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214
AGRICULTURAL.
BANIEL LEE, m. D., Editor.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1859^
A VALUABLE MANURE.
May Bluff, 14th Nov., 1859.
Dr. Lke : —Will you be kind enough to an
swer. either privately or in the Field and fire
side, the annexed inquiries:
What is your opinion of Mr. David Dickson s
mixture for manure? It costs, I think, about
$5 to manure an acre.
From some of your remarks in the Field and
Fireside, lam induced to think you consider
marl equal in efficiency and cheaper in price
than gypsum. Am I corrector not?
Mr. Dicksou's mixture is: Peruvian Guano
100 lbs., phosphatic guano 75 lbs., 1 bushel salt.
1 bushel gypsum, with 5 per cent, potash. 175
lbs. of this mixture, (as I understand it,) is ap
plied to the acre of cotton.
What do you think of substituting in the
above mixture marl for gypsum ?—the Willow
crook (of Marion district,) marl cousiss, accord
ing to Prof. C. U. Shepard’s analysis, of:
Carbonate of lime. 76.70
Silica 16-5?
Phosphate of lime, with tracesof oxide of iron l.w
Alumina 59
Water 4-99
99.83
Will this marl do for gypsum ? Is the i>otasli
in the mixture oxide of potassium or pure pot
ash, or is it a carbonate, or is it simply in the
form of ashes ?
Does the potash in the mixture combine with
any portion of the sulphuric acid of the gypsum,
or with any portion of the chlorino of the chlo
ride of sodium, or will it be likely to cause an
evolution of ammonia from the ammonia and
urate of ammonia of the guano, or does the
mixture fix the ammonia ? Will the marl have
the same effect on the ammonia or urate of am
monia of the guano, or as beneficial a one as
the gypsum, if it be substituted for the gypsum
in the mixture?
I wish to order the manure, but wish your
opinion before doing so.
Respectfully yours,
J. S. H. Jaurot.
Dr. jAßitor has brought under notice prob
lems of great importance in Southern Agricul
ture ; and we will state briefly at this time, but
more fully in future numbers, what wo regard as
the facts most worthy of consideration.
In tho first place there are two reasons why
we consider Mr. Dickson's compound valuable
and worthy of a more extended trial. The first
is, that it has proved quite successful in his
hands; and the second, that it is sustained the
oretically by tho most thorough analyses and ad
vanced agricultural science. If you can pro
cure marl cheaply , having the composition stated
in your communication, use it freely, not only as
a substitute for gypsum, but of the seventy-five
pounds of phosphatic guauo per acre. It may
be that you could easily haul two good loads of
this marl and spread it with tolerable evenness
over each acre—say five thousand pounds. The
carbonate of lime applied will more than pay
the expense, while each thousand pounds of
marl will givo you, according to Prof. Shepard’s
analysis, 16 3-10 lbs. of bone earth. Five thou
sand pounds will yield 81$, and more than one
hundred pounds of phosphatic guano. There
are other reasons why you should use the marl,
such as decomposing the phosphates and sul
phates of iron and alumina which really exist
in all soils where lime is deficient in quantity.
The potash used is the crude carbonate of
commerce. This element is scarce in nearly all
soils in a soluble state. We buy it cheapest in
wood ashes, but get it, not buy it, on better terms
from the water of springs and branches which
irrigate a little land. The ash of all c mplants,
whether you bum tho cob. seed, stalk or leaf, is
rich in potash, and it is on river, creek and
branch bottoms, that corn is grown to the best
advantage.
Use the salt and Peruvian guano in the form
ula of Mr. Dickson, unless you can obtain am
monia cheaper from peas and the leaves and
stems of this plant, than from Peruvian guano.
On most farms one can produce ammonia or am
moniated manures cheaper than to purchase
them. One ought not to mix caustic lime or
common potash and soda with Peruvian guano.
Nothing “ fixes ammonia” so economically as
the soil to which the fertilizer is applied, if cov
ered to the depth of one inch or more. Tho ele
ments that form volatile ammonia (its carbonate,)
exist mainly in a different condition in guanos;
but when long exposed to tho open air, these
elements assume now forms, wftich may result
in serious loss. Mixed with a little dry pulver
ized clay, charcoal or swamp mud, or common
loam, all the gases will be retained.
