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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.