RAYNOLDS & NOURSE, PROPRIETOns. NO. 1. FRED'K HOLBROOK, ASSOCIATE SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. HENRY F. FRENCH, EDITORS. CALENDAR FOR JANUARY. ments of corruption; no man or boy returned to his roof-tree from them with unsullied purity. In their withering embraces his good principles were undermined, his moral sense blunted, and his affec tions weakened for those whose happiness ought to have been to him above all price. Those were T IS within the memory of times when it was fashionable to drink intoxicatmany of our readers, that in ing liquors. The little tin, glass and gill cups, the course of the last forty the half pints and pints, were in greater demand years the habits of farmers, to portion out the burning fluid, than were the in the winter months, have scales and measures to furnish the flour and oil, materially changed, especial- the sugar and coffee and tea, to supply the de-1 ly in their evening occupa- serted board at home, tions. Better schools of vice Drinking inflamed the passions, and these incould scarcely be devised by duced betting, gambling, and trials of personal him who would see how ra- prowess, which often ended in bloody noses, broken pidly and thoroughly he heads, and neighborhood quarrels, in which their could contaminate the un-wives and daughters were often involved. Such suspecting youth of country was the practice through much of New England places, than those which for many years. Its consequences were plain all were established, and most over the land. Unpainted and dilapidated houses liberally supported, in near-and barns, straggling fences, tumbling walls, and ly all the towns in New Eng- lonely fields, half-starved and scurvy cattle, and land, in the village stores! ragged, unwashed and uneducated children, were The short day's work over, the cattle tied up its types. Husbands grew negligent in their perand supper hastily swallowed, most of the males sonal appearance, and indifferent as to the world's of the family hurried off to the stores; all had estimation of them, and the poor wife and mother caught the mania, from the stripling of a few care-worn and disheartened, while mortgage after years, to the man bowed with age and whose mortgage rested with overwhelming power upon locks had blossomed for the grave! Where the the farm, until it became inevitable that the homedistance was thought to be too great for walking, stead must be abandoned, and they must seek the faithful old horse that had been hauling wood somewhere else in the wide world a habitation all day was hitched to the sleigh, and after leav-(their Home they had lost) for themselves and ing his freight, left to "bide the peltings of the their suffering little ones. pitiless storm," shiver in the cutting blast, or, This terrible scourge to the land has been greathaply, if the elements were kindly, nod over the ly alleviated, but not entirely done away; it will dilapidated stone wall or rickety fence, now and never be until the farmer comes to converse mostly then disturbed in his slumbers, pricking up his of things instead of persons, and he can find proears, and wondering at the uproarious mirth with-fit and amusement in books, and pleasure in the boin, louder than the crash of the falling forest som of his own family. But the great change that trees during the day in the woods. has taken place is encouraging. The fine dwellings These nightly gatherings contained all the ele upon thousands of our farms, especially the warm and commodious barns, the better fences and finer Leave one good pitchfork and one rake about stock, the fairer and more productive fields, togeth- the barn floor for use, and place all the rest in er with the reclaimed lands, so long unsightly the tool-room, if you desire to keep them whole blotches on our own beautiful inheritance, all through the winter. show that labor is more wisely directed, that the ABOUT THE CATTLE.-AIKIN, in his calendar, standard of morals has been elevated, and that observes of this time of year :-"The domestic catHome and the domestic relations of life are more tle now require all the care and protection of the fully appreciated. farmer. Sheep are often lost in the sudden storm Everywhere there is a higher degree of intelli- by which the snow is drifted in the hollow, so as gence and civilization. There are more good to bury them to a great depth beneath it; yet dwellings and farms-more comfortable chairs, they have been known to survive many days in more good beds, and more carpets on the floors of this situation. Cows with much ado scratch up the poorer people. Thousands have rooms com- a few mouthfuls of grain; but for their chief sus fortably warmed, with stoves for cooking, that tenance they must depend upon the hay and other were formerly pinched with cold, and prepared provision of the farm-yard. Early lambs and their scanty meals over green fuel in huge stone or calves are kept within doors, and tended with as brick fire-places; so they have convenient kitchen much care as the farmer's own children." utensils, where was to be seen scarcely more than an iron pot, a few articles of tin ware, and a few plates, of all sizes and colors, pewter, earthen and crockery. Scarcely a house can be entered, however far away among or on the mountains, but what the