THE FARMER. BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1826. The next meeting of the Trustees of the Maryland Agricultural Society, will be held at Dalton, the residence of Doctor A. Thomas, on Thursday, the 22d inst. A full meeting is expected, without further notice. [THE LATE CATTLE SHOW.--We were prevented, by indispensable engagements, from dining on the ground the last day of the Exhibition. From a friend who had that pleasure, we have received the following sketch:] per. from PRICES CURRENT. WHOLESALE RETAIL. ARTICLES. 5 33 50 17 22 25 17 20 Havana,. An advance of 1 cent CANDLES, Mould, lb. 413 13 14 16 18 12 sessing. Why then, gentlemen, let me ask you, do you withhold an exhibition of them? Why let the character of your institution fall off?--a lack of zeal in its members. Perhaps the season is too hot-perhaps the period of your meeting is not BEEF, Baltimore Prime, bbl. 7 50 "I BACON, and Hams, . found to be convenient for exhibiting stock." would" said Gen. Mason, "gladly frame any excuse BEES-WAX, Am. yellow for you, rather than it should be supposed you were COFFEE, Java, lagging in your zeal, or that the last fruits of the Society should be lost to the public: for with the advances you have made with your weekly journal of the 'American Farmer,' you can do much, and much is expected of you. Then let me again call on you, and urge you, not to be supine in the cause; use your best efforts, the unanimous efforts of one Dipt, and all, to unite in giving support and permanence CHEESE, 30 to your institution, and success will be certain. FEATHERS, Live,. bbl. 2 25 The business of the first day being closed, the With these remarks," Gen. Mason observed, "he FISH, Herrings, Sus. Shad, trimmed, 7 00 company met to dine, and nominated Gen. Mason, he would beg leave to give a toast: oush FLAXSEED, Rough, 75 of the District, (a member of the Society,) to fill The excellent results produced by the noble FLOUR, Superfine, city, bbl. 4 25 the chair for the day, in the absence of Gen. Ridge- emulation excited by the agricultural societies of Fine, ly, the President of the society, who did not attend, our country." Susquehanna, superfi. from the delicate state of his health. The committee for counting the votes for the FLAX, After dinner, the President-elect for the day, re-officers of the day, having retired to discharge GUNPOWDER, Balti.. 25 lb 5 00 commended an attention to domestic economy; and their duty, the health of the next president was GRAIN, Indian Corn, Wheat, Family Flour, embodied his advice in the following toast, which drunk-The chair then consecutively gave the was drunk with general approbation: do. Lawler,. "Domestic Economy-It makes the happiness of families, and the prosperity of nations." 10 12 15 33 37 lb. 9 11 5 50 67 70 85 95 50 82 83 90 sales 68 80 bush 3 87 4 25 4 75 A letter having been received by the Trustees, Commodore Morris being present, he arose, and By Mr. Potts of Frederick-"Captain Elliott." By Mr. Morris-"The memory of the gallant . lb. 88 co Havana, 1st qual. 25 12 66 2 25 40 88 Pitch,. 18 "The Agricultural Society of Maryland-May its success be equal to the wishes of its members." In reply to the call "of drinking his health," Gen. Dr. Thomas, then gave the health of Capt. Mor Mason arose, and said in expressive language, "that ris, which was drank with much pleasure. he was proud of the honour conferred on him; and The committee, to whom was referred the countobserved that he had hailed the establishment of ing of the votes for officers for the ensuing year, the society, in its infancy, as destined to do much returned with a list of the persons elected; Geo. good; that he had from its beginning been a Howard, Esq, of Waverly, was chosen President, member, and although but a personably active one, and his health as "President Elect" was drunk. he was always alive to its objects, its endeavours, By. Mr. Caton "The officers of the navy, and the and its success; that much had certainly been done; army of the United States, equally distinguished as that a feeling, an interest, a competition had been citizens, as in command." elicited, and good results had grown out of the institution. But," he observed, "although much had been done, yet much remained to be done; and to do this, every individual ought to put his shoulder to the wheel; the public called for it--they looked with expectation, anxious expectation, for great results, and he hoped they would not be disappointed. It was not only the interest of the Society that was included, the interest of the State, and indeed of the of Christendom." United States, were more or less conneeted with the Agricultural Society of Maryland, and with other similar societies." "May I," Gen. Mason observed, "be permitted to remark, and I do it with of Agricultural Implements and Domestic Family Magreat reluctance and with great regret, that the ex-nufactures, held by the Maryland Agricultural Society, hibitions this day in horned cattle, and some other on the 1st and 2d inst. with the Reports of the commitspecies of stock, have not been what they were-tees appointed to distribute the premiums-Essay on the what I, and what the public expected of you, know- Durability of Fruits, by T. Pickering-Large Eagle ing, as they do, that you have the means of display-nufacture of Maple Sugar in West Pennsylvania-Poe-Printed every Friday, at $5 per annum, for JOHN S. Great Fishing on Long Island-Bear in Vermont-Maing specimens of the best stock, in all the varieties try, Affection-Sale of Blooded Horses at New Yorkwhich modern improvement has given rise to, and A Member's account of the Maryland Cattle Show, more in number than most places can boast of pos- with some toasts drank at the dinner. By Mr. Jacob Hollingsworth-"The memory of CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Account of the Annual Cattle Show and Exhibition Liverpool Blown 75 1 00 7 12 17 25 cwt. 9 00 WINES, Madeira, L. P. gal. 2 50 3 00 3 50 4 do. Sicily,. Lisbon, 1 20 2 00 1 15 1 50 1 75 doz. 4 1 65 1 85 2 50 25 WOOL, Merino, full bl❜d lb. do. crossed, . SKINNER, Editor, by JoHN D. Toy, corner of St. No. 13.