first report,your committee

cannot
refrain from noticingthat the short
space of
time which has elapsed since the establishment
of the

"ne

FARMER'S

THE

6(k

MAGAZINE.

committee has received tliestrongest assurances

of a desire
in
with your institution.
to establisha friendlycommunication
and which

sealed

the essay,
envelopeaccompanyiug
opened until after the judgeshad
given their decision.
Upon the decision of the
the envelopescontaining
judges being ascertained,
a

tained

"

the assistanceof an able member

of your
1'hroug'h
who
has recentlybeen travelling
the continent
on
society,
of

the

names

was

not

and

addresses

dates
of the unsuccessful candi-

for
Europe, arrangements have been made
not known.
not opened, so that they were
were
opening a correspondencewith the Royal and Central
Three judgeshad been
appointedby the committee,
AgriculturalSocietyat Paris,the Royal Agricultural
who
resided in the country, and had no communication
Societyat Lyons, the Agricultural
Societyat Geneva,
with each other on
the subjectof the prizes;
and the AgriculturalSocietyat Lille.
"
the essays were
The diffusionof agricultural
forwarded to them
at their respecinformation being one
tive
of the most important means
whereby the EnglishAgriresidences, and they then forwarded their decultural

Societyhopes to attainthe objects

contemplated cions, sealed, to the committee.
The first prizeof
diligentconsideration has been
establishment,
count
or a pieceof plate,for the best acsovereigns,
fifty
and your committee
feelsconfidence
given to this subject,
of the improvements which have taken place
in statingthat early in the coming year a plan
in the agriculture
of Scotland since the formation of
will be adoptedfor circulating
as
as extensively
possible the
had been awarded to iVIr.John
Highland
Society,
such papers as may
be deemed
calculated to furnish
its

by

useful information

to

Dudgeon, of Skylaw,near

the farmer.

Kelso.

of the
prizewas for the best account
and of the best mode of preserving
black caterpillar,
committee
the 27th June last,
itwill be seen that at
on
that time the number
of governors
the turnipfrom its depredation.
who had joinedthe
societywas
The third prizewas
186, of whom 65 were lifegovernors, and
or a piece
twenty sovereigns,
121 annual subscribers of five pounds each.
That there
of the
of plateof that value, for the best account
in addition 280 members, of whom
31 were
life
were
for analysingsoils.
simplestand cheapestprocesses
members
and 249 annual subscribers" making a total of
This prize had been
awarded
to the Rev. W. L.
466. That the sum
received amounted
to 2,526/.Is.,
of Winckfield,
Berks.
and that there had been expended about 130/.,leaving Rham,
The fourth prizewas twenty sovereigns,
or a piece
of 2,396/.Is.,
in the hands of the bankers,Messrs.
a sum
of
plateof that value, for the best essay on the present
and
Drummond
besides
further
of 2,057/.
a
sum
Co.,
"

to the report made

Upon referring

by the provisional

The

second

state

due from subscriber?.

of

Mechanics,
Agricultural

and

on

the improvement

in
At the present time the number of governors
of which the various implements now
is206,
of whom
68 are life governors, and
scribersuse
sub138 annual
may be susceptible.
of 5/. each.
There are besides 484 members,
and
not
The essays for the second
fourth prizes
of whom
46 are lifemembers
and 438 annual subscribers,
being considered to possess sufficientmerit, no prize
making a total of 690, and exhibiting
an increase of
awarded
to them.
was
224 since the 27th of June last.
which
then read the list of prizes
His Lordship
Your
committee have the pleasure to announce
would be given at the next meeting of the Society,
that a considerable number
of new
subscribers are about
at Oxford, in 1839, for live stock (andwhich listthe
to jointhe society
; and the attention of local societies
Noble
Earl stated would
be published
shortly.)
and more
daily more
directed to
a further
"

"

being

it,
cession
acreckoned
fairly
upon.
The sum
alresdyreceivedfor subscriptions
amounts
and there has been expended 676/. 13s. 7d.,
to 3,739/.,
leavmg a balance of 3,062/.6s. 5d. in favour of the society,
of subscribers may

be

"

the prizes
(continuedhis Lordship)were
Societyoffered for award at the Oxford Meeting,
able.
considerwas
meeting would see that the amount
The prizesoflferedfor Live Stock, it might be

Those
the
the

besides the further sum

of 1,196/.in the course
of
than
thought,amounted in the aggregate to more
collection.
of the Society,
consistent with the objects
was
exactly
"
The income of the society
scriptions
arisingfrom annual subof agrifor the advancement
wliiciiwas formed more
cultural
amounts
and exto 1,128/. The receipts
now
penditure
and scientificknowledsre.
Yet when it was
since the establishment,
lance
as exhibited in a baconsidered
that it was
material to the progress of the
and approved by your
sheet,examined
finance
Societythat the meetings in the country should be
committee, stand as follows: (Here his lordship
read
tion
well attended,and that it formed the chief attracthe financialstatement, the generalresults of which are
contained in the report.)
of such
it was
highly desirable that
meetings,
"
Your committee cannot
conclude theirreport without
be as good an
there should
exhibition of cattle as
making gratefulmention of those subscribers who
possible. Though it might appear to be a largesura
have kindly
enabled the society
the formation
to commence
of money to give for the breedingof live stock,be
of a libraryby presentinguseful works."
CLord Spencer) thoughtit would not onlybe money
The Noble
Eaul
added, that this satisfactory
judiciously
expended,but good economy to do so.
of the finances would
state
(Cheers.)
them
in
justify
sparing
After the reading
of the several documents, which
no
knowledge
expence in the promotion of agricultural
his lordship
resumed
time theyshould be as economiappeared to give much satisfaction,
cal
; at the same
his seat amidst great cheering.
as
they could where expense was
essential.
not
"

"

(Hear, hear.) The Noble

ask

the

Earl

then

Meetingto adoptthe report

read, and the questionhavingbeen
was
adopted unanimously.

said he had

which

had

to

been

put, the report

The

said,that the list of

by the noble chairman
he thought
calculated to give satisfaction generally,
but there was
one
prizewhich he was anxious
Rev.

J. R.

prizeswhich had
was,

Smythies

been

read

His
he was
added
the
which
sure
Lordship next proceeded to announce
to have
to the list one
prizes which had been adjudged. The first prize the meeting would consider of great importance. It
of fifty
was
one
formed
sovereitrns,or a piece of plate of
was
to be recollected that the Society
was
that value,
for the best account
provement
of the improvemore
ments
especiallyfor the purpose of promotingimwhich
have taken place in the agriculture
in the science of agriculture.
of
They were
Scotland since the formation of the Highland Sothat old age brought with it decay in vegetciety."all aware
able
And
sirable
deanimal
here, his Lordship observed, he
life,it therefore became
as well as
of grain which was
thought it right to state to the meeting the mode
that the quality
subject
adopted by the judges in appro])riating
the prizes. to decay,should be improved as much
as
;
possible
The candidates forwarded
which
their essays, with a motto
that a new
grain should take the placeof that
attached to each, but without
the name
and address
reproduction.
was
Tvorn
out, and exhausted by frequent
of the candidate.
The name
and address were
well known, a great anxiety
There was, it was
con"

"

THE

feltby the fanner with regardto

culture

of

staplecommodity of the country.

rather suggestion
which he had
or
proposition,

wheat,
The

the

FARMER'S

the

first

deration
claim the consiof the Society
was,
(ifthe funds would permit)
that a priise
of twenty guineasshould be offered
for a new
(Hear, hear.) The
varietyof wheat.
ficate
sample he proposedshould be tested by the certito

make, and

upon

which

he

would

MAGAZINE.

67

it now
as
thoughtthe proposition
productiveof the good effect

be

stood would
which

the

not
rev.

gentlemenseemed to contemplate. They would no

doubt have samples from all parts of the kingdom,
which would look well to the eye, but then they

of culture,
have no information as to the method
ferent
the applicability
of the samplesto the difsoils,and thus people would go away without
of its grower,
to its hardihood,productiveas
ness,
any accession of knowledge on the subject. Under
and its quathese circumstances
he thoughtit might be safely
and applicability
to different soils,
lity
would
decide whether
left to the Committee, who
by the miller who should have converted it into
would

or

theywould offer such a prize for another yf ar. He

sideration
merely threw out those observations for the conof the rev. gentleman,
and not by way of
a spirit
of
the end
with the principle
oppositionto his suggestion,

flour. (Hear, hear.) He (Mr. S.)thoughtthat this

the most
desirable prizethe Societycould offer,

was

and would, he entertained no doubt, create

of enterprize
amongst the farmers,and in
contribute materially
which he agreed.
to the improvement of the
reminded
Mr. Barker that he
ral
Rev. Mr. Smythies
grain. The Englishfarmer the}'all knew, was libeof his money, and at all times willingto bestow
had at the outset
proposedthat the qualityof the
the utmost
creasing
wheat
labour
of inand care, upon the means
should be ascertained by the certificatesof
the productiveness
it in differentsoils. He had
those who had grown
of his estate, but at the
in the
time he was
his proposition
however no objection
same
to move
exceedinglysensitive on the score
of ridicule,
and the unambitious
around were
men
shapeof an instruction to the Committee.
A
Member
alwaysall readyto laugh at the failure of the expeincompetentfor the
thought it was
riments
at present.
which their more
neighbours Committee to entertain the suggestion
enterprising
Mr.
considered the subjectto be of the
Dean
might set on foot. (Hear,hear.) He believed there

to the Society.
highest
persons more
importance
imposedupon than the farmer
Earl Spencer
varieties of
thought at all events the suggestion
advertising
quackery of new
sideration
vegetables. (Laughter.)One of these impositions of the Rev. Mr. Smythiesshould be taken into conhe (Mr. S.) could not help mentioning,because he
by the Committee, but there were details
which
considered it to be the grossest that ever was
necessarilyconnected with the proposition,
tised
praccould not be entered into and decided upon
at that
in the world.
He had
upon any body of men
hesitation in sayinghe alluded to the C(csarean
no
meeting.
Cow Cabbage.(Loud laughter
stood
and Cheers.) He had
The conversation here terminated, it being underit plantedin various gardensin the higheststate
seen
that the carryinginto effect of the suggestion
were

no

by

the

of cultivation,
and in every instance it had totally
and completely
failed. It did not contain any one
of the properties
it was
He
at first said to possess.
stated this fearlessly
amongst them all,as he was an
to expose
opponent of all humbug, and he wished
this imposition
he could.
wherever
(Hear, hear.)
He would therefore beg to suggest to the consideration
of the noble Chairman
ject
of the meeting the subhe had mentioned, and when the Society
became
then offer similar prizes for new
varieties of
richer,
barleyand oats. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. HiLLYARD
seconded the proposition.
Earl Spenceu said he admitted he was
much of the
ject.
same
opinionas the reverend gentleman on this subHe however reminded him that the Society
had already
for
of twenty sovereigns
offered a prize
the most

should be left to the discretion of the Committee.

posal
A Member
moved that the sum
placedat the disfor prizesfor extra stock,
of the Committee
"c., should be increased
implements,seeds,roo'ts,
from 50

to 100

sovereigns.

seconded
The Noble Chairman
Mr.

Dean

this

proposition.
no

saw

of 50
Although the sum
as
by the committee
appropriated
prizesfor this class,yet it did not
they had the power to award 100
were
compeUed to disposeof the

to the
objection

sovereignshad
the

posal.
probeen

aggreg'ate of the

follow,even though
sovereigns,that they

The
whole amount.
intotheir
committee would however take the suggestion
serious consideration.
W. L. Hodges, Esq., M.P., rose to ask what prizes
ef
to be offered for wool, and the encouragement
were
that great staplearticleof the country.
Earl Spence-r said he apprehendedthat no judge or
the
person pretendingto be a judge, would decide upon
merits of the sheep without consideringthe qualityof
the wool (hear,hear). It had been suggestedby a
that unless the wool was
member
producedthe judges
would not be able to decide upon its quality. Now this

approved varieties of wheat.

Rev. Mr. Smythies
observed that the reward
offered by the Societywas
of
for a new
not
variety
wheat, but only for the best account of the varieties
alreadyknown in England.
Earl Spencer read the announcement
of the prize
of exhibition,
sheep
as to the period
a difficulty
suggested
of twenty sovereigns
or
a
piece of plate " for the
could not be kept unshorn after the 17th of July, and
bebt account
duced
of the varieties of whea; hitherto introstated in the listof
therefore it was
intended, as it was
in England." The competitorswere
time preto state,
vious
prizes,that the sheep sliould be shorn some
1. The
scribed.
deof procuring the sorts
mode
of wheat
to the day of exhibition. The
judgeswould thus
and
be enabled to come
2. Their culture, viz.,
pretty nearlyto a correct decision
The

preparation

of the seed.
and power to
3. Hardihood
quantity
withstand severe
weather.
4. Early maturity and
time of severance
5. Tendency to degeneof crop.
rate,
and liabilities
of pro6. Amount
to disease.
duce
in grain, chaff,and straw,
and the relative
and
quantities
of flour and offal. This
qualities
prizewould be given at the Oxford show.
The Rev. Mr. Smythies thoughtthe matters
stated
went
too much
into detail for the practical
farmer,
and therefore he feared it would not come
to much.
Mr.

Barker
begged to suggest to the Rev. Mr.
i,Smythieswhether the proposition
he had made might
not be leftto the discretion of the Committee,
fie

upon
not
to

the

of
quality

the wool.

As

to

attached to the sheep, and which

them, he thought that would be

exhibitingfleeces
might not belong'
dangerous proa
ceeding.

(Laughter).
observed that he had certainly
The Noble Chairman
thisdone, where sheep were sold to be sent abroad,
seen
and in such cases, he need not say that the pluce upon
leftwas behind the shoulders.
which the wool was
thought that if the exhibitors who
Mr. J. Ellman
produced the wool pledged their word of honour that
the wool belonged to the sheep exhibited,the judges
in givinartheir decision upon its
would
be warranted

quality. There mightbe

but he

even
difficulty

in such cases,

was
reallythoughtthat ifthe question
F

fairly
put

THE

68
to

the cxliibitor,
no

FARMER'S

would pledgehis honour

g-entleman

untruth.
(Hear,hear.)
that the matter
Earl Spencer
inorc
mi"jht
sucrg-ested
properly be left for the consideration and discussion of
the committee.
in
Mr. Ellman
merely stated his view of the subject,
ation
the hope that it might be brought under the considerto an

ot the committee
at a future period.
offered
said that with respect to the prize
Mr. Barker
for the ten bullocks,he wished to throw out a suggestion
for the consideration of any member
present who might
feel disposed to make any abservation upon it,whether

MAGAZINE.
His lordship
then announced,that the meetingstood
adjourned to a day in May or June next, to be
annual
to take

The day for the next

fixed by the Committee

fixed by the committee.

meeting

afterwards

was

placeon Wednesday, May 22, 1839.

The meetingthen separated.
TURAL
AGRICUL-

ENGLISH

THE

OF

PRIZES

SOCIETY,

MEETING
AT
might not with advantage be reduced to
five. He thought tiiis would be likelyto produce
OPEN
graziers. The number
greater competitionamongst
IMPROVING
to bs exhibited,would, lieapprehended, FOR
now
required
from
have the effectof deterringany but large graziers
CLASS
bringingprime bullocks to the exhibition.
concurred with
of the room,
A JMember
at tiieend
1. To
the owner

of his suggestion,and
Barker
in the propriety
locks
agreed with him in opinion that if the number of bulbe mucli more
to
likely
reduced, it would
were
than if itremained as at
create a spiritedcompetition,

ENGLAND,

ALL

TO

17, 1839,

July

OXFORD,

the number

CATTLE.

OF

BREED

THE

SHORT-HORNS.

I.

of the

best

of the

best

vereigns.
Thirty So-

Bull"

Mr.

present fixed by the committee,

ing
Mr. Barker
said,that what he had in view in makthe
tlie suggestion
attending
was, the great expense
of so large a number
to the show, an expense
conveyance
which many
unable or would be
grazierswere

2. To

the

owner

3. To

the

owner

4. To

Ten

the

owner

Sovereigns.

5. To

the

owner

CLASS

be defeated.

The Noble President

said,that thissubjectwould
be taken into consideration by the Committee.
ing
His Lordship then said,the next business for the meetto transact
to propose subscribers. They were
was
elected by the Comthat the subscribers were
mittee,
aware

of the best in-calf Heifer, not

old" Fifteen Sovereigns.
of the best Yearling Heifer-

exceeding three years

and thus one

unwillingto encounter;
great end, for
which the EnglishAgricultural
formed,
Society was

would
that of inducing extensive competition,

teen
Fif-

in milk"

Cow

Sovereigns.

1.

To

2. To

the
the

owner

owner

of the best Bull Calf" Ten

II.

vereigns.
So-

HEREFORDS.

"

vereigns.
ThirtySo-

of the best Bull"

teen
Fif-

in milk"

best Cow

of the

Sovereigns.
3. To

the

owner

best

of the

exceeding three years old

to propose
but it was
4. To
the ov\ner
competent for any member
be happy
for election. He should,therefore,
Ten
Sovereigns.
to receive proposals
from the members
present.
5. To
the owner
cretary,
Numerous
then handed in to the Sewere
proposals
Sovereigns.
after which
CLASS
and said,the business
The Duke
of Richmond
rose

of

in-calf

Heifer,not

Fifteen Sovereigns.
best Yearling Heifer-

"

the

gentlemen

of the

meeting bein^'
concluded, he begged leave
now
that the marked
thanks of the Society
be
to propose,
Earl Spencer, who had
given to their noble president,
taken great pains not
only to forward the interestsof
also the

but
generally,
agriculture

objectsof the

ciety.
So-

Lord Spencer was entitled to the thanks of the

meeting for his valuable services informing the Society,
and

for his frequent

attendance at the committee meetings
since itsformation. (Cheers.)
He, therefore,
begged
thanks of the Societyshould
to propose, that the marked
be given to liislordship,
and that the meeting should be
adjournedto some day in May or June next, to be fixed
by the Committee.

E. Cayley, Esq., M.P., seconded the motion with

that the Society had great
great pleasure. He thought

1. To

the

owner

2. To

the

owner

best

of the

III.

Bull

Calf" Ten

DEVONS.

"

of the best Bull"

of the

Cow

best

reigns.
Thirty Sove-

in milk

teen
Fif-

"

Sovereigns.
3. To

the

owner

of the best in-calf Heifer, not

Fifteen Sovereigns.
of the best Yearling Heifer-

exceeding three years old

4. To

Ten

the

owner

"

Sovereigns.

5. To

the

owner

of

the

best

Bull

Calf" Ten

Sovereigns.
CLASS

Not
1. To

IV.

CATTLE

"

ANY

OF

BREED

OR

CROSS,

for the foregoingClasses.

qualified
reigns.
of the best Bull" Thirty Soveowner

the

for congratulation,
the very full attendance
on
at
tention
meeting of that day, and the kind and unceasing atteen
in milk" Fifof the best Cow
2. To the owner
of the noble chairman
to theirproceedings.He
also congratulatedthe meeting upon the extremely
Sovereigns.
good
which was
of the best in-calf Heifer, not
manifested en the previous
3. To the owner
spirit
day at the
Smithfield Club dinner towards the English Agricultural
exceeding three years old" Fifteen Sovereigns.
Society.(Cheers.)He had no doubt that their
of the best YearlingHeifer4. To the owner
Societywould continue to go on a:id prosper. (Cheers.) Ten Sovereigns.
With respect 1o the suggestionmade
by the Rev. Mr.
the
of the best Bull Calf" Ten
5. To
owner
Sraythies,he thoughtit was a highly valuable one, and
Sovereigns.
could not have too much
attention paid to it. (Hear,

reason

the

hear.)
The

motion

CLASS

of thanks

to

the Noble

Chairman

v.

"

CATTLE

FOR

DAIRY

PURPOSES.

was

in Milk, which
of the best Cow
1. To the owner
loud cheers.
lated
shall,in the opinion of the judges, be best calcuEarl Spencer
his most
sincere
begged to return
Fifteen Sovereigns.
for dairy purposes
thanks for the manner
in which they had been pleased
Cow
Ten
of the second
best
To
the owner
to compliment him. He acknowledged he was
certainly
anxious for the success
of the Society,and whatever
most
Sovereigns.
he could make use of in contributing
to and
power
N.B. In awarding these Prizes the Judges will
completingthat success, he would cheerfullyexercise.
be requestedto take into their consideration
(Cheers).Nothing gave him greater pleasurethan to
not
only the quantityand qualityof the
hnd that he stood well vvith the people of England
nerally,
gemilk
which the cow
but
with
the
gives,but also her value,
farmers.
more
particularly
to feed after she shall have been dried.
(Cheers).
then

put and carried amidst

"

"

THE
CLASS

the

1. To

VI.

FARMER'S

Class

OXEN.

"

owner

"

"

Class
the

of

the

best

Cart

Stallion

Ten

"

of the best Cart Mare

owner

For

Extra

of the

the

and

Foal

of the best Stallion for breeding

hunters, carriagehorses, or roadsters,which shall
have served mares
of 1839, at a
during the season
pricenot exceeding3/. each
Thirty Sovereigns.
owner

"

Stock

of any kind, not shown

for any
Prizes, and for Implements, Roots,

above

Seeds, "c. Prizes will be awarded and apportioned,

and Judges, to the value, in
by the Committee
the whole, of Fifty
Sovereigns.
Gentlemen
into any Sweepto enter
wishingstakes,
to be decided by the Judges at the
Show, are requested to apprizethe Secretary
of their intention.
Whenever
the
word
stone
be considered as the imperial stone
the

best 12
of 1838, grown
by himself" FiftySovereigns.
To the Exhibitor at the Oxford
Meeting of the
best 12 bushels
of Red
Wheat, of the harvest of
1838, grown
by himself" FiftySovereigns.
N. B. These Prizes will be awarded
at the General

Meetingin December,
No

FOR

IMPROVING
OF
SHEEP.

CLASS

the

1. To

VIII."

THE

BREED

best

ShearlingRam

"

the

of the second

owner

best do.

Ten

"

the

of the

owner

best Ram

age^
Thirty Sovereigns.
3. To the owner
of the best pen
Ten
their Lambs
Sovereigns.

of any

other

of 5 Ewes

with

Ewes

of the

owner

Ten

"

Ten

best pen

of 5

IX.

OR

WOOLLED

1. To

the

OTHER

the

best

the

2. To

in Houses

second

SHORT-

"

Ten

the

of the best Ram

owner

2. The

3. The

best mode

"

reigns.
Sove-

of any other
4. The

Ewes

the
Ten

"

of

owner

with

or

the

or

of 5

best pen

Shearling

5. The

Sovereigns.

CLASS

X.

"

6. The

SHEEP,

to competejor Class VIII.

qualified
of the best Shearling Ram
owner
ThirtySovereigns.
To

the

2.

the

of

owner

the

second

best

do."

"

the

of any other

To

the

of

owner

with their Lambs"

4. To

the

Ten

the

best

Sovereigns.

of the best

owner

Ewes"
N.

ling
pen of five Shear-

Ten

B.

Sovereigns.
The
sheep exhibited

above
Prizes
the 1st of May,
Class
1. To

of five Ewes

pen

the

owner

must
nor

any of the
shorn before

in either of the above

WHEEL

the

owner

of

the

best

The

the
"

same

Ten

the

owner

AND

of the

best

litter,above

Sovereigns.

4 and

SWING

PLOUGHS.

best

WATRRMEADOWS.

Gold
Society's
account

Medal

will be

of the formation

and

given for the

management

of

^Vatermeadows, founded on actual expedience.

Competitorsmust give"
1. A description
and its qualities.
of the water
2. The
means
by which it has been collected
and brought to the meadow.
S. The quantityand quality
of the grass mown,

Ten

reigns.
Sove-

Sow"

Five

reigns.
Sove-

6. The

4. The

The
3. To

modes.

drawing.

Sovereigns,or a Piece of Plate of that value,

given for the best Essay on the comparative
advantages of Wheel and Swing Ploughs.

s'rowing.

grass

To

2.

of

Boar."

July,1839,

PIGS.
best

the land.

and the purposes

for which used.
amount
of stock
(ifany) depastured,
and at what time of the
year.
5. The
botanical
and
of the
names
common

after the 1st

xi."

of the

for
be

not

still on

Ten
will be

Ten

ThirtySovereigns.

age"
3.

those

3.

of the best Ram

owner

the land.

expence

Sovereigns.
2. To

nure
supplying the loss of masumed
turnipsnot beingcon-

the

of the
and quality
comparativequantity

manure

LONG-WOOLLED

Not

1. To

of

comparativeprogress of slock in fattening

nips
thriving,when consuming drawn tur-

"

4. To

in clay soils.
particularly

on

"

of 5 Ewes

nips
carryingtur-

from lightand heavy soils.

of avoiding
means
ture
to the fuany injury
ing,
crops from cuttingup the land in cart-

by
arising

ThirtySovereigns.
age
of the best pen
3. To the owner
their Lambs
Ten Sovereigns.

Yards.

or

both

ShearlingRam

best do.

1839.

"

more

of the

owner

YEAR

state
best mode of drawing and

Thirty Sovereigns.
To

THE
TURNIPS.

of Plate of that value,

a Piece
of the advangiven for the best account
tages
of drawing Turnipsfrom
the Land, and consuming

them

SHEEP.

of

owner

FOR

DRAWING

Competitors must

SOUTHDOWNS

"

unless

or
Sovereigns,

1. The
CLASS

1840.

Exhibition

will be

Shearling

Sovereigns.

ESSAYS
1.

"

the

for

reigns.
Sove-

"

4. To

admitted

signedby the Exhibitor,

necessary Certificates,
in the form prescribed,
be delivered to the Secretary,
on
before the 1st July next.
or
Certificates
be had on
may
applicationto the Secretary,
5,

PRIZE
2. To

be

can

Cavendish-square.

Thirty Sovereigns.
To

Stock

the

LEICESTERS.

of the

owner

it is to
of 14 lbs.

occurs

SEED
WHEAT.
Exhibitor at the Oxford Meeting of the
bushels of White
Wheat, of the harvest

To

SHEEP.
PRIZES

IMPLEMENTS,

SEEDS.

AND

"

Sovereigns.

3. To

STOCK,

ROOTS,

N. B.

HORSES.

vii."

owner

the

EXTRA

xii."

Twenty Sovereigns.
2. To

69

of the five Oxen

bought since
the 1st of September, 1838, likelyto weigh more
and
than 70 stone
upwards, at Christmas, 1839,
which in the opinion of the Judges will pay best
for grazing Twenty Sovereigns.
of the five Oxen
the owner
2. To
bought since
the 1st of September, 1838, not likelyto exceed
70 stone weight at Christmas, 1839, which in the
opinion of the Judges will pay best for grazing
Twenty Sovereigns.
1. To

MAGAZINE.

pen
under

of 3

Pigs,of

9 months

old

and management.
of formation
expence
size of the vrater-meadows
described must

be not

less than
4.

five

VARIETIES

Twenty Sovereigns,or

acres.
OF
a

WHEAT.

Piece of Plate of that

FARMER'S

THE

Clarke, C. J.

Bennett, James
Bennett,
t Benson, Rev. H. B.
*
Bevell, J.

Bigg, T.
Binnix,J. A.
Birks,John
Bisshopp,James
Blachford,Fitz Roy

*
*

Blackbourn, Davis
Jno,
t Blair,
*

*
Chas. T.
Clifford,
t* Clive,Hon. Rob,, M.P.
Clode,W.
Glutton,Thos.
Glutton,Jno.
Coleman, Professor
Compton, H. Coombe
"fConnop, H. jun.
*
Cook, William

Gooper, J.

Brown,

R.

Francis

Bruges,W.H.L., M.P.
Budd, Capt.Hopewell,
R.N.

t* Buller, Edward, M.P.

*"
Buller, T. Wentworth
Buiwer,

Wm.

Lyttoa

Bulteel, John

t* Bunbury, Sir H., Bart.

Burn, llderten
Burnand, Wm.
*
Burrell,Sir C. Merrik,
M.P.

Burgess,Robert
Burke, French
*"
Burlington,Earl of
Burt, Thos.
Burt, Wm.
Burtt,James
J. H., M.P.
t Calcraft,

of

Capper,
Carew,W. H. Pole
Rev. J.
Carnegie,

Chapman, T.
Chapman, G.
Charge, Thos.

Chawner,Rich. Cioft
*

Earl
Chichester,

of

Bart.

Christie,
Langham
t* Christopher,R.
A.,
M.P.

t*

M.P.

John

T.Wilbraham
M.P.

Samuel

Essex, Earl fof

"Estcourt, T., H. S. R.

Hyett, W.
Ide,John

Gregg,Thomas
Gregory,Arthur

Bart.

Johnston, Sir F.Bart.,

Johnston,John Hutton
Johnstone, Sir John,

Bart.

Joiinson,Rev. Dr.
Johnson. C. W.

F.

Jones,Wm.

John
Griffis,
Grimshaw, W.

Kedward, J. D.
*
Kensmglon, Lord
Grove, Thomas
Lieut-Gen.
Guest, Sir J. Josiah, t* Kerrison,
Sir Edward, Bart,
Bart.

Gwilt,Rev. D.
Hach, James

M.P.
*

Haines, Edward
Hall, Geo. Webb.
Thomas
Halstead,
Hamond, Wm. P.
t* Handley,Henry, M.P.
*
Handley, W. F.

t* Harcourt,Geo.S.,M.P.
*
Harland,C.,M.P.
t Harrison,Richard
Harvey. R. B.
L.
Hatberton, Lord

R.
Haselfort,
^

H.

Earl of
t* Ilchest"r,
Inge, Captain
Jackson, Hugh
W.
Jarratt,
Jervis,Sir Raymond
Jodrell. Sir R. Paul,

LS.

M.P.

t* EtwaU, R., M.P.

S.
Grace,Rev. H. T.
of
The Duke
Grafton,
Graham, Sir J.,Bart.,
M. P.
Graham, Rev. H. G.

Greathead, E.

Wm.

Hurst,
Hutton,John
*

Grey, W. H. C, F. R.

t
Hon.

t* Hovvick,Viscount,M.P.
*
Hulse, Sir C., Bart.
t* Hulss,Lieut. Col.
*
Huntingfield,Lord
t* Huntingtower, Lord
*
Hurst, R. H., M.P.

P.

Grantham,Stephen
Green,
Greeve,Rev. G. W.

S, E.

Lord,
Eiiot,

John

M.P.

Goring,Mrs.
Goring,Chas.
J. P.
Gorringe,
Gorringe,ftlrs.J.
Gough, Frederick
Gowing, E.

Dundas.Hon.T.,M.P.
Dyer, Geo.
Edwards, Henry
Ebrington, Vis., M.P.

Enys,

House, John
House, John, jun.
Howard, Charles
Howard, G.

Bart.

John

Goring, H.D.

quis
Mar-

The

Ellman, John
EUman, Thomas
Ehvood, Lt.-Col.C.W.

J.W.,M,P.
t*Childers,
t Cholmeley,Sir M. J.,

Sir Thos.

Graburn, R.

M.P.
W. E.

f* Egerton,

Hoskins. K. M.P.

W.

Horlock, J.

Godwin, Richard

M.P.

M.P.

E. S., M.P.
Cayley,
Colonel
Challoner,
J.
Charlton,

croft

Honey, Rev. J.

Godvvin,John

Gordon, R.

James

Duffield,Christopher
ford,
StratDugdale, Wm.

Duncombe,

Holcombe, Rev.G. F.
SandHolmes, Wm.

Gills.W.

Hodson, W.
Hodson,
Holbeach, William

Sir F.,Bart.,
Goodricke,

Druce, S.
f Drummond, A. R.
Drummond, George
Drury, George

Duke,

Hodgkinson,Rd.

Goodden,

Dickinson, F. H.
Dilke, Capt., R.N.
Dixon, R. W.

Good, George

Dennis, Robert
De Visme, Rev.
f Dewing, R.

Duckworth,

Hinton, William
Hobbs, Wm. Fisher
Hobbs, Wm.
Hobgen, Jos.
Hodges, T. Law, M.P.

(Com.;
Matthias
Gilbertson,
Joseph Ashby
Gillett,
Atkin
Gilliat,

Gooch,

Davis, William
-f-Davis, Samuel
Dean, James
Deane, Ralph
* De
Beauvoir, R. B,
Denbigh, Earl of
-f*
Denison, W. J., M.P.

Downshire,

Bart.,M.P.
Clark
Hillyard,

Robert Maule
Gillies,
Gladwin,Thomas
Godfrey,Edward

Hewett,W. H.
Heygate,Robert
Hicks,Benjamin
t* Hill, Sir Rowland,
*

Gibbs,William

of

Carter,J. R.
t Cator,Rev. Thos.
+* Cavendish,
Hon. Chas.
Compton, M.P.
*
Cayley,Sir George, Bt.
*

Dacre, Lord
"f-*
Davenport, E.
Davenport, G.
David, Evan
Davies, D. S.

Hewer. Jasper
Hewitt,Lieut, R.N.

R. N.
Giddy, Charles,

Curtis, W.

M.P.

H.

Gibbs, Humphrey
Gibbs, Thomas

Cubley, Samuel
t Cure, Capel
*
Curteis,E. B.

t Drax, J. S.W.

W.

Canniton,Geo.,jun.
t

F.

Henning, James
t* Herbert,Hon. Sidney,

Peere
Williams
Fryer,William
Fuge, Robert
Gardner,Rev. Ghris.
Gee, Thomas
Gibbon,Alex.

G.

Bart., M.P.
Cross, W. J.

t* Cambridge,H.R.H.the
the Duke

M.P.

t* Heneage,G.

Rd.
Franklins,
Freeman, W.

Courtney, W.
Craddock, Sheldon
Gramp, Jno. M.
Crawley, Sam., M.P.
Croft,Sir John, Bart.
Crompton, Sir Sam.,

M.P.

Sir W.Bart,
Heathcote,

Fowlie, Wm.

Dolphin, J.

R. M.
Caldecote,
Richard
Calthorp,

Calverley,T.
Calvert,John

Floyer,John
Foley,J. H.

t
*

Bart.

Flight,Thomas
Flounders,B.

t* Copeland,Aid., M.P.
Cormack, William
Cormack, Will. John
*
Cotes, John
Sir J. Geers,
Cotterell,

H.

Bromwell, Rev.
Brookes, J.

J. J.
Farquharson,
E., W.P.
Fellows,
George
Filliter,
Dr.
Finlayson,
Earl
t* Fitzwilliam,
*

M.P.

Bland, Dr.

Bouverie,Edward
t* Bowes, J.,M.P.
Boys, Henry
Boys, R.
*
Bramston,T.W., M.P.
*
Braybrooke, Lord
*
Bridport,Lord

Clay, W.,

Clements, Vis., M.P.

Cooper,Thos.

Bolton, Lord
Bonsor, Jos.
Boucher, Charles
Bourne, George

Blake,

Bland, W.
f" Blanshard,
*
Blount, W.

Euston, Earl, M.P,

"Evans, W., M.P.
Ewcn,Thos.L'Estrange
t* Exeter, The Marq. of

Clarke,Rev. C.
Clarke,Thos. E.

of

Hayue, W.
G.M.P.
Hayter, Wm.
Hayward Drinkwaler
Heald, Dr.
Heathcoat,J. M.P.
T.,
Heathcote,Gilbert,

William
Chrystie,

Beaufort,Henry
Bedford,the Duke
Bedford,John
*Benett, J.,M.P.
*

71

MAGAZINE,

Kenyon, Lord
Kdson, Rev. H.
Kimberley, G.
Kinder, J.
Kinder, Thos.
William
Kingsmill,

Sir

Knatchbull,

Ed.,

Bart.,M.P.
t
"*

Kright,H. Gaily.M.P.
Lainson, Alderman
John

l,angdale,
M.P.

Hon.

C,

Langston, J. H.
Lansdowne, The

*
*

quis
Mar-

of

t* Lawley, Sir F. Bart.

Lawson, W. C.
Le Couteur, Col.
Lediard, Thomas
t Lee, Lee, J.
t* Lefevre, Charles Shaw,
M.P.

Leigh, Chandos
Lemon, Sir C, Bart.,

M.P.

Lethbridge,SirThos.Bt.
Lewis,
Ley.J.lL
Liefchild,W.

G.
Liverpool,Earl of
Livesey,Thomas

Lovelace, Earl of

Lyon, James
]\Iabbott,W.

Marshall,Capt. Henry
Marshall. W., M.P.
Martin, Burgess

Martin,Hy. Robert
Mason, C. A.
Massop, John
Maule\crer, William
Maxwell, W.
May, Chas.
*
Melbourne, Viscount
t* Miles, P. J.
t* Miles, W., M.P.
Bryan
Millington,
*

Milne, I.

J.

Rev.

H.

L.

Rloody, C. A.
Sir
t* Mordaunt,
Bart,,M,P.

tus
Moreton, Hon. AugusH., M.P.

Morgan, Sir Chas. Bai't.

Ransome,
Ransome,
Ransome,

Rham,

Mostyn, Hon.

Mostyn, Lord
Mount

Muskett

Thomas

Muskett, Jno.
Neale, H. St. John
+* Neeld, Joseph,M.P.
Neve, Thos.
Noakes,
*

Noel, Hon.

E. G.

North, Frederick
"j-*Northumberland, The
Duke
*

Robt.
J. A.

Rev.

W.

L.

Richards,

Rev.

Thos.

Robinson,

Lord

West

of

F.

Wilkinson, George
Williams, W., M.P.

Willoughby, H.
Wilmot, Sir E., Bart.,

M.P.
W.

Willmott, W.

Wills, B.
t* Wilson, Henry
of

Wiltshire,

V^inder, J. W. Lyon
Wingate, Thomas
Wingate, W. B.

Wodehouse,

of
t

Henry

Terard, Jos.
Taunton, W.P.
Taylor, Walter
Thimbleby, William
Thomas, Inigo

E., M.P.

Wood, C, M.P.
Wood, George James
Wood, H.
Wood, John
Wood,

of

Tatiersall, J.

E. W.

Rosebury, Earl

Wilkinson, Rev.

of

1 awney,

Stephens
G., M.P.

Sumner, Col. Holme

Sumaer, Rev. C.V.
*
Sutton, Sir R., Bart.
t* Sutherland, The Duke

J.

Wilbraham,

"

t* Talbot, Earl

C.

Whitting, I. H.

Stokes, Charles
Stone, W.
t* Stradbroke, Earl
Henry
StraflFord,
Stroud, Henry
*
Stuckey, Vincent
Suffolk, Earl

F.R.S.

Whitear, Rev. W.
t* Whitbread, W.
Whitlaw,

Stanley, Edward
t* Stanley, Lord, M.P.
*
Stansfield,C. B. Wm.
Starr, John
St. Clair, Capt.
*
Steel, Sir Robert

Rogerson, Joseph
Rolfe, J.
Rolls, John

John

Weyland, John,

t Wickens,

Rogerson, John

Samuel

W.

Rev.

Beauclerk

H.
Noyes, Thomas
Nurse, W.M.
O'Brien, Stafford
Ogle, Henry

of

Stanhope,J. Spencer

Richd.

Hon.

Welstead, Benjamin
Welton, Cornelius
Wentworth, Godfrey

C. C.

Stewart, Robert

t* Richmond.TheDukeof
Ridgway, J.
Rigg, R.
*
Ripon, Earl of
Roberts, Robert
Robins, B.
Robertson, Daniel

of

Oliver Wm.

James

Rhodes, J. A.
Rice, C.R., M.P.
Richards, James

Wm.

R.

Watson,

Weall, Thomas
Webb, Wm.
Webb, Jonas
Webster, Lady
t Weeding, Thos.
*
Welby, SirW.Earie.Bt.
Welland, Charles
t* Wellington, The Duke

Stace,
*

Rayleigh, Lord
Reay, Jno., jun.

E.M.L.

M.P.

Rason,
Ravenhill, John
C. Wyndham
Rawden,

t* Morrison,J.

M.P.

t* Spencer, Earl
Spooner, C.

t* Radao4-, Earl
Randall, Rd.

Sparkes,William
Capt.,
Spencer, Hon.

Putland, John
Pym, Francis

Morton, John

f* Sondes,

J.

Purrott, John
t* Pusey, P., M.P.

+* Moreton, Lord

Villebois,F.
Walesby, Prime
Wall, C. B.. M.P.
Walsh, Sir John, Bart.

Souhter, Geo.

Punnet, Rev.

John,

Somes,

Lord

M.P.

M.P.

M.P.

Snow, Johnson
Snowdon, Rev.

William

Price, Sir Robt., Bart,,

Verney, Sir H., Bart.,

Warburtou, Hy.,M.P.
Warry, George
Ward, H. G., M.P.

Smythies,Rev. J.
Snow, Benjamin

Berners

C.

Vavasour, Sir E., Bart.

Vines, R.

Smith, Sir J. W., Bt.

*
Smith, Jeremiah
t Smith, J. J.
t* Smith, J. A., M.P.
*
Smith, W.
Smyth, George

Rev. T.

J.

Rev.

Vansittart, Henry

Shuckburgh,SirF.,Bt.

t* Sidney, R.A.,

Pinnock, Rev.
Pittman,
Piatt,
Plestow,
*
Plowden,
t* Portman,

Trotter, John

t Vane,

Skirving,W.
Slack, j.Albin

Pillans, William
Pinnock,

Trinder, Daniel
*

Simonds, J.B.

t Philips,J. Burton
*
Phillips,Mark, M.P.
Phipps, Thos. Hele

of

Earl

Trumper, John

Sherratt, John
*

General

Hon.

Trevor,

Sewell, William
Seymour, Henry
t Shaw, R. Fleetwood
*
Sheffield,Earl of
Sherborn, George
Sherborne, Francis
*
Sheridan, R.B.

Stephen

Tilden, John
TillyerJames
Tiadale, Benjamin
*
Tower, C.T.
t*Townley, R.G., M.P.
'loynbee, G.

Samuel

P,

Thornton,

A.

Peters, J.W.

Maitland, Fuller

t March,

Selmes

Peacock,
t* Peel, Sir R., Bt, M.P.
*
Pegus, Rev.W.
t Pell, Sir W. O.
Pell,Edward
t* Pendarves,E.W.,M.P.
*
Penruddock, John
Peppercorn, Henry

A.

Mainwaring,Townsend
Maltby, Abraham
Manby, Capt. G.

Parkes, J.W.H.
Parker, Thos., M.P.
Parry, G. F.
Parsons, George

t* Percival,John
Perry, G. W.

Maitland,W.Whifaker

Palmer, R., M.P.

Park, Rev.Waldegrave

Percival, Thomas

C.

Macnamara,
*

LordC, M.P.
of
t* Rutland, The Duke
Ryde,W. H.
Sadler, Heary
Salomons, David
Sampson, Benjn.
t* Sandford, E.A., M.P.
Joshua
Satterfield,
t Saunders, T. B.
Sawbridge, Henry B.
*
Scarborough, Earl of
Scudamore, Lt.-Col.
t Russell,

Woods

John

Lloyd, Cynnic
Lloyd, L. F. Lloyd
Lloyd, Llewellyn
Lloyd, Rev. T.
Lock, George
+* Long, Walter, M.P.
*

Page, W.
Pagden,

Beilby
Thompson, C.P., M.P.

Rusbridger,John

S.

H.

Thompson,
t* Thompson,

Ross, Rev. A.
Round, Chas. G.

t Oliverson, Richard
Olliver,James
Osborne, C.
C. E.
Overman,
Overman, T. W.
Overman, W.

Parsons, J. M.
*
Patten, Wilson, M.P.
t Patterson, W. J.

Robert

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

James

t* Worsley, Lord, M.P.

Wm.
t Wratislaw,
Wright, John

F.

Wm., jun.
Wyndham,
Yeatman, Rev. H.F.
Dr.
Yellowly,
Young, Rev. B.
Youatt, Wm.

FARMER'S

THE

DINNER

GREAT

FIELD

OF

SMITH-

THE

CLUB.

MAGAZINE.
which would
them

73
not

be

for he would rather surperformed,

prise

unexpected increase of prizes than

of those that were
damp theirardour by disappointment
promised ; (Hear, hear) but it afforded him much
to be enabled
to promise them
an increase in
pleasure
the amount
given for prizes,(Hear,hear. J he was not
goingto promisea largesum, for he always liked to
keep within compass, (Hear.) but he could with the
by

an

the I7th Dec, the members

and
On IMonday evening-,
friendsof the above Club assembled at the Freemason's
Tavern, Great Queen Street,to celebrate their fortieth
anniversarymeeting; the attendance was much larger
be added to
than usual,there being nearly400 noblemen and gentlemen greatest confidence state that 50/. would
the sum
sident
usuallygiven. (Load cheers.)The noble Prepresent,all deeplyinterestedin the advancement
then concluded an
in all its branches. The Right Hon.
of agriculture
eloquentaddress amidst loud
perity
served cheering,by proposingtheir standingtoast, ProsEarl Spencer presided. Amongst those present we obto the Smithfield Club."
the Duke
of Richmond, Lords Bloreton and C.
After the cheering
which followed thistoast had subsided,
Russell, H. Handley, Esq., M.P., C. Cayley, Esq.,
the noble President said it became
his pleasing
M.P., J. VV. Childers,Esq.,
M.P., Colonel Sibthorpe,
President of the Northampduty to distribute the several prizeswhich had been
tonshire
M.P., C. Hillyard,Esq.,the
and breeders of the best stock.
awarded to the owners
Grazing Society,and Messrs. T. Umbers, E.
He
then called on
of Desford,
.Mr. H. Chamberlain
J. Buckley, H- Chamberlain,g. Grantham,
Franklin,
and said that it afforded him much
T. Beazeley,^V. F, Wratislaw,
W. Trinder,
J. Ellman, near Leicester,
sure
pleato present him with the firstprizeof twenty soveT. R. Barker, "c.
reigns,
had
been
him
for
his
which
sident
PreThe cloth having been removed, the Noble
adjudged to
very
beautiful four years and eightmonths old Hereford ox,
said he rose to propose a toast that he vvas sure
well
had
would be most enthusiastically
the
silver
medal
been
awarded
which
as
as
to
responded to, as he was
him as the breeder of the same
he need
certainthat none
of them were
sure
wanting in gallantry
or
; he was
his
skilland judgment,
not say that it did great credit to
loyalty.
(Hear, hear.) The toast he was about to propose,
and begged to propose Mr. Chamberlain's good health.
the first lady in the land
Her Most
was
Gracious MajestyThe Queen."
Mr. Chamberlain in returning
thanks said,that for
in which his health had been
the very flattering
This toast was responded to in a manner
that showed
manner
and the very kind
the noble presidenthad not been mistaken in his estiproposed by their noble president,
mate
of the loyalty
and gallantry
of his agriculturalway it had been drunk, he begged to return them his
friends.
sincere thanks;he should be indeed unworthy of the
'ihe Noble President
prizethat had been awarded him did he not (eelpride
in
said, from the manner
in havingbred and fed the finest ox ; he begged once
which the lasttoast had been received,he was
he
sure
in drinking
need say nothing to recommend
tlie one he w.is about
to thank them, and feltgreat pleasure
more
alltheir healths.
to propose, he should thereforeat once
propose to them
the health of Her Majestythe Queen Dowager, and the
The Noble President called upon ]\Ir.T. Umbers of
rest of the Royal Family. This was
drank with enthusiasm.
Wappenbury, near Warwick, and said that the second
had been awarded
prize in Class 1, of ten sovereigns,
him for his four years and ten months old Hereford
The Noble President
again rose and said,it now
ox,
and although he could not
became alikehis pleasureand his duty to propose to
him upon
congratulate
them a toast
that he vvas convinced would meet
havingcarried away the firstprize,yet he could assure
one
in second,and he
with as warm
him that it is a great honour to come
the preceding ones
had ;
a receptionas
in drinking
lie was convinced of thisbecause it related to a subject was sure they would all feelmuch pleasure
that he was
Mr. Umbers' health.
was
sure
uppermost in the breast of every
said he thanked them for the compliment
Mr. Umbers
man
present, he need scarcelysay he alluded to their
his lordship
Club. (Cheers.)It afforded him more
than ordinary theyhad justpaidhim, and he could assure
pleasureto be enabled to congratulatethem on the that he was not insensible of the prizehis perseverance
had obtained for him,and he begged to drink all their
of their Society,(Cheers.)a prosperity
that
prosperity
had been progressive,
and he was
happy to say was still healths.
The Noble Earl then called upon Mr. J. Buckleyof
mcreasing.(Cheers.) If any proofof thiswere wanted,
he would referthem forit to the largerquantity
Normanton
of stock
Hill,near Loughborough,and said that the
that had been exhibited this year for the prizes"a quanfirstprizeof thirty
in class two had been adjudged
sovereigns
tity
him for his five years and one month old Herethat was unprecedentedin the annals of the society;
ford
the silver medal had also been adjudged
but,if any further proof of the advancement
of their
ox, and
club was needed, he (thenoble president)
would point to him as the breeder of the ox, he would propose Mr.
to the highly
Buckley'shealth.
assembly over
respectableand numerous
which he had now
Mr. Buckley
returned thanks,
and in doingso drank
the honour to preside,
(Hear,hear.)
and he vvas confidant that the talents,
all
respectability, theirhealths.
and numbers would
then said that the second prize
The Noble President
at once
evidence the increasing
of the society.
prosperity
(Hear, hear.) He had said in the same class had been adjudgedto his noble friend
that they had had submitted to them for competition the Marquisof Tavistock (whom he regrettedwas
sent)
abthisyear a larger
for his lordship's
four years and one month old
quantityof stock tiian on any previous
Hereford ox, but althoughhis lordshipwus
not present,
occasion,
(Hear,hear)but he could assure them that
It was
in drinking
he was
not
in quantityalone that they had exceeded
sure
they would feel great pleasure
former years, (Hear, hear.) for he (EarlSpencer) was
his health.
Lord C. Russell
behalf of his noble relativebegnappy to bear his testimony to the great superiority
of
ged
on
the stock shown this
to return
them his thinks for the very highhonour
(Hear,
year in point of quality;
this was
hear,
it
hear.)
to him, as he was
they had conferred upon him, he was sure his lordship
sure
gratifying
be to all of tiiem
must
in being
would
have felt the greatest possible
delight
; {Hear,hear.) for in addition to
the evidence it afforded of the
of the club,it
present at so respectable
a meeting, and he would take
success
showed them the improvement that had been effected leave to drink all their healths.
by the operations of the club. ( Hear, hear.) Yes, he
The President
having called upon Mr. C. Hillya,rd
would repeat that it proved to them that they laboured
of Thorplands,
near
Northampton, said it afforded him
not in vain.
[Hear.) But the greatest and' sti'ongest real pleasureto present him with the firstprizeof fifteen
evidences he had to ofier of theirprogressing
prosperity sovereigns,in class 3, for his three years and eight
the increase of tlieirmembers, and the consequent
was
lection
months old North Devon
It would be in the recolox.
increase
of theirfunds, {Hear,hear) and lie begged to
of many
present that at tlieirlact meeting i\Ir.
congratulatethem most cordially
the present flourishing
under the promisethat at the present show he
on
Hillyard,
state of theiraffairs,
two
the one of
enabled
would send, for their inspection,
oxen,
a state which
{Cheers.)
hini to promise that theywould
tate,
recommend
them to imiwhich
he would particularly
be enabled to do more
the next
than they had done this. {Hear,hear.)
but the other he would advise them to avoid. (Cheers
year
He (thenoble earl)was
and hear.) He
would leave them to judge how far
not fond of promisingthat
"

"

"

"

"

THE

74

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

for his part he thoug'ht handsome compliment that had justbeen paidhim, but
Mr. H. had redeemed his pledge,
that he was
he could assure
he bad shown
theiw that their approbation of his little
equallygreat and that he
he would therefore, services which the noble Duke
knew which to chuae ; (laugktei')
(who had done him the
had in kindness magnified
health.
honour to propose his health)
with much
pleasure,
propose Mr. Hillyard's
than sufficient
It has been my misfortune for seveinto thingsof importance, was more
Mr. HiLLYARD.
ral
compense
reinconvenience
he had been
for any slight
years past to have to address you as an unsuccessful
ation put to. He could assure them that he not only feltit a
candidate. iNIuch to my satisfactionthat is not my situThis day twelvemonlhs
I told
intercourse with the yeomen
pleasureto be in constant
at this meeting!
the one a
of England,but he also feltit to be his duty to forward,
I should send to this show two
oxen,
you
That the one would be
the other a mole-hill.
in his power, the improvement of agriculmountain
ture,
by all means
in general
and the consequent benefit of mankind
in form what he ought not to be, but that the other
;
ways
althat
could
he
in
and
be
would
form
could
them
that
would be
(cheers;) and he
assure
quality
everthing
that
his
I
think
of
hiirable
allow
the
best
wished.
be ready to contribute to
Every one present will,
my
of thisvaluable
have been
verified. I sent this mountain
two predictions
to the furtherance of the objects
abilities,
1 should be
sure
to the show-yard, because I was
society. ( Cheers.)The present meeting,as he had
of him there than any where else, before remarked,was
able to make more
the best he had ever
witnessed,
both for quantityand quality,
of winning a prizewith
and there was one thing
but I had no more
expectation
in silence,
and that
him, than I should have had of winningthe Derby if more, which he could not pass over
About this time two
mounted
of my cart horses.
of prizesthat had been carried
the large number
on one
was
two little away
to the short-horned
by the Herefords in opposition
years I saw, latein the day of a Northampton fair,
Devon steers, standingthere unsold. One of them happening which,as they knew, had on former occasions always
of the
and show me his head and foreround
received at least a fair share, if not a majority
to turn
his
that the short-horn breed was
quarters, I immediately bought them, and at a little prizes
; they all knew
"

how they were

the seller could not tell me
bred, favourite stock,and he must say he was rather surprised
he did
to see so few obtain prizes. He begged again to express
havingbought them of a dealer wiiose name
in which
for me but
lie promised to make
the gratitudehe felt for the handsome
not know,
manner
inquiries
them
than twelve months, his health had been responded to, and to assure
him again for more
I never
saw
money,

he

him

all 1 could learn from

when

bought, but

not

by him,

at

was,

that

sale of Devon

they were
cattle in

I was
After numerous
abled,
enenquiries
three weeks ago, from the mark on
No.
each
13 on
the ear and brand mark, which was
horn, to get a certificatethat he was bred by the late

Gloucestershire.

only about

services were
always at
once
more, that his time and
the
to them
their command.
would now
He
propose
the
who
had rendered the cause
health of a nobleman
efficientaid ; a nobleman
most
who, in the time of peace
who has endeavoured
had turned his sword into a ploughshare,

of mankind, by creating
to promote the happiness
intercourse
in his power thatfriendly
by all means
George Talbot,Esq.,of GuitingHall, near Moreton on
the Marsh, and also of the day the animal was
calved.
between landlord and tenant, that should at all times
and which is beneficial to both ; (cheers.)"
a.
Gentlemen, the satisfactionwhich a successfulcandidate
exist,
into his pocket the sovereignsto be
derives from putting
nobleman who has paid great attention to the improvement
of stock,and wiio I am
happy to say, has had
produced from a bit of paper like the one I hold in my
to
him, this very year.
(Cheers.) I
hand, is nothingto be compared to the prideall must feel prizesawarded
I am
see
anticipated,I viill,
therefore,without further
on
gainingthe prize. I leave it to you, gentlemen, to
of Richmond."
His Grace the Duke
delay,giveyou
fancy how proud I must feel on the present occasion,
in the class my
His GtiACE
amidst loud cheering, and said he
who have not only gainedthe firstprize
rose
littleox was shown in,but also having gained the gold could assure them, he deeply felt and valued the kind
his health had been promedal m this year'sextraordinaryfine show of cattle. and iiandsome terms in which
posed
"

"

I mean
last become a successful candidate,
unsuccessful one, and I tell you
to be an
I never
to be a competitorwithout I
why
againmean
mole-hill of a steer
should chance to see another little
formed according to my fancy ; but as to my attempting
of reallygrazingland to exhibit
without havingan
acre
with those fed in the vale of
to compete
large oxen
Aylesburyand other known fine feedmg pastures, it is
to it ; 1
kickingagainst the prickswith a vengeance
will
have been unwise enough often to do so, but never

Having

at

again

never

"

long,however, as Providence permits me to

enjoy my present good state of healtii(which
1 shall not
I hope I am trulythankful to acknowledge),
to take a livelyinterest in the cultivation of the
cease
land and feeding cattle,and hope again to have the
all your
which I now
have, of drinking
same
pleasure
again.

As

live and

to

good healths.
The noble Earl having presentedthe remainder of
the prizesto the successful candidates,according to the
awards of the judges,
given below.
The Duke
amidst lond cheering,
of Richmond
rose
and said he saw
by their cheers that they anticipated
the toast he was
about to propose, and when
he considered
how
much
they were all indebted to their noble
President,for the very great interesthe ever took in the
ture,
promotion of every thing connected with agriculhe was
sure
they could not be too gratefulfor tlie
them.
(Cheers.J He
great services he had rendered
was
always found foremost in the ranks of those who
endeavoured to effect any improvement in any of the
would
branches
of agriculture. (Cheers.) He
not
dwell longer on his virtues,
they ail knew tiiem,{cheers,)
the health of their noble
but would
at once
propose
President,the Right Hon. Karl Spencer.
The noble Earl
the cheers, which
when
rose, and
followed the toast, had subsided,spoke as follows:
He should be indeed ungratefuland
unworthy their
he not to feel,and that deeply,
the
were
confidence^
"

and resposded
to.
acknowledgementsnot
cause

He

He

felt he owed this and similar

merit of his own, butbe-

to any

he had feltit to behisduty as a

with the farmers of the country.
believed that if the intercourse

landowner, to

ciate
asso-

(Greatcheering.)
more
was
general

between
Landlords
and tenants, societywould be in a
better state. (Cheers.)One of the necessary
advantages
derived by the formation of the Smithfield Cattle Club,
and other associations of the kind whicii had since been*
for
the opportunity which they gave
was
established,
with the tenants, and others
the landlords co-operating
interested in the better breed of siock,and to revive the
efforts of the people. These meetindustriousand^honest
the linksin society,
ingsalsoafforded themeansof tightening
whicii at this periodcould not be loosened without
'

imminent
danger to the whole community. (Cheers.)
had been
He need scarcely say that the prize which
but he
much
awarded
to him,aftorded him
satisfaction,
siiould not
follow the example of Mr. Hilyard, for,
should he be unfortunately
beaten,he should againand
of
exertions for the advancement
again use his utmost
tiie agricultural
interest.
(Cheers.)He could assure
them that if they thoughthe could in any manner
serve
of the society,
them in promoting the advancement
they
his services. He concluded
might at all times command

by drinkingall their healths.

The noble President
\"ice Presidents.

then gave

the health of the

returned thanks. He
served
obof Richmond
Duke
another sum
to the debt of
tiiatthey had added
gratitudehe owed tiiem. He did not know from what
the oiiier Vice President was absent,but he would
cause
absent from their meetings
them
he would never
assure
calamity. Ever since
except from illness or domestic
of his country, he
liehad not been employed in the army
had felt tlie greatest pleasure in meeting the farmers of
of one county but of every
England; he did not mean
The

county, for he considered them

of
the reprc-sentatives

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

and as such he always felt the

England, (cheers,)
in their company.
(Cheers.)
pleasure
greatest
said he had now
to them
to propose
The President
the health of gentlemenwho had had a very important
with which they had
duty to perform ; as to the ability
it,he believed no one could entertain a doubt
perforaied
begged to propose the Judges,and
on the subject.He
in
thanks to them for the able and impartial
manner
which they performedtheirarduous duties.
said he begged on behalf of
Mr. 'J'nos, Beasley
himself and his co-judges,
them his sincere
to return
in which they had
thanks for the handsome
manner
drank theirhealths. It was a very great satisfaction
to
himself and those with whom
he was
to find
associated,
that they had givensatisfaction. They had pursuedthe
usual course, and had decided to the best of their judgment;
if they had erred,it was
of judgment,
an
error
and they claimed pardon for it. He begged once
more
to thank them, and to propose to them the. health of a
gentlemanwho had always taken a livelyinterestin the
welfare of theirclub ; he begged,with the leave of the
President,to propose " the health of H. Plandley,

Esq.,M.P.
Mr. Handley,
in returing
for the compliment
thanks,
that had justbeen paidhim,beggedto remind them of the
great benefitsthat had been derived by the community
from
the exertions of Professor Coleman, who he was
happy to see present ; they would recollectthat at their
last meeting,he had alluded to the great benefits that
might be expected from the formation of the English
Agricultural
Society; and he sincerely
hoped,that the
turn theirattention
VeterinaryCollege,would seriously
with the same
to the diseases of other animals,
effect
that theyhad to the diseasesof the horse at present,
and
the diseasesof beasts,
sheep,
pigs,were almost unknown,
and,as a natural consequence the remedies were
but
he
didtrust
that
in medithe same
cine,
unknown,
facility
and practice,
would be afforded to these unfortunate
animals as had already
been afforded to the horse
he did hope that the day was
not far distant,
when they
would find the Infant Agricultural
Societyan assistance
to their club.
The Noble President then proposed the health of
the Stewards.

the power

75

to

effecta

great deal of good to this Society,

well as to every
as

(he meant the Smithfield Club^

and to every individual
society,

connected

with

culture.
agri-

They numbered

their members
of
some
among
in the kingdom,and theirfunds were
the firstmen
in the
position
state. With these advantages,and dismost
flourishing
to effectimprovement,what was
there that they
might not do ? The speaker then went on to enumerate
had done, which will be found in
the committee
the report of the cammitee,read at the meeting of the
Societyon Tuesday, and concluded by hopingthat no
would
exist, but that all the societies having
jealousy
for their objects
the advancement
would
of agriculture,
only vie with each other in endeavouring to effectthe
other toasts,the
greatast quantityof good. After some
what

separated.

company

AWARD
The

Judges

OF

THE

JUDGES.

for the

present show were

Barford, Jun., of Foscote, near

Valentine

Messrs.
Towces-

Thomas
William

Beaseley,of Thursington,Leicester;
Trinder, of Wantage, Berks.
They
assembled
on
Thursday, and after consideringthe
printedinstructions delivered to them by the Honorary
the
Secretary,proceededto consider and determine
comparative merits of the animals in each class,and of
those in extra stock,and finally
determined
to make
ter;

and

the

awards
following

"

Class
I.
That the first premium of twenty sovereignsin Class
under
five year* of
or steers of any breed
I.,for oxen
restrictions as to feeding,
be adjudged to
age, without
Mr. H. Chamberlain, of Desford, near
Leicester, for
his four years and eightmonths
old Hereford
ox, bred

"

by himself,and

"

fed

on

grass,

hay, turnips,cabbage,

cake, and bean meal ; travelled to the show by caravan

eight miles, and by canal boat 160 miles.
That a silver medal, as the breeder of the above ox,
be awarded
to Mr. H. Chamberlain.
That

the second

I., as

above,

be

premium

of ten

adjudgedto Mr.

in
sovereigns
T.

Umbers,

Class

of Wapand
ten

for his four years

bred by Mr. F. Heycock, of
Hereford, and fed on grass, hay,
Mr. Umbers, the retiring
returned
thanks.
Steward,
turnips,potatoes,oil cake, and barleyflour;travelled
He said,that he was
about to retire from office,
but he
to the show
nine miles,and by railway
by caravan
that
in
it
he left
was
happy to say,
a more
miles.
flourishingeighty-three
it
in
when
he took office; he was
state than
was
glad
Class
II.
that the mannsr
in which tliey had performed their
That the first premium of thirty
in Class
sovereigns
had giventhem satisfaction,
he begged once more
duties,
of any breed under six years of
II., for oxen
or steers
to thank
them for the manner
in which theyhad drunk
and upwards,that
age, weight ninety stone (of 14 lbs.)
their healths.
shall not have have had cake, corn, meal, seeds, grains,
The noble earl then proposed the health of Honorary
distillers'wash, during twelve months
or
previousto
Secretary,Mr. Humphrey Gibbs, a gentleman to
the 1st August, 1838, be adjudgedto Mr. J. Buckley,
whose talents and perseverance the Society,
in a great
of Normantonhill, near
Loughborough, for his five
owed its present prosperity.
measure,
old Hereford
years and one month
ox, bred by himself,

Gibbs,returned thanks,and begged to say, that

longas they thought his services of any value,they

Mr.

ss

might

command
them.
The noble presidentsaid,he had
them that he was sure
would
meet
it was

"

Success

to the

toast

to propose

Society."
EnglishAgricultural

said they had since their last meeting with the

assistanceof a numerous
and wealthy body, succeeded
in establishing
the Society. The objectof the Society
waste
increase the produce of the hind,so as to place
it within the reach of
every man
; thiswould be effected
by its beingproduced at such a priceas could be well
afforded by
Science
and
every industrious person.
chymistryhad been appliedto our manufactures and
to

? He had now
commerce, and why not to agriculture
the satisfactionto state that the Societywas in such
as
to promise the
progression,

most

beneficial

resultsto the community.

Mr.
he

Guilders,M.P., said,
as

of the committee,
one
tender thcin his thanks for the very warm
in which theyhud responded to the toast
; the

begged

old Hereford
ByfordCourt Farm,

and fed
travelled

to

with their approbation,

Warwick,

months

water
a

He

state of

penbury,near

114

That

be

on

to

ox,

vegetablefood,oil cake, and bean meal ;

the show-yardon
foot one
mile,and by

miles.

silver medal, as the breeder of the above ox,

adjudgedto

Mr. Buckley.
the second premium of fifteensovereignsin Class
quess
II.,as above, be adjudgedto the jNIost Hon. the Marof Tavistock,
for his Lordship's
four years and one
month
old Hereford ox, bred by the Right Hon. the
Earl of Oxford, at Egwood, near
Kington, Hereford,
and fed on
and
grass, hay, turnips,carrots, oil-cake,
That

barley-meal ; travelled

to

the show

by

fifty-six

van

miles.
Class
HI.
That the first premium of fifteen sovereignsin Glass
III.,for oxen or steers of any breed under five years of
age, under ninetystone and above seventy stone weight,
that shall not have had cake, corn, meal, seeds,grains,
to the
or distillers'
wash, during twelvemonths previous

yet

Societyas they were aware was a very young one, not

havingbecome a yearling,and consequently,it has

C. Hillyard.of
to Mr.
for his three years and
eightmonths old North Devon ox, bred by the late Mr.
and fed on turnips,
Talbot,of Guiting,Gloucestershire,

not been able to effect

much, but he could assure them
that young as it
and
'Aas, it had both the. disposition,

and bean-meal
mangel-wurzel,hay,oil-cake,
to the show by boat ninetymiles.

manner

to

Isl of

August, 1838, be adjudged

near
Northampton,
'J'horphinds,

travelled

FARMER'S

THE

76

MAGAZINE.

to the representatives That the second

That a silvermedal be presented
premium of five sovereignsin Class
VIIL, as above, be adjudgedto the Right Hon. Charles
of the late Mr. Talboi,as the breeder of the above ox.
in Class
That the second premium of ten sovereig'ns
Arbuthnot,for histhree twenty-one months old Leicester
of Cashio
bred and fed by himself.
to Mr. G. Smith,
III., as above, be adjudg'ed
wethers,
near
Watford, for his three years anil nme
Bridg-e,
Class IX.
months
old Hereford
Britten,of
ox, bred by Mr, W.
That the firstpremium of ten sovereignsin Class IX,
Woodhouse, Slioldham,near Leominster, and fed on
for long-woolled
fat wether sheep,one
out
year old,withSwedish turnips,
and hay.
oil-cake,
restrictions as to feeding,be adjudged to Mr. H.
Class IV.
f
or
his
of
three
Chamberlain,
Desford, near Leicester,
Leicester wethers, bred and fed by
That the premium of ten sovereig'ns
in Class IV., for
twenty months new
himself on grass, turnips,
steers of any breed under four-and-a-half years
or
cabbages,cake, and peas.
oxen
tions
That the silver medal, as the breeder of the above
stone weight,without restricof age, and under eig'hty
be adjudged to the Right Hon. the
sheep,be awarded to Mr. H. Chamberlain.
as to feeding,
That the second premium of five sovereigns
in Class
near
Earl Spencer, of A.lthorpe,
Northampton, for his
quess
IX, as above, be adjudged to the most hon. the MarLordship'sthree years and four months old Durham
and fed on turnips,
of Tavistock, for his lordship'sthree twenty
mangelsteer, bred by his Lordship,
ship.
wurzel, hay, and oil-cake ; travelled to show on foot months Leicester wethers, bred and fed by his lordfive miles,and by boat ninety-sevenmiles.
That the goldmedal to the breeder of the best pen of
That a silvermedal, as the breeder of the above ox,
be awarded to the Right Hon. the Earl Spencer.
sheep in Class VIII and IX be adjudged
long-woolled
to Mr.
H. Chamberlain, for his three twenty months
Class V.
Leicester wethers,which obtained the firstpremium
new
and the second
The first premium of ten sovereigns
in Class IX.
or
premium of five sovereignsin this class,for oxen
Class X.
steers of any breed, not exceedingfour years and tliree
That the firstpremium of fifteensovereigns
is Class
months of age, under seventy stone weight,that shall
X, for short-woolled fat wethers,one year old,without
or distillers'
not have had cake,corn, meal,seeds,grains,
restrictionsas to feeding, be adjudgedto Mr. S. Grantham,
wash
during twelve months previous to the 1st of
of Stoneham, near
Lewes, for his three twenty
August, 1838,was not awarded, as the judgesdid not
months
South Down
wethers,bred and fed by himself.
consider the animals to possess sufficientmerit.
That a silvermedal,as the breeder of the above sheep,
be awarded
Class
to Mr. S. Grantham.
VI.
That the second premium of five sovereignsin Class
That the firstpremium of fifteensovereignsin Class
X, as above, be adjudged to his Grace the Duke of
VI., for fattened cows or heifersunder five years of age,
old
and spayed heifers,
judged Richmond, for his Grace's three twenty months
be adnot qualified,
free-martins,
South Down
bred and fed by his Grace.
wethers,
W.
to Mr.
Cowper, of

Thorpe-Mandeville,

near

Banbury,for his four

Durham

cow,

bred by

years

and
himself,

and

ten

months

old

fed on cake, barleytravelled to the show

Class

XL

That

the firstpremium often sovereignsin Class XI,

and hay ;
flour,Swedish turnips,
out
for short-woolled fat wether sheep,two years old,withmiles.
by van sixty-nine
restrictionsas to feeding,be adjudged to Mr. S.
That a silvermedal,as the breeder of the above cow,
Grantham, of Stoneham,near Lewes, for his three thirty
be awarded
to Mr, Cowper.
bred and fed by
two months old South Down
wethers,
That the second premium of five sovereignsin Class
himself.
VI., as above, be adjudgedto Mr. W. F. Wratislaw, of
That a silvermedal
as
the breeder of the above sheep,
Rugby, Warwickshire,for his three years and eight be awarded to Mr. S. Grantham, as above.
months old cross Durham
Mr.
W.
bred
frey,
Godheifer,
by
for Class
That the second premium of five sovereigns
of Thorn, Yorkshire,and fed on grass, hay,turnips,
XI, as above, be adjudged to his Grace the Duke of
cabbage, oil cake,and barley flour ; travelled on foot
Richmond, for his three thirty-twomonths old South
and by railwayeighty-three
four miles,
miles.
Dovvn
wethers,bred and fed by his Grace.
,

That the gold medal to the breeder of the best pen of

Class VII.
short-woolled sheep exhibited in the Classes X and XI,
the firstpremium of fifteensovereigns in Class
be adjudgedto Mr.
S. Grantham, for his three twenty
VII.,for fattened cows of five years old and upwards,
months
old wethers,which obtained the firstpremium
be adjudged
free-martins and spayed heifers,
not
qualified,
in Class X.
of Stowe, near
to Mr. I. F. Potterton,
Weedon,
Class
XIL
for hissix years and six months old Durham
bred
cow,
That the firstpremium of ten sovereignsin Class XII,
Henby Captain Eshton, of Chesterton House, near
for pigs of any breed above four months ana under nine
ham, Northumberland, and fed on potatoes, carrots,
months
old,be adjudged to Mr. G. W. Kirklty,for his
bean-meal,
and oil-cake ; travelled to the show by boat
old Bedfordshire pigs,
bred by
three thirty-five
weeks
seventy miles.
Mr. J. Kempson, of Shillington,
Bedfordshire,fed on
That a silver medal, as the breeder of the above cow,
skim-milk and peas.
be awarded
to CaptainEshton,of Chesterwood
House.
That a silvermedal, as the breeder of the above pigs,
That the second premium of five sovereignsin Class
be awarded
to Mr.
J. Kempson.
VII., as above,be adjudged to IMr. I. Ivens,of Eydon,
'J'hatthe second premium of five sovereignsin Class
bred
near
Banbury, for his ten years old Hereford
That

cow,

and cake ;
XII, as above, be adjudgedto Mr. W. Temple,of Hesby himself,and fed on turnips,
barley-meal,
weeks old
ton, Middlesex, for his three thirty-three
travelled to the show by van
eightymiles.
That the gold medal
Buckinghamshirepigs,bred and fed by himself.
to the breeder of the best beast
in any of the above classes be awarded to the representatives
STOCK.
EXTRA
of the late Mr. Talbot,for Mr. Hillyard's
four
That the silver medal, at; the exhibitoT of tlie best
and
months
old
North
Devon
tained
obwhicli
eight
years
ox,
beast in extra stock,be presented to Mr. E. Bouverie,
the firstpremium in Class III.

Class

the first premium of ten sovereigns

in Class
VIIL, for long-woolleJ fat weather sheep,one year old,
that have never
had cake, corn, meal, seeds,or pulse,

be

adjudged to M. I. Painter,of Burley, Rutiamlshire,

for his three twenty months
old Leicester wethers,bred
and fed by himself,
on
grass and vegetablefood only.
That a silvermedal,as the breeder of the above
be awarded to Mr. I. Painter.

Northampton, for his four years

old Hereford ox, bred by IMr. T.
Arden, ofthe Leys, Hereford, and fed on hay,grass,
and barky flour.
Swede
cabbages,
oil-cake,
turnips,
That a silver medal, as the exhibitor of the best longwoolled sheep in extra stock,be ])rpsented
to the most
hon. the Marquess of Exeter, for his Lordship'sfour
old Leicester ewe, bred and fed
years and t iglitmonths
at Burghley-park, Stamford.
by his Lordship,
of Delapreabbey, near
and under two months

VIIL

That

sheep,

'i'hata silvermedal,as the exhibitor of the best short-

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

77

be presented
to his Grace
the pigsexhibited
woolled sheepin extra stock,
They Judges commend
generally
months old
in extra stock.
the Duke of Richmond, for his thirty-four
bred and fed by his Gnice.
South Down
ewe,
The Judgesbeg to notice two pens of sheep of Lord
That a silver medal, as the exhibitor of the best pifr
and the club feel
his

Western,

stock,be presentedto I\lr. G. Chandler, of

Kingston,Surrey,for his thirtyweeks and five days old
and fed on
hred by himself,
meal,water,
Surrey pigr,

in

extra

the

by
obliged
lordship
giving
of inspecting
them.
publican opportunity

and peas.
COMMENDATIONS.

Mr. W. F. Wratislaw's
The Judgeshighly commend
old Hereford ox, exhibited
four years and five months
iu Class I.
Mr. J. T. Senior's four
Thev also highlycommend
in
old Hereford
ox, exhibited
years and nine months
Class

SMITHFIELD
We

CLUB"

I.

tock's
the Most Hon. the Marquess of Tavisold Hereford
hibited
four years and four months
ox, exin Class I.
four years and ten
Mr. R. Rowland's
They commend
old Hereford
months
ox, exhibited in Class I.
four years and ten
Mr. W. Mack's
They commend
old Durham
months
ox, exhibited in Class I.
a very fine Sussex
ox, belongingto
of Norfolk, and which
was
Grace
the Duke
ex.
of over
eluded from Class I. in consequence
age.
ox
a very fine Hereford
ing
belongThey also commend
excluded
from Class I.
to Mr. Walker, which was

They commend

Class I.
1st Prize" Mr. Chamberlain's
206st. 31b.
Gibblet,

over

Class III.

years
Class

1st Prize
Mr.
Hillyard'sox, purchased by Mr.
20st.
Dobbins, 139st. 61b." rough fat,
2nd Prize" ftlr.G. Smith's ox, purchased by Mr.
"

I51st. 21b.
Gibblett,

age.
Mr. H. Chamberlain's
old Hereford
ox, exhibited

II.
Mr.
also highly commend
old Durham
and seven
months

White "
C.

Class VII.
Potterton's ox, purchasedby Moray,
Co.,180st." rough fat,33st.

1st Prize

in Class

They

four
ox, exhibited iu

Mr.

"

Stoke's

Class IX.
2nd Prize"

II.
They commend

five years and one

the Earl Spencer's
month
old Durham
ox, exhibited in Class II.
four years
F. Wratislaw's
Mr. W.
They commend
old Hereford
and ten months
ox, exhibited in Class II.
Hereford
Mr. E. Bouverie's
ox,
They also commend
four years and sixteen days old, exhibited in Class II.
Mr. R. W. Baker's five years and one
old short-horned
ox, exhibited in Class II.
four years and
Mr. R. Rowland's
They commend
eightmonths old Hereford ox, exhibited in Class II.
three years and eight
Earl Spencer's
They commend
exhibited in Class III.
months
old Durham
ox,
Mr. W.J.
Baily'sfour years and six
They commend
old Hereford
months
ox, exhibited in Class III.
four years and
Mr.
R. Rowland's
They commend
excluded
old Hereford
months
was
seven
os, which

They commend

of over-weight.
III. in consequence
four years and four
Mr. R. Rowland's
They commend
excluded Class IV.
old Hereford ox, which was
months
in consequence
of over-weight.
three years and
Mv. T. F. Johnson's
They commend
old short-horned
four months
heifer,exhibited in

C20st. 41b.

1st Prize" Mr. Grantham's

chased by Mr. Gibblet

commend
They highly

Mr. T. Umber's
four years and
Hereford ox, exhibited in extra stock.
four
Mr. W.
F. Wratislaw's
They highlycommend
Devon
months
years and seven
heifer,exhibited in
extra stock.
Mr. M. Sharmen's
three years and
They commend
long-woolledewe, exhibited in extra stock.
old
They commend
Mr. Painter's twenty months
long-woolled
wether,exhibited in extra stock.
Mr. H. Chamberlain's
They commend
twenty months
old new
Leicester wethers,exhibited in extra stock.

i!?'
C|p*'"

q,^'
^|g^[-

of Richmond's
purchasedby Mr. Hancock

^}^*
^}!^"j-

sheop,

-.q'",i,

Class XL
2nd

Prize

of Richmond's

Duke

"

oiu*
sheep,)]/^\'

purchasedby Mr. Hancock

Class
1st Prize

. ",

XIT.

Kirkly'sPig, purchased by

Mr.

"

'

Mr.

Morton, 38st.41b.
Extra

Marquis

Stock.
ri75t. 61b.

Exeter's

of

Sheep, J ipct'oil
'

purchased by Mr. Slater

JoQ^t'oiu*

..

C ISitieib!
of Richmond's
15st. 71b.

Wether,pui chased by Mr.

Duke

cock,
Han-

Rough fat.
-178t. lib,
t 17st. 21b.
Lord Western's Sheep, pur- ) 16st. .'Jlb.
..."S
16st. 71b.
chased by Mr. Allen
/ 15st. 21b.
.

*"

BATH

eleven months

eightmonths

sheep, pur-

2nd Prize" Duke

Class

2st.
2st.
28t.

Class X.

Class

VI.
three years
Mr. J. F. Potterton's
They commend
and six months old Durham
heifer,exhibited in Class VI
Mi. J. Richardson's four years and
They commend
five months
old Durham
heifer, exhibited in Class VI.
The Judges commend,
generally.Class VII.
the Marquess of Exeter's three years
They commend
and twenty months
old Leicester wethers,exhibited in
Class IX.
They commend, generally.Class XII.
of Bedford's
four
the Duke
They highlycommend
old Scotch ox, exhibited in extri
years and five months
stock.

Rouiyh fat.

Marquis of Tavis- r 18st. 61b.

19st. 4lb.
sheep, purchased'

stock's
by Mr. Green

month

purchasedby Mr.

Class II.

highlycommend
eight mouths

ox,

1st Prize" Mr. Buckley's ox, purchased by Mr.

Cowell, 190st." rough fat,25st.
2d Prize" Marquis of Tavistock's ox, purchased by
Mr. Slater,
25st. 41b.
222st. 6!b." rough fat,

His

of

CATTLE.

the names
of the purchasers,so far as we
have been
enabled to obtain them, and shall endeavour
to give
the remainder in our next.

They commend

in consequence
The Judges
four years and

PRIZE

subjointhe weightsof the prizeanimals,with

AND

OF

WEST
FOR

OF

the motion

AGRICULTURE,

of

1st. 6|lb.
2st. 51b.
2st.31b.
2st. 31b.
3st. 2*lb.

CIETY
SO-

ENGLAND

THE

The adjournedNovember
held at Hetling House, on
usual routine business was
The aanual meeting took
On

16st.41b,

2st.01b.

MENT
ENCOURAGE"c.

meeting of this Society was

Monday. Dec. 10.,when the
transacted.

placeon Tuesday.
Capt. Scobell, Sir T. B. Lcth-

bridge,Bart.,V.P., was called on to preside.

that he
The Chairman
taking the chair,
on
observed,

FARMER'S

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Harris, Thomas
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M'Leod, Bentley.
Halford
" Topham

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gc:

Very, W. and G.

..

CoUyer, Wood, and

Hume,

1260
1212

1160
1140

Nicholls

and Co.
Buckley and Co.

1055

1010

Blogg
Clarke, Robert

1006
983
978

M'Cleod
Jenner

925
897

Turner, R
Holt

846

Turner, John

821

....

6121

Manvell

780
768
756
752

5888

Mann,

5251

West
Lock

5039
4700
4685

Church
Mantell
Fenton

4599

Hodd

4058

Ing

3749
3365

Martin

3167
2643

1291

812

Laxton

CO

1291

Collins,J
Clarke, S

3168

Plimmer
Lambert
and Wyatt
Johnson
Gaskell and Co.
Cox, John
and Co.
Williamson
Hill and Rice
Griffiths
Masterman
Sherborne
and Co,
Hodgson " Drane

Fillmer
Ufford

Addison

Page

Maynard

-^

CO

.r/5 i

and Co.
and Fox

e"i "N

1h5!

1431
1338

6610
6552

Stewart,

Lamont,

""

1714
1624
.

Satchell

Hagan

..

1838.

10,

Jones, T.

20290

Crowely
;

AND

Qrs.

Co

(N

SUMED
CON-

Honeyball
Clarke, Charles

Verey

to October

27320
22486

..

"

return.

no

BANFIELD.

MALT
UNDERMENTIONED
OF
LONDON

31278

and Son
18545
and Co.
16921
14028
Coding and Co.
Ramsbottom
" Co. 13012
Courage and Co.. 10723
Mann
10326
Bricheno
8857
and Co
Wood
8506
7551
Coding,Thomas
More
7129

Thorne
Gardner

c/ X

1838

10, 1837
Qrs.

and Co. 107455

90140
Hanbury and Co..
Whitbread
and Co. 45460
Reid and Co
44928
Combe
and Co
43444
and Co
Meux
35065
Calvert and Co.
31529

"

CO
QO
CO
Ci

October

Barclay

hN, "0
CO
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r"

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CO

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r::^ti.\ F-.

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55,422
56,323

OF

THE

BREWERS

Tj" CO

53,8161

VICINITY,

ITS
.

1831
1832
1833
1834
1835
1836
1837

WM.

CO
CO
(N

q3IM
z; o

1828
1829
1830

CI
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m
c^

tf^ O

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CO
!", lo
Cl 1-^
"

1826
1827

40,575
42,150
44,219
46,293
48,593
51.014
50,048
45,662
43,766

CS

41,458
43,419
46,718
50,471
49,485
48,365
46,135
46,726
47,129
47,101
49,187
51,273

1824
1825

39,521

1818
1819
1820
1821

IN

ORDER

1823

38,218
38,436
38,357
38,265
38,401
38,700

1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817

-r*

,^

PER
OF

HOUSE

THE

IN CULTIVATION
BY
RETURNS
COMMONS.

ACRES

OF

NUMBER

HOPS.

lO
ai

79

2500
2435
2428

672
and Co.

650

587
531
514

and Co

Harris, Robert.
Garrett. W

Abbot, E
Collins,W

1884

1991
1919
1911

749
725

501

Pink, A
Griffiths
Clark and Co

Bowden
Wicks
Mattam
Wells
Woodward

2288

Joel

1847

Cooper

1842

(^hadwick

1790
1735

Chapman,
Thompson

485
483

469
456
450
441

407
393
385
380

378
377
370
361
A

348
344

THE

80

FARMER'S

ars,

MAGAZINE.

Qrs.

Qrs.

Qrs.

343

Edwards

203

Cleave,A

89

Potter

340

Lloyd

191

86

Champion

56
56

Greea

338

Norris

51

335

Prosser
Brewer
Newton

86

Rood, I.W
Thurlby
PiT^h

177
167

Chapman
Thorpe
Wood, D
Tubby

84
82

Hett and Co
Stalwood

Shepherd

Lindsey
Springett,R. C.

333

Kay

293
290
266

JacksoB
West

251

Todman

261

153
149

Meeton
Saunders

8l

Hainstock
Braithwaite
Lashmar

81

Greeves

45

136

Godfrey

81

Field and Co

45

135

79
77
74
72
67
67
64

Olley

243

Brace

242

Mulley

114

Woodruff

Root

Ill

219

104

Waigh

103

Batt
Bassan
Carter

58

Steer,G

56

Bell
Ward

215

Birt
Purcell
Sizmur

Stirling

210

Tyler

207

Dubbins

Powditch

115

Ray
Bigbee
Harland.E
Hopkins

119

233

216

50

49
47

Clarke, Henry

Miller
Comber

Carpenter, J. P,
Keep

184

AGRICULTURAL
ESSEX.

99
99
95

58

Knight

43

Woolmer
Bradfield

43
41

Phillips
Smith, S

32

Sansam

32

Keaney

32

Briscoe
Brookes
Price

31

33

32

24

REPORTS.
company

commences

in our neighbouroperations
hood

immediately,which will also materially tend to

increase the want
of labourers,
but wc
would
We have deferred our usual report to a somewhat
rather
from seeing our
well
formation
suffer inconvenience
later periodthan usual,purposelyto gather what inmen
ployed
em-

way

could as to the plantsof wheat in this

than see them on starvation pay
at good wages,
we
from the supply of labour being too great for demand.
observation and inquiry,
we
county, and from our own
A but too successful attempt has latelybeen made ia
in a more
have come
to the conclusion they weie
never
healthyand regularplant than this season
town, to get togetherour labouringclasses by a
; there is still our
considerable breadth to come
body of speculators,
callingthemselves delegatesfrom
Pome
up, but we may draw
has already apAssociation. We have, fortunately,
some
very safe conclusions from what
peared, the Working Men's
been hitherto free from these political
wire-worm and slugare as yet unknown
societies; but,we
to us
find we have now
this season, not having ?een
to have our
one
pieceafFected to any
country labourers noisy
claimants for the people's
is sown
extent
whatever ; an unusual quantity
charter,id est, a share in the
injurious
in our
barley lands had been preproperty of any and every one, who has had the industry
county, and when
pared
with
for that grainit has in many
been sown
toearnit,orthe good fortune to inherit it. We deprecases
cate
wheat.
Tares are unusually forward,and promising.
these noisy and maddening torchlightmeetings,
been sown,
but we have not
allude did,500
to which we
Peas have in some
cases
concentrating,
as the one
and every
ground. Cabbages and turnips or 600 of our labourers by call of playcard,
yet seen
any above
door-workother possible
have continued improvingup to the present time. Outto hear language not calculated
means
which
but
to hear, and
advice,
none
during the last two months has progressed for such men
slaves deluded by it would dare to follow out into pracremember
most
we
never
ploughing so generapidly,
rally
tice.
In our neighbourhood
the hand of charilyis conforward ; lands intended for peas, beans, mangel,
tinually
forward as formerlyin
"c. in many
as
cases
being extended to the industriousin distress,
turnips,
have been raised in many
3s. per week to
of what has been
March ; but barn-work (independent
cases
wages
the increased priceof provisions
meet
done by the machines)unusually backward
fear if
; in some
; and we
make up their minds to serve
these would-be
our
farm-yards,we will say many, not a new stack has been
men
radical masters, they will find it a servitude anything
have known
them
we
touched, whilst in some seasons
but enviable. We
neous
anxiouslywailing the simultaare
by this time half emptied. Three causes
operate to
of Mr.
make
this the case,
wheat and other grain having
Kimberly's Pamphlet, but
first,
appearance
and if wc
would like to see it first,
of it,
sold well previousto our last harvest,the farmer who
give
approve
mas
had any to sell has been betterable to meet his MichaelHaving dispersed
our
our
guineas
guinea afterwards.
than
is
of
another
advertizers
tlie
so
freely
formerly
lately
agricultural
cause
a general
;
among
expenses
and if fortunate enough to have a few left,
opinionamong us, that grain of all kinds will range still discoveries,
in
and
button
them
that
in
the
of
all
must
months
we
summer
spite
higher
spring
up with thisonlyconsolation,
done our
have certainly
we
supply. Reports havingbeen circulatedamong
part in givinga fairtrial
foreign
to them
all,and must now leave others to the possesus
by well-informed men, that not sufficientcorn can
sion
of those golilcn
which
that must be made
should
be found to meet the demand
fortunes,
earlytrial of
an
within
their
of
discoveries
future
their
the next harvest be at all protracted"possiblydisapmay
place
any
pointment
reach. At the same
time we would say, if Mr. Kimberly
follow,as it did in 1831,wheat was then
may
siiould be the means
of discovering
of maa method
nuring
ranging at one time with a crop somethingsimilar to
half the present cost, he will do
about 70s.,and great was
the present year, somewhere
lands,at even
another
advance
of
than
interests
harvest
the
to
to
the anticipations
of scarcityprevious
more
ever
agriculture
;
has done before,and will deserve such a mark
man
one
and how did thingsturn out ? why we kept our wheat
of
of
his
the
will
and
harvest
took
for
and
55s.
not be
gratitudeas Government
eve
nearly all,
country
juston
backward
what we could at one time have made 70s.; at the same
to give. Our cattlefairshave been unusually
should say the latter fairshave improved
time we
offer no advice on the subjectto any of our
high in price,
we
should very probably commit
ten or fifteen per cent, on previous
brethren, as we feelwc
ones, and fear
follow where these priceshave
must
ourselves were wc to do anything of the kind. And the
disappointments
been lacceeded to. Our corn
markets continue remuunusual decrease in the number of our
last cause
nerative,
an
and highlysatisfactory
to the seller. In our
sequence
servants,and the employment given to them (in conthe
itis
have
fair
of
outdoor
of the fineness
season,) in
generallyconsidered we
a
county
average
Month
the men
do not know.
work.
Where
are we
crop of all kinds of corn, and a great part of what has
London
been
for
northern
without
and
sold, bought
supply.
after month may pass
havmg a singleapour
plication
Little or no cloverseed has appeared. Our
from any of them for work, where sometimes
agricultural
formerlywe had hundreds. The Eastern Counties' Rail- show has taken placeto-day. Dec. 15.
"

"

"

THE
WEST

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

forwardness

CUMBERLAND,

I
greatbreadth

; a very

of fallow has

been

?nd draining
is goingon with great spirit
know
direction.
Anxious
the farmer
in every
we
as
seasonable.
wet and unwas
of his landlord,we are
always is to meet the demands
rienced
Shortlyafterwards, however, we expeafraid some
of them are unable to do so, as we witneis
an
atmosphericchange" we had dry,piercing
than the usual number
of sales of stock and crop
more
windi, with severe frosts at night,and those
easterly
We trust
advertised at this earlyperiodot the season.
enabled to secure
who had oats out at the time, were
however, that the farmer's difficultieswill procure him
them in good condition. During the stormy weather
at the hands of his landlord, and that a better
leniency
of grain
considerable quantities
experienced,
previously
him and
will dawn
day and a brighterseason
upon
and we
housed in a very impropercondition,
are
were
riod.
afraid much
of it will be injured. In some
instances, enable him to retrieve the disasters of the present peWe have for some
time been of opinionthat the
for the purpose of drying
stacks have been taken down
farmers of West Cumberland, ploughtheir fallows far
the corn, and put up again in the fields. The
tracted
prohard
lands are now
too shallow ; because
generally
potato harvest has at lengthconcluded,and we
ploughed, and therefore necessarilyrequiredeeper
have not observed that much injury
or bad effects have
port
ploughingin order to give additional strengthand supresulted from the late frosts,which set in before the
The
to the crop.
produce from deep ploughing
had
We have lately
taken up.
latter part of them were
dant.
abunfound
has
been
from
be
much
to
more
experience
some
very favourable weather for puttingin the wheat
In shallow
soils the ploughman need not be
crop, and nearlythe whole of the fallow,potato, and
the
afraid of turning up a little rust oi- clay,because
under favourable
turnipground have been alreadysown
frost in winter will pulveriseand improve the fresh
circumstances.
It is customary to stack the turnips
vancing
soil in a way which will be found very beneficial in adthe ground
in West Cumberland, and by this means
We would earnestly
the fulness of the crop.
is much earlier sown
than where
they are eaten off by
recommend
the deeperploughing of fallows to the consideration
be said
the stock,consequentlythe wheat season
may
convinced
of every farmer, as we are
it will
of a little spring
to have concluded,with the exception
On dry soils deep
be found beneficial in its results.
liable to be
sowing. Spring-sownwheat is much more
ploughing preventsthe effects of drought; and on cold
affected with smut, than that which is sown
in the autumn,
from the surface,and thus
it lets in the water
wet soils,
and this circumstance
ought to convince the
drains the land. Thus deep ploughingacts favourably
partially
farmer that the springis not the natural season
for
wet or
upon fallows in all seasons, whether
wheat.
ing
ought to be cautious in selectAgriculturists
dry,hot or cold,and we know from experiencethat the
their seeds,and particular
care
ought to be taken
result will invariably
Dec. 20.
prove satisfactory.
that the
should be from the
of
last report, the
concluded,and the weather
entirely
At the date

of

our

change

harvest

had not

production

ploughedup,

"

other
an-

kind of soil,
than the one theyare sowing upon.
It has been found by experiencethat wheat sown
in the
best with a rank seed,and we are perspringanswers
suaded
thatchoice ground,ploughedearlyin the winter,
with a judiciousselection of seed,would
well.
answer
GENERAL
AGRICULTURAL
REPORT
The weather is favourable for field operations and the
FOR
DECEMBER.
is
where
the
wheat
has
been
all
not
plough dailygoing
The
sown.
leading of lime, town manure,
fencing,
During the whole of this month the weather was
with littleor
"c., are all gradually
draining
proceeding
much
finer than we
recollect to have
noticed
at the
from the weather.
no interruption
of the year for many seasons
same
deed,
period
past ; inWe
have yet had
variation in the priceof fat
no
it was
its latter end that ice of
not until quite
look for it from the scarstock,though we may fully
city
stance
produced, and even this circumany thickness was
that is approaching,
and the scanty means
the
occurred only in exposed situations. The
farmers have this season
of fattening
stalled cattle,
in
fell in most
of the scarcityof fodder,turnipsand potaparts of England so
consequnce
toes. heavy rains which
saturated the soil that it was
Pork continues to sell from 5s. 3d. to 5s. 6d.per
ficulty
difnot without much
stone.
that the out-door farm operations,
Hay and straw sells readily. Seed hay at 6d.
proceeded
to 8d. per stone ; straw at 4s. to 4s. 6d. per score
of
with usuallyin December, could be successfully
in the grain crop, is stillmuch
laps. The deficiency
carried on.
Plowever, we
are
happy to state that
of
and
the
the
miller
and
flour
-omplained by
farmer,
all exceedingly
well in their place,and sufare
ficiently
they
with
different
merchant,
equal justicecomplain of the very inforward.
qualityof the grain. Some of the samples of
We have received from all parts of Englandmost
wheat and barley,
shown
in the surrounding
markets in
favourable accounts
the appearance of the
respecting
the district are of a most wretched
We
description.
wheat plants. Those which have appeared above
mention
can
instances of uncommon
failure in
some
the quantity
ground look extremelystrong and healthy
of the grain crops.
Two samplesof wheat
; but in
shown in Whitehaven, broughtfrom a part
were
some
parts, in which it was late ere the soilwas cleared
lately
of the country usually
remarkable
of its crops, they are not observable. It is,therefore,
for producing
ample
the sample shown
graincrops ; in one mstance
was
cherished hope that these favourable symptoms
a
from the produce of six acres, the whole of which were
will not, as on some
former occasions,be marred by
sold for lOZ. 3s. ; the other sample was
from the produce
the destructive
or
atmosphericvisitations,
any unforeseen
of four acres, the whole of which only brought the
which last apravages of the wire- worm,
pears
owner
6^ 10s.
Indeed
we
stances
are
acquainted with into be very
seldom seen this year.
With
spect
rein which
the yieldis not a sufficient compensation
to the breadth of land
with wheat,it is
sown
for the seed that producedit. Under
these circumstances,
calculated,by competent judges,that it is by far
it will be
by no means
common,

'

readily

conceived that the season

has been a most
disastrous
for the farmer in West
one
Cumberland, where the
of
wheat
land will not make
him a return of
average
3L 10s. an acre, sellihg
at the rate of 2Ss. per Carlisle
bushel of 13 stone. To the
labourer the
agricultural
winter is likely
to be seriously
ings
oppressive. His earnabout
are
lOs. per week, deductingfor broken days
duringinclement weather,which at the present rate of
our
markets, will afford but a scantv subsistence for
himself and family. The West
Cumberland
farmer,
this year has much to contend with
saw
never
; and we
him usinggreater
neither did we
ever
see the
exertion,
work in the fieldsat this
in a state of

season

greater

more

extensive than in any

years.

It is most

adoptedthe
increased
for the wants

an

To

render

an

soil

is,at

all

periodduringthe last ten

that our farmers have
gratifying

desirable end

of

endeavouringto

grow

of wheat in order to provide

qunntity
of our
increasing
population.
rapidly
account

of

good

cultivation

of the

portant
times, and on all occasions,a most imand pleasing
siderably
task, and it is rendered conmore
so at the
owing tO'
present moment

extended growth of wheat

givingevery personof obtaininga sufficiency
of it toample opportunity
an

meet

his

necessitous wants,

at

moderate
G

price.

FARMER'S

THE

82

MAGAZINE.

afforded a rich treat to all who are

live stock.
On that occasion, the
time, extensive
most
eminent, and, at the same
of foreignwheat will,in the end, be rendered
in England
will discover breeders of beasts residing
for instance.
and the agriculturists
unnecessary,
that their interestswill be materially
protected, Sir Charles Knightly, Sir Charles Burrell, Lord
and the Duke
for
of Richmond
sent
it being well known, and generally
Leicester,
admitted, thatthe
most
which is sent out of this country to ])urchase sale some
splendidanimals,which excited the
money
admiration of all who beheld them.
wheat in foreignclimes is of serious loss,not onlyto
of the Scots
About
900
which
and homebreds
them, but also the nation at large.
have formed part of the above supplies,
have
been
of the time and attention of the agricultural
Much
community have been spent in, and directed to, the received from Norfolk ; 500 Devons, runts, Scots,
holding of the annual cattle shows in most parts of and homebreds, from Suffolk; 320 Scots, runts,
We

view

wheal

the

in

growing of

most

favourable

additional

of
quantities

light,since by

Christmas

portation
it the imconversant

market
with

"

"

circumstance
Devons, and homebreds, from Essex ; 300 runts
the kingdom. It is a most
gratifying
horns
that these extremely useful institutions are rapidly and Devons, from Cambridgeshire
; 3,500 shortfrom
Lincolnshire;2,200 short-horns and
gainingground in publicestimation,and theyafford
from Leicestershire;
runts
1,500 short-horns and
proof,if proofwere necessary, that farmers duly appreciate
from
runts
the efforts which
have been made from time
Northamptonshire;700 Devons, Scots,
wickshire
and Warof Richmond, Earl Spencer,and
runts, and Irish beasts from Bedfordshire
to time by the Duke
from Pembrokeshire; 1,000
runts
as well as
; 100
along listof othernoblemen
gentlemen,lo
from
Herefords from Herefordshire;1,700 Devons
and enhance
the British yeomen
support agriculture
Devonshire ; 130 Scots, by Sea, from Scotland ; 130
in the scale of importance. The
at
stock shown
that of the
all the shows, particularly
runts, and heifers from Sussex ; 60 cows,
most, if not
oxen,
from
from Surrey; 40 runts
Smithfield Club, has provedboth in pointof number
runts, and Devons
The
remainder of the supply of beasts was
and quality,
casions. Kent.
superiorto that on many previousocderived from the immediate
A very erroneous
vicinityof the
impressionhas prevailed chiefly
of
metropolis.
amongst some
persons interested in the cultivation
The quotations
of beef have ranged from 2s. 2d.
the
the soil Cnot breeders of fat stock) respecting
to 5s. 2d.; of mutton,
3s. 4d. to 5s. 4d.; of veal,
tised
pracpecuniaryadvantagesof tliepresent generally
4s. to 5s. ; and of pork, 4s. to 5s. 4d. per 81bs.,to
both beasts and sheep for the
syslem of feeding
sink the offiils.
of exhibition at the various cattle shows
purpose
and COMPARISON
of the SUPmany having intimated to us their opinion that a
A STATEMENT
and PRICES
PLIES
exhibited
great loss,when
compared with the value of stock
of FAT
STOCK,
fed on natural herbage, must
to the owners.
and sold iu Smithfield
Cattle
accrue
on
Market,
led to the conclusion
But, from actual experience,
Monday, December
we
are
25, 1837, and this day,Monday,
December
have
that the very reverse
is the case, as we
24, 1838.
At per Qlbs. to sijikthe offals.
known
of instances
in which the
a
multi})licity
"

prize beasts, and

commended

been

even

by

have
those which
the judges to have

produced,
than beasts

comparatively
speaking,more
of
fed

only

proportionatesize, symmetry, and

quality
solelyon succulent food. It is, we conceive,

the butchers and

their

customers

who

are

the actual

IJec. 25, 1837.

Dec.

s. d.
s. d.
s.
" inferior Beasts 2
4 to 2
2
4..
Second qualitydo
2
6
3
2
0..
Prime largeOxen
3
4
6..
3
3
Prime Scots,"c
8
3
4
3
0..
Coarse " inferior Beasts 2 10
0
3
3
Second qualitydo
32
34.42
Prime coarse
woolled do. 3
8
3 10
4
Prime
Southdown
do. ,40
44.50
Calves ..4
0
6..
4
3
Large coarse
Prime small ditto
4
8
5
0. .4
44.
.3
34
Large Hogs
Neat
small Porkers
.,48
52.
.48

Coarse

4 to 2

10

10

..

stock (as the consumption

losers in purchasingprize
and
not the
of the whole of tljo fat is impossible)
breeders.
of potatoes to the United States,
The exportation
tude
anxious solicicaused much
which, at one
period,
the probablepricewhich theywould
regarding

almost
at, during the winter, has been
whollydiscontinued ; whilst it is understood that
have
the various shipments
not
nerative
provedvery remu-

be

held

24. 1S38.
d.
s. d.

44
8

..

10

52
10

10

10

50

SUPPLIES.

Dec.

Beasts

25, 1837.
603

Dec.

24, 1838.
1,012

to the speculators.
4,939
8,022
Sheep
which has been
15
Calves
16
Notwithstandingthe late season
in Scotland, the progress of ploughing Pigs
70
92
experienced,
and nearly the
and sowing has been
By the above comparison,it appears, that the supply
satisfactory,

whole of the seed wheat has been committed to the

have exhibited
markets
earth. Most of the principal
but limited suppliesof wheat, whilst the trade has

Dec. 25, 1837, embraced

409 Beasts,and
than that
4,083 Sheep less ; 1 Calf,and 22 Pigs more
of Monday, Dec. 24, 1838.

of Monday,

of

from

meat
various
slaughtered
with superior
proved animated, especially
samples, The arrivals
kets,
distant parts, up to Newgate and Leadenhall Marat advanced prices.
been somehave not been so extensive
as has
times
has been, though wet, toIn Ireland,
the weather
lerably
the case
: whilst
theyhave amounted to 200
favourable to farming,and the young wheats
of beef; 2,700 do. of mutton
carcasses
; 4,020 do.
well reported. The value of wheat and oats has
are
7,900 do. of pork,the latter chiefly
quiry. of veal ; and
and a steadyinenhanced, with moderate supplies

The

is
following

statement
retrospective

suppliesand prices of

of the

fat stock exhibited and sold

ot the
Smithfield Cattle Market, in the course
month :
The suppliesof beasts have amounted
to 15,720 ;
of sheep, 135,102; of calves, 1,508; and of pigs,
The
of the former has not, perhaps,
5,237.
quality
been excelled on any precedingoccasion within the
of the oldest man
living
memory
; whilst the Great

of England. Generally
from the West
speaking,
have
been rather inferior,
and disposed
the supplies
of at low prices.

in

"

An epidemic disease prevailsat this time amongst

the cows
and Pontin the neighbourhoodof Hondau
the
Chatrau, in France.
Large swellings
appear on
ing.
feet,to such an extent, as to prevent them from walkThe animals lose their appetites,
and foam greatly
at the mouth.
It is said that there is no account of
any

such

disease in the

works.
veterinary

THE

GARDENING

FARMER'S

OPERATIONS

MAGAZINE.

83

dig,and ridgeoil vacant piecesof ground,turn and

mix dung and compost heaps,
and destroy
mice

FOR

well

JANUARY.

and other vermin.

See
he firstopportunity.

(original.)
for hotbeds without loss of time j
the middle,or towards the end of the month,
and melons.
put up a bed for earlycucumbers
Prepare a bed for early asparagus, and see that
the ilungbe well fermented, and the greatestportion
of the steam
evaporatedbefore planting; select
strong healthyroots of five or six years growth,and
let them be taken
to injurethe
so as
care,
up with
the suffice
fleshv fibres as littleas possible
; cover
of the bed with a few inches of dry sandy earth ;
them with
and cover
placethe roots closely
together,
lightmould to the depth of four or five inches ; give
air in fine weather ; put up a similar bed for potatoes;
about the middle of the month, sow
a slight
on
hotbed, small salad, radishes,lettuce, and horn
carrot; a few pots of mint and tarragon,should be
and
placed in a frame or forcinghouse ; rhubarb
kale may be forced in pits,
sea
or in the open
ground
by coveringwith pots and dung, or leaves ; a few
planting.
earlypeas and beans may be sown in boxes for trans-

that your ice house is filled

J. T.

Preprredung

about

the temperature of the

65", very littleair or water is

Keep
to

pineryat from 60"

required
duringthe

month.
Cleanse and white-wash your vinery; anoint the
vines with a mixture of soft soap and sulphur; see
and
in
that the flues are in good repair,
everything
order to commence
forcingabout the middle or end

NEW
WHEAT.
Sir
THE
VARIETIES
OF
Thos. Gooch, Bart.,speakingof an experiment which
he made
this year, at Benacre
Hall, Suffolk,says
"
The produce from one acre of land (good mixed soil)
of five different sorts of wheat, and the weight of each
sort per coomb, (N. B. four bushels the Suffolk
sure,)
mea"

"

was

follows :

as

"

GoldenDrop, 9 coomb, 1 bush. 2 pecks,per

weighing17 stone 61bs. per coomb.
English Red, 9 coomb, 1 bush. 2 pecks,per
The

weighing 17 stone, 3lbs. per coomb.

Great Red, 9 coomb 2 bush.,|peck
16

stone

per acre,

acre,
acre,

ing
weigh-

lUbs. per coomb.

Whitingtonnew White Wheat, 9coomb, 3 bush.,per

per coomb.
acre, weighing 16 stone Bibs. 8 ounces
Thumb
2 peck, per acre, weighing
Wheat, 9 coomb
lOlbs. per coomb.
16 stone
that the Golden Drop will,
the
It appears to me
on
and the Thumb
whole, produce me the most money,
wheat the least. The Chevalier wheat does not answer
on

land ; the

my

Whitington producesthe

most

straw,

but is ratiiercoarse."

Several highly
INVENTION.
IMPORTANT
successful and satisfactory
experimentshave latelybeen
"

of

made

very

ingeniousinvention,having for its object

of accidents from hoi'isestakingfright,

prevention
rected starting,
of the month ; attend also to the peach house as diThe
or runningaway.
machinery,with but
be appliedto carriages,
above.
cabs, or
trifling
expense, can
of vehicles. Itsmode of operation
ther,
have plentyof air in fine weaLet the greenhouse
any other description

is necessary at this season

; be
exclusion of frost and
mere
is sufficient; remove
decayedleaves and attend

very littlewater

the
sparingof fire-heat,

damp
to

generalneatness;

air and

in

the

room

gun

of the vvheel is fixed a small

follows :
On the nave
a steel spindle,
metal wheel ; in front of the axle runs
is a cylinder,
with small cog attached ; over the spindle
fixed.
this pulleyor check
and
string is afto which
vances,
it is put in action,the spindleadThe moment
"

round

houses, and pitswith

forcing
strawberries,and kidney beaLS.
bery,
Protect tender plaits in the flower garden,shrubFill all spare

is as

plant stove, giveheat,

discretion.

with

water

the

in

tlie

and the cog revolves gradually

gun
metal wheel, which is affixedon the nave, carryingwith
gut,
it reins leading from the horse's head, composed of cat-

with leather.
As the
or
patent cord, covered
the cylinder,which is about an inch in
wheel revolver^,
lawn, with straw mats, fern or tan ; look
diameter,is gatheringup the reins,until the horses are
to alpines,auriculas, carnations, and other tender
broun-ht to a stand still;
when, by lettingloose the
and
in
leaves,
damp,
decayed
remove
plants
pots,
check string,the horses immediately have their heads
and weeds, giveplentyof air by removing the glasses
free. The
securityof the invention may be imagined
and ranunculuses
in fine weather; plantbulbs, anemones,
can
it is stated,that a child inside the carriage
when
flower
and
; if not done in Novenber, rough dig
the most spirited
and at pleasure,
with

and

dryweather

borders in

and

; about

the end of the month

if the weather
thrift-edgings

plantbox,
and dry ; planthardy shrubs and
roll and sweep
walks
and other shrubs.

trees

be mild

; rake

leaves,

may

and

fruit,and

command

on

warm

the third week

MAN

are

decayedor

ed.
taint-

of the
and beans, the beginning
border, and the largersorts about
earth up and protect peas that are

;
ground,also

protect parsleyfor dailyuse.

spinachand parsleyabout the end of the month,
also a portionof lettuce,onions,radishes, and small
salad on a dry warm
border,if the weather be mild
and
dry; take advantageof a dry day to earth up
celery,if it requiresit,and tie up endive ; attend to
vered
comushioora
beds, and see that they are sufficiently
above
Sow

to

amine
protect them from the rain and frost ; excauliflower
plants in frames, and
young
all decayedleaves and weeds, and giveplenty

ai",

when

the

to be

rems

vicious

or

broken,or the
unruly team

overcome.

I may

SWINE."

AND

sorts

all those that

remove

over

and lawns ; force bulbs, roses,

early peas

Sow
month

of

coachman's

of fiuit trees ; apricots

observe,that there is
be pruned about the end of the month ; plant
between
man
with stakes ; look to your onions and
secure
word
is derived from
the hardier

Prune

remove

stop

ease,

supposingthe
powerfulcattle,

weather

will

admit-, trench,

here take occasion to

of constitution
similarity

remarkable

and the sow.

Scrofula,which
of the sow,
the Latin
name
"
These last
and swine.
scrof," is peculiarto man
veral
also subjectto apoplexy : a friend of mine lost seare
by this disease. They are also liable to softening
disease rare, if at all to be met with
a
of the brain
;

in the human
subject.
other brutes, but common
They are also liable to tubercles in the lungs and liver,
cidents
to disease of the heart, to ruptures of blood-vessels,acAnd,
with them.
almost peculiarto mankind
remarkable still,they are subjectto a speciesof
more
madness
quite different from the hydrophobiaof dogs
among

to
other brutes, but bearing an exact resemblance
and
man
between
insanity. This resemblance
ing
swine I notice that Juvenal representsthe Jews as beof.
in part aware
"
is,the Jews),huraana carne,
Nee distare putant (that
Satire, xiv.,line 98.
suillam."

and

human

"Dick's

Diet and

Regimen.
G

84

FARMER'S

TH"
ON
TO

THE

THE

EDITOR

CORN
OF

THE

time
to, at the same
for not allowinghis

LAWS.
FARMER's

MAGAZINE.

MAGAZINE.

as

other

with him,
dealing
very unfairly
to come

corn

the

on

same

terms

agricultural
produce does, into
foreign

market, viz., such

as

butter,cheese, Sec, ice,

our
at

Sir,

The present high price of grain,

which is
fixed duty,which bringsthat produceon equitable
to continue tillthe next
unless some
all parties.
likely
with oi'rs, benefiting
harvest,
terms
alteration in the Corn Laws
takes place,must
in foreign
necesTo the speculator
(who risks his
grain,
call forth numerous
remarks
their existing capitalin such capriciousarticles,
on
saiily
owing to the
it does
into their probableimprovement. fluctuating
state, and enquiries
duties,causinguncertain profits,)
The followingfixed
hut if the duty was
remarks, after havingwell argued all not remunerate
accordingly,
their relative merits,
what
he was
J)e would then know
about,and could
appear best calculated to afford
instead
and security
protection
to the community at large.
then make his calculations on a sound basis,
The first,
and which is the main question,is the
of now
working in the dark.
"

duty;

if that was
now
fixed at 12s. for wheat, (and
proportion,for other grain and pulse) with
ports, the duty to be paid on all,one
month
open
after ship's
House ; the markets
entry at the Custom
would
and the price
always be suppliedwith grain,
would
be nearlystationary
at from 45s. to 50s. for
wheat, (and so in proportionwith other grain,)
it
would then give a remunerating
to the home
profit
and a like advantageto the foreign
tor,
cultivagrowers,
besides considerably
of
improvingthe revenue
the Exchequer. As they now
are, they afford no
to the English
protection
farmer, or encouragement
to the foreign,
in fact the only benefit that does accrue
from tbem, is to the speculator,
and to him after
in

so

all but

badly,for

the risk he embarked

in.

The

protectionwhich the Englishgrower was to

receive
by tliis act, was
always to guarantee
him a profitable
when
pricefor his corn ; but now
he looks forward for the protection
which
he is entitled
to, he finds it is merelynominal, and instead of
for his corn
make
a pricethat will
obtaining
up for
the deficiency
of his crops, sees foreign
corn
come
into the market nearly
duty free,running away with
his

profit.

To

us
a

the foreign
to supply
grower, (who is willing
with corn, and to importit into our ports paying
fixed dutyfor that advantage,)
it givesno security

AGRICULTURAL
EXETER

As present appearances indicate a further rise in

which no doubt willbeat a lOOs. before long,it
their re-assembling,
is thebounden
on
duty of the legislature
their presentsevere
on
to discuss seriously
towards the labouringclasses,
working,particularly
of bread.
whose
uot adequateto the price
are
wages
rangement
final arto some
to come
Parliament ought certainly
corn,

duty,if it were onlyto pr evet

sowing too great a breadth of wheat
in the spring,which they otherwise will do if the
which is
sown,
priceis high ; and with that already
than usual, should the summer
considerablymore
for

farmers

our

fixed

from

last, which
mate,
uncertain cliand then we
indeed be critical,
tant
exorbishall have not onlybread, but meat, at most
prices; if on the contrary we have a favourable
and a plentiful
harvest, then indeed will we
summer,
have justcause
to thank the Almighty for his kind
gislature
which the lein perverting
the crisis,
interposition,
turn

it is

out

as

and

wet

justas likelv as
the periodwill

took

no

as
uncongenial

not

painsto

to

do

in

the

our

remove.

remarks worthy of a
consider the above
placein your valuable magazine,and if they tend to
the present obscurityof our
throw
any lighton
Corn Laws, it will much gratify,
your constant reader
T. J. W.
and subscriber,
If you

Dec.
Surrey,

INTELLIGENCE,

22.

FAIRS,

"c.

FAIR.-Of
fat bullocks already
be called perfect; it
chased and in point of proof,it may
purChristmas market,and brought to a high was
for
of thiscity,
purchased by Mr. Robert Browne
state of proof,with a view to sale for that occasion
rather over
123. per score.
A Buss likewise,from the
;
there has been a most splendid show.
hibitors farm of Mr. John
Among the exGould,of Poltunore,must be spoken
for

our

of those first spoken of, have been

the subjectof generalconof in similar terms ; it was
Messrs.
versation
and Son, England and Son, T. Beedell,G.
and was
and admiration,
purchasedby Messrs.
and J. Lake, Batting,
Chamberlain. "c. "c.
To return, however
to the
Of the
England, at l2s. per score.
G. Turner, J. Gould, Messrs. J. and W. Pidsley, general business of the fair. Apart from these extraorlatter,
dinary
R. Browne, E. Trood, \V. Ley, ":c.,"c.
Messrs.
animals,the show of fat bullocks was not equal
England's were the finebullocks purchasedat tiieTaunthat more
ton
have seen
to what we
at this fair ; u remark
cattle show, besides purchases in this county, and
dence
particularly
appliesto the oxen, which do not give evimade
this morning ; and
the fine stock shown
of that highstate of condition,
that at this season
among
by Mr. T. Beedell,was a cow, that from her superioritythis description
of animals have been wont
to attain.
of breed excitt-d general admiration. This fine animal
And, altlioughfrom data that may be relied on, we can
from the farm of Sir Stafford
was
and it apthe primestthingsat from lis. 6d, to 12s. per
Nortlicote,
peared set down
to be a matter of regret among
tliat score,
the quotationfor those previouslyspoken of
agriculturists
instead of being fattened,
one
so perfect
had not been
be carried higher than from
10s. to lis. per
cannot
kept to breed from. Rlessrs. Manleys' was a superb score.
All the best beef,however, has been sold ; but
of some
half dozen Devons, brought to
show, consisting
for the middle rates there hasnotl)een an equaldemand,
the highest"tate of proof, 'i'hiswas
also the character
and a considerable portionof this remains undisposed

Manley

of those prepared for their customers

of cattle the fair
by Messrs. Lake.
of. With respect to other descriptions
Mr. Batting'sof Newton
St. Cyres, and North-street,
has been of a medium
not an over
certainly
description,
the remarkable fine heifer,fed on tiiefarm of,and
was
largeone, and with but few East country dealers in it.
purchased of Mr. Richard Browne, of Dunscombe, For ploughoxen, as well as steers, however, very high
Crediton,andspoken of elsewhere. Mr. Chamberlain's
priceshave been asked ; indeed, for the former, from
of Stoke Canon, and High-streetwere
also of a most
and the latter,
from 20/. to 28/. the
32/. to 40/. the pair,
from the farm of Mr.
superiordescription. A cow
pair. And these terms being in several instances rigidly
Geo. Turner,of Barton,Exminster, was
and many
insisted upon,
has checked business,
u most
thing*
extraordiaarythin^gf the kind : it issix,goingseven yetirs. consequently
UKewisei
remain unsold. Such poor stock,

FARMEll'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

85

beef in Plymouth
past for producingthe bestChristmas
a
Robert
market.
Mr.
Bickle showed
North Devon
ter
a betinstances, to name
ISIartin heifer of very
A few sheep have been
prime quality and small bone,
rigurethan 6s. per score.
himself
about 56 score, which he intends slaughtering
exhibited,
among- which sliouldbe mentioned three ewes,
Mr. John Weekes, of Bradstone
Barton,
from the farm of Mr, George Turner, these iiaving'in this town.
showed
of the North Devon
five cows
breed, very fiue
drawn
generalattention. They are five years old ; one
bone and good quality,which he sold to the Rev. Dr.
of tliem being estimated as 501bs. the quarter, while the
Rodds
Bailiff,of Trebartha
three are estimated to average
45lbs. per quarter, and
Hall, in the county of
Cornwall.
Mr.
W.
B. Cadlip showed a pen of very
at 6d.
theywere promptlysold to butchers of this city,
Jeffreyalso
prime sheep,sold at 41. each. Mr. Wm.
per lb.
made
Mr. Arthurs
3/. 3s, each,
with fat stock, a pen of do., which
BOSTON
MART
well supplied
was
sold at 6d.
showed
Dartmoor
wether
which
which realizedhighprices; inferior articleswere
a
was
scarce
as
we

has been
in

are

of has fetched strong prices; indeed

disposed

in some
situation,

and in great demand.

of Sutterton,
and fed

A bullock,bred by Mr. Bissill,per lb.,53lbs. per qr.

attracted
ANNUAL
CATTLE
SALE
HOLKHAM
by the Rev. Basil Beridge, of
remembered
of visitors than ever
on
a largernumber
was
Algarkirke,
admired, as were also 2 twin
generally
terest
this occasion,and there appeared to be a growing inoxen, fed by John Rowson, Esq., and bought by Mr.
The
in this exhibition
Hewitsou for 80 guineas. Mr, James Artindale exhibited
agriculturists.
among
noble Earl was
short-horned
a very superior
white cow, bred by
presentat the sale in renovated health,
Mr. Cartwright,and fed by himself,
and with his usual energy and kindness kept up a consind Mr. Thomas,
tinued
of Holbeach Marsh, drew a host of admirers round his
had given him the
conversation
with all who
Leicester was
fine Lincolnshire ox, bred and fed by hi mself. The
Lord
companied
acpleasure of their company.
show was better than has been known
for many
by the gallantveteran, LordLynedoch, who
years
fine sheep carcases
shown in the
past. Some
were
expressed great interest in all the proceedings of
devoted to the scene.
Mr.
the day, which his Lordship
shopsof Mr. Artindale and Mr. Rogers, butchers ; the
former supplied
was
also present,
by Mr. Dawson, of Leverton, and the
Handley, M.P,, another agriculturist,
latter by Mr. Topham, of Keal, and Mr. Cooke, of
together with' the Hon. and Revds. ". S. and Thos,
Bnrgh,
Keppel, Lord Coke, and his brothers,Dennis Gunton,
TAVISTOCK
This fairhas been improving Esq., and Mr. Gunton, Jun. ; Revs. Hogg, Browning,
FAIR."
for several years
and Collyer; Messrs.
Palmer, Gales, Overman, Taylor,
past beyond all expectation,and is
become equal,if not superiorto Exeter for fat cattle,
of the
S. and H. Abbot, and Hill, with very many
and the graziers
from
distant parts of Norfolk and
in the neighbourhood are surprisedthat
principal
yeomen
dealers from the eastern
Suffolk.
Messrs. Sharman,
more
Amongst the dealers were
part of the county, and
from the county of Cornwall, do not attend. Their inson,
terest,Randall, Chase, (ofBungay) Sayer, Burgess, Nicholfaces
however,will soon compel them to turn their atCollison,"c.
Indeed, we recognized
tention,
many
John Gubbins Newton, Esq., of Millaton
that reminded
of the happy by-gone days of the
us
had 20 fatoxen, the best lot he ever
House, Bridestowe,
vigour
sheep-shearing
; while looking on the renewed
produeed in thistown
of the venerable Earl, it appeared as if the all-wise
Mr. Brenaveraging60 score.
well spent,
don, of Timberham, in the parishof Lezant, had two
Creator had renewed
the lease of a life so
of very prime quality,
sold for upwards of 70
oxen
in order that he might be able to fix more
deeply on the
mind of the heir to his name,
guineas. Mr. Tozer, of Coryton, had one cow, the
that love and knowledge
best in the fair,
56 score, and sold for upwards of 34/. :
of the great science he himself has so adorned,ennobled,
also four very prime South Ham
to promote still
and advanced, and thus lead his son
steers,averaging 45
Mr. Rowe, of Lamerton, had 60 cows, 25 of the
score,
his father's
further the interests of a class to whom
lot averaged 40 score ; he has for many
The competition
for
lifehad been so warmly devoted.
past
years
the best lot of
shown
this fair ; also
the cattle was
at
cows
very spirited. Mr. Randall, of Swaftbeautiful Scotch cows,
two
bought from the stock
ham, purchased the best Devon ox for 44/.,and Lord
of J. Knight, Esq., of Symon's Bath, Exmore,
Leicester most
kindly offered to have it conveyed to
these were
sold to Alessrs. Crang and Nickary, and
Swaffham
Mr. Chase, of Bungay, secured
in his van,
will be slaughtered in this town
and
Launceston.
the five beautiful Devon
Beasts, their prices varying
Downs
were
from 30 to 35/. per head.
The two-shear
( These Scotch had the ribbons.) Mr. G, Northey also
showed
some
stock,
very prinae Scotch from the same
bought by Mr. Sayer, which reached from 4/. to four
Mr, Spear,of Dunterton, had two cows
which
were
guineas a-head. The pigs sold as high as 7/.5s., the
of the twenty reaching 5/. 12s. fid, each,
Cuddiford, of Plyvery good,and sold to Mr, James
mouth, average
for 591. Mr, C, has been noted for many
Norwich
Mercury.
years
"

"

REVIEW

OF
DURING

THE

THE

MONTH

During the last month, the supplyof home grown

has been
generallyin the London market
of the yearThis
unusuallysmall for the season
has
circumstance
in any
not
originatedhowever
of deliveryon the part of the farmers in
deficiency
wheat

the

home

equal

to

counties, for
that

of former

we

understand
j'ears at the

it has
same

CORN

been

period.

The bad state of the crop of this article to the north

of the Humber, throughout the whole
of Scotland,
and in many
districts of Ireland,has caused short

OF

TRADE

DECEMBER.

come
seasons
the farmers, which in common
into other channels of
markets,
more
consumption. Hence in London
profitable
abundant
there
has not yet been
an
supjjlyof
wheat
of home
growth, and pricesconsequently
until the average
prices
have graduallyadvanced,
have
tion
again admitted foreignwheat into consump-

from

into the London

low duty of Is. per qr.

Although we
directed the attention of
already,repeatedly,
our
agriculturalreaders,to various defects in the
find ourselves
suppliesgenerallyin all the great markets of consumption, existing system of corn
laws, still we
and consequentlythe demand
the same
for wheat
subject,
againcompelled to resume
in those
has
the crop
been
feel a moral
conviction that some
for we
counties, wherein
remedy
cumstance
be appliedto these
abundant, has been much
evils,not only for
must
increased, and this cirsoon
but also
has directed the deliveries of grain the sake and best interests of agriculture,
at the

have

FARMER'S

THE
tation will be
the

acceptedof, to

its greatestextent,
and that which

importationsalreadymade,

will

be

before the close of the current

made

year,

sufficiently
verify.The consumption of foreign
of
in the United Kingdom during the season
wheat
1838-9, will be at least as large,if not larger than
it has been
for any
season
during the lasthalf
will

therefore the

and

century,

corn

laws

cannot

be

s?

MAGAZINE.

removed, the chain of

of agriculture be once
under itspresentconstitution,must
British society,
to exist,and years of industryand of labour
cease
There is no
would be requisite
to its restoration.
country in the civilized portionof the earth wherein
gether;
cheap provisionsand generalprosperityexist toexist together, for
cannot
The
with each other.
consistent
be paid for his labour and capital

indeed, they

they

not

are

farmer
has
which
must
bread corn
is
in the same
the contrary, had they not
proportion that the manufacturer
state
the calamityof the late unfavourable
paid for articles produced by his industry. It is
existed,
of the weather
would
have been very considerably by comparison only that the intrinsic priceof any
but
these laws is necessary,
increased.
To amend
thing can be ascertained, and to try the value of
wheat
be followed by general
their entire repeal must
by this ordeal in the British Empire, we are
ruin to almost every class of British society.
cultural
Agripersuaded that our priceof 75s. is not higher than
the Polish one
of 40s. is in that kingdom at the
improvement cannot be effected,unless
with
To
meddle
of capital,and during the
incautiously
through the medium
present moment.
the corn
has
laws no minister in this country would
last quarter of a century, an
immense
sum
has any respect for the collection of
who
been embarked
in the culture of Great Britain and
venture
the annual
An inclement
than
season
revenue.
has, and
has been
Ireland. The consequence
more
a
does produce much
suffering,but no
tural
periodically
proportionableincrease in all articles of agriculavert such misfortunes beyond
can
produced in large legalenactments
production. Grain is now
tivation
barren
lands which
granting that degree of encouragement to the culon
previouslywere
quantities
blamed

for the

reached

this

high rates,

year,

on

wastes, and fields in cultivation formerly, now

under an improved system of agriculture,
produce
than
more
one-third
in many instances one-half
they did in the beginning of the present centur3\
These
been effected by a very
great results have

must
fields at home, which
our
attended by the most beneficial

only by

population

the

to

"

"

of
be

of

the increase

of

bad consequences

our

in

home

tually
evenquences
conse-

general. It is
produce that the

deficient crop

can

be

viated,
alle-

and
not
certainlyby the destruction of
tural
imperfectmode of legalprotectionto the agriculing
employed in raisinterest;but, imperfect as it is, should it those who are most productively
luxuries of life. It is
all the necessaries and
tional
be removed
by the repeal of the corn laws, addifor these reasons
that we
againcall the attention of
improvements, both in Great Britain and
class of societythey may
our
time entirelycease.
in Ireland,must
readers, to whatever
at the same
in
find its termination
Nor will the misfortune
belong,to the corn laws, and that we point out to
think would
them
we
certain alterations,which
in the
this partialevil; the capital embarked
time, a beneficial remedy
remain stationary; be a safe,and at the same
cultivation of the soil cannot
be totally to various defects which
undoubtedly do exist in
it must
either be worked, or it must
"

lost:

the
to

latter will be

the

result if the tion

protecbe
drawn.
withthe fatal

agriculturalpursuits should
Do those journalistsreflect on

of
classes
other
society
follow the ruin of those whose
proand
whose
talents
industry have
perty, whose
ibeen employed in agricultural
pursuits? There is
not one
order in British society wliioh would not

consequences
which must

to

the

"

'

their construction, and

now

for

year

or

two

the
be

must
evils of which
in a particular
degree

If they cannot
public revenue.
degree
perfect as to give tlie same
interest as other
of protectionto the agricultural
and manufactures,
laws give to shipping,mining, commerce,
whole on an equality,
then place the
of protection,and agriculture
repealall descriptions
to complain ;
will have
no
particularreason
probably
indeed, the ruin of the fund proprietor
ing
resultcircumstance
will be the only unfavourable

injuriousto
be rendered

the

so

The
facturer
manuseverely suffer by such an event.
not
only would lose a great part of the
future consumption of those articles produced by
of the best interests of
likewise
be
from the abandonment
his capitaland industry,but would
talents of
this great empire, to the industry and
involved in the pecuniarydifficultiesof the landed
other manuand
facturing
foreignnations. At Manchester
proprietorsand of their tenantry. No increase
make
public meetings have
of foreign commerce
could in any way
places, wherein
been
the
been
passed
held, strong resolutions have
good the deficiencyin consumption which
on
decreased
for goods on the part of the
demand
against the impositionof any duty whatever
The
occasion.
sumption
conproduce, but solemn silence is
interest must
foreignagricultural
agricultural
levied here
duties
and
held respectingthe protective
the manufacturers
of goods among
The
mers
farall articles of foreign manufacture.
traders themselves
on
would also graduallyfall away,
until universal suffering
desolate
the land.
consume
would
highly taxed foreign clothing,or
it at all,but the manufacturers
consume
In 1822, when
cannot
the land proprietorsand the land
be permittedto consume
leasers suffered so very severelyfrom
tions
must
foieign provisions
the alterafirst
in the currency,
commercial
at
untaxed, because their interest will be jjromoted
men
mend
the
the contrary, it was
evil ; on
anticipated
no
by this permission. Wc would, however, recomof
still better and easier mode
them
to
a
general opinionamongst them, that, with the fall
in the value
scription,
deof every
themselves, for, to obtain provisionsfor
of land and
of rents
assisting
be
their
nothing,and to compel the producers of them to
prosperity would
proporwill be a more
tionablyincreased
and they continued to labour
pay well for British manufactures,
than their preunder hopes so utterly
effective plan for this purpose even
sent
delusive until the year 1825,
the government of
when
on
and in 1826
of agriculmost
the consequences
unjust demands
tural
the
That
high price of
structive
the United
depression fell on them with the most deKingdom.
bread is at present a great publiccalamity
violence,and generalbankruptcy spread wheaten
doubt, but it must be
to a most
alarmingextent throughout the whole of admits not of the slightest
season
the United Kingdom. British societycan at present
solely,and
attributed to an unfavourable
be best assimilated to a chain, the links of which
laws, for we repeat
to the workings of the corn
not
of
that did these laws not exist,the importation
depend on each other for support. Should the link
,

"

"

88

THE

FARMER'S

foreignwheat could not, under any circumstances,

have been largerthan
it has been, and will continue
be so long as the deficiency
to
la our
own
growth is not made good, for even
merous
alreadyin nuforeign ports, there is a much
greater
quantityof wheat ready for shipment than shipping
be procured for its transport. In all the ports
can
of the Black
Sea, in Constantinople,
and many
other places in the Turkish
empire, the want of
ships is in a most particulardegree complained of,
and the quantityof wheat, of the finest qualitytoo,
"which will eventuallybe received in Great
Britain
from these quarters, will be much
extensive
more
than

is at present generally
expected. Prices there
extremelylow, but the scarcityof shippinghas
caused
freightsto advance to 12s. per quarter.
From
the Adriatic and
from Italy,(Naples excepted)
largesuppliesare also either on their passage,
milar
or
of transport. Siwaiting for the means
observations
tricts
apply likewise to several disin Spain,to Portugaland to France
generally,
are

from

all of

which, before the end of this corn

son,
seaabundant
of excellent
arrival of wheat
qualitywill also take place. The corn laws invite
these importations and
cannot
prohibit them.
Abundant
laws
crops in this country, and the corn
have been the sole means
of renderingthe crops latterly

MAGAZINE.
of

England and throughout the whole

the

same

observations

November

be

may

of

Scotland

made, although in

last the

state of the weather

did not
of the
very favourable anticipations
wheat
next
crop.
As we have already stated, the London
market
of December, supplied
was
not, during the month
from
the home
with that quantityof wheat
ties,
counwhich is usuallythe case
at the
same
period
then

warrant

of the year.

Prices

have

consequentlyimproved n.
previouslyanticipated,

considerablythan was
trade, for
by those best versed in the corn
fine qualities
be noted from
8b. to 10s. per
must
in the middle of
quarter dearer than they were
more

even

November

last, and

be

quoted on

of

wheat

ciency in
the

sold

the

the

same

advance

priceof all
average
market.
in the London

must

also

descriptionsi
This

defi-

the

supply of English wheat has directed

attention of consumers
to foreignsamples,and

the sales of them

have been much
extensive
more
been
than had
previously expected. This large
for foreignwheat
has not solelybeen
demand
casioned
oc-

an

but

by purchasers for the London

tion,
consumpalso because
largequantitieshave been

shipped to several other markets, where the deficiency in the "leliveriesof wheat by the farmers in
the immediate
neighbourhood has created an in-

abundant

the increased poputhan even

creased
lation
from distant quarters. In Liverpool,
demand
caused
required,have, for a iew years now
Bristol,and several other large markets,
low prices,and low prices have rendered the importation
the bad qualityof the present crop of Irish wheat,
of foreign
wheat
unprofitable.Last year
which
for several years past they have
with
a failure in the
wheat crop has unfortunately
curred, been
ocsupplies
very largelysupplied,has rendered
and high pricesare thenatural
from other quarters absolutelynecessary, and the
consequence.
The foreigncorn
trade has become
very profitable advance in priceshas been in several of them even
in consequence
of the improvement of prices,
and
it has been
in London
extensive
than
more
; but
a largerquantity of foreigncorn
be obtained
can
must
the high priceof bread
eventuallylimit the
than shipscan
be procured for its importation. In
consumption of wheat, and may after all furnish
Holland shipments of grain to a considerable extent
in "wheat.
the best remedy for the present deficiency
at present in progress,
are
and from Hamburg
is now
Bread
nearly double in value what it was
alone fifty
thousand
be soon
quarters at least may
of itself cause
last year, and this fact must
nomy
ecoexpected to arrive, should the Elbe remain free
It may
not be unreasonable
amongst its consumers.
from ice for another week
From
two.
or
all the
at
to calculate this saving from waste
ports without the Baltic large arrivals depend on
one-sixth of the annual
consumption, and this at
similar circumstances,aud thus the
in
all events
deficiency
importation from
may be equal to an
our
growth at home will be, at all events, partly abroad of two millions of quarters.
supplied until the spring open the Baltic rivers,
market
has continued
With barleythe London
and the Vistula again fillthe
ports of Kcinigsberg, to be well supplied throughout the month, and
Dantzic, kc, with Polish wheats.
ing
Notwithstandwith
very few exceptions the quality has been
the partial
failure of the
crop in Poland, still good. In pricesa considerable
improvement has
the high pricesto be obtained
here, must
induce
occurred, principallyto be attributed to a large
the land proprietors
there to forward as largely
the high
as
demand
for it for grinding purposes,
they can for shipment,and, towards the end of price of wheat rendering this applicationof it
and
spring
during the ensuing summer,
both profitable
largesupand legitimate. The consumption
plies
will be received from all the
be reduced, and that very
of malt no doubt must
ports within the
Baltic Sea, should
pricescontinue to throw out
considerablytoo, by the present unfortunate state
sufficient inducements
for the operationsof those
of the corn
trade ; but still the new
channel opened
"whose business consists in the
foreign corn trade.
for its consumption
by existing circumstances
Although consumers,
therefore, unfortunatelyin the mealing trade must cause
to
remain
prices
must
time to come,
pay high prices for some
comes
for barleyfor grinding beyet
high until the demand
for wheaten bread stillthere exists not
limited.
any cause
more
for the apprehension at present entertained of the
markets
The
tain
generallythroughout Great Briscarcitybeing still more
feltthan it is
oppressively
have been
inadequatelysupplied with oats.
at the present time, indeed we should rather
think
Ireland for several
has
buted
largely contriyears
that the
in consumption, which
economy
to these supplies; but the circumstances
of
high
pricesuniversally
create, will,before the conclusion
the late crop
the shipments
have as yet caused
of the spring-months,so
influence
materially
made from thence
limited than
to be much
more
the value of wheat, as to render sales
at all events
the
for some
at
same
they have been
years
difficult at the ])resent high
prices. This must
Under the protectionof the
period of the season.
be the case, should the weather
more
particularly
corn
laws, and with Great Britain as a constant
then be favourable to the growing wheat
the growth of oats
in Ireland
is annually
crop. At
consumer,
the close of last
the
ing
lookyear
young wheats were
increasing,and must continue to do so, to
healthyand appeared to come
than
at present be well
a far
away well from
can
greater extent
the ground.
The
winter
seed
had been got very
conceived.
The quantityof oats produced there
into the fields,
favourably
and even
in the north
this season
has been very considerably
largerthan
more

"

;
'

THE

FARMER'S

of the wet
it has as yet been, but in consequence
and unfavourable state of the weather, during the
is extremely various,
the qualityof them
autumn,
and generallyvery few of thera have as yet been
into a condition fit for shipment. As the
brouglit
this defect
however, passes away,
spring season,
will be, in some
degree, remedied, and weekly
the Irish suppliesof oats, in all the
hereafter must
derably
great British markets of consumption, be consiwith
increased.
This article has met
a
ing
existingfor it both for feedready sale, a demand
has
and grinding,and the natural consequence
been
a
corresponding improvement in its value.
The present unfavourable
season
placesthe great
of Ireland in a very promiresources
agricultural
nent
point of view. The cultivators of the soil
there
have
directed the principal part of their
the growth of oats, and
as yet, to
so
attention,
have they prosecuted their labours in
successfully
this department that, notwithstanding the great
injurywhich the last oat crop suffered from the

inclemencyof

the weather, stillno chance

at present
into
exists of foreign oats being admitted
consumption here at anything like a low duty.
and
By proper encouragement,
by due protection
to capital
invested in Irish agriculture,
a few years
now
observations
can
only pass before the same
be appliedto wheat, and
indeed to all other
may
articles

MAGAZINE.

89

CURRENCY

Wheat,

PBR'IMPERIAIj

MEASURE,

PerQr.
Essex " Kent
..red.. 70 74
78
Suffolk " Norfolk
70 7G
,,
Irish
fiO 70
Old, red
78 80
old 36 38

Per

white72

,,

R-VK

Malt,

Irish
Suffolk

"
"

Kingston
Oats,

do....

..

Babf.ev, Grinding .36 38 Malting

40
30
56
62
26

Norfolk
Ware

Vorkshire"

Lincolnsh,feed
black
YoMghall"Cork
27
..

Uuhlin
Clonmel

27
29

Londonderry
Nenry
Oalway
Waterlord, white

29

30
26

76
74
70

do...

..

do,..

Qr.
84
SO

72

84
36

90

42
35
62
64

Chevalier 42
29
Bere...

43

28

Potatoe..30

new

Brown..

56

pale ship 62

28
28
30
30
32

40
30
58
64
31

Cork,white28

29

Westport

29
30
29

Limerick

Sligo.

..

2S
28
28

27

27

Black..

27

28
32
34
40
45
38
42
42
PKAs.tirey
43
44
maple..
White
46
boilers.,
52
54
48
Seed, Rape
32/ 36/.. Irish 25/ per last
English Red Clover,line
64
70 SOspercwt
White
6S
58
74s
J\Iiistard,
Wliite, 12s
22s perbushl.
14s..brown2U
36
Tares.. 32
old 30
60
s per
37.. new
qr.
65
Flouk, Town-made
.60
70. .Suffolk
62 per sk of
Stockton"Norfolkeo
62. .Irish fines"
62
280 lb
64
Superfine.

Scotch Feed

29

28
30

Potatoe
Small.

Beans

"

"

ForeignGrain
Wheat.

a7id Flour in Bond.

68
70

Dantzic

Hamburg

64
20

Barley
Oats
Beans
Peas

68
24
21 feed 14 to

Potatoe ...IS
18
produced in Ireland, for the progress of
25
cultivation of all articles of agricultural
produce
22
26
is most
tion
rapid in that island,and great attenFlour, American
33
jierbrl. 34
is now
in
given to the growth of wheat
be attended
portant
imwhich must
particulai',
by most
COMPARATIVE
OF
PRICES
GRAIN.
terests
and advantageous results to the best inWEEKLY
AVERAGES
AVERAGES
from
the
the
To
of the United Kingdom.
propose
by the Imp. Quarter,
correspoading Gazette
of
sacrifice
agriculturalimprovement in Great
the
from
in the last year, Friday
Gazette, of
in Ireland,where
Britain, and more
particularly
Dec. 22, 1837.
Friday last, Dec. 21,
there is such
wide field for the promotion of
J838.
a
turers,
d.
s.
agricultural
pursuits,to complaints of manufacWheat
4 Wheat
78
which are entirely
groundless, is in every
Barley
2 Barley
36
of the
word
ridiculous. In these
sense
takings
underOats
25
5 Oats
capital is employed at least ten times
Rye
48
8 Rye
greater than that employed in all departments of
Beans
Beans
41
10
would
be
manufactures, and this immense
sum
Peas
43
33 10
9 !Peas
lost ifthese speculators
in this new
nearlyor entirely
be
able
should
to
ever
system of political
economy
ERIAL
AVERAGES.
IMP
accomplish the declared ends which they have

the

.......

view.
The suppliesof beans and peas in the London
market
have
been
during the last month
large,
and the quality
generally has been of a superior
which
has
description.From the same
cause,
mand
improved the value of barley and of oats, the defor pulse has been fullyequal to the supply,
and higher prices have
been
the necessary consequence.
the
of Birmingham
From
town
and
of the inland corn
markets, considerable
many
orders have been executed for the account
of the
who
find them
millers,
a
profitable
substitute,in
The growth of both
many instances,for wheat.
peas and beans, however, last season
was
large,
and the high prices whiih they at present comniand must
all the great markets
naturallycause
in the United Kingdom to be plentifully
supplied
with
them
of this corn
during the remainder
season.
No further observations can
for the present

be made
respectingthe future prospects of
agriculturist.
The
manufacturers
for a
may
time be clamorous,but the ImperialParliament
will not needlessly
the
sacrifice the Revenue, and
interests of the cultivators of the soil,who
only
requirethat extent of protectionin our own
kets
maragainstforeignproduce which manufacturers

jUarley Oat"

Wheat.

'n

Rye

Beau?

Peas.

Weekonding
9th
)6th
23rd

33
34
34

72 11
73 10
73 4
73 1

30th

75
Dee.
7th
14th
7S
A ?gregate.A verage
of the six weeks
which
regulates
t-he duty
74
Duties
payal)lein
Lenden
till Wednesday
next inclusive,
and
at the
Outports till the
arrival of the Mail
of that day from
London
1
Do. OH
graiH from
British possessiens
..

OHt of Kurope.
Foreign Flour, 4s

34
36

23
23
24
24
25
25

38
39
41
42
1 43
5 48

11 40
3 41
0 40
5 40
9 40
8 41

34

24

3 42

4 40

33

10 10 I 10

..

1
8
1
3

Od. per

I96Ibs. British
3jd.per 1961bs.

42 11

2
11
6
10

42
43
44
44
43

43

8
0

0
5

6 6

Possessions, do

the

themselves receive.

SEED

MARKET.
Dec.

The arrivalsof

24.

Cloversecd continue exceeding'

Engrlish

scanty, and the few small lots of red that have

hitherto appeared have been readilytaken off by the
dealers at full prices. Today very littlebusiness was

90

FARMER'S

THE

done,and the value

of both Englishand Foreig'n

ed
remainlastweek. There were
a few orders
but the limits
from the North of England and Ireland,
appearedto be too low to allow of their exeeuiion. White
Clover does not meet with much attention,and eur quotations
only be ragardedas nominal at present. Trefoil
can
of Linseed
quiteas dear. The recent advance in the prices
also
has been firmly supported. Rapeseed was
quiteas high. Canary seed dull,and rather cheaper.
Coriander and Caraway of fine quality the turn
dearer;other kinds of seed unaltered in value.
about the

as

same

red
75
KHglisli,
superfine.

Ci-ovER

90
S3

"

Dutch

"

50

"

FronT:
.:;::;
' ;}
"

^^
p'^'""

"

"

14

Trefoil
^34
Rapeseed, English
Linseed. English sowing.

28
."30 per last.
per qr
49
,,
50
,,
42
22 per cwt.

foreign ^28

."36

"

"

"

"crushing

"

IMediter." Odessa"

47
46
38

"

36
34
large
18
fine
13
18
21
15
18
white
10
22
18
12
new
Swedes
20
21 other sts.28
Tumip Seed, new
Scotch 18
30
54
Rye Grass, English
5s Od to Os Od
Tares, Winter
80
84
Canary, new

Hempseed,

small

Coriander, new
Mustard, brown

Caraway

"

PRICES

14perbualiel
15
36
42

OF

the poorer classes of society.No

placein the priceslastquoted.

Down
Tegs
Half-bred
Hogs
Ewes
and Wethers
Blanket
Wool
Flannel
do
Skin Combing

1.

8.

d.

7.Uo 1

7J

s.

January

d.

s.

1.
s.

1 7* to
18
1 4A
0
8
1 U
1 2"

18
15
Oil
15
14

14
0 7
1
1
12

d.

1
1

d.
8

8j

5|

11
1

5j

"

LIVERPOOL,
Dec.

Scotch,
wool

this week

22.
has

The

"

business done

in Scotch

limited,
owing to the stocks
being extremely light.Prices,
though firm,are still
unvaried as will be seen by our quotations.
been

,,

Per
46

47

extra

Stoneof

White

do.
Laid Crossed
Washed
do.

HOPS.

liaidCheviot,
Washeddo.

Dec. 24.

BOROUGH,

alteration has taken

December

lb.

Laid'Highland Wool,

42

"

trade

"

Baltic

'"""^

""

off,and also of
state of the

generally,however, is sound, and at present no very

gloomy apprehensionsof a falling
off of its briskness are
entertained,
althoughat the present high pricesthe
of a brisk demand
is not so easilyto be demonstrated,
possibility
when it is considered that the high prices
of provisions
lessen the demand
must
for goods among

Per

"

^"

has been experienced

in gettingWool
the near approach of Christmas. The

75 per cwt.

"

^^

American

wliite

MAGAZINE.

White

do.

do.
do
do
do
do
do

241bs.
from

s.

12
(scarce)...14
14
16
....

d.
". (J.
0
6 to 13
0
9
15
6
15
6
0

17

17

22

34

18
24
36

166 bags.
Import this week
For all fine Hops we have a good demand
at rather
Previously this year
17323 do.
higherrates ; the market has againassumed a firm appearance,
is that Hops will realise
and the expectation
Total
174S9
it
after
wpH
is
immediately
more
a
s
Christmas,
money
turday
The business transacted in Foreign Wool since Saof the bulk leftfor sale are so inthe majority
known
ferior,
last was tolerably
and the market has
e
xtensive,
will command
that fineparcels
high rates.
had a very steadytone.
Prices generally have a tendency
PRESENT
PRICES.
full
to improve, and for the sales of this week
." s.
d.
." s.
d.
." s.
realized.Arrived this week 62 bales ; prewere
prices
viously
0 fine 8
East Kent pockets
4 10 0 to 5 12
8
this year 46,771bales. Total 46,833.
5
4
4
0
5
Odo.
7
Bags
7
"

Mid

Kent

pockets
Bags

Weald

of Kent
Sussex

Yearlings
1836 Pockets
OWolds

pockets
do
do

3 15
0
4
3 10

10
2
2
1
1

Bags

and

0
0

"

"

"

"

10

4
4
3
3
210
110

Odo.
0 do.

Odo.

do.
0 do.
Odo.
Odo.

10

3
2

MARKET.

POTATO

WATER-SIDE,

SOUTHWARK

410

"

0"4
0"410

Dec.

24.

week a
liberalsupply of Potatoes to the Water-side
; the wind
being stillfavorable for the arrival of vessels from the
different coasts, has brought a supply into the London
ing
market
amountingto 3,111 tons, of which the followFrom
is a statement
Yorkshire, 828; Scotland,
We

have

again to report during the past

"

627; Devon,
504; Jersey, 455; Wisbech, 33; Kent,
Essex, Suffolk,664 ; being altogether255 tons more
above supply inThe
duces
the receiptsof last week.
the buyers to hang back from purchasing freely,
consequentlythe trade has not been so brisk within the
last few days, and the weather beingmilder operates
againstsales.
than

PRICES

Per

York

Kidneys

Reds
Natives
American
Scotch
Red
Devont
Jersey and Guernsey
Blues
....

ton.

lOOs.
90s.
855.

858.
85s.

"

Per Ton.
Whites
8O9.
Wisbeach
Blaes
80s.
Red
Do.
853.
Kent
90s.
Kidneys
folk
Kent, Essex, and SufWhites
75s. to SSs.

Jersey

..

FOREIGN.
Dec.

24.

The result of the last publicsaleshas been in every

vance
to the sellersof the wool, as the adrespect satisfactory
obtained at the sales which immediatelypreceded
them was established. About 2,000 bales have arrived
in the course
of the week ending to-day from various
parts.

"

Saxony wool, from 4s. 6d. to 5s.4d.;first

Austrian, Bohemian, and other German
wools,3s. 6d.to
4s. 4d, ; second do.,2s. 4d. to 3s. 2d. ; inferior do. in
locks and pieces,2s. to 2s. 6d.; Germanlamb's
do.,2s.
2d. to 3s. 3d. ; Hungarian sheep's do., 2s. 4d. to 3s.
2d.; Leouesa sheep'sdo., 2s. 6d. to3s.2d.; Segovia
do.. Is. lOd. to 3s. 2d. ; Soria do., 2s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. ;
Caceres
do., 2s. 4d. to 3s, 2d. ; Spanishlamb's do.,
and Spanish cross
Is. 8d. to 2s. 8d. ; German
do.,
Electoral

2d. to 3s. 4d. ; Portugalsheep's

do., 2s. 2d. to 3s.
do. lamb's ditto, Is. 6d. to 2s. 8d.; Australian,
fine crossed do., 2s. 2d. to 3s. 7d. ; do. native sheep's
do., Is. 6d. to 2s. 8d. ; Van IDiemen's Land, native
sheep's do.. Is. to 2s. 4d.;and Cape of Good Hope do.,
Is. 4d. to 3s. per lb.
2s.

3d.;

..

..

Wool

which the Home

Consumption Duties have
and Hull,
paid at London, LiverpoolBristol,
duringthe lastweek :
on

been

"

80s.

WOOL.

"WOOI.

MARKETS.

BRITISH.
Dec.

24.

quantityof business transacted during the last

of the difficulty
which
on account
week has been 1"$6,
The

London
Sf3Ln\s\i,

lb.

Australian, do
Other Sorts, do

lb.

Liverpool
Bristol
Hull

lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.

]1];'W]E]LILI^("

designed

MOirSE

/or Farms

ke.

IDT^7EIL]L]IF"("

/rc7n

/rcnv

40Vic100C

4 (?{?uteres.

7C(7lo
BsHmate

Eshmaic

Yroni

lACO

"300

FRONT

FRONT

toiSOO

ELEVATION

ELEVATION

SECOND

SECOND

COAL

FLOOR

WASH

HOUSE

FLOOR

WOOD

HOUS

HOUSE

BACK

BACK

AREA

AREA

~3

17=^

^
KITCHEN

KITCHEN

-tH

SITT

DAIRY

DAiRY

SITTI

I NC

G
PARLOUR

PARLOUR
ROOM

'VV

ROOM

"

CROUN

::t^
C

GROUND

FLOOR

FLOOR

J Dcnald^cn^.
10
I

'

"_i_ij

20
_l

jO
_J

'lO
_l

50
_1

fecit tSSn

THE

FARMERS

MAGAZINE.

FEBRUARY,
No.

Vol.

2."

1839.

II.]

[New

THE

PLATE.

The

subjectof our first plateis a Short-horn Ox, bred by Sir

Bart.,M. P. for Northamptonshire. This animal formed one of a
Smithfield

Market, the whole

Christmas

Series.

of

which

excited

it

beingfullyadmitted that so complete a lot had never

breeder.
It would
time by any single
be waste
at one
in
The painter,
commendation
of the ox
Mr.VV.
question.

C.

universal

been

sent

of words

in

H. Davies

Knightley,

lot sent

the

to

admiration

to

that

us

to

of

market

offer any

Chelsea,and

the engraver, Mr. Beckwith, have done credit to themselves in the execution
of the
of the animal, and as such we
leave
plate. The pictureis a perfect
representation
it to the criticism

We

readers.

our

regret that

THE

SELECTION

tion.

OF

the

On

SEEDS,

ROOTS,

"c.

been

not

enabled

to

8cc.

GRAIN
orerlooked

have

we

his pedigree,
Sec.
respecting
particulars

obtain any

ON

of

contrary,and

this

in

circumstance,

proofthat
we

had

we

would

refer

not
to

the advantages
on
pamphlet entitled, Observations
of an
Experimental Farm,"
published in 1836,
Longman " Co ; wherein will be found the following
It has been objectedby some,
that no
paragraph :
be
could
made
singleestablishment
applicableto
"

"

TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

THE

MARK

LANE

EXPRESS.

"

*'

I shall

Sir,

"

again refer

the

which
objections
of an
practicability

to

against the
you bring forward
experimental farm, before I proceed
observations

the

on

utilityof such

an

for

testingand purifyingour seeds

In advocatingthe
advantagesof

farm,

we

all times

at

are

which

individuals

of the

obstacK

many

such

You

must

with
of

an

scheme;
which

your

however
remarks

havingcommittees

climate, "c.

of
and

for this
that
OLD

we

had

not

are

can

be

suppose

roots.

any

out,

the
fore
be-

properlymatured.
our

the

in different

ing
coincid-

necessity

SERIES.}

of Scotland

; this

in the original susrgestions. It is there stated

connected

line of

branches

in

communication,

every

county,

by
is

of

means

essentially

the
and, indeed,
to
part
success,
necessary
of the scheme;
would here further suggest
and we
forms

that the
local

ground

We

more

an

have

and

numerous

both

of

competent

the

different
be

entrusted

doubt

these
in
the

to
or

dener.
gar-

that many

this
among
might be found,

intelligent class
and
willingto undertake

especially

by

museums

experiencednurseryman
no

as

and

them, should

with

connection

apart for experiment

set

associations,

districts, management

embracing every kind of soil,and

the inadequacyof a single establishment
a
object,that this was
new
idea,
previouslyconsidered the objec-

"c.

variety of soils,climates,

in furtherance lateral

surmounted,

to

the

be completely obviated, by
objectionhowever
may
be termed
the working
what
to
attending
may
tailed
machinery of an Experimental Farm, as fullyde-

gestions that
sug-

ignorant of

that in

regard

appointed

my
establishment

receive

we

be

finish

experimental

an

throw

require to

with

to

may

nor

establishment

not

for the purpose

or

happy

and

to

the details

the

they would be
[AV. 2." VOL.

task,
called
X.

92

FARMER'S

THE

upon
with

to

tbe

and

if

have

been

MAGAZINE.

connected
from one district to another. What we stated
superintend,are so intimately
plants
with regard to the necessity
of selecting,
of their own
profession
subjectmatter
;
purifying,

and classifying
their
which
scientific attainments
the different varieties ot wheat, will
cumscribed
hitherto confined to a comparativelycirequallyapplyto all the tribe of cereal grains. We
observe in reference to our remarks on
sphere,would be brought to bear upon
may however
the rural
of the country,
the probability
and the co-operaof a change of s^ed wheat from,
tion
economy
the continent
^of individuals would be secured, who would
provingbeneficial to England,that we
be every way qualified
have since ascertained
and
both to act as a check
that the varietyof wheat
assistance
tbe parent
called White
has been successfully
matured
an
establishment
to
as
a
Dantzic,
in Kent, for a number
the report of the
of seasons, and has been found
check, by testingand verifying
chief
to answer
It thus appears in accordance
an
curate
acas
assistance,by furnishing
very well.
manager
and
several
of the
with the supposition
scientific statements
contained in our letter of 10th
entrusted to their care.
matters
It will thus appear
our
December, that were
adopted,,
proper means
that we
of these
had not overlooked the necessity
choice of a change of seed grainmight be very
extended.
committees,this circumstance,therefore,requires much
In Lawson's
still
further comment.
that you
We
observe
no
IManual of Agriculture,
rieties
twenty vabelieve that it would
but
of barley are particularized,
be difficultto obtain a person
we
may
with sufficienttalent for the management of such an
observe in relation to those
in Scotland,
grown
there are perhapsno other kinds of grainwhich has
establishment.
We
that you
should form
are
sorrv
so
whether
turists, received less attention from agriculturists,
poor an opinion of the knowledge of agriculand although
racterising
chaadmit that much ignorance as regards the selection of most
we
ears,
prolific
and prejudiceprevailsamongst them, we yet repeat
the different varieties,
or
proving the
that we
ing
of improvement of this grainby maksatisfied with regard to the
are
sufficiently
susceptibility
abilities of our
favourable changes from one district to another.
Scotch agriculturists,
to believe
vated
that many individuals are to be found possessedof
The common
big or rough barley has been cultisufficient knowledge,talent,
in the Highlands
for a lengthenedperiodchiefly
and enterprise,
to
as
of Scotland,
for the sucand on the Lowlands, on exposedinferior
cessful
placebeyond disputetheir capabilities
vation
of such a charge. And
we
lightsoils. The common
superintendence
sorts, however, in cultistill adhere to our
former opinion,that however
the more
on
congenialsoils,are the twoor
long-earedbarley,commonly called the
necessary science may be to the full development rowed
of certain agricultural
Old Scotch.
that strict attenThe common
two-rowed
tion,
or
English
operations,
and latterly
will be found
the Chevalier,Annat
skill, and observation
Dunlop,
quite barley,
sufficient for obtaining
Stains,and Golden or Italian Barley. The Annat
u practical
knowledge of the
different experimentsinstituted. In confirmation of
introduced by Rlr. Gorrie, at Annat
barleywas
this opinion we
would refer to an experiment exemplified
Gardens, (henceits name) and is the produceof
in practiceby Col. Le
two
ears
Couteur, which
picked on the farm of Flawcraig,Carse of
The
drew forth the following
of the Dunlop barley
exclamation from Professor
Gowrie, in 1830.
ears
Le Gasca,
that in one twelvemonth,
are in size and shapesimilar to those of the old Scotch,
Is it possible,
but both straw
and grain are a good deal darker in
obtained the knowledge of
practically
you have
what I have been for five and twenty years studying colour. It is however about a week earlierthan the
for
V "
and therefore may be preferred
common
bolanically
barley,
so,

"

"

'

"

We

will not at present, however, enter more

at
growing on late situations.
Stains barleywas
this discussion,
for you must bear in mind
sent from London
by Lord
that we
of these
proposed at the commencement
Lyndoch, to his land steward, Mr. Stain Dalcrue,
known
in that neighbourthe share which
believed the
Perthshire, and is now
to shew
letters,
hood
we
in
of Scotland,
under the above
and
name.
Highland, and Agricultural
Though superior
Society
the local Agricultural
proving sample to tbe old Scotch,yet it is late in ripening,
have had in imAssociations,
and therefore
the agriculture
of this country, and in order
may prove unsuitable for this climate.
firstintroduced into Stirlinghave attempted
The Golden barleywas
to do this more
to trace
we
effectually,
the progress of agricultural
works, and is
improvement, and give shire by Mr. Smith, of the Deanston
the merit to those who
troducing
have
of incultivated in that neighbourbeen the means
now
hood.
prettyextensively

largeinto

new

and

beneficial ameliorations.

have

also, so far as our limited information

into the present state of our
admit, examined
we

and endeavoured
believe might be

in

preferenceto

economy,

to

pointout

the

We
would
rural

means

the name
Under
of Italian barley,it was
from
the
introduced some
years ago into Ayrshire
Alps of Europe, and hence it is sometimes called
mon
Alpinebarley.The ear is shorter than the com-

pact.
barley,but remarkablyclose, broad, and comThe
grains are also large,plump, and of a
It seems
obtained the attention of the agricultural
community. brightyellowishcolour.
upon the whole
We
tion.
intend
and deservingof cultivado not however
to blink the objections a rather superior
quality,
which
have
1 he two
former of these however, the old
been
brought forward against the
two-rowed
but would
submit
whether
this subject Scotch and the common
Englishbarley,
Institution,
cultivated largelyfor a considerable
have
been
may not be discussed with greater advantage after
have exhausted our observations on seeds and
we
got so mixed together,
period,but they have now

which

adopted for its improvement,

those

which

have

hitherto

"

the

roots,

cultivation

of the

soil,"c., as formerly

shall then be preparedto

contemplated,and we
fullyinto the merits of our ExperimentalFarm,
and
the benefits which might be expected to be
derived from it. In the mean
time we
shall proceed
with the subjectof seeds and roots, in continuation
of our letter of 12tli November
last,and endeavour
to pointout the advantagesthat would result from a
of the different
proper selection and purification
varieties,
and,the benefits which would be derived
enter

from

and frequent
judicious
changeof

seeds and

as

well

as

with

the
distinguish

one

either of them.
culturists may be
pure

and

varieties,that it is difficultto
from the other,or to characterize
However
anxious, therefore,agri- ;

other

to

unmixed, it

obtain any
is

now

of these

almost

varieties

for
impossible

accomplishthis, owing to the neglectof

of allowingthe different sorts to
another.
with one
extent
such an
to
intermingle
This is the more
for farmers of late
to be regretted,
them

to

selection,and

obtain pure and

years have shown a strong desire to
unmixed
sorts, and have, thus been induced to try

:
'

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

93

which in many varieties Lave neither

varieties,
in, we have no
persevered
system was judiciously
of the variety
doubt but that the original
jiroperties
provedcongenialto their soil or climate.
We
have already
alluded to the peculiarity
of
might be preserved,and productivemessof it by
time the
certain districts beingincreased,and at the same
possessedof particular
perties sucli means
profor maturing certain varieties of grain in
qualityand tendencyto earlymaturitymaterially
than that of others,and it must be
improved.
greaterperfection
new

acknowledged,that

our

laiowledgeregardingthis

is still limited and circumscribed, and that

hitherto too little attention has been directed to so
importanta subject. For it must be apparent to
that there are certain districts
every agriculturist,
and maintaining
which are more
for producing
applicable
the qualities
than others, and alof barley
matter

tlioughtliiskind

of

grain is perhaps more

It may indeed be thought by those who have not

their attention to the propagation
rieties,
vaof new
that it would
take a considerable time before
available to the
sort could be made
generally
any new
of proagricultural
community; but the easy facility
pagating
fest
maniand genuine seeds will become
new
from an experimentinstituted by a practical
in East Lothian.
The
of a single
ears
agriculturist
bled
preserved,and the grainsdibplantof wheat were
and the prointo the groundthe same
autumn,
duce
of the second and third seasons
broadcast
sown
in the ordinary
way, and the fourth harvest put him
turned

tible
suscepany other ; yet
know
of one variety,
the old Scotch, havingbeen
we
district for the period of fifty
grown in one
years,
without the seed having ever been cljangedor the
in possessionof nearly40 quarters of sound grain.
deteriorated
the
of
quality
grain sensibly
; and we
would here observe that the Scotch brewers
esteem
variety
By this it will be observed that any new
this variety
for malting,when
they can obtain it would speedilybe made available to the whole
There are other districts,
ever,
howagricultural
community, and that the progress of
pure and unmixed.
void of the qualityof preservation,improvement would be as rapidas the most
sanguine
completely
could desire. We
would not at present,however,
for if barley,
of what
be
matter
no
description,
into this matter, but will in the next
enter
and generalappearance will
place
grown, its form,colour,
direct our attention to the oat.
be so altered even
in one
that its former
season,
In Lawson's Manual
the different
of Agriculture,
Now
character will not be recognisable.
believe
we
and
are
thirty-eight,
barleyto have a similar tendencyto wheat,that is,it varieties of oats enumerated
these have,with i'ew exceptions,
been
is a native of a warmer
clime than our
and
more
or less
own,
cultivated in Scotland, accordingto the estimation
therefore if we
and prewould improve its quality
serve
in which the various sorts are held by agriculturists,
and productiveness,
its purity
i
have
we
must
The PotatJ oat was
discovered growing in a field
of those districtsin England,where
recourse
to some
of potatoes(henceits name) in Cumberland,in 1788.
it is matured in greater perfection
than in this
tion
extensive cultivahas received a more
It is not
enough,however, as we before This variety
country.
in this country than perhaps any other,but
stated in regard
to the changeof seed wheat, that we
cultivated too long in one situation without a
receive our seed barley
from England. Those districts when
in England most
deteriorates.
suitable for a change to the
change of seed, the qualityvery soon
The
different districts of this country, must
first be
Hopetoun oat was discovered by accident some
Sheriff Mungoswells, East
connected
viith either
proved,and every peculiarity
years since, by Mr.
Lothian.
Its
cultivation has
extended
districtcarefully
noted, as also the propertiesof the
rapidly
different grain correctly
ascertained, whether for
throughout the different districts,duringthe last
five or sis years, and is found to be well adaptedfor
before
coming earlyto maturity,or any other quality,
certain soils and situations. These
however are but
be of generalbenefit : for there
the changecan
of a
be a doubt, had tbese circumstances
been
understood, owing to the want
cannot
imperfectly
attended to by those interested to procure
more
generalcommunication
being established throughout
the country; and
elapsebefore
Englishseed grainfor the Scotch farmer,that much
many years must
this knowledgeis accurately
loss and disappointment
mon
would have been avoided.
acquired.The comlater than the
The lateness which
Dun
of English
oat, although somewhat
barley
any variety
of

an

unsuitable

situatien

than

counteracted
by
may possess is in a great measure
of the climate, but should the same
superiority
varietybe broughtto Scotland this circumstance
We
have an instance of
proves fatalto its success.
this in the Chevalier variety,
for however valuable
it may prove to the Englishfarmer, yet its lateness
and slow tendency
it unsuitable for
to ripenrender
To obviate this inconmany districtsin Scotalnd.

veniency
attendingthe Englishvarieties

is a very prolific
sort, and is well adapted
and is perhapsmore
for certain soils and situations,
oured
deserving of cultivation than anv other of the colvarieties.
much
in the higher
It was
grown
districts of the Lothians
and neighbouringdistricts,
Lammermuir
and Pentland Hills,and
as about the
is still cultivated to
certain extent.
The
a
for a few
of this oat, however, when grown
quality
inclines to
districts,
invariably
years in particular
come
degenerateand get mixed, and many of the ears beaffected with smut. Therefore where it was once

former,

of barley,
selection of the most
that variety
which had for a
series of
cultivated,it has now given way to other
in
extensively
years proved to be of a useful description
Scotland. The advantageof this mode of procedure varieties less valuable in themselves, but not so
however
to
IS well
liable to this disease. There
in the experience
of Colonel Le
appears
exemplified
Couteur with wheat. He states that the only chances
used to preserve the
have been no
effectual means
of havingpure sorts, was
of the Dun
from single quality
oat, for had this been the case,
to raise them
and productiveness
do not see but what its quality
grainsor singleears, and that the selections which
we
he made amply rewarded his labour,as the produce might have been as easily
other sorts,
as
preserved

would
choice ears

we

recommend
from among

the

of his

and with

2o

mightperhapsbo

crops was increased from an average of about

25 bushels an acre
to about
34, and since he
raised wheat from
selected
singleears, or carefully
sorts, he has increased his crops to between
40 and
50 bushels
To improve the quality
ever,
howper acre.
of these selected
would recommend
ears, we
to be sown
in some
characterized districtin England
and againreturned to Scotland for seed. If this
or

to

regardto

similar

but
not

come

which

smutty
as

process

however, seldom
to

the

into
inquire

to

blackened

ears,

ibis

of those

the nature

dencies
ten-

certain varieties of

uniformlythrow
up

or

the grain
by subjecting
Farmers
picklingwheat.

remedied

them

ject,
plantsare subaside when
they do

their

oat is another

The Black Tartarian

expectations.
which merits the attenvariety
H

94

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

tion of the farmer.

kind of oat
It Las been cultivated in some
althoughfamed for raisinga particular
a considerable
for producing all the
period,but its for seed,is equallyapplicable
introduction into Scotland Las been comparativelyvarieties in the same
districts
That some
perfection.
recent
better adapted for this purpose than
however
are
enough however has been learnt to prove
;
its productivenessand adaptationto certain soils. others,does not admit of a doubt ; and we have an
We
indeed of the crop of this oat having- instance in the south eastern
are
aware
part of Scotland,
in some
instances produced at the rate or twenty
about Lander
Hall, and Peebleshire,where oats are
hundred weight of excellent meal per imperial
acre.
produced of a superiordescriptionfor seed, and
Like all the other varieties,however, it also
in
dily
speeprove a valuable change to several other districts

parts

of

England for

degeneratesand gets unproductive. The Early

It
Angus oat is nearlyas earlyas the potato oat.
is much

Scotland,
From
remarks it will be observed,
the foregoing
that the different varieties of wheat, barley,and

northward

oats

some

oat

cultivated in the district of Angus, and

in some
parts of the Highlands; also in
in the late
parts of Scotland,but particularly
exposed districts. The Late Angus oat is a well

and
known

and

much
superiorvariety,

in the

parts of

which

late oat.

The

central

cultivated

districts of

it is termed

Scotland, in
oat,

common

or

are

system

cularly and
partisome

much

mixed

in this

rendered more
established
for the

mightbe

different

purifyingtfie

be denied

that

neither

or
qualityof
quantity

and

It will

varieties.

not

of
of grain,whether
variety
never
ripen equally
oats, can
;
supposed to produceeither that

it be

can

that every

some
were
productive,
of selecting
purpose

mixed

wheat, barley,or

common

introduced about
Georgian oat was
thirteen years since by CaptainBarclay,
of Ury,an
the farmers in
to whom
enterprising
agriculturist,

country, and

flour

or

meal, which

pure

descriptionis capable of. This fact

experiments,
by practical
exemplified

unmixed

the northern

counties are much

indebted for many
has been well
ameliorations in their cattle stocks. Through
instituted by Col. Le Conteur
several varieties
on
tained of wheat.
ing
Capt. B.'s exertions,this oat in a t"hort time obBy testingthe diflferentsorts, and selecta
cultivation,but a few
from the most valuable,he has been enabled
ears
very extended
determined that it was
seasons
than
not possessedof the
in the short periodof five years, to raise more
for either the generality
of our
twice
wheat
did
than he formerly
requisitequalities
as much
per acre
soils or climate ; and it was
in
and
when usins: the mixed
sorts
sown
ultimately
common
proved to be
inferior to many of the varieties then in
decidedly
produces
England ; and the sampleswhich he now
Mark
cultivation,
not
at
Lane, are
therebyshowing the degreeof dependence
equalledby any other,
to be placed in any new
of home
whether
or
varietyuntil it has
foreigngrowth; and what is
been rigorously
about
of these wheats yield
subjectedin several districtsto the
remarkable, some
more
test of experiment.The
is another variety twelve per cent, more
fine flour than the common
Rlainsley
is the common
of it,which
oat of the southern
in England. This improvement Col. Le Coutricts runs
disof Scotland, and
is extensivelycultivated
teur ascribes
solelyto the selection of the seed, and
there.
It acquiresits name
from being first raised
also
we
are
sorry that his attention has not been
The
at Blainsley.
troduction
inrecent
directed to the oth*.r sorts of grain,as we believe
Sandy oat is of more
than any of the above enumerated
eties.
varithe like means
would have produceda similar effect
Like
all the others it was
discovered by
with regardto them.
derived from
In speakingof the advantages
accident,and althoughit is well recommended, vet
to be
the proofs are local,and we
cannot
these changes of seed betwixt England and Scotland,
say that it will
is learnt of its
have
made
allusion to Ireland,as our
we
no
prove generallyuseful until more
rience
expeand habits.
nature
and capabilities
of
with regard to the nature
We
however
might enumerate
believe that
that country is limited. We
many other varieties of oats
which
receive the attention of agriculturists
in
the system would
also prove beneficial there,and that
different districts in Scotland, but they are so ill the intercourse
the three countries might
between
assorted and have got so mixed, that it is difficultto
become of mutual advantage.
ever
give them any distinct character. We would howThe Bean and Pea will next merit our attention.
The common
remark, that while the climate of England
Scotch or Horse bean is almost the only
better suited to the growth of wheat and barseems
ley
sort
cultivated in Scotland, althoughthere are many
than Scotland,yet that the latttercountry must
attention is sometimes
rected.
diother varieties to which
be acknowledged to be capableof producing
in
The bean culture howevei, in this country
oats
and of a superior
to the forhas rather retrograded
mer,
than extended ; and in many
greaterperfection
quality

valuable

thereby
showing that
to

kind.

The

the two
"we

oats

moist

system

countries

conceive
from

tliis grain is

more

genial
con-

climate than

that

of

an

any other of the cereal

exchangeof seed between

will in this
a

frequentand

Scotland would

be

reversed,and
change of
judicious

case

prove

very

Englishagriculturists.
We
have alreadyalluded to particular
districtsin
turing
England being more
particularly
adaptedfor mawheat

and

of the

barleyfor
matter

is

Our

than

others,and

to
equallyapplicable

those
necessityof ascertaining
most
fitted for perfectingthe
suitable to the

seed

districts in

the

Scotland,

oat, and renderingit

different soils and situations in England.

knowledge however,

of

soils

nearly altogether.
of many

texture

by cultivation,as

altered

being so

allow

to

dry,
turnip husbanand lateness
uncertainty

greater extension of the potato and

but

advantageous

to the

this view

aside
districts has been thrown
doubt proceeds from the
no

This

it is also

which

owing

to the

attends
generally

in

this crop

this

the case, it would prove a

valuable
tiie four
to those districts where
acquisition
rotation system is followed, as it would be the
years'
of
of extending
the distance between
some
means
Were

climate.

those
sucli

crops
as

of which

turnips and

when
same

this

the

crop

not

the soil gets as

clover, and which
is too

it

were

do

not

sick,
ceed
suc-

closelyrepeatedon the

ground.

different
Tliere is perhaps no
other grain over
the shape
districts and their' suitableness or otherwise for
and colour
of which, the climate,soil,and culture
maturing seed oats for a change to other districtsis has so much influence ^s in the case of the bean : but
but
limited,and we do not hesitate to affirm that we
satisfied were
are
an
early variety procured,
this importantsubject
be properlyunderwill never
stood,
this branch of husbandry would
speedilyextend
until some
is estacentre of communication
blished. itself in those districts in Scotland which
too
are
For it must notbe supposedthat a district,heavy for growing to advantage
potatoesand turthe

THE

nips,and

also

prevent a

too

on

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

those which

close

requireda change to
kind of
of the same
repetition

95

militates not onlyagainst

the profitsof the
but againsthis character for enterprise
agriculturist,

tainly

ject,
Were
attention therefore directed to this suband perseverance, that he should allow the gardener
him in every particular,
and proper means
used to select and test the
so far to outstrip
whether as
different varieties,we have no doubt but that a sort
and
regardsthe cultivation of the soil,or the quality
of the produce. It has been objectedto
might be procured combining earliness and prolific- abundance
would
of great difficulty,the institution of experiments,
that theywill be atthis be a matter
ness
tended
; nor
of appearance in
with great expense ; but if we look to the
for if we look at the great diversity
the samples of common
benefits which would
to agriculturists
beans, we may readilyconclude
accrue
and
that this is more
owing to a mixture of varieties, the community at large,from having every subject
with agricultureproperly defined and
That such a mixture exists, connected
than to any other cause.
crop.

tield of

understood,

may safelyrelyon being speedilv"

for any expense
or outlayincurred ; and
it is a matter
infinite diversity
of littleconsequence
in the colour of the flowers ;
an
whether we attain
and althoughthis
the objectby direct or indirect means.
cede
may not and does not always preIn directingattention in the next
diflerent colour or form in the seed, 3-etit
a
place to the
that we are enteringupon a
doubtless constitutes a variety,and therefore the
Potato, we
are
aware
seeds are more
subjectthat has of late years been often broughtbefore
likelyto vary than if the flowers were
all the same.
than a bean crop is
the public.In Lawson's Agricultural
It is vs-ell known
Manual, there
excellent preparativefor either wheat
an
or
barley, are upwards of one hundred and fiftyvarieties of
the potato enumerated, and experience has proved
accordingto the nature of the soil ; but it is more particularly
valuable
for the former on those strong clay that these different sorts are possessedof peculiarbabits, such as earlymaturity,"c.,and that some
soils,where the potato and turniphusbandrycannot
sorts
better adapted for certain districtsand descripbe prosecutedsuccessfully.
It would
therefore
are
tions
be a matter
of soils than others.
of the greatest importanceto the agriIt must
therefore be obvious,
cultural
that to obtain a knowledge of the various
community, to have the different varieties
habits and tendencies of the several varieties,
tested,and a selection made suitable to the soils of
and
the different districts.
their adaptationfor particular
districts with various
To obtain such a desirable end it will no doubt be
soils and variable climate, is beyond the power
of
field of experiment,where
individual exertion.
The want
to have
of unityand the insome
necessary
the minutiae
selections could
of detached proceedings,
indeed exemefficacy
was
attending these
plified
be preserved,independentof the whim
and cain the failures which recentlytook placein
price
of individual interference; but when
almost every district in Scotland
this is
in the potato
crop.
We
that many
are
aware
accomplished,it will also be necessary to have a
ingenioustheories were
forward
of
of
seed
for
several
we
matured,
exchange
individuals,
by
to the
regular
brought
as
system
of these failures,but none
consider this to be more
to the successof th"m appeared
ful
cause
necessary
cultivation of the bean, than perhaps any other
the remedy ; and into agree, either in the cause
deed,
or
the most
of their reasoning
sort of grain. The
has been comchaas:e of seed from England alpletely
and more
overthrown by subsequent experience. We
so the first season
ways proves beneficial,
than afterwards;but unless the change is persevered however do not hesitate to say, thnt had it not been
and
for the extremelydry state of the ground,both at the
in, the varietywill speedilydegenerate,
prove
than those sorts which may be said more
worse
perly periodof plantingand afterwards, in those three
prowhen
successive seasons
the disease was most
to belongto Scotland.
valent,
preThat much
that it would never
have appeared. Be this
might be accomplishedby such means
have only to turn in proofof what we
however
have no hesitation in afiSrming
we
as it may,
we
say, to the

any person may perceiveby examininga

beans in full flower, when
they will be seen

to present

vce

remunerated

which
has been made
progress
the improvement of the (ea, a

that there are

certain districtsin Scotland that have
by horticulturists in
been proofagainstthis disease,
and which
seem
varietyof which with
sessed
posof some
inherent
suitable properties
for field culture,the agriculturist
qualityfor preservingthe
is as deficient of as
bean.
The
in that of the
property of the potato, and are thereby rendered
early Charlton is the oldest, most
extensively valuable for producing superiorseed. The district
and best known
allude is situated along the highestculto which we
tivated
cultivated,
varietyof white pea, and
is said by some
the most
to be the originfrom which
pointson the north side of the Cleish Hills,
esteemed early garden varieties have
in Kinrosshire, and in those seasons
when
arisen, and
the taint
that they are nothing else than Charlton
the destuction of almost every
field in
siderably threatened
peas conmodified in character,from the effects of
many parts of the country, this district completely
selection,"c.
cultivation,
Although this idea may
escapedthe ravages of the disease. jVot only so, but
seem
far-fetched,
bable, what was more remarkable and merits the attention of
improyet it does not at all seem
take into consideration
the seed which was procuredfrom
we
especiallywhen
every agriculturist,
the susceptibility
cultivation
and
of change, from
this district,
not liable to the taint ; for not only
was

other causes, which the pea is ascertained to possess.

Ihus the early
ever,
Charlton, or any other varietywhat-

ourselves

if sown
for several years,
only the very
earliestand very latest plantsselected for seed each

while

and

tween
beseason, the difference in the time of ripening
the two will ultimately
become
so great as to
of two
distinct varieties ;
give them the appearance
and

from

but

all those who

it,had

not

received

their seed

tatoes
potheir crops,
all more
or less

singlefailure in

of the fields around were

most
another
affected. We may
refer to a report from
also to have been
part of the country, which seems
"
At Leadhills, in Lanarkshire,
proofagainstthis disease.
land,
the highest inhabited
district in Scot-

by sowing the earlier portion on light early

to
some
extent,
and,
potatoes are
grown
soils,and the latter on
soils, strange to say, no taint has ever
appearedthere ;
strong black or carse
the diff"erencewill become materially increased.
It
in consequence
of this, the crop is now
gettingin
is therefore probablethat the
for seed, and has been sent for this
Early Frame may have
great demand
originatedin the Charlton,althoughthey differ esfar as
sentiallypurpose
as
Kelso, and also to Glasgow,a
in their habit of
Such facts are of importance
miles."
growth. VVe thus perceive distance of forty-four
when
attention isjudiciously
vantages
directed to any object,
to the agricultural
community,for the adhow easy is the march of
to be derived from procuringseed potatoes
improvement; but it cer-

96

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

from similar situations,

cies,
The land now
of similar tendenalluded to is chiefly
possessed
composed
understood.
is neither
of various depths,or of uncertain depthof vegetable
nor
generallyknown
soil of the superstratum or surface,which is incumHad an experimentalestablishment, however, been
bent
in operation,those
of tenacious clay,
situations would have been asa subsoil
certained
on
tentive
reexceedingly
and marked for future investigation,
of water, and rendered dry chiefly
which
by evaporation.
had escaped the first year'sravages of the disease,
Gravellyand sandysoils,with ribs or beds
have
been
and by the second
of cla)'
these would
tions,
season
intersectingin various and uncertain direcof no value without
pute
are
confirmed,and this would have placedbeyond disdrainingin a humid
the character of certain
districts. But even
atmosphere like ours, and they set at defiance the

doms.

not
sideration
again subjected best systems of farming. It becomes, then, a concrop was
trial as these three seasons
of the first importance to the landlord and
afforded,
be a doubt
that even
in ordinary farmer, as well as the public,to devise means
stillthere cannot
by
the early
the advantages which
which such land can be brought into profitable
vation
cultiseasons
dry lands
these
would
and to make
at a moderate
derive,from a change of seed from those
expense,
known
situations will be found always to be considerable, means
as
as
possible. Plugextensively

supposingthe potato

to

such

severe

though perhaps, unless

\Ve

so.

by comparison, conspicuously
draining
may

only alluded

have

to

these

two

and

as showing
districts,

be relied upon
to effect this purpose,
in compariin amount,
so trifling
son
expense
with the advantagesto be derived
from its use,
at

an

what
may be done in this way,
will induce
if known,
doubt there are others which
as
every landlord who may possess lands
of the dascription
would
beneficial for a change; and
in question,
to apply a portionof
prove equally
think
there is nothing which
we
more
strongly his rents
annuallyto this purpose. The farmer,
under a rack-rent in the present depressedstate of
proves the necessityand advantagesof an institution
been
have
of the nature
if he has the
be expected,even
we
cannot
advocating,than those
agriculture,
have brought forward.
in making permanent
circumstances which we
For
to expend his capital
means,
it will be found that many of those diseases to which
improvementson another man's estate.
Draining
produce is sometimes subject,proceed should be done at the landlord's expense, beginningagricultural
often from some
first with the arable land, and proceeding to the
cause,
perhaps in itself,but
trifling
in its consequences,
is completed.
until the whole
rendered
estate
pasture-land,
highlydestructive
from our having no data to guideus in our operations, Should
the landlord require a word of comfort or
into the
him to begin this
nor
encouragement to prevail upon
any publicinstitution to test and inquire
stances
inwhich from time to time affect our
different causes
him, that in numerous
experiment,I can assure
Our knowledge,indeed, will
within my own
vegetable economy.
knowledge, where the tenant
continue to be limited and circumscribed, and prea
judice has had his rent reduced, and has been soliciting
allowed to reigntriumphant,until
and error
farther reduction, the landlord has been advised to
interest bind themselves
the agricultural
together put a value upon bis estate accordingwith the times;
of reducingthose crude and ill- and any farther reduction that may be found
for the purpose
sary,
necesthe
the amount
thereof is employed in paying the
digested theories to practice,and simplifying
different processes which
which
the landlord expends in
interest of the capital
are
necessary to the full
drainingthe land of the estate ; and the results have
tion.
operadevelopmentof the most simpleagricultural
A Scotch
Farmer.
been greatly
to the satisfactionand advantageof both
landlord and tenant.
To
be
continued,^
(
It is usual to see good crops of corn,
or the superior
the tops of the ridgesupon
on
growing
grasses,
denuded
this speciesof soil,and the furrows entirely
of every kind of vegetation,
except surface-weeds
furrow-drained, and
and couch-grassj but, when

but have

ON

no

PLUG
W.

By

CLAY

OR

less reduced, the

or
heightof the ridgesmore
If
and grasses are found in the furrows.
best corn
rows,
made
of the crops lost in the fura calculation were
it would be found tliat the increased quantity
than
of the crops would more
and improvedquality

DRA.INING.

S. Evans, Esq., of Selkirk

cueltenjiam.

the

House,

(From the QuarterlyJournal of Agriculture.)

of drainingin two years,

repay the whole expense
tion
and leave the land in a permanent state of amelioraand improvedvalue.

lands subject
to springs
advantagesof draining
It is not sufficient to describe superficially
ably described by Elkany
works
on
agriculture
plan or practicein husbandry which is introduced
;
who, generally
to instruct
a class of men
acquainted with these descripbut, as far as I am
speaking,
tions,
vestigate
confined to the best means
to fit them
to inof
have not had leisure and the means
they are chiefly
vantages
the advantagesand disadfested
and
drainingpeaty and boggy soils,and such as are inappreciate
scription.
with deep-seatedor more
of any new
superficial
practice,
springs.
by a mere generaldeThe

is well known, and has been

ington and others in various

But

there
as

is

of
description

composing

of this country, which

denominations,
as
neglected,

comes

which

and

the

means

land of great importance

the soils
under
neither of these

largeportionof

very

has

been

almost

wholly

hitherto recommended

for

been either so expensive on

its improvement have
the on"
hand, or inefficient in their effects on the
other, as to precludeany advantagesfrom their use.
This land is capable of yielding
remunerating returns
when judiciously
drained and under
a
good

system of management
culture,this kind
of the

of the
capital

ful
or skildraining
; but without
of soil is the most
destructive

farmer of any land in these

It must

plainestand
too
comes

than
have

be

clearest

placedbefore

manner,

because

them

in

farmers

the
are

that
the first obstacle
to abandon, upon
prone
in their way, the greatest
advantages,rather

by

perseverance

to

overcome

difficulties. I

of
given sketches,and a description
the different implements which are used in completing
I shall
models of which
this process
of draining,
of
have the pleasureto transmit for the inspection
nient
the Highland Societyof Scotland on the first conveopportunity. These implements will be found
if properly
to perform their work
most
efficiently
therefore

king- applied.

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

97

Fig.1.

Fi?. 2.

Fig.2. ia a

iron ; a the width of

is the bit or grafting
length of cut 6
If inch ; b the side-bit,
inches; c the width of the back of the side -bit,
be of the
worked out of the main-bit,which must
best temperedsteel,4^ inches; d the lengthof the
main-bit from the step to the bottom, 1 foot 6 inches ;
the treading
e
step ; and / the handle, which is
of a common
about the length
spadehandle.

Fig.1.

section of

main

drain,2 feet deep, filledup

again; o is the water-way left
open, 8j inches high; p is the
rammed
clay above the suter

the bottom

plug,9 inches deep; and

with the
q is the returned turf,

or

grassy side uppermost

thick.

6^ inches

Fig.3.

is the main drain suter or plug; g the

the line to make the firstcut, until the workmen
use
ing
the bottom.If inch ; h the width at the top, become
expert both with the eye and hand in finish4 inches;i the length of the plug, 8^ inches; k
the work.
The turf 12 inches wide and
6^
shows the lengthof the suter, which
with the common
be removed
inches deep must
may be divided
into any number
of pieces,
spade,and when
cut, should be placedupon the
say three or four,which
connected
are
with one
another by iron links on
rightside of the drain, with the grass uppermost.
both sides,
The cut in the clayis made with the grafting
so
as to allow the suter
to turn a curve,
ment,
impleskill and nicety
r 7- the iron links which
to
some
fig.1 ; and it requires
jointhe piecesIII; m the
chain which connects
the foremost
the second cut properly.The firstcut being
remove
piece with the
lever 7i. A furrow-drain suter or plug is mado If
12 inches wide, the second should be cut at such an
inch wide at the bottom, 3.^inches wide at the top, angledown the side of the drain as will lerve the
and 6 inches in length. This will form a drain,the
width of the
of the second cut the exact
bottom
openingof which will be of the above dimensions.
fig.1, at 9 inches in
tongue b of the bitting-iron
Before commencing the operation
of draining,
then completesthe cuttings,
the
depth.The bitting-iron
field to be drained should be
examined, to
by takingout the last cut 9 inches deep,and which
carefully
ascertain the
will,on the whole, leave the opening12 inches wide
proper fall; this may, in most cases,
be easily
discovered by the eye, but when there is at top, 2 feet deep,and If inches wide at bottom,
any doubt,the spirit-level,
which
as
or any other with
fig.2. The earth from the two last cuttings
the parties
should be placedon the left side of the drain, that
are most
to.
familiar,
may be had recourse
Should the field be in
ling
from the last cuttingbeing uppermost, which, in filposed
ridges,and the subsoil comof stifftenacious
in the drain,will come
to the hand to be
clay,every furrow must be
readily
drained,to make the drainingperfectly
first returned back.
Any loose soil that remains at
satisfactory,
at the bottom of the fall,and
begiuning
and completely
proceeding the bottom of the drain should be carefully
throughthe whole lengthof the furrow, and taking
removed
by a scoop spade,so as to leave the
drain perfectly
clean before
the suter
every precautionto carry the drain as straight
the
or
plug is
as
land will admit of,as curves
laid in.
or bends in drains tend
to obstruct the free
Having proceededthus far in the work, the plug,
passage of water, and to form
accumulations
of earth
edge in the
at every angle. Where
3, should be placedwith its narrow
fig.
bends are unavoidable,
if the drain has
of the drain, and which
the suter
bottom
is
width

at

or

constructed,that,with
Itself to

any curve
where there is no

that
acute

3,
so
plug,fig.
adapt

it will
littleattention,
may

be

necessary,

It is
anp-'les.

and

advisable

to

will,
mences
comproperlyformed, exactly fit it. Now
the most
important part of the process,
which is the well ramming in of that portion
of the

been

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

had the pleasureof hearingfrom that gentleman,

of his having put our
cessfully
plan of operationssucestate.
his own
It is now
to the test
on
therefore within the reach of any of his countrymen,
who may choose to applyfor farther information on

have

the

in
subject

that quarter.

99

v/hich has accelerated the progress much

beyond
what might have been
expected during a great
in
number
of years, and has interj)osed
era
a new
the
history and application.The invention of
printing greatly facilitated every improvement ;
the discovery of the magnetic needle has brought
the most
distant nations into a regularsystem of
has
shortened
maritime
intercourse
distances,
remote
civilization into the most
and introduced
of the globe; while the invention of guncorners
powder
troduced
completely overturned the art of war, inthe
a new
system of tactics, rendered
be
less bloody, and
to
brought success
process
of calculation.
In our
more
day
nearly a matter
"

ON

THE

CULTIVATION

OF

TURNIPS.

(original.)
The

turnipbelongs to

class and order,

and

nseus,

the

to

the

Brassica,"of

"

genus

of
Siliquosa"
Tetradynaniia

"

order

"

Cruciforma;"

Lin-

of the

tural
na-

We
vated
have several cultisystem of Jussieu.
varieties,produced by cultivation, climate,
and by sexual
connection, and, with very little
of producmode
variation,admittingof the same
tion.
It

is generallyagreed that
originallyintroduced into Norfolk

by

Lord

Townshend,

ambassador

our

at

the

immortal

benetits

allowed

the

Hague

from

and

on

and

this circumstance,

are

bestowed

with

plunderersof countries, and

a
on

lavish hand on
the butchers

priesthoodhas
species; a lazy overgrown
gulledand duped the people ; lawyers
cheat and
deceive them
actors, mimics, and
; and
buffoons
for holding i^p to
are
amply rewarded
for
them
of their own
vices and
a mirror
follies,
laughingat them in their face,and for fleecing
for corruptingtheir morals,
them of their money;
and debauching their imaginations. But the man
the patriot,
of liberal ideas, the jjhilosopher,
or
who
devotes
his talents in tryingto
his time and
in
instruct and improve mankind, is passed over

of

constitutes

crops

our

in

art

much

so

though

retarded

have

the

to

real

some

an

in

era

cultivation

of

history of

the

less important, or less valuable

splendid discoveries which have

of the

any

added

rewards

the

of human

than

the introduction

effects

developed, and
employment. The introduction and
agriculture,not

when

in the sordue share of estimation

did
Mankind
calculations of the human
race.
been deceived
have ever
by the illusive glare of
useless qualitiespomp
and
pageantry, honours

are

of

science and
of civilized life, and
comforts
behold a most
steam
we
power

green

Holland

it there

seen

turnip was

of the potato
lable
Raleigh, has conferred incalcumankind, but which very seldom

joined with
by

had

who

the

produced by a
adding to the
in the application
of
ment
stupendous monuingenuity,probably not yet half
extensive
more
capable of much
mighty

the

have seen
combination
we

or

of
"

the

progress

arts, and

other

supposed" causes
and

extensive

more

cultivation,

value

rather

easilypracticable

hitherto made

has

doubled
our
agriculturalproduce, has afforded a
better and more
regularsupply of food, and has
added
to the
general comforts of every class of
society. An extended cultivation of green crops
discoveries would
joined with our other modern
produce ; and
nearlyagain double our agricultural
all restrictions
the day is fast approaching when

in all ages

and

fetters

of the

imposed by ignorance, prejudice,and

must

power,
and our

of intellect,
before the march
and allow the cultivation
proceed with other arts, and to

snap

wants,

common

earth

to

of improvetake advantage of every known

means
ment
to
quisites
supply the primary and indispensablereof life. Self-interest and individual gratification
to the

ultimatelygive way

must

general

good.

the ground
of scatteringseeds on
The method
benefits of his labours
ing
from the hand, and then covering them
by draware
slowlyand coldlyreceived ; he is assailed and
something over the surface,in order to produce
gotry a crop, seems
have
to
prevailedfrom the earliest
persecutedwith all the jealousy and malice of biand interested ignorance,and in many
cases
exceptions,forms the
antiquity,and with some
is glad to escape with his life. No
cept
honours, exrally
generalpractice of the present day. It is geneawarded
unfortunate
of an organ
to the
the block, were
agreed that the mechanism
gested
sugthe sowing of seeds in drills to the ingeimporter of the potato ; no statues have been
nious
erected
the memory
duals
to
of the illustrious indivimind of Jetliro Tull, no doubt searching for
who
of clearinghis crops
mode
of weeds ; and
benefited the
have in a similar manner
some
human
choked
race
about the same
time, it would
; had they sacked cities, and
appear, that the
ing
the streets with the dead; had they burned towns
great advantages to be derived from a better workand
of the earth
had
occurred
and
plundered countries, their posterity would
pulverization
have been ennobled
In conformity
and originalthinker.
to that acute
by a gratefulpublic, their

contemptuous

silence

gloriousactions would have been sung by many

a sycophantand
amply recorded in the page of
done them,
history.Tardy justiceis sometimes
when
the sluggish intellect of the mass
has
by

with the most

approved mode of rewarding such
allowed
to end his
beneficial discoveries, he was
days in a prison,as a suitable premium for his

slow progression reached

the same
meridian ; woful and lamentable is the chance that reason
has
againstprejudice,
and sure
and certain is the fall

in detail nearly the whole

others, has overturned
system of agriculturalpractice. Had he applied

of

which

that

man

who

publishideas, even
advance

; the

of

allows
one

his fellow

his

thinking powers
quarter of a century

to

himself

to

any

minister

in

For my
own
part, I ever look upon
such
individuals as being
the real benefactors of the human
tled
and entirace,
to the
everlasting
gratitudeof the latest posterity.
Most of the an s and sciences, during the
to their present state, have
progress from infancy
been much
advanced by some
single discovery,
creatures.

taken

suggestion,which,

and
of

this

have

the luxuries

"

the

broadcast

sown

the

to

useless

pander to

!
At

and

of

world,

been

brows.

up

how

improved upon by

occupationsof life,
personalgratifications,

and

the vices

of the great ones

his reward

diflferent would

coronet
might have
first introduction,
as

other

seeds

and

encircled

his

turnips were
to

Norfolk

the

and of ploughs drawn by two

adoption of drilling,
out
horses
yoked abreast, and guided by reins witha

driver, is generally ascribed.

Broadcast

THE

100

FARMER'S

ties,
in the southern counpractised
the land is fine
and loamy, and
and when
are
free of small annual weeds, very good crops
the case, owing to the
This is much
obtained.

sowing is yet mucL

MAGAZINE.
makes

plough, which
ing,and, with

drillin

goingand

return^

pair of quick and able horses,

will drill five or six acres
a
day. It splitsthe
drills and
the dung in the same
covers
manner.
fine lauds
the purpose
On
this plough answers
composition of the soil, and the dryness of the
The
land is wrought as fine as possible very well ; but the great advantages derived from
climate.
the attempt
induced
cultivation of turnips soon
nure
by ploughing,harrowing, and rolling; the mastiffloams, where
a
is then laid on and ploughed in, the turnip on
cloddy and crumbling
and
and
covered
seed sown,
by rolling,or by light surface will result from the best pulverization,
ficultywhere the wings of the double mould-board
plough
harrowing, or by both. On clean lands, littledifin hoeing broadcast crops ; but on
occurs
prevent its going deep enough into the stiff land,
in humid climates,where turnips so as to raise fresh soil for the turnip-seed to
moist loamy soils,
delightto dwell, and where they are most generally vegetate in ; and, consequently, the dry cloddy
stacle surface was
pushed togetherover the dung by the
cultivated,and with almost certain success, an obstiff loams our
of no small magnitude immediatelypresented wings of the plough. On these
best and soundest
culty
itself. The small weeds
covering completelyboth
crops are obtained ; but a diffiin securing the braird, and
in remuch
ducing
couraging
enoccurs
the land and turnips, and the season
In many
the soil in wet seasons.
ning
places
vegetation, a necessityexists of thinthese
soils lie in high and crooked
the turnipsat any rate, and also for a !5pace
ridges,and,
when
and for the hocr to stand,
where to lay the weeds
planted with green crops, are drilled across
a

,,

furrowed.
The above-mentioned
ciency
defiof the double
mould- board
plough was
duced
observed, and the common
soon
plough was introto open
drill by going and returningin
admits
in the driest and hottest weather,
a
even
is the
slower by
furrow.
This method
and with some
ceptions, the same
particularexvery favourable and
a
day, but the
experiencehas determined in favour of performing only about two acres
best and most
effectual yet known.
the drill system.
Despatch
of enterprise on largefarms being so urgent, another
method
About seventy years ago, a spirit
has been
in agricultural
introduced, by opening a drill by one
matters
began to spread,and a Mr.
furrow of the common
to
farmer in Tweedside, visited
Dawson,
son
plough, and covering the
a
of
dung by two furrows, or with one where the land
Norfolk, and carried back with him the mode
horses
abreast.
His
is lightand fine. In this process the ploughs are
and of yoking two
drilling,
all provided with drawing trees, of 4| feet in
father's farm not being adapted for turnips, he
them
two
baffled in every attempt to introduce
drills,and the horses
was
length,to stretch over
in
tied by the bridles exactlyto the same
distance.
there ; but soon
are
after he rented a large farm
The
the
ceeded
drillingbegins from a straightside of the
vicinityof loamy soil, and there he succarts
bring forward the dung as
sanguine expectations.field ; one-horse
beyond his most
The
field on
quickly as possiblefrom a heap in the field,in an
Frogden farm is yet shown, where
horses
tion
intermediate state of decomposition,the fermentahe drew the first drill himself, with two
tages
going on rapidly,but not ceased ; it is pulled
yoked abreast, and guided by reins. The advanhe derived
for three drills,divided,spread, and
for the crops as winter
food, into rows
and rolled down
from cleaningthe land for the succeeding crops,
covered, and the turnipseed sown
and in raisingmanure,
were
quickly so apparent with the utmost possibledespatch. In opening the
in going and returndrills the ploughs make
two
ing
to silence all opposition; the system spread
as
at opposite sides of a "break"
set
rapidly,most
materiallyaided, no doubt, by the
; they work
of
increasing value of all kinds of farm produce, oft" for them, and containinga certain number
mand, drills ; and it requiresvery considerable dexterity
the dewhich stimulated every exertion to meet
ed
in the ploughman to meet
and without
which
stimulus itmay be doubtexactly,and have no
In
if we
would
end than
other.
at
at the
have
more
one
possessed at this day our
space
So
the right-hand horse walks
covering the manure
present improved knowledge of cultivation.
the plough went
where
last ; the
and the sowing of wheat
in the furrow
soon
as harvest is over,
wallJs on the top of the
the left hand
and other autumn
is completed, the lands
one
on
work
the
horse ; and
are
second drill from the right hand
intended
for c;reen crops the following year
son
as
as the seaplough splitsthe drill between, and throws
ploughed ; and in the spring, so soon

so

as

to

allow

clean

plant. Great
young
be derived from the

and

open

space

for the

and

water

advantage is also thought to

ling
horsehoeings, of which dril-

"

rowed,
admits, they are cross-ploughed,and harand rolled,and ploughed again, till reduced
to as fine a tilth as can
possiblybe effected ;
and weeds, and
carefullypicked off,
stones, are
after each
harrowing and rolling. The securing
of moisture is the great objectin the management
of turnip soils; for on
that moisture
tained
being reof
success
depends the vegetation and
the turnip plant,till it reaches
the
for
manure

heavy

furrow
At

over

the

dung

as

the

horses

can

they turn to the

right hand, and, in returning, the horses walk
each in a furrow, with the plough in one
between,
of fresh
and which again throws
a heavy furrow
the dung from
the opposite side. This
soil over
quantityof work as
process performs the same
board
the double mould
plough, with the great
to any depth,and raising
advantage of j)enetrating
be
tilth.
The
fresh
mend
largestarrangement may
support. If it could be attained, I would recomof eight or
two
ten
a space
ploughs, opening drills;four, five, or six
days to intervene
between each ploughing,during the springmonths,
according to
carts, bringing forward the manure
distance
and the land to be ploughed, harrowed, and rolled
a
superintendant,
; five spreaders, with
and a man
flat again with
the utmost
down
filling
unloading the carts ; four men
despatch; all for
the purpose
of retainingand obtainingmoisture.
the
four boys driving them ; three
carts, and
The land being now
well wrought, and perfectly ploughs, covering the
dung the turnip sower
mode
of
close by them, and the roll every afternoon if the
The
cleaned, the drillingcommences.
be dry. From
a-day
season
eight to ten acres
opening drills fiist adopted, and yet continued
of a plough
On
be finished by this
a
sands and fine loams, is by means
on
arrangement.
may
with two
four ploughs, assisting
each other
smaller scale
wings, called a double mould-board
move.

the

end

of

the

field

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

101

plough opening, for. On lands improved by paring and burning,

broadcast on the surface made
turnips are sown
arrangements
fine by harrowing. They might be drilled,but
a-day may
corresponding.Four and six acres
On
fine lands,
the manure
littleor no advantage
being scattered,
be performedby these methods.
double mould-board
the
plough is used, might follow.
where
In some
soils and seasons,
turnips are exposed
one
plough opening the drills and one covering
to a disease at the root, called
intermediate
rangements,
arwith
the manure,
corresponding
fingersand toes,"
caused by insects. No remedy has been found.
should finish five acres
a-day. On
The
attacks of the flyare principally
farmers prefer
dividingthe
known
in
very largefarms, some
the southern
counties,and in many instances the
'force into two divisions of four ploughs each, as
Ten
minutes
Certain seasons
are
ravages are very extensive.
causing less hurry and confusion.
fata! than others, sweeping clean a field in
more
is the time allowed by our best cultivators, from
a
positedfew hours.
No cure
has been found, all the prethe first opening of the drills till the dung is descriptions
from
that time till the
ten
published being of no avail. The latest
; and other
is,to kill the insects by a jet of steam
In managing such dispatch,much
seed is sown.
proposition
posing from a boiler,passingalong the drills in the manner
forethought and experience is required in disof a water cart.
This mode
and combining the force, so that no stop or
seems
very questionable.
of activity,
It is generally
and requiresa person
to
recommended
delay occur,
prepare
difference is perMuch
mind.
both in body and
as
ceptiblethe land and manure
finelyas possible; to
these points,even
on
contiguousfarms, push the plantsquicklybeyond the state in which
on
the flyattacks it. Of late
of ideas and of clear arrangement
has
arisingfrom want
years a new
enemy
perience. appeared in caterpillars,
in the superintendant,
which devour the leaves
though of largeex-

openingand covering; or,

in

and

covering; with

two

the

one

other

"

In

custom

to

sow

them

on

general
flat surface by a machine

bones, it is

sowing turnipswith
a

make
a rut,
provided with coulters, which
depositbones and seed together. As it is
with
be covered
essentially
necessary that bones
fresh soil,I have
always preferredto make drills
with one
furi'ow of the common
plough, and
then splitthe ridgeswith the coulters of the bone
and thus obtained a depth of fresh soil
sower,
bones
and seed. If the
wherein to deposit both

in an advanced
No efliectualcure
state.
has been
found ; rollings
useful ; but as they and the
are
fly evidentlyarise from the state of the atmosphere,
"

"

preventivemay

be difficultto find.

and

bones

be

not

covered,

double

mould-board

J. D.

ON

[The

SWEDISH

immense

of
importance

plough may be passedalong the drills : six to ten

I have
in this way.
acres
a*day may be sown
the sowing
sometimes
thought it would expedite
now
if our two-drill turnip sowers,
rally
geneprocess
used, were
provided with a heavy roll behind

any information
keepingof that valuable

it
finish the drill at once
; but I found
and required two
too heavy and
cumbersome,
horses to draw it : and two horses in lengthare very
drills. In dry seasons,
inconvenient
and
among

Journal

to

roll and

renders

offer
from

the

no

pen

the

turnipcrop

the

growth and
root acceptable,
we
fore
theretwo
letters
apologyfor republishing
of that talented agriculturist
Mr.

Blaikie, which
some

TURNIPS.

as

appeared in
years ago.

"

Ed.

to

the

old

Farmer's

P.M.]

Although, amongst the various improvements

agricultureintroduced or brought into
on
rollingis indispensable general practiceof late years, few arc of greater
especially
cloddy soils,
to press the seed down
and to level
to the manure,
nips,
importance than the cultivation of Swedish turthe surface to resist the drought. Our common
yet prejudices
fapparentlywell founded)still
exist againstthat valuable esculent ; the intention
rolls are much
aud I fancy I have often
too light,
of the present communication
is to endeavour
after much
fear of rolling,
oeen
to
crops lost from
those prejudices,
of answerremove
by the means
ing,
expence and labour bestowed.
and pointing out
a
the turnipplantsare nearlyfit for hoeing,
When
remedy for the principal
"a scuflding
objectionswhich I have heard stated,as militating
plough with knives is passed between
the drills,
which cuts all the weeds in the intervals, against the still more
generalcultivation of that
inestimable vegetable.
and nmch
reduces the process of hoeing. In some
The objectionsI allude to are, first,
that when
places,two small ploughs, joined together,are
Swedish
used for the same
stiffer soils,where
turnips are grown
on
clay soils, or
upon
purpose
it is thought the scufiiing
retentive
on
subsoils,
plough is too light. upon loams incumbent
they
be eaten
the ground, but must
be drawn
The turnipsare then singled out to the distance
on
cannot
of eightor ten inches
off to be consumed
elsewhere ; and
stock reas
quire
plough works
; the scuffling
to keep them
so long as weeds
in a
a regular supplyof food
appear, and the hoers again pass
that supalong the drills,cut out weeds, and any turnips growing state, it follows to procure
ply,
left too thick before. The practiceof earthingup
the land must
jured
frequentlybe poached and inturnipswith the double mould-board
cond,
by being carted upon in wet weather; seplough is
much
now
that when
Swedish
little or
no
turnipsare grown
advantage
relinquished,
upon
light soils,and stand for spring use, they throw
j having been observed to result from ic.
Swedes are sown
fresh
of
from middle of May to middle
out
fibres, and rob the land by reason
of June; yellowsduring same
time ; white globe
drawing additional nutriment from it ; and third,
that Swedish
of June to middle
green and red tops,from middle
turnipsare liable to be devoured by
of July. Some
I have also heard various other objections,
hybrid varieties have been lately game.
those
but of less importance than
published,but do not seem
tioned.
to have
alreadymensuperseded,in
varieties above
tioned.
menany degree,the well-known
The
I hope it will not be deemed
of cultivating
an
impertinent,nor
average expence
of turnips,exclusive of rent and taxes,
acre
count
bordering on egotism, if I here give a concise acmay
be taken at from
71. to 8i. From
the after crops
of the cultivation of Swedish
turnipson the
much of the profits
and advantages
as that
Earl of Chesterfield's farms at this place,
must be looked
,

1
'

Sir,

"

in

THE

102

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

of
On these farms we
lead to the more
immediate
will naturally
have tried various means
object
and preof this communication,
viz, the removal
turnips,such as by cuttingthe
servationpreservingSwedish
of the crop,
and
in doing so with the
roots
and tops off, and camping the bulbs in the
in barns
to the land.
of potatoes ; also by storingthem
least possibleinjur}'
manner
succeeded
for
We
here generallypreferdeep marley loams
and other
never
out-houses; but have

growing

turnips,yet

Swedish

we

with

them

sow

so

shades

it a rule to begin
till subsoil.
make
We
sowing (on the stronger soils)in the last week in
in June, and continue
sowing
May, or first week
till the second
week
in July; they are all
Swedes
in drills in

the Scotch or Northumberland

letwcen
the
horse-hoed
and
rows,
and
thinned
in the rows
hand-hoed
by women
We
consider
the earl)'^
and children.
Swedes
sown
to be full grown
by the middle of November, and
sown

method,

in

well

by

as

the

method

here

recommended.

various
Should
Sir, think this detail worthy o" a
soils,in all the intermediate
upon
you,
of loam
between
quentlyplacein your journal,it will probably be remarked
clay and sand, and freof your
on
readers, that the practicehere
vious
imperstrong loam, incumbent
upon
by some

success

are

rather

seasons

some

earlier ;

we

then

first favourable opportunityof the land

for our
operations,when

take

the

being in

state
proper
hands (men,

called

placingis

not

new.

such

aware

am

mark
re-

son
perfectlycorrect, but I have reait is not in
to believe that although not
new,
general use ; and it is therefore probable that by
in your paper,
your insertingthe communication
of introducing the practiceto
it may
be the means
districts previouslyunacquainted with it.
some

would

I am,

be

Sir, vour

humble

servant,

FRANCIS

Bradby Hall, Jan. 11,

BLAIKIE.

1814.

all spare

and children)are set to work;

women
turnipsare j)ulledup, and the roots cut from
the bulbs, (the tops being left on) ; old gorse
or
bill-hooks, broken sickles,orreap-hooks,and such
like implements answer
for the purpose, the turnips
and
thrown
into carts
ai'e
conveyed to an
other
orchard, or some
piece or piecesof old turf

ON

PRESERVING

TURNIPS.

the

land most
convenient
to where
they are intended
to be consumed,
they are there shot out of the
in heaps, and
carts
afterwards placed as we term

Sin, In a letter addressed to you, dated 11th

thod
a detail of the meJanuary last, I communicated
practisedat this place for the preservationof
Swedish
turnips,and as you thought that letter of
sufficient importance to be worthy of a place in
induced to believe the following
your journal,I am
ject)
subof the same
detail (as being a continuation
also prove acceptable.
may
"

of last November
secured
ing
In the first weeks
we
it,that is,the bulbs are placedclose to, and toucheach other,with the tops uppermost, and only
the produce of several acres
of Swedish
turnipsin
ter
called placing,as described in the letthe manner
one
turnip deep, fan acre of good turnipsfrom the
less space when
field occupy
before alluded to; such
a much
placed, than
part of those turnips
consumed
not
can
were
as
readily be imagined by those who Lave not
by stock remained in the
of this very severe
winter
tried the experiment) ; in this manner
out
withwe
deavour
endepots the whole
to
months' supply for
two
secure
one
or
covering whatever, except by occasional
any
the stock intended
fed with
to be
falls of snow
them, and find
; they were
very littleinjuredby the
them
of the
keep good the whole winter ; if the weather
severityof the weather, while two-thirds
left in the
fields
of the
a
same
slightcovering of litter is remainder
proves
very severe
crops
them.
thrown
and in some
rotten,
perished and became
parts of
upon
The depots are
the snow
drifted off,not one
was
kept so far sacred as to be only the fields where
such as when
sound
have now
of emergency,
resorted
to in cases
turnip in ten remained
(at
; we
the land is too wet to be carted upon without
doing the date of this letter)a considerable quantity of
ing
frost,deep snow, "c., "c.^
injury,in time of severe
placed turnips perfectlysound and good remainthrown
out
have
in the depots ; the bulbs
while, at every favourable
opportunityin course
Were
of the winter, we
fibres,and the tops are pushing up.
keep adding to the store in the
young
As
the turnips are
removed
those
soon
as
to remove
we
turnips and replacethem on
preserve.
the field,the ploughs are
fresh turf, the vegetation would
from
be checked, and
set to work, and
the land drawn
sized ridgesas are
sound
for :nonths
to come.
they would continue
up into such
come
the strong soils beThis detail will probably be thought mysteriousby
thought proper ; by this means
tried the experiment ; it certainly
pulverized and the spring work expedited, those who have never
the ground only requires to be scarified and
does
nips
turas
appear paradoxical,that Swedish
to make
it in a proper state to receive
ter,
betharrowed
should resist the severityof the weather
is always drilled
when
treated
in the manner
the succeedingcorn
recommended,
crop, which
it a rule in spring,so soon
the
make
in. We
than if left in the field where
as
they have the protection
of the earth partlyround
their roots ; such,
turnipsbegin to strike fresh fibres into the ground,

and

the
as

of the

tops

run

up

to

seed, to draw

required for
stock, and place them
are

not

described, if under

off such

tion
por-

the immediate

supply

in the

before

manner

is the fact.

however,

when
pots
turnips from the dein the springmonths, they
do not rejectthem, but, on the contrary, eat them
with
nips
avidity; yet when they are mixed with turfresh f'om
the field,sheep in particular
fer
prethe latter ; this seeming ol)jection
does not militate
tained
obagainstthe great advantages otherwise
I have
are

observed

given

to

that

stock

of trees in spring, it
the shade
advantage ; in such situations we have
for they are
had them
keep good till Midsummer,
liable to rot, nor
will they become
not
too
dry
As to the third objection,
the complaint
for use.
he partial,
must
as it can
mended
recomonly happen (ina serious
bj'securing turnijjsin the manner
a\)d where
the
from
These
I state to be, 1st, Removal
degree) where game is too plentiful,
:
cultivation of Swedish
2d,
turnipsis not sufficientlythe field with the least injury to heavy land.
certain
More
3d, The
mended
general; in such districts the practicehere recompreservationof the root.
the field, means
of removing the turnips from
of obtaining a certain supply for the stock
and
in narrower
will be
in severe
weather
placing them
4th, Secui'ity
againstthe
; and
compass,
of securingthem
found the most
effectual means
In the latter case,
destructive ravages of game,
from the attacks of those depredators.
if the depots arc
otherwise
not
protected, they
will be

an

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

stake and thorn

tempt
and rabbits will seldom atto break
through a dead thorn or gorse
their way
eat
hedge, although they will soon
through a live one; for instance, such game are
destructive to young
quicksets,but if a few

guardedby a rough
readily

may be
wattled

very
dead

small

of

branches

thorns, gorse, briars,

or

rigidplantsbe drawn along the young hedge

perience
exas
our
protected,
rows,
they will be effectually
at this place has demonstrated.
factory
to give a satisI leave it to those better qualified
reason
or philosohical
why Swedish turnips
better preservedby being placedin the manner
are
posed
I have
recommended, although they are left exto the
subsequent severityof the winter's
the
left in the field where
frosts,than if they were
is the
the bulb ; such, however,
earth partlycovers
cut for the practical
fact,and it may be sufficiently
farmer to be advised of it.
Although, as I have before stated, the placed
turnips keep sound in the depots without any
covering,yet I advise that, on the appearance of
over
weather, a littleloose straw be thrown
a
part, as stock will certainlypreferturnipsnot
tion
T have
frozen.
not discovered any great diminusevere

of weight in the preservedturnips,nor any

difference in the stock thriving, when
kept on
them
others fresh from the field.
or
on
as
I give a detail of the followingcircumstance

being applicableto the subject(the hint may also

: Notwithstanding the
cedented
unpreinstructive)
is in
severity of last winter, there now
the Earl of Chesterfield's kitchen gardens at this
flower,
of healthy cabbage, cauliplace, an abundance
and
lettuce
plants,which have stood the
winter
without
protectionor covering. His
any
gardener (Mr. Groves) has made it a
lordship's
winter and spring vegethe young
when
table
practice,
topnll
plantsgrow over luxuriant in autumn,

prove

up and

expose

their

for

day

of the weather

103
LAWS.

CORN

THE

ON

Hares

hedge.

other

them

MAGAZINE.

them

in

instances,

when

roots
or

two

their

former

the

weather

vicissitudes
afterwards replants
places,and, in some
to

the

; he

has

been

very

mild

TO

THE

EDITOR

Sin, It is

the

"

MAGAZINE.

much
agitation,

of

day

of amendment.

than

so

FARMER'S

THE

OF

Many

more

less
doubt-

things may

be change
made
better, but there may
improvement. With this short but needful
which I
to the subject
preface,I proceed at once
wish to bring under your consideration,and that of
the public. I do not propose to advance
anything
but I do propose
to speak of a questionof vast
new,
importance a question which, I trust, neither the
he

without

"

restlessness of some
men
which theywill be
on

or
selfishness,
ignorance,

will be able to

able

here

make

leading observation,
upon

one

weightof all I have to say, and all that any

the subject,
must
depend. It is
say upon

which

the

can

this

publicmind.

mislead the

to

I must

one

embarrass, nor

MEN

"

exist

without

do

CANNOT

Men

bread.

brandy, wines,

without

tobacco

or

"

may
women

but neither
This
BREAD.
been lost sightof
to have
most
importantfact seems
for a repeal
b}'those who write, speak,and agitate
of the corn
It is desirable for every country
laws,
for the consumption of
to grow
enough bread corn
it is absolutely
But
its own
population.
necessary
for an island,
for a commercial and manufacturing
especially
island, such as Great Britain, to do so,
watched as she is,and envied by every nation in the
live

may
men

without

silks, tea,

sugar

or

"

without

do

can

wnmen

nor

world.

Suppose, for argument's sake, that with the corn

as
tlieyare, preciselyenough wheat was grown
the Britisliempire for its consumption. Supposing,

laws
in

that
again,
of

number

the

laws

corn

vast
a
repealed,

were

be thrown

would

acres

out

of

cultivation,

should be very short of our

supply. The
port
of the repealersto this is,we can imreadyanswer
admit it. We can
we
corn
cheaper. Certainly,
than we
can
it; and
grow
import corn cheaper now
and

we

we

foreigncorn,

for

manufactures

exchange our

can

continental growers

that is, if the

them.

to

choose

take

he has repeated the operationa

viz.
consider these two points,
third time ; this practicestagLet us now
second and even
nates
a
briefly
variably 1st, The
can
the growth of the plant,hardens it,and incheaper than we
importing corn
manufactures
enables it better to withstand the severity grow
it. 2dly,The exchange of our
To
this practice,which
offer a few hints
for foreigncorn
of the following winter.
; and then, lastly,
attributes
Mr. Groves
followed last autumn,
for the better or more
was
satisfactory
arrangement of
in preserving the beforehis wonderful
the duty on
success
wheat, and supply of our population.

late in the

season,

"

vived
vegetables,while very few have surgardens in the neighbourhood. The
well worthy of
simple as it is,is certainly
practice,

mentioned
in

the

We

buy

imitation.

Yes ; but

markets.
cheaperin foreign

corn

have
that does not prove that we
it cheaperif the
or should have
The

to-morrow.

cheaperbread
corn

laws

were

now,
pealed
re-

continental

chant
grower or mervantageously asks as much
is worth in England,
which operates so adcause
as
corn
May not the same
If duties were
in the preservationof vegetablesin
less by all expenses, duties,"c. "c.
for Swedish
raise his price,and raise and
the garden,be also assignedas a reason
lowered, he would
of
But
the demand.
fall justto meet
further,if by a
turnips being better preserved by the method
vation
placing,than if left in the fields. With this obserrepealof the corn laws a million of acres were thrown
I conclude, and
again subscribe myself, out of cultivation in England,and there happened

your

humble

to be

servant,
FRANCIS

BLAIKIE.

Bradby Hall, April6, 1814.

of

Or,

No,
our

if there

sell,and
war,

we

laiion would

member

of this

Society.

the

should

they would

be allowed

SOCIE'TY."
ENGLISH
AGRICULTURAL
ordinary,
His Excellency, Andrew
Stevenson, Envoy Extrato the British
and Minister Plenipotentiary
in
States of America, was
Court from the United
last unanimouslyelected an
December
honorary

bread then be cheapour

ened
tage
foreignmerchant would take advanand
make
us
distress,
buy at any price.
was
a short
crop abroad, they could not

short crop, would

to

And

sturve.

not

do so,

sell to
even

This

starve.

if

us

in
at

the

event

all,or would

of

not

willing,and

is

most

our
popuserious, an all-

importantquestion people may do without French

wines, but they cannot do without bread! Again, if
lands are thrown out of cultivation,
when our lighter
the foreigngrowers refuse to give us wheat but at a
and will
very high price,which theyassuredlywill,
"

not

take

our

manufactures

in lieu of

com

we

must

".

FARMER'S

THE

104

send very large sums

of money out of
case
tbe country for wheat, thus puttingit into the pockets
instead of our own
of foreigners
farmers,while
is as dear as before the corn
time bread
at the same
laws were
repealed. Bread is as dear, and the people
have less money
to purchase it with.
Besides,
for the
should get nothing in return
in reality
we
of money which
should send out of
vast
we
sums
If we
the country for wheat.
buy foreigntimber,
it is worked up into various useful articles ; English

in that

MAGAZINE.
did buy corn
but the contrary. If we
we
have to send vast sums
of bullion out of the
than all,in the event
of scarcity
country ; and worse

reigne

and we
article,
employed upon the raw
is imported,it
If foreignraw
cotton
in the shape of manufactured
domestic comforts,
But if we
or manufaciund articles of export.
is

industry

its results.

see

is

seen

of money
for wheat, when
eaten,
where is it? It is gone
have nothing. It will
we
be said, "We
have well fed people." True! and
such I wish to see ; and such are better than all the
and railways,
tures
and manufaccottons, and machinery,

give

million

"

that

ever

to

on

put money

But

invented.

were

have such fed

out

why

cannot

we

mers
Why rob our far1
But
pocketsof foreigners
wheat

own

in the

should

that is, exactlywhen

war,
should riot hare bread at all.

or

we

most

we

wanted

it,

I would

now
propose a simple remedy,whereby
cluded,
might be cheaper,and yet foreigncorn ex-

bread

nearlyso.

or

that the

should, however,

duty should

in

first premise

be less
than 20s. ; that should be the minimum, and it should
wheat
rise from that according
lowered in price.
as
But I should fain hope that there would be no occasion
The
for importing
wheat
at all.
plan I would
never

any

case

would be this. Individuals or a company

should be encouragedby Government
to purchase
wheat in plentiful
years at a certain pi ice fixed by
Government; that is,the priceshould be named by
Government, and the wheat considered as boughtat
the man
or
so much
per bushel, whether
company
ance,
A
certain allowboughtthe corn at less or more.
propose

also fixed by Government, for storage,waste,

insurance,per centage on capital,"c., should be

made
to the company
individuals, so that they
our
own
or
wheat, and ought,and I almost
should then
could not be at any loss; and the corn
do not prevent
fever-brained agitators
be sold when requiredby the Government,
and at a
it,that we shall,
cheapbread grown
yes, shall have
laws.
in Englandwithout
of the corn
a repeal
price fixed by it: they would, in fact, be merely
Government
itself
factors. Or that the Government
Secondly.It is said that tlie foreign merchant
in a plentiful
should purchase up the corn
will take our manufactures
and give us corn in exchange.
year and
Yes ; while we
it in time of scarcity.I know many
do not ivayit corn theywill.
store it,selling
will sneer
But let us be i)i
them ; theyare
One articleis bartered for another.
at such a proposal. Let
vantageno true friends to their country. Supposing(which
ivant of corn, and theywill not.
They will take ad1 do not anticipate)
of our distress and pinch us : they may do
jthatGovernment, that is, the
losers by this trade
the countrj^ were
without cottons, but they know that we
do
taxes
cannot
or
without Bread.
It is all very well talkingabout
they bought two millions worth of corn,
suppose
and sold it at one
thousand
and
million eighthundred
wheat
cottons
being both merely and alike
To
marketable
merchants with
lost would
commodities.
two
only go into the
pounds, the money

we

have

can

hope,if the

"

equallyfull

bellies

they are

; but

to

the

wide,this immense

poor and
differ-

pockets of Englishmen.

If

Peter

lost his money,

had all thingscomwould get it ; and as tiiey

mon
farmer
that would be no real loss. The
would
eat cotton,though
cannot
rence
then have a swre market for the sale of his corn
at a
he can eat bread.
They are not obligedto take our
he would
was
manufactures, we must get their corn, if by a repeal fair price: v\hen wheat
very ])lenty,
tivation,
of the corn laws we throw our lightlands out of culthan,under present circumstances, he ever
get more
it is true
that he
wheat was
The questionis simplythis
starve.
can
or
scarce,
; when
the stored wheat would
would
discuss the
while we have plentyof bread, we
can
get less, because
But he ought to be gladat this ;
sell or exchange
to market.
matter
can
come
very pleasantly
; we
is always better to a
(it is all the same) our machinery, our woollens, for a certain and equableprofit

there is this
that the hungryman

hungryman
"

Paul

"

foreignmoney or wheat ; but

of getbe reduced to the necessity
ting
wheat
and the foreignmerchant
or
starving,
will take advantage
of it, and will take money only
and sell at starvation price; or, if it suits the policy
of the Government
ol the country from whence
we
get our wheat,will not giveit at all.
Just imaginea case, a highlyprobable one, nay,
that is almost
has long been
certain. Russia
one
doing all she can, and is stilldoingall in her power,
and
to
crippleEngland. Her sneaking,
annoy
crafty
policyhas changed into a more decided form
vant,
and aggression. In the Baltic,in the Leof injury
in Western
India, in North America, llussia
has done all that she could do, without declaring
cottons,

our

let

".C.,for

England once

to

war,

and

annoy

injureus.

than a highprice
of business,
to-day,and none
He would
all to- morrow.
get on the whole more
than he does now,
and get it more
equally; more,
be excluded
would
because
more
foreign corn
the price
would be kept on a level.
because
equally,
for his
But though the farmer would get more
radoxical
wheat, the tradesman would get bread cheaper. Pastrated
this may appear, it is easy to be demonas
had I space to do so : but it will be seen
at
once
by tliose whose attention has been alive to the
stored corn
The
would ensure
foregoingremarks.
of a market for
the tradesman bread : the certainly
wheat would induce the farmers to grow wheat, and
tiius throw plenty into tbe market ; and the money
reign
kept at home, which would have been paidfor fo-

man

at

"

wheat, would

Supposing England

circulate

at

home,

and

helptbe

still. Besides, the manufacturers and

tradesmen would have another advantage,viz.,that
ports are those from which we must look
been
the Mediterranean the money
%\hich would have
chief supply. France is very uncertain
paid for foreign
material to be
wheat, would
bring in other raw
very distant. Has Russia no influence in
thus giving emence
in peace'! (Has she had no influployment,
the Baltic even
wroughtupon by English industry,
stead
articlesinand sendingout manufactured
over
Turkey?) But in the event of a war,

dependenton

foreignmarket

for wheat

;
to

the Baltic
draw our

market

further

"

would

she

be allowed
The

not

be

Lord

to leave the

Paramount

in

the

Baltic ?

singlebushel of wheat
Baltic ? Most assuredly
not.

assuredly. Would

Most

We
be
closed againstus.
have bread cheaper. There is no certainty
would be takea by fothat our
manufactures

of gold.
Far from thinkingthis

few

I think it both
visionary,
those that are acto
quainted
; and
practicable
I trust that the
with history,
nothingnew.
together,
foregoinghints,just thrown hastily

may

attract the notice of those better able to handle

simple

ports abroad would

should

not

and

The
1
subject
;

MAGAZINE.

105

I do
hole whence it was taken,and sow
seeds on the top.
This may
check its growth, but the tendencyin the
be induced
berately land to produceit is in no
wise diminished,and the
to yieldto outward
pressure, but calmly and delicircumstance of the hole being filled with water
act for the good of tbe country, and not for
ing
durwinter must
increase that tendency
in the immethe bustle of a few hot-headed agitators.
diate
A.
Yours,
neighbourhoodof the old plant. Drainingis
the radical cure, followed by fine top-dressings,
and
that
would
observe
the
P.S. I
corn
laws,
just
with mowing, for a time at
by grazing alternately
framed
for the protection
mer,
of the farthoughdirectly
least,until the old, soft,and white foggagebe got
affords protection
to the manufacturer
indirectly
and healthy
rid of,and a sweet
herbage be obtained.
and tradesman, and must
do so as long as the farmer
The maKure
these fields is what
on
applied
we
they eat. Besides,the great demand
grows what
has lain a
call
; which
year or nearlyso
for manufactured
goodsis at home ; impoverishthe in putrescent
a
heap until all fermentation has ceased,and has
of them, and you impoverish
the maker of
consumer
Nature
become a cold rotten mass.
is gorgedby the
them.
and
heavy and frequentapplications,
though bulk
of the corn
be obtained,
it is coarse
and the aftermath also. It
[Withoutenteringon the question
do think the plan of our
has been agreed upon by many scientificand practilaws,we most assuredly
cal
and storing
that the warmth
for purchasing
afforded to the plantsduring
corn
men,
by
correspondent,
benefit theyderive
winter, constitutes the principal
the Government,quitevisionaiy.Ed. F.M.]
from
top-dressing
; and hence it has become
customary to lay the dung on grass lands rough
from the fold yard, and then roll,
harrow, collect,
and carry off'the rubbish in the spring.Less
expense
is incurred, and
more
space will be covered
by a
LONDON.
GRASS
LANDS
NEAR
of manure.
When we touch on the subject
quantity
I
of manures,
arrive at that perof the application
we
During my rambles round the great metropolis,
plexing
often strolled into tbe grass fields which lie principally
point," What is the food of plantsV which,
north
side
w
ill
a
nd
used
for
of the city,
if ever
the
vance,
are
on
discovered,
prove a mighty step in adit may lead to a better mode
of applicaas
hay and green food for tbe dairies of cows
tion.
affording
that supplymilk to the inhabitants of our
modern
But nature
has hitherto eluded our curiosity,
vation
Babylon. The fences around them afford a striking satisfiedat present with grantingus our own obserwith
and experience
to lead us by steps to the final
specimen of the ancient mode of enclosing,
most
crooked serpentine
than we
boundaries, extending over
probably sooner
discovery,
expect. We
of the southern
counties ; and the modern
repairs know enough of the food of plantsto suppose that it
show
but little improvement, being all done
in a
be in a state of solution or most
minute submust
division
it may
be most
arising,
temporary and seeminglycareless manner,
effectually
; in what manner
doubt,from their being so much exposedto the and most profitably
no
of the
supplied,is an inquiry
and
last importance. 1 never
believe that a gross,
can
damages of trespassers
unceasingdepredations
and strollers. The soil all round London
is naturally cold, rotten mass
of mixed excrementitious or other
of very indifferent quality; and with the exception matter laid on grass lands, or in a drill,
is in the
of the alluvial and gravelly
the Thames,
best state for affordingfood to be taken up by the
soils near
it is mostly a cold clay on
and impervious tender rootlets of plants; and I never
wet
a
can
help
sex,
a great part of Middlebottom,which extends over
comparingit to a lump of raw and uncooked beef set
and into tbe adjoiningcounties. Tbe vicinity before human
beings,who are compelledby hunger
of the metropolisaflbrds an overwhelming supplyof
the natural appetite,
and are thus gorged
to satisfy
and an immense
is therebyobtained, and raised at probably
double expense to a largeand
manure,
fertility
selves
bloated carcase, upon a quantitywhich, with
coarse
though the fields I have mentioned afford of theming.
a
would support two of smaller
a different application,
very sober specimen of skill in grass farmThe quality
rior,
of the soil is certainly
and much
useful dimensions.
But with our
more
very infeis such that land may
but the supplyof manure
present knowledge of application,
great loss seems
but almost
not only be improved to the highest
tilled
disincurred,for the liquidpart of the heap seems
pitch,
made
I also
afresh. Great bulk of produce seems
to be
on
purpose into the ditch or roadside.
the objectin view ; and to produce
this result,heavy
observe
that tbe cleanings
of ponds are wheeled out
ferent
doses of manure
often appliedin a very indifand laid on these fields without
are
as
any preparation,
Jt would seem
state of preparation.
to be a
mixing such substances with lime has been objected
law of production,
the vegetable
tbat if nature be forced and overstrained
matter.
to, as it is thought to dissipate
to yielda great
But a query may be again started on the gross and
by artificialapplications
bulk of any article,
unreduced form of such substances.
a
degree of coarseness
ensues,
and on these fields it is very evident that that result
For top-dressing
grass lands I always preferto
has followed. The bottom
and
has become
have the compost of lime and soil reduced as fine as
coarse
foggyfrom repeatedmowings and the immediate apby repeatedmixings and turnings; and for
plications
possible
of manure.
inferior arable lands,I preDraining is much wanted to
on
grass lands, and even
fer
render the lands fit for winter feeding
sheep,which,
good compost of lime and soil to an application
the
close
bare
of
is
I
be
but
lime by itself.
such
by eatmg
destroy
stocking,
by
herbage
wrong,
my
may
tbe old white remnant
has escaped the scythe honest conviction.
which
in Leicestershire,
During my jiractice
for many years, and then, by seedingand manuring
that splendidcounty of turfs and weeds, I
in that bare and trampled state, a sweet
and vastly found a field of thirty-six
acres, forming a sort of
improved sward maybe obtained. On these fields outer park to my employer's
demesne, -which had
the " Aira ca;spitosa"
has appearedin considerable
been mown
for years, and had acquired
a foggyand
quantity an infalliblesignof tbe want of draining, very unsightly
state, and an herbagewhich no beast
and also of very bad farming. In order to destroy would eat.
I had some
large fish ponds cleaned,
and most unsightly
this hassocky
men
and adoptedevery means
to procure
compost in the
grass, I see workwith
a spade dig round
and liftup the fibrous
vicinity
clay itself,dug from tbe watering
; even
at the root, and layit down
mass
inverted in the
became, from
pond made forthe cows in the field,

the

may

perbapstake

hope tbat Government

sincerely

it up

FARMER'S

may

"

"

again.

not

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

107

he does not inform us, what weight,or measure

tutes
constithe load" and I believe the load of wheat is not
the county ; however,I have
the same
weightthroughout
THE
EDITOR
OF
EXPRESS.
THE
MARK
LANE
TO
known upwards of 7000 lbs.of marketable wheat grown
a Cheshire acre,*6000 lbs. are
Sir, Your
on
on
frequently
grown
paper of 2Gth ult.did not arrive here
until tiieweek
followingits publicution,
consequently, the same
breadth,both in Lancashire and Cheshire.

ON

DRILL

THE

SYSTEM,

"c. "c.

"

of the Preston meeting'until

I Hid not see your account
time before the public; I find that
it had been some
of their subjects
for discussion was
the comparaon
one
tive
merits of the drill and broadcast system, as a general
seeds ; and that
practicein sov ing agricultural

These are broadcast crops, and 1 beg to ask Mr. Binns,

who
is disgraced by them, or can he adduce instances
of better? I have no doubt but good crops of wheat

in the drill,
be grown
but, if that had been so superiorto broadcast,as JMr. B. in the most
unqualified
detailed at considerable len":tli terms asserts
Mr. Binns,of Lancaster,
surelythe farmers of England have been
liisopinionson the question;
he enumerated,several
Solomons suppose them to be, or they
stupid,as many
and contended in all
to elucidate the subject,
excellence
long since would have seen the superlative
positions
of them
for the superioi'ity
of the drill over
broadcast, of the practice.
not only for turnips,
Mr. B. says, he cannot
broadcast
helpcharacterising
potatoes,beans.Sec, but also for
as a slovenlyand lazypractice. If,"says he,
wheat, barley,
facturers
manuouts,and g-rass seeds; indeed, jMr. B.
to think,and very obstinately
seems
too, that broidcast
adopted such plans they would be ruined in a
for every crop should be abandoned, for he says it is
month, but theyknow Ijetter how to applylabour and
rous
titonlyfor barbaa disgraceto a civilized country, and
power." With due deference to ]\Ir. B.'s opinionof
I would
tunes.
recommend
These certainlyare severe
that gentleman to view
remarks,and
farmers,
will I believe,
farms in the neighbourhood of Manchester, 1 beg
lie thought so, not only by
some
universally
the farmers in Lancashire,but by the g'reaterpart of
of them :
to enumerate
Mr. JNIarslands,
Bagaly
some
agriculturists
throughoutthe whole country ; because, Hall; Mr. Marslands,Sali Hall; Mr. Deans, Barlow
I believe,
that however
Hall. I could count many
convenient and proper it may
others all excellent practical
he
to drill certam
of them
either
potatoes, turnips, men, and renters of land, none
crops, such as
grow
and general wheat, barley,
in the drill,yet the inspectors
beans,cabbages,"c., experience
mang'el,
oats, or beans
for tht!Liverpool Society
declared at their last
practice prove the drill not superiorto broadcast for
It is somewhat
annual meeting" some
like a
were
even
more
wheat, oats, barley,and grasses.
holdings
well ordered garden than a farm, so clean,so neat,
how we
farmers are to be
amusing, when we reflect,
and instructed by such men
as
Mc. Binns, and free from weeds.
enlightened
claim some
'J'hecomparison drawn by Mr. B. in favour of manucertainlyhe can fairly
facturers,
experienceas a
and agricultural
information too, part of which
farmer,
as
having better understanding,and more
he may
have acquired by a proceedingwhich not many
than farmers have
callings
knowledgeof theirrespective
in
will not abide a candid and fair inquiry
afford
of agriculture,
that is,travelling
rent-paying farmers can
;
does not Mr, B. know
of the manudifferentparts of the empire; and, I am greatlyin error,
that the operations
facturer
if Mr. B.'s acquirements
'J"he
have not
as
an
are
agriculturist
wholly guided by artificial
power.
may

"

"

"

"

"

"

cost

iiini too

much

money,

and

that the results of his

dexterityhave to him been such as cannot recommend

his practiceto the adoption
of a tenantry who
have
rent and a livelihood to make
by a fai-m.
Having made these few remarks, I shall review more
in

let us call them their fields,

made
the same
at Christmas as Midsummer,
neither wind nor rain obstructs their movements
; when
the manufacturer
he can tell
buys cotton at Liverpool,
hour when the same
to an
material will be printed,
raw
finished goods, and also when he shallofferthem in
or
the market ; it is not so with the farmer,he may do all
of man
to obtain a good crop that the ingenuity
sug:gests,
and 5.till
be disappointed,
soilsand
on
some
particularly
of his endeavours in a great
situations. The success
depends on causes over which he has no conmeasure
the accidents which interfere with his efforts are
troul
fiance;
to set human
at deingenuity
many, and at times seem
small
to prevent smut, mildew, and innumerable
which sometimes do seriousdamage to our crops,
insects,
which
less the
or
more
always command
are
subjects
for a long
attention of practical
at times,
men
; and

temperature of their rooms

can

some
detail,

and principles
of the positions
advocated
the Preston Agricultural
Meeting.
Mr. Binns says, land never
requiresrest,but change
of crop, and adds, whether a change is required,
in
of the exhaustion of nutritive mattci" in the
consequence
soil by the repetition
of growth of one species
of plant;
at

"

"

be

"

of a kind of excreas some

suppose, in consequence
mentitious matter left,
to the same
being injurious
plants
when repeated; and is one
of the investigations
th5.t
well deserves the attentionof the EnglishAgricultural
Society." Now, Mr. Editor a great part of what I
have here quoted from Mr. B.'s paper may sound well
in the ears of geatlemen, who are ever ready to accuse
periodback, the same hava occasionallyengaged the
be no
brilliant talent,
the farmers of want of knowledge
not
most
only in this country, but also
; and it may
stroying
and there
these dethe continent,
yet these serious maladies,
doubt,will be thought important by such
on
of them who
anxious to be regardedas
are
are
agents are neither perfectlyunderstood,nor
many
of scientific
research ;
within the scope of human sagacity
to entirely
men
acquirementsand philosophic
apparently
avert.
yet will not be at the tedious and pains-takingperseverance,
to contend
which
is absolutelyrequisitefor anything like
Have the manufucturersanysuch difftculties
in such attainments ; but, however consewith? 1 say they have not. Any sort of man, provided he
proficiency
quential
with the keen and over-reach,
it may be to sucli characters,
endowed
is sufficiently
went
or to auch as
to see the moiuitain labour %chen it onlybroughtfortJi.
can
will do for a merchant or manufacturer; no man
u
by
bring up, and educate a laniily
a livelihood,
mouse, the questionis,in my humblejudgment,of little make
far as general information and useful
so
farming,unless he pursues the strictest economy, and
consequence
skillis concerned
agricultural
industry. 1 have known many
culturalthe most persevering
Agri; and if the English
and soon
better use of its resources
no
farmers turn merchants
or manufacturers,
get
Societymakes
than pursuing,
such useless inquiries,
to practical
rich,even persons who from being paupers, in little
men,
the country, though so susceptible
considerable fortune.
of improvement,
will
than twenty years amass
a
more
almost
not be much
are
tution. Within my immediate neighbourhood the cases
instiameliorated by that trulypatriotic
such as
innumerable,of individuals petty tradesmen"
tion,
That even good land is exhausted,at all events ceases
of no educa"c., men
hawkers,publicans,
shop-keepers,
to grow good crops with ordinarycultivation,
is a fact
who can scarcelywrite their own
names, and with

or

"

"

"

known, 1 should

have within the last fifteen years engaged

individual who
rectlylittle capital,
diand power-loommanulactures.
the soil,
and the axiom
in the cotton-spinning,
mers,
than farisso universal,
thai I am
astonished any one
Most of them have lived far more
connected
expensively
wealth than
with rural management
should hazard such a statement.
have accumulated more
nevertluiless,
the drill system as appliedto growing an industrious farmer could have done on a moderate
A littlemore
on
told by Mr. Binns that in Norfolk seven
wheat"
we
are
sizedfarm supposinghim not to have any had i ent to pay.
makes

suppose

to

every

livelihoodfrom

the statute acre 1 preqis. will be produced on an acre"

sume
but
j he says this is 2G loads to the Lancashij'e,

The Cheshire

acre

is eightyards to the rood.

I

108

THE

I find no

fault on

but
thrive,
in well

it

FARMER'S

that account, I like to see my country

to see so little
fjjratitiule,
even

grievesme

for
doing-,

many

of these

very

individuals are
What

railingcontinually
against the landed interest.

will Mr. ii. reply to this,he cannot

contradict what is
here stated,
I sliouldnot have been so far particular
; my
but we
policyis conciliation,

farmers

assailed from al 1
sides with charges of ignorance,stupidity,
and
laziness,
I have said my[policyis conciliation,
and most
lethargy.
it is so, I have merely shown something'of the
sincerely
ch'^nces of agricultural
and commercial interests ; still
I do not like to see or hear the class,
of wiiich I am
one,
calumniated
a class which, witli alltheir faults,
pay the
are

"

public

and

privatecreditor the best,are always ready

their knowledg-e one
and
to another,
means"
advantagethe public; hare no notices

to

communicate

by

that

their farms

admittance
only on business" are
most
candid,the most industrious,
moral, and
liberal of any in her Majesty's
dominions.
on

MAGAZINE.
time ameliorates the temperature of our
tiie farmers of this country with
lethargyindeed ! who will gainsay,that as a class they
the most
? perare
frugal and persevering
industrious,
haps
must
work
in some
degree so of necessity
; their
and at the
climate.

That merchants,certainly
mechanics,too, have some
advantages for readingin publiclibraries,
and for hearing
public lectures;but, do these advantages make
them better members
of society,
or more
understanding-

Ciiarge

of it,
when the seed is sown, no one
shirking
tell at what period the crop will be ready for the
turers,
sickle. So far,I confess,
the manufacwe
are behind
for we
raise at pleasurethe temperature
cannot

done, no

be

can

of

our

fields,
nor

speed the seasons

with the

facility

same

power-loom,or a spinningjenny.
Mr. B. says, farmingis only in embryo, and
hope it is now
beingcalled into existence ;"
as

"
I
if this is

adds

indeed must
have been the understandings
thousand
of the cultivators of the earth for these many
ourable,
ancient, I think the most honyears ; an art the most

true, obtuse

"

the

truly

same

certainlythe

indispensable; an art,

most

"

with the creation'of our

species,
still only in embryo ; if Mr. B. had steered the plough
and worked
1 will not say toilsome days,with
as many,
and in
the spade, for they were
cheerful days to me,

which

the

must

be coeval

evenings of

those

he
subjects,

days read
would

as

not

many books
have ventured

on

cultural
agrisuch

in their business than farmers and farm labourers if

statement
; however, let it not be supposedthat I con.
they are so, my observation has been to some
extent
tend there is no more
room
for improvement,
no, no,
thrown away.
I presume
to know
of our
somethingof the
the capabilities
country have been as yet fairly
character and habitsof the populationin manufacturing tested to a limited extent
only, and miserable will be
and villagestheir reading ten to one is politicsthe lot of that
towns
favoured
humanity which people this now
of the lowest grade" of the most extreme, perniciou?, soil at that stationaryand dull
tably
periodwhich will ineviand destructive tendency. In all
the
ages of the world the
to the fullest extent
soon
follow, when
"

"

"

be labourers ; let an operativeturn politimust

cian, powers of the soils of this empire have been developed,
bis peace, his quietare destroyed. True, he
culating
but sufficient is the evil for the day,it is of no use calmay
obtain some
him
and
his
to
family,
information,
yet
on
contingencieswhich will never
happen to
should he have one, it is worse
than ignorance.
quired us.
Acfast improvingin a pace accelerated
Agriculture is now
"
ignorance,"
national industry,
s-aysMr. Addison, is a greater evil
of our
as any other branch
than natural."
A friend of mine, whose business occasionally
available resources.
accordingto its nature and immediate
leads him into the agricultural
informs
districts,
sacks
stand
cannot
masses

"

upright. Only

Empty

that the moral principles

of farm labourers are far
let us have remunerating prices,and like true patriots
connected
superior to those of mechanics,
or workmen
will shew
their gratitude
the farmers
by improving
"with manufacturing
establishments. My friend is in the
their country.
leather trade,he says, he is almost certain of having his
solid
Nothing national could have afforded me more
accounts
duly paid by the shoemakers in rural districts,
of the Englishagrisatisfaction than the establishment
cultural
because farm operatives,though perhaps not earning
individual can be more
Society; no humble
than ten or twelve shillings
for their
more
a week, pay
quences,
sanguine as to its beneficial tendency and conseshoes punctually,
it is quitethe reverse
in manufacturing
but I confess at the same
time, that my hopes
localities theshoemakers
me

there,or very few of them,

will he credit,
for their own
not so much
dishonestyas
that of their customers.
Though earningdouble the
of
much as
as
wages
farming men, many of them
"

get

possiblewithout paying for it,they run into debt,and

think it not at all disreputable.
A manufacturer,
though he may have what is called a
better address,
he may
be a greater adept in those arts
by which men often deceive one another than a farmer,
it is no proof of more
still,
varied knowledge : call

from mere
discoveries are nothing,
of improvemement
compared with what may be done, and I believe will be
cation,
appliachieved,by a careful,a judicious,and spirited
and extension
understood.

of those

which
principles

are

ready
al-

of them out of their daily

beaten tract and you
many
will find them justcyphers.
The difference between farm labour and mechanical

that civilizedsociety
us
in every age
nation has had its peculiartastes, perceptions,
judices,
prehave
and dispositions
; these sometimes
may
trivial and accidental
stances,
circumarisen perhaps from
blished
national institution is estaa
but
when
laudable and advantageous of purfor the most
poses,
and enlists in its support a great portionof the

employments has

talent, rank, and wealth

been well described by a

writer of the last century.
The common
"

says
of

most

cious
saga-

man,"
plough-

he, though generally

regarded as a pattern
is seldom defective in judgignorance,
ment
he is less accustomed
indeed to
discretion,
"

and
stupidity

and
social intercourse than the mechanic, who
lives in a
and language are
town, his voice
more
uncouth, and
more

used

History informs

and

of the country, we
may have
idea of the sphere of its action,but no conception
What
then may
not
of its vast usefulness.
we
fairly
Society; may we
expect from the English Agricultural
will
direct
that
the
not anticipate
proprietorygenerally
some

their attention to improving their estates, and divert

ments,
from
those expensive hunting establishtheir minds
those ruiningracingstuds,which have brought
difficultto be understood
by those who are not
ancient
to them ; his understanding,however, being-acfamily properties to be praised by
customed many
How
hurtful it is to every Englishto consider a greater varietyof objects,
is geman
nerallyGeorge Robins.
much
who
loves his country, who admires her ancient
whose wdiole
superiorto that of tiie other,

attention from

tinctions,
occu])ied institutions, her ancient families and hereditarydisto see goodly estates sold, and the axe laid to
simple operations.
Mr. Binns
shake off" the lethargywith
of fine timber, for no better purpose than to
the roots
says, let us
which we are justly
some
charged, and be determined as well
contemplated follies.
pay for past vices, or
Would
as
to keep pace with the manufacturer.
it not be w-ell in this age to inculcate more
we
can
Now,
Mr. Editor,this cant 1 have often heard and read, but
want of care ruins more
forciblythat useful maxim
the gentlemen who seem
for our
so anxious
instruction,than want of knowledge ?"
will any of these
never
behind
are
meeting takes place, but
Scarcely an agricultural
say in what we
little they are
gratuitousteachers assert that more
noblemen
and gentlemen confess how
weighty crops can
be raised on
this is candid,
a
given space than have ever yet been
acquaintedwith rural matters ; certainly
I contend
produced.
ledgment
there never will,until that day, and we may
hope for improvement from the acknowif ever it arrives,
when
is grown
and land
land stewards
corn
by steam-engines,
many
; but from
or
some
three out of
great revolution in nature enriches our soils. agents we can have no such expectation,

morning

in performing one

or

two

tillnightis commonly
very

"

"

109

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

actly
exSmith declares to be, " never
interest. Dr. Adam
every four of that body I ever yet met with are perfect
have generally
an
with that of the public,who
not having the iugeniousnonentities as agriculturists,
and
struct interest to deceive and even
of their masters, for they absolutelyaffect to inoppress the public,
nes3
ceived
have upon many
who accordingly,
occasions,both de'tis two to one
if they know
the farmers, when
and oppressed
it."
of
or
either
of
the
farming
theory
practice
thing
;
any
I am, sir,yours'respectfully,
most of them are great men
only in the bar parlourof
and
A Lancashire
Agriculturist,
inn, or at an ordinaryou market days ; at these
some
Farmer.
Rent-paying
subjects,but horses,
placesnot discussingagricultural

December.

dogs, hunting, and shooting.In a late agricultural

ing
meeting, at which I was present,one of these pretendgents said that farmers

were

thankful

given them, and from what he advanced

vice
for any ada

stranger,

would have been led to suppose

if not an agriculturist,
SOAGRICULTURAL
ENGLISH
him to liave been most useful for givingagricultural THE
instruction,for in a most imposing attitude he declared
VETERINARY
CIETY
AND
THE
read any publicationwhich correctly
tliat he had never
COLLEGE.
detailed one
important branch of rural management
(draining),
yet after all this,what will many of your
(from the veterinarian.)
readers think, Mr. Editor, to be informed
that this
with
teacher had for a few years only been connected
On the ISthult.the half-yearly
meetingof the English
landed property in any capacitythat could give him an
crowded.
were
AgriculturalSocietywas held. The rooms
before
of knowing the business, and even
opportunity
and every one
The
mo'4
pprfectharmony prevailed,
he was
so connected,he had passed nearlyfive times
objectsof that
seemed
to feel assured that the important
seven
years of his life.
complished.
distance of time,be fullyacNow
if that gentleman had such a box of knowledge societywill,at no great
of tlie " Report"
that portion
We subjoin
in his possession,he would
as he affected to shew
was
which had reference to us.
have known
much
of the infirmities of mankin
so
!,to
"
Aware of tiieimmgnse loss sustained in consequence
have known
farmers sometimes
also that we
hear with
of the want of better knowledge in the treatment of the
the agent's
seeming attention,
knowledgeof agriculture,
the attention of the.
diseasesof cattle,
sheep,and pigs,
when
that he could
at the very time we
are cocksure
in order, if
has been turned to this subject,
Committee
not pay a fair rent for any farm.
for supplying the deficiency.
to devise means
jjossible,
Let us just suppose that gentleman to have beeu
school has long been established in the
A veterinary
asked what authors he had read ; would
he have enumerated
and it has been mo^t
of the metropolis,
neighbourhood
formidable
a
array of agriculturaltalent ?
the scientificand successful treatment
useful in teaching
No.
Suppose he had been questionedas to extent of of the diseases
by which thousands of horses used to be
land he had operated on
in the capacityof improver,
destroyed; but itsattentionhas been almost exclusively
? No.
could he have named
even
a tract of a few acres
considered that
devoted to the horse. It was, therefore,
Away then with so much pretensionand presumption, ifits labours
to
success
could be directed with thesame
sense.
away with so littlecandour and common
cattle
in health and disease,of our
tho management,
Let the English Agricultural Societyestablish a
and sheep,it would be of inestimable advantage to the
board of examiners, let it be constituted of such men
British farmer.
Mr. Blacker, agent to Lord Gosford; of such men,
as
of the
has been made to the Governors
"Application
Mr. Editor,as your talented and clear-headed
pondent
corresthe anxious wiih of the
stating
Veterinary
College,
the Scotch Farmer, Mr. Rothwell, of WiuEnglish AgriculturalSociety,that this most important,
wiek, in this county, Mr. C. Hillyard,the Messrs.
and its benefits should take
extension of its inquiries
The
Ellmann, and many others who might be named.
with the arranu:ements
this Societynot interfering
place,
board ought not to be less in number
than twenty-four,
tributing
of the Governors of the College,l)Utconor proceedings
and from different parts of the empire, all of them
from itsfunds to the accomplisment of this purpose.
gentlemen of great experience,who earlyin life began
the study and practiceof agriculture.Such
only as
has been rcceired from
A most favourable answer
have a high tone, not of arrogant, but trulygentlemanly
take
of the Governors, and a meeting will soon
some
in
connection
with
theoretical
and
a
feeling,
tee,
place between them and a delegationof your Commitwith
their
i
n
all
its
practical
acquaintance
profession
rious
varesultmay be antieijjated."
from which the happiest
of the nature
and propertiesof soils,and
details,
We trust that tiieultimate resultwill be a happy one
;
the means
of improving their constitutional defects ; it
will be as to time and arrangements.
but the question
would be indispensablealso that such a board should
is
time
not
the
ifthe
It will not be the faultof
Society
understand all the modes of draining
collectively
as best
such as to
almost immediate ; and the arrangements
adapted to different soils in different situations,
and
who
wishes
well to the St Pancras
one
gratify
every
under all circumstances.
art.
School,and to the veterinary
A board of examination
beingestablished,it might
Society
They who are at the head of the Agricultural
assemble for a certain periodin every year, and every
of the
well aware
of it" are
the moving powers
to the situation of taking charge of
gentleman aspiring
magnitude of the object which they have pledged
landed property, ought to
before
that
there
board,
go
of their
aware
themselves to accoiflphsh
; they are
be questioned as to his aptitudefor such an
and
office,
body, and to
to the whole agricultural
responsibility
receive such credentials and testimonials,as his
ral
genetheir country ; and they will do their duty.
information and agriculturalattainments
could
nt the St.
They will fullyaccomplhh their uhjec'."
command.
This being the case
it is but natural to
There they would rejoice
Pancras
School if ihcy can.
that
all
noblemen
or
supose
gentlemen who were
We trust that no delusive planswill
to accomplish it.
anxious to have their
propertyand affairs conducted in
half measures
be proposed no
attempted
; but that
a business like
in the event of requirall parlies
manner, would
ing
with good faith,and the kindliest feeling's,
assistance,avail themselves
of such
efficient,will unite.
and fullyacknowledged
in preferenceto recommendations,
ability,
much gratified
to hear Mr. Sewel I, at the
We
were
which probably have nothing better for
last,
close of his introductorylecture,in November
their support, than that the
with regard
party could not maintain a
express himself so warmly and so properly
respectablepositionin fair competitionwith the world.
to this most desirable extension of the students' iducaThen
would
of the hope with which the agriuclturist
agriculturethrive, then would
the
tion.
He
"

"

"

and

cultivators of the soil,

sively
firmly,and extencommand
that situation,
which they have a right
to maintain
I fear thev are
; but in which
losing
ground, mainly from their own
inattention,and in
part, from the persevering
agitationof a class,whose
owners

spoke
that the benefits of
inspire!,

be exart would
tended
our
animal that formed a part of the wealth
He
alluded to the
of the lanner and of the country.
impeachment of
circumstanci-s which, without much
the full workor good intentionhad i)revented
industry
was

to every

FARMER'S

THE

110

ino- out of the plan of the founders of the Veterinary

College,but which should no Jonarer exert any baneful
He
existence.
placed the
influence,
or, indeed,have
grounds, the interests of the
question on its proper
and the country, the claims of humanity,
ag-riculturist
and tiichonour of the veterinary profession. lie expressed
himself willingto contribute,
to the full extent
of his power,
to the accomplishment of what now
peared
apto be the g-eneral
wish, the generaldemand.
This was as it should be.
The Professors and the

MAGAZINE.
be sold (whetherwanted or not) at a duty of
8s. to 10s. per quarter."
Now, we call wpon every candid reader particularly
to notice the very extraordinary(and
nishing)
astoto us
most
arguments by which the Hon. Baronet arrives
I further beg to remark
at that conclusion.
(sayshe)
that the market prices
of all kind of grain,since the last
law was
that the
passed in 1827 or 18'28,will show
home
has not been receivinga larger
grower
pricethan
would justremunerate
him for his skill,
toiland capital
employed in cultivation of his land ; and that now, when
the pricesare rising,
owing to a small and inefficient
supplyfrom abroad,added to a deficient crop both of
and potatoes at home, that he is by no means
corn
ceiving
reexorbitant rate of profit."Well, then (andan
and

kets

Governors of the Veterinary College may

and, we
to see, that
trust,are beginning'

be
every

assured,
brancii

be placed on its
now
veterinaryinstruction must
No
true level.
portion must be omitted no portion
considered as merely subsidiaryto others
glanced at,
and then, and that somewhat
too rapidly,and then
now

of

"

"

its
Each
heard
of for weeks.
must
no
more
occupy
full time
each must receive its fulland due attention.
If the avocations of the
present Professors will not
And is there any
admit of this,
others must be added.
Ours has been the only
thingunreasonable in this?
school in which
the instruction of the pupil has been
thus confined : ours
is the only school that has but one
"

from

"

we

to
appeal fearlessly

every

the legitimateconclusion

impartial
reader,whether

would

not
be, that therefore
lessen the expence of cultivation)
lower the priceof
that would
justlyadoptany measure
British grain. But, no ! in the very teeth of these arguments
appear) Sir
(surpassing
strange as it must
Thomas implores
the landowners and occupiersof West
Somerstt to join him in obtaining the repealof these
laws, and why?
Why, not because the peoplehave

you

(unlessyou

cannot

assistant-professor.Look at the
an
look at the veterinary
been too dearly fed under these laws, for he admits,
schools around
us
tant,"
been exorbitime have the farmers' profits
schools in every
at no one
Four, five,six
country in Europe.
in
talented men
but, forsooth,because where the peoplemove
are, in all of them, employed in preparing
with
the student for the efficientexercise of his profession.masses
they have taken an odd fancy to quarrel
is the reason
gine
Where
those who feed them, and vainly imarivalled their best friends,
that,in Great Britain alone, unthat they have only to ruin them, in order to comfor its horses,its cattle,and its sheep, the
plete
their own
of prosperity.
inefficiently
taught
complain
sum
But, wa
veterinary student should be more
Common
in which the
than in any other country in the world"!
not merely at the unaccountable
manner
less
interest will now
but in his fruitHon. Baronet arrives at his conclusions,
and common
common
justice,
sense,
minds
in commencing that
he is compelledto
unite many
honourable
attempt to please both parties
ing
of improvementwhich will gradually,
cautiously, blow hot and cold with the same breath, for after tellcareer
and
the farmers that they cannot
aflbrd the corn
and in good faith be pursued until the reputation
cheaper
than under the present corn laws ; yet he panders to the
honour of the practitioner,
and the peculiar
interestsof
the fanner,
fullestextent to the popular feeling"" that the people
secured.
are
have an undoubted
right (atwhatever cost to the other
interestsof the country)to purchasetheir grain at all
times where they can
ing
get it cheapest." It is this seemtime running
to side with the hare, and at the same
with the hounds that we most complainof. In fact,it
IN
THE
BEDFORDSHIRE
REPORTER,
is impossible to tellwhat the Hon.
Baronets wants, except
it be
a change," whether
(at all risks)he wants
LETHTO
REPLY
SIR
THOMAS

professor,and
medical

"

"

BRIDGE'S

LETTER

ON

THE

it is imlower prices,or steadier prices,

higherprices,
or
higher
pos^ble exactlyto gather. Now, if he wants
he must know that the party who are clamouring
prices,
for alteration would
If he want
be greatlydeceived.
lower pricesthen,with all our good opinionof the Hon.
when
Baronet,we can hardly acquithim of insincerity,
he says,
That the farmers, under the present laws,
for their skill,
have only just been remunerated
toil.
"C-"
Now, the facts of the case are simplythese ; for
posing
after passing the present law, imthe firstfour years
graduatedduties,the British farmers did obtain

CORN

LAWS.

true friend of his country will

admit that the subjecton which
the worthy
Baronet has addressed his brother landowners and occupiers,
is of the highest
importanceto all classes of the
community ; and it must also be admitted that,whether
bear in mind
the highstation and character, of the
we
and
he
author, or the temper
spirit in which
has written,that is justlyentitled to the most candid
upon

Mu.

at

and
are

EniTon, Every
"

once

consideration.While, then, we
dispassionate
quitedisposed to approach the subject in the

"

fraction of 8s. per bush,

during years when
was
the crops were
we
re"
not abundant
at home, but when
quiredsome foreignaid ; for the next five or six years,
having a succession of hivourable seasons, the pricewas
had scarcely
time we
which
much
lower, and durin.1,little there was,
any foreigngrain in the market; what
tor

the average

theirwheat.

within

mere

This,however,

good temper as that in which the Honourable

Baronet
has written, it would
be absurd
in us to
deny, that we consider his conclusion to be totallyat
variance with the premises hu has laid down, and that
it is far too evident,and much
that the
to be regretted,
however, paid heavy duties ; and we appealnot merely
in
is not treated so much
its own
stract to Sir Ihomas
abcorn
Lethbridge but to every sensible man
question
upon
the kingdom, uhether,during those years of plenty,
merits, as it is viewed throughout through the
if
oi freetrade,and it seems
distortedmedium
(according foreignu-heat hud been all along admissible on payment
he
to Sir "]homas) that to thisgoddess (whether rightor
of eight or ten sliillings
per quarter duly, as
"wrong')every creature in the country must ere long recoinmends ; whether pricesmust not have fallenmuch
bow the knee.
It is quite impracticable,
and that the ruin from which the Englishfarmers
however, in
lowe)-,
the space of a letter to quote the exact words
evitable.
of the
with closed ports, must not have been inhardlyexpected
Hon. Baronet at any great length,but we
pledge ourselves
If,however (as we would charitablyhope),
him ; and we bear
steadier price for wheat,
to misrepresent
a
not intentionally
the lion. bart. reallywants
abortive
in mind that pledge, when we say that it must be manifest
tell him at once, that his plan would be totally
we
that the scope and design of the above letter
to all,
that object. In fact,with all the
in accomplishing
ia to hold up the present corn
that is raised against
laws to odium
the
absurd and unmeaning clamour
in
the present corn
country, to show that they nre justlyobuoiiims to the
laws, it is not a littlemarvellous, that
have
of the people,and that though intended to
great mass
during the eleven years of iheir operationi)rices
varied less than in almost any other periodof the like
protect the agriculturalinterest,
they totallyfailin accomplishing
that object
that theyought
of this kingdom ; certainlymuch
extent in the history
; and, moreover,
lenge
forthwith to be repealed; (and ifany regulatitm
isnecesless than during any such time of peace : and we chalsary)
same

"

that corn

ought

at

alltimes

to come

into our

mar-

contradiction upon

this point. That corn, how-

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

Ill

has been in operation,

the people of this country have
the generaldefalcation of crop, is ^one up
been fed at a cheaper rate than during any
former
in price
justnow, is not to be wondered at,and we have
hesitation in saying-, that adopt what measures
periodof the same extent within the last 40 or 50 years,
no
you
pendentand therefore that no case whatever is made
detering
will to prevent fluctuation in an article so entirely
out for althe principle
of the law.
the historyof all ag-es and
the seasons,
upon
all nations shows that the objectcan
Finally,We protest against
such alteration,
because
be effected.
never
the great probability
also entirely
We demur
to the hon. bart.'s views,when
is,that much greater fluctuations
be the consequence.
The earlyeffects
he says,
That because the Almighty ruler of the universe in pricewould
would
be to discourage our
has cast up his great watery iiig-hway
for the iaown
risingagriculture,
which
result in the poorer
of the commodities of the earth, that we vmst
must
terchanpre
lightsoils reverting
back to mere
downs and sheep walks, while much heavy
take articles when we
do not ivant them, or else that we
have no right to expect them when
do leant t/iem." land of costlycultivationwould go to grass, and then our
we
and more
Tiiishypothesis
is in fact totally
versal peoplebecoming every year more
at variance'with the unidependent
for food upon foreiarncountries,
in the event
of those
affairs of
practiceof mankind -n tliecommon
and other contingencies,
being cut off by war
life.Take a casein point. We are now
supplies
shipping potatoes
we
to America
Jonathan only get anmight ere long witness the teeming population of
; but let Brother
ever, from

"

othergood cropathome,

and then,though never

so
good
with his cargo and stand on the
shores of the great Atlantic,and should swear
by Jasus
that he would never
and the Virginfllary,
bringthem
another tater if they did not buy his cargo, and what,
we
ask,would Brother Jonathan care for all thisbluster?
Equallypreposterous is it to wish to feed the British
people with foreignwheat, when we can accomplish
that object
at reasonable priceswith the produce of our
lands ; and so judicious
in principle
own
our
are
sent
precorn
laws,aad so nicelyare the scales of justice
an

Irishman shoukl

balanced, that

go

we

will be necessary,
tillat lengthour

no

sooner

than

we

and manufacturing towns

with
our
great mercantile
famine at their doors,bitterly
reproachingthemselves
for their present folly,and cursing the day wheri they
had been tempted to discourage
of their
the agriculture
well as all
own
as
country. For these considerations,
others important and dear to the United Kingdom, we

implore every

true
patriotthrough the length and
of the land, not to sanction the doubtless well
mas
intended,but very mischievous,
suggestionsof Sir Tho-

breadth

Lethbridge.

Yours,
The

imaginetliat foreign aid

begin to remit our duties,

P.S.

Though

wc

as

ever.

Bedfordshire

assume

exactlypersonated,we

Reporter.

by which
signature

we

arc

you, Rlr. Editor,

In common
ports to the whole world.
fairness,it is not because we seek an unmanly mode of attack,
for we have no interest to serve
but that of the public,
however
(forwe do not seek to triumphat the expense
and you are quite at liberty
to give the hon. baronet
of truth ),there is one
point in the letter of the hon.
real address as soon
as
our
please; but we do so
you
barf, which is not without some
f :ice.
In the working
our
pocket from a heavy taxation,
merely to screen
of the present system, the great Leviathans in the corn
have
such as we
formerlysuffered from some
paltry
trade have at certain times too much command
of prices.
scribblersof the anti-corn law associations.
This,however,is not at all attributableto ihe principle anonymous
and we have longthought
of the law, but to its details,
that the duty risingand fallingso rapidlyat the lower
end of the scale,is too much
a
gambling sort
favouring
of speculationin corn ; and by which means, it is too
the Government
isdefrauded of much revenue.
evident,
ON
FARMING
ACCOUNTS.
This might be remedied by merely allowingthe duty to
It is passingstrange, but no
advance
less strangethan
recede in equal proportionsat all pointsof
or
the scale (and we should say one
of the schools at which farmers'
shilling
true, tliat in none
per qr. as the
in the market). By
pricevaried to the same
amount
educated
is attention given to any subsons
are
ject
this simple adjustment,the present great incentives to
the pursuits
which
the
t
o
bearing
youths
upon
influence the averages
by artificial excitement would
are afterwards destined to devote themselves.
There
be efl'ectually
removed, and the Government would secure
at all times, when
a revenue
portance
subject,
fraughtwith the most vital imfrom the low priceof is one
British grain,foreignouglitto
lieve
beto the interest of the farmer,and the newe
pay duty. And
glect
we
speak the sentiments of all who are worth consulting
of which seldom
fails to prove fatal to the
of our agricultural
body, when we say, that if,
tradesman,but which is generallymanaged by
by the alterationof the poor laws and other improvements,
and we
that the expenses
itcan be shown
manner,
fear,
of cultivation farmers in the most
in too many
has kssened since 1828, that with perfectgood will
attended
not
to
at all,
instances,
they would be willingto give the consumers
the benefit namely, the keepingof accounts.
cult
However diffiof such improvements in the scale of duties. We
do
it may be for the masters
of schools to devise
not ask, however,for alteration.
useful plan of generalagricultural
a
education,
We cannot, however, close our
observations without
wants

increase,we

open

our

stricted
unre-

not

can

assure

slovenly

there

be

in teaching
can
no
a system of
didiculty
solemn protest against the wild and visionary
scheme
of the hon. bart.,of opening our
accounts
of the
adapted to the management
ports
at all times to foreign
Various
grain,on payment of a fixed duty. farm.
forms
have
been
for
published
And we protest against the measure
for the

enteringour

following the use of farmers,

but none
which we
iiave seen
First,because wheat being the great leading
in simplicity
and comprehensiveness,
the
ecjuals,
articleof human consumption, and from the unalterable
British Farmers' Annual
Account Book," by the
of things,
nature
tions,
beingalways subjectto great fluctuait cannot
author of
British Husbandry." This account
with safetybe subjected
to the same
reasons

"

"

"

fixed principles
as
other articlesof

commerce.

Book

is

now

announced

second

year, and

Secondly.Because, therefore,if a fixed duty were

if its merits are properly
meet
appreciated,
the article ot wheat, bearingany justproon
portion
demand.

imposed

to

will,
creased
in-

an

the differencein the

cost of productionin this

The
other states dissimilarly
cumstanced,
cir-

highly-taxedcountry,

and
that from the sensitivenessof tliepeople in
articleof this importance,
;in
there must of necessity he
trtquent infractionsof the law, and that such infractions
would often be ruinous to the dealers in home
grown
lessen confidence in societyat
corn, and consequently

large.
Thirdly. Because

during which the

on

the average

present

system

of

of eleven years,
graduated duties

advantageswhich youths,instructed in a
good system of farming accounts
must
enjoy,
could

not, we
any

should

school

think, fail

in which

judiciously
given; but if
feel persuaded '.hat it is
the

attention

of

to

such
this
a

bring into

instruction

doubted,

were

by

we

subjectwell worthy

and
agriculturalsocieties,

encouragement

tice
nowas

rewards

of

some

serving
de-

kind.

THE

112
TO

THE

RIGHT

WESTERN.

LORD

HON.

FARMER'S

Glynde,Dec. 26.
thoughtit necessary to
lordship

MAGAZINE.
bred Leicesters possessed.Forty years ago
my late
father bred his rams
too fine for the present day ; then
the coarseness
it was necessary
to do so to counteract

and to
the case
is different,
; but now
think he must
who
shire
gentlemen
go into Hampmay
make
any apologylest the charge of presumption should
I shall be most
to get strengthof constitution,
teresting
attach to you for bringing before the public the inhappy to show him my sheep, bred without Hamp-shire
experiment made in endeavouring to raise a
judge for himself.
cross, that he may
breed of sheep, how much
incumbent is iton
new
more
I um, Sir,your obedient servant,
humble
individual like myselfto do so.
a
sidering
But, con-

My

Lord,

If your

"

the subjectto
take my pen
fearlessly

be
in

of great

one

hand,from

there was
animals,

great

"

and

was

not

Stock.

what
Merinoes
But, recollecting
were
twenty
were
thirtyyears
ago, nay, what the Southdown*
since,I have no hesitationin giving,
that
as
my opinion,
theymay be called well made sheep.
I am
that itis a received opinion
quiteaware
amongst
all our
breeders of cattle and sheep,tiiat the
fir."t-rate
firstcross
generallysucceeds,but that if you attempt to
go on with the cross, you will breed very inferior
animals,
years

the

rent-daymeeting
DraycottArras Inn, on

FORDSHIRE.
STAF-

"c.

Draycott tenantry, held

the IVth Dec, was
merously
nu-

attended.
After the usual business of the morning,which proved
most
to Mr.Bond, the agent of the property,
satisfactory
excellent
the tenants and visitors tat down to a most
landlord
dinner,provided by Mr. Cope, the respectable
at the Draycott Arras.
man,
After the removal
of the cloth, Mr. Boxd, the chair-

giventhe Queen, and other loynltoasts,the

Lady Stourton,the Hon. Sir E. ftl.A'avasour,
Bart., anil family,and other appropriate
toasts, informed
the tenantry that Sir E. RI. Vavasour, in his desire on
all occasions to serve
them, had proposed to set on foot
an
library,and to contribute liberally
agricultural
after

Dowager

of Mr. Bond's observations,

thereto. In the course
he
I am
called the attention of the tenantry to the advantage
carry it on.
of the nnceusiiig theywould derive from a knowledge of the improvements

atlentionand grreat skill it will require

to counteract
tlie
to be encountered
great difficulties
; but I do not think
ihem insurTiioiiutable. Recollecting tliose who
have
themselves in such matters, my mind
most distinguished
naturallyreverts to my late father's old and highlyvalued friend Sir Joiin Sebright;and were
any young
to
it with tiie zeal and perseverance
undertake
man
of
that hon. baronet 1 believe he would succeed.
It is of course
needless to state that there is no natural
have originally
must
from
impediment allsiieep
sprung
"

the pairin the ark ; their power of procreationbeyond

the firstcross proves this. What
be more
can
dissimilar
than the JNIerino,
in Spain,and the new
as
Leicester?
Climate has no doubt had considerable effect,
but the
differentviews in breedingthe respective
animals much
In Spain the wool only was
more.
thought of; with

the Leicester breeders that formed very littlepart of

their system : indeed I have often heard my father say,
that Bakewell
the praiseof first improving
(to whom
the frame of sheep must
be universally
allowed) told
thu
him, on his suggestmg to him that he neglected
wool, that he would rather have a shesp with no wool
at all."
Were I a younger man, I would undertake to breed
from many
flocks on the Southdo^v ns in twenty years a
flock resembling Norfolks or Rlerinos in colour,whichever
might fancy. The Southdown breed of sheep
one
"

at

LIBRARY,

FARMER'S
of the

The

disappointed.

to

that it is impossibleto
and, indeed,
not of tliatopinion. I am
quiteaware

ELLMAN.

DRAYCOTT,

AT

PROPOSED

la^t
cass,
car-

DAY

RtNT

in finding
difficulty

frame with the capital

Southdown wethers shown by the Duke of Richmond, or
the beautiful J.,eicester
of the Marquis of Exeter,
ewe
both of which were
and to
placed near your wethers,
both of which prizeswere
most justlyawarded
as Extra
as

JOHN

consciousness

of beingat Felix Hall

Having had the pleasure
well made
quiteprepared to see a veatly
year, I was
with very good wool
I will not compare
them

any

I
importance,

that my only motive is the publicgood.

In common
with other breeders and graziers
who attendefclthe lateSmithfield Show, my attentionwas
drawn
to the two pens of wethers sent by your
lordship
; but
from the crowded state of the yard,and the dark stable
in which they were
with many
other
put, in common

excellent
them out.

of the Downs

of other counties,of the state of the markets,

varietyof valuable information relativeto cattle,
and implements, which
such works as the
seeds, soils,
and

and other
Jlla?7cLane Express,
The tenants
were
highly
with the proposition,
and unanimously agreed
gratified
forward
and each subscribe his share towards
to come
carryingso desirable an objectinto effect;and to meet
the 1st of January next, to further discuss the sub.
on
draw up rules,
and appointofficers.
ject,
in which
Attention havingbeen called to the manner

Farmer's

Magazine,the

agriculturalworks

contain.

served,
obthe children of the poor were
brought up, it was
that great inconvenience
had resulted from the
proper age for a term
hired servants for a
in most
to the
singleyear ; that hence, trusting
cases
seldom in
chances of obtainingday labour,they were
that in the absence of proper
any settled employ, and
in continual
and parents, they were
control from niHsiers
danger of contractingidle and disorderlyhabits.
tiiatthe influence
To remedy this evil,it was suggested
possessedby the agent, inthedisposaland improvement
of the cottages, and that of the clergy,arising from the
distributionof the charitiesof the familyand the jiarish,

neglect to apprenticethem

of years,

or

even

to engage

at

them

as

their
might be exerted to induce parents to apprentice
children,or put them out to service,at a jiropcr age.
however
It wns
urged that the old system of parishapprenticeshi
are so much
the interestsof
had operatedinjuriously
improved,even within the last twenty years,
on
that the same
wethers wiiich gained the premium at the
for
the poor, whose children had been apprsntieed too long
Smithfield show at that time would
cut
but a very ina term, without adequateremuneration during the latter
diflerent figure now.
the
of
Speaking
'J'o obviate this inconvenience,it
Downs, your
part of their term.
notices
the
with
the
lordship
crossing
Hampshire,as
was
proposedand resolved,that the committee before
and
recommended
Lord
Leicester. 1 should
by
practised
appointed should sit at the beginningof each year, to
be very
tiiat eminent
sorry to say any thing to annoy
determine what children ought to be put out to service,
all so deeplyinto whom
debted Avhat wages
we
are
should be given to each, and in cases of
patron of agriculture,
hesitationin givingit as my
no
what
remi;-sion of the legal term of
; but 1 have
apiircnticesliip,
firm conviction,
that the noble lord might haveobtamed
in recompense
of industry
years should be recommended
he expected from t!ieHants, without
and good conduct ; and they should hear and exaevery good which
mine
the bad, had he come
into Sussex to renovate
his Hook.
complaintson either side. Jt was further resolved,
I'he fact is,the Sonthdowns
at
llolkh;;imwere
brrd
allow the childi'cn in tlunr service
that masters
shuidd
under a Leicester hand, and although excellent in the
duties and inslnietions : and
to attend to their religious
the originalcharacter of
chine,they lost very much
also,at the proposalof one of the clergy present at the
Southdowns.
They had too littlewool, and too little meeting,who kindlyoft'ered his services for the purpose,
lean" faults which

some

yearssincemanyof the highest suffer them

to

attend school

one

eveningin the week,

THE

FARMER'S

113

MAGAZINE.

and writing.Hope was exa fetidsmell that to a practised

pressed so particular
for instructionsin readii"g'
person it is
of the disease ; the
dustry sufficientto denote the presence
liabitsof virtue and inthat,by these means,
be implantedin the minds of the children, cracks and sweUings then extend up the leg. In the
mig-lit
of time the skin becomes
altered in structure ;
course
and that they miirht grow up s'oodchristiansand useful
of grapes or a pineapple,
like bunches
of society.The late alteration in the law of
members
prominences,
of tlaem bleed on being touched,whilst
than ever the
some
settlement made it,it was observed, more
appear;
others appear quitehorny; the constitution becomes
the danger of an
interestof the parishto g-uardagainst
comes
and the horse beaffected from this extensive disease,
idle and disorderly
population.
and instead of good
his hope
to express
weak, lean and irritable,
The Ctiaihsian would
venture
matter
that they might be able to send three or four youthsto
being discharged,the before-mentioned fetid
continue to drain from the heel.
sores
other improved district,
to learn and
or some
Scotland,
Causes,
It was
mentioned in a former paper that
bringhome an improvedsystem of agriculture.
Some
horses
into grease.
swelled legsmay degenerate
In the course
of the evening, Mr. Binns, of Lancaster,
"

of

more
to it than others ; for example,heavy
subject
draughthorses that have no degree of breedingin them,
those having white legs,as thismark is supparticularly
posed

the attentionof the tenantry

of those parts. But bad

to indicate weakness
stable management,
of exercise ; high feeding
as want
without a proper degree of work, is a very common
ness
of horses running into grease ; deficientcleanlicause
to stand in dung and urine
; allowingthe animal
which have not been removed from his stall; all these
of the disease. Cold and
are very liable to be
causes
moisture are conditions very favorable for the generation
of the disease. Cold weakens the energy of a part, and
the circulation; and when this state
suspends partially
lation
has been induced,on the return of warmth, the circuis increased,
and the vesselsweakened by the cojd,
are
incapableof contractingon the increased quantity
of blood which now
fills them, and inflammation or
jurious
Moisture is inother disease is the consequence.
some
the same
on
principle.Hence the impropriety
of the practiceof washing the feet and legsof horses on

the author of the work,

"

The Miseries and

Beauties

who was
Ireland,"
professionally
engaged in valuing
under the
and some
parishesin the neighbourhood,
this,
his health being drunk,
act, on
parochialassessment
made
importantobservations on the state of the
many
of the county, commenting upon tiie cumbrous
agriculture
and wheel ploughs,
and heavy and hairy
waggons
legged horses ; the ruinous practiceof usingthree or
four horses,one
in
before the other, and two men
ploughingland,that would be better ploughedby two
abreast and one
recommended
to
He strongly
man.
more

in their breed of

care

by obtainingbetter males, being decidedlyof

cattle,
apparent, that
opinion,which every day made more
for the improved
there would be an increasingdemand

are

On this
short-horned cattle both at home and abroad.
Mr. Binns observed
part of the subject
If I may
Sir
take the liberty,
I would recommend
and to his intelligent
Edward Vavasour
agent, to obtain
Durham
two or three well-bred
bulls,for the use of
the tenants, by w^hich a great improvement in the stock
returning from work, or leavingthem to dry as they
dried
might be effected in a short time. 'I'o the respectable may ; if it isemployed the feetshould be carefully
afterwards. Removing the hair from the heel is said by
tenantry, I will offer a remark or two, which I am
dispute
there has been some
to be a cause, and
confident will be accepted in the spiritin which they some
made
The institutionof an agricultural
are
:
library whether itisor not ; on the whole the removal has few
other
bad effects. If space permitted
it,numerous
or no
will be to you most
of
beneficial,
aflbrding
you a miss
instances might be brought forward,to show that grease
useful information at a trifling
advise you
co?;t. I would
Care
is the offspring
of mismanagement and negligence.
to meet
the views of Sir Edward
most
not
cordially,
than any
for its prevention,
and attentionwill do more
the library,but in many other matters
only respecting
other means
adopt. The Yitrkshireman.
we
can
in which he has proved that he has your interest at
heart;for when a landlord's advances are met by the
in which they are offered,
they
tenant,in the disposition
lead to further acts of liberality,
promotingmutual good
feelingbetween landlord and tenant, without which
STATEMENT
be insured." Mr. Binns, amongst further
cannot
success
recommended
the attentionof the tenantry
observations,
ANNUAL
OF
THE
OF
THE
EXPENCE
STOCKING,
OF
to the keepingof cattlein summer,
upon mown
YEARLY
TURNS,
REAND
OF
THE
DISBURSEMENTS,
clover,tares, Ccc, in the yard or stall,in place of pasturing
"

"

"

"

relatingsuccessful experimentson

this mode

of

the number
the same
frround,and the manure
be preserved in the most profitablemanner.
He
also hoped the time was
far distant when
an
no
tural
agriculsociety would be established,and ploughing
in the county, which would do
matches become general

whereby
keepingcattle,
of c;ittlecan
belcepton

more

system

towards
correctingthe imperfectand expensive
of ploughingthan all (he advice that could be

given.
An

animated discussion

these important subjects

which was
nantry
followed,
kept up till a late houi',the teof improvement
being animated with a spirit
which bids fairfor future prosperity.
on

UNDER

FALLOW,

VIZ.,

250

OF

SCOTLAND,

IN

YEARS,

FARM

ON

than double

more

WHEAT,

ACRES
A

30/

harrow
Self-cleaning
Roll and turnipsower
Threshingmachine

14

26

50

Fanners, 6/., sacks, 4/

10

cows,

Three

per horse

at

10/

attacked)begin to swell,a fluid exudes from

the part, which
gives u it greasy feci; the hairsof the
heels become
like bristles ; soon
after this cracks
erect
begin to appear a(-ross the heel,and they discharge a
this matter is of
offensivematter, and in dressing,
thick,

10

t"0

40

18

10

boilers 12/., chaff and pota6/

cutters

toe

"

is an
Grease
undue secretion of the fluidwhich lubricates Cheese
the heel ; itis aho altered in its properties.
Symptoms.
is generallya dry
Its fiist appearance
and scurfy state of the skin of the heel,with redness,
quently
heat,nnd itching, 'i'hchind legs (whichare most fre-

28
at 1.5/.

(N; carts,

Dairy utensils
HORSES.

l20

harrows, :"
Htrness

Four
OF

"240

of
ploughs,at 4t.,four jiair

Four

AVeightsand measures
SmaU implements

DISEASES

OF
OATS.

CLOVER,

HIiQUinED.

STOCK

Eight liorses,at

SHIRE,
AYR-

IN
COURSE

pressers

Permanent

"587

10

entry..

^00

acres, at 30s.

225

at 8/

240

10

stock
lime
1.50/.,

Manure

Seed " labour

Thirtycattle

laO

on

to

.'jO/.at

feed,

"1,252
or

5/. per

acre.

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

115

Mr. R. W. Baker's, 6 years and 1 month old Shortpurchased by Mr, Kent, King-street,Holborn,
Ox, shown in Class II.,and purchasedby Mr.
weighed 15st. 61b.,and 2 stone loose fat.
The Right Honorable
Slater,of Kensington,weighed '200 stone, and had 22
the Earl of Lovelace's three
stone of loose fat.
32 months
old Southdown
wethers, exhibited in class
Mr. Senior's 4 years and 9 months old Hereford Ox,
X., and purchased by Mr. Giblett, Bond-street,
in Class II.,and purchasedby iNIr.
shown
Beliring'cr,
weighed 19st. 4lb., 19st. 4lb.,21st. 4lb.
of the Strand,
His Grace the Duke of Richmond's
weighed 192 stone, and had 19 stone
three 32 months
horned

loose fat.

old Southdown
wethers, which obtained the second
in class XI.,and purchasedby Mr. Hancock,
of Park-street,
weighed17st. lib.,17st. 7lb.,16st. 2lb.
N.B. These were
given as beingin class X. in our
last report.
His Grace the Duke
of Norfolk's three under 34
months old Southdown wethers,exhibited in class XI.,
and purchasedby Mr. Hancock, of Park-strett,

Mr. Kowland's 4 years and 7 months old Hereford

and purchased
Ox, shown in Class III.,
by Mr. Sharp,
of Paddington,
weighed 173 stone, and had 23 stone
loose fat.
Mr. Bailey's
old Hereford ox,
i years and 6 months
shownin
Class II,and purchased
by Mr. Mortlock, of
the New-cut, Lambeth,
weighed 185 stone, and had
22 stones
61bs. loose fat.
The Hon. Charles Arbuthnott's 2 years and 7 months
old Durham
steer,exhibited in Class IV, and purchased
by Mr. Sharp,of Paddington,weighed130 stone, and
had 15 stone loose fat.
Mr. J. F. Johnson's 3 years and 4 months
shorthorned heifer,
shown in Class VI, and purchasedby Mr.
Croker,of Brompton,weighed149 stone, and had 21
stone loose fat.
Mr. Cowper's4 years and 10 months old Durham
cow, which gainedthe first premium in Class VJ, and
purchasedby Mr. Sutton, of Kingsland,weighed 156
stone, and had 21 stone lib. loose fat.
Mr. Potterton's 3 years and 6 months
old Durham
Heifer,shown in Class VI., and purchased by Mr.
of the New-cut, Lambeth, weighed156 stone
Shepperd,
61bs.,and had 23 stone loose fat.
Mr. Richardson's 4 years and five months old Durham
Heifer,shown in Class VI., and purchased by
Mr. Cowell,of Chandos-street,
weighed 190 stone, and
had 24 stone loose fat.
Mr. Wratislaw's 7 years and 5 months old Durham
in Class VII., and purchasedby Mr.
Cow, shown
Moray, Whitecross-street,
weighed166 stone, and had
28 stone loose fat.
The Hon.
Mr. Simpson's 7 years old Durham
Cow,
shown in Class VII., and purchased
by Mr. Hancook,
of Park- street,weighed 164 stone, and had 25 stone
21b?. loose fat.
old Leicester
Mr.
Wratislaw's
three 20 months
wethers, purchasedby Mr. Austin, of the Lower
Road, Islington,
14st. 4lb.,and
weighed respectively
togetherhad 361bs. of loose fat. Exhibited in class

premium

ed
weigh-

20st., 20st. 21b., 19st. 21b.

Mr. Redgrave's two 20 months

old New

Leicester

wethers, exhibited

in class IX., and purchasedby Mr,

Ulph, of Regent'sPark, weighed15st. 5lb.,16st. 3lb,,
and had together301b. loose fat.
Mr. Chamberlain's
three 20 months
old New
cester
Leiwethers, which gained the first premium in
class IX., and the gold medal, as the Destpen of longwoolled sheep,purchasedby Mr. Maynard, of Chelsea,
weighed 17st. 71b.,17st. lib.,16st. 71b.,and had 50lb.
of loose fat.
Mr. R. Rowland's
three 21 months old long-woolled
wethers, exhibited in class IX., and purchasedby Mr,
Piper, of Chelsea,weighed 16st. 5lb.,17st. 4lb.,18st.
The Most Honorable
the Marquess of Exeter's three
old long-woolled
20 months
wethers,exhibited in class
IX., and purchased by Mr. Slater, of Kensington,
weighed 17st. 2lb.,ISst., 20st. 2lb.
The Most
Honorable
the Marquess of Tavistock's
three 20 months old Leicester wethers,which obtained
the second premium in class IX.,and purchasedby Mr.
Guerrier,of Islington,
weighedISst. 6lb.. i9st. 4lb.,
20st. 2lb.
Mr. Sanday'stwo
20 months
old long-woolled wethers,
exhibited in class IX., and purchasedby Mr,
of
New
Cut, weighed
Fisher,
Marlborough-street,
20st. 61b., 20st. lib.,loose fat both together4st. 2lb.
The
other sheep, purchased by Mr.
Sutton, of
Kingsland,weighed19st. 5lb.,loose fat 12lb.
Mr. Oakley's
three 20 months old Kent wethers,exhibited
in class IX., and purchasedby Mr. Watson, of
Strood, weighed24st 61b.,19st. 5.\lb.,
17st.61b.

VIII.
Mr.

Burgess'sthree

20

months

old

long woolled

wethers, exhibited in class VIII,, and purchasedby Mr.

I6st.
Ford, of Kenton-street, weighed respectively

4lb.,and togetherhad

361bs. of loose fat.

John Painter's 20 months old Leicester wethers,

obtained the first premium in class VIII., and
purchasedby Mr. Plume, of Carter-lane,weighed 22st,
lib.,ISst. 71b.,17st. 7lb.,and togetherhad 5st. 71b.
of loose fat.
Mr. S. Grantham's
old
Southdown
months
20
wether, which obtained the first premium in class 10,
and purchased by Mr. Giblett,of Bond-street,
weighed
13st. lib.
which
N.B. Mr. Grantham's
of
the
weight
sheep,
was
givenin our last,were those in class XI., and not
class X., as there stated.

HUSKISSON

MR.

ON

His Grace the Duke of Richmond's

three 20 months
old SouthdowB wethers, which
obtained the second
premium in class X., and purchased
by Mr. Hancock,
of Park-street,
weighed16st. 4lb.,14st. 4lb.,16st. 3lb.
N.B. These sheepwere
given as beingin class XI.
in our
previousreport,it should have been as here,
class X.
The
three 22
Right Honorable Lord Western's
months old Merino and Leicester wethers, which were
not classed in consequence
of the stewards
being of
opinionthat they could nut compete in class X., purchased
by Mr. Allen, of Mount-street,weighed I6st.
and 2st. loose fat, lost. 21b.,and 1st. e^lb.loose
71b.,
fat, I6"t. 4lb.,and 2st. 5lb. loose fat.
Mr. Barnard's 21 months old Southdown
wether,

THE

CORiN

LAWS.

Mr.
which

written by Mr.
letter was
following
in the
of his constituents,
to one

The
kisson

Husyear

1814:"
Mv
\

in the

report has reached me from

part which I have taken
the corn
Commons
on
laws, has

Sir.

