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THE REFLECTOR.
MILLEDGEVILLE, G. TUESDAY, AUGt ft 1 4. i81,r
MO. 39.
CHARACTERS.
Letters from Washington on the ennslim
anil public characters of tlie United States,
igner—published in the National Register.
Barbour if n senator from Virginia,
'o state. lie was in his youth a
herifT of the county in which he
, and rereived an education which
ly calculated to adapt him to ah ac
tuation in life. He felt, hoxYever.
to his condition, and stimulated lit
of fame which often characterises
e devoted himself to study and be
practitioner of the law. lie rose
n his profession, and soon acquired
1th and reputation. Like most of the
of this country, he conceived that
awyer was necessarily to he a politi-
d he rushed forward into public lili
d his fame and enlarge his sphere ol
From a member of the luHi.se of
he wad elevated to the gubernato-
r of Virginia, and received the higli-
Jor his native state could confer,
thus far in the wishes he had forin-
icamc desirous to enter on a more
theatre, where his talents would
eater field of action, and Ids el >-
wider range and better effect, and
?d the situation of senator of the U-
Mr. B. commenced his ca-
a speech against the establishment
atlonal bank, which was then in a-
He had come fraught with pre-
against (his mainmoiith institution
he ferver of the mumeni gave Vent to
pejudices in a manner certainly very
t, hut not very judicious. When he
^ erly weighed the good and evil with
it could be attended, the peculiar con-
f his country, and the necessity of
ng some scheme by which the dilficul’
government should he obviated and
uncial embarrassments relieved, h>
andidly confessed the error into which
el mgs had betrayed him ; and in a
conceived and uttered in the very
f true eloquence, supported the meas-
B. is. in person, muscular and vigor-
d rather “ fat than bard beseems.”
e brows are thick anil bushy, which
his countenance a little too much the
nee of ferocity, hut this is counter-
i! by a je ne suit yuoy in his vis.ig-,
nveys a sentiment of mildness and
ty. He seems to be above forty years
and is about five feet ten inches
Of his mind, the prominent charac-
brillianey and fervor. He has more
tion than judgment, anil more splen-
solidity. llis memory is not very
nt, hcransc it has never been much
d. except to treasure up poetical im-
(1 to preserve the spanglef and (ju
ratory. As an. orator, Mr. B. has
eat defects. His style is too artifi-
verhosp, and he seems to be always
iritous to shine and dazzle than to
or persuade. lie labors after splen-
es, and strives to fill the ear more
nd than sense. His sentences'are
i s involved and complicated, replete
squipedalia verba, and too much
with « guns, trumpets, bJundcrbus
der.” lie has unfortunately laid
himself a model which, with rcvcl*-
t spoken, is not the best that could
n adopted. , Curren has gone a
y to corrupt the taste of the pros-
His powers were certainly very
inary, but his taste was bad, and
too much to tl»e impulse of a
oetical imagination, he filled the
his hearer with fine paintings in
left it at last glowing hut vacant,
hut unconvinced. Too many of
s of this country scorn to be sinit-
he model wliieli lie has thus given,
h is certainly calculated to tim! ait
nd, and thus to lead it astray from
pies of correct taste and genuine
Mr. B. however, is frequently not
fluent hut very persuasive, and he
lays his full flowing oratorical style
Jvantage in setting off his argu-
in decorating and enforcing his
From the want of opportunities,
g, like most of the politicians of
try, has been confined, and his
thoughts, from the absence of that
which books afford, is riecessari-
Much he has indeed acquired by
tion with men of literary anil sci-
inments, but lie has still much to
render him conspicuous as a
The contributions, which, from
tanre, he is compelled to levy on
iiaid«!fl. dative resources, have,
ended to sharpen his intellectual
d to give them vivacity and quick-
B. seldom thinks deeply, hut he
apid, and though his observations
cs trite and ordinary; there Is al-
S something dew and gratifying
cr in which they are uttered,
ocs not appear organized for long
continued investigation, and nature has
formed him more for a poet tiian a mathema
tician. He is rather, 1 think, too anxious to
be thought an orator, and this overruling
propensity is manifested even in common
conversation ; when, instead of simplicity
and conciseness, he discovers the ore rotunda
ot the public speaker, on the most unimpor
tant and incidental subjects. In private cir
cles, however, Mr. B. is always very pleas
ant, and exhibits a politeness which, flowing
from the heart rather than the head, delights
all \vho have the pleasure of his acquain
tance, and renders him not only an accepti-
ble guest, but an agreeable companion.
