[For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] SURFACE APPLICATION OF MANURE. The theory that one load of manure on the surface is worth two loads plowed in," if admitted at all, must be admitted with very essential modifications. As a general rule, progressive farmers, tilling heavy tenacious land, with a clay subsoil, will demur from such a proposition. Practical experience shows that such soils need the manure buried in them, to warm, to lighten, and to destroy the tenacity, and thus fit them for the entrance of heat and air, two most important and essential elements of fertility, and without whose agency success in raising any crop cannot be expected. On a light gravelly or sandy soil, the statement is applicable but in part, and with qualifications. Such soils are usually destitute of vegetable matter, which is needed to make them retentive of moisture and fertilizers. Vegetable matter must be furnished them, either by plowing in green crops, or a free application of manure well incorporated with the soil. [For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] BUGGY PEAS---Bruchus granarius. For some time I have been intending to write for the benefit of those who save seed peas. In this country they are invariably spoiled by the bugs-that is, a large portion. Some persons assert that it does not hurt them, and that they come just as well, which induced me to try the experiment of planting six peas in a pot-three perforated ones and three sound ones: the sound ones germinated and grew finely, but the others did not sprout, which proves the injury they receive. up my beans this year, I have lost nearly the whole of them. I enclose you a few, to let you see how they operate, having never heard of beans being effected in For the last three years I have adopted the plan of sealing them up in bottles, air tight, as soon as they are dry enough, sprinkling a few drops of camphorated spirits among them. On a large scale they could be headed up Land of medium quality, neither too heavy, wet and in casks. In this way I have not lost a single pea. For clayey, or otherwise too sandy and gravelly, is the most the first time I noticed last season beans badly perforated suitable to be top-dressed. But even in these soils it is a question whether top-dressing is the most economical. with numerous holes, the worms having completely eaten The effect of top-dressing is immediate, and makes an ex-out the interior of the bean. Having neglected to seal hibit for about two years, but has hardly any effect on the soil, in either modifying or enriching it, and ignores entirely the use of the essential elements of progressive agriculture, viz., light, heat and air. The soil, to be permanently and economically improved, must be so tilled as to take the greatest possible advantage of these, which necessitates the use of the plow, spade, or their equivalents. There is a very important advantage which mixing manure with the soil has over top-dressing; and it is a subject which has received too little attention, and has often been entirely overlooked by farmers, namely, "the fermentation of the manure in the soil;" or as a writer on English agriculture expresses it, “making the whole field into a compost heap.' this way. It may be new to you. Mt. Carmel, 0. T. V. P. [For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] SURFACE MANURING. The common excuse for extremists or enthusiasts in politics, arts, sciences, religion, and in almost everything, is often made, that if some people were not ahead of the Dana, in his "Muck Manual," explains fully the philos- times, the world would hardly move at all. To enable a ophy of the process. Briefly stated it is this: Fermenta- wagon to reach the crest of the hill, it is said to be netion evolves alkaline gasses, which, uniting with the acids cessary for the leader horses to go some distance beyond. in the soil, produce, in sandy and gravelly soils, a chemical It is, however, a grave question, whether all good prodecomposition and disintegration of the silicates and insogress in the right direction is not rather hindered, by, to luble portions of the soil, fitting them to become food for use a common expression, "running a thing into the the roots and rootlets, and these again, as they grow, acting chemically as solvents of inert matter in clayey soils, causing disintegration and amelioration; and in a soil rich in vegetable matter, bringing it into active fertility. Thus a little manure incorporated with the soil, stimulates to action other elements of fertility than what exists in itself, which are both progressive and permanent. By plowing and cultivating, the soil is