— m -
STORING OF TURNIPS.
A correspondent of the Irish Fanners' Gazette
writes as follows: “ Having had occasion to
raise a quantity of Swedes early in November,
for the purpose of sowing wheat, I formed a
small pit, tapering to the top, and thatched it
securely with a quantity of barley straw,
enough to exclude all effects of rain, wind or
frost The remainder, about 50 tons, I formed
in one large pit, about six feet wide at the base,
four feet high, and three feet wide at tho top;
this remained exposed for a few days, when it
received a light coat of turnip leaves, which
soon became decomposed, leaving the roots in
many places quite exposed. Now for the re
sult : In the pit which was securely thatched,
at least one-half of tho roots have decayed, and
in that which was exposed to wind and rain,
they aro quite sound. In tho latter case I acted
under the directions of a large farmer in this
neighborhood, who raises all his turnips in No
vember, and never covers them save with a few
of .their own leaves, putting them invariably in
an exposed position. My reason for touching
on this subject is, that in all agricultural works
wo aro advised to choose a dry and sheltered lo
cality for turnips, taking care to have them se
curely thatched."
The facts above stated illustrate an important
principle of chemistry, in its application to the
preservation of sweet and Irish potatoes, apples,
and other green vegetables and fruits, as well
as to turnips.
Either the gases and warmth evolved by the
incipient chemical changes which take place in
ms gOTOSRRN EXEL» AM XXRBSXDK.
a heap of turnips or of other roots, in a
mass of corn or other grain, must have free
escape, or the heat generated, aided by humidity
and commencing dissolution, will rapidly inten
sify the spoiling or rotting of the organic sub
stances thus situated. Keep each turnip, pota
toe, apple, or quart of grain cool, and permit its
moisture or “ sweat” to evaporate, and chemical
decomposition will be indefinitely delayed.
Properly drying grain, hay, fodder and straw,
prevent their decay, so often witnessed in root
crops and most fruits. But it is hardly practi
cable to dry potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots and
cabbages; and, therefore, the art and science of
preserving them green and sound, should be
well understood by every housekeeper. A head
of cabbage buried in the ground by itself, rarely
heats enough to rot, unless first frozen, and even
then the earth may extract the frost so slowly
as to have it escape serious injury. Turnips
and Irish potatoes frozen in the ground, if al
lowed to remain until the frost leaves them, are
rarely harmed. The same is true of apples.
We never allow two sweet potatoes to come
into contact with each other, but always have
a layer of dry sand or loam surround each tuber
to imbibe its moisture, and the little heat it may
evolve. Wo have never lost either potatoes,
turnips, or apples, put up in this way, when in
a goofl condition to bank. Buried in dry earth,
where it cannot get wet, nor freeze, nor heat, it
is hard for any tuber or root to rot. A low
temperature and the exclusion of atmospheric
air operate to prevent the dissolution of all or
ganic tissues. But where a heap of turnips,
potatoes, or apples is exposed to heat at all,
then by all means give free vent for tho escape
of the heated air and all putrifying gases, which
act as chemical agents and hasten decay. One
potatoe or turnip alone in the ground cannot
possibly rot as fast as ten bushels in a inass,
having just oxygen enough present to support
intense chemical action. The principle in na
ture is precisely the same as would be illustra
ted in trying to burn one stick of wood alone
on the ground; although reasonably dry, it
would burn with difficulty. Put ten of these
sticks together, and set them on fire, and they
would soon burn rapidly; but to arrest the
joint combustion of all, a sensible person would
instantly separate each from all the others.
Isolate a piece of meat, dry it properly, and
keep it dry, and it will never spoil. Too much
meat is lost from the lack of care and knowledge.
— i«>
FARMERS’ HIGH SCHOOL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
It gives us pleasure to learn that the above
named institution is organized, and in success
ful operation. Its plan is more favorable to
youth in moderate circumstances than the Agri
cultural College of Maryland ; as students are
required to pay only SIOO a year in money.—
Tho balance of their expenses is met by labor
ing on the School farm three hours a day. The
session commences upon the 16tli of February,
and closes the 16th of December—ten months.