Dear

arious

"

that
quarters,
of

House

the

of my

constituents.
I have
sidering
great concern, but, condustriously
inwhich
the
are
misre])resentations
circulated throughout the country,

given offence
heard

this

to some

report with

without

much
surprise.
opposing,as I did, the scheme of Sir H,
Parnell, for layinga prohibitoryduty on the imof foreignwheat
to 84s. ])cr qr.,
jjortation
up
it altogether
and that of Mr. Foster, for prohibiting
of
incurred
the displeasure
up to 100s. I have
In

"

will not
who
think that the British grower
many,
be sufficiently
protected
by the mucli milder system
the other hand,
On
which I have substituted.
there

by

are

is too

many
I have

others, who

think that

the scale

jiroposedto regulatethe import

cumstance
high. I will not pretendto say that the cirof some
condemning my suggestionas

which

116
not
any

THE

doing enough, and others

proof (though I think

FARMER'S

The
doing too much, is
it affords some
sumption)hundred
preas

that the middle

I have
which
course
the
steered between
supposed oppositeinterest of
is fair to botli.
the grower
and consumer,
But of
this I am
sures
quitesure, that the far stronger meawhich

proposed in the House would

rejected,if an attempt had been
tuting
simply to negative them, without substi-

have

not

made

some

were

been

other

measure

for me
It is unnecessary
for opposing the

reasons

MAGAZINE,

in tiieirstead.
to trouble

you

stronger measures
Foster, because

with my
of Sir

I appreHenry Parnell, and Mr.

hend
felt at
objections are
that, whatever
Chichester
againstmy plan, they are founded on
tiiat it does not go far enough,
not
the supposition,
but too far for the protectionof the British grower,

history of the country for the last one

and
seventy years clearlyproves, on the
port
one
hand, that cheapnessproduced by foreign imthe
is the sure
forerunnerof scarcity
: and, on
other, that a steady home supply is the only safe
foundationof steadyand moderate pi-ices. During
of one
hundred
upwards
years,
1765, the import ot foreign corn

up
was

the year
restrained
state of the

to

the
What
was
by very high duties.
That
hundred
country during those one
years ?
in ordinary seasons
our
own
growth supplieda
stock
of corn
fullyample for our own
tion
consump;

spare,

that

in abundant

which

felt

no

that

the

W3

seasons

exported ;

had

we

that in bad

to

some

seasons

we

and
under
were
no
apprehension;
seldom
than a
varied more
price of corn
few
shillingsper qr. ; that we had no years of
and that the effect of it will be to jiress hard upon
inordinate gain to the farmer, and of starvation
and the poor.
the consumers
the consumer;
to
the prices, instead
of rising
from
that tlieconsumer
not fullyconvinced
If I were
were
gradually diminishing;
year to year,
in general,but more
so
sumers
that, at the end of this long period of a century,
especiallythat class of conwhose
their own
subsistence depends on
during which we never
imported foreign corn,
be benefitted by the
industry,would
actually one-fifth lower than at the
proposed they were
had my support.
had connot have
that we
to God
alteration,it would
tinued
beginning of it. Would
My
in this salutarysystem ! But in 1765 it was
sole objectis to prevent (as far as human
means
AVhat
has been
can
prevent) bread-corn from ever again reaching most unfortunatelyabandoned.
the result?
the late extravagant i)rices. Can
of the former
have
Preciselythe reverse
any man
witnessed the scarcities and consequent
Instead of a steady supply,afforded at
privations system.
of the people,during six or seven
different seasons
prices,wc have witnessed
steady and moderate
of the last twenty years, without
frequentand alarming scarcities. Every year our
feelinganxious
to guard the
of such
country against the return
dependence on foreignsupply was increasing,till
distress ?
But if we wish to cure
and
the war
severe
evil
an
came,
by interruptingthat supply,
of this alarming magnitude, we
first trace it
must
greatly.aggravatedall our evils ; for a country
What
is that source
to its source.
?
Obviously which depends on enemies or rivals for the food
of its people is never
In the first
this that, until now,
did not, even
safe in war.
in good
we
forced to pay
corn
we
were
eighteen years of this war
enough for our own
years, grow
tion.
consumpHabitually depending on foreign supply, sixtymillions of money
(to nations, every one of
of it, been our
whom
that supply was
has, in the course
interruptedby war, or by bad
enemy),
abroad.
The
for a scanty and
it is true, is
seasons
inadequate supply of foreign
present war,
when
for this jjurpose we had parted
at an end, but peace is, at all times,too prenow
; and
carious corn
to guard againstthe resilver currenc)',
not to induce
our
us
petition with all our
gold, and even
of similar calamities,
whenever
hostilities combined
Europe shut its ports against us, and
But even
America
in peace the habitual
co-operating,first laid an embargo, and
may be renewed.
J his combination
then \\"ent to war.
formed
was
dependence on foreignsupply is dangerous. Wc
of our
with the vain hope to break
our
own
place tlic subsistence
spirit
by starving
populationnot
bodies.
We
hut also on
our
only at the mercy of foreignpowers,
struggled hard, both at home
their being able to spare as much
and
abroad, but by the strugglewe have gained
corn
as we
may
have
Abroad
subdued our enemies
want
to buy.
we
at
Suppose, as it frequentlyhappens, much.
the harvest
with our
in the same
home
out of the war
we
come
agriculture
year to be a short one,
not
at this
us
only in this country, but in the foreign so extended and improved, as to make
countries
fed.
trom which
What
moment
we
follows ?
are
independent of foreignsujjply. We arc
this moment;
and
shall
The habituallyexporting country, France for inat
1, who, to the
stance,
so
of my
entire
conviction
own
judgment, have
stops the export ofitscoi-n, and feeds its
of the people to a conThe habitually traced the long sufferings
trary
people without any great pressure.
deterred from
state of things,be
in a
importing country, England, which, even
using my
in Parliament
endeavours
honest
to prevent the
good season, has hitherto depended on the aid of
of such sufferings
.'
For that purpose
recurrence
foreign corn, depiivcd of that aid, in a year of
of our forefathers
distress bordering upon
to
must
we
scarcity,is driven
go back to the principles
;
There is,therefore,no ejfectnal
famine.
as
possibleto their
security, and, by reverting as much
shall
om-selves
and
in
the
to
either
secure
our
against
frequent return
system, we
peace or war,
terity
posall the benefits
which they derived from it,
to starvation,such as of late
ajiproachiny
ofscarcity
that if unlimited
I admit
have so frequentlyexperienced,
but in our
foreignimport, which
years we
now
again allowed,
maintaining ourselves
habitually independent of the war had suspended, were
broad might be a little,
though a very little,
foreignsupply. Let the bread we cat he the produce
But what
is,for year or two.
of corn
ourselves, and for one,
cheaper than it now
among
grown
follow .'
I'he snmll
how
would
farmer
I care
would
not
be
cheap it is ; the cheaper the
and
I rejoice at it, ruined,
better.
It is cheap now,
improvements would
everywhere stand
inferior lands, now
would
of
be
because it is altogetherowing to a sufficiency
still,
i)ro(lucing
corn,
of waste.
to a
of our
state
The
corn
own
growth. Bat in order to ensure a
given up, and return
brisk dcunuid
continuance
that sufficiency,liome consumption ami
lor all the
of that cheapnessand
articles of the
retail trader, which has so
must ensure
to our own
we
groicers that protection various
much
of
has produced these
contributed, even
against foreign import which
during the pressure
of our towns
and by which
alone they can be permablessings,
(and especially
war, to the ])rosperity
nently

want,

"

"

maintained.

of those which

arc

net

connected

with

manufac-

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

117

of foreign commerce), would

for Chichester is expected
cline pricewhich a member
rapidly deit the proudest
I deem
to pay for that seat ; which
fanning servants, and all the trades which
honour
to owe
to their free
choice, it is a price
depend on agriculturefor employment, would
be thrown
will permit me
out of work
to
which neither duty nor honour
; and the necessary result
of the want
of work
would
that seat by a tenure
would
be, that wages
pay ; for I should then hold
fall even
than degrading
not less injuriousto their interests,
more
rapidly than the price of bread.
Then comes
such interruption
port, to the character
of their representative.These
to the
foreignimknown
in any
coinciding with the decay of agricultureat
feelingsyou are at libertyto make
is suddenly forced
I have
home, and corn
think proper.
thought
quarter you may
up again to a
1 have stated
famine price. Such, I conceive, would
be the
that
the occasion
called for them
inevitable consequence
undiminished
of again placingourselves
them without reserve
; but with an
in a state of habitual and increasing dependence
favours
and
of gratitude for the
sense
many
I am
on
indebted personally
offices for which
the long run,
foreign supply. Who
friendly
upon
would profitby such a state of things?
Certainly to you and many others, and generallyto all my
not the consumer;
constituents.
have
but preciselythose who
Believe me, my dear Sir,very faithfully
profited too much
already from such a state of
yours.
things namely, the overgrown
farmers,with large
HUSKISSON.
WILLIAM
capitals. They will be enabled, for two or three
years to bear up againstthe foreign import ; and
whenever
that import is interruptedthe extravagant
mand,
pricesthey will then be enabled to comturcrs

"

"

will more
than repay the temporary
losses
their poorer but not less industrious neighbour
had not the means
to withstand.
Every acre
thus forced out of cultivation will ensure
to them
an
ultimate increase of profit,and in proportion

BLACK-WATER.

ON

which

to that

the

profitwill
To

consumer.

people.

be the

Commons,

increased pressure

an

protect the

this moment,
This
is my

at

may

inflict

fate of the bill

I

most

can

farmer,

small

fore,
there-

ultimatelyto protect the

sole object; and, whatever
House

in the

now

of

conscientiouslydeclare it
sole tendency of the plan

is in my
opinion, the
which that bill is calculated to carry into effect.
I have troubled
you already at great length,
but

the

discussed

avocations

hold with

will afford

here

me

leisure

of my
For years
constituents.
it has occupied
my attention ; and for years, 1 can
trulysay, 1 have forseen the necessityof adopting
the principles
of Commons
which the House
is
on

acting.
constituents,upon mature consideration,
should differ from those principles,
1 shall deeply
in their opinions. To
regret that I cannot
concur
If my

them

every respect, and to their wishes it

first wish
to show
possible
every
detcrence;but, on an occasion in which, alter the
most
anxious
conscientious
own
reflection,my
judgment is satisfied that the course
which
I have
pursued is calculated to promote the best interests
ot the country, and to place the subsistence of the
owe

be

must

people
icore

my

upon

and
stahic
footing more
secure,to regular industryand individual
should
hold
myself unworthy of the
a

conducive

comfort,

trust which

has

indeed feel that

even

the risk

been

confided

to

me,

and

should

to put
betrayed it,if I were
losingthe good will of a part of

I had

of

loss I should
niy constituents (a momentary
in competition with
the
discharge of a

publicduty. They

know

dcijcndence,
but

in

them, they ought

to

and

value

proportion as
respect mine.

say, if 1 cannot
I cannot, to

their

valued,

can

of

neither

truth,

people to their

ruin.

nor

in cases
of blackfew postmortem examinations
It will appear
to you.
water, I have sent them
in
those morbid
that there vk'cre not
appearances
liver and stomachs,
the
especiallyin the third
the
have
deemed
that
stomach,
usually been
stipation,
of the disease. There might have been concause
for aught I know, at the commencement,
about
clined
it, but I am inalthough I have my doubts
with

different

from

to

retain

is still a little

disease, and

causes,

not

nected
con-

arise

stood,
jiresent fullyunder-

at

nected
probably condeteriorating

is

in

the food taken

with

mystery
it may

that

prevailingcause

the

yet
the

there

the

and

that, in
circulatingfluid. It is well known
there is no black-water,
of constipation,
of the
be always the cause
this cannot

manycases
therefore
disease.
It has

their

lot to

fallen to my

not

of black-water,
owners

as
or

die around

that numbers
patient,and

treat

cases

many

they are generallydoctored by

by druggists; but this I know,

that, I

may

me.

say,

was

lost but

never

one

fault of mine.

no

in what
we
commonly call blackwith
the urine, nor
blood mixed
was
ferent
littledifThe
livers were
there in these cases.
from
healthy ones, and very like many that
others
consider
that we
in fat cattle or
see
we
tinted of a clayey
sound. Here and there they were
colour, and with a few cysts containinga sort of
ficient
nothing of sufgrittysubstance ; but there was
importance, one would think, to affect the
health, or the quantity of bile secreted,though it
I

never

water,

saw,

any

in these

bladders
gall-

the

is undeniable

bile
with
different in
distended
we
usuallyfind
colour and consistence from what
the
of health
In a state
gall-bladderis
in it.
distended with bile.
sometimes
very much

own

it is dear

into

I must

purchase at the
the
by flattering
this be the
If,unfortunately,
to

think

to

trust)

frankly
unfettered representative,

consent

opportunity recentlyof making

an

sacred

be their
at
represent them
any useful purpose,
all.
To their services,which
is that of the public,
my time and attention in Parliament
are
steady
and cheerfully
I look
devoted.
The
only reward
tor is the kindness
and
confidence
of those who
have sent me
there; but that reward, however
expense

Veterinarian.)

the

any

now

WHITCHURCH.

CARTWRIGHT,

A.

(From

subjectis far too extensive to be properly

in any hasty communication,
which my

numerous
to

W.

Having had

on

is

MR.

BY

that, even

cases,

were

am

that

perfectly aware

in

great

many

patients
before that takes
place, and
even
or
In the following cases
it.
without
mind,
there was
not the least staking,but, in my
was
of the stomachs
perfectly
the appearance
and the
there
no
was
constipation,
natural.
As

cases,

if
get well,
sometimes

we

stomachs

were

disease .'

can

Are

injuriousin

produce purging, our

full,to
wc

what

what

to say

must

had been

attribute

we

that there

as

the

something

in the intestines

few

FARMER'S

THE

118

(laysbefore, and that absorptionhad

vitiated the blood and bile,and

and

death

At

there

rate,

any

taken

and

so

was

place,
pioduced

have

must

been

torpidityin the action of the stomachs, and most

system.
probably through the nervous
Case
I." On
Thursday, September 22, 1836, 1
examined
About

person

before.

niuht

fortnightpreviously she
with

farrier,who gave her several drinks, and,

afterwards, she got well so far as the
concerned, though but little dung came
was

by

in

the

found to be
was,
and
black-water,
thought to be
She had a drink administered
to her by a
and
in this town,
afterwards attended
was

affected
staked.
on

died

that

cow

week

water

MAGAZINE.

28th, 8

A.M.

hardly got

AVorse

"

to

could be

very weak, and

Pulse

move.

100

Her

120.

to

bad, but there

about
the breathing,and a great
a ])ecuiiarity
was
of ginger and two
debility. I gave half an ounce
of gentian; but
drachms
she walke"l
at noon
round
and round very quicklyseven
or eighttimes,
general ap])earance

was

not

and

and

(!ied.

then

fell down

so

very

The
after
four hours
death.
of soft food
paunch had a small wheelbarrow-full
in it.
'l"he second
stomach
contained very little.
The
what
not
third was
was
full, but nearly so;

Examination,

was
during that period, and what
staldng. For the last week,
in it was
for the last few days, her faces were
the centre, and
but especially
soft,especiallytowards
there
of its leaves or any
on
v.'as no
as thin as
pellicle
water, but in very small quantities. She
any
her apThe
fourth was
ate hay and grass very well ; but latterly
petite inflammation.
empty, and it and
were
failed, she got weaker, and her respiration the other stomachs
apparently in a perfect
She
of
health.
hurried.
The
littleheavy in her apa
state
was
was
large intestines were
pearance,
than usual
streaked
with
in any pain, or at all
blacker
but did not seem
black, and were
A place here and
throughout their whole extent.
except that she grunted occasionally. She
uneasy,
there of the small ones
colour, but
had the same
voided plentyof urine.
of
The
not to so great an extent, and contained
Examination.
full of halfa quantity
pauiicliwas
The
bladder
full of urine, the colour
and
The
food, hay, grass,
mucus.
masticated
water.
was

through

her

drops of croton oil. The other, however,

then considerably
She
given in the afternoon.
was
force
better, getting up withorit much
being used, and walking about very well.
ten

indicated

evacuated

"

stomach

third

whole

The

soft,and

of porter, not black or thick.

The liver was
in health,
different from its appearance
being here and there a little paler, or of a

The

coloiu'.

full of

little

except

clayey
yellow

streaked
coats, and
lengthways on their ruga", just like a riband : the
streaks
them
of a black colour.
'J'he
were
on
softer and
cortical portions of the kidneys were
than
and
tender
in their natural
state,
more
this case
and black.
In
the
spottedwith brown
to be the seat of disease,
intestines would appear
of
her
immediate
at
cause
rate, the
or,
any

Kidneys. Each of them weighed 21b. 3oz. Their

the surrounding
on
general external appearance
of a dark
was
adipose matter
being removed,
colour
mottled
colour, the blacker and the lighter
The
deeper
being of nearly an equal extent.

death.

streaks

Mr. Cotgreave, of
II." Aug. 27th, 1838.
of his
to
a cow
this town, wished
nie
see
go and
informed was
that he was
dying in a field,from
She
had been illsince
the effect of black-water.

colour, and

inflamed

their

was

The fourih was

empty
of the other bowehs
were

sound.

was

sound.

and

full,but the food

was

the stomach

on

mucous

Case

22nd, and, during that time, he had given her

"
all" drinks, composed of
of Hassal's
cure
21bs. of salts,1 quart of linseed oil, 1 pint of port
wi.ne, and plentyof gruel.
I first saw
her, she seemed
Si/mpioms. When

the
two

"

bile, as

green

thick

treacle

as

its

coat

mucous

inflamed.

not

was

gall-bladderwas

"

and

spots
the

of

were

other

brown

parts

or

blackish

or

weieofa

ground

imiike the colour of some

lightercast, not much
These
bottles.
the
ot
lighter-colouredstone
ran
throughout its cortical
separate appearances
to the medullary or tubular
portion,until we came

substance, which

cortical

the

by

that there

seem

dark

contained.

substance

its

dift'erent from

It would

congestion, marked

was

the

much

not

was

in health.

appearance

striaewhich

Its texture

was

all softened, but, on

the
at
not
contrary, felt
dying state, but I was informed that she had
from
worse
tough. A quantityof fluid could be squeezed out
having been
suddenly got much
of the kidneys everywhere after cuttinginto them,
She
drenched justbefore with a pound of salts.
the urine.
had the same
as
and which
was
lyingdown, and we could not get her up by
appearance
The
diseased.
her
with
The
not
manual
the
o
r
was
force,
or
call,
cajjsule
covering
by
enticing
any
of the dog we did so.
but by means
pelvicportious or central cavities had no mucous
After she bad been up some
time, 1 found the
lining,nor did they shew
any inflammation.
Mr.
III.
Case
She
(I
was
Cotgreave lost another cow
tolerablyfull,
pulse from 120 to 130.
after this, and which
in her ears
and legs,and
did not attend her) a week
:
but not at all swollen
On
nation
examifield.
had been
The
mouth
her, she was
warm.
grazing in the same
all over
was
similar appearances
in the kidneys,
1 found
in its natural
state ; the
moist, and 1 may
say
and
there was
no
the
staking,but in all the dung was
eyes not inflamed, and not yellow,but pale
discolouration
There
soft and natural.
more
was
so
respirationwas too quick, thougli little more
in

"

than

in other

hot.

Her

she

time since
not
so

as

cows,

urine

taken

was

it

fairlyblack, and
black

at

as

1 raked
which

did

rectum

the

lumps
As

not

weather

had

was

ill,of

most

brown

thou

now

then

was

been

very
of the

colour,

;ht not

to

feel the third

stomach,

hard, but full: the dung

soft, but bad a few harder

had

had a
medicine, I felt inclined
she

had

great deal "jf purgative

to

go

upon

the tonic

grazing upon

had

weather

owner

been

varied

had

to

seems

l)uslics of elm
this
other
and

water,

luxuriant,

not

The

fancied
stimulatingplan, and thereturc gave her two
Tiic
powders (one immediately), each composed of
drachms
of gentian, them,
half an ounce
of ginger, two
or

been

plenty of

with

to

think

that

might
cows

and

had

in the

other

was

the

high

cows
a

and

night,
fortthese

dry,

though
pasture good, al-

places.
being bare in some
very changeable, and the
almost
i)oint. The
every
tliat they bad
nipped the

gre\v
have

parts than
three

the space of
land that
The

ground within
they got well.

same

biU

winds

in it.
1 found

ill in the

internal

and

lie also had

of his.

case

cows

could

appear
was

first

intestines

the

about

be

first.

her, and

in

the

and

was

on

the

ditch

bank,

and

[jroduccdthe disease.
purging medicine given

they did well.

To

one

of them

to

he gave

quart of port wine after

milking

were

as

119
matter

forming in points

was

for about
was

the next

fat.

day

drink

all

these

over

he

the farrier,and

from

her
during her illness,and
gave
Her
several opening drinks.
bowels, however,
moved
had not been much
during the greater part
bad whenever
Her
of the time.
water
was
they
her void any ; but for nearly the last three
saw
days they had not seen her pass it;and during that
attended

her

time

she

could

not.

places,and

extending in patches as
These
patches had a distinct

seemed

wanted

if she

as

her

She moaned

urine,

to

great deal, and

and

illness when

she

alive,

but

this

had

'I'heowner
the

treatment.

from

year,

of this

the

The

had
ill since of
one
recovered under my
He says he has lost one
or two
every
the same
complaint, for twenty years

disease,

same

has

cow

and

which

seemed

from

account

alive.

was

pleura covering these diseased portions seemed

not
to be quitefree from
disease.
The general
cellular tissue had no jaundiced
appearance.

])ast. They have fed on

A
day or two after she was taken ill, low, and at nights has a
very ill.
it.
she got out and went
to the pit,and drank a great
over
quantity of water, and afterwards seemed
very
much
swollen, almost to bursting. She ate almost
but would
three days at first,
or
any thing for two
I did not
feed during the last two or three.
not
see

almost

ization
not

18.'^8.
I have just npeneil largeas a hand.
between
them
and the sound
to-day. She had been ill line of demarcation
ness
the day in which
her illOn
a week.
portion,and I fancy had littleif any thing to do
in producing her death, or perhaps even
discovered she had a ])onnd of salts,and
cognizable
any redied

that

aged cow

on

All these

physic.

condition, but

Sept. 24,

IV."

Case
an

the

fair

in

cows,

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

PRIZE

the

ON

ESSAY,

land,

same

is

which

fog generally hanging

BLACK

THE

CATERPILLAR.

owner.

Examination.
hour after her

immediately
was

to

gone

in less than
I opened her
an
that stuck her
death.
The
person
after she
died
said that her blood
"

nothing, but

was

like the

urine

Observations

the Anatomy, Habits, and

nomy
Ecoon
the satv
of Athalia Cenfifolia,
fly of the
which have been adopted
turnip,and on the means
The
Prize
for the prevention of its ravages.
Essuy of the EntomologicalSociety,and Agri~
cultural Association
of Saffron Walden, for the
1837, by George Netcport,Esq., Member
year
of the Royal College of Surgeons and of the
London:
EntomologicalSocietyof London.
man
Longand Co.,1838,^. p. 32.

she

had discharged. The paunch had upwards of a

wheelbarrow-full
food
of soft, well-comminuted
in it, mixed
with
The
a
great deal of water.
second
stomach
had a little liquidfaeces in it. The
third stomach
above
half full, and what
not
was
in it was
not the least
There was
was
very soft.
vestigeof disease or discolouration either in this
The fourth
two
or the other
preceding stomachs.
stomach
had nothing in it but a small portion of

"

The subjectof noxious

insects has recentlybecome
of general interest, and a degree of importance
liquidfaeces. It had a very unhealthy api)earance,
has of late been
attached
branches
to such
flections
being of a smoky or blackish cast, and the reof investigation,
which
somewhat
was
or
previouslyunknown,
thickened, and
plaitswere
and
valuable
been made
additions have
some
to
and habits,which
interior of the intestines, our knowledge of their economy
the likeliest means
of affordinga clue to some
are
although I ought to have done so ; but to all appearance
Several
sound.
remedy for their destructive ravages.
they were
and other societies have off'ered prizes
The
left kidney was
of a similar colour
agricultural
to those
the reading
of Mr. Cotgreavc's cows,
tinctly for practicalessays on the subject,and
hut not
quite so disof a paper on noxious insects at the last meetmarked.
The
ing
much
smaller.
spots were
of the British Association for the advancement
It was
a
seemed
enlarged.
very plump one, and
ended
The
which occupied of Science, gave rise to a discussion, which
right kidney had a tumour
the space of one
to form
an
of its lobes, and contained nearly in a resolution
agriculturalsection a
desirable object,thus to bring agriculture
of clear serous
to
fluid.
Its covering rean
ounce
sembled most

infiltratedwith serum.
I did not examine

the

"

which
much
other lobes, the test of science,from
advantage
will doubtless
be derived.
Among- the bodies
lightercolour.
which
have
thus
aided the investigation
of the
It contained
little fluid,aud appeared almost
a
as
is the
if absorption of its substance was
taking place, natural historyof the insects of agriculture,
and a cyst was
Entomological Societyof London, which in 1837,
forming, like that just mentioned.
offered a prizeof five guineas for the best essay,
Its te.'cture was
difterent to that of the other
very
the natural history,
and proceedings
kidney,and did not seem
as if it secreted proi)erly. on
economy,
a

at the

In
the

of its tubes

some

size of

thin bladder.

oppositeend,

pea.

left)was

to that in the

squeezed
red
of

out.

Each

was

One

of

found

of these

of the

much

small calculi half the

the

larva

of

which

this

sum

another

black

terpillar,
ca-

ther
turnip crop, togeexperinientswhich
preventionof their attacks,

the
upon
of actual

bladder,

appearance

centifolia,
or

the Athalia
preys
result

with
the
infiltrated with a fluid similar
for the
and
could be easily have been made
which
the destruction of the
This kidney (the left)
or
did not seem

much

inflamed,hut presentedmore
an
and congestion,and almost
softening
to
disorganization. The bladder
or

of

kidneys ^especially

of the

insects
same

themselves.

amount

was

To

added

AgriculturalAssociation,
to JMr. Newport, for
about a pint of urine of a dark brown
which
is now
the above
publishedfor the
colour, but
essay,
benefit of the agricultural
world ; and coming as it
scarcelythicke- than usual : the bladder itself was
sound.
awarded
The
by so learned
sound, but filled thus does, as the best essay
gall-bladderwas
with about three pints of bile of a brown
so
colour, and scientific a body, in conjunctionwith one
and as thick as treacle when
melted.
The
liver
distinguishedfor practicalknowledge to which
sound
it generallyis.
was
as
as
publiccompetitionwas invited, and being too on
The lungs :" In two
is
tremity a subject so
eximportant to the farmers, notliing
placesat the posterior
of one
of the lungs there was
more
peculiarly
a great deal
deservingof notice in a periodical,
of disease ; indeed, there was
agriculturalaffairs and inwatching over
complete disorganing
approach-

by

contained

and

the

the

Sdff'ron Walden

prizewas

awarded

"

"

120

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

The
terestsfollowing stands as preface to the
agriculturist
; the essay proposedfor the past year,
into the habits, "c., of the
an
was
investigation
essay :
"
black
or
of tlie the turnipfly,
in pursuance
This essay is published
of tlie following 'nigger,'
caterpillar
of which,
towards the prosecution
ceiiiijoli)
prospectus of Prize Essaysupon the subject (Alitalia
the agricultural societyof Saffron
Walden
of Noxious
tion,
joined
Insects, and remedies for their destrucadditional
five guineas for the
issued bvthe EntomologicalSocietyof London
us, by proposingan
successful
in 18.37.
of tlie principalobjectsof
It being om
essayist.At jiresentI regret to observe
the EntomologicalSocietyof London
one
a
their
essay alone, but apjnirentlii
to render
very valuable one,
luis been sent in; and tkis daii terminates the period
labours practically
fur
useful,the council have resolved
"

appropriatethe

to

annual

the

of
proceedings,

five

guineasto

drawn

(to be

observation,) ui)on
and

of

sum

writer of the best essay,

up

natural

from

tlie

its reception."

This?

sonal
per-

nomy,
ecohistory,

only

on

the

essay

was

was

one

last

Monday
in

sent

it

"

in
was

January, and
not

the

one

such

speciesof insects under consideration, as its internal evidence above

as
are
obnoxious
to agricultural
about
it is, that
productions,to be
quoted testifies; and all we know
illustrated by figures
of the insects in their different
it was
able,
valuone."
If it were
so
a
very valuable
the results of actual experistates ; together with
how
not
did it happen that the prizewas
ments
made for the preventionof their attacks,or
awarded
to it, instead of one
written
partlyat least,unthe destruction of the insects themselves.
An arrangement
at the assignedtime; (secp. 28.)certainly
has also been entered into with the Agrinot lodged according to the
originalconditions of
cultural
vestigated
Society of Saffron Walden.
whereby the
competition; and how valuable, remains to be infurther sum
of five guineas has been
1
It is only fair to ask this, on behalf
proposed to be
added to the prizeto be ofl"rod for the year ensuing
of the agricultural
public. Undoubtedly the essay
;
the subjectof the ess; ys to be, the black, or nigger referred to by the president,should not have been
of the turnip,or larva of Athalia eentiit was
caterpillar,
withholden, more
as
given out that
so,
monials
folia. The essays must be accompanied by testiof value, besides the prize essay,"
any others
of the success
tell the
of the remedies proposed bv
"to
be published." Can any person
was
the writers, and must
be forwarded to the Secretary
agriculturalists,
why
why no other, and especially
of the EntomologicalSociety,
not
this valuable
apjiended to Mr.
(at No. 17, Old Bond
essay, was
Street,)with fictitious signatures,on or before the
Newport's, according to promise. The essay itself
4th Monday
in January 1838, when
At
however
claims our
attention.
20, he
they will be
page
referred to a committee
their respecof the insect in depoto decide upon
siting
says, speaking of the habits
tive
her eggs,
merits, alter which, with the permissionof the
writers, both the prize essay, and any others of
They seemed to have arrived in a flight,and
value, will be published."
their numbers
were
evidentlyon the increase, for
time after they were
first observed.
The above
is exceedingly fair and straightfortainly
some
Tlieycerward,
and
made
their appearance in this field only very
of course
compliance with these, at
least in general, is
not
not
having been observed there, until the
only in this, recently,
necessary,
remarkable
also that
but every other case, where
such subjectsare offered
morning in question. It was
for publiccompetition. The time for receiving at this time the sreat mass
of them
confined alwas
the essays
the
the eastern
end
of the field,while
fourth JVIondayin January,
most
to
was
entirely
with in the middle,
there was
a flyto be met
18,S8, on or before," doubless that the farmers
scarcely
On the followingday, the
end.
might have the benefit of the information, "c., or at the western
before
the turnip season
it certainlyis exfurther to the middle of the field,
ceedingly flieshad advanced
; and
seemingly inexplicable, and a day or two afterwards,there was not a fly to
strange, and
that it should
be published until the Novembe seen
not
ber
at the eastern
menced
end, where
they had comafter the time assigntheir ravages, the whole
following nine months
flight
ed
being then at
for its reception and when
the turnips were
the western
end.
to this observation,
Subsequently
the caterpillars.
out of danger from
The
of
I had repeated opportunities
of noticingin otlier
cause
this seems
of the insects in
to be explained at page 28 of the
movement
a like progressive
]ilaces
essay,
where the writer says
certain portionsof a field,
or clouds, over
flights
apparently
tion
reference to the direcwithout the slightest
Specimens I obtained in the cocoons, from the
of the wind at the time."
soil of a turnip field in January last,have been developed
into perfectflies in the beginningof the
habits he observes
Again in allusion to the same
present month, (May 29, 1838.)"
p. 23,"
We
thus find the essayist
which
is not the least ii terOne circumstance
hunting for specimens
amid
the snow
of January
storms
the very month
of this species,is the regularity
estingin the economy
for the lodgment of the
with which the insects proceedin flights
across
essays, and entering the
result in his essay, la/e in the month
of May ; four a field or district,in which they have made their ap"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

months

the

after the time fixed in the prospectus, for

of the essay in Eond
Street. Possibly
the time had
been
extended, but why no

lodgment

public announcement
as

the

prospectus

of

this, in
." in

was

essayiststhe benefit of time

observations, since it

could

intended, if
originally
is

no

mention
?

We

made

it

were

the

same

order

to give other
making additional
be published as
not
the case
? and why

for

of this extension,

find the

vehicles

in the prospectus

logical
president of the EntomoSociety,at the last annual meeting, reported
to say (seeEntomoloaical
Mayazine, No. 24, p.
3:50.)
"The
prizeessays established by the society
may
be referred to for their pruclical
importanceto the

This,

))earance.
the case."

The
the

above

as

before noticed,

was

strikingly

fact connected

is certainly
a new

with

esting
proceedings of the insect,and is a very internot indeed ously
previportion of its economy
unnoticed, but disbelieved, by many most
"

eminent

naturalists.

Duncan

in

an

excellent

ticle
ar-

species in the QuarterlyJournal of

which they
like the flies
No. 34, says,
Ayricnllure,
arc
sluyyishand inactive,
produced, their larva
selves,"
seldom moving from
the placewhere
they fix themflies could be very
and again p. .567,"the
easilycaught,even by the iiand,for they arc shigflyingrapidly, or to a
ffishand inactive, seldom
distance.'' Professor llennic also says, "they sclon

this

"

FARMER'S

THE

iu
(lorn flyfar." Thus we
have these naturalists,
with Mr. Newport, and it is not now
juxtaposition
attempted to he decided whicli party is correct,
l)nt hoth

Tlius

cannot.

fact,if it be granted that

it is
he

an

mean

lie has

extremely important
when

he

one

the

"

says,

established

their ravages,"certainlynot that they had I)Cgun

the plants,for he says, p. .'),
to devour
that, " in
the pup;i, a.\\{\
harmless."
state, it is entirely
pi'.rfeci
It is

exceedinglydifficult

guess at his
aiul if it lias none
it should
to

if it has any,
heen inserted as it may
mislead.
In the introduction p. 8, he states,
until

recently,that

the insect

meaning,

attracted

It

was

the

not

tion
atten-

of

it
naturalists in this country, and hence
has remained
undescribed as a British species,
until
within
the last few years." He
is however
mistaken, Marshall sent specimens of the insect
in ail its stages, to Dr. Morton, librarian to the

the

structures

or

coats,

an

thin
na;al,which is exceedinglii
or
muscular, which is covered

or peritoexternal,

and

delicate ;

middle

and
by the lirst,

is tliickaiid strong; and an internal or

coat, wliich forms tlie internal covering,or

in general

mucous

Iming of

the whole
Now
farmer
when

"

and
interesting
in

have

not

121

remarkable peculiarities,
cularly
particonformation
of its "{\ge%Vneorgans.
'J'liBid'nnenlariicanul is formed
iu other insects,
as
very

ot three

new

it, and
does
; hut what
flies commenced

has established

he

MAGAZINE.

Then

him

canal,"p. 6.
of what possibleutility
is this .'

Does
the
the alimentary
iota into how many
coats
canal of an insect is reducible, in a stage
it does
of his produce .'
eat one
not
particle
of common
why, in the name
sense, pester
with laboured
descriptionsof the salivaiy
care

one

glands,the hepeticvessels,the
with

number

'nervous

system, "c.,

half the farmers

which
will not
trouble themselves to spell? One thing
be noted.
however
must
By his dissections of the
he detects, at least,250
ovaries of the female flies,
British Museum,
and
he showed
them
Sir J.
to
while
Yarrell supposed they only deposit
eggs,
determined
their " genus and
Banks, who
sjie20.
This is a discovery,but he does not jjretend
cies,"and inserted Marshall's letter in the philosophicalto say that the insect will deposit that number,
transactions, 55 years ago ! He is also
for he subsequentlydecides that " they will not
incorrect in statingthat Mr. Yarrell (whose name
depositthem at any time," but "during the hottest
half dozen
times in the
some
by the way, occurs
curs,
ocpart of the day," so that if no such weather
"
the firstto direct the attention of entomologists
essay) was
the eggs
during the existence of the flies,
of the present day, to the serious ravages
be deposited. His discovery is only
will never
committed
Rennie, Esq.,for
hy it." James
she
serviceable therefore, in shewing the number
calls attention to it very ably in his excellent
one,
she actuis capableof depositing not how many
ary
volume
Insect Transformations,''
which
on
was
produces the practical
part of the case.
time hefore Yarrell's paper was
published some
There is one
serious defect in the essay, which
read before the ZoologicalSociety.
that used, as the gentlemen of the
it is surprising,
"
further
The essayist
their sudden
says, p. 5,
Entomological Societyare, to subjectsof delicate
and almost simultaneous appearance,
at distant and
observation, they have not detected. There is no
uncertain
which
ralists
natuperiods,is an occurrence
of the insect,through its
continuous observation
in accounting for," different
have much
difficulty
individuals. There is
stages, in the same
"
and proceeds to hint a
succession of dry and
and hypotheticalmode
of describing
a vagueness
rell's
warm
summers," is the cause,
quoting Mr. Yarthe insect in its various stages, which is very unsatisfactory
the case
not
was
authority. This however
of a philosophical
mind
to the
server.
obis there
either in 1818, or 1835, nor
evidence to
We
give a few instances,such as
and as to the difficulty,
it
establish it previously,
"
I first observed
the eggs depositedas above
is cleared up in an
article which
appeared in the
the morning of the 2(Jth July,and I visited
on
stnted,
Farmer's Mazagine, vol. 6, p. 83.
the same
fielddaily,for four or five successive days.
In page 6 of the essay, commences
a long and
On the ii9th July there was
a
scarcely
perfectinsect
minute descriptionof the anatomy of the insect in
to hefonnd, and theyhad nearlyall -perished,
Jiavinoits different
occupies upwards of
stages, which
depositedtheir ova," p. 24.
vity
"Judgingfrom the actithirteen pages of the twenty-eightof letter press,
oftlie embryo within the egg, ou theSOth,beinothe
doubt
which
This is no
tremely
exessay contains.
the 4th day after oviposition,
thereis reason
to believe,
chai'acteristicand interesting
to a surgeon,
that had the weather continued
fine,they would have
like Mr. Newport, and it is but just to say it is elaborate,
appeared much earlier." p. 24. " The first time
use
minute, and scientific; but of what
the larva; changes its skin,is at ahout the fifth
dai^,
is it to farmers, for whom
intended
this essay was
?
after it has left the egg, hut I regret that I was
dentally
acciin fiftyof these persons
Will one
into
whose
preventedfrom watchingit closely,
through
hands the essay may
fall,wade through this mass
the remainingperiodotits larviestate,so as to enable
to
?
of,
matter
Such
matter
him, unintelligible
whether it changesits skin
me
to ascertain correctly,
logy,
expresslyon entomomay be described in a work
than twice,""c.
7nore
and
of a purely scientific character, but
should never
be inserted in any essay like the preis supposition
but without proof.
Here
sufficient,
sent,
and it is not only a sad sample of the judgBecause
he could not find a perfectinsect, he conment
cludes
and taste of the
publishedit,
they had all perished, having deposited
persons who
but a certain method
of creatingdisgust in the
ther ova
though he previously admitted
they
minds of the farmers, at all succeeding
hypothesisof the
passed in flights
; and founds an
essays
thus stifling
the spiritof enquiry in its very infancy. period of their remaining in the egg state, "because
of the insect,a
the embryo was
Besides,the '"'"anatomy'"
active," though he knows
branch
of inquiryso
when
these identical
ova
not
were
prominent in this essay,
deposited,but
formed no part of the requirements of the original "judges," because
he first observed
the
parent
flies on the 26th July ! It would
have been
prospectus it is a work of supererogationon the
more
if he had bred the insect,rather than
part of the writer,which be would have done well
satisfactory
for some
to reserve
dissected
it, before he competed for the prize.
system
paper on the "nervous
of insects,"or some
the deposition
lecture on comparative anaBut it was
tomy.
days between
only seven
Take
this extract as a sample, in reference
of the larvfc at least he jumps
and the appearance
to the perfectinsect or fly:
If he
had
read
Marshall's
at this conclusion.
a

of terms

"

'

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

In its internal anatomy, this insect affords

some

work

he

would

have

known

that the latter

was

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

123

the essayist. It certainly from its colour, and designated

accordingly
by the
I/lack palmer,black canker, black slugor caterpillar,
if the farmers
could have seen
terms
or
the other "very valuable
flyitself,
perfect
essay,"to which the
negro or nigger. The
worthy president of the Entomological Society insect, was
equally well known, and on its first
other
in very large flightson the turnipsin
One
them.
alludes in his speech to compare
appearance
of 1833, long before any devastation
the summer
attention, and Mv. N.
practicalpoint deserves
of last May,
In the conclusion
had been committed
shall be dismissed.
by its larva,it was recognised

the plan of
complishes
would

be

favour

of coming
favourable
should
the spring continue
by the older cultivators as the source
stance,
mischief.
This was
til
markedly the case in one inby the continuance of fine weather, unafter the period of sowing the turnips,there is
to me
as communicated
by H. Wooldridge,
to ".^[)j)rehend
a
great reason
repetitionof their
Esq.,of Meon Stoke, Hants, who has also obligingly
afforded me
He
much
valuable information
mischief.
sounds
needlesslytlie toscin of
respecting
alarm, and unfortunatelytoo, without
affording the habits of this insect, and which I have been
the means
for escape from
able t') confirm
observations.
Mr.
it ; but the result has
own
by my
that
his plans
the first apbeen, that his views
on
are
as
Wooldridge informed
me,
erroneous,
pearance
of the insects,before he had himself obuseless and impracticable.
served
are
The essay is accompaniedby a very good plate,
them, one of his older neighboursremarked
which produce the
of the
the yellmvflies
to him, that
of the anatomy and appearance
descriptive
abundant
in the turnip
then
insects.
black palmers were
fields ;" but Mr. Wooldridge being unacquainted
tion.
with the insects did not then
regard the observaIn a few days, however, the larva? had ap[Forthe benefit of our readers,and in order to
peared
"

he says,

to

tliem,

"

circulation to the information

giveextended

in the Essay,
we

"

.]

ESSAY
ON

THE

FLY;

TURNIP

the

in

tained
con-

Ed. F.M

itin full.
subjoin

fields in

numbers,

vast

and,

as

it

subsequently found, at the same

period,
nearly throughout the whole of that part of the
also made by
Similar observations were
country.
in Sussex
and Kent, who
other
amply
persons
testifiedto the injuriesformerly produced by this
insect in the southern
parts of the kingdom.
has published an
excellent
Yarrell,* who
Mr.
was

this insect,inserted in the second volume

Transactions of the ZoologicalSocietyof
Societyand the SaffronWulden AgriculturalLondon," and who appears to have been the firstto
direct the attention of the Entomologists of the
awarded
to G.
was
Societi/,
Neuiport,Esq.,
by
present day to the serious ravages committed
M.R.C.S.,and M.E.S.
vastations
it,refers for the earliest public notice of its deinserted in the Transactions
to a paper
on

paper

For

which

hi/the Entomologicalof"
Prize,offered

The

Royal Society for 1/83, by W.Marshall,

from the remarks
It appears
of
Esq.,of Norfolk.
of the

On

Anatomy,

the

THE

ON

AND

THE

of

the

of

that

Turnip,

writer,
to

different

the

Economy

and

Saw-fly
the
centifoliie,

Athalia
IN

Habits

stages

MEANS

PEVENTION

WHICH
OF

of

its

HAVE
ITS

existence
BEEN

ADOPTED

insect

that

this

the

turnip

tructive
desparticularly

was

crops

in

this

country

in

1782, and that it had been equallydestructive also

cording
about
twenty-two years before that period. Ac-

RAVAGES.

its
Yarrell it again made
to Mr.
ance
appearstated in 1833, since
above
and
as
in
1818,
enemies
which
the agriculturist
Amongst the many
less destructive
or
which period it has been more
of
with in the cultivation of one
meets
It seems
from
Mr.
in each succeeding summer.
the most valuable products of his lands, the common
that the jjarent flics were
then
Marshall's
account,
is
of
turnip, a species
Saiv-flyor Tenthredo,
that it
with the larva;,and
equally well known
Panz.
The devastations of this
Athalia centi/olice,
the opinion of the farmers at that time that
insect have been carried to such an extent
during was
natives of this country, hut came
not
they were
the last few
summers
as
very materiallyto affect
Mr. Marshall
the other side of the ocean.
from
the
hence
the
it has
interests of
farmer, and
that the opinion had that year been much
remarks
become
that its
of importance to him
a
matter
their
confirmed, by the fact that they first made
in order that
habits should be closelyinvestigated,
that they had
the eastern
coast,
on
appearance
the
be
devised
for
of
some
remedy may
purpose
the beach
been
washed
by the tide, that
upon
It was
until
not
checking its injuriousprogress.
"
them
had
fishermen
seen
alightin cloud-like
recentlythat the insect attracted the attention of
"lay upon and
flights,"and that they afterwards
naturalists
in this country, and
hence it has remained
the
cliffs so thick and so languid that they
near
undescribed as a British speciesuntil within
into heaps, lying,it is said, in
the last few years.
But it has never
been entirely might be collected
some
placestwo inches thick."' But, as remarked
a
stranger to the agriculturist,
although its appearance
have been the source
may
by Mr. Yarrell, whatever
in numbers
sufficiently
great to occasion
whence
derived, there
tlie insects were
originally
much
has
been
such
to his
at
FOR

"

"

injury

crops

and distant

periods,that

tain
uncer-

but that they are

now
pletely
combe a doubt
cannot
and
naturalized, although their sudden
five summers
it
commit
serious
to
mischief,
ago,
at distant and uncertain
simultaneous
almost
ajipearance
then almost entirelyunknown
was
to the
culturists
agrinaturalists
which
is an ( ccurrence
periods
of the present day. It was,
however,
It seems,
in accountingfor.
much
difficulty
well known
too
of the older cultivators, have
to some
served
almost
been
uniformly obhowever, to have
who had not forgottenthe devastations
committed
and the circumstance
the agriculturists,
by
this
itin
about
when
by
country
twenty years ago,
it was
destructive
equally,or perhaps even more,
than
it has been
*
four
three
of an Insect
or
Observations
the Economy
during the
Some
on
v\

it

hen

began,about

past

summers.

at that

In its larva state it was

time, as it is also at the

known

to

them

present, chiefly

destructive
V.P.Z.S.

to

F.L.S.

Turnips. By
"c.,p. 67.

William

Yarrell,Esq.,

124

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

is alluded

to by Mr. Yarrell,
that
this
wherever
specieshas appeared in abundance, it has always
been during a succession
of warm
and
mers,
dry sum-

and this will be in

accounted
in cold
perhaps also its non-appearance
and wet seasons,
by circumstances which we shall
with its developpresently find to be connected
ment
from the egg, and its subsequent
appearance
a

great measure

for, and

in the

perfect state.
injuries occasioned
by this insect are
always during its larva state ; in the pupa
and
perfectstate it is entirelyharmless.
The larva attacks
the young plant in every stage
of its growth, from the first ten
days or fortnight
after its appearance
above
ground, until it has
become
far developed, and
its
very strong and
bulb or
root
has acquireda diameter
of three or
four inches; and so extensive is the
injury,that
whole
fields of turnipsin their young
state have
been entirelydestroyed by it, and
the
further
growth of those which
had acquireda large size
before they were
attacked entirely
prevented.
observations
My own
during the past summer
The

have

been

Hants,

and

confined

the

to

Dorset, where

counties

I have

Sussex,

of

the

mouth,

yellow. The
mesa-notum,
of an orange
meta-notum
each

side.

palpi,and lower part of the face,

prothorax, middle portion of the
and scutellum, with the scapulae,
are
yellow ; the posteriorportion of the
black
yellow, with a
spot on
The
has
abdomen
eight segments,

besides the anal process, and as well as the whole

under-surface
of the body and legs,is of a bright
yellow, and the distal extremities of the tibia; and
tarsi are
barred with
The
black.
wings are
dusky, hyaline, black at their base, and along
the
anterior
the
sheath of the
margin and
The
colour.
male is
ovipositoris of the same
smaller and
than
the
more
elegantlyformed
bles.
female,which in other respects it greatlyresemANATOMY.

INTERNAL

In its internal anatomy

very

and
interesting

in

the

this insect affords

remarkable

conformation

The
alimenfari/canal
organs.
other insects,of three
structures
ov

delicate

had

some

peculiarities,
ticularly
parof its digestive
is

formed,

or

coats,

in

as
an

ternal,
ex-

is exceedinglythin and

which
peritomcal,

middle, or muscular, which is covered

first,and in general is thick and strong ;
; a

opportunities by the
It
daily progress of the insect.
and an internal,
or
mucous
coat, which forms the
its injuryby feeding
commences
upon the parenchymatous internal coveringor lining of the whole
canal.
of the
structure
it comleaf,which
pletely
The alimentarycanal, commencing at the mouth
devours, leaving only the midrib, with a
and pharynx, is encircled at the posteriorpart of
network
of its branches
and'their ramifications, the
pharynx, or gullet,by the gangliaof the head,
and it does not quit the leaf,unless
by accident, which constitute the superiorand inferior portions
it has
until
the whole
of the
entirelydevoured
of the brain through which
the esophagus\)^s.%eR.
the larva has
parenchymatous structure.
When
and
This is a
narrow
tube, which

of

watching

become

the

strong,

and

period of
plant, so

its

transparent

very

has

arrived

about

at
it attacks

the

graduallyenlargedas it proceeds directly

growth,
every leaf
through the prothorax to the middle of the meof the
that
the respiration
and
other
it begins to be
dilated into a
sothorax, where
functions of the leaves,being entirelydestroyed,
funnel-shaped bag: it then passes through the
the young
plantnecessarilyperishes,although the
metathorax, and immediately it has arrived in the
and
root
of the leaves be not
stems
touched.
abdomen
is suddenly dilated into the
or
crop,
Even when
the plant has become
strong, and in a
circular cavity,
honey-stomach, a largeirregularly
enabled
great measure
to support much
injury,its with its under-surface
greatly extended in the
root
having acquired a largedimension, the devastations
shade
of a pouch, which
occupiesin the female,
of the insect
very greatly check its
the under
before oviposition,
surface of the anterior
further development; and
consequentlyits growth
It extends
backwards
of the abdomen.
portion
is stinted.
In one
I had
field where
an
tunity
oppornearly as far as the posterior part of the
of watching the daily
progress of the larva,
It is that part of the canal which,
third segment.
this was
the case.
When
the parent
very strikingly
as its name
serves
as
a generalreceptacle
implies,
flyfirst made its appearance, and a few days'after-for the food,and in which, as in its analogue,the
wards, the larva,a largepropoitionof the turnips
honey-stomach of the bee, digestiondoes not take
three
were
or four inches
in diameter, and consequently
it filledwith a
found
place. I have sometimes
the
plants being very healthy, the
Ijrownish
matter, which
appeared to be
opaque
leaves were
largeand numerous.
The
cultivator
At its poscomposed of the pollenof flowers.
terior
of this field paid no
attention to the presence
of
by a rudimentary
part it is succeeded
the insect, thinkinghis
crops safe from injury; proventriculus (fig.
b" and 7 e,) or gizzard,which
but within a fortnightafter the
of the
appearance
it and
the
ventriculus
is situated between
(f).
larva, the leaves of the plantsover
a large extent
though
The crop is a muscular
structure, in which, alof the field were
completelydestroyed, and the
but slightlydeveloped, the longitudinal
further growth of the turnipsprevented. In other
bands
and circular fibres,and the six longitudinal
instances, as in one of a field of more
than thirty which
generally exist throughout the whole
1 saw
at Cranbourne
in Dorsetshire
acres, which
alimentarycanal in insects,are very distinct. The
the whole
during the last summer,
crop of plants, crop is attached
to the
flection
proventriculusby a remiddle

becomes

which

was

been
and

about

were

three

or

month

old,

the midribs

of the leaves ; and

this was
the
other instances both in Hampshire,
Dorsetshire.

in many
Sussex, and
case

THE

Theinsect
for

weeks

entirelydestroyed,almost every planthaving

completely devoured, excepting the stem

one

of

PERFECT

INSECT.

first sightmay

readilybe mistaken
its congeners,
Athalia rosce, which it
in size and general
resembles
at

very much
Both

eyes, antennas

ance.
appear-

the

male

and

and

tipsof

female

the

have

the

head,

mandibles,black

inwards

and

forwards

of

the

whole

cular
mus-

which, immediately it reaches the

anterior
margin of the provcntriculcs,forms,
covered
coat, the valve
by the inner or mucous
the proventriculus
and
of communication
between
the crop.
It then becomes
greatlythickened, and
is again reflected backwards
like the segment of
an
arch, and forms the sides of the proventriculus
oval form, being short,
This
is of an
(fig.7e).
and
rudimentary, with its muscular coat much
Its lining,or mucous
thickened.
membrane, is
also considerablydeveloped.
Besides the valve
coat,

at its anterior

part it has

one

also at its posterior.

FARMER'S

THE

stomach
the chylific
which divides it from
(f).
This valve it formed
by the contraction of the
circular fibres of the muscular
coat, and by the
After
coat with which they are covered.
mucous
the formation
of this valve, the parietiesof the
and outwards,
canal are again reflected forwards
or large
to form the interior part of the ventriculus,

digestivestomach,
included,and almost

that

so

MAGAZINE.

A remarkable
eighth segment of the abdomen.
istence,
feature,or peculiarityof this part, is the exaround its posterior
half, of six elongated
oval structures
(k), which are thick,opaque, and
have a glandular appearance,
but
is
their use
In this part the mucous,
or
entirelyunknown.
internal lining,becomes
very indistinct,and the

the

is
proventriculus

the

125

muscular

tions
the reflechidden, between
the
this i)artof the canal and

coat

is much

part of the

thinner

in the

than

canal, although

ceding
pre-

layersof

both

muscles are stillreadilyobserved.

The transverse
connected
to be
to the
proventriculus fibres are clearlyshown
does not possess the six longitudinal
six longitudinalbands
bands, which
by their forming arches,
both
exist on
the other
to the glandular
anteriorlyand posteriorly
parts of the canal ; they pass
it directlyfrom
the crop to the ventriculus
them.
bodies, which appear as if placedbetween
over
7 e).
When
the outside of the
between
viewed
on
(fig.
They are very distinct in the interspaces
the longitudinalbands, and are, as it were,
within the crop
flected
incanal, the proventriculus
appears
around
the glandular bodies.
like an
colon
f) e),
The
elongated nipple-shapedvalve (figterminates
without
valve in a short
a
straight
extendinginto it from the ventriculus or stomach.
of the proventriculusrectum
The rudimentary existence
(\), which is composed of only one layer
the
in this tribe of insects is exceedinglyinteresting, of fibres, the internal
one
other, which
;
consists
of the longitudinalbands, ceasing with
since it has beeu
believed by some
anatomists*
the colon, the bands
that
themselves
does not exist
a gizzard,
or
being continued
proventriculus,
around
the
in the masticatingHi/menopfera; but this is now
free from the colon to be attached
tobe in correct.
This fact is stillmore
seen
interesting sides of the anal segment, in which the rectum
of this evidentlyappears to
The
in this speciesa transitionary terminates.
from its constituting
use
be to assist in the expulsionof the foeces. In the
form
between
the simpljrelongatedportionof the
male insect,find also in the female, after oviposiventriculus
in the butterfly,
and the well formed
and distinct proventriculusof the bee and wasp.
tion,the arrangement of the digestiveorgans is
The
stead
The chylific
different.
stomach, thus formed at the posterior somewhat
chylificstomach, inof passing directlybackwards, as
in the
part of the first segment in the female, passes
for the immensely
backwards
almost in a 8traig:ht
line of uniform
pregnant female, to allow room
diameter along the under-surface of the abdomen,
developed ovaries, is folded in largeconvolutions,
of the abdomen, while the
and lies in the middle
completely covered
by the ovaries as far as the
colon
is shorter, smaller, and of a more
sixth segment, where
it is turned
globular
to the left side
of the
and
body, and then forwards
upwards form, and, when nearly empty, the six glandular
bodies projecton its outer surface.
the right,as far as the anterior part of the
to
It then
sixth segment.
turns
again to the right
CANAL.
APPENDAGES
THE
OF
side,and again to the left,and ends at the commencement
Salivary
Glands.
of the seventh
(Fig. 6, 16, m.) These
segment in a narrow
situated along the
consist
of two
are
set", which
6, 8 g), around which
extremity,the pi/lorus(fig.
inserted
under
surface of the cavityof the thorax, one on
the
mouths
of the
are
so-called
open
wards
backeach side of the esophagus. They extend
hepaticvessels (h). This portion of the canal
the
also be called the duodenal
as far as
posteriorpart of the mesostomach, since it
may
number
of
of an immense
is the true chylificcavity in which
thorax, and are formed
digestionof
gether
the food takes place. It is lined with a very thick
round, opaque,
glandular bodies, aggregatedtocommunicate
into small clusters, which
mucous
membrane, of a distinctly
glandular appearance,
and
which
is more
veloped by small ducts, inserted at irregulardistances,
completely dewith a long,partially
convoluted tube, the common
in this than
in any other
part of the
The
duct, or canal of the salivaryorgan ; so that each
muscular
coat
is also very
alimentarycanal.
crop.

of the sides of
This being the

the

case,

"

strong

and

thick,

and

consists

layersof fibres ; an internal

of longitudinaland circular
both
developed to the same

one
or

of

two

which

distinct
is formed

transverse

ternal
extent, and an exconsists of six longitudinal
bands
placed at equal distances around the canal,
and continuous
with
those already described on
the esophagus and crop.
The
pylorus is formed
by a considerable thickening of the mucous
brane,
memof the circular
with an increase of thickness
fibres of the muscular
of
coat, and a contraction
their length or circumference.
To the stomach

succeeds
Ilium

and

narrow

(i),as
nigra.f In

observed
this

than in
continuous.
The
of circular and

by

])artthe mucous
stomach,

muscular

coat

or

currants.

these

ducts

of the alimentary
into the commencement
canal at the back part of the pharynx (b) ; the
distal extremity is obtuse, or caeciform (n), but
I was
able
unreceives a singlevery fine vessel,which
of the globular
its origin- Each
to trace
to
bodies of these organs
appears also to receive an

exceedinglyminute vessel. These glands lie very

closelyalong the under-side of the thorax, and
The
existence of these
not
are
easilyobserved.
insect is sorae-complicatedorgans in the perfect

since we are not yet acquainted

remarkable,
which
seem
circumstances in its economy
is less developedto requireso largea quantityof salivaryfluid as
coat
these parts appear calculaled to produce,
excepting
with
which
it is
is also composed
only that ot its feeding upon the dry pollen of

short
very
Burmeister

the

of grapes

extremityof

fibres, opens

which

one

bunch
resembles
a
organ
The
anterior or excretory

intestine,the

what

in

with

Tenthredo

any

flowers, which
it is
possiblymay requireto be mixed
longituriinal
fibres,and
ticated,
covered
by a very delicate exte\-na\ or perifotirealwith a largequantityof salivaryfluid when masIt ends in a valve which divides it from
and passed into the crop, before it is fitted
coat.
the
and chylific
colon (j); a largeobtuselyoval cavity,
for digestionin the proventriculus,
situated in
stomach.
*

Buvmeister's Manual

of

Entomology (Translalion),

p. 348.
t Ibid. (Translation),
p. 137.

HEPATIC

These

organs,
is still much

VESSELS

("h).

function of which
consist in this
disputed,

the

tiue

sects
in in-

species

126

THE

of from

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

distinct tubes, which are inbe seen more

as may
tennae, and, as in all insects,
in Mariapoda, are the anterior prolongaalimentaiy canal, immediately especially
tions
the pylorus of the chylific
behind
stomach
of the nervous
The
columns.
(g).
optic nerves
around
the stomach
tance
They are convoluted
have also a ganglionicenlargement at a short disand ilium.
Their
free extremities are
from their origin,at the sides of the cerefrom
brum
distinctly
ctecal,
which
I have
been
unable to trace any vessels.
(t), but they are again contracted before
When
examined
by a highly magnifying power
they arrive oppositeto the margin of tlie cornea,
they exhibit internally
where
an
as if thickly
they are expanded into a fan-shaped bulb,
appearance
lined with small opaque glandiformmasses,
the
with
its posteriormargin the longest. From
similar
to what
1 have
noticed in the same
vessels inMeto the
surface of the bulb proceed the filaments
loe,and which I am inclined to regard as the seof vision (q), as described
cerning organs
by Professor
of these organs.
structures
The
ever,
Muller in his paper on the sight of insects.
Some, howregard these masses
as the granulated connerves
tents
(r),or simple optics,nervi
of the stemmata
or
secundarii
three in numproducts of the organs, but I am
of Burmeister,
ber.
are
more
optici
inclined to regard them as parts of the structure
They are arranged in a triangle,and arise
of the vessel, from
from
the anterior
vertical porhaving noticed similar parts by separate stems
tion
within the long salivaryorgans
the
of the cerebrum.
of the larva of
which form
The
two
and
base of the triangleare
Papiliourticie,the contents of v/hich are not supthe posteriorones,
posed
to become
coagulated.
originateone from each lobe. They pass forwards
sprted

ten to twelve

around

the

inwards,

and
NERVOUS

SYSTEM.

The

nervous
system (Fig.9, 10, 11) in the perfect
double
insect, is composed of one
supraesophageal,and of eleven sub-esophagealganglia,
connected
together at certain distances by two
The
and
first subintervening cords.
supra,
esophageal ganglia are situated within the head,

and

constitute

together

the

the

to

line, until their

median

tremities
ex-

nearly approximated. The

very
third nerve
is situated in front of these,and arises
line.
vered
They are each covery close to the median
with a thick choroid
rior
coat, and on the exteand
of the head
by a transparent cornea,
of
their whole structure leaves no doubt whatever
The
of
of vision.
roots
their true use
as organs
observed
the
and
are
sympatheticnerves
vagus,
unable
and
been
I have
only with great dfficulty,
are

brain

of

insect.

the

The

within
the
second, third,fourth, and fifth,
thorax, and, with their connecting cords, form
the true analogue of the spinal marrow
of vertebrated animals, while the remaining ganglia,to

to their distribution, owing

these nerves
their extreme
The
minuteness.
nates
origivagus
in other insects,at the most inferior part
as
of the anterior
and the
surface of the cerebrum,

to trace
to

the

eleventh, or terminal
one, are situated in the
abdomen, and are, I believe,in this and other perfect
insects,analogous to the sacral,or caudel portion

sympathetic by

single root

the

from

posterior

surface.

in vertebrata.
The
ble
douof the spinalmarroxv
ganglion,which constitutes in insects the supraesophageal mass
(o), is described by Dr. Burmeister* as the cerebrum, and the sub-esophageal(1)
But in reality
as the cerebellum.
the supra-esophais the analogue of the corpora
geal mass
quadrigemina, and the sub-esoi)hagealof the medulla
For
the sake of perspioblongataof vertebrata.
cuity,
however, I shall continue
to
designate the

medulla oblongata(1), or first sub-esophageal

ganglion, is of a heart-shaped form, and
The
first is
givesoriginto three pairsof nerves.
situated on the anterior surface, and is given to
second
and lower lip. The
the sides of the mouth
is a largepair,and supplies
the mandables, maxillae,
and their palpi,and is the analogue of the fifth in
vertebrata
the third pair is given to the
; and

former

ganglionproceed the
it with the gangliaof the
cords which connect
two
thorax, and are continuous
throughout the whole
length of the body, and which, as will presently
be seen,
of compound structure.
VVhen the
are

the

cerebrum,

but

the

latter I shall

call

the medulla
oblongata,the true analogue of the
cerebellum in insects being entirely
absent.
,

The

cerebrum

of two
rounded
(o) is formed
lobes, closelyapproximated, but distinguished
in
the median
line by a deep sulcus,particularly
on
the anterior surface.
The
whole mass
is slightly
its posterior,and concave
convex
on
on
its anterior
surface,and also on its inferior, which
lies
immediatelyabove and upon the esophagus. The
which
nerves
originatefrom it consist of the antennal (p),and the roots of the vagi,on its anterior
its
; of the large or conglomerate optics,
on
lateral ((i)
; the minute, or
simple optics,on its
vertical (r) ; and of the originsof the sympathetic
(s),on its posteriorsurface ; while from its inferior

lateral surface descend

which

first

the

the

ling around
The

the two

the

crura,

medulla

nerves

lower

cerebrum

the

of

and

cords

or

medulla

thus
the

esophagus.
the

antennte
(p)
half of the front of the

cords

cerebrum,

at

arrived

have

at

sides of the

From

head.

this

middle

the

of the

pro-

they are united by the second subis

esophageal, or first thoracic ganglion, which
of an oval form, and givesofFthree pairsof nerves.
of these are small, and are
Two
rounding
given to the surmuscles ; the other is large,and is given
cords then diverge,
to the first pair of legs. The
each side of a central horny process
and pass on
of the

unto
meso-sternum,
of the thorax

the

muscles

which

some

of

the

hind
attached, and bewhich
they again approach each other, and
united by the third, or great thoracic ganglion,
largest of the whole system excepting the

great

is

originatefrom

and

sternum,

of

vous

neck

posteriorportion of

the

brain.

plete
com-

nei

of the

muscles

are

oblongata(I),

sub-esophagealganglion,and

with

the

it with

connect

The

This

ganglion
The

nerves.

joined by a
(u), noticed

produces three pairs

forwards, and
directly
from

by Burmeister

cord

Callosoma,

also

the
in

side
the

of
larva

the

of

by myself in the
short
distance apart, on each
side of the sulcus.
Oiceoptoma, Pro-Scarab(cus,Creophilus,
genera
At their base they have distinct gpnglionicments,
enlarge- Lampyris, Forficula,
Acrida, Blatta,Panorpa, and
which
in close approximation with the
are
in some
species of PapilioSphynx, and Bombyx,
cerebrum.
They are directed forwards to the anthough
in a rudimentary form
and even
in (Estnts, ala

and

also

first passes
small
nerve

are

Burmeister
*

Manual

of

Entomologv,translated by
Shuckard,Esq., p. 272-5.

W.

E.

connectingnerves

observed

only in

'

unitingwith

think that these

After
few genera.
the first nerve
from
the

appears

exist

this nerye,

to
a

FARMER'S

THE

ganglion (v) passes forwards,and is given to the

pairof wings. The second pairfrom the
ganglion is of small size,but the third is large,
of the
and
directlyinto the haunches
passes
second pair of legs(w). The cords are then continued
a short
distance,and are again united by
the largefourth ganglion,having previouslygiven
off,behind the third ganglion,the second pair of
(x), which, like the
auxiliaryconnecting nerves
from the
first,unite with the first pair of nerves
next
ganglion,and are given to the posteriorpair
of wings. Besides the first pair,the fourth ganglion
givesoff a second, third, and fourth pair.
is very small, and
is given to the laThe second
teral
muscles
suppliesthe
; the third is large,and
wards,
third pairof legs (y); and the fourth passes backand is given,in conjunctionwith branches
from the fifth ganglion,to the muscles which
nect
con-

MAGAZINE.

127

accumulations
of nervous
in
matter
in other regions. The nerves
derived
these parts of the column
to be formed
appear
of the motor
and of the transverse, or supposed
in this insect,
respiratory
; the latter nerves
for

cessity

anterior

those

than

from

both

and

perhaps in
closelyunited

of

most

with

which
is
nerve,
at the anterior

Hymenoptera, being

the

the

while

motor,

given off

from

of

the

distinct

column

motor

ganglion ("),
unites with
from
the ganglion
this and the nerve
itself (z), to form the compound nerve, which
is
sect,
given to the sides of the body, so that in this inmargin

each

in others, the nerves

of three sets of fibres.

as

GENERATIVE

be

to

appear

posed
com-

SYSTEM.

The

generative system occupiesa largeportion

of the posteriorpart of the abdomen, and its external
with the abdomen.
The
the thorax
let,
fifth,or
organs pass out of the body by a distinct outlast thoracic ganglion (5),is very much
smaller
In the
beneath that of the alimentary canal.
than the others, and is situated
at the posterior male
(Fig.12) it consists of a complicated organ
It is of the same
size
of intromission,"with four glandulartestes, with
part of the meta-thorax.
the remaining ganglia,which are situated in the
into two
their ducts, which
as
open
very largevesiculoe seminales.
The
testes consist of a largerand
abdomen, and like them it givesoff two
pairs of
The
firstare large,and given to the sides
smaller
nerves.
smaller pair. The
(a) are placed one on
of the body ; the second
gonally each
small, and directed diaside of the alimentary canal, and are each
sixteen
backwards, and closelyconnected with the
minute, semivery
composed of about
firstat their origin. The remaining ganglia,with
rounded
bodies, into each of which may
opaque,
terminal
the exception of the eleventh, or
be traced an
extremely minute vessel.
They are
one,
situated in the firstfive segments of the abdomen,
are
closely aggregated togetlier,and are connected
of nerves
number
and distribute the same
duct (b) ; but whether
with one
as
common
directly,
the fifth ganglion. The terminal
tuatedor by means
of short separate ducts, 1 have been
ganglion is si"

in thf, sixth

It is of

segment.

heart-

nal
shaped form, and is largerthan the other abdomiganglia. It is separated from the tenth only
male
by a very short portion of cord, which in the fe-

unable

to

down

From

ascertain.

beneath

the

these

the

duct

passes

alimentarycanal, becoming
,

of the cc mmon
lies upon the commencement
oviduct (Fig. 13, 11), formed by the union of the
oviducts from the two sides of the body, and Itimedidtly before a small vesicular appendage of the

separated, each is found to consist

rounded
body, composed of five lobes, or

oviduct, the spermathlca(Tig. 13 f).

short

but

one

largepair of

It

which
are
nerves,
cords.
These
nervous

tiiMiations of the
each into three branches, which

are

extremityof the alimentarycanal, and

generation.

produces
the
are

con-

ded
divi-

given to tlie
the organs

of

Structure
structure

of

of

the

the
nervous

throughout their whole

described by myself in

Cords.
cords

"

The
compound
is very
distinct

length. It consists, as
the Philosophical
actions
Trans-

dually
gra-

enlarged in its diameter, until it enters the

is placed close
second, or largertestis (c) which
the alimentary
to its fellow of the oppositeside,beneath
it forms

with

canal, and

one

mass

when

the

caeca, in the midst

testis enters,

smaller

of which

very

duct from

the

leaves it

and

but
of

again at its

opposite side, considerablyenlarged; and, after

making one or two foldings,which constitute the
much
vessel (d), becomes
smaller, and
efferential
the lower
extremityof an exceedingly
enters, near
large, but short caecal bag (e),the vesicula semiis folded

nalis, which
and

is

so

generallyfilled with

as

to
an

resemble

opaque

kidney,

white

fluid.

shaped duct (f), which

becomes
joined to the correspondingone from the
for 1834, of motor
and
sensitive columns
vesicle on the opposite side, just before the two
in both cords, closelyapproximated to each other.
alone possess the ganglia, arrive at the base of the penis(g),into which they
The sensitive columns
separate until
which
pass ; but the canal in each remains
to
are
exceedingly large, and lie nearest
the external
surface of the body, and the motor
just before its termination at the extremityof the
the
canals then
two
external organ,
(h), where
to the visceral, or
nearest
internal surface.
The
duct. The exshort tube, or ejaculaiory
form
ternal
one
o
bserved
columns
motor
are
while
distinctly
very
and
of a complicated
is prehensile,
organ
passing over the gangliain the thorax, as well as
from
those
in the abdomen, and exhibit in this insect
structure, and is well supplied with nerves
It is situated
the extremity of the spinalcolumns.
hitherto
an
not
observed in other speappearance
cies.
covered
with
the last anal fold, and
beneath
a
When
columns
the motor
are
beginning to
Its external sheath
membrane.
kind of preputian
their
a
diameter is
pass over
ganglion (Fig.11),
conical, two-jointed
consists of two
irregularly
slightlyincreased,but is immediately diminished
atid concave
their outer,
on
on
have
plates(i),convex
again to the originalsize, after the columns
surrounded
at their base
and
inner
their
off
surface,
a
unite
with
the
from
the
nerve
to
given
nerve
by a horny ring (k) Within these are two semiganglion,to assist in forming the compound nerve
coriaceous
of the body (z). This enlargement is greatest in
(1),folded together
plaitedmembranes
at their posterior
fan, and furnished
the columns
the thoracic ganglia,but is equally like a closed
on
in those on the abdominal
well seen
bably
margin with hooks of a horny textine, which proThis is
ones.
used for prehension, lietween
these, in
are
from its analogy to similar
particularly
interesting,
the upper
surface of
the median
line, and nearest
enlargements of those parts of the spinal cord in
muscular
the
two
parts
and
other
are
elongated
(m),
which
organ,
vertebrata,
man,
produce large
a
the upper and
pointed
which, when
applied together,form
lower
nerves
to
extremities of the
and beneath
them the
body, and enclose between
body, and corresponds to the thence greater neIt ends

in

short

funnel

128

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

duct (n),and
ejaculatory

to
riorly

true

and

which togetherform the

organ of intromission.
In the female (Fig.\Z) the generative system
consists of two ovaries, each composed of eighteen
distinct tubes (a a), which
a
very large
occupy
Each tube increases in
portionof the abdomen.
size from its apex (a) to its base (b), and generally
contains
and six incomplete
one
nearlyperfected,
female
eggs in various
stages, so that each
contains at least two
and fifty-two
hundred
eggs;
while the apicesof the tubes always contain agranulous fluid,
and are collected togetherin the median
line in the second
and third segments of the

abdomen, beneath

vessel,to the under

surface of which they are attached, as discovered
in Phasma, and
other
by Professor MuUer
cies.
speEach
common,

tube
or

the

the membrane
which
extends between
unites the tendons of the two
saw-shaped
(g). These
organs which constitute the ovipositor
retracted
within the body by
are
partially
organs
of eighctendons, four to each
The
means
organ.
ovipositoris of a horny texture, and each half is
and
pointed at its extremity like a lancet (Fig.1.5),
is furnished
its superiormargin with
on
sharppointed teeth (i),directed backwards, and along
its under
margin (k),with about fourteen convex,
On
its inner surface it is
ones.
slightlynotched
with
shallow
a
slightly concave,
longitudinal

dorsal

empties itself at its base

cavity (c c), where

uterine

into

several

the insect
perfecteggs arc often collected,when
has begun her work
of cviposition.From
this
cavityof the ovary proceeds a short oviduct (d),
which unites in the median line of the body with
a corresponding one
from the ovary of the opposite
side to form the common,
duct
ovior
ejaculatory
(e), which, in Hippohosca,has been called by

and

its outer
surface
ou
(IJ,in the middle
extend
longitudinalridge, from which
strument,
transverse
ridgesto the two edges of the inmany
surface the oviposithat on its outer
so
tor
toothed
resembles
its edges are
a
rasp, while
and serrated likca"nw, and its apex sharpened like
tlie point of a lancet.
Each
half,or saw
(Fig.15),
is formed
also of two
portions,united back to
the ridge in the middle
thus form
of
back, which
the ovipositor. This
peculiar and complicated
groove,

line, is

of

structure

will

the instrument

is rendered

necessary,

in which
by the manner
and
the instrument
is employed. Posterior
ternal
exBurmeister
the
obtuse processes
to the ovipositorare
two
uterus; but in which, in Athalia
the eggs
detained only a very short period. (Fig.14, h h) densely ciliated,and
are
situated one
On the tipper surface of the common
each side of the ovipositor.They appear
oviduct is
to
on
situated a small vesicular appendage, the spermaform the outer sheath, and direct the organ
when
theca (f), which is the receptacleof the male
fluenceemployed in the business of oviposition.
induring impregnation.At the termination
AND
OF
THE
LARVA
NYMPII.
of the duct is also a second
appendage, t\\e poison
gland (g) of the aculeate Hymenoptera. It consists
Alimentary
This is far more
Canal.
simple in
of an oval bag, connected
the larva than in the perfect
by a very short neck
insect. In generalappearance
with the termination of the common
At
oviduct.
it closely
resembles
the canal
and structure
its upper extremity it receives two
short, convoluted,
in Lepidopterouslarva,both
in the cap icityand
caecal vessels (h),which
enter it at the same
and in the shortextent
of the great digestive
ness
cavity
Dr.
place as in the poison gland of the hornet.
of the esophagus and sn]all intestines. The
Burmeister*
has suggestedthat the poison-gland mouth, or entrance
to the canal,is admirably
adapted
perhaps be an urinaryorgan, but its existence
may
of feeding,which
is by
to the insect's
usual mode
in Athalia, in which, as we
shall presentlysee, the
devouringthe edges of the leaf,and but seldom the
as

presentlybe

seen,

"

fluid excreted

from

of defence, but

oviposition,seems
oviduct

common

(Fig.14) in the
mhial

it cannot

be

used

as

means

under surface,as is the habit of many

other

employed by the insect during species. The tipper lip (Fig.18) is exceedingly
opposed to this opinion. The
short and of a heart-shapedform, and the under one
in a vaginal orifice,
terminates
(Fig.17.6) is long and projecting.
Immediately

under

surface of the seventh

abdobase of the ovipositorand
constitute the external organs

behind

at the

segment,

or

upper

is

itsappendages,which
of the female.
The ovipositor
of this insect is an
of

on
account
organ,
It is situated in the

their

the upper
dibles
lipare two thick and short manon
(Fig. 17, 3, and Fig. 19), a little convex
their posterior
ner
on
anterior,but concave
or inEach

surface.

of these has

four indentations

or

teresting
exceedinglyinthe food, the second of which
teeth for masticating
its peculiarity
of
is rather the longest. Posterior to these are the two

under

surface
maxilla: (Fig.17. 4), or lesser jaws, which form the
eighthsegments (Fig.14, b c), or
sides of the mouth, and assist in passingthe food
roore
correctlyperhaps in the eighth,which
pears into the pharynT. Their extremities are developed
apbeen
carried forward
to have
lopment, in this larva into two
during deveconical palpi
largefive-jointed
and, obliterating
the under
surface of the
feelers (Fig.17, 5; Fig.20),which are constantly
or
seventh
segment, is approximated to the posterior
employedby the insect as tactors during the time of
margin of the sixth (a a), the posteriorborder of its takingfood. Behind these, and projecting
far
which is notched, and has a small process on each
beyond them, are two other palpi,which are also
serted
inside. Four of the tendons of the ovipositor
are
and of a conicid form, and are attached
five-jointed
into the
between
connecting membrane
is also long
each side of tiielower lip,which
one
on
these
segments (d). That this is what has taken
and projecting
and forms the posteriorpart of the
place in the development of the segments appears
I'he inner surface of the lower
mouth.
vered
lipis costructure.

the

seventh

evident from

of

and

the existence

of the dorsal and dorsolateral

of the seventh
segment
(b), while
they are entirely absent on the ventral surface,
unless, indeed,we consider the two rudimentary
positor
plates(e e) on each side of the base of the ovitheir analogues,and by which the obliteration
as
of the ventral surface of the seventh
ment
segsurfaces

is further
The

proved.
(f)
vaginalorifice
*

is situated

Translation,
p.

192.

littlepostc-

with

thick

mucous

structure,

analogousto

the tongue of other animals. This constitutes the

floor of the moutli, and leads to the pharynx, a
dilated cavity,the
slightly
of

the

proper

alimentarycanal (Fig.21).

commenceraent

The

])OSterior

collar,formed
part of this is encircled by a nervous
above and the medulla oblongata
or
bv the cerebrum
first sub-esophageal
ganglion below, as in the perfect
which is very short and
insect, fhe esophagus,
at the posterior
commences
rynx,
part of the phanarrow,
and

ends

at

the anterior of the third segment

129

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

in
from the usual distribution of tbe opticnerves
in an immenselycJihted cavity,
tbe commencement
Of the twelve sublarva is not at present evident.
o{ th^ ttuQ digesttee
stomach. Tbe generalstructure
the first,third, fourth and fifth
in Lepidop- esophagealganglia,
of this part of tbe canal is the same
as
the largest.The first pairof nerves
a muscugiven from
are
lar,
terous
hirvB, and consists of a peritoneal,
the third,fourth, and fifth gangliaare united with
aad a mucous
coat, as above described in the
At its commencement
it is furnished
ing
internally with a valve, which is formed by a foldof the mucous
membrane, and a similar structure
exists at its posterioror pyloricextremity.The
stemach
of the
extends
from the commencement
third to the posterior
part of the tenth segment, and
sect.
occupies
nearlythe whole of the interior of the in-

perfectinsect.

It

which

is

others derived from the sides of the interganglionic

given to the wings of
spaces of the cords, and are
instances among the
the perfectinsect as in some
from the sixth
Lepidoptera. The remainingganglia,
and give
small and elongated,
to the eleventh, are

only one
pairof nerves; which, liowever,
minal
immediatelydivided into two others. The tershort ilium,
is followed by an
ganglion,which is larger than the preceding
exceedingly
sect, ones, givesofi'three pairof nerves, the two posterior
inseparatedby a valve, as in the perfect

from

colon, which

immense

an

with

is covered

off each
are

of

which,

noticed,

before

have

we

as

united in

are

of the cords
is easily
observed on each of these ganglia
("Fig.
24)
ation
insect.
When
in those of the perfect
the insect has enclosed itself in its cocoon
as
Very littlealterlopment
in them during the deve(Fig.4 and 3), before changing into a nymph or
appears to take place
of the nervous
mens
of change in the form of
system. In several specipupa, the first indications
I examined
the alimentary canal occur
at different times
which
during
in a constriction of this
viscus at about its middle
the winter, scarcelyany change, beside a zigzag
tion
portion,a slightelongaof the ilium, and a contracted condition of the
of tbe cords and a slightenlargementof
disposition
observed, until after the
was
the thoracic ganglia,
in the organ (Fig.22), just before
colon,as shown
the insect has assumed
the form of a nymph. These
insect bad passed into the state of nymph at the end
of the ganglia
had
of April. Until that periodnone
phageal
changes are ibllowed by an elongationof the esocome
and only the fourth and fiftli had bedisappeared,
portionof the canal when the insect passes
into the nymph state,and by a narrowingof what is
enlarged.On comparing the nervous
slightly
the true
to become
digestivestomach of the perfect system of the larva with that of the perfectinsect,
that only one
insect. These changes of structure
in the alimentary it will be seen
ganglion,apparently
the sixth, disappears
canal of Hymenoptera, as
in the Lepidoptera,
take
during the metamorphosis; so
that the nervous
system of this insect appears, in
place less rapidlythan those of the nervous
tem.
sysalmost every respect,to undergo less alteration in
The appendages
form in passingfrom tlie larva to the perfectstate
of the canal consists,as in the perfect
than in any other familyof insects which undergoa
or
more
elongatedsalirai-y
insect, of two
organs
insect,except true metamorphosis.
very similar to those of the perfect
of the principal
Havins: thus examined the structure
that, in the larva, theyare considerably
larger. I
will now
have been unable to observe
pass on to the
exactlyin what part of
organs of the body, I
habits of this species.
the mouth
or
pharynx thev terminate. The hepatic consideration of the peculiar
vessels are
and
The perfectinsect first makes its appearance about
folded
are
exceedinglyelongated,
of dry
and around the posterior
the middle of May, after the continuance
half of the stomach
upon
and the ilium,as in the larva of Lepidoptera.They
weather, and this usuallyhappens to be a
warm
the earlycrops of
inserted into tbe canal at the very commencelittlebefore or at the time when
are
ment
pearing.
of the ilium,immediately
behind the pylorus. turnips,in some
parts of the country, are justapthat the fly
It is,therefore,at this period
The
whole of the viscera are surrounded
mense
by imthe greatestmischief, by dcpositaccumulations
of yellowfat,as in the Lepiis able to commit
doptera.
the young leaves, and which, if the
her
The generative
of
inoon
in
these
the
states
eo-gs
system

the

glandularbodies as described
but much
lesa developed.
insect,
same

The

perfect the perfectinsect.

in tbe

double

structure

and dry for a few days,

warm
weather continues
(Fig.23) affords become batched, and the crops are soon destroyed.
of the year and the temperature of the
It cons'Sts
two
of
or
The f.eriod
remarkable
one
peculiarities.
influence the growthof the insect in
the cerebral or supra-esophageal
and
twelve
season
greatly
mass,
becomes
cold
and coids.
its larva state.
double ganglia
Thus, if the season
The cerebral
sub-esophageal
not developed
or are
and first sub-esophageal
less closely and wet, the eggs are either retarded,
are
ganglia
larva perishes.But if
united
than
at all,or the young
in the perfectinsect, owing to the

insect I have
The nervous

not

examined.

syslem of this larva

of the esophagus which

greater di imeter
The condition of the opticnerves
remarkable.
the larva

They
as

in the

peculiarity.They

circle.
they en-

is very
state in

nearlyin as perfecta
perfectinsect, with one marked

are

(.'.erived
as

are

usual

from

on

each

side of the' bead,

side a largesinglenervous
in passing outwards
perfectinsect,
a

little enlarsred and

meter,

and

is

furnished with

singlelens

then

given to

not

contracted

becomes

again

first

in dia-

largesingleeye, apparently

proper choroid, and covered

divided into separate facets.

larva, therefore,possesses

but

two

by

This

simple eyes,

an

of which
I have not before met
with in any
other familyof insects. 'I'he situation of the eve on
the exterior of the head (Fig.17. 8) is indicated by
for this deviation
a small black spot. The
reason

at

days,

five

and

hatched

are

the

in

larva

passes
its
appear
changes rapidly. There
ing
broods of this insect durleast two
or

in May and
the year.
From the eggs deposited
gust,
in July and Auflies are developed
the perfect
and the broods producedfrom tbe last laying

Ju'ne
of eggs

their

make

about"
the

of

month

Deposition

in the
at

be

continues fine, the eggs

week

through
to

e;ich

they form on
trunk, wbich, as

about

the

sides of the cerebrum, but instead of beingsmall,

as in other insects,and
divided immediately
into
six separate filiments,
to six minute
to be given
sile
seseyes

the weather

state
perfect

followingyear.

in tbe

Mr.

eggs."

the

of

in the

appearance

May

Yarrell,

in

the

posits
has noticed that the female depaper above quoted,
her egos siugly,about
twenty in number, in
the under surface of the leaf;but from what we have

justseen
from

in the

tbe whole

less than

from
hence

instance

insects
in

are

pregnant ovaries this is very far

which
deposited,

amount
two
we

to

three
be

cannot

developed

hundred

are

be

each

vidual,
indi-

that
surprised

favourable

under

their devastations
fieldof healthywhite

cannot

by

so

when

the

stances
circum-

It was
extensive.
had been

turnipswbich

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

131

tions,there

were
scarcelyany insects left in that doubt (hat had the weather continued favourable,
part of the field where 1 had firstobserved them ;
a
many of them would have been developed within
they were then at work in the middle of the field. {e\f hours, but the weather during the preceding
On the third day they had proceeded still farther, day or two
had been exceedingly
stormy. On the
and on the fourth day theyhad arrived at the oppoolst, and following
site
day the 1st of August,there was
end of the field to that at which they entered.
of the larvae had yet come
very heavy rain, and none
It may
be said, perhaps,that these must
have been
forth. On the 3rd of August, when
the field was
different flights
of these insects ; but this I am satisfied
again visited,most of the larvae had been developed,
but vast numbers
was
not the case, since
and were
of them had perished,
scarcelyan insect was
then remainingat the spot where
found dead on the leaves of the plants. Thus, notthey first made
withstanding
their appearance.
Beside which, from what
the state of the weather, it was
only
we
have justseen
of the state of the ovaries, the number
seven
days after the eggs were
depositedthat the
of egg.s to be depositedbeing at least two hundred
larvje became
tivity
developed; and, judging from the acand fifty,
and the time requiredlor the deposition
of the embryo within the egg on the 30th, being

of

the fourth day after oviposition,

there is reason
single
egs; being considerable,there are reasons
that the whole of the eggs are not depositedto believe,
that,had the weather continued fine,they
believing
in one
in two
three.
would have appearedmuch
dav, or perhapseven
or
earlier. On the 30th of
This onward
of the insect was
quently
subseof the plantswith eggs deposited
progress
July,I removed some
a

for

observed
marked
insects

another

on

in the

manner

occasion
of

month

in

more

August, when

upon

the

ones,

them,
to

at the

dark

same

time

out-house, so

as
as

the

on

not

to be

ceding
preposed
ex-

in one
field ; but
to the open
of the
exceedinglynumerous
or the influence
atmosphere,
in another,which was
separatedfiom the first only direct rays of the sun, and these did not produce
vidual. larvcB until one
two
or
by a high hedge, there was
scarcelya singleindidays later. These facts appeared
In a few days,however, they were
of the eggs is
almost
that the development
to show
in the second field as they had been in
as numerous
and hygrometic
very much influenced by the warmth
the first. If the weather becomes
condition of the atmosphere,and that a considerable
unfavourable, and
there
is a recurrence
of heavy rain shortlyafter the
of temperature is requiredfor their speedy
amount
their appearance, very many
insects have made
of
development. It has been stated above, that on the
them perish,
and are found dead on the plants.
the temperature
day when the eggs were deposited,
were

in the shade was

73" Fahr. ; but
the atmosphere
when the thermometer
was
exposed to the sun on
When
the earth, the mercury ranged from 90" to 100", so
the eo;g is first deposited,it is discovered
there beingno other trace
that the temperature to which
the eggs in the
so
only with great difficult)'',
of it,when
the under surface of a leaf is examined, leaves were
exposed, must have been equal at the
than a slight
elevation of the cuticle, and this elevation hottest,or middle part of the day, to at least 80" or
On
the two
is frequentlyso very slight,that it is only 85" Fahr.
followingdays it was at
ing
by raisingthe cuticle with a penknife,and extractnearlythe same
heightin the middle of the day,
be satisfied of its prethat we
the egg itself,
can
sence. while on tho fourth day, July29th, after there had
hours
this elevation is
Within
rain during the precedingnight,the
been much
twenty-four
increi sed, and the egg, which at first is whitish and
On the
highesttemperature in the shade was 68".
whiter
and
more
following
opaque.
transparent, has become
daysthe temperature was much lower.
On
creased,
the second day the elevation is still furtherinTHE
LARVA.
and the receptacleitself is expanded, so
When
the periodof developementhas arrived,
tho
that there remains a free space around the egg equal
width on each side. This continues
larva first eats
its wav
to about its own
through the thin shell,and
and on the following
then through the wall of the cavity,or cuticle of the
to enlarge,
day,the contents of
the egg, having become
still more
to
leaf, which inclosed it,and beginsimmediately
opaque, the outline
of the under surface,
of the future larva is easilv seen through the cuticle, feed upon the tender structure
coiled up in a semicircular form ; about the fifthday
eatingfirst the cuticle,and then the parenchymatous
the young larva makes
from the time of deposition
tissue, but it does not at that time piercethe cuticle
of the upper surface ; so that when the
its appearance.
This
is the progress of development
upper surface
if the weather continues favourable, but if it of a young
leaf, which is attacked by many larvaa
has been cold and wet, the progress is retarded. I
after their development, is examined, it has the
soon
first observed
the eggs deposited,
as above
stated, appearance of being covered with minute brownish
of July,and I visited
observed
the morning of the 26th
found
on
more
are
spots, which, when
closely,
of the leaf,
the same
covered with the
field dailyfor four or five successive davs.
to be partial
perforations
sect
sound
On the 29th there was
cuticle of the upper surface.
I capturedone
scarcelya singleperfectinall perished,
It
ing
havafter it had left the egg.
larva on the 29th, soon
to be found ; theyhad nearly
had been
of a
Bui the weather
then scarcelyhalf a line in length,and was
was
depositedtheir ova.
there had
been much
wind, and
greyishcolour, with a black head. It had justbeen
very unfavourable,
it had rained heavily
and had passed some
moved
foeces,but had not reduringthe whole of the preceding feeding,
than a line distant from the nidus which
of
more
night,which probablyhad been the means
of

DEVELOPMENT

destroying
many
of the

some

OF

of

plantsat

alteration had taken

EGGS,

On
insects.
examining
spot where the flieshad been

the
a

busilyemployed on

most

THE

v)lacein

the
the

26th,

it had

of

the

It eats

of its most
convex
the shell of the egg

very great

appearance

just left.

middle
the

larva

of

some

through the
part, but

nidus

in the

it does not

vour
de-

justleft,like
and Lepidopterous
Coleopterous
which

it has

in the cavity.
in wliicb they
shell remains
insects. The
empty
receptacles
were
placedbeing much enlarged. The receptacles Subse(juentlvto this I obtained other larva;,all of
almost
of
double their original
which
size, and the ee;gs
exhibited the same
were
appearance, and none
nidi.
fir from tiieir respective
themselves, besides bcii.genlarged,had become
tiiem at first removed
a
their original
littleflattened,and the I'orm of the embryo within
Within tiireedays theynearlydoubled
the 30th, many of the egsrs
was
length. At this time I observed,that when the larva
very distinct. On
far advanced that the motions of the larvas
so
is placed upon
were
dry food, or upon a withered leaf
within them were
which is not fittedfor food,it descends to the ground.
perceived,and I had no
distinctly

eggs

both

these

and

the

FARMER'S

THE

132
and

fittedfor it.
crawls to other food which is more
I remarked
also, that the larvae at this period,like
when shaken from the leaves
the larviEof Lepidoplei'a,
retain their
of tlie plantupon which they are feeding,
with the plant,and reascend to their
communication
is rethe disturbing
moved,
cause
place of feeding,when
of a fine silken thread, which
each by means
the same
is done by the
it spins while falling,
as
of regainingits
larviB of Lepidoptera.This means
former placeis not possessed
bv the older,and nearly

MAGAZINE.
found in
period at which the larva is occasionally
some
places. I have myselfmet with it in the first
week
in October, and I am
crediblyinformed, that
in the southern partsof Sussex, it has sometimes been
found, after the occurrence
of hoar frost,even
at the
At that season
end of October.
I suspect there are

specimenswhich have sufficient strength

earth to undergo their transformation.
On the jd of October, 1837, after a sharp hoar frost
in the morning,althougha vast number
of the larvae
matured larva, which, like the perfectinsect,is exand their bodies were
still lyingon the
ceedingly had
perished,
of terror occurs,
leaves of the turnips,there were
caped.
timid, and when any cause
many that haJ esits alarm has
falls to_theground as if dead, but when
These perhaps had been on the under-surface
of the leaves during tlie night,so that theywere
not
ceased, it reascends the plantby climbingup the
The first time the larva changesits
leaves.
in the case of
stem
or
as
exposed to the effects of radiation,
skin is at about the fifth day after it has left the egg,
the other specimens.
but I regret that I was
The
\vMPHon
Pupa.
When
thelarvahas become
preventedfrom
accidentally
watching it closely
throughthe remaining periodof full grown, it enters the earth, to the depthof a few
its larva state, so as to enable me
rectly
to ascertain corinches, to undergo its transformation. This lakes
whether
it changes its skin more
than twice
to the
place at an earlier or later jieriod,
according
the change
In the summer
months
of tbe year.
afterwards, before it enters the earth to prejiare for
season
undergoingits change to the pupa state. I believe, takes placevery quickly
; in the winter it is delayed,
however, that it changes its skin during:the larva
and does not take placeuntil the following
spring.
state
three, times, at intervals of from five to seven
When
the second brood of larva,which are developed
from
the egg at the end of July or the beginningof
days,before it becomes full grown and ready to enter
of
the earth. It is immediately
after its last change of
full grown,
about the middle
August, become
skin that the larva becomes
destructive. It is
most
September,they enter the earth,and form each a little
lies coiled
and generally
oval cavity,similar to the cell formed
then nearlyan inch in length,
by the larva of
the upper
surface of a leaf exposed to the
up on
Melolontha,and remain in this cell,m the condition
hottest midday sun,
"nd appears to be most healthy of larva;, until the followingspring, when
each
when mest exposedto it influence. Its sooty black
changes into a nymph, or pupa, and soon afterwards
colour is a remarkable characteristic of this larva, into the perfectinsect, iviyfriend Mr. Wooldrulge
and may, perhaps,be designed
has bred the perfectfly both from specimenswhich
to preserve it from the
scorching rays of the sun, in which it delightsto
passedthrough all their changes in the summer, and
but
to

very few

the

euter

"

bask, the

same

as

is believed

the black colour

protect him

of the skin of the

from

passedthe

larva; which

winter

in their

cocoons

sorbingand
not
were
injuryby abdevelopedinto the pupa and perfect
the solar rays in the burning climates
of
state
until the followingspring. Having confined
of its utilityabout fifty
Africa and the Indies. 'J'he principle
larv;e at the end of September in a closed
in the insect as in the human
to be the same
vessel,filledwith mould, they all entered the earth,
appears
negro

to

from

in which
and
formed for themselves cocoons,
they
It is an opinion
entertained by some
remained in the larvae state during the whole winter,
agriculturists,
instance of their
and
that when a brood of these insects has destroyedthe
I could not discover a single
of the year.
whole of the plantsupon which
hatched, having become
at that season
they were
pupa;
About
the middle
of the following
Aprilthe bodies
they migrateto other places,and that, althoughthe
white
of the larvae had become
shortened, and
turnip is the plantupon which the larvaj are
very much
in generaldeveloped,having destroyed
this,tliey on the 27th of April one of these larvse had changed
then attack the Swedish
turnips.I have not myself into a nymph. Within two or three daysafter this,
observed these migrations,althoughprobably
the whole
of them had undergone the same
they
change.
sometimes
insects between
take place,yet I suspect that this occurs
the
forth as perfect
They all came
is about half
It is also supposedthat the perfect
but rarely.
Each cocoon
insect
l'2th and 25th of May.

body.

does

not

deposither

but tin'sis
both

not

on

eggs

correct.

the

white

upon the Swedish

I have known
them
and

turnips,
ted
depositurnipsin the

Swedish

field. The natural food of the larvfe, and that

which
it seems
to the leaves of the
to prefer,
even
white
weed, charlock,the
turnip, is the common
same

sinapisarvensis.
abundance
and

upon this

flowers.

have

found

the

larva;

feedingboth
])lant,

It is the remark

of

on

in great
the leaves

inch in

an

of

length,and

firm,coriacious

of the s;ind-bees.

appearance, while

agglutinatedto
cavity,that the
of earth.
winter

in

In
state

(juarterin

texture,

like the

diameter.
cocoons

It is

of

some

it has a silvery
shining
Internally
it is so mixed with, and
externally

the
cocoon

soil that forms the walls of the

looks like

rough little pellet

this, therefore,the larva passes the

of hvbprnation,like the larva of the
other insects,and changes into the

agriculturist,Cossus and some

tliat when this weed is growing in the same
before
field with
nymph state about ten days, or a fortnight,
of Triinsect is developed,as in the case
the perfect
turnips,the insects attack it first,and that if there
where the charlock
which pass
of the Tentlircdas,
are
chiosoma,another family
any larv,* in a field of turnips
in the open air,on the
is growing, by far the greatestnumber
of them are
the winter
in their cocoons
found upon
this.
to he
white thorn, in a stale of larvaa,and only ])ass into
sure
My own observations
of this opinion. Some
in confirmation
have supthe state of nymphs at the end of April,the perfect
are
posed
cumstance
ities
insects being developedin May.
that the larva; alwaysajjpear in different localPerhaps this cirof the unthe same
in part explainthe cause
at exactly
certain
time, but this is not the case.
may
at the end
of July,
stale ;
Thus, in a field which I examined
ap])earance of the insect in the perfect
in the neighbo-irliood
weather
for
of Chichester, the larvEe were
since, from its requiring
dry and warm
few specimens in cold and
in the greatest abundance,
its development, very
nearly full grown, and were
when
become
moist seasons
as were
mav
perfect
theyalso at Soberton,Hants, a distance
; and hence,
unfavourable
of eighteenmiles; while at Meon-Stoke, only six
there has been a succession of summers
miles
from
the latter place,the perfect
fly only was
to their development,but few specimens,perhaps,
there to be found.
have
This would
for the late
made their appearance, the changes of those
account
the

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

133

buried most
deeply in the
specimenswhich were
earth beingeither retarded until a following
year, or
and the insects,
in consequence,
altogether
prevented,
destroyed.I have been struck,however, with one

of the larva?,
after theyhave become nearly
and when
their work
of devastation is
full-grown,

with the development of

circumstance connected
these insects ; it is the impunitywith which they
cold of our winters, when
inclosed
bear the severest
in the earth. Every one
is aware
in their cocoons
that the past winter, 1837-38, has been one of the
that has occurred for many years in the
most
severe
southern parts of this kingciom,vet not onlyhave
specimens which I obtained in their cocoons
many
in January last been
from the soil of a turnip-field

sought for before the insect has arrived

struct

developed into perfectflies in

the

beginningof

the

(May 29th, 1838), but a few days

present month
since, on visitingthe field from which I obtained
them, I observed very many of tlierecently
developed
insects on the flowers and low grass in the hedgesof
able
the field,so that should the springcontinue favourto

them, bj

the

continuance

of

fine

weather,

until after the

periodof sowing the turnips,there is

chief.
of their misto apprehend
a repetition

great reason
MEANS

OF

PREVENTING

THE

RAVAGES

OF

iHE

INSECT.

becomingevery day more

remedy for this evil can
when

it is able

to

and

be

do

more

apparent, that

expected;
so

much

it

ought to

be

at this period,
We
mischief.

ought to attempt to guard againstits coming

ravages

the crops are yet uninjured;

and,
when we bear in mind those circumstances, which
have justseen affectthe insect greaclyin its early
we
at

time

while

condition,some
We

have

seen

unfavourable

success

that

may
cold

reasonablybe expected.
and

wet

season

is

very

insect at the time of hatching;

and I
well
may here further remark, that this was
shown
in the instance of the field at J\]eon-Stoke,
the
where I saw
eggs deposited,and where, it will
be remembered, it was
stated, that just at the period
of hatchingthe weather
became
unfavourable and
hirvai perished;and, as I subsequently
wet, and
many
1 again visited the field in Sepfound when
tember,
that although,
the eggs had
as I had
seen,
been
dance,
depositedin this field in the greatest abunto the

so
scarcelyany larvfB had become jierfected,
of turnipshad been entirely
uninjured.

that this crop

these circunsstances,therefore,1 have been

the foregoingobservations it is seen
From
that it From
when the yeljurious.
inis in the larva state only that the insect is really
to thiuk, that if,at the period
disposed
fieldcould
low Jties
It is to tliis state, therefore,and to the
aie observed on the crops, the whole
in the day,with seabe well watered daily,
to
or twice
embryo condition,that we ought chiefly
previous
direct our
attention,with a view of preventingits water, or a solution of salt in water, the effect produced
of the embryo would
the development
Very many experimentshave been tried
upon
ravages.
be similar to that of the unfavourable weather in the
with a view of accomplishing
by various agriculturists,
detailed ; that,in fact,the larvaj
but scarcely
this object,
tended observations above
any have yet been atshare
of success.
would either not be developed,or would perish
soon
moderate
with even
a
The
ing
after theyhave made
their appearance.
Some have attemptedto destroy
the larva by shattercation
applihere proposed would, without
of the means
the plants:
unslacked lime, or coal ashes over
but this has been found to be useless.
larva
of some
The
doubt,be a matter
difficulty
; but if,after a
trial on a small scale it be found successful, a plan
and rolls ofl:'the leaves uninjured.
shattered salt over
them, but
might be devised for carryingit into full effect.
A watering barrel, similar to those employed for
with no better eifect. Another
plan has been to
might be used for
draga rope, held at its extremities by two men,
wateringthe roads in summer,
well aware
the larvae were
of the practhis i)urpose, althoughI am
across
a
field,by which
means
tical
One of these is,
brushed from the plants,
to its employment.
and wood ashes and quicklime
objections
then shattered over
them.
This was
lieved the injurythat might be occasioned to the crops by
bewere
the insects were
been
the daily
of some
to have
passingover them of the wheels and horses,
use,
after as
before the experiment. but this objectionwould
not
so
numerous
probablybe lessened were
But the only method
the seeds to be drilled in at the time of sowing, as
which has hitherto been tried
with any thinglike a fair prospect of success,
is done by some
cultivators,instead of being sown
was
Sea- water, or a solution of salt in
that of my friend Mr. Osborn, of Birdham, in Sussex,
by broad-cast.
and this certainly
the tact,that while his neighwas
bours, water, is proposedas most likelyto be useful upon
from the known
who
considerations : first,
did not follow the same
two
pernicious
plan,lost their

merely coils itself up,

Others

when

have

attacked

by these larvie,he saved his.

or eightdozen of ducks
the larvaj,into the field,
at the

etfect of saline matters

in solution,
upon most young
and next, the circumstance
of a greater
which are very fond of
of cold
amount
poration,
beingproduced during its evathe means
time employinga boy to watch
while
medy
same
them, and to
applied as a redrive them to some
most
water
for the insect would,
to drink occasionally.
lands,
Mr.
on
hasten
the
Yarrell notices a similar practice
beneficial to
the soil, and
lowed prove
folas having been
in Kent. This course
effectual ;
w^as
growthof the crops, it being onlyin the hottest and
certainly
it saved the crop of turnips,
but it injured
the ducks
driest weather that a remedy againstthe insect is
for a longtime, theybecame
tions,
emaciated, and
required. But judging from the previousobservagreatly
suffered much
mon
a full and repeated
from
diarrhoea,but they ultimately
drenching,even with comrecovered.
One
thingis particularly
objectionable
water, for three or four days at the time the
crops
It was

simplyby turningsix

insects

in the

tended
cultivation of the turnip when
attacked by
probablybe ateggs are being developed, would
these larvae it is the practiceof hoeing the crops,
These
with beneficial results.
suggestions
them.
or
areoff"eredto the consideration of the agriculturist
thinning
By doing this a very largequantity
culty
of turnipsis purposely
diffidence ; first,
of the diffiwith much
account
on
destroyed,and of course
the quantityof food for the insect lessened,
while
of applyingthem to their fullest extent ; and
the numbers
of the insect are scarcely,if at all, affor employing
fected next, in consequence
of the necessity
ing
them
and consequently
the remainfor several
by the operation,
dnys at, and for a short
steadily
in
time after the jieriod
when the flies are observed
turnipsbecome attacked in far greater numbers
than before,and perhaps the entire
the field : and also from the circumstance, that if the
crop is then toOn
these
considerations many
now
recommended, be delayeduntil the lartotallydestroyed.
means
"

have
persons
having
very properly desisted from
their turnips
thinned,or hoed as it is termed,when
the insects are present. But it is not from the de-

several days old, and have

viB
begun to show
are
themselves by the devastations they commit, they
will then perhapsbe of littleutility.

THE

134
OF

DESCRIPTION

Fig.l
.

MAGAZINE.

PLATE.

sixth

rather
(perfect female),
centifolice,

Athalia

largerthan
2

THE

FARMER'S

A leaf of

the natural

size.
15.

night
turnipplant,about a fortold, showing at a, a on the under
a

young

surface of the leaf the

Athalia

depositedoggs

of

larva

mentary
eighth segments, (e). Rudiplates. ({).The vaginalorifice,
(g).The ovipositor.
Lateral view of one-half of the saw-shaped
ovipositor. (i). The superior serrated
margin, (k). The inferior margin. (1).
'I'he

centifolia:.

after it has entered its last

about twice its natural
skin,represented
size.
Cocoon of the larra (naturalsize.}
twice its natural size,
A section of the same,
in which the larva lies
showing the manner
of liyfolded up within it during its period
bernation.
female insect
Alimentarycanal of the perfect
magnifiedabout ten diameters, (a). 'J'he
pharynx, (b).Tlie entrance into it of the
The

and

organ

soon

ridgebetween
and

(m

the

two

parts of this

n).

17. Head

of the full grown

larva highlymagnified.
(1). The front. (2).The upper lip.
(3). The jaws or mandibles.
(4) 'I'he
maxilla.
(5). The palpi. (6).The lower

lip.
18. The
The

19.

The
The

22.

salivaryglands, (c). The dilated csc/j/ki(d).The crop. (e). The muscles,

the gizzardprojecting
into the crop,

mandible.

'J'hemaxilla

20.
21.

gns.
and

lip.

upper

23. The

ten

diameters.

ganglion of
showinof the

nal
or duode(f).The ventriculus,the chylific
patic
(g). The pytorns.(h). He(i).'Jhe ?7iu?/i. (j.) The cobodies on the,colon,
lon.
(k.) The glandiclar
(1). 'J'he rectum,
(m). Salivaryglajids. ON
(n.) Their origin.

palpus.

of the larva.
alimentarv canal of the nymph.
of the larva magnified
nervous
system

about
2-1. A

and

alimentarycanal

the

motor

larva

highlymagnified

colums.

stomach,

vessels,

ECONOMICAL

FEEDING

HORSES,

"c.

OF

FARM

"c.

and upper part

Section of the crop, gizzard,
FARMEr's MAGAZINE.
TO
THE
EDITOR
OF
THE
of the chylific
stomach.
ilium and colon.
for the present
Sir, In perusingyour number
8. The pyloris,
month
attention was
with
struck
16. Salivaryglands and duct.
particularly
my
that part of an article written by George Legard,
9, 10, and 11, The nervous
system. No. 10
to his workinghorses : he states they
magnifiedten diameters.
Co}. The brain, Esq,relating
two
bushels of oats per week, each, besides
and its appendages.(1.)The
consume
or cerebrum
of the brain, or medulla oblongata.
inferior portion
chopped oat sheaves mixed with the corn instead of
(2 too}. Thethoracic ganglia,or
hay. I think, Sir,I shall be able to convince you
"

Its abdominaland your renders by a few plainfacts,

that my horses
than half the expense
Mr.
L's do.
ganglia, cost littlemore
(q). Optic nerves,
]My usual plan for several yet rs has been to give
(p).Antennal nerves,
oat sheaves and no
other corn, (and
or
(r). Stemmatic
simple nerves,
(s). them cut numn
of the sympathetic,
the straw
we
Origins
ments
(t) Enlargegrow
very lon^),but for the last three
four years I have
of the optic nerves,
or
(u). Anterior
grown
peas, wiiich I cut up
communicating nerves,
(v). Nerves to instead of oats, but findingthey occasianally
griped
the first pairof wings, (x). Posterior comand did Mot otherwise
municating
appear to suit them, 1 now
to the second
gether
give them half oat sheaves and half peas cut up tonerve, and nerve
chine,
pairof wings, (w and y). Nerves to the
by a chaff"cutter fixed to my thrashingmasecond
and third pairof legs.
we
cut forty
sacks per hour ; they also have
11
ally
one
peck of raw potatoes per week, eacli ; occasionGanglion showing the motor columns, and
little nitre or
salt ; they eat about
a
common
nerves
givenoft"from it,at z and ", to form
bushels
small quantity
the compound nerve
a
two
(z).
per day each, besides
of clover
last thing at night. The chafJ' should be
Male organs of generation,
n,
er
(a).The smalltestes,
(b). The duct. (c}. The large moistened with water, and givenin small quantities
(d). The eiferentialvessel, at a time ; for want of this precautionmany a lazy
pairof testes,
because they cannot
corn
(e}. The vesiculac seminales. (t'}.'I'he attendant calls out for more
The above is a cortremitykeep their horses in condition.
rect
approximation of their ducts, fg}. Exof the penis. (h}, Ejaculatory
of the manner
statement
m)' horses live,and I
duct.
think, there are few farmers who could wish to see
Ci}. Outer valves of the organ.
their horses in better condition ; theyare constantly
fk).The base. (\).The inner or prehensile
valves.
at hard work, for the greaterpart of my farm consists
(n\). Tlie double organ of
intromission.
of a claysoil,and I seldom allow them
to plough
less tlian an acre per day, and at the present time for
13, The internal female organs of generation, (a a,
ties,
fallows
six to seven
inches deep ; in the summer
I
b) The ovarial tubes, (cc).The uterine cavi(d}.The separate oviducts. ( e).Tlie keep tlipm on tares, or lucerne, which I consider
better than tares.
oviduct,
much
or
common
(f).The
ejaculatory
1 will now
spermatheca.(g). The poisongland. Ch).
say a few words on another subject,
Its vessels.
I am
labourers' wages.
(10 and ll). The terniiniil that is,agricultural
very sorry
oviduct
have
to find by your pages that some
ganglialyingupon the ejaculatory
only
persons
before the spermatheca.
been givino;their able bodied labourers 9s. per week ;
14 External organs of the female,
is it possiblethat any person can
have the hardihood
(a a,].The
dominalto give a man
base of the ventral surface of the sixth abwho
dren
has a wife and four or five chilwith no other means
of supportinghimself and
(b). Lateral jiortions
segment,
he is
of the seventh segment,
of 'Jrf.per week
T When
(c.)The eighth familythe fmall sum
(h h). The anal process, (d). sellingthat portionof the produce of his farm, whicli
segment,
true

nervous

or

column.

caudal

(6 to 11).

extension and

"

The

connectinof membrane

between

the

is the poor man's

principal
support,

for I will say

27

"

70s. per qr., can

even

and

say I have done

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

135
COMMISSION.

TITHE

he layhis hand upon his breast

I have acted uprig:htly,
justly"!

Dec.

31st

Will he not rather have to say,

mercy ?
"Beliold the hire ot'the labourers which isof me kept
I have shown

"

by fraud crieth : and the cries of them which

have worked
of the Lord of
are entered into the ears
Sabaoth
is not the labourer worthy of his liire?"
there
Then
why do ye sol In this neighbourhood
ers
have been very few instances of able bodied labourwith families getting
less than I2s. per week for
this two years past; ours
and
the
is a largeparish,
consult togetherif
principalemployersgenerally
theywish to have any alteration in the wages.
My opinionis,and I think it will be the opinion
work
of all thinking
wish to have a day's
men, who
done for a day's
wages, that the labourer should never
have less tbnn 2s. per day,when flour sells for 2s 9d.
per stone, and 2s. 3d. per day if3s. per stone, and so
in proportion
'l"hepreon
to the rise or fall in flour.
sent
pricewhere I reside is 2s. lOd.,and we think of

Agreements.

1838.

ApportioHments.

back

COUNTIES.

"

"

the
raising

6d. per day ; opposition

priceof flour down, which has been
labouringclasses. If you starve
your labourer,or only givehim half a meal, how can
you expect him to do a fair day'swork 1 Give him

wages
has kept the
of benefit to the

to 2s. 3d. or 2s.

f^ir wages

and you will generally

find he will do his
duty. Need the farmers of Suffolk wonder at their
9s.
machines being broken when they are only giving
such
that I by any means
justify
per week ? Not
conduct ; remove
the cause
ofcomplaint,and your
machines will not be broken.
Out of ten or fifteen
I have
who
would like to use the
scarcelv one
men
We
I thrash
have
flail,
every thing bv machine.
or very
scarcely
any out of employ,and hear of none
be the
few complaints.Hoping these remarks
may
means

bD

of

some
benefitting

I am.

Sir,yours

of the

suffering
poor,
S. L.
obediently,

Lincolnshire,
Holland,Dec,

TITHE

1838.

IS
a
o

Bedford
Berks
Bucks

Cambridge
Chester
Cornwall

Cumberland

of Tithes

in

England

28

16

116

33

16

74
74
"289
156

29

15

33

23

128

88

32

11

24

21

7
6

3
2

88

25

17

135

31

15

Devon

393
216

104

76

15

104

72

20

237

109
162

80

34

18

119

27

77

54

24

7
2

Dorset
Durham
Essex
Gloucestor
Hereford
Hertford

311

162

Hunts

45

34

14

100

51

38

19
65

11

43

15

54
9
55
6

13

216
280

66
254
23

97
555

Northampton.

Northumberland

Nottingham

99
16
96
7
24

76

27

23

IS

58

14

28

17

83

21

12

24

70
146

27

11

48

24

105

422

193

227

94
67

53

18

47

20

194
26

120

16

37
7

67

39

85

25

11

64

Stafford

170

Suffolk

384

Surrey

95
219

Warwick
Westmoreland

and

Wales.")

West

Riding

1
12
3

31

12

83

67

24

100

36

22

Ainsty
.

222

..

Riding
Riding.

197

273

East
North

283

Somerst

Wilts
Worcester
York:
City and

13

Salop
.

31

71
393
66

Oxford
Rutland

13

....

162

31

Kent
Lancaster
Leicester
Lincoln
Middlesex
Monmouth
Norfolk

"

Act for the Commutation

Derby

Sussex

Return, statingwhat has been, during;seven

years
endingon the Thursday next before Christmas-day,
of
Bushel
1838, the Average Price of an
Imperial
British Wheat, Barley, and Oats, computed from
the Weekly Averages of the Corn Return*.
(Publishedpursuant to an Act passed in the 6th and
An
7th year of the reign of William IV., entitled

Southampton

COMMUTATION.

to
u

13

97

34

21

11

68
36

32

15

13

280

105

260

66

WALES.

Anglesey

38

Brecon

68

20

Cardigan

82

24

11

73

32

19

Denbigh

57
90

18

14

Flint

39

17

10

Glamorgan

87

18

II

Merioneth

32

13

74

13

115

51

32

37

18

Carmarthen

Carnarvon
WILLIAM

JACOB,

Controller of Corn
Office of Controller of Corn Returns,
Board of Trade, Jan. 3.

Returns.

Montgomery

Pembroke

Average Price of Corn, per Quarter (Imperial

Measure), in England and Wales, for the Quarter
ended Christmas, 1838.

The

Radnor
Total
Deduct

8403

3077

1990

663

224

8255

2894

1858

597

154

183

132

66

last

month..

..

Total in Dec.
TURNPIKE

148

ROADS

AND

RAILWAYS,

70
"

The

in England and Wales

turnpike-roads
to upwards of eightmillions and a half ; for a
amount
main
great portionof which a very fragilesecuritywill reinto full operation.
when railways(ifever)come
debts

WILLIAM
JACOBS,
Controller of Corn Returns,
Office of Contf oiler of Corn Returns,
Board of Trade, Jan, 3,

"

due

upon

Morning Herald,

THE

ceeding; it is perhapsto this,that

am

FARMER'S
ia the

maia

Ever
sonable
completesuccess.
open to reaargument, I openedmy ears wide to hear, but
advanced
was
; nothing beyond the assertion

indebted

none

for my

that every one said it would not do," could I collect

before you,
is one
them ; then said I, " Here
who, God willing,
says it shall do'' ; and on I went, on
the following'
plan, until now, in the year 1S39, I have
hundred
one
shearlingewes, that on the first of May,

MAGAZINE.
PLAN

137

OF

THE

AGENTS

SOCIETY

AND

MANAGING

OF

SURVEYORS

THE

HIGHWAYS

LAND
FOR

SIDERED.
CON-

"

from

IX
ENGLAND,
Upon equal
have folded on arable land, and
of
to have eaten
artificial. I selected those ewes
never
the first cross, which possessed
the symmetry, description
oiioool,and colour of face, whicn I had formed in
and coupled them
with a
my mind's eye as desirable,
of the same
ram
degreeof cross, exactlycorresponding
in these points; the result has been what
sonable
every reaform
would anticipate,
man
a fast approach to a uniand a distinct breed from any in existence,
appearance,
find none
which has been bred
at least,I can
in like manner,
or possessingthe same
qualities.

I will show

terms,

AGAINST

ANY

viz.,always

In this manner,

to

and

only in

this manner,

fully
respect-

submit,

lordshipmay perpetuate your

your
first cross, should it be now
to your
taste, without
to any pure blood on
either side ; and
having recourse
should there be at any time a necessityfor change of
than real,)
it
blood, (whichis often more supposititious
is easilyeffected by coupling the originalproducersof
the cross, should
change from.

there be

no

other

cross

bred

flock to

Sir, I have perusedwith much interest your report

in last week's Paper, of the
anniversary
meetingof the
Land Agents and Surveyors,
and request a small portion
of your columns
to express how
far I agree with,
and in what
I dissent from,the petitionof this intelligent
"

body

of men
to the Commons
House.
the office of surveyor of the highwayshas been
from
executed
time immemorial
in a most
slovenly
That

manner,

no

one

in

conversant

deny, and though an

Act

which

parochialafi'airswill

few years since abolished

the statute team
duty,and substituted a money
the old system, yet
payment, is a great amendment
on
much
remains to be done ; partiality,
favouritism,and
jobbingprevailto a great extent, and I know no better
mode of curing the evil than by consolidating
the repair
of parish ronds in the same
relief to the
manner
as
been
has
done, if it can be efl'ected by the guarpoor
dians
without
the creation o( new
appointments. The
great fault of the new
poor-law system, which upon the
I grant works well, is the substitution of too
whole
a

paid officers to perform that which was

fore
heretoThe clerk,the
gratuitously,or nearly so.
the master
and matron, the porter,
relievingofficer,
the schoolmaster
and schoolmistress,
the auditor,the
many

done

all draw
treasurer, the chaplain,
salaries from
the
am
Union, and if a tribe of the like officials is to be paid
has very rarely,if ever met with
for
and amending the roads of half-a-dozea
overlooking
both nua fair trial ; the difficulties to overcome,
merous
are
or half a
score
parishes,it Avillbe a great tax on the
and formidable,
and must
be assailed by a determined
inhabitants,and increase a patronage of which the
and unwearying patience; you
perseverance,
Board of Guardians
have alreadytoo large a share.
If
have
the sticklers for " time
to conquer
honoured
the roads of a union can
be managed by a singleofficer
breeds,"deep rooted prejudicesof friends,
neighbours,
moderate
salary,which I think very practicable,
and dealers,
and having done this,it requires at a
shepherds,
it will be a great improvement on the present mode.
constant
and watchfulness, in bringingtogether
care
But that railroads should be called on
to assist the
the proper male
and female ; and personal superintendence,
trustees of a turnpike road, because the railroad has
to counteract
the prejudice,
obstinacy,and
caused much
less wear
and tear on the turnpike,is absurd
too often wilful attempts of your shepherd,to thwart
and unjustifiable
turnpike bill has ever exonerated
; no
Before
these
your purpose.
powerfulopponents, my
parishesfrom repairs,in such proportionas
lord,many a valuable experiment has fallen,as it were
the magistrates of the district frwm time to time apin its very hour of birth,and let the attempt at intropoint.
ducing
The legislature
have granted tolls,
not for the
character into a breed of sheep,be ever
any new
common
repairof a highway, but as the preamble to
from
the altered circumstances
so
of a
justifiable,
turnpike bills sets forth, " for the altering,
country, * and the result ever so successful, it requires most
and improving''
widening, straightening,
a phalanx of noblemen
of your lordship's
character and
roads, and maintaining those where the traffic is into battle with ignorance
and bigotry,before a
influence,
creased beyond that of the local population; the ordinary
road can be cleared,for an
impartialpublic to decide
repair of them remaining till lately with the
its merits.
I am, my lord,with respect,
on
respectiveparishes. The railwaytakes away all extraneous
J. T. TWYNAM.
and distant traffic,leavingthe
passengers
Hants, Jan. 9.
Whitchurch,
roads as they were
in long gone-by times, before the
formation of turnpikeroads,to the almost exclusive
inhabitants. The use of the great
use of the neighbouring
roads in the neighbourhood
of a railwayis certainly
From

the

1
experienceof crossing,
eightyears'

the system
confident,

amending,

"

THE

MANGEL
exhibited

WURZEL

POTATO.

much
"

fine specimen of this

Lord Ormonde's
estate at

day
Yester-

diminished,the
are

tolls

are

lessened,but

the

pairs
re-

lightin proportion
; the trustees,if they have

species it not in meal have it in malt, the interest of the debt

of potato, grown
on
Garry. is certainlynot lessened thereby,but the debt in too
ricken,
by Mr. M'Emery. We understand 168 of them,
instances has been created as much to gratifythe
many
and
stone
a
weighing eight
half,were grown
by him
of some
of over
fluence
incaprice
great men
preponderating
this season, from two
potatoes, cut into thirty-three
at the meetingof trustees,
for works of pubas
lic
and
seeds,
sowed
a foot and a half asunder, in drills
the salaries of clerk, treasurer,
utility
; this and
three feet apart.
in all other respects
They were
and
surveyor in chief,sub-surveyor,and other officers,
treated like an ordinarydrilled
potato crop. Many of
meeting more
frequent than necessary, have swelled
them
attained an enormous
size,and the smallest was
I lend money
the expenses.
road-side well frequented
a
on
equal to that of a large potato of the usual kinds. The
its value ; a railway,canal, or a
inn, to near
produce rated at more
than 200 barrels the Irish acre.
line of road takes away the trade of the inn, renew
ducing
From
its great fecundity,the ease
with which
it is
its value to a mere
privatedwellingin a lonely
and the little liability
grown,
there is to failure of the
I entitled to ask the railway, the canal,
situation ; am
to become
addition
a valuable
prop,this root is likely
the new
ways
or
trustees, for a compensation .'if so, railin the green-cropping
Moderator.
system." Kilkenny
ther
can
fairlybe then taxed,but not otherwise ; neito complain,
ought the creditors of toll-gates
few,
if any, have lent their money
from patriotic
motives,
*
The different flesctiptions
sf wool
bv cur
no'.v
reiiuired
and more
but because
interest was
a
offered,
higher
man-jfactureis,the immense
annual
increase
of clothing
punctuallypaid, than from loans of a different and
wools from abroau, and the greater c.ipacitv,
from improved
better secured kind. Let the creditor be satisfied with
of our
arable farms
management
sustainingi larger breed
of sheep, I submit, fullyjiistities
and exclaim
with Macbeth,
his diminished
cross.
receipts,
my own
was

to

us

138
"

THE
lent my

I have

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

a cast,and
Forty years

I must stand
without,and Belgiumof course must followher exthe
ago, when
ample; and when once
England relies whollyupon
formed
in this district,
Canal was
a
foreignsuppliesfor her dailybread she may rest
disuse
that
from
the
of
was
raised,
great outcry
gon-horses
wagassured a heavier tax will be put upon it by Russia
market
would be found for the produce
no
and other countries than our corn
as we
monopolists,
of the land, or any tolls for reparationof the roads.
vember
are
termed, can possiblydo. In the month of NoThe
have ceased
to run,
and
heavy stage waggons
List,I made my passage in tlieSoho steamer
their horses to eat hay and beans, yet has corn
doubled
for Antwerp ; what will the writer of the Sun think,
its value, and improvement continues
to be made
on
the hazard
of
Grand
Junction

on
money
the die."

"

the roads.
If railways are taxed let canals be taxed
also.
On the other petition
of these experiencedgentlemen
for rating tenements
of 3/. and not more
than lOL, to
the landlord instead of the tenant, I will be more
brief.
Those kind of cottages are for the greater part built by

speculatorsfor
a

common

the sake of

lay
largereturns on their outfor a large
argument when stipulating

rent, is, " you will have no other payment, this is not
rated,"and the remission of the rate goes not into the
pocket of the cotter, but his landlord. There can be
of thirty or fiftycottages
no
reason
why the owner
should be screened at the cost of other proprietorsnot

wealthy as

so

the way
tenant.

himself.

proposed,and

Chiltern

Let the landlord be rated in

the impost falls on him, not the
I am
your's,"c.
John
o' the
Chiltern.

Langley,Herts, Jan. 8,

1839.

when

with, and

CORN

that the

deck of the

vessel

was

vered
co-

hold, of English
Belgianmaniifaciurers,and with

largeqnantityin

wool, for the

her

coffee and

iron she was deeplyladen, all for Belgium

respectingwheat, the markets here have rose,
and will continue to keep up ; and curses
rising,

and

"

are

be heard in the poor quarters,the estaminets,

and drinking shops, against Heretical England''

may

"

as

we

termed

are

the

by

the Almanack

of the increase of the

cause

Belgique"as
priceof bread

ing
beto

it is tiue, here
Speculators
rejoice,
may
as well
for they make
more
profit
as in England
heard
than the farmer ; but not only are these curses
in Belgium,but they
chasing
may be heard by the purof bread
in parts of Germany
consumers
againstEngland; the real facts of the case may be
consumers.

"

stated in
as

THE

he is told

well

of
The whole
very few words.
the whole of Germany, is in a

as

Belgium,
thriving,

state.
increasing
Population naturallyincreases;
portion
Belgium populationhas increased in a largerproin a less degree.
; Germany also increases

LAWS.

The increase of cultivated land has not keptpace with

population hence a rise of price in all articles of
food. Now
at
Brussels is 5d. per
the price of meat
lb. ; Ardennes
and pork 6d. to e^d.; bread
mutton
I
than 2d. per pound, best wheaten.
a trifle more
feel thoroughly
convinced I could live as cheap at
plied
here; it may be reyour cityof Hereford as I can
that wine is cheaper so it may be, but real
"

TO

THE

EDITOR

THE

OF

JOURNAL.

HEREFORD

The English corn

laws have
Sin,
compelled
ment
Belgiansto protect themselves by the establish"

"

the

manufactorieis,and

of
taken

to

afFftctit

relieve

cannot

measures

are

that

trammels

now

but

more
especially
by the
monopoly we shall soon
the sad discovery
that English manufactures
with those of Belgium
compete
successfully

at

step

every

"

total abolition of the

make

unless

trade from

our

corn

"

in any continental market.

will have
to thank

For

this

our

manufacturers
who so

the dunder-jieads

"

good

cider,is preferablein every

sound

respectto
low-piicedwines.
My main object
is to undeceive
believe
in England, who
by
many
readingcertain newspapers, that a repealof our corn
all over
laws would produce rejoicings
the continent,
four fifthsof the

faithfully
represent

the corn
and increase our
what / liave seen and
trade ; from
monopolistsin the
of Commons.
Had
tinental
Belgium a profitable known, it will do neither one nor the other the conmarket
for her fleeces and her wheat, her populanations will do as they did before,make
tion
would never
dream of exchangingthe crook and
what
use
they can of us, to serve their purpose, and
the plough for the spinning
jenny,the loom and the when that is done, like France, theywill clapa duty
the day
of 35 or 60 per cent, on our manufactures
forge."
The above paragraphhas appeared in Galignaid'safter : but it is also England's
hand
duty to think beforefrom the Sun newspaper.
Now
as copied
of the dull after"to act justlyto other nations,
Messenger,
sir,one would suppose from readingthe above, that
the greatestof all duties,the duty to
not forgetting
tion,
I remain sir,yours, "c,,
Belgic manufactures were
ourselves.
quiteof recent introducand caused by our corn
laws ; there appears at
A Land Proprietor.
of truth,or th want of knowledgein the
a want
least,
Dec. 6.
Bruxelles,
writer of the above extract
from the Sun.
I have by
"
a
me
Belgianalmanack for 1839, publishedby the
National Societyfor propagationof good books,"
wherein it is said that " M. Lievin Baivins,de Gand,
House

"

"

importaen1800, s?tr lesContinent lepremiei'es

7necaniqttes QUERIES
ITALIAN
RESPECTING
le Colon,"
a filer
Anglaises
Thirty-eight
years have
RYE-GRASS.
been passedin i nprovingand increasing
the manufactories
not only in Belgium but elsewherein the springwith a crop of
The
1st. Will it do to sow
in manufacturing barley,
the common
same
otiier grain,as we
authoiitysays, they have
now
sow
or
steam-enginesabove 18,000 horse power ; this of rye-grass"!2d, With or without a mixture of clover
be called a recent introduction.
cannot
there not be a danger of its
course
Now
seeds?
3rd, Would
sir,it may be recollected by those have thoughton
gettingup so high so as to injurethe crop of barley ;
"

the

and
subject,

thirty years old, what

hue

and

macliineryto be exported:
well, it was exported,and has been, until France
finds she knows
about machinery as we
as much
do,
and now
in recip-ocal
kindness requires
35 per cent.
the introduction of machinery ; justin as much
upon
cry

was

raised

are

to

allow

and

would

corn,

found

wood
we

or any other
could not do

smother

the clover

in the first year

ennial
4th, Is it an annual, a biennial,or a triplant? 5th, Is it a fitgrass to mix vvith others
it be
pnsture ? (ith.Or would
permanent

of seeds'!

"

kindness as she would upon

article in trade or life,she

it not

for

better

to sow

it alone ?

7th, A\'ill it do

to mow

for

of
graize? 8th, What description
soil is it best adaptedfor ?
9th, Will it succeed on

hay, and

also

to

strong land with

retentive subsoill

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.
for the

MARKET.

SMITHFIELD

139

where

of England a proper market,

graziers
and
theycan show their cattle without injury,

cure

with many of your agricultural

Sir, In common
loss to themselves, or unnecessary crueltyto their
readers, the Great Christmas Cattle Show induces
in some
been
stock. I have
induced to
measure
annually to quitfor a few days the quiet of the
me
trouble you with this,in consequence of a statement
bustle of the great metropolis
I observed of the number
of beasts sent to Smithfield,
country for the never-ceasing
for
of this mighty empire. My predilection
from the 1st of October to the 17th instant,iu your
of ray business,
breedingand grazing,independent
pared
paper of last week ; and I have underneath comalways leads nje
to that emporium of confusion,
the number
sent in the corresponding
period
dant
Smithfield Market, where I found, as usual, abunin 1826, from a parliamentary
that I happened
return
"

to

reason

at

murmur

the wretched

state, and

vile treatment
of fine animals that
of great numbers
had been perfectedby the grazier
at great painsand
expense.

The

stock, and

the

loss to

the

owners

of
depreciated
quality

of the
in consequence
be immense.
market, must

consumer,

the

of this valuable
the meat
to the
confined
space of
If, under some

made to providea
place for the cattle sent to I,ondon for sale, where
the propertyof the grazier
should purposelybe materially
in value,and where
and depreciated
injured,
the cattle would be subjectto the greatestcruelty,
I
consider Smithfield would be found on examination,
a full market, to
on
possess
any day when there was

tyrannical power,

an

order

to

have

by

Statement

me.

of Beasts

of the Number

to Smith-

sent

field,
Monday'sMarkets, from Michaelmas
the 15th of December

the numbers

sent

to

period of
the

was

great Christmas

1826, to

(12 weeks,)compared with

Smithfield during the corresponding
12

weeks in 1838, including

for both periods:

markets

"

1826.

Sept.29

2519

Oct.

2602

Oct.

13

2521

Oct.

20

3131

Oct.

27

2993

3185

Nov.
The
every requisitefor such an unholy purpose.
Nov.
community on this,as on
apatliyof the agricultural
Nov.
many by-goneoccasions,is trulyastonishing.
After witnessing the confusion which prevailed Nov.

10

3387

17

3227

24.

3046

2612
Dec.
1
stands of beasts, I turned
2825
8
Dec.
of several
towards the sheep-pens,where, on inquiry
3093
Dec. 15
off than
salesmen, I learned that the sheep are worse
the beasts; and I found many
of these gentlemen,
Total
Total
46,490
who some
35,141
time since opposed the abolition of SmithAverage of the 12
field Market, are become
Averageof the 12
decided converts
to
the
weeks
weeks
2928-3
3874-2
of its entii'sremoval to some
more
spacious
necessity
and convenient site.
showing an increase in the supply in 12 years of
I was
surprisedto find,too, that the number of u["wardsof 30 per cent. The supply has kept pace
been materially
have, in the recent alterations,
sheep-pens
How
witli the increase
of population.
then, if we
of pens being
curtailed ; the present number
it be possibleto
in the same
to go on
ratio,can
are
only 1258, are found quiteinadequateto afford anything find sufficientspace for a cattle market, in the midst
for three-fourths of the
like sufficient room
of 1,600,000 people,
of a dense population
inhabiting
sent to this market.
sheepfrequently
The propothe firstcommercial
city in the world?
sition
I was
is too monstrous
informed, from the very best authority,
that,
to be tolerated in these days
for the slips of improvement.
at this season, after making allowance
to
Your
insertion of the above in your useful paper
gain approachesto the back pens, and many
small pens that will only hold six or eight,the avereader and subscriber.
will obligea constant
rage
than 15 or 16 sheep.
number
will not hold more
An Old Grazier.
This latter number
Dec. 26, 1838.
multipliedby 1258, givesbad
accommodation
for only 20,128 sheep. In the name
of common
what do the City authorities pursense,
pose
ber
doing with upwards of 30,000 } which numI find, on
refeience to the returns, have been
WESTERN'S
The Bury Post, in
LORD
SHEEP."
sent to Smithfield for several Mondays in succession.
Western's
experiments in breeding
noticing Lord
the
generally
throughout

..

....

"

find,too,

see
nothing impracticablein Lord
sheep, says : We
Western's
design ; on the contrary, much to encourage
Look
which have been
at the marvels
and commend.
of the sheep-pens; they have within
few years,
a
wrought in the vegetableworld during the last quarter
made
to parliament
to authorise
applications
"
of the olden time" would
of a century. The gardener
an
increase of the tolls,
and to enable them legally
to
the mazes
of our
tions
creabe absolutelylost among
new
take tolls in that part which
they liave purchased,
of dahlias, carnations, roses,
pansies,and the
and added
In these attempts tliey
to Smithfield.
like. And does not the analogy hold good with regard
have hitherto been frustrated ; but, they have now,
to the animal ?
Assuredly it does. We have within
by a littledouble dealing,effected their purpose, bv
of a visit to Holkthe last week enjoyed the privilege
the size of the new
diminishing
tern,
charge ham, and can enter fullyinto the views of Lord Wespens, and now
the same
amount
for a pen that will barelyhold 16
both as to the flock and pigs on that celebrated
of
had full opportunities
we
domain
sheep, as formerly they did for one that would well
; each of which
accommodate
men,
inspecting.Nothing can exceed the beauty of the ewes,
of sales20, to the great inconvenience
the great essentials of quantity and
combine
which
and detriment of the grazier.
than \% exhibited
qualityof fleece,with a heavier carcass
These Citygentlemen with their committees and
The pigs are a cross
by the old Sussex Downs.
meetings have outwitted
The
us
countrymen.
Norfolk
the Neapolitan boar and our common
between
Smithfield Club are lookingout (certairily
not before
as
they might
sows
; these latter perhaps not so good
it has been
rendered quitenecessary)for more
pacious have
cabe what
been ; though let them
they may, the
to hold their exhibition in ; and
I
premises
produce fetched at the late annual sale an average of
after all,of their
the excellent
and
trust
nobleman
5?. 12s. 6d. each, no bad criterion,
at the
patriotic

and

taken a most
the Cityhave
donable
unparad vantage in the late arrangement
paltry

that

"

repeated

head of that

will
society

exert

his influence to pro-

merits.

140

THE

TO

THE

OF

EDITOR

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

SUSSEX

THE

ADVERTISER.
As

Sir,
"

nications
Paper of the 17th requests commuit is
from counties in which
dibbling,

your

on

I send a letter from Mr.

J. Gedney,near
practised,
Harleston, in Norfolk,who has made land very productive
on

which

his

land steward

to

failed,whose
predecessor
his

by

is
of wheat
broad-casting
only questionbeing between

neither of

ample
ex-

neighbours,and who is
various landed proprietors.He says

is followed

which

uses

almost

unknown.

The

drillingand dibbling,
than

more

two

bushels

of

twelve shillings
than three times ploughing,
allowing
for the first,tea for the second,and eight
per acre
for the third ploughing.
in Norfolk, why not in Sussex,
As this answers
land
where we
have heavy clay lands ? lightdown
the dibblers and
where heavy rollers beingrequisite,
droppersfeet would compact the groundround the
in this work, and
and
in-digging,the very
in
able-bodied supported now
unproductively
and out of the Union establishments,might find work
to their employersand their country, for it
profitable
that those who employ
is a truism used in Norfolk

seed,

many

"

least,
gain least.

wheat
are

per acre, instead of three bushels, as you say

used in broad
castingin Sussex, and the priceof

dibbling

varies

from

to

seven

ten

shillins:s
an

acre

distance of the holes.

to the depth and
according
The most
folk,
cultivators in this part of Nordiscerning
are

agreed to

in all
each

directions,and
hole,and never

CHOKING

OF

CASE

four inches apart

three or four grainsin

IN

HORSE.

THE

the holes

make

drop

to

or

BY

GEORGE

MR.

HOLMES,

YORKSHIRE.

THFRSK,

it will prevent

tillering
;
less than three inches deep ; and I begin
and never
to imagine the great failure of wheat
plantsto be
mainlyowing to the shallow sowing of the seed, and
of late years here introfrom the improved tillage
duced,
that it will be found desirable on deep soils,
to plant much
deeperthan has hitherto been practised,
and frequent
otherwise from deep ploughing
of the land, will be so lightthe grainwill be
stirring
to birds and insects ; and the plantsfor want
a prey
of root will be soon
liable to injuryfrom the frost,as
I apprehend was
the case on exposed land last vear
;
but from the seed being depositeddeep, the straw
is
less liable to be lodged by wind or rain. In many
districtsof Suffolk,
rich soils,it is usual to see
on
abundance
of long straw, with a promise of five
an
it disappointsthe farmer
or six quarters of wheat, but
in the quantity
and qualityof the grain,and on
examining the straw it is weak, and without stiff
well filled ears
it is useless to anticipate
and
straw
had the seed been depoWhereas
plump kernels.
sited
deep enough to form plenty of root before it
into stem, it mighthave collected
rose
sap enough to
the grain.
perfect
more,

fFrom

the

Veterinarian.)

the 29th of September,I was

sent for in great
attend what was
said to be a very urgent
I found
at Ashbury house.
case
a
my patient,
horse, in the most
distressing
state, breathingwith
the greatest difficulty,
at the
heaving violently
On

haste, to

flanks,and

the countenance

an
exhibiting
expression

He
of the intensest agony.
was
foaming at the
mouth, the ears cold aad lyinguseless on the head ;
in fact,it was
evident,that unless instant relief was
afforded him, he must
die.
On
hastilyinquiring
what
all this was
told that a ball had
about, I was
been given to him a little vrhile before,and which
it was
imagined, had stuck in his throat.
I immediately proceeded to examine
him, but the
in the cervical portion
ball was
not to be detected
of the cEsophagus. In my
own
vinced
mind, I was conin the fauces, or pressingupon the
that it was

larynx,but
and

the

the instant

violent

heavingof

the

poor fellow,
when
he

suffocation that threatened

in the slighteat degree, precluded

any
pass the probang : I therefore determined
It
but
the work of
Mr. Gedney adds, I do not hesitate to acknowledge on immediate tracheotomy.
was
I have learnt much
seconds to open the trachea, and to insert a
from examiningallotments
of
a few
I am
land ; for if there are twenty tenants, hardly
bent tube, with which
will
two
alwaysprovided. He
tillalike ; therefore on the same
experiencedinstant,
ground in the same
althoughvery far from perfect
relief.
son
season,
you see it farmed in different ways, and seahas so much
have
to do with crops, that we
quently I allowed him a littletime to recruit his strength,
freto introduce a
and then endeavoured
probang into
many
years to wait to have proof of the
result of any planon a largefarm.
the gullet. I experienced
a great deal of difficulty
These allotments
The obstruction
labourers form
in accomplishingthis.
so
where
to
was
experimental farms
many
of oesophathroughout England, and I trust the result will be, I suspected, viz.,at the commencement
gus.
that tenants
will feel that to flourish,
After repeatedattempts, however, I did retivate
move
theymust culwell every inch of land,when
the ball.
they will find
have not a sufficiency
I then bled him, and administered an aperient
of labourers, for it is a
ball.
we
ly,
Stillthe animal continued to breathe very laborioustruism, that they who employ the least,gain the
and I suspectedthat a part of the ball had passed
least.
Mr. Gedney last year dug 50 acres
of land, and
into the trachea, and perhaps into the bronchi, and
be lost.
I feared that, after all,my
patientwould
says, land I had dug two years ago is quitealtered
in appearance,
The pulse remained
he has
and very productive,and
rapid and hard, and was
fully
I left him, practiseda
twelve
he sent weighed
of carrots, and one
acres
wards 100 ; I therefore, before
upof three pounds without the leaves and lower
and ordered two scruplesof opium
second bleeding,
of digitalis
to be given every
and the same
parts of the root.
quantity
I have tried various plans for forking
my land, three hours.
and in eightor ten years turningup the clay,twelve
effect in allaying
This medicine had an admirable
inches deep, and ridgingit up to receive the frosthas
irritation that had been for so long a
the extreme
In about
been most
fifteen hours after the
beneficial. If clayland is ploughed or
time going on.
for years,
all unfavourable symptoms had vanished ;
dug deep,flat,the crops are often injured
operation,
but

then

if

ridged up,

mixes

deepens and

with

the frost
the

renovates

au
shillings
acre,

which

powders

the

clay,which

was

moved

attempt

the

to

appetiteand spiritsreturned, but

the horse

tilled soil, and

previously
keptunder a restricted diet for awhile.
it. This digging costs forty in the trachea quicklyhealed,and the
is only a quarter part more
continues as well aad as fresh as he ever

was

The wound
animal
was.

now

THE
BREEDING

THE

ON

OF

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

141

plan the following;

winter, and you then fix
handsome
as
a
clean
shape for life,the one
and plainone
grown
cow, the other as a coarse
;

STOCK.

same

the
TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

THE

FLYING-POST.

EXETER

this confirms
inserted a few
Sir, As you have so obligingly
of my
remarks, I am emboldened
again to trouble
"

you with another.

We

must

all admit

"c., combine

that

to

bits,
climate, food,local hatinct
a
permanent and dis-

give

form to certain breeds of live stock.

This is
self evident fact,and exemplifiedby viewing the
land,
breeds of our
different districts in England, Scotmost
Ireland, and Wales, and which it may be ala

said, in oppositionto the works

incidental

circumstances,still

remain

of art, or
terized,
charac-

admiration of the fact,

so as to excite our
consider in the firstplace,the amazing
when
we
intercourse between
different parts of the kingdom,
through which all the varieties of the difleinto almost
xent
breeds
introduced
are
every
remote
county, however
; and secondly,comparitivelyspeaking,how few breeders or keepers of
confine my remarks,)
I principally
cows
(to whom

in

me

the

belief that

as

much

tional
addi-

beauty has been attained by the extra corn

of the prize
feeding,and superior keep of some
in the crosses
stock, as by the wisdom
had
: for
these identical stock \Ahen they were
calves, been
sold to a small needyfarmer,kept hard
and
tered
wincold, they would have attracted very littleor
no
attention, the happy medium
is doubtless the
grand disideratura over
feeding is certainlyan
error, and to a certainty,
inevitablyproves to be
more
cost than
it is
profit: on the other hand
equallycertain that no animal ever pays for starving,
if an animal
will not pay for
proper keep, by
far the most
is to get rid of it at
politicmode
"

Your

once.

Dec.

AGRICOLA.

s,

14, 1838.
THE

ON

BREEDING

OF

STOCK.

(Continued.J

Sir, Very justlydoes Mr. Adam

pay any attention to keep up the aboriginalbreed
mark
Ferguson reof that district in which
they reside. As farmers
when speakingof crosses,
We
may well feel
humble
generallypurchase at a market or fair,those which
when
consider
we
our
ignoranceupon this,
they consider most worth the money, or such as
other branches
of rural economy,
as well as many
suit their pockets,we
should cease
to wonmost
der
but it is undoubtedly learningmuch
when we become
at the
difference of symmetry
so observable
satisfied that we
know
but little." That
a
troduction
in the same
dairy,occasioned doubtless by the innumber
of men,
of them
siderable
gentlemen of con"

"

many

of

the

non-indigenous

from

is to caution
the young
and
the disappointment that

him,

not

view

to

say

the

amazing

breed.

My

zealous breeder
certainly awaits
he will incur
expense

cattle, is

to
a

pursuitwas very
be denied,and

and

every other animal, in such particularspots

best calculated to perfectand accomplish
were
as
the great and originaldesign, and selected such
and

great attention

well

as property, have
paid very
improve the breed of our
lish
Engfact readilyadmitted : that such
laudable
and
not
praiseworthy can-

as

to obtain
eclat,by producing a
has been attended with beneficial
of cattle, of totally
rent
diffedistinct breed
effects,so far as ascertainingwhat
cular
partihabits 0,nd points. It is obvious to every reflective
or
crosses,
indigenous breeds, produce an
ring
mini, that the divine artist,in his uneranimal
valuable
possessing the most
requisites,
and
infinite judgment, placed man
wisdom
either by its aptitudeto fatten,combining

by endeavouring
new

talent

of

milk, if

either

sex.

cow,

And

and

size with

it is evident

product
weight, if of

that

many

have

in obtainingthe objectin
wonderfully succeeded
castes, (though varying in external apparticular
pearance,
pursuit,but itisalso unfortunatelyequallyevident
yet agreeing in organic construction,) that after attainingto the climax of this perfection,
such
to
particularportionsof the globe,
not one
of ten has obtained
out
the object
occupy
well
best qualifiedto fulfilhis design, as
as were
which the trader ought always to have most
in
tion,
those
most
as
if we take a view of
congenial to the habits,constituview
to benefit his purse,
of the residents, the finale of
and
I may
add, comforts
of our
noted breeders of improved
many
tive
and also, so as to secure
the increase and distincI allude to
stock, (Ibeg to be understood
points of the aborigines. Let the beginner farmers and not to independent gentlemen) of
then commence
by purchasingthe most promising whom
report says they have sold a bull for two
select from the best and
he can
esteemed
most
hundred
for eighty or a
or three
guineas,a cow
immediate
the
breeds in his own
vicinage,I mean
and so forth.
hundred, a yearlingfor fortyor fifty,
Enormous
indigenousbreed of the county, and keep up his
prices,doubtless, and tempting lures to
I confine m}'
stock from
his most favourite cows.
the inexperienced
and the tyro, but mark
the issue !
to dairy farms, being conThe cattle maj', and
doubtless have
vinced
present remarks chiefly
been, very
that cows,
unitingthe conjoinedproperties much
improved in symmetry, and also many other
of milking,and aptitudeto fatten afterwards,
but the breeder
has
desirable qualities,
decreased
pay
the best,if continued on their native soil,
in property in the same
or if I
ratio, till his finances are
within the limits of their
may use the expression,
exhausted, when he has to console himself on the
own
benefit he has rendered to the community at large,
as
district,
originallydesigned by nature.
the great acquaintance he once
made,
how
Symmetry in stock is certainlyvery attractive and
many
where
the
noble
dukes
desirable,
and
dined
lords have
at his table,
expense is kept within due
bounds, as it must be acknowledged that keep of
complimented him on his famous breed of stock,
stock has a vast influence
the improvehis excellent dinners, and capitalwines, without
on
young
ment
of their points. Only compare
the
Thus
a yearling
perhaps purchasing a singleanimal.
heifer,that has been well kept, (though without
smiles of the great have stimulated
him to continue
corn,) and warm
no
housed, with one that has been
on, till he could
longer keep up the ball, and
turned
out all the winter,or even
at last he sinks into obscurity
the pinnacle
kept in an open
; and from
straw
falls into the otium cum
of eminence
yard,and fed with barley or oat straw, and
poverthough equallyfine and clean in their respective tate,without ever againbeing enlivened by even
of those
noble
points,when
separated in the autumn,
amateurs,
yet they the shake of the hand
will bear no kind of affinity
who
of his roof and
or comparison either
once
enjoyed the hospitality
in size or beauty in the spring. Again pursue the
the liberality
of his table. (Many instances have
"

142

FARMER'S

THE

fallen under

my

by

wish

no

means

particularnotice.) Although I
but on
to disparage,
the other

hand

MAGAZINE.
a

Bonus

not

was

grantedto them, as theywere

led to

made when
in progress
the Bill was
through your honorable
House, that such a boon would have been conferred
on
them, in consideration of their estates being for

believe,from

the observations that

were

the perseverance
of these
highlyto commend
experiments,provided it be undertaken by gentlemen
of independent property ; in them
it is truly
laudable.
of
fixed with a rent-charge
for the commutation
derate
ever
My aim is to caution the farmer of mofrom indulging in this hobb)', tithes ; particularly
resources
the clergy and tithe-owners
as
which
fail in terminating in loss, besides
cannot
venience,
would
be relieved from all the difficulty,
risk,incona great varietyof disappointments,
and
only to be appreciated
annoyance to which theyhad lieretofore
been subjected. And
that consequendy,instead of a
by experience. Let him always bear in
mind that a reduced
farmer has no proportionate precariousincome, theywould be in tbe enjoyment
chance
with a tradesman
of recruiting
his circumstances
of a permanent one, and that calculated accordingto
trade fails can
have reunder
the highest
course
; the latter if one
rate of produce, which
possibly
to another, the farmer has no
such qualification, any circumstance, a great portionof the soil of England,
he has then but two
in cultivation,
is capableof yielding,
prospects in view, the
now
ticularly
parto manual
one
in the county of Kent.
labour,the other a very precarious
obtain
one
to
the situation of a bailiif. Cobbett's
That your petitioners
admit, that since the passing
simile is not a bad one, he says,
Farmers
are
of the Act, very trifling
has been offered
opposition
like oranges, if once
sucked dry, they never
be easily
accounted
to its operation,
and which can
duce
promore
juice."
for
where a commutation
because in those parishes
I believe it is considered
to be a generallyadmitted has been efl"ected,
both for the vicarial
a composition,
axiom, that the influence of the male far
and rectorial tithes,
has lono^
been in existence ; consequently,
exceeds
that of the female in communicating quahas arisen for the
little or no difficulty
lities
to the
too much
be
cannot
oflTspring;
care
attainment
of an equitableadjustment. But, now
taken to select the best bull, nor should the choice
that the time has arrived for the compulsory clauses
of the female
be in the least a matter
of indifference,
convinced, that
to be acted on, your
are
petitioners
attention
as it is only by due
both that
to
in many
parisheswhere the tithes have been taken
perfectioncan be looked for,keeping in mind that
lay,
in kind, not only will there be very considerable dethe selection be made
fpora the indigenous breed
far beyond what the framers of the Act ever
templated,
con"

"

of the country.
For
from
this
whatever
cause
distinct breed in the different districts arises,it
but littleto our argument
matters
it be
whether
attributable to the will of the allwise disposer of
events, that every district should vary from another
in its qualifications
and productions,and thereby
render

ther
dependent on each other, or wheby the effects of soil, temperature, and
other local propensities. This is an ascertained
fact, too well established to be questioned,that so
us

more

it be

far does this influence extend, that it appears

though tbe limit was fixed,as in the instance
mule-breeds
"Thus
far shalt thou
go and
farther"
or, in other words, it is not for man
"

"

as

of
no

to

but
will

that

and
prevail,
very

To

dissension and

much

that the Bill

will

animosity

casion
consequentlyoc-

generaldiscontent.

in some
degree,the objection
operationof the compulsory clauses,your petitioners
of amending
respectfully
suggest the propriety

obviate,however,

to the

possessed
the Act, so that the commissioners
may be disof that unlimited power which the present
Bill givesthem ; and that a clause should be inserted
where
the parties
therein to the efi'ect,
that in cases
to a satisfactory
missioners
agreement, the comshould be empowered to appoint
a valuer,
with
who should be authorized to act in conjunction
to be appointed
two others
one
by the tithe-owners,
and tbe other by the tithe-payers
sion
and that the decishould be final,
to which
without
tiaey
may come
whatever.
reference to any other authority
But in
the requisite
order to ensure
within a preadjustment
scribed
would humbly properiod,your petitioners
pose,
have
should tbe contending partiesnot
pointed
apafter due notice had been given by
valuers
that then the valuer appointed
tbe commissioners
by them should forthwith act on h'u own
bility,
responsicannot

come

"

does
change the order of providence,since nature
nothing in vain, it will prevail,and the superrulingpower will ever main tain its pre-eminence.
to breeding, I
as
Having premised thus much

leave it

the candid

to

dissent from
and

he

be

may

the
states

reader, either

opinion I

have

his reasons,
the
It wdl occasion

produced.

to

stated
same

assent

or

lat; if the ter,

good end

"

"

discussion

by

"

"which

the real truth

will then

may
be attained.

and
be elicited,

Your's,
Dec.

TITHE

on

COMMUTATION

The

in course
is now
following
petition
by many influentialland-owners and

Kent, preparatory to
the

and that his valuation should be binding,

both
Should
the tithe-owcers and the titbe-psyers.
b
clause to this effect he adopted,your petitioners
are
of opinion
that it would render the Bill more
factory
satishave
to those who
property in the parishes
where the tithes have heretofore been taken in kind :
for there is an impressionthat the persons in general

AGRICOLA.

31, 1838.

THE

at

my

ject
ob-

commencement

its

ACT.

who

of

ture
signa-

others in

to Parliament
presentation

of the ensuins;session

"

To the Honourable the Commons ofthe United Kingdom

in Parliament assembled.
of Great Britain and Ireland,

are

appointedto

act

as

assistant

commissioners,

of themselves
to a
wholly incompetentto come
fair and equitable
decision ; and likewise from a belief,
that their prejudicesincline them to favour the
clergyand tithe-owners,at tbe expense of the landed
proprietors. And it surelymust
appear to your
House an act of the greatest injustice,
honourable
that property should be disposedof,accordingto the
are

fiatot men,

The Petition of the undersigned

Landowners
Farmers residingin the county of Kent,
Most

and

who want tbe requisite

to discbarge
ability
importantdut)^with which they are entrusted.
therefore
Your
beg your honourable
petitioners
into consideration ; and
House
to take their petition

the

shewetli,
respectfully
in tke principleshould
tbe Tithe Commutation
concur
to amend
petitioners
fully
you he pleased
Commutation
Act; though they cannot
to their suggestion,
Act, in conformity
they
avoid expressingtheir extreme
that
disappointment
will,as in dutybound, ever pray.
That

your
of tbe Tithe

FARMER'S

THE

WESTERN'S

LORD
The

addressed

followingletter was
H. Barwell, of Witham,

by Mr.
sheep :

SHEEP.

MERINO

who

Lordship
his
slaughtered

to his

"

Lord, Having been the purchaser of the

Sheep bred and
three-year-oldPure Merino Wether
fed by your Lordship, on
your estate at Kelvedon,

My

"

"

MAGAZINE.

143

give to the land, the basis of the

principle.
These

remarks

have

corn

growing

been

called forth in consequence

of having latelyanalyzed the " carbonacious
mineral
fecting
Powder," which Messrs. Lance and Co. offer for disinoffensive efiluvia,
and with which, they say,
their manures
are
prepared. This powder certainly
does give evidence of very many
matters
necessary to
the growth of corn
and vegetables.
The phosphoricacid is yielded in great abundance,

Cattle Show
exhibited at the last Christmas
carbon
and potash in quantity. These are the principal
and for which your Lordship won
a bet
bases of vegetablegrowths, and if the farmers can
of bl. with Mr. Hicks, of Walton, I take the liberty
of layingbefore you, for your Lordship's
information, get them on their land, they need not fear having their
well filled. The
straw
now
encouragement
given by
and graziers
and the information
of agriculturists
generally,
the newly formed
Agricultural
Society,and the premium
the opinionof the judges relative thereto,
awarded
that
Rev.
tleman,
Genlately
by
Societyto a
to the weight of the caralso my own
statement
cass,
as
for the best method
of analyzing soils,it is
fat,"c.
hoped will call the attention of agriculturists
"
to the iamade in consequence
1 am
that the bet was
aware
terestingsubjectof the food of plants.
of a challengethrown
out by your Lord"hip to show
a
Jan. 16, 1839.
An
Enciuirer.
Merino
Wether
Show, againstany
at the Christmas
of any other breed, on
the condition only, that size
should not pass for merit.
Mr. Hicks
took it up, and
Wether, supposed to
produced a fine South Down
weigh 20 stone, but the judges were of opinionthat the
THE
CORN
LAWS.
Merino
ingly
was
a superiorhandling sheep, being exceedwhich

was

Chelmsford,

at

points,remarkably thick on the loin

The
resolutions were
Mr.
ket
square at the leg and wide at the bristhat the constitution of the sheep must
have been
Brown, and passedat a meetingof the Barton Agricultur
remarkably good to have carried a fleece of wool,
Association held last week.
Lord
weighing 32lbs., twelve inches long in the staple,and
R. A.
Worsley,
Esq.,M.P.,
of beautiful and fine quality. Indeed, your Lordship,
and a great number
of other influentialgentlemen,
whilst you have so wonderfully improved the carcass,
were
present.
is considered
have
deteriorated
the
wool : the
not
to
of this sheep, inside and out, was
carcass
as good as I
That thismeeting cannot but deplorethe resolutionof
have ever
had, and in point of colour the Merinos
and manufacturers of Great
a portionof the merchants
than any
carry generally a brighterred and white
to repeal the present Corn Laws, and reduce the
Britain,
other breed.
British farmers and labourers to tiielevel of the farmers
St. lbs.
and labourers on the continent,which will not only be
14
0 (8lbs.
to the stone.)
Weight of carcass.
to the landlords,the farmers,and the
injurious
poor,
Ditto fat and caul
0 12
but also to the manufacturers.
Ditto gut fat
0
8
That the inequality
of the taxes.rents,wages, "c. between
and the kidneys remarkably large.
Great Britain and the continent,
renders itimpossible
I have the honour to subscribe myself.
for the Britishagriculturist
to sanction so unequal

good in

and

all

following

back, and

proposedby

"

M.P.,

Christopher,

...

My

Your

Lord,

and

Witham, January 9,

fDod

their perseverance, will beeventually

ruined,
thoughthe
reduction
of rents would of necessity
follow,even to

1839.

of

competion, and which isthe great aim and end of the

repealersof the Corn Law.
That should they unfortunately
succeed,the tenants
with all theirexertions,
theircapital,
their industry,
and
a

obedient
servant,
very humble
HENRY
BARWELL.

Lordship'smost

one-half the amount, and when itis considered that

haps
pera third ef the lands are
mortgaged, the reduction
in value will in many instances,
placethe mortgagees
in possession of the estates, and leave the landlords

plants.

paupers.

That a similar ruinous effectwill be producedto the

farmer who holds borrowed capital,
because the contemplated
priceswill leave him so reduced as to be unable
vegetables,
to pay his debts.
particularlywheat ; this led to a close enquiry into
That a completechange will then be effected injurious
the subject,
time, Schule, the
when, about the same
alone in the firstinstance to the farmers, landlords,
and
chemist, found it in animal bones, and since, it has
the agricultural
poor, but eventually to country shopkeepers
been found in abundance
in urine ; still it is the surprise
and tradesmen,and even
to the manufacturers
of many
reflectingmen, to know where nature
themselves.
gets the supply of phosphoric acid, to yield"ome
That the average
tion
porpriceof corn for the last21 years
to every grain of corn,
detected
as it is not much
for this country, is only 56s. 4d. and forthe lastten years
in agricultural
soils. The straw
which is returned to
only 52s. 6d. which the manufacturers say h not too high.
the land, wetted and rotted into a dung, contains none
That the British agriculturist
is necessarily
liahleto
of this acid,except in proportion to the decomposed
and heavy losses,
from bad weather,frosts,
many
arising
that may
corn
be amongst it ; hence, many
farmers
mildew,unfavourable seasons, rot and other diseases in
have this year had an
abundance
of straw, but very
and
that he receives lessinterestfor his capital
cattle;
much
wanting in corn, and the remark has been made
than the non-speculating
on
and fair trading
an average
by many, that they know how to force straw, but they merchant and manufacturer;and that the landlord seldom
do not know
so
certainlyhow to fillout the straw with
makes more
than "3 10s. per cent.,whilst
or never
One farmer remarked, he should only have this
corn.
that of the manufacturer varies from "5 to "10, "20, or
The

considered

phosphoricacid was
exclusivelyto the animal
found
in the
1772 it was

long
kingdom, but
grain of many

loads of

four

year 40
140

wheat,

where

to belong
in the year

years

loads, and yet his barns looked quite as

ago he had
well filled.

To this it was
remarked
at
by one of the company,
the George Inn Market
dinner, at Basingstoke, a few
weeks
back, that the farmers ought to return
some
(asmuch as they could get)of the decomposed corn ;
that is,the bread after passingthroughan animal, so

even

"50

per

cent.

it is well known
that the operativemanufacturer
often makes
those with
particularly
very high wage?,
to the extent of from twice to five times
largefamilies,
of the wages
of the agricultural
the amount
labourer ;
and that by workingonly four days in a week, many
of
them takingcare to be drunk on iVIonday,
because they
That

THE

FARMER'S

will be more),and insurance and land tax

rent-charge
I believe,
judging from
15/.,or exactly 50 per cent.
of this county,
knowledge of a great portion
own
my
30 to 60 per cent, on the rental.
I am
Can you inform your readers,of whom
one, what
the taxes bear to the rental of land cultivated
proportion
from

that the taxe* vary

for the

growth of

corn,

in

France, Belgium, and

A

Prussia?

Hampshire,Jan.

Farmer.

16.

MAGAZINE.

145

Were it possible and is it not just"to throw the

whole weight of a deficient harvest on the producer
"

of corn,

whose
fault it is not, it would not be wise,
his resources
would be crippled
for producing
abundance and cheapness
in succeedingyears.
The consumers
do without the British procannot
ducer
if they desired so
unreasonable
a
course;
and some
consideration to him is their own
best
interest.
Those who ask for totalabolition of corn
laws,are
as

that they
completelyinconsiderate and partial,
to judge better than those
surelycannot be qualified

so

TO

LAWS.

CORN

THE
THE

EDITOR

OF

THE

who
and

GLOBE.

cession
Sir, Englandhas had the misfortune,after a sucof years of great abundance, to be visited
"

with

deficient harvest
which
of privation
"

one

of the most

extensive

would

seek the

abolition of the

national debt;
tithes,poor rates, and
county rates are assessed mainlyon the land,and are
constituent parts of the price
of corn.
A full equivalent
for all partial
taxation in the race of industry,
for this short

reason

"

thickly
peopled country is onlyhonest.
Great as the application
of skill,
and science,
like this can
capital
experienceand which naturallyand
to the cultivation of the land has been
to ascerattracts the attention of reflecting
men
tain
during
fitly
the last ten years, increasing
of proas the principle
bow it can best be guardedagainst.
gression
in this respect still
When
individuals or classes are in pain,theygeappears to be, and
nerally,
wonderful that our nation, which apprehendedfamine
for assistance;
as experienceshows, cry loudly
for its then amount
of peoplenearlyforty
do they limit their applications
to reasonable,
nor
years ago,
creased
or
even
possibleremedies,much less do they should have recentlydepended for its immenselyinwith onlya fractional exception,
in themselves,
population,
confine them
to remedies practicable
justto others,and consistent with their own situation for several successive years on our internal growth,
mind
which looks forward, must
yet every reflecting
and possessed
rights.
strates
borne out at the preperceive,and the present year too surely demonThese observations are fully
sent
it,that our
dependence is upon our harvest
time by the direction of publicattention, more
in the manufacturing
to the subbeinggood, for the year's
ject
districts,
growth to meet the year's
especially
sources

"

In the absence of this,we

look elsewhere
must
of the corn laws ; which are denounced generally demand.
and without limit,
evil, notwithstanding
as an
; and it is not only a fair but an imperative
they
question how, and where, and when it shall be best
which
have been elastic enough to admit all the corn
obtained.
the world can or may furnish at the present time of
The elements of judgment so needful to justconclusions
need, at Is. per quarter duty.
somewhat
better provided than they
are
It is not the first time,as several instances prove,
still lamentably
deficient,and
of home
that deficiency
growth,with ports freely have been; although
"
Porter s Progressof the Nation,"coming from the
by very high price.Does
open, is stillaccompanied
authentic sources, is a volume
most
with many other
most
not this,however, show, in common
interesting
such as this.
circumstances,the paramount value and importance and importanton a question
The manufacturing
interest,it is evident,has been
out of view
of this source
to the consumer
; leaving
and stillis making immense
advances, and in that
for a moment, the rightsand interests of the class
has altered the proportion
increase
of families as respects
which producesthe supply.
those employed in agriculture
former
the subject,know
; the
Those
who have investigated
and
established majority,
an
tablishing
at any time, beingnow
full well, that it is absurd to anticipate,
equallyeshave been devoted
the fact that skill must
of supply from
than a very small proportion
more
degree,
foreigncountries therefore it is surelynot wise for to the cultivation of the soil in an extraordinary
for the supplies
have witnessed to have
we
in furtherance of their own
manufacturers
views, to
raised by such a proportion
attempt anything,had they the power to eflfect it, been
I am
the
to
which would be really
source
readyto admit that the continued increase of
great
injurious
the manufacturing
class,and their numerical proporof production British a^^-riculture.
tion
is anwhether desirable or undesirable in itself,
I deplorethe present high priceof
other
Individually,
it does, millions of the most
question not onlygivesthem increased claims,
bread corn, affecting
as
but increased power, to act as a flywheel of enlarged
will proof our countrymen, whose resources
helpless
bably
dimensions upon the agricultural
body ; and that in
be increased ; and yet it is not
not
by any
for the destruction of half of
proportionas their manufactured articlesbecome unan
means
equivalent
absorbed by home
demand, and dependent for a
wheat
bv the unusual severity
of
sown
my autumn
market
the last winter, unaccompaniedby snow.
on
foreignsale,to that extent have the ma
I believe the growers
of wheat
this year
nufacturinginterest an increased claim on our own
as
a
for an
increased degreeof freedom
from
and excluding those who
legislature
body, not individually,
for the monopolisobstructions in their concerns,
not
held the corn
of previousyears, (who in this capaing
city,
idea of keeping down
the manufactories of other
would be
are
warehousemen, or speculators),
for themselves.
countries,but for a fair competition
more
in complaining
of their gross returns
justified
I am, sir,your obedient servant,
wheat was
per acre this year than in 1835-36,when
HALL.
GEORGE
WEBB
5s. per bushel.
Dec. 26.
I considered the applications
Gloucestershire,
of the corn-growers
"

"

"

"

"

"

to

parliamentat

that

periodfutile and uncalled for,

the only
the committee, as

and suggested before

practicable
remedy, a government purchaseof corn,
extent, which might have set an example
dance,
for individuals to preserve a portionof the abunwhich was
of superiorquality,for time of
arrived.
need, and which has so certainly

THE

LAWS.

CORN

to a small

(Continued.)
Sir,
"

letter;as

am

obliged by

I consider it

the insertion of my
last
small value

of no
privilege

146
have

to

FARMER'S

THE
to the minds

access

of hundreds

MAGAZINE.

to

any

desire

to scrutinise

deplore it far
beneficial
I do not

this way

"

than

fear it for

I
myself,

injuriousresults
proceedingfor the cause

in its
of

course

and

country

rather

more

on

of

any
our

of truth.
that your

mean

it

pre-eminentin
a degree,and
it is
have application,

paper

is

assuredlypervadesall

if the

in

I value too much

desire.

public.

abroad.

"

will

now

analyse,if you
and

will permitme, your

add in detail a few observations on

the

and happiness
prosperity,

peace,

desire to risk in any

the supplyof food they can obtain best %i,poiithe
way
whole : but under
and with
the shelter of protection,
the advantageof greatlyincreased skill,
the means
of affording
it from our own
soilhave been immensely
increased.
All our manufacturers
were
nurtured,and many
from competition as I
stillretain as much
protection
of

fable of sun
and wind
beneficial.
In the present temper of society
it is,however, a
small misfortune
no
to have formed, and publicly
pressed,
exan
opinionon any great national question
call for an
so that sincerity
and further investigation
avowal
in any material
of convictions
different
degree : to do so in such circumstances is,however,
the better
noble,rather than blameworthy
; and I can
bear tribute to such a course
it does not affect
as
stand fair yet
who
cannot
myself. 'J'he man
searchingcriticism,has no business before the
not

commentary,

tivators
invention of the cultheir sharpest
edge,and have told them so.

and
keep the attention,
ability,

of thousands

questionof national interest.

I am, notwithstanding,
well aware
of the tomahawk
treatment
individuals are
to which
exposed who
avail themselves
of this advantage; and
while I
on

our

countrymen,

The

great

to

of

wave

populationis,however,

the
annually altering

circumstances

Next

at

growingcorn

to

regularadmission

the

home

of it

of the country.

cheap

at

the

difference of circumstances
the revenue
of which
could be

"

abundant,

and

duty equivalentto
is the best

course;

appliedto facilitate
the progress of industrymost requiring
it,whichever
class it might be : but to give up ttiis advantage
ground under any circumstances would be surely
unwise,

most

to

the

as

under

any

importit should
ordinary

is not an
a duty on
corn
forgotten
pricehere, but a subtraction from

be

never

simpleand uniform,
principle
and

speculation,
open

to

addition
the

price

free from excitement

all,whether

ing
possessthis importantquestion.
immense
moderate
or
capital and accordant,
The denunciation of the corn laws you quote from
will permit,with the other
circumstances
as far as
commercial
regulationsof the nation,is the one I
my letteris manifestlyrestricted by the connection
to the
reduced
n anufacturing
With skill increased,profits
class ; it is not so with the
consider best.
of that class do not
agricultural,
although many
generally,and the advantage of keepingexpenses
think the principle
of protectionembraced
be met
accordant with reduced prices this may now
by them
the best for the country, which comprehends both
with open ports at a duty of I5s. per quarter, to be
classes. But while abundance, and very low prices, reduced Is. per quarter annuallyuntilit reaches 10s.
and manufacturing
in existence, per quarter duty.
prosperitywere
and
all the protectionwhich
have
their
The
manufacturers
claim upon
law could give to the
a
laws
from sustaining
farmer,the corn
were
comparativelya dead
country,and the farmers particularly,
and there was
withstanding
no
letter,
adequatemotive for dabbling by their skill and ingenuitythe priceof wool, notwith them then.
At
the immensely increased import of that
that period I called the attention
of the editors of the Leeds Mercury to these
I gratefully
that claim : I
commodity.
concede
have
circumstances
and
carefully wait not to have it wrested from me ; but if they
co-existing
;
watched the mutual influence of these thingsas circumstances
wish relief from restrictions they consider injurious,
have changed.
skill in approachingthe
they will show more
ques-tion by views moderate as well as just,and adapted
Although an importof corn from abroad, when
be a very small proportionof the
not wanted, may
at large.
to the enduring interests of the nation
whole
views on each side may be equally
supply,yet, if it be surplus,every reflecting Extreme
wrong.
mind
influence in
knows that it is of extraordinary
I am, Sir,your obedient servant,
its effects under
GEORGE
such circumstances, while on the
WEBB
HALL.
other hand the much
Jan. 2, 1839.
Gloucestershire,
largerproportionin our time of
need is comparatively
powerlessto keeppricesdown.
A spoonfulonly of liquidpoured on a full cup must
"

"

all

the sides being stronger than the elastic

that pointof an open vessel ; but if we
the gallery
of the House of Commons
filled
suppose
with individuals anxious to listen
to full convenience
to the
advocacyof a favourite member
proposinga
turing
repealof any circumstance pressingupon manufacrun

over,

pressure

at

STATE

OF

FOREIGN

(from

the

CORN.

times.)

The foreignexchanges have again manifested a

this afternoon.
There can
and
uninvited
an
industry,
importationof strong tendency downwards
be no
that large suppliesof corn
will be
doubt now
tendants
guests from the sedulous attention of the active atprocured from various parts of the continent,contrary
there to be forced in, a practical
illustration
to a notion which seems
to have prevailed
extensively
would
be presentedto the Chamber
of Commerce
at
that such supplieswere
not to be had, against which
Manchester, should they be the parties, of the
eitlierbills or gold must be remitted.
At present little
effect of a supply not
requiredupon the whole, consequence seems
at the Bank
to be attached
to this
be
although the proportionadmitted should not
and indeed,to judge by the tone of those
state of things,
who receive occasional hints from that quarter, to be
arge.
The present high pricesare
required,could they regarded rather with exultation than otherwise. There
most
be borne,because
be, in their opinion,a positiveadvantage to the
they arise from diminished quantity
"
unproductivecapital
part of this
without diminished expence in growing it; they Bank in turningsome
"
has always been the case
fore
heretoThis
to
profit.
result
the
less
bountiful
sudden
of
than
a
are
supply
until the drain had reached a certain extent, and
have had for seven
cumstances
we
years past, arisingfrom cirthen the correction of the
rather
"

which

this be true

"

Heaven

alone

the observations

consequences are
them J and have

not

on

can

controul.

If

highpricesand their

logical.

I do

alwaysurged pressure

not

advocate

roughly applied,

screw,''

has informed
the commercial world how matters
stood. 'Ihe demand
for shipping
to bring home
cargoes
of grain is beyond all former precedent at least,
for a
of
number
very great
years.
"

sufficientto

FARMER'S

THE

OF

STOCK

Cove

Carouge

London

New

LUMBER

Birch
Timber.

Timber.

Feet.

Feet.

Feet.

Feet.

Feet.

Feet.

1,368
1,556
199,027
193,754
49,916

96,611
170,521
468,770
221,748
103,188

27.935

196,509

26

19

100,646
107,569
52,609
23,500

333,439

101

28

18,326
64,540
272,008

276,730
60,384
146,128

Cove

"

"

264

2,278
10,114
191,929
19,373
7,230
45,009

Cove

Diamond

YEARS.

Ash

"

1,502

1,289

3,312
3,514

2,046

2,567
65

6,119

2,000
3,511

45

5,747

581

1,000

1,471

1,589

1,239

3,219

339

1,932
32,366

529

1,668
5,000

Harbour

Red

Pine
Timber.

Standard

White

Staves.

Pun.

C. ars. S

M.

228,641
26,231
20,000

1838,

FIVE

Timber,

"

Pine

DECEMBER.

LAST

Elm

....

des Mers
Cove

White

11th

THE

Timber.

Spencer Cove
L'ance

FOR

STATEMENT

Oak

Cove
St. Michael's
Woodfield Harbour

Cape

QUEBEC,

OF

PORT

147

Timber.

SilleryCove

Wolfe's

THE

IN

COMPARATIVE

WITH

MAGAZINE.

19

117
962

27

M.

Oak
Staves.

C. Qrs. S.

20

46

29

24

20

Pr6s-de-Ville
Wharves

Town

..

Beach
Dorchester
Hare Point

BeauportCove...
.

Montmorency

Point Levi
St. Charles' Cove.
Patton's Cove
Cove

Hadlow

1,169
4,504
108,037

12,739

2,950
23,360
12,500

1,000
7,722
20,000

524

840

"

Liverpool.

33,950

731

86,349
358,647
145,954
541,348

1834.

469,570
606,624
347,539
834,682
300,508

1833.

560,709 214,475

..

3,675

1,443

Etchemia
New

75,000
25,465

627

"

"86

"

"

98,050

64,050

311,352
81,000

39,325

148,767

"

14,463

Ditto

1838.

1837.
1836.
1835.

45,250

Red
Pun.

New

Cove

LondoH

31.751

76,452
6,312

2,716

186

24

30

248

16

43

24

12

Cove
Cove

..

....

L'ance des Mers.

Cove

37

12

Cape

Diamond

Harbour

Pres-de-Ville

..

Wharves
Town
Beach
Dorchester

170
.

1 29

10

43

51

58,807
39,682
27,240
62,059
21,798
20,521
6,155
80,000
19,634
25,093

Montmorency
Point

19,751

Point

BeauportCove.

Levi

Sjt.Charles'Cove..
Patton's Cove.
Hadlow

Cove
.

25,146
74,313
29,690

152

Etchemin
New

9,000

Liverpool

62,366
50,000

14

Ditto

1838..
1837..
1836..

81

25

921

198
680

1483

29

15

862

22

1835..

934

26

674

19

421

146

14

87
294

11

1834.
1833.

Pieces.

26

10

1162

17

29
7

989
317

709

10

885

15

25

405

21

Hand-

Lath-

Pine

spikes.
wood.

Pieces, Pieces. Cords.

ns

Masts.

Pieces, Pes.

1,250
6,811
1,486
7,421

5,030
10,219
1,888
1,816

200
14
38

6^

120

20

279

2,200
5,987
75,879

90

589

100
25

34,650

136

3,622
3,207
35,300

Hare

Oars.

Plank.

Cove

Cove
St. Michael's
Woodfield Harbour
Wolfe's

Ash.

Deals.

17,000

....

SilleryCove

Spencer

1503

Spruce lj"2in.

Standard Standard

C. ars.S

2,988,064

3,003,511 1614
1,706,254 1685
1,946,601 2570
624,644 1119
393
751,370
1,081,166

Deals.

Staves.
M.

1,316,594
3,003,701
3,173,093
1,857,405
307,777

Pine

O. Barrel

W.

Staves.
C. Qrs.S.

M,

Carouge

Oak

38,287
11,764

14,928

99,639
145,768
230,679
5,082
5,266

690,384
591,350
177,684
453,717
132,921

386,951

4,500
39,738
27,440
11

19,802

770

8,535
66,900
22,726

286,175

59,172

120,800

120,818
24,691
20,394

75,716
222,802

72,701
74,793

386

11

961

137i

69

163

283^

152

181

167

310

1606

37,150

102

91

298

16,191

676

368

723

148
THE

SMITHFIELD

SHOW.

Our attention has been called

to
neglecting

notice

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

ploughedagainuntilfhe Spring,when itunderwent

for the intended
thoroughcleaningand pulverization
drilled the beginning
crop of mangel wurzel, which was
not
a

to

an

omission

in

sheep exhibited by Mr.

Jonas Webb, at the Smithfield Show, and which
alluded to by Mr. Beasleyin his speechafter
were
We
have no
dinner,at tlie Freemason's Tavern.
hesitationin assuring
Mr.
Webb
that as far as we
the omission
are
tional,
was
concerned,
whollyuninten-

of May on ridgesa yard distant. The fieldlooked

well and was admired by many,
and if the gentleman
who eulogisedthe use of the subsoil plough so warmly
at the late meetingof the AgriculturalSocietyof West

some

Auckland

could have seen the field a month afterwards,

soil
might he have exclaimed,that the use of the subplough would revolutionize the face of the whole
for such a crop of thistlesappearedas no mortal
earth,
havinginserted the account of the proceedings
man
ever
saw
before,althoughthe fieldhad not been
as taken
from
by the reporter. We subjoin,
particularly
subjectto thistlesbefore. The weather
the Essex Standard some
observations upon the
was
extremely dry, and the mangel wurzel vegetated
made
bridgeshire
at the recent meeting of the Camsubject,
but slowly; the consequence
that the thistlesglowas
rying
Association.
in their liberation from their dormant, primeval
Agricultural
Mr. Withers
state, nearly choked the tender plant of the mangel
said before the toast was respondedto
wurzel, and I was precluded from hoeing,as all the
he wished to make one
observations
relative to
two
or
seed of the wurzel
had not vegetated
the exhibition of sheep at the recent Smithfield cattle
; however,the
time arrived when
it became
to'do it,and
Show.
He was
imperative
greatlysurprisedto find that such perfect
and magnificent sheep as
Mr. Jonas
exhibited,should have been passed over

Webb
without

well

any

commendation
from the judges he could only account
for such an omission
either to the blindness or party
feelingsof those individuals. In the course of the proceedings
"

not

less than

judges,and
expressed their
animals
should
commendation.

all of them excellent

first rate tup breeders,

twenty persons,

some

of them

himself that such splendid

received neither a prize nor
any
afterwards
was
present at the

surprise to
have
He

dinner, when one of the judges,in returningthanks,

expi'essedhis
regret that a greatomission had occurred
respectingMr. Webb's
Shearlings,
pen of Southdown
"which had been commended
by the judges,butf'om some
it had been omitted,and in justiceto that individual
error
he felt bound
publiclyto state that the judges
had and did commend
that pen of sheep. After having
heard this statement, to his great surprise, he found
that particular
portiononly of the speech omitted in all
the reports in the London
papers.
Webb
in returningthanks, observed,
Mr, Jonas
that he was
that had
very
sorry the commendation
been awarded
to his sheep had not been found out until
two o'clock on the fourth day, when it was
too late for
the publicto discover that his sheep were
worthy of
commendation.
It was
fact too,
certainlya singular
that the speech of the judge after dinner was
reported
word for word
in the several London
papers with the

exception of

that particularpart where he apologized

for the omission of the commendation.
Mr. Webb, in
conclusion,said notwithstandingwhat had occurred he
should continue to exhibit at Smithfield so long as he
found his exertions
with the approbation
of the
met

public.

destroyed by the use of the

horse and hand hoes,and I was fortunate enough to obtain
I mention this circumstance
a fine crop.
sider
as I conthat the use of the subsoil plough should in most
cases
precede a drilledgre.n crop, when an opportunity
eventuallythe thistleswere

there

offers itself of destroying

which
spring
thistles^
may
soil
the subup from the effectof the atmosphere reaching
: if the plough preceded a
corn
crop, I think it not

improbable
with

proportion.

as

largeas

beg

that I consider the subsoil

attention of most
agriculturists,
wish from what I have said to detract

to

add

the
plough as deserving
and

by

means

no

from the merits of the implement, but merely to

put some
upon their guard not to use it without due
caution.
I am. Sir,your obedient servant,
H. W.
Jamiary 11,1839.

ESTIMATE

AN

OF

LATE

THE

HARVEST,
QUALITY,

AND

BRITAIN
BY

past

we

AND
MESSRS.

have

friends,and

been
the

OF
USE
PLOUGH.

THE

THE

EDITOR

Sir, As
"

OF

THE

in the
as

LANE

EXPRESS.

soil
great deal has of late been said about sub-

I shall,
with
ploughing-,
in

column
in tbe
experience
largefarm in my
space

your permission,
engross a
of your
valuable paper in statingmy
of the subsoil plough. Upon a
use

AND

MITCHELL,
"

For

some

years

habit of submitting
to

our

soon

to the

task, which

we

had

used

every exertion to procure

hazarded
no
opinionin

and
information
did not consider ourselves fullyborne out by
the facts. The favourable attention that has been paid
to our
raging
reports of former years has been no less encoucorrect

MARK

TITY
QUANGREAT

after the conclusion of

public,
the harvest as circumstances
would allow,the opinion
which
had formed
of its productiveness,atid as far
we
enabled to judge, our views respectingthe
as
we
were
trade for the seasons
which respectively
prospects of the corn
followed.
of
Impressed with a aeep sense

which
TO

OF

TO
IN

7th, 1S39.

attached
responsibility
imposed upon ourselves, we

SUBSOIL

AS

IRELAND.
ANTON

January

London,

PRODUCE

THE

the

THE

ON

tles
one
might witness thisbroomsticks,and heads in

that before harvest

stems

we

than satisfactory,
that our care and labour in
ness
preparing them have been dulyappreciated. The kindfriends in so liberally
of our
respondingto our call

roughly for information

thohas this year furnished
ns
occupation,which has been most
with a far
with tiles,
the soil of which conof well considered district reports, than
sists
greater number
for the most part of a heavy loam, which priorto
had been favoured with on any former occasion,and
we
its coming into my occupationu?;ed to he ploughed with
for those districts in which we had no immediate
nexions,
conwith only
could depend, we
four,five,and six horses at length,but now
whom
have supplied
on
we
horses abreast. Last autumn
two
twelvemonth
I determined
the deficiency
by a careful comparison of the accounts
I did
to try the uf-e of the subsoil plough,which
obtained from the best printedsources
of intelligence.
in November, upon
for a crop of mana field intended
from this accession to our
gel
We
venture
to anticipate
of arriving at accurate
conclusions respecting
wurzel,and I can bear testimonyto its great appameans
rent
the sobsoil. "Jwo
usefulness in ettectually
the different grain and other auxiliary
stirring
crops, that our
liorsesploughed the ifround ns usual, followed by the
of
report of this year will be found no less deserving
Rackheath
furrow drawn
Subsoil Plough in the same
attention than its predecessors.
subsoil was
by four strong horses at length. The
with wheat
Wheat.
The breadth sown
in the autumn
stirred and well broken up to the depth of fourt'jen
of 1837 was
fullyan average in all the Southern
inches without being brought to the surface. 1 was
counties of England. In the Northern
counties the
pleased with the operation,and anticipated increase of breadth was stillgreater. The unfavourable
very much

underdrained

"

j^reatimprovementin the future

crop ; the field

was

autumnal

seasons

of the two

precedingyears,

in many

THE

FARMER'S

149

MAGAZINE.

farmers to the substitution of

to undervalue the injury
the strong disposition
the
and to paint
sustained by the wheat crop in the spring,
to which they were
for wheat, a course
of the
in glowing colours, the changed appearance
more
readilyinclined from the low priceof wheat, and
the relatively
vailing.fields (natural
enough for the season) which began to
higher pricesof springcorn then preof this overprothe writers of the loose and popular
shew itself among
The necessary
duction
consequence
notices of the crops that obtained currency through the
a decline in the pricesof barley and oats,
was
diately
pared
of the publicpress, duringharvest and immeboth to their relative level comwhich
reduced them
means
authors of the more
so
before and after it. The
with wheat, and in the case of barley so much
ceases
elaborate and accurate
the pointwhere production
reports,furnished
as to verge closelyon
agricultural
the
conapelled

instances

tribut

springcorn

kets,
remunerating. Besides overstocking the marpreferencegiven to spring crops, having in
caused their being repeatedoftener than a
cases
many
sanction, much
judicioussystem of cropping would
land was
rendered for a time unsuited to their renewal,
was
so that the farmer
prompted not less by his direct
pecuniaryinterest,than by the rules of good husbandry

to be

the

to avail himself of the upon

seed time of 1S37, to sow

the whole
an

e.xtra

favourable wheat
of that
breadth

to the Mark

Express, and

Lane

other

journalsprofessedly

subjectsseemed
agricultural

of
many
The sensitive feelings
similar views.
to favour
them
of some
of the agricultural
portionof the community on
of the averages, and the admission of foreign
the subject
account for the bias,
measure
also in some
corn,
may
in the
in almost all the accounts
which was
so evident
in circulation before the crop
publicprints that were
devoted

brought

was

to

to the test of the flailand

chine.
thrashingma-

grain.
the whole
The harvest became
of wheat
generalround London and to the
sowing was
season
upon
fore. South and East about the 20th of August, on which day
favourable
than it had been for several years beof October was
more
The month
uninterruptedly there was a fair shew of new wheat in Mark Lane from
One
of the year, and November
the adjoining counties.
fine than any other mouth
sample from Kent had
Wheat
character.
been shewn on the precedingMonday.
largelyin the same
participated
from the 20th to 26th of August was
The weather
in some
measure
impeded by the drought
sowing was
low temprevalent during the first three weeks of the former
very cold and boisterous, with an extremely
month, but the time was not lost to the farmer, as it rature for the time of the year, aud a great deal of
interval, harvest opeenabled him to manure
rations
a
heavy rain fell during the same
greaterbreadth of land for
the
not a little impeded. This
in consequence
Towards
the close of the month
were
the wheat
crop.
not confined to
moderate
unfavourable
state of the weather was
rains, which while
succeeded
was
The

more

by
not
libertythe lighterand drier soils,were
excessive as to impede the progress of the plough,

drought

they set
so

at

ing
The process of seedthose of a heavier description.
went on favourablywith
the ground with wheat
only occasional interruptionsfrom frosts aud rains
duringthe whole month of November, and the weather
longed
continuingopen up to Christmas, the unusually probackward
the most
a
seed time afi'orded even

on

of
full opportunity
clubion.

bringingit

to a

cousatisfactory

out by the
up to the
days after the

held
The promiseof future productiveness,
continued
which
highly propitiousseason

of a few
of 1837, in the course
of the new
commencement
year, suddenly gave way
of an
the former
under a visitation of frost and snow,
in this climate.
intensityunequalled
close

the metropolis,but was

districts round
general
throughout the three kingdoms. This was succeeded
by a week of very fine weather, and harvest operations
the

carried on under favourable circumstances, and if

take into account the backwardness of the seasoB,
till the greater part of
with but trifling
interruption,
secured in fair order and condition by the
the crop was
and Midland coun20th September, in all the Southern

were
we

ties of

England.

to be excepted,
a portion of
however
remain
There
tions
exposed situathe wheat crop on the higher and more
within the above limits, and which did not come
advanced
to maturity tilla more
periodof the season,
in the earlier districts,the condition of which
aud some
was
injured by being too hurriedlycarted during the
wet

weather

at the

beginningof

the harvest.

of the wheat
to the productiveness
drawback
have not adverted, but which
crop of 1838 to which we
especialnotice,
is of importance sufficient to demand
allude to the injury
We
to be observed.
stillremains
done to the wheat by the attacks of an orange coloured
maggot. The ravages of this insect in the Midland
those borderingon Wales, along the
counties, especially
land
Western
coast, and in the South Western parts of Engdamage to an extent that no subsequent favourable
servers
Several careful obvanced
have been very extensive.
could compensate for, and as the spring adweather
in the yieldoccasioned
and more
have estimated the deficiency
this became
more
apparent. No part
of the wheat
by this insect at one-fourth of the part of the
crop escaped serious injury,on light
to two-thirds of the whole.
most
chalky and thin gravelly soils the damage was
crop affected,amounting
Its attacks were
extensive : the ancient wheat lands of the country the
mostly confined to one side of the ear,
tion,
and to that part of the crop which but for this visitastrong adhesive soils suffered less in degree. On the
out the best ; the later porwould
have turned
tion
of soils,as well as on all high-l\ing
former description
and exposed situations the devastation occasioned by
having in most instances escapedinjuryfrom this

effects of this on vegetation

might not have been
serious, but for the intervention of a thaw, of no
so
melted the snow,
long duration,but which effectually
without
and left the young
wheats
any protection
frosty weather which
during the continued and severe
On
followed.
the final breaking up of the storm, it
manifest
that the wheat
became
crop had received
The

the frost
breadths

on

the wheat

plantswas

very

great. Large

of the counties of
in many
ing
England in which wheat is the stapleproduce,as affordsufficient to repay
reasonable prospectof yielding
no
also which did
the expenses of harvesting. Much
left from an
not ultimatelyrepay that expense,
was
expectationof improvement which miserablyfailed in
being realised. The spring continued unfavourable to
until past the middle of May, and the wheat
vegetation
seemed

were

ploughedup

ther
ramake littleprogress, but in many
cases
fall off, an
effect attributed to the ravages of
well as to the inclemency of the
the wire-worm,
as
As the summer
advanced, the grain crops in
season.
generalbegan to wear an improved appearance. This
tural
improvement in the appearance of the crops, the naresult of their advancement
to maturity, added to

so

to

in the less injuredportionof

and
imposedupon the less experienced,
observers.
To this may in part be atsuperficial

tolerable shew
the wheat crop
a

more

of straw

Another

source.

corrections
Our havingcontinued to receive repeated
of our correspondents
of the estimated yieldfrom many
favoured us with
who at an earlierperiodof the season
statingit to be less than
all of whom
their opinions,
sent
what from first impressionsthey had been led to repreing'
it,has been one of the causes of the deluy in bringfer
forward this report,as we considered it better to degivingour judgment,untilwe should have the whole
and
than to decide upon imperfect
before

subject

us,

partialinformation.
i,

From a
tion which
crop,

considerationof all the

dispassionate

r
mforraa"

portant
have obtained bearingon this the most imwe
conclude that the wheat
wc
part of our inquiry,
after making all allowances is from one-seventh

takinginto account both quantity

deficient,
of
in the great wheat producingcounties
and quality,
joining
Essex and
Kent, and in the counties immediately ad-

to one-sixth

them.

The

deficiencyin the other counties

THE

150

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

embraced
within the limits which we
have assigned, crop this year in Moray and Nairn is very inferiorin
and fully
while
be estimated at lessthan one-fifthon an average
one-fourth deficientin quantity,
^uahty,
of years.
in Easter Ross the quantity
and
is stillmore
deficient,
In the counties North of the Humber, there was, as
the qualitylittlebetter than the skreenings
of other
have before stated,a largerproportional
we
breadth
years.
with wheat ; from thismust be deducted what was
of
The breadth sown
sown
Barley.
with thisdescription
and the barley
ploughedup in the spring,which althoughit might not
grain if we except Norfolk and Suffolk,
of Lincolnshire,
bring down the whole breadth of wheat grown in tiiese growing districts
where a fullaverage
counties to an average, was
did not exceed a moderate average
at leastas great in proporbreadth was
sown,
tion
the whole,as in the Southern counties of Engto
land. In all the other parts of England South of a line from
from the Humber
The ground had been
to the Mersey.
The harvest did not generally
rendered highlyadapted for the receptionof the seedi
in the
commence
even
earlier districts of these counties until the firstweek in
by the action of the severe frosts during the winter,and
the whole was
September,a difference in point of lateness,
pared
as comput into the ground in good time, and
with the South, not greater than usual. The harunder the most favourable circumstances. There were
vest
weather continued upon the whole propitious to
but very
of the crop
few complaints
of the appearance
up
the end of October,when
the crops of all kinds were
during itsearlierstages, and as it advanced these were
and in all but the mounin an almost
nearlyall secured in Yorkshire,
all forgotten
universal consent that barley
tainous
districtsof the Northern counties. In these, promised to be the most abundant crop that had been
known
for many
in the fieldsas late a* the
part of the crops remamed
years.
middle of November.
of the crop was laid,
Although a considerable portion
I'he yield of the wheat in the Northern counties is from the great bulk of the straw, itwas only in very few
instances that much
equally deficient in pointof quantity,and more
damage accrued from that cause.
so in
point of qualitythan in the Southern counties,
This crop met with, upon the whole, a very favourable
and including
both may
be estimated at fully
harvest time, and was
one-fourlii deficiency
generallysecured in excellent
than average breadth sown, so that
order and condition.
on
a more
the deficiency
The same
the whole crop may not greatly
that favoured the growth of straw in
causes
upon
exceed the average deficiencyin the whole kingdom.
this crop, viz.: the prevalence
of wet weather in June
of the crops in Ireland that appeared in
The accounts
and July, and the absence of hot forcingsuns, also led
the Irish provincialpapers before and duringharvest
of the clover and
to an
exuberance
other artificial
of a more
were
tiian those
even
exaggerateddescription
grasses that grew amo
jgst it.
in the English papers relativeto the crops in England,
ley
For some
time after harvest the impression
that barwhich we have made the subject
of animadversion in a
continued to prevail.
was
a superabundant crop
former part of this report. The more
it began to be more
When
moderate stated
thrashed out, the
extensively
the wheat crop to be nearlyan average, while there
and
yieldfrom the straw was found to be very deficient,
who described itas considerably when we take into account
were
not wantingmany
ficial
that the quantityof the artiabove an average produce.
grasses amongst
it, requiredthat a long stubble
Our increasing
connexion with Ireland,
and the conleft,to facilitateits being quicklyready for
sequently should be
rable.
consideenlarged nature of our transactionswitlithat
carting,the acreable deficiencymust be more
than a year ago, to secure
the
The universal defalcation in the yield,not concountry requiredus more
fined
exclusive services of a gentleman possessing
to particular
but extending to every part
districts,
perience
great exof the kingdom where barleyis grown,
with safety
in the Irish corn trade,and having besides an
may
intimate acquaintancewith all the subjects
be calculated upon as beingsufficient to bring down the
bearingupon
and connected therewith.
whole crop to somewhat under an average in pointof
Our
in Ireland made it his business, quantity. The qualityupon the whole is superior ta
representative
duringthe harvest months, to take a personalsurvey of that of ordinary years, and though variable,there will
the crops in all the Western and Southern parts of the
be found a largeproportionof fine maltingand distilling
and was
at hiuch pains to procure by corresponisland,
the former in many instances unsurpassedby
qualities,
dence
from the remaining
the best samplesof the most favourable barley seasons
accurate
accounts
parts of the
of late years.
country, which he was not able to visit.
He reports the falling
of the wheat
In the counties of England North of the Humber
off in the quantity
in
addition to the defective yieldcommon
tion
to the rest of the
crop at one-third of an average crop, and the deteriorain qualityto be in the same
and a
short breadth sown,
or
a very
greater proportion, kingdom, there was
nary
leavingupon the whole barelyhalf the crop of an ordilargeportionof the crop was injuredby beinglaid and
otherwise damaged in the process of harvesting.On
year.
In the South Eastern counties of Scotland,
the reduced breadth sown
in these counties the produce
as well as
in those bordering
the Forth thure was
will not reach two-thirds of an average crop.
on
increased
an
breadth of wheat sown
in the autumn
of 1837 and the
rather a
The barley in Ireland was
to appearance
spring of 1838, compared with what was under that good crop, but the yield has been less than was expected,
and the qualityis in most cases inferior.
the lattercounties fullymore
crop the year before,m
than on an average of years. In the West of Scotland
In the fertile
counties of Berwick and Roxburgh, the
the growth of that grain has been graduallydiminishing barley cro-p presenteda good bulk,and will amount
to
for some
about an average
In the South Western counties
years
past, the soil and climate beingfound
crop.
cannot

"

more

suitedto

sown

last year

and

barley,and

of Scotland,a largeportion
of the crop was lo'^'ged
early,
and the grainis not only small, but is also deficientin
colour and
have to
In the
productivenessin these districts,
we
quality and below an average.
from what we slated to be the case in the
counties bordering-on the Forth, the barleycrop was
vary but little
North of I2ng-land.The crop was in most cases inferior secured in fair order and condition. Neither the yield
both as to quantity and quality. In the counties of
to
per acre nor the weight have turned out satisfactorily
and the deficiencymay be estimated at
Haddington and Fife,and the more fertileparts of the the cultivators,
one-third under an average
is
though considerable,
produce. In most of the
county of Perth the deficiency
in the other counties comprehended in
counties more
not so great as
the barleycrop was
to the Northward
the above limits,
and may be taken at from one-sixth to
and very deficient. In Moray and Ross there
light,
one-fifth below an average.
was
a tair crop, the quality
pretty good, and in many
in the remain'ng districts cases fine.
Very littlewheat is grown
of Scotland,if we except tlie counties of IViorayand
the oat crop in
Oats."
The anticipations
respecting
Nairn on the one side,
and part of the county of Ross on
England were nearly equalto those entertained about
the other side of the Moray Firth. These though situthe barley,and though they have not been disappointed
ated
has not been
at no
cases
great distance from the northern extremity to the same
extent, the yieldin many
of the island,
at first expected. During the earlier
yieldin ordinaryyears grainof all kinds
so
great as was
of a qualitynot to be surpassedby the growth of
of the devastationsof the
complaints
part of the summer
any of

the

more

oats
was

the breadth

of wheat

inconsiderable. Instatingthe

parative
com-

counties of Scotland. The wheat

southerly

wire-worm

on

the young

oat

were
plants,

common

in

THE
some
more

FARMER'S

of
districts

England, and these too where oats are

cultivated than in most of the other
extensively

counties of Kent and Devon

of the intermediate southern counties as well
of the midkind
the fenny parts of
as
some
counties,
Huntingdonshire, Norfollc and LinCambridg'eshire,
be enumerated
colnsliire,
as the districtsin which
may
parts of

En^lan^d.The

vvitlisome

the destruction occasioned

by that insect was

roost

siderable.
con-

MAGAZINE.

151

storm was
equalif not g:reater.It iscalculated that the
loss on the unsecured
of the crop, remainingin
portion
the fields cut and uncut, was nearlyone-third,
and that
than half the grain in the county was. injured
more
by
the storm in a greater or lessdegree. In the
county of
Aberdeen
the destructive effects of the hurricane although
not so great as in the two
former counties,
were
and calamitous,
the uncut
abundantlydistressing
grain
was
severelyshaken,corn stacks were levelled to the

The oats as well as the barley met with a favourable

ground, and their contents blown to considerable distances,
harvest season, and the crop was
secured in very fair
in some
instances to the extent of half a mile.
of the samplesof new
condition. The quality
Enarlish Every stook was laid flat,and the sheaves borne away
in all directions. On the coast, much
oats that have appeared in this market is exceedingly
of the harvest
with some
extra fine and very
heavy qualities,produce was blown into the sea.
The hurricane was
variable,
of a very ordinary description,succeeded
there is a great majority
by a snow
storm, which lasted three days,
in those from the firstoat-growingparts of Engeven
land. the snow
lyingin most placesto the depthof several
and breakingdown by itsweightthe uncut grain.
inches,
The same
With the limitationsto quality
will apply to the coun-ty of Banff.
which we have above
description
stated the crop of oats may, with few exceptions,be describedThe upper parts of both counties were
visited by a second
in point of quantity
in all the
storm
the 20th of the same
as
a full average
on
month, very little
It must
inferior in violence to that of the 11th. The loss suscounties south of the Humber.
not, however,
tained
be forgotten,
in estimating
the effect of this,upon the
by frost by the upland farmers previousto this
second storm
and other great consuming markets, that in
London
was
immense, which by shakingtheir uncut
the ordinary
grain completed the calamity. Even in the lower
very few of these counties,after deducting
farm consumption,does the aggregate surplusof the
parts of Aberdeenshire and the neighbouring
counties
oats grown
in the most abundant seasons, more
a great part of the oats will be unfit for seed,and in the
even
will be suited for that purpose.
than suffice for the retailtrade of the local market
upper none
In the south-east counties of Scotland
towns.
the oat crop
The oat crop in Wales is a fairaverage in pointof
the saperiority
reach an average,
of the earlier
may
with
a deficientyield. A much
compensating for the deficiencyof the laterportionof
quality
largerporportion than usual will go into local consumption,
owing the crop. In the counties borderingon the Forth,the
in the iron-working produce of the early lands though of excellent quality
to the great activity
that prevails
and secured in good condition has not come
districts.
up to what
In Yorkshire and the other northern counties of Engfered
land was expected in the yield. On the highlands
theysufboth from frost and the hurricane on the
the earlyoats are decidedlythe best and most promuch
lific
of the g'rain
11th of October, though not to so great an extent as
The later portion
of this crop
crops.
in the more
in the other extreme, much
of which in the higher
northern
counties.
l"he deficiency
was
taking
districts
of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland
in both the higher and lower grounds cannot be estimated
arrived at maturity, and a largededucat less than one-sixth of an average crop.
tion
never
We
in consequence
be made from the general
have already in describingthe effects of the hurricane
must
said sufficient with respect to the great oat-growing
productirenessof the oat crop in these counties. The
tricts
disbreadth sown
also considerablyunder an average.
in the north-eastern parts of Scotland.
was
In the west of Scotland with the exception
of some
Except in very forward situations the oat crop in
fertileand early soils,
Scotland was
where there was a fairaverage
not
got into the ground until latein the
The
breadth of land under thiscrop was, as
the oat crop is upon the whole
season.
crop of good quality,
much
below
well as in the north of England under an average, but
In the higherparts of the
an
average.
not to so very great an extent,on account
of there being same
districtsparticularly
the upper ward of Lanarkshire,
but few districts,
and these but of small extent comthe deteriorationof the crop from frost comes
little
pared
short of a total loss. On
with the whole country, that are capable of growthe sheltered shores of the
ing
The oat crop had made but littleprogress
wheat.
Moray Firth there was a fairaverage in pointof bulk on
farmers then prewhich
secured in good condition. The
was
up to the end of June, and practical
dicted early soils,
that there must
either be a short crop or a very
remainingportionof the crop was inferior.The quality
late harvest,in which latterprediction
they were tully of the whole is very uneven, with but a small proportion
The rains in July and August
of extra fine corn.
borne out by the events.
In the two most northern counties of Scotland,
caused
the oats to grow most luxuriantlyand even
in
viz.:
north there was
the extreme
Sutherland and Caithness,
and m
dance.
the highlandsand
promiseof great abunIn some
districts the oat crop was extensively islands generally there was
not half a crop, and it is to
which took
be feared that the destitution among
the poor inhabitants
damaged by frostsof considerable severity
of these districts,
before they are relieved by the
place during the lastweek in September, and the first
week in October. The damage done by these earlier produce of another harvest must be very great.
frosts was
however rendered comparatively
insignificant Except in the northern parts of the island the usual
If we take into
in Ireland.
by the magnitude of the calamity inflictedupon this breadth of oats was sown
the rapidcourse
in proaccount
of improvement now
crop by the hurricane of the llih of October, and the
gress
in the agricultureof that country, we shall not
it.
and sleet that immediatelyfollowed
frost,
snow,
which commenced
in the west, and passed
This storm
tent
perhaps exceed the truth in statingthat as great an exof oats was
throughthe island in a straightline eastward embraced
lastseason, as in any previous
grown
in its sweep all the counties of Scotland, and extended
one.
in a modified degree to the northern parts of England.
To the south of a line drawn from Galway to Newry
It would be in vain to attempt to enumerate
all the instancesthe oat crop was
well harvested and secured in good
of damage that have been communicated
condition. The promise from the straw was at least a
to us
from various parts of Scotland, so generalwas
if not a full average,
and so general was the impression
the devastation
fair,
both sides of St. George's Channel, that the
shall
throughoutthe whole country. We
on
select four counties comprisingthe largestoat-grovringIrish oat crop was
that the London
abundant
an
one,
district in the kingdom, and which in ordmary years
trade were
pared
very sparing purchasers at the low (comof that grain than all the other parts of
with the pricessubsequently realized,)
export more
opening
Scotland taken together,
viz. : the counties of Forfar, rates, at which oats were
offered at all the oat-shipping
and Banff.
In the county of
entertained respecting
The suspicions
Kincardine,Aberdeen,
ports of Ireland.
Forfar the loss from shake alone is estimated on a moderate
the yield,having been confirmed by more
extended
at nearly eighty thousand
considerable deduction must be made
compiftation
a very
quarters, thrashings,
from the estimate at firstformed of the productiveness
amounting to about one-sixth of the whole crop, a serious
deduction from a crop otherwise under an average.
of the oat crop, in this more
favoured section of the
In the adjoining
this deisland. To counterbalance in some
county of Kincardine the lossfrom the
measure

The

FARMER'S

be necessary to bear in miad that last crop

The
third in a succession of defective crops.

the
crop of

was

MAGAZINE.
markets.

153
deficiencyof

the oat crop in Ireland,

substitution of oatmeal for wheaten
flour,particularlyin the north of England, Scotland,
and in Ireland
itself,must necessarilyenhance the

with

an

The

extensive

had been preceded

by
1836 though in itself deficient,
This circumstance,
several years of great abundance.
caused by the
combined with the check to speculation
price of that grain,and cause it to partakein the general
advance.
monetary difficulties of the time with the exception
and December
fluctuation in November
We
shall not be far from correct in stating
that the
of a sudden
The crop of
limits.
within moderate
usual quantity of old beans was
hand at the comon
1836, kept prices
mencement
of the harvest.
The crop being under an
1837 was
perhaps equallydefective as that of 1836, but
the fine harvest weather in the north tended to soothe
average, and as they will in certain districts be ground
down
of the trade having suffered by
with wheat, and in other ways used for human
the alarm, and many
the rapidadvance and equallyrapid decline of the prefood,they are likelyto obtain very high pricesthroughvious
out
the season, unless a considerable
much
cautious, and we expeof
more
season
were
rienced
iraportation
demand
for
and
tion
steady
a quiet
foreigntake place, which, as well as what is now in
every descripof grain,until the stocks of old grain,particularlybond, is likely
to be cleared at a low duty.
of wheat
rable
were
nearly exhausted on the approachof
During the last few years there has been a consideweather
in July having been very
demand
last harvest.
The
for peas for shipment to the south of
vest
Scotland, and that demand
unsettled,and the prospect of a late and deficient hargenerallysprang up, for
and more
but this season
becoming more
apparent,a great progressive grey and maple, in spring-and
summer,
in price took place. Although no
the orders have come
advance
more
speedilyto hand, and as the
in th" advance
of grain participated
other description
derably.
supplieshave been small, priceshave advanced consievident that
Peas will be used to a great extent as a subextent as wheat, yet it was
stitute
to the same
of any article to meet the
for wheat, and they will no doubt obtain higher
there was
no superabundance
new

prices throughoutthan

crop.
The wheat

Prussia,and

crops in

abundant

were
generally

quality althoughinferior
was

to that of some

good.

the whole

upon

in

Gerof many
quantity,and the

in the north

In

Poland

former years
the wheat crop
and
In France

considerablybelow an average.
Belgium, the crop although secured in good condition,

was

in

was

generallight,and

in many

districts below

years past.
In concluding
our

they

have

observations

on

done

for

several

the various

grain

crops we beg to apologiseto our friends for the lateness

of this report, and to assure
them that we have exerted
ourselves to the utmost
to render it worthy of their attention.
ANTON
AND
MITCHELL,

56,

an

Corn

Corn-Factors.

Exchange.

average.
that may be
for the supplies
allowance
the northern
ports in the spring,and for
"what may in the mean
time, notwithstanding the prohibition
of the export of grain from the kingdom of the
January
1.
LIVERPOOL,
be obtained from the Mediterranean, we
two
Sicilies,
of high pricesduringthe
look forward to a continuance
Since this day month
our
importsof free Wheat, as
ever
consider that one harvest,howand when we
summer,
will be seen from the followingstatement, have been
abundant, would be insufficient to put us in the
a
exceeding
upon
very large scale, the total amount
three years ago with respect
as
we
were
same
position
for December
61,000 qrs." above triplethe quantityreported
pated
to surplus stock of grain, no
great fall need be anticilast year ; the excess, however, is not to be
ever,
howIt
is
least.
at
the
not,
for another
year
found in any increase from our
of supply
usual source
shall not at times
to be inferred from this,that we
Ireland,three-fourths of the arrivals of this Grain
will
not
in
quence
conseand
that
have
large supplies,
prices
and
consisting chiefly of foreign
being coastwise
give way, but these fluctuations will be but
of Oats and
The receipts
brought round from London.
maintain
a
higher range
temporary, and prices will
and exclusivelyIrish
Oatmeal
been abundant
have
than for several years past.
from
We have also had a liberal

Making

derived

due

from

"

The
more

barley crop
or

less from

importation
produce.
thus derived amounting to 15,218
having nearlyall luff'ered abroad, the quantities
stances
inweather, was light,in some
7,824 brls. of Flour,- 1,875 qrs. of
qrs. of Wheat,

of 1837
wet

at all a tempting article to

not
Barley,320 qrs. of Oats, 636 qrs. of Beans, and 488
brewers to keep a stock of
either maltsters
or
us with
qrs. of Peas ; the South of Europe has supplied
closed many
maltsters were
and some
of the Wheat
it, yet before the season
a
part of the
great proportion
in not having got enough. Even grinding
disappointed
Flour,but the bulk of the latter consists of shipments
and distilling
barleyswere
procuredwith difficulty.from the Lower Baltic ports. The exports have still
old barleyand very
there was
no
Such being the case
the whole not exceeding 1,230 qrs. of Oats,
been trivial,
also
We have reason
the new
littlemalt to meet
and 450 brls. of Flour.
crop.

sprouted,and

induce

held by distillerswas
to believe that the stock of spirits
there were
the 1st to the 31st ult.,both inclusive,
From
The opening price of barley being low
very small.
British, 61, 162 qrs, ; Foreign,
Wheat,
imported:
compared with the high priceof wheat, country millers
15,218 qrs. Oats, British, 58,047 qrs.; foreign,
became
formidable
competitorswith the maltsters for
British, 16,103 qrs.; foreign,
320
Barley,
qrs.
the finer descriptions
of barley to be worked
along
up,
1,875 qrs. Rye, British, 244 qrs. Beans, British,
these circumstances, it
with wheat, into flour. Under
Peas, British, 557
4,303 qrs. ; foreign,636 qrs.
of
is not to be wondered
at, that when the deficiency
British, 2,959 qrs.
Malt,
qrs.; foreign,488 qrs.
to be unquestionably
the yieldof the barley crop came
24,376
Meal,
British,59,851 loads. Flour, British,
article
of
that
that
the
rose
established,
rapidly.
price
sacks; Colonial,1,907 brls. ; Foreign,7,824 brls.
We
do not anticipateany permanent decline from
And
exported: Oats, Foreign,1222 qrs. Flour,
siderable
existingrates, nor do we centemplate any very conforeign,450 brls.
rise,but believe that fine malting barley will
estimated
At tiiedate of our last monthly report we
maintain its positionbetween
40s. and 50s. throughout
at about 90,000 qrs.,
the granary stocks of free Wheat
the season.
ceived
but, with so liberalan importationas we have since reThe oat crop in Scotland
ficient,
having turned out very deand the release of 48,000qrs. of foreignfrom the
and the oats grown
in England,with the exception
pected,
Queen's locks,we have now, as mig'hthave been exof one
or two
counties,barely sufficient to supply
is
to note a considerable aufrmentation. There
the retail trade of all the market
don
Lonthe
towns,
been
also a littleincrease of Flour,25,000 brls.havinghas to look to Ireland alone for the great
market
taken out of bond.
of it? suppliesof that grain. Instead of largesupplies
The present stocks in the port" free and in bondof English or Scotch
oats meeting the Irish arrivals
follows:
as
are
and bringingdown
of the
prices,we shall have more
"

"

"

Liverpool,Glasgow, Bristol,Gloucester,Preston,
Greenock

merchants

competing with

us

and
in the Iri"h

Free

; Oats, 8,000 qrs.;

Beans,2,000qrs.; Peas, 1,500

stocks" Wheat, 150,000 qrs.

Barley,3,000

qrs.;

FARMER'S

THE

154

Flour,15,000 sks.,20,000 brls. ; Oatmeal,

qrs. ;

25,000 loads.
Bonded

"

"

In accordance with our

usual formula,we subjoin
a
tabular listof the ag-g-reg-ate
imports of free Grain, ":c.

into Liverpoolfor the four months

the

succeedingimmediately

harvest* of

1836, 1837, and 1838, and of the

by Irish produce at the close of
of these periods. The latterit will be seen now

highestpricesborne
each

the quotations
on
rang-e from 35 to 54 per cent, above
the 30th December
last year, and, as reg-ards
Wheat
and Flour 18 to 22 per cent, above the current rates on
the 31st December, 1836, at the same
time that the supplies
of the raw
material
have,thus far in the season,
exceeded
those
considerably
[Wheat two to three-fold]
of eitherof the two preGeding-.
Wheat.

Oats.

Imports.Prices. Imports. Prices.

Q.rs. per70lbs. Qrs. per45lbs.
Sept.,Oct.,Nov.)
lid.
^*'''"
and

Dec,

1836^*^'^^^

"
Sept.,Oct.,Nov.,
75 440
'
and Dec, 1837 S

,,,

,oj

7-

,.

10s.

"j

9d.

Imports.
836 S

2s. lOd.
49.

3d.

Beans.
Prices.

Imports.

Prices.
Q.rs. pr 480lbs.

per60lbs.

Sept ,Oct.,Nov.,)
1

90,600
130,437

Barley.

Dec.

3s.

to

^'^'^''*

^^*

^"'

5,408

48s.

9,288

38s.

9,235

46s.

Prices.

Imports.

Sacks, per 240lbs. Loads,

and

89,200

Dec, 1836

54s.

"
Sept.,Oct.,Nov.,

'*
and Dec, 1837 ^
Oct.,Nov., i
Sept.,
63,913
and
1838

Dec,

'

the supply of Oats has been, the demand

as
sufficed to take off the whole ; indeed
the high
value of Wheat
had the
and Flour has, now
evidently,
effect of considerablyincreasing
the consumption of
Oats and Oatmeal, and the market
is at this moment

Large

than usuallybare of both articles. Latterlythey

have borne advanced
of
prices; good mealingqualities
the former, which at the beginning
of last month would
not bring more
than 3s. lOd., are at present worth 4s.
held at 4s. 3d. per
2d.,and the choicest Wicklow
are
45 lbs. The best Oatmeal
be bought under 37s.
cannot
which is Is. to Is. 6d. per 240 lbs. above the quotations
the 1st ultimo.
on
Besides
three thousand
two
or
quarters of Barley
received by inland navigation,we have had an import of
above 16,100 qrs., nearlynine-tenths of which consists
of shipments from
the English coast.
In the face,
more

ing
of maltalmost entirely
however, of so large an influx,
quality,priceshave been pretty well sustained ;
the
which may be
produce of the midland counties
described as fair to good
has for the most
part sold
at 5s. lOd. to 6s. per 60 lbs.;good samples of Norfolk
and Suffolk have reached 43s. to 45s., and Chevalier
has commanded
46s. to 47s. per imp. qr. Irish has sold
for grinding
tillers
disat 5s. 6d. to 5s. 9d. per 60 lbs.
The
have been rather extensive buyers, and the general
supplyis BOW well cleared off. Malt has been
for
as
eagerlysought after,as well by our brewers
and would command
shipment. Fine samples are scarce
68s. to 70s. per imp qr.
Beans
have met a good retailsale at an advance of
3s. per pr., the best Englishold are worth 50s. to
47s. to 52s. per imperialqr.
Foreignhave
sold at 48s. to 52s. per qr., and Irish new
at 44s. to 46s.
per4801bs. The release of 1.100 qrs., of foreignwhite
Peas out of bond has barely kept the market supplied
with thispulse,
and its value has been moving-upwards ;
the best Englishboilerswould bring56s. to 58s.,foreign

per 280lbs.

59,676
95,461

66s.

106,986

35s.

24s.

large purchases have also been

and e"en
Cheshire,Staffordshire,

Od.

Od.

37s. Od.

new

52s. to 56s. per qr.

Maple were on Friday sold at 47s.
is bare of Indian corn
per qr. The market
; a little
duty paid has sold at 50s. per qr.
The only transactions to report in lock Corn (of
which
stocks are now
our
lig'ht)
very
are, the sale of
"

"

made

for Yorkshire,

for Warwickshire,
and to these must
be added numerous
sales to
the northern counties,as well as many
shipments for
Scotland and for Ireland.
The month's
vend includes
some
of
quantity of Danzig with several cargoes
Odessa
hard and soft,but the run
has been chiefly
on
good and fair parcelsof Baltic red ; Irish new Wheat,
though for the most part of inferior quality,has also
sold prettyfreely,
that the large
and, notwithstanding
weeks
some
for this
purchases made
ago in London
market
now
cent
nearly all arrived,togetherwith the reliberation of the foreignout of bond have afforded
not
us
only a liberal supply but a good choice of
quality,pricesgenerallyhave made a gradual though
slow advance.
At this moment
the best Englishwhite
Wheat
is held at 13s. to 13s. 3d.,red at 12s. to 12s. 6d.;
Danzig white at 12s. 3d. to 12s. 9d.,mixed at lis. 6d.
to 12s.; Baltic red at Us.
4d. to 12s.; French
at Up.
6d. to 12s. 3d.; Tuscan
3d. to Us. 9d.; Odessa
at Us.
soft at lOs. 3d. to 10s. 9d. and hard at 9s. 6d. to 10s.
3d.; Irish varies from 9s. 6d. to 10s. for ordinaryup to
10s. 9d. per 70 lbs. for the best runs.
English-made
Flour
has met a ready sale ; barrel Flour,especially
prime sweet, has also found a fair demand, but Irish
manufacture
has gone off with some
The
difficulty.
first named
may be quoted at 66s. to 70s.,the last at
"

to

54s.

Prices'

Since harvest the circuit of our vend for Wheat

has
been constantlyenlarging,
and latterly
have expewe
rienced
a more
extended demand
for this Grain than for
Besides an extensive business
a long series of years.
with the millers of the town and immediate
hood
neighbourhave had considerable transactions with those
we
of all the surroundingdistrict,
which
to be
appears
than usually dependenton
more
this market
for supply
;

39s.

has

2s.

Oatmeal.

Flour.

Imports.
Oct.,Nov.,
Sept.,

is worth

40s., sweet

"

.,,

Qrs.

79,325

to 46s. per brl.

United States sour
45s. to 4Ss.per 196 lbs.

44s.

"

"
Sept.,Oct.,Nov.,
151,415
and Dec, 1838

and

60s. to 66s. per 280 lbs. The choicest brands of foreign

say from
Danzig and Trieste have brought 46s. to
"c.
48s., and fair marks of Hamburg and Copenhagen,
"

Wheat,
qrs.; Oats, 10,939 qrs.;
Barley,1,875qrs.; Beans, 2,233qrs.; Peas, 1,600qrs.
stocks

MAGAZINE.

four

five thousand qrs., of Oats

or

and
45lbs.,

one

observe

We

or

two

lots of Beans

3s. 8d. per

at 3s. to

at 38s. perqr.

from the circulars of many

of

our

spected
re-

contemporhries as well as from the public

of
printsthat the prevalent opinionfixes the deficiency
of wheat at one-sixth
three to
or from
half millions below the estimated average
Under the existing
yearlyproduce of the country.
lack of statisticaldesiderata on
this most
important
the moit
formed opinionsmust be
deliberately
subject,
and it is with this reconsidered more
less vague,
or
servation
only that we venture to offer any observation?
the late
three and

crop

"

From
a minute
through a large tract
survey
upon it.
of country justpriorto harvest,and from information
since collected with great care
and
from a widely extended
inclined to believe that the deare
ficiency
range, we
is much
underrated.
On
the other liand it
must

than
one

be stated that harvest was

at least a fortnight
later
have already had the aid of
usual, and that we
million and a half qrs., of forignWheat and Flour,

the economy
must
consequent on high pricesbe
lost sightof ; stillwe greatlyapprehend that we shall
requireall the Wheat we can procure from every part
of the world to enable us to meet another crop.
From
the previousdrain on the foreigndepots the supplies
be small ; recapituthence to be derived must
now
lating
what
said on
this head in our last monthly
we
from the United States
can
we
report
expect little
from the Baltic only the surplus
from Canada
none
of their last crop, and this not
until Aprilor JMay,
and, all we shall receive from the south of Europe will
nor

"

"

"

"

"

probably not

exceed 400,000 qrs.

BOOTH,

WALMSLEY,

" CO.

THE

PATENT

TUXFORD'S

years Lave
attention

elapsedsiice

now

FOR

MACHINE

firstinvited

we

WHEAT,

"c.

moving the machines by the

in

chaifis

same

power.

ficult

this valuable

Macbine, invented
by Mr, Tuxford, of Boston, in Lincolnsbire,and tbe
to

155

CLEANING

OATS,

BARLEY,

Two

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

And

where

ground,or any other

performedby a horse, the

cut, malt

operationof that kind

attached to this machine ;
communicating same
gear might be
with millers manufacturing
flour upon a
have
we
of such opportunities,
very large but, in the absence
the motion
scale, both in England and Ireland,enables us fo
doubt
that by means
of a fly-wheel,
no
ed
fullyconfirm the good opinionwe entertained of it could be so distributed as to allow of its beingworkin the firstinstance. It is in a season
like the preby hand as well as by steam and water.* When
sent,
at work, each sieve was
when, from the state of the weather, before and
the machine
last saw
we
maged cleaningwheat
duringthe harvest,a considerable quantityof daat the rate of one
quarter per hour.
which
opportunities

we

have

had

of

will be found in the bulk of

and lightcorn
wheat crop, that the advantagesderived from
the use of Mr. Tuxford's Machine, in cleansing
the
our

sample
value

and

and
improvingits quality

will be

pricemay

clearlyproved.

most

seem

au

marketable

To

the

some

obstacle, but it should be borne

in mind

that a small portion

of refuse will deteriorate
the value of a sample of wheat and spoilthe colour
or the flour. A reduction of one
shilling
ter
per quarthousand

no
quarters of wheat
large
of a machine cleansing
five quarters per liour.
The
of machineryfor cleaning
graat perfection
and cheapness;hence it is,
corn, is its simplicity
that the winnowing machine
has been pronounced,
and
in
efficientmachine
is,the most
now
certainly
for agricultural
use
We
do not hesitate
purposes.

one

upon

quantity will pay

"

to

"

half the cost

without fear of contradiction,

affirm,
that Tuxford's

Machines
of

are

as

great

corn,

as

the

an

iniprovementin

winnowingmachine

attend to twelve sieves, being

One person
can
ty
twelve quarters per hour, or one hundred and twenquarters in a day of ten hours. The Patentee
stated that it cleaned oats extremelywell,leavingthe
and level. It should have
sample particularly
bright
been observed that the operation
performedby this
ways
machine, is that which is called reeing,and is alclean
does
cora
It
hand.
not
performedby
but is intended to rid it afterit has
from the chaft',
of all the refuse
been cleaned in the usual manner
in the ordinary
to remove
which it is found impracticable
Few persons would imagine,without
way.
tive
posiof the fact, that so much
being"
eye-witnesses
dirt and refuse could be got out of wheat apparently
main,
quiteclean, and which, if suffered to rethe colour of the flour several
would

injure

shillings
per sack.
DESCRIPTION

the cleaning

is

over

the

old hand-fan system.

To tbe corn-factor and miller,
with the
it must
prove
invaluable,to the maltster a source
the room
of great gain,as it removes
the damaged and perished

attendant.
or

and

and
qr.

to the
on

his

filth,which

farmer

who

may

have

lost Ss.

or

3s. per

wheat, because it contained seeds

could

not

be

removed

in the

fallsfrom

spouts. Each

of

nearest

wa"

our

is shown
to be

at

two

the

size of liisMacliiue from

a small steam
engine for

chine,
ma-

by means
the

gauges."

is worked
extremity,

first notice of tlicMachine,

by hand lor sometime,

work,

cleaned is in

into the sieves

worked

power,
rcjjulatins
ordinary asBoston,
Lincolnshire
;

way, it will be an object

worthy of attention. Where
there is a thrashing
machine, there would be no dif-

thence

spout has

to the lowest

Since

"

aud

ENGRAVING.

THE

machine
The wheat

largehopper immediatelyover

"

barleywhich will not malt, as well as other refuse,

of the malt, as
therebyimprovingtha quality
well as savingthe dutyon that which is valueless
;

OF

engravingthe

In the

by

one

wire

cbine
tind tliata Ma-

we

having

fly-wheel

Sanders, corn
merchant, of
owing tc his having increased the
he
has adopted
No.
to
No.
1
a
4,
a

by Mr.

drivingit,"c.
M

rod

branch lever,which is centred

a
that is attached to the under part of

from

hanging

within

the rim

the floor above

the

the other

hind
immediatelyberegulatedby a
gauge belongingto
is

gauge

is

just mentioned,and

one

thumb-screw
the

FARMER'S

THE

156

is another

there

machine, situated on

the outside of the

sieve,but

MAGAZINE.

properlycleaned

by openingthe spout-

this is done

with the hand, and so allowingWheat to run

gauges
from
into the sieves without allowing any to run
them.
After attention has been paid to all these
the handle over
particulars,
be pulled down,
must

attendthe head of the ant

which
and the

gauge
closes the spout, and that which closes the channel
worked by
is centred
a wire
rod
through which the cleaned Wheat
jrasses, will be
nel
within the rim ; this gauge opens or closes a chanat work. Without
opened, and the machine properly
that runs
continue at work
from the inside to the outside of tlie stopping,the machine
can
now
ed.
sieve, along which the wlieat,after being cleaned, until the whole of the Vv'heat to be cleaned is finish"( the
hind
From
the restricted eccentric motion
into the round hopper,(shown befor delivery
runs
and from thence is conthe frame and rigger),
ducted,
in them
sieves, the Wheat
acquiresa centrifugal
tors,
cumference
either to the stones, into sacks, or to elevafrom the centre to the cirforce,and travels spirally
in gravityto the
be necessary.
Each sieve is suspendas may
ed
; substances, differing
by three rods from the rim above, and consists Wheat, acquirea different force, and thus garlic,
it is also
engraving,
hangingfrom the lever that

hid from

view

in the

of two parts the upper part

fitsinto the lower part,which
"

wire

having a
forms

bottom,
it,for

box

to

"c.
receivingthe dust, small seeds,mice dirt,
is screened
through the wire when the machine
motion

an

closed
be

can

of
gauge, by means
thumb
; this opening
less closed, so as to vary the quantity

the third mentioned

by

slide worked

is in

bottom, near to the side of the

opening to the channel, whicl) is 0})ened

in the wire

sieve,is
or

which
,

more

by fingerand
or

passingthroughit,or, in other
words, to keep it longer in the sieve
though the
channel passes through the box into which the dust
with it.
tom
In the botit has no communication
falls,
of the box is an orifice opening into a tube witli
in it, by opening the sleeve,the dust and
a sleeve
of cleaned

wheat

removed,

other

refuse

work.

Tlie
necessary
bv cranks of a

which
brass
The

is

particularkind,

the

pins

of

with
of iron, bushed
sieve has a bow attached to its bottom.
are
capable of being made longer or

each

cranks

shorter,by

motion

machine is at
is given to the machine
the

through bows

work
;

while

of

means

screws

the

; to

of

end

upper

spindle,(shown below the sieves,)a crank is

in foot-brasses,fastened
attached.
The spindleswork
also in bearingsattached to
to the floor,and
the frame-work.
Each
spindlehas a riggerwith
it receives motion
two
groves for catgut ; by one
cates
from the precedingrigger,
by the other it communiOver
motion
the head
to the succeedingone.
of the attendant in the engraving,is shown
a handle
each

or

small

lever,which

is attached

to

horizontal

The

OF

WORKING

following

working

particulars
of

the

Attendant

THE

THE

at

were

Pavitt's

to

obtained

Mill,

the
from

Rother-

HITHE.

ate

Before settingit into motion, see that the cranks

of proper lengthfor the cjuality
of Wheat
to be

cleaned,(as very
to

the

little

experienceaccustoms
any
parts),then

))roper adjustingof all the

regulatethe slidingorifices on the wire
one

perishedgrains,

openingthe

and

of the tube.

sleeve

sample of Wheat
would

have

to be

that in the

so

traverse

as

so

Admitting a
cleaned,

the

coarser

cranks

the screws,
shall be made to

lengthenedby moving
time

same

to

reduce

the Wheat

keep

so

be

the

sieves

be
the slides would
and
size of the orifices,

greater circuit ; then

altered

to

was

the

longer scouringin

the

sieves;

be lowered so
the thumb-screw
would
gauges
that the feed to, and the deliveryfrom, the sieves
for working
motion
should be in proportion.The
the machine
be taken from
direction. The
can
any
the
to
spindleswhich give the eccentric motion
Onesieves should revolve
85 times per minute.
than sufficientfor
fourth of a horse's power is more
working a machine of twelve sieves,the cause of the
siuallness of power
conceived, when
may be readily
it is known
that the weight of the sieves and their
is supported by the floor above, and the
contents
and

is

power
to

The

merelyrequired to give

the eccentric

tion
mo-

die sieves.
are
following

in Boston

the

readypacked :
Cleans per
hour.

of
prices

the

machines,"c.,

"

a space
occupies

of

No. 1.

qrs.

9 feet by 7

2.

qrs.

9 feet by 9

100

3.

qrs.

9 feet by 13

140

60 gs.

4.
9 qrs.
9 feet by 17
180
A singlesieve may be had for 20 guineas.
be 7 feet highat the least.
The room
must

gs.
gs.
gs.

MACHINE.
relating

machine,

and

dirt, grown

mortar, and other impure matter,

of the
head or top in the centre
a
tion
sieves,and from thence are removed in regularrotaby the attandant. The mice dirt,small seeds,
dust, hairyor brush end of the Wheat, and"other
into
small substances,pass through the wire bottom
removed
the bos below^ and
from
thence
are
by

bar

dle
extendingacross the whole line of rims ; if tliishanbe pulleddown, the bar is partlyrevolved, and
small tongues
are
therebymade to press upon the
ends
of the levers crossingthe rims, and they are
forced downwards, but the oppositeends to which
the wire rods working the gauges are attached,
are
and the gauges
are
elevated,
therebyopened.
MODE

smut-balls,rat
piecesof brick
are
brought to

OF
A MODEL
ESTABLISHMENT
FARM
IN
PIEDMONT."
We
KINGDOM
OF
formed
inare
by lettersfrom Turin that the Piedmontese are
much
interestedby an act of great importancein political
by which the King, Charles Albert,has
economy,
the attainment of his eldest son, the Duke of
sig-nalised
Savoy's majority.He has detached from the regal domsiinn a large tract of land situatedin the most fertile
and erected it into a
and populous part of Sardinia,
it the name
of Victor Emanuel,
separate commune,
giving'
the name
of the princeroyal. He has ceded it in
THE

bottoms, according
perpetuityto
you wish

who are to introduce an improved

a sooiely
the objectof which is not only to
cultivation,
of a
pointout by theory but by exemple, the superiority
gauges in the spouts, so that the
cultivation,
over
system of independent and unshackled
feed
the
be
to
there
delivery;
pioportionrd
m;iy
tliat re^:ultiii!j
This undertaking'
Ironi the feudal system.
then be introduced
sieve a quantity
must
into each
which has been in agiiatioii
for several years past,is considered
of Wheat, between
and
one
tv.o
pecks ; without
results
to be tliemost
to beneficial
as
imiiortant

quantitvof cleaned
througlithem per hour,

to

to

pass
thumbscrew

there

the

Wheat

and

regulatethe

always is this quantityof Wheat

sieve,the Wheat that passes throughthem

in
cannot

each

be

system

ot

wiiich has

community.

ever

occupiedtiieminds of the industrial

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

AGRICULTURAL
GENERAL

AGRICULTURAL
FOR

157

REPORTS.
that the

REPORT

suppliesof wheat which

will

will yet be forthcoming,

extensive than is
by far more
generally
imagined.
We
have to report favourably
of the turnipcrop :

JANUARY.

prove

For a series of years past,a finer correspondent

riod indeed it is calculated that
pea finer never
was
grown :
of the season
than the lastmonth which forms the
whilst, on most
soils,the turnipshave not ceased
deed,
insubjectof this report, has not been experienced
;
to vegetate,during
the whole of the winter.
ourselves are
somewhat
whether
we
sceptical
The earlyLambing season, withafew
exceptions,
the oldest man
witnessed the commenceever
ment
living
has progressedsatisfactorily
; but it is, as yet, not
of a new
favourable
welcomed
under
such
year
general
and, at the same
time, cheerful prospects, viewed
In Scotland, out-door farm labours have gone on
with respect to farming-,
has been the present.
as
ruption.
interwithout
favourably,
any serious atmospheric
the whole of the month, the weather
During nearly
been
The whole
of the potatoes have
has been unusuallymild,which has had the effect of
raised and secured in most excellent condition,and
bringingforward the young wheat plants much
has proved very abundant
and
the return
good.
faster than is often experiencedin January, yet it is
Most
and Oats on sale in the
of the Wheat, Barley,
a source
of much
in
enabled
to
being
state,
pleasure
Scotch markets
have been of inferior quality
sequently,
; confrom practical
received from all parts of
intelligence
the currencies of the superiorkinds have
winter proud,
England, that theyare by no means
ruled high the best white Wheat
being worth, at
but exhibit a strong and healthyappearance ; whilst
However, lower
Edinburgh, 90s. per quarter.
it is
in
all
that the
.

"

admitted,by
looked
general,never

time

and

persons,
better than

that there is a

crops,

the

at

of

good earnest

present
abundant

an

yield.
Out-door

farm labours have

though (owing
year'sharvest

to

was

has

been

not

favourably,loss which
proErressed

period at which last

instances,
concluded) in some
the late

in the north,
particularly
sown.

the

This

whole

of the

however,

circumstance,

chiefly
owing to the breadth of land cultivated
with this description
of corn beingconsiderably
more
than

was

the

We

last year.

case

the
has

wheat

is

extended

in the trade,
prices,owing to the extreme
depression
are
fullyanticipated.
is very satisfactory.
From
Ireland our intelligence
The prevailingpricesare
compensatingany
full)''

are

the

agriculturists
may have sustained in
the growthof Potatoes

produce of grain; whilst

if
scarcely,

ever,

been

in any former

exceeded

year.
The rapidly
compaign
approachingparliamentary
anxious solicitude
forward to with most
is looked
the part of the agricultural
interest,
as a strong
on
effort will be made, in its early part, to abrogatethe
tion
That their entire aboliCorn Laws.
present existing
would
to
be productiveof manifest injustice

of the great
happy to find that our farmers are aware
importanceof producing an adequate quantityof
wheat
to subsist, without
the aid of the foreign
those whom
tional
rano
they more
immediately
concern,
the whole of England's rapidly
grower,
increasing
person appears inclined to doubt.
that
for
assured
:
rest
population
theymay
though
of the
statement
The following
is a comparative
by so doing,the)^
keep the priceof wheat to a
may
of fat stock exhibited and sold
and prices
supplies
low point in the long run, such a praiseworthy
fort
efin Smithfield Cattle Market
during the month :
"

"

"

will be

beneficial

community.

to the

For

interests of the

instance,

small quantityof
comparatively

wheat

when
is

cultural
agri-

but

produced

be had
in this country, recourse
of necessity
must
that of foreign growth, which
has the effect of
drawingfrom us that goldwhich ought to fill the
pockets of our own
growers, and consequentlyof
and productive
weakening our internal resources

to

to 10,154,
beasts have amounted
of sheep 128,492, of calves 1,128, and of pigs
weeks
for some
is usually the case
4,045. As
succeedingthe great Christmas Show,
immediately
but few really
prime beasts have been offered for

The

sale

suppliesof

off has been

whilst a considerable falling
of all kinds of stock
in the numbers

parent
aphibited.
ex-

capabilities.
The high pricesobtained for

About
of the Scots, h^mebreds, and runts,
720
wheat
have induced
have
which have formed part of the above
supplies,
it
for
in
substitutes
the
many persons
procure
and runts, from
from Norfolk ; 220 Dcvons
come
have
and
which
been
of
latter
shape
Barley
Rye,
Suffolk;190 runts, Herefords, and Devons, from
with wheaten
flour. This
mixed, in largequantities,
and Herefords, from
Essex ; 213 Scots, Devons,
in a great measure,
for the late extensive
accounts
and Devons, from
Cambridgshire
; 930 short-horns
enhancement apparent in the value of Barley and
from
short-horns and
runts,
Lincolnshire ; 940
Rye, notwithstandingthat the supplieshave been
and
short-horns, from
Devons
412
Leicestershire;
extensive in most of the principal
markets, throughout
to

the

400
;
Northamptonshire

kingdom.

Devons,

runts,

Scots,

and
and
Irish beasts, from Warwickshire
from all oxen,
to
Complaints
us,
Devonshire ; 400
from
500 Devons,
Oxfordshire
;
quarters of the deficiency,on thrashingout, of the
Herefords, from Herefordshire;212 Scots, by steam
Wheat
whilst the qua:
lity
crop produced last season
and sailing
packets,from Scotland ; 90 oxen, runts,
much
rior
infeis represented
speaking,
as, generally
and Devons, from
Sussex
Devons, and
; 75 cows,
that
of former years ; yet, on travellingto
and
50
from
Devons,
cows,
Herefords,
Surrey
;
throughmost counties,both north and south of the
diate
The remainder, from the immeScots, from Kent.
Humber, we find there is an unusually large number
neighbourhoodof London.
The
of stacks,of most kinds of grain,untouched.
fair
A
supply of meat h;;s arrived up to Newgale
of wheat, on the part of our
farmers, apdelivery
pears
in various distant
aud Leadenhall markets, slaughtered
that noticed on
in quaatity,
to have
equalled,
it being comthe conclusion
parts of England and Scotland,
former occasions and this leads
still continue

reach

us

to

158

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

of beef,2,500 ditto of mutton,

190 carcasses
2,400 ditto of veal,and 6,300 ditto of pork, the quality

posed of

of which
A

has been

on,

of the SUPPLIES
COMPARISON
exhibited
PRICES
and
of FAT
STOCK,
Cattle
sold iu Smitfjfield
on
and
Market,
Monday, January 29, 1838, and Monday, January

28, 1839.
to

sink the

Jan.

d.

s.

" inferior Beasts

qualitydo

Second
Prime

large Oxen
Scots,"c

Prime

offals.

2to2

4..

0..

8..

.46

44.

36..

Second

woolled

Large

do. 40
Southdown
do.
4
Calves ..4
coarse

Prime

small

Large Hogs
Neat

small

10

46

4..

10

0..

10

8.,

10

4..

Jan.

10

Sheep

28. 1S39.

Jan.

29, 1838.

2,602
24,941

2,994
26,598

Calves

140

115

Pigs

380

325

By the above

comparison,it appears, that the supplv

of Monday,

Jan. 29, 1838, embraced

Sheep,

Calves, and

25

55

Pigs

392
more

Beasts,1,457
than

that

; and

of

Monday, Jan. 28, 1839.

the extensive

of which

introduction

must

regarded as the greatest improvement which has

The
times.
taken place in the agricultureof modern
tween
fields in this county are usuallylaid out in ridges,besixteen and eighteenfeet wide, the former width
being most general on those soils which are of a te- ^
be

nacious

SUPPLIES.

Beasts

county

nature

; and

the latter

those

are

on

which

fur-

required to carry off superabundant

moisture, but merely to regulate the series of operations
incident to seedtime
and harvest.
By a system
are

rows

10

.,4

10

,44
6.48

34

Porkers

10.

44.

ditto

d.

s.

Prime

d.

coarse

s.

6to2

40

qualitydo

Jan. 28. 1839.

29, 1828.
d.
s.

Coarse " inferior Sheep

Prime

the
and by lowering
surface,

"

At per Qlbs.

Coarse

the

tained

prime.

and

STATEMENT

near

or

exercises a deleterious influence

temperature of the soil,
diciously
on
vegetation,as well as preventsthe farmer from juterraneous
labouring his land. The formation of subtherefore
channels, becomes
necessary,
the
to carry off this superabundant humidity ; and
system of draining adopted for this purpose is called
"furrow
draining," from the drains beiug dug in the
fuirows of the ridges a system of draining,which is
now
extensivelyadoptedon all clay land farms in this

not

certain curvature
to conduct the water
And
to the furrows.
in the furrows of the ridges,
as
has been said,the drains are dug to a depth varying
individual
as
opinion,
was
formerlyhinted,accordingto
of
is

"gathering,"a

ploughingtermed

given to the ridge,which

and

the nature
of the
three feet deep ; but
advantages would

serves

soil,but generallyfrom

two

to

last report, cerin our

tain
result from their being carried
the surface of any field
considerably
deeper. When
undulates, receivingor leading drains as they are
the ridgesin the
sometimes
called, are
dug across
hollows of the field,and into these the lesser drains of
the furrows
drains again

as

shown

These

discharge themselves.

disgorgetheir

collected

leading

water, usually

ditches
of the farm, which
the open drains or
carries the water to some
neighbouringrivulet,to be
the wavy water
back
to recommingle with
conducted
In the excavation of the trench the
of its native sea.
topmost earth is usuallytaken out with a broad pointed
spade, and when the drains are to be carried two-anda-half, or three feet deep, another spading is taken out

into

EAST

LOTHIAN

AGRICULTURAL

OBSERVATIONS

ON

REPORT."
FURROW

ING,
DRAIN-

"c.
December
has been
characterised
by all the varied
phenomena, incident to the weather of winter, but has
been
throughout of such a nature, as to admit of the
successful performance of the various labours peculiar
to the

The progress of out-of-door work

has
been arrested by frost,consequently,ploughing
is about as far advanced
is general at this period of
as
season.

never

of the drain exthis implement, and the bottom

cavated
This instrument
with a spade of smaller dimensions.
is used for the purpose of making the bottom
of the drain,only sufBcientlywide to hold the tiles,
in
in use
the chief draining material
(which are now
in their place ; but
and to retain them
the district),

with

the year.
The
wheats, owing to the genial when other substances,such as stones, are to be used
young
freshness of the weather, maintain
a
healthy aspect ;
as
draining material, the trench is entirelydug with
and in the plants in general considerable vigour is perceptible.
the common
spade. In the trench thus formed the tiles
The
markets
still continue well supcorn
plied, are placed; these tiles,
which are of a semi-eliptical,
or
and priceshave recentlyevinced a disposition
to
arch-form,are made about 15 inches long,3 wide,and as
advance.
The
annual
Christmas
Show
of live stock,
high, and are formed at manufactories,a number
many
under the auspicesof the district agricultural
society, of whicli are established in this district. In recently
took place at Haddington, on
cember. erected
Friday, the 21st of Dethe inthis
The

stock

brought forward, particularly

for some
sheep, were
superior to any thiug shown
Mr.
Brodie, Armiefield Manes, was the most
years.
successful competitor in this department. A pair of
cattle from Biel, property of Mr. Ferguson, of Raitb,
M.P., and fed under the immediate
inspectionof the
active and intelligent
superintendentof his estate, Mr.
Ker, carried off the premium in the cattle department of
their class. These aaimals were
and
admired,
universally
reflected great credit on Mr. Ker's management.
In our
last report, we adduced some
theoretical notions on the
subjectof furrow draining,and in the present one itis our
intention to give a succinct account
of the manner
in
"which these drains are usuallyexecuted
by farmers in
this district.The objectof furrow draining,
isthe removal
of such water
as
the
near
may be stagnatingon, or
surface of such lands in tillage,
of a homogeas are
neous
are

clayey consistence throughout, or those which

of a freer texture, but superimposed
superficially

an
upon
moderate

adhesive

subsoil, and which

admit

but

in

works of
vention of the most

and

descriptionan apparatus,
noble, the Marquis of Tweeddale,
usually propelledby steam, is used to form the

with which it perand dispatch

liles; and the neatness
forms
this is described as being trulyadmirable,and far
them
former
of
to
the
making
by
method,
superior
The tilesare usuallybrought forward
manual labour.
of excavating the drains
to the land, before the work
and
when
draining is performed at this
be opened
of the year the trenches should never
the work
until the tilesare brought forward, and when
diately
of excavation is completed the tiles should be immeplaced in the drain,and the trench filledin. By
be sustamed, for the
neglecting-this serious loss may

commences,
season

trench, if overtaken
entirelyclosed.

when
open
The labour

by

an

and

intense frost,
may

of excavation
will thus be nearlydoubled, and the sidesof the
methods
drain sustain very serious injury.Two
are
adoptedin placing the tilesin the field,when they are
brought forward before the trenches are opened to
receive them.
They are either laid singlyalong the
edge of the furrow, where the drain is to be dug, or
where they
they are deposited in heaps on the ridges,

be

expense

degree of the passage of water through them.

An arrangement of the ridges and furrows of a field,
however
will not entirelyrid a soil of its
judicious,
When
to be used.
brought forward during the
are
redundant
moisture,as a considerable part of the water
winter season
this last is perhaps the preferable,
altliough
"which falls on the surface sinks into the soil,and if
expensiveplan,as when tilesliesingly
perhaps the more
the soilbe tenacious to a considerable depth,it is rethe surface of a damp soilthey imbibe moisture,and
ou

"

THE

FARMER'S

should frost occur

when in this damp state they will
assuredlybe reduced to powder. This is an effect of
to exert in
that expansive force which water is known
and the evils which result from
it may
be
freezing,
the tilesdry, and the method
of
evaded, by keepingthis. We
secure
storinglast described,will effectually
of
have known serious loss sustained from the exposure
and no farmer should use
tilesof this
illburned tiles,
last
such
so
as
as they will never
long as
description,
When
the trench is formed, and the
are well burned.
tdes brought forward,and laid along the edge of the

MAGAZINE.
appear

159

to think that

executed,
amounting

by furrow draining,
thoroughly
increased produce may
be obtained,

an

This will much

twelve bushels per acre.
but in a wet one,
of the seasons,
nature
and where
the drains are carried suflSciently
deep,the
increased produce will fullyreach this quantity.What
a pleasing
theme for cogitation
does this present to the
and philanthropist?
statesman
What
might Britain not
become
from the thoroughdrainingof all the land,
within her encircling
stands m need of this
seas, which
in dread of famine as
improvement? Instead of living
do
with us would be totally
unknown.
we
at present,want
Instead of dependingon the capriceof the foreignerfor
to

depend on the

to be a trustworthyman,
of the drain,walkingbackwards.
of the drain is hard and tilly, a supply of life'snecessaries,
might become a grainwe
flats or soles,but
it is considered unnecessary
to use
of
exportingnation,and realize the fond anticipations
of
exists
when from the softness of the soil,
the
Bard
of
the Seasons, by becoming " The exhausta probability
the tiles sinking into the earth,soles are always placed lessgranary of aworld."
Jan. 7.
beneath the tiles: these soles are sometimes
flat,and
which
last
is
of a concave
sometimes
considered
form,

drain, a person,

who

ought

placesthem

in the bottom
When
the bottom

"

farmers place stones

the preferable
or
shape. Some
SOiVlERSETSHIRE.
but experiencehas
other substances above the tiles,
The past month
is one on which there is little
to remark
the
natural
that
is
this
demonstrated
amply
unnecessary,
of progress in agriculture,
and perhapsgenerally
ficient
porosityof the most tenacious soils being of itselfsufspeaking, as littledepends on thisperiod as any during
ranean
to the water, to its subterto afford a passage
the year, either in raisingthe expectation
or clouding
channels of egression. A little
straw, perhaps, the
it is
hopesof the tillerof the land ; with graziers
be
the
above
tiles
immediately
as
beneficial,
placed
may
animated season, his best and choicest goods come
an
this,althoughnot a durable substance, will serve to
to market, and
his honours and profits
or
realised,
are
itsnatural
intercept
any sediment, until the soilassumes
disappointed
have been the results
; whatever
may
it
is
used
When
should
be
straw
verted
concompactness
it affects individual expectation,
as
it is generallyacknowledged
into the form of thatch,
as this will not only serve
that the shows of fat stock have been better
to economize
it,but enable the farmer to applyeasier
than for many years.
Those who sold the beginningof
the tileshave been placed
and more
effectively.When
the month did pretty well as to price,but up to the end
is the filling
in the manner
described,the next operation
of the month, the depressionin the pricetook off much
in of the trench. Care is taken, by judicious
farmers, of the
expected profit,and this more particularly
applies
that the earth from the bottom of the trench shall be
from the sheep being purchased so high,
to mutton
as
this,if allowed to mix with the
placednext the tiles,
indeed the high pricesgiven by the grazier
for his
deteriorate its quality
surface soil,
would greatly
; and,
stock when bought left liim littleprospect of a fair return,
ifthe earth of the trench be mixed with stones, care is
the apparently high and steady
notwithstanding
in at firstcarelessly,
taken that it is not thrown
as by
priceof meat, and advance
the offal" owiag to the
on
be broken, and the labour of the
doing so tiles may
high priceof bread the poor have not been able to
farmer
rendered altogether
nugatory. The soil,after
afford the usual indulgence
of roast beef at this season,
nished
a dimibeing loosened,having a tendency to assume
and the saleof meat
has been not so good in the country.
volume, the whole taken out should be carefully The
priceof pork also has been on the decline,in consequence
shovelled over the drain,to provideagainstthis recession
of an increased supply,it is worth from 8s. 3d.
here we
of the soil. And
remark, that this
may
Our
to 8s. 6d.
best prize beef was
worth
score.
phenomenon exhibited by the loosened soil,
incontestiblyabout 12s. per
to 12s. 6d. per 20 lbs.to sink the offal;second
be porous, for the space by
proves that all soils must
qualityIDs. to lis.; mutton, 6d. to G^d.per lb.
which the volume of the soil is diminished must, before
Our markets for beef and mutton
have been rather better
^
Such are the series of
the diminution,consist of pores.
the quantityof both not being very abundant,
lately,
and the exincident
to furrow-tile-draining,
pense
operations
but the advance of beef at this season
is supposed to be
attending this improvement, per imperial acre,
eventuallymore
good to the breeder than the giazier.
when
the ridgesare sixteen ieet wide, may be estimated
The winter has hitherto been favourable for tlie hay,
as follows :
the stocks of which,particularly
of inferiorquality,
are
To digging 151 roods of drain at 4d. per rood "2 10 4
not over-abundant.
We
have had but little
demand
for
"
319
3
2,265 tilesat 35s. per 1,000
cheese,and the pricehas rather gone down, although
in trench,Id.
Putting in tilesand filling
the supply is by no
means
large. There was
some
0 12
7
perrood
business done earlyin the month
in wool, at higher
"
1
0
0
Carriages
prices,but althoughthere has been no material decline
in price,there was
lessdisposition
to purchase as
the
2
2
"8
month
wools ; 18d. to
advanced, 17d. to 18d. for long:
be obvious,that
19d. for horned and Down
From the above statement, it must
of finecombing qualities
was
of entering extensively had. A scanty supplyof wheat at our principalmarkets
few farmers possess the means
with
such
attended
an
an
of
the
but
it
most
has
improvement
outlay,
month,
graduallyincreased up to
upon
that landlords begin to
to perceive
and it is satisfactory
this time ; and the millers,
for
although the demand
in the execution of
to assisttenants
evince a willingness
flour has been good have been increasing
their stock,
where the land
still it must
this improvement; and in recent leases,
be remembered, the bakers buy as littleas
tance
found to stand in need of draining,pecuniary assisthey can help,and we must not expect the present supwas
ply
"

"

been extended
has generally
Nor
to the tenants.
to be kept up beyond the middle of next
month
;
the tenantry the sole gainers from this liberality
last week 10s. 9d. was
:
given readilyfor new wheat, and
lis. to lis. 6d. for old,but I should quote the present
for drains;if judiciously
executed,and carried to a proper
depth, will last over a lease of ordinaryduration, prices10s. to 10s. 6d.,and lis. old. of the latterthere is
it will of
and when the farm may
to be againlet,
come
very littleleft,and the qualityof the former, except
be taken at an iacreased rental,and when at the
course
duringthe damp weather is spoken pretty well of,but
lettingof a farm it is known, that assistance in draining I have no improved account to give of the yield.The
is to be afforded,a greater rent is given. To compute
present high priceshave given an impetusto the advocating
the advantages resultingfrom the thoroughdrainingof
of free trade in corn, and it is argued that if we
be no easy task,as a varietyof advantages
wet land,would
had been constant purchasersof foreigners,
they would
result from it,besides an increased produce. But
have been provided with a better stock to make
up our
will
alone refer. deficiencies.Take the duty entirely
to the latter at the present time we
off,and no doubt for
who
have
and
drained extensively,
Individuals
who on
the price of corn
a few
would
down
cient,
suffiyears
come
are

th's account

are

quitecapableof judging of

its

merits.

not

only to throw all

our

poor, and

most

of

our

THE

FARMER'S

not at allcompensatedby the increascfl

Potatoes are rather scarce,
to sell.
price,theyhaving-little
a
and are sellingat about 5d. a ?tone.
Turnips were
deficientcrop from the first,andarein
a rather increased
demand
for sheep. 'Ihore are tew stall-fed entile,
compared
lor
with last year, and there is a good demand
both mutton
and beef;and it is likelyto increase in
iat,
demand
towards
the Spring'. The
for store
markets
cattleare now
over, and the pricescontinued to improve
tillthe lust. Pork
from 5s. tid. to
at
has been selling
5s. lOd.,and b's.a stone.
Young pigs have been rather
higherthan they were six or eightweeks ago, say from
9s. to 16s.,accordingto quality."
Jan. 9.

as they are
last,

NORTH

DEVON.

of the last crops

As the season
advances complaints
and certainly
the wheat
has not
become more
general,
for many
been so bad in quality
years ; there is no doubt
but the deficiency
is great, it compared wilh the produce
of several

precedingyears

the Moorlands
are
failureon these parts;
on

and that many

farmers

e("i:slderable
sufferers by the
some

assert

that

they shad

quire
re-

MAGAZINE.
whom

161

fair report

can

be

will allow that the

obtained,

is

beyond an average, and that the quality

and
colour is mostly good ; as a quicksale is obtained,
the
crop

are enabled
to realizefrom 9d. to Is. per bush.
what they calculated on
the close of the
at
harvest.
and as they remain
I'urnips
were
never
finer,

growers

above

uninjured will

be found particularly
usetul ; the early
looked remarkably healthyuntil within the
last four or five days,since which the storms of hail and
have made
the plantsto look almost as bare as if
snow
sown

wheat

the fields were

ficiently
newly ploughed. Fat bullocks are sufplentyfor the demand, at 9d. to lOd. per score ;
fat pigs at 7s. 6d.; complaintsare made
in various parts
of the rot and scab in sheep,and many
lost in these
are
isworth S^d.to 6d. per lb. Some
good mutton
diseases;
the workingclassesof the
complaintsare found among
and lowness of wages ; but as a
high priceof provisions

largeportionof

the labourers in this districtare

gaged
enin agriculturalwork, most
of their employers
furnish them with wheat at 8s.,and barley at 4s.
per
bushel,with other articlesin a proportionatemanner,
which is found of much assistanceto them ; and as they
have in generalsmall allotments of land,sufficient to

all they have giown

for the consumption of their
grow
potatoes lor their families'use, at an easy rent,
but we
of opinion these reports are exagare
families,
in other
gerated, they are placedin a better condition than many
will not prove so great
and that the deficiency
parts wdiere higher wages are given. At North Molton
as represented. The suppliesof every kind of grain in
the parishionershave
determined
on
a voluntary assessment
markets has been considerably
less than noticed at
our
for the purpose of raising a suflficient
(o
sum
least twenty years, principallyprovide bread
a similar period for at
for the familiesof the labourers in proportion
occasioned by an impressionon the minds of the farmers
instead
of
t
heir
to their numbers
increasing
in some
that there is a great deficiency
parts (without wages ; this method
will be followed most
probablyby
is
their
therefore
with
withheld,
grain
other parishes
in which it may
knowing wherfi),
be necessary. We
had
of
when
an
expectation realizing
higher prices
we
written thus far yesterday,
; yet,
to-day we find there was a
this
better
filledthan
isusual
at
see the stackyards
season
market at a decline
very dull sale for wheat at i3ideford
of the year,
we
cannot
imagine our badly supplied from Is. to Is. 6d. per bushel ; but the sales of barley
markets proceed from a real scarcity,
it is well known
a*
firm at rather higher rates.
and oats were
Jan. 8.
that a considerable numberof farmers have not thrashed
"

since the harvest,

corn
though in past
their sales have been largebefore Christmas. We
do not expect to see so great a reduction in prices as in
8s. per busliel was
refused in this district
1818,when
wards
afterfor thousands of bushels of barley,which were
with much
sold ai 3s. 9d. to .3s.lOd.;
difficulty
considerable
a
to see
yet we should not be surprised
for if the priceof barley,or other grain is
difference,
a

sheaf of
single

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

years

declme, tlie pressure of

brough-tto a stand,or triflinir
will oblige the growers
on the markets
largequantities
to submit

The weather throughout the month

has been changeable,

very mild for January, which
circumstance is calculated to suit our
hay stack-yards,
of
as they were
badly stored. The turniptops on some
the forward soilsare beginningto sprout, and will be
have a continuation of
not
very forward, should we
it does
and which seldom happens, when
severe
frost,
Those
not set in before this ])eriodof the year.
who
in all probability,
have forward lambs will,
be well supplied
with green food, which
has not been the case
the only means
these last two or three springs
; and
but upon

the whole

have been
below what would
been ssentina regularmiinner.
Barley and oats have been brougiit to market
more
freel"in the last two weeks, it may be said that
used to procure their existence was a resort to artificial
in large quaniiiies,
but there is
oats
reared at a very heavy expense
now
are
were
offering
food,consequently
still more
reluctance
served and loss. ^1he fat stock markets are well supplied; our
have obto sell barky th:in we
in any r-' -^son brfore ; thisarises partlyfrom short
fat sheep are now
best white-faced
from 5d. to
selling
for this
of the rot
supplies,and partlyfrom the great demand
to o^d. per lb. But, complaints are heard
articleto make bread; the shortness of the supplies
in sheep havingagain made
its appearance
may
upon some
in some
for by the lateness of the
that Government
of the dampest land. 1 understand
degn 'j be accounted
thr-farmer? have been much occupiedsince in
as
have been taken for the nwxt two months, over
harvest,
contracts
tlieirseed w heat,
sowing the same, and securing the greater part ot the kingdom at the ruinously low
preparing
much
the potato crop : this vv'ork was
retarded by the
price to the grazierof 4d, per lb. Oar corn markets
ley
wheat about 6d. per bushel,and barextremelystormy and wet weather that has prevailed are rather cheaper,
since the middle of November, and prevented many
from 3d. to 6d.,peas and beans about the same, with
from finishing
until near
Chii-tmas ; yet, although the
There is a short supplyof oats,which fully
a dull sale.
weather has been mostly wet, we have had some
maintain theirformer prices. It is calculated that onedays of
the 9th, 10th,
and
third of last year'scrop of barley has been ground for
on
more
particularly
very sharpfrost,
16th of last month.
The demand
for barley and oats
bread,to make up for the deficient crop of wheat, and
has been greater than could be supplied,
and the eagerin that grain ; but
which has caused the rapid advance
ness
of some
had the farmers been left to the tender mercies of the
agents to purchase the former articlefor
has brought the priceto about 40s. per qr. to
Scotland,
London brewers,and have had no assistancefrom their
the growers, though the season
have had about
commenced
26s. to
at
friends in the north,they would now
28s. for the same
of grain. The priceof wheat
32s. per qr. for theirbest barley,instead of the present
quality
for several weeks
has been from lis. to r2s. 6d., and
prices; but it is too late for the brewers to influence
some
prime samples have realized 13s. per 67^ lbs.; the markets this season, they will now be lookingat each
when
such highprice*prrvail
complaintsans frequently other,to know who is to get the most of what littlethere
made
that do not reallyexist ; it is now
said that barley is to spare
the barley thrashingis very
forward,
as
to rates much

realized if the

had
supplies

yieldsbadly; we are ready to admit there is a larger

portion than expected very thin and light,but when
the quantity
of straw is compared with the produce of
former years, which were
rage
proved to iiroduce full aveof opinion that a deficiencyof
are
crops, we
be complained of. Oats are also
cannot
justly
quantity
said to

iall
short in theiryielding,
yet every person from

which
it has realized,
and asthe high price
suredly
the farmers have nobody to thank for it,as itis
only the want of that commodity which has giventhem
farmer apthis year a remunerating
profit.I'he Britis-h
pears
I am
by enemies.
happy to
to be surrounded
Farmer's
learH that a meeting of the Cambridgeshire

owing to

Association is

to

be held at

Cambridge

on

Saturday

162

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

tiielegislature
next, to petition
againstany interference

of the young
"wheats,winter vetches (thecultivation
of which is considerably
the increase),also winter
on
will be sent from the owners
and occupiersof
petitions
oats, and the clover layers,are as luxuriant and promising
of
the number
every parish in the kinBfdom, stating:
the most sanguine can wish ; within the last
as
that each occupies,
acres
that we may
show to the tender
have had a most
fortnightthe wheat markets
salutary
hearted gentry of the Manchester
of ComChamber
check, the merchants and millers act with the greatest
inerce
wiio
and elsewhere,
confess they
giance caution, and we
alleno
owe
speak within bounds when we say the
to thfj shores of England,"
that the agriculturists, difference in the priceof wheat this week with that
as a body, do owe, and glory in their allegiance
given two weeks since vary from 6s. to 10s. per qr.
to these shores ; and, consequently,
tutional
We
as loyaland constihave
are
happy to say agriculturalwages
very
from the legislaclaim and demand
subjects,
ture
generallybeen increased to lis. and 12s. per week, and
a just
and privileges,
and
protectionto their rights
from the quantity of out-door work going on we
doubt

"with the

laws; and

corn

it is

that
to be iioped
earnestly

"

"who feeldetermined

resist to the

to

utmost

any

ference
inter-

with them, feeling

vinced
as
they do thoroughly conthat any intermeddling
with the corn
laws would
have the efFeotof throwingat leasthalf the land out of
and deprivingthe British peasantry of the
cultivation,
only market for their labour,and which must always
depend upon the supplyand demand. It certainlymust

from
labourers
to earn
have been enabled
with the assistance of a little
17s. per week
boy in fact we know of many cases where the earnings
have even
exceeded that amount.
Since the high price
of wheat
the new
trial,
poor law has had a severe
but we
clamations
dare fearlesslyassert, notwithstandingthe denot

many
to

15s.

"

of the

demagogues

who

are

the
travelling

be a matter of perfectastonishment,that common

sense
country for the purpose of poisoning the rainds of the
does not pointout to the operativemanufacturers,that
facturers,
agriculturallabourers,as well as the working manuthe onlyobjecttheiremployers
have in view is,first,
can
that in the ayriculturaldistricts there never
to have cheap bread,and then to lower their wages
in
less
the farmers
have met the

proportion.

I would

say to these gentry of the Cliamher of Commerce, who have informed us that
amongst
a very few of them
within the lastquarter of a century

they have accumulated wealth enough to purchasethe

whole Peerage of England" ifyou are dissatisfied
with

loas
dissatisfaction,
with increased
price fairly
additional privileges,
besides

high

wages

and

given the

men

ble
every possiof their familes as were
able to work,
way as many
keepingbirds,or stock,"c. We fear when the tithe
which at precommutation
act comes
into operation,
sent
very few parishesare completed (only12 parishes
to Dec. 1838, in this county the apportionments are
employingin

these laivs,
which have given you so much
in so short a
leave these shores,to which you
sooner
you
no allegiance,
the better. As ingratitude confirmed) that that will be a greater obstacle to the
say you owe
is despicable
in any shape,one
thingthe money-manufacturing
working of the poor law than all the declamation of
lords of ]Manchester may depend upon, that
political
demagogues. Jan. 25.
all their agitation
lead
misagainstthe corn laws will never
the agricultural
tive
peasantry, as theyhave proofposiWESTMORLAND.
before them that theyare better oft'now, with the
increased rate of wages, than theywould be with cheap
The year justclosed has been one of considerable difficulty
corn
and reduced wai"es, which must necessarily
to the Westmorland
him, parfarmer,causmg
follow,
ticularly
well knowing they have no more
rent to pay when
during the eventful periodof seed-time and
they
from ten shillings
earn
to fourteen shillings
through the whole
harvest,
great anxiety,and requiring
per week,
than theyhave when their earningsare from seven
of it the exertion ot all his energiesto combat
to ten
fully
successthe constant
for their fuel ; no more
the adverse circumstances
for their shoes,
shillings
to which
; no more
"c. ; and he is not only employed in this advance
succession of gloomy weather rendered him liable.The
frost in the spring months
himself,but his familyare all employed at advanced
deranged
long protracted
also ; and this is not all" he is sure
to keep this
agricultural
operationsmuch; keeping the plough out
wages
of the ground to a late period,
employment with a fairprice of corn, he being certain
and therebycausing the
if A will not employ him B will,and this also
or three
gives seed to remain in the bags longerby a fortnight
him a little
honest independence. After all,who
more
weeks, than has usuallybeen the case for some
years,
the manufacturer's best customers"
are
'i'his tco had a most
but the landlords,
eft'ecton the growing
injurious
the tenantry, the agriculturallabourers of the
wheat,and no doubt laid the foundation for that defect
United Kingdom, and their dependents ? (and the latin the crops which we now
feel and lament. The stock
ter
will include a great number),as onlyhalf,
of old corn
hand was, we believe,
much worn
down
or
on
less,of
the extra earningsof the labouringpopulation is reduring the year 1837, and as the latenessof the harvest
quired
for bread, and
in 1838 compelled many
farmers to use old seed,who
the surplusmust be spent in
clothing,
in the habit of using new, this also contributed still
"c., and which must ultimatelybenefit the
were
manufacturers. I will at the same
further to exhaust the stock which is now
time do them the
scinty indeed.
In the course
to confess,
of a ride taken latelythroughthe princijustice
that they are also our best customers,
pal
served
so long only as they are
of the county, we
only obcorn-growing districts
willingto give us such a price
will
as
skill and capital. There
stacks of last year's
remunerate
two
wheat, a circumstance
us for our
is one important
There is great vaunknown
for the last sixteen years.
point,which most closelydemands the
riation
attention of all agriculturists,
in the newspaper
whether Whigs or Tories,
ness
reports as to the productiveI would say to them, watch
of the late crop, and while we are led to hope that
narrowly the conduct of
the Southern
at the next meeting of Parliament
your representatives
part of the kingdom, beingfavoured with
;
and
should a dissolutiontake place, to endeavour to
a
more
genial atmosphere,has secured a fairaverage
law question,
and which is apprehended
carry this corn
crop, there can be no doubt but that throughthe whole
will be the case," reftn-n such
of the counties,
north of the Trent,the harvest has been
only, as hare
men,
and are likely
in our own
a defective one
proved themselves,
to prove, your
so. The
staunch
county particularly
wheat which suffered so much from the continued hoar
Bupporters."Jan. 24.
rallied as is usual with
frostand easterlywinds, never
in many
that crop in May ; the wire-worm
was
seen
SUFFOLK.
and the waste
of
placesto commit fearfuldepredations,
Up to the presenttime we have very open weather, root shewed earlyin the year a certaintyof reduced
and all kinds of stock have been shipped off,on
the
bulk.
This was
succeeded by a drizzling,
phere,
damp atmos-

time,the

"

"

pasturesby day, and at night taken into the yards or

well ; from the same
folds,and have done particularly
out-door
work has not been impeded, indeed we
cause
never
saw
so
agriculturalimprovements going
many
on
as at the present time
draining,ditching,carting
lime,"c., "c.
ploughing for beans and peas.
manure,
and forwardingthe summer
tilths for mangel wurzel
and Swedes by layingthe land on ridges,
have all been

thereon to that
and the diseases consequent
valuablegrain,acquired
the frostsof August,
a full force,
togetherwith maggot and mildew,each contributingto
It is impossibleyet to ascertainwith
impair the value.
the falling
oft'in produce, but
any degree of accuracy,
have met
with very few
practical farmers bold
we
enough to pronounce it half an average crop, and many
who
The fallows have not
rate it considerablylower.

performedin

worked

"

"

most

admirable order.

The

appearance

well,owing to the wet weather which prevented

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

163

the introduction of tileshits givenan extraordinary

petus
imoperating,
except at short intervals:
thiiilt
there is a largerbreadth of wheat sown
to this operation,
which may reasonablybe called
all
the foundation of all good management.
than was the case for the last two
It is pleasing
years, and takingcouraging-.
to observe the number
of labourers employed in this
thingsinto account, its present appearance is not disfewer varietiesof wheat
I'here are, perliaps,
department of field work, who are enabled to obtain
of the crack counties,but the
bread by it through the dreary months of winter,and
here than in some
sown
self
Westmorland
farmer is not backward in availinghimare at the same
time contributing
to increase the staffof
of what he really
lifein future years.
to be an improvement ; and
Fat stock are in tolerabledemand,
sees
experiments are in many
cases
goingon with different and as the quantity
up for winter feedingis not so large
as
new
specieswliich are brought into notice. These in
usual, from an apprehension that the turnip crop
our
might fail (oats and oil cake being also highin price),
precarious climate require to be adopted with
it is more
and we impresson the minds of those who are
than probable that the priceof meat
caution,
may be
enhanced in a few weeks ; we are likewise
induced by glowingadvertisers to try new
to
varitties,
considerably
attend
led to this conclusion from the knowledge that the supto the advice of Mr. Handley, at the Saffron
plies
Walden Meeting,which is," sow them on ordinaryland
to be derived from Ireland will fallconsiderably
tlieir
short
of
certain
of
be
much
have
been
former years. Store cattle
in
not warm
sunny banks," so as to
hardihood before riskingthem to any great extent.
demand at good prices.The markets at Kendal, Kirkby
of
best
the
Barley is a very variable crop, in some
Lonsdale,Temple Sowerby, and other placeswhere the
farmer is wont
of the county, say the vales of
well
to lay in his winter supply,
were
barley-growing
portions
hold it a fair crop as regards
and up to this periodlean stock are in ample
the Eden and Kent, we
supported,
the Westmorland
farmer
yield,and the maltsters do not report unfavourably, request. In breedingcattle,
is beginning to feel a strong interest,
while on the cold soils,
and high prices
the produce has fallen off to a
is such as to render it very
are
now
givenfor good specimensof short-horned cattle.
great extent, and the quality
littlefitfor maltingpurposes.
This grain,which mixed
This,we are aware, has existed with a few spirited
VNith rye, used to form the household bread, with the
could name, for some
farmers,whom
time,and with
we
itselfgenerally,
to
people of the eastern side of the county, h;is of late deserved success
diffusing
; it is now
of the highprices, which
but in consequence
fallen into disuse,
the encouragement
afforded by the latelyestablished
will the present
and
inferiorqualityof wheat, much
and also the high rates of
agricultural
societies,
recent saleshave mainly contributed. We
by the labouringclass,and we hope stock at some
year be consumed
hail this as an important feature in our farm managethat the pricemay remain sufficiently
moderate, so as
ment,
and have little
doubt
but that the spirit,
to enable tliatinvaluable
portionof the cotnmunityto
verance,
persebless
and
us
obtain enough of it,until Providence again
industry of Westmorland
intelligence,
with more
it rules at present from
will enable them ere long to compete
fully
successseasons
farmers,
productive
with the breeders of Durham
and Northumberland.
fifteen to sixteen shillings
per three imperialbushels.
ing
Oats were
for though on stiffcold
a general bulkycrop,
Pigs are also improved much in form and feedin the northern part
claysthe straw was short,
yet the greater breadth of that
quality.A gentleman residing
latenessof the season
of the county, was the owner
of a boar,which received
grainstocked well,the extreme
had of course an injurious
effecton the produce,
causing the first premium at Penrith two successive years, also
and deterioration in the quality
waste
we
: but
opine that of the Highland Societyat Dumfries,and has since
that through the county there is less reason
for combeen successful at Hexham
and other places. This
plaint
in this than any other grain. There is,
in high repute, and much
is now
we
sought after.
ceive, breed
perin the
Pork
is plentiful,
considerable degree of speculation
a
varying from 5". to 6s. per stone.
market for oats already,and many
peopleare purchasing Wool has been in good demand, and is mostly sold up.
their seed even
in its present softstate,under the idea
We would fain hope that the condition of the labourers
that the priceis likelyto become exorbitant,a notion
in husbandry is as good with us as in any other county,
tlie
and trust that our
in which we by no means
bold
employment being plentiful,
concur, and which even
It iscertain
ployers
peasantry" will be enabled by their considerate empresent movement
may tend to counteract.
and
of all kinds will be greatly
that corn
to brave ths rigoursof winter,and the pressure
economised,
in none
to those prican
so much
savingbe effected as in the article of advanced prices,without being subjected
vations
cl oats.
incidentalto the labouringclassesin more
tent
Turnipsare in generalpoor, yet not to the exlous
poputhat has been reported,the favourable weather
and lessfavored districts."Jan. 1.
tributing
throughthe months of November and December conmuch
The growth of
to their improvement.
and the farmer finds them
Swedes has increased greatly,
a main reliancefor carryinghis stock throughthe Spring
It is pleasantto remark on the vast improvemonths.
ment
AGRICULTURAL
A college
COLLEGE."
for the
that has taken place in the culture of this crop
education
of those who
destined for agricultural
are
within a few years, the beautifulribbling,
the admirable

the

yet

ploug'hfrom

we

"

"

"

pursuits is about
Maidstone, under

being established in the vicinityof

the title of the Kent School of Agriculture.
The course
of instruction will embrace
the
and form a most
visitthe north,
importantfeature in
branches
of
both
Westmorland
perimentally
exagricultural
knowledge,
following
husbandry. The use of bone dust has
and practically,
viz. Gardening,
much
extended the growth of this plant,giving
planting,
very
facilities
possessed.and the general management of farms and woods ; and
to the farmer he has not till lately
arable,pasture,
Potatoes,we fear,cannot be quoted as a full produce, with that view the mode of cultivating
hops, "c. ; the nature of different soils,their chemical
ings
yet we are not inclined to give way to despondingfeelfor each ; and the
with respect to that useful root; the breadth planted properties; the manures
proper
formation
and
of manure.
The
different
and on dry good soils,
the returns fair. In
"was
large,
economy
of husbandry ; the best rotation of crops in difwill be practised,
and we
ferent
thiscrop also much economy
courses
soils ; the knowledge of grains, seeds, "c.
indulgea hope that it will be found equalto tlie wants
and improvement of grass land,
of the consumers, notwithstanding
the deficiency
which
Draining, the irrigation
"c.
The knowledge of useful animals ; how
to breed,
the damp and poorer
are free to confess existed on
we
eases.
soils. Grass-seeds may in general be reported good,
feed,and treat them ; their points,condition, and disand in this branch of husbandry the Westmorland
Agriculturalbook-keeping and accounts.
ricultura
Agis now
mechanics
farmer is beginningto excel,the breadth sown
; the power requiredto draw given
large,and the quantityappliedper acre has of late years
my
weights, and how to combine speed,power, and economuch
added to which, a judicious
been
of farm-buildings,
in draught ; the construction
selection
increased,
and mixture is now
plements
minutelyattended to,as well cottages,"c. ; and the construction and the use of im-

hoeing,and

extreme

neatness

of management
where
everywith allwho
remark

of
observable,are subjects

"

which has very

of husbandry. Surveying and valuinglands,
adaptationof seed to soil,
a proper
much
enables
could not fail to exert
Such an establishment
improvedthe pasturage, and consequently
"c., "c.
the farmer to feed more, as well as producebetter stock.
influence on
all within
its
an
extensively-beneficial
of under-draining
The practice
has extended greatly,and sphere of operation.
as

164

THE

FARMER'S

AGRICULTURAL

INTELLIGENCE,

LINCOLN
FAT
STOCK
MARKET."
There was
fairsupply of f?oodSheep,and plentyof buyers being
in attendance, nearly the whole were
sold at rather better
of Beasts was
also good, and
prices. The sujjply
maintained late prices;some
turned away
were
sold.
una

"

GRAMPOUND
Store*

cwt.

FAIR."

large,and

not

was

were

The supplyof fatbullocks

from 53s. to 58s. per
priceswere
more
and high priceswere
plentiful,

There
given for them.
of sheep,which sold

was

from

also
6d.

to

considerable number
64d. per ponnd.

BANBURY

FAIR
has been a largeone.
Horses
made
plentifulas buyers, and good ones
both in great
capitalprices. Beef and mutton
were
demand, and have gone off briskly
at advanced
prices
the latter mostly made
7d. per lb.
NEW
THRASHING
On Tuesday
MACHINE."
not

were

so

"

last a
Lewes

MAGAZINE.

hand

machine
was
exhibited at the
new
thrashing
corn
market, the tir*tmerit of which is itscheapness,
cost is only a few pounds), and
its second,
(its
that it will thrash about 4 quarters of wheat daily two
;
men
are employed in turning
ing
it,and two others in feedit and clearing the straw
This machine, instead
away.
of diminishingmanual
labour,increases it,by

that is of far
much

FAIRS,

the farmer

importanceto

more

be

can

money

expended on

"c.

than

how
if

singleanimal, for

all feedingcattle were

to be made
as fat as the show
beast* in Sadler's yard,all the grazierswould be ruined
in two years.
For instance
"

Which
breed of sheep will bear " puttingthickest"
seeds ?
on
a field of mixed
Which
will " da'' best on grass only
sort of sow
from May 1 to Nov. 1 ?
Which
sort of "2 years old heifer will thrive best on
from
Nov.
tasker ?

barley straw, only

9 heifers to one

1 to

ing
allow-

April 1,

Which

sort of bullock,3 years old, will pay best on

of good grass land from April 14 to Nov. 1
allowingalso two acres of aftergrassfrom hay time.
acre

one

"

W.
We
often hear of most
extraordinary weights of
Swedish
turnips being grown
by our
neighbours in
Scotland
I fancy 4 bushel to the rod a capitalcrop
1 wish some
within 50 miles of London.
of your correspondents in the West and Midland counties would
inform us through your valuable Miscellany what they
"

I fancy (both
generallygrow of Swedes, also white.
is 3 bushels
well), the proportion
being" done" eijually
labourer* who
cannot
the
use
of white ta 2 bushels Swedes.
wet
days could not be profitablyoccupied.
It is very portable and occupies but a small
John Eliman, Esq.,a few weeks back introduced
space.
the first machine
of this descriptioninto the
GARDENING
FOR
OPERATIONS
county, and Mr. Chcal, the machinist, has made the

givingemploy to
and who in
Hail,

those

alluded to upon the same

principle. As we are
led to believe it to be of great utility
to the farmer,
there is littledoubt that it will be extensivelv used.

FEBRUARY.

one

"

Sussex Express.
FERMENTATION

If

most

AN

ACT

OF

VEGETATION."
M. Turpin has latelypublishedhis observations
which he considers sufKupon certain phenomena
cicnt to show that the act of fermentation,
concerning
which chemists have been so much
embarrassed,is owing
to the rapiddevelopmentof infusorial plants. He
derives
states, that ail yeast, of whatever
description,
from the separationfrom organic tissue,
itsorigin
ther
whe-

bed

and melons,
put up for cucumbers
last month,
the young
plantswill now
into nursing
probably be fit;tor transplanting
was

directed

as

three
plants in each pot, and plunge
inches more
or less,according to the
state of heat in the bed, and give a gentlewatering
with a fine rose
the
pot, to settle the earth about
seeds in case of accidents ;
roots
a few
more
; sow

pots

place

them

few

admit

little air in fine

there

be much

days, and

in the beds, but

steam

also at

nightif
guard against

animal

or
of exvegetable,of sphericalparticles
treme
frosty winds by hanging a piece ot thin niatov
after a certain time, the aperture ; by the middle or towards
minuteness,which particles,
the end of
rise to the surface of the fluids in which they are immersed,the
month, if no accident has occurred to the
and there germinate. Their germinationis said
plants,they will be fit for planting out into the
to be canseii by a certain amount
of heai,
and by contact
fruitingbed ; if the heat begin to decline, apply
with atmospheric air. The carbonic acid obtained

linings; CDver
up at nightsaccordingto the state
to the infusorial plants.M.
of the weather.
the act of adciing yeast to liquids,
rhubarb
Cover
and sea-kale, and put up sucwhen
fermentation is languid, as equivalentto sowing
cessional beds for asparagus
rected
and
millions of seeds in a favourable soil. He calls the
potatoes as dilast month.
yeast plant of huer Toriila cerevisiw ; he considers each
infusion to have its peculiarplant, and he names
be increased
The
now
the
temperature of the pinery may
whole race of such beings Levurians.
from
65" to 75*^,and it may
be found
to
Mr. G. Ferns, of Shrivenham, who gained a large
the bark bed, and to add a
to turn
over
necessary
proportionof the prizes at the late Bath and West of portion of fresh tan or leaves to set again the
that he had never
England show, assured the company
whole
in a state of fermentation
; the plantswhen
had such a thing as oil cake belongingto him, and that,
taken
of the bed, should
be examined
out
to see
with the exceptionof pigs,he had never
given his cattle
if any
of them
air must
be admitted
require shitting,
five sacks of corn
of the last twelve years.
in tiie course
freelyevery fine day, so as to j)revent the
He added, that his custom
to take the calves
was
from
thermometer
sun
heat;
their mothers
at
exceeding 85*^ from
a
old, and then feed them
by fermentation is ascribed
considers

Turpin

fortnight

with three quarts of skim milk a-day,gradually

diminishing
tilltheycould eat grass.
the quantity

shut

up

earlyin

floor and
If you
and

AGRICULTURAL
TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

MARK

LANE

EXPRESS.

"

keptin good store

condition at the least expence,

and

to create

sprinklethe
steam.

commenced
forcingyour vinery
gin
is a very good time to be-

moderate

fires,so

as

to

raise the

perature
tem-

50" or 55'',and that of

to
former
air and apply the
the latter to 40*^ or 45"^ ; admit
the
the branches
syringe freely upon
; about
of the

Sir, It rather surprisesme, as so many talented

and practical
take a leading part in the English
men
and other agriculturalsocieties,that no one
has proposed
prizesfor those cattle and sheep,"c. which can
be

not

water

peach-house, now
; make

QUERIES.
THE

have

afternoon,

the

flues with

as

middle

of

the

month,

tiie

temperature

of the

vinery may be raised to from 5 j* to 60*, and that

of the peach-house to 50"
dantly
or 55* ; give air abununtil the buds begin to expand.

iTHE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

ney
up a succession of ftrawberries and kidtal"en in last
beans ; let those wVijch were
at their
month, be liberallysupplied with water
frequently syringed over
roots, and the beans
head, as they are liable to be infested wich red

Keep

165

lawns ; jjlantdeciduous shrubs

and trees, and
finish pruning as soon
as possible; let the
flower
borders be carefully
dug over for fear of injuring
the plantswhich are under
ground.
Plant all sorts of fruit trees ; finish pruning

spider.

gooseberries,
currants, raspberries
"c, if not done
in the plant-stove
last month
and nail wall trees of all kinds,
;
; prune
stroy
trainingof climbers, and destroyall and wash the walls as well as the branches to deinsects as
insects.
they appear ; give all the air possible
to the greenhouse in fine weather
Sow peas about the beginning,the middle, and
; a little more
water
be necessary, especiallyto such
the end
of the month, the sorts
will now
best adapted for
the first sowing are, Cormack's
plantsas have begun to grow.
new
early May,
Take in roses
"c., into the forcingdepartment, Warrick's
early, and Bishop's dwarf; for the
to succeed those taken
in last month.
latter, the
scimitar, improved imperial, and
Pot the roots of such dahlias ;is you wish to increaseKnight's tall,and dwarf marrowfat
; earlyMazaand
place them in pits or forcing-houses gan, and long-podbeans the beginning,and Taylor's
wherever
Windsor, about the end of the month
you have room.
; round
About
the middle of the month,
leaved spinach, lettuces and radishes at the bederate
ginning
prepare a moand
hot-bed on
which to sow
tender and half
end, and cabbages, savoys, celery,
hardy annuals, when the seeds vegetate,air should
parsnipsand a few carrots about the middle or towards
be given freely
in fine days ; cover
the end of the
month
up at nightsiti
; parsley for a sucalso be
of frost, a few hardyannuals
cessional crop, and a small quantityof red beet,to
case
may
in early; leeks and onions about the latter
in the open
about the end of the
month
sown
come
end of the month.
borders.
Plant ranunculuses, anemones,
and hardy herbaceous
Transplant cauliflowers,cabbages and lettuces,
be mild
and plant potatoes and horse-radish about
the end
plantsof all sorts if the weather
of the month
shallots if not aland dry ; transplantcarnations
and pinks which
ready
; plantgarlic and
done ; giveplentyof air to cauliflower plants,
were
propagated last year, into beds or into pots,
to be shifted afterwards into largerones
and
lettuces in frames
and
under
; auriculas
hand-glasses,
all decayed leaves reall withered leaves and weeds ; see
and
should be looked
over
moved,
remove
;
the surfaces
that your mushroom
beds be well pretected from
of the pots loosened, and
filled up with a little fresh mould
frost ; examine
fruit and
; protect tulip- heavy rains and
your
frosts and rain ; plantedgings of
all unsound
beds from severe
onions, and remove
tinue
specimens ; conthe operationof trenching and
ready
box, thrift,
"c., and fill up vacancies in those aldigging, if
planted; weed or hoe rake and roll gravel not finished last month.
and roll grass walks and
J. T.
walks ; and poll,sweep
Maintain a
attend to the

moderate

heat

OF

REVIEW
DURING
Since

THE

THE

CORN
JANUARY.

OF

MONTH

TRADE

last

most
publicationthere hps been a considerable has not been
properlyprotectedby the laws
in the
of the land, againstforeigntraders, and foreign
average prices of all
of grain and
descriptions
manufacturers,
pulse,as was then very
interferingwith their interests in
of consumption.
and
colonial markets
the home
generally anticipated,and the various anti-corn
law meetings,which
have
been assembled
been
in the
AVe
most
properly prorepeat they have
tected
creased,
in all their operationsby the laws of the
large towns of trade and manufactures, have inin no small degree,the doubts previousiv land, which, in these instances, correspond very
entertained respectingthe quantityand qualityof
closelywith the great lans of nature themselves.
the last crop of grain, and consequentlyadded
to
Every interest in the empire has been, and is now,
the evils. It is almost
most
culture,
impossibleto conceive the
amply jjrotected
by law, excejitthat of agriignorance displayed by many of the speakers at
to which
only partiallegalaid has been
these meetings without
their conduct
as that aid has
extended, but, even
attributing
unsatisfactory,
to
be chieflyattributed the
feelingsas selfish as they are unjust. No
as
yet been, to it may
means
have been
of grain,
all descriptions
of them
moderate
to
neglected by many
rates, at which
excite the passionsof the
with the exceptionof wheat, are at present sold ;
great body of consumers
againstthe cultivators of the soil,and even the
and
ot wheat
itself,the same
the value
on
even
our

advance

of the elements have been attributed

consequences
those laws, which
indeed
only partially
protect

the

the

the

to

capitaland

and

pursuits. The present

bread
is placedto the debit
cool

doctrines,

reflection

considerable

had

senseless

influence.

complaints, which

Amongst

dailyissue

from

which
the
encouragement,
laws hold nut to the cultivation of waste, and
property in agricultural corn
unfortunate high priceof
apparently poor lands, but this fact itselfhas in

industry of

their talents

has

cause

must

those

who

of the

corn

establish

have

barked
em-

thoughno
laws, al-

the truth

of
these

the reverse
of those sportedat
meetings by traders, and particularlyby manufacturers.
lected
Many of these gentlemen have coland talents,princeby their capital,
industry
ly
fortunes,and there is not one of them, who

pul)lic
press,

small

is the

degree mitigated during

great evils,which

otherwise

must

this
have

season,

attended

record in this
seasons
on
worst
corn
of grain have
been
for large quantities
under
diff'erent
any
produced out of lands, which
continued in a state of nature.
have
system, must
economists were
If the doctrines of these political

one

of

country,

the

their fullest extent, a great part of

for instance must go out of cultivation,
which
fields there,
produce the finest
barleysin Europe, are composed of a poor sandy
would
not
afford food
soil,which, without capital,
This is the
acre.
for a dozen of rahbits on each

adopted in

from
this

in

counties,

our

number

is
the

factured
manu-

one

sumed
con-

of the
of
of cultivation,

wisdom

entirely out

throw

that

dress

to

is
beer

best

this

and

empire,

in order
enabled

the

great part of which

partieswould

these

produce of which

the

great portion of

manufacturers
may
of foreign consumers
in former
times,

be

would

be

they
at a cheaper rate, than
British
used to be able to procure
rags at for
however
to assert
We venture
similar purposes.
that
no
importation of foreign grain, which
under

circumstances

any

can

occur,

by an
attended, as a necessary
consequence,
goods of
exportation of British manufactured
of Europe for
The
great granary
equal value.
wheat

at

that

we

are

certain
for

the

not

life, whether

prices

be

dear

or

their riches, nor

They
does the other subtract from their wealth.
of poverty
state
wretched
continue in the same
brilliant wheat
season
and depression,and no
them
to
could enable
purchase an additional
manufacturers.
or Leeds
dress from the Manchester
The

cheap.

adds

one

not

to

the

which

they
repeal of

enacted.

were

of

or

by

The

laws

corn

ruin
flict
in-

must

the

they be agricultural
be
followed
must
description,

other

any

and manufacturing
the commercial
calamitous nature.
most

to

consequences
interests

When

the

all tenants, whether

on

of

the

alteration

took

place in

the

currencv

"

substituted
medium
when a metallic circulating
was
the value
for a paper one
of money
when, in fact,
increased by upwards of 35 per cent.
traders
was
other result
and manufacturers
could discover no
elevation on the ruin of agriculturethan their own
Farmers
and many
of
highlyrespectableproprietors
the soil first yielded
to the tempest ; rents
declined,
and manufacturers
rejoicedin the prospect of the
ing
remainincomes of the consumers
of their handiwork
and consethe same
quently
as
they were
previously,
for their
increased demand
an
anticipating
which
to the decrease
manufactures,in proportion
had occurred in rents.
AVith the ruin of the agricultural
tured
interest,
however, the demand for manufac"

"

goods,in
decreased
extent,

and

than

more

degree,
proportionable

manufacturinglabourers

deprivedof

failed,and

amongst
actual

the

in

This

is it the
them, nor
cultivators of the soil.
slightestdifference in their

used

of

It makes
condition

and

generallya foreignmarket
of the slightest
consequence.