-VOL. 8. - AGRICULTURE. TURNIPS. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, JUNE 16, 1826. 97 support of my opinion, I appeal to the many intel- from which the tops were taken. It may be thought ligent farmers and gentlemen by whom he is sur- presumption in me to advise the adoption of a sysrounded, who knew what his farm was when he pur-tem, which men of talents, science, and much more chased it, about 4 years since, and who know what experience have recommended and urged over and On the comparative merits of various esculent roots—it is now. It exhibits a pleasing spectacle of what over again to little purpose-but I cannot help exon the seasons for sowing them-on prejudices as to may be done by industry, skill and economy, and con- pressing my astonishment at the unwillingness mathe influence of the moon upon vegetation-on an firms me in the sentiments I have always entertain-nifested by the great majority of husbandmen, to ingenious contrivance for depositing seeds in drills ed, that deep and repeated ploughings, in proper vary in the smallest degree from the beaten track ---on deep ploughing, and the advantage of stirring seasons, (notwithstanding all that has been said of their ancestors. In almost every branch of the the soil between growing crops--on the extraordina- about the difference of climate,) are the fundamen-arts, extraordinary exertions are made, and various ry success and skill displayed by Mr. Walker, in the tal principles of good farming, here as well as in experiments tried, with a view to improvement, to management of his farm near Holmesburgh. England. There they plough deep in order to get fame or to fortune, whilst those engaged in the rid of moisture; and here we should plough deep in first and most essential of all, in that which gives order to retain it. This, by many, will be consi- life and sustenance, and vigor to the whole, fold dered a paradox, but it is nevertheless true. I am their arms with apathetic indifference, and, as if the not philosopher enough to account for all the causes spirit of emulation had become extinct within them, SIR,-From the remarks I made in a late commu- in the latter instance, but I have had sufficient prac- listlessly pursue the unbroken "tenor of their way." nication to the society relative to the cultivation, tice to convince me of their good effects. Mr. My ideas on this subject cannot be better exempliuse, &c. of the common turnip; some may suppose Walker ploughs from 10 to 12 inches deep, and by fied, than by making the following extract from an I intended to depreciate the value of the ruta baga, a judicious rotation of crops, he last year raised eloquent address delivered before the Philadelphia or Swedish turnip, not so; for most purposes I be- from 35 to 40 bushels of wheat to the acre, weigh- Society for promoting Agriculture, at their annual lieve it to be far superior to the other-it will keep ing from 63 to 64 pounds per bushel: whilst some meeting in 1922, by Nicholas Biddle, Esq., who better, and in the spring when succulent food is of his neighbours, on much richer ground, did says Philadelphia county, 1826. most wanted by the farmer for his stock, it will be not get more than half the quantity. The last "With all the splendid success of Mr. Coke, of found much sweeter, and as solid as when taken summer, the latest and driest I ever experienced, I Norfolk, in rendering his land nearly ten times as from the ground-it also answers for table use when had about an acre of carrots, and about the same productive, he used the drill husbandry for sixteen the other kind has become spungy, bitter and un- of mangel wurzel, next to each other in the same years before any individual followed his example; palateable-I consider the ruta baga, however, for field; they grew on a declivity to a southern expo- and even now his improvements are supposed by feeding purposes vastly inferior to the carrot and sure. They were sown and planted near a public himself to extend about one mile in a year." mangel wurzel, and therefore cannot subscribe to road, and attracted the attention of all who passed Now, these facts show at once, that such are the the high encomiums that have been so lavishly be-by-to some they were objects of curiosity, to unaccountable and inveterate prejudices of farmers, stowed upon them--For the dairy they are less eli- others of admiration, and to many of ridicule-so with few exceptions, comparatively speaking, that gible than the white turnips, and they cannot be intense was the heat and so great the drought, that though they have "demonstration strong as proofs given to cows, in sufficient quantities to produce I almost despaired of getting any thing like half of holy writ" before their eyes, they obstinately and great increase of milk, without imparting a feculent the crop I had anticipated: having, however, experi- pertinaciously refuse to profit by the opportunity smell and taste to the cream and butter: The leaves enced the efficiency of ploughing often in dry wea- thus