The institution is under the cliargo of Professor
W. G. Waring, as general superintendent and
Professor of Agriculture and Horticulture ; Mr.
Wilson, Professor of Mathematics; Mr. J. S.
Whitman, Professor of Natural Sciences; and
R. C. Allison, Professor of English Literature.
A Principal, Dr. E. Pugh, has been chosen, but
has not yet taken his place, although he is ex
pected soon. He is a native of Chester county,
and a graduate of one of the best Agricultural
Colleges of England.
—- «■»——
THE KERRY CATTLE AT HOME.
Mr. Sanford Howard, who recently spent so me
weeks in Ireland, visited tho Killarney lakes
and the Kerry mountains, “ tho annual resort of
thousands of tourists from all parts of the world; ’ ’
but the journey on his part was not merely to
jook on the beautiful scenery, but to form a bet
ter acquaintance with the little mountain cattle
so highly prized by the cottagers of that eleva.
ted segion. Writing to the Boston Cultivator, he
says:
I found the cattle even smaller than I had
supposed them to be, but evidently very useful
in that locality—living where no other cattle
that I had ever seen could live. In several in
stances 1 met with them at elevations of fifteen
hundred to two thousand feet above the sea,
sharing with the goat the wild herbage of the
mountain’s side. The color varies from black to
black and white, brindled and red; but clear
black is preferred as indicating the nearest af
finity with the original type. I hardly know
how to estimate the weight of these cattle, as
they are so different from any others I have
been acquainted with. The two year old heif
ers which I bought for Mr. Austin—rather larg
er of their age than the average of the breed—
girthed from four feet five inches to four feet six
inches. They are large bodied in proportion to
their height, their legs beiug short and the shank
bones very small. Their heads are generally
handsome, and the countenance lively, but with
a mild expression. The best of them are decid
edly pretty.
When taken to the low country and supplied
with plenty of nuitritious food, they become more
bulky, but I had no opportunity to see what
would be tho effect of breeding them for several
generations in a milder climate and on better
soil. As illustrating their hardiness, I will men
tion an incident: A man led me up a mountain
glen to see a lot of three-year-old heifers he had
grazing there. It appeared a mystery to me
how the cattle could get around and over tho
rough rock and obtain a subsistence even in
summer. Having noticed that the man had sev
eral stacks of hay down in the valley, where
was the rude habitation which he called his
home, I asked him if he was going to take the
Kerry cattle there for the winter. He replied,
—“ No, the hay is for tho low' land cattle and
ponies; the Kerries will winter where they are.”
I asked him if deep snows did not fall in the
mountains. He said they did sometimes, “ but
the snow generally softened after a day or two,
and the cattle could work through it."
I could not generally obtain any definite state
ments in regard to tho yield of milk or butter of
these cows ; but a reliable man who kept seve
ral of this breed, near Killarney, told me he had 1
often had them give ten imperial quarts of milk
per day each, and then had afforded six pounds
of butter in a week.
A small breed of cattle that will live where a
J. S. H. Jarrot.
goat can, and yield far more milk and butter
than the latter would on scant pastures and still
less supplies of hay for winter consumption will
suit the South admirably. Not only are the Ayre
shires and Scotch hornless cattle superior to the
English Short Horns Herefords and Devons for
general use at the South, but the common black
cattle and those above described by Mr. Howard
would suit our peculiar circumstances better-
A few may keep the large breeds successfully ;
but a large majority will long do best with small,
compact and hard}' animals, which can stand
pretty severe usage.
. BOOK NOTICES ETC
‘•Manual of Geology. —Designed for the use of Colleges
and Academies. By Ebenezer Emmons ; State Ge
ologist of North Carolina; late State Geologist of New
Yo-k ; Professor of Natural History and Geology in
Williams College, Ac., Ac. Illustrated by numerous
engravings, principally from American specimens.—
Philadelphia; Sower, Barnes A Co., IS6o.''