Poles

is not
wheat
article is not

property

Poland,

is

present

the

to

which

for

ties

Norfolk
for the

land however

MAGAZINE:

FARMER'S

THE

166

were,

to

great

ters
many of their masthan one-half of the mercantile

their bread

more

ral
shippinginterests became bankrupt; the minewealth
of the empire fell under
the prices for

diswhich it could be abstracted from the mines, and tress

of the
almost universal.
Let any one
became
law repealers
corn
study the state of societyin this
to 1830, and strong
ye.ir 1822
turbing,
placedbefore him for not againdisthe existing
without
due consideration,
dom
principlesof societythroughoutthe United King-

country from

the

will be

grounds

will be
most
most
undoubtedly, our
In these expectations,
assuredly,
; for similar causes,
One
of the certain
will find themselves very speedily attended by similar consequences.
manufacturers
readily
disappointed, and then they will more
consequences of an unrestricted trade in foreign
markets
be the ruin of agriculture
must
corn
throughoutthe
discover the intrinsic value of the home
whole
whence
at
of Ireland, from
at present to them
for consumption, rendered
present the

by

the

so

to the proper and

fields at home,

our

own

which

encouragement

doubly
extend

the laws

of
effective cultivation
in the
Colonies.
and
fields of Poland,
wheat

The
proprietorsof the
which are cultivated by labourers, certainlynot
are
at the present
in a better state of life than
the slaves of the Empire of Brazil, no
moment
doubt, by a free trade with the British Empire
in their
be enabled
to consume
in wheat, would
a
greater quantity of
private establishments
articles of

of other

wines, and

luxury produced

do without
climates, than they can
in southern
for the consumption of their produce,
markets
our
British
on
but few inf^ccd would be their demands
and therefore the
manufactures of any descriptions,
for manufacturing
labour from
increased demand
tions
be small indeed.
The observawould
this source
are
to Poland
this subjectwhich
on
applicable
the pursuits
so to every country wherein
are
equally

of the inhabitants
wants
few, and
are

Their
purely agricultural.
poverty most abject; and

are

British

for
and

markets

are

this article

can

chieflysuppliedwith
more

easily be

oats,

imported,

from the oppositerivers

from the Sister Island.
Are the corn
law repealerspreparedto sacrificethe
brilliant prospects which these imperfectlaws are
to a
rapidlyopening to the cultivators of the Irish soil,
on

small

at

cheaper rates,
Continent

the

and

export

of

than

assuredlyonly a temporary
manufactures
depressionin the

British

Europe ? By a
manufacturinglabourer
any thing,for the wages

most

of

than
decline in more
a
and the master
manufacturer

increase

certainlycannot
his

in the

the continent of
pricesof bread the

to

labour

must

gain
ually
event-

degree,
proportionable

would
eventuallybe
deprived, at all events, of a largepan of the
under the present system
home consumption,which
he enjoys,and by which man}' of them have obtained
very splendidfortunes. To apply the best energies
of the empire to the agricultural
improvement of
nearly the whole of Ireland, and of very large
also

still in
districts in Great Britain, which remain
desire of the principalalmost
of nature, will do much
more
state
a
to find employment for
towards
the productiveemployment of artisans
leaders in those countries
the
most
guine
sanwhatiscalled the surpluspopulation,
by transportingand
manufacturers, than even
obtain living
those who
trade can
cipate.
anticannot
enthusiast in the free corn
to foreignnations
sired
dePrevious
Had
these free trade in corn
to the so much
principles
employment at home.
prevailedduring the last century, Scotland would
repealof the corn laws, it will be necessary to
small
channels for the productiveemploydiscover
still have remained a barren
ment
waste, and no
new
of the peopleof Ireland,
of the great majority
poriionof England would have remained useless to
curious
ers
labourcontradiction to
the people. Ii is a most
for a considerable portionof the agricultural
it has

of

been

the most

England

interest

their

will

and

like

constant

Scotland, and
less

"

what
must

the monied

likewise

of the
the proprietors
to by the repealof
subjected
as
laws, imperfectly
they perform the du-

be found for the losses which

publicdebt
these

"

remuneration

must

be

find

that those

economists,
])olitical

who

oppose

strenuouslythe cultivation of uncultivated

portionsof the soil of Great Britain and Ireland,
the loudest in the expressionof their wishes for
are
the banishment
of what theycall the surplus
populamost

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE*

W1

be too high,the tenant must sufferin his capital,

tion of the United Kingdom, to the Canadas, to Vaa
and
to
should they be too low, he must
Dieinen's Lund, and
Australia,where theycan
add to his wealth in
on
the supply
only receive productivelabour in the cultivation of a proportionable
degree. In legislating
of this great empire with the necessaries of life,
hitherto uncultivated land, a work which is denied
rent
the latter,
of land cannot
be taken into consideration,for it will
to tbem at home, although
certainlycommon
sense
adjustitself. The great and only consideration
says, should at all events have the preference. very speedily
of Ireland incovertTo employthe surpluspopulation
is how
the peoplecan be employed best
soil, whether it he rich or
ing the rich banks of her beautiful rivers and lakes, in taking from our own
from wastes
into iields of grain,
would
undoubtedly poor, the greatest quantityof food,and every year's
be far more
than to employ these unfortunate
the most
minute
quirer
inpatriotic
experiencemubt
fullysatisfy
in labours of a similar description
that agricultural
men
improvement as yet is only
amongst
the wilds of the two Canadas. In Ireland,at all events,
its infancy. Had the late unfavourable corn
on
son
seatheir labour must
occurred
only twenty years ago the average price
alwaysbe worth their support,and
also add to the strengthof the British
of wheat would have been 120s. per
must
eventually
quarter instead
sf 79s. 8d. as it was
ants
The superior
on the 24th ultimo.
empire, and to the generalprosperityof her inhabiticience now
the farmers is the onlycause
; whilst in the colonies it begins with expense
possessedhy
of this great difference in value, because
to the mother country, and eventuallymustconclude
by the great
in rebellion and civil wars.
The repealof the corn
improvement which has occurred in tillage,the
laws must
not onlyput an end to further agricultural growth on each acre
at present is at least one-third
at the former
improvementthroughout the United Kingdom, but
greater than it was
period.The science
into barrenness largedistricts of agriculture
must
also throwback
is, however, only in its beginning,
but if due encouragement be extended
of land at present yielding
to it by a
plentiful
crops, and in the
its progress must
cultivation of which
be rapid,
])atriotic
government,
many millions of property are
lions
audits consequences of the deepestimportanceto the
embarked ; for nearlythree thousand milalready
embarked
in agricultural
are
sterling
pursuits, real strengthand prosperityof the British empire.
and
The last twenty years have added nearer
this immense
one-half
propert}^ with eight hundred
than
million sterling
and upwards invested in the national
one-third to the agricultural
produceof the
of two hundred millions sterUnited Kingdom, and duringthe next
ling
debt,the projjrietors
twenty years
employedin manufactures of all descriptions more wonderful improvements may most confidently
be anticipated.Surely the admirers of productive
the sacrificeof to their
have the modesty to require
interest.
be
own
Many rather absurd calculations labour, the only true wealth of nations, cannot
also been
have latterly
respectingthe
preparedto sacrifice this boundless field for valuable
promulgated
and
of agriculture,
the injurious emjjloyment to the people, which
enormous
profits
parts of
many
and nearly the whole
entail on the great
Great Britain,
of Ireland,preconsequences which their profits
sents,
the ephemeral labour
of agricultural
of manufacture,
to
produce.
body of the consumers
of any individuals,
Still we hear not the names
which is scarcely
who
and is
completed until it decays,
have obtained great wealth by agricultural
pursuits, no longerseen ; the one is lasting,the other is only
of a day. Generations to come
will redo we believe that any such fortunes have been
the creature
nor
ceive
With
for which
solid benefits from the present day'simprovemade.
an
however,
inconsistency
ments
it is impossible to discover any cause,
and it would
in agriculture,
be an act of nathese repealers
tional
also assert that the tenants
suicide to sacrifice interests so truly great.
pay such high rents
that any change in the system would be advantageous Without that natural degreeof legalprotection
however,
have
That in many
instances the rents paid for
which as we
to them.
already stated,is extended
land have been
field improvement
too
high cannot be denied, but in to the other classes of society,
this evil be attributed to the
few cases
indeed can
be slow
for capital
and unsatisfactory,
must
must
in
old proprietors
of land.
It has its origin
he embarked
in these undertakings,and few will
chiefly
the enormous
which
and manuventure
to do so, unless under some
commerce
factures
profits,
publicguarantee.
have yielded to numerous
who
individuals,
in
been
With
have
a
injuredin many important
engaged these pursuits.Many of these
crop severely
themselves of land at from
by the very unfavourable state of the weadistricts,
ther,
gentlemenhave possessed
it is at all events
that the value of
to fortyyears' purchase, and,
being well
thirty
satisfactory
versed in the annual interest to be obtained from
is not very considerably
graingenerally,
higherthan
the influence of the cornin rent from their tenants
the
we
at present find it. To
theyscrew
money,
extreme
which the land can produce,and
laws alone can this most
fortunate circumstance he
farthing,
not unfrequently
attributed,for,imperfectthough they be, theyat all
theydraw from them likewise a
which has been embarked
great part of the capital,
events, have given a certain degree of confidence to
the cultivators of the soil,of wbich the consequence
by others in their farmingproperty. Pity and
lias been a most decided improvement in the science
compassionfor the tenantry come, with a very
had grace indeed, from merchants
and
has occurred,
of agriculture.By the change which
turers,
manufacoftener practisethe reduction of
since the beginning of this century, in the managefor none
ment
in the face of that increase in the
of land, the crops have been so much improved,
wages, even
value
of the crops of all descriptions,
of
which
ways both in quantityand quality,
althat the influence
and
quence,
consenaturally attends an inferior growth the elements is at present not of the same
of the necessaries of life. Evil communications
to be, previousto the passingof
as it used
too,
than probable,
not
the corn-laws
in 1815, and it is more
for, when
unfrequently
corrupt good manners,
of May next, the progress
any of the old landholders advance their rents, higher that,before the beginning
than they ought to be, it almost universally
has its
improvement, will
already effected in agricultural
beneficial to the community
so
originin the example, which has been placed before show itself in a manner

them, by

some

of the

new

purchaserof

neighbouringproperty

Still the rents paidfor

description.
land, whether they be too high or too low, produce
the pricesof the neceson
saries
very littleeffect generally
of life,for these must alwaysbe regulated
by
the commercial
rule of supplyand demand.
If rents
same

at

large,that

the corn-laws

of

existingprejudice
against

succeeded by the expression

desire for extendingin a much

universal

ready
alis now
done, the protection
fields.
given to the cultivator of our own
of foreign
the large quantity
grainwhich we

greater degree than

With

the

will be

THE
chases of

attention of

the
grain,

directed

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

tirely
capitalists
being en-

markets.
present to foreign
Sales,
time to
consequently,will only be effected for some
for actual consumption, and the higher
now
come
pricesmay be, the greater must be the economy used
the necessaries of life.
by families in purchasing

P"R

IMPBRIAIi
Jan.

Per

PerQr.
white 72

'10.72

do,..
lU'VY.

Newry
fialw:iy

84
50

23

Flour
from British
Possessiohs..
Ditte Fcrreign
,

Limericli 2/

28

27

Black.,
f'otaroe
Small

26
30
42

27
32
45

maple

43

44

46
boilers.
52
48
3G/.. Irish 26/iieriant

54

SEED

BRAN9

40

Peas, (irey

"

42

32/
Clover, line

Corn, do....

Indian

Cork,white2fi 27

Westporl

do

Peas, do
Beans, do

38
79
70
30

"

...

Bye,

25

29
42

White

72

40
4G

32

24
24
28

white

70

Sligo.

30

Feed

from
British
Possessions
Ditto
Foreign
Bailev. do
Oats, do

80

Clievalier
Bere
Urown
65
Chcviilier 68
Potatoe
..28

Rape
Red
linglisli

and

Grain
Flour.

Wheat

Qr.

76
74
70
78

"lo....

..

WatiTlord,

Foreign

MEASURB.

..red.. 63
Essex " Kent
70 74
Suffolk " Wort'alk ,, 68
70
7-2
60
Irish
70
"
78 80
Old, red
RvK
old
42
48
42 iVlnltiHg43
45
Bari.ev, ("rindiiig40
40
42
Irish
66
70
Malt, Suffolk " Norfolk
68
Kingston " Ware
70
feed 26 28
OATS,Yorksliire" Lincoliisli,
black
26
25
Yo'igliall"Cork
t)ul)lin
25
27
Cloniuel
28
30
28
29
Londonderry

Seed,

of the quantity
of ForeignGrain and Flour
importedinto the United Kingdom duringthe month
ending the 5th Jan.,1839 ; the Quantity on which
the Duty has been paid for Home
Consumption,and
the quantity
remainingin Warehouse.

28.

Whbat,

Scotch

All Account

at

CURRSNOY

169

MARKET.
Jan.

rather

28.

verseed

large quantityof red Clomet

a
offeringto-day, which
very heavy

sale

There

was

at

declme

of

to

2s.

4i.

White

cwt.

per

dull, and somewhat

cheaper. In other
little business
was
White
68
descriptions of seed*
58
74s
very
21s
14s. .brown
22s perliushl. done, we
shall therefore be short in our
Mustard, White. 12s
remarks.
,3il
old 30
Tares. .32
s per qr.
37..ne\v60
Canary was worth from 82s. to 86s. per qr. Linseed,
65
....Suffolk
.50
Flour, Town-made
per sk of
here ; fine foreign,
48s. to 53s.
Very
English,none
XorfolkoG
Stockton"
Irish liue"58
62
280 1b
little doingin Rapeseed; Coriander, 17s. to 25s., and
Superfine.60
64

70

also

was

SOspercwt

"

"

"

ForeignGrain

Flour

and

in request. Caraways have

somewhat
the finest are
to
rather improved,and pricesmay be noted according
quality,at 50s. to 54s. per cwt., and white Mustard

in Boiul.

bl. ; brown

little sought after at 8s. to 12s. per

rules at 10s. to 17s. per bl.
CLOVBa

73 100

English, red
Dutch

COMPARATIVE
WEEKLY

by
from

PRICES
AVERAGES

OF

French

GRAIN.

from
the
corresponding Gazette
in the last year, Friday

Jan. 26, 1S38.

Wheat

81

Wheat

Barley,

s.

d.

54

10

Barley
Oats
Rye
Beans

42

28

26

!Oats

19

11

52

1Rye

30

42

l!Beans

33

Peas

43

32

jPeas

Wheat.

Jan.

..

..

..

..

36
36

2
le

4
2

37

80

81
"1

38
40
42

25

48

25

5
10
26
3
26 10
8
26
9
26

50

8 41
641

52

6[4"11

52
51

52

0 41
II 41
4 42

10
10
11
8
1

43
44
43
43

42
43

9
1
S
U
5
3

A(Ji?ref;aie.\veri.Ke
"f tlie six weeks
which
regulates
the duty
79
Duties
ptiyahle in
till WedLMiidon
nesday
next intluKive, and at the
Oiitports till the
arrirul of the Mail
of that day from
1
London
Do. uii j;rniuIroiu
British possessieBs
OHt of Europe...

ForeignFlour,

"

"

"

16
28
."34 ."36 foreign ^28 ."30 per last.
Rape"eed, English
Linseed. English sowing.
per qr
"
Baltic
"!rushiHg48 50
,,
50
lMeditcr."
54
Odessa"
,,
36
34
large 38 42
Hempspcd, small
tine
13
13
percwt.
Coriander, new
white
13
perbushel
Mustard, brown
8
12
new
21 other sts.28
36
Swedes
20
Turnip Seed, new
30
Scotch 18
54
42
Rve
Grass, English
,,
6s Od to 6s6d
Tares, Winter
84
..80
new
Canary,
48
50
extra 53
Caraway
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

38

26

4 51

4 41

43

East
Mid

Kent
Kent

no

pockets
Bags
pockets
Bags

of Kent pockets
do
Sussex
do
YearliniiB
1836 Pockets and Bags....
OlJalds

POTATO
4

10

"

7d. per 19Slbs. Britiih Possessions,do.

aid per 1961ba.

Jan. 28.

alterationwhatever in the

SOUTHWARK
0

HOPS.

BOROUGH,
have

We

Weald
8

OF

PRICES

Peas.

Barley) Out'] KyejBeans

78
7i
78

..

"

Trefoil

Weekending
Uth
2lst
28th
4th
11th
18th

"

AVERAGES.

IMPERIAL

Dec.

73 percwt.

"

s.

54
"

"

Friday last, Jan. 25,:

1839.

white

"

American

AVERAGES

the Imp.
Quarter, i
the
Gazette, of I

"

tard
Mus-

."

g.

10

15

10

10

d.
0

to

Hop trade.

."

8.

12

0"5
0

410

"

0"4

10

0"410
0
0
0

44

"

"

"

0-110

210

d,

^ s.
fine 8 8
do. 7 7
0 do.
8
8
0 do.
7 7
5
5
do.
0
0 do. 410
0 do.
4
4
0 do.
3
3
2
Odo.
2
0

MARKET.
WATER-SIDE,

Jan.

28.

We
have to report an increased supplyof Potatoes to
the Waterside during the past week, amountingin all to
than the quantity
3,275 tons, being considerablymore
in our last ; they are as follows,
of arrivals reported
"

from

Yorkshire,1819

tons 5

Scotland,410; DevonB,

FARMER'S

THE

170

MAGAZINE.

Jersey and Guernsey,669 ; Wisbeacb,220; Kent,

LIVERPOOL.
Essex, and Suffolk.295. Tlie trade havingbeen very
Scotch, Jan. 26." There has been several buyers of
of the present year,
heavy since the commencement
Scotch wool attending
the publicsale this week, but we
have not heard of a singlesale of laid Highlandwool,
owing' to tlie unusual mildness of the weather, and
of the vessels having'exceeded their laying'
days, but as the holders are firm in price,
keep the quomany
we
tations
salesmen have been oblig'cdto warehouse lara^e
White
the same.
Highland none at market.
quantities,
and alllioug'h
Good
clean cross wool is inquired
mands
prices have declined,sales are still
for,and readilycomthe late extensive supply enaeffected with difficulty,
inferior and heavy laid
bling'
our
highestquotations,
is quiteneglected. Our remarks
the buyers to be very choice in theirselection.
v^oo I
cross
respecting
Per ton.
Per Ton.
will equally apply to Cheviots,anythingreallygood
York
9()8. Jersey Whites
s-toGSs.
Kidneys
and clean i" in demand
is quite
heavy, and unwashed
to 80s.
364 ;

"

...

Herts
s.
Americ.in
Niitives
s.
Scotch
Red
s. to /'Is.
Uevoiis
75s.
Jersey an I Guernsey
Bines
65s.
"

...

"

Wisbeacli

Kent,

65s.

Kssex, and
Whites

"

Kent
Irish

..

folk
Suf-

neglected.

Per Stone of 24Ib9.

".
12
Laid HisihUMKl Wool,
Iniin
White
do.
do.
(scarce)... 14
Laid Crossed
do.
14
Washed
do
do.
16

60s. te"Os.

Kidneys

s.

"

s.

"

LaidOheviot,
Vl^OOIi

Washeddo.
ilo.
White

MARKETS.

BRITISH.
Jan.

The

Foreign.

23.

state of the trade remains

dull,no

business

ing
be-

transacted.
in the North
the stock of Wool
shall have
will spring up again ;
been consumed, a brisk demand
and this neeed not be despairedof, as the manufacturers
When

busy.
generally

are

But the pricesthat have been givenlatelyhave been

too high to continue for any length of time, and the
again, will only do
present flatness by loweringthem
service to the trade.
not at all alarmed, but
dealers generally
are
keepingback their Wool for better markets.

The

Per

January
1.
d.
s. d.
1 7J to 1 8
18
1 8J

lb.

8.

Down
Tef s
Hiilf-bred Hogs
Ewes
and Wethers
Wool
Blanket
do
Flannel
Skin Combing

4i

11

1
1

IJ

14

SJ
5J

Feijruarv
1.
d.
d.
s.
s.
1 8 to 1
8j
18
18*
1

4^
8

1
11

5|

0
1

IJ

5j

12

respect

to

of the preceding week is

placein the course
but what
have now
we
more
unquestionable,
larly
particuor rather the almost
to speak of,is the proceedings,
had

".

d.
0

13
15
15

17

0
0

18
24
36

fi to
9

1/6

do
do
do

22
34

sales

There

6
0

effected

\i-ere
scarcely any
this week, owing to the publicauction
attendance
of Friday,which exhibited a numerous
of the trade generally.The competitionfor the various
lots offered was
it is the opinion of most
as
spirited,
parties that the prices obtained for Australian were
Id. to l^d. per lb. higher than those of last November
"

by privatecontract

also 10 per cent, dearer.

sales. East India Wools
were
small ; a few bales of
The
was
quantity withdrawn
bid were
German, for which 23. 2d. per lb. was
chased
purfor the importer at 2s. 5d., and a lot of East
also bought in at very full prices. Turkey,
was
Is.
9id.; Australian, good combing and short clothing,
to Is. l^d.; East India,6d. to Ud. ; Spanish,inferior,
India

R., 2s. to 2s. 2d. ; washed

Is. 6d. to Is. Ud. ; Spanish,
Mogadore, lOd. to 15d. Arrivals this week, 3,932
this year, 1,770 bags." Total,5,702
bags; previously
bags.
SCOTCH.

14

this article,
the dulthat so generally
ness
enced
pervadedthe maiket was experihere also ; the dealers were
not anxious to purchase,
and theiroffers from lid. to ] l^d. per lb. That
Wool
isolated transactions for Yolk
on
hig'herterms
EXETER."

With

1
0

are

d.

taken

Per

Stone

January

of 24 lbs.

s.

Laiil Highland Wool,

Uo.
White
Do
LaidCrossed
Do
Do
Washed
Do.
Laid Cheviots
Washed
Do
White
Do

entire want
of such on this day, which forbids us from
speakingof it otherwise than nominally. In the mean
from the manufacturingdistrictsin
accounts
time our

from.

12
00

..14
16
17
22

34

1.
d.
3 to 13
9
00
0
0
6
0
15
6
17 0
0
18
0
24
0
0
0
36
0

d.

s.

February
s.

12
14
14
16

d.

s.

6tol3
15
15

1.
d.
0

17

17

22
34

18
24

36

FOREIGN.
Jan.

28.

in representing
North of England, concur
"the
Exceedioglyfew sales of foreignWool have taken
perabundant
priceof Wool, as firm,tiicconsumptiongreat, and the placesince our last report, whilst,owing to the susupply on sale, lower prices have been
business done in the warehouses
very satisfactory."
submitted
to in some
instances,to effect sales.
The matter remains then in the hands of the holders of
Electoral Saxony wool, from 4s. 6d. to 5s. 4d.; first
Wool ; it is their affair and not ours, whose only duty
it is to spare no
wools,3s. 6d.to
painj to obtain correct information,Austrian,Bohemian, andother German
4s. 4d. ; second
do., 2s. 4d. to 3s. 2d. ; inferior do. in
to place the
and, let this tell how it may, fearlessly
locks and pieces,2s. to 2s. Gd.; Germanlamb's
do., 2s.
before the public. These, however,must not
statement
of thisdescription
wise, 2d. to 3s. 3d. ; Hungarian sheep's do., 2s. 4d. to 3s.
forgetthat in all questions
they,likehave something to do, and we would again repeat,
2d.; Leouesa sheep'sdo., 2s. 6d. to3s.2d.; Segovia
that neither in the county of Devon, any more
than has
do., Is. lOd. to 3s. 2d. ; Soria do., 2s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. ;
Caceres
been the case in other parts of the kingdom,can success
do., 2s. 4d. to 3s. 2d. ; Spanish lamb's do.,
and Spanish cross
be hoped for,without a decidedness of purpose and firm
Is. 8d. to 2s. 8d. ; German
do.,
In most
do., 2s. 2d. to 3s.
other respects connected
2s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. ; Portugal sheep's
with
perseverance.
this importantbranch of trade,thingscontinue firm, 3d.; do. lamb's ditto, Is. 6d. to 2s. SJ.; Australian,
decline has taken place in one direction,line crossed do., 2a. 2d. to 3s. 7d. ; do. native sheep's
as, if sliglit
in another. Thus we
there has been advance
Land, native
have to
do., Is. 6d. to 2s. 8d. ; Van Diemen's
Wool," Knott Wool, from lOd.to 17d.; sheep'sdo., is. to 2s. 4d.;and Cape of Good Hope do.,
quote Washed
Dorset Horn, 17d. to 18d.: and Marsh
Is. 4d. to 3s. per lb.
Wool, i7d. to
18d. per lb. In Sonrs, of Siioins, Coarse and Short
Coarse,continue at from 8d. to S^d. ; Broad Head, 9d.
which the Home
Wool
Consumption Duties have
on
to 9"d.;Kent
Head, lOd. to lO^d. ; Red, Green, and
and Hull,
been paid at London, Liverpool,
Bristol,
Pinions average from lOJd.to Ud. ; Fine Head, is from
duringthe lastweek :
ll^d.to 12d.per lb. In StripeWool, business been done
This Year,
Same
time
lower terms, and we have to quote Cornish
in the
on somewhat
WOOL.
previous to
Year.
week.
last
last
and
North
15d.
Devon
from
Stripe,at
tolS^d.;
Stripe,
the

"

"

"

Fell
Wools.
These continue, Spanish,/"i"n^/on
14d. to 15d.; Australian, de
of fine quality,
parcels,
do
Other Sorts,
good lots of Skin Wool, Ti^d.to ly^d.; ordinary parcels,
Liverpool
lid. to lljd. per lb. Tops, have advanced t"
Bristol
from 204d. to 20id.per lb.
HhII
15d. to

ISJd. per

Long Wool,

best

lb.

lb.

"

lb.
lb.
lb.
ll".

lb.

50654
69000
5.'i6r27
344546

103729
62780

190885

764073

560589

\.\-.UM;i.

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

MARCH,

No.

[New

II.]

Vol.

3."

1839.

THE
The

by

three Wether

Lord

Sheep,which

Smithfield
has

Club

in December

all the information

produce a

to

useful,are

LORD

he

new

SiK,
"

interest.

Lord

of the

his

Western,

ship
Lord-

in accordance

of
publicin possession
puts the agricultural

manner,

of

Show

Christmas

sheep.

he

course

The

most

has

minute

pursued,in endeavouring
details,calculated

to be

NEW

BREED

SHEEP.

OF

EDITOR

In

perusedwith

bred

Plate,were

submitted.

WESTERN'S

THE

be

first

which
subjoineddescription,

The

to illustrate the

can

breed"

"

OF
TO

liberal

subjectof our
at the
Cattle-yard
the

form

last.

kindlyfurnished,will

with his wonted

PLATE.

in the

exhibited

Western, and

Series.

FARMER'S

THE

of

cousequence

the

MAGAZINE.

which

desire

"

you

With

respect to the sheep I

am

happy to iaform

Lordship,that they proved better thaa my best

expressed by
represent
fess
candidly conopinionled me to expect, in fact,I must
of the sheep I exto have
hibited
some
account
persons,
that I have never
seen
anything that could surpass
at Smithfield
at the last show, and the portraits them
when
slaughtered.I have pleasure in saying that
to
of which
of Bedford
the Duke
(whom I have not the honour
given in your Magazine,
you have
also
supply) sent for a haunch ; the Duke of Somerset
I will endeavour
of its pages
through the medium
into Derbyshire."
had one, and another
went
to
information
the public on
the
to
give some
before
shall
I
youadetailedaccountof a
now
lay
subject. It is generally known
that they are cross
sold to and slaughtered
by
Merino
fat
wether,
pure
bred sheep, between
the Merino
and English Long
and which
in this county,
of Witham
Mr.
Barwell,
Wool
sheep of different descriptions. Before I
best
I can
give you by the insertion of a letter
proceed further I will remind you of their weights
to

and

ages,

have

and

letter addressed

been

I will
to

number

of

from
a
give you an extract
nie
by Mr. Allen of South

Audley Street,the butcher

who

purchased

them.

Weights.

your

from

him
My

hy your

lb.

St. lb.

7
2

fat
do

....

4
.

do.

....

6"

me.

Lord,"

been

the

wether

purchaser

of

the

sheep, bred and fed

Kelvedon, which
at
on
your estate
ford,
show
at Chelmsthe last Christmas
abet of 5/. with
for which
your Lordship won
fore
I take the libertyof laying beof Walton,

Lordship

was

exhibited

Mr.

Hicks,

and

Shearlings.

to

Having
three-year-old
pure Merino
"

at

and
the information
for your Lordship's information,
and
graziersgenerally,the
of agriculturists
aUo
own
my
opinion of the judges relative thereto,
fat, "c.
to the weight of the carcase,
as
statement
you,

[l\o.3.~-V0L.

X.

172
I

am

THE
that the bet

aware

challengethrown

made

was

by

out

FARMER'S

in consequence
of
show

Lordship to

your

MAGAZINE.
a

twenty years, that the wool

in this

Merino
wether at the Christmas show, against
any of
that size should
any other breed,on the condition only,
not pass for merit.
"
Mr. Hicks
took it up and produced a fine South
Down
wether, supposed to weigh 20 stone, but the

climate, and

valuable in the meat

try what

to

judges were of opinionthat the Merino was

a superior
handlingsheep, being exceedinglygood in all points,
thick
the
loin
and
on
and
remarkably
back,
square at
the leg,and wide at the brisket, that the constitution

of the sheepmust
have been remarkablygood to have
carried a fleece of wool weighing32lbs,,twelve inches
long in the staple,and of beautiful and fine quality.
"
Indeed,your Lordship,
whilst you have so wonderfully
improvedthe carcase, is considered not to have
deteriorated the wool.
The carcase
of this sheep inside
and out, was
as
good as I have ever had, and in point
of colour the Merinos
red
a brighter
carry generally
and white than any other breed.

me

valuable

of the

sheep

I could

were

however

14

Ditto fat and caul

12

Ditto

And

gut
the

fat

to the
(8lbs.

I have

myself,
My Lord,
most
obedient
Lordship's
and

which

servant,
very humble
HENRY
BARWELL."

It is very

importantto notice specially

the wonderful
proofsof constitution which this animal
displayed.It is true he was high fed and housed,
but to stand

under

such

a
weight of wool, and to
mas
quitefat,and at the Christas fat in all his pointsas any
following
sheep
well be nnade, is, under
any circumstances

turn

out

can

of his fleece

and well worthy of attention.

very extraordinary,
I have had an
ing
opportunityof seeingand remarkthese powers of constitution in the breed very
often,and I did not pass them by unheeded, for I
felt certain therefrom
and
other
circumstances
cultivated
combined, that if the Merino sheep were
they ought to be, their value to the country
would be very great if they had been attended to
been on their firstintroducas they ought to have
tion
if they had been cultivated as the Leicester
and South downs have been by
persons of the same
ability,
they would have advanced very far in the
estimation of the publicbefore now
; but they fell
"

"

of

of

some

sheepmanagement,
to

persons

who

and others

knew

who

were

prevent their further introduction

nothing
sible
pos-

success.

Majesty,George III,who was very

farming and one of the warmest
patrons of
firstintroduced them : Lord Somerville,
agriculture,
I think,followed,
and a few individuals ; for a short
period there was a rage for them and they sold at
S. had
great prices. Lord
a largeflock, but he
took the advantage of the tide in their favour
to
sell off"everything,it soon
after turned, and much
money was lost ; about this time the Spanish Cortes
tendered
a
present to the King, of five hundred
ewes
to
distribute amongst his subjects,
this was

fond of

under

direction of Sir Joseph Banks

fortyewes, sayingat the same
time,
that his Majesty had
proved by experience of
who

offered

the

nie

selection.

that

their appearance,
them, which well merited

about

improve them into

to

carefully

discovered

soon

wretched

I should

saw

have

upon

them,

I have

to encounter.

I have

market

for them.

wethers

for sale,and those

indeed

at

It has

appeared

defects in the

in size of these
and
the

from

me

as

well

as

the

as

to

rams

that
first,

verty
poand

"

evidences

are

the

the diminutiveness

owing chieflyto
sheep, was
chest
travelling the narrow

hard

belly

pot

to

form

few

but

now

of the smallest, because

are

I keep all the finest of the males

supply the colonies.

of

poverty

in

into

vigour of form
and
constitution, required nursing through
couraging
several generations; but in spiteof all these disyouth

"

and

raise them

to

I saw
I
features which
appearances,
about
There
relied upon.
was
a character
them,
of high breeding,and high blood, which has primary

mined
deteror

I believe his

done

them

length succeeded quiteequal,if not superior,to my

expectations;I have a ready market for them at
the best price, and I have
never
yet sold a sheep
has complained of the quality
to any butcher who
I do not
of the mutton.
say that they will fat
to the size of the improved
quiteso early,or come
ter,
South-down, stillless to the weight of the Leicessmall carcase,
but they give a very handsome
and as I before observed I have invariably
a ready

as

into the hands

the

I had

to, and

however

traits of character

made

good mutton sheep,

and preserve the fineness of the wool, would
be a
work of many
and
a
require
great degree of
years,
patienceand firmness, to counteract the prejudices

the honour to subscribe

Your

and
home

attended

were,

stone.) though

kidneysremarkablylarge.
"

I got them

all the attention that could be bestowed

St. lb.
carcase

number

When

there

the appearance

gree
the highestdepermission being granted to
to Portsmouth
lect
forthwith,and seout of the whole flock,I proceeded

immediately
and

with them, for 1 had

in
discouraging

my
there

nursed

do

flock, and

the

go down

to

be

South-down

"

Weight of

certain
only to aspossibleto make them
I reluctantly
market.
took
under-

far it would

how

does not deteriorate

that it remained

merit with

in

me,

all

of
descriptions

mals.
ani-

of them
and in many
beautiful,the eyes bright and lively,and prominent,
the face covered
with a fine satin skin, at

least

so

Their

head

much

of

is small

it

is left free from

as

thick curling

delicate flesh colour ;

they have a great deal of muscle in the shoulders
with a strong masculine neck,
and limbs generally,

wool, and

and

are

very

arc
properties

encouraged

me

the

nose

active
in

my
to

go

and

courageous.

All these

estimation, valuable
on,

and

besides

; they
suggested
of making

I am
now
followingup,
able
a
distinct and valuinstrumentality
wool on a
the Merino
breed ; in fact i)lanting
If the Merino
Leicester carcase.
sheep had been
the publicimagine, T
defective an animal
so
as
should never
have attempted or thought of such a

the

idea, which

through

their

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

173

In the other breeds

I have now
explained, time theyare gettingwrong.
such is the course
the most
breeders have
which
warranted, as I
intelligent
tate
selves
themfollowed, but by selection only,sometimes
thought fullymy undertaking, and I do not hesiMr. EUman
far as my
to say, as
leadingthem wrong ; confessedly
experience goes, those
thus made
his sheep at one time too fine and tender.
sheepwhich are two parts Merino make the hest
I decidedlyThe Leicester breeders did the same, theymade the
the most firm and solid handlers.
carcase,
stock too fine and tender,too little bone and muscle,
think they are more
hardy and will thrive
all fat and comparatively
littlelean,
less food than any long wool
on
so that theywere
sheep. It may
he expected that I should
and that is a failing
iu them to a certain extent
even
give a detailed account
of the principleupon which
I proceed in comNow, the merino
bining
now.
muscle,
gives them more
thickens the neck, and better joinsit in with the
the different breeds, so as to bring out the
this
shoulders.
result I have in view ; and
The standard I wish to attain is justthat
I confess upon
tinct of my shearlings,
exhibited at Smithfield ; they were
point,it is not in my power^ to laydown any disadvise others who
rules by which I can
Kent and merino, out of
are
got by a half-bred ram,
I shall probably
half-bred ewes.
anxious to follow in my wake ; the fact is, I have
This ram
exhibit

task, but I have

in

powers

myself

to

determine

seen

as

animal

the

work out, and

the best course

by degrees to

endeavour
to

I have

pursue.

at

on

It does
further to

of course
that every animal
of
introduced
has been
every descriptionwhich
into this collection of different breeds, has been of
high qualityin itself ; so that from whatever
rent
pataken

July.

Leicester
I have used him
now,
justthe standard I am

sheep into
every species of long wool
the medley, from which
I hope to extract the fruit
which I am
aiming at.
I have

in

Oxford

troduced
infleece

care

He

actuallycarries

carcass

three

IVIerino

old
is an
four years,

he

;
or

sheep

being

"

aiming at.

to me,
that I have anything
these sheep, either the
respecting

not

occur

state

Merino, or the cross-bred ; but I beg it to be

understood,that my cross-bred flock consists of only
eighty breedingewes, from the limited progeny of
pure

which, I had to select the wethers I exhibited at the

last Smithfield Show, and with these consequently,
had
contend
to
againstall the most
experienced
from all the vast extensive flocks
breeders,selecting
I confess,I
of South
Downs
in the kingdom.
the eligibility
thoughtthe decision of the judgesagainst
of
into competition,
of my sheep to enter
was

they may

take the stronger resemblance, the

itself could not fail to be of value.
It is
rather curious that the offspringof these crosses
I now
which
of the
have, should exhibit so much
various qualities
of each
of their several parents
I have found them to do.
as
They are so much
like each
other, that the eye receives no offence,

animal

it always does from any strikingdissimilarity very questionable

propriety.The terms of the premium
in the sale of
each other in any flock. And
offered,were
simplyfor the best short wool
their wool
that there might be
I have
had any fleeces objected sheep ; admitting
for a moment
never
I am
to.
and which I think few will
give you distinctly a doubt upon thequestion,
sorry to say I cannot
the value of the wool, because
lot
I sell it in one
thrown into the least
deny, the balance was certainly
I am
with the pure Merino
liberal scale upon the occasion.
to Messrs.
Legg of Bersorry to see the
ford
mondsey-street. Desirous to have no secrets from
premium offered in class nine,for the sheep at the Oxthe public,I do not
hesitate to tell you, that the
in the same
equivocal
meeting,is worded exactly

as

to

two
shillings
price of the wool collectivelywas
and wool
the pound, except the pure
Gloucester
in grease, last year sold in the early part of the

terms

season.

desire to
I give you still further proof of my
afford the publicevery information
by shewing in
detail an account
of my growth of wool last year.

to know, espeat Smithfield. Itis impossible

cially
how far any crossafter the Smithfield decision,
bred
I trust some
nation
explasheep will be admissible.
cessary,
newill be given in due time,as it is really
that whatever
the intentions of the
are
as

known.
society,
theyshould be distinctly
Seeingan invitation at the close of the table

of premiums,
into sweepstakes,I engage to enter
Aver. Wt.
short wool ram, presumingthat
for the best shearling
PureMeiiino.
per fleece.
m^ cross-bred sheepare admissible ; and I am ready
for the best Devon
into sweepstakes
to enter
lbs. Ibs.oz.dr.
Fleeces.
also,
4
4 10
3151 washed clean f 1462
bull, and the best boar. I am, sir, your obedient,
-^
"
humble servant,
upon the
6 1 0
1223 sheep'sback C 724
WESTERN.
to enter

Ewes

"

Hoggets

Felix

Hall,Feb. 20.

Ram
Hoggets.
Old Rams
Long wool
.

OF

DESCRIPTION
Ewes " Wethers 127
Do.
Hoggets

GloucesterEwes
Fleeces
I have

11 18 lbs.
288
6 13

42

BY

INVENTED

tHE

HON.

RIGHT

OF

RIARQUIS

THE

0
TWEEDDALE.

724

justtold you

cipleto proceed upon

Total

weight4042

lbs"

[We

that I can lay down no prin"

for
breedin pursuingthis cross ing

enterprise.I expect to work

the
standard sheep,and then work
that standard

DRAIN-TILES.

MAKING

FOR

MACHINE

and
together,

correct

out

by degrees

rams

tbem

and

if

ewes

at

of
any

now

of
onlygivea description

in our
making drain-tiles,

laybefore our readers

of making drains
mode
account

and

next

the machine

number

we

shall

of
description
with a
layingtiles,

full

of the expence^ and

N

the
tailed
de-

authenticated
2

174i

THE

statements

value

F.

of

of the increased produceand

land

after it had

been

FARMER'S

improved

drained.

"

Ed.

M.]

The machine
which we have
of high importance, not
one

now

to describe

is

only as a novel and

ingeniousinvention, but coming, as it does, to aid
the
in a most
agriculturist
important branch of
the

preparatory steps of his labours, and that too

the time when
that branch
has acquired a degree
of importance hitherto unappreciated,a tileof such commanding
making machine
powers as
at

this

MAGAZINE.
A and/,- these being rounded
their periphery,
on
and then through the two inclined rollers,give to
the web of clay a degree of curvature
approaching
to that of a drain-tile ; it is next
passed between
the first forming roller m, where
it is preparedto
lake the true shape. These
last rollers revolve
only from their contact with the clay web, now
shaping into a continuous tile. In this state it is
endless
received upon
belts, by which
the narrow
the clay is drawn
through, shaping and finishing
on

q q q.

to this
The
less
the endmotion of the pulleysupon which
possess, is indeed a boon
agriculturalcountry ; and when its powers
of exweb
tending
ing
works
is given by the pinion r workm
the most
into the wheel
approved system of draininghave
the same
spindle
*, fixed upon
been fullydeveloped,it will be a powerful engine
as i, the pinion k is worked
by the wheel e.
in extending the productivenessof the soil. It is
The
web
of clay having passed the shaping
at all times a pleasureto admire
the inventions
of
irons q q q, having acquii'ed
the desired shape, is
the ingenious; it is more
such inventions
so when
cut off to the requiredlengthsby the apparatus T,
devoted
with
are
success
to generalimprovement ;
having a wire stretched tightlyat the end. The
and stillmore
to all these are
added the
so, when
lever w is lifted once
in every revolution of the
circumstances
of a man
holding a high positionin
spindle,upon which is fixed a lifting
fingery on the
society,who, after having devoted a great portion
of an endless chain
spindlex, is worked by means
of his life to the service of his country in arms,
working over a toothed wheel fixed upon the back
and when
it became
no
longernecessary to wield
of the spindle g, and passes over
the wheel upon
those arms,
has
realised the beautiful metaphor,
of
the spindlea; : the pinion g has three or more
and beaten his sword
into a ploughshare ; such
the teeth
to stop the roller during the
omitted,
be
literally said of the noble personage of time of
may
to allow the lever w and
cuttingof t,the tile,
whose
invention we have to speak.
rod, T, to fall again to its place.The whole machine
The
machine
of the Marquis of
tile-making
is put in motion by the band wheel h.
Tweeddale, as we have reason
to known, has been
The tile, after being cut off, is received on
the result of much
and frequent
patientinvestigation,
another pair of endless leathern belts,which pass
have
last been
at
experiment. These
another
round other pulleys,and is distended over
with success
crowned
; and the fruit of his labours
pulley at the extremity of the alleyof the dryinghas been
secured
to the inventor
effectually
by
them
shed, and from which the assistants remove
The
machine
firstexhibited in
was
letters-patent.
of
The capabilities
public at the Highland and AgriculturalSociety's on a tile-horse to the shelves.
the machine
limited to these
are
not, however,
Show, held at Perth in October
when
seems

to

1836,

for the inventor is at presentcompleting

model was
exhibited, which
excited intense processes,
extension
an
of its powers,
whereby the tiles will
interest. Since then, the details have been
be laid upon
the shelves of the drying-shed
stillfarther perfected,
by the
and the machines
are
now
work
at
at Yester, the residence of the noble inventor,machinery alone.
and at other tile-works.
of
railroad
the whole
By means

working

extending

In order

ideas of the machinery, breadth of the sheds, the machine

be moved
on
can
principleson which it operates in the formation the truck-wheels
b, so as to be placed in the opening
of drain-tiles,
of each
the following description,
successive alleyof the sheds in rotation,
oftheplateissubmitted:
as
outthe
they are filled with tiles. The main or
Theletterapoints
firstmover
framing of cast-iron,supportedon the truck-wheels
shaft also extends
over
a like breadth,
b, upon which the whole machine
and having a chain-wheel
be moved
fixed
can
in
oppositeto each
direction ; c and d are spindles upon
one
the chain along
alley,it is only requisiteto move
which
with the machine.
cylindersof cast-iron for compressing the clay to
the proper
breadth
and thickness,and are turned
Having thus described the process of making
in contrary directions by means
of the toothed
tiles by the machine, it is unnecessary
to go into
wheels e and B, of equal diameters,which receive
the details of making soles.
Suffice it to say, that
their motion
through the pinion g. The upper
by a very slightchange the purpose is effected,
cylinderhas a provision to slide to a small extent
while by other equallyslightchanges any form of
from the other, whereby they can
be set to
drain-tile can
any
be made.
thickness
of tile. The clay, which is
previously
further slightmodifications also, the machine
By
prepared in the usual mode, is introduced
the
and

to convey

some

the

"

by
rollers,

is

equallywell

making of brick.
making of plain and
are
web, i,of moleskin or other suitable substance, pan roofing tiles,all of which
produced of a
to convey the clayto the cylinders.To
by the machinery.
hesion very superiorquality
prevent adof the clay to the cylinders,
an
endless web
In
reference to the comparative expense
of
of like materials
with
that of the hopper,
passes
making drain-tiles by hand labour and by this machine,
round
the cylinders,
and
is distended over
small
it may be stated, that a machine
requiring
rollers jji,adjustableby screws
for the purpose
of
sistance
equal to the power of one hoise, and with the askeeping the distention perfect. The web of clay
of one
man
and two
boys, one of these to
formed by passing the mass
between the cylinders feed in the clay and two
the tiles to the
to remove
above
described, has its edges squared off as it shelves, will make
12,000 tiles in a day of ten
of two
passes along by means
vertical cuttingwires
hours, it being understood
that the clay is previously
hung before the two small rollers jj. After passing
prepared and milled, as in the common
these
the
cutting wires,
clay is received on
three
four men
or
even
can
way, when
only produce
another endless web, m, distended over
the pulleys
1,.500tiles in the same
time.
feeding hopper, consistingof four or
turning on pivots,and around them

more

is led the endless

The

patent

adapted

also embraces

to

the

the

THE

SELECTION

THE

ON

OF

ROOTS,

SEEDS,

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

of the purple flowered or field sorts

; -while the
farmer may be said to have only his three varieties
of peas, the Grey, Partridge and Hastings, the

GRAIN

"c.

gardener has
THE

TO

SiR,^ In
"

in this

EDITOR

OF

THE

LANE

MARK

varieties.

EXPRESS,

last, we alluded to the bean

country having been very much

oui"

175

ture
cul-

at his command

at least

one

hundred

Therefore, whatever

necessity may
exist,in respect to more
attention being bestowed
of the bean, it
upon the selection and purification

is no less necessary in that of the field

glected
nepea ; nor
of late years, for while formerly it entered
is there any obstacle to the successful cultivation
trict, of the pea by agriculturists,
into the rotation of cropping-in almost
every disprovided attention was
directed to the amelioration
seldom had
and
yet in many of them, it is now
of

improvement

the more
doned.
and in others has been totallyabanvaluable sorts, for almost
jccourseto,
every kind of
The dislike manifested by Scotch agriculfor one
turists soil will answer
of the varieties,
or other
cultivation, may
have proagainst bean
ceeded if it is possessedof a medium
degree of fertility.
With
from various
but their principal
causes,
regard to the kidney bean, very littleis
for neglectingthis branch
of husbandry,
known
of it in this country ; but that some
reason
ties
varieis occasioned by the uncertaintyand unprofitableness
might prove a valuable acquisitionto certain
which
be seen
from the following
generally attend this crop in this
districts,
extract
may
This circumstance,is,no doubt,
from " Lawson's
northern climate.
Manual
of Agriculture,"
wherein
sufficient to render its cultivation limited, a detail of thirty-five
of itself,
varieties is given of this
also take into consideration
the value
must
but we
plant. " As a farinaceous seed for the food of
between
intermediate
the kidneybean is considered by the French,
of this crop
the
as an
one
man,
cereal grasses, and as a i)reparative
for Wheat
as
or
being far superior to any other legume, and
next, if not of equal importance with wheat.
In
Barley,especiallyto those farmers who follow a
this country however, notwithstandingthat
certain system of rotation, and are therefore compelled
many
often recourse
of the earlier varieties might be grown
to have
to turnips and red
tage
to advanvaluable
in
on
clover, both of which crops, however
lightearlysoils,their culture has hitherto
been scarcelyextended beyond the gardens of the
themselves, in comparison with beans, yet when
ed
too often repeated on the same
rope,
ground, are attendopulent. In France, and other countries of Euwith numerous
failures. The fact adverted to,
as also in the
Canadas, and United States of
which experience has so well established in
is one
America, and elsewhere, kidney beans are not only
so, that
regard to red clover, so much
scarcely used in a green state to a much greater extent than
in this country, but are cultivated in the fields,
to produce
any descriptionof soil will continue
thing like a remunerating crop if repeated and by every cottager who
any
possesses a piece of
than once
in every six or seven
oftener
garden ground, for their ripe seeds of which they
years, and
in this case, a bean
vantage make
of great advarious kinds of dishes, and consider them
prove
crop must
of as much
lands termed clover sick,by exto those
tending
importance in their domestic economy
the distance between
the different sowas the cottagers in this country do potatoes.
ings.
like
UnIt is however
the common
not improbable,but that some
bean, the kidney bean does best
in a light,sharp,dry soil of medium
antidote in the shape of manure,
covered,
and
fertility,
may yet be diswhich
will render this distance betwixt
the produce per acre, even
of the dwarf
of some
the clover crops unnecessary
than
varieties,is often more
double that of any
; but in the meantime
it would
be well to turn
attention to the secultivated legume." The lightdun or straw
our
lection other
and purification
of the beati,so as to procure
coloured, and the dark dun or liver coloured kidney
habits, having-a tendency to
varieties of prolific
bean, are the two sorts best known
amongst
the
cultivators in this country; they are
early maturity,suitable to our different soils and
early,
That this would
climates.
but generally
of great
not be a work
the different
very hardy and prolific,
varieties and
habits of the kidney bean are
but
difficulty,
though requiring time, attention, and
have
littleknown
we
reason
or
to believe,
understood, although we
perseverance,
every
believe,

especiallywhen

more

which
in the

have

garden pea,

consider the ameliorations

effected by horticulturists
selection and cultivation

we

been

by

alone.
of improvement of this plant
susceptibility
great, and has been well exemplifiedin the
varieties which
numerous
are
supposed to have
been derived from one
of
origin. The prolificness
of these varieties when
some
judiciously
cultivated,
is truly astonishing, so
much
so
indeed, as to
make
the subjecthas ever
doubtful whether
us
ceived
rethe consideration of the agriculturists
at all,
more
when
consider the great disparity
we
especially
which
exists between
the field and garden
sorts, not only in the limited number
from which
the agriculturist
has it in his power
his
to make
in comparison to the horticulturist,
selection,
but
The

is very

also in the immense

difference which
is shown
in their produce and value.
Many instances might be deduced, to show the
and
almost unlimited extent to which
perfection,
the cultivation of the bean
might be carried by

judiciousmanagement,
more

apparent than

but

in

no

other

way

by comparing the great

of white blossomed, or garden peas, with

is it
ber
num-

that

by selectingand testingthe different sorts, a variety

might be obtained,possessedof suitable properties,
and of a habit congenial to our
soil and
climate ; at all events, many of the eax'ly
and prolific
offer an
sorts
opportunity to the British
of addingto our
agriculturist,
leguminous tribe of
plants.
The

been first introduced

or
lentil,is said to have
into Britain about the year 1545, but although
well adapted to our climate,its cultivation
has never
been attended to.
In France, Germany,
Holland and other countries of the continent, it is
for its seeds and
to a considerable
extent
grown
In this contry, however, the vetch
haulm.
or
tare is more
common
generally cultivated for its
forage,although its seeds are sometimes
ripened,
and these sorts in generalcultivation,are the common
summer
or
tare, and the winter tare, which
another
but
in general appearance,
resemble one
tare

varietyis distinguishedby being usually

growth.
others
of the leguminous tribe of
There
are
plants,which are occasionallycultivated for their
not prepared to say that they
are
seeds, but we
will either prove successful or profitable
; that all
the latter

of smaller

THE

176

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

roughly
should have a fair trial and be thoplantfrom which all our beautiful
; the original
tested and proved, cannot
varieties have proceeded is considered by botanists
be doubted, for
the common
to have
been
wild briar. Our plums
have various instances of many
kinds having
we
been
cultivated
descendants
of the sloe ; the peach
are
long neglected,but ultimatelyproving of the
and nectarine of the common
ty.
communialmond
greatest advantage to the agricultural
tree; filberls
For example, potatoes, althoughbrought into
of the wild hazel ; the delicious
are tlie impi-ovements
dreds,
be reckoned by hunEngland about the end of the sixteenth century, apples whose speciesmay now
the cultiviited successors
of the small
were
are
long confined to the gardens of the nobility
and gentry, and in Scotland were
crabs and wildings,
not
which swine will scarcely
austere
planted in
the open
fields,until the year 1792, upwards of
eat ; the original
pear is a petty fruit,as hard and
two
hundred
crude as the former ; our cauliflowers,
cabbages,and
years after their first introductionSo prejudicedindeed, were
the Scottish peasantry
other domestic vp"eta.bles,may
be recrardiflas almost
skill had to
artificialproducts,so much
has human
againsttheir admission, that they attributed the
do in their production.
originof every disease,no matter of what nature,
to the influence of this vegetable. Turnips, also,
If then so great a susceptibility
of improvement
in Britain before the potato, did
exists in the productionsof horticulture,
it bt'cumts
although known
into general cultivation,until long after
not come
a questionof great interest and momentous
ance
importhowever

such

tion

the

days

introduced

of

who
Tull, a Berkshire
agriculturist,
system of drill husbandry, in the

the

to ascertain whether
or
not the different species
grain,roots, and grasses, emj)loYedin agriculture
It is
are
possessedof a like inherent susceptibility.
known
fact that grain,if allowed
a well
to degenerate,

of

He
1701.
obtained very few followers
for
the first
than thirtyyears, and Scotland was
to reduce his system to practice. In 1760, it was
into a state very similar to iluxt o.''some
returns
there in pretty general adoption. Hence
it was
of our coarser
grasses, which of itselfis a very strong
introduced
into Northumberland
in 1780, and it
as
argument,
respects the pointat issue. But we
its way
has since slowly found
into the more
have still more
evidence
that wheat,
unequivocal
the
southern parts of the island.
Such has been
proved
in what
its ])resent imeven
may be denominated
introduction of two of the most valuable roots that
of
state when
compared with the inferiority
in cultivation, and from the great length its supposed original,
are
now
is possessed of the principle
of time they have
been
cultivated, we
mio:ht be
of productivenessto an extent
fullyas great as the
led to believe that their habits and tendencies
in the above quotation. In
vegetablesmentioned
would have, long before now, been thoroughly investigated,
stituted
inproof of this we would refer to the experiments
and a complete knowledge of their
rieties
by Colonel Le Couteur on the different vavarious
nated.
qualitiesobtained, and widely dissemiof wheat as fully
detailed by him iiia valuable
But such is not the fact,for although we
and which we
pamphlet which we have justperused,
readilyadmit that many
improvements have been
would
the careful consideration of
recommend
to
introduced
into the culture of these roots since
Colonel Le
Couteur
began
agriculturist.
every
that period, still these
have not been
carried to
to cultivate the important
plantof wheat so
seriously
their full extent, or to that perfection of which
the several soils distinct from each
as
to procure
they are susceptible.It may indeed be said,that
time not the experimentsmade
other,and at the same
the introduction of potatoes and turnipstook place
and
the culture, produce, weight of the grain,
on
when
education was
at a very low ebb, the supine- qualities
of the corn, flour and straw.
He has kept
of our agriculturists
ness
at its height,and before
minute account
of the experiments, and taken
a most
in existence, and
agriculturalassociations were
the greatestcare
the best sorts in their
to preserve
therefore that any deductions
from
this
drawn
and the result of his
is,that be
year
more

purity,

subject, are
shortly make

inapplicablenow.
it appear

more

But
than

we

shall

probable,

experience

believes the proper mode

of cultivation of wheat is
or
unpractised. The Colonel, before
yet unknown
he turned his attention to the selection and purification
of wheat, considered
his crops tolerably
pure,
yet on Professor Le Gasca, a celebrated botanist,

that even
with all the science
and
enterprize
of modern
times, there is yet a wide field
of
which
discovery lying before us, and
hitherto
has
been
almost
wholly neglected. examining them, he selected from them, twenty-three
We
allude more
classification
to the
particularly
have
since been discovered to
sorts of which
some
and purification
of seeds.
Individuals, no doubt,
be three weeks
later in ripeningthan others, which
have
at different times
directed their attention to
circumstance
for the many
shrivelled,illaccounts
this subject,but their labours instead of remedying
in a
of
doubt
grown

the
the

existingdefects,have only tended to shew

almost unlimited
to which
extent
ment
improvein this department might be carried.
They

have

failed,not from

the unfruitfulness of the subject,

but from the inadequacy of individual exertion

for the task, and their failure is a powerful
in favour of a combined
practicalargument
and
collected eff'ort for the full development of the
latent,and hitherto dormant susceptibilities
of the

vegetablekingdom.
"

it to

their latent powers

and livingfunctions,
is
of improvement; animals Lave
susceptibility
a certain degr"e but
not
tent
nearlyto such an exfor the productivefaculty
of the foras plants,
mer

be increased like that of tlielatter. As

cannot
is well remarked
by Mr. Sharon Turner,most agreeable
and surprising
transformations have arisen from

this property.

The

link in

of
qualities

the

is well

wheat

to their

The
of

relative value

quantityof
one

and

rose

is the

product of cultiva-

six
"

only

an

most

excess

4oz.

The

straw, an
the
over
8,

straw

more

Koelen," 41bs.

of straw.

31b. 9oz. of straw, only six

wheat ; No. 2, " Album
and eight
21b. 12oz. of wheat

than wheat

straw

more
ounces

of

next, No.
iilh. 9oz. of

of

excess

grain in

one

this

excellent
in

and

grain of

Col. Le Couteur

singleear

than

straw

more

as

No. 1, JerseyDanzig,was
varieties,

31b. 3oz. of wheat

ounces

different varieties of
Le Couteur in respect
to produce of straw.

producedfrom

straw

of his best

ounces

the

exemplifiedby Col.

Densum,'' produced

characteristic of
grand and distinguishing
that which
terizes
characplants over
inorganicmatter
The

their

wheat, arising
no
grains
sample
unequal growth of the many varieties that
the purest crop.
The
taining
importance of ascer-

from the

; No.

5, "Coturaneum,"

grain; and No. 8,

and only 31bs. l3oz.
wheat
9, the Ked
Compact, produced
than

wheat

fromSlbs.

pound

six

last,whereas

the

15oz.

former. No.

there
superiorvariety,
seven

ounces

of

of straw

ounces

over

justlyobserves, that by

was

the

straw.

proper

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

appear obvious from these

should be brought to such perfecgrain thaa straw ; Nos. 8,
tioD,as to producemore
10 and 13, varieties selected and tested by actual
Now
having done so.
by reterence to the
practice,
article " Biitish husbandry" chap. page l54 of that

177

climate than their own, so as to make the

has also
This view of the matter
occurred to Col. Le Couteur.
It is
He observes
importantto procure seed that may ripen a fortnight
earlier, for the chances are, that such wheat
will
have attained its full state of maturity,and therefore
ledge,
not
excellent work, the farmer's series of useful knowonly prove the most productivein farina,but
is generally also the fittestfor seed."
find it stated that
the straw
we
At page 71 of Col. Le
tailed
Couteur's pamphletis dereckoned to be about double the weightof the grain."

system of culture,it must

warmer

facts that wheat

changebeneficial.

"

"

"

this may

believe

We

be

correct
perfectly

as

far

an

as

interesting
experiment,in regardto

tained cultivation of wheat

regards ordinary husbandry,
yet if the results obWhile that which was
by Gol. Le Couteur's experimentsare of any

value, we
wheat

conclude

must

that the proper culture of

if known

These

is unpractised.
experimentshowever were

not confined to

suffered much
of the very

March,

on

from the

Cape

of

Good

the

Hope.

sown
on flat land in November,
from the cold and wet, another parcel
late as the 29th
same
so
sample sown
warmer
slope,exposed to the rays of

somewhat
similar climate
a genialand
different varieties the sun, found
and succeeded perfectly.
to its own,
nued
Col. Le Couteur
of wheat, on the contrary the Colonel contitherefore believes that the produce of this last,
and grain,on to
his researches from the straw
with judgment a littleearlier,
and on a warm
the meal itself,
in order to be fullysatisfied which of
sown,
and
the greatest exposition,
the sorts under experiment contained
a valuable importation
may become
northern climates.
of meal
or
early habits for more
flour,and the result nearly preserve
proportion
Col. Le
In fact,the great first principle
which
proved that the most
productivesort in grainwas
Couteur
also the most
farinaceous. A circumstance of a very
advocates,is a judiciouschange of seed,
of varieties of wheat to
importantnature was elucidated in the progress of and the proper adaptation
ness
the various soils and climates,since it is the suitablevantages
adthese experiments and proves
the comparative
that will enable the
of each sort to each soil,
derived from actual practice,
skill,
to be
f^irmer to augment his produce.
If this end can be
and observation,to that of science alone, for the purpose
obtained, the productivenessof the soil will be
of testing
and provingthe merits of the different

the

weight

productivenessof

or

the

varieties of grain. Professor Le Gasca with all his

impressed
experience and botanical research, was
of
of No. 14 was
with the notion,that a variety
one
the most
provedby actual
productive,while it was
experiment to be the most inferior of the fourteen
of comsorts tested,evincingthe positive
parative
necessity
duce
experimentsto ascertain the relative proof the
of wheat, which the theoryalone,even
have discovered,he
learned Professor, could never
merelyhavingjudged from the external appearance
of the wheat, its squareness
and compact form ; than

which, nothingcould have proved

We
have frequentlyin the course

more

deceptive.

of these letters
inculcated the advantages of a change of seed grain,
and the adaptationof certain districts for producing
than
the different varieties in greater perfection,
that of others,and we are
glad to observe,that Col.
deed
Le Couteur arrives at the same
It inconclusion.
stand to reason, that the fine
must
inevitably
rich fertileloam
white wheat which is grown
a
oa
be the proretentive of moisture, can
never
suitably
per
black
soil,such as
sort to be
a
sown
on
poor
of retaining
Bagshot Heath, which of itself is incapable
But it will not be
moisture.
or attracting
denied that if
to

as

be obtained,
of agricultural
experiments can
that nearly a whole twelvemonth
must
elapse,
before the seed which has been put into the ground,
be
convertible into bread, the only valuable
can
proofof the experiment.
The length of time, therefore,
tain
necessary to ascerrenders the
the perfect
result of experiments,
and

them
pensive,
by singleindividuals very exlayingaside altogetherthe uncertainty

prosecutionof

occasional absence, and the sacrifice

which
the individual experunenter has to make in
his time. Therefore how useful soever
these isolated
experimentsmay prove theycould not be compared
with the utility
of a national establishment, founded
such importfor the purpose of quickly ascertaining
ant
facts,where the results of many years of application
by one person may be attained in one or two

arisingfrom

a red
or coarse
variety,equallyproductive seasons.
In Colonel
ceous,
though perhaps less farinaquantity,

Le Couteur's

observations

on

the

lection
se-

"
quently
of seed grain, he remarks
It has frebe an
such a soil,it would
on
grown
much
to
and
of
portance.
imbe
national
much
me
desired,
puzzled
imagine,
upon what
greatlyto
for seed
writers have recommended
some
An observation made by Col. Le Couteur
principle

could

end

be

that such will be the result.

which had been ill prepared,and
and out of condition, a crop of white
was
poor
wheat had been sown
; it scarcelygrew three feet in
it was
rich
a plant of fine, tall,
height,but among

leads him
In

as
as much
ductive
unpromany
wheat suited to
lands may be made to grow
tainable.
them, which under present circumstances is not atwill not only apThis view of the matter
ply
to all the
to wheat, but is equallyapplicable
cereal tribe.
Col. Le Couteur
observes, however,
knowledge
that it is only by slow approaches
a perfect

enormously increased, in

brown

to

pieceof

believe

land

wheat, with a large round, but rather coarse

grain. It proved a highlyproductive
variety.Had
be happened to have
stead
the field with all such, insown
of having only had
twenty bushels
per acre,
subsequentexperiencehas shown him that he would

"

the refuse of a crop, after all

sort of inferior grain,
How
has been sent to the market.
so
a
principle
of nature
entirely
contrary to the whole economy
could for a moment
obtain it is difficultto conceive.
For even
from the finestof seed, after five years of
experiments,I am persuadedthat for a crop one-tenth
a

of the best grain perishes,

by birds,
or is destroyed
mice or insects ; but from some
sorts which looked
and were
singly,grain by
purposely sown
sickly,
grain,in 1833, I found that a liver-coloured variety
have had forty.
which, from the appearance of the ear, promisedto be
probably
We
would
here refer to the allusion which
we
though the grainswere illgrown,
highlyproductive,
in a former letter,
made
with regardto the benefits
grainsout of seventy-two died, which
thirty-three
gland, induced
to discard it as being too delicate,its
to be derived from a change of seed wheat from Enme
by the Scotch farmer,and also the necessity grainsbeing poor and lean,thoughgrown on a rich
soil. Another
of the English agriculturist
"nd well prepared
to a
varietyalso from
having recourse

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

178

bushels
grainsout of sixty- increased my crops to between fortyand fifty
poor ill-fed wheat, lost forty-nine
I got at
I have
which
the acre.
Hence
two.
A
doubt, that with extreme
no
sample of golden-drop,
in obtainingthe best and most
varieties
suitable sorts of
well grown, bad seven
care
Mark-lane, tolerably
of these died out of
fine cultivation
wheat, that land, in high tilth,with
in a handful, and thirty-four
be

from other healthy

seventy-two grains. Whereas
onlynine, ten and
plump grainsof several varieties,
ty.
twelve died out of seventy-two grainsof each varie-

may

Talavera"
Vue
was
so
of seventywell grown and plump, that of three rows
two
died ; of No. 1. Danzig,
grains each not one
only three to four in three rows of the same number;

growth and cultivation of wheat, which has tended

where
to a material improvement in those farms
care
has been taken, perceptible
to superficial
observers
even

In

1834, the

Belle

"

made

produce sixty

to

acre.''
per
that " much

Le

Colonel
has

; but

been

further

judiciouslywritten

has

writer

no

seventy bushels
remarks,

or

Couteur

yet called the

on

the

attention

of the agricultural
world to the cultivation
of pure
Album
Densum," onlyeightfrom
from one
the same
number
hundred
and forty- sorts, originating
died. From
tended
one
singlegrain. It is conthe root of all the evil ;
that this has been
four grains of a new
white Spring Wheat,
a
very
have attempted to beginwell, but few, if iiny.
rare,
hardy and promisingvariety,
only ten d:ed.
many
have
il,and
thought of commencing from the origin.
My generalobservations lead me to believe that
This idea struck
when wheat appears to grow
lean and
perseveringand keeping it pure.
poor looking
of No.

and

2.

"

it should

the

trial

which

after a fair
be discarded from
the locality,
only
say after the third year, as the second
might be the result of climate, or the want of being
first trial should be
naturalized to the soil. The
made from seed of the best quality
; if this failsafter
the third year, it is evidently
unsuited to the soil
"

author

has

farmer

no

His

quittedhim.

never

and
visionary
as

the

powerfullyon

so

first conversation
Gasca, that it

Le

he had with the Professor

farmers

Old

had

world

in the

considered

project was

unattainable.

said, that

thouglitof

ever

and

classing wheat it could

impossibleto get a pure crop !

rating
sepabe done ; it

not

The bees would

should
be introduced.
sort
was
mix
the farina, mice
mix
the
would
that lean and shrivelled wheat is
grain, birds
the young
feasible,it would
not
to nourish
so likely
plantjuststarting would do the same
; if it had been
have
been tried before.
assured him,
from its embryo state into life,with a mere
Corn-factors
ble
miseraskin of a parent to live upon, as the fine rich nuthat the climate of England was
calculated for
not
triment
and

climate,and

It must

new

be obvious

to

be

met

with in

ous
plump, round, farinace-

the

of

growth

such

fine

skinned

wheat

as

that of

Professor
Le
Danzig, Volhynia, and Sandomir.
alone perceived
Gasca
to manice discrimination and care requisite
and approvedof the author's
ture
of grain,is well exand distinct variety
emplified project.
pure
in Colonel Le Couteur's
The learned Professor had been theoretically
ployed
emown
practice,for
in the classification and
scientific examinaof four ears
tion
progress of nibbingout the grains

grain,full of meal."
The
a

in the

of wheat

which were
selected to him
by Professor
in the
a
Gasca, he remarked
great discrepancy
of the same
not
grains of each ear, theywere
even
colour,and differed greatly as to form, some
being
oval
and peaked,some
round, some
plump but very
with the skin or
small, some
more
elongated,some

of wheat

Le

bran

much
with

many
among
and

the

thicker than others ; there

were
liver-coloured yellow,and
dark
white.
Colonel Le
the selection of a

also

grains

therefore

Couteur

singlegrainof

known

variety,for the purpose of procuringa

with a distinct character and of prolific
habits ;
but this subject
is so nice, and admits of so many
that to arrive at this he believes it may
distinctions,

good of

necessary
one,

to
on

impregnationor
be

no

doubt

destroyevery
the

that, with

may

and

there

attention, the

can

practice

be established as
the success
as
satisfactorily,
that has been met with by those who
have attended
to the intercrossing
of geraniums, now
of all
grown
can

shades and colours, almost

which
Colonel Le Couteur

at

research and
it had

determined

to

farinaceous

by comparing their

attempt
and

character

relation
the

view
practical
to

deration
consi-

escaped him
to

author

the
took

discover which

productivevarieties,
and produce one
with

another.
From
the

the

ohservatiens
foregoing

following conclusion,

this

with

viz.

mixed,

country is much

"

will arrive at
we
That the wheat
in
and therefore is rendered

varieties
less productive than a varietyor
for their ableness
distinct characters, distinguished
suitfor

our

different soils and climates, and

the

of obtaining such varieties is clearly

blossom, excepting
practicability
demonstrated
in the practiceof Colonel Le Couteur.
be selected for

experiment;
due

he

the most

were

the
; but

female

plant,which

future

This

man.

of it,and

sort

be

plant, in

it in its properties,
with

consider

to

commends
re-

pure

as

of all its varieties

will.

care

of

we

procure

pure and suitable

riety
va-

seed

to
wheat, it is absolutely
necessary
guard againstthe admixture, and that this can only

be

accomplished by unremittingcare
It will farther

to

select

be

varieties

observed,
that

eye of tbe

may
that

and

that it is
appear

attention.
not

valuable

enough
in the

but
botanist,
theymust be tested and
and the great number
of sorts he found of all
proved by actual experiment before their merits and
shades and colours,formingvarieties and sub-variebe properly appreciated
or
ties,
understood,
can
qualities
as
termed
tests have
they were
by Professor Le Gasca, and that in fact the want of these practical
confirmed him in the opinionthat the only chance of
hitherto proved the root of all the evil.
raise them
has directed
from single
to
having pure sorts was
Lastly,although Colonel Le Couteur
his experiments solely to
In reference to this matter.
grains or singleears.
wheat, yet sufficient is
Colonel Le Couteur observes
It is but
known
the different seeds
to render it probable that
fair to
add, that even
and
the pains I took in making these first
at present in cultivation in this country
roots
selections amply rewarded
would
be susceptibleof a like improvement, if subjected
duce
my labours, as the proof my crops was
increased from an average of
similar process and the test of experito a
ment.
about
A Scotch Farmer."
twenty-threeor twenty-fivebushels per acre
took

in

Indeed, the

Also, that when

tions,
making his selec-

"

"

"

about thirty-four
since I have
; and
from single
ears
or carefully
selected

to

raised

sorts, I

wheat
have

(To

be

continued.)

THE

RURAL

THE

ON

MANAGEMENT

FORFARSHIRE

THE

OF

THE

OF

FARMER'S

WESTERN

PART
DISTRICT

179

and the farm thus carried on

at a considerably
reduced
expenditure.
Wheat
has not been very extensively
raised in
this district of Strathmore
of late years, though

quired

OF

formerlyattempts

MORE.

STRATH

MAGAZINE.

made

were

enlarged scale

more

than

it

to grow

is

on

much

practised. The

now

inroads
for the

of the wheat
blamed
fly are very much
unproductiveness of this crop, but the
real truth is that our land is scarcely
strong enough
awarded
to the writer
was
[A prizeof Ten Sovereigns
for wheat, though of course
to this we
find exceptions.
the
of thisEssayby
HighlandAgriculturalSociety.^

By Mr. Robert

Vale

The

beauty and

Pillans

Newton, Hallyburton.

of Strathmore
is proverbial for its
It runs
tween
bemagnificence of scenery.

The

breadth

of wheat

in the district this

than for many
of this did not proceed

sown

(1837) has been vastlyless

season

pians
years past ; but the cause
great chains of the Southern Gramfrom any apprehensions of failure by
Sidlaw Hills ; Strathmore, strictly so much
the ravages
of grub alreadynoticed,as from toin general to comso
tal
called,being understood
pose
of gettingthe land prepared and
the flat of country extending from
about
impossibility
in time, on
Montrose
of the extreme
to Perth, although some
account
not
posed sown
dismency
incleare
of the weather
to yieldto it so great a compass.
at the proper
But
season.
indeed the comparative value of wheat
The soil of this district abounds
much in blackish
and barley
in the market
has of late been
loam
of rock, producing
substratum
on
a
so
very difterent
turnip and potato crops of the finest quality, from what we have been used to consider their
relative price,that we
should imagine that those
and not easy to be surpassed in the production
who
have been disappointedas to any part of
of barley and oats, especially
the former.
It is
may
their wheat
of which
be said in technical
soil much
a
crop this year need not consider it as
may
the

two

and

the

subject of great regret.

language to be sharp, repaying well for liberal

manuring with judicious management.
followed
in cropping the
Although the mode
land, necessarilyvaries with circumstances,

opinionof

the

"

is that

green
We

farmer, "c., yet

the

commonly

most

crop, barley
have
sometimes
of crops
there

is

If

the

land.

on

many

farms

adopted, a ".r-shift
is,

three

where

under

years

in some
farmers

years.

in

the rotation
soils often a

to

ing
over-plough-

a^wshift rotation is
followed

were

two

grass

thought that

great propensityamong

tation
ro-

adopted,viz.,oats,

wheat,

or

five-shift

the

crop

and

instead : that
three years in

Barley may
to

is

barley

be

the

said

"

end

to produce
frequently

great
the fiveas

proportion of straw and grain as with

shift management.
In the
first place, the items of expense
arable farm
than
are
more
numerous
may

there

be

taken

into

account.

Servants'

an

rally
genewages,

the keep of horses, tear and wear

of carts, ploughs,
harrows, harness, "c., the cutting up of roads
and fields in drivinghome
the produce of them,
and otherwise ; and, though last not
least,the
decreased powers
of growth and vegetationwhich
continued
effect,are all to be
ploughing must

genial
con-

of late years

instances

are

where

the

whom

Scotch
it has

kind has

given great

ing
becombarley is also now
favourite varietyin this district,
although
only introduced within the few last years from England.
a

The
on

most

proverbialin
English barley
in general sown,
was
which
for malting and
weight is undeniably far superior to the Scotch
tlie few last years, however,
barley. Within
Scotch barleyhas been a good deal sown,
and the
weights produced from it are sometimes very considerable.
The Scotch is found to ripenconsiderably
earlier than the Englishbarley,and a greater
of straw
return
is produced. On good barleyland
Until

"

in the

the crop

district,and Strathmore

rapidly becoming almost

country.

been
sold to brewers, to
grass,
or, in professionallanguage, three out
satistactio!). Chevalier
and three in, land could be made
more
ble,
profitaand

be

to

soil of this

very much

ears

resemble

those

of the

English barley,but contain on an average

four more
two
or
grainsin each ; the grain
and
being rounder
more
advantage,
plump. It has the dishowever, of being eight or ten days
later in ripeningthan the common
barley,and is
therefore
not
well adapted for inferior and late
so
common

soils.
Oats are
also extensivelyand very successfully
cultivated in this district. The
potato oat is the

sort
most
considered in the cultivation of arable land.
but in many
In a
farms
generallysown,
district like this, so well adapted, from various
common
oats are
cultivated to some
extent.
On
oats are
poor soils the common
causes, for the feedingand rearingof stock, and
to
perhaps most
he recommended,
in a district where
and indeed there are
the management
particulai-ly
many soils
of live stock is, generallyspeaking, so well unin this district on which
the potato varietywould
derstood,
cattle and sheep husbandry might, with
The
scarcelygrow.
Hopetoun oat has also been

advantage, be
extent

than

carried

even

in many

it is at

cases

to

greater

much

very

doubt

present.

By followingthe six-shift course

of half in crop
half in grass, farmers, while in all probability
they would clear more
profit
by the additional

and

live stock

it would
which
enable
them
would as before hinted, be at last
in the quantityof grainproduced as

the

for two

sown

three

or

years

past.

No

is both

longer and stronger than

that of the potato oat, and
the grain is found
to
lipen a few days earlier;but when we consider
that

to

tain,
main-

the

no

losers

much

this

straw

to

is much

cat

other,
be

and

not

liable

more
so

wondered

well
at

if

to

coloured,
the

more

than

smut

it

is

not

common

varieties shall

still be more
generallyliked.
quittingthe subjectof graincrops a mode
of management
course
because
the superior of paying the reapers
of the
;
corn
crops in this
the land ought to yield under
the
crops which
here
than in
more
district,
commonly j)ractised

even

with

what

the farm

yielded under

ed
comparfive-shift

five-shift rotation, should

abundant
as
as
prove
those
extensive
produced under the more
ping
cropinvolved in the five-shift management.
Much
less manual
as well as
horse labour would be re-

Before

any
of

other, deserve

our

notice.

Wc

allude

to

that

paying shearers by the threave. A threave of

and barleyis reckoned
oats
stooks
two
of twelve
sheaves
each, or
twenty -four sheaves, and a

THE
horned

of the

colour
prevailing

The

FARMER'S

Angus cattle

black, and they had a considerable

breed.
to the present Aberdeenshire

was

blance
resem-

They

MAGAZINE;
the

181

and
feeding-pen,

fattened for the butcher, the

late for rearing. As these
are
fed off, the cows
let ofi' milk, having
are
each suckled five calves. It is
necessary to have
a very steady and careful
to attend
to the
person
suckling, which has to be done three times aday, viz. early in the morning before the cows

being

season

too

now

shorter
in the leg, thicker in the
however,
the
and
in
shoulder, rounder
fully
carcass,
straighterin the back than the Aberdeenshires,
ter.
and they are acknowlecigedto carry their head betThev are supposed to have
turned
originatedin a
are
out
to grass,
at mid-day, and in the
between
the Highland and Low
cross
country or
evening when the cows
into the byre for
come
But to return
the
to the daddies.
doddcd breed.
night, and get a little cut grass, tares, or
other green
The originof the Angus doddies is very remote,
food.
The
byre is arranged so that
traced.
be
the cows
and indeed can
have each a stallof about four feet wide,
scarcelynow
They
attractive to agriculturists
rendered
at first
with their heads to the wall ; and on the opposite
were
and quietness,
wall the calves are tied
from their extreme
a quality
docility
in a stall exactly
up, two
or less peculiarto
more
polled cattle in general, behind the cow, so that there is little trouble in
found advantageousalso on account
and they were
to the
and
placing
putting them
chance of misno
are,

of the few accidents sustainedfrom injuryto each

other, either in the straw-yard or the stall,as
kind. The
dies
compared with the horned
Angus dodresemblance
to the Galloway
bear
a very marked
for them.
cattle, and are often mistaken
An experiencedjudge, however, discovers that the
Galloways are smaller, shorter in the legs,and
thicker in the shoulder than the Angus doddies.
The
in the bringing up of the two kinds
treatment
is very different. The
Galloways have to endure
the hardship of a moist climate,and are generally
the Angus
winter fed in the open field,whereas
sides
cattle are
always wintered in the straw-yard,behaving the advantage of a comparatively
This difference of treatment
mild and genialclimate.
renders the Galloways more
hardy looking
than the Angus
kind, and the latter is found to
handle more
kindly than the former.
The
generally
pure
Angus polled cattle are
black, and it is considered
by the very few in the
district who
possess pure stock of this kind to any
to preserve the colour of their
extent, so important
animal of any
stock, that they do not allow an

decriptionwhose
their

is other

colour

stinted

when

by

than
the

black,to be
bull. Perhaps

cow,

them.

The fat calves have in some

seasons,
been
sold at bl. each, this being the scarcest
time
of the year for veal."
But thoughformerlythe Angus cattle were
chiefl}''
reared

and

fed in this district,and

in the county

generally,
they have of late years been decidedly
not
ihe favourite
The
stock.
superiorweight and quality
obtained by the feeding of sboit-horns,
have
rendered
this description
now
ferred
prevery generally
And
by the farmers of Strathmore.
certainly
the make
and pointsof the short-horns render them
in general to tl]e Angus cattle for
much preferable
the feeding-byre,
abundance
of
though they rei]uire
the best keep and the most
careful attention at all
To those who

seasons.

have

not

at

their command

plentiful
supply of good keep and comfortable accommodation
for feeding,the more
hardy Angus
ought to be preferred. To those,on the other hand,
a

who

the short-horns will

possess these advantages,
the most profitable
feeders. It should before
have been stated,that what are talked of in generalas
short horns in this district are not the pure improved

be found

with
Teeswater, but merely crosses
(generally
blood
Angus) with a large dash of Teeswater

the
in

In one
them.
two
or
instances,however, the pure
the largestand
of this
successful breeder
most
short-horns are
Mr.
to be met
with.
Hood
at
stock is Mr. Watson
teresting
at Keillor, who
Ilatton near
gave an inat Ingliston,
Glammis, Mr. Dalgairns
in a
account
of his mode
of management,
Mr.
Anderson
at
Newton, Mr. Nicoll, Littleton,
letter to the Highland and Agricultural
and
Mr.
Societyof
have all exhibited
Campbell,
near

cows

Balbrogie,

Scotland, which

the
is also important, because
system detailed in it is in many
respects applicable
to the
also.
successful breeding of Short-horns
"
The
Mr. Watson
intended for
states that
cows
nursing, generally calve early in the season,
about the month
of January or February, when
of the
a
some
strange calf is procured from
have
dairies.
small tenants
in the district who
This calf is suckled with the others by the same
and
at first shows
cow,
although the cow
great
dislike to the stranger, in a few days she receives
it very quietly,
care
being taken that both are put
to suck
(one on each side) exactlyat the same
time, by tying the calves' bands to the stall,or
the band
of the cow,
calf at its
so
as to keep each
side. They remain
with
own
the cow
for fifteen
or
twenty minutes, by which time her milk is perfectly
drawn away.
As the calves advance
in age,
they eat hay, sliced potato, porridge, and other
food they are inclined to take. By the 1st of May,
or

as

and

calves
receive
are

soon

as

turned

out

the

out

suck,
byre again
to

by

the

be

ready, they
byre, when

at

12

into their

sucked.

two

stalls,and

o'clock, after they

This

set

August, and

fresh

cxctpting that they

to eat grass, and are

in the evening,when

1st of

weaned

are

the

treatment,

same

turned

in

is

immediatelyput

are

their

grass
from

have

sot

brought into
the

cows

the

come

is ready to be weaned
singlecalf is put into

very superiorspecimens of the short-horned

pure
INIr. Anderson
breed.
has probably
at
Newton
now
more
pure short-horns than any other breeder
of them in the district.
Cattle for feedingare generally
tied up for stallfeedingat the age of thrte off,but many even at
two

They

years.

fed on
turnipsand potatoes,
turnipsat first,then turnips
the turnips
potatoes once
; and as
are

generallywholly on
twice

a-dayand

begin to

twice
nips.
turpotatoes and once
get scarce
Often towards the end of the season
cattle
fed whollyon
Of
bite
course
a
potatoes.

are

of

dry

Fat

March

is

straw

cattle

are

at their
constantly\ie\it

command.

generallyready for

market

the

in

and

April.
Having thus,though perhaps imperfectly,
given

some

of the
shall before concluding
advert
that of
to
subject,brieflj-

of the live-stock

account

district in reference
the

to

management

cattle,we

iheep.
It is

is no
that there
allowed
universally
which diffuses itselfmore
equally,or which
is more
viiluable in its effects than that produced
as
by sheep, whether
appliedon pasture land or
in turnip feeding
the ground ; farmers
in this
on
now

manure

district

of this, that they almost

pointof grazingtheir pasture
land oneyear with sheep,and of consuminggenerally
the one-half of the turnip crop by sheep on
the
are

now

so

make
invariably

satisfied
a

THE

182

FARMER'S

that where you have

follow.
few in tiie district who
There are
comparatively
have it in their power
stock
to carry on
a breeding
of sheep, but there are some
who do.
deed,
Unless, inconsiderable advantages of hill-pasture
are
slock of sheep will be found
possessed,a trifling
most
profitableon a farm in this district. The
mode
of management
generallyadopted with a
stock of ewes
stock seems
to be this :
a
shifting
have
suited to the keep which
for
the feeder may
tion,
in middling condithem, are bought in the autumn

ground.

It is

aa

old remark

plentyof sheep, plenty of

and

put

on

oats

the tup about

and the lambs are

and this man

tends
atproprietorin the neighbourhood,
to the repairsof the bve-roads as a secondary
considf ration altogether,
exactly as it may suit his
own
convenience, without regardto time or place.

Now,

both
rectify

to

the
the
a

the

would

pro-

to

will

trustees

be

mitted
bye-roads should in all cases be comwho suindividual
the charge of the same
perintends
the turnpikeroads of the district. The

doubt

no

take

care

with

thoroughlyconversant

that this individual

his

business,and

as

kept on the turnpikeroads,

it be for the superintendent
to keep
for the parishroads also.
or two
the person
most
likelyto make the

men

must

be constantly

how

easy

would

an

tened
fat-

evils,we

these

])ose that the

additional man
This would be

turnips. They get

of or end of October,
the middle
tlien
sold fat off their mothers.
The ewes
are
off the grass, and ought to be readyfor
market
about
the beginningof September. If
affords a sufficiency
farm
of keep, sometimes
stock of lambs
are
bought in, fed through

MAGAZINE.

parishroad-money go farthest in keepingthe roads

this system more
repair; and were
generally
adoptedthan it is,we have no doubt a marked change
would
in the parish roads in
be perceptible
soon
In the Carse of Gowrie
the system just
Scotland.
in

off hoggs earlyin the grass season,

alluded to has been adoptedwith the best results.
after being dipt. The ewes
It is much
to be feared,however, that,as the law
bought in are often of
the black-faced
kind, and crossed with a Leicester
now
stands, re.dlygood bye-roadscannot be looked
or Cheviot
tup, produce a very heavy description for. Let Government
put them in a tolerable repair
of lamb.
Cheviot lambs are often fed and sold as
by levyinga small temporary tax for the purpose,
tances,
hoggs, but the Leicesters are not quiteso generally and afterwards put on a small toll at reasonable disand
then bye-roads
Leicesters are an expensivestock at
dealt in. The
worthy of the march of
the market
like
and they do not seem
to take
improvement in other things might be expected.
first,
in this district are, by care
and mathe other kinds, at least they do not so readily
nagement,
yield The bye-roads
pense
exa profit
to the outlay at first and
proportionate
graduallygettinginto as gooilorder as
ever,
of feeding. The
small funds will allow.
high price of wool, howof late years, has made
The whole scenery around this districtof country
ence
a considerable differis beautiful in the extreme.
in this respect.
The extensive
tions
plantaWe
offer some
of Lord
remarks as to the
Wharncliffe and Lord Douglas Hallyshall now
general
burton
and the nudistrict in question.
enhance the scenery not a little,
merous
in the districtcannot
In contemplating
other gentlemen's
the circumstances of an agriculseats
tural
for the taste
and
there is nothingwhicii so naturally but attract
notice
with
neatness
district,
laid out.
which they are generally
suggests itself as the state of its roads,and there is
But perhapsno gentleman,for a great circle round,
no
subjectconnected with country matters now-athan
has done nearly so much
for a singleestate, in proroad-making. Our
days better understood
portion
to its size,or in
turnpikeroads, both in this and the sister kingdoms,
way promoted
every possible
thanks
the labours and discoveries
to
of improvement in the county generally,
a spirit
as
are
unexceptionable,
J3ut simplethough the subits present
ject
of Macadam.
Lord Douglas Gordon
representative,
For
a
now
periodof not less than twelve
JIallyburton.
appears to us, there are few subjectswhich
discussion and difference of
have given rise to more
years, Lord Hallyburton employed from eightyto a
labourers
his estate alone.
His
on
opinionthan road-making. Farey,Walker, Telford, iiundred extra
Stevenson, Fry, jNlarshall,
Paterson,and Edgeworth, Lordship has accomplished many
very arduous and
of draining,
all maintained their separate theories on the subject, extensive
improvements in the way
and planting,
of which
of Macadam's
but the superiority
dyking, trenching,
ditching,
system, as a whole,

winter, and sold

is

almost
acknowledged,and not
universally
adopted. Since the introduction of
universally

now

less

has made
his system. Macadam
provement of it in the reduction

valuable im-a most

of the size of stones
laid on the road from 6 ounces
to 4 or 4 J. By the
latter a much
more
angular stone is got, the stones
effectually in the road,and thus
consolidate more
lessened.
the bad effects of rainyweather are much
be said that the improvement of our
But it cannot
parishroads in Scotland progress in anythinglike an

turnpikeroads.

If the

last,perhapsthe
the

most

conspicuousand extensive,is

his fine hills,forming part of the

For
of more
of the Sidlaws.
extent
than
an

plantingof

range
500 acres

these

larches,and
of about
hard

with

hills

wood

are

the east

on

now

covered

with

thriving

part of the

300
or
200
of various

acres

tent
property an exin, planted
comes

kinds,much

younger than

mostly in a very thrivingstate.

good carriageor cart
Through these hill plantations
the

former,

roads

are

but

formed

in

everj' direction, which

are

not

pleasureonly valuable as affordingmost delightful

of the
for the conveyance
so
Act of Parliament relative to the statute labour is to
drives, but particularly
continue in force,a better system than that generally annual thinningsof the wood from the plantations.
There
so
followed with our
are
now
large larch plantations
parishroads might be adopted
many
to
with advantage. In general,they are committed
coming up in this country, that their proper management
farmer in the neighbourof some
is a subject
the chargeeither of some
hood,
importance.
in the manageeither of
It is of the greatest consequence
common
or
some
labouring man,
ment
of larch plantations
of any extent, that every
whom
is most
probablyallowed to lay out the roaddiscretion. In the one case, the
at bis own
painsbe taken to keep the trees so dispersedover
money
he may
be, the wood as that each may be duly relieved fiom the
objectionis,that the farmer, whoever
taken
will be so much
quires
oppressionor crowding of its neighbour. This reup probably with his own
the plantations
affairs as to be unable to bestow
to be thinned
that attention upon
every three years
The way
until the wood arrives at maturity.
in
their importancedemands
at least,
the roads which
; and
is by hiringin for
instances has
the latter case,
in many
in which this is best accomplished
as
experience
and
will
number
of men
an
extra
women
shown, the labouringman
very likelybe grieve the season
extends
other workmen
or foreman over
belonging to some
merely for this operation.The best season
equal ratio

with

the

present

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

183

In the numerous,
extensive,and thriving
from about the middle of May to about tbe 6th of
young
there is annutbe estate in question,
on
ally
August, because at that time tbe sap of tbe larch is plantations
a
in the condition best adapted for barking it. It is
very considerable quantityof grass, which,
from the growth of the plantations,
be depaswhether
tbe barking of tbe larch is
cannot
tured,
doubted by some
and which, therefore,must
either be cut or
so doubt
or useful ; but to those who
either profitable
allowed
and
The grass in these young
to lie waste.
state that it is both profitable
confidently
we
can
is regularly
mowed
inasmuch
as it will,if
plantations
useful -, for it is profitable,
every year and made
of which, however, is necessarily
properlymanaged, yield a return of about 20 per hay of,the greater portion
and indeed ill adaptedfor any
cent, upon the outlay; and it is useful,because it is
very coarse,
other purpose than that of litter.
the bark.
of decided advantage to tbe wood to want
In almost all the grass inclosures already mentioned,
the operation
of barkingthe larch
The way in which
cattle-shedshave
substantial and commodious
is this : females, in the proportion
of
is carried on
of males
about two-thirds of the number
employed, been erected. The pillarswhich support the roof
are
provided with small wooden
broad-pointedaie of cast-iron,and cost about 10s. each. The roof
is slated in the ordinary
like a wedge, and an old
chisels,shaped somewhat
way, and the walls of stone,
and
under the roof, are
dinner or largeclasp-knife.
These females and boys
placed within the pillars
and sconcheons.
stationed on the road, or part of the plantation built dry,exceptingat the corners
are
Two
of the bark and
suitable for the after-carriage
most
openings of six feet in width are left in the
shed for the ingressand egress of the cattle.
wood, as near as circumstances
may permitto where
With
in working
the coarse
the men
are
hay made as alreadydescribed,
thinning. Very frequently
these sheds are kept duringthe grazing
season
gularly
reup the hill there is no way of gettingthe trees out to
men's shoulders,
to
bedded,and they prove a great acquisition
the road but by carryingthem across
since they afford shelter to the
the pasture fields,
it is at all practicable
it will be found to
but where
cattle in cold, rainy,or
of trees togebe a great savingto collect a number
stormy weather, retreats
ther,
fort
hook them
in a drag-chain,
and
draw
en
masse
through tbe night,or protectionfrom the discomthem

with

out

horse.

good steadyhorse

to the work, and

gets accustomed
labour is great. The moment

soon

the savingof manual

the trees are laid

the road, the females and boys commence

on
peelthe bark oflfthem, by first taking the knife
and making a cut up tbe middle of the tree; and
the wooden
then by inserting
noticed,
chisel,
already
made
with the knife,
in the slit or cut previously
from the tree in one
the bark comes
long sheet.
easily
It will then be the peeler'sbusiaess
to scrape the
down

to

outside of the bark-sheet

with the knife,so

carefully
or
more
mossy stuff generally
less collected on it" and also of the corky matter
is unavailable for tanningpurposes.
which
The

as

to clear

it of the

bark is now
found within

conveyed to

as

airya place as

can

be

reasonable

At
and annoyance to cattle of a scorchingsun.
these sheds are
and close of the season,
is conveyed to
duly cleared out, and the manure
convenient for the field
some
spot for a dung-hill,
it may be intended to apply it. As soon
which
on
from
the grass fields
after the cattle are all removed
and
be convenient, women
for the season
as
may
boys are employed to go over them and collect in
of spades
heaps in the respectivefields,by means
and wheel-barrows, the cattle and horse droppings.
This is carted away to the dung-hill
to be mixed with
the middle

from tbe sheds.

is careof March, the dung-hill
fully
turned and mixed with the park dung, and any
that is rank or long,well shaken out ; and it is found
of great advantage in preservingthe essential properties
the

manure

About

the month

distance,and there hung

of the manure,
to
across
booms, as the labourers call them, consisting
a coating of good mould
by
merely of the thinningsof the trees, supported
a

cover

up

to the

the

with
dung-hill

depthof

about

four

and August
of March
inches. Between
the months
three trees set up in the form of a tripod.
These
to
be placedfrom eightto twelve or
teen
fourbooms mav
or September,a quantityof good earth is driven
much
which
the dung-hill,
there is never
feet ap. '"t; and where a favourable placefor a
difl^culty
in procuring,
either from the scouringsof ditches,
of bark IS fallen in with, they are sometimes
(fe/jot
foundations of houses or dykes,reducing of roads,
continued to a great length.
of August this earth
the month
the like. About
If the weather be dry,the ,barkwill be readyfor
or
is carefully
mixed
in from ten days to a fortnight,
and when
turniiig
tion
up with the dung in the proporof three-fifthsof earth to two-fifths of dung, and
aired, by being rendered as brittle as
completely
the field is clear,
and the weather
as
as soon
kind, where
bone,it is conveyedto a house of some
pitious
profor the purpose, it is applied
it is choppedinto small pieces and made
as a top-dressing
ready for
sale and delivery
to the grass, in the proportionof 20 cart loads
to the tanner.
Larch bark is chiefly
each load containingabout 30 bushels.
to the acre,
used for sheep-skin
tanning.
This will be found not only a most effectual system
of the men
In thinninga wood, so many
are
ployed
embut as cheap a one as can well be
of top-dressing,
in cuttingdown
the larches,and so many in
from the trees before being
devised,since there is no actual outlaybut in manual
pruning the branches

carried
the
the

out

pruner

the trees are

; and when
will be careful to lop the

trunk, which

will

to be

barked,

twigsclose to
greatlyfacilitate the peeling

of the bark.
In this district,
as in most, the proper management
of pasture lands is of very great importance,and
there is no doubt that,on
lands laid down either to
permanent

pasture,

than is

or

for

series of years, something

their amelioration

might be done towards

generally
attempted. On

more

a
property in this
of considerable magnitude,
about sixteen to
district,
nually
twenty enclosures of pasture of various sizes are an-

let for the grazing season,

and
in order to
is
keep them in good heart a system of top-dressing
pursued worthy of imitation on other estates, and
which

may

here be

shortly
explained.

labour.
the

siderable
con-

rent

parks.

The
The

cattle-sheds too are found to be a

and others who
inducement
to graziers

The

Jioraof

tbe districtdeserves

county of Forfar as a
surface,which renders

whole

remark

or

two.

presents a diversity

the jjlants
found in it of
description.Part of it is high,rocky,
and mountainous, comprisinga portionof the ranges
of the Grampians on
the north and north-west, and

of

very varied

the southward of the valleyof Strathstances

inof hills rise in many
the Sidlaw range
the level of the
to a heightof 800 feet above
These high tracts of country, and more
cially
espesea.
the former, taken in connection with numerous
of
peat-mosses, afford favourable localitiesfor many
the more
rare
alpineand bog plants. There is also

to
immediately
more

THE

184

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

of the country low-lying,

considerable proportion
a certain priceas
a fair average per quarter
with old plantations
both arable and pastoral,
tered
scatof grain. The
farm is valued first at a money-rent,
much
moist
and the amount, whatever it may be, is converted
it here and there,in which
over
of the country
This portion
land frequently
into grainat the price fixed. After this,the fiars
occurs.
lation
botanical advantages,such as unducontains many
of quarregulatethe rent, which is justthe number
ters
of soil and climate,togeof surface,diversity
of grain calculated for the capabilities
of the
ther
with some
There are
farm multiplied
extent of bleak moorland.
whatever
that may
bv the fiars price,
also many fresh-water lakes and considerable rivers, be.
Some
fix a price beyond which
the rent can
and
South Esk, Tay, "c.,
such as the Isla,North
be calculated,and it may
fall as low as the
never
habitats for many
of the aquatic fiars in
Others again, fix a minimum,
therebyaffording
any year.
wise
and lacustrine families of plants. The county likeThe
medium
is the supmedium, and maximum.
fixes
thirty ])osedaverage rent of the farm. The minimum
possesses the advantageof a sea-coast
and about which are found many
miles in length,
the pricebelow which the rent
on
fall; and
can
never
a

posing

of the marine

and

genera

fore,
species. Viewing, there-

these features,we

think it reasonable
to presume,
of the
careful examination
that,on a more
county than has as yet been made, many discoveries
and pronative plants,
may
bably
yet be made of known
also quitenew
cannot
some
we
; and further,
far in sayingthat it will be found to possess as
err
rich and varied a collection of native plantsas any
a few
singledivision of Scotland. We may subjoin
of the rare
names
plants found in this county.
Hippurisvulgaris(mare's tail)plentiful
; Veronica

the maximum
never

be

that

priceabove
in

charged. Land

which

the tenant
this district may

can

be

said to
average

al)out lV2s. per acre.

ITiepeasantry of this district also demand

our

tice.
no-

like the Scottish peasantry in general,

We
a sober, hard
think,
working,quietrace.
however, that the system with the farm-servants here
is not quite so good as in the Lothians and some
other places.There each hind in generalhas a bouse
and an
allowance of potatoes, meal, "c. as part of
his wages.
But
farm-servants in this quarter, unless
theyare married,are generallyhuddled together
in what is called a bnthy. Each
ance
has his allowman
of meal and milk ; and brose constitutes his
It is sometimes
breakfast,dinner, and supper.
and with some
truth,that the morals of tlie
alleged,
farm-servants
not apt to be improved by the bothy
are

They are,

Aliionii (creeping
speedwell)
; Utricularia intermedia
hooded
milfoil)
(intermediate
; Eriophorum gracile
(slendermountain cotton grass); Alopecurus
ulpinus
tail
(alpinefoxtail grass); Ph)eum Micheiii (cat'sclose reed); Artindo
grass); ^4rM7!do stricta (smallest
arenuria (sea-side
reed) ; Hierecloe borealis(northern
holy grass); Poa alpiva(alpinemeadow
grass); system.
mariAvena planicuhnns(flatoat grass)
of stone in the district,
and
There is abundance
; Hordeum
timum
stantial.
submost
(sea-side
barley)
; Scabiosa columbaria (small the fences are in consequence
generally
Galiuvi spnriunt(smooth fruited bed;
The farm homesteads
remarkable
too are
scabious)
for the varied accommodation
whicli they afford,
pond
straw); Potamogetonlanceolatum (spear-leaved
weed) ; Radiola miUegrana(all-seed)
ru; Myosotis
combiningin an eminent degreeall the conveniences
of a tillage
picola(rockscorpion
grass); Azalea proc7imbens
cumbentnecessary for the proper management
(proazalea)
(watergladiole)
; Lobelia rforf?na?!7!a
;
farm, with those most approvedof for the purpose
Tulipa sil~ both of the breeder and feeder of stock.
Atropa Belladonna (deadlynightshade);
vestris (wild tulip); Ornithogalum
luteum
(yellow
star of Bethlehem) ; Convallaria verticillata(whorlfo.und by Rev. J. Barty of
seal),
arct^cus (hardrush) ; Juncus
PROPERTFES
NATURE
AND
biglumis (two-flowered rusli)
quadrifolia ON THE
; Paris
(herb Paris)found in the Den of Airly; Subularia
LIME.
OF
aquatica(awl wort) found by Mr. John Lowe, gardener
at Hallyburton
Stmchus
cterulens
(blue sowSir H. Davy says, that
;
quicklime (Hydrateof
cerinthoides (honeywort-leavedlime; in the
thistle)
to plants; that
; Hieracium
pure state, is injurious
hawkweed),and some others.
when
mixed with moist fibrous vegetable matter,
The geologyof the districtmay merelybe noticed
there is a strong action between the lime and the

leaved Solomon's

Junciis

Bendochy.

"

in

passing. TheSidlaw
belong
boundarj',

which form the southern

hills,
to

the transition series,surmounted

of which

and they form a kind of compost

vegetable,
a part is usually soluble in water
; but

that

bonate
car-

in soil,that it
the
The rock through which
of lime is a useful ingredient
the decomposingvegetableand animal
acts upon
trap rises is the grey inferior sandstone, wliich,in
fitted for
The
in the soil,so as to render it more
matter
some
instances,contains vegetableimpressions.
that it prevents the too
soil has not resulted from the disintegration
of the
the purposes of vegetation,
of substance alreadydissolved,
other
rocks,but has been transportedfrom anadjacent
rapiddecomposition
locality.The subsoil is a ferruginous
clay. but has no tendencyto form soluble matter."
of lime with oneDetails on this part of the subjectwill be found very
Quick lime is a combination
third of itsweightof water, in which state it is called
ably laid down in Mr. Buist's late most excellent
phere
Hydrateof lime ; when it is exposed to the atmospaper on the geologyof Forfarshire and Perthshire.
time it reabsorbs from the atmosWe
verting
must
without ada sufficient
not conclude these remarks
for a moment
to the character of the tenantry
plierethe carbonic acid gas which it lost during the
all
it resumes
of this part of the country, and certainly
cannot
tliey
process of burning, and in this state
This
before it was
burnt.
be spoken of in terms
it had
For industry, the properties
too flattering.
and respectability,
district can boast
effect is soon
no
intelligence,
produced after it has been slaked and
with

of

desirable

more

ready at
whatever

trap.

all times

may

of
agriculture

be
the

to

class

give

of men,
and
none
more
fair weight and
trial to

put forth as
country.

an

improvement

on

the

here are
of farms in many cases
lated
reguby the fiars pricesof the county, and difterent
followed.
The prinare
systems on this principle
ciple
is by supupon which this system proceeds,
The

rents

spread

on

the land in

little time in its caustic

any alteration on

of

the soil; it must

with

quick

comminuted

carbonaceous
original
mixed

it has very
to effect
therefore be in its

dry state, and

state

the

either on the soil or

therein.
The
effect which

on

soil,that it can
the

it

lime

mately
intistate when
have any effect

matter
decayingvegetable

produceson

the

soil must

185

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

In which class of stimulating

fertilized.
therefore be as an alterative in changingits texture
formerly
most
lime was
carbonate
of lime to it
manures
alwaysallowed to hold the foreby the addition of so much
rank."
divided state.
in a very finely
itwould follow that
In consequence
of this theory,
of the opinion
are
Dr. Anderson and Du Hamel
when
lime could only be of use
as a manure,
applied
that powderedmarble
or powdered limestone has a
to poor soils,would
to rich soils;and, when
applied
good effect on grass land
slaked
that lime is no
Anderson
perhapshurtful effects."
sooner
producehardlyany, or even
says,
I will frankly
acknowledge, that I myselfwas so
than it immediately
begins to absorb its air and
far imposed upon by the beauty of this theory,as to
mild state ; or in other words, it
to its former
return
be hurried alongwith tlie general
current of mankind,
in which
becomes effete,
state it possesses the same
tion
in the firm persuasionof the truth of this observain every respect as limestone.
chemical qualities
"
advert
If this be spreadout
; and for many
years did not sufficiently
thinlyupon the surf ice
facts that were
to those
of the earth, it absorbs its air in a very short time.
dailyoccurringto contradict
convinced,
A few hours in this situation,restores
however, firmly
now,
a largeproportion this theory. I am
and
that lime
other
it
from repeated observations,
and in a
of its air
or two, at most,
"

"

*'

day

effete,as masons
experiencewhen
perfectly
that have
theysweep togetherthe scattered particles
lain round their heaps of lime and attempt to use it in
than
for it is then no morie coherent
mortar
by itself,
sand,or moistened eart'i.
becomes

"
then it must
Hence
follow, that in every case,
lime is converted into the same
state witli limestone,
in a few days after it is mixed
with the soil ; so
that if it produces any effectat all as lime, as a saline

it must
onlv be at
substance,
act ever
applied,and it must
powdered limestone.

the very

is

when
first,

afterwards

it

calcareous

much

produce a

manures,

improvement

upon

poor

greater proportional

than
soils,

such

on

richer ; and that lime alone, upon a poor soil,

greater and
will, in many cases, producea much
than dung alone.
more
lastingdegree of fertility
"
I must
add,
In direct contradiction to the theory,
that I never
yet met with a poor soil in its natural
are

as

which

state

not

was

calcareous

by

matters

benefitted in a very great degree

administered in proper
when

quantities.
I

But

"

merelyas

have

met

with

several rich soils that

and therefore

fullyimpregnatedwith dung,

were

"
But it is well known, that lime produces
scarcely exactly in that state in which the theorysupposes
lime would
at the beginning. that
produce the greatest effect, but
any sensible effect as a manure,
in any
which
Even the first year after it is applied to the soil its
lime,
quantities,
applied
duced
proupon
sensible effect."
effects are
not the smallest
inconsiderable, i.i comparisonof what
"
I have
he says :
it produces in the second
And again, in another place,
and succeedingyears.
of
to the use
often heard it urged,as an objection
From
whence
conclude, that it operates
must
we
that althoughit does indeed procalcareous earth; lime as a manure,
mote
upon tliesoil, merely as a mild
the fertility
of a soil,in a higherdegreeat first,
in
and that its calcination is of no
farther utility
sterilethan
than as a cheap and
preparing it for manure,
yet, in the end, it renders it much more
efficacious method
of reducingthe limestone to a
formerly.
"
useful
to
other objections
fine powder."
Other chemists
This, like many
say that it requires
from the avarice
for a considerable time
practices,takes its rise entirely
exposure to the atmosphere
complain. It is
to render it completely effete or
and unskilfulness of those who
to receive its full
of the country,
in those
of
heard
acid
of
carbonic
Kames,
parts
Young,
chiefly
quantity
gas.
for a farmer, after once
it is not uncommon
where
Brown, and others say, that long experience has
to take fifteen or sixteen crops of
convinced them that lime is as eflicacious in itseffete liming a poor soil,
without
thinks it produces oats successively,
as in its caustic state, and Kames
any other dressing or
"

"

littleeffect on
till it becomes
effete,it
vegetables
but
therefore appears not only from their opinion,
also from the experience
of practicalfarmers, that
the efficacy
land does not arise from
of lime on some
any effectit may
produce when in a caustic state,
but from those qualitieswhich it possesses in common
be
It must
with all other calcareous matter.
evident that lime, in a dry, slaked, or pulverized
mixed with
and intimately
state,can be more
easily
the soil,than when
it becomes
wet, and in a state
like mortar.
Is lime onlya
somethingthat

stimulant

exertingits influence

alreadyin

is

the

soil?

and

on

if so,

be a good manure
It must
alteration of crops.
number
that enables these soils to produce such a
of successive scourging crops of any sort ; but it
indeed, if it should prewould be a marvellous one
vent
those fieldsfrom being exhausted by them.
"
But is it not well known, that in all the richest

and

improved parts

best

of the

country,

lime

has

1
yet so far are
long employed as a manure
these soils from being rendered sterile by it,that it

been

"

the assistance of lime

is doubtful if any art,without
have
calcareous
brought
matter, could ever
some
these
fields to their present degree of fertility.
Those, therefore,who complainof the hurtful effects
or

what they ought to conceal,

proclaim
they have had in their possessiona
might have enriched their posterity,
to plants
? or does it,by becoming a portion treasure, which
but
which
of the soil,improveits texture
away in their
they have idly squandered
and compositionby
lifetime."
Although lime producesa great
own
making the soil more capableof supplyingthe food
has been in a state
effect on certain poor land which
necessary for the productionof vegetables'? Dr.

does its influence tend to exhaust

this something?
which
ment
or, is it an
manure
givesnourishenricliing

of lime

Anderson

of nature, vet

long in

out

arable

by

severe

"
have been
Writers on agriculture
says,
into two
the custom
of dividingmanure
classes ; viz. enriching
or those that tended
manures,
however
to render
the soil more
directly
prolific,
sterile it may be.
Among the foremost of which
those
reckoned dung, and excitingmanures,
or
was
that were
SHpposed to have a tendency to render the

soil

more

and

giving them

them

to

riching
prolific,
merely by actingupon those enthat had been formerlyin the soil,
manures

operate anew

new

upon

stimulus, so
that soil,which
as

to

no

If lime
poor
poor
there

land
worn
are

an

lime is

appliedto

poor worn
limed and exhausted
rience,
expecropping, it has, from practical
where

"landwhich

has been

effect whatever.
be

stimulant,there

out

are

for it to
of nature
land exhausted by

in state

roots
act

in the soil of
but in
;

upon

severe

cropping,

none.

cumstance
out land may, from the very cirworn
out state, be so loosened,that
of its worn
in the
of lime, may
as an
ingredient
application

Again, such

enable

theyhad

manure,

as

that

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

186

basaltic formation,
the effect produced
tion
by the applicaof lime is very great. This may
be owing, as
"
the pernicious
have said before,to neutralizing
we
effects of the sulphateof iron, and convertingit into
been long in grass contains much
vegetablematter,
of lime
soil ; and every
a useful
fresh application
of limingit would
and that the trouble and expence
of sulphate
additional portion
be amply repaidto the cultivator ; but the propriety may therefore convert
an
additional portionof
of applying
into an
or oxid of iron
lime on old arable lands, has been fjuesof
tioned,and with much justice,
by the most part of good and useful soil. When there is a deficiency
of
in the soil,a fresh portion
that
carbonaceous
and their doubts on
matter
agriculturists,
practical
lime must
increase the productivepowers of the
head are confirmed by the fullestexperience.

thereof,only tend to increase the evil

composition
by making it more loose and friable. Brown says,
It is sufficiently
understood, that land which has

"

lime

Were

manure,

it would

be

noble

stance, soil.
sub-

has on the
The effects whicli lime,as an alterative,
to lands
fertility
enrichingand restoring
position
soil,must depend in a great measure, on the comby a succession of corn crops ; but as worn
of that article,
and also on the composition
is not restored to fertility
by the application

for
worn

out

out

land

of the soil to which it is to be applied

warranted
ent
position
to consider it in a differ; for the comof the various limestone formations,and also
in other words, as an article to bring
of the
certain principles
into action, previouslypossessedthe chalk and marls vary greatly.The nature
the lime from the siliby the soil. This conclusion is sanctioned by expeingredients
being different,
rience
of
cious limestone contains a considerable portion
is a far better guidethan the
; and experience
silicious particles,
best on
and may
answer
most
strong
plausible
theory.
"
careous
lime dulyoperates,the whole powers of
When
claysoils, as it will furnish both silicious and calmatter
the soil are put in a state of requisition,
and may be
to the clay soil;and the lime burnt
able
from the lias limestone, which contains a consideris extracted.
forced to act till the very soul of vegetation
of lime, we

light;

are

or,

will producethe best effect on light

of clay,
It is scarcely
to restore fertility
portion
practicable
which has
to the best natural quality,
sandysoils. But there are some soils on which lime
been
thus
abused ; at least,a considerable period when
produced any beneficial
applied,has never
must
elapse,before it can be restored to its original effect. This is the case with the soil on the oolitic
dently
ed
after being exhaustformation,and other calcareous soils. This is evifertility
; but thin moorish soils,
owing to the superabundanceof lime already
by lime, are not to be restered. To lime them a
matter
addition of calcareous
of labour in the soil,
second time, is not only a useless expenditure
so that an
careous
there is no calchief. onlyincreases the evil ; but
where
and money, but also productiveof serious misin the soil,and also a great quantity
after a second
matter
Soils of this description,
stone
red sandof iron,as is the case in the soil of the new
are
liming,
apt to singeand burn the grainthat is
when
formation, the lime has an increased effect on
sown
dunged,not to
upon them; and, even
in
make
such a return
would
have been rendered
as
every fresh application.This is so well known
in Somersetshire, and
the neighbourhoodof Taunton
under differentcircumstances.
"
all the soil of the new
red sandstone, that the
men,
Lime has been long applied
over
by British husbandin course
farmers lime their land every time it comes
as a stimulus to the soil;and in consequence
of fallow for turnips,and this producesexcellent
of such an application,
luxuriant crops have been
to

land, even

without dung.
inferior
soils of apparently
crops even
upon
that writers on agriculture
It is most astonishing
which would
have yieldedcrops of
that quick lime,when
mixed
In
have retailed an opinion,
value had this auxiliary
been
withheld.
trifling
the live roots and seeds
be cultivated with
in a mass
of earth containing
of soils cannot
fact,the majority
of weeds, will destroy
them.
ther
Any attempt of this
advantagetilltheyare dresssed with lime ; and wheconsidered as an
a
alterative,
or as
stimulant, kind will meet with a completefailure; for the roots
it will be found to be the basis of
and the seeds of weeds cannot be destroyed
or
as a manure,
by the
be produced in
and of more
fermentation or any heat that can
than all the other
use
good husbandry,
writers have also stated
lime has been promanures
put together. Wherever
perly such a compost. The same
that lime
it has constantly
been found to prove
hastens the decay of vegetable
matter;
applied,
as much
superiorto dung,as dung is to the rakings whereas the fact is,that it retards the process of the
matter.
If straw of long
of the roads, or the produce of a peat mire.
of vegetable
decomposition
"
From a pretty long experience,and considerable
dung be mixed with slaked lime, it will be preserved,
of earth
while if mixed with an equalportion
attention
clined
into the operationof lime, we
are
the earth will hasten its decay.
to think that it acts both as an alterative and
that although
stimulant ; operating in the
are
It has been shown
a
vegetables
as
one
case
as
that changes
the nature
of the soil,and in
a medicine
composedof mucilage,starch,sugar, albumen, gluten,
various other substances, yet all of them
the other as arousing
are
into action tlie veor bringing
getable and
reducible into carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen;and
powers contained in the soil,which without
would
have remained
dormant
that water and air are composedof these substances
such an
;
application

produced,even
quality,and

know
and inactive. These opinions,
we
are different
from those maintained by several ingenious men
but theyare
supported by tlie result of numerous
trials, undertaken to ascertain how, and in what
lime operatedupon the soil,"
measure,
It is evident that lime, when
to land in
applied
small quantities,
however
will tend to change its

"

that

and animal
vegetable

manures

are

decomposed

and air ;
those of water
that any of the simple minerals which compose
with any
unmixed
the surface of the earth,when
other mineral, are unfit for the growthof vegetables
;
but that when
these simplematerials are intimately
into the

same

elements, as

"

that this compound when

exposed
mixed together,
and atmosphere,
there is vegetable
in the
matter
to the influence of the sun
produces
texture; and when
abundant crop ; that there is no process goingon
an
soil,it may produce a greaterdecomposing
tion
disposiin it than before. In this case, it will act as a
at the surface of the earth
amongst the materials
the cultivated soil which
which
changes
stimulant,hasteningthe decay of vegetablematter,
compose
and therebyfurnishing
the
elements
of vegetable any of the mineral component parts of it into a new
life. Lime also acts powerfully
of the materials composing
substance
that none
on
;
any ironymatter
of the plants;
in the soil,and on the gravelsands, and clay soils
the soil,enter into the composition
of the diluvial formation, and on the soil of the
does not always
of manure
and that the application
the new
and the
in soils. Mortoii on Soils.
and old red sandstone,
plastic
cause
clay,
productiveness
"

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE
AND

COLCHESTER

ADJOINING

DREDS'
HUN-

AGRICULTURAL

TION.
ASSOCIA-

MAGAZINE,

187

Mr. Hobbs
observed,there was another circumstance
that he begged to call the attention of the meeting to,
and stock
viz.,that he found by clause 3. that rams
show.
It
sheep were to be exhibited at the December

not usual to show

and stock sheep at Christwas
mas
rams
of the
time,for it was a very unfavourable season
of
On Tuesday, Jan. 15, a meetingof the Members
not at
were
took place at Colchester Castle, to
year for that purpose, as most of the rams
this Association
consider the propriety of eifectingsome
important home at that time,and like the breedingewes, were not
fore
in a proper condition for exhibition.
He should theretending
changes in the Constitution of the Society,and for exgarded
ing
the objectsthereof,by givingprizesfor fattenpropose, that clause 3 be excluded, as far as it rethe exhibition of rams
and breedingewes.
The
productions,"c., "c.
Slock,for agricultural
The
carried
proposition,on being seconded, was
We
noticed the
numerously attended.
meeting was
without opposition.
following gentlemen present:" Sir G. H. Smyth,
The Chairman
here observed, that a paper had
Bart., M.P. ; C. G. Round, Esq.,M.P. ; J.G. Rebow,
just been put into his hand from some
gentleman present,
Esq. ; J. F. Mills,G. Round, T. L. Ewen, J. Bawtree,
should showwhich
T.
E. Green, P. Havens,
suggestedthat no member
J. W.
Maud,

Blyth

"

where.
prizes,which had gainedthe first prizeelse(Hear.)
A desultory conversation
here took
place, which
Green, R. Green, Gripper,sen., Gripper,
Mersea
Hall, offeringa
brose, ended in Mr. May, of West
jun., Whitaker, Layzell, S. Harvey, E. Harvey, Amshould shew stock for
proposition, that no member
row,
Bloomfield,Pearson, J. G. Fenn, J. Fenn, FarMason, Constable,Partridge,
Gray,T.May, jun.. prizes, which had gained the first prize elsewhere
during the year.''
Baker, Cooper,Taylor,"c., "c.
and carThe
seconded by Mr. Green,
motion was
ried
Smyth
Sir G. H.
was
unanimously called to the
ther
by a considerable majority.But after some furChair,and opened the business of the meeting.
conversation,Mr. May consented to withdraw the
had
Mr.
Ewen
then stated, that the Committee
resolution.
been diligent
in drawing up rules and regulations
which
rule that he
Mr. C, G. Round
said, there was
one
they considered would render the Association permanent
observed was
recommended
by the committee, which
Mr. E. read the rules and reguand successful.
lations,
he considered
a very useful one,
viz., that no quesand a list of the differentprizes
recommended
tion
of a political
tertained
tendency should be introduced or enby the committee.
Association."
the
at
the
of
(Hear.)
meetings
The Rev. N. Forster, of Mersea, wished to oiFer a
He would
therefore suggest,that the meeting should
remark
mittee,
by the comupon the resolution recommended
decide upon
a
party,who were to determine what was
in regard to the prizes for fatteningbeasts.
a
political
question; and he thought tlieycould not
others did in
The resolution did not specify,
as some
societies established in the West of England and elsewhere, appoint a more
competent party than the Committee.
The Chairman
said he was quitesure that they had
tened
to be fatthe manner
in which such beasts were
better
better not introduce politics,
for they had much
in regard to the food that was
to be
; he meant
talk about fat bullocks. (Laughter.)
giventhem. (Hear,hear.) It was very material,that
Mr. C. G. Round
then proposed that it should be
whether
the pointshould be clearly
specified,
upon hay
in the power of the committee to decide what questions
and roots
He should
only, or upon corn and cake.
at theirmeetings."
could be entertained by the Soriety
like to have prizesfor either mode of fattening,and
Carried.
should say, that a prizeought to be given to the farmer
iMr. Hobbs
proposed that the Committee have
tvho producedthe best fat beast,fattened fiom the produce
of his own
farm only, and thought that such a
power to revisethe present rules,and submit them to
the Societyat their next general
meeting." Agreed to.
spectfully
ought to be introduced,and he should reregulation
Mr. Rebow
had a pleasing
piece of information to
take the sense
of the meetingupon it.
communicate to the meeting ; he hjd to announce
to
Mr. Rebow
said,that when the matter was discussed
bers
memthem, three gentlemen who wished to become
in the committee,he suggested that the farmer
should
of the association,
Lord Western, Lord Rivers,
viz.,
produce the best beast, fed in the cheapest and best
should proand P. Honeyvvood, Esq. (Cheers.)He
pose
He
that he could discover.
manner
considered, that
that Lord Western
and Lord Rivers be patrons of
the best beast fattened in the cheapestmanner
the
was
the society. (Cheers.)
most
and profitable
to the farmer ; therefore
meritorious,
the committee
had decided upon making no dischosen Patrons:
tinction Tlie following
were
Right
gentlemen
Hon. Earl de Grey, proposedby John Bawtree, Esq.;
as to food. (Hear,hear.)
said he would
not press his proposiMr. Forster
Right Hon. Lord Western, proposedby J. G. Rebow,
tion.
Esq.; Right Hon. Lord Rivers,proposed by J. C.
Mr. Hobbs
begged to offer one or two observations. Rebow, Esq.; Sir G. H. Smyth, Bart.,proposed by
John Bawtree, Esq. ; Sir John Tyrell,Bart.,proposed
He thoughtthe annual subscription
too small ; he
was
found that a subscription
by G. Round Esq. ; J. E. Mills,
of 10s. per year constituted a
Esq., praposedby Sir
He would propose that the annual subscripG.H.Smyth, Bart.
member.
tion
should
be less than a sovereign,except for
not
Vice Presidents." C G. Round, Esq., proposedby
those who become
meaibers only for the encouragement
John Bawtree, Esq.,J. G. Rebow, Esq. proposedby
of meritorious servants
and deservinglabourers.
But
Sir G. H. Smyth : T. White, Esq., proposed by J. G.
those who
exhibited their stock for the prizes,he
Rebow, Esq.; John Bawtree, Esq., proposed by Sir
the
thought least they ought to subscribe was a sovereign.
G.H. Smyth; 1'. L. Ewan, jEsq.,
proposed by J.G.
(Hear, hear.)
Rebow, Esq. ; G. Round, Esq., proposed by Rev.N.

(Langbam), and

Forster, and
Lythgow, D.

E.

S. G.
H,

Cooke, Esqrs.;

Green;

Messrs.

the Revds. N.
F. Hobbs,

stock

for

W.

"

"

"

"

"

"

The Chairman
of the same
was
opinion; and not
less than lOs. from
any other member.
After some
Mr. Hobbs's
w-as
discussion,
proposition
put and carried.
A Member
here asked if a subscriber of 10s. a year
"was
qualifiedto introduce his servants as candidates
for the differentprizes.
The Chairman
said," certainlv.''

Mr. Hobbs
then proposed, " that the words ' and
roots' be added
to his proposition, after the word
'
stock.' "
The proposition
was
seconded, and on beingput was
lost. It was
then agreed,that 10s. subscribers shoul.l
be allowed to show roots.

Forster.
The

gentlemen were
fellowing

then

a
appointed

mittee
com-

Hobbs, Marks
Greenstead Hall; Mr. E.
Hall;
Rarvey, Copt Hall, Wigborougii ; Mr. A. Whiltaker,
Sen. Layer Breton Hall ; Mr.
Boxted; ]\Ir.E. Gripper,
Hicks,Walton ; .Air.T. JMason, Brightlingsea
; Mr. J.
G. fenn, Ardleigh ; Mr.
Lythgow, Stanway ; Mr.
Shearman, Berechurch
; Mr. Constable Womiingford;
Mr. Green, Fingringhoe.
for the ensuing year
Dixon
Mr.
Green,

"

Mr.

W.

F.

to the meetto announce

Chairjian
ing,
wa"
sorry
the retirement of tiieir Secretary, Mr. Howard,
doubt
from
that Mr.
no
office. (Hear.) He had
for retiring,
Howard had the best of all reasons
as his

The

")

THE

MAGAZINE:

FARMER'S

189

taxes
be lessened,
but a great addition be made to the
them
very large; theymuch amused the persons taking
number
of idle persons alreadyout of employ.
size and
by theirextraordinary
up, and other observers,
annual
That the annual purchase of corn is a positive
of the tubers weighing from 25lbs.
to
produce many
medium
to the country, if actual
and delicatelyloss of circulating
farinaceeus,
3;Jlbs.
very
; they are
is paid for it to forei^ers
as one
as soon
money
flavored; and I have no doubt, cultivatedon good land
; (or,
is requiredfor
money
and in the way
mentioned,they would reach the size year'scorn is consumed, more
the next year'spurchase,and so on annually,
which,
however
and I
rest assured
: of this we
specified
mny
of course, must
form a constant
recommend
the most abundant
drainageof gold and
them as yielding:
can
produceunder ordinarycultivation that the produce silver.
That itisthe duty of the legislature
and government
is fitfor the table of the most fastidiousperson.
One of
to keep as much
in this country as
circulating
the crop lyingon
money
observed, when he saw
my old men
for the sake of the poor.
possible,
the ground, "why
all my
life saw
m
master, I never
the
iiut if,
as some
well to
supporters of this appealaffirm,
anythinglike this" why they would answer
factures
cultivate if it was
only for the pigs!" And I quite money doesnot go out or the kingdom,but only manuare exchanged for corn, then the whole and sole
before saw such a
never
ajgreewith him ; I certainly
gistand meaningof the outcry for the repealof the corn
of such a largesize;
crop, nor potatoes so grenerally
laws is,
that tiiemanufacturer may be able to put in his
and when
consider that they are excellent in qua.
we
which the farmers and landlords
pocket the profits
I cannot
but think they will prove a desirable acquisitionown
lity,
receive. And will the legislature
now
consent to such
I now
offer them for
to the public,to whom
and agriculthe farmer,
injustice]Will tiielandlord,
tural
seed the ensuing season.
labourer submit to it?
The Ilohan potato may be purchased at 10s. per
Your petitioners
humbly submit that every person has
bushel at Trotsicerth,
Egham, Surrey,where specimens
the fair produce of his capital.
a rightto live upon
may also be seen.
That if the landlord has no right
to liveupon the produce
G. KIMBERLEY.
of his capital,
neither has the fundholder any right
Egham, Surrey,Nm. I3lh,1838
Trotsworth,
to four or fiveper cent, as the produce of his.
is only from
That the produceof landlord's capital
three to three and a half per cent,, while that of the
manufacturer and tradesmen varies from 10 to 100,500,
and sometimes 1000 per cent.
That the landlord,notwithstanding
this small return
THE
CORN
TRADE.
is taxed with the support, not only ot his
for his capital,
own
agricultural
poor in their old age, but also of the
The Farmers and
Worcestershire
and
handlords
"

"

"

"

of

Gloucestershirehave
the Houses of Lords

Petition
adoptedthe following

to

manufacturing
poor.

lord
That out of the small produceof theircapital
the landand farmer support the greater part of the burdens
liavingread the resolutionsof the
That your petitioners,
of the state by the malt tax, ";c.
Manchester merchants for tlie repealof the corn laws,
That from these burdens the landlords cannot run
in their
views of men
deeplydeplorethe short-sighted
away to another country, likethe manufacturer.
station of life,
whom they had hitherto looked upon as
Your petitioners
to compelall
one
pray for two laws
but of great intelligence,
in
not onlyof superiorwealth,
manufacturers
to support the poor labourers who
quired
acwhich opinion
theynow much regret to find themselves
their money for them, from the moment
they are
mistaken.
unable to work to the end of theirlives; and the other
That your petitioners,
after such declarations from
to prevent their transferring
their capitalto foreign
forward and ensuch a quarter, are compelledto oome
deavour countries.
the
to resist theirdesigns,by showing
evil tendency
And
of the
if any repeal
pray that,
your petitioners
of a repealof the corn-laws,not only to the agriculturist,
laws lakes place,
honourable house will at the
corn
your
but to the poor also,
and even
to the manufacturers
time pass a law that all land shall be free from
same
themselves.
half the present and future taxes, which half shall be
the free importation
of corn cannot failto
That,first,
of manufactures.
laid upon the capital
reduce the value of corn grown in this country, which is
That if the corn
laws should be repealed,
a law ought
the express objectof the corn law repealers.
to pass to reduce all interestof mortgages, of trusts,
That,after this,a reduction of rents to the landlord, annuities,and
terest.
other mcumbrances
to half the present inand a reduction of profits
of necesto the farmer,must
sity
follow.
That,if manufacturers congregate togetherto make
That the consequence
of these two reductions would
and prosperity
of the
direct attacks upon the stability
be the inability
of the farmer and landlord to employ
the
in petitioning
farmers,the farmers wUl be justified
the poor to the same
do
extent that they
now.
tures.
to prevent the undue extension of manufaclegislature
That the farmer and landlord would not be able to
purchase manufactures
to the same
extent as theydo at
That the greater part of the landlords themselves are
present.
descended from manufacturers of former days, who,
That the farmers would not be able to givethe same
having acquiredas much money as they wished,chose
that what the poor would
to their labourers,
so
wages
manufacturers
to invest it in land, and become, in fact,
gain in cheapbread,theywould lose in the diminution
of corn instead of cotton.
of wages.
Lastly,that the majority of tliepresent landlords,
That the farmer,
findingthe arable land not capable being descended from tradesmen and manufacturers who
of repaying the
would convert it originally
turers
expense of cultivation,
bought the land, are surprisedthe manufacallinto grass.
should be so short-sighted
as to establisha precedent
That the conversion of arable to grass would throw
children ;
theirown
forfuture manufacturersagainst
out of employ a multitude of labourers.
for there is not much doubt tiiatthe descendants ot the
That, by dependingsolelyupon foreign
countries for
chester
present Mr. Gregg, and the other gentlemen of the Manof
our
supply corn, we put ourselves completely
in the
vest
Chamber of Commerce, will quit trade,and inof
our
enemies.
power
their capital
in land,and thus subjectthemselv"s
Tliat,in case of war, those countries will shut their to the encroachments of future manufacturers.
ports againstus, and leave us in danger of famme.
Dec. 27, 1838.
That the landlord,
by the reduction of his rents,will
be compelled to reduce his establishment,
and to discard
part of his horses and carriages,
the
therebydiminishing
IT IS RIPE.
WHEAT
BEFORE
CUTTING
of the assessed taxes,and the amount
amount
ON
of the
that I am
now
of those trades which depend on luxuries.
I am
well aware
profit
adrancingn subject
of farmers
have made up
That he will also be compelled to dismiss part of hi"
the generality
which
upon
servants,by which not onlywill the amount of assessed their minds ; and that il is very probableI may be
and

Commons,

"

"

MAGAZINE.

"THE FARMER'S

190

it is by
that the
truth is elicited. With regard to the cuttingof wheat,
the assertions which I have found most
prevalentare,
time before it is ripe; that
that wheat maybe cut some
in
afterwards
the field. It
it ripens at least ten days
in my opinions"
nevertheless
thoughtsingular
opinions and exchan":iagthoughts
agitating

who
a
with farmers
great
grow
to begin
that they find it convenient
breadth
of corn,
a certain portionof it,in order to employ the labourers
they wish to keep in
they have engaged,and whom
until the harvest be finished ; under
work
constant
such circumstances, it is a happy belief that you are
doing no harm in persevering. The miller also tells
But
you that the sample is brighterand he likes it.
does the farmer find that he can
sell a shrivelled,and
bold ? I
almost green sample for the same
more
as one

frequentlyhappeus

In the
inserted

Morning

iast. (Jan.'39)is
Underwriter," which

of the 22nd

Herald

letter,subscribed

"

An

of the Manchester
in conjunction
trade or
with a partner, commenced
the cotton
manufactory within the last twenty years, in which
had increased
time the capitalbrought into the concern
contains

narrative

of

visit to

one

old acquaintance,who had,

an
petitioners,

from 5,000Z. to 500,000?.,

notwithstandinghe found his
friend livingin a style of princelymagnificence,
equal
at least to 10,000/.
a-year.
In the acquisition
of such almost
the manufacturer
neither spares sex

incredible
tender

nor

profits,
age,

as

long as they can administer to his pampered wants and

out
passions but when worn
by long continued daily,
and nightlyexertions,and that often in contaminated
air and without adequate sustenance
and rest to support
found
it so"
the contrary, the purchaser
never
on
such
as
labours ; demoralized
they
nerally
geenfeebling
does not fail to find fault with the corn
for
then are, the only recompence
awarded
to them
yet the
cut before it is quiteripe is thinner skinned, and
corn
such services is a committal
of their respecto the care
tive
pend
But decontains
doubt a smaller portionof bran.
no
parishes,and thence to the union workhouses, to
thus sold,neither yieldsa proporbe there maintained
tionate
chieflyat the expense of those
upon it,corn
nor
Taking
and landowners, denominated
consumer.
profitto the grower
by
very agriculturists
into consideration
these cotton
though
lords
vreight,and bulk, and price,the
vampires." Alblood-sucking
this
these poor wretched
ripe corn will be found most profitable I name
creatures, in every sense
matter
bccaure the last harvest has atForded very
of the word, have been reduced to their present state
now,
ing
abundant
of woe,
chinery
examples of the different states of grain,bechieflyby the introduction of untaxed main many
of two growths, half green, half ripe;
cases
as a substitute for human
labour, no remorse
and the farmer
if he will take trouble, successfully
to have been felt by these petty tyrants, nor
seems
may,
stituted
scrutinize my assertions.
jury
taken
means
to obviate the inMany years ago I ineven
by the legislature
out of emdone either to the persons thus thrown
some
ployment,
experiments as to the value of bright
taining
of mainor
the burthen
unripe wheat, compared with that fullyripened; and
to those on whom
not so glutinous,and did
the result was,
that it was
and
them
ultimately falls; This privilege
in the flour,and connot imbibe nearly so much
water
sequently exemption of liability
being of unlimited extent, so are
I regret
made a much less weightof bread.
likewise the evils attendant thereon.
Surely while the
but like
state the trials more
that I cannot
manufacturers
particularly,
are
receivingon their capitalannual
I was
careless of noting down
profitsaveraging 30 per cent, and upwards,they ought
ticulars,
paryoung
many
men,
and did not expect they would ever
be made
to be called upon
by the legislatureto make provision
for the aged, exhausted, maimed,
those
and
ments
even
publiC'indeed, I now think,to the public,the experiand reading
thrown
of such
are
out of employment by the introduction
original,for my observation
disclosed them to me
have never
from any other source
ter
machinery ; and this can perhaps be efi^ectedin no bet"

"

"

"

"

nation
will consider an examiI trust there are others who
of the matter
worth pursuing. \Vhat I contend
for is, that wheat, when
the ear begins to droop,is
then only fit to be cut ; that though the sample may
look coarser,
the produce to the farmer will be greater,
and more
sumer
particularlyso when he is himself the conit should by all means
; but if it be cut earlier,
have
plenty of time in the field before housing, for it
will not ripenin the rick ; and who is not tempted,if
?
to bring it iu too soon
the weather be fine,
"

Old

An

THE

CORN

(From
FEW

CONCISE

Practical

and

HINTS

Farmer.

LAWS,

AND

THE

CONSIDERATION

SUGGESTIONS

LAND

PROPRIETORS

OF
OF

It has been said of the Duke

allowed
an
important

never

THE

OFFERED

AGRICULTURISTS

THE

of

UNITED

the rate should

be reduced
according to a graduated
scale. In order to give the masters
the advantage of
machinery, when, and in proportionas the advance of
increases the expence of manufacture, till they
wages
shall attain the value of two
the rates
pecks, when
should
such
cease
regulations,
altogether. Under
with frugality,
considerable savingsmight be effected,
the children employed,and adults
especiallyamong

to insure to
as
a limited amount,
so
individual and their families the means
of subsistence
in old age, sickness,"c., without having recourse
As it it is well
to parish aid and union workhouses.
understood
to fear from
that manufacturers
have more
racter,
the rivalship
of good chaof frugal, steady workmen
than from any other descriptionof individuals,
it is not to their interest to encourage
providenthabits
their work-people, unless their savings could
among
be so disposed of as not to become
available for the

to take

DOM.
KING-

he

place

the enemy
opposed to him without
critical moment
at which
they were most
exposed to an attack, and which his penetration always
enabled him to perceive,
without strikinga decisive blow
to the advantage of his country.
The present movement
of the Manchester
Chamber
of Commerce
and its followers,
for the avowed
purpose
of entorcingthe abolition of all corn
laws, has so completely
of their cause
and the
exposed the weakness
inconsistencyof their demands, that a union among

in the

jointures,to

each

Wellingtonthat

movement

It is therefore
substitute for

human
labour be assessed towards
their maintenance,
the
at the rate of say is. a-day per horse power, when
nufactory
earnings of the persons employed in the maaverage
are
only equal to the value of a peck of wheat
than twelve hours duration ; but
per day, of not more
in case the average wages
do exceed that value, then

as

FOR

without families,which, being depositedand accumulated

in savings'
banks, might, by a judicious
ment
arrangeliberal principlesin favour of the depositors,
on
be converted into Government
and long annuities,
life,

Correspondent.)
AND

medium.
way than throughthe same
here proposed, that each engine used as

positionof

seizingthe

and carrying on business

on
purpose of commencing
ing
their own
It is therefore with a view of raisaccount.
the condition of the labouring classes, without
citing
exthe jealousyand opposition of their employers,
that these observations

are

here

made.

to be paid on
rate,
principle,and perhaps at the same
then not only be able to keep themselves
considerable
families in comfort, but might become

Supposing the agriculturallabourers

the

and land proprietors,

the above
agriculturists
together with
judiciousmeasures
summarily acted upon, it is presumed, they would
would
unwarrantable

them for the future from all such

attacks upon
their interests and property.

rescue

and

consumers

goods to an amount
beyond our presentforeign

of the manufacturer's

altogether
probablymuch

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

has
lated
calcurecently been
about
cue-sixth
of
the
to
amount
manufactured
our
productions. It has
land,
stated, that " if the people of Engenabled
but
to
were
Ireland, and Scotland

he would

191

export trade, which

as

to
of
whole
been
also

competition. Thus

be

incurring
any

risk

sufficiently
protectedagainstforeign
far

we

may

safelyadvance without

to consequences,
notwithstanding
by the cotton lords,that theywill

as

the threats held out

transfertheir capital
to other shores.
The last proposition
than they now
do, it
in addition
to be considered here,
spend one
per day more
penny
to all cur
would be equal in amount
foreign exports, to the fixed pricefor foreignwheat is,that a chartered
be established for the reception
rive
and make
as
into storecompany
large returns to us as a nation as we dehouses
from
at a fixed price,
our
ought
foreign trade.'' Our legislators
say 56s. per quarter of all sound
British tuheatof not lessthan a given weight,that may
therefore to pause, and consider well the consequences
be offered,
which may
be the result before they risk a change of
beginningto receive new grainon the 1st of
May * : and for supplyingall demands for wheat at
of such doubtful policyas the encouragement
measures
the rate of 64s. per quarter, tillthe store shall be exSo
of foreign
of our
at the expense
own.
hausted
agriculture
it is calculated the best bread
littledo the petitionersfor a free trade in bread corn
; from which
imderstand
sold at 8d. the quartern
might be made and profitably
the nature
of their interests,that while
loaf.
they are clamouring at Sheffield for free trade,their
"
The capitalof this company
intended petitionadmits
should consist of 100/.
that foreigners,even after
the payment of eur
shares,but witiioutlimitationas to the total amount, so
import duties, actuallyundersell
be profitably
in acin this country, and especially long as the whole
manulacturers
own
our
cordance
invested,
may
with its charter,antl without preferenceto
in a great number
of articles formerly the exclusive
of this town."
this chiefly
arise
Does
not
party, so that no shareholder should be permitted
any
production
to disposeof any
share, otherwise than at itsoriginal
liberal system of
from
our
as
a natural
consequence
self,
value, nor retain an undue proportion of shares to himsupplying them with coals duty free, and at a cost
after havingreceived his dividends for the year just
obtain
lower than
London
manufactories
our
can
of shares reended, and a timely notice of the number
them ? And supposing the duties on the articles above
quired
to be given up for the use
of new
subscribers.
alluded to were
taken off on the free trade principle,
The intention beingto give to every individual in the
would
togetherwith the duty on corn, in what manner
the advantages which
kingdom,possessingthe means,
they be the gainersby the change }
result from such investment, and which would be
When
wheat
it is taken into consideration how much
may
enhanced
could they in law retain
to females,
has been consumed
within the last five years in feeding greatly
it (a singleshare) as a jointure
without further expense
and
of a market
stock, for the want
remunerating

prices,and

the

great improvements

now

taking place

in the cultivation and

selection of the best wheats,
there can
be little doubt
that, under the system of
storingthe surplusgrain in abundant seasons, and the
under
the regulations
protectionfrom foreigncompetition
Britain would actually
rate
consumption, at modebut remunerating prices. It will be necessary,
of the suggestions
however, first to notice some
already put forth on this important subject.
consideration is,that
The first proposition
requiring
now

produce

Great
to be proposeJ.
sufficient for its own

in case
and a

of

marriage,
under

resource

as

securityagainstpauperism,

adverse vicissitudesto which

all

liable.

are

and the protecrevenue

tion
be afforded by these measures,
as
well to the consumer
the
and
other
as to
corn-grower,
advantages already enumerated, an unerring s(a?i(ianZ
of value v^ovlIAbe established on the principleadvanced
and recommended
by Adam Smith,who observes in his
15. I. chap, xi., Labour, it must
M'ealtliof Natio)is,
Besides

which

the increase to tke

would

"

alwaysbe remembered,

and

not

any

particularcommodity,

of the
set of commodities,is the real measure
or
rect
from the dithe present averages
out
are
not made
value,both of silver and all other commodities ;" and
sales of the agriculturist's
produce, but often from
"
that equal quantities
of corn
will,in every state of
fictitiouspurchases among'
the selling
the corn-factors,
in every stage of improvement, more
nearly
society,
priceof the grower alone should regulatethe averages.
bour,
represent, or be equivalent
to, equalquantitiesof laTills would
be a great improvement
unquestionably
than equalquantities
of any other part of the rude
but all such arrancements
incur conmust
siderable
necessarily
produce of land."
Corn, accordingly,it has already
expense to the country and without materially
been observed
is,in all the different stages of wealth
the revenue.
benefitting
as

"

The

taken
proposition,

next

from

The

Herald
lilorning

from Lord John Russell,in a

26th,comes
of Stroud, in
letterdated the '21st inst.,
to Mr.
Stanton,
of Jan.

he states that it isdesirable not to maintain a system

has shown, increases
of duties,
which, as experience

and

improvement,a

more

accurate

mea:"ure

of

value,

than any other commodity, or set of commodities.

In
all those diffisrent
we
can
stages, therefore,
judge better

which

It lias been

suggested,by

an

experiencedAgriculturist,

Wlieat
might also be ad
pressesJliiler and Corn-factor, that new
and deyears to the consumer,
mitted from
November
tillMay for immediate
consumption,
sirable
the low pricesto tlieproducer,and that it is dein price of Ss. per (juiirter
at a reduction
below the value
of
the laws by which the
not
to alter too frequently
the better S','asoned grain ; that, by due
in turning it
care
direction of capitaland the channels of industry are
if
and
it
bent'lits
over
frequently,
by disposing
tir^t,greater
would
result to the community, and to the agriculturist in
fixed duly
regulated. It is his cpinionthat a moderate
him at all times the opportuiiily
of
allowing
particular,
by
would be more
trade
and
the
not
only to
advantageous,
when
most
required. He,
convertinghis wheat int'i money,
than our premanufacturer,but likewise to agriculture
sent
would
to
which
have
however, stroniilyobjects
any
system
scale. It must be admitted that a fixed
fluctuating
tlie effect of fixing the price of agricjltural produce, as
duty on the importation of foreignwheat, sulilcient to
farmers
a
are
speculatingpeople,and wish to take advantage
of fluctuations.
him to maintain
Should
this be reallythe case,
it is difficult
so
as to enable
protect the agriculturist,
bow
be
to conceive
can
measures
himself and family out of the profits
unobjt-clionablp
legislative
of his farm, would
to
Indeed
comes
them.
it bewhich
will
framed,
satisfactory
(rove
it is to act
materiallyincrease the revenue
; but how
claim these speculators have
very questionablewhat
alone in preventing fluctuations,
much
so
complained
the legislatureat all, if it be only to interfere when
they
upon
the innumerable
incidents
of,isdifficult
to surmise,when
servation
As
the above obliiidthe current
has si't in against ihem.
which may
marto influence the supply of our
cajKiot
occur
agriculturists,who
apply to the necessitous

the

highpricesof dear

kets,are

into consideration. If,however, gomay rather consider it to be the

vernmentform the great majority,we
whose
interests we
opinion only of speculatingcapitalists,
should come
to the resolution of fixing also
not
comprehends
are
now
proposition
espousing. As'our
certainly
the price at which /ore^^-Hwheal shall be sold out of
wlieats, for the
only the heavy, well seasoned
bond, say at 68s. per quarter, neither more nor less, obvious reason, that a deviation in price would open the door
there would
be little
fear of the price of British wheat
tn abuses and frauds, and thereby invalidate the whole sclieme
ever
tiic quartern
for establishing
lixed prices; yet, the advantages which
the
exceedingthat amount, consequently
loaf of best bread ought not to reach at any time 9d., reception of new
and inferior wheats at the reduced
priceof
necessitous
afford to the more
class of
83. per quarter would
but might be aff"ordedmuch
lower; which, it is presumed,
by enablingthem to meet their engagements,
agriculturists,
would
be a very
material pointgained by the
landed
of
who
consideration
is worthy the
proprietors,
might
mechanic
and agricultural
labourer, at their present
the establishment ef
give their sanction and support towards
the farmer ought not to complain, a second company,
wages, and certainly
the above principle.
on
taken

"

"

THE

192

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

COMMUTATLON
TITHES
silver,by comparing it with corn,
ON
OF
tlian by comparing:it with any other commodity or set
FRUIT
PLANTATIONS.
of commodities.
Corn, besides,or whatever else is the
and favourite vegetablefood of the people,
common
THE
EDITOR
MAIDSTONE
TO
OF
GAZETTE.
THE
in every civilizedcountry, the principal
part
constitutes,
of the subsistence of the labourer." Wheat
being then
Sir, In your reportlast week of a meetingof fruit
affords the
the rude produce of this country, which
ia the market-room
T.
at Maidstone, Mr.
chief articleof subsistence to the labourer,his earnings growers
Selby introduced a petitionto be signedby landowners
him
from
privation
deshould be at all times such as to secure
of tithes on fruit plantations. It
for the commutation
of that most essentialarticle of support, while
will be seen by viewingthe case in its proper light,
that
tually
followinghis dailyavocations. Nothing would so effecan
tions
equitablerent-chargewill be fixed on fruit plantamaking wheat the standard
accomplish this,
as
other land, without
as
on
any other act being
medium
tained
by whicli the value of labour should be ascerfor that purpose ; there can be but little doubt,
and regulated.In which case it will be of little passed
but that the framers of the acts now extant and in operation
importance to the labourer whether the price be high
and
took the fruit,
the commutation
of tithes,
on
stationary,so that
or low, providedit could be made
all other produce into consideration
; so that this petition
and retain permanently their
other commodities may,
will be seen
to be entirelysuperfluous. In the
relativevalue.
of the real value of

"

from
Among the beneficialresults to be anticipated
be a gradual
the foregoing
proposed changes, would
effects on the landed interest,
correction of the injurious
sequent
produced by the alteration in our currency, condenominated Peel's Bill.
upon what is usually

will consider a certain parish or district

there is a quantity of fruit plantation,
hop,
arable, and pasture land ; again,suppose the rectorial
and
awarded
either by voluntarv
vicarial tithes are

first

agreement,
step will be

TROTSWORTH

or

the

by

to award

tithe

fruit land,

an

next

that fruit
tithe
is not worth more
tillthe periodof its beingexof planting
hausted
out than arable land, providedthe land
as

it may

be

plantation(ofwhatever

MANURE.

commissioners, the
allthe
on

tithe
equitable

land
of that parish. The whole of this land that is titheable
will bear a portion of rectorial and vicarial tithe, and
extra
an
charge on all hop land, but no extra charge
on

THE

place,we

in which

from

the time
worn

contended
fairly

kind)

or
I am
anxious to learn as
Sir, As an agriculturist
be of equal quality. If plantedwith apples, pears,
time that
well as numberless other persons, the precise
plums, or filberts,it will be from seven to twelve years
suit Mr. Kimberley to publishhis pamphlet on the
may
before coming into bearing, duringwhich time it can
shall
which
he
contain
Trotsworth LiquidManure,
says
arrived at maturity,these trees
pay ao tithe : and when
of which
the entire particulars
of the various ingredients
last but from
thirty to fortyyears before decaytakes
it IS composed, and also the benefits ta be derived from
ing
into bear"c. will come
of it. These declarations are certainly place. Gooseberries,currants,
the application
the
in three or four years ; let it be remembered
of those extraordinary
somewhat differentto the announcements
tithes are to be awarded
tual
accordingto the real and acdiscoveries we 'often see advertised to assistthe
value they are to the tithe receiver, and not what
of which are
alwayskept
farmer, but the ingredients
they may be estimated to be worth to the landowner ;
and are only to be procured in a mafrom the public,
nufactured
"

it will be clearlyseen
that the expense of collecting
stale.
and perhaps in
fruit tithes in kind must
be immense,
I have conversed with persons who are well acquainted
than the worth of the produce
with Mr. Kimberley, and who
*peakhighly of his many cases actuallygreater
monstrate
shall be put to deextreme
collected.
An
case
whose
and one
integrity
reputationas an agriculturist,
tithe.
of
of
this view
the adjustment
Supbe
relied
may
upon.
of land of equal qualityto constitute
1,000 acres
pose
And
likewise that he has amply convinced hundreds
belonging to three distinct
givenparish or district,
of persons (andmany
of them noblemen of the firstreputation any
of fruit land ;
individuals A, B, and C ; say A, 50 acres
of the great
friends of the farmers,)
warm
as
B, 100 acres of hop land ; C, 850 acres of arable land.
the

benefits to be derived from the use of

ingredients
of tithes effected ; the rectorial
Suppose a commutation
he employs ; especially
by shewing his own crops on
at 425Z., the vicarial at 175/., it is plainthere is no
naturallypoor land 1
that C is subject
to
that the publiBut he tellsus in his advertisements,
cation rectorial tithe due from A or B, so
be paid
Let this amount
the whole
of 425Z.
amounli
whether he gets
of his pamphlet depends upon
which will amount
the whole of the 1,000 acres,
to
on
him for the trouble
sufficientsubscribers to remunerate
in C's tithe
8s. 6d. per acre, to make
up this deficiency
he has incurred
in ascertainingby long
and expence
must be added, which again extended
Is. 6d. per acre
continued experimentsthe due proportionsof the various
would produce75Z. for the vicarial
the 1,000 acres
over
to suit the differentkinds of soil.
ingredients
tithe, leaving 100/. to be paidby the extra chargeon
Now, if all this be true, and that hundreds of
persons

hop land,which would be in this case \l. per acre. The

convinced of the benefitsoflFeredto
have been perfectly
would stand thus :
case
the country at large,how is this delay in the publication
accounted for ?
A, small tithes SI. I5s. great tithes2 U. 5s. total 25/.
It issaid that the landlords should investigate
the truth
107/. 10s.
do.
do.
42/. IDs. do. 150/.
B,
of these assertionsand if satisfiedsubscribe for each of
63/. 15s.
361/. 5s. do. 425/.
do.
do.
theirtenants ; thisIthink is a very reasonable suggestion, C,
and would very possibly
into
bring this cheap manure
425/. Os.
600/.
175/.
Os.
earlieruse.
fits
Some persons I find are also of opinionthat the beneif the rent charge is
It must be evident to any person,
and the fertilizing
to be derived from the economy
it will not affect the
laid on in this equitablemanner,
of it,that the increase in the crops will render
properties
it becomes
arable or grass laud at any
land, whether
the corn-laws a perfect dead-letter; and that England
extra
to be an
future period. If there was
charge on
exportingcountry ;
may, if she chooses,become a corn
almost to a
fruit land as on hop land, it would amount
and for 1/,(theamount
of the subscription
for the pamphlet)
whereas
tax on
plantations,
"

to enlarge our
tend
barns,exmay find the way
and fillour
rick-yards,
pockets.
For such advantages I willingly
si bscribe my
pound,
and as no monopoly is attempted, by keeping back tlie
materials used, five pounds wouM
not have deterred me
we

our

from

subscribing.I

Jan. 11.

"

am,

Mr.

Editor,

BERKSHIRE

FARMER.

prohibitory

plantingyoung
tithes on fruit land are laid on as on the arable
from
will be receivingas much
land, the titheowners
it as they have hitherto received, and the fruit growers
their part will be satisfied with the adjustment, and
on
will disputeits
liberal tithe owner
land owner
no
or
if the

equity.
Jan, 19th,1839.

LANDOWNER.

THE

EDITOR

THE

TO

OF

THE

PRESTON

PILOT.

Sir, The accompanying paper, was intended to

have been read at the late meeting of the Preston
Society; but owing to the length of
Agricultural
Should
withheld.
the proceedings it was
you
consider its circulation as likelyto prove beneficial
will perhaps
to the agriculturalcommunity,
you

193

MAGAZINE.
the

PLOUGHING.

SUBSOIL

ON

FARMER'S

will
society

see

the

importanceof encouragingthe
premiums as an inducement

liberal
system, by offering
for its adoption.

A. B.

Sept.1838.

"

give it a placein your columns.

I am, Sir,yours, "c.
Jan. 15th,1839.

A. B.

PLOUGH
The

DRAINAGE.

taken
has lately
followingcorrespondence
the Marquis of Chandos and Sir C.

placebetween

M.Burreil, Bart:

"

I have delayed
Sir Charles,
writing,
PLOUGHING.
SUBSOIL
ON
desirous of givingyou a full report of
because I was
the Pearson Plough. I have now
the subjectfixed upon for discussion by
drained about sixty
Considering
the Preston Agricultural
Society,of " the benefits to be
of deep clay,
with a full complement of men
acres
of
derived from the iatroduction of the subsoil ploug'h,"
and horses ; the former 19, the latter 8. The average
I am
induced
the very first importance to this district,
draininghas been about 4^ acres per day ; the ground
in hope they may be
to put together
a few observations,
made use of has been for many
years left entirely
(in lack of better information)of advantage to those, without
the
at draining; consequently,
attempt
any
the
had an
who
have never
opportunityof witnessing
Nothingcan have done
top water was considerable.
beneficialresultsattendant upon its use.
has been tried ;
The subsoil plough, as invented by Mr. Smith,is better than the plough, as far as it
and the quickness
with which it has worked, and the
constructed wholly of iroa, and varies in weight,from
are
draining,certainly,
adopted for Uoosening clean cutting and perfect
two cwt to four cwt ; being solely
without bringing it to the surface, or mixing most
the subsoil,
The expence, no doubt, is greater
obvious.
it with the incumbent
earth, itis not providedwith a
shoulder drainingwith turf; but if the
than our
mould board.
made
drains stand, which are
by the plough,its
It is indispensable
that the land should undergo a
As to its doing
must be beyond all doubt.
success
of
introductioa
the
to
tiie
thoroughdrainage, previous
tried it on a
for lightsoils, it clearlycannot ; we
undrained
retentive
in
soils,
plough ; as deep ploughing
the land, and
it failed instantly,
soil,
tearing
loomy
the
is
worst possible
thing.
not
making the clean cutting,which upon clayis
The method of usingit,is firstto take a furrow with
ing
always the case.
the common
plough.toabout six inches in depth,followThe farmers like it,but are afraid to face the eximmediately with the subsoil plough, to the depth
will
of sixteen inches ; to effect which in strong soils,
By continued use, which will be the case
pence.
with me, I hope to give them courage.
requiresix horses.
Upon ihe
has been exposed to the action
After the substratum
whole, I am well satisfiedwith it,as it is obvious it
"f the atmosphere,for five or six years, it may then
will far exceed in pointof labour the work of {men ;
wiih the
with considerable advantage be incorporated
fear of the drains
no
and upon a clay soil I have
and
active soil,
and althoughprevious
to the drainage
failing.Your two men have worked well,anxiously
of the most
subsoil ploughing,the subtratum
was
and have
evincingthe greatestattention with civility,
tenacious nature, stillexperiencehas proved, that the
done all in their power to please
me, and do credit to
active cultivationof water and air, in connexion with a
their plough. They will eat their Christmas dinner
stabthe most
suitable rotation of crops, renders even
of
here, and then return with,I hope, no bad opinion
born clays, as friable as the lighterloams,and at the
same

time

as

permanentlyproduclivc.

"My

dear

"

Buckinghamshire.

ly.
gree,
of the operationdepends in a great detake to the ploughwell, and work kind'"The men
the perfectexecution of the drainage;
to you for your kindness
upon
I am
obliged
sincerely
only be cfl'ectedby having and attention.
can
which,in retentive soils,
the drains at intervals,
of from four to seven
cording
yards,(acI remain, very sincerely
"And
yours,
and which should be cut
to its retentiveness),
The

success

"CHANDOS."
and filledin
the depthof at leasttwo feet and a half,
Dec. 18, 1838.
near
Wootton,
Aylesbury,
ficient
with broken stones a foot deep : thereby leavingsufof the plough.
space for the perfectoperations
"My dear Lord, I have shewn your letterto two
be executed when the
The drains should, if possible,
of mine, one of them (Mr. Michael
tenants
intelligent
land isin grass, as the work can then be done so much
drains have frequently
been
neatly ; and as
Bolting,of Dial-postFarm, West Grinstead)having
more
when
en his father'sfarm at shoulder
rendered entirely
useless,
a youth worked
by the soilworking in at the
should be taken in their execution
it at the
and his opinionis that putting
turf draining,
top, every precaution
tliinsods (takenofl'the surface) lowest scale of
to prevent it,by placing
priceof 3s. per score (20 rods)it would
the lop of the stones, with the grass side downwards,
on
ing.
Draincost infinitely
more
per acre than the Pearson
and overlapping
tile drains are
at the ends ; in case
done at halfFor if the shoulder draining
were
four
three
should
be
filled
inches
or
deep
they
adopted,
rod distance, as done on my land with the Pearson
with eitherstones, course
gravel,or cmders.
Plough, ii would cost 24/. per acre ; whereas the
of the subsoil plough,are not to be
The operations
ing
Pearson Drainagecosts less than 3/. per acre, shewconsidered as alone confined to the strong soils; but
2lL per acre
from
a balance in favour ot the latterof
;
may be used with considei^able advantage, down
the most intractable clays to the lightest
done at whole rod distances from
and if both were
sands.
The
of
winter
the drains,therebyreducingthe quantity drainage
months, in ordmary seasons, arc considered the
time when the subsoil plough, can
be most advantageously
to one-half,then the relative cost would be less than
and 121.
applied.
for the Pearson
Draining,
1/. 10s. per acre
So convmced
I of the importance of a perfect
am
leaving a
for the shoulder turf draining,
acre
per
with subsoil ploughin connexion
system of drainage,
ing,
age.
Drainbalance of 10/. 10s. in favour of the Peaison
the means
creasing
of most
as
effectuallyand readilyinthe costs of the shoulder drainage
were
And
if
the fertility
of the soil,
by givingto it a porous
parts)the balance
as in some
4s. per score
('ormore
substratum, allowing the redundant moisture a more
would be still greateragainstthe shoulder draining.
free and
effectualpassage, and givingto the roots and
"C. M. BURRELL."
of plantsa greater facility
of extension in search of
healthyand invigorating
food, that I sincerelyhope
Knepp Castle,Dec. 2Ut, 1838.

to

"

194
CORN

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

So

LAWS.

THE

EDITOR

Sir,
in

OF

It will

"

THE

STAFFORDSHIRE

be

perhaps

ADVERTISER,

deemed

presumptuous

addressing
you

me

would

quarters of wheat

this three

see

you

farmer, on a fallow crop, without any

be two
rent, Cwhich would
years) tythe,taxes,
interest of capitalwhatever, 8/. 7s. 9d. or 21.
or
the

cost

TO

the subjectof a
on
Repeal 15s. lid. per quarter. Now, Mr. Editor, I will
ask the tradesmen
Laws," or it may be attributed to interested
of all our
inland towns
(and of
motives, but perhaps I am the only person
this county in particular,)
although it is the second
has imported foreign corn
county who
to
county in England as a mining and manufacturing
"

of the Corn
in this

I have

any extent.

been engaged in the corn

trade
twenty years, the latter part of
which
time I have been farming a considerable
quantity of land ; I ought, therefore,to be competent

upwards
for_

of

to know

littleof the matter, without

above
sire
stated. IMy deis to warn
landlords, tenants, and tradesmen
of the danger that awaits
allthem, if the now
absorbing questionof a repealof the Corn Laws,
or
a low
fixed duty, (which would
amount
to the
same
thing) should become
the law of the land.
You, Sir, and some
of your readers, perhaps,will
feel a little startled when
I inform
you that I
have, within the last four years, had some
of the
of both
white and red wheats
very best qualities
purchased in the Baltic ports at 21s. to 22s. 6d.
per quarter, with
a
freightto Hull of 2s. (id.per
quarter, and Is. per quarter for other expenses
;
so that you
it is possibleto have wheats
see
laid
down in our own
stores at 24s. fid.to 26s.
some

beingliable to

the

charge

per

beans, 13s.

to

14s. ;

barley,13s.

to

15s.; and

Now,

Mr. Editor, let us try

how we can grow
in this country to meet
corn
the
above prices. Supposewe take wheat, the staffof
life,for our guide, and I think it will be allowed

by

all

and

money.

experienced persons, that in this county,

might add throughout all England, the
of years

average
wheat

to

an

or

acre,

take

we

will not

exceed

three quarters of

scarcelyso much,

but

suppose
at 2tis.

it at three quarters, which

equal "3. 18s. and the

per quarter would

growing

that

quantitywould

3 bushels
bushel

Seed,

to

an

be

cost of
d.
s.

"

acre, at 3s. 3d. per

0

1
0
0
Ploug-bingandsowingoncloverleysperacre

and

Weeding

ditto
water-furrowing

Reaping and thrashmgditto

Getting,thatching,and cartingto
Poor

rates

leaving 12s. 9d. per acre

interest of capital,
wear

to meet

and

next

the expense

of

and

the

rent,

tear

yard
stack-

and market

of

then

the case

would

stand

thus

tythe,taxes,
implements,

"

"

s.

work,
land,say, at a
fallowing
calculation,is four ploughings and
harrowings.Chut strong land requires

than this
3
Seed, three bushels per acre, at 3s. 3d. per
bushel
0
Manure, or lime
3
more

and

market

Poor rates for two

vears

caning

to

tasting

potatoes, scarcely ever

In

of

parts

some

Germany

the

mer
far-

with

from
merchants
respectablecorn
of them
Englishmen, who have
settled in Hamburg,
time past been

many

many,
Gerfor

some

some

have

called

on

with whom

and

me,

dealings,and they all sa}'

that

wc

had

I have

never

who

can

pete
com-

with
until we
reduce
them
farmer and
our
his labourer to the level of theirs,and which
they
I call upon every
be the case.
hope will never
man,
landowner, farmer, farmer's labourer, and tradesI add

yes,

tradesman, (forthey are

equally
farmer) to step

interested with the landowner

and
forward
and
use
every endeavour
to

Should

in their power

destroyers of the national

wealth.

the

of the present corn

laws
opposers
in their destructive endeavours, it will be

succeed
a

the

stay

death

blow

country

to

and

this

happy

highl3'-favoured

and

loudest in their calls

too
late, acknowledge

thej^who

are

for a repeal, will, when

that the corn
laws as they now
stand, are the
of our
nation's prosperity. The producbulwark
tive
520
industry of this country yields about
millions pounds sterlingannually, of which, as
well

stated

at the

nesday,
Liverpoolmeeting on Wedby my friend, Mr. C T.
merchant
of
Dunlevie, a highlyi-espectable
corn
that port, that 246 millions were
culture
produced by agrialone, while
that of the manufacturing
148
whole
interest was
millions sterling.The
the

of

amount

16th

the

inst.

of the

export

of three

country, in

the

ending 1837, as could be

proved by parliamentarydocuments, was only 48
average

millions.

The

years,

of

number

acres

in cultivation

of land

millions,the

to 48

being brought

the

of

number

amounted

number

ble
capa-

into cultivation 15

of

millions,
unprofitable16 millions,

making altogether77 millions. Besides, who are

these factious declaimcrs
againstthe corn laws
0

0
0

pretence

9
0

besides

yard
stack0

attempt

public
mills,

for

a
complaint. I doubt
motives, which
political
conceal, they are desirous

their

cashire
of LanI'he great cotton lords and manufacturers
and
it is well known,
Cheshire ; men,
who
have
acquired and are acquiringimmense
of them, whose
incomes vie
fortunes; men, some
with the nobles of the land.
They have no decent

14

and

food.

share
the same
and his horse when
at work
within
In the course
I have
loaf!
of my business
the
last few years
had
opportunitiesof talking

and

low

Getting,thatching,and

bread

animal

d.

"c., in

Weeding and water-furrowing

Reaping and thrashing

and

was

year'sfallow, which
land sown
clover leys always requires; but
on
on
a fallow, (and more
than
presuming it sown
half of the wheat
in Staffordshire is so,)
one
sown
Team

with the poor

farmer and labourer
of Ireland, or
of the foreignnations, where
of some
they appear
deprivedof every comfort, and raised but one step
above
the brute
creation, their principal
(and in
instances only) food being rye or barley
many

ter
quar-

oats, 9s. to lOs. 6d. per quarter ; and within the last
eighteenmonths, njost of the above grainsmight
have been purchased for a few shillings
per quarter
more

they would like to lose their best

and
agriculturists,
farmers,tradesmen
labourers, for it plainlyappears that an alteration
of the corn
laws, as above, would destroynot only
the farmer, but also the tradesmen
dependent on
him ; and
reign
render
us
wholly dependent on a fonation for our
supply of dailybread ; and
reduce this now
to a level
respectableclass of men
whether

one,

customers,

to
attention

where

death in

the

from

poor

the

temperature of

86

but

are

that,

they vainly
of divertiiig
of their

horrors

children

not

worked

own

to

degrees. They have

FAEMER'S

THE
bowels

no

compassion for

of

surely a time will come

enormous
gains will be taken

but

them

by compelling
Negro slaveryis
present system. Depend upon it

work

to

shorter

to the
nothing:
the public are

in this way,
the corn-laws

not

to

for any
I once

away,

hours.

be

put upon

induced

be

or

in view.

have

these unfortunates ;
when
part of their

to

such

to

abandon

these

as

purpose

scent

wrong

consent

men

therefore, call upon

landowners, farmers, manufacturers, tradesmen,

labourers,and

more,

all who

welfare of their country,

for the

have

regard

as

respect for

any
well as

the

ightsof property, not only in this county, but in

all England, to assemble
togetherto petitionthe
isting
legislature
firmlyto maintain and uphold the excorn
laws, the repealof which would be, as
I have
alreadystated, the forerunner of general
I beg leave to subscribe
want, misery,and ruin.
myself a well wisher of my native land and its
prosperity.
J

I am,

obedient

your

servant,

JOHN

CcUon, near

t'ind
Rugeley,

YATES.

MAGAZINE.
revolution,which

? To be serious,Sir,is not the

latter their final object.' When
it is falsely
asserted
that 40 to 50 per cent, of tithes and
poor
rates, in proportion to rental, paid from the
duce
pro-

of
land

we

advised

are

soil

out

and

to

defraud

THE

CULTIVATION

CONTINENTAL
THAI'

OUR

OF

SOILS,

OWN

MAY

KETURN

TO

THEIR

TIVE
PRIMI-

DOWNS.
TO

THE

OF

EDITOR

THE

throw

to

our

own,

native

our

any

the

national creditors ?

Can

we

plan more

the country, and the destruction of

institutions ? Hear
by what admirable arguments

Instead

proposed

system is supported I
the yeomen
selves,
applyingthemformerly, to the study of thingsconnected
new

(saythey) of

with

their

them

into

occupation, their vanity has

aping the habits of fine gentlemen
; so that Hodge and Dobbin, instead of being
found at the plough'stail,are roaming the
country
at the tail of the hounds, or
claret and
drinkingthe
talking dissolutelywith
squire." Again,
INIanufacturers say that they are so farfrom being
the home
dependent for their posterity
on
corn
tempted

"

COUNTY

NEWSPAPER.

editorial farmers have made

our
Sir,
the discovery,that land lying in a state of nature
will at any time be as a national granary of corn
;
to
and that the best way
which
cripple powers
Some

"

as

likelyto accomplish those

objectsthan that which would impoverish or beggar
the entire agricultural
population,and which
may reasonably be supposed to end only with revolutionizing

presume

as

RAGING
ENCOU-

be assumed

of

the

FOR

may

and our
cultivation,
experienced and
hardy ploughmen out of work, that foreignersmay
with the
paid to them for corn, in lieu of
money
our
buy our manufactures, is it not evident
own,
of some
sinister motive
and
intent beyond even
the wickedness
the face of such proceedings?
on
Is not that ulterior objectthe abolition of all taxes,

Jan. 1839.

ACT

(settingaside other ta.xes, viz.,

tax, malt tax, "c., which

and

"

PROPOSED

soil

our

equivalent to the taxation on land abroad;,is no

bar
to putting that soil into direct
competition
with foreign
productionsfree from such burthens,

her

THE

195

of

that

growers,
them

to

wheat

or

it is

vvhether
not !"

matter

of entire

indifference

England
Are

produces one peck of

there respectablepeople,

with two grains of common

read
can
sense, who
such false trash as this hirelinghas dared to pen,
with
any feelingsbut of contempt and
disgust?

might be opposed to us is to purchase all the corn

In order to enlist the ignorant on their side, they
they can grow, that their lands, by constant cropassured
are
unfit
for
rendered
further
be
that, in expending one
shillingfor
grain crops,
l)ing,
may
bread, they pay threepence to the landlords, forgetting
whilst our own
would be fresh for the plough. There
at the same
time to inform them, that one
two
tration
arc
objectionsto the practicalillustrifling
half of the landlord's estate is mortgaged (ifI may
of this brilliant discovery,
which
it may
be
so term
it)for the tithes and poor'srates. If they
well for these
office farmers to learn.
as
They
had followed
their remarks
other necessaon
be pleased to recollect tliat an
ries
Act for the
up
may
of life such
as
malt, tea, and sugar
Commutation
of Tithes received the assent
of the
they
of those
might have discovered that the consumers
time since, imposing a rentLegislaturesome
charge in lieu of tithes such charge on land they articles are charged from 30 to 150 per cent, to
But this would not, at present,
have kindly advised
pay the fundholders.
should not be cultivated,but
suit their purpose
it would create alarm where
be suifered to lie in grass, being from 4s. to 5s. an
they
wish to lull even
if their
suspicion,wellawarethat
acre
; having heretofore, by dint of a largeoutlay
and
of artificial food crops, borne
present plan could be carried out to its full extent
the rotation
if they can
obtain one
object,the other, the
culate
good averaj;e crops of grain- We may safelycal"

"

"

"

"

that the feed to be

of natural grass

system

obtained

would

not

under

the novel

exceed

the value

overthrow

of the

the

value

funds,

of

must

follow.

If we

agricultural
produce
from
necessityfall back

so

that

duce
re-

the

the
on
producers shall
rent-charge and poor's rates, leavingthe
Another
minus simply his land.
objection other taxation of the country, a revolution in every
sequences
confutile with
these agricultural
(equally
projectors) property takes place" we escape the ruinous
would
two
be that, of the labourers
to those
classes, and benefit by
now
employed on
this arable land
and a revolutionary
reduction of
cheap ])rovision
averagingat about three families
the debt.
This
is the real quarry at which they
100 acres
to every
would
be dispensedwith
two
in grass land,or ten individuals.
flytheir hawk.
of

the

owner

"

"

In

The
parish consistingof 4,000 acres of arable
viper is most dangerous when concealed in
would
be without
could not be perA fixed duty on corn
employ, until they the grass.
sisted
of these cool speculators
were
in
it is meant
would have
(as some
fraudulent decoy. The
a
as
absorbed
us
of
in the labour
shown
landowners
and
farmers
have
believe)
our
factories.
manuselves
themever
chester,
Perhaps such provincialtowns as Winto be staunch
su])portersof honest government.
Andover, "c., may suffer from
Salisbury,
They wish for no revolutionarychanges,
the ruin of the landowners
and
the depopulation though it is evident that their properties
would
nefit
beof villages.What
end
all taxation
to cease
and the
matter, it must
were
to-morrow,
(saythese
in national regeneration"or in
philanthropists)
corn
trade thrown open to the world.
The weak-

land,

400

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

197

perpetually
varying,it would be introducing system of corn-laws,founded on a differentprinciple
from the present, unless a decided
that a scale of
I conceive
perpetualinequalities.
opinion was
duties which should vary inversely
as the pricemight
expressed by a largemajority
of the people. That
believed
the
and
the
the
excess
deficiencyyou
catching
vary, correcting
up
system to have operatedwell,and
that it would be dangerousto touch it."
would be that
and tending
to their generaleijiialisntion,

is

ivhich would

carry in

the
itself

best chance

ness
of steadi-

is,perhaps,the firstthing,
property which
occasional cheapness,
to be considered
perhapseven before
a

"

ii

legislation."
Lord Glenelg, then Mr. Charles Grant,
President of the Board of Trade, againbrought forward
the question; and in his speech,whicli is now
In 1828

before me, I
his giving as

Let

by

entreat

me

your

not
lordship

to

be deceived

the

which will no
petitions
doubt be presented
to parliament,
numerously signed, for an alteration
of the corn-laws.
I should not be surprisedif,
comparatively,
petitions
were
presented by agriculturists,
apparentlysigned by few in number, in
favour of them.
The
agriculturists
cannot
bring

themselves to believe that vour

view of tlie subject,
except
has seen
lordship
whv a fixed dutysufficiently
anythingto alter your mind "expressed
and
so lately
would
be difficult of
to protect our
so decidedly.I cannot
higli
understand
agriculture
tlie reasoning
attainment,viz." the fact that since the resolutions which would attach weightto merely the numbers of
were
sis^natures
to petitions,
brought forward the previousyear, 500,000
except in the minds of those
who are advocates for universal
wheat
had come
into our market
quarters of foreign
suffrage.
under the scale of 1822, payingduties of ll. 2s. 8d.
The only grounds that I can conceive to be
urged
aad ll. 4s. 8d. per quarter.
againstthe amount
of protectiongranted in 1828,
that
The alteration made
in the resolutions from those
have
we
received
are,
considerable relief by
proposedthe year before by Mr. Canniagwas, that the Poor-law and Tithe Bills. For bringingforward
the pivot,
and passing
as it was
two
such valuable laws, I consider
termed, was raised -Is. per quarter
the country deeplyindebted to the administration
on
wheat, or from 62s. to 66s., the duty ihen to
;
be 20s. 8d." the duty to fall to Is. at 73s.iin both
but allowinga savingof four millions on the
poorcases
the pivot was
rates, of which three would
as
fallto the land,it would
; but in the scale of 1828
not
amount
to Is. per quarter on
higher,the dutywas to fall two, three, and four to
the corn
grown in
in order to reach the same
rise in price,
one
shilling
England annually. This is sayingnothingas to the
rise of wages
the two
which it is said,and trulv,that the
priceas the lowest duty. As far as regards
would effect. And
of
plans, I consider the regularfalling,
measure
to the Tithe Comparipassii,
as
mutation
the dutyinversely
with the price,for reasons
before
Bill, I consider that as a reason
why we
will perceivethat
should increase our cultivation at home, rather than
stated,preferable.Your lordship
I have stated the duties
accordingto the imperial diminish it sayingnothingof the injustice
to the
see
a

no

new

reason

"

in

both

whereas

in Mr.

of

tithes,who, on the faith of the present

Winchester
measure
corn-laws, have had their future incomes fixed by
was
taken, which makes
the apparent variation. In 1828, I\Ir.Huskisson, in
that standard.
the present system of graduated duties,
Since writingthe foregoing,
I have seen
supporu'ng
a letter
written by Lord John Russell to one of his constibefore
said,as appears in a parliatnentary
tuents.
report now
"
The Right Hon. President of the Board of
me
:
of the great improveBeing well aware
ments
Trade (Mr. Grant)had stated trulyto the house,that
in agriculture
introduced and broughtto perfection
it was
their dutyas practical
men
to look at the measure
remembering also the millions of acres
of the present session as one which teas (d settle%chat the
broughtinto tillage principally
throughthe patronage
rule and what the law was, by ivhich all the transactions
and encouragement
given to agriculture
by the
of the country reletting
to the land were
to be regulated. late and present Duke
of Bedford, I cannot
believe
The question
that the son of the one, and nephew of the other,
was
trulyone, the finaladjustment
ofwhich
not
was
will lend a willing
hand in undoing all that these
merely deeplydesirable,but a matter of paramount
one
neoessity
; for it was
by which all the acts
great benefactors to their country have done, and
and businessofmen's liveswereinfiuenced
and governed. again throw into their original
state
unproductive
The object,
those millions of acres
which have givenfood and
as it appeared
to him, of the house should be
to pass a measure
tohich menmight believe and look upon
employmentto so largea proportionof our population.
to be A CONCLUSIVE
In the letter alluded to, Lord John Russell
one."
The resolutions were
carried through parliament states, as his individual opinion,that experience
by an overwhelmingmajority,amounting almost to has shown the present system of duties increase the
who, on the faith
unanimity
press
highpricesof dear years to the consumers, and de; and the agriculturists,
the low pricesof cheap years to the producers.
placedin the opinionthus expressed,by a man confessedly
I am
the best judge of the subject,
as between
quiteat a loss to imagine the ground for the
the agricultural,
latter opinion. If it is from the fact of the low price
and
commercial
manufacturing,
interests of
of corn
in the empire, have
for several years, I would remind his lordentered
ship,
any man
into contracts, in which
thev have embarked
that it was
their
stated by nearlyall the members
whole capitals,
of the last agricultural
threatened with a total alteration
are
arisen
committee
to have
of tlie
from abundant
system, amounting to confiscation of their
crops, and therefore the Marquis of
Chandos
a
has been found to work
property
obtained no
system which
parliamentaryrelief from it.
better for allclasses than
As to it raisingthe price to the consumer
tried.
in dear
any other ever
In common
with the agriculturists
of the kingdom
from the duty falling
so
years, that arises entirely
I hailed with
ship's
dedly
joy the manly expositionof vour lordrapidly.I will not say more than that I am decisentiments last year, as to the working of the
of opinion, if parliamentalter the present
present
Your
the best interests of
system of corn-laws.
system, theywill be sacrificing
lordship,in
Hansard's Debates,is reportedto have said, That
the kingdom. If it listens and acts upon the views
It
lar from
was
of the principalmovers
intention
in gettingup the petitions,
to introduce
any
your
measusre
for altering
the ]^K-esentcorn-laws, or for
who would
reduce not only the agricultural
but the
disturbingthe system which at present existed. manufacturing labourers to the same
wretched conHolding these views, that yon certainly
would
ditition as those abroad, they will do that which will
not
attempt to alter the system which bad been estainterest without any eventual
blished, ruin the
agricultural
would you ever
nor
introduce any new
eood to themselves.
measure

cases;

Canning's

owners

the

"

"

"

"

"

If

shonld

Huskisson,

be

the difterence of ex
is no
There

counteract

to

here and abroad.

corn
raisingpense
chance of a fixed duty to anythinglike
in

Unless we
would
"I

fixed

duties

have

the

on

that

whether

"

amount.

have

us

half measures,

no

faith of the present

entered into on tl e
tithe commutations"

and,

in

system"all

fact, all understanding

so well said by Mr.

was
lives are
business of men's

(as

by which

and

the acts

no

Huskisson)
influenced

governed.

and

the honour to be
obedient servant,
ELLMAN.
JOHN

I have

most
lordship's

Your

Lewes, Jan.

Glynde,

near

fortiinatosnimium,

"

sun

si bona

norint,

Agricolas!"

"

OF

EDITOR

THE

TO

Sin,

CHRONICLE.

NEWCASTLE

THE

Such of your readers

as

are

collect,
may reimprovements of agriculture
the meeting of the Northumberland
Society,held at Wooler, in October
Agricultural
reported in
last, a discussion took place,as was
of subsoil ploughing,
the utility
your paper, upon
at
variance,
which subject,opinionssomewhat
on
were
expressedby the Marquis of Tweeddale and
at

mvself.
zeal and examplethe
few men
to whose
There
are
ao-riculture of the northern parts of the kingdom is
indebted than to those of the noble marquis
rnore
"

few,
am
none

to whose

inclined
whom

experienceI
judgmentand practical
confidence,and
a more
to yield
perfect

I have

been

surface soil.

accustomed

to meet

on

pended
deinjurious,

And

leads
experience

my

me

to know

of subsoil possess properties

descriptions
to vegetationthat the productive
pernicious
lity
qua-

tliat some

the

of

which

land with

mixed, has
afterwards, and

it lias been

materially
injuredfor

been

years

stock after being

diseases in young
the
to
grass. This, then, brings me
I endeavoured
])Oint which, at the meeting in question,
be
that no
to enforce
general rule can
applicableto all situations and circumstances, and
lliat we
but working in the dark, and often misare
and wasting our money, tillthe
applviugour means,
shall be brought to bear upon
elements of science
of our
of agriculture,
and the qualities
the ]iractice
be equallysubjected
soils and manures
to the test of
that

it caused

restored

to

"

matter

interested in the

pursuitsand

that

or

the

chemical analysis.
Lord Tweeddale's
The subsoil in which
ment
experiof trench ploughing provedsuccessful,was, I
devoid of anythinginjurious
to vegetation,
presume,
phere,
and, therefore,after being exposed to the atmosand intermixed with the soil to which it gives
a greater
body, it became useful, besides that the
greater depth of ploughing would render the land
soil
drier and more
friable. In other districts the subas in
may be not only harmless but beneficial,
the neighbourhoodof Rlorecamb
Hay in Lancashire,
and calcareous
it is mixed with so much shelly
where

26.

PLOUGHING.

SUBSOIL

ON

beneficial

was

qualityof the subsoil, which, by

this process, is brought up and mixed with the

so
stated
principle
altogether.

lingeringdeath,
10s. or los. duty. But
with
the
a
be
case
would
as
to pass
is bound
with such an act the legislature
from
engagements
another, releasingall tenants
Let

result

the
upon

corn-laws

abolish your

say,

MAGAZINE.

fixed
to depend only on
high enough, as stated by

is
protection

our

duties, they
Mr.

FARMER'S

THE

198

such

and advantage. If,

occasions with greater pleasurt"
then,I ventured at the time referred to, to express
from a strong
to his, it arose
opinionsin opposition
in error,
not as
conviction that his Lordship was
regardedthe subjectof his own experiment,but in
without due
of a general
the application
principle,

consideration for difference of circumstances.

know,
as you must
The object
of subsoil ploughing,
retentive stratum, often
is to break
up a hard and
found at the depth of a few inches below the surface,
means
but without mixing it with the soil,by which
which
drawn
water,
to
it is rendered pervious
being withdition
from the surface,the land is left in a fit con-

as
operate usefully

to

as

if

manure,

applied

of the soil. But

in
very
prevalent
nocuous,
beneficial nor yet in-

suited to the character

quantities
of subsoil
there is a description
in

is neither

this country, which

commonly
high degreepernicious,
called mcorband, a strong ferruginousconcretion of
graveland claywhich it is difficult to break through ;
and being perfectly
impervious to water, holds all
but in

the

wet

its surface

on

in

which

rainyseasons,

in

exhausted, leaves the crops to

drought,being soon
of moisture.
I had
latelyan
languish from want
soil
opportunityof witnessingthe operationof the subplough,in the vale of the Till,upon land of this
description.The surface soil was light,and easily
turned
plough with two horses ;
over
by a common
followed by a subsoil plough, and by the
that was
strength of

united
was

shivered

up, or
etiect

strong horses, the moorbaud

six

pieces,but

to

in any way

being brought

with the surface soil. The

a stubble field; in
before ploughing, the horses'

mixed

it was
:
extraordinary

was

which,

ridingover

scarcelyfound
turning to the land

hoofs

without

were

to make

any

impression;

had undergone the

betide the luckless fox-hunter that
operationwoe
such a field,he will find his horse sink
encounters
which
to the depth of 18 or 'JO inches at every stride,
but

on

that

"

will
tlie

"

soon

tahe the go

of
analysis

two

out

of him."

different

I have

of
portions

procured
this moor-

band, which is as follows :

First
lyO parts afforded oxide of iron 34, silex;
and
for the nourishment
growth of plants
74, alumin or clay6, water and loss 6=120.
by superabundant
which hitherto were
apt to be injured
of iron 43, silex 64, alumin 8,
Second"
Oxide
moisture.
This, however, is a very expensive
and loss .5^120.
of
water
the subsoil plough is an instrument
as
process,
that such a combination
to observe
It is unnecessary
and requires
six,
four, or frequently
great strength,
and therefore
be most
to vegetation,
must
injurious
horses to work it,while two more
precedeit,turning
if brought to the surface ; and on
with
furrow
common
pernicious,
plough. Lord
the surface
a
which
this 1 rest
of the subsoil
tho
did not
argument, that the practice
Tweeddale
"

"

efficacy
deny
pensive,
exits use as unnecessarily
plough,but condemned
beneficial might
seeingthat results equally
be producedby trench ploughing,which is merely
followingwith a second ploughin the furrows which
the first has made, but at a greater depth. I also
have
practisedtrench ploughing to a considerable
extent, and

in

some

cases

with

good

effect j but,

my

may

be

gcod in

one

case

is

bad in another

; and

that

the progress of agricultural

improvement at
in manuwith the rapidadvance
all commensurate
of science, in its
the application
to which
to make

fiicturts,
various branches,

has so greatlycontributed,more
requisitethan the knowledge elicited,or the
associaemulation
excited,by our local agricultural
is

THE
We

tions.
men

call

must

science, under
we

the

to

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

of
aid the principles
tific
educated and scienand prove hy
by analysis,

199
CORN

THE

our

LAWS.

guidanceof
test

must

experiment,and endeavour, by

seriesof

from
propositions

the pen

of

Mr.

applicaUoa of
for the
Preston, of Lee House, written expressly
productivequalities

the

to stimulate the
suitable manures,
of our soil,and to correct those ti)at are crude
for its
and pernicious
; and so look for remuneration
of its produce,
and not in
culture in the abundance

use

of the landed and

interest:"agricultural

1. It is the bounden duty of every Government

to give
useful employment to the industryof the country by a
A
its
restrictive regulations
price.
affecting
spectus
proo
f
bours
before the lapreference the labour of its population
is now
abroad for establishing
an
agricultural
of other countries.
farm, in
college,connected with an experimental
2. It i* a consequent
ers
labourrightof the agricultural
It is a laudable and interesting
Kent.
undertaking,
and other articlesof
to be employed in raising
corn
but one
and I heartily
wisli it success;
naturallyfood,to be used by themselves and their f imilies,and
of tlioseindividualswho derive their means
ance,
asks,is the subjectnot one of vast national importof subsistence
from supplyingthem with shoes,stockings,
deservinn'of a national instead of a local instiand
other articlesof clothing.
tution?
3. 'I'heBritish farmer cannot, by any possible
An agricultural
tablished
tion,
exerfor Englandhas been essociety
be a competitor,
in his own
domestic markets,
even
under the presidencyof Lord Spencer,a
with persons employing large capitalsin the purchase
litted for the office,not
nobleman

merely

eminently

of

foreign

and

who

their

several

corn,
capital
and
which he has long pursued,
times in each year, and will sell as often as they can
the great knowledge whicli he has acquiredof agriculturerealize
however small,by the sale of one supany profit,
ply,
but also by that extrain all its departments,
ordinary
of obtainingthe next supply.
the means
as
which
candour and freedom from prejudice
4. The price at which foreign
corn
can, from time to
lege, time,be sold in the British markets will
colcharacterize his mind.
Would
an
agricultural
necessarily
control and govern the salable priceof British-grown
sive
and on an extenfounded on liberal principles,
corn.
scale,witli able professorsin the different
that supplyand demand govern
and beneficially 5. On the principle
branches,not be most appropriately
and consideringthat the principal
citiesand seaprices,
ports,
and best managed by
with such a society,
connected
and the manufacturingtowns
there is
to which
the most
of its members, comprising
a committee
by canals,"c., would be supplied more
easy access
influentialof the land ?
as well as the most
intelligent
easilyby foreign than home-grown corn, the Britisli
limits
which
I find that I have greatly
the
exceeded
would
be excluded from his best and most exgrower
tensive
this letter,and
I proposedto myself in beginning
markets ; the markets which
prevent a glut,
but
shall not
further encroach upon
;
and
in
markets
of
limiteddemand.
your paper
depreciation
very
6. An importation
of corn, free of duty, would so maCollege
terially
hopingthe subjectof a National Agricultural
reduce the market priceof corn
that itsgrowth
merits,
may excite such interest as its importance
would cease
and the quantity
of hometo be profitable,
grown
and meet with more
able advocates,
would
be greatlyreduced.
corn
I am. Sir,your obedient servant,
7. As a consequence,
farmers would be ruined,
lords
landGREY.
JOHN
Jan. 14, 1839.
Di/stoH,
would be distressed,
labourers to the extent of an
immense
number, thrown out of agricultural
ment.
employThe money
circulationof the country would be
the publiccredit would be endangered,
greatlydiminishecl,
TO
POOR
COTTAGES
ASSESSING
and the value ofmoneybeso changed that,
ON
as on
of prices,
a former instance of depression
the mortgagees
RATES.
havinglent only half the value of the land,on its security,
would be compelledto take to the land itself;
Sir, As Parliament did nothinglast year to relieve
and
them to pay poor
made
the poor from the demand
on
obtain
creditorswho
could
tain
general
payment would obthe
on
I
offer
undue
subject,
suggestions
an
rates,
advantage over theirdebtors.
again
my
that
into
the
times
8.
A directtax on corn, ":c. would be a tax on food,
consideration,
believing,
taking
there is scarcely a subjectthat requires more
and principles
early and is incompatiblewith allsound policy
To
the
tax
attention on th 3 meeting of Parliament.
of judicious
finance.
inconsistent.
9. The peoplewould not tolerate a direct tax on
poor to pay the poor, surelymust be most
Summonses
for payment have been issued in the parish food ; and if such a tax could be imposed,it could not
I reside in, and
in other neighbouringagriculturalbe enforced at those periods
when most wanted ; i. e.
in times of deficientharvests and short crops.
parishes,but the tax cannot be collected. My proposition
of corn
to relieve the indigent poor from
when
10. Such duty would enhance the price
paying poordeficient domestic harvests had increased the demand
rates, is as follows : The occupiersof tenements, with
and increased its value and price.
for foreigncorn
or without
gardenground attached,the rent of which

by

the ardour with

can

turn

"

"

to be exempt from pay4/. per annum,

ing
their signing,and sending to the
before a specified
of the parish on
or
time, a
overseer
will be
printeddeclaration,which on their application
furnished them, that they do not, in any way, pay more
than 4/. per annum
ment
of the tenerent ; and
the owner
arisingfrom repairs. Poorpays all expences
rates
levied on
without
with
tenements
or
garden
ground attached, the rents of which do exceed 4?. per
but do not exceed 8/. per annum,
to be paid by
annum,
the owners
to
of the property. Above
8/. per annum,
be paidby the occupiers. No
occupiersof their own

does not exceed

poor-rates, on

to
freeholds,
or copyholds,

be exempt from paying poor

rates. The amount
to which
they are to be assessed
and
to the poor-rates, to be fixed by the overseers
of the parish.
churchwardens
I remain, yours, "c.,
C. HILLYARD.
President of the Northamptonshire Farming and

Grazing Society.
Northampton,Jan.
Thorpelands,near

24.

It
11. The existingduty is not a direct tax on corn.
license to sell corn in the
truth and intention,
a
British market when
the priceof Britishcorn advances
It
beyond limits deemed reasonable for the consumers.
is a protectionto the people from
higiiprices,and to
the farmer from
pricesruinouslylow, and especially
from an unfair competition with the untaxed and un-

is,in

tithcd produceof foreigncountries.

bour
la12. A greatlydiminished demanfl for agricultural
would
increase the supply to manufacturing
necessarily
and add to the distress of labourers in
labour,
manufacture,by reducingthe value of their labour.
establishesthe fact that the encouragement
13. All experience
to render the
so
as
of British agriculture,
tain
supplyequal to the demand, is the only safe and cerof providingfood at moderate prices,and
mode
and the visitations
of
with as little
fluctuationas seasons
either
Providence will admit,and is the only security,
in war, for avoiding
in peace or war, and especially

scarcityand

even

famine

prices.

THE

200
CORN

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMEIVS

LAWS.

ready market

which
TO

EDITOR

THE

INTELLIGENCER.

THE

OF

have

"

nm

to

sorry

or

either at home
20 millions less is

or
abroad,and by
produced,by labour,

and capital,
and 500,000
skill,

mention a typographical
in that part of my letter wbich you did
error
In the report of
the favour to insert last week.
me
the quantity
of culthe commissioners
tivated
you printed
land in Ireland as 10,600,000 acres, whereas
it should have been 14,600,000acres.
missed
Having diswritten in
that part of my letter which was
self defence, I now
proceedto the generalbusiness
I

Sir,

10

to

or a million of people
of work.
Mr. Oliver, a gentleman of
and not long since a candidate for
highreputation,
Professor's chair at the University
a
of Edinburgh,
states, that for every three million quarters of corn
of all kinds, regularly
imported,one million of
lions
people would be thrown out of bread, and two mil-

thrown

out

of acres
of cultivation ; consequently
out
if
three or four months'
imported,say
supply was
twelve million quarters, four million of labourers
of the meeting.
and eight
million of acres
individual who moved tlie would be destitute,
return
The highlyrespectable
The Corn Laws
the creation of
first resolution asks, are we
not
not more
we
are
or are
sentiallyto waste.
esthan an agricultural
a manufacturing
people? the present season, theyhave existed in their full
in the affirmative,
he proceeds force for the 40 years, during which, this importance,
Assuming an answer
if we are a commercial
of this resoso justboasted of by the mover
and not a corn-growlution,
to say
ing
has been achieved.
To me. Sir,it is,as sure
country, and so forth. Now had I been present,
"

can
be, which has not already
anything
happened,
in
that if the Corn
Laws
happenedto be repealed
accordance with the present movement,
1 have shown in that part of this letter,
which peared
in less than
apone-fourth of that time, this importancewill be no
in your paper of last week, that the property
and the greatness of England will be lost for
created by agriculture
is 250 millions,to
more,
annually
other great nations have fallen by their indiscretion,
I might, bad I wished
which
to enlarge the sum,
ever;
have added 10 millions for wool, hides, and other
why may not this^ There is at present a
This is fifteentimes as much
duty of 30 to 40 per cent, on the import of foreign
productions.
agricultural
ductingsilk and linen cloth,of 20 per cent, on cutlery,
deand
is created by our woollen manufactures, (after
as
allother articlesof iron or steel,
and of mercery, and
and nine times as much as
raw
materials,)

with

all deference

we
certainly

are

should

have

answered

"

most

as

not.

worsted and woollen goods. Perhaps

of our
trade
told these branches
would
have risen equally without this protection.
he will take a ride with me at the proper time next
but hired lecturers dare to make
such
such
over
Surelynone
(extending
summer,
many thousand acres)
assertion. I say, without fear of contradiction,
and other crops of
an
abundant and fine crops of corn
had no such protectiveduties as those on worsted
in cultivation ; and such excellent
now
vegetables,
and woollen goods existed, the towns
of Leeds and
and beautiful sheep,cattle and horses, comparedto
Bradford would at this time have occupied a much
be found in any other corner
which the like cannot
smaller space than theynow
I never
heard
of the four quarters of the world; and I can introoccupy.
an
for their property,
duce him to farmers so respectable
agriculturist
complain of these impositions,
they
have been and are as necessary to the prosperity
of
their talents,and their independence,that he will
is not on
tbese trades,as the Corn Laws have been, and are to
say, all the learningand all the knowledge
the successful prosecution
of agriculture.
the side of the commercial
gentry, and I tliink he
will then say we
a
corn
are
growing- My admiration and applauseof the manufacturers
essentially
held,
an
agricultural
people. and merchants of this country have never been withcountry, we are essentially
on
The number also of the peopledependent
greatlyare we indebted to the first for their
culture
agriand to the others for
of the whole popuis a very large majority
ingenuityand perseverance,
lation
have
carried our comwhich
who is no mean
merce
said, courage and alacrity
authority,
; Mr. Cayley,
into every habitable part of the globe,nor will
of Commons
last March,
in his placein the House
"
I do not hesitate to affirm,that includingthe provincialI refrain from givingto Master Clodpole and his
the merits due to them who have
cultivated
and the classes which are employed family
towns
fare
the earth with so much
spiritand skill as to make
by the agricultural
body,those interested in the welthere was
but
tain
blades of grass to grow where
two
of the agriculture
of Great Briand prosperity
and Ireland,amount
one.
to at least five-sixths of
that previously
I learn from undoubted authority,
tl\e whole population." Marshall's analysisof the
of the populationof Great Britain,taken
to 1800, our
imports of wool did not much
average
occupation
In 1800 our imports
amounted
of 1831,
from the census
gives to agriculture exceed 3,000,0001bs.
and they have
since eone
to near
on
2,400,000. I hope I
9,000,000lbs.,
6,300,000 ; to manufacture
tillin 1834, they amounted to
s:raduallvincreasing,
have, therefore, established my position,that we

cotton, and

more

than all our

manufactures (excepting
show liim,if
can

agriculture)
put together.I

15 per cent, upon

shall be
we

"

are

not

more

than
a manufacturing
essentially

an

"
I believe no oiher
with this."
country has risen in importance equally
Certainly there is not, and this importancehas been
occasioned by the labour, skill,and capitalof its
were
moved,
repeople,and if that labour, skill,and capital
felt. Farm
its effects would
be severely
produce is as much a manufacture as broad cloth.
bour,
be produced witliout laA quarter of wheat
cannot
than a piece of
skill,and capital,
any more
able to judge,it
woollen cloth, and as far as I am
matters
we
cease
not to the nation at largewhether
kicd or of another, to a certain
to produce goods of one
ation
creamount, by which there is a corresponding

of

cotton,

property,whether
or

hardware

; and

it be

woollen,
agricultural,

for which

between' 25,000,000

there had

been

and

40,000,000lbs.

In

1837,

retained for home

sumption
conwas
41,718,514 lbs. In 1838, it was
time there has been
43,148,297 lbs., during which
increase of native wool amounting to 20,000,000
an
lbs.,yet there has been no increase of the exports of
woollen goods. According
to Mc
Culloch, in 1802,
the officialvalue of exports of woollen manufactory
the

people.
agricultural
This gentleman
says further,

quantityimportedand

amount
7,321,0l21bs., being the largest
they
till 1835, when
to
they amounted
and
7,777,952 lbs. In 1836, includingwoollen
worsted yarn, they were
426,408. In 1837, they
became
4,820,621Z.;
7,671,785. In 18.38, it was
this is officialvalue.
Now, without taking 1838,
rose

ever

the
from

the

to

reached

of
deficiency

may be accounted far

which then happened,
exports of woollen and worsted

which

year

circumstances
particular
amount

of

our

THE

goodshas

PARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

201

for 30
nearlystationary

the cause
of the hig-hstate of cultivation in England,
or 40 years,
and the prosperity
of its agriculture.If the great men
immense
increase of the
had the lands in their own
hands there,every now
and
material has been somehow
or other required
raw
;
fact, and it is a fact,the trutli then an improvidentone would skin the soiland run it
this is an astoundingout; bein' let to others,he can't do it himself,and he
of which no one can doubt, and to all those who are
takes plaguy good care by his lease his tenant shan't do
with the demands
of JMaster Clodlittleacquainted
it neither. Well,then,there he his,with his capital
to
and of the home
trade,it will make great improvements,substantial repairs,
poleand bis family,
and so
that
but perhapsnot
occasion surprise,
conviction,
are pushed up to perfection.''
on, and things
we
ought to support our home trade.
Repeal the Corn Laws, by which the landlords
be content
with half their present rents, the
must
regular farmers with less than half their present
and the poor husbandmen
with half their
profits,
THE
ON
OF
EFFECTS
DRAINING.
there will be no
present wages, and most assuredly
need of this largesupply of wool.
I break off here
TO THE
EDITOR
OF THE
MARK
LANE
EXPRESS.
again,thoughthe whole of my letter was written on
the aist, as the remaining part will not occupy a
day,
Sin, In your very able leadingarticleof lastMonand in the very interesting
send you. I hope I
report of your East
larger
space tlian the part I now
a few inadvertencies have crept
of your following Lothian correspondent,
may be favoured with a corner
in ; and as the suggestions
will have great
on
draining
is
and
I
it
intention
to
no
assure
paper,
you
my
say
I trust you will permit
weightamongst agriculturists,
time to
more
publiclyon this subjectfor some
from a considerable
rae to offera few observations,
arising
I am. Sir,your obedient servant,
come.
with the Scotch system of manageacquaintance
ment.
/an. 31, 1839.
JOHN
BAKER.
Leerfs,
been

which
notwithstanding

an

"

"

In the

land
Express" it is stated,
that,
been let at Five Shillings
to the landlord,
by
per acre, became worth two guineas
of draining.This I know
the mere
to be the
operation
in
Scotland.
estates
The
large
statement
act, on many
"

Mark

Lane

had
which, with difficulty,

The following
statement of the
of farming in England and America, is followed
up by a remark, that in many
cases, the
is extracted from that amusing publication.
The Clockvalue of land (or rent) has been increased from 20 to
which
maker : The barne of this country. Squire,
remark, however satisfactory
in itself,
and,indeed, 50 per cent ;
of all America, is havin' too mucii land ; they run over
greatlylessen the justimpression conveyed
may
AGRICULTURE."

modes
comparative
"

and crop tiieland

ground than theycan cultivate,
A very largeportion
severelythat they run it out.

more
so

of land in America has been run out by repeatedgrain

crops ; and when
you add that to land naturallytoo
you
poor to bear grain,or too broken for cultivation,
wvll find this great country in a fair way to be ruined.
has nothin' like the exports it
The State of Vermont
used to have ; and a plaguy sightof the young folks
down
to hire out as helps. Tlie two
came
to Boston
Carolinas and Virginiaare covered with placesthat
have been givenup as ruined,and many other states."
W" hav'n't the surplus
of wheat and grainwe used to
have in the [/-nited States,and it never
will be so
plentyagain. That's the reason
you hear of folk's
clearin' land, makin' a farm, and sellin' off again,
and
bush.
into the
goin' further
They've
exhausted
it, and find it easier to clear new
A great deal of Nova
lands than to restore the old.
Scotia is run out : and ifit war'n't for the lime, marshmud, sea-weed,salt sand and what not, they'vegot
here in such quantities,
there'd be no cure
for it It
takes good farmin' to keep an upland location in order,
I tellyou, and make it sustainitself. It takes more
to
fetch a farm too that's had the gizzard taken out of it
than it'sworth.
It actilly
when I think
friglitens
me
and the land
agriculturein Britain is progressin'
your
better tilledevery day, while tliousands upon thousands
of acres
with us are turned into barrens.
No traveller
as I've seed have
noticed this,
and our folks are not
of it themselves to the extent of the evil.Squire,
aware
liveto see it; but,if this awful robbin'
you and I wont
of prosperity
goes on for another century as it has progressed
for the last hundred
years, we'll be a nation of
paupers.
Very littleland in America, even of the best
"

will cary more

a'fore it wants

rent.

moderate tone, that an

It ismentioned in tiie same
be counted
increase of twelve hnsliels per acre
may
result of draining;
but.Sir, I can appeal
upon as one
in East Lothian and Ayrto the principal
shire,
agriculturists
is most advanced,)
(thecounties where draining
whether the increase of crop consequent upon that process
properlybe put at double,and even
may not more
treble the previous
produceof the land.
On the collateralbenefitsderived from workingwelldrained land,instead of such as will not bear the horse's
feet but at certain (or rather uncertain)times, I shall
not
dwell ; they will easilybe estimated by every
farmer.
mentions that drain
Your East Lothian correspondent
tilesmay be expectedto be destroyedby frost,
if left
above ground. The tileshowever,which are made by
the Marquess of 'J'weeddale's machinery,are so compact
and (soto speak)metallic,
that they will no more
sustain injuryfrom exposure
to weather,than if they
Instead of merely lasting
formed of hard stone.
were
a lease of 19 years, the ordinaryScotch term, they
over
will survive as long as the celebrated Roman
brick,
than impairedby
which seems
rather to be strengthened
the "tooth of time."
and inI beg leave also to assure
telligent
your very judicious
"

that
correspondent,

with

us.

manure

one

,But I've changed my

mind ; I

see

it's

so

far from

the lower stratum

dug

cious,
up in forming a drain, beingpernitliissort of till or " sour clay,"has latterly
been
ascertained to act directlyas a manure
to the neighbouring
them.
if spread lightly
over
ridges,
conclude these remarks without expressing
I cannot
and enlightened
in the patriotic
my cordial concurrence
dividual
views which you have taken as to the National and inbenefits to be derived from the adoptionof an
1
am
universal system of thorough draining.
sanguine
the ngricnltural
enough to think that by such adoption,
interest could aff'.rrd
to foregoall the boasted protection
of
which

crop of wheat arter its cleared

and where it'scleared' so fast,
Where's the manure
to come
from, it puzzlesme ? (and
I won't turn
in the farmin' line ;)
man
my back on any
the Lord knows,for I don't
; but if there'sa thing that
*
*
it is this. *
icares
me
Yes, too much land is
the ruin of us all at thisside of the water.
Afore I went
to England I used to think that the onequaldivisionsof
and
the system of landlord and tenant,
property there,
was
a curse
to the country
the Corn
more
; and that there was
dignityand freedom to the individual and more benefit
I am,
to the nation,
for every man
the land he cultivated,
to own
as

than

of no lessthan 800 per cent,

in the firstannouncement
and so great a diflfcrencemight discourage
those agriculturists
who are not familiarwith the subject.
The vast benefit to the farmer need not be enlarged
since it must far exceed the relative increase of
upon,

]8t/t

is

Laws

'.

Sir,your

very faithfulServant,

SCOTUS.

January,

202

THE

NEW,

AND

QUICK,
OF

FARMER'S

HUMANE

SLAUGHTERING

MAGAZINE.
who
to butchers,
importance

METHOD

ANIMALS.

I take this method

of announcing
to the public,
that I liave discovered,and, after a long series of

experiments,matured
method

of

a
new,
quick,and
animals for human
slaughtering-

humane

food,
kind,
greatestbenefit to manand for which
her Majestythe Queen has been
pleasedto grant me her royal letters pagraciously
tent.
which

promisesto

be of the

lose a greatdeal of meat

in certain states
of the weather ; to the public in
habitants
to mariners and to the ingeneral; but particularly
of warm
climates.
The time to which this meat
will keep in difierent
states of the weather
for it
has not been ascertained,
has alwaysbeen used before
of approaching
any marks
putrescencyhave been discovered ; but, in the
of lastautumn,
course
this meat continued sweet and
untainted for many
daysafter ether meat, killed at

the same
time and placedin the same
circumstances,
had given such proofs of spoilingas to render it
covery
diswhich
this
physiological
principle
upon
necessary to cook it.
is founded, and the existence of which was
The meat, the produce of slaughtering
in this
first ascertained by myself,is,that a
of great
power,
economical.
In the first place, it
mode, is more
and extensive
to animal
use
life,is derived from the
but, on the contrary,enlargesin cook
shrinks,
stretch in which the lungs are held both in the living never
the fat, being suppliedwith the juices
which
and recently
dead animals, in opposition
thflir ing;
to
enrich the muscular
red portion,is much
more
or
In consequence
of this power
elasticity.
existing
and is more
to delicate palates,
acceptable
savoury
after death, while the antagonistand
controlling and
It requiresless
is, therefore,
the less wasted.
derived from irritability
was
power
destroyedwitli
time to cook.
The
of a largejointis done
centre
and lacteal fluids,are all
life,the blood, lympathic
These
are
as tlie surface.
nearlyas soon
properties
drained from the arteries and smaller veins of the
ter
derived from the meat being less spongy
and a betand from the Ivmpathicsand laclargercirculation,
conductor of heat than meat obtained by any of the
teals into the viscera and blood vessels within the
modes of slaughtering
It preserves
at presentin use.
chest, and into the roots of the largerveins approaching
well
and
less quantity of salt.
requires a much
to it.
The

It is

and
would be unseasonable,to
impossible,
doctrine in an address
fullyinto the physiological

enter

of this kind.
Such as
informed
the subjectare
on

wish

may

referred

to be better
to

paper of

{or 1820,
mine, printedinthe
PhilosophicalTrayiscictiomi
the

on

of the Lungs
Elasticity

another

; to

Society
rurgical
ofLondon, for 1821,
;

Motion

hides,skins,"c., upon which

to

paper of

dilate.
Such of the

publicas

wish

it is not necessary
to

make

now

trial of what

upon a short
notice beinggiven,
be suppliedby any of the
may
of
Vacuity
butchers whose names
will be given. Any butcher
and to the articles Respiration,
who wishes to be instructed in the manner
of slaughtering
and

mine, printedin the Trajisactionsof

the Arteries after death

Other
to
valuable properties
will present themselves
those who use this meat, and the method in question
is also attended with advantageousresults affecting-

the Medico

on

Chi-

may

be called the

p-atentbutcher's

meat,

the

of the Blood,
tained
Absorption, conin the second edition of the Inquiry
into the
Causes of the Motion ofthe Blood, publishedin the year
1833.

obtain that

may
Messrs.

and

any other necessary

formation
in-

to
to the patent, by applying
appertaining
Carson,Brothers,the patentee's
agents for

Liverpool.
ed
recommendobjectof themode of slaughtering
I
dition
to state, that the admay, I trust, be permitted
the impediments which nature
is, to remove
has
of
of one-tenth, at least,to the edible portion
the elasticity
set up against
of the lungs, on the existence
gree
animals slaughteredfor human
food,with a high deofwhich impediments,life,
in a great measure,
of imj)rovementin the quality
of the whole,
depends,and, of course, to allow the lungsto resiliwith the property of keepingmuch longer,and with
ate into their natural dimensions, or in other words,
well as less
of cookins:,
a diminution of the expense
as
to collapse,
while the animal is stillalive.
The

The method of removing these impediments

in the
circumstances stated,to break fully
and at once
what
of life,in all animals
may be considered the mainspring
with elastic lungs,in the most
humane
manner,
has been the objectof longand anxious consideration
and of much
varied experiment. The result has been
effectual and conclusive.
The

effect of this method

of

is to
slaughtering

tain
re-

the

lympathicand lacteal fluids,

and, indeed all
the finer juicesof the body, at the same
pointsand in
the same
propoitionin which tlievexisted while the
animal
still alive,instead of being accumulated
was
in the largevessels and dischargedout of the body
in

mass,

The
carcase

and

becominga

result is
to

that which

an

in the

will

not

be deemed

dition
developmentof a plan by which a great adof animal food may be said to be, as it were,
at a
created,will be considered peculiarly
propitious
time in which the vegetablefood of the country is
and, if timeously and
apprehended to be deficient,
of preembraced, may be the means
venting,
extensively
that distress which is
or greatly
-alleviating,
The

alwaysfelt in

seasons

JAS.
24th
Liverpool,

nuisance.

cooked,

substance

science has,
of the least importantboons which
at any period,been
found to yieldto the exigencies
of human life.

of

scarcity.
CARSON,

M.D., T.R.S.

Dec. 1838.

increase of the edible parts of a

of at least one-tenth beyond

the amount
it would

hitherto in

waste
one

supply by any

mode

of

tering
slaugh-

thus obtained is
The meat
more
tender, and far better flavoured. It sets
THE
NEW
POOR
LAWS.
juicy,
It keeps
and, of course, is earlier fitfor use.
sooner,
much
From
longersweet and untainted. This remarkable
the last report of the Commissioners
up
and
derived from
important property is evidently
to the 25th
March,
1837, comparing the results
of the vessels being empty so as to admit the
none
with those of 1834, it appears
that a diminution
external
has been
air, and from an oozingof juiceor lymph
effected in the expenditurefor the relief
from the full vessels,when
of the poor for England and Wales, amounting to
any portionis cut, upon
the raw
surface of that portion,and, by its tenacity, 2,702,484/. nearlythree millions of
money, which
forminga sealing
This property is of great
cement.
has been left in the pockets of the rate payers !
use.

"

THE

FARMER'S

in 1834 was
ia
totalexpenditure
7,511,219/.,
1837,4,808,735/.,showing the saving effected to

The

of 36 per cent. Much

of the
saving appears by the return to have been made
under the head of law charges, removals of paupers,
and travellingexpenses of overseers,
items
which in the year 1834 amounted
to the enormous
of 258,604/. In 1837 the charge under these
sum
than 50
heads is 126,951/. a difference of more
The populationof England and Wales,
per cent.
of 1831, was
accordingto the census
13,897,187.
in 1834 amountThe poor rates, therefore, which
ed
tax

of

TO

seven

than

more

millions,were
equivalent
shillingsa. head upon

ten

the whole populationof the country, men,

and children.

women,

203

THE

LANDOWNERS
OF

rate

than

more

to

to

at the

been

have

MAGAZINE.

Friends

THE

AND

COUNTY

OF

Fellow

PIERS
OCCU-

ESSEX.

Farmbrs, I cannot
resist
you to the dangerthat threatens
and the daily
insults that are poured out
upon us on
the subjectof the corn-laws.
That you have hitherto
been
silent,ma}^ be the consequence
of your
contempt for the great majority of anti-corn-law
and

"

awaken

attempt to

an

chieftains,who substitute slander and abuse for

and
who
exhibit a degree of virulence
argument,
and vulgarity
that I think is perfectly
unrivalled :
there are persons of rank,
but, my friends,unhappily
and station,and character, and great talent in the
in
the promy opinion,are at once
moters
dupes of free trade theories,
and whose
influence is justly
to be feared. First,the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, who, in a letterto his constituents,

country, who,
and

Population
COUNTIES.

in
1831.

Total Expenditure for

the Relief of tlie Poor,
Law
Charges, "c., and
for other purposes
in
ended
the Years
25th
March.

1834.

Sussex
Bedford

272,340 "285,436 "131,364

39,105
85,549
95,483
146,529
139,883
69,499
79,616
156,613
179,336
479,15.T 406,961 215,499
1 18,420
63,767
197,003
136,752
72,402
152,156
273,030 150,214
296,317
1 15,238
61,611
145,389
54,054
100,043
143,341
345,644 196,996
390,054
341,384 200,040
486,334
24,053
40,958
53,192
232,263 139,242
314,280
240,156
193,400 114,077
270,560 161,035
317,507
1,358.330 789,884 .543,795
115,326
186,186
336,610
68,806
143,955
110,485
387,019
190,147 122,199
61,076
90,702
237,170
64,064
211.365
95,982
93 842
63,821
222,938
64,034
93,927
159,252
43,439
64,409
111,211
195,604 133,767
317,465

Buckingham
Nortaampton
Kent
Leicester

Oxford
Suffolk
Berks
Hertford
Norfolk

Surrey

Hantingdon

Southampton
Wilts
Essex
Middlesex
Warwick

Cambridge
Gloucester

Derby
Worcester

Salop
Dorset
Hereford
Lincoln
Rutland

19,385

Stafford
Monmouth

Nottingham

1837.

11,204

148,235
33,039
99,130
83,834
225,327
204,076
404,200
976,350 304,932
334,391
118,439
1,336,854 334,069
55,041
24,830
204,253
105,241
86,713
190,756
300,938 109,133
50,513
169,681
253,910
93,811
236,384
494,478
83.410
222,912
410,512

Somerset

York, West Riding

Chester
Lancaster
Westmorland
York, East Riding
York, North Riding
.

..

Cornwall
Cumberland
....

Durham
Devon

Northumberland
.

6,845

104,081
21,758
57,511
137,938
219,716
85,482

251,542
17,775
76,479
66,644

82,705
37,588
72.426
174,838
66,922

Totals of England13,091,005 7,181,165 4,533,151

Totals of Wales
275,584
806,182
330,0s4
.

Totals of England
and Wales
13,897,1877,511,219
.

has

of condemnation
of the existing
his opinion in favour of free
trade,with a small duty. Vou all know my attachment
to the present government founded on
political
increased by personal
principle,
regard and sincere
and warm
friendshipfor many of the persons composing
it.
I have particularly
felt the highest
confidence
in Lord John
Russell, his integrity,
high honour, and good sense ; and I think tlie country

passeda

sentence

corn-laws, and

to

owes

the present government

debt of eternal

for their Tithe Commutation

and Poor-law
gratitude
Acts; but the opinion expressed by his lordship,
he intends

to give on
the corn-law
variance with all practical
and indeed a most
views
of the subject,
rash and
hazardous experiment
upon the vital interests of the
ture
country, to abandon a system under which agriculand every interest in tbe country has flourished
for centuries, and to adoptits oppositeis a proceeding
which
solid and closer tie to
who have the more
we,
our
means.
country, ought to resist by all legitimate
inclined to think that the best plan will be to
I am

and

the

vote

to be

question,appear

at

from every parishin the county,

up a petition
of names
and residence ; and their
with signatures
should be given, as I trust we
trades or professions
tradesmen in proportion
shall heve nearlyas many
as
agriculturists,
aye, and labourers too, for theymost of
send

them

know

corn
thatybreig/i

is in

labour
effect
foreign

amongst them ; that away

ment
goes employand down
that they
at home
comes
wages,
generally
go down faster than the corn markets, the
the working classes by the great
fraud practised
on
and political
economists is the grossest and
capitalists
of any that ever
was
most
palmed upon
egregious
astonished that tbeydo not see that low
them.
1 am
is it not avowed ?
How
can
wages is their object
that a fall in the
feel any certainty
any operative
priceof flour shall be so much more rapidthan the
for such it must be
declension of the rate of wages
Do they not see that the agricultuto benefit them.
ral
flock into
labourers will by distress themselves
few
It is true that comparatively
the great towns
?
introduced

"

"

can

and

turn

their hands

their children

to

manufactures
and

can,

depressthe demand

"

in numbers

for labour.

but

some

can,

suflBcientto

It is the very

thing

like;it reallydoes astonish

that they, the working classes, should be the
me
of
so audacious, and to the degree
dupes of imposition
making them an absolute cat's paw, with dangerof
more
burning their fingersthan in taking
seriously
chesnuts out of the fire : they are
actually
stirring
riot in favour of foreign
to
up the working classes
that millowners

corn,

to

which

am

many
take

victim

may

suffer,but

the

of the number.
alarmed,for the Englishpeoplehave
not easily

will
4.808,735 instigators

would

care

not

to be

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

205

taken in kind. The tithe-owner produced

which showed for the
of receipts,
hops an average of 84 cwt. per year for the five
years, and an average produce of 5611. 6s. 6d. per
and for the other tithes
or 61. 14s. per cwt.;
annum,
an
average produceof 861 i. per year for tliefive
after making a deduction
years. These accounts,
dered
which had been renfor agistmentof after-pasture,
admitted by the landowners
by mistake, were
The titheowner
to be correct.
proposedto allow 20
and marketing
the tithes,exfor collecting
clusive
per cent,
25 per
of hops,and the landlords demanded

tithes were

that duringthe last seven years, from the prodigious

demand
for bone dust,the importshave increased in
the same
proportionand that we are now paying,
for this
to foreigners
at least,
200,000/. per aanum
stated
articleof manure.
The late Mr. Huskisson
in the House
of Commons, in 1827, that the sum
then expended on bone dust occasioned an additional
It is not too
produce of 500,000 quarters of corn.
has since been
to suppose
much
that the quantity
encreased four-fold for the highpriceof bones has
led to a most careful collection of them in every part
of the United Kingdom ; and although this branch
to the ascent.
The pointwas
referred by consent
sistant-commissioner,
of industrydeserves every encouragement at home,
vour it would be for the generalinterest of the country,
and he gave his decision in faEvidence was then
of the landowner's demand.
in particular,
if substitutes
and of agriculturists
and
obtained from the
could be provided
for the supplies
given that the expense of collecting,
drying,
penses,
continent.
marketing the hops, includingduty, bailiff'sexthat the most active
In my former article I stated,
and commission
to an
agent for sellingat
in bone dust are phosphoricacid and ammonia,
Weyhill,was under 30 per cent. The landowners
ingredients
tended
would neither admit or denythis evidence ; theyconcombined with lime and carbon ; and, that it
that the extraordinarycharge for hops was
is to the action of these upon eich other,and the
district influences of the changesof the atmosphere,and of
not to be arrived at in this manner
; that a
his accounts

be assigned,
and that it must be governedby
the average rate of past compositions
in that district.
observed that the net
The assistant-commissioner
sum
received by the tithe-owner for the hops would
stances,
be taken into consideration with all other circumowners
and that it was
to the interest of the landas possible
to reduce it by evidence as much
;
that Bentleywas in a peculiar
and that other
district,
placeswould not govern it ; that the commissioners
not at all preparedto say what oughtto be the
were
and that if the
extraordinarycharge on this district,
could not agree amongst themselves probably
parties
it would
be a considerable time before the matter
could be settled. The tithe-owner offered to allow
must

sum
per cent, for the hops,leavinga net average
of 392/. 9s. per annum,
which divided by 126, the
of acres of hops per year duringthe
average number
ofo/. 2s. per acre per
five years, shewed
a return
The parties
ing
could not agree, and the meetannum.
In
for three months.
therefore adjourned
was
the course
the assistant-commissioner
of the inquiry,
stated that the ordinary
charge would be the same
the ordinarychargeon
the best wheat land in
as

30

the

"

"

sunshine, and rain, in producing and maintaining

is to be
that action,both above and in the ground,
the apresults attending
attributed the extraordinary
plication
of bone dust.
manure
Now, it appears to me, that a portable
little expense,
may be prepared,very easily,and at
in the kingdom, which shall contain
in every farm-yard
the elements which enrich and stimulate the soil
of fertility.
to the highestpitch
1 ton of turf or peat dust" (if
ashes,
As follows :
"

or
1 cwt.
common
cultural
agristillbetter,)1 cwt. soot.
to powsalt. 1 cwt. quick lime, (reduced
der.)
of pot14lbs. East India saltpetre.(Nitrate
ash.)
The ashes, soot, and lime, to be well mixed
to be dissolved in
together. The salt and saltpetre
and keep
be required
to saturate
urine as it may
urine
moist the heap. After the salts are expended,
ashes to be spreadon the top
new
to be continued
"

to

parish.

the vapours.
intercept

composition
may

per
twenty shillings

thus

ton,

for less than

formed

be

which, weight for weight,

valuable as any bone dust" nay, for general

more
for all kinds of crops, or top-dressing,
in the mass,
serviceable. The ingredients
supply
and
for which decayedvegetable
all the elements
animal substances are used, such as alkaliand carbon
recommended
as
by Arthur Young ; and oil,by
will be

as

use,

"

Sir John

"

In

MANURES.

PORTABLE

ON

short

IMPERIAL

COMPOST."

in your last number, I offered

article,
and
operationof

the nature
opinionregarding
bone-dust,which I perceivehas
an

attracted some
tice
noobservafollow it up by a few tions

and I wish to
the importance of
on

the sources
on
agriculturists
of equalvalue with
manures

fixingthe
from
bone

Sinclair.

formingordinarycomposts, by addingone-tenth
their fertilizing
to farm-yard
manure,
of this preparation
be
in the soil would
power and durability
the
careful observation on
doubled.
Many years'
of portable
manures,
eflects of a variety
particularly
In

attention

which

dust may

of

"The
to these conclusions.
alkalis, has led me
with
a
mmonia,
soda,
of
potash,
lime,carbon,
powers
in the stomach
infinite varietyof these substances
an
in

of mother

earth, will produce

"

must

be derived,

unerring

on

to the

portable principles,
yieldlife and nourishment

table
vege-

kingdom.

The expense may be stated as follows

at less than oue-half the present cost of that
substance.
has been of
or ashes,taken at.
That the introduction of bone manure
1 ton of peat-dust,
incalculable benefit to this country is undeniable ;
1 cwt. of soot
1 cwt. of lime
we
sum
but, when we consider the enormous
pay to
for supplying the constantly
1 cwt. of salt
encreasing
foreigners
14 lbs. saltpetre
demand, it would be well to look at home, to at
minishedAllow for urine and labour
least lessen this drain on
our
alreadytoo much di-

:"

s.

D.

resources.

declared value of bones

importedin 1821,
and
16,500/. In 1831, it encreased to 72,000/.
was,
;
in the returns
of 1832, being the last to which I
have access, to 92,000/, We
conclude.
may fairly

"10

The

in this manner
prepared
quantity
will certainly
go as far for
shillings,

for

The

as

40 bushels of bone

dust,which

turnipcrop,

costs
p

twenty

from

3/. to

FARMER'S

THE

2C6

MAGAZINE.

efficacious in the firstcrop, and

in the ground afterwards.
the groundson which the efficacy
I sball now
specify
of this compost rests in a chemical pointof
farmer may satisfy
himself
view, that the practical
that he is not led by blind chance, but follows the
unerring laws of nature, by adoptingwhat is here

41.,will prove

and also to the other papers, in the same

number,
the note
refers.
to which
in
Considering the admonition to experiraentize
all possiblevarieties of ways as most
sound advice,
I believe that I shall be actingin accordance
with
it,by enteringinto a detail of the various methods
I have pursued during a period
of culture which
ofiered for his benefit.
of eight or more
years, and noting down, as far
The turf dust, or ashes, contain carbonaceous
as existingdocuments
permit, the corresponding
and retain the active
results. I will premise that, previous to 1830,
matter, in a tit state to imbibe
of the other ingredients
a
as
practice was
properties
regulated by that of ordinary
; and serves
my
of the chemical action
for the performance
cultivators in the west
I then
of Wiltshire,where
receptacle
of the conflicting
resided ; but that subsequently,in consequence
substances; until the whole mass
becomes impregnated with elastic juicesof various
of the frequent
intercourse by letters with the venerable
Horticultural
(late)President of the London
kinds, in a highlyconcentrated state, which are
when
cording
varieties of pogiven out gradually,
Society,and of receivingnumerous
appliedto the soil,actato
from that gentleman, the product of his own
to the influence of the atmosphere, and of
and rain. The lime imparts the calcareous
and
sun
unremittingexperiments,I altered my practice,
perty
proessential to all soils in various combinations
have met with great success.
At the period when
the
with acids. The salt and saltpetre
with
burdened
public press was
alarming
yieldthe mineral
and vegetablealkalis united to nitric and muriatic
notices of " failure," I never
an
saw
unhealthy
acid, both of which exert a most powerfulinfluence
plant,with one most
singularexception,which I
which
the contact
If this article
when separated
from their bases
will, in its place,adduce as such.
and
of caustic lime slowly, but certainly
fail to announce,
eflfects. The
new
or give weight to any
monia
urine,of all sorts, furnishes animal matter, and amimportant facts,it will at the least, offer a pledge
in abundance.
The soot adds much
strength of what has been, and may again be successfully
mented
the amto the carbonaceous
monia.
attempted. The opinions and theory of the lamatter, and encreases
president shall be referred to, and thus
the reader will be placed in possession of some
be termed the
I think this preparationmay justly
"
valuable extracts from originalletters, which are
ImperialCompost."
esteemed very precious relics,for they are
We have all heard of the wonderful eflfects
duced by me
proall that remain
of the most
candid,
of one
by lime, by salt,by saltpetre,
separately
plied, now
apthe
adorned
been
that
under circumstances which have never
liberal, unselfish minds
ever
as

lastingand useful

more

"

world of science.
accounted
cr
for,so as to
In the cultivation of the potato, the chief object
We
data to snide to similar results.
have much
of these
oftener heard of the application
ought to be the production of the utmost quantity
of that mealy substance
which constitutes the nutritive
three substances to land, without
any beneficial
This substance was
for a time
effect,but absolutely
property of the root.
causing sterility
iu equal
ferred
for such
failures remains
and the reason
formerlycalled the farina, a term which, if reof meal or
to qualitiesresembling those
obscurity.It is evident, therefore,that instead of
of the
be admitted, because
is advisable to
four, can by no means
a combination
separate applications,
tinguishes
diswithout
the risk of failure. total absence of that peculiargluten which
a certain benefit
secure
the flour of grain, and
The gratefulsoil cannot
receive a benefit without
qualifiesit to
it in some
shape,with more than compound undergo the panary fermentation, and become
returning
bread.
interest.
Amylum and starch, on the contrary, are
stance
subterms
and with this remarkable
I address this more
to the common
and ex:
sense
perience correct
the potato abounds, but to a greater or
of practical
farmers than to men
of science
it
less extent, according to the ground in which
nation
thoughI believe my views will bear the examiand to the routine of culture to which it is
of the latter class
whose aid is very much
grows,
ence, subjected.
which, as a scirequiredin support of agriculture,
is yet iu its infancy.Irish Farmer's Magazine.
By the analysisof Einhoff,referred to by Sir H.
D. M'C.
Davy, in his AgriculturalLectures, the following
results were
obtaiiied:
Larch-Hill,
CountyDublin,Jan, 1839.

described,
satisfactorily
establish

"

"

"

"

"

From

7680

parts of

potato
"

1153
Of Starch (amylum)
540
Fibrous matter, analogous
to starch
107
Albumen
Mucilage,in a state of saturated solution. 3l2
....

ON

THE

(From

CULTURE

OF

THE

C. M.

POTATO.

Mr.

the

QuarterlyJournal of Agriculture,)

Toweus,

2112

H. S.

By

Residue,

or

worthless

loss,
fluid

must

have

been
=5568

Thus

subjectof the potato culture is yet quite

the experimenter. Experimenton it by all
possiblevarieties of ways is our advice ; and when
of facts have been collected,we shall
a sufficiency
then, and not till then, be warranted in theorizing
of the potato plant." It is neither
the nature
on
"

open

The

to

useless repetition,
to copy verbatim
nor
closingparagraph of the editorial note,
41 ; for,by so doing,
p. 110 of the last number
be rivetted to a very grave subject.
attention may

loss of

the

time,

the starch, to the extent of about 1700 parts

in 7680, constitutes the chief material of food,
because
the mucilage in solution,represents only
men
gum-water, and the vegetablealbuhardly be admitted to be equal to a like
white of egg," animal albumen.
quantityof the
more
simple and familiar analysis,
My own

just so

much

can

"

Gardener's
Manual,"
described in the " Domestic
under the article " The potato,"gives,from eight
pounds of washed, but unpeeled potatoes finely

rasped,
"

FARMER'S

THE

lb,
starch

Of

amyluinor

Of

pulp,after pressure by hand

in water,

Loss

or

soluble

11
1.5

matters

oz.

MAGAZINE.

207

might perhapsbe rated at 300 bushels of ordinary

weight, four bushels to the sack. To conclude
this

view

will be

of the

old treatment, and its results,it

to state, that potatoes of the
size, were
cut into sets, each

only needful

smallest medium
it exist in the state of
containingfrom one to three eyes, the rose, or
matter"
of ''fibrous
is
ends being frequentlyrejected; the sets
crown
the substance
the
which
confers excellence
upon
then sufi'ered to become
were
dry under a shed ;
in any soil,from
vegetable. Potatoes will grow
the starch settingand
faces,
surcoating the wounded
that of the loosest sand, if it be united with some
and the texture
becoming soft and flaccid,
reduced vegetable matter, to the strongest clays
in consequence
of the emptying of the cellular
of agriculture
is of stillgreater moment
; but what
tissue by evaporation. Could robust growth, or
to the
under
the
The

amylum, whether
powder, or in the form

"

subject

consideration,
qualityappears to be
influenced by local agencies, even
in
in

amount

the

"

or

constitution.

same

Thus

the

produce
to
materially large healthyproduce, be reasonablyexpected
result from
treatment
oppositeto
so
diametrically
the soils of

sands

which

sound

philosophy? Disease,however,

is not

now

that perhaps was

purely local
contemplated,
and
rational to expect
as
epidemic ; but it were
vigour and strength by the operation of agents
as to hope for great bulk and
purely debilitating,
meet
with in the papers of the many
we
tors
cultivamangled fragments of tubers
who
have given publicityto their practice prolificityfrom
rendered
inert by exhaustion.
and opinions; one
assertingthat the lightand
My correspondence with Mr. Knight upon the
dry lands bear the best crops, while another
in 1831.
A
subjectof potato-culturecommenced
maintains, that stiflFand clayey soils are most
that year is now
4th
letter
dated
of
February
congenial. The operationsof soils,therefore, are
before me,
the following
and from it I extract
stration,
to a demoncontingent
; and it is proved, almost
These
I imagine
connected
entire.
particulars
that
in
which
excellent
are
potatoes

bring fine mealy tubers in Somersetshire, fail in

other quarters of the kingdom.
On this ground
only can we account for the discrepancy which

West
Wiltshire, as for example, the varieties
"
there termed
the
EarlyPurple-eyed," and the
"
Prince's Beauty," became
deteriorated in Berkshire,
how
treat them
is
Lancashire
you may.
for its varieties,which
famed
boil to a meal that
crumbles
the foi-k, and is nearly as white
under
the varieties change in the Midland
as flour,but
and Southern counties.
That
soil,and routine of
culture, which produces the strongest haulm, and

"

of valuable information
1 derived
at the time when
the firstcorrect knowledge of that improved
culture which
if it be duly apprecimust
ated
finally,
the old and faulty routine.
, supercede

will

now

prove

source

others, as they did

to

"

leaved

me

Knight, from the as/t(a bad one), a produce

obtained," says Mr.

kidney,last

equal to
and

to

670

bushels,of

I entertain

"

season

80 lb.

doubt of

no

each, per

statute

acre

having as many this year.

To obtain these vast crops of the ash-leaved kidney,

of foliage,will yieldthe
I alwaysplantthem
I can
the Largest
of tubers ; hence the opinion which
whole,selecting
and from very earlycrops ; those ripened
we
early
constantlyhear expressed, " that the potatoes raise,
in the preceding
into haulm," is a fallacy,
summer
are
run
kept dry. I usually
because expeaway
rience
plant them upon their ends, to stand with the crown
physiology teaches, that the
proves, what
tuber is the product of the foliage,
by the quantity end upwards, and placethem at four inches distance
from centre to centre in the rows,
and the rows
two
and breadth of which its comparative substance is
from north to south.
feet apart, and always pointing
regulated. But experienceand facts also demonstrate,

most

expansive system

greatest bulk

I plant large potatoes much

in the same
foliageis rendered too massive,
way, but
with wide intervals,accordingto the height
which
become
fore
too high, and thereunable
to support the weight of a luxuriantlythe stems
acquire.
ety,
rank
Thus I plant Lankman's
(a noted varipotato'
herbage, the tubers, though large in size,
then
1 believe, the subjectof experiment,)
and weighty, are poor in quality,
cient
definumerous,
of amylum, and frequently
which grows a yard high, six inches distance from
hollow.
A.medium
centre
to centre, and three feet six inches or four
growth, wherein the balance of strengthis supported
feet between the rows
between
the stem
and the leaves, is the
cattingany potato,nor
; never
result of a well prepared and healthy soil,reciproplantingone of less weightthan a quarter but generally
cating
with the stimulus of the sun's rays, and
halfa poimd. By using such largesets, I get very
the
with widelyextended roots,
decomposing agencies of atmospheric air, strong and largeplants,
and of water.
it
Such a soil will yieldsound tubers,
earlyin the summer
; and I begin working, as
be
it sandy, light,and
instead of a one-horse power.
were, with a four-horse,
easilypulverizable,or
I do not despairof getting
800 bushels of potatoes
And on these grounds,
unctuous, and adhesive.
quality,
firmness of texture, and mealiness, ought from an acre of ground,if I live long enough to see
to be the standard, rather
the produce of some
varieties which I have
than weight of tuber.
new
Thus, in the west, we
from
find the return
formed, and which are of very vigorous growth,
the
seed sown
in the sands, however
whilst theydo not expend any thing in blossoms.
sound
and excellent
it
The
blossoms take away
than
a
half
good deal of sap, which
may be, is still little more
what
be, and is produced in the rich loams
may
may be better employed in forming potatoes; and
that when

and

the

the

stems

"

'

"

of Berkshire.
In the latter, I have
been told, of
700 bushels,of 60 lb. each from
the statute acre
;
whereas
I have
little more
than from half
seen
to

three-fourths

of a bushel, digged up from the

perch, in the grey sands of Wilts, which is
in the proportionof little more
than 100 bushels
Mr. Knight has calculated that 1000
per acre.
bushels, imperialmeasure,
each weighing 80 lb.,
be produced ; and experiment goes far to
may
shew
what
be eff'ected. Nevertheless,take
can
one
county with another, the utmost
average
rod

or

whenever

potato affords seeds

I think
freely

it almost

As a general
insuperableobjectionto it.
in rows
rule, I think potatoes ought to be planted
an

distant from each other in

sets
never

to
proportion

the

heightof

heightof the stems being full three

rows
ought to be four feet apart, and the
varieties olanted whole,
of the very largest
(tubers)

the stems
feet,the

to

the

be

more

six inches.

By

distant from

such mode

of

centre

\\, centre

than

the greatest
planting,

quantityof leaf (theorgan in which alone the vital

nutritive fluid is made) is exposedto the light.I

THE

208
have this year obtained many
kidneypotato, crossed with
from which
to

expect

some

hope
scarcely
the ash-leaved,ifthat

though
The

to

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

seeds of the ash-leaved

of heat, and of this heat there are ample
another earlyvariety,sources
to be found in the decompositionof water,
valuable earlyvarieties, and vegetableor animal matter
in the ground, by

duction

thingpreferablethe

get any

would

not

wear

out."

garded
foregoing passage may I conceive,be reof philosophical
culture.
as a compendium

of that

agency

of those

substances

in

tric
of the elec-

volume

enormous

elementary fluid,which holds

a

the constituents

of natural union.

state

In

plantingthe ash-leaved kidney, it is my practice

to provide for earlydevelopment and
ample
follows
is
from
which
letter
dated
The extract
a
securityfrom spring frost, by digging trenches
5th July in the same
year ; it contains interesting
six or eight inches deep and nearly a foot wide,
retard
to accelerate
observations on the means
or
the earth in the form of a ridge on either
throwing
the
of
earliest
of
a
potatoes. Speaking
crop
side of the trenches.
Into the soil at the bottom
The
tubers
variety, Mr. Knight observed
of the trench, three or four inches of half decomposed
alone
which have
are
ripened earlyin one season
stable manure,
with leaves used for linings,
those
for
which
to
a
plant
early
crop
;
proper
very
are
digged,and then a littlelightearth if required
have ripened late,being not sufficiently
excitable,
is raked in, sufficient to leave the surface when
rately
though more
eligiblefor a late, or rather modefour inches below the level of the
settled about
early crop, the produce of which will be
ground. The ash-leaved potato has very few eyes,
to
for
ing
attenda
By
plant
proper
very earlycrop.
therefore it is desirable never
to cut it into sets ;
to these circumstances, and by plantingtubers
the potato is pressed into the soil upright,the
large enough, and near enough in the row, with
eyes being uppermost, and the potatoes standing
accordingto the height five
proper intervals between,
inches asunder,accordinij
to the directions by
will be able to
to be attained by the stems, you
Mr. Knight. Earth from the ridgesis drawn over
obtain much
larger crops per acre, than are
the crowns
ally
to the depth of an inch, and occasionusuallyobtained."
half an inch of sifted ashes or of lightlinings'
As respects the age or condition of seed-tubers,
is superposed, thus
manure
making the first
Potatoes
somewhat
immature
Mr. Knight says
inch and an half deep.
an
covering
are
quite as good for planting in the following
It is the usual method
to placethe potatoesor
others ; and in some
as
cases, perhaps in
"

"

"

"

year
disease formerly
many, better ; for a particular
under
of curl,'
the name
well known
appeared on
tubers, and not from
plants raised from mature
tubers."
those raised from immature
During the years 1830-1-2, Mr. Knight had
eties,
raised by cross
impregnation a great many varihe sent to me
fourteen or fifteen of which
as
specimens ; theyall possessedthe characteristic
the objectof the
mark of excellence which it was
no perfect
originatorto obtain, that of developing
flowers; the flower-stalk would rise with its
'

"

come
but these would
of blossom,
suddenly besequently
yellow and fall off without expanding, conto
the plant had all its energiesdevoted
the subterranean
expansions. Of the enormous
yieldof several of these varieties I hold by me the
written
4, Mr.
proofs. One which was numbered
Knight states to have produced 23 cwt. 1 qr.

germs

sets four
and

five inches below

the surface of level
the shoots appear to draw earth
But by the trench plantingwhich
to the stems.
be performed in March
earlier,the
or even
may
and advancing buds are quite sufficiently
crowns
protectedfrom the frost,unless it happen to be of
character, and then an inch or two of
very severe
lightlitter may be lain in the trenches. The great
mischief
however, which befals the earliest plots
is occasioned by frosts in May. Now
the trenches
afford protection to the
while
under
tubers
ground, and as soon as the shoots are seen above
the surface, fine earth is raked or hoed from the
or

beds,

when

ridges so

the first developments. As

as to
cover
shoots advance
earth is drawn
again more
down, till at length the trenches
being filledthe
level of the surface is again produced, and with it
a sufficient and
ample depth of earth is afforded
All then
their fibrous processes.
to the tubers and
76 lb. per acre.
that remains to be done is to dig the groundbetween
facts
it
before
and
other
With
these
was
me,
the rows
to the depth of three
inches, sufficiently
be
of experiments should
natural that a course
I am
and openness
to give freedom
of texture.
immediately instituted ; and these have been persisted
from ridging and earthingaverse
see
up as I can
in with
modifications to the present
some
in it,and never
found an additional
no
once
utility
day. My practicetherefore, differs from that of
potato from its adoption. I have seen whole ranks
ordinary cultivator,and its results,which
every
of potatoes blackened
by the frost of an hour or
be stated, cannot
be reckoned
factory.
unsatiswill now
have
been
in the present season
two ; and even
I have not, however, adhered
to
rigidly
told that great destruction was
the
produced
by
the system of Mr. Knight in plantingentire tubers,
frost of the 16th of May.
My thermometers
gave
it sometimes
seed-stock
because
required more
mained
proofs of at least six degrees,but the potatoes rethan could at all times be conveniently spared.
safe ; and if any persons be inclined to
certain
modes
which
But there are
cases
require
cavil against the practicerecommended, I can
of practice,and these
stood
ought to be clearlyunderonly in self defence observe, that frost has never
by those who cultivate several varieties. A
hurt me
;
my potatoes have lost no shoots, have
clear.
few lines will render this sufficiently
their course
and have evinced
run
uninterruptedly,
favourites
has
its
own
peculiar
Every county
;
neither failure nor
disease.
it difficult
and local names
are
appliedwhich make
In 1836.
March
16 to 19.
Four
rows
were
varieties.
All persons, in England
to identify
plantedin trenches between singleasparagus rows,
to understand
and appreciatethe
at least,appear
and about eightfeet asunder ; they yielded72 J lb.,
ash-leaved
of the e?Lv\Y
qualities
kidneypotato, and
from 12| lb. of seed-tubers.
for the treatit as a standard
therefore
I assume
ment

the

"

"

of varieties intended

for the earliest summer

supply of the table, rejectingas irrelevant to the

ment,
present inquiry,any reference to artificialexciteeither by frames and glasses,or by warm
beds of fermenting materials.
The growth of every plant must imply the pro-

In 1837.
3 to 7.
March
Twelve
in a singletrench
twenty-four
"

set

and
abreast,

four feet in advance

From
aspect south by east.
72 lb. of excellent flavour.
I have

never

been

very

of

poands were
yards long
"

wall with

an

this
In

were
row
digged
ety
plantingthis vari-

as
particular

to

the

THE

FARMER'S

direction of the

but have
planted them
rows,
has rarely exceeded
The j'ield
widely asunder.
are
so few
six times the weight of the seed. There
eyes in this potato, that extensive herbage cannot
occasions blanks
be expected. Indeed
on
some
were

observed

found

to have

of any

great moment
soon

yet

of

progeny

potatoes

was

the protruproduced, without

sion
superficial
herbage. It is however, of
to protect the foliage
from frost,as

it becomes

as

been

visible,because

shoot

lost

MAGAZINE.

by making the cuts in a diagonal direction. I

know, by experience,that Mr. Knight acted \\\)on
sound

and

secure

when
principles

he recommended

the

planting of entire tubers, because he knew

well that an ample yieldmight be assured, one
or
of the
more
being sure to break.
eyes of each
Moreover,

being cut

ia the

Two

themselves

so

event

of that

shoot

or

shoots

off

by frost,other eyes tillthen inactive

be ready to produce successional shoots.
facts of importance in physiology now
sent
pre-

would

readilybe re-suppliedas it is by other

that I
varieties prolificin eyes.
1 am
aware
have trespassedconsiderablyupon the time of the
with
connected
reader, on a subject not strictly
the farm ; yet it appeared essential not to overlook
the garden varieties,in an
article which is
of comparison.
designed to furnish a standard
I pass, however,
without
to the store varieties,
cannot

:^09

to

our

notice

"

First, All

the

time,
eyes of entire potatoes do not push at one
therefore it is a mistake to suppose that a plotbecomes
crowded
by useless haulm if the potatoes be
planted whole.
Again, Persons have imagined
that weakness
of the root
is occasioned
by the
destructive
action
of frost upon
the
earliest
shoots: this also is a mistaken notion ; for,if
any
further remark.
eyes remain unexcited in the tuber under ground,
Such
all that are not
the loss of one
Winter
shoot
Potatoes.
are
is speedilysuppliedby the
substitution of another.
digged for use till after Michaelmas, and of these
Time
indeed may, to a
almost
certain extent, be sacrificed,but that is all. Of
every county
nay,
every parish has its
this any one
own
ing
peculiarfavourite. Some, however, are in
by endeavourmay convince himself,
quent
subseto exterminate
prime condition before, and two months
a
stragglingpotato ; he may
to Christmas, while others ought not to be
hoe, or pull off the first shoots, and think his
cooked till April. I latelycultivated a round
or
tato, ground cleared of the intruder ; but in a week
powhich bore the titleof Cornish rough-red ; it
the spot will be again occupied,and it will be
two
hard as a cricket-ball,
and almost
was
as
round, perceived,that nothing short of the complete removal
and
started an
of the tuber
never
mained
can
eye till June, while it reprove effectual. U sets,
out of the soil. The
pushing of the ej^es with one or two eyes, have been planted,and have
affords a pretty correct
the destruction
sent up all their shoots, then
guide as respects the time
by
it ought to
when
frost may
and when
fatal ; but it may
a potato is in season,
prove
happen that a
be planted. If during the winter
the
shoot shall appear
to be killed to the
tubers be
ground, and
kept in a dry cave or pit,where the utmost degree yet produce a fruitful plant,though late in the
of equable cold can
be maintained
consistent with
from embryo eyes seated round the stem,
season,
vour
the exclusion
of actual frost,the qualityand flafrom
the potato.
its point of emersion
near
will remain more
Since it appears
a demonsti-able
they are
fact,that tvhole
pure than when
covered
material
by any moist or fermentable
a
potatoesrarelydevelopall their eyes, it becomes
whatsoever.
this simple, unexciting questionof economy
it be not better to
whether
If, under
treatment, any varietyprotrude its eyes, that variety
plantcut sets of the keeping varieties. Many persons
is not a keeper. This is the onlycomplaint
cannot
spare a largestock for seed ; and in
which can be advanced
that
it
will
that
lent
excelbe prudent to employ sets, with
case
against
truly
and widelycultivated potato
three
two
or
eyes, taking especialprecaution to
The Early
Its skin (testa) is of pale guard the plants from late frosts,
Shaw.
and jjromoting
covered
with
the utmost
a rough, russety membrane
buflf,
activityof vegetationIjya wise system
;
and herein it differs from the Champion. Both
of
of culture, the general principlesof which
are
these capitalvarieties possess the defect or vice
found in the extracts before given from the letters
of blossoming and fruitingcopiously; yet they
of Mr. Knight.
be rejected. In
all
are
too finely-flavoured
to
These principlesrefer chieflyto the influence
"

"

"

"

"

countries

there

are
red,white, or mottled,
A?cf?iey5,
phere
qualities
adapted to soil and atmosthe exception of Mr. Knight's
; but, with
the Downton
is
Yam
crossed seedlings(of which
that cast the
a fine specimen), I know
of none
blossom-buds
the flowers expand.
ere
All these medium
and
nished
long keepers are fur-

which

possess

with

the
of eyes, distributed over
greater part of the surface, yet abounding most at
that end which
is oppositeto the point where
the
a

organicprocess

funis entered, which

or
supplied
with nutriment derived from the parent
The
the eyes are
end where
gregated
chieflyconthe rose, or crown
is termed
; while that
was
connected
with the parent is termed

the tuber
stem.

number

is a fact,
oi-light
upon the foliage
; and it certainly
in the direction of north
that, by making the rows
and
at mid-day shines
south, the sun
along the
entire line, exerting his greatest power of attraction,

in

position of

tends
which
to retain the upright
way
the haulm.
But there are other considerations

which refer to soil and nutriment, and

these must
be always kej)tin sight.
The texture of the soil should be naturally
free,
is not
if possible;but as the desirable medium
it will be prudent to set up
always at command,
to expose
heavy land in ridges,during the autumn,
frost.
The
manure
quired
rea great surface to the

be introduced
at the same
time,
quantityof sea-coal ashes, if obtainable.
the root-end.
will frequentlyfail to meliorate
in excess,
Many persons rejectthe former,
Sand, even
that it produces too much
haulm ; but
believing
heavy, binding earth ; but ashes, which
the fact is,that, as in the shoot of a tree, if one
of finelydivided silex,
contain a largeproportion
or
two
red oxyde of iron, and a littlealkali, progood buds break, they push on, leavingthe
some
duce
inferior buds silent and unexcited.
the
Thus, ing
rejecthappiest effects. In alluding to this
the root end, it is
double
I have
a
objectin
advantageous to cut a large autumnal
pi-eparation,
the habits
with eyes, into sets, to comof the potato.
potato that abounds
prise
view, dependent upon
not fewer than tivor.ov more
than three eyes,
The plant affects a lightand moderately enriched
and, in cuttingto distribute the crown
its fibrous
roots and tuber-bearing
eyes fairly, soil,wherein
as may
but not deeply;
be, among other eyes situate below them,
processes may wander laterally,

which

should

with

210

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

therefore,whether the plough or spade be used,

manure
ought to be blended with the earth
into ridges,that the
prior to its being thrown
whole mass
posure.
by the winter's exmay be mellowed
Six inches of well laborated earth,over
solid subsoil, is amply sufficient for the
more
a
play of the roots, consequentlythe ridgesought
to be raised to the height of twelve inches.
After

term
of life was
the consequence.
Entire Potatoes were
used by me
three seasons
subsequentto the

the

haulm.

the

winter, the soil

down, nor the manure

be

cannot

too

much

broken

Knight, that its

Knight'sspecimens,and

and

come,

tinction
ex-

during two
receipt of

or

Mr.

selected tubers, of the

them
weight of four ounces, alwaysplacing
upright,and regulating
the rows, and the distances
between
the tubers, by the ordinaryheight of the
average

As

the

advanced, earth

stems

drawn

was

too intimately
incorporated againstthem, tillat lengthit formed complete ridges,
with
it ; but
for these
a
a foot
dry season
purposes
highon the two sides. Good crops invariably
should be chosen, otherwise the labour of the proresulted from powerful and healthy
growth; but the
vious operationswill be thrown
away, and the
yield never
corresponded with the great bulk of
main
objectdefeated. I believe that the qualityof seed-tubers planted,for it averaged about a six-fold
potatoes is much
injuredby strong recent manure.
increase. Thus, if 8lbs. were
set in a
proportionate

Autumnal

preparationeffects every purpose ; the

laborated,bnt not dispersed; it loses
rankness, but is brought to the condition of what
is fancifully
called /mmus, a hydro-carbonous substance,
brought to a condition which fits it to supply
posing
vegetablealiment when exposed to the decomstimulus
of the vital principle. Sands,
however, ought not to be raised into ridges; they
decompose manures
ganic
orrapidly, and whatever
substances
are
appliedto them in autumn
should be placed some
inches below the surface.
that the straw to
It has been shrewdly conjectured,
to manure
be converted
ought, as far as is possible,
to be brought from land of an oppositequality
is

manure

thus, if it be intended

meliorate a poor and

should endeavour
tain
to obfrom such situations where
his straw
the
Facts
staple is a strong or clayey loam.
are
wanting to establish the implied theory, but it
merits investigation.
It was
customary, as before observed, to keep
of the moisture had evaporated,
the sets till much
and the substance become
flaccid;this drying is
perfectlyneedless, and may prove detrimental.
"

to

sandy earth, the farmer

It has

been

fresh

wanted,

regularpracticenich
from the knife, row

me

to

by

plant as
and

row;

in order to absorb the moisture which exudes from

the divided cellular substance, and
at the same
time to prevent the attacks of grubs and subterraneous
in

been dipped
vermin, the set has frequently
powdered lime, fine ashes, plasterof Paris (gypsum),

five yardslong,the crop producedwould weigh

about 48lbs. In 1835
of
I adopted the practice
planting
sets, with the exception of those varieties,
earlyor medium, which are naturallyfurnished with
but few eyes, situated about the crown.
I found
the yieldto be quiteequal to that obtained from entire

row

tubers,so

that the
of seed-stock.

weight

saved

au
strictly

was

I believe this remark may

be applied
wherein the
to ash-leaved kidneys,
even
lower,or root-ends,have very seldom any good eyes;
and that of the rose-ends, with
inch of the pulp
an
of the potato below, were
of
cut
as
sets, two-thirds
the substanceof tubers
mightbe saved for the table;
but the experimentremains
the
tried. From
to be
annexed statement
of
of the plantings
and proceeds
economy

1837, some
however, may be formed
opinion,
thus
subject
; and if ash-leaved potatoes can

the

on

be

nomized,
eco-

considerable saving of expense will be

the dealers sometimes
demand
ten
or
twelve shillings
not weighingabove
per bushel (often
521b.)for seed potatoes.
a

as
effected,

Experiments

of

1837.

1. A

of kidney,
lon^ medium-earlypotato,a variety
which assumes
and carvings. The tucurious twists,
bers
become

very

but
large occasionally,

appear

to

be

alwaysof superiorquality. This potato is good at aoy

from the time of diggingm September, to June
season,
following. There were
plantedin trenches 26 lb. of
whole potatoes.
12 lb. in the gardenbetween March 30 and April5.
14 lb. in an orchard plot,April 6 to 8.
The totalyieldfrom tliese26 lb. was 354 lb.

The
lime has
conveniently at hand.
and
certainlyno mischief of
2. In the orchard,at differentdates,between April8
any kind has resulted from the practice. My poand 24"
tatoes,
in garden or field,have always done well,
two and
cut sets of 4 oz. tubers,
Early Shaws, chiefly
used
excepting, as I stated, in one solitary
were
instance,of three eyes, limed ; a few 2 oz. whole tubers,
which the followingis a faithful narrative :
separatelytotal 30 lb.
6. weighed
The crop was
dark mulberry-coloured
A few potatoes, with
digged, November
a
520 lb.
skin,but extremely white pulp, were
planted as a
three
number
trial. From
or
two
The seed from three
Yams.
a
3. Downton
was
raised
(Knight's.)
four years succession,in my own
sufficient to plant one row, in the spring of 1835.
garden or field.
or
Cut into two and three eyed sets,22 lb. 12 oz.
the same
On
bed, and not four feet distant,another
The crop diggedat the same
periodas the shaws
varietywas set at the same
time, and in the
215 lb.
The
same
ure;
plants of both rose without failway.
but when
the purpleshad attained the height
4. EarlyChampions. Their first crop, beingan exchange
lost the healthy hue,
with a person whose soil is extremelydifferent
of six inches, the foliage
it
from mine.
Sets cut by the divisionof the tubers from
first changed to a purplishgreen, then faded off to
to root end, pickingout the central eye, and
a
sicklyyellow. The ground was hoed, lightened the crown
afterliming,
layingthe cut sides downward, so that the
means
was
by the spade, and every common
sorted
rebroad surface of eyes lay uppermost.
could not be stimulated
to, but vegetation
Sown
April20, 13 lb." Yield in November, 150 lb.
the plantsdied, and at the season
of diggingnot a
which
I
5. A
reddish-brown, white mealed-hidney,
the destruction was
vestigeof a potato remained
from
have reason
to believe was
brought
originally
total. As every other varietyremained
healthy,
Wales, by the late Pascoe Greenfell,Esq.,new to me
and
yielded fairly,and as the soil appeared in
The eyes
at this planting
; received from a distance.
good condition throughout the season,
no
one
isting
exand
are
equallydistributed therefore
as

been

recommended,

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

traceable circumstance
in any
tended
elucidate the mystery.
I have never
heard of that variety
seen
nor
since ; and it is justpossible,
the theoryof Mr.
on
or

degree to

pretty
;
numerous,
that there
divided tramversely
tho potatoes were
so
,
crown-end and root-end sets in different rows.
were
result was not, however, ascertained,
The actual comparative
because the man
employed did not notice the

FARMER'S

THE

and mixed the whole

at the time of digging,
1 am
preparedonlyto state
By this oversight,
crop.
that from 24 lb. of these kidneysI obtained a return of

markers

3561b.
of the reader to
left to the experience
It is now
mon
determine whether these crops surpass those of comculture ; and it remains to observe, that all the
and among
those,
earlyvarieties were trench planted,
of kidney,at the head of
I include the first variety
the list. The
plantedrow by
keepers (2-5) were
during the process of digging,and the rows
row,

generallyfour

TliUS

feet asunder.

the

ground,

MAGAZINE.
systems of

or

in

211
of
life,a congeries

new

"

pulpy and amylaceous

bedded
plantsim-

which has
connection whatever with the soil. Hence, also,
the potato is thus viewed
as
a
as
productof the
leaves,it becomes the recipientof the exudation,
which itthus prevents from contaminating
the ground
a

mass,

no

ory
any considerable extent ; and thus, upon the theof fecal exudation,the potato
may be planted
year after year on the same
spot of ground,with
to

but by
comparativesafety,

Little remains

no

means

advantageously.

be

said. The crops I have produced,

and
their excellent quality
prove, that the
rows
stand widely apart, and thus furnish
may
ample space for the horizontal expansionof the radical
to

was
digged
previouslybeen under broccoli,
of five feet ; then a line being stretched,
to the extent
with the spade,
a drill-trench was
chopped down
processes, without causingany diminution of the
drawingthe loosened soil forward,six inches deep. yield; for what is lost in space one way, is made up
five or six inches
of the sets in the rows.
The sets were
herein deposited,
by the proximity
loam
The
covered with earth made
is composed
(as a staple,naturally)
very fine
apart, and were
and light then another space was
of a griiti/
cond
chiefly
digged,and a secontaininga little chalk,
gravel,
;
more
trench struck out and planted.I have, in the
iron, and a moderate portionof alumina
the
of pure clay; its vice is the condition of the
matter
further improvement, by
made
a
present season,
nure,
sand, or siliceous constituent,which renders it binding,
inch-deep layer of lighthot-bed maan
sprinkling

which

had

"

the
the surface of the groundwhich covers
is clearly
each row
marked, the soil
out
protectedand enriched, to the width of a foot,withwith the potatoes.
into contact
manure
bringing
six inches
has become
After a time, when
the haulm
over

tubers;

thus

high,the interveningspaces
soil

otherwise,by hoe

littlemanure
the
over

which

or

are

or
fork-digged,

the

spade,rendered light;the

remains

is thus intermixed

with

surface,and about two inches of earth is drawn

each
side ; this is
it,and againstthe stems
on

The soil remains loose and

solid stratum
beneath. This
in at the moment
is the actual condition the plots
are
of writing(July29).
It has been
conjecturedby many, who have
all the

I allow.
earthing

free at

top, over

more

under

the influence of

after rain. A
mia state of nute
division. |Ifthis fine silex abound, even
to the
of five-sixthsof the whole bulk, leavingthe
extent
oxide
remainingsixth to be composed of alumina, subof iron, of a light
ochre tint, and chalk (carbonate
and
of lime), the loam will be rich,unctuous,
of highquality; but if a considerable portionof the
silex is coarse
the texture
(the detritus of gravel),
of the loam becomes vitiated,and it sets like a brick.
Those loams wherein iron exists, in the form of a
a
per-oxide,assume
purple or red tint ; they are
in Somersetshire,
abundant
and are the staple of
a

hot

the silex to
perfectloam requires

fertility.

permanent

or
Agriculture,

accordingly
adopted the practice,that potatoes
land.
may be plantedyear after year in the same

sun,

be in

will

never

the science of

be

croppingand

duly understood,tillthe

tion,
rota-

tion
constitu-

of all loams, and their power

of decomposing
sufficient manures
"under the stimulus
of the vital,vegetable
to decide the question,
be accurately
determimed
and, indeed, the difference of
principle
by experiment.*
soil would
throw
obstacle in the wav
at once
an
which could not be surmounted
; but as far as I have
constituted as mine is, does not appear
seen, a loam
successive crops of the same
to bring
two
potato to
It is not to
a correspondingdegreeof perfection.
be doubted,that all plantsconvey
into the soil matON
THE
LAW
RESPECTING
GLANters
either gaseous, fluid,
solid, for the odour
or
DERED
HORSES.
the fact to a demonstration ;
diffused will prove
therefore,without
dical,
dwellingupon the theoryof raTHE
EDITOR
THE
TO
OF
FARMER
S MAGAZINE.
fecal exudation, or claiming the admission
throws
that,by analogy,whatever a plant
off
from its
If I understand the Englishlaw,as it is at present
system cannot become salubrious foodfor another of its constituted,it allows
any person to sell any animal
it certainly
own
species,
appears reasonable to vary
laboringunder any infectious disease or any number
the crops accordingto the order of rotation,
either
of them, but will punish him if such infected animal
in the field or garden. I have acted by this principle,
should do any mischief to his neighbours'
stock,particularly
it has beeu in my
have
and, whenever
power,
in the above disease as beingthe most
mon,
complantedone or other of the cabbage familyafter potatoes.
and deserving
the immediate
attention of the
I have

never

risked the trial

to

an

extent

"

But in reasoningby the rules of rotation,we must

be led
facts.
The tubers
away from particular
of the potato-plant
do not appear
to derive support
from the soil,theybeingappended to processes which
conduits of supply downward
from
are
or laterally
which
the leaves and atem ; the sap-fibres
convey
the fluids upward are
whollyindependentof these
Just in proportionto the amplitude of
processes.
duly exposed to the sun and air, is the bulk
foliage,
of the crop ; hence, althoughmanure,
comes
or
hiumts,benot

and
the

decomposed by the action of the proper roots,

by them conveyed in the form of raw sap to
herbage,the ground does not become
ished
impoverhowever numerous
by the potatoesthemselves,
is

legislature.
Theie are
many
persons who, if theyhad a glandered horse would
that they
not like it to be known
sold it,but would employ some
jockeyfellow who
fair
has no character to lose,to disposeof it in some
or market, thus securinghimself from detection if he
his tool. I will
well fees the scamp who has been
*

the
tis.

explainingthe character of
was
in p. 89 of this volume, we
pressed
exof the insect described being an JEgTosa doubt
It is but justice
to take this opporto Mr. Towers
tunity
of stalingthat from the facts which he has since

When

furnished,regardingthe character

bodies (propaginesjturn, and

theymay be, theybeingorganic
,

Mr. Towers

JEgrostis
segetum,

we
no

are

of the insect he described,

quitesatisfiedthat itis the jEgrotis

segt"

other.
"

Editor.

THE
TO

ANSWER

RYE

MAGAZINE.
hay is of

RESPECTING

QUERIES

ITALIAN

FARMER'S

bushel of Italian
In the year 1836 I purchased
one
P. Wilson, of Burgh Quay,
rye grass, from Mr. T.
Dublin, and sowed it on one
Cunningham acre of
excellent land, after drilled potatoes, the ground
having been sowed with black Tartarian oats the
precedingday, this occurred in the third week of
April,the fieldof oats turned out the most luxuriant
three

that had been seen in this country,

productive
Cunningham acres and a-half having produced

440

Winchester

and

bushels

of oats

the crop

was

the 27th

soft

2nd., In strong lands if

nature.

sets

in, it sometimes

disappointed.

moved
re-

THE

the Italian rye

to rise like a crop of oats about to
seen
grass was
not
The winter of 36 and 37 was
shoot into ear.
laid
severe, and the Italian Crest of the field was
down with Pacey's
had a most beautiful
perennial^
on

weather

misses and is
delicate until it takes root ; my
plan is to roll the
ground,then sow, accompanied by a harrow, which
and
followed immediately
serves
as
a
guide,then
the roller when
the season
permittedthis Cwhich
does not alwayshappenin this climate)
was
; I never

dry

GRASS.

213

CORN

LAWS.

September,when

Sir, Agricultural
meetings,Christmas shows,and
"

all other information

must
or

no

now

be

to
interesting

growers

of
secondary to the question

alteration" in

our

of corn,

alteration
laws. Whether
present corn
fixed duty of 10s.be substituted
"

or
a
they are abolished,
appearance at the latter end of July 1837, the crop
ruin to
for our present graduatedscale,it must
cause
cut for seed at that time six feet long,the prowas
duce
landowners,renters on lease,and tenants at will.
in cleaned seed 48 bushels; there was
a great
Let us consider how
the fixed duty would affectthe
bulk of hay, and had it been saved without regard
farmer as that is supposed to be the least destructive
three
from
have
of
the
sale
seed would
to
produced
of the two.
I believe no
one
measure
expects we
to four tons on the acre
of sweet, rich,juicyflavour, should then realize more
the average than 40s. per
on
Let us suppose
farmer has
adaptedfor black cattle and horses for slow work, qr. for our bread corn.
a
of
admirable
for cuttingas chaff from the number
obtained a profitof" one rent,"on a mixed farm of 300
and that on the
fixed duty law"
and
acres, at 300/. rental,
joints
; it was
very full of saccharine matter
coming'into force his landlord reduced him one-third,
substance,but much softer than Pacey's; the second
would
he of course
immediately lower his labourers in
also reserved for seed, and cut in September
crop was
his blackthe same
smiths,
proportion
; but would his wheelers,
it
than
about
of
ton
not
more
one
produced
hay
;
his collar-makers,and nine out of ten of his
bushels of
feet and a-half long,with thirty-two
two
other farm expenses be altered in the same
ratio? No.
seed superior
to the first crop in quality,
making in Then I am sure I am not deducting too much from his
the whole
80 bushels of seed sold at 10s. per
when I say he will then onlyreceive 200/. per
profits
bushel,the originalhavingcost 17s. 6d. ; the field annum
for his 1,800/.capital.If he had a familyhe
periment, could barelybring them
was
and
ploughedfor wheat, one ridge was left for exup on his pre^iousprofit,
would have
he could
the grass on it in November
with his reduced income I am
sure
not,
his linen-draper's,
his grocer's,his tailor's,
for would
feet long,the winter of
cut a third time being two
and nine out of ten of his household billsbe reduced
37 and 38 was
very severe, the grass melted away,
Then what could he do t
third ? Certainly
not.
one
and in my opinion,dissolved and rotted the root ;
ifhe has
He could not at a short notice,
more
especially
the acre
I was
in
the
Italian
deep
very
rye grass,
turn to another business
arrived at the mid-time of life,
duced
inhad
been
above mentioned
so
having
profitable,
instead of
with advantage ; and if he could, his capital,
to layout
me
eightacres with it, and having being 1,800/.,
be only 1,200/.,
but
would at the utmost
observed
that the sole thickened and spread by
most
likelynot near so much, as in all probability
many
being cropped,I had turned my calves into the
of his neighbou"'s
would be doingthe same.
He must
fields after the grainwas removed ; to this circumstance
leave the land of his fathers for ever to clear the wilds
I attribute the great success
of Australia,or in a few years seek a refuge in his
of my
crops in
union workhouse.
of my
1838, as some
neighbours who had not taken
What
One-third of England
would his landlord do?
lost their grass in the same
this precaution,
way that
they say is mortgaged. Must the mortgagees be our
my ridgedisappeared. Calves are the best stock
turers,
future landed aristocracy? The Jews, the manufacfor this purpose, their teeth are sharp,and theytake
who have obtained
the fundholders?
The men
the top off; for soiling,
it
answers
better,
no
grass
thousands by lookingcloselyto units?
May we expect
so
quickly, half a bushel Italian rye
grows
from tiiem as we have experienced
the same
liberality
grass, lOlbs. of red clover and 4lbs. of trefoil; if the
from the " old English gentleman,"for which he is
land is stiff,
seed will be required;it is delicate
more
proverbial?who was born among and grew to manhood
with his tenants,who love and respect him as their friend
at first in heavy soils,but when
rooted, seems
and landlord,who has assistedthem in bad times,has
to thrive well; half a bushel of Italian,
half ditto
is anxious
with them
in good ones, and who
cocks
rejoiced
foot,71bs. white clover, 51bs. trefoil,with
hundreds of
many
21bs. of yarrow,
make
beautiful sole for pasture, for their welfare at all times. How
a
thousands are expended on improvements which repay
and these succeed each other in bloom, which causes
only in years on land held on the word only of the
the field to have a varied and beautiful appearance.
landlord? Will that continue under the mortgagee
I have alwayssowed with
spring corn, Tartarian
proprietor?
oats is the best
it
stands
to
out
with,
lay
grass
crop
of the labourer ? His pay would
What must become
both
the
so
oats
but
and
have
well,
must
up
But would
but not so hit expenses.
be one third less,
grass
rich ground. I have never
the
known
when all the cold clays,hot
grass to injure he find employment at all,
the graincrop, it grows
gravels,and poor sands are returned to grass and waste,
up thin,and it is not until the
declare they ought to be?
as the reckless demagogoes
can
crop is reaped,that you
judge whether you
No longerwould
the country towns
ing
present the pleashave sufficient roots or not, it spreadsso amazingly;
"

the Italian is a
certainly

meadow

thrives

triennial,and
much

most

biennial
and

for

and
so

valuable

in

irrigated
a

productive
grass

tion
by cattle. After three years cultivato save
objectionsare, 1st, The difficulty

hay from its nature

rises so

that
rapidly,

scenes
they now do on a market-day the shopsno
longer decked with brilliantcoloured goods, to catch
to spend their hardthe eyes of country women,
come
earned
savings; but bills "to let" would show how
the
on
awfully the lossof home trade was retaliating
"

an

far, appears

relished
my

as

is

well,

and in a wet season, second crop

the groundis alwaysdamp, the

"

manufacturers for the world."

sity
Brother Farmers, Let me impresson you the necesthis point"our very existto a man
on
of uniting
"

FARMER'S

THE

214

In
divide you.
Let no difference of politics
copy the good example
county, in every parish,
hold meetings to arrange the
us at Barton, and
Parliament immediately on
best manner
of petitioning
which
itsassembling,
to continue to us that protection
To every
is our
due.
name
append the number of
lords
owned or held,that it may be shown the landacres
and tenants of all England stand foi*ward for that
of " live and let
law which realisesthe good old motto
W.
live." Your constant reader,

ence.

every
shown

MAGAZINE.

libertyof recommending to those

the

take

introduced these questions last year, to

ing
bring them again before the club at an earlymeetin the
who

present
wish

may

take

advantage

ANNUAL

OF

REPORT

discussion

HARLESTON

FARMERS'

on
was

ON

GYPSUM.

having arisen,very
fits
produced of the great benegypsum

had conferred
clover and other
on
but that it was
in some
not
districts,
the soils in this neighbourhood was
by some
experiments tried last year
It therefore
members
of this club.

it
which
similar crops
suited to all
also proved
by one of the

THE

those

benefit by their experience,to

of it immediately.

REPORT

"A

thereby enabling

season,

to

strong evidence

FIRST

bers
mem-

who

to this meeting that further experiments

appears
not
or
are
gypsum
necessary to decide whether
in this neighbourwill prove a beneficial manure
hood."

CLUB.

At the annual

meetingof the Harleston Farmers'

Inn on Fridaythe 25th
January,1839, C. Etheredge,Esq., in the
of
chair,the following
reportof the proceedings
ly
the Club, duringthe past year, viras unanimousClub, held

at the Swan

adopted:

"

"on
second
subjectbrought forward was
and heavy
comparative advantages of light
On
MANURES."
this question a very interesting
discussion ensued,embracing a varietyof opinions
of making and
to the best method
applying
as
all its virtue for the
to preserve
so
as
yard manure
tion.
previous fermentaland,unimpaired by too much

The

the

The
the first meeting on the 9th February, " the
of SALTPETRE
as a manure,"
discussed.
use
was
It will be in the recollection of those members
At

hour

exhausted,

report

of the meeting

for the termination

having arrived, long before

w.is

deferred

the
on

subjectwas

it tillit should

the
have
discussion, and
undergone further
but little practical
of other
subjectshaving prevented its
pressure
benefits arisingfrom
the use
of
ducer
being resumed, we can only hope that the introoffered by those who
advocated
a
saltpetrewas
of it will take an earlyopportunityof again
trial of this manure.
Here then was
a subjectto
bringing it forward.
ety,
socitest, at the very onset, the value of the new
the 6th April,one
of
the third meeting on
At
for, observed some, of what use can it be to
the most
important subjectsthat has yet engaged
and talk about a manure
of which
those who
meet
the attention of the club was
discussed, viz.,'* on
it have had no experience? We have
recommend
and cheapest method
of keeping
the management
that considerable
hesitation in affirming,
no
fit
beneHORSES."
On this subject,so interesting
to
CART
will arise from this our
firstdiscussion
for althoughevery
information
was
farmer, so much
given,
of saltpetre
the advocates
could not from
and the results stated were
so
various, that it was
then
who
were
evidence of the

present,

that

"

"

knowledge speak decidedlyof its results,

such
authorities in its favour,
tain,
togetherwith the best information they could obthe
qualityof land to which it was
upon
most
beneficial,the quantityto be appliedand the
time for applyingit, that several members
of the
club were
induced to promise to give it a fair trial;
their

own

yet they produced

and
the

committee

your

are

discussion

enabled

to

state

that

at

of the

subject in the ensuing

spring,a vast body of practicalevidence will be
produced, which
they have no doubt will fully
establish the value of saltpetreas a manure
on
next

certain soils.
At the second
meeting on the 9th March, two
"
discussed.
The
first was
subjectswere
the
on
of GYPSUM,"
and to the debate on this quesuse
tion
of

most

the

remarks

have

made

with

thought worthy of another evening'sdebate,and

it was
accordinglyadjourned till the
the
Fourth
meeting on the 4th May, when
resumed, and another
interesting
subject was
Your committee
in common
ensued.
astonished to
of the club, was
with every member
find that amongst
a
body of farmers all residing
within four or five miles of the place of meeting,
all consequently using a similar breed of cart
of land,
a similar description
horse, and cultivating
such
an
astonishingdifference in the expense of
ing
maintaining their cart horses should exist,amountin authenticated
to upwards of fifty
statements
estimated
at per head for each
per cent., whether
for the arable land.
horse, or per acre
be
What
requiredof the
greater proof could
discussion

exception,that

necessityfor discussion ? and if no other subject

been
had ever
brought before your club, we are
of opinion that by debating this questionalone,

relied

it would

that

to

on

we

are
saltpetre

applicable,with

gard
re-

this

whilst the advocates

of gypsum
authorities rather than their own
practice,strong evidence that it was not suited to
many

on

other

of the

by

soils in

member,

this

neighbourhood

who

had

made

was

fered
of-

ments
experi-

some

have

tried

by several
that

when

the

recommended,
members

of

having been since

the

club,

we

pate
antici-

with
with saltpetre,
as
a considerable
gypsum,
quantityof evidence will be forthcoming
subjectis again discussed ; and we here

incalculable benefit

; for what

member

who

now

to

the

ed
learn-

firsttime that his neighbour was

vating
cultihis land at much
less cost than himself,in
items
in a farmer's expenses,
of the heaviest
and
would
improve on his former
go home

for the

with it in the preceding

year.
one
On this subjectthen we
think we
do
cannot
but
better than quote the report passed at the meeting,
management
time state
and at the same
that the " further experiments"
We
have
there

rendered

neighbourhood

methods

?
not

space

recommended,

to

enumerate

but

with

tliedifferent

regard to

the

pense,
ex-

find by reference to the report passed

at the close of the
debate, that on an average of
farms in this district four horses are requiredfor
of land, the cost of keeping
acres
every hundred
we

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

215

"
without
discussion.
That the Harleston Farwhich will be about 8s. per head per week during
mers'
to
its third rule,
which
the
discussion
Club,
was
adhering strictly
the winter months, to
ation
sions)
confined.
We find also a recommend(prohibitingall political
subjectsfrom its discusprincipally
refuses to unite, or in any way to sanction
visable
attached to the report, that it would be adthe quantity of hay usually the proceedings of the Farmers' Central Agricultuto diminish
ral
Society,which in page 17 of its address, avows
given in this district,
substitutingan increased
' that
its
views are undoubtedlypolitical,'
and the
Before dismissingthe subject
allowance of corn.
projectorsof which have publicly stated ' that
it was
the means
of leading to
state that
we
may
other very interestingdiscussions, viz., On
they hold the English AgriculturalSocietyto be
two
delusive in principle,'
an
the advantages of cuttinghay into chaff,and
on
opinionfrom which every
member
of the Harleston Farmers'
Club dissents;
in the latter a small portion of straw
substituting
for hay.
feelingassured that a societyformed on the model
of the West
The
that
cannot
Highland Society,
next
of " spade
bandry,"
hussubject was
prove a
delusion."
and here
had
the advantage of
we
At the sixth meetingon the 6th July,the subject
who
having the questionintroduced by a member
of
had been introduced,
SHOEING
had practisedthis mode
HORSES," which
of cultivation very extensively,
and adjournedfrom the last meeting,
resumed.
and whose
was
went
strongly to
arguments
valuable information,
with regardto the structure
prove its advantage in absorbingall the surplus Much
of the horse's foot,and ths best methods of prelabour
of
venting
any district.
the usual evils arising
from
bad shoeing,
The
result of the discussion was
convincing
disseminated
was
that the substitution,to a certain extent,
of
amongst the members
; and your
committee cannot
here refrain from congratulating
the
the
have
been
spade for the plough, would
highly useful under the old poor law system, club on its possessingseveral medical,chemical,and
when
it was
gentlemen amongst its members, from all
veterinary
frequently impossible to find
and particularly
the one
employment for all the labourers in a parish; of whom, on many subjects,
discussed this evening,they have received great supand
there is no
provement
imthe
that
doubt
port.
permanent
The debate, thoughrendered highlyinteresting
of the land, by the deep tillage
of spade
knowledge
by the union of theoretical and practical
husbandry judiciously
applied,would have amply
of the subject,
the
adduced, was, from the nature
repaid the extra expense of the spade over
closed vpithout a report.
necessarily
plough. But now that the generalemployment of
The nest three meetings,occurringat a season
of
the labourer would
render it difficultto procure a
the year when farmers are engaged in the evening as
sufficient number
to
of hands
cultivate by the
the day,were
thinlyattended, in
spade, and also the invention of the subsoil plough well as throughout
of which no subjectshad been fixed
will enable deep tillage
at a cheaper
anticipation
to be obtained
for debate J but at one of them an interesting
rate, spade husbandry will probably never
come
upon
"
On the diseases of wheat,
into general practice, such appears to have been
discussion arose
ticularly
parhad
who
the opinion of the meeting ; the report stating,
smut," introduced by a member
"
curious facts regarding
the latter,
and
observed some
that the surpluslabour of any district may be advantageously
who
promisedto institute some experiments on the
employed in spade husbandry."
At the fifth meeting on
the 1st June, another
subject,from which we expect much lightwill be
thrown on this interesting
question.
important subjectengaged the attention of the
At the tenth meeting on the 26th Oct.,the subject
of improving the
club,that of " the best method
breed of neat
of " stall-feeding"
troducer
was
in this district."
The incattle
broughtbefore the club.
introducer of this questionconfined his arguThe
of this question first showed
parison
by a comments
to the advantages of stall-feeding
the value of " homebreds"
and
between
principally
"

"

"

"

"

"

other

cattle on artificialgrasses, such as clover,tares, "c ;

breeds, of similar ages, that improvement
next
by a reference to particular and as the debate was chieflyconfined to the same
do better than quote
that
cases
it was
view of the subject,
cannot
we
attainable;and concluded by
givinghis opinion, that as it would take a long the report passedat the close of it.
The
time to improve our present breed, keepingit pure
of the advantages
of stall-feeding
subject
the cheapest and most
be to
havingbeen this evening discussed, only so far as
speedy plan would
artificial
the Norfolk
relates to the feedingof stock on
cross
with Durham
and Suffolk cows
grasses,
mer
Hereford bulls, giving a preferenceto the forthe evidence adduced has led to the conclusion,that
or
to produce the best milkers, and also
as likely
great advantages result from this system, the most
for producing a
because they can
be more
easilyand cheaply purchased. prominent of which, is the facility
but the advantages of
of manure,
A long and spirited
debate
ensued, which
greater quantity
stall feedingoff permanent pastures, and soils conclosed by a report agreeing with the views of
was
genial
the introducer
several staunch
served
to the growth of turnipsis a question re; but as there were
advocates for keeping the originalbreed pure, on
for a future meeting,and the attention of
the ground of their excellent qualities
those members
interested in this subject,
is requestas milkers,
ed
it is probable the question will be again brought
facts as may
elucidate it in its general
to such

was

necessary

"

"

"

forward.
On the

scope and

bearing.''

troduced,Followingup the above

evening another question was inreport, we have great
but it was adjourned to the next meeting
pleasurein announcing,that the subjectof" Stallthat time might be allowed
in all its branches," is amongst
this to take into
on
feedingand soiling
consideration
the books, for discussion
circular
received from a society, the list of subjectsnow
a
on
called
The
New
Central
tion,"
AgriculturalAssociaduringthe present year.
with its
A proposition
this evening made to the society,
Address to the public,"
was
requesting
the co-operation of the different local Agriculponding
tural
by the Yoxford Farmer's Club, that a corresClub should be
Associations and Clubs.
It appearing from
committee of the Harleston
same

"

"

the address that the New

Central Association was
formed
for political
and such matters
purposes,
being wisely prohibitedfrom the discussions of
this club, the followingresolution was
passed

of
should act with similar committees
Clubs
that through
the Ashbocking and Yoxford
such committees, the discussions and reports of each
club should be open to the other two, and that the

formed, which

"

THE

216

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

and secretaryof each should occasionallyformer method, yet that it was

not so advantageous
who
to the horse,as
ment
he could not extract so much nutri(accompaniedby any other members
of the
of the minutes
from the hay cut for him, as when he cut and
might wish) for the production
the
and of otlier books which might throwground it for himself. To meet this objection,
proceedings,
of the three clubs,and also
transactions
the
questionwas broughtforward in its prtjsentshape;
on
light
and we
of the resolution.
who
those members
had the opto further the views
congratulate
portunity
generally
of hearing
in which the subthe able way
ject
the club on the acceptance of this
We
congratulate
ward
forintroduced ; clearly
was
mical
consideringthat it will materially
showing,by an anatoproposition,
Farmer's
and physiological
the Harleston
of the horse's
the views with which
description
chairman

meet,

Club

ledge
established,viz.,the distribution of know-

was

in

stomach, and of
the

affairs.
agricultural

Eleventh meeting on the 30th Nov., the subject

able
before the meetingthis evening,
althoughunfavourof great importance,viz.
to discussion,was
one
"
accounts."
of keepingfarming
The best method

the processes
the

food, that

equallyavailable for the

of swallowing and digesting

latter,when
cut, was

extraction

of its nutriment,
and masticate.
being granted,there can be no doubt of the
in all other respects, of feeding
with cut
advantage,
food, viz. the preventionof waste, and the saving
of time
the latter no slight
consideration to horses
that work all day,and who therebygain more
tunity
opporas

when
This

left for the horse

to bruise

the obvious necessity

The introducer,after stating
of all their
accounts
of farmers keeping accurate
transactions,
gave to the meetingthe heads of that
to rest.
plan which he considered best calculated to effect
A reportin accordance with the above views was
not
The discussion was
that purpose.
protracted,
carried.
the subject
unanimously
admittingof but littledebate,the remarks
jects
We have thus taken a slight
in accordance with the views of the
sketch of the subwere
generally,
which have been broughtbefore the club during
thoughtthat the matter could
proposer ; but it was
the year;
and although(as might be expected
in
unless speentered into with advantage,
not be fully
cimens
the earlystages of a society
of the planrecommended, were
like this) it was imposin writing,
sible,
in all,to arrive at satisfactory
future meeting.
laid before the club at some
results,yet in
have attained that desirable object; and in
some
portance
we
Upon a renewal of the subject,which the imwhere
further experimentsor further discussions
that some
others,
of it well demands, we anticipate
are
concise and yet accurate
wanting,we trust that the ground has been
plan may be suggested,
useful to those who have not previously
tention dug and the seed
paidmuch atplanted,which will in good time
of their business.
to this most
bringus fruits worthy our exertions.
importantbranch
In lookingback upon this, the first year of our
the club had an
This subject
havingbeen dismissed,
of sado so with an unmingledfeeling
we
tisfaction.
of puttingin force the resolution passed existence,
opportunity
If the Harleston
Farmer's Club was
an
at the previous
meeting, enablingit to ask for the
of any papers or documents
connected
experimentwhen first started,you have provedthat
production
the Yoxford
Club, and having the pleawith
sure, it is no longerto be considered as such, you have
that farmers can meet
of the secretary at least convinced yourselves,
this evening,of the company
than politics
to talk over
of that club, and knowing that
or
and several members
subjectsmore interesting
they had latelyissued their first annual report, it the weather ; there has, throughoutthe year been
of
lack of questions
for discussion, and if some
no
was
produced and read to the meeting. We need
the most
have been selected,others of
interesting
scarcelyadd, that it afforded strong evidence of the
vital importance
remain ; and so long as those who
and elicited from the
utilityof such associations,
of obtaining
have greater opportunities
information,
meeting much deserved commendation.
"

"

"

"

"

"

part
also commenced
this evening or longerpurses to try experiments,will freelyimAnother subject
was
and cheerfully
detail the rethat information,
alluded to, as arising
sults
of the two formerly
out
one
of those experiments,
that the successful
so
of the debate on the keepingof cart horses,viz.
"
and the unsuccessful shunned
Whether
or
not, it is beneficial to consume
by may be practised,
the produce of the
so long as our
theoryshall be keptin control by practical
STOCK, any part of the straw
assisted by theory,
We
knowledge,and our practice
FARM,"
give the questionas proposed; but the
and
both unite for the permanent improvement of
introducer confined himself to that part of it relating
with the hay, as
agricultureso long as the same
spiritof mutual
a portionof straw
to the cutting
forbearance and mutual assistance shall exist amongst
discussed by
chaff for cart horses.
Upon no subject
have witnessed during the last
members, as we
our
the club, has greater difference of opinion existed
tinue
so long shall the Harleston Farmers' Club conthan upon
journedyear
adthis,and the debate was necessarily
let
In enumeratingits advantages,
to flourish.
the 28th
to the twelfth and last meeting on
of its bringingthe largeowner
not that be forgotten,
the subjectwas
with
Dec, when
again resumed
on
a field
would willingly and the small occupierfrequt^ntly
together,
we
great spirit.If space permitted,
the subjectis equallyinteresting
to both, and
of the meeting,all the arguments where
extract, from the minutes
used by those in favour of the proposition, where the total exclusion of every subjectconnected
that rock upon
with pctlitics,
which so
has removed
centent ourselves with givingthe substance
but must
In
similar associations have been wrecked.
of the report,which althoughstrongly
many
opposed,was
think it high time that
allusion to this subject,
we
viz. that notwithstanding
carried in favour of the question,
should give way to the science of agriin any given the politics
the difference of nutriment
culture,
our
of straw comparedwith hay,yet that in the
objectis to learn how to make the land
quantity
produce more ; and althoughdeeplysensible of the
feeding of cart horses, a limited quantityof the
protectionwhich all native industryrequires,we
former (notexceedingone fifth)may be substituted
shall yet hail with pleasure
the day when agriculture
and advantage.
for the latter with economy
The last subjectwhich
occupiedthe attention of shall be able to protectitself.
We
have reserved for the last,but not in our
CHArF-cuxTiNo".
This questhat of
the club, was
tion
ject
out of the debate on " Horse
opinion,least importantpart of our report,the sublike the last,arose
of the libraryattached to the club.
Although,
keeping" it appearedthat those persons, who kept
have at present been
their horses for the least money, cut all their fodder ;
onlypartof your subscriptions
then contended, by those who fed with
and it was
expended, yet from the liberal donation of several
of others,
valuable books,and the purchase
economical the
rack
that however
you have
apparently
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

hay,

FARMER'S

THE
the
already
to

nucleus of

valuable

of the best

some

library.In
works,
agricultural

tion
addiyour

funds enable you to take all the periodicals

connected
with farming,and we
need only refer you to your
to prove how
theyhave
eagerly
indeed we
hail the circulation of
features in the formation
books, as one of the leading
of your society
have no doubt but that the
; and we
annual subscription
of five shillings,
enabling
trifling
and
to command
choice of interesting
a member
a
valuable reading,
of inducing
has been
the means
many persons to enter the club ; for,should no benefits
arise from our
meetingsand discussions,here is a
decided advantageobtained at a very trifling
ex-

accounts
secretary's

been

sought for
"

MAGAZINE.

217

machine
that every nobleman, gentleman,or even
extensive wheat growing farmer,should possess. Its
to a seed
particularly
advantagesare incalculable,
them
of all sizes,but that
B. makes
Mr.
grower.
which I would
preferwould be six feet long,and
The price
diameter of cylinder
16 to 20 inches.
25 to 30
51. 10s. to 81. 10s. beingfully
lower than I ever saw them any where else.
Bolster is due the merit of the invention.

varyingfrom
cent,

per

To

Mr.

I have

the honour
Youi

be, Gentlemen,

to

obedient servant,
CARROLL.

EDWARD

form with a sheet

This machine is in a cylindrical
round a drum built on a shaft,
iron screw
running
was
thought
which
runs
throughthe centre, and on which it
by many, that the subscriptionwas too small, but
Over
all, or on the outside,is a wire web
the experienceof a year has provedit to be amply works.
which the feed
of diff'erentsized spaces, over
cover
sufficient; and if any thought it too high, we
trust
is carried by the screw, and therebyselected into its
tered
althat havingseen
the benefits derived, they have
diff'erentqualities.
their opinion,particularly
when
theyconsider,
and
There is a circular brush workingon springs
ance,
that from the absence of all forfeits for non-attendthe outside, which
on
prevents
screws,
regulating
is
excellent
other
no
Can
regulation)
expence
in the wire web, and keeps
from sticking
*
any grains
incurred.
necessarily
The
first of these machines was
it perfectly
clean.
We have examined your secretary's
accounts, and
made by Mr. H. Bolster,of Cork, in the year 180S,
find,that the receiptsfrom 105 members, have
A. Barnes,
when conductingbusiness for Mr. Thomas
for
amounted
the disbursements
to 26/. 5s., and
into use
when
amongst
generally
they
got
very
2L
books to 15/. ISs. 6d., and for expences to
Is.
be
millers,brewers, and distillers. They can now
only, leaving a balance in hand of 8/. lOs. 6d.,
had in an
improved style and plan at Bolster's
income, we recommend
which, with part of the new
Machine
and Wire Web
Manufactory,21, Bachelor'a
to be immediately
expendedin such books as may bo
siderably
of Duncan-street, Cork, who has concorner
Quay,
thought desirable.
improved on them since his first making
With regardto themanagementofyour society,
as
Irish Farmers' Magazine.
this most useful machine.
would
the time is arrived for choosingnew
we
officers,
advise the appointment
chairman
for
of a permanent
convenience
all have experienced
the inthe year
must
as you
and occasional loss of time in selecting
for each evening.
a different chairman
We have another recommendation
COLLEGES.
to conclude our
AGRICULTURAL
report with. Seeing the spiritof enquirywhich
connected with
exists every where, on all matters
this
title.)
bearing
(from a pamphlet
and the probableinstitution of experiments
agriculture,
have
hailed with satisfaction
to the same,
we
of 10,000/. be
relating
should
We
suggest, that a sum
the formation of" The English Agricultural
terest,
raised by shares of 25/. each,as a loan,upon which inwhich by encouragingthe former and
Society,'
at the rate of four per cent, should be paid,and
and disseminating
the latter by collecting
directing
that this should be appliedto the purpose of purchasing
all the information which
adding to
every day is now
ing
of land of eightor ten acres in extent, and erectthe science of agriculture,
we
think, be promust,
ductive a piece
suitable for such an
and fitting
of immense
have so
up upon it buddings
benefit to the cause
we
much at heart. We
have no
doubt but these benefits
establishment as is proposed. This land should adjoin
pence.
When

firstestablished,it was

the club

"

"

"

"

will be greatly
institution
increased by the general
of farmer's clubs similar to our
in connexion
own
with it ; and furthering
recommend
this view, we
that the Harleston Farmer's Club be enrolled immediately

the property of

would

engage

nobleman

some

to

of acres, from 100

let
to

or

gentleman,who

the establishment any number

400, upon a long lease of twentyto

cultural
In any of our
largeagriEnglishAgricultural
counties itwould not, itis conceived,be difficult
port,
observe by its last reSociety
; and as we
whose parents now
pay 25/.
to find 200 or 300 children
record
that it is intended to publisha quarterly
and upward? for theireducation,who would
of its transactions,
to the subscribers, per annum
to be presented
such
amongst

years, at

one

the subscribers to the

fair rental.*

which
the members
of our
club will thus become
possessed be happy to obtain for them the advantages
of those valuable
and we
shall at the
afford,providedthey could do so
documents
an institutionwould
same
wish to support an
time mark our
institution
without any largerpecuniarysacrificethan they now
so promising
then,
inefficient.Supposing,
to the best interests of agriculture.
make for what is so totally
For the committee,
the parents
entered the school at first,
"

ROBERT

B.

HARVEY,
Secretary.

that 250 children

of each of whom

this would give

paid25/. per annum,
It can be proved that boys
of 6,050/.
with plenty
be boarded upon good substantialfood,

annual income

an
can

THE
A

MOST

CORN

USEFUL

SEPARATOR.

MACHINE
qualities

FOR

SEPARATING
OF

GRAIN.

THE

FERENT
DIF-

Gentlemen,

sufficient

sum

be very

desirable.

that

be raised, or the
for the pui chase of
institution of the
An

If either there could

give, a

proposed ought

an

estate, it would

publiccharacter

of

depend fof its efficiencyupon the

of land were
neighbouring proprietori

aot

I send
of "a sethe
in which
parator,"manner
you a description
manufactured
bv Mr. Bolster,of Cork, a
disposedwith regard to
"

governaientwould

to

it.

of \5l.
for the sum
when food is purchased,
be
each. Supposing,then,that this sum
allowed 3.6591.will be appliedto maintainingthe chilwould, we should conceive,
dren
A staffof ten masters
for the government of such a school ; and
be requisite
should propose that theirsalariesshould be as folwe

of it
per

even

annum

i-_"

A head master
Second master
Third master or head baihft
Fourth master
Six assistants,
at 50". per annum

Making

total,
per

annum,

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

218

o^n
250
..""

each
of

150
100
300

"1,300

be continually
inspecting,
they could,in the
call a special
meetevent of any gross mismanagement,
ing, and obligehim to give an explanationof his conBut it is suggestedthat it would
be
duct at any time.
highlyinconvenient to permit any parent or shareholder
who
chose, to have the power ot intermedd ing with

would

the course
which it seemed to the master
and obstructing
fit to pursue.
The absolute power of the master and
of a societymight thus,it is con^^^ superintendence
combined.
ceived,be advantageously
should state
^ ^^y^ however, be desirable that we
for placingthe appointments
at length
our reasons
more
^f ^^^^^ masters and assistants in the hands of the head
of y-ood
'"^^''^^r- All societieswhich have the disposal
pja^eshave a tendency to job. This will be most efchecked by givingthe appointmentsto a person
*ectually

400Z.
to be 10,000/.,
Supposing the borrowed capital
for and whose character is involved
?^hois responsible
have to be paid annuallyfor interest; 300/. per
their efficiency.If the subordinate
""
appointments
annum
might be appliedto meetingany unforeseen exto be made
by the body of shareholders,
^^re
numeand changes as cirpenses, and making such additions
would arise.
be
it would
Firstly,
fo^s inconyen.ences
cumstances
might suggest. This calculation leaves enanywhere. Members
"POssibleto fix the responsibihty
to be derived from
out of consideration all profit
tirely
canvassed : and
of the society would then be privately
the cultivationof the farm,which, as itwould be culti^""'^ not be the peculiar
business of any one of
and upon the most approved prin- f* ''
vated by the pupils,
the qualihcaions of the candidates,
^^"1 ^o scrutimze
whatever it
ought Tobe very great. This profit,
ciples,
would vote in favour of those in whose success
^ey
be
the
to
firstof
all
should
apphed
payment
might be,
th^y had been interested from other causes than that of
and afterwards,
togetherwith all other surof interest,
Bad appointments would thus take plaee: nor
low
children
the
at
as
rate
admission
the
a
fi'ne^jof
plus,to
,
^hat when one
"""^ ""^
been
made
shall
school
have
the
^^'^^^'TaZ
.f'^""^^
as
possible.When
u
a
had been cancelled
the appointment which
^^^d one
attain
to
this should be the great object
efficient,
; as
succeeded i should be any better. Secondly supposing
the greater the number who can be made to participate

would

the more
establishment,
in the advantages of such an
be generally
certainlywould itseffectupon agriculture
be rewhich must
of 25/.,
necessarily
felt. The sum
quiredin the firstinstance,would,without doubt, serve
much
to the higherclass of
has been
yeomen
; but the process of saving, such as
with the gradualincrease of nummarked out, together
of the farm,would, after a time,rebers and the profits
duce the sum
requiredfrom the parents to 20/. or 15/.;
it is considered that the food will be directly
as, when
supplied from the land cultivated by the boys,the sum
for their maintenance will
as being required
be deemed too large.
It would not, then,be hard to find the funds for the
establishment of such a school as has been proposed,
provided that the parents of the children could be made
feela confidence that the advantages proposedwould
it is conceived.
be really afforded. This confidence,
be obtained ; and for this purmight without difficulty
1. That the shares by which the
pose it is suggested,"
is to be raised should be small,
capital
say 25/. each,so
and farmers
ot the yeomanry
that a largeproportion
This arrangement would
of them.
might be possessed
not
prevent those noblemen and gentlemenwho were
anxious to further the objectin view from takingten or
theymightplease.2. That
or any number
twenty shares,
or council should be chosen out
thedirectingcoramittee
of the shareholders,
and that the holder of each share
should be entitledto vote at theirelection.
That constitutionwould bringthe proposedestablishwithin that denomination of schools called proment
These schools have in many instances not been
prietary.
to

confine the school

too

indicated

successful,
owing,as

we

have

reason

to

to
believe,

an

greatest anxiety
Jhe
^o make
^

the part of all the shareholders

on

good appointments, no person could be so good

which ought to be required
judge ot the qualifications

^e who,
f.*

from the

of

circumstiince

must
directing,

be

with al the deficienciesof the

thoroughlyacquainted
; added
^^hool

the
'^

institution

which, the

to
more

if the
bearings,

,f}j'
^

head

master

would

have

completelyunder his control in all

under masters
depended upon him
"

."

