Fertility of Subsoils

MESSRS. EDITORS-It seems to be questioned of late by some of your correspondents whether there is much in the short phrase which stands at the head of this brief article. I know it was once considered a heresy in farming, to thrust the plow beneath the surface soil, or think of bringing to the light earth which the sun had never shone upon. But I had supposed that these ideas had become obsolete-that the beaten track of our fathers, in surface cultivation and scanty crops, had been abandoned for a more enlightened and improved method of extracting from the soil greater returns by strengthening and deepening its powers to yield without exhaustion. That this is, and has been the case, the improved condition of a great number of farms in this part of the country affords abundant proof. Farmers have learnt that there is fertility in subsoils, and one of the prominent features of modern improvement, is, to break into and bring up the subsoils and get 8 to 12 inches of mellow earth to nourish the roots and sustain the growing crop, instead of 3 to 5 inches as was formerly the general practice. There may be isolated cases in some peculiar localities, where no perceptible benefit can be realized by disturbing the subsoil, and perhaps a positive injury, but these are "like angels' visits, few and far between."

cases,

My purpose in writing now, is to relate one instance of fertility-my first experiment with subsoils. In the spring of 1826, which was followed by one of the driest summers ever known in this region, and remembered as the great grasshopper season, when on the uplands and plains every green thing was eaten by the myriad of these destructive insects, which covered the earth and filled the air, I contracted to plant and raise ten acres of corn, and after harvesting the crop, to divide it equally with the owner of the land. I was then too poor to own any land, and working another's land upon shares was the best I could do. It was alluvion, or river bottom land, which was the only kind of land that escaped the ravages of the grasshopper that season. Adjoining one edge of this field, was a high sandy bluff, and where there was a slight depression, the water collected and ran down, at the time of an uncommon great fall of rain in Oct. 1820, and washed out the bank to the depth of 20 feet, depositing the dirt on the meadow below, from 6 to 18 inches deep, and covering about one acre of the surface of the meadow. The owner of this beautiful intervale had lamented and mourned over the loss of this acre-not only the land was gone, out of sight, (a loss of $75 at least,)-but that unsightly mass of sand troubled him-a barren spot amidst fertility. A few thistles and weeds began to spring up upon the outskirts; it seemed to me there might be soil there, or something that would make soil, and as it lay in one corner of the field I was to cultivate that season, I proposed to manure and plow it with the field, to which he assented, but neither he nor I had much faith in a crop of corn from it. There was not manure enough to put only about 15 ox-cart ads to the acre upon the whole field, spread broad

cast-no more put upon the barren acre than upon the other part-but I plowed it twice the depth, about 10 inches; it was all hoed well twice; after the first hoeing a mixture of slaked lime, unleached ashes and plaster, was applied, a single handful to each hill of corn. In every particular, the whole field was treated alike; but the corn on the sandy loam that had washed in, six years previous, took the start early in the season, and kept ahead throughout. The average yield of the whole field, was 62 bushels of shelled corn to the acre, and the supposed barren acre had at least one-fifth more than any other part of the field. This convinced me that susboils are worth looking after, and my attention has since ever been drawn to deep plowing. Some of this soil was washed out 20 feet below the surface, and yet possessed all the elements of fertility in an eminent degree. The owner of this land told me, a few years afterwards, that this acre continued to produce equal to the best of his intervale, only it was inclined to grow thistles rather too rank. Every one who has had experience with Canada thistles knows that they flourish best on the deepest and richest soils. J. W. COLBURNE. Springfield, Vt., Aug. 26, 1855.

Fencing with Wood and Wire.

MESSRS. EDITORS-In answer to the inquiry of B. F. T. of Louisville, (Ky.) in the Cultivator-of June last, we would recommend fencing lands subject to inundation, with wood and wire, as follows:

The wire to be used is one-eighth of an inch in diameter-may be less. Two wires at the top make the top rail, and two the bottom rail. The two sets of wires may be three feet apart. Fasten the wires by winding them twice round a large bolt driven into a tree, and secure the loose ends by afterwards weaving them into the slats of the fence. The coils of wire should be kept some yards apart to prevent being entangled while building; and a stake driven into the ground some yards ahead, (to be moved as occasion requires) with holes in the same, through which to pass the wires before fastening to the first tree or post. A strip of inch board, four feet long and three inches wide, is now placed erect between the wires, next the tree, and the wires crossed; another board set up and the wires crossed back, and so on, fastening to the trees or posts by staples driven through the boards astride the wires: and you now have a strong durable fence, warped with wire, and filled with wood.