schoolmaster, or his representative, may be found; the Atlas, Geography, Grammar, Arithmetic, National Reader, Philosophy, Algebra, besides Newspapers, Biographies, and something of the valuable literature of the day. A conversation with the sons and daughters soon shows that they have active and inquiring minds, which will not be satisfied that all things are right, because they have seen them done in a certain way. "Now, Farmers, to your helpless charge be kind; Baffle the raging year, and fill their pens SHEEP-They do not care so much for the cold, but they require a dry atmosphere, they should therefore, go out and in at will. They will be found in the clear and intensely cold nights We say, then, that there has been great progress, and that the last year has effected its full lying on the trodden snow in preference to lying down in the barn; while in quite warm, but damp share. Can there be any better FARM WORK for JANUARY, for all of us, than to take a retrospect weather, they lie in the barn or under the sheds. of the past, find encouragement in its teachings, Sheep require careful treatment and keeping as well as the other stock. An occasional feed of and start on the new course with vigorous steps and determined will? We hold such a review to corn, beans, turnips, or carrots, with access to the be eminently practical, as much so as to discourse branches of evergreens thrown into their yards, of cattle and crops, meadows and manure, or pigs will bring them out in the spring with full fleeces and poultry. ACCOUNTS.-These are all settled for the year! 1853, so that we have nothing more to say about them! FUEL. If the reader will peruse again the articles recently given upon fuel, he will see the unprofitableness of burning wood green, and the vexation which it causes in the family. Now is the time to get up the year's supply and prepare it for use. and carcases, and large, vigorous lambs. COLTS and STEERS,if carefully handled daily, will need no breaking of heads or limbs in order to make them work for you. Accustom them to the harness and yoke for weeks before you want their services, and when they understand what you want, they will do all they can cheerfully. PEACH TREES may be headed down during the warmer days, while the heads of all the family may be most profitably filled up with useful knowledge, virtuous principles, and a sincere desire to make everybody about them Happy through this New Year. TOOLS.-All cleansed, repaired, and ready for use? Some of them had not been painted for several years. "All done sir; step this way." Ah, neighbor CAREFUL, that is a sight which would A FINE PIECE OF BEEF.-Mr. REUBEN THOMPSON, have gladdened old JETHRO TULL'S heart. Not a one of our old subscribers, of Plympton, Mass., bolt or wrench in a plow, not a tooth in a rake, deposited on Thursday, one of the finest fat beeves nor a tine in a fork, is lacking. The demon of dis- in the stall of Messrs. Holden, Bullard & Co., cord never disturbs your pillow. Quincy Market, that we have seen for many a day. It was not large, but so mingled and strat- broadcast over the acre of land, which was done ified with the delicious fat and lean, as to make as evenly as possible, and thoroughly harrowed in, even an alderman's mouth water. The ox took leaving sufficient of the urate to put about one spoonful in the hill at planting. the first premium at the late Exhibition of fat cattle in Plymouth county. THE NEW YEAR. The crop was small and light, as was anticipated; but the corn at all times through the season, until ripened, exhibited a luxuriant green and apparent healthiness uncommon for so small would be of great utility on land in a good state a growth. I have no douht the preparation of fertility, for a crop of corn, The last year has been one of great agricultural prosperity throughout our favored land, and one, we confidently believe, of much progress in Having a small quantity of the urate left, I the Art. Mind, among the farmers, has had more used it in planting potatoes, where the effect was thought for the causes and reasons of things, than more gratifying. A piece of old mowing, broke ever before, and it promises to be still more active up the fall before, thoroughly harrowed, and marked out with a plough for manuring in the and inquisitive in the future. hill, was selected for its application. We applied With regard to ourselves, we intend to keep a about to of a fair shovelful of good manure steady draft in the old harness; attentively gath- to the hill, in the midst of which one row was ering up for your pleasure or profit, whatever left, and about a heaped table spoonful, or perseems of permanent value. haps a gill of the urate applied to each hill; the Our correspondents have been able and obligeral pounds in a row of 75 or 80 hills. yield exceeded that of the manured land by seying. We are happy of the opportunity to tender In another part of the same field the experithem our congratulations, and express our obliga- ment was carried still further. In the following, tions, and the hope that our personal relations the rows were all side by side, of equal length, may be more intimate. No important changes in and no manure, except the application mentioned, the management of the paper are contemplated. was used: ROWS FIFTY-FOUR