.u

for not intrustingthe appointments to

h^sf
^he body of shareholders applyalso,although not with
of management.
A
force,to the committee
e^"^!
with them would,
the
think,P
authority
f'^'f^^
''^ad master
It
.alse
true that the
.

reasons

.,

we

ace

is
position.
would probablyattend to the suggestions of
committee
The utmost directau^he master, but they might not.
to
^horitythat should be given to the committee
in this
should be that of exercising a veto,
Particular
in

of the school will then entirely

The success
depend
But who
is to
"Pon the choice of the head master.
choose him 1 A most
important question. Certainly
for theymight job thisallnot the body of shareholders,
The appointment should be made
important situation.

by a number so few that they might be pointedat as

of management
responsiblefor it. The committee
should,we conceive,performthis duty ; but under retroin whom
to the class of persons
the
as
should be selected. The body of shareholders,
before stated,
not those with
although for the reasons
whom
of the individual should rest,are
the appointment
best determine the class
the persons who can
precisely
from he ought to be selected.
And
be as well
it may
order that the institution should,
to observe, that in
strictions
master

from the period ot its foundation,command

that respect
indiscreet interferenceon the part of directorsand probe
to which,for the sake of the great object
it would
in theirimmediate management.
This,as may
prietors
that it should obtain,"
directed to,it is to be desired,
be conceived,is an evil of considerable magnieasily
tude,and such a one as no master, fittedfor the high the head master ought, it is conceived,to be looked up
for those high
to as a person
not only distinguished
establishment of the chaan
officeof superintending
moral quahfications
which are
indispensablefor the
eitherwould or ought to submit to. As
racter proposed,
but also for his scientific acquirements,
it might be provided schoolmaster,
evil,
this,however, is a known
He should also,it is conceived,be conversant
with the
againstat the firstestablishment of the association for
ta practical
of some
department of science
obtaining the objectin view. The utmost discretion application
should be used in the selectionof the head master ; but, purposes.
having selected him, the whole government of the estaAlthough we would thus vest absolute power in the
for the purpose of enablinghim to direct
blishment should be vested in him : and for the purpose
head master
of effectually
the studies and employments of the school,
givingitto him,he should,itis conceived, efficiently
the under
and dismissing
would
have the power of appointing
relievehim entirelyfrom any trouble or remasters
we
with regard to the pecuniary affairsof the
and assistants. Having thus the sole control, sponsiblity
the head master would
have the entire responsibility,
in the hands of
society. These we would place entirely
and should annuallygivean account of his stewardship the committee and the officerwhom
theymightappoint
them."
to the body of shareholders ; and, as the committee
for the purpose of assisting

THE

[We
to

alwaysanxious

are

but
subjects,
practical

when

the Corn

Laws

are

FARMER'S

valuable

be found

but
province,

TO

itis difficultto

RIGHT

THE

are
erase

HON.

for reference.

"

LORD
"c. "c.

Ed.

BOURNE,
MEL-

..

Wages and suppliesfor

197,200,000 654,833,730
onlypart of the year

whollywithout

them.]

capital.

1,770,544 44,452,365
15,400,000 215,600,000
53,258,668 66,573,335
Sheep
Swine
18,270,000 18,270.000
rabbits,
9,800,000
Poultry,
game, "c.
Dead stock
102,938,000
..

observations
Thepolilical
our

farmer's

devote our columns

Horses
the presentmoment,
Black cattle
terest,
much inso
attracting

apology will scarcelybe necessary for

ject.
the following
longletterupon that subintroducing
for the arguments
It is not merelyimportant
but will, from the quantityof
which it contains,
information on our agriculture,
tures,
manufacstatistical
commerce,

219

to

at

an

and

MAGAZINE.

Total value of

land

in
capital

"3,258,910,810

...

To which vast sum

may be added, part, if uotall,
the capitalwhich
the farmers requireto purchase
household furniture,
at lOOl. for each establisheven
ment
to 52,000,000/.
; that would amount

My Lord, The deep interest which the firstand

PRODUCE
OP AGRICULTURE.
the highestofficialservant
of the monarchy of Great
Grain of all sorts, yearly,
wheat
at
Britain must
necessarily feel for the prosperityof
50s., "c
"134,000,000
all the g^reatinterests of the United Kingdom, more
Potatoes
20,000,000
"
for
that
and
the
stable
of
all
most
especially
greatest
the agricultural,
which in this counthose interests,
try,
Total grains
iri 54,000,000
well as every country under heaven, is
as
Hay, grasses, turnips,
the basis of all civilization,
national comfort, prosperity.,
straw
"120,300,000
and power and greatness,induce me
to trouble
Natural pasture
63,502,000
marks.
reyour lordshipat tliistime with the following
183,802,000
JMy purpose is to laybefore you, in the
Butcher meat, from cattle,
and facts reshortest possiblespace, the statements
garding
58,283,759
sheep
the relative magnitude,and value
and importance,
Do.
pigs and pork
21,000,000
of agricultural
property and productions,
"

Poultry,game,

compared with themanufacturing

property and
and

productions
of the foreign

as

rabbits,

"c.*

..

3,500,000

..

value
and also the real extent
food from
fisheries,
12,000,000
trade of this country ascompared
with the extent
94,783,759
of trade for the home consumption thereof. The facts
Milk, butter,cheese
32,500,000
be
in
of
service
to be adduced
may
some
tending, Vegetablesand fruits
16,000,000
rests
by the disclosure of truth, to defend the great inteAllowed for consumption^
of the country, when, as in the case
of the agricultural by farmers in some arti- " 2,500,000
either singly
at present, these
are
or
ther
togetides not enumerated t )
51,000,000
assailed by self-interest,
of the
ignorant
clearly
Wool, British
13,979,166
facts and bearingsof the gieat question,and at the
Hops and seeds
2,000,000
time utterly
reckless of the consequences which
same
Flax and hemp
2,500,000
which
must
sures
follow,the adoptionof the meamay,
Timber
3,000,000
which that self-interest instigates
mour,
public cla33,970,276
Mines,mineral3Ccoals,"c.)
the publicvoice certainly,
not
so
rudely to
55,419,442
call for from the executive government and the legislature
of this country.
Total produceagriculture
539,036,201
The references and the facts about to be adduced
DIRECT
IN
POWER
EMPLOYED
AGRICULTURE.
drawn from the most authentic publicsources
are
of
There are two ways of statingthis, jiroducing
as
and parliamentary
information,
generally
government
labour the same
result. Accordingto the
to human
documents
and inquiries.The general statements
of the po)"ulation,
last census
the families occupied
will stand
the strictest scrutiny.The
limits to
in agriculture
stood thus :
which
I am
confine
to
obliged
myself prevent me
761,348
England
from goinginto
every minute detail on every subject.
Wales
73.195
AGRICULTURAL
PROPERTY.
Scotland
126,591
Valueat
30
I
T".
Kental.
Ireland
,
884,329
;

..

"

..

.,

..

..

..

..

"

yeurs'purchase.

Great Britain " Ireland,land ."63,395,684."1,901 ,8/0,520*

Do., do., residencies, proprietors,
"c
5,000,090
ISO.OOO.OOOf
Do., do. ,timt)eiproduce yearly 3,000,000
90,000,000
Do., do., land tax. 1834
1,203,578
36,107,340
Do
do.,yearlyvalus ef titlies 4,841,053
145,231,590
Do., de., pooi-rales perpetual
cliarge,exclusive ef rent...
5,434,890
163,046,700
Do., do., mines,minerals, and
"i^lieries
3,991,031
119,820,9.30

Total

This number

families
of

..

at b\
families,

gives 10,040,101

1,845,463

persons
will
persons.and

to

each family,

give a direct

and
villages,
and

the rental of the houses of landed

others immediately
dependenton them

tors
propriein these

towns.

Accordingto the property-tax schedules, the number

of landed proprietors
in Great Britain ia 1812 was
589,374, of whom
assessed
114,778, having incomes
under
50Z. per annum,
were
exempted from the tax.
The number
of lauded proprietors
has since that

Take
A well-fed hen will produce240 eggs yearly.
the average at 200, then allow some
for wastage, and
The number
of eggs
10 per cent, for reproduction.
ber
produced in France yearlyis 7,380,925,000. The numof eggs imported from Ireland in 1837 (seeIrish
Railway Report 1838) was about 125,000,000. The
number
of poultry(dunghill
fowls) in France is about
in the United
be fewer
cannot
There
75,000,000.

certainlyincreased.

Kingdom.

No. 53 of 1823 gives the number

t Par. Ret.
of
houses occupied by landed proprietorsin England and
Wales, 43,484, and in Scotland 10,820.
X Exclusive of the value of the sitesof towns and

hides 5,500,000/.Proportionof these from

4,500,000/.;
to sell,
farmers' consumption remains with them
and

Praperty of proprietors j

85,665,658

2,604,077,080

period

some

The

tallow

small

produced yearlyis 100,000 tons,

produce,such

as

cabbagegardens,"c.

THE

221

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

50,000,000L are the productions

manufacture,fully
of the British soil and immediate British industry.
It is further necessary to observe that the proportion
tain
in Great Briof these manufactures
consumed
and Ireland,and that which is exported,
are
as
and onefollows : cotton, two-thirds consumed
third exported; woollen, four-fifthscon.sumed and
one-fifthexported; linen,ditto,ditto; silk,"c.,"c.,
and oneon
an average
nineteen-tweniiethsconsumed
"

twentieth

OF

CAPITAL,
PARTS.

PROPER

INTO

"c.

277013
373786
193117
259757

Essex
Kent
Lincolnshire
Suffolk
Norfolk
boaiersetshire

282158

174582

Northam\)t!)n3hire.

145516

CoinwiU
Devon

112.1.37
227421

the former poor laws in

manufacturer
and manual
turers
manufacin Scotland and Ireland,
where there were
no
poor laws,laboured under the greatestdisadvantage.
The latter were
reduced to starvation wages, especially
the hand-loom weavers,
while their employers
could afford to give them
In Scotland,
no
more.
while such were
earningonly5s. per week, those in
double the sum,
a moiety
Englandwere
receiving
and assistance equal to as
from
their employers,
from the poor rates.
much
In this way the
more

During

exported.

DIVISION

AGRICULTURAL.

CHIEFLY

COUNTIES

of
operation

the

England,the

was
Englishagriculturist

to a

largeextent

the

facturer
manu-

In several of these

sums

also allotted for

to
capital

allotted exceed the

a
the amount
as
comparison between
reality,
duced
proand the value exported
will readily
to
testify,
who takes the trouble to look into the table
any one
A few
of exports to different places in the world.
selections in proof
are
subjoined:

countries, the
foreign

sums

so

without any profits

from it ; and the manufacturers
turers
gainedso much over their fellow manufacand labourers in another portion
of the United
Kingdom ; in fact,the extent of the poor rates paid
and others in England,not manufacturers,
by agriculturists
and
was
an actual bountyon
manufactures,
MANUFACTURED
ARTICLES,
SUNDRY
confined to the export trade,which was more
cially
espeProduced.
Exported.
benefitted by it, equal to 10 per cent.
Thus
1834, Cotton goods
"52,513,586"20,513,586
a*
at all times
the very interest which is represented
Woollen goods
44,250,000
5,736,871
"
the
robbingthe poor and the labourer,was a'',tually
2,579,658
Linengoods
15,421,186
,,
in
interest which kept both
comfort, and far superior,
Silk ditto
13,425,510
(i.'J7,013
,,
indeed, to multitudes of their fellow subjects
Butter and cheese..
20,.500,O00
281,881
"
both in Scotland and in Ireland. How unjustand how
Coals and culm
218,205
17,984,887
"
wicked,therefore,is it to level againstthe agricultural
and
Iron,hardware,
"
intereststhe false and the cruel chargeswhich
38,170,600
2,869,437
cutlery
directed againstthem.
The prosperity
are
now
of
Brass and copper..
4,900,192
961,606
the land is so much
connected
with the prosperity "
Leather
18,000,000
248,302
"
of commerce
and manufactures,that no landed proprietor
Beer, ale,6c spirits. 47,163,847
192,698
"
sanction or seek legislation
can
ever
that is
Cabinet wares, paper,
,,
hostile to these interests.
really
"

....

"c

CAPITAL

IN,

CHARGES

ON,

AND

PRODUCE

OF,

18.'M.
and Charges, Produce.
Capital
Cotton manufactures
."40,973,87:2 "52,513,586
.

Woollen ditto
Linen ditto
Silk ditto
Leather ditto
Hardware " cutlery
do.

36,000,000
12,000,000
11,000,000
1 3,000,000
25,000,000
Copper and brass ditto.. 3,600,000

Glass,china,and earthenware

44,250,000
15,421,186
13,425,510
16,000,000

8,600,000

10,892,794
14,000,000

Spirits,
CBritish),
ter,
porsmaller

37,600,000

47,163,847

8,000,000

10,000,000

factures
manu-

Total

"205,773,872"259,412,709
It is necessary here to observe, that of the raw
material

for
requisite

The power

Totals

274,186,193

34,617,198

employedin

the British manufactures,

as

connected

with
especially

more

the

trade,
foreign

will stand thus:

According to the report of the
Factory Commissioners
(Tab. Rev. and Com., part
4) the total mechanical power, by steam and water,
employed in all the cotton, woollen, silk,and flax
about
manufactures
in the three kingdoms,was
"

six men
eacli power, to
About these factories there
were
employed,males, and females of all ages,
children.
were
355,373 persons, 50,000 of whom
The whole therefore,
of this human power, cannot be
In all
than 300,000 effective men.
taken at more
these four branches of mnnufactures there is employed
about
and engaged about them
2,960,000
of
persons of all ages additional. The total number

435,000 bfl!"eciivemen.

ditto

"c

377,941

31,072,600
4,673,186 72,500 horse-power,equalat

Paper, books, colours,

"c
furniture,
10,000,000

Sundry

14,000,000

FACTURES,
MANU-

the

precedingbranches

of

department,strictly
ing
speakto the best and
manufacturing,is, according
be
which
accounts
accurate
can
most
obtained,
or
1,500,000families,
say 8,200,000persons, one*

families engaged in every

THE

222

FARMER'S

half of wbicli may be taken as effective men.

This
number, with the above-mentioned
steam-povrer,

MAGAZINE.
indeed

of the value of the agricultural

ductions
protheir industrious tenantry raise.
would
be, in round
Beside these,there is yet another
numbers, 4,500,000 effective
very important
of the effective
class who carry on the trade which
or
one-fourth
is technically
men,
very nearlyonlj'
whicli is employed directlyin agriculture, known
in the ))ublic
under
power
the name
of the
returns
"
while nine-tenths of the whole employed in manufactures
Foreign and Colonial Produce"
ment.
export departwork
for the agriculturists
in
What this class,and all connected
exclusively
with them,
Ii eland, and their transmarine
Great Britain and
or dependentupon
them, are, may be judged of by
the amount
of the exports for 1837, which were
possessions.
as
Since 1834 and 1835, the years for which the
ceding under :
preconstructed,tliere has
generaltables were
Foreignand colonial merchandise exported
been an increase
in the cotton
in other
as well
as
from Great Britain
"13,223,331
branches of business.
This of course
ditional
requiresadDitto ditto Ireland
10,291
capital,and which, togetherwith some
items in the various branches, more
those
especially
Total foreign
and colonial
13,233,622
connected with the home
consumption trade,which
This business, and the important
class which carries
be exactlygot at, may give, at the very utcannot
most
it on, are whollyto that extent
unconnected with
for all, 12,000,000/, additional capital and
manufactures.
To the extent of 10,000,000/.at least
and say the same
of additional proextent
charges,
duction.
also be their property
of the generalimports,must
With this addition the capital
and produce
thus making their capital
of the
than the capital
more
of agriculture,
contrasted with the capitaland
as
cotton
manufacturers.
export
will
stand
thus :
produce of manufactures,
amount

which

"

"

"

Produce.
Capital.
.."3,258,910,810 "539,036,201
Agriculture
Manufactures.

271,412,709

1 ill

15 to

or

217,773,872

this further

capital,and double in produce,with

that in the agricultural
superiority,
tal,
capi-

it is all fixed and

The manufacturinginterest,
therefore,exclusively
with the trade to foreign
countries is,both

connected
in

but
capitaland production,

of the
the

component parts of

the

and
wealth,the strength,

small

portionindeed

numbers, the capital,

the

producing powers,

of this great country. '1hey are

ledged
readilyacknowin their place,and equally
to be important

real ; whereas
in the manufacturing,
considerable portionis made up of wages
with other classes entitled to obtain and to require
the attention of the government, and the fostering
to be given, and interest on value, buildings,
"c. ;
in the generalproduceof manufacand piotection
of the nation; but no more;
and, moreover,
not
tures
care
there is included a very consider;ible portion protection
at the expense of any other interest in the
terest
inreign community, and especially
at the expense of an
(at least 20,000,000/.)for raw material paid to focountries, amongst which at the present day
so immeasurably
superiorto theirs,and which
and rate of priceis probably15,000,000/.,
in one
in fact, the main
ticle
aris,moreover,
prop and stay, not
alone,cotton, which goes into the pocket of the
only of their manufacturing establishments, but of
in foreignparts, the United
States
agriculturists
every other manufacturingestablishment and interest
become
which
states
in this nation.
almost the sole
are
chiefly,
gainersby the cotton trade.
The capital,
then, which may be called the producing
The
exporting manufacturers,more
in the whole British trade of every
especially
capital,
those connected with the cotton
if
trade,speak as
in the
and
the real capitalvested
description,
the most importantinterest in the
theirs was
der
country, strictly
speakingforeigntrade, will stand as unand that,in fact, her revenues,
her prosperity,
her
:
in and are
wealth, and her power,
rest
dependent
British.
ForeigH.
them alone. The
will
preceding statements
upon
Agricultural
"3,258,910,810
shew the fallacy
of this.
But
these are
not
all. Manufactures..
178,404,276"l6,381,322
a

"

..

..

..

There

yet

remain

several

nearlyall of

them

Propertyin

houses

other importantinterests, Do. for British

possessions10,998,274
thus :
superiorto them
In For. and Col. pi'oduce,
Propertii.Gross rental.
10,000,000
export
"604,733,278 "40,929,940 All other branches above

much

"

"

Ships" tonnage,2,
864,493 33,573,032
Bridges,turnpikes,
canals,
railroads,
docks, "c."c.
Horses
Public

not

Funds,

powers
very

18,000,000

1,163,781,141

Total

12,000,000

..

agricultural 20,000,000

Funds, Loans
A

stated

4,626,084,501 16,381,322

..

PRODUCE.

COMPARATIVE

Chancery

Use,1834, S^c.Export,1836.

Home

to various

987,474,831 35,000,000 Agriculture

large proportionof this is real pro])erty, Manufactures

..

"539,036,201
218,044,137

..

..

Do. for British possessions

15,535,566 37,833,006
with manufactures
or
cial
commer10,000,000
Importsl836,less
and
of
the
remainder
not
above one;
of it For. and Col. prothird can
duce
belong to that portionof the population
47,230,968
exported
which may be technically
called the manufacturing
;
while onlyone-tenth of what remains belongsto, or is
Totals
819,846,872 37,833,006
connected
with
the
trade for

wholly

unconnected

business

manufacturing

nations.

The

manufacturers

nine-tenths of the

whole,

are

foreign

for the home

to

great extent

the

In noticing
the statements
made by the anti-cornmarket,
law manufacturers on this occasion, tlieproceedings
dent
depenA large of the great Manchester
convocation requirethe first

the interests just alluded to.

portion also of the above rental of houses belongsto
upon

proprietorslocated in
great agricultural

notice.

The

statements

which

deputyfrom Glasgow, made

Mr.

Johnstone,

the

that

A considerable amount
of the value of horses abovementioned belongsalso to them, which draw their
splendidequipagesalong the streets of the metro-

meeting are particularly

deservingof notice. This gentleman is an
and practical
and,
acute
proprietor,
mannfactuiing
is better able
connected with that business,no man

and
]iOlis,

to

consume

yearly a

very

towns.

considerable

giveuseful

and

correct

at

infoimation

than he is.

of this,and knowing that his statements

be relied on,
with that business
may

Aware

appealto

and

my

under

bring these
readily

more

and

statements

this

which, from

in

them

the
and

nected
con-

I the

view,
relordship's

your

the accuracy of
of tbe opinions

proofof

correctness

other

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

practicalinformation,

223

himself and his family

to his 40 servants ; say making
45
out
effective persons to the rental of 1000/.
ratio for the rental of
at the same
a-year. Now
Great Britain and Ireland (exclusive of
mines,
minerals "c.) 81,671,627/. the number
of effective
labourers will be 3,675,195; and at 3/. each the

taxes
which they pay yearly10,025,585/.;
I have formed on the important
subjectsnow under
but the
real number
consideration.
being5,500,000, consequentlythe taxes
Mr. Johnstone
fells us that he is a landed proprietor
paid by the direct agricultural
labourers or cultivaA
of lOOOZ. a-year rental,and also a
tors are
to the extent
16,500,000/.,
even
by the scale allowed by
chinery,
Mr. Johnstone.
cotton
goods manufacturer, employing,besides maWith
1700 hands yearly. As a landed proprietor
1557
effective hands that gentleman produces
dred
hunhe emplo\-es40 effective labourers
and
on
hisy'eiy
exports 7,800,000 yards of cotton goods
the rental juststated. His manufacturing
yearly.The total number of yardsexportedin 1836
acres, yielding
637 ,667 ,627 which
establishment throws off 25,000 yardsof
was
ratio would
at the same
quire
recotton cloth daily,or
7,800,000 yardsper annum,
127,276 effective hands.
The
taxes
paid by
each of these at 31. will amount
does
the whole of which he exports ; his
concern
to 381,828/. ; and
not
ask Great Britain to purchase a singleyardof
the hands employedin all the branches of
calculating
our
production,"but sells to " America, Brazil, the export trade at the same
of
ratio, the amount
taxes
Cuba, Manilla, Chili, and the like." He adduces
so
paidby the hands engaged in them, exclu""
the following
how much
sive of machinery,which pays no
viore
he, as
returns
to show
taxes, would be
a manufacturer,
1,185,905/.; for if 17,183,167/.the value of the cotton
pa3's in taxes than as an agriculturist,
of course
to be
supposed
goods in yardsexported,produce 381,828/.,the
leavingit as a mater
and believed that all manufacturing establishments total exports 53,368,571/. will produce the sum
to the agricultustated,1,185,905/.,while the agricultural
are
cultivators
rist
equallyand taxably superior
,

"

"

"

s.

d.
0

1087
on
974,400 lb. cotton wool
160
Ditto on dye stuffs,oils,"c
Ditto on 1200 barrels fine flour,at 20s. 1200
127
Ditto stamp for fire insurance,85,000L

10

Ditto

327
375

100

Duty

on

marine

insurance, 150,000/..,
returns, 150,000/

Ditto ditto on
Ditto on billsof

exchange

produce 16,500,000/. Again, there is fire insurance

duty paid on 85,000/. yearly. This may be assumed
to be not only the value of buildings
and machinery,

but

if this

10

10

yearly,6,948,942/.will cover the whole of the same

items in the total productionof 637,667,627 yards;
one-fourth of which
also
sum
may be deducted as
the value of the stock on hand,leaving5,186,705/.
as

3367

Total

10

to a certain

the

sura

these

in hand

also.

Now

thingson 7,800,000 yards

capitalreallyvested

for the whole

for stock

extent

covers

in

buildingsand

nery
machi-

cloth export trade of this

Mr. Johnstone.

cotton

to
country, according
such as tea, sugar,
taxable objects,
The Customs returns
facts
give us the following
in
hands
of his 1700
taxes
pay
with
the
to
state
of the cotton
regard
export
of
Mr.
Johnstone
course
means
trade :
that the adults or effective hands consume
this,not
value. Declared value,
Official
the children,or boys and girlsunder 15 years of
1820 exported
"16,517,748
The
which
of
few.
there
doubt
number
are no
a
age,
1832
do.
"43,230,921
20,854,243
as the correct
may be reduced to 1557 effective hands
1836
do.
58,491,731
24,632,088
tax-payers at the rate, and in the way, alluded
The same
tables givein quantityas under :
to.*
bourers
of his 40 effective agriculturallaEach
COTTON
GOODS
EXPORTED.
pay in taxes also 3/. on tea, sugar, "c.
Now
let us
attend to this valuable data. The
Yards.
Value.
Twist" lb.
Falue.
all the
whole goods are exported,and consequently
1820
248,370,630 ."13,153,529
23,032.325 ."2,826,639
1828
363,328,431
12,483,249
the
50,505,751
duties
are
sumer.
3,595,405
preceding
foreignconcharged on
1836
637,667,627 17,183,167
88,191,046 6,120,366
Now
it is contended that it is wise policy,
and in any nation, to get as much
as possibleof its
Where
then is the decrease complained of?
In
taxation paidby foreigncountries as
it fairly
and
1837 the export of cotton
twist rose to upwards of
Next Mr. Johnstone
paid for his 100,000,000 lb.,and lastyear it has been 115,000,000
honestlycan.
estate, it is stated, 31,000/. ('the
grainand pasture lb. The difference in value between the official
lands in Great Britain and Ireland,purchased
at the
scale and the declared value
stands thus very conspicuous,
ducting
some
and
ratio,would be worth 5,000,000,000/.! \) Dealso
very ridiculous. So long as it
therefrom the assessed and land taxes, togewould suit a purpose
so
ther
or
long as any particular
accounted
50/.,which Mr. J. admits he pays as an agriculminor interest, such as the shipping
tural
and
the colonial,
be beat down
to
proprietor,and also the stipends to the
were
bv a comparison

Adding that

on

each
"Scc.,
spirits,
yearly 31. each.

"

"

..

..

..

..

"

"

parochialclergyman and schoolmaster,overlooked,

it is presumed,it is obvious that I\Ir.Johnstone as a
landed proprietorgets about tliree per cent, for his
money

"

the

generalreturn
banks

of the
and

exact
for

Clyde,and

advantagesover
be worked
At

average.
*

The

the

other

data

show

to

be

the

Situated on the
few miles of Glasgow,

kingdom.
within

where the land is very fine,it is obvious,

Johnstone's property must
possess
great

that Mr.

can

sum

with

fewer
rate

proportion under

(Tab, Rev.

Mr.

hands
Johnstone

must

add

the

of their produce
magnitude and importance
manufacturing,so long the official scale,
the bitterest delusion ever practised
try,
any counupon
resorted
to by the manufacturers
was
; but now
that a similar objectis
soughtagainstother interests,
the

that scale is thrown

resorted

to in order

neither

does

The
general,and
thim the general

estates
agricultural

any

in

of

with

aside

this scale

official scale

as

and

to show

the declared
this but the

show

the Customs
is this
the following rates :

value

trade
declining

regards the

"

at

is

but

contrary.

trade in ticular
parvalue
ed
every yardexportcotton

"

*
that age in power-loom establishments
This,it is presumed, is the scale by which those
in Glasgow in 1832 was
365 out of 4323,
made out which Mr. Villiers in the House
returns
were
and Com.
part 3d, p. 108.)
of Commons
the other nightdesignated
as fallacies.It

THE

224

FARMER'S

England.Scotland. Ireland.
s,

d.

s.

d.

s.

16

d.

CalicOjWhiteorplain,
per yd.
Do.
or checked, do.
printed

13

16

16

Muslins, wbite and plain,do.

18

checked do.
Fustians, velvets,"c., do,

10

Do.

and
printed

10
0
5
0 "c. "c.
Counterpanes,each
(PaTl. Paper,No. 385, of 1826, p. 11.)
Thus an article intrinsically
not worth od.,is entered
.

these

Accordingto

the declared
value returns
for 1836 the average value of yardsof
cotton
was
stone's
5jpd.per yard(Mr. Johngoodsexported
scale by his exports and insurance gives4Jd.
them
all at
per yard)while the officialscale returns
about six times higher,
and thus as yards exa
rate
ported
the officialvalue is increased,
are
multiplied,
and a gross delusion imposed upon the country ; yet
in this excessively
even
magnifiedstate the value of
the land yearlyby the
laid on
the animal manure
farmer far exceeds the value of the export cotton
trade,and is in reality
considerably
greater than the
of the whole of that trade.
true production
The export manufacturers complainthat theyare
beaten by foreigncompetition,but they do not tell
the cause
the exact
of that competition,
nature
of
nor
it. That has been kept secret, and was
despisedand
"
ridiculed as longas possible
with the scoflf,
We can
defythe world Give us free trade We fear no
stand under it?
Well, how do matters
competition!"
The other nations of the world conceive wisely,
that itis
better to employ their own
people than to keep them
idle and dependentupon
foreignersfor the raiment
that is necessary to cover
their nakedness.
They
have
taken
cotton
it themour
selves
yarn* and weave
The
for themselves.
of cotton twist
quantity
exportedlast year 115,000,000 lb.,value 7,431,000/.
of the whole
cotton
nearlyhalf the amount
export
trade in 1820, will make
1,150,000,000 yards of cotton scoodssuch as those which are at presentexported.
To this extent, or at any rate to a very largeextent
of this,is our working weaver
and manufacturer denumber
or almos: double the whole
of yards
])rived,
of cotton goods at present exported.Yet how is this
to be prevented?
Not surely
the spinby stopping
ning
mills. 'J'his great export of cotton yarn acts in
at

rates.

enormous

"

two

ways,

equallyinjuriousto

"

our

MAGAZINE.
.S00,000bales, as much

did tben;furtlier,16
as tre
Hill in the United
ago, the forest of Low
States,echoed no sound but that of the cataract ; but
there is a water-powek
of 5000 horses there,
now

years

manufactures,spinning40,000
appliedto cotton
bales yearly. The United States,
he adds,not only
but to export ; theysend
manufactures
to consume
34,000 bales of cotton goodsto South America, and
17,000 to the Cape of Good
Hope, Calcutta, and
the thingMr.
Canada.
Well, this is free trade
Greg and others called for. Had the Americans not
been permitted
to go
to the last mentioned
places,
British cotton
goodswould have been taken in lieu
of theirs; as regardsalso the
bales sent to South
most
America, they were
probably British goods
in some
in
slaughtered
consigningslaughter-shop
know
New York. Mr, Greg must
littleif he does not
know
that this is often and to a great extent the case;
sold at New
York at 60 per cent, loss,the American
purchasercan under-sell the British exporter 30 per
Rawson
cent, (suchMr.
says is the extent of his
loss on
shipments made to every port in South
The only
America,)and yet have 30 per cent, profit.
way to prevent this is not to send so many goodsto
the placementioned.
"

When
the quicksilver
in the barometer
sinks to
is nigh
28 an serialhurricane from the westward
rica
and inevitable.
Whenever
it is boasted in Amethat the customs
York have been unusually
at New
there
return'?
that the revenue
productive,
of the United
than half the whole revenue
are
more
tablishments
States,then a hurricane in the manufacturing esof this country, which will shake the
and
whole to their foundations,is equally near,
reference is an
erring
una
equally inevitable. Such
lible
guide, and in its principlesequally infalas

100

weather

barometer.

manufactures

bales, her

former

300,000 bales, instead of

quantity. Russia,Mr. Greg

further informs us, manufactures

one-third the quantitythat Great

to the extent of
does
Britain now

nufactures
pei'haps350,000 bales. France, we know, ma300,000 bales,and Germany, "c., about
ber
200,000 more,
altogether1,150,000 bales" a num-

"

whole
greater than our
Now, who can
help this "!

manufacturing these

labourers,and the manufacturers for the home market.

First, to the extent mentioned it employscontinental

the

America

nations

are

wise

manufactures.
cotton
No
So long as
one.

and understand

interests,they will employ their

own

their

own

and
subjects,

their capital,
instead of the capitalof Mr. Greg, Mr.
instead of British labour
capital
A manufacturer, Mr.
Hind, I
Rawson, "c. "c.
and capital
demand
for
by the increasing
; secondly,
think, stated at Manchester, that the agriculturists
cotton yarn, the priceof the raw
material is Vept up
of this country must
be made
that there
to know
undue
to an
price,to the detriment not only of the
and very populous,nations in the
were
numerous,
market
home
manufacturer, but also of the export
world, and that their whole populationhad both
manufacturer,all the advantagegoing to the foreigner,
hands and feet. Well, surely after this notable
and to the American
interest in
agricultural
discoverythis will not be forgotten. One thing,
labour and

particular.
the

British

manufacturer is beaten by foreign

competition.
Why ? Let us take the account
givenby Mr. Greg,one of the best informed of the
manufacturers,to the Manchester meetingthe other
day. The United States, which he says, manufactured
manufacture
only 100 bales in 1814, now

Again

of the
however, Mr. Hinds in his enumeration
parts of the bodies of the people of other countries
forgotto mention, namely, that they had heads

also
heads, at least as wise,ifnot wiser than his ;
because these heads think it wise and justto protect
the operations of the hands, feet,and heads
of their own
people in preferenceto those of other
nations.
is indeed a most
fallacious test. Coffee,for example,
do not tell us the
Further, the manufacturers
is valued, per cwt."
England,140s.; Scotland,
56s.;
whole
truth why they are beaten.
First,it arises
Wine
\0l.
!!
is valued"
Ireland,
Portugal, 251.; from some
nations resortingto a restrictive system
22/.
French,
10s.; Madeira, 31/.; Rhenish, 28/. lOs.;
in order to protect their own
industrywithout
Canary, "c., 34/. per tun, old measure, in Englaud ;
else.
condly,
Sereference to Great Britain or any
one
in Scotland,Rhenish
is 82/, lOs.; in Ireland,25/. 10s.;
they are opposed by water-power,both in
Spanish,31/. 17s.; "c., "c.
What justidea can such
the United
returns
States,in Germany, in Switzerland, "c.
give of trade ?
*
Russia
and
the true secret
of the success
This
Russian
is
of the oppoPoland
take a very
sition.
large
quantityof this yarn" in 1836 the quantitytaken was
rer
Steam, the power the British manufactu19,178,483.
give
employs, and which he thought]|would
"

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

225

to say
the export manufacturers
mean
of the
they will export to various markets
world
alone,
(it is this portionof manufacturers
be it observed, who
complain so loudly)goods
to carriage but at a most
expensive rate, equal to the extent of the reduction of rental
of grain 1
which would
follow the free admission
and again brings back the manufactured
goods at
tional
It would
extend to 1,150,000,000 of yards addicilitates
an
equally cheap and rapid rate, and thus faof such goods as they now
the application
export, at the very
of water-power in places
lowest computation ; while the other portion of
where that power
could
not formerly be resorted
tent,
manufactures
would justlose, to an equal exour
to for manufacturing establishments.
Such is the

hira the command

of the commercial
world, now
not
only drives the machinery of various nations,
but also carries the raw
and with
material cheaply,
ticable
speed and safety,into countries formerly imprac-

into Switzerland
up the Rhine and the Rhone
the former river into Baden, Bavaria, "c. ;
by the Danube into the heart of Austria, Bohemia,
and Hungary ; and
by the Elbe and Oder into
This is the fact,and who
Prussia,"c.
can
help
it ?
No one.
and
It might have
foreseen
been

amongst

that

of their

case

and

by

partly guarded against, namely by keeping our

more

valuable trade

"

I say

valuable,

consumption trade is always

if ever.
well paid,the foreignrarely,
The real truth is, there are
more
goods made
the market
of the world can
and exported, than
or
buy and consume
consequences
pay for. The
undue export
of this system are, that whenever
an
takes place,terrible distress and wide-spread loss
sold at
and goods in gluttedmarkets
are
ensues,
be exported
such ruinous prices,that no more
can

because

the

home

The
markets to ourselves.
diiference of this
own
to steam
(see evidence Mr. J. Kempton,
power
Committee on Commerce, 1833) is as 2/. 10s. by water
but at a great loss,until these are
cleared out of
to 121. 10s. by steam.
In this way our raanufactin-es
from
Let me placebefore your lordship,
beaten, and will be beaten in many
are
countries, the way.
the officialtables taken from the Finance Accounts
unless they have
recourse
to a similar power.
the
And
merable of each year this state of the British trade for a
innuAmidst
why should they not ?
period of 12 years, contrastingthe exports, "c. for
valleysin the west of Scotland, and in
six years ending 1830, with those for six years
Wales and Ireland, what multitudes of fine streams
to give you a clear
These will serve
flow with rapid courses,
of which
ending 1836.
to the mouths
of the present cry
about
idea of the
cause
steamers
could go with perfectease and safety,and
distress amongst the exporting manufacturers.
material and
quickly and cheaply the raw
carry
the manufactured
goods to and from Liverpooland
KINGDOM.
THE
UNITED
OF
TRADE
Glasgow ! streams running through fertile valleys
into beautiful,
of the sea
navigable,and safe arms
where fish can
be had in myriads with littlelabour
and at a low price,and
other provisionsas cheap
as in any part of the
Continent, and cheaper than
they are in the populous parts of the United States.
This is an objectworthy the attention of both the
the landed proprietor,and manufacturing
government,
and
this resorted to, there will
capitalists,
then be no
gow,
necessity for Mr. Johnstone, of Glas-

transport his manufacturing establishments

to

from

the

Hudson,

banks
at

as

of the Clyde to the

Manchester
he seemed

would be obligedto do.

These are the causes,
are

of the

some

or

banks of the
to think he
causes,

that

of manufacturing
operatingagainstthat universality
nufacturers
our
supply which
generous and liberal ma-

call for,
"

causes,

my

lord, with

which

just protectionto our

agricultural
interests,have nothing to do, and
which are beyond the power and the province of
our

corn

laws,

or

rather

either the

British govei-nment, or any other government

ting
interfere with or to control. Admitthat the corn
abolished and grain
laws were
admitted
all quarters, free and
from
unfettered,
and that the manufacturers
took advantage of their
free scope to export goods so cheap, that they
do, beat all the
would, as they assert they can
?
be the consequences
would
world, what
First,
so much
income of the landed interests and
as the
all connected
ciency
with them
is cut off,would the defi[of consumption in cotton goods at heme
(all those finer descriptions,
too, whicli
require
to

manual

most

wealthy can
market

goods

labour, and

which

only

buy freely)and

the

sale of the

the

most
facture
manu-

of that and
of every
class for the home
fall off,while a greater quantityof cotton
would be thrown into the markets
of the

Continent

also into
them, and
markets, when
once
brought, they must, as in the United States,be
sold, slaughtered wholesale, purchased low in
one
place to beat the British manufacturer with
his own
Does
man
goods in another.
any sane
other

which

do not

want

countries, into which

"

"

226

THE

These

MAGAZINE,

FARMER'S

of foreigngrain, unrestricted,
The introduction
and no obsercomment
vation
would bring down
the price of wheat
at least onemay read them ; and if the
fourth, or 12s. 6d., all other kinds of agricultural
truth were
told, the loss sustained on the sums
be reduced in a sitiiilarmanner,
cause
bementioned
that all the relief produce must
in them
would show
which free admission of foreigngrain would give,
connected
with their production,
every one
could give to the exporting manufacturer
or
or
lief
redependent on that production, must find their
the part
to be obtained at the terrificloss on
In grain the remeans
duction
proportionallyreduced.
of all the other great interests of this country
would, at therate mentioned, be38,500, 000/.
would not nearly make
all agricultural productions
enable him
to
yearly, and on
good, nor
even
ratio in price, but
at the above
with his foreignrivals.
137,000,000/,
compete
successfully
So
at a higher or at its present ratio.
admitted free, much
more
that foreign grain was
Admitting
and that the agriculturist
far the farmer has relief againstthis to the extent
is no longer to have any
and his industry,
the reduction of 25,000,000/. reduced
rents, but beyond that the
protectionfor his capital
of rental could not be less than
25 per
producer and all connected with him must reduce
cent. We have seen
what this rental is" 81,000,000/. wages and expenditureto theextent of 112,000,000/.
This would give 20,000,000i.
Let all the other interests of the country, especialloss to the landholder
ly
the producers of iron, beyond the manufacturing
a
capitalof 615,000,000?.,equal to the whole
national debt, and
the
three times
much
as
as
exporter to foreigncountries, not British,look
think of this; and let the monied
terest,
into this and
capital vested in every species of manufacture.
So much
the
the landowner, and the government
less must
of
consume
every landholder
or
other article and produce imported into, two former, as it will affect the value of money
every
real capital,and
the latter, as it will affect the
in this
consumed
raised, manufactured, and
riorated,
These latter must be reduced in
would
his property be deteproduce of taxes.
country so much
in proportion proportion and, if the consumption of this country
one-fifth and so much
is in all things660,000,000/.,
and this produces
would the capitalof every establishment
dependent
tables

he

"

requireno

who

runs

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

home
trade and consumption be lessened.
manufacturing labourer for export would gain
ered
his wages be lownothing,for just so much
must
to enable his employer to export without
a
upon

The

loss
the

"

for it is impossiblehe
foreigner
; and so much

could
must

export to beat
the

wages

of

of every descriptionthroughout
every tradesman
the United Kingdom be lowered, while these would
all be
lowered
still greater extent
to
a

revenue
50,000,000/.
yearly,then one-fourth(forso
nearly)consumption reduced will produce
only 38,500,000/.,
which, deducting 20,000,000/.
for the yearly expenditure of the indispensible
national peace
establishments
(to say nothing of
war), leaves only 18,000,000/.instead of 30,500,000/.

it is

to

pay

the

national

annuitants

their interest ;

procuring a confiscation of nearly half their

or

perty
pro-

and which deterioration of their income and

which
additional labourers
property must again, to the extent of 12,500,000/.
will be thrown
the trade of every human
being
out of employment in agriculture, yearly, diminish
who
market.
works for the home
and forced into the manufacturing market, when
On London
the results will tell in this manner
those who
colonial
:
and our
for the home
work
Half the rental of the land at least is spent in
markets will be found discharginga largeportion
London.
of their hands, instead of employing additional,
rental,
Therefore, half the reduced

by the

number

"

of

"

the part of the proprietor; the

on
12,500,000/.,
of the deficiencyor deterioration of funded
at least an
more
equal
engine
; and
property, 12,500,000/.
of the generaldiminution, 112,000,000/., on
sum
markets
take them, or which, if these take them, cannot
agriculturalreturns, finds its way to London in
indirect expenditure together,37,500,000/. yearly,
pay for them.
half her yearly resident consumption and exThis would be the result of the present crusade,
penditure
in all thingsthus taken away
and transferred
if successful, even
amongst the manufacturing
to foreigncountries.
populationthemselves, and also amongst the agricultural.
even

recourse

at

wages
; while the exporter has
ideal greater trade to the steam
be slaughtered in
to produce goods to
which either do not want
them, will not

reduced
for his

whole

"

But

the evil to

the nation

does

not

stop

there.

and
Twenty millions yearly revenue,
615,000,000/.capitaltaken from the agricultural
proprietoralone of this country will add so much
more
to the property of the landed proprietoron
the
Continent, and his increased prosperity and
capital will enable him by banking, and other

similar establishments, to foster and support his

native manufacturers, like as British landed property,
fostered,
formerlyput in a state of activity,
of Great Britain
supported, made, the manufacturers
be disputed,
cannot
; for it is a fact which
that it was
real property banks, not manufacturing
mercantile ones, that gave the impulse to all our
national industry,and which in fact now
maintains
it. Withdraw
that, and the fabric will tumble to
pieces. Yet what is sought will not only withdraw
much
so
capitalfrom Great Britain, but plant so
much
disposablebanking capitalin the hands of
rival nations.
But this deterioration of the propertyof one class
is not
the whole
of the evil. In the estimated
value of the produce of agriculture,wheat, the
priceof which for various reasons
regulatesthat of
all other agxiculturalproduce, is taken
at 50s.

Such would be the state of London

at
half-pay
all the public offices ; her
clubs deserted ; her
and professional
all half
bankers, capitalists,
men,
"

idle; her butchers, bakers, tailors,dress-makers,

shopkeepers,artisans,"c., working half-tides,and
reduced

to

half

the

one-half; the
deserted

reigningin

lowances;
their customary
comforts and alrental of her
houses
diminished

splendid mansions

Regent'sPark
her

docks

of

the

uninhabited

and wharves

; and

nobility
solitude

;
a

weekly

substituted
poverty and necessity,
The
fourth estate of this realm
may emigrate, especiallyfrom the metropolis,to
another
hemisphere, and carry their types along
with them.
from
newspaper,
for a daily one.

to say that these losses

Now, does any one mean
will enable the exporting manufacturer
to beat
all foreigncompetition,and give them, even
down
if the world were
inclined to allow them, the command
of the world
One
tells us
of every market
?
that he is beaten by 30 per cent.
that
Another,
he is beaten, even
in a British market, 45 percent.
Either the one
be untrue,
the calculated
must
or
delusion.
relief must
be a dreadful
Besides, even
the cotton export
to gain this inadequaterelief,

THE

sacrifice 20 per cent, of his

strike that off his property
dead loss, to stand on equal ground with the
who
into the market
would come
capitalist,
must

manufacturer

capital
;

fixed
a

as
new

must

the

on
production

of
the

loss
other

every

; and

cheaper terms

only

not

strike off as
manufacturer
must
this amount
but
of his fixed capital,
manufacturing interest,and in fact

cotton

export

dead

he

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

227

examined, it is a miserable

and a sheer delusion.

fallacy
British labourer can do no such thing ;
for if he had corn
or food at the Continental
prices,
he
would, neither in the manufacturing, nor in
The

other

any
wages

department of life, receive

he

as

does,

now

that

journal

and

it is not

and

acute

so

much

so

littlesurprising
able as the

Times is,should
not see this.
Since the commencement
of

British manufactures
interest,shipowner, houseowner, "c.
they have ever been protected, and strongly
togetherwith the farmer, do the same
in this general reduction and adjustment
protected,against foreign competition in all the
thing. And
British dominions.
It was
does the fundholder
cape
reallytbink he can esright and just that
every other
"c., must,

will, after

He

the

land,

the

be

next

victim

the more
who,
they
destroy,the poorer they will find themselves in the
in this general reduction, Mr.
end.
Moreover,
to have forgottenthat the cotton
Johnstone
seems
spinner will have his share in the generalsaving,
of the
is calculated upon in the reduction
which
priceof food, "c. "c.,and he will accordinglysend
of

the

economists,
political

greater

quantityof

thus
keep every other cotton manufacturer
helplessstate if helpless
exporterin the same
it reallyis" that they now
are.
made
Of the statements
at these manufacturing
take
the following: Mr.
Brookes
convocations
stated at the Manchester
assembly, that where he
mans,
used to sell 1000 piecesof goods per week to Gerhe now
only sold 100 pieces,and that he sent
ment
goods to no less than 100 places. From this stateit might he supposed that the British trade
had actuallydecreased in that ratio.
to Germany
Let us, therefore,attend to that which the official
and

and

"

"

House

Custom

quantityand

returns

say

this

on

The
be so.
clamourers, however, on
present occasion, supported and called for a

the

different state of things. To a certain extent their

wishss and demands
chief
Miswere
complied with.
and others was
to themselves
the result.
Still
in favour of every British manufacture
heavy protecting
duties exist. The present protectingduties
on

pointboth

to

as

value.

goods,

cotton

those

even

made

in British

ritories,
ter-

is 20 per cent., and on j'arns 10 percent.,

other things 40 per cent., and even
higher.

foreigncountries,

to

yarn

these should

and

the direct taxation of the nation

During the war
fell heavy on
the agricultural
interest, and but
light on the manufacturing : the nature, extent,
and

result

of

that

tended

war

increase

to

our

manufactures, and the large profits obtained,

being then without competition,enabled the manufacturers
could under
to do that which
they never
other
circumstances
have done, namely, perfect
their machinery ; when
borne off their feet by their
success
they proclaimed themselves
invincible,
and
said to the world,
and take as much
Come
of this perfectmachinery as you please; we defy
operations!"
your exertions, and scorn
your puny
Behold
the result
the world
proceeds to beat
them
selves,
; and
yet, while enjoying protectionthemterest
Come, crush the greatest inthey say,
"

"

COTTONS

EXPORTED

GERMANY.

TO

Declared
1820..
1836..

includingHosiery.

Twist,

Goods.

Value,

47,658,283 11,627,328
37,558,457 31,323,478

"

in the

4,168,458^.

countrj', that

on

which

all

others,

the

all
manufacturing, depends; withdraw
protectionfrom it,and continue it to us, in order
GERMANY.
TOTAL
EXPORTS
TO
that we maj'^ proceed in our Will-o'-the-wisp
career
Declared Value.
the rising and
united
to crush
manufacturing
1827
4,654,618i.
energiesand exertions of the civilised world!"
1836
4,463,729/.
this the objectavowThis is the language held
ed.
there
is in goods is clearly
How
and how
Whatever
decrease
wild, how ungenerous,
unjust!
owing to the increased exportationof cotton yarn ; How
totallyoppositeto their own
principlesand
and thus, though Mr.
Brookes
does not export so
doctrines blazoned
to the world, namely, that every
others export
should
one
piecesof goods as he did, some
Then,
buy at the cheapest market.
many
mination why should
the greatest interest
in the country,
articles to an equal value.
This, with the deterof the Germans
for themselves
to manufacture
outweighing all the others put togetherby 15 tol,
with
their cheaper water-power, and also
not be allowed
continental
to go and buy from
our
?
by their protectingduties, are the causes
why our
neighbours their so nmch
cheaper wares
Why
trade with Germany must
do the agriculturists
call for thi ? Why,
remain stationary perbut
not
haps
decrease ; but it may
here be observed, that
because
stupid" (so a Common
they are not so
if they do not take so many
cotton
the other day designatedthem), as not
goods as they Councilman
of something else.
to know
that if they bought foreignmanufactures
Moreover,
did,they take more
corn-laws
have
throw
our
instead of British manufactures, they must
nothing to do with the argument
..

..

3,132,114^.

even

..

..

"

"

"

of the cotton
manufacturers,
take their corn,
Germany will take
I
to

never

spare,
The

will

if we

cause
goods, be-

heard that Germany had much

corn
of her
after supplying the wants

if any,

population,so

own

that
our

and

numerous

so

industrious.

Times

of the 31st ult. in its arguments for

the repealof the corn-laws, gives as an irresitible
"
and unanswerable
that the British labourer
reason,
can
exchange his week's labour for a much
largerquantityof corn abroad than he can get for
it at home."
Now, this is a very speciousargument,
and

is, in fact, the essence

assertions, and oratory of

and

of
the

all the

act

manufacturing exporters
one-tenth
embracing about
when

to

foreign

to

and

are

attended

to

market

for

one-

their

to

menace,
The

lose

must
produce. The manufacturers
the agriculturists
the agriculturists
as
act,
willing without accusation, reproach, or

of

towards

act

them.

laws, or, fair protectionto the agricultural

interest,are asserted to take from the pockets
of the British consumers
25,000,000/.yearly. This
and
ad captandum argument, if
false, fallacious,
corn

it

argument

which

sword,

the assailed.
to

the
All

tries,
coun-

only of

idle, and

countrymen

third

economist
political

the

raanufscturjng
trade; but

statements,

their

cuts

The

be

and

lower

than

more

of 245,000,000/. in manufactures.
extent
tell us, could
these, the manufacturers

purchased in

our

to be, is a two-edged
deeply tbe assailant than
sume
populationof this country con-

be admitted

can

other

in this ;

countries

40

or

50

even
consequently,

per cent,
at 40 per

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

229

convert into cash, at the reguowner

manufacturers
can
lar
prepared to state and to
The
show
that their increased foreign trade would absorb
discount rate of banking establishments.
his yarn, bought at six
turn
to equal advantage
all this
mannfacturer
and at equal wages
can
months'
labour 1 With the result mentioned, the step would
credit,into goods in a month, and into
lower the value of all the present grazing establishcash by receivingbills tor them, which he discounts
ments
and returns, by bringing an
in his regularmode
in a week more
additional extent
; and this,even
facturer
of conducting business.
of production into the market,
which
could
Consequently the manuhis capital
four times
even
or
he used or consumed
turns
tion
not
over
from the generalreducsix times in a year, while the agriculturist
can
of capitaland wages in that as well as in every
only
terests
In truth, the banking inother branch
Such
turn his capitalonce.
of business in the kingdom.
of
the manufacturers
tion
to a great extent
reduction of wages
are
is inevitable,and such reducthis country. The owner
of works and machinery
of all wages,
manufacturing and otherwise,
in all
can
would reduce consumptionin every
act in the same
thing. Such
way as the manufacturer
his future operations,with
the exceptionof the
be the result.
must
In fact, the manufacturers
capitalvested in such buildingsand machinery ; tell us that without a reduction of wages they could
jected
is not subcall
while it is clear that the manufacturer
derive no
advantage, and they consequently
in his business
on
count
acto greater drawbacks
for a reduction in the price of provisions,as the
is on
than the agriculturist
of bad markets
of enabling them
stillfurther to reduce
means
of bad seasons.
account
already in many instances, for the sake of
wages,
The
of foreign grain
unfettered introduction
attemptingto beat foreigncompetition,reduced to
would not only occasion a deterioration of all rental,
result of the step recommended,
the starvation point. The
ail labour, and
all property in this country
demanded, would to the extent
nay
the decline of price
nomy
ecoequal to the difference between
coollycontemplated by cold-blooded political
and the present price of grain in this country, or
calculators,first,deprive the landlord of at
the future price it will be got at from those countries
least 20,000.000/.(more probably 24,000,000/.)of
the supply is expected ; but the
from which
bis income : secondly,curtail the expenditure of
attack upon property would render
in direct food and wages
settled
the farmer
45,000,000/.,
everything unand
and supplies31,003,000/.
and in indirect wages
insecure, shake all confidence in both
;
the landed proprietorsand the farmer ; improvesuch as rental of houses,
all other fixed incomes
ments
and
the part of both would
on
necessarily,
together,112,585,988/.;
funds."c."c, 17,585,988/.;
from necessity,
only independent of the reductions which would follow
cease
; and the latter would
give, and could only give, such a rental for the
in the shipping interest,the employment of horses
land as would to the utmost
him from those
and the manufacturing departsecure
ments
not agricultural,
future changes and depreciationswhich fresh inroads
of every description
engaged in working for
and fresh laws of a descriptionlike those
Yet unless the few exporting
the home
market.
The detedemanded
riorationmanufacturers
would subjecthim to.
now
increase the foreigntrade of
can
of rental and the depreciation
of agriculthis country, at present, say, average
27,000,000/.
tural
and profits
that from its extent
be even
so much
greater from this
property would
yearly,
than from the former, and, united, could not
cause
good all the foregoinglosses to
they could make
be the
be less than
25 per cent., if not
still greater
a
other classes of the community, such must
amount.
residts to the country, and to allher great interests,
in
With this reduction, or rather a depreciation,
commercial, manufacturing,political,
agricultural,
of the export
the value of all agricultural
the present demands
duction and social,were
property, a similar rethe wildest
Does
take place in the value of all other
must
manufacturers
complied with.

bill which he

or
personal, all other rental, every
income, and the value of money,
every
other thing must
be in this manner
reduced, but
the national debt due to the lawful creditor;and

property, real
other

it is

"

to

observe

circumstances,

stand

scarcely
necessary

under

such
extent

and

value,

force of circumstances,

proportionthan

any

but
be

other

that it could not,

day at its present

it must,
reduced even

that

from
more

the
in

property, naj', probably

swept away altogether.

It is easy for manufacturers
theorists to declaim : it is easy

be

and

most

extravagant amongst

them

to

mean

say

they could, in their small field a fieldlimited,

the interests,the energies,
too, by the wisdom,
of all the remainder of the civilised
and the activity,
make
world
good to the nation the above loss,or
the value of the yearlydepreciationof gi-ain
even
which would
only (at 20 per cent., 30,400,000/.),
ensue
by listeningto their /e/oclese counsels ?
and the
the enormous
We
have
injustice,
seen

that

"

"

enormous

loss,which

would

be inflicted

on

all

our

by the adoptioiid' the system

and let
for all such to tell required by the exportingmanufacturers,
one-third of the lands now
cultivated in
to look at what
next turn
they would gain by it.
us
us, Throw
grainout of cultivation,and put these into tillage, Their avowed objectis a reduction of the wages of
low
and an immense
at least a
their labourers, already sufficiently
ensue
advantage would therefrom
the general interests
to
AVhat
of this country.
in proportion to the reduction of the
reduction
blindness! What
infatuation 1 Such a step would
price of bread ; for surelythey do not propose that
chadnezzar
throw
and hay, like Nebushould
eat
550,000 horses, 160,000 oxen, and 3,000,000
these
.grass
human
the
in
beingsout of agricultural
employment (but
days of his insanity and
tion
he taken up in grazing cona small portioncould
and as
debasement
cerns),
they look for no reduc;
taxation is concerned,
throw
of expenditure where
all theseon the labour
and, moreover,
factured
market of the manufacturing and other departments
but
only in the price of food and other manufor clothing" which
at the moment
articles necessary
when, owing to the dischargeof the
it may
ment
reduction, be it observed, whatever
power mentioned, from its proposed useful employin agriculture,
such
at the
be, is made
department, or
expense of the comforts of
every
this
business, or individual in the kingdom would, from
their fellow-subjectsand fellow labourers"
of the saving which they seek and
is the
amount
necessity,be engaged in dischargingto a certain
and to a similar extent, the power
ploy
emcall for.
Admitting that the export manufacturer,
they now
in their diflferentavocations.
Are the export
by the reduction of the value of all other property,
manufacturers, the steam-loom and steam-engine and cost of manufactures, "c., in this country,obto

complain and

national

interests

"

THE

230

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

sive
tained his food and supplies
of every kind, excluof taxable cost, say 25 per cent,
cheaper
that
he could
which
certainlyis the very utmost
what
will be the results
do, or that he could expect
with
to our
as
foreigntrade, and those connected
who
labour
it
or
directlyfor it ? In the first
place,the labourer, or artisan,for this department
much
whit better, inaswould find his situation not one

in which
tural
everythingregardingthe agriculwill be placed,by the pressure from
without, rents will fall to a greater extent than the
and
rate
just mentioned
probably exceed 25 per

he saved in food and clothingby

lose in wages
the reduction alluded to, he would
reduced
else his employer, according
just so much
; or
tage
to his own
account, can obtain no advanwhatever.
the wages
of
Secondly, suppose
every manufacturing labourer,of every description,
and
10s. per week, or 26^. per annum,
to average

supplyus

curity
"

"

"

as

that the

whatever

whole

sum

interest

cent,

Let

which

the

rate

which

us

next

look

ours

has
in

exports,

if

reallycould, even
with

EXPORTS,

corn

taken.

been

those

at

foreignco\mtries

order

to

to

ascertain if these
inclined so to do,

they were
descriptions.

of all
1836.

Foreien

"

declahed

value.

Countries.

paid yearlyis 130,000,000/.,

so

half of this 25 per cent, is saved ;

the amount
is 16,250,000/. yearly. Now,
so saved
terests
whole
will this aifect our
how
manufacturing inthen be taken, not a
must
for the whole
part. On 270,000,000L, the whole production of
manufactures, the saving would be 6.1 i)er cent.,
tell us that they would
quire
rewhile the manufacturers
this is
40 to 50 per cent.
Moreover,
from
and

that

on

the

"

all they propose to export a greater quantity

goods ; and suppose they double these, then the
above
perhaps one-half,
saving would be reduced
that the relief they demand,
showing, either way,
and in their own
admitting,too, that everything
way
not

"

of

"

else stood the

to

the

accomplish

could
them

not

be the

case

sacrifices necessary

enormous

object mentioned, but which

is quiteinadequate to make
"

of the trade of the world,

masters

or

to

even

foreignersin those
the goods of both
all goods, or
where
markets
parties,are fullyadmitted upon equal terms.
But, if we confine this savingtothecotton exports
bring

them

with

compete

to

unfavourable
to the
the results will be more
Mr. Johnstone
manufacturers.
gives us excellent
data to ascertain this. He
spins and throws off
25,000 yards of cloth daily,with 1,557 efl^ective
whole
hands.
at this ratio,the
Now
export of

alone,

cotton

goods

labourers.

as

given

261. per

in

yards,require 120,270

annum,

their united

wages

3,127,020/. Twenty-five per cent, saved

one-half of this is 390,877/. The total quantity

would
on

At

be

which the
on
goods exported is 17,183,167/.,
preceding saving is just 2.29, or 21. 5s. Jijd.per
The
cent.'.! There
exports to the British possessionsdo not
would, indeed, be the interest on
The
difference which aparise from
excess
or
which would
the saving of the capital,
vary much.
pears
so
the general leduction of all wages and supplieson
great in this year beyond the average,
from
excessive
arose
laid out in buildingsand machinery to add
the sum
speculativeexports to all
to the United States,
to this,which, according to the scale furnished
foreign countries, especially
by
Mr. Johnstone, is about
exceeding the general average
by 12,000,000/,
5,211,706/.,in machinery
is accounted
China
because
as a British possession,
and
buildings; the interest on 25 per cent, saved
with
that country is conducted
will amount
to 72,500/., the trade
in establishing
these which
a
upon
peculiarand separate footing.
not
tual
acor, the whole
quitea half per cent, more;
Even
of the preceding
examination
a
cursory
saving under three percent. quiteinadequate
will show
the fallacyand the absurdityof
return
the export manufacturer
to gain the object which
other objection the cry raised about
tries
has in view, admitting that there was
no
exchanging goods with counwhich
would
Prussia
But
the
to the
give corn in return.
experiment to be made.
of them
and Russia excepted,not one
have any to
of
be relieved to the extent
manufacturers
cannot
of the priceof food
a wise policyto
25 per cent,
pursue
spare, and these countries
by the reduction
work
for themselves
and
in every
manufacture
introduction of foreigngrain ;
from the unfettered
Nor
could they
tend to
because
that unfettered introduction would
thing as far as they possiblycan.
this country would
raise the price of grain in those foreignccintries
require
spare the supply which
which
have it to spare, and prevent it from
falling to make up the deficiencycontemplated and called
for. The
United
States cannot
take the
Let
us
in this country.
give us grain.The
to that extent
in Poland for example
rise in these
countries
cheaper grain of continental
Europe, Dantzic, "c.,
States in the
from the United
is superseding that
the
to be 40 per
cent. ; then to half that amount
of the tropical
world.
fall in this country will be prevented. Twenty per
Holland,
general markets
with 3,000,000of people,takes three times as much
cent., then, will be the loss to the British farmer
South
from
us
as Belgium with 5,000,000, and New
all his productions,and also on the value of his
on
Wales
the great empire of
stock ; but from the uncertainty
as
and state of insenearly as much
of

"

"

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

231

with itto the muzzles,would do no harm to any one,

fires the
him who
neither him who
is shot at, nor
mane
that this and
nation ought to
piece.But in this instance, as in others, these huevery other
the consequences
of
and
look
increase of their
for the maintenance
exporters do not see
their preventive check, because
the poor people
and their commerce.
manufactures
armed
with
the justhe humanity, the patriotism,
are
To crown
tice, who in the national African wars
their muskets
and their powder, and who
with
of this export manufacturing
and the wisdom
these
hinted that
conclave at Manchester, the chairman
go against another nation armed with good
tions,
could be got 50 per cent, cheaper in the
powder and good muskets, bought from other nasugar
have
chance for victory; but are either
no
Brazils than in the British colonies (adding that
in whole armies at
slain in the field of battle,
his honest assistant Liverpoolbrawlers
carried this
or
and sold as slaves to the
reduced
to slavery,
from Brazils to the Cape of Good Plope,and thence
once
the bloody
brought it into Liverpoolas British colonial produce!^, foreign slave-trader, or sacrificed on
altars of the bloody African deities,it beingalways
and coffee at one-half the price,
which,
the policyand the practiceof African chiefs rather
matter
of course, ought to be preferredand
as
a
tioned
exchanged for cotton goods. This is well ; this is to catch their antagonistsfor the purpose menthan to kill them
consistent indeed on the part of those who clamour
outright like civilised
sian
for the free introduction
of the Polish and Ruspeople.
The
zils,
and ammunition
and coffee of Braarms
exported to the west
corn, which, like the sugar
of Africa, in 1836, were
to the
value of
is produced by absolute personal slaves ; and
coast
Indies
and consistency, 137,678/., and
to Brazils, and the West
to outrage truth, honour, justice,
mingham,56,536/.,
and humanity more,
it was
also adverted to at Birtogether194,214/. Sierra Leone received
much
that year 285,0001b. of gunpowder, and the year
amidst
similar conclave,how
a
had been
effected by union in the questionof the
Speaking of the slavepreceding 20,000 muskets.
Jimeto
not far from
trade at Lambatiklia,a town
emancipation of the West Indian slaves. For anything

China
and

proofsthat

"

it is to

industryof nations, not

the

consuming powers

to multitudes

of

kind,
man-

Birmingham to boast of what

question,where they
succeed
in despoilinga portion of their fellowsubjects,without
making themselves rich, is a
piece of the greatest impudence, and the bitterest
insult ever
offered to human
reason.
Birmingham
all other places,contributed to inflict
has, above
deeper miseries on Africa,and to lead into personal
millions of
slavery,internal and external, many
her unhappy sons
than any other
more
infinitely
The African slave-trade,
place or people on earth.
its state and extent, will speedilycome
before the
before your Cabinet,
country, as it has alreadycome
from a quarter and authoritywhich will claim the
attention of this country, and even
of Birmingham
itself;and when the publicfind that about 180,000
has yearly
Africans are yet yearly,as this number
or

theydid

any

in

duringthe

one

that

in

momentous

last 30

from
been, carried away
40
their country
number
carried away
lifealmost
years ago), and at an expense of human
to an
equal extent annually,they will inquire,they
will listen when
they are told, as they are now
are
told,that all these unhappy creatures
chased
purby the most worthless descriptionof goods
made
by particularindividuals in Birmingham,
Manchester,aud Glasgow ; and in many instances
these goods not even
shippedto their destination
in Africa by a circuitous route.
The
lude
goods I alto are goods that, when
rubbed or wetted in
the slightest
manner,
appear in fabric like so many
in a deserted dwelling;
unglazed window-frames
and
when
subjected to the vapour
arising in a
colours such
tropicalci'owd or assemby, assume
the rainbow
as
and no designerever
never
saw,
in the
imagined. Such goods, I repeat, are made
placesmentioned, and with a full knowledge of the
place and the traffic for which they are intended.
In particular
Birmingham is the great emporium
for the manufacture
for the coast of
of muskets
of slave barter, and the
Africa,the great medium
of procuringslaves.
means
They cost 7s.,and are
sold in the markets
the other side of the Atlantic
on
for 2" dollars.
They will hurt no one but
him who
uses
them, and whose brains are not safe
if he chargesthem with good powder. The humane
and considerate
of
exporters and manufacturers
such wares,
however, do the best they can to prevent
this catastrophe,by gettingpowder made as
big as peas, which, even were the muskets filled
years
(treblethe

to

the

north

of the

Central

Kong

range,

De

Caille,

vol. 1st, p. 312, says, " All the goods which

are
sold at the European settlements on the coast
are
traffic ; the slaves are
destined for this infamous
not
exported,it is true, but they are no better off
value of a musket
The
and a
than if they were."
few pounds of gunpowder will purchase a slave in
of bringinga dozen
the interior,
and be the means
into that
How
individuals more
state.
many
Africans, therefore,do certain Birmingham anticorn-law agitators thus tend to enslave annually,
independent of the dishonesty of cheatingto the
poor African,to the loss of his libertyor his life,
both ?
Instead of assemblages such as this takingcredit
for humanity, to which they are
to themselves
instead of reviling
and endeavouring
not entitled
in pursuit of idle,
to despoiltheir fellow-subjects
impracticable theories, they
dangerous, and
for the sake
of their
ought to be engaged even
What
has
self-interest in oppositeconduct.
own
been
done or thought of for India or for Africa,
which the ears of
for the welfare of both, about
this country have been
stunned
for years
past,
To
the
from the same
and especially
quarters ?
cotton
especially
portionof these conclaves I more
India and Africa, the latter in
address myself.Both
an
throughoutall her borders, proespecialmanner
duces,
and can produce with even
common
care
the
cultivation and
bestowed
on
preparation,
cotton, of a qualityas good, nay, generallybetter
or

"

than

that

America.

Let

is, and

how

lamentable

and,

dependentupon
thus

is obtained

which

especiallyfrom

more

from

the

other

United

quarters,
States of

what
the latter quanexamine
tity
this country pays for it,
much
to say, ho,v completely she is
it.
The importsthis year stand

us

"

Bales.
*

United States
Brazil and Portugal
East Indian

1,124,120

137,770
107,480
28,240

Egypt
West

31,180

Indian, "c

1,428,790
*

From

the 5th

January

to the

1838, the quantity importedfrom

5th
the

of

December,

United

States

THE

232

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

value of this at the market pricemust

be so simpleas to be caughtby such a bait,or to
siderably
conexceed
into the pit which has been so officiously
20,000,000/.paid to foreignnadug
run
tions
but nearly wholly to one
for them.
On
that interest it must
bring loss.
:
particularrival
turers,
The grain would
manufacturingforeignnation. Will our manufacbe, if brought at all,carried by
the people of this
the government, and
foreign ships. Besides, the shipping interest
well that 10,000/. value,carried in sugar,
country not open their e3'es to these appalling know
than
facts ? Not only is our
wise, and, as they would
or
tonnage
coals,or timber, emply more
Attend to the
have us believe, far-sightedand superior-sighted400,000/. in cotton manufactures.
United States. In their exports of about 20,000,000
manufacturers, wholly dependent upon the United
dollars in provisions,lumber,
States for a supply of cotton, but every few years
timber, stores, and
the keen-sighted dollar-makingpeople of these
fish,"c., to different countries,and the returns in
whifh
established in Liverto
the countries
pool,
states and their connections
produce obtained from
gland, these exports are sent ; these states employ four
by speculationsartfullygot up, fleece Entures
manufacand
manufacturers
times as much
others, of at lea5t
tonnage as all our cotton
It was
4,000,000/.of money ; and at this moment
they
put together,inwards and outwards.
the carriageof heavy articles that increased the
are
sucking the heart's blood,not only out of our
manufacturers, but out of the labouring population,
tonnage of the mercantile marine of Great Britain ;
The

and it is the carriageof such that is increasingso

partments
engaged in the various deof the United
marine
manufacture,by keeping rapidly the commercial
and almost invincible money
States,and to a degreethatwill render these states,
iniquitous
up from
the priceof the raw
in the event
combinations
of another
material, while
most
dangerous
war,
the pricesof goods not only do not
enemies to Great Britain.
not
rise,but canNor is this all. The security
of the fundholder
rise ; because that high price of the ravv material
paired,
that is shaken, imin this country not only puts money
When
into the
rests whollyon the land.
and capitalist,
and endangered,
the machinery of cotton
pocketof the American agriculturist

especiallythose
of the

cotton

enables the

American
manufacturer
to manufacture
material at a lower price,
raw
and which, with his other advantages, such
as
must
daily tend to circumscribe
"water-power,
from finding
British manufactures
a market,
both
in the United States and
elsewhere, and tend to
extend their manufacturing
and to
establishments,
and to cripple ours.
embarrass
If our manufacturers
are
so blind as
not to see
if the country is so stupidas not to see
this
it

but

from

the

"

also

then

both

stupid

"

possibility,
nay, certainty,that
which

had struck o"th\s

and
at its pleasure,
fifth,

that very

are

"

more

stupid"common

ignorant

councillor

of

to be

the

same

power

fifth,
m;"y strike off another
call

on

the fundholdei'S also

present income ?
private property, at the
asserted
that the
who
London
working turists
agricul- voice and at the command of a self-interested,
perhaps
of his native country (what has he done to
stand still. It renders
unprincipled,
multitude,never
this ignorance?) were
the most
the invader of it worse
remove
off than he was
before ;
"stupid"
hurries him on to callfor a greater
people on the face of this earth ; and seeingit, and, consequently,
and not taking sane, and
sacrificeto satisf^his theoryor fillhis pocketat the
proper and early mea-

than

"

and

mills is littleworth, nor could the Chancellor of the

Exchequer borrow so much money on them, under
the circumstances
mentioned, as would give your
and official
servants about
lordship,
your colleagues,
Downing-street,their dinner. Strike off one-fijth
from its value,and will not the security
of the fundfrom the
holder be so much
weakened
destroyed,

with

content

Inroads

made

once

the half of their

into

the
to prevent it,both
and
With such a diminution
sm-es,
country and the
expense of another.
deserve
the
manufacturers
fate which, by reof
maining destruction of real and lawful
property the taxes
under
lusion,this country cannot
apathy, and ignorance, and debe raised. VV^ithout these are
and
misled by rogues
fools, inevitably raised,how can the national establishments be supported,
Did Great
awaits them.
Britain pay to Africa
the national creditor paid? Look around
or
and India
20,000,000/.yearly for cotton, it is you while there is yet time,and avert by judgment
and decision the ruin of our common
plain that these quarters, more
especiallythe
tional
country.The naformer quarter, could take, and would
take, to an
the national
resources
once
impaired,
seriously
credit once
equalvalue of our manufactures,and pay for them
doubted and lessened,where then will be
such an
too ; while
improvement in the social the Bank of England,the prop and stayof all the commercial
of Africa would
condition
enable her in other
interests of this country in the day of prosperity
to take double the value of other mercantile
well as
in tLe day of danger? Where, I
ways
as
articles from us.
These are the quarters for our
how will it be"situated
with itsload
ask,will it be
to look to for real and
manufacturers
of government securitiesshaken, discredited,
permanent
ated
deprecirelief,and not from blind and destructive crusades
?
Can your lordship
or your
colleaguescalmly
of their country,
led against the agriculturists
vade
contemplatethe results ? Yet you are asked to indraw
whose destruction would
down on
infallibly
that which must
shake
these securities this
the heads of all our
criptionbulwark
manufacturers,of every desand leave them liable to be further and at
and degree,utter ruin.
invaded by the same
pleasure
rude, senseless,and
The shipping interest are, amongst others, appealed reckless array more
easilythan at a previousperiod.
to for sympathy, assistance, and
The banking interests in this country are, as has
support,
benefit their interests on
as tending thereby to
been stated, to a great extent, the manufacturers of
this occasion.
What
matchless
to
effrontery,
this country. Without
their aid and
assistance,
from a quarter and a class which, more
come
than
raanufactures could not be carried on to the extent
any other, and before every other, has for many
of all
they are, and theyhave been. The stability
to embarrass
years been doing everythingin their power
these (jstablishments is based upon fixed property-"
the interest in question,nay, to ruin it
the land, and the public securities of the country.
The
altogether!
shipping interest will scarcely Any banking establishment otherwise constituted
go on, and be of service in the hour of prosmay
perity
in pounds 444,000,000 ; two-thirds
the day of battle and of war"
of this is
when
was,
; but when
brought in American
and unexpected pressure
ships,and one-half of it also the hour of severe
comes,
as American coasignments.
actually
it is onlyon banks erected on the foundations men"

"

"

THE
that
tioned,

the

and
manufacturing

interests can depend. Touch

which these latter banks
on

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

the commercial

233

such

a course

property, therefore, than another

the

established
late,
annihithe measure
as
proposedwould annihilate,onefourlhof all the real property in the country, and
and every interest in it was
while everything
ed
coverthese banks would not only
with loss and dismay,
and
be unable to render the assistance required^
which theyotherwise could have
given,but they
must
contract
in quiettimes their business
even
above one-fourth,
and thus curtail to an alarming
tent
excommercial
all manufacturingand
operations.
The corn-laws do not deprive the population of
food as has been wickedlyrepresented;
but, on the
theynot onlyfurnish that food for them,
contrary,
but afford them the means
draw
of procuring it. Withand both
these laws, or rather that protection,
food and wages would vanish from the grasp of our
are

"

as

this nation

does.

Each tries more

support, protect,and

to unite,every
interest that composes the whole,and this too without
to other powers, in
evincing
any hostile feelings
to

with these
to anythingconnected
preference
Why does not the people of Great Britain

the

same

course

? and

why does

so?

The

intention of
to conquer

the

pursue
her government
that they must
do

not

and fearlessly
tell them,
instruct,

avowed
to the

powers.

Alexander

and Napoleon,
sanity
compared

world,was

designpromulgated
by a small knot of exporting
led by a few wrong-headed
manufacturers,
tical
polieconomists to monopolise the whole manufacturing
business thereof.

The world

the senseless
repels

step with
mind
with

you

in the

derision,and every right-thinking

United Kingdom repudiatesthe design

and indignation.
The day,my lord,that
their clamour,and submit to their dictation,
that day you tear to pieces
the title-deeds of

scorn

yieldto

manufactures
of all descriptions
on
all real property in the United
in this country be annihilated. Such would
der
Kmgdom ; you renthe foreign
the securities for funded property not worth the
be the result of enriching
unquestionably
cultivator at the expense of the British cultivator.
cost of the paper
which
on
theyare drawn ; you
The fact is self-evident to any but error the most
the last link of the
sever
to Ireland
by injustice
and prejudice
the most
Ireland* with Great
obstinate,
blind; and it is chain which connects
tain,
Briand respectable
and you render the crown
of England not
quitelamentable to see intelligent
manufacturers
with
men
practical worth 12 months purchase,even to the hand which
every where
and fortunes like Mr. Johnstone
be found sufficiently
knowledge,industry,
may under such circumstances
and Mr.
Greo; suffering themselves to be
daringand bold to bid for it.
made the mere
and mi:jI am, "c.
of idle theorists,
cat's-paws
chievous politicians,
whose aim is mischief,and v/ho
JAMES
M'QUEEN.
can
London,Feb. 9, 1839.
onlylive amidst turmoil and agitationthe curse
and destruction of all peaceful
and profitable
pursuits,
commercial,and manufacturing.
agricultural,
Were her Majesty's
sessment
government to call for an asof this country in order
upon all the capital
ANTI
CORN
LAW
DELEGATION.
to pay off the national debt, it would
quicklybe
found how the capital
in manufactures would shrivel
The
followingis a copy of the queriessubmitted to
and approved by the delegates,
for circulation through
up and evade the touch as comparedto what is vested
in land and other fixed property. Such
a measure
the country, addressed to persons engagedin commerce
csuld only placethe British manufacturer and agriculturist,
and manufactures.
The
series which
follows is addressed
of production,
on
as to cost
anythinglike
to persons engaged in agriculture
:
instance
w
ith
for
the
the
an
equal footing
foreign,
"
ANTI
CORN
LAW
DELEGATION.
Polish cultivator ; but tillsuch a measure
has been
"
Sir" The deputiesfor obtaining
the repealof the
carried into effect,
tillthe national debt is fully
paid,
laws request your answers
corn
ing
to such of the followlet no British
the words
free
ever

and
population,
would

"

"

"

"

tongue

pronounce

"

queriesas

sources

of information

enable

your
may
trade in corn, a free trade in every thingelse. Such
gislative
you to furnish,in aid of their important object" a lebe without robbingto his
a state of things
cannot
repeal of the duties and restrictions on the
last farthing
the national creditor.
That step taken,
import of all articles of food.
a division of landed property will follow as a matter
"1.
Have
the existing
laws, which interfere with the
In the prizethen soughtafter,
of course.
the seeker
free importationof articles of food, any and what effect
the foreigntrade of Great Britain and Ireland,in
would
be urged on by necessity,the temptation on
would be irresistible,
our
and I deeply
limiting
or other articles
exports of mauufactures
regret to say, that
of commerce
?
the power
would
under such circumstances
put in operation
"
the staplemanufactures of your
2. What
trict
disare
with the work
be commensurate
to be
?
The
o
f
the
crusade
instigators
performed.
present
"
3. To what
tomed
foreignmarkets have you been accusand understand
also as a call for a
this. Much
see
to export?
in order to pay off the public
portionof all capital,
"
there of late years been an increase or de4. Has
crease
debt,would shake and deteriorate all property, still
of such exports, and in what articles ?
such
be
less
real
*'
a call would
to
injurious
really
5. Has
such increase or decrease affected quantity
than the act which you are called
or value, or both, and to what
property and capital
extent ?
"
6. Does
the increase or decrease appear to you to
upon by the anti-corn-law advocates to do.
How
long,my lord, is this nation to afford the be " progressive?
7. To what cause
do you attribute such increase or
nations of
melancholy
spectacleto the surrounding
this world,of a people tearing
themselves to pieces, decrease ?
"
8. Has
the increase taken placein those articles
of one
interest attemptingto preserve itself,
or enwhich the least cest of labour has been expended?
lich itself,
into notice and importance on "
or to raise itself
there been a greater progressiveincrease
9. Has
another class of their fellow-subjects
1
by destroying
in the corresponding
or decrease
foreignmanufactures
To day the shipping
interestsare assailed,
to morrow
which compete with British ? statingparticulars.
the colonial,
the next daychurch property is attacked,
and the day following
the land
the prop and stay
*
According to the Irish Railway Report of 1838,
of the whole; and be assured, the next step, if this
the imports and exports of Ireland,the latter almost
last is successful,
will
or allowed to be successful,
whollyagriculturalproduce,were:
must be,the fuads,and then the crown
and the monarchy
1830
Imports.... "15,337,097 4 6
of Great Britain. No natiouin this world pursues
Exports.... 17,394,813 7 11
"

"

"

"

....

THE

234
"

10. Are

this
other

any

country, now
nations,to

foreignmarkets
suppliedby

FARMER'S

QUERIES

formerlysupplied
by

rival manufacturers
of our
or diminution

the exclusion
the articles and

MAGAZINE.

of

ADDRESSED

TO

ENGAGED

PERSONS

IN

AGRICULTURE.

ports
ex-

opinion,are restrictiveduties upon the

? name
extent of diminution.
foreign agricultural
produce necessary
in which our
Are there any foreign markets
"11.
of
and
instrumental to the prosperity,
to the protection,
trade,not having declined,has not advanced in the
and how ?
the British agriculturists,
same
proportionwith the competing trade of other
laws restricting
the importation
2. Have the existing
In what articles,and to what extent?
countries ?
of foreign agriculturalproduce benefittedthe British
smaller rate
or
12. Is such extinction,
diminution,
If so, in what respects.
agriculturist?
of increase in our
export trade, attributable to the
3. At what expense can wheat, barley,and other agricultural
o
f
British
over
or
factures
manusuperiority
foreign
cheapness
and brought
produce be raised in your district,
?
of
to market, exclusively rent.
of any facts showing the transfer
13. Are you aware
4. What
prices do you requirefor these articles,
of capitalin any foreigncountries from agriculture
fair
with what
consider
in order
"

1. In

your
of
importation

"

"

a
to furnisiiyou
you
to manufactures"
especially
any instances in which the
after disbursing rent,
rate of profiton
capital,
your
culture
capitalof such foreigncountries would revert to agrilabourers' wages, and other necessary expenses ?
existed in Great Britain ?
if a free trade in corn
5. If it be proved that wheat of a qualityequal to
"
of any peculiaror recent en14. Are
couragement
you aware
English cannot be procured in foreignports at less
given by foreignnations to the extension
than an
of 35s. per quarter, the additional
average
of their manufactures, or to the export of such manufactures
at the port of
charges up to the time of delivering
?
dischargein this country being 10s. per quarter, do
Are you aware
of any late acts of foreign
"15.
legislation
think,with your own
knowledge of the expense
you
hostile to the introduction of British manufactures
at which you can
bring your produceto market, that
?
there is any
to apprehend such competition
reason
"
of any case of investment
of British
16. Do you know
taining
from foreign agriculturists
as would
prevent your obments
capitalin foreign manufactures, or in establishremunerative priceand fair rate
an
adequate
for making machinery for manufacturing
poses
purof profits
?
?" statingparticulars.
6. Would
fair and natural level of prices,
not
a
of the emigration
of British
"17. Do you know
any cases
to
be more
beneficialto the farmers than prices
suliject
men,
manufacturers, machine makers, or other tradesand better adjustrent,
frequentand great fluctuations,
with their capital,
to foreigncountries }
of the farmer ?
wages of labour,and other outgoings
"
18. Do
any facts relative to the exporyou know
tation
7. Has
the operationof the restrictivesystem of
of British machinery or tools to foreign
counlaws been to keep pricessteady ?
corn
tries ? specify
particulars.
do not profits
8. On a balance of years and prices,
"
relative
faets
to
know
the evasion
19. Do you
any
and rise as prices
almost invariablyfallas pricesrise,
the
of the laws prohibiting
export of machinery,or the
fall?" State facts.
contraband trade and seizure of such machinery.''
of the
in consequence
extended tillage,
9. What
"
of any emigration
of skilled ar20. Do
tisans
you know
laws, has, within your personal
operationof the corn
to foreigncountries ?
knowledcre,caused loss to the landlord or farmer.
ments
"21. What
knowledge have you of foreignestablish10. What
passed out of
tracts of inferior land have
of what kind
for the making of machinery
to
corn
tillage
during the low pricesunder the existing
established
and if increasing
when
?
what extent
laws?
"
22. Are the exports of raw
materials,for the purpose
ceived
re11. Can you giveany examples of the extra sum
of foreign
manufactures, on the increase ? State
of the high prices of
for corn
in consequence
facts.
the present season
; and
per contra, the extra sums
"
23. Are
you acquaintedwith any facts showing
extra
paid for seed-corn,keep of horses and cattle,
to
Great
sent
Britain
for education
the number
of foreigners
other outlay?
or
poor-rates, tithes,
wages,
and manufactures
in mechanics
; and from what
of observingthe
12. Have
you had an opportunity
trades ?
countries, and what particular
the Scotch
Scotch
"

"

"

husbandry by
efiectproduced upon
manufactures, specifying
farmers being forced to sell their grain at the same
imported into the United
genial
pricewith English farmers, who enjoya more
consumption in bond for exportation
soil and climate. ?
? with such information
extent
as
13. Has not the effectof this competition
been, that
to the increase or decrease of such
is more
in Scotland husbandry, as a skilled profession,

From
what countries
such manufactures, now

"

24.

Kingdom
"

and
can

you

for home
to what
obtain as

"

"

"

are

"

imports.
"

25.

charges

advanced

is the present amount

of duties and
What
manufactures
? cifying
such importsof foreign
on
spe-

particulars.
enables
foreigners to undersell us
iu wages
of labour,cheaper raw
terial,
maor cheaper or superiormachinery .'
"
the comparaon
27. Can you giveany information
tive
of foreign and British labour,and
wages
money
the comparative
cost of the necessaries of lifein foreign
countries ?
"
matters
on
28. Can you give
any other information
"

26. What

greater

"

economy

connected
with the subject of these querieslikelyto
?
advance the objectsof the Anti Corn Law
Delegation
"
of
the gentleman in your locality,
29. Name
or
and willing to give evidence
your acquaintance, qualified

than in

14. Is there not

England?"
reason

effect would be
if the English were
the foreigncultivator?

to

State facts.

expect that the

same

ficial
bene-

dry,
producedupon Englishhusbanwith
broughtinto competition

has been the effect of applyingthe system

15. What
of free trade to the wool production of this country ?
v\ ool diminished English
Has the admission of foreign
growth ? Any facts showing the extension of this
branch of agricultural
industry.
remarked the advantages derived by
16. Have
you
of his land to great commercial
the farmer from the proximity
from the greater
and inanufacturmgtovvns; first,
of obtainingmanure
facilities
production ; secondly from

aids to
and other artificial
the wider and more
opulent
If so, specify
examples.

markets opened to him ?

these subjects.
facts showing the
17. Can
communicate
any
you
these
attention
and
to
Your immediate
reply
queries, tendency of improved communication,viz.,by steam
of the Anti
addressed
to J. B. Smith, Esq., chairman
cultural
"c., to benefit the agricanals,railroads,
navigation,
Corn
Law
Delegation, or to your own
delegates.
interest?
Brown's
Hotel, New Palace-yard, Westminster,will
produceof
18. What
proportionof the agricultural
Your obedient servant,
Stating
Sir,
is shippedcoastwise for market?
oblige.
your district
"
of grain and markets to
JOHN
of each description
BOWRING,
quantities
on

"

"

Chairman

of the Sub-Committee

of Evidence.

which

sent.

pression
how the deyou state any facts showing
preof trade and manufactures
operatesto the judice
oonomunity ?
of the agricultural

19. Will
"

Hotel, New Palace Yard,

Westminster, Feb., 1839."

Brown's

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

235

the speculator
for the outlayof his
to remunerate
ways !n which the importof
20. Are there not many
But we shall find in
and the cost of transit.
would give an increased demand for the
corn
capital,
foreign
tension
labour, directed to the exWhen
in
wheat
such will not be the case.
employmentof agricultural
practice
of the soil?" State particulars.
of other products
the continental markets shall bear an unusuallylow
laws,while they keptup
corn
21. Have the existing
price,reckless adventurers will alwaysbe found to
the wages of
of bread,kept up proportionally
the price
in British warehouses, to
hoard largestocks of corn
labour?"
Give examples.
agricultural
the home-grower. The same
over
hang in terrorem
of
would the free importation
22. To what extent
of the consumer.
by diminishing fact will operate to retard the purchases
articlesof food benefit the agriculturist
sequent
Thus the Englishfarmer throughneed, conthe cost of allother articles.
the reduced value of his produce,presses
on
23. To what extent would it benefit the agricaltural
the market.
his grainon
The speculator,
hopeless
labourer.
rassment,
embarlabourer
of pricesgettinghigher,or from pecuniar3'^
24 Is not the condition of the agricultural
The
in manufacturing
districts,
superiorto his condition in
is compelled to do the same.
chaser,
purState facts.
districtswhollyagricultural?
rally
seeingthe supplyexceed the demand, natuin
the
free
trade
not
25. Would
a
corn, equalising
becomes
cautious,and to what the pricesmay
pricesof corn in the British and continental markets, be reduced in
late.
to calcuis impossible
"

necessarily
give to the

British

consumer

plentiful
years,

the benefit of

when there was a deficientcrop, and to the

importation
when there was a
producer the benefit of exportation
redundant crop ?

wheats are far

that the foreign
those of Englishgrowth. Yet
instances have
foreign merchants

It is well known

in quality
to
superior

in numberless
bourers
laof the agricultural
are
district,
any
of the best
theirfamiliesengaged elso in manufacturing offered to deliver any requiredquantity
processes, weaving, or the like? Give particulars.
foreignwheat in Englishports,at 30s. per qr.
27. Does such employment enable them to pay larger
wheat
who
knows
It need not be told to any one
?" State facts.
readily
rents,or to pay theirrents more
that in the average of years, there is
from other grain,
off in the employ28. Have you noticed any falling
ment
of Englishwheats,
such a difference in the qualities
of these individualsin manufactures of late years ?
than twothat the inferior sorts are not worth more
29. Has this been attended with lossto theirlandlords
thirds of the value of the best. In case then of a
well
themselves?
to
as
as
the best
when
of foreigncorn,
in agriculturalfree importation
30. Have any, and what improvements
had
30s.
for
be
shall
wheat
Dantzic
quarter,
of
per
our
facturing
manumachinery(theresultof the improvement
own
growth be
what will the inferior sorts of our
machinery) have been introduced in your
26. In

your

or

"

letters even
Our
worth?
corn
now, occasionally
isthe average produceof wheat per statute
state
grain of a certain quality,and from certain
increase
in your district
or
acre
; and has there been any
counties,at such a price,and of other qualities,
and to what extent ?
decrease of late,
or
from different counties,unsaleable. What they will
32. Has there been any emigrationof the agricultural
of English
wheat, when
of the indifferentqualities
either to foreigncountries say
of your locality,
population
have to quote the best Dantzic at 30s. per
shall
they
and of what class of agriculturists?"
or to manufactunng districts,
quarter,I do not know.
State particulars.
of wheat, I
If we are to have a free importation
33. Is it not a fact largetracts of land are in a state
of
cultivationin consequence
backward
of deplorably
apprehendwe must have the same of every other
reduction in the
of grain,and the same
State
the direct of indirect action of the corn laws?
description
to their relative
of these as of wheat, according
examples.

vicinity?
31. What

"

price

values.
But we

are

country, and

told,England must
we

must

turn

our

become

attention

to

grazing
the production

it so ;" shall we
Be
of beef and mutton.
of
It is contrary to the nature
any better off?
that there should be for any lengthof time,a
RUSSELL.
JOHN
things,
of bread
the price
between
considerable disproportion
of cattle
number
of your Lordship's and of animal food. If a greater
the tenor
From
My
Lord,
used
inferior corn
to be bred, and fed, and our
are
of Stroud,and from what
letter to the constituency
and
of mutton
for
a
supply
that
feeding,
I
greater
of
since the meeting
Parliament,
has transpired
be broughtto market.
beef must
consequently
ship
there is a dangerthat your Lordam
apprehensive
On the other hand, so long as any disproportion
of Government, may be inclined
and colleagues
the priceof bread and of animal food,
between
exists
from
c
lamour
the
without,
to yieldto
obstreperous
of the cheap
be more
will naturally
the
fore,
thereconsumption
I
of the Corn Laws.
for a total repeal
trust,
the aggreon
than the dear food. The
consumers,
gate,
will pardon me
for
presuming
Lordship
your
be inclined to purchaseof the
will naturally
to address a few observations to you on this topic.
kind of which they can obtain most for their money.
The avowed
tators,
Agiobjectof the Anti-Corn-Law
increased supply,and a diminished
Thus
with an
and
to
is to reduce the money
price of food,
have the priceof this,
should speedily
as
obtain,
they say, two bushels of wheat for the demand, we
sary
reduced to a level with that of the other great necespriceat which the now obtain one.
of life.
will have the
That the abolition of the Corn Laws
were
corn
It may
be said,that if a part of our
effectof reducing
the priceof wheat in this proportion,
have the
it would
devoted to the feeding of cattle,
is clear and undeniable ; for it is fresh in the
of that article. But
effect of keepingup the price
three years ago,
of us all,that only two
or
memory
reflect on the
when
we
this idea must
vanish,
how
when
the present protecting
law had been in operation
which could
of
the
grain
of
quantity
wheat
insignificance
at least seven
years, the best English
in three small and isolated
might be purchased at less than 35s. per quarter. be used for feeding cattle,
with
If this was
the case when foreigncorn was
virtually patchesof land called Great Britain,compared
boundless territoriesof Russia ;
the
the
of
what
in
of
it
the
and
produce
a
market,
prohibited, not
grain
of Poland,
with the contents of the inexhaustible granaries
expect when all restrictionshall be done
may we
Germany, Holland, and other European States,
away with ?
tion
years. The merest fracIt may
perhaps be said,that foreignwheat will in favorable and productive
of the produceof these countries,in addition to
but at a
be offered in the

TO

THE

RIGHT

HONORABLE

LORD

be

"

never

Englishmarket,

price

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

237

should long continue to fetch the raw material from

tured,
to
Manchester, to be there manufacantipodes,

labour of the British population,

food,manufactures
and merchandise,of every description,
will realize
and then
400 millions sterling
carry them half the way back again, at the present prices,
annually,
and sell them to a peoplewho
have the same
we
must
means
yieldto the fundholder and the idle party,
them that we
of preparing
as I have
for convenience
termed them, one-fourth
have, and which means
of the proceeds of our
must
sooner
1
later be called into activity
or
No !
labour!
But ifthe money
cheap bread will not enable us to do this whatever
priceof these commodities shall he reduced onewonders it may perform. For if the manufacturers
make
half,we of course
but 200 millions,instead
can
of 400 ; still our
could induce the workmen
will he the same.
to live with tiiechamelion,
We
obligations
shall have the same
100 millions of cash to hand
they could not work impossibilities.
will then
row.
Englandhas had her day,and mav have her morover, which instead of beingone-fourth,
had
Other nations have
but the}'^be one-half the produce of our
the same,
industry. Let not
then the advocate for low pricesstultify
are
fate awaits this country.
himself by
gone by. The same
But if we could retain our
of the oppressiveness
of taxation. Let
or
foreigncommerce,
complaining
him bear this indisputable
if we could double it,which is morallyimpossieven
fact on his mind, that as tfte
ble,
the

what
If the

would

it be worth

exports now

amount

?
to

millions
forty

year,
article of export is

taxation
in the same
ratio is
pricesare diminished,
and vice versa.
increased,
virtually
The cheap bread party,however, tellus taxation
be reduced.
If by reduction, they mean
must
trenchment,
re-

is this all profit

"! One
cheap
manufactured
not first to purcotton, but have we
chase
I would say, no Joseph-Humish-pennythe raw
?
material, of this and other things
Before we can
of the estimates,
have goods that will sell for forty farthiag-economising
or the pension
Or if by
felt as a reliefto us.
millions,we must give perhapsfifteenor twenty list,can be sensibly
millions for the stuff to make them of.
what
I will say,
reduction they mean
is termed equitableadjustment,
then I would say,
alias palpablerobbery,
however, that the material costs only ten millions,
and the remaining
that believes in a hereafter could countenance
thirtyis clear and absolute profit, noman
and that the aforesaid cheap bread would make
such a proposition
for a single
moment.
this
ing
into sixtymillions.
would
What
it be if divided
thirty
Every one who does not live by pickingand stealmillions of our population
?
ought,one would think,to scout the idea of peramong the thirty
petrating
when
2/, per head, nearly sufficientto keep each individual
such a fraud on the national creditor,
in the union workhouse
he can so easily
the public faith inviolate.
fourteen weeks.
We
must,
preserve
We
look to somethingelse than foreigncomhave the power to discharge
therefore,
Yes, inviolate!
merce
for our support, for it seems
the
not
that if the most
only the interest,but fairlyand effectually
and
of the national debt.
the increase
visionary
very
])rincipal
extravagant ideas about
of it,could be realised the whole fee simple of it
We
Some
millions a year in taxes.
fifty
pay now
would not keep the population
one-fourth of the year.
thirtyyears ago we paideightyor ninetymillions a
Our home resources
and why could we
do the same
1 We
not
now
therefore,at the lowest possible year ;
who
descended from the race of men
estimate,must be three times more
are
valuable
immediately
than our foreign.But in reality,
1 apprehend,
did pay this amount.
the
We inherit,
theyare, and must
Who
then would
valuable.
be, ten times more
fertility
fling-same degreeof skill and industry,the same
belongsto the soil. Why then
away, a great and valuable treasure in possession, and productiveness
for a trivialone in expectance ? W'ho would wilfully can we not do what our forefathersdidi
The prices
sink the ship,for the uncertain chance of savingthe
won't let us.
bunglingwon't let us.
Legislative
boat .'
The
principalhearingof the corn-law question
Neither master
tive and the non-productive
nor
then, can be at all lies between the produt
operative
benefitted by the change. The first,
It is simply ibis ; are the drones of the
creasedclasses.
because no indemandjin the foreignmarkets could at all hive to be satisfied with one-fourth of the sweets
make
which the working bees produce, or are we to give
at home ; and then
up for the decreased one
"
dowlas" would be a drug. The second, beIn other words, are the fundholders
cause them one-half!
filthy
the increase of their numbers, togetherwith
and
others of that party who
have
comes,
fixed money inthe decreased demand for their services,would cause
contented with so much
as their 100
to be
millions a-year will purch"se,at the present prices
Tvages to settle to the starvation point.
If then the
farmers
and their dependents, of the necessaries of lifewhich the country produces,
the mamifacturers and their dependents,are not to
double that quantityby reor
are
to vote them
we
pealing
be benefitted,
who
be so ?
the corn laws 1
There is one
to
are
in the
When
are
agitated
questions
party, the idlers. I do not use this as an opprogreat political
brious
that this now
but only as a convenient term.
Bv
manner
is, it is difficult
epithet,
extraordinary
idlers I mean
all such as have
the scenes
comes, to ascertain what moving power is behind
fixed and settled inall who live out of the taxes,
the interest
to stimulate the excitement,
of mortgages and other securites,
The
pitalists
on
";c., these tvillbe
impression
my mind is, that the great cathat they
for as the mone}^ priceof the necessaries of
not neutral
benefitted,
in this struggle,
are
life are decreased,
with
the
this commotion
the incomesof these parties are secretly encouraging
so are
enhanced in value. The
selfish view of enhancingthe value of their capital,
individual who possesses
industrious
50/. a year, could make it go as far again,if every
of the landholder and
at the expense
classes. But they may strain one pointtoo far. The
thinghe has to buy, should be reduced in priceonehalf. Therefore the inevitable conclusion is,that as
saddle may gallbeyond the powers of endurance,
gether.
and a convulsive effort may dislodgethe burden altotually
you reduce the price of British produce, you acincrease taxation,and all otber fixedincumThese
brances.
gentlemenmay then find themselves
Our
settled and unalterable engagements,
in the same
situation as that renowned
youth who
such as government
tithes,
taxes, poor-rates,
county- having a goose that layedhim a goldenegg every
the whole
rates, interest of mortgages and of other securities,day,killed her with the view of possessing
"c.,"c.,will amount I have no hesitationin saying,
at once,
and only discovered his mistake when too
to
one-hundred millions a year.
late.
Now, if faith and
of relying
the
I will say nothingof the folly
on
honestyare to be respected,these engagements we
bread. An armust fulfill. Supposethen the whole produceof the
for the supplyof our daily
foreigners
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

238

THE
the

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

of this cannot
propriety

be maintained
of the corn
between the prolaw lies chiefly
ductive
free from the restraint
and the non-productive
classes, I call upon
of strait jackets. Althoughwe
have the periodical
chase
you, my Lord, to be cautious,and not rashlyto purof the friendly
assurance
intentions of these foreigners
a
luments
temporary possessionof the power and emofrom the lipsof royalty.
of placeby concedingto popular
clamour a
It is a grand mistake
to think that the manufacturer's
scale of low prices.
interest clashes, and is at variance with that
A convulsion broughtabout by the expediency of
of the farmer.
What is good for one will not be bad
is
The
matter
is not to be relied on.
party politics
for the other.
And if the farmer be oppressedthe
too importantto experimentupon,
to play at
or
manufacturer will not flourish.
Indeed I will risk
shuttlecock with, for the uncertain tenure
of office.
the assertion (ifI stand alone in the opinion)that
Without
using the hyperbole of parliamentar}'the all-absorbing
and only occupation of
interest,
it may said that the Reform Bill, the
phraseology,
is agriculture.Maimfactures
and commerce
man,
MunicipalBill, the Tithe Bill, or any other bill,
are
only helpsand auxiliaries to this grand occupawhen
tion
good or bad, sink into insignificance
compared
of mankind
as the hedgerand ditcher
with the Corn Bill. A dreadful responsibility
fore
there; the same
to the farmer.
are
gate
attaches to the person who
undertakes to abroAn agricultural
labourer may be employedexclusively
not
a law of this importance.
My Lord, you canin hedgingand ditching,
and neither sow
the
be sure you will be right,
and you may be wrong.
seed nor reap the harvest ;
You may conscientiously
think that an alteration in
jet the end and objectof
his labour is to raise food.
The man
who makes the
the corn
law and low prices would be beneficial to
spade and the man who uses it have the same aim, the country. But with all becoming deference I
namely to raise the sustenance
of life. The same
remind
heads as your own
must
you that as wise
be said of the man
who makes the labourer's
may
would
believe that a free importation
conscientiously
clothes,
who makes his tools. And so
as of the man
ultimatelyeflfectthe entire ruin of it. The party
of the endless variety
of trades and manufactures.
againstthe corn law may be strong,but the party in
Indeed the whole catalogueof the puisuitsand businesses
favour of it are equally
though more apathetic.
numerous,
of life form but the most extensive exemplification
that you are
Therefore you cannot
be sure
of the division of labour. If the assistance
right. The wisdom of our forefathers who devised
of five and twentypair
of hands be required,
each pair and supportedthe differentcorn
laws is againstyou,
to perform its
separate and distinct part of the work,
and you maybe wrong.
Historical facts and experimental
before a pieceof wire can be made into a pen, need
With highpriceswe
tests are against
you.
wonder at the infinitude of trades and callino-s have
we
foughtthrough difficulties that would have
which
ingenuityand experienceof man have contrived
sunk any other nation in Europe.
My Lord, you
to facilitatethe production
of the staff of life?
With
high priceswe have attained
may be wrong.
All who
have read the adventures of that renowned
the most
in the scale of nations,
position
distinguished
Crusoe,must have a
personage ycleptedRobinson
tic
for national power, national wealth,and domesIn
strong idea of the character and occupationof that
comforts.
My Lord, you may be wrong.
who may either from accidental circumstances, nations where bread is
man
sia
uniformlythe cheapest,Rusor individual inclination,
be compelled to live independent
and Poland
for instance,the boors of the one,
of the rest of his species. He
be
must
and the serfs of the other,are almost entirely
unacquainted
an
essentially
agriculturist.
Althoughhe may find
with the use of it. Even in Ireland where
it indispensably
necessary to have tools,it is only bread is always cheaper than in England,the peasantry
that he may the more
easilyobtain the support of
live almost entirely
on
potatoes. My Lord,
his existence. Although he may find it desirable and
you
may be wrong, and I call upon you to pause.
habitation,
perhapsnecessary to contrive shoes, clothes,
life
It is a bold stroke enough if a man
sets his own
"c., all these are but to promote his comfort
the responon
a cast
; but itis fearful to contemplate
sibility
and convenience
his principal
in following
aim
the
that attaches to that man
who would risk the
of the staff of life. He is therefore to all
acquisition
of his
comforts if not the lives of a great portion
intents and purposes an agriculturist.
If a dozen
country'spopulationon the hazard of the die. And I
Robinson Crusoes had lived on the same
island,and
humble unit of the thirty
millions of the popuas a
lation
and severally
theyhad been anti-socialists,
of this country, protestagainstyour gambling
dent
indepeneach
of
other,theywould have been so many
of my existence.
with the means
farmers,and nothingelse.
Let me
to the petty
imploreyou to rise superior
On the other hand
if theyhad been social and
considerations of placeand power. If the conditions
the agricultural of
united,one undertakingto make
of the
office be to risk the sacrificing
your holding
tools,another the clothing,
another the habitations,
energiesand prosperityof the nation, stand aloof
and so on, and each receiving
as compensationfor
"
If
know
from the party who
not what
they do."
thus devoting
his labour,an equalshare of the proof " away with him, away
visions the phrensied clamour
raised by the whole, they would
have been
with him," is to be yielded
to, wasli your hands of
and collectively
individually
"
agriculturists.And
all responsibility,
have nothingto do with this
there would
have been
of interests.
no
divisibility
justman," let them see to it.
As it is with one
of the rest,so it
man
independent
I have the honour
to be,
is with a society
of a dozen, "as
with a dozen so with
Your Lordship'svery humble servant,
a nation's population.As
with a nation's population
J. A.
Feb. 11. 1839.
Beverley,
human
so with the whole
The multiplicity
race.
of
trades is only the extensive divisions and subdivisions
of labour,and from the time of our first
parent,
who was
put into the garden of Eden, "to dress and
to keep it," down
to the present moment,
have
The New
In the variable
we
Waterproof
Clothing.
been an agricultural
climate of
it has
been a
community and nothingelse.
gumenton
between

two

persons

who

cation

are

"

"

England,

"

We

tillers of the

all

great

were."
desideratum to obtain an effectual means
of rendering
ourfatliers
Holding it then to be incontrovertible that agri- clothingimpervious to rain,without impeding the
culture and manufactures have one
and the same
terest, free escape
inof perspirution.This importantobject
and that the question
of a repealera modifihas at length been most completely
attained by an
are

ground as

long

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

firstpublicly
introduced by Mr.
invaluablediscovery
and now
69, Cornhill,
Walter Berdoe, tailor,
coming
In consequence
of its having
into o'eneral use.
utter
for
hitherto been viewed as an
impossibility
covery
o-arment to resist water, yet to admit air,this disa
will by many be viewed with mistrust ; but
those who dosbt are invited
as
seeing is believing,
have done, examine
selves,
and judge for themto do as we
the result will amply repay them for their
shown
were
a great variety
time and trouble. We
lets,
of samplesof all kinds of cloths,
gambroons, cam"c., containing
merinos, doe-skins,
water, and
having retained it from oae to three months, without
side.
the least appearance of even
dampnesson the underBoiling-water may be poured on the surface
the steam
will pass through
of the material,when
while the water is retained. The breath will also freely

239

ADDITIONAL
to

an

auticle

NOTES,
"hints

entitled

and

in
(from a correspondent)

The

notes
following

the article in page

insert them here :

"

not

Sec.

suggestions"
190.

page

havingarrived until after

190

had

gone

to

presS; we

NsTE 1. [4thParagraph,
7th line,
afterthe tvords
for the benefit
enfeebling
labours."]In legislating

of the artisan Gaskill's account

of the condition of
the manufacturing
populationof England would
valuable information if consulted.

givemost
Note
"

Is.

the words
[4t/i
Paragraph,34t/i line,after
a day per
dayfor horse pmoer."^ One shilling
2.

horse power,
is named
; two
merely on principle
consistent
be seen
would probably
have been
as may
more
unrestricted,
shillings
pass throughperfectly
Such results must
with the greatobject
in view ; i. e. in the first place,
at once
ao-ainsta mirror.
remove
of the waterproof,
check to the unlimited and often unnecessary
as a wholesome
all doubts as to the deficiency
as
nual
jected
well as its entire freedom from what is so justlyobof machineryas a substitute for mause
the unsightly
and unhealthyMacintosh,
to
labour,while thousands of artisans in the trade
and consequentlypreof profitable
ployment
emventing are almost perishingfor the want
namely,its being air-tight,
the manuthe escape of the insensible perspiration.
facturers,
and secondly,
to force upon
:
people
This inestimable discoverywill prove to the public
the choice of either keeping their worktions
real benefit,than three-fourths of the invenof more
wages, or maintain
employedat remunerating
them
forth. The
which are dailybeing emblazoned
when the)'
choose to employ machinery in their
is
stead ; which
than the agriculturist
is no more
advantages attendant upon the use of clothingthus
be so self-evident as to render it a
must
compelled to do : It is therefore too bad that the
waterproof,
to pointthem
latter should also have to maintain the discarded
work
of supererogation
out, yet there
in the enjoyment of both youth and
unfit to
mechanics, who have been rendered totally
are
man}', who
think of the serious ailments assist the agriculturists
in their labours, while under
present health,who lightly
results which may be traced to
and afflicting
useful
they might be made
judicious
management
"
what is termed
onlya cold," or " a slightcold," to the manufacturer in some way or other to the last.
the words
Note 3. [4(/i
37th line,after
too often considered as not worthyof serious thought,
Paragraph,
"
"
A peck of wheat
soon
twelve hours duration."]
a kind of thingthat will
go oflf." Yet what
appears
after suflferers,
and to what a menumbers
been about
ever
the average value of one day's
are
lancholy to have
have gone to a premature grave,
extent
earningsof the labourer for ages past, as far as the
in these " slight
from diseases originating
colds," researches of the writer have enabled him to make a
which
instead of " soon goingoff," are the cause
out of such earnings
by fair computation
; consequently,
he may be expected,at all times, under ordinary
which the unsuspectingsuflFererhimself " goes off"
Of the various illnesses incident to cold, circumstances, to maintain his family
in the end.
; so that when
to mention
aside those
his wages
here,setting
exceed that value, provisionmight be
too innumerable
where is there one so trulv
which terminate fatally,
for transferring
the surmade, by the Legislature,
plus
and so difficultto eradicate,
and distressing,
earningsinto the Saving's Banks, instead of
painful
rheumatism 2 What
as
a confirmed
being can be the Gin palaces,till a certain moderate provision
situation than
shall have accumulated,for the purposes now
helplessand pitiable
placedin a more
to be
the one
who is " eaten
up with the rheumatics'?"
proposed.
Yet
all this suffering
is the consequence
of a cold
Note 4. [4t/i
54th line,
the words
Paragraph,
after
attended to.
"Unioji
carelessly
caught,and more
workhouses."]Supposing the amount
carelessly
quired
reThe
is
movements
for the purchase of Government
great consideration in all human
Life, and
how
evil as how to avoid
not
to cure
an
much
so
come
Long Annuities to he fixed at, and limited to an incumstances
from cirit and where one cold occurs
of 8/. each, and permittedto become universal ;
contracting
which the sufferer has no control, the last named security
to be paid to the authorized
over
In this respectmore
takes placewhere
he has.
till the respective
annuitants would
have
fifty
survivors,
of due
does the evil arise from a want
attained the 100th year ; the total amount
would
particularly
precaution
againstwet or damp clothing. Now that become immense, and might be converted into a
an
medium
of the national
for the gradualliquidation
expedienthas been devised by which a person
and expeditiously
can, without any great coat, simply in his ordinary debt. In order the more
certainly
dress,pass for several hours, through the most pitiless to accomplishthis great end, means
might probably
storm, without the wet penetrating
fers
throughhis be devised of imposing an obligation
upon all transclothes,it is to be hoped that the most incautious and
of stocks,to relinquish
a certain small percentage
imprudent will profitby this invention,especiallj"out of the total amount, for the above
at
purposes,
as the additional
as to placethe
be little
can
expense is so trifling
par, at the rate of .3 per cent : There
benefit within the reach
of all. We
hope that the
doubt,from the nature of the above securities,that
Government
manity,
will evince the liberality,
nay, the huevery male possessor of both kinds, might be safely
all those who are in their employ, entrusted with the elective franchise,in which case,
to allow
such as soldiers,
?ic.,and are exposed universal suffrage
would be thus conceded,as nearly
sailors,
police,
to all weather,the advantages of this inestimable
desired ; and we
could be rationally
as
might soon
all classes which
would
discovery,as the cost thereby entailed is a mere
see restored that union
among
and
whilst their health would
be preserved
trifle,
make
such a nation as ours
instead of
invincible,
their efficiency
We
increased. N. B.
refer our
sions,
being torn in piecesthrough agitatorsand dissenreaders to the advertisement
in our
come
advertising
we
by which we know not how soon
may besheet.
rivals abroad.
an
easy prey to our jealous
"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

240

the words
[5thparagraph,I9th line,after
of our own."] The great errer in
and
landowners
which
have
our
agriculturists
hitherto involved
to
themselves, is their inability
Note

"

3.

MAGAZINE.

perceivethat

quire
ac-

in any season
whether of
remuneratingprofits
abundance
or
scarcity,nor obtain the sympathyof

the

consumers
reason

present month

(Feb.1839.)
[8thparagraph,23rd line,afterthe words
nor
more
less."]To fix a price too low,

jN'ote 6.

to act in

neither

corn-factors,they can

the

with

concert

long as they shall continue

as

advanced in favour of agricultural

tion,
protecshould read the whole of his letter,a copy of
in the Farmer's Magazine for the
which may be seen

yet been

the expense

at

"

neitlier

would

be

to lix it too

vious
iu their distresses,for this very obthese speculators
; in deficient seasons,
will admit
debt
much bread corn as their capital

greater error
because
iiigh,

iu the administration,than
the lower the priceof commodities

the greater is the

in the

value

of money,

proportionwould

same

our

quently
conse-

national

In on! r to secure
augmented, and vice versa.
importersof wheat from great losses, in case
ol not being called upon for a seriesof years for their
bonded
certain per ceiitage might, after the
a
corn,
second
year's detention,be taken off tlie importduty,
factors,hold back their produce from the markets, and permissionshould be grantedthem to exchange
tish
of justice their old grain for the same
till the price is raised beyond all bounds
quantityof new, of Briand moderation. Toobviate these pernicious
practices
growth, they receivingthe difference in the
value.
is therefore the great desideratum, and ought to enOn a similar principle,
should the supply of
gage
British o-rain be srreater than the demand, in that case
efforts. It has been latelyhinted
utmost
our
it would
a
become
to put such
necessary
through the press, that at this juncture,the cornabsolutely
unfair means,
of foreign
factors are endeavouriag,by most
to
duty on the importvition
hemp, flax, and
tallow, as should divert the surpluscultivation into
get down tlie averages with a view of depressingthe
Mark
the productionof those most
essential articles also,
Lane
with
markets,
inundating
by
country
fitted,
the revenue
would
be materiallybenevantage
refuse,so that theymay be able to take the admere
by which
the agriculturists
and landowners.
of buyingup at the lowest price,all theycan
as well as
But since experiencehas taughtus the inconvenience
get hold of, for the purpose of creatingan apparent
of making greitt and
ofl'their stocks
sudden changes,it would proand consequentlyof selling
bably
scarcity,
from
the present
be
advisable
to commence
at their own
rent
price. Should the prospects of the curwith a dutyof one
sequences time
year'scrops be generallyunfavourable, the conper cent, on their value now,
tlie first deduction of
one
per cent, in addition when
may prove trulydeplorable.Mr. HuskisBon
duty should be required for the detention of foreign
says in liis letterto his constituents at Chichester,
as
in 1814,
To protect the small farmer, tberelore,at
as above
proposed, and one per cent, more
corn,
a given
is ultimatelv to protect the people." often as the amount
of a month's supply,
this moment,
i.e.,
forcible quantityof British wheat, shall remain in the storeThose who are desirous of perusingthe most

buy up

as

the

of from

necessitous

farmers, who

be

the

obliged,
earlyin the season, to dispose of their produce, in
order to meet their pressingengagements, while thc3
more
uniting with the cornwealthyagriculturists
are

"

and

ever
have, perhaps,

which

convincing
arguments

Louses

on

AGRICULTURAL
FOR

The

weather

of

PORT
RE-

FEBRUARY.

largeportionof

this month

has

exceedinglymild and open for the periodof

year, consequentlyfavourable to rural affairsin
been

; in

fact, all

farm

labours

are

well

place. In noticingthe appearance of

but observe
that
plants,we cannot
in statins:thnt they

agree

and

ing stronger
and

in most,

never

in

witnessed

general
their

it not

serious

many

dates.
corresponding

The

an

will, doubtless (in

atmosphericchange)be

the
much

absence
more

of any

smaller

than

at

from Essex,
us
agree in stating,
unusually largenumber of stacks of wheat
is to be
untouched, consequentlyno scarcity

accounts

reached

have

which

Norfolk, Cambridgeshire,and
that

Leicestershire,

and

Lincolnshire

rapidlydecreasing,and

are

healthythan at this time; remain

all,parts of England,exceedingly
apprehendedin those

of the next
the past, the present
as
satisfactory

as

jjreve

year'scrop

Derbyshire,

they

more

regular. Should, therefore,the reports

month

With
respect to the stocks of wheat in the hands
considered that
of the farmers, it is pretty generally
would lead us to
they are much
largerthan some
shire,
imagine. We grant, that in the counties of York-

the

the young
all persons
them look-

wheat

April.

REPORTS.

AGRICULTURAL
GENERAL

the 30th of

most

Kent

importantcorn-growing

districts.
In

scarcelya singleinstance

wire-worm

or

sive
exten-

committed

has

either the

slug

extensive

ravages, on any
herbage,whilst it is a well at-

of natural
description
opinionis tes'ed fact, that more
favourable auspicesfor the
considerablystrengthened and cocfiriued,by the
could not possiblybe experienced.
forthcominggeneral
crop
of grain,being
breadth of land under that description
During nearly the wliole of the winter,
Two
have
tended
than
causes
more
usuallylarge.
turnips,even in exposed situations,have not ceased
to increase
to stimulate
our
agriculturists
materiall}'
to vegetate, and
they have proved an exceedingly
of wheat
the breadth
viz.,the late deficient
sown,
and weighty crop.
good
harvest
and the prices realized. Notwithstanding
than

that last

for

some

years

past

harvest

; and

this

throusfhout the kingdom

time, and that the
weather
at its close,
unpropitious
proved somewhat
the corn,
it has been intimated that,on threshing
out
was

year's

prolongedto

the

grain lias

out

of condition

an

not
as

unseasonable

An
the

excellent

fall of hiinbs has been

earlylambing season, and

the

produced,by

ket
metropolitanmar-

has had exhibited in it some

very fine Dorsets
found purchases at 6s. to 7s. per 8lbs.
which have
small number
of lambs has been
But a comparatively
appeared so sprouty or otherwise
lost owing to the favourable state of the weather.
ticipated.
anmight have been reasonably
stock have fared exceedingly
Depasturedfattening

well,whilst there has been

of both dry and succulent
In

have

whole,

the
of

food.
Highlanddistricts the

some

wheats

quantity
superabundant

of the
assumed

there

no

are

earlysown

on
sicklyappenriince ; still,
well grounded a])prehensions

very
the extensive
cheap, notwithstanding

has been

There
in the

and
plentiful

are

By the above comparison,it appears, that the supply

Monday, Feb. 26, 1838, embraced 407 Beasts,1,579
day,
Sheep, 36 Calves,and 108 Pigsmore than that of MonFeb. 25, 1839.

of

winter

Potatoes
deficiency.

241

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

been

to

of the year, very mild and

which has enabled
has been experienced,
outdoor farm labours to be carried on successfully.
A
excellent
bed has been secured for
most
commencement

genialweather

arrivals of

The

and of pigs,
to 3,041 ;
rangedfrom 2s. 2d. to

whilst

pricesof beef

the

have

3s. 4d. to
4s. 6d. ; of mutton,
bs. 4d.; of lamb, 6a. to 7s. ; of veal, 4s. to 5s. 4d.;
and of pork,4s. to 5s. 2d. per 81bs. to sink the offal.

which
About
2,500 of the Scots and hon)ebreds,
have formed
the above
supplies,have arrived from
and
Norfolk ; 400 Scots, Devon*,
folk;
runts, from Suf320 lunts, Scots, and Herefords, from Essex;
iiOO Devons
and runts, from Cambridgeshire; 2,900
short-horns
and
from Lincolnshire ; 2,000
runts,
short-horns from Leicestershire ; 900
short-horns
and

from

Devons,

from

; 500

Warwickshire

Devons, from
from

Surrey;
Kent.

Oxfordshire

Sussex

the

; 20

Scots

oxen,

Devons,

cows,

of

remainder

the

of
neighbourhood

from

runts, and
and runts,

Devons, Herefords,and

120
The

from
chiefly

530

vessels; 200

steam

Devons,

supply

came

In

STATEMENT

and

COMPARISON

of the SUPPLIES

and

sold

Monday,

25, 1839.
At per Qlbs. to sink the

offah.

s.

Coarse
Second
Prime

26, 1838.
d.
s. d.

s.

4 to 2

6..

10

10

10

Scots,"c

42

"

inferior

Sheep

qualitydo

woolled do. 40
Southdown
do. .46

Large

Calves
small ditto
coarse

Prime

Large Hogs
small

46

.42

34.

.3

10

.4

10

44.

42
48
50
54

48.52

..4

32

Porkers

..

46.
38.44

36

coarse

Prime
Lambs

..

4 to 2

" inferior Beasts

qualitydo
largeOxen

Prime
Coarse
Second
Prime

Neat

25, 1839.
d.
s. d.

Feb.

Feb.

2..
10..

10

48

.40

38.

.,48

2..

ventured

we

to express

the 4th of 12th

an

this quantity will arrive,by

stillthink that near
about that period,
provided the duty continues long as
In addition to what was in bond on the 5th
at present.
ultimo,the import last month amounted to upwards of
though
212,000 qrs. of Wheat, and 63,000 cwts. of Flour. Alexceed
in our own
the deficiency
onecrop may
doubt the purchases
fourth of an average, we have little
made
on
English account, in Foreign countries,are
sufficientto meet the consumption until unoiher harvest;
but should the next crop be deficient,
(and the history
of the last half century shows that several productive

unproductiveseasons

have

generallyfollowed in

in obtaining
have much
difficulty
we
succession),
may
an
adequate supply,on any terms, for another year.
will be found below.
Our most recent foreign
quotations
A review of the Corn trade for the past year, presents
features of an unusual character; the productiveness
some
since
of our own
crops, and the favourable seasons
and accumulated
1830,added to the largeimportations,
the

Spring of 1831,have, untd lastSummer,

from publicview, the fact,
that
is inadequateto the
growth of Wheat

concealed

much
average
of a

population,and that we
rapidly inci'easing
other nations,on
an ample supply from
of an
while our laws, by the imposition
an
emergency,
the sale of their
prohibit
enormous
duty, effectually
produce in our markets,on ordinary occasions. We
inflicted on the
would hope, however, that the suffering
of Wheat, may
be in
poor, from the present high price
measure
compensated by the widely spreading
some
conviction,that the plan of taxing the necessaries of
mediate
isalike impolitic,
unjust,and cruel. That an imlife,
alterationin the system is urgentlycalled for,
is the more
evident from the fact,that the supply of
Wheat
from Ireland since 1832, has decreased more
than one half,say from 552,740 qrs. in that year, to
seasons
about 210,000 qrs. in 1838 ; while even
productive
of our present population,
are not adequate to the wants
half
a
which is augmenting at the rate of nearly
ket
marmillion annually. The late decline in the London
the part of our
on
has produced an
indisposition,
to purchasebeyond their immediate wants, and
millers,
we
apprehend few foreign orders have been recently
wants

PRICES

on

31.

we

very

exhibited
of FAT
STOCK,
Cattle
iu Smithfield
Market,
on
ruary
February 26, 1838, and Monday, Feb-

and

Newgate

that a million
opinion,
and
Flour
and a half quarters of Foreign Wheat
mer
would
to n.ext Midsumprobably be imported previous
although the prohibitionof export from
; and
added to the extreme
other countries,
France, and some
lessen the supply,
scarcityof shippingmay somewhat

our

Jan.

last monthlycircular,
issued

our

month,

stocks,in

London.

up to

Markets, from

BIRMINGHAM,

and

800

and

Scotland, by

from

Devons

; 700
Northamptonshire

shire
Herefords, from Herefordrunts, Devons, and Irish beasts, from

Devonshire

meat,
slaughtered

Scotland and various

England, have been, for the time of
posed
extensive, they having been comyear, somewhat
of 350 carcasses
of beef; 5,950 do. of mutton
; 6,000 do. of veal; and 8,000 do. of pork; a
to hand in middling
dition.
conportionof which has come

wheat, and the breadth of land -f"hich will be brought

under cultivation,
in the Spring,is expected to be
much
than
More
extended.
ordinaryeconomy appears
used in the consumption of potato liave been
toes
the small farmers
of even
; and nearlythe whole
have still a stock on hand.
of the suppliesand
The following
is a statement
pricesof fat stock exhibited and sold in Smithfield
Cattle Market, duringthe month.
The suj)plies
to 12,459 ;
of beasts have amounted
of sheep and lambs, to l'iO,4D'2; of calves,to 904 ;

improvement apparent

supported.

and Leadenhall
kinds of produce,placethem
present returns, of most
a firm and, at the
on
footing. distant parts of
same
tiire,respectable
Since the

decided

both beasts and sheep exhibited

each market
day ; whilst the trade has not
have been well
say very brisk,but the prices

on

shipments to

the port of London.

The prospects of the fanners,in Ireland, are by
far more
clieeringthan for many years ; whilst their

generalqualityof

cannot

expect

Our
this country.
present nominal
Wheat
9s. 8d. to 10s. 2d. ;
for English Red
white 9s. lOd. to 10s. 4d. ; fine Dantzic 10s. 6d. ; hard
Odessa 9s. 2d. to 9s. 4d. ; French red 9s. 4d. to 9s. 6d.

transmitted from

pricesare

SUPPLIES.

Feb.

Beasts

Sheep

26. 1838.

2,822
21,035

Feb.

25, 1S39.

2,415
19,456

Calves

102

138

Pigs

695

587

at Birmingham.
opinion that the crop of Barleywas

all per 621bs.

The
to

an

average,

both in

quantityand

fuUy equal
is conquality,

THE

242

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

have
the farmers
taken place; but the demand
has been quiteequalto
the supply, and the price graduallyadvanced to the
end of the year, when
it rose
suddenly about 8s. per
it has receded again
qr. ; but duringthe presentmonth
Our
3s. to 5s.
presentquotationsare 38s. to 42s. per
imperialquarter, and there appears every prospectthat
time be nearly maintained,
as the
they will for some

firmed,since large deliveries from

AveragePrice of Grain
Wales "',for

average, and those of Irish growth,upon which we

are
mostly dependent for our supply,are very superior,
and quality,
in the South ;
both in quantity
particularly
tout such has been the demand
for Scotland, and the
shortness of the stocks in hand
in London, and other
vancing
English ports,that they have met a free sale,at adprices. We have at present scarcelyany in
an

Gloucester,to supply the

immediate

wants

when the farmers' deliveriesfall off,

as they will do a month
six weeks hence, they will
or
probably bear a high relative price in our market, as
Our presentquotations
very few are coming forward.
26s. to 27s. for light,
and 27s. to 28s. 6d. per 312
are
lbs. at Gloucester,for heavy. It is expected
that the
and

per

years,

Barley.

d.

1827

56

1828
1829
1830
1831
1832
1833
1834
1835
1836

60
66

d.
s.
33 10
0
26
21 11
31
7
36
5
40
1
34
5
6
36
.32 10
6
32

64

32

66
58
52
46
39
48

38
33

8
11

27

29
29
33

11
2

1S37

55

4
9
10

1838

64

s.

prohibitionof the export of this grain from France,

tilllate in
will delay any considerable foreign
supplies,
the Spring.
The crop of Oats has also,we
believe,provedabove

the Port of
of consumers,

7mieteen

Wheat.
1820

67 11

1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826

56
44
S3
64
68
58

CO
CO
OS

30
31

S S

ooiNoeocoifl

..H

H.-^o-,
ox"
tH O'"

-a
~

CO
CO

-^

^
2
cfi ^

""

'^

-^

S
'^

"

1^
CO
as

zogu

in bond, will come

rate
out at a moderate
of duty during the Spring,or Summer.
From
the relatively
low price of Beans all the season,
notwithstanding the greatly increased consumption,

"

j9

with
realizing

little doing in Boilers;

from 44s. to 52s. per imperial
yellow would bringconsiderably

We

us.

have

Danzig

*^

the

JOSEPH

to

-Tf (N

"^

QD

-.-

"

c^

no

"".

"

c:

CJ

--

"

"N

^^^ 52

"

ini""
f"*."

|N" h^

4/2 -t

CO

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CO

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Ift

CO

^jr-e^Gicxjo

on

IN

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n^

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rjc ^00

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liS CO
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rr^

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rc

c-i t^

to

TT
"

'

c5y

'^

"n

T,"COO
r".cooioo

"

"

ITS Oi
"") UO
"Ji Oi

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to
in

"

OCOCOM-COCSOJCO"
"^OiOOtO-^^^MtM
O-^OOiO-^WC^OOtOO
-,"

from

OC

"

-**c;aoco

"

"

in each year,

CO

"

Kingdom

OO

CO0Dt"*i"-^

.-^

0*t^.#t".OC5L0-^Ci00rt"t0"O-^
^

Flour,

"

"I

"";ca

-o

"

STURGE.

of Corn,Grain, and

"^

"

urs lO O
^N00cs"
oj ""5 ic

CO
'OS

O
o

wco"

'

^J^osco-

O'

n^

00

iJ^
"

Account of the Amount

importedinto the United
\stJan.\8l5,to 1838.

o"

"

An

to
Ol

HO

into Gloucester
since the
and Berekley canal, showing
reign
of grain,except Wheat, Fo-

" CHARLES

t"*

imports

openingof the Gloucester

off in all kinds
a falling
and Coastwise.

04

"^fo

:"^"o

are

OIN

"

IM -s "
. 00
-fl-lN."
^^
LTi m

more.

Below

-^

"^lo

O
-3
'^

they are nominally worth

qr., and fine

00

ooiooiro
CO coo
"*
IN ^
"fl-OO

iri o
t". O
o^a^
(N

"

For Peas we have a slow sale, without any material

variation in the price,for some
time past ; they are at
present much the cheapestfeed for horses or cattle,at
which
14s. 6d. to I6s. per 1961bs.,
rates they are now

CI

"

Foreignnow

both to mis with Wheat, and for horses, it is evident

the stock of old at harvest, must
have been very
must also have been good,as
great. The crop of new
our
suppliescontinue large; and we do not look for
tion
any material improvement at present,in any descripsafer investment
a
certainly
; althoughthey are
than any kind of Corn, at our present rates of for new
old I6s. to 18s. per 1961bs. at Birming15s. tol6s.;
ham.

"'^

CO
00

""!

coai":oa"cr-^oMGo^Tj"oo
M

"ascoro(Mooirsooncico(N'"JO

ffO""

t"""

iJ

CO

lii

OCO

00 "
"D"N

uoco
"N.t"*

"^tO

(N

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"^

(N

CO

o
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to Tf" CO
Oi tN. CO "o ""
jroicncoi-or^co

CO
o

~".

f/^

CO
";

-2
S

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(N

-^

rf

CO

C^

TJ" "0

lO

-^

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C^

"^

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(NfNC^'MMMMCOCOCOCOCOCO
OOODGOOOOOOOOOaOOOOOQOCXlOO

."

eo
CO
00

^f"

"ri tc

CO
00

coco

"

fV^S

00

to

r^ 00
coco
00 00

the MonthlyAvei-age
price
the year 1837 and 1838.

Statem.ent of
Comparative

of Gi-ain,in

."

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

243

Corji,Meal,and Flour impcn-ted,

entered for home consumption, and duty paid since 1823 inclusive,
the
first
year it was leviedon corn.

"

H
K

in

O
CO

to
1^
^o

oj

tn

OB

V)

ESSEX.
".

uo
to

"

"

CO lo
""" O
to X

Our reportthis month

r". o
(M o
"
^

(1,

-.-.

been
of the most
one
charming we ever remember,
frost and snow
have
commingled their
delightfully
welcome
with weather of extreme mildness,
appearance
forming on the whole that pleasingsurety so valued by
the agriculturist
; the verdure of wheat, vetches, grass,
turnips,Sec, has undergone little or no change, fillis

O
O

"^

"

t"" CO

^^

^(N^NCOl?

"

vary littlefrom those of

that the season
has

must

correspondiagmonths, beyond

"

promising,all
God.
lambs
CO

o
.

J,^
O'
"S
a

"

to

_"

"

: :

":"".::"
" " 2 ?" "

""

C*o

"

CIO

.""
"

TcaSJS*to

t=^

"

"Az

"

5^
o

C
(N
--= t^

u-i
"
""

='

""*""'"

i.*.coto^i^.s"^^^

"

;
:

"

{^

"

cs

!M
^

0!.:;

1^
'N

"* "
"". o

"^

"-"

"

O
uo

'.C ti
-r^ "

tc
r:

"S

iCCMCCcC
c

"-

CO
"*
t^

O
o
to

"

;;
o

lO

T"
X

"
'

"

to

to
to
"

o
"". "
rt o^
(N "

O"

u-5 m
."^
GO rx

c
w

to
^

c^
to

IN "?
1".0C

last week
the houses

two, have cheered the hearts and blessed

of many
have continued to
a family; wages
rise,the labourer has been made more
happy, not only
by an increase in wages, but by the hand of well-timed
or

and harmony and good

charity; work has been plentiful,
has prevailedall classes. But in the midjt of all
feeling
this a war
cry has been heard from the trading masses
of the North, reverberatingto almost every town
and
in the kingdom.
Manufacture
versus
village
ture
Agriculbe the question before the jury, soon
must now
to
be impannelled
to try the question,and give to us the
decision.
The landed interest
mighty, the momentous
yet comparativelysleepsover its defence,the aggressive
interest has hitherto unmolested
advanced
to the last
barrier of our
defence.
Its army
of delegatesmeet
under the walls of St. Stephens, and directing
the assaults
of their decision,will watch with a deadly hate
the opponent party. But we believe,
and every market
assemblage of farmers confirms the opinion,that their
is strengthyet sufficient in the country to repeltheir

unjust,the selfish,the

C4

00
"

03

the unspottedliveryof Nature's

wear
has done remarkably well,the yeaning of
earlyand fortunate ; markets, independentof the
Stock

7*

li

tn

lords. Ve

ic

standard
to

"

"1

"

"

2
C^

to
uo

OD
X
X

to',

CO

r"

CO In.
t".x
C
to .^ ci r-. C-. C-. CO
N. ;o or " " -?" lo
^^
;^
^5
.." t",
1-^
(TPi
O
O
O
04
"^ to .n

"

CO

31
"^

XiM
Ci "o

"

O*

00
to
X

be

tcr"c
C5 "

placed,and

tenant
doubt

we

dominal

only wait

will

to

and see where

with the united

rallyas

one

intentions of these cotton

the motto
of theia unfurled
the scalingladder is to

see

man,

forces of landlord and

and resist,
have no
we

the base designs

of so iniquitous
an
successfully,
and property. Feb. 15.
aggression
upon our homes
"

Zi

'OO

t".tc:sirs'^to"

AGRICULTURAL
'

r I I ; I

"

C'2

"

o
T,

t/1

tn

CB

Qo

-yi

(fl ^

QUERIES.

nish
readers furany of your numerous
with the information soughtfor in the following
me
viz.
as to the cultivationof linseed,
queries

Sir, Can

you

or

"

u*

r^

00

00

"?! -*" '^" cc

n
u^tOteO'.^OCOODi^XtO

"-??2"2"
'^

"

C)

'^"^cotooito
CO

CO

CO

Ol

.5

The soilbest adapted for itsgrowth7

What crop should it follow ?
Does itor not require
a fallow 1
Is it best drilled or broadcast?

-^

Wliat
iTJ

^"?'

""
"_

SSr*"

CO

S!?*^^

citxx"o

cot^xto

CO

,-o

^^

"

to"

CO
"

CO

^^

-y.

""

cn

cA

And

o
to

vO"co-.r

"

^to

"

to

i'^'^Sxxtoo'M
""X-*l?Xt^t"wtOT"
b"

O
IM

CO

"

C^

"

xtrso"

"(Mco-^iotot-^x
e"i!^pococococococoeoeo
00XX3SXXXXXXQO

cn

vj

to

cococococ"cococo
QOXXXXXXOO

Ci

quantity of seed is required

per acre?
when

is the proper

seasonjfor
sowing

a
generalobservations as to itsmanagement,
and also the probable returns to the cultivator,
as compared
with other crops, and you will greatly oblige
A Subscriber.
yours, "c.,
Feb, 5.
Winchester,

With

few

THE

FARMER'S

OF

REVIEW
DURING

and

can

then

CORN

THE
THE

MONTH

TLe clamour which it was attempted

to raise
lately
amongst the peopleof England,againstthe cultivator
of the British soil,is graduallysubsiding,
and a short

periodonlv

MAGAZINE.

OF

245

TRADE
FEBRUARY.

establishes how littlecause

nations,and clearly
the
great body of our manufacturers have to complain of
which regulate
the existing
British society
principles,

now
vail, under the present system of the British government.
jiass before the truth will preit will be universally
acknowledged The productiveclasses,at all events, are sufficiently

that if the value of the necessaries of life was

Agricultureis the key-stoneto the arch of aware
British Society.That the manufacturing,
reduced
at least two-thirds would
cial,
commerone-half,
be deducted
and trading
from their present rates of pay.
interests,are at present flourishing
Undoubtedly
an
raised the value
merce,
beyond any former period in the historyof comungenialseason has unfortunately
admits not of the slightest
doubt, and this of living above its natural standard,and this falls
and national
heavilyon all classes of societv, but itsduration is
great increase of commercial
prosperity,
with its
degree of propriety, temporary, and the evil will be removed
greatness, can alone, with any
be attributed to the healthyand sound
into
laws
have
The corn
state
not had any
influence
cause.
which the corn-protective
in the j)roduction
of this calamity;on the
laws
have
whatever
placed that
greatest interest of all,Agriculture.The consumpfelt
tion
severely
contrary,it would have been much more
laws
been
of every description
of British manufactures
had the corn
at home
not
placedin
previously
whicli they have afforded
is rapidly
and must continueannually
increasing,
operation. The protection
to do so, so long as the inhabitants at home
of those engaged
to the talents,industry, and capital
possess
that

ample

means

source

by far for productively

employingthe trading

this is the greatest

in

though not nearlyso extenagricultural

pursuits,
sive
as it should have
been, nor equal to the protection
nnd manufacturing
feel the
which the law has extended to every department
labourer. Not that we
and
of commerce,
commercial
our
to undervalue
slightest
disposition
shijiping,
manufacture, has naturally
intercourse with foreignnations, (forits importance
been the cause
of a great and rapid improvement
and magnitude must
in agricultural
server
be fullyadmitted hy every obscience, and has caused the
of passingevents) but it is in the greatest produce of the fields to increase in quality
and quantity
than the same
least one-half
at
more
lands prodegreeunjust even to place it in comparison with
duced
internal commerce.
our
To the enterprise,
a
capital,
quarter of a century ago. Had these agricultural
and industryof the manufacturer, new
markets
of
improvements not previously
existed,the
the last unfavourable
consumption are annuallv presenting themselves, distress and misery,which
have
in Asia and America, and here the}'
are
must
season
particularly
have
produced, would
far
exceeded
in
their consequences,
the
universal
fullyrecompensed for any decrease which, by any
in their pursuitsin a very few
can
occur
sufferingswhich a very similar bad season
possibility,
ated
credistricts in Europe. The complaints which
the
have
at
close of the
last century, when
wheat
been made
the injurydone to us
solil at eightguineas per quarter, and
was
latterly
respecting
of manufacturof all descriptions,
reached an equallyexby what is called the increased spirit
provisions
travagant
value.
The
laws have certainly
rest
corn
ingindustry
abroad,and in Flanders particularly,
foundation whatever
for events, which since
eminent
on
no
tended in a most
degree to moderate the
last publication
our
have occurred there,most
fully evils attendingan unfavourable season, and in so far
pends they have been of great advantage
establish the fact,
that manufiicturing
lo every person
in
prosperityde'Jo them
the UnitedKingdom.
not in the slightest
in a special
we
are
degree on low-priced
provisions.
In Belgium, for instance, where
indebted for the absence
( faniine in the
manner
tural
agriculardent
land this season, and, as under their influence the
as low as the most
produce is certainly
of our modern
economists
could desire to
improvement must
political
progress of agricultural
rapidly
it in our
vernment
see
forward, and most
ture,
home-manufacturingdistricts,the Goprobablywill prevent in fugo
of the temporary distress exhas been obliged to lend pecuniary aid,
the occurrence
perienced
else universal
AVhilst these laws are only in
have
ruin would
attended the vain
this season.
and insane attempt latterly
there to rival the
made
their infancy, it is of the greatest publicimportance
British manufacturer.
that the}'should at all events
be perpetuated,
made
A similar attempt was
if they
at New
York, where provisionsalso are abundantly be not amended, for on them mainlydepend the prosperity
attended by
and independenceof all classes of British sosome
low-priced,
ciety.
years ago, and it was
a similar result.
To produce at home abundance of all the neIn short,the commmercial
position
cessaries
of the United Kingdoms, their internal sources
for
of life must
be a generalbenefit,and that
this must
be the result eventually,
of strictly
manufactures,and their boundless wealth gtneiall)',
ing
guardthe real interests of agriculture,
render any competitionon
must
the part of foreign
of protecting
embarked
in agricultural
nations, for generationsto come,
perfectlyfutile. the capital
improvements,
The demand
favourable prospects to those,
for shippingwhich
now
exists,is perfectly and of holding out
sufficient proof,
if any was previously
wanting, who einploytheir talents and their industryin agricultural
of the great prosperity
is placedbeyond all doubt, by the
which
at presf^nt attends our
pursuits,
A shiphas scarcely time allowed
commerce.
foreign
generaland almost boundless advantageswhich have
at present to discharge
her inward
alreadybeen obtained fiom the very partialpractice
cargo, when she is
of those laws, and
which, under an improved form
instantly
againchartered for another foreignvoyage,
and generally,
will
in the out-ports, no ship-builder
of them, must
c(intinue to increase with the increase
to deliver a new
of the populatioi'
contract
ship in less time than one
; and with that enlargementof the
is he at
human
mind, which education is so rapidly
year hence,so amply, and also productively,
producing
the present time employed. This is most
Those
who so loudly
conclusive
amongst mankind.
complain of
evidence in favour of cbe great prosperity
and rapid the unfavourable effectswhich the corn laws produce
increase of our commercial intercourse with foreign on commerce,
either labour under deep prejudices
for

payment, and

THE

246

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

attention to the subject

boundless
which
There
part of the United Kingdom.
fields for enterprise
partment
Their intentions no
present themselves to every deof
of human
ingenuity,but the prosperity
good,but thev advise a most extraordinary
lopment.
devethe benefits which they wish to
is absolutely
method
for obtainingagriculture
necessary to their due
send
To
the manufacturing interests.
Without this there can be no real reward
confer on
for the labour of the artist,or of the manufacturer,
with
of corn
the view of
money to foreigngrowers
and without tlie
culture
agridressingthem in British manufactured goods,seems
necessary degreeof protection,
remain nearlystationary,
and so consemust
quently
to be the only idea which
they possess for extending
Under
the trade of the United Kingdom.To send British
must
of commerce.
every department
of
of the corn
laws
millions of acres
for instance, to enable that enlightened the influence
to Poland
money
land, capableof producing wheat crops for a century
peopleto clothe themselves in Manchester
be reto come
economists fancy,
would
without the expense of manure,
claimed
manufactures, these political
may
from a state of nature
of the
increase the sale of their goods, whereas every day's
by tlieindustry
inhabitants of Ireland,and may add ii...nymillions
would be
experienceproves that the consequences
The
markets
the reverse.
sterling
annuallyto her wealth,but profitable
growers of grainin Poland are
mustbe
its proprietors. Whether
found for the consumptionof their agricultural
not
pricesbe cheap or
dear to them is not of the smallest importance,for it produce, and so long as poverty is the lot of a vast
land
be solely
found in Irealters not their wretched condition in life; the magthese markets cannot
majority,
nate
herself.
Under the present imperfect
and the prince alone enjoy the British money
system of
protection Ireland has alreadymade no
exchangedfor Polish grain,and a small part onlyof agricultural
tricts inconsiderable progress in agricultural
these payments is ever transmitted to our tradingdisimprovement,
in return
and during the passing corn season
the inhabitants
for British goods,whilst the same
home
of Great Britain are reapingand will continue to reap
of money
amount
expended amongst our
be exof grain would, to the last farthing,
from this circumstance.
pended
very considerable advant-ages
growers
As
Wo
of the
at home.
articlesmanufactured
now
on
object
yet, oats have been the principal
in this unfavourable
Irish agriculturist,
and even
for the present one
allude to the average of seasons,
have

or

its great
doubt are

not

paidtLat

importance demands.

the quantity
of this articleproducedthere has
far exceeded the home
consumptiondemand, that
the surplushas been found fully
sufficient to supply
constitutes the true wealth of nations.
common
seasons,
the deficiency
which
It would really be as reasonable to propose
existed in the produceof this
from the conshould be drawn
that a sum
of money
solidated article in different districts in Great Britain at very
moderate
increases,and the
fund, invested in British manufactured
prices. As agriculture
tricts art of tillage
goods, and these goodstransmitted to the corn disimprovesin Ireland,the attention of her
vation
farmers will naturally
habitants,
directed to the cultithe continent to clothe their half-naked inbe more
on
of wheat
and barleythan it heretofore has
to propose, in common
corn
as
seasons,
the
that foreigngrainshould be permitted
to destroy
been, and it may be most justlyinferred from what
The
has occuri'ed already
in the Irish oat crop, that hereafter
fairincomes of our
home
act itself
growers.
those of barley
and wheat there may be found
"would be one of self destruction on the part of the
manufacturers themselves, for by it they would gain equallybeneficial to the inhabitants of this part of the
a
againrequireit,and prevent
very small increase indeed, to their present foreign empire,should necessity
the great expense
which
during the current season
trade,and by reducingthe value of agricultural
duce
prohave
a
we
at home, they would
alreadybeen put to, and must continue to
destroy
tion
very largeporin the last wheat
of their present home
consumption,even were
pay for supplyingthe deficiency
land
growth. To enable Iretheypreparedto reduce the value of their goods in crop with wheat of foreign
free corn trade
however
to the reduction which
to go forward in the cultivation of the
a
proportion
in the value of all the
her farmers must
continue to receive the pacause
fields,
tronage
would, from necessity,
of
of the corn
markets
in Great Britain,
necessaries of life.
perfect
the total repealof the present corn
to the labours of the field*is neThat protection
laws, imcessary which
in
of every class of society
to the prosperity
thoughtheymost certainly
are, would entirely
be doubted by any who permit
Great Britain,cannot
deprivethem, and without which every incentive to
juries
themselves
coollyto examine this importantsubject. further improvementwould be taken away. The inthe Irish peopleby absenteeism
inflicted on
Much
ments
good has alreadybeen effected in all departwill be, under
the influence of the corn
of agriculture,
under
the influence of a fair
laws, in a
administration
considerable degreealleviated by an equitable
but a vast deal more
stillremains to be
protection,
land perof the poor laws in that part of the British
in Great Britain herself. Much
done even
fectly
is

uncommon

an

to be

included

one,
in a

and,on that account ought not

of what, in
general statement

season,
so

are
compelled
capableof cultivation,is stillif not absolutely empire ; for when the land proprietors
to maintain,
to find employmentfor the destitute,
of nature, of little use to mankind
or
; and the
most
highlycultivated fields have not yet nearly productive labour in the greatestabundance will be
found
for the entire population. '1he cultivation of
reached that degreeof improvement -which theymust
the waste
do by a wise perseverance in our present agricultulands, of mines and fisherieswill,in a few
ral
As the wealth of the soil increases,so
amply reward the landholders for supporting
system.
years, most
those who at present are
of
the prosperity
of mines, of fisheries,
also must
duringa short period
be extended
and not from inclination,
in a state of
from
and of commerce
manufactures,
necessity,
generally
of
than proportionable
in a more
even
degree,but withperfectidleness,and the field there for operations
of all those who
is so extensive that the annual proare
out the prosperity
engaged in this description
duce
The
its present rate.
agricultural
pursuits,
may be raised to triple
every other interest in the
of the quantities
of the necessaries of life
in time decay. Agriculturalimproveamount
state must
ment
in
added to, by that degree of encoulast for ages, and those now
must
m-ay hf. so much
progress
which the vast wealth of the empire can
here will heap the greatestbenefits on many generations ragenunt
in no distant periodwe
well afford,
stillunborn, whilst the works of the manufacturer
th-.it,
maybenot
only rendered entirely
independentof foreignnations
perish,and are seldom of use to any
speedily
for the supplies
received from them of
tinuance
beyond their first proprietors. In Ireland the conoccasionally
of the corn laws is still of more
importance the necessaries of life,but will in every probability
ourselves
to the inhabitants than theyare even
to those of this
eventuallybecome
exporters of flour and

in

state

THE
of allkinds to ourWestlndian
provisions
states
and to many of the rapidly
rising

FARMEH'S

MAGAZINE.

settlements, which
in South America.

time

certain,and

247

alone
to

can

now

know

it must

shew
be

thingis
; but one
that,in
satisfactory

the home
counties generally,
at least the usual quanTo dispelthese prospects,if so be the pleasure
tity
of grain for the time of the year of every sort,
effective plan,
of the British legislature,
a more
vised, stillremains in the hands of the producers,
and this
well be deof the corn
than the repeal
laws, cannot
fact may, before the close of the present season, profor with them must
disappearevery
speedily
duce
still important
results to all interested in the
and upwards of one half of the
incentive to industry,
tress. corn
disinto tlie market for
trade,for it must soon come
populationbe thrown into a state of comparative
whether
Those who are the real producers,
as dear
consumption,the present pricesbeing fully
or traders,
begin,even already, as the most sanguineholders can expect to obtain
theybe agriculturists
of the present year, and
at the close even
under their
its
that provisions,
to be perfectly
aware
value then must
be of any permaof
natural standard of value,cannot
depend on the real wants
nent
the community at large,for in no other channel
benefit to themselves, for not onlywould the
than a profound.
There
actual buyers of it be
can
can
wages of their labour be reduced in more
portionable
for exportation
to any quarter at
ratio by a continuation of too cheap provisions,then be no demand
be exbut probably
our
can
pected
at least one half of those articles
present prices,and no speculators
of generalconsumption,in the production
in it for the same
their money
of which
to embark
Besides,vegetablesand various substitutes
they at present receive productiveemployment, cause.
because
would cease
will,as usual,make their appearance in the different
to be required,
payment could
months approach. But the
not be found
of them as was
markets as the Summer
for the same
quantities
the case when the agricultural
obstacle to any material improvement in
interest was in a state
principal
of comparativeprosperity.
wheat pricesoccurringbefore the commencement
of
The productive
classes
the ensuing autumn
be in the amount
of fothat an article can
reign
must
are
aware
sufficiently
only bo
wheat then actually
arrived,or known to be on
cheap,or dear,on comparisonwith the value of other
Since the turn of the current
articles
of the same
and that 4s. will purthe passage.
necessity,
year, the
chase
much
bread at 2d. per lb. as Ss. can do,
as
alreadyreceived, at a duty of Is. per qr.,
quantity
than could have been reasonablyexthe priceone-half less. This truth is perfectly is much larg-er
pected.
was
land,
from HolThese
are
state of society
largesupplies
chiefly
exemplified
by the existing
generally
at the present moment
from whence little was
expectedtill latterly,
throughoutthe United Kingdom,
where, althoughmost
unfortunately,
through from France, and from the Peninsula. From the
the agency of the elements, bread is enormously exis known
to be on
a
travagant Mediterranean
largequantity
in price,stillno uncommon
tress the actual passage, and still a larger quantityis
degreeof disin the
is, at all events as yet, visible,
no
purchased,
chiefly
largebody known to have been already
of labourers from this unfortunate circumstance have, Black Sea, and in various ports in Turkey,for which
in procuringshipping
is experienced
out of employment, nor
has the
some
yet, been thrown
difficulty
at the moment
mer
industryof the peoplebeen in any material manner
; but this obstacle will,as the sumwhen
affected by the advanced value of provisions,
more
because
approaches,disappear,
particularly
this misfortune presses equally
it is known
all classes,and
on
amongst the ship-owners how
generally
in its duration it can onlybe of a temporary nature.
by the latest
high the freightswere
extravagantly
The half of this corn
however, has already advices. At Odessa, and other placesin the Black
season,
of wheat cost about 45s. per qr
yards, Sea, the best quality
passed away, and from appearances in the farmof 18s. per qr.,
at all events
plentyof grainremains to supply free on board, to which let a freight

as

the

added,and it will be found,

its arrival here,at present
should the duty continue at the low rate
even
prices,
the buyer made his calculaof Is. per qr., on which
though tion. From
speculativepurchases have almost ceased, alHamburg, and various other places
will be forwarded,
of wheat in particular,
without the Baltic,
a great deal of grain
have
largequantities,
has been most
been taken off for the greatmarkets in the West, and
vourable
unfabut as yet the season
in the Northern parts of Great Britain,for there the
for shipment of grain being made from
in the last crop has been found even
thence to this country ; another month or six weeks,
deficiency
increase
sometime ago expected
to have
however, at most, will very considerably
largerthan it was
been.
stocks of foreigngrainby arrivals from those
our
In the beginningof Februaryand latter part of
places.The lower ports in the Baltic will open
Januaryit was generallysupposed that the supplies shortlyafter that period,and, should our prices
of all descriptions
of grainwould have considerablymaintain their present rates, the quantityfrom these
exceeded the usual consumption, and consequently places,
likewise,
may be far largerthan is at present
the demand
in most
instances confined to the
was
generallyexpected,for the influence of money is
actual consumers
of it. Wheat at that periodbecame
quitewonderful, and draws from various quarters
the existence
itself of wliich was
dull,and no extensive sales of it could, various articles,
exceedingly
for a time, be effected,unless its proprietor
submitted
previouslyconsidered apocryphal.But should our
to a decline in its value of from 10s. to I5s.
pricescontinue at those rates which admit foreign
of the peopleuntil its conclusion.
Since
the London market has received a
last publication
fair supply of British grainof all descriptions,
and a
of flour. During the same
most
abundant
one
riod
pewants

our

and

other expences,

quite dear enough

be

on

and
this fall caused,
to quality,
at the low
wheat for home use
duty of Is. per qr.,
qr. according
from necessity,
Posen
in the value of
of the Vistula between
until the navigation
a correspondingone
flour. Since then,however, the arrivals of British
shall be most
and Danzigbe againopened,then we
of
grainfor sale,in the great markets of consumption, bountifully
supplied with the finest qualities
have not been so abundant, and an advance in
value, Danzig,or rather Polish wheats, and the return of

per

though not nearlyequal to the decline,

to which we
have now
alluded,has been the necessary consequence.
It remains now
to be
whether the
seen
British grown
the
wheat be actually
effect of a
real deficiency
now
existing in last
short

supplyof

year'scrop,
or

whether

many suppose to an
alarmingextent,
it be the rei.'ilt
of some
other cause

as

alone can
be expectedto stop the supply
rage
from this quarter, should prices continue to encouimportation.The holders of wheat in the
United Kingdom, whether it be British or foreign,
should well consider the future prospects of the
to limit the supply,
market here before they consent
tofor a favourable appearance in the wheat fields,
winter

THE

248
wards

the end of

next,

with

the

April and

tbe

FARMER'S

beginningof May

serious consequences,
produce effects of the most
in proportionas prices are
now
high, and
the trade consequently unusually
dangerous.
The
supplies of barleygenerally,
during the last
have

conferred

prospect of largeforeignarrivals, Great

must

month,

MAGAZINE.

been

than circumstances

large,but

certaiulynot more
so
required; for,independenc of the

consumjitiouof
legitimate

the maltster

and

the

tiller,
dis-

considi-rable quantity has been purchased

a
of millers to mix with highby various descriptions
This
has caused tliis
circumstance
priced wheats.
article to maintain

rather

dering
extravagant pricesconsi-

large produce of it last season

; indeed,
we
may add, that,in the barleydistricts of England,
the growers
An
had a more
never
profitable
crop.
effort on the part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
the

made this sessions of Parliament, would, in a very

few years, cause
demand
for a largerquantityof
a
barley,by at least one-third,than is at present in
To
reduce the malt duty from '^Os. per qr. to
use.
of 13s. 4d., or of even
10s. per qr., would
one
raise

has

oats

the cultivators

on

wheat,

been

and

very
other

of

In

much

clear

markets

oat

our

formerlywere

that

superseded by

of

agricultural
produce of greater

value, aud the consequence

to

Irish soil.

of the

Britain,for several years past, the growth of

to the

of this alteration has been

more

industry

extensivelythan they
of the Irish agriculturist.

then administered, the

By legal protection
growth of grain is annually increasmg throughout
of oats, and, although this
Ireland, more
particularlr

article sufferefi there severely last

state

has

of the

become
latterly

body of

Irish

surplus has
oat

much

so

consumers

been

markets

season,

weather, still the increase

in

can

of

by the bad
production

the great
pay for,that the

larger than
afford

to

fullysufficient

found
state

of

to hold

great moderation

as

to

all the

value,

with the actual

keeping the supply on an ecjuality
from payingdemand, and preventing the consumers
cash to foreigners
in the British
for the deficiency
oat

crop.

From

this, and

from

other circumstances,

numerous

ment
persuaded that a faithful stateto the community at large of the advantages of
the consumption of malt from 6,000,000 of qrs. used
agricultural
protectiontoevery class in the empire is
at present to 9,000,000 of qrs. and
numerous
petitionsin its
only to be made, to cause
upwards. The
favour to be transmitted to the legislature,
most
revenue
more
certainlywould not be injuredby this
ticularly
parreduction
of duty, but
would
themselves, for the employby the operatiuei
more
ment
probably be
of
their industrydoes, and always must, mainly
lies
improved by it,and many honest famiconsiderably
of payand industrious
be
labourers would
able to
depend on our internal and colonial means
ment,
and
the paltryquantity of
the luxury of the
afford occasionally
certainly not on
to themselves
manufactured
tricts
almost necessary article of beer, who
under the pregoods exported to the great corn dissent
throughoutEurope, in exchange for grain.
arrangement of pay, and the present beer price,
can

seldom

indeed

allow

to

themselves

the

use

of

we

In

another

are

month

the

appearance

in

the

fields

must
become
in the extreme, not onlyto
vourite,
interesting
certainlythe most fathe importersof foreign
grain,but generallyto the
beverage of Englishmen. To the barleylandOf the former gentlemen, itis
this concession
people themselves.
proprietor,and the barley grower,
than common
not more
would
be of very considerable
for it
justiceto say, that the public
consequence,
is under deep obligations
for the great exerwould
valuable
render sandysoils much
to them
than
tions
more
which they have made
to supplythe deficiency
they are at present to the former, and to the latter it
That their imporin the wheat crop of last harvest.
wider
would
a much
tations
consumption for bis proopen
duce,
with
made
is most
than
to profit
exists under
the high beer duty on the
were
a view
tain,
cerbut their profits
It would
are
also render necessary a
certainlynot greater than
average of years.
enterprise,and perfect
knowledge of the
great extent of green croppingfor the food of cattle, the capital,
trade most
which
the addition to the barleyfields would require corn
eminentlyentitle them to receive ;
for the purposes
and
indeed, they are not more
than an adequateremuneraof manure,
tion
eventuallyevery
for the risk of property, to which they subjected
cattle market in the United Kingdom would
feel the
benefits which
would most
naturallyresult from this themselves, and for the anxietyto which theymust
have submitted
of a part of the present heavy
partialremission
during the progress of their operations.
It is to be hoped, however, that the improvement
government
impost on malt. This is a practicable
of agriculture
here will,before many
esting
corn-improvement question,and one which is interyears can
whatever
now
to all classes of society,
pass, give employment to thetalents andcapitalof
may be their
these gentlemen in finding
out foreign markets
for
pursuitsin life.
the consumption of the surplusof British and Irish
Since the turn
of the year the different largecorn
markets
for uphave been plentifully
agricultural
products,and not, as it has now
suppliedwith oats, but
wards
of a century been
the case, in discovering
not more
than the regulardemand
so
required. As,
however, it is at present generallyunderstood that
quarters, from wljence
foreign
graincan be found in
and at high pricesforthe use of the British
abundance
these supplieswill, at all events, be maintained, if
It is most
this subject,to
on
satisfactory,
increased,
theybe not even considerably
mainder people.
duringthe reknow
that the season
of this corn
has hitherto been as favourable
season,
priceshave continued
could well have been expected to the operations
as
of
extremely moderate, nor at present is there much
of any material alteration now
probability
occurring the farmer. A larger breadth of ground than usual,
hag been placed into wheat tillage,
and the winter
in them before the result of the next harvest he ascertained.
the north
of the Humber,
To
and on the
plantsare lookinghealthy and certainly
as luxuriant
as theyought to be
at this earlyperiodof the season.
of England and Wales, tliisarticlesuffered
coast
west
mora
They are not too forward, but they are strong at the
damage during the last unpropitiousseason,
with
will come
than either wheat or barleydid,but its value has not
roots, and the shoots
away
great
in a proportionable
been enhanced
degree,although strengthas the spring weather approaches,showing,
far
as
its consumption has been very considerably
increased
as
any opinion can as yet be formed of them
all the indications of an abundant
which has been experiencedin the
yieldfrom them
by the deficiency,
when
to maturity. The ground generally
This most favourable circumstance
they come
quantityof the other two.
has been solelyoccasioned by that degree is likewise in a forward state for the reception
of the

this, the

most

of wholesome

wholesome,

and

which
protection

the

corn

laws have

springseed.

THE
CURRSNOY

PSR
Essex"

Wheat,

Suffolk
Irish
Old, red

IMPERIAIi!

60

66

72

78

do,..

Rye

old
Iri^li
Siiffolk "

Norfolk
" Ware
Kiiigst'iti

OAT3,Yorksliii-('i";
feed
Mncrvliisli,
Ulaok 22
Yo'isliall" Cork
Duliiiri
22
Cloniiiel
Loiiilonilerrv

42

new

46

4S

43

Clievalier
Bore...
Rrown

42

4t

68

34

36

66
G8

70
70

Clievalier

26

28

Potntoe..30

24Cork,white22
24

VVestport24

25
26

24

28
21
21

Rlack..

23

37

Potatoe
SinalUO

.38

maple

29
42
38
46

24
3"
44
39
48

42

"

Flour

and

Dantzic

60

Hamborg

60

24

27

40

42

to that

day amounted

and

25

bales and
have

we

19 casks from Hamburgh. This morning

fair show
of samples, but holders

do

not
appear
disposed to submit to lower rates,
inindeed, for secondary qualitiesa better
instances
inquirywas
experienced,and in some
a
trifling
improvementtook place in the value of these
kinds.
White without
alteration.
Linseed and Rape-

seed dull, and the lower qualities

of the latter
the turn cheaper. In
cheaper. Linseed Cakes

rather
other

of Seeds very little doing,and

the
descriptions
of Canary,Coriander,
Carawayseed,"c., remained
this
as on
day week.

value

CLovEa

English, red

70

nntcb
German
French

10

I"
,_

American

..

..

..

I ftyelBean? Peas

Oats

81
81

40

26

8 51

42

26

9 52

42

27

41

28
25
25

0 49
3 48
8 48
2 44

1141
442
3 41

llko
5|39
6 38

8
1
8
8

9
S

5
3
0

42
43
42
42
41
39

till Wedneiday nextin(duand

at the
sive,
Outports till the
arriralof the Mail
of that day from
London
1
Do. on
grniH from
British possessions

26

"

3 49

3i40

"

"

"crushing

"

"

Odessa"

Heinpseed, small

"

34

Coriander, new
Mustard, brown

15
13
"

large

36
20
15

"

"

46
48
38

48
60

fine
white

"

Canary, new

"

"

OF

percwt.

perbushel

"

20
21 other sts.28
Scotch
30
54
18
6s Od to 6s 6d
80
84
49

Caraway

,,
,,

42
"

"

"

12
36

"

42

51

extra

54

HOPS.
Feb. 25.

The trade in Hops is moderate, and the pricesremain

without the least variation: fine parcelsare scarce, and
command

highrates.
PRESENT

PRICES.

East and Mid

|41

28

r.altic
Mediter."

YeaMiugs
10

72

16

Weald
of Kent
Sussex

40

.."

Rapeseed, English
."34 ."36 foreign ."28^30
per last.
Linseed. English sowing.
per qr

A??regateAverr.!;e
of the
six weeks
which
regulates
the duty
77
Duties
payable in

r..
54

"

BOROUGH,

79
77
74
71

40
38

..

cisely
pre-

73 per cwt.

54
_

Trefoil

AVERAGES.

Barley
Wheat.}
Wfpk
r-nding
.."
Jan.
llth
18th
25th
Feb.
1st
8tU
.
15th

white

"

90

"

PRICES
IMPERIAL

95

"

Tares, Winter
to

to 1313 bales and 19

casks,of which 1,072 bales were from Havre, 25 from

Bordeaux, 70 do. from Boulogne, 120 from Antwerp,

Swedes
Turnip Seed, new
Rve
Grass, English

feed 15

"

249

new

68
32

20
30
brl.

"

in B)nil,
70

30

Potatoe

per

boilers.
46
36/. .Iiish 25/per last
64
70 80" percwt
.62
66
70
SO')
.hi own
2U
229 perbush
34..new60
_9
per qr.
Suffolk.
.54
55 per sk of
'2S() Ih,
.Irish fiiies56

Superline.SS

a, American...

68
70
31
23 24

23

Mustard, White. 123

I4".
3r,
old 30
Tares. .32
G5
Flour, Towri-iinule
Stocktoii"
Norfolk"
54.

Flou

65

r,inierick2325

White

Barley
Oats
Beans
Peas

30

"

..

Sligo.

32^
aape
tine
English lleil ('lover,

Wheat,

84

40

Feed

ForeignGrain

78

80

25

(irev
White

Skro,

78
70

26

VVateilord, white

Peas,

66

21

Gal way
Scotcli
Bfams, Tick

76
74

,24

'.

Nen-ry

Qr.

40

23
23

MAGAZINE.
reportedup

Per
white 72
do. 73
do

..

38 Malting
BARi.EV,Griniliiig36

Malt,

MEASURE.

PerQr.
Kent
..red. .08
70 74
" Norfolk,, 68
70 72
,

FARMER'S

Kent Pockets fine

..

Bags
pockets

"

do
do

"

"

1836
Old olds

." .1. d.
v" s.
4
0 to 8
4
8
3 10
0"6
6
0
415
3 10
4
4
3
3
0
2 10
0
310
0
2
2
3
3
110
220
"

d.
0
0

0
0

0
0

"

Lendon

of Europe...
Foreign Flour, 7 d.

\^0OIi

Feb.

by

12

per l961bs. British

3"d.per 196\bs.

COMPARATIVE

from

1 10

ent

WEEKLY

PRICES
AVERAGES

Possessions,do.

OF

GRAIN.

(AVERAGES

the Imp. Quarter, I

the
Gazette, of

Fridaylast,February22, i

from

the

corresponding Gazette
in the last year, Friday
Feb.

23, 1838.

1839.
s.

d.

71

Barley
Oats

38

25

Rye
Beans
Pkas

44

[Rye.

27

38

32

39

Beans
Peas

32

10

The

Cloverseed trade remained

more

short time ago.

A depressing
influence has,moreover,
in the effect of the pressingof an inbeen experienced
solvent's
Much
large stock upon the market.
hension,
appre-

atteutioa. The

any

very

serious reduction

in

price need not be entertained,as the manufacturers

are
generallyemployed, and are therefore takingoff
gradually the Korthern
stock,whicli, by the bye,
when the dealers shall have parted with,they will be
unable to replaceat any lower pricesthan that stock
cost.

The

only

sales

that

have

been

made

lately

it was
month
fetchingunpreceago, when, certainly,
in comparison with other descriptions
dently high price=,
of wool. The disturbed state of Spain must produce
a

25.

duringthe past week, though

excited rathsr

to give a high
manufacturers,who are always unwilling
pricewhen a considerable quantityis on sale;and, consequently,
those who are obliged or desirous to sell,
are
compelled to take a lower price than they obtamed a

have been of flannel wool, which has been selling

at
late prices,of say 2d. a pound from
a reduction from

MARKET.
Feb,

state

25.

There is scarcely
any business beingdone at present,
and the trade in generalis speculating
the time
upon
when an alterationis to take place,some
deed,
of them, inwith rather doleful visages,
but,upon the whole,
with countenances
not devoid of some
pretty confident
bulk of Wool
gleams of hope. The principal
being in
the Northern markets, affords a largeselectionfor the

however, of

Wheat

SEED

MARKETS.

BRITISH.

in

very

inactive

favourable impression
some
upon
suppliesof foreign regardsprices,as such disturbances

on

thismarket

Friday red seed

as

as

that
agitate

FARMER'S

THE

250

ing
from beoperations
country must preventa^lcultural
be otherwise, by the
carried on, as they would
of the sheep, and inattentionto them ;
larger slaughter
the present preparation
and, immediately,by preventing:
for export to England ; and from this
of the Wool
of
cause, and the fact that a considerable portion the
with
Foreignand Colonial Wool (and also of English,
is in the market and
the exception of a few counties)
being consumed, should the trade be at all brisk in
city
scarthe springof the year it is augured that some
would not
will be experienced. We
of Wool
dence,
advise those farmers who favour us with their confiinto the market justnow,
to push their Wool

they may depend pretty certainlyon obtaininga

better sale in a month
or
two; but, indeed, our own
knowledge renders this advice almost useless,when
former occasion the farmers
recollect that on
a
we
woolexercised rightjudgment, and let the eager
Wool
at
dealers have their then-much-sought-after
as

MAGAZINE.
unfavourable nature, there were
for foreign
more
enquiries
Wool this week, but holders were
unwillingto
submit to any great reduction,
and the quantity
sold was
in consequence
The importsthis week were
trifling.
confined to Peruvians.
principally
Import, this week,
2,830 bags ; previously
this year, 7,223 ditto: total,

10,053 bags.
SCOTCH.
Per Stone
Laid
White

of 24 lbs.

February
d.
s.
from. 12 6 to
9
14
6
..14
0
16
6
17

Highland Wool,

Do.
Laid Crossed
Washed
Do.
Laid Cheviots
Washed
Do
Wliite
Do

Do
Do
Do

22

34

Feb.

Per lb.
Down
Tees
Half-bred
Hogs
and Wethers
Ewes
Blanket
Wool
Flannel
do

SkinComl.ing

s.

March
d.
8 to

1
18
1 4J
0
8
1 OJ
12

s.

1.
d.

1
8j
1
8'
1 5
11
1 4i
14

liness
In this market there was a degreeof liveEXETER.
such as we have long been strangers to ; indeed,
that may fairlybe supposed to
all those appearances
bespeaka healthful state of trade. Most of the dealers
desirous of purchasing
were
; in
present and evidently
actions,
in the way of very large transtruth,the only difficulty
that all importantone of price. Upon the
was
of eleven pence per lb. for Yolk
terms
eff'ered,however,
several lots were
sold ; and these circumstances
Wool
of a more
cheerful
looked upon as the harbingers
were
and an understanding between the several
state of things,
than has of late
cordial in its nature
partiesmore
Knott
Wool,
prevailed.With respect to Washed
Wool was purchased at from 15d. to 16d. per lb. ; while
the quotation
for Dorset Horn, is from 16d. to 17d. ; and
Marsh
Wool, from 17d. to 18d. per lb. As regards
Sorts
prices are steady,the quotationbeing, for
Short*, Coarse and Short Coarse, from 8d. to 8^d. ;
Broad Head, 9d. to 9^d.;Kent Head, lOd. to lOid. ;
Red, Green, and Pinions,lO^d. to lid.; Fine Head,
lljd.to 12d. per lb. StripeWools are. North Devon
15d. per lb.
from 14^d. to 15d. ; Cornish Stripe,
Stripe,
The
Fell Wools.
demand in the up-country markets
and the quotafor short fine Fell Wools is considerable,
tion
for these is 14d. per lb. Long Wool, of fine quality,
of 15d. per
ison free sale,at a quotation
likewise,
be quoted at
of Skin Wool
must
lb. Ordinaryparcels
from ll|d.to 12^d.per lb. Tops are from 19^d.to 20d.
"

do not report any

Feb. 22." We
alteration in the trade ; the demand
dull,and
vour
though in the few sales made, pricesare rather in faof the buyer, there is not a quotablediiference
from last week.

d.

s.

d.

13
15
15

0 to 12
6

G
0

12
14
13

14

15

16

3
0
0
0

17

22
33

18
24
35

17
18
24
36

15

0
0

25.

Electoral Saxony wool, from 4s. 6d. to 5s. 2d.; first

wools, 3s. 4d.to
Austrian,Bohemian, and other German
4s. 4d. ; second do., 2s. 4d. to 3s. 2d. ; inferior do. ia
locks and pieces,2s. to 2s. 6d.; Germanlamb's
do.,2s.
Od. toSs. Od. ; Hungarian sheep's do., 2s. 2d. to 3s.
Od. ; Leonesa
sheep'sdo., 2s. 4d. toSs.Od.; Segovia
do., Is. lOd. to 3s. Od. ; Soria do., 2s. Od. to 3s. 2d. ;
Caceres
do., 2s. 2d. to 3s. Od.; Spanish lamb's do.,
and Spanish cross
Is. 8d. to 2s. 8d. ; German
do.,
2s, Od. to 3s. 2d. ; Portugalsheep's
do., 2s. Od. to 3s.
2d.; do. lamb's ditto, Is. 6d.,to 2s. Od.; Australian,
fine crossed do., 2s. Od. to 3s. 6d. ; do. native sheep's
do., Is. 6d. to 2s. 7d. ; Van Diemen's
Land, native
sheep'sdo.. Is. to 2s. 4d.;and Cape of Good Hope do.,
Is. 4d. to 3s, per lb.

LEEDS,

Feb. 22." The

the dulness

unrelieved

ForeignWo"l

of

and

is

market

inactivitythat

yet

have
mand,
by de-

latelydepressed
it; and being unoperatedupon
tinuance
only nominal
pricescan be quoted. The conof stormy weather
rivals
prevents considerable arfrom Germany, In English Wool
there has not
been

alteration since
any material
either in demand
or prices.

Wool

on

been

our

at

duringthe lastweek

port,
re-

"

This

Same
time
in tbe
last Year.

Year,

previouK to

WOOL.

Spanish, /ysnc^on
AustraliaH.de

lb.

Sorts, do.

lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.

Other

last week's

the Home
ConsumptionlDutieshave
and Hull,
Bristo,
Lomlon, Liverpool,

which

paid

per

material

s.

Next to nothingis doing in foreign

standing
wool ; notwiththat large portions
have been for the present
withdrawn from the market.
About 1,000 bales have
been imported in the Port of London
smce
Monday
last.

"

pound.
WAKEFIELD,

d.

FOREIGN,

good prices.
1.
February
d.
s.
s. d.
8 to 1 8J
1
18
1
8i
1 SJ
1 4J
0
8
11
1
1 SJ
IJ
2
14
1

March!.

1.
s.

lb.

Liverpool
Bristol
Hall

last week.
150432
430S00

475800
69305
1508560

1248179
1379859
453112

"92662

LIVERPOOL,
ed
to be a very limithas been one
two
lowest quotations,but
or
small lots sold at our
which'we believe was refused for a largelot. There has
been several inquiries
for white Highland,and one small
23.
Laid

Scotch,Feb.
inquiryfor

"

There

MARKET.

POTATO

continues

Highland wool, there

WATER-SIDE,

SOUTHWARK

Feb,

25,

The supply of Potatoes to the Waterside during the

all parts, including
past week has been liberal from
Islands. The
considerable arrivals from the Channel
From
of particulars,
viz.:
following is a statement

latelyimported realized our highest quotation. In

and Cheviot wool, our stocks of which consist priaYorkshire, 1001 tons; Jersey and Guernsey, 1169;
and
cipallyof unwashed
heavy laid there has been
Scotland, 386; Devons, 495; tWisbeach, 150 ; Kent,
nothing doing,and, in the absence of demand, continue
260 ; making altogether
a totalof
Essex, and Sutlblk,
our
quotationsas before.
lot

"

cross

Per Stoneof
241b9.
s.
12
Laid Highland Wool, from
White
do.
do.
(scarce)... 14
do
13
Laid Cros""ed
do.
d"
Washed
15
do
1/0
.'iaidCheviot,
22
do
Washeddo.
33
do.
do
White

d.
0 to

6
0
0

0
0

s.

12
15
14
16
18
24
35

d.
3

"

PRESENT

0
0
0

Per
York

Kidneys

s.

.."

to

PRICES.

ton.

s.

"

Reds
...70s. to 80s.
Natives
American
s.
Red
70s. to 75s.
Scotch
,
do
Devons
703. to
s.
Jersey and Guernsey
Bl'ies
s. to 60s.
"

0
0

Foreign.
Although the accounts from Yorkshire
the manufacturingdistrictsgenerallywere of an

and

32P.6 tons.

"

"

Per Ton,
...50s. to
s.
Reds
Wisbeach
..50s. to 60!,
DittoWhites
s.
Kent, Essex, and SufCOs. to 70s,
folk Whites
Kent Kidneys
s,

Jersey Whites

"

"

..

"

I Irish

"

s.

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

APRIL,

No.

4."

Vol.

[New

II.]

THE
The Ox, the
of

subjectof

Normanton

Smithfield
d.

by

Hill,near

Show,

and

the

Loughborough,

obtained

g. d.

exhibited

of

Cow,

Buckley,Esq.,
him

by

got by Mr.

was

Nell,"out

**

John

propertyof

was

prize. He

Series.

PLATE.

firstplate,
was

our

Young Woodman,"

"

1839.

by

late

"

Wizard,"

the

late Mr.

Price's

bred

the

at

BenjaminTomkins, of WellingtonCourt, Shropshire.

,

THE

FOR

which, from

TWEEDALE'S

OF

MARQUIS

MACHINE

MAKING

is
was

intention

our

article

an

article would
claim

given in this

have

the

detailed

mode

ber
num-

laying

of

of

statement

the

the
the

As

never

yet

proved
regardsim-

of the old lands such attention

given to the adoptionof a better rotation of

cropping,thorouglidraining,subsoil ploughing,
the selection of a better breed of animals,of better
now

of seeds and

sorts

"c., "c., that

practicalinstances

some

roots, of

improved implements,

great increase

not

be

complete :

indulgence

of

publicationto

our
our

we

must

therefore

subscribers
next

for

have

poning
post-

been

in many

to

pay better

good quality,but

number.

an

DRAINAGE

BILL.

the

cases

as

not

hoofs

tracts

essence

of

of land
of

the

high lands,washed
into the valleybelow.

dered
erroneowslyconsi-

very

and
lands of
sheep-walks,
accessible to the plough nor
in
cattle,
Instances

of moisture.

excess

where
the

HANDLEY'S

of the

scarcelyto

MR.

have

causes,

plough.

take place in
must
creased
inIn respect
the acreable produce of those lands.
produce obtained from lands so drained ; to the bringing into cultivation lands hitherto
have
we
unfortunately been disappointedin
be presumed that such lands are of
waste, it may
which
the
receipt of engravings, without
and which
two
kinds,lightlands,weak in staple,
and

expense,

but

to

descriptiveof

draining tiles,with

the

the

management

TILES.
It

of
variety

been brought under

DRAIN-

of

the

manure

down

The

consequence
are

not

latter kind
of

the

of

wanting
contain

neighbouring

for ages from the hills

first step towards the

cultivation
of such
land is draining.To enable
Fully satisfiedthat the soil of the United Kingdom,
if properlymanaged, would, to speak within
the owners
of land so situated to carry off the superfluous
ing
providefood for a body of people exceedwater, it is not sufficientthat drainsibe
compass,
in numbers
but in order to obtain a proper
the present populationby onecut in the land itself,
it
outlet
becomes
half,we always hail,with infinite satisfaction,
to cut
through lands
necessary
any
measure
or
propositionwhich has for its object,an
belonging to other persons. This step cannot bd
end so desirable as that of increasing
the amount
ment,
taken without
the authorityof an Act of Parliaof our agricultural
the obtainingof which would swallow up a
produce. The two greatmeans
by which that important object can
be best prowhich would go far towards making the required
moted, sum
it seems
as
to us, are, improved managedrainage. It is quitetrue that many cases
ment
of the old lands,both as regards stock and
be pointed
out where, notwithstanding
such ex*
may
and the bringinginto cultivation lands,
cultivation,
We
satisfactory.
pence, the result has been highly
OLD
S
SERIES.}
iNo. 4.-70Z,. X,

THE

252

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

law
if they were
enabled by a general
the same.
That
certain words in the act shall be
therein mentioned.
as
interpreted
tiiousands of enclosures of wastes, which have been
2 After a map
or
plan of lands liable to be
made duringthe last fifty
have
been
effected
years,
been
shall have
flooded,
approved as afterunder circumstances
similarlydisadvantageous.
of two-third parts in
mentioned, the owners
That,however,is no argument for the continuation
quantity of land included in such map, may
ofa serious impediment to cultivation. We
may
effect a drainage,
here be permittedto observe, that one
of the
3 Tenants
in fee-simple,
for life or lives,
fee-tail,
is that
greatestimprovementsin modern legislation
for any other estate of freehold,or for years
or
of passing
under the powers of which
of
determinable
generalbills,
on
lives, or for any term wherethe inhabitants of
100 years shall be unexpired,and also copyholders
any locality
may
carry out a
shall be deemed
for the
of improvementwithout
proprietors,
contemplatedmeasure
purposes of this act.
beingcompelledto run the risk of incurring
charges
ability,
such proprietorslabour under any disin seekingto obtain an
for effecting4 Where
act of Parliament
and comthe
mittees
guardians,
husband,
useful
and
which
be
defeated
a
object,
may
shall be deemed
competent to act as
of some
interested individual mustering
by the activity

might instance the quondam fens in Cambridgeshire,

in Lincohishire,
the moors
in Somersetshire, to drain
Enacts, 1
and in many
other parts of the kingdom. The

prietor

few friends to

the bill. The

a
oppose
for

generalbill

second reading
of
the enclosure
facilitating

of

field lands is one

of the best
common
writing.
which has received the sanction of the legislature,
6
of

measures

of

the drainage
facilitating
lands in England and Wales",which we noticed
Mr.
our
paper of the 11th Feb., and which

Handleyobtained leave of the House

Monday last,to bringin, is one

which

in

our

effect an
opinion,
productive
powers

to

state

lest

we

Tiie benefits
visionary.

will,

of

amount

ofa very
of the land of this country,which

improvement
largeproportion
will

we

should

be

derived

from

set

not

down
the

ture
venas

cutting

main drains for carrying

off the surpluswater fiom
be confined to
tracts of land,will not
particular
the proprietors
of those tracts ; theywill be grand
channels throughwhich the water on the adjoining
lands may be more
readilycarried off,and will

induce the

to such

7 Consent
certain
8

of Commons

on

in the

proprietorsto be called previously

drainage.

Meeting

but the bill " for

in

proprietors.
sent
Proprietorsof two-thirds,to testifytheir conto drainage by signing an
agreement in

he

in remainder

necessary

in

may

cause

map

to

be

made

and

deposited

with
inspection

book

the clerk of the peace, and

the same,
of reference to accompany

of owners,
and descrij)tion
of
containingnames
lands proposed to be drained.
The clerk of the
the
peace is to permit any person to insi)ect
extracts
on
payment of Is.
map or plan,as last aforesaid,
lands
enter
or
surveyors
may

make
and
same,
For making any

this bill,
is similar to that in the Common
Fields Enclosure
of two-thirds of the
Act, the consent of the owners

drainageas

tenant

Consent

for

of old lands to effectan improvement

by draining,
which, without that assistance
The mode
of proceedmighthave been imperfect.
ing
a

of archbishop,
or
bishop and patron,
necessary where
any lands belong to, or are
held in rightof any benefice.
9 Benefice in the giftof the crown,
and above
the value of 20/. a year in the King books, the
of the Lord
consent
High Treasurer or the First
Commissioners
of the Treasury to be obtained.
10 Where
20/. a year, the consent
of the
under
Lord Chancellor to be obtained.
11 Where
any proprietoris desirous of draining,

owners

to effect

of
cases.

proposedby

any
surveyor
without interruption.

lands to be drained bemg required

before any steps
12 Notice of depositing
map and book of reference,
be taken.
Provisions
can
introduced to proare
tect
to be given in some
circulating
usuailjf
newspaper,
the interests of all parties,
and the greatest precautions
in the county wherein
the lands to be
taken to guardagainstthe abuses which
drained are situated,for three successive weeks,
have sometimes
been perpetrated
imder the authority
into more
and where
lands extend
counties
of ])rivate
bills for the like purposes.
We
than one, there shall be depositsand advertisements
in each.
see
that this bill will,under
DO
reason
to doubt
the auspices
of Mr. llandley,
receive the sanction
13 After map
of reference have been
and book
of the legislature
and notice given,proprietors
in the present session,
in which case
of not
deposited,
the honourable Member
less than one-fourth of lands included in the
will not only have given
call a meeting to take the drainage
another instance of his zeal and attention to the inmap,
may
terest
into consideration, by notice to be affixed
of agriculture,
but will have set an excellent
days before such meeting on the outer
farmer in the kingdom
exampleto every praclial
door of the churches, or in some
publicplace
for homegrown
by shewingthat if he seeks protection
in the parish or parishes and by an advertisement,
to adoptenergetic
produce,he is prepared
to be inserted twice, in some
newspaper
for increasing
the supply
in proportion
measures
to

the demand.

Lane

Mark

"

usuallycirculatingin

Lxpress.
14

OF

A
THE

LANDS

IN

^REAMliLE

ENGLAND

BILL

FOR

LITATING
FACI-

DRAINAGE
AND

OF

WALES.

Recites that there are

lands
many
which
are
subjectto be overflowed with water,
and that it would
be advantageous to the pro"

county

present,
Majorityof proprietors

where

the

to elect a
who
shall proceed to ascertain the
quantity of lands, with power to adjourn in
the partiespresent do not possess two*
case
thirds.
of two-thirds who
shall have consented,
15 Proprietors
(and after such meeting as aforesaid
been
shall have
held) to appoint a commis"
for effecting
sioncr or commissioners
drainage.
of death, refusal to act, or incapability
16 In case

chairman

EPITOME

the

lands lie.

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

253

of two- thirds,
of any commissioner,proprietors
or umpire at anytime within twentyfresh ones.
one
to nominate
days after decision, and if by such withdrawal
commissioners
noraiwhere
two
the proprietors
of two-thirds
shall not
are
17 In all cases
remain, the agreement for drainingshall cease.
nated, an umpire to be appointed before they
37 Commissioners
and umpire to have
to
proceedto business, with power to renew
appower
enter
lands to make surveys, assessments,
upon
pointment in case of death,"c.
of difference of opinion between
18 In case
the
banks, drains,buildings,and other necessary
works.
commissioners,the matter to be determined by
38 Commissioners
the umpire.
ences
or
umpire to determine differID In all cases
in which more
ers
between any partiesinterested,touching
than 2 commissiontheir rightsand interests in lands to be drained,
are
appointed,the majority shall act and
exercise powers.
or
relatingto the said drainage,but not to determine
20 Commissioners
the titleto any lands whatsoever.
to appoint clerk and surveyor
with power to remove
39 Commissioners
and reappoint
or
umpire authorised to make

mission

when
lands do not exceed
acres,
commissioners
may act as surveyor.
21 Commissioners
40
and umpire to make
declaration,before they act, faithfully,impartially,
and honestly,
to execute
the powers of the act.
22 Commissioners
ration,
or
umpire making false declaand punishable.
guiltyof a misdemeanour
41
23 Commissionersor
umpireactingwithout making
and subscribing
to forfeit !^0l.
declaration,
24 Commissioners
or
umpire to give notice of
42
the church doors
on
meetings by postingsame
of each parishor placewhere
ed
lands to be drainare
situate, or if no such church or chapel,
then in some
43
publicor conspicuous place, and
also a notice to be given in some
newspaper
circulatingin the county where the lands lie,
ten days before such meeting.
25 Adjournment of meeting may be made to some
future day, not exceeding fourteen days from
44
the day of adjournment.
26 All meetings to be holden in one
of the parishes
45
wherein the lands to be drained, or the
situate.
are
greater part of them
27 All other notices to be gi\en by commissioners
46
the same
or
umpire shall be given by affixing
the church or chapel doors of the parishes
on
or
places where lands are situate,and if no
church
or chapel, then in some
publicplacein
such parishesor places,
and also by advertising 47
48
in a newspaper
in the county where
circulating
lands lie.
4i)
28 Proprietors
to pay their own
expences at meet2!)

30

ings.
Major part of proprietors
agree for paymay
of a gross sum
to commissioners,"c., or
ment
umpire, for their services.
to be entered in
Proceedingsof commissioners

book.
31 Commissioners
or
a
umpire may cause
survey
to be made of the lands comprised in the map
approved as aforesaid,and may either adopt
the map
so
approved, or cause another to be
made.
32 The proprietors
of four-fifths in quantityof
lands proposed to be drained, may
agree to
a

adopt any
33 Allowance
trouble a

previousmap
to
sum

each

52
53

shall have

consented

to

agreement

for

drainage,may withdraw his consent from such

to comagreement, by givingnotice in writing

of

drainageas they may

think

ne-

and

umpire may enter upon

contiguous to the lands proposed
to be drained, and dig for materials,
on
or
making compensation to the owners
piers.
occuor

Power
to commissioners
or
umpire to mal"e
drains through land not proposed to be drained,
due compensation being made
for
drainage
done thereto.
Power authorisingcommissioners
or
umpire to
make and enter into contracts
for making and

completingworks

of

drainage.

Commissioners
or
umpire may purchase land,
"c., included in the map approved as aforesaid,
for the purposes
of the act, on making compensation,
to be settled by a jury,
in case the parties
cannot

agree.

for incapacitated
Powers
persons to sell land
for the purposes of the act, and to convey the
same.

Satisfaction to be
the

made

and

accepted, and in

partiescannot

or
agree, the amount
value to be ascertained
and settled by a jury.
Where
shall neglector refuse to treat
persons
for the space of thirty
days,after notice given in
writing,the commissioners or umpire may issue
warrant
to sheriff to summon
a jury.
Jurors may be challenged.
Witnesses
and examined
to be summoned
on
oath.
and umpire authorised to adCommissioners
minister
case

Jury to assess the sum of money to be paidfor

the purchase of lands or^thc recompence
to be
made for damages that may be sustained.
Verdict of the jury to be conclusive.
Compensation to be apportionedby the juries
between
interests.
particular
Witnesses not appearingor refusingto
be sworn
feit
or any juryman refusingto giveverdict,to fornot exceeding40s., to be levied by
a
sum
,

distress.
51

plan.
or umpire for their
for
exceeding "
be employed.

day they may

of four-fifths in quantity
proprietors
may
sioners
agree upon rules "c. for guidance of commisor umpire about the drainage.
several
35 Such
be appealed
agreements may
notice
againstto the quarter sessions,
ten days'
to be given.
36 If decision in favour of appellant,
any party
who

51

or

34 The

works

ccsssary.
Commissioners
lands within

oaths.
50

Expences of juryto be paid by commissioners

than what
or umpire, if verdict given for more
has
been offered by such commissioners
or

umpire,but

commissioners
not

such

offered, then

if forno more
or less than the sum
by the person interested in the

lands in
55

question.
Compensationmoney,

when
amounting to or
exceeding 20O/.,to be paid into the Bank of
England, pursuant to the Ist Geo. 4th, intituled
for the better securing monies and
"An
act
effects paid into the Court of Exchequer, at
Westminster, on account of the suitors of the
countant
said court, and for the appointment of an AcGeneral

and

two

Masters

of the said

Court, and for other purposes,"to be paid

to the persons who would have been entitled
S

totlie

rents, "c.,

of other
06 ^Vhen

or

be laid out in the

purchase

"c.
to be settled to uses
less than 200/. and amounting to
lands

20/.,the
entitled

persons

shall,at

same

to

the

the rents, be
be appliedas

Bank

of

more

or, at the like option,be

trustees, to be nominated

England, to

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

254

againstsuch person
bring the same
may
if actually
living.
75 Power
for commissioners
or
umpire to sell
lands not wanted for the purposes of the act,
joining
adthe firstoffer to be made
or
to the original

ing,
as

or

ceeding
ex-

option of
paid into
before

the

the

tioned,
men-

paid to two or
by the persons

trustees for the

purposes of such persons interested as
aforesaid.
57 When
less than 20/. to be paid to or for the use
and benefit of the persons entitled to the rents
and profits
of the lands so purchased.
58 The
order reasonable
court
expences of
may
or
purchasersto be paid by the commissioners

owners.

76

and

umpire.
b[) Premises

to vest in the commissioners

or

mutandis.
77 Commissioners
or
umpire as
may be after works of
completed,to make an award

proportions the occupiers or

pire,
um-

the money
accepted or
veyances,
awarded, when persons refuse to execute conwhen
be obtained,
cannot
or
conveyances
be found
where persons entitled cannot
shall not be known, the pui'chase
to
or
money
be paid into the Bank
of England, to be disposed
of by the Court of Exchequer, to the
78
jiersons entitled,on making claim.
fiO On
of lands,
payment of the purchase money
the commissioners
or
umpire to be deemed in
actual seizing.
Gl In caseof questionable
titleof persons tomoney
79
paidinto the Bank of England, the person who
shall have been in possessionof the lands at
the time of the purchase, shall be deemed
to
have been lawfullyentitled to such lands until
the contraryshall be shewn to the satisfaction
of the court.
Cr2 Estate of mortgagees to vest in commissioners,
on
and interest.
payment of principal
63 Or
if such
principaland interest exceed the
value of the property, then on
80
payment of the
value.
64 And mortgagees to be foreclosed.
65 Power
commissioners
to
or
umpire to enter
and take possessionof lands "c., on payment
tender of purchase money.
or
81
66 Commissioners
ences
or
umpire to determine differbetween the partiesinterested or claiming
to be interested in
any lands,to be included in
upon

any
to

payment

drainage,or
the

of

touchingany

matter

relating

6i)
70
71
72

73

shall have been

the execution of this act.

74 If any person in whose favour any detcrmination as
aforesaid shall have been
made, and
againstwhom
any such action might have been
brought, if living shall die, before any such
action brought,any person who
might have
brought such action againstthe person so dy-

as

niently
conve-

owners

the costs

of lands
drainof age

works, and in maintaining and keeping

in repair,and in such award shall be

same

lating
reall such
orders and regulations
such works of drainage as are by this
net authorized to be made.
ing
describA schedule to be annexed
to the award
the lands intended to be drained, and liable
same
to be assessed
and taxed, and to whom
such assessment
belong, and in what proportions
rate is to be borne, togetherwith a map
or

included

to

plan of such lands.

the
Nevertheless, in fixingsuch proportions,
commissioners
or
umpire shall have especial
regard to the different degrees in which the
of
such works
lands shall be benefited by
drainage,unless with the consent of the proprietors
or

sioners
of four-fifths of the lands, the commisumpire shall think proper to direct
that such assessment, rate, or tax shall be borne
and paidby an equal acre tax.
of costs
to pay proportion
Persons neglectingor

and expences aforesaid,(after

days'
givingthirty
notice before such payment shall be required)
rants
the commissioners
or
umpire may issue warto cause
to be levied by distress.
same
Draft of the award
the Peace within

to be

and

notice

for three

Clerk of
next, after the
with schedule
nexed,
an-

lodgedwith

making thereof, together

newspaper

the counties

thereof to be given once

successive weeks, in one

in
or

or

where

82

Commissioners
or
umpire to hear and decide
objections(if any) to award, and to finally

83

The

made.

Authorising and allowing partiesto try their

rightsby an issue at law.
If no action brought, the determination
of the
commissioners
or
umpire to be final.
Death
of partiesnot to stay proceedingsat law.
No
difference or suit touching the matters
aforesaid,shall delay the commissioners
or
umpire in the execution of the powers vested
in them by this act.
Death of any partiesinterested not to suspend

to

soon

drainageshall be
directingin what

in
circulating
newspapers,
lands are situate, and such
notice shall requireallpersons who may desire
to the award
to lodge same
to lodge objections
in such notice.
before the time specified

summoned

determination

the

more

and
by commissioners
refusing to give evidence, to be punished by
fine,not exceeding 10/.
68 Commissioners
or
umpire upon the hearing
and determination
of any claim, may
award
and assess
to be paid to the party in whose
costs
favour such

drained, shall contribute

each week

drainage.

67 Persons

case

price to

entitled,to be appliedby such

uses

of difference as to the price, then the

be ascertained
by a jury in manner
directed with respect to disputedvalue of lands
mining
to be taken, and the costs of hearing and detersuch diff"erence to be paidin manner
before directed with respect to such purchases
made
or
umpire mutatis
by commissioners
In

settle same.
settled to be ingrossedand
award
when
or
signed and sealed by the commissioners

to which
of the schedule before

umpire, and

shall be annexed
mentioned.

copy

84 Award and schedule to be depositedwith Clerk

of the Peace; who is to depositsame
amongst
so deposited
therecords of the county, and when
shall be binding on all persons, and shall be
evidence of itself that it was
duly made.
85

of
in pursuance
be made
or
pire
umvested in commissioners
until their power
and authorityshall cease,
shall be appointed,and after
and until trustees
such
appointment then the said works to vest
or
in the said trustees, and such commissioners
umpire or trustees are authorized to bring acWorks

this act

of

to

drainageto
be

THE
tions and

preferindictments

works.
86 The herbage of banks

iu

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

respect of said

105

to be the

property of the

the lands

in

adjoining

thereto.
87

Nothing in this act shall prejudiceorinjurethe

drainageof adjoininglands.

88

After execution

of the award, power*

of

of the
date and
execution
be given as before is mentioned
to make
choice of
trustees for the
further execution
of this act; such trustees
than seven
shall not be less than three nor more
the

90

91

92

93

94

95

9G
97
98

99

to

number

and

paying off sums

in writing

of

value

umpire,

trustees

missioners
com-

umpire to cease.
89 Commissioners
or
umpire to call a meeting of
months
the proprietorsof lands
at
before

be assessed for
without
the consent

to

of proprietors
sent
preat a meeting to be called for that
purpose,
notice of such meeting to be given in the
newspaper.
106 Power
enabling commissioners,
or

or

least

rate

borrowed

or
occupiersof
proprietors

award, by notice

No

255

to

are

to

appoint officers
give security.

107
108

Same

110

Commissioners,"c.,

officers

person is not to be clerk and treasurer.

Accounts
to be kept by clerk in books
to be
provided for the purpose.
109 Officers to account
to commissioners
or
pire
umor

trustees

when

required.

to pass
their accounts
once
a year before three justices.
continue
in
office
and
shall
in number,
111 Penalty for opening doughs and
lettingoff
trustees are appointed.
water, not exceeding 10/.
years, and until new
At the end of every
trustees
112 Persons destroying
years new
works
guiltyof felony.
shall from time to time he chosen
by the proprietors 113 Justices empowered
to proceed by summons
at a meeting to be for that
for recovery of the penalties.
purpose
from time to time holden.
114 Proceedings
before justicesnot to be quashed
The
first and all other trustees to be chosen
for want
of form.
such
115 As to the recoveryandapplication
by a majority in value of the proprietors,
of penalties
value to be determined
and forfeitures.
according to the proportions
rate
of the assessment
borne by
or
lie No action to be brought against
any person
them respectively.
acting in the execution of this act, until after
Trustees
notice has been given specifying
empowered to make, maintain, and
the cause
of
of drainage as they shall
action.
support such works
all other the
think
117 No action to be brought after tender of sufnecessary, and to execute
ficient
shall not have been
amends,
powers of this act which
or umpire.
118 If no
fullycompletedby the commissioners
tender has been made, money
may be
In case
of refusal to act, incapacity,or death
paid into court by leave before issue joined.
of trustees, new
to be appointed at a meeting
ones
119 Po\yer
enabling partieswho think themselves
to be called for that purpose.
aggrievedto appeal to the quarter sessions.
annual
Trustees
to hold
meetings, and fix 120 All actions, suits,"c" to be brought against
to be raised for repairs,
amount
"c., for the
of
any person for anything done in pursuance
this act to be commenced
ensuing year.
within six months,
be recovered
to
Assessments
121 The general savingclause.
by distress and
sale ; the party refusing to pay being first
summoned
before a justice.
Tenants to pay the taxes and deduct them from
their rents,
It affordsus sincere pleasure
In case
of non-payment of taxes, defaulters to
AGRICULTURE,
in
that the Messrs. Drummond, of tiie Agriculnoticing:,
forfeit3s. 4d. in the pound.
tural
Museum
here,have,within these few weeks, been
of
Upon the consent of the owners
entrusted with the execution of an order for ploughmen,
of the lands a drainage may
out
take placewithhorses,
implements,seeds, "c., intended for an expeof commissioners.
rimental
the intervention
"

farm

in

Gloucestershire,
where,weundtr"tand,
be called for that purpose, and an
is to be coKducted with a strict adherence to
everythinging
meetagreement entered into, and at the same
the Scottish system of husbandry. Besides many other
trustees to be chosen, who
are
thorised articles of minor
auimport,the commission included 4
in
the
with
to proceed
same
drainage
ploughmen, 9 horses,6 carts,8 sets of cart and plough
had
been
harness
if commissioners
manner
as
Smith's subsoil and
pointed.
apcommon.
green

Meeting

to

"

crop

ploughs,harrows,drainingimplements,sowing machines,
Druromond's reapingscythes,"c.
100 The agreement shall set forth a descriptionof
From what
have heard from judges,the various specimens are
we
the lands and also the rules, orders, and regulations
such as to do no discredit to the spirited
establishment
and supportfor making, maintaining,
ing
from which they have issued. A notion
to be
appears
works
of drainage,and the proportions of
prevalentthat tiie horses mig^hthave been heavier,but
the rate to be borne
each
proprietor.
by
it seems
ordinaryfarm-horses were wanted. We consider
101 The agreement when
signed and sealed to be
such an outfitas an honour conferred on the district,
lodged with the clerk of the peace, together
in as far as its practical
and
manufacture
farming
with a map or planthereto annexed, and notice
of agricultural
concerned
and
while
implements are
;
of such deposit
to be given three times in three
we
hope the whole may reach the place of destinationin
wish
the
and
like
successive months
in newspaper,
to
ject.
oba
we
success
trulypatriotic
safety,
every
This importantcommission having been comnotice to be affixed on church or chapel doors
pleted,
the ploughmen, with their charge,under the
for three Sundays.
of a young
gentleman from England,
superintendence
102 Power to borrow money
the credit of the
on
order on the forenoon
of Friday
set out in travelling
rates, to be paid off in
years from the time
Their departure
last,
during the bustle of the weekly market.
of borrowing, and a rate to be fixed for paying
excited very considerable interest,
forth
calling
off such
annual

instalments.

103

Mortgage securities may

104

Power

to pay

interest.

be

offand borrow

assigned.
at

lower rate of

the best wishes of all. We understand the party have

taken the land route by Carlisle,
rington,
Manchester,and Warand expect to perform the journey,which is
Observer.
nearly400 miles,in about 20 days. Stirling
"

256
TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

baffle every

FARMER'S

THE

ai Farmers' Magazine^
"
observations on
Agricultural

In the last number

Sir,

"

some

attempt yet made

by our most
of soils and
analj'sis

pletely
eminent
of manures

MAGAZINE.

I observed

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

no

scientific men.
have

The

been

correctlygiven,but

most

follows for application

information
; no
derived from that analysishow or in what

result

can

be

mix

to
quantities

them, so as to producea greater

known, and any suggestionsthat
yet
pro])oses a company
have been offered,practicehas mostly overturned.
to erect
an
establishment, and to rent a
The
is
applicationof science to manufactures
quantityof land to be cultivated by the Kcholars
invention in
wholly different : the using of a new
be sent to learn there : and an institution
tlv.itmay
a factoryin the weaving or
dyeing of cloth, is not
of this kind is ]jroposedto be established
in Kent
in farming
liable to the many
accidents that occur
ter
In the same
Mai^azinelread a letbysubscription.
practiceto influence and mar the results,for there
from
]\Ir.Grey, of Dilston, on subsoil ploughing,
be any certaintythat a process irtfarming
never
can
of
in explanationof an
apparent difference
be performed under
the same
stances
circumcan
between
that gentleman and the IVIarquis
o)"inion
when experimented and concluded upon
as
nent
emiof Tweeddale.
Mr. Grey is well known
as an
the chymist. But time and perseverance
by
may
the
breeder and cultivator,and
of
most
one
work
great changes in that, as it has done in many
influential and intelligent
gentlemen in that part
other
scure.
subjects not long ago thought equallyobof the kingdom, and
is no less
Lord Tweeddale
Mr.
wishes to increase the quantity
Grey
for
and
conspicuous
practical
his,iudgm"nt
experience,
of produce by every means
that may
be available,
and great zeal in agricultural
matters.
and to depend for remuneration
that quantity,
on
The
ing
variance had arisen from his lordshiphavand not
its
restrictive regulationsto enhance
on
succeeded by trench-ploughingand by mixing

Colleges" from
which

the

the

pamphlet

that
bearing-

title,in

holders
of share-

writer

without
damage, and
generalizingprincipletoo
in the unthinking world, and
with percommon
sons
which
of sanguinedispositions,
cess
supposes sucin all cases
of similar application,without
stances
advertingto the combination of different circumbe
that
under
which
applicationmust
matter
the whole
made, and on which
hinges.
The
must
decide
at once
qualityof the substratum
if it should be turned
up or not, and to this point
his lordshiphad not adverted, as
he had
found it
ing
hurtful in the course
of his practice. Reasonrot
led to
such
from analogy has in many
cases

from

under
upi)er and
the consequent

strata

result than

value.

is

is an answer
in one
sentence
to the
of essays, letters,
and pamphlets on the
subjectof corn-laws ; for if capitalwere
properly
would
applied to cultivation we
require no corn
from abroad.
This short and concise observation
Here

multitude

and overthrows
requiresno commentary or illustration,
the corn-laws,
all the vagariespublished
on
for it is evident

that if our
waste
any person
lands were
properlycultivated by
all dread
known
of an overgrowing
our
means,
of subsistence, are
as
population,and of a want
idle and chimerical as the reveries of fathers and

lands and

to

arable

monks.

Most
desirable
circumstances
certainlynothing can be more
fallacious results, and
must
direct if any applicationbe plausible than a national institution or institutions,where
ever
be taught the most
the rising generation may
and likelyto produce the expected result,assisted
useful of arts ; but the subject is beset with many
by the judgment and experience of the persons
difficulties both natural
and artificial. The
great
concerned.
Mr. Grey's letter sets the matter
in
tutes
its true light.
diversityof soil and climate in any country constiof the greatest,for a system ma)' be most
one
Mr.
Grey ndverts to the great importanceof an
excellent
in one
part and wholly inapplicablein
agricultural
college,and very justlyobserves that
another.
In the collegesinstituted for teaching
the subjectmust
be a national instead of a local
the

most

the theory
and physic,
the student has only
from
the professor'slecture-room
to the
to walk
for instruction in agriall its branches, and
none
culture,
he sees
wbiclj every other depends. hospital,where
practicein a large extent,
an
art on
in any part of the
and a practicewhich
lie can
use
we
Agriculture must
precede every other art
have corn, wool, and cotton
must
kingdom, uninfluenced by soil or climate, and the
before manufactures
localities which
exist ; they are the consequents, not the
])erplexall farming operations.
can
the
architect can erect an engine
The engineer and
of agriculture,though both
antecedents
must
arch to suit any locality the same
or
an
flourish better when
mutually assisted and supported
of a bridge,and the same
form
locomotive engine
Tlic suj)ply
of food and raiment
by each other.
turer
in any
will answer
situation ; and the manufacin vain will we
precedes every other want
can
ado])tthe same
machinery for a certain
attempt to teach a starved human
being the physical
But with the farmer
abroad.
or
before the moral
if
be su])])licd
must
wants
])urpose at home
the case
is widclv different ; he has soil and climate
the means
be not afforded of sending the boy to
of circumstances
and
to
a
study,
variety
school, the schools are useless. The present practice
influence every operation; his cro])s, the
is wholly composed of the fortuitous which
of agriculture

undertaking. It is certainlya very curious fact,

that we have collegesand schools for education in

other

and

arts, such

as

surgery

combined,

practiceare

"

"

"

"

"

"

results

of

observation and exi)erience,

and
chymical
any assistance irom

produce

of

his

labours,

are

at the

mercy

of

the

imjilements to adapt to the soil

and
he cultivates,
"iesiragrainsand roots to the climate
or
physicaltheory. Nothing can be more
he requiredfor
An institution would
of science to agriculture, he inhabits.
blc than the application
tures
of soil, or a central collegefor lecand when
the wonderful
effects it has prowe
see
duced every diversity

has

yet derived

not

in

manufactures,
expect similar

the

conclusion

results

from

seems

and

trench-ploughing
"

"

an

of
application

different circumstances"
difference of circumstances
is so great
mider

and

"

as

to

and

tural
na-

similar apBut in arrivingat this point,we

arrive
jilication.
at the very
point th.-it constitute*! the difference
between
Lord
and Mr. Grey on subsoil
Tweeddale
to

; he

seasons

ciple
printhis
com-

of the

has

exhibitions,and

kingdom,

soils and

so

climates.

farms

in

various

])arts

comprehend the different

possible,
imThis seems
by no means

as

to

ing,
a national undertakbut, to have one farm
of 400 acres, where
estate
to teach the practice
or
Lectures
for a kingdom, is wholly ridiculous.
but it can
may be delivered on universal practice,

provided it be made

and

means

be afforded

THE
where

it exists. The writer expects

farm cultivated by the students
of the institution
; if this be the foundation
would
that are
adopt the means
managers

only be shown

from
profits

the

FARMER'S

the

would have little

yield most profit
; we
or
no
experiment,for experiments cannot be made
to any txtent without departingfrom
at the
profits
present time. In such institutions I would lay
aside profits
and by continuingand repeating
altogetlier,
result be arrived
experiments a profitable
at by careful computation, and then sent forth to
the agricultural
world, not as suggestionsto be
known

to

tried,but

on

remuneration

and
investigate
nmst

1 e made,

small

scale

of

257
for the

use

of their

capital.To

primary pointa sacrifice

the experimental farms a

settle this

and on
trial would

relative cost and

fact. In vain will

suffice to

produce,

and

thus

compare
establish

the
a

write essays and pamphlets,

and award
premiums, unless the unerring test of
experience be used, such labours have been and
will be nearly useless. As I observed before,
ever
the student in surgery and physicwalks from the
lecture room
to the hospital,and
sees
practised
what
he has heard
he sees
and asread to him
sists
in all cases
of practice; but the student in
hear from
the best lecturer and
agriculturemay
most
be found,
that can
distinguished
agriculturist
of implements he has never
a description
seen, and
if he did see, could not use them
he has heard a
of drilling
method
described, but cannot go to the
field and practiseit. This is wholly owing to
the
want
of a j)ractical
has
dered
renfield,and
the
such institutions nearlyuseless. And
sacrifice would
be small, very small, when compared
with the immense
have seen, and
we
sums
and fooleries,
and
yet see squandered on fopperies
in
upholding corruption and profligacyof the
deepestdye. Two dairy farms, two or three clay
we

"

and
facts for immediate
undoubted
adoption. The dread of expense, and
of loss by deviatingfrom the established routine,
constitutes
an
insuperable barrier at present
of
farmers, against,not only the instituting
among
experiments, but against the adoption of e^taof years and
blished facts. A number
a great
majorityof similar results are requiredto establish
fact in agriculture
be repeated
a
; rotations must
in order
to prove the profitable
of it, and of
use
of cultivation we
have
must
any plant or mode
of one
satisfactory
proofs,not only of the success
crop or trial,but of the relative merits in a system
of feedingand cropping with our present practice.
A manufacturer
mechanic
establish from
or
a
farms, and three turnipfarms, viz.,loamy clays,
can
of any invention for his purtrial the utility
of them
of a
one
sandy loams, and sands, and some
pose
the chymist can
; in a sheltered house
apply mixed character of wheat clays and loams, might
be found sufficient,
and might be so chosen as to
dyes for prints and cottons, but on the field a
suit the different localities in the kingdom.
panies
rainy day may overturn every expectation. ComIf ever
of shareholders are merely a system of selfsuch an institution be established,the first
ish
the prejube, to kick sheer overboard
monopolies,wholly intent on gain,and in whi?li
step must
dice
of men,
exists.
and to level with the dust, that curse
a singlespark of liberalism nowhere
Such
of the human
institution would
become
for
an
soon
a scramble
ments
race, the great barrier to improvein all ages
the
of the world.
students
On every subject
labours of the
profitsper share
the greater part of mankind
would be sold on 'Change by moneymongers,
biassed in favor of
and
are
such a system would
be widely different from our
some
particularway of thinking and method of
similar institutions,
which they have adopted,
and derogatoryto the national
performing any operation
and to which
character.
they have been accustomed, and of
which
that it must
he a national
able wholly to divest
ever
are
Upon the principle
very few
themselves.
our
undertaking,as it is one in which all classes of
Prejudice completely obscures
intuitive powers,
derstanding,
societyare equallyinterested,it must be endowed
perceptive and
clogs our unand supportedby the national revenue,
and perverts our
established
ders
judgment, and rena
broad and liberal basis, and suppliedwith
on
whollyuseless the reasoningfacultyconferred
teachers eminent for their knowledge, and chosen
characteristic of our
upon us as the distinguishing
No
sound
from
nature.
regard to " merit" only. In this central
judgment can be exercised on
conclusion
arrived
planation any
collegethe scientific theory of the art, and the exsubject,or a satisfactory
of the different systems of practicein
this perniciouspropensityprevails
: no
at, where
our
kingdom and abroad would be given by capadependence can be placed on the opinion of any
ble
and
the students
could
who allows his judgment to take precedence
man
repair to the
men,
shut
farms in various parts of the kingdom chosen
of his reason,
and whose
mind
is wilfully
so
to comprehend the different soils and
For the furtherance
of any
as
climates, against conviction.
and conducted
that can
bine
art, the great and essential desideratum is to comby the best practitioners
be found.
These
farms must
be used
solelyfor
theory and practice; and on this point the
world (with some
experiments,to test and prove every suggestion agricultural
splendidexceptions)
that science, theory, and
in the mud.
head and ears
practicemay oft'er : if has floundered over
It is only of late years that our mechanics
and our
upon
repeated trials they be found irreducible
to practice,
to the ground ; if they
them ;
manufacturers
have been able to combine
they will fall'
succeed
but until that be efiiected,
and as much
as possible
they would be sent forth as attested and
valuable facts. The members
of the central college
in the same
persons, or by different persons being
and the conductors
of the farms would
be in
and
in constant
friendlyintercourse, it is very
as

established

MAGAZINE.

"

"

constant

communication,

every
the

suggestionand

comparing and
observation

ing
examin-

both

ence
by sci-

and practice, and

to each other for
detailing
general benefit the results of reflection and

experience. The results of their labours must be

sufficiently
vouched
by correct computation, as
facts under
the existingstances
being profitable
circumof

social

; it is well known

that
lavish expenditure
of money,
but unless attended
with profitwe cannot
expect them, in fact they are wholly unfit to
be adoptedby those who depend for their livelihood
great

our

thingsmay

system

be done

by

will be slow.
the progress
Concurring
have contributed in givinggrounds for
and bigotry so loudly and lavishly
the prejudices
charged on farmers ; though there appears to be
to inherit a very
natural reason,
no
they seem
largeportionof it. The natural difficultiesthat
benefit of such
to dim the prospective
would seem
in
be dealt with and overcome
must
an
institution,
formidable
the best manner
possible; though more
not such as
are
than in other cases, they certainly
or
to debar the attempt
to forbid all expectations,
On the contrary,if properly
estabeing made.

evident
causes

may

THE
commissious, "c., "c.
Englishwheat remained

Had

FARMER'S

the average

at 54s. per

priceof

quarter,so superior

MAGAZINE.

259

knowledge,produce double the present

produce,the onlysure way of making their produce
skill and

that I could have paid32s. 8d.

cheap.
its quality,
was
laws
With the incontrovertible facts which I have stated
the present corn
per quarterduty,(theduty hy
the purchase of foreign
when
the averages are 54s. per qr.,)and have got a
respecting
grain,I make an
in any way conafter paying every
or
nected
charge appealto every person engaged,
profit,
very handsome
with agriculture,
their condition
wliat must
whatever that came
againstit. Before the dutycame
if the
wheat of like quality become
to
Is. per quarter, there was
duty be as M'CuUoch
proposes
six or
duty
as the highestfixed
seven
sold in Mark Lane at 112s. per quarter.
shillings
per
I had purchased
this wheat to prove the fact I had
dutyon other
quarterfor wheat, and a proportional
asserted,that the best foreignwheat could at all
grain. Would this " be erring(as he says) on the
side of too much
times aflbrd to pay 32s. 8d. per quarter duty,when
protectionrather than that of too
the just
our
prices averaged54s. per quarter. I kept this little?" Or his other assertion, "That
and
other class
than a twelvemonth, and
everv
wheat in granary for more
rightsof the agriculturists
would, with a dutyof Gs. or 7s. per quarter,be
when the average priceof wheat at Newcastle was
maintained unimpaired"! ! !
returned at 52s. per quarter, I gave an order for the
AVas not a dutyof 30s. 8d. per quarter on wheat,
sold at an
sale of my Dantzic wheat, and it was
the average was
when
56s. per quarter, paidto a
average of about 84s. per quarter ; 32s. per quarter
considerable extent onlyautumn
twelvemonth'? and
than the average of Newcastle, in the autumn
more
of 1829.
why was it paid1 because the corn merchants,by so
months
Had
I purchased
wheat in Dantzic some
doing,lowered the pricein England, by bringinotheir foreignwheat
the market, immediately
earlier than I did, it mightthen have been got above
upon
six shillings
boughtat, thereby,to 51s. per quarter, and when they had
per quarter lower than it was
but the then law in England improperly
prohibited caused this reduction in England, aware that the
far under an average,
wheat crop of 1837 was
the sale till the averages reached 80s. per quarter. English
So confident was
I that protection
terms,
theybought abroad on the more advantageous
given to agriculture
than
times the amount
ten
that theyhad
the onlyway to make
was
corn
cheap,that I to more
sold.
Had
the opulent merchants
told the Newcastle
of
previously
merchants,when theyasserted
in 1815, that if wheat was
jManchester then purchased
foreign
grainin exchange
protected
up to 8()s. per
for their manufactured
be less than 80s. per
reign
goods, and bonded the foquarter that it would never
to Is. per quarter,
the surest way to keep it under
grain, till the duty came
quarter, that it was
their capital
in August, 1812, a respectso exchanged,
able
theymight have tripled
quarter. Now
castle
miller on a large scale,boughtwheat in New(beingwhat they now want,) and no one would have
could have found any faultwith them in so doing;
or
market at 208s. per quarter ; and on the same
the law allowed them to do so, and with the present
day of the same month in 1822, he boughtwheat of a
like quality
and weight at 38s. per quarter, an unanswerablelaws
they may do so as often as theylike,(ifthey
have the sagacity
to choose the proper time to do
is the
to agriculture
proofthat protection
so ;) had theydone so a year ago, theymight have
onlyway to make corn cheap. On this account have
I ever
advocated protection,
and that labourers in
preventedwheat risingto its present price. If,
intend to accept foreign
therefore,
agriculture
they really
grain
might always have full employment and
in exchange for their manufactured
It would do little forthem to have
adequate
goods,there is
wages.
The corn law of
if their wages were
to purcheap corn
inadequate
chase no law to prevent their doing so.

80s. per

1815 improperly
it is a well known
it,however cheap. Now
foreigngrainbeing sold
prohibited
in England tillthe price
fact that agricultural
reached 80s. per quarter,
labourers have not earned, the
it can be sold at any time,on payingthe duty.
last seven
turing
row
years, one half the wages paidto manufacThe present corn
law was
framed to serve
the cornlabourers. Is it not also a fact,
that the manufacturing
than
have since the peace more
merchant, and not the agriculturist
; this I exposed
population
doubled ; while in the purelyagricultural
districts in 1827, in an address I directedto every member
of
of Parliament, after the late Mr. Canning
diminished ? In the district both Houses
theyhave considerably
from which I write they have diminished
had brought in his corn bill. In the agricultu40
rists,
per
and labourI include land-owners,
ers,
occupiers,
cent.; is not this an incontrovertible fact that the
manufacturers have been doingwell, while the agrilihood
culturists and all those dependenton them for their liveI have
have not]
Many farmers whom
; they are, by far,the largestbody in the
known
and
raised themselves by industry
to have
community,and all theyseek is the welfare of the
carefulness from being labourers in husbandryfor 30
whole community.
The
for the seven
years, duringthe high time in the late war, and from
average priceof wheat
years
their savingscommenced
with large
families
endingon Thursday before Christmas day,1838, is
farming,
of children,
Gazette to be 52s. 2d.
to perform declared in the Government
and women,
grown up to men
the labour
the priceso low
ever
per quarter. Now, I ask, was
; and who with their families in the hard
lived solelyon
as the last seven
times,from agricultural
depression,
years, in comparisonto the earnings
of the labouringclasses of the whole community1
potatoes and salt for their dinners, using neither
butchers' meat, ale, or anv other costly
Never at any period. I again ask, was the loss of
either
article,
for food or
and yet were
obligedto sell capital
engagedin agricultureever equalto what it
clothing,
their all,and in their old age themselves and families
has been the last ten years ! Never at any period.
have forgotthe nucannot
againbecome day labourers,and many of these have
merous
Surelythe legislature
that were
sent to them
emigrated.
only three
petitions
I did hope,after enduringprivations
and distress
not acknowledge the
Did the legislature
years ago.
that never
had a parallel
distress,but would applyno
in England at any period truth of the agricultural
whatever,that the agriculturists
might have been
remedy? The average priceof wheat, which in a
time to have recovered
permitteda short breathing
regulatesthe priceof every other
great measure
their strength; and if the legislature
only extend to
agricultuaal
produce,was, on the average of the
them the small protection
they now enjoy,which is whole year of 1835, only about 393. per quarter, a
the least they can
in England,even
have to induce them to make the
lower pricethan ever known
when
and the
onlyabout one-half,
necessary exertion theywould soon, by additional the priceof labour was

THE

260
rise in

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

has been

vourable THE
entirely
owing to unfaOBLIGATION
turists.
agriculHUMANITY
They, as a body, are no gainers by the
their
present advanced priceof grain,
crops being so
PRINCIPALLY
CONSIDERED
greatlydeficient. 'Ihe merchants, seeingthe nature
DOMESTICATED
of the season, held back their graintillthe dutycame
and when
to one
shilling,
they paidthe dutywheat
W.
E Y

pricesince

and

seasons,

not

to

any fault in the

EXTENT

AND
TO

OF

BRUTES,
IN

REFERENCE

TO

ANIMALS,
y O U A T T.

fell immediately
than 123. per quarter, and it
more
in tlie Author
did not advance again tilltiie great deficiency
of "The
Horse," -'Cattle,"and "Sheep."
Editor of " The Veternarian,"
and Veterinury
Surgeon
yield,and the damp state the grainwas got in, prevented
1o the Zoological
late Lecturer on
Society
of London
and the merchants
the fanners from thrashing,
Medicine
at
the University
don
Veterinary
College,Lonheld back their foreign grain. Surely then, this
VeterinarySurgeon to the Society
for the
; and
the
beneficial
of
abundance
efl'ect
an
having
proves
Prevention ofCruelty,
of foreigngrain held back till it was
absolutely
been
the case
needed ; whicli would
had
not have
Longman " Co.
foreigngrain been admissible at all times, with a
There is scarcely
whicli will
low duty,or no duty at all.
a line of this work
of human
half
not enlist the better feelings
nature on beI am
turers
glad that the united merchants and manufac,

of
have

the

at Manchester, and
kingdom did meet
ever
that theywill huveno dnti/whatprotectionto agricultural
produce. The

openlydeclared
as

question at issue
merchants,
the

whole

landed

is

this,
really

and

"

monied

property in

are

whose

ruin

land

is worked

than

the

West

by Russian
India slaves
who

of

taxes

to

debt

nor

selves
them-

to save

The
to

than

boors,
ever

more

were

of tiieauthor's

community
agricultural

he says, " he
if there be

cause,

but
passions,"

object,
by

an

""

appealto

more

efficientmode

has sustained

loss,

certain

of

to
appealing

the

interest. We

have selected for extract,a part of the work

deem of considerable imjiortance
we
to our
and

we

eat.

gaged
knowledge, i'roin my having been enin agriculture
during the last twentylargely
equalin value to the whole
years, to an amount

my

the

shall be content ifitbe in any degree

gradedpassions,"
debut frequently
promoted by the more
common,
Itis

food tlian is givento [ligs

in
people are fed on worse
ther
raEngland, and which an Englishlabourer would
starve

appeal to
beingwho

we

have the interest

pay, and where the

those

national

will not

by contendingwith foreigners,

hopelessto contend with

no

of his
confidence in the justice

read his storyunmoved,

a human
can
kingdom ; after then
though
Alsay we, we have no bope of such a one.
to
if
distraction,
should not hesitate to seek the attainment
we

the agricultural
labourers
driving
farmers no
longer employthem,
utter

of those creatures for whom

the writer appeals
muoli force and pathos. Placingimplicit
so

interest,to possess
the

the

from

the manufacturers,

with

alluded

which

readers,

attention to tbe loss susentreat

tained
especially
of the animals
by the mistaken treatment
tbe unout of sight
necessary
to, puttingaltogether
to which
they are subjected.
suffering

"
The ill-treatment of cattle commences
jn some
districts of the kingdom from the very birth of the
national debt at the conclusion of the late war, and
animal. In several of the dairy
districtsit is thought
have
borne their loss with a patience
unparalleled advantageous
the calf away,
to send
and to retain
since the days of Job.
then, the legislature the milk of the
Surely,
for the manufacture of butter
cow
calamities.
them to fresh
will not subject
do, and cheese
Iftlieif
carts laden with calves
; and, therefore,
from
let the whole
landed property be taken at once
the country from
are
across
continually
travelling
its present possessors, and divided among the funddifierent parts of Essex and Suffolk to the metropolitan
but
not
and
let
holders, manufacturers,
merchants,
market
quented
chiefly,or to markets that are frethe labourers sutfer.
by the suckling farreers. Their legs are
By the insertion of these remarks in your Magazine tied together,and thev are packed close to each
of next
month, you will greatly
obligeyour obedieiit other,and upon each other,like so many sacks of
BATES.
THOMAS
rather than livingbeings; their heads hangingservant,
corn
down
the front and
tail-boards of the carts.
over
One
of these vehicles will contain from eighteento
It is hoped every parish
P.S.
or township in the
of these miserable creatures, and which
twenty-four
kingdom will follow the laudable example set them
sometimes
are
hours,or even
kept four-and-twenty
by the BeverleyAgriculturalSociety,and send up
two
days,without food.
of Parliament, and urge the
to both Houses
petitions
Their legsare tied, that theymay not struggle
in
members
who represent them in Parliament, to present
the cart.
The Author was
when
a
present
person
the
and enforce the prayer of their petition,
as
connected with this traffic,
to
on
being summcmed
welfare of the whole communitydepends upon a proper
of the policeoffices for supposed cruelty,
one
produced
the designsof
stand being made to counteract
soft kind of material which he said
a
their enemies.
Kee[) your magazine, Mr. Editor, could not very
hurt the animals ; but the truth
possibly
that all sides of the question
open to both parties,
respecting
is,that the farmer is not very particular
I dare the Master
canvassed.
be
iho-'oughly
may
for this purpose, and the
the material which he uses
the
united
Cutler of Sheffield and all his host
yea,
injurydone to the legsby the cords is very often so
word
swer
if I do not prove, in antalents of the whole

five

"

"

"

is the onlyway
to make
them, that protection
cheap bread, and also to keep up the priceof labour,
to

great, that
awhile, and

the

calves

are

crippledfor
completely

stand for soveral days

is thus
in order
The time for fattening
to suck.
whole
labouring community ;
scesses
in some
lost ; for abor
cases
diminished,
altogether
from agriculture
be withdrawn
then let all protection
,
formed, which eat deep
are
not unfrequently
and let Englandcease
to cultivate her soil any longer,
the animals.
into the flesh,and eventually
destroy
and become
for the supply
dependenton foreigners
carried with their heads hanging down,
are
They
of her daily
food.
have no point d'appui,
that they may
no
restingplace for the head and neck ; theyare consequently
Yarm, Yorhshire,
Kirhleavitigton,near
however painpreventedfrom struggling,
altogether
Feb. 2.
thus

benefitingthe

scarcelyable

to

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

261

It is a very ingenious mind

ful ti'eirposition
duringthis horrible time of starvation and
may be.
horrible contrivance;for they are as
a
suspense? for the animal is kept without food the
altbougli
out
withlast twenty-four
and as still,
has passed
hours at least. Whoever
as if theywere
altog-ether
helpless,
in which
these atrocities are
by the slaughter-house
life,
except that the head will be turned a wee,
at the
committing, and heard the piteousand incessant
wee
bit,in order that they may gaze wistfully
of the animal,will never
mother, who is sometimes followingthe cart, lowing bleatings
forgetthe tone
In
of urgent supplication,
mournfully,and miserable in a different way.
yet utter debility.
some
parts of the country the legsare tied together, On the Thursdayor Fridaybe is broughtout for
carried on horseback for miles, slaughter,
and the calves are
of
rollingand staggeringfrom want
with their heads hanging down, evidently
suffering strength. A common
sling,or hobble, is then
excessive pain,until the stupor, of which mention
placedround the hind legs,and he is drawn up into
the air,with the hind legs upwards. Sometimes
he
will immtdiatelybe made, succeeds.
'J'he consequence
of this pendentsituation of the
gets a knock on the head with the poll-axe,but
head must be that a great deal of blood will settle in
not sufficientto stun
him ; for the white veiil must
the brain ; and that there will be a horrible
not be spoiled,and, above
all things,the head must
or about
feelingof oppressionand sutlbcation,which will not be discoloured. A hook is now passedthrough
gradually,and so far happilyfor them, degenerate his muzzle, to which a cord is attached that goes
almost coni|)letci
round the rope by which he was
into partial
unconsciousness, and
or
suspended,and by
of this the head is drawn
backwards
and upmeans
t,husmany of them die. There is scarcelya market
wards,
there are
six or eight dead
until it is in a manner
not
mornins in which
inverted,and no blood
dead
calves thrown out of the carts; I saw
itselfin any part of it. The fatal thrust
seven
can
deposit
calves lying
the morningto which I refer. is now, and not until now,
on
given ; the jugularsare
together
The living
also are tumbled down with very little cut through at one stroke,and the animal soon
dies
ones
than if theyhad no sense
that tliereshall not
the objectbeing accomplished,
or feeling.
more
economy
be a drop of blood in him, or a discoloured mark
The Societyfor the Prevention of Crueltyhas a
these animals
model of a cart, in which
about him.
Such
the abominations
which
are
might be
are
all this cruelty.practised
and without
in the preparationof white veal; and they
carried more
safely,
of these dealers in
will continue until the pervertedtaste of the public
It has been exhibited to some
find fault with one
no
calves; but tliey
part of it or
longerdemands that the flesh of the calf shall be
and comparatively
devoid
another, i, e., they are determined to pursue their rendered paleand insipid,
until it is
own
old-fashioned and abominable course
of nutriment.
I revert
forbidden by law.
for a moment
to the cow
at the time of
would
In some
The thinkingman
districts of Yorkshire,about
ment
complain of the treatparturition.
arrived at the suckling two daysbefore she is expected to calve,she is fasof the calves, when
tened
farmer's establishment.
They are fed only twice in
by the horns to the back of a cart, and driven
the day,and then
her for
sixteen
or twenty miles
by wav of prepa,-ing
being allowed as much milk or
perridgeas theyplease,their stomachs are unduly parturition.Occasionallythe calf is produced by
time
distended, and indio;estionand diarrhaja succeed,
the way ; or, many
and oft, she has a most
a
and mauy of them are
carried oft'. This is one of
difficultand dangerous labour. This is one of the
the abuses of ignoranceor idleness,and which ought abuses of ignorance.
"

be remedied.
In due time,the remaining calves are fat enough
of them
for slaughter.
Some
are
bought up by the
country butchers, and the others are sent on to the
But in what manner
do they
markets.
metropolitan
to

travel 1
and

Jiow

waggons,

comingvp

to

They

are

all

standing in

only fastened by
white,

be made

carts

halter ;

veal,and

and

theyare

thejjmust not
why could they not

At times, a few days before she calves, she is

absurd way ; and when
nursed and fed in the most
the calf is produced,all kinds of nourishingdrinks
made for her, and a state of fever,to a certain
are
degree,is produced: then, all at once, the calf is
and she is turned out, in good or in bad
sent away,

weather,
may

and

chance

upon
to

or
plentiful
scanty food, as

happen.

The

natural

it

consequence

have a mark
And
She has rheumatism,or palsy,
about them.
too often results.
or
It would have cost too
she is lost.
so"!
have been carried down
puerperalfever,and, occasionally,
of them could not have
A sufficient quantity
much.
There is another
practicethat deserves reprobation,
It is questionable,
been
crammed
into the cart.
for sale
and that is sending the cows
to market
with their udders
however, consideringthe number injuredby the
completelydistended with milk.
It is to give a false idea of their value as milkers.
cord, and those that die from the pressure of blood
have
been any
the brain, whether
there would
on
Every motion shews how much they suffer; and nature,
tlie whole concern,
on
great difference as to the profit
by the dischargeof a portionof the milk,seems
while there would have been a very great savingof striving
to givethem
ease.
of cases, serianimal pain.
ously
This follv has, in a great number
These calves are brought up, to be converted into
injuredthe animal, A portionof the milk has
white veal. The muscles
all to be drained of
are
coagulatedin the bag. It has caused inflammation
blood,and not a blemish is to appear on the skin. where it lodged; garget has supervened,
times,
and, someThe animal is taken carefully
Let
of the cart.
out
serious illness.'
it be

at the destined place

MENTAL
EXPERIis scarcely
MUSEUMS.
AGRICULTURAL
got out of the
The Rev. J. G. Porter is about
cart
FARM."
before the jugularvein is opened, and the blood
in Lisbellaw. Col.
museum
is permittedto flow until he falls. The
an ag-ricultural
establishing
morrow
addition
Crichton intends doingthesaraeatLisnaskea,in
and the bleeding
and againuntil
is repeated,
comes,
of ground on
a piece
to which he intends apportioning
he drops; and, oftener than otherwise, once
more
the purposes
the Knockninny side of the lake, to answer
the Wednesday. There are, perhaps, few of
on
my
of a model or experimental
farm, on which a schoolreaders who have not
experiencedwhen largely house will be erected,for the purpose of havingboys
bled
this seeming dying,and the worse
sensation
instructed by qualified
and young
men
practically
sons,
perof returning
life. Such, however,
is the routine to
in the improved systems of cultivation,
drainage,
which the poor calf is submitted duringthese three
best suited to the various soilsof
as well as the manures
days. What thoughtsand fears must occupy his thiscounty. Fermanagh Reporter.

on

supposed that

he arrives

Monday afternoon.

He

"

"

"

"

THE

262
DESCRIPTION

OF

SOOT

ON
TO
BY

MR.

MACHINE

SOOT,

DISTRIBUTING

FARMER'S

AS

FOR

A TOP-DRESSING

CROPS.

ALEXANDER
EARL

MAIN,
OF

FACTOR

TO

THE

to various crops.
The favourable results
of soot-manure
are
producing an extension of its
increase in the price of the article will
use
; an
follow the demand
for it ; and the natural consequence
of these results will be a desire to apply it
with all possibleeconomj'.
Mr. Main, who has
been for several years using-the manure
to a considerable

plicat

MARKS
RE-

AND

MAGAZINE,

DALIIOUSIE.

extent, and with great success, has also

his attention to the means
of economizing
its application,
and after repeatedtrials,has succeeded
in the construction of a machine
which,
in a great measure,
has realized his expectations,
and of which
has been submitted to the
a model
turned

Journal ofAgriculture.)
("Fromthe Quarterly
is becoming
importance of soot as a manure
more
apparent as farmers proceed in
their experimentson
the greatscale with its apThe

more

and

Society.

Fig.1.

Fig.2.

li
"""

A.

The soot-distributor is represented

in perspective
the cut, Fig. 1, while
verse
Fig. 2 is a transthe relation
section, shewing more
distinctly
of those parts that are but partially
in Fig.1.
seen
The section is taken on
a planepassing through
the middle of the machine, and at rightanglesto
the two cylinders
afterwards described, the horse
shafts being representedas broken oflF. The letters
of reference applyto corresponding
partsin

in

The machine consists of a bed frame

figures.
body. A, to which are attached a pair of horseshafts,B, and is mounted on a pairof low wheels,
both
or

C, twenty-two inches in diameter, and four inches

wheels are fixed upon,
These
there is
which
with their axle, around
built a wooden
D, about eightinches in
cylindei
,
nally.
diameter, and six feet in length,fluted longitudiA chest, E, six feet in length,is appended
broad
and

in the sole.

turn

THE

body, and descends so as

D, and is surmounted
cylinder,
side
one
lid, hinged on

to the

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

263

to half embrace

by
to

the
and it might also serve as a broadcast machine
sowing grain.
cal
semi-cylindrithe edge of the
Mr. Main's experience
of the efl'ectsof soot

for

as

in
words :
manure
is thus given in his own
chest. (The lid is left out in Fig.1, but is seen
"
of
In the
interior of the chest
section in Fig.2.)
Previouslyto usingsoot, I was in the practice
there is placed a cylinder of sheet-iron,F, about
refuse, but this was an expensive
saltpetre
applying:
stimulant,and, on recommendation, I made a trialof
twenty-two inches in diameter,perforatedall over,
the perforationssoot.
I have now
used it for three years, and every
givingit the character of a riddle,
being about one-half inch in dametcr and as much
year has strenj^thened
my conviction of its utility
fair trial,I maIn 1838, to make
a
as a manure.
nured
apart. This cylinder is closed at both ends, and
with soot
of grass, alternately,
is divided into three compartments by divisions of
eighteenridges
with
and saltpetre,
the saltpetre
a
thin deal, besides being furnished
trap
beingappliedat the rate
on
door, opening longitudinally
hinges,as seen in of two cwt., and the soot fortybushels per Scots
tures. acre.
dressed with
The result was, that the ridges
Fig.1, which can be secured by hook-and-eye fixpetre.
An
axis of iron passes quitethrough the
with saltsoot
luxuriant than those
were
more
This experimentsatisfiedme as tofts effects;
having journals which rest in bearings
cylinder,
end of the
and when
added the difference in price,
in two jointed bars, GG ; and on one
to this was
the saltpetre
a
axis, produced beyond the bar G, is mounted
at 10s. per cwt., costing20s., the soot
The axis
it
at 2d. per bushel, making it only6s. 8d. per acre,
wheel, H, of eighteeninches diameter.
of
bears a toothed-wheel
of the carriagewheels
and
recommended
itself at once
as the more
useful
I have tried the same
nine inches diameter, which acts upon the wheel
ment
experiprofitable
application.
H through the intermediate wheel I. The progreson
wheat, and with the same effect. I may
sive
motion of the machine, therefore,gives motion
add, that I have comparedthe effectof soot with that
of other stimulants, and the result has been equally
simultaneouslyto the two cylinders. The
the
of the fluted cylinder is for distributing
soot to
in its favour. In 1838, I applied
use
satisfactory
soot upon the ground, while that of the perforated a field of wheat
which, at the time, seemed in so
to separate stones, mortar,
serves
one
"c., that
me
even
despair
very precariousa state, as to make
of its recovery.
the soot, however,
After applying
frequentlyare found mixed with tlie soot, and
ter
ready to retard and injure the effect of the fluted it rallied ; and, when cut down, there was not a betascribe this result to
roller,while the curved lid of the chest prevents
crop on the farm. I cannot
the soot flyingoft'by the agitationof the cylinder. any other cause
than the effects of the soot ; and in
The
this case
it was
operations of the machine are eflfectedin
only applied at the rate of twenty
The lid of the chest being
the followingmanner.
Soot does not seem
bushels per acre.
to injure
grass
of the upper
thrown
back, the door
cylinder in the estimation of sheep; and, in proof of this,I
The
is opened, and a charge of soot introduced.
tried its effects on a small pieceof pasture, upon
The revolutions
machine
is then put in motion.
afterwards put to graze.
few
which
a
sheep were
the
of the upper cylinder causes
soot
to fall
other
There
Tiie result was
curious.
were
many
through it upon the fluted cylinder,which, in its ridgesin the field besides those dressed with soot,
all good grass, but the sheep continued to eat
revolutions, discharges in succession, the soot
and
contained in the grooves
or
the sooted ridges
flutings. In order to
until they were
completelybared.
With faces quiteblackened, they fed heartily
the
precisionthe quantityof soot
regulatewith more
on
soot-dressed
discharged by the fluted cylinder,and to assist in
"

pasture.

keeping the cylinderclean, a brush equal in length

of soot necessary for a
As to the precisequantity
to the cylinder,
is applied to and presses against dressing,
I cannot
I have found
speak positively.
the grooves, with
more
or less force,accordingto
fortybushels to have a great effect,and, in one case
the
the quantityrequiredto be discharged. When
ever,
Howmentioned, twenty bushels have succeeded.
soot has been
dischargedfrom the upper C)'linder,
do not scrupleto apply
of my neighbours
some
of the
the latter is lifted out of the chest by means
tend,
But I insixtyand even eightybushels per acre.
jcinted bars, GG, and while in this elevated position,
this year, 1839, to muke some
on
experiments
it is supported by the elbow-jointrods, seen
with
and the result I shall communicate
quantitii,
the side of the
on
bed-frame, Fig.1 ; the trap much pleasure.
door being now
opened, the cylinder is turned
From the short time that soot has been used in this
round
till the opening comes
when
downward,
have not yet been correctly
quarter, its effects on qttality
the stones
and mortar
which have been separated
to its use
and some
farmers object
ascertained,
from the soot are discharged; the cylinderis then
to look
this account
on
experienceleads me
; my
returned to the chest, a fresh supply of soot is
this objection
for, as regards
as
groundless,
upon
introduced,the cylinderis closed, the lid of the
dity
hay, that grown with soot is eaten with as much avichest brought down, and the work
proceeds as
as any other hay ; and
as for wheat, thoughthe
before.
largerthan
grain of soot-dressed wheat is certainly
it mains
the graingrown
to
Though Mr. Main has found this machine
upon land without soot, still refulfilthe chief conditions of the distribution of
or
be proved that it is therebyinjured
to
ever,
that it is imperfectin one
deteriorated in its mealingqualities.
soot, he is aware
spect
rePerhaps,howthat of dischargingwith tolerable precision,
the soot may have an effect
the time "f applying
the smallest
that the soot should
tlie quality.It is my opinion
on
possiblequantityper acre that may
be held beneficial.
The
fluted cylinderand brush
be applied when
are
the grass and wheat
young,
of May,
can
hardly accomplish this. It has therefore been
or about the end of April, or the first week
suggestedto combine
an
ciple and not later. If appliedlater,the plantsare then
arrangement on the prinof the broadcast sowing-machine,along with
freelyto
high,and do not admit of the soot falling
the
this evil is
no
the ground. By an early application
perforatedcylinder; and there appears
to doubt
reason
that such a combination, properly avoided.
I may
add, in conclusion, that 1 have
eff'ectthe object. Indeed, a machine
arranged,would
alwaysfound damp weather the best in which to apply
could
be constructed
this principlethat
the soot is used, it should be
the soot, though,when
on
would not only answer
the purpose of distributingquitedry, otherwise the machine will not distribute
"

"

"

soot, but

rape-dustto

any

quantityper

acre

it with

regularity."

ON

MAGAZINE.

FARMER^S

THE

264

The

IN-AND-IN.

BREEDING

from my own
bred entirely
without
an
interchangeof
any other flock.

followingare

flock, sire and

dam,

amongst the breeders of stock, male or female from

warmly disputed
questionmore
Sheep
than the effect of constantly
breeding from the
used in
Sire.
fusing
inand
o
f
the
same
necessity occasionally
stock,
Blue Cap
1811
Cambril
We
believe we shall be fully
blood.
new
No. 10, of 1810. Cambril
of breeders
that the majority
borne out in stating
G. C
1812
Cambril
If the subblood.
joined
in favour of introducing
Crooktail
new
are
No.4,ef1810
and from our
Cade
be correct as to facts,
No.4,ofl810
statement
1813 G. C.
knowledgeof Mr. Barford we are ready to vouch
No. 10, of 1810. Cambril..
be considered a " vcxutd
tl)atit is,this can no longer
Blue Cap.
Rumps
We
much
of
shall
be
our
obligedto any
guestio."

[Itis well

known

that there is

no

....

..

readers who

feel

may

subject. Ed.
"

FOSCOTE

followingis

The

sheep, bred

by

1814

F.IM.]
1813

pedigreeof

Foscote,

the

near

flock

of

Towcester,

1816

from sheep of the

Dishley flock of Bakewell

descended

Northamptonshire;

the

firstrepute, from
and Honeyhorne,

with

us

SHEFP.

at

me

favour

disposedto

theiropinions
upon the

the

from

1783 to 1803

year

clusive
in-

through the flock of the late Mr. Joseph

NorthampRobinson, of Wellingborough Lodge, tonshire
;

; who

from

was

of

member

the

ciety 1817
Dishley So-

in 1783 to 1803
its commencement
Valentine
Barford.

clusive.
in-

May, 1837.
Sheepused
1789
1790

in

two-shear by a Disbleysheep,used by
in 1786.
Mr. Robinson
A two-shear by a Dishleysheep,used by
Mr. Robinson in 1787.
called
ironically
Lumber.
The same
sheep as last year.
A. F., by the DishleyA.
Mr. Pvobinson,
Another son of the DisbleyA.
A

1818

G. C.
Crooktail
G
G. C.
Crooktail

1792

1793
1791

Long Tail, by

Dishleysheep,name

G.
Br. to Blackfoot,
of 1814
G.N
G.C
G.N.
Crooktail
Blackfoot
By brother to
Blackfoot

1798
1799

sheepof

1800

shearling,grandsonof

1796
1797

son

my

unknown

Twin

G.

Q.

1807

1820

Woodstoke
Cade

Cade

Crooktail
Crooktail

Crooktail...

G.C.

Crooktail...

Lumber

G.N.
.

of 1817

N.

Symmetry

1821

Dishleysheep,

1805
1806

as

above

to me.

1804

1803

Crooktail
Blackfoot

own.

G. of 1797, by DishleyQ. K.
A shearling,
by a grandson of the
I.,dam by Q. K.
The same
as last year.
A son of Dishley,six of 1802.

1802

Cambril
Crooktad

G.C

"

name

1801

of 1805

Symmetry

to me.

A
A

Cambril

of 1814...

known
un-

of A. F.
of Long Tail, dam
son
by A. F. (a
sheep of my own.)
A son of the Dishley Q, K., and S. a grandson
of a Dishleysheep.
Another son of Q. K.

1795

Flaxdresser

G.
G. C.
Cade
G.
Crooktail
Br. to Blackfoot,
of 1814
Cade
Crooktail
Cade

Symmetry
1819

Little G.
Cambril

G. C

"

1791

Dam by
Little G.
Little G.
Little G.
Cambril
G.N. of 1805

(by

G. N.

of

Woodstoke
Blue Cap
G. P.,alias Gravel
Pit
Blue Cap
Blackfoot as
above
And Blackfoot

Disbley

1797, a

Crooktail...

G.C.

1822

In-aad-In
Blue Cap
G. P.
Blackfoot

Crooktail...

Crooktail

Crooktail...

G.C.

1823

Blackfoot
VV oodstoke
G. P.
Chine

Do

Do.

of

son

K.)

Little G., a great grandsonof G. of 1797,

used by me 1801.
sire of
Little G., as above, and Flaxdresser,
Little G., and grandsonof G. of 1797.
Flaxdresser,by G. H., a son of G.
Cambril, a son of No. 11, of 1804." No. 11
by DishleyC, alias Cade, alias Cuddy,

Blackfoot,
by
Crooktail

Crooktad

"

1808

1809
1810

All the

above-named

Robinson, except
"which
named.

were

my

my

Blackfoot,by
b. to Blackfoot of 1814

own,

alias
of 1802, and Lumber
by Cambril.

sheep were
used

Blackfoot

grandsonof C,

hired of Mr.
in 1796, and 1799,
from the abovedescended

those

own,

"

^Crooktad

3 Darti of Chine

Crooktail...

G.
G.C*

Crooktail...

G.C.

Cade of 1820
by Cade..
Woodstoke.

Crooktail

Wellington....Woodstoke.
by

Cade, alias Cuddy,

sheepof

No. 9, of 1821

Woodstoke

of 1802.
Cambril.
No. 4 of 1810,
a

1824

1825

...i.

Blackfoot
Chine

Wellington

Rumps
G.N...

G. P.

Tll"

FAUMER'S

Sheep
Sire,

used ill

Cliine
White Nose...

1326

Posthumous

1827

1828

1829

Dam

Blackfoot,
by
,

Crooktail
Cade of 1820
by Cade..

No. 9, of 1821
Komulus
Chine
White Nose
Romulus

G.,

hit
of

dam

Wellington

Crooktail

No.9,ofl821 G. P.

Romulus
Little G
Wellington.G. P.
Posthumous
Chine
Komulus
No. 3, of 1826,
alias Deceit.
No.9,ofl821 Old Rumps
G.N
Woodstoke
G. P.
Little G.
Deceit
Little G.
G.N.
Cantab
Litde G.
Cadland
Cambril

employment in the manufactories. They are persons

exiled for crimes,but whose manners,
nevertheless,
are

nor

Little G....
Little G
Little G

G. P.
No. 9, of 1821

G.N

1833

Cadland
Union
Cantab
G. N,.

Romulus...

Blackfoot,by
Blackfoot, by
Crooktail,d.
of Cambril

Little G

Romulus

Blackfoot, by

Romulus...

d.
Crooktail,
of Cambril

Union
Cantab

Drayman
1834

G. P.

Cantab
Romulus...

G.N

Blackfoot,by
Crooktail,d.

1833

No. 27
G
No, 163
Grendon

Little G....
Little G....
G.N
Union
Little G
G.N
Union
Union
G.N
G.N
G.N

Drayman
1836

No. 163
Black Lip
Black Lip
No. 163
No. 238
No. 330

N.B.

"

This

flock

which

are

of Cambril
Posthumous
G. P.
Little G.
Romulus
G. P.
Little G.
Whitenose
Whitenose
Little G.
Hobler
Little G.

bred

from

in their
irreproachable

situation,in which theyare

Crooktail
1832

It is with constantly
admiration (sa^'s
M.
increasing
Ermann ) thai one approachesthe workbouse,a fabric
of two stories,
and wliich is,no doubt, the largest
and
finest specimen of arcLitecture iu North Asia.
The
front of it has a length of 364 feet,and is adorned
with massive
columns,between which, in two rows,
are the windows, of the purest plate
er
glass. The lowstory is divided into three apartments, in which
carried on the manufacture
are
of cloth. Above,
dwell tlie officerswho manage the institution,
the
on
of the Crown.
account
Stone warehouses, and mills
of different kinds,are situated alongthe banks of the
which drives the machinery
stream
of the workhouse.
The advantages
of the localitywere
discovered a
time Telma has been famous for its cloth manufactory.
More
glass,paper, and linen, have
recently,
been added to its productions.The inhabitants of
Telma are about 2,000 in number, of whom
800 find

1831

265

since which
century ago, by privatespeculators,

18J0

MAGAZINE.

the

new

and

neither

more

fortunate

pressedby want,
suppliedgratuitously

goaded by despair.They are

with meal, and receive besides

an
amount
of
in each instance to the value of
wages proportioned
the labour. The wool required
for the manufactory
is procured chiefly
from the Buraets and
at Telma
Tunguses,who wander with their flocks over the
southern borders of Siberia.
The machineryfor
combingand spinningthe wool was originally
cured
profrom England, and was
afterwards made
in
to the Englishmodel, at one-fifth
Siberia,according
of the cost of the latter. Telma
produces annually
about 30,000 yards of woollen cloth,and half that
of linen. The
former is sold at a pricenot
quantity
exceedinghalf-a-crown a yard. Among the causes
to depreciate
it,one of the most influential
operating
is fashion. So decided a preference
is givento European
cloth, that nothing short of a very great

saving in the pricecan reconcile the Siberian to the

of his own
manufacture
country. Pains are taken,
this discouragement,
to improvethe
notwithstanding
wool, and in 1330 a flock of 480 Spanish sheepwere
driven from Moscow
to Irkutsk ; and notwithstanding
the lengthof the journey,and the plagues
of the
Barabinskian
steppes, 300 of them reached their
destination in safety.Travels in Siberia by a German,
"

CAPTAIN

BARCLAY

OF

URY."

It will be recollected

that, in Septemberlast, this spirited

rist
agricultusold off,without reserve, the whole of his justlycelebrated short-horn stock,consisting
of about eighty
different lots ; and stated at the time, that his object
not to giveup
the breeding
of short-horns,
but on
was
the contrary,by procuringsome
animals
of the best
blood,without regard to expense, to lay in an entirely
new
a stillsuperior
stock, so as to produce,if possible,

which is considered breedingIhaffinities,

andln, have not experiencedany of those defects
aoimal.
We now
learn that he has obtained from Mr.
ascribed to the practice. The
males
and females
Wetherell,auctioneer,
Durham, in whose hands he had
have been selected and
for the purpose, twenty-two
paired on the principle placed an unlimited commission
heifers of the Durham
which
breed,which cannot be
been
upon
improvement depends ; have
in England or
Scotland.
He has also repurchased
surpassed
kept entirely
in a state of nature, fed upon
table
vegefrom Sir Francis M'Kenzie
of Gairloch,for
food only,and are
at all times in the year
One Hundred
short-horn
nearest

open

for

inspection.

WOOLLEN

MANUFACTURE
IN SIBERIA.
In the middle of one
of these newly arisen birchwoods is situated the manufacturingtown
of Telma,

Mohammed,
Francis had
beingthen a

Guineas, the celebrated

bull,
by Monarch, dam, Lady Sarah, which Sir
bought at CaptainBarclay's
sale,in 1836,
calf,for 70Z.

"

HEDGE-CUTTING."
The annual competitionfor
the prizes
offered by the Banbury Agricultural
tion
Associaof log houses, erected on the
to the best cutters of fences againstsheepand oxen,
sides of a lag road covered with smooth
planks. A
took place on
Tuesday last in a field belongingto Mr.
handsome
stone church,in the Italian style,
and spaof Bloxham.
There were
cious Gulliver,
seven
competitors
barracks,
give the place an air of importance. for the prizesoffered for sheep fences,
and fivefor the
But the workhouse
of Telma is the wonder of Siberia.
fences. The following
the successful
ox
candiwere
of two
consisting

rows

I
s-

S^

FARMER'S

THE
MANAGEMENT

OF

SYSTEM

MAGAZINE.

267

THE

ON

producing two or three crops, chieflyof oats, were

laid tlovvn again,and so continued in bad grass, or
ley,for the purpose of freshening,or of restoring
LORD
PROPEHTY
OF
HOTHAM.
THE
its exhausted
fertility.
of the late numbers
iii some
Sir, I have observed
After lyingin this state a few years, each portion
of your publication,several letters on the
in fixed rotation,again taken out and cropped
was
of establishing
and practicability
experimental
propriety
before.
as
schools
with
for
in
farms,
conjunction
of
This land was
then thought to be incajjable
the youth of
and useful education, where
common
and almost all attempts to cultivate
growing
wheat,
those
destined for agrithis country, (especially
that grain were
unsuccessful.
But it will require
cultiu-al pursuits,)
might have the advantage of
nessed
witto
convince
who
have
those
no
argument
would
instruction
whicli
that
receiving not only
late years,
tlic crops at Swaythorpe of
their station in society,as
enable
them
to take
that the soil there
well as
wheat
will grow
as
coming
and intelligence,
but of beof respectability
men
other
liberal applicationof
more
grain. The
all
the
varied
with
conversant
practically
capitalof late years, togetherwith the march of
minuti of that occupation by which
they are to
a
agricultural improvement, have
wrought
subsist.
miraculous
change in the appearance and produce
if put on a
Establishments
of this description,
OF

FARM

SWAYTHORPE,

"

good working plan,would

undoubtedly be useful

in

and

more

than

ways
that

one

be

may

menced
com-

of Swaythorpe is entirely
the direction of Mr. Hall, who is fortunate
in having in Mr. John
Fields,the resident bailift",
farious
a person
who
can
so
ably superintendthe multiand
diversified operationsnecessary
on
a
farm of this magnitude.
It is divided by quickwoodfences,into fieldsof
is managed
from 40 to 70 acres
The tillage
each.
in a four crop course
of husbandry, that is to say;

private,or as joint-stock
speculations,
be
tended
hoped they may be atand
conduce
to the public
with success,
benefit,beyond the most sanguine expectationsof
of time,
be a work
the proprietors.But as it must
before any scheme
of this kind can
be brought to
maturity,I would suggest with a view to the same
and
end, namely, the dissemination of information,
the general improvement of the system of agriculture,
the proprietyof admitting to the columns
of the
Farmer's Magazine," a detailed report of
the particular
modes of management
practisedon
when

as

it is to

"

farms, selected in different parts of the

Kingdom,

which

may

article of this
An
would
probably be
readers, and to some

good

whole, he will

point;

be on the
person
may
certainlynot be the best in every

both

and

derive
As

descriptionin each number,

of your
interestingto most
jjerhapsinstructive ; for

manager

good and bad

hints

from

might

farmers

reports

of

Fallow, with

turnips.
Barley,and oats, in alternate rounds.
Seeds, eaten with sheep.

3.

4. Wheat.

naked

is it

nor

or

family of quicks,

The

practised.

generally,are

the

task.

easy

this,a

Besides

laiul, has

wold

on

crop

green

proved by long experience,to have

eff'ect.
rather than an injurious

been
It

considered

is

to

nearlyextirpatedfrom
operationof fallowing

so

render

to

as

comparativelyan

casionally
oc-

beg

troublesome

charlock, "c., so
docks, thistles,
this farm,

here,
required

fallow is not

summer

ever

essential

ploughings,harrrowings, and
this description,
should be performed as much
account.

which might be turned to good

attemptedspecimen of wliat I mean,

an

1.
2.

farmers

in their districts.

management

however

United

conspicuous fur good

be

this farm.

management

probable
imunder

at all

it is not

institutions

such

either

of

The

that

the

even

the

in

dry

ficial,
bene-

requisite
sowings,

weather

as

possible.

amall harrows
The
are
perhaps less used here
of the farm Swayto hand you a short
account
be better
to
other farms ; it seems
than on most
thorpe, which obtained the first premium value
20L at the meeting of the Yorkshire
Agticultural that the laud should be lightlylaid up by good
draining,so as to be raost
Association,at York, in July last, against five ploughing,and cross
influence of the sun and
the
to
mollifying
the
best
in
farm
exposed
managed
competitors,as being

county, which will be a sufficient guarantee

for its being entitled to a distinguishedplacein
the scale of well managed farms in England.
SAaythorpe, the property of Lord Hotham,

the

in

the

occupation of

Hall, Esq., is

James

the
situate in the parish of Kilham, on
most
elevated part of the Yorkshire
wolds, about 10
miles N.E. of Driffield,and
eight u'iles W. of
Burlington. It contains 774 acres in a ring fence,
of which 170 acres
in grass, and tlie remainder
are
in

the

trodden

levelled and

is clear.

sowing of turnipsis performed principally

The quantityof seed, is of
month
of June.

in the

Swedish

2.Ub,

and

Very early sowing

considered
away

be

ly
horses, and small harrows, particular-

the land

when

The

"

and

by

down

it should

that

air,than

from

to

the

acre.

here, it being
practised

that the
better
plants should grow
the first,althoughlater, than that their

growth should
which

31h

white

of
is not

they

by drought,mildew, "c.,

be checked

liable

when

sown

vevy

tillage.

to

The

eariy,and
very
early. Tbey would too, if sown
of
in their growth, in consequence
not interrupted
this
the large size which they usuallyattain on
light and
a
tendency to become
farm, have
deteriorated in value,
much
spungy, and thereby

would

naturally very fertile,is what

perhaps be provinciallyunderstood, by a
soil, not
"

of
strong, heavywold, free from
any admixture
flint,
and restingat the depth of several
or gravel,

feet

on

About

chalk rock.
or
fifty
sixtyyears

ago,

Swaythorpe

was

as

an

are

article of food

more

sheep and cattle.

for

about
The turnipsare drilled,always on ridges,
a
sheep-walk,studded
bones
25 bushels of half inch
27 inches apart.
with patches of whins, and
jurious
over
ling,the inquantityused per acre
effects of which may be occasionally
and dust is the minimum
seen
for Swedish, and 20 bushels for white turnips.
to this day, in the partialgrubbing of the crops,
two
where
these
The drill here used, is 4.^feet wide, sows
been.
have

chieflywhat

is

termed

patches

Soon

formerly

after the time

mentioned, it began to be
progressively
brought into cultivation,by plou2:h-

rows,

ing

or

out

certain

portions every

year,

which

after

cept
use, exand is similar to those in common
that the seed is conveyed by a set of funnels

spouts, separate and

few

inches behind
T

those

268

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

the turnips are eaten off,and indeed as

posited When
The bones are first deconvey the bones.
cleared, it is
fast as the ground is progressively
of the seam
at the bottom
made
by the
of barley
for
the
coulter. As the machine
vering
coonce
succeeding
crop
a
light
ploughed
progresses,
half the turnip
of soil falls over
the bones, and on this soil, or
oats ; it being usual to sow
the succeeding
there being stilla seam, the seed is dropped by the
them on
stubble with each, and reverse
second
of spouts. This method
round.
of sowing the
row
The
turnips,is here esteemed a great improvement on
advantage of early ploughingfor spring
which

the

and
the bones
sowing, both of grain and seeds, is very evident,
not
only in the more
easy working of the land, but
spouts, where the seeds from
necessarily also in the crops themselves.
globular form, must

practice of running

common

seed

down

the

same

their

small
and
fall lo the bottom

almost
invariably
are
Four
intervals of 7 inches.
but when
bushels
of barley,and seven
of Oats, is about the
the seeds are dropped on
the finely
verized
pulThe clover
soil by which
the bones are
covered, they
average quantityof seed to the acre.
have the benefit not only of the moisture
seeds are sown
which
They
inunediatelyafter the corn.
of 181bs. of white
mediately
clover, 41bs. of
are
a mixture
may be in that soil,to start germination,but imred
the
roots
clover, 31bs. rib grass, 81bs. trefoil, 21b8.
on
])resentingthemselves
dowDwards
in search of food
and
occasionally
support, they parsley; the proportionatequantities
of the

strike

in

come

direct

placed there
support.

the

the

roots

which

tlie bones

purpose

of

are

that

givingthem

surface, when

least eftort is

the

required in the young

plant to emerge, and the
ance
assistmore
quicklyit receives the simultaneous
of the atmophere to the leaves, and of the

varied

in

according
improvement

is about

to

circumstances.

seed
without

men,

in the

They

are

of sowing seeds
by adopting the hand,
is easilyworked
by

manner

he commenced,

to

barrow

or

oats

at

rows

broadcast.

sown

two

and

barley

drilled,and

An
the

near

The

sequently
con-

the bones

from

in liavingthe seed depoadvantage is:,

sited

Aiinthcr
so

and

with

contact

for

and

seam,

downwards,

drill,which
horses,

who

drillfrom

can

20

is 12 feet long,
day. I'liemachine
and can
be regulated so as to distribute any required
almost
to the roots.
manure
At all events, it may
est
quantityof seed to the acre, with the greatbe said, that in tolerably
the ground, and
however
favourable
the
uneven
seasons,
accuracy,
without
or overlappingany part of it. After
tnissing
turnip plants are so vigorous, and their
young
from
the seeds are sown,
ing
the fine tilthof the
growth so rapid,resulting
they receive one lightharrowof sowing, and the liberal cation
soil, the method
only.
appliof manures,

bid defiance

to

as

to the

turnipH3'.
the
turnips have attained their proper
growth, they are skimmed, or scuffled,and then
hoed, and
very
singledout, about 12
carefully
inches apart. The
done
tract,
hoeing is never
by conbut always by the day labourers.
The
advantage of this,is in having the work
better, and even
more
cheaplyperformed. The
day labourer does not require the vigilantand
"watchful eye of the superintendentto be constantly
He has not the prospect
prying over his work.
of an extra
6d. per day, to induce him to scramble
over
a
of ground than he can
do
greater quantity
well.
There is therefore no total destruction of plants
for several feet together. Tiiere
is no
quent
freof double
occurrence
plants as is generally
to be found in work
done
The
by the acre.
work

plan may
but

eeem

more

it stands for

tedious

doing, and

and

pensive,
ex-

is ultimately

per

It need

attack

of the
When

day

to 25 acres

be

not

said

that

furrows,

water

or

wold land.
on
unnecessary
other
is
Neither
manure
any
rape dust, nor
used for a spring crop ; the land being in condition
to
bring as great an abundance of straw as
be desired ; sometimes
can
perhaps too much, as
it is apt to get down
and smother
a
great part of
the seeds beneath.
The seeds are only suffered to lie one year, when
with
they are ploughedup, and invariablysown
It is thought better to have
wheat.
the land
plougheda week or two' before sowing, to receive
The plan
the tempering influence of the weather.
of manuring the young
seeds in the autumn,
or
earlyin the spring,has been tried here, and found
its advantages,as well as
to have
disadvantages.
are

courses,

The

herbage has

come

nearly a fortnight
earlier,

the
more
stock, and
wheat crop has been equally
good. But the gross
luxuriance of the herbage has been such, as to do
incalculable injury to the sheep, particularly
an
the

carried

has

pasture

the cheaper ; whereas

the contract
work
has
be gone over
left as it
a second
time, and is never
holds good in turnip
ought to be. The old maxim

the

to

of young

well as other matters, " a thing once

well done, is twice done.
A thing only half done,
is not done at all."
The
turnips,as said before, usually attain a
largesize at Swaythorpe, and in the autumn, from
the fullness of the crop
the perfectionof the

provided it would not be seriouslyinjuriousto the

tinued,
stock, but at Swaythorpe the practiceis discon-

hoeing, as

"

The
lambs, by inducing the scour.
manuring
seeds, would
perhaps be advisable on
suitable land, not over
rich, or high conditioned,

above
named.
for the reasons
is also put in by the drill,in
'J'he seed wheat
4 bushels
7 inches
about
rows
a-part, and
per
Great care is taken to select the seed, with
acre.
not only to its relative value in the market,
a view

of the drills
the
hoeing" the accurate straightness
but also to the
vigorous and healthy appearance of plants,are to
the eye of the practicalfarmer, a very
pleasing from the soil
sight.They are always eaten on the land by sheep, grown.
"

except

(three

about

one-tenth,
in

rows

for
fold-yard

every

which

thirty),and

drawn
carted to

are

This

off
the

The

the cattle.

The

sowing of rape is not adoptedas part of the

system pursued at Swaythorpe. The
surpassing
value of this plant for the purpose
of feeding
sheep,must be admitted by all,but it is not equally
clear,that

it is

even

on

very beneficial.

deep soiled

wold

crop

againby

most

concludes

is
timately
land, ul-

the

course

at Swaythorpe are
crops
their
and
abundance

sometimes

The

it had

been

to

the

land,

previously

and

is followed

the fallow.

for

and

judicious change
which

on

to

ble
generallyremarka-

appearance,

gross

degreenlmost beyondbelief.

reapingis always performed with

the crops are often for the most

of no trifling
work
difliculty
; but
as

of straw

and

of manure
conseq'uently

the

scythe,

part laid,this
tity
greaterquanis obtained

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

269

sickle ; and the ploup^h- They are given one

portionin the morning,and
in the alternoon, the cake immediately
is rendered easier. the remainder
is
after the servants' dinner. These times beingnot only
In tedious and unfavourable harvests great care
to prevent the seeds being injured
by tlie the most proper, but the most convenient for giving
required
The
stocks.
removing of these (often unusually the food in the shortest space of time, so that all the
The regularity
alike.
beasts may
have chance
too
rank)on upwardsof 100 acres of ground is attended
it
with considerable labour, and at a time too when
tion
prevents the anxious lowingof the cattle in expectaof their dailj'
wanted to be otherwise
is generally
employed,but
supply. The cakes and turnips
the
often neeessary as a very short time will make
are
given in square cribs or tumbrils, each divided
clean and
and completedestrucinto four compartments,
and kept perfectly
tion
difference between
no
injury,
The water
is supplied
in a largestone ti-ough
sweet.
seeds on wliich the stocks have been
to the
reservoir
in each yard,from
a rather
a pond or
on
placed.
the yards. It
after
elevated situation in a field adjoining
at Swaythorpe immediately
The stack-yard

reapedby

than when

in^ arid working-of

the

the

stubbles

formidable appearance. 1 he
side
often each, on the west
for a laden
sufficient room
but bethe rows,
waggon to pass not only between
tv%een
They are all
every two stacks in each row.
size and shape, containing
uniform
nearlyof one
about 40 loads each, thatched and secured in such a
of the wet
to resist the penetration
way as effectually
to which
as well as the highwinds
thoyare exposed
in this bleak situation.
and gives
The corn is chiefly
thrashed by the flail,
constant
employment to six thrashers,from the eonelusion of harvest to the following
May or June.
harvest

presentsa

very

in rows
stacks are placed
with
of the farm-yards,

is conveyed

and
by pipes,
attached to a
ball,
floating

the

by a
supplyregulated

valve

consequentlyraised, and
Thus

supplyof

constant

beam

by a

sinks below a certain

the water
and the valve at the other
depressed,
As

fresh

or

lever.

level,the ball is
end of the lever

supply admitted.

the very best kind of water

labour or expense, othei-

maintained without

is alwavs

than that of first fixingthe apparatus.

The beasts are of the short-horned breed, and the
excellence
of their quality
is a sufficient evidence
that great
them in a

care

to select
judgment are required
famous for its superior
proverbially

and

not
countr)"^

breed of cattle.

these beasts,after
be supposed,
frequently As may naturally
before described, are
used as occasion may require,(generally
a
once
being wintered in the manner
of the weain a state to be soon
fitfor the butcher.
On leaving
ther,
week) when the cattle,from the severity
of
the straw-yard,
or other reasons,
they are taken to a track of rich
require an extra provision
residence,
the occupier's
straw.
grazingground adjoining
The
advantageof hand or flailthrashingconsists at Scarbro, near Beverley,imd there made up and all
from their
in having the straw alwaysfresh,regularly
supplied disposed of before INIidsummer, when
that
distributed over the yard, prime condition, and the time being between
to the cattle,and equally
A

machine
portable
thrashing

too

is

be the case
when
thrashingis done
the machine.
This machine (by Mr.Crosskill of Beverley^
on a
is wrought
and exceedingly
new
principle,
portable,
by four horses, will thrash 40 quarters per day, and
gives,I understand,entire satisfaction. To the horse
partofthis machine a straw cutter and turnipslicer
either may be remade
when
aie
to be
attached,

which

cannot

by
entirely

jjuired.
have
When so large
of straw and corn
a quantity
be turned over in the year, capaciousbarns are
for
required,and extensive fold-yards
necessarily
of the
the decomposition
the purpose of facilitating
to

when

of winter and that of grass fed

generality
the very
brought to market, theycommand
i)rices.

the

beasts

are

best of

of
fold-yards

In

this

magnitude,and

where

so

cessarily
dailydistributed,there must newhich
aftbrd keeping for"a
be scatterings
of pigs. This kind of stock is
considerable number
70 or 80 of them are kept in these
not
neglected,
yardsduring the winter, of a size and qualitybut
to
rarelyequalled,and which tends also materially

cattle food

much

is

into manure.
the straw
turning
the beasts being taken
on
yardsimmediately

forward the process of

The

which after being

emptied of the manure,
turned, is nearlyall laid on the seeds
of
from this largenumber
have
and out-buildings
the fold-yard
for wheat.
The manure
Until lately
of their keepingis of course
been insufficient for these purposes, having been
stock, and tiiemanner
in some
of
and accounts
erected at a time when the productive
cajiabililies
extremely rich and fertilizing,
the farm, were
not so extensively
developedas they degree for the abundant crops for which this farm is
have been of later years.
Another
containing
reniarkable.
fold-yard
been
The
of 44 yards square, has recently
a clear area
Draught horses (except those for the team,
stantial which are somewhat
added, and surrounded with buildingsof a most subheavier)are of the well-known
coaching breed, being chieflyselected
description.The o^on sheds belongingto Yorkshire
fects,
this yard
from such as tluonghsome
slightblemishes or deoccupy a space of 350 square yards.
markets.
The originalone is a triflesmaller. In the former
for the London
They
are
not
eligible
scription
of these from thirty to fortyoxen,
and in the latter
serviceable on land of tliisdefound to be more
are
the same
ter
the heavy blacks, for besides being
than
number of heifers are kept duringthe winance,
and
or
besides
v^-ith,
season,
thrashing
supplied
equal to them in constitution and powers of endurand acthe requisite
of (nictufti/iti/
of straw, five cart loads of turnips
tivity.
quantity
theyare superiorin point
to "bout one
per day; amounting altogether
tenth of the
from the manger
; an
They are fed almost entirely
crop, as before mentioned, and 4 lbs. or
with oats
of cut
oat sheaves
than half an
unrestricted allowance
somethingmoro
English linseed cake
each.
The turnipsare sliced in the manner
above
mixed, togetherwith a little cut hay,formingthe
named, which is found to be a great savingboth in
almost unvaried mixture of their food.
the necessary labour,and in the articleof food itself;
for the purpose
Cows
are
kept only of necessity,
for the machine which is then easily
of supplyingmilk, "c., for the household.
by one
propelled
load in the
cart
and homestead at Swaythorpe,with
horse, will cut a large two-horse
The buildings
is small, are exshort
tensive
Any waste too is prespace of three minutes.
vented the exceptionof the house, which
stables and chafiand well arranged. The
venient
by the turnipsbeing sliced in the most consize for the cattle,
their being houses on the north ; the barns and cart-sheds on the
so as to ensure
straw.

all eaten

clean up.

out

are

once

or

west

twice

; tlie open

ebeds

on
chiefly

the east ; and

T

the

THE

270

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

and relaxed
and vigorousstate, theyare weakened
tool-bouse,
slaughter-house,
cow-houses, piggeries,
order and regularitytheir generativepowers are enfeebled
and, probably,
"c., oa the south. The utmost
indeed
there
after a little exertion,theybecome
lame,
observed in all the appointments,
sickly,
are
"

"

to be

seems

in its
The

and everything
place for everything,

place.
grass land,

acres, of which

said

as

not

acres

are

in

mown

hay given partlyto the

lambing time, and the other sheep when
year, and

each

of 170

before,consists

than 20

more

the

in

ewes

disordered

or

in

some

or

way

other ; for there

is

is heir to, which is not

scarcelya disease that mutton
engendered by this preposterous way ot' keeping.
Need we wonder, then, at the innumerable complaints
of deteriorated,
! The
defective,and impotentrams

wonder is, that the effects are not ascribed to their

The breeders of sheep doubtless
find
The remainder of the
render it necessary.
proper cause.
in thus encumbering them, for fat,like
of years, been
the account
for
land
a long succession
has,
grass
of defects. But a lasting
ings
with frequentdressa multitude
covers
by sheep,which togetlier
eaten
charity,
and compost, has made this land proof manure
ductive stigma must attach to the judgmentof those who hire
of a short weW
set herbage almost
peculiar or purchaserams, so long as the breeders are under
of masking them under a load of fat,at
the necessity
usual
to itself,carrying
nearlyall the year round an unof 2L or 31, per head, by which
of breedingor holdingstock.
extra
an
quantity
expense
The sheep stock at Swaythorpeconsists of 450
they are rendered of 21. or 31. per head less value,
for them.
and
their two
a demand
years'
produce. The wethers, in order to ensure
ewes,
tened,
These observations are not made with a view of
and
others intended to be fed, are shorn once, fatbreed of sheep at the expense of another,
and disposedof earlyin the followingspring. puffing
one
but onlyfor the purpose of reprobating
the quantityof keeping,or the
a system so
Sometimes, when
and palpably
markets
to all parties
favourable, they are shorn a second
seem
disgracefully
injurious
time, and sold immediatelyafterwards. The cutting concerned.
The
meadows
for the hogs immediatelyoa
at Swaythorpe receive
of turnipsis commenced
frequent
of lime compost, and manure,
and produce
their being put upon them, and the quantitycut is
dressings

the

stances
circum-

accustomed to
the sheep become
until it amounts
in this manner,
one-half or two-thirds of what theyrequire. In
is cut
when on the Swedish, the whole
spring,
half a pound of linseed cake eacli
About
them.
increased

eating of

the

as

them

to

the
for
per

a little barley
given them ; or sometimes
a small
too, with
They are supplied,
tion
porin order to
of hay,when beginningthe turnips,
effects which
the succulent
the injurious
counteract

day is

also

instead.

and watery

nature

of that food has

tendencyto

duce.
pro-

The sheepat Swaythorpeare deservingof notice ;

Mr. Hall and his predecessors
having been for many
The stock are
well-known
breeders of rams.
years
are
to what
mon
possessedby comconsequentlysuperior
ter,
farmers : they are descended from the Leicesfrom
with judiciouscrosses
the best Yorkshire
breeds.
to possess
They seem
good constitution,
size,and symmetry, with plentyof excellent wool,

and
an

to
aptitude

fatten.

They

are

in considerable

quest,
re-

with those, who, from too strict

particularly
adherence
to fine breeding, have
acquiredan

of frame
over-delicacy

and

constitution.

One

mendation
recom-

tion
recommendaa
they eminently possess
of too great a rarity theyhave no extravagant
useful
improperkeeping, and are therefore more
"

very

ample crops, which,

and valuable
When

to

sheep

the breeders

kept

who
in

may have
their natural

them.

state, as
in their appearance
these are, there is less deception
and active, and better able
they are more
healthy
are

"

to

the
undergo the fatigueof following

in the

ewes

four

day,with

most

abundance
prodigal

of the

rams

show-

most

five feet

in

They are
plashed
hog-manedfashion,

the

new.

height,and

are

the lower

as

part is

not

then

overhung,or injured

All parts have then

by droppingsfrom the upper.
an
equalchance of puttingout young shoots,and the
uniform from bottom to
fence is preservedfull and
ness,
exacttop. The plashingis done with the utmost
so

much

so

that it may

almost

be

said,there

is

from accurate
inch of deviation
perceptible
in any fence of the greatestor shortest
straightness,
a
remarkablyneat finish to the
length; which g-ives
not

one

ness
A person not used to witap[)earance of the farm.
such well-keptquickwood, might
so much, and
bour
laextraordinary
suppose it to be attended with an
and

to see
unfortunatelyloo common
pampered for twelve months previous to the

to

every year in what is termed the

that is, from three to four feet wide at the bottom,
and regularlytaperingto a point or ridge,in the
letter A.
form of the capital
This both reason
and
experiencehave long since
decided to be the most proper mode of cuttingfences,

season.

It is now,

being generally
spring

from
scarcely distinguishable

from

"

or

from

and the bleak and exposed situation,

monly
comare
cut late in the season.
The management
of the fences is not the least remarkable
feature in the system of farmingat Swaythorpe.
The neatness
and regularity
of these cannot
server
fail to attract the attention of the most careless obingly
of rural affairs. They were
formerlyexceedbad.
of them have been
Of late years many
replacedwith young wood, and the remainder so
carefullytrained and remodelled, as to make them

eaten,

The

expense

operator will

; this however
them
go over

and despatch,
habit
facility

tening it
fat-

more

difficultfor him

is not
with

tlie

case.

surprising
having seeminglymade

to do his work

illthan well.

in the
The
that the ingenuityand experience
ingredients
gates are in good order, and made more
of the breeder
useful thiin the ornamental style.
can
devise,thev are brought to the
under a load of superfluous
The ponds are
artificialas is common
on
show-ground disguised
chiefly
fat. They are engaged by the farmer six or eight the wolds, being circular; lined with well tempered
he wants
weeks
to use
anil imperviousclay;and covered with small broken
previous to tlie time when
who
then finds it necessary to reduce them as
chalk.
it is called a work of no great difficulty,
The minor features of the system pursuedat Swaythorpe,
by the way,
in tlic most
the same
for having longbeen fed on savoury meat
guished
liberal scale, and distinare
on
temptingand seductive manner, theymake but feeble
by the same regard for neatness and regularity.
"
efforts to obtain their livinglike other sheep,and by
let all
the apostolicinjunction,
Indeed
here
the most
a change from
thingsbe done decently and in order,"seems
sumptuous fare to comparative
so far as the general
gaolallowance, the work of reduction is easily to be duly appreciated,
appointments
stead
of the farm go.
One
accomplished. But what is the consequence? Inthing however tends
of being,
when put to the ewes, in a healthy materially
to promote this regularity.

them,

"

THE
The
most

servants

of them
Each

t"rii

not

of

men

FARMER'S

yesterday
; having producewill

long periodin the same

his work, and
therefore knows

biren for
man

MAGAZINE.

vice.
ser-

most

271
be

credulous

increased beyond anything

that the
fore-fathers could have beof our
lieved.

can

Is or is not
Tlien shall we
the problem of
see
and man.
this country capable of jjroducinga sufficiency
of
on
master
equall}'
food for the whole
hear coin]il;\iiits
of the idleness
of its jjopulation,"
We
too frequently
practically
and impious
and negligenceof servants, that ihey are proiligate solved, 'i'heushall we see the inhuman
doctrines of JMalthus and our
and extravagant, that no good ones
to be found,
are
populationof W ilthese
"c.
But
recurring complaints mot, Horton, and emigration,
futed
reconstantly
(or expatriation,)
that the faults
and exploded.
should be listened to with a suspicion
Our
all on one
side. Nature, in compounding the
are not
legislators
may then be sensible of the reliuinan race,
did not put all the christian virtues
proach which they have merited, by listening
to,
and mistresses.
and adopting
of masters
into the composition
schemes so utterly
repugnant to every
grity,
As far as a natural regardfor honestyand inteof justice,
and natural rights,
metrically
and so diaprinciple
and a proper sense
of the various duties and
opposed to the Divine Ordinances. They
then be induced
of man
to man
the chimerical
are
concerned, it is but
to rejiudiate
obligations
may
in the aggregate,
that both parties,
doctrines of reciprocity
fair to presume,
and free trade,and to legislate
constituted alike. That there will be bad masthe principlethat Britain is not so much
ters
are
on
bad servants, and
but that Agricidture
as well as
is the
good servants as
dependenton commerce,
well as good masters, is certain.
grand source of National Wealth.
himself as
A good servant
Feb. 18, 1839.
not
A. W.
distinguish
may
"

do it.
This

reflects credit

"

such when serving

an
and willingness
are

goodmasters
seldom
It

make

indifferentmaster, his abilities

properlycalled forth, but
good servants, and bad ones are
not

THE

suited.

must

not

from

be

understood

any authorised

that

source,

this report proceeds

such
is not the

AGRICULTURAL

ENGLISH

SOCIETY.

MARK
EDITOR
OF THE
TO T"E
LANE
EXPRESS.
information gathered
by a
Is it in your power
from tlie Secretary
to obtain
stranger, on a casual visit in the neighbourhood,
of
and by a personalinspection
of the farm.
the EnglishAgricultural
decisive information
Society
In conclusion, it
cross-bred sheep will be admitted in
as to whether
may be observed, that from the

case

; it is

compiledfrom

present appearance of the farm, a cursory observer

competitionin either,and which class at the ensuing
I have
might suppose it to be land of a first-rate quality, Oxford
been
Meeting?
kindly favoured
but the fact is otherwise,as might be provedif necessary. with
the individual opinion of tiieSecretary,
but I
think the intention of the Society
should be officially
The appearance and remarkable
produceof it,is made known on this point,as it will requireno little
the result of a continued
of superior care and
more
course
scratch"
expense to bringanimals to the
and
than
of the natural quality
under the present rules and regulations,
management,
of which in
ductiveness
proof the soil.
far as
so
rei;ardsthe sheep, I, with the great
It is not intended to be inferred that perfection
in
majorityof my brother farmers,very much complain.
of farming,is to
or in any part of the process
is no
restriction as
There
ever}'^,
to feeding even
the
be seen
in the details of
tliis farm; perfection
on
with
lambs ; every one
ewes
or
shearling
ewes,
farmingas well as other things,like the bird of pawhat a complete revolution corn
radise,knows
cake
or
"

"

But this
talked about than seen.
will effect in the appearance of an animal.
So much
said of every farmer who may have an opthe fellows
of those bred and
portunity
fed on arable
so that
of visiting
land ('asseven-tenths
of the most
Swaythorpe,should do so, and
useful sheepare)
after seeingthe system pursued there, should go
\vhen corned, would scarcelybe believed to belonohome with a fixed
determination to do likewise ;
to the same
species therefore I contend they are
of every hundred
of such visitors not shewn
out
ninety-nine
with their true
and natural qualities.
It
would become better managers than theyare at prebe urged in answer
sent. may
to this objection,
that all
cake if they choose, but
or
may feed with corn
And
if all the soils in this kingdom were
vated
cultiwho
have
their livelihood to
tenant
farmers,men
in the same
cording
acspiritedand liberal manner,
get by the business, cannot
indulgein these fancies
be safely
to their resj)ective
it mav
qualities,
and if they were
to do so, what
criterion of the
asserted that the national
producewould be nearly, general merits, or natural characteristics of the
if not fully
doubled,from what it is at present.
Wiltshire,er Sussex stock, which are
Plampshire,
Such however
is the spiritof enterprisethat is
a folding
sheep, is there to be gathered
necessarily
now
populationof this from the exhibition of five ewes
animatingthe agricultural
lambs
or
is oftener

may

be

"

"

cooped
of innumerable
country,consequent on the establishment
of
up in a shed from Christmas, until the lastjbreath
and
the
associations,
agricultural
general winter has passedaway, and crammed
with all sorts
of
spread intelligence.
of forcingartificials'? There
vrithin
are
now,
Sucii is the aid which
the scientific en(]uirer
is
twelve miles of me, two individuals,
preparingtheir
givingto the practical
husbandman, by unveilingto
Down
for the (Jxl'ord
sheep in this very manner
him the principles
of germinationand vegetation,
shew, whose stock at home, will bear about as much
the nature
and food of plants the properties,
fertility,
does
comparisonto those exhibited, as a Jersey cow
and adaptation
of the various
soils and manures.
to a Christmas
Smilhfield ox ; it is a piactice.
Sir,
which
will be condemned, una,
voce,
by all jiracticai
In short,such is the march
of intellect which is
and all rules sanctioning
it,ought to be blotted
men,
in progress
now
who
have
of a Society;,
among that class of men,
out the books
established
professedly
hitherto been behind
of
for the encouragement
every other in the pursuit of
a
profitable
system of
that we
knowledgeand information,
confidentlyagriculture." It may do very well for noblemen or
may
if
to
destined
short half-century
expect
see,
to live one
gentlemen with parks, or their bailiffs,who have
longer,such an improvementin the system of
deep pocketsto draw from, but it will deter many a
and grazing
the soilsof this country tiiat their
tilling
from exhibiting
his stock,
and
agriculturist
practical
"

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE,
whether arising
from misconception
or
opposition,

Points.

5
hock
Fore legs,strait and fine,thighsfulland long,
close togetherwhen viewed from behind ; hind
hoof,small;
legsshort and bones ratiierfine;
2
hind legs not to cross in walking
VII.
Udder,full,well up behind ; teats,largeand
squarelyplaced,beingwide apart ; milk veins,
"

alreadyworkingon

the

No

plan.

will
opposition

now

be of avail ; and by far the most

prudent measure
would be to make a merit of granting
that which can
longerbe refused."

"

no

largeand swelling
VIII.-Growth
IX.
General appearance

1
2

"

Perfection

30

Cows

FOR

ANSWERS
points shall be deducted from the number required
for perfection
heifers,
on
as their udder and milk
veins cannot
be fullydeveloTjed. A heiferwill therefore
Two

be considered

judice,
pre-

could understand.
or dislikeor
fear,we never
Neither his lectures,
panies
the honerarium which accomnor
them,is in the slightest
degree interferedwith or
hazard
theirapat
probation
; while his colleagueshave expressed
instruction,
of the proposedextension of veterinary
and the demonstrator,
highly to his honour, is

hooped and deep, well ribbed home,

the ribs and
but littlespace between
havingfine,hanging'two inches below the
hips,tail,

v." Barrel

VI.

273

at
perfect

points.

28

No prizeshall be awarded
lessthan 21 points.

to cows,

or

TO

THE

TO

QUERIES

RYE
EDITOR

ON

ITALIAN

I.ANE

EXPRESS.

GRASS.

OF

THE

MARK

heifers,
having
Sir,
"

An

to

answer

the

Queries

on

Italian rye

grass.

Query 1st, Will it do to sow in the springwith

or other grain,as we
the
now
sow
crop of barley
common
rye grasi^
Answo', It will.
without
mixture
or
of
Query 2nd, With
a
clover seed ?
for feed
Answer, Whether
sown
or
seed,
Dutch clover or trefoilwill helpto fillup
some
any
vacant
the
spaces, improve the crop, and not injure
"

"

ENGLISH

THE

AGRICULTURAL

SO-

"

AND

CIETY

THE

VETERINARY

COLLEGE.
The

"

importanceof

induces
agriculture

the
to

us

Editor of the Veterinarian

the

field.

same

The

science
Veterinary

regard our
as

of this

number

excels in the amount

March

articles which

fellow labourer

We

it contains.

by the observations

are

of the

happy to

the establishment

on

rye grass.
Would
there not be danger of
Query 3rd,
its gettingthe crop of barley,
up so highas to injure
and would it not smother the clover in the first
year
of seeds'?
will
not
Answer, It
get high enough to injure
of barleyor other grain with which
a crop
it is
the clover in the first
will it smother
nor
sown,
likelyto draw the clover or
year of seeds ; it is more
trefoil up with very fine stems, but it coiues
too
earlyfor the clovers in use as a mixture for hay.
Query 4th, Is it an annuol. a biennial,
or a
triennial?
Answer, It is considered as a perennial,
but
"

in

for
periodical

character

and

to

friend the

perceive
of

"

that he coincides with us in

Schools
Agricultural
in the youthful
mind
importanceof inculcating
the principles
to be afterwards carried out by practice
in the pursuitof his occupation.
We
had
hoped that,ere this,some effectivestepswould have
been taken to complete the arrangement proposed
of co-operating
Society,
by the English Agricultural
the old stools die
in iho second
third year on
or
with the Veterinary
for
Collegein adoptingmeans
soils.
light
the students in the knowledge of
betterinstructing
Query 5th, Is it a fit grass to mix with others
tliediseases of cattle,
sheep,and pigs. We regret for a permanent pasture!
exceedinglythat any person should be found to
Answer, No; but it will do very well to mix
offer opposition
portance
to an
objectof such immense imwith
other seeds when fed oft'and ploughedup in
veterinarian himself to
to the practising
alternate husbandry.
the agriculturist
and to the publicat large. We
it be better to
it
Query 6th, Would
sow

the

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

subjoinMr. Youatt's
the

leadingarticle of

remarks
the

"

on

the

from
subject

Veterinarian."

alone ?
Answer,

Yes, if for seed, except sowinga

quantityof Dutch clover or trefoil to fillup
vacant
places if any, and which will improve
"

small
"

No

tween
believe,has yet taken placebewe
conference,

the Governors

of the

Royal Veterinary College

and the Directors of the English AgriculturalSociety;
but onlya short space of time can
now
elapsebefore the
will take place. 'J'he precisenaprimary arrangement
ture

the

the feed after the crop

Query 7th,
"

Will

is

mown.

it do

to

mow

for

hay

and

also to graze 1
Ansioer, It

will
do
for both, but for hay it
of that arrangement we protess not to know
; but it
should be cut early.
will be worthy of the honourable
who will meet in
men
of soil is it bes:
Query 8th, What
consultation" it will be worthy of the AgriculturalSodescription
ciety
and of the Ve'erinarySchool.
While
no
existing adaptedfor?
interests will be compromised" but far the contrary
Good
ure,
Answer,
deep loams that retain moistthose preliminary
it will a large
seasons
steps will,doubtless,be taken which
though in favourable
turn
rewill secure
the full accomplishment
of the noble objects
land.
on
"

"

"

"

light

importantto both parties.

on
Query 9th, Will it succeed
strong land
will be no objection,"
"There, surely,
there can be
with a retentive subsoil?
well-founded one"
no
tlie
of
to
the original,
completion
It will
Answer,
indeed, if sown
very well
but too long neglected
school, in
jjurijopesof the veterinary
and the land in proper order.
good season
so

"

"

and

which

every

We

one

would

be so welcome
and advantageous
to
connected with tlie:igriculture
of the country.

but
anticipate

one

opponent

and the ground of his

I am,

Sir,your

obedient

servant,
G.

K.

FARMER'S

THE

274

MAGAZINE.

TABLE

Prices of Wheat
and
Decennial
in England from
the year 1770 to 1838,
Contaiaingthe Average Annual
both inclusive:
also similar Averages of the Price of Wheat
at Dantzic, from 1770 to 1S26; Vfith the
diflference in pricebetween
also the Annual
ports
and Average Annual
Excess of ImEngland and Dantzic:
into Great
above
Britain,from 1770 to 1838; together with the State of the
Exports of Wheat
Laws
period,
regulatingtlieTrade in Wheat during the same
Winchester
is intended up to 1826 and imperialmeasure
measure
afterwards.
Per Qr.
in

Ditto

Per

Quarters
ence.Imported.
Differ-

at

England. Dantzic.

Qr.

Ditto

in

Differ-

Quarters

at

Imported.

enc

England,Dantzic.

d.

s.

a.

s.

d.

1820

65

10

33

32

34,274

1770
1771

41

23

18

Export.

1821

54

31

22

10

47

31

15

Export.

1822

43

29

14

E.

1772

50

33

17

1773
1774

51

35

15

52

32

1775

48

33

11

1776
1777

38

27

45

22

1778

42

23

1779

33

45

1780

35

1781
17S2
1783
17S4
1785
1786
1787
1788
1789

18,515

1823

51

26

25

1824

62

22

39

20

49,220
273,321

1825

66

23

43

14

469,951

1826

56

11

23

33

10

10

Export.

1827

56

23

145,637

1828

60

18

1829

66

21

10

11

10

Export.
Export.

12,137
15,777
525,231
315,892
572,733
842,050
1,364,220

58

31

368,231

28

16

43,166

19

16

Export.

44

24

19

11

47

10

26

21

52

27

25

48

10

28

10

20

51

10

30

38

10

29

41

29

45

29

51

43

45

28

1790

53

1791
1792

47

Average.
Average.

1830

64

1831

66

56,845

1832

58

Export.

1833

52

11

1834

46

64,653

127,659

38.35

39

28,483

21

Export.

1836

48

1837

55

10

12

Ditto.
Ditto.

18SS

64

15

11

65,739

1839

Export.
61

17

23,350

40

10

31

15

191,665
398,430

Export.

41

29

12

1793
1794

47

10

32

15

10

50

14

1795
1796

72
76

11

36
57

15

54

22

1797
1798

52

33

19

50

32

10

17

66

11

46

10

20

55

11

39

16

1800

110

115

11

11

36
37

1801

73
78

413,529

172,584
294,954

"

to

Under

J
17741Under

48s. perqr.

bounty of .5s.on exportation.

1773

44s.

bounty

of 5s.

exportation.

on

/-Above 44s. exportation

prohibited.
1792 J Above 48. importationat 6d. u quarter.
44s.

498,359

67

53

14

57

46

10

10

1804

60

53

1805

87
76

69

10

17

1806

58

18

1807

73

1808

78
94

11
5

42

10

51

424,709

82

59

22

574,751

103

53

49

11

36

56

297,145
398,067
842,879
270,776
379,833

Export.

bounty of

5r:

on

exportation.

without bounty.
Under 46s. exportation
Under 50s. importationat 24.s.a quarter.
ditto
at 2s. 6d. a quarter.
Under
54s.
ditto
Above 54s.
at 61I. a quarter.

321,609

1,242,507
1,396,359

{Under
{Under

854,521

407,242
336,939
423,823

1803

Average,

LAW.

to

1802

1809

THE

17701

50s.

Average,

200,000

1,500,000

OF

STATE

1799

1,701,855
1,491,631
325,435
82,346

532,240

12

Average.

Average.

27

Under

Under
Under

66s.

Above

66.S.

""1Under
J

,i2"I Above

^1
ift9ft

exportation.
a bounty of 5s. on
exportationwithout bounty.
importationat 24s. 3d. a quarter.

54s.
63s.

Under

IAbove

ditto
ditto

at 2.s.6d. a
at

6d.

quarter.
quarter.

80s.
80s.

prohibited.
importation

70s.

importationprohibited.