presented to them; and because the method which are large and exuberant, are totally inad- ther, between growing plants, I determined my hoe bears the character of novelty, advance as an exmissible for the dairy, as they are infinitely strong-plough should not be idle. After the mangel wur- cuse, for not imitating that which would redound er and produce a more unpleasant odour than the zel arrived at a certain height, I could not pass the so much to their interest, this sapient, and as they bulb: but for dry cattle, sheep and swine, they af- plough between them, by reason of their irregular suppose unanswerable argument-that it is book ford an abundance of food. To bring them to per- manner of growing; amongst the carrots, whose farming, and therefore will come to nothing. So fection, you must cultivate them carefully upon the roots do not extend above the surface, and there- that according to this sort of rural logic, in order drill system, and whether they ever arrive to that fore present no obstacle, I ploughed every fifteen to become a good practical farmer, it is indispensacondition or not, will depend in a great measure on or twenty days in the driest time, and was thus af-bly necessary that you should not read about these the state of the weather. They require moisture, forded the best opportunity (but such an one as I matters; or if you do, nothing at least beyond the rich ground, and faithful tillage. Sown broad cast hope will not for some time to come occur again,) pages of an almanack, and then chiefly with the they will not come to any size, unless in a very fer- of showing the beneficial consequences resulting view of consulting the phases of the moon and the tile soil, with frequent hand hoings, which would be therefrom. The soil between the carrots, even signs of the zodiack, and by these to be governed attended with more trouble and expense than in any where I had cut the tops off within an inch or two with more than heathen superstition in all the opeother way. To those only, who dare deviate from of the crown, and thus as it were leaving the rations of ploughing, planting, sowing, gathering, the course of their forefathers, and have courage ground bare and exposed to the scorching rays of &c. Some time since, in passing through the Phito follow the drill system, regardless of "the world's the sun, was always loose and moist; whereas the ladelphia market, I observed a woman of German dread laugh," I would recommend the cultivation soil between the mangel wurzel became, in compa- extraction with a basket of prodigious fine parsnips; of them, for those who succeed will find themselves rison with the other, parched and hard, and the they measured 2 to 3 feet in length, handsomely amply compensated for their labour. They have leaves so dry, that you might have reduced them in tapering from the crown to the end. I asked her, the same enemies to contend with in common with an instant to the consistence of impalpable powder, how she managed to raise them so large and fine? the white turnip, and they require to be sown ra- by rubbing them between your hands. The carrot for, said I, mine have turned out forked and indifther earlier, though the finest I ever raised, were tops continued green, beautiful, and luxuriant ferent this season. May be, said she, you don't sown in the wet season of 1824, as late as the 24th throughout the whole of this fiery ordeal. The be- sow them in the right sign. Perhaps not, I replied; July; so that in one respect they have the advantage ginning of September, I began cutting them, and I have no faith in such things. Ah, but there is of the carrots and mangel wurzel, inasmuch as hauled in almost every day a hand cart load or something in it for all, said she, and you must sow that they may be sown after harvest, and after other two, containing as much as a man and a boy could in the sign of the fish; (thinks-I-to-myself, this is a crops. I sowed some last year between my carrots, well pull, for the horses and hogs, until the 11th of fish story.) On my return home, however, I thought but owing to the excessive drought, few of them November, when I began to harvest them. By I would look at my memorandum book to see how vegetated; and those that did were small, though of this time the roots from whence the tops were taken far it was from the fish when I committed the seed good quality. Those I have mentioned as having in September, had thrown out tops again as large to the ground; and it actually appeared that I had raised in 1824, between the carrots, Mr. George and as fine as those first cut, and I hauled in up-accidentally sown on the 22d of May, 1824, which Walker, who resides near Holmesburg, and who wards of 24 cart loads, pressed on, each containing was on the second and last day of pisces, the very came from the great turnip county of Norfolk and as much as a good horse could draw. I could not time prescribed by the credulous old woman to infrom the vicinity of Holkham, assured, me that to have had less than 15 tons of roots and tops to the sure success; I therefore attributed my failure to take them all in all, they were the largest and finest acre; the tops full grown, will average nearly half that which I had before supposed to have been the he had ever seen in England, Scotland, or elsewhere. the weight of the roots; they are equally valuable real causes, a deficiency of tillage and a scarcity of Mr. Walker practises the drill system, and has for feed; no gramnivorous animal will refuse either, manure. Jethro Tull, who has written an ingebeen himself successful