The advantages claimed for this kind of fence, areIt is suitable for the border of a river, the edge of a grove, or across a stream, and perhaps in many other places. It is easily constructed, materials light and cheap, and can be made in the shop, in sections of eight or ten feet, and be a portable fence. There are no joints to retain water; the woody portions stand erect, and are only worn out by the action of rain, &c. The winds may blow and the floods come, it is neither blown down or washed away, and is formidable enough to restrain unruly horses and cattle. CHARLES COLBY. Meriden, N. H.

Premium List U. S. Ag. Society.

The following premiums will be awarded at the Third National Exhibition by the U. S. Ag. Society, to be held in Boston Oct. 23-26.

For the best bull and four cows, from any one herd, $300-2d do. $100.

SHORT HORNS. Bulls. Three years old and upwards, 1st premium $100-2d, $50-3d, Diploma. Two years old, 1st, $50-2d, $25. One year old, 1st, $25-2d, $10. Cows and heifers, same premiums as

for bulls.

DEVONS, AYRSHIRES, HEREFORDS, and JERSEYS ; same as Shorthorns.

GRADE COWS. Same as Shorthorn bulls. Cows the saine.

NATIVE MILCH COWS. Five years old and over, four premiums-$100, 75, 50, and 25. Three years old and under five: four premiums. $75, 50, 25, 15.

WORKING OXEN. Four years old and upwards, 1st, $100, 2d, $50-3d $25. STEERS. Two years old and under four, 1st. $50-2d, $25-3d, $15.

FAT CATTLE Fat Bullock, 1st, $75-2d, $50-3d, $25. Fat Cow, 1st, $50—2d, $25-3d, $15.

THOROUGHBRED STALLIONS AND MARES.

Stallions,

4 years old and upwards-1st, $200-24, $100-3d, $50 -4th, Diploma. Mares, 4 years old and upwards1st, $150-21, $100-3d, $50-4th, Diploma.

STALLIONS OF ALL Work-4 years old and upwards -four premiums, $200, $100, $50, and diploma. Three years old and under four, 4 premiums-$150, $75, $50, and diploma. Two years old and under three-4 premiums, $50, $25, $15 and diploma. One year old and under two-3 premiums, $30, $20 and diploma.

BREEDING MARES AND FILLIES. Mares four years old and upwards, 4 premiums, $150, 8100, $50, and diploma. Fillies, three year old, 3 premiums, $75, 850, and diploma. Fillies, two years old, 3 premiums, $50 $20, and diploma. Fillies, one year old and under two, 3 premiums, $30, $20 and diploma.

MATCHED HORSES-4 premiums, $100, $75, $50,

$25.

FANCY MATCHED HORSES-3 premiums, $75, $50 and diploma.

PONIES-Matched, $25. Single $20.

FAMILY HORSES-4 premiums,-$100, $75, $50 and $25.

DRAFT HORSES. Matched, 3 premiums-$100, $50 and $25-Single, 3 premiums, $50, $25 and diploma.

LONG WOOLED SHEEP. Bucks, two years old and over, 3 premiums, $25, $15 and diploma. Under two years, 3 premiums, $20, $10, and diploma. EwesNot less than five in number-same premiums as for bucks. MIDDLE WOOLS, MERINOS AND SAXONS: same premiums as for Long Wools.

SUFFOLK SWINE. Boars, two years old and upwards, 3 premiums, $25, $15, and diploma. One year old and upwards-3 premiums, $20, $10, and diploma. Sows, same premiums as for boars. ESSEX, and " OTHER BREEDS," same premiums as for Suffolks.

PIGS. Not less than six in a litter-ten months old and under, 2 premiums, $15, and $10.

One thousand dollars have been set apart for discretionary premiums.

There will be trials of trotting horses on Tuesday and Wednesday, of horses that have never trotted for money; 1st premium, $200-2d, $100. On Friday there will be: "A grand trial of speed, free for all trotting horses and all drivers," 1st premium, 83002d, $100.

Trial of Reapers in France.

At the trial of agricultural implements which took place at La Trappes, on the farm of Mr. DAILLY, Postmaster General of France, American Reaping and Thrashing machines came off victorious, in competition with the world. Prince Napoleon, M. Drouyn de l'Huys, Gen. Morin, M. Emile de Girardin, and other distinguished men from different countries were present. Among them were nine Arab chiefs," tall, fine looking men, who took much interest in the proceedings." ExPresident Fillmore, Gen. Tombs, several members of Congress, and other distinguished Americans were also present. There were seven reapers on the ground, three American, McCormick's Manny's and Hussey's, two English, and two French. The wheat was heavy and much laid. The machines all started together at the tap of the drum; McCormick's taking the lead, and keeping it to the end. It finished its portion in 10 minutes; Manny's in 16 minutes and Hussey's in 18 minutes. Cournier's (French) machine came out next. The others varied from half an hour to an hour

and a half.