loosened and deepened, as well as modified, by bringing to the surface and exposing to the influence of light, heat and air, so that what was Assuming the theory and practice of surface fall mabefore inert, becomes an active agent in producing vege-nuring to be correct, is he serious in saying, "I have ob tation. ground "--whether extreme views and carrying an argument, even on a sound view of a question, too far, does not entirely miss of its aim and intention. I always read with great interest the communications of your very able correspondent, S. EDWARDS TODD, but a remark of his in the last number of the COUNTRY GENTLEMAN,' under the head of manuring meadows, rather occasioned surprise. served for many years past, that they who spread their manure on the surface in the spring of the year, promote the growth of their neighbor's grass about as much as they do their own ?" It is sometimes said, none but old farmers should read agricultural papers. Young ones are apt to be misled. This I have never thought, could apply to the COUNTRY GENTLEMAN,' which I have always considered at the top of the list, and the most reliable of all our agricultural papers. In it the wheat seems carefully winnowed from the chaff, so as to make it an almost indispensable vademecum to every progressive farmer, whether young or old. Top-dressing adds to the soil only at best a homeopathic dose. Twenty loads per acre, of thirty bushels per load, spread on land, add one load to eight square rods, or two and one-half quarts to each square yard. How many such top-dressings would add to the turf one-half or even one-fourth of an inch, any one curious at figures can determine. The fact that such an application results in an increase of grass, shows that success is due not so much to the quantity as to the action which it generates in the soil. Should this same amount be mixed with the soil by proper cultivation, still greater success might be predicated, for there is added all the advantages which light, heat, Probably all can agree with the spirit of S. E. Todd's frost and air, also fermentation, modification of soil and a article, of the great advantages of fall manuring, but with choice of grasses, the result of seeding, which top-dress-such an extent of atmosphere as we have in this country, ing does not usually include. is it possible that the waste of gases from spring manuring can increase the fertility of adjoining farms? Economy would decide that all the elements of fertility should be used if we would farm profitably. We mus DWARF PLUM TREE. The annexed cut is hardly a fair representation of a handsome pyramidal plum tree in full bearing. Such a tree, loaded with large beautiful specimens, of such showy sorts as Pond's Seedling, (English,) Bradshaw, and Sharp's Emperor, are well worthy of being looked upon! Ellwanger & Barry's grounds at Rochester have furnuished the finest specimens of this sort to be found in the country. Dwarf Plums are raised by budding on the wild or Canada plum. They will grow eight to ten feet high in well trained pyramids. WIRE FOR GARDEN PURPOSES. -The Agriculturist says, "lead is much used in England for tying up fruit trees and vines to stakes and trellises, also for attaching labels to stakes. It is soft, flexible, durable, and less hurtful to plants than copper wire. It is made of lead and an alloy mixed with it. For the coarser uses of gardening, especially where much strength is required, this is undoubtedly a good thing. Yet for common, every-day work, such as tying plants to stakes, etc., we much prefer the old bass matting. This is cheaper, more easily handled, and sufficiently durable."Maine Farmer. Now is the proper time to cover up anything you have any doubts about being hardy enough to stand the winter. A little protection of leaves or loose, littery manure, will hurt nothing, however hardy, while it will save plants quite green that would otherwise badly brown or completely die out. [For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] ON WINTERING BEES. In patent hives turn over the draws so as to prevent the entrance of the bees, or their breath, in September or fore part of October. When cold weather commences, suspend the bottom board half an inch, and open the ventilator, so that the watery substance which is caused by the breath and other exhalations of the bees, and collects in the drawer in cold weather may be kept out of them; because frost forms in them, and runs down through the apertures on to the bees as often as it melts, and makes the bees damp, and the combs mould; besides this vapor penetrates and fills the timber, (drawers and chamber,) and causes a disagreeable