in cultivating the ruta ba- and this is saying more than can, I think, with nious and one of the best treatises on husbandry ga This gentleman is an enlightened agricultu- truth, be said of any other esculent. I had not a extant, thinks it not unlikely that hogs were the first rist, by profession, and I am persuaded I hazard carrot in the crop that weighed half as much as I tillers or ploughers of the ground, and that rational nothing in saying, that he has done as much, or have before had them to weigh; it is therefore pro- men, not willing to be excelled by instinctive brutes, more, in improving a poor worn out soil, with the bable that if the season had been favourable, I invented an instrument something like a plough, to aid of less manure, than any other man in the should have had double the quantity. I did not break and divide the soil for the better reception of country. This may appear a bold assertion, but in perceive that any injury was sustained by the roots seed. Now, if he is right in his conjecture, and we No. 13.-VOL. 8. continue to progress in the improvement of agri- make some observations on the subject; and I shall could get it for nothing, for it would certainly occulture at the same rate it has advanced from the be much gratified if I contribute any thing for the casion disappointment. I shall endeavour, this beginning, it may reasonably be presumed, that in benefit of the farmers of Kent county. summer, to save seed. the course of some dozen centuries hence, the drill I might refer to my observations on the subject, I imported seed two years from Liverpool, which system may come into pretty general use. But to published in your 6th vol. p. 362; but as the farmers cost me, with duties and charges, forty-nine cents return once more to the carrots, in the sowing of of Kent county may not generally have access to the pound. which I think I have discovered some improve-the volumes of the American Farmer, I will briefly It will certainly make good hay; but I have not ment. You have seen the tubes I had made, state what was there said, and I request the Editor had experience enough to decide whether it will with the intention of obviating the necessity of of the Chestertown Telegraph will copy this into answer better than clover and other grasses, for that stooping, and of planting with precision and expe- his paper. purpose. June 8, 1826. J. E. HOWARD. dition, seed of various kinds. The carrot seed, 1st Inquiry. "The time of sowing and the quan- I recommend to the farmers of Kent county to however, is so different from all others, and so dif- tity of seed per acre." I recommend sowing as begin with one acre, or even a half acre, for soiling, ficult to sow with any degree of accuracy, that it early in the spring as the weather will permit and and they will then soon be able to judge for themnever entered my mind to use them for that pur- the ground is dry enough. Some writers recom-selves. pose, until the last season. On the 30th April, as I mend twenty pounds of seed to the acre; but I have have before mentioned, I had the ground prepared found sixteen pounds to be sufficient. in the manner I have stated to you in a former com- 2d Inquiry."The preparation of the ground." munication, (See vol. 1, Society's Memoirs.) The The ground must be made clean by a crop of poCLIMATE OF ALABAMA. drills on the ridges were already drawn, but it tatoes, or something else, for the lucerne is a weakblew so violent a gale, I found it impossible to keep ly plant when it first comes up, and weeds and grass Mount Columbo, near Selma, Alabama, J. S. SKINNER, Esq., the greater part of the seed from blowing away as will smother it if the ground has not been well pre18th May, 1826. soon as it had escaped from the hand; fearful of a pared; after a few weeks it forms a strong top root, Sir,-To show the difference of climate and the storm, I was anxious to get in the seed immediately and then it will not want protection against drought advancement of our seasons, I will state a few facts on the fresh ground-but how was it to be done? or weeds. A caution may be necessary against which may be interesting to you. We could make no progress in the usual way. In being too sparing of seed; for if it comes up thin, I had strawberries ripe on the 21st of March, and this dilemma, and at this moment, it occurred to me there will be danger of its being overpowered by green peas on the 24th. I harvested my wheat on to try the tubes. It was a happy thought; for in weeds and grass. I find spring barley sown thin, a the 1st and 6th inst. and had green corn, perfectly four hours I had the satisfaction to see the whole half bushel to the acre, to answer well; for the bar-full, on the 11th. acre completed by one man and myself, with each ley soon shoots up so as to protect the young plant Many have been apprehensive that good wheat a tube. I had put the seed in soak forty-eight against the sun, and being thin, does not smother could not be raised often in this part of the state, hours before, and after draining the water off it. The barley, when ripe, may be mowed, but and that we would have to depend on Tennessee through a fine sieve, mixed well with it about an should not be cut high, so as not to take off too and the other western and middle states for our equal quantity of plaster of paris. With this mix-much of the lucerne. flour. From the experience of the two last years, ture we filled our right hand waistcoat pockets, and Gen. Mc Donald, in 1824, sowed lucerne with tur-and of this, our prospects in this respect are flattaking as