Before I quit this body of American Wor
thies, 1 must introduce to your acquaintance,
as Succinctly as possible, another member of
the senate, who, though not so conspicuous
is the two formpr, in the walks of public life,
is not inferior tc any in this country, in all
that constitutes and dignifies the patriot and
the statesman. ( Mr. Roberts is from Penn
sylvania,, He, is a plain farmer, and was
once, I understand, a, mechanic. Though
lie cannot boast of a liberal education, yet
nature lias given him a mind, which, with
early improvement, would have made him
prominent in any sphere of life. It is vigo
rous and powerful, in no ordinary degree,
and (lie sophistry of art, and the dexterity
of learning, are often foiled and defeated,
by the unaided and Spontaneous efforts of
native good sense. But lie has that, iny lord,
which is of more sterling advantage, both to
himself anil his country—immovable politi
cal and moral integrity. It is gratifying, in
this age ol corruption and voluptuousness,
to contemplate men like Aristides, Fabricus
and Cato. They exhibit to us the true dig
nity of man, and li ,ld out examples that we
must feel delighted to imitate. They show
us to what a pitch of excellence man is ca
pable of attaining, and rescue the exalted
condition of human nature from that odium
and disgrace which profligacy and corrup
tion have heaped upon it. Mo spectacle can
be more sublime or more elevating than lie,
•vlio, ill the hour of public danger anil trial,
and amid the allurements and fascinations
of vice', stands like a rock in the ocean, pla
cid and immovable, and endures the dangeis
that surround, and braves the, storms- ami
tempests that heat loon hint, wPh undeviat-
irig firmness, for tlie safety of his country i
and the glory ol Ins G id ! The mind rests
upon such a character as the eye upon a spot
>f 'fertility, amidst deserts of sand, and we
ise from the blood stained page of history,
and the corruption of the living world, with
a heart filled with love, and admiration', and
reverence, by the contemplation of a few
who have shed an imperishable lustre on the
exalted character of man, JLIo not think me
enthusiastic : it is the voice of nature anil
of truth, and fancy has nothing to do with
the picture. 1 itiust drop the curtain, and
fin.sit my portraits of American characters.
1 should also he gratified, did not your re
quest, which 1 can never refuse, interfere,
uy i losing my epistolary labors ; but, as you
wish me to give you some sketches of the
foreign ministers at this court, 1 must com
ply ; and your goodness, I know, will readi
ly induce you to pardon their imperfections
and defects.
I believe you are not personally acquaint
ed with Mr. Hagot, our minister at this court.
He appears to be about 35 years of age. lie
is tall, elegant, and rather graceful in his
person, with a countenance open and ingen
ious, an English complexion, and eyes mild
though dark. . lie has ingratiated himself
with the Americans by the real or affected
simplicity.or his manners, and hv assimilat
ing himself to their usages and customs.—
He has throw n aside the reserve and luteur
of the English character, as not at all suited
to the meridian of this country, and attends
to all with equal courtesy and politeness.' J
ran say nothing of the powers of his mind,
hut they do not appear to be more than or
dinary, It has always seemed to me very
strange policy on die part of the British ca
binet to send ministers to this country of in
ferior capacity ar.d humble talent, while the
Americans semi to our court only their most
prominent and leading men, who have dis
tinguished themselves by their ability and
their eloquence.
The French minister, Mr. Hyde de Neu-
ville, is a “ fat portly gentleman,” with a
broad chest, big head, and short neck, which
lie seems almost incapable of turning ad lir
hi turn. 11c is full of Bourbon impatience
and French frivolity, lias petite soupers, eve
ry Saturday evening during the Winter, and
spends his summer at the springs, or his
'Country residence, in extolling the virtues of
bis beloved Louis le desire. The citizens
who attend his winter parties, with reveronce
be it spoken, deem themselves highly exalt
ed at the honor of rioting in wine and soupe
■inaigre, at the Frenchman’s expense. His
secretary of legation is an oddity, who dips
into literature, and takes snuff; but of the
two is perhaps the more intelligent man. I
have no idea that Neuville has talent enough,
in the event of any difficulty arising between
this country and France, to counteract the
most insignificant intrigue, or benefit his na
tion, by inducing the American cabinet to a-
dopt any measure whatever, not manifestly
advantageous to the United• States. lie
seems to be to.o full of himself to attend to
the intrigues of courts, and though he re
presents, he is now the representative of a
cypher. , ...