Although a little ahead of time in its date,
the work above described is from the pen of a
gentleman of large experience as a practical ge
ologist, and close observer, alike in the Southern
and Northern States. We have known him
personally, and as a man of science, some twen
ty years; and while it will not do at this day
to endorse all that this or any other pioneer wri
ter on American geology has given to the pub
lic on the subject, yet there is probably no other
geologist in tho country, who has so long and
so thoroughly studied the science in all its bear
ings on agriculture. Ilis original researches
connected with the rocks, soils, mineral fertili
zers, field crops, garden and orchard fruits, fill
several quarto volumes in the Natural History
of the State of New- York. The work before
us is wisely compressed within some 300 duo
decimo pages, and is adapted to the uses which
belong to a good Text Book when placed in the
hands of knowledge-seeking students, whether
at home or in some seminary of learning. It is
a book that may be conveniently sent by mail ;
probably at a cost, postage paid, of some $1.25,
sent to the publishers in Philadelphia. We are
are pleased to notice a copious glossary of tech
nical and professional terms at the end of tho
volume, in which the student will find a satis
factory explanation of much that might be oth
erwise unintelligible. The attractiveness of the
work is greatly enhanced by tho embellishments
of nearly eight hundred engravings, illustrating
not only different rooks and strata, but much of
wonderful Fauna and Flora, which existed on
our planet before any of its present plants and
animals were created. What astronomy does
to expand our conceptions of the vastness of il
limitable space, filled with suns and worlds with
out number, geology does to exalt our ideas of
the age and duration of the Universe. Time
like space, is very simple when measured in
small figures, but small figures will not answer
to solve tho commonest problems in geology or
astronomy. Studied in its agricultural relations,
geoiogy throws much light on the origin and na
ture of soils, and often suggests the best means
for their improvement.
Tub Illustrated Annual Register of Rural
Affairs for 1860. By J. J. Thomas.
Mr. Thomas has long been recognized as an
able writer on rural affairs, and for several years
has conducted the horticultural department
of the Country Gentkman. His Annual Regis
ter emanates from the office of the paper named,
published by Luther Tucker A Son, who have
an enviable reputation both at home and abroad
for their skill and success in getting up illustra
ted and useful agricultural works. The price of
the one before us is only 25 cents, and it is worth
far more than that for its suggestions to the eye
how one can best improve the appearance of a
farm, a garden, lawn, orchard or a dwelling
house and its surroundings. It contains 160
engravings, all relating to rural economy. Coun
try residences that shall combine neatness, re
fined taste and economy of money, Mr. Thomas
has studied with eminent success, while fruit
culture and arboriculture have been in a good
degree the profession of his life.
Send a quarter of a dollar to Luther Tucker
& Son, Albany, N. Y., for a copy of their Rural
Register for 1860, and you will be pleased with
your purchase.
——
PRIZE REPORT ON MANURES.
We publish below a very valuable paper,
says the Nashvillo Union, being a report on the
relative value of stable manuro, gas lime, and
green sand (marl,) as manure, as tested by Col.
John Pope, an eminent and highly successful
agriculturist of Shelby county, in this State.
This paper was contributed to the Shelby county
Fair, in 1858, and received tho premium at that
Fair. It has not heretofore been published:
Report on the Relative Value of Stable Manure,
Gas Lime, ami Green Sand, as Tested by an Ex
periment on an Acre of Land, each planted in
Colton and Corn.
The acre of land selected for cotton was table
upland, that had been cultivated for twenty
years alternately in cotton and corn, though
much more frequently in the former.
Tho preparation for cultivation was com
menced in the month of February, by hauling
ten cart loads of well-rotted stable manuro, and
scattered broadcast on one-third of an acre, and
in like manner spreading ten bushels of gas
lime on the adjoining third portion, and ten
bushels of green sand on the remaining third of
the acre. The land was then plowed with a
subsoil and turning plow. Soon after the cotton
beds were made, by bedding in a deep subsoil
furrow, with a two-horso turning plow—the beds
three and a half feet apart. On the 12th day
of April the cotton was planted, of my golden
seed variety (about three bushels,) well rubbed
in ashes, sowed in a narrow, shallow drill and
covered with a heavy block. So soon as a good
stand was obtained, it was gradually thinned
out in the usual way until it was reduced to the
range of a single stalk standing twelve inches
apart. With the alternate use of the broad
shovel and turning plow in its cultivation, it
soon became apparent that the portion manured
with stable manure was getting rapidly the
start, and continued to out-grow and surpass
tho other two portions in all its productive indi
cations during the whole season. There was
scarcely a perceptible difference in the progres
sive growth of the other two portions, the dif
ference, if any. being i» favor of the gas lime.