much between the two fore-fingers and nips on the 3d of August, after a crop of early po- tering. In this new country, but few persons have thumb as could be retained without wasting, we tatoes; in 1825 it was very good, and was frequent- had land to spare from the more important staples dealt it out into the tubes, which were held overly cut. This year he reported it to be good, though of the country, for this article, so necessary for dothe drill as close to the bottom of it as possible, we later and lower than usual, owing to the severe mestic comfort. Some few. however, have sowed walking in the furrow; so that we were enabled to frosts about the middle of April. wheat for two or three years, and good crops have get on at a tolerable smart gait, eight or ten paces, In the spring of 1824, I sowed two acres with generally been made, and in some instances such as without resorting again to the pockets for a fresh lucerne, 16 pounds to the acre, and one acre with would be considered excellent any where. I plantsupply: and I found afterwards that they came barley, the other with rye. The barley was heavy ed a few acres last October, for the first time in up more regular than any I had ever sown. Blow and fine, and produced full half a crop. The lu- this state, and harvested it on the days stated. I high, blow low, I shall never use any other method. cerne was mown about the last of August, and by never had better, and believe I never saw better. The tubes are very simple, and cost from 33 to 40 the last of September it was knee high; but I for- It is called the red spring wheat. I now feel conficents. I use them myself for all seeds sown or bade its being cut again, as I wished it to acquire dent that wheat of the best quality may be raised planted in drill, and even potatoes, which I cut into strong roots and be early the next spring. On the very abundantly in Alabama; but having no good single eyes. All who have seen the tubes highly 12th of April, 1825, it was 16 inches high, (which mills we cannot have it manufactured into superfine approve of them. I have thought proper to annex, you have recorded in No. 4, vol. 7,) and within a flour. We can have, however, fresh flour and for the information of others, a figure and descrip-week from that time we commenced cutting for sweat bread, if it be not very fair, provided we can tion of them; and remain, sir, very respectfully, soiling. It was cut several times during the sum- preserve our wheat from the weevil, which is very mer, notwithstanding the great drought. This destructive in this country to every species of corn. spring it was thick and fine, but owing to the severe If some of your valuable correspondents would furfrosts from the 15th to the 20th of April, we did nish us with a preventive to these pests to the farnot commence cutting for soiling 'till the beginning mer, (the blying and black weevil,) his specific of May. About the 20th of May, I found that one would lighten the labour and cheer the heart of acre had been cut, and as the rest began to lodge, I many an honest farmer, "his country's stay," in ordered it to be cut for hay. peace or war. I have lately been informed that In vol. 5, p. 214 of the Farmer, will be found hickory leaves, mixed with the wheat, would presome observations by a New Jersey Farmer, who vent the weevil from injuring it. I will try it in a says, "I have found by experience this article [lu- small way, and if the experiment should prove succerne] to be the most profitable of any grass which cessful, it will be a very important fact in agriculcan be cultivated. It vegetates quicker in the spring ture or rural economy. Your most obed't humble serv't, MR. SKINNER, JAMES WILLIAMS. LUCERNE. In answer to the inquiries of the Editor of the Telegraph, of Chestertown, respecting lucerne, published in your paper on the 12th of May last, I will *I prefer sowing all long-topped roots on ridges; particularly carrots and parsnips, because they are afforded a deeper tilth, are sown with greater despatch than by line; and, except under a vertical sun, the ground is less exposed to his powerful influence in mid-summer than a flat and regular surface. For seeds, three-fourths of an inch diameter of the tube is large enough. For potatoes, according to the size of the cuttings; mine is about 2 inches, and 3 feet 6 inches long. I earry the sets in an apron bag before me, tied round the waist; and am thus enabled to plant while standing erect, and am at the same time furnished with a tolerable good substitute for a walking stick. The top of the tube, in the form of a funnel, or hopper, is about 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and the bottom 24 to 3. The former is for the better reception of seed, the latter to prevent the tube from choaking with earth. Planting Tube. than any other grass, it resists the effect of drought The corn which I ate on the 11th inst., is of the -it may be cut four or five times in the course of eight-rowed, yellow flint corn, cultivated in the the season, and it will endure for at least twelve northern part of the state of New York and in years, without being renewed. Of all other grass Canada. I got it two years ago in Saratoga, and it is the most profitable for soiling." "The kind of soil most suitable for its culture, I shall conclude with two observations: was told it was the common corn of that country, and that it was very productive. I planted it last year early in March, and had mutton corn some time in May. This year I planted it in February. Instead of growing larger, in this climate, as I expected, it was last year quite a dwarf, and this year, from the production of the last, it is still more diminutive. I think, from appearances, if planted for several years from the same stock, it would cease to produce corn, and would probably make its appearance with a tassel. 