smell the following season. There are three principal causes of death among bees in the winter, to wit: want of honey, (not bread, for they never eat it, except when in the larvæ state :) want of air, and freezing. Bees sometimes die of starvation with plenty of of honey in the hive at the same time. In cold weather they crowd together in a small compass, in order to keep warm, and then their breath and vapor collects in frost in all parts LEADLEYMILLERMOL DWARF PLUM. of the hive, except in the region they occupy. Now unless the weather moderates so as to thaw the ice, the bees will be compelled to remain where they are located until their stores are all consumed that are within their reach. One winter we had cold weather for ninety-four days in succession, during which time the bees could not move from one part of the hive to another. I examined all my hives on the eighty-third day; and on the ninetieth day I found four swarms dead. I immediately examined for the cause, which was as already stated. I then carried all my hives into a warm room, and thawed them so that the bees could move. stock in the winter following, because their companions are Too much swarming frequently occasions the loss of the old so reduced in numbers that the necessary animal heat cannot be kept up in the hive to prevent them from perishing by cold. All such stocks should be stored in a dry cellar, or some warm room where they can be kept comfortable during cold weather. It is believed that bees may be kept through the winter without losing them, if the apiarian is attentive to their wants. If destitute of honey, he will feed them-if suffering for want of air, (which is the most frequent cause of death) in short, if they are apparently dead, he will resuscitate and he will ventilate them-if freezing, he will thaw them outbring them to life and activity, which may be done in all cases except when smothered, if attended to in season. In February, 1857, I had a swarm that were starved by design. I resuscitated them three times without feeding, in three successive days, before life was extinct. The life of bees many times is in a state of suspension considerable time before their death, and may be resuscitated by human aid when other separately under various circumstances for myself and neighbors. Some of the best stock I now own were once apparently dead. A screen bottom board should be used, so as to let up the warm air into the hive, and at the same time enable the apiarian to control and keep the bees in the hive during the process of resuscitation. The feeder should be used in every case to give the bees exercise, and restore activity. wise life would become extinct. I have resuscitated them A cellar made in the side of a dry hill, so covered as to keep out water, is a good place for wintering bees. There should be two ventilators at the two most extreme parts of the cellar-one near the bottom and on its side to admit pure air-the other through the top or covering, to let the bad air escape. Apiarians observing the above rules, will find themselves well paid for so doing. Lansingville, N. Y. DANA FLETCHER. No. 1 was as nice a cheese as could be desired; in flavor it much resembled good Cheddar, and was found to contain even a higher proportion of butter and rather less water than good Cheddar. The second cheese, though rich in butter, was retailed at 7d. per lb., and the third at 6d. per lb. Both were deficient in flavor and badly made. The fourth chesse was the worst of the four, and had to be sold at 5d. per lb. It was full of holes, badly made, and had a very strong smell. It was evident that the whey was not carefully pressed out in the making. The examination of these and other American cheeses leads me to the conclusion, judging from our imports, that good materials are even more thoroughly spoiled on the other side of the Atlantic than in England. [For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] Grape-Growing on the Borders of Lake Erie. It is probably known to many that we have a soil and climate weil adapted to the grape, along the south shore of Lake Erie. I will give briefly my experience for 1862. My vines were protected last winter with hemlock boughs, and a few covered with earth. The winter was mild, and it was not needed, but it may be this. Isabella loaded with fruit, but mildew destroyed nearly all. Catawba, very little mildew-ripened well, a fair crop. Concord, first-rate every way; but one row, near my Isabellas, had some mildew; but the fruit will burst its skin some in ripening. Delaware all right; grows well, and one vine three years old gave 14 pounds of luscious fruit. Diana almost as good as