HILLS IN LENGTH. Potatoes, common or middling size, no manure of any kind, weight about During most of the past year, the time and attention of both the Publishers has been greatly occupied in building, laying out grounds, and fitting up recently purchased estates. This, with our being obliged to move to make room for the 1. Mechanics' Fair, has necessarily interrupted our operations somewhat. Yet the interests of 2. the Farmer have gradually advanced, and new readers have been added from nearly every sec-One large potato in hill, weight... tion of the country. We only need prompt one small potato to the hill... Two small potatoes to the hill. payments from all to enable us to say that we One-half large potato in hill. are encouraged "on every side." Do., common or middling sized, spoon full urate...... The next row was planted with middling sized To each and all, we wish a prosperous and potatoes; in yield much like the last weighed ; happy year. the rain prevented our weighing them at the time. From the foregoing it will appear that the urate, or some other cause, produced in fifty-four hills, 62 lbs. more than the same number without any application at all, but the bare soil. Piermont, N. H., Dec., 1853. GRAFTON. REMARKS.-A model communication, friend GRAFTON, and we hope it may be succeeded by others as practical as this. For the New England Farmer. WASTE OF URINE. MR. EDITOR:-Having for years been of the opinion that the farmer's greatest loss in fertilizing substances, is in the almost entire waste of urine from all animals, I was much gratified by finding in the report of the Commissioner of Patents for 1851, House Doc. 102, pages 380 and 381 of said report, an article gathered from the great London exhibition, on the subject of the use of urine compounded with plaster, &c., and making what is there called urate. From that suggestion, I proceeded last March to save what The Granite Farmer states that at a recent urine I conveniently could, and at the time of meeting of the Executive committee of the Hillsplanting corn, selected an acre of land for the experiment, in a lean state of fertility; this land borough County (N. H.) Agricultural Society, it had been manured seven years since; the next was voted to hold five monthly meetings of the year seeded to grass with oats; then in grass four society the ensuing year, viz. : at New Ipswich, the years, and in oats last year. I prepared a com- last Thursday in December; at Amherst—the semipound, which for brevity I will call urate, in annual meeting-the last Thursday in January; this manner: To the urine, which had become A GOOD EXAMPLE. putrid, I added 325 lbs. of ground plaster in its at Brookline, the last Thursday in February; at raw state, about 34 bushels of house ashes, and Woodbury Village, Antrim, the last Thursday in enough common sand, about four bushels, to re- March. The time and place of the remaining duce it to a state of dryness convenient to be sown meeting to be hereafter designated For the New England Farmer. their tributaries, or of the run of water that may be expected to flow into them. They should in all cases, however, be not less than three inches deeper than the others. The question has often been advanced, and as often responded to, in various forms, in the columns of the Farmer and elsewhere, "What does out in the bottom with a narrow spade, and Drains 18 feet apart, and 27 inches deep, taken the agriculturist most essentially want in order to cleaned as for tile, with six inches of beach or small promote the best interests of his vocation?" and it is a very frequent observation that he wants more at a reasonable rate, they are superior to stones or stones, will answer; but when tile can be procured scientific knowledge, and better information as to anything else. The best kind of tile for tributaries, the best modes of farming, &c. But it appears to are those of a semi-circular form, 4 inches wide me that a great many know a "leetle mite better" and 14 inches long, open cn the base. It has been about these things than they pretend. At any recommended that they should be perforated with rate, I think there are a great many of the agri-holes to admit the water, but they should have no cultural implements now in use, and some ways of holes; they are better without them, and the closworking, that "can't be beat;" as the old man said er they can be laid to each other the better. Soles when he pulled up a carrot. But then again, in in all cases should be dispensed with except in soft order to view the statute of truth with some cor- places, where they are absolutely necessary. Tiles rectness, we must walk all round it. On the oth- cannot be laid so snugly on soles, besides, they are er hand, there are some operations carried on in a apt to be shifted or misplaced, or even broken by style that seems about as ridiculous as plowing with the horses hauling by the tail. This is ap- them is the top soil free from stones. A little any pressure from above. The best covering above plicable, in most instances, to the system of thorough draining which has come under observa- to do more harm than good. There are many farstraw might be used, but any stone or bush is apt tion "Down East." Perhaps the method is a little better "Out West," but I am inclined to believe the