2d. As to seed.-Good seed cannot be got for less than half a dollar a pound. Sinclair had some very fine at that price. He also had some at twen- If similar experiments were made, and their rety cents a pound; but that I would not sow, if I'sults stated, in different parts of the United States, No. 13.-VOL. 8.] some important inferences might be drawn by sci- have been preserved as previously stated. I am, mode of existence, the fœtal being, obtains all the convery truly, yours, entific and practical men. I am in lat. 32° 26". Your obed't serv't, ANDREW PICKENS. N. B. The common corn of the country is beginning to tassel, and cotton will soon blossom. SIR, PROSPECT OF CROPS. Columbia, S. C., May 29, 1826. JOHN B. MORRIS. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. FOOD-MILK. stituent principles of its forming body from the mother's nourishment and through the interposition of her circulating systems: the new-born infant, incited by unerring instinct, desires and seeks and sucks the maternal milk as the sweetest and best aliament, destined by the Universal Parent for its earliest [It can scarcely be necessary for us to explain sustenance: and, children require and prefer and how it is that under the head of the "LADIES' DE- prosper under the use of foods artificially comminPARTMENT," we should introduce the subject of gled and prepared.-Instruction together with gramilk, its properties, uses, &c. tification may be derived from an attempt at comI have nothing of importance to mention relative Our views are much mistaken by those, if there prehensively discriminating the preferable methods to our agriculture here. Our crops are suffering by be any, who suppose that in appropriating a certain of nursing young ones, and of rightly adapting the an uncommon and very severe drought, and I hope proportion of this journal to the peculiar instruc-management of their diet to the circumstances of the cotton crops will be very short this year. My tion and entertainment of our female readers, it their health and age:-and this suggests advantage vineyard has suffered very much in March by late was our design to fill that portion with frivolous in premising a description of the nature and qualifrosts, so much so, that a person unacquainted with love sick poetry, descriptions of fashions in dress, ties of milk,-the only proper nutriment and the the resources of our climate, would have supposed &c. We have a higher and a nobler aim. The delight of an infant's primeval days. that there would not be one single bunch of grapes; Ladies' Department will be dedicated to mothers Whether it be regarded as an article of nourishbut notwithstanding this, the present prospects are and thrifty housewives, and those who aspire to the ment or a medicinal agent, milk forms an imporvery flattering, and if there should be no rot among honour of becoming such-to those who are in fact, tant subject of consideration to every one who the grapes this summer, I shall make a very great as well as in name, the helpmates of their husbands. takes interest in the health and well-being of his crop. The only bad effect of the frost was to Hence, when in a necessarily desultory course of race. Generally, and in all animals, it is a white. oblige me to prune the whole of my vineyard, and reading we may meet with any thing calculated to untransparent, bland fluid, somewhat heavier than that all the young vines (many of which would impart useful information, or to convey an instruc- water, and impregnated with varying proportions of have borne fruit this year,) have been cut down to tive moral connected with housewifely duties and saccharine matter. Its constituent parts are,-sethe ground. There is no plant that stands the heat maternal relations, we mark it for the printer to place rosity or whey, curd or the cheesy formation, butter, and drought of our climate better than the vine. it under the "LADIES' DEPARTMENT." In this por and sugar of milk which, in common with all the I have, last year, spoiled my wine by following tion of our editorial duties, we are sensible much gummy substances, affords the elemental body nam Major Adlum's advice of putting sugar in it; though assistance might be derived from many of our fair ed, by some chemists, the saccholactic, and by instead of putting three pounds to the gallon I only readers; and that assistance has been more than others the mucic acid. put two. I wish I had put only half a pound; and once sincerely and earnestly invoked. In the different classes of mammiferous animals, if I could leave my grapes long enough on the In regard to the subject here introduced, every these milky elements exhibit distinct variations. vines so as to attain a perfect maturity, I would not one will admit that in a general view, scarcely any Each kind of milk is distinguished by a particular put any sugar at all. thing enters so largely into all our alimentary pre- taste which can be discriminated by experienced obparations; no article of food is more worthy of be servers, and an odour that is speedily dissipated, on ing investigated and understood. Such is the ex- the fluid being exposed to the influence of atmostent to which it is used in the economy of house-pheric air, or submitted to ebullition. That of the keeping, that our health as well as