to quality, but the vine is rather tender. Clinton, good. Rebecca, fine quality. Hartford Prolific, early and healthy. Perkins, To-Kalon, and a dozen more on trial, but Concord, Delaware, Diana, Hartford Prolific, and Catawba, most reliable thus far. My soil is gravel and loam, and I think my grapes are benefitted in quality by the use of fresh water marl, which has a large per cent. of carbonate of lime. The cultivation of the vine is doubtless destined to take a prominent place in this region, and in various parts of our (now afflicted) country, and it is hoped all who can, will give us light, as we at the best have to feel our way. Fredonia, N. Y. A. S. MOSS. THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. MESSRS. EDITORS-Inclosed I send $2 for another copy of the COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, for one of my neighbors, to whom I have occasionaily loaned it, for perusal; he has found that he loses more by not having it regularly, than the amount of subscription, and desired me to order it for him. It is gratifying to observe the effect produced by ed to reading it. There seems to be new life and vigor introducing such a paper to those who were not accustominfused throughout the whole department of Household Affairs, the Yard, the Garden and Field operations are so fully treated upon; the Grazier and Breeder's department giving every desirable information in reference to the proper management of Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Swine, Poultry, Bees and Rabbits; and in fact every living thing either in animal or vegetable kingdom, properly belonging to the farm, receives a full share of attention among the great amount of information collected from such extensive resources, and concentrated in the COUNTRY GEN TLEMAN. There are but few persons residing in the country, however well they may be acquainted with the practical operations of agriculture, that would not derive benefit from its influence. The small amount required to "fix up" one's home and give it a neat and genteel appearance, when reminded of and told how to do it, through the columns of a weekly journal, is so very trifling, compared with the great satisfaction of having a comfortable residence made cheerful in its appearance for the enjoyment of the family, and inviting to social visitors, that any one of taste must feel thankful for the suggestion. We had a severe snow storm commencing yesterday morning and continuing all day, blowing hard from the north, and freezing some; the snow is now several inches deep, being the first this season. Farmers were not quite ready for cold weather, corn, apples and other crops to gather, fodder and fuel to be stored, and other preparations to make for winter; but this will be a sufficient warning, that when it moderates again there will be no time for delay. WILLIAM PARRY. Cinnaminson, N. J., 11 mo., 8th, 1862, [We publish but few of the letters we receive in commendation of the COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, but where they are accompanied by practical evidences of sincerity in the form of frequent efforts to extend its circulation, we do not feel at liberty to withhold the testimony they afford to the real value and usefulness of this Journal.] GRUB IN THE HEAD OF SHEEP.-Dr. Dadd, in a communication to the Prairie Farmer, says the only way to prevent grub in the head of sheep, is to put plenty of wholesome "grub" into the stomach of the animal-and that it is a well known fact, that sheep properly attended to, well fed and housed, are never troubled with the parasite known as the grub. 6. Dwarf Convolvulus-Oenothera Camarkiana-Splendid Ga- 7. Lychnis Haageana-Whittavia Grandiflora. This article was written for the ANNUAL REGISTER with Draw REGISTER OF RURAL AFFAIRS. ings and Engravings expressly prepared to accompany it, and not be NO. IX---FOR 1863. fore published in this country, by James Vick, Esq., of Rochester, IX. ADVERTISEMENTS. This, preceded by the usual Calendar pages and Astronomical Cal culations, forms a book which is certainly cheap at its retail price and the Publishers, with a view of rendering its circulation still wider The publication of the NINTH NUMBER of THE ILLUSTRATED AN- and larger than that of any previous Number, are prepared, as above NUAL REGISTER OF RURAL AFFAIRS, for 1863, has been somewhat detain-intimated, to offer the most liberal Terms for its introduction in quantities, either to Agents, Agricultural Societies, Nurserymen, Dealers in Implements and Seeds, or any others who take an interest in the dissemination of useful reading, and in the promotion of Rural Improvement. Address all orders or