There were four thrashing machines entered for competition, one American (Pitt's of Buffalo) one English, one Belgium and two French. They worked half an hour. Six men with flails were set to work at the moment the machines started. The following are the results of the trial:

60 litres of wheat. .740 litres of wheat.

Six thrashers with flails,. Pitt's American Thrasher,. Clayton's English Thrasher,....410 litres of wheat. Dunoir's French Thrasher, .250 litres of wheat. Pinet's Belgian Thrasher,......150 litres of wheat. In regard to Pitt's machine, the Moniteur says: "Pitt's machine has therefore gained the honors of the day. This machine literally devours the sheaves of wheat; the eye cannot follow the work which is effected between the entrance of the sheaves and the end of the operation. It is one of the greatest results which it is possible to obtain. The impression which this spectacle produced upon the Arab Chiefs was profound."

Daisies.

Predjudices rise up in our minds and obscure our views of things like insurmountable precipices. A want of observation perpetuates them. For want of attention it appears to me that an unjust predjudice has arisen against daisies. The daisy is a very hardy plant; stands the drouth better than most grasses; is highly aromatic, mucillaginous, and pleasant tasted herb, and very nutritious. On the sandy lands about Cape Cod, where grasses are raised with difficulty, daisy seed is sown by some farmers, and the hay made from it is considered to be worth thirty three per cent more than that made from timothy or clover. The

hay made from it is highly relished by horses, cattle and sheep. The only objection against them, seems to be, that though horses and cattle are fond of them when made into hay, they will not eat them when green. But as there is no herb which can be placed before sheep of which they are more fond than of the daisy, their great regard for this plant can be made use of as a means of destroying them. A few years

since, I pastured a field, which was well seeded with daisies, very closely with sheep early in spring-in May I turned it over with the plow and put on a crop of oats, turning under the daisies, and letting them stay underneath. Thus I unintentionally destroyed nearly all of them. There is one other mode of destroying them. Make the land so rich with manure, that if it be a meadow, it will produce a large crop of grass, and the grass will choke out the daisies.

Having long cultivated daisies I am entirely indifferent about getting rid of them. Wherever the land is rich enough to bear a good crop of grass the grass will grow in spite of them. Wherever the land is poor or out of heart, the daisy takes its place and forms a substitute which is highly useful as pasture for sheep or as hay for them, or other animals. They come into bloom about the same time as clover, and should be cut before the blossom falls. They do not flourish on wet soils; but on poor dry, hilly, or mountainous lands and on poor sandy plains like those of eastern Maryland or Virginia, they may be raised to great advantage for sheep pasturage where ordinary grasses cannot be produced. H. J. CANFIELD. Mahoning Co.

Stationary and Movable Horse Powers. MESSRS. EDITORS-Having it in contemplation to build a barn the coming season, I wish to be informed whether a stationary horse power, fixed in the basement story, would not be cheaper and better than any of the movable powers now in use. The plan on which I propose to build is, with a little variation, the one described by Robert Sinclair in vol. 6 of the Cultivator (1839,) page 148. Sufficient room may be conveniently arranged in the basement for the power and horse-path, and the question with me is whether it is best to prepare it for that purpose? I have been told, but know not with how much truth, that many of the farmers in the middle states, who have heretofore had stationary powers erected, have thrown them by as useless, and procured some of the movable kinds, finding them far superior to the old ones. If such be the fact, would it be profitable to provide room in the basement for a movable power? And if so,-how large a space? And whose plan of a power is best, where ample room can be had? Until recently I had always heard stationary powers spoken of as the cheapest, most simple, least liable to get out of repair, and on the whole much the best.

I would like to get the views of any of your subscribers who have had experience in these matters, and they are many. I therefore beg leave that their views and the facts and observations resulting from their experience herein, be made known through your papers as soon as convenience will permit, not doubting that the evidence thus brought out will have a tendency to settle the question, and that others may be benefitted thereby as well as myself.