The stable manure portion exhibited a decided
advantage in the size and early maturity of the
bolls, and the product when ultimately gathered,
was found to be 670 pounds of seed cotton from
the third manured by stable manure, 470 pounds
from the thirdrfjf gas lime, 467 from the third
of green sand—the total product being 1616
pounds, manifesting a very triumphant differ
ence in favor of the fertilizing virtues of stable
manure.
There is only one serious defect in the above
experiment; and that is the omission to culti
vate a third of an acre on which no manure
whatever was applied. That would have shown
the value of the gas lime and marl over nothing.
- - —■—-
COTTON PLANTER’S CONVENTION.
Macon, Ga., Nov. 16th, 1859.
Extra Session. —Pursuant to a call of the
President, the Convention met m the City Hall.
Hon. Howell Cobb, presiding.
The Constitution and rules were read by the
President, when an opportunity was extended
to gentlemen to become members of the Con
vention; quite a number came forward and
signed the Constitution.
By resolution offered by J. V. Jones, the fol
lowing gentlemen were elected honorary mem
bers : Jas. A. Nesbit, George Logan, R. 11. Ward.
The President then read his communication,
containing many important items of information
respecting our relation with the Continental Di
rect Trade Association of Europe ; and he also
read some very interesting letters from leading
commercial gentleman of Europe.
The communication together with tbfc letters,
were referred to a Committee, consisting of Hon.
Howell Cobb, J. V. Jones, and Col. Jessee Ha
vis. *
J. V. Jones read a very able and interesting
report on Fairs, which aro proposed to be held
annually, in the city of Macon, under the aus
pices of the Cotton Planter’s Convention.
Resolution by Col. Thomas.
Jlesolved, That this Convention appoint two
gentlemen whose duty it shall be to visit the
large cities and towns of Europe, engaged in the
manufacture of cotton goods of all descriptions;
and that they be requested to communicate their
information upon the cotton trade of this coun
try, at as early a day as practicable.”
The resolution was laid on the table for the
present.
Col. Thomas, Chairman of the Committee on
Banks, then read his report; which was adopted.
The resolution of Col. Thomas was taken up;
and after a free interchange of opinion, the Res
olution was adopted by a unanimous vote. Col.
Howell Cobb and Col. J. S. Thomas were elected
delegates to Europe.
By J. V. Jones, of Burke.
Resolved, That the President appoint, at his
leisure, one gentleman from each county repre
sented in this Convention, whose duty it shall
be to raise funds to defray the expenses of the
delegation to Europe, and the said gentleman
shall also be empowered to call county meetings,
and use all laudable efforts to promoto, in his
county, the great object contemplated by this
convention.
Resolved, 2d. That the President appoint a
board, consisting of himself, and all other offi
cers of the Convention, together with one dele
gate from each Congressional District, who shall
meet in the City of Macon, the early part of the
next year, (the time to be appointed by the Pres
ident) for tho purpose of making preliminary ar
rangements for the Fair, such as arranging a
premium list, fitting out programme, Ac.
By James West, of Burke county.
Resolved, That the President request one or
more gentlemen, from those cotton counties not
represented in this Convention, to get tho people
of those counties interested in the objects of the
Convention, aud to send delegates to our meet
ings.
Resolution by Col. David Janes, of Randolph.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conven
tion be published in the City papers, arid by all
pajiers in the State friendly to this Convention.
Adjourned to meet again on the 2d Tuesday
in Juue next.
HOWELL COBB, President.
S. 11. J. Sistruxk, Secretary.
PHOSPHATE OF LIME VS. ASHES.