surface water to get in, but there is a great mers who think that they must make a chance for that you, too, want some modification in that mistake in this matter. The surface water will particular; and as I have had some experience in get in fast enough. It must be borne in mind that draining, I shall just lay before you some brief ob- plants derive most of their nourishment from water, servations on the subject in my own blunt way. This very important and most essential opera- been clearly demonstrated by placing a vessel filled even more than is generally supposed. This has tion has been carried on to some extent by the with earth away from the surface of the ground, farmers around the suburbs of the little city of and raising a plant in it by watering it. Calais, Me., and St.Stephens, N.B., and an outline plant when grown may be as heavy as the whole of the drains there will serve as a description of earth in which it was raised; and yet it is found most I have seen in other parts of the country on being removed that the earth will weigh as They are opened about 34 feet wide at the top, heavy as when first put in. The conclusion is that and vary in width at the bottom, from 2 or 24 feet the plant has received the elements of its conto 1 foot,and are from 24 to 34 feet in depth, being struction from the water and the atmosphere. from two rods to a greater distance apart. They are filled with stones to within a foot or 15 inch-freely, besides being injurious to the drain, it may Accordingly when the water is admitted too es of the surface, for the most part, some with cul- run off without leaving its fertilizing and nourishverting and some without. The large drains are ing elements in the soil. calculated as receptacles for the muckle stanes. Now The I predict that drains of this description will not be great portion of the high land in these parts can Again, it has been doubted by some whether a long in getting choked up, and will ultimately be- be benefited by draining. They allege that it is come of little service in any country, particularly already too dry, &c; but it should be borne in mind in these parts, where the action of the frost is so that drying is not the only object to be attained by penetrating, and renders the soil of a pliable tex-draining. I have seen even comparatively dry land ture, so that it is easily washed away or run down materially benefited thereby, so much so, indeed, when a heavy rain-storm descends. Vermin are also most likely to seek a rendez-jured by the drought than before. Why,sir, there that the crops on it were far less liable to be invous in such drains, making holes from the surface are some of the best farmers in Scotland, so endown to the stones, which gives the water a great-thusiastic in this, that they have the tiles plaser chance for the work of destruction, and besides tered up at the joining with wrought clay, and that they are far more expensive than drains of a more even when the drains are 3 feet deep, to prevent serviceable and permanent nature. the water from getting in too fast. When drains are intended to be filled with But again I would say, let those who have any stones, they ought to be ruled or lined on the doubt about the accuracy or gospel of these statesurface not more than 15 inches wide, and dugments, or I would invite any one, to put the thing out to the depth of three feet. The bottom and to the test by actual experiment. Let them try side should be left as clean as the nature of the the garden. Let them open the drains, 27 inches ground will admit, and then filled with clean small deep and 18 feet apart, or from that to 36 inches cobble-stones to the depth of not more than 12 deep and 36 feet apart, according as they think inches, with a neat small culvert. They should will best suit the nature of the ground; and as the be nicely levelled on the top, and have a covering price of tiles, (according to the advertisements of straw or bush, then be filled in as soon after as which have appeared in your journal) is beyond possible. Drains of this description will answer the the reach of farmers of common means, let a suitpurpose in most land, 36 feet apart. The leading able conduit be made, of some wooden construcor main drains will require to be proportionate in tion. Wood will last a long time in a drain, certheir dimensions and construction to the extent of tain kinds of it at least. There are some parts in Scotland where wood has been used very exten- food is consumed. 3d. A much heavier and better sively for drains. Nor is that the only material flecee is obtained. 