inquiries to the publishers. Nou. 20, 1862. ed for the completion of a very full and valuable Treatise on Entomology, including those Insects about which there is now the greatest desire for general information, from the accomplished pen of the tate Entomologist, Dr. AsA FITCH. The importance of the article will be found a full recompense for the delay involved. The ANNUAL REGISTER can now be supplied-all standing orders having been already filled-in any desired quantity, at the following rates: Single Copies Twenty-Five Cents. LUTHER TUCKER & SON, BOARDMAN & GRAY'S PATENT IMPROVED INSULATED IRON RIM AND FRAME PIANO FORTES, DAIRY OF FORTY OR FIFTY COWS, at the election of the tenant for a long term of years, at a stipulated rent, situated in the Mohawk valley, on the line of the Central road. three miles east of Fonda. It has between fifty and sixty acres of interval and superior upland with a never failing supply of water, a durable strength running through the entire length of it, and is in a II. MANUFACTURE OF MAPLE SUGAR-SEVEN ENGRAVINGS. high state of productiveness. There has been a dairy upon it for the 1. Sap Boilers. 2. Evaporators. 3. Processes of Collecting and Boiling the Sap. last 17 years. The farm-house is large and commodious, finished throughout, having an excellent cellar and cistern. There is also a large vegetable garden and fine, spacious door-yard sloping to the III. BEST WAY TO BUILD A HOUSE-FORTY-EIGHT ENGRAVINGS. road. The dairy room is furnished with running water, good cheese 1. Introduction. 2. Carpenter's and Mason's Specifications. 3. Illustrated Glossary of Architectural Terms. IV. THE DAIRY-SEVEN ENGRAVINGS. 1. Hints on Butter Making. 2. Rules for Making Cheese. 3. Rules for Management of Cows. V. RURAL ECONOMY-SIX ENGRAVINGS. 1. Suggestions for Winter. 2. Screwing on Nuts-Leaky Roofs-Horse Fork-Painting. 3. To Avoid Running out of Hay. 4. Highways-Lightning Rods-Osier for Bands-Tape Line in the Cornfield. 5. Forest Leaves for Litter-Good Smoke House-Corn Marker -Scalding Tub-Harvesting Peas. 6. Chain Pumps-Irrigation-Draining-Clean Land. VI. FRUITS AND FRUIT CULTURE-FOURTEEN ENGRAVING 8. 1. Autumn and Spring Transplanting. 2. Dwarf Apples. 3. Rules for Tree Planters. 4 Systematic Formation of Pyramids. 5. Two Native Plums, 6. Sending Buds by Mail. 7. Shortening in the Peach. 8. Construction of a Cheap Grapery. 9. Gooseberries. 10. Time for Pruning Orchards. 11. Fruit versus Malaria. 12. Dwarf Cherries. 13. Strawberries-Quick Returns. 14. Pruning the Quince. 15. Select Lists of Apples. 16. Labels for Fruit Trees. 17. Select List of Grapes. VII. INSECTS BY DR. ASA FITCH-THIRTY-FOUR ENGRAVINGS. 1. Definitions of Terms, &c. 2. Descriptions of Orders. 3. Insects which Injure Fruit Trees. 4. Insects which Injure Grain Crops. 5. Insects Injurious to Gardens. To show how full and valuable an article this is, it may be mentioned that Six Insects injurious to Fruit; Thirteen injurious to Grain, and Six injurious to Gardens. are described with complete and new BEST GRAPE KNOWN, ripening two weeks earlier than any other good Grape. Possessing a most delicious flavor-in fact, equal to the most delicate hot-house Grape. It originated at the base of the Adirondac range of moun. tains, on the shore of Lake Champlain. It is believed to possess all the requisites to establish its character as the Earliest and Best Native Grape. PRICE-Good 1-year old vines, #3; a limited number of 2-year old vines, at $5; all cut back to three or four eyes. Single vines may be forwarded to any point in the United States at one cent per ouncelarger packages by Express. Address, with remittance, Illustrations, engraved expressly for this article in the ANNUAL REG- REMIUM CHESTER COUNTY WHITES. ISTER. It forms, in point of fact, the readiest HAND BOOK OF ENTO- THE NEW-YORK OBSERVER $3 each. And for one new subscriber any book costing less than $8 on the list. IS A RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR NE WS These books will be sent by mail or express, at the option or exPAPE R. pense of the subscribers. PUBLISHED ON A DOUBLE SHEET, SO AS TO BE EASILY SEPARATED INTO TWO DISTINCT PAPERS. In Religion it is free from sectarianism, and gives a full, fair and Impartial report every week of all matters of general interest IN ALL THE DENOMINATIONS. In Politics it is entirely free from party relations or affinities, discussing great principles with freedom and candor, and giving the fullest and latest intelligence of all the movements of the day. IT SUPPORTS THE GOVERNMENT WITH VIGOR, FIDELITY AND ZEAL IN ITS EFFORTS TO CRUSH THE REBELLION and restore the Union and preserve the Constitution. It criticises