Another personage, like the kings in Mttc-
keth, starts up before you ; and pray, l know
you will ask, what dark visaged Itcbling lit
tle o'M gentleman is lie, you have now sum
moned to appear, It is, my lord-, i:o less a
personage than the Abbe Corria de Surra,
the Portuguese ambassador. The Abbe is
a man of almost unlimited learning and in-
satiable-curiosity. * There is no science, anil
lint few languages lie has not some know
ledge of, anil slicit is still his unabating de
votion to study, that lie does not suffer a
day to pass away without adding something
to liir stock of information, and Iii3 general
mass of facts. His knowledge of (the ge
ography, resources and political condition of
this country, is said to be more extensive and
accurate than that of atiyofitscitizens, & such
are his habits of observation that nothing
important or interesting is suffered to pass
unnoticed. »He is a vigilant minister, a mo
ral man, and I believe a republican at heart..
He seems to admire the liberal; institutions
of this country and the character of its peo *
pie, by whom lie-lias been received with great
politeness, attention and respect; but lie is
still faithful to bis sovereign and his country,
for whose interest he makes every exertion
in liis power.
1 will now close this letter, and with this
letter my correspondence. I shall leave
Washington to-morrow, and till l reach
C you must not expect to hear from me
again. Adieu. S. '
AGRICULTURAL.
OKU BAUDS.
“ Ix?t us cultivate the ground that the poor, as well as
the rich may be tilled ; and happiness and peace be esta
blished throughout our borders.”
The utility of an orchard dr orchards, both
for private use and profit, stored with the
various sorts of fruit trees, must he very
great; as well as.afford infinite pleasure
from the delightful appearance it makes from
early rpring, till late in autumn : in spring
the various tree3 in blossom are highly orna
mented ; in summer the pleasure is height
ened by observing the various fraits advan
cing to perfection ; and as the Season advan
ces the mature growth of (lie different sorts
arriving to perfection in regular succession,
from May until the end of October, must af
ford great delight, as well as profit. The
feelings of a lover of improvement can
scarcely be expressed, on observing the al
most universal inattention paid to thegreater
number of our orchards and that the. people
who go to a considerable expense in planting
and establishing them,: afterwards leave
them to the rude hand of nature; as if the
art and ingenuity of man availed nothing,
or that they merited no further care; how
ever, it is to he hoped, that the good exam
ple, and the consequent success of the care
ful and industrious, will stimulate others to
pay the necessary attention to these depart
ments, and thereby Serve themselves as well
as the community at large, • • < '•
As orchards, in their gcriera” acceptation,
comprehend a variety of fruit trees, it may
perhaps be proper to remark, that the obser
vations which will follow under this head
will be exclusively Confined to apple trees.'—
There ts no other fruit tree which so richly
deserves the attention and cultivation of the
husbandman att the apple'; it will thrive
and live in tUmo.it every climate; it yields
a fruit equalled by none in abundance and
excellence, and a liquor, which, if proper
ly ntadc, little inferior tq-thc best wine.
It behoves-every philanthropist to encour
age the cultivation of orchards and the riia-
king of good cider; Gy way of discourag
ing the too general use of ardent spirits
Good cider would be a national saving of
wealth by expelling foreign liquors ; and of
life, by expelling the nse of ardent spirits.
The mismanagement of apple trees often
begins in the nursery, by leaving suckers
from the roots, by letting the trees grow
so crooked as to become incapable of a good
shape, and especially by leaving branches
for two or three years, which must be cut
away when the troc is planted because they
are-too low, or crowd the head.
This incmrilir,ranee hits watted a grent part
of the sap, which would otherwise have in
creased the regular growth.—The wounds
occasioned by this lopping, cannot soon be
covered with new bark, arid in the mean time
often produce a docay. Sometimes this neg
lect is continued in part when the trees are
removed froon the nursery, because some
persons regret the loss of branches, which
would bear the same (tv the next year, and
others cannot foresee the bad consequences of
keeping them, which will increase with their
growth, and force a much worse amputation.