70s.

at
importation

importationallowed.

17s,

quarter.

Since 1828 the present scale varyingwith the

Dividingthe 69 years comprised in the preceding

Table into three equal periodsof the 23 years before
the 23 years of the war, and the 23
the French
war,
since,the followingresults appear :
rears
"

1810
1811

92

1,491,341
238,366

1812

122

1813

106

1814

72

47

1815

63

46

1816
1817

76

94

57
75

1818

83

64

19

225,263
1,020,949
1,503,518

1819

72

43

28

122,133

88

53

35

595,284

Average.

244,385
425,559

681,333
4
8

18

price.

THE

ON

CHEAPEST

EFFICIENT

MODE

OF

THE

FARMER'S

AND

MOST

SURFACE

OR

FURROW-DRAINING.
The

conviction

is

now

that
agriculturists
among
best
is tlie first and

fast
surface

gaining ground
or

furrow

ing
drain-

improvement that can be

made on soils possessinga retentive substratum, in
instances repaying the outlay in the
numerous
first year, by the additional crop of grain or grass
before,and also
produced where
very little grew
that land so effectually
be worked
drained can
at
less exi)ense, and in seasons
when
it would
been almost
impossibleto get on it without

have

injury

succeeding crop. The great expense of

draining considerable quantitiesof land in any of

to

the

MAGAZINE.

275

norantlythat millions of tiles are now

lying in the
land completely useless, and the land in want
of
effectual drainingas much
as ever.
Occupying land requiring to be thoroughly
drained (iffarmed to any profit)I have been some
to attain that objectin the
years consideringhow
effectual manner,
and at the least expense, at
most
the same
time to makeit a permanent
improvement ;
I now
(afterthree years experience)flattermyself I
have succeeded in making a tile-drain much
cheaper
and more
durable than
seen
or
any I have ever
heard of.
I shall now
I am
detail the method
making use
of, hoping

that

some

scientificmechanic
the

may

intelligentagriculturist
or
invent

machine

to manufacture

tiles at

considerablyless cost, that tile

drains (being the most
the present known
methods
doubt prevents
no
permanent) may supersede
from
by their cheapness every other kind.
beginning such a beneficial improvement,
many
The kind of tile I am
it therefore appears
desirable that experinow
using is a perfecttube,
ments
should be entered
into by practical
a foot in length,with a bore
farmers
or
opening of two and
of larger bore for cross
a-balf inches, and some
what
to ascertain
in
improvements can be made
main
and durability.and
drains. They are
draining,both as regards economy
remarkably strong as
The cheapest
their circular form, theremethod
fore
practisedin this neighbourhood
may be supposed from
is called clay-draining,
stand
which
is lo cut the
better than
carriage or pressure much
the common
arched
tiles. The best way of making
top sod about three inches thick and layit on one
drains with them
is first to dig out a spitof earth,
side,then another grafttaken out, following with
tool which takes a cut from the centre
in depth, then turning the tool
a narrower
of
say eight inches
the opening,which
leaves a shoulderingon each side, sideways take out ten inches
making the
more,
these
to the width of the tile in the boton
tom,
shoulderings the top sod is laid leaving cut taper down
the narrow
then
with
clean out the crumbs
six or eightinches
channel underneath
a
of
scoop
earth.
in depth for the water
the drain is then
A rammer,
course,
(with a peg four inches long,
the bottom) takes
filledin. Another
method
which is more
durable
standing out near
up the tile,
than
the last is to fill ten or twelve inches of a
and lowering it into the drain is then used to hit
laid before, and
taper cut drain with thorns ; the best thorns for
up the tile endways to the one
the purpose, if they can be procured, is the blackfirm it down
level in its bed
afterwards
the cut
thorn,
will remain
which
or
being made to fit the tile exactly,it is now
firm
sloe-bearing-thorn,
so
sound
in the earth for some
that nothing can
displaceit, it being in the firm
years, the whitethorn
or hawthorn
soon
subsoil, therefore the drain may now
be filledby
decaying.
The next best drain is that made either with pebmilar
bles raking in the earth with a three pronged fork siother
to those used
to draw
kinds of stones
or
out manure
from carts,
broken, that part
where the stones
the greatest disthat will make
or
are
patch.
put in being cut with a taper
any other way
tool and
filled with stones
six or eightinches in
that there is no objectionmade
to suppose
Now
depth,puttinga little straw or stubble on the top
before filling
to these kind of tiles,
in, to prevent the mould
would be to
by some
persons
running into
the stones ; this kind of drain (where the mateto every new
rials
plement
imexempt them from what occurs
of agriculture
when
firstbrought forward.
are
at hand) is the cheapest and most
near
of either of the drains mentioned.
The
to them
Tile
permanent
only objection made
is, that they
not
from
the surface
are
draininghas been practisedin this county for many
likelyto admit the water
but chieflyfor deep draining. The
usual
sulhciently
years
quick, having the opening at the ends
mode
of layingthem
has been to put them
in without
only, but experienceproves the contrary; the ends
of the tiles being rough and uneven
soles or only a small piece of flattileunder the
leaves plenty
of opening for the admission
of water, although
ends, this might have answered
tolerablywell in
as
deep drains and where there is a continual stream
to
which
possible; added
put as close
of water
there arefour of those jointsin
passing through, but in shallower drains
every yard,and the
or
tile being smooth
where
inside,the water
with
to
meets
they are only required occasionally
no
take off the surface water, they soon
become
filled impediment but dischargesitself very fast. I never
with earth cither by the sinking of the tile,by
find them
remain
stop or the water
any longer on
moles filling
the
surface
than
them
the arched-tile drains which I
up, or by the expansion of the
earth iatpthe tiles from
have placedalternately
the treadingabove, thereto test them.
fore,
to put in tiles for surface drainingwithout
I will give an instance or two
how
to show
well
using f)ai tiles entirelyunderneath
is to throw
I drained
the lower part of a field
they succeed.
the heavy expense of the tiles and the labour
away
in 1836
(a wheat
fallow) with drains 110 yards
of cuttingand
the drains, as they become
filling
of considerable
elevation
and
long, an ascent
useless in a very few years.
undrained at the upper part of tiie
lengthremained
Where landlords find the tiles,or contribute to
field,from whence
water
a great quantityof
runs
any part of the expense, they ought to be very parthe drains in rainy weather, the
on
ticular down
drains
that the drainingshould be done in such
take
a
the whole
fast as it comes,
of the water
as
^vay that it maybe ajjermaneni improvement to their
both from the surface and the acclivity
above. The
estates, as the outlayfor effectual drainingof land
field was
in clover last year and
is now
planted
is very
considerable in our
of
with wheat.
The
drains are perfect,
and that part
present methods
draining,and requires the utmost
in
of the field which
the worst
is now
vigilance
was
the most
overlookingthe work in progress.
valuable; the soil and subsoil is of a very retentive
I am
convinced
that vast sums
of money
have
the soil of which is
quality. I also drained a field,
been expended in this county so carelessly
or
ig- blue lias-clay,
more
retentive or adhesive soi
a
"

THE

276

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

in the kingdom ; in a partially

found
be ploughed except with a
it cannot
The drains on this
plough entirelymade of wood.
admirably for three years, the
field have worked
drier than the tops of the ridges
now
furrows
are

tilee,
although

in preferenceto the common

drainers have
endavouied

be

cannot

nerally

state

-wet

some

employers that they would

were

not

obvious, because

persuade their

to

their motives
answer;
these tiles are put in

I think,
less expense.
tile-drain and a
tube-tile drain, it will be very evident to the eye
is still a greaterproofof these kinds of
There
of the two is best calculated to resist any
tiles answering well, which is that my neighbours which
from pressure
face.
or
were
injury
treadingfrom the suruntil
them
they
suaded
perwere
against
prejudiced
before.

were

to

try

them

ihey are

using them

now

simply and at much

by givinga section of a

more

common

ge-

Arch-tile drain.

Tube-lile drain.

tubetiledrain above is in width at top eight

four inches, the depth 18
inches, at the bottom
The

inches.
inches.

soil six

The

the subsoil 12

inches, and

The

arch tiledrain above

is nine inches in width

top, and eight inches at the bottom, (being as

to go
narrow
as
they can be cut to admit a man
into them
to
depth 18
lay and back up the tiles)
inches,soles being laid under the arch tiles.
at

and durable of any kind of tile drainingyet practised,

It will appear from the difference in the form of
be invented to manufacture
drains that if a horse walks on the arch
and should a machine
the two
the soil is tender,
the tiles at half the present cost, (which I
tile drain in wet weather, when
the expense
of furrow
think possible)
draining
is nothing but depth of soil to prevent his
there
will be reduced
within the reach of every farmer
treadingdown to the tiles and breaking them, or
side, or sending the soil who
has but a few
one
them
years'interest in the land he
on
displacing
perviouscultivates,and
imgent
who
the tiles as to render them
will,when he sees his intelliso firm round
down
would be widely
But the case
to water.
neighbour reaping the advantage of such a
tile drain, this
the tube
from his lethargy
beneficial improvement, awake
differtnt in walking on
drain

being taper and

would

pressure
would
which

the

in the bottom

narrow

so

be lateral instead of
prevent the foot from

and

perpendicular,

out of place,from their being fittedfirm

shift them
has been stated it will
what
in the subsoil. From
with
tile drain may,
be evident that the tube
the surface than the
safety,be put much nearer
or
ought to be, and does not
arch tile drain can
of earth removed
the
half
above
quantity
require
I have said before that the tube tile
in the making.

drains are
shall
in this

cheaper

the

than

tiles 12 inches

Arch

1200

thousand
Soles,10 inches each, at

should it answer
communicated

".

s.

10

14

14

14

10

tiles and soles

with tube tiles

thousand, with arch

Savingin labour....
written
I

hope

more

it has

on

this

more

SMITH.

Upper Hall, Worcestershire.

NITRATE

OF

SODA."

QUERY?

Sir," At thismoment, when Parliament is about to

of such vast importance to the
deliberateupon meatures
the minds of practical
interest.I am aware
agricultural
of deep anxiety
much engaged in matters
too
are
men
and
; but as times
to attend to the details of practice
of
controul,I trust some
above
legii;lative
are
seasons
formation
able readers will be kind enough to give me inyour
nitrate of soda, as a manure
upon the merits of
the quantityrequiredper acre, the
for springcom;
whether
broadcast or by
of application,
proper mode
drill ; or, if mixed with soil,to be ground small,or to
to drilling.
he dissolved,and tlie soil watered previous
the above query iu your widely circulated
15y inserting
obligeyours, "c.,
journal,
you willg.reatly
AG RI GO LA.

subjectthan I first
clearlyshown that
most
efficient.
is the cheapest,
this kind of draining
Having

the purpose intended, it shall be

the publicat a future period.

d.

20s. per do. 1

Savingby tubes....
and
filling^
up drains,per
laying,
Cuttiug,

intended,

to

RICHARD

12 inches each, at 40s. per

Tube tiles,

do.

"

30s. per

do

Do.

capital.
ers'
Farmor the
society,
Through any agricultural
Magazine," I shall have no objectionto give
answer
but cannot
the subject,
on
any information
individual inquiries.
A plough is constructingfor cuttingthe drains,

fore
there-

ones,

overtake

for

as charged
figures,

each, at

lOOO

1000

common

it in

proceedto show
neighbourhood.

make

to

rapidlygoing

now

reaching near

but even
supposingit did, it would neither
tiles';
their great strength, nor
break the tiles,from

the

provement
of imthe march
forward in agriculture,
will be still farther required to
and which
the cultivation of the soil a safe employment

bestir himself

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.
them, that

277
the

think

theycannot do
that last winter my
PLOUGHING.
to fifteen acros
gone
which I would
over, wanted to ploughanother field,
ROBERT
DALKEITH.
NEAR
BV MR.
LAING,JUN.,CAMPEND,
have assented to had it not been for the apprehension
of rendering inefficient a great number
of crossthe
Journal
Quarterlii
(From
of Agriculture.)
drains tliat had been made
several years ago under
the old system of filling
in the present state of agriThere is not perhaps,
face.
culture,
up with stones to the surof such generalimportanceto tracts
a subject
of thin claylands,as the application
the disadvantages
of subsoil and
Notwithstanding
consequent
trench ploughing, the beneficial eifects on crops
upon the wet state of the field,the results have been
after these have been proper/v
applied,but especiallyof the most flattering
description.Since the work
the former,beingalmost incredible.
has been finished littleor no water
has stood on the
The soils to which these modes
surface ; and in the springof 1837, this fieldwhich
of ploughing
are
REPORT

ON

SUBSOIL

AND

TRENCH

same

men

now

enough of that kind of work ;

bead ploughman, in addition

so

"

applicableare, in my opinion,the same ; as in no

I found trencli ploughing,where
instance have
one
and subsoil ploughing
of
not required,
were
draining
the least advantage,
exceptingon deepdry loams ; on
the contrary, when
prosecutedon land where these
two
necessary accompnniments of all good farming
had not
have been
preceded it,the consequences

was

the
usually

wetness,
the land
solid

last workable

on

the farm from its

the

first; and it had the advantageof

workinglike loam, when compared with the
was

soured furrow that was

wont
to be turned up.
field was
drilled with beans, and the crop fully
realized my expectations,
and I think established
the advantage
of subsoil ploughing
; for it produced
6 quarters per Scotch acre, which was
at least onehighlydetrimental ; in short, trench ploughingrequires
fourth part of greater produce than it had ever beto be used with the greatest care, as in most
fore
it will be beneficial onlyafter the subsoil has
cases
yielded; and I am confident that bad it not
been
been for the subsoil ploughing,
ameliorated by the admission of air and water
the crop must
have
into it by means
been deficient ; because from the wet state in which
of previoussubsoil ploughing.
I approve more
the land would
been ploughed, and probably
have
of subsoil than trench ploughing;
that the latteris
not
souringall winter, the case would have been the
unnecessary, but because the
incurred by the previous indespensablesame
field the previousseason.
as with the adjoining
expense
In 1838, the same
field produced a good crop of
renders
and subsoil ploughing
operationsof draining
it almost
wheat after beans which all stood tillcut down, and
of a tenant to
impossiblefor the means
undertake it when he is not assisted by his landlord, was
of
equallystrong in the furrow as on the crown
is loo often the case.
as
I think it will generally the ridge. Oft" 2 acres
'2 roods 21
falls,were
be admitted that subsoil is more
thrashed 15" quarters good, and " quarter second
essential than trench
wheat, being nearly at the rate of 6 quartersper
ploughing,because its correspondingeffects are
Scotch
This is considered in any season
acre.
greater.
I am
also of opinion,that subsoil ploughing
in the present
is an
a
good crop, but more
especially
the prevailing
when
indispensableaccompaniment to furrow-draining
season,
opinion is that the
;
Scotland will not exceed 3
and in my experience,
of wheat over
I have found land to be more
average
when there was
thoroughlydried after it (especially
quarters per Scotch acre.
1837 was
November
favourable to the prowith a drain in
more
any approach to clayin the subsoil,^
secution
of subsoil ploughingthan the winter
of
every alternate furrow, than with a drain in every
furrow without it ; in fact,in a stiff'claysubsoil,I
subsoil
1836, and an extent of 15 Scotch acres was
liave seen drains of littleservice,the water
for some
ploughed. About ^ an acre of the field was ploughed
time standing
the diff'erence
the top of them till evaporated,in the usiinl way ; but so marked was
on
in the bean crop, that on the part that was
while in the very next field which had been subsoil
soil
not subnot
ploughed,there was an immense flow of water from
ploughed they were
onlyshorter, but not
face.
nearlyso broad in the leaf,a pretty clear proofthat
every drain,and not a drop to be seen on the surtheywere not so luxuriant,and on every part of the
I commenced
field,in the furrows as well as on the intervening
subsoil plouahina:in the month of
it will be remembered,
I have no
JVovember, 1836, a season
a
spaces, there was
very great crop.
that the producewill be eight
remarkable for its earlywinter; the groundhaving hesitation in stating
been covered with snow
in October, and a succession
quarters per acre, which is nearlydouble what is
of wet
in this
weather continuingduringthe whole season,
produced in any year.butjiarticularly
usually
when
rendered the circumstances under which I commencthe bean crop in this district and in East Loed
thiau has proved almost a failure. The half acre not
most
unfavourable.
The field in which operaI think
subsoil ploughed was
tions were
not a bad crop ; and
commenced, consistinsr of ten Scottish
it was
benefitted from the land above and below it
at the time and duringthe whole
acres, was
tions,
operasaturated
so
with
rain, that the horses' feet having been subsoil ploughed. Its breadth having
sunk
in the unploughed ground from four to six
been onlyabout .50 feet,and lyingtransversely
to the
that operationI conceive, had acted as a
inches,which
showed
that though there was
declivity,
a
drain every alternate
drain to it both above
and under its breadth.
In
furrow,theyhad not yet drawn
the water
summer-fallowed
and subsoil
from the stiff'retentive subsoil. This circumstance
1838, ten acres
were
satisfied with the
so
the more
of the necessity ploughed; and I am
convinced me
perfectly
of
recommend
all land that has
in subsoil ploughing,
which alone
system, that I would
persevering
enabled me
to accomplishmy
objectof thoroughly been furrow-drained, to be subsoil ploughedin the
in my opinion,
dryingthe soil,despite
of the "obstacle
I bnd to oversucceedingseason, the one operation,
come
of the horses not
beingquiteinefficientwithout the other.
working well togetherat
increased by the wet state of the land, and not
first,
told by those who receive no
I have often been
at all diminished
assistance from
their landlords,that it was
by the unwillingnessof the ploughmen
easy for
to proceed in a work
which
as
me
to drain and subsoil plough.
they denounced
Certainly,
great is
nonsensical, and as doing " naelhingbut hashing the advantage of partaking
of the liberality
of my
their horses."
But since these operations
Viscount
noble landlord.Lord
were
Melville;but refusal
so
finished,
for a tenant
apparent have the benefitsbeen from
fronja landlord I hold to bp no excuse
The

THE

278

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE,

it will ultimntel}'
thod of attachingthe horses,which
is so great a
tage
advanhimself ; for example, it is the generalpractice
savingof labour,that three horses are found to do as
much
work
burgh,
method
of all good farmers, for six miles round Edinas
four did,previousto this new
to give their land for green crops, 40 tons per
being discovered.
'i'his new
of manure,
which at os. per ton costs
Scotch
acre
plan is, that the horses are yoked two
Were
and two, with a m-oster tree or main bar of the same
land well drained, a better crop
101. per acre.
would be raised with i20 tons. Draining every thirty length,but of twice the strength,
as that used with
at 5s,
the common
feet asunder, that is,16 lo 'ds of 36 j'ards,
plough; two singleor swing-treesor
per
bars equallystrong, are attached to it in the common
rood, costs 41. per acre, which with 51.,the priceof
is fixed
in all 91. per acre, which is
costs
20 tons of manure,
way, and at each end oi the ttvo swing-trees
time the acquirement a pulley: chains
antl at the same
a savingof 1/.,
twenty feet in lengthare attached
But although to the iiaim-hooks of the rear horses, and come
back
of a permanent improvementin the land.
I
of the draught bars, and thence
through the pulleys
drainingwas to cost '21.per acre additional,
from the small quancertain the benefits resulting
to the leading
horses ; the leadinghorses requireto
am
tity
be worked
ilie land is made dry,would be
when
with the fore ends of common
of manure,
cart traces
the quantity
of maAbout
feet
to which
nure
two
they must be attached.
greater than those from double
land : and it requiresno
three inches from the collar of the rear horses a chain
used on undrained
is requiredto keep the draughtchains from their
would
argument to prove which of the two operations
be t!ie more
legs: pulleys fixed into two arms, eighteeninches
permanent in tlieireffects.
be much
better for the land,
of it,are
It would however
better,as the chains by means
long,answer
also kept from
for both landlord and tenant, were
their legs,and, while
and of course
a
theywork
this subjectestablished
through the pulleysat the draught bars, also work
proper understandingon
them,
This mode of yoking the horses has
between
tliem, as it is evident when a tenant can
tijrough
it will be a mutual
of manure
not only the great advantageof the horses
working
givethe full quantity
ing
advantage; but when lie is obligedto withhold part easier, but also of equalizingthe draughtand makthe plough more
pending
held.
of that necessary ingredientfor the purpose of exeasily
in drainingwhich would have
In ploughingthe twenty acres
the money
just mentioned,
the landlord
derived from the muzzle or
been laid out in the purchaseof manure,
great advantageswere
ling,
invented
by Mr. Stirplough,
dependupon it the drainingwill be performed bridle of the common
may
and before alluded to.
in such a temporary manner,
One
as only to be of service
great advantage
of this invention
he
while his lease endures ; but were
is, that the horses going on the
to the tenant
three did
in making the drains complete unploughedland, two
work
as
as
to assist the tenant
easily
because
draining,
neglect

to

and

permanent,

the tenant

would

be the better able

and incur the additional expense

purchasemanure
where
of subsoil ploughing.It would be but fair,

before;another great advantage is, that the new

ploughed furrow is not trampledon at all.

subsoil

to

The

of two-thirds
to the extent
landlord assisted his tenant
standing
of draining,that an express underof the expense
made, that the land drained should be
were
after
or
as soon
subsoil ploughedthe next
season,
permit.This arrangement would be
as circumstances
of incalculable advantageto both landlord and tenant;
all landlords to
and
were
co-operate with their
their property would not only
in this manner,
tenants

bridle

have

in

had

is attached

use

to a

from the exit measures

treme
hole on
each
side nineteen inches, in which
sjiace are eleven holes ; an inch and a half is required
at
each end, (making the total lengthtwenty-two
inches}to which inch and a half is attached a chain
two
feet long,the other end of which is fixed to the
beam
of the plough immediatelybefore the coulter;
this is requiredto strengthen
the bridle from the angle
the horses draw at, so as to givBthe plough" less
be put into the higheststate of cultivation,
sooner
land."
but a uniform progressive
system of maintainingthe
of fifty-five
would
be pursued by the tenants.
land in fertility
Having now
completedan extent
Scotch acres
with the subsoil plough to the depthof
and amicable engagements should
Such
ameliorating
from twelve to fifteeninches,the results are so satisfactory,
in every lease,until
form
the subjectof covenants
that on none
of the fields has a water-furrow
land in tiie country were
the whole
thoroughly
been requiredto be drawn
cleared out.
About
or
drained and subsoil ploughed.
four acres
of a fieldnoticed in a former part of this
I have now
stated all the facts in my own
ence
experifirmation
fallowed in 1838, is so level
of subsoil and trench ploughing
; and in conpaper, as being summer
the surface,
that before it was
drained and subsoil
I have stated,I may adduce the
on
of what
it required
four
Smith of Deanston, Mr.
a man
successful efforts of Mr.
ploughed, after beingsown
and other
days, at Is. tid. per diem, to clear out the cross
Stirlingof Glenbervie in Stirlingshire,
It was
sentiments
and experienceare
that after a fallof
water-furrows.
whose
so level

gentlemen
quitein unison

with my

own.*

detail
into a lengthened
is unnecessary
to enter
ing
establishof the efforts of Mr, Smith in successfully
I

mode of performingsubsoil plsughing, as

to agriculturists
these are well known
through the
by IMessrs, Drumpages of his pamphlet,published
mond
of Stirling.I shall therefore onlyadvert to an
the horses to thr subsoil
improved plan of attaching
plough, the merit of which invention belongsto one
the

plough in

the usual

way

ridgefurrows stood brimful! of water ; that

of land is layingat this present moment
portion

rain the
same

furrow
a single
and so water
description,

without

This has been

in October

the

case

cross

or

be

can

it

since

water
seen
was

course
on

sown

of any

the surface.

with wheat

1838.

to subsoil
ploughingadvance as
^hatit will requireto be often repeated.
Tliis,the lengthof time since Mr. Smith and others
of Mr, Smith's ploughmen.
tation
have first used the subsoil plough,is sufiicientrefuare
1839, twenty acres
At this date, iStirpebruary
supposingit required to be repeated
; but
nieabout finished subsoil ploughingunder the new
rotation of cropjjing,
no
every
improvement of so
nuiciiimportancecan be made at so cheap a rate. As
*
in
Aberdeenshire,
of gentlemen
I possess the names
ef this operathe expense
for example,in estimating
tion,
shire,
Lanarkshire,PerthKinross-shire,
Ayrshire,Fifeslnre,
be chargedat 3s. each, to cover
the horses mav
Cumberland
county,

Cheshire,
Stirlingshire,
Lancashire,Lincolnshire,and the county of Noriliumsubsoil ploughing.
practised
who have successfully
berlandj

Some

an

tear

opponents

argument,

and

wear,

turned
can

over

"c.,which

will

beingbroad

a Scotch
accomplish

acre

amount

to 20s. The

row
fur-

four horses
proportion,
in ten hours,and when

in

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

279

"
will save
a
it is considered that one such ploughing
As requested
words, of the 18th October 1838.
furrow in spring,there may be deducted the cost of
by you, I subjoina detailed account of the effects
such 10s., leaving10s. to be charged against from the use of the subsoil-plough
one
on various
tions
descripOtliers whose objectis to ])revent
of land.
of five acres
subsoil ploughing.
Having a fieldconsisting
the introduction of subsoil ploughing,stale with apof lightdry land, well adaptedfor turnip
parent (imperial)
that it is not gaining
plausibility,
ground,and
husbandry,and three acres of the same description
"

"

tbeir
that many who have tried it have now
used.
There
laid aside never
to he
more
of that
who have done so
from want
some

plouglis of soil, rendered very wet from the stiff"stony clay

be
which composed the subsoil,in pasture in 1835, and
may
off"
the latter
patience oats in 1836, and after having removed
and perseverance which all improvements at first require
crop from the ground, the damp subsoil of the field
was
ploughed 14 inches deep with Murray of Pol; but the question
may be put, Did those who
If tliey niaise plough,drawn by three horses
hare done so, previously
drain their lands?
,yokedabreast ;
did not, theyacted wiselyin not persisting.Others
and the land being dry at the time, the tramplingof
who

have

drained

their

land

found themselves

and

the off-side horse was

part of the field

for in
equallyunsuccessful, operated ignoiantly,
place of subsoil ploughing at rightangles to the
drains,which is the proper mode, they ploughed

with

to them, and
parallel

with

because

the

water

was

so

did harm

instead of good,
in a direction

therebysent

oppositeto that of the drains.

over

the

is

most

no

part that

destructive

mixed

soil.
was

not
was

to the soil. The

injurious
ploughedfullya foot deep

with

plough; drawn

common

taken, followed

tenacious

clayon
ter
great pitfor holdingwa-

land, makes one

the whole field,which

the

abreast,which

part that

'J"he openingof the subsoil in

undrained

dry

A
with

an

crop

inch

of

or

two

of

three horses

sandygravel

turnipwas

afterwards

and

in both crops, the

deficient ; indeed,
was
subsoil-ploughed

barley;

benefit had arisen from

its use,

whilst

the

increased
was
trench-ploughed,
decidedly
in fertility.
of 1837, a field of 22 acres,
During the summer
of which consisted of a deep,soft,damp, soil,lying
mixed
with
beds of sandy clay,variously
on
was

perience
exthingfor cultivated plants. On this principle,
has taught the agriculturist
tenacious
18
on
claysto follow a system of shallow ploughing
; but
instance has not occurred to my observation
a single
gravel,was drained in the alternate furrows, with 2|
of disappointment
followingsubsoil ploughingper- feet deep drains,filled14 inches with stones, broken
forraed in a proper manner.
to pass througha three-inch ring; and, upon
levelling
is well known
the ridges,there were
Mr. Stirling
as an
18 or 20 inches of soil
enterprising,
severing,
perfully
and successful improver of land ; and his
the stones.
The rest of tlie field,
over
beingnaturally
estate shows
the best results of thorough-draining
and
drier,did not appear to stand so much in need of
He is now
and it was
The
not drained.
subsoil-ploughing.
quicklyrootingout
draining,
accordingly
in their
abundant
whole field was
during July,t"-o
crops of rushes, and substituting
subsoil-ploughed
stead splendid
of ploughsbeing used ; the four-horse
crops of grainand luxuriant grass, on
descriptions
tenacious clay, ploughof Smith, and the three-horse plough of Murof blue, tilly,
a soil,composed mostly
ray.
mixed with heavystones, whose obstructionsrendered
The greater size and weight of the four-horse
his operations
a
; the result
plough proved most effective in raisingout of the
very arduous undertaking
has been highly
and perfectly
conclusive
satisfactory,
ground the land-fast stones ; but the three-horse
of the benefits to be derived from these two expensive,
ploughwent equallydeep, and did as much work in
"

but indispensable
time. The depthto which both reached was
operations. The first field the same
with was
commenced
drained every 18 feet,ploughed fully
16 inches,breakingup at least 6 inches of the
with the ordinary
subsoil ; f of an imperialacre
plough,and sown with oats, which
a-daywas the extent
be gatheredtowere
gether. of the work
so bad, that they could
executed ; and itcost about 128. per acre,
scarcely
It was
and
afterwards subsoil-ploughed,
exclusive of the firstfurrow thrown
out with the common
with turnips,
which were
next season
a fail
sown
plough. After sowing the land with wheat,the
crop.
In the following
it was
with barleyand
sown
furrows
cleared out as usual ; but
season,
were
head-ridge
luxuriant
This
since the subsoil-ploughing,
I have not seen
water
grass-seeds, and these were
crops.
run,
or
even
stand, upon the drained part of the field.
year, 1838, it has producedan abundant crop of oats.
has gone over
of 50 acres
with
Mr. Stirling
Some
an extent
water
lodged upon the undrained part at the
drains from 15 to 18 feet apart,all of which have been
breakingup of the snosv storm, in March 1838, but
He has also found it to be of great
all absorbed ; a cireumstanje
the more
subsoil-ploughed.
was
soon
markable,
reof small dimensions,
advantageto put a subsoil-plough,
furrows, before both the opeas the water
rations,
before
through his turnip-cropimmediately
were
very much hollowed out from the great
of them.
the cleaning
A bulky
of water that had run alongthem.
finishing
currents
Mr. Stirlinghas also the merit of inventinga
of Talavera wheat
has been secured from the
crop
muzzle
bridle for the ploughthat goes immediately field,
or
all ready for the hook at the same
time ; and
before the subsoil-plough,
in patches, and some
by which the horses are
not, as formerly,
parts green,
enabled to go on the unploughedland, and obviates
The sown
after the first portionwas
cut.
grasses
the injury
caused by their feet tramplingthe furrow
abundant
and healthy,although retarded in
are
that has just been
The
small
subsoil-ploughed.
growth, from the strengthof the wheat crop. Much
angle at which the horses have to draw, makes little no doubt, of the improvement in the condition of this
differencein the draught,
while the horse that worked
fieldis to be attributed to the draining; stillthe quick
in the furrow has now
The only
firmer footing.
much
the
of the water in the furrows between
absorption
diflference between the bridle just noticed and the
drains, (the land being cast),the decided improvement
common
one
is, that it is 18 inches in length,and
of the drier part,and the uniformlyequalcrop,
otherwise comparatively
struction sufficiently
larger,and from its conattest the merits of subsoil-ploughing.
the plough is enabled to get " less land."
"
of stiff wet soil,lyA fieldof 1 2 acres
consisting
ing
This is the bridle I have described.
had been sown
with
upon a cold retentive clay,
JMr. Melvin, Ratho Mains, on his farm of Bonfrom
drilled beans in 1836 ; and upon their separation
Mid Lothian,
the subsoil-ploughthe ground,was
has applied
nington.
drained in every 27 feet,with a tileand
is so
satisfied of the advantage drain 2^ feet deep,covered with gravel; and a small
extensively,
from it,that he is prosecuting
it with vigour. stone drain, 33 inches deep, alternately,
and sown
arising
The results
be given in his own
expressive with oats in 1837. After harvest,the fieldappeared
may

FARMER'S

THE

John

By

given
We

several

former

from

lay before

now

of the

readers

our

department

one

upon

occasions

tliis useful

horse,which,

will be read with

might be

said in connection

have

we

publication.
than lower compact horses. The formation
dealtodo with strength,
and thereforethis
hasagreat
vations
obserproperty is less under

its

than the others

importance

horse

him

those he

about

nature.

in
placed as nearlyas possible

wild state,

or

state of nature,

the same
whicii,I suppose, means
thing. In the open tields the horse,it is said,has
diet,and exercise,
good for
pure air,a wholesome
the limbs and the constitution.
noble

so

dark
food
is not

and

an

narrow

to

God

dungeon,nor

must

have

producingdiseases

in

Before

nature.

that he is

the horse

never
can

capableof doingshe

at

carry
condition

mention,

do

state

must

be

all

than he

more

the
can

of the horse is the last circumstance

his working
as influencing

flesh about

him, he may

be

ing,
work, forms the business of train-

conditionmg,seasoning.Before considering
the agents and processes employed by the
make

few remarks

upon the size

of the
the

completely

domesticated.
In the artificial management
to
which he is subjected
there are many
errors
: but
instead of condemning the system by wholesale,
it

much

too

I would
trainer,

of

all,or half of all

have

kind of

the hazard

in

occur

training

enable

and his muscles

be unfit for
short-winded,
may
exertion.
To put these into that state
protracted
which
experiencehas provedthe best for a particular

eat the artificial

to

even
service,

that

he may

ed
intend-

never

suffer confinement

is said,but it
Mucii more
providedby man.
worth repeating.The truth is,setting
argument

aside,ive
of

unimal

much

of

not

properties.This is a matter of great importance.

A horse,
be of the right
say a race- horse,may
age,
his pedigreemay have no stain,and his formation
fault ; he may be in perfect
no
health,sound in
wind
and limb, but notwithstanding
all this,the
horse may be in a very bad condition ; that is,for
He may have too much carcass,
running a race.

beyond what a stranger

sense
peopleare prone to talk nonThey would have horses

Some

influence

good health and spirits

; but it
a
givenweightfarther and

in

to

WORK.

of tliehoise,contrasted wiili
feeble

are
acquires,

conceive.

can

FAST

draw

or

carry
when
naturally,

the

Trainingdoes

are.

to

I
FOR

; I pass

some

faster. The

PREPARATION

with formation

only observingthat large,long-striding

horses generally
have more
rance,
speed, but less endu-

P.M.

The natural powers

it over,

enables

"Ed.

stoutness

than any other breed.

consider all that

to
requirea longchapter

ordinaryinterest.]

than

more

speedthan

It would

of the management

from

more

of each in combination

more

of

glasgow.

medicine,

extracts

have
generally

maturity,stoutness is in greater perfection

than speed. What
termed thoroughare
bred
horses have speed,strength,
and endurance,

professor.

and

281

at, and after

Stewart,

surgeon

veterinary

[Upon

horses

ECONOMY;

STABLE

veterinary

MAGAZINE.

belly,the state of the muscles, the state

and the quantity
of flesh.
breathing,

Size

of

food,and

the

belly.Horses
"

those that

that

fed

are

fat,have

on

of

bulky

largebelly.
In one, its size is producedentirely
tents
by the conof the intestines; they may
be laden with
wiser to rectitywhat is wrong.
A horse,kept
were
grass, hay, straw, or other food, of which must be
in a state of nature, would not
last half-a-day
in
eaten
to furnish the required
amount
ofnutriment,
the hunting field ; and at stage-coaching
two or
and there is alwaysa good deal of water alongwith
three dayswould kill him.
this coarse
One dose of physic,or at the
food.
Condition,Training,and Seasoning,as words, most two doses,will
In another
empty the bowels.
have nearlythe same
meaning. The firstis used
tion
the size of the bellyarises from an accumulacase
in referenceto hunters,but occasionally
most
to all
of fat inside. This is removable onlyby slow
kinds of horses;the second is confined almost entirely
and other evacuants,
degrees.Purgation,
sweating,
to

racers

; and

the third

to

horses

employed

in

and so
publicconveyances, mails,stage-coaches,
forth. They relate solelyto the processes and
agents by which strength,
speed,and endurance
conferred ; and are
are
limited to the means
by

take it away.

In

are

very

third case, the size of the carcass

the intestinal contents,

dependsparUy upon
and

partlyupon the accumulation of

the bellyis very large,
from

fat.

When

either or both

the horse cannot

of these causes,
breathe freely.
He cannot
expandthe chest, the contents of the
bellyoffer a mechanical obstacle to the elongation

which the horse is inured to severe

exertion.
The objects
of Training,
whether
for the turf,
the road,or the field,are the same.
They vary in of this

cavity;and, as a necessary consequence,

For either of these poses
pursufficient air cannot be taken in to purifysufficient
die horse must have speed,
and endurance.
strength,
blood.
But the weight of the fat,or of the food,
This last word is not quiteso expressive is of itself
tell seriously
a greatburden,and would
I wish.
as
It is intended to signify
speed; against
lasting
the horse in protracted
even
exertion,
though
ic relates to the distance
; speedis in relation to
it were
his back.
on
placed
time ; strength
In
to the weightcarried or drawn.
when
the carcass
is
The trainer should know
the words leiigth
and stoutness are used for
stables,
sufficiently
lightened.He judgesby the horse's
endurance. These three properties
are
common
to
wind.
When
tliat is equalto the work, further
all horses,
but theyexist in various degrees
of combination.
reduction in the size of the belly
sary.
may not be necesThe age, breed,
formation,and condition,
kinds of work, it need
Hence, for some
exercise great influence
them.*
Young
upon
much
be so
others.
not
lightenedas for some
degreeonly,not

in kind.

*
There are some
and the state of the

the temper
others,particularly

legs.

Without

inconvenience

largerbellythan

the

the

hunter

racer, and

the

may

have

stage-coach

THE

282

MAGAZINE.

than either. Hunters and racers

should
larger
and
straight
carcass, not at all protubemnt,

horse
have

FARMER'S

seldom

much

tucked

cult
up ; but it is often very difficarcass
straight

of

the power
ultimately
acquires
would
the

have

killed him
of

cause

death

at

would

the
have

doingthatwhich
beginning; and
been

found

in

the

lungs. I can offer no olher proof in favour of

this supposition.But these matters iiave been so
flat-sided horses.
is sufficiently
it is to
much
that it does not seem
After the carcass
to have occurred
lightened,
neglected,
limits by avoiding
be kept within the prescribed
is needful.
to any
body tliatinvestigation
The
Our
work
exercise
idleness and bulky food.
or
knowledgeis incomplete,yet no one speaks
if there were
be such as to prevent the re-formation of fat
as
must
any thingto learn.
It is well enough known, however, that, to imand the food such as to furnish the required
quantity
without occupying too much
of nourishment
liave a great deal
pio\'e the wind, the horse must
of exertion.
and other emaciating
room.
Fast-workinghorses are kepton a limited
Purging,sweating,
of fodder, and the usual allowance is
allobstruction to the lungs;
allowance
processes remove
further reduced on the day preceding
ing,
extraordinaryexertion,at such a pace as to quickenthe breathThis precaution,
does the rest.
But all horses do not need the
exertion.
however, is requisite
In
as they have
same
only with great eaters, or gluttons,
quantityof work to improve their wind.
been termed, employed at huntingor racing.
it is naturally
some
very good. They have large
State of the Muscles.
wide windpipe,and a deep chest.
a
Exertion,under certain nostrils,
By
becomes
their breathing
cles,
state of the musproducesa particular
remarkably
regulations,
proper training
the
the parts of motion, and of the nerves,
free and easy ; hardlyany pace or distance produces
distress. They go as far and as fast as the
blood, and the blood-vessels,
by which the muscles
When
worked
it is
overare
is
legs can carry them.
supplied.Neither anatomy nor physiology
those parts generally
that fail. There
able to describe the change which
the legs,not the lungs,
other horses whose wind is bad, never
are as many
undergo in training.The eye, indeed, discovers
cles.
a difference in the texture and the colour of the musThey have small
very good by any management.
which
Iiave been much
in use are
Those
and a small chest, neither deep nor wide.
nostrils,
In these the wind failsbefore the legs; work makes
redder, harder,and tougher,than those that have
had littleto do. They contain more
blood,and that the others leg-weary
; these it over-marks, producing
decided red colour.
in the lungs.
blood is of a more
inflammation
or
Tiieyare
congestion,
when comparedwith a corresThese horses are never
fitfor long races.
also a littlelarger,
ponding
of less work.
More
than this,
muscle
However good or bad the wind may be before
It is known, without
dissection does not reveal.
less as training
it alwaysimprovesmore
or
training,
that the instruments of motion exist
time,
proceeds. It is improvedat the same
any dissection,
and by the same
that power is givento the
in different states,that in one state their action is
means,
But exertion may be so regulamuscular system.
slow and feeble;in another state it is rapidand
ted
that the muscular system shall acquireall the
tain
powerful,and that in certain states theyran maintheir action for a much
longerlime than in energy of which it is capable,and yet the wind
and defective.
Short distances
certain other states.
may be neglected
of much
For practical
to the muscles, but long
give power and alacrity
purposes it is not perhaps
The
the
distances are necessary to improvethe wind.
to learn all the changes which
consequence
horse must
muscles, the blood, the blood-vessels,and the
go far euougliand fast enough, to
but not at any time so far
nerves
must
undergo,before the horse can posquicken the breathing,
sess
impossibleto put

or

upon

"

the condition

may

enough

be

whatever
exertion.

in
never

any

demands.

It

in
condition,
conferred onlyby

alteration
producedthe requisite

muscles, and
be

work

that the

their

remarkable

appendages,there can
degree of speed, nor

endurance.
State

of

the

nor

so

fast

the chest

to

as

is

the formation

tendencyto

When
very much.
when
there is a strong
of fat,
and accumulation

distress him

defective,or

the horse may need a great deal of exertion to

and
auxiliaries,
and of regulating
of giving
exertion, render his wind fit for his work ; and, in either

until it has
the

his

know

it may
consist,can be
There
numerous
are

various modes
but

which
to

Breathing.I
"

have

said that the

case, he must

When

the

have

legsand

good legsto

stand the exertion.

the cliestaie

both

the
defective,

animal.
He
very ordinary
will last longerat slow than at fast work.
When
the horse goes into
of Flesh.
Quuntiti/

horse will

turn

out

"

He
he is sometimes
lean.
for work
longas a large preparation
He
have been half starved.
may be so low
bellyinterferes with the action of the lungs. To
may
inclination
is to improve the wind.
in flesh that he has neither ability
nor
lightena larsfecarcass
that the lungsthemselves may
To get such a horse ready for
exertion.
But I am
to make
persuaded
favourable to promust
beginwith feeding. He may
undergo a change particularly
tracted fast-work,we
it is sufficient
exertion. Though I cannot offer any proof requirea littlemedicine, but in general
have plentyof good food, and
I think tliealterations which take place in
to let him
of tills,
that
other partsof the body make itappear probable
gentleexercise,enough to keep him in health. As
It isreasonable to suppose
he takes on flesh his exercise must
increase both in
the lungsalso are altered
that the tubes which carry the blood,and those
Though not given in such
pace and distance.
be
increase of calibre ;
measure
which carry the air,suffer some
as to keep the horse very lean,it must
becomes a
and that the lungs,taken altogether,
severe
enough to prevent the formation of fat in
and his wind
his belly. To keep bis carcass
alteration seems
little larger.Such
an
light,
necessary
have an occasional gallop.
for the visible changewhich takes place good,he must
to account
the horse
But
the horse is rarely
in the breathing.As training
proceeds,
very lean when he goes
he is plump,fat,full
into training.Most generally
becomes
and
less and less distressed by exertion,
be free

cannot
horse's breatiiing

so

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

283

In tliissUite lieis
trainer is proceeding
too fast or too far with his
flesh,and in Iiigli
si"irit8.
mation operations.
There is no rule.lo guidehun, but the
injuredby exertion, lie has so much anifiisily
than is good
be drawn
that he is vviUing
One
a great
to do more
state of the horse.
may
deal finer than another. So longas the horse goes
clination.
i'oriiini. The very lean horse seldom has tlieinto his work, and to his food, the trainer
cheerfully
Hunters and racers
are
idle,or nearlyso, for may proceed; he may stop so soon as the horse
three montlis before theygo into training.has wind and speedfor the distance.
or
two
flesh is removed partly
by sweating,
During this time they are so well fed,that they
Superfluous
and partly
partlyby purging,
by exertion. When
acquiremuch more flesiithan theycan safely
carry
the
all is taken away,
that is likely
The trainer has to remove
a good deal
to incommode
at work.
when there
further reduction hazards the legs
of this superfluous
flesh. Why is it ever put on ?
horse,
is no need to hazard them.
1 think these horses,while idle,should be fed in
It appears, then,that the trainer may
have to
such a way that theymay not be fat,thoughthey
the carcass, he may have to put fleshon
lighten
may be plump and heartyby the time theygo into
there may be something the horse,
him ; and he alwayshas
or to take it off"
training.But, possibly,
which I have not considered that may forbid this. to give tone to the muscles,and freedom to the
and generally
I would recommend
wind.
Each goes on progressively,
trialof one horse,or two
a
time ; but the bellyis to be reduced to
at the same
only.
flesh is
In all horses,
its proper size before all the superfluous
not very lean, there are certain
of it,
solids and fluids,
which do not contributein
taken away ; much of this,if there be much
juices,
be
before power and alacrity
can
be removed
or
tion.
exermust
to aid, muscular
any degreeto produce,
the
Most
of the superfluous
matter consistsof
given to the muscular system. Subsequently
horse may
be drawn finer,if need be, as his wind
fat;part lines the belly,part lies in the connexions
of the intestines
lies below the skin, and his speedare under improvement.
; some
and some
some
ation
alterIt is probable
that training
between the muscles, and in the texture
produces
of the muscles.
Horses that are never
in the condition of the blood,the nerves, the
accustomed
to pass a walk or a slow trot, carry a greatdeal of
the tendons, and upon
the joints,
blood-vessels,
the fat in theirbelly; others of fast-work carry the
motion.
with
The changein
coinected
part
every
the ribs, these oughtto be as permanent as that produced
largest
portionunder the skin ; itcovers
about
where it is carried with the least inconvenience.
in the muscles ; but I can saj
ihingmore
This fat is lodged
which pervadesall
in a tissue,
them.
parts of the body,as water
lodgesin a sponge,
Agents of Training, The agentsand processes
the horse for fast-work are,
between
only there is no apparent communication
employedin preparing
the cells of the tissue,for the fat lies where it is
tives,
alteradiuretics,
sweating,blood-letting,
physic,
I do
and exertion.
without
Fat is the
l)laced,
cordials,
sinkingdownwards.
diaphoretics,
dant
that all these are, or should be,in requinot mean
sition
surplusof imtrition. When the food is so abunnutriment than the system
for every horse, or every kind of fast work.
as to producemore
needs,the residue is stored past in the form of fat. All,however,are occasionally
used,and it is proper
the food becomes
When
unequalto the demand, to consider all. Without knowing what each can
the fat is re-converted into blood, or a nutritious
do,and what each cannot do, itcannot be judiciously
juiceequalto that derived from the food. But,as
employed. I consider theireffects in reference to
this fat cannot be rapidly
and
of them, such as physic,
converted into nutriment, training
; but some
often used when the horse is already
not while the horse is huntingor racing, cordials,
are
certainly
cumstance,
it had better not be there. It is a useless weight trained and in work ; and to this,
or
a similar cirwhich the horse must carry, and, from its situation,
I allude in two or three places.Though
for
it may embarass the
connected with the preparation
pends.not strictly
partsupon which motion deI think,to say all I have to say
Besides the fat,there are probably
some
work, it is right,
as useless or injurious about
one
thingin one place.
watery or serous juices,
quite
under exertion. In the stables,
the superfluous Physic. In the stable this word is entirely
of

"

"

matter, is termed the

of it is

ivaste and spare, and

the

moval
re-

Uses of.
the horse Jiiie.
termed,draiuiiig
horses may carry much superfluous physicmay
"

Slow- work
fleshwithout any inconvenience.
Saddle and carriage
horses are not supposed
dition
to be in good conunless

medicine.
purgative

confined to

they be tolerably
plump.

Mail

To
be

horse

goingor

wanted for

one

gone into training,

of seven
or more

It will diminish the size of the belly;

purposes.
it will rectify
disordered state of the bowels,
a
them from torporto activity
; it will expel
rousing

horsescannot

ciation
emareal or comparative
worms
; it will produce
carry much, and itmust all be on the
not in the belly
outside,
thora
; it will preventpleplethora
; hunters carry less,and
; it will cure
the least of
racers
swelled legs. Physicwill
tances,
; and it will cure
any others. But, for short disit is not usual to draw the racer
ference
other effects
; but I speakof it onlyin revery fine. produce
For a four-mile
for work, and to the preto preparation
servation
race, the horse must be drawn as
fine as itis possible
ing
of workingcondition.
to make him, without exhausthim.
dose will
It is obvious that the means
If the horse be newly from grass, one
by which
It may be given
flesh is removed,will also remove
his bowels.
that
be wanted to
superfluous

empty

which

is

if persisted
in beyond a
useful,

certain

carried too far,the horse becomes

point. When
and careless
to exert himself,
luiwilling
dull,feeble,
about

his food.

These symptoms, accompanied

that he is overtrained.The

show
by emaciation,

on

the day he is stabled. If lusty,the dose may

lialfbe strong. If the horse be lean, previously

or
kept on bad food,one, perhapstwo
starved,
doses,may be necessary to empty the bowels,expel
the digestive
and rouse
apparatusto acworms,
u

284

MRMEll'S

THE

one
tivity,

well be

:ill. In

Qi'

:.lii.s
case,

stabled fo;- eii^ht

or

ten

tliclior.si:
may ii.s
days before hi:5

physicbe given.

It sbould be mild.

1)0 fat,lusty,
or,

stableiiien say, fid! of

as

several

bear
safely

doses,each
it.

There

physic,in

safe

His

Immours,

other

are

strongas tiiehorse

as

is never
safety
of

means

doses,will

He

to

can

be compromised.

reducinghim, if

has had

dose

If tliehorse

his ilesh soft and dabby, he will refoul,or foj;gy,

quire
a
smart
purgative.If he be very full of
liave bad legs,
and be a good feeder,he may
llesh,
need

MAGAZINE

thougheach

too frequently,
even
|)liysic

mild.

were

lliebowels,
strong dose,besides evacuating
the belly,produces einueiation.
lightening
face
purgativedrug acts firstupon the inner sur-

One
and
The

of the

stomach

and bowels.
It irritatesthis
secretion of
pours forth a copious
water-like fluid,
for the ])urpose of dilutingand
weakeningthe irritant. The fluid is derived from
the blood.
When
the purgative
is so strong as to

surface,which

not doit.

He may have
relaxed by bran

the loss which the

produce very copioussecretion,
blood suffers in quantityis soon
feltall over
the
The second is not to be givenin less than
mashes.
body, and an effort is quicklymade to supply the
nine clear days. The third,
ifabsolutely
termed
placeof that which has been lost. Vessels,
necessary,
is not to be givenin less than fourteen days after
commence
absorbents,
operation
upon the fat,and
the second sets.
These undergoa cliange,
upon other superfluities.
and require
lected,
cola resemblance to blood ; theyare
Should the horse falllame, or from any other
and poured into the blood-vessels,
a
nd
fill
cause
requireto lie idle for several days after his
the place of all the fluid that has been evacuated
is considerably
be
training
advanced, physic
may
This absorption
of superfluities
by the bowels.
necessary to prevent plethora.This state of the
follows every evacuation,
from
whether it comes
lowance
system may also be preventedby reducingthe althe bowels, the skin or the kidneys; and I need
of food.
But racers
and hunters cannot
advert to it. The horse becomes
leaner
be starved,and
whatever kind of food theyget it not again
the first as

soon

his bowels

as

are

in order that the blood-vessels may be fuller. The

either produce plethoraor a largebelly.
fat is converted into blood, or a fluid like blood ;
The
physic prevents both. Unless lameness or
but when
there is no fat to remove,
or to spare,
swelled legs demand
it,t!ie physicneed not be
the absorbents act upon, and remove
other superfluous
giventillthe horse has been several days idle. If
fluids and solids wherever seated.
Tiius,
he must be out of work for more
than two or three
purging,sweating,and other evacuanls take away
13ut itis
weeks,a second dose may be necessary.
swelled legs,dropsies,
tumours, and so
that need physic fiitness,
only horses of very keen appetite
must

forth.
cass,
carprevent plethora.A delicate horse of light
or
emaciation,more
Purgationalwaysproduces
and
irritable
narrow
loins,
quires
temper, rarelyreless evident according
to the violence of the operation.
and
physic to prevent or to cure plethora,
But when one dose succeeds another,before
f^esli. They
to remove
very seldom

to

and
sparingly,

eat

them more,

and

the

superfluous
trainingexercises

reduce

faster,than others of robust

Between

the

robust there are

most

delicate and the

others with whom

the bowels

have quiterecovered from the eflx'cts

of
there is dangerin the process. Purgingprofirst,
ceeds

the
stitution.
con-

too far ; it may

most

middle

elapseere

the horse

be

severe

so

that weeks

; it may

recover

be such

must
to

as

a
many
leave the bowels
relaxed
irritable,
easily
excessively
of treatment
be adoptedwith regard
must
it may
be such as to kill the horse in
; or
and to every thingelse. While those of
to physic,
three days. These and seme
two
other bad
or
a full dose,
very strong constitution may require
effects of physic,
arise from either giving
too much
the very delicate may require
To
none.
a
some,
physicat onetime, or from givingit too often.
mild or a half dose is sufficient;
and to others a
In huntingand racing,and even
in coaching
diuretic or an alterativemay be useful,when tlie
horses often die under physic.The blame
stables,
of givingeven
a mild
or a half-dose is
propriety
seldom falls upon the medicine, nor upon the man
doubtful.

course

who
Horses that have undergone
a good deal of exertion,
whether in training
or in work, often need

physicto

refresh them.

the
swelled,

horse

The

be

legTmay

littlestiff,
and

dull.

emaciated, a mild dose is sufficient; if lustythe

dose may be strong,particularly
if the legsbe the
of

worse

The

wear.

of Phi/sicvary
Effects

with the

strong, the

slightlyas
If much

of
strength

givesit.

if it were

The

fault is all in the horse's constitution

instead of
man

not

sayingthe physicwas

declares

the horse

to make
possible

weak

too

accordmgto the state of the horse.

the horse dies,however, it is alwaysfrom an
or

He

much

too

weak,
the ])hysic
strong
was

VN'iieu
dose.
over-

he gets it too
often, or that which he gets is made to work too
for it is possible
a small dose
to make
strongly,

gets

too

at

once

or

and the condition of

produce great effect.
doses,
the horse.
One
mild
In the stables it is often assertedthat ])hysic
is
or
dose,
strong, merely
the bowels ; two, three,
or a greater number,
empties
dangerouswhen itdoes not purge the horse. When
of mild, perhapsonly half-doses,
given at not strong enough to purge the horse,the groom
the digestive
rouse
to
proper intervals,
organs
says it goes throughthe body, does not work off',
than ordinary
and make
the lean
but requires
more
activity,
another,to make it work off. This is
horse acquireflesh. But if the doses be givenat
have given several thousand
I must
nonsense.
intervals too short,the bowels become very irritable half-doses of physic,
not mtended
to produceany
relaxed ; the evacuations are
of these ever
or
; they remain
purgation,
very little. If any one
and a draughtof cold water or
too pultaceous,
full dose would have done a great
did any ill,
soft,
a
littlefast work, producesactual purgation.In
finds his first
a
But when
the groom
deal more.
such a case the horse becomes
lean and
sires,
dose does not purge any, or not so much as he deexcessively
he is in a hurryto givea second,which.
weak,and it is often a longtime ere he recovers.
the

dose,the

number

of

THE
with
opeiali'ig

I'AIIMER'S

is
the first,

a
protly sure wny to
dose do not pur"j;c,no
second should be giventillafter four clear days.
Physicin full dose,alwaysproducestemporary

If

tliehorse.
(Ic'stioy

before

even
debility,

the

as

one

MAGAZINE.

285

about4

; ponies"rom
draughthorses from 7
to

9.

These

purged by

its duration

may
require
is influenced
light
carcass,

well

l.istwhen

six drachms

purgation
begins. It increases

purgingproceeds,and

5 to G ; saddle,liunliii;, ;iitil
iVoiii0
to 8 ; thoroughl)reds

nine.

Horses

less than
require

be

pre|)uredmay
when

; but

of

in work

they

chest and

narrow

those of round

barrel.

circumstances.
The horse is
many
dull,sick,and sometimes a littleuneasy while he

Giving a Ball. A dose of medicine, whether

or
purgative,
cordial,
diuretic,
any otiier kind,

sick before it
is purging.He is generally
but very often he becomes
and while it lasts,

should

by

and desires food

begins,
lively

"

when

given in a solid form, is termed

be soft and about the size and

""//.

It

shapeof

is established. pullet's
The operatorstands before the horse,
purgation
egg.
for
the horse is weak
who
After severe
is generally
unbound, and turned with his
purgation
andis easily
several days; he sweats soon
and a halter upon it. An assistant
fatigued.head out of the stall,
much
than others. To the
stands on the leftside,to steadythe horse's
Some
sooner
recover
diate
there often succeeds an immeout of the operator's
head,and keepitfrom rising
temporary debility
so

soon

as

increase of energy,
and
before,
possessed

greaterthan the horse

reach.

Sometimes

he holds

open, and

the mouth

altogether
dependent grooms generallyneed such aid. The operator
the removal
seizes the horse'stongue in his lefthand,draws it a
nor
flesh,
upon the loss of superfluous
of any apparent evil. Hence
physicis frequently little out, and to one side,and placeshis little
hand
fast upon the under jaw ; with the right
givento racers, and to hunters,in the middle of finger
for the purpose, as it is
their working season,
be carries the ball smartlyalongthe roof of the
them.
termed,of refreshing
mouth, and leaves itat the root of the tongue. The
A Course of Physicconsists of three doses,
given mouth is closed and the head held, tillthe ball is
the left side. When
8 to 14 days. Hunters,racers,
at intervals from
seen
on
descendingthe gullet
and other horses,
and
loath to swallow,a littlewater may be offered,
some
carriage,
get two courses
round ;
it will carry the ball before it.
as the seasons
come
every year as regularly
the racer
in autumn, after his summer
Some grooms are sad bunglersat this operation.
runningis
after he has lain idle all Some cannot do itat all ; many not without the use
over, and in spring,
somely
winter; the hunter in springwhen he goes to grass oftheballing
iron,and none of them can do ithandand in autumn
the tongue
when in preparation
I have seen
or loose-house,
by any means.
for his winter's work.
half torn out of the horse'smouth ;
Carriage,and such like severely
injured,
and many
horses are so much alarmed and injured
horses,have their two courses, simply because
This, by a bad operator that theybecome exceedingly
springand autumn, are springand autumn.
in reference to ordinary
and always shy about
troublesome
horses, is goingmuch out
havingtlie
of fashion.

not

adherents of the old

few venerable

stillremain, but

school

their

exampleis not

very

pernicious
; it is littlefollowed.
in the year at which physic
is
season
are
indeed,
necessary than at another. Horses,
moultingin springand in autumn ; but so longas
There is no

more

they are

mouth

or

follows every

the bar of the

the hand

littlefinger
upon
never

can

be

injured
;

of the head

motion

without

being

the ball
the tongue.
By delivering
and without instruments,no pain is prosmartly,
duced,

draggedby

in health

inflluencedby

head handled.

By keepingthe
mouth, the tongue

this process is not beneficially

physic.With hunters, the change

and
horse
The

of food and work

no

resistance offered. A

should

be

sent to the

some
hot, trouble-

geon.
surveterinary

alters the case.

is that the groom will fail;
They may need
probability
than three,or none.
the teeth,or injure
he may lodgethe ball among
dose,or three,or more
The practice
of giving
to all,without
to no purthe mouth,and the horse will be pained
a full course
pose,
and taughtto resist all operations
about his
as if there was
some
discrimination,
magicalproperty
one

in the number
notice.
which

three,is too absurd

Physic is not
quackerydeals.

leastas great

as

of those

one

to merit

head.

simplesin

Its power to do
its power to do good.

is at
evil,

If
for Piii/sic.
Preparing
"

be

givenwhen
producecolic

full dose of

physic

the bowels are costive,it is apt to

The medicine is
and inflammation.

There
of F/ii/sic.
Composition

are
many articles dissolved in the stomach,
passes into the intestines,
and mingles with their fluid and semifluid contents
purge the horse ; but, upon almost every
Barbadoes aloes is preferred.It is easily
occasion,
; but, as it travels on, it arrives at a point
"

which

given,and the proper dose

easilyregulated.It purges
and with lessdanger,than any
are

sometimes

used

in its

is well
with

more

where
known, or
certainty,

of the articles which

place.The

aloes

are

part

solid ; the physicis arrested

the contents
are
it lies longerthere than at any previous
of its course
duces
; its continued presence procontractionsof the
spasmodicand painful
;

If the intestinalcontents
bowels to force it on.
powdered, and formed into a tough, solid mass,
soft enoughto swallow.
solved,
if the obstruction be not disbe very obstinate,
Common, or Castile,
soap
is generally
One of soap,
used for this purpose.
irritation and inflammation
succeed,and
of aloes,
the
to two
is about the proportion.Other
the horse's lifeis in danger. To obviate this,
sometimes added ; but, to produce bowels
are
ingredients
two
for one
or
days previousare to be
purgation,
nothingis wanted but the aloes. On
gentlyand uniformly relaxed by giving bran
the
huntingand racingestablishments the head groom
mashes, by withholding
corn, and by stinting
himself.
It may be
If the horse can take exercise,
usuallycompounds the physic
allowance of hay.
from the
procuredready made, in any strength,
one
day is sufficientto prepare him. At the usual
veterinarian or the druggist.
A full dose varies
or cold,
feedinghour he has a bran mash, warm
from four drachms to nine. Yearling
coltsrequire whichever he likes best. He getswater often and
u

FARMER'S

THE

286

much
lie will take,and if
in full measure,
as
as
lie should have walkingor trollini;
cise,
exerpossible,
perliaps
morning and ai'temoon. At nighthe

ordinaryallowance

the

receives less than

of

hay ;

MAGAZINE.
All this time the horse
as

the

on

should

be

less

be

to
ougiit

and

get bran mashes

precedingday.

At

fluid,and

horse

this the

After

quite natural.

wafer

nightthe evacuations
by next morningthey

is put upon him,

returns to his usual diet.
great eater, a muzzle
Colic. If the horse appear in pain,pawing the
that he may
not eat the litter after his hay is
and lying,
or
finished.
Few
however, need to be stinted in ground, lookingat his flank,rising
wiien down, hs may have a clyster
of warm
their fodder. Most of them may have the ordinary rolling
This sometimes
Those
that will not eat mashes, nor
allowance.
soapy water, and go to exercise.
take exercise,happensbefore purgationbegins. If the painbe
drink freely,
and those that cannot
if

and

"

the

are

fodder.
on

only horses that need to, be keptshort of

Early next morning the physicis given

empty stomach.

an

onlya

Physic. Half an hour, or

the horse getsa
after the physicis given,
directly
he goes to walkingexerbran mash ; that eaten
cise
for perliapsan hour ; he is watered when he
'Ircatiiient.under

The

returns.

horse

will

much

as

should

be

not be

when
It is often

offered

refuse tepidwater.
physic,

too

It is better that he

warm.

have

itcold than that he have

time

physicis given till it

the water

should be

so

warm

the remainder
mash
Warm

better

are

be

they may
bran

he

as

be

may

refused,the

is to have

horse

and when

he is all the better of

the

refuse it. During

horse has
to

get

l)ran
corn.

bran
no

be

corn.

eaten

or

Tiie

hay

with salt water.

exercise is given in the

the horse is difficult

to purge
weather and
more
exercise,
In wet

weather

the horse

he is to be
is not to go out.
In cold whether
clothed,both in the stable and at exercise. The
is

exercise
weather
fast
as

given at

to heat hiin.

Next

but in cold

walkingpace,

part of it may

enough to keep the

by givingthe
or

horse

few

oats

beans,one

or

both.

up the stable,and do not take the

In half an hour after givingthe cordial

good bed, shut

horse out.

crest and

let him
thighs,

have half

port wine, well spicedin

and add

ounce

an

be faster.

It should

be

pintofmulled

much

as

water,

warm

Repeat this
tillpurgingstops. It

of laudanum

to it.

refused, dose every four or five hours

refused,
dry will always succeed if the horse

plainor

it.
legspermitting

physiccontinue to operate
be stopped
dily
very rea-

evil,it may

mashes ; if

if both be

Whether

tried.

with
may be sprinkled
Sometimes
littlemore
a
afternoon

him

cold
;

If the

Should
llie again trythe horse with oats or beans.
should the horse very rapidly
or
fail,
operate,all these means
fleshfrom the back,
the horse will take it, become weak, dejected,
losing

is accustomed

than

exercise.
to threaten

as

to

day, the

givencold

so

from

too
getting

But from

none.

ceases

as

of this

often

as

warm

to make

as

much

the horse

being too strong,or

If the horse will not eat givehim a cordial

ball ; withhold water, and giveoatmeal gruel
clothe the body,givea
instead ; bandage the legs,
horses,
particularly

Some

very cold.

under

the dose

the

as

is to get it often and as

that
he pleases. It siiould all be warm,

is,it should

yet not

warm
tepid,

He

it.

walk.

cither
occurs
frequently,
SupcrpiirgatioTi

"

water

lake

a cordial ball
very severe, producingperspiration,
and exercise,
be given,and more
clysters,
may

death's door before the

treatment

be not indeed

is

at

ing
begun. Bleed-

in such a case destroys

the horse.
more
or
Sweating. "Everyhorse must perspire
less while undergoingpreparation
for fast work ;
but in all racingand huntingstuds there are some
horses that requireto be purposely
sweated.
By
under heavy clothing
puttingthe horse to exertion,
the perspiration
is excited,
and encouraged
to flow,
"

in

much

than
greater profusion

mere

exertion

fold.
objectof this is twoand it
flesh,
Sweatingremoves
superfluous
The one
objectmay
givesfreedom of respiration.

would

produce.

ever

but not so fast

horse warm,
morning about twenty-four be aimed

at

more

The

than the other ;

and the process

ingly.
accordought to be,regulated
If the main objectbe to remove
ous
superfluor
the horse may be sweated without,
seen
physic operate in ten hours, and I have
flesh,
hours elapse
the horse was fairlywith very littleexertion ; if the main objectbe to
known
ere
thirty
purged.The more exercise he takes,and the more
improvetliewind,the horse must have a gooddeal
the
of exertion with less sweating. In both cases
he is purged. When
water he drinks,the sooner
the dose is strong,exercise must
be givenwith
finer. The fluid which
horse is drawn
escapes

hours after the physichas been given,purging

I have
Sometimes it beginssooner.
commences.

caution

more

much
make
If

than

when

it is weak.

exercise,particularly
beyond a
even

not

weak

dose

over-purge

next
purging freely

But

too

walk, will

the horse.

morning,when

the

the horse may go out and remain

stable is opened,
for an hour at a walk,with an occasional slow trot.

of

iweatingis,or

the blood.
Copious
The
followed by absorption.
fluids and solids are carried into the
superfluous
in order
to supply the deficiency
circulation,
from

the skin is derived from

is soon
perspiration

which

has produced. Every

perspiration

if it be carried far

enough, draws the

horse

sweat,

finer,

is fairly
established the horse
and such is the result whether he get much
or little
purgation
should
be broughtin,and stand in the stable till exertion.
seemed
his physic sets,that is, tillit ceases
I have never
to operate.
met with a stableman who
continue the exercise for a good while after
ettects of sweating.They
Some
the precise
to understand
the horse is purging;and when very copiouspurthe effects of exertion with those of
gation confound
is wanted, or when
if theythoughtthe two
the dose is not very
as
sweating; theyproceed
than once
1 have more
strong, this maybe done, the dangerof carrying should be combined.
the process beyond the horse's strength
ways stated that exercise,
managed, gives
judiciously
beingalremembered.
A
full dose, with proper
and alacrity
to the muscular
system, and
power
and proper treatment
ues
to observe
freedom to the breathing. I have now
preparation,
usuallycontindoes neither.
considered by itself,
that sweating,
to operate prettysmartlyfor twelve hours.
Whenever

FARMER'S

THE
be
can
Copiousperspiration

287

MAGAZINE.

excited with very little

of water

for the

or
twenty-four

next

lowanc

lie will be
hours should be moderate.
sweating thirty-six
but if much be
flesh. It removes
fat, disposedto drink very copiously,
merelyremoves superfluous
the muscles
absorbed,and will in some
and other matters, wliich encumber
givenit will be rapidly
tional
of that fluid which perspifillthe place
ration
and tlie lungs; but it does not improvethe funcmeasure,
that is done

and, when

exertion;

powers of either.
series of
both

arc

whiclt

the

Exertion

producesone

effects,
sweatinganother ; and though
in
combined, there are cases
generally

theymay

with

advantagebe separated.

ulus
has taken away, and tlierewill be less stimthe fat and
for tlie absorbents
to act upon
other superfluities. The water should be tepid,
for when cold it increases tliehorse's desire for it,

is some
and enough to make him feed is sufficient.
ertion,
exconsidering. It is usual to givethe horse a short gallopafter
The horse is heavily
clothed,saddled,mounted, his sweating; and after he has been dried,when
he is able to take the exertion and to sutler so
and taken to the sweatingground ; here he is
jectionable
is unobmuch
exhaustion in one day,the practice
ridden at a steady,
gentlepace, till he begins to
with or without exertion,
but sweating,
as the coat is damp, he is ridden
:
; so soon
perspire
wards
dows
does not render a gallopimmediatelyafterat a smart pace to the stable ; the doors and winSome
at all necessary.
gentleexercise,
are closed ; the horse is stalled with his head
and more
clothing however,is often necessary to prevent perspiration
out, the saddle is removed
applied.The groom stands by,while an assistant from breakingout after the horse is dressed.
In a few minutes,
from
of sweatingwithout exertion
I think tliismode
holds the horse's head.
is the best for lustyhorses wilh defective legs.
tion
eightto ten, the skin becomes quitewet, perspira-

Exertion.Swedlingivitliout
"

but

There

littlethat itis not worth

so

issues from

every

pore, and

runs

down

the

It

is most

necessary

the

at

of

commencement

and is often
and may bo practised
two or three days
training,
legs.The horse's breathmg increases,
It removes
so
after the firstdose of physicsets.
a race.
as quickand laborious as if it had justrun
from exof the fat that the horse may afterwards proThis arises partlyfrom heat and partly
haustion. much
ceed
fluid proTlio sudden loss of so much
duces
faintness very similar to that which follows
largebleeding; and without doubt the effect is
a

greater from
The

the heat accumulated

time the horse

must

manner

be

is

on

to
permitted

the surface.
sweat

in this

the groom.
It had
few daysthan overdone at

regulated
by

in a
better be repeated
first. After the firstsweat

to exertion which

would

have

his
endangered

before tliesweating. This

had it been given

legs,
sweatingmerely removes

fat. It confers

no

energy

capacity
upon the lungs,
dom
from havinggreater freetliey
acquire

upon the muscles, nor

beyond that

This kind of sweatingis never

horses
for
alreadylow in flesh ; and it
necessary
while the legs can
be repeated
safely
need never
of action.

the groom
will closely
and he will carry the next further
effect,
carry tliebody.
not
or
so
far,accordingto circumstances.
Sweatingwith Exertion. It is only that in
the sweatingneed not stop till the
With some
racing and in huntingstables thai horses are put
the training-groom
fast from the belly,
be dropping
ning
runthroughthis process. When
perspiration
tion.
the legs and passingover the hoofs ;
down
In; means
sweatingwith exerspeaksof sweating.
and
his physic,
its effects may not
with some
The horse is put through
others,upon whom
weeks of
will
be
time
the
hair
or
it
when
several
be
for
to
known,
days
by
sweating
stop
prepared
yet
and then
soaked.
The groom
is completely
now
walkingexercise,varied by an occasional gallop.
it
puts his hand under the clothes,and passingit If the sweatingand exertion must go togetiier,
along observes how much fluid be lodgedin the is very necessary to pre|)arethe horse for the process
for it is a very severe
when he
If the horse be sufficiently
hair.
warm
exertion,
gentle
by some
he goes dailyto
from five
he may have to sweat
If the horse be very lusty,
enters the stable,
one.
than fifteen,walkingexercise. After a time he is put to a short
Few require
more
to fifteenminutes.
and few less than five.
gallop,
varyingin speedand distance accordingto
The sweating
It should at the firsttwo or three trials,
havingbeen carried to the desired his age.
the stable boys, not
half the distance he is to go in his
exceed
extent, the horse is stripped,
it is graeach side,
immediately
two
on
sweat : if he suffer that without distress,
dually
usually
one, and sometimes
or
lengthenedtill he is able to go nearly,
scrape the horse all over ; theymake the
skin dry with as much
as
possible. quiteas far as the sweatingdistance. If the trial
expedition
After scrapingthe neck, sides,quarters,every
distress him, he returns for a few days to
gallop
creased
and the pace and distance are inplaceupon which the scraper will operate,the legs gentler
exercise,
and head are
of wisps and
more
sponged. By means
gradually.
rubbers the horse is made quitedry; his standing
Great eaters are muzzled for eightor ten hours
quire
reclothesare put on ; he getsa quart or two of tepid before theygo to the sweatingground; some
observe

its

"

six,some
out and getsa short gallop
to be muzzled twelve hours, some
; is walked
about tillquitecool; when he is stabled,
dressed, not at all ; the stomach should not be loaded. In
clothed,
watered,fed and left to repose. The first the morning,or when the weather is cold, in the
is tepid,
and no more
is giventhan sufficient
water
forenoon, the horse is clothed in his sweaters, the
the horse eat. The firstfood requires
to make
to
quantityvaryingaccordingto the effect desired.

water, goes

be rather

for round-barrelled
laxative,
particularly
which
costiveness,
sweating
produces
is obviated by a bran mash ; corn
is givenafterwards.

horses.

The

or

desirable that this sweatingproducea

the horse,his alvery decided effectin reducing
If it be

soft,
porous

blanket lies next the skin ;

breast-

piececovers the bosom, while the head and neck

Over the blanket one
in a hood.
are
enveloped
two, it may

thrown

; and

be three

or

are
four,quarter-pieces

perhapsanother

the undermost

hood

may

wantingthe eaiiets.

be

quired,
re-

These

FARMER'S

THE
cine every year, whether well

ill,
poor

or

fat ;

or

who
ledge,
knowniul amnn'j^ grooms
to much
pretend
and have a great deal of ignorance,
it is still
a

to force

custom

drugsupon him,

not

much

so

to

or in
cure as to prevent. If any evil be threatened
itis very right
to take measures
to prevent
existence,

it ; but tliepeople1 speak of

orcure

MAGAZINE.
is

289

pace at whicli the legsare so safe. When

horse is kept at it for several successive

no

the

hours, he

may

the
upon
tendons.

muscles, not

much

be

The

horse may

fatiguefalls
jointsnor the

the

upon

lie

walking exercise,but

givedrugswith- lame.

the

but
;
fatigued

great deal after

it rarely
makes

Cart-horses often travel

ten

hours

him
a

day,

seeingany signthat theyare wanted. The horse for months together:and though all their work
is performed at a walk,
to be, and not
may be as well as they desire him
theyhave no spavintill
ment
theyare overburdened,and not often then.
exposedto any change of circumstance or treatand yet theygive
that can make him worse,
Walking exercise empties the bowels, gives
the horse good use of his limbs, giveshim an
stuffs which they call alteratives.
some
petite
apIn training
for food, promotes the secretions
of the
good grooms do not employ means
The horse nn.y
of tillskind without some
reason.
lungs,the skin, and the bowels, and when much
his bowels or his skin may
is given under a good rider,
not be altogether
itteaches the horse to
right,
his legsliable to swell after work,
be out of order,
walk quicklyand gmcefully. Even at the beginning,
The horse
or
however, all the exercise need not be givenat
frogsto get thrushyin the house.
his appetite
The horse,whatever be his condition,
or
a walk.
is
may be
may have a bad appetite,
For these and such like matters
too good.
some
faster exertion. The walk,
alwaysable to take some
the trot, the canter, and the gallop
medicine which will gentlystimulate the secretions
may alternate
of a particular
be very useful. An alterative one with another, no more
of either beingexacted
organ may
is composed of
than the horse can bear without injury. But when
use
powder in very common
his work at any particular
antimony,nitre,and suphnr,mixed and given in intended to perform
pace,
the same
and with the precautions,
which
at cantering
for example,he is to get as much
do:-;es,
of
with grooming,to promentioned
that as it is safe to give him.
in connexion
are
A
lady'sho.'se
duce
When
the skin is rigid,
the hair
would
be illpreparedif most of his exertion were
a fine coat.
dry, when there are any pimples or itchiness a trot. The preparatoryexertions should resemble
the work
there is any tendencyto swelled
and
as
far as it is safe to
soon
as
upon it, when
legsor thrushes, a few of these powders may be
give It.
The slow paces make
the horse leg-weary.
If
given with benefit,a stronger remedy, such as
practicable.
he lie more
than six hours out of the
sweating or purging,being uimecessary or imtwentybad
When
a
day keeps a lieartyfour, legs being sound, he is getting too
of them will premuch
exercise.
or two
Fast paces endanger the lungs
eater off his exercise,
one
vent
of an
untrained horse.
The rider sliould know
repletion.
Sometimes
the antimony is givenalone.
Nimwhen he his gone as far and as fast as it is safe to
rod recommends
an
ounce
every day, for eight go.
Existingdistress is indicated by signswhich
The horse should not hunt nor race
do not require
much experience
them.
to recognise
daystogether.
out

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

after the last dose.

tilla week
Cordials.
in

These

"

training.Their

horse
among

an

They are

medicines

are

principaluse

appetite.There

are

of work.

is to

of distress

give the

spare feeders

many

horses.
fuse
fast-working
They are apt to retheir food every time theyare
excited or exhausted
dial
by more than usual work. To such,a cor-

is

and then of

described in connexion

seldom wanted

service.

There

is no

The

signswhich

are

not

quitevisible.

The

; the second

well

approach

marked, but theyare

first is rapidand short respiration

of the muzzle,
frequent
protrusion

if the horse wanted

as
a

so

with the accidents

indicate the

rein

more

and the third s

inspiration,
deep,prolonged,
somethinglike

need for the

sigh,in which the rider feels his legsthrown apart

by the expansionof the horse'schest. Quickness

which

of

now

some

costlyand complicated
given.
Take of carraway seeds,
Anise seeds,
Allspice,
Cloves,
sometimes

are

and

....

....

....

Gentian
These
and

honey.

root,

should

beaten

all be

into

Divide

ground

solid

the whole

Muscular

exertion.
exertion

"

fine

with

treacle

or

balls. One
there is no fever.

red,the

good

in other

deal

is a

of

tion,
exer-

of distress

cessively
onlywhen exof the
rapidand short. The protrusion
that the horse is at nearlyall he can
muzzle shows
do. This is not to be mistaken for the pull of a
horse eager to get away ; he quickenshis pace as
distress is coming
powder, he gets his head free. When

into twelve

may be given at any time when

When
the eye and nostrils are
skin hot,tliey
forbidden.
are
said about

to

mass

is a necessary consequence
respiration

mouth

and

has been

parts of this work,

the head
and

symptom

is often darted downward

rein be

though more

but the horse goes

be pulledup
cases

the
given,

or

forward

head stilldives

faster. He need not in all

for this ; it may be sufficient
to slacken the pace for a few hundred
yards,to go
a little.The
mands
slower,until he recover
deepsighdeimmediate
relief; to continue longerat the
no

and it is not necessary

here.
In prefor no
to say much
than two
hundred
same
more
pace, even
]);uingfor fast work the rule is to proceedfrom
yards, is attended with considerable risk. The
less to more, from a short to a longerdistance, horse
overmarked.
He may proceed
may be fairly
from a slow to a faster pace, alwaysby small degrees. a short distance,
but he ought to be held in if
sible,
posIn the firstweek most
of the exercise may
which is the
ho ought to stand quitestill,
or
be given at a walk.
This
has been objected safer plan,until he recover
his wind.
At work
pace
lie says it injures
the
to by Nimrod.
lie is in error.
There
legs,and producesspavin,

circumstances
pace,

may

demand

continuation

of the

this signof distress;

but
notwithstanding

THE

290
in

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

should stopit at
the deepinspiration
training

once.

The

to the liorse in training

exertiongiven

severest

is often lamed or thrown down:

Without
whipor
Even
tillhe died.
run
spur such a horse would
a

littleextra exertion

puts him off"his feed.

These

sweating. A certain distance is horses are generallyless robust than those of

knows
aimed at, but the groom
generally
pretty phlegmatic
temperament ; they should seldom
most
"well how the horse will bear it before he is sent to
boy is alweight, yet a thoughtless
carry much
is that termed

tried in short
it. He is previously

by degrees.
lengthened

are

after

littlesmart
a
performing

the nostrils by

which
gallops,

Horses
work

be

such

horse.

He

oughtto

great gentleness.Some are least

wjien ridden alone, others when
they

treated with

alarmed

sudden and forcible

resemble sneezing
nor

have companions,whicli,
expiration.
however,ought not to
for a timid horse is in terror wlien
coughing. be sluggards,
air is expelled,he sees
liears another punished. In general,
or

This act does not

Tlie nostrilsplayto and fro as the
and make a peculiar
noise,which is well

by
expressed

to abuse

sure

usuallysnort
; theyclear

the term

enough

tary;
Hnorting.It is quitevoluncoughing are not.
Many

exertion should

severe

ground.

same

not

After

alwaysbe given on

once

or

twice

the

the horses

and know
sneezingand
get alarmed whenever they arrive there,
but the groom
attends
what is coming.
But the same
starting,
placemay be
after a trialgallop. Should tlie used for both the severe
exertion ;
and the gentle
to it particularly
almost the inslant he is pulled and by stealing
the horse may
horse clear his nose
slowlyaway at first,
further and faster in
do his work before he knows that he has begun it.
up, he ha" wind enough to go
he
ere
The warning of severe
his next gallop
exertion gives him more
elapse
; should a minute
horses do it when

snorts, stillthe pace and distance may be increased alarm than the exertion itself.
In the next trial should the horse
Indeed all horses should start slowly. A gentle
but not much.
his gallop
der
stand for two minutes without snorting,
pace prepares the legs,and puts every organ in orand it
for a severer
has been severe
task.
It givesthe iiorse time to
enough for his condition,
He does not snort
have been too much so.
his bowels, and to s?e the ground,and enables

empty

may

till his

breathingis easy

"winded the

more

however,that some
for half

lime betakes to recover.

horses do not snort

breathing.I
hour,after a severe

an

clear the

noticinghim

observed

nostrils ;

The
matter

after his

groundupon
of

some

It
as

the riderto feel lameness,

should there be any

un-

seems

soon

have

not
as

ed
watch-

I have

not

snort

peatedly
re-

long- ON
for

consequence.

hard

THE

stony surface

PROGRESS
IN

is quitetranquil.
breathing
which exertion is given is a
A

observed.
previously

run, without

and

after
that,especially

the horse does

continued exertion,

good while

he is

more

freedom of

theyrecover
one

; and the

It
take

cannot
an

fail to be

interest in

OF

MENT
IMPROVE-

AGRICULTURE.
to all those
gratifying

who

to observe,
the spirit
agriculture

of improvementwhich
is almost
where
legs,and a fall upon it is a
every
itselt in reference to this most important
Deep ground, that in which the manifesting
Whether
in the Neto world as it
foot sinks,demands
occupation.
greatexertion to get through
is called,
in the Old one, the mother country,or
rider
the
or
the
hazards
and
it
though
legs,
it,
may
in her colonies,
the importance
of adopting
means
have judgmentenoughto save the lungs. Rough,
for securinga supplyof the necessaries of life,
the
so
legs
twists,
gives
g
round
irregular
many
It is a
at length
to have attracted attention.
that a fast pace is very apt to producea sprain. seem
time a very
The best is that which resembles a race
place but a tthe same
course
very common
is the mother of invention."
justremark, that," necessity
soft,yet firm.
the faculties and calls
rouses
The kind and degreeof exertion must vary with
Necessity
orth energies
which otherwise mighthave remained
the condition of the horse; the mode of givingit
dormant
and useless.
We
without
the
his
are
A
not
little
to
a
must
according
disposition.
vary
of the question
of the corn
posed hope that the agitation
robust,and not much dislazyhorse is generally
lus
to over-exert himself ; he may
requirea good laws in this country,will givean increased stimuand induce them
to the cultivators of the soil,
deal of urgingto keep him at the pace, and make
which they
He is apt to stop when not
to merit a continuation of that protection
him go the distance.
If allowed to have his own
inclined to run.
enjoy,by usingevery exertion to producean ample
way
it becomes
quainted
a difficult
supplyof grainof homegrovvth. No man at all aca few times at the beginning,
with the subject
doubt for an instant
stillmore
difficultto work
can
process to train him, and
the capability
of our soil to produce
of
he may choose to lose a race,
a sufficiency
On the course
him.
of the population,
the demands
if
and in the fieldhe may fancyhe has done enough grainto meet
be taken to call into action the
before he has well begun. A horse of this kind
only proper means
which
of production
In his training powers
the soil possesses.
to be well mounted.
requires
time since called attention to the exerWe some
be ridden by one
who
tions
has
exertion he must
which were making in the United States of
to manage
him, and judgment enough to
strength
America to effect improvement in agriculture.
between laziness and distress. There
distinguish
other horses quitedifferent from this
are
Necessityroused attention to a subjectwhich
many
had heretofore been left to chance. The extraorinjured,
dinary
kind. They are timid,easily
agitated,
easily
of a country essentially
circumstance
and very apt to over-exert themselves. The
cultural
agrito have recourse
to Europe
alarms tliem ; theytremble,
least harsh treatment
beingcompelled
awoke
the
the stride is irregular,
the limbs totter,
unsteady; for a supplyof food for the population,
and the most enerthat he
in his movements
the horse is so precipitate
government from its slumbei',

injuresthe

feet and

serious aflair.

"

THE
means
getic

are

evil of such

an

now
beingtaken
as
a
magnitude

to

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

in
guardagainst improvements

recourse

to

other

291
the

of his countiy is
agriculture

unquenchableas his exertions are indefatigable.

The publication
of the third number
of his journal
was
impeded by the unfortunate troubles wliich
as

countries for the necessaries of life. Tiie following

of the Governor
extract from the message
to
the Legislature
of the State of New
livered
existed in that country,but we look forward with
York, dethe 1st January
whilst it
on
last,
satisfactionto its promised
pronounces
appearance earlythis
a justeulogium
givesa true picture spring. The firstnumber of the Canadian Agriupon agriculture,
of the neglectwhich it has ever
experiencedtural Journal,contains an " introductory
address
from

governments.

to

the farmers of

Upper

and

Lower

Canada,"

excellent spirit,
and so far as we are
an
breathing
science which involves the physical
laws most
and to which the primeval enabled to judge of the question,
open to our
investigation,
takinga sound
law of our existence compels us, and the art wliicli view of the
of parties.Our attention is
position
precedes all other inventions,and whose cultivation however much
more
cond
agreeably
engagedby tiie seleads to plenty,
and is cheered by healtliand contentment,
article on tlie " present state of agriculture
are the last which receive the patronajfe of philosophy
in tiieCanadas," and in which the writer seeks to
attain the favour of government.
Mankind
or
learned the distances and laws of planets,
the Canadian farmers to increased exertion,
and even
the
rouse
periodsof comets, before they conceived the mysteries in languagewhich would
not be inappropriately
of vegetation and the fine arts were
perfectin ages
;
to ourselves. He says
applied
when agriculture
loaded with the superstition
of centuries
"
It is an opiniongenerally
that men
was
consignedto slaves. That this should have
can
entertained,
do as theyplease
been the experience
of other ages and other countries
with vvliatis their own
; and by this
is easily
ifhe chooses
argument, that a farmer would be justified,
explained.The powers of government have
to cultivate his farm in the most imperfect
and slovenly
alwaysbeen vested in classesor individualsfarthest removed
from the tillersof the soil; and ambition and
allow useless and hurtful weeds to occupy the
manner,
place of useful plants,
in conquest and in the
to the great injury,
not onlyof
pridehave sought gratification
but of his neighbours.It was the opinionof
himself,
homage of the fine arts. But it must not, it cannot be
where the agricultural
so here,
interestis sovereign,
and
to
that,on the contrary, it is our duty
many
great men
extract
useful produceout of our estates as they
the moas it furnishes all the means,
as much
tives,
rightfully
supplies
of
it
is
are
and directsthe action of the government.
that
and
capable yielding,
sinfidin us to neglect
the most
Every acre of cultivatedland could be made to yield,
doing so. The latter opinionii5certainly
with the expence
and itwould greatly
increase the means
man
bestowed upon it,productsexof hunow
ceeding- rational,
in Canada, were
of land
by one-third in quantityand value its present
happiness
every occupier
it
in
to conform to this rule,and augment
fruits. The diffusionamong- the cultivatorsof tiieearth
the produce
of tiiescience belongingto their art would
that it could
to the utmost
amount
enligliten of his lands,
possible
theirminds,enlargetheir views,elevate theirmotives, be broughtto, by a judicious
of labour and
application
and refine theirsentiments. Let it be well remembered
aroodmanagement.
"
that all thisis necessary if we would not see tliepower
Any competent farmer who is generally
acquainted
with the agriculture
of the Canadas,must
be convinced
with them steal away, as has always before
residing
that the annual produce of the country might be inbeen the case, to other classeswiiose pursuitssecure
tellectual
increased
to double
what it is,at an expenditure
cultivationand superior
wealth. Agriculture
that
with peculiar would leave ample profit
to the farmer."
appealsto us as republicans,
therefore,
earnestneis,not onlyby our desire to increase the public
and elevate
wealth,enlargethe publicintelligence,
the standard of publicvirtue,
but as we would
preserve
tlieascendancy of that policyof
peace and improvement
identifiedwith the existence of Democratic institutions.
CIETY'S
SOLIVERPOOL
AGRICULTURAL
Among the plansof improvements whicli have been
suggestedis the formation of a Board of Agriculture.
PLOUGHING
MATCH.
I respectfully
it
to
commend
your favourable attention.
Such a Board might be usefullyemployed in introducing
The fifthannual ploughingmatch of this Society
took
and
new
speciesand varietiesof productions,
placeon the 26th Feb.,in a field belongingto llervey
improvementsin implementsof husbandry,and in carrying
Preston Brook, in thi;
Aston, Esq.,at Aston, near
on
a general
correspondence with a view to promote
the attraction of the great
county. Notwithstanding
the interests of agriculture.
steeplechase at Liverpool,the attendance was very
I submit,also,whether it would not be well to require
great, we should think that not less than 3,000 persons
that a popular treatiseupon agriculture
should be
were
present. The fieldselected for the purpose was
a
and whether
contained in the districtschool libraries,
sandy loam, of thirty
acres, eleven of wliich was in grass.
sanction and patronage could not be so exlegislative
tended
This part of the fieldwas
divided in three
and
"

The

"

lengths,
(astheyare commonly termed)were allotted
The
contest commenced
competitor.
precisely
at half-past
nine.
The number of competitors
were
twenty-one, thirteen
As an instance of awaking sense to the importance
Cheshire and eightLancaskire. Quantityploughedby
of the subject,
the above extract will be read
each competitor
Ir. Ip.statute mejisure.
with mterest,butthere is another pointin the same
hr. min.
Time occupiedby the swiftest
1 26
to which
we
must
hemisphere
turn
necessarily
Do.
2
52
with an increased degreeof feeling
by the slowest
and interest,
2
19
Average of the whole
the Canada's.
Our attention has been more
ticularly
par8 inch.
Average width of furrow
directed to that quarter,from havingnow
5
Average depth
before us two numbers
of the " Canadian
terly
QuarOf the twenty-one ploughssixteen were
iron ; eleven
and Industrial Magazine." It
Agricultural
drawn by two horses,yoked double (abreast),
ami
were
is the work
of our esteemed correspondent,
without drivers;
ten by two horses,
Wm.
yoked single(one
as

to encourage

free
societies,

the

organizationof agriculturaltwo

from

the defects which have hitiierto

and success."
proved fatalto their permanency

of the Agricultural
Evans, Secretary
Societyat
and already
well known
the author
IHoiitreal,
as
of a valuable
Treatise on the state of Agriculture
"

in

Canada."

His zeal in

to promote
seeking

to

butts

each

before another),and with drivers.

three Lancashire farmers,
The Judges were
viz. Mr.
Wm.
Longton, liainhill; Mr. llichard Baxter, Sutton,
St. Helen's ; Mr. Wm.
near
Boyes, Speke.
These gentlemenwere not allowed to enter tiiefiel
"

MAGAZINE-

FARMER'S

THE

292

publiccleared
made hy reference to Humhers
Tlieir decision was
only, wiiieli with tiie time occupiedby each, and the
of ploughing-,
method
wiielher single or JoMe, was all
nil over, ami the
until tlie plouo:lung'
was

stances," saj's Sterne, "govern

out.

this

given tliem.

the uitormation

AwAiiD

THii

PRIZES.

PLouoHMicN.

..

v.
Mr. J.Woriall. Prcs-

IJ'o"l"

t""

served that in the

^i^i-.

ley

10

Macreudy..

Jas.

..

think
Tlios. Wonall..

0..
"

"'"^"^^"'""

^Hav;s^,^''E"';!:

0
"

ir. 0
'" "

of
understand

persons

they

of mankind

mass
c

that

una

'

'

unvarying

too

^'

,r
T.,
,
tl.
oftx^ Derbv,
Knows-

of the

seems
paid to it, as it militates
strouglyagainstthe fond conceits and theories
of our
saiiguincprojectors. It may be also ob-

'."

FOLLOWS

AS

owNKRs,

..

sensible

everythingin

them
;" and
govern
observer
be fully
must
truth of this observation,

can

y^t jUtl^ attention

WAS

^
1

world, for no man

though the moi=!t careless

bearings and ramifications much

ii'enerallv

we

to?

dittercnt
every
another
business
better

"

profession
in

all its

than those

and they never

engaged in the business
itself,
cease
.'I 10
obtrudingtheir crude conceptionsand hasty
0
Frodsiiam
Pctei- Walton...
7 0
Mr. J. Whitlow, Lwr.
5
Opinions,not only as their privatethoughts on the
' ^
"'"'^^'"""y-J""'"" ^ "*
but as capable of being applied and of
^l'''^*'"V---:r-"
subject,
sir. S. Sootson, ToyC
"',
njore
0
good than any other yet known.
2
workmg
0
0 P
teiliPark
Wm
Tipiiiii"Of this general,applicable and wonder-working
t;vo'o'c!ock
down
At half-past
of
largelythan
knowledge, no art has partaken more
to a farmer's dinner,provided by ]\Ir. Turner, at Prcswill bo
that of agriculture
; fcr very few persous
Ih-ook. The stcretarv, Mr. Ledger, otHciated as
ton
their
"in
in
own
and the treusurei-Mr.
any profession who
Green, as vice-president, found
president,
The
quite a novelty in this opinion"do not understand farming. Every perploughingmatch was
is capableof forming an opinion on
the subson
neighbourhood, and the day being fino,tliefarmers and
otliers interested in agricuUnre enjoyed a great treat, ject; he can
even
prescribebetter modes of pro-

::W."

"

""

..

..

""

nt

..

-.u

..i

..

fifty-tvvo'^at
a^party

which
caused amongst
has been
^J'lie
be without itsbeneht.
prejudices of the Cheshire farmer agamst the u-on ploughsare
of
and the approved method
graduahy giving way
ploughing (hmble, wiUiout
likely to be
a
dnvtr, more
in tha
adoptedtV)rthe future. Amongst the company
the

and

excitement

ploughmen will

field

not

and

Capt. Bulkeley ;

Hervey Aston, Esq.,

Hayes, Esq.; Rev. .1.Turner; and Messrs. PickWright, Esq., Runcorn; jMr.
ering, Frodshani ; Wm.
Mr. Kay, sen., and Mr.
John Knowles.jun.,
Liverpool;
Kay, jun.,Clifton;Mr. Ilampson, Iliyh Legh ; Mr.
Wild, Wcuvcrham
; Mr. Chadwick
; Mr. Thos. Oktil,
and
Mr. Beckett,of Sutton ; Mr. II. White, Aston;
IVIr.Ledger ; Mr. Green
6tc. "c.
were

Wm.

pri^e
No 4?^
^
'

xm

""

'

"^

'

"

attended
"ceeding,

with such results as would

seem
callable of raisingmankind
from their prcg^j^^ imperfectcondition to a state superiorto any
contemplated
by Owen or IMore. That great
'^

almost

long-premeditatedoration was delivered

the great advantages to be deon
of culmiferous crops. Sowing
rived from the drilling
by hand, he tells us, is a most barbarous practice.
of farming; whiledrilling
to the name
disgraceful
advantages, and, ifunipossesses a great many
followed,would relieve the farmer from
versally
of his present difficulties,
give us cheap
many
make
us independent of a foreign
bread, and even
to
supply of grain. The learned gentleman seems
have entirely
forgottenthe maxim of Sterne above
quoted, and to have adopted to the full that geneand
success
lalizingprinciplewhich
supposes
of a similar application,
benefit from every case
overlooking as unworthy of notice the difFerencc
which
under
the application
of circumstances
be made, and on which the whole
must
question
of grain differs much
from
hinges. The drilling
The
of green crops.
the drilling
produce of the
below the ground, and admits
latter grows
or
on
and hand
of pulverizationby horse
hoeing to a
late period of their growth ; but culmiferous crops
by

APPTPTTTTTTT?
AGKIGULIUKAL

MT^rTlMP*;
MhLllNl^rS,

AT

AXTH IJ
AiM

AGITATIONS.
/

'"'

It is curious to observe
the progress of a particular opinion on any subject,
in the mind of the
has
individual who
adopted it ; with what readinesg
everythingis laid hold of that can assist in
any shape to confirm the view he has taken ; and
how
confidentlyit is publishedas being useful,
nature
not only in the sphere of action to which
would seem
to have confined it,but as capable of
being extended to a great variety of purposes,
and of confeiTingbenefits unseen
by any persons
except the promulgators themselves, and which
to have
had existence
experience has ever shown

only

sanguine imaginations. A great

seem
wonderfullyblessed by naprodigious share of wisdom in their

their

in

part of mankind
ture

with

own

estimation

for though the

of history
dailyobservation, of the utter

of themselves

experienceshown
is confirmed
by our

us

in the

picturepage

human
opinions on subjectsthat are
hourly exposed to the vicissitudes that are daily
of human
occurring in the incongruous mass
subjects have ever
beings, and though such
puzzled and baflUcd our wisest men, and will conwhich
tinue to do so, owing to circumstances
no

of
futility

human
wise

agency

enough

calculated
direct

to

to

can

control

to, advance
overcome

events

yet we

find individuals

opinionsthat would seem

all existingobstacles and

themselves.

But

"

circum"

..

will deny
this pointbeing duly
: and
very different question
considered compels us to receive with caution all
proposalsthat arc to be attended with consequences so great and seeminglybeyond the usual
j-esultsin life. An improvement will confer bene^^^ ^j^gj-e it is applicable; where
physical and
artificialobstacles intervene, it cannot
exist.
drawn
^'^o"^^ t"'^ ^S" ^"^ attention
to this
was
of the proceedsubjectfrom reading the account
ings
of an
agriculturalsociety in Lancashire,

son

where

"

J
,
ivi
be everywhere
effected,
no
may
peithey are to be effected,is a
; how

improvements

Mr.

Binns,

and exclude all cultivation,and the

be effected is a slightpnlverizaand hoeing, and a check given
tion by scarifying
to weeds that infest the lauds in defiance of the
An
is also
ojiportuuity
cleaningby green crops.
aflbrded of pullingby hand any tall weeds
among
the crops ; and, beyond these trivial advantages,
I never
could perceive any benefit from drilling,
extensive experience on a great variety
from
an
both methods
were
of soils where
practised. On
lighterwheat soils,and on black top'dsoils,apt to
throw
thought ^
out the plantsduring winter, it was
to be uscfid in givingthe plantsa better hold ; Imt
soon

utmost

shoot

that

up

can

THE
in the latter case

littleor

no

FARMER'S

difference was,

in the

end, perceptible. On loamy sands, such as we

find in Norfolk, great advantages are said to lie
derived from drilling
have never
seen
; yet we
any

comparative statements
trials

many

similar

only. No
farming can

of the results of satisfactory

the two
methods, hut, like

between

practises,may
be

rest

beautiful

more

on

specimen

supposition
of

correct

MAGAZINE.

293

Mr. Binns to qualify

his expectations
very much
from the drilling
of corn
part I
crops, for my own
be induced
never
can
to adopt his
generalizing
much
milar
too common,
of expectingsinow
principle,"
results in ditlerent circumstances
of application.
An txpence must
the advanattend drilling,
tages
"

exceed

that expence
to
by a something
adoption of the practice. I would recommend
where necessary, comcompletedraining
plete
cleaningby fallow crops, and "manuring"
by every possiblemeans, and then it will matter
little to sow
by drill or broadcast. Our system of
must

induce

the

drilled wheats in
climate produces it :
no
judicious farmer in that county
will assert that their drilling
he apmachines
can
plied
tile draining,
if ever
all soils where wheat
is sown.
In the
on
appliedto these soils,may
render
them
drier and more
accessible at proper
grain crops, two methods preprocess of drilling
vail
sertingseasons, hut that increase of productiveness
will not
by a drill machine, provided with in; one
fixed on
and broadcast, for
volving affect the
recoulters, and with cups
a
question of drilling
each method
will be equally
and upwards, at
axle,and sows
ten rows
benefited,grantingthat
the draining
render them capable
of beingdrilled.
distances of 10 to 11 inches.
The other is by
of small
As a concomitant to this panacea of Mr. Binns,
horse
means
ploughs drawn
by one
making drills at regular distances ; the wlieat is we have been latelypresented with a new implement,
called an " agricissor,
in. On dry fine
sown
a
or
broad-cast,and harrowed
perpetualspade
lands the drill machines
answer
working-wheel," which also in the opinionof the
very well ; but
stiff loams, ploughed in October, to be sown
on
author, will produce some
wonderful effects,
astonish
with wheat, after a crop of mangel wurzel, potatoes,
with Mosaic miracles, and elevate the lower
us
orders of society,
or
to plenty
and contentment,
at once
rutabaga,I have seen them repeatedlytried and
raise our
fail; the coulters
cannot
penetrate the damp stiff and even
kingdom to a state of prosperity
soil to deposit,
the seed, though assisted by all the
before huard of or ever
never
contemplated. The
On
superincumbent weiglitthe horses can draw.
plough,that venerable implement, which in some
the wet claysof various descriptionswhich
stitute
conshapeor other has descended to us from the earliest
the greater part of our
wheat
is to he entirely
soils under
antiquity,
supersededas both useless
summer
useless
and uuprolitable.The
fallows,the machines are more
new
machine, which
still; many
of these lands lie in crooked ridgesof
formidable appearance,
is to be
])resents a most
unequal breadth and height, and prevent so\*ing worked by a quarter of the power required
by the
either lengthwise or across
common
by machine
plough, and is capableof being propelled
; if tried
the machine
sinks
and sticks fast when
across,
by steam, oxen, or by manual labour. \Ve have not
the horse
been favoured
is descending the side of the ridge,and
with any statement
of the quantity
rises out of the ground when
the horse ascends
and quality
of the work
it will perform,if it be applicable
another ridge: a half-hour's rain will stop sowing
to any particular
nately
soils,or to all indiscrimiand harrowing on these thin soils,
and much
the
more
hut
author
as
seems
;
a universal dealer,
with ten coulters ; and a rain of a few
like Mr. Binns, I conclude it to applyto the latter.
a machine
hours' duration will render impossible any such
I have the misfortune to dissent from both these
tlemen,
genI have had the whole
for it appears to me
applicationfor that season.
incredible that such a
for
and
been
have
machine
will
week,
cultivate our lands at one-fourth of the
a
suspended
process
under the necessityof ploughing with the horses
of two horses,(one-half
of a horse's power) or
power
of four horses,(one horse's power,) or at one-fourth
walking in the furrows, and of harrowing with
the ridge, to which
a
tree stretchingacross
the
the power of steam, oxen,
manual
or
labour,equal
harrows were
attached.
As to drilling
to two or four horses.
The machine
by means
seems
capable
of small ploughs, a man
and
horse
will perform
of one
land in a
applicationonly,viz., cultivating
about 1| acres
has
farmer who
a
flatfallow state, but I cannot
how
it will ever
per day ; and
see
60 to 100 acres
and upwards to sow,
effect that,for the spades seem
got from
fixed in a straight
will hardlybe persuaded to risk the season
line on the circumference
on
of the wheel, and consGsuch soils for at least a week, in order to get
in revolvingmust
follow each other,and cut
quently
it drilled. A
be
field may
treated in the
so
incision without
a narrow
the land at all.
stirring
the seed seaThe
author
early part of the season
son
; but, as
to have
seems
forgotthat the plough
of our
advances, it is the earnest attention
performsvarious purposes, it ploughs our leysand
best clay farmers to sow
close up to the ploughs
stubbles,works our fallows, drills our green crops,
tentionseodfurrows our
every second
wheat soils,"c., all which his maday at farthest ; and with every atchine
often compels a
must
they can bestow the season
perform before he can supersede the
Norfolk ; but
and I think

seen

the

than

the

soil and

has been recomimperfectfinishing.Drilling

mended
plough. If he did so, horses would still be wanting
the seed at equaldepths,and
as depositing
for carting
and other purposes ; and he seems
to
have
producing an equal vegetation; and it has been
never
once
thoughtof meeting with soils that
pening.
and unequal riobjectedto as causinglate tillering
his spade would
not
penetrate. His observations
It is increasing
iu practice
in some
places, on the obloquyalwaysthrown on any new jiroposal
and in others it has been abandoned.
To attempt
or invention are
should be
very just,but a projector
the cleaning
of foul lauds by drilling
and hoeing careful to advance
feasible improvements,
and
to
grain crops, is preposterous, that belongsto the
limit the benefits
he expects within
reasonable
follow crops ; weeds may be checked,and tall ones
hounds.
Grantinga benefit to accrue in certain
of application,
may be pulledby Land, and from long experience cases
other inventions are found
as
in hoeingwheat iu the springand in drilling,
I never
from one
to act, his unbounded
expectations
thing,
yet coidd see any benefit from it. It is s;iid the grass
and that not very feasible looking,are certainly
culous,
ridiseeds are much
benefited ; it may be so on dry,early,
and
absurd.
chimerical,
lands,but I have ever
made
better perfora much
The author of this implement in describing
mance
its
of grass seed-harrows and a lieavy expected effects,
by means
alludes to our poor-laws,
our
waste
roll after them than by hoeing,I would recommend
the state of our
lands,our decreasing
prosperity,

very

"

FARMER'S

THE

294

MAGAZINE.

labourers,our corn-laws, and arrives at the present

of out-cry, " cheap bread,plentyand profitable
subject
labour." No doubt can exist of the great desire

each other,and
against
improvement to cheapen that

but how theyare

that these objectsmay be attained,
attained is a very different question. Our
to be
have bread cheap to enable
must
manufacturers

Scotch
known

tliem to

facture

he can
but how
compete with the foreigner,
reducing the price of labour here, is

without

do

so

no

easy

when one adoptsany

process, he will beat
adopt it ; " instance," the

to see

matter

price,and wages also

; and if bread be lowered in

will
be reduced, the labourer

the

other

who

does

farmer,who
to

us

not

has

adopted every improvement

produce that result, sends

to

his produce

expence of carriage,and beats us in our

own
markets, because we have not adoptedthe same
would
In this state also, the revenue
means.
come
to be derived from property, the legitimate
source
from the
and just as well pay it directly
certainl}',
at tlie

(lerivelittlebenefit,unless all other articlesbe proporproduce of the laud,as in an indirect method by taxes
sistible,
To
the eatables and wearables of life. But the irrehave
on
provisions low and
concilable
irrerent
at the present rate, seems
incomprehensible" something," in the curof human
affairs baffles all our
calculations,
by all past experience,for it is generally
and always leaves us wonall our theories,
oversets
admitted to be regulated
dering
by the supplyand demand.
at our
II U STIC US,
But the "mobile
own
vulgus " and their leaders must
ignorance.
have a hobby-horse
to ride, tillit sinks under them,
1839.
Jl/"rc/tl2,

tionablyreduced.
wages high,or even

and then

they will

find another.

I have

been

long-

of opinionthat our present corn laws have had

ago
little to do with the priceof grain in this country,
the

receive from abroad beingvery small,

to the conclusion of paycome
ing
little attention to the opinionsand theories of

we
quantity

and

RUTLAND

long since

I have

calculators,who

pretend

be able to

to

HEDGE-CUTTING

The

"

for the most

prophesythe

AND

ING.
DITCH-

competition for
gratifying

the prizes offered

execution
of the above

workmanlike

labour,took placeat Bolton, on Tuesday,Feb. 26. There

were
twenty-fivelabourers
competed for these premiums
; and on Wednesday, Mr. Baker, of Cottesmore,
most
of futurity,
and I have lived long enough to see alMr. Sharrard, of Langham, and Mr. Clarke
Morris,
of Oakham, examined
all such prophesyings
the award
the work, and made
wholly falsified by the
No. 17, William
as follows :
foretold that a great part of
In 1828, it was
Neale, of Wardley, first
event.
King, of Belton,
out of cultivation, prize,five sovereigns; 23, Everard
lands would be thrown
wheat
our
second
three sovereigns; 13, William
Tookey,
prize,
low
a
nd
would
too
laws
as our
prices,
bring
present
of Belton, third prize,
two
sovereigns; 15, Thomas
I can recollect
has followed.
such consequence
no
commended,
and rewarded
Smith, of Belton, was
by
friths and
boats
first appearedin our
when
steam
the giftof one sovereign
from the judgesand gentlemen,
ber
rivers,it was foretold theywould diminish the numwho
after examining: the work, retired to Mr.
of stage coaches, spoilthe breedingof horses,
Burgess's,of RidlingtonPark, to partake of a good
hinder the farmer from raisingoats and hay,and
dinner provided with true English hospitality,
and to
At the present day, the
enjoy the discussion of agricultural
subjects. Hedgemany other evils besides.
of these
none
has now
received the particular
is foretold of our railways. Now
same
cutting and ditching
attention of Mr. Baker, for the fourth public exhibition,
and
thingshave happened,coaches have multiplied,
and we
think that its general usefulness will be
nel
chanbe driven from one
if employment and capital
increased
by the alteration of the scheme, the work
ther
it will find another,and if the farmer raise neiexecuted on the south side of the county, after
horses, he will raise something being
nor
oats,

tendencyof any measure, the result of which

is hid in the chapterof accidents, and in the womb
exact

"

hay,

else suitable for the altered demand, for the earth

of the human
must
be cultivated to supply the wants
]\Iankind too often employ their time in
race.
and whollyneglectthe substance
pursuitof fallacies,
useless meetings
for the shadow.
In place of our
which only
and fine speeches,
and long calculations,
useful in

the

calculator,I would rather wish to see our lands

the
labourers
at home, and our
employed,

the

years

trial

on

the north

side. We

have

much

uniquelypleasure in givinginsertion to the following

written,but honestly-expressed
epistle: it proves at
all events, that the exertions of Mr. Baker, (the oiihave
ginater,we believe,of all this useful competition)
been received in the right lightby that class to whom

theyare

of
ignoranceand stupidity

are

showing

three

intended
especially
themselves.

ago

to Mr. B.
Honoured

The

to

letter

be
was

of service
written

"

the
few

bourers
la-

days

"

Humbley Solicit your pardon for

tioning
attempting to write to you but I nm desirous of menless
capitalnow
lyingusetwo or three things which I believe to be true I
would render useless all corn
laws, and render
do Sir from my heart Congratulate you on your Suckof any foreignsupply. If the manufacturers
us
independent
in Agriculture
and every other improvement ; Sir
sess
and
consequently I do believe that under God
by havingcheapbread,
and will be A
are
; you
with
his
clieaplabour, will be enabled to compete
blessingto our native county ; Sir in several instances
"

cultivated

of
application

small

sum

Sir I

of

articles in the foreignmarket ; it follows that the

all Striving
I see the Master
the Servant the Labourer
farmer by having the same
done in
advantageswill compete
to outvie each other which seldom if ever was
and sound
and exclude him
Rutland
before you put your
with the foreigngrower of corn,
good sense
Our
market.
from the home
geographicalposition judgment into practiceSir 1 believe all these Impi'oveing
which you have been so streneouslyendeavouradmits of cultivation and grazingin a high degree, ments
to promote are blessingsto us and will be in future
and a fertilesoil,
have labour, skill,and capital,
we
and

known

means

present produce;

of
but

improvement
it is

our

to

double

Children.
our
servant
I remain
Sir your very ObligedAnd humble
L
Please Sir to enter me
J
E
also W
as candadates for the Rutland
priseHedge Cutting.

to
our

employmentto meet
do any thing.
never

and
and speak on the subject
have raised,there seems
In the artificialsystem we
without the
no just groundsfor a free trade in corn,

"

"

"

"

a
same
libertyin other articles,though certainly
A Farmers'
Club has recently
FARMERS'CLUBS."
enactments
freedom in trade without any prohibitory
been established at Needham-market, for the encouragement
is the true system, every article to be transported
ness
which bills fair to rival in usefulof agriculture,
of productionand of carriage. In
at the expence
the Yoxford, the Harleston, and the Ashbocking
this state of intercourse, countries producingthe
clubs.
The second meeting of this association was held
articles would have onlythe expence of manuon
same
Saturdaylast. The chairman is J. K. Moore, Esq.

THE

GEOLOGY
The

AND

manner

by I'rofessor Flnilips,
useful hints to
givessome
with

295

troublesome

to employ an agent than to direct such a

by this hint,and
simple operation,may at least profit

choose an agent who knows something of the rocks he

drain. The same
knowledge whicli guidesto a
conducts us to a clear
rightgeneralmethod of draining,
and almost certain method
of findingwater by wells,
and enables an engineerto predictwith much probability,
and
whether,at what depth,in what quantity,
of what quality,
will be found.
even
water
Why is
water
so
generallyfound by deep wells at London and
Paris?
in these wells ?
Why is it often so abundant
Why is it often of pure quality,
though in the descent

Geology with Agriculture,is to

has in but
althougli
fullyaclniittccl,
in

MAGAZINE.

AGRICULTURE.

connection of

been treated upon

FARMER'S

landed

few

instances

clear
sufficiently

proprietors.If

all the

which they enjoy from

advantages
small quantities
of impure water are frequently
and the possession
of means,
education,
trated
penethey do
? Because under both these capitals,
the open,
feel surprised
that the
not set an example,can
we
and
in
jointed,
purelycalcareous chalk strata,
great
should display
an
occupiers
apathyin adopting thickness,converge
with opposite
dips,and collect the

improvements?
"

water, which, upon

the perforationof the superincumbent

clay, "c., rises with much force,and
to flow, unless drained
by other of these
wells.
This method
of obtaining water
is now
commonly known, but deserves to be far more
where natural
districts,
practisedin agricultural
extensively

masses
dustry,
Agriculture,
whicii,of all branches of human incontinues
most
directlydependenton the qualities
seems
"Artesian"

of soil and

has been hitherto very httle benefited

substrata,
science. Perhaps
by the prog'ress of geological
tiicexpectationsof tliosespeculative
farmers who desire
to turn to good account
the discoveries of botanical
and geology,
physiology,
vegetablechemistry,
require

of

Another
springsof pure water are rare blessings.
is the
thing,probably of importanceto agriculturists,
discoveryof substances at small depths, which, if
brought to the surface, would enrich,by a suitable

better direction to attainable objects,

than botanists,
chemists, or geologists,
are
likelyto furnish. That
the soil of the fields. This is very strongly
the same
plants,
by growingfrequently
on
spot, poison mixture,
ing
insisted on by Sir H. Davy in his Essays,and considerthe soilfor themselves,though not for other plants,
pears
aphow easy a thingit is for a landowner
to ascertain
of well-known
facts :
a reasonable generalization
the series of strata in his estate, it is somewhat
positively
that certain succession of crops are best fittedfor
ticular
parbe quoted,exthat so few cases
cept
marvellous
can
is incompletely
known
and
by experience,
soils,
that of Sir John Johnstone, Bart., of Hackness,
bv the union of
account
may be turned to a profitable
3ar
Scarborough,in which this easy work has been
l)otanicaland chemical research. The chemical quality
for the introduction
in experiments
performed. Finally,
of soils,
to judge from a superficial
examination,
pears
apof new
systems and modes of management, with
to be of real importance. Why
else,amidst the
quence
respect to cattle and crops, it will be of great conseheather which covers
in the moorthousands of acres
lands
of the soil,substrata
to take notice of the qualities
of the north of England, should there appear not
and water, for these undoubtedly
exercise a real
one
plantof Dutch clover,though, upon the removal of
and perhapsdecisive influence over the result."
and the application
the lieatii,
of quick lime,this plant
^Vhy else does the Cistus
springsup in abundance?
helianthemum love the calcareous soil,
the oak delight
in stiff clay, the birch and larch flourishes on barren
sand 1 Yet, all the conclusions drawn from factsof this
THE
INTELLIGENCE
ANIMALS.
and the relation of the soil to
OF
-We
nature, exceptionsarise,
moisture appears quiteas fertileand generala source
take thefollowing
remarkable instancesof the intelligence
of animals from Lord Brougham'snew
of vegetationand productiveness,
tions
work," Dissertaas any peculiarity
of
chemical constitution. AVe once
on
took the painsto noSubjectsof Science connected with Natural
tice
of plantgrowing on a purelycalcaTheology,"from which he draws the conclusion that
reous
every species
animal intelligence
soil 2,000 feet above the sea, on Cam
differsfrom human, not in kind,but
Fell in
in degree. Our readers may doubt his Lordship's
and among
them all,it appeared that not
Yorkshire,
clusion,
conbut his facts are, at all events, interesting':
one
was
to limestone. It
commonly supposed peculiar
"
In the forestsof Tartary and South America, where
appears to us that it is chieflyby their various power
of conducting
the wild horse is gregarious,
moisture from the surface tliatrocks of
there are herds of 500 or
differentkinds that influence the soil above them ; and
indeed
600, which,being ill prepared tor fighting,
or
tiiis
for any resistance,
isa circumstance which is sometimes interesting
and knowing that theirsafetyis in
to
the farmer,
for another reason.
when they sleep,appointone in rotation who
It is not doubtful that
flight,
illmany
of draining
there isa possibdity
acts as sentinel,
while the rest are asleep. If a man
the land
cases
which is underlaid at some
the sentinel walks towards him as if to
small depth by a jointed approaches,
culcareous rock, just as by sinkinga few feet in a
reconnoitre,or see whether he may be deterred from
if the man
mining country, through clay to limestone,the whole
continues,he neighsaloud
coming near"
drainageof a mine may often be passed downwards, and in a peculiartone, which rouses the herd,and all
die natural channels of the rocks. One of the
thing
Notlirough
gallopaway, the sentinel,
bringingup the rear.
of advantageto the farmer from
most obvious sources
rational than this arbe more
rangement,
can
or
judicious
with the distributionof mineral masses
an
acquaintance
simpleas itis. So a horse,belongingto a
is the facility
with
laden
run
the injurious smugglerat Dover, used to be
which, in many
spirits,
instances,
effectof small springs coming to the surface may be
and sent on the road unattended to reach the rendezvous.
off
obviated. The theory of the earth's internal drainage When
he descried a soldier,
the
he would jump
isso simple,
that every man
and when discovered
of common
would be
highway,and hide himself in a ditch,
sense
able to drain his lands upon sure principles,
would fightfor his load. The cunning of foxes
or else to
is proverbial but I know
know precisely
not if it was
ever
more
markably
rewhy it cannot be drained,if he were to
;
fjccome so much of a geologist
to learn what
as
rocks
displayedthan in the Duke of Beaufort's
existed under his land,at what depth,and in what podisappeared
country ; where Reynard, being hard pressed,
sitions.
Springsnever issue from stratified
suddenly, and was, after strictsearch, found
cept
masses, exfrom reservoirs
somehow
produced in jointed immersed ia a water-pool up to the very snout, by
which he held a
rock,and at the level of the overflow of these subterranean
willow-boughhanging over the
cavities. Faults in the strata very frequently pond. The cunning of a dog, which Sergeant Wilde
limit these reservoirs,
and determine the pointsof efflux tells me
to him, is at least equal. He
of, as known
of the water.
Let those faults be ascertained,or the
used to be tied up, as a precaution
againsthunting
his head out of the collar,
edge of the jointedrock be found, the cure
of the
sheep. At nighthe slipped
evil is immediate. But some
information is and returning
before dawn
put on the collar again,
geological
needed here ; and landed proprietors,
who think itless ia order to conceal his noctarnal excursion. No*
svmG

'

"

rARMER'S

THE
kind

every

slioukl be

how
abcilislicJ,

can

any

labour, stand a
witli that of untaxed
foreignhihourcrs
com[)ctition
of very frugalhabits ? As, however, some
people
laws
strangelyimagine that the repeal of the corn
alone is wanting to restore
jjermanently,former
low wiigcs and cheapness,I shall call as a witness
this point,the late Mr. Iluskisson,the idol of
on
"The
noble
Lord
the free traders.
f Lord A.
Hamilton) deceives himself if he imagines that we
could return
entered
we

state in which

to the

we

before

were

contest."

('theFrench war.)
"This
of the most
one
was
dangerous errors
that could be entertained.
The whole
expenditure
of the country at that time, only amounted
to sixteen
He
millions
confident
(Mr. H.) was
that
a

our

on

the

establishment

peace

must

entail

(JO than

charge of nearer
in paper
(This was

permanent
now

than

more

oO

benefit
ex])ected

to the productiveclasses
will
and the landowners
have been sacrificed in vain.
I am
glad that the anti-corn law people speak
total repeal; I was
out and demand
afraid they
a
would entice the agriculturists
to accept a lowf.ved
have been tolerated so longas
duty,which would
home
and foreign prices were
about equal and no

the

on

us

mone}',

millions.)

be

cannot

permanent;

longer.
1 shall not

examine
your theory of a free
it may
affect profits it is plausible,
I admit, in a certain degree even
as
regards
the landowners
but any general benefit from
it
;
time ; and there is no apparent
must requiremuch
corn

trade

now

as

"

for the adoption of the course

mend
you recomwithout any jyrq/;oserf
means
unconditionally,
for alleviatingthe immediate
evil to be apprehended.
reason

50 millions."

and it is
And would
this produce no alteration in the money
value of
articles }
When
gentlemen talked of the high
price of bread, did they forget that every thing
else had risen in proportion, and that, not in
of the Jmjh ^;r2ce of bread, bid the
consequence
It had
been
amount
said that the
of taxation.
obvious
for the landlords to lower
remedy was
their rents.
If even the xvhole rcnial of the country
remitted it would be impossible
were
for the country
to return to thejirices
beforethe war."
(Speeches
of the Right Hon. W. Huskisson, p. p. 2i)9,AOO.)
even

297

wise

iiiaimal

taxed
product of liii^lily

MAGAZINE.

"

I have said above that your theory is plausible,

but I fear it would
prove fallacious ; for the grain
expected must depend on the fact of a very great
increaseof the export trade; more
than equal to
the loss of demand
from the agriculturist
at home,
is exti"emelydoubtful.
such inwhich
Without
crease,
however, our discarded tillersof the soil
in manufacturing : and
could never
be absorbed
then the whole body must be reduced to the Irish
level or that of the north of Europe, (much as
you deprecate such a result at page 45,)followed

probably by general anarchy.

for swampFree traders often give as a reason
ing
The
our
manufacturers,3'ou say, can scarcelycompete
can
agriculture, that capitaland industry
with
with foreigners,
be employed with greater gain in manufacturing.
even
superior operatives
and better machinery why is this .' Because
will not foreign nations find out this .' Do
Now
labour is too expensive. Farmers, then,
of wealth manufacmanual
what a source
turing
they not know
has been to us, in spiteof corn
who
labour only, cannot
laws and
employ manual
expect
to
?
dustryhigh wages
And
do they not alreadysec the
compete with them ; although in skill and inthey and their labourers are
decidedly policyof manufacturing for themselves, without
superior. V/hy is labour so expensive and wages
regard, at first,to cheapness, or dearnesst
any
so
high ? Because necessaries (not corn
only) I think it very probable that the manufacturers
will realize the fable of the dog and the shadow.
so
are
high priced. Why, with superiorskilland
I am. Sir,very respectfully.
cause
industry,are these so e.xpensiveinEngland .""Betheir priceis composed in great part of taxYour obedient servant,
ation.
Free
T. F.
importation then, to that extent
would
operate as a bounty on foreign untaxed
productswhether of corn or of other commodities,
and
the home
than
producers would
AGRICULTURAL
TilE ENGLISH
SOCIETY.
pay more
their just share of the taxes.
Instead then of
(To the Editor of tlieMorning Chronicle.)Sir I'ercciving'
a mistake in that part of your
layingthe blame on the corn laws, why not go
report of my obSGrvations at the meeting of the Central Agricultural
at
of the evil,and
to the root
reduce
once
ation
taxSociety,relative to tlie formation oftlie EnglishAgricultural
?
Why not, at any rate, reduce it in that
anxious tliatit should be
Society,I am most
proportion in which its pressure was
so
unjustly
properlyexplained.I expresslystated that it was not
increased,by raisingthe value of the money
in
formed in oppositionto the Central Society. I lauded
which it was
contracted ? Then
indeed we might
the princijjle
of its formation,
and expressed
a hope tiiat
have free trade in corn,
and
in every
thing else. it would flourish,
been established for the cnhavinj-'
tives
Why not adopt at this time one of the alternafor the protection
of
couragemetit, as the Central was
admit
ought to have been done at the
you
agriculturalinterests. I have the honour to be, your
"

"

"

"

"

"

end of the war

?
The
second
have been decidedly
the most
it would now
; as it might

keep thingsat
from

Corn,

the

another
and

would

at

time
I think

that

just; and so
be arranged only to
late average,
to jjrerent injustice

rise in the value

of money.

all other

protectinglaws, may guard

classes from unfair
competition, but they
all objectionableon
are
this ground, that they
leave those
who
manufacture
for the foreign
market
exposed to every disadvantage. But if
many

protectionhad

been

the rise of money,

have
would

been

given generally,by preventing

as

and
sufficient,

you
the

mention,

it would

productive classes
been robbed as they

in that case
have
been.
If the corn
laws are
surrendered,there ought
to be a ftftvisionof Peel's Bill even
: othernow
not

all have

obedient humble servant,

Fon land-place,
Feb.2S,

W.

DIBBLING

GORE.

ORMSBY

Mr.
MACHINE.
James Ilitcliins,
city,is about to introduce to the notice of the
farmer and the publica machine for dibblingwheat,
or
turnips,
rangement,
any kind of grainand seed. By a simplear"

of this

seed and bone dust, in small

depositedtogetheria holes made

or

large portions,

tervals.
inbe worked
at the full
speed of a horse in a walking-pace. It is well known
thatbone-dujt,in drill-rows,
is of small value except in
he firststage of vegetation,
that when not in actual contact
with the seed itis rather detrimental than beneficial.
By this dibbling machine 75 per cent, will be saved in
the amount
of bone-dust
required,nnd nearlyall the
expense of thinning the plantsand keepingthem clean
are

The whole

apparatus

at exact

can

ia future will be economiseU.~-Li"co/HGazette,

FARMER'S

THE

298

OF

VALUE

THE

ESTIMATING

ON

MAGAZINE.
mentioned.
it

on

FARMS.

Foi

an

estate

to have

good supply of fuel and

good fences,to have

in differentjjarts,

water

a stock farui,
are
particularly
very valuable indeed ;
for a man
and horse to be employed to obtain water,
in the harvest, when
both are wanted
in
particularly
"

Those

have

who

in which

manner

had

of seeingthe
opportunity

assessments

wont

were

to

be

the

it are best able

those who have experienced
field,

not onlyof the absence of

satisfied,
speak.
all rule in making them, but also of the almost
and
universal inequality
inaccuracyeverywhere
recently,
by the
prevalent.It is true, that more
UNION
direction of local acts, and in accordance
specific
Spring
with general
improvement,the systenahas in some

be

made, must

Law

system of

new

and

if

the

New

of

Poor

will be introduced,

assessment

managed, must
properly

measure

With

amended.

been

measure

justice.We

be

dered
consi-

not

aware

were

"c.

AGRICULTURAL

Exhibition
This exhibition

"

or
was

to

SOCIETY.
Seed
held

Coun, Giiass Sekds,

Kelso, within the

at

Fridayse'nnigbt,and turned out to

importantand extensive show of the
has yet taken place. The
of
([uantity
considerable,that it
so
grain broughtforward was

Town-Hall, on
be the most
kiud which

rections
to givewritten diperson had attempted
was
nearlyeleven o'clock before the wdiole parcels
until we
little were
the
two
saw
subject,
and properlyarrangedin the placeof
upon
pitched
brochures Irom the pen of Mr. Howe, the latter of
exhibition. There were, on the whole, 1662 bushels
Of
tions
of seed corn
and grass seeds broughtforward.
which is justpublished
by Ridgway. Tiie direcfor Seeds," Mr.
the
Committee
to
Boyd, of Cherrygivenin estimatingthe rate of assessment
Robertson,
trees, Mr. Oliver, of Blakelaw, Mr.
be laid upon
farm being equallyuseful to a
a

that any

"

about

tenant

we

to

make

selection of

them
subjoin

farm

for the benefit of

readers.

for
our

attended,
Ncwtonlees,and Mr. Ogden, Harrietfield,
in their exertions to prepare
and were
indefatigable
agricultural
of the judges
the different parcelsfor the inspection
in the shore time
a task of difficult performance,
vour
endeawell perallowed,which, however, was
necessarily
formed.
or less
Each
as usual,in sacks having
pation,
occu-

"

I shall now
treat on Landed
Property,and
to show what tends to make a farm of more
parcelwas,
value. To be situatenear a g'oodmarket for produce,
distinctive marks ; and of each a bushel was
no
obtained ; a good house
and where manure
be easily
can
taken
and carefully
weighed,the descriptionand
and homestead ; and good land layingto a good aspect,
of the exhibitor being
weight without the name
with good fences,
and a good supplyot fuel and water
of the sacks.
marked on a ticket and placedon one
thereon. The next consideration may
be wlicther the
of the exhibitors,with a number
ponding
corressituated ; then if it is liilly
homestead is eentrically
land; The names
cretary's
to that on each ticket,being kept in the Sehome up hillor
wiiether the produce is to be drawn
mittee
to the Comfarms by the heat and hurry of
list,so as neither to be known
down, for upon some
to the Judges,till after the decision of
harvest,from earlyin the morning to almost midnight,
nor
and
horses are dreadfullydistressed working up hills,
the prizes
der
was
given. The weighingwas done, unbe carried
sometimes past recovery," the produce must
the inspection
of the Committee, by Mr. Crosbie,
if possible
when it is become in a fitstate,and at tliat of Kelso
Mill,and Mr. William Muir, Kelso.
tained,
itbut seldom happensthat assistancecan be obseason
About one
o'clock the Judges Mr. Hogarth, of
all generally
being equallyengaged at iiome ;
trick
Tofts ; Mr.
corn-dealer,Gordon ; and PaGray,
hill
be
carried
in
at
sometimes
leisure,
manure
a
may
up
began
Clay, Esq.,corn-merchant,Berwick
which makes itdesirable to have the produce come
frost,
the serious and troublesome
the
dutyof inspecting
home'down
hill. Upon all farms for the homestead to
be eentricallysituated is of the utmost
and awardingthe premiums; and ultimately
importance parcels
throughthe whole year, for the produce to be carried decided as follows :
and easilyas possible
home as speedily
1
For the best parcel
of Seed Barley(com; for when they
mon
it is atfrom necessity
to stack in the fields,
are obliged
tended
variety),to No. 2, which was
with trouble and expense,
sometimes
although
found to belongto Mr. Broad,Cliftonof beingso far away ; and
account
indispensable
on
0
0
hill,weight551b. l3oz. per bushel
"3
when
land liesat a great distance to have to travel in
2. For the best parcelof Chevalier Barley,
and forward,perhaps
the course
of the week backward
to ]Mr. Broad,
to No. 1, also belonging
works
in one day,is,
in
as far as the plough actually
Cliftonhill,
weight 56lb. 6oz. per
either losingone
reality,
day in the week with the
"

"

"

"

"

"

plough,or the horses have

to

travel the

same

perform fivedays ploughingas they would

six days upon land lyingcontiguous.To

distance to

bushel

do to plougli 3. For the best parcelof Potato Oats, to

draw manure
No. 2., which was
found to belong to

from the farm-yardto land at a grsat distance is very

tedious and expensive; and in a wet harvest,
no
one
that has not experienced
it can liardly
be aware
of the
and
inconvenience
the expense
of cartinghome, and

Mr.

Nisbet,of Lambden,

per bushel
1. For the best parcelof

weight451b.

lloz.

Hopetoun Oats,

found to belong
to No. 5, which was
at a great
gettingproduce into a proper state for carting
to
Captain Walker, AVindywalls,
distance ; it frequently
happens in showery weather by
3
weight44lb. 8oz. per bushel
the time itis got into sufficientorder a shower falls,
and
5. For the best parcelof Angus Seed Oats,
all may return, perhapshaving sometimes done more
found to belong
harm than good, whereas on land close to home a little
to No. 2, which
was
to
Mr. Nisbet,of Lambden, weight
might have been secured. Again,to take stock through
fields far,is anotlier inconvenience and loss,
from tlic
431b. 2oz. per bushel
3
of making sheepand cattlekeep the road where
difficulty
6. For the best parcelof BlainsHe Seed
be
and
on
side there may
no
to make
hedge,
one
a
found to
Oats, to No. 3, which was
dead one, or to set hurdles is an expense, and the loss of
to
Mr.
Burnfoo',
Purves,
belong
land by roads throughfieldsmay be very considerable;
3
weight 411b. l5oz. per bushel
be aware
tiiefurther land liesfrom the
must
every one
7. For the best parcel of Perennial Ryegrass,
occupier,the more it is exposed to depredation
; indeed,
found to
to No. 5, which
was
it is almost impossible
out every
inconvenience
to point
therefrom. I reallybelieve I know
belongto Mr. Roughbead, seedsman,
arising
farms, the
yearlyvalue of which is decreased over a great part of
Haddington,weight 28lb. 7oz. per
them quiteone-fourth from the inconveniencesabove3
bushel

J
"

THE
The

is a
following

of the
scriptioo

bushel,of each
SEED

sorts

FARMER'S

1. BIr.

and a de"
exhibitors,
and the weight,
exhibited,
per

PERENNIAI,

2. Mr.
4. Mr.

5. Mr.
6. Mr.
7. Mr.

Fulton,Hatchednize,1 i)arccl..22

2. Mr. A.

(common variety).

bahlev

Lockie,Seedsman, Kelso,1 do.

3. Slessrs.

and

Hogg

oz.

1 parcel. .55
2
Fulton,Hatchednize,
.55 13
1 do
Broad, Cliftonhill,
Yetholm Mains, 1 do.. 54 15
.Johnston,
55
1 do
2
Johnston, Marlefield,
PhippsTurnbull,Crooks, 1 do. 53 1
")
58
Mein, of Ormiston, 1 do
5(5 5
Bell,Liaton,1 do

RYEGllASS,

lb.
No. 1. air.

"

4. Mr.

No.

1. Mr.

BARLEV.

1 parcel.... 36
Broad, Cliftonhill,

2. Mr. John Elliot,

1 do..
Primrosehill,
3. Mr. James Kobertson,
1 do.
Ladyrig,
4. Mr. Jerdon,of Bonjedward,
1 do.
Each parcelconsisted of 5 bolls.

56

10

57

Nisbet,of Lambden, 1 parcel.. 45

Scott,Courthill,1 do
46
3. Mr. Johnston,Yetholm
Mains, 1 do. 44
4. IMr. Johnston,Marlefield,
1 do
44
5. Mr. Cunningham,Crahamslaw, 1 do. 45
6. Mr. William Stark,Cowrig,1 do.
46
7. Mr. Wm.Riddell, Cappuck, 1 do...
46
8. Mr. P. Turnbull,Crooks, 1 do
44
9. Ditto
1 do
44
ditto,
10. Mr. Mein, of Ormiston,1 do
46
11. Mr. Arch. M'Dougal,Cessford,ldo.
44
12. Ditto
46
ditto,1 do
13. Captain
Walker, Windywalls,1 do.. 46
14. Mr. W. Aitchison,
Oxenridge,1 do. 44

11

POTATO

No.

59

OATS.

1. Mr.

2. Mr.

15. Dr.

Murray,Kersknow, 1
HOPETOUN

No.

do

12
0
0
2
7
6
14
4
15
10

45

OATS.

Scott,Courthill,
1 parcel
2. Mr. A. Park, Eccles Bankhead, 1 do.
3. Mr. Brokie, Belville,
1 do
4. Mr. Dun, Roxburgh Mains, 1 do.
5. CaptainWalker, Windywalls,
1 do..
6. Mr. Brodie,Haddon, l'do
.

OR

9
5

1. Mr.

ANGUS

BLAINSLIE

SEED

43

43

11

43

45

44

43

1. Mr.

Nisbet, of Lambden,

OATS.

parcel

Angus

43

2. Mr.

42

3.

4115

4.

Purves,Burnfoot,1 do. Blainslie

Ditto
ditto...
diito,1 do.
Mr. Cunningham,Grabamslaw, 1 do.

Angus

44

41

5. Mr.

G. Brockie, Lochside, 1 do.

Blainslie
6. Mr.
P. Darling,Sydenham, 1 do.

Angus
7. Mr. Brodie,Haddon, 1 do. ditto.
Each parcel
consisted of 6 bolls.
.

NEW

No.

1. John

43

42

"

seeds in one parcelwas

favour of another.
But

the

discoveryof

all that turned

few

the scale in

excellent was
the whole,
so
hesitation in recommendingthe
different stocks from which the parcelshad been
taken,to all those in want of seed corn.
of ryegrass, exhibited by Mr. RoughThe parcel
which obtained the premium,
head, of Haddington,
of uncommon
excellence ; those shown bv
was
one
Mr. Lockie,Kelso,and Messrs. Hogg and Wood, of
also very good ; and the exhibition
Coldstream, were
of a great variety
of agricultural
seeds by the
latter gentlemenattracted much notice.
varieties of Seed Corn," was
Among the " new
"
Dickson's Wheat"
shown
by John Elliot,Esq.,
elsewhere
noticed ; a fine sample
more
particularly
of " Golden
Prolific" Barley,by Mr. Whitelock,
Naked"
jMaisondieu;a curious sample of
Barley,
by Mr. Roughhead; and samplesof " Annat" and
"
Pomeranian"
Barley, and Italian Ryegrass, byMessrs. Hogg and Wood
; but the judgesdid not
award prizesfor any of these,considering
that farther
experiencein their good (]ualities
was
required.
On the judges having finished their work, and
after the names
of allthe exhibitors had been written
the show tickets attached to each parcel,
on
public
admission was
given to the Hall. The attendance
appeared to be from all parts of the country, and the
highestinterest seemed to be taken in the exhibition.
George Bailie,
jun.,Esq.,one of the vice-presidents,
honoured
the meetingby attendingfrom an earlyof the
hour; and most of the eminent agriculturists
districtwere
present.
One of the most importantpoints of the show has
the business done
it was
yet to be noticed
very
extensive ; and the following
priceswere obtained
for the seed corn
v
iz
exnibited, :
that

they had

no

"

"

"

Per boll of 6 imp.bush.

25s. to 28s.

Potato oats, from

Hopetoun oats, from
Angus and Blainslie oats,from

EarlyAngus oats
Common
from
Barley,
Chevalier Barley,
from

24s. to 25s.
24s. to 25s.
26s.
28s. to 35s.

....

283. to 31s.

Dickson's"
Wheat, in parcels
at the rate of
70s.
The Prize Ryegrasswas boughtby Mr.
of Spylaw,at 38s. per boll.
"

The

of a new
of Seed
variety
Wheat, called Dickson's Wheat"
61
2. Messrs. Hogg and Wood, vSeedsmen,
Coldstream,4 bushels Annat Bar"

lejf

Dudgeon,

Prolific Barley
53
dington,
lloughhead.Seedsman, Had4 bushels Naked
Parley 64

14

Whitelock,Maisondieu,4 bushels

Dickson's

detailed

of
description

the parcel

Wheat," exhibited by John

Elliot,Esq.,banker, Jedburgh,from his farm of

Grange,near that town, as given by the grower:
1. It is a bearded wheat of a red description was
introduced into this country by Mr. James Dickson,
"

14

Golden

"

"

56

Barley

is a
following

of

55

3. 4 ditto Pomeranian

5. Mr.

VARIETIES.

Elliot, Esq., Jedburgh, 8

bushels

4. 3Ir.

28

Most of the exhibitors had considerable quantities

for sale from 40 to 120 bolls of each kind.
The Judges declared that they had
very great
in givingtheir award, many of the parcels
difliculty

"

No.

25

parcelconsisted of six bolls.

beingso nearlyequal,that
CHEVALIER

stream,
Cold-

Wood,

1 do..
Roughhead,Haddington,

Each

oz.

15

27

1 diito

3. Mr.

299

listof tbe

lb.
No.

MAGAZINE.

of Hawick, and is now

2. I had two
acres

called
Dickson's Wheat."
of last crop on my farm of
the 12th April,
on
land of
on
"

Grange. It was sown

after turnips.
inferior
quality,
3. It

was

reapedbefore
any otherwheat

on

thefarm,

FARINlRrrs

THE

300
of which

some

re.st in

than

luul been

thr bcnrded

4. Its

November,

and

the

shuatioiif,

waiiney

wheat,

produce is

5. 'Ihe

in

sown

all in lower and

and
.Tanuiiry,

27 bushels per acre.

person in this country

oulyother

who

has

far as I know, is Mr. Bell, of Menslaws. He sowed

it on the 18th April,1837, and it
produced one of the best crops on his farm, and was
equal in weightto good Hunter's Wheat.

it,so

grown

CULTIVATION

GORSE.

OF

MAGA2:iN".
sowing, bub it should be allowed to
After the
least until tlie second winter.
cut
afterwards
be ever
first cutting it may
every
most
be deemed
year, or every other year, as may
of preparingthis
As to the manner
advisable.
with a common
scythe
plantfor fodder, it is mown
twice in the week, carted home, and laid
once
or
after

winter

at

grow

in heaps on the barn-floor, but not ground or cut

over
If it lies unused
night
until it is to be used.
ting
used for cutfew cattle will eat it. The machine
to that used
gorse is in every respect similar
for cuttinghay or straw, the only difference being
stronger
that the knives are constructed somewhat

in general use for the latter purpose.

4/. to 71. , and
varies from
of machines
them
to work
by horse or
the machinery requisite
With
10/. more.
to about
amounts
entitled
water
small volume
a
few quotationsfrom
power
a
12 to 15
will prepare from
machine
von,
a man
a hand
Hints to Farmers, by O. O. Roberts. Esq.,Carnarpower
bushels an hour, and with a horse or water
"This evergreen plant,"
North Wales :
says
hour,
an
40 to 60 bushels
its habits and nutritive quaMr. Roberts, "from
lities he will prepare from
and that for for eightor ten hours a day. Gorsc
of food for horses, neat cattle,and sheep, is
overfed with it
when
is a heating food, and horses
It will flourish
highly deserving of attention.
in
with
affected
a
difficulty
become
to
at
its
one
are
apt
produce varying
upon all kinds of soil,
at two
10 to l.'itons, and
stoling. A little salt should therefore be mixed
year's growth from
of it consists
a great portion
Horses
with the food when
years'growth from l(ito 28 tons per acre.
steanie'd
carrots,
Cut
of
be
turnips,
strav/,
found
will
as
fully
fed ou
it, ground or cut,
gorse.
with
dition,
potatoes, "c., form an excellent combination
equal to their work, and be in full as good conand
neat cattle. The
best hay; and
the
when
fed on
as
very
gorse, as fodder for horses
4
when
milk cows,
quantityof seed per acre, if broad-cast, is from
suppliedwith it as a substitute
will
of
that
half
if
in
drills
quantity
of
(5
but
lbs.,
to
to
yielda larger((uantity
for hay, will be found
drills should be from
The
be amply sufficient.
milk and butter, richer both in flavour and quality.
half
make
who
would
the
the agriculturist
To
eighteeninches to two feet,and two feet or a
of the
and
the
quality
to
nature
be
most
found
will
luable
vaa
according
his
of
apart,
most
land, govse
and a quarter of seed will produce
soil. One
to a certain
it will make
those

than

satisfythe farmer, that gorsc would be a

good substitute for turnipson poor soil,I subjoin
To

The

cost

"

him,
auxiliary"
independent of the losses so generallyproduced
quence
by the failure of his turnipcrops, in conseof
of the fly. A few acres
of the ravages

extent,

to the size of a farm, under

proportionate
systematicrotation of crops, will invariably

gorse,
a

gency,
to guard against this continfarmer
of
that without
any loss from waste
Gorse
as
is equallyproper for use at one

the

enable

pound

of sets to plant an acre.

sufficient number
for sowing gorse is the latter end of
The
season
March, the whole of April,and first week of May."
respectinggorge arc
Air. Roberts' statements
fullyborne out by the cxverienceof several Welsh
ations.
in his Recrefarmers, and also by Mr. Anderson
a

"

and
fodder.

its produce at two

yearly
years old, and
cuttingswill be found much upon a par with once
cutting for two years' growth, and %ncc rema.
of land,
Thus, supposinga farmer to rent (iO acres
at two

that out

and

to be
cultivation.

of

this there

should

brought under
These

10 acres,

be

10

acres

fitted
un-

regular system of
if under

gorse,

and

would afford the farmer a supply

that at one
year
green food for his stock,
100 to [."JOtons, and at
to from
old would amount
KiO to 280 tons, which, from
two
years old from
and habits of the plant, would not be
the nature
liable to failure or to be deteriorated by any
Though gorse will flourish
changes of weather.

properlymanaged,
of

or
of soils,rich or poor, wet
dry,
yet it delightsmost in dry steep shaly soils, such
formed by the debris from mountains, and
are
as
found in the steep sides of hills and valleysin all
On
districts.
cold, wet, and thin
mountainous

upon

all kinds

unfit to support any

soils which
appear almost
kind of vegetation,
gorse will flourish luxuriantly,
providedthe surface of the land be thrown up into
or top of the plant may
that the crown
is generallygrown
Gorse
be clear of the water.
alvanbroadcast, but drills will be found far more
be
tageous, as they will enable the young plantsto
of various kinds, which
kept free from weeds
the tender
to
seedlings.
prejudicial
prove very
to be
The
ground in which
gorsc is intended
be made
should
tolerablyclear before

ridges,so

grown,

sowing the seed, so as to give the young plantsa

fair start.
It is not advisable to cut gorsc the first

Mr.

The

Anderson,

food for cows," says

and ])2rhaps
seen,
be obtained in this climate,

winter

best

I have

"that

very best that can

is the bruised twigs of the common
called
or
whins, as it is differently

the

furze,

in the best

only kee])sthe cows

high health, and makes
not

food

condition

and

much

milk

yieldas

them

gorse,

this
; for

if they he
that milk
and the butter made from it
is of as fine a quality,
butter."
in taste as the best made summer
sweet
as
rent,
The
advantages of gorse cultivation are so appahas 30 or
who
that the sooner
every farmer,
sows
of bad
40 acres
ground in his possession,
the

asupou

kept

in due

eightor
other
will

ten

top of the grass

tem])erature as

of these

of crop
yielda return
kind

with

in summer,

heat,

to

What
gorse the better.
bad land that
on

he grow
of from
ten

can

but

to

fifteen tons

per

of valuable fodder at so little expense .' The

\l. per
than
best Dublin seed will not cost more
All the mamu-e
rcqviredis a top-dressing
acre.
the weeds.
of gravel,or coal ashes, to keep down
And let him have a bed of seedlingsin the garden
occasioned
to fill up blanks
by winter's frost or
summer's
drought. The cultivation of gorse is
acre

year becoming
England and Wales;

every

several

stock

farmers

move

and
have

general throughout
in

our

begun

own

to

country
sow

it in

placeson hill sides, for

clumps, in particular
I see
benefit of their sheep "luringa storm.

the
it

stated in the Carnarvon Herald, that in the winter

sold in the
of gorse were
of 183(5-7 largequantities
20/. to
at the rate of from
vicinityof Carnarvon
30/. per acre.
Farmer.
A Friend
the
to

The

FARMER'S

GRAIN,

FLOUR,

301

MAGAZINE.
AND

MEAL,

of Commons, dated February 12, 1S39, for au ACCOUNT

the House
Return to au OrJer of the Honourable
and of FLOUR
stated in Quarters, at the Rates and Proitorof each Descriptionof GRAIN,
MEAL,
or
tious adoptedby the Custom-house
Regulations which were
im|iortedinto Great Britain from Ireland,in
each year, from the 5th day of January,1800, to the 5th day of January, 1S39.

Cora

Years.

Wheat
Wheat

and
Flour.

ars.
749

ISOO.
1801..
1802..
1S03.

108,751
61,267

1804..

70,071

1805..
1806

84,087
102,276
44,900
43,497
66,944
126,388
147,245
158,352
217,154
225,478
189,544
121,631
55,481
105,179
153,850
403,407
569,700
463,004
400,068
356,384
396,018
314,851

of Irish Growth

cluding
Barky inOats aad
Beer

or

Bigg.

7"

1807..
1808..
isoa.
1810..
18U..
1812.,
1813..

1814..
1815..
1816..
1817..
1818.,
1819.,
1820.,
1S21.,
1S22.

1823.

1824.,
1825.,
1826.,

405,255

1827..
1828.
1829.,
1830.,
1831.
18.32.
1833.
18,34,

652,584
519,017
529,717
557,498
790,293
844,211
779,505
661,776
598,757
534,465
542,583

1S35.

1836.
1837,
1838.

Britain from

Ireland.

Rye.

Peas,

Beans.

Malt.

Total.

Qrs.

Qrs.

Clrs.

Qrs.

Qrs,
3,233

375

150

Oatmeal.

Qrs.
2,411

Qrs,

Great

Importedinto

7,116

341,151
266,359
240,022
203,302
357,077
389,649
579,974
845,783
492,741
275,757
390,629
691,498
564,010
597,537
683,714
611,117

12,879
2,521
15,656
3,327
23,048

30,586
16,619
8,321
2,713
43,138
63,560
16,779
27,108
62,254
26,766
25,387
20,311
87,095

44,699
154,256
64,885
67,791
84,204
97,140
189,745
185,409
123,639
101,767
217,855
156,242
184,156
187,473

156,467

753
206

1078

1,655
1,653
3,060

235

1631

2,010

330

1389

431

1390
75

2,361
3,777
2,065

573

611

38

425

4,081

173

51

789,613

5,008
4,455
5,731
6,371
5,934
2,275
4,768
3,904

916,251

8,396

207

425

43

239
12

3,541

977,164
812,462
821,192
873,865

695,651
1,204,7.33

967,680
1,415,722
1,8-22,816
1,063,089
1,528,153
1,6.34,000
2,203,962

4,959
7,235

1,629,856

5,,540
5,791
11,355

1,303,734
1,343,267
2.075,681
1,673,628
1,471,252
1,655,701
2,051,867
1,762,520
1,769,503
1,822,767
2,132,138
2,274,675
2,742,807

10,037
7,068
10,445
19,053
15,029
14,530
19,114
18,771
24,235
17,604
25,630
21,584

General's Office,
Custom-house,
Inspector
London, Feb. 26, 1839.

3.16,958
306,924
466,760
463,195
656,770
932,473
631,227
429,867
597,356

2,669

50

77
460

343,547

25

21

420

461,371

2,303

216

1,162,249
569,237
1,102,487
1,225,035

82,884

113

20

1,069,385

22,532
19,274

525
282

1,173
10,826
1,203

7,190

of

1,828,460
2,826,590
2,307,244
2,215,521
2,429,182
2,990,767
2,737,441
2,792,658
2,679,438
2,958,272
3,030,293
3,474,302

853

2,011
2,820
10,888
8,229
7,017
3,865
10,357

22,214
4,174
5,001

W.
General
Inspector

1,693,392

572

IRVINE,

Impartsand Exports.

all obstacles,
CALIFOENIA,"
in California, revolutions which hare removed
no
Tbeslieep
in all the other parts of Spani.sh amelioration of this breed has taken place. There are
America, are of a b"ul breed, and their wool of the
largeflocks of sheepin Chili ; immense numbers on
which abundantly
: the whole
to be exactl}^ the table lands of Mexico
seem
supply
very coarsest quality
with mutton; and myriads scattered over
of the same
kind. It is strange,that while in Spain the capital
the middle or southern republics,
all of which, as
tbe merinos
the finest woolled sheep in the world
of the same
have so long existed,an inferior breed,producing-well as those of California,
are
breed,
and their wool invariably
It
the coarsest wool, should have been carried to their
coarse.
exceedingly
colonies. Perhapsthe propagationof the merinos,
might be thoughtthat in the tropicalclimates,the
have
like the grape, was
in the
discouragedor prohibited
temperature and other circumstances
ma}Americas,in order,as was the policyof the mother
changedthe qualityof the fleeces ; but in Upper
with that
California the latitude nearlycorresponds
country, to givethe monopoly to the flocks of Esof Estremadura, and in some
ofCatalonin.
tremaiiura,
as well as to the vineyards
so ; yet
parts exactly
the quality
It is extraordinary,
of the wool is equallybad there as in the
should
one
however, that some
latitudes of Peru and Colombia.
not have introduced into any of those vast countries
The
eijuaiorial
abetter breed,even in the time of the SpanishgovernBritish settlements of New
Holland and Van Diement
men's Land correspond
with the latitudes of Chili
that since tbe
; and stillmore
extraordinary,
IN

SHEEP

as

well

as

"

"

-X 2

302

THE

and California.

It is

adaptedto

more

California ; and

to
impossible

the
if

breeders
hy iatelligent

ON

THE

conceive

MAGAZINE.
the exhalations from
fullysatisfiedon

try
coun-

the benefit would

OF

MANGEL

I have

stirred earth.

newly

la
point from jiractice.
ed
southern
our
dry and earlyclimates,the land intendfor cabbages, potatoes and beet, may be partly
preparedin autumn, if not whollyso, and drilled up
and the manure
applied. A loss might be sustained
from a wastingof the manure,
and if the plantswere
inserted before winter they might be destroyed
by
been

of sheep than Upbreeding;'

per
j^ood kind were introduced

CULTIVATION
AND

FARMER'S

lable.
be incalcu-

CABBAGES

and

game

other vermin.

of the land

WURZEL.

this

be of

must

But

it is

stifBsIisoils

generalcomplaint that these

got readyin the springin due

(original.)

preparation
previous

greatadvantage,as
A

time.

cannot

very
be

late climate

would at once
precludesuch an attempt ; but in our
"
The cabbagebelongsto the genus
drier latitudes it must
be very advisable,and is at
of
Brassica,"
"
class and order
cultivators.
TetradynanicaSiliquosa,"of present practisedby some few spirited
Linn"TUs, and to the order " Cruciforma;,"of Sowinq- of cabbao'e seed on the drills in the manner
the natural system of Jussieu.
of turnipshas been spoken of,but not established.
The
drumheaded
An
is now
rariety
ful
prevailsagainstthe cultivation of
acknowledged to be the most useobjection
as
a
field plant,not onlyfrom its hard}'nature
cabbagesfrom an opinionthat theyexhaust the land,
and steadiness of
its
and requiremuch
extra
solid
growth, but from
encouragement, and that they
form
resistingthe etiects of cHmate, givea taste to the milk and butter. In the latter case,
compact
and
affordinggreater bulk and weight per acre.
theyma)' be given to young cattle,and sheep,and
Some varieties called
when
ence
Brocoli,"may be cultivated, pigs; but even
given to milch cows, experiand may
be as nutritious but though they may
has fuUv proved that if the decayedblades be
stand closer in the drills owing to their taller and
municated.
removed, no taste whatever will be comcarefully
more
They require clays and strong loams,
open form, bulk is wanting and consequently
the produce is very inferior in value.
The plants but I have raised very fair crops on indifferent soils,
nips,
raised in beds from seed sown
are
in autumn,
and
with no more
encouragement than was givento turand
are
found them more
valuable than a medium
readyfor plantingn the field in the month of
"

"

May following.Cabbages are

strongloamyclaysthat

are

too

most

productiveon

stiff for

and
turnips,

the farmer consequently

may
possesses plants suited to
different soils if he allow himself to take advantage
of them.
The land intended to be plantedwith cabbages
is prepared like turnip lands, ploughed in
harrowed, and
autumn, and in the springploughed,
rolled and cleaned, and then drilled at intervals of

belaid

in

chosen for planting,

as wet
as the planters
can
and filling
up of blanks from dead plantsmust
to.

is in

So

soon

suitably
dry

weeds
state, the
as

stand,
be attended

customary

in October

to

Is

speciesof the

pullthe outside blades,which

Beta,"of class

"

genus

and

order

mily
Digynia,"of Linnmus, and of the faof the natural system. It is
Chenopodea3,"
"Beta
by different botanists,
bybridavulgaris,

Peutandria
"

and the land

plough drawn
during the season

givento young cattle. The late Mr.

and had a
cabbagesextensively,
of depositing
the manure
beneath

ex-

WURZEL,

named
and alba-rubens,"thought to be
from

white
asd
has been
not

any

feeding.

MANGEL

appear,
small

horse is set to work, and

one
continues to plough the intervals, the scufllinoplough providedwith knives beingin most cases too
lightfor the stiffnessof the soils. The hoers pass
small weeds, loosen the earth,
cut
alongthe drills,
and set the plantsto right. If the land be wet, the
double-mould
board ploughmay be requiredto draw
furrows
to keep the land in a drier state
; in other
it may not be necessary.
cases
In some
placesit is

by

pitsand

of winter

season

"

see

potatoes. Cabbages
siderable
thatched,and kept for a con-

visable
time, though generallyspo-akingit is adthem
to use
during the earlier part of the

inches,and
thirt}'

the manure
in the usual
deposited
The plantsare dibbled on the drills at about
way.
18 inches distance,
after beingfor a time immersed
in water
Moist
weather should be
by tlie roots.

could

crop of the latter,and I never

liaustionof the land from them or

the

inside with
a

yet established.

troduced
biennial,and inred

variety,
tapering

vated,
cultistreaks, is now
variety, Beta raposa,"
"

the

Beet

the

red

turniprooted

tried,but
lately

clayeyloams, and

The

continent.

land

advantages,if anj',are
root
delightsin moist

is

drilled,and
prepared,

turnips,and the
the top of the drills by a machine, or
seed sown
on
ches,
dibbled by hand at the distance of six or eightin-

manured

to

similar

allow

to

potatoes and

for failures of the seed and destruction

roK
of sowing immediate

by vermin. In either method

to secure
lingis indispensable

againstdroughtand

to

Curwen
tivated prevent evaporation. The
culscarifying
ploughworks
different method
the intervals,
and wlien the plantsare
about three or
each plantin
four inches in height,the hoers thin tliem out at the
a square
hole at the intersection of straightlines
distance of a foot or sixteen
weeds
inches, cutting
drawn lengthwise and across
the field,
to allow the
and loosening
the earth all round, and these processes
scarifying
ploughsto work in both directions. This
are
Earthing up is
repeatedso longas necessary.
planis attended with more trouble,
and no advantage not used
from
the encouragement
it gives to the
was
to result from it.
The drill of 30 inches
seen
shootingof lateral fibres. In October the crop will
when rolled down differs littlefrom the flatmethod
be fitto be raised,which is performedby cuttingoft'
of planting
in
in cases
of wet
every third furrow
top and roots, and cartingthem in a dry state to a
soils it is preferable
in keepingthe manure
and
outpit where theyare piled up with the crowns
and in affording
plantsdrier,
of drawan
ing
opportunity
M-ards, and covered with straw and earth sufficient
furrows by earthingup.
An erroneous
In this manner
opinion to protect thorn from frost.
they
is generally
entertained that it is hurtful to ])lougli
may be keptsound and good all throughwinter to the
the intervals of drillsin dry weather, and to
latest periodof feeding
in April. The
expose
tops are given
the soil to drought; but physiologists
have determined
to
cattle in a grass or stubble field,
cows
or young
that jdants,
and especially
brond leaved escuand to pigs in their yards. The seed requiredmay
lents,
derive much]nourishmentfrom the atmosphere, be about 3 lbs.
tion
per acre, and the expense of cultivaand consequently
theymust be much benefitedby
about 7/. exclusive of rent and taxes, and
are

"

cabbagesabout the
We

read

root

or

but

in

the

add

may
on

bages
being obtained of cabof
but the utility
cases,
particular

the

useless

to our

of them, not
rabbits relishingthe

"

much
to devour
so
as
i"lant
them
as soon
as planted. This
plant may be more
and coarser
fibrous and stringy,
than our cultivated
the eflects
in resisting
green crops, but its durability

but what

be

must

the results of
chemical analysis,in tryingto ascertain the feeding
of nutritious
value of these crops from the quantity
matter
contain, for no two animals of the same
thisy
breed
will advance
equallyon the same
age and
quantityof food of any kind, nor will we find an
equalweight of ar.y kind of food to contain an equal
quantityof nutritious matter. But we know that some
kinds are more
fatteningthan others,and in rather
that is
smaller quantities,
and the greaterthe quantity
raised of any kind suitable to 'the soil and climate,
of animal and vegetable
the greater is the quantity
of land. It is an
food raised from a given quantity
endless attempt, in fact it is impossible,
to estimate
the farm
the value of these crops when consumed
on
the benefit to the land is great from the manuring,
workine: and cleaaino- it receives, and extends over
tlie whole
rotation of subsequentcropping,
and even
into the next fallowing
; for land that has been once
treated never
requiresso mach labour to be
properly
againbestowed upon it. The value of the manure
obtained from cattle eating these crops in proper
yards,and from sheep eatingthem on lightlands,
be

for
subject,

and

for

March

ON

any

established value

to

1, 1839.

rabi

on

time;

and
lighter
and

with

heavier

all these

I believe

Sir,
"

that it is

admitted,
a fact generally
of human
to exceed
ability
tinct
nature, by unitingtwo dis-

it to be

beyond the

reach

tho limits prescribed

by
animals, and thereby
speciesof aboiiginal
ducing
proI
a factitious one,
capableof reproduction.
because on this capability
alone
say of re[)roduction,
does the weightof my argument repose, considering
it the only criterion by which actual proofcan be
established.
satisfactorily
of the
all admit that the great Author
We
must
ing
Universe in his unspeakablemercy and condescendof his favoured
the wishes
goodness to gratify
has permitted
him to indulge
created being Man
his desires, or to carry his researches so far as to
allow the breed of a factitious or hybridanimal by
to
one
cross, but here I contend and shall endeavour
far shalt thou go,
Thus
prove, the bar is fixed,
but no further,"this is the extreme
limit,the nephis

soils,

roots

MULE-BRED

OR

FACTITIOUS,

ANIMALS.

the

Kohl

this

agricultural,

the

with

we
may
bulrush

forms in our present

art, the foundation,the very life
soul of farming. The farmer has got white and
and cabbages on lightand stiffishlands
turnips,
and beet on
earlyfeeding; he has got Swedes
best loams
that may be used at any season
; and

feedingat

it is

pose
an
equal chance of success, opor
the flowingtide,as set reason
in opposition
their own
or even
eyesight,
experience,
J. I^.
to their prejudices.

world,

hardlybe calculated, and

potatoes and

present ideas of

witli the

placedon

"

red
for
the

bought at a priceit will repay. But

multiplywords and occupy space on

dependencecan

knowledge of

to

thing

1 every

without expense

be done

can

be

must

great recommendation, nnd on

and greatly
strong soils it must be a useful substitute,
food.
to havingno
roots at all for winter
preferable

can

course
ordinary

esculents that may be raised

I never
could get a crop
stift'
for turnips.
one
even
plantin the field, hares and

soils too

Little

it will

that

seems

their confinement.

niore

has
same
pinfold,
ignorance
keeps the key; and it
prejudice
somethingdifferent from
require
them from
to move
of proceeding
no
doubt,
Expense is required,

in the

up

plantdoes not consist in isolated cases,

sumption.
quantity that is raised for generalconThe Kohl rnbi or
turniprooted cabbage,

one

of climate

shut

theyare

fixed the lock and

of great crops
beet in

and

any

Potatoes will be about 2/.

same.

tlie value of the seed.

owing to

more,

303

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

of

"

"

"

ultra, t\n-unerringdictum
whose
tribunal there is
be
theories must
human
dust

the

on

balance,

of the

great

"

and
appeal,

no

compared

for here

to

am,"

from

which

all

to the

small
it is evident that the
its pre-eminence by
as

maintains
the infallible obstacle of rendering the produce
sterile.
JMy first remarks shall be on tl"e domestic Mule,
in every part of the kingdom,
animal
well known
an
though I doubt whether its usefulness i* so duly appreciated
do emjiloy
it merits, though those who
as

superruline;
power

valuable
One
thetn estimate their value.
property
rality
greatestadvantage,the favours and bounties of propossess, not observable in the genevidence.they peculiarly
be
On
of mongrel breeds, which is that they far exceed
quantitythe dej)endencemust
of either of their parents,
the natural longevity
be, if a sufliplaced; for -.vhatever the quality
may
cient quantitybe not raised to produce an effect,
of both ; if wo
no
compute the age of the
frequently
it

onlj^remains

to

use

to

the

horse to be 35, and the ass 10 : many instances have

comprehensive benefit will be derived
to see the rich loams and clays been
attested where the mule has attained the age
pitiful
in particular,
of England capableof producing
at the iron
these crops in great of 70 and upwards, one
three or
works
at Colebrook-dale, where there were
perfpction,
lyingin many placesin a state of nature,
to have been
producing vieeds, which are cut and made into hay, four known
employed on the works
and we
ing
upwardsof 60 years. This I was assured by one of
may expect that our modern system of drainwill add considerablyto our
soils for green
the proprietors. Another valuable
qualityis that
Our farmers startle at the expense of green
they are loss liable to disease, and capableof much
crops.

generalor

from it.

It is

and

calculate whether the increase of

never
the end of rotation will not repay that expense,
making allowance for the improvedstate of
think they exhaust the soil,while
land, some

crops,

produceat
the

theydo

"

not

scrupleto

sow

the
succession, scuffling

two

or

three white

crops

in

land

the crops,
between
encouragingthe growth of weeds instead of
evidently
be effected at that
can
checkingthem, for no cleaning
of the
however, are not
year. Our cultivators,
of the benefit
convinced, even by alongpractice,
of the alternate system
old turf and hay thev must

season

to be

"

and experience. Farmers

continue in spite
of reason
and landowners
obstinate oa this point,
are
equally

more

bodilyexertion

ass, and

than

either

the

being nearlyas abstemious

liorse

as

or

the

the ass, it is

of much greater value than either of them

Of their capability
power is wanted with economj".
I beg to adduce
of enduring bodilyf\itigue,
that have fallen
instances out of the numbers
a few
and Banks employ
under my
notice : IMessrs. .Toliffe
of English bred mules to draw
two
or three teams
their lime from JMeastram, in Surrey, into London,

reckoned
where

distance

that

cannot

be

computed at

less

(taking

where
of the places
theyunload) than
22 miles, which is 44 miles
a-day,as theygo six
o'clock Monturns in the week, commencing at one

the average

FARMER'S

THE

of acres
of old tillage laud
the like extent of old pasture
laud broken up, au additional supply of not less than
would thereby
four millions stones of beef and mutton
alternate
into the market ; in short, were
be thrown
husbandry generallyexercised in Britain,two millions
If two

ping.

millions

305

Weekly

Weeks

rage.

ended.

peoplemight

Yrs.

s,

d.

58

10

65

74
72

70
69
71
68
66
6S

....

August
September
.

with the most

perniciouseffects to the publichealth,
lion
milOne
destructive to the publicinterest.
and most
from the
of the youth ought to be at once
drawn
and planted
towns, and villages,
over-pnpulous,cities,
of
the soil as apprentices,to be taught the art
on
artu
the mechanic
per
necessary to a proThey would then make
system of rural economy.
line settlers to send as emigrants. I cannot close this
joining
subjectwithout stronglyurging the advantagesof convient
live stock and corn, and making them subserverted
to each other.
Were
the old pasture lands con-

4th
2d October
6th November

4th December

Janu.iry
February
.

5th March
2d April

....

7th May
4th June
2d July
6th August
3d September
1st October
....

into

immense
quantityof manures
would
therebybe furnished for enriching the poorer
fields before
soils,and for amelioratingthe old tillage
when
they are laid down with grass seeds,particularly
earth. Every three
composted with lime, salt,and new
of old grass land broken up would furni?h dung
acres

tillagean

for one
acre
a-year, consequently,the ploughing up of
of
would return dung for 330,000 acres
a million acres
land per annum,
for three years.
barren or unproductive
of compostingthe whole of the
Afterwards,by means
that is laid on, an additional increase of two
manure
of green crops
quarters of grain per acre, and more
thus
might reasonablybe expected from the manure
afforded ; while the originalstock of compost, like
vested at compound interest,would
money
and increase from year to year, till the
improved to the greatest degree,which
would permit.

5th November
3d December
1S31

7th January.

4th February
4th March
,,

1st April
6th May
3d June

,.

1st July
5th August
2d September
7 th October

accumulate

country was
cumstances
physicalcir-

OF

4th November
2d December
lS32 6th January..
3d February.
2d March
6th April

WHEAT.

4th

followingdocuments

Parliament

were

May

1st June
6th July

latelypresentedto

"

each
30th

Year,

commencing

Price
Ist

of Wheat

October,

1828,

for
to

October,

and of the

1838,
each
from
case
Statement
of
of the Weekly
Average
Price
struck on or nearest after the First Day of
Wheat,
each Calender
Month, since the passing of the Act
9 Geo. IV., c. 60, down
to the present time.

Average

Price

of

Wheat

for

each

Year.

tember
Sep-

Year

30,. 1829

ended

tember
Sep-

30. .1835

1831

1837

1832

1838

1831

42

From

Oct. l, 1838,
to Feb. 15, 1839

4
U

39

iO

39
38

9
6

39

40

43

39
37
36
36

1836 1st January,. 36

5th February
39
4th March
44

Apiil

46

47

11

49

50

50

56

59

11

65

2d October

66

65
68

11

6th November
4th December

74

11

66

62

62

65

....

May

1st

....

,,

,,

3d

July
7th August

September

4th

7
9

1st

....

6th May
3d June

68

1st

73

5 th

72
72
70

2d

July
August

September

7th October
4th November
2d December

April

7th

5th May
2d June

7th July

51

59

59

57

55

11

55

11

55

10

56
56
60
56

11

4th

August

1st

September

59

: 62

6lh October..
3d November

51

1st December

52

48

58

47

1837 6tb January,,

3d February
3d M arch

55

1838

5th January
2d February.
2d March
,

6th
4th

April
May

55

58

60
63

63
69

11

70

64

,,,,

53

6th July
3d August.

52

7th

Sth April
,3d May
7th June
5th July
2d August.
6th September

53

10

53

52

10

54

56

55

4th October..
1st November
6th December

52

10

51

7
8

.,,.

September

5th October
2d November
7th December
1839 4th
1st

52
55

49

52

44

59

January..
;lstFebruary

11

48

55

48

54

10

41

57

..

46

40

,,.

1833 2d January
6th February
6th March
3d April

53

48

41

.,

42

55

|54

March

60

i 1st

47

..

3(1August
j63
7th September 58

4th

48

1st June
1833

11

January
February

75

SO

77

of Corn Returns,
Office of Comptroller
Board
of Trade, 27th Feb., 1839.
WILLIAM
JACOB,
of Corn
Comptroller

69

1836

1830

1833

5th
3d October
7th November
5 th December

10

I 63

ended

July
August
September
.

..j61

..

....

Year

1st

,,..

48

...

5th October,.
2d November
7th December

the

Average from 1st

to the present time, calculated
in
the Weekly Averages ; and
also

September, 1838,

4th

d.

49

59

of the Average

Account

An

11

64
61
61
61

66
65

PRICES

January

4th April
2d May
6th June

66

AVERAGE

3d

5th June
1830 1st
5th

rage,

ended.

7th February
7th March

75
74
66

"

farming, and

AveWeeks

s,

1834

61

hundred
to supply one
of millions of people, 1829 2d January
lords
however
chimerical it may
6th February
appear in the eyes of landand farmers.
I will appeal to the Jews while
6th March
under
the
under
the theocracy ; the Romans
while
3d April
and to the county of East Lothian, in
Commonwealth,
1st May
Scotland,as a proof of the correct view I have taken
5th June
of the subject. Three-fourths
of the soil is worn
out,
3d July
followed is attended
and the exclusive system generally
7th

The

Wheat.

of

AveYrs.

he advantageously
ing
employedin bring1828 Ist August
the soil to a proper state of cultivation ; and have
5th September
that
of
the
called
into
are
the resource
action,
3d October
country
scattered over
the kingdoms of England and Scotland,
7th November
and particularly
calculated to
Ireland, so adm.irably
5th December
tained
Provisiens
soil,
rectifythe worn-out
might be obof

Price

Average

down, and

sown

were

MAGAZINE,

Returns.

THE

306
HOEING
(from the

FARMER'S

days,the

WHEAT.

transactions

of

society

the

MAGAZINE.

of

arts.)

about
It

two

coronal

quarter of

an

roots had

protruded
laterally

inch.

that

this pipe of
nature, by affoi-ding
between
the coronal and seminal
roots, clearlyintended them
to perform difi'erent
offices; the lower set nourishingthe plant from
drawn from below, the upper ones
sources
from
the influences of the atmosphere, hoeings, or topbeautiful and interesting
more
dressings. What
provisioncan be found for the healthysupport of a
seems

communication

Tlie Thanks

voted to Colonel
of the Societywere
for the
Couteur,of the Island of Jersey,
Wheat.
on
followinrj
Hoeing
paper
J. Le

In

small

work

published by

"

me,

On

the

and Classification of Wheat,"

Varieties,Properties,
I state that it is of paramount
importance, in
order

obtain

to

the

of

largestamount

produce,

that the seed should

sort

be pure ; that is to say, of one

and
a uniform
variety,in order to secure

or

perfect state of ripeness; for I have distinctly

established,that the proper portion of farina, or
be obtained from a crop containing
meal, cannot
a

vast

of sorts
variety

where

"

some,

reaping, which the farmer

largestportionbeing ripe,may
of

still less so, and

Under
such

some

even

at the moment

judges of from the

be half ripe,some

in

green

state.

circumstances, it is impossibleto
will be
corn
expect that most
ripened, or the
largest
portionof flour obtaiHed from such corn,
that
or
bread.
I
be

am

it will afford
aware

of the

ripe in order
this appliesequallyto
over

the

greatest

quantityof

fact,that wheat should not

to produce most
meal, but

plant,so necessary
coronal

a
pure crop ; indeed more
obtained from such than from
that is indiscriminately
mixed.
one
This principlebeing admitted,I wish to bring
forward some
further observations,
which the experience
of two additional years has afforded me,
the roots have
the proper
to
for
moment
relatingparticularly
the plants have
hoeing wheat.

so,

as

more

will be

I trust that circumstances,which

may appear
trivial at firstsight,may
be tedious to listen
not
to ; but I trulybelieve that the ])roper cultivation
of wheat is yet little understood, and I feel that
advance
should be developed and promulevery
gated
in order to promote
as
speedilyas possible,
the blessingsderived from agriculture,
and to extend

who
could keep
knowledge : indeed, one
secret any advantages proceeding from it,would
littledeserve either the inestimable blessingsconferred
by a graciousprovidence,or its protecting

the

?
very existence of man
in
to shoot laterally
eighty days after the plant has appeared
above
it being impossible
ground in ordinary seasons,
to fix a precise time, as
allowance must
be made
for climate and seasons.
If these coronal
roots, on emerging to perform their office,find
themselves in a hard dry soil,surrounded
by the
of millions of weeds ; that the leaves by
roots
which the plant breathes are
overwhelmed
by a
of enemies
in the
multitude
form
of weeds
of
deprivethe young and
every description,which
tender plantsof the ])ure atmosphere they should
inhale, and probablyimpart to it themselves gases
of qualities
noxious
to the wheat ; it necessarily
thrive as it should
follows,that the plant cannot
do, and that it must be checked at this periodof
its growth. Now, this is the precisefact. Let any
observant person look to his wheat at this period;
let him take up some
of the plants carefully,
he
will perceivethese coronal roots; let him observe
further, he will,as the weeds advance, see his
crop changing from a healthygreen to a yellow
when
sickly colour, which it may only recover
The
about

to

roots

begin

gainedstrength,and, in
got the

better

some

cases,

of the

weeds; in
mastery of the

will get the

others, the weeds
coronal roots, and the return may be a half crop,
if not less.
I have experienced this myself ; but
what
is the contrary case ? If,at the period that
these coronal roots
are
just to emerge,
a
deep,
careful,and rapidhoeing be given them, the whole
of their enemies, the weeds, are
checked
the
shoot into a soil recentlystirred for their reroots
ception
"

the

plants revel in a pure atmosphere

freely,besides possessing the undivided
enjoyment of dews, refreshingshowers,
and the influences of light. The same
hand
observer
It has not been
unusual to hear intelligent will perceivethe sudden and extraordinarychange
farmers
object to hoeing wheat, because they that will soon take place; the plantswill lose their
found
that it injuredthe growth of the plants; an
aicklyhue, and they will rapidly expand, or trail
along the ground.
objectionperfectly
correct, as long as they worked
without a proper knowledge of the mode
of growth
By looking to plant 3, it will be seen that, at the
of wheat;
for they frequentlydid, and do still, end of 114 days, the coronal roots will have made
greatlyinjurethe crop by injudicioushoeing.
considerable progress ; and that, in a fortnight
There are two
to wheat, and theresets of roots
fore
they appear greatly developed,as in plant
more,
this grain should be sown
at a depth sufficient
I will here call your attention to the fact,
4.
that,
which
1 hold to be distinct,
to separate their offices,
the pipe of communithe plantsbegin to tiller,
as
cation
A
at a
grain of wheat, sown
would appear to lessen in volume, dwindling,
depth of three
inches, that which I adopt,usually appears above
into a mere
in the end, as it were,
thread ; the
teen
coronal roots, also, begin to develope themselves
ground, in ordinary favourable seasons, in ninein a greater degree than the seminal roots.
I condays.
sider
ted,
exhibiI have
By observingthe dried specimens now
the importance of exdemonstrated
amining
that No. 1, sown
it will be seen
at the above
a few
plants,in order to watch for the
depth on the 23rd of January, was, on the 25tliof proper period for the first hoeing. To press it
pendingfurther,
April or at the end of ninety-twodays, still deit may,
however, be added, that though
its lower
terminal roots for supon
or
wheat, in ordinary favourable seasons, is from
port
not yet put forth the upper or coronal
: it had
to nineteen days in appearing,from
seventeen
the
roots ; but a small dark ring indicates the point
period of sowing this season, owing to extreme
from
which
they would have protruded, about
of my
before
coldness, some
wheat, sown
a week
inch below the surface.
one
This small jointbetween Christmas,
was
forty-fivedays in the ground
the two sets of roots
is named
the pipe of
before it appeared,although it had been regularly
On the 4th of May, specimen
communication.
pickled and soaked : it is proper to add, it was
No. 2 will show you that, in one hundred
and two
seed I obtained from England, and might have
"

and

breathe

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

307

T)een two

years

cei\ e

its

in

developed themselves.
The
produce, in this

old,which would have retarded

land is in a
slightdegree. Where
foul state, a second
hoeing is important; bat this,
it is considered, should be exceedingly lightand
superficial,
merely to skim off any weeds that may
have
have sprung
escaped the first
up since, or
hoeing,in order not to cut or disturb the coronal
roots which, at the end of 144 days (Specimen 5),

bushels per acre

that
the grain did not
; but
suffer here is proof, by the beautiful sample, I
of the varietyTalavera Belvuatln.
venture
to call it,
I am
inclined to think it to be faultypracticeat
best to sow
grass seeds of any description
among

will have

wheats,

whether

nourishment

growth

the drills,
extended
themselves
across
nine
inches.
The
hoe used
of seven
or
for this purpose is of my own
construction ; it is
in the form
of a stirrup,
the sides being rounded
off in order to guide the workman
in making his
the round
strokes rapidly: for, by this means,
side may rub along the wheat without
injuringit,

and

the

blade
is both

narrow,

soil,and

no

shape, and as
strong and cutting,accumulating
meeting with littleresistance ; it is a
being of

razor

pleasantandefficient instrument.

check

at the

which
the

period when

appear
soil can

case,

to

me

was

to

the grass seeds

onlythirty-five

require all the

afford them.

am

secuting
pro-

experiment accuratelyto ascertain the

truth of this,which, if this
paper has not proved
I may
hereafter have the honour of
uninteresting,
reportingto you.
By referringto Specimen No. 7 it will be seen
that the grainhaving been
or
grown
superficially,
the broad-cast system, by a neighbour, and
on
harrowed
in,the coronal and seminal
merely lightly
crowded
roots
appear
together,so, as it is presumed,
in some
to identify
sort their offices,
which,
by the other mode, appear to be kept separate.
This is a subjectfor further inquiry,as no positive
an

If the workman
weeds
untrodden
to wither
hoe four drills at
can
rapidly. A man
each pace
the land is
conveniently; and, where
not
in a day. 1
conclusion has been
arrived at; but as far as the
foul, he should hoe halt an acre
to be a guide,it would
frequently
get the work done at so much
per drill, structure of the plant seems
after having ascertained the time requiredto hoe
be clear that in certain
to
and
appear
seasons,
the first four drills,so
that
under
of
a
just quantum
peculiar states of the atmosphere, this
labour can
be exacted,and the labourer earn
more
crowding of the roots must prove prejudicial.The
or
less, according to his industry. By walking observation is made in order to invite attention to
forward the labourer will execute
this point,in the hope that some
more
work, but
inquiringmind
he then treads
down
the weeds
into the freshly will be led to make
experiments on the subject.
stirred soil, which is also thereby considerably
the table, amounting
In the collection now
on
consolidated.
260
is also
This descriptionof hoe
to about
varieties, or subvarieties,
is a fine
I received from
forall sorts of drilled crops,
selection of wheats, which
Mr.
stronglyrecommended
it enables
from
as
to scoop out a weed
a workman
Loudon, which I greatlyvalue, as coming from an
curringindividual so
the edge of an onion, or other
unwearied
and so
plant,without infor
distinguished
the risk of cuttingit, an
inconvenience
his admirable
labours.
They were
by M.
grown
Vilmorin of Paris, and presented by him
to JMr.
constantlyattendingthe use of ordinaryDutch or
other hoes, if used rapidly.
Loudon
illustrative of
classification,
a
; and, as
soils requiring much
On poor
the varieties described in the " Maison
an
manure,
plication
apRustique,"
of diluted, recent
will be
invaluable.
I grew
sort
are
last year.
liquidmanure,
every
found
highlybeneficial just after the first hoeing, Some have greatlyincreased in size,being eight
the
of
shoots
will absorb a due share
and nine inches long, two or three inches longer
as
young
nourishment
from
than their original
it,while, by the destruction of
weather
types ; but the moist
the weeds, the roots
will afford
of most of them
which
at the
period of ripening,discoloured
i)revailed
additional food for tlie wheat plants.
to destroytheir beauty,
them
as
so much
For the same
that it is proper to free the
and almost their resemblance
to the parent.
reason
the coronal
J. LE
roots
COUTEUR.
young plants from weeds when
begin to shoot, I hold it to be a doubtful practice,
then, to sow
grass seeds.

steps backwards,

he

leaves the

"

If the ensuing fortnightbe mild and moist, the

clovers and grasses
will have
put forth
millions of mouths,
leaves, which
are
so
many
young

breathing the atmosphere at the expense

wheat
plants, besides taking from them

of the

much

nutriment.
farm
remarkable
instance of this on my
last season.
A fieldof wheat
was
lookingbeautiful
after its firsthoeing, I had sown
a largeportionof
artificial grasses
over
it, imagining the coronal
I had

would

them
night
gain ground over
; but a fortwrought a sad change
genialweather
the
littlegrasses
came
on
charmingly, but the
changed into a
yellow and settled
poor wheat
recovered
never
itself; the
melancholy,'' and
that the sample
ground had been so well manured
proved fine,but the crop did not reach above
twenty-sixbushels per acre, where I should have

roois

of

"

"

obtained

and
forty,

the

straw

was

shorn

of half its

result

Society,the sliow beiag the largest which has

of the excellent
yet taken place: and in consequence
qualityof the seeds, the juilgeshad very considerable
in deciding
which were
the premiumsi,
ed
awarddifficulty
follow

as

1.

For

"

different by sowing the grass

seeds
I tried in
second
at the
hoeing, which
another
additional
or three weeks'
field,a fortnight
growth having enabled the coronal roots to take a
firm hold of the soil j nor did the crop appear to rewas

10

"

qrs. of best

to
seed-barley
(Chevalier),

Mr. Brnadwood, Thur^tonraains.

2.

"

Hume,
3.

"

For 10 qrs. best do. of any other variety,

to Mr.
Westbarns.
For 10 qrs. best seed potato oats,to Mr. Brodie,

Linplum.
4.

For

"

10 qrs. best

seed

Aagus oats, to Mr. Ker,

Howmuir.
5.

For 10 qrs. best

"

seed

earlyAngus oats, to Mr.

Brown, Halls.
10 qrs. best seed
Hopetoun oats, to Mr.
GuUade.
7. For 10 qrs. best aad cleanest pereanial
rye-grass
dington.
(excludingPace's seed),to Mr. Roughhead, Had-

For

6.
"

length.
The

HADDINGTON."
There
fine show of
was
a very
seed-corn
and rye-grass
in Haddington, for the premiums
offered by the United
East-Lothian
tural
Agricul-

Hamilton,
"

8.

and

"

For

10 qrs. of

do. Italian do.,to Messrs. Banks

Son,Haddington.

FARMER'S

THE

308

MAGAZINE.

tween
becomparativelyslow growth. In the meadows
which
are irrigated
Edinburgh and Portobello,
GRASS.
RYE
by the town sewers, itsucceeds well, and raateiially
by merely
occasionally
improves the crop if resown
EXPRESS.
THE
LANE
OF
TUR
MARK
EDITOR
TO
scatteringits seed thinly over tlie wet turf; but it
when
stagnant
always presents a sickly
appearance
on
warded water
time since to liave forand therefore should not be sown
prevails,
Sir, We intended some
the following;
remarks, in replyto "Queries lands with retentive subsoils which have not previously
been well drained.
vvbicli appeared in
Italian Rye-grass,"
respectingWe
28th Jan.,but on seeingtlie subject
that ]\Ir. Thos. Bishop,at Meththe
of
may mention
your ])aper
in the number
ven
Castle,Perthshire, has recentlyobtained a premium
correspondents
so ablv treated by two
from the Highland and AgriculturalSociety
not troubling
i'or Fel). 'iCnh. we
at first resolved on
of Scotland,for a report of the growth of Italian
have since been induced
to forward
you further,but
should
and crimson clover, as a substitute for
thorn for your consideration and
publication,
Rye-grass,
understand will
be deemed
of
tares in summer
feeding,which we
any additional information theycontain
ciety's
of the Sobe publishedin a furtliercoming number
sufficientimportance.
witli
Mr. Bislioi)'s
transactions : having seen
in spring
The
Italian Rye-grassmay be sown
crops
for the past two
bear testimonyto
with
as
we
can
seasons
or other grain,
a crop of
practised
barley,
which were
the successful results of his experiments,
either with, or
common
rye-grass. It may be sown

ANSWERS

TO

ITALIAN

ON

QUERIES

"

of clover-seed ; the former is the

a mixture
the weightof produce
as
commendable
practice,
alone, and the
will be much
greater, than if sown
vigorous habits of the Italian Rye-grass is by no
to the growth of the young clovers.
means
prejudicial
'I'iiere is no danger of its getting up so high as to
favourable
injurea crop of barley under ordinarily
without

most

circumstances;
in"- from
than

on

Rye-grasswill
under

however

check when,
excessive rain, or

barleyreceive

be rather

inferior
or

soils,and

otherwise,

more

if the

shortlyafter, braird-

liable to

the

Italian

preponderate,

Rye-giassand clover ; which

crop of common
these circumstances not
overgrows
unfrequently
both

described

duration may be
nual"
beinglonger than what is termed "an-

barley and

as

oats.

Its

manent,
(common) rye-grass ; but certainlyless pervarieties of Lolium
then the most
perennial
ennial.
varyingfrom biennial to triperenne ; or generally
of recommendingits
We
in the practice
are
Clbs. per acre, in all
it
mixtures
of grass seed for permanent pasture, as
increases the
is highlyrelished by cattle,
materially
to the extent

introduction

of 4

or

hulk of produce in the first two seasons,

and as the
plantsof Italian Rye-grassdie out, they are replaced

by the more

grasses in the mixtures, whicii

slower at lirst. It it not well adapted

erly
soil with a northfor permanent pasture,
and although at the first cuttingmany
parts of the
field crop
37, averaged 4 to 5 feet in height,the
clovers,and perennialgrasses suffered no apparent
young
conducted

on

exposure,

an

improvedmoorish
down

sown

injury from

being

overgrown,

but

on

the

vigorouslylast spring,
contrary came
away more
with a corn
than if tiieyhad been sown
crop ; which
fects
efthe
less
be
accounted
for
impoverishing
by
may
the Italian Rye-grass,a green crop had ujion
with the
the soil than a ^vhite or corn
crop, combined
green
superiorprotectionafforded by its remaining
throughout the winter,and being always in
state, when

the weather
We

are,

ing
grow-

is free from frost.

Sir,

Your very obedient servants,

LAWSON
" SON.
PETER
Seedsmen
to the
Highland and Agricultural
Society

of Scotland,

8th Maich,1839.
Edinburgh,

HOLLOW

DRAINING."

The

prizes
givenby tlie

permanent

Peterboroug-hAgriculturalSociety,for hollow draining,

come
and ditciiing-,
contested for on
the Ciii
away much
were
hedging',
either
from
lor hay or pasture, as
for sowing alone,
ultimo, OH pasture land on the farm of JMr. Deacon, at
which suits itfor a nurse
13 candidates appeared, at nine
its uprighthabits of growtii,
Standground, when
and 8 for hedg-braird, o'clock,to compete for under- draining-,
to clovers and grasses of comparativelyweak
Mr. Wilders, of
ing and ditching. The judgeswere
it is not calculated to form a good turf,but should in
; and
with
its Cliesterlon; IMr. W, E. GriHin, of Werriiigton
all cases
bo mixed
at least nearly double
]Mr. Cave, of Warmington,
The
method
of underquantity
"weightof perennialrye-grass seeds, which
from
exhibited by four men
draining-,
jMelchbourne,
of plants,that
will produce about an equalnumber
Risely,and Titchmar.".li
,inthe employ of Lord St. John,
and
habits of growth
more
by their dwarfer,
spreading
in
witii
this
the
m
et
neighbouriiood,)
approbation
(new
will form a close under-ciop.
of tlienumerous
width of the
The
farmers present.
'J'he ])receding
remarks
will be found to contain a
drain at the surface being only cigiitinches, and the
seventh query,"
two feet ; in making good this drain,the greennamely, that it,when
replvto the
deptii
sward
turf being inverted,
mixed with otiiers,
was
wedged in the drain by
may be advantageously
grown for
the foot,
a straa sufficient space for the water;
tum
leavinghay, and aflerwvirds de])astured."
the turf,
and the
of clay was
then trampled upon
The Italian Rye-grassaccordingto Reichenbacli,
first prizewas
drain filled up with the refuse. The
author of a "Flora Germanica," and other botanical
awarded
to John
Robins, of Riseley,Beds. ; the second
oi' "Loliiun
works, who describes it under the name
prizeto Richard Palmer, of Woodstone,Hunts.,as the
in various parts of
'Mullijlivitm,"
"grows naturally
best drainer with thorns ; and a donation was
given to
confined
and
its
habitats
are
to
no
Switzerland,
ticular 'Tliomas Johnson
parof Titchmarsh, in testimony of his
soil." It,like the common
modates
able,
rye-grass, accommerit,the ground fallingto his lot being very unfavouritselfto a great varietyof soils,and succeeds
wiiich,his skill was
notwithstandingsufliciently
wc^l in all whicli possessed
an
even
ordinary apparent. The firstprizefor iiedgingand ditchingwas
from
of fertility,
the newly reclaimed
di-gree
peat awarded to John Munns, and the second prizeto Wm.
nation
both of Clinton,Northamptonshire
; and a doto the strong alluvial carse
moss
clay,and recently Giinbur,
made to John Brown, of Werrinyton, Northamptonshire,
was
consolidated sand ; and we may mention that we have
exhibited
a youth only 15 years old, who
experiencedits good effects in mixtures for shifting skill
of his age and strength.Lord
very unusual in one
sands, from its rapidgrowth at first tending to fix
with his usual benevolence, presented
this
Fitzwilliam,
the surface,and shelter tlie young plantsoi'Stitid
Heed
also made
hul witli a present. A donation was
to Wm.
"

"

and other deep rooting grasses, which

both
are
another of Lord
Lurk, of Newton, Northanii)tonshire,
and
like all true perennials,
of
longerin brairding,
St.John's men, for his expertness in hedgingand ditch-

FARMER'S

THE
iti"',E;icl)unsuccessful cantlidatc!received

li'ifle
to

the I'^arl
tor lossof time. l,oi'il
I'itzvvilliiiui,
compensate
of AI)oyne, Lord Mdtoii,Lord Frederick (jordon, Lieut.
CoL
Jlardy, Leonard 'riiompsou,Esq., the Rev. B.

309

MAGAZINE.
tiiekingdom.

It must

be observed that wlien

we

do not propose
of education
course

s]ieakof chemistryor geologywe

to

give the farmer's

son

in these branches

sucli

would

of

make

science,as
Rev. John
Hopkinson, Phillip Tiliard,
but merely
or
terest iiiina profoundchemist
other influentialmen,
took a livelyingeologist,
ot the day, which will,unquessuch a generalknowledge of those subjectsin
in tlieproceeding's
tionably,
g'ivean additional stnnulus in the neis'hbour- connection
with agriculture
his
will awaken
as
hood of Peterboroug'h,to the improvement^;now
so
tively
acmind
their
and pave the way for
to
and so frenerallysoujjlit
after by those eng'ag'ed
in
Simpson, the
E"q.,and many

importance,

agricultural
pursuits.

extensive

more

tlie

EDUCATION,

AGRICULTURAL

sciences

of
application

the

of
principles

practiceof his occupation.

At an Agricultural
College,
upon a proper scale,
he would, it is true, have tlie advant;ige
of seeing
those

readers that

approvedmanner,

but how

will there be stilleducated

at

sands
many thouthe ordinary

proposed schools,who

will from a variety

of causes, never
advantageof being sent to one of these
Kent.
however, it were
possible
Reports have since been circulated that colleges.Supposing,
the attempt had been abandoned
that the education
of all could be completedat
in consequence
of
the projector
would
not
a
youth make the
having met with that cordial one of these institutions,
support vvliichhe had anticipated.We are glad less progress, or labour under greater disadvantages
cation,
school eduallude is
to learn that the rumour
because he had alreadyin his ordinary
to whic!) we
jects
a partial
unfounded, and tli-it
a meeting will be held shortly
knowledge of tlie subacquired
afterwards;
would
his
be
individuals well known
which
attention
in tlie agriat which
to
some
cultural
which
world
We
directed.
firmlybelieve that no course
by their literarylabours, have
and
could be taken,would
so
so
easily,
promised to attend and take part in the proceedings.
speedily,
We
have upon
occasions expressedeffectually
improve the knowledge of the rising
many
our
opinionsupon the importance of agriculturalgenerationof farmers,as that which we have suggested.
of
There is another most powerfulmeans
education, every step to forward that objectis
tlierefore hailed by us with pleasure,
and we sliall improvement as regardsagricultural
knowledge
mature;
be happy to find that the proposition
have acquired
with
meets
to those who
al^e,
applicable
which we
sufficient support to give the experiment
fair a means
ing
to see dailycomare
a
delighted
with every
should meet
trial. As regardsthe good efl'ectson the youthful
into use, and which
mind
of a well regulated
system of education in
encouragement from those who desire to diffuse
Farmer's
those departmentsof science which
bear upon
knowledgeamongst the farmers,we mean
Clubs.
Of the value of these institutions in proentertain not the slightest
we
doubt, but
Agriculture
information
and distributing
the practicability
of givingto tlie proposed motincr improvement
upon
institution a constitution such as will insure the
it is impossible
to give a more
signalinstance than
in the case of the Harleston Farmer's Club, which
entertain
harmonious workingof all its parts we
Without
in the
noticed a few weeks
much
serious doubts.
we
since,when it appeared
more
tiie proposal, from a discussion on the expense of keepingfarmslightest
degi'ee
wishingto prejudice
character and
firm conviction
horses that,upon farms of the same
refrain from stating
cannot
we
our
a

few

our

the

of husbandryconducted
operations
practical

in the most
It will be in tlierecollection of

to

weeks

establishment

since
of

we

an

adverted

to

the

"AgriculturalCollege" in

have the

^^

ment,
that the proi^rammc or prospectus of the establishhas been circulated,
will not attain
which

with horses of the

five miles round

same

the

kind

within

placewhere

distance of

the club

met

there

rarelyhappens that the first existed a difference of 50 per cent, in the cost of
of these farmers who puroutline of a yjlan
is so completeas not to require horse keep. Had one
sued
the more
therefore hopethat itwill be brought
we
alteration,
expensivemode of feeding,seen
that farm
before the intended meetingin an amended
shape. it staled in an agricultural
publication,
horses
Whilst, however, we are awaitingthe result of the
might be kept at one-half the charge
then cost, he would
most
likelyhave
Collegein Kent in his own
experimentof an Agricultural
called it bookthe statement, and
at
order to determine
the propriety
of multiplying sneered
he found the statement
however
tiie farming. When
such institutions to a sufl^icientextent to meet
of the agricultural
neighbour,a farmer like
wants
class,we are neglecting confirmed by his own
of improving agricultural himself,he could not fail to be convinced,and to
valuable
most
means
education
profitby the information. These clubs are also
immediatelyaccessible. Why are not
of the highestimportanceas a sort of practical
steps taken by tiiose whose deep interest it is,and
the value and correctness
tribunal for determining
who havingan interest,
to
possess also the means,
enlist the best talent of the day in compiling of statements
subjects. The
agricultural
upon
there be
facilities
of
and
can
those
o
f
science
merits
treatises
new
in
plan
departments
any
elementary
for
connected witii agriculture,
which arc immediately
discussed,
arrangements for making experiments
the benefit of all,may be determined
as
upon ; and
chemistry,
geology,mechanics, botany, natural
duced
the results of experiments
compared. After the re
",c.,such works to be immediatelyintrohistory,
the keep of farm-horses
the sons
of
suit of the investigation
on
into all those schools in which
ever,
If proper means
educated ?
farmers are now
were
by the Harleston Club greatcaution should,howbe exercised in rejecting
adoptedsuch works might be obtained,and a well
any improvement
merical
welldirected appeal from a body of influential,
althoughit may appear somcvvhat chisuggested,
vantage
adAnother and important
and occupiersof land would
in the outset.
known
proprietors
the desired end.

It

eflcct theirintroduction i-aiduse

in every school in

wiiich would

result from

the

generales-

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

310

tablisliment of Farmer's Clubs,would be tliatthey will be less by 17s. 8d. per qr., theywill rather have
this, than not any alteration,well knowing-it is
tion
would be acredited bodies to whicli any informacould be simultaneously
conveyed,and by always in their power to make further demands,
with other countries
should priceshere in comparison
and rewliicli any subjectmight be discussed
ported
the manufacturing
on
nay, it will
press
population,
upon in a small space of time, thus takintj be their
that they insist
should this occur"
duty
the opinionof a largepart of the agricultural
a further relaxation in their favor.
on
The report of the Harat once.
class as it were
teration
alFor the better understandingof the proposed
"
Farmer's IMagazine''
leston club appearedin the
is inserted tlie scale duties both for wheat
for March, and we
are
empowered to state that a
and iiour,that the difierence might be immediately
will be givento reports
work
place in the same
"

"

perceived.

fiom

other institutions of the

Lane Express

any

Mark

same

kind.

"

1"
s.

TO

EDITOR

THE

Sin,
"

If we

OF

LAWS.

CORN
THE

LANE

MARK

EXPRESS.

feelings
fail of noticingafter

and
disposition
studythe general

of the times, we
cannot
ation
have elapsed,
certain periods
man
requiresan alterto be made, whether in respect of his political
in the laws affecting
his social habits.
or
relations,
This

appears

to be the

passedin July,1828,
standing;

case

as

and

now

the
regards

corn

nearly eleven

periodbespeakingit

to have

laws
years

attained

all

7
7
7

10

fi
5

10

of the
old age, if we judge by the number
mature
laws made within these eighty
gression
years, and the transof those laws by orders in council,
"c., and
leaves this law to have existed quite an
average
how the parperiod; but without stayingto inquire
ties
of Commons,
to be balanced in the House
are
likely
and surmisingwhether any, or no alteration
will be effected this sessions,
owing to the ultras of
either side beingso powerful
very
; yet it becomes
certain, that if the pressure from without should
be made
alteration must
ere
continue, some
long.
attention to tiie outline of
This induces me
to draw
in 1827, which acted as the
J5illbroHght forward
n
law
it would
as perhaps
tent
conexisting
to be received as
a medium
parties
course,

feeler tor the

"a

The calculation for the flour in the billof 1827 was

that every barrel of flour of 196 lbs. should pay duty
equal to 5 bushels of wheat weighed off 60 lbs. to
to draw
the bushel, and this Mr. Editor induces me
that if any alteration be
your attention to the effect,
made in the laws relating
to corn, it will aftbrd the

opportunityof
chance

of

advocating with every good

propositionsyou so ably
former
occasions,
namely, a clause

your

success,

the

handled on many
obtain for the millers and bakers of this country
fair terms, the opportunity
of supplyingour
lonies
coon
":c. with flour and biscuit.
The
old methods of paying duties and affording
drawbacks is open to too much deception
to bethought
under the inspection
of; the having nulls and ovens
and securityof the customs,
for bonded
to be
corn
ground and baked in, is both expensiveand would

to

tried.
until its effect had been
interested in the corn trade,it is no doubt
To most
be of very limited
well remembered, that the proposition
supposed 60s.
benefit,as few mills "c. are so
to be protected placed,
to be a standard
was
as to admit of their being entirelygivenup
price,which
for the usingof bonded grainand flour only,aiul if so
l)y20s. ))er qr. duty,and for every Is. per qr. the
pricerose over (iOs. the duty was to be reduced 2s. done,the advantageswould fall into very few person's
it hands ; but the obtaininga certificate from the customs
per qr., until it attained at and above 70s. when
tlie shipping of either flour or biscuit to a
was
to be a permanent
on
dutyof Is. per qr.
The Bill of 1827 had also a graduateddescending foreign
port, under their inspectionas to (juality,
and
of the most
fail of being of universal aj)plication
influentialagriculturists cannot
scale,but when some
are
willingto have a permanent duty of 6s. to
benefit,and the use of this certificate should be, that
"

10s. per qr,, it will be considered

by most parties
that 20s. per qr. duty on 60s. per qr., will afford a
sufHcient protection
to them
beingat the rate of 33 ^

by endorsement
))ortof

Great

it

might be

able

to

release in any
dered
be consi-

Britain,the quantityit shall

find any
to represent in wheat
; and I do not
time iKll to
cotdd approximatemuch nearer
a just proporsums
tion,
per cent, and should the priceat any
it has been
thus
what
a few
than for every barrel of flour of 196 lbs. so
years past, it would
be a protectionshippedshould be considered as equalto the release
without being increased in amount,
50 per cent.
of 5 bushels of whtat,and that every
to value ecpial
to 40 or
cwt. of biscuit
even
Would
as
a body be
not the agriculturists
willing should free ;" bushels of wheat, in bothinstances to bo
of
ence
to concede thus much, rather than have a contest
weighed oft"60 lbs. to the bushel. The great differtween
beof
with a body nearlyequalin the House
in the weight of foreigncorn
fluctuating
power,
55 and 63 lbs. to the measured
bushel, makes
centrated
Conmions, and of far greater weight by their conto be
it more
certain and accurate
to allow the wheat
sphere in which they act out of the
introduced by weightiu lieu of the flour and biscuit
House 1
time the manufacturers are
At the same
too wise, previously
shipped.
concession ; and when
not to be willingto take any
It is obvious that as the flour and biscuit is first
the
from
it is seen
the gain in comparisonwith tiie present sent out of the country and manufactured
home
law is equalto 6s. 8d. (12s.
8d.)per qr. on wheat, and
growth,it cannot be attended with the slightest
the
time
'.is.
7d. to 7s. 6d. ]"er brl. on flour,on pricesranging injury to the agriculturists,
at the same
of
the means
between
60s. and 70s. per qr. on the averages, and
advantagesto this country by affording
further reduced prices,
as
on
into use at any time sucli bonded grain,
as on 50s. per qr., the duty
getting

will

in the

properlykeep

not

prevent its

is,fliat tiius England would

of 20s. per
the value

stores, ami

thereby THE

destruction,would be an incalulable
stillgreater reason
for its concession

utter

advantage:
market for

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

at all times

be open
the
at times when

foreignwheat, even
qr. might be equalto

40

or

as

CONSEQUENCES
BY

CLASSES

AND

D.\NGE11T0

AND

WORKING

LABOURERS

THE

CULTIVATION

duty

30 per cent,

311

OF

on

THROWING

OUT

ANY

TION
PROPOR-

LARGE

UNITED

THE

OF

KINGDOM.

of the averages.

No longershould we find the violent animosity in

tures,
foreigncountries to the introduction of eur manufacwhen

we

to receive

content

are

as

KENNEDY,

I-EWIS
PROTECTION

TO

"

ESU.
THE

ON

THK

NECESSITY

OF

"C."

AGRICULTtJRISTS,

constant

produce ; no
portionof their agricultural
longershould we have the periodicalcomplaints
they will be able
among the shippinginterest,when
to eftect freight
of flour,"c. to the colonies as well
customers

BY

this by a parishwith
It is endeavoured
to exemplify
which I am
well acquainted,where there are 1573 acres
of convertible land at 23s. per acre
(on which there has
deduction of 20 per cent, for several
been an average
years

past); one-half

of this is

arable,and

proportion

as bringtheir produce
back, besides all the increased
and employs a populationin labourers
of a thin quality,
intercourse arisingfrom the extended
mercantile
and artizans for making agricultural
implements, "c.,
in so many
transactions in corn
and children,
parts of Europe ; of at least 262 persons, men, women,
with an
that should we
be visited actuallylivingin the parish. Now, the loss conseadditional advantage,
quent
out of cultivation one-third of this
with a vear
such as we have often known, in
upon throwing
arable land,that is,262 acres
(and it is impossiblethat
whicii all wheat
has been more
grown in this country
it could be continued in cultivation without protection),
or less sprouted,
some
so as to be unfit for
so much
of labour to the extent of 87
would
be a diminution
human
food ; we
if we have a scale duty at no
shall,
will suppose
27 to remain for managpersons ! ! We
ing
time to exeed 2()s. per qr. be able to obtain enough
of cultivation
into rough
out
the land thrown
of sound grainfrom abroad, to introduce and
make
be
otherwise
to
60
disposed
persons
pasture,leaving
all fitfor use, when otherwise,owing to the inferior
this by figures,
of or employed:
it stands
explaining
possiblethus
qualities
depressingthe averages, it would be im:
introduce it into this country
at all,
to
in Ihe parish,
Number
of acres
1573, of which half is
the peopleon a comparatively
innuviz.
therebyforcing
pasture,786 acres, and the other half is arable,
Half the parish
tritious and unwholesome
food.
786
acres.
The great lengthin which I have entered on wheat
acres, thus become uninduces me only to state the outlines,
cultivated
that barley
was
One-third of half being 262
land.
taken at 30s. per qr. protected
b}^10s. duty,and for
to
every rise in priceof Is. per qr., Is. 6d. duty was
^persons throvvn-out of
be taken off until it attained 36s. when
Is. was
to
One person to three acres
S7 ?
employment upon the
continue.
"

"

"

C.

Oats 21s. with 7s.

rise.Is. per

qr.

dutyand
duty was to be

for every Is. per qr.

reduced until it came

27?

Supposing

to Is.

per qr. permanent.

Beans, Peas ":c. 35s. average with 1.5s. duty and
Is. (id.off for every Is. rise in the averages until it
had obtained 45s. per qr. when
Is.
duty was to be
continued.
If the graduated
downward
scale be taken awa)^ in
lent corn
in wheat, the 10s. barley,7s.
as is proposed
l.'5s.per qr. for beans, "c., would
be tlie
oats, and
maximum
duties to be raised ; duties by no
means
unreasonable
unless the beans,"c. should be reduced
to 33s.

jier qr.

duty,and

protectedby

average,

off scale of Is.

falling

Is. lise which

would

lis.

per

qr.

6d. per qr. for each

perhaps more

justlyrepresent

the relative values of yrain.

As a last reason
falling
might be assignedthe gradual
off of the duties, offer no inducement
to tamper
with the averages, as there can
be no
profitmade
equal to the risk run and expence incurred which is
in the upper portionof the present scale
not the case
where Is. per qr. increased average often reduces the

duty3s.

and

S. H.

Haiant, Feb. 18, 1839.

PROLIFIC
stream

COW."

Mr.

parishof Drumoak,
of the Aberdeenshire

the

C.
T
^^^^^^

extraordinarynumber

farmer
Craighead,

at Cold-

in his sion,
possesbreed,which has produced

has

cow

of six calves within

twenty-

months

good

thrirers ; and

Dee-side

The

have all been

progeny
of them
gainedprizesat the

numerous
some

show
Agricultural
Society's

in

July last.

turnone-third,which
rough pasture.

ed into

^ persons

^^l work

who
lose their
the 262 acres.

on

in this parishof 1573 acres

60
out of employment, of these 12 probably
funds, and consequently
will fall upon the poors'
be chargeable to the parish; 12 probablystarved and
annihilated ; and 36 would be driven out to compete for
It appears,

if
therefore,

thrown

or
contend with
work
with the manufacturing classes,
brethren upon the cultivated
their alreadysupernumary
laad of the United Kingdom, reduced by eightmillions
Thus
there would
!!!
of acres
be, at least,from the
one-third of the arable land of the kingdom not being

cultivated

at present,1,773,630 persons thrown

as
out
of :-^
employment, and to be otherwise disposed
One-fifth,or 354,736 to be supported by poor funds.
Ditto, or 354,736 to be starved,or to emigrate.
Three-fifths 1,064,308 to procure work by manufactures.

of

Total.. 1,773,680;
number
to be employed by nearly
millions, and the land cultivated by eight millions

Thereby lesseningthe

would
not the system of free
reduce most
seriouslythe number
and wages ? Secondly, the farmer
of hands wanted
reduced to value at least one-half,
will have his capital
and his profitsdiminished accordingly.
The luxuries
have become
in clothes,furniture, "c. which
ries
necessabe dispensedwith, and
to himself and family,must
of

acres

We

importationof

ask, then,
corn

"

his payment* to the poor, tithe,"c., and his rent, all

reduced to the standard of the value of his produce,or
self.
more
probably,the farm taken by the proprietorhimThirdly,the landlord, who, of course, must have
his rent diminished, and if his incumbrances, fixtd by
his estate, are not proporthe law of the land upon

tionablyaltered, in

instances he will have little

many
income ; and where it may be otherwise,he must
either lire wholly in the country or abroad,and giveup
which
form
those expensive establishments
a
great
or

two

c"

people are

two

4s. per qr.

I remain,
to this length,
Apologisingfor writing
Sir,your obedient servant,

one-third arable.

rpersous employed on the

no

source

of the

business,
and,consequentlythe riches

FARMER'S

THE
that he ? for if wc

were

to allow

it to be the

case,

in the course
of a few centhe fertile soil must,
turies,
be reduce J in quantity,and thus deprive
of support, which
generationsof the moans
equally absurd ; being contrary not only to
jiresentfact^, but to the usual providence of the
Sn|)rcmeBeing. And as regards present facts ;
the best soils in former times,are now, under
per
proif not
mariagcmcnt, equally as productive,
The necessary supply of food
more
so, than then.
future

is

MAGAZINE.

313

and thus the rapid growth and improvement

of vegetationin the growing period[of the
for.
year, after every kindly shower, is accounted
These, conjoinedwith the influence of the sun, the
and the innate powers
of growing vegeseasons,
tables,
aided no doubt
in some
ciples
degree by the prinof electricity,
eftect the formation of corn
and fruit.
Relative to the expulsionof the stale air,"c.,
which is so important, it is in proportionto the
the general diff"usion of the rain
quantity and
in prothroughout the soil,and this is of course
portion
ness
adhesiveto the state of jjulverization,
or
of the particles
of the soil,and its nearness
to
earth

somewhere
from
quently
; consefor the
and examine around
do look, it must be
source
or
sources
; and if we
is known
be
to
for that
which
to
necessary
the last ploughing.
The
exhaustible.
strong analogy between
plants, is within their reach, and of a natuie inthe soil and
the stomach
of animals
properly
not immay
be adduced
illustration of the above
as an
They are, then, as has been before shown, and
The
soil does not of itself aftoixlthe
here again confirmed, the rain, the dews, and the
argument.
of support to the plant,but receives the
means
air,all of which
fallingupon, and entering into a
food from the vegetable manure
carted on, and
purverizedand fermenting soil during the process
from the rain, dews, and air ; so the stomach, by
been also
of the fallow, and thus expelling,
as has
the animal's
which
before stated,the stale air and stale water
industy in gatheringor catchingits

however,

must,

we

must

come

look

has been breathed by precedingplants; as gathered

flowers in a class of water on a mantel
requirethe
water
to be changed every
day or two, or they
would
ter,
droop, so a store of fresh air and fresh wa-

vvith renewed
powers of fermentation, is acthe soil. This, likewise, takes placewith
fertilesoils,and those in good heart, at the time a
crop is growing. The fresh water, iu proportionas

qidredby

it is absorbed by the
to fresh air,or a
these

shower

two

ately
immediplants, gives])lace
vacuum

must

the night'sdew
or
falls,

fore,
; therewhenever
a

ensue

great advantagesarise
enters

the

fertile

food, merely prepares

which

it

by a decomposing

process,

affinitiesof the
wards
matter
contained, as to be capable of being afterselected and taken up by the appropriate
organizationof the plant and the animal ; and this
is effected in proportionto the proper constitution
and health of the soil,and the animal.
This
constitution of the soil,*then, is of the
firstimportance,for upon
it depends the power
of
and
decomposing vegetablematerials within itself,
of abstracting
from the elements that come
within
its sphere the other requisitesfor the support of
the soil retains with
that
plants, all of which
so

far weakens

the

several

which
the selecting
gentle degree of combination
is stillfacilitatedand advanced, like
stances, which
energiesof vegetationare able to overcome.
every other chemical process, by heat.
Two
able
then, of food for plantsare availsources,
The
individual materials,silica,
lime,and clay,
caitcd upon
the
by manf ; the one, manure,
the heat to which
ject
are
not decomposed,
they are subsoil ; the other, the surronuding elements.
Both
hut
their
insufficient
contiguity,
they,by
being
;
these are had recourse
husbandman,
to by the practical
influences
each other to a
their chemical
on
exert
sometimes
alone,as in cartingon the manure
certain degree,which every
day'sexperience
proves
or
making a fallow ; and sometimes
conjoined,as
sufficient to act with the necessary chemical effect
when
manuring the fallow.
substances
of
dead
the more
easilydecomposible
on
Of the subjectof this chapter manures.
air and water, as well as
animals and vegetables,
on
Of the mineral
kinds, arc limej, sand, burnt
of the roots of
the
"

stimulating energies

plants.

earth II,clay,marl, hedge mould, or any other

of
Fluoric ncid is not found in cultivated soils ; and
of wheat,
is detected in the straw
the silex,which
*
One mark
of the proper constitution of a soil is
is obtained in the easiest way by
oats, and barley,
when it neither holds moisture
for too long nor too
nature, that is to say, from the straw of those plants
short a time,and is not easily
dissolved by a sliower
put on as manure.
falling
it,so as to form a crust upon the surface
upon
RELATIVE
ETC.
EXAMl'tES
TO
SILICA,
impenetrableto air.
Now
a piece of sugar is by itself in
a
quiescent This constitution of the soil is,as has been before
observed, improved, strengthened, and rendered
the
of water
state ; and so is a cup
or tea ; but when
stantly
its solution inhealthyby cultivation,and by cultivation only:
former is i^ut into either of the latter,
fails of effecting
since manure
that which cultivation
follows.
does.
Indeed
never
manure
acid and
placed ujjon a field
JNIuriatic acid and marble ; sulphuric
whose cultivation has been neglected,
and chemical
of turpentine
spirits
; these if kept separate,would
when
consequently weak, preciselyresembles a
continue
at pertect rest for ever, but
brought powers
fullmeal that is taken into a debilitated stomach,
takes
respectively
together,a mutual incorporation
when disease and languorfollow,ratber than health
place,with a completeexplosionof the two latter.
and put them into a quantity and strength.
Take a flintand steel,
t In fact there are but these two
the balance of their affinitieswill still
sourco'?, and which
of

gunpowder,

the true
and onlv food of plants ; the
cited two possess
undisturbed ; let but one spark onlybe elition
rest of the fertility
dependingon the proper constitufrom the two hard substances,and every person
of the soil,and requisite
cultivation,
to keep the
the result.
anticipates
instantly
in health.
same
More
instances might be adduced ; the above are
*
to be a
Chalk, the carbonate of lime, is known
the
however sufficientto prove that,notwithstanding
great improverof the constitutions of stiffclays,and
pound
apparent quietude of each pure aud simple comsubstance,when saturated and separated,
yet, hot gravels,being put ou such lands in the proportion
or cominto life of from twenty to twenty-fivecubic yards,
how speedilytheir affinitiesare awakened
mon
cart-loads to an acre.
by beingbroughtin contact with each other,having
II The compost of burnt earth and turf,is found
heat,and air,and moisture as auxiliaries.

remain

FARMER'S

THE

314

MAGAZINE.

spection
useful to inquirewhat changes and consequences
?uhstances,which upon inarise when
they arc thus devoted.
easilyresolvable into the three
The usual method
of applicationof farm-yard
namely, lime, sand,
ingredientsof soils,
principal
is by cartingand spreadingthe materials
manure,
and clay.
cay,
the surface ot a fieldin an incipient
state of deon
As respectsthe use of these mineral and earthy
and then bur)'ingthem in with the plough.
materials to improve soils,
they can only act, in the
'
Experience proves that the decompositionof vefirst place,to strengthenthe constitution and permanent
to
animal
is
and
in
the
manure
proportion
|
digestivepowers of the soil,by increasing getable
it is given.
state of culture
of the land to which
the deficient proportionsof either lime, sand, or
clay,and in this way add to the permanent fertility,If the field be in an exhausted state, and only one
composition,
ploughing follows justto bury the manure
; its deIf there be no deficiency,
they then can only prove
and mechanical
union
and chemical
to
hasten the decay of vegetablematter,
of use
by with the soil will be very slow, in consequence of
which is preservedin a strong balance of affinity
acids,and which lime has the power of neutralizing; the undestroyedstrong balance of affinities of the
occasioned to the soil by the
the freshness
impoverished soil.
or from
If the previousreasoningholds good, manure
so
that have not been
of those substances
application
under the influence of growingvegetablesbefore, employed is in part wasted, instead of being made
effect is
the most of, as it is when
of corn.
This fertilizing
put early on a fallow ;
at least not
mmeral

earthyor

the

all

are

of the
but transient, and the application
however
materials oftentimes expensive.In fact this practice
to the
is precisely
similar, only less efl:ectnal,
their plants,
benefit gardeners experience with
when
repottingthem into fresh mould ; and the

when
because the manure
buried, lies in contact
for a whole year, with precisely
surfaces
the same
of the soil, and being in lumps, its sphere of contact

be proportionally
small. The consequence
less fermentation
takes place than what
stitute, ought to do, and a proportionof the manure
subwill
cheapest and only practicable
agriculturist's
fermentation
constituted,is in
where the soil is properly
actuallyescape in gas, from its own
of
well cultivated and vegetable- after the saturation of the contiguous particles
two
or
one
years
the soil has been
fallow.
completed, and the absence of
manured
must

is, that

claim atIf plants arc

tention.
fresh particles
to
more
arrest it.
from the
growing above it, they are injuredfrom the apoplexy
that follows, by
and lodging of the corn
includingbones,
inhabitants of
nation,
and not sufficiently
of every denomireceivingthis food too readily,
"c. ; and the vegetablematerials,
of which
diluted,if I may be allowed this expression.This
found growing on the earth, some
is
is the reason
posed
or yard manure
why fish manure,
arc
ploughed in green*,others are partlydecombefore they are applied.But the description so soon
gone when
put on a field to be immediately
cropped,and is not cultivated previously.
most
generallyemployed, is the straw of all corn
and

Animal

next

vegetable manures

are, dead animal

the land and sea,

These

matter

in the farm-yard by
trampled down
or less, with their
impregnated, more
improves the strength of this
excrement, which
and
in proportionto the nature
kind of manure
quantityof the food given.
Soot is a manure
partakingof both the animal
and vegetable; being composed of ammoniacal
and

grass,

stock,and

salts,and
charcoal,

empyreumaticoil ;
which

with

great basis of
the

readilydecomposed by

arc

with
Stubbles ploughed in, will remain
very
tivated
littledecay for a whole year in poor and half cullance
lands, from the existence of the strong baof affinities,
cles
resultingfrom the exposed partibeingsaturated, and no new ones brought up to
the sun, air,"c. ; therefore, no fresh combinations
if stubbles
fermentation can take place. Whereas,
or
are

ploughed

in

preparatory

to

fallow, so

as

to have the benefit of several successive ploughings

and harrowiiigs,
nearly,or quitethe whole of tiie

This manureis
rally
genethe animal and
stubble will be decomposed and blended with the
are
ciprocal
always ploughedwell into
by the resoil,and be rendered a valuable manure,
the soil of all arable lands,and laid on the surface
fermentation of the land and the stubble.
of pastures.
The
former, set into activity
by the cultivation ;
are
posed
coming
feelmanures
Since the animal and vegetable
from
the lattei
its easy decomposition
soon
of the materials needed by growingplants,
the effect of the former, when
jointly
they act confermentative and fertilizing
to the very earths and salts,of which soilsare
in their general
even
aff'ord
said to be robbed, they must consequently
process.
benefitted by the
valuable share of food to growing plants;
the most
When
a crop is to be principally
sumed
of being conlaid on
but as the food, from its capability
the fieldwith one
manure
ploughingonly,
nishing, the manure
should
be rich, and in a forward state
by livingvegetables,is continuallydimiand

action of oxygen

appliedas
vegetable manures

water.

top dressing,but

consumption requiresmaking

the

up

by

fresh a])plications.
periodical
Animal

and

vegetablemanures

employedfor

to ensure

the

enrichment

being most generally

of soils,it is

of turnipson most soils,therefore

would
And, there can bo no question,
useful than lime,where no strong acid

crop

is valuable.

in a long state,
its decay,when
of decay ; because
will be unassisted by cultivation,and the affinities
of the particles
of the soil will be too strong in their
The
in
balance
manure
to expedite the process.
this case will requireto be brought into that state
its
of decay before it is applied,which will ensure
aid from
afterwards
without
fermentation
own
And
cultivation.
then, like shavings or small

throw
overa nearlyextinguishedfire,a partial
of the strong balance or affinitiesof the soil
will be produced, and thus far restore its fertility.
But when manuring in this way it is at the expense
itself, by the loss that necessarily
of the manure
whilst the heap lies fermentingin the mixensues
obliging hill,in order to its being reduced to the requisite

prove more
Exists.
*
wheat,
in of green crops, as tares,buckThe ploughing
is
or
rajje upon poor and distant fields, an
on
is tounded
admirable practice
takingthe
; and
advantage, throughthe aid of cultivation,of those
of strong and hardy natures, and
vegetables
to contribute the store
they had collected

them

around
of a
of plants
decay,

the elements

them,
more

to the

support, by

useful and tender

wood

to

from

state of

their

causes

species.to

decay ; which decay,or rather calcination,

portionof its best elements and quantity

be evolved to the winds.

Again,when

the

ma-

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

315

even
effects ; which objectscould not be gained
is laid on onlybefore the last ploughing,
verizing
nuie
the manure
if the manures
added only before the last
if it be a fallow, and a crop then sown,
were
less in
or
lowing
is found distributed in the soil more
ploughing,and, by this practicealso, the four folfore
pointsare gained. The first,considerable
lumps. The young, and perhaps delicate plants,beless loss in the manure
with their fibres,must
menting
or manures,
by their ferthey reach the manure
in the soil,instead of in the mix-hill. The
time and during theinterval many
be some
perish.*
with young turnips,which, when
Such is the case
second, the soil deriving more
by the
fertility
in masses
than when
find the same
of the manures
earlyapplication
put
they do reach the manure,
nature, not
its very lightand porous
on
nures
The third,the maand from
late, and at no expense.
benefit
to extract
sues
so well adapted for the roots
being carted on the land early,less loss endivided in the
from evaporation,the sun
from, as if blended with, or more
having then less

soil.
The

lead to the conclusion,

above circumstances
that both in the garden and in the field,the best
of applying
time and manner
vegetableand animal
is
of every description,
indeed manures
manures,
and to cart and spread them on the
on
a fallow ;
land in the autumn,

winter,

or

spring, according
will
well
ploughingsand

to theirnature and circumstances;when

be sufficient time to mechanicallymix

"with the

there

them

soil,by the successive

harrowings.
is on
be adduced
The only exception
that can
stiffclayey lands, which
might have the coat of
manure
appliedat twice to keep it the more open ;
and
at the fallow,being half the quantity,
as once

And
the fourth, that if any kneading
power.
should take place during carting,there
is time
afterwards to get the better of the evil,with having
themselves to assist
the manure
or
manures
the husbandman's
efforts.
kind of manure
to
The
of the same
application
plantsor trees that are occupiers of the soil for
than one
tural
more
year, as hops, the artificialand nageous,
gi'asses, fruit, "c., is not always advantado the fields prove
as
so productive
nor
might be expected from the painsbestowed.
tion
The advantage of varietyis, greater fermentathe air and
; therefore greater benefit from

the same
acts on the soil,parmanure
ticularly
like the same
if not aided by cultivation,
air upon the human
once
between, as for beans or peas.
medicine, or the same
system,
air is found to lose its best
medicine
or manui'es,
or
By the manure,
being so earlyapplied which
of the soil are more
In fact,the soil
the particles
effect after a too long repetition.
quicklyand
and better
saturated or neutralized.
as well as the body, becomes
generallydivided, therefore the sooner
cause
able to admit the fresh air,rain,and dews ; thus
This is not the case with arable land,beand union with the
of the varietyof the crops, to say nothing
favouringtheir decomposition
which
of the manures,
of the fallow which
soil; and likewise the same
of the cultivation,particularly
unitingin their effects,
co-operate with the plough is the most powerful of all ; and thus admits of
rains.

For

tation
the generalincreaseof fermenof manure
the same
kind
cally
periodibeing a;)plied
will
The
thermometer
and pulvei'ization.
with the same
successi.
for ever
is brought
to manures
Before the subjectrelating
always denote an increase of temperature Vv'hen
inserted into the soil about three inches, after recent
to a conclusion,if will be proper to observe, that
when
and also after recent manuring ;
in manuring, particularly
cultivation,
put on
an
excess
and when
these are both combined, the rise in the
for the coming crop, is as injuriousas when
raw
For of
instrument will be found proportionally
the higher. land is poor from the want
of manure.
Under these favourable
three descriptions.
dered
be named
facts,it is not to be wonthere may
fertility
becomes
at that the long strawey manure
As,
reduced to a short fine state, and very genesoon
rally
Extravagant fertility.
the
distributed by
after cultivation.
Productive fertility.
Now
when any delicate seeds are sown
on
a field
Apoplecticfertility.
treated as proposed,they are assisted in their infant
position
first
The
is,when so earlyand rapida decommentation
vegetationby the increased native powers of fertakes place,that the plantsthrive too fast
well
in the earlymanured
and
pulverized
harvest have
in their youth, and
then towards
soil. Their
firstroots have the great advantage of
done growing, without perfecting
the necessary food being immediately contiguous nearly or quite
their seeds. This is commonly known
by the name
to them, and in that state of delicate suspension,or
winter or spring,
and sumof
mer
being
p
roud,
crops,
that
balance of their affinities, the least vegetative
poor.
effort of the plants is sufficient to overthrow, and
On
examining the stalks and ribbons, they will
in consequence
favourable to
such a tilth is most
be found to be covered with the fungi species,
their unfolding,their future vigour,and their arriving
which is owing to a sudden cessation of the supply
perfectat maturity.
in conseof the sap ; the healthy secretions are
quence
If the reasoningemployed be correct,this favorable
of the juicessucceeds
at an end, fermentation
conclusion may be drawn, that the earlyapplication
bursts
the
is then formed, which
; a gas
most

powerfullyin

of vegetable,
to
animal, and other manures
fallow,contributes in a multiplied
degree to the
the same,
fertilizing
by the mechanical as well as
chemical assistance which they impart to the power
the soil has of combining with, and decomposing
air and water, with, at the same
time, their pul-

the

the experience
of the best gardeners,
raw
is never
found so healthy
for plantsas when
it has been digested
and blended with the soil by a
previousfermentation and cultivation ; because the
materials of the raw
manure
are
forced, as it were,
crude
upon the plantsin an unselected,undiluted,
dtate ; thus favouring
or extravadisease,apoplexy,

By

manure

'

gant fertility.

and
vessels,
The

causa

the

fungigrow.

of this

is this
extravagant fertility

fresh or recently
land, the land being in itselfpoor from
previousexhaustion ; the result is,that the corn
in the
from the manure,
receives its food directly
undiluted
in an unselected,
and of course
firstinstance,
state, instead of disengagingif fiom the soil,
had been
of the manure
with which
the particles
combined
by previousgood cultivation j*
lightly
that the
manured

corn

was

sown

upon

*
Very many proofsmightbe adduced in support
both by gardeners and agriculturists
: for example,
and sown
with
field of good land was
maaured
a

316

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

the
rapiddecomposition
takingplacethroughout
if a few clevels
as is the case
growth of the plants,
and immediately
3'ondwhat theynaturally
reiiuirc.of grainhappen to fall upon and take root in a dung
And being aided in its decompositionby the vegemix-hill. Tbe plantsare seen to flourishaway with
tative
uncommon
powers of the corn, a too rapidgrowth is at
vigour,as if in a state of intoxication,
firsthrouglit
on.
Then, as the plantshad been
producingribbon by wholesale ; and if standingin
induced to commence
their structure upon a large masses, are soon beaten down by the winds and rain,
scale,by the abundance of the materials afforded
when, the straw becoming bent,the sap is then more
them theyrequirea proportionedgreater quantity or less impeded in its flow throughthe vessels,
of the same
materials to maintain and complete which are already
with half concocted
overcharged
what they had begun ; but from the two-fold cause
food,forced into circulation by the too rapiddecay
of an earlyextravagance and largestructure, they of the manure
beneath ; the consequence is the
find those materials deficient at the very time
when
of some
of the vessels,
a nidus is
bursting
when
wanted
the most
the forming and completing
formed for the fungi
in the form of red rust,
species,
of the seed. The
soil all the time from
a lean half formed
"c.,and if this corn ever ripens,
its ])0verty,
or
effects clevel is the onlyproduce.
strong balance of affinities,
but littletowards the growth of the plants; therefore
out of the two
of fertility,
sources
namely,
manure
and good cultivation,
the one most important,
meaning the latter,havingbeen
neglected,
for the fresh manure
and thus yields,
decaysfaster,
and indeed rather forces itselfupon the plantshe-

too

"

fails of its necessary supply,and disease of the

planttakes placeaccordingly.*
REPORT
COMMISSIONERS.
TITHE
OF
The cause
of productive
is owingto a regular
fertility
decomposition
goingforward within the reach
Tithe Commission,Feb. 28.
of the roots of the growing plants,when food is
fast to meet
all their necessary
yieldedsufficiently
My Lord" It is our dutyto report to your Lordship
demands, and continues thus from the beginning
the generalprogress of the commutations since May 1,
to
the end,and a well matured
1838.
crop is formed, yieldingWe have now
in the office3,498
agreements,of which
brightstraw, a handsome plump sample,and in
2,362are confirmed.
of the
quantityproportionedto the native fertility
If itis assumed that those not confirmed comprise,
on
land. This favourable result is to be attributed to
the average, tithe equalin amount
to the average tithe
the crop beingable to disengageits food from the
which
tithe
the
in those
to
have been confimied,
then
of the soil,
particles
with which it has been combined
of 1,312,102/.
17s. 4d. has been agreed to be
amount
by a previousgood cultivationand exposure, commuted by voluntaryarrangement.
fallow process.
or
The beneficialconsequence of
of the operation
The commencement
of our compulsory
which is,that the plants
have to exert their own
composing powers has broughtus necessarily
deinto contact with
and selecting
which did
reluctant parties,
and with difficulties
energiesto obtain the food more
theyrequire,and therefore take up no more than not effectoiu- previousoperations.
We are of opinion,
what their healthy
however,that we have, on the
as
demands; instead,

vegetation

of the encommencement
forcement
whole,made a satisfactery
tbeir vegetation
liaving
led
impelof these powers.
ing
by the too rapidand overwhelmin which tithes have generally
been taken
Districts,
of the manure.
self-decomposition
in kind,or kt on annual valuations,
contain elements
The cause
of the apoplectic
is
to
fertility
owing a of struggleand irritation,
from which the rest of the
the former case,

on,

as

of

it were,

country is free.
Those districtsare comparatively
small ; and aftera
heard and carefully
wheat,at the proper time ; its appearance during few cases in each have been patiently
we
see ground for hopingthat voluntary
decided,
and summer,
winter, spring,
was
very strong ; but
eft'ect
tiiegreater
when
reaped at harvest,the straw was found very agreements will,even in those districts,
of the work of commutation.
the grainof littlevalue and short in produce. part
soft,
"while
Our experiencehas been sufficientto prove that,
The owner
of the fieldwas
recommended
to fallow
voluntaryagreements are made at the rate at whicli they
he himself conceived the fieldto be sufit,although
ficiently
are now
comingin to us, the processes of apportionment
fertile as not to require
such tillage
ever
; howconsequent on these agreements, create at leastas much,
he had recourse
to the fallow,
and then sowed
perhapsmore employment,than can be proceededwith
wheat again.The produce after the fallow treatment,
at once
as have the
by such mappers and apportioners
confidence of tliecountry.
amplyrepaidthe expense, beingmore than six quarters
of cultivation,No exertions on our part will be wantingto hasten
upon the acre ; a proofof the superiority
of the apportionment
under
the completion
; but still,
a coat of manure
over
without it.
think it prudent,
unless the
these circumstances,
wc
The process of fallowing
had mixed and combined
commutation should slacken,to
progress of voluntary
the manure
with the soil,at the same
time restored
confine our compulsory interference to four classes of
its chemical powe"s, and therefore the succeeding
lar,*
selectedcases, and we append to this repert the circurendered
crop of wheat drew from its resources, now
in which we have described these classes.
in
it
t
he
food.
healthy, proportion
as
required
The returns alreadypresentedto Parliament contain
*
Corn sown
that wc do
detailsof our progress so fully,
upon scarifiedground,and compared the statistical
We have
with the same
not think it necessary
to repeat them here.
land
speciesgrown on the same
obedient and
most
will be found, when examined at harvest, the honour to be, your Lordship's
ploughed,
softer and the grain faithfulservants,
to have its straw considerably
Wm. Blahiire,
not so abundant in produce,either in weightor measure;
T. W. BULLER,
because the plantsof the corn were
not so
R. Jones.
well able to effect the requisite
secretions for the
Hon.
the
Lord
John
To
"c.,"c.
Right
Russell,
the
of
the
of
allthe
composition
straw, or
quantity
materials to form the grain,
could
as where the roots
cultivated
penetratethe greaterdepthinto a more
recently
*
in the publicprints
of the
The circular here nfcrred to appeared
soil,as when after the operation
.

"

plough.

at the time wlieiiit was

issued.

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.
being noticed

beingthe three best ploughmen

competitors.The health of Lord
SOCIETY.
drunk
with
Dynevor, tiie Patron of the Society,
vva"
heartfeltenthusiasm,
which was followed by the healths
We always regardthe establishment of an agricultural
of the President,
and other officersof
Vice-President,
indication of a desire to improve, the society,the INIayorand Corporation
as an
society
of Llandovery,
manifested
for the
"c., "c., ":c.,which afforded an apportunity
by those who establish it,and
deliveryof several excellent and interesting
speeches,
reckon upon improvementas an almost certain

LLANDOVERY

DISTRICT

TURAL
AGRICUL-

to

tiiesuccessful

and the rest of the eveningwas spent with much

hilarity
and glee. The i)lou"hmen
also providedwith iin
were
excellent dinner,at the expencc of the society. The
conduct
and activity
of the stewards of the
judicious
day, H. Jones,Esq., Mr. J. Havard, and Mr. Powell,
of the proceedings,
contributed greatly
to the success
formed at the end of tlie last year, and the comand were
the themes of admiration. We
are
happy to
mitte and officershave lost no time in
into
find the funds of the society
fast increasing
ready
; they altfie
A listof prizes
for cattle,
to be awarded
amount
to 114?.annua.1 subscription,
and, if we
in November
at a
next, is in circulation,
of
judge from such an auspicious
commencement
may

result.

'

as

served
next

we

317

We

experiencemuch satisfaction in callmntch of the

ingattention to the firstploughinaj
which
"LlandoverydistrictAgricultural
Society,"
took placeon
the 27th Feb.
The
societywas

coming

field.
meeting

and

as

glad10
of

the foundation

of

we
good husbandry,

encouragement held

see

and
turnips

offerof the

out

the execution of

are

tion
to the cultiva-

draining
by an

following
prizes:

TURNIPS

AND

the society's
well of its
we
proceedings,
may
augur
and efficiency
future utility
in introducing
an improved
into the upper part of Carmarthenshire.
system of agriculture

'

DRAINING.
"

To the subscriber who shall raise the best

of any kind,of not lessthan
crop of turnips
three aores,-;-soil
and situationconsid9red ,400
To the Subscriber who shall raise the best
of any kind,not less than
crop of turnips
fiveacres, soiland situationconsidered ..GOO
For the greatest number of acres
(not less
than five)drained by a Subscriber,
in the
year 1839,soil and situationconsidered
5
For the greatest number of acres
(notless
than three)
drained by a Subscriber,
in the
year 1839,soiland situationconsidered ..300

s.

d.

KEEPER'S

BEE
BY

HENRY

MANUAL.

TAYLOR.

London.
Groombridge,
This well-arranged
and truly
useful little
work
has appearedmost opportunely.The periodof the

"

...

THE

year is justat hand when

stock of bees, should
a

who
those,
make

desire to have
for

arrangements

them
possessing

those who possess them already

; and
will feelan interest,
not merelyin the prospect
of advantage
from their industry,
but also in

Whilst caring
for themselves the members
of this
have not forgotten
society
to encourage the labourermarkingthe periodical
which not
return of Spring,
by prizesfor faithfulservices. We heartilyonly revives and invigorates
the " littlebusy bee,"
wish

to thisinfant society.
but enlivens them and renews
success
the ray of hope
On Wednesday, Feb. 27,the ploughingmatch of this which the dullness of winter had clouded. Much
has been written on the management of the bee,
infant societytook place in a fieldof Mr.
at
Prosser's,
Llwynjack,near Llandovery; the weatJier being exhowever,as upon many otiier subjects
connected
tremely still,
favourable,
an immense
cf spectators
with rural affairs,
concourse
far from having
we
are
assembled from the neighbouring
parishe*to witness the
attained perfection.
This, however, we can state,
contest,which,from itsnovelty
and importance,
seemed
in no
work
which
under our notice has
has come
to attract universal attention. Seventeen
ploughmen the
been treated so clearly
and practically
with theirploughsand teams enterad the fieldin
subject
r"gular
Bee Keeper's
Manual.
processionfrom Llandovery. When lots wara
as in Taylor's
We
drawn
subjoin
for the situations,
which had been previously
marked
an
extract especially
to the approaching
applicable
out, theyproceeded to work in good earnest,and after
season.
theirseveral tasks in a most satisfactory
executing
ner,
manthe fieldwas
"
cleared of all persons with the exStocking a Hive, and SmExoxii of a Colony.
ception
of the Secretary
of the Society: and the judges, To stock a hive
should be selected,
an
earlyswarm
if
Daniel Jones,Esq.,Penybont,D. Davies,
in May.
On this occasion the holes at the top
Esq.,Froodpossible,
and Mr. R. Shute,Neuaddfach,were
yale,
then called of it and elsewhere must be temporarilystoppedtillit is
in to inspect
the work. Seon afterwards about sixty
of
which must, without fail,
bn on the
put up in its place,
the leadinggentlemen and farmers of the districtadjournedsame
be immediately
evening. Should the swarm
at
to the Castle Inn,where theysat down to
is
it
stillbetter to placeit at once where it is to
a most
hand,
sumptuous dinner,
provided for the occasion by Mr.
that
is
remain,
the bees are pretty quiet,
as
soon
as
Powell : the Rev.E. H. G. Williams,
of Llwynyworwhich will be in lessthan half an hour.
mood, the Society
"s President,
in the Chair,
assistedby
Unless the swarm
isa very large
one, and particularly
D. Jones,Esq.,jun.,
When the cloth was reas Vice.
if a full-size pavilionor hive is used,in a good bee
moved
several loyaland
toasts
it isbest to increase the numbers by uniting
patriotic
were
drunk, district,
a
with the usual honours,
afterwhich the President anto the first.*
nounced second swarm
that the successful competitorsin ploughing
The stronger the colony at the outset,the better the
prize,Daniel Rees,servantof Mr. J. Jones, bees will work and the more prosperous it will become.
^ere,"first
Llwyndewi,Llangadock; second prize,Thomas Jones, 1 never knew a weak one do well long,and a little
extra
of Henry Jones,Esq.,
servant
Cynghondy.Llanfairary-expense and trouble at firstare amply rewarded by sucbryn ;^third prize,
Daniel Lloyd,Llwynpiod,the President's
own
tenant.
The announcement
received
was
"
It is not always an easy matter to estimate tlie strength
with great applause,
and seemed to give universal satisfaction.of a swarm,
tlje bulk
is not a certain criterion,as the weather
The President also stated that there were three
the bees to cluster togethermore
enures
or less cluselv.
Thomas
others,
Thomas, servant of M. Morgan, Esq., Five thousand bees are estimated to weigh a pound, but this
also varies, for on
Llwyn ; Thomas
Rees, servant of Rev. J. Morgan',
sv"arming they are always provident
Tolrhyn; and J. Edwards, servant of Mr. Powell, enough to load themselves more or less with honey before
Castle Inn, who, althoughtheydid not perform their their departure. The swarm,
however, ought to wei(;h
nearly four pounds, some
have reached to six pounds, but
work equal to those who won
the prizes,
yet theyde- thisis rare.
"

318

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

and ultimate profit

ceedin?years of prosperity
; indeed
one
main feature in the coilateral
system i-.that of being

allowed to destroywith theirhoofs as much as theyeat,

of heat and cold.
whilst exposed to extremes
the case
When straw is thrown down in roads,
as was
in Cornwall,and is still generalin open farm yards in
half its
other parts of England,the rain washes
away
which tread this
best properties
; besides,the animals

enabled to retain tog'ethcr

of bees than on
a greater mass
for
no
more
any other is possible,
nurses
are
required
the brood of a larjre
hive than a small one, consequently
the proportionof working'
bees isincreased.
The usual and most certainmethod of uniting
more
food,whereas,
require
Rwarms
straw, from beingchilled,
is as follows : In a few
is cut up with turnip
straw
after if the same
tops, mangel
days,or as soon as is desired,
it
the first has been established,
be
leaves,and other succulent food, makes better
wurzel,
a second
swarm
may
after it has gone throughthe process of digestion
manure
hive. At nightplace a table in
put into a common
front of the one to which it is to be joined,
than it can do merelypoachedby cattle.
which
over
Another advantage from stall feediig,is that the land
spread a cloth ; by a sudden and smart stroke the bees
many,
be displaced
is not wasted in fences,as is seen in Belgium and Gerfrom the hive, and will fall on the
may
of land which
table in a lump. Take the firsthived colon-/
where furrows alone divide strips
and place
it over them, raising
to the road sides ; and it
reach down from the villages
it a littleat bottom, when the bees
is from land thus economicallyused that we are supbelow will ascend and joinit,forming one family. In
plied
has been
which
with butter,cheese, and corn
moving the hive,let it be done with caution,for the
have opened the
combs, being at present new and brittle,
poured in since the late high prices
are otherwise
It is seldom that any quarrel
takes
apt to fall down.
Englishports.
And the agricultural
of Scotland isowing
prosperity
placeif the business be done properly.Early the next
to the improvementseflfected
the hive back to its former position
by the stimulus given by
morning move
; one
of the queens willbe speedily
their large premiums, which premiums are liberally
deposed and all will go on
with redoubled strength
thrown open to the whole of the United Kingdom, and
and activity.
I have tried
quietly
book clubs.
with success, in a collateral hive, another mode
agricultural
by theiritinerating
of
"Let then,"as Mr. Johnson says, "improvements
the 31st of May, 1835,Ihived aswarm
: on
junction
into
the pavilion,
and on
the 7th of June a second one into
proceed; letscience go hand in hand with the farmer ;
cultivatable vegetables,
or
letthe Naturalist find new
end box ; to the latter a temporary entrance
an
had
varietiesof those alreadyknown
been provided; the bees worked as two distinctfamilies new
; let the Chemist
tillthe 19th of June, when
yieldhis magic aid to demonstrate the best mode of
each box was filledwith
and (borrowing
promotingtheir growth,and the increasingthe fertility
combs; I then took out dividers,
a hint
of the soil;
and then, I fearlessly
from Mr. IVIalond)substitutedothers of perforatedzinc
as-ert,that ten times
the present inhabitants of Britain may be amply supported
throughwhich the scent of both hives passedand mixed
for thisgreatly
by the land of theirbirth."
facilitates
freely,
their union;in two days
National
of
As
has
been
these were
Education,
more
a plan
withdrawn at night,
proposed
and thismode of
in which learning some
occupationis to form a part,
junctionin a well authenticated case came
to my
the lastyear, where a supposedunion of this
might not this objectbe promoted,and the saluries of
knowledg-e
he saved,by each being allowed \.o rent from 1
kind was
masters
made
(in an Oxford hive)after the two
of land,and havingtheirscholars'services in
to 5 acres
had worked separately
swarms
for three weeks, on endeavouring
it aftertwelve o'clock in return for teaching
the end box it was discovered still
cultivating
to remove
them to read,ikc, tillnoon.
to remain a distinctfamilywith its own
queen, there
Sussex,
The parish
clerk and schoolmaster of Javington,
being also one in the centre box, both colonies had
is willing
tillnoon, ifhe could but
to teach daily,
worked
from one common
throughout the summer
of land.
rent one
acre
doorway.
he does rent,
In whatever way bees are united itshould be done at
Satisfiedfrom the produce of the little
night and not when they are at work, or destraction that half an acre would yield him 20 bushels of wheat
and the other half turnips,
would ensue
mangel wurzel,"c.,
yearly,
that
; as a generalrule itmy be remarked
and pig,and that with the manure
to stall feed a
the mode the most likely
cow
tosucceed is a junction
made of
the whole ; the temporary entrance
theywould give,by changing yearly,the grainand
to the side box
having,previously,
been closed,
green crops, that the produce would increase ; and there
well as that of the
as
is justreprinted
by H. Wright, 15, Huy market, Hints
all were
shut up tillthe next evenintr.* On
pavilion,
the succeeding morning they went
to Dairy Farmers, by W.
Cramp, who recsived the
in peace,
to work
Board ef Agriculture's
with scarcelyany lossof life,
medal, for the details of the
and on the 16th July both
boxes were filledwith honey. But I think some
by which in the House of Correction at
management
doubt
of upwards of 50 pounds
attached is,that in whic-libees are suddenly blended
Lewes, he obtained a profit
from one cow in 1808.
without space or opportunity
together
for individual recognition,
And he says, though 100 fold from seed on good
bee againstbee ; and it must be
or
fighting
used to be thought
done before the hive is filledwith combs.
But though ground in the parableof the sower
the methods of union now
irom a thimble full of wheat last year, he
alive,
fig\ir
at
pointedout may answer
the proper time,theymust not be resorted to at a later raised 50 plants,yieldingupwards of a quart, weighing
stage or fatal consequences
might result;a different two pounds,and containing2,312 grains,that is 406 told
the seed ; he put in each grainto the depth of his finger,
then be taken, as will
course
must
appear under the
head of autumnal management."
not devoured
so itwas
by the fowls of the air,was net
withered for the uant
of moiiture,and being well
weeded was
and one
not choked by tliorns,
plantbore
52

SPADE
(from

HUSBANDRY.
a

correspondent.)

ears.

Schoolmasters being paid by the produce of the

in
land they rent, would be a motive to be diligent
their pupils,
and farmeis might be tempted
instructing
used to the
to
try dibbling,if children were
work.

Abroad travellerscan
master
A Prebend of Ely promoted the National schoolat
hardlyfailto be surprised
wlrch is important,
or no
cattlein the fields,
seeinglittle
allowingthe children to helptheir parents and
as it accounts
for meat being plentyand cheap; Ijecause serve
their country in that kind of work to which
the same
better suited than those of larger
land,by stall feeding,will support double,if their tiny fingers
are
the quantityof
not treble,
growth.
oxen, compared with those
And
the Labourers' Magazine for March, states,Mr.
of
turist
agriculNorfolk,an eminent practical
*
A difficulty
snnietimos
wlion iti" necessary to
occurs
ledge
and land agent, says, I do not hesitateto acknowconfine bees or drive tliem into the hive, as the alighting
Imard
that I have learnt more
of farming by looking
Is often covered with them
in an evening, and
the numbers
in the counallotments
than
all the
ty
"

"

arc
increased on the least alarm.
In this case
take a small
tvaterinarpot and gently .sprinklethe lioard and entrance,
tvhen the bees,mistaking this for rain, will all rcthe inside;

over

;
two

from

farms

for if there are 20 allotment tenants, probabynot

farm alike,
tht*syou see on the same
land,the same

THE
season, land farmed in

of
variety

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

319

ways, wliijchcannot

and I saw
and
very luxuriant crops of wheat, barley,
beans on theirlittle
allotments.
has
In
with
much
to
do
several parts of Norfolk spadehusbandryhashesn
season
so
produce,an
result on a farm could not be had in
satisfactory
adopted; and I had an opportunityearlylust year, of
equally
a very auspicious
witnessing
many years.
example of the practice,
on
Thus school land mi"ht form experimental
farms all
the part of Mr. Gedney, a very able and experienced
formation
over
at Kedenhall,
England ; and the most authentic and valuable inagriculturist,
near
Harleston,where he
if the masters
be obtained,
farms about 300 acres.
directed to
were
Mr. Gedney's trials were
so
that he augmented his quantityof forked
keep dailyaccounts of work and produce.
Gacouraging,
exercise for
of last year, from about 18 to 50
Copying-which, mig-ht form a writing:
land,in the autumn
theirpupils,
to be examined by the annual visitors
from
acfes, on which he has grown
luxuriant crops of wheat,
the central school.
barley,
and popeas, beans,carrots, beet-root,
turnips,
tatoes,
And little
and he pays from l^d.
forcommencing would be required,
capital
to 3d. or 21. per acre
for
besides the purchase
of prongs, hoes,dibblers,andrakes
diggingto '.hedepth of from seven
to twelve
or eight
for the children,
and an empty cask to kaep them in,in
inches,and ridgingit,by which the subsoil has the benefit
the school-room,
of the sun
and frost,
which cask used there,would save
to powder it before itmixes
both JlaiU and thrashing
with the vegetablemould, which itwould for a time insheaves need
floor,for more
jure
if cluywas
be brought in than could be clefiredof the grain
not
at firstlaid level over
it.
before nightwith a sack to put the seed in,which when
Mr. Gedney also observe*,tliat the
pressure of the
full might be drawn in a hand cart to the mill by the
plough in moist weather,
"frequently
glazesthe bottom
boys ; and this cart would serve to take out the solid of the furrows,"and thus prevents the passingoff of the
and by slinging
under ita barrel,
manure
liquid
water, the retention of which, " in the mould which is
manure,
intended for the reception
of the seed,on heavysoils,
also, to give to the turnips,
potatoes, mangel wurzel
is
would
be wanttoo frequently
ing
succeeded
plants,
more
Sec, and perhapsnotiiing
by scanty crops, more especially
when sown
than a machine to cut by hand tineroots and straw
with barley."Deep forking
he considers
for the cow, pailsfor milking,and a churn for making
as peculiarly
well adapted to barleyafter tares,
"
the butter.
by bringingup fresh soil" for the young cloverplants.
"
And if girls
This shows with what facility
were
taughtto milk,"c., it might tempt
spade husbandrymay
than they have of late
be accommodated
to the various states of demand
cows
great furmers to keep more
for
of supplying
and how subssrvient it may be made
the butter
done, and givethem the prolit
agricultural
labour,
and cheese now
and increasing
its productive
by improiing the soil,
broughtfrom abroad.
And small premiums between neighbouring
masters, powers, both to public
schooland private
advantage."
If it were
awarded
stated,that by a very slightchange of emby the resident clergymen,might
ployment,
a very
of the soilall over England.
importantbenefit might at once be
prove the ca-pabilities
And Dr. Yellowlysays :
conferred on the whole mnss of agricultural
labourers
Spade husbandryis not a system of expense or risk. contained in it,gentlemen would naturallyenough look
Less capital
isnecessary for itthan ordinary
of some
and Utopian
husbandry, for the announcement
visionary
from the smaller number
of horses and implements reto be added, that the scheme
quired, project.But if to thiswere
while the advantagesare speedilyexhibited. involved neither publiclevy,nor private
contribution ;
Its tendency is to diminish the poor rates, and thus to
that it would have a strong tendency to improvethe
aid materiallythe operationof the new
morals and elevate the character of the cottager and hi
poor laws;while
of the labourers
at.the same
time, it raisesthe amount
family;while,at the same
time, without interfering
and makes it dependentan steadyhabits with his usual occupations,
remuneration,
or
takinghim to a new and
distant place"f abode, it would be the means
of industry.
of providing
him with a cottage,rent free,or furnishing
By turningup or looseningthe ground five or six
him with
inches deeperthan the plough,
of procuring one, there would be little
which does not ordinarilythe means
difficulty
than three or four inches of soil,there is an
in forminga conceptionof the mode in which a
act en more
afforded for the descent and diff'usion
of the
notification,
opportunity
apparentlyso wild and extravagant, would
be received. And yet, what is the fact with regard to
in theirprogress by a
roots,which are often interrupted
hard and impervious substratum;
and with regard to
cottage gardens? A labourer pays the full rent,or even
that tiic much
than the fullrent for a quarter of an acre
more
wheat,I have had an opportunityof observing,
number and lengthof the roots are much more
derable of ground, which in this way
consiproduceda gam rather
in forked than in ploughedland ; and the continual
than a lossto the owner.
1 lis garden acts as a saving
addition of decomposedvegetable
for
the
afforded
bank
matter
immediate employlabour,by securing
ment
of small portions of time,which would otherwise
effect a great and
by a successionof rooty fibrils,
must
permanent improvementin Us productive
escape imperceptiblyfrom the grasp, like his savings,
power.
when not placed,
It may perhapsbe thoughtthat to laydown the plough
as
soon
as made,
beyond the risk and
and employ in itsstead the spade,or fork,
of being used needlessly
is to reject
and improvidently.
an
temptation
and to takeastep
ward
back"And the good Bishopof Bath and Wells,says, allotment
importantmechanical invention,
m
human improvement. But it is not always that
tenants obtain produce to the amount
of from 16/.
the highest
to 20/. per acre,"
which is also the case in Sussex.
power isthe most convenient of application
;
and there arc various examples,
in which the more
ple
simof labour, may
tageously
sometimes bo advandescription
substitutedfor the more
complex. For example,
CELEBRATED
Ihe oldest oak in EngOAKS."
the dibbling
of wheat has very much superseded
land
is supposedto be the Parliament
several
oak (so called
counties,owing to the savingof
broadcastingin
tradition
of
Edward
from
the
the
First
seed,which pays the differenceof expense, and the proholdinga parliament
duce
under its branches),
in Clipstone
able.
Park, belongbeing rendered more ceitain and more considering
be done
And

on

farm.

"

"

of Portland ; this park beingalso the

ancient in the island : it was
a park before the
seized as such by the Conqueror.
conquest, and was
The tree is supposedto be 1500 years old. The tallest
oak in England teas
the propertyof the same
man
noblecalled the Duke's
it was
:
walking-stick
; was
Abbey; and stood tillof late
higherthan Westminster
The largest oak in England is the Calthorpe
years.
feet in circumference
oak, Yorkshire ; it measures
seventy-eight
where
the trunk meets
the ground. The
Thret-Shire oak, at Worksop, was
called from coverso
ing
parts of the counties of York, Nottingham and
Derby. It had the greatestexpanse of any recorded in
to the Duke

instrument,
ploughisindeed a clumsy and imperfect
quiteinadequateto preparingthe ground for
effective planting,
whether of vines,forest trees, or
The

shrubs,which require the soil to be not only dug, but

for the roots to diffuse
trenched,in order to allow room
themselves in it. jVo gardener would think of planting
potatoes, carrots, or cabbages in ploughed land if he
could get it dug, for the differenceof producefar more
than compensates the differenceof the expense.
As an additionalencouragement
to his workmen, Mr.
Mitchell allows eight of them a comfortable cottage,
and a garden of about a quarter of an acre of ground,
at a fairrent;theyvalue the accommodation
very much,

most

this island,droppingover

777 square

yards. The

most

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

AGRICULTURAL

321

REPORTS.

it ; but although
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.
unaccompanied by any snow to protect
will not prove at
it has a rusty appearance, it probably
six
weather
the
last
the
weeks,
Dnrieg
geoerally,
of the
Some
all injuriousto the forthcoming crop.
has been exceediuglyvariable,
though the major part
and sickly,princilatter sown
wheat is looking weak
pally
of the severe
than otherwise.
thereof, partook more
to the above-nanted cause,
owing, it is supposed,
two
and three weeks, the ground was
covered
Between
as up to that time,it was
lookingremarkably well and
but the past week
with snow,
hns made
a complete
of corn, is
healthy. Spring sowing of all descriptions
and the temperatare is at present somewhat
clearance,
of the land intended for beans
; much
very backward
higherthan it usuallyranges duringthe ides of March.
of
and peas, still remains
unfinished,in consequence
In looking around us, the fact meets
tion,
in every direcus
the very unsettled state of the weather during the last
that
corn-stacks
are
more
numerous
by far,
and which
is also the case with the oat land ;
than was
anticipatedwhen the harvest was completed. month,
the barley sowing has scarcelycommenced, and what
This fact arises from two sources
the
farmers,
; first,
able
little is done, has not been put in under very favourthe advice given them in the Mark
(notwithstanding
settled,
stillcontinues uncircumstances
; the weather
refused
to
Lane Express,)
duce
press the bulk of their proit will prove to be
consequentlyit is supposed,
on
ney
mothe market, in the hope of realising
more
of the worst seasons
for sowing this grain,that
lusion one
as the coming harvest
approached. And this defor many
as
has beea experienced
years, particularly
was
kept, by rumours, the most strange and
the springis far advanced, and great anxietywill be
delusive ; such, as that the quantity of corn
in the
and
scarce
felt for its completion. Turnipsare getting
to
than
six months'
more
country, did not amount
dear ; sheep in generalhave done very badly where
consumption"that ten millions fef quarters of foreign
not
they have been confined to the fold,in short they canwheat would be wanted
to make up the deficiency that
have done well any where, the weather havingbeen
abroad
there was
no
corn
to be exported, and that
Great
losses have
for them.
so
very unfavourable
where a small superabundance did exist, the government
and
in many
been experienced
flocks,both with ewes
of those fortunate countries, would
its
prohibit
of a short crop
aud
there
is
a general complaint
lambs,
their
shores"
instead
own
that America,
of
leaving
of
of the latter,
there havingbeen but a small number
with a supply of flour and corn, would
us
furnishing
have
markets
Our
to make
corn
up losses.
want
all she could collect from every part of the globe. twins
greatlyreceded in value within these last few weeks,
raised and kept up by interested
These, and similar rumours,
law questo the agitation
of the corn
owing, doubtless,
tion,
parties,to suit their own
purposes, operated
that can be assigned,
than from any other reason
of our principal
very materiallyon the minds of many
"March
22.
to such an extent, as to prevent a proper
agriculturists
supply being brought to the market, and thus the
KINCARDINESHIRE.
pricescontinued to range higher and higher,while the
daty was being reduced to its lowest rate, when the
The weather since our last has been favourable for
of foreign
in bond, was
thrown on the market ;
quantity
partment
carting out dung, but otherwise for ploughing"a dethe British farmer
frauded
was
thus, to a certain extent, deof farming operations
which is considerably
in
of his rightwhich was
reaped most abundantly
about the 2nd
The sowin? of beans commenced
arredr.
by the speculatorsin the produceof foreign countries.
in some
of the earliestdistricts; but,in general,
current
At present the growing wheats are generally
looking the *oil liasnot
yet been in a proper state for receiving
its
healthy,although upon many of the low cold soils,
the seed. The fallow wheals and young
grasses look
colour is not very good ; still it is admitted, that appearances
well,but much of the wheat sown afterpotatoesis barely
are
tenfold better this spring,than they were
markets
have been
visibleabove ground. The corn
at the same
periodlast year. With respect to our corn
well suppliedthrough the month, and the stack-yards
been governeda good deal
mnrkets, they have latterly
has advanced
fast. The priceof barley
are
diminishing
and Wakefield
by the state of the London
markets, in
the quantity
of the lastfortnight
and were
in
course
;
the
been
has
liberal
than
in
veral
semore
although
supply
the hands of the farmers to be taken as a criterionfor
of the adjoining
markets.
When
the new
year set
and brewer until next harvest,
supplyingthe distiller
in,such was the supply of turnips,that it was expected there is little
of the rate recedingrnuch for
prospect
could not be consumed, but the late rough and
many
montlis.
In all likelihood,
the value of grainwill
some
that idea, and although
stormy weather has dissipated
fluctuateconsiderably
through the summer
; but if there
will be known, still there will be none
want
to
no
be any truth in reports,neither the quantity
of our
own
so
Perhaps one reason
why they are not now
spare.
or
growth which may be thrown on the market,
foreign
is,that largebreadths have been prematurely can lead us to
plentiful,
that corn
will be cheap until
suppose
with
consumed, in order that the land might be sown
appearing
somethingis known of the next crop. Turnips are diswheat.
Previous to the settingin of the late severe
and a great number of heiferbeasts have
fast,
had proceededto a very conweather, bean dibbling
siderable
been forced on the market,which has caused a dull sale.
extent, and the farmers are at presentbusily In
general,fat stock,particularly
sheep,have brought
in
the
land
for
the
turnip
reception remunerating
engaged preparing
prices
; and so far thishas been fortunate
of barley.The lambing season
is about half over, and the
for some
farmers who had little
to sell and their
corn
to be fullyan average
It
one.
crop of lambs is reported
seed to purchase. Prime
fat has sold readilyat 6s. to
must
however be admitted,that greatfatality
has been
6s. 3d. per imp. stone, sinking offals; and a large
the breedingewes,
and many
prevalent amongst
number of fine animals from this county have been
farmers
have been sufferers to an extent altogether
transmitted to the London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
in this neighbourhood for very many
unprecedented
markets,in the course of the morith. Notwithstanding
Amongst fat sheep also, there has been great the advanced priodof the
years.
of field
year, and the arrears
losses,but not to such an extent as those we have just
and prices
the horse markets have been dull,
labour,
alluded to. The hop market
is in a remarkably passive
lower than expected. The agitation
garding
reconsiderably
state at present, and we
of any circumstance
not avrare
are
laws appears to be dying away, even
the corn
which can
resuscitate it,until something
those who were most clamorous for theirrepeal.
among
be known
of the ensuingcrop.
March
can
20.
Never
endeavoured
be

BASSETLAW."

"

"

to
was
a greater delusion
palmed
the publicthan the doctrine of a freetrade in corn
evils ; and itis equally
absurd
as a jianaceu for all our
law can regulatethe value
to imagine that any human
of food. Farmers should not depend on the legislature
of distress,
neither should the lafor reliefin seasons
bourer
believe that wages cannot
be affected by the
priceof corn." March 6.

upon

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.
The
not

so

earlysown

wheat

is stilllookingwell,although
in its appearance,
previous
frosts which visited us about five or

vigorous,as it was

to the sharpwind
six -weeks since,aud

which

lasted for several

days,

322
GENERAL

THE
AGRICULTURAL

FARMER'S

REPORT

MAGAZINE.

FOR

In Scotland, every thingrelative to out-door agricultural

but there is
labour, is goingon favourably,
The weather of this month
and
in the yieldof wheat
has heen exceedingly still a great deficiency
in
in roost, if not all,parts of the kingdom, barley
of grainare selling,
favourable,
descriptions
; which
to agricultural
affairs in general,notwithstandingthe whole of the markets, at high prices,
owing to
that very few cold northerly
the very limited supplies
winds have been exbroughtforward. Those
perienced,
wheat plantswhich
and that the most
have appearedabove ground
frosts have not
severe
produced ice of any thickness,they have proved manifest a promising
appearance ; whilst they have
seasonable
to
sufficiently
prevent the growing withstood the winter's frosts extremely well. In
southern parts of Scotland,the
of the most
wheat, and, indeed,allother grain
some
which have
plants
is rapidly
corn
appeared above
proceededwitli; "
ground from
becoming either sowing of spi-ing
whilst it has commenced
in some
in partial
spindlyer winter-proud.Judging from the exinstances,
tended
of the northern districts.
breadth of land under wheat, this season, and
the strong and otherwise healthy
the accounts which have reached us
From Ireland,
appearance of the
winter sown
have been very gratifying
wheat, there is every probability
of the
; whilst itis intimated that
of corn
approaching
growth of that description
being- additional tracts of land have been sown with wheat.
No complaints,
if we make a few exceptions,have
extensive than has been the case
by far more
for
the yield
arisen respecting
a series of years past. In some
either of wheat,barley,
of the southern and
remunerative
at tolerably
western
or
rain has fallen than in the
districts,
more
oats, whiclj are selling
northern and midland counties, accounts
having prices.A largeportionof lastyear'spotatoe crop is
portant
reached us that some
stillin the hands of the growers, which is a very imof the low lands, in Sussex
and Essex have proved in too wet a state to revive
circumstance,proving, as it undoubtedly
their springseed furrow ; whilst in Lincolnshire, does,the abundance of that grown last season.
Leicestershire and Norfolk, even
Oui fat stock markets have been tolerably
the wettest soils,
well,
which
but not heavily,
with both beasts and sheep,
supplied
are, in some
years, hardlyfit to be sown
before the middle or latter end of April,
which have met a sluggish
sale,at but littlevariation
have not,
with very few trifling
in their value.
been too wet
for
exceptions,
that importantpurpose.
of
is a statement
and comparison
With
respect to tillage, The following
the supplies and pricesof fat stock exhibited and
we
are
happy to learn that it is in a forward state
the comparativemildness of the weather,duringthe
sold in Smithfield Cattle Market, in the course
of
whole of the winter,having enabled the farmers to
the month.
continue out-door
The supplies
of beasts have amounted to 11,041 ;
labours without
material
any
obstruction.
of sheep and lambs, to 100,491; of calves,
Most of the springcrops on the
to 720 ;
lands,
upand of pigs,
to 2,450
are
sown
already
; whilst the tenderest of the
lowland soils may be considered in
The pricesof beef have rangedfrom 2s. to 4s. 6d. ;
nearlya fit state
for the receptionof the seed.
of mutton, 3s. to 5s. 2d.; of lamb, 6s. to 7s. ; of
The ravages of the
insect,has not been so great as from the extreme
veal,4s. 4d. to 5s. lOd.; and of pork, 4s. to 5s. 2d.
mildness of the weather might have been reasonably per 81bs. to sink the oflS'al.
anticipated;whilst the pastures are tolerably About 2,200 of the Scots and homebreds,forming
luxuriant ; but there appears to have been a large the above supplies,
have been received from Norfolk
of turnips
consumed
quantity
stock
by the fattening
; 400 Scots,runts, and Devons, from Suffolk ;
in our greatbreeding
100
districts. However, itis conScots, runts, and Devons, from Essex; 170
sidered
that all kinds of both dry and succulent
from
Scots, runts, and Devons
Cambridgeshire;
food usuallygiven to beasts and sheep are at the
horns
1,500 short-horns, from Lincolnshire ; 900, shortand
Devons, from Leicestershire ; 500
present time,to be found in by far largerquantities
most
farms than has been remembered
on
shire
by the Devons, runts, and short-horns from Northamptonoldest grazier"it beingwell known
60O
Devons,
that tlieturnip
Herefords,
runts,
oxen,
;
Warwickshire
and
fordshire
Oxand quality,and Irish beasts, from
crep has been superiorboth in quantity
to that of the preceding
and
1,000 Devons
fit
Herefords, from
;
year. Hence, a great benehas accrued to stock masters, who have had more
Devonshire
and Herefordshire ; 750 Scots, by sea,
difficultiesto surmount
from Scotland ; 100 oxen, runts, and Devons, from
in bringing
their cattle to
Sussex
and runts, from Surrey;
perfectionthan usual.
The yeaning of the ewe
; 60 Devons, cows,
flocks,both on the South downs of Sussex and in 70 cows, runts, Devons, and Herefords,from Kent.
others of our great flock districts has,as
The
remainder of the bullock supplycame
chiefly
yet,gone on
and
a
of London.
favourably,
largenumber of very superior from the neighbourhood
lambs, from the former county,has been offert^dfor A STATEMENT
and COMPARISON
of the SUPPLIES
sale in the London
and PRICES
of FAT
exhibited
market, though the principal
STOCK,
and sold in Smithfield
Cattle
Market,
on
at this season, desupplyexhibited at it,is mostly,
rived
from the Isle of Wight, where an
Monday, March 26, 1838, and Monday, March 25,
unusually
1839.
extensive breadth of land bas been laid down, of
At per 8lbs.ta sink the offals.
late years, as pastures for the breeding
of sheepand
March
March
26, 1838.
25, 1839.
lambs, which descriptionof economy
appears to
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
the
answer
of the graziers
expectation
well.
tolerably
Coarse " inferior Beasts 2 2 to 2 4..
2
2 to 2
2
The total number
of lambs received in the metropolis, Second
2
2
2
8
6
3
4
0..
qualitydo
from the above quarter,since the lambingseason
Prime largeOxen,
has
8
3
4
3
0
3
3
8..
Prime Scots,"c
at least a moiety of which
commenced, is about 900
40
10
2
4
44.
.3
Coarse " inferior Sheep 34
have been purchased,by some
6. .38
40
3
Scotch dealers for
8
2
4
4
6
3
3 10.
shipmentto the Edinburgh market, at which mart, Second qualitydo
Prime coarse
woolled do. 42
50
46.
.48
lambs, owing to the backwardness of the season in
Prime
Southdown
do. .48
52
50.50
the most
southern
even
parts of Scotland,produce Lambs
60
66
70..
70
in the months
of March
and April,very highrates.
5
4
4 10
4
4
0..
Large coarse Calves ..4
the
month
it
next
that
is
considered
During
upwards
Prime small ditto
5
5
4
5 10
5
4
6..
of 7,000 lambs will arrive from the Isle of Wight
48
38.
32
.40
Large Hogs
that beingabout the number received lastseason.
Neat small Porkers .,48
50
52
52..
MARCPL

"

"

THE
SUPPLIES
March

Beasts

Sheep

IHaich25, 1839.
3,349

2,840
24,220

19,720

140

Pigs

145

630

700

it appears,
By the above comparison,

'

that the supply

of Monday, Marcli 26, 1838, embraced
509
beasts,
and 70 Pi^s less; 4,500 Sheep and Lambs
5 calves,
than that of Monday, March 25, 1839.
more
The generalqualityof both beasts and sheep exbibited for sale has been
very superior,whilst the
have ruled tolerably
remunerative.
prices
A largequantity
of slaughtered
meat, has reached
Newgate and Leadenhall Carcass Markets, for sale,
it consisting
of 500 carcasses
of beef; 9,000 do. of
9,500 do. of veal ; and 10,000 do, of pork;
mutton;
mostlyfrom Scotland and the north and west of England.

GARDENING

MAGAZINE.

323

The

26,*
183S.

Calves

FARMER'S

OPERATIONS

FOR

APRIL.
Melon and cucumber beds must be carefully
ed,
watchthe declining
heat must
be renewed by the aid of
fresh linings
to prevent the thermometer
low
befalling

should now
greenhouse and conservatory
be
the highestorder, climbers should be neatly
trained,and tied in as theyextend in growth ; shift
such plants
as require
allinsects
largerpots,destroy
as they appear, water
as often as
dry,and giveair

keptin

liberally.
Propagatethe

diflTerent
of stove and greenspecies
house

plantsby seeds, cuttings,layers,

grafts,and
tlie various modes
of inarching,and
herbaceous
plants,dahlias,
cull"c., by seeds,rooted offsets,
the roots.
ings or dividing
Plant hardy evergreens any time in the course
of
the month, and plant,dress and repair
box, and other
edgings. Herbaceous plantsof allkinds may still
be

planted.

Sow tender and half-hardy

annuals on a moderate
hot bed, and hardysorts in the open borders.
Protect auriculas from heavy rains and cutting
winds, let them have plentyof air,and supplyihem
with water at their roots.
carefully
Let the beds and borders in the flower gardenbe
stirred with the hoe, and raked so as to give the
whole a neat appearance ; gravelwalks should be
where necessary, and put in good order for
repaired
the season.
Mow, sweep and roll grass walks and
lawns.
,j
Where

new

lawns

are

to

be laid

down, prepare

and thoroughly
|deg.,
duringsunshine the mercury may be the ground by digging,levelling,
allowed to rise to 85 deg.or even
of all root weeds, let the surface be level
90 deg. with air, clearing
shade the plantsfrom a scorching sun with a thin
and of an uniform consistency,
take advantage
of
but remove
the first calm
mat
with the proper perthe shadingas soon
to sow
as the dangeris
dry da)',
manent
lawn grass seeds at the rate of four bushels
past that theymay have the benefit of as much light
and roll down
as possible.Add
a littlefresh mould
to the hills as
per acre ; rake the seeds in evenly,
with a heavy roller. The
of laying
often as the roots appear on the surface,and let the
above method
shoots be regularly
economical,
pegged down as they extend. down a lawn you will find to be more
than tliecommon method
and satisfactory
Attend to the impregnationof the female with the
expeditious,
farina of the male flowers,and tliinout all superfluof turfing,
provideddue attention be paid to the
ous
70

selection of the proper lawn seeds.

is a favourable season
Now
for grafting
allsorts of
fruit and ornamental
trees ; stake newly planted
fruit tree3 to prevent their being blown about by the
wind, and protect them from the ravages of game,
in dry weather.
Protect
"c., and water occasionally
the blossom of wall fruit trees from frost.
Sow peas, beans, spinage,lettuces and turnips
middle and end
for succession about the beginning,
of the month.
Savoys, cabbages, cauliflowers,
brocolis, Brussels
sprouts, borecole and kidney
than 80 or 85 deg.,water
not
beans, the beginningand end, and salsafy,
scorzoonce
or
plentifully,
twice a week, but as often as the plantsare dry; syringe nera, skirrets and sea-kale about the middle of the
and small salading
head in clear weather, and
once
month, and radishes,
a week.
over
occasionally
the house
Sow
full crops of beets,carrots, and parsnips.
Leeks
steam
cession
morning and evening. Shift sucif not done last month.
pineplantsif not done last month, give air and onions may stillbe sown
Sow
and
hot-bed, capsicums,
tomatoes
on
a slight
dailyand water when dry.
If the fruit in the vinerybe now
border nasturtiums, chirvil,
basil, and on a warm
set, let the
fairly
leaves and branches be abundantly
dill,fennel, thyme, savory, marjoram, and all sorts
suppliedwith
from the syringeor engine once
water
of aromatic,medical and pot-herbs.
twice a
or
Plant potatoes,asparagus, sea-kale,rhubarb, mint
day,prune, regulateand tie in the young shoots as
and tarragon,and transplant
cauliflowers,
cabbages,
theyadvance and maintain a steadyuniform temperature
Earth up peas,
and Cape brocoli.
of 75 des.
lettuces,celery,
and cabbages.
Admit air freely
to the peach-house
to prevent the
beans,cauliflowers,
Keep the hoe and
thermometer exceeding
C5 deg.with sun-heat, and
rake goingin dry weather.
J. T,
keep up the fires at nightto prevent the mercury
below 55" ; the daily
of the syfalling
application
ringe
is indispensable
to
keep down that fearful
flytoo must be
; the green
enemy the red spider
The number
of sheep in Prussia in 1834
SHEEP.
narrowlywatched and smoked to death on his first was 12,500,000, beingan increase since 1831 of 7i per
Divest the trees of all superfluous
wood
appearance.
leaves and shoots. If the plantsare

infested with
gation.
fumiWater liberally
or three days or
every two
rather as often as the plants
requireit. Sow a few
seeds to produceplantsto be ridgedout about
more
the end of the month under hand-glasses;
continue
with mats, "c.
to protect at night
Maintain a steady
pinetemperature in the fruiting
to prestove, in clear sunny weather admit air freely
vent
the thermometer
exceeding85 deg.,the heat of
tlie bed at the bottom of the pots should not be less

or green
recourse
thrips,
fly,

"

must

be had to

"

'

leave only such

by disbudding,
laid in without crowding.
easily

shoots

cent,

in the

superiorquality.

There

had been

an

crease
in-

be
as
can
in the best of one-fifth ; in the second qualityof
The thinning
out
off in the
one-tenth
been a falling
of the fruit to a regular
; whilst there had
and fair crop, should be performed
varieties ; and there had been an increase of
common
as soon
as the stones
formed.
are
fairly
The estimated
number
Keep up a succession of rhubarb, sea kale,asparagus, 222 per cent, in the Merinos.
and kidneybeans.
strawberries,
in Great Britain and Ireland was 32 millions.

324

THE

AGRICULTURAL
GREAT

KENMORE.

MAGAZINE,

FARMER'S

INTELLIGENCE,

MARKET."

Those

who

iu order to
placesadjacentor more distant,
business,complainedthat it was somewhat flat

from

came

transact

in every
exhibited

FAIRS,

"c.

Bushes ; 3l. to John Calder,servant

hitter,of Brock
to Messrs. Atkinson, of Peepy, and 2l. to Robt. Johnto Messrs. Atkinson, and a youth of
son, also servant
19. A certain portion of land,amounting to nearly

department. In the horse market, the show

and generally
of an inferior half an acre, was
not extensive,
set out for each plough.
previously
the dethe buyers few, and consequently
mand
description;
They all started at once
on
a signal
being given,and
limited ; the pricesoffered,
and submitted to,low.
the time occupied,as well as the manner
of doing the
Good draugiithorses,three and four years old,fitfor the
takcE into account
work, was
by the judges. And it
class
of
districts,
middle
is only fair to say that, besides those to whom
tenantry in any of the surroundinff
the
fetched onlyfrom eifrht
pounds to eig'htguineas, prizes were
most
awarded, there were
satisfactorily
and inferiorbeasts lower in proportion.
Fourteen pounds
in the field,
and that in
many
very good workmen
only were ottered for tlie very top of tiiemarket.
most
creditable. We
general the performance was
WORCESTER
FAIR.-This
fair on JNlonday was
understand
that at the conclusion of the meeting,the
was

with stock as we had anticipated

so well supplied
;
tiiismay be attributed to two causes, viz.,
the alteration
of the day forholdin"r
the same, andaNo the inclemency
of the weather ; by the latter,many
persons were
vented
presendingfat sheep (shorn on purpose) and also
not

couples; as regardsthe former cause, we cannot help

that the exertions of the cattlemarket committee
regretting
ally
in givingpublicity
to the fairshave been materifrustrated

almanacks

by the listof fairsattached

of the

to some

farmers present, beingwell satisfied of the

such
competition in exciting an emulation

of
utility

to excel
their ploughmen, entered into a subscription
to
among
continue a similar trial of skill annually in their own
district. Mr. Nairn, of Waren
Mills,at his ploughing
day on Wednesday,on enteringthe farm of Budle, had
abont 150 ploughs ; after the ploughing was
finished,
his friends,
to the number
of between
50 and 60, partook
of a sumptuous
entertainment,providedfor them
in a commodious
apartment formed iu Waren Mills by
the pilingof sacks of flour.
"

being corrected. The qualityof the

stock produced was
very superior.The next fairwill
take placeon Monday, April8th.
The following
were
AGRICULTURAL
OPERATIONS
IN CAITHof stock, "c., in the fair :" Beasts, 393;
the numbers
NESS.
Furrow
here at a
draining has commenced
72
and
84
Calves, ; Sheep
Lambs, 644 ; Pigs, ; Horses, great rate itis an excellent
for deepdamp land,
system
;
113.
but will not supersedethe old planofcuttingout
springs..
LINCOLN
FAT STOCK
MARKET.-Tlie
supply We are doing alternatefurrows it takes about two cart
;
of sheep was large; buyers were
scarce, and a decline
loads of broken stones to the chain. 'J"hecost of cutting,
of 2s. per head upon
last market was submitted to, several
is about 2s. 6d.per
and tilling,
quarrying, breaking,
turned out unsold. The supply of beasts
pens were
chain. 'J'hc metal (which passes through a two inch
and prices
somewhat
lower than at late markets.
was
fair,
a harp, into the
ring)is shot from the carts througii
A small quantity
taken away without finding
were
purchasers.
the small stuft'beinglaid
on the top for blinding.
drains,
not

"

LEORIINSTER

At

there

was

very

fine show

of

and a largeattendance of buyers,many

from the
cattle,
vicinityof London ; the sales of all kinds of animals
fine animals,
were
very brisk,and steers, particularly
in great request at good prices; fat cattleaveraged
were
e^d.per lb.; sheep went from 8d. to 8\d.per lb.;good

horses commanded
At ROSS
fat

fairprices.

sheep met a ready sale at l^d.to 8d.

lb.,store sheep also sold at high prices,
very few
with
being offered for sale ; the fair was thinlysupplied
fat and store cattle,
which sold from 6d. to Ggd.,and

per

The drains are half Mlled ; they are 30 inches deep, 14

We
wide at the top, and six at the bottom.
have had
very inconstant weather, and labour is behind. A few

here, however, are sown.

betterthan was expected ;
and

our

ago

at 25s. ; it

Our
our

crop

oats made

has

turned

421bs.

out

weight,

Oaimeal

here 501bs.

was
sellinga few weeks
22s. but will soon be up again.
Potatoes are scarce
rels.
at 20s. per boll of four herringbarStock does well. We are scarce
of turnips,
and
oil-cake. The sheepgot on admirably
are gettingsome
in the sheds, which isthe best system of management
for us.
Dumfries Herald.

is

now

"

stores

higherpricesthan

at

at late

fairs. There

was

CATTLE."
The sale of the
horses,both for ridingand harness, HEREFORDSHIRE
very
celebrated stock of white-faced Herefords,the property
which went at advanced prices.
At BRECON
the sale of horses was
exceedingly of .1.D. Kedward,of Westhide, Esq.,took place a short
time since,under the direction of Mr. Thomas Cooke ;
dull,althoughthere was an unusually small number

ready sale for

offered. Beasts sold remarkablywell,fat ones

6d. per lb.,and stores were
in good demand.
fetched full 7d.
AGRICULTURAL
NORTHUMBERLAND

and

to the agriculturist,
scene
perhapsa more gratifying
the
scarcelyever presenteditselfthan that of witnessing
anxiety which prevailedin the company,
one
every
seeming most anxious to touch the flesh of the difii^rent
SOCIETY.

fetched

Sheep

it was soon
aniirals for sale. At the commencement
The
competition tor the prizes awarded to
manifest there was
lack of bidders; greater compeno
tition
ploughmen by the Northumberland
tural
Agriculfor every lot was
scarcelyever seen.
Neighbour
took place on the 19th ult.,in afield at
Society,
all
b
rother
wishing
against brother,
Styford High Barns, of fine soil and a level surface, againstneighbour,
to possess a portionof the blood of the celebrated bull
well calculated for the purpose.
The number
of competitors
show
Cotmore
winner
of
the
premium at our
on
(the
smaller than was
(only17), was
expected,
for tiie best aged bull),
the property of
owing to the uncertaintythat prevailedon account of Monday last,
of the Grove, who
Mr. Edward
kindly perJeff'eries,
mitted
the weather, the snow
ring
havingoaly left the giound duhim to be shown
at the srle,being the sire of the
the previousday and night. The
however
scene
stock,and to whose care and judgment,with a
animated
"was
an
spectators being young
one, a great many
the Howton, Huntington,
remembered
few others who
on the ground, and the horses employed in the ploughs
Breinton,and Stretton breeds,this class of
Thinghill,
exhibitingan excellent specimen of that descriptionof
the county animals have been kept together,forming
stock in the district of the Tyne, for which it has been
it were, a nsw
from that old school,when
i-ra
as
now,
The arrangements were
long distinguished.
admirably theirwide
white horns and noses were decorated with the
conducted
by Messrs. Harbottle and Hunt, who have
cake and garland o'er the wassail bowl, when the wooden
undertaken
the officeof local secretaries for the southern
round to the toast
can, filledwith good old cider went
division of the county ; and the prizes
awarded
were
of the rustic distich,
after mature
phenson,
by Mr. Steinspectionand deliberation,
"
Mere's to thee IJoiiliou'and thy white horn ;
of Throckley ; Mr. Armstrong, of The Bush ;
(iod send tliy
masteiAnd
a good crop of eoni."
and Mr.
Harle, of Mill Hills,all gentlemen of experience
"

the

best

order

:"

and judgment in such matters, in the following

But to return to the merits of the animals for sale. We
5?. to John Makepeace,servant to Mr. Leadthe surprise
of all who obcould not helpwitnessing

THE
J

serve

barren,or rather

FARMER'S

fat cow,

bred

MAGAZINE.

by Mr.

Edwards, of the Day House, keptfor that purpose since

Aug-ust lust oaly,on grass, hay, and turnips,and alstill from
abnost incredible,
her weight is now
tiioug'h
itis understood she is to be sparedto
her ffreatactivity,
under the auspices
of her
luxurifite(or another summer
'Ihe Countess
J\Ir. Hodges, of Wharton,
purchi'user,

iind calf,and yearling heifer,exhibited as extra

show day, sold as follows :
stock on our late agTicultural
This
the cow, 80/.;the yearling
40/.;thecali,40/.
heifer,
bred by iMr. Turner, of Noke ; Rlr. Yeomans,
was
cow
'ofWellington,
purchasedher ; JMr, Davies,the heifer,
thecalf.A heifer,
hot two year*
and Mr. Adams, iNlarden,
old,with a calf under tlireeweeks, fetched 81/. bought
by Mr, C. A. Mason ; a real Huntingdon, with bull
calf,ten days old,sold for 791. bought by the Rev.
Smythies,of the Lynch, and Mr. Cooke, of Lyde. This
and excited great
bred by i\Ir..lones,
Breiiiton,
cow
was
attention. A bull calf,ten months old,by Cotmore,
and every lot ottered met with a ready sale,
sold for 80/.,
hthe cows
averagingupwards of 30/, each throughout.
cow

"

REVIEW

OF

fact than
last

the debates

month,

Houses

on

the

which

considerable talent

discussion,and yet

not

one

occurred

was

THE

corn

in

In both

duringthe
displayed
solitary new

the

argument,

the second

day,went

off

spiritedcompetition,
of the latter
some
5/.each,under six months old,
realizing
shewing clearly
that attentionto breedingis most essential to a profitable
same

itis to the county

return, and iilsothe great importance
the distributionof so many
beautiful and well-bred
animals.
The principalpurchasers were
the tenant
farmers of the county, with very few exceptions.
Among
the company
we
of the
recognizedthe President
Northamptonshire Agricultural Society; Rev.
"

Smythies, IMr. Jefiries,

Mr. Mason, Mr. INIoore,
Newton"
Mr. Yeomans, Mr. Turner, IMr. Jones,]Mr. Adams,
Mr. Hewer, ]\Ir,Jolifte,
Mr. Coke. Lyde" Mr. Tunof Burlton" JMr, Hill, Mr. Morris,Mr. Racsttr,
stall,
iMr. Cother,Mr.Hodgres,Wharton"
IMr.Gravenor,
Mr.
Chamberlain, Messrs. Lloyd,Langford and Williams,
from the Principality
of Wales" Air. Trinder,Mr. T.
Price" the Stewards of Sir R. Price" Sir J. Astley,
and
several hundreds of highlyrespectableyeomen,
who
of the
departed well pleadedwith the hospitality
owner.

MONTH

Parliament

laws.

sheep and pi? stock,

on

CORN

trade has been long

better exemplifythis

of the
subject

with

THE

DURlx\G

The uncertainty
of the corn
and nothing can
proverbial,

The

325

OF

beneficial to

TRADE
MARCH.

the

all the

dicting
community at large,and in contratheoretical doctrines of the political

economists

the decreased
resjiecting
growth of grain
by the e.tclusion of the foreign
from British markets
of consumption,established
most
a
cates
important truth, of which the advo-

abroad, occasioned
growers

of British interests no doubt will avail themselves

in future,
should the repeal
of these laws ever
under publicdiscussion. The experience
againcome
of this corn season
proves beyond contradiction that
for many
in our
years hare decorated book-stalls in the
any deficiency which may hereafter occur
calculations respectingconsumption
streets, and
growth of grainat home, can alwaysbe most amply
which have no solid foundation, and which consemade good by the surplusgrowth of foreign
quently
nations,
have
long since been considered valueless, and consequentlythat the slight
degreeof protection
which
laws extend
most
the corn
to the cultivators of the
were
liberally(hither quoted,or ])roducedas
somethingoriginal,
by various speakersagainstthese soil at home, can under no circumstances be injurious
out
within the United Kingto any order of society
laws, but theywere too well known
previouslywithdom.
the walls of the Houses of Parliament
the alarmists without any hesiLast autumn
tation
to produce
half million of quarters of
asserted that one
importance.
any impression there of the slightest
The fact is that all discussions on a subjectso excould not be found in Europe for
tensive foreignwheat
the quantity
then in bond,
trade is,are perfectlv
British consumption
and
over
as the corn
futile,
three times that quantity
and yet already
has been
any attempt to reduce the value of grainto a fixed
and should it be requiredthat amount
medium, is as much in contradiction to reason
as
imported,
may
be yet doubled
before any part of the next harvest
made, to fix
any effort would be considered,if it were
be brought forward into consumption. Prices
in the firmament.
the currents
The value of all
can
the necessaries,and of many
of the luxuries of life, are therefore kept moderate to the great body of
and in fact the home producersof wheat
alone be regulated
can
by the seasons, and no human
consumers,
buy can
alter or
which
the only sufferers,in so far as the prices
the great
are
avert
by any possibilitv
laws of nature.
make
they obtain for their crops, by no means
Since last harvest the uncertaintv
up to
of the pricesof grainhas been most
amply illustrated, them the losses which theyincur, as well by the
of last year's
and the opinionsof those most
in
deeply conversant
produce.
quantityas by the quality
tliecorn
trade, which were
so liberally
promulgated Little short of three millions of quarters of foreign
illthe publicpress, have proved in their result
wheat probablywill, during this corn season, have
any
into consumption in this country.
satisfactorv.
Circumstances
or
come
thingbut accurate
since then have fully
established that the deficiency The experience which
have had of the corn
we
laws during the last six months
of considerable difin I ist year'sgrowth of wheat was
ficulty,
serious
much more
has however been of the highestimportance,
than the importersof forpign
grain at that time even
in as far as it has for ever
and
extensive as that defalcation unanticipated,
put to rest the only argument,
which
economists could
the modern political
(loibtedly has been, still the foreignsupplies of
been in
wheat
have so prodigiously
exceeded all calculations
produce againstthem, for they have now
made
their amount
for nearlyone dozen of years, and so far
full operation
that in no
respecting
previously,
immaterial
been
made
from their consequences
degree has this deficiency
having been a reduction in
of grain grown
the quantities
abroad, the "|uantity
good from this source
already. la this respect the
of wheat
corn
laws, although generallyadmitted not to be
importedduringthe current corn season
home
terest,from abroad, is considerably
insiifficientlv
largerthan it ever has
protective to the agricultural
in the history
have duringthis corn
of
season, been signally been duringany previousseason
for

introduced, either by
againstthese laws, was
of the political
economists,or by
of
a deeper interest in the prosperity
Statements, which
agricultural
pursuitsat home.

the

or

supporters
those who lake

THE

326

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

This ohjection
and
the younger
trade.
(o tliem, therefore, dearly purchasedexperience,
in all future discussions on
branches of the industrious are taught
knowledgeon
disappear
entirely
this subjectby their seniors in years. The peoplein
and, with it,every tangible
the corn
question,
ment
arguthem ; for that of low pricedprovisionsfact are contented with things
at
as they find them
against
in trade are good,and the
beingadvantageousto the manufacturer,
every day's present. Wages generally
the

corn

must

contradicts.
entirely
experience

In France and Beltry.

gium
markets
the labours of indusremunerate
sufficiently
To improve his state in society
necessaries of life are abundantly
is the object
of
cheap,
of payment are restricted in a proporbut the means
tionable
every body, but few are inclined to sacrificepresent
and the consequence
degree,
very naturally certainties to the delusive prospects of the theorist.
is,that not one year passes without some
degreeof The repealof the corn laws would not onlyrenew
commercial and manufacturingdistress being experienced
generaldistress,but would likewise be attended by
and loudlycomplained
is perfectly
of by the productive stillgreatercalamities. Every person now
in these kingdoms. The cause
of
satisfied that agricultural
classes of society
produce, for the general
with the increase of
of payment
which too
this is the limited means
good, must increase in amount
be done unless
and this certainly
cannot
cheap living from necessityoccasions amongst
population,
and were
the prices
embarked in agriculof
the capital,
talent and industry
the great body of consumers,
tural
the competition
livingin Great Britain reduced below their natural
pursuitsbe protected
against
in our own
The
markets
of foreign
level,similar effectswould follow. There is not one
agriculturists.
be said to
ies,
science of agriculture
instance,duringthe last and presentcenturcan
as yet scarcely
solitary
when
have risen from its infancy.During its minorityit
of commerce
or manufactures
flourishing
be expected
under depression,
indeed
was
labouring
agriculture
requires
encouragement, else it cannot
which no doubt it
instance to the contrary occurred within
of perfection,
a memorable
to reach that degree
the last twenty years.
Of the metallic currency
do, if strictly
guardedby salutary
eventuallymutt
into operation
in 1822, it is not our
made is no doubt
bill,which came
regulations.The progress already
provinceto speak, and whether it was necessary or
great,but mucli more
may yet be done, and the enshall at present giveno opinion. The very
not
t
tire populationreceive the advantages,which must
we
into operaof agricultural
follow every
prospect of it,however, before it came
improvedescription
tion,
what the manufacturers now
This is by I'arthe greatestand most important";
so loudly ment.
produced,
the reduction in the
demand, cheap provisions,
interest in this flourishing
empire, and, as we have
value of agricultural
demonstrated, on its prosperity
depends
property having,from 1819 to
repeatedly
and shipping
than the advance
that of the commercial, manufacturing,
1821, been far greaterin proportion,
in a shorter period ;
which it occasioned in the value of the circulating
interests. That
perhaps,even
medium
Commerce
and manufactures
was.
we
ought than is generally
anticipated,
may increase our
had thisadvantage
then to have flourished,
southern
to more
depended foreigntrade by the exportation
climates of the surplusof our
on
pricesof the necessaries of life. Great
produce
depressed
agricultural
indeed should tillage
in
excited, and the memorable
hopes were
improbable,
prosperityis by no means
self Ireland onlykeep pace with that in Great Britain for
year arrived. The reduction of the national debt itbe considered
calculated upon, and limit could not, for a
was
a few years, this future advantagemay
of the
This will open additional channels for the ^
as certain.
while, be placed to the fond anticipations
trade of much greaternaraonied, commercial, and manufacturingclasses. extension of our
foreign
and
The destruction of agriculture
tional importance,
of far more
however, was at the
value, than that I
but effectively,
same
i
period
silently,
workingamongst plan now propoundedof increasingthe exportation
the people,and gradually
of manufactured
producing
goods by an increased importation.!
consequences
fatal to society
the most
in general.Not only did
of foreign
grainever can do. This is the only real I
the wages of labour decline with the value of the
way for renderingthe pricesof grainas steadyas s
necessaries of life,but a vast channel for the conof the surthe elements will permit,the exportation
plus
sumption
of manufactures and of every article of industry
under such circumstances rendering
greater supplies
and of commerce
closed against
than the actual consumptionrequiredimpossible.
the labour
was
of the productiveclasses of society.Ireland, we
and a considerably9
and enterprise
say, entirely,
may
of payment
The reduced
means
portionof Great Britain are open to great agr"
amongst all ranks
and orders,whose incomes depended
on
agricultural cultural improvements, and the same
quantity
of land
extensive degree reduce
of labour expended ontha samo
pursuits,did in a far more
quantity
may
the home consumptionof every articleof manufacture
give,
yec double the present produce,and eventually
and
and of trade,
either in commerce,
universal distress followed. Even
';
fishing,
productiveemployment,
the monied interestitself,
dense population
the altered value
i
or in manufactures, to a much
more
although
of the currency increased their property betwixt
than we at present possess. The whole of the people
and forty
in for their full share
of Ireland,under the protectionof salutary
corn
thirty
per cent., came
and the Bank
of the generalsuflering,
of England laws, must
of employment in i
find abundance
soon
mity
and thus they will likewise
againre-issued one pound notes. This national calaimproving their own island,
in agricultural
had it
originated
depression,
nor
improve the value of wages in Great Britain.
any remedy, until that importantand vitalinterest Many millions of acres may be converted in Ireland
into most
was
from a state of perfect
nature
againrighted
productive
by the alterationswhich were made
ia the corn
laws eleven years ago. Since then,it is
the happinessand,
and grazingfields,increasing
corn
tliatthis empire,in no prethere in proportionto the increase of
beyondall contradiction,
vious intelligence
free
period,was ever so prosperous, nor was the
agricultural
improvement. But with an entirely
trade these prospects cannot
ever
contented than it is
more
corn
population
generally
by any possibility
No doubt a most mischievous
at the present time.
be ever
Las
realized. The present corn
season
been made by a part of the pubdemonstrated
attempt has latterly
that,when occasion requires
lic
clearly
the corn
abundance
of foreign sfraincan at all
press to inflame the peopleagainst
laws, the sacrifice,
but the memory
of the past stillremains, and this alof the corn
most times be found, even
with the protection
insane attempt to disturb the industry
of the
laws, to supply,in no inconsiderable degree,any
and j
which
into ridicule. All
country has been turned generally
deficiency
may arise in our home-growth,
who are old enoughto remember
the period
to which
therefore the only real questionnow
is whether, by J
have now
we
have learned wisdom
of these laws, we are to encourage an inalluded,
by too the repeal
the

"

"

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE
creased

and
growthof p^rain,

an

improvedsystem of

abroad, or by maintainingthem
tillage
:

as

they

are,

the cultivators of British

v towards
are to act justl
and Irish fields. It is now
placedbeyond all doubt
that by their repealcur grainmarkets of consumption,
under any circumstances,
will be so perfectly

we

MAGAZINE.