with freedom whatever measures are not adapted to the accomplishment of these ends; but its steady purpose from the beginning of the war has been, and will be, to uphold the hands and strengthen the heart Every evening devoted to canvassing may secure one or more of these volumes. They are among the most practical works now published on the subjects treated. With this collection of books in his library, neither the beginner nor the more advanced farmer need go further for the instruction desired in any branch of his pursuit. They are here placed within the reach of EVERY YOUNG MAN IN THE Nov. 6-w6tmlt. I X SI 37 Park Row, New York. HUNDRED THOUSAND MALE OR FEMALE AGENTS TO SELL LLOYD'S NEW STEEL PLATE COUNTY COLORED of the Government while it puts forth its energies to protect us against MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, the most unholy rebellion that ever disturbed the peace of any country. The N. Y. Observer is the most complete family newspaper ΙΝ ΤΗΕ WORLD. In the variety of its Departments. In the number of minds enlisted in its Editorial and other columns. . In the amount of money expended in procuring materials to enrich and adorn its pages. In the healthful, religious, conservative, genial tone that pervades the paper. In its stores of anecdote, biography, poetry, science, art, and gene. ral literature, it will strive to exceed every other weekly newspaper. GREAT INDUCEMENTS. The Proprietors of the New-York Observer offer the following valu-fornia, Canada, England, France and Cuba. A fortune may be madə able premiums for 1 do. with a few hundred dollars capital. No COMPETITION. J. T. LLOYD, No. 164 Broadway, New-York. The War Department uses our Map of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, cost $100,000, on which is marked Antietam Creek, Sharpsburgh, Maryland Hights, Williamsport Ferry, Rhorersville, Noland's Ford, and all others on the Potomac, and every other place in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, or money refunded. LLOYD'S TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP OF KENTUCKY, OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS, is the only authority for General Buell and the War Department. Money refunded to any one finding an error in it. Price 50 cents. [From the Tribune, Aug. 2.] "LLOYD'S MAP OF VIRGINIA, MARYLAND AND PENNSYL THE BEST WHICH CAN BE PURCHASED." LLOYD'S GREAT MAP OP THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.-From They contain the biography of more than a thousand ministers, VANIA.-This Map is very large: its cost is but 25 cents, and IT 18 and a history of each denomination, with a statement of its doctrinal views, making a complete library of religious biography and history. The lives of these ministers are interspersed with memorable anecdotes and incidents, and illustrated by letters from distinguished statesmen and clergymen, rendering the volumes an inexhaustible source of instruction and entertainment. Actual Surveys by Captains Bart and Wm. Bowen, Mississippi River Pilots, of St. Louis, Mo., shows every man's plantation and owner's name from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico-1.350 miles-every sandbar. island, town, landing, and all places 20 miles back from the river-colored in counties and States. Price. $1 in sheets; $2 pocke form, and $2.50 on linen with rollers. Ready Sept. 20. NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON. Sept. 17, 1862, with price per hundred copes. Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis, com J. T. LLOYD-Sir: Send me your Map of the Mississippi River manding the Mississippi squadron, is authorized to purchase as many as are required for the use of that squadron. Oct. 9-w3t-m3t. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. NEW-YORK STATE TILE WORKS Near the Corner of Lark & Lydius-Sts., WM. M. BENDER, Proprietor. To any one sending us ten new subscribers and advance payment The subscriber is prepared to furnish Round, Sole and Horse-Shoe for each, one year, we will send the Farmer's Encyclopedia, Farm Tile, over 13 inches in length, by the cargo, or in the smallest quantiRecord, and any five other books on the list-or the entire list, ex-ty on demand, at prices that he will defy any other parties to undercept the Encyclopedia and Record. For five new subscribers, with payment in advance, we will send the Farmer's Encyclopedia and Farm Record, or any other five books in the list. For four new subscribers and payment, the Encyclopedia and any book less than $3. sell him. He will warrant his tile hard burnt, and to fit close at the For three new subscribers, the Farm Record and any dollar book. |