pleasure, may be cow forms the best subject for analytical investisaid to depend on a knowlege of its qualities, and gation; and, on this account, is also the most approSavinton, Cecil county, Md., June 10, 1826. the various modifications under which it may be priate standard with which, in regard to their naWe have not had any rain at this place since the advantageously used. But the light in which it tural constitution, the milk of sheep, goats, the ass, fall of snow on the 10th of April; some partial show-may be regarded as most emphatically connected the mare, and human female, has usually been comers have passed in different neighbourhoods. My with this portion of our journal, is its peculiar adap- pared. For such reason, a view of its properties overseer yesterday brought to me 5 grains of corn tation to the nourishment of infantile existence. may be exhibited in detail. taken from the earth, and which has laid in the Every mother will feel the truth of this suggestion W.ey enters, to the extent of about nine-tenths ground as replanted corn, full three weeks; and at once; and our object here is merely to warn the of the whole, into the composition of milk:—it, alwhich grain was as sound and in as perfect order reader, that after the general remarks on milk con- so, holds curd and butter in suspension. For obfor the mill, as the day it was planted. My straw-tained in this number, we shall in a subsequent one, taining it in the purest state, before its acids are deberries have totally failed, not one plate deserving show how the subject is connected with the cares veloped, new drawn milk should be coagulated with the name. The last of next week some of my wheat and duties of the mother, and the health of the the flowers of thistles or artichoke, or with rennet, will be ready. A letter from Dover, Delaware, human offspring.] or soluble tartar, or vinegar. These flowers do not gives me equally unfavourable news; yet, strange indeed produce this effect so rapidly or with so to tell, my corn, though not high, looks strong, and Experience and philosophy unite in confirming much certainty as the rennet; but this, on the other is of a good colour. the doctrine, that the organic structures of man and hand, almost always in one degree or other affects of all other beings endowed with life, never cease, the taste of the whey:--cream of tartar deterwhether in health or disease, from parting with cer mines a similar result; and, moreover, adds a new tain proportions of the material elements whereof salt to the milk. Vinegar, therefore, if sparingly they are composed. During the first stages of its employed, is a preferable agent.--Whatever of free existence moreover, the animal frame continues ob- acid has place in whey, is readily neutralized by SIR I am, very respectfully, dear sir, N. HERBEMONT. Extract from a Letter to the Editor, dated HORTICULTURE. CAULIFLOWERS. NUTRITION-FOOD. How to preserve in hot weather, after they are cut. taining progressive augmentations of stature; and, the earthy or alkaline bases it contains. J. S SKINNER, Esq. by necessary consequence, requires incessant and Whether it be intended for a beverage, or mediJune 6, 1826. commensurate supplies of the organizable essences cine, or for chemical investigation, whey may be Dear Sir,-I send you a couple of cauliflowers; which are applicable to its growth. From this pe- procured by putting a table-spoonful of pure, mildnot that their size merits acceptance or are entitled culiarity of the vital nature, results an indispensi- flavored vinegar into two English pints of boiling to your attention in any measure or on any account bleness of repairing these habitual diminutions, as milk; and, when coagulated, this is to be passed than that they may serve to make you familiar (if well as of providing for these ever-returning wants, through a close hair sieve upon a piece of linen or not already so,) with the mode we have adopted to by the introduction of alimentary substances into unsized filtering paper. These filters, however, preserve this vegetable-and thereby protract the the system, for the purpose of being assimilated often slightly change the naturally bland agreeable period of its stay. You are aware that they flower and adapted to their ultimate ends. These essen- taste of the whey. For the purpose of clarifying simultaneously, or so nearly so that it is either a tial requisites are furnished, in a manner as admira- this liquor, the white of one egg diffused by beating feast or a famine. To obviate this, when the flow-ble as it is beautiful, by means of the nutritive and it in four or five times its own weight of water, ers have matured in greater numbers than can be its subordinate functions. should be added, and the whole filtered a second consumed, cut and suspend them (separate,) in the Nutrition or alimentation, then constitutes the time.-Whey thus prepared, is perfectly limpid, has ice-house. The leaves fade, though the flower natural process by which the organic enlargement a yellowish-green colour, and a mild delicious taste, does not diminish in worth. You can judge of this and strength of animals is promoted;-and this approaching to that of milk. Like its parent fluid, fact and appreciate the value of this expedient (taken process is perfect or defective in a degree propor- it is always slightly acidulous, even when separated in connection with such a season as the present,) tioned to the state of the individual's health and of when you are assured, that the plants I send were cut the food's abounding with salutary qualities. Ante- [* The reader will observe the distinction taken bewith thirty or forty others, three weeks ago, and cedently to its birth and entrance on an independent tween infant and child.] LOFC by rennet: and this quality depends on the presence of the butyric and acetic acids. When exposed to the air, it rapidly undergoes important changes;its acidity gradually increases;-and it deposits minute curdy flakes.