327

of agricultural
last year's
growth of any description
produce. It was in the North of the Humber, in
several of the graindistrictsin the West of England,
in the whole of Scotland, and in a considerable part
of Ireland, that the damages done to the last crop
were

and-the
principallyexperienced,

deficiency

with foreign
occasioned by this unfortunate state of things,has
overwhelmed
of every description,
supplies
of foreign
that the tillage
made goodby grain
of our own
fieldsmust
annually heretofore been chiefly
sumption
"ind gradually
decay,and with this altered state of production,and has opened markets for the conof foreign
wheat
to a far greater extent
the most importantinterest in the country
things,
than the most
could have
that interest which is now
worth from three to four
sanguine of its importers
This has givenencouragethousand millions sterling that interest on
which
reasonably
anticipated.
ment
and to the foreign
to the foreign
speculator,
depends the prosperityof the manufaciuring
chiefly
have
and consequently
the arrivals already
and commercial classes and certainly
a greatpart of
importer,
been much
than could naturally
have
will speedily
"the annual national revenue
sink into
more
numerous
been expected,and the orders sent abroad for farther
wards
afterand a period
must
soon
perfect
insignificance,
be put to the greatness of the British Empire.
of
purchasesmust eventuallyincrease the quantity
These laws give not au)^ undue
foreignwheat in the country beyond all calculation,
advantage to our
afforded by
own
as the season
agriculture
approacheswhen the ports
particularly
; indeed the protection
and rivers in the Baltic and in the North
of Europe
them to it,is not, in many
cases, so extensive as
commercial laws extend to many
departments of will be again opened to the navigator.From the
should our
trade and manufactures.
Baltic in particular,
The shipp'ng interest is
pricescontinue to
of intera largequanference give encouragement
to the speculator,
protectedagainstany possibility
thoroughly
tity,
the part of foreign
of the best qualities
on
too, may most
reasonably
flags. The trade of
be looked for before the next
distilhitionis protected
onerous,
crop at home can be
by duties so extremely
and
from
that theydefeat the objectfor which
the JMediterrathey are
broughtinto consumption,
and from the southern stales of Europe large
nean
intended,and lead to an immense extent of smuggling,
the passage,
to be on
which is the real foundation at present of
shipments are alreadyknown
and others of equalmagnitudewill follow during
The
factures,
cotton, woollen,and silk manuevery crime.
The demand, however,
likewise protected
are
by duties varying the remainder of the season.
from twenty to fifty
of high prices.
in consequence
per cent., and the trade of fisiiingdoes not fall away
is so perfectly
are
exclusive, that the use of foreign- On the contrary, the wages of labour generally
in our markets.
The
equalto the value of all the necessaries of life,
caughtfish is entirely
fully
prohibited
is not any decrease in the
trade of producingcorn, however,
and there consequently
for it too is a
reduction of prices,
The
trade,and requirescapital,
talent,and knowledge, consumption of them.
it successfully
to conduct
it is the fashion now
duringthe last month, has not been so considerable
of the foreign
to assert, ought to
suppliesof
as, from the abundance
amongst IModern Philosophers
for the
ceeded
wheat, might have been expected,not having exsupport itself without any legalprotection
and from
the finest qualities,
the value of the necessaries of
5s. per qr. on
(purposes of reducing
and with it,the value of wages,
that to 10s. per qr. on other descriptions.Had the
and the means
life,
of paying for the industry
of a numerous
body of the usual coast supply been received during the same
the United
ever,
periodthe markets generally,
peopleof the United Kingdom. The clamour, howthroughout
have assumed
and farmers is rapidly Kingdom, would
an
againstland-proprietors
aspect which
this
when
and must
would, at all events, very much have damped the
subsiding,
disappear,
entirely
ardour of those who are now
importantsubjectis better understood amongst the
so
deeplyengagedin
the foreign
is certainly
not
corn
peoplein general. The jieriod
trade,and might have saved them
very
listant when
better
and more
from
national principles eventually
heavy losses, which may attend
will prevail,
their speculations.It is not
and then
home
tions
instituto protect our
however, to
possible,
form
of every description,
and to improve them,
any
opinionrespectingthe future value of
will be
considered the best system of politicalwheat in our markets ; for,as we have already
said,
to dependon
foreign the corn trade is far too extensive to admit of any
assuredly,
economy ; for most
at this
of the necessaries of life,
and for
calculations being made, particularly
states for supplies
accurate
of supply,
markets for the consumption
of our
manufacturing time of the year, of the probableamount
and miningindustry,
which
is not the best way possible
of course
the
or of prices,
on
to
dependentirely
In the
render a peoplehappy,and a nation great.
supplybeingmore or less than the demand.
been made of
Duringthe month of March our markets generall)'mean time no complaintshave latterly
the decay of manufactures,nor
have been very badlysuppliedwith wheat of British
of any decrease in
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

growth ; indeed,so very

limited

have

the

supplies

the

generalprosperityof

commerce.

On

the

trary,
con-

various indications exist of trade generally

The true
condition.
we
can
beingin a highlyflourishing
circumstance has arisen from actual want
of agriproof of this fact is in the rate of wages at present
cultural
produce amongst the British growers of received by all the industrious classes of society,
which are quiteas high as they have been of late
AVe know, from good authority,
that in the
wheat.
home districts and counties, from whence London,
ployment
Amongst them no complaintsof want of emyears.
at all events, in the generalrun
of seasons,
is chiefly
are
heard, nor in any part of the Ignited
of the peopleat present
supplied,a considerable portionof the last year's Kingdom are any gatherings
made for the purpose of demanding food or work.
crop has not yet been broughtto market; and we are
the more
Under these circumstances
therefore we
we
surprisedat this circumstance when
may, with
reflect that the pricesobtained
much
for wheat, since the
infer that,at all events, no decrease in
safety,
turn of the year, have been sufficiently
good for the the consumptionof the necessaries and of many of
interests of the cultivators of the counties which
the luxuries of lifewill occur
during the remainder
surround
the metropolis.In them
it has generally of this corn
and any alteration in prices,
season,
been understood that no great deficiency at all events
which may arise during the same
therefore,
period,
of
or in the quality
must
depend on our future suppliesof
entirely
; existed,either in the ijuantity,
in this
way

been

the last crop was,

scarcely
permit ourselves to believe that this

that,deficient as

The
two
ionly

millions

FARMEil*S

been paidto Poland, or to

sterling
of grain,it would
same
quantity

.Germany for the

drain on
the national wealth to
bave been a positive
nearlya similar amount, for small indeed would have
of foreig-n
been the portionof it which the producers
grainconsumed here would have expendedin pur-

MAGAZINfi.

329
Potatoe..28
26
24 CoiU-,wliite2223
24
Westpoit 24
Liinericli2325
2S
23
25
2t
Sligo.
29
28
22
21
23
22
Black..
21
29
Potatoe
27 29
Small 40
42
37 38
3S
38
maple
46
boilers. .
42
46
25/
36/..liisb
per last

OAT9,Yorkshire"Linc9lnsli,fe"d
Yo-iKhall" Cork black 22

24

22

Dublin
CloHinel
Lnndonderrv

24

Newry....'.
Gahvay
white

Waterloid,

30
24

23
23
26

25
26

24

24

30
Scoteli Feed
chasincrthe handicraft of the industrious classes of
44
British society.Manchester
and
Glasgow might Brans, Tick
39
O'rev
Peas,
/then have suffered in the sale of manufactured
goods,
48
White
have
would
and the merchants
32/
and manufacturers
Sbkb, Jlape
64
Red
fine
70
SOspertwt
English
Clover,
had goodreason
the working of a systo complainof
tem
66
62
70 80s
White
Irish
over
which gave a preferenceto foreign
21s
228perbn"h
14s. .brown
Mnstard, White. 123
of
the
latter
the
and
which
60
old 30
34.. new
s per qr.
agriculture,
36
T!ires..32
deprived
55 per sk nf
Snirk)lk..54
the
65
is
Town-made
to
Flour.
made
to purchase home
means
goods. It
..

"

54.. Irish fine556

Norfolk"
Stockton"
which the corn laws extend, however, to
protection
terests
ForeignGntin
British and Irish agriculture,
that the importantinDantzic
Wheat,
of trade and
manufactures are indebted for,

best and greatestmarket for the consumption

of their goods; and yet with a blindness
is entirely
peal
unintelligible,
they demand the re-

Barley
Oats
Bkans
Peas

at home
:

Potatoe

which
of those laws which,in every way, are as protective
Flour, American
to their own
interests,
as they can
bility
by any possiIMPERIAL
be to that of agriculture.
During the current
lingWheat.
corn
season, however,from four to five millions sterWeekending
of British money
have already
been, or will be
74 1
Feb. Sth
into
nations for wheat imported
soon, paid to foreign
6

perbrl.

various markets fortheconsumption

of the people,
and if the doctrines of the manufacturers be correct,
theymay speedilyexpect most brilliant orders for

our

March

..

1st

..

Sth
15th

..

we
have A?cregareAver"'.ge
goods, from those nations to whom
\^'e shall
six weekt
for wheat.
of the
latterly
paid so much
money
whinli
regulate?
be much
however, if theydo not find
disappointed,
73
the duty
to complainof their expectations,
cause
in this respect,
Duties
payable in

their

not

havingbeen made good,and to regret tjjat

in exchangefor fopaidthis season

half the money

reignwheat, had
of

expended

been

not

on

home

our

all events, the market

at home
for the consumptionof British goods,
would Lave been very considerablyimproved, and
their profits
whilst in as
increased,
proportionably
far as the spring has as yet advanced
do not
we
leiirnthat any unusual activity
in the exporprevails
tation
growers

it,for in this

case,

at

till nesday
Wedsive,
incluat the
Outports till the
arriral of the Mail
of that day from
Londwii
Do. on
grain frcm
British possessioBs

"feed

15

to

16

"

24

27

40

42

AVERAGES.

71
71 10
72 10
73 8
74 1

..

68
32

liyelBean"Peas.

Barley I Oats
40

38

37

10
8

25
25
24
24
24
24

24

4 10

..

16th
22nd

70

60
60
36
20
30

Hamburg

by far the

280 lb.

"

Fhitr in Bond.

and

37
33
39

38

48
5 39
6 3S
44
41 10 38
42
3 38
2.37
41
42
63/

0
41
39
7
7 39 2
0 i39
I
2
10 39
4 38 10
8

9 43

5'38 4

I 10

0 12

39

London

next

and

out

Europe

ot

..I

11

7d. per I961hs. British Possessions,do.

ForeignFlour,

Sjd.per1961b9.
of British manufacture.
It is we know, increasing
but we do not as yet perceivethat
annually,
OF
GRAIN
PRICES
COMPARATIVE
any increase has occurred beyondthat,which probably
from
the
AVERAGES
AVERAGES
would have occurred, had no importation
of foreign WEEKLY
corresponding Gazette
by the Imp. Quarter,
wheat taken place.
in the last year, Friday
the
from
Gazette, of
We are happy to say that the winter wheats continue
22, j March
Friday last, March
23, 1S38.
to show
favourable appearance, and
most
a
1839.
of an earlyand abuneven
to create
dant
hopes already
d.i
s.
produce,and the fields generally
being in good Wheat
1
74
order for the reception
of springseed, we expect in
3
Barley
39
our
4
May number to make our reportof the state then
24
Oats
of the comingcrops of all descriptions
satis- Rye
factory.
42
6
equally
4
The springis not too forward ; the winter
Beans
37
38
10
wheats are generallywell spread at the roots, and
Peas
will come
away from the ground in due time both
MARKET.
SEED
in their shoots.
The fieldlabour
strong and healthy
March
25.
in the crops of springgrainis likewise in rapid progress,
54 73 per cwf
Cl"ver
English,red.. .65 SO 9* white
and another month
of the
favourable
present

weather

will,in

all

bringit to
probability,

Dutch
German.
French
American

...

perous
pros-

conclusion.

55

90

"

"

PER

10

.^34 i"36 foreign ."28

Rapesced, English
Linseed. Enflish sowing..

MEASURE,

IMPERIAL

..red....
Essex " Kent
Suffolk " Norfolk,,
Irish
01(1,red
..

R.YE

Malt

white..
do...
do

do,..

old

40

42

new....

tiriiidinK32 36 Naltidg

36
32
66
66

40
34

Clievalier
Berc...

70

Brown..

68

Chevalier

...

Barley,

Per Qr.
64
68
64
6S
58
60
68
70

Iri"b
Sluffolk "

Kingston

NMrfolk
" Ware

28
.".30 per last.

"

Ualtic

Wheat,

"

"

Trefoil
CURRSNCY

54

Per
68

Qr.
74

Hcmpsecd,

70

72

64

66

Coriander, new
Mustard, brown

70

7S

44
40

46

"

65
68

42

30
68

70

"

Mcditer. " Odessa

new

Swedes
Turnip Seed, new
Rye Grass, English
Tares, ftpring

Canary

Caraway

we w

"

small

34
IS
"

j^

5
22
30

6s Od to 6s6d
80
84
"

"

49

51

fexlra54

An

FARMER'S

THE

330

of ForeignGrain and
of the quantity
Account
importedinto the United Kingdom duringthe

MAGAZINE.

Flour

ending the 5th March, 1839 ; the Quantity on

the Duty has been paidfor Home
Consumption, and
the

remainingin ^Varellouse.
quantity
and

Grain
Flour.

Foreign

but

stock. Tiiere continues

Cheviot wool,and for
lower prices
have been accepted.
lots,
no

for crossed

and

Washeddo,
White
do.

from British
Wheat
Possessions

do
do
do

d.
k. d.
0
6 to 12
0
0
0
0
0
14
0
0
16
0
0
18

15
20
33

Ditto

Foreign.
An
improved demand
Wool
since this day week, and former

Oats, do

maintained.
Peruvians
steadily
were
combing Russia qualities

23

35

has

"

Foreign
Barley,do

some

Per Stoneot
241b3.
s.
Laid Highland
Wool, from ....
11
White
do.
do.
(scarce)... 0
Laid Cros-^ed
de
13
Washed
do
do.
15

.'^aidCheviot,

existed
have

rates

for
been

in good request ;
were
extremely scarce, and
they would readilyobtain advanced prices; 300 bagsof
likewise parted with ; 200
Portuguesewere
bags of
unwashed
Syria Wool will be brought to the hammer
the 28th instant.
Arrivals during this week, 3,929
ou
this year, 16,513 bags ; total 20,442
bags ; previously

do
Peas, do
Beans, do

Rye,

Indian

good demand
heavy laid

mand,

month
which

Corn, do....

Flour
from British
Possessiohs

bags.

Djtte Foreign

SCOTCH.
WOOL

MARKETS.

d.
s.
from. 12 0tol2
14
6
15
13
0
14
15
0
16
0
17
18
22
6
24
35
33
0
s.

BRITISH.
BlARCn

25.

Business has been done; but not to a great extent, as

of persons disposedto
there are only a small number
reduction in price,on account
take other than a trifling
of replacing at the pricesoffered
of the impossibility

Laid Highland Wool,

White
Do
Do.
Do
LaidCrossed
Washed
Do.
Do
Laid Cheviots
Washed
Do
White
Do

There has been a fair demand

for Skin
generallynow.
Wool
for Flannels,at the advance realized a fortnight
to the increased lengthof
ago ; and as (in proportion
it suitable for combing,) the supply
of short wool will become
smaller weekly, it is not
will
As has been relikelythat the price
marked
go down.
of the priceof wool rests enbefore,the settling
tirely
who hold the principal
on the Northern
dealers,

which renders
staple,

they are

and

quantity;

to
likely

not

submit

to

much

their present stocks, unless

better than they did upon
theycan lay out their money
what they have,which is not very easy for them to do.

sacrificeof property upon

Per
nown
Tesrs
Half-bred
Hogs
Ewes
and Wethers
Blanket
Wool
Flannel
do
Skin Combing

EXETER.

March
d.
1 8 to
18
1 4i
OS
1
OJ

lb.

s.

".

March

of 24 lbs.

Per Stone

s.

1.
d.

8i

8'J

18

5|

11

1
14

1.

April
s.

4i

d.
8 to

4J

s.

d.

1
1

Sj
8j

5*
T
4i

OJ

14"

12

This market is not merely firm,but may

fairlybe pronounced better. The desire to purchase is
manifest; and the trade admitted to be good; and
Yolk Wool
be quoted at lid. per lb. In Washed
must
Wools business has been done with some
freedom,at a
quotation, for Knott Wool, of from 15d. to 16d.;
Dorset Horn, 16d. to 17d. ; and Marsh
Wool, 17d. to
18d. per lb. In Sonrs the quotationhas partaken of
the demand
improvement,and for several descriptions,
is good. Shout*
being,Coarse and Short Coarse, from
"

1.
d.
3
0
0
0
0
0

FOREIGN.
March

25.

Several somewhat
extensive sales of superiorGerman
and Spanishwools have been effected since our
is
little
last,at full prices
; but in other kinds of Wool
doing. Since our last,the importshave consisted of

1,750 packages.
Electoral Saxony wool, from 4s.
Austrian,Bohemian, andotherGerman
4s, 4d, ; second

do.,

2d.; first
wools,3s. 4d.to

2s. 4d. to 3s,

6d. to 5s.

; inferior do, in

2d.

locks and

pieces,2s. to 2s. 6d.; Germanlamb's

do.,2s.
Od. ; Hungarian sheep's do., 2s, 2d. to 3s.
Od. to3s.
Od. ; Leonesa
sheep's do,, 2s, 4d. toSs.Od.; Segovia
do..

Is. lOd. to 3s, Od, ; Soria do,, 2s, Od, to 3s. 2d. ;
do,, 2s, 2d. to 3s. Od. ; Spanish lamb's do,,

Caceres
Is,

8d, to

8d. ; German

2s,

and

Spanish

do.,

cross

2s. Od,

to 3s, 2d. ; Portugalsheep's

do,, 2s, Od. to 3s.
2d.; do. lamb's ditto. Is. 6d, to 2s. Od,; Australian,
fine crossed do,, 2s. Od. to 3s, 6d. ; do, native sheep's

do,, Is, 6d, to

sheep'sdo,. Is.

2s,

Is. 4d. to 3s. per

March

LEEDS,
market

7d,

to 2s.

; Van

Diemen's

native

Land,

4d.;and Cape of Good Hopedo.,

lb.

22." The business

now

is considerable ; for all sorls, but

doingin this
the
especially

are firm.
lower,prices

8]d. to 8Jd.; Broad Head, 9:Jd.to9id.; Ksnt Head,

POTATO
MARKET,
to lO^d.; Red, Green, and Pinions,average from
l("|d.
to 12d, per lb.
lO^d. to lOid.; Fine Head",is from llijd.
SOUTHWARK
March
25.
WATER-SIDE,
Cornish
Stripe,is from ]4:Jd.to 15d. ; Nortii Devon
of
Potatoes
The
has
arrivals
the
week
15d.
Wools."
For
Skin Wool,
during
past
Stripe,
per lb. Fti.L
of Fine Wools, there is a considerable departicularly
mand, been liberalfrom the inland coasts as well as from the
and

an

advance,and

that too

not

of

an

portant
unim-

channel islands annexed is a

"

of the respective

statement

1,464 tons; Jersey and Guernsey,

kind, has been the consequence.
Accordingly sorls from Yorkshire,
491 ; Devons, 406 ; Scotland,
70 ; Kent, Essex, and
must
we
at 16d.";
quote Tong ^Vool, of fine quality,
In
157 ; mabng together
and short tine Fells,at 15d. per lb. Ordinaryparcels Suffolk,
a total of 2,588 tons.
of the recent advance in the priceof best
of Skin Wool
from l'2d. to 13id.per lb. Tops,
arc
consequence
from 19d. to 19|d. per lb.
samples"and the above liberalsupply saleshave been
rather heavy during the past week.
"

PRESENT

LIVERPOOL,
ScoToii,March
inquirythisweek
and

in

one

advance

or

23.
There has again been a good
for laid Highland wool at former rates,
two instances for reallygood lots a shade

has been

"

obtained.

White

Highland

in de-

Per ton
Yoik Kiilncys
York
Beds
...90s. tolWOs.
Scotch
Reds
80s. to
s.
..
Devon
do. , ,,..80*. to
5.
.

"

"

PRICES.

Per Ton.

Jersey

and

Guernsey
fiOs,to"

Bines

Jersey Whites
Kent,

50s.

Essex, and
Whites

to

s,
"

s.

,..

folk
Suf55s. to 7O1,

not

ptvditiinif
t/reat

"

or

\%

holly

ftilaut'

lit

0"

K-sUntttft'

220

LENGTH

AB

LINE

THE

ON

ELEVATION

"

fJui-/l\
/ttyaf

crops,

EA]RM

ARABLE

dLASfLAOTD

FOR

imSIGNKB

FILAN

400

ACEES

nf't-nt i. 3 00.

FEET

@
""""""

."6

TOOL

CART

HOUSE

WAY

CALF
BARN

STRAW

SHED

CART

"/f^ X

IfJ
s

lis

/2

SHED

cow

1^

Iti

'"

IG

'"

'
"

^iJ

'

"

/ti

LINE

STABLE

COW
R

OA

SHCO

u
^

/P
SHED

4S

SHED

14

V7

SHED

/J

47

14

SPARE
HOUSE

IS

16

HOUSE
FOR

R 0

YA

YAR

VA

R D

BULL

lt"

/IS

HOUSE

FOR

MARE

FOAL

"

HAY

HOUSE
STEAMING
/2

/""

r
HOUSE.

STABLE
.

/7/

R
X

20

/b

HO
HOUSE

CIC
/"J

/6

OOT

/7

dJ

/a

DB

CC

JccU

JDoDahUon.

lO

20

30

lO

50
__j

[^

JH.i9.

60

70

80

90

100

Scale

30

Feel

lo

art

Jtfc/i

U ?E
X

/6

33(
An
io
ei

tl
tV
Fon

Whe
P(
Ditti
Bar)
Oats

Rye
Peas
Beat
Indi

Flou
P(

Ditti

B
ther
take
oft
grem

Wo.
ago

stap

ply
like
mar

tirel
qua
sacr

they
wha

Don
Hall
Ewe
Blai
Flan

Skii
E

fairl
man

Yol
Wo.
quo
Dot
18d

impi
is g"

8id.
ia|(
lO^c
Cor

Stri;
part
man

port
we

and
of

fron

S.

inqt
and

adv;

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

MAY,
No.

5.

^VoL.

"

1839.
[New

II.]

THE
The

subjectof
fed

and

old,bred

firstplateis

our

H.

by

Series.

PLATE.
Hereford

Ox, four years and

Chamberlain,Esq.,of

eightrnontha

Desford,Leicestershire.

This

ox

dam
by Conqueror,"(bred by Mr. Heming, of Kingsland,Herefordshire),
"Old
Snowdrop;" was exhibited at the Sraithfield Show in December, 1838, and
in class 1. The silver medal was
obtained the first prizeof 20 sovereigns
awarded
"

was

to

Mr. Chamberlain,

1st

animal

This

breeder.

as

December, 1837,

had been shown

at

the
Leicester,
on

of 5 sovereigns
in class 5,
ox, and obtained a prize
fed in the county, with restrictions as to feedingfrom the

as

store

the best

bred and
ox
of
He was
six
months.
in class 1, on the 7th December,
againexhibited at Leicester,
age
the
13
obtained
silver
value
and
the
best
1838,
tankard,
as
ox
sovereigns,
under
five years old,of any breed or weight,open to all counties,without restriction
as

feeding
;

to

as

beast,bred and
which
so

we

make

can

prizeof

fed in the

also awarded to him as the best

any of the classes. No observations
the celebrity
of Mr. Chamberlain
as a breeder

was
sovereigns

county, shown

would

the
as
conclusively

late Smithfield

in

prove
facts of his havingobtained

Show, and,

will be

as

prizesfor oxen

by

seen

the

and

sheepat

the

reportof the meetingof the

Leicestershire Agricultural
Society,inserted in this Magazine, no less than six
prizesfor beasts,five for sheep,and one for pigs,at the last meeting of that
society.

LECTURE

OF

MARQUIS

,Jl,

TWEEDD
TILE

THE

ON

^_^^^"^^^

"."

ALE'S

"-"^^,,

BRICK

AND

^"

DRAIN

,^^

MACHINE.

the plantation,
but
iihabitants
rely, not upon
in
the kiln and the quarry.
It is the same
own
our
country, in Northamptonshire and the
of stone
oolitic districts there
are
twenty houses
upon

for
DELIVERED

AT

THE

ROYAL

BY

MR.

msTiTUlioN,
cotTAM.

APRIL

VJ,

of

one

brick, and where

niggardly,you
Give

hedges.

have

stone

then

the

nature

is still more

walls instead of thora

of a dwelling
materials

geologistis enabled to determine the naThus

of the strata in the neighbourhood.
from
ture
Every one, unless he come
the countries
where
the brick from
is superseded points which
the clay-pit
appertain to brick-making, although
in
so
by either stone from the quarry or by wood
of importance to every
are
fcom
especially
one,
the forest,is or ought to be, interested in them,
that like ourselves
the eyes of those
(by ourselves
and all of us
of London) inhabit the
concerned
I mean
the inhabitants
either directlyor inare
in whatever
increases
the durability,or
directly
clay districts.
facilitates the production of building materials.
it appears by
as
of great antiquity,
Bricks are
The districts and countries where
walls of
and
sacred
the
brick is superwritings, the tower
seded by stone or wood,
The Greeks
determined
are
geologi- Babylon having been built with them.
called
cally. In the northern
wood-work
used
of bricks, the first was
countries
is
three kinds
all in all. There
brick-kilns
are
Didoron, i. e. of two palms, the second Tetrascarcelya score
in Norway. The forest makes
good the deficiency,doron, of four palms, the third Pentad6ron, of five
In Scotland
where
said that such was
some
one
palms. They had also other bricks of half the size
the scarcity of trees t\xa.talthough
reof the Didoron, Tetradoron, and Pentadoron
you mightfarm
a ivalking-stick,
mor"
the
mmt
a fishing-rod,
spcctively. They rendered their works
you
import
J
r
^
house,

OLD

6""IE5',]

Z'

[IVfJ "VOL.X.

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

333

weeks,) as
(oftliirty

inches to each furrow,makes

the intervals 27 inches
many tiles as would laya
London to York,
distant. This mode, supposes very clean land, dry,
Now
and of good (juality
assistants will only make
a
and two
man
ed
; in other places,drills are raisand manured
J.OOO drain-tiles in a day, and tiiese only one fcot
for turnips,
and the beans are
as
which is 1,000 feetper day. While the machine
sown
the manure
lono^,
and covered by a light
ing
harrowon
with the same
number
of persons will make I'J.oOO
the drills. In some
or
instances
by reversing
tance
feet per day ; so that if the drain be laid at the disthe manure
is carted on the land in autumn
so
soon
of ?5 feet,
it will make in one day sufficient as the crops are removed, spread on the stubble and
six
tilesfor
acres.
working
ploughedin,and the land undergoesa partial
The advantages
and fallowing
are
in the spring preparatory to drilling
1st. The
tile is much
the beans by the plough or by the machine.
pressed,
stronger from beingcomand less imperviousto water
it is not only
This mode also supposes good clean soils,a drill
made b)'
a single
furrow of the common
compressed but it is smoother over, which givesit a
plough,the
surface as thougli
it were
broadcast and harrowed in, answers
glazed.Tiiev are capable beans sown
of beingmade from a much stifferclaythan usual,and
of wide
intervals,both
very well, iind in all cases
in nine cases
out of ten the clay may be used directly horse and hand-hoeing
cessary
may be used so longas neon
and the growth of the plantspermit. Where
being
beingdug,if passedthrough the crushers,*
much drier.
of beans are
a short variety
used and where from
soil and climate a great luxuriance
of foliage
Clay, unfit for bricks and tiles by the common
is not
method, is available by the machinery.The expense
expected,machines with coulters make a rut and
of draining
will be paidin three years, butnotunthe seed in drillsof 12 and 14 inches distant,
deposit
in one.
which admits of a partial
hand hoeing. This mode
frequently
I am
able,
happy to inform you that this apparently also supposes land of good quality,
clean, and frihumble
but greatlyimportant subject has
been
of the machine
to allow the coulters
to work
;
of wet
and stubborn waxy clays,
broughtto the present state of perfection,
siduity in case
where the
by the asmember
of the
and talent of a distinguished
constitution of the soil prevents any preparatory
claims
which
Amidst the conflicting
and any operations
aristocracy.
by a drill
process in the spring,
honor and glorypresent to the nobility
of England,it
machine, broadcast sowing still prevailson one
is truly
to find in its ranks men
furrow,and beans are found on such soils to be more
willingto
gratifying
devote their leisureand energiesto the promotionof
than oats, and are
in their place
sown
profitable
human comfort,and the furtherance of human
prise.
enterfallowed. In
previousto the land being summer
The fame of the warrior and the legislator
may
any method of sowing,theyrequirelittleovering;
be an ample inducement to the aspiring
noble to enter
in southern climates thev are
the earliest
among
the listsof fame, but when
find an individual in
we
crops that are cut, and in northern latitudes theyare
these two
functions
whom
the latest,
both soil and climate encouraginga late
united, bending his
are
wiatured intellect to a subjectwith so few attractions
vegetationand ripening. Beans are cut by sickles,
for the world, we are iustified in congratulating
tied with ropes made of straw, stacked and thrashed
ourOCT
selves that the example of a Stanhopehas not been
The
by flailor machine.
produce of beans is very
lost upon his emulous countrymen.
in man)'' seasons
and situations almost
precarious,
nominal,the value of the haulm dependingalso oa
the earliness of the crop and delicacy
of growth,a
rank preduce of straw
being onlyfit for litterand
therefore of no great value. In many counties they
littleused.
are
ON
HERBACEOUS
CROPS.
GREEN
Peas constitute one of our smothering
crops, and
in deep and warm
tom,
loams on a dry botmost
delight
(original.)
and are sown
by macliine in drillsof about 12
These
inches distant,
or
drilled,
by broadcasting.When
crops comprehend beans, peas, winter
and spri.igtares and clovers, of class and order
meets
across
hand-hoeing
may go on until the foliage
"
and excludes all further proceedings.
Decandria"
of Linnseus, and of the
the intervals,
Diadelphia
families of our natural
tances,
disleguminousand papilionaceous
They have also been drilled at horse-hoeing
and peas
observed
but littleor no benefit was
to result
delightin stiff clays,
system. Beans
cultivated
from the process. About three bushels of beans and
in deepwarm
are
loams, and both plants
allowed to an
for the grain the straw or haulm not beinggeacre
chiefly
by drill,something
peas are
nerally
but the white
of a
of great bulk or value. These crops partake
less. Several varietiesare cultivated,
medium
the cereal and the green
for the
character between
pea and the Prussian blue are most common
of a late crop of
soils,admitting
more
amelioratingthan the former, and
earlyand warmest
crops
from their structure
and habits,not admittingthe
turnips after they are removed, and the yellowmarl
of the latter. and
and pulverization
cultivation,
Hastings varieties are generallyused on the
cleaning,
Several varietiesof the bean are used, differing
in
later and most common
pea soils. The produce per
size but littlein quality,
of the same
is serviceable as
and
is very various, the haulm
acre
admitting
ter
niode of cultivation,
with the exceptionof the winprovender for horses when well harvested in an
in autumn
instead of the
bean,which is sown
earlyand favourable season, in other cases it is fit
for litter only. The
in the spring,so soon
as
spring. Beans are sown
crop is cut by sickles,rolled
the season
and the state of the land permit, and on
into bunches,loose or tied with ropes twisted of the
dry clayeyloams, friable by nature or made so by haulm,stacked in that state, and thrashed by flailer
Son

drain from

"

"

"

'

"'

"

"

heavyand repeatedmanurings,the
in the
to

seeds

of the furrow from

the third plough,
which by
bottom

are

ped
drop-

barrow

Both

machine.

pended and
ap-

reckoningnine

an

to

these crops

earlyclimate, and

adapted for a dry

sons
subjectin certam seawhich stunts the growth
are

are

attacks from insects

plantand limits the produce. These attacks

in the seasons, and on
are the result of a peculiarity
admit of any preventive
ing
bethat account may never
At present
used or of any remedybeingapplied.

of the
*
These crushers are
iron cylinders,
independentof
the machine
through which the clay is passed before
it enters the pug-mill,when
necessary to crush any

hard substances.

no

knowledgeexists on eitherpoint.
z

FARMER'S

THE

334
Winter

tares

are

sown
generally

September and October, ai

on

MAGAZINE.

stubble in

of

manure

for

turnips
; it

may

also be

sown

ciency

the rate of three bushels

feed,and beingeaten
earlyin the springfor summer
often mixed with rye or winter barley, on the ground by sheep, would form an excellent
to an acre;
a^d are used in the spring for green food for horses
I am here speakingof
preparativefor winter tares.
inferior soils, and in inland situations where the
and other stock, and for eating on the ground by
"f manure
want
renders all such auxiliaries to be
ters
sheep with a portionto stand for seed. This crop enlargelyinto the double crop system practisedin
anxiously
soughtfor and applied.

in such latitudes where

With the exception
of beans and peas which are
valuable
constitutes a most inctiltivatedfor the value of the seed as preparedfood
for animals, the above crops constitute what may be
plant,forwitli the exceptionof rye it coraes
stances
called our secondary
the earliestinto use, and affords a heavyand much
green crops, and in many inloams and clean, and
relished produce. Good warm
of the last importancein situations
are
In
in good heart,are indispensable.
The smotheringnawhere no other substitute has yet been found.
ture
of the crop will tend to keep land clean,and the
observations I lately made on the cultivation
some
the groundby sheep, of cabbagesand beet,turnips,
benefit derived from eating
and potatoes,I pointon
ed
will serve
to keep it in heart, while the
out the regular
supplythese plantswould afford
very much
great value of the herbage as green food will yield to the stock kept on every well arranged farm for
till the
in the home
six months, from the beginning
such a quantity of manure
of November
yards,as
will ever
rank this plantas a most
valuable appenadd a few remarks
beginningof May, and I shall now
dage
in all situations where
it can
be cultivated.
the individual and relative uses and value
on
Our northern climates nearlyor whollyexclude it. of the secondary
green crops, combined with others
in a system of grainand stock farming. Our norA top dressing
of soot in the spring,
thern
as soon
as the
weather allows of it,very much contributes not only
latitudes would exclude many
of them ; beans
and peas are
but rarelysown
to forward the crop for earlyuse, but also greatly
to
except on the best
increase the bulk of the produce,
while the smothering
soils and in the earliestclimates,and tares, rye, and
nature
of tares and peas will leave the land in a
Sheep farmingis
rape are almost whollyunknown.
ciently only yet gradually
clean and mellow state, providedthe crop be suffiprogressingnorthwards, and for
thick to leave n" vacant
cattle,
turnipshave ever constituted the chief attenspace where weeds
neath. tion of the farmer as winter food for his stock. The
and wholly to exclude the air from begrow,
may
A thin crop of such plantsarising
soil and climate
either
much
are
adaptedfor the certain
from thin sowingor from poverty in the soil,or from
productionof this plantand for potatoes,but spring
of the most
foul condition,is one
introduced in quanperniciousthat tares might be advantageously
tities
be imagined,
and only makes bad worse.
can
to suit the stock
kept on the farm. In our
richer and improved counties where a regularrotation
as the season
so
soon
Springlares are sown
mits
perin the sjiring,
and continued generally
and where
the soil and climate are
for three
])revails,
vening. adapted for the growthof turnips,"c., for a supply
sowings ; with intervalsof three or four weeks interSpringand winter tares are the same plant, of winter and spring food, these secondary crops
of late and early
tions,
leave such situaobtained from a continuance
will be littleknown
ing,
sowwe
; but when
and
from using the seed produced by these
and the severe
climates of the north,we arrive
inland situations,
sown
on
one
sowings,they are generally
furrow, among the inferior soils of our
well harrowed
of
and rolled to suit the mowing by the
whero
the production
sands, downs, and uplands,
the southern counties
mild

winters

are

; and

expected,it

scythe. The sowingof spring tares

may

be

so

naged
ma-

yield a supply of green food for four

into hay afforded
months at least ; a quantitymade
me
at different times the most
agreeableand supporting
food for horses during a long and heavyI ever
ing
wheat sowing season
experienced; but makthe crop into hay is the work
of chance only,
and not to be ranked
the regular processes
among
in the yards and for making
of farming; for soiling
as

to

turnipsis a mere matter of chance from the dryness

of the climate,
and from want of loam in the composition
and similar
of the soil,
and where from the same
of
the other green crops are equallyincapable
of a regular
and with certainty
beingraised in quantity,
dom,
supply; such situations abound all over the kingin thei southern counties,and the
especially
of providingfor the
farmer seeing the necessity
sheepstock,the best adaptedwe yet know of for such
has adopted the crops most
case,
likelyto assist
him during winter and spring. Great and most
valuable advances yet remain to be made in producing
causes

'

the value is incalculable.

clovers most
used are
red and
generally
in the springwith wheat, bariev, and
white, sown
and
take thingsas they
oats, after fallowing
manuring, harrowed with
winter crops, but we
must
our
lightharrows and rolled afterwards. The quantity are, and do the best for an improvement. Rye comes
varies much in different soils and sisown
firstin the springas food for sheep,and to relieve the
tuations,
per acre
but from 6 to 16 lbs. per acre,
tained,
"c., the farmer may have obmay be taken
scanty crop of turnips,
with rye grass and other
tween
as an
and which during winter he has divided beaverage, often mixed
sown
perennials,and not unfrequently
his sheep and cattle. The produce of rye is
nearly or
dom
which
small and soon
whollyunmixed, and constituting
clover-hay,
consumed, and winter tares are selbringsthe highestpriceincur markets. Besides the
readyfor use brfore May, or the middle of jMay
in the form of Iiay,
well-known
red clover is
the loss
use
for cutting
; if used very early of necessity"
valuable for cuttingas green food in the early
is great, even
though allowed to grow for a second
summer
months, and white clover is more
especiallyeating.But in such cases the early use of even
useful for perennialpurposes.
value at that season
half a full crop is of immense
Rye is sown
a
on
furrow
stubble with one
in autumn,
and fed off in
For such
situations there exists " a
of the year.
and lambs ; and for that
the spring with ewes
want" of a plantto supply food in March and April,
pose
purit suits well on
into earlyuse from springgrowthand sown
dry and sandy soils in our
to come
southern
it comes
the earliest into use,
as
in autumn,
counties,
or to stand through the winter
ready for
and admits the land beingresown
with a cereal crop,
consumption in these months from the growth of the
or
more
properly of being fallowed for turnips. previous season.
Rape and the " cruciforma"
Rape may be sown as late as the month of August family,if a crop could begot,when allowed to stand,
for winter and springfeed,and is very useful tor the
shoot up for seed,and an earlyspringvegetasoon
tion
or mildwill ever bo dependenton the severity
purpose of croppingany land where there is a defimanure

The

"

FARMER'S

THE
ness

of the

Winter

season.

by a manuring in
spring,but in many

be much

tares may
autumn

or

MAGAZINE.

warded
for-

335

at all seasons
and easier of tillage
under the
old system of fallowing.
At present beans and
peas
drilled or broadcast and tares
for eating on
the

cessib

dressingin

the means
the
not
cases
are
available. To the business of findingsuch a plant ground can be only thrown in as a crop to deter for
the attention of our botanical and natural history
two
the return
of the tallowing
gen
years more
process
be directed ; the plantswe
for wheat
tlemen must
or
possess have
green
theyare cultivated
crops when
in the ways above described. But in no case have
vation
to our
come
knowledge by chance or by the obserand never
and exertions of single
individuals,
they been able to dispensewholly with fallowing.
In many
cases
on
theyare sown
yet,in anv one instance,has the business been gone
grass in the placeof
"

which
science on
so much
as a
depends. On
I refer to the observations
I made in last
this subject
Institution.
magazineon an Agricultural
Rye and winter tares are the only relief until the
when
the grass arrives;
eaten on the ground,or when
the latter crop is mown
for soiling,
the land is
ploughedfor a green crop or a wheat fallow. It has
been objected
that such cropping is merely catchbe in so mellow
and that the land never
can
farming,
into

ploughed duringwinter
tuinipsas when
This ohservation
and wrought at an earlier season.
be had even
is very true, but springfood must
at a
loss, and on stifl'ersoils tares eaten on the
partial
for wheat.
ground by sheep form a good preparntive
The winter
enough to adcrop will be consunied soon
rait of the land being partially
fallowed, and the
will continue throughthe month
tares
sown
sjiring
the wheat may be so"vn
of September when
on
one

to

me

and

the

which
before

To balance the imperfect

state of the land
furrow.
have the value of the crops
we
after such cropping,
themselves and the benefit conferred on the land by
the sheep,which in such situations is almost the only
When
within the reach of the farmer.
tares
means
be prewould
the land much
waste
eaten
are
on
vented
by cuttingthe crop and puttingit into racks,
the sheep spoilas much
in many cases
as
theyeat ;
the other great use of both winter and springtares is
for soiling
the farm horses duringthe whole summer.
The cattle are usually turned out to grass in IMay,
and then the horses may be put into the yards when
the winter tares will be ready,and if liberally
plied
supwith straw, a great and constant
nure
supply of mathe
will be thus obtained duringthe wlioleyear;
swine must also be amply suppliedwith them and with
for litter.

It

to be

seems

now

ascertained

that

alibrds
where,
elseno
room
f jr soiling
appear to
The wintercrop
indispensable
lequisite.

the

and
be an

on

fixed rotation
every farm tares

first cut

of

the

crop would

summer

be

moved
re-

eaily enough to plough the land for rape,

might pftbrd a bite for sheep duringwinter

ploughingfor next fallowing.

It has

often

occurred

soils, downs, and

and

tor

a state

straw

where

oats

more

to

me

that

our

sunds, might

inferior upland
be much

cultivated by the
profitably

proved
imexclusion

of

the cereal crops, by being constantly

and tares
and clover,and
eaten
on
by sheep. These crops admit of a regular
succession,and a crop of turnips
may be thrown in,
and also of barley
at intervals wlien
the Laid has been
or

nearlyso,
with

sown

rape

ameliorated,for
sufl5ciently

at present the crops are

inferior and often a total failure. Rye for a
seed crop is,in most
standing
cases, more
productive
than barley
in grain,and much
in straw.
Red
more
clover might also be used as a change in cropping,
and in all cases
thick sowing must
a
be effected ta

very

smother

the weeds ; of clover not under 40lbs, to an

for if weeds
find one unoccupiedspot they will
soon
get the mastery, and the land will become excessively
foul. I am
of opinion that on extensive
inland and upland farms containing
a varied
()uanwhere a farmer
tityof inferior soils,and in cases
to a great extent
enters
of poor impoverished
lands
in cultivation or in shape of leys and turfs, that a
gradualand very useful improvement may be effected
of these crops in a succession tor eatingon
by means
the ground, used and continued until tije farmer find
of fallowing
the lands in rotation.
ways and means
In such situations the means
of manuring are limited,
and until the means
be procuredon
the farms, stock
acre,

will be kept and

and lolium Italicum" will not
irefolium incarnatum
fed, and the land gradually
proved
imThick sowby the above recommendation.
ing
supplyan earlierherbageor so valuable and productive
under all the different circumstances is indispensable,
four to six bushels an acre, for
varieties of tares
as our
of soil and climate. The
qualityof any
smothering
crops do no good to the land, in fact they
desirable object,
render it fouler unless theyclingtogether
but if
and quickly
articleis at all times a most
reduced the article will
the quantitybe too much
Instances have occurred
produce a dense thick mass.
of producwhere, on good clean lands,wheat and grass seeds
course
not hold its placein a systematic
tion
have been sown
after beans,peas, and tares, the land
and of reproduction.
An opinionhas been longentertained and very confidently
being scuffled and cleaned in autumn
; but the practice
become
never
can
general,and only defers the
promulgated
by soraeofour scientific writers
ary
To constitute farming,we
that the drillcultivation of our secondon agriculture,
fallowingprocess.
must
have improvementsand profits
ing
fallowand
going together,
green crops would dispensewith summer
at no great intervening
all the claysoils in our island. In making this
on
distance;and in progressing
towards
the perfection
of it " that nothinggrows exassertion these writers have only exposed their total
cept
"

ignoranceof

the soils in

of cultivation known
when

beans

to

and

for by
question,
us,

can

peas

we,

requireto

process

what

earlyperiod

both
auxiliary

no

at the

be sown,

or

after the titne of

the two

is

sown," we

avail ourselves of every

must
for amelioration and lor profit
; to join
forms the essence
of the art, and it has of.en
that on the soils and situations I have menme
tioned,

reaping,work, clean and pulverize struck

the land, nor can
a process
nure
at either periodapply the mawe
combining both might be adoptedby
with advantage. The
the use of the crops above described.
J. D.
are
physical
objections
and any attempt that have been made
insurmountable,
April15.
have whollyor partially
failed. It does certainly
remain

to be

will
draining

seen

how

far

our

modern

system

of close

FARMING

IMPROVED.

objections
; and in making
By Louisa H. Sheridan.
be
reports of the effects "f such drainingit would
G. says" the prizesheep, havingwool smooth a" flax,
traction
it stated if the completesubto have
very important
Made him longrlor a rubber of whist on their backs ;"
of water
effects any alteration on the constitutional
What a hint for the new
school,
agricultural
make
it
the
soil so as to
more
texture of
Asa quick,
oi carding tliewool !
easy method
friable and more
reducible to a state for green crops,
Yet the chance oifnirdealingis greatlydecreased.
or if it be confined
Who cuts in at such tables,"
can't helpbeing^eec'rf.
acto making it drier and more
obviate these

336

THE

EXHIBITION
OF

OF

THE

INDUSTRY."

(translatedfrom

the

FARMER'S

PRODUCTIONS

At the exhibition of 1834 two

WOOLLENS.
FnENCII

MAGAZINE.

FOR

THE

FARMEr's

MAGAZINE.)

circumstances

were

noticed,provingthe fact that improvement was unquestionably

takingplace.The firstwas the increase
of largeflocks of Merinos,producing
the finest quality

of wool
the great increase of a
; the second was
A complete revolution has been effected within
mixed
breed of sheep,producing wool of a medium
fine quality,
a few years in this branch of our
of the best
manufiictures. At
which results from a cross
Merino
fabricate woollen
with sheep indigenousto the country.
tissues of so soft and
present we
rams
fine a nature
that the snme
article made of cotton
Alreadyat the above epoch,the sheepin the middle
must
proved and northern partsof France,the native flocksof sheep
give way, one would think, to the above imarticle. The variations in the weather in all
had become so far improved as almost to be termed
climates render woollen clothingan
altogetht-r
improved breed, the original
species,
necessary
every
where.
The skill of our
with all their defects of frame and coarseness
of
workmen
has
enabled
them to manufacture
woollen
wool, having given place to a race of more
goods,which are not
metry,
symand durability,
but
and covered with a richer and more
ful
beautionlyvaluable for their warmth
also for their goodness in
fleece ; which are very importantresults, seeing
terns,
quality,
varietyof patand fastness of colour.
that the most
of Louviers
celebrated manufacturers
The French woollen
and Sedan have acknowledgedthat our
mediate
trade is thus one of the most
good interbranches of our national industr)',
both as
fine wools possess qualities
which render
important
and manufactures, and certainly
regardsagriculture

them

the most brilliantsuccess

destined to attend it.
seems
N^ow that the galleries
of ihe exhibition are about
to be thrown open,
it may be useful to take a short

kind grown

glanceat

woollen
our
trade,and the
since tiiefirst exhibition of our
which took placein 1823.

made

in short or cardingvrools,of which

progress
the Merino is the chief,has been immense since the

when

obtained from
Louis XVI.
the King of
and rams, of the ])ure blood of Leon
and Segoviawith which he formed the flock of Rambouillet.

Spain 200

As

ewes

the

that speciesof
long or combing wool
combed, the difl'erenthairs lie in long
lines parallel
with each other,and
straight
possess
to

"

which, when
such

its

beautiful and silky

ness,
texture, free from harshand, for this latter reason, so difficultto produce
French
be said to be in
agriculture
may
a

"

very

best wools

of

similar

ment,
Spain. This is a very great improveremarked
as was
by M. Chas. Dupin ; and in
of the
a few
years we
may hope to placeby the side
in
wools
it
the
Iberian
has
peninsula
produced
equally
progress
industrial progood superfine]Merino wools grown
sheep
upon
ductions,

The

time

to the
preferable

infancy,a
all
comprising

few
and not
flocks
very numerous
its riches in this staple. This class
forms
of the principal
one
productions

in

bred in France.
In 1834 none
of these
exhibited at Paris, nor

fine
moderately
any
in

wools

of

wools
a

were

soft and

that specimens
1823
bright character. It was
of French
indigenous wool, as we may call it,
of specifiguredat the exhibition, the number
mens
shown
being eight; in 1827 there were
there were
fifteen,and in 1834
eighteen only.
We
of the spethink it our duty to givea statement
cimens

exhibited
names

of the

at

this exhibition of 1834, with the

which
they belonged,

partiesto whom

extract
from official documents.
The best specimens were
exhiliited by MM.
Perault de Jotemps et Girod de I'Ain,Directors of the
Association of Naz.
The flocks of Naz have already
we

of wools
of the English flock-masters,and

a standingof thirtv-five
years. Always breedingin
and in, it now
that continuous purity
of
from which
are
possesses
manuf\ictured those beautiful goods, which
blood which is deemed
valuable
formed
have
so
by the best innot
oialysuch an extensive home market in that
breeders,actually
presentinga distinct species
of improved sheep, combining as important
country, but are also exportedin extraordinary
large
to
countries.
perfectionsas are to be found not only within the
At the exhibition of
quantities foreign
limits of France but throughout
the whole extent
shewn some
of
1817, there were
beautiful specimensof
soft,silkyFiench wool, which were
presented by the two hemispheres. 1 he best of our national ])role Comtess du Cayla, MM.
Madame
ducts in this class are either from Naz itself or have
le Vicomte
de
de Turenne, Hennet, Le Vicomte de Sasthene de la
been bred from stock obtained from that place. It
has furnished sheep for the foundation of flocks
de Bussy, and Selliere de
Rochfaucauld, Bernard
Mello.
At the exhibition of 1834, although,
tria,
by upon the largebreedingfarms in Wurtemberg, Austhat time, sheep producing this wool
in the British
had been
Sweden, the Crimea, and even
increased in numbers
There were
South Wales.
2,500
greatly
by the rich proprietors, Colonies of New
not
two
head of sheep in the flock at Naz in the year 1834.
specimens of this wool were to be seen, the
flock of Alfort afi^ording
Its wool equalsin fineness that of the best flocks in
the onlyspecimen exhibited.
"
Let us hope," said the reporter on the exhibition
Saxony, and is superiorto them in strength.Sheep
of 1834, " that, at the expiration
farms stocked by animals obtained
of fifteen years
from the Naz
at the exhibition of 1839, with all the experience
tained flock are being rapidlyestablished in several of our
obin the course
of these years, the results obfurnish
tained departments;so many that they altogether
from experimentsmade in those parts of the
more
than a thousand
suffice for a
which
rams
These statements
shew
country which enjoygood pasturage, upon rich soils, hundred thousand ewes*.
with a sufficiently
humid
climate
may be such as
have a rightto expect from our
we
*
rich proprietors
M. le Vicomte
Perrault de Jolemps,and his asso;
ciates,
in short,such as the continually
MM.
growing demand
Fakry tils and Girod de I'Ain, have
for combingwool by our manufactures calls for."
published a treatise on
wool
and
sheep. lu
"

"

Jiftyyears
appears, been

of

and
industry

])erseverance

have, it

this book

there

is

full statement

of all the

perience
ex-

of the writers ; in it is presented a new

the Merino
necessary to acclimatize
profound analysis of the properties of wool,
sheep,and to increase their numbers
to any considerable and
connected
with the organizationof the animals producing
extent, their numbers
being,unfortunately,
it,and the circumstances
of their constitution
as yet far too
limited, when
we
consider the great
and food ; all taken in connection
with observations
which agriculture
must
advantages
derive
necessarily
made by the parties
to
themselves of its applicability
from the breeding
of thij very useful species
of domestic manufactures.
Then
ferent
follows a dc?cription
of the difanimals.
processes throughwhich the fleece passes ; such

THE
how

rapidmust

be the increase of this

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

337

the highestimation
improved justified

in

which

this flock is

held.
to be wanting
sheep, and nothingseems
continuous
M. Massin,of the Departmentof the Aube, showed
to
a
regularlyprogressivespread of
of judicious
these sheep,but a further course
efforts some
which resulted from his
very superiorfleeces,
and spirited
expenditureon the part of the agriculcrossinghis flock with rams
tural
procuredfrom Naz.
The judgesof that exhibition reportedthat this
proprietors.
tleman
genof flocks
had manifested great skilland industry
M. le Vicomte de Jessaint, a proprietor
in the
at Beaulieu (JMarne) who
received the gold medal
and in the manner
in which
breedingof his flock,
in 1827, exhibited some
tended and kept. His efforts were
entire fleeces remarkable
they were
ported
rerace

of

for their extreme

be continuously
to
and regularfineness of quality.
and remarkablysuccessful.
The rams
which each year are taken from the flock
M. Caille de Varastre,of the Department of the
of Beaulieu have greatly
improved a number of other
flocks in the department
Seine and Marne, exhibited some
of the Marne, and also in
fleeces in their oily
unwashed
the neighbouringdepartments.
state, which, althoughnot of the first
Hercule
M. le Comte
de Polignac(of Calvadas) quality
as to fineness and
of hair,yet certainly
equality
received the goldmedal in 1823, and also in 1827
attested great improvement.
and 1834, for the care and perseverance with which
M. Houteville, of the Department of the Seine Inhe kept up his vast flock.
ferieur,also exhibited some
fleeces commendable
remarks
The official statement
for the second time
for their fineness and generalgood qualicies.
M. Louis Graux,
the superfine
of the Department of Aisne,
fleecesfrom the flock of M. Gaiineron,
on
from
showed
which that gentleman has formed by purchases
several fleeces, some
of which were
washed,
untlie flocks of Malmaison, Perpignon,Aries,and Ramand others washed,grown
upon a particular
of sheep amongst his flock,
which
bouillet. This flock already
amounted to 1,675 head,
he had for
variety
which had been bred witli the greatest care and attention some
to
years paid great attention to, endeavouring
on
give them a distinct character. He gave the name
ground adaptedto that purpose.
of silk wool to the specimenshe exhibited,
M. Dupreuil was
in possession
of a good flock at
and they
This flock had
possessed a silkytexture, were
really
Souy,in the Department of Aube.
exceedingly
then been established about thirty
soft,and of a very bright
bered
appearance, and admirably
years, and numit is not remarkable
3,400 head. However
adaptedfor the manufacture of the finest class of
kinds of stuflfs.The judgesexpressed
in
some
particular
merelybecause it is one of the most numerous
France.
boured their anxious desire that M. Graux
For more
than ten years iVI. Dupreuillamight succeed in
with

the

greatest skill and

perseverance

to

producingconsiderably
regularly
largerquantities

of wool,
obtained rams
J. H.
successivelyof this very preciousvariety
from the royal flocks of Rambouillet, of Zoune,
which
established by the celebrated Ternaux,
was
who importedslioepfor that purpose, and also from
the flockof Naz,
Up to the present time a great
ON
THE
CULTURE
OF
POTATOES.
lic
many prizesheep have been broughtbefore the pubfrom this establishment.
(from a correspondent.)
M. Moet, of the Department of the Marne, exhibited
several fleeces remarkable
for their fineness
The time of year having arrived when this most
also shewn
and regularity
of staple; with them were
situations be planted
valuable root should in many
wool in a scoured
specimensof the same gentleman's
observation I see
for a generalcrop, and as from
and also in a combed state, which
were
highly but littleattention is paid as to the procuringthe

improvehis

commended.
Messieurs
of

flock

he

give a few hints to

leave them to adopt
not
or
plan,as they may think proper; but as
my
it is simple,and will repay
every extra expense, I
be tempted to try it,
should
one
hope some
may
confident he will not repent.
which if he does, I am
It is I know
customary upon a large scale to
plough the land and make it tolerablyfine before
but still,
if it is ploughed five,
potatoes are planted,
low,
inches deep and made
fine and melsix, or seven
stillat the bottom
of such ploughing the land

heaviest crop, I would

Joseph Maitre and

the

Cotes

d'Or,

had

partment
Godin, of the Depotato growers
flocks established

from

These
two
sheep broughtdirect from Saxony.
gentlemen,with M. Durbach, of the Department of
the onlygentlemen
Tarbes,and M. Ternaux, were

who at that time had introduced into France the

Electoral Saxon breed of Sheep. The
bited
fleeces exhiby them were remarkable for their softness of

beg

to

and
generally,

and great fineness.

M. Monnot-le-Roi,
of the Department of the Aisne,
had for ten years been assiduously
proving is hard and smooth, even
in lightlands, but how
engaged in imhis flock by crosses
from rams
much
where your subsoil is clay : and as
more
so
procuredfrom
Naz.
The fleeces which he exhibited bore ample
the potato is a rof)t that sends not out fibres only
it can never
testimonyto the progress he had made, and fully near the surface but dceplyifpossible,
the land is broke
produce such a crop as where
inches to two feet; quitedifferent from
as washing,purifying
from oil,"c., sorting,
classify-eighteen
ing,
the bean
and wheat, which thrive best with a firm
and then the sale of the article. This work
has

texture

been seven
times translated into five foreignlanguages,
and has convinced
of the necessityof
wool growers

subsoil.

The

potato, like

the

cucumber, only enjoys

them
itselfin deeplypulverisedsoils,which causes
in well managed sandy land.
ferent to flourish so much
making themselves intimatelyacquainted with the difthat in all land
properties of wool, the advantage of improving
I should therefore recommend,
the fleece in all its jiarts,in order, when it is sorted,it
that if the land
where
potatoes are to be grown,
may produce the greatest possible([uantityof firstotherwise
be either sjmnyy
or
damp, that it be
rate wool, and ever
the conto keep a strict eye upon
dition
to take off all
or
face
surdrained
of the sheep producingthis valuable article,
in
order to be able to note the causes
operatingupon the
deteriorationor improvement of its fleece. The observations
in this work merit the best attention of all parties
connected with the growth of wool." M. Chas.

DUPIN.

deep enough

water.

When

springs

this is done, the

land

should

fullytrenched, or bastard trenched,by

the spade or
plough,but I prefer the spade. By
to break the land up two
fullytrenching,I mean
onlyto shovel off
spitdeep, and by bastard I mean
either be

FARMER'S

THE

338

the top weeds or rubbish and dig one spitand lay

^Vhen
shovelled into the trench.
it when
upon
this is done by the spade,I should advise that your
be laid under the last
dung should in both cases
spitwhich you throw up, this will prevent any
then draw
further trouble,as you can
your dt!!ls
(with a plough made for that purpose) not more
than four inches deep ; peoplecan drop in the sets,
with a very shoi c
them in crossways
and harrow
toothed harrow, or if otherwise you can draw in a

tine fi-om touching the

it. lae width of the drills
from each other,must
depend entirelyupon the
goodness of your soil : the richer the land, the
bushes

few

potato so

wider
rows,

each

"

as

to

keep

to

remove

the

and
apart must be your rows
at
say in ordinaryland rows

other, and twelve inches from

sets in
two

your
feet from

set to set may

do; but if your land be veiy rich,three feet r.om

and eighteen inches from
plant to
to row,
row
who
This to some
plant,win not be too much.
a great waste
fond of close plantingmay seem
are
I have
heard
it is not so.
of land, but in reality
land is too good for potatoes,
people say, "such
there will be nothingbut haulm ;" but although a
I confess I never
largegrower in good and bad land,
found any too good, nor yet too bad if properly
managed, to grow good potatoes.
The error
is,in plantinggood land you put in
twice as much seed as is required; the consequence
is produced,which
of haulm
is,a great mass
by
being so close togetherdraws each other up ; your
of gieen which excludes
land is covered by a mass
sucks up all
the sun and air,and in di/ summers
the moisture,and if "ny bulbs arc formed, there is
and this
them
to perfection,
moisture to bringno
is the true cause
why in good rich land you do not
obtain a crop ; the fault, therefore, is not in the
of such land : the
land but in the management
and
is committed
in sowing wheat
error
very same
some
other graintoo thick. In Scotland they sow
four bushels of wheat to
three and a half and some
the acre, and in England two and a half to three
bushel pioperly
bushels to the acre ; whereas one
put in is quite enoughj providedyour land has
been made
healthyby draining in the first place.
three bushels to the acre
We will suppose you sow
;
like a fine meadow
it comes
up and looks beautiful,
in the end of April. The farmer smiles,and says,
"what a fine plant I have got ; well, so it is,but as
the land completelyat first coming up,
it covers
to come
to perfechow, I would ask, is the corn
tion,
unless a great quantityof it is destroyedin
No man
in his rightsenses
some
way or another ?
of wheat should be
I suppose will say that a corn
that it can
pinched into such a course
only send
straw, and consequently but one
ear,
up one
"whereas it ought to produce forty,and more
than
this I have seen
myself on poor land, where it had
to expand and tiller out ; and the sample
room
will be much
to hand
"when it comes
finer, and
consequently will produce more
flour,which is
what
is sought by every wise farmer.
But when
sown
thick, especiallyupon good rich soil,the
is drawa up to a great height,and then when
straw
strong winds and heavy rains descend, like the
built upon the sand, it falls,the corn
house
does
the farmer complains,and
not come
to perfection,
all is bad together; wliereas,if the corn
had been
thin upon good healthyland, each root would
sown
have tillered out into from
twenty to fiftystraws,
each
of which
would
have strength enougli to
stand the gusts of wind and showers
of rain,and
would yieldfine plump samples instead of a poor,
meagre,
blightedcrop ; as I speak from actual

MAGAZINE.
not who may treat it with ri"
dicule.
But Laving set out upon potato planting,
I must
culture tillanother time.
leave corn
I finished potato culture when
the land was
pared
preby the spade,which I like best, and am persuaded,
althoughit may and does cost a littlemore,
will pay every extra expense
in the extra crop
which it will jleld.
Men in clayor loam bottom will trench land two
splitdeep for 8d. and layin dung for Id. per rod=
to 9d. or 61. per acre
and bastard trenching,
;
which will do quitewell in most land, may be done
above for 6d. per rod, or 41. per acre, which is
as
much
better than
three ploughings,as the
even
spade or spud leaves the land rough at the bottom
of the trench, whereas the plough naturallyleaves
it smooth
and hard.
But if the land is to be prepared
by the plough it ought to be trench-ploughed,
that is, the plough must
go twice in the same
place or furrow, so as to break up the land if possible
from sixteen to eighteeninches deep at least.
Then ifyour land requiresmanure
you must plough
that in,which will be three ploughings,which cannot
cost less in stony land
than 21. 5s.,and unless
land is properly pulverised,it will require
your
I care
Gxpeiience

another

ploughing ;

so

that

you

will

find, when

to look at both
a few extra
expenses,
you come
bushels of potatoes will pay aU the extra expense
of spade culture, which
is sure
to produce them
;
attention
to
however, in each case pay the same
distance in planting,
and be sure
7ioi to plantsmall
potatoes, but sets cut from largeones ; as you will
find small potatoes send up a good deal of haulm,
and the bulbs in general are numerous
and small
too ; whereas a set good size with one
or two
eyes,
will send up one or more
stalks,and the bulbs in
generalare largealso.
most
to
Having given you the methods
likely
produce largecrops, having tried experiments for

tell you what I have seen

twenty years, I will now
land, when
properly
very
poor
grown
upon
trenched and manured
with farm-yard dung ; it
produced 700 bushels to the English acre of 160
than enough to pay all expenses
rods,which was more
and value of land, and the land in good
order for corn
to succeed.

LEICESTERSHIRE

AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY.

FIFTH

The

ANNIVERSARY

rank which

MEETING,

7x11 DECEMBER,

1838.

Leicestershire holds amongst the

counties of England, would

grazingand agricultural
lead the public to suppose that the cattle
naturally
shew
could not fail to prove
of a very superior
both
description,

of the animals
to the quality
as
numbers
considered of such excellence
for competition.This
to he qualified
as
has been fullyrealised,
and the exhibition
expectation
in the Yard of the Bell Hotel yesterday,
of
was
character to elicit the utmost
admiration of the
a
farmer.
and practical
It was
not
grazier
only the
ever
witnessed,but has
very best that Leicester
established for the Leicestershire Association a preeminent
societies.
position
amongst all the provincial
]\Iost competent judges have declared, that the
beasts exhibited yesterday
not
were
merelya credit
the nation also, and we are
to this county, but to
that every coming year will increase the high
sure

shown, and

the

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

in which this anniversary

is already
held.
reputation
After the exhibition,
a
large party of gentlemen
assembled to partakeof an excellent dinner.
wards
Upof three hundred and fiftyindividuals were
almost all the leadingagriculpresent, comprising
turists
in the county.
Amongst them we noticed
the following
The
Hon.
H. W, Wilson, Sir W.
:"
Heygdte.SirG. J. Palmer, H. Halford, Esq.,M.P.,
C. W. Packe, Esq.,M.P., E. B. Farnham, Esq.,M.P.,
Col. Cheney, Wm.
Herriolr,Esq., J. A. Arnold,
Esq.,R. Ches/yn, Esq., Thomas Walker, Esq., J.
Bright.Esq.,W. Martin, Esq.,W^ P. M. Owsley,
Esq.,Rev. J. M. Cooper, Captain Pochin, Messrs.
J. L. Hassall,C. Stokes, J. Spencer,W.
Hind, B.
Simpkin,H. Chamberlain, G. Kilby,W. Simkin,

would

339

read to them.

The

letter

couched

was

in

expressiveof the noble duke's regretat being

unable to attend the meeting as he had anticipated
;
terms

and stated his best wishes for the success

of the society,
and his anxietyto support it. The worthy
Chairman
concluded
by proposingthe health of the
noble duke ; and said he was
sure
they would drink
it with that cordiality
they had always done. "The
Lord Lieutenant of the county,our noble President."
"

(Prolmtged
cheering.)
The shepherds,
labourers, servants, "c., to
the

prizeshad

been

awarded,

entered

the

whom

in
receive them.
The
Chairman, after
of the successful candidates,
readingover the names
and the several
prizesattached to their names,
"c.
After the cloth was
addressed
tliem in appropriate terms
drawn.
expressive
The
Chairman
and said, he did so for tlie of the hopes of the societythat theywould continue
rose
the great gratification
in the same
he felt
and incite others to follow
purpose of expressing
good course
at seeingso
of the originalmembers
their example. During the intervals that elapsed
of the
many
creasedbetwixt the different classes cominginto the room,
insocietypresent : at seeing their numbers
so
and increasing.
the Chairman
Such, he trusted, would
gave several toasts.
continue to he the case
In giving " Success to the Wool Fair," he said,
so long as
they adhered to
the principle
he had before done so, and had then made
founded
some
upon which the societywas
that of excludingfrom their discussions anything
observations.
of
He would not, however, do so now
;
room

to

groups

"

"

"

he would leave it to speakfor itself. He

party or political
tendency. {Hear,hear.) The
begged
firsttoast, then, that he had the pleasureof proposing theywould
bear in mind the remark
made by one of
"The
the spiritedbuyers at the last meeting " if we
was,
Queen," (cheers;)and with it he would
a

"

couple a
would

sentiment

all most

with

which

concur
cordially

he
"

was

May

they
reignbe

sure

her

conspicuousfor obedience to the laws ; and may

she obtain true
to
gloryto herself,and prosperity
the

people. (Threetimes three.)This

was

followed

by the
Toast

of

Queen

Dowager, and

the rest of the

Royal Family. (Three times three.)

The

"
The
Chairman, in giving the next toast
and Navy"
said,he was
happy to remark
that there were
gentlemen of both professions
many
in the society,
and he was happy also to see near
him anew
the gallant
Colonel of the Greys,
member
"

Army

"

"

W'ho

himself
distinguished

we

only bring

should

not

good article,and plentyof it,

buyersat

want

fair

price."{HeaVy

hear.)
The

then said,the next toast he had to

Chairman
the society
to whom
that of a class of men
was
much
was
indebted, and who were
nected
conintimately
with those classes on whom
they had just
been bestowingthe rewards.
He had received a
who
communication
from the gentleman
responded
usually
Mr. Morgan, of Rearsby to
to the toast
the effect that nothing but a severe
indisposition
preventedhis attendance. His heart,however, was
with them, and deeplydid he regret his inability
to

propose

"

"

be present.

At this time, when

cheap publications
spread about, and those not having the
and would,
best possible tendency,he
could not but feel
(applause,)
plough-share"
which
on
perhaps,givethem some information on the subject gratified
perusing a halfpenny pamphlet,
of the sub-soil plough,one
Who's
the
of which, he understood, he had some
little time ago, entitled
the Colonel had procured for his farm at Gadesby. Parson 1"
The
to whom
character of the parties
and happily
he alluded was
therein so peculiarly
(Hear,hear.) He would givethem the
Army and
of Col. Cheney, described that he could not help givingan outline
Navy," and coupled with the name

Waterloo.
sword into the

at

and

(Cheers.) He

much

would

gainedso

had

now

turned

credit
"
his

are

so

much

"

"

and other Members

who might of it as far as he could recollect.
It stated therein
of either profession
with the wants
be present.
that he ('theperson)
of
is acquainted
(Cheers.)
thanks.
The gallant the poor, though moving in the societyof the rich :
Col. Cheney
to return
rose
Colonel said,on the part of the army he begged
not panderbeing the legitimate
ing
poor man's friend,
leave to return thanks for the honour conferred on
to his prejudices
or
excitinghis evil passions;
but administering
them ; and he had no doubt their future conduct
ficulties
to his necessities ;
advisingin difwould
him in affliction
and pointing
be such
to entitle them
to the fullest apas
;
; consoling
probation
it had hitherto done
of the country. out, by precept and example, the sure pathto lead
as
both here and hereafter. (Hear,
(Hear, hear, hear.) He could not but express his him to happiness,
in which his name
ertions
at the manner
had
hear, hear.) They felt indebted, then, for the exgratification
been joined with the toast.
With
of the clergy for signing their certificates,
respect to the
whom
subsoil plough,it was
and pointing
true he had one ; but he had
out those deservingobjects
they
had the pleasureof rewarding,and who, but for
not yet tried it,and had
not, therefore,ascertained
here.
He
those exertions
its merits.
would not have been
{Hear,
should, however, before the next
meeting, be able to do so, and would then give hear.) He therefore gave the Bishop and Clergy
those who attend their
of it,and it would indeed be gratifying of the Diocese, particularly
account
some
volent
throw
to him, if he
could by such measures
meetings,and endeavoured to carry out the beneany
"

"

lightupon

"

"

"

Colonel sat
agriculture. The gallant
applause.
Hartoi'p, the High Sheriff of the

down amidst loud

Sir Edmund
C.

county; a gentlemanwho had performedthe duties

of his office with so much
credit to himself and
the next
benefit to the county, was
toast, given from
the chair,and was
received with loud cheers.
then
The Chairman
said he had been entrusted
with a letter from the Duke
of Rutland, which he

views of the society. (Cheers.)

the next
nounced
Before the Chairman
toast, he angave
that a paper had just been
put into his
a piece of information, the
sure
pleahands, containing
self.
from which he could not keep to himresulting
It was
to the effect that the collection at the
to 32L
doors that day amounted
(Loud cheers.)
no
The Chairman
said,the next toast required
with
from h'ln,he should leave it entirely
comment

THE
nnd said he considered tliestock

number,

but in

also, to
quality

FARMER'S

not only in
superior
that which had been

MAGAZINE.
Class 9.

341
For

"

under
pairof heifers,

the best

two

years old,bred and fed in the

liave had oil,oil-cake,
corn,
milk, after six months old,3

county, that shall not

exhibited at Jbiiuer meetiuijs. lie saw
no
reason
pulse,seeds,meal, or
"why the siiow at i^eicestershould be second to any
Mr. H.
sovereigns."
with the support it dein the kingdom, and if it met
served,
Chamberlain,Desford.
it would be second
to none.
Class 10.
(Clieers.)He
For the best bull,under two
years old,
and two of sheep at the
liad entered one pairof oxen
bred and fed in the county, that shall not have had
Smithfield show, but he did not expect success;
oil,oil-cake,corn, pulse,seeds,or meal, after six
stillhe thought it more
honourable to show good
months old, 5 sovereigns. E. W. Wilmott, Esq..
"

"

than
stock,althoughunsuccessful,

for

of competition
;
beaten,theyshould

want

bear to be

to take

and

if

men

show

not

at

premiums
could not
all. (Loud

cheers.)

Pickwell.
Class 11.
that shall

seeds, or

Chairman

For the best bull,of any breed or age,

have had oil,oil-cake,corn, pulse,
meal, after six months old, and that has
"

not

in succession, " The

served cows
in the previousseason, in the
county,
"
and the Stev^-ards,"
The Treasurer, Mr.
Secretary
at not exceedinghalf a sovereign each,
(breeding
"
JMnnsfield," The Vice-Presidents of the Society," open to all counties),
;" sovereigns. No
merit.
and other appropriatetoasts, which were
knowledged.
duly acMr.
H. Chamberlain.
By
of the evening was
The festivity
sus"
For
the best beast,bred and fed in the
with much
taincd throughout
cordial enjoyment,
and
county,
shewn in
of sufficient
the meetingseparatedamidst generalexpressions
any of the above classes,
(provided
of
merit) over and above any other premium
and satisfaction,
at the prosperity
of the
gratification
which
Awarded
to
may be awarded, 5 sovereigns.
Society.
himself.
The

then

gave

"

"

IMr. John

Judges,
"

Parkinson, of Ley Fields,

Nottinghamshire,Mr. Thomas Umbers, of Wapperof Hanbury,Warwickshire,Mr. William Bellam}',

By

GIVEN

FOR

the

By

restriction as

sovereigns."Mr.

SIIEEl',"C.

CATTLE,

Society.

"

"

F. Turner,

"

had

not

pulse, seeds, or meal,

previousto the 1st of August, 18.'i8,a silver cup,
value 10 sovereigns. Mr. Chamberlain, Desford.
"

the

RightHon.

the FMrl Ihwe,

"

"

the

Society.

Class 4.
For the best ox, under four years old,
fed in the county, that shall not, after six months
old,have had oil,oil-cake,corn, pulse,seeds,meal,
"

or

milk, (breedingopen

all

to

.5
counties),

"

"

II. ChaUiberlain,

Desford.

oil-cake,corn, pulse,seeds,meal, or milk,after six

old, and have been fed on grass onlyfrom
the 1st of July,1833, 4 sovereigns."
Mr. H. Chamberlain.

months

This class

commended
generally.
best four theaves that have
been put to the ram, and supposed to be in- lamb,
and that have never
had oil,oil-cake,corn, pulse,
seeds,meal, or milk, after six months old, and have
been fed on grass only from the first of
July,1838
(open to all counties); 4 sovereigns.Mr. H.
Desford.
chamberlain,
This class was
mended.
highlycomClass

15."

For

was

the

"

"

Class 16.
For the best pen of five ewe
lambs,
bred and fed in tlie county, that shall not have had

oil,oil-cake,
corn, pulse,seeds,meal, or milk, after
months
old, and have been fed on grass, bay,

six

and green vegetablefood only; 3 soveieigns.

Mr.
John Spencer,Odstone.
Class 17.
For the best in-pigged
or suckling
sow,
bred and fed in the county ; 2 sovereigns. Mr.
John Moore, Aston Flamville.
Class 18.
For the best boar, fed in the county,
(breedingopen to all counties); 2 sovereigns.
Hon. H. W. Wilson, Alexton.
Class 19." For the best fat pig,under 12 months
old,bred and fed in the county ; 2 sovereigns.Mr.
William Benskin, Rearsby.
"

"

Class 6.

For

"

breed,age,

the best fat

heifer,of any
all counties),without

cow

or

weight, (open to
restrictionsas to feed,
.5 sovereigns. Mr. Charles
Mann, Leicester.
For the best dairycow,
Class 7.
fed in the county,
that has produced a calf in ltJo8, and is either
in milk,or has been
regularlymilked twice a day
tillthe 10th of October
and is supposed to he in
or

"

"

calf,and

the best four ewes, bred and fed in

have suckled lambs
to the 1st of
July,1838, and have again been put to the ram, and
to be in-larnb,
and that have never
S'.ipposed
had oil,
For

"

"

reigns."
sove-

merit.
Class 5.
For tlie best ox, under
four years ohi,
bred and fed in the county, that sliall not, after si.x
months old,have had oil,oil-cake,
corn, pulse,seeds,
No

meal, or milk, 5 sovereigns. Mv.

feed, and open to all counties,5

Chamberlain, Desford." This

county, which

"

Class 3.
For the best ox, under five years old,of
any breed or weight,bred and fed in the county,
without
restrictions as to feed, 5 sovereigns. Mr.
H. Chamberlain,Desford.

By

H.

Heap, Cossington.
the

or

oil,oilcake,corn,

By

to

class was
highlycommended
by the Judges.
Class IS.
For the best pen (of three)under 22
months
old, bred and fed in the county, of longwoolled
fat wether sheep, fed on
grass, hay, and
food only,
4 sovereigns."
Mr. Thos.
green vegetable
Class 14.

Esq.

Class 2.
For the best ox, of any breed,age
weight,bred and fed in the county, that shall
have

the Earl Howe.

"

Class 1. For the best ox, under five years old, of

to all counties,without
any breed or weight,
open
restrictions as to feed, a silver tankard, value 13
sovereigns.IMr. H. Chamberlain, Desford.

BjiT.

EightHon.

"

slowe, Warwickshire.
PREMIUMS

the

Class 12.
For the best pen (of three)under 22
months old, of long-woolled
fat wether sheep,without

that shall not

pulse,seeds,meal,

(breeding
ojien

or

to all

had oil,oil-cake,corn,
rnilk,after six i-nontlis old,

"

"

"

"

By

have

5 sovereigns. Mr.
counties,)
"

the Hon.

H.

W.

Wilson.

Class 20.
For the best colt or filly,
two
years old,
bone tide the property of a tenant
farmer, and to be
considered by the Judges as best adapted to the sic"

Needham
of Queniborough.
Carnall,
Class 8. For the best pairof in-calved heifers, neral
of agriculture
in the county,
purposes
under three years old, bred and (ed in the county,
value
4
sovereigns. Mr. Charles
cup,
that shall not have had oil,oil-cake, corn, pulse, Kingston.
"

"

seeds,meal,
"

No

or

milk, after

merit.

six

months

old, 3

reigns.
sove-

Class ^1.
of
"

property

silver

Stokes,

For the best brood raare, bona fide the

tenant
farmer,and to be considered

THE

342

FARMER'S

best adaptedto the generalpurposes

in the county ; 3 sovereigns.
of agriculture
Mr. John Kendall, Burbage.
reigns.
For the best foal as above ; 2 soveClass 22.

by the Judgesas

MAGAZINE.

KENT

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE.

"

(from

the

GAZETTE.)

MAIDSTONE

"

"

competition.

No

The advertised

By C. W. Packs, Esq.,M.P.

the

meetingof Thursday,March

Town-hall,Maidstone. Present.

"

14, was
D.Salo-

'

for the best beast shown as extra stock, mons, Esq.,Vis.

Sir Brook, W. Bridges,
Sidney,
Bt., ;
value
5 guineas.Mr. John Buckley,
Sir Walter Riddell,
Bart.,T.Rider, Esq.,
Charles W.

Class 23.
silver cup,
"

held,in

"

Norraanton-upon-Soar.

Martin, Esq.,T. B. Brett, Esq..VV. M.Smith, Esq., ;

as
For the best pen of sheep,shewn
E. Hussey,Esq.,G.
E. Dering,Esq.,J. Ellis,Esq., of*]
extra
stock, a silver cup, value 5 sovereigns.Mr.
Barming,W. Nicholson, Esq., B. F. Duppa, Esq.,,
H. Chamberlain,Desford.
Rev. William Rham, of Berkshire, Rev.T. Ward,
j
Medals for Extra Stock offered
by E. W. Wilmot, Esq. Ward, Esq., W. Couhan, Esq.,Henry Hoare, Esq., I
for the second best beast,to Mr. JosephHassall, E. C. Tuffnell,Esq.,James Whatman, Esq.,R. Far- |
Class 24.

"

"

"

Packington.

ley,Esq., John Mercer, Esq., Crouehton, Esq., \

]Mr. PI. Chamberlain,
the best Leicester ewe.
Taylor,Esq., G. G. Gipps,jun.,Esq.,Messrs. |
Desford.
James Amos, Walker, Hatch, G. Cobb, Miles, Viney, i
For the best two pigs. Ditto.
G. Hughes, Love, Neve, Roots, Jarrett,Reeves, j
Barton, Tassell, R. Lake, "c., "c.
i
HEPORT.
THE
Much
desire to giveevery possibleassist- I
as
we
versary ance
of space
to this project,
their Report at this,the fifthanniare
we
In presenting
yet for want
of I
of the Leicestershire Agricultural
Society, constrained to omit much of the speeches,some
tee
which were
of tlie most encouragingand gratifying
to the General Meeting of its Members, the Committhat the proceed- character.
in stating,
have great pleasure
had been expected to preside,;
such
Viscount Marsham
a-i to
ino's of the past year have been
prove
stitution
of its Inbut being absent as a witness on the trial of Samuel
the growing utility
i
most
unquestionably
the High Sheriff (D. Salomons,Esq.)took '
Interest.
to all classes of the Agricultural
Seager,
the chair.
Among the most prominent of its benefits,none
The CnAinMAN, in an appropriate
demonstrated
than that which
address,opened
has been more
fully
Las resulted from the last Wool Fair;
upwardsof the business of the meeting,in doingwhich he exof the i
wishes for the success
eio'htthousand fleeceswere
broughtthere and offered pressedhis warmest
for sale,and all were
disposedof j business having proposedundertaking,and his conviction of its ah- i
in order to keep in advance of the
solute necessity,
done at the high priceof 44s. per tod. The
been
the Society efforts whicli were
cannot
making in foreigncountries, to i
Committee
help congratulating
witli us, not only in our manufacturingbut
the decided proofof the great advantagewhich
compete
upon
in our
interests.
The
derive from
and buyermust
not
agricultural
both the wool grower
present was
the interests of this county only j
a questionaffecting
the establishment of the fair ; the briskness with
national one ; and he hoped thiit the
effected having so completely
a
"which sales were
tified it was
jusness,
of its usefulintended institution would prove itselfto be a model
the most
sanguineexpectations
had
for the whole country. As there were
the Committee
one
and the recommendations
gentlemen
able to enter into the details
in
their last year's report to urge
more
the honour
present who were
and cordial support.
than himself,
of the proposedmeasure
in their hands
the Societyfor its general
on
have
the highest
in
be would leave the business of the meeting, (Ap'
The Committee
gratification
)
plause.
beino- able to report a considerable addition in the
received with cheers. He
B. F. Duppa, Esq. was
for rewards of the Societyto deserving
competitors
is shewn
terras:
and
Servants
Labourers, which
by the addressed the meeting in nearlythe following
while that
In presenting
mvself for the purpose of explaining
number having been last year fifty-four,
I do so with more
crease a plan for an agricultural
This largeincollege,
of this year has risen to seventy-six.
in the prein consequence
of thatplannot onlybeing
of claimants beyond the number
vious confidence,
to the
satisfactory
generally
approved,but revised and added to by
prove alike most
year must
in this county ; and
of the chief agriculturists
of the Society and highly creditable to tlie many
members
of the
it is a singularand importantfact that ;i want
these premiumsare
poorer classes,for whose benefit
intended.
knowledge which it is proposedshould be imparted
able to announce
The Committee
there,is admitted in the strongestterms, chieflyby
are happy in being
in the practice
those whose acknowledged success
to the Meeting that the funds of the Societyhave
dences
eviof agriculture
out
addition of nearlyFifty
would point them
as living
new
been increased by an
that no sucli institution was required. Of all
There was
a
Subscribers.
deficiencyin previous
the occupations
in which
men
of 49Z. 12s. 2d. but that debt has been
accounts
pose
engage for the puryears'
of gaininga livelihood by the application
of capicontributions
extra
liberal
atal,
liquidated
by
partly
in which
there is not one
a
largeand varied
diture
mounting to oil. 10s. and a small increase of expenof the Societyin the acstock of accurate
counts
bevond the income
knowledgeis not onlyso desirable,
but so absolutely
of the present year amounting to 9/. 12s. 6d.
necessary for obtainingthe greatest
which a farmer
The operations
The Committee
in a similar manner.
return, as in farming.
has been met
bps to perform are not few and unvaryingas are
will
statement
to hope that this cheering
have reason
"

for

"

"

"

'

'

"

"

"

"

""

"

"

scribers,those of a manufacturer,
who, having once taken up
inducing still more additional Subthat the tliree his groundwith prudence,proceeds,hot and cold,
Societymust be aware
and frost,in the sme manner
the
wet
and dry, snow
of its formation,viz. protecting
;
primary objects
is the same
throughoutthe
Interests of Agriculture,
encouraging by premiums his machinerv or tackling
the
whole
it is confined to one spot, fperlbrms
the
the breed of Stock, and rewarding merit among
year
and works upon the same
materials
carried
saaie
operations,
out,
labouringclasses, will be eflectually
its action always produces the same
which
and their usefulness benefically
extended,in proporupon
tion
which the Societyreceives effects. The
produce or crop of the manufacturer
to the encouragement
of ti)e is thus certain ; and he onlyshares with the farmer in
Interest generally
from the Landed
be

the

means
as

of

the

"

County.

the variations of the market.

But

these

are

not

the

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

343

for the objectin view, for 300

vantagebuildingsrequisite
which the manufacturers have the adever
boys,and a limited number of young men. A portion
they live togetherin towns, so that whatthe
of this sum
will also be requiredfor stocking
invention is made, whatever
new
improvement
to receive
The sum
for which it is proposed
in process is discovered,
alllearn and adoptit simultaneously farm.
This is not the case with the
trance.
or nearlyso.
boys as boarders is 25 guineasand 2 guineasenhis occupation
lives apart
farmer; he necessarily
Young men who have not passeda series of
to pay a much
years in the school would be required
prevents him from seeingmuch
beyondwhat be does
if the
himself so that it is only throughhearsayand reading
highersum, probably751. per annum
; while
be located in the immediate
to
that successful experiments become
known
collegecould fortunately
of Maidstone,many persons would probably
be rarelyvisited,
him.
Other counties can
while
vicinity
of
other countries
be scarcelyso at all. Tlie Belgians be ready to avail themselves of the opportunity
can
in
onlypoints
;

"

"

have

made
of

great strides

but
agriculture,

there in this

provement
imsendingtheir
practical

in the

how

persons are
what they
see
hours
voyage

many

these might be
as day scholars
It will be evident,from
per annum.
the smallness of the sum
proposedto be demanded
from each pupil,that the scheme
would be impracticable
unless by the aid of large
numbers
; 300 boys
and 25 young
be
at 2.5 guineas
at 75/. would
men
But
for the purpose.
this would be sufficient,
requisite
at any rate according
to the calculations which
I have made.
For if the boarding
of each of the
received

sons

"

at 10/.

have been to
who
room
have done?
Belgium is but a few
from Dover, and a railroad transportsthe traveller
from one part of the kingdom to another.
Such are
of the difficultiesof the farmer's position
some
; what
come
arrangements have been made to enable him to overthem "? Agricultural
societieshave been formed,
be calculated at 15/. perannumeach,
at which there are exhibitions of produce,prizesare
younger pupils
and that of 25 young men
at 35/. per annum
and ploughing
each,
matches take place. But
distributed,
much
there would remain a balance of 4,015/. for the exgood as tbeyhave done, and are calcutated to
of the establishment, after the payment of
do,theygo not to the root of the evil. No reward
penccs
no
boardinghad been extracted. This sum it is proprizecan bringmore out of a man than he has
posed
We
to distribute in the following
manner
:
want
got in him.
somethingwhich will sink
deeperthan this ; somethingwhich will placeinto the
Interest of 15,000/.
at 4 per cent
"600
minds and habits of people that which we desire to
master's salary
"Head
of 350/. per annum,
and
The only thing which I know
of capable
come
out.
1 guinea for each pupil
665
of effecting
this is an education
well adapted to the
Salaries of 9 under masters
800
circumstances and future prospects of the individual.
100
Chaplain
And this,from all I can learn,and the farmers themselves
100
"

"

it is impossible
have been my informants,
now
who as I have
obtain. But are the manufactui'ers,
shown from their position
tostand less in need of science
than theagriculturists
have
aretheyidleonthishead?
to

"

Secretary
Repairs

100

Servants'

200

Boarding

wages
the establishment

Other expences,

500

coals,washing,"c..

500

theybeen and are theydoing nothing"? In most of

3,565
the large
towns
throughoutthe kingmanufacturing
dom,
besides 2 guineas
entrance
great efiorts are making to give knowledge Leaving450/. per annum,
of the occupation
with each pupil for contingencies
of the
of
bearing
upon the principles
; the entrances
but to the methe firstyear would be 630/.
not
Around the establishment
chanic.
only to the manufacturer
place,
At Rianchester,
there must
be a farm.
at Liverpool,at Glasgow,
This it is
necessarily
in the Potteries,
in the mines of Cornat Edinburgh,
wall,
terms
ceived,
proposed to hire,and some
might, it is conthere are classes for mathematics,chemistry,
be made with a landlord anxious
to forward
mechanical drawing,and mechanics.
the success
of the plan,
that there need be no apso
They teach
prehension
the

and
strength

strain of

materials,pressure

engineering,and
floating,
which the wants
of the
or occupations
desirable ; and at the school of arts at
certificateis given to all pupilswho

on

bankments,
em-

all matters

make
locality
Edinburgh,a

that the institution should

lose the land

shall have
elapsed. It would be desirable to purchase,but this
at first.
step would, it is believed, be impracticable
The number
of acres
suggestedhas been 300, but
there are
those who think that there should be a
much
largernumber, among whom is Mr. John Lake,
of Bapchild,who suggests 500 or 1000, in order that
of soil may be obtained. Although
a great variety
allowance of 3,000/.of capitalis made for stocking
an
the interest
the farm, no profit
is calculated,
nor
even
of the money
thus laid out; it is estimated
though
Althat the produce will pay the rent, and no more.
at

all events

until

number

of years

have passed
chemical
and at an examination have shown that they
classes,
have dulyprofited.Thus the portionsof the population
are
pressingforward,and while they are doing
so are we
of Kent to remain behind f God forbid
men
! I rejoice
from my heart at the exertions making
elsewhere. It is onlyanother reason
for us to exert
if our own
ourselves,
improvement and the increased
in making an estimate it may not be prudent
produceof the soilare not of themselves sufficientreward
to hold
then of enabling to calculate
forth. With
there can
be no reason
a view
for
upon profit,
and others connected with agriculture
in
theyeorae;i
supposingthat there will be none. Experimentswould ,
thiscountry to givea superiorand suitable education
tried ; they,however,
without doubt,be continually
to their children,it is proposed to found a college
would
be restricted to a small portionof land, for it
of
would be difficult to conceive how
agriculture
by the united strengthof the countv,
young farmers
which shall be so constituted as to afford all the facilities
could obtain an idea of the advantageof persevering
for the religious,
moral, and intellectualtrainin a tried course
of husbandry,
if the whole
ing
steadily
of a well conducted
with the
made
the scene
farm were
of varyschool, combined
to be continually
ing
practical
skill,and the habit of
practical
knowledge,
experiments. It will be an important business
close industry
and
of
such
b"
tained
obwhich
in
the conduct
establishment
can
an
to
as this,
attention,
only
shew how expflriments
ful
upon a farm and in suitable workshops. In
oughtto be tried,and successorder to effectthis objectit is proposed
to raise the
results priidentlij
adopted.The aim must be to
make
of the farm a model for the culsumofl5,000".,by shares of lOi.each, which is to be
tivation
the great mass
appliedto the purchasing of eight or ten acres
of
of land of a similar character in the most lu'
land,and erecting
and fitting
And why, with the ablest of assistcralivemanner.
up a school and other
the mathematical,mechanical, and
through

THE

344

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

His situation would then be worth littleshort

that would be found
and the best of markets (for
of 800/. per annum.
This may at first sight appear
aud highlyso,
it should not be productive,
it is difficultto say. It is desirable that we should
high,but when it is considered that the person qualified
for being placed at the head of such an establishment
of the items in the table of annual
investigatesome
is here proposed,ought to be not only
as
with wliat
in order that it may be seen
expenditure
but be a
of high scientificand generalacquirements,
And
have
made.
been
the
calculations
first,
warranty
ence,
of 151. which is allowed for
capable of commanding respect and obediwith regard to the sum
person
nate
and securingthe efficiency
of all the subordidata are there for
the board of each pupil. What
quiry
vices
departments, it will be evident that the sermaking this calculation? They areas follows : Enof such a ])erson could command
rethe same
it was
made at St, Paul's school, where
was
I '
Tiie professionto which
lower than
elsewhere.
boarded at a sum
found that the boys were
compence
should feel inclined to look for the bead of such au
is allowed in our calculations. These boys are, howbe the royalengineers. The
establishment would
it is conceived that
in London, where
ever,
ance

at

tages.

home)

"

"

living

fore
is not so keen as in the country. I thereappetite
requesteda gentlemanwho farms in thiscounty,
who
is in fact a yeoman, to producea dietaryto be
who
would not
dratrn out h\fthe farmers themselves,

the

item of 800/. for the under

whether

for further consideration

mistaken with regardto country appetites.

He has been so obliging
as to attend to my
which he
request,and the followingis the dietary
informs me has been approvedby all the persons to
for the
he has shown it. I'he total expence
whom
is within my
month for vacation,
one
year, allowing
calculation.
be

to
likely

be

DietaryTable for a week, with the Prices of the

Articles by the Gross.

Second master
Third muster
Fourth

mi"sters

not
or
judiciously
:

tributed,
thus dis-

I have
e

may

subject

"

"250
or

head bailiff.

150
100

master

Six assistants at 50/, each

300

"800

if
Repairsare calculated at 100/, but all the repairs,
the establishment be placedupon the footingI desire
to see it upon, will be done by hands to be found
at home and in the school. The only expense should
be for materials. But granting
that the money
can
be raised,that sufficient pupils can be found to attend,
and that the calculations for their board and
education be correct; how is this college
to be governed'!
In principle
it is a proprietary
school,and
"

proprietaryschools

have

in
failing

been

every

tion.
direc-

This is true. Before determining

what the government
be desiraof this collegeis to be, it would
ble
of failure of proprietary
to ascertain the causes
schools, and they are found to be owing, 1st. To
the generally
insufficient salaryof the head master,
of securing
which
the serthe possibility
vices
precludes
of a capableperson.
In the intermed2nd.
dling
of the committee and parents with the government
of the school.
This necessarily
interferes with
ders
system, weakens the power of the master, and renthe situation one which few persons of independent
character will fill. If these are the evils,how
lowing
It is proposedin the folare
theyto be avoided ?
and
viz. That besides a president
manner,
there should be a committee
of fifty
vice-president,
elected out of the body of the shareholders,
and thai
this committee should elect out of their own
bodya
alone
is to take any part in
small direction,which
and even
with regard
the government of the school
that it should
to this small direction,it is proposed
"

"

"

Flour,at 6O3. per sack ; Beef and Mutton, at 5d.

at 9d. per
per lb. ; Butter, at lOd. per lb. ; Cheese,
lb.: Beer, 12s. per barrel.
The next item for consideration is the annual payment
It
of 6001. for interest to the shareholders.
has been stated that interest to shareholders is a thing
advances
and
that whoever
of the question,
out
must
give it ; that in other institutionsfor
money
tion
education which have been founded by the contribusuch has been found to be the
of shareholders,
The calculation
therefore it must be so here.
case

that of exercising
than
a
veto
more
power
and
the introduction of any plan of proceeding,
ciency
reportingto the generalcommittee the generaleffiin various departments. It is
of the school
proposedto vest the whole power and responsibility
vidual
in the head master, and upon the choice of this indifailure of the plan depend.
will the success
or
him before
Gross misconduct may be checked by citing
he can
a generalmeetingof the committee, by whom
be dismissed ; but it will be more
ceived
easy it is conhave

'

to find one

which

is here

be
presented
may certainly

erroneous

but interest to shnreholdors ought to be paid,and

the calculations ought to be made upon such data as
it : and unless theyare so, I for on" shall
to secure
The
made
them
consider
upon a wrong principle.
"

next

item is the

salaryof the head

master.

It has

of
he should have a fixed salary
and a guineaa head with each pupil
3.50L per annum
other advanbesides a house and some
per annum,
been

proposedthat

no

before

make
than

individual, who

will

be

able

to

collegewhat its promoters desire to see it,

will not do
eightdirectors who by interfering
the

is thus to be supreme
in
mischief. As the master
the school, and responsiblefor its character,it is
necessary that no persons should act under him with
he is not satisfied. It is therefore proposed
whom
of all the under
that he shall have the appointment
with whom
is the selection of the
But
masters.
head master to rest 1 It is conceived that itshould

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

345

A largebody is
le witlias few persons as possible.
clergyman of the church of England shall be appointed
to be acted upon by a canvas
or a private
inore'likely
chaphin ; the school being open to the reception
number
shields
it
from
while its very
of the children of dissenters,who, if the
solicitation,
If the number who make
the choice
responsibility,
parents desire it, may be exemjit from attendingthe
be small,the dutyis more
instruction to be given by the chaplain.I
likelyto be felt,and the
religious
Tilr.
trust more
likelyto be executed as it ought to be. have thus, gentlemen,(continued
Duppa), given
It i" therefore proposed that the selection shall be
of what is proposedas
you as lengtheneda statement
di by the direction of eight,
I could venture
who shall recommend
mi
to do.
I believe that I might have
The
succeeded
in giving this plan a trial in another
a person for election to the generalcommittee.
general committee will then be a check upon the
county ; but I was determined that the planwhich I
who
show reasons
for their choice, had designed,you at all events
must
direction,
should have
an
portunity
opbe expected
before the generalcommittee
of r'^fusing.
to conthat so many
can
Now
influential
iirm it. As perhaps the appointment of the head
have come
forward to support it,I do feel a
persons
master

is the

many

guards

most
can

election to secure
has therefore
been

important step to be taken, too

around tho
scarcelybe thrown
the choice of a fitting
party. It
comidered

that it %vould

be

confidence in its success,

and in its success
it is my
conviction that not only this county, but the agriculturists
throughoutthe land,are interested. It is the
ono
thingneedful to placeagriculture
upon that high
which belongs
of Kent,
to it ; and
as a man
footing
I rejoice
that Kent will be the county to take the
lead.
Her placein ancient times was
in the van in
in peace ;
a
more
arms, let it be hers too now
rious
glo-

vise

to
cations ichich
fiscbeforehandihe qualif
precaution
should be required,
and that the fitness of the individual
in the required
should be attested
particulars
by competent partiesbefore the electors admit his
those of the candidates.
With
Lame
among
regard
pro-eminence,although not so dazzling.It
1o instruction,
as there will be lads of all ages in the
requiresbut a deep conviction of the usefulness of
it will be evident that the English lanthe thing,and a strong will to do it,and it will be
institution,
done.
As for difiiculties,
and other
there are difficulties
in the
gjage, writing, arithmetic, geography,
branches of elementaryknowledge,
of everything
be imparted way
must
that is worth attaining:.
Let us
"

to the younger.

When

they

have

well

mastered

not

shrink

from

them, but

meet

them

and
fairly,

these,theywill,it is conceived, proceeddirectlyto

depend upsn it they will yield to us.
(Long conthose departments
which bear immediately
tinned cheering.)
upon their
future profession,and
these
Sir B. W. Brvdges, in moving the firstresolution,
be principallv
must
of animals and
said that it was
mechanics,the physiology
chemistry,
impossiblefor them not to be aware
In chemistry of the difficulty
which
plants, all as appliedto agriculture.
the cultivators of the soil,not
lies the secret
of the manner
in wliich manures
act
only in this,but in every other district of the united
kingdom, had in obtainingscientificknowledgerelative
upon different soils,and soils upon each other. In
mechanics lies the secret
of economizing power
of
to agriculture.It was
desirable that this
most
In the physiology
lamentable deficiency
of animals and
should be remedied,not only
every description.
the physiology
of plantslie the secrets
of choos'ng for the interest of the agriculturists
themselves,but
and treatinganimals.
in the physiology
While
ot every other class whom
of
enabled to
agriculture
plantslie the secrets of generatingand rearingplants live. The hon. baronet made several pertinentand
in the greatest perfection,
and placing
them in soils
powerful observations in support of the plan, and
suitable to their respective
natures.
Besides intellectual earnestlyrecommended
all present to impresson
their friends the
instruction it is proposed to endeavour
almost
to
incalculable advantages
eifecttwo other things to give our
likelyto
young ])Upils which the support of this institution was
skill and the habits of industry.It is
secure
to them, and
concluded
proposedthat
by moving the first
they shall be practisedin such of the arts as are
resolution.
subservient to agriculture;as carpentry, smith's
T. Rider, Esq. expressedhis hearty
concurrence
and irrigating in the jiroject,
which
work, building,
surveying,
draining,
was
likelyto benefit not only
;
that from an earlyperiod of life the boys shall be
the farmer but
other
class. He should not
every
trained to the practicalapplicationof what
after
they attempt to say anythingin its recommendation
learn,and that while a portionof the day is devoted
the powerful address
of Mr. Duppa, to whom
the
to the school-room, another will be given to the
county was most deeplyindebted for the wisdom and
he had displayedin projecting and
workshop, the garden,and the field. It is scarcely intelligence
to calculate the effect which
such
skill posthe
possible
valuable plan. (Cheers.)
sessed bringing forward
The projectedinstitution might succeed or not"
by the farmer would have upon the whole
"

"

"

of artisans throughouttbo country districts. but of this he was

certain,that whether it would
No farmer who
succeed
could himself use
the tools of the
or
ers
not, woidd depend entirely
the farmon
themselves.
carpenter no farmer who could himself shoe a horse
(Hear.) It would rest with them
in
a
would
whether or not in this matter
tolerate what
Kent would set a valuwas
able
proper manner,
in the carpenter and
clumsy and unworkmanlike
example to the whole kingdom. Once more
the smith. The farmers would know what was
his most earnest
wishes for the success
of
rigfht, expressing
and theywould have it done. But if here in
England the plan,he concluded by secondingthe resolution,
such advantages would
how
much
(Cheers.)
accrue,
greater
would they be in the colonies?
After a {ew words from JMr. Hoare, relative to
There oftentimes
the skilfulworkman
be procuredat all; and
the prospect of the institution succeeding.
cannot
the colonist,
skill and
who possesses
The Rev. W. L. IIha.m observed that he had been
not
ingenuity
enough to de a thing himself, must be content
to
requestedto state to the meetingwhat he had observed
have it not done at all. Young men
in similar institutions on
the continent,
brought up at
and
an
institutionsuch as that now
their effect on
the
proposedwill I e the
improvement of agriculture
best and most independentof emigrants.
Perfectly wherever they had been established. In England
and possessedof skill, we
acquaintedwith rural affairs,
had had for a long time littleor no communication
theywill be able to trainthe rude and helpless
with the continent,and our
farmers were
beings
tirely
ennow
to the colonies into skilled and
flocking
useful
with the improvementmade in
unacquainted
members of society. For the
the case on the
not
purpose of ensuring other countries. But this was
efficient
'itis proposedthat a
of institutions,
religious
continent. By means
instruction,
chiefly
race

"

"

"

sup*

THE

346

FARMER'S

where agriculture
was
portedby the g'overnments,
taughtin theoryas well as practice,
every work of
in
examined,
any value which appeared England was
in tlie
and, if it contained any practical
iinprov'ement

MAGAZINE.
stitution would

bs to teach farmers how to deal most

inferior soils. He
any, the most
most
cordially
supportedthe plan. (Cheers.)
Sir W. B. RinnELL
supportedthe proeloquently
ject,
and
translated
the land,v;as immediately
mode
of tilling
stated that Lord
Marsham, himself,Mr.
In Austria a book
and distributed in a cheap form.
Brett, and Mr. Tuffnell having joined Mr. Duppa
of agriculturewith a view to assist his arduous exertions,commuthe elementaryprinciples
nication
containing
had been held with some
of the Emperor, taught in every
of the first persons
is,by command
had
useful and interesting in the county, who
school
as a subject,
unanimously approved of
parochial
with
profitably

"

whether practically
engaged
every class of men,
In Prussia the
in the cultivation of the soil or not.
establishment of an agricultural
collegeat MiJglinon
of traininga great
the means
tha Oder has been
of agriculture
in the beat practices
number of men
;
and while they learnt to hold the ploughand to obgerve
minutelyitsmode of action,theyhad sufficient
to

rested
all persons inteof agriculture
the success
who had been
consulted.
The Hon. Baronet then read and referred
the
letters from
to
Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Bishop of Rochester, Lord
Bexley,Viscount
Sydney, and Lord Sondes, who all concurred in
theirapprovalof such an institution. Earl Spencer,
AssO'
who
is President of the British Agricultural
nor,
ciation,Lord Western, Earl Brecknock, Lord RadDuke
of Richmond,
Lord Chichester,Earl
Winehilsea, and the Marquis of Lansdowne, had also
such
of some
expressedtheir conviction of the utility
such

institution,
togetherwith

an

in

discover defects and suggest improvements

these were
practicable.M. Von Thai'r^
wrote
who was
a
long at the head of this institution,
valuable
work
most
on
husbandry,which has been
read and translated into almost every language; but
rected institution as was
of institutions in this country which difor want
then proposed,as also had Mr. J
ledge,
knowof agricultural
to every
men
source
Lake, of Bapehild, and several other eminent agriculturists
it has never
been translated into English,
ber
numLookingas he did at the immense
It is called
it
interested in supporting
of persons who were
was
and, till lately,
scarcelyknown.
"
Principlesof Rational Husbandry." The pupils in order to procure a suitable education for their
from
the school of Moglin have been
dispersed children, not only in this but in other counties, and
of
the number
other
improved tlie even
through the country, and have greatly
countries;considering
science

to

where

tion
ing
sendnow
agricultureof Prussia. In Switzerland an institupersons of all conditions of life who were
in a knowledgeof pracfor training
tertain
their sons out to the colonies, he could not entical
young men
and improved husbandry has been established
of the Kent
doubt of the ultimate success
a
and justl}' agricultural
at Hofwyl,near
Bern, by a well known
college.(Cheers.')
De
celebrated individual, M.
called the attention of the meetingto
Mr. Brett
Fellenbcrg. Here
with ao-ricultural inall agreed,
sreneral education is combined
the fact on wliich the}'
were
namely,that
struction,and this institution is remarkable by having there could be no doubt of the lamentable deficiency
been established and maintained
that exisled of facilitiesfor procuringscientific agribyj an individual
cultural
vances
adA
without anv
ficiency
assistance,excepting some
education.
trifling
perfectremedy for that deoffered by this institution. A very large
was
by the government of Bern,which have probably
been
repaidin a verv short time. The labor number of gentlemen had consented to take shares in
of their
the
of the pupilsamply repays the expense
the undertaking; indeed raising
the money was
and instruction.
In the class of those
maintenance
smallest difficulty
theyhad to contend with. It had
"

receive

who

instruction,labor occupies
gratuitous

that this institution should not be

property, and
persons of high station,
influence ; but should be supportedby the yeomanry
and all persons connected with agriculture;
and the
proposed committee, whose duty it would be to prepare
estimates and laythem before a generalmeeting,
number
contained a preponderant
of yeomen,
proposedto be conducted, approaches more nearly
other.
There is a celebrated being formed
1.5 other persons,
of 2j
to that of Hofwyl than any
yeomen,
at Roville,
school of agriculture
not far from
five magistrates
and five clergymen. At present the'
trains
listhad been confined to Kent, but if it
Nancy, in France, where M. de Dombasles
subscription
in the theory
and practice
of agriculture
desirable many other gentlemenwere
anxious to
were
;
young men
the country,
and these,afterwards dispersedthrough
support the proposedinstitution. (Cheers.)

greatestportion of

of the pupils,and
to the station in sothe instruction is proportioned
ciety
which the pupil is likely
to fill,
or in which
his parents are placed. The principles
the
on which
in tliis county is
instructions in the intended college
the

the time

and will soon

raise
improved practices,
of France to a level with that of the
agriculture
ledged,
improved countries ; for it must be acknow-

determined

been

dependent on

introduce

The

the

C.

most

that,in consequence

of the

which

years distracted that

been wofully
neglected,

have

lor

so

wars

and

lutions
revo-

resolution
W.

passedunanimously.

was

Martin, Esq. after

remarks

some

on

the

fulness of the

and the cheapness

of the sum
dietary,
twenty-fiveguineasper annum
proposed Mr.
Martin alluded to the advantageit would
be to

"

"

many

had
fine country, agriculture
and was
not to be compared with

that of the

our

future farmers

to

possess

competent

know-

ledgeof chemistry,to enable them to analysesoils,

countries. ( Great cheering.
)
of knowledgeto be readily
amount
an
acquiredby
not at all discouraged
MAnsHF.M
Viscount
was
by every person of ordinary
capacity.
the thin attendance of the farmers, who were
much
The resolution was
seconded
by Mr. George
and passedunanimously.
engaged on that day,and doubtless had been obliged Coiii),
to attend their business elsewhere ; he was
The other resolutions were
decidedly
severally
propssed and
desirable to establish an instiof opinionthat it was
tution seconded by Mr. E. HusSEY,ofScotney,Mr..T.
Ellis,
the principles
of the plan proposed. of Barming, Sir W. Riddell, and Mr. Nicuolson,
on
several good farmers who
and carried with equalunanimity.
(Cheers.) He knew
used their own
land, and probably
A vote of thanks was
got as much out
passed to the Rev. W. L.
of it as could be got under the collegeinstruction; Rham, who attended from VVingfield,
Berks (where
rounding
sur-

if those same
to be taken away
persons were
that land and placedon
different soils,
they
The object
of this in"
\Tould be completely
at sea.
but

he

from

small
The

has

established

somewhat

similar school

on

to give his assistance at this meeting.

scale),
thep ^^djo^rned,
meetings

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.
not be

347

excelled,
yetitwas

remarked that these large

if not more
and firm,
so than
those of a medium
size,and when struck with a
ROOTS, "c.
in splinters
like a pieceof
spade theywent to pieces
flint. The seed had originally
been received from
last
communication
contained
in
In iny
your paper
but was
in Van Dieman's Land for
Aberdeenshire,
of 25th ult.,I referred to the periodwhen turnips nine or ten
years previousto this crop, and during
firstintroduced into Scotland,
and unquestionwere
ably
that periodthe roots were
selected and
annually
the prejudice
and ignorance
which then prevailed transplanted
for seed.
has also
A hybridvariety
improvement renders the
regarding
any new
been cultivated to advantage
in that country; some
merit of those individuals the greaterin perseveringof the roots
weighedabout 40 lbs.,and what is verywith the cultivation of so valuable a root.
the side of the plants
remarkable,
by merelytouching
tion
cultivarendered
the
for
time
a
Though prejudice
with the pointof a knife,the whole root will crack
of turnipslimited,
yet theyhave been gradually like a pieceof glass. The seed of this variety
was
extended until theynow
into the rotation of
enter
also procuredfrom Aberdeenshire.
almost every farm whose soil will admit of their cultivation. The Swedish
is no doubt a greatacq uisitioa
turnip
The common,
and indeed only sure and
to the husbandman, and it
may upon the whole be
method of growingturnips
in this country, considered
profitable
if not more
of attention
equally
deserving
is by the drillsystem, and which method we believe
than perhapsany other variety;notwithstanding
should be more
resorted to by our southern
generally
which, however, its cultivation has hitherto been
for independentof the opportunity
thus
neighbours,
comparatively
speakinglittle attended to in many
of
aflbrded
his groundproperlystirred and
getting
districtsof this country. There is one circumstance
cJeaoed by animal labour, the manure
itself is so
connected with the profitable
cultivation of the
much
concentrated into the drills that the youngSwedish turnipwhich must
tain
alwaysoperate to a cerfull
it.
It
at
receive
of
is
deed
inthe
benefit
once
plants
their being cultivated so largely
degreeagainst
in our opinionmore
to our
system of drilling as the common
of applysorts, namely,the necessity
ing
that we would ascribe the Scotch farmers' success
about one-third more
than what is requimanure
site
in being comparatively
littletroubled with that
for maturing
full crop of the other varieties.
a
"
of
the
than
farmer
the
to
pest
turnipfly,"
English
This extra quantityof manure
also is not at all times
":c. For itis evident
any difference in our climate,
convenient for the farmer,neither is it absolutelythat the seed beingdeposited
rightabove the manure
the following
cereal crop, for
necessary for maturing
the plantswill start more
than if the}- we
vigorouslv
find the corn
generally
crop as bulky and of as
have a greater
were
sown
broadcast,and of course
after the common
goodquality
sorts with one-third
chance of escaping
the ravages of the fly.
less manure,
that of the Swedes with a larger
as
In Lawson's
of Agi-iculture
Manual
there are
quantity. This circumstance may tend to shew us
varieties of the turnipenumerated, which
forty-six
the advantages
to be derived from procuring
hybridal
be
all
said
to
be
cultivated
in
less
more
or
may
varieties between
the Swedes and the white or yellow
Great Britain with various success,
and although
we
which may be found to combine the size and
turnips,
must
allow that a great and decided improvement
symmetry of the best varieties of the latterwith the
has taken place in both the quality
and size of the
valuable properties
belongingto the former ; for it
of late years, stillwe believe that neither the
turnips
be admitted that there are onlycertain soilsand
must
the
cultivation nor improvement
of
differentvarieties situations in this
country where the Swede can be
has been carried to that extent of which theyare susceptible. cultivated to
advantage.
We
have -already
several valuable hybridal
varie-'
There is a peculiarity
connected with the Swedish
the attention of
ties,and amongst those deserving
be
which does not seem
to
turnip
possessed
by any
we
agriculturists
may class Dale's HybridTurnip*
other variety,
dal
excepting
perhapssome of the hybriTliis variety
is a mule or hybridbetween the green
sorts. I allude to the difference of nutritive matter
top Swede and white globe,procuredby repeated
contained in them
comparedto other varieties impregnation.It however, bears a much greater
bulk.
AVhile tlienutritive matter
to their
according
to those of the common
sort than the Swede j
affinity
in the common
white turnipis diminished so soon as
in as much as it its leaves are
also rough,and of a
it attainsabove a medium
creases
size,that of the Swede invivid green colour,
and in its roots being somewhat
to the bulk of the root.
It is remarked
according
similar in form and texture.
It has received the
Gramineous,AVoburnbyMr. Sinclair(IIortus
of Dale's Hybrid from beingfirst raised and
name
of nutritive matter
ensis} that the quantity
tained
congent
broughtinto notice by Mr. Robert Dale,an intelliin different roots of the same
varies
variety
farmer at Libberton West Mains, near
Edinof their substance.
to the size and texture
according
burg,who havingin 1822 or 1823,received a few
A root of the white leaf variety
ches
inmeasuringseven
of seed of a new
ounces
of turnips^
hybridal
variety
in diameter,afforded onlyseventy-two grains
from the late Janaes ShirefT,
of Bastleridge,
Esq.,
and a half,while the same
of a root which
quantity
the same
sowed
Berwickshire,
; the produce he
measured only four inches afforded eightygrains. found to resemble
the Swedish in shape,
very much
The middle sized roots of the common
are
turnip
and from which by repeated
selection and impregnation
therefore the most nutritious,as, on the
contrary,
he at lengthobtained this esteemed variety,
the
are the largest
roots
of the Swedish turnip
affording distinguishing
characteristics of which are, foliage
110 grains,
while the middle sized or smaller roots
strongand luxuriant roots of a largesize,oblong
afford only99.
In corroboration of Mr. Sinclair's
shape, and of a lightish
yellowcolour with light
refer
of
would
we
to the observations
I experience,
an
and tap root.
green top, having also a small neck
from Van Diemen's Land in regardto
agriculturist
I
The shapeof this root however, althoughgenerally
the habits and growth of the Swedisli turnip
I
in that
is rather apt to vary, beingsometimes almost
oblong,
country. In IbSj in a fieldof 25 acres, the roots of globular,
but its more
material characteristics of
which averaged from 8 to 10 lbs. each, there were
largesize and luxuriance of growth are uniformly
some
plantsvery largeand which weighed 60 lbs. the same.
I
Comparedwith any other of tlie common
exclusive of tops and tails. Althoughthe general
yellowfieldsorts, itis found to arrive sooner at maturity,
of the Swedes upon thisfield could perhaps
quality
and consequently
at a later pe"
may be sown

ON

THE

SELECTION

OF

SEEDS,

roots

were

hard
equally

"

'

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

349

littleargument on our part to

the
one-third to one-fifthin favour of the turnips
on
will,however, require
be cultivated
various
show that our
soils can
never
selected acre ; and if we fartliersuppose tlie value of
is necessarv
tbe one to be ten pounds per acre, and the other only with success
or to that advantage which
until the agricultural
to their full developement,
eightpounds,but that the selecied seed cost 5s. per
have hero a
and the other only 2s. 6d., we
acre
communityare better instructed not onlywith regard
but
of the differentsoils,
Such practicalto the nature and capabilities
acre.
savingof 37s. 6d. on a single
habits, and
examples could not fail to liave a very beneficial also with regard to the qualities,
tendencies of the different seeds and
effect in openingthe eyes of the agricultural
munity
comroots, so
provements,
ameliorations and imto be enabled to place them in those soils and
to the value of these
as
wardness
situations most congenial
Our backand such
seminated
to theirgrowth.
practicalexperimentsdisthe country would be attended
to avail ourselves of the bounties of nature
throughout
will be more
with the best results.
rous
apparent if we onlyconsider the numeIn this country the varieties of the common
varieties of grasses which are at our disposal,
beet,
hitherto received a rather
but which have hitherto received but littleattention,
or mangel wurzel, have
of combining many sort's
limited share of cultivation ; not so, however, in
even
althoughthe necessity
land down to percounties in England,
where
their qualities
for the purpose of laying
some
arc
together,
manent
more
justlyappreciated. One reason
why they
pasture, is rendered obvious, if we would
tention onlyexamine
the differentvarieties of grasses which
may not have hitherto received a greatersliare of atis from an opinionbeing prevalent,
that, the old natural pasturescontain, and which are every
however
well field beet may
succeed in England, day presented
But whatever
to
view.
our
may be
the climate of Scotland is, to a certain degree,
the degreeof carelessness evinced by us in selecting
unsuited for their growth. Judging,however, from
proper grasses for pasture, we find a similar apathy
the result of trialswhich have been instituted at various
prevailingwith respect to those varieties more
ticularly
parbandry,
there seems
for the alternate system of hustimes, and in different districts,
applicable
be a doubt, if suflicient
for there cannot
to believe that the generalknowledge
every reason
that
directed to this importantmatter
and perhaps attention were
of the merits of the differentvarieties,
tbe removal
which would
the part of agriof a littleprejudice
on
culturists,
many valuable sorts mightbe procured
its more
is onlynecessary to ensure
which has hitherto
obviate that objection
tended
exeffectually
cultivation.
The

proved

of attending
to
importance

varietiesof cultivated

allude

the
to

system. We
onlybarrier to the soiling
which is at presont found ia
difficulty

the

plantshas been dulypointedout by j\Ir.Bishop, obtaininga regularsuccession of green food. If this

botanist and a practical
could be obviated,we are convinced that
a scientific
:
gardener
objection
lizing
of varieties,"
he says,
the produce no system could be devised better adaptedfor fertiBy means
of our gardensand fieldsare not only increased in a
the groundthan soiling,
for,however beneficial
proved and
of tbe produce is imbut the quality
tenfold degree,
may have hitherto
necessary artificialmanures
ternate
and the difference
in a stillgreaterproportion,
proved to the extension and improvement of the alat once
"

"

"

between

that have

varieties

sprung

from the

system of

same

husbandry,yet

for economy

and

be compared with soiling,

fitthem for differentpurposes, and for different efficiency,
thBycan never
species
and climates. Thus in edible plants and
ducted,
this practiceextended and properlyconwere
soils,
situations,
and fruits,
with an agreeable
the productivepowers of the soil would be
we
are
change
supplied
rendered
throughoutthe year, from a difference in varieties greatlyincreased and the artificialmanures
the same
that have sprung from
species.In tbe
earlier ages of the world, no idea could have been
of the varieties
entertained of the excellence some
AVho upon viewhave attained over their originals.
ing

of littlevalue.
comparatively

Tfie biennial red clover

cultivated
])]ant
but its
in this country
soiling,
from the circumstance
value is very much impaired
the wild cabbage that grows alongour sea coast,
of a certain period
being necessary to elapsebefore
the same
would ever
on
ground
imagine that cauliflowers or broccoli this crop can be again repealed
It is however
would
1
Or who
have
been producedby the same
with any prospect of success.
worthy
be allowed to elapse
would expect the well formed appleof a poundweight of remark that ifa certain period
from the verjuiceplant in our hedges t Many instancesbetween
the crops of red clover, that the power of
the soil is restored and the produceall that could be
speciesthat are
mightbe noticed of original
fit to be eaten
scarcely
necessary for this
by the beasts of the field,the wished. The number of seasons
ces,
varietiesof which afford a wholesome
and nutritious
to circumstanvary according
purpose will of course
food for man.
but we believe on an average of soilsthat seven
obvious,upon
Indeed, nothingis more
the different
specieswith their varieties procomparingoriginal
duced years will be found sufficientbetween
distant they
of the latter,
by culture,than that we, by means
crops, but there is no doubt that the more
food far preferable
to that of
are
kept from each other the more certain will be the
enjoya vegetable
that any particular
forefathers ; and as it is probablybeyond the
It is not even
our
return.
necessary
of cultivation,
mode of cultivation be adhered to duringthe interval
or of time,to determine
power of man,
of
the degree
the extirpation
of excellence attainable by varietiesover
between the clover crops, provided
the species
gree
genial
whence theyhave sprung, and as that deweeds be attended to, to render the clover againconis unknown

we

are

it
in regarding
justified

of
the production
and in considering
progressive,
of a better."
good variety
as the signor harbinger
The differentspecies
and varietiesof grasses now

as
a

has hitherto been

to the

the most
valuable
for the purpose of

soil. That

substitute,however,

haps
per-

tion
equallyvaluable mightbe obtained,were attenhave every
we
properlydirected to the subject,

observes
out
to believe, for as Mr. Gorme
reason
mate,
consideration ; but
for our
of more
than two hundred grasses suitable to our clipresent themselves
whether we look to the importantthough diversified
it may be said onlyone genus, the rye grass, has
of the subject,or the degreeof ignorance as yet received generalculture. From
nature
sixty
among
which prevails
respecting speciesof clover,only three or four speciesreceive
amongst tbe agriculturists
the merits of the different plants,or their general generalattention. Of the genus lotus sixteen species
contribute
extended knowledge are hardy,and in waste lands two species
a more
apathytoward obtaining
of their various qualities
and habits of growth, we
the value of the pasture,but in agriculture
to enhance
but feel impressedwith our inadequacyfor
cannot
theyare seldom noticed. The speciesof melilut
of which vie with our comthe merits of this question.It
are
properly
discussing
as numerous,
many
"

THE

350

PARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

afforded onlytwo seeds to every square

clover,and form excellent substitutes when
proportions
land gets clover-sick,
the most
ancient natural
yet that genus is almost quite inch, whereas
productive
examined
to
distinct plants
has seven
neglected.The same
may be said of many species pasture,when
of vicia,lathyrus,
other
orobus, medicage,and
Rye-grass,so highlyprizedby
every square inch.
cultivated
British farmers, appears to have been
deadelphousplants,which pointout the apathyand
remissness of the farmer."
tury
previousto the year 1677, being upwards of a cenIt will be observed from the above extract that
and a half ago ; and althoufjh
it is deficient in
the diflerent species
of grasses are very numerous,
of a good pasture gjrass, and
almost all the qualities
and all that we
is a knowledgeof tliosesorts
want
althoughNature, when left to herself testifiesmost 1'
which
valuable for diffsrcnt unequivocallyto the fact that a luxuriant sward can
are
more
particularly
situations. Among those who hnve turned
fO Is and
only be obtained by a propcir combination of different
their attention to this subjfCt,
and have thoroughly speciesof grasses of diflerentnutritive powers, yet
tested and examined
into the habits and tendcnci"s
her suggestions
are
unheeded, and each succeeding
of the several
JMr. Sinclair stands
of farmers continues to adhere to the practice
race
species,
eminent.
preIn his Hortiis Gramineus
of a bygone
Woburiiensis is
individual loss and that
own
age, to th'.-ir
detailed several experiments
of the community. Rye-grass,
which were
instituted
thereforr,is by no
for the purpose
of ascertaining
the qualities
of the
entitled to the exclusive placeit holds as an
means
different grasses most
commonly employed as food alternate husbandry grass, its chief merits being,
for the more
valuable
is
ple
of seed, which
domestic animals.
abundance
that it produces an
By a simMr.
Sinclair shews, that the
chemical process
easilycollected,and readily
vegetateson most kinds
nutriiive matter
of grasses or soluble productsconof soil,while on the other hand it is deficient,
from
sists
of mucilaginous,
saccharine,albuminous, bitter, the inconsiderable aftermath which it leaves, from
extractive and saline substances
its impoverishingthe soil in a
that it appears
very high degree,if
the culms, which
left untouched byprobablethe two last serve
are
only the purpose of preinvariably
venting;-,
to a certain extent, the fermentation of the
cattle,are not eat before the ripeningof the seed,
other vegetable
in the stomach, or in momatters
from its nutritive powers being inferior to those of
difying
and assisting
the functions of digestion;
and
other grasses ; for example, to cock's-foot
many
in the proportionof nearlyfive to eighteen,to
nutritive,are of great
therefore,
though not directly
use
as a constituent part of the food of cattle. In
meadow
fescue in that of five to seventeen
"cc.,and,
order to prove this point,and to shew generally
the
from all tho varietiesof it hitherto discovered,
lastly,
of havinga mixture of such
as
importance
one
being short-lived,
grasses
plantseldom continuingia
difference in the qualities
of their
dition
than six years. In adpossessionof the soil more
possess some
nutritive matter, Mr. Sinclair states
that two
would observe that
fields
to these circumstances
we
for pasture, one
down
with white clover
were
it has been proved by actual experiment,that few
sown
and trefoil,
and the other with a varietyof the
than three
grasses requiremore
years to bring them
natural
which theynever
exceed,
rough-stalked to that degreeof perfection
grasses, sucii as cock's-foot,
if properlytreated during that pi^riod
and white clover.
meadow-grass, rye-grass, foxtail,
; this fact has
The two fields were
with sheep ; in the
been the result of attentive observation made on numerous
depastured
firsta quantityof cock's-foot grew
the edge of
varietiescultivated singlyand also combined
on
the fence of a very
harsh
qualit}^and consisting with others in their natural placesof growth. It
of culms ; in a few days the sheep went
with
be doubted, whether
to
entirely
some
reason
may therefore,
this grass and ate it down
the prevalentopinion generally
although there
entertained,
entirely,
was
of
is
plentyof white clover;and in the course
more
especially
by the English agrictzlturalist,
time many
of tbem became affected with red water,
founded upon strict observation
that
and experience,
and several
died. In the second field the slieep if old turf is broke up and cultivated for a few years,
remained free from every disease,and leftuntouched
that it cannot
vantage,
adbe againlaid dovcn with the same
the stems
of the cock's-foot,
which were
here of a
20 years must
or rather that 15 or
elapse
tender and succulent nature.
more
before it is restored to its original
value. Now
This, then, is a
be-,
most
important fact,as it shows the necessityof sides the fact already stated,that three years is found
almost
sufficientto mature
having a varietyof different grasses in the same
every sort of grass, we
field,in order to preserve the health of the animal, have the additional fact founded upon the result of
and enable it to derive the full benefit of the richer
actual experience,that the growth and general
racter
chasucculent
and more
is promotedby a judicious
of eveiy vegetable
herbage. This indeed may be
termed the fundamental
stance
positionof Mr. Sinclair's change of soil and situation,
providedevery circumwork; and the various experiments he instituted,
to the growth of this plantis equally
relating
whether in respect of the soil,the nature
of the
and also that the productiveness
of every
favourable,
down of permanent pasture,"c.,
kind of soil is enhanced
grasses, the laying
by a proper change of cropping.
of it. For example,the richest
all corroborative
are
In our
former communications
we
frequentlr
natural pastures in Englandare composed of
referred to the beneficial effects resuitinw-from these
twentysix different grasses, which proves the absurdity of
changes, and in reference to these old turf lands, we
the modern
of opinionthat it is more
practiceof sowing with two or three. are decidedly
owing to a
An attentive examination of these pastures warrant
of knowledge of the different varieties of seed
want
the belief that grass seeds are generally
for layingland down in permanent pasture,
sown
by far requisite
too thin ; one
than to any inherent qualitybelonging to the age of
superficial
square foot of rich old pasture
in Lincolnshire,containing
stood
the turf. In these remarks we would not be under1,090 distinct rooted
of
plants,1,032 natural grasses, .^8 creeping rooted
to every
as
description
referring
generally
that there are
clover,and other plants;and, lastly,
are
aware
twentydistinct soil and situation,for we
species;while the same extent of surface of artificial many
exceptions to the successful cultivation of
pasture formed of rye-grass and white clover,two
many of these old grass lands, and which is too v/ell
in England, to requireany
tained
understood,particularl}'^
years old, and considered good of the kind, confrom us ; but when
refiect upon the great '
only 470 distinct rooted plants,452 natural
comment
we
of land which has for centuries remained un-'S
extent
grasses, 10 creepingroofed clover, and two distinct
species; and,further,that one bushel of the most
der grass, and the small return which many of them "
feel no hesitationin affirming;
approved seeds mixed in the best recommended
thnt the aoi
we
yield,
mon

"

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

nual agricultural
to
produce of tlie country would be
practice,
them
to a judihas
cious success
immenselyincreased by subjecting

system of cultivation,inasmuGh
lands,which have from time immeraorial

as

those

been

which
the

351

consider whether

or

not

their

want

of

ledge
proceededfrom the limited knowtkeypossess, not onlywith respect to

not

of their soil,but also with regardto the

in their turn
be
different grasses
suitable for it. It is wellmost
upon by the plough,would
down with permanent grass seeds. Then inknown
that every vegetableis improved by culture,
stead
sown
of land excluded
of havingso largea proportion
blished
providedthis is done in accordance with the estabandly,
from enteringinto the alternate systum of huslaws of nature, and it will be found that those
ascertained
which is now
the most
to be
individuals who
have attempted to follow Mr. Sinclair's
mode
these
of cultivation,
old natural
been
and have
instructions,
unsuccessful,
profitable
have proceeded without a due knowledgeof
must
pastureswould be subjectedto the plough,and thus
be open to the agricultural
the necessary proportions,
and the most
suitable
munity,
coma wider field would
and enand a greater extension givento capital
sorts of grasses. If we
admit that few are enabled to
obtain a s^vard equalto the old turf,still we
This mode of procedurewould unquestioninsist
ably
terprize.
enable the Englishagriculturist
this is not owing to any want of vigourin the plants
more
effectually
which
to pursue that system of cropping,
experience themselves,but must be rather to the want of a judicious
conducive for preparingand
to be ihe most
has proved
for should we
find in the course
of
selection,
the soil,and therebyrenderingit not only time the coarse
fertilizing
grasses begin to predominate(which
but also more
taining
suitable for mainbelieve is generally
more
we
productive,
complainedof amongst agriculturists
it clearly
and promotingthe generalhealth of every
shows
that either the other sorts

rated
ope-

nature

not congenialto the

were
soil,or that too great a
acted upon
This view of the matter ifjudiciously
had been substituted for
proportionof the coarser
mightlead to importantresults,for as IMr. Sinclair finer varieties.
We
therefore very naturally
sary
necesinfer,that the
observes,the age of pasture is not essentially
may
rather requires want
of success
forts
to its excellence,but that nature
which has hitherto attended the effrom a treatment
in layingdown land to permato recover
of agriculturists
a certain lapseof time
nent
in which the known
from inexperience
and observed laws ofnature are
more
pasture, has proceeded
and a want
of
of knowledge of the different qualities
neglected. These are the conclusions which
grossly
would lead us
Mr. Sinclair's generalinvestigations
their habits of
the various grasses, togetherwith
of so much importancewas
But a matter
soils and
to particular
to draw.
growth,and their adaptation
whatsoever
than to any other cause
not left to any a priori
deductions, but in the course
situations,
; for
and
in providing
of direct experiment,
of time became the subject
has made
nature
us
ample provision
the result was, a distinct corroboration of them all
with varieties of everv
vegetablesuitablefor every
of rich old pasture
ledge
and all that we
Mr. Sinclair states, that a portion
soil and situation,
requireis a knowland was broken up and cropped for five alternate
of their habits and tendencies,so as to enable
to
to placethem in those situations most
oats, potatoes, wheat, carrots, and
us
seasons, with
congenial
wheat again. A portionof the soil had been previously their growth.
and after the fifth year, an equal
This and raanv
other importantimprovements
analyzed,
to the same
was
generaland
proportion
must, however, be precededby a more
subjected
process, and
the only discoverable difference was
nution practical
dimia small
being diffused
knowledgeof their utility
of decomposing vegetable and
but we
animal
may in a subsr-quent
amongst agriculturists,
Manure
latter case.
communication
advert more
to this cirwhs
cumstance.
ingredientsin the
particularly
therefore appliedafter the last crop of wheat,
in
down
and the whole
clair's
time we would justrefer to Mr. SinIn the mean
sown
August with a
mixture of eighteen
exertions and experience,as shewing what
speciesas
grasses of the same
those which grew in the old pasture, and as nearly may be accomplished
by individual enterpriseand
in the same
mind whether,
as possible
research,and ask every unprejudiced
proportion.In the first week
and mode
of investigation
of July following,
the whole was
if the same
cut rmd weighed,
were
piinciples
with a ji^oper field
individuals
and was found to amount
than
to one-eighth
more
pursued by qualified
and
the produce of the ground in its original
In
under the direction
state.
for instituting
experiments,
the following
again and support of a National Establishment,whether
year the respective
crops were
the results would
not
tested,and the newly laid down grasses exceeded
prove of the greatest importance
theold exactly
of nine to eight,
and
in the proportion
to the agricultural
community.
the superiority
A Scotch Farmer.
continued during successive
years.
It must therefore appear clear and evident,that if
We
or
plantten, fifteen,
twenty different speciesof
! the
and in
proper grasses and clovers in one field,
another of the same
the seeds of onlyone
nature
sow
or two
that it would be unreasonable to expect
species,
PLOUGHS
PLOUGHING
AND
the same
result under
stances
such unequal circumthat
has
all
been
forward
MATCHES.
indeed,
brought
;
goes to prove, that when such lands are converted
into tillage,
It is somewhat strangle that,amidst all the improvenow
mended,
recomthey may, by the means
ments

vegetable.

"

be

fullyaware

few years

was

with

the

valuable,if not more

previously. We are, however,

that this view

;' in accordance
.

and
permanently,

again laid down

pasture prove in
so, than what it

the

of

as

the matter

will not

feelingsof many

be

which

have

been

made

in machines

in all civilized

countries,the plough should have remained

in the

same

rude

state

most
al-

until within the last

years ; but that it should have been

brought to

fifty
perfection

agricul- in
to be marvelled at, ?ince
Great Britain is not so much
turists who
have
been accustomed
to break
not
up
and the spirit
the love of agriculture,
to improveit,
are
their old turf;neither can it be expectedthat those
This delay in improve,
who hare done
the difficulty
of again nowhere else so conspicuous.
so, and found
be accounted for by the
in some
it down so as to
ment
measure
laying
may
prove equalto the old,will
have experienced
in
readilyaccede to a changeof system. But we would
agriculturalists
practical
difficulty
have those individuals who
would
condemn
the
the principle
by which the plough performs
explaining

THE

352
itswork.

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

genious
No doubt tlieploughis a machine of an inON
ples
on
contrivance,
actingtrulymechanical princi-

OF

SELECTION

THE

IN

MALS
ANI-

MALE
OF

BREEDING

THE

TLE
CAT-

; that the circumstances upon wliich its goodness

AND
SHEEP.
both many
and difficultto be discovered;
that great ingenuityand much experience
are necessary
SPENCER.
HON.
EARL
BY
Tlir EIGHT
to determine that which will ensibleitlo performitswork
in the best manner
and witb the least labour possible.
than
More from wishingto set an example to others,
On
the other hand, it has been found to be a task,
from any hope that what I myself can suggest will be
althougha. difficult one, not exceedingthe powers of the
I submit to the Englisii
made to
human
Agricultural
practically
useful,
understanding
ploughs are now
; and
the results of my
to satisfy Society
experiencein an important
as
perform their work in such a manner,
tention
atto which my own
that no further improvementsare wanting.
part of that division of farming,
agriculturists
the
has been particularly
And yet how simple does the action of the plough
applied, I mean
servations
obto be after all !
appear
Only three things are to be breedingof stock. The part to winch the following*
apply is tiie selection of male animals. A
performed ; a slice of earth is to be cut off from the general
inches to
largeproportionof farmers breed sheep and several
mass
some
; this slice is to be removed
breed cattle ; to allwho breed eitherthis subject
is one
side ; it is so turned that it may expose a new
one
face
surof ffreat importance.
to the air,and what was
formerlyuppermost may
is to breed bulls or
The objectof a certain number
be undermos.t or buried. To the performancethen,
now
for the purpose of selling
rams
them, but that
of these thingsthe construction of the ploughmust
or letting
be
of the majority
is to breed oxen
or wethers for the purpose
adapted,and the work must be done with as littlelabour
of grazing. The firstof these classes is very well
to the
He must
have it in his
as

dependsare

"

ploughman

possible.

of the importanceof selecting

good male animals,
the depth,
width,and position aware
power to vary at pleasure,
ferent
trouble and to be very indifto spare
no
of the furrow.
The firstof these actions is performed and profess
which
as to the expense
they incur in obtaining
bv the coulter, the second and third by the sock and
them ; but with respect to those whose objectit is only
mouldboard
and itis by the position
of these parts
jointly,
to breed oxen
or
wethers,1 am afraid the case is generally
togetherwith the form of the beam which governs the
and they take very little
trouble and
very difl'erent,
draught,that a good or bad ploughis produced. To
the male
in procuring
as possible
Scotland we are indebted for the plough in its present expend as little
moni-y
animals to which they put their females ; tiiatis,they
to
has
contributed
much
state.

improved
so
Nothing
and working of the improved
settingforth the properties
that have
matches
ploughs as the various plougliing
taken placein districts in which agriculture
is carried

consider

as

matter

of indiftercncethat

on

which the

nature
of their occupation
or
profitable
unprofitable
mainly depends.
It is admitted by every one
that the bodilyand constitutional
which does it honour.
An ill-trimmed
on with a spirit
of the oft'spring
usually similar
are
qualities
plough has no chance here, and were our farefathers to
in various proto those of the parents, either combiningportions
rise from their graves and see an English acre of rough
the qualities
of both parents, or takingentirely
leg-bentploughed with great care in three hours and
after one.
I should say, as respects cattleand sheep,
twenty minutes,by two lighthorses (thetravel or progress
of the male parent prein most cases, the qualities
dominate
of the team being within three miles an hour), that,

in the offspring. I have also observed that

the more
will this be the
the worse-bred the female is,
when she is put to a well-bred male, Ihis observation
ease
firstmade, I believe,
was
by the late ]\Ir.Berry,
turned up three acres
and ten poleswith one paic
in an
essay, for which he received a prize from the
of horses,which were
only in the field nine hours,one
Highland Society. He accounted for itthus : a wellof the ten beingallowed for dinner. In the same
bourhood,
neighfor several
bred animal means
whose ancestors
one
in a stubble fieldbelonging
to George Simson,
successive generationshave all been good, that is,
have
Esq.,of Sillwood Park, an acre was completedin three
all iiossessed
in constitutionand shape
the peculiarities
hours and fortyminutes, with the same
horses on the
which it is the object
of experienced graziers
to obtain
same
day. This shows what can be done, and of what
illtlioir
mily
stock. The characteristic,
of the fatherefore,
vast importance is the saving of time and expenses in
of such an animal will be such peculiarities;
but
all largeoccupationsof land,especially
at certain seasons,
the ancestors of a badly-bred
animal will probablyhave
in our variable climate,where so much depends on
varied in every possible
way, and thereforethere will
We can
seasons.
state from our own
an
knowledge(for
in itsfamily; itis concharacteristic
be no distinguishing
sequently
farmer
made a journeyto satisfy
enterprising
young
most probablethat the offspring
producedfrom^
himself of the fact), that twelve horses, making six
will
animals
circumstanced
be
between
two
a cross
so
two acres
of land per day on
teams, ploughed,
severally,
is a distinguishing
likethe one in whose familytiiere
more
all pressingoccasions,
the farms of a largeYorkshire
on
racteristic
than tiieone in whose familyno such chacharacteristic,
landholder,beingat the rate of two acres per day to
exists. The common
but,I believe,mistaken
each plough. The horses were
of the Cleveland
Bay
that the offspring
from the histcross isbetter
than
notion,
breed,and very highlyfed,equallyso with road coachthat from any subsequent
one, probablyarises from the
horses.
We
fairly
conclude, that to the effect
may
first
in
the
instance
improvement
beingso much more apparent
producedby ploughingmatches, by showing what can
than,for the reason given above, itis likelyto be

they would

not

believe

their eyes.

Then, again,

the

in a tield belongingto Mrs,

ploughCFiulaysoo's)
shire,
Hornfray,ofCoworth House, near Sunning Hill,Berk-

same

be

done, is greatlyattributable this prodigious

tion
acceleraof work ; and why the use
of the Scotch plough
with two horses is not become
generalin the south, is
should like to see answered.
a questionwhich
we
The
term
made
a term
of reploughman is occasionally
proach.
To be a skilful ploughman, however, requires
talent,and that of no ordinaryquality.Unassisted by
the square, the line,and plummet, which other handicraftsmen
furnished with, he is expectedto work
are

in any

one

generationafterwards.

it is known

Now

to

animal,who
feedingpropensities,
producesloss instead

all graziers
that the attempt
possesses no
of profit. If the above

to

fatten an

observations

are

correct, the

de"ceiid from the sire; it is quite

feedingpropensities
to say that a breeder of cattleor sheep,
therefore,
just,

who considers it a matter

of indifferencewhat sort of
ference
male animal he uses, does consider it a matter of indifwhether he gainsgrofit
or incurs loss.
with the most minute exactness, havingnothingto depend
The firstobjectwhich any breeder of cattleor sheep
but the preciseness
na
of liis vision ; and in the
must
keep in view,whether he intends to breed bulls or
trimmingof his ploughhe is compelledto have recourse
whether his aim is merely to breed oxen or
or
rams,
to strictly
mathematical
priuciples.Cicero says, nothing
wethei"s,is that the stock which he breeds shall be
is more
beautifnl than a well-eultivated field; and
to be considered in
healthy. The firstthing-,
therefore,
to see
a
tween
well-grownyoung Englishman walking bethe selectionof a male animal are the indications by
the stilts of his ploughwith a free step and an
which itmay be possible
to form
a judgment as to his
erect
body, with both horses and ploughquiteunder
constitution, la all animals a wide chest indicates
his command, is a gratifying
to
a
reflecting strength
sight
of constitution,
and there can be no doubt that
mind." Oi-etcleof Rural Life.
thisisthe pointof shapelo which itis most materialfor

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

353

breeder to look ia the selection

eitherof a bull or a
which the best judgre
may wish to find in a male animal
In order to ascertaia that the chest of these animals
are, after all,only indications of what the stock got by
is wide,it isnot sufficient
what they
him will probablybe ; the seeing,
to observe that theyliave
therefore,
wide bosoms, but the width which is perceived
ing
by lookreallyare is much more satisfactory.
who
There are few breeders,of cattlemore
at them in the front should be continued along'
the
especially,
breed upon so largea scale as to enable them to keep
ought to shew great fulness in the part
brisket,
\yhich
A man,
which is justunder the elbows ; itis also necessary that
male animals at the same
time in use.
many
can
theyshould be what is called thick throughthe heart. therefore,
usuallyonlylook at the generalqualities
of the females which he possesses, and observe what are
Another indicationof a good constitutionis,
that a male
them : these he should
animal should have a masculine appearance
the faultsmost prevalentamong
; with this
tends
be particularly
is by no means
jectionable,
oba certain degree of coarseness
careful to avoid in the male which he invievy
but this coarseness
to use.
It is sometimes said that a male animal
should not be such as
would be Hkely to sliow itselfin a castrated animal, ought to have no faults,
and undoubtedlyit would be
because it thus might happen that the oxen
or wethers
very desirable that this should be the case ; but, unfoisuch animal exists. All a man
produced from such a sirewould be coarse also,which
can
do,
no
tunately,
in them would be a fault. Another pointto be attended
therefore,
is,to avoid puttinga male and female together
the same, so as not to increase
to,not merely as an indication of a good constitution, whose imperfections
are
but as a merit in itself,
breeds
isthat an animal should exhibit
the fault alreadyexisting
in his stock. If a man
freat muscular power, or rather that his muscles should
upon a largescale,and uses several males at the same
be large. This is an usual accompaniment of strength time,he can, of course, attend to this more
effectually
of constitution,
but it also shows that there will be a
than if he uses only one.
In thiscase, he should select
themales and females individually,
and put together
mixture of lean and fat in the meat
good proportionate
so
which
to endeavour
to correct
produced from tlieanimal ; tlie muscles being that part
as
any imperfections
which in meat islean. A thick neck is in both bulls
]\Iost breeders of sheep, indeed,
eitherof them shew.
and rams
do u*e more
than one ram, and all who pretendto take
a proofof the muscles beinglarge,and there
hardly be a greater faultin the shape of a male amcan
any painsin improvingtheir flock divide their ewes, so
with the ram
who will most probably
mal, of eithersort, than his having a thin neck. I am
as to put them
inclined to say. that in the new Leicester breed of siiecp, effectthis object. I need not say that those (some of
which is the breed to which I am
whom, I am sorry to say, stillexist)who turn two or
accustomed, a ram's
into a field
neck cannot be too thick. Other indications of muscle
three rams
of differentshapes and qualities
to make any sedifficult
with alltheir ewes, without attempting
lection
are more
to observe in sheep than in cattle. In
each side of
cessful
a bull there ought to be a full muscle
on
them,have no rightto expect to be sucamong
the back-bone,justbehind the top of the shoulderbreeders ; and if theydo expect it,will certainly
blades ; he ought also to have the muscles on the outside
be disappointed.I believe the general opinion of
to endeavour
to
and extending down
of the thigh full,
nearlyto the breeders is,that it is disadvantageous
hough. It will seldom happen that a bull havingthese correct any faultin the shape of a female by puttinga
indications will be found deficient in muscle. With
male to her who possesses, in extraordinary
perfection,
but who ia some
the merit in which she is deficient,
observation does not enable
respect to rams,
my own
leads
to pointout any other indications of muscle except
other part of his shape is faulty.My experience
me
the thickness of the neck, which
of endeavouringto correct a
I have mentioned
to say that this mode
me
successful. It would be better that
faultis frequently
above; if other farmers are able to point out any, I
intends to breed
of the females from which a man
would only say there is scarcely
none
any thing to which
in shape to any considerable degree,
should be faulty
theyoughtto pay greater attention.
As I am writingfor the use of farmers,itis quiteunanimals,
necessary but it almost always will happen that some
for me to attempt to givea description
of what is
good blood,and a
an excellent constitution,
possessing
and therefore such as the
bull or ram
considered a well-shaped
to fatten,
; itis a!"o obviously great propensity
would very unwillingly
cull,willfaildecidedly
to express in words what is meant
impossible
owner
by good
that no male
in some
handHng. It is sufficientto say, therefore,
part of their shape, I would say that,when
animal is fitto be used at all as a sirewhose handlingis
this is the case, it is worth while to try the experiment
his shape is the betof putting
to them a male remarkable for his perfection
not good, and that the more
perfect
such a male
in this failing
ter. Tile above observations applyto breedinggenepart; and, in my opinion,
rally
be the sort or size of the animal
will be more
likelyto correct the fault,than one who
; for whatever may
shows no one part of his shape very superior to the rest.
intended to be produced,
there is no doubt but that good
health,propensity to fatten,and good shape, in all The late Mr, Cline, whose eminence as a surgeon is
But there are not only
cases, ought to be aimed at.
very well known, publisheda tract upon the breeding
of domestic animals,which contained,
pected,
differentbreeds,
both of cattle and sheep,but experias
might be exenced
and very good farmers differ very much in opiare
valuable information. His suggestions
most
nion
attended to ; but itis
of shape and size are to
such as ought to be very carelully
as to which
peculiarities
commendation
be preferred,
animals of the same
breed.
even
probablethat his meaning has been mistaken in one reamong
It is therefore very desirable,
which he gives,
before any man
namely,that in which he
mences
comthat the
is understood to say that it is alwaysdesirable
to breed eithercattle or sheep,that he should
he
make up his mind as to the shape and qualities
male should be smaller than the female. When
he
wishes to obtain,and steadily
makes this observation he is speakingof the crossingof
; ifhe
pursue this object
that in a
does so, there is very little
different breeds,and probably only means
doubt
but that he will succeed
in having a herd of cattleor a flock of sheep posbetween a largebreed and a small one, the male
cross
should be taken from the small breed,and the female
sessijigthe characteristicswhich he at firstintended
tended
It is hardly possiblethat he infrom the largeone.
they should possess ; but if,on the other hand, he
breed the male ought to
breeds at one time with the view of obtaininganimals
to say that in the same
be smaller than the female, because this is contrary to
sort of shape,and
at another time with
one
possessing
In every description
of land
the view of obtaining
the practiceof nature.
animals possessing
a differentsort
of shape,the probabihty
animal with vvhich I am
acquaintedthe males are of a
is,that his stock will possess
neither the one
the other in any degree of perfecnor
largersizethan the females. The attempt also to follow
tion.
in a few generations,
so
thisadvice would undoubtedly,
he should take care
Having made thisdecision,
that the individuil male animal
reduce the size both of males and females,
which he uses shall
very much
to diminish theirvalue. I can
which he requires.In addition to
say, from
as considerably
possess the qualities
itis of great importance that these qualities
mals
anithat some
of the best-shaped
this,
should
experience,
my own
ing
have been characteristicof the family from which the
which I have bred have been produced by followI preferbreedingfrom large
animal is descended ; and if he is old enough to have
a contrary course.
been the sireof any number of offspring,
females ; but if I do breed from one which 1 think too
itis of a great
deal more
male of good shapethat I
importancestillthat they should possess
small,I put to her the largest
them. Because allthe perfections
several to prove that
of shapeand quality possess. As one instanceamong
any

ram.

FARMER'S

THE

354

MAGAZINE.

that a Ion? pedigreeisin allcases

not follow from this,
the ox which I showed in
this coai'se may be successful,
although it is generallydesirable ; but it
the fourth class,
necessai7,
at the last Smithfield show, and whicli
sometimes happens that a female,of whose pedigreetho
bul I
obtained the prizein that class,was by the largest
which
will have produced offspring
isignorant,
owner
T have,from a cow
so small,that I culled her after she
have all possessedextraordinarymerit,and which have
had bred that one calf. It must be adiuitted that the
ed
proved tliemselves good breeders also : a male descendtheoretical reasoningwhich Mr. Clinc adduces in support
wellfrom such a female may be considered perfectly
sive
of this recommendation
appears to be very conclubred on her side ; and will, very possibly,
stand
in the restrictedsense in which I underprove a
; but, even
it,there issome doubt whether it is practicallybetter sirethan many whose pedigreeon paper is much
correct. The most successful cross between two different longer.
In payingthis minute attention to theiroccupation
the one between
of which I am
breeds of cattle,
,
aware, was
the breeders of male animals have some
advantagesnot
bull and
Galloway Scotch cow,
a
a Durham
t
he
others
have
from
this possessedby
generally
nity
opportu; they
made by Mr. Charles Colling. The produee
of knowing"accuratelywhat are the characteristicsot
sold for enormous
prices at his sale,aud at the
cross
present day a majorityof the best short-horned cattle the families of tiie animals from which they breed, an
opportunity not possessedby those who breed only for
then, the result of
descended from it. JMy opinion,
are
of
In order to make
considers
use
a proper
grazingpurposes.
is,that if a man
own
experience,
practical
my

this advantage,they ought to keep accurate pedigrees

the female animals which he possesses to be smaller
than he wishes, he may
safely put them to a male of of their cattleand of their sheep, and as far as possible,
recollect
large size,provided he is well bred,of good quality, when they put the males and females together,
of the ancestors
what have been the respective
I am
bound to add, that I
qualities
and is well-shaped. But
ofeacli. They have also the opportunity,
by using a
know, in giving this opinion,1 differfrom the moit
I am
cautiouslyat an early age, of knowing by expeskilful and successful breeder* with whom
quainted.male
acriment,
whether the stock produced from him is good
theirstock
the
risk
of
before
or bad,
they run
injuring
if theyare corIt follows from the above observations,
rect,
tained
materiallyby usinghim largely. This may be ascerthat the firstand most indispensable
objectwhich
with sufficientaccuracy when the produce are
all breeders must
be
try to obtain, whatever may
experiencedbreeder can judge
very young
; for an
the sort of animals they wish to have, whatever may
with tolerable certaintywhat will be the shape of a calf
be the shape or size they prefer,
isthat the male animal
which they select shall possess a strong and healthy or a lamb when it grows up by seeingitsoon after it is
born, and before it has begun to lay on fat. Nor is it
essential; but itis also
constitution. This is absolutely
of the produce for the purpose
many
necessary to see
that they shall,
after due
most
conducive to their success
of decidingwhat its general characteristicswill probably
to
the quamake
as
consideration,
lities
up their minds
be.
I admit that in sayiagthis I am speaking more
which they wish their stock to possess ; that,
from my experience
as a breeder of cattlethan a breeder
they shall steadilypursue
having made this decision,
observations will apply
the objecttheyhave in view, and endeavour to select of sheep,but I believe the same
however, that seeingfour or five
such males as shall be likelyte get offspring
possessing to both. It is certain,
and candidly calves from a bull ought to be a sufficientguideto the
these qualities
; that they shall carefully
examine the females from which theyintend to breed, breeder as to whether he will be valuable as a sire or
is a familylikeness which
generally
observe the faults in shape or qualitywhich
prevail not. Unless there
pervades throughthe produce from a bull,althoughhe
ponding
them, and select males who shall possess corresamong
be valuable as the sire of oxen, itwill net be safe
may
ing
perlections.That the safest mode of ascertainto use him as the sire of bulls.
The seeing,
therefore,
of tlieproduce
what are likely to be the qualities
from a male in future is,where there isthe opportunity, four or five calves will prove to the breeder whether
of the offspring
to see what are the qualities
already there issuch a familylikenessamong- them, and whether
it exhibits itself in such qualities
as indicate thatwhen
serve
produced from thera ; then, tiienext to this is,to obtheygrow up theywill be valuable animals.
of the
to which
the
he
what

qualities

are

family

There is one failing

to which all breeders are
that in the case of not having the opporliable,
tunity
but to which the breeder of male animals, from the
of making use of either of these guides,they may
of the
that it is probablethat the qualities
greater interest attached to his occupation,is more
assume
liarly
pecuand against
which he ought most carefully
which in all cases ought to be atindividual himself,
tended
liable,
for animals
to guard himself;thisis,too great a partiality
spring.
to, will,if he is well bred,descend to hts offIn order to guard against this
bred by himself.
in lookingfor faults
two
classes he ought to occupy himself more
It has alreadybeen said that there are
than in discovering
merits in his stock , he ought to listen
the farmers who breed cattle and sheep ; the
among
to every criticismhe hears
made upon them, even
by
of
one, of those who breed bulls or rams, and the other,
those whose judgment he does not hold in high estimation
those who breed oxen or wethers for the purpose of grazing
with the view of being satisfiedat
not, of course,
only : the above observations are intended to apply
that the criticismis correct, but with the view of
once
But much
attention ought to be paid by
to both.
more
and candid examination,
himself,by accurate
satisfying
the firstof these classes to the selection of the animals
whether it is so or not ; and he ought frequently
to see
from which theybreed than is absolutelynecessary in
pare
comthe other. This is essential to their own
cause the stock belongingto other breeders,and fairly
beinterest,
its merits with those of his own.
often shows faultsin his
a male animal

belongs;

and

"

shape

very

in the foregoingobservations
have appeared. I think it most probablethat
happensthat the proIt frequently,
nothingwill be found which will give new
therefore,
duce
excellent cattle and useful information to practicalfarmers; but I
from a bull or a ram
may prove
the English
to
only, but may be totally have been induced to submit them
or sheep for grazingpurposes
unfit to be kept as the sires of future stock. I'heirduty Agricultural
Society,because I conceive that one of
the great objects
of that societyis the diffusionof knowalso to those who
ledge
hire or buy from them imposesupon
and most minute
them the obligation
connected with every branch of farming.The best
to pay the strictest
of their male animals ; more
is
attention to the qualities
way in which it can be enabled to effect this object,
by those of its members who have paidattention to any
they are bound not to oft'erto their customers
particularly,
of the divisions of farming operationscommunicatingto
any one, of the health of whicli they have any
and experience.
whatever to doubt, whether this doubt
arises the Societythe resultsof their practice
reason
from any weakness of constitution,
which may have apby any means
peared It will then be for the Societyto circulate,
in their power, such of these communications
in the individual himself,or whether it arises
as it shall
be
useful
from
those
their knowledge of the family from which he is
tc
engaged
appear to them are likelyto
in the cultivationof the land. With
this view 1 place
descended.
They are bound also,not to keep as males
this paper at theirdisposal.
well-bred. It does
any animals who are not perfectly

which

if he

had

been

castrated,would

not

THE

THE

CORN

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

355
fall?
and riseas prices
prices
rise,

invariably
fallas

LAWS.

State facts.
It is the relativeproportion
of produceand

most

pricewhich
the differenceof profit
or loss.
of the ope9. What extent of tillage,
in consequence
ANSWERED.
ration
DELEGATION,
ledge,
knowof the corn
laws,as widiin your personal
has caused lossto the landlord or farmer?
portation
restrictedduties upon the imare
1. In your opinion,
We
of f'oreig'n
produce necessary to
agricultural
apprehendthe present corn laws has caused great
and instrumental to the prosperity
oi the
extent of tillage,
the protection
by givingconfidence to the landlord
and how ?
and farmer,
and been beneficialto both.
Britishagriculturist,
the growth of great quantities 10. What
tracts of inferior land have passedout of
Yes ; by encouraging"
of corn at homo, so as to ensure
itat a regularand mocorn
tillage
during the low pricesunder the existing
derate
laws?
and by employinghome labour
at all times,
price
We know of none, prices
insteadof foreign.
havingbeen extremelylow
the importation for onlya short time. Very extensive tracts of land have
2. Have the existing
laws restricting
of foreignagricultural
by confidence beingplacedin
produce benefitted the British been broughtinto tillage
If so, in what respect?
the present corn laws.
agriculturist?
IL Can you give any example of the extra sum
and average remuceived
reby a more regular
nerating
Yes,generally
for corn
in consequence
of the highpricesof the
price. If the ports were
open, great quantiwould
tities
of foreign
be grown
tor the British present season
corn
paidfor
; and
per contra the extra sums
and drive our own
when a glutwould
extra wages, poorensue
keep of horses and cattle,
seed-corn,
market,
then the firstyearofscarcity
soilout of cultivation,
that
or other outlay?
rates,tithes,
It is only in a few cases that an extra sum
has been
would
foreigners
prohibitit,and our own
came,
of
received for the wheat crop this year, the deficiency
by buyingit up would make corn an absolute
capitalists
the yieldgenerally
famine price.
having been greater in proportion
and other agrithan the enhancement of price,and in many instances
3. At what expense can wheat,barley,
cultural
produce,be raisedin your districtand brought farmers have been heavy losers by their wheat crops.
to market,exclusively
of rent?
Wages are increased from 12s. to 13s. 6d. and ISs. per
week.
Without rent, wheat forty-six,
The cost for seed of horse corn, "c., isof course
barleytwenty-seven,
oats eighteenshillings
higherin proportionto the advance in corn.
per quarter ; with rent, wheat
from fifty-five
of observing the
12. Have
had an opportunity
to sixty-five,
oats
barleythirtyto forty,
you
twenty to thirty
shillings
portion,effect produced upon Scotch husbandry by the Scotch
per qr., and other corn in profarmers beingforced to selltheirgrainat the same
or scarce
price
accordingto productive
seasons, and
soiland
with Englishfarmers,
who enjoya more
good or bad harvests.
genial
4. Wiiat pricesdo you
requirefor these articlesin climate ?
order to furnish you with what you consider a fairrate
that which is not the fact.The
This question
assumes
of profit
have as
on your
rent,labourers' Scotch farmers in theirbest cultivateddistricts
capital,after
disbursing
voured
and in the lessfasoil,
geniala climate and a more fertile
wages, and other necessary expenses?
This question
answered in the above.
parts have advantageswhich the English farmer
5. If it be proved tliatwheat of a quality
has not, which place him in a position
to compete upon
equal to
Englishcannot be procured in foreign
equalif not more advantageous terms : viz. they hold
ports at lessthan
of thirty-five
an average
under leases,
they pay twenty-five
shillings
per cent, lesswages,
per qr., the additional
charge and chiefly
in kind,
at the port of disno poor-rate,or but a trifling
chargesup to the time of delivering
no tithes,
and by the introduction of steam
in this country being ten shillings
one, have fuel cheaper,
per qr., do
to water communication can convey
powerand contiguity
you think with your own
knowledgeof the expense at
which you can bringyour produceto market,that there
theirproduceto Liverpool
and London, the best English
b any reason to apprehendsuch]competition
from foreign markets, at less expense than many
corn
growers in the
would prevent your obtainingan adeagriculturists
as
quate midland countiesof England can ; theyhave,moreover,
had the same
from foreign
as
remunerative priceand fairrate of profits?
competitition
protection
The lowest pricesmust be submitted to,and great loss the English famer.
been that in
13. Has not the effectof this competition
equal
ensues, for it can be proved that wheatof a quality
is more
to make exceeding
vanced
adbread can be imported Scotland,husbandry,
as a skilled profession
good Eng'lish
than in England ? State facts.
from the principal
northern ports of Europe, at an average
is
We
believe that husbandry, as a skilledprofession,
considerablyunder thirtyshillings
(see tables or
from such porl"),
and sent to the prinreturn of prices
cipal betterunderstood generallyin Scotland than in England
but deny that it has arisen
Englishmarkets for as littlemoney as the inland (althoughnot in all parts),
counties can send theirsto London, Manchester, "c.
from any severer
competitionto which they have been
6. Would not a fairand natural level of prices be
exposed,but to leases to the absence of titheand poorbeneficial to the farmers than pricessubjectto
more
rate
to a more
generaldiffusionof education" and to
and interesttaken by Scotch proand great fluctuations,
and better adjustrent,
the greater nationality
frequent
prietors
With rein the improvementef theirestates.
and other outgoings
of the farmer ?
spect
wages of labour,
and
and
beneficial
farmers
the
and
to
Steady
to
managementof sheep, the
regularpricesare
breeding
when theyproceed from average crops. A natural level application
of bones and tileunderdraining,we deny
of priceis a highpricein scarce
extensively
years and a low price theirsuperiority
; bones and drain tileswore
in plentiful
at such times,
greatly appliedin Lincolnshire longbefore theywere much used
ones, and, therefore,
Corn would have
in Scotland.
operates in favour of the consumer.
been much higherat this time but for the free importaficial
bene14. Is there not reason
to expect that the same
tion
of foreign
There will be lessvariationin rent
effectwould be producedupon English husbandry,
corn.
and wages when the priceis steady. Uniform demand
if the English were
with the
broughtinto competition
and produce,
and quality,
cultivator?
are the only
foreign
equalin quantity
true basisof a steadyprice.
Place
is alsobased upon falsepremises.
This question
7. Has the operationof the restrictive
the British cultivatorupon the same footingas the foreign
system of corn
laws been to keep pricessteady?
one, and he will not fear competition; but to do this it
\ es, and we cannot
is presumed that it will firstbe necessary to pay off the
conceive of any system being
better adaptedto producethis effectthan the present
national debt
to dispensewith poor
rates, and
very
burdens ; it
and other public
and to demonstrate thi*:,
graduating
referback
we
greatlyreduce rent,tithes,
scale,
to the lastten years ; and that the present high price
to the amount
is
would also require
a reduction of wages
the natural consequence
mense
of seventy-five
of a deficientcrop, not onlyin
per cent., and this would involve an imthis country but throughoutEurope, is sufficiently
reduction in manufactured articles.
the system
proved by the ports havingbeen open for the last six
has been the effectof applying
15. What
weeks at a nominal duty.
ef free trade to the wool production
of this country? Has
8. On a balance of years and prices,
al- the aUiioLssioHof foreignwool diminished English
do not profits

QUESTIONS

PUT

BY

THE

ANTI-CORN

LAW

makes

"

"

"

"

THE

FARMER'S

the

undersigned

answered by
These questions
are
farmers :
practical

357

MAGAZINE,
A

FEW

THOUGHTS

ON

TURE.
AGRICUL-

"

No. of
Acres.

Years

ill

Business.

farmer and
T. Greetiiam, Slainfield,

ianda^ent
farmer
T. Clake,Glentvvorth,
ag-ent
J. W. J^uddin J, Saxby,

owner

890

20

600

46

1000

30
20
20
29

and land
of

1100
Richard Duddinj^,Panton, farmer
640
Henry Moore, Redbourn, farmer
farmer
700
J.G. Stevenson,Skelling-thorpe,
William Lonstaff,
650
farmer.
Fiskerton,
800
Messrs. ftlarfieet,
Boothby, farmers
William Lambe, Aubourn, farmer
740
1000
Charles Tong'e,
Branston,farmer
400
Edward Gibbeson, Red Hall, fnrmer.
Geo. Waddington,Kettlethorpe,
farmer 400
..

12
30
20
15
18

tained
much of this rePlants consume
of it descends into the bowels of the
vium
and some
only as far as the upper layerof alluearth,
and rock,by which it is driven to a lower level,
when it afterwards finds itsway to the air in springs
througkthe cultivated soil,and thence into riveri; but
of it only descends as far as the
a greater proportion
subsoil,which, if not porous, retains it. That which
in springs is generally
easilyled
makes its appearance
Much skilland
away in drains made for the purpose.
of draining
have been expen;4edin this species
capital
in thiscounty.
The benefits are, that few springsare

taken into the sod.

500,

of
occupier

When
rain fallson the ground,part of itruns offinto
and thence into rivers;but the greater part is
ditches,

....

water

some

33
16
25
20
20
25
30

those
in cultivated land,and itis likely
t0 be seen
now
benefitswill be permanent.
760
The water which is retained between the upper soil
880
and subsoil remains to effect incalculable mischief.
500
whether of the
While hidden water remains,manure,
200
farmer.
Henry Paddison,Ing-leby,
kind or the caustic,such as lime,can give no
rotting
P. F. Pell,Jun.,Tupholme, farmer
90i"
the
the harrow,andeven
to the soil; the plough,
fertility
John Lisiter,
farmer.
500
34
Skellingthorpe,
itinto a fine mould ; the grass
cannot
pulverise
roller,
contain no nourishment for live stock,as the finer
can
and their placesare taken by coarse
sorts disappear,
receive a heartymeal
water plants
; the stock can never
CORN
THE
LAWS.
of grass or straw from land in such a state ; they are
remain in
and of course
Sir, Amidst the many evilsconsequent on tlieperiodical alwayshungry and dissatisfied,
discussion of the corn
low condition ; the trees acquirea hard bark,stiffened
laws, there are aUo some
the
benefits resulting
from the continued watchfulness
covered with moss;
branches,and soon become
lied
and the
therebyimposed on the friends of agriculture,
roads in the neighbourhoodare constantlysoft and sulfacts there incidentally
elicited.
important
; the ditches and furiows are either plashyor like
read Mr. Ellman's letterin your paper of
I,therefore,
a sponge, fullof water"
placesready and certain to give
the 4thinst. with much interest,
of
not only on account
sheeprot and red-water; tho surroundingair is always
to late in
and great respectability
the intelligence
of the author, damp and chilly,
and from earlyin autumn
but because it presents, as I shall presently
show, a
springthe raw hoar-frostmeets the face like a wet cloth
most
strikingconfirmation of my awn
preconceived morning and evening-.In winter the frost incrusts
in favour of the principle
of the present corn
opinion
every furrow and plantwith ice,not strong enough to
laws ; and which induces me thus respectfully
bearone's weight,but justweak enough to giveway to
to compare
lies lurking in crevices till
notes with INIr.Ellman, who
states that " he laid
every step,while the snow
the planof the graduated scale of duty before Government
late in spring fit feedingground of the woodcock and
in 1826-27."
But Wr.
Ellman does not say at
flies,
midges,
musquitoes,
green
snipe; and in summer
and
the labourer,
the cattle,
what precise
torment
doubtless, gnats, and gadflies
periodof these two seasons this,
whilst the sheep get
Now
it so
his horses from morning to night,
privatehint was givento the Government.
scalded heads and eaten up by maggots, duringthe hot
happens,that actuated by the same generous
motive,
and following
the same
train of ratiocination I had in
an exaggeblinks of sunshine. We wish that this were
rated
1825,arrived at the very same
conclusion,as noticed at
picture! It may be seen in part, if not in whole,
"
into
the
35
of
Look
of
the
evidence
in
Review
in Cumberland.
tainous
mounpamphlet,or
my
p.
every parish
taken before the selectcommittee of the House
of Commons
and lake region of this county, nay, into the
will
in
of
this picture
and part
where
somedistress 1836," a copy of which
cultivated plains,
on agricultural
in the choicest
Even
I had the pleasureof presentingto you some
time ago,
present itselfto the view.
size
in this
but
Mr. Editor,throughthe hands of JMr. Cadell,
the pubare
spots in
lisher.
spots,for the richest portions
dustry,
favoured
county, favoured by Providence in the inIt would thereforeappear, thatwhile Mr. Ellman might
and prudence of its inhabitants,
draining
skill,
of labour
be cogitating
would act as a charm in causingan economy
I was
lo (/lenur/fi the
publishing
iiiprjuate,
if one ton
of capital
and consequently
laws in the columns of the
and manure,
outline of the present corn
; for
that isequal to one ton additional
lies before me,
of manure
is saved,
Journal, a file of which now
Stirling
and from that of the 2d February,1826, in particular,beingmade, and an additional ton of manure
appliedto
I beg to submit a singleparagrajjh
land bringsa proportionateincrease of crop; also as
from a long letterof
mine on the corn
laws,dated 23d January, 1826, in well-drained land can be tilledwith less labour,so must
be less,
the expense of tillage
and, as a consequence, the
purport as follows :
"
the crop raised on such land is in the same
The most difficultpart of such a corn
bill remains
])rofit
upon
and the
still
of duty
unnoticed" and that is,the rate or amount
proportionto the saving of labour and manure,
increase of produce. L.vt us also view it in another light,
at which foreign
and much
corn
ought to be admitted,
penditure
in that of the increase of national wealth. Simple exsaid on the generalquestion, no one has
as has been
does not increase national wealth,
of capital
ever
yet given us any information in this particular.
that is,unless
is reproductive,
unless that expenditure
the following
rate
Supposetlien,that we should assume
than is expended
of dutyas necessary tillbetter should appear, viz. that
a labourer
itreturns more
; therefore,
in the
when the average
ten pounds worth of provisions
priceof wiieat is at or under forty who consumes
and
the duty should be tliirty-two
by his exertions adds nothingto national wealth,
shillings,
shillings
year
food or value than
unless by that labour he creates more
the average
is fifty
the
shillings,
sixpence
; that when
but as much
as he
he consumes
in supportinghimself;
the average
that when
duty should be t/iirty
shillings;
does he increase
is sixty
creates above that amount, by justso much
the duty be twenty-five
shillings
shillings,
; that
and by justso much is his
when the averages is seventy shillings,
national wealth,
the duty be
our
fifteenshillings
is eiglijty
lings expenditure
shilthe average
productive.
; that when
renders land
have seen that draining
and upwards, to be duly free ; and so on at the
we
As, therefore,
easier to be tilled,
same
rate of duty at all the intermediate pricesfrom
so will it enable the labourer with the
and in the same
time,to tilla
fortyto eightyshillings." .T.CARMICHAEL.
same
degree of exertion,
have alsofound
of land. By draining
we
Marcli 18,1839.
liaploch
laigerquantity
Farm, near Stirling,
William

farmer
Jepson, Heifrhington,
Bracebridge,farmer.
T.Ciarke,Jun.,
Richard Pears,Jan., Scopwick,
farmer
Richard
Aliwood, Uunholme, farmer

350

"

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

358
that the

same

of
quantity

land will

produce

greater

MAGAZINE.
of

husbandry and

generalmanagement

of their

of produce. By draining', farms ; and

better quality
they follow the footstepsof their
lies dead in tiieland ;
also,we tind that no manure
than
fathers in this respect more
pertinaciously
therefore,
by as much as used to be wasted in undrained any other class of society; and while improvements
o
f
increase
the
much
do
quantity
we
save
or
land,by so
in all other arts and manufactures
are
going
Therefore, add all these g'ain^together
our
manure.
far
on
at so rapid a rate, that of agriculture
lags
increases
how
shall
then
and we
find
greatlydraining
behind.
thus
and
adds
to
produce, decreases the cost of tillage,
When
does not improve the land he
a fanner
and to the national wealth.
the profitof the agriculturist,
it is evident that something is wrong
cultivates,
it will be acthese
After
knowledged
on

quantityand

statements,
reflecting
that draininghas not been
prosecutedin
this county even
to the extent it might be, and far less
the

to

that would amply repay itscost. The eost

but if itwere
executed
doubt.be considerable,

in the system

best

his farm

soils of which

extent

would,

adopts; it may be owing to his

1
mode
the parof cultivating
ticular

he

ignorance of the

consists

"

the want

of

not to lay out

or
even
a determination
capital,
in a substantial manner,
maintain that the inci'ease his
we
capitalto improve another man's land, which
would
of land,
to the firstcrop, in the better description
have often heard expressed,and by those that
we
to the farmer,be that what it
repay the whole expense
though
and liberal farmers, alreckoned
are
intelligent
But the tenant ought not, in justice,
to bear the
may.
we
cannot
perceive the mark either of
of such a fundamenal improvementof the
whole expense
in persons who hold such
or
intelligence
liberality
land. The landlord should,
bear one-third with
at least,
him, and lessen the burden to each, tlioughdraining sentiments.
The sands of Norfolk
and Suffolk have been so
will amply repay the farmer without the landlord's assistance.
much
improved by the applicationof clay,marl,
are
Consideringhow anxious landholders generally
or
chalk, and the alternate system of husbandry,
to purchase land,it is surprising
tant
to observe how relucthat a crop of turnipsis now
produced on some
theyare to lay out capitalin draining.This must,
land equal in value to the previous fee simple of
think,arisefrom their not having sufficiently
sidered
conwe
the same
soil ; while the rich clayland in the vale
for iftheydid weigh the matter, they
the subject,
of the White-horse
ia
and in the vale of
no

Berks,
would soon find that capital
invested in drainingreturns
Gloucester,remains without any increase of its
than capital
laid
better profit
a much
or greater interest,
and is still cultivated with
productive powers,
in the purchase of land. A man
out
purchasingland
from three to six horses in a plough.
vestment
is quitecontent if he receives four per cent, for his inThe
in drainNorfolk
ing,
system of ploughing v/ith two
; but he is reluctant to lay out capital
invested in the better description horses abreast was
so
into Roxburghintroduced
though capital
shire
of land will pay one
hundred percent.; but suppose, for
of Frogdon ; it
in 1762, by Mr.
Dawson
the sake of being very tar within the mark, we onlyset
soon
spread over the greater partof Scotland, and
it at eightper cent., is it not better to invest his capital has been
of
efficient mode
continued as the most
in draining
and receive ei^htper cent.,than in the purchase
sand
cultivating
every kind of soil,from the lightest
of land which onlypays four per cent ? R. B
to the strongest and most
tenacious clay.
CarliilePatriot.
Tull's system of drillingturnips, as well as
ploughing with two horses abreast, was carried by
into the northern
Mr. Dawson
counties of England
.

"

; but

ECONOMY

IN

LABOUR,
OF

PROVEMENT

AND

IM-

SYSTEM.

every other class of the coynmimity are

within their power to lessen
ihe means
of producing the articles of their
the expense
manufacture, the farmer still goes on in his old
While

using all

beaten
inquiring whether he cannot
track, never
accomplish his labour with less actual, but more
efficient strength of horses and men
; or whether
he
to those
other implements are not preferable

has

now

in

boy, and a most

three-fourths of
active

use.

Thus, while the expense of all other occupations

has been reduced from one half to a tenth part of
what they used to be, the expenses of the farmer
instances been increased.
have in many
Most farmers limit their expenditureto the aliof culsolute necessaries required in their mode
in attempting
tui'e,instead of layingout fresh capital
to increase the
productiveness of the soil.
farther than
the
extended
no
Their views have

to the

present day, these improvements

in agriculturehave made
very little progress in
dom
counties.
horses
Two
the southern
are
very selin a plough ; we
abreast
to be seen
at work
generallyobserve three or four at work in a plough
the lightest
soil in Berks and other counties,
even
on
and these of a heavy descriptionof animals,
than one
mile
whose
natural pace is seldom more
exertion
hour ; so that it is with considerable
an
and a^
that these three
with a man
or four horses

horses
of

the

an

acre

plough,
acre

plough, turn

cumbersome
an

every

with

day

; while

the

greatestease,

day, and

two

two

even

over

light

acres

wards
up-

in

fallow field.

The

why

reason

improvement

in

agriculture
ments
improveowing to

much
slower rate than
in many
other sciences,is in fact
the very littleintercourse there is amongst

proceeds

at

farmers

themselves.

The
English farmers in generalare not readers,
they therefore lose all the recoi'ded improvements
There
societies.
of agricultural
or
being their only object, of individuals,
next crop, a quick return
where
it would
is no
not pay the expense of prosystem of education adopted in England,
even
of agriculture
be
dents, whereby the firstprinciples
may
daction,or looking perhaps to the chapter of accifore
therewill do
education
or
acquired; the only agricultural
waitingto see what Government

for their relief.

This they continue
which is dear
crop

to

do, obtainingonly a scanty

to the

buyer and unprofitable

receives is from the practhe farmer

which
tice
his father,and that of the neighbourhood
which
has been handed
he dwells, and
in which
and
unadulterated
down
unimproved through
of

grower ; instead of producing,by an outlay

nacy
of additional capitalon improved cidture, a plentiful many generations,and adhered to with an obstiinduce him to give up
which no reason
can
would be cheap to the consumer
crop which
and profitable
to themselves.
or change.
of the
of the farmer in favor of the
The
But farmers in generaladopt the custom
prejudices
mode
of culture which he follows,and againstall
neighbourhood in which they live,in the course

to the

THE

FARMER'S

modes
are
different,
although they
and proat one-half the expense,
duce
or
as much
a greater return, and although
only a few miles distant from him, are of the most
be got rid of,
kind, and will never
pertinacious
dire necessity
tillsome
compels him to open his
interest;nothing but this wo
eyes to see his own
those

whose

performed

are

are
persuaded will ever
their present habits.

The

produce

of

induce

many

to

change

763
retained for home
consumption,
sumption
in 1838, 4,042 qrs ; for home con3,124 qrs. ; duty2541.
tained
Buck
Wheat.
In 1837, imported471 qrs.; refor home consumption
298 qrs. ; duty 136/.
in 1838, 1 qr, ; for home consumption174 qrs. j
duty 107/.
Malt,"
In 1837, 1 qr. ; and in 1838, 92 qrs.

4,026 qrs.

be
in almost

qrs. ; duty359/.

"

"

"

Wheat

agriculturemay

359

MAGAZINE.

Meal,

creased,
364,249
easilyin-

Flour.

or

"

; retained for home

duty3,681/. in 1838,
cwt

In
1737, imported
40,187
consumption

stance,
doubled ; and
even
456,534 cwts.; for
cwts;
every innished. home consumption392.847
the expense of production may
cwts.
be dimi; duty 10,522/.
Barley
Meal.
In 1837, 7 cwts.
By reducingtlie expense of production,
Oatmeal.
tained
additional portionof the produce,
In 1837, imported3,865 cwt.; reset free an
we
for home consumption143 cwts. ; dut}'41/,
and this is just the same
as if, with the
original
in 1838, 3,140 cwts.; for home consumption
4 cwts.;
expense, we produced a greater crop ; therefore
"

"

"

"

either of man,
duty 2/.
Rye
In 1837, imported323 cwts. ; reMeal.
tained
be employed.
If farmers
for home consumption 9 cwts.
would
adopt this plan,it is evident
that the greater the amount
cient
and effiIndian Meal.
In 1837, imported529 cwts.; retained
of productive
labour they use, the greater will be their
in 1838, 3
for home
consumption I cwt.
guished, cwts. ; for home consumption
extinreturn
1 cwt.
should be
; all useless expenses
and the most
Hides
of accomIn 1837, imported338,652
efficient mode
plishing
untanned.
cwts.; for home consumption 293,491 cwts ; duty
any labour should be adopted."Morton
OH
Soils.
sumption
36,656/. in 1838, 346,348 cwts.; for home con-

none
or

but the

most

efficient labour

beast,or implements, should

ever

"

"

"

"

"

318,763 cwts.; duty41,829/.

In 1837, imported
Clover
Seed.
103,144 cwts.;
for home consumption 1 24,965 cwts. ; duty124,650/.
in 1838, 92,539 cwts. ; for home consumption
"

"

IMPORTATION

OF

FOREIGN

CULTURAL
AGRI-

95,882
Flax

cwts.

duty 95,841/.

In 1837, imported
Linseed.
and
bushels ; retained for home consumption,
.3,.'521,089
We extract the following
itccount of the tion
Importa- 3,394,843 bushels; duty 21,264/. in 1838,
of Foreian Agricultural
Produce into the United
3,198,217
3,271,731 bushels ; for home consumption
Kingdom, from a Parliamentary
Paper (No 38), bushels ; duty19,967/,
printedby order of the House of Commons, the IStli
Rape Seed." In 1837,imported
1,020,165bushels ;
of February,
1839 :
retained for home
consumption957,526 bushels;

PRODUCE.

Seed

"

"

"

Butter." In 1837, imported282,947 cwts. ; retained

for home
consumption 266,161 cwts. ; duty
received 266,203/."in 1838, 256,261cwts. ; forborne

duty 5,988/." in 1838, 713,260 bushels ; for home

consumption7l3,959 bushels ; duty4,462/.
tained
Tallow.
In 1837,imported
1,314,649 cwts. ; re-

consumption252,132 cwts.;

consumption 1,294,020 cwts.; duty

sumption
204,377/." in 1838, 1,122,256cwts. ; for home con1,166,177 cwts.; duty184,401/.
In 1837, imported48,379,708 lbs, ; retained
Wool,"

Cheesf,." In

duty,252,149/.
1837, imported237,732 cwts.;

"

for home

tained
re-

for home
consumption 232,257 cwts.; duty
sumption
121,600/." in 1838, 227,884 cwts. ; for home conlbs. ; duty
for home consumption
43,170,1.36
219,354 cwts. , duty 115,121/.
sumption
118,564/." in 1838, 52,737,447 lbs. ; for home conEggs."
In 1837, imported 74,733,037 : retained
56,734,625lbs. ; duty 164,454/.
for home consumption 74,790,126 ; duty 25,991/.
in 1838,
83,745,723; for home
consumption
83,817,789: duty 29,111/.
In 1837, imported455,872 qrs. ; reWheat.
tained
for home
consumption 232,793 qrs. ; duty
HORSES.THE
PATE
OP RACING
303,179/." in 18:58, 1,245,061 qrs.; for home conAmbo, the
sumption
the Holyfastest mile horse of his day, and that won
well
1,740,806qrs. ; duty 136,011/.
was
signed
conIn 1337, imported 87,791
Barley.
Mostj'n Stakes three years in succession,
tained
qrs.; recoach that ran through
to drag an
opposition
for home
consumption 47,475 qrs.; duty
When
no
longer capableof that, he was
21,268/." in 1828, 2,203 qrs. ; forborne consumption Shrewsbury.
degradedto yet lower labour, and was at lengthfound
8,193 qrs.; duty 4,922/.
dead in a ditch from absolute starvation, Hit-or-Miss,
In 1837, imported416,425 qvs. ; retained
Oats.
a good racer, was,
during the last years of his life,
for home consumption333,933 qrs. ; duty167,580/.
town.
cart in the same
seen
drawing coal in a higgler's
"in 1838, 52,605 qrs. ; for home
consumption Mameluke
is at this time drawing a cab in the streets
11,070 qrs. ; duty6,263/.
Guildford,after havinf? won
of the metropolis.And
afflicted
Ryk.
In 1837, imported30,711 qrs. ; retained
seventeen
for his different owners
years, was
sold at a repository
and was
for liome consumption 19,575 qrs.; duty8,484/.
with incurable stringhalt,
the hero of the turf was
Thence
for less than 4/
in 1838, 1,781 "irs.; for home consumption
2,517
cruellyused,
doomed
to an omoibus
; there he was
qrs. ; duty363/.
the spasmodicconvulsion that characterizes stringhalt
In 1837, imported111,261 qrs.; retained
Peas.
sadly aggravating his torture. The skin was rubbed
for home consumption87,615 qrs. ; duty40,865/.
bruised
were
from his shoulders, his hips and haunches
in 1838, 23,709 qrs. ; for home consumption
11,619
fully
continuallyand painin every part,and his stifleswere
qrs.; duty 4,452/.
tion
coming in contact with the pole. In this situaIn 1837, imported
Beans.
105,607 qrs. ; retained
(the author
sent bvthe veterinarysurgeon
he was
for home consumption109,075 qrs. ; duty 46,146/.
of Cruelty
to " The Societyfor the Prevention
himself)
in 1838, 64,019 qrs. ; for iiome consumption
54,240
to Animals,''and bought in order to be slaughtered,
Yovatt's Work upon
Cruelly to Animals (justpub
qrs.; duty25,749/.
Corn.
la 1037, imported lished.J
Maize, oa Indian
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

360

THE

ON

THE

FARMER^S

CULTIVATION

OF

MAGAZINE.
against anythingnew,
antipathy

poisonous
to
poisonous,injuriousor beneficial, seem
have operated in a heavy degree,and even
at this
and extensive
day,after nearly a century of undoubted
hear in objectionto a more
tensive
exwe
utility,
that the potato exhausts
the
cultivation,

versal
or

POTATOES.

(original.)
The
Peruor

potato is an exotic plant,naturalized

from
similar latitude of the western
phere,
hemisand generally
allowed to have been imported
into Britain by Sir Walter
Raleigh, during the
world.
It belongs to
voyages he made to the new
"
the genus
Solanum," of class and order " Pentandria Monogynia" of Linneus, and to the order
"
Solaneaj" of the natural system of Jussieu.
Our
botanists call it " Solanum
tuberosum," and Ray
adds the word
"esculentuni.''
The cultivated varieties
some

almost innumerable, arisingfrom the

are
dift'erenccs of soil and climate, and from sexual
connection ; and like our
varieties of the garden
almost exhaust our
pea, will soon
vocabulary to
find names
for them, some
hundreds
of varieties
having been latelyarranged by our amateurs, and
their different qualities
explained. For common

practical
purposes, they may

not

soil. It is difficult to ascertain how our

farmers
have arrived at that conclusion ; like many
lar
simirest on mere
ones, it must
conjecture; and it
is curious enough to hear si.ch an ai'gunient advanced by farmers who
wheat
after a crop of
sow
A very wise farmer
in Suffolk told me
he
oats.
I asked, how
the case.
he
fullybelieved it was
knew.
indifferent crop of
He said, he had an
wheat after potatoes, and he " thought"he would
have had a better if he had plantedthe field with

'

turnips. The

conclusion
here rests
wholly on
have no proof whatever
and on
of our
similar foundations many
current
tural
agriculaxioms and supposed truisms rest.
During a
practice of upwards of twenty
very extensive
difference in the
never
yet seen
any
j^ears, I have
grain crops ; I have always got as good crops of
wheat
and barley after potatoes as after turnips,
How
better.
and the grass seeds generally
a green
can
crop well manured, cleaned, and pulverized,
than I have yet been able to
land, is more
scourge

supposition
"

we

"

be all comprehended
and
primary divisions;viz., "round
oblong,"varying in all the colours of black and
blue, white and red, pink and spotted. Generally
speaking,the round varieties are more
productive
than the oblong, though on good soils the white
No esculent yet known
see.
yieldsso large or so
and blue kidney are foremost in quality while on
than double
valuable a produce per acre ; of more
;
inferior lands they are deficient both in quantity the value of the turnip,of much
certain cultivation
more
and quality. Each district of country, and very
of soil and climate,
on
a far greater variety
each separate farm, is provided with a
and of a far greater varietyof applicationin the
frequently
variety of its own, the cultivation of which is uses for which they are cultivated than either the
founded, like many others of our agricultural
turnip, the cabbage, beet, or any other plant we
practices,
more
on
capriceand fashion, than on any
know, we yet see the cultivation restricted and
definite grounds of incontestible superiority.The
fertile lands caof our most
pable
neglected,and many
Yam variety,
streaked inside,was
cultivated
much
of producing all our known
crops in high
time for feedinglive stock ; it is now
at one
much
standing
perfection,
lyingin a state of uselessness,notwiththe qualitybeing so very bad, though
and enterprise
all the boasted intelligence
discontinued,
the produce was
It may be desirable on
immense.
of the present age.
The uses
of potatoes as food
or steamed
varietyand an earlier for human
any farm to have a common
beings,are well known
; raw
one
be
; the choice of these varieties will of course
they are excellent feed for farm horses, and for
guided,or ought to be guided,by the prolific
quality
young cattle consuming straw in yards they are
soil and situation. No root
on
invaluable ; and it has been
latelyascertained
any particular
yet discovered, and introduced to the notice of from satisfactory
experimentsinstituted by the
mankind, has yet attained such an extensive range
AgriculturalSociety of Scotland, that for pigs
of usefulness, from the table of kings and nobles, they are best appliedin a steamed
state, and for
down
state is the most
through all the intermediate gradationsto
feedingcattle the raw
profitable
the feedingof pigs and poultry,we
the expenses of preparationincluded.'
find this esculent
application,
Such an
universal applicationof a singleplant
every where
employed in the scale of sustentation, affordingsupport to the poor cottager and
capable of being raised in almost any situation,
the labourer,whose
would appear to warrant
its cultivation to an exmeans
tent
barely reach beyond
look to this root as
limited only by physical circumstances
potatoes and bread, and who
over
the firmest hope of subsistence.
In manj' parts of
have
controul
which human
no
; yet,
agency can
the kingdom, and especially
in Ireland, potatoes
weeds
tliecontrary, we see
and mosses
on
usurp
constitute the principalfood of the inhabitants ;
the place of the food of man
weeds
; grasses and
much
inclined to wonder
how
so
into hay, the expenses
vation,
are
of cultiare
cut and made
so, that we
they lived before its introduction ; as our sturdy
not
we
are
told,are too heavy, but we
are
moralist. Dr. Johnson, could not comprehend how
favored with any account
of the produce ; potatoes

under

the

two

inhabitants of Scotland lived before the introduction

"kail"
of
brocoli.
The
or
property

"
do
crops in succession
scourge the soil,but corn
not."
the life of
The great quantityof manure,
oned,
reckfarming, derived from these crops is never

possessedby the potato plant,along with others in

of using it, when
vegetablekingdom, of propagatingits species
got ;
except the expense
will not expend
by seed and root, and the immense
produce of the farmer jogs on, the landowner
tubers yielded
one
by it,and the ready mode of applying
shilling,and the land lies uncultivated, and
the tubers
for reproduction,and its almost
the peopleare starved. \Vith the knowledge of such
certain success, must
have
litate plantsas we possess, and with the means
of cultivation
greatlytended to facithe introduction
and propagation of this
in our power, it is both ludicrous and lamentable
from
to hear our
debates about a supplyof corn
plant ; but we find it progressedvery slowly,like
the

benefits of which mankind

cannot
see
Its classificationwith the natural order
"
of
Solanerc"
identified it with the poisonous
ascribed to that family of plants,and the
qualities
prejudicethence conceived againstit,and the uniother
many
the value.

if cultivation could raise no more

at
societies meeting and discussing
further improvements and never
adopting those
that are known.
I remarked
in the course
of some
made
the cultivation of
observations I lately
on
abroad

home,

as

and

to see

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

361

the ilhistrious individual to whom

hoeing,one or two deep earthings
are
givenwith
with the hlock,
rewarded
the potato was
the double mould
board plough, and
if any lar^fc
allotted
and that similar rewards were
generally
weeds afterwards appear they are pulledby hand.
of the human
to the benefactors
race.
During
A very erroneous
of an
opinion under the name
often barely support their
their lifetime they can
established truth prevails
farmers that it is
among
existence
after death when
honours are an empty
hurtful to plough the intervals of drills during
dry
sound, their actions are
applauded, and their seasons
from the dread of dissipating
the moisture,
enrolled in the page of history,
and a statue
names
but I have ever
found the contrary to be the
case,
is often erected to their memory,
we
are
tcld,by
these plantsimbibe much
as
nourishment
from the
a grateful
people but for what useful purpose I atmosphere, and there consequently exists a
could see, except to stand as a lastingmenever
morial
greater necessityfor affordingsuch nourishment
to posterity
of the baseness and ingratitude from fresh stirred earth in
when
there
dry seasons
of their forefathers.
is a want
of moisture from above.
All esculents,
The potato, like all other esculents we cultivate
and in fact any crops we plant,derive
fit
great beneunder the name
of green crops, delightsin a moist
from pulverization.
climate and deep loamy soils ; and hence our best
Potatoes are liable to few diseases
the curl was
obtained in Ireland and in the western
crops are
districts for a long time
frequent in some
very
parts of Scotland and England. In the cultivation
past, and of late years the dry rot in the seed has
of this root
the drill system seems
to have been
of our
best potato growing
appeared in many
and
cast
early
adopted we have no broaduniversally
countries, and has caused
considerable
damage.
in gardens when
planting even
planted by
The partiality
of the prevalenceof this malady has
the spade, and in Ireland on the lazy beds, they
completelybaffled all investigation every opinion
inserted in rows, to admit of cleaningand pulare
verization
has been overturned, and
the
subjectremains as
of the soil. In field culture, drilling
by
The
curl has been ascribed to
as before.
puzzling
the plough is universally
tended
practised the land inatmospheric influence,and the dry rot may probably
for that crop is ploughed during winter,
be owing to a similar hidden cause
but such
and in the spring so soon
the
season
as
permits, diseases
and
and
disappear,
appear
many both in
it is ploughed, harrowed
and rolled to as fine a
the animal and vegetableworld, vanish
by degrees
tilthas possible,
fully
every weed and stone being carebefore improvements in general management,
and
picked otf betwixt each process of working. leave
us
totally
ignorantboth of the cause
of introduction
In the beginning
of May the drilling
and
is
begins,
and of disappearance.
performed in the same
way as for turnips,except
Potatoes
are
in October, and
ready for storing
in being thirty
inches apart instead of twenty-six
should be raised in a dry state. '1hey are ploughed
or twenty-seven.
Experiments have been made
up or dug with forks, and in the most
approved
on
drills three feet apart, but no superiority
was
mode of storingthey are laid in longitudinal
visible. The drills being opened the manure
heaps
tially
paron
a dry bottom
and piledup to a narrow
heated from a corner
top of 3 to
in the field,
the
or from
4 feet in height,covered with a layer of dry straw,
is brought forwards in one-horse carts,
fold-yards,
and then with a coat of earth.
The thickness of covering
laid in heaps for three drills,and spread immediately.
will depend on the local severityof the climate
The potato sets cut on the same
day or the
if frosts be severe, a covering of litter from
day previous,are planted on the manure
at the
the stable-yard
A temporary
is very useful.
distance of o or 10 inches, and are covered by
ply
supof potatoes is laid in the root-house for steaming
behind.
c
lose
roll
A
lows
folploughs following
light
or
otherwise, and a favourable day is seized to
to level the drills that the potatoes may
braird
the pits for that
The
cultivation
open
purpose.
ing
equally. The ploughs being provided with drawof an acre
of potatoes will cost about lOL exclusive
trees stretchingover
the left hand
two drills,
of rent and taxes, and the returns
will vary from
horse walks on
the top of the drills,and thereby
200 to 800 bushels per acre
according to soil and
the sets are
not disturbed in their places by the
climate.
But taking the
low average
of 300
horses' feet.
If the land be of a dry and warm
bushels at the low priceof Is. per bushel,there is
it very beneficial to
nature, I have always found
neration
applythe manure
as full of moisture
as
possible, ample remuneration for the farmer, and the remuwill be ampler ftill if consumed
in feeding
and to plant and cover
without delay. In some
live stock for the production of manure
in ail
flat surplacespotatoes are planted in rows
face,
on
a
places except in the vicinityof towns, where a
with
the sets in every
by layingthe manure
ready market can be got, and a supply of manure
third or fourth furrow
after the plough, which
in return.
An
abundance
of straw
for manure
will bringthe rows
of 30
to the average distance
be got without
cannot
to obtain
inches.
using the means
This method
is designed to keep the surface
it the great value of green
lar
flat to exclude the drought on
crops in this particumore
dry
has been long since acknowledged, but such is
lands
but if the drills be
down
that
turnips,
we

owe

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

pressed

by

the

quated
tenacitywith which our farmers clingto antifield of
prejudices,that we
see
a
many
fallowed to save
good loam summer
or
So soon
expense,
the potatoes are fullybrairded, the
as
an
growing
herbage of weeds under the favourite
the
scuffling
plough is passed along between
drills,

the diiference in
roll,

evenness

will not be

rial.
mate-

"which cuts all the weeds within its reach; and in

stiffloams small ploughs are used, which go deeper
into the soil and raise more
mould
than the

lightscuffler.

The
hoers follow,and pass the hoe
each set, cut away
and break
every weed
clod, and loosen and pulverize the soil

between
every
around

the

sets

ploughscontinue
whole

as

much

as

working

possibleThe

scuffling

intervals during the

at
the weeds
all comare
pletely

and when
the
stems
killed,and when
are
nearly
the drills so as to prevent future horseon
closing
season

denomination
of old turf.
Potatoes admit of a
much
of cultivation than turnips,
greater range
and
it remains to be seen
if our
modern
system of
tile draining will render our wet clayscapable of

growing green crops, but the

littleimportance so long as we

objectwould
have

so

seem

many

of
hundreds

of acres
ready for that purpose by nature
and yet neglected,and
so
long as the present
whims
and prejudices
allowed to prevailover
are
and experience.
argument,
reasoning,
Feb.

Bth,1839.

J.D.

FARMER'S

THE

362

MAGAZINE.
I

ON

THE

EiMPLOYMENT

^YATER
BY

AS
JOHN

OF
MANURE.

PAYNTER,

I have reason
on
to believe that,in an experiment
in progress in my neighbourhood,
tanners' bark, now
the results will be satisfactory.A\ hen appliedin its
it apparently
form to grass-land,
like salt,
troys
desliquid
the plant,but the spot is distinguished
creased
by inverdure the succeeding
year.

GAS-

ESQ.

Observingthat you invite communications

I take (he liberty
in agriculture,
of
on
experiments
tending you the result of one with gas-water t\m
in which
the street-gashas been cleansed.
water
THE
PITCHER
PLANT."
This plantabounds iai
tained
Having often thought that the alkali therein conduced, the stony and arid parts of the Island of Java, from ,
inI was
be favourable to vegetation,
must
it not for this vegetablewonder, small
of barley- which, were
a few vears
ago, to tryit on a piece
birds and quadrupeds would be forced to migrate in
land. A quarter of an acre was
taken in the middle
of water.
At the foot stalk of each leafisa small ;
of a field,
of rather close soil,
in a granite
district. quest
furnished with a lid,
bag shaped exactlylike a pitcher,
The land was
of average quality.The gas-water
and havinga kind of hinge that passes over the handle
distributed over
tlie quarter-acre by a conwas
trivance
it with the leaf. This
of the pitcher,
and connects
resemblins: that of a common
watering'-cart, hingeis a strong fibre which contracts in showery wea]
and at the rate of 400 gallons
to the acre, about a week
ther and wiien the dew falls. Numerous
little
goblets
thus held forth and
before seed-time.
The rest of the fieldwas manured
filledwith sweet
fresh water
are
afford n deliciousdraughtto the tinyanimals that climb
in the usual way.
their branches,and to a great variety
of winged visitants.
The
of the
difference,both in colour and vigour,
But no
has the cloud passedby, and the warm
sooner
in favour of the part
barley-planlwas so strikingly
shone forth,
than the heated fibre beginsto expand
sun
manured
by gas-water,that persons passingwithin
and closes the gobletso firmlyas to prevent evaporation,
view of the field almost invariably
to inquire
came
precludinga further supplytillcalled for by the wants
about the cause.
The vield also was
superior,as
of
of another day. This beautiful and perfect
provision
well as the after pasture, the field havingbeen laid
or
would aff'orda fine theme for a Thomson
nature
with the barley.
down
signs
of the deWordsworth, and would aflord an illustration
tried on the farm of Boslivin,
The experiment
of Providence such asPaleywould have delighted
was
miles from Penzance.
to press into his service.
about seven
My distance
from following
from a gas-workhas preventedme
since ; but I feel convinced that this
up the subject
is called by the farmers of
MANURE
nuisance,
LIQUID
water, so often complainedof as a common
tain
in France it is called lizier; theyobSwitzerland guile,
employed both in agrimight be most profitably
culture
it by collecting
the drainageof their stallsand
and horticulture.
It might be poured on
where it is
stables into underground reservoirs or pits,
muck-heaps, whore it would probably
destroy
grubs, allowed to ferment
until it attains a slimy or mucous
6cc.,in addition to its fertilizing
properties.
state.* The mode adoptedby the cultivators of Zurich
I am, Sir,your most obedient servant,
is thus described in the Bulletin de la Soc, de Geneve :
JOHN
PAYNTER.
The floor on which the cattleare stalledis formed of
Jan. 9th,1839.
Boskenna,
boards,with an inclinationof four inches from the head
fall
excrements
to the hinder part of the animal, whose
usual in English
into the gutter behind in the manner
Note by H. Handley, Esq.,M.P.
cow-houses ; the depth of the gutter is fifteen inches,
its width ten inches ; it should be so formed as to be
In confirmation of the foregoing
it may be observed
letter,
from a reservoir
water
at pleasure,
capable of receiving,
of
that in many
the
where
parts
country,
works
gaswith five pits
by holes,
placed
to it; it communicates
near
has
t
he
refuse
become
established,
are
recently
the passage of th" slime or closed
an
as
objectof interestto the agriculturist,
containing which are opened for
occasion
nure
as
requires.The pits or reservoirs of maof the essentialsof the most
effectivemanures.
many
floor of boarding,
with
a
covered over
are
The refuse lime,which was formerly an inconvenience
placed a littlebelow that on which the animals stand ;
carted away
and was
to the gas
as
manufacturers,
tion.
fermentathis covering is important as facilitating
is now
valueless rubbish,
contracted for by neighbouring
made
in masonry,
The
pits or reservoirs are
farmers (inan instance,
within my own
knowledge,
should be bottomed in
well cemented, and
and appliedeither in compost
at 7s. 6d. per chaldron),
They should be five
clay,well beaten to avoid waste.
or in a direct form to the land ; where, in addition to the
turbed
in order that the liquid
may not be disof lime,it is said to furnish a protection in number,
usual operation
during the fermentation which usuallylasts four
of the noxious grubs and insects.
againstmany
ing
weeks.
Their dimensions should be calculated accordIt is furtlierprobable that the ammoniacal
liquor
of the animals held by the stable,so
to the number
which abounds in gas-works,and which, when formerly
week ; but,whether full or
allowed to run waste into the Thames,wassaid to destroy that each may be filled in a
not, the pitmust be closed at the week's end, in order to
the quality
of the river-water for
the fish,
and prejudice
maintain the regularity
of the system of emptying: the
and which is still thrown
human
Sir,
"

"

'

"

'

"

"

consumiilion,
the country, except
tliroughout

away

In

reservoirs are emptiedby means

portable
pumps.
at a few works
where
the evening,the keeperof the stablesletsa proper quantity
volatile ammonia, will,ere long,he
of
to the stable
into the gutter, and returning
tervention water
extensivelyused as a manure, either through the inmixes with the water the
in the morning,he carefully
of the water-cart, or by the process of saturating
which has fallen into it,
excrement
breakingup the more
and decomposing soil or vegetable matter.
A
compact part'^,so as to form of the whole an equaland
illustration,
on a small scale,has recently
very satisfactory
he comes
been submitted to the English Agricultural flowing liquid.During the day, whenever
be
into the stable,he sweeps whatever excrement
may
of the Polytechnic
curator
Societyby the intelligent
found under the cattle into the trench,which may be
He
Pain.
Gallery, Mr.
put into a vessel some
it contains is found to be
emptied as often as the liquid
leaves of trees, saw-dust,chopped straw, and bran,to
ture
of the mixof the proper thickness ; the best proportion
which he appliedammonia, and closed it up.
In about
ment,
is three-fourthsof water and one-fourth of excrethree weeks
the whole wa?
reduced to a slimy mass
:
of
if the cattle be fed on corn, but ifin a course
he then stirred itand added a little
ammonia ; and
more
of water
to four-fifths
tattening,one-fifthof excrement
when
submitted to the Societyit was reduced to a black
will be sufficient."
of
mass
mould, stronglyimpregnated with
of

they manufacture

vegetable

and
volatile salts,

in comminuted

surfacepeat-mould.

similarto
particles
"

Gardener's

Magazine,vol. 5,

p. 548,

THE

AGRICULTURAL
By

Henry

R.

Madden,

FARMER'S

CHEMISTRV.
Esq., L.R.C.S.

burgh.
Edin-

MAGAZINE.

363

Now
the firstand last of these are supplied
by the
soil itself (consideredas a mineral substance)but
the organized portions can
be supplied to the

plantonly by organic matter, previously

existing
in the soil ; for althoughplantsdo obtain some
of
their carbon from the air,still this is but an inconsiderable
to commence
the most important,
portion,and moreover
much
of the cartime by far the most
difficult, bonic acid which yieldsthat portion,has been supplied
subject; namely the PJiilosophy
by the previous decomposition of organic
of

Journal ofAgriculture.)
(From the Quarterly
We

have

now

but at the same

branch of our
We may therefore infer,that should the
matter.
Manure, or the scientificprinciples
which the
upon
cultivation of plants is founded.
To accomplish above-mentioned
author
succeed
in manuring
and
this, with facility
of land with the contents
acre
cessary an
perspicuity,it will be neof a quart
to divide the subjectinto the following bottle,he will in time discover that the same
ticle
arheads :
will be almost sufficient to contain his crop*
I. To give a clear view of the objectsto be atdoctrine may say
tained But the believers of the above
of manure.
that the author has proved it by direct experiment,
by the application
of the composition,
II. An account
be either willingly
and respective and consequently he must
deceiving
the public,or must
of the more
value, of some
have some
important manures.
grounds for
of the
I have no doubt that the auIII. An
account
his statement.
Now
circumstances
which
thor
should guide lis in the choice of manure,
is perfectly
satisfiedin his own
mind
that he
and its
to various crops.
is writingthe truth, and 1 shall endeavour to show
application
IX. The economy
how
of manure,
he has been misled.
His poverfulspirit,
or the methods
was
to
be adopted in order to produce manure
as
appliedto soil,("probably
quickly of course
den
very rich garand likewise to apply it to the greatas possible,
that it had a most
mould) and the result was
est
advantage.
powerful effect upon the vegetationof that soil,
I. There
is no point connected
and in fact its influence was
felt by " many sucwith agriculceeding
ture,
in reference to which more
:"
but
this
no
means
by
incomprehensible
crops
proves that
statements
his spirit
have been laid before the public,than
is reallya manure
at all;it may
act only
those which have from time to time, and more
compositio
as
a chemical agent in producingthe more
rapiddeof the vegetablefibre of the soil,and
especially
lately,been published upon the subject
of manure
thus
that these could
rendering it soluble ; and consequentlyhis
; and it appears to me
have been conceived,far less made public, crops
never
were
produced by the originalorganic
had due attention been given to that branch of the
of the soil,and not by his powerfulspirit.
matter
from time to
subject,to which the present section is devoted, For had he continued its application
to prevent any subsequent
namely, the objectsto be attained by the applicatime, and taken care
tion
of manure
these we
:
addition of fresh organic matter, he would have
shall now
consider.
We
have alreadyshown
that by far the most
tial
essenimdoubtedlyfound that his soil became exhausted.
Let any one
who
doubts this statement, take soil
point to be attended to in the cultivation of
plantsis to present to them a constant supply of free from all organic matter whatever ; for example,
let him mix artificially
organic matter, in a state capable of being rendered
chemicallypure sand,
soluble in water
have
wc
moreover
clay,and chalk in the same
proportionsas they
; and
that this is accomplished, by adding to the
exist in the best soils ; let him sow
his seed,and
seen
soil,at certain intervals,various refuse matters, then apply this powerfulspirit,and observe the
which
are
technicallydenominated
results;let him weigh the products,and then ho
by
manure,
all kinds of dead organicmatter, are
which means
will,beyond doubt, see the truth of the fact,that
re-converted
into livbiff
the weight of the crop is proportional
to the weigh^j
organized bodies ; and
in the soil. If the object of %
scribedof organicmatter
consequentlythe objectsof manuring may be defarmer was
to be, the conversion
of refuse matters
merely to obtain good crops for a few
into useful food; or in other words
the land to lie
afterwards to allow
the duty and
years, and
and
waste
objectof the farmer, is to convert manure
info
useless,then, indeed, some
powerful
stimulus,such as the spiritin question,would be
crops. This fact,however, appears to have been
most
of great value ; but, what farmer,I ask, would
late
so
determinedly overlooked
by many
writex-s upon
the
wilfully
injurehis own interest,by thus exhausting
subject,and in consequence
there has been more
and absurdity
nonsense
pub- his soil,for the sake of procuringone or two gool
lished
in reference to this point,than
could
one
remark,
crops .' Some
persons, however, may
that it would
have possiblyimagined. Thus, for example, we
be extremelydifficultto prove the
relation between
are
most
the organic matter
in the soil
seriouslytold by a late writer upon fluid
"
there
are
manure, that
plants which by and the crop ; for example, they might quote the
many
distillationyielda strong spirit,
of turnips,where, in a good crop, two
case
which
is so poweror
ful
a manure,
more
tons
that, from some
are
produced, by a space of ground,
experimentsbe has
than
which not more
one
ton of farm-yard
looks forward to
Mtrnelf
performed,he confidently
upon
the time when
the manure
has been
for an acre of land shall
maniu-e
there
spread; and nevertheless
be contained in a quart bottle." This statement
is sufficient nourishment
left for several
is
crops
afterwards without any addition. I shall therefore
it not that
reallyalmost too absurd to refute,
were
the opinion appears to be gaining ground in some
shew
the manner
in which this relation is to be
stances,
circumparts of England. I trust therefore that my more
discovered,or at least point out some
liable to be overlooked,but
enlightenedreaders will excuse
which
are
for occupying
me
some
which are of the utmost
of such a
tigation
importance in any invesspace in proving the impossibility
In the firstplace the real
of the kind.
thingbeing accomplished. It must be evident to
all,who will take the trouble to think of the subject,
weight of dry organicmatter in a crop is extremely
"

that the

small in comparison to the weight of the crop itself;

weight of the crop must always bear
for instance 25 tons of globe turnipsare Ccil"
proportionto the weight of the organicmatter
in the soil for,of what do vegetables
culated to contain only two tons of solid matter,
consist ?
;
"Of
of which a part of course is salioe. Hence in that
water, organicmatter, and earthyparticles.
2 fi
some

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

36^

air. The best periodfor ploughing in green

farmers
in the neighbourhood of the sea.
crops
They
(providedother circumstances permit of it)is undoubtedly are, however, so
succulent and
mucilaginous that
when
the plantsare in iiower, as at this
their effects are by no means
lasting; even when
of sugar
periodthey contain the greatest quantity
placed in heaps and allowed to ferment,they produce
and mucilaginous matter ; and, moreover,
in the
but very littleheat ; in fact,
rather to

instance

of weeds, it prevents the possibility

of
of
propagatingtheir speciesby the scattering
their seed. The importance of allowingthis species
of manure
to ferment
in the ground,instead of in a
heap,is,that (in addition to the great saving of
labour) the slowness with which the decompositiou takes place, is supposed to tend
to
duce
promuch
soluble matter
and Jess gas than
more
when
it proceeds above ground. The paringsat
their

hedge roots, scouringof ditches,

pond-weeds, "c.,
be used in this

may

Rape-Cakehas

manner.

been

used witli great success

as a
this,lilcethe preceding,contains a large
quantityof vegetablematter, alreadyin a state capable

appear
They consist chieflyof water,
away.
mucilage,a small quantityof woody fibre,and saline
dissolve

of Sir Humphrey
; accordingto the analysis
Davy, nearlyfour-fifths was water, which
contained no ammonia, and consequentlythe plants
When
possess no azote.
fects
appliedto land,their effelt almost immediately,
are
as the mucilage
dissolves as soon
as the outer coveringof the plants
is destroyedby fermentation
; but from its soluble
nature, its effects are but slight,
and after the first
alkali they
year, are no longer perceptible.The
matter

contain

must
aI?o act as a chemical solvent,which
will hasten their consumption. It has been
posed
proto collect the sea-ware,
and dry it by spreading
of being dissolved in water, its composition
it like hay, by which
of course, nothing
means,
being mucilage, a large quantityof vegetablealbumen,but water
will be lost,and at the same
time, the
a little oil,and
bulk will be reduced to one-fifth,in which state the
woody fibre. It has the
the former of being much
advantage over
drier, author considers it to be a very valuable
manure,
and hence containing
in the same
far more
manure
and calculates that it can be procured and carted
bulk of material ; but, on the other hand, it is by
off"at half the
of straw.
This
I
manure

price
suggestion,
means
so
easilyproduced, and is much more
think, might probably be useful in some
of the
costly. It is chieflyused in fallow, before wheat, farming districts which are situated near the
sea,
and should be sown^ire*^
before its applicabut still not
tion
; and
close enough to use the ware
in its
should be kept as dry as possible,
as moisture
tresh state, as undoubtedly the manure
is a good
fermentation
readilycauses
to commence,
which, one as longas it lasts. The drying,also,will prevent
when
once
set
in, will undoubtedly proceed with
the decomposition
from takingplaceso rapidly,
unless
the
is
substance
dried.
rapidity,
carefully
as if appliedwhen
fresh.
And here we
the general remark, that
may make
Dry straiu of xvheat, barley, and other grain
all substances which contain
much
fluid,and more
crops, and spoiledhay, are always useful manures.
such as are composed of mucilage,sugar,
especially
Sir Humphrey Davy, in speaking of these,adheres
and other
soluble matters, should be used when
to the opinion which
pervades the whole of his
fresh.
perfectly
W'ork upon
AgriculturalChemistry,namely, that
Malt-Dust is mentioned
by Sir Humphrey Davy
they should be appliedfresh,and that if allowed to
as a good manure,
account
of the quantity of
on
ferment, a largequantity of nutritions matter is
I have not, however, been ensugar it contains.
abled
lost. As this is a point more
severelycriticised
to meet
with any particularaccount
of its
than any other stntementwhichhis
work
contains,
application
; of course, if used, it should be allowed
and as, moreover,
it is one of extreme
impoi-tance,
to ferment
in the soil. The
and
other
I
washings
shall here enter fullyinto the subject,and endeavour
refuse of distilleries,
I am
informed, are much
to reconcile, if possible,the exceedingly
used in some
to
parts of Ireland, as an application
discordant opinionswhich are entertained regarding
gi'ass lands,and their effects are stated to be very
it. To proceed, let us
state the question.
powerful. This, of course,
will depend upon all
Theorists say, all manures
should be appliedto the
the vegetablematter
which it contains being soluble,
soil as fresh as possible,
because,during the process
and therefore very probably absorbed at once,
of fermentation,
if allowed to proceed above
without undergoing any decomposition whatever.
valuable matter
is lost which would
ground, much
no

The

next
manure
shall mention, is one which
we
be applicable
in a few cases
only,on account
of the local nature
of its production; we
refer to
the rvater in which flax and he-myhave been steeped.
It is well known
that flax and hemp consist of the
woody fibres of these plants,and that one of the
firststeps in their manufacture
is the steeping of
the plantsin water, in order that the softer tissues
may ferment, and the ligneousfibre be thus freed
from the useless parts of the vegetable: of
course,
in which
therefore,the water
these plantshave
been steeped,becomes
fullycharged with soluile
and putrescent vegetablematter, and
consequently

otherwise

can

acts

powerfullyas

alreadycommenced.
to

must,

manure,

and

preparationwhatever,

no

has

dwell

much

of

be
course,
flax and hemp

It is not

moreover
as

quires
re-

fermentation

ever,
necessary, how-

as its use
upon this subject,
confined to those districts
cultivated.
are

where
Sea-ioeeds. All sea-shore plants,especially
those
which grow below highwater
and which belong

mark,

to the

families of Alga:and Fuci, "c.,

contain more
less mineral alkali (carbonateof
or
soda),and have longbeea used as manure
by the
natural

have

available

been

on
fa7'mers,

the

to the

crops.

tical
Prac-

contrary,maintain, that

perience
ex-

has

proved to them, that, unless the manure

is fermented
to a certain degree before it is
applied,it is not of half the value ; in fact,in many
instances it greatlyendangers the success
of the
How, therefore, can these be reconciled ?
crop.
On

careful examination
shall see, that here, as
we
difficulties will vanish when

elsewhere, all the

theoryandpracticeare brought jointlyto

the subject,in such
that the
a manner
correct

the other

questionat issue

; or,

is

in

other

words,

compromised,

so

as

bear upon
one

v/hen

shall
the

to suit the

time, not
purposes of the/armer, and at the same
contradict the statements
of the philosojjhcr.
In the
firstplace,we
take it for granted,that in all
may

theoryis opposed to sucsessfui2)racwill eventuallybe found to be at

evident that the knowledge
fault,for it is perfectly
of the true theory must
improve, instead of opposing
those practiceswhich time has shown
to be
successful.
the
most
i
n
before
case
Nevertheless,
in the theory,
us, there is nothingradically
wrong
but it has evidently
been carried too far ; in fact,

cases

where

tice,the former

ij

THE

366

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

of previouslyfermented^
dutig,
worked
the expression),attendingthe use
out, (if we
may use
tentionwill compensate for the loss sustained during its
a chemical
problem, without due atless
having been paid to the end in view ; preparation. All practicalfarmers will doubthere
in the affirmative; but even
answer
namely, the rendering of assistance to the farmer
the
be
cautious how
in his all-important
ve
generalize
operations.There is no doubt, we must
all times
at
Practical
for instance, that carbonic acid and
men
are
principle.
vaaqueous
ample,
fond
of
too
tion,
making general rules ; for exduring fermenta2)our, are given out in abundance
ment
farmers ferbefore us, most
and also in the case
in the case
of animal manures,
carmuch too
their dung to a certain extent, q/i^e"t
ionate
and
hydrosulphateof ammonia, s\\ oi which
nately,
then
in certain cases
of great importance to ])lants.far, and
are
apply it to all purposes indiscrimiBut it is not sufficient to
whereas
it is clear, that the necessityof
prove a fact scientifically,
and at once
apply it to practice,
for,unfortunately, fermentation, holds good only in those cases
quired
immediate
such is the imperfect state of science at present,
where
an
supply of nutriment Is refallow is manured,
when
and
a
that there is scarcelya singleinstance where
consequently,
some
;
is ploughed in with
the manure
when
modification is not
the two
or
when
are
it has been

as

required,

brought

bear upon each other. For example,

in the case
in question,it is not sufficient to discover
that some
of the value of the manure
is lost
to

during fermentation,and
at

that

once

must

in consequence,
to argue
be applied fresh ; wo
that by so doing the farmer
in addition,
mamire

should

prove
will not injure his interests in any other way ;
that, when
it will serve
all his purposes
so applied,
well as when
as
ever,
previouslyformented. This, howshall not be able to do, for the following
we
What

reasons.

to

manure

such

for

his

manner

the farmer

wants

land, is, 1,
that

it shall be

cropping, and hence,

be already prepared

when

he

to enrich the

in

immediately fitted

jmrt of his

applies
land

manure

the stubble in autumn,

much
This
"

in

for
preparation

the

next

in a
strong soils.
state, especiallyon
fact has been well illustrated in a paper on
of applying manure,"
method
by Mr.
new

year's green

crop,

the

may

manure

be used

fresher

Leeds, which appeared

of this journalin 18367.
in British
The
same
plan is likewise mentioned
Husbandry, in the Library of Useful Knowledge,
it recommends
under
the article Manure, where
to be laid on the stubble during
the fresh manure
winter, and the long straws raked off before the
Baker, of

Cottage, near

Nassau

volume

in theGth

springploughing. It has been remarked, however,

in
manure
raw
that the practiceof ploughing-in

for the next year'scrop,

autumn,
as
preparative
dered
use, namely, renwill not
answer
on
light soils, as in this case a
appliedmust be in
is lost ; in fact I
such a condition as to be easily
large quantity of the manure
incorporatedwith the
have
been informed by an excellent authorityupon
soil,by the subsequent operationof tillage and
such subjects,that nearly double the quantity in
consequentlymust be in such a mechanical state, as
effect
such soil is required to produce the same
not to interfere with these operations.Now
it has
fermented
been proved scientificaily.first,
that when
applied in this way, as when
vegetable when
above
immediately before
of animal
matter, and stillmore
ground, and ploughcd-in
a mixture
so, when
This I presume
must
the
depend
and vegetable matters, are
in
springsowing.
a
to
exposed
heap
of such
the jointaction of air and
soil,by permitting
moisture,the temperaupon the open texture
ture
rises ; chemical
soon
changes take place; rapid fermentation and allowing the gaseous parts
to be
and likewise the soluble matters
to escape,
part of the oxygen, hydrogen,and carbon, go off in
the form of aqueous vapour ,di.x\A
washed deep into the soil as soon
as they are
carbonic acid ; and at
duced.
prohow
to compromise
the same
Thus
at once
time a part of the remainder
see
we
is rendered
the question,and we
consequently leave it in the
soluble, either in the form of humin or some
such
loss
combination
been
; but, secondly, it has
proved following position,namely that undoubtedly
of manure
is sustained by allowing fermentation
that when
these materials,instead of being heaped
to take
with mineral
place before it it is appliedto the land ;
ter,
matup, are spread out, and mixed
than
compensated for,
when
as
ploughed into the soil,the changes but that this loss is more
take place much
by the peculiaradvantages of fermented dung in.
more
slowly ; and lastly,it has
ment
immediate
been
all cases
where
an
supplyof nourishconjectured,but by no means
proved, that
the other hand, that in
when
those
is required. But on
changes take place in the soil,more
must

soluble. 2, The

for

substance

soluble matter,

and

less gas,

is formed,

and

con-

that the effects upon

seqiicntly
vegetablesare more
powerful. Let us compare
notes
ject
The first obof the farmer is to have
ment
supply of nourish-

those
months

cases

in

where
the

the

is to remain

manure

soil before

the

seed

is
much

some

sown,

it

fresher
unquestionablybe appliedin a
mentation
ferin this instance, incipient
state, although even
be useful, by rendering it capable
in a fitstate for immediate
may
use
; but this can
under
the
of being kept up with greater facility,
only be obtained by fermentation ; and in the
in which
the masoil fermentation
circumstances
nure
takes place very slowly; consequently, disadvantageous
mixed
with soil. I do not,
when
is placed,when
fresh manure
is applied, the
wish it to be supposed,
seeds
have
chance
of having to wait
however, by any means
a
for
their food ; and
that I consider the questionas settled,far from it ;
it is generallyan
moreover,
knowledged
acof
is merely a representation
the above
statement
fact,with reference to all chemical
the case
it at ju-esentstands ; but obviously a
as
of matter
masses
changes, which
undergo, that
these changes proceed much
especially
more
rapidly,after great deal has yet to be learned, more
they are once fairlycommenced, than in the first with regard to the science of the subject. We
instance.
must
return, however, to the consideration of the
Again, fermentation softens and breaks
down
individual nuintn-es.
long-straws, "c., which
would
otherwise
would
Fibre.
At firstsightone
Mere
make the husbandry extremely foul. This objecWoody
tion,
in fact, presented itself to Sir Humphrey
be inclined to ask When
is mere
woody fibre ever
consider
if we
But
a
Davy, and to obviate it,he proposes the straw
employed as a manure?
to
at least,which
be chopped before it is spread.
find two
substances
shall
we
'J'heproper queslittle,
tion
to consist chiefly,
for discussion, therefore,is not
have been proposedas manures,
merely, as
have seen, whether
we
if not solelyof this chemical
compound, I refer
fermentation
is accompanied
Both of
with loss : but whether the extra advantages to the refuse of the tan-pit,and piaU
:

should

"

"

FARMER'S

THE
these contain littleor

besides

substance

no

the

have removed
all the solnl)Ie matter
from
which he emploj's in his manufacture
;
and the lon^ continued
has had
action of water
the same
effect upon
remember
we
peat. When
that the prime objectof manuring, is to supply the
plantwith organicmatter in such a state as to be
capableof being dissolved in water, we must at
is
this manure
once
perceive that, theoretically,
of the worst
one
altered
possiblekinds, if used in an untanner

the bark

has long ago proved

condition,and practice

the

fact ; for

same
"

bark

I\Ir.Arthur
luable
Young, in his vaManure,"
states, that "spent

on
Esfiai/

rather
assist vegetato injure than
seems
tion
;" and it is well known that no plantcan grow

in soil where
of peaty
there is an
accumulation
Mr. Young supposed that the injurious
the
nature
of tanners' spent bark, depended upon
phrey
that it contained
matter
astringent
; but Sir Hum-

matter.

has

Davy

that

shewn,

the

to

processes

which the bark is

soluble matter, and

subjected,free it entirelyfrom
that the injuriousaction most
probably depends upon the bark having a great
time
atti-actionfor fluids, and at the same
being
impervious to the roots of vegetables. On this
would
absorb the sothe bark
luble
account, therefore,
parts of the

soon

as

deprivethe

and thus

manure,

plantsof their food

it

as

prepared

was

for them.
Even
Sir Humphrey Davy, therefore,
mented
allows that mere
ivoodiifibre requiresto be fersince from
before being used as manure;
the absence of all mucilaginous,saccharine, and
other soluble mattei's, there is littleor no tendency
be
this must
to decomposition,
and consequently
of doing
brought about artificially
; the best mode
which, is either to mix it with a quantityof hot
lime, or to follow the plan proposed by Lord

Meadowbank,
The

of

farm-yard manure.
being dependent
at one
if putrefaction
commences
it will undoubtedly
organic matter

mixing

it with

of this latter method

success

quick-limein France, and sold in the

the name
of
dry powder, under
in which
with the
poudreite,''
state it is sown
seed in the same
mixture
manner
as
rape-cake; the adof lime is merely to
able
prevent the disagree-

form

of

"

odour

which
this substance otherwise
sesses.
posexist many
prejudicesagainst the
of
this
use
but it is needless
trulyvaluable manure,
to say that these are
without
foundation.*
entirely
The other speciesof excrement
which have been
used as manure,
those produced by the various
are
birds and animals which
ticated
are
kept in a domesstate.
These have been found to he of very
different degrees of power
most
valuable is
; the
: this, however,
supposed to be that of thejnffeon
can
of these
only be used where great numbers
birds are kept. It is stated to contain 23 per cent,
of soluble matter
when
quire
recent, and hence will reno
preparation before it is used. The next
in order is the cleaningof poultry houses ; this is
is produced
very similar to the last,and of course
in much
of
greater quantity. A
good method
would
using these manures,
probably be, to foim
them
into compost
with earth, dry leaves,"c. ;
There

thus imitatingthe
process which goes on in woods
the soil is
frequentedby the wild pigeon, where
found to be peculiarlyrich and valuable.
Of the
excrementitious
matters
produced by the various

domesticated
animals, that of the rabbit is stated to
it is liable to
the most
valuable ; but of coui-se
the same
mentioned,
objectionsas those above
namely, the small quantityin which it is generally
procured. Some farmers, however, havegoneso
far as to
to keep rabbits
say, that it is profitable
for the sake of their manure
; this,however, must
be under very peculiarcircumstances.
Of the remaining
of this order, that of the sheep,
manures
horse, and swine, are generallyconsidered more
It is needless,
powerful than that produced by coics.
however, to enter fullyinto the consideration
be

that
upon the fact,
pointof a heap of
spread through

of all

to the action

this class of

In reference
the whole mass.
shall say
of lime upon peat, "c., we
nothingat present,as this will be fullytreated of
when we consider the mixed manures.
It is generallyallowed
Manures.
(2.)Animal
than those
that these requirefar less preparation,
derived from the vegetablekingdom, since they
"

have
hence

much
of course

in

order

these,

nearly the
in

taken

whole

of them

power.
substances

other

act

in

pretty

ences
only with slightdifferThe
composition of all

manner,

their

is the debris of the food

rious
up with bile and va-

animals, mixed

the

by

the

as

same

matters.

Urines.
These are all very powerful manures,
but it is curious
enough that, with one exception,
"

they

are

all improved by putrefaction. The

using them
umloubteillyis, to have

tendency to putrefy, and

do not requireto be heaped together
produce this effect ; besides their

stables,"c.,

interfere

accumulate,

greater

567

pared with

mere

woody fibre ; for example, the operationsof

MAGAZINE.

of

way

carried

so

cjnstructed

that

best
the

all the fluid parts

into
and

underground tasiks,where
they
either be raised by a pump
can
with the various
operationsof tillage. and appliedin the liquidform, or, which is probamaterially
bly
the better plan when
vertheless
circumstances will permit
They are comparativelyseldom used alone,but neof it,the tanks may
be filled with porous
earth,
require consideration here, in order
the vegeto-ani- and the whole
that the subsequent remarks
will then form
an
upon
exceedinglyrich
The
be more
mal composts
fullyunderstood.
may
compost : probably peat might be advantageously
mechanical

to

is seldom

form

chief of them

are

"

such

as

the various kinds

to

of excrement,

urine,hair, woollen rags, feathers, dead animals,

blubber, and horn. *
fish,
is
Of the various kinds
of excrement, night-soil
by far the most valuable. This substance has been
mix
it with onelong used by the Chinese, who
third of its weight of marl, and dry it in cakes
by
exposure
void
*

to the

sun.

These

cakes

of all disagreeable
smell.

Bones

are

are

said

to be

It is likewise

often enumerated

among

animal

prenures,
ma-

justifysuch
certainly
an
arrangement, but from the largeproportionof
earthyand saline matter they contain, they will be
and

more

ed
.

their

originwould

treated of,under
conveniently
manures.

the head of mix-

are

used

for this

this
valuable.
have

been

In

purpose.

manure

is

whatever

applied,it

in ammoniacal

It abounds

supposed

ever,
howway,
is at all times most

to

be the

cause

salts,which
jurious
of their in-

action when
fresh, as it has been proved
solutions of these sails, unless extremely

that

dilute,act injuriously
upon

plants; this,however,
increases
hardly be the cause, as putrefaction
instead of diminishing the quantity of ammonia.
The one
exceptionwhich I mentioned is the urine
is stated
of the
by all practical
sheep, which
can

farmers

to act as
it is not easy

Now,
*

manure

to

as

Animalized carbon appears

to this substance.

powers

as

it is formed.

how

this should

soon

understand

to owe

its fertilizing

THE

368

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

differfi'om all otlierkinds of urine ; but with the

yieldingnourishment to all kinds of vegetables.
And
farmers
in its favour, it would
itself
this manure
recommends
practically,
while to have the pointcarefully to the farmer, 1, Because
it is necessarily
duced
proin considerable
to explain it.
all farms
examined
into, before we endeavour
quantitiesupon
Rags*,Feathers, "c., are all where stock is kept ; 2, Because from this circumstance,
Hair, Vv'oollen
when
it is evident that none
valuable manures,
of the crops
they can be procured in
the farm
sufficient quantity. All woollen rags are carefully consumed
on
be considered as lost ;
can
and 3, Because
collectedby the inhabitants of the South of France,
experience has long ago shewn
that no manure
for the ])urpose of burying them
is so generallyuseful.
at the foot of
It is needless to atteruptto state the composition
their olive-trees. Their composition appears to be
,
of a substance
be of necessityso
which
must
They decompose
chieflygelatineand albumen.
various ; a few practical
much
remarks
will be, therefore,
more
slowlythan the generalityof animal

testimony of all
be worth
certainlj'

"

and, consequently, will probably

manures,

useful in those
cases
peculiarly
of nitrogen is required during
sii])ply

finind

where
the

be
a

latter

growth of a crop, as for example in

This
wheat.
subject I shall revert to when
to
various
speaking of the applicationof manure
In the manufacturing districts the refuse
crops.
part of

the

all that

1 shall introduce here.

In the firstplace,
it will be evident to all that the value of this
will differ greatlyaccordingto the relative
manui-c
importance of its different ingredients; as, of
since animal matters
course,
produce the greatest
quantity of soluble nourishment, the greater the
the
more
proportion of this class of substances
useful will the compound prove.
Again, it has
been shewn that the period at which
it is applied
influences greatly its beneficial effects ; for if

different woollen
factories will be extremely
useful in this respect.
The former of these
Dead
Fish.
Aniaials
and
allowed to rot away
to the
until it is reduced
are
very seldom used by the farmer, althoughit is
state of a soft,dark, unctuous
not
evident that they v.'ould be extremely useful. Sir
retaining
mass,
Humphrey
Davy very properly proposes, that
any remains of vegetablestructure, it can be easily
shewn
disease or accident should
that more
die from
than one-half of itsmoat valuable
animals which
ever,
lost.
constituents have been
The remarks, how(afterhaving the skin removed) be covered with
ject
vvhich we
of soil mixed
this subfive or
six times their bulk
have alreadymade
with
upon
of fermentation will,of course, apply here. It
lime, and allowed to decompose for some
months,
is stated in the Library of Uiseful Knowledge, in
"when the whole
will be found to constitute a rich
of the

"

the article on British Husbandry, that the manure

the disagreeablesmell of which
;
may
of fat beasts is much
valuable than that of
more
prevented, by mixing lime with it when about
The
of slaughter-houses lean cattle : this will very
refuse
to be turned.
probably be the case,
and, of course,
depends upon the food with which
might be advantageouslyemjdoyed in this manner.
Dead fish have been long known
the animals have been supplied. Thus, ten carts
as a very powerful
fed with oil-cake, were
of dung from
animals
manure
however, are liable to
; they of course,
the objectionalreadystated, namely, the difficultyfound
from
those fed upon
equal to sixteen
with which
tuations.
turnips. From this fact, therefore,it would appear
they are procured,except in certain sithis
When
that, in experimenting with
employed,they must be mixed with
necessary,
should pay attention to the food with
soil and appliedfresh, care
we
manure,
being taken not to use
been
which the animals have
too
supplied during its
great a quantity,as they are very liable to
in the crop ; their effects are
more
produce rankness
production. Much
might be said regarding
The
of dung-heaps ;
lelt for many
refuse of the fish- the formation
and management
years.
but this would involve us too much
in pure practimarkets, and that of fishing-villages,
cal
ought on
to be carefullycollected, and
this account
made
farming.

compost

be

valuable manure,
Guano, a most
in the South Sea Islands,
in beds of
to sixtyfeet thick, has been
fifty
analyzed
by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, and found to have a
composition similar to the dung of sea-birds.
This will account
for its value, as in that case
it
will consist chiefly
of the debris of fishes,
mixed
with
the ordinaryconstituents of the
UP
dung of
birds.
into

compost.

which
from

treat of

W'q shall next

mineral

"c.

manures,

occurs

THE
To

Joseph

CORN

LAWS.
Esq., M.P.

Home,

Horn
and
both very useful maare
Sir, I find that you, and your colleagues,the
nures,
Anti-corn-law
they can be procured ; they both are
Delegates,"c., fearinga complete
composed almost entirelyof animal substances, defeat in your warfare against the landlords and
capable of being rendered soluble in water during farmers, propose now
to enlightentheir minds
by
and
at the same
time
are
and argument
in such a
be it so
but why
putrefaction,
the use of reason
.state that decompositiongoes on slowlj'.We
of ])ioceedingadopted in the
not this mode
now
was
to the consideration of by far the most
come
portantfirst instance, instead of intimidation, threats of
imof all speciesof manure,
namely,
force,and low abuse .'' Instead of calling
physical
Animal
selfish monopolizers," and
the
the landlords
(3.) The
or
those
Vegetomanures,
which
contain a mixture of animal and vegetable farmers
?"
After
a set of ignorantchaw-bacons
substances.
These
are
chiefly the different this,you must
expect the farmer to listen to you
Blubber

"

when

"

"

"

"

varieties of stable-manure, "c., which are known

the
under
of ^^ farm-yard dung." This,
name
from
its abundant
other
production, and many
is beyond doubt
causes,
by far the most valuable
manure

at

valuable

in

known.

For

example, it is
scientific point of view, because,
a
being a mixture of animal and vegetablematter,
it ferments
easily,supplies a large quantity of
soluble matter, and from its nature is capable of
present

with

some

distrust,and to say, " timeo Danaos

If,however, you can show that

ferentis."

et dona

have truth and justiceon your sido (which I

doubt) you will succeed eventually.I am a farmer
myself,and therefore 1 naturallyfeel interested in
the questionof a restricted,
or a free,trade in corn.
I claim protectionfor land and its cultivators,on
of its extra
thens;
burtwo grounds ; first,on
account
with other classes,
and secondly,in common

you

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

generalsystem of protectionwhich exists,

justlyso, to prevent the certain destruction
of almost all home
(withfree foreigncompetition)
producers,who use machinery only partiallyor
that the cotton
aware
not at all. I am
spinners
ever
now
propose to abolish all protectingduties whatnot surprisedat it,for to them they
; and I am
of comparativelylittlevalue,because
are
theyhave
in a great degree superseded the use of dear manual
labour, by cheap working machinery ; which
be done in agriculture,
in most
other
never
can
or
of industry. On
branches
the whole, you
can
hardly expect that general free trade can be permitted,
whatever
be urged in
plausibilities
may
Should twenty-four millions of
supportof it.
people be prevented from dealingwith the whole
world ? (says Dr. Bowring) that is the question."
No such thing !
The
question is, whether
they
should be permitted to buy foreign commodities
sumers)
dutyfree,and thereby escape altogether(as con-

include

369
the effectproduced by Peel's

in the

you

and

restoring the ancient standard of money

(which
was
sequence
always expected, 'tissaid,as the certain con-

in
Bill,

of peace),I do not see how

this could
have been done, except in wiping off nearlyhalf of
the public debt, or by a virtual reduction of it in
standard j for neither of which, do
adopting a new
I think, you were
But let that pass.
advocate.
an
"
The
House
(you say) took the most fatal step of
"
laws of 1815,"
If they
all,by passing the corn
which
had adopted that course
wisdom
and policy
pointed out, the landed interest (you think) would
have
What
pursued a very different course."
/ say, instead of corn,
do you suppose ?
course
"
other
and
laws, and
restrictions,
monopolies,
rency
everything should have been free, and the curfixed by such a standard as would
have kept
at something like the value in which twomoney
thirds of the debt, and all privateengagements had
been
contracted.
(HereinI agree with Colonel
the repayment
Instead of this.
direct,Torrens in his late pamphlet.)
of that tax, direct or inwhich they could not excape, when
buying Sir R. Peel's eloquence prevailed,and his Bill has
of more
of the home
been productiveof more
sive
exteninjustice,
producer,who bad before paid it in
advance.
No person can deny that all taxes, whedistress and ruin, than
ther
any other law ever
direct or indirect,should
him for it ? \Vhy
be borne
by all passed. Why do you not censure
classes of the community, in exact
do you spare him .' he never
spares you. And now.
proportion to
of paying ; but how
their means
Sir, let me ask how you, and other political
this be semists,
econocan
cured
and ruin has been
under our present system of taxation,if we
knowing what injvistice
have a free trade in everything? Protection then,
of raising the value of money,
the consequence
in some
can
shape or other,is justand necessary, however
propose free trade, unaccompaniedby any other
which would
difficultit may be to apportion it equitably. change '
A measure,
cause
certainly
Our
of 25 or 30 per cent., and
corn
a further rise in money
laws, and other restrictive laws, may
the productiveclasses.
their intended purpose tolerablywell ; but
answer
a correspondingpressure on
It is idle to expect that free trade alone, without
they are all objectionableon this ground that
to the
theyleave those of our manufacturers who depend
any other change, would restore prosperity
"
the export trade,exposed to great difficulty
industrious
It is one
classes.
and the
on
same
in
the competition,in a foreign market.
incubus upon all the proA drawback
cause, weighing like an
ductive
interests of the state ; and it is vain for
might perhaps remedy this evil ; but a better
each class,selfishly,
to seek
relief;a remedy for
of
way, by far,would be, to equalizethe burthen
the evil can
taxation ; to abolish East,and West, India, Banksure,
ing,
only be obtained by one general meashall in its operationgive relief,at
and all other monopolies to establish an
which
the same
free trade in corn,
and
time, to all the productive classes of the
entirely
everything and
to give the necessary protectionto all the produccommunity, agricultural,
trading,and commercial."
tive
It has
been
asserted in public lately you. Sir,
classes,
by a suitable standard of money ; so
/enow mhere, and by whom
that the labouring poas to keep the price of wheat,
at, or below, the
pulation
of the last ten years, and all commodities
of England was, at present,^
rable,
misemore
average
and worse
at proportionateprices. And
try
such
paid than that of any other counpricesbeing
in Europe ;" but the fact is, that agricultural
onlynominally higher than on the continent,and
bullion,or metallic,prices,beingat the same
level, wages in England are always nearlythree times as
abroad and at home, the balance between
foreign high as on the continent, and the expense of living
than
and home
one-third
be restored; and our
would
(in common
years) is little more
industry,
be under
bear
no
export trade would
disadvantage. higher ; manufacturing wages, I presume,
Let Dr. Bowring procure
the same
ty-four
proportion. It was maintained also, by
this,and then his twenmillions of peopleneed not be " prevented the same
time and place,
person, at the same
from dealingwith the whole world."
that England was
the most
The
friends
lightlytaxed of all
of agriculture
have been asked on what terms
they the corn growing countries in Europe."* Also, it
would
was
asserted,that the landed interest had received
surrender,and permit free trade. These
are
terms ; considering it to be a question the exclusive protectionof the legislature."All
my
this may, for aught I know, suit the meridian
of
the non-productive and the
between
chiefly
ductive
proclasses : I do not expect any such arrangement
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

thing
present, but sure I am, that without somelike this,a perfectly
free trade in everything,
in corn
even
out
take place,withalone, can never

at

or

producing such

enhancement
in the value
of money,
would
ruin half the owners
as
of land,
and other real
property, almost all the productive
and cause
in this country.
classes,
a convulsion
I well knew
that you had always " advocated
a
free trade in corn,''but I was
that you
not aware
ever
were
advocate
also of "a
an
free trade in
every article of consumption ;" nor of *' a reduction
in the expenses of the country, correspoLding
with the natural change which
took
at the

* Mr.
gave a
Cayley,in his reply to Mr. Villiers,
list of twenty-fffiur
European states,with the proportion

of debt per head, thus

England

an

place

conclusion of the war."

If in the "natural

change,"

Netherlands
Rome
France
Bavaria
Sicilies
Prussia
Austria
The
The

"

"32

23

5
2

19
16

2
2

7
7

7
6

2
0
9
Saxony
three shillings
to "1
183.
rest varying from
States of America,Sweden, and land
SwitzerUnited

havisgQO debts.

FARMER'S

THE

370

farmer will never

the " ignorant"
absurdities.
At a late meeting of the Anti-corn-law
Delegates
Mr. Whitmore
is said to have advised, that " no
false statements, no
exaggeration," should be
not without reason.
used ; trulythis was
I am. Sir,your obedient servant,
March 25i/i,
A Farmer.

MAGAZINE.
and which he virtually
admits,
fiercely,

cockneyism,but

tacks

swallow

but seeks to avoid by a bold assertion,

in making
which he must presume greatly
upon the ignorance
of
of his readers. Observing
the remarks

such

so

upon

the

be
position

whose
writer,

seeks to

the author of the article in the

overthrow,

Journal
Qnarterlj/

of Ag7'iculture
says
"

"

criticseems
to be of the pernicious
involved in his peremptory answer
of
smooths down a 1
decidedlynot,'he, nevertheless,
ON
DRY
SUBSOIL-PLOUGHING
littleof its asperity
by imagininga reason for it that
thousands of acres
exist which may
not want
draining.
LAND.
'
Thousands of acres'he immediatelyadds,' which may
of the Qiiarterlj/
Journal of not (hedoes not say do not, but only assumes, may not)
In the last number
ing
he essentially
want
improved by breakdraining,
may
is raised as to the benefit of
a question
Agriculture
is
the substratum ; (the subsoil we
presume
up
land
been
has
which
subsoil ploughingon
not
meant) as for instance,hard chalks and sharp gravels.'
drained,and the writer animadverts
previously
That tiiereare thousands of acres scatteredin detached
have affirmed that land
strongly
patches over the country, which reallyand truly do
upon those who
but that there are
is very possible,
will be benefited by the use of the subsoil plough, not want
draining-,
which do
in one place,
hundred contiguousacres
one
underalthoughit may not have been previously
would not be the better for
not want
that is,
draining,
drained,and quotes Mr. Smith, of Deanston, as
vation
is an assertionwhich a pretty extensive obserdraining,
of that proin support of the negative
an authority
position.
of the face of the country will not permitus to
It too frequently
happens in literarybelieve."
of
that in the effortto obtain a victory
"
That
there are not one hundred
disputation,
acres
Unconscious

as

our

consequences

'

contiguous

words, truth,wliich should ever be the object in one place,

that
which do not want
draining,"
soughtin argument, is lost sightof. There does
is,would not be the better for draining"" is a
in our
not exist a doubt
mind, that the proposistartle
tions,
which will,we feel persuaded,
proposition
without
underthat
subsoil ploughing
of our readers.
They will,we have
very many
"

"

and that " subsoil ploughdrainingis beneficial,"

ing
without under- drainingis not beneficial,"
are
both equally
true accordingto the circumstances
the operationis performed. The
tinder which
and
land which Mr. Smith,of Deanston, occupies,

doubt,agree with

no

us

could make

who

in

thinkingthat

such

the individual
has but

statement

dom.
knowledge of the surface of tliiskingis
experience
As, however, a littlepractical
worth a great deal of theory and argument, we
when
reference is so frequently
made
to which
soil
shall pointthe firstinstance of the benefit of subthis subject
is discussed,
culated
under
beingof a character calhas come
on
a dry soil which
ploughing
a

limited

surface water, therefore needs

about six years since Sir
It is now
notice.
our
it is in reference to such soilsthat
invented a subsoil-plough,
Edward Stracey,Bart.,
Mr. Smith asserts that drainingshould precede which is known by the name
of " The RackheaUi
of the former
as the execution
and description
subsoil-ploughing,
of which an
to retain

and
draining,

Plough;"

have the
operationwithout the latter,would
artificialpan for retaining
effect of creating
an
a
of
portion
Tun

which

the water

would

otherwise

have

afforded to
to the additional facility
simply
the water to percolate
but the
to the drains,
through
that the subsoil
is dailygrowingstronger,
opinion
be much
improvedin fertility
by being
may

moved,

and

to

certain

degreesubjectedto the
and also that as
atmosphere,

effect of the air and

has

been

ground has
enabled
derive a
conceive

to

shown
been

in many

instances

dug deep,the

penetratemore

deeplyinto

of nutriment.
larger
portion
of the
statement
a general

from

when

the

roots of

plantsare
the soil,
and
This

is,we

benefit anticipated

of The Farmer's

the seventh volume

Magazine.
This

vantage
off the surface. But in soils of this kind the adof subsoil ploughingafter drainingis not

confined

engraving

in
appeared

invented

was
subsoil-plough

cially
espe-

tage
advanfor,and employedwith the greatest

of four
upon a dry soil. After an experience
years, beingconvinced of the benelit derived by its
sent a model
Straceyliberally
use, Sir Edward
to the Messrs. Ransome, in order that the agricultural

might reap
public

the

advantageof his

tion,
inven-

has
that the Messrs. Ransome
It should also be
since made
several of them.
observed
that this ploughis equallyefiicient in
and

we

know

heavy clay
subsoil-ploughing

T/ie

In

lands.

Bury Post of the 23rd March, there is

an

article

from which
and subsoil-ploughing,
draining
in support of
the followingextract

on

take

after draining.
The
ploughing
views :
nominated
ploughing
may thereforebe deScotland

we
our

subsoil

"

benefit of subsoil

"

threefold

"

as
first,
to
affording
facility

the escape of the surface-water into the drains ;

secondly,improvingthe character of tne subsoil ;
and thirdly,
to peneenablingthe roots of plants
trate

deeperin
comes

the

search

question,
may

beneficialto lands which

of nutriment.
not

do

in the two last modes, that

and
character of the subsoil,

Now

then

"

'

subsoil

be
i)lougliing
nearly500 acres of lieath-land with this plough; my
not require
draining,crops liave been almost doubled,the wheat produced
fine,
is,by improvingthe on tlie land so broken up lias been plump and
lbs. per bushel,and has fetched the best
by enabhng the roots weighing63^
before the deep ploughing,
the

ment
plantsto penetratedeeperin search of nutriwiiich the
? This is in reality
the question
writer in the Qnurterlij
Journul ofAgriculture
vX-

of

has taken the lead in this improvement,"

folk
drainingand subsod-ploughing)"but Nor"(that is,
indeed,the
is fast treadingin her steps. Hitherto,
has chieflybeen confined to our hard,
subsoil-plough
land,where it is scarcely
gravelly,or chalky-bottomed
served
less efficaciousthan on wet clays. Sir E. Straceyobin a letter to the writer, I have broken up

pricein
the

same

wheat

so

at it.'"

market; wlien,

land scarcely produced the seed, and the

that nobody would look
poor and shrivelled,

THE

ESSAY

AN

ON

SOILS
\\iiicH
IN

SIMPLEST

MODE

EASIEST

To

THE

FARMER'S

OF

MAGAZINE.
taken

few inches under the surface,

and in different
formity,
unimuch
a field. If there appears
the portions may
be mixed, in order to
have the average qualityof the soil should there be
;
a visible difference between
and another,
one
portion
which
is often the case,
each may
be analysed

AND

Prize

of

Twenty

December, 1838,
Society,to the

by

ANALYSING

Pounds
the

was

English

parts of

THE

371

ded
awar-

cultural
Agri-

separately.

A portion of the earth to be analysed

is dried in
the sun
or near
a
fire,until it feels quitedry in the
A.M., Vicar of Winkfield, Berks.
hand.
It is then reduced to powder bv the fingers,
or
it on
deal board with a wooden
a
by rolling
It is presumed that the object of the
but not
to
English roller,so as to separate the particles,
in offeringa prizefor the best
grind them : any small stones above the size of a
Agricultural
Society,
of the cheapest and simplestmode of anabe taken out.
account
If these form a considerable
lysing
pea must
soils,is to encourage farmers unacquainted part of the soil,their proportionmust be ascertained
with chemistryto make
experiments on soils of by weight ; their nature and quality
may be afterward 3
known
examined.
This beinga very simpleoperation,
with
and
fertility,
others, in
comparing them
order to discover the circumstances
which
Where
chiefly obrious to the sight,need not be described.
influence fertility,
and the means
by which less fertile the stones and pebbles are evidentlyaccidental,
soils may be improved.
they may be overlooked, as having littleinfluence
The writer of the following
the fertility.
The dry earth,cleared from stones,
on
Essayhas no expectation
that the little light which
his experience should be accurately
weighed ; and it is convenient
enables him to throw
of grains,as, 1000,
to take some
this subject should be
on
determinedquantity
Rev.

W.

L.

Riiam,

ments
thoughtworthy of a prize,even if no better mode of 500, or 2.50,accordingto the accuracy of the instruThis portionshould be put into a
at hand.
analysingsoils should be offered by men fully
acquainted
shallow earthen or metal vessel,and heated over
with all the mysteriesof chemistry. But
the
furnish hints to those who
as it may
it with
fire,or a lamp for about ten minutes,stirring
interested
are
in the progress of scientificagriculture,
a chip of dry wood
he ventures
not be so great
: the beat should
to describe a
then be allowed
It may
soils, as to discolour the wood.
very simple mode of analysing
which he has found useful in practice,
to cool, and be weighed again; the loss of weight
if not so absolutely
remained
which
which are recommended
uncombined
as those
perfect
by indicates the water
chemical writers.
after the soil appeared quitedry. This is the first
to be noted.
will allow that,beEvery practicalagriculturist
sides thingThe power
of retaining
climate,exposure, and other local circumstances,
water, without any external
the fertility
of a field dependsmore
the
on
appearance of moisture, is greatest in humus,
_

in clay,both of which readilyabsorb it from

division of the component parts of the
next
the atmosphere; carbonate
of lime does so in a less
to water, than on the
affinity
absolute proportionsof the simpleearths of which
degree,and siliceous sand least of all. This
it is composed.
and is ver3'moisture occupiesthe pores of the soil,
Thus, a sandv or siliceous soil,of
which the particles
which is combined
with
are
extremely minute, readily different from the water
diffused through water, and slowlydeposited,
clayas a part of its subst-ance,and to which it owes
approaches
its ductility:
for when
this last is expelled by a
of a clay-loam,
to the nature
beingretentive
of water, and binding in
and approaches
drying. The hard particles great heat the clayloses its quality,
of argillaceous
Pounded
brick will not bind
of sand.
to the nature
calcareous stones, on the other
or
with water
reduced to a fine powder
hand, according to their size, have qualities
; and porcelain
very
of siliceous sand
has all the properties
in the soil.
siliceous gravel or sand, the chemical
to
analogous
of the soil,
The finer the division of the jiarticles
of the earths not coming into action,
properties
except
of absorbing and rethe greater will be its power
of other chemical
taining
by means
agents. But the
texture

and

and its consequent

soil,

water
arises from the
organicportionof the soil,which
claygreatly
; but in a soil where
dominates
prehard and
the lumps sometimes become
of animal
and vegetablesubstances,
so
decomposition
has the greatest influence on the fertility,
baked by the sun that the moisture cannot
fying
penetrate,
by modiand in this case
of absorptionis much
the effects of sand or clay,and furnishing
the power
the
in which there is a good
real nutriment of plants
Hence
loams
by its action with light,
heat, diminished.
air, and moisture.
It appears from this that the
proportionof humus have a greater power of absorption
chief object,
than the pure earths.
in a practical
Taking all circumstances
analysisof a
agricultural
it will be found that the soils
soil,is to ascertain the relative size of the particles into consideration,
of which it is composed, their chemical nature, their
which most readily
absorb moisture are also the most
and therefore it is importantto ascertain their
the quantityof organic fertile,
to moisture, and
affinity
matter intimately
of -absorption.
blended with the earths.
ventitious
power
Any adThis can be found by comparison. Equal portions
substances
which
influence the
may
dried as before,are placed in the
fertility
ought to be detected,if possible;but, of different soils,
unless these are in a sufficient
to produce a
oppositescales ol'a good balance, and left exposed
quantity
decided effect,
for some
time to a moist atmosphere. That which
theymay in generalbe neglected.
It must
he kept in mind
that it is not a chemical
preponderateshas the greatestpower of absorptionj
a
the degree is measured
nor
quired
by tlie difference of the acmineralogical
analysiswhich is attemptedto

be described

it is a mere
of the soil,
examination
weights.
be sufficient for the purposes of the
Another
important circumstance is the specific
farmer,and which the man of science may carry on
gravityof a soil. The different earths have very
to any extent
will only
different specific
and accuracy ; we
being lighter
; and humus
gravities
carry it
of the soil is a
so far as can
be followed by
mineral
than any
formation,
inof common
earth,the lightness
any man
indication of its richness, exceptingwhere this
however deficient in chemical knowledge. sure
We
of undecomproceed to the descriptionof the
we
lightnessis occasioned by an excess

which

may

process

recommend.

The

soil

to

be

examined

must

be

matter,
posed ?egetable

or

peat.

Humus,

when

is stopped with

lip for

small

In

contents.

cork fittedinto

the convenience
short time

of earth, which
What

remains

will be

there

in

iurther

the

water

it is

over

similar tube (No.2) :

of the humus,
in the
which will take some
hours
to be deposited
form of a liue brown
of the tube
mud.
The contents
No. 1 may now
added to
have
water
a little more

jiouredoff
g-ently

into another

this will contain

nearly the whole

reduced

to

wLicli beginsto
portion,

small

is finished
complete evaporation
and the
position
deas possible,
as slowly
evaporating-dish,

alumina.
principally

will be

suspended

it,and the other has

of pouring out tl)e

373

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

them

well shaken, the tube may be set

; after beingmains
upright,and left for half an hour to settle : what resuspendedin tliewater after this must be added

the humus
time this
in the tube No. 2. After some
will also be deposited; and the clear water
may be
decanted off. The mud which
remains is put on filall the
in a glass funnel, and, when
lering'-paper
to

turbid.

The

look
in

an

due
resi-

is the soluble
contained in the soil. It
m-atter
will be sufficientto dryand weigh this,as itsfurther
ledge
analysiswould requiremore skill and chemical knowthan

we

suppose

in the

operator.

Salts may

be

formed
in
by the taste, or by the crystals
the evaporation,
but, unless there is a decided saline
taste, tlie whole maybe considered as soluble humus,

detected

of the
fertility

and the immediate

on

the

of
quantity

soil dependsgreatly

it.

To recapitulate
what has been obtained, we shall
have the coarse
gritin sieve No. 1 ; the sand in Nos.
in the tubes Nos.
2 and 3 ; the fine earth separated
ing-paper
in tube No. 2 and on the filter1 and 3 ; the humus
"

; and

the soluble

parts in

the

evapoiating-

the fire, dish.

from it,it is dried over
All these substances must be well dried over
and weighed. This is the most
and each
done with the soil at first,
importantportionof the fire,as was
in the tube No.
the soil.* The fine earths deposited
weighed. The sum of them
separate pait accurately
jected
1 will consist of very fine particles
of sand, clay,and
portionof soil subought to be equal to the original
posited
driven
Avas
to
perhaps carbonate of lime. The sand will appear deanalysis after the water
with the most
in the bottom
The claymay be
of the tube.
oflf;but there always is a loss, even
it
it by stirring
above
diffused in the water
easily
experiencedanalyser. This loss will be principally
in the operain the finer parts, which are dissipated
with a small rod without reachingthe sand.
carefully
tion.
It may then be decanted oft"with tlie water into another

has drained

water

CNo. 3), and allowed to settle; this part

operationmay bo carried to a great degreeof
sults
perfectionby great care, and by examiningthe rewith a small microscope; but for
occasionally
all common
practicalpurposes it is sufficient to
earth from the mineral,and the
separate the vegetable
visible particles
of sand from the finer.
The
of No. 1 having been collected,
contents
as
tube

of the

well

as

those of No. 3, are

The

accurately
weighed.
earths which

remain

on

dried

over

the fire and

is done

same

with

the

the sieves.

fused
in which the earths have been difis collected and passed through
the fire in a comand then set over
mon
filtering-paper,
It is boiled away gentlyuntil it is
saucepan.
All the
and

water

washed

and which
The dark mud which is last deposited,
of a better name,
call humus, for want
contains no
doubt a considerable portionof extremely fine earth,
ble,
it red-hot in a cruciwhich may
be detected by heating*

we

have
is not yet completed
But
: we
the analysis
the sand, clay,and humus
; but there may
separated
of carbonate of lime, in the form of sand,
be a portion
-divided
finely

of

or

eaith mixed

with

the

other

ascertain this, each portion,

excepting
the humus, is put into a separate cup, and a little
muriatic
acid, diluted with four times its weight of
water, is poured on it. If there is any effervescence,
of lime ; diluted
it shows the presence of carbonate
earths.

To

cence
acid is then added gradually,
as long as the effervesthis ceases,
is renewed by the addition. When
acid taste, more
continues to have
and the water
an
is added, and each portionseparately
pure water
fihered,dried, and weighed. The loss of weight in
solved
of lime disof carbonate
each givesthe quantities
by the muriatic acid, and which has passed
The
with the water in the form of muriate of lime.*
collected,the result of
diflerent weightsbeing now

operations
may be set down.
in the
mineral substances
be many
There
may
is burnt and converted
matter
until all the carbonaceous
of analysingwill not detect;
which this mode
soil,
be accelerated
into carbonic acid g-as. This may
affect the fertility.
of these may materially
and some
by throwing-into the crucible small portionsof nitrate
there will be something to indicate
In most
cases
The oxysen
of ammonia.
of the nitric acid will unite
with the carbon, and the nitrogenand ammonia
flyofl" the presence of metals. Iron abounds in most soils :
when the quantityis considerable it will be detected
residuum but the mineral
in the form of gas, leaving'
no
into the water
earths and salts.But tlieor2:anicmatter being-destroyed by pouring a decoction of gall-nuts
its quantity
alone can be discovered.
has washed
the earih ; it will immediately
which
by this operation,
The vegetable matter, which givesthe soil its fertility,
The other metals
of a bluish dark colour.
become
all other circumstances
rious
apart, and which appears in vaof lime or
not of
occurrence.
the

Sulphate
frequent
soils ;
magnesia,are found in some
but the separationof them
can
only be effected by
with chemistry: they
those who are well acquainted
occur
fortunately
very seldom, and the placeswhere
For all
well-known.
they are found are generally
are

forms, according to
it lias undergoneand

the

degree

of

decomposition

the circumstances under

which

it

it in a
place, may be obtained by dissolving
of an acid.
it bj means
caustic alkali,
and precipitating
The
precipitatehas been named humic-acid or ulmicgetable
ucid,and has often been confounded with humus, or ve-

has taken

mould.

It is

no

doubt

component

part of

in the
pure and uncombined
real humus
is a very
The
earth, as far as we know.
forms,that
compound substance,and existsin so many
the experiments,which have hitherto been made, have
increased our
much
not
knowledge of it. It would be

humus

; but itis not

gypsum,

and also

practical
purposes

it is sufficient

to

ascertain the

found

the labour of some

of our greatest cliemiststo
under
the progress of vegetabledecomposition,
various circumstances, and to detect the regularchange
which takes placein the arrangement of the elementary

worthy

the

as

of ascertaining
It may be objectedto this mode
solve
of lime, that the muriatic acid will discarbonate
iron,and a. portiou,however small, of alumina,
of lime, and that the collecting
well as carbonate

sionally
componentparts" carbon,oxygen, hydrogen, and occadies,and is
nitrogen"as the livingveg'etable

of
exact measure
the carbonic acid evolved is a more
This may be admitted,
the quantitiesof the carbonate.
but we
repeat that we only propose a simple and easy
analysis,which will approximate to the truth,and not
We
a
more
hope some
perfect one.
by any means

in the
transformed into humus, when depositec4
gradually

perfect,and

earth.

those

trace

who

no

aie

less

simple,analysisAvillbe

masters

of the science of

invented

chemistry.

by

THE

374

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

of sand, clay,carbonate
proportion

of lime, and
accounted
for in the summing up of the separate
'
any soil contains.
parts.
If this mechanical
tain
Many soils which have been highlymanured conanalysis should be thought
of undecomposed vegetable
of by experiencedchemists, let them
substances, lightly
portions
only
and fibres of roots ; these will be found mixed with
carefully
analyse a portionof soil by this process,
the coarser
earths separatedby the sifting
ing
be: not
and then another by
pare
mode, and comperfect
any more
a part of the natural soil,
the importance
of the results,as regards
theyneed not be taken
practical
be separatedby
into the account;
but they may
The objectis to ascertain the proagriculture.
ductive
and
washing the earths,as they are much lighter,
of the soils ; and, for this purpose,
powers
decantations.
will come
the
Mrst
in
the separation
over
iii'
of the different earths is sufticient,
They may
be dried and weighed, and the quantityset down
in
the present imperfect
state of our
knowledge of the
the result,if it is desirable.
mysteriesof vegetation.
Some
The process which we have
described, simpleas
very barren sands, containing
very little
earth or humus, may readily
be known
it is,may yet be too tedious for the farmer who is desirous
argillaceous
of speedily
by the copioussandy depositwhich they rapidly
comparing different soils ; and we
when
diffused throughwater.
make
Good natural
will indicate a still simplermethod
of ascertaining,
loams are not so easily
strument
judgedof; but the preceding nearly,the compositionof a soil,and a simpleinmode of analysis
will in generaldetect their intrinsic
by which it may be done. Take a glass
value.
When
soil contains peaty matter, it is
a
tube,I of an inch internal diameter,and 3 feetlong;
easilydiscovered by the irregularblack particles fit a cork iato one end, and set it upright; fill it
which
visible in it. Peat differs from humus
are
half-fullof pure water; take nearlyas nnich water
onlyin beingin a different state of decomposition,as has been poured into the tube, and mix with it
and containing
considerable portion of tannin ;
a
the portionof soil which is to be examined, in quantity
when
acted upon by lime or alkalies,and brought
than will occupy 6 inches of the tube ;
not more
into a state of greater decomposition,it is not to be
the
and
let it
mixture rapidly
into the tube,
pour
from humus
in its qualities.
stand in a corner
of the room, or supported
distinguished
upright
The only instruments absolutely
in
requiredfor the
In half-an-hour it may
be examinetl.
any way.
good The earths will have been
foregoing
analysis
are, in the first place,two
depositedaccording
ing
balances, one capableof weighinga pound and turnto the size and
of their particles.
humus

wLich

with

grain,and

one

weighingtwo

turningwith the tenth part of

and
Next, the

ounces

grain.*

of sieves, which
have described,
combination
we
and which may
easilybe made by any tin-Emith.
But
of
any sieves of the requiredfineness,whether
metal, horse-hair,
or
silk,providedtheybe of the
the purpose for a trial.
proper texture, will answer
Some

eartlien or

glassjugs,and

tubes, 18 inches long,open

at

two
three
or
both ends, which

glass

may
or
chemist's,a
any glass-blower's,
filtering
glassfunnel, and some
paper will complete
The
pensable
the apparatus.
onlychemical substance indisis some
muriatic acid, comto the analysis,
monly
of salt. A little test-paper to
called spirit
with which tliesoil has
detect acids in the water
been washed, and an infusion of gall-nuts
to ascertain

be obtained

the

at

presence

will
glass-phial

of

serve

iron,may be useful. A small

for the specific
The
gravities.

specific
gravity
portionstill suspendedin the

water

lowed
be al-

may

there will appear in the tube,

layersof sand, clay,and humus, which may be
measured
by a scale,and thus the proportionsnearly
ascertained.
When
is about to hire a farm
a farmer
to

settle ; and

well known
to him, he
not
assisted in his judgmentby this simple
for u
experiment,if he has no time or opportunity
of which

may
more

the

qualityis

be much

accurate

substituted
a
piece of

analysis. For the glasstube, may he

of tin or zinc,2 feet in length,with
glass tube, a foot long,joinedto it by

one

means

of

which

is cemented

metal tube

brass collar

; and

or

ferule witli

in it

cut

screw

to

the glass, and

screws

thus

the instrument

may

the

on

be

made

portable. \Vhen the water has been poured

be
the earths only remain, the cork may
taken out, and the contents
pushedout on a plate,
of a rod and a ping which exactlyfits the
by means
more

off,and

and

be
materials may
internal diameter
of the tube.
They may thus be
If the foregoing-more
examined.
particularly
person, however
of soils
The result of various
accurate
analyses
will soon
be
unaccustomed
to chemical
operations,
shows that the most
fertile are composed of nearly
himself as to the compositionof
enabled to satisfy
earths
of siliceous and argillaceous
equalquantities
the comparaany soil of which he desires to know
tive
in various states of division,
and a certain proportion
He
be
value.
disheartened by a few
must
not
in tliat state in
of calcareous
earth, and of humus
failures at first. However
simple every operation which it attracts
and becomes
soluble,giving
oxygen,
and much
mav
appear, it requiresa littlepractice
time
out at the same
carbonic acid. No
some
if
would
result.
to
we
a
accurate
come
patience,
very
chemist
has yet been able to imitate the process of
be dried to the same
fore
must
degreebeEvery portion
the
in the formation of this substance; and
nature
it is weighed; minute
portionswhich adhere
favourable
to it are
circumstances
which are most
ed
collectto the vessels,when
dried,must be carefully
Here
is the proper field
not yet fully ascertained.
by scraping,and brushingoff with a feather ;
chemical
for the application
of science and accurate
of
and
linen
be
must
weighed analysis.
piecesof filtering-paper,
before they are used,that small portionsof matter
be useful to
As an example of an analysis
may
adheringto tliem may be ascertained by the increase those who may desire to try the proposedmethod,
it is
to these particulars,
of weight. By attending
will add one
made
able
we
under very unfavouractually
liow nearlythe whole original
weight is
surprising
circumstances,and without any apparatus. The
only instruments
scales and weights of
at hand
were
* If there is a
doubt of the accuracy of a balance, tolerable
a foot long and
Ij
accuracy, three glasses,

whole

of these instruments

The

procuredfor a very small sum.

followed,any
process is carefully

"

"

"

the best mode of weighing is to poisethe substance to

be weighedwith fine sand, and then substitute weights
for it,tillthe sand is poisedagain. If a certain portion
is to be weighed, poise the given weight with
sand ; then remove
the weight, and
the
sand
poise
with the substance to be weighed.

inch

in

diamer, belonging to French

lamps,a

a pieceof fine
coffee-strainer,
gauze, and

very

tin
fine

A little muriatic acid

cambric pocket-handkerchief.
obtained at the apothecary's.
was
The soilto be analysed
taken from a pieceof
was

FARMER'S

THE

good arable land on the south side of the slopeof the

Its specific
Jura mountains in Switzerland.
gravity
taken as described before,and found to be 2.358
was
nearly. 500 grainsof tlie dry soil were stirred in a
pintof water, and set by in a basin.
of the soil were
To save
time, 500 grainsmore
weighedafter havingbeen dried over the fire. It
the
well pulverisedwith
was
fingers,and sifted
through the coffee-strainer, then through the gauze,
Some
and lastly
through the cambric handkerchief.

MAGAZINE.

375

Each
portion,except the three last,was now
put
into a cup, and diluted muriatic acid poured over
them ; an eft'ervescence appeared in all of them,

which continued

the addition of diluted acid,

and
of the cups were
stirred with a
pieceof tobacco-pipe.
They were lefttillthe next
ous
day,when all effervescence ceased, and the calcaredissolved ; pure water
was
part seemed entirely
added to dissolve all the muriate of lime which had
been formed.
After soma
time, the clear liquorwas
when

the

on

contents

The two
each sifting.
pouredoff,and the remainder was strained through
and dried on
in the strainer and the
filtering-paper,
platesbefore the fire.
found to weigh,respectively,
sand of two different degrees The earths weie
now
The residue was
gauze.
of fineness,whicli,when dried, weighed, the
20, 17, 162, and 182.5 grains,having lost 4, 3, 18,
and 57,b grainsof calcareous earth dissolved by the
20 grains. The earth
24 grains,the next
coarser
had passedthrough the strainer and
acid.
and water which
left behind

portionwas

at

washed

first portions
were

strained through the cambric

were
now
left seme
very fine sand behind, %v!iichdried,
weighedand added to what had remained in the cambric
the gauze,

and

sifted in

when

that which

had

with water

in

dry state, weighed180 grains. All

mixed
gone throughthe cambric was
jug

and

The heavier

stirred about.

e;"rth subsided, and the lighter

was
pouredinto one
of the lamp-glasseswliich had a cork fitted into it,
minutes
and was
placed upright. In about two
there was
a
deposit,and 'the lighterportionwas
left some
poured into a similar glass,where it was

soil and

The

basin

were

filterer,and

of No.

same,

but

No.
1 and No. 3 by pouring off the muddy part into
of the pure vrater bad been poured
No. 3, after some
off,and the remainingearth into No. 1, they were
The

'

contents

were

As
much
water
then left to settle.
as
appeared
quiteclear over the sediment was decanted off. The
sediment was
pouredon a plateby takingthe coik
cleaned with a pieceof
was
out of the tube, which
had been carefully
dried and acculine linen,which
rately

The

weighed.

corrected account

The

i Coarse

20

.jFiner

17

follows :"

as

Very fine

162

grs. "1
"

"

r Coarse

"

"?Finer
(_Very fine

"

18

"

Tl99 gis.

j
i

^ 25

"

rClay

Impalpableearth

182..^

Carb. of lime
^-Ilumus

57.5

26

Soluble matter
Loss

500
numbers

Or, in round

examined, and

plateswere

therefore is

2.358.
Specific
gravity,

sand

Calcareous

40 per cent.
"
36

ligliter
part, which floated on the least
was
agitation,
poured from one plate to another,
until it was
thoughtthat all the humus had been se-

some

put by in a
pouredinto a

water
was
passed through the
All the
all the soluble matter.
and evaporated,
boiled down
water
and left two
was
grainsof a substance which had the appearance of a
the loss was
with a littlelime in it. Thus
duced
regum
to eight
small quantity,
dering
consia very
grains,
the means
used in analysing
the soil.

more

thin mud.
divided between

been
and

out

to

apparently
clay; in the second, the
muddy ; and in the third nothingbut

had

more

earth to wash

took
settle. In this, a slower deposition
and in about a quarter of an hour the muddy
place,
was
water
pouredoff into the third glass. I'he three
Siliceous sand
glasseswere placedupright,and left so tillthe next
fine
In
the
first
was
some
earth,
glass
day.
very
time

which

water

stirred
repeatedly

now

of the

"

Sand,
Clay,
earth,

17

"

Calcareous

"

Vegetable earth,or humus,

"
be poured
0.5
could now
of the water
Soluble matter.
the platesgently,without
off the earths,by inclining
it is evident
From
of this soil,
the composition
It was, however, passedthrough
any muddiness.
excellent loam, capable of prowhich had been previously that it is a most
ducing,
a pieceof filtering-paper
with
s;ood tillage and regular manuring,
dried and weighed. The earth was
slowlydried,by
and
roots
placingthe plateson the hearth before a good fire, every kind of grain, artificialgrasses,
commonly cultivated. The field from which the
until they were
quitedry,and so hot that theycould
soil was
taken was
The
always considered to be of supeheld in the hand.
rior
not be
depositleft in

parated. Most

easily

the

poured on

jug was

part,whicb

another.
the finer added
water

plate,and a littlemuddy
was
poured off with the
and
again transferred,

observed,

was

on

This was
to that which

plate.
Collectingnow
Were
found,

all the

in the

was

second

there
separateportions,

coarse

sand

24

finer sand

grains.

20

very fine sand

180

in the jug
clay deposited
and first plate,dried.
210
depositin the second plate 24
.

Ij
filtering-paper

on

the

on

the linen rag.

...

^
t'.)0

10 grains
to
Leaving

be accounted for.

to
suffice to enable any one
the
be desires to know
soil of which
parts, so far as they affect the general

example will

analyse any

component
fertility. To

ascertain minute

of
portions

salts

or

of the waters,
metals, or any peculiarimpregnation
must

"

Of

quality.
This

be left to

chemists.
practical

those who
may be inclined to try the analysis
the results
to compare
of soils it may be interesting
have
which
of their own
experiments with some
That'r,in his very
been obtained with
great care.
To

in
rational husbandry,written
excellent work
on
and translated into French, has given a
German
different soils analysed
table in which
by him are
classed according to their comparative fertility,
in numbers, lOO being the most
which is expressed
fertile. This table is the result of very patientinof each soil being
the natural fertility
Testigation,

FARMER'S

THE

376

ascertained by its average produceAvitb common

and manuring. It is as follows :
"

lage
til-

MAGAZINE,
and

trench
and

"

be

ploughingto

tinct,
whollydisopeiations

dependingupon

principles
altogether
of subsoil-ploughing
primaryobject

different. The

in wet land is to render the subsoil

so that the surface-water
may more

perviable,

more

readily
pass off
into the drains.
It will,
be readily
we
believe,
admitted diat the nature
of the soil immediately
of the surface which is usually
beneath that portion
stirred by the plough,and
which is commonly
called

the
as

subsoil,is
the

alreadymade
conclusion

as

diversified in

its

soil itself. The

surface

will,we

that whatever

rieties
va-

ments
experi-

think,warrant

be the character

the

of the

subsoil in wet
lands after under-draining,
benefit
will be derived from subsoil ploughing. Not so as
The fii'st
questionto be
regards
trench-ploughing.
is contemplated
enquiredinto %vhen that operation

is, what is the character of the subsoil V

"

subsoil be of

as
good quality,

is the

case

If the
in many

a portion
parts of the country, then the bringing

of it to the surface will add

DRAINING

ON

new
face
to the surfertility
soil,and trench ploughingmay not onlybe
On the other
but advantage.
performedwith safety,
and wanting
hand if it be of an inferior character,
in fertility,
if,as frequently
happens,the surface
soil has been made
productivea few inches deep
row,
of the ploughand the haronlyby the operation
by exposure to the atmosphere,
by the decay
of vegetablematter on the surface,
and by the application
of manure,
then the bringing
a portion
would
of the subsoil to the surface,
perhapsbe
but perhapsto poison
not merelyto slightly
injure,
of bringing
the surface-soil for years. The propriety
of the subsoil to the surface,
or
a portion
therefore,

SUBSOIL-

AND

in

PLOUGHING.

has no
words, trench-ploughing,

other

connection

with

subsoil

that a bad subsoil

is beginning
of experience
to dissipate
The light
and thus at
since
which even
stirred,
a very short time
the scepticism

prevailed
upon

the effects of

and
draining

subsoil-

fitto be

brought to

may

future

some

diiect

ploughing,further than
be improvedby being

the ""urface.

periodbecome
This, however,

devoted
to
bringsus back to the real questionto be enquired
ploughing. Scarcely a publication
into before you proceed
to trench-plough,
or
bring
subjects
agricultural
appears in which the merits
and trench-ploughsubsoil to the surface, what is the character of
of draining,
ing,
subsoil-ploughing,
and
these
It is by the misapplication,
of performing
the subsoil ?"
with the several methods
The
defect in the operationof
Farmer's
not by any inherent
not discussed.
are
operations,
that it has in some
trench ploughing
contains
cases
failed,
Magazine,"publishedon the 1st of April,
"

"

an

article

and
mode

also

"

On

Subsoil and Trench

"

On

the

cheapestand

ing,"
Plough-

most

Furrow-draming."Botli these

of

and

got into disrepute.

tual
effeccles
arti-

great deal of valuable information,

convey
MILL
STONES.
Buhr stones sometimes contain
deduced from actual practice. In the former a
no
organicforms, at others they seem as if stuffed full
for
of
is
new
a
attaching
plan
description given
of fresh-water shells,
land shells and veg-etables
of
or
and by which
the horses to the subsoil-plough,
inland g'rowth. There is no exceptionknown
to this
the same
three horses will execute
quantityof arrangement ; but the shells have assumed a silicious
as
thod.
with as much
ease
nature, and their cavitiesare often bedecked with cryswork
tals
four,by the old meof quartz. The best buhr stones for grinding
corn,
tages
of the comparativeadvanThe
a

"

question

has been
trench-ploughing
and it
to us, very erroneously,
as it seems
raised,
land has been properly
When
has been asked,
of the
which is the right
treatment
under-drained,
of it immediately
subsoil ?
Will you bring a' portion
will
or
to the surface by deep ploughing,
for some
years, until the
you delay this operation
after having been
subsoil sliallhave been mellowed,
broken
and penetrated
by the atmosphere?"It
is,in other words,
to us tiiatthis question
appears
and trench-plough
at tlie
will you subsoil-plough

of subsoil and
"

or

about

and of
matter
finest quarry of them is upon the
liighground near La Ferte sous Jouarre, The stones
are
quarriedin the open air,and are cut in cylinders
from one to two yards in diameter,
by a series of iron
and wooden
wedges, gradually but equally inserted.
The pieces of buhr stones are afterwards cut into pacalled panes, which are bound with iion
rallelopipeds,
an

space.

equal proportionof solid

The

hoops into largemillstones. These piecesare exported

Good millstones of a
chieflyto England and America.
bluish white colour, with a regular
proportionof cells,
when
six feet and a half in diameter,fetch 1,200francs
sandstone
a
piece,or 48/. sterling.A coarse coniylomerate

used as a substitute for

breveir is in some
or
cases
buhr stones, but itis a poor one.
you postpone trench-ploughing
Ure's Dictionaryof
?
We hold subsoil-ploughing
future period
Arts.

same'time,will
to

have

vacant

"

FARMER'S

THE

TO

OF

EDITOR

THE

FARMER'S

THE

Siii, la my letter of the Otli current, I stated

"

thousrhts that had occurred

to

me

and of
college,
jectofanagricultural

farms, and I

now

YEAHLV

Practical

MAGAZINE.

some

MAGAZINE.

trouble you
subject. I

with

on

the sub-

377
COST,

I'OUn

I'ROFESSORS.

Agriculture

,1,000

1 ,000
Chemistry
Botany,Zoology,and Natural History1,000

and Geology
Blineralogy

,000
.

experimental
few

tions
observa-

Curator of Museum

4,000
300

at 3001
Eight farmingsuperintendants

2,400

the same
640
proposedto have professors Eight under-bailiffs at HOI, each
for every science any way connected with the
"7,340
improvement of the earth ; not that I expect the
Tlie produceof the farms is supposed to
pay the
but it
miracles of our
ideal speculators,
Mosaic
other expenses of labour
the one
farm helping
the
very,
would satisfy
the present rage for scientific discoother.
and if any aid may by chance result from such
Rent of 1,500 acres
of turnipland, at an
would
a full and
investigations,
ampleopportunity
2,250
average of 30s
of 1,000 acres
and would show that every means
be afforded,
of dairyfarms,at 35s.
were
1,750
of 1,000 acres
of clayfallows,
at 20s.
1,000
An
used that are within the reach of human
power.
Two more
600
farms,hill and grazing
could
raised
that
been
not
find
has
we
sons
perobjection
on

"

"

qualifiedfor the different offices ; an absurd

and whicli appliesequally
to any
objectioncertainly,

5,600

7,340

in any

office whatever.

When
occurs
a vacancy
tablishment,
eswhen
is proposed, we
new
a
one
"12,940
of qualified
never
see any want
persons, "or supposed
for contingencies.
Say 15,OOOZ.,
allowing
the scramble
the
takes place between
to be so"
The Central Collegewould
the three kingserve
doms,
highattainments of the applicants,so pre-eminent
and the farms,8 or 9, mightbe so arranged
that it is difficultto distinguish
the most meritorious,
as
to be situated in,and comprehend the greatest
told. We may as well say that the London
as we
are
sible
posin the three countries.
of locality
The
or any other
seminary could not go on
variety
University
allowance to the professorsis handsome
from want
of qualified
in order to
persons, and we must
suppose
and
that the art of agriculture
to afford residence
and
secure
qualifications,
possesses its students and
and abroad, and undivided
votaries as well as an}' other in the correspondingcorrespondence
at home
ratio of improvement. It onlyremains
bour
milar attention on the subject. It is possible
that the laas in all siand experimentson the farms mightnot require
the
cases
whatever, to get the best qualified
the whole produce in that case the yearly
will do
cost would
present time can afford the next generation
be calculated upon,
the same
fears need be entertained on this head, be lessened,but profit
must
not
no
of total failure we
the enterprize expected,and
for
for in a case
to check
so
as
can
get "Colonels
wliich theywere
and Captains"in abundance ; we
instituted. No fees are charged
from
cannot
grumble to
the students, either at the collegeor on the farms
be taughtas wo
and
teach othc^rs,
recollect
must
we
;
the onlyexpence
is for board and lodging,
it beingthe
that agriculture
in
is known
to every
person
any
blunder
I
in
all
for
for
seminaries
have never
education of
dual
met
our
one
singleindivigreat
profession,
who
not capable,
and in "his own
was
opinion" any kind that the expence is beyond the reach of the
of givingdirections on the subject; and moreover
people. About 100,000/,would purchasethe farms,
a
and would reduce the yearlycost by nearlyone-half;
Duke
has onlyto affix his magic name,
a Lord
or
is at once
and the person so recommended
qualified the whole to be directed by a responsibleBoard,
for the business,thoughhe does not know that sheep and a Professorship
may be added for the theoryand
and the gardens of our nowithout teeth in the upper jaw, or a Leicester
:
bility
practiceof gardening
are
in different parts of the kingdom,
where
from a down
ewe
; and though he has been
stamped
young
received on
are
incurable block-head by the almighty fiat of his
men
an
easy terms, afford a field for
the practice. And our market gardens exCreator. Any fears on this head are whollyvisionary,learning
hibit
and of cultivation from
a specimen of cropping
and in fact unreasonable, for we can get the best that
which
farmers may take a lesson,and to which
the time affords,
and no other art or science can have
our
I would refer our
writers and phrasemongers
to see
have the improvements of the
cannot
more, and we
the usefulness of the art reduced to practice.
before theyare discovered.
next
They
generation
have neither collegenor society they cultivate the
farm
600
A
of from 400
to
best
acres
seems
and they push
earth by every best known
means,
adaptedin size for most purposes, as fully
employing
In my opinion such a
production to the utmost.
and a working bailiffunder
a capablesuperintendant
garden as Mr. Fitch's at Fulham would imparta very
him.
A largersize creates much loss in distant carriages,
beneficial equivalent
farmer for a year's
to a young
and in walking to and fro, and if separate
attendance in it.
tioned
buildingsbe erected,it becomes two farms. I menSome
such system combining theory
and practice,
farms as likely
eties
to comprehend the variseven
and directing
the energy of a peopleon
the pointin
of soil and climate ; and I may
add a hill or
necessary to ensure
grazingfarm occupiedwholly by sheepand partly view, is in my opinionabsolutely
from
any beneficialresult,for nothingcan be expected
by cattle,and employingone plough.
isolated and
detached
attempts. An
outlay of
ORIGINAL
COST.
100,000L to 150,000/.with a yearlycost of 8,000/.
Erection of College,
and
Museum
to 12,000/.in case
of purchase: or an outlayof 40,000/.
containing
."10,000
to 50,000/.with a yearly
cost of 10,000/."to
necessary accommodations
20,000/.
Stock on eightfarms of 500 acres
at 3,0001. 24,000
in case of renting,
is a mere
mite compared with the
and
for
accommodation
for
ditto,
and
Building
thousands
millions we have seea
and yet see
students
10,000
squanderedon useless purposes, of no benefit to the
people,on pensions,posts and sinecures,to keep
and to debauch and corruptthem*
44,000 them in ingorance,
or

"

"

"

"

"

...

THE

378

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

the increase of articles produced.On

the other
art no
exist ; to
others can
tliisiirimary
is only
such an art by the produceof itself,
Jiand, these machines are said to employ too many
in
the people
and promoting hands and to cause
for their labour,
too much
rewarding
expence, a position
ligible;
to the other,and whollyunintelthe benefit and comfort of all classes of society. 1'lie direct opposition
and theyare condemned, along with many
to be attended to, is to have such an institution
greatthing
tual.
more
comprehensiveto make it effecimplements,because the labourers do not like
sufficiently
have been proPolemical subjects
would be at once excluded, ihem, justas if vessels must never
pelled
sailorsdid not
ject.
science and practice
being the whole and sole obby steam because the common
and can
An infusion of liberal ideas is more
required approve of it. But I have provedalready,
machine with the
for no man
at presentthan practical
can
instruction,
j)rove at any time,that a thrashing
in the
and
teach another who has determined not to be taught,
necessary erections is cheaperby one-third
who is convinced tliatno improvement
can
be made.
original
outlaythan the timber barns now used, and
a quarterof
Our essays and pamphletson
that theyproducethe result of thrashing
the corn laws at the

Without
advance

presenttime

wheat at one-third,
and in case
of inanimate power
fident
amusingenough,each partyare conand that their predictionsat one-sixth the expence of flails. Now I would
right,
the experienceof
fulfilled,
exactly
justbeg leave to ask our farmers and land-owners, if
despite
are

theyare
will

be

in the

centuries. Little credit can be attached to either any manufacturer,artizan,

mechanic, orcommercialist
in usinga more
the irresistiblecurbe known
to persist
expensiveprocess
side,for neither can command
rent
in two respectsof producingtheir articles,or
of events
which baffle all human
calculations.
has
of doing
from a farmer who told us
I read lirtely
a statement
any business whatever after a cheaper
been known
that the manufacturers are prospering
to him, proved and established 'i With
and
greatly,
of what grace can they complainof distress or cost of
amassinglargefortunes ; now what is tlie reason
when they will not lessen it 1 Many sicovery production,
his doingso 1 One is that he has adoptedevery dismilar instances could be adduced, which taken togeof science and practice
to increase the number
ther
ground
have thrown
of bis articlesat the leastpossible
the farmer whollyinto the backcost.
If the
and that by their own
of corn
negligence.
Againwe are told that an importation
from those cheap growing countries would throw
ments
improve"expence"of alterationsand of introducing
would have
be objected,
"as usual," then we
wheat
lands out of cultivation ; I rememour
ber
and
in 1828 when
had no improvements of any kind introduced,
havingheard the same prediction
and no such event has hapthe present laws jjassed,
fullyconfirms my observation that this dread of
pened,
cultivationhas increased,
and will increase if "expence"lays prostrateany energy or enterprize
tutes
had lower duties or none, for we
that may exist in the agricultural
we
world,and constiinvariablysee
increase the extent of every business in
the differenceso visible between them and other
competitors
comprehensi
what
is lost in price. producers. In order to remove
such absurd and inorder to make up iu quantity
is still grown, and sellswell notwithstanding
ideas from among us, and to teach us
Weol
the reduction of taxation. Everykind of produce to think and reason
and draw concl'.isionslike other
is grown cheaperin Scotland and in Ireland, and is men, in order that our speeches,
phlets
essays, and pamand our practice
and reasonnot look one
the
ing
broughtto England and sold at a profit,
may
way
in order that we
this principle,
would cease growing in very opposite,
we
on
may no longeroa
and that our
Englandbecause it can be grown cheaperelsewhere, that account be held up to ridicule,
tice
pracutter about
or
impose an equalisingduty on these countries,
may no longerbelie every word we
I have never
the
for
heard prow
hile
at
which I am often surprised
our
time
same
anxiety improvements,
posed,
of the tax on whiskey we never
introduce any
and professional
a general
case
as in the absurd
and comprehensive
systematic
coming from Scotland. But thoughthese countries education on a liberal,
the onlyremedy that mav
aftbrd a
learn us to
can
basis,seems
may supply us with a part, theynever
and consequently
total supply,
cultivation must
go
open our minds to conviction,to think and reflect
and observation,
and then to
food and raiment to the peo"
from reason, experience
to giveemployment,
on
pie at some priceor other,and that on the obvious "suit the action to the word." On this latter point
have floundered over head and ears in the "Serthat if the spring
be cut off,the
and simpleprinciple
we
bonian bog,"for on the "actions" the result of th"'
rivulet must cease to flow. In order to liberalizethe
and practical,
education is absolutely
minds of m^n, a general
cessary whole process, scientific,
nespeculative
and most certainlyentirely
as well
as professional,
dej)ends.But in the presenttemper of the
in such a semifor liberalization agricultural
there is at present most ample room
nary
world, if any professor
tween
bein the agricultural
world, for the correspondence
(ifever we have one) have the presumptionto
the culture of minds and the culture of lands
advance any new
opinions,
onlyone quarterof acenwill be found to possess more
than is gesimilarity
nerallytury in advance of us ; if he tells us to introduce
to producecheaper,or to ploughup aa
imagined. Well may the manufacturers
machineiy,
"old turf" of weeds to yieldmore
thers,
food, and mere
laugh at us drudgingon in the habits of our forefaof which'we are so anxiously
fond as to
societies for employment,
meetings and instituting
holding
exclude machinery
and foreign
while those that are known
corn, and at the same
improvements,
promoting
and even
culed. time keep old turfs for the very purpose of prevent*
are
despisedand ridiwholly neglected,
If any improvements be adopted theymust
in any shape or
our
ingit if he jostles
prejudices
descend in a shower of goldwithout any cost, for on
form, or recommends
any the smallest deviation
from our fixed notion that every method is wrong'
this pointwe all stumble,and it eflectually
stops any
and it is useless to denj'
have not seen and adopted if he has the
or
blink the aswe
sertion. which
alterations,
Farmers
hardihood to think for himself,and the moral cou
tellus that an importation
of corn
too low pricesand throw our
would cause
labourers rage, like Locke, to despisethe fashion of know
out of employment,while they at the same
time,for lodge; and like lloger Bacon, scorn ti follow^
their avowed
it he lias s"aled his own
labour,keepmuch
doom, for he may
purpose of saving
land in grass, producing in many
placesweeds
just as well oppose a bulrusii to the flowing
and mosses
and made
in opposition
cut
ing
into hay. A thrashtide as set reason
to prejudice,
and
] can
tell him from experiencethat by no subsequent
machine
also
diminishes
labour, most
conduct can he atone
for the heinous transgression
truly it does so and intentionally
too, on a
from us, and of not
in order to apply it to
of pvesumiog
to differ
non-productive
point,
"

"

"

"

I,

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMIiR'S

379

deleterious as well as beneficial,

of lecomand iibove all tilings
to the
accordingsoil to be invigorated,
luris" wliicliwould
understood
not properly
were
ruin i.is and
moderate judgment and
break our
hearts,
though by every finmer jiossessing
inevitably
and preimratlon
producingweeds, ixc, useful only in rotting information. Still has the preservation
of these simple
substances been strangely
are
told,enineglected
sheep. Sunh a proceedingwould, we
in our own
and
in our own
even
hands and cause
too much
even
too many
Ijloy
country
age
expence in
farmers
effect by not emthe very purpose
even
we
ploying
by the most careful and intelligent
cultivation;

do,
as we
thinlciiij^

tho ploHg-hing
of "old
mendiii^'

"

no employment
machinery
; if not cultivated,

is given and we commit the supi)osedfault of machinery,

without seeingit. Uut could not the hands

unemployed from

usingmacliint-rvbe employed in

of produce?
cultivation and thus increase tlie(jiiantity
No foreign
It is to be
would then be wanted.
corn
used and proposed will be
now
hoped that the means
of
the progressivemotion
attended witli success"
ami
of moral force,if it cannot
induce may
reason
take
and agriculture
comjiclalterations,
may soon
its place as the first and "the
foremost as it is the
useful of arts.
J. D,
most

16lh

March, 1839.

PRESERVATION

AND

OF

TION
PREPARA-

MANURES.