Messrs. Editors: —l liavo heretofore been
slow to adopt the new notions in agricultural
improvements, especially in the use of the so
called fertilizers. But within the last two years
I have learnt of some good results from tho ap
plication of superphosphate of lime, and this
season I have for the first time used that fertili
zer. I obtained some of Coe’s superphosphate
of lime, and on the 23d of May I planted my
potatoes aud about the same time planted my
garden vegetables. I had spread and plowed
in a small quantity of stable manure. According
to ray usual custom I planted in drills—tubers
about 20 inches apart in the row, and cut so as
to be not more than three or four sprouts in a
hill. I planted two rows side by side. In one
I put unleached ashes, as many as I could well
hold in my hand at once, in each hill. In the
other I put two-thirds of a gill of superphosphate
of lime in each hill. Very early in the season
there was a marked difference where the phos
phate wa3 put; the vines grew more rapidly,
and when they had attained their growth, they
were one-third to one-half larger than those
where the ashes were put. I have now dug
the potatoes, and will here state tho result:
I dug ten hills where the ashes were put,
which contained 36 of good size—weight 8}
pounds; small size, weight three-quarters of a
pound=9 pounds. Ten hills where the phos
phate was put, 55 of good size—weight 15}
pounds; small size, weight 1} pounds=l7
pounds.
I thought the difference was so great that this
statement might not be believed, and my neigh
bor, Mr. Wm. Reed, accepted my invitation to
be present at another trial. Mr. R. made the
figures.
I dug ten hills where the ashes were put, 34
of good size—weight 6 pounds 5 ounces; small
size, weight 11 ounces=7 pounds. Ten hills
where phosphate was put, 48 of good size
weight 15 pounds and 3 ounces; small size,
weight 1 pound 9 ounces=l6 pounds 12
ounces.
Mr. Reed thought there must be a difference
in the condition of the land, that made a part of
the difference in quantity. I then dug five hills
of each kind in another place.
Five hills where ashes were put, 16 of good
s * zo —weight 3 pounds; small size, weight 2
ounces=3 lbs. 2 oz 3. Five hills where the
phosphate was put, 28 lbs. of good size—weight
6 lbs. 11 ozs.; small size, weight 7 ozs.=7 lbs.
2 ozs.
lu the growth of my other vegetables, I think
I have seen much benefit by the use of the phos
phate of lime. A knowledge of these facts may
be of some advantage to farmers and gardeners.
John R. Howard.
North Easton, Mass., Sept, 23.—r Boston Culti
vator.
[For tho Southern Field and Fireside.]
POULTRY.
Having, I think, discovered an infallible reme
dy for tho destruction of the little vermin infest
ing Poultry Houses and so destructive to poul
try, I do not think I can do a greater charity
than communicate it to others, who have been
as much tormented and lost as much as I have
by these “ detestable little animals.” Although
my houses are very open, merely slatted, and I
have them whitewashed inside and outside,
freely used a decoction of tobacco to sprinkle
the floor and posts and tobacco leaves in the
nest, lime, ley, ashes, a strong tea of Pride of
India, a mixture of Scotch snuff and lard under
the wings of the setting hens, and many other
things I had heard or thought of; I could not get
rid of the insect. A new application would suc
ceed for a day or two, and then they would be
as bad as ever. My setting hens would be driv
en from the nests; even in a warm winter they
would be troublesome. I got completely dis
couraged, and though very fond of poultry, al
most concluded not to attempt raising them, for
if the poultry could bear these insects, I could
not, for I could not go near the fowl house with
out getting them on me. Accidentally I heard
that clay could not harbor them as much as a
sandy soil. I soon had my poultry houses dug
down three or four feet, filled up with clay, a
layer of beaten brick on the surface, and the
partitions of the nest made of brick. This is
two years ago, since when I have neither seen,
felt, or hoard of the insect and therefore think I
| have got entirely rid of them. This is the best
season of the year to attend to the houses.
G. M.
ABE YOU TROUBLED WITH BATS'
Mr. Editor:—What reply do you make to
the foregoing query ? None, I presume, as none
but “human rats ” are ever found about a print
| ing or editor’s office. The fare is too slender for
the four-legged depredators. Woll, perhaps
j some of your readers are annoyed by them, and
are desirous of getting rid of the pests.
Some years ago I was much troubled with rats.
Every part of my premises was overrun with
them. Cats were “no whar;” dogs couldn’t
touch them ; and as for shooting them, that was
of the question. They were eating me up, and
, something had to be done, or I should soon have
i been non eat inventus. In looking around for
; some means for their destruction, I came across
the following method, which I carried out to the
letter, and with most glorious results; in fact I
gave them pills. Pills and powders, you know,
kill more people than anything else; why
shouldn’t they kill rats? No reason in tho world.