4th. The flock comes through that has been used there. In clayey land I have the winter in a much finer and healthier condition. seen black thorn-bushes used exclusively. Also 5th. The lambs are more vigorous and likely to furze, (whin,) heather, &c., and even tough-top live. In short, reason, economy and humanity, sod, all to good purpose. all conspire to teach the important lesson-pro But, to conclude, I would just remark farther, vide suitable stables for your sheep. And he who that there are certain wet lands which are conse- can and will not do it, ought himself to sleep quently cold and sour, where draining may not be of bare-footed and alone, on a couch of straw, with much apparent benefit the first season; there being open windows and under a leaky roof, where the. certain peculiar elements lying dormant which I winds go piping and careering through every crack cannot scientifically describe, that are brought in- of his cabin, for six months at least, until he to action by the operation of draining which it shall have learned to sympathize with the dumb takes some time to accomplish, and which may re- beasts God has committed to his care' and keepquire the assistance of a sprinkling of lime, a ing. little manure, (about half the usual quantity,) and some extra stirring, (subsoiling,) and then-Mr. Brown, what do you say? There is much that might be brought forward on the theory of draining, and its advantages; possibly I may take up the subject another time. Harvey, York Co, N.B., Dec. 6, 1853. J. T. PRACTICAL HINTS IN SHEEP HUS- MR. EDITOR :-Allow me, through your valuable journal, to reply to a few questions often put to us by young wool growers. TUPS-HOW TREATED. November is the month for coupling the ewe and sire. As five months usually intervene between conception and delivery, every flock-master can decide for himself how early to have his lambs make their appearance. Ohio can adopt a period 3 or 4 weeks earlier than Vermont. The buck should be kept up to generous feed during the tuping season, and allowed to serve from 8 to 12 ewes per day only. One leap is considered sufficient, and the ewes served should be taken from the flock and placed in another field. In 12 or 15 days, a flock of 150 ewes can be served by one buck,with less injury to himself than he would feel by being turned out to run with 60 ewes. Again Is it curable, and by what process? Experience the fact that they were begotten when the sire his lambs come more vigorous and healthy, from affirms that it can be cured effectively by the following method. 1st. Pare and scrape the hoof most was in proper trim. After the flock has all been throughly, ridding it of all offensive matter by days, to ensure service to any delinquents. served, turn the buck and ewes together for a few means of a sharp knife. 2d. Then apply a strong decoction of tobacco, in which has been dissolved as much blue vitriol (pulverized,) as will dissolve, Place a box in the shed, in a secure place, where to which is added a small portion spirits turpentine. only one sheep can approach it at a time. Fill The vitriol is a caustic-the tobacco is healing this with 6 or 8 quarts of salt, and it will be found and the turpentine is penetrating. In slight affec- that the flock will partake of it in such quantities, tions two applications, five or six days apart, will and at such times as nature directs. When the effect a cure. In severe cases it must be followed box is emptied, fill again. FOULS OR FOOT ROT. SALT IN WINTER. Do SHEEP NEED WATER IN WINTER? up for a few weeks. I have known sheep that walked on their fore-knees, not being able to touch their fore-feet to the ground, completely cured by They do, most certainly. A Dutchman of my this remedy. Remember that the knife performs acquaintance once shut up a flock of sheep and an essential part in the cure; use it thoroughly. fed them on dry hay and corn with no water. Butter of antimony, lime, alum, white lead, vitriol Within six weeks several died. A post mortem and other caustics have been used and failed. The examination came to the very correct conclusion tobacco is needed to heal. SHEDS FOR SHEEP. that they died of thirst. His only excuse was, when interrogated on the subject, that "he supDo sheep require housing in the winter month? posed sheep would live without water!" His supposition was a costly one, and taught him an imMost certainly; no domestic animal needs it more and none gives better returns for the outlay. Es time. The fluids of the system must be supplied. portant lesson. He remembers it to the present pecially is this true in Ohio, and other Western Hence, water is highly necessary to the well being States, where the winters are open and rainy, and of the flock. the weather very changeable. Let a flock of sheep be once thorougly drenched with rain and sleet, GRAIN ITS UTILITY-WHICH IS BEST. and then exposed for fifteen hours to a northwest The kind and amount of grain fed to a flock of blast, which freezes the fleece around them, and sheep, will be regulated wholly by the object in consumption and death will mark many a victim, view. For mutton purposes, corn is the best, beand ere spring, greatly enhance the amount of cause its properties are to lay on fat. If growth crow-bate upon the farm. of carcass be the object, as it should be with lambs Said an enterprising wool-grower of Vermont in from 4 to 12 months of age, then oats, peas and our hearing the other day, "I would not have my beans are the best grains, as their properties are flock of 600 sheep once thoroughly wet to the hide in to favor the growth of bone and muscle. If wool winter for $50. Rather than suffer it, I would shut be the main object, then wheat and rye, peas and them up 36 hours without food or drink." The beans are the best, as they contain a larger per advantages of housing are manifold. 1st. A large centage of the constituent properties of wool, per centage of deaths are avoided. 2d. Much less than other grains and directly promote the wool |