In the nomenclature
of agriculture
have two
we
of manure,
natural and artificial.
By the former

amongst

By

us.

the

"

of
preservation

them

we

mean

the preserving
their fertilising
and promoting
powers.
Into how few farm-yards
can
we
go without at once
that,to the management of a manureperceiving
heapno attention whatever is paid,except, perhaps,
hand
when
it is employed
a
happensto be unoccupied,
for
to tklii
It up, and that not out of any care
the manure,
but for the greaterspaciousness
liness
or cleanof the ^/a7-(/.Indeed, there are many farmers
such a thingas tlie ma'
who, if you were to name
would laugh at you in
nagement of a manure-heap,
your face as a finicaland whimsical pains-taker.It
is,however,a pointnot onlyof mere
economy, but
of the greatest
of
consequence to the productiveness
the farm.
The fertilising
of manure
does not
power
lie in the name
of it; it acts upon the soil and upon
th3 seed by chemical properties,
and those of the
subtle description.
It also,in its progress
wards
tomost
fit for the
that state which
renders it most
and
lence
the degreeof its excelfield,acts upon itself;
must, in a great measure,
depend upon this

nure-head
whereas, in a mabeingproperlysustained,
the action in
thrown together,
carelessly
and in another
Kubstances in various states and stages of decompo- one p:irtis violent to destructiveness,
be said
"toit of animal
does not take placeat all. It can
no
more
isition;
by the latterthe application
land marine
fermentation than a man
to enjoy
or of other earths possessing to enjoya healthy
substances,
of vitality,
warmth
different qualities
from that upoa
one
a healtiiy
part of whose bodv
which, to use a
medical
spontaneous combus'term, they are exhibited. This definition IS in a state bordermgupon
stance,
does not, perhaps,strictly
delineate every shade of
tion,and another cold to conglation.Take, for inthe distinction between natural and artificial
stable manure,
and the too prevalentpracing
manurtice
with it the ordure and wettest
of a better)
so (in the absence
portionof the
; but sufficiently
litterare thrown by barrowsful into one part of the
to present that distinction clearly
out
to the mind, withwhich the subjectcannot
be theoretically
cussed heap,and the dry litterinto another,instead of both
disand are thus leftin little
or
with
intermixed,
experimentalised
beingcarefully
practically
upon

: sorts

we

mean

simplya

return

to

action

the soil o'fvegetable

"

any

of our keepingin
certainty

what

Bacon

calls the

path of discovery." To what new sources

straight
lof improvement that path may eventually
lead us, as
regardsartificialmanuring, it is impossiblefor the
imost
sanguine to tell,because it has as yet been
veries
explored. Indeed, all our discovery inefficiently
"'

aggers

on

the top, instead of

beingevenlyspreadin

day after day.

layers

speakingof
may it be a trite proverb,when
thingbadly prepared,that you could chuck
for the pitchlike it together
with a pitchfork,"
one
fork,
in the hands of an idle groom, chucks together
it have been the results of mere
well be a type of
such an ill-assortedheap as may
on
accidental
in which good materials are spoiledby
observation, not of pre-determinedresearch,and
everything
bad handling.The volatilesalts,
in the
in comparison with
so abundant
jimaybe considered as no more
"what may
be expectedfrom sucli research, cally
scientifi- animal rejections,
are
necessary to the reduction of
of
and industriously
a straw, and
it is onlyby a proper construction
prosecuted, than the few
of preciousmetal
the heapthat theycan be retained in it,or dulydispersed
which the Indian peasant
:grains
icasuallypicks up in the bed of the streams
comthroughit. Constant neatness does not in the
if it
end create much
with what may be extracted from the bowels
additional trouble ; but what
";pared
"of the mountain
from which it runs.
did ? Upon a moderate-sized farm, if a man
The
were
same
union
and practical
the year
of phdosophical
employed the half of every daythroughout
knowledgebv
and
in doing nothing
the mineralogist
which
but attending
the
to the manure,
i'
engineerhave literally
compared with the
opened veins of inexhaustible wealth,
day expense would be insignificant
may some
be mRtaphorically
used to the same
increase of producewhich would be the consequence.
purpose by the
in extorting
with himself upon this princifrom nature
; chemist and
Every farmer reasons
ple
agriculturist,
Well

any

"

"

her secrets of fertilizationby artificial

in other respects. Why does he go to the exAt
pense
manures.
than what she by chance
of boning? Why does he think nothingof
present we know littlemore
the purest lime ?
Because
the natural
the
to procure
!presents to us on the surface. With
distance,
the more
it is different. From
heart he puts into his
tlie time when agribetter the manure
manures
culture
became
will gratefully
land,which he knows
fixed,that is,since the cultivat"ors
repay him for
of the soil,being no longer
able to range at will in
the trouble and cost.
he too freYet this maxim
quently
he looks into his own
when
search of fresh land, became
on
forgets,
yard,
stationary
lar
particu-

'

were
tracts, and
compelled to search for the
of repairing
the exhaustion
of continued
cropping; from that earlytime,what we call natural
and it would
be
manuring has been practised
;
the prostrange if,after centuries of observation,
perties
of the various substances used in this wav

means

and passes by that permanent manure

(which, more
than any artificial
gives an enduring
manure,
staple
and
stamina to the soil),
and
withering,
spoiling,
dessicated or delayedout of its streno-th,
alternately
merely from the want of just as much trouble aa
and neat,
would keepit even

THE

FAUMEll'S

MAGAZINE.

381

of the whole expense

from upwards of '2,000,0001!.
of
believe it
on the continent ; but we
now
chieflyexjiended on what have been
money,
timl the notions ])rcvulent
:is to the state
of
of
Houses
the
before
committees
proved
Parliament,
and operationsof such institutions are
more
even
and pronounced by them to be, inefl'ective
lising
demorathe
or
than those we
have found
on
erroneous
prevalent
of
punishment.
systems
We
state of the penal administration in this country.
"
which
All
to your Majesty;
we
now
humbly certify
forct;in a neig'hbelieveit will be found that the police
bouring'
(Signed) (L.S.) " Charles Simiv Lefevre.
country, which has been referred to as a preventive
isin no proper sense in sound tlieory
or
Charles Rowan.
police,
(L.S.)
in actual practicepreventive and that it has had none
(L.S.) EDWI^^ Chadwick.
;
"
of the chiefeffectspopularlyattributedto it. Although
March 27, 1839."
Whitehall-place,

having that
will be

nnmo

found

organised for political

as we
purposes, to tlienef^lect,
believe,of the main purposes of a preventive
police
the protectionof privateindividuals in the enjoyment
of their rig-Jits
afjainstinfractions by depredatorsor
"

others ithas not saved the various g'overnmeuts which

have depended on it,if any have ; and in all larg-e
movements
by the whole of the community, it has been
serious account.
disregarded
or thrown aside as of no
The trained force which we
is of littlemore
propose
than one constable to 2,000 inhabitants;" a force three
four times more
or
than that we propose were
numerous
absurd as a means
the whole comof constrainingmunity
to any course
which they feltto be inimical to
them.
such a force might do with tlie tacit
What
of the community,and what we believe to be
consent
most
of the subjectit should
importantfor the liberty
do, is to enforce the laws for the suppressionof conspiracies,

URINE

AS

MANURE.-The

most

extensive

ex-

"

with with which I

perimentswith urine,
as a fertilizer,
am
those made by I\lr.Harley,in the
acquainted,
were
neighbourhood of Glasgow,*which he thus describes :
Early in the season, part of the proprietor's
farm, and
small fields contiguous to the cow-house,were
some
with bfrleyand grass-seeds;these were
sown
watered
witli cow
of an engineon the principle
urine,by means
of a fire-engine.
also used for that purpose
There were
"

"

hand-barrows

with broad wheels, upon

which barrels

placed,filledwith urine. Under the barrels were

placed conductors, about eightfeet long,perforated
were

with small holes. These barrows were

easilywheeled
along the rich soft ground, which would have been
riots,
or dangerousviolences,
by
rant
ignodestroyedby horses and carts.
The
urine was
or fanatical,
seek tiieir
or rapacious minorities may
carted to the field in large casks,from which it was
ends. Without the assent or aid of the community,
in stands resting
carried,
on
spokes,to the engine and
that is to say, without information from the people,
a
barrows. The grass of the fields thus irrigated
cut
was
policeor constabularyforce cannot performproperly five
six times a year, and though not very longin the
or
its ordinarydaties.
even
blade,yet there was always a great v.cightof produce
"The safe course
for maintaining
the freedom of the
indeed it was
thick that it would
so rich and
have
subjectappears to us to be,not to render the authorities
rotted unless cut often. The first cutting generally
for
impotent,but to make them strictly
responsible
commenced
about the middle of April,and was
tinued
conthe use of the power with which they may be invested
I'he grass was
once
a month.
cut during the
for the publicservice.
The securities respectingwhich
but when it was
day when the weather was wet or moist,
the greatest anxietyshould be manifested,are the
dry,it was cut late at nightor earlyin the morning,and
securities that the power
which the legislature
may
the land irrigated
after the grass was cut.
immediately
confer for the generaladvantageshall be fully used.
Sir John Sinclair visitedone of these fields which had
The great mass
of evilindicated in our report is aseribabeen cut sixteen times in three years.
Both urine and
ble not to the abuse,but to the neglectand disuse of
suds,"continues IMr. Harley, were appliedto the
beneficial powers.
The chief and proper objection, soap
watering of fruit-trees.During the winter and the
as
we
conceive,to the policeforces abroad are, that
of
they act on powers which are arbitrary; the force earlypart the springevery tree was washed from the
top to the reot, which cleansed the bark,promoted a
which we propose could only act on powers which are
luxuriant growth,and made the trses bear well. There
jlegal,and for which they would be responsible
to the
about
five acres
of
Garnet
were
gow,
GlasHill, near
courts of law,and ultimately
to the Parliament.
planted with strawberries of assorted kinds,the
has been done partially
"What
in particular
places ground was prepared as stated above, (dug,ploughed,
and more
may be done generally
completely
through- and some
out
rubbish added),and the strawberries were
the country, by the more
efficient
of the
application
which
planted in rows
trenched between every
were
like means.
If a constabulary
well apforce were
pointedfall or winter. The
field was
divided into sections
and trained on a uniform system, and were
the hill,and at the top or head of each of
across
under
and
trained
placed
direction for the
responsible
these sectionsthere was a small trench made.
The cowwhole country, it would, we
enable
are
soon
assured,
urine was
carted alongthe top of the field,
and by turning
all your Majesty's
to sleep
under a feeling
of
subjects
the stop-cock the urine ran into the trench at the
from
security
midnightplunder and violence ; itwould
top of the highestsection ; a small openingwas made
to the industrious classesin the
giveprotection
ment
enjoybetween every row of the strawberries to admit the urine
of property, and by enhancingits value create
which saturated the first section,
the remainder then
additional motives to industry
and frugality
into the second trench,
went
; itwould
The
"c., to the bottom.
freedom
and
to travellers on
give
the roads, highestsections were
security
the poorest, but from theirbeing
and humane
succour
to natives,and
to
hospitality
the
s
aturated
more
with
richly
they soon became
liquid,
strangers thrown by shipwreck
on
our
coasts ; it would
the lowest. The
as fertileas
mode
of irrigating
was
free the country from mendicancy and
then changed,viz.,
vagr.incy, and
made
small
from tne top
cut
a
was
the various evils that follow in their course
; it would
to the bottom of the field,
and the urine made to run
free the industryof the manufacturing
labourers and
down that cut and fill each respective
trencli,
allowing
increase the inducements to the investment of capital
by
a largerquantityto the sectionsthat stood most
in need
them from lawless violence ; it would tend
protecting
of it. This mode
abundant
of
berries,
strawproduced
crops
to secure
the people from the alarms and dangers of
and, havinga southern asvery rich in quality,
pect,
riotousdisturbances of the peace, by affording
a powerof most deliciousflavour. The urine,"continues
ful
of repressing
means
without the risk of
ihem
Mr. Harley, " destroyed worms
and almost every kind
and
militaryexecution
bloodshed,without putting of vermin :'' and it was proved that when thrown by
hostile parties
in array againsteach other,without engendering means
of a garden engine over fruit-trees,
tliatthe urine
animosities by arming neighbour to confliist
was
a
complete destruction to the predatory insects
with neighbour,
and master with servant
and
with which they were
; all this,
and that when applied
infested,
to
much
beneficent service it might be made
more
to
perniciousto earth-worms,
equally
grass plats,it was
render at an immediate expense of lessthan one-fourth
the
earth-castswith
entirely
preventing
which they are
of the sum
recentlysaved by one amendment in local wont to annoy the gardener.
administration; or, as we feelconfident,
all these great
"
be accomplished
*
with an ultimatesaving
objects
may
Hai'lean Dairy System, 63.
which

"

"

"

'

382

FARMER'S

THE

THE

CORN

MAGAZINE.
of
requisitefor largeportions

LAWS.

the

country,

sidered
for
r",O00t.

or

farm

of .oOO

of but raode-

one

acres,

rato
extent, and freijuently
greatlyexceeded, even
laws di'cide
corn
fourfold. Hut since no one
foresee what so long
can
the inaiiufaf;tiirers
and agriculturists
a term
of years may bring forth,most careful ought
most
satisfactorily
to themselves and most
the legislature
the csntract
to be how
it converts
what
trovertible
triumphaDtly
upon
theyimagine to be inconfrom a benefit into an injury,
with the
facts. Were those, vviio
in these
by tampering

Tlie advocates of

repealof the

tlie controversy between

indulge

belter acc|nainted
illusions,
with

theywould
only to have
of the

but
existence,

no

reality.We

the

of

nature

discover their assumed

will

to be

the very

notice

now

laws.

culture,
agri-

facts not
reverse

few of these

I leave out

of consideration the condition of those

gages
encumbered
are
by mort-

whose
lands
proprietors
and provisions
for

children,as

younger

ever

be the case with real property. A lamentable

mentioned in
instance of this nature, Jiowever,was
-Itis universally
quainted
presumed by those who are unacParliament by Mr. Baring. An estate of the value of
with farmingthat the best soils are devoted
left to two
brothers. One look the
300,000/. was
to the plough. This
is so tar from being true, tliat
such a system would be considered ruinous.
'I'lie whole, borrowed 150,000/.to pay off his brother,and 1
the estate
for that sum
: inconsequence'
richest soils are retained as ])asture. The third-rate niortgaged
of the depression
closed,
the mortgagee foreof agriculture
and inferior are
in generalthe arable.
Jiy skilful
and
the
the
whole
estate
absorbed,
modes of management,
was
prietor
proand
by sewers
under-drainage,
ruined.
and by the introduction of manures
suited to the peculiar
soils ; by lime or marl in some,
Again, it is assumed that ifcorn were cheaper,so
nure
by bone mawould
be manufacturing
labour.
This is not by any
in others,
land which would vary in value from
means
The contrary is not unfreto 10s.
so.
OS.
necessarily
worth 25s. ; and by
per acre, is made
obtain the
can
certain rivers,soils not worth Is. are
quentlytrue. )Vben the mechanic
warping near
of food with less labour he will not
made
same
amount
at a rent of 60s.
clieap
must

errors.

Again,it is also taken

the land

for

arable there

were

granted,that
would

he

if less of

more

produce

only not work so long, but be will insist upon a

the
higherprice for the work he does. Witness

universal combination and riots of the years 11524

as it may
yet paradoxical
appear, in vast
At
districtsof this kingdom the greater is the quantity and 1825.
present, while the farm labourer
works twelve hours daily,
of land
under the plough tlio greater will be the
large bodies of artisans
day
keep Saint Monday, Saint Tuesday,and a half holiits
quantityof
for
or
of pasture ;

pasture-produce

equivalent

which
on Saturday,
togetherwith Sunday is just
and corn
take but as one example that extensive district half the week. If bread,and stillmore, beer
that their'
made cheaper,is it probable
were
called in Lincolnshire the Cliff,running from
spirits,
Winterton
the Humber
near
north,to Grantham, industry would be greater?labourer
It is true that the wages of the agricultural
Stamford,and still further south ; extendingin fact
There is
influenced by the priceof corn.
through the counties of Lincoln,Northampton, Oxford, are greatly
always a surplusof such labourers and ihey cannot
than
Gloucester,Somerset, and Dorset, more
of
combine.
But
if we are told that the superiority
two
hundred
miles across
the
and
almost

sheep and cattle.

Let

us

kingdom,

the pay of the artisans and mechanics

will attract
British Channel.
A few years
ago a large
that tliey
to their employments,we
answer
persons
much
portionof the northern part, and probably
of
will be repelledby combinations, by rules limiting
the remainder was
rabbit warren.
Now
the mode
who
shall be employed,how
a.
of cultivation in Lincolnshire is what is called the
many apprentices
shall be permitted by his workmen
to
master
four course
take,
system. Fallow and cleansingtillMay,
and, if necessary, by violent assaults,fire-arms, and
when
June, or .Tuly,
Swedish or other turnipseed is
man,
from the effectsof which neither the workdrilled in with bone dust. The
burnings,
is consumed
the

to

produce

by sheep, and that

there would
the markets

be

in

too

the

winter

the master,
the
nor
the murders
committed

when

season,

pasture ; theyfatten upon it,and

thus supplied with fresh mutton
;

no

are

and, from similar though

not
the same
precisely
with fresh beef at a periodwhen our ancestors
lived altogether
upon salt fish,saltbeef, and salt
and nearlywithout vegetablefood. Commutton,
pare

causes,

upon workmen
and
at Dublin

of them hired,as

some

ness
safe ; wit-

are
magistrate

sins,
by assasGlasgow,;

doors
the manufacturingmasters
at their own
upon
in
by Luddites at Nottingham, and subsequently

Lancashire ; and upon

in Northumberland.

the

magistrate
by the

colliers

Again,it is said that if we admit foreigncorn the

and
of our
manufactures will be increased,
quantity
be obtained cheaper.
Is this indeed so very
the corn
probablybe good. certain ? The foreigncorn is to be paid for by our
into the foreign
manufactures : on their importation
red if the land will

the consequfint plaguesand diseases of former

times with the health and comfort of the
present.
The next
which, if the turnipcrop
crop is barley,
shall have

"\Viththe
bear

been

successful, will

barleyis sown

clover

country the duties

it,otherwise white.

The

next

come

year

two

crops of red

each
clover,

valuable than the same

weight of
clover is growing,and pasturedby
more

hayj
sheep.

In autumn

crop

as

ihiA process

is
soon

of

or

white

sown

as

land

which

formerlyfed

per

cent,

most

are

only,
"

rabbits

only.
If the farmer should take land which has become
foul from unskilful management,
eightyears will be
to bring it into proper
re(iuired
teen
condition,and fourto
It is neither to his own
interest
rejiay him.
to that of the consumer
nor
of bread that his contract
should be for a shorter period.
are
Largecapitals
for the management"
10/. per acre
required
is con-

abroad
ket
the

be

open

no

more

it would

and
freight

to

levied

be

by

the

the cost
than 35s.
soon

"

with

exceed

insurance

bo 4s.

tbem

as
reality

of the

foreign

every

Place

exorbitant.

far below

Let

presentlysee.

the wheat for the next year's

it is cut the jilough
beginsagain
fallow and cleansing.

All this upon

government

we

quarter of

at

50

shall

Englishmarjtriceand let

the

that

wheat
,

"

per quarter.

With

then for the wheat, 17s. (id. for the duties at

50 per cent, on the manufactures,
which are to pay for
wheat
the cost of the foreign
it,and 4s. for freight,
its arrival in England would be 56s. 6d.
on

35s.

of home
If then the price
5(5s. (id. what would

exceed

grown wheat should not

the manufacturer have

gained by purchasingfrom the foreignerwith his

highlytaxed commodities "; Apparentlynothing.But
what would he have lost 1 The supportof his coun^

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

383

trynien,the British and Irislifarmers,who assist than 4,500,000/. A part of the corn is stillto he
Lira, to pay the taxes
indispensahlefor the niaiii- ])aidfor,largeadditional importations
stilltakingare
taiaarico of the ileets and armies which defend his
placeahnost daily,the cost of which is to be paid
country, and of the courts wh'ch are occupiedin the
and the cause
of the continuinghereafter,
pressure
administration of justicein short of whatever
is necessary
and enjoymentand increase
for the security
of his wealth at liome and ahroad, tliat in lieu of these
advantageslie
jealousof his
mightenrich the foreigner
and ready at any periodto engage in
jiiosijeiity,
his destruction.
We have reasoned,
what
however, on supposition,
of British wiieat
then is the reality
The average
?
laws has been for the last 10
under the present corn
years r)6s. ;5d.,for the last 7 years 52s. '2d. The
from Hamburg is ^js.,from
freightand insurance
Dauzic ."js.per (juarter, trom
Odessa
19s. (jd.has

that great establishment is manilest.

The last observation shall be on the varying
scale
nistry
of duties. A fixed dutyhas been tried,
and no Mihas dared to enforce it in periods
of scarcity.
risk the unpopularity
of
Would
any Government
For
levyinga fixed dutyof lOs. at tliis moment?
weeks past, by the present law it has been Is. only.
scale of duties the priceof com
By the diminishinghas been kej)tmore
equable. But any thino- aji-

been

fitsover

"

"

paid this

freightonly. The priceof

of February last was
the 29th of March
(Jis." Then
not d5s. but G2s.,on
for the duties,in Russia some
of our woollen goods
others at the present rates
of exare
change
prohibited,
from
are
charged with importduties varying11 |d. to
3s. 4]^d per lb. weight; linens from
wheat

on

for

"

tlie 11th

Cotton goodsfrom 8d. to

calicoes Is. o^d, or 136 per
In Austria the
silks from 5s. 9d. to 9s. 7d.

Is. .'yd.to
23.

season

]3anz:c

at

7s. 4d. per lb.

-t^d.per lb.; white

cent.

duties

"

liritish cottons,

on

polishedhardware,

are

not

and
woollens, porcelain,
50 but

60 per cent., on
country in the world

silks 20s. per lb. Nor is there a

where
manufactures
not
are
our

on

of pricewill never
be attained
proaching to uniformity
the Almigiity,
in his
so long as it shall please
wisdom, to change the seasons, and scatter his bener
the earth with

hand.
ever-varying

an

T. E. C.

/3/m715,1839.

The

RUTLAND."

springmeetin* of the Rutlatid

Agricultural
Societywas held on MoHday, March 25. The
JMr. Painter,of Burley, Mr, W. Sdls,of
were
judg-es
and Mr. Woods, of Teig-h,
wiio,after a strict
Casthorpe,
scrutinyof the merits of the difterent animals,
agreed
Class 16. For cart stallions
award.
upon the following"

that will attend

at

and

Uppingham

Oakham

once

the season
of 1839, a premium of 15 sovereigns
during'
for
was
adjudgedto Mr. '1'.Stokes,of Caldecott,
five years old horse
Young- Englan"rsGlory."

week

burthened
heavily
his
with duties.
Class 17. For bulls under the usual restrictions,
the first
their
Still our manufacturers
views
are
directing
premium of 7 sovereignswas awarded to Mr. Baker, of
with great anxiety
to the states of Germany. Let us
:" the seCottesmore,for his bull " Roderick Random
cond
awarded
factures,
inquireinto the cost of but one of our Englishmanuto Mr.
premium of 3 sovereignswas
is doing on
its importation Bagnal, of L-nham, for his three years and ten montiis
and see what
old bull : the other competitors
into those countries which have adopted
were
generally commended,
the I'russian
viz.,Mr. Bosworlh, of Greethain,Mr. Turner,
tarifi'.To clean, card, and spin a pound of cotton
into 40 hanks, a most
extensive manufacture in Lancashire,of Market Overton, Mr. Morris,of Lutfenham, and the
Class 18. For boars
Hon.
II. Wilson, of Allexton.
there 5d., the duties exacted upon itin
costs
of 5 sovereigns
under
the usual restrictions,
the^premium
With
this millstone
Prussia exceed 2id. or 50 per cent.
awarded to JNIr. Seaton, of ftlanlon : the other
was
round
their necks,our
manufacturers in 1837
Mr. Chaj)commended, viz.,
generally
competitors were
valued
exportedto Prussia 4924 pounds weightonly,
of Whitwell, JMr. Bromhead, of
"

"

"

Belminsthorpe,

nian,

at 502/.

Now

sterling.
let

Rev. H. Finch, of Oakham,

and let the jiound
step further,
warped, dressed, and woven

Mr. Rudkin, of Langham

of Allexton, Mr. Hayes, of

hibited
Ilealy,of Ashvvcll,who exwhich
animal (but out of condition),
a superior
into calico: the additional cost of these processes is
taken the firstprize
is proved by hi" iiavingpreviously
6d., the additional tariffduty iSj^d.or 225 percent.
exhibitions.
at the Grantham, Waltham, and Newark
sian
Not a yardof it is or can be exportedinto the Prusawarded
was
The silver medal for the best pairof mares
customs-union,except as a patternor a curiosity.
to ISlr.Robert Smith, of Burley : the other competitors
tween
VVe have not the less importedfrom ahroad beMr. Baker, of Cottesmore, a pairof Suffolk mares,
were
the 5tb of May, 1838, and the 11th of April,
and Mr. W. Baines,of Braunston, who also exhibited a
from Germany and Russia,
1839, and almost entii*ely
tommended
was
as extra stock,which
cart filly
yearling
as below.
Qunrters. by the judges. The generalexhibition was cousidrred
Wheat
terest
2,009,99ti to exceed any previousyear, showing an increased inin the exhibition of male
animals, a subject
Flour, 626,332 cwt., equalby our duties
for 14 stone, to
worthy of remark, being calculated to improve the
at 381 gallons
215,301
district. A
whole
large party dined together at the
portance
to celebrate tha day, being of no small imTotal
2,225,297 Crown inn
in
they
having,
to the friends of agriculture,
Admitted
in addition since the 5th May
that day commenced
with the above exhibition,
conjunction
from the stock then lying
in bond.
496,615
hall.
the new agricultural
of thread

us

be

go

one

wound,

H.Wilson,

Lodg-e,Hon.
Greetham,

and Mr. Thos.

"

"

....

"

...

Total

'

'

admission in less than 12 months

2,721,912

irom
2os.
Tiiepricesofthe2,225,297qrs.havevaried
62s.: tiieduties therefore if paidin calico being 150

FIFESHIRE
MEETING.

AGRICULTURAL
"

wire

fan

gate, shown

SOCIETY'S
at the

trance
en-

mounted on itscrooks,attracted conof the field,

and seemed to be generallyapproved
per cent., would
vary from 42s. to 93s.,inrrcusirt^ sideriible attention,
thest
When
of. A weight of 864 being hung on its extremityfarhas the
with the price and our necessities.
from the hinge,and the gate svvang to and fro,no
of this kingdom extended such protection
legislature
stood
underobservable ; and it was
defiectionwhatever was
to its farmers?
that it could hive sustained two and a-half times
But theje duties have
not yet been paid ; the mafor any periodwithout
a ton weight suspended
this,
or
nufactures have not yet been exj)orted
; but, in lieu
VVe believe there is not on" maleto its form.
injury
of them, gold and silver,which
at an
average price able iron gate in ten but what will yieldirom two to six
of 45s. per quarter on tiie 2,225,297([uarters,
would
inches with one quarter of this. The total weight of the
of
the commencement
amount
to 5,006,918/. Since
801bs., its lengthten feet,and height
about
gate was
these purchases,
made
the bullion in the Bank
of England
four; its price not more than that of a common
to

has

been

and
declining,

is diminished

by

not

less

gate, and

justone-half of

an

iron one.

THE

384

it be free
colour is of no
provided
consequence,
from any admixture of iron. Such are the principal
materials commonly used by gardenersfor potting

SOILS.

OF

NATURE

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

The soilsof this countrymay be very conveniently

plants.
three
divided into
principalclasses, viz., the
of sand, is used for
Peat and loam, with a portion
and the
or clayey,
siliceousor sandy, the alumiiwus
Holland plants:peat
kinds of Cape and New
many
of
which
of
each
course,
calcareous or chalky,
may,
mixed
with sand, for the different speciesof Erica,
animal,
he modified by the presence of vegetable,
and other plants from various countries
Epacris,
metallic, or other matters, and thus producingfine fibrous roots : when
bog-tarthis
having
very
varieties. I shall now
proceedlo offer a
numerous
quires
used for this purpose instead of heath- mould, it reof the more
importantof these
few remarks
on
some
Leaf-mould is
of sand.
a greater quantity
in
ferent
difdelight
varieties. That different vegetables
casionally
used as a substitute for peat, or is ocsometimes
be evident to the
soils,is a fact that must
with it.
mixed
it is equallyclear that
observer
most
common
; and
Rotted dung and leaf-mould mixed with loam is
vation
cultiin
shall succeed more
or less perfectly the
we
and
used
for b-alsams,cockscombs, pelargoniums,
of
tention
attlie
in
t
o
degree
of plants
proportion
In whatever
other strong-rooted
proportions
plants.
as
gards
reof
nature,
tliatis paid to the dictates
they are mixed, the soil ought to be choppedup
fore
Tiie horticulturist is theresoil,climate, "c.
with the spade,but not sifted line,unless for plants
his
and
alter
modify
to
obliged
frequently
in small pots.
for
various
the
to
purposes
according
garden-soil,
all
attention should be paidto getting
Particular
alteration requn-edmay
The
wliich it is intended.
the soils well s,weetened by frequent turningbefore
the
where
:
thus,
be either generalor particuhir
they are used, and also to using them rather dry.
or too wet, it
too light,
too
stifl',
soil is naturally
However
good the soils maybe, if these pointsbe
have
to such operarecourse
tions
to
becomes
necessary
not
attended to the plants will not
grow kindly.
the
soil
of
require
nature
the peculiar
may
as
When
wireworms, and other insects which
*
grubs,
*
for its imiuovement.
found in soils,
to roots, are
theymay
usid
for potting ate injurious
The
different soils generally
be

plantsare

"

This is generally
Loam.
procuredof the best
old pastures,takingonly
from commons
or
Quality
the top spitwith the turf; that got from Sydenham

the soil about two

by spreading
readilydestroyed
thick upon a walk
or other placewith a hard

inches

"

the best in the

is reckoned

Common

neighbourliood

To
naturally
ought
of London.
crumble down
too fine,but should bear to be chopped
up rough with the spade.
Peat." This is of two kinds ; 1st. That which is
containing a
obtained from dry elevated moors,
than a few
and is seldom more
of saiid,
largeportion
inches
deep : this is termed heath-mould, and is
'ind. That which
similar to that on Bagshot Heath,
from
is termed peat ovbog-mrlh; it differs materially
where
the first,and is to be found in low swamps,
of decayed spJuigmtmand other vegeit is formed
table matter.
This, as dug out, is worthless ; but
posure
by exafter being frequentlyturned and sweetened
be

to the

good, it

influence

to

not

of the weather, is

bottom,

and frequently
sect
dry; as no intolerably
survive long
in the ground can
burrows
deprivedof moisture by exposure to the

in

dry weather

in summer,

turningit until it becomes

that

after it is
heat of the sun.
for puttinginto the
Drainers are also requisite
kinds of
of the pots, without which many
bottoms

be grown
successfully. A supply
plants cannot
all broken
pots
may be readilyobtained by saving
into small pieces,
and breaking them
varying from
the size of peas to that of beans, accordmg to the
size of the pots

for which

theyare

wanted."

.Smit/t's

Floral Cabinet.

as
equally

iswell in a little
FEEDING.-Il
BEES, SPRING
for potting,and is far
good as the heath-mould
time to examine tlieremaining'stock of food,for a good
in the
garden-soil
superiorfor mixing with common
If
deal will be requiredfor the increasingnumbers.
better than manure
borders out of doors,being even
than in
needed some
may be given,though less quantity
soils.
of
stiff
sorts
for improving some
of honey ( made fluidand
autumn
; three or four ounces
This is obtained
by collectingKtirred with a littlewarm
Leaf-Moui.d."
water) twice in a week are
leaves of any sorts of trees
stitute
(except the resinous
sufhcient. In the absence of iioneyin the springa suband laying them
together to
ale with a
be found in a pintof good sound
kinds) in autumn,
may
ferment and decay. They oughtto be turned and
pound of suyar, boiled togetherfor a lew minutes and
wine or spirits
and
well skimmed.
Some
add,to this a little
"well mixed several times during the summer;
which at any rate isnot diswill requirethree or four years to get thoroughly and a small portionof salt,
itis well to givethe
At this season
to bees.
]dea$ing
all trees the
Of
rotted so as to be fit for use.
food on a dry day and a little
warmed.
J\Ianypersons
recommend
tain
feedingeven thii strong- stocks,tor it is cerperature
that the bees are stimulated by the increased temdisposedto decay. Oak-leaves
sequentlv sooner
risein the hive,and there can
to which it 8"ives
best lo
reckoned
put into pits for giving a
are
be no doubt of the importance of earlybreeding-.Hut
not for leaf-mould,
should he resorted
absolute necessity
regularbottom heat,but certainly
no feedingunless from
wise
is past,othertillall chance of frost or snow
lo
completelydried up before theyfall.
are
as tliey
obtained
in
and
numbers
g-ether
to'I'his
is
by laying
motion,
r\]ANuiiE.
RoiTED
liieyare prematurely
put
It liasbefore been reconiunable to reacu
home.
of cow-dung, and turningit over
])erish
a (|uaiitity
is
the pan on using it,this especially
to cover
rotted as to aj)- mended
until it be so completely
occasionally
should be
for then all means
in a cold sprincr,
requisite
similar
to black, rich mould.
pear
of warmth
from the brood.
tained used to prevent the escape
Sand.
This may be either dug from a pitor obbe more
As n.'spectsthe bees lliey
safelyfed at the
may
of a river; if intended for
the hanks
from
to descend below
of the hive than when
compelled
top
mixing with soils,it s-hould he a coarse grit; but
to the effects
for this purpose, where
theyare subjected
it sliould be somewhat
for striking
if wanted
cuttings,
of the hive
The
of a chilling
entrance
temperature.
compactlytogctlicr,should be graduallyopened as the season
advances,
finer,so that it may run

leaves

of the

sycamore
for leaf-mould, being somewhat
common

are

perhapsthe

succulent,and

best

con-

"

"

and thus exclude the air ; it sliould not, however,

become
liard and crusted upon the surface. Sand
used, but the
ofawhilisli colour is most
generally

is required,contractingit if any
and room
robbers lakes place for thissometimes occm's,."
Bee Keeper's
Manual.

attack

by

Taylor's

THE

ABORTION

OR

SLINKING

CALF.

Cows that have long been afflicted with hoose,

ject
and that turning-into consumption, are very subed,
When
to abortion.
consumption is establishis much
and the cow
wasted
she will
away,
rarelyretain her calf during her natural period.
often follows the sudden
This casualty
change
food. Cows
that have been
from poor to luxuriant
ly
out and half-starved in the winter, and incautiousturned on rich pasture in the spring,
too apt
are
the undue
cal
to cast their calves from
general or loexcitation that is set up ; and a sudden change

comparative starvation,
effect,but from an opposite
will i)roducethe same
it is, that when
Hence
tliis disposition
to
cause.
abort first appears in a dairy,it is usuallyin a cow
been
that has
lately purchased. Fright, from
whatever
There
produce abortion.
cause,
may
herds
of
on
are
record, of whole
singularcases
cows
slinkingtheir calves after being terrified by
an
unusuallyviolent thunder storm ; near Arlingout of twenty grazing
ham, eightheifers and cows
of
to a
rear
dog-kennel, aborted, in consequence
of flesh,
the frequentexposure
and the skinningof
of rich

dead

pasture to

horses

before

state

them.

of

The

there is the

distant i)astureand

remainder

were

moved
re-

Putrid
smells
have produced the same
and therefore
eflfects,
the cattle in crowded
cowhouses
not
are
unsubjectto this mishap.
frequently
these observable
of abortion,
Besides
causes
to

mysteriousworking

did well.

of the

atmosphere.

certain
when
abortion
is
seasons
strangelyfrequentand fatal ; while, at other times
it,in a manner,
disappearsfor several successive
There

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

are

385

The treatment
of abortion will differ littlefrom
that of a natural birth. If the farmer
has once
been tormented
by this pest in his dairy,he should
the
carefully watch
of
approaching symptoms
castingthe calf,and as he perceivesthem, should
the

remove

cowhouse

from

cow

the pasture to a comfortable

be careful to keep her
that may be in calf. If
cow

shed, and

or

apart from any

other

discharge is glairybut not offensive,

he may
hopethat the calf is not dead ; he will be assured
of this by the motion
of the fustus or unborn
calf,
and then it is possiblethat the abortion
yet
may
the

be avoided.

He

should

hasten

bleed her, and

her age, size,
condition, and the state of excitation in which he
may find her ; he should also give a dose of physic
immediately after the bleeding. The physic beginning
to
operate, he should administer half a
drachm
of opium, and
half an ounce
of sweet
rit
spiof nitre. Unless she is in a state of
lity,
great debihe should avoid above
all things,the comfortable
drink, which some
so
commend,
persons
stiangelyreand
which
doctor
the cow
will be
almost sure
to administer.
should
He
allow nothing
bat gruel to eat, and he should
keep his
that

patientas
may

to

in proportion
plentifully,

quiet as

he

can.

to

By

these

means

he

occasionally
delaythe generalor
that

precedes or

causes

local irritation
the abortion, and the

yet go to her full time.

however, the dischargebe fetid,the
natural
conclusion will be that the calf is dead,
and must
be got rid of as speedilyas
possible.
cow

may
Should

Bleeding may
fever

exists;

then
if much
be requisite,
able
perchance, the aforesaid comfortnot
be out of place. In other respects,

even
or

drink may
the animal
be treated as if her namust
tural
years.
time of calvinghad arrived.
in Beaulieu aborted. This,
In 1789, all the cows
Much
the
may be done in the way of i)reventiny
traced to the long continuance
of
however, was
formation
of this habit of abortion
the
among
In 1782, the cows
Granvilliers
vet weather.
near
The dead calf
cows.
munt be got rid of immediutely.
slinked their calves,an"l this was
attributed to the
It should
be buried deep, and far from
the cow
excessive heat of the preceding summer^
pasture, or cow-houses.*
The couseqiiences of premature
frecalvingare quently
Immediately after this,the cowhouse
should be
If the cow
of a very serious nature.
docfi
well whitewashed
with quick lime, and plentifully
much
than
is
slower
after
not die, her
recovery
sprinkledwith a solution of chloride of lime.
tlic natural parturition
or
tinues
calving. The coat conThe cow
when
beginning to recover, should be
rough and staringfor a long time the skin
fattened and sold. This is the first,
and che grand
clingsto the ribs the appetitedoes not return,
the preventionof abortion,and he is
step towards
Some
and the milk is dried up.
internal chronic
unwise
who
does
not
immediatelyadopt it. It
takes its rise,and the foundation
complaint now
the charm
was
of which
Chabert arrestby means
is laid for consum])tionand death.
the case
is more
When
favourable, the results
*
To shew the great
ing
are, nevertheless, often iinnoying.
power of cattle in discover"

"

If

in calf again dnrirg that

probable that about the same
before, or a littlelater, she will again

should

nauseous
smells,the writer of this article cannot
avoid mentioning
a curious circumstance
that was
a
short tinie since related to him
periodas
by a gentlemanof
abort ; or that when
she becomes
in calf the following this county, whose veracity
is undoubted.
A cow
will
attend
her.
to the above gentlemanwas
fatality
found dead in
belonging
year, the same
ditch of the pasture, and deeply buned
Some close observers
a
to
there.
say that this disposition
About
two
cast her young
one
fixed in
gradually ceases
; that if she
years after this,a trough was
the field near
does miscarry,it is at a later and later period of
to this spot, and
by a small
supplied
and that in about three or four years
of water
run
pregnancy;
; the cattle refused to drink,or
even
she
be depended upon
the water.
tolerable safe
On seeingthis,
come
as
a
near
the gentleman
may
tentive made his men
breeder; he however, would be exceedinglyinatdig about the place, to see if there
beast
to his interests who
in the soil,when
was
kept a profitless
covered
anythingparticular
theydis-

she

season,

come

it is very

"

so

long.
The

calf very
it is born

rarelylives,and in the majorityof

dead or decayed. If there should

years

the dry bones

of the animal tlr.ithad two
been buried there. The bones were
previously

removed, two or three cart loads of the soil carried

ed
of saving it,it should be washaway, and replacedby fresh. After this,the cattle
with warm
quently drank freely.Had
the supplyof water
water, carefullydried, and fed frepassedovtr
with small quantities
of new
the remains
of the dead animal wo
milk, mixed
gine
could easilvimaof the animal,
of this aversion,
the cause
but this was
accordnigto the apparent weakness
the
not
either with raw
iu an open gutter above tlio
came
case, as the water
cg;^s, good gruel,or boiled s-ago ;
while the bowels should, it occasion
bo
trough, and the animal was buried below the trough
requires,
of small doses of castor oil.
opened by means
and lower down the hill.
cases,
appear

any

chance

THE

386

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

though
three carts when used in an effete state ; but allime conduce to
of
the caustic properties
in the soil into
bring-the inert vegetable matter
be reluctant
owner
have been sometimes led
proper
action,
agriculturists
be
at least should
into error
the dose too often without
by repeating
permittedto return to her companions.
of which
the aid of otlier manures,
the consequence
occurred on the farm, the
Abortion having once
is exhausted.
is,that the land in place of becoming fertilized,
though
Alwatched.
be
should
carefully
breeding cows
of lime spreadupon lands vaThe quantity
ries,
well fed, they should not be allowed to get
stances
inaccording to soil and circumstances : in some
Unless they are decidedly
into too high condition.
250
bushels are applied,while in others 50
the
be bled between
busiielsof shells may be considered as a fair quantity
;
poor and weak, they should
ter
it is much betbut where lands have been neglected,
and a mild
in pregnancy,
second and third months
to give a good dose at first than to spread small
to
dose of purging physic should be administered
time ; and where the operation lias
at
a
quantities
each.
If the firstcontinues to reappear, the owner
been frequently
repeated,lime may be most judiciously
should
most
carefullyexamine how far any of
used by way of compost, in mixing it with earth,weeds,
mentioned
the causes
of abortion that have been
other vegetable matter, and by proper attention to
or
his
last
farm
exist upon
this paper, and the
in
may
mixing and turning, its caustic effects are thereby
himself in carefully
and exert
removing them.
and the result tends to excite the fertilizing
corrected,
B.B.
CarlislePatriot.
be used every
Lime
of the admixture.
qualities
may
nine or ten years upon
land timt is kept under a proper
rotation of cropping,but it will never
repay tlie
if
lands, such have
expense of layingit upon worn-oat
been kept clean and heavdy cropped,and such especially
limed. In conclusion,"
as had been
previously
ON
APPLICATION
LIME.
THE
OF
age,
drainfrom the improvementslatelyeffected through
be used much
lime can now
moreefHcaciouslythan
Presuming that the operationsof burninglimestone
it is appliedto land saturated
formerly
; for where
in Ayrshireare on the eve of commencing for the season,
ing
witli water, it is,comparatively
speaking,like throwand that the applicationof lime is, in an agricultural
it into the sea, tillthe redundancy of moisture is
muck
ef
of
the
to
view,
at
use
point
country
removed.
Ayr Advertiser.
C(l this

tated
foi* thirty
years had devasShould, however, the
to part with her, two mouths
allowed to pass, before she is

plague,which

the farm

at

as

fit

Tours.

"

"

the
on
large, I beg to offer a few cursory remarks
of opinion,that no county
subject. Being decidedly
in Scotland
is, on the whole, progressingso much in

agricultural
improvements,as

Ayrshire is

at

the

present day ; notwithstanding that lime being there

procuredat an easy rate in general,or, more
perly
prospeaking,at a very low rate, when compared
with

other

many

counties, is sometimes

disadvantage, and
it upon
It may,

the

sward

that

more

when
be

the lime is in an
out of place to
instances,bound

however, not

used

farmer,

that

tacks

effete state.
tbat

remark

sometimes
written out by
the proper systems of farming,
well as
of the intrinsic value of lands over
as
which
they unfortunately(for the good of the community)
are
placedas managers, and such factors may
in which they may have duped
chuckle over the manner
his rent above par, or by
a needy tenant, by raising
useless covenant, or arbitrary
imposing upon him some
which
the farmer
restriction,
only tend to enervate
without
proving beneficial to the landlord,who
and
becomes
either by
a loser,
ultimately,
invariably
himself or his heirs.
But to returni'
lime can be most judiciously
used
when
the land is well cleaned,
preparatery to forming
it is undergoing a
the drills for a turnipcrop, or when
are

utterlyignorantof

"

The

two

soils witli much

less quantitiesthan in otliers,
nnd
tluitmore
in ligiit
soils ; and from various
particularly
experiments,I iiave found tliattwo carls of lime, Avhen

used in

England, where

is

commerce

engagedin,

scale of

known
magnitude uncharter of the world, and
where capital
is so immense, as frecjuontly
to occasion
loss where
plated
contemsevere
profitwas
that banking shotdd
; it is astonishing,
attention from
meet so little,
or at leastunseasonable
the Legislature.When
an
new
entirely
system
springsup, it may be, that many of its defects will
has been
become apparent,only after experience
had of its practical
working,as is at presentthe
but when
with regardto railways,
case
repeated
of diseased action,have for a long time
proof's
sliewn themselves,it surelyis the*
periodically
bounden
the conduct of the
to whom
duty of those,

carried on, upon

in any other

aliairsof the nation is confided,to take

in theirpower,

to

guard againsta

all

return

means

of tliat

however
ultimately
through the strengthof constitution
possessedby the patient,
yet leaves behind many
extirpated.
Whilst
much
tlie sad proofsof the violence of the disease.

fallow alter the root wheats are

last metliods of application
are
cheapest,and by far the most effectivein their operations.
Where lands have for a longtime been in a neglected
and
uncultivated
state, and where they are
with coarse
overrun
herbage,and have contracted an
acidityunfavourable to vegetation,lime applied upon
the sward may, all things considered,
be advantageously
used ; but to spread it upon
the sward
where
fallow or tlieturnij)
the soil admits of a summer
bandry,
husis the heightof absurdity;for,in the former
off the ground, if apiiiied
or lessis washed
case, more
in a powdery state,wliile the remainder, from being
comes
exposed to all tlievicissitudesof the season, soon beeffectsare conseeffete,and its stimulating
quently
deteriorated.
be obtained in some
The good effects of lime can

summer

In

to

by spreading and
especially

tenants are, in several

by clauses
in their leases,to lay certain quantitiesof lime upon
each time before the land is broken up by
the sward
the plough from lea, but it is obvious to every practical
persons

BANKING.

powdery stale,arc productiveof equalbene-

monetary ailment, wliich

thrown

we

deprecate
any

of the
and

off

should

commerce

interference

undue

with
Legislature,

the mode

or

we

contend

is tliecase

reason
legitimate

part

yet,when tiie
who
least,
every one
is in a very
transactions,
at

great degree dependentupon

branch
particular

the

be carried on,

propertyof every man,

is engagedin commercial
one

on

in which trade

the mode

of business is
with

exists for

in which

conducted, as

banking,wc

think

prudentinterference.

should be taken,that any regulations

adopted,should not emanate from the crude
but should be based upon
of theorists,
speculations
the solid foundation
of
practicalexperience.
the writers
Amongst bankers, as well as among
be said that
of banking,it may
upon tlie subject
tlicrc now
exists two
great parties;the upCare however

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

387

banks,and joint
private
banks,and the advocates for historyoftheproceedingsof
private
stock banks,to prove, that caution,
and
prudence,
general infroduclion of joint stock banks.
and incaution,imprudence,
ford discretion,
and indiscretion,
be said,to afJoint stock banks may abstractedly
will ever
be followed with the same
tiian private
quences
consebanks, inasmuch as
more
security
in the one system, as in the other.
whose
So far
number
of sliareholders,
there are a larger

holders of
the

of the customers

propertyis liable to the demands

has
Experience

of tiiebank.
that

bank

jointstock
powers,

as

is

an

we

as

it is in the

think, shewn, againstan

to guard
power of the Legislature,
abuse of the powers, with
vvhiciia

creased
for tliepurpose of carrying
body of persons associating
engineof vastlyinthe business of banking,became
on
a private
bank,
by tlie

comparedwith

of their business invested,it is its

increased quantum
very nature
bounden
of mischief, in
increased amount
ject
dutyto do, and hence we trust the subwill yet meet the serious consideration of Parliament.
as itis wall ov ill-managed.Tlie principles
proportion
In the mean
time we submit to the pebank, or a jointstock
upon which a private
rusal
and consideration of our
readers an article
bank should be conducted,
to us
are, as it seems

and

of

capableof producingan

good,or

an

the same,
precisely

Without,
tiie

at

and the

same

results will follow.

present, taking into consideration

from a " Supplement

to Mc Cnlupon the subject,
loch's Dictionary
of Commerce," justpublished,

of entrusting
a
sinvjle
corporationin
propriety

widi powers, the

of which

use

influence upon

exercise such

other banks of whatever

the

to
appealwith confidence,

we
deuominaiion,

which

much

be found.
resistible
ir-

an

valuable statisticalinformation

It possesses the accustomed

talent of the

author, but

coincide in
altogether

we

cannot

Bank

of

Enoland.

"

as

sny

that we

his views.

enlargedSupplementto Mr. Mc Culloch's Commercial

(From the improvedand greatly
tlic information
and
and bringing
down
new
articles,
containing
important
many
January,1839.)
London

will

well-known

Dictionary
;
in tliework

to

Longman and Co.

Account of the Issues,

Bullion,and Surplusor Rest,of the Bank of England,
Securities,
to the Act 3 " 4 Will. IV., cap. 98.
in the Gazette,
accordingpublished

THE

FAllMER'S

MAGAZINE.

389

itis
who are responsibleto them.
of Eng-land,
no efBut,unluckily,
for
fective means
taken for supplyingthe publicwith
of persons to form a company
are
of properly
jointslock banking, whetiier for the purpose of deposit, tins necessary information,
or, consequently,
between one establishment and another.
discriminating
or of both.
or of issue,
The act of 1833 (3 " 4 Will. IV. c. 83.)directed that
stock banks no pre1. The law imposeson the joint
ot the placeswhere they carry on business,
beyond the payment of a license an account
liminnryoblig'ation
of siiareiiolders and of the names
and residences of the partners, should
of the names
duty, and the registration
he quarterly
transmitted to the Stamp Office. But
at the Stamp Oftice.
of the Bank
privileges

tection of the
to any

open

number

"

that the deed of settlement

doubts have been entertained as to the correctness
of
2. The law does not require
has been, or
little
sliallbe considered or revised by any com])t;tent these returns, and comparatively
use
of the
force
whaiever ; and no precaution is taken to enindeed,can be, made of them. The account*
authority
vious names
and residences of the proprietors
the insertionin such deeds of clauses the most obnot published
arc
secluded from the publiceve
and necessary.
; but are
carefully
the repositories
in
of Somerset
House ! It is tru3 that
3. I'he law does not impose any restrictionsupon
these listsmay be seen by those who choose to applyat
the amount
of nominal capital. This will be found to
instance
the office,
for a small fee,and that certifiedcopies
to 100,000/.
; and in one
may
vary from 5,000,000/.
shares to any
be procured at no great expefise. But few know that
is reserved of issuing
an unlimited power
such
h
ave
and
exist
still
the
returns
fewer
opportunity,
extent.
;
"
that the
of information.
think of availing
or
4. The law does not impose any obligation
themselves of them as sources
Iwhole or any certainamountofsharesshall bcsubscribed
To render them
of any real utility,
they
stances
inla many
should be brought under the publiceye, by beinghungfor before bankingup
operationscommence,
the officesof the banks to which they refer,and
their business before one-half
banks commence
m
of the places
of the shares are subscribed for,and
10,000,20,000, periodically
published in the newspapers
the public
and 30,000 shaves are reserved to be issued at the discre- where theycarry on business. By this me-jns
would
know
tion of the directors.
they had to look,and
exactlyto whom
"
would
5. Tlie law does not enforce any rule with respect
act accordingly.
i
They would not be deceived,
of shares. These will be found
to the nominal amount
as
they are liable to be at present, by supposing that,
"

"

j
1

to vary

from

1,000/.to

6. The

"

'The effectsof thisvariation

of

enforce

capitalpaid up

business.

ment

not

5/.

to

of
7. The law does not providelor any publication
force
1 the liabilities
and assets of these banks, nor does it enof any balance-sheet to the
the communication
"

at large.
proprietors
restrictions
by which
8. Tiielawdoesnotimposeany
"

that the dividends are paid out of

bankingprohtsonly,and that bad or doubtful debts are
shall b

care

because

taken

firstwrittenoff.
and
9. The law does not prohibit
sales,
purchases,
traffic on the part of these companies in their
speculative
"

bank

has

number

of partners,

some

of them

opulent aed trustworthy. They would know

the precisestate of the fact;and if it were
seen, from
viduals
indithe quarterlyreturns, that opulentand intelligent
were
withdrawingfrom a bank, every one would
be put on his guard, and would naturallyconclude that
be

must

any rule with respect

before the commenceThis will be found to vary from 105/.

law does

Ito theofamount
(

5/.

stated in the evidence.

strongly

are

for quitting
the
sufficientreasons
Tims
far publicity
be made
effectual,
may
and would be of the very greatest importance.Neither
to this
is it possible
to allege
u single
objection
plausible

the

had very
parties^

concern.

proposal. It interferesin

in any way,
no degree,nor
all that itdoes is
of the parties
with the proceedings
:
of
to declare who and what they are ; and to thisdegree
publicityno honest man will ever object.
But we
have great doubts whether it be possible
to
further than this. The committee state
carry publicity
of
the law does not provide for any publication
that
the liabilities
and assets of these banks,nor does it enforce
the publicationof any balance-sheet to the propnetois at large," and it has been proposed to compel

advances to be made on the creditof

shares.
10. The law does not
providethat the guarantee
fund shall be keptapart and invested in government or
of this sort :
the periodicalpublicationof a statement
uiliersecurities.
but it is very questionablewhether any such publication
11. The law does not limit the number of branches
would
than useless. It is not
branches from the central bank.
not be a great deal worse
or the distance of such
"
spect
12. Tiie law isnot sufficiently
stringentto insure to
proposed that commissioners should be appointedto inat ilie Stamp Oftice
the accounts
of the differentbanks,and to see that
tiiepublic that the names
registered
wiio have
be too inquisitorial,
the returns are accurate
ot persons bond fideproprietors,
: this would
ui'e ihe names
and who are rusponsibletoo cumbrous, and too costlya planto bethoughtof for
signedthe deed of settlement,
in fact,but
There would be nothingfor it,
a moment.
to the public.
! Hence,
of the law appear inadequate, to trust entirely
to the honour of the parties
13. Tlie provisions
in all cases in which a disclosurewould be reallyuseful,
so far as they impose upon
are
or, at least,
disregarded,
the publicationof an account
of assets and liabilities
banks tlie obligation
of making their notes payable at
and of
the public,
would
of deceiving
afford the means
the placesof issue.
to your committee
as
All these separate questions
a
being in a prosperbankrupt concern
appear
ous
representing
with
of the must serious consideialion,
condition. Supposing,however, that the parlies
deserving;of the banks throughout were, in allinstances,
tion
a view to the future stability
perfectlyhonest,stillthe publicaof a balance-sheet would
be good for nothing.
the United Kingdom, the maintenance of commercial
in a sound
of the currency
and the preservation
credit,
Every one knows how sanguine peopleare in relation
that
affairs ; and that debts and obligations
to theirown
.tate."
other j)aities
are
would
liemedial Measures tlnit should be adopted. ^Ve do
hardly reckon worth any thing,
estimated by them as if they were so much bullion. But,
not, however,think that it would be at all necessary, in
of the thingis obvious.
of this,
the futility
for a secure
system of jointstock banking, to
independently
providing
discounts bilU and
with respect to many
of the points A
bank with a capitalof 100,000/.
make any regulations
to the extent
noticed by the committee as to which the law is silent. other obligations
perhaps, of 300,000/.or
them shews
At present every partner in a jointstock bank is liable 400,000/.
; the fact tlmt it has discounted
debts of the firm ; and this
that it believes these bills and obligations
to be good;
to tlie publicfor the whole
its asof the syssets.
and theywill,consequently,be reckoned among
may be trulysaid to be the savingprinciple
stance
But should a revulsion take place,or any circumteni, and without which it would bean unmixed evil.
Ao individual slioulu,
these bills may not be worth
to shake credit,
occur
however, by merely withdrawing
in
have dealt with the bank, on
Irom
a
jointstock concern, get rid of his liabilities
100,000/.
; and those who
than
connection
with it. 'Jo prevent
the hypothesisof its having capitaland assets more
fraud, and to ensure
will find,to their
due caution, these ought to continue for a periodof three
enough to nieet all its obligations,
but is,
his name.
years at leastafter he has publiclywithdrawn
cost, that it is not possessed of a single shilling,
1 lie public,
entitled to know the partners
the contrary, some
on
200,000/.or 300,000/.worse than
too, are clearly
in joint
informed who
slock associations;
that is,lobe
nothingI
'he individualsarc with whom
regulation
to think that some
The committee seem
they are dealing,and
"

stock, nor

own

theirown
"

"

"

"

"

FARMER'S

THE

390

MAGAZINE.

whether the firm consistof one or of many partners,of

of
that a certain i)ortion
enacted,providing'
and specifying
their names.
capitalsliould be paid up before a bank begins publiclydeclaring
We
all
are
bii^iiness.But the better way would be to proiiibit
decidedlyhostile to a propositionwe have
heard mooted, and which seems
is a mere
in fact,
of nominal capital.'I'his,
to be countenanced
by
adverliiing
the committee on jointstock banks, for obligingall
device by whicli to entrap and delude the public. A
banks
establish
to
witb
of
fund
that
for
bank
is announced
a guarantee
1,000,000/.,
a
is, obliging
capital
;
sliould be
of its

2,000.000/.,or

.3,000,000/.
; and

great number

of

conclude that
immediately
people,perhapsthe majority,
willi an establishment
be no risk in dealingthere can
of so great an amount
of property. But what
possessed
advertiscsdis nominal merely ;
is the fact? The capital
not
more
perhapsthan a tenth or a fifth part of ithas
received into the cofTersof the bank, and

been

have

we

of lli" bank propriebetter than the statement

tors,
their agents, that they will pay up the remainder,
or
if necessary ; of which necessity
they of course are to be
the only judges! Practicallythis is neither more
nor

nothing

the public
less than a fraud upon
; it is a contrivance
for making 10,000/.pass in tiie public estimation for

them to accumulate a portionof their profits

as a
stock. But where is the security
that such reserve
be always deducted from profits? The truth

bankruptand
gain by such

reserve

would

is,that
would
cl.-e,

fraudulent concerns, and none

inasmuch as it would enable
regulation;
them, by appearingto be prosperous, the better to de-'
ceive the imblic,
and to blind them as to the real state
of their affairs. It is a good deal worse
than absurd
to
induce the publicto depend on guarantees that cannot
be enforced,and which, consequently,must be good for
a

nothing,

'i'he knowledge of who the partners are in a

bank,and theirunlimited responsibility,
the only seare
curities

that,speaking geneially,are worth a jiincli

of
snuff. If these cannot
protect the publicfrom fraud or
loss,
nothingelse will;and the questionwill come
to
to
of capital
that if a greater amount
really be, not whetlier the system should be reformed, but
were
security
whether it should be abated as an incurable nuisance.
it would be forthcoming
? The notion that the
required
On this ground also,we should be disposedto dissent
bulk of the shareholders in many, we are pretty sure we
from any attempt to
stock banks now
in
prevent, by legislative
might safelysay most, of the joint
enactment,
the credit of bank stock. W^e
of their shares, the making of loans upon
existence could pay up the full amount
do
not
t
he
of
such
notice.
We
well
deserve
question
is too ludicrous to
might as
advantage
aregulation,
vided
proit were
carried into effect. But it is useworth o/. to extinguisha debt of 500/.
call upon a man
honestly
less
to
whenever
the
it
unless be meant
1'here can be no doubt, therefore,
say that,
partieswere disposedto
such
defeat
would
it
be
and
a course,
fallacious statements
quiteinoperative.
are
to affirm that deception
We have already noticed the extraordinary
of jointstock banking
to the success
cation
multipliindispensable
of
branch
banks
all
of nominal capital
should
the country ; and it is
over
schemes, that all advertising
not
to discover why banks of issue,
lowed
at least,
be put an end to ; and that no associationshould be alvery difficult
about the establishment of these outare
so very anxious
as exceeding the sum
works.
to represent its capital
tually
acBut though this
They are bound,it seems, by the present law,
])aidup by the proprietors.
to pay their notes
of fraud and deception,
there
would obviate one source
onlyat the parent cstMisliment ; so'
that, by issuingthem at a branch bank, perhaps a
of practising
stillbe abundant means
would
on the credulity
hundred miles distant from the head bank, the chances
inclined io
of parlies
of the publicat the disposal
will continue for a much
that a bank has a capitalof 500,000/. are ten to one tliey
longerpeuse iheiTi. Admit
riod
in circulation,
and that they will consequentlybe
what is to hinder the
actuallyreceived into its cotters,
able to carry on business with a much
of this sum,
less amount
directors from lending out the whole
of
or
than if they were, as they ought to be, obliged
capital,
to themselves or to partners in the bank?
or
even
more,
to pay their notes at the branches
as well as at the principal
supposingthem not to do this,who can tell whether the
office.It is obvious,indeed,that the convertibility
considerablepart of it, be not
entire cai)ital,
or
some
of the paper, even
of first class banks, into cither cash
wholly engulphedin ruinous speculations? It is indeed
of England notes, i.%at present exceedinglyimor Bank
perfect;
alleged,and truly too, that this could not happen with
"
and tiiat very great fiicilities
ter"
afforded for
bank, that
gentlemen of characare
respectable"
any
the worst class of notes into circulation,
netting
would
and for
to such transactions!
not lend themselves
after their qualitymay be suskeepingthem aflosit,
even
Unluckily,however, there are no decisive marks or tests
pected.
This defect in the law ought,
to
undoubtedly,
by which the publiccan, a priori,
say what is or what is
"
be
"
all
banks
who
is
that
by
issue
amended,
not a
obliging
notes to
bank, or
not a
is,or
respectable"
tleman
genthem
is
hazardous
of
at
Utile
in
theiroffices. But we
of character ;" and it
not a
indifferentlyany
pay
incline to think that parliament might go further than
remarks.
Hence
such matters
to indulge in speculative
this
and
it
that
should
that no branch be estabenact
that is,
lished,
it is that all b;inks are held to be respectable,
;
whether for the issue of notes, or otherwise,be-'
solvent,tillthe event proves the contrary ; and that all
"
certain
distance (sayfifty
yond a
men
genllemcH connected with banks are held to be
miles)from the head
office.
of character,''
paragons, in fact,of lionour,honesty,and
Several
of the points recapitulated
till their fraud or ignorance has involved
intelligence,
even
by the committee,
as
to whicli the law is silent,
hundreds or thousands in bankruptcy and ruin.
respect the rights and
in order to raise interests of the partners in joiot stock banks, in relaWe
do not statu these circumstances
tion
for

procuring tiiesame degreeof

itsholders.Tlii";,
however, is not all. Where

100,000/.
; and

credit
is the

"

'

any

stock
againstjoint
prejudice
for

they apply equally to

of individuals ; but
ol

placingany reliance

of any

bank,

statements

may

or

we
on

banks
one,

state them
statements

or

or

to

other associations,
a small
ber,
num-

to show
as

to

the

folly

the capital

the character of its managers.

Such
false ; but, as the pubor
lic

be either true

tellwhich, they are plainlygood for nothing.

ifit exist at all,in
only real securityisto be i'ouiul,

cannot

to each

other,and not
it is always a

between
them and the
as
terfere
very difficultmatter to into dictate the
footingon which partiesin any
themselves.
undertakingshould stand among
Much
should, in such cases, be left to the judgment of the
parties; and public regulations,if enforced at all,
should only go to prevent obvious
and acknowledged

public.But

abuse : the parties may,

in most
left
cases, be safely
to take care
of themselves. The protection
of the public
interest is the paramount consideration
do
; and we
what can
be doue to effect this,in (he
is a very inferiorconsideration. There cannot, m truth, not well know
at least,of such banks
be a greater error than to suppose that because a bank
do not issue notes,
case,
as
of partners,its securitymay
be safely other than the inakiug known
has a great number
who their partners are.
worth 100,000/. is
We
have elsewhere
A singleindividual
depended upon.
(Diet. p. 81.)said,that if the
Bank
individuals
of Engl.-ind
incomparjibly better securitythan fifty
could,with safetyto herself,
terest
an
pay inindividuals worth
each ; and a hundred
worth 2,0(J0/.
on
is
done by the Scotch banks, it
deposits,as
all
would
at
least
be
would
be
at
for
of
the
hardly
security
any
1,000/.
greatest service to the public. The
;
of 10,000/.or 20,000/. A privatebank with .s/.r,
joiutstock banks formed, or being formed in the city,
a sum
than
safer
stock
be
of
bank
are
a joint
a
undertaking this function,and are otteringa fair
place dejiosit
may
rate of inter^t on
witli six liundred partners. l'"erything de])eiids
ujion
deposits.If they succeed in this,
for
of
those
the
debts
of
the aruiluhle weultlt
they will confer no slightadvantage on the comnmnity,
responsible
and
and
will become
the concern;
lience the propriety an"l justice.
as it were
banks
for
so
many
savings'
The
the

for the debts and

of the jiarlnersresponsible
of such partners
The number
of the bank.
obligations
names

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

391

the middle clashes,and for the rich as well as the poor.

Amehican
The systcni of banking in the
Banks.
this system -will bi'in^along
But the respousiljilitics
United States has recentlyattracteda great deal of attention
small.
with it are neither few nor
A bank
with a nuin this country, i'lie
of the I'nitedStales
merous
Bank
of
of
undoubted
and
witli
wealth
tegrity,
inin
was
a
body
partners
incnrporatedby Congress
capital
I81b",
that should
acting
pive 2 per cent, interest on all of 35,000,000dollars,
for the issueof notes and tlictransof
10/.
and
how
short soever
the
of ordinary
upwards,
deposits
banking business. Its head officewas
in
but it had brandies that carried on an
periodfor which the depositmight remain in the bank,
Philadelphia,
would, there is little doubt, speedilyhave simplefunds
extensive business in most
considerable towns of the
tion
Union.
Tiie charter was
limited to twenty years'duraat its dispcsal. In quiet and
times, the
prosperous
it sliould be renewed,
system would work exceedingly well ; and tlie bank
; and tlie question,whether
"

and the publicwould be vastlywell pleased with each

But when the cycle of prosperityhas gone by,
other.
and the cycle of adversityhas begun ; when the waters
are
out, and the winds begin to blow ; it is doubtful

was

debated with extraordinaryveiiemencc in all parts

of America.

Tiie late

opposed
violently

to

president,GeneralJackson,
the

was

of the bunk,
reincorporation

and resected a bill for that purpose, that had been sanctioned
either the bank or its depositorsmay feel quite
by tlieother two brandies of the legislature.A
The former will probably raise the rate of inround to the presiterest;majorityof Congress having come
at ease.
dent's
but it is doubtful whether
that will have the
views, tliecharter was allowed to expire. It has
wished-for effect. Should the exchange set against us,
since,however,received a new charter from the state of
of England be forced to narrow
and the Bank
her
Pennsylvania. But this merely enables it to carry on
business in that State ; though it may obtain,and has,
curity
issues, and should bankruptcy and a feelingof insein fact,alreadyobtained, leave from some
of the other
done hitherto on
as they have
begin to ])revail,
within their limits. It is,
states to establish branches
all similar occasions, a run
for deposits
may, and most
however, no longer a national or government bank ;
probablywill,be made upon the bank ; and in such a
but it is now, as formerly,
the firstmoneyed institution
her situation,however
well she may
have been
case
managed, will be most critical. She will be compelled of the new world,and in this respect,indeed,is second
only to the Bank of England.
to disposeof, or pledge securities in a market
where
We
that the Aincrican governcannot
help thinking
they may be all but unsaleable ; and it will be impossible
ment
acted throughoutthe whole of this affairon the
for her suddenlyto pull up in discounting,
without
views. Banking in America is,if possible,
exposingherself to the imminent danger of extra loss, most erroneous
in a stillworse
condition tiian in England; and
by bringingon the stoppage of those who have been
tiierecan
to trust to her for loans.
accustomed
hardly be a doubt that the;establishment of
whether

of tlieUnited States was

of signal service to
It will be said,perhaps, that this is all imaginary, the Bank
the republic,
of undoubted solidity,
and that nothing of the sort ever
a currency
by affording
in Scotland!
occurs
readilyacceptedin all jiartsof the Union, and by
But it would reallybe about as much
to the purpose to
clieck on tlieconduct ol otiier
as a salutary
in .J^pan. its operating
occurs
say that nothing of the sort ever
banks. General Jackson, and the party of which he
London
the foreign
is the pivot on
which
exchanges
the head, have, or affectto have, a great horror of
was
turn, and when
they become
depressed,many of the
But itwould be practising
too much on
Loudon
will do what the Scotch depositors ])aper-money.
depositors
the patience of our
readers, were we to endeavour to
dreamed
mand
much
never
so
of; that is,they will deas
their deposits,
convert them into gold,and either
send this goldabroad, or
get a piofitfrom those who
this source
of annoyance
and loss the
will.
From
Scotch
the

banks

perfectlyfree

are

of the London

resources

and this,by exhausting

banks, and subjecting

occasions discredit,
difficulties,
and,
panics. Nothing, therefore,can be
more
perfectlyfutile than to contend that,because this
system has proved profitablefor the Scotch banks, it
banks.
We
do
will also be profitablefor the London
not presume
to affirm that such will not, and we
hope
But it would be rather illogical
that it may be, the case.
succeeds
wheat
to affirm,because
remarkably
well in the vale of Gloucester,that it will succeed

the weaker
in the end,

ones

runs

to

or

mountains.
on the Welsh
The jointstock banks
may, if they do not already,
endeavour
of the difficultiesnow
to obviate some
stated,
by decliningto pay interest f.n depositsunless they lie
for a certain notice
for a certain time, or by stipulating

well
equally

with their improved roads and carriages.

A wi.=;e
pensable,
should not attempt to suppress what is indisbut should exert
himself to obviate itsdefects,
and to make
it as suitable as it can be made to the objects
in view. This,however. General Jackson
and his
On the contrary, they declared
party have not done.
bank
of the
war
againstthe only unexceptionable
llnion, and to injureit gave full scope to the rest.
Hence, instead of obviatingany one of the gross defects
inherent in the existing
bankingsystem, the proceedings
of General
them in
Jackson aggravated and multiplied
common
degree ; and it is now infected with every vice
that itseems
possiblecan belong to banking.
The American banks are all joint-stock
associations.
But instead of the partners being liable,
in England,
as
for the whole nmount
of the debts of the bank, they are
in general liableonly for the amount
of their shares,or
fixed multiple
for some
tiiercof. It is needless to dwell
the temptation
to commit fraud held out by tliissyson
tem,
statesman

ever,
they are paid. The first condition would, howbe of little effect in the evil day ; but, either the
of
condition or the other is altogethersubversive
one
and
what is meant
by granting interest on deposits,
to that effect
the announcements
goes far to make
which has not a single
advantage to
countervailing
littlebetter than a hoax upon the public.All,or nearly
it. The worthlessness of the planon which
recommend
all, the existing banks, are banks of deposit in this
banks
founded was
evinced by the fact that,
were
posits the
of the word ; that is, they give interest on desense
between 1811 and the 1st of JNIay,1830, no fewer than
of a certain amount, providedthey be not called
rupt,
and sixty-five
banks became
a hundred
altogetherbankand that
for tillafter the lapse of an agreed on period,
dend
diviof them paying only an insignificant
many
the depositorsgive them no farther trouble.
But it is
this exclusive of a much
: and
greater number that
under
a
t
cent,
doubtful whether
2
deposited
money
per
stopped for a while, and afterwards resumed payments.
under an engagement
such conditions,and still jnore
The wide-spread
mischief resultingfrom such a state of
to give notice of demand, be as well laid out as if it
thingshas led to the devisingof various complicated
were
depositedwith the Bank of England, or any other
and prudentmanageschemes for insuringtiiestability
ment
bank of undoubted
at no
interest,but payable
solidity,
of banks ; but, as they all involve regulations
on
of business would, we believe,
demand.
ISIostmen
it
is
which
to enforce, they arc practically
impossible
prefer the latter. Nobody, indeed, not wishing to get
than useless. In Massachusetts,for example, it
worse
into difficulties,
would be disposedto deal with any bank
is provided that no
bank for the issue of notes can go
that requirednotice of demand
; and it is questionable
into operationin any way until at least half its capital
whether any such stipulation
.shouldbe sanctioned by
stock be paid in gold and silver into the bank, and be
before

"

the great utility,

not to say necessity,
prove by argument
of a paper currency,
of some
sort or other,to all great
commercial countries like the United States. To suppose
tiiat it should
be altogetherdispensedwith is as
absurd as it would
that they should disbe to sujipose
pense

law.

and
in itscoffers,
actuallyexisting

reen

in ihem

by in-

THE

39^

fakMer's

magazine.

spcctoi'sappointedfor tliatpurpose ; and the casliierof

a year
returns
once
every hank, is hound to maki; specific
of itsdebts and assets,on being'requiredto do so by the

body : the revulsion to which thisover-issue necessarily

It^d iiaving,
in iMay, 1837,compelled every
bank in the
to stop
Union, without, we believe,a singleexception,

secretary of

payments.

that

to the privilege
claimed by the different States,
exercised without interruption
from the Revolution
downwards, it is,we fear,impossibleto effectthe sappression of local paper in America, or to establish a

But our resulers need hardly be told

state.
elaboratelycontrived regulationsare really
unless itbe to afford an easy mode of
good for nothin.ET,
these

cheating and

defraudingthe public. Tnstnnces

have

Owing

and

occurred of banks havingborrowed an amount

of dollars
equalto half their capitalfor a singleday, and of paper currency which should at all times vary in amount
such dollars having been examined
metallic.
But the States have it
by the ins])ectors and value,as if it were
in their power to do which is next best : they may
appointedfor that purpose, and reported by them, and
pel
comof the directors,
all banks which issue notes to give securityfor their
by a majority
to be the firstinsworn
tended issues. This,though it would not prevent destructive
.stalmentpaidby the stockholders of the bank, and in-

remain in it.* We do not of course

and value of the currency,
imagine oscillationsin tlicamount
disgracefulinstances can be of common
currence
occurring
would, at all events, prevent those ruinous and ever-rebankrupties of the issuers of
stoppages and
; but what is to be thoughtof a system which
for the issue of paper-money,
founded
that render the American
a company
l)ermits
banking system
paper-money,
sucii an abominable fraud, to enter on business with
of the severest
on
one
scourges to which any people
of publicattestation of its respectability?The
and experience
was
a sort
subjected. Common
ever
sense
banks are subject
alike demonstrate the inefficacyof all the regulations
publicity,
too, to which the American
rather than otherwist. Those who are
is injurious
enacted by the American
to prevent the
legislature
abuse of banking. It is iu vain for them to lay it down
so
disposed may easilymanufacture such returns as they
think most
suitable to their views ; and tlie more
exceed a certain proportion
spectablethat the issues shall never
rebanks
two
endeavour, for a month
or
tions
viously of the capitalof the bank, and so forth. Such regulapreall very well, providedthe banks choose to retheir reto the periodvf hen they have to make
spect
are
turns,
of inof bullion in their coffers
suring
whatever
to increase the amount
them ; but there are no means
and
all
is
make
of
their
devices. The
observance ; and their only effect to
by temporary loans,
manner
the public loDk for prsteclionand securityto wliat is
whole system is,in fact,bottomed on the most vicious
altogetherimpotentand worthless for any good purpose.
principles.15ut it is unnecessary, after what occurred
in 1836 and 1837, to insistfurther upon
in order
the gross and
'J'hesuppressionof local issues is indispensable
ever,
stance to make a paper, currency
what it ought to be. If,howglaringdefects of American banking. Perhaps no inof commerce
is to be found in the history
of such
this be impo-ssible
in America, there is nothing
over-issue of paper as took place in t!ieUnited
left but to take securityfrom the issuers of notes.
All
a wanton
States iu 1835 and 1836.
The result is known
schemesfor the improvement of banks, by making reguto every
lations
and advances
as to the proportion of their issues,
to their bullion,
are downrightdelusion and
":c.,
capital,
Gouge's Paper-Money and Banking in the United States.
quackery.
to

that

such

Table

showing the Number

and

Periods.

Capitalof the various Banks

existingin the United States at
(See Letter of the Secretaryof the Treasury,January, 183S.)

the undermentioned

THE
Account of tlic Average Dividends
1831, 1332, 1833, and

ON. BONE

1834.

I'AIIMEII'S MAGAZINE.

paidby the
{Reportof Bank

Banlvs

of the

Coinmissiuners

393

State of New
to the

Yovic

on

their

of New
Legislature

in
paid-upCapitals,
York,Jan. 22, 1835.)

of bones as an auxiliary
manure,
of carriage,
lightness
they can

MANURE.

be

because,from the
tions
broughtto situa-

Some

few months ago there appeareda statement

w-here no putrescent manure
be got, and
can
Duke of Portland on " the Use and Abuse of
ford
sheep can be driven to any situation,in order to afBone Manure."'
the top dressing,
if it be onlypossible
His Grace observed that the crops
to secure
of barley
the latter,
and seeds,especially
the great requisite,
It apthe turnipsthemselves.
were
very
pears
inferior on
with
land manured
that our auxiliary
however quickand
bones, compared
manures,
with farm-yard
and an attentive observaefficacious theymay he for one crop, will not suption
manure;
port
of the effects of bones, during an experienceof
add to the
subsequent fertility
; they do not
fifteenyears, has,in every instance, led me
the
to
stapleof the soil,and it is in this respect I presume,
that farm-yard
conclusion.
beats ever}' otiieryet brought
same
When
bones were
introduced on
manure
his Grace's estate in Northumberland, I was engaged
into competitionwith it. His Grace has not stated
in his Grace's service in the practical
if the turnipswere
of a
cliarge
partlyor wholly eaten by sheep
farm of upwards of 600 arable acres, of which about
the field,
on
or
whollycarried off. If they were
100 were
of weak
and inferior quality. whollyso, iu either case, the result mightIiave been
turnip-land
A crushing-mill
the same.
erected on the estate, driven by
was
the wheel of a grinding-mill,
It is a fact well known
and the bones
to farmers, and not yet
v\-ere
at a priceper
principally
by scientificmen, that the same
boughtfrom the tan-yards,
explained
sufficiently
carcase.
in near
plnnts fail in producing a crop when sown
They were crushed, carted to the field,and
sown
and that of all others,clovers
immediately.In every case theyexceeded the and frequentrepetitions,
best prepared farm-yarddung in producing a croji
most
are
apt to fail. On inferior lands, and
of turnips,
but whollyfailed in supportingan equal where the soil has been worn
out and exhausted by
land and fields of equal (]uaon
constant
subsequentfertility
ploughingand cropping,clovers have been
lity.In order to remedy this defect,an applicationoften sown, and have not produceda singleplanton
of short dung or compost
fields of many
resorted
It lias been
was
to in the
acres.
long held as a

by the

in Northumberland
effectual.The quantity firm and fixed opinionby the farmers
was
spring,and this dressing
of turnip-land
and in the turnipdistricts in Scotland,that
on
that farm being small in proportion
to the wheat clays,and the (juantity
their turniplands,and those of inferior qualitvespeof straw
to be
cially,
reduced in the yards beingvery great, there existed
be pastured
two
must
or three years, that tlie
of pullingoff the whole turnip
a necessity
be
land
consolidation
and
by time,
rain,
may acquire
crop to
consumed
and the tread of animals.
the tops, in some
This fact is particularly
cepted
exby cattle,
cases,
there was
evidence if the dressing remarked
and pointedout by Messrs. Baileyand
no
; and
left hy sheep eating the turnips on the boned land
Culleyin the survey of Northumberland,upwards
would have supplied the deficiency
of fortyyears ago, as being one
great and leading
; we
may presume
it would : and this requisiteapplication,
of turnipand sheep farmingin
in
of the success
cause
order to support an equal fertility
that country. In the southern counties,on the conland, must
on
trary,
form an item to be added to the
constant ploughingand croppingis practised
;
expense of bones in
a fair comparison with
of the land
Still, and this great difference in the treatment
putrescent manures.

however,this

detracts

nothingfrom

the great value

is

one

great

reason

of the

frequentsuccess

and

FARMER'S

THE

394

MAGAZINE.

tain.
failure of the turiiip
in the Farmers' Magazine for July, 1838, page 30,
cro])s in North and South Briabove
'I'Jie writers of the survey
find it stated that farmers find it advantageousto ;
we
quoted, in
their concludingremarks, observe, that the turnip apply farm-yard
with the bones to nourish
manure
"
unless the seed had
succeeded
the
the plantin its first stages, until the decomposition
crop never
of the bone commences.
freshness of a lea clod'tovegetate in."
This is wholly opposed to
This great advantage
is lost in our
southern counties
our
and shows
how
generalopinion,
very different
okl turf," views can
of keeping
rived
be entertained on
and all deby the absurd custom
any point,
of constantly
and
the consequent necessity
from practice,
and in many
instances from
ploughing
and
science.
cropping the otjier jiartof the farm. An
In sowing bones, it is essential theybe well covered
opinion may be hazarded that the failure of seeds
of cropping;but
with fresh soil,where
course
the fermentation ot' the
might arise from tlie severe
this argument does not in any wny invalidate
even
bone and the germinationof the seed maybe quickly
his Grace's observation, because tlio land oa which
promoted. No method I have seen, suits better than
the manure
used was
treated ; ".uid openingdrills at 26 inches interval,without one furrow
was
similarly
when
this is the case, and all circumstances being as
of the common
plough,which working deeply
in the soil well loosened, throws up a highridgefor
alike,the conclusion is justand
nearly as possible
of the crops must
the
and deposit
the coulter of the bone-sower
reasonable, that the inferiority
to split
arise from the less efficacious nature
of the manure
the
In some
bones and soil to cover
them.
cases,
itself. 1 have often seen
seeds follow
a failure of
soil does not fallin behind
the coulters so as to covor
the exact line of domaication between
the applicathe bones, owing to a stiffisband cloddysurface,and
tion
of farm-yard
from
dung and auxiliarymanures
theyare often left bare. In these cases I appliedthe
double mould-board
London, and where the crop of wlieat showed no
plough to pass between the
difference. The fieldson which his Grace made the
and to throw
the bones, and
fresh soil over
drills,
manured
observations liad been
the turnip-seed
two-drill
stantly
is deposited
twenty years conby a common
The
with bones.
of farm-yard sower.
application
The coveringof the bones with fresh soil is most
dung was a " change," and the earth may like a
in order that the turnipplantsmay derive
change of food as well as of plants.
essential,
I have always had excellent seeds on boned land
immediate
ing
support, the turnipseed coulters,by beeaten
bent backwards, would
on
wholly by sheep; but: this does not say
throw
the seed among
the bones, and
theywould not have been better on anv part of the
they would consequently
germinate
field manured
with farm-yarddung. On the farm
their food ; for in our
among
present knowledge of
the
land
above mentioned,
know
was
of no better remedy than by
turnip
we
constantlythe turnip-fly,
"

cropped, as

tares, rye, "c.,

turnips,
barley,

from
a
yond
of encouragement
to push the plantbeevery means
that stage in which the flywill attack it. Wlifu
green food as possible
and bones and putrescent manures
bones
on
a poor clayfarm
first introduced,
fined
were
;
whollycontheywere
used
in alternation
each return
of the
were
to white turnips,
not beingthought to possess
turnip-cropas much as possible. My opinion,then, sufficient strengthto raise Swedes 5 but this curious
from experienceis,that bones
will not support subsequent opinion
soon
vanished,for in less than five seasons

necessitv

to procure

as

much

equallywith farm-yard
dung ; but, theywere appliedto Swedes, and succeeded e(]uilly
fertility
from the lightness
of carriage
and the scarcity
of the
with other turnips. I mention
this circumstance
as
former article,
and from bones and sheep being alike
that will arise
to show
the opinionsand prejudices
suited to the same
soils,thcv form one of the most
from mere
on
conjecture. London Paper,
any subject
invaluable discoveries in modern
agriculture.
Chemistry tells us that the component
parts of
and cartilage.
bones are, earthysalts,fat,gelatine,
The
SAGACITY
OF
merly
THE
DOG."
There used forearthysalts are, 1st, Phosphate of lime,which
to be ris many
constitutfs the greaterpart of the whole ; 2nd, Cardogsas men at the kirk of Twoidswhich
of the difficulty
muir, Peebleshire,on account
bonale of lime ; 3rd, Phosphateof magnesia; 4th,
the farmers and shepherds of that pastoraldistricthad
boiled in many
now
are
Sulphate of lime. Bones
in preventing
canine attendants from followingthent.
ing
places,and deprivedof the fattymatter, and after beThe dogsin general behaved pretty well,and lay below
crushed, it is now
thought necessary
very generally
the seats ; stillnoisy quarrels among
them sometimes
to bring them
into a state of fermentation,
by took place,and on these occasions the minister had to
mixing with ashes, soil,lime,or water.
order the beadle to turn out tiiedisturbers of the peace ;
All the bones I used in Northumberland
with these exceptions,
were
they keptin tolerably
good order
"
and in everyinstance
the effects were
fresh,"
quick tillthe congregationwas goingto disperse.From long
and great. No fermentation was
produced,as they attendance at church,they knew when this breaking
the
to take place. The signal for uproar
carried from the mill to the fieldin bags,and
was
up was
were
the
risingof the minister in the pulpit to pronounce
sown
immediately.In 1835, boiled bones, unforblessing
as he did so, they used to rush pell; as soon
mented, producedas good a crop as usual,on a poor
mell to the door, barking and screeching for joyto be
soil in Surrey. In 1836, theyfailed on a better soil.
let loose,
and therefore not a word could bu heard.
At
It appears to me
that the state of the atmosphere,at
honest man, bethoughthimself of a
length the minister,
the time of sowing,exerts
for we see
great inlluence,
plan to get quit of these disturbances. He told the
the sowingsof fola considerable difference betwixt
lowing members of the congregation
that it would be better for
In
failure
a
1836,
was
days.
pretty general tiiem all to keep theirseats liil the partingbenediction
the kingdom
tliefirst I ever
rise and walk leisurely
over
was
witnessed,and at
over, and tlien they would
This was
out.
the time of sowing,and long after,there prevaileda
tried,and succeeded remarkably well.
However
It happened one day, that the minister of the
of the
cold, ungenial,drizzling
state
"

"

atmosphere.

On

this

subject,as

on

will arrive at different

circumstances.

The

others,different persons
from different
results,arising

many

great excellence

of bones

has

been

to consist in givingready support to

suj)posed
the germinationof the young
turnipplant,and in
pushing it more quicklybeyond the reach of the fly;

and

yet

we

find

for
opinionsdiametrically
opposite,

in the pulpit,
was
the blessingafter the
last psalm,was
sitting,
the congregation
At last an old
which is against all rule and custom.
"
Oh justgo
grey-hairedshepherdcalled out to him

parishwas
when
vviio,

absent,and
he

rose

stranger

to

pronounce
surprisedto ?ce

"

Sir,go on ; vvc
thedovvgs,but when

on.

are

o!-dysitting
a

have done
r/ieNaturalist.
go out quietly.""
you

bit,to cheat
and
we'll allrise,
wee

THE

VETERINARY

THE

FAllIMEK'S

SCIENCE

AND

AGRICULTURE.
cnlcrtaiiicd
liavo Ijccn enabled
VVc

to

hope that
announce

this

\vc

angement

long neglected. AVe

are
liappyto state, however,
has again been commenced
communication
of the College,and we have
with the Governors
doubt that the result will be satisfactory.
Mr.
no
Youatt, amongst the other improvements whicli
he has laboured to promote in the professionof
has been indefatigable
which he is a member,
in
the members
of that
endeavouring to awaken

that

395

and even
short,straight
back, and loins wide, girth
deep,(]uarters
muscular,and flesh down to the hips.
In order

should
that some
factory
satismade
between the
crc

had been
VeterinaryCollegeand the EnglishAgricultural
time
Society,relative (to a proposal made some
since, of
enlarging the system of education
to embrace
the study of the
so
as
at the College,
other domesticated
animals
diseases of the
as
It is passing strange that " a
well as the horse.
Youatt
well expressed by Mr.
at a
as
subject,"
meeting of the Veterinary Medical Association,
"
intimatelyconnected with the growth and value
of animals, in numerical proportionexceedingthe
and in aggregate value
horse twenty times over,
times superiorto him," should have been so
many
an

MAGAZINE.

suffice those who may but lightly

sider
conmatter, 1 will simply point out the many
from (breeding
disadvantages
or purchasing
arising
stock,of inferior or illshape: Imprimis,
inequality
of parts clearly
indicates weakness and imperfection
;
the other hand, equal proportionis the surest
on
of
and
the
in
animal to produce
sign strength
power
and carry the greatest
quantityof flesh. I am aware,
that the majority
of your readers will say, that for
it matters
littlehow
awkward
the beasts
fattening,
may be, provided theyare strong and healthy.The
in one sense, may
be true
but it is no
assertion,
less true, that attention to form is amply repaid,
by
increase of product. For instance,
animals that are
short and round, feed quick,yet come
short in
weight,and, in general,produce nothing but fat.
In vain,the butcher
seek for that solidity,
and
may
of the primest
depthof flesh,in some
parts; for it
to

the

"

"

cannot

be

found,but

in

carcass.
well-proportioned

On

the other hand, view the lengdiy,

lank, ilat-sided
beast,and what follows 1 weak constitution,inaptitude
to fatten,
and a longerperiodrequiredbefore
readyfor sale and, when sold, no credit is given
to the feeder.
Thus, whatever may be the weight
the
or size of the animal,there are
jects
three desirable obto
importanceof extendingthe
profession
to be kept in view : a proportional
union of
sphere of their labours to the study of the diseases
of those animals, which
in a twofold sense,
sures
inlength,
depth,and thickness,which invariably
may,
stock.
the inherent and desirable qualities
be designatedthe farmer's
of each.
It is a well-known
It will be seen
that animals materially
difier
ber,
fact,
by an advertisement in this numthat the members
but they are
of the veterinaryprofession from the variations of soil and climate,
sensible of the merits of fllr.Youatt, and are
arc
alwaysto he found of fairest form,and finest Hesh
in those parts where due attention is paid to their
about
to give substantial proof of that sense
by
him with some
testimonial of their aptricts,
presenting
rearingand feeding. Those best suited for disprobation.
consider that the agriculturists
We
where the keep is not very luxuriant,
arc
much
indebted to him. for his exertions in callmiddle sized, of equalproportion,
but they will
ing
are
the attention of his brethren
in the profession thrive considerably
if allowed
beyond expectation,
of which
to maladies, the
unrestrained ravages
rich pasture. The large
heavycattle are suited for
the low lands ; in some
have, in many
cases, and in a very short space of
cases, however, theyare apt
to overtop the mark, and as theyincrease in size,to
tions
time,blasted the hopes and annihilated the exerWe
of years.
decrease in flavour and nutritive power.
trust, therefore,that before
Let it
the subscriptionis closed,there will be found in
be kept in view, that largeanimals should never
ever
of many
the names
the list,
be kepton poor or short pastures. But
the stocknot
agriculturists,
only for the purpose of evincing their gratitude manager, who feeds his store cattle at home, during
for the past, but also of encouraging others to
winter, not leavingthem on bad pasturage, and
persevere in labouring to carry out an objectof
poachyland, exposed to the severityof winter,and
the highestimportance
farmer.
in proportion
to the practical
of land he
to the quantity
stall-feeds,
and have the highly
and
holds,will be amplyrepaid,
laudable privilege
of keepinga first-ratedescription
of stock, in any part of this country.
Having
stated my opinionon the size of cattle,
1
generally,
I ON
NATURE
THE
AND
MANAGEfeel consistent to generalize
stance,
for inmore
something
circumstances may require a diversity
of
BIENT
OF LIVE
STOCK.
I believe,
size.
to assert, that the
we
may venture
of cattle,
To torin a correct opinion
it is necessary
middle-sized animal, perfectly
is most likely
shaped,
with the proper shape to combine the good qualities
J to be
of each, and to add to
thoroughlyconversant
of allspeciesof animals,destined either for breed or
well as private
the accommodation
of the public,
f
as
for slaughter.There are certain fundamental and
interest. The business of keepinglive-stock naturally
of health,
under three denominations : breeding,
!
indispensablepoints, the harbingers
comes
and condition, which bountiful nature
and
has
and the selecting
of
strength,
fattening,
store-feeding,
^ made
stances.
to every species. And
common
description these,in a greatmeasure,
depends on local circumand definition,
with a few unimportantdeviations,
the
Where
a
preferenceis presented,
of
elucidate the true form, indifl'erently,
matter
ought to be duly considered,and proved by
J wdl clearly
[ oxen, sheep, and swine.
To
before brought into operation.A man
point out all the
experience,
favourite forms of each class,would
take up too
for the brute creation,
possessedof little sensibility
much
their
the trouble attending
and who exclaims against
only submit the
space : I shall,consequently,
of opinion, rearing,
marks of goodness,which I am
had much better purchasethan breed. But
I following
that no
I am
that judicious
satisfied,
breedingwill
sense,
j have so much the sanction of common
perfectly
connoisseur would call the beast fullyfurnished with
tbe
The reasons
obvious
are
first,
invariably
pay.
the prospect of
ill-formed one.
breeder has all the profit
f them, a bad
one
; or, at least,an
; secondly,
f Uniform
and
decided
a final and
an
equal proportionof an improved breed ; and thirdly,
symmetry,
fine head, eyes full
a
length,
admitted,
depth,and thickness,
advantagein fattening
; for it is generally
chest expanded and deep,legsrather
I and lively,
that cattle fiuish quickerand better on the ground
"

"

"

"

"

"

THE
strata, situated between

FARMKll'S

the oolite and the

ne\v

red sandstone.

carbonised
LiGNrrii;,

wood.

LiTiioDOMi,moliusca which perforatestone,

LiTiioLO(acAL,the stony character of a mineral
mass.

LiTUoPHYTES, stony plants,a

term

applied to

corals.

Loi;ss, an

alluvial tertiary
depositon the banks
of the Rhine.
a fossil animal,allied to the
Loi'iiioDoN,
taper,so
named
from the eminences
the teeth.
on
Mammillateo, studded with mammillic,or rounded

protuberances.
Marl,

mixture

of

lime.

clayand

Maksupite, a genus of crinoidca of the chalk.

Matrix, the substance in which a fossil is embedded.

JMAGAZINE.

597

Sepi AKiA, nodular

filled with spar.

masses

of

clay,havingcrevices

Shale, slatyclay.
SiLEX, flint.

Silica,the base of flint.

of mud, "c.
Silt, fluviatiledeposits
Spiripera, an extinct genus of bivalve shells.
of carbonate of lime.
Stalactite, pendant masses
Stalagmit]-.,calcareous concretions
floors of

caverns

by

formed

tlie drippingfrom

on

the

tites.
stalac-

Stellular, having star-like markings.

Stratum, a layerof any deposit.
Syenite, a speciesof granitein which Hornblende
suppliesthe placeof Mica.
Tertiary, applied to formations or strata newer
than

the chalk.

of l''elspar.
Trachyte, lava composed chiefly

Meandrina, a genus of corals,with meandering Trap rocks, ancient volcanic rocks, the name
of
as the brainstone
which is derived from a Swedish word, Trappa,
cells,
coral.
Megalosaurus, giganticlizard,
extinct saurian
a stair.
an
allied to the monitor.
extinct
an
sloth.

Megalonyx,

Meteorites, mineral

Trii.obite,

quadruped,allied to

the

extinct

an

allied to the sloth.

Mica,

simplemineral, one

extinct

family of Crustacea,

the
the

name.

which

masses

fallfrom

the

atmosphere.

Megatherium,

an

body being divided into three lobes,whence

parts of granite.

Tuff, earthy volcanic rock.

from
Tufa, a calcareous preci[)itate

water.

giganticquadruped, Turrilite, a spiralmultilocular shellof the chalk.

Unconfokmable, appliedto strata lying in a ditfcrent plane from those on which they rest.
of the component
stances.
Veins, fissures in rocks, filledup by mineral sub-

Miocene, middle tertiary

series.
MoLTiLocuLAR, many
chambered

shells,as

the

nautilus.

MusciiELKALK,a limcstone

of the red-sandstone

formation.
New

Red

THE

group of strata between

the magnesian limestone and the lias.
Nodule, a rounded mineral mass as a flint.
NuMMULiTE, an internal multilocular shell.

'

Red

tween

system.

Organic

remains,

the

relics of

an

gation
aggre-

animals

and

plants.

Orthoceratite,a strait,
fossil multilocular
shell.
Ossicular,small bones.
Palsotiierium,
an
extinct quadruped,allied to
the Tapir.
Feperino,a volcanic aggregate.
Petroleum, mineral oil.
I'isoLiTE,
minerals having a
resembling
structure,
agglutinated
together.
a tertiary
deposit.

Plustic Clay,

extinct
Plesiosaurus,
an

marine

the Lizard.

Pliocene,more

recent, modern

corals.
Polvparia,

animal,allied to
tertiary.

Porphyry, a speciesof ancient lava.

Prouucta, a genus of fossil bivalve marine shells,
found in the lower
secondaryrocks,and allied
to

Tcrebratula.

Pterodactyles,
a

genus

of extinct

winded
o

tiles,
repf

Pumice,a lightspongy lava.

Pyrites,aulphuvetof iron.
'Quartz,a mineral composed of pure silex.

division
^\tJRiAN,

of the Lizard-family.
scaphite, an extinct genus
of Cephalopodaof
boat-likeform.
a

ScoRiT^;,
volcanic cinders.
5EDIMETNARY, deposited
by water.

TlESPF.CTr.i)Friend, It is with reluctance I advert

to the subject of globemangel wurzel
again.
ibv indulgence
on
Laving so frequently
trespassed
but the fact of an
without any claim to that privilege,
experiment upon an extensive scale having been
made
of
and accurately ])rovedby the land steward
E. G. liarnard, at Gosfield Hall, in this county, between
it and the long red, and which has very recently
I am
induced to layit
to
come
my knowledge,
before the publicas it serves
to confirm
my forme
in its favour, and may tend to induce
statements
some
to give it a trial which will not be regretted.
for
From the limited quantityof itsseed which was
is still
sale in 1838, the knowledge of its advantages
doubts of its capaconfined. That
much
existing
bility
to produce
as much
weightas the longmay be
I will give verbatim
removed in the present season,
made
far as memory
as
the statement,
serves
to
me,
me
by the steward of the estate in question.
red clayof rather inferior quality,
The land was
a
of farming; the firstweek
under the ordinary
course
in .5thmonth CMay) the red globe,yellowglobe,and
longred kinds were, I believe, dibbled on the ridge
shared
and of course
throughoutthe field,
alternately
"

Sandstone, a groiap of strata lyingbethe carboniferous beds and thcsilurian

Oolite,a limestone c"roup composed of

of spheroidalgrain.

peas

WURZEL.

MANGEL

Earls Coluc,ith Month, 3rd, 1Q39.

Claiipits,

Obsidian,a glassylava.
Old

GLOBE

Sandstone, a

of growth; each
similar treatment
duringthe season
raised at the same
time,and the globestlien
kind was
the
over
gave indubitable proofof their superiority
its conin particular,
of raising
nexion
long in the facility
as in the common
with the soil being as slight
of the fieldwas
white
weighed
turnip. A portion

and the weight of every ridgerecorded, each of tlie

the
to
proof, the
three kinds coming alternately
the result : each of the globfs
following was
produced a much greater weight per acre than the
much
of the former indisputably
the quality
long.and
fine'r
than the latter. The foregoing
paiticulars

398

FARMER'S

THE

MAGAZINE.

rendered to me,
and ;it llie same
time
vfirbally
a
promise of a wrilten detail,but its
not
vet r.^acliedme, and jiid!;ing
liaviiig
many may
be about furnishingtljemselves witb seed for the
coming season, I thoughtit best not to delav its
as tliedisinterestedness of the party by
jiublication,
tiie essay was
whom
all
made, cannot fail to remove

weie

CANADA.-

THE

CORN

LAWS.

I received

doubt

The Corn
from

meeting of

"

Resolved

Co., a;S Fencburch-street ; Cormack.Son, "

Cross ; VVillmott and Co.,Lewisham
Oliver, New
;

Adams,

prevent the insertion of

not

more

valuable matter,
I

WM.

P.S.~As

MATTHEWS.

the written detail reaches my

bands,1 will give the different weights.
soon

16" That

approvedat

District

Agricultural

last.

give a

boon

that it was
notwithstanding

to

the North

which
is
barley,and 25s. for oats, imperialmeasure,
proved beyond all doubt, per return per order of the
House of Commons,
sessional paper. No. 224, 1836the average price*of the years 1829 to 1835, a period of
seven
years, having been 56s. 3d., 31s. 9d,, and 22?^.,
and tlielast year of the period 39s. 4(1.,
respectively,
29s. lid.,and 22s. It isfurther proved by the fact,that
these low jirices,
the result of great improvement in

respectfully,
thy Friend,

am

Montreal

'*

63, Strand.

Hoping this will

report read and

the

tended
inColonies
American
Act
imder the Act 9 Geo. lA'^.,
cap. tiO,Intituled an
to amend
of Corn,"
the laws relating
to the importation
(15th July, 1828), it has turned out to be no boon.
Events hare provedthat the prices
duty were
regulating
fixed too high,being67s. per quarter for wheat, 34s. for
to

and

iS'ash and

tion
attenare, it seems, attracting
Tlie following resolution is extracted

the 1st March

on
Society

'J"he seed
tained
to its authenticity.
may be obany of the followingbouses,viz.: I'leck,
Henderson, and Co., 67, Strand ; Gordon, Thompson,
as

at

Laws

in Canada.

as

of several consecutive
fine seasons, and abundant crops, having caused
of England to cry out distress,
led to
the agriculturists
of Comthe appointment
of a Committee of the House
mons,
in Session 1836, to investigate
how far distress

and
agriculture,
particularly
draining,

COMPOST

MAKING

ON
TO

THE

EDITOR

During the last

of
a jierusal

Sin,
"

FARMKR's

TIIK

Of

HEAPS.

valuable

your

and

been

years, I have

two

witb

existed,or whether Parliament could applya remedy ;

distress havingbeen proved not to exist,or at least
sucli that Parliament could not remedy, no legislation
vouredfollowed
fain the enquirythe very important
; but there was

MAGAZINE.

publication.

the part of all tlicScotch witnesses

feel
not
not only did tiicy
but that they were
and that with good
thriving,
distress,
Oats
Wheat
at 50s., Barley 28s., and
crops, with
Again, on the
20s.,every farmer would do well.
opening of the I'arliament session 1837, on moving
the King's speech,the triumph of
t!ieaddress upon
the
Agriculturein iiaving given the Agriculturist
iiiarkct was
made
boast.
a
monopoly of his own
That
under these circumstances,the existingduties
be
the North
American
Colonies, cannot
as affecting

than
Ilnivubeard
more
one
good agriculturist
say,
that it would
bo well if your iMagazinecould be put
into the hands of every young farmer.
I

am

young

farmer

taught in that way,

myself,but what I have been

productionof the old

is the

school.
In consequence
of
'2r)3 of the

reading nn
Farmer's

vol.,pagp

is correct,

extract

my

have

lal)our and sorae'expence of

with the
earth,to mix in layers
Hiended

in the

article in the 7th

headcil,\(
Miigir.uie,

ImportantDirectionsfor the

"

of Manure,"
Preparation

been

at

able
consider-

soil
collecting

dunghill,as

and

recom-

above

admission

before the

article ; but my old farming

schoolmaster
has strenuously
forewarned
me
not to
mix the dunghillwith soil u))on any account, because,
lie
1 enquired
says, the soil eats the dung auunj,
ot'hirahow the soil came
to cat the dung 1
To
tiiat I got no very direct answer,
further than if soil
the soildid much
was
hurt by
put into a dung-heap,
taking away the strengthof the dung.

on

Committee,that

with reference to Lower

Canada
the average
as
justified,
a period
priceof wheat for 1821 to 1831 inclusive,
and the last five years of
of eleven years, was
5s. 4;5d.,
since been
Prices have
the period6s. 5d. per minot.
from defective crops, but it generally
that at less than 5s. 6d. per bushel
and
wheat
be
with a fair average
cannot
raised,
crop
in
would
cost per quarter laid down
at 6s. per minot
these averages

above

being admitted

8
cent., ordinary rate of
per
57s. yd. per quarter, independentof risk*'
This meeting, therefore, are
of opinion,
of voyage.
bour
the dis.ndvantage
the Canadians lathat considering

England, exchange,
freight,"c.

under in not being able to get their grainto England

berty
you will pardon the liand being subject
for ten months
after it is reaped,
taken, of troublingyou with the foregonow
ing.
risk
of
immense
to heavy freight,
voyage, i?cc.,
It will,iiowever,
I am
authorised to say, confer
which should
be a sufficient protectionto the British
a
of your well-wishers and
the growth and
very great favour on some
agriculturist
; that all grain and flour,
readers of your useful work, as well as myself,to
Colonies, should be
productionof the North American
the enquiryto be made through the medium
admitted
into the United
Kingdom duty free. That
jiermit
I have

of your

ventured

trust,

to

iMagazine,
among

vour
"

First,

How

mixed

in

"

far

go'jdsoil does good or ill,

by being

layersin

dung-heap.

Secondly, How far weeds

in layers,
will have the
"

in

and flour should be allowed

the United Kingdom and the
into these Colonies
from
Continental
States of Europe, as at present,to provide
againsteventual scarcityin the first necessary of
life bread ; the freightand charges being a sufficient
of these Colonies ; but
to the agriculturists
protection

enlightened free importationof grain

numerous

correspondents,
namely,

"

green state, if put

what dift'ercnt that
or

same,

ment

tural
exception.'should be made against the agriculproduce of the United States, unless that Governwill reciprocateand admit Canadian
grainaud

other

agricultural
produceduty free.

eftects.

Thirdly, As
"

the
And

samn

that of peat moss,

"

beg

put in layersin

way.

Fourthly,As

same

to

to

sand put also in

an

in the
layers,

wav.

to

subscribe
A

Marcli, 30.

Young

myself,yours,
Farmer

or

very

Tiir,

respectfully, HISTORY

Old

School.

NAPOLEON.
Tyas, Clieapside."
has just apof this work, which
maintains the character which the first
jiearcd.fully
obtained.
deservedly

'Ihe second

OF

number

FIGURE

POINTS

AND
NE\y

OF

FECT
PER-

CASE

OF

SHEEP.

LEICESTER

399

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

JOHN

INTEREST

PAGE,

TO
"C.

EXECUTOR,

V.

FARIMERS.
MARY

PAW.

The head should he hornless,long,

small,tapering; 'i'hiswas an action tried at the Gloucester Assizes last
week.
towards the muzzle, and [irojecting
The plaintilf
of a Mr. Edward
horizontallytoris the executor
Page, a farmer,who lived in Gloucestersliire. The dtbut with a quiet expresward ; the eyes |"roininent,
sion,
fendant is the widow
of Wroughof the late Mr.Pavy,
and not placed far asunder ; the ears
ther
thin, rathis county, who was an extensive dealer in corn.
long-,and directed backwards ; the neck full ton, in
the,
Since
her husband's deceaie,she has carried on
its base where
and broad
it proceedsfrom the
at
busmess,with the assistance of a very active agent and
and
tiie
but
towards
head,
chest,
graduallytapering
i\lr.Henry Newton.
At Cirencester market,
manager,
tine at the junction of the liead
being particularly
thc9th of October,1837, Mr. Newton
had a sample
on
and neck ; the necl: seemingto projectstraight
from
of old cone
looked
at it,
wheat for sale. The plaintiff
the chest,so that there is,with the slightest
possible and after observingthat it was
one
year old wheat,"
to the
deviation,one horizontal line from the rump
which was at once admiUed, asked iMr. Newton, if he
could wuiraiu
it to grow.
Mr. Newton
repfied that he
poll. 'J"he breast broad and full,the shoulders also
wheiit had been already
could, "/or some
broad and round, and no uneven
or
of the smne
angularformation
"

the shoulders
where
join either the neck or the back,
of the withers, or hollow beno
])articularly
rising

iiind the situation of these

through its whole

The

knee.

bones

of

looseness

apart,no

bare

deep and

of

round

arch from

the

the

the

ribs

spine,so

fleshy
the

to

legs small, standingwide

The

wool.

arm

down

even

tliem,and

of skin about

The

bones.

extent, and

as

chest

and

considerable
and especases,
cially

forming
in

some

comparatively
barrel at once

sown

and

then agreed to buy

'J'iieplaintiff
for his uncle,the testator,
him on the followingday.
the fariiiot the
on
allerwards sown
tlu- defendant, that
allegeda;rain"t

up."

was

bushels of the wheat

eiglitcen
which was accordinglysent to
J'he wlieat

deceased
It

was

soon

; but it was

did not grow, and the jjlaintitf'

(hisuncle being dead,
lie having bcien uppomted his executor)commenced
not only the
action
against the Uclendant,to recover

and
an

the wheat, but damages also for the loss ol crojj,

and the expenccs
of plAUghing,harrowing-,
sowing,iS:c.,
The action was
defended on the ground thiit
"c., "c.
lutely
absothe warranty did not imply that the seed would
expressed,but only that
sense
grow, in the literal
gation
It was
good growing seed at the time of sale,which alle-

priceof

the animal is in good condition,to make

when
the apparent width of the chest even
greater than
the depth. The
barrel ribbed well home, no irregularity
the sides
but on
of line on the back
or
belly,
fidence,
was
urged by the defendant with greater conthe carcase
wards
tovery graduallydiminishingin width
wheat
of tiie same
from the fact that some
The quarters long and full,and,
the rump.
had been sold by her to other farmers,which had not
the flesh extendingdown to the
as with the forelegs,
but Iv^d eiltibitrd a
onlygrown and come
up properly,
hock ; the thighsalso wide and
full ; tlielegs of a
good plant.
At the trial the plaintiff
the fc-ltalso moderatelytinn, but
moderate lengtii,
produced witnes"es who
two
wilh a good quantity
of
proved that the wiieatwas
soft and elastic,
and covered
sown
on
separate portions
of land,properlypreparedand cultivated,and m
white wool, not so long as in some
siderably
breeds,but con11. B.

tiner.

condiiioii

good

to

CurUsle Patriot.

it :

receive

tlieotiier a piece of
closure of six acres.

one

one,

piece ol

only,part of

acre

"ix

acres

another

;
in-

the

The wheat sown

one
acre
on
grew, though not well,yieldingonly about liltc-en
six
the
That sown
bushels of wheat.
acre
piece
on
failed,and was ploughed up in the month of May tidiovving; and it was contended,that as thedolendant had
there was
warranted
but it had failed
the wheal to grow,
to the
a breach
ot the warranty, and she was
responsible

piece

"

SODA

ON

EXPERIMENT

AS

MANURE.

loss. Un
the part of liie defendant no
but it was
must
witnesses were
ably urged to the
called,
that no
Jury by her counsel, Mr. Sergeant 'I'alfourd,
contended for on the other side,
warranty, in the sense
had been given and that,at all events, the tailuieofliie
seed in tlie particularinstance in question,
(especially
it had been admitted that some
as
ol the same
bulk, sold
to other farmers,had grown
be attributed
properly,)must
for the
plaintiff

to the query of your correspondent,

Agricola,"respecting the propertiesof Nitrate of
I have to state, the
Soda, or Cubic Nitre, as a manure,
In

Sir,

"

answer

"

and the
quantityrequired per acre is 112 to l.'iolbs.,
best mode
of applying it, is,first,to sift all the small
from it,and then t,-)crufsh the cubes so as to render the
whole about the same
size ; this may readilybe accomplished
by spreading it on a cloth on the barn floor,and
rMKninga,rnlleroverit afew times ; itmay thenbe sown
either alone, or mixed with coal ashes or
(broad-cdst),
fine mould, in the proportions of one-third
nitre, to
this will proof the other substance, and
bably
its more
equal distribution over the land.
It will not be necessary to use
either bush
other
mr
night, nor does the
harrow, as it will dissolve in one
land require any
previous preparationfor its reception.
two-thirds

ensure

This

appliesto

all kinds

of

grain,pasture, clover,

^c., and the period for using it is from

the middle of
Mui-cli till May, when
the plant is making its first
ell'ort; for turnips,it is best to drill,
it with the
or sow
!-eed. I am,
sir,you obedient servant.
"

Buckinghamshire

Farmer.

Feb. 22.
P.S.

A neighbour of mine
informs me, that on
a
wheat which was
nearlydestroyedby the wire
he tried the experiment on one-half the field,on
worm,
wbicli part the result was
whilst ou
highly successful,
the other part, the crop was
entirelylost.
"

pieceof

'

"

unforseen

to some

the
otiier
as

state
cause

sucii
mysteriouscircumstances,

of the weather, the state of the soil,

or
tlie eye of man
in
was
nature, which

some

nut

allowed to ken, und not to any delect inherent in the

seed itsell.
'The Judge (Mr. .Tustice Patteson)
in summing up,
told

the

.lurythere were
whether
first,

questions for their

two

sideration"
con-

was
warranty
given"and
had
that warranty
been broken .'
secondly,whether
They must be satisfied not only that the wheat did not
because the seed was
bad.
HTOW, but that it did not grov
If their verdict should be for the plaintiff,
they would

then have
of

to

consider what

damages
merely the
plaintiff

amount

he

was

ought

amount

to

the ruasonable

and

fair

receive ; for,to give the

he hud

jiaidfor the seeil,

for the loss of crop,

without
giving a compenijution
would not be doing justice.
'The Jury retired to consider their verdict,ari"lafter
time returned with a verdict for the lieleudaut :
some

the foreman
stating, we find that there wasa
warranty,
but that the failure of the crop was
not
from any defect
in the seed."
The trialexcited a great deal of interest.
"

400

FAUMEirS

THE

MAGAZINE.

AGRICULTURA^L
GENERAL

AGRICULTURAL

REPORTS.

FOR

REPORT

as

(is.8d. per

APRIL.

as
corn

From
the commeficemont
up to about tho SOtli of
this nionil) tlie atmo.s])iit'iic
temperature was, for tli"
period of tlie year, cold and ungeiiiul,
which, and
the cold north-easterly
obstructed
winds, mateiiiilly
the growth oftlicwheat plants,
and in fact of thw wliole

vegetablecreation.
the

weather

to the above
Subse(|uently
been mild, whilst tlie fine

has

date

the

an

it was considered
quarter. On beingreported,
infringementof the present existing

laws ; hence has arisen much

declamation against
alteration. However
only about '25,000 quarters
of foreign
wheat have thus been entered for home

consutnption.
Since the

period last
corresponding

appears

to have

of waste

land

rains,

year,

there

been

upwards of 70,000 acres

drained and broughtunder
successfully

culturo in various parts of the counties

aided by warm
sunshine,have proved exceedingly of Lincolnshire and Cumberland.
This is a most
beneiicial ia biingiiig
forward
the grain jilants
from the
instance of the l-ienefitsarising
gratifying
above
the surface of the soil. The accounts
which
establishment of agricultural
societies,
throughout
have received from all parts of England respectwe
ingtiielengthand breadth of the land,as by these a great
the crops are, on the whole, favourable,though
exertions on the
stimulus is created for increased
In some
vegetationin general is backward.
}'arts
part of our farmers ; and sure we are that whatever
of Norfolk, Yorkshire, and ('amhridgeshire,
fewa
pectations
attempts of a similar descriptionare made, the exwith wlieat bear an
patches of land sown
mising
unproof the most sanguinewill be realized.
plaints
appearance ; but from other quiu-tcrsno comand comparison of tho
is a statement
The following
have reached us.
and jirices
of fat stock,exhibited and sold
sup|ilies
Out-door
farm
have
labours
progressedunder
in Smithlield cattle market
of the
the course
in
favourable auspices,the absence
lugingof deunusually
month.
rains havingenabled our farmers to complete
The suppliesof beasts have amounted to 12,459;
in many instances the sowing of oals
; wliilstbarley, of sheep and bambs, 111,456
; of calves, 620 ; and
and
the
beans,
most
])eas have been, for
part, got
of pigs,2,930.
into the ground tjuite
as
earlyus usual, and will
The (luotations
of beef have ranged from 2s. 2d.
doubtless yieldan abundant
Preparations to Is. 4d. ; of mutton, 3s. to 5s. 2d of lamb, 6s. to
crop.
;
have been made for sowing mangel wurzel and other
7s. 2d. ; of veal, -is. to 5s. 4d. ; and of pork,4s. to
the
land
green
crops,
being alreadv ploughedand
5s. 2d. per 8lbs. to sink the ofl'al. On
comparing
harrowed for the reception
of the seed.
them with those realized in the precedingmonth,
Depastured stock, particularly
sheep, have fed
find that with the exceptionof beef having sold
we
their winter
food, which
extremelywell upon
at (Irooi)ing
rates, owing-to the superabundant
plies
suphas been very abundant ; hut we regretto stale that
but littlefluctuation has been appaoffering,
rent.
the lambing season
has not
turned out quiteso
favourable as could be desired,the losses on the
About 2,655 of the Scots,homebreds and Devons,
south downs
of Sussex, as well as in many
parts of
folk
the above supplies,
have arrived from Norformingdescribed
as
Ilamjisliire,
beingalarminglygreat,
and Founts, from Suffolk ;
; 410 Scots,Pevons
caused
TJui pastures
winds.
by the severe
chiefly
'.'0Scots,Devous, and runts, from Essex
; 200 Scots,
and
the month
sheep downs have been throughout
Ilerefords.andDevons, from Cambridgeshire;1,700
luxuriant.
sLort-horns
from Lincolnshire; 1,000 short-liorns
Considerable fluctuations have taken placein the
and Devons, from
Leicestershire ; 400 short-horns
of grain,
witii very moderate supplieson sale, and
prices
runts, from Northamptonshire; 800 oxen, Irish
of that of homi; growth ; however the deficiency
particularly
beasts, runts, and Devons, from Oxfordshire and
bus bseu amply made good by foreignsujiW arwickshire ; 1,500 horned and polled Scots, by
In
the
demand
cattle
markets
the
has
been
plies.
sea, from Scotlimd ; 1,900 Devons, runts, and Ilerefirm,and the currencies well maintained.
tolerably
fbrds, from Devonshire and Herefordshire ; 120
From Scotland our
advices intimate that tho time
and D"vons from Sussex ; 70 Devons
runts
oxen,
of the agriculturists
has been almost wholly occuand cows,
from Surrey; 80 cows,
runts, Devons and
in
the
in
all
kinds
of
fields
])icd
sowing
sjiring
corn,
The remainder of the supIferefords,from Kent.
ply
and that everything
relative to agriculture
is sudiof
of beasts came
from the neighbourhood
chiefly
forward.
ciontl)f
London.
In Ireland very little grainnow
remains to be
and it is understood that so largea breadth
sown;
PLIES
and COMPARISON
of the SUPA STATEMENT
of land has not been cultivated with wheat since the
exhibited
and PRICES
of FAT
STOCK,
of the [u-csent century as in tliis
commencement
and sold iu Smitufiisld
Cattle
on
Makkiot,
season.

Monday, April23, 1838, and Monday, April22,

to

Much of the attention of those immediately

engaged
in the corn trade appears to have been directed
the issuingof a TreasuryMinute to the authorities

at

Plvmoulh, orderingthat

bound
at the

all vessels

cargoes of grainfrom the Black Sea,

London
or
any other jiort,nuiv clear out

s.

d.

s.

d.

1839.
j\p,il2-2,
s.

d.

s.

2 to 2

2 to 2

to

Second qualitydo
Prime largeOxen
Prime Scot*,"c
Coarse " inferior Sheep
Second qualitydo
woolled do.
Prime coarse
Southdown
Prime
do.
Lambs
Calves ..4
Large coarse
Prime small ditto

of

rate

same*

by

some

jiersons

enhancement
its
well

-a

This
few

order

the
made

was

to
days jireviously

having take^i jilacein duty

"f 3s. per (juarter,fiom
])rice

nominal
known

at
duty payableon arriving

mentioned.

fact of vessels which

the time the duty was

had

touched

only 2s. 8d.

of wheat
(|uantities
per quarter,having considerable
in London at
O-.'iboard,being entered at the f'ustoms
at

April23, 1S38.

riving
ar-

Coarse " inferiorBeasts

known

the

in future

1839.

At per Qlbs.fn iink the offals.

there with

port first above

any
from

wheat

Plymouth

th-.itamount,

at

when

the actual iinic duty

was

as

high

Large Hogs
Neat

small

Porkers

.,

4
10

d.
4

10

10

()

10

10

10

10

10

10

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

401

should be gladto see

we
drop theiranti-Britishnotions,
terations
the moderate
of all partiescombiningto make such alhas
in our
present scale of duties as experience
Beast?
shown to be desirable,
whereby the state might derive a
26,941
Sheep and Lambs
fluctuationsbe rendered
Calves
more
productiverevenue, extreme
115
127
stillenjoyquite
lessfrequent,
and our agriculture
700
604
Pigs
! We
efficient
a protection
however, with
repeat it,
By the above comparison,itappears, that the supply as
with the insolentand uncompromising demands which
of Monday, April23, 1838, was
composed of 764
that all
the agitators
were
making upon the Legislature,
Beasts, 2,619 Sheep and Lambs, 12 Calves, and 96
SUPPLIES.

April 23. 183S.

2,010
24,322

Pi^s lessthan that of Monday, April22,

April 22, 1S39.

2,874

1839.

who had any regard to the permanent

country, could not do better than meet
witiia direct negative."
April12.

of the
those demands

welfare

For the time of year, the quality

of all kinds of
stock has proved exceedingly
prime. About 500
lambs have arrived from the Isle of Wight, by the
in excellent condition : whilst
Southampton Railway,
YORKSHIRE.
it is expectedthat the suppliesfrom that quarter,
The fine weather we realisedin February, and which
duringthe present season, will be extensive. As
seemed the precursor of an earlyspring,
only tended to
the lambs weigh from 6 to ti^stones
each,theyhave
to feelthe check which
the more
stimulate vegetation,
not produced more
than 6s. 2(1. per olbs. in any instance.
has been subsequently
givento it. About the 15th of
succession of five or six days so
scriptions
all deto completelysaturate
and has entirely
of soils,
door
put a stop to all outand especially
the springseed-time,as
operations,
of snow.
The consequence
ifthere had be".ina covering
springseed-time has not occurred
is,a more backward
of oats and beans,have
for years, and very little,
even
The activity
been put in duringthe month of March.
since manifested has indeed accomplished
wonders,and
the dry weather since that periodhas enabled the farmer
to put his seed
who had a sufficientdegree of patience,
BEDFORDSHIRE.
in a moderately good seed-bed; but the weather has
When
last report left us, in the early part of
our
been, and stillcontinues,so terriblycold,as almost to
seemed to be going on well. The
of the seed geminating.The
March, everything'
precludethe possibility
fine weather,iiowever,
of very short continuance, weather
is indeed dry, but the nights are cold and
was
and vegetation
made
and the wind now
liassince scarcely
the least prochanges from the north,east,
gress. frosty,
of green food of
The beans and peas are justbreakingthe soil, or north-east,
and scarcely
a particle
and in tlie more
sheltered situations the rows
be seen.
can
Turnipsare all exhausted,
may be
any description
at a distance ; the same
of oats and the earlysown
and even
the clover leys have lessfood upon them than
seen
time these crops have been
in February, not to mention the postures which are bare
barley; but for the leng-thof
INIareh dust
and bleached.
The wheats have in some
measure
put in,they are remarkably backward.
taken
parand truth compelsus
thisyear scarcely
was
of thischeck to vegetation,
anywhere to be found,and for
the last fortnight
most to say they look but indifferently
the wind has been alor three weeks
bered,
; but let it be rememand a little
without intermission blowing from the east and
warmth may so
that a few showers
north east.
We
have had also several heavy fallsof
fore
revive them as to justreverse
our
remarks, almost bewhich ha? greatlyretarded the springsowing.
thisreaches London, at leastbefore itwill be read
snow,
For the last week, however,we
have been favoured
a
change will a day or
by your readers,so astonishing
with a dry atmosphere,which has enabled the farmurs
of the year ; and we may safely
two make at thisseason
The turnips
to say, that no permanent
venture
again to proceed with theirfarm operatio-ns.
injuryis yet sustained
there is no deficiency
hold out pretty well,and it is most fortunate that
of
by the plant,and certainly
they do, for as yet there are no signsof any keeping braird in any instance of moderate cultivationwhich we
isfast progressing,
have witnessed. The lambingseason
seeds,tares,or pastures. It is not too
upon the young
vourable
fahave generally
and drawing near
to a close. We
late,
however,yet to hope for a favourable season, as
of lambs,but owing
the fact,that with our
to corroborate
experienceseems
reports as to the number
changeableclimate it is not desirable to see vegetation to the cold east winds, and scarcityof nutritiousfood,
at all forward before tlieend of April,as it is almost
great numbers have died. Some farmers put them upon
think the observation
tiiewheats, stunted as they are, others prefer
to be cut off by frosts ; and we
sure
breaking
holds good as it regardsfruitsof
the clover leys,but all good farmers supplythem with
more
particularly
all description?:.
to
the
There is,however, too much reason
to
are
purchase, pricebeing 28s.
eais, dear as tliey
ward,
fear that already
Farm
the springhas been too wet for the
are
to 30s. per qr.
moderately foroperations
and we
sliallbe surprisedif the
sowing excepted. Markets for stock are very
strong land districts,
the more
retentive soilssliould do well.
kets.
heavy,the deficiencyof food causing a glutin the marcrops upon
The fallof lambs is g-enerally
mand."
considered to be small this
Corn has a tendencyupwards, and a brisk defew twins,and where the shcej)
April9.
season, having very
have been confined to the turnip pens, they have done
badlyfor the litstmonth. AVool is considered a heavy
DEVON.
NORTH
trade,but mutton
(thoughnot dear) makes a fairprice
from 6d. to 7d. per lb. Beef,however, has been almost
Although there has been many nightsof very sharp
unsaleable ; a very losinggame
to the winter graziers.frostwithin the last two
falls
months, yet tiie frequent
The corn
markets vary but little,
wheat making 9s. per
and heavy rains has saturated the land so
of snow, sleet,
and rather more
for the very best. Barley has
bushel,
much
to prevent the springtillage,
except on the
as
also been firm for the last two or three weeks, varying most hillyand dry situations; consequently,
tiie necessary
from 4s, 6d. to 5s. per bushel,vvilii
other graintolerably
work is in an unusuallybackward
state,little
having
proportionate.Your reporter was glad to find that the been done until the present week, that the dry easterly
second attempt in Parliament to deprive the agriculture wind, which has prevailedsince the beginningof the
of the country of its present protection
was
scarcely month, has enabled the farmers to employ themselves
}
more
successful tlian the first.\Ve quitethink,
bearing fully; there is,however, a considerable portionof land
in mind the wild and unreasonable demands
The wheat in most places
made by
yet too wet to be worked.
the ultrafree-trade party, that both Houses of Parliament
looks strong and healthy,and has moated well ; there
to a very
conclusion. As soon,
came
late on the
was
complaintswhere the tillage
some
are
proper
look thin and weakly; tiie
however,as the mill-owners of Manchester and elsewhere moorlands, that the plants
shall be disposed
to moderate theirdemands,and
pricesfor thisgrainin the markets ha" varied duringtlie
the month

arrivals of slaughtered
meat, up to Newgate
and Leadenhall markets, from Scotland and various
casses
parts of Englandhave beer^ extensive, viz. 600 carof beef ; 8,500 do. of mutton;
7,000 do. of
veal ; 9,000 do. of pork ; and 100 do. of lamb, a
of which have producedlow prices.
largeportion
The

"

"

we

had

as
incessantlyraining,

THE

402

FARMER'S

winter from 10.-;.

to 13s. per67Ubs.; presentrates from
10s. to lis.,but as the supplieshave been much reduced
the lasttwo or three weeks, it is not unlikelythat sales
be effected again at 12s. to 13s. per bushel,
soon
may
wheat may l)e
and itis expected that a supplyof Foreig'u
have
We
not heard of any
"wanted before harvest.
fore
untilwithin the last few days, therebarley being sown
of the ensuing crop ; the farmers
can
say nothingwith the prohave done much
beyond theirexpectation
duce
of lastyear, the demand from Scotland and Wales
i
t
has
this
brought
article,
havingbeen considerable for
good samples,litfor seed,to be now worth from 5s. Od.
to
who
farmers
were
partial
to 5s. 6d. per bushel : most
the Chevalier barley when it was firstintroduced,find it
too
weak in the straw, and have discontinued its use.
The entire crop of oats has not turned out so heavy, or
fine in quality
as was
expectedat the earlypart of the
season, yet a free sale has been found for a considerable
quantitywhich has been broughtforward of good color,
obtained
the prices
and weighingabout 371bs. per bushel,
has lately
fallenoff the
has been good, and as the supplies
articleisnow
worth,to the growers, '2s.9d. to 3s. per bush.
but although
Turnips are nearlyfinished in most places,
the weatlier is extremely
cold, clover and other grasses,
in many
are
making a fair shew ; the few
situations,
look promising.Potatoes
winter vetches that were
sown
admit of many
in good supply,withpricestoohighto
are
has
The lambing season
being sent to other markets.
few losseshaving been sustained,but
been favourable,
the mortality among
sheepby the rot was very great in
several

districts in the

early part of the winter.

J'at

are high,bullocks are worth

prices
lOs. 6d. to lis. per score; sheep, 7d. per pound ; and
pigs,7s. 6d. per score ; store cattle isalso highin price,
11th April.
with a considerable demand.

cattleare

scarce

and

MAGAZINE.
per
and

head, a good hog cannot be purchasedunder 30.?.,

for couples 38s. to 48s., hut the lastfew weeks a

largesupply ot live stock has affected the sale,our markets

most
have been overdone, the higii
pricesgiven,and alcertain poor remuneration
in prospect to the
grazier,have deterred them from purchasingfreely.
There is stilla good demand
and calves,a
for cows
tolerable cow
13/. or 15/.,and nothing
tctching
easily
worth purchasingunder 12/.
of mutton, which is worth

There

is a great

scarcity

7"d. per lb. Beef is also

good sells readilyat 10s. to 10s. 6d. per
scarce, and
Calves for weaning- have fetched good prices,
score.
calves will be reared than for niany years past.
The price of pork has gene down to 8s. 3d. per score,
but the priceof poor pigshas been maintained,here also
the raiser of this stock will do the best. Our markets
for wJieat have been any thing but steady,it went down
the earlypart of the month
rapidly,is how looking up,
from 9s. 6d. to9s.9d. The price
prime samples fetching
of beans has been gradually
receding, and they are a
very dull saleai 4s. to 4s. 3d.,a few very prime samples
of tiie
in consequence
are only fetching4s. 6d.
Barley,
demand for seed,isadvanced iu price.Oats have fallen,
There has been
but at present thera is more
demand.
very littledone in wool, the price at present is almost
nominal,the growers holdingrather than submit to the
latereduction of price. The priceof seeds has not been
maintained,and there has not been much animation in
the trade as regards the stock of corn
in hand, except
beans,I should decidedly
say there is not the average
bulk on the farmers' hands usually held at this season,
and althoughtliestock of hay is increased in comparison
with last year, much
will be consumed
than was
more
expected. April11.
more

"

"

ESSEX.
Whilst we are writing-,
tility
a shower
fraughtwith feris falling-,
contrast
to the
a pleasing
affording
Any one who had only been a residentin this country
blasts which
have lately
been so
cold north easterly
the last three years, would pronounce
at
our
springs
have
a
backward
to report rather
prevalent. We
least any thing but genial;it is evident from our old
but can safely
season
observation,
say from minute
have had "f late at
we
country sayings,that the seasons
in all our experiencehave we seen tiie appearnever
ance
this periodof the year, have been exceptions,
not the
of the crops promise so well; go where you
rule. The cold wind for these two weeks past, and more
will,one unbroken plant of wheat presents itself;
sinee the rain with which this month comparticularly
menced,
coloured,
have been most
cutting; on the third,fourth, examine it and you will find it though a littledisfirm and healthyat the root and studding
and fifthit %vas particularly
severe, and the frostswe had
the sixth and seventh were
of warm
most
weather,
on
quiteunusual at thisseason;
luxuriantly
; another month
this coming afterthe land was completely
saturated
will do wonders, and after these beautiful rains, we
three
has
with nearly
days'rain,
completelychecked
sown
may expect an equallygood plantof the spring
and the early springcorn and wheat have
vegetation,
where this has appeared,it looks exticmely
corn;
lostthat freshness which they had acquiredby the brief
well ; ))Pas more
which plant with manespecially,
periodof mild weather we had towards the end of last
in ; and we observe
now
apian
gelwurzel,is
going
month, and at present the wheat planthas assumed a
it in on lands
the heavy lands, of putting,yellowishtinge. I observe that where the land is liable adoptedon
being ploughedsince Christmas.
to be affectedby the wet, there isconsiderable deficiency scarified without
think this is a plan highlyto be recommended,
of plant; some
pieces of wheat are certainly
looking We
well,a good deal middling,and some bad, the present as it affords so fine a seed bed, but which cannot be
and cold nightsis againstits wriding,as
barren \yinds
There
is a considerable
obtained by any other means.
term it,more
the poor soils,
we
and we
particularly
on
quantityof mangel left,but turnips and
cannot
at present look forward to a great burthen or an
cabbageshave nearly all disappeared. What few
early harvest. It is also a very bad season for the early l-ambs have
gone to market, have not broughthome
that which goes in now
sown
will,I think,
barley,
have
The time has now
to the grazier.
satisfactory
prices
the best chance should there be a change soon, the
estimate ought fairlyto be made
arrived when
some
quantityof wet which fell the early part of last week
of our
farmers to supply
of tho probablecapabilities
stoppedthe progress of sowing,and on heavy soilsthe
dering
the markets
tillnext harvest with wheat, and consiland has but justbecome fit for working. There is a
tillsupthat fourmonths will probably
elaps(.',
plies
good demand for seed barley,and 1 should suppose a
of new
large breadth of this corn was going in, few crops were
grainappear, we hold an opinionthat
last year.
Oat sowing has justcommore
profitable
menced,
allowingfor the half a million which will most probably
it will be backward.
There is a much
the next
Is. duty, and
larger
from abroad
on
come
quantityof land that usual allotted forffax,the quantity the holdingback of the speculator,
there will be fully
last year was
short,and it paidwell. There is the appearance
In our county we
sufficientto meet every demand.
of a partialblossom on the apple trees, tliey
corn-stacks standing
see
quiteas many if not more
is in their favour. Our lambare
very backward, which
ing
than is usual at this periodof the year, especially
has been good, tliestock of sheep has been
season
An opinion
has been very
among- the small farmers.
and confidence seems
progressively
increasing,
pretty
extr.-imust
much
restored respectingtheir soundness ; the weather
prevalentamong many that corn
range
heard
have
not
at present keeps them short of foojd on the p.xstures,
tiiis vagantlyhigh this spring,( but we
will be felt mostly by tliecouples,the sale of this stock
and this has caused
of thi.sopinion lately),
much
so
has been good,and the pricesadvanced several shillingsa rciiervationof grain. April 16,
SOMERSETSHIRE.

"

THE

FARMER'S

403

FAIRS,

INTELLIGENCE,

AGRICULTURAL
HOWDEN
SPRING
dealers at the Howden

MAGAZINE.

FAIR."

Tlie attendance

that fairs of this kind have

of

not

"c.
been established

^00 ;
beasts.
long since. At Saturday'sfairthere were"
lambs, 179; sheep,4,040,and a good show of horses.
and respectable,amongst uliom we noticed
numerous
The supply Hoggets fetched from. 46s. to 48s.,and other stock
Alessrs. Dyson and Shaw, from London.
men
of g-oodhorses was
small, and for which great prices fetched good prices.It was considered by many gentlefor middlingand inferiorhorses there
present tliatThursday or Fridaywould be a more
'were obtained;
day for holdingthe fair than Saturday,and
convenient
but tiio;demand
not brisk.
a tolerablesupply,
was
was
is intended to be made
to have the
hear application
we
There vvas a large show of Ciittleon Wednesday,and
day altered. CambridgeIndependent.
there being'
a Lrisk demand
a fairattendance of buyers,
At WOODBRIDGE
LADV
the stock of
FAIR
ensued. The price of fat ranged from 7s. 6d. to 8s.
of which tliere vvas a good supply, for grazing-,
hoggets,
'i'hepresent higU pricesof the cattle market isattributed
of the vegein request, in consequence
much
not
were
tation
state gC the weather
to the latecold and un"renial
; but,
being so backward ; lew sales were eflected in
ment
duringthe last few days, we have had a small instalfor
done
but
25s.
tiiis
wliat
was
was
stock,
Leicesters, to
of spring,
and all nature
cheerful
a more
assumes
38s., and Downs, 30s. to 36s. each. Fine thingssold
showers and brightsun
aspect,and tiiealternate g-enial
of
stock
of both descripTiie primest
full7s. per stone.
the lattermoietyof the month
that generally
accompany
of horses was
tions sold freely.The show
excellent,
of April,will tend to promote
the growth of the young
as has been witnessed upon
idthoughnot so numerous
at no
we
herbage,and, consequently,
anticipate,
may
former occasions,and several of the cart descriptions
distantperiod,
a material reduction in the pricesof both
fetched fair prices.
At twelve o'clock the Howden
tat and lean stock.
DEVIZES,
Saturday,April 20." Our spring fair
AgriculturalSocietyheld their annual show, when a
the whole well supheld this day,was
on
mitted,which was
adplied
of agriculturists,
considerable number
"c., were
There was
of
a large number
and fullyattended.
and were
with a most splendid
display
gratilied
heifers and calves,the greater part of which
of some
of the fineststock of the country, 'i'hejudges springers,
short
sold at high prices.The supply of beef was
were
Mr. Wiley, sen., of Bransby,Mr.
on the occasion were
tiful,
Robmson, of Carnaby,and Mr. Dunswell,ofHar^well, and the sale dull. Good graziersand oxen were plenoff"
but owing to the high figuresasked,they went
who took great pains in exercising
their judgment,and
with
in
rather slowly. Milch cows
calves,were
is a listof the
good
gave generalsatisfaction. The following
few
field,
demand, and sold at from 12/. to 20/.,and in some
awarded:" Mr. Ilowdcn's Cavendish, Drifpremuims
5/. ; ftlr.
didate, instaaces,even
best thorough-bred
Hant's Canhigher. The number of sheeppeuned
stallion,
the trade was
rather
drews's was
small, and notwithstanding
stallion,
5^.,iMr. An(Garton) best coachingsecond best do.,"2/.; dull ; good thingssold fullyas well as at the fairs and
Young Ebor, (Balkholrae)
markets
Mr. Steward,Holme, best coachingbrood mare, 2/. ;
latelyheld iu the neighbourhood.With the
Mr. IL Thompson, Armin, best hunting brood mare,2/.;
exceptionof a few good cart colts,the show of horses
of a very ordinarydescription
Mr. T. Denby, Armin, best coachinggelding,
3 yrs.,
was
; there was, however,
them.
'i/.
2 yrs.
a good deal of business done among
; Thos. Clark,Esq.,best coachinggelding-,
of our new
fairs
FAIR.-One
NEW
best carting
old,2/.; Mr. llairsine,
stallion. DROGHEDA
Rellasize,
was
held,at which we observed a very good supply of
2/.;Mr. Edmd. Thompson, Armin. best bull,5/.,Mr.
sold from 18/. to
of cattle. Bullocks
all descriptions
Edward Latham, second best do,,21. ; 'l\ Clarke,Esq.

tance,

fair on Tuesday lastwas

spring-

"

from 40s.
best breeding
23/. each ; heifersfrom 14/. to 20/. ; wedders
cow, 21. ; iNIr.E. Thompson, Armin. best
2^. ; Mr. Wells, best yearling
heifer.
2/.;
toG5s.; ewes, 35s. to 45s. ; lambs, 20s. to 22s.; pigs
heifer,
from 35s. to 38s. per cvvt.
There were only
Egremont,Esq.,bestfat covv,2/.
numerous,
; \Vm. Granger,of
a i"w horses.
DrogliedaJournal.
by hislabour 10
Holme, he having brought up solely
This fair,
held on the 10th insf.,
FAIR."
ARDEI-:
2/. ; Saml.
children,
without receivingparochialrelief,
he having broughtup solely
Smith, Brcighton,
by his was rather a small one ; however, the quantityol stock
labour 10 children,
1/.;Jonathan Woodall,of Goolc, which appeared brought fair prices.It consisted chieHy
and some
lotsof sheep,
iU ippers,
do.,do.,1/. At three o'clock a considerable number of of dry cattle,
springers,
the friends of the above institution,
with the judges, with a largeexhibition of swine. Littlebeef worth purchasing
dined at the Half Moon
Inn ; Thomas
appeared, and what did, rated high, as also,
Clark,Esq..of
such sheep as were
fitfor the knife. Beef rated from
in the chair,who, in announcingthe sucKnedlington,
offal ; mutton
from 5d. to
cesslul candidates for the respective
4()5.to 56s. per cvvt.,sinking
premiums,entered
8d. perlb. The few horses offered for sale were of an
into, and expressed,
a cigarand luminous view of the
if we except about a dozen."Druginferiordescription,
individual and national advantages
from such
resulting
the aged agricultural heda Journal of Friday.
and, in addrcs"^ing:
institutions;
STOCK."
AGRICULIURAL
We have frequently
labourers,
paid a justtribute to the unwearied labours
and independent
which had supported them, of late had occasion to notice the degree of superioriiy
principle
to which the cattleand sheepon the farms in this county
lifeof labour and anxious solicitationfor
duringa longtheir numerous
to speak of three
offspring. After many interestinghave been brought,and have now
fore
bespeeches were
sponded such bullocks,of theirage, as perhaps have never
given by the chairman,which were reSt. Cyres.
been killed in the parish of Newton
to by the company,
the eveningwas spent in
that rational and orderlyconviviality
These were
which
not exceeding four years old,
two
heifers,
so peculiarly
and a steer,all not
the meetings of the Howden
merely of superiorquality,but of
tural
Agriculdisting-uish
and the pleasureof the day did not terextraordinaryproof,which were purchased of Mr. John
Society,
St. Cyres,
minate
of agriculFarm. Newton
without addingan increased number
Grosvenor. of East Holme
turists
and of North
to the listof subscribers ; and we
by Mr. "Wm. Batting,of the same parish,
hope next year
to have the pleasure of
in this city, butcher,for seventy guineas. The
announcing many landlords,Street,
and carried
two heifersturned out 48 score
who, if desirous of doing good, cannot do better than
per bullock,
mated
imitate tho example of the Earl of Beverley,whose aneach about I401bs. wt. of rough fat. The str^er is estinual

2 year old

"

"

of five pounds places him

subscription
lil)eralbenefactor. Dnncaster Gazette.

as

CAMBRIDGE

"

lair was

held

FIRST

CATILE

FAIR.-This

and was
Saturday se'nnight,
fiellently
attended,
coming fullyup to the
on

most
most

exguine
san-

and friends. Indeed

It is somewhat
consideringthe situationof
surprising,
,
Cambridge, placed in the midst of a districtpurelyagriand with no otlifrwithin a considerable dis" cultural,
expectations

of its promoters

at 52 score

its most

"

! The

praiseof
unqualified

every

one

who has seen these fine animals,has been bestowed upon

them.
Exeter FlyingPost.
OF
SPECIE.^
CLOVER."
EXTRAORDINARY
"

arrived from Georgia, who has

chivercolossal and prolilin
seed from
Bokharia, which he is going to viibinitto
Mr. London.
According to the accounts of the most
celebrated travellers who have visited that distant and

gentleman

has

broughtwitli him

just
a

new

THE

FARMER'S

OF

REVIEW

MONTH

THE

Dining the greater part of the month which has

the weather
since our last publication,
has been unusuallycold for the season
of the year,
and cousequentlyungenial. Vegetatiouhas made

passedawaj'

has

the

in

season,

far

as

as

405

CORN

THE

DURING

littleprogress, nor
has yet gone, been

MAGAZINE.

it

TRADE

OF

APRIL.

of last year's crop of grain,one

inferiority
benefit must
of legal
arise,for the necessity
terest
inprotectionbeing extended to the agricultural
the

great

will become

obvious
perfectly

before the
even

lapseof another year

to those

manufacturers

who

consider themselves
injured by the exiscingcorn
particulardegree propitious
Had
the wheat
of last year been sufficiently
in the fields. We
laws.
to the springoperations
are
crop
therefore agaiu threatened
with another' late season,
largefor the consumption of the people,
has
which
with the great
several millions sterlingof money,
which, taken in connection
in exchange
been gi\en away
to foreigners
which existed in the corn
deficiency
latterly
crops of last
have
for foreign grain, would
remained
in the
ycir, forms any thing but a pleasant])rospectfor
the future.
A
reluctant spring is seldom indeed
possessionof the cultivators of the British and
this sum
wouhl
either have
attended with any advantages to the agricultural lri"h fields,by whom
terests
been
talents,
paid to the trading and manufacturing inpursuitsof those who devote their cajjital,
in exchange for articles of necessityand
and industryin operationsconnected
with this by
in agrifar the most important interest in the iiritish emcultural
pire
luxury, or it would have l)eeu embarked
the contrary, alatecorn season
is always
improvements, where it would, to use
; on
the
the langua,'e of
attended by much
cluded
hazard, and frequentlyis conpresent President of the
of Trade,
and in due season
produce
rewith
Board
immense
fructify,
damage to the crops generally,
itself by a hundred
been
but too trulyproved by the injuries
fold,thus increasing
as has
in any

"

done

alone
last year to the
from this cause
at the
fields generally.The season
later than it is on
month
present time is fullyone
the average
of years in our climate, we very rarely
indeed have one
in this manner
month
to spare

produce of

the

In the
to field labour.
of the twelve devoted
the danger attendinga
home
counties no doubt
late spring is not
considerable as it is in the
so

out

agriculturaldistricts,but to the north of

Humber,
throughout the whole of Scotland,
to
a
great proportion of Ireland, ungenial

other
the
and

weather

in the

of

commencement

the

season,

is

the

of the

means

country

to

pay

for

additional

products of the industrious

classes of society." Provisions are either dear or
cheap only according to their relative position
with regard to the value
cessary
of other articles of nefacturer
consumption. The trader and the manuof
quantities

can

the

be

never

prosperous

when

those

they have business transactions are

to
in adversity,nor
is it possiblefor commerce
the ruins of agriculture. The surest,
flourish on
the safest,and
immeasurably the most valuable
and
extensive n)arket for the consumption
most
with

whom

is that furnished
of all articles of manufacture,
and prosperityin the latter must
by agriculture,
in all its
late harvest in the present state
interest. Another
eventuallyextend itself to the former
That
ramifications.
indeed be a great national
of this country would
manufacturing property is
ries
not improved by the too low value of the necessacalamity. By the last crop the farming interest
well established by the
of life is'but
instances
too
has suffered in many
a great loss of property,
the pricesobtained for their produce being
present condition of that interest in Belgium
of which
and in France, in both
kingdoms proin no manner
to the deficiency
isting
exvisions
commensurate
their intrinsic value,
almost below
and another
in that crop,
are
year attended by
have
been
would
and yet the mercantile failures there
be almost ruinous, for
similar consequences
terests
of the description most
distressingand destructive to the generalineven
a largecrop, followingone
peal
of Belgian and French
of last year, would
not be sufhcient to supply the
society. The rebe attended here by
laws would
of the corn
in the usual
occasioned by that event
deficiency

alwaysinjuriousin

unfrequentlyfatal in

more

its

degree,and not
conclusion to the farming
or

less

stocks of home
equallyfatal to the prosperityand
grain in the producers' consequences
grown
the happinessof the community,
alone the manufacturingconsequentlyto
hands, and from this circumstance
interest would
be
for a
for the ruin of the agricultural
and
commercial
classes must
the first eflfectof the reptalof those laws, anddistime Eufter the loss in a considerable degree of a
the
moasferous
results to all classes, whether
rious
very important market for the consumption of vathose
dustry.nied, commercial,
or
apparently farthest
and valuable articles produced by their inhave
wheat

of last year's crop

removed
circumstances
The
encouraged a larger imi)ortationof foreign and that
into

this

country

than

is

on

record in the

the

from

the

influence

of

would,
agriculture,

too, follow. To encourage

vei-y rapidly
and
fields at home,
own
cultivation of our

their capitaland emembark

ploy
all who
during the same
riod. to assure
pelands into
their skill in converting waste
either has already been, or most
The corn
than
patriotic
corn
fields,is not more
will eventuallybe piiidfor, not
jM-oductive
by any
certainly
terested
init is universallyadvantageous to every one
materialaddition to the usual quantity
of British
in the empire. By labours of this descri])manufactured
goods exported to those foreign
the
annually
been
tion not only must
the wheat
has
which
people become
latterly
states, from
less dependent on foreignnations for bread, but
ing
as the rapidlydiminishimported, but by money,
sequences
quantityof specie and bullion in the Bank of to a certain extent also less dependent on the conof our
changeable climate themselves.
liliigland
alreadymost clearlyestablishes. Out of
corn

the

historyof

nunv.rous

this

evils

country

however,

which

must

attend

I'nder thi

influence

of

wise

and

reguproperly

FARMER'S

THE

406

stillbe so
lated corn laws, England herself may
far improved it;agriculture,as to yielddouble the
obtained
from her fields
quantity of produce now
and marshes.
From
Scotland stillgreater benefits
would necessarily
arise, as her soilis poorer and
her climate
far inferior to the southern
part of the
empire, but to Ir-eland the advantages which must
attend a well regulated system
her
incalculable.
From
literally

of

corn

laws

are

rivers and from

of the richest
her morasses
many millions of acres
soil will in due time be reclaimed, and rendered
also
valuable
to
not
most
only useful but
the
inhabitants.
The
present complaint of
a
superabundant and consequently idle and
afterwards
imemployed population, will soon
not
be
in
and
of,
longer heard
any
exchange for the produceof her fields exported,
the raw
materials
of many
articles of manufacture
will be imported and
labour
render
valuable in
laws then
j)roportionto its scarcity. The corn
must
eventuallyproduce the only real wealth of
nations, for they will render the peoplehappy in
of
proportion as theyfurnish to them abundance
labour.
])ro(luctive
They will,in short, enrich the
merce
empire in generali)yan extension both of her comand of her agriculture. In general seasons
climates
states
in southern
many
may he supplied
with

charged with, towards

the

of

These
which

are

only

encouragement

to

few
of the advantages
at home
must
agriculture
that probably before one

eventuallyproduce, and
so
generationcan pass away, but in the meantime
long as suppliesof foreigncorn are occasionally
rendered
necessary here by the elements,the duty
charged on its entry for home consumption should
l)eless than the publictaxes charged to our
never
farmers
the same
on
at
quantity of corn grown
All our tradinginterests are perfectly
home.
tected
proagainsttheinterference with theniinonr own
marl"ets
by foreigners. The shipping interest is
and so likewise is that
most
thoroughly ])rotecteJ,
of fishingeven
to prohibition. Manufactures
of
pvery descriptionare protected by ad valorem
duties of from 20 to .'')0
lity,
per cent, according to qualaws have ojjerated
but, as the corn
during
this last corn
the duty levied on foreign
season,
grain, imported for home
consumption, has
afforded
no
protectionwhatever to the agricultural
interest
in this country. Admitting the mean
value

of

wheat

then,

to

place the

manufacturer

in this

country

wheat
in

to

grower

this

be .^Os. per
on

qr.,

level with

our

for
publicexpenditure,

markets.
The benefit,however,
to be derived from
the corn
laws, as they are
at present constituted,
than
rather prospective
are
immediate.
various
Under
circumstances, such
occurred
have
as
during this season,
they do not
afford anything like adequate protection to the
use

home

ihe

same

producer, and

ations

be

rendered

indeed

seldon;

subservient

to

their opefinancial pur-

can

the

harvest

may

yet

not

be

so

very

late

under

as

anticipated.
The
winter wheats are naturallylate,but they are
healthy and well spread at the roots, from which
the
congenial weather
yet speedilycause
may
in great luxuriancy,fin- the
plantsto come
away
foundation
is abundantly strong for the production
the weather
of this effect should
permit. The
existingappearances

is for tl"3 present

in cultivation with winter

breadth

larger this
pricesobtained

wheats

is

siderably
con-

usual, the high

ing
in the latter part of last harvest hav-

encouraged the farmers

usual

than

season

to

plantmorethan

Favourable
quantities.

their

weather, therefore,

abundant
an
produce of wheat in the
may cause
followed
projjer time, but stilla late springmay be
by a late harvest which is always hazardous if not
and pulse
positivelydangerous. Of spring corn

calcniations
of their futiue probabe made
can
ble
later than is
produce in a spring, so much
usually the case, as the present one undonljtedly
is. The
groimd has not as yet been in the best
possible order for the reception of springgrain
it has been
seed, indeed for barley in ])ariicular
much
too
wet, but it is as yet too earlyto form
of tlie probableproiluceof
any opinion whatever
similar observations
any descriptionof s])ringgrain, and
be a])plied
both to the pea and
must
bean
depends on the
crops, for everything now
and more
weather
genialto vegebecoming warm
tation
than
it hitherto has been since the spring
no

commenced.
of consnmption were
scantilysuppliedwith wheat of British
growth than they have been since the turn of the
more
particularlyduring the
present year and
of
of Ajjril.Only one
greater part of the month
The

never

principalmarkets

more

of this
the duty on
have been the cause
two
circumstances
can
consumption, effect. Last year'scrop is either nearly exhausted
should
15s. per qr., being a charge of
not be under
from
the
the farmers
be keejjingback
must
or
30 jjer cent, on its value.
This duty would
ing
in hopes of obtainmarket
tually
evena portionof their wheat
be paid by the proprietorof the land on
in
higher prices for it before the crop now
which
the wheat
was
the ground can
tainly
cerkets
produced, and most
generallybe brought into the marof it. The
never
We
inclined to believe that the
for sale.
by the British consumer
are
of
of the
want
the chief cause
importer, in makin.v his calculations of the exlatter has been
penses
attendingthe importationof foreignwheat, British wheat
in the market, for certainlyin the
would
did not
home
counties
the growth of last season
])lacethe duty, as he does the freight,
sea
the charges of imward
portation,
insurance,metage, "c., among
suffer nearly so
severely as it did to the northand his puixhases abroad would be made
came
beIndeed
and
in Ireland.
as the weather
favourable to the growing crops in the
j)ro])ortionably
cheaper. Thus our publicrevenue
more
mio-ht,this last corn season, have been increased by
of April, there was
last week
a
large increase in
at least two
millions and a half sterling,
which
the supply of wiieat from the neighbouringcomities
sum
would
have
been not more
than a fair payment
in the London
and
market
on
prices declined
the part of the laud proprietorabroad
the
whose
on
.'is.to 8s. per qr. according to ([uality,
from
was
at that
demand
property this wheat
produced lor the use of
perioilnot being nearlysulticient
maikets
of consnmption, and
our
for the consumption of the quantitiesoffered fur
certaiulynot

foreign wheat, imported

more

country,

for

than, in various ways,

home

the

British grower

is

Eventually,however,
imperfectin some
degree,as they no doubt are, they must be attended
the community
at
to
by beneficial consequences
the apbe immediate,
large,but as these cannot
pearances
be unin the fields naturallymust
usually
now
The spring,as we have already
interesting.
later than usual, but
mentioned, is fullyone month
the weather
has been
becoming finer during the
last few days, and
should it continue to improve
poses.

flour and

otherarticles of necessary consumj)tion the produce of the British islands,

and we will
receive in return either the precious metals, or articles
which
tudes.
laticannot
be produced in northern

the

MAGAZINE.

sale.

Still,however,

this state

of the market

can

THE
only be

of short

for
(hivalioii,
has yet to

FARMER'S

tlj;inotit'-thlrd

MAGAZINE.
about

be

407

admitted into consumption,

circumstance
unfortunate
must
of the growing crops
occur
next
the
fortune
and increase
can,
by any possibility,
season,
general misbe brought forwaril generallyinto consumption,
has
which
attended last year'sdeficient
and even
then large(luaiitities
of old wheat
be better
may
crop of wheat, the extent of which cannot
be requisite
for mixture with the new.
Low prices illustrated than by the quantityof foreign wheat
not very probablefor another
which it has been the means
of admitting into our
iarc,
therefore,
year
'at all events, the
usual
stock in the
farmers
market
for sale,amounting as it does at the present
hands having, as we
have
dred
already mentioned,
period to upwards of two millions eighthun; of

the

corn

season

more

[lass before the

duce
pro-

to

the

imported be

same

been
when
the last crop
thousand
nearly exhausted
was
quarters, and increased, as it will
ficientbe before the close of this corn
brought forward for eonsumption, and that a deseason,
by a farther
than one-third of an average
one
by more
importationof another million and a half, perhaps
of nearer
ju'oduce.This deficiencyno doubt has been in
two millions of quarters. There])etition
of importationsof corn
of such magnitude annul)artmade goodbj'the immense
importationwhich
ally,
from
has been
made
which
the repeal of the Corn Laws
would
foreign nations ; but stillit
has not been sufficiently
largeto plaec,as yet, the
necessarily
occasion,would speedilyrender Great
trade on a sure
corn
footing,or in a healthystate; Britain a ver}' poor empire indeed, and would, in
this beneficial change be expected,until, no distant period,reduce her to a power
nor
can
of
he
second standingonly in Europe. It would throw
by one or two good crops at home, the natural
Istate of thingsbe restored, in as far as the stippiy out of cultivation a vast ])roportion
of her at present
bad
jof the people with food is concerned, for one
and it would
late
annihihighly cultivated fields,

extends its consequences

to the
universally
at all events,
years
crojis of the succeeding two
and more
frequentlyto the third,and what has
been
the necessary result of one
bad harvest in
former years, may very naturallybe calculated on
I
[forthe present occasion. Although the importations of foreignwheat
has been
since last summer
largebeyond any former precedent,still the quantity
in London
at the present time of foreignwheat
which the duty has been paid,does not exceed
on
two
hundred
thousand quarters, a trifling
quantity
indeed, to be in granary
at this earlyperiod of
this unusual
corn
season, and although the quantity
i

"

'

'

a
vested in laud, worth
from
property now
three to four thousand
millions sterling.It would
reduce the value of the national
debt from eight
hundred
millions sterling to nothing, and her
and
manulactuiingwealth would decay as rapidly,
than that of agriculture
more
prt'ectually,
certainly
itself. A very few years with an rmrestricted and
corn
trade,indeed, would elapse
duty free foreign
before the consumers
themselves
suffer from
would
the alteration,
for the land could not, under sucJi
be profitably
circumstances,
cultivated,and itwould
return
into a state of nature.
In a short period the
leave the country
in
metals would
])recious
entirely
yet to he imported before the coming harvest
exchangefor food,and universal distress must then
million
and a half
time will probably exceed one
In paj'ment for tlie foreigngrainimi)orted
ensue.
of quarters, still it must
all be bonded, unless a
this season,
iluring
upwards of two millions sterling
material improvement should in the mean
time
in specie have been alreadyremitted to the continent,
in our
occur
and twice that sum
will yet be re(]tiired
prices,for at the present high rates
for
of dr.tj'
it cannot
be brought forward into consimilar j)urposes before these accounts
sumption,
be finally
can
unless at a heavy loss of property to the
balanced,
^'erylittle of this largesum will be sent
importersof it. At the present, or at lower prices, back here to purchase manufactured goods for the
for four months
therefore, we must,
at all events,
consumption of the inhabitants of those kingdoms
and states in which this wheat has been ])roduce(l.
depend chieflyon the suppliesof wheat furnished
in our
To the llussian,the Pole,or tliemajority
of tiieGeilargemai'kets of consumption by our home
and
tained,
an
tho crops proit matters
opinion is very generallyentergrowers,
mans,
very little whether
duced
from these sources
that the sujiplics
alone,
by their labour be good or bad, whether prices
will not be found nearlyadequateto the usual conhe
sumption
high or low ; I'orin the one case they receive no
: the
importers of grain,therefore, are
benefit,and in the other case their situation in life
still sanguine of obtaining a fair market
here for
in most
that no circuminstances is so depressed,
stance
their property,at considerablylower
duty than
reduce them lower.
The field labourers
can
that now
there receive little or no advantagefrom the pa\chargeable on foreignwheat, and the
hold hack
their
ments
which we are now
wealthy British farmers, who
wheat,
making for foreign
wheats
from immediate
and their ladies must
sale,are actuated by the
remain clothed in the same
for large ([uantitics
will yet be
same
robes as we
in the streets of
jjrinciple,
them
see
frequently
requiredfor the general consumption before the
London, and these ccrtainlv are not composed generally
of ]\Ianchester or
growing crop of wheat can be brought generally
of Glasgow manufactured
into the market for sale ; largequantities
will also
alone
goods. It is in warmer
climates that wc
can
at that
tiiid profitable
probably he wanted
])eriodfor mixture
markets
for articles of this description,
with the new
it fit for the miller's
for there we exchange them either for products
crop, to render
which nortbern
largerquantitywill be
purposes, and still a much
climates do not perndtthe cultivathat slock in the farmer's
to restore
requisite
metals. To the north of
session,lion of, or for thp precious
poshe ought naturallyto have at the
which
Europe there is not one symptom as yet exhiljited of
of every corn
commencement
season, and which,
trary,
any increase in the value of ourex[)ort.5 ; on the conat all events, ought to be sufficient lor three
or
the present rates of the foreignexchanges
four months
of
the
of the usual consumption
that our
ple.
peoclearly
imports continue to exceed
prove,
it is the general in value our
At the close of each harvest
exports ; and this contradicts most (dthat grain from
the ])rcceding
calculation,
the only argument which can
crojjs
be brought
fectually
should remain
in the country sufficient for the
forwarded in favour of an unrestricted trade in com
with foreign
consumption,during at all events, of the remainder
nations ; for our
do not,
manufiuturer.s
of that year, and
the case
last
that this was
not
as a few montl'pf-ago
tK^yfancieclfh^y would do, extrade has since then
season, the state of the corn
cliangetli#i
goods for food received fiom foreign
derable
demonstrated, and, unless by a consisufficiently
nations;and, therefore,to injurethe agricultnnj
advance in prices,
the foreignwheat now
interest1 1 home for
jo

crop

expectationsperfectly
grounc".-!

THE

408
less

as

part of

Ijh ;ui act of suicide

tliese are, wouUl
till/mamifaclurors
tlu'mselves.

During
been

FARMER'S

the last month

rather

the markets

suppliedwith
plentifully

on

tliR

genorallyhave
barley,which,

MAGAZINE.
the lords of

the treasury have

no

comprehousionnf

the extent
carried
to wliich smuggling is at ]u'eseiit
under the patronage of the excessive duty system,
on
of all
of its baneful consequences
nor
to the morals

in considerable demand, jiartly who

has been
trade. Little less
however,
pursue this highlyvitiating
for malting,and this article
but chiefly
in use
than one half of the spirits
for grinding,
now
pays no duty,
is it wonderful
hundred
that two
cent,
has consequentlycontinued to command
rating
remunenor
per
pricesto the producers.The consumption of charged on the first cost, should encourage this most
at present than it was
malt is considerably larger
at
Besides, it is unfair to the British
corrupt practice.
last year ; which
and colonial distillers,
who pay the duty,and who
the same
is, at all events, so
period
that the circTirastances of
illicitforeign
far satisfactory,
as it shows
to meet
ar(" unable
gin and brand)^
its consumers
and they are the great majorityof
which
duty, in our markets, and it is in an
pay no
the industrious classes
in a progressive
state of
are
equal degreeunjust to the licensed retailer,for he
families so
improvement. Productive employment for them is cannot su]i[)ly
cheaply as the smuggler
but surelybecoming more
interest in the state
that
There
is not one
abundant,and at
can.
gradually
would
millions sterlingare yearly divided
not derive some
advantagefrom the reduction
present some
of the duties on malt and spirits.
alone.
To the lower orders
by the railroad proprietors
amongst them
of society
it would
be of the greatest importance,
This money does not leave the empire,but, like good
annuallv
of them
in a kindlysoil,it will soon
enable many
seed planted
because it would
siderably
convery
comforts in life,
and
to increase their own
produceabundant returns, and increase the value of
this
land in pro])ortion
also those of their families. To the morals of a poras it increases itself. With
tion
of smuggling
of the people the suppression
increasingconsumptionof barley however, it is only
in as far as it would
of it
and fair to the growers
would
ho of equalimportance,
just to the consumers
that the heavy duty now
levied on this necessary
of
deprivethem of every temptationto vielate the laws
nel
To the
of the Excise. It would procure an additional chanlifeshould be very considerablyreduced.
this reduction would be of great importance,
of productiveemployment to the agricultural
revenue
financial system suflifor the whole history of our
labourer,and it would improve,in a special
manner,
the value of landed property, increasing
at the same
\
cientlyestablishes the fact, that too heavy duties on
posed. time the revenue.
any article destroythe objectfor which they are imIn
the oat trade little alteration is observable
At 3 js. per qr. of dutymalt paid into the
The supsince the publication
of our last number.
plies
treasury annually something under "hree millions
markets of
of Wellington rehave been large in the principal
duced
; whilst,after the Duke
sterling
tained consumption, but certainly
tlie duty to 20s. per qr., both the duty obmand
not more
so than the de"

"

of it consumed
from it,and the quantity
were
doubled.
of very great
This is a subject
national importance. It is equally
to the
interesting
British peer, to the British peasant, and
to the
British Chancellor of the Exchequer ; and nothing
be more
can
worthy of the publicattention at the
land
than it undoubtedly is. The
present moment
and their tenants
add from
two
to
mav
proprietors
annual
income
three millions sterlingto their
he
of barleyiields,the consumption of beer may
and
the
obtain
their
doubled,
may
poor

has required.Prices have not undergone an}''

lias the
material alteration during the month, nor
stock of them sent into granary, duringthat period,
in
No money
any material degree been increased.
has yet been paid for foreignoafs entered for home
consumption. For this advantage Great Britain is
either indebted to the rapidly improvingstate
of
land,
is undergoing in Irecultivation which
agriculture
that kingdom is indebted
to Great Britain
or
her producereceives in
for the preferencewhich
that of foreign nations.
In
]5ritish markets
over
it is a great national advantage,
i'orthe
either case
share of this, to them, perfectluxury, whilst
from malt
in England and
Scotland are not now
of dut)'^
at present drawn
the amount
oats
grown
increased. We
are
fectly nearlysufficientfor the consumption,the fieldsthere
permay likewise be materially
of the
now
being appliedto the growth generally
persuadedthat a very short periodalone can
This
fact perhaps,
attention of all classes, more
valuablo crop of Wheat.
pass before the undivided
whether theybe high or low, will be directed,
forms one
not
of the strongest reasons
possiblefor the
to the propiiety
of a
continuation of fair ]irotection
to I'.ritishand Irish
to the necessityas
so much
with about
Last year we
Stillfurther reduction in the malt tax, and that the
were
su]iplied
agriculture.
interest will join that of agriculture, three millions of quartersof oats from Ireland,which
manufacturing
in jietitioning
the
would
in a session or two of parliament,
without our markets for consumption,
never

more

than

Here
therefore is a clear gain,
have been ])roduced.
from the corn
laws, of about three millions sterling,
in the
free corn
the growth of barley
trade,
into malt. To encourage
a
year 1838, which, under
I'.ritish would have bfcn paid to foreign
nations for a similar
collected on colonial and on
the duties now
from
of oats, forwarded
duction, quantity
reshould likewise undergo a considerable
I^eer, Bremen,
spirits
for,as they are at present constituted,
they Emden, and ether jiortsand rivers on the opposite
of the Continent.
But a still greater advanfor smuggling, in which origincoast
ates
open a great source
in British
much
of the vice at present existing
by this circumstance from
tage has been obtained
the productivelabour, which the growth of this imsociety.A reduction of these duties, so far from
have afforded to thousands of
would positively
decrease the quantityof
must
mense
increasing,
(juantity
Irish families. The
ardent spiritsin consumption under the present
throughout the
crop of oats
United
sumption
Kingdom suffered accordingto its value
system of extravagant duties. No doubt the conwould
of home
be
made wholesome
spirits
fullyas much as that of Wheat from the ungenial
increased
state of the weather
by the remission of a
during the last corn season, and
so very
considerably
charge on them, tliatno loss of yet pricesof oats have been keptextremelymoderate
portionof the iiuhlic
in all our
existed for
from the alteration,hut the
would occur
markets, nor has any necessity
revenue

for a remission at least of one-third of

legislature
the dutynow
verted
charged on each quarter of barleycon-

trade
smugglers'

his

would
profits
him

must

would
not

be

then

nations,
destroyedby it,because
any importationof this article from foreign
is a most impoitantcircumstance, for the expense
sufficiently
high to remunerate This

be

for the punishmentand fine,which

he
detection. We are persuaded
that

undergoon

but

of the supplyhas not gone out of the kingdom,

it has been distributed amongst our own
coun"

l-ARMKll'S

THE

iMAGAZlNK

409

that the stocks of wheat in liieBaltic poils weie

tirely
enin
;ii,'ain
measure
trvnien, and is in a p:r('i\t
probiibly
exhausted, stillthe event will sliew that tliis
circuhUion ;nnoiij;.st
tlin industrious classes of JJritisli
will vet b"
has not been the fact,for abundance
nioro
particularly
Society,
amongst those ulio are
from tliis
received of wheats of the finest qualities
employed in the dill'erentbranches of manufactures.
have alreadystated thnt from all foreign
We
of
the
cultivation
Jlefore many
c;ni
quarter.
now
pass
years
of quarters
increase in Ireland in a ratio,certainly parts one million and a half to two inillioiis
wheat must
not

inferior

making

very

to

that of oats.
Indeed it is already
rapid progress, and then, when any

may
very reasonably be expected to arrive in
different ports and harbours, before the growing
into
crops at home can be broughtforward generally

our

exist in Great Britain,

corn
may
consumption.
be expected that Ireland
not
unreasonably
may
may be able to supplyour wheat wants, in the same
made
good the quantity CURRSNCY
way that she has this season
IMPERIAL
PER
of oats necessary for our home
consumption.The
Per gr.
the
cultivation
that
manufacturers
as
68
..red.. 64
GG
Essex " Kent
may expect,
Wheat,
fi4 6'5
"
Suffolk
of the land in tha- United Kingdom increases and
Norfolk,,
60
.""8
Irist
the
for their products must
demand
ini])roves,
68
/2
Old, red
of from
increase in proportion,and the expense
42
old
RvK
40
deficiency in bread

it

MEASURE,
I'erQr.
white.. 70 74 7S
do. 70 72
74
62
do
66

..

..

five millions of quarters of foreign

32 36 Malting:
wheat, Barley, Grindinj,'
Irish
eitlier have alreadypaid or
which we
must
pay
" N"rtolk
of the deficiencyMALT,RiilTi.lk
nations in consequence
to foreign
lour

to

Kinsrstoii "

in

last crop,

the

should

similar

circumstances

Ware

feed
OATS,Ynrk!'liire" r/inceliisli,

Vo.iglinll"Cork
hereafter,
may, in a few years
Duliliti
the agricultural classes
distributed amongst
be
Clonmel
Great
it will
Britain and
m
Ireland, by whom
Londonderry
Nei^-ry
speedilyafterwards be sent into circulation principally
Galway
in the purchaseof various and valuable articles
WaterlorJ, white
furnished by the manufacturers themselves.
This is
Scotch Feed
and valuable market, which the corn laws
a certain
Beans, Tick
I'KAs, Urcv
must
eventuallythrow open to tliecommercial and
White
sive
extenmanufacturinginterests,and will be far more

again

ever

occur,

Flour,

and

them than any increase can

ever
be, which their business may draw from a free
of grain from Russia, Germany,
or
im])ortation
Poland.
'I'hetrade in beans and peas seldom is of sufficient

important to

the attention of any except those engaged

in it. The supply and the demand
have
duringthe last month been well assorted to each
other,priceshave been moderate, and at the same time
have aft'ordeda fair return of their property to those
can
engaged in their cultivation. No ex|iectations
extent

to attract

result of the ensuing

yet be formed of the probable
crops of either of these articles. Of the potato crop
similar observations may be made.
The quality
of
the last crop eontinues good,pricesextremelymoderate,
and the supplieseverywhere abundant.
We
have frequently
had cause
to remark tliaton
the London
market those of foreign
corn
nations, no

black

22

44
34
G(!
68
26

64

66
24
23

"

62

70
30
24

24

\\''estporl2425

37

LiinericU 23
Sliijo. ..24

2i

22
27
21
21

28

25

28
22

25
24
22
Black..
Potatoe
2!) 30
29
42
44
37 38 SinalHO
31
38
34
36
maple
44
42
boilers.
35
42
52 per sl" of
.Suffolk
.56
53
2S0
1b.
.Irish tines:)
Superfine.54 56
2"

.,

60

Hamburg
Potatoe

in Bond.
70
68

32

"feed

."^O

perbrl,

American

15

to

10

"

24
40

27
42

AVERAGES.

ERIAL
Wheat.l

Week

30

...

23

60
39
20

IMP

46
4h

26

ForeignGrain end Fbur

FLonn,

78

22

Dantzic

Baiiley
Oats
Bkans
Peas

76

24

60
Town-made
Stock ton "Norfolli50

Wheat,

do,..

44
new....
Chevalier
44
Bi'rc
Hnnvn
60
68
Chevalier
..29
Potatoe
24Cork,vvhile22 23

40
32

BarleyjOats

dye ReansiPeas.

onding

March

8th
15th
22Md
29tU
April 5tli
12th

33
39
38
37

..

..

..

..

..

..

9
3
1
8

37

38

24
24
24
23
24
24

3 41

4'42

2 37 10
6.37 4

2 37
9 37
S'39 10 36
4|40 7 36
6 40
9 37

2
9

|39 2
38

lo

.37 ll
;37 7

6 36
2 |37

Airffregate.werr.ge
of

the

six weeks

where they may

be situated,revolve. London
which
regulates
24
3 40
6 37 1 37 11
38
3
is tiie great mart
70 10
to which all other placeslook up
the duty
payable in
not
only for information,but for the value of the Duties
London
till Wednesday
agricultural
producewhich they grow. Since the
next inc elusive,
and
at the
beginningof this year this has been more particularlytill
the
Ontports
of the nortli and
apparent, for from the extremes
arriral of the Mail
Baltic Seas to those of the Black Sea the pricesof
of that day from
and the demand for grainhave been mainly regulated
9
0
10
London
4
"514
10
9
14 0
1 10 8
Po.
in
from
the
letters
received
on
the-Corn
grain frora
Exchange
by
British
possessions
Mark
From
Lane.
the Black Sea, and from every
6
0 3
2
3
0 3
0
G
eut of Europe
0
I 0
port in the Mediterranean,very largepurchasesof
ForeignFlour, 6s. 5d. per I9GIbs, British Possessions,do.
wheat have been effected,and largeshipmentsmade
33d. per 1961bs.
"with a view to the markets in the United Kingdom.
The quality
however
is not very well suited to the
OF
COMPARATIVE
PRICES
GRAIN.
ponsumption of this country. The great proportion
AVERAGES
WEEKLY
from
AVERAGES
the
of ft is hard, and our mills are not well constructed
by the Imp. Quarter,
corresponding Gazette
However
for its conversion into flower.
means
may
the
in the last year, Friday
from
Gazette, of
fect.
be, and no doubt will be, taken to remedythis deFriday last, April 19
April20, 1838.
of
From the
and
matter

..

ports

France,Spain

Portugal

1839.

likewise iaj-ge
arrivals have also already taken place,
and large
stillto be received. The quality Wheat....
are
supplies
however is inferior. From
Belgium,
Holland,
generally
Barley
and the portsinthe North to Penmark
inclusive, Oats
the arrivals have been immense, and largeones
Rye
may
Beans
yet be looked for before the close of this corn season.
Although at the close of lastyear it was supposed Peas..

'

Wheat

68

38

2 1Barley

24

40

Rye
2, Beans
7 1Peas

37

37

Oats

...

....

58

29

10

21

31

34

9
3

33

MAGAZINE.

FARMEll'S

THE

410

BRITISH.

22.

April

MARKETS.

WOOLJ

MARKET.

SEED

Per

lb.

8.

creased
in the wciitlicrlias causcil an inDown
1
Teggs
1
and a g-ooddeal of
ilemaiul I'orrcolCloversecd,
llalt-lirrdHogs
and Wetliers
Ewes
1
business has been done since cur last,in the value of
0
P.Uuikel Wool
the article no material alteration has taken place,but
1
Flannel
do
instanies
firmness and in partial
tlic holders evince more
1
Skin Coinbinu
of Enfjmade for fine qualities
was
a triflle
more
money
lislitowards the close of the week. The arrivalsof foreig'n
LIVERPOOL,
and 79 casks haviiiE^
have been very small only 81 bM"?-s
the former from Rotterdam, and 11 casks
been received,
Scotch, April 20." We think there has been le^s
68 casks
this week, but
business done in Laid Highland Wool
of the latter from Hamburg:,and the remaininsj
of Eng-lif=h
the stock is now
from Trieste. The quantity
broughtforward
so reduced that the transactions must
For white seed very
be necessarily
lias also been quitemoderate.
limited,tillthe new clipcomes
forward.
have iiowever
There is no alteration to notice in regard to cro3s and
littleenquiryhas been experienced,prices
about
llic
trade
was
The
Cloverjced
been maintained.
cheviots,the demand being limited. Quotations as ;
last week.
JNlustard seed was
this morning
before.
as
same
In
the
and
brown
Per Stoneof
24Il)s.
hijrhor.
turn
d.
s.
n. d.
more
enquiredfor,
6 to 12
raid Highland Wool, Iron!
11
0
and fineforeign
might now
Linseed cakes littlepassing',
do.
0
do.
0
0
White
0
(scarce)..
be
be had at 8/. 5s. to 8/. 15s. per ton.
Rape cakes may
LaidCrosied
do
0
13
0
14
quotedfrom 6/. to 61. 5s. per ton.
do.
do
Washed
15
16
0

The

improvement

....

vc(l..'l5 70
Ci.")vn;a Knijlisli,

white

90

American

"

Rapcseed, English
Linseed. Kiijlisli
sowing.

"

"

llye Glass, Knglish

Tares, Spring

,''

12
3S
40

0
0

33

18
23
35

0
0
0

FoitKiGN.
considerable business was
transacted
in Russian,
thisweek by private
contract
Peruvian, and
other low wools, which realised full prices.The late
public sale was well attended,and the bids were
more
spiritedthan was generally
anticipated.Of 300 bales
Portugal Wool which were offered,the greater portion
to20d.
for K., and 12d. to 15d.for
sold at 16iid.
were
low marks.
Ihe llonian fleece and lamb woolbrouniit
from 16d. to I8d.,
but nearlyall the Zegay and Turkey
Arrivals this week, 81 bags ; prewithdrawn.
were
viously
thisyear, 21,507 bags : total,
21,588.

,,

FOREIGN.
49

"

"

15
20

78

75

Canary, new
Car.iway

,,

,,

22perrwt.
13peibushel.

20

line
white

10
8
2.-)oUHnhts.28
22
ycuteh 18
30
42
Us Od to Gs (id

Swedes

new

large

36
20

48
50
42

48
38

"

),r

new

Seed,

4')
crusliini,'

"

"

Turnip

per last.
per fjr

"

"

"

JJaltie
I\U'ilitei-."Odessa"
si.iiill
34
Itcinpseed,
18
Coriaiuler, new

Mustard, bi'Mvn

"

do.
"

12
25
foreign ^28."-.30

^30

"

70

50

Tx'foil
^31

Wa"heddo.

White

00
^50
V;*"'"'^!"
I'rencli
)

do
do
do

LaidCheviot,

72 per cnt.

50

51

53

extra

Ai'itii, 22.

Owing
somewhat

PRICES

OF

being,comparativelyspeaking,
."scantily
suppliedwith hne Spanish aud Cier;

HOPS.
AiMUL

BOROUGH,

'

to the market

for them
and lastweek's
but not to say brisk,
supported.In other kinds of wool

wools,

man

22.

the demand

has become

steady,

quotationsare well

littleis
exceediegly
time
since our last,
'J'heHop market,which has been heavy forsome
doing,at barelylate rates. The imports,
have com prised
about 850 packagesfrom various quarters.
past, has revived a littleduring:tiic last week, and
There is a ])lentiful Electoral Saxony wool, from 4s. 6d. to 5s. 2d.; first
maintained
and prices.
;ire steadily
of inferiorand middling Hops,but fine coloured
Austrian,Bohemian, andotherGerman
wools,3s. 4d.to
suiiply
aud choice samplesare scarce.
4s. 4d. ; second do.,2s. 4d. to 3s. 2d. ; inferior do. in
d.
d.
^
s.
^ s.
2s.to 2s.6d.; Germanlamb's
do., 2s.
lockiandpieces,
.

Kent Pockets, 1838

Ditto choice, do
do
East Kent
poclcets,
do
do
Sussex
do
Kent
bags
do
East Kent do.

5 12
4 15
3 15
4 10
4 10
8
3
0
2

1837's
183G's

0 to

15

6
8

Is.

15

2s. Od. to 3s. 2d. ;

16

"

"

0
0
0

"

"

"

0-3
0

"

Od. to3s, Od. ; Hungarian sheep's do., 2s. 2d. to 3s.

Od. ; Leonesa
sheep'sdo., 2s. 4d. to3s.0d.; Segovia
do., Is. lOd. to 3s. Od. ; Soria do., 2s. Od. to 3s. 2d. ;
Caceres
do., 2s. 2d. to 3s. Od. ; Spanish lamb's do,,
8d. ; German

2s.

and Spanish cross

do., 2s. Od.
Portugalsheep's

do."

to 3s.
2d.; do. lamb's ditto,Is. 6d. to 2s. Od.; Australian,
fine cro.;sed do.,2s. Od. to 3s. 6d. ; do. native sheep's
Land, native
do.. Is. 6d, to 2s. 7d. ; Van Diemen's
sheep'sdo., is. to 2s. 4d.;and Cape of Good Hope do.,

MARKET.

POTATO

Sd. to

Is. 4d. to 3s. per lb.

SOUTHWARK

WATER-SIDE,

April

26.

ConsumptionDuties have
beingfavourable to the arrivals of vessels Wool on which the Home
been paid at London, Liverpool,
and Hull,
Bristol,
port of London, has broughta liberal supply of
of the year ; tiiey
Potatoes to the Waterside for the season
duringthe lastweek :
from Yorkshire,
1,728tons ; Scotland,
are
as follows :"
The wind

to the

"

WOOL.
858; Uevons, 562; Jersey and Guernsey, 496; Kent,
Essex, and Suffolk,262 ; making in all a total of 3,906
/,onffo"i
Spanish,
The market
rivals,
being nearly cleared of former artons.
Australian, da
of tiic above
and most
being fresh shipments, Other Sorts, do.
has caused a steadydemand
and arrivingin good condition,
Liverpool
Hristirl
during the past week, and the pricesquoted in

Superiorsamples continue

lastmaintained.
much in request.
our

Ton.

Per
Red
Kidne\B
.,
Scotch
Ked

80s

York

"

...

lia'.eDevoiis
Jersey " Guernsey
Blues

to

70s
75s
"

80s

Suirolk Wliites .60s

Kent Kidneys
s
s
Lyini do
Yorksliire Sliaws,

75s

..

80s
GOa

..

"

..

"

for Seed

"

..

.,

7ns

lb.
Ih.
lb.

Hull

IMPORTS
Hu'l

Kent, Essex, and

be

Tons.

90s

..

,.

Per

to

lb.
lb.
lb.

OF
for Home

WOOL."

April11.

S0"

From

Hamburgh

70s

From

Antweri

GO*

Quantityof wool entered at

Consumption,during the week ending

Total

358,417 lbs.
8,320

366,767lbs.

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

JUNE,
No. 6.

"

1839.
Series.

[New

II.]

Vol.

THE

PLATE.

short-liorn Bull, " Roderick Random/' bred by

a
of
taken from a Paintingby W. H.
Cottesmore,
Rutlandshire,
Esq.,
has been exhibited nine times
Davis, of Chelsea. This Bull was
by " Gainsboroug-b,"
Societies'
at the Rutland, North
Leicestershire,
Bourn, and Grantham
Agricultural
was
won
Shows, and upon every occasion,the first prize
by this animal. Too much praise
be awarded
for the exertions which he has made in improvingthe
to Mr. Baker
cannot
character of the stock and the system of cultivation in the district in which lie resides.

The

of
subject

oiiv

firstPlate is

R.W.Baker,

in the same
but he
able and zealous coadjutors
field,
labouring
and since he put his hand to the plough he has not looked back.
him to furnish us with a list of the prizes
of a friend,
At the suggestion
we
requested
which he has obtained ; with which requesthe has obligingly
complied. We trust that
the success
which has attended his perseverance will stimulate others to follow so good

He

has, it is true, many

the firstto move,

was

an

example.

LIST

OF

OBTAINED

PRIZES

ANIMALS

FOR
R. W.

AND

BRED

EXHIBITED

BV^

ESQ.

BAKER,

Cottesmore Agriculturan
A Silver Cup, value "lO, presented
Bal't.,
by Sir Gilbert Heathcote,

Meeting,Sept.1831

M.P., for the

J
A

Silver

Cup,

best cultivated Farm

value

"5,

in Rutland

presented
by

Sir Gilbert

Heathcote,

of the First Prize Plough in Class 2..

to the Owner
the Breeder and Feeder of the best Ox, First Prize First
Class
1831
I
Oakham Show, Apr.?, 1832' For the best Bull, First Prize" " Gainsborough"
Oakham
Gainsborough"
Show, Pec. 1832,. For the best Bull, First Prize
For the best Fat Ox, First Prize First Class
A Sweepstakesfor the best Ox in the Show
"
Baroness"
For the best Fat Cow, First Prize
For the best Pig, First Prize
Cottesmore
Ploughing ) A Silver Medal, presentedby William Leake, Esq.,to the Owner
1853
S ot the First Prize Plough,in Class 2
Meeting,

B?rt.,M.P.,

Oalcham

Show, Dec.

5,"ITo

"

"

"

Rutland

SoAgricultural

Society,Dec,

183j.

\ ^^^

J
Dec, 1 Oxen
.

^,^^^^^^ p^^ ^

pj^^^ ^^.^^^pj^^^ ^^^^^

Steers of any breed,age, or weight,

without restrictionsas
to feeding.
First Prize First Class
1833
J
Silver Medal as the Breeder ...*...,,
Cottesmore
by William Leake,Esq.,to the Owner of
Ploughing1 A Silver Medal, presented
1834
the First Prize Ploughin Class 3
Meeting,Sept.,
J

Smithfield

Show,

^^^^^
^''"''''

^"1834^^'^ }A
Rutland

So- 1
Agricultural

ciety,Dec,

1834

or

Silver Medal

to

the Exhibitor of the best Beast in Extra Stock

First Class,SeOxen or Steers,without restrictionsas to feeding,

^
cond Prize
"
of the best Five Open Heifers,
of any breed, under
To the Owner
10
two
years of age, First Prize,Class 14
To the Owner of the best Bull, under 18 months old,First Prize
"
^
Roderick Random"
2 E
[IVo.e.-^-VOt. X,
"

'

OLH

SERIES,]

412

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

Tlie best

of
pairof Maies, of any breed suitable to the Agriculture
First Prize,Class 18
Two
Suffolks"
district,
For the best Colt Foal ditto,First Prize,Class 1""
Suffolk"
Lincolnshire Agricultural
LindI For the best IJuU, under tliroe years of age, First Prize
the

"

"

"

"

"

'

183
Society,

sey"

Rutlandshire
ral

Oxen
or
Agricultu-'l
Steers,of any breed or weight,under five years old,not
Dec.
183.'5J
Society,
havinghad oil,oil cake,meal, "c. 6cc. previousto Feb, 1, 1835
"

"

Strawberry, four years

and

months

two

rough,"
old, by Gainsbo-

Class 2
Cows
or
Heifers,under five years, of any breed, age, or weight,
without restrictions as to feeding A white Heifer,by
borough,"
GainsClass 5
For the best Ox, bi-ed in the district.
Class 4, by ' Gainsborough'
'

"

April,1836
Association "^Oct18''6

To the Owner

of the best

Bull,First Prize""

^" ^^^^Owner

of the best

Bull,First Prize

For

The
"

the best Milch

best
The

"
"

Roderick

Random"

Roderick

Random"

"

Cow

or

Heifer, under

two

years

^^^

years of age, Class 2, First Prize

Heifer,Second
and

Prize

"

Graceful"

....

old.First Prize

six months

"

One"

Neat

'

^"^ ^''"^^^^

cietv Dec

1""6

^^' ^^^^^^

pair of Steers,under two years

Pair of Steers by Roderick
Random'

For the best

Prize

'

"

of age. Class 7, First

old
13 months
....

For the best Cow

in Rlilk,Class 16, First Prize""
Watts"
So- "1For the best Bull, First Prize" [ThisPrize was
Agricultural
won
by Sheridan;
Sheridan was
and then the above Prize was
ciety,
April,1837
TOJt/irfroin?!,
won
by
j
"
Roderick
Random"]
Bourn
Agricultural So- "[For the best Ox, under four years of age. First Prize, Class 2
1837
ciety,
/ " Barbeny Ox"
Rutland

....

"

For the best Cow

Cottesmore
tember
VValtham

Meeting,Sep.1

"

1837

oi

" North Leices-"")

Class 1.
tershire Meeting, Oct. V
1837

or

t,
the -uiirst Prize
^

"

in

/^i
Class

old.Class 4, First Prize

o
2

of the best Bull, any age or breed, First Prize

months old
the best Milch Cow, Second
Prize
the best Heifer,under three years of age. First Prize
the best Steer, under three years of age, First Prize.
the best Steer,under two
years of age. First Prize.
the best Cow
or
Heifer,under five years of age

"

"

"

"

"

"

One," by Gainsborough, dam

old,First Prize
the best pairof Steers, under

Watts, three years and

two
years of age. First
old, by ' Roderick Random'
year and eleven months
"
Graceful"
For the best Cow in Milk, First Prize
"
Neat One".
Sweepstakesfor the best Beast

For

"

"

Sultan,"seven

Class 6.
For
So- 1 Class 5.
For
Agricultural
"
The Neat
ciety,
Nov,, 1837..,,
j
five months
Class 7.
Prize

ui
i
Plough

Owner

"

Class 2." For

For
Class 3.
Class 5.
For

Rutland

four years

Heifer,under
"

e .\

"" Owner

One

"

Class 17."

"

"

Smithfield

Ditto
For the best Cow

Dec, 1 Class 6.

Show,

"

1837

Prize""
The
The

The

Silver Medal
Gold Medal

Cow"

Graceful"

"

five years of age.

Heifer,under

or

First

One"

Neat

the Breeder

as

in any Class
"
For the best four years old Hunter, First Prize
Juniper Colt"..
Rutland Agricultural
Random"
So- "1For the Owner
Roderick
of the best Bull, First Prize""
Second Prize" " Sultan"
Ditto
ciety,
March, 1838.... J
1838
Class 1." Best Ox, First Prize
Bourn, Sept.,
Best Bull,First Prize
Roderick Random"
as

the best Beast

Waltham, Jan., 1838

"

"

'^

"

Pair of Steers,under three years. First Priae

Clasa 1." Best Bull,First Prize"
Roderick Random"
Watts"
Best Cow, First Prize"''
2.

Waltham, Oct.,1838

"

"

4.

Best

"

Heifer,under

two

years. First Prize

Steer,under three years. First Prize

6.
Best Steer, under two years. Second Prize
Sweepstakes Best Bull, as in Class 1
5.

Best

"

"

"

Rutlaad Agricultural
So- "1Class 4.
Dec.
ciety,

1838

6,
18.
19.

Gold

Best Steer, as in Class .'"

year old Heifer,First Prize
Pair of Steers,under two years, Second Prize
Heifer, under one year and five months, First Prize
Heifer, under two years and one month. First Prize
Four

"

"

"

"

20."

Pair

21.

Milking Cow, Second

of Steers, First Prize

"
Graceful"
Prize
"
]\Iedal for the best Beast in the Show
BarberryOx,"
"

"

"

Gainsborough
Rutland

So- 1
Agricultural

cJetv March

25

18"9

,.
^r
^"^
^""^

i.

"^^^

/"

Bull, of any age

or

i.
j
breed

"
"
"

"

-n
i
i
Roderick

r"

j
Random

"

by

10

duction from which

be
Such
results can

CROPS.

CULMIFEROUS

ON

CORIGINAL.)

or

pliedto
"
Wheat
Triticum," of
belongs to the genus
of Litmacus,
class and ordur, " Triandria Digijuia'
and to the order, " Gramincoe" of the natural systems.
vated
cultiFrom
what
our
country, or when

imported, has

been

yet

are

we

very

far distant.

borious
gained only by long and lain our
and experience,
investigations,
sent
prethe
Quantity seems
day, and circumstances.
chief object,and to attain this point,it would appear
of proceedingto
the more
judiciousmethod
quality
try to increase the quantitywith the same
of articles rather than
by raisinga greater number
force a few to an overgrown
state, for a plant or
is not so
any other article raised by forced means,

former papers stated the common

Having 5n some
of cultivating
the green
method
crops now
used, esculent and herbaceous, I proceed to give
of our
account
grain crojjs, which with that
an
used in the alternate and
of the artificialgrasses
pasturingrotations, will include the crops now
cultivated in our system of arable farming, as the
mate. useful
cliand
best suited to soil and
most
profitable

varieties have

413

MAGAZINE.

rAllMEil'S

THE

been

not

beneficial as if the
A
greater number.

circumstances

and in
be determined

can

In

our

in

present

only by

been

a])-

ferent
great varietyof dif-

rulingall
case

of

new

such

plications,
ap-

plants

and experience.
cropping,wheat is
low,
falpreparedsummer

time

present systems of

in autumn

sown

concur

the

had

means

on

well

for
and on a elovcr ley, bean or pea stubbles,
have been
dent
and en land from which
crops
green
though we possess them in a wild state, it is evibestow
the ground during winter,
eaten
artificialcultivation we
on
can
that no
removed
or
till the end of
from the wild to the cultivatedand the spring varieties are sown
would raise any of them
sufhi'he varieties of wheat
are
rous,
numeOne ploughingis in all these cases
March.
state,
four
times of harrowing.
three
or
not a great deal in quantityor quacient, with
diftering
lity
is practised
mode
of
of produce, admitting of the same
Sowing by broad-cast or by drilling,
cumstances,
from
cultivation,and used by farmers as much
according to the nature of the soil and other cir-

ascertained,and would

be useless if

caprice and fashion, as

from

It
groundsof superiority.

settled,however,

that

has

known;

incontestible

satisfactorilydrill,while

the white

wheats

finer

are

distincprimary tion
of the genus, and that they are more
adapted
for good lands and eaidy climates. A varietyof
used on
the red, called creeping wheat, is much

in

the

than
quality

red,

the

other

in late latitudes, and in Scotland

poor soils and
and in the North of England ; spring varieties are
esteemed both of red and white, and which
much
by late
arc
evidentlyderived from winter wheats
in using the produce of
sowing,and by persisting
has been
said
that sowing. Of late years much
which
had
new
varieties,
and written about some
proved much superiorto those already known,
both in quantityand qualityof produce. Nature
has fixed a limit in soil and climate,beyond which
advance, and a limit seems
productioncannot
exertions in endeavouring
also fixed to human
the

reach

to

utmost

of the
the use
stiff clays prohibiting
admit of its full benefit.
drier loams
is generallyappliedto clayfallows
The manure
and the land is
latter
the
part of summer,
during
in October with all posand sown
seed furrowed
sible

any

been

of

power

tion.
produc-

dispatch. It is preferableto sow close up to

ploughs, at night, the land ploughed during
day, or during that and the previous day, and

the
the

to water

even
as

furrow

and to finish as far

the same,
; for such is the precarious

possiblethe process

of these
soils,that every advantage must
be once
lost, it can
seized,and if a season
be regained that year. The double mould
never
in water
work
the neatest
board jiloughmakes
furrowing, but in wet seasons, the resistance is
the common
plough is used, and
too great, and
The headlands
twice along the furrow.
or
passes once
being ploughed,sown, and harrowed, ami
side
the common
plough having passedalong the outfurrows next the ditches, and also along the
nature

be

creaseinside furrows
inof the headlands, and the cross
furrows
more
with one
or
casual
cuts being also drawn
is this hot-bed
but how
to be gecircumstances
nerallyto facilitate the cleaning by the spade, that no
to stand
during winter, the
be allowed
water
procured ? plantsraised by such means
quired
attention is reof the ordinary and
test
submitted
to the
when
whole process is finished. Much
will become
of cultivation,
mated,
accliavailable means
in drawing and deepening these cuts especially
surfaces ; in such situations, time
under the standard
themselves
and range
uneven
on
A reof productionallowed by soil and climate.
are
requisiteto lay the land dry by
and labour
awkward
the useor circuitous ; in
determine
of this test alone can
however
fulness
jietition
every means,
serve
to obthan
is necessary
A great quantity other cases, little more
of such introductions.
in the waterof any article with a correspondingquality,
obtruction remains
that
seems
no
in a great
an
over
production furrows, and to providea suflSicientoutlet for it at
A

on

plantmay
an

be forced to

artificialhot-bed

an

or

uncommon

by

some

"

may

be

degreeincompatible,
by artificialmeans

forced

even

to

great

the

end of the field. The

same

of

mode

ing
proceed-

fixed law in the animal and

is followed in sowing on bean and pea stubble,
a
loss,and it seems
vegetableworld that bulk does not carry with it tare grattans, and on clover leys,where wetness
water-furrow, cut, and
gether,prevails,
a proportionate
to sow, harrow,
quality.Quantity and qualitytoform the excellence of any article,and
dispatch,to lay the land
finish with all possible
ence
though the latter be ever desirable,yet the differready for the changes of that precarious period
On the dry
variable climate.
be very
must
of the year in our
great before it can supply the
is required
loss of quantity for common
If with
counties, little more
use.
our
eastern
loams of our
of cultivation,we can
and available means
known
cedes,
than to ploughand sow
; a harrowing preof the drill; and
and follows the operations
produce equal quantitywith a superiorquality,
beautiful specimen
if we
island a more
raise a less
a great improvement is efi'ected,
there is not in our
than the drilled wheats
itremains for that
of farming to be seen
quantitybut of a better quality,
one
as a line,and not
straight
qualityto make up for the loss of quantity; and if in Norfolk, the rows
climate
are
and
soil
the
ticularly
parwe
additional means,
But
with the same
can
or
duce
prostray pickle.
both
; in other
favourable for that operation
or
a
quality,
greater quantity and
ribbing"
machine and by
will have
we
greater quantitywith equalquality,
cases, drillingboth by
made a great stepin advancingto the limit of pro"
with small ploughs has been discontinued tor se*
"

THE

414

in every
direct.
from
seeded with
lands are
Wheat
2J to 4
bushels per acre, and it should he selected from
INIuch
cleanest grain to be found.
the best and
veral

exertion

as
application,

that

In

reasons.

other, circumstances

must

individuals,to improve

our

tages
and classification ; but great advanmers
derived by the farbe in the meantime
may
picking the sheaves of the crop intended for
seed, and above all, by cleaning it entirelyfrom
ed
the seeds of weeds.
Good croiis have been obtaincultivation

by using inferior grain for seed, but we may

ed
had not been confirmthat the inferiority
by long standing, and that upon meeting with

suppose
a

cultivation,the

soil from

favourable

substance which
to

mature

seems

the

to detract the

grain,and

nature

the
during-

many

the

yellow

ed
support intend-

pickles become
long thought that

the

shrivelled. It was
the Barberryplantcommunicated

shrunk

and

no

similar disease

Barberry was

lo

ever

and situations a kind of

flieshave of late years inflicted a partial
injuryon
the wheat crops, by occupying as a nest for its larva;
ing
the bed of the pickle,
these injuries
evidentlyresultit never
of the seasons;
from the peculiarities
to find any preventive.
power
may be possiblefor human
Luckily the ravages are not extensive.
ferent,
The black brand and black ball or smut, are very difbut have been often confounded
by scientific
is the most
The last mentioned
fatal,and is
men.

dependenton
constant, and not so much
and other circumstances
as is the first-named.
in some
It is more
however,
seasons, and
prevalent,
certain soils than in othors,and in a wet climate
on
than in a dry. In the black brand the pickle
more
is converted
into a dry black powder, as if it had
been roasted,
and the culm is affected in all its parts.
In black ball or smut, the picklois converted into a
and often
with a thin black, greenish,
round globule,
much

proceedingsof

In the

primitive

returned.

had
qualities

with
calyxesare occupied
partial

the

ease

by distinguished wheat,but it appears where

known.
In certain seasons
varieties of wheats
by

])rescntbeing made

is at

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

more

seasons

and of re-production
varied processes of produciion,
there is much
from natural find aitilicialcultivation,
of an intricateand of an inscrutable nature, both in tlie
animal and vegetableworld, but isolated cases
not
canadhere
raust
to
furnish a general rule, and we
what time and experiencehas settled and confirmed.
that all
It is generally
understood and recommended
ish,
and filledwith a damp, brownthe Cereal crops be cut before dead ripeness; not so
transparentcovering,
iVctid powder. The black brand powder fliesoff
but to allow it to harden
soon
as to shrivel tlie grain,
hesion,
that qualitywhen
without communicating any noxious qualityfrom adafter it is cut, instead of acquiring
that in
hut the smut
from
powder sticks to sound corn,
experience,
standing. I am satisfied,
discovered
odour easily
and when broken communicates
an
of wheat, the qualityis much
the case
finer,and
diminishes
and consequently
several millers certifiedthe fact ; the time of cutting
our
b}"^
millers,
must

he chosen

when

has

acquiredso

much

but

harden

when

the

grainis fullyformed,

and

consistencyas not to shrink

Wheat
is usuallyripe in
cut.

the value

of the

grain.Like many

other appearances

fore
beworld, it has greatly
disappeared
nishing
improved cultivation,and a disease thus dimi-

in the natural

from the affected grain,

the crop in quantity
August, aiidis cut with sickles,and tied into sheaves,
the sound part by its contact,
twisted toof itself,
with bands made of a quantity
gether and also from spoiling
be much
observed, and a cure or a
by a knot, and set up to dry in shocks of would naturally
in
sheaves
be eagerly sought. No
twelve sheaves each ; in wet climates two
])reventive
appearance
baffled the
the vegetable
world has more
laid on as hoods, and assist in keeping dry the
completely
are
of science than this one of smut, for
When
inside sheaves.
dry enough for keeping,tlie investigations

crop is carried

to the

and
stack-yard,

built in square

venience
stacks,and threshed duringwinter,as conrequires; by flails it costs 3s. to 4s. per
by horse-machinerytVom Is. to Is. 6d.,and by
qr.
wind, water, or by steam, from (Id. to lOd. Being
passed twice througiia fanning machine, or once if
the crop be clean,and
dialled by machinery, and
then measured
up into bags of two or four busliels
in the market.
Wheat
each, it is ready for delivery
is a scoiu'ging
crop, and consequentlyan expensive
or

round

"

diseased ears on stalks proceeding

root, and smutted and sound
of black brand
In the case
ear.
grains on the same
into powder,
the ear " wholly" converted
we
see
and the stalk and leaves affected and shrivelled,and
different from others.
This appearance seems
prehensible
comto see a
by our limited understandings,
we

find sound
from

the

and

same

but it seems
inconceivable,
])lant
whollydestroyed,
how some
reasoning
by any process of human
parts
souud
of a plantcan
and others perfectly
be spoiled

from the root, or from

of rent and
from an affection proceeding
of affection beingvisible
the atmosidierc,
from 8/. to 10/. per
no
cause
in the case
of flies,
aud local disas
depositingfrom their larva.
acre, accordingto the priceof manure
infected with smut
Sound
of fallowing and manuring
tancbs
grainhas been carefully
; the expence
should not be wliollycliarged
to the first crop
onepowder, and has producedthe same phenomenon
half would he a fair mode, and the other half
sound and spoiled
grainon the same ear, and growing
tioned
apporfrom the same
If the affection proceedsfrom
in a decreasing
ratio among the other crops of
root.
stalk or
Much
of the prejudiceagainstgreeu
the root, it is natural to expect the whole
the rotation.
wliich
stalks that proceed from a diseased or infected pickle
expence,
crops has arisen from this original
if it
removed by the simpleconsiderawould be spoiled,from the food beingvitiated,
tion
may be very easil)^
it is alike incomprehensible
of whether the subsequent crops could be so
proceedsfrom atmospheric
causes,
how
without that crop as a preparatorj"^
some
pickles are diseased and
productive
cess
prolished
estab? The answer
is obvious ; but such a belief
others not.
Experience has most certainly
the fact that corrosives are
remains in spiteof experience,and acts very prejua grcut prevendicially.
tive
alike ignorantof the manner
in
are
; but we
In our
the disease from
is subject
to the d'seases
which they act, in not preventing
island,wheat
called " black brand," (ustilago
to yellow
the same
veyed
qualityis conroot, and how the preventive
j'rumentl)
from the root by the stalk to the ear, and how
ochre, rust or mildew, and to " black ball or smut."
and not those adjoining
The first-meutioned is not much
on
known, and it is it preserves some
pickles
from the
tiie same
ear.
yet uncertain if the rust or mildew
proceeds
Every thingthat has been broached
of this
in trying
the nature
aud causes
root or from the atmosphere.I vras
to investigate
personalwitness
to a fine
ourselves
disease has failed,and we
content
must
being affected near
crop in Northumberland
the hedges,and in a zig-zagdirection over
the field, with what time and observation has furnished to us.
while the other partsremained unhurt.
In this dis"
Mr. Somerville advanced
a
theory,
very plausible
one

taxes

on

summer

it will cost,

fallow,and exclusive

at. an

average,

"

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

415

that insects toot

of the calyx,and caused

possession
pletely
; but experiment computriddecomposition
overturned it,and I have myselfrepeatedly
fired the balls by meausof a concave
lens,but never
the very smallest
could discover with a microscope

lowed

tlie

scuffle in the

he described as resembling
appearance of the animacul^
wood-lice in shape,'i'heball consumed
slowly,
and emitted a very foetid odour.
The opinions of
Jussieu,Bauer, and Davy are alike inconclusive ; if
touched
proved to be correct, they all leave unthey were
the incompreiiensibility
of sound and smutty
root and on the
grainbeingfound from the same

draining. In the sowing

of

be

roll must

is
at

the frosts and

by

thaws

of

winter,and

to

stale tilth"
barleyin the spring. A
here an objection
retentive soils
; but plougbing
is avoided, which
critical season
a
uncertainty

may

soon

"

be removed

by our

modern

system of close

barley,the seedingand
harrowingshould be close at the ploughs; in dry
and in soils where clay
lands,to prevent evaporation,
is an ingredient
to prevent the droughtforming a
clod which no subsequentharrowing
and rolling
may
able

to

if the

The

reduce.
season

be

favourable.

befollow close hind

To
obtain the

grand objectof despatchin gettingthe crops sown

of salt brine as a
has related that tiie use
and the lands lying"
as
as short time
possibleat the
that
dispensable
steep was discovered by the sowing of wheat
mercy of the season, combination of force is the inhad been sunk iu a ship near
which escaped
vators
Bristol,
requisitea pointin which many cultifected.
insmut when
are
nearlyall the wheat in England was
yet very deficient. In order to preserve
From this circumstance an inference would
tlie moisture on dry lands, it has been proposedto
be drawn of the use of other corrosives ; and accordscuffle in the spring instead of ploughing; but this
ingly
find many used, one of the more
efficacious
we
plan would afford onlya few inches of stirred earth,
of which is,stale urine unmixed, in which the grain which the droughtwould
quickly penetrate; the
is immersed, and then encrusted with
quick lime, bottom would be firm and impenetrableto the roots
of the plant,and I have ever
and sown
immediately.In our southern counties
preferredto have a
littleor no
loose bottom of fresh stirred earth,with a level suris necessary; but in wet
face
preparation
will prevail,notwithstanding
from rolling,
climates smut
to retain moisture and exclude the
every
rather than have
few inches of loose dry
a
caution, and a frequent
change of seed from more
drought,
favoured countries is absolutelynecessary.
The
surface,with an unstirred and impenetrablebottom.
ear,

same

TuU

"

known, if not a perfect

Barley will suffer no poaching or plungingof the
already
cure, will yet,
if properlyused,prevent the disease from materiallyland from sowingwithout being seriously
damaged;
the value of the crop.
and necessary as despatchis at all times, it is doubly
For a more
lar
particuaffecting
means

the cause
in the sowing of barley. On
of the diflerent opinions
of
account
on
so tor that very reason
and of the presmut, of the various cures
as the land
proposed,
immediately
ventives largefarms it can be sown
and a pairor two of harrows
used, I refer to an article I published is ploughed,
now
by a sower
will be found in the
the ploughs; and a cross
some
working among
years ago, and which
rollingnumber of this jMagazine
for May, 1838.
must
follow without delay,even
sary
thoughit bo necesin
of
the
middle
the
to
field. On
turn
a
BARLEY
smaller scale,the sowing may goon every afternoon ;
"
and on a smaller scale still,
to the genus
Hordeum," of class and order
on
belongs
every second day.
"
The grass seeds are sown
Triandia Digynia"of Linnaeus, and to the natural
chine)
(most properlyby maThe
the flat surface,and harrowed
Gramineie."
cultivated varieties
order of
on
in, and, if
roll may be again applied,
of this plantare not very numerous
; the two mostly necessary, a flight
vided
proand the four-rowed,the latof a quality
ter
the land be not
used are the two-rowed
to get hard,or
but move
productive "encrusted" bj' a heavy rain on a level surface ; foi"^
being of a coarser quality,
such a circumstance is death to a barley
than the former on poor soils and in late climates.
crop. The
A varietycalled
Chevalier," much
praised for water furrows,if any be necessary, being di'awn by
the decline, for the reathe double mould-hoard
son
some
on
plough,and the common
years past, is now
that a forced growth will
I have mentioned
plough havingpassedround the outside furrows of
the lield,
of the head-lands,
and the inside ones
and
be reduced, and that such sub-varieties are
soon
"

"

"

the persistent
having drawn the cuts, if any be required,the properennial
qualitynecessary
cess
is finished. On
constitute a plant of certain production. But if
dry lands no water furrows
the plant,
after beingso reduced, yieldsa produce
are
required,and the work is shortened. A delay
often happens in sowing the grass seeds : on dry
provement
imor a quality
an
superiorto our known varieties,
evil may ensue
continue
will be effected which time alone can establish. soils no
; but, if the season
favourable, it will be found most advantageous
to
before quitting
land well cleaned
finish every operation
the field. A
sown
on
Barleyis universally
and manured
vators
for green crops, at the rate of three
by our cultivery general mistake is committed
in usingrolls of too light
bushels per acre
weight; and I have
by drillor broadcast, in March or
that the success
of the Holkbeen of opii^ion,
ficient ever
as the weather permits. One
ploughingis sufApril,
with two or three times of harrowing,and one
am
farmingon lightsoils may be as much attributed
few
with the grass seeds. In some
rolling
places to a contrary practiceas to any other circumstance.
the old method may be yet seen of ploughing,
The larsrest roll on a farm should not be under 15
scuffling
and working the land for barley the remnant
cwt., with another of 6 or 8 cwt., and a turnip drill
of prejudice
of a
before the
roll. Great advantageis derived from the use
and of a mode that prevailed
If the land be foul,no
iutroduction of green crops.
and
heavy roll on all soils,used at proper seasons

wantingin

to

"

of the year,
be effected at that season
can
cleaning
and a deeperand a finer tilth can be obtained by one
furrow quickly
executed than by exposing the land
to vicissitudes of

of dry loams
In cases
weather.
pating
is most
perniciousin dissithe moisture bv exposure, and in loamy clays
by drought,
forminga clod which cannot be reduced
even
with much time and labour. In some
parts of
England it is customary to plough the land into
ridgesthe previousautumn, that it may be mel

and

sands,the

custom

with discretion.
Barley,when ripe,is cut by sickle or by scythe,
tied and set in shocks as wheat, and stacked in a
dried by turning,and stacked
similar manner,
or
The
loose like hay.
awny spikeand spongy straw
than any other of our
retain wet and moisture more
liable
Cereal crops, and barleyis consequently
more
sustain damage by heating in the rick. It is
to
and the awns
threshed by machinery
or
are
by flail,
from the pickles
by passingthe
usuallyseparated

THE

416

FARMER'S

tbe fluted rollers of a tbresb-

MAGAZINE.

slice i3 producedby a close

share ; if thev be st^t wide a
round shoulder is cut, if the furrow
be set too upright
the harrow
tines must work on the flat surface
cut from the land
side, and if it be too much reversed
wheel on the end of the axis of
the under
driven by a crown
part of the furrow is laid up and
also aff'ordsa flat surface to the harrow tines. Tbe
the scutchingcylinder.The threshed grainis put
slice being deep and
in at the top, and, by passingdownwards, the ears
soil is procured
narrow, more
knocked oft"by sharp knives, placedin a zig-zag- than by a flatsurface,and the furrows must be laid
are
inside the cylinder,
tions.
at equal heightsthat the harrows in passinglengthmanner
duringthe rapid revoluwise
"
twice
and across
catch
or
Being then passed once
comb or slice,"
may
through
every
and
and produce a level surface of pulverization.
measured into bags of three
a
The
fanningmachine,
The returns
of crops depends in a great measure,
or four bushels, it is readyfor delivery.
if not
success
of barleywill vary from three to eightbushels per
wholly,in the decomposablevegetablematter in the
acre,
of
accordingto soil and cultivation. Gravellv
soil,and in the case of oats on the decomposition
soils ]n-oducethe best quality.Tlie uses of barley
the roots and of tbe
On our poorer
grassy sward.
well known, for making and for grinding,
are
and, soils the sward of grass and of the crop of oats bear
at one
a
direct ratio to each other,and experiencehas fully
time,for bread; but both barley and oatmeal
before the better article of
are
now
confirmed the fact of all crops succeedingbest when
disappearing
"wlieat.
theyhave a lea clod and a vegetablefreshness in tbe
OATS
soil to which they are
consigned. The analysisof
soils before and after severe
cropping has shown
belong to the genus " Avena," of the same order as
that the only diminution takes place in the ()uantitv
"wheat and barley. The cultivated varieties are numerous
of vegetable
Poland
oat
: the potato and
matter, and this fact beingfullyproved
for
are
preferred
both by science and practice,
it seems
ral
rich loams and fens : and
a very natunumber
of others of
a
inference to suppose that every advantage
would
various
in different localities
names
are
preferred
be taken of our
for producing
and grain.The white and black
straw
knowledgeon this pointin order to
"
'J'artari-ans"
the most productive aftbrd to the soil the greatest quantityby every posare
undoubtedly
sible
both of straw
and corn
in direct oppoBut vre see a practice
inferior soils,but the quameans.
on
sition
lity
of both is inferior. A number
to it
of white varieties
corn
crops repeatedand no rest afibrded
for acquiring
freshness and matter of which the soil
prevailunder dift'erentnames, and in Scotland and
in Ireland we
has been robbed.
find several varieties ntuch used on
To thia circumstance of the land
of tlie qualityof the grain for oatmeal. Oats
freshness from rest in pasturing and from
account
acquiring
like damp loams and a moist climate,and hence we
the matted grassy sward by future decomposition,
is to
be ascribed the success
find the greatest produce in Scotland and in Ireland ;
of the oat crop, and more
cially
espethe dry forward climate of the southern
of the turnip
soils subjected
counties not
crop, on our secondary
to the pasturingsystem.
On
the other hand
allowingsufficienttime for their growth. They are
most
on
lea, with one ploughing, we find the best land on farms kept in a state of
generallysown
"
and in the northern parts of the kingdom they
old turf," where the richness acquired
is of comvery
littleuse ; the herbage is in a state of
frequentlytake the placeof barleyin the springon
jvaraiively
and no opportunity
is afforded by cultivation
on
lows, deca3%
falturnipand potato lands, and even
summer
when
the treatment
or
a
is every way the same
change of plantsof derivingthe benefits of it.
as
that of barle^r.
On lea five or six times of harrowinnThe other part of the farm is completelyrobbed of
is usuallysufiicieut,
and when
the land is in ridges this freshness by constant
ploughingand crojiping,
of equal breadth, the last time
and in the case of some
inferior lands they are left
lengthwiseis often
in a state of nature, as incapable
of paying the exgiven with the horses walking in the furrows with a
pense
tree stretching
the ridgeto which the horses
of cultivation either in the shape of perpetual
over
attached. In harrowing
are
turf or of perpetual
wheat lands in wet seasons,
cropping. Of this fact,that
ratum,
great advantageis often derived from this
vegetablematter and freshness is the great desidemode, anul in sowing of barley,
farmers are fully
-and in all cases
our
of
aware
; and many
very
sowing grass seeds, where the tree may be long and
confess it, and at the same
time act in direct
frankly
lightfor the purpose. In hiirrowing
graincrops, it opposition a lamentable instance of tbe power of
is a generalrule that the work is well finished when
and custom
the most convincingand
over
prejudice
the boles made
in the land by the horses' feet
confirmed experience.Though we
are
are
fullyaware
filledup with the dry loose mould
of the great benefit of afresh turf in producingcrops,
completely
; but
this rule though very just, dependingon
stillneglectto form it,and keep a " turf" of old
we
stances
circumwhich we
over
have no control, is often
to any crop as no opportugrass of no use whatever
nity
broken throughfrom necessity,
and the
is afforded. This is one
of the many
anomalous
crops must
be sown
as
Farmers are often too
beauties of our scientificfarming.
they best can.
sparingof labour in harrowing
oat land : a fine tilth
Five bushels of oafs to an acre may be taken as an
is most
essentially
necessary for the growth of any
average seeding,and the produce will vary from
be produced by
none
can
crop, and as in this case
three to eiglit
tion.
quarters accordingto soil and cultivathe idough,there is the greater
for a liberal
The crop is usually mown
necessity
and stacked loose like
be once
harrowing.The roll must
or
twice applied hay,or tied into sheaves after the scythe. Mowing
after sowing, or before the
soon
crop is too tallto
is now
the sickle,the latter
very fast supersftding
"
break or nip" below the implement. Thistles
and
method though making the neatest
work, has been
tall weedsmust
be cutout
or pulledby liand.
The
found very objectionable
in wet
seasons.
long
A furrow of nine inches in breadth and six
in
tied resemble
sheaves when
bundle of
a
compact
depthhas been fixed as a medium by many eminent
osier rods tied together,
and when
once
thoroughly
practical
lea or turf for
men, and that in jjlougbing
wetted, requirea considerable time before they are
crop, the furrow be laid at such an angleas that the
tied
againdry, and it often happensthat they are all unpart cut by the coulter and share may lie perpendiand laid
cular,
the sheaves
are

thresbed

grainbetween

of square iron bars with

iug machine, or by means
sharp edges being-ajiplied
by hand of man to the
on
a floor. An
cylinder
uiiright
grain lying tliinly
fixed to our threshing
has been lately
machines, and

the seed.
set of

The

narrovr

the coulter

and

"

"

"

and

aftbrd

open.

narrow

and

deep

"

comb

or

slice" to the harrow tines for the

purpose of covering

much

looser,and it

By mowing,

has

been

that the crop is fitto be carried

found

by experience

a
fully

week

before

FARMER'S

THE

the
that cut by sickle. Mowing may also supersede
slack and setting
old mode of tying^
up singlesheaves
the
for eiglit
ten
or
days,and then tyingand setting
The expense
crop in stacks of twelve sheaves each.
of mowing is rather less than by the sickle and more
is obtained.
Oats are threshed by machine or
straw
and after being passedthrough a fanning
byliail,
as horses'
machine, theyare ready for the market
food,almost the onlypurpose to which they are now

applied. In

Ireland

and

in

Scotland,

portionis

Stillconverted into oatmeal. No disease of any conattacks oats and barley in our island,tiie
secjuence
"
in some
of
black brand"
may be seen in hot seasons
"
has also
or
our
falling
segging,"
barleyvarieties,
but none
oats in peculiarsituations,
seen
among
hasyet appeared to constitutes generaldisease.
Rye, or "Secale Cereale,"is the most productive
in the autumn
hot burningsands, and is sown
on

been

and the usual harrowing.It is

used also as springfeed for sheep. It is sometimes
mixed with wheat, and the produceis called
sown
"
Maslin,"and is much used for bread. The produce
and value of rye is much
the same
the
as
barley,
A disease called
is alwaysgreater in bulk.
straw
"
ergot"attacks rye, but seldom in our island,it
and the "Festuca
contains very deleterious qualities,
and Poa Fluitans" are often affected by it. It seems
a monstrous
productionin placeof the pickleand
converted into another substance.
J. D.
with

one

417

MAGAZINE.

for to whatever degreethe

effects will be descernible,
the vegeland may be dressed with a particular
manure
table
than nature
will take up no
designed" man
more
be taken
it take up more,
make
cannot
as a horse may
be
cannot
to the pond to drink,but if he does not want
be explainedthe remarks of
made drink. Hence
may
the farmers in the neighbourhoodof Guildford,who by
sum
experiencesay they have dressed theirlands with gypa
until the soil is sick of the dressingand requires
into
be converted
must
all manures
a
change. Now
food for vegetables,
become
state before they can
liquid
be the best which contains the
and that dressing must
readilyconverted
greatest variety of foods and is most
mouths of
for absorptionby the sponge-like
into a liquid
Those animals which consume
the extremities of roots.
the greatest varietyof aliments will cast offthe greatest
of man
of vegetablefood,hence tlieexcrements
variety
to
now
preparedand sold as humus is the most likely
yieldthe greatest abundance of food for a givenweight
L.
of material.
'

furrow

IMPORTANT

DISCOVERY.

Considerable sensation amongst the bakers ia the

weeks
for some
past,
City of Edinburgh has prevailed
of the discoveryof an article possessing
in consequence
and
of a
of the best wheat,
all the valuable
qualities
much

cheaper cost.

to the
article in questionhas long been known
nutritious
as
possessingthe most
facultygenerally,
The

in cases
of
recommended
and therefore much
qualities,
indigestion,in assistingthe constitution in regaiaing
dued.
illness have been subits energy, after fever,or severe

ON

THE

MANURE

PROPER
TURNIPS.

FOR

It is
the

Chinese

natural

(pnOM

CORaESPONDENT.)

vegetableproduction,collected by
them taken in junks or boats,in its
where it is manufactured
Singapore,

natives,and by

state, to
into the state in which it arrives in this country, and
called Sago.
article of commerce,
known
as an
of the
the last few months, in consequence
Within
low
dearness of corn, and sago beingat an exceedingly
ticle
made, in trying it as an arprice,experimentswere
of food for calves, pigs,horses, and dogs, all of

The very contradictory

accounts
continually
givenof
the effectsof differentdressingsfor the turnipcrop, call
for a scientific
inquiryinto the various practicesand the
various soils on which the experimentsare made, to
it to an astonishing
found to thrive upon
which
trials
show the necessity
were
of carryingon the experimental
that is on such principles
to
in an inductive manner,
as
degree. Whilst it had the effect of fatteningcalves
tails. and pigs,and
conviction to the minds of those who hear the deproducingmost delicious meat, horses
carry
beautiful condition ; and
and dogs it put into the most
This metliod of proceeding
itis feared is seldom
world that some
dogs,
in the sporting
it ii well known
pursued,hence the data are not sufficientto convince
fed upoB
alone, accomplishedfeats perfectly
perimentalists
sago
every
one, for the resultsare so differentby differentexall the circumstances
who do not take into account
surprising.
for the soil of the surriments
attendant on the trial,
face
Answering so well these purposes, a series of expeof being
to its applicability
made
as
were
as well as the subsoil lias to be considered ; knov/ful,
so successmade
into bread ; and these have become
ledge of minerals is necessary as well as the chemical
burgh,
Combe, of Edinthe usual routine of cropping
that the clebrated Dr. Andrew
compounds and affinities,
and palait is light,digestible
table
states "that
and dressing,the state of the weather when tlieseed i"
tasted, and entirelyfree
and the abundance
of insects in the ground are
as
sown,
any bread he ever
at tfie end
into
even
all subjects
which affect the success
of an inquiry
from the least tendency to sourness,
would
not have
Nature's ways
of four days of mild weather, which
by an experimenton agricultural
ductions.
prowith the ordinary bread at the end of
been the case
"
it being easy
He also observes,
hours."
These remark* are calledforthin consequence
ofseeing, forty-eight
in the stomach, affords a presumptionthat
of digestion
in your excellent publication,
some
judicious remarks on
it will be well suited to the bowels also."
and hearing some
ers
farmthe growth of Swedish turnips,
in questionis composed of
the bread
It appears
bone
is
for
and
others
good
turnips,
say
say gypsum
flour, and one-fourth of fine
of wheaten
is of no service on theirground. These assertions three-fourths
manure
much
to make
a
the baker
enables
made
sides of the town
sago, and which
were
by farmers an tlie opposite
better loaf at a cheaper rate.
of Alton in Hants.
The
same
contradictoryaccounts
The baker who first introduced this bread, after its
of
the oppositesides of the town
may be collected on
wards
where the marine alkali(soda)
and tlievegequalityhad borne the test of publicopinion"had upGuildtbrd,
table
in one day" and the
of five thousand applicants
for land
alkali (potash)are
using as a dressing
ments
now
teeming with advertisewith various effects. Now
the fact is that all liiese Edinburgh papers are
"

of
bakers
all the respectable
Sago
from
food,but vegedressings
yielda portionof vegetable
tables
Sago Buns."
of either of
take up but very small quantities
Bread,"
Sago Rolls," and
The present market
price of sago is about 21s. per
these. Carbon and potashare the two principal
Ibods,
therefore ifthe soilis deficientin either of these a dress- cwt. in bond" the duty is only is. per cwt." and it is
colonial
to be bought through any of the respectable
will be of service ; ifthe soil
singof that particular
one
is alreadyovercharged
food then no
brokers in Mincmg-laae." Commercial Gazette.
with that particular
"

"

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

419

Prussia will afford a most instructiveillustratien to 1837, and the periodcontains nine
averages of 14
of tbese generallaws.*
Tbey are givenmonthly in years each,from which, lastly,
arithmetical mean
an
the Prussian Ofiicial Gazette,according to the returns
priceis further calculated. It cannot, however, be
of the local authorities from a considerable
asserted that this mean
is actually
the average
price
number of those towns
in which,the trade in corn
in each provinceof Prussia
pears of corn
apduringthese 22
remarkable.
From
these are
particularly
as
an
years; it may, however, serve
approximation
framed monthlyaverages for the several provinces, to this
accurate
is
average, since nothing more
with the exception of
known.
A true average can only be obtained when
Brandenburgand Pomerania,
which, from their close connexion in agriculturalthe quantity
of corn
sold, as woU
the price,is
as
here united together. From
are
To inquireinto this with
economy,
tbese, known.
and

yearlyaverages are calculated;and from these,

again,other averages for 14 years ; so that in each
periodof 14 years the two dearest and the two cheapest
10 are
years are left out, and only the remaining
taken into account
in calculating
the average.
This
process has

now

continued

for 23 years, from 181(i

sufficient

extent

however,

be

is, now

hoped

to
certainty
least,
impossible. It

at

that in

table

thus arranged,
balance one
another ; and, at all events, its uniformity
admits of
its being used with sufficient confidence,
in comparing
the several provinces.
together
may,

most

of the occasional

errors

The following
Annual Prices of the Prussian bushel,stated in silverjroschen,
for each proare the average
vince
and each year, with averages for each periodof 14 years, and for the whole period;
"

(aj Prussia Proper,comprisingthe

of KiJnig'sberg',
districts (Regnerongs-bezirken)
Gumbinnen,

Dantzic,and

and Brombcrg ; Brandenburg and Pomerania, comprising

Marienwerder ; Posen, comprising'those of Posen
those of Potsdam, Frankfurt,Stettin,
Koslin, and Stralsund;Silesia,comprisingthose of Breslau, Oppelm,
comprisingMiinandLeignitz;Saxony, comprising those of Magdeburg, Merseburg-,and Erfurt ; Westphalia,
and
Coblcntz,
Trier,
Cologne,Diigseldorf,
comprising
ster,Minden, and Arnsberg; and the Rhenish provinces,

Aix-la-Chapelle.

The
from

FARMER'S

THE

420
of all the nine

average
1816-29

province;

"

to

1824-37,

were

periodsof
as

The

14 years,

follows,in each

of

the

State

"

Wheat.

Provinces.

Barley.

Sil.gr.pf.

Oats.

Sil.gr.pf.Sil.gr.pf

49

21

10

16

50

25

19

26

10

21

i 52

""29 2

21

28

Rlienish

i 30
59
Pro-1

vinces

62

Average

53-11

Prussia

MAGAZINE.

Proper

Posen

Brandenburg;
" Pomerania
Silesia

Saxony
Westphalia

...

11

21
23

oD

28-

21-

:"

the average prices

are
following
duringeach
for the whole
nine periodsof 14
years

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

421

These
The average priceof Wheat
was
considerably in tbe statistical dejiarfment.
of Prussia,
rages are as follows :
higherduring1837, in all the provinces
The
the preceding year.
tlian duringprice per
1816-29
1824-37

general ave-

"

was
bushel,in silver grosciien,

as

follows

"

Provinces.

1837

1836

Prussia
Prussia

Proper

Posen

39

42

8'

39

10

44

Average

Saxony
Westphalia
Pihenish

of tliewhole

State.

...

43

49

39

41

44

47

46

50

11

52

58

46

46

58

49

10

Silesia

58

46

Saxony
Westphalia

56

47

64

10

53

11

66

59

SJl. gv.

lif.

1836

43

'1837

47

Pomerania.

...

Rhenish

The
to

State.
Sil. gr.

1816-29

'1824-37

pf.

58

49

11

vinces
Pro-

vinces
Pro-

These

two

proportionof
to 1837

Average of the wliole

Brandenburg"

Brandenburg "
Pomerania.
Silesia

52
54

Posen

pf. Sil.gi-.pf.
Sil.gr.

Provinces.

Sil.vT.pf.
Sil.^'r.pf.

Proper

average,

18.36,and

averages

for which

however, of tbe

rather

was

was

of the
data

14 years from 1824

lower than the average from 1823
the lowest among
tbe nine general

same

upon

number

similar

of years since 1816-29,

grounds are

furnished

last nine

averages

for the whole

State

are

in tbe

599, or nearly7 to 6. In the

the yearlyprice of wheat,
years, therefore,
701

to

the average

of 14 years, has fallen in

about one-seventh, or 14;^per
An explanationof this remarkable
fact cannot
cent.
be found in the accidental circumstances of the wea.

calculated on
the Prussian

states

THE

422
ther

or

of the state of trade

FARMER'S

Las

been

and temporary commercial

taken
not
a
Still less can
progressivedivision
into account.
assignedas a
of the soil be, with any probability,
of this fall in price,since in the provincein
cause
bad harvests, and sudden

in trade, are
or
stagnations
speculations

which

the land is

by

far the

made
in the better cultivation of the land,
of
caused
increase in the production
an
wheat, that this fallin the average priceof this kind
can
of grain,during the periodsin question,
rently
appabe explained.

duringany particularprogress

ingalreadymentioned, accordyears ;
method of takingthe averages
to'
the prescribed
of"14years, by which the two highest and two
lowest years are always left out, unusuallygood or

for,as

MAGAZINE.

most

divided, the prices

which

has

also higherin each

The average priceof Rye was
of the provincesof the State,during the year 1837,
than duringthe year immediately
preceding.It was
as follows :
1836
1837
"

higherthan in
continue, nevertheless,considerably
Provincps.
Sil.ar.pf.
Sil.gr.pf.
of
the other provinces.The
of
consumption
8
26"9"!
Prussia Proper 23
any
have increased,
in all jirobability
in the country must
wheat
23
2
27
Posen
Average of the whole
since the population
State.
duringthe last 9 years Brandenburg"
lions,
milSil. gr. pf.
14
has increased from not quite12| to probably
6
31
30
Fomerania..
5
29
.1836
The census,
at the end
10 per cent.
or about
8
26
Silesia
22
32 11
M837
of
12,726,110
,
a
population
;
of the year 1828, gave
32 10
36
4
Saxony
at the end of the year
the result of the enumeration
5
36
0
Westphalia... 34
at present be stated ; but there is every
1837 cannot
vinces
ProRhenish
to about 14,000,000.
that it will amount
38 10
probability
45
9_
portation
nations,which limit the imIn the laws of foreign
the
Nevertheless,
from Prussia into tiieirports, there
of corn
average priceof this grainalso
was
lower, duringthe 14 years from 1824 to 1837
has been, duringthe last 9 years, no material change
in all the provinces,than during the 14 years fronr
decrease in
which might account for a progressive
1823 to l\i36;and it is also,with one immaterial
It can therefore onlybe by the
of wheat.
the price

FARMER'S

THE

of tbe provinces
of Brandenburgand Poexception,
of
merania,generallythe lowest of the nine periods

quoted. Here also the average for the 14

of the nine
the highest
years from 1816 to 1829 was
similar periods
under consideration,
and the fall in
the interval was
as follows :
14 years

MAGAZINE.

423

of 14 yenrs each,bad fallen from 373 to 328 pennies,

than 12 per cent.
or somewhat
more
In the same
the average priceof Oats has
manner
varied unequally
in the several provincesduring
the
last two

years.
1836

"

1816-29

Provinces.

Prussia
Provinces,

Prussia

Sil.gr.pf.Sil.sr.pf.

Proper

Posen

31
35

30

Saxony
Westphalia

...

Rhenish

39

34

Average of the whole

State.
Sil. sr.

41

33

42

36

49

41

11

"

Sil, g:r. pf,

l3
6

Proper

Posen

29
2

Brandenburg"
Pomerania
Silesia

1837

1824-37

1816-29

41

pf.

Brandenburgand

Pomerania.

Silesia
Saxonv

Sil, gr. pf.

14
4

16

16

10

19

19

14

16

21

19

11

Westphalia

20

18

Rhenish

22

22

Provinces

Here, also, among

vinces
Pro-

the nine

under
periods

deration,
consi-

average price from 1816 to 1829 was

50
8
0
4i
in all the provinces
the other
the highest
: but, on
hand, tbe average from 1824 to 1837, like that of
The aveiage price bad therefore fallen from 495
the lowest in most, but not in allthe proto 429 pennies the bushel.
These figuresare nearly barlev,was
vinces
burg
the average
: for instance,
in tbe proportion
price in Brandenof 15 to 13 ; and therefore the price
and Pomerania
of rye fell,
during 1824-37 was 20 S. gr.
to the averages of the 14 years,
according
20 S. gr. 4 pf,; and in the
it was
8 pf.; in 1821-34
less than the price of wheat
namely, about tvvoRhenish provincesit was 22 S. gr, 10 pf.in 1824-37,
or 13^ per cent.
lifteenths,
Here the exception
The comparative prices
of summer
corn
were
by and 22 S. gr. 5 pf.in 1821-34.
at the samo
occurs
period,but in two provinces
ia their course
no
ter
means
so regular
very
as those of winand trade.
The average priceof Barley,
population,
corn.
especially,different in position,
If tbe average
in some
was
pricesof onlythe firstand last of
provinces,and lower in others,
the

"

higher

in the year

under review be compared,

tbe periods
the
will shew the extent of the fall:"

1837, than duringthe preceding

year.
1836

1816-29
Provinces.

Prussia

Sil. pr. pf.

5
19

Proper

Posen

Brandenburgand
Silesia

Pomerania,

20

11

Sil.gr.pf.
Sil.gr.pf,

21

24

24

19

21

Brandenburg"

27

28

Pomerania
Silesia

28

Rhenish

31

35

of barleyin tbe different parts of the

that an ayerage
so different,
notoriously
of these singleyears for tbe whole State will not
The

Provinces,

21

29

crops

country

1824-37

Sll.gr.pf.

Saxony
Westphalia
Provinces

following

1837

Prussia
Posen

Proper

17

20

7
9

Average of the whole

State.

Saxony
'W'estphalia
Rhenish

15
18

22

11

20

23

19

23

20

25

11

22

24

10

22

Sil. gr.

1816-29

" 1824-37

pf.

22

20

Pro-

were

afford any
the several
as
barley,

useful result. It is true, that among

of 14 years the average price of
periods
of wheat and rye, vras greater in all the

provincesduringthe years
pricefrom 1824 to 1837 was

1816-29

; but the

average

onlyin tbe provinces

and in
Posen, Silesia,
Saxony,Westphalia,
lowest

vinces

10^

The price,
an
on
therefore,
average of 14 years,
fell duringthis period from 272
to 240
pennies.
These figuresare nearlyin the proportion
of 17 to
was
15; tbe fall,
therefore,
or llt^
two-seventeenths,

per cent.
If the several kinds of grainbe broughttogether,
ih" Rhine, whilst in those parts of tlie the
fall in the priceof each, according
to tbe ave"
East
somewhat
it
t
be
Sea,
was
country adjoining
of 14 years, will be as follows :
rages
lower in other years : in J^russia Proper, for instance,
it was
Wheat
21 S. gr. 5 pf.in 1824-37, and 21 S.
J 4| per cent.
131
gr. in 1820-33
%e
; and in Brandenburg and Pomerania
it was
26 S. gr. 2 pf.in 1824-37, and 25 S. gr. 5 pf.
12
Barley,rather above
in 1821-34.
Oats
llj^
If,however, without refering
to these years, only
in a smaller proportion
with
decreasing,
therefore,
the tirstand last of these nine averages of 14 years
the less valuable kinds of grain.
be compared,
the fallin the price
will be as follows :
This agrees well with the view already
pointed
1824-37
1816-29
out, that an increased productionof corn, arising
from a better cultivation of tbe land,is the probable
Provinces.
Sil.jr.pf.
Sil.jr.pf.
for in an increase of cultiof this fallin price,
cause
vation,
Prussia Proper 23
21 5*
0
attention is mostly turned to the production
Posen
26
7
24
2
Avfiraeeof tbe wliole of those
value ; that
crops which possess the highest
State.
Brandenburg"
than that
increases more
is,the cultivation of barley
Sil. gr, pf.
Pomerania
29
26
of oats,
the cultivation of rye more
than that of
1
1816-29
31
Silesia
31
5
26
" 1824-37
4
27
barley,and tbe cultivation of wheat more than that
31 10
27
Saxony
of rye.
Westphalia 37 0 31
Tbe densityof the population
in the several provinces
Rhenish
vinces
Proexercises an undoubted influence on the average
38
33
6
11
but
this alone does not determine
pricesof corn ;
From the beginning,
to tbe end of this
therefore,
them, for the different degrees of prosperity,
the price
of a bushel of barley,
and the proportion
of the town
pcrigd,
to the
upon averages
population
of

those

on

"

"

"

...

THE

424

FARMEEl'S

MAGAZINE.

the Rhenish
rially.
influence tbcm mateof inliabitants,
will be seen
of the popula"f the density
tion
of the year 1816 are so little to
at the beginning
of the uncertainty
be depended upon, by reason
then made, that
returns
attendingthe population
tions,
they do not afford grounds for any importantdeducWheat
meration
la the year 1820, for the first time, the enu-

total number
The

accounts

Rye

provinces than in Prussia Proper, as

in the

table
following
Prussia Preper.

Rhcnisli Provinces,

Per

Perbuslicl.
Sil, Kr. pf.
62
0
46

liuslicl.

Sil.gr. pf.

49

30

correct, and therefore the density

21 10
35
5
Barley
at the end of that year has been
of the population
3
16
23
3
Oats
at present
chosen to compare with the last census
taken at the end of the year
which was
Hence, in Prussia Proper, the average priceof
made public,
1834.
According to these accounts, the number of rye, which is the food most commonly used, was
it was
in the Rhenish
not quitetwo-thirds of what
inhabitants to a geographical
square mile in the
and the increase
at the two periods,
several provinces
provinces. A still greater difference existed iu
in the
were
the relative pricesof barley,which
during the lb years, were as follows :
The priceof oats in
of five to three.
proportion
No. to a Square Mile.
Prussia Proper was
only about two-thirds of the
1834
Iiicreasc,
1820
Provinces.
in the Rhenish
provinces. Of wheat
average
alone has the price in the former province risen
about
four-fifths of the average price in the
to
Rhenish
provinces ; but this was the consequence,
nerally,
Geat least in some
years, of a foreigndemand.
however, the average prices of all the
lower in Prussia Proper
four kinds of grain are
than
in any other provinceof the State; in the
Rhenish
provinces, on the contrary, the pricesof
spect
wheat, rye, and barley,are the highest; with reto oats alone, the average
priceis about half
in the
a silver groschen higher in Westphalia than
at the end of the year
Accordingto the census
arises from the latter
which
Rhenish
provinces,
of
of
out
n
umber
100,000
persons,
1834, the following
district containingon
an
only two-thirds
average
were
livingin cities,
amongst
of the total population,
in a square mile which
of the number
of horses
included all places in the situation of
which
are
to be found in Westphalia.
are
as such :
represented
cities,
Among the provincesof the vast eastern portion
Inhabitants.
of the Prussian states, Silesia is the most
thickly
21,881
In Prussia Proper
the populationhas inhere
creased
peopled : still even
27,079
Posen
during the 15 years from 1820 to 1834, on
37,727
Brandenburg and Pomerania.
about 4!)o inhabitants to the square
an
average,
20,002
Silesia
The
mile.
more
thinly-peopledprovinces of
35,428
Saxony
rania,
Prussia
Proper, Posen, Brandenburg, and Pome21,436
Westphalia
fallen far short of this increase, and
have
26,820
Rhenish Provinces
the manufacturing and prosperous
even
province
of Saxony lias not quiteequalledit. But the average
was
of the population,
therefore,
The
density,
in Silesia, during the whole
of corn
prices
Rhenish
in
the
provinces
times
three
as
great
nearly
in proportion
not
higher than might
in Prussia Proper ; nevertheless, period, were
in 1820
as it was
have
been
expected from these circumstances.
in the 15 years to 1834 it has increased on an average
before shewn, to the
as has been
crease They amounted,
inhabitants to each square mile, whilst the in741
in each province:
periodhas followingsums
in Prussia Proper during the same
only been 299, which is at the rate of about two-fifths
was

more

"

"

"

of the former province.

instead of lessening
The densityof population,
the share of each individual in the produceof the
increased it here to such an
extent,
soil,has even
inhabitants could be more
easily
that an influx of new
than in the district so much
in this province
borne
A greater importanceattaches
more
thinlypopulated.
in the
the inhabitants of towns
to this fact, because
and
to about one-fourth,
amount
Rhenish
provinces
one-fifth,of the total
in Prussia Proper to about

these prices
greatest differences between
dental
small that they can only be considered accitherefore be circumstances
there must
:
the influence of the denser popuwhich counteract
of the
much largerproportion
lation
population
; whilst a
of Silesia,and partlyalso of Saxony. These
live in the
of the Rhenish provinces
rural population
in the very different
most probably be found
and in the possession
of
may
of employments,
prosecution
which the town
populationbears to the
enjoyments,much more resemblingthose of residents proportion
of inhabitants.
total number
According to the
than many inhabitants of the smaller cities
in atown
of the town
foregoing calculation, the number
in Prussia Proper. The villagesof the Rhenish
in the
was
out of 100,000 inhabitants,
the
who
receive
turns
repopulation,
inhabitants
fullof
are
provinces
lesia,
several provincesas follows : Saxony, 35,428 ; Sibut in
for their labour,not in natural produce,
20,002 ;
which
Brandenburg and Pomerania,
gold coin ; and that part of the population
37,727. In Silesia,therefore,only a fifth,while
does not itself raise and prepare a supplyfor their
in Saxony considerablyabove a third,of the total
for
markets
it,
the
to
but
have
recourse
own
wants,
It is true, that the prodwell in towns.
jjopulation
vince
is much larger here than in Prussia Proper. In
of Saxony contains no
cityof the size of
these circumstances,
of
all
therefore,
consequence,
sides
Breslau, but, on the other hand, it contains, being
the generalaverage pricesof all kinds of graindurof
in
population,
in
much
respect
Magdeburg,(which
review
under
are
higher
the 22 years
The

are

so

FARMER'S

THE

tains
taking its suburbs into account, contban the half of Breslau) Erfurt, and
double
exceeds
Halle, the population of which
and it has besides
that of any other cityin Silesia,
considerable towns
of a middling size
many more
the condition of
than Silesia. In the small towns

even

without
niorc

MAGAZINE.

425

by leather,
aUhoush onlypartially
possessed
elasticity,
if
tages,
advanmay be attributed tlie chief benefit,not all the

posed
interderived from the u?* of it: itis a sprinj^
which, diminishinj?
between the shoe and the foot,
xUe force of the cencussion,obviates a portionof itsevil
effects. Caoutcho\ic is a non-conductor of electricity,
influence
and
protective
probablymay
possess some
the two
provinces is not so different. This pretion
the various delicatetissuesand beautiful organisaponderance
over
of the middling towns
effectof metallic conundoubtedly
tact
of the foot. The debilitating
and well appreciated
is known
the influence of the denser population
sician.
counteracts
by the humane phyin Silesia.
In the provinesof Brandenburg and Poraerania
of the total ])opulation
dwell in
above three-eighths
dam,
towns.
The cities of Stettin,Frankfort, and Potstogether contain about as many inhabitants
as
Breslau, and on account of their manufacturing
and commercial
relation may together consume
about the same
proportionof food. On the other
hand, Berlin alone contains nearly three times as
inhabitants
as
Breslau, and probablythe
many
proportion. The
consumption is also in the same
be tolerably
of both provinces may
middling towns

ACCOUNT

AN

OF

FOR

BONE-DUST
ON
BV

The

MR.

HENRY

COMPARATIVE

STABLE-MANURE

OF

TRIAL

SOIL.

CLAY

MAXWELL,
the

followingare
raised

AND
NIPS
TUR-

RAISING

OF

CALDERWOOD.

of the
particulars
stable-manure

turnip

and
by
consumption. crop which was
dust on Sir William Maxwell's
propertyof CalderStralsund and Brandenburg, perhaps exceed GiJrlitzand Glogau : but on the other hand, Stargard, wood, this season.
The
of the soil where the turnipsgrow
nature
in Pomerania, Landsberg on the Weser, and Guben
may be desci'ibed as a strong loam on a retentive
In
scarcelybalance Brieg.Liegnitz,and Griineberg.
Before draining,the field generally
clay bottom.
general,however, it can only be the great preponderance
and sour, but a thorough application
wet
was
very
the
of Berlin that can
bow
explain
prices
drain system completely
of the cross
branch
or
of corn
in such thinly-peopled
districts as the provinces
; and as the ground was
of Brandenburg and Poraerania,including divested it of all moisture
and cleared under favourable auspices,
ploughed
the
their large cities,
even
can
very nearly equal
the condition of the land at the time of receiving
prices in Silesia and Saxony. The influence of
be proper
very satisfactory.It may
and particularly
of Berlin,upon industrythe seed was
great capitals,
which was
old lea,was
to remark, that the field,
and prosperity,
not only in the immediate
drained in the beginning of 1832, a crop of oats
able
neighbourhood, but even in districts at a considertaken off"it during that season, and prepared for
distance,is indeed fully acknowledged by
turnips during last spring. In addition to the
and manufacturers, and perhaps
agriculturists,
laid on the land, as will be
quantitiesof manure
estimated
even, notwithstanding its great extent, it is over-

alike, both

in

populationand

bone-

and a half
found in the statement
below, seven
it is stillvery requisite
that, for
; but
excellent quality,were
plied
apof the State,and for general chaldrons of lime, of
the administration
to each acre
(theScotch). The seed,which
tinctly
and disknowledge, it should be stated as clearly
of the finest quality(procured from Mr. Lawwas
the wants
of both require. An attempt
as
son), was all depositedat rather an earlyperiod.
however, to solve this question,would carry the
Where
stable-manure
was
applied,the braird came
R.
essay beyond its proper limits.*
at first more
rapidly and vigorouslythan
away
the
the case
with the bones j but, ultimately,
was
bones gained ground, and, if any thing,got rather
in point of s/iaiv or
the start of the stable manure
HORSE
narian
SHOES."
The VeteriCAOUTCHOUC
leaves. The whole field brairded beautifully,
with
of thissubstance,
"The
well-known elasticity
says:
scarce
an
exception,and the crop did not suffer in
sistence
togetherwith the analogyof its nature and confrom
the ravages of the fly. In order
with the natural state of some
parts of the foot, any degree
to ascertain the results of bone and stable manure
to point out
seem
not only as a remedy in abnormal
in regard to the produce of turnipper acre, the
but as a conservative application
in
states of this organ,
itsmore
calculations and trials were
made ;
most
accurate
healthycondition. To the physical
property of
"

*
The followinginformation will be useful to
those who wish to compare the prices
in the above
articlewith those in this country. A Prussian bushel

or
just1|, of an Imperial
bushel,
(scht:ffel)=l'504,

and

therefore

quarter. The

5=^ Prussian

bushels

Imperial

average rate of exchangeat Dantzic

from 1816 to 18.S7 was
upon London
sgr. 203^ per
Upon these data, wheat at 30 sgr.
pound sterling.
bushel =1/.
(is. o^d. per imperial
per Prussian
quarter, every addition 5 sgr. per Prussian bushel
=
2s. 7^d. per imperialquarter, and each additional
sgr. =:(3^J.j so that the average of wheat during
the whole period,
as .shewn in the first table at p. 419
will equal lL8s. 3|d. per imperialquarter. For the
of those who desire to be more
use
in the comexact
parison
of the several
years, the average annual rates
of exchangeare added.
Those from
1816
to 18^5
are
calculated from returns
made by His Majesty's
Consul at Dantzic,and the latterhave been obtained

throughthe

kindness

in London.

of the Prussian

Consul

ral
Gene-

""='-"u:":Ss"!i)"!:

^J^'/y-d.

T-^ndr?!

Puh/}\r7-'^/^

^3t^,

Xu.^a-cou U^l

MnrfhJhSi^rrf

St'^"^"'l

'

'"

"

1^*!^^-'

THE
THE

GOODWOOD

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

427

desert,
smokinghis oriental pipe,and with his hand
back his anxious customer.
The expression

CUP.

waves

The Goodwood
of the Turk
denotes his strong
Cup, value 300 guineas,is indis- of the countenance
an
putHbly
exquisite
designby JMr.Edmund Cotterell, desire to become possessedof the favourite steed,
and manufactured
while the calm determination of the son of the desert
by the Messrs. Gerrard, of Panto keep his mare
ton-street,Ilaymarket,
whose
in worlis of
"a
as
pearl above all price"is
celebrity
art of this description
is generallyallowed.
The figures
The
are
equally
striking.
beautifully
tioned,
proporand the symmetry of the mare
prize,which is of solid silver,was
and ibal,with
spontaneously
offered as a present, by a deputation
their
distinctive
from Mr. Ferwell preserved,
guson,
I'eatures,
are
equally
the owner
of that celebrated Irish horse, and most minutely
and elaborately
finished. The costume,
Hiukaway,who won it,to his Grace the Duke of
is correct, and all the
too, of the male figures
Richmond, immediately
the date tree and itsfoliage,
after the race, who most
true
adjuncts,
including
declined it ;
graciously
for the

owners

as

he deemed

of

winning horses racingat

it a bad precedent

Goodwood, or elsewhere,where the races

tested
are conon
privateproperty to affix their laurels to the
brows of others.
The subject
of the plate our
readers will at once
discover to be an Eastern one, than which to demonstrate
attaclimentto the horse nothing
could be more
for what
pre-eminently
characteristic,

can
surpass in
affectionthe manifestations of regard in the Arab to
his steed ? Crichton
observes, when
beautifully
of the Horse of the Desert, that if the most
speaking
valuable conquest of man
the animal creation be
over
that of this noble quadruped,
which shares with liim
the fatigues
of industry
and the
of
no
tion
na-

glory

war,

merits that distinctionbetter than the Arabs. The

and affection which theybestow in breedingand
care
it,and the decided predilection
rearing
with which
it is constantly
regarded,are founded not merely on
its utility
to them in their predatory
and

wandering

but
life,

also

ancient prejudice
which induces
them to consider horses as beingsendowed
with "enerous
sentiments,and an intelligence
superiorto
thatof other animals.
They suppose that these noble
of Islam, have
creatures, so serviceable in the cnuse
on

an

to nature.
The lightand shade,with the outlines of
the figures,
of
marked by the ingenuity
are
strongly
the manufacturer.
Upon the whole, the work may
be pronouncedin the highestdegreecreditable to
the taste and skill of all parlies
engagedin its production.

LIQUID MANURE."
Knight,Esq.,OK DowxTON.
communication," said
"that
Society,

Oi'ixioN
"
"

of

1 have

the

late

T. A.

shown, in a former

the late president

of the Horticultural

seedlingplum stock,
growing:in

small pot, attainedthe

inches
seven
heightof nine f'set
a much
singleseason, which is,I believe,
greater
heighttiian any seedlingtree of that specieswas ever
to
attain in liie open soil. But tiie quantity
of
seen
a

in

earth which

small pot contains soon becomes exhausted

kind of plant,
tile
though itmay be stillferto others,and the sizeof the pot cannot
relatively
often to remedy this lossof fertility
becliangedsufficiently
so frequently
ever
changed,tlicmass
; and if it were
of mould,which each successiveomission of roots would
enclose must remain the same.
can
Manure, tlierefore,
be most
beneficially
jirobably
given in a purelyliquid
which trees growingin pots iiavc
stale,and tliequantity
tlius taken under my care without any injury,
and with
to
relatively

one

the greatest good effect,

has much exceeded e^jery expectation
I had formed.
1 have for some
years appropriated
of
to the purpose
a forcing-houseat Downton
day some verses of the Koran. It was one of their
experimentsolelyupon fruit-trees,
which, as I iiave
old proverbs,
that after man, the most
eminent creature
the subjects
wliich I
on
frequentoccasion to cliange,
is the horse : the best employment is that of
have to opei'ateare confined in pots. These at first
were
it ; the most delightful
ting supplied
rearing
posture is that of sitwith water, in which about one-tenth by measure
its back ; the most
on
meritorious of domestic
of the dung of pigeonsor domestic poultry,had
actions is that of feeding
it. They were
of thc"c substances (geand the quantity
taught by been infused,
nerally
their Prophetto believe that it was
increased from one-tenth to onethe latter)
was
originally
destined
prefourth.
for their specialservice. "When
The water, after standing
quired
forty-eight
hours,acGod"
a colour considerably
deeper than that of porter,
said he, "wished
to create
it, he called the south
and in this state it was
drawn off clear,and employed
wind, and said,'I desire to draw from out of thee a
to feed trees of the vine,the mulberry,the peach, and
new
with fluidity,'
being;condense thyself
by parting
other plants
; a second quantity of water was then applied,
and he was
obeyed. He then took a handful
and afterwards used in the same
when the
manner
of this element,now
become tangible,
and blew upon
was
manure
changed,and the same process repeated.
it,and the horse was produced. Thou shalt be for The vine and the mulberry being
very gross feeders,
saith
the
man,'
Lord, 'a source
of liappinessand
not likely
to be soon
were
injuredby this treatment;
wealth ; he will render himself illustriousby ascendwhich isoften greatlyinbut I expectedthe peach-tree,
jured
ing
thee.'" The " brood mares"
of manure
in a solid state,to give
by an excess
were
particularly
"
Contrary,however,
recommended
to his disciples,
cause earlyindicationsof beingover-fed.
beby Mahommed
maintained
the peach-tree
at the
their back is the seat of honour,and their belly to ray expectations,
end of two years the most healthyand luxuriant appearance
an inexhaustible
As many grainsof barley
treasure.
and produced fruit in the lastseason
imaginable,
as
are
contained in the food we
give to a horse, in
than I had ever previouslybeen
greater perfection
so many
d
o
indulgences we dailygain by giving able to obtain it. Some seedling plant*had then acquired
roots
at 18 months old (thoughthe whole of tlieir
In giving
a minute description
of the group which
had been confined to half a square foot of mould) more
constitutes our engraving,we
with numerous
than eleven feet in height,
branches,
may conclude in the
and vigorousbloom
of a resjjected
and have afforded a most abundant
language
contemporary, that the four
which
in
has
set
remarkably well,
the present spring,
figures
comprisea Turk, an Arab of the Desert,and
had been most abundantly supand those trees which
a mare
plied
and foal,congregated
beneath the branches of
have displayed
the greatestdegree
with manure
a date tree.
The Turk, whose costume
denotes a man
A singleorange-tree was
of health and luxuriance.
of high rank, is endeavouring,
by splendidoffers of
of treatment, and grew with
mode
to the same
subjected
and arms,
to induce the Arab to sellhis
money, cloth,
and appearedto be as much
vigour,
equalcomparative
mare
in accordance with the
; but the latter,
the vine and the
bial
proverbenefited by abundant food as even
attachment of his race to his favourite companion,
mulberry-tree."*
refuses
to yield to the rich temptations.
resolutely
The Arab is seated on Lis
*
Trantactious of the Herticultural Society,vol, 2, ji. 127.
carpet oa the sands of the

obtained,throughMahommed, the blessing

of God
and an occult capacityto read or
repeattacitly
every

"

'

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

428

out
in

CRrB-BITING.

ON

G. HoLJiES, Esq., \. S.,TninsK, YorKsiiiRE.

By

in
be thought presumptions
It may, perliaiis,
to offer an
opinion as to what is the cause of
the disease or habit in the horse commonly known
but it is a subject
of crib-hiting
;
by the name
with
to do
that has
"which
one
concerns
me

every

geon.
veterinarysur-

the

than

more

none

and

In

oats.

musty

varied

be

to

seems

fact, so

and

numerous

so

this

subject,that it is difficultto arrive at any thing

a just conchu-ion.
ease
is a disI confess I do not think that crib-biting

like

horses, and
old

in

with

it is

its first stages ; but

in

by young
length of

time

habit

acquired

that is very rarelymet

been for any
have
as

one

such
or
ones,
in the stable.

Let

i^s

for

moment

reflect on the important change whicii takes place

horse is brought from grass, where
when
a young
panions,
has been taken
time
his whole
up with his comin observing the various objectsaround
hiiu which
naturallyattracted his attention ; or

eating,eighteenor twenty

hours

four.'^
I believe

one
every
horse
young

saw

never

out of the twentythat they

will admit
take

or
crib-biting,

to

in the fields. The

act that similates it,
I think, is very obvious, viz., that he has
any

something

to

will

We

cursorilypass

now

opinions that

reason

always

him.

amuse

have

been

held.

in

And,

review

the
first,that of

assert
to be procrib-biting
duced
long abstinence from food. In a state
of nature, the stomach
always contains a certain
the horse is stableof aliment; but when
([uantity
fed, it is given very irregularly;consequentlythis
viscus is frequentlywithout
any thing in it,which
and
this is followed by the
it to collajise,
causes
unpleasant sensation before spoken of, and to
which the horse takes to bitingthe crib.
overcome
During this act a quantityof air passes into the

the

who
practitioners

by

and

stomach
certain

distends

it, and

this

to
satisfies,

or, at least,
degree, the cravingapjjctite,
allaysthe gastricirritation. I5ut I would ask,
that arc fed more
the horses
where
regularly
are
than
horses

the
arc

race-horse
more

the
particularly
To

this

must

and

subjectto
race-horse
be

strange to say, the

on

the

hunter

? and

than
crib-biting

what

these,

.'

added, the fact,that

the

crib-biter

hand,

other

that

knows

one

the

hunters

larity
greatestregu-

As

the

to

most

addicted to the act ; while

frequently

the cart-horse, who

provender set before him, seldom

worst

becomes
a

on
opinionsof practitioners

the

are

and

an

has the

to
as
varietyof opinions
of crib-biting.Some
what is the cause
persons
consider it to depend upon a diseased state of the
stomach.
Others attribute it to long abstinence
the animal, feelinga gnawing
from food, when
pain at the stomach, arisingfrom a want of food,
this viscus is supposedto collapse; and, to prevent
in a
these unpleasant sensations, he draws
to distend this organ.
quantityof air,which serves
learns it
that the horse
Others, again, maintain
from
seeing other horses cribbing : while some
ing
it to result from eatingdry and stimulatsuppose
food, thus overchargingthe system with blood;
and a few attribute it to feedingon mouldy hay,

Tliere

and yet every

"

(From the Veterinarian.)

; and

hundred

in fact,five minutes with them

is observed
object.
tion
also equallybold in assertingmy convicI am
that the eatingof mouldy hay or musty corn
is not
a cause
of, or has any thing to do with
crib-biting. My proof is that the race-horse,
the very best of juovender,is,
which is fed upon

is

horses

of

feeding racers

cribber.

opinion of those who suppose cribbing

standing in the stable

to be produced by horses
with
that have
others
acquired the habit, this I
and then with youngallow, may be the case now
been brought from the
horses"
such as have lately
field,and compelled to stand in the stable for any
known
a horse
of time
but I have never
length

that had
take

to

for two

domesticated

been
it from

or

three

years
sideof
cribknown
the

standingby

seeingor

who
cribber. I have
was
a
biters stand in stables with eight, ten, or twelve
became
a
ever
of these
horses, and not
one
cribber.
an
indeed, that ever
I think it a very rare
case
become'sa crib-biter,let him be placed
old horse
he may.
where
Nevertherless, there is against
the evidence of three veterinarysurgeons, in a
me
son).
case
latelytried at "^ork, in 1838 (Freer v. HudThey aver, that old horses are as likelyto
One
of them
crib-biters as young ones.
become
free from
horse
was
perfectly
a
said, that when
cribbing,or any of its symptoms, on one day, he
the next, and
on
liable to become
a ciib-biter
was
another

had

done

nine

t r

This

so.

ten

is correct

years
those

diseases of horses

in

was

old.
who

How
are

of a horse
case
far this statement
acquaintedwith the
the

will be best

able

to

judge.

stated sufficient to shew, that cribbitingdoes not proceed either from abstinence,
far my
bad provender, or imitation. How
fessional
probrethren and the publicmay agree with
1 know
own
opinion, which I
not ; but if my
me
I

hope I

have

shall

state, is incorrect, I hope

shortly

one,

more

able

and better

that

qualifiedthan

some

I am,

portant
imso
to give us his views upon
subject; my only objectbeing to make
the public better
acquaintedwith itscauses and
and upon what grounds ahorse is rendered
effects,
unsound
by it.
to be a habit which
I believe,then, crib-biting
of the change which is
takes place in consequence
produced in the animal when bi'oughtfrom a state
approaching that of nature into an artificialone,
may

be induced
a

is taken from an
He
a state of domestication.
where
he had nothing to do but to feed
open field,
himself by an occasional
and gaze about him, and amuse
gallop.The food which he there gathers
most
is of such a character
as
requires him to be alcontinuallyeating; and when his appetiteis

"

his companions and surrounding

One
him.
thinghaving lost its
attraction, another
presents itself;and thus his
becomes
time is constantlyoccupied, and never

he
satisfied,

objectsto

burthensome

has

amuse

to him.

when
he is feeding.I
cribs the most
c,enerally
But observe how
them
do it the whole time
widely different the situation
have frequentlyseen
He is put into
in which he is afterwards placed!
they have been eatingtheir food. I cannot, therehe
There
has anything
stable, which is a prison to him.
or
a
f jre, think that this is a cause,
fessor stands perhaps two or three and twenty hours out of
to do with it. T state this,
although Prowhatever
for weeks, or months
the twenty-four; or sometimes
Coleman, whose
opinion on most matters
The
is never
out of it.
siders
with the horse
provenderplacedbetore
connected
we
highly esteem, conHe can no
nature.
him is of a dry and stimulating
in ninety-nine
it to be the sole cause
cases

THE

FARMER'S

u\) and
it took

down the fields for liisnatural

him so much
time to collect;
but a quantityis put before him, and of that nature,
too, that a littleserves
him, in comparison
with what he used to crop in the field. In the
stable he will probably be eatingonly three hours
out of the twenty-four.

longerroam

Jbod, which

Allowing,then, the former statenaent to be correct,

viz.,that the animal is eatingtwenty hours
out of the twenty-four,there remains a balance of

429

MAGAZINE.

feels regardless
of everyWhile
one
another.
thing
around
him, another is never
easy without
himself with : this I conceive
something to amuse
to he the sole

of crib-biting.

cause

of is,not to let
The best preventivethat I know
the animal stand in the stable too long. If this
be accomplished,ho should be placedupon
cannot
that he cannot
reach the manger.
so
jmlleg-reins,
convinced that if this method
were
adopted
I am
horses
of preventingmany
it would be the means
I know
not of any particufrom being cribbers.
lar
a cribremedy for a horse after he has become

Is it not natural to suppose,

hours.
that when
placedin a situation so different from
which is generally
that to which he had previously
been accustomed,
biter,exceptingthe necl~-straj),
he should acquiresome
habit,such as crib-biting used for that purpose.
and particularly
off a part of the
told that cutting
I have been
he is a young
When
horse ?
as
a colt is taken
up from grass, and
placedin the
tongue will be effectual in the worst of cases ; but
duced
shall be intried it,and hope I never
I have never
stable,having nothing to amuse
himself with, his
it tried. It
is the first and most
have I ever
seen
to do so ; nor
convenient
manger
thing
within his reach.
have the desired effect ; for doubtless when
The top of this is generally may
seventeen

round and

smooth.

think

all will

of the tongue is taken off,the power to

it. I
a portion
draw
in the air docs not exist as before ; but it is
this remark,
that the horse usually or always licks before he
think of performthat I should never
ing
an
operation
cite evil,we
takes to cribbing. This lickingpleaseshim by occupying
; for, by endeavouring to remedy
his attention ; and by the motion of the
are
creatinganother ; to say nothingabout the
creasedinkumanityof the act.
tongue the glands are excited to throw out an inThere
needs little to prove,
As to soundness.
quantity of saliva. This habit continues
for some
that
is a crib-biter is, in every
that a horse
or three weeks,
time,perhaps a fortnight
lieve
or even
of the word, an unsound one, although I bea montb
in
sense
or more,
as horses
vary much
the length of time they practiseit.
geons.
that this is denied by some
veterinarysurIt is very important
horse
that is a crib-biter has certain
A
how
to know
long thehorse
that

He
bear

begins firstto lick

me

out

in

"

by
habit of crib-biting,
and
symptoms, besides that of biting his manger,
dom
questionought to be set at rest by veterinary which he can be immediatelyrecognized. He selflesh. His coat is
carries much
never
or
surgeons, if it be possible; for it is a constant
matter of disputebetween
pathy
staring,and generallylong. This proves the symbuyers and sellers the
and the
the stomach
latter declaringthat the horse was
that exists between
free from the
skin. The state of the skin is only the effect; the
complaintwhen in his hands ; whilst the buyer as
condition of the stomach
being the cause, and
unhesitatingly
asserts, that he observed him to be
a cribber the
that
second or third day, or perhaps a
arisingfrom a foreign body being placed

is acquiringthe
generally
the

"

week

at the utmost,
after he got him.
The question
then commonly asked by the court is. How
long is the horse acquiringthis habit ? My own

there.
There

that young
experience teaches me
horses Uc/i a
or
three weeks
foi-tnight
bing
before they take to cribto old horses,I have
before said I
; and as

thus

do not remember
a cribany one to have become
biter after having been
domesticated for two
or
three years.

tion
be no doubt that the powers of digesconsiderablyweakened, and the animal is
modic
predisposedto various diseases,such as spascan

are

and flatulent colic

and

this for the

reason

alreadyassigned, that every time the horse cribs

he draws a quantityof air into the stomach, which
"

pheric
atmosto receive food, and not
ed,
be remarkaddition to this it may
I hope the Gentlemen
of the horse differsfrom that
that the stomach
of the Association W'illtake
When
air or other
this point into their serious consideration,andenand other
animals.
of man
the
not
deavour to set at rest the various and conflicting matter once
enters his stomach, he has
quence
again, in conseopinionsat present existingas to Hoio longa horse
power to expel it by the mouth
is illacquiring
ranged
fibres that are arof the strong muscular
this habit.
After the horse has been licking
at the cardiac
in a valve-like manner
the manger for
a periodvarying from
two to three weeks, he generally orifice.
the
as
Since the air occupiesspace, the same
beginsto crib ; but this is not always the
bodies instead of
food does, the stomach has two
case, as I have known
horses to be lickers for years,
of course
are
and never
Its parities
become
one
to contract
cribbers. He takes hold of the
upon.
distended, and in process of time
with his teeth, and by
upper part of the manger
preternaturally
wise
The horse is likebe materiallyweakened.
must
there is a
making this a fixed
vacuum

point,

is

an

organ

air.

made
In

partial

the
cause,
air being then
in by the
drawn
subjectto colic from the same
air which passes from the stomach into the bowels
mnuth, passes thence into the stomach
which
and which disease frequently
nature
intended" and thus the
proves fatal if not
never
doubtlessly
vanced,
animal is predisposedto certain complaintswhich
promptly attended to. After what has been adrender him unsound.
I think few will be inclined to disputethe
of
It may he said by some,
position,that crib-biters are, in every sense
Why does one horse
take to cribbing,
the word, unsound.
while another,placedin precisely
I do not deny that a horse may work well, and
similar cicumstances,remains free from it ? I
in
because all horses are not of the same
remain
position.
distolerablygood condition, provided
answer,
used to prevent his cribbing; yet a
will be
means
are
Among human
beings, some
found who are perfectly
horse that is a cribber I should consider to be
and happy in any
at ease
than onesituation;v;hile others, in the same
stances,
circumworth, in a public market, not more
would
third of the value of a sound
although he
make
their lives one
continued peone;
riod
that is free from
of misery. So it is with the horse; the disas one
position
may be as useful for work

formed.

The

"

"

"

of

one

differsconsiderably
from

that of

used.
are
it,if preventives

THE

430
I

hope it will
of

much

too

not

your

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

be considered I have taken up

invaluable time in thus freely

statingmy

STEAM-

ROTATORY

PATENT

ENGINE.

solelyto

motives

are
ojjinions.My
for myself, my
professional
brethren, and the publicin general. If therefore

elicit information
any

derived from the foregoing

objectwill be fullyattained.
I am, "c.

beneficial results

statements, my

LABOURERS'
FROM

THE

arc

FRIEND
labourers'

FRIEND

SOCIETY.
MAGAZINE.

since we last noticed

Several months have elapsed
ing
this remarkably
of steam. Not havsimpleapplication
cuss
to disstudied the subject,
not prepared
were
we
left it to prove its powits merits,and, therefore,
ers
We
had no idea,
and utility
by the test of time.
tory
which this rotahowever, of the host of opposition
engine would meet with, from motives which "
need not here be discussed ; but it is evident that
this importantarrangement
for steam
power would
have beon

lost

to

this

country, had

not

the

parties

in bringingit forward
something
concerned
possessed
Somersetshire,your committee
day
On Saturthan common
the report in the followinggraphic
more
sum
perseverance.
up
other
last,the 29th ult.,we were, with many
language of CaptainScobell, whose indefatigable
eilbrts in this cause
have been crowned with universal
by examining, while at
persons, highly gratified
work, the rotatory engineattached to the thrashing
success:

With
would

reference

to

"

machine at Mr. Allan's farm at Pilton,near Granton,

Show me
the place where it has not succeeded !
i
aboiit two miles from Edinburgh, The
enginewas
From every quarter I am
receivingcommunications
erected by Mr, Ruthven, and besides driving
lately
the system
of field gardens; most frequently,
I
upon
five-horse thrashing
a
machine, it works, at the
but often,also,with
admit,in the shape of inquiries,
of elevators, a hummelling
sets
time, two
statements, showing that itis beginningin all directions same
that it is spreading
to bring forth fruit tenfold,
400 times per minute,and two
from pamachine, revolving
rish
to parish throughout tiie country, and that soon
fanners.
pair extra
Although the engineis the
there will not be a parishwithout it. Look at tlieneigh- smallest size
made, it has a superabundanceof power
beurhood of Batli,for instance,where thousands are
it execute.
for all the above
saw
work, which we
now
occupying land under this system. Look at Wells
in a
Mr. Allan informed
that it does all the work
us
wiiere there is a brightexample of its benefits,
in a
and
most
beyond bis most
manner,
satisfactory
largetract especiallydevoted to its purposes, under the
bolls
sanguineexpectations
; that it will thrash ten
eye and fostering
patronage of the venerable prelatein
than one
of
and
not
oats
more
at
the chair. Look
hour,
anexpenseof
per
at Taunton
and Wellington,
where it
hard at work
is advancing most
cwt, of coals ; it employssix servants
look to the South,by
auspiciously;
and Ilminster,
Crewkerne
from the millwhere some
on the platform
bundlingthe straw as it comes
can
report its favourable progress; look againon the
Mr. Allan thinks the engine highlyadaptedfor
north,by the shores of the sea, where it is thriving
under
and that ere
farm purposes,
from its simplicity,
the influence and patronage of a relativeof our worthy
farmer of fift)^
will be without one, as
no
acres
long,
And
let me turn to my ov/n neighbourdiocesan.
now
The
it.
farm-servant
any
easilymanage
may
Here there is not only no symptora of failure or
hoed.
stalk of Pilton is 50 feet high,but that is
chimney
but
and showdecay,
ing
every year adding to itsprosperity,
tliem in the
not necessary, as the patentee has seen
a
in matendency to durability where diligence
nuring
Allan
United States not exceeding 18 feet. Mr.
and cultivating,
where improvedcharacter,
and
and
of laudable iudependcKce,
where feelings
grain-bruising
givetestimony intends adding straw-cuttiag
"

"

to its efficiency
as
a

aud apparatusfor steaming

provisionfor the poor man, and as
machineryto the engine,
his moral*.
To prove this,
food for his cattle.
I will mention
There is in the parish
a fact.
of Farmborough (in
Our
examine
it at
scientific readers who
may
which
1 beg to state I have not a foot of
plicity
ground),a
to see the simwork, will be not a little surprised
tongue of land adjoiningmy
parish,and containing
of steam
and effectof this application
power.
about fourteen families. This piece of
ground I rent
To those who feel interested in such improvements,
from General Popham. The people had the
reputation we
shall endeavour
to
give a brief explanation,
of being disorderly;
in fact,1 know that in times past
which may
also interest those who have it not in'
ol them had been transported. VV^ien I detersome

improverof

an

mined

takingthe land,some persons said to me,

upon
had better leave these peopleas they are
; yoii
had better not take them in hand : they will bring
your
system into discredit;
they will not pay you your rent

'

You

in

short,you

will be

their power
All

are

to

inspectit.

aware

that

steain

power is
but all do

producedby

not
agree in
Thus
have
of its application.
steam
we
engineswhose /;urfsweigh upwards o{ tico hundred
the ynwer of the
tens, all considered
necessary before
One
steam
be made available.
can
engine within a

convertingwater

into steam,

the mode

working with bad tools.' ISut I

deterred ; I took the ground ; I letitas
to my
I have no reason
tenants,
own
to complain of
their want
of punctualityin the payment
of their rent
few miles of this city(Sir ,Tohn Hope's at Stoney
and from that hour to this,
not
individual amongst
one
of cast iron for conveyingthe
them
has broken
the laws of his country. Now, let"usHill),has a beam
motion
and
from the piston,the weightof
look at this matter
in the light
of a charity. Charity,
power
to
which
be real and effective,
is above sirlcen tons, and the complexityof
should
not debase a man
; and
here is the merit of thissystem" which consistsin the
the parts are clearlyillustrated by an engravingof
Christian charityof letting
(notgiving)land at a reait,publishedsome time ago.
sonable
rate, to enable the industriouspoor man
In the rotatoryengine,which we shall now
tain
to obattempt
an independent
living.An acre of land let out in to describe,and which does not weigh halfa ton, it
field gardens,
at a fair chargeof forty
shillings,
pence
or threethe power
may be said there is nothingto consume
a pole,
produces a profitof twenty pounds ! and
but the work
performed. The engine, which consists i
mark, it any man letsout ten acresin thismanner, he puts
gether
round
of two
concave
platesof cast iron, bolted toless a sum
no
than two hundred pounds a year into the
five feet diameter,
a hollow
so as to ibrm
case
pockets of the poor ! Wiiat ordinarycharitycan equal
and about the size of a carriagewheel, is placed
this? Nature,my friends,
^
may be compared to a great
national bank, and by letting
steel axle, passes
iiave
man
a
every
share, upon its edge; a hollow cast
and by thus givinghim an
interestin it,we enable him
throughthe centre of the case, and on this axle two
to serve
and to serve the rest of the eommunity
himself,
hollow
steel arms
cast
are
fixed,which revolve in
at the same
time."
the case.
On one end of the axle outside the case is ".
was

not

to

be

"

"

THE
fixed

lion

an

by

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

431

wliicb the power is conmatter of bones the beneficialpart.

veyed
But, supposmorich broth is made from the boiled
to the thrashingbelt and drum
bones,and a

from
pulley,

moans

of

person
were
to water
the earth with this broth,as
the
recommended
]iower, passes from
by
tlie
and
Mr.Ivmght,
celebrated
great
small
iron
Horticulturist
boiler into the hollow axle by a
wrought
tlie plants would
thrive most
while the
luxuriantly,
whence
it is discharged
pipe, from thence into the arms
bone earth or ash would benefit
a crop butliltlein comat each end into the case, thereby
producing-jiarison therewith. All
if
we
the
can
say i.^
opinion
boded
rotatorymotion, and givingout power, and from the
0
bones being best is correct, that plants
the steam
arras
being like the bones cooked and their meat boiled. If it is
case
passes to the air. The
the
the bone earth or
fixed on tlie axle, carry it round, and of course
phosphateof lime that is so useful
pulleyon it,at a velocitywhich is adaptedto the then letfarmers get tiieeartliy
of
machine.

The

steam,

or

pliosphale lime,which

work

required.
Many have supposed that this arrangement
steam
j)Ovver could only be available for small

they

do

abundance,and at a very cheap

of
worthy of trialundoubtedly,
and may be a
serviceable
in some
adjunctmanure
It deserves
cases.
gines
enserious
consideration
its value as a
as
to
manure, especially
; we
are, however, assured by i\Ir. Rulhven,
since gypsum, a much more
has
unlikely
is its application
material,
that the great value of this rotatory,
been said to be beneficial.
it nii,fvht
be very
Thinkin,^them
io large
engines
; and he will engage to make
useful to the agriculturist
to know the value of the bones
hundred
ofoneortvvo
horse-power,and guarantee
he employs" unless he should prefer boiled bones" I
For locomotive carriages will just mention how
their power
to that extent.
he may
ascertain their state.
Take 3 ounces
of well dried bone dust,put it in a small
thev will produceany speedrequiredwithout either
ladle or pot, heat it to redness,and keep it
of
crank or toothed wheel and with a great economy
iron
so f.-nrate.

can

It

great

is

halt an hour.stirring
fuel and relative expenses.
up the bone dust repeatedly.The
heat will destroyall the animal
Wo
servingconsider ihis applicatioH
matter, and leave the
of steam decertainly
bone ash,rather more
than 2 ounces
in weight.If there
of great attention ; Mr. Craig,who has the
IS a greater weight than this
remaining,the bones were
merit of introducingthe engineinto this countr}^
deficientin animal matter or adulterated. Againt-ake3
have devoted
and ]\Ir. Ruthven
and his son, who
of bone du-,t,
ounces
of muriatic s"cid,
put in 3 ounces
exertions
their attention and
and
to construct
it,
diluted with 3 or 4 ounces
of water, letthe bone dust rebe
least
to
spared that
bring:it into use, ousrht at
two or three days,then decant ofl' the clear
mam
liquid,
wliich theyhave hitherto met with, chiefly and boil the residue animal matter
opposition
in about half a pint
from Savans
who
have never
deigned to look at it. of water" all of it will dissolve into a clear jelly"any
sediment remainingundissolved is foreifrn
It is also fair to state
Mr. Allan's merit in not
fi'
matter,
chalk or lime be contained in the bone dust,a little
vinegar
yieldingto the groat interest emplo\-edto prevent
will
detect
I
it.
readily
merely throw out these as
him from adopting
believe,
it,and the more
so, as, we
to the farmer to act upon, and to assure
suggestions
him
this identical engine,boilers,
pump, and every thing chemical
knowledgeisas perfectand correct upon this
erected at Mr. Hepburn's at
connected with it,were
pointas any mathematical demonstration."
made to
Whittingham;and such was the opposition

it, that

Mr.
it. Mr.
Ruthven
agreedto remove
REMARKABLE
ANECDOTE
OF
A
DOG."
is now,
therefore,in possessionof the first
The anecdotes given of dogs saving the lives of
persons
rotatory steam-engineerected in this country for
illdangerof drowning,are so numerous
as
to be familiar
thrashing. We understand that a rotatoryengine ot
to every person.
One cannot
reflect on the innumerable
Air.
will
be
erected
at
horse-power
Hogg's
twenty
instances
of the love and usefulness of this
paper-millat Colinion in a few weeks, and another
animal, without being gratefulto Providence for having
America
jMr.
of
in London, for
Douglas,
Si^uare.
a creature
given to man
capable of many of those
spected.
the engineto be inI\Ir. Allan kindly allows
noble and disinterested feelings,
which we are accustomed
to appreciateso highly in our
fellow creatures,
Edinburgh Chronicle.

Allan

"

and almost
of the human

AGRICULTURAL
LerAure delivered

OF
USES
Mr. IV. H.

a
BONE.~(FmH
B. IVehster,
at the

by
now
to a
WoodhridgeLiteraryJnstitation.) I come
of
the
where silence perhapswould
best
part
subject,
become me, bcincrunqu-alitied
ing
to give an opinion"havlittle
experience on a pointwhere experipractical
and theory nothing-.I wish to speak
erice is everythingwith deference,
but stillthe facU of the Cfise are so strong
and clear,
that nothing
I think can rebut them.
Is there
?" to him I would
any one interestedin ag-riculture
say,
"

"

look

at

will

see

the table of the compositionof the bone

and he
for its employment, and the cause
of
the desert bloom,and
itsbeneficialeffects. It makes
srivesa verdure to the otherwise barren sands.
As I
have said before,in speakinprof the domestic u?es of
the bone, that every pound of bone contains lA pound
of flesli; therefore for every cwt. of bone carted
upon
the land,he has 1-25 pounds of flesh. And is not animal
the food of plants'! If it be then bones are
matter
among

"

reason

the best of

manures,

containingthe greatest

quantityof such matter

questionof boiled bones
have g"one so far as
crushed bones should

in the smallest space,

'i'he
has been mooted, and some
that tlieg-roundor
to recommend

be well boiled to extract the animal

matter"
broth and soup for the pigs and
to make
expecting the bones at the same
to be much
improved
for the land. False facts are certainly
the bane of science,
and more
follycould not well be found.
egreg-ious
If liquidmanures
be g-ood food for plants,
if animal
be useful" if oil,
matter
blubber,
sparts,fish,
any or all
of these be useful in
any degree" then isthe animal
"

to

look upon
character.

as

the perfection
constituting

At
with

in France twenty
a convent
were
served
a
dinner at a certain hour
paupers
to the convent
did not fail
every day. A dog belonging
to be present at this regale, to receive the odds and
ends which
were
and then thrown
now
to him.
The
guests,however, were poor and hungry, and of course
not very wasteful,so that their pensionerdid littlemore
than scent
the feast of which he would fain have
taken.
parThe portions were
served by a person
at the
ringingof a bell,and delivered out by means
of what
in religious
houses is called a tour,which is a machine
like the section of a cask, that by turninground
upon
a pivotexhibits whatever
is placed on the concave
side,
without
the person who
it.
One
moves
discovering
day this dog,who had onlyreceived a few scraps, waited
tillthe paupers
all gone, took
were
the rope in his
mouth
and rang the bell ; his stratagem succeeded.
He
repeated it the next day with the same
good fortune.
At length,the cook, findingthat twenty-one portions
were
given out instead of twenty, was determined to
discover the trick,in doingwhich he had no great difficulty,
for lying perdue,and noticing
the paupers
as
for their different portions,and there was
they came
intruder

except the

dog, he began to suspect the

confirmed in when he saw
the animal
wait with great deliberation tiU the visitors were
all gone, and then pullthe bell.The matter
related
was
to the community, and to reward
him for his ingenuity
he was permitted
to ringthe bell every day for his dinner,
no

truth,which

on

which

he

was

mess

of broken

afterwards served out to him.

"

victuals was
always
Fruser's Rightsof Instinct.

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

433

thisyear at Krasnoe,not rockomng the stock laid in by

the peasants, whicli must
but one
be considerable,
was
hundred and ninety-sevent(nis,all harvested in excellent
The new
work by Mr. Venables, oti the " Scenes
order. The average value of hay in the country is
in Russia," is very interesting.
TLe purjjose of the
about eightsiiilimgs
and threepencei)erton ; sometimes
author's journey to Russia was
to pay some
visits to
and at
however,it is as higiias thirty-three
shillings,
the family of his wife, who
is a Russian,
After
it rises occasionally
Petersburgto fifty-five
shillings
a
from
in a week
reachingSt. Petersburg,
leaving-ton ; this however is considered a ruinous price.
little in the capital,
a
the
London, and lingering
Corn Chops
Implements.
All the crops this
and
in July 11337 for Krasnoe, a village year seem
touristileparted
very good, except the rye, the staple food of
about 400
miles south of St. Petersburg and 160
the country ; itis generallythin and bad, and in many
At this estate of his father- placesa tatal failure; it is chieflvhoused by this time ;
miles short of AIoscow.
in-law he sojourned
the daily they began cuttingit on the 15th of August, but the
some
time; witnessing
harvest this year is later than usual, Basides rye, oats
the habits of the
economy of the house, observing
here in largequantities,
are grown
and flax to a
liarley
serfs and their mode of life,and occasionally
visitingconsiderable
extent, ami a good deal of hemp ; there
bad
roads
the neighbouringgentry fifty
miles over
also
few
are
a
small patohes of sprinir
peas, and some
The following
is
beingthe drive to a dinner-party.
wheat, wiiich however looks very unthriving; a few
of the
an
account
around
and potatoes
the villages,
hops are to be seen

RUSSIAN

FARMERS.

"

"

and cabbages are

sumption.
conlargelycultivated for human
Agriculture
The second day of our
Russia.
Tiie former vegetable has, I believe,i-iot
in
visit brought a decided improvement in the vveather; been introduced
the
tent
peasantry to any great examong
and I had a drive with the General alter breakfast in a
till of late years ; and even
now
they rely mucii
low phaiton,
to see a littleof his estate, vvhicii consists
the
which
have
more
u peculiar
cabbage,
they
upon
of apparently
sound
arable. The
mode of picklingfor winter food, since they cannot
good land,chiefly
*
*
land
witli
will
not
bear
a
from
frost.
English always preserve potatoes
the
comparison
grass
As soon
is cut, it is dried on a sort of kiln,
pasture, and the crops of hay are very li;;ht,
though
as the corn
threshed out, and stored up in largebins in the granaihey are here considered particularly
good this year.
ries.
and horned
1'iichorses,sheep,pigs,
which com"
cattle,
workeil by
Here there is a threshingmachine
of
and
the
live
small
inferior
b
ut
is
a
the
flail
stock,
are
used
well
as
horses,
very
pose
by women
as
men.
kind ; but I am told that the expense of improvingtliem
I have seen the peasants often threshingtheir own
corn
by a mixture of foreignbreeds, is very much dispro- without an implementof any kind,merely takingup the
portionedto the profit
the head* upon
thereby derived. The animals of sheaf by the lower end and beatinga
in
every kind are necessarilyhoused at night,even
spot of hard dry ground, swept clean as a threshingthe
of
which
account
floor.
their
fires
are
in
on
slieds
merous
wolves,
They dry
summer,
corn
by
largeopen
very nuand troublesome in this neighbourhood.In the
built on purpo.-e ; but sad calamities are, as misrht be
and
stock
tliewhole
remains
the
out
to
result
of
this
feed,
morning
expected,
dangerous practice.
goes
frequent
during the day under the protectionof a herdsman, All the agricultural
implementsin generaluse are rude
in the extreme
whose badge of office is a whip,which he carries over
the
peasant'sspade is a mere paddle of
;
his shoulder,
with a short handle and a long-heavy lash
olien not ;
wood, sometimes shod with iron, but more
for several feet along the ground behind him.
drawn
his ])loughis an ineftV-ctive
trailing'
instrument
by a weak
With thisimplementhe soon reduces to wrder,and brings pony, and his harrow merely consists of boug-!is
f-istened
animal which is inclined
back t" the herd any refractory
with the thin branches
cut off a few inches
together
of fences renders his constant
to stray tiiewant
from the base,so as to form projecting
teeth ; his was'g'on
dance
attenof water and
There is an abundance
does not contain three barrows load, but it is curiaiuly
necessary.
wood, birch, and Scotch and spruce fir,both for fuel
draw.
as his miserable horse can
as much
]']very
peasant
and ordinaryuses, on the estate, which also contains
is a petty farmei'; and the wretched state of af^ri"

"

liraeand brick earth.

culture which existsis,I conceive,the natural consequence

of the system.
Hay Harvest.
The hay harvest,which began about
the middle of July,is only justfinished,
(September)
and the corn harvest is now
proceedingactively. The
OF
THE
ENGLISH
CHARACTER
SANTRY.
PEAin
hay harvest is tedious,owing to the largesurface,
Hodge is now growing up into a tall,long, I
which the scythe has to
to the produce, over
proportion
smocked-frocked, straw-hatted, aukle-booteJ
told that the crops this year were
fellow,
in
pass, though I am
of his own
as
one
locks.
plough-bulplacesthree times as heavy as they were last with a gait as graceful
many
He has grown
up and gone to service,and there
summer.
They have a few large meadows, but the
and
as labourious
a creature
greater part of the hay is procured from littlepatches he is,as simple,as ignorant,
of the waggon-horses he drives. The meas
one
of rough ground on the outskirt of a wood
chanic
amongst
his weekly newspaper
sees
his pipe and
over
the bushes, or from littlehollows which are not cultivated
the
chopstick,the hawbuck,
pot ; but the clodhopper,
owing to the water hanging in them. I have
"

"

fiftymowers
day they had
seen

meadow.

field,but

The

in
at work
hundred
and
hay is not in
a

is loaded

drawn

as

soon

one

place,and

one

fiftymowinpr in one
general dried in the
as

cut

on

wag-gons

by oxen, and brought into a 'largeyard, or

tiiebarn, and istiiereopened
pieceof ground adjoining
eut to dry. They have no hayforks: but instead,tiiey

the hiud, the Johnnyraw, or by whatever

in
name
district he may
be called,is every where
whatever
the
He sees no uewspaper
same.
; and if he did he could
not read it and if he hears his master
reading it ten to
it.
In fact he has no inbut he drops asleep over
one
terest
He
is
such
iu it.
knows
there
a placeas the next
statutes
to
the
and
to the fair,
town, for he goes there
and
the French, and
and he has heard of Lunnon
of
America, and he has
Bonaparte, and, of late years,
some
dreaming notion that he should like to go there,
and
wind
if he could raise the
thought he could find the
of the globe and its
way, and that is all that he knows
fields. The
mechanic
has
concerns, beyond his own
his library,and he reads,and finds that he has a mind,
dreamed
of before.
and a hundred tastes that he never
The clodhopperhas no library,and if he had books in
be to iiiin only so many
his present state they would
things set on end upon shelves. He is as much of an
air and exercise, strong living, and souud
animal
as
make
him, and he is nothingmore.
can
sleeping
"

of the scythe-handle,
or a forked stick.
latter is the only implementthey have for pitching
The
hay is generallyhoused
up the hay into the barn.
of it is put into ricks. Tiiey
the day afteritis cut ; none
make it,
as soon
as itis dry,into large
cocks,under each
cock theythrust crosswise tv.o long slukes,leaving
one
end of each standingout; tiiey
then pass a rope round
cock
it
and attach
the
to a horse,which
draws the hay
thus held togethisr
along the ground to the barn. When
the distance is short,the trouble of loadingand unloiiding waggons is tints saved,and two hordes will in this
of the
manner
brine?in a vast quantityin the course
day ; the tenth cock,as it is brouaht in,is wei"fhed and
taken as the average.
Hoii-iU's Sketches.
The w hole quantityof hay made
use

The

the but-end

"

POTATO.

THE

(for the

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

434

SENTINEL.")

LONDONDERRY

native of South
America, from
into this country in the
which
it was
introduced
cultivated
sixteenth century, hy Raleigli.It was
in gardens as an ornamental
for a length of time
The

is

potato

plant. Its culture, however,

hecame
known,
pro[)erties

spread

soon

it forms

and

as

its

now

not only
great part of the food of the inhahitauts
introduction
of tliiscountry l)ut of Enro])C. The
of the potato into this country has been assigned

by

economists
political

some

the

jjoverty

abounds

; be

and

the chief
with

wretchedness

this

as

agricultural
plnntis

added

cause

which

of

it

cultivation
and
has

great

effected, were
from

sorts

are

which

believed

be
as

yet been

raisingnew

from

that

attention directed

to

seed.

it may,
its importance as an
the plantsare projjagated
from the seeds,
When
well known
and fullyacknowledged,
they require to be plantedfor several successive

now

be questioned for a
years
greatlylessened the hazards of hence
of the laUoming- seldom
to the comforts

famine,

and

classes

in the countries

it has been

into which

troduced.
infrom
one

The

it may
of

doubt
no
greatly
they all originated,
that the plantis yet susceptible
degree of improvement as

present day

at the

superior to

it cannot

and
that it has

moment

as

in cultivation. With
respect to choice of
many
be given which
would be
sorts, no directions can
of
of any service to the cidtivator,as the names
ety
variand the same
the varieties are
so
arbitrary,
is not unfrequentlyknown
by different names
for cultivation,
In selecting
in different districts.
a sort
atlention should rather be paid to its properties,
The
varieties in
than to any local name.

potato belongs to

before

the

it is that

adopted.
the tubers,
season,

and

attain their full size,and

is so
method
of reproduction

tubers
this

When
they are raised at once
they yield their full produce in
this is, accordingly, the plan

the

ral
solanum, sevegenus
cultivated
in different

usuallyfollowed.
The
varieties from seed
are
mode of procuringnew
speciesof which
and
Some
of the largestand
is simple,but
tedious.
countries,for their uses in domestic economy
known
the arts, while others
noted
as deadly poiare
sons. best formed berries,when fullyripe,which is denum
Of all the speciesthe most
important is Solaby the change of their colour, and by the
tuberosum
rooted night-shade stalk having become
the tuberous
withered, are plucked, and
then
or
are
the pulp separatedfrom the seeds, which
potato.
"

in
varieties of the potato aie innumerable.
These
to be sown
seeds are
dried in the sun.
their leaves and
bulk of haulm"
the produce taken
in
the following spring, and
up
the colour of the skin of the tubers
in the colour
tained
They will then have nearlyatearlyin October.
of the interior,compared with that of the skin
the size of small
plums. The fairest and
in the time of ripening in being farinaceous, glufrom
selected
to be
and
best
are
tinous,
kept secure
in tasting agreeably or disagreeably
or
frost by thoroughlydrying, and
intermixing,and
watery
in the length of the stoJones to which
covering them with dry saw-dust or coal ashes.
in blossoming or not blossoming
the tubers are attached
of April following,they are to be
In the month
and finally,
in the soil which
thej'prefer. plantedin beds at a distance from one another of
The
the
potato is reproducedby plantingthe tubers, from fifteen to eighteen inches; and when
from
and occasionally
face,
sowing the seed which is young plants are about two inches above the surClimate, soil,and mode
ju'oducedon the stem.
they are earthed up with the hoe, and this

The

They

differ in

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

of culture

to

certain

extent

produce changes in

and habit of the plant,but the innumerable

be attributed
varieties in cultivation cannot
to this cause,
being the result of raisingthe potato
occasionallyfrom seed as other plants.
The
number
varieties
of
great
produced even
from a singleapple is astonishing. In an experiment
recorded
in the couiAnderson
by Doctor
munications
to the Board
of Agriculture,he says

the

nature

operationis to

be repeatedseveral times duringthe

they may be kept clear of weeds.
When
they have arrived at maturity,which will
be denoted by the decaj'
of their stems, they are to
be taken iip in succession as they ripen,preserving
only a limited number, and keeping the produce
season,

that

of each

separate, otherwise

an

unmixed

stock

procured. These are again to be sown

in the followingspring, and treated during their
vation
and by careful obsergrowth in the same
manner;
be formed
now
a judgment may
respecting
the superior
the value of the different sorts, when
ones
only are to be reserved for seed and the others
rejected.It is, however, better to preserve a sufiicient number, keeping the produce of each
rate,
sepa-

cannot

be

"

the diversitywas
so
great, that it could
scarcelybe called short of infinite. The potatoes
diversified prodigiouslyin regard to colour
vrere
being of various hues ; to shape,long,round, and
in various proportions; to size,
knobbed
of
some
them
being no largerthan peas, while others exceeded
the size of the largest
characters
pullet's
as before, as their permanent
egg ; to earlimay
of them
some
three
it takes
havingcompleted their growth, not yet be fullydeveloped. Thus
'jiess,
would be entirely
formed
ripe before the month of August,
opinion can be correctly
years before an
while others were
only coming into blossom in the
respectingthe merits of each sort.
of October; to jjndijicacy,
month
some
of potatoesdo not
of the earlier sorts
yielding Some
nearly a hundred, and others only three or four; blossom, and consequentlydo not, under ordinary
to mode
of yrowih, some
running out to a great
produce seed. To jjrocnre blossoms
management,
it is necessary, from time to
distance,others growing quiteclose to the stem,
and seeds from them
some
toregrowing deep down, while others rose to the
time, during the earlypart of the summer,
surface ; to quality,
some
and
being tough and watery, move
the earth from the roots of the plants,
others
take away
the potatoes as they begin to form.
dry and mealy, some
Hy
very pleasingto the
taste,others not eatable ; and respectingstems, thus preventing the strength of the jdant from
some
produced a singlestalk like a rod, others an
being employed in forming tubers at the root, it
immense
tion,
profusionof stems, some
and parts of fructificavery luxuriant, will be directed to the stem
others
In short, continues
extremely dwarfish.
and seeds will accordinglybe
and blossoms
the Doctor, it would take a volume
to describe all
produced.
their varieties.
It is thus that new
varieties of the potatoare
New
varieties being, therefore,so
easily
produced, and althoughthe process is tedious,and
produced,
it is not to be wondered
that there arc so
attended with some
trouble,yet there is every ia-

that

THE
diicement

make

to

MAGAZINE.

trial. Nor

is it from seed
maile in tlus respect.
i)esto\vc(l attention to

that

improvements may
has
Ever}'one who

alone

FARMER'S

he

when

435

they are

have

had

free from

their

well

stagnant moisture, and

broken

down
by cidture
applicationof a sufficient quantityof maof potatoes at large,must
the culture
have
served nuie.
obDeep dark peat often produces largecrops ;
that stems
and it is one source
greatlymore
of great value in this plant,
productive than
with in every field. And alothers are to be met
though esi)ecially
in this
be so successfully
country, that it can
this may
sometimes
cumstance
cultivated on newly reclaimed mossy land.
happen from a cirin no way
In wet
is inferior in producdepending on kind, yet in
clays the return
tiveness
to
and quality; and when
generalthere is room
suspect it may be owing
quently
repeated too freto some
the same
peculiarproperty not possessed by the
on
the potato becomes
cient
defisoil,
others.