-The acid proceding from the decomposition of whey reddens purpled paper, and is named the lactic:-it acquires the consistence of The Hetton Rail Road extends from the town of Sunderland, on the river Wear, to the Hetton Colextract or syrup, when concentrated. Lactic acid, lieries. Its length, from the pit to the staith, is seven miles five furlongs. It has an ascent of two hunthen, appears to be a formation originating in the dred and sixty-six feet; and a series of descents equal to five hundred and forty-six feet, making in the decomposition of sugar of milk; for, it cannot be whole eight hundred and twelve feet of elevation and depression, overcome by a series of levels and detected in whey that has been completely soured. inclined planes. The first portion of the road, from the pit to the foot of the ascending plane, is one When heated, whey gives out, at first, a consi-mile seven and a half furlongs in length; and its general descent is one-ninth of an inch to the yard, derable quantity of a pellucid watery fluid, less (with a portion of it, five-sixteenths,) which is equally favourable for loaded and light carriages. Å sinodorous than what is yielded by pure milk; but gle loco-motive engine, with twenty-four wagons in train, has drawn six hundred tons per day, going which, like it, contains butyric acid and some ani- nine gails, equal to thirty-five miles forwards and returning, A DESCRIPTION OF THE HETTON RAIL ROAD, IN ENGLAND, mal substances. On the heat being augmented, the On another portion of the way, in length two and a half miles and sixty yards, with a descent, for liquid gets a greenish-yellow colour, and becomes the greater part, between four and five-sixteenths of an inch to the yard, on which the loaded wagons viscid as honey. If allowed to cool in this state, it tend to move of themselves, and consequently produce less stress on the light train-two loco-motive deposites its saccharine principle in yellowish crys- engines, in use at the same time, have conveyed the quantity above mentioned. tals. By re-dissolving these in water, clarifying Stationary reciprocating engines, are placed at the summits of the inclined planes. These engines the mixture with whites of eggs, and evaporating draw loaden and light wagons, alternately each way; and each successive station performs its operation it to the consistence of syrup, pure sugar of milk in the form of white crystals, is obtained. This substance is semi-transparent, and has the mild sweetish taste peculiar to the milk of many animals:-by some chemists, its formation has been referred to the vital action by which milk itself is secreted. With respect to its physical properties, it appears to hold a middle rank between sugar and gum:like these also, notwithstanding its animal origin, it is quite destitute of azote. It melts in twelve parts of cold, or in four of boiling water, but is quite insoluble in spirits of wine, unalterable by the action of external air, and altogether insusceptible of the vinous fermentation. Human milk yields more of this substance, than that of the ass, cow, goat, or sheep. Creamed milk contains, in a thousand parts, about thirty-five, and the cream itself, about forty-four of the saccharine matter:-but, a multitude of circumstances are prone to determine irregular results from experiments instituted for such purposes. Among these causes may be ranged,-variety of food and of climate, a state of health or disease, and in the human female, the all-powerful influence of the moral affections.-All these remarks tend to show that whey has for its component parts.-an excess of watery fluid, some traces of the butyric and acetic acids, a minute proportion of sugar of milk, and a very small quantity of gelatine; and, of course, is next to useless as an article of food, however refreshing it may be as an ordinary or medicinal drink. Curd, or the cheesy substance of milk, though generally constituting about an eighth part of its composition, varies as much as any other of the elements of that valuable fluid. For the purpose of obtaining it as pure as possible and free of butter, it should be extracted from milk, the cream of which has first been carefully removed. So long as it remains in soft masses, it is white and semitransparent-when formed into grained particles, by the expressure of its whey, it becomes opaque, but still preserves its delicate whiteness. Its taste is mild, fresh, and agreeable. Its particles, however, always retain a certain quantity of whey which it is difficult to separate. When deprived of this, it is still mild to the taste, dry, brittle, and will remain for some time exposed to the air without undergoing any change. If the whey, however, be not entirely expressed, the curd forthwith becomes sour, gets mouldy, softens and exhales a very fætid odour, and acquires successively the different shades of red, brown, and blue. Finally, the putrescent mass passes into a kind of soap, formed by the combination of ammonia with the oily substance which results from this decomposition. Curd, in such a state, continues to be equally soluble in water, as it was before the latter change supervened. (To be Continued.) |