They aro just as effectual in the one case as in
the other. Here is the receipt for making
them :
“ Take equal portions of wheaten flour and
powdered sugar, intimately mixed with one-six
tieth part of that weight of dissolved phosphorus
—say one-quarter of an ounce of phosphorus to
one pound of flour and sugar. Cold water should
bo added to make the mass manageable, and the
pills finely rolled in dry flour, and kept secluded
from light and air. A couple of pills may be
thrown into each rat-hole, or any quantity left
on a plate in a dark situation, by which the
double object is atttained of attracting the ani
mals by the luminousness of the. phosphorus,
and preserving it from too rapid ’ evaporation.
The pills should bo replaced as often as eaten,
and that without grudging, as although the slain
may not bo found, it may be relied on that “ ev
ery bullet has had its billet.”
I made tj?e application as directed, and I perse
vered in it until I cleared my premises entirely
of tho long-tailed rascals. No domestic animal
will eat the pills but fowls. While I was ap
plying the pills I lost a fine drake, which I at
tributed to his natuial prospensity for quack nos
trums. He took a pill, perhaps.
The foregoing is, in tho main, the preparation
used by those persons who traverse the country,
and for certain solid considerations pretend to
drive out the rat 3 by some hocus-pocus or leger
demain. They stay about the place infested
with rats for a day or two, feeding them with
some dainty bits to attract them to a suitable
place. They then give the pills, and as these
produce intolerable thirst, tho rats are soon seen
running to the water, where they die from
excessive drinking. R.
Oct. 2, 1850.— [Farmer and Gardener.
~ " "■ ~ —-
PARCHED CORN AND HONEY EOR HOGS.
A correspondent of the Highland Democrat,
published at Peekskil), New York, furnishes
that paper with the following communication :
A few years ago I chanced in Albany to meet
a farmer who is noted for raising unusually heavy
hogs. Tho year before he had brought to mar
ket one weighing over 700 pounds, and said
that year that he should have one of 900, or
near that mark. As there always seems to bo
a cause for every effect, I was anxious to know
the course he pursued.
“ Well,” said he, “ you must first select the
right kind of a critter. Get the right breed,
and then pick out the good natured ones from
tho litter; I can’t afford to feed a cross critter ;
I sell them when thoy are pigs.” “ How can
youjudge ?” said I. “ Well, if you watch them
when they are feeding you will find that some
pigs are allers fighting about their victuals, and
some go in for eating. There is as much dif
ference in pigs os there is in folks.”
“Well, when you have selected the right kind
of a pig, what next is important ?”
“ Well, then you must have a nice place for
the critters to live in, and feed them on the right
kind of victuals.”
“ What kind of food ?”
“ Well, the best and cheapest kind of food I
have found, when it comes time to put on the
fat, is parched corn. I generally manage to buy
a barrel or two of Southern honey, if it is cheap
enough, as it is sometimes. When it is not
over four cents, and pork is six, it pays first rate,
and sometimes you can get it for two ; it costs
me about three cents on an average, or it won’t
do to risk it. About half a pound a day is
enough ; it must not cloy their stomachs, but a
little of it with their corn or meal will make the
critter gain more extra than tho weight of tho
feed.” %
“ Are these things all ?”
“Well, yes, pick out the right kind of a crit
ter, keep it in a good place, give it a plenty of
the right kind of victuals, and have a good hu
mored hand to take care on’i, and it’s just as
easy to raise 600 weight hogs as it is to liavo
little scaly runts that won’t weight two. and it
won’t cost no more, aud I don’t beliovo ’twill as
much.”
Now there is much Bound philosophy in that
man’s experience. I remember when riding in
Northampton Co. Pa., with a Yankee acquaint
ance, he remarked “ that it was singular the far
mers of that vicinity did not koep a better breed
of hogs.” “ Why that remark ?” said I. “ See
those hogs over there fighting," said he ; “ such
dispositioned hogs can never be fattened on any
quantity of corn.”
That parching corn is the most economical
way of preparing it, many experiments testily.