The head of every tree should begin at least
six feet from the ground ; and of those whose
♦tranches are sloping eight. When the head
lias been formed so low as five feet, but is
well grown, it may be continued, but then
its branches ought to be trimmed near the
stem, and by s»me contrivance be enabled
to rise. The head ought to have but one
leader, because two seldom succeeds, as tire
inward lateral boughs will cross each other.
Its branches should be .equi-distant, and not
more than six, nor less than four. If (he
tree lias ample root and a strong body, the
head may retain an upper tier, provided it is
two feet above the first; hut if not, it is best
to leave only such upper branches, that have
this height, and form the others from good
bods. It is a bad practice to shorten the top
of the branches, except a little where they
are too slender for their length ; by excess
it may be very difficult to procure a good
leader; the branches will grow bushy, and
be later in bearing, because the first frUit
comes towards.their ends.
Trees Ought not to be kept too long in the
nursery, because the small space allotted for
them will not permit a regular expansion
either of the root or branches ;■ besides, the
removal however careful, often kilta them,
or causes a lingering decay. Aq accurate .
inspection of the roots is necessary, for tak
ing away any rotten pabts, and worms, and
also for ruttingoff those that cross each other
>>r arc too close. ' None but long ramblers
ought to be shortened, and they' should ho
spread equi-distant, so far as is practicable,
which may be facilitated by wooden pegs.'—
The too common fault of ;aquersing them in
to small holes,- lias ruined many trees; the
holes must be wide enough to extend at least
one foot beyond the limits of the longest
roots, and the nVculd made quite mellow.
The depth of the holes should not extend
beyond the natural good soil : if you make
a deep hole, bason like, into the clay bottom
or unfriendly sub-soil, which m too frequent
ly done, and plant the roots therein, even
tilling it round with good earth will not do,
for as soon as it pushes Its roots beyond this
they must enter into the bad and unfriendly
soil, which will not fail to bring on the decay
of the most healthy tree, and can- never af
ford it suitable j tii< cs for perfecting delicious
fruit; besides, the .lodgment of waters abont
the roots in this confined bason, in wet sea
sons, will cause the tree to become sicklyi
and to get over-run with moss, and full of
canker. » i t
Young apple trees planted shallow and
the holes filled up w ith rich native mould or
earth, always succeed best, or more coin-
ph tely insures the success of their living ;
lor mi shallow planting the roots of the young
trees are so near the surface; as to -feel the
salutary influence of the sun, air and rain.
Agreatorchardist once said— f ‘ always plant
shallow and give it top dressing.”
A tree well pruned, planted and secured
by stake, against violent winds, will soon
acquire a habit of regular growth and w ill
be easy to keep in good order afterwards.
^ Raleigh Regicter.
Lord Erskinc speaking of agriculture, re
marks—“ if there were no other proofs of
the pre-eminence of agriculture, letjt be re
membered that'it is the greatest source of
labor, and in a proportion little understood*
because it not only comprehends' the direct
mu] iinrriediatedabor upon its surface and in
its'bowelb, but the labor also of various arts 6c
manufactories, whose raw materials It pro
duces—Labor indeed is the salt of tire earth,
the preserver and nourished* of all things
The ciirss that man should eat hisbvead witli
the sweat of his brow , was mercifully repel
led in the very moment it was pronounced
and was changed even into a blessing la
bor gave him breads and a comfort with it,
which nothing like labor can bestow. If the
earth produced spontaneously, it might be a
paradise for angels, butr.ot habitations for
beings formed like ourselves: without labor
what could support Or adorn the whole fabric
ot society ?—It would vanish like an enchant
ment. The curse of death was also revoked
not only by the premise of immortal life here
after, but to deliver man at the very moment
from the bareness of the earth that was cru
el. Withovit death he m-iglit have toiled and
sweated, hut the ground wotild have yielded
nothing: death ther*fore was ordained to
revolve witli life in a mysterious and fructi
fying circle.—The corruption of all created
things returning sigain into the bosom of
nature, brings them back again to reward
the industry of man. Every animal that
dies: all vegetables, and they have lives also,
every substance which dissolves and becomes
offensive, every heterogeneous mixture which
upon the surface would stagnate find become
malignant, brought back by human wisdom
into their allotted stations become the future
parents of a renovated world.”
TO REMT,
4 Good Store House, an excellent stand fot
jtV business. Apply to'
II n HOLCOMBE & CO.