The

the

picked up with care,

each stem
by itself,until
be

be ascertained,

for

when

the

that

circumstances,

Each

and

potato contains
will arise.

the

might

their
to

are

great
thus

lities
quabe selected

eyes, from

This

each

rise

gave

additional

be obtained.

of buds

number

termed

commonly

stem

ke])t,

reproduction,and carefully
kept for that
incredible the great improvement
might be effected by payingattention to

quantityof produce which

mens,

best

fore,
there-

and

It is almost

purpose.
these

indivi(lual stems

of these

best

ought to
produce of

to

the

or
gerof which

potato entire.
also
the

Particular parts of the jiotato

are

preferred,the sets, for instance, taken from

top end being generallyconsidered better for

seed

than

and

when

large,it
sets

from the end attached

the potatoes to be used

those
is

to
])ractice

common

from

obtained

the

to

for
use

end,

top

the stem

seed

and the

in flavour.
Potatoes
should, except in peculiar cases, be
cultivated by the plough." The cases
in which
spade culture maybe advantageouslyadopted are
in newly reclaimed land not yet entirely
cleared of

obstructions,and in steep banks inaccessible to

the plough. Spade-cultureshould
also be adopted
by the cottier and sm;-ill holder ; but the mode of
is so well uncultivating
potatoes by this method
derstood
in this

woidd
The

common

practiceof dividingeach tuber into a number of

sets, each having, of course,
one
or
more
eyes, as
economical
being a more
plan than to plant the

parts

be

country,

that

any

account

of it

unnecessary.

potato belongs

the class of restorative

should therefore succeed
a corn
times
Somecrop and be succeeded by another.
potatoes are plantedupon land newly broken
in which
the ridge or
case
up from
grass,
lazyand

cleaningcrops,

beil

system

deviation
cannot

is

to

and

employed.

This

is, however,

from

the rules alreadylaid down, and

be recommended
except on rough land not

under
pr-viously
tillage.
In the preparationof the land for
only the
potatoes, it is
to free it as completely as possible
reserving of ini[)ortance
are

the

from root weeds, which

remaining part of the ])otato for consumphe so well
cannot
pated
extirtion
When
by live stock.
potatoes are cut for
afterwards,as in the culture of turnipsand
other drilled crops, both because the horsesome
planting,the sets should bo of sufficient size to
which
the stems
hoe must
nourish
them
be exi)elled
proceed from
altogetherat a time when
during the first stages of their growth, for it is vegetationis stdl vigorous,and because at no period
evident to any one
gree
of their growth is it safe to work
possessedof the smallest deso
the
near
of practical
of
the
nature
of
knowledge
after they have made some
getables, plants,especially
vegress
prothat the strengthof the stem at the outin growtii. It is the earlier time of
set
planting
depends in direct proportionupon the vigour and of finishingthe after culture, that renders
The
of the set.
and power
set, therefore, ought
potatoes a very indiflfereut substitute for fallow,
and in this
fourth part of
to be large,rarelysmaller than
a
respect in no degree comparable to
the potato; and if the potato is of small size, turnips.
be profitablyused ; at all events,
one-half may
As in the case
of the summer
fallow,the land
rather err in giving too largeseed than in making
is to be ploughed after harvest with a deep furrow
them
in the direction of the former ridges,so as to
too small ; because
no
by the first error
keep
it dry and
great loss can be sustained, but by the other a
in the following
prepare it for earlytillage
be the consequence.
feeble and late crop may
spring and the clearing out of head-lands
the hollow
l\Ianyapprove of planting the potato entire ; and making channels across
parts of
and this mode
has certainly
been gaining ground
the field must
be attended
to in order to convey
off superfluousmoisture.
in this country of late. A greater securityis thus
In spring, as soon
as
of failure in the
the other labours of the farm allow,and
provided against the occurrence
the land
of
is
but
is
much
seed
is
a
quired.
relarger quantity
sufficiently
dry, it to be cross-ploughed,
crop,
and
The
smaller and middle sized potatoes
harrowed
by repeateddouble turns of the harrow
in every direction. The roller also is to be emare
preferredfor plantingwhole ; and perhaps the
ployed
to reduce
the soil ; and all the root weeds
preferablejdan is to use an equal portionof whole
and cut potatoes ; as, in the event
of the cut potato be carefullycollected and
are
carried away to
toes
be formed
into a compost as already described in
not
succeeding, there will be a sufficient
the
able
of the
fallows.
quantityof the others for a crop ; and a considersummer
The
management
land is next ploughed in a direction
saving of seed is effected.
crossingthe
It is a generallyreceived opinion that potatoes last ploughing,or rather
the ploughs
may cross
the field diagonally,
not fullyripened at the period of taking up the
because, as it is always desirable
make
to
each
alternate ploughingcross
vigorous for seed ; and it has also
crop are more
the
been recommended
to cut the potatoes for seed a
previous one, and as the nest
ploughing
-.

considerable

time

before

planting
;

but

the

pro-

these
of both
])rietj'^
practiceshas been much
be regarded as
questionedof late, and it cannot
settled
The

at

present.

soil in which

lightloam, neither
rich, it is
be grown

so

much

the potato succeeds

too

dry

nor

the better.

too

best, is

moist; but

It may,

if

however,

other sorts of land, especially

many
those of the mossy, moory and similar kinds,
well

on

which

torms

the

drills will be in

the

direction of
thus be
made to cross
each
other.
After this ploughing
the land is to be harrowed, and rolled,if
necessary,
the weeds
collected and removed
being carefully
before.
as
In most
this preparation will generally
cases
fit the land for being formed
into drills; but in
certain cases
another
ploughing may be necessary,
the former

ridges,all

the

ploughings will

or

FARMER'S

THE

436
perhapsa singleor double

of the

turn

grubber

MAGAZINE.
ACCOUNT

at the
The drills arc formed
may
inches from centre to centre.
of thirty-two
distance
and
is then
conveyed to the field,
The
manure
evenly in the hollows of the drills when
be

substituted.

WITH

EXPERIMENTS
OF

AS

GRASSES

TARES,

spread

the land is ready for the seed.

to prois necessary
duce
A liberal supplyof manure
unless
the land is unusually
a good crop,
fertile. That employed is chieflyfarm-yard dung.
be
that it should
so
pletely
comIt is not necessary
if intended for turnips; but
fermented
as
is obviously requisite
fermentation
such
a degree of

OF

SOME

BY

MR.

THOMAS

FOR

SUBSTITUTE

OR

MADE
RARER

THE

THE

OF

FAILURE

BISHOP,

TER-MATH.
AF-

METHVEN

LAND-STEWARD,

CASTI.E.

Journal ofAgricullure.)
(From the Quarterly

the complete decomposition

Hudson
The Poa nervosa,
or
Bay meadow-grass,
being appliedto the land.
of which I claim the merit of introducinginto the
the
is
the
manure
spread along
as
As
soon
first received
of Scotland, was
agriculture
by me
the potatoes are to be planted.
hollows
of the drills,
of the Botanic
from
Mr. Stuart Murray, Curator
The sets are placedten inches asunder in the rows
;
Garden, Glasgow, about
eight or nine years ago,
and if whole and cut seed are both employed, they
other grasses recentlyreceived
from
some
amongst
are
plantedby ditferent persons, or by the same
North
America.
ness
Perceiving it to retain a freshthe
the
time
drill,
second
along
a
going
person
during the severityof winter, to rise earlier
the required
sets being first placed at double
in the spring, and
on
being cut over, to reproduce
that
sets
the
It is of importance
distance.
with
leaves and flower-stems
far
a
rapidity
direct line along the
a
should be placed in
exceeding the many other species which I had in
the
between
drills,
as
hollow
the
of
centre
space
keeping, induced me to extend its cultivation by
those placed out of this line are in danger of being
and in mixture
with other pasture grasses.
itself,
injuredby the after culture of the crop.
I have sold and
given away seeds of it to several
The
sets are
usually placed upon the manure,
individuals,who have found it to possess all the
under
recommend
it,as
placing them
but some
of an excellent ])asturegrass.* The Poa
requisites
the
being the better practice. In the ascent of
allied to it of
nemoralls
is the nearest
angustifolia
it naturallyprotrudes through the dungshoot
it difwhich
of the British grasses, but from
fers
any
the
fibres
and
numerous
the
set,
when placed over
in the general habit of growth and
widely
much
thus
more
come
extending from it must
succulency of stem and leaves.
The
the
with
manure.
readily into contact
recollection of having
Mr. JNIurray
has now
no
been
instances
in
has
this
of
plan
many
superiority
and
of Poa
had a grass under the name
nervosa,
tional
addiwith
attended
some
quiteapparent,but it is
had
been
that the name
attached to

will

as

of the

ensure

after

manure

"

"

suspects

trouble.

The

the weather

light,and

dry at

the

When

reversed.

drills are

the
planted,
is

being spread, and

manure

the

potatoes
the

time

of

The

soil

ing,
plant-

drills may be immediately rolled with a

vent
lightroller to consolidate the earth, so as to prewould have the
which
undue
evaporation,

my

plantinadvertentlyby

A])rilor beginning of May

prepared for the general
of good crops
instances
There
are
many
crop.
being obtained after planting in the end of May
; but such
or
beginning of the succeeding month
The
be recommended.
late plantingcannot
progard
duce from earlyplantingis always superiorin reto quality,
although the quantitymay be less.
The
quantity of seed depends upon the size of
of
the sets are
the potatoes. In general when
sufficient size,from twenty to twenty-four bushels
will be requiredto the acre.
ing,
The
after culture of potatoesconsists in harrowhoeing, weeding, and earthingup the crop.
after planting,the whole
In a fortnightor more
effect of this tillage
The
fieldis to be harrowed.
to level the
will be partially
ground and destroy
have begun to vegetate. The
that may
any weeds
the potatoes will be materially
depth of covering over
reduced
by this operation,and the soil well
lerate
pulverized,both of which will contribute to accethe
the growth of the plants. Hy levelling
is

usually the end

before

the land

of

be

can

drills it is also considered that

better up in a direct line, the

immediately

earth
to make

But
no

when

them
the

come

over

through

drills have

such effect can

them

be

the

had

Gramineus

produced.

mentioned,

not

access

first

at

the
12, in illustrating

page

riety
va-

at page
17, for that of
stems, and
the flower or seed.
But whether
the plant which
I now
take the freedom
ety's
the Socito bring under
consideration
is the same
or
not, I must
leave to botanists of higher reseach
to determine.
The
importance of securing for bestial a full
supply of green food, of rich and nutritious quality,

of grass

the

during

are

and

summer

months,

autumn

is

to all who

the inconvehave observed

nience
in general
and
to which
farmers
ex])ense
almost yearlysubjected,by the failure of

evident

so

now

of clover,that it requireslittle
to grow
tares as
Many are induced
dered
consia substitute,notwithstandingthat they are
a
scourging crop, and little calculated to
and
sustain the health
mals
strength of working aniunder
any degree of hard labour.
The
of an
success
experiment (to obviate the
the deficiency
necessityof growing tares, and to meet
last year on
of after-grass),
made
by me
IMr. Smythc's home
farm, at Rlethven Castle,and
to make
me
again repeatedthis season, warrants
it more
This consists of a
extensivelyknown.
combination
of grass seeds that will perfecttheir
their

second

crops

illustration.

culms

or

they are

flower-stems
sown,

with two

or

when

three

the
not

kinds

same

season

imjjededby
of clovers

in which

grain crop,
suited, as early
a

come

deep covering of
having a tendency

the sides

been

stems

men.

appear in any botanical work

in Sinclair's Hortvs
to, save
Woburnensis,where it is twice cursorily
does

name

that I have

the

effect of retardingthe growth of the crop.

usual period of planting is during the
The
Some
of Apriland the firstweek in May.
month
of the earlysorts may be planted in JMarch,but it

of his j'oung

some

of the drills.

rolled
previously
S.

See

natural

Mr. Fdack
of experimn'ntson
Dalkeith park, published in the

Report by
grasses,

at

Journal of Agriculture,No.
Quarterlj'^
in the
descriptionof its peculiarities
Courier of 21st

April,1836.

40 ; also

FertLsLire

FARMER'S

THE
and
late food is required,
the several seeds, or

varied

by proportioning

MAGAZINE.
clover,to

437

a permanent
sward to assimilate
of the field when
sown
out
of the
all the purthan
more
times, as to serve
green crop. The land was
poses
properlypulverizedand
terfering
be applied,without insmoothed
to which tares can
with the roller,before the grass
seeds
with
were
sown.
These
in with a bush
succeeding-crops ; or they may be
covered
were
harrow
made the basis of permanent
pasture, by adding
(partially
worn) and finished with a second
the seeds of the more
The
roiling.
seeds sprung
enduring natural grasses.
up
vigorously,
and have proved a valuable
A short detail of the experiments and results,will
crop ; the last of a first
to illustrate the value
and advantages
best serve
cuttinghavingonly been taken home on the 17th
of October, until which
of the system.
time there had
been
or

so

sowing

ferent with
at dif-

them

the

ensure

rest

an

In

a field of heavy red loam, which

spring 1S,'"7,
had been under a crop of potatoes and turnipsthe
with
out
preceding season, was
ready to be sown
perial
this about
barleyand grass seeds. From
2}jimwere
set apart for the experiment,into
acres
which
no
Before the ground
sown.
grain was
could be brought to a proper tilth,a tract of rainy
weather
set in which
delayed the sowing until the
4th
of May. When
still in a damp state the
with 4 bushels of Italian ryeground was sown
grass,

Italicum; 81b. broad-leaved

2)ratcnse; Ah pecks of Fescue

LoUum
grass, Phleiim

Timothy

abundant

supply of the
horses,whilst many

work

have

been

upwards

best

green

food

for the

in the neighbourhood
keep theirs on hay for

necessitated to
of two months.

the uniform
From
springing of the varietyof
seeds sown,
and
the exposure
of the
field,the
Italian rye-grass
did not, this season,
attain the
size which it did in
many parts of last year'scrop,
but
still its apparent value was
not
reduced,

though I had
produce per

not

the

acre

by

opportunityto ascertain the

weiglitand measurement.

actual

grasses,

Several gentlemen around, and from a distance,

fescue, Festuca prahave
tensis: 20 lbs. of crimson
clover seed, Tri/oUum
inspected these experiments, and seemed
incarnafum
81b. red clover, TrifoUum prafpn.se; highlygratified
with the results.
;
and 12 lbs. white clover, TrifoUum repens, to secure
permanent pasturage. All the seeds vegetated
rather
of the dry cold
slowly, on account
FARING
DON.
weather
that followed, but on the return
of moist
of tliemost influentialagricidturists
of
Upwards
forty
weather, they grew with astonishingrapidity,so

including2^ pecks of

meadow

in condition
for mowing
food for
as
the 15th August, and they continued to
ber,
yield an abundant
supply imtil the end of Octopart having been cut a second time.
Many
of the Italian rye-grass stalks measured
five feet
and upwards in length,from which a considerable
saved from a portion
quantityof ripe seeds were
made into hay; the Timothy grass came
partially
into flower and
seeded ; and the crimson
clover
much
earlier than the common
was
red, but both
The
horses
that were
fed on
gave good returns.
the mixture
got into better condition than they
had been during the previous part of the season,
ployed
being emsevere,
although their work was more
time in subsoil ploughing raoorat the
be

to

as

horses

on

grnund.
The
weight of green produce cut in a dry state
the 26th
of September, yielded at the rate of
on
ten tons seven
hundred-weight per imperial acre,
three
tons
and in hay two
hundred-weight. The
greater part of the
the

during

winter

Italian

rye-grass

was

killed

the

long-continued snow
remained, with the Timothy

by

storm, but that which

fescue grasses, gave an excellent crop
and meadow
the first of the seaand was
of hay last summer,
son
for the soilingof
of being mown
to admit
bestial.
The
the

extent

same

year,
which

of

success

encouraged
was

this

last

year'sexperiment having
of the

continuance
of
season

ground
set

as

system,

about

occupied with it last

apart

on

another

field,

tins neii^hbourhood,
down to dinner at
sat
Salutation Inn,in thistown, on Tuesday,Aiiril23,
to which Mr. Edward
of Loncrcol House, was
Stralton,
invited for the purposeofpresentingto him a very handsome
silvertankard,(not a g-oblet,
as stated in our
last.)
After the cloth had been removed,and the usual loyal

in
residing:
the

g-iven,

toasts

C. S. Medlev, Esq,, who was in the Chair,rose and

announced to the company
the object
forwhich theyhad
met ; he said,he couldnot speak too hig-hly
of tlieconduct
of J\Ir.Stratton in all his dealing's,
as
a purchaser
of corn
at this market, and he was
to
find
happy
sucli
conduct had been dulyappreciatedby the supporters of
the market, as was
manifested by their exertions in
raisingby subscriptionthe handsome testimonial which
of presenting-.
he had that day the pleasure
The worthy
addressed Mr. Stratton in very
Chairman emphatically

eloquentterms, and presented to him the tjuikard,

chased and ornamented
which was
with apelegantly
propriate
emblems of husbandry,
bearingthe followingPresented to Mr. Edwaid Stratton,
:"
23d
inscription
April,1839,by tlie Farmers at Faring-don,
as
monial
testia
of their high sense of his probity
in all matters
of
as a largepurchaser of corn
business,and particularly
"

at that

market." The Chairman

of Mr.

Stratton.
tankard was

The

until every

soon

then proposed the health

filledwith

champagne, and

pei-son present had

had

an

plenished
re-

tunity
oppor-

of doingjustice
to the health proposed.
Mr. Stratton, in a very excellent speech,returned
thanks,and concluded by promisingto use his utmost
endeavours to support the market ; and proposed as a
"
toast, Success to the FaringdouCattle Market."
"

Song-,

the

Ploughshareof England."

Chairman
next
proposed the health of Mr.
had
borne
of oats the preceding JosephPenstone, who had exerted himself in raisinga
crop
the
After having been broken up from the old
season.
and made
choice of the handsome
tankard
subscription,
receiving a subsoil ploughing along before him.
grass, and
Mr. Penstone
returned thanks,and spoke in the
with the rest of the field,
the ground was
manured
of JMr. Stratton'sconduct as a farmer and
terms
highest
with the same
proportion of farm-yard dung as
supporter of the market.
allotted to the remainder
for green crops, and
then proposed the healths of Mr.
The Chairman
20th
of
with
the
similar
ment
assortsown
a
on
April
Thomas
of Brize Norton ; JMr. Williams, of
Gillett,
creasing
of grass seeds, as formerly enumerated, in.Tohn Harris, of Hinton ; Mr. John
Buckland
; I\lr.
the red clover to 71b. per acre, and
sening
lesBrooks, of Cold Harbour ; and other gentlemen present,
the crimson

to the

same

weight, and adding

the Timothy 41b. per acre, with Jib.of meadow

to
foxtail grass, Alopecurustprattnsis, besides
others of the poa and festuca genera with white

to

The

wlio

returned
severally

thanks.

J\Tanyexcellent sonafs and gleeswere sung duringthe

evening-,and the whole passed off with the greatest
hilarity.

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

438

the soil,
able
ennor
of his farm
fertility
equal to the turnip; and we are happy to see that
their culture is yearlyexteiuling,
and we
hope ere
long to see the whole farmers in the kingdom
C.
tlioroughlyalive to its advantages.
AprilI'M.

OF
VALUE
CROPS.

COMPARATIVE
THE
OM
POTATO
AND
TURNIP
THE

quantity of valuable
the farmer

before the
or
on
Swedish turnipsshould be sown
kinds
of the
middle of next month ; the different
and Dale's Hybrid, about the latter end
Aberdeen
The
Globe, Norfolk, and
of it,or earlv in June.
from the middle of
Tankard
turnipsmay be sown
tillthe middle of July, but
when
of success
they are
middle till the latter end of June.
farmers complain of the
Some

June

chance

there

is better

sown

from

GROWTH

the

OF

to

manure

to increase

the

TURNIPS.

SWEDISH

The various
practicespursued in the cultivation
of this root, the different results of tliepractices,
and
succeedingcrop
the very useful nature
well grown,
of tlie bulb when
after turnipsthan after potatoes
being less productive
make
tiiera al all times an interesting
subjectof
never
saw
any just
own
part,we
; for our
that they siiould be largeis one
and maobjectof
the culture
nagement enquiry;
where
of
complaint
ground
the farmer,for tbey are
sound
and
when large,
as
of the turnipcrop was
judiciously
perluxuriantly grown, as when small and stunted ; on
to bo
consider the potato crop
fomed
; and we
far more
this head, therefore,they are
than
preferable
exhausting,and less profitable
comparatively
tbau tlie white or other common
The
Turnip, and cannot
to show.
turnips. This we shall endeavour
be manured
too highly; indeed the farmer wlio wants
for potatoes
is necessary
and manure
labour
same
of Swedish
a crop
vantage
the adhas
farmer
the
Turnips ought Jiot to spare the
that
this
exception,
"with
of a few pounds per acre
iu artificial dressing
expense
of preparing his ground for turnipsat a
to insure a crop ; it is notlike a dressing
to acornand every ojiportunity
slack season,
comparatively
crop, where ihe straw
may be driven too luxuriant to
afforded for thoroughly eradicatingweeds, which
bear grain; in this root you cannot
a
is
one),
it
very easilyoverdo
means
no
trifling
by
(and
advantage,
latelygiven of an excellent produce
potatoes it. The account
is not allowable at the earlyperiod when
of tillsbulb
at Frensham, near
is
Farnham, calls forth
are
put into the ground. The potato crop
productive
crop, on the
transferred to the market, and consequently this statement ef a stillmore
clilefly
side of the far-famed hop-growing market
of
to
o])posile
a
returns
very inadequate quantity manure
at the Tithingof Badshot : the land it is
town, viz.,
the soil ; whereas the turnipcrop, with rare exceptions,
is of a far superiornature
described
it is proto the one
is consumed
duced, true,
upon tlie farm where
of the three
at rrensluun, for it is a good mixture
nure
and by the largequantityof valuable maearths,en a subsoil of chalk,and lias been
accumulated
by their consumption, turnipis common
cultivated soil for ages, therefore must
have a
a
cultivation we
the
most
enriching crop imder
of the residuum
of various manures
largeproportion
of.
know
"
in its texture, thisresiduum is now
termed
TUKNITS.
humus,"
WITH
ACKE
IRISH
SEED
AN
TO
or
Irish
pabulum for any vegetation.I'his land has been
of an
The
,

acre

produce
of turnipsmay

experimentedupon by

be

by having had

40

tons,
will
maintain
which
(at least) four horned
cattle for f) months.

reckoned

at

was

of
q_uantity

the

made
time will be

"20

here

was

no

had

oleaginousanimal
been

driven

oft

or

vegetable

by fire,in

the

shape of smoke, and what reuiained was the alkali,

direct vegetable food. The
(potash)as the onl)"^
of having the ashes as
fresh as possible,
jiropriely

before

nure
ma-

IG

Proprietor,
spirited

dressed in different ways ;

during that
worth....

the very

turf ashes, by soot, by hair,and by a

animal matter, the producewas
tlie whole; the onlydeficiency
discernible
the part where the ashes were
used ; of

decay,tlie carbon

during that time,

amounting to

And

in

course,

value

acres

carbonaceous

good over

in

month

1/. per

common

mixed

will

these

of

Each
make

by

ten

been washed
dent
by rains,must be evihas seen
who
the alkali washed
every one
ashes to soften vvater,and in this light
out of wood
it is now
viewed by this experienced
agricultural
gentleman,vi-ho expends ever)^ year not less than
hundred
manures.
one
pounds in extraneous
The
mode
adopted on this farm for puttingin the
stated :
be briefly
seed,and after-management,
may
The
land is brought to a tine state of tillage,
nured
maall over, ploughed
with a very broad seam, a
hand seed-machine run
teen
up each furrow, making fourin their
in each rod wide ; the hocings,
rows
made tiiree times,and ultimately
are
proper seasons,

iheyhave

to

"36
seed

priceof

Deduct

"35
other

the

On

hand,

16

an

of potatoesmay be
calculated to
])roduce
fair average
a
upon
bushels,
400
about

acre

which

at Is. per

amount

to

priceof

Deduct

"

bushel,
0

1 K)

"20
seed

"18

the

bulbs

are

left at 16 inches

rod,per rod, thus giving 1G8

0
in favour of turnipsof "17 11
ring
of labour, and expense of transferthan
the potato crop to market, far more
of
of
attendance
the expense
counterbalances

Leaving abalance
And

the loss

cattle,"c.
We

are

aware

but
or

this

average

farmers derive

that many

produce of potatoes
is

per

acre

than

we

have

onlythe exception,not

larger
tioned,
men-

the

neral
ge-

produce.

No crop, which can be raised at so cheap a rate

of animals per acre
will maintain
such a number
the consumption of which will return such a large

distance,12
bulhs

to

in the

the square
weeks
ago,

bulb was
drawn a few
an
average
and the ero]) computedall over
and weighed 4 lbs.,
the field to yieldat least 160 turnipsto the square
rod ; this would give 600 lbs. to the rod, 60 lbs. to
the bu';bel would be 10 bushels per rod,and over an
On this excellent
would make 4'^ tons 1~ cwt.
acre
rod ;

600 sheepfattening,
growth of turnipsthere are now
and now
nearlyfinished : so good are the sheep,that
them on specuinduced to jiurchase
a neighbourwas
lation,
and

take the chances

of the London

and other

markets,and it is hoped he M'illdo well by the

chase,
pur-

L"

THE

WOOL

THE

TO

GRAZIERS

FARMER'S

GROWERS
THE

OF

MAGAZINE.

AND

COUNTY

heavy penalty attached to those who are convicted

of doing it. I am
inclined to think
the practice
of enclosing clogs and
underlocks
inside the
fleece prevailsto a much
greater extent than the
have any idea of; 1 believe it is practised
growers
by the shearers without their knowledge or sanction.
The
fleeces should be wound
and
as closely
and the band
securelyas possible,
drawn from the
middle or back part of it. I have now,
1 believe,
through all the stages connected with the
gone
of washing and
process
shearing, and perhaps
when they peruse
it,will smile at the idea
many
of my taking so much
them
trouble to inform
what they so well knew before.
But, as I stated

OF

ESSEX.

Cofff/eshall,
May
Gentlemen,

As

1.

of
upon
desiiuus (through
another clippingseason, I am
of this journal) of inviting your
the medium
relative to the washing of
notice to a few remarks
I consider has not
It is a subjectwhich
sheep.
received the attention
the importance of
generally
I think it is not sufficiently
it demands.
impressed
how much
upon the minds of the wool growers,
in which
the value of wool is affected by the mode
the outset, I did not
at
to furnish you
AVith
arc
conducted.
these ojjerations
presume
a
view,
with any
novelty, my object will be gained, if
ject,
therefore, of directingyour attention to the subby the above hints I succeed in rousing your attention
rather than with any idea of suggestingwhat
more
fullyto the subject,and induce you
is new
marks.
ujjon it, 1 beg to ofl'erthe followingreto infuse into this department of your
avocations
The most suitable time should be selected ;
the same
spiritof inquiry and improvement,
if the shearing takes place too early,the stapleof
at the present time
so
the wool is deprived of that length and elasticity which
generallypervades
of agriculturaland
branches
essential to combing purposes ; if too late, ail other
grazing
so
operations. I am
fullypersuaded it would highly
themselves often suffer,and the wool
the animals
conduce
to
the interests of the wool-growers,as
in weight and quality. Of course
loses both
the
the
as
manufacturers.
in some
wool-staplers and
time must
be regulated well
measure
jjrecise
"Wishing you a fair priceand a ready market for
and condition of the sheep, but as a
by the season
"

we

are

the

439

now

eve

"

generalrule I think there is no period found

more
advantageous for this county than the

to be

your

first

coming clip,
I remain, gentlemen.
Your

and second weeks in June for the Downs

and cross
breeds; and the middle and latter end of June
and
Leicester breeds.
for the pure-bred Kents
I
next
would
observe, that softness,brightnessof
dispensable
colour, and cleanliness of the wool, are most inrequisitesto the manufacturer, and
LABOURERS'
it is the obvious
interest of the wool grower
to
these

points. In order to
recommend
this, I would
particular attention
being given to the following points: securinga
plentifulsupply of clean water at the time of
about
W'ashing,and using it freely,j)articularly
the under
parts of the sheep. Feeding the sheep
on
i)asturesor well covered clover layers,and not
to be driven
on
permitting them
dusty roads till
Never
than seven
allowing more
they are shorn.
ing,
or ten
days to elapsebetween washing and shearendeavour

to

secure

"

It
unless under unavoidable circumstances.
is erroneouslyconsidered by some,
that extending
fourteen
the time
from
to twenty-one
parts
days, imadditional degree of softness
to the wool
an
that is valuable to the manufacturer.
AVhatever
softness is thus obtained, results merely from an
outside
of animal
the fibre
accumulation
grease
of the wool, and is entirely
lost in the process of
manufacturing. The richness and softness that
is of any real value to the manufacturer
can
only
be
acquired by attention to the breeding and

feeding,and

is in a
that the animal
taking care
If the weather
be
shearingtime.
cold, herding the sheep closelytogetherin a barn
or
shed, the night before
they are shorn, will
force the fluids of the animal into full and vigorous
circulation,promote perspiration,and assist to
produce the softness required. Another
most
important particularis, to see that the place set
apart for shearingis cleared of allkinds of rubbish,
proper

such

state at

other
straws, short grass, chaff, or any
the wool may
substance
be liable to gather up ;
the most
minute
of
as all these
substances, even
them, have to be picked from
the fleece before it
be used, this is attended
with considerable excan
pense
and trouble.
No
cloggings,lumps of dirt,
underlocks
should be suffered to be rolled up
or
with the fleece,
such a practiceis unfair to the
as
purchaser, and by act of parliamentthere is a
as

most

obedient

STEPHEN

FRIEND

servant,

UNWIN,

Jun.

SOCIETY.-It

much
pleasure to be enabled to inform
that a societyhas been just formed, under
us

aflFords
our

readers

the title of
The
Labourers' Friends' Association,"
Stockbridge
the object
of whicli is to promote and reward
duct,
good conand to encourage
industrious habits among
farilnservants, cottagers,and labourers.
Mr. Baring Wall
has been elected president,Sir John Barker
]Mii) vicepresident,Mr. Elwes treasurer, and the Rev. Walter
Blunt secretary of the Association
; and it is intended,
should the state of the funds permit, of which, it is to
be hoped, no
doubt
need be entertained,to offer premiums
to the ploughmen who
shall plough a certain
"

quantityof

land in the best manner;

to the shepherds
shall rear
the greatest number
of lambs
with the
least loss of ewes
shall have lived
; to the carters who
longestin service with one master, or on one farm, and
shall produce testimonials that they have never
returned
home
intoxicated
when
sent out with their teams
to
who

labouringservants

of all descriptions,
male
worked
the longest time on

who shall have

without
receivingparochial relief;to

female,
one
farm,

or

farm-servants
shall have deposited
a part of their current
year's
bank ; to cottagers who
shall
wastes in any savings'
exhibit the best samples of potatoes,onions,or other
vegetableproduoe ; to cottagers who shall produce the
of
greatest weightof honey from the smallest number
hives,"c.
who

OF
EMPLOYiMENT
JMINERAL
TAR
OR
PYROLIGNEOUS
PROTHE
FOR
LIQUOR,
WALLS
OF
OF
IMASONRY
OR
TECTION
OF
the walls are
When
MUD.
thoroughlydry, towards
the end of summer
(havingpreviouslybeen eithernewly
built or put into a state of thorough repair),
they are to
with the tar. The
he coated over, once, twice,
or thrice,
be powdered
last coat, immediatelywhen put on, may
with sand ; and this,when
be whitewashed.
solidified,
may
"

In France, earthcrn
walls, and the walls of
and
courtyardsnnd terraces,are treated in this manner,
of great durabiidy. (Annnles des Pouts et
so rendered
Cliaussees,
as
quoted in the Frank, Jour.,vol,xxii.p,

2M.^Gardeneri'

Masasine.)

THE

PARMER'S

the soiJ,witliout
is merely increased on
matter
adding to its productivepowers.
On
it will be
cnretul examination,we
a
thinlc,
found that the production of vegetablesnever
exliausts any soil ; the yearlygrowth of grass with its
and even
a
decay,adds yearlyto its productiveness,
to decay on
plentiful
crop of weeds, wliea allowed
tlie land which produced them, has the same
effect ;

MAGAZINE.

441

and

of moisture
dry weather,the necessary quantity
growing plants,may be reckoned the best and
most
productive.
to

If

we
we

impart to any soilthat which induces vegetation,

ness
improve it and increase its productive-

in any way withdraw

but if we
from it that
tends to produce vegetation,
we
injureit and
may make it sterile. Barrenness in soil is produced
and thus it is,that land, which
when the component parts of it are so firmljhas been
worn
out
united,
that air,water, and the influence of the sun
is by slovenlyfarmers left for
cannot
by cross
cropping,
nature
enter
into combination with it. When
to improve.
a soil is pure
VVlieu the natural pasture is consumed
bv stock it
clay,it is sterileand worthless,and so is that which
is converted into animal food for man
The
former
sand.
resists effectually
and the exthe
:
crement is pure
of the stock being left on the soil forms a
enrichinginfluence of the rains and .lews, which
rich decomposing
which gives to the
animal manure,
merelyfallon its surface,and either run ofl'or lie
soil increased energy to reproduce an increase
and
of
into it. The
sun
there, without penetrating
wind also may beat on it and blow over it,but they
vegetablei'ood for an additional (juant'tyof stock.
Pasture land is full of vegetablefibre,
from the
mant
can
never
to awaken
penetrateits mass
up the dorsurface down as low as the roots of plantsdescend.
have the
energy that lies within ; they onl)'
Some
the recent roots of grasses, others are those
effect by their repeatedattacks to dry and harden
are
of every stage of decomposition. In arable land
the surface, crack
and
it into irregular
portions,
scarcelyany vegetablefibre is to be found: this more
firmlyto lock up any languid and dormant
circumstance should teach us, that to form a good principles
of vegetablelife that may be within the
The latter is so porous and loose in its texshould fillthe soil with vegetablefibre
mass.
ture
pasture, we
arable into pasture
that the rain and dews no sooner
fallon it,than
as a manure,
where we
convert
land.
theypass throughit rapidlylike water througha
The very small proportion
sieve ; the rays of the sun and the wind evaporate
of vegetablematter
which is contained in the most
and drj'
that remain,producing
arable
productive
up the last particles
would
effect on
and because
ness
almost seem
to indicate that their richsoils,
vegetation,
only a transitory
does not depend on the decomposing
vegetable theyhave no regularsupplyof moisture,the plants
wither and decay.
else ; for if all the straw
soon
matter, but on something
of the soil are
The energies
returned to
held ia
or refuse of the
frequently
crops it produced,was
it after it had passedthroughthe stomach
of some
qualityinherent in it,
bondage by some
pernicious
this would
anin:al,
scarcelybe equalto one-third of or impartedto it,vihich if neutralized or extracted
what the earth produced.
the soil would become productive.
A judicioussuccession
of crops, and a profitable When
soils are arti-'
light,sandy, and vegetable
made lighter,
consumption of the })roduce
they possess littleof the prinby sheep on the ground, ficially
ciples
return
The mechanical disposition
of vegetation.
to the soil such a quantityof manure
to
of
as
of increasing
its producgive an additional means
tiveness.a clayeysoil is also deranged by impropertreatment,
such as trampling
or
]doughingit in wet weather ;
"
the soil has a full supplyof ani.mal and
Water is necessary to the growth of plants.It
and although
is essential to the juicesor extract of vegetable
in it,yet the mechanical derangeter
matvegetablemanure
ment
locks up all its energies,
which they contain,and unless the soil,
mentation
that the ferso totally
by means
of commutation,be fitted to retain the quantityof
so
stopped, and
necessary is altogether
the addition
water
to producethose juices,
requisite
completebarrenness is the result.
of manure
observed to occur
will be useless. INIanure is ineffectual
This Ave have frequently
from
towards
land being trampled by sheepin eatingoff turnips
soluble in
vegetation,until it becomes
from strong clay soil duringwet
water
remain useless in a state
even
weather,in the
; and it would
of solution if it so absorbed the water
to
as entirely
earlypart of the spring.
exclude the air : for in that case the fibres or mouths
They convert the surface into a completepuddle,
of the plantswould
be unable to performtheir functions, and when it becomes
dry,the parts composuig the
and theywould soon
drop off by decay."179, soil are so closelyunited together,that it is like
Steward.
unfit for the
bricks dried for the kiln,and is entirely
It is necessary
ter
matthat the animal and vegetable
productionof plants.It is evident that the causes
in the soil should have
in these soils are opposed to each other ;
this decomposing disposition,of sterility
each therefore will requirea mode
of treatment
and the soil have it in proportion,
to the proculiar
peper
admixture of the materials of which it is comThe
to its case.
posed.
light,sandy,and vegetable
ed
rendermust be artificially
soils,that are too friable,
A certain degreeof heat,the influence of the atfirm ; and the too tenacious clay soils must
mosphere
more
friable and kept so, and be puland water, are
be made artificially
verized
necessary to carry on the
in
and mechanicallyaltered before we
can
and vegetable nmtter
pect
exof animal
decomposition
the soil. The best constituted soil therefore has the
them to become
productive.It is evident if
ture,
the mixof imbibing,
and giving up to
these two
soils could be mixed together,
retaining,
power
and animal
with a proper quantityof vegetable
plantsa proper degree of heat,air,and moisture.
the atmosphere is warm,
When
soil. Morton
moist, and sultry, manure, would make a good productive
Soils.
on
vegetablelifeis in the gieatestvigour,which would
indicate these to be necessary to vegetable
lifeif not
BEES
with bees,in most
SWARMING,
the very principles
cases, is
which it depends.
on
act of necessity,and may
an
commonly be prevented
for the moisSoil should not onlyhave an affinity
ture
by timely enlarg'r'ment.and
decreasingthe temperature
of the atmosphere,
but it should also have the
weather sets in,a comof the hive. As soon as warm
mon
it to the vegetables
property of readilytransmitting
h.ivebecomes filled with an augmented population.
whicli grow in it.
is
no
to excess
room
storing'
:
Every part is crowded
and at lengththe
The soil,therefore,
which is best adaptedfor rethe heat becomes insupjjortable,
taining left,
of a part of the inhabitants must take place
and transmitting
in all circumstances of wet
emigration
;

which

"

THE

442

tiieold queen IcaJs it

to the throne stillin
of old and young
About an equalproportion
dreds
(thoughnot without exception?)several hun-

the occasion of

On

f.rstswarm,

her
forth,usuallyleaving:

embryo.
bees,and

FARMER'S

of drones

the

form

successor

It is not

swarm.

an

MAGAZINE.
the time the Cambrian

at

and

Hibernian

This number

unusual

aflordstwelve hundred

were

women

with
each exercising
their stools,
sittingupon
her vernacular tongue, and
volubility
her milkingpail.'

ceivable
incon"

filling

gallonsof milk

at an early
of swarms
casts
or
per diem, upon the average ; it is taken away
thing to hear a boast of a number
are
called)frem a stock, hour of the morning and afternoon by tlievenders,who
(as the second swarms
off a
sometimes throw
purchasehere to retailin tlie JMetropolis.
of bees, which will even
is about 18/.;which,
worth of each cow
The average
the first year.
Nothing is proved by this,
swarm
hundred
assuming the number keptalways to averagcsix
that an otherwise thriving
colony has been
but tiie fact,
of
rather than otherwise)
tions, (the minimum
givesa capital
weakened (ifnot destroyed)by being split
up into fracwhich ought to have been held together as the
10,800Lalways afloatto stock thisstupendousdairywith
only.
cows
evil,and the surest
greatest securityagainstevery
Their feed consists of grains,
of
]n the words
of profitto the proprietor.
mangel wurzel,the
source
Swedish turnip(thelatterfor fatting),
and hay ; at the
the strong hives are
In the swarming season
Gelien*
At that time
rate of
almost entirely
filledwith brood combs.
1 bushel of grains,
also honey becomes
ceed
abundant, and when fine days suc5t) lbs.of mangel wurzel,
or turnip,
cacii other,
the working bees amass
an astonishing'
12 lbs. of hay,
quantity.But where is it to be stored '. ]\lust they
to each ; or
bees have left the brood-cells,
wait till the young
by
600 bushels of grains,
which time the earlyflowers will be withered ? What is
"

"

of
Mark
the resources
15 tons of wurzel and turnip,
in this dilemma.'
to be done
y 6-28 tons of hay,
the industrious bees,they search in the neighbouriiood
for a placewhere they may deposittheir honey unlil the
per day, to the total number.
The quantity
of butter made
here is,for an obvious
shall have left the combs in which they were
young
hatched. If they failin this object
they crouch together reason small ; and rarelyexceeds 100 lbs. per week.
ters.
clusThe number of pigskept here is about 400 ; some
in the front of their habitation,
forming prodigious

combs
to see them building
bred,others boughtin,but all fatted here.
is altogether
and constantly
Forty horses are alwaysrequired,
ployed
emgeneralhoney-gathering
under
the circumstances
supended necessjarily
upon the dairy.
The layersare capable of receiving
and swarming follows. Can anythingbe
juststated,
1,600head of fat
exclusive of sheep ; and the average number
for
cattle,
tures,
more
opposed to the iiabitsof these industrious creato the interestof the proprietor,Smithfield market, resting here weekly, is 800; the
or
more
injurious
vation
charge of layerage being 3d. per head, and fodder at
than this state of things'. C'oramon sense, and obserof the natural instinct of these little
animals,point the rate of 3s. per 56 lbs. or truss.
It is not

uncommon

the outside." In

on

Such is one of the London Lac taries" there are many

the remedy, viz. a temporary increase of space,
of larger,
which is furnisliedby Nature, when the Lees voluntarily of them, some
several of equal,and a few of
inferiorextent.
take up their abodes in the large hollows of trees,or
and well-ventilatedroofs of buildings.
From this brief description
under tiie
of one, however, .s;ome
sprcious
idea may be formed of the consumption of this nutritious
Manual.
Taylors Bae-Keeper's
articleof our
forms
food,but which,nevertheless,

out

"

"

so

LONDON

inconsiderable a portionof it,

called milk.
4, College
Terrace,
Islington,
April22,

J. R.

LACTARIES.

with this vast Metropolis,

and
To those unacquainted
TROTSVVORTH
MANURE.
of supplies
the number
the almost incalculable amount
the articleof
of itsinhabitants must necessarily
require,
THE
EDITOR
OF
THE
MARK
TO
LANE
EXPRESS.
milk must appear not the least striking.
In
I
and by
time
a
s
ome
Siu,
published
since,
paper
The writer of this littlenotice" an invalid,
spending
is enabled to give the folinterval in the vicinity"
lowing advertisement in several papers, 1 proposedto make
an
in a pamphlet,a detailed acpublic,earlythis sprinar,
count
of Laycock's Dairy at Islington.
description
if I should
of making the above manure,
obtain
of sixteen acres, including
a space
The lactarycovers
fair
subscribers sufficientto make a
remuneration lor
rick-yards,
"c., "c. It contains
the layei"s,
grain-pits,
and trouble I had incurred,
and the imthe expence
mense
hundred
and fortyfeet
nine cow-houses,each about one
saving it would be to all landowners and occupiers.
feetliroad,
either of these conin length,
by tvs'enty-four
To this course
I was
advised by several influential
contains sixty-fourcows, thirtytwo on a side. ^I'here
and an Infirmaryfor such of them
persons, and by their advice I also take an early
are also fatting-pens,
happen to requiretemporary separation; these opportunityto inform those noblemen,gentlemen, and
as
may
scribers
subas
the great number
however, considering
kept, others,who have honoured me with their names
instances,
I return my sincere thanks for
(and to whom
mode of treatment, are but rare, 'tiie
and the artificial
their confidence)
that the subscription
is not likelyat
writer being assured by the residentveterinary
surgeon,
of subscribers
])resentto arrive at a sufficientnumber
the former isindebted
Mr. Slavley,to whose politeness
that purpose;
and therefore I am
advised
to acconi]"]ibli
that nearlythe onlyinconvenience
for his information,
.

"

from lameness.
'f'he animals,
all of
felt is,that arising
the finest description,
kept in their iioujes
are constantly
both day and night,in the summer
season
only being
turned out for a few hours dailyinto the layers. Cows
,

rarelykept here longer than twelve months, during

periodthey arc regularlymilked,and what may
to those ignorantof the management,
appear extraordinary
are

which

the process of fatting

goes on with tliemilking; so
time they become
what is termed " dry,"
fit for Smithficld.'land
but few of the
are
most of them
ing"
number
(sixhundred constantlykept)require stallafterthe periodof milking is at an end.

that

by the

"

of the pamphlet to
publication
time a number
opportunity.In the mean

to defer the

some
more

future

trials

of the manure,
both in liquidand powder,
by gentlemento whom I have, ami shall supplywith it,
and my
immediate
for turnips,
S".c.,
more
neighbours
will also avail themselves of a considerable
quantity,
having previouslysatisfiedof its good effects; these
trialswill be more
than all I can say on the
satisfactory
and it will then rest with the public if they
subject,
think it desirable to add their names
to tiiepresent list
will be made

of

subscribers

from

my

own

experience I should

judge that it cannot bo long before the value of this

and that the time
will be properlyappreciated,
manure
The writer has viewed several in an extraordinarily
ration
(almostfitfor a Christmas show) will yet arrive when the farmer, by making this prepahighstate of condition,
his land, will save 50 per cent., as compared
on
1 am, Sir,
with any artificial
at present in use."
manure
Tlie Bee
Sec liis Book,
Preserver," translated IVom
*

"

tlip rienili.

of

This

valual)l(" little Work

sixty-fouryears'cxiierience.

contains the substance

your obedient servant,

Egham, tiurrey,
Apil 28.

GEO.

KIMBEKLEY.

FARMER'S

THE

ON

THE
OLD

UNPROFITABLENESS

PASTURE

OF

COiAIPARED

WITH

MAGAZINE.
fact,that

new

do

bring the

NEW.
BY

what
was

JOHN

BOSVVELL,

ESQ.,

OF

DEENSHIRE.
ABER-

KINGCAUSIE,

Journal ofAgriculture.)
(From the Quarterly
I have

long held the opinion, that

permanent
of being a good thing, is an
erroneous
thing I had ahnost said, an absurd
of this counthing into which the agriculturists
try
"

instead
pasture,"
"

"

have fallen ; and

it has

that, in this age, when

only been

the science of

the

idea,

agriculture

is making such
when
of the
men
rapid strides,
highestcaliber of intellect are puttingforth their
talents in removing darkness and error
from the

443
laid-down

same
now

grass

was

good,and

that,

woukl, old grass could not be made

rent.

shaken

"

to

ture
My love for permanent pasI began to be awake to the

follyof wasting time and money in top-dressing,

when a good and profitable
corn-crop would cause
the same
land to carry fine grass, and bring a
ventured to hint to
1 now
greater rent.
of my friends,
that breaking up the ground
of promuch
more
a
ducing
appeared to me
easy way
good grass, than all the composts that
could be put on.
listen to me,
Few
would
even
"
Oh,
and I was
brought up with an exclamation,
I assure
you, there is nothing like fine old grass,
it is so close in the bottom, it has so much
more
and
nourishment
in it,"and such-like oft-repeated
has led
humbug. This opposition
firmly-believed
much
some

me
deeply to consider the matter, and to look out
for facts,some
of which I shall adduce.
and expose the
It appears to me,
that it is only on certain soils
fallacyof jjermanent pasture being such a grand
be allowed to reand situations,
main
that pasture can
and desirable object,that has deterred me from
without
great loss ; that such situations are
expressingmy sentiments on the subject. No one
flat meadows, or the neighbourhood of rivers or
I
having taken it up, I am constrained to do so.
bitat
and the natural hashall, however, only endeavour
to break the ice, streams, rich in alluvial soil,
in the vicinityof
of the pasture-plants,
or
and leave it to more
able pens than mine, to bring
has been
appliedtill
the matter
manure
largetowns, where
as
fullyas it deserves to be before the
rity
public. As I am about to advance a doctrine quite the ground could not bring a grain-cropto matuand
that on
all other situations,recourse
hostile to the received opinionsof many
in
;
sages
as a failure ia
be had to the plough, so soon
must
I think it right at once
to state, that
agriculture,
the grass-crop takes place; and the breaking up
I conceive pasture to be of vital importanceto
of the land and
and the production of it in perfection, will entirely
depend on the quality
agriculture,
treated, there being
in which it has been
is at the top of the tree in
manner
a sure
sign that a man
of land,
such true unerringguide to the qualify
his business as an agriculturist
no
I may also
; and
be left in
state,lest I should be accused of too hastily
taking as the length of time it can profitably
I have
not
though pasture. If permanent
pasture be the object,I
studied,that allip a theory which
recommend
to all and sundry the
would
all
its
i
n
has
been
earnestly
agriculture,
branches,
to, the
careful perusal of, and strict adherence
my pursuitfor many
years, the productionof good
mirable
of Deanston's adrules laid down
in Mr. Smith
the first thing which induced me to enter
grass was
for a long
on
on
the
it,and was
frequent draining and subsoil

art,

some

"

would

one

step forward

paper
period
pher's
philosoby Messrs.
ploughing,in the pamphletpublished
sought most
eagerly to find out.
being firmlyat Stirling,
Struck, when
Drummond, nurserymen
a boy, with
delightat the evergreen
of Doncaster, and the freshness, in the
meadows
convinced, that implicityfollowinghis advice will
be
the first step towards
making land capableof
dead of winter, of the fields near
I
could
London,
not, in settlingin the north, help contrasting remaining any length of time in good pasture ;
ing
that, without drainwith a feelingalmost borderingon disgust for it is altogether
impossible,
these
and deep ploughing,good grass can be produced.
with our whitey-brown r/rass parks of Scotland,
Little need be said on the unprofitableness;
wearing in many
places a pale blue tint till the
There is little
of old pasture to the actual farmer.
tation
beginningof June, or puffed off with great exulthe farm of a man
old grass to be found
on
in the newspapers,
as
affording a full
has rent
to pay ; but
to the amateur, who
bite" in the middle of May.
I said to myself, who
tains,
Cannot
industry and exertion produce a change may not be quiteso much alive to the loss he susremarked
the
I would
lands ?
ask, have you never
on
our
Perhaps we cannot expect
grass
difference of rent that is given by a grazieror
to vie with Doncaster
or
London, but stillsomething
and a field of old
be done."
So, doffingthe gay soldier's butcher, for a field of new
may
to yourself,
put the question
coat, and putting on the hodden
grass 1 Have
you ever
grey, I set to
:
work, to try if fine pasture could not be got in
Why is this ? I shall give you the answer
Let both fields be shut up and cut for hay, weigh
Scotland.
Long did I toil at top-dressing all the
the great difference in favour of
the produce,see
oft-recommended
never-failing
recipesof this compound
Stillkeep
is out.
and that compound, I tried in vain
the new
grass, and the secret
peatthe cattle from the fields; look at the new
grass,
earth, in all the varied shapes of mixture
with
lime and dung ; soot ; composts with scrapingsof
the aftermath
bow soon
springs! Well, then, is
ditches
all these I tried in
matter"
not the overplusof the hay that which would have
or other
cattle ? and yet people prate
I e-xhausted the pharmacopoeia of
various ways.
fed so many
more
will say. That is veryfound
about old grass. But some
that
agricultural
out
quacks ; but soon
want beauty ; you have no
but we
without the aid of plough and harrow
nothing well for profit,
put
could be done
in your new
in other words, that the ground
close bottom
grass. 1 answer,
must
a good rotation, drain it well,
be put in good heart before you can have
the ground under
good grass.
plough it deep, and when you have it ready,apply
and enterprising
the well-known
^Vell,that being done, I had fine grass ; but it to Mr. Lawson,
bad again ; it was
to the Highland Society of Scotland;
seedsman
not Jinepermanent pasture.
grew
stone

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

I had

once

more

recourse

to the old

system of top-

tell him

the nature

of your

soil,and 1

answer

for

as will proa mixture"

duce
dressing,and of course
it,he will send you such
improved the pasture, but
the very firstyear that
again it fell oft".
you a green carpet
By this time I had before my eyes the palpable no Genoa velvet could surpass.
2 G
"

444

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

I would
here digress a little,
to say a little to
those who may, for the firsttime, wish to sow
the
native grasses.
Do not send to London
for them.
I have tried hoth, and found them
quiteas good,
and many
furnished hy
per cents, cheaper, when
of the first men
Mr. Lawson
some
iu
; besides
England appear to be utterlyignorantof whattliey
ought to send. On one occasion,some
years ago,
I desired a seedsman
of first-ratecelebrity
in London,
to send
such and such
me
seeds, in what
quantityhe thought would be sufficient to sow ten
I received an invoice
acres.
To my astonishment
of seed enough to sow
the whole parish!
But to return.
Not only is the produce of an
of new
acre
grass far greater than that of an acre
of old,but it is more
palatableto the cattle,
and,
far as I have been able to observe,exactly in
as
the ratio of the age of the grass.
An
example of
this came
under
A tradesman
lately
cupied
ocmy
eye :
"

and

who

spares

neither

trouble

nor

to

expense

his house.
fine grass round
This gentleprocure
man
had appliedall sorts of compounds, in large
as
quantities,
top-dressingto his lawn, larly
particuof
rich earth, ice, and, by means
gypsum,
these, had grass much
rally
superior to what is genein spring; but it so happened, that
to be seen
the
his house
alteration on
having made
some
had destroyeda
the workmen
precedingsummer,
portionof the grass on one side of the house, and
been
forced to dig this part over,
my friend had

'

and

to

He

it afresh.

sow

well

was

acquainted

ture
with the value of the natui-al grasses, and a mixof them
The consequence
had been used.
we
were
looking at
was, that earlyin April,when
beautiful grass,
it,there was a little bit of most
and
in verdure
far before the rest of the lawn
earliness. I called the attention of my friend to
the verdure of this patch,and to the advantage of

he cultivated regularly
a
field,which
renewing the grass on the rest of the lawn by
breaking up a bit,green-croppingit the following digging it
He
could not help admitting the
up.
sowing it down, after which he
year, and then
of the
dug, it
superior verdure
part that was
pastured it by tetheringhis beastsThe man
deavouring
indeed, too evident to deny ; but, on my enwas,
leavingthe place,I caused some
hurdles to bo put
to point out to him that he might have
round the bit not in grass, and
let the rest of the
all his lawn justas green, if he would break it up,
field in pasture. The cattle,duringthe whole of
be shook
serious
a
his head, and said that was
"

"

the

ate
new
summer,
grass to the very earth, and
did not taste the older,until the force of hunger
made
them
Next
do so.
the bit which
season,
had been hurdled off was
sown
out, and allowed
to go with the rest
of the field. The
very same
thing took place" the new
firsteaten,
was
grass
and then that which
I had an
older.
was
tunity
opporlast summer
of observing the marked
ference
prewhich sheep give to younger
pared
grass, comwith old, by putting cattle into two fields,
separatedby a fence only," one very fine grass of
some
years' standing,the other only three years
old,and, pullingout some
of the lower rails of a
communicatinggate, permittedfortysheep to pass
through, and pasture in whichever
field they

pleased.
be

The

result

was,

they

were

to
constantly

concern

"

he did
and
remains

answers,

the

the

know

with

about

seat

of

nobleman

in the

like
suchhis eyes,

With

that.

proofdailybefore

just as it was.
frequentlyheard of some

lawn

I had
at

not

fine old pasture

county of
,

under the plough, not

"
the oldest
personage
first week of July
inhabitant of the place." The
old pasture.
this wonderful
to see
last, I went
What
astonishment, to find a largetract
was
my
of very fine land covered
with white grass, the
tingeof springhardlytakingany thingfrom
green
of the ground. Instead
the bleached appearance
of a green prairiealive with stock, findingat that
of the year ample food, a few deer (which
season
I learned had been brought through the winter at
of hay and turnips,carted in for
a great expense
which
even

had

by

never

that

been

venerable

seen

"

found in the field of younger

grass, and very
seldom went
into the old grass enclosure.
At last
of horses, picking a
them), and half a dozen
I was
forced to shut them
into the old grass, finding
the whole stock a park of
scanty subsistence,were
they were
reducing the feed in the one, and
noble extent could keep !
leavingtoo much in the other. Be it always remembered,
On conversing with the land-steward, he informed
that land must
be well laid down.
If
that it was
me
so
old, and the grass, in
however
be
grass,
new,
growing on poor land, or
so
long of risingin spring,it was
consequence,
wet, or on land that has been badlycleaned,cattle
to break it up, in order,as he said," to '
proposed
do not relish it. I have seen
frequentinstances of renew
the grass."
this. More particularly
do they dislike pasturing
I am
that in the front of villas,or
fullyaware,
foul land.
on
the castles of our
around
it would
not
nobility,
I have several times
allowed small farmers"
"
or
have
to
three-shift course,
answer
a
white,
as they are
crofters,
called" to put the whole of
tions,
green, white ;" and that the ground, in such situatheir last year's
manure
the bit of ground that
on
remain
must
in grass, like old plate on the
ought to have been made into green crop" had
sideboard,the bullion in the one case, and the soil
they not been quittingtheir possessions" under
in the other, being locked
tined
up as to use, and desthe promise that they would
give it one or two
to perform a part in the pageant and circumextra ploughings
and harrowings,and sow
it down
stance of rank, until some
spendthriftheir send
"with grass-seeds. This bit of
ground, although them both a whirlinground the wheel of utility.
But
well dunged, and sown
with good grass-seeds,having
if there is to be grass land in front of the castle
sham
of a cleaning,
only got a
of course
was
the villa,why should it not be tiie best?
His
or
full of knot-grass,
couch, and other weeds,
1 have
to have
tarnished
Lordship would be ashamed
observed that cattle constantly shun it,
although plate; why should he have yellow grass .'' I see
almost pinched with hunger.
no
reason
not be in as good a
why the one
may
I have now
endeavoured
to prove that new
state as the other.
I take it for granted, that the
grass
is not only of greater value,but that it is also
more
he may be, who condemns his ground
whoever
man,
palatableto cattle. There is yet another point in
to permanent pasttire,
is regardless of money
; and
"which new
grass excels old, and that is the early that he would
willinglyIbestow any sum
on
topverdure
in spring, and the long continuance
of
dressing,to have that pasture (jood
well, then,
that verdure in the fall of the
I was
once
year.
dig over the ground, jind give one quarter of the
greatlystruck with this on the lawn of a highly manure
would
which
have been employed in topValued friend of mine, who farms
prettylargely, dressing;send for " Lawson's
lawn rai.xture;"
"

"

"

"

"

'

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

445

of time than the ground

cannot
be restored to full fertility
; and vithout
brown
under the topbe made
to continue
at the
cropjrim/,
grass cannot
dressingsystem, the most beautiful verdure will maximum
pointof verdure and utilitj'.
Lastly,I
maintain no land,under any ciicumstances, ought
be produced to say nothing of the employment
to be cut in hay, if intended to remain some
who woidd thereby be
of several industrious men,
years
in pasture ; and if cut as hay,
enabled to earn an honest livelihood for themselves
every kind of land
this spade-work I
and their families.
Of course,
ought to be directly
ploughed, and again put
when
time is not allowed to put
through the rotation.
onlyprescribe,
the ground through a. regular rotation. I would
onlyapply to the spade,where there is no more
time allowed to procure good grass, than the same
if toppiece of ground would remain brown
dressed.
THE
I have frequently
IN
SHEEP.
FOOT-ROT
urged diflerent persons to try ON
that is,
a part, say a half or
a quarter of a lawn
while they were
the one part, to dig
top-dressing
By Mr. T. Lees,Southsiiore,
Blackpool.
up the other, and to judgefor themselves the truth
of my assertions. I recollect one instance, where
{From the Veterinarian.)
I gave
this advice to a gentleman who
resides
near
Edinburgh. I was callingon business ; and
eases
Sir, On reading
your valuable work on the disI found,
on
gaining admission into his premises,
and management of sheep, I was
much
very
in front of a very pretty villa,a lawn, situated in
at the difterent opinionsstated as to the
surprised
the best climate in Scotland, and where
manure
and contiigiousnessof
cause
sheep-rot.Of the cause,
covered over with
was
to be found in any quantity,
so far as the pasture is concerned, I will giveyou
a
lime, through which appeared the nap of a thick
it regardsone
I could scarcely
flock.
as
history
1 could not
blanketingof coarse
yellow moss.
that any one
have thoughtit possible
accustomed to
help asking the gentleman why his lawn was in
"
this state.
Oh," he replied," I have been advised sheepshould havts doubted its contagiousness.The
about to tell bears,perhaps,
on
story which 1 am
the lime to kill the moss,
to put on
or fog as
both points.
it is called ; for, in truth, there is nothing grows
I was
shepherdsix years where the flock was
it but that abominable
and yellow dandelion,
on
moss,
sadlyafflictedwith this dreadful disease. It was a
I think of putting some
and
earth on the
the borders of lladon
largefarm in Herefordshire,
I
grass-seeds."
top of the lime, and sowing some
volunteered my earnest counsel to try what digging norshire and Shropshire,and the flock consisted of
half-bred sheepbetween the
600 and 700
between
a
part at least,
up would produce on
gave him a
Southdown
and New
Leicester. In one
largepasand without a fee,made
ture
recipeas to grass-seeds,
the top of a
is a considerable plantation
on
the gentleman promising to follow my
my cotiff^,
hill facingthe sun.
The pasture itselfis as
sloping
advice,which if he did, I felt assured would soon
sound a turf as any in the world, an unsound
induce him to dig up the remaining part.
sheep
the farm.
When
the
on
never
having been known
Perhapsgrass might be produced at once, where
first set, the plantation
fenced in
was
trees
were
the ground is not encumbered
with trees, and all
from the field; but, seven
years ago, theyhaving
other circumstances
of
are
favourable, by means
been large
enough to be out of harm's way, it was
ing
trench-ploughing I mean
by two ploughs followThe sheep then got into it,and spent
thrown
the hrst would
another
take as thin a
open.
one
:
the greater portionof the summer-dayin its shade.
slice as possible,
which would be thrown
into the
is
This plantation,
on the slopeof the hill,
although
plough would follow on
open furrow ; the next
wet
almost continually
partlyfrom the dung and
fresh
exactlythe same
ground, and bring up some
urine of the sheep,and partlyfrom the rain that falls
soil to the surface,
be laid on the top
which would
and the wind not beingable to
of the first furrow.
The ploughing being finished, there, and the sun
to the middle of it to dry it.
is collected by the poa littleshort dung, such
as
lice, penetrate
of the throwingopen of the
The consequence
the surface,and
rowed
haron
might be thrown
in
pastured
plantation
was, that the sheep that were
in along with grass-seeds.In situations at
afflicted with foot-rot. They had
that field were
a great distance from
dung, bone-dust or pounded
had any other sheepbut
been off the farm, nor
never
the braird of the
rape-cakecould be used, to cause
flock been with them.
those of the same
grass to come
away.
accustomed
to the pasture, they still
Being now
Having now broached this subject,I would not,
sally,
to the foot-rot,
although not so univerfor the present at least,
are
subject
pursue it any further ; but
in so inveterate and destructive a form,
nor
I take my leave,I would, in the first place,
ere
and as theygrow up theyobtain a kind of immunity
vouring
I state,in corroboration of what I have been endeathere has it,and
from it ; but every sheep that comes
to maintain,that by followingthe breaking-upsystem instead of the top-dressingone, I every lamb that is bred there. The rams that are
amined
have not only altered the verdure,but I have inbrought from diflferent places,being always exin order to see whether they are free from
creased the rent of the old grass-lawnon my farm
than theyhave
!"at Balmuto, in Fifeshire,from
put to the ewes
three
disease,are no sooner
to five fold.
and so badlythat it sometimes requires
: In
the foot-rot,
I would make
a brief recapitulation
conclusion,
almost once
a week.
to every lot of ewes
of my sentiments : I maintain, that except a few
a fresh ram
favoured spots, such as banks
of rivers,"c., no
quitesound, yet in that little time they
They come
lame that they are not able to walk after the
in
o^et so
without loss, be left

and, in
would

shorter

have

space

ugly and

been

"

"

"

"

"

ground

long

can,

that it appears
"

pasture;

five years is, generallyspeaking,the longestperiod land should be

ject,
allowed to lie in grass ; that if pasture be the obat the end of that time, the ground should be
broken up, and returned
tain,
to grass again. I mainthat vjithout grass, severely
cropped land
to

me,

four

or

in order to impregnatethem.
with lime^
Some
persons have had yards spread
into which they have driven the infected sheep,and
kept them there for a considerable time. They are
said to have derived benefit from this. On the farm
of the advertised powders
some
to which I allude,
ewes,

*2

FARMER'S

THE

446

MAGAZINE.

were

the practice.I
proceeding givefor discontinuing

to

continually

used, which kept the disease from

; but the labour of
any serious length
immense.
them
was
reallj'
dressing
tiiank ]Mr. Lees

[We

for this

slieep. We

foot-rot in

illustrationof
practical

ask not

whence

our

ledge
know-

It is as valuable when

of the truth arrives'!

surgeon,
coming from the shepherd as the veterinary
received.
and will be as thankfully
^Vhy is
The
enclosed?
this ]ilantation
not
more
once

shelter wliich it affords is far too

dearly purchased. For the cure of foot-rot,the
shepherdwill find all that he wants in the butyrof
antimony and removal to a drier pasture, and
without any great expenditure
of labour. Y.]

comfort of the

"

know
eightor
of the best flock masters
tivating
culin this county, many
than 1000 acres, who have tried them,
more
of whom
has ceased
every one
doingso, and all have
back to the Southdowns.
I am
Kone
ready to give Mr.

ten

their names,
should he wish it. I state this
Twynam
the decision of the judges at the last
solelyto justify
Cattle Show, and I think the publicwill
Stockbridge
give them credit either for their beingin possessionof
wolds,
the reasons
why those farmers discontinued the Cotsthat

or

their

of every 100
for this county.
out

I
has

am

opinioncoincided

namely,

"

that

with 99 farmers

they are

not

adapted

sorry I have been placedin a situation which

these observations,
to make
as it is far
wish or intention to prejudicethe public
in the

obliged me

from

my

slightest
degree against Mr. Twynam's breed of sheep.
I will give them credit,
half-bred ones, of beingthe
as
best of the sort I ever saw, for symmetry, growth of
wool, and weight of carcass
; stillI do not think them
calculated for the generalityof farms
in Hampshire,

TO

THE

MEMBERS
BRIDGE

Gentlemen,
Judges at your

THE

OF

CATTLE
"

SHOW.

Consideringthe
Cattle

Show

where they are wanted

to work hard for their living,
and to travel, a distance, night and morning,to and
from
the fold. I will only further observe
that the
whole of the stock exhibited at the Stockbridge
Show

STOCK-

on

decision

of

Thursday last,to

iu many
respects, from
very erroneous
adherence
evinced towards
old breeds

the

the

was

be

out

prejudiced

leaving out of
wool, size,and symmetry
"

sight all improvements both iu

of the animal, which the altered circumstances
of this country decidedly
require,and the improved
the farmer in adoptsystem of croppingfullywarrants
ing,
I take this opportunityof offering
to show my Ten
Ewe
Tegs againstany one pen, or all,there exhibited,
be found in the United Kin(jdom symmeor which can
try,
"

"

and value of wool and carcase,

to be the criterions
of merit
to have been wholly fed on arable land, and
I am, "c.,
to have eaten artificials.
never

put into about fiftypens, while the judgeswere

of the market
numbered, so that
; each pen was
when
the judgesinspectedthe stock,they had no means
whatever
of ascertaining
to whom
CHARLES
belonged.
Sparshull,
April26.

TO

THE

This

will be open

for fourteen

by

days.

me,
the

TO

THE

TLMES."

"OLDEN

observed,that a man is often better served

falsestep of an opponent, than by the most strenuous
exertions of himself or frie'ids. This truth,I take

one

it,will be amply illustrated in reference to myself, by

the publication
of tlie letterof Mr. Chas. Fielder,
for
which he has my most sincere and heartythanks,giving'

Whitchurch,Hants, April 19.

N.B.

THE

It is well

"

J. TWYNAM.

OF

SHEEP

AND

PUBLIC,

BREEDERS

the different stock

FIELDER.

"

PUBLIC.

as it does, an
opportunityof proving to him and
public,that, as regards the subjectin question,

Nemo

me
iinpunelacessit."
Fielder altempis the vindication of tlie Stockhis wish to know
bridgeJudges, by expressing"why
those breeders who have crossed with the Cotswolds,
or
I know
nothingof
my iheep,have discontinued it?"
resulted
from
the
have
what
,disap])ointmcn1s
use
may

Mr.

had

the honour of beingchosen the President

Having
Cattle Show, I feel I am
of the last Stockbridge
called
to notice the observations
of Mr. John Twynam,
upon
which

appeared in the Hampshire Chronicle of last

the decision of the judgeson the
on
week, reflecting
of other sheep" I confine myself to my own
to a sheep
show day.
of a certain character and capacity; and will save Mr.
Mr. Twynam
accused
them of bavins decided very
Fielder the trouble of giving me
of the
the names
erroneouslyin many respects, and of beiugprejudiced breeders he alludes
them
by
"

in favour

of old breeds. It is at all times an unthankful

office to be placed iu the situation of a judge of
stock,and if gentlemen are to be accused of want of

judgment by
be
soon
consider

an

Mr. Twynam's
the publicmust

such as
advertised.
were

my

there will
every unsuccessful
candidate,
end of such
societies. I must
say that I

I do not

observations ungenerous,

have been
admit for one

surprisedat

and

seeing

that they
moment
decision,and I will candidlystate
wrong
I consider the duty a judge has to
reasons.
form,
perin lookingat a number
of pens of ewe
teg*,is to
in their

to,

and
can

should I have
make

good

to
slice])

Mr.

Mr.

Hayward,
and

Norton

omitted

supplying

any

of

the deficiency.

myself}

he
consequence,
I have supplied

11. Pain, of ftlitcheidever;

the late
of 'J'ufton; Messrs. Cozens,of Overton
; j\Ir. Eduey,

of Quidhampton ; Mr.
Andover
King, Ilun; Mr.
and
Air. Wintle, of Whitchurch;
others in a small way.
With reference

IVoyes, Thruxton, near

gerfortl; J\lr. Butler
with

many
the two
firstof these gentlemen,
I will ask
of i\Ir.Pain and the survivingfriends of Mr. Hayward,
whether it was
not their intention at tlieonset, to cross
with the view of giving
round with the half-breds,
once
to

select the pen containingthe ten best,which he should

preferto take home to his own farm, to breed from for
more
size,greater weight of wool, with more inclination
stock,and which, in his opinion,are best adapted for
and then to return to the Downs
to fatten,
again ?" ifso,
general purposes, looking to the county in which they havingso crossed,and returned,with what fairnesscan
to be kept. The judgeson that day decided on two
are
thisbe stated in a public piint,
of
abandonment
as
an
pens of Southdowns,in preference to Mr. Twynam's
the breed?
I dare either to deny, but that the anticipated
half-bred Cotswolds, and because they did so, they are
followed" they are evident in their
v.dvantages
accused of want
of judgment,and of being prejudiced
hundred wether tejrs,
improved stock this day. Two
in favour of old breeds.
bred by Mr. Noyes, have been sold this spring at 55s.
If Mr. Twynam's
sheep are so very superior
to the
each
fed
together;100 had cake, the other none
Downs,itis very strange that all the farmers of Hampshire
by Mr. Compton, near
Ilungerford. JMr. King sold
should have had their eyes shut for the last seven
100 welher lambs at Lambourn
ber
Fair,on the 4th Decemyears, and not have adopted so superiora breed. There
last,
from a draft of 140 only,at 43s. Gd. per head,
is one thing I should like much
to know, which is,the
fed entirely
tiian
on
green food,being'at least 7s. his:her
"

reason

the

those farmers

who

have crossed their flock* with

of Mr. Twynam's,

or the half-bred ones

Cotswolds,

any

Downs

this breed

of
in the fair,
althoughthere were many
to any ever
before producedtliere;
superior

THE

sisters
and I herebyoffer to show Mr. Kind's ewe tesrs,
to tliese
lambs,aj^iunstany Southdowns in the kiog-dom,
for symmetry, condition,
and value.
JMr. James Butler, of Whitchurch,has this season,
wintered 250 teg-s tog'ether"
g-ood Downs ; ot
many
these 250 I sold him about 30 of my own
and brother's
culls on the 17tli July last,
bcmg' very late lambs, and
the "scrubs" of the flock;iliese "scrubs"
are at this
at leastSs. per head better than the
moment
flowers"
of the other 220, from whicli no head lambs
wero
ever
taken. Here
sufhcient
I
to
are
fact's,
presume,
curry
conviction home to every mind.
I have given the
"

and

names,

similar

not

proof

of

"

free from all noxious vapour.

process being perfectly
Another
importantadvantage isalso secured namely,
tint the improved method
with littleadditional outlay
can
be adapted to the manufactories at present in opeand the workmen
who
have hitherto been frequently
I'ation,
throvvn out of employment and subjectto the
dictments
inof ths numerous
losKof their wages in consequence
"

that have

been

laid

againsttheirmasters

for

nuisances,"ill no longerbe subjected

to thisevil. Tin^
process, when submitted to an eminent chemical lawyer
forhis opinion,
was
pronounced by him to be one of the
most

any

such

brilliantand

discoveriesin
ingenious

modern

mistry.
che-

prices.

call on Mr.
abandoned

Fielder to meet me with these men

of the
chester,
breed'' by appointment,at Winor other more
convenient place the whole I
have mentioned
and I pledgremyself to drive him from
his position
of his own
by evidence from the mouths
chosen witnesses.
I cannot, in an advertisement,
g^o into the arg'ument,
why the breed best suited for Hampshire 25 years since,
isthe most unsuited now.
I have done so frequently
in
the Farmer's Magazine and Mark
Lane
Express,and
chall now
only brieflyremark that Australia i* about
with short fine wools; and that my
us
overwhelming"
firm beliefis,in 10 or 15 years from thisdate,no short
wool will be grown
the arable lands of England.
on
On the other hand, the strongest inducements existfor
the growth of an improvedlong wool ; all Europe, and
America,are becoming one vast manufactory(seethe
latecorn law discussions),
long wools must be had to
supply it ; and where isthe spot upon earth so adapted,
both by climate and pasturage, as England, for their
cided
production? These altered circumstances justify
a deproved
change in the character of our sheep; the imwith
system of farmingenables us to dispense
the breed which will bear starvationbest,
and to adopt
that more
in accordance with the wants of the grazier,
the custom
of the day, and the future prospects of the
country. Vetches, rape, and turnips,
supereede old
now

447

merely talked of doing-so. I call for

and I
g-ood qualityon the other side,

defya parallelto
]

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

SITUATION

OF

AN

APIARY

AND

"

BEE

"

and
barrenness ; and I would venture
thistles,
to
keep, under the altered and improved management,
the tender Leicester,
one-half the arable land
even
on
in Hampshire.
Here then,Agriculturists
of Hampshire, is my case ;
rug,

I have been roused to the battle I will give or take no

I have offered to meet
quarter it shall be foughtout,
Mr. Fielder with his own
witnesses I have given him
realized by this stock, unknown
I
to Downs
prices
;
have given proofsof decided superiority,
by the culls
of this breed, far surpassingthe flowers of another : 1
have leftout of the question
vvhat pricemy own
stock
has realised,
which far exceeds any here mentioned.
I
have called on the country to meet not only my own
but
of
in
jMr. King
those
tegs,
competition; the kingdom
"

"

"

"

"

I am
Waitingits
TRIAL;
of which I claim for the
acceptance ; in the absence
cross-bred" Cotjwold and Down
decided superiority
the Hampshire sheep, in all qualities
over
necess:ary
to form
the most
useful and profitableanimal.
With
this1 take leave of the subject,
untilI meet
with a competitor.
stands

ciiALLENOiiDTO

"

"

J.T.TWVJMAM.

Whitchurch,May 2, 1839.

IMPORTANT
CHEMICAL
DISCOVERY."
One of the most valuable improvements in modern times
has lately
been achieved in the manufacture of soda from

"

PASTURAGE.

I agree with Mr. Payne

I have no
hesitation in

to any
decidedlypreferable

remark.
in the following
saying that a south aspect is
for an apiary.
other position
"

I have tried various aspects, but the bee- in the south I

hav'i always found to be the healthiestand to collectthe
of honey. It is very importantthat the.
quantity
largest
hives should be sheltered from the wind by trees or
of
houses, and that they are not placedin the vicinity
ponds or large rivers,for the high winds will dash them

will perish."
into the water where numbers
Circumstances may interfereto prevent placing"the
bee stands in the exact position
here recommended, in
which
case
they may be turned a few pointseast or
west, but at all times a preferenceshould be givento
the former,for the hotatternoon lun ought to be avoided
if possible.1 preferplaciiisr
the bees on a grass plat,
and if not otherwise vvellsheltered
the drier the better,
from the wind, plantedwith evergreens, particularly
at
and towards the south-west,nGllun"- high
the buck
should be allowed immedialely ia front nor towards the
south-east ; but a few shrubs of no greater heighttluin
of the hives are rather an advantage
the alighting-boards
from
to the bees on their return
as a resting-place
work.
All should bs kept clean and well mowed
in
to remain
around, and nothingolfensivebe permitted

the vicinity.
When
fixed do not move
once
your bees,the mischief
1 cannot
of which I have often witnessed.
enforce this
reconimcndalion
belter than Gelien has done. " I have
shift about their hives very inconsiderat
seen
people,"
says he,
"

but change of place invariuldy

weakens
to theirold residence,
the
them, as the bees will return
A hive
environs
of which are so familiar to them.
ancient
should
remain fixed to the spot as the
oaks,in
to establishthenjselves,
tiiehollows of which theydelight
M'here they have their young
companions,their beloved
When
the young
bees
queen, and all their treasures.
lake wing for the first time they do it with great precaution,
about
turninground and round, and fluttering
the entrance to examine the hive well before takingthat they may
in returning,
do the same
so
'J'hey
flight.
conducting themselves nearly
be easily distinguisliGd
of a newly hived
after the same
manner
as the workers
\Vhen they have made
a few hundred
sions,
excurswarm.
and well know
theirown
hive
theyset oft"full flight
in the midst of a hundred others ; but if you changeits
the s;ime as you would
l)laceyou perplexthem, much
lifted your house
one
be if during a shoi-t absence some
loaded
and placed it a mile oh', 'Jhe poor bees return
and seekingin vain for their habitation eitlierfalldown
and perish with fatigue,or throw themselves into the

neighbouringhives wliere they are speedilyput to death.

to a considerable
distance
hives are transported
stead When
insalt,by the use of carbonate of ammonia
venience
of the pestiferous
there is no fear that the bees will return, but this inconmethod hithertoemployed in the
would be sure to take placp.and
productionof that alkali. The inhabitants residingin
iiiany of them
the vicinity
of tliesoda manufactories
at Birmingham,
perishif they v"'cre removed only a few hundred paces
Liverpool,
Newcastle,Glasgow, "c.,owe the inventors from the spot where they had been accustomed to. The
of this invaluable improvementa heavy debt of gratitude, hive may not perish,but it will be greatlyweakened.
In my
as
by this discovery
they have put an end to the
opinion,if the situationis to be changed at all
dreadful nuisance which the publichave so long endured.
they should be lemovcd at leasta mile and a half. This
The necessity
of decomposing the chloride of
ought to be done in the winter. Taylor'sBee-keeper's
sodium by sulphurno longerexists,
the newly-discovered Manual,

common

"

THE

FARMER'S

449

MAGAZINE.

to dimlaisli their vnlue.

tnaterlally
Yet, we repeat, arc both fullin the regionof melody and time,but tho
it is used by the jjlanters
of tlie present day as if it nightingale
is broad at cautiousness,
which might be
whilst the
were
to oak timber for general anticipated
and timid habits,
from its solitary
equal,if not superior,
black-capis more
purposes.
friendly,and indicates much less
Matthews reviews Billinffton's
in Dean Forest
breadth of head in the region of cautiousness.
practice
somewhat
It may be worthy of remark, that in our attempts to_
sharply; indeed he has a g'oodtitleto do so,
ifthe system pursued is not better than that which is ascertain the mental facultiesof animals by means
of
in the Royal Parks near London.
Yet instead their cerebral organization,
culties,
practised
there are found many diffiof correctinj^
him he fallsinto an error equallyglaring-.
but the skulls of birds form an exception.
The larch are recommended
zontal
standing
to be preserved,notwithforinstance,
Quadrupeds,
carry theirheads in an horihis account
of the inferiority
of the timber,
and
sustained by very powerfulmuscles and
position,
the oaks to be cut out; probably if the larch had been
inserted in a ridgeof bone at the back of the
ligaments,
trimmed on the sides nearest the
stunted oaks,"and
and which in some
taining
isan obstaclein ascerskull,
measure
these trees cut down, they would, tiiefollowing
the character of animals during life,as the external
year,
have produced largeshoots from the stubs,which, in a
skull does not indicate the form of the brain enclosed
few years, would have grown to the heightof the larch,
within it. With the skulls of birds we have less
but it is seldom,if ever the case, that in mixed plantain
tions,
as tliey
difficulty,
are the exact shape of the brain withtheygrow to tiieirfulland natural altitude.
them,and the bones are so fragdethat very often
extensive practicalknowledge they are not thicker than a sheet of writingpaper;
It,iiowever,
requires
"

crop of oaks in mixed

plantations
; itis not
expensivemethod, but the slowest,
ever
howthe trees maybe
and thinned
skilfully
piwned
;
tliereforeit is the least pTofiinhle."
GrowingGold,by

to

secure

only the

Jumes

most

Sawyer: Simpkinand ftlarsliall.

COMPARATIVE

PHRENOLOGY.
BIRDS.
S.

BY

L. LEVISON.

(From the Naturalist.)

hence the form of the skull is seen to be the tac-simile

of the brain within. I may
mention a very interesting
fact in proof of this. A gentlemanone day visitedmy
and I was examining and arranging
the birds'
museum,
skulls. He looked at them, and then not only pointed
tinguished
outthe warblers,divers,
waders, "c.,ike, but also disthe species
be it observed,by no
; and this,
of their
factitiousaids,
the skulls havingbeen deprived
of maceration.
integumentsand feathers by means
the best index
Hence it isthat the skull will be ultimately
for distinguishing
by so much more definitemeans
than the beak or the feet,the genera and speciesof
the
birds.In other words,the shapes ofskulls,
indicating
form and volume of the brain within them, will enable
cause
beof birds,
us to decide on the mental qualifications
of theircerebral organization.
thus made cognizant
we
are

the species
in distinguishing
There is greater difficulty
of birds by a casual glance at theirheads and plumage
their attention to a few well-ascertainedobservations" 1.
than when we compare their
to the tyro in ornithology,
ComparativeAnatomy demonstrates that the brains of skullstogether,
yet when once the latter desideratum is
animals are differently
formed wlienever there are any
obtained,the cerebral condition of any marked diflPerof birds und are
marked
differencesin theirdisposition,
temper, or intel- ence in the habits or mental capacity
if any
not merely learned in names.
Thus, when there is manifested very little
gence.
of JMr.
individualconsciousness
the actions beingmore
The other day I visitedthe excellent museum
matic
autoof
than voluntary the brain is extremely simple, Hugh Kcid of this town, and I had an opportunity
but when animals indicate positive
mental perception
examining a great number of birds,but for the present
so
theirown
as to direct in a voluntary manner,
actions, I will only mention the woodpecker. They have a well
cating
indithe brain is more
marked
differenceof form of skull in each species,
complex in itsparts,and more
fied
ampliin volume.
2. These statements
modification in theii'
easilycorrohabits,hence supposare
borated
some
ing
forms of
the name
of any one of them, if the
I had forgotten
by observingthe constancy of particular
ference
mental difhad been adaptedfrom some
term
brain,with certain effectiveand intellectualfaculties,specific
and are valuable not only to the zoologist
instead of the accidental difference of size or
but to the
plumage, then tlie instant the head or skull was shown
as they verifythe truth of Phrenologyand
physiologist,
show its importance in explaining
would be remembered
as well as
of the
me. all the particulars
ihepliilosophy
habits and instincts of animals. 3. However, it should
tention
When the attlie name
by which it was distinguished.
be remembered
is given to thingsrather than words, and the
to conthat there are greater dilKculties
tend
cation,
with in the studyof Comparative Phrenology,
latterare used only as conventional media of communithan
nite
of human
heads or skulls.
and deemed valueless unless we know the defiwhen examining a number
Yet patientand careful observation will reward the inquirer
meaning associated with them, then there will
animals. If
be a more
mode of arranging
incur. lie will have
for any trouble he may
philosophic
and sound physiological
accurate
data, and a definite the
"I\Iind'sthe standard of the man,"
and he will then not be obligedto use the
vocabulary,
in animals
all
should use the mental differencesof the
to designate
then also we
aml)iguous term instinct,
their feelings
them.
well as their various
and propensities
lower animals in distinguishing
as
will not, therefore,
He
confound
In concluding this mere
perceptivepowers.
introductory
paper, I would
actions which ai'e impulsive,
call attentionto the following general
That
or
affective with others
facts, l.?,t.
which are discriminative and intelligent.
tained birds of prey are broad from ear to ear, havinga similar
ILtvingobmals,
a correct
knowledgeof the attributes of animals, configurationof skull as is observed in carnivorous aniin connection with their cerebral organization,
of combativeness and deand the
being largein the regions
and that it is possible
relativeposition
of the groups of faculties,
to decide by the
his task is structiveness,
and interesting.The social and doand open eneboth satisfactory
mestic skull whether they are
mies
very courageous
in the occiof their victims or cunning, savage, and treacherous.
pital
are
as in man,
propensities
located,
That
timid birds,(like cautious
at the base,and the intel2nd.
lectual
region,the prudential
in the forehead. If we
examine the crania of
quadrupeds) have the middle part of the parbroad
it will soon
that there is rietal bones
be recognized
large deveany one
indicatinga
genus,
and when the departure lopement ef cautiousness. 3rd.
That building-birds
a certain generalconfiguration,
less great, we have positive show more
less ingenuityin theirnests in proportion
from the standard is more
or
or
and natural data for speciesand varieties. Warblers
to the development of constructivenessand the perceptive
for example, have all rounded foreheads,
and that they present a striking
contrast
faculties,
amplifiedin
the degree of the musical capacity,
birds
which do not
with
but the nightingale when placedin juxta-position
differenceto the black-cap,
presents a striking
although build. In my next paper I will illustratethese state*
facts in proofof theircorrectness.
theyresemble each other ia melodious power.
They raents with some
to the readers of the Naturalist the fertile
introducing
of Comparative
I would request
subject
Phrenology,

In

"

"

"

THE

PRIZE

OF

ESSAY
SOCIETY

FLY
TO

FARMER'S

THE

450

THE

EDITOR

OUR

AND

OF

THE

THE

LOGICAL
ENTOMOTHE

ON

NIP
TUR-

"REVIEWER."
FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

MAGAZINE.
deteriorate the value of the paper.
\n the following
returned to me, and I
month, the paper was
complied with the wish that had been expressed,
and included at the same
mation
other infortime what
I had gained,purposelj^
marking dates and
periods,to show what facts had been introduced
subsequentlyto the award on the paper; it being
thought preferableto incorporatethe additional
matter
in the text, rather than add it in the shape
of notes.
Perhaps your reviewer, Mr. Editor, or

Si Kj
My attention has recentlybeen called to an
ary
article which appeared in your magazine for Februlast,in the form of a review of my paper on the
Saw-fly of the turnip, publishedlast year by the
of the gc-ntlcmenwhom
one
he alludes to so
ticularly
pared
Entomological Society,and for which they awardas
an
authority,may not be in the habit
confess, that at firstI
their prize. I must
me
of insertingacknowledgements of this kind in his
tesy
much
was
surprisedat the evident want of courbut surelyall persons
writings,
ought to be aware
the part of the writer, and at the superon
abundance
that
this is a course
of proceeding imperatively
of a feelingresembling the
very much
requiredby all societies,when additional matter
date
bitter vexation and anger of a disappointedcandiis subsequentlyadded
to papers already received
This is so apparent throughout
or his friend.
by them.
have
not
article, that I should
the whole
These remarks
of the mystery
ing,
troubled myselfto put pen to paper in reply,feelmay explainsome
which
has
reviewer
discovered
in this
of the remarks, so far as
your
as I do, that most
matter, and which he states is so " exceedingly
their own
myself is concerned, carry with them
that there are
strange, and seeminglyinexplicable,"
also
it not
assertingat
explanation, were
the same
time a direct mis-statement, namely, that
lead some
others which might possibly
persons to
"

unfairness on the
some
there
had been
suppose
of the Entomological Society,
part of the Committees
and the Saft'ron VValden Association in their
bent
adjudicationof the prize. It is therefoi-e incumupon me, to trouble you with a few words,
dies
which I trust will show, that neither of these bobeen influenced by uncould possibly have
worthy
motives in their award.

the

vember
not
prizeessay was
published until the Nowhether
not
to
tribute
atfollowing." I know
this assertion to mere
ignorance,or to a
convenient
the part of the
viewer,
reon
forgetfulness
"

but if he turns to the report of the proceedings

of the Entomological Society,at page
517, vol. 5, of the EntomologicalMagazine,a work
he is evidently
which
acquainted with, as he
he will find that it
The
writer of the article in question,after alludingquotes it for another
purpose,
announced
at the
the papers were
was
to the period at which
meeting of the Society on
to
the sixth of August, that the essay was
then pubhe delivered to the Society, and after quoting a
lished
"
and
for deliveryto the memthe President, at the
bers."
of
the
address
from
ready
passage

generalmeeting in January 1838, stating,that at

that time, only one
essay, but that,
apparentlya
"

broadly
very valuable one," had then been sent in
has not the manliness
to assert, (forhe
ventures
in his anonymous
ter
characto state it openly, even
alluded to by the
of reviewer) that the essay
President has been kept back by the Society
for
"

With regard to the remarks

the paper itself
on
will suffice,since your reviewer
very few words
has had the hardihood
the statements
to controvert
contained
in it without
adducing any evidence to
a

disprovethem,

show

they had ly
previousJames
Rennie,
some
privatereason.
a caterpillar
Esq., whose notice of
belonging to
of
Now
for the information
your dispassionate the saw-fly family"
apparently of the genus
enabled to affirm, that the essay
readers, I am
Athalia,"in his "Insect Transformations,"
page 218,
and
is referred to by your
which
publishedis the identical one alluded to by the
reviewer, is
of that formerly given by Mr.
specting simply a
President,and that the followingare the facts resummary
delivered to the Society
it. It was
some
certain opinions,
the
Marshall, together with
on
time prior to the general meeting, on the fourth
of which
consideration
I shall not
It is
enter.
snflScient for the Societyand myself,that the conMonday in January, and both the authorship of
tents
in which
it was
the paper, and the hand
of the essay are
written,
known
to the practical
now
to any member
mological naturalists and agriculturists
of the Entowere
of this country, who
totallyunknown
will render
had
then
Society,until after the committee
impartial justice; and 1 may
decided in April (and, as I have
since learned,
here
in being
add, that I am not a littlegratified
of the reunanimously,) on the respective merits of the
able to state my
marks
knowledge, that some
controverted
say
papers in competition. Besides the publishedesby the reviewer,on the habits
alluded to, in the President's speech, two
both of the caterpillar
ready
and perfectinsoct,have alother
been
subsequently received by the
confirmed
papers were
agriculturist.
by a practical
Society,one of them not until at least a fortnight To the reviewer's assertion that ten days is knovni
the committee
after the general meeting, when
in the
to be the period which the insect continues
determined, in order to allow of, and encourage
culturist,
egg state, a point of much
importance to the agrithe
fullest competition,that both these papers
I simply repeat the statement, that in ony
should
be admitted, although one
of them
was
ceived
remade as noticed at a certain tempeobservations,
rature
so
of the atmosphere, the young
long after the period inscribed. When
larva made
the papers had been
examined
the fflh day from
the
about
at
by the respective its appearance
of the committee, which necessarily
members
time
of deposition" of the egg.
occupied
Every practical
much
announced
to me
time, it was
that
naturalist is aware
that the development of the
the prizewas
perature
awarded, and the secretary then expressed
eggs of insects is greatlydependent xij)on the temhis own
a wish, on
of the season,
hence
I have stated in the
part,that additions of
the digestiveorgans
of the caterpillar
should be
this length of
seasons
essay, that in unfavourable
made to the anatomical
time
is extended.
In conclusion, Rlr. Editor, I
which, wiiatever
details,
value
feel it convenient
to
your reviewer
beg to thank your reviewer, both on the part of
may
attach to them, certainly
not
the Entomological Society and myself, for the
considered
were
by
the scientific body that oflferedthe prize,at all to
kind information
that the habits
he has aff'orded,
been

or

to

that

noticed, saving only that of

"

"

"

"

were
question,

of the insect in

five years ago" than

refrain from
cannot

at

the

better Icnown

present time

offeringhim ray congratulations

good fortune in thus being the only
made
this discovery, among
the
has

wlio

hundreds

many

of naturalists who
to this insect,and

their attention

iiave
who

directed
appear

to

been

counts
quite as well acquaintedwith the acpreviouslygiven of it as himself.
Feeling
assured you will do me
the justiceof allowingthis

have

in
appear
your obedient
to

number,

next
your
servant,

GEORGE

of the wafer the more

gentlywill it run away,
will it dry the land.
The
and the more
effectually
onh'' reason
for placingdrains up and down is that
be better to
the furrows are so placed
; but it would

fifty- egress

; and

at Lis
one

remain

sir,

NEWPORT.

East.
16, Grafton-street

May 8.

the ridges
than allow water
to
run
diagonally,
direction.
quicklyin a drain iu a perpendicular
Drains may be made of various materials,according
to the locality.
Tiles, or small broken stones, are,

make
run

the best, but the drainer should be very

tiles
careful in the selection of his tiles,for many
which
have seen
not
we
are
They
trust-worthy.
We liave seen
burnt.
either too much or too little
are
tiles laid down
frost break the whole
for a
a night's
broken before they were
drain. Luckily,theywere

however,

used; but why are such spongy tilessold to deceive

tile is,however, easily
tiiepublic1
A well-baked
known, b}' givinga ringingsound when held in the
hand on
sounds
taken

FEW

451

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

account

on

up

of

stoppage, when

it

was

admitting the air, that the tiles for some

down
distance from the opening mouldered
on
count
acburnt ; there are,
of having been imperfectly
found,

TURE."
AGRICUL-

ON

THOUGHTS

being struck ; a bad tile,on the contrary,

quite dead and dull. We have seen drains

DRAINING.

on

drains that have

been
have no
doubt, many
which
with
such tiles,and
formed
must, in the
of a few years, become
useless.
course
perfectly
is the stagnant water
to fertility
spreadextensively
the contrary, will last for ages.
Good
Tiles
on
tiles,
ing
a retentive subsoil,and the onlykind of drainupon
have been taken up in Lincolnsijire and other places
which is efficacious for its removal
is not the
The
Roman
whose age is unknown.
many
ments
pavemirably
placeddrains,which are advery deep and distantly
in England, and
been
that have
dug
up
of springsor spouts,
suited to the removal
formed
of flatburnt clav tiles,
as
are
perfectas the
as they are
or
called,whether superficial
deeply
The round water
made.
were
they
pipes also
day
shallow
drain
but
the
more
repeated,
hidden,
frequently
laid down
have been
found under
bv the Romans
for deep drains at considerable distances cannot
the earth in an
equallyperfectstate ; but that is
draw water
at those distances from impervions
subsoils.
only to be accounted for by their having been so
the drains depend
The depth and the distances between
and scientifically
burnt.
perfectly
the openness
of the subsoil.
But
on
entirely
be laid in claylands without
should never
Tdes
kind of drain,
it is easy to fix the ?eflstdeptli. No
sink into it.
smaller
a
on
depth of soles, for in lime they will assuredly
any pretext, ought to have
In such
land stones
tained,
should, if possibleto be obstones fifstones
are
used) than eighteeninches,nor
be always placedabove tiles to keep them in
them ' than one foot,
smaller depth of earth above
a
of the drain filled
their places,and the remainder
drain should be less than thirtyinches in
so that no
with small stones, dried peats, gravel,brushwood,
of shallow
need the
drains
kind of

The

is not

which
draiuing

would
The

difficult to choose.

be

tual
effec-

most

greatestdepth,

depth,nor

width
should allow a man
to
them. The distance between the drains
has been fixed at the breadth of a ridge,that is,in
Where
broad ridpes are used
in
every furrow.
strong clay land the distance is often too great to
it does
Where
fifteen
do much good.
not exceed
exceed

or

three

feet.

'1he

in
freely

work

we

greatestobstacle

eighteen feet,accordingto

the

of
tenacity

or

such

like porous
it is

where

will bind

This

the tilesin

over

of
species

few years.

vantage
drainingpossesses the ad-

relieve
certainly

it will

stagnant surface

with

the

shallow

in clay,
especially'
the clay

otherwise

to every kind of soil ;

being applicable

of
and

substances,

absolutely
necessary,

drain
eflectually

the whole
that exists
of the soil. Were
the soil thus
the declivity.
We confess we
to perfectfertility
in the perpendicular
charm
see
no
particular
posi- fertilised the produce of the country, whether in
tion
creased
the contrary, we
be into it.
see
straw, green crops, or pasturage, would
objections
corn,
many
; on
and
live stock
in draining,that rapid
Wheat
would
W^e hold it to be a maxim
many fold.
of this
in drains is incompatiblewith the
descents of water
then be sufficient to
supply the wants
to a
ing
maintenance of good workmanship. Water descendforeign
countr}''without our having recourse
rapidlyany where gutters the ground, and so it supply: constant employment would also be provided
will in
for the agricultural
Besides, the perpendicular
populationduring those
any drain.
Nor is
favourable for interceptingimprovements and for the time to come.
positionis not the most
it is
such
of improvement wild or
in its descent; because
scheme
tliewater
a national
very rare
and farmers possess
that a deelivity
presents only one declination ; it is imaginary. Many proprietors

subsoil,the distance may

has been
Much
drains up and down

almost
and

in

always attended with

another

direction.
take

be considered

urged

from
Down

side
such

to
a

favour

two,

side,

one

iu

practisedit

proper.

of

making the

up and
the

the
declivity

down,

horizontal
water

would

soil which is afflicted

any
If generally
water.

will

country, and

remove

the

means,

in

chief obstacle

the

less

greater or

degree,of accomplishing

their estates or farms, and

be assisted by the State.
not should
money, it is feared,is thrown away
it on

those who have

Much
public
in doubtful expediences,

diagonaldirection,g-uidedby the decree of the

monstration
and much
appliedto pernicious
Now, it is as obvious as any depurposes,
crease
in
which, if employedin drainingthe land, would indvnamics, that drains placed in

lateral declination.

down
the face of a declivity,
lines declining
its resources
parallel
having a two-fold declination, that is,diagonally,additional,or one
will afford
water

than

much

any

more
easy passage for a
other direction. The more

current

of

easy the

acre,

would

country.

"

beyond credibility.One
quarter of

add millions

Carlisle Patriot.

corn

year

to

sheep

raised on an
the wealth of the

more,

FARMER'S

THE

452
THE

MAGAZINE.
affords.

APPLE.

as

Apple (thePyrus Malus

the most valuable and
is unquestionably
botanists^
by far the most generallycultivated within those
Of all EuMpean fruitsthe

of

in which

latitudes

it is found

thrive.

to

At

wliat

is

throughoutthe
to the food

fruit of the poor

Apple is the

The

rich, it
of

capableof being had

year, it forms

an

well

as

perfection
addition
agreeable
in

supplieshim with a
pleasant,and as exhili-

Man, and

also

beverage as wholesome and

of which the Rhenish proas any of the wines
ratiiig
vinces
boast.
known
in this
It is not generally
can

known
to
is involved in the obscuritycountry, that the refuse of the orchard and fruit-room
when past all other use may be manufactured by the
of antiquity,
for the wild crab is tlieonly fruit
to
of the kind indigenousto this country, or indeed to
ordinary
processes of fermentation and distillationina very great portiou
an excellent brandy,and indeed
other,and from it at some
period,and by some
in what

or
period,

manner

the inhabitants of this

it first became

the

country

any

or other,all our
improved varieties have been
its existence to
obtained. The cultivated appleowes
and is not, although
the art and industry of man,
asserted by some, the natural productionof any soil
that it
It is a mere
to suppose
or climate.
conjecture

means

in Britain

known

not

was

but that it was

informs us
seventy-nine,
for thinking that the
great probability

writingin
there

sion,
Invapriorto the Roman
Taciby that people. tus

introduced

is

the year

that
soil

very tit for all kinds of fruit trees

however
except the vine and the olive; wine was
made in Britain in the third century, but no mention
is made of the Apple. Thatthe
Apple was cultivated
in Italv in die days of Plinyis very
by the Romans
certain,as it is recorded by him ( Lib. 15 ) as being
well known, and notonlydoes he allude to twenty-two
kinds,but these he divides into eatingorsweetapples,
kitchen apples,and one
or
(Melimala)and culinary
he mentions which was
destitute of
in particulaf
sort
his writings
does he allude to
but in nopartof
kernels,
and

climate

their

were

in

being grown

Britain.

Ii, was

probablynot

of the

brandy

of France

far the manufacture

is made

of that

from this fiuit

how

for home consumpspirit

tion

of international commerce,
the fact to
arise to impede
show, that should
from the
of this spirit
or
prevent the importation

might
is

affect the

no

concern

continent,we

have

interest

of

state
; we
circumstances
political

ours

resource

within

ourselves

which

own
consumption. This
go far to supply our
extended, as hundreds
supply might be very greatly

would
of

acres

in

Britain,

at

present uncultivated, would

The medicinal
producethe Apple in greatabundance.
of the Apple are considerable,
or
])roperties
verjuice,
and rethe juiceof wild crab is a valuable astringent
and has been long used us an application
to
pellant,
The
fruit of the cultivated Applewhen ripe
sprains.
is

boiled or roasted it has beea

laxative,andwhen
found serviceable in cases of indigestion
and weakness
of the stomach, and also in putridand malignant
fevers.
As connected
with the arts, the bark is used in dyeing
the wood
for turning and
a yellow colour, and
other purposes, where hardness
and variety
of colours
are
sought for, the pulp mixed with lard forms
and
are
many
pomatum, and its uses in confectionary
well known.
TJie Orchard, by Charles ^I'lntosh,
F. C. H. 6'.

tillafterthe Norman conquest, that Appleswere much

cultivated in this country, and it is
known
or
duced
introreasonable
enough to suppose that they were
from the fertile orchards of Normandy, as soon
would admit of
after that date as the state of society
the minds of man
being directed to more peaceful
suits
purthan that of war.
informs
that Pippins were
CARROTS.
To procnre young carrots throughThe historian Stow,
us
out
the summer
introduced by one Clascal,about 1572, contemporary
be sown
and irfitumn,seed must
of
with Tusser, in whose five hundred
points of good the early horn kind about every six weeks, from tlie
kinson, end of Februarytill the beginning of August, the
applesof allsorts are mentioned, and Parhusbandly,
"

"

distinctlyenumerates

in 1629,

Evelyn in

sorts.

us,

to
preface

his

fifty-seven last sowing is made

one

no

doubt

for which

laying the foundation of those

that county has

for

plantsto stand

the winter

and afibrd young

Pomona, informs
roots
earlyin spring. For the
troduced
Hisral and
Henry V'lII.,inprincipalcrop, the author has found

Harris, a fruiterer to
the fruits of Flanders, and plantedtheiu

that

Kent,

the

ever

since been

in

chards
orso

conspicuous. The Herefordshire orchards, if not

augmented by
principallyformed were
very much
the introduction ofmcst of the best cider apples from
Normandy and other parts of Fiance, by Lord Scud-

gethe

second
third week
in IMarch to be a good season,
or
though he has known
good crops produced from
sowing at the end of April and beginningof May,
this however
depends entirelyon the weather. In
sowingcarrot seed,a calm day should be chosen as
the seeds are very light,
they should also be rubbed

between
the hands
and mixed
with some
dry sand
of Paris in
Ambassador
at the court
ashes to separate them as much
or wood
as ]"ossible.
be correct
the time of Charles II. If Ilallarhowever
of sowing them
The common
is upon beds
method
the longevityoftheAjijilethe Herein estimating
fordshirethree or four feet broad, and afterwards raked in
have
orchards must
existed from a much
smoothly and evenly,the teeth of the rake ought to
that there was
earlier periodas that author asserts
be wider than are generallyused, as the seed is apt
attained a thousand years,
trees in his time that had
to be drawn
up in heajis.The author considers that
stillproductive.The late Thomas Andrew
and were
sowing the seed in shallow drills nine or twelve
few were
than whom
inches apart, is a preferable
more
Knight, Es(j.,
competent
way, as it admits of the
hundred years
of opinion that two
of judging,
ning
in thinhoe being made use of with greater facility
was
duration of the Apple Tree,
and cleansing
the ordinary
them from weeds, and in a given
are
nearer
an
opinionfrom which we think few modern vegespace of ground, a greater crop and finer roots can
table
will venture
The Apto dissent.
be produced than by sowing broadcast in beds.
As
physiologists
ple
consider even
the plants are
guished,
be well distinas
we
graftedon the crab stock to be
soon
up and can
of much
shorter duration than the pear, which
a tree
hoe, about three or four inches broad,
a
of attaining
doubt not is capable
latter we
an
should be used to thin and clear them from weeds.
age of
five hundred
Thin from three to five inches distance,such as are
upwards ; of all the
years, and even
is brouglit designed for showing young
fruits that are prodneed in our climate none
tended
; but the main
crop inbe
with so littla
to so great perfection
as the Apple, and
for largo and good sized roots, must
trouble,nor amongst them is there any comprising thinned to six inches. The whole should be kept
clear from weeds in their advancing
a choice for
so many
varieties,
aifordingas it were,
young growth.
and climate which our
Island
Towards
the end of October, they will have ohsituation,
every soil,
amore,

who

was

FARMER'S

THE

tained tlieirfull growth,and in tlie beginning

of
the leaves liegin
as
November, as soon
to turn vel-

MAGAZINE.

453

have been

d-ssolved,
or, in other words,completely
it to be the generalopinion
digested. Believing

lovr,the

be taken up in a dry day,the top

that sponge is rarely
roots can
I have been
or never
digested,
cut
oft'within an inch or two of the crown,
induced to send you the particulars
beingof this case.
and can be f)ackedamong
dry earth or sand in the The horse,perhaps,is less liable tlian many other
store-house for winter use.
Thev will keep well
animals to be injured
stance,
svch a subby swallowing
the same
as potatoes; in either
of the intestineshavingin him so
on account
pitted,
way if frost
be excluded,they will keep perfectly
well until great a share in the digestive
In most
process.
of the following
Marcli or Ajiril
Vegetableother animals it is nearly
year.
completedin tliestomach,
CulttLator By John Rogers
I attributeour patient's
: Longman.
recovery to the time which
thus allowed for tlie perfectdigestion
was
of the
"

"

sponge.

[We
A

CASE

OF

HORSE

SWALLOWING

SPONGE.
By G.

We

thank Mr. Rickwood

for this interesting
case.
believe it to stand alone jn the history
of veterinary

Y.]
practice.
"

Rickwood, Esq.,V. S,,BEnronD.

(From the Veterinarian.)

INFANT
SCHOOLS
OF
IlOllTICULTURE
AND
AGRICULTURE
IN
FRAKCE.-Copied
of the 14th of JMaicb,
On the evening
I
1839,
was
Jrom the Labourer'sFriends' Magazine,
forApril,
1"39.
called on to attend a horse,the property of a gentle"An
man
establishment lias lately
been formed m the department
in this neighbourhood.
The animal having
of Card, for giving
just
lessonsin hortipractical
culture
returned from a journey,
and agriculture
had,an hour previousto my
to children. Full success
has
attended the attempt, and the exampleisabout to be
seeinghim, swallowed a large piece of moistened
followed in other quartern. Two acre^ of empty land
new
sponge which lay in the stable. A"ot having
were
divided into nursery, corn
land,flower gardens,
fair,
knowledgeof tlieresult of such an afany practical
and kitchen garden?. All the inhabitantsof the
I was
bourhood
neighto fallin with
induced,in some
measure,
assistin conveying
instructionto the children,
the prevailing
of
opinionof the great improbability
or in smoothing
theirprogress. A regularinstructoris
such a substance being either expelled
undigested,appointed,
who giveslessonson gardening,
in which he
or capableof digestion.
However, 1 gave him immediately
is aided by the cultivators
who livenear.
The Mayor
of Barbadoes aloes, with a
ounce
an
and the Cure employ their influence in
aside
putting
I also ordered him to be kept such obi^tacles
drachm of calomel.
as prejudice
or long-established
custom
throw
from both food and water
their
in
for
might
I
forest
The
duringthe night
is
;
way.
useful
ranger
in pointing
out the exact
reasoned that,
from the greatpower of capillary
state of the laws respecting
traction
atand
the
of
land
trees,
proprietors
the
it
wliich
supplyseed,corn and
sponge possessed, would probably
flowers. Half of the produceis given up to the instructor,
of the juices
absorb a sufficientquantity
of the
of the other halfis distributed
a portion
as a recomstomach to fillall its pores, and the water, by diluting
and the rem"inder issold to
pence amongst the pupils,
the gastric
mightlessen its solvent power.
juice,
the mhabitants of the village.
After some time a considerable
he
On
the following
seemed
to be free
morning
is raised from these sales,
sum
the money is
from painor fever,and I ordered a few carrots
to be
laidout in defraying
the generalexpenses, in purchasing
in providing
placedbefore him. These, however,he refused.
seed without beingindebted for
tools,
it
On the 16th he continued apparently
and
to
the
of
kindness
the
and
in
easv,
proprietors, increasing
the emoluments of the instructor.
without any indication of pain,and I allowed him a
I'he liltlo
farm is thus
found
to
advance
to
and in a short
wetted
but
rapidly perfection,
small portionof
no
water.
The
hay,
time isthe most productive
spot of ground in the country
because
physichad not produced
probably
any eflect,
itis understood that all the work is done
; of course
I had interdicted the use of water.
In the evening
the pupils; were
it otherwise,
by
t
he
o
f
stitution
object the inhe began to be verv
uneasy, and was frequently
ing
pawwould be entirely
as practical
initruction
lost,
and looking
round at his flanks. I repeatedthe
would
no
longerbe given. These infant schools for
of the night his lestless- horticuliureand
medicine. In the course
agriculture
are
the increase in
on
increased to a very alarming
ness
Fr"nce." Journal d' Agricultui-e
degree,and he was
Pratique.
This, however, subsided
evidently
suffering
intensely.
before the morning.
AND
GENEROUS
On the 17 thhe seemed to be tolerably
LANDLORD.Mr.
comfortable, A JUST
Sharp,the landlord of the postinginn, at Scarthing
and I allowed him about three pints
of warm
water.
to
his
Moor,
E
arl
complained
landlord.
that
Manvers,
In the eveningthe physicbegan to producethe desired
owing to the preference given to railroad travelling,
and he voided a moderate portion
of
eftiect,
and to other causes, it would be impossiblefor
many
tural
digestedf;uces,but somewhat harder than of itsnaof the innkeepers
to keeptheir doors open without some
consistence.
abatement could be made in their rentals,and instanced
18th and 19th.
Ilis bowels gradually
assumed
his own
as
an
rmdertakiiig
example. Earl Manvers
their natural action,
but there was
not
inquiredof las steward what was the rent
any purging, immediately
nor
properlyspeaking,
per acre paid for the land attached to Mr. Sharp's
any thingto indicate that he
had taken so much
aloetic medicine.
He was
lowed farm. Mr. Simpson replied27s. per acre.
al"Then,"
said Earl Manvers, " let him pay 27s.
and wetted bran.
of water
small quantities
per acre for the
and
let
us
sink
the
hitherto
rent
land,
On the 22nd
he remained
free from pain,but, the
paid for the
house."
The cfFect of this decision of his lordship
bowels continuing
is,
1 gave a third
somewhat costive,
that Mr. Sharp'srental has been reduced 727.
num.
per andose of medicine, which, on the followingday,
This act of kindness and cnusideratioa on the
and convinced me
mildlybut sufficiently
operated,
to the claims of
part of Earl Manvers, is doing justice
that no obstruction remained.
The patient was
Mr. Sharp,who is a kind hearted Bian, and an excellent
therefore dismissed.
tenant ; whilst,
at the same
time, it reflects a
No jjortions
of tiie sponge could be detected in
lustre on the characterand motives of one of the
very
best of landlords.
any of the evacuated matter, but the whole of itmust
"

*"%

THE

154

INFLUENCE

THE

OF

NITROGEN

OF

PLANTS.

GROWTH

THE

ON

RORERT

BY

MAGAZINE.
when
of nitrogen
by weight the quantity

INTO

INQUIRY

EXPERIMENTAL

AN

FARMER'S

during the analysis. In

RIGG.

this

About two years ago I had the honour of laying

experimentalinquiry
before the Royal Societyan
of the chemical
changes which occur
into some
position
during the germinationof seeds and the decomof

On

matter.
vegetable

the

present

compared

with 1000 parts of carbon

in the same
compound.
I also designateby the term
residual those earthy
which
and saline ingredients
not decomposed
are

casion
oc-

of the

some

experiments

residual

contain
a littleforeign matter,
may
for in preparingthe different compounds for analysis
I seldom
rather

had

present, than
was

more

to

recourse

choosing to

have

to remove

tion,
any process of abluter
a little foreignmat-

any

part of

the objectof
particularly

that which

research.

That

I might also examine

the compounds as nearlyas
confine myself to an extensive
posed
possiblein their natural state, I very rarelyexseries of experiments which have reference to the
them
and salts in vegetato
a
ble
higher temperature than 100'^
presence of nitrogen, earths,
and
in very thin paper,
Fahr., inclosingthem
compounds,with a view of directingattention
getables. afterwards
allowing them to acquire the hygroto the influence of nitrogenin the growth of veI purpose

to

metric

As

inquiry is purelyexperimental,I

ray

had

1 have

premisethat

recourse

ultimate analysis,and the equivalent

which I employ are, carbon (""12, hydrogen
numbers
1-0, oxygen 8*0, and nitrogen 14-0. That we may
the proportionate
quantityof
the more
readilyapply
purpose, I shall make
nitrogen to our immediate
which will represent
in each analysis,
column
one
of

method

state of the atmosphere.

firstseries of experiments to which I shall
refer tends to show, that in that part of the seed
where
germination takes place nitrogenpreponderates,
when
compared with its quantityin the
other part of the seed. This result is derived
from
the analysisof the germ
and cotyledonsof beans,
of nitrogen
barley,wheat, "c., a largeexcess
peas,
The

may
to the well-known

indicated
beinginvariably

Table

in the gerra.

I.
Nitr. tor
Total. I

1000

Carb.
of the gardenbean
of the gardenbean
Cotyledons
of earlygardenpeas
Germ
of early
garden peas
Cotyledons
Germinatingends of barley.

4.5.8

Germ

The

Germinatingends of wheat
The other parts of wheat

Thus,

parts of barley

other

for instance, it appears

from

the table of

of beans
and peas contain
that the germ
analysis,
by weight about 200 parts of nitrogen for 1000
contain only
partsof carbon, while the cotyledons
about

from

100

to 140

parts.

the
whereas

of

100

200

50.02

100

140

48.8

100

198

47.9

100

104

57.7

100

48

59.0

100

25

55.1

100

51

56.7

100

39

in
it had
which
been
steeped;
barleyof IBIi/, and containing only .35
of
nitrogen,steeped in water at the same
parts
time, and kept under the same
circumstances
as
the former, germinated in forty-eight
hours. Similarly,
water

I find that of the seeds,mustard, cress,

experiments disposesme to
rape,
tain
turnij),
those which
contain
of the same kind which conradish,and celery,
the
the largest
largestquantityof nitrogen and residual,
quantityof nitrogengerminatethe
germinate
ing
the earliest when
earliest. Barley of the growth of 1835, containstances.
kept under equal circumIt is
46 parts of nitrogen for 1000 of carbon, gerto
minated
state that in these
necessary
hours
in thirty-six
after being taken out
analysesthe seeds were examined in the mass.

series of
think, that tho^e seeds
second

Table

II.
i\ itr. tor

Carb.

Hydr. Oxyg.

Nitr.

Resid.

Water.

Total

1000

Carb.

Barleyof
Barleyof

1835

43.93

1837

39.57

Mustard seed
Cress seed
Rape seed
Turnip seed
Radish
..

....

Celery

The
seeds

of the

chemical
before the

seeds, as

2.02

1.30

52.04:

100

1.38

1.30

54.30

100

So

2.36

3.55

3.90

39.45

100

70

46.8

1..5

3.3

4.8

43.6

100

71

55.3

3.4

2.7

3.1

35.5

100

50

.5.'!.
4

3.5

o.C-i

3.1

34.4

100

6b

55.34

3.48

5.03

3.4

32.75

100

90

50.39

2.35

2.37

6.6

38.29

100

47

50.74

constitution

of

rootlets

0.71

3.45

46

of differs from that of the malt, and also from the

In
length constitution of the barleyin its originalstate.
in the instance of malted barley, these we
have
the rootlets containing a large
the

plmmila extends the whole

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

tabic. And I may also add, that

the annexed
tity
experimentsdisposeme to infer that the quanand diminishes
of nitrogenis largestin the spring,

of nitrogen at
(luantity

from

have

mv

a
period when they will
perform important offices in preparingthe
the young plant. That there is a similar

to

455

food for
difference between the chemical constitution of the
roots and trunks of trees will abundantly appear

with the

Table

season.

III.

Note. The apple,plum, and cherrytrees were

had been in the ground
allof them very small ; tiie}'
several years, and had been rooted up because of their general uahealthiness.
In a healthystate of
the trees the nitrogen
of the root is in a larger
proportion.
"

But

abundant in
only \s the nitrogenmore
plantsand trees ; the residual also,
compared with the quantityin the trunks,
not

the roots
when

of

will be found

in excess
in the roots.
that nitrogenis
admit the principle,
action upa powerful agent in favouring chemical
on
sidual
vegetable and animal matter, and that this reis essential to the healthyperformance of
every function of the roots, as well as every other
part of the plant,and forms, as it were, a most
perfectskeleton of the whole ; we have in these
roots
action in an
that which will favour such
eminent
degree when
compared with the other
part of the tree.
Now

if

It would be
extensive than

into, or

go

takes

leadingus into other subjectsmore

before us, if I were
to
now
one
the chemical action which
upon,
the agency of the roots, the compounds

the

treat

place by
formed

we

thereby,the

heat

produced by

such

It
action, the arrangement of the residual,"c.
that in followingup this part of
will be sufficient,
state
we
as the result of experiment,
inquiry,
constituted
that the sap irood is very differently
cess
from the more
j)erfect
part, the heart irood,an exfound in the
of nitrogen being invariably
former.

the

Table

IV.
Nitr. for

Carb.

Hydr.

Nitr.
Oxyg.l

Total.

Resid. Water.

lOOO

Carb.

Young English oak

42.40

{42.40

oak sap wood

4 1.2

of ditto
Englishelm sap wood
Heart wood of ditto
Acacia sap wood
Heart wood of ditto
Cedar from Africa sap wood
Heart wood of ditto
(Chestnut sap wood
Heart wood of ditto
Heart

'

of ditto

Heart wood

Quebec

sap wood

wood

| 44.59
| 41.20

.18
.14
.40

|41.1

2.49

43.79

!41.36

|42.06

6.67
.42

i39.92

.55

1.6

55.27

100

13

.16

0.7

56.74

100

.31

1.3

54.05

100

.13

0.6

54.68

100

1.6

2.5

54.3

100

39

0.7

1.7

.55
.50

56.5

100

17

.50

52.67

100

13

.20

51.27

100

12

.39

2.8

54.33

100

10

.36

0.7

59.02

100

41.16

1.86

.38

.10

56.20

100

40.18

7.96

.29

.20

51.37

100

It will be unnecessary for me

to say that the
and residual in those timbers which
grow the
sap wood more
readilypasses into a state of decay quickest: and further than this; for directlyas
than
the heart wood.
Here
lectively
again the nitrogen the quantity of nitrogen and residual taken coland the residual being present in largerquantities
do wc
the decaj'of
to have
so
appear
in the former than in the latter,wc have them exerting
timber, all other circumstances being equal. The
their influence as promoters of decomposition.
followingis the analysisof several kinds of timber
which
"We have also the

of nitrogen
greatestquantities

favour this inference.

THE
There appear indeed

to

FARMER'S

be various chemical

tions
ac-

MAGAZINE.
an

457

of chemically
examiningthis
opportunity

very

and indispensable
takingplacein wliich these two elements are
important
part of vegetableproduction
of the
under very
different circumstances.
concerned,viz.,in the preparation
eaiinently
By
food of tlie plants bv the roots, and in combining carefully
these leaves, we are enabled to
dissecting
this food with the other elements and fitting
the
discover by analysis
important
changes producedin
whole to the various purposes of tlie plants.
From the proneness on the part of
very few hours.
TJirouo:lioutthe wliole course
of my experimentalthese leaves to pass into decomposition,
at favourable
I have
with one
instance wherein
not
met
have
feature brought before us
a
iiiquiiy,
temperatures, we
of nitrogen
and residual, which claims our best attention.
have a largeproportion
have the
we
And we
that we hare not violent chemical actipn and quick
fruit of this plantaffording
us, in its conversion into
all other circumstances being wine and other substances, an opportunity
of exgrowth of the plants,
amining
favourable.
into many
important chemical changes,and
ther
I may add, of making the
the leaves oftrees we may throw furBy analysing
accuracy of many popular
theories more
than questionbble.
lightupon the operationof nitrogen. Of the
almost numberless
The vines which more
vegetableswhich cover the face
terials
generallyafforded me maof the earth,there are veiy few, if any, whose growth
for examination are those which produce the
and pi'oduce
afford us
information upon the
more
chemical changes which occur
duringthe growthof
of vegetable matter
plantsand the decomposition
than the vine. Its abundant
flow of sap in the spring

white and

black

sweet-water

grapes.

They

are

in

the open air,and are

nailed to the south side of a
brick wall. A series of experiments
upon the leaves
of these vines are givenin Table VII., shewingin a

a
most
that nitrogen
us
is in largequantities
manner
important productfor determining striking
yields
when
itsfood. Its foliagefurnishes us with a plentiful
tiieyfirst make their appearance ; that as they
it decreases in proportionate
:
are developed,
sup]dyof leaves for examination at differentseasons
quantity
;
and by allowingthese leaves sometimes
that it is in excess
to remain on
duringthe period of their most
the trees until thev are
rapidgrowth ; and that towards the close of the year
very abundant, and then
it is comparatively
small.
thereof,leavingthe
removing a considerable portion
rest to grow, we
have at intervals of very few days

With

view of

whether
ascertaining

or

not

Table

VII.

these

leaves from a great number

of trees at difl'erent
stagesof their growtii.The results hereby furnished
in TableVIII.
maybe obtained from the experiments

in the chemical
constitution of the
peculiarities
I have had
and trees were
leaves of plants
universal,
the
to extensive analyses
recourse
thereof,
gathering

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

458

and central petalscontained sixty-six

tbe difterenl parts of the flowers of
parts; hut
from each
The parts not only differ the various portionsdiffer very materially
velopment,
in chemical constitution with their state of deother, and when taken in connexion with the germination
of seeds, the growth of plants,
their aliment,
in Table
IX., in the instance
as appears
of the rose, where tbe full-blown petalscontained
"c., throw much liglit
upon the whole subject.
and the unexpanded
twenty-four
parts of nitrogen,
of
analyses

The

plantsare full of

interest.

Table

Hydr. Oxyg

Carbon

Full blown
rose
Rose petalsnot
at the same
same

petals

IX.

42-2

2-6

Nitr.

1-0

Resid

Water.

3-0

51-2

2-5

48-2

gathered"!
expanded,
time, and from

the

"

45 -2

1-1

tree

Petals of the dahlia

Pistilsof the same
Petals of the white lily
Pistilsof the white lily
Pollen of the white lily
Stems of the anthers of white lily.
.

Chrysanthemum, expanded petals

Chrysanthemum,unexpanded
Pollen of tbe same
Leaves of tbe same
Leaves gatheredJune

3.)-5
36-4

..

13-5

38

0-3

55'

5*5

16

2-7

4-0

47-6

4-2

4-3

55*4

1-9

5-2

43-0
53- "o

3-6
6

27- "7

40'

52- "3

39'

55-0

52

3-0

39-2

..

....

10-2

34-8

43-2

1-6

3-0

40-2

0-6

2-8

8-2

48

5-0

4*2

45-3

41-4

4-1

50

Without
be content to remain ignorant; but
must
we
adding to the number of experiments
he procured from the
to what
furnished, I would observe, that I liave not
extent
already
a supply can
analysedany productin a natural state wherein I compounds upon which its agency is directed,is
have not found both nitrogenand residual ; and, of
of legitimateexperimental
research.
within the compass
the great number
that I have subjected
to this process,

duct,

those which are embodied in this paper may be

With respect to the entire volume of nitrogen
considered as approximating
to an
average of the
connected with the process of vegetation,it will
whole, as resrardsboth this 2,aseous element and the
that the
be observed that my former tables show
incombustible matter.
quantity appropriatedby the plant varies from
In conclusion, I would
obiserve that the mode
portant
to i of their weight of carbon
; and the imTo'oB
I have
which
of analjrsis
tion
adoptedin the examinaexperiments of Dr. Daubeny, Saussure,
of organiccompounds, so far as determining Sir
Humphry Davy, and others, have abundantly
the quantityof carbon, hydrogen,oxygen, and residual
established the fact that there is a considerable
are
concerned, is the one described in the
evolution of nitrogenduring the growth of plants.
trogen
the quantityof nipaper on vegetabledecompositionto which I have
Experiments, however, upon
mining
that
alreadyreferred. Respectingthe mode of deterevolved are so beset wsth
difficulties,
the quantity
of nitrogen,
a
count
best efforts in this department of vegetable
very brief acour
of the plan which I have adopted is given in
tainty
physiology have not enabled us to speak with certliePhilnsnphical
Magazine for January last ; and by
relative quantitiesof
or
as to the absolute
combining tliese two methods of ultimate anal3^sis,
the gases which
are
given off during the healthy
I am
to detect very minute
enabled, in capitulation,
in
action of the functions of vegetablelife. And
to
as
errors, and therefore to speak with
certainty
it is only necessary
of this remark
corroboration
the accuracy
and value of every experiment. From
of vegetationis
to state, that the natural course
Tranmclinns.
the Philosophical
interrupted, the necessitywe are
.

"

ON

THE

EVOLUTION

DURING
AND
THEY

THE
THE

OF

GROWTH

SOURCES

DERIVE
BY

FROM
THAT

ROBERT

In this communication

NITROGEN
OF

PLANTS,
WHENCE

ELEMENT.
RIGG.

I shall have, the

honour

unavoidably
by
imder of excludingplants from the free action of
lect
the external atmosphere, when
we
attempt to colthe gases they give off.
Sir Humphry
Davy made his experiments under
of the
the nature
favourable circumstances
as
the
will admit of ; and he found that when
oxygen decreased in quantityabout two per cent.,
the nitrogen increased four
cent., and that
per
increased about thirty-five
the oxygen
when
per
cent., the nitrogenincreased about seven
per cent.
Some of my own
experiments have been conducted
as

case

the principle
on
adopted by Sir Humphry Davy.
submittingto the RoyalSocietya series of exwhich
not
))eriments,
only confirm the principles I have also introduced whole branches of trees, as
tender
of more
1 have alreadylaid down
leaves
and
in the investigations
of
well as stems
plants,
the
from
the influence of nitrogenon the growth of plants, under
water, without removing them
but also enable us to trace this important element
parent stock, and collected their gaseous products
"'
to its soui.'ce.
in inverted glass vessel?.
Upon examining these
are
volumes
By what mysteriousprocess of natural chemistry products, I find, that the gaseous
of the sun's
the living
affected by the brightness
of the plant obtains this proprinciple
perceptibly

of

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

459

though their variation appears to be subject Thus I was enabled to discover an increase or decrease
fixed law.
At the same
of any of the elements in
time, liowever, it
any experiment so
or
is certain that nitrogen,whether
conducted, wherein the seed itself,
the water, and
appropriated
the atmosphere furnished whatever was
evolved, is apparently the most
uniform, while
required
the character of a most
ing
fluctuatfor vegetation.
oxygen assumes
We are
and passiveagent.
led by these experiments to the inference,
tain
Hence, then, if plants,taken as a whole, conthat, independent
of that indefinite quantity
from three to four per cent, of their weight of
of nitrogenwhich is given off"to the atmosphere
nitrogen,and if to this we add the indefinite quanduring vegetation,there is an increase of this element
tity,
in plantswhen
so far as we
can
comprehend, which is evolved
compared with its quantity
during their growth, the questionnaturallyarises, in the seeds ; and in this case the seeds form the
from whence
do plants draw
this part of their
from whenee
only source
they could derive it,
of nitrogen with the exception of the atmosphere and any
substance, as well as the volume
which they furnish to the atmosphere ? a question little which might have combined
with the water
of the greatest importance in the practical
appli- used on the occasion.
cation
of the subject,
and one
terest It would
not
be at variance with
wanting in inof research,
my mode
as a
which is purelyexperimental,
part of the inquiryinto the chemical
to make
any
during the growth of plants. observations upon the quantityof nitrogenwhich
changes which occur
The
is probably furnished by the atmosphere during
quantityof animal and vegetable matter
the germinationof seeds and
which forms a part of all soils suitable for the
the full growth and
growth of plants,invariablycontainingnitrogen, development of plants. The experiments before
with one
furnishes us at once
from whence
source
us disposeus to infer that
it differs with the temperature
at which the plantsare exposed,and with
they may derive a part, if not the whole, of this
tion,
element, which is either found in their constituexposure as regardssunshine and the shade. Thus
or
given ofifto the atmosphere during their we have in the germination and vegetationof
growth. Hence an accurate examination of these
barley,for instance,the quantityof nitrogen in
soils at diff'erentperiodsmight enable us to deterthe grain germinated under very favourable cirmine
cumstances
the questionas to whether
not
the earth
for the process, increasing
or
to an extent
ployed
suppliedthe whole of the nitrogen which is emequal to thirty-eight
per cent, upon the original
in vegetable
But from the many
quantity contained in the seed; when the same
economy.
difficulties
kind of barleywas^'kept
cumstances
cirunder unfavourable
ing
experimentconsequent upon accurately
soils previous to and after the producfor vegetation,and allowed to grow
tion
upon
until the principal
of the
of any plants,and also the examination
part of the farina was exhausted,
the increase in the quantityof nitrogenwas
plantsso produced, we are not able by this mode
only
of proceeding to obtain results in any degree sathe same
lowed
tisfactory.
eighteenper cent. When
grainwas alrays,
to

no

free myselffrom all doubt upon

this
the atmosphere
point, and to ascertain whether
did or did not furnisli any part, and if any what
proportion,of the nitrogenwhich enters into the
mate
constitution of plants,I had recourse
to the ultianalysisof seeds and young seedlingplants.
Some
seeds I steeped in distilled water, and
in filteredThames
river water.
When
some
they
vour
had absorbed a sufficient quantityof water
to faI spread
the first impulse of germination,
them on glass or cbina plates,and kept them
at
temperatures favourable to germination and vegetation,
in a room
where
the only source
of nitrogen
would be that which was
suppliedby the seed
and
the atmosphere. The
quantity of dry seed
sand
experimented upon varied from thirtyto one thouwere
grains, which
accurately weighed.
These 1 allowed to germinate and grow, keeping
them
regularlysuppliedwith the respectivekinds
In order

to

only ; and that nothing might be lost by

the water
carryingoff any of the soluble parts of
the different seeds, that water
which was employed
in steepingeach kind of seed at the commencement
afterwards used in watering the same.
was
of water

Some

of the

have them

experimentsI

favoured

so

as

to

to vegetate in the sun's rays until about

two- thirds of the flour contained in the seed had
the increase in the quantityof nitrogen
disappeared,
was

plantswere

thirtyper cent. ; and

kept under the most
and

allowed

to

the same
favourable circumstances
vegetate until the
when

seeds

appeared to be exhausted, the young plant

during thistime having the most healthyappearance,
there was
the quantityof
increase upon
an
nitrogencontained in the seeds of nearlyfiftyper
cent.

Seeds of cress
during vegetationincreased their
quantityof nitrogenforty-oneper cent, when the
plants were
kept under a temperature varying
with shade

and

sunshine

from

60"

to

84".

The

portant
experiments upon the seeds of the turnip,an implant in an agriculturalpoint of view
(about one-half of which germinated),shows that
the nitrogen which
derived from the atmowas
sphere
was

the seed.

more

In

than

that which

was

all these experiments

quicknessof the growth of the young
to the

contained
we

have

in
the

plantsproportional
quantityof nitrogenpresent when

compared with

1000 parts of carbon

in the same.
these facts before us, we are enabled to account
for plantsnot continuingto grow
so well in
pure
oxygen
gas as in atmospheric air ; and by
following
up the inquiryin other departments,we
see
the wisdom
of the all-wise Contriver in constituting
an
atmosphere with a decided preponderance
of nitrogen and a much
smaller proportion

With

germinating and growing quickly,and

others slowly. Some
terminated
of them were
at
one
at another
stage of their growth, and some
;
and some
of them were
allowed to vegetate as long
nourishment.
as the seeds appeared to afford them
At the end of each experiment the whole
of oxygen.
mass
was
perature
different circumstances
Finding that plants under
envelopedin very thin paper, and dried at a temof growth diff'er
in the relative quantityof
varying from 100" to 110" Fahr., powdered,
and
afterwards allowed to acquirethe hynitrogen which
they contain, as well as in the
other elements which enter into their constitution,
grometric state of the atmosphere. They were
desirous of obtaininginformation
which
accuratelyweighed in this condition, a portionof I was
each part, or of the entire mass,
would
mate
lead us to account
for the well-known
fact
subjectedto ultiof plants increasing
and calculation made for the whole.
in size during cloudy
most
analysis,
2 II

THE

460

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

obtains from his cattle depends,

not onlyon the kind
are
of grasses, for instance, which
in
of food givento them, and the manner
in -which it is
hedges), increasingmuch
but also on the feeding
of the breed
qualities
producingseed both small in quantity supplied,

weather, and

(as under

shaded

straw, but
and inferior in qualit3\
search,
in this part of the reBy way of commencement
1 made
duplicate experiments with the
in and supplied
kind of seeds, steeped them
same
kind of water, and kept them
them
with the same
cept
in every respect, exunder equal circumstances
of each in the sun's rays
that of placingone
in the greenhouse,where the sun shone till three
situation,excluded
P.M., and the other in the same

the sun's rays, but not from the

increased in length
in the shade
the others, were
much
than
a littlelighter
more
posed
exin colour,and when weighed before they were
vier,
also heato the
drying temperature, were
ably
considerbut when
dried at 100'^ to 111" were
however

from

light. Those

to which

profitas

they belong; and he increases

when, on purchasingfrom

his chance

much

the

of

breeder,

proved
judgment,as when he adopts an imfeeding.
farmer of arable land,again,expects
intelligent

he selects with
mode

The
a

of

the

greater crop,

the texture

of the

state of the

he has been

more

soil,and

manure

the

able to

improve

better the nature

which it contains.

and

expectsit,

He

because

he knows
that it dependson the nature of the
in which they
givento the plants,and the manner
are
providedwith a constant supply of it. The crop
does not, however, depend only on
this : for as two

food

beasts fed in exactly the

manner

same

may

not

be

profitable,
owing to a diiFerence between them
experiments equally
weight.
and quality
of the meat
as
they
regards nitrogen is, that those plants which
regardingthe quantity
weighed the heaviest before drying, and which
afford,so two different kinds of wheat, though sown
had
it were
moulded
into shape the largest on land
as
and in equallygood condition,
precisely
similar,
quantityof matter in the form of plants,contained, may give unequal returns,
tween
to a difference beowmg
in the cress
for instance, 147 parts of nitrogenfor
of the
them regardingthe quantityand quality
those plants
; whereas
every 1000 parts of carbon
flour theyafford.
in the
from
kind which
seed of the same
grew
the importance,too
Hence
often overlooked by
sun's rays, and whose
weight before dryingand
farmers, not only of preparingthe land for the crop in
when
freed from
foreignwater was nine per cent,
lighterthan the other, contained only 111 parts of a good and sufficient manner, but also of selectingthat
has pointed
out as being
nitrogen for 1000 of carbon ; and in addition I kind of seed which experience
observation
which
is in perfect most valuable and
an
might make
productive.
harmony with all that has been noticed upon the
It was
with a view, not onlyof ascertaining
the relative
influence of nitrogen on
the growth of plants,
of several
value,hardiness,and other properties
arrived at its state of
viz.,that whereas the cress
of the most commonly-planted wheats, but also of effecting
maturity,so far as the seed could furnish it with
an
improvement in the best of them, that the
had
the
not
in
jiourishment, eighteen days,
rape
the 1st of
on
followingexperiment was commenced
exhausted all its seed in twenty-sixdays ; and the
it
November, 18:57. To insure accuracy in the results,
proportionatequantityof nitrogenin those plants was necessary that the seeds of each varietyshould be
result of the

The

less in

"

in the sun's rays 111, in rape in the

cress
situation 73 ; and in cress
in the shade 147,
and in rape 82, when
compared with 1000 parts
by weight of carbon in each.
which I have
In concluding this subject,upon
in

was,
same

planted so as to have
effect this,two boards
nine feet long, and

even

pointof

thereof, the

I beg
consists,

view

wherein

its real value

that, although nitrogen

to observe

these experiments to be a very

powerfulagent in the economy of plants,it is far
from my intention to give it any undue
ance.
importIt is my objectto draw attention to an element
appears

from

board

all at

were

half

inch

an

thick.

Along

the

of holes,three inches
inch in diameter.
A dibble was made to
one
fit into the holes,havinga shoulder at the distance of
2j inches from the point.
centre of
apart and

would
admit of,not
brief as its nature
as
application
enteringat all upon the practical

been

each

equal distances. To
used, each six inches wide,

them

When

was

row

the board

was
placedon the ground,and the
througheach hole in succession,a series of
thus made, two inches deep,and three inches

dibble put
holes

was

apart from

centre to centre.

After this had been done through the first board,the

second,which was touchingit,and parallelto it,was
served

in the

and

then the first

taken

same
was
way ;
which, comparativelyspeaking,has escaped
the other side of the second. By
up, and placed on
unnoticed,and to vindicate the necessityof a most
and
proceedingthus,the whole ground was finished,
scrupulous attention to those products which,
then one
grain of wheat was
dropped into each hole.
though so minute in quantityas to be with difficultyThe rows were thus exactlysix inches apart,and the

detected

in

our

balances, have

nevertheless

been

wisely assignedto dischargethe most important

Transactiom,
functions." 'from the Philosophical

ACCOUNT

AN

ON

THE

SEVERAL
IJy

John

OF

RELATIVE

VALUES

VARIETIES

OF

Morton,

Esa.,

NEAR

The
Or

bf

EXPERIMENT

AN

of

WHEAT.
Hill,

Chester

Stroud.

of farming,whether
profits

the land be

arable,aud the tenant be a feeder of stock

the ground, maybe increased in two ways.
The stockifarmer knows

OF

or

three inches from one another.

grains in the rows were
regularitywith which the plantingwas performed

The

thus mathematically
accurate. The groundplanted
lies on
the lower edge of the great oolite formation,
and the soil is a stone brash, about ten inches in thickness.
Crops of potatoes had been taken off it for a
succession of eightyears ; and it had been manured
every alternate year, with a compost of equal bulks of
stable-dungand earth, at the rate of about 20 cubic
was

It was
67 feet in length ; and three
acre.
of each variety
of wheat were
planted,except the
first and last numbers, of which there were
four rows.
The outer row
of each of these,however, was not taken
into account,because
their roots had a much
greater
extent of ground for their growth than the others,
touched
another all round.
The end
whose
roots
one

yardsper
rows

also rejectedfor the same

were
thus
feet in length of ground were
of each varietyoccupiedin
taken
vp, and three rows
width
by each variety
1^ foot : the ground occcupied
the 440th part of an acre.
thus 99 square feet,
was

pasture plants
a

tiller

very well that the return he

reason.

of

each

row

Sixty-six

THE

FARMER'S

461

MAGAZINE.

o
H

M2
CO

B
n

"

H
p

a;

cr
a

a"

ffi

ai
o

The above is a tabular account of this

column, yet it is considered necessary to givea some*

experiment.
Althoughthe tabular form in which this experiment "what fuller account of it. The seed from which the
is detailed explaias
selected
raised was
itself by the headings of each
carefully
first tea varieties were
2

FARMER'S

THE

462
specimensof

from

from

were

MAGAZINE.
13, 14, 16, and 10,being the most delicate; and Nos.
1,3, 7, 9, and 11,occupying an average station.

each obtained in tlie ear.

samples,and

Theotiiers
here, also,the greatest care

raised
each was
taken that the seed from which
should be the best and plumpest that could be obtained.
need no explanation beyond
The first five columns
what is given at the head of each : the sixth shows the
of grainslost from casualties. If the frost had
number
was

been

the only agent in the destruction of so many

seeds, this column
might have been considered

of

of
2nd.
With
regard to the property of tillering,
which
have already spoken, that Nos. 12, l4,16,
we
and 1, possess it in tliegreatestdegree;that Nos. 3, 13,
4, 5, G, 15, 8, and 2, possess itin the least; and that
Nos. 7,9, 10,and 11, hold a medium rank.
3rd. That witli respect to the relative value of each

in tlie table,No. 12 is undoubtedly

varietymentioned
ciently
and in being suffithe best of any, in productiveness,
of the relative hardiness of each
hardy; that No. 13 is as undoubtedly the worst
variety. This, however, is not the case, for the havoc
of any, as will be seen
by a reCerenee to any of the
also be taken into account.
which the birds made must
columns; and tliat the others vary greatly,some
postained,
It was
injurywas susthought at the time that more
of otiiers.
from the latter cause, by those varieties planted sessmg nearly three times th.e productiveness
These
16 differentsorts of wheat, with the exception
the 21 st, than by any of the others ; but this does
on
of Nos. 13, 15, 16,which are bearded,are merely varieties
not appear to have been the case, for, if the great loss
of one
speciesof the genus 'I'riticum ; and the
to the havoc
these had been
the
a

very

accurate

as

index

sustained by
wholly owing
committed by the birds,it is evident that the varieties

'j

of differencesexistingamong
circumstance
them, some
three times the value of othei's,shows that
not have been so slightly possessing
any varietyis capableof improvement. This,indeed,
while Nos.
11, 13, 14 and
16, suffered so
injured,
is siiown by many
The
other plants
besides the wheat.
severely. The figuresin this column may, therefore,
were
originalsof the potato, the carrot, and the turnip,
be said to indicate with tolerable accuracy the relative
and useless in theirajjplicacomparatively
insignificant
the effects of a
abilityof each variety to withstand
tion as food, and it was
only by careful and repeated
such as that duringwhich
and changeable winter,
severe
cultivationthat they were at lengtl)
brought to their present
made.
the experiment
was
condition,and made to hold such an important
which came
to
of plantsof each variety
The number
for
the
the
I'ank
cultivated
nutritive
jilants
many
among
of each in the
is placedoppositethe name
perfection,
food of man
It is supposed then,and where
and beast.
ascertained by pullingeach
This was
seventh column.
it has been tried experience
shows it to be a fact,that,
and counting the plants
ripened,
as
they respectively
the best of many
varietiesof wheat,
by firstascertaining
In this way,
of each before proceedingto the others.
and planting
the finestand plumpestseeds selected frem
the numbers
contained
in the
by a simple subtraction,
the best sample that could be obtained of it,the last of
ascertained.
sixth column, also,were
succession of crops, the first of which was raised in
When
all the plantsof any varietyhad been pulled, a
and all the others from seeds selected out
of ears, also,belongingto them was
the number
counted, this manner,
of the produce of llioprecedingharvest,would, at
and the results are placedin the eighthcolumn.
and valuable
length,afford a wheat of a more productive
these by 99, the number
of square feet
By dividing
kind than has hitherto been used by the farmer.
obtain the number
of
each varietyoccupied,
which
we
The experimenthere detailed is,then, merely the ./n-st
in each square foot ; and this is placed opposite
ears
it merelypointsout the bestof the
atep in the process
of each wheat, in the ninth column.
the name
varietieswhich
tried. The improvementof these
were
of ears to each root, ascertained
The average number
by repeatedcultivationsstillremains to be effected.
numbei
of
that
of
the
is
the
ears
by
roots,
by dividing
During the growth of the wheat, a journal was kept,
This
column
shows the
placedin the tenth column.
from which is given here, as it refersto an
extract
an
which
each
the
in
speciespossesses
important
degree
of the
insect which was
observed after the blossoming
and
it
out
of
shooting stems, or, as
property spreading
of the
plants,and to which the destruction of many
and
be
of
it
will
t
ermed,
is technically
seen
tillering
;
seeds was
owing.
that they vary in this respect greatly.
Observations of this kind might be easily
and generally
and
wheat
been
the
After having
was
pulled
dried,
be useful a* information
made, and they would
and imperfect
carefullyrubbed out ; and after the light
and
habits of the insectswiiich
regardingthe nature
the weight of the remainder
grainsbad been separated,
attack wheat; and answers
when?
and
to the how?
was
taken,and placedoppositeeach sort,in the eleventh
which
where? on the subject,
would thus be obtained,
column.
afford the onlyguideto the invention of means
for their
of bushels
The thirteenth column contains the number
destruction.
raised from each variety.As the quantity
per acre
marked

Nos.

12 and

15 would

"

in obtaining1838.
JOURNAL.
EXTRACT
FROM
some
difficulty
this column
contains.
July 5th. All the wheat isin blossom,except Nos. 13
this. The average weightof
The mode adopted was
and 15.
ascertained
several of the varieties was
by weighing
14th. Very rainyand windy weather.
Whether
will this be found to injure
eight pintsof each, to be at the rate of 61 lbs. per
or improvethe
bushel, some
being rather more, and others less. The
of the grain?
quality
of bushels were
then obtained from the weight
number
16th. Since the rain of the 14lh,an orange-coloured
it by 64.
of wheat per acre, by dividing
has bpcn observed
substance,like

producedwas so small,there
which
the particulars

was

"

"

"

The weightof straw, which is placedin the fifteenth

ascertained
and sixteenth columns
was
after the roots
had been cut off,and after it had remained
out suflScientlylong to dry it perfectly.
After the earth had been removed
from the roots,
which
had been cut off with about two
inches of the
stem, they were
weighed,and the result placedin the
and
seventeenth
The object of
eighteenthcolumns.
of vegetablematter
this was
to ascertain the amount

rust,
of the ears, as if
in the seed-vesselsof some
the rain had got in and rotted the pollen.
A very small flyhas been observed about the
in the evening. Many of the ears
cars
are
and
already full,
some
are
filling
rapidly,
others are only in blojsom.
19th. In the ears of wheat, which were
beforementioned as havingabortive grains,
owing,
"

to the pollen having been

as
was
thougiit,
rotted by the rvun, I now
find small orangecoloured
grubs, about the tenth of an inch

left in the soil after the wheat

crop has been removed,
and tke result greatlyexceeds any conceptionof it that
had been previously
entertained.

of the small fly

long,doubtless the offspring
observed about

a week
ago.
All these grubs have disappeared.
and pulled.
27th. Nos. 4, 10,and 11, are rii)e
1st. With
regard to the hardiness of the varieties,
28th. Nos. 3, 5, and 6, are ripeand pulled.
which, as we have alreadysaid,may, to a certain ex
29th.' Nos. 7, 8, and 9, are ripeand pulled.
tent, be deduced I'rom the particulars
contained in the
30tli. Nos, 2, 12, and 16, are ripeand pulled,
sixth column, that they may
be placedin three classes. Sept.1st. Nos, 1 and 14 are ripeand pulled.

The inferences which, itis presumed,may

from the above details,
are tiie following
:

be drawn

Augr.4th.
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

No--.5,6,8,12,16,4,and 2, being the hardiest ; Nos.

2nd.

"

Nos. 13 and 15

arc

ripeand pulledi

THE

FARMER'S

and
The account of tliisexperimentisthus finished,
remains but to state what will have occurred
tlierenow
ifhe be a practical
to the reader,especially
man, that it
ifconducted on asmall
is not one nor many experiments,
scale,which will accuratelydetermine the pointthis
tends to ascertain.

463

MAGAZINE.
SHEEP.

BREEDING

ON

is there almost that is ever brought fairly

and see whether they are
his own
principles
such as willbear the trial ! but yet this should be one of
portance,
the firstthings
pulous
should set about, and be scruof itsimone
every

farmer himself must firstbe convinced

this
and the observations and experiments
on
which, if he be actuated by no highermotive,
subject,
gence,
self-intsrest
will then urge him to prosecute with diliwill ultimately,
v/ithsuccess.
no doubt,be crowned
Journal of the EnglishAgricultural
Society.
The

"

For who

to examine

in,who

conduct
rightly

would

his

understanding-

ing
in the search of truth and knowledge." l.ocke concernHuman
Undentanding,
"

"

TO

THE

EDirOR

OF

THE

EXPRESS.

LANE

.MARK

Sir, I beg leave to offer a few remarks on the

ing
inclined to do so on readbreed of sheep. I am
letter in your paper of the 20th
Mr. Tanner's
of many
inst. ; that letter is confirniatory
inquiries
I have
made
respectingthe cross breed, so ablyis a first
Mr. Twynam
advocated by Mr. Twynam.
"

SPADE

HUSBANDRY."

Spade husbandry bears

considerable

resemblance
to horticulture in its operation
which itcomminutes
and cleanses much
on the soil,
raiore
thoroughlythan can be done by the plough and
harrow.
By turningup the ground, likewise,five or
informed, far
rate farmer, and has land, as I am
does not orsix inches deeperthan the plough,which
dinarily
of the Hampshire land, and is
to much
superior
act on
than three or four inches of soil,
more
thereby enabled to keep the "hcep he so much
afforded for the descent and
there is an
opportunity
I would
if
sure
wishes others to do, and which I am
often interrupted
diffusion of the roots, which
in
are
than Southprofitable
likelyto be more
they were
their progress by a hard and impervious
substratum
;
at present satisfied that well bred
downs, but I am
allowed for their
and in this way augmented means
are
better adapted to this county, botli
Southdowns
are
their
from
a

acquiringnourishment,through

spongioles,

respects breeding and fattening. My stock is

higher bred than the generalityof my
considerable
in opposition
lengthof the roots are much more
neighbours,consequentlysomewhat
than ploughed land.
But there is another importto
endeavoured
ant
I have
cross.
to "the Cotswold
benefit which this system is capableof producing.
divest myself of prejudiceas to any particular

the soil beneath.

an

The

With

opportunityof

regardto wheat, I hare

observing,that the number

had

and
in forked

as

rather

whole

efforts of cultivation seem,

at present, exercised
breed, and have arrived at the conclusion, that
three or four inches of ground at the surface
for
the most
are
well bred Southdosvns
profitable
the
elaboration
of
constant
two or three
; whereas,
I shall
called " hill-countryfarms."
what
are
times that quantity,its exposure
fluence,
to atmospheric inshear this year upwards of 500, something more
and the continual
addition of decomposedvegetable
usual average.
Being a very humble
my
matter afforded by a succession of rooty fibrils, than
known
to the public
individual I shall not make
must effect a great and permanent improvementin its
in a
I am
not
I am,
It is from a proper
who
disposed to embark
character and productive power.
as
municate
of the importance of having more
objectbeing to comcontroversy,
my
appreciation
space
on

newspaper

for the

expansionof roots, and a largerquantityof soil

subsoil
subjectedto cultivation,that the distinguished
plough of Mr. Smith has been invented; and that Sir
Edward
Hall,in the county of
Stracey,of Rackheath
Norfolk, has latelyvery successfully
adapted a plough
to deep ploughing. It may, perhaps,be thought, that
the plough,and employ in its stead
laydown
spadeor fork, is to rejectan importantmechanical
to

them

interesting
my ideas on a subjecthighly
that
make
of sheep, and those
all breeders
out.

I have
A

the

English

improvement.Hampshire,
imMay

the honour
Member

to
of

Agricultural

be, Sir,

the

Societv.

take a step backward

in human
22, 1839.
But
it is not always that the highest
power is the most convenient of application
; and there
vs.rious examples in which
scription
the more
are
simpledeof labour may sometimes
be advantageously
substituted for the more
for
complex. In agriculture,
Of every other tree connected
TREE."
THE
LINDEN
example, the dibblingof wheat has very much
seded
superand the drill in several counties,
the broadcast
with rural economy,
perhapsthe linden is the
well
the
of
to
which
its
so
owing
saving
seed,
valuable. In Russia,
most
propertiesare
nearly,ifnot wholly
in every hamlet and
understood that we see it grrowing
pays the difference of expense in broadcast ; and the
it. The
and aptitudeof the operationin both
greater precision
a soilcapableof nouj-ishing
villagepossessingbut intoa
of which the produce is rendered both
wood
is not only manufactured into furniture,
cases, by means
considerable.
The plough is
certain, and more
more
varietyof domestic utensils. Cords and mattingare
blossoms
indeed a clumsy and imperfectinstrument, which the
made from its inner rind, while its aromaUc
mechanical
not onlyperfumethe air and feed the bees,but make an
philosopherlias hardlythought it worth
his while to aim at improving.
It is quiteinadequate agreeable
ti.;anefor the invalid. The Circassians feed
to preparing the ground for various vegetable protheir bcBs on the blossoms to produce the fine green
ductions.
Effective
esteemed
of vines,
planting, whether
honey, aromatic in odour and delicious in flavour,
forest trees,or shrubs,requiresthe soil to be not only
so
great a delicacyby the rich g^ourmands of
In order to ensure
its
and Teheran.
dug,but trenched,in order to allow room for the roots
Constantinople
to diffuse themselves
the hoHcy is removed from the hive prein it. No
viously
good qualities
gardener would think
'J'he
of plantingpotatoes, carnrts or cabbages, in ploughed
youn^
to tiicblossom changing itscolour.
with their foliagt,
to mix with
serve
and tender sprigs,
land,if he could get it dug ; for the difference of produce far more
than compensates
the fodder during the depth of winter, being highly
the difference of the
in my
previous
to the cattle. 1 have already,
But if this were
not the case
even
in agriculpalatable
expense.
ture,
alluded to iliisvery useful tree,
than once
and the expense
of digging land were
no
works, more
more
this
in
than m.ade up by the augmented produce,stillan
with a desire to promote its cultivation
country ;
im^
itis ornamental,and may
for,independent of its utility,
portantbalance would remain in its favour, in providing
public garden and probe seen adorning nearlyevery
menade
employment for the poor, at all times when there is
Travels in the Weitarn
in Germany." 5'j)e)icer's
of labour
a redundance
the usual and

vention, and

to

to

beyond

demand

for it." I"r. Yelloly.

ordinary

Caucasus.

THE

covered,and
completely

bed

FARMER'S

is formed

for the

receptionof the seed.

It should, however, be observed, that as the
land for the grain crop, which
follows turnips
whether barley,oats, or wheat
seldom gets more
than one
ploughing,it is customary to lay off the
hills obliquelyin a direction somewhat
difterent
from that in which the ridgesare to be afterwards
drawn
for the corn
bution
equal distri; as thus a more
"

"

of the manure
is secured
to the soil,for
the nourishment
of the ensuing crops.
Neither is
the land always raised into small ridges for the

receptionof

465

MAGAZINE.

the examination of witnesses and the award beingpublished

in Mr.
in the Leeds papers.
This publication,
does not embrace
all the facts of the
Hirst's opinion,
find a letter
case
we
; and in the last Leeds Intelligencer
from Mr. H. containing
various particular
foreignto
He
is strictly
our
apropos.
purpose ; but the following
says:

"

My books will prove the firit25,000/.worth of cloth

of 6,000/.,
whicli
that I sold in 1831,lefta net profit
"

cloth was

manufactured

in less than six months

from

in that year.
If any disbelievethis,
But as
them to the books.
I am readyto accompany
I will
have remarked that this is a largeprofit,
some
ment,
adduce a stronger proofof the correctness of that statemy

commencement

the dung ; for the seed is frequently

to Messrs. Hirst and
by referring
Heycock's
in drills drawn through the soil after it has
of Messrs. Tanner
and
in the possession
books, now
been mixed with the manure,
and laid quiteflat.
from which it will appear, that in the firstsix
Young,
thus
In
have
we
statingthe applicationof manure
for Messrs.
months
of 1828,under my
management
only adverted to the use of lime and dung, though
of
Hirst and Heycocks, I cleared them a net profit
ashes, rape-dust,oil,and sea-weed,togetherwith
if any dispute
this,let them applyto Messrs.
10,000/.;
other kinds, both
natural
and composite, Hirst and Heycock's beoks for proof,
and call them and
many
are
bone-dust
frequently
myselfto explainfully."
employed, and latterly
than confirm
Now
and more
does not this confirm
has come
into such generalfavour for the cultivation
all that has ever
been asserted with respect to manufacturers'
of turnips,as nearlyto supersedeevery purchased
profits?And yet, whilst they are making
speciesof a putrescent nature.
their twenty-five
to thiity
per cent.,they grudge the
The next operationis that of soicingthe seed.
!
farmer the small profit
he makes upon his capital
This ought to be done as soon
while
as
possible,
are
a selfishset.
tliey
Verily
the earth
is fresh and moist, after being newly
turned up,
and when
done
not
broad-cast,is
other of the numerous
usuallyperformed by one
machines
alreadymentioned, which all act upon
the same
dried, some
farmers,
principle.When
sown

"

"

"

however,

still

strument DICTIONARY
OF ARTS, iAIANTJFACTURES
put it in by hand, from a small inParts 8, 9, and 10.
formed
like a pepper box, with holes at
MINES.
AND
BY
A.
URE, m.d.
and this
one
end, fastened to the end of a walking-stick, Longman. Dr. Ure's labours are completed,
in a finished
before the public
isnow
valuable dictionary
and followed by a man
with a rake
the
to cover
have repeatedly
of the
spoken of the utility
state. We
seed ; the crowns
of the drills being in cither case
as far as our knowledge
work, and borne testimony,
per*
flatted down
by a lightroller, and the seed sown
of the author. This dictionary
to the efficiency
mitted,
in regularrows,
inch and
at the depth of about
an
will,no doubt,have as itdeserves,a great sajeat home,
of the tops, directly
a half, along the middle
over
in our aevv colonies.
but it must have a yet greater one
mode
the manure.
is also by the hand
A common
in the clearestmanner, and,by
Information is conveyed
follows
the roller, to which it is atwhich
tached the aid of
drill,
wood-cuts,the detailsof manufacture are presented
onefacilitate the reader in
by a rope, and the seed is sown
upon
to fhe eye, so as to greatly
bout ridgesin the followingmanner.
various
The roller, any new
of
tiie
The
facturing
manudescriptions
study.
wide enough to cover
two
given, without any jargon
though of course
ridges
processes are clearly
"
of tecl)nical
compriseno
terms, and the illustrations
takes but one
at once,
yet, on the first turn,
ridge with one of its ends ; and, in returning, lessthan twelve hundred and fortywell executed wood
engravings. Dr. lire says in his preface "The task
time with the same
while it rolls this a second
scribe
which I have undertaken in the present work is to deend, rolls a second ridge the first time with the
and explaintiie transformation of the primary
other ; v;hich again, in returning,it rolls a second
into
materials,by mechanical and chemical agencies,
time,along with a third ridgethe first time.
of exchangeable value ; leavingon the
general objects
In this way
it goes
the ground ; the
twice over
hand to the mechanical engineerthat of investigating
one
drill depositingthe seed between
the firstand second
the motive powers of transformation and transport ;
and on the other hand to the handicraftsman that of
sowings." British Husbandry.
of special
or local
theirmodificationsiuto
objects
tracing
those
In thus making a distinctionbetween
demand."
stances,
of subwhich producea changein the quality
operations
and those which merely alter their forms,Dr.
turing
Ure has been enabled to enter at largeinto allmanufacOF
PROFITS
MANUFACTURERS.
to
processes without swellinsout his Dictionary
prised
the size of an Encyclopaedia.The whole work is comtliereof the corn-law question,
lative
During the agitation
gether,
in ten parts,which would form,when bound toof agriculturists
and manufacturers
have
profits
thick octavo volumes.
two tolerably
firmed
of much controversy ; it being afformed the subject
the one
side,and denied on the othur,that
on
are enormous
profits
manufacturing
; and that it is the
isconsidered the best that can be
JMANURE
BONE
of employing the increasing
capitalof the
difficulty
land.
Nearly every family that occupies
far beyond
laid upon
these profits
manufacturers, increasingfrom
have
sufficientbones from their own
the field of exertion ; which is the real evil. 'J'he a garden would
the whole year, to manure
a
table,ifcarefullypreserved
manufacturers,as Mr. Denson justlyobserved at the
of
Doncasler meeting,
garden ; the bones should be broken small. The effect
are
sufferingunder a pletliora
with
rots,
of bone-dust sown
that they can
wealth" and it is impossible
so
peas, caremploy of a small quantity
The same
may be
onions,"c.,isquitesurprising.
as to produce anythingliketiiesame
profits
theirsurplus
small piecesare put into the earth when
said when
tatoes
poreturns which their original
capitalhas done.
"

"

"

"

"

have this week some

conclusive data to go upon,
of manufacturers.
the profits
For some
time there have been disputes
between Mr.
Wm.
a celebrated manufacturer of Leeds,and his
Hirst,
which have been the subject
of arbitration"
creditors,
We

as

to

tem
planted.By this simple and economical syswith the heavy load of manure
dispense
in the wheelbarrow, and also with buying,every spring
worth of manure.
several shillings'
Magazine of Datnestic Economy.
are

we

should

"

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

466

mode, which would be most importantin

seminating
advancing the objectsof the Society,was by disAnother

ENGLISH

AGRICULTURAL

the

SOCIETY.

tained
be obwould
which
of those experiments,
country to another ; though

information

through the medium

The

Societywas
Square,on

dish
Office,5, CavenSociety's

held at the

attendance

Grace

22nd

the

Wednesday,

of members

The

May.
and

numerous

was

highly

noticed
present we
Richmond, the Right Hon.
Johnston, Bart.; T. Duffield,
those

respectable. Amongst
His

Meeting of the above

General

First Annual

of

the Duke

Earl Spencer, Sir J.

Esq., M. P. ; E. BuUer, Esq., M. P. ; J. W. Childers, Esq., M. P. ; T. W. Bramston, Esq.,M. P. ;
E. A. Sanford,Esq.,M. P. ; Sir P. Jodrell, Bart. ;
E. D. Davenport, Esq. ; S. Grantham, Esq. ; R.
Matson, Esq.; R. Dean, Esq.; R. Rigg, Esq.;
T. R. Barker, Esq. ; J. Ellman, Esq. ; B. Flounders,
Esq. ; French Burke, Esq.; G. Kimberley,
Esq.; C. W. Johnson, Esq.; H. Boys, Esq. ; W.
F. Hobbs, Esq.; H. Gibbs, Esq.; Col. Challoner ;
H. S. Thompson, Esq.; W. Woods
Page, Esq.;
Rev. J. R. Smythies; C. Hillyard,
Esq.; T. A.
Champion, Esq. ; and several other Gentlemen
of great landed property.
The
of the

Right Hon.

Earl

from one part of the

in every part of the country

great impi'ovements
taking place,yet those commonly practised
in other parts.
in one part were
entirelyunknown
ber
numone
They had therefore began by publishing
of a Journal, in which
they had given all
the novel agricultural
knowledge which they had
possessed up to the time of publication.He
were

could
would
But

not

take
the

when

say

place, but
they would

Repoi'tof

the

next

publication

formation
they got useful innumbers.
publish other

that

the

as

Committee

would

state

regularlythan he could what steps they had

taken, and what they intended to take. According
to the constitution of the Society,the President
more

annual officer. He would

not, therefore,
it after the
the honour
of presiding over
Those
in July
next.
meeting- in Oxford,
he should have to
would be the last duties which
them, that he felt highly
perform. He assured
of being chosen
flattered in having had the honour
President of such a Societyon its first institution.
of
He
had long desired to witness the formation
was

an

have

such
a
Society and he now
experiencedthe
in seeing it in so prosperous
highestgratification
mittee,
been the object of the Coma position. It had
their patrons would
to consider who
among
"

Spf.ncer, the President

taken the chair, proceeded
the gentlemen present that he felt very
be the best person to elect to the officeof President
to assure
to address so
for the next year ; and it was
merous
nuhappy in having the honour
suggested that the
his
an
on
that, the
by his name,
assemblage of members
give them
person vvho would
first anniversary of their Society. He
had the
station in the country, and his generalservices,the
satisfaction of tellingthem that the Society was
greatest influence and
strength,would be the
Duke
With that
but it
of Wellington. {Hear, hear.)
going on in a most
manner,
prosperous
be
could not
had desired him to write to
view, the Committee
expected that their exertions for
noble
to
the
he would
one
Duke,
inquire,whether
year could have produced any great amount
He
of practical
results.
benefit,or any great practical
accept of the office,if he should be elected.
clined
had dewas
(Hear, Hear.) But though they had not done
sorry to say, that the noble Duke
the office for the reasons
stated in the letter
much,
they had laid a very good foundation.
Since the formation
of the Society1,100 persons
which he would read to them :
had enrolled their names
amongst its members,
bad been
and the committee
enabled
to invest
"
of money
certain sums
in the funds, which they
London,May 17,1839.
had every reason
enable them
to believe would
"My
Lord, I am much flatteredby the desire of
to do a great deal of good. This Societywas
a
of the EnglishAgricultural Society
any of the members
and
in
had
been
powerful
tion
acmachine,
very
put
that I should fillthe officeof President.
for a most
important and desirable object,
"
If I was
of the art, and persuaded
not quite
ignorant
and he trusted that those who
took an
interest
that I should be unable to render the Society
vice,
any serin the welfare of the agricultural
classes, would
I would with pleasureundertake
to perform the
endeavour
to direct the machine
in such a manner
duties of the office ; but 1 hope tli"tI shall be excused
best to secure
as
and entreat you to urge
the objects for which
for declinins",
the members
it
of
intended.
The
was
the Societyto fix upon one to be their President more
originally
committee, he was
likelythan I can be to promote their views. I have
sure, would do all they could to suggest improvements
to be, my
Lord, your Lordship'smost
and try experiments, and generallyto improve the honour
obedient humble servant,
agriculturein every way in their power.
"
WELLINGTON.
would
Much
and
the
depend on the members"
Societyshould be met also by the support of the
"The Earl Spencer.
farmers
of England. (Hear, hear.) When
provements
imHouse."
having
Society,

"

"

"

"Spencer

should
committee
to

must

be

request

test them
be announced

should
with the

suggested to
the

be

made,

members

and

the
mers
far-

by experiments before they

the

world

recommended
sanction
of their approbation. One or
two
experiments would not be sufficient as very
different results might be produced by a diiferin soil and situation, and
ence
the
experiment,
which
would
succeed
in one
soil and
situation,
To
might not in another.
determine
therefore
whether
be deserving of
suggestionswould
to

They would therefore see that on the part of the

Duke
of Wellington,it was
not a want
of desire
the agricultural
to promote
interest,which had
him to decline the office,
caused
but a feeling
that
not
as he was
practicallyengaged in agriculture,
be filled to greater advantage by some
it would
other person more
with the
conversant
practically
business.
{Hear, hear.) Another
point,to which

their attention
probation,
ap-

it would

to

be

necessary to
their
try experiments on

ask
own

was

to

be

called,was

that

twenty-

five Members
of the Committee
men
gentleout each
went
farms.
however
were
re-eligible.
year by rotation,who

FARMER'S

THE
would

He
who

read

now

the

of those

names

this year.

out

went

They

were

persons

MAGAZINE.
agreeableto the members.
a

"

467

Lecture

v/as

He
should state that
to be delivered at three o'clock that
Cottam, on the Marquis of Tweed-

day, by Mr.
KnatchbuU, Sir E.,Bart., dale's machines

Benett,J.,M.P.
Buller,E., M.P.
Buller,T. W.

for
Earl
proceedingsof the

M.P.

The

Lon^, W., M.P.

Mile^s,
W., M.P.

Cayley,E. S.,M.P.
Colonel
Clialloner,
Cbilders.J. W., M.P.
Couteur, Colonel Le
Curteis,E. B.
Eliot,Lord, M.P.

Paterson, W. J.

Flounders, B.
Heathcoat, J., M.P.
Johnstone, Sir J., Bart.

Ve!ney,SirH.,Bt,,M.P. received

then

read

the Reportof the

its commencement.

Societysince
REPORT.

Pell,E.
Price, Sir R.,

making bricks and drain tiles.

Noble

M.P.

Bart.

It is with much
satisfaction that your
their first
laybefore the Society

Committee

yearlyreport on

Pusey, P., M.P.

Slaney,B.A., M.P.

generalstate of

our

aflairs,
since although
our

the

efforts

for the improvementof English

husbandryai e as yet
Estcourt,T.n.S.B.,M.P. Spencer,Hon.Capt.,M.P.
imperfect,the
which has
necessarily

Wood, J.

had selected a listof those who

Committee
He
for re-election.
submitted to them
of those gentlemen :
read the names

The
were

Whitbreiid,W.

to be

would

"

Johnstone, Sir J., Bart.

Miles, AV., M.P.
M.P.
Price,Sir R., Bart.,
Pusey,P., M.P.

Benett, J.,M.P.
Buller,E., M.P.

Cayley,E. S., M.P.

Clialloner. Colonel
Childers,J. W., M.P.

Slaney,R.A.,

M.P.

intended not to re-elect a certain number

It was
went
out
of those, who
by rotation. This was
convenient

to

more

those

gentlemen not finding it

attend constantly; and it being considered
conducive
to the well-doingof the

to
owing solelj^

should be elected. The

Society,that new members
therefore proposedto be
followingpersons were
elected

"

Acland, T.D., M.P.

C.
Hillyard.

Barclay,D.

Boys.H.

Fisher
L., M.P.
Hurst, R.H., M.P.
Johnstone, Sir J.
M.P.

Blanshard,H.

Kimberley,G.

T.

Hodges,

Bramston, T. W., Bl.P.

Buller,E., M.P.

Kinder,

B.,

J.

Lefevere,C. S.,jM.P.
Miles,W., M.P.
,Page,W. Woods
Price, Sir R.. Bart.,M.P.
Pusey, P., M.P.
Pym, F.

Burke, F.
Bart.
Burrell. Sir CM.,
M.P.
Cayley,E. S.,M.P.
Challoner, Colonel

the

publicwarrants

life,

and

the

remaining810

the
by subscription,

total

being1104

members
of allclasses.
of our
finances wdl be found in the
balance sheet annexed to this
report.
Since our last report a listof prizeshas been
lished
pubfor stock to be shown at the approachingOxford
A

statement

Meeting.
besides

50/.'
for

These
extra

amount

to 740/.,
altogether

stock,implements,
roots, and

seeds, 50/. for a drainingplough,and two prizesof

fiftysoverignseach for the best specimensof white
and

of red seed-wheat,
this last beingan object
which
regardas of especial
your Committee
importauce.It
has been alreadyreported to the
that ten
Society

prizeshad also been offered for essays to be read before

that meeting. On this point,as the award of
the judges is not yet known, it can
only be stated

W.

Hobbs,

Barker, T. Raymond
Baring.Hon. W.B., M.P.
Benett, J., M.P.

been
confident hope,
that those efforts if steadily
continued on our part,
will he duly seconded
'theirs
on
and will meet with
final success.
The number of our
members
consists on this our
firstanniversary
of 230 Governors,72 of whom
are
for life,
and lo8 by a subscription
of 5/. yearly,and
of 874 ordinary
members, 6-1 of whom
for
are

support

from

that there are claimants for all those prizes,and that

there is competition
for nine.
Your Committee
not
canleave this subjectwithout advertinj;
to the fact
that the active local committee which "hasbeen for
time engaged in making the
some
necessary arrangements
for the meeting,
has received the most obliging
from the highestauthorities both
encouragement
of the Universityand cityof Oxford.
It has been already
made known
to you that communications

Childers,J. W., M.P.

Deane, J.

Rham, Rev. W. L.
Sanford, E. A., M.P.
Sherborn, G.

have been opened with the agricultural

societies of Paris,Lyons,Lille,
and Geneva. We have
now
to add tliose of Thoulouse
and Bordeaux abroad,
and the Entomological,
and Statistical
Horticultural,
societies at home.
It beingextremely
desirable that according
to the

Duffield,Thos.M.P.

Slaney, R.

of
practice

Ellman, J.
Ellman,T.
Euston, Earl of,M.P.
Gibbs, H.
Grantham, S.
Hall, G, Webb

Smith,

Chapman,

T.

should

He

state
house

should

A.

A., M.P.

Smythies, Rev. J. R.
Thompson, H. S.
J.
Tillyer,
Weall,

Thomas

Wilson, Henry
Wright, J.
Youatt, W.

Hayter,W. G., M.P.

Heneage, G, F.
view, that the

J.

that
in

Committee

the
which

be thrown

they were

open

on

it in

had
then

stated

sembled,
as-

ings,
even-

other societies,
should form a Library
we
of reference open to our members, application
has
been in the firstinstance made to the Treasury
for the
of those books
use
which formerly
belongedto the
late Board of Agriculture,
and the loan of these has
been accorded us.
A request has been further addressed to the same
quarter that the Director of the Ordnance
gical
GeoloSurvey,Mr. Do La Beche, who among other
is in that capacity
objects,
collecting
specimensof
the various soils and subsoils of England, mio-ht be
permittedto supplythe Societywith duplicate
cimens
spein our Museum, on our underto be deposited

that may
be thereby
fakingto defrayany expense
libraryestablished
incurred,and to this requestalso a favourable answer
they might meet
and discuss agricultural
subjects; in short that it has been received.
In accordance
At present
should be a sort of agricultural
club.
likewise with the experienceand
of other societies havingfor their object
however, looking to the state of their finances, practice
the
in attempting to do
they would not be justified
promotion of any department of knowledge,it has
ciety. been determined
make it worthy of the Soto publishfiom time to time feuch
anything which would
He thought,however, that they should be
communications
of facts or such other suggestions,
able to open it in a manner
authenticated by the names
soon
which would be
of the writers,
as appear
and

for the

use

that there
of the

should

members,

he

that

likelyto contribute (o
and the first number

of

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

468

the progress of
Journal was

our

the differentkinds of stoclcusually

liusbandry, that too upon

accordingly kept.

IV."

in Aprillast.
published
such steps as
Having thus reported

Manurfs.

tee
your CommitThis againis a largesubjectcomplicated
by the
of the trust committed to
have taken in discharge
various conditions of
soil, crop, climate, and
desirous
shortly time under which the various
them by the Society,they are now
have to
manures
may
of the heads under which it appears
to advert to some
be applied.Without
at present to lay
attempting
of
that our future labours in the promotion
to them
down specific
late
details,it will be sufficientto stimuclassed,
knowledge may be conveniently
agricultural
members
the inquiries
if we
enumerate
of our
curate
xljefirst of these appears to them to be a more acheads.
of the principal
some
with the characteristics of soils,
acquaintance
I. A^atural or farm-yard manure.
1. Degree
be termed the
and it mightproperly
of fermentation.
2. Time of application.3. Mode

'

"

of
Classification

I.
"

Soils.

of

application.4. Compost heaps.

by superiorfeeding.
7 Liquid manures.
crops.

farmers that in fields

to practical
It is well known
II. "Artificial manures
racter,
chaof one
throughout
where the soil is seemingly
in towns.
t
o
found
are
various qualities
by experience
Refuse manures,
III.
is
found
of
exist in different portions
; that diversity
Malt-dust, "c.
divisions such as farms,
to be greaterin larger
course
Mineral manures,
IV.
and hundreds.
Attempts have been made

of
as

"

as

"

parishes,

chemical examination

by

to

ascertain and

account

for

6. Effect

5.
on

ment
Improvedifferent

similar nature

pared
pre-

Bones, Rapecake,Rags,
Lime, Chalk, Gypsum,

Marl, Saltpetre,
Peatashes,Salt,"c.

cess.
but not as yet with any decided sucthese variations,
in making
that geologists,
It appears however
V.
Rotation
Crops.
of
thestrata which
distinguish
their surveys, often readily
Under this head your Committee
will onlyrecommend
they seek to laydown in their maps by the vegetation
should be made
at present,that endeavours
to
which appears on the surface, and many facts might
ascertain the influence,sometimes favourable and in
in support of the connection between tbe
be adduced
various
hurtful, which
cise
tricts.other cases
of given discharacters
crops exerand agricultural
geological
and which
others by which theyare followed,
on
therefore by the Journal
It has been proposed
is now
of the
supposedto be occasioned by an excremenshould be made
that a survey
Committee
leftby the roots of plantsin the soil.
titious deposit
of Kent and Sussex, as a first step towards
Weald
the
vious They would also however, suggest to members
this view into a tangible
shape,itbeing obbringing
practicaladvantagewhich may arise from multiplying
that a correct knowledge of the various soils of
and varyingtheir green crops for the regular
tiiiscountry is the onlysolid foundation of English
of stock throughout
support of an increased amount
science.
agricultural
the year.
"

11.

"

Permanent

Improvement

of

in

the yet

to the
carefully

ths

"

and
drainage,

largesums
yearlylaid out
which might probablybe
largeramounts
of
expended with advantage,show the necessity
The

\'I.

Soils.

so

tending
at-

details of this process, ns to

ent
the drains,in differ-

depth,distance,materials of

soils and inclinations of level. The Deanston

coupledwitli
process of deep and frequentdraining,
subsoil ploughing,
appears also to deserve especial
attention ; soils too which are not over wet may still
well as of
be found capableof being deepened,as
chanical
being otherwise improvedin their chemical or meadmixture.
character by judicious

III.

"

Productiveness

of

Seeds.

Stock.

will equallyabstain from goinginto detail

under this head,as to the many importantpointsin
which
a comparisonmight be instituted between
our
different breeds of cattle and
sheep. They trust
that one direct effect of the Society's
exertions,will
be to bring the best blood of the most
improved

They

these are comparatively

breeds into districts where
unknown.
They are disposedto tliink that many
improvements might be made in the management
and feeding of stock, and they would
particularly
the consiof tlie Society,
deration,
to members
recommend
whether
they might not advantageously
active breed of cart horses than is
adopt a more
usuallymet with in England,and whether also some
changes in the mode of feedingthem mightnot produce
without
increased economy,
diminishingthe

their condition.
this head it is desirable that experiments comfort of the animals or injuring
should be made by individual members on the comparative
of each kind of corn, in amount
productiveness
Agiuculture.
VII.
Mechanics
of
of
both of grainand of straw upon differentqualities
Under
this head great improvementshave been
soil : nor can the result be regarded
ascompleteunless
Some
eflfectedof late years.
the goodness of the grain,its power, that is,of
parts of the country,
in advance
of others in their
however, are much
yieldingflour,be tested as well as its weightand
in one
whether as regardsthe better construction
shewn
experiment adoption,
bulk.
It has been even
the
of ancient implements,the plough in particular,
that two
lity
samplesof flour similar in apparentquaUnder

"

of bread.
have
yielded different proportions
of tlie varieties
In the same
way the productiveness
of turnip,
tively
beet, carrot, potato,",c.,should be respectested : and the bulk being ascertained,the
nutritive properties
bv equalbulks should
possessed
be discovered,either by chemical analysisor byThese
rools
actual trial in the feedingof cattle.
might also be tried with advantage againsteach
other,as turnips against
mangel wurzcl, both as to
of produce and as to nutritive power, and
amount

employment of
cutter,

or

those

which

have

been

vented,
inrecently

the turnip.the scarifier,

the drill,
or
chinery
lastlyin the employment of fixed ma-

such

as

at the homestead,driven
by.steam, water,
other improveIn these as well as many
wind.
ments
the North and the West
of Engof husbandry,
land
with the practices
have littlemore
acquaintance
distinct nations might be
of each other,than two
ings
of farm-buildsupposedto possess. The disposition
head.
may be included under this general
or

THE
VIII.~DiSEASES

Cattle

OF

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

Plants.

and

T. W.

469

BRAMsTON,Esq. moved

that the

reportbe

adopted and printedfor distribution.

1.

Art.
Veterinary

"

Mr,

deputationhas been appointedto confer with

the heads of the

Veterinary
Collegeupon

Dean

the motion, which

seconded

this subject.

J. VV.

Diseases of Plants.

"

of the
Little is known
at present of the real nature
and stillless of
diseases to which plantsare liable,
or cure.
any mode of prevention

IX.

Grass

"

Farms.

of these farms, though in some

management
connected with precedinglieads,
points necessarily
distinct and importantto form a sepais sufficiently
rate
head of future investigation,
as little
especially
is knon n at present than that different pastures
more
different effects on the produce and conhave verv
dition
If it be true,
of the stock ]d:iced
upon them.
ther
has been
asserted,tiiat the Dutch butter wheas
The

fresh

or

salted is much

it will be well worth

own,

keep tiian
into
incjuire

better to

while

difference of dairymanagement
this country.

to

in Holland

ried
car-

M.P.,said that though

CniLDKRS.Esq.,

regrettedthat the applicationto the

9.

was

unanimously.

our

he

lington
of Wel-

Duke

had not been

successful, yet there was
another
noble Duke
the most fit in England for
he meant
of Richmond.
their purposes
the Duke
(Hear, hear.) It would be unworthy of him in
that meeting and in presence of the Noble Duke,
into a detail of the Noble Duke's services,
to enter
tage
to fillthe officewith advanor his capability
fore
therehe would
classes
to
the agricultural
to be
simply propose the Duke of Richmond
"

"

their President for the next year.

E. A. Sanford, Esq., M.P., seconded

the

tion.
mo-

it was
B. Flounders,
Esq., inquiredwhether
tire
absolutelynecessary that Earl Spencershould refrom the Presidency. He hoped that nothing
would divert him from the interests of the Society.

the

The

and in

Rules

Chairman
repliedthat it was
of the Societythat the President

annually, and

out

be

not

of the
should go

one

for
re-eligible

three

the meeting that whatever

years. He could assure
relax his
he would never
situation he should fill,
X.
PHYSIOLOCr
OF AcRICOI-TUnE.
of the Society.
exertions
to promote the success
of a more
This last head would include questions
He did not think that it was
likelythat he should
the others, we
abstract nature, and whereas, under
would
be placed in any situation which
prevent
of fact, him
and record mutters
should have to observe
from attending to the objectswhich they all
is beneficial on
that bone-manure
for instance,
as
desirous to effect.
were
(Hear.)
inefficient on
should
certain other soils ;
of Richmond
certain soils, and
The questionthat the Duke
and
after causes,
then
under this head we should inquire
be elected President for the ensuing year was
what is the conthe question,
stituent
endeavour
to answer
put and carried unanimously.
of bone, which promotes vegetation The Duke of Richmond
element
said that nothing would
operative
have
soils,and how is that element rendered ininduced him to accept the office of President
on
some
elsewhere.
at present filled that office
if the noble carl who
Your
Committee
havingthus adverted to some of were by the Rules of the Societyre-eligible.He
"

which

heads
principal

the

immediate

Husbandry,
that

in

interest

the

will conclude
of the

the Members

them of most
of English
expressingtlieirhope,
to

appear

state

present

by

Societywill strengthenits

cepted
the Dnke
of Wellington had not acand influence in the
office,as his name
to the
have 'drawn
Societypublic
country would
attention, and thereby public supjjort He legrettedthat the choice of President had not fallen
able to discharge the duties ;
one
more
on
some

regrettedthat
the

individual efforts
collective endeavours by their own
and that a
farms and properties,
their respective
of facts and observations nr.iy thus gradually but he promised,
with the support of the Society
a mass
be broughttogether,by the careful comparisonof
and of the farmers of England, to do his best to
of the
which, new
objects,and to fulfilthe
light may be thrown on many
carry out their common
Science.
of Agricultural
obscure and doubtful joints
duties of the situation.
on

Report of the Committee

subsequently moved
printedand circulated. This
The
It

The

followingis a succinct Account of the State of the

Funds of ike Society
:
"

Total

Receiptssince the

commencement

oftheSociety
Total Expenditure for Charges
of Manag-ement
"1.020

"5,417
0

12110
Cost of Furniture
70
0
Prizes paid
3,000 0
Capitalinvested in Funds
Balance at Bankers
scribers
from SubAnnual Income

2
0
0

0
0

.."1,653 16
of collection

"1,550
Dividends

on

Stock

Total
in course
Subscriptions

Dividends receivable

But

(saidthe
we

than

ought

"'2000

10316

was

then

adopted.

that it should be
also agreed to.
was

lieved
said that, though he benext
Chairman
to move
formal for a chairman
it was
not
anything,he would state that the next proposition
whether they would
for the meeting to decide was
of the Committee
elect and re-elect those members
named
in the listswhich he had read to them.
The

The

listas

names
having
proposed above

been
was

again read
agreed to.

over,

the

moved
that
Grace the Duke of Richmond
of the Societybe given to Earl Spencer
and attention to the interests of
for his kindness
the Societyduring his year of office as President.
This motion
having been seconded and carried
His

1,196 0

"1,498

34

0
8

the

thanks

with acclamation,

Noble Earl)to effect all our

income
of not
to
have an

year.

was

his gratitudeto
Tlie Noble Chairman
exjjressed
He
hoped that
the meeting for their kindness.
they would have a full meeting at Oxford both of
and that the
and other animals (laughter),
jects, men
obwould be worthy of the Society.
show
less
The

meetingthen separated.

470

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

THE
SALE

IMPORTANT
SHEEP
AT

MR.

OF

AND

evening to

He

should
to

utmost

rent-day of
the

th^

county,

o'clock
travelled 80 miles since seven
be with them
to-day. (Cheers.)
to
do his
be happy on all occasions
of agriculture.
the cause
promote

last

On Thursday, the 9th May, Mr. Wetherell, of

ofiered Mr. J. Chrisp's
celebrated stock
Durham,
dance
attento publiccompetition; and the numerous
breeders
from all parts of the
of eminent
which
indicated the celebrity
empire sufficiently
had obtained.
The
that gentleman'sshort-horns

Hospitalin another part of

Greenwich
and he had

NORTHUMBERLAND.

attended

had

yesterdayhe

SHORT-HORNS,
HORSES,

CdRISP's,DODDINGTON,

471

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

[Aj}plau.se,)
Mr.

W.

health of Mrs.
drunk
was

proposedthe

HiNDMARSH

the

Chrisp and her family; and

toast

Mr.
Chrisp acknowledged
with all the honours.
the toast in suitable terms.
next
The health of the judges of the sale was
turned
regiven, and W. Jobson, Esq., in their name,
thanks.
followed ; also
Wetherell
The
health of Mr.

symmetry, the touch, and the high condition of,

every animal, excited generaladmiration, and did
great credit to Mr. C.'s judgment and industry.
sold before
The sheep, 1,200 in number,
were
that of the purchasersat the sale.
dinner.
They consisted of pure Leicesters,crosses
tribute of
Chairman
next
The
paid a warm
from Cheviot
ewes
by Leicester tups, pure South
praiseto the labours of the Highland Society;
by South-down
Downs, and crosses
tups, and a
few pure Cheviots.
They all brought good prices. and as that celebrated body would, ere long,
a
this neighbourhood with
meeting, he
sold, Mr. Wetherell
nounced honour
ansouth of the
preciselywould l)e given for hoped that the friends of agriculture,
in coming forward
be slow
not
Tweed, would
dinner, and he requested that gentlemen who
did not intend to dine would refrain from entering with the necessary subscriptions.He could not,
out
withthe Highland Society,
About 500
in this place,mention
the fold-yards
and stalls of the cattle.
of a gentleman
excellent
to
sat down
dinner, providedby Mr.
an
coupling with it the name
and respected,
he had long known
Davison, of the King's Arms, Berwick, under a
present, whom
J\Ir. Mc
Braire, who had always been a liberal
spaciousbooth communicating with the barn.
would therefore propose
: he
John
friend to agriculture
Grey, Esq.,of Dilston, presidedwith his
his
usual ability. After the health of the Queen bad
health, and prosperityto the Highland
been drunk, with great cheering, the Chairman
Society.
shire,
BerwickMr.
iMcBraire, of Broad Meadows,
proposed the health of Mr. Chrisp,and spoke in
for connecting his name
thanks
returned
of his unwearied
of high commendation
terms
dustry,
inregard to what
in having brought his stock to such a pitch \\ith the Highland Society. With
ties,
socieof agricultural
constituted the permanency
of excellence and fame, as the large and respectable
the sinews of war
that
were
which
he
would
as
had
been
that
gether
today
."ay
brought
company
what
quired
rewas
was
so
testified. The toast was
said to be money,
drunk
suflSciently
money
and usefulness to such
to ensure
with all the honours.
stability
berland
Mr.
returned
institutions. Let not the gentlemenof NorthumChrisp
thanks, and assured the
of 300/. was
how
deeply sensible he was of the honour
suppose that the paltrysum
company
the
meet
to
to enable them
all that was
necessary
they had just conferred upon him.
Referringto
that
what had been
so kindly said
Highland Society; but he had no misgivin!:s
by their exeellent
he told
fall short, for when
the supplies would
chairman, with respect to the stock which would
of Ro.xburgh had
that the Duke
them
that day be offered to their notice, he could only
put his
his for
for 50/. ; the iMarquis of Tweeddale
name
say that no expense or trouble had been withheld,
wickshire
others in Ber'oQl.(applaiae;)and a great many
to render them
deserving the attention of such a
he
their subscriptions,
had
doubled
the honour
to address.
He
as he had
company
was
proud to see so many eminent friends to agriculturehoped that such an example would not be throwiji
assembled
their southern friends.
it taught him
to believe that
:
away
upon
then drunk, and the company
Good
afterooon was
the improvement of stock
and
agriculturein
hurried to the sale yard. The arrangements
general was
occupying public attention,and recomplete : the cattle had ingressand
([uirednothing but the patronage and support of here were
while the company
the
proprietorsto reclaim every
great landed
egress at opposite directions,
entering the
and drain every bog which
had
waste
were
hitherto
judiciouslyprohibitedfrom
terfere
the face of the country.
He lamented
disfigured
temporary inclosure, lest the pressure might in-

After

the

sheep

that

that

an

were

hour

few

absentee

instances should yet be found, where

landlords leftthe controul of their estates

to agents, whose

imperiousdeportment obstructed
improvements, and compelled a hardy and brave
peasantry to quit their fatherland in quest of a
livelihood in a foreigncountry.
He again thanked
them for the honour
they had done him, as well
the
as for their attendance,and begged to propose
health of their worthy and
chairman.
distinguished
Mr.

Grey's

health

having been

drank

with

rapturous applause, that gentleman, in returning

that Mr. Wetherell
thanks, reminded the company
him with his sand-glass,
was
threateningyet he
could not refrain from
expressingwhat pleasure
it always gave him to meet his agricultural
friends
in Glendale.
old familiar faces
He saw
many
around

the

visit to them

that his
hurried :

him, which called to his memory

He
pleasing associations.
was
sorry
at this time

had

been

so

most

with Mr. Wetherell's duties.

introduced, when Mr.
Old Princess (No. 1) was
the merits of the
Wetherell, after brieflyextolling
to offer to their notice,
about
stock which he was

urged upon gentlemen who were about

particularly
the breeding of short-horns, to be
to
commence
without
short-horns, and
futile.
to
excellence, would
bring: them
prove
of the blood
The splendidanimal before them was
he begged to mention
a
here
of St Alban's, and
that
Mr. Mason's
fact,not generally known,
Monarch
was
got by St. Alban's, and not by
from
he could prove
as stated,which
Satellite,
him
the best testimony. Mr. Latouche had shown
herd of seventy cows,
the flower of which was
a

attentive
particularly
which

attempts

to

purityof blood,

produce

to

the

of the blood of St. Alban's.

Old Princess
was
an
objectof
She

thousands

was

with

gazed upon
as

much

tion.
generaladmira-

by

the

admiration

as

assembled
the AmC'

473

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

proportion to food consumed, to have every

Ilwvealso (ffcred
pound weighed and measured.
to put a given number
of my ewe
tegs with others,
to work
for their livingin the usual Hampshire

and so on in succession,
little higher,
the
attained their full height. Sew
tendrils of the peas and truss them round these lines
by wliich thev will be supportedin a better manner
method
of sticking. When
than by the comiuou
next

turn

till they have

If Mr. Tanner can devise any fairer means

way.
of ascertaining
the relative merits, he would oblige spread regularly
along the lines,they have a fine
circulation of air,and pods can be pulledat alltimes
me
I think it a subjectwell
by suggestingthem.
the haulm, and as the birds have no
worth
the attention of the English Agriculturalwithout injuring
have
that the agriculturalbody may
twigs to alighton, the portion of the crop which
so
Society,
is saved.
full information as to which are the most
ble
profitathey otherwise would devour and destroy
sheep,as well as the most productivevarieties An excellent way to preserve peas or beans from
shoots
mice is to chop up the tops of the last year's
of corn.
I beg of the managers
to take from
my
in drills ; the author has
them
flock in the spring of 1840, 50 wether lambs at
of furze,and sow
ral
known it to have "been an effectual remedy in seveweaning time, let them be grazed on arable land
of food
instances,where these mischievous littleanimals
let
ounce
by the side of other fifties,
every
at shear-time

be

weighed and measured, then

wool
and carcass
be valued, and

to

let

makes
the greatest return
let the full meiit be
awarded
lambs
time let 50 of the ewe
; at the same
be taken,let them be turned promiscuously
among
a lot of other store
lambs, live togetherand fold,
until the same
time, weigh the wool, and mark
the relative condition.

Such, Sir,are the facts

1 have to oflFerin answer

nate
unfortuobservations on his own
speculationin crossing. I do not confine
"
myself to
ten, twenti/,or a hundred, but come
forward with my whole flock,
the number
of acres
where itis kept,andthemode
and
of management,
I ask of an
I do not
impartial
public,whether
stock more
thicklythan the average of Down
of land
flock-masters,
bearingin mind the quantity
and allotted to saintfoin or permanent passown,
ture;
this admitted, I beg the value of my sale
lambs and ewes, with the wool,
may be set against
the same
for carcase,
number
of Downs, carcase
fleece for fleece,
and there will be found from three
to five shillings
per head in favour of every sheep,
and two pounds of wool through the whole flock,
and calculating
the wool at Is. Gd. per lb. and the
sale sheep and lambs
of
at 360, will give the sum
of the
in favour
upwards of 150/. per aimum
cross-bred,on a farm of equal extent with my
own.
I am, Sir,yours respectfully,
J.T.TWYNAM.
Whitchurch,
May 23.
to Mr.

VEGETABLE
BY

CULTIVATOR.

JOHN

RODGERS.

Longman
This

is

unquestionably

one

useful

manuals
it is

subject.As
rural
well
we

retirement
the

as

have

no

which
which

one

in the

and

Co.

of the best
we

have

interests

of
vicinity

our

permanent residents in
doubt, have

is an extract

an

the

arrangedand

seen

upon

those

who

large towns

this
seek
as

country,it will

extensive sale. The

lowing
fol-

on
following
experiments

in

1837.

or

1. Fold

led out after Christmas,

yard manure,

and turned in
30 load per acre"
stated,but the same

spring,at the rate of

quantityof land not
in each experiment, cwt.

producedturnips

qr. lb.

Owen's
animalized
carbon, value
12s. 6d.,mixed with 8 bushels bone dust,
5
value 23s., in all 35s. 6d., produced
5
3. 16 bushels bone dust, value 46s
animalized
4. 2 ton Owen's
carbon, value

2.

12

ton

....

25s

TURNIP

SEED.

"

The

26
11

following results

of

last season,
the
Mr.
letter
from
in a
have
been
communicated
Monk
J. W.
Okehampton, in this
Baylie, near
Way, of Alphington,and the
county, to Mr. John
the

of

sowing

turnip seed

0
2

in

the seed was

in this city,from whom
market
procured,
and containing
Having spoken of the
a further order.
I tcrew
seed of last year, he says " The turnips which
indeed they
of the finest I ever
from it were
some
saw,
of all who saw
the astonishment
them, and it has
were
afforded me great pleasureto giveto many
gentlemen
and large farmers in this neighbourhood
my strongest
field of
seed.
In
their
for
to
one
recommendation
you
of turnips(\ might say
I had hundreds
three acres,
thousatids)
varyingin weight from twenly to six and
twenty pounds each, and in one small piece of vetch
ground,wanting 29 yardsof an acre, which I did not
tillthe last day of July, I calculate that I had at
sow
(white globe). It is
least six and fortytons of turnips
true that I had bestowed
extraordinarylabour on the
old;" I had it trenched with the
ground. It was
eaten off by
spade," sowed it with vetches which were
sheep, and then plentyof good stable dung with good
to sowing the turnips,
bestowed on it previous
tilling
which

The crop however

was
I did with ashes.
also the size,beauty,and soundness
as was

derful
won-

of the

turnip."ExeterFlyingPost.

"

The
Peas.
following
rieties,
the taller vaof sticking
peas, and especially
is both cheap and simpleand possesses many
of strong thick
number
a
advantages.Procure
stakes or thin poles,
in length
accordingto the height
of the peas, from five to ten feet,
and drive them
tance
into the ground on each side of the row, at the disof three or four yards; pass a small line along
the polestaking
each within a few inches
a turn
on
of the ground,and as the peas advance,raise the
Mode

mode

of
tlieefficiency
made
by Mr.
growing turnipswere
in the year
of Hawkhill,Northumberland,
Chrisp,
The

manures

Tanner's

THE

most

prevalent.

had been very

the lot which

Sticking

"

PRICE

QUALITY

AND

OF

BREAD

THE

of the
BELGlijM." A correspondent

IN

Morning Chro-

The risethat
to this subject,
says,
place here in the priceof corn, has produced
increase in that of bread. The price
a corresponding
2 lbs.,
weighing'
best wheaten loaf,
of the half-quartern
to 8d.
raised to 40 centimes, which is equivalent
is now

nide, in allusion

"

has taken

the quartern

mixed bread,wheat

and rye,

is

5d., and

purerve4d. the quartern loaf. It must be observed

that the food of all the working classes is of the latter

quality.

FARMER'S

THE

474

CLUB.

SMITHFIELD

THE

(from

Institution in

Cornwall,givenin the West

tural
will
B)-iion,

express.)

lane

mark

the

MAGAZINE.

"

Probus

show.

Agricc^lturai,

Institution'. At the last

"

of this institution,
of the members
a
read on the importantsubject
of the Rotation
paper was
first
I'fCrops. The member, in introducinghis subject,
alluded to the old system of farming when the land was
exhausted,and was
croppedwith corn until it was partly
then left to recruit itselfunder natural pasture. But
and the culture of other
afterthe introduction of turnips,

monthly meeting

the Engfor establishing

lish
the proposition
sions
Societywas firstmade, apprehenAgricultural

When

entertained by

were

that such

some,

tution
insti-

an

We

injurethe Smitlifield Club.

would

alwaysheld such

fears

to

be

and
groundless,

it is

root*
as fieldcrops, (beingthe alternation of green and
satisfactionto us to be enabled
white crops, which is now
understood to form the leading
the
for
next
fare
of
?,Ieeling,
bill
the
to
rotation in which itis practiin every judicious
principle
of
good things cableja great improvement was observed. So late even
which contains an increased number
it was
to
more
in evidence of the correctness of our opinion. The
not the practice
as
a

of much

source

refer

to

thirty
years since,

transaction of

facilities for the

-willafford

greater
conduce
business, and
and

much

The

from

the

changed

be

in Goswell

nience
conve-

place

of

show

old

Horse

"

Street,to the
kingStreet,Baker Street,Portman

yard

the

to

comfort of visitors.
will

exhibition

provided than

has been

which

accommodation
superior

Bazaar,

Square." If
possessedunlimited

had
Smiihfield Club
and layingout
for the erection of buildings,
means
we
the
with
most
arrangements,
complete
premises,
the

do

afforded

the accommodation

improvedupon

engagedfor

has been

establishment which

with
firstimpression
Smithfield is

The

to have
possible

have been

it would

thiuk

not

the distance from

some

by tl;e

the purpose.

may

be, that

; but
objectionable

an

acre

or

tvi'o of

on
turnips

grow
whole

of

farm, the

tivation
the attention of the farmer being directed to the culof wheat.
Alluding lo the present system
of farming,generally
in our county, he was
practised
and
of opinion that the immense
repentedburnings
which take place in the breaking of the land, once
the growth
to
in every five or six years, is prejudicial
to the land itself. He
crops, and injurious
also of opinion that a change of croppingwould
directed the attention
be desirable ; and he particularly
of the meeting to a method adopted in many
parts

of

corn

was

Great
shift."
Britain, called the
foui-cotirse
For example,suppose the size of a farm to be 150 acres
;
one-fith part for permanent pasture,
after layingdown
four
would be managed in a
the remaining 120
acres
of husbandry" first,fallow with turnips;
crop course
secondly,barley ; thirdly,seeds ; and fourthly,wheat.
discussion
In the course
of the eveningan interesting
"

of

of
ensued between
the members, on this and other systems.
the inconvenience suffered from want
It icas u generallyentertained opinionthat the covenants
possible
Yard is considered" it beingimSadler's
in
space
the
cropping,introduced in many leases,were
respecting
ting
the animals to any advantage setto see
means
of cramping many a farmer from improving his
visitors
which
posed
exwere
aside the annoyance to
to
is known
farmer, who
farm. To an enlightened
of a greatnumber of persons
from the
modes of husbandry, the
the
when

"

practice

pressure

into such

narrow

inconvenience

any

friends of the

compass
that
on

do

new

We

its funds.
to the

ment
manage-

not

no

establishment should

hension
apprebe too

believe,an arrangement

interests
pecuniary

beneficial

approved

be entrusted with safety

of the land may generally
anticipate
ground. The prudent during the greater part of the currency of his term, for
we

Club, too, need be under

lest the
for
expensive

"

of t!ie

interest will probablyteach him not to misuse

his own
are
it during that period,and precautions
sary
onlynecesthe security
towards
its close ; but in most cases
the real interest of the tenant,
of the landlord,and even
requirethat the generalmode of cropping should be so
will
far regulatedas the variableness of the seasons

of the prewith the owner

Club has been made
mises,
There is no branch of husbandry that requires
of the prosperityadmit.
and as a substantial proof
and skill than a proper rotation of crops,
more
sagacity
of
carrying so as to
of the Club and its increased means
keep the ground always in heart, and yet to
serve
obwe
for which it was
established,
out the object
draw from it the greatestpossible
profit.Indeed, no
increase has taken place in the
understands
the subjectcan doubt that it is
that an
who
one
of the very last importance, and so pre-eminent a
of which those for sheep one
of prizes
offered,
amount
placedoes it hold in the science of agriculture,that no
of subscribers
notice. The number
deserve

especial

has been
still continues

pressedupon

better

the
ourselves upon
shall content
exhibition,we
observation
of
with citingan
occasion
present
teemed
farmer, highlyesMr. J. Wippell,a practical
in his county, made

Havinc:

"

at

Societyon
Agricultural

Devon

mentioned

the

the

meetingof

the

the 14lh inst.

Smithfield

Meeting,

he

of saying to all young men

take'thatopportunity
who are bringing up as farmers, that he did not know
in which they could benefit themselves
of any mode
their knowledge with respect to
extend
and
more,
implements, than by attendiBg
stock,and agricpltural
that meeting. He would, therefore, recommend
every
would

young
make

had five poundsto spare, to

point of attendingthat meeting.''

man
a

so

criterion

can

be found

on

which

to estimate

the

for some
time past,and
increasing
of cropping which
merits of the farmer than the course
to do.
so
Having so frequently he has adopted. It is by the establishment of institutions
readers the importanceof this
our
similar to this,
supportedby the landlord as icellas

situated who

of cropping
the tenant, that the most correct method
be obtained.
can
that is adaptedto a parishor district,
understand
We
that it is the intention of the members,
the funds will allow of it,to obtain a course
as
as soon
for
is eminent
lecturer, who
of lectures from
some
knowledge in every branch of education connected with
They alreadypossess an excellent library,
agriculture.
nected
conthe books of which, with the various periodicals
are
with agriculture,
monthly distributed among
its members.
At the next monthly meeting, which will
be held on the 8th of June, the subject of manures
of the institution."
be introduced by a member

impedimentsthey
provement
imagricultural
covenants
frequently
ill-judged

Little do landlords know

themselves

throw

will

in

what

the way

of

by the
imintroduced into leases. Such covenants
have the provement
may have
" old
been applicable
to bygone times, to the
tem
systo observe, that
of agriculture
at heart,
the land was
when
of farming,
croppedwith
the desire to obtain information is not confined to
until it was
joined corn
partlyexhausted, and was then
influential societies,
as the subthe larger
more
or
The
itselfunder natural pasture."
at an Agricul- left to recruit
of the proceedings
statement
to those who
It is highlygratifying

FARMER'S

THE
landlords should not

be

last in the

IMAGAZINE.

475

of improvement,
extensive fieldof

race

of
placethemselves in the position
nants
beingrebuked by the tenants, for imposingcovewhich
cramp the farmer from improvingbis
farm." In Ireland too exertions are beingmade,
nor

the number

has increased

employment. He

of these

measures,

nine

now

in all.

We

subjoinan abridgedstatement of die purposes

which theyare intended to effect,
and if adopted
of
be productive
they would,in our estimation,
with which
in this country are
and consequently
incalculablebenefit to Ireland,
many
persons
unacquainted.In the report of the proceedings to the nation at large.
at a late meetingof the HollywoodAgricultural
1
A bill to promote the reclamation of waste
it is stated that
Society,
The Board
and inland n-avigation.
lands,diaming,
Since the commencement
of the
there have
"

"

Society,

of Works
to have power to issue a commission
been introduced into the parish,ths subsoil plough and
for these
purposes whenever called upon by the
erubber,with the system of thorough-draining,
by the
and lessees (havinga life-interest,
Thomas
or
ported proprietors
A'ice-President,
Greg, Esq., who has also imof the finest kinds of Scotch
and Durham
some
10 years
of twoof a lease for 21 years)
Twelve
of our
farmers have sown,
this year,
cows.
the
thirds of the propertyto be improved. When
Brown's
don,
ter.-rowed wheat, imported from Lonprolific

unexpired

shall hare beea

proposed
expresslyfor the society,Italian barley,sufficient expediency
the Board
them
of Works
ascertained,
to have
six acres, has been imported,and sown
for next
in their hands, to be
seed,by Mr. Davidson ; who has, also, imported executed out of the money
year's
cultivator and grubber. Italian rye-grass
is now
a
the cost remainingin the
repaidby instalments,
several threshingmachines, oq the most improved mean
common;
time as a charge on the respective
estates,
construction, and apparatus for steaming food
with priority
all incumbrances
over
upon them,
for cattle,
have been erected.
Some
excellent crops of
provement
caused by such imas far as the increased value
also producedin the parish,
last year."
carrots were
The chargeto be borne
is concerned.
sioners
by each propertyis to be awarded by the commisaccordingto the benefit conferred upon
each by the improvements; and where navigation
13IPROVE3IEXT
THE
OF
TION
CONDIhas been improved,
the counties or baronies may
of the

to

works

sow

THE

OF

LABOUPvING

CLASS

be made

to

the Board

IRELAND.

IN

Whenever

we

the

have had occasion to advert to the

subjectof provisionfor the poor in Ireland,we

uniformlyheld the opinionthat nothingshort
could produce a satisfactory
of employment
result.

Treasury,make

the expense, and

towards

contribute

of Works

also,with the consent of

grant to assist such an ira-

may
a

provement.
2. A

bill for leasing

and

exchanginglands.Sec.

to
possession

have

the

have

Every

The Poor Law

power of leasingfor 31 years at the best yearly

rent,without fine or premium; for 99 years for

which

has been

adopted,is

based

tenant

for life in

for 60 years for repairing

new
buildings
erecting
; and
ing
althoughwe take it as beupon
and
for
old
and
working
ones,
than
still
improving
better
no
we
see
provision
whatever,
":c. Tenants for life in possession
ground of complaintin the circuitous mode by mines, quarries,
also
lands,with the approbation
exchange
which it is soughtto accomplishthe end.
may
Gross
of the Court of Chancery,to be obtained in a
the jobbingin the applicaand glaring
as has been
tion
which
have
been
of monies
summary
way.
expended upon
tliepowers of leasing
to
3. A bill for increasing
publicworks in Ireland,we have not hesitated to
Dublin.
Provost
the
and
Fellows
of
Tumity College,
t
hat
of
a grant
state our
belief,
public
money to be
They are to have power to grant leases for
expendedupon works which would in themselves
is
41
channels
of
continuom
power
years, on certain conditions; which
employment,
open further
this principle,
but

would

afford the most effective reliefto the labouring

classes in Ireland. Taking this view of the subject,
we

vyithsatisfaction any
contemplate

calculated

facilitatethe

measure

employmentof

labour.
The active employment of the labouring
classesis
national wealth,but
not onlythe foundation of our
to

of the schools
also to be extended to the trustees
of Erasmus Smith and Sir P. Dunne's charity.
4.

bill to enable tenants for life,

including
ecclesiastical persons, to charge

and
corporations

the inheritance with

part of the

cost

of certain

improvements. These are to be confined to

and planting.
and promote contenttends to preserve tranquility
ment.
draining,
enclosing,
fencing,
Applicatio
to the Court
The dissatisfaction and disturbances
to be made
now
by petition
and estimated
attributable to want
of em]"loyment of Chancery,statingthe nature
are
existing
is then to
of the improvements. A master
cost
wliiciiexposes the operative
to the machinations
of
and to lay
call for the plansand specifications,
and leadshim on in a misguided
the designing,
course
of Works, who will rethem before the Board
in the hopesof bettering
his condition,
port
Give him
be apIf the proposedworks
full employment, and you will find liim more
thereon.
clined
inproved
for life is,after completin his pot and his pipe, than in
to indulge
ing
of, the tenant
the Court, who shall
drill by torchlii;ht.Irishmen,it is true,
them, againto petition
attending
wiih more
content
are
frugalfare than English- ascertain that the money has been expended to
and of
the salisfact'on of the Board of Works
if
of that pittance,
but
are
they
deprived
vnen,
poor
effects will be produced,
as it is, simdar
and they the Court,and shall then authorize three-fourths
heritance
of the amount
will be readyfor mi-^cliief. Mr, Lynch,the memexpended to be chargedon the inber
"

for Galwav, introduced

ses"ion of

some

bills in the last

but

this

Parliament,for the purjjose of affordmg three years'rent, or

facilities
of estates
in Ireland to
to the owners
effect improvements,and otherwise openingan

sum

clear

in

no

to

case

yearly value

exceed
the

of

estate.

5. A billforthe conversion of leases for

lives,

FARMER'S

THE

476

MAGAZINE.

nants
Tefee-simple.

tion of the hoof from it,with portions

of the horn
and
charge
ulcers formed below, with a disaway,
of thin
foetid matter.
The ulcers, if neglected,
to sell or buy, with the approbation
to have power
continue to increase ,: they throw
oat
of the Board of Works, or of commissioners
pointed
apand separate the hoof more
fungous granulations,
for that purpose; and upon notice to the
and more
from the parts beneath, until at length
in
these
properties,it
remainder-man, the reversion
drops off.
in land or
or
receiving
payingcither an equivalent
All this is the consequence
of soft and marshy
be
of money,
settledto the same
uses
as
a sum
to
mountain
the down
The
or
sheep the
pasture.
to be
the reversion sold. This conversion
vras
walk
there is no poach}'ground,
sheep in whose
which
be
for
after
to
five years,
pulsory,
comvoluntary
if he is not actually
exposed to infection by means
the same
the tithe commutation
as
on
principle
knows
of the poisonous matter,
nothing at all
in England.
about it
soil of the low country
it is in the
into estates in

renewable for ever

for

and other incapacitated

life,
persons,

are

worn

"

yielding

boundaries of lauds.

Everyperson

undivided

estate

estate

upon

share of

an

shall be able

entitledto

for lifeor

of

an

greater

cer.-,
applyto the Court of Chanfor the partition
of the property,
by petition,
to

which the necessary directions shall be given

for that purpose, the proceedsbeing

invested in the
of other lands to be settled to the same
purchase
uses.
to that effect,
Upon petition
any
goingjudgesof assize shall have power

one

of liie

appoint

to

referee to ascertain the identity

of lands and the
of such as may be disputed.
An appeal
who
may be made to the next goingjudge of assize,
a

boundaries

may,

if he think

that all the mischief

the
aud ascertaining
partition

bill for the

6. A

necessary,

decision or the verdict of the

a
summon
jury, his
jurybeingconclusive.

is done.

wc
Before proceedingfurther it is necessary
should understand
the compositionof the foot
of
and arrangement
which
presents a structure
mal.
parts well adapted to the natural habits of the aniIt is divided into two digitsor toes, which

shod with a hoof, composed of different parts,

similar in many
respects to the hoof of the horse.
Each
hoof i? principally
composed of the crust or
are

wall, and the sole. The crust, extending along

the toe, and turning
the ontside of the foot, round
tween
beback
about
half way
inwards, is continued
each toe on
the inside. The sole fillsthe
space on the inferior surface of the hoof between
wards
these parts of the crust, and being continued backbecomes

softer

as

it

proceeds,assuming

of the
substance
at
of
foot
and
the
performing
horse,
affairsfrom the grandjuries
to a " board of supervisors" the same
time similar functions. The whole hoof,
the
whose
(appointedby
ratepayers),
ceedingstoo, is secreted from
proneath.
the vascular tissue undershall be controlledby the Board of Works.
7.

bill

8. A

to

transfer the

bill to enable

of fiscal

management

the Bank

somewhat

frog in

of Ireland

to

lend

the

structure

of the

the

of structure
is for particular
diversity
The crust, like that in the hoof of the
that the presentrate of interest on mortgages horse, being harder and
tougher than the sole,
in Ireland,
be greatly
to 6 per cent., would
o
duced,
rekeeps up a sharp edge on the outer margin, and
and tear to
is mainly intended
to resist the wear
it has been in England,by givingthe
as
the foot of the animal
is exposed. The
which
Bank
a similar power.
the sheep is occasionally
which
soft pasturage on
9. A bill to increase the powers and efficiency
if any, of that rough friction to
presents little,
put
of the Board of Works, ameng
the means
fordoing which the feet of the animal is naturallyintenJed
which the sums
of the board
placedat the disposal
to be exposed. The
strained
unrecrust, therefore,
grows
increased. Mr. Lynch
are
to be very considerably
the sole, like the
until it either
on

money

mortgage

by

which

means

it is

pected
ex-

Now

this

purposes.

lapsover

thinks

"

it should

of Public Works

be in Ireland what the ^linister

is in Belgium;" and he would

that
even
expenditure,
propose, to induce a larger
for the making of new
roads in the wild and uncultivated

parts of the country, one-third

should

be

givenby Government, one-third by the county,

and one-third by the proprietors
of the adjoining
derably
estates, unless where the property was
not consibenefitted by such roads.
U herever the
Board of Works might consider a road useful,
and

to retain and
loose sole of an old shoe, and serves
tached
accumulate
earth and filth,or is broken off in decases
exposing the quick,
parts ; in some
or
particlesof
opening new
pores, into which
earth or sand force their way
until,reaching the
is set up, which, in its
quick, an inflammation
the whole foot.
progress, alters or destroys

The
are

finest and

richest old pastures and lawns

liable to give this disease, and

particularly

so

It
meadows.
situain every tion
exists to a greater or less extent
think
third
half
a
of
the
to
or
might
give
proper
that has a tendency to increase
the growth of
expense, it should be compulsory on the grand the hoofs without
wearing them away.
fiscal
district
the
and
the
or
or
jury,
board,
prietors,
proSheep that are brought from an upland range of
to subscribe the other half or
thirds.
are

soft, marshy, and

luxuriant

two.

are
more
i)articularly
subjectto it. This
for. By means
of the exercise
easilyaccounted
which the animal was
compelled to take on
Eiccount of the scantier production of the upland

pasturage
is very

pasture, and

also in consequence
of the greater
hardness
of the ground, the hoof was
down
worn
bitation,
hafast as it grew ; but on its moist and new
as
Foot rot is a disease always,
and usually
at first,
but
the hoof not only continued
to grow,
throughoutits whole course, confined to the foot. the rapidityof that growth was
much
increased,
The firstindication of foot rot is a certain degree
while the salutaryfriction,which kept the extension
of lameness in the animal.
If he is caught and
moved.
of the foot within bounds, was
altogetherreexamined, the foot will be found hot and tender,
toes of
the nails of the fingers
When
or
the horn softer than
usual, and there will be enlargement the human
being exceed their proper length they
about the cornet, and a slightsepara.
give him so much uneasiness as to induce him to

FOOT

ROT

IX

SHEEP.

THE

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

this operation
they
))are them, or if he neglects
after they have broken,
If he pares them
break.
and the wound
ceases
soon
the inconvenience
heals.
When, however, the hoof of the sheep
mal
exceeds its natural length and thickness, that ani-

out

fore part of the foot and between

of filth
the hoofs, and assist in the accumulation
R. B.
by itsadhe-iveness.
"

the

over

CailiileFatriot.

them

to

no

which

large quantityof tallowy matter,

flows

down, but there

pare
power
and induced to
long continues a wound, irritated,
spread,by the exposure of its surface, and the
introduction of foreignand annoying matter into
has

477

THE

TRADE.

WOOLLEN

it.
The

wool and
The following
respecting
particulars
prived woollen
different parts of the hoof, likewise, demanufactures, during the year 1838, are
of their natural wear,
out of their
mons,
grow
extracted from a return made to the House of Comgrows
1839 :
dated 7th February,
proper proportions. The crust, especially,
too
parts either break
long ; and the overgrown
Sheepand Lambs' Wool importediuto the United
oft"in irregular
rents, or by overshootingthe sole
Kingdomin 1838 ;
of sand and dirt to enter into
allow small particles
From Russia
reach
3,769,102
These
soon
the pores of tlie hoof.
particles
Denmark
480,057
the quick, and set
already
up the inflammation
Prussia
181,'-'91
fects.
described,and followed by all its destructive efGermany
27,506,'282
Holland"
138,340
which tends to
There is another circumstance
"

"

to

which

proper

Portugaland

progress of the disease is not equally

it goes to a
instance ; sometimes
gree
certain extent, and the foot to a considei'able debe equally
All the feet may
not
recovers.
aflfccted; the fore-ones, however, are always the
of the additional
liable to disease,on account
most
there is only
Sometimes
weight which they carr\-.
foot affected, and that is sure
to be a fore-one
one
sionally
sometimes onlyone hoof of one foot, and occatinues
one
speedilyheals while the other con-

get worse

and

1,814,877
172,648
1,758,394

Spain

11,866

86,073

Morea

762,018
511,426

Turkey

]\Ioroc'co

Cape of

Good

42-2,506
1,172

Hope

St. Helena

Mauritius
East India Companj-'sterritories
New
Souti) Wales
Land
A'aa Diemen's
Swan
River Settlement
Colonies..
British Xorth American
Indies
British West
United States America
Colombia
States Rio de la Plata
Chili
.

"

to

Madeira

Gibraltar
Italy
Malta

The

every

228,630
6'J7,4d9

France

cumbent
forward, it takes the whole weight of the superinparts. By the continual pressure on this
fail to commence.
lengthenedpart, inflammation cannot
rapid in

263,371

Belgium

in an overgrown
hoof. The length
the crust grows
changes completelythe
bearing of the foot, for, being extended

produce disease

worse.

first stage of the disease there

is often
overshootingof the edge
nothing but a^littlc

In the

695

1,897,266
5,323,411
2,420,992
23,020
4,213

^78
is bent in upon the sole,
57,785
188
is forced asunder from the
crust
1,109,638
sole, and a wedge of earth is introduced which
646,044
; but
presses upon the sensitive substance beneath
times the edge of the crust continues to
Peru
at other
2,304,088
15
grow until it envelopesthe whole of the sole. It
Guernseyand Jersey
is seldom that there is inflammation
cited
enough exoff the whole hoof at once
to.'-'irow
52,594.355
; but it
Foreignwool
at different parts, and at each part of separation
Produce of the Isle of Man
separates*'
12,141
there is new
horn formed ; this,although
soft and unhealthy,and not capable of sustaining
Total quantity
imported..52,606,496
and to a certain degree,protects
pressure, covers,
the sensitive parts beneath.
creasedQuantityof foreign
By degrees,from insheepand lambs' wool
and long continued
the parts are
irritation,
retained for home
45,799,663
consumption
this weak
horn,
no
even
Dutv free, being the produce of British
longer able to secrete
but small lumps of proud flesh sprout out, and
10,039,934
possessions
then
the work
of destruction proceedsin good

found
of the
or the

crust, and
edge of the

which

".

Total

earnest.

This is the usual progress of the disease, but at

other times inflammation
be set up at
to
seems
the whole of that division of the foot ;
once
over
and there is considerable swellingabout
the cornet,
matter
is formed, it 'breaks
out, sinuses or
and the whole
openings run in various directions,
ofthehoof
is graduallydetached.
The upper part
of the space between
the hoofs becomes
inflamed
and swelled, the whole of the inner surface of the
pasterns is sore and raw
; ulceration commences,
it eats deeply spreadson every side and upwards
and
the toes are separatedfrom each other
most
alto the opening of the biflex canal.
That canal
becomes
inflamed
of it
inflammation
proper
is added to that of the sensitive parts beneath the
hoof
the raucous
foUices which it contains pour
"

"

"

"

quantityretained

for home

sumption
con-

55,81 9,597
Total

re-exported
quantity

1,897,860

Total quantity
of foreignwool under bond
5th January,1839
4,0] 7,610
Total ralue of British sheep and lambs'
wool exportedin the year 1838.
."5,851,340
Ditto of woollen and worsted yarn, including
yarn of wool or worsted mixed
.

with other materials

Declared

"3,085,892

value of British woollen

exported from

Kingdom in

factures
manu-

United

the

"5,795,069

1838

478

THE

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

AGRICULTURAL
GENERAL

AGRICULTURAL

REPORT

REPORTS.
accurate

FOR

MAY.
tlierecollection of the oldest man
the weather
pondingexperienced at the corres-

season

of any past
year, been

so

the

changeable,

we

find but

the

suras

if any, difference
little,
charged by the rail-

taken

condition in which

but

when

is
into consideration,every disinterested person
tageous
admit that transmission by railwayis advanboth to the seller and purchaser the former

excellent

must

aad

between

companies and those b)^the drovers

waj'

within
Scarcely
has
living

calculation

exists

the stock

arrives

in
so
many instances,
nnpropitious
exceedingly
to the crops in general,as that which
has prevailed,
in many
instances,higher
rates than those
receiving,
in all parts of England,
About
duringthis month.
whose stock has been driven to market, the latter
the 15th, a large quantityof snow
and hail fell in
ing
various quarters, wliich,aided by the then prevailingbeing by far less liable to be deceived in the weighsince it is a well known
fact that all
qualities,
checked
unusuallycold northerlywiuds, materially
kinds of stock which travel far lose a considerable
the vegetative
wheat
plants,
progress of the young
and caused them, particularly
in exposed situations,portionof its internal fat.
Tlie intelligence
which has arrived from Scotland
to assume
a yellow and
otherwise unhealtliy
ance.
appearis not of a
the appearance of vegetation
however, these atmospheric respecting
Notwitlistanding,
find that it is in a
since ne
character,
very
cheering
the wheat has made
visitations,
far
by
greaterprogress
in the most
backward
southern parts ;
state, even
than could hnve been reasonably'anticipated
of most
kinds of grainare on the decline
under
}'etthe prices
circumstances ; whilst it is to be
existing
in the whole of the principal
markets; but fat
hoped that no irrecoverable injuryhas been sustained
stock continues to command
highrates.
: in
fact,on examining the roots we cannot
In Ireland,agricultural
fered
operationshave not sufbut admit that theyare exceedingly
well spread,
and
so materially
as in England; and the accounts
that the continuance of the
favourable
ther,
weapresent
thence are quiteas satisfactory
could be anticipated,
as
will be productive
of bountiful
crops ; since,if
with decliningmarkets.
The potato crop is
the homelydistich be true, that
a cold May air,for
that of last
was
liighly
the barn bids fair1" our
spoken of; and so prolific
farmers
have every reason
that immense
season,
to
believe that the harvest will be abundant.
quantities
yet remain in the
In
hands of the growers, for which low currencies are
the latter sown
parts of Norfolk and Suffolk,
many
demanded.
and
barleyplants have suffered severely,
tiie laud
of the supplies
is a statement
and
The following
Iras been ploughed up in order that other
grainmay
prices of fat stock exhibited and sold in Smithfield
be sown.
Oats appear to have suffered less than
any
of the month.
Cattle Market, in the course
Theio
other description
of corn ; and both beans and
peas,
though backward, are lookingstrong and healthy. have been on sale,11,040 beasts,93,255 sheep and
lambs, 1,200 calves,and 2,980 pigs; whilst the
Complaintshave been generalamongst graziersand
priceshave ranged as follows,viz. : beef, from 2s.
hay farmers of a scarcityof grass ; but heavycrops
4d. to 4s, (id.; mutton,
3s. 6d. to 5s. ; lambs, 5s. to
are
anticipated.
fully
6s. 8d.; veal,4s. to 5s. 4d. ; and pork, 3s. lOd. to
of field labour has been seasonEvery description
ably
5s. per 81bs. to sink the offals.
performed, whilst the crops and fallows are
much
About
free from obnoxious
more
2,500 of the Scots and home-breds which
weeds
than at this
have formed the above
time last year. Sheep and beasts have done tolernumbers
have arrived from
ably
well in the pastnre^^, but the lambs,
and Devons, from Suffolk
on
being Norfolk ; 750 Scots, runts
from Essex ; 300 Devons,
have not fullyanswered
slaughtered,
the expecta; 370 Scots and runts
tions
of the butchers,
Scots, runts and home-breds,from Cambridgeshire;
the quantity
of internal fat being
700 short-horns,from Lincolnshire ; 400 short-horns
comparativelysmall.
We
and Devons, from
Leicestershire ; 200 short-horns
regret to state, that in many of our western
and midland counties, extensive
and runts, from Nortliamptonshire;
1,100 Devons,
ravages have been
committed
shire
by the insect on the crops; and that the from Devonshire ; 1,000 Herefords,from Herefordconsumption of turnijis
runts, and
Herefords, from
stock has
by the fattening
; 60 Devons,
been so extensive,owing to the extreme
Hampshire ; 500 oxen, runts, Devons, short-horns
ness
backwardof vegetation,that,
and Irish beasts, from Warwickshire
and
in some
shire;
Oxfordquarters, rerv
high
25 runts, from Pembrokeshire
pricesare demanded for the small available stocks'of
; 1,000 horned
both dry and succulent food.
and polled Scots, and 2,200 sheep, by sea, from
A complete revolution
and Perth ; 180 oxen, runts and
is bringmade
Aberdeen, Dundee
in the mode
hv which the supplies
Devons, from Sussex ; 100 cows, runts
and Scots,
exhibited at Smithfield Cattle
Market
for sale are received.
from Surrey; 160 cows,
home-breds
and
runts,
Previouslyto the
formation of railways,
the whole of the stock
Devons, from Kent. Tho remainder from the neighbourhood
with
the exceptionof the calves from
of London.
Essex, which,from
time immemorial,have been conveyed by
The generalqualityof the above supplies,
wago^ons
larly
particuarrived up to the above market,
as
relates to those from Norfolk, Lincolnshire,
by drift ; but now
the case
is
has been, for the
widelydifferent. Since the opening of Devonshire and Herefordshire,
the Southampton line, all the most extensive
"

"

"

"

ziers
gra-

in

tlie Isle of
by tliis

Wight

prime.
remarkably

season,

have

transmitted their
The quantity
of slaughtered
meat, received from
conveyance.
By the Great Western
Scotland and various distant parts of England,up
and Birminghamroads the
have been large
receipts
to Newgate and Leadenhall
;
Rlarkets, have been extensive
but by fur greater
thingsare expectedimmediately
of
theyhaving consisted of 400 carcasses
the Northern
and Eastern Railway (or Cambridge
do. of lamb ; and
beef; 6,950 do. of mutton
; 500
is
line) completed,since a direct'conveyance
will
7,050 do. of pork; most of which have produced
be secured from our great grazingdistricts. On an
fair
lambs

"

prices.

FARMER'S

THE
and

STATEMENT

sold

COMPARISON

of the SUPPLIES
of FAT
exhibited
STOCK,
Smithfield
Cattle
Market,
on
28, 1838, and Monday, May 27, 1839.

PRICES

and
and

MAGAZINE.

iu

Monday, May

At per 8lbs.to i,hikthe offals.

28, 1838.
l\l;iy
.niay2/. 1S39.
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
Coarse " inferior Beasts 2
6
2 to 2
2
4..
4 to 2
Second qualitydo
6
S
2
2
2
8
2 10
Prime largeOxen
3
0
3
3
2
8
6..
3

and are evidently

aftected by the wind and frost,
and
within these few dayshave "altered
for the worse
; in
appearance the barleyhas come
uji badly from the
of moisture, and
if not mucli injuredby the
frost,-will,
at any
rate, except in the finer mould,
come
IJeans are come
uneven.
up well, but will
want

suffer
been

,.

Prime
Coarse
Second
Prime
Prime
Lambs

Scots,"c

inferior Sheep 32
3
8
qualitydo
woolled do. 3 10
coarse
Southdown
do. .40
"

Prime

Calves
ditto

coarse

small

Large Hogs
Neat

small

Porkers

10

10

4,.

46

10

.3

6..

44
48

..

36.
10

.,3

410..

30

44

0..
42.46

..4

.40
.36

10

10

Large

42.
36,

10

Sheep

and

Lambs.

..

May 28. 1838.

2,729
24,800

the

greatlyif

do not have rain soon.

we
It has
excellent season
for putting
in potatoes, as
land from the fine dry warm
weather
is in a
an

healthystate,but rain is now

thing; unless there comes
changein the temperature,

much

for every
decided
both as regardsheat and
moistui e. the harvest must be as late or laterth;inlast
year. The cold we have had the few last days has
decided check to the wheat, and the
given a most
Lent corn
will make
and in some
no
cases
progress,
it is doubtful whether the
cro|) will not be materially
injured.All the earlypotatoes are cut down, which
will put back and injure
the coming
this will
a

wanted

speedy and

crop

SUPPLIES.

Beasts

479

Calves

May

2/, 1839.
2,953

harvest,and

684
Pigs
it appears, that the supply
By tlieabove comparison,
of Monday, Way 28, 1838, was throughout somewhat
lesstlianthat exhibited for sale on JMouday, J\lay 27,

1839.

had there

to ol.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

when

seed time is over

in

consumptionof

bread before
old potatoes will

price. During

the line

days

encreased demand for cows

and
calves and poor stock, but the demand
ened,
slackis
now
and it is generally
acknowledged that the prospect
of the grazier
has not been worse
for many years.
Heifers that will graze, 26 to 28 score, fetched 13/.,
in proportion
with calf tbat will not be
oxen
; cows
worth 10/. when
dry sold at 15/. ; we-aned calves SI.
we

270
690

the

advance
likely

most

25,020

240

increase
materially

was

an

the
5s.,nearly

allthis whilst
priceof yearlings,

the

priceof beef and mutton is, if anything,

the
on
decline,and dairyproduce decidedly lower. Our

liave full cause

shall now
record of
to make
have been pretty well supplied,
wheat markets
backward
and
spring,or rather winter, ia the
identified with every thing- the sale of flour has been dull ; there is littledoingin
of this month
so
animating and genialin natural productions. other corn, but oats sell better than they did, and
there is new
be recorded that in the county of
demand
for them.
Barleyfor all purmay now
poses
is scarce.
Somerset
The
blossom
of the apples is
snow
was
layingon the Mendip Hills,to
what
distance
of
not
total
be seen
at a
was
failure
eightor ten miles at nine
expected,being either a
but a partial
or
o'clock on the 14th of May, and that on the 15th
bloom, and of this there is every reason
for calculating
there was
frostfor the season, that snow
a largeportion
is cut off, firstby
a severe
was
of Bridgewater the high winds and now
seen
quitedeep in the neighbourhood
decidedlyby the two last
frosts. Cider has advanced
in price4s. to
at the distance of eighteenmiles at ten o'clock,and
nights'
in the eveningthe ground near Yeovil and the borders
5s. per hogshead. Our
fat lambs
do not
turn
out
covered with snow, and again on tlie very well, neither is there much demand
for them ;
of Dorset, was
the dry weather
is favourable for the jioor sheep,and
than
morningof the 16th the frost was more severe
in the memory
of the livingso late
Las been known
well. The sale of wool is dull,
they look generally
in the montli.
The potatoes that were
sparedthe day I4d. to lod.for the longcombing,and 16d for the finer
sorts, very littledoing. Our pastures are backward,
before, and kidneybeans, destroyed,
apple trees
and haymakingwill not commence
in
injured,beans and other vegetables,even
early. M-ay 17.
sheltered gardens, StiiFand bowed
to thegcound,
and other injuries
sustained that we cannot
calculate
had no rain here on the loth, but around
OXFORDSHIRE.
We
on.
there were
us
some
panied
storms, accomThe month of Aprilmight justlyhave been termed a
very heavy snow
second March, we having experienceda continuation of
by thunder; the latter pait of last month we

We
another
middle
that is
Yes it

"

had

some

the land

;a

saturated
heavy rains, which thoroughly
i^yr of the last daysof the month, it set

in

warm,

the
bad

beginningof
freshen

change,and
we

had

wind,
blew
and-

the

made
vegetation

rapid progress ;
also warm,
and we
little line rain, just sufficient to lay tlie dust,

and

and

this month

vegetation.
we

had

some

was

in

the

north

us,

on

was

the 9th

day,but little rain,with high

night and morningof the 10th it
down

hurricane, blew
a perfect
considerable damage done
of

8tli there

near

dull cold

and

buildingsaf. Wells, estimated

the

the

On

thunder

to

several

houses and

trees,

public

to the amount

of upwards
the trees shew
siderable
coninjurysustained,the side the wind blew ;

wind
east

100/.

The

continued
and

east.

of
foliage

high the
1 havp

two

been

followingd;iys,
thus particular

the

same

we

had

cold ungenial weather almost to the close,

that
much of in the former one of March, the wind
blowing sharp from north-west to north-east and east,
from the latterpoint,seldom varying above a
especially
day or two together; but since the present month has
though
commenced, we have experiencedsome warm
days,alhave been cold,the wind beingmostly
the nights
in the old quarter, but a cloudless sky caused the
rays
of the sun
to give to vegetation
a vigorousshoot,and
the progress for the time has been great ; but we have
this day a dismal cold howling wind, being however accompanied
with a considerable fall of rain,will,if followed
by some
warm
days,prove of infiniteservice to
tlie latesown
barleyand springwheat, whicli could not
have appeared without rain. The land has worked
stubborn and leftrough, especially
where it had been
cross
ploughed. A heavy rain about the middle of
A))rilcaused the strong land to come
consequently
up lively,
labour.
The barley
team
re(iuircdmuch
put
so

respectingthe weather, as it is considered almost

without an example for tlieseason
of the year ; now
in early comes
up well,as do the beans. The vvhcat is
for the
in general looking
and some
of itis forward,
appearance of the coming crops : the wheats
vvell,
several
have improved, but are looking
a
very bad colour, fields however of fallow wheat lost jilant
very much

THE

with so much pleasure.Our

generally
anticipate
are
becoming extremely bare, and that

we

481

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

of them
state ; indeed, some
and the
their Swedish
turnips,

ready
have al-

very forward

pastures

sown

principal

that earlysowing
plentiful
supply of grass which the termination of bulk of them begins to perceive
of to ensure
to make use
April produced and promised us, has completely a most successful means
vanished,and, unless we have a speedysupply of good and regular
crop.
rain,we shall be obliged to make use of artificial

is
a

food

as
a su-bstitute for the
of grass.
deficiency
Our flocks have suffered severelyfrom the diarrhcca,
the efl'ectsof the strange versatilityof the weather.

It

becominggeneral in

my

flock,as

remedy and an
during
fold-yard
a

antidote I had them broughtinto the

the night,and fed them with tares, which
had
the
desired effect,
havinga tw;)-fold tendency to recruit
the one
them
shelter from the
nature,
by affording
north and north-east winds which prevailed,
and the
other by
conveyingto tiie intestines more solid ana
nutritious food. It is a most
economical system to
corn-feed
: yoa
your flocks both winter and summer
introduce a changeof food which
nature
cannot, or
does not directly
supply them with ; it is w])at I
"

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.
In consequence

of the

unfavorable

and
changeable

weather,during the month, all ordinary

of beasts,horses,and sheep, have met
descriptions

state

with

of the

dull

sale

at

all

our

markets

; the

same

was

Newmarket
Fair,held on Tuesday
ing
last,but good things,on the contrary,have been sellat high prices; and as the improvementin agriculture
is making rapidstrides in this,as well as in
counties,greater attention has also been,
adjoining
also

the

case

at

of persons, to the improvea great number

ment
and it is gratifying
of stock of all descriptions,
have been, and will be always the
to find that tliey
for their time and attention, as
invariably
case, doublyrepaid
put in practice
upon my farms, and often
wonder
at fair
the system so much
to observe
neglected.good stock of all kinds are always disposable
AVere it generally
of
rid
at any
hard
bad
to
w
hilst
in
ones
are
should
we
not
prices,
quire
reget
practice,
put
the
the auxiliary
price. The plant of wheat continues, upon
protectionof the corn-laws to
For
whole, to have a favorable a|)pearance. The tilth
but littleto me
support us.
part,it matters

paidby

my

whether we
have high pricesor low ones;
for I
seldom take corn
to market, consuming the greater
bulk with my flocks at home ; and so long as I can
obtain remunerating
pricesfor fat stock, I ul(ithan the direct vendor of
matelypocket more money

are
looking
land,in the heavy districts,
of the plantsafter the seedthe lighter
thin and rather sickly; on
are
layers,
the plant,
with a
after layers,
soils,generallysown
the
has been
few excej)tions,
good throughout
very

and

bean

well, although some

in this kingdom
winter, but since the few fine hot daysat the beginning
it,agriculture
than was
of this month, it has run
so
up lighter
long as we take a single
grain to market in a direct manner.
Cattle generally expectedto do, althoughits presentappearance promises
in good condition,and the pricesat most of our
and a fair crop. The beans are
are
a fine quality
springfairs have been remunerative. The general a good plant,and are looking strong and healthy,
be considered against
has again, although
aspect of wheat is good. The wire-worm
very late,which must
the crop ; the peas are also lookingwell,and appear
made
dreadful havock, and a
some
localities,
upon

Depend

corn.

will

upon

us
alwa)'s
disgrace

But little
to make
breadth of such land has been resown
more
progres than the beans.
and oat crops,
at present be said of the barley
of some
It is -astoncan
ishing
description.
to
observe the generallethargyof farmers ;
good especially
except that the plantsare generally
of which is looking strong and
while theyare annual suflerers by such like devasthe former
tations,
some
much from the cold
well, but a great deal is suffering
to
theyseldom apply the mind to the subject
The sowing of early
search out its origin.Earlysown
barleyhassufl^ered frostynights,and want of sun.
veil ;
Swedes
has commenced, and the land works
severely from the frost and snow
which visited us
the use
of bones has become
at the commencement
of the month, while that which
very generalin this
jury, county ; they are usuuHy drilled in with the turnipwas
at a later date has sustained littleor no insown
and its appearance
generallyis good. Oats, seed, after the land has been previouslymanured,
beans, peas, and tares, of both varieties,have felt consequentlythey are used in smaller quantities,
about two
three coombs
the influence of the unfavourable
or
but
weather;
per acre ; some
persons
have
should we
some
refreshingshowers shortly, put on five or six coombs, without any thingwith
well."
answer
to
they will in generalsoon acquirea vigorousaspect. them ; they appear generally
Peas will, or does, form the greatestexception,
and
May 23.
have felt the effects of the nipping frosts more
than
markets are
any of the other varieties. Our corn
BEDFORDSIllUE.
with grainof every description,
abundantlysupplied
aad though at the commencement
of the winter one
Up to the 15th of the presentmonth, every thing
in the farmingdepartmenthad progressed
have supposed that a scarcity
would
would
favorably,
naturally
for several nightsin
have been the result before the succeedingharvest, but now
a sad reverse
occurs,
have
succession
had
severe
frosts,and the
we
we
perceivethat such fears would have
may now
covered with
well filled grounds in the morning completely
been groundless.Our stack-yards
are now
and then
In fact,with the exceptionof now
for the season
of the year, and there cannot
snow.
now
main
re-

considerable
with

springcorn

"

"

doubt

the mind

upon

of any person

during the
being plentifully
sujiplied
wheat
have

crops,
some

upon

the

whole,

exceptions,but

are

that

as

to our

promising;

is the

case

the
da)',

have

Our

summer.

we

every

summer
a warm
and, as a general
; so that,should
concomitant, an earlyharvest be the result,we
expect to find pricesconsiderablylower, and

year

in

weather

March,

more

resembles what

rather than

May.

we

usually

The

consequence
and the pasis,that the earlyfruit is much injured,
tures
begin to present a very meagre appearance ; the
effects have also been equallyserious as to the cropping
generally; [everythingstoppedin its growth,

The Wheat,
cut.
and many
crojis have been severely
corn-monopolizer;
they however, seems'to have suffered less than any other
under
good management,
have had most
offered,and which
grain; in many situations,
extravagant prices
luxuriant,and if we should soon get
it is tolerably
they have, unjustlyto the public,refused ; and I do
round into the South, followed by a succession
be in the
the wind
most
trust that future pricesmay
sincerely
of favorable weather,we think there would
for labour is good,
scale of declension. The demand

may

bringa justpenaltyupon

and

the farmers

the

have
generally

their fallows in

still be

good

average

crop

in this county.

The

THE

482

FARMER'S

from the same

suffered dreadfully
cause,
and upon the weaker soils we have seldom seen it
showers would doubtless
look so sickly ; some
warm
greatlyimprove it,and we do not at present regard

barleyhas

it

as

lost

againstits

case

however, are

appearances,

much

crop. The
have likewise
other crops, as also the young clovers,
been stunted by the long prevalence of the cold
winds.
We
and North-East
North
are
ceeding
every suchour, however, hoping for a cbange ; and
should it come
speedilythere may j'etnot be much
ever

becoming

an

average

MAGAZINE.
soils ; the onlyremedy for this evil,used in
light
these parts, is hoeing,burrowing,rolling,
"c., ; but
this will not always stop it,but it certainlyis
even
where
the plantis not lost.
of great use
Beans,
had
their share of the
pens, "c., likewise have

the

weather,

but

are

recovering. The

finished,and

is nearly

about

plantingof potatoes
the usual

put

acres

in ; the late rains will be of greatservice to tliem, by

making the plants vegetate, and we hope to hear
but littleloss of plant
this

and

season.

The

sanfoin,
clover,

other

grasses, are lookingwell, but they

remember
that the
the matter, though, when
able
we
got a littlechecked by the frosts. It has been favourof June is just at hand, we
weather
month
for getting
forward with the land for
but feel
cannot
alarm at this very unusual
cold weather.
The
some
turnips,and a few Swedes liave alreadv been sown
;
will take the advantage
Mangel-Wurzel and Potatoes are generally
put in, with showery weather numbers
the former was
into ground before the
and get in their Swedes, by so doing thev will
and where
late snows,
the seeds have had wet enough to make
be in time for a second sowing,if the first does not
them vegetate,but we think the more
succeed.
The
hop grounds at the present time,
recentlysown
have aver}' shabbyap"willnot come
seldom find this very pecii- especially
in exposedsituations,
up, as we
pearance
liar seed to do well, unless it has moisture enough in
with the cold weather, wind, and
; what
the first instance to start it. On the Southern side
received a very severe
frost,they have certainly
of the county our
farmers are justcommencing Turcheck ; hut like the crops, there is a great difference
nip-sowing,
and it is quite neceshe seen
in the grounds, and must
be believed.
rather drilling,
or
to
sary
that theyshould have about ten days or a forttrade with us is verv
The wool
night
dull,but there is
start of their more
fortunate brother farmers
much difference in price; but very little is out of the
who
littledisposition
of
to give
occupy the fine turnipsoils in the vicinity
growers'hands yet, liaving
Bedford, Biggleswade, "c. Prices remain
about
way in price. May 24.
both as to Wheat
and Meat
stationary
generally
;
most

"

Wheat

from

with

averagingabout
6d.
a

9s.

per

bushel, and

7d. per lb. The wool

trade
prospectof lower prices.May 24.
to

meat

languid,

"

CROPS.

THE
NORTHUMBERLAND.

TO

THE

EDITOR

OF

THE

MARK

LANE

EXPRESS.

This has been one of the coldest and latest springs

Sir, In your widely circulated paper, T think it
have had for some
we
to all your readers to learn
will be highly gratifying
years past, althoughit has been
of the wheat
that the appearance
always dry,which has been much in favour of the wheat
crop of this year is
and promises to be one
of the most
crop, yet there are many fieldswhere the soils are light, most flourishing,
in the memory
of man
abundant
which are much thrown
crops known
; and if
out of the root, and will be
"

lightcrop

but

upon

the whole
wheat

we

must

give our

warm

succeed

weather

the fine rains

we

have

had yesterday

and this morning, it (willalso be an earlier crop

crop ; the spring than the
of seasons, and be a month
earlier
generality
wheat is lookingremarkablywell, also barley,
sown
than last year.
oats, beans,and peas are lookingequallypromising,
Many farmers have yet a considerable part of the
should the weather come
fine,but at present we have
last wheat
in
crop in hand, owing to its inferiority
frostynights with cold drypiningwinds, and the qualityon the late situations,
and from the damp state
hills covered with snow
not earlier fit to thrash ; and the inled in,was
it was
feriority
; vegetation
very far back.
About a fortnight
since we had a few fine days,and
of the samples, will keep down
the average
but since
price,and thus raise the duty ifit was properlyreturned
grass and corn made a great improvement,
You are at
the averages would not exceed 6Ss. per qr.
that it has been
quitea storm, and the grass has

report favourable

on

the

"

disappeared
altogether. Graziers have been well
paid for feedingboth cattle and sheep this winter ;

insert this in your paper of next week

I remain, yours, truly,
think proper.

libertyto

if you

"

THOMAS
BATES.
beef has been selling
from 7s. to 7s. 6d. per stone,
from 7d. to 8d. per lb.
mutton
Our corn
markets
Yorkshire,
near
Kirkleavington, Ya7-m,
at present very dull for wheat, the
are
May 22.
samplesbeing
the
very indifferent, pricesfrom 7s. to 7s. 6d. per
bushel, barleyfrom 5s. to 5s. 4d. per bushel,oats
4s. the best samples, peas and beans 5s. to 5s. 6d.
Potatoes are now
all set, and
per bushel.
part
TREE."
THE
LAPACHO
The lapackoisnot
Swedish turnipssown;
oiily
it has been a
dry
remarkably
the finest but the most magnificentof all trees. English
for cleaningdirtyfallows,and the
season
turnip oak is
to be compared to lapaclio.
very fine,but never
system is advancingrapidly.May 18.
From the solid trunk of one of these trees a Portuguese
scoopedout at Villa Real a canoe, which broughtdown
to Assumption a hundred
bales of yerba, (that is,
KENT.
22,5001bs.of Paraguay tea),several hides made up into
The greatvariation in the weather has had an inballs and filledwith jNIola"ses,
load of deals,seventy
jurious
a
effect on the wheat; numbers
of fields are
packages of tobacco, and eight Paraguay sailors to
the three masts and sails of the large,but yet
and very much
very unhealthy,
gone off in colour, manage
and the plantvery thin in a great number of
elegantlyscooped out trunk of the lapacho tree. Of
cases;
this tree are constructed vessels which,when filly
but much
years
may yet be done to tbem by warm
weather,
is not
still be called young.
Their
frame
old, may
with following
showers.
The barleyand oats received
shaken,nor is their constitution debilitated by all the
check by the cold winds
a
severe
and frosts,
bumps they have on the sand-banks of the Paiana, nor
and in exposed situations were
much
"
cut
off; by the searching
very
even
rays of a tropical
sun, nor by the
but the weather
since has improved them.
The
down
rains.
of tropical
pours,"as the Scotch have it,
has done serious mischief in these crops on
worm
Robertson's Paraguay.
"

"

FAIR

483

INTELLIGENCE,

AGRICULTURAL
CHIPPENHAM

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

attended

was

by

derable
consi-

"c.

FAIRS,

RUTHERGLEN

FAIR.-The

BELTANE

first

tensive,
well attended by
number
of dealers,
and a large,we may say exwas
largehorse market of the season
of which
lent,
in the town, much
both buyers and sellers. The show of horses was excelshow of cattle was
sold at high prices.The cold weather in the earlier
and the number
veral
was
largerthan vve have seen for sethe effect of checkinghad however
Business commenced
early,and bythrte
years.
part of the week
had been sold or
o'clock the best stock in the market
speculationto a considerable degree.
FAIR."
SWINDON
Although there was a very
bargained for at remunerating prices. The principt.l

largenumber
Swindon

of every
the

Fair,yet

descriptionof horned cattleat

scarcelyequalto the

Indeed the fair may in some

respects be said
in particular
Good springers
were
so

demand.

to be forestalled.

not
purchasers would
many
and bought them
on
the
their arrival,but met
remarkably high,
road, and the pricesobtained were
20/. and 221. and upwards. The enorseveral fetching
mous
priceof 26/. was offeredand refused fora very tine
rather heavy in sale,
heifer. Beef was
three-year-old

eagerlysought for, that

wait

and

WISBECH

HORSE

FAIR."

asked
good horses,and high prices
horses

horse lair

brisk. The

Mutton
was
altogetheras
but thinlyattended.

was

There

were

for them

very few
the inferior

fall short

of last year's
show.
We
were
of the
the excellent appearance

off at 40/. to 45/. each.

horses went
A
of
sold in pairs at 70Z. to 75/. Horses
ordinaryqualitysold at "25/.to 35/., and iuferior down
of lightharness and saddle
'Ihere were
to 15/.
a number
horses shown, but they did not appear to be in sood
excellent
w;is large. Some
request. The stock of cows
sold so high as 16/. to 18/.,
mi tellersand tidycows
others
'There were
few fat beasts
12/. to 14/.,
and down
to 9/.
in the market.
iMr. Dunlop, of Stewarton, had upwards
of farrow
of fiftymilchers, besides a number
forward,and at two o'clock he had sold thirty.
cows,

lots of
number

supplywas

much

sheep,
pleasedwith
a
especially
pen of sheep belongingto JMr. Newton,
and
much
admired.
thev were
were
fine,
particularly
CAISTOR
FAIR."
There was
WHITSUN
a very
of sheep upon
the hill,and business
exceedinglylanguid in the morning',but ultimately

sales

were

pricesthan

effected

at

of Ss. a head lower

average
the previous
market.
fortnight

an

fetched
Useful poniesand
were

in request

sold at good prices.

FAIR
At HEREFORD

and

and

were

from 5/. to 8/. ; and two year olds,in good condition,

from 9/. to 11/. 'The supplyof cows
was
limited ;
fair
demand
obtained.
priceswere
being-good,
and, the
milch cows
Good
brought irom 12/. to 15/.,and some
as
high as 17/. and 18/. Bred hogs were
were
even
each. The
much
in request, and sold trom 35s. to 4(.)s.

brought

able,
presented for sale,though considerbutsuch as were
mostly of an inferiorquality,
found purchasersat high prices,

of horses

number

at

strong horses were

were

FAIR."
There was a good show
WHITSUNBANK
of cattleand sheep. Fat beasts met with a quick saleat
There was
from 7s. 6d. to 8s. per stone.
a short supply
the backward
of grazingcattle^
which, notwithstending
soon
disposedof. Y'ear olds
state of the pastures, were

indifferentshow
was

draught

were

good soon

fatcows
sold readilyat6rUl.
bullocks
very few prime at 7d. per lb.; store
in much
given at
request and letched the prices

WHITSUN'riDE

BEDALE

FAIR."

We

havehad

of stock,buyers numedescriptions
rous
for all descriptions
readilysold at good
; beef was
sale, prices; in the sheep market the qualitywas good, but
6^(1. stood long, but nearlyall sold up." Beef, 7s. 6d. to
a

of all

large show

fairs. There were

a
sheep for
great many
of at from
those out of the wool were
disposed
and averather on the decline,
8s. per stone; iMuttou,clipped,
to 7d. per lb. ; pigswere
raged
G^d.; undipped,75d.
about 7s. per stone of 14lbs.
per lb.
There was
TRYST."
FAIR."
There was
the usual sujiply
MUIR
BAKEWELL
DUN'S
a large show
vourable of horned cattle. New
and incalvers near at hand were
of cattleat tliisTryst,and, notwithstandingthe unfabusiness was
done.
state of the weather, much
inquiredafter,and sold readilyat very high prices.
recent

and

'The north country dealers stood out for high pi ices at

the buyers
of the market, which
the commencement
could not consent
to give ; but ultimatelythe parties
and a great number of cattle
to an understanding,
came
by three o'clock in the afternoon.
exchanged owners
Gs. to 6s. 6d. per imp.
locks
stone, sinking offals; and the best sorts of drove bulthe same
oft"on much
terras as at Slateford
went
Fat cattlesold

briiklyat

tryst,but inferiorbeasts

good number

remained

from

were

shade cheaper ;

and

unsold.

WHIT-MONDAY
There was only
FAIR."
YORK
very thin supply of Fat Beasts,which met with ready
sale at good prices. 'There was a good supply of Lean
of buyers, who
Beasts, and a proportionatenumber
offered good prices.In other stock there seemed to be
In the Horse
Fair there was
a fair
a brisk demand.
a

supply,there

were

horses,which
Y'ORK

for good
purchasers,especially
high prices.

many

fetched

had the thinnest

FAIR."
We
FORTNIGHT
fat beasts we have had for several years,

supplyof

and the cuitomers

rebeing rather numerous,
many
those sold making 8*. per stone.
mrined unsupplied
:
Of lean beasts there was only a thin supply,and a fair
business doing. There was
a good supply of fat sheep,
sold up, making for clipped G^d., in the
which were
few lambs showing,which
wool
75d. There were
a
with a ready market.
for all
HAY
FAIR.
There was
a brisk demand
Fat
kinds of cattle,
but the supply was rather small.
sold from GJd. to 7d.,and stores also sold well.
cows
off at high prices, and were
much
Good horses went
sought after. There was also a generaldemand lor

met

"

sheep,but the show

was

limited.

of
descriptions

Other

lower

offered upon

stock

terms.

latter make

cheese, and
56s. to 62s. per cwt.

from

"

dull of sale,although
were
a few dairiesof
few purchasers. Prices

was

There
but

WHITMONDAY

DRIFFIELD

FAIR.-The

and
show

sheep was rather greater than usual,

than usual. The
readilytaken off at higher prices
of horses,as usual,of every description
but first

rate

ones.

show

of beasts and

Wool
CASTLE."
BARNARD
fairs,toll free,are
about to be established at Barnaid Castle,to be held in
of July and August, in each
the months
The
year.
Duke of Cleveland,who is Lord of the Manor, has,with
the fairs,
in order to encourage
his usual liberality,
sented
conclaim which he might have to toll.
to foregoany
is well situated for the purpose of a wool fair,
The town
and it is hoped that it will prove of advantage to the
and the manufacfarmers in the surroundingdistrict,
turers
of the town.
WHITSUN
FAIR."
APPLEBY
There was not a
but stock was
in good demand,
large show of cattle,
asked for calvingcows, and
high priceswere
those alreadycalved were
as
eagerlybought up ; good
priceswere also given for geld cattle in faircondition.

very

'There
were

was

no

primefat cattle in

the

market; lean stock

discount.
SHEEP
ILSLEY

at

FAIR, althoughthe supply

fair,a considerable deal
ef business was
transacted at higherprices;the promising
teed produced a lively
of abundant
appearance
demand for stock, and occasioned a rapidsale.
AT

was

not

so

largeas

MALTON
was

an

uncommon

at the last

WHirsUN
bad

HORSE

show

SHOW."
Theie
of very inferior horses,

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

THE

484

A few of the
air admitted as pcssible.
should also be removed to expose the grapes
which will very much improve
to the lightand sun
In damp weather
them
both in colour and flavour.
RUSSIA."
SHEEP-BUYERS
FROM
We are requested
be frequently
the fruit must
examined, and all damp
Ciiamberhiin to
to state that General DivofF,
the
Towards
berries instantly
removed.
or
is now
the Grand
Duke Rlichael of Russia,
on
an
cultural decayedmonth the
agrifires may be discontinued,but
end of the
of
tour
throug'hEngland, making purcliases
if the weather be cold and wet it will be necessary
stock in iiisjourneyof the most celebrated flock masters
to make slightfires to dry up the damps.
and
occasionally
He
in Sussex, Norfolk,
Bedfordshire.
Cambridge,
In the peach-house
the wateringsand syringings
visited this county last weelc,mainly to inspect some
flocks of New
be gradually
discontinued as the fruit approaches
Leicestershireshetp. He was introduced
must
Ricliard
here by tiie Russian Consul-General,
admitted
to Mr.
to
maturity,and as much air as possible
him to
Garratt,of Great Harrowden, who conducted
every dryday by throwingopen the doors and sashes.
Earl Spencer'sfarm at Brampton, where he expressed
A few of the leaves overshadowingthe fruit should
highadmiration of tlievery excellent husbandry. It i" be cut oft"or pushed aside to
fluence
exi)ose it to the full inconfidentlyreportedtiiat this tour, which "is hastily
the leaves care should
of the sun, in displacing
carried on, is more
to pave
the way
for the grandees
of
be taken to leave the loot stalk with a small portion
who art! coming here to witness our
grand agricultural
the leaf attached.
and at the same
time to visitthose gentlemen
meetings,
Green-house
and ihcir iarms, whose
plantsmay now be turned out if not
agriculturists,
and zeal
energy
for the imprevement of agriculture
has been so succdssalreadydone, and their placessuppliedwith tender
air and
annuals and the hardier sorts of stove plants,
fullycrowned, as to draw forth the admiration of the
whole world, that even
Kings intend coming to see ! water must
be given as the state of the weather may
and
General Uivort' is an
takes greiit
agriculturist,
determine.
Tiie plants out of doors will re(juiro
in improvinghis farm, which is a short distance
delight
and should
liberal suppliesof water
in dry weather
from I\Ioscow.
Herald.
Norllunnpton
head to refresh and clear
be frequently
over
syringed
VALUABLE
BULL."
We
understand
that Earl
to propagate by all
the foliage
of dust. Continue
Spencer'sbull,Warlock, at Wiseton, near Retfoid, two
tiieusual methods
as directed in a previouspaper.
years old, has just been purchased by a gentlemanfor
of stove plants,
and training
Attend to the shifting
the sum
of 200 guineas, for the purpose
of beingsent
out to Australia.
Leeds Mercury,
destroyall kinds of insects as soon as theyappear,
for if allowed
at this season,
to establish themselves
in a
they will multiply
incredibly
very short time.
and
and regulating
The pruning,training,
espaliers
GARDENING
OPERATION.S
FOR
wall fruit trees should now
be attended to, and the
roadsteraexhibited.There
"being
prmeipally

was

g'ood

attendance
of buyers,and priceswould have been very
liberal had there been any tiling
of value or worthy of
notice in the market.

as

much

leaves

"

"

JUNE.

engine kept in dailyoperationto dislodgetlie insects

oft the dust.

trees of all
and attention must
stowed and wash
care
stillbe beNewly planted
with
kinds should bo mulched and liberally
melons and cucumbers
in frames,the
supplied
upon
over-head in dry
latter will now
at their roots, and syringed
requireliberal supplies of watei-, water
which
should be frequently
weather.
with
administered
a
auriculas,and all the primulafamily
coarse
rose
wateringpot, both t(i refresh the foliage Polyanthuses,
in pots should be kept in a cool shady situation
and to n-ash oft' the dust from their leaves.
Succesmonths.
sional crops of melons should have water frequently, during the summer
Alpine plantsin pots
in
be attended to with water
and on rock-work must
but not in largequantitiesat a time.
When
the
looked
and slugscarefully
be
to fing they must
dry weather, and worms
plantsshow any disposition
shaded from the mid-daysun, but c.ne must be taken
after.
and annuals
the shading early, so that they
to
Dahlias, half-hardy
biennials,
remove
perennials,
may be
into the beds
be planted
of all kinds should now
graduallyaccustomed to sunshine until they are enabled
In dryweather
and borders where they are to flower.
to endure it without injury.
Unless the weather
be very cold it will not be necessary
take up bulbs which have done flowering,
dry them
to pay so inucli
in the shade, clean and lay thein up in a dryairy
attention to the liningsas hitherto. A'w must
be
arrives.
season
given freelyevery fine day, and the covering witli place until the planting
continued
until towards the end of the month.
Let the flower stjlks of pinks and carnations be
mats
tied up as they extend, and about the end of the
which were
last month
Ridge cucumbers
plantedout

Considerable

under

be allowed to extend
now
hand-glasses
may
their shoots by propping up the glasses. Let the
vines be regularly
pegged down as theyadvance,and

with
supply them plentifully
the covering at nights with
A

to.
a

few

water

in

mats

must

seeds may

more

dry weather,
sown

for

late crop.

Let succession pineplantshave abundance

of air
and water,
and shift such as requirelargerpots.

Fruiting
plantsmust
while

propagate

be liberallvsuppliedwith water
but as itapproaches
swell,

the fruitcontinues to

towards

timss

enhance
considerably

beans,

cut

the month

which
should

alter

the flavour of the fruit. As

the

ing
plantsmay remain in the bed durto encourage the growth of the suckers,
from the parent plant
being removed

be laid up

for

some

days to

harden before

l)lanting.
The

be discontinued
water

I'.ndive

as

the

soon

in the vineyard
must
sj'ringe
as

the fruit

should also be withheld

beginsto colour,
borders,and

from the

as

you wish

to

increase

Sow
weelc.
lettuces,
cabbagss,brocolies,
and dwarf kidney
turnips,scarlet runners

also

radishes and

small salads every

ten

or

twelve

days.
cauliflowers,
cabbages,savoys,
Transplant

Brussels

a
Tomatoes
on
sprouts, leeks, celery and lettuce.
south
wall or wooden
fence and capsicumson a warm

in
lilierally

border, water

of
application

sorts

and branches removed, edgingscut,

order.
and grass and gravelkeptin tlie highest
be sown
for a late
A few mazagan beans may now
ning,
crop, sow
peas for successional crops at the beginmiddle, and end of the month, let the drills bo
and if the weather be dry
well watered beforesowing,
let them have abundant suppliesof water two or three

perfectionthe quantityof water sliould be

graduallyreduced, and air admitted freelywhich will
the fruit is

such

in
to generalneatness
or laying.Attend
by ])iping
every department of the flower garden,the beds
should be frequently
stirred witJi tiie
hoe, and raked,

still be attended all dead stems

be

now

month

Hoe

and

thin

out

all

dry weather.

advancing crops, stick peas,

insects and
support with stakes,destroy
grubs,slugs,
J. T.
other vermin.
"

THE

OF

REVIEW
DURING

MAGAZINE.

FARMER'S

TRADE

CORN

THE
THE

485

MONTH

mency
of tlic almost continued incleIn consequence
of the weather
during the last month, the
winter wheats, though undoubtedly strong at the
in some
a
instances, assumed
roots, have latterly,
faded and
unhealthy appearance, the blades not
coming away from the roots so kindly,nor with
that natural
of strengthwhich
more
appearance
would have produced. On the 15th
genialweather
of May, if we
maybe permittedto record the fact,
the Derby Stakes at Epsomwere contested during a
of hail and sno^v; and this very unusual
state
storm
of the weather
at the same
wss
periodnearlygeneral
As yet, the prosto Cornwall.
from Zetland
pects
of the farmer are not cheering,nor can his
expectationsat present extend beyond the hope of

MAY.

OF

during the corn season, has been most abundantly

rendered manifest, for these agricultural
ments
improvechieflyhave saved the country for a time
though,
Alcalamities of actual famine.
all the
from
the
benefits
however,
already derived
from

remains

more

been

have

laws

these

signallyadvantageous

still a great deal

before they reach
their proper
of which
of perfection
capable; but this farther advance

community,

to all classes of the

done

be

to

degree
workings are
science can
in agricultural
only be accomplished
by extending adequate protection to those who

that

their talents and

national importance.
of the
To insure to the producers at home
in agricultural
indusvarious
articles originating
tneir

embark
time

to

property

and

such

objects of

devote
vast

above
an
being attended by much
One
home
inferior crop succeeding to
kets
mardry, at all events, a preference in our
crop.
those of foreignproducof consumption over
another, as may possiblybe the case this season,
tion
is not more
than
siderable
be contemplated without
cannot
is necessary, and certainly
creatinga concover just,to the general interests of the British community,
degree of alarm, for it is not easy to dischannels from which
for as
agriculture increases in the
any material defic'ency
in the coming crop
be well supplied. From
increase
United
can
Kingdom productivelabour must
of labour
the stock of old wheat
must
of British growth littleassistance in
proportion, and the wages
ries
can
reasonablybe expected,lor unless the
eventuallybe placedon a level with all the necessayond
bebe even
much
of the luxuries of life. For instance,
and many
importation of foreignwheats
our
fectly in Ireland, agriculture
pi'esent expectations,and we are permay be representedas only
of the Emthat it will be extensive, the quantity in a state ofinfancy. In that i)ortion
pire
aware
in the
of British
old wheat, which
will remain
redundant
there is at present a most
tion,
populathe
wheats
are
thousands of families are in a state
new
and many
empire generally when
for consumpinto the markets
of great distress,occasioned
brought forward
by the want of protion
ductive
will
small
indeed.
be
Notwithstanding,
country. Still
employment in theii own
exist for employing
therefore, the change for the better,which, during in that country, ample means
rather
a
inhabitants as it now
the last eightor ten days, and that lieing
at least twice as many
sesses,
poshut this benefit can
slightweather improvement, has occurred here in
only be obtained by
in the value
the weather, no
material reduction
protectingthe capitaland encouraging the enterIrish agriculture.
with
of the necessaries of life can
reasonably bo e.\prizeof those connected
The
pected during the remainder of this year.
best, indeed we may add the only,protection,
If any proofs were
be given for these most
advantageous
can
necessary of the advantages which
ther
of the corn-laws
the corn
laws extend to the
to all classes of society
here, whepurposes is that which

his

labours

average

they be agricultural,
manufacturing,or

mercial,
com-

of the corn-trade most

viction
amply sufficient for the concertainlyatfords one
of all who
flect
can
prevailon themselves to rewith
coolness on the existingcircumstances
The
of the British Empire.
experience of the
last twelve months
most
abundantly demonstrates
at the triflingthat, even
duty of Is. per qr., the
occasioned
in our wheat
deficiency
crop, \\ hich was
the

present

state

by the inclemency of the weather, cannot

tions,
suppliedby the overplusgrowth of foreignnafurnishes
and
grounds for the
indisputable
of agricultural
pursuitsat home,
encouragement
should
that encouragement
even
occasionallybe
attended
minor
sacrifices on the part of
by some
the
the publicin general. The
protectionwhich
corn-laws
have
extended
to that most
important
department of British industryhas been the means,
during the last quarter of a century, of causing a
extensive improvement in the cultivation of
most
under
fields. The
our
same
quantityof land now
either in
crop produces at least one-third
more,
did
lands
than
the same
weight or in measure,
atistwenty-fiveyears ago ; and, under the same
pices,lands, formerly almost in a state of nature,

last year

be

are

to

pursuitsin
agricultural
would

laws

these

of

prospects

any

kingdoms. To repeal
effectually
destroyall the
improvement occurring

these

most
farther

and
would likewise be
of the fields,
tillage
and
followed by commercial
manufacturing
soon
terwards.
distress to which
no
remedy could be appliedafdoctrine of
The fallacyof the modern
goods for foreign
exchanging our maimfactured
grain has been most amply made apparent by the
which have occurred during the last twelve
events
months.
Foreign grain worth at least six millions
has been
imported during that period,
sterling,
factures
do not find that our
but we
exportationof manu-

in the

to

been

has

countries from
has

whence

increased

been

this
in

corn

portionable
prothe contrary, complaints
made of the flatness which
alreadyuniversally

are

at

those

received,
degree.

present exists in

and

the

On

our

unfavourable

clearlyproves
to exceed
from
the

in value

our

export
of

state

that

our

exports.

Continent, taking

our

to Europe,
changes
Foreign Eximports continue

trade
the

So

far,therefore,

manufactures

in

exchange for foreigngrain,we are, at the present

moment
actuallysending out of the country the
millions
preciousmetals to the extent of many
in concovered
with different articles necessary
sumption
now
sterlingin payment for foreigngrain now
The value of these laws therefore,
It
mankind.
throughout the United Kingdom.

THE

486

FARMER'S

MAGAZINE.

be obvious to all,who are without prejudice, provisions could have produced this most desirable
but with the depressionof agrionly be of
system of this descriptioncan
consequence,
culture,
short duration. To pay largelyin money
pressed
deannually
every department of industry became
and that very
in a more
than
for foreign grain would
could
eventually,
equal degree ; nor
speedilytoo, reduce every class in this country to
any remedy be appliedto this unfortunate state of
the Empire, until by a revision of the corn
laws
povert)'. To hold steadilyin view the best way
for the regular supply of the people with the necessaries in
1827, the agriculturalinterest was
again leand luxuries of life,is tlieduty of every
stored to a healthy and sound
state, and then, and
and
the rc|)eai
of the corn
not til!then, did commerce
her wonted
rcassume
patriouc Government,
must

that

certainlywould

be

fully
activity.Society here, is at present, so beautithat all classes are depending on
constituled,
each other.
Of the arch of this society,
ture
agriculis the keystone, and this interest cannot
be
depressionin the pricesof the necessaries of life,
manufacturers
would increase for
and the master
in an
injured,without injuringequal degree the
wealth
entire fabric.
It ought therefore
a short time their own
by the reduction in
to be protected
which cheap provisionswould
in every j)ossibIe
enable them
wages,
taxation,
manner,
bj' moderate
This however, would
find its limit, as well as by a preference in our home
soon
to make.
markets
in this way would cause
for the reduction
a
responding being extended
corto the produce of the fields.
reduction
in the consumption of manufactured
of May our
During the month
large markets
in the value
a reduction
have in general been well supplied with all descriptions
jroods. From
of provisions,occasioned
of this description,
of grain, the wheat
by means
generallybeing of
the great body of the people would
not
foreigngrowth, and the oats of Irish importation.
On
the contrary, the
The
in England having been fullyan
solitarybenefit.
barley
reap one
crop
productiveclasses of societywould not only find average one, both in quantityand quality,
the supply
the wages
of their labour reduced in proportion, of this article from the barley districts has been rather
but also would be soon
abundant one for the time of the year. The
deprived of a considerable
an
portion of that labour itself. The ruin in many
not
suppliesgenerally,
however, of all articleshave
and the depression in all classes,which
been more
cases
the
than
equal to the demand, indeed not
in the article of wheat, to the value of which
would
throwrepeal would occasion in agiiculture,
so
a
thousands
of families,
few shillings
now
be added since the end of April,
must
many
subsistingon the
cultivation of the soil,entirely
out of employment,
consequently the weekly averages of this article
and the manufacturers
themselves
would
are
to suppose
soon
advancing, and it is hardly possible
afterwards be deprivedof certainlythe most
under
able
valuthe i)resent rather unfavourable
appearance
and extensive
market for theconsumption of
of the
growing wheat, in conjunction with the
their goods, which
they can by any possibility lateness of the season, that this advance must
not
If our home
last year had
possess.
proceed. Of foreignwheat throughout the United
crop of wheat
been
and
an
sufficient for the conone,
million of quarters
than one
average
sumption
Kingdom not more
of the people even
at the present prices, remain
about
at present unconsumed,
of which
the five or si.x millions sterling,
which
have been
"'lOOjOOOquarters have been charged alreadywith
paid away to foreignersfor wheat,,and no part of the duty, and the remainder
has been placed under
which has as yet returned, or is likelyto return
her Majesty'slock.
million
of quarAnother
ters
to this country, would
have been widely cirwill exceed
now
the quantitj'^
which
culated
of wheat
may
be expected to arrive here from all foreignparts
amongst all classes,and would, like seed
planted in a kindly soil,have ])roducedan abundant
previous to the next harvest. Unless the quantity
of British wheat
quantityof productive labour amongst the
now
remaining in the possession
of the British farmers therefore,be far largerthan
people generally. The evils which the elements
effected last year, the repeal of the corn
of late,and jiresent circumstancesperlaws
appearances
would
most
mitus to suppose it to be, this supplywill be very ineflectivelyperpetuate for years to
adequate
whilst by moderately protecting the interests
come,
to the regularconsumption. The
lateness
of agricultureat home, similar misfortunes
of the season
has prevented that reduction in the
can
the Empire in
only be of rare occurrence;
consumption of bread, which the supply of vegetables
seasons
most
being fullyequal to proiluceall the
at this time
of the year commonly has occasioned,
grain requisitefor the general consumption. If
and
there is little prospect now
of the
of the people generallyis to be imthe condition
of any remedy being immediately approved, possibility
plied
that improvement can
be effected by no
to
this evil. It may be said that a sudden
than by giving reasonable
better means
protection change in the weather may yet restore to health
of the industrious classes at home.
to the labour
all the injuredplants. This no doubt
may in some
in agricultural
made
The
instances yet bfi the case, but where
the damages
progress
improvement
most
has already been
have beer. extensive,
extensive, but it has not
astheyhave been in the garden
yet nearly arrived at that degree of perfectionof
should as soon
grounds, we
fancy that to hold a
which it is capable. The
frost-bitten finger to the fire would work
produce of the fields bv
out its
superiorcultivation,way still be doubled, and the
that heat can
restore
cure, as to suppose
strength
time is perhaps not far distant,
when
to plants of which
we
the vital principle
has been injured
port
exmay
Colonics and to independent states
to our own
In the absence
therefore,
by the elements.
in more
Southern
climates, the surplus of our
of the usual substitutes lor bread
at this season
of
"When
the year, theconsumption of wheat
agriculture,by these and other
crops.
must, for some
the manufacturers
means
also must
come
betime at all events, be larger than
it would
prospers,
have
but
been under more
flourish on
they never
can
prosperous,
favourable circumstances, and an
the ruin
of agriculture. This lias been perfectly
improvement in prices,even should the weather
established
by sad experiencefrom the year 1822
become
favourable
to the crops
der
during the remainProvisions then
tion
of the season, is much
tp that of 1830.
by the alteramore
probable than the
in the value of the circulatingmedium, declined levcrse.
The
holders
of foreignwheat
therefore,
far under
their intrinsic worth, and
merce
comdisplay not much
anxiety respecting the future
ought then to have prospered,if low priced value of their property, nor do they feel mfllhinlaws

most

extraordinarywaj'
object. For
be a heavy

this most
desirable
for accomplishingno
doubt, the result would
a few years

THE

487

MAGAZINE.

FAUMER'S

would probably
at the pi'esentquotations. doubled,and a stillfarther reduction
be attended
manufacby stillgreater advantages. To promote
doctrine of a barter of tures
of agriculture,
to increase the revenue,
the prospuritv
been
for foreignwheat
correct, no doubt the
and
also to improve publicmorality,tlie duty on
export trade might have been increased, but that
in England should be placed
manufactured
of the
have
the sole expense
been done
spirits
at
must
level with those paid in Scotland and Irelana.
a
on
British agricultural
eventuallythe
interest, ^nd
In thi^se two
ket
markingdoms the duties are now moderate
would
have lost in the home
manufacturers
the very natural consequence
in the extreme, and
would have
double
the
increase
which

clinationto force sales

the modern

Had

they
of that iiighly
has been the almost entire suppression
gained in tliosc foreigncountries from which the
trade, that practiceof violatingthe law,
injurious
grain was
imported. As matters are, however,
whicli is the foundation of many crimes
simiggUvg,
the chief jjart of the late importation has been
in those porthese duties reduced
were
tions
paid for in specie,and for our future supplies, No sooner
of dutyj"aid
of the Empire than the cjuantity
portation
should
render a farther imthe state of the weather
than
more
sent into generalconsumption,was
from abroad necessary, a further exporspirits
tation
which then produceda much
and smuggling,
lutely
absowill become
of the precious metals
tripled,
and may
amongst the people
greater quantityof ardent spirits
eventuallyconvulse the
necessary,
than is now
manufactured
the
by the licensed distillers,
empire by another money panic. In Loiulon
contributed
was
farmers have
entirely
suppressed.By the reduction of duty
slightlysince the
very
the reveuue
collected there was
doubled, the consumption
turn
of the year to the wheat
supply, hut stillthe
of spirits
duced,
rewas
generally
very much
foreign importation of this article has been so
and most
publicmoralityhas been
certainly
bountiful,that the prices in the Corn Exchange
in no inconsiderable
in
in IWark Lane have
been generallylower than
degreeimproved. In England
the duty was
This state of the
of the country markets.
only reduced from 10s. 6d. to 7s. per
many
trade has caused
demand
from
inconsiderable
no
gallon,bat even at this small remission the revenue
Still,however,
also considerablyincreased.
was
the inland and
apd has
maiuifacturingdistricts,
and the smuggler's
of foreign this rate of dutyis far too high,
prevented any extensive accumulation
trade is consequently
most
flourishing.It is almost
wheat, duty paid,in the granarieson the Thames,
the chief quantity now
in the warehouse
being impossibleto conceive the extent to which it is now
It surelyis highlydesirable that this
under bond in expectationof a reduction soon
curring carried on.
ocin the duties jjayable
trade should be immediatelyput down, and the only
their entries for
on
this objectis by
effectual mode
of accomplishing
home
consumption. It is extremelydifficultto find
for the very scanty supplies reducingthe publiccharge on the Englishdistiller.
any plausiblereason
farmers into the markets
This alone can
render the smugglingtrade so little
sent by our
generallyfor
which could be derived
that no profits,
sale,for priceshave certainlybeen dear enough to
advantageous,
have
induced
them
thrash
much
out
to
larger from it,would in any way be equal to the losses,
which would arise
the punishments
quantitiesthan they have done since the gathering nor remunerate
of the
ciety
from
its detection.
last harvest.
It may,
we
fear,with much
Certainlythe Temperance Sotruth
be assumed, that in consequence
of the badness
never
can
produce this effect. At the last
the,2 1st
of the last crop, they have very little now
on
meeting held in London of this society,
of London,
remainingin their possession,and that that little of May last,the Chairman, the ijishoj)
in his address to the members, complainedof the
afford
is only in the hands of the wealthy who can
"

hold it

to

over

the

Upon

until the end

whole

the

of the

prospects of

present throughout England

at

are

present
the
not

wheat
very

and they must

become
gloomy in the
should some
favourable change not soon
the

great increase

season.

trade
ing,
cheer-

in

weather.

The
and

hist crop

the

years.

of barley
an
was
fully
average one,
of it was
superiorto that of common
quality
it obiained high
During the maltingseason

that

not

and 1830

would

generalbenefit to the community at large. It

extend
the consumptionof barley
for brewing

use

the

in 1820

duty in

was

the

which had
spirits
people. He said that the
only12,894,895 gallons,

of ardent

same

year

was

1,789,000L,

quantityused had increased to

and the duty to 8,444,390/. The
27,000,000 gallons,
rightreverend prelateattributed this increase in the
to the increase of immorality
consumption of spirits
is
amongst the people,an inference which certainly

various

be

the

whilst in 1830

prices,and

the demand
for its consumption in
extensive.
For malting
ways was
purposes
one-third more
than is at present used would be
rendered necessary by an alteration in the malt and
English spiritduties. The reduction of the malt
dutyof 20s. per qr. to one of l3s. 4d. per qr. would

in the

placeamongst

used
quantity
and

extreme
occur

taken

the

betwixt the years 1820

made moderate in
Ireland
reduced in a small
and
Scotland, and was
degreein England. The increase in the quantityof
has since then occasioned a more
dutypaidspirits
in the quantityof
than
corresponding decrease
consumed
throughout the United
smuggledspirits
Kingdom. Excess in anythingalways does injury
and excess
in the British
to the objectproposed,
duties,whether it be intended for the purposes
spirit
well

founded.

that the

It

was

spiritdutywas

from six millions of quarters to nine millions

I'he landed gentlemen and their
tenants
would
thus gain all the advantages
of revenue,
for the promotion of publicvirtue,
which
or
fiom an extra
to be obtained
are
continue to produce,conhas produced, and must
sequences
growth of three
millions of quarters of barley,and the agricultural
the reverse, until these duties be reduced
labourers would
find additional eDipli"yment
from its
in England, as has been the case,
a
to moderation
of beer at present
production. The consumers
few years ago, in Scotland and in Ireland. Another
would
and that no small one in a national point
at much
supply their wants
cheaper rates,
advantage,
and thousands
of families would then participate
arise from
this alteration. British
in
of view, would
this almost
grainalone would then be used in the distillationof
necessary article of consumption,whose
and thus the ex|)ense
instead of foreign
wages do not now
permitthe payment of its present spirits
grain,
excessive
would likewise be
of their production
would be circulated amongst the
prices. The revenue

purposes,

of quarters.

improved by

the reduction, and it would

annually
the real vvertlth of the empire. Since
the malt dutywas
reduced from 34s. lOd. per quarter
to 20s. its conisumption
has been
than
more

thus add

to

inhabitants of the United Kingdom.

In 1838, the collection of duty from the distillers
to nearly
throughoutthe United Kingdom, amounted
and the trade of the
twelve millions sterling,

THE

I'AllMER'S

tin'syear, has been so considerable,

that ver}' littleof
which
is suited to our markets, now
that qu-.ility
mains
rein any of tliem, and all the ports of Jielgium
and Holland exhibit a stale of equal exhaustion.
where it is not exdoubt
lind corn
no
pected,
High prices
but at its present value in this country, we
in our
wheat
againrepeat that another deficiency
equal to the one of last year, will with great
crop
and most
littleprosbe supplied,
difficully
certainly
pect

MAGAZINE.

iWheat.l BarleyiOats

IMPERIAIi
27.

'April

..

71
72
71
70
71

..

,.

17th

38
39

R.ye,nean?jPeas.

..

6 40
10 39
2 39

40

9 37

37

7 37
7 38

3S

8 41

6.38
538
5 39

39
38
38

0 40

7 38

|38

612

12

40

39
39

38

Ai.ri;regate.\
verr.ge
of the six week?
which
regulates
the duty
70
Duties
payable in
Lendon
till Wed.

nesday

39

25

iiu^Ui
the
Outports till the
arrival of the -Mail
of that day from

MEASURF..

Per Qr.
PerQr.
Essex"
Kent
..red. .64
white ../O 74 73
66
/O
do. 70
SiilTolk " Norl'olk,,
64
7"
72 74
66
Irisli
58
60
do.... 62
68
72
76 78
Old, red
do,..
RvE
old
44
46
40
42
new....
BARi.Ky,Grinding31 35 Malting 40 44 Clievalier 44 45
30
frisli .*
32
,34 Here...
62
Rrowii
60
64
66
MALTjSiiirulk" Norl'olk
" Ware
Chovalier
66
68
70
68
Kinfistoii
OATS.YHrkshire"LiHCuliisli,feed 27 28 Potatoe ..20 30
Cork
tilack ..
25
26 CorU,\vl.itf2G 27
Yo'ifcliall"
Dublin
24
25
W'estport26 28
Clonuiel
30
LiiuericU 2S
27 28
26
25
26
I.ondonJerrv
27 Sligo.
'.
28
30
Nen-ry
22
24
Oahvay
22
24
24
25
WatertorJ, white
Black..
Scotch
Feed
Pot.itoe
29
30
27 29
r.EANS.Tick
37 .38 Small 40 42 44
34
.34 36
38
PBAs,(iiev
mai/le
3S
42
White
boilers.
42
44
32/
36/. .Irish 25/ per last
Seeb, Rape
Knglish Red Clover, line... 64 70 80 96spcrtwt
Wliite
70
80
903
C6
22s
White.
123
14s. .broww
2l3
niiistaiil,
perbiish
3S
old 30
60
s
Tcires..32
34.. new
per (|r.
52 per sk of
.SnlFwlk ..59
60
Flour, Town-made
53
52..Insli fines52
280 lb.
Stocklon"NorfolkSO
Superfine.54 56

63

15th
19th
26th
3rd
inth

Mav

May

Wheat,

'"nding

WppV

next

sive, and
PSR

AVERAGES.

IMPERIAL

ported
exists of a quantity
equallylargeas that imduringthe last twelve months beingfound on
at much
the continent for our
even
consumjjtion,
than are our present quotations,
higherprices

CURRENCY

489

at

Londuii

10

t*o. on
British
GHt

graiH from
possessions
ot Europe
I 0

..

ForeignFlour,

I9

6s. 5d. per

1961hs. British Possessions,do.

3"d.per1961bs.

"

..

COMPARATIVE
WEEKLY

by

PRICES
AVERAGES

the

Imp.

OF

GRAIN.

AVERAGES

Quarter,

from

the

corresponding Gazette
in the last year, Friday
May 25, 1838.

from

the
Gazette, of
Friday last, May 24,
1839.

Wheat
Barley

s.

d.

71

39

l'Barley

(1.

8.

Wheat

Oats..

Oats

25

Rye

41

S'Rye

Beans
Peas

39

38

Beans

I
Peas

37

34

"

SEED

MARKET.

ForeignGrain and Flow

in Bivul.
60
70

WnEAT,Dantzie

60
30

Hamburg
".

Barley
Oats
Beans
Peas

Potatoe

20

.30
American

Flour,

.perlirl.

JlAY

68
32

feed 15 to 16

"

"

24

27

40

42

shewing-the Quantitiesof Grain, Meal and

Flour,imported into the United King^'lom,
during
the month ending the 5tliRlay, 1839 ; the Quantities
have been paid for Home
on which Duties
tion
Consumpmonth, and the Quantities
remaining
duringthe same

Account

in Warehouse
Grain
Flour.

Foreign

and

teicd for jremniningin

consumption: warehouse.

STOCK

OF

qrs.

2959!)

Barley.
qvs.

25,360 5,568

177309
20167
174

3757
3323
3

last.

English, rod.

CLevER

.43 66

Dutch
German
French

41054
9325

245749

"

3053

6371

11936
159

"

"

"

"

"

Linseed

-,
^*

',5
""3

] r"

25
J
foreign"^28 "'30 per last.
per qr
crushiHg42 43
,,
44
43
,,
large 38 42
line
21 per cwt.
20
white
10
13perbushel.
8
12
other sts.2S
3(!
Scotch 18
40
,,
to 6s 6tl

."36

"

"

"

Odessa"

"

34
IS

),'^
$

Carawiiy

^^

Baltic
lMediter."
Hemfisecd, small

new

."

'^

12

Swedes
Turnip Seed, new
Rye Grass, English
Tares, Spring
Canary, new

|s

"

"

_.

p"

Coriander, new
Must.-ird,brown

"

."

."34
Rapeseed, Ejiglish
Linjeed.
Enijlishsowing.

4
1

white 4S 62 pcrcwt.1

85

"

"

Trefoil

qrs. bush.

92t
1412
417

6215

36
20
,-

'^

22

25

30

42

6s Od

-73
"

76
49

"

to 8/. 5s. per

5/. lOs. to 6/.

Cakes, foreign...8^.

Rapeseed

do.

do

"

51

extra

52

ton.

cwts.qrs.lbs. cwts.qrs.lbs.
cwts.qrs.lbs.
15fl0
,

| 54419

0
I

IN

GRAIN
ON

Wheat

213702
10707

Corn, d9....
Buckwheat, de....
from
Flour
British
Possessions
Ditte Foreign

qrs. bush.

173

Indian

Monday

past -week

American

Quantity
Q"antityen-j

({rs. bush.
Wheat
from British
Possessions
Ditto
Foreign
Barley,do
do
Oats,
Rye, do
Peas, do
Beans, do

of

the close thereof.

at

Quantity
Imported.

27.

littlespeculative
enquiryhas
for white Cloverseed,and a few small
been experienced
;
parcels have changed hands at about our quotations
this morning there is nothingdoing in the article. For
Seeds
of
there is only a retail demand,
other descriptions
and we
have no alteration to notice from the currency

During the

THE
Oats.
qis.

7^.365890

24

1500

BOND
IN
MAY,

4598
23206

1 26
3

17

qrs.

Peas.

The

qrs.

67,139 1,388 4,341

16,450 cwts.
Cloverseed,

Rye.
qrs.

304

OF

BOROUGH,

LONDON

5th
Beans.

PRICES

Flour,
cwts.

21,349

HOPS.
May

trade in Hops of all

27.

botli new
descriptions,

and
demand
firm
gocs^price.".
advance
without much
at present. The districtreports
are
decidedlywor.se duringtlieweek, occasioned
principally
by the frosly
nights.The estimated duty is

old,has improved

"

as

far

as

FARMER'S

THE

490
nominallyquoted

anything doing

without

at 150m.

MAGAZINE.

it.

upon

PRICES,

PRESENT

"

S.

1S38
Ditto choice, do
Ea"t Kent
pockets,do
do
do
Sussex
do
Kent
bags
do
EastKentdo.

Pockets

Kent

d.

0 to
0
0
0

5 12
4

15

"

lS37s

15
10
4 10
8
3

1836's

"

"

"

0
0

"1.

:" S.
4 18
8
8
0
9

"

"

Shorts, Coarse and Short Coarse, 8d, ; Broad

Head, 9d. ; Red, and Pinions,P^d, to lOd. ; Kent
ing,
Head, lOd.; Fine Head, lid. ; Green, 12d. ; Match12d. per lb. Stripes."Cornish
Stripe, 14d. to
"

144d.

Fell

0
8
315

1G

"

North

Devon Stripe,\\\A. to 15d. per lb.

In these Wools, with dulness in the market,
considerable
reduction has been submitted to,
a
nor
can
we
quote Fine Long Fells higher than 13/. per
pack, or 13d. per lb. Short fine Fells arc 12d. ; and
Ordinary parcels of Skin Wool, lOd. to lid. perlb.

"

Sorts,

Wools.

"

Tops 18d.
per

to

DUBLIN,
MARKET.

POTATO

May

supplyof Potatoes

27.

22s. mixed

than ndequatelo
has not been more
the demand.
Owing: to the prevalence of unusually
cold weather and North East winds, which has teixled
to increase the consumption, and proved highly
greatly
ia clearingthe market of what
favourable to Salesmen

yet appeared in market, the few

former quotatioaof 21s. to
at our

parcels
; 22.5.to

233.

hoggetper

^tone.

small packs of

Rfpoi!t." Some

to

state of the season,

20"d.

to

"

Another
the Port of London duriugr
have come
the past week, though liberalfor the present advanced
of
The

Combing Super,20d.

(Thursday last.) Very few parcels of

thisyear'scliphave as
sales made have been

WATER-SIDE,

SOUTHWARK

18*d. ;

lb.

wool

nevi'

whicli were
in for sale since tiur last,
posed
disbut from the coldness of
at from 19s. 6d. to 20s.;
the weather no quantity
be expected in tilla change
can
takes place. In skins but little
doing at 19s. 6d, to 20s.
Prices nominal for fleece.

as well as considerable
remained from previousarrivals,
LIVERPOOL.
stored in warehouses at the different Wharfs
quantities
The same
25.
dulness continues in our
]\ray
Scotch,
from
It
is
evident
river.
the
now
i)relty
contiguous to
market
for all kinds of Scotch wool, in which
we
information recentlyreceived from the northern districts,
have not heard of a single
transaction this week ; our
well as from the Channel Islands, that future
as
quotationsmust therefore be considered nominal,for
lor the remaining part of the season, is in very
supplies
to effect sales in the present very
depressed slate of
for fresh samples is good, at
few hand". The demand
the market would
be at a considerable reduction ia
and those who have good
considerablyadvanced prices,
market may now
safely prices.
to export to the London
qualities
Per Stone of 241Iis.
d.
s. d.
s.
nexed
Anexcellent iinish for the season.
an
calculate on
f"
Laid Hisliland
Wool.
11
Otoll
Irom....
591
the arrivals of lastweek :" Devonshire,
are
"do.
Wliite
do.
0
0
(.scarce)..0 0
tons; Yorkshire, 415; Scotland, 376; Jersey and
Laid Crossed
12
do
0
1:; 0
of
whole
total
The
225.
a
ton?.
0
WavberJ
do
0
1,607
do.
making
13
14
Guernsey,
15
0
IC
C
Laid Cheviot,
do
"

rnicsENT

Per Ton.
lOOs to 1 20s
lOi's
s
7os .. 85s

Red
l),i.Kiiliic\s
llc-d
Scotch

York

"

..

pniCES.

Per

Waslieddo.

Ton.
to 903

85s

Pevoiis

\Vliite

Jm]iortlor tlie week

Pieviouplytliisyear

Jersey " Guernsey

."Os

Bliice

..

805

20

23

30

31

bags.

2,913 do.

limited business was

transacted
in foreign wool during the week ; several enquiries
made apparently,however, with the intention of
were
port
learningif holders would submit to lower prices. ImForeign.

MARKETS.

^VOOli

do
do

do.

"

very

"

HI AY

27.

this
bags, previously

for the week, 502

BRITISH.
Perlb.

s,
1

d.

s.

d.

8 to 1

Sj

Down
Teaics
Half-bred
Hogs
and VWtliers
Ewes

Si

5i

BlanketWool

4i
8'

1
1
1

T
4^

Skin

1
1

do

Flannel

Combing

OJ
2

year,

26,368

bags ; total,26,370 bags.

FOREIGN.
May

Tiiere has been a very small quantity of

YORK.
Few buyerswere
this day's market.
at
wool shown
rather dull. Prices,hog and
present, and the sale was
\'iM. to I4id,per lb,
ewe,
Our
WAKEFIELD."
staplershave at last been
obligedto give way a littlein price,and that in nearly
all kinds of wool, and without being able to quitslock
"

27.

With the exception

of several extensive salesof inferior
German wool which have been effected,
during the past
week, for export to France,the foreignwool trade is so
extremely inanimate, that the currencies are almost
nominal.
Arrivals,bOO packages.
Wool

on

whicli the Home

Consumntion

Duties have

and Hull,
Bristol,
paid at London, Liverpool,
duringthe lastweek :
been

"

In the wool growing districts,

extent.
however,
demand at slightly
tiiere is some
depressed prices;but
WOOL.
the
rates
current?
who will sellexcept at
lately
Lonffon
We
21."
have
xMay
CHESTERFIELD,
very little Spani.sb,
the state of the wool market in thisdistrict Australian, do
to report on
Othci- Sorts, do.
since our last. The trade still
presents a dull inanimate
Liverpool
the sales being quite of a limited character.
appearance,
Bristol
We
cannot, however, but state that the pricesare a hltle
Hull

to any

depressed,whicii is supposed to be owing to the want of

It is stillconjectured
vivacityin the manufacturing markets.
OF
IMPORTS
be much
that wools will not
lower, as the
Hull for Home
and
is
the
probability
are
are
firm,
they
likely
growers
May 16.
to continue

lb.
lb.
lb.
llJ.
lb.
lb.

WOOL."

Quantityof wool entered at

Consumption,duringthe

week

so.

In

EXETER.
Yolk Wool

must

Wools

Knott

are,

"

14d. to 15i. ; and

this market

thingsare dull, and

quoted at lOd. per lb. Washed
Wool, 13(1. to i4d.;Dorset Horn,

be

Marsii

Wool,

15d.

to

16d. per lb.

END

OF

VOLUME

From
From
From

Hamburgh
Dunkirk

Aarborg
Total

X.

214,976 lbs.
5,711
('00
2(1.

210,eS7

ending