One other topic I wish to mention. There is no ground alum salt, such as is put up for salting butter, brought to this market. It has not been in Chicago this season. Our dealers have repeatedly inquired for

it. Where is a good article of the kind to be had? CYRUS BRYANT. Princeton, Ill., Aug. 27

To Renovate Worn-out Meadows. Answer to G. A. H., Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Plow by all means; and if the land is not underdrained, plow in lands 30 to 40 feet wide, so that the dead-furrow, when cleared out, will be a ditch for the discharge of surplus water. Land that is low and wet, must be plowed in a dry time. I use for plowing, where the sward is tough, with brakes, bogs, and wild grass, a plow that cuts sixteen inches wide and ten to fourteen deep, with wheel and coulter, drawn by four stout oxen; the furrow turned flat and shut in; then roll with a heavy roller, and harrow well lengthwise; manure with rotten and compost manure, fifteen to thirty loads to the acre; seed with herds grass and northern red-top, with a little sprinkle of clover.

Let the land be fitted in the fall, have the benefit of the winter frosts, and sow the seed any time in May; harrow and roll, and in three months you may often cut three tons, tender, first quality hay to the acre. When the grass has run out, as it will in four to seven years, plow again, and go through with the same course. Soils with a tender turf, may be plowed with a common two-horse plow, 11 to 12 inch furrow, and as shallow as 4 or 5 inches, treated in the same way, with good results.

TO KILL WHITE DAISY.-Be sure that none ripens its seed. The roots may be killed by thorough plowing, or by thorough cultivation with a hoed crop.

Many years ago, I tried harrowing and re-seeding old meadows, with a poor result. H. W. L. Rutland, Vt.

Curing Corn for Fodder.

I see in the last Country Gent., an inquiry about securing broadcast corn for winter. I have tried many ways, but have only succeeded well with all my crop thus: I set crotches in the ground, 12 or 15 feet apart, laying a pole in the crotches, say 7 to 8 feet above the ground. Commence at one end, laying rails or poles, 11 feet apart, about 10 or 11 feet long, on each side, one end on the pole, the other on the ground, similar to the rafters for a tolerably flat roof-lay a few stalks crossways of the poles or rails, to prevent the fodder from falling through-then commence standing the longest or straightest stalks, but down, on the ground -put a course the length of the fodder house or stack, on both sides-the next course buts up, and so on until the stack is finished, covering the top with coarse hay or long straw. It may be put on one foot thick, and covered again in the same way another foot thick, if desired, after standing a week or two in dry weather, leaving the frame open at both ends. I cut with a short cradle, when the corn is not very tall and stands up well, or with grass knives when down or stout, leaving it lying on the ground three or four days, before taking it up. When well put up, it is sure to keep well. At the commencement of winter, the north end may be closed up if desired, and filled inside. LEWIS BAILEY. Fairfax Co., Va.

Inquiries and Answers.

LAYING DRAIN TILES.-S. F. D., Bath, Me. It imposible to give any general "directions for laying tiles," that are applicable to all cases. With horseshoe tiles, on soft, mucky soil, or when the drains run through a quick sand, it is necessary to lay them with great care, on sole made for the purpose, or on pieces of broken tiles; being very careful to have the fall constant, so that there shall be no chance for a deposit of sand, as would be the case if the flow of water was at all checked. If pipes or sole-tiles are used, all that that is necessary is to see that the bottom of the drain has a level descent, if we may use such an expression, and to carefully put the ends of the tiles together, so that there shall not be too great a space between. The tiles are sometimes covered with an inverted sod, if convenient; if not, they can be covered with the clay and soil thrown out of the drain. No fears need be entertained that the water cannot get into the drains A little practice will soon dispel this foolish notion. FARM BUILDINGS.-Can you give in your paper some plans for buildings for a stock and dairy farm? G. H. W. Clarksville, Geo.

We are now getting out our Illustrated Annual Register of Rural Affairs for 1856, which will contain seven Designs for Farm Houses-Five Designs for BarnsTwo for Carriage Houses, and a great variety of other structures. It will be issued about the first of October-price 25 cents-sent by mail post-paid.

OSAGE PLANTS FOR BEARING-I have a fine lot of Osage Orange plants growing, and wish to be informed at what age those left unpruned will blossom and bear seed.

who have had experience with it, when is the best time to cut it, the best method of curing it, stacking, &c. Some I have talked to about it say it should be cut when quite green before the ears are formed, while others say it is better to let it get nearly ripe. BRIGH

TON.

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HAY MAKING MACHINE Transactions of N. Y. Ag. Society for 1855, I find a On page 104, of the drawing of a hay-making machine used in England. I wish to inquire through your paper, if this machine, or a similar one, is used in this country, and if so where to be obtained. A. W. MORSE. Eaton, N. Y.

this country. It is simply a machine for " tedding" or shaking out the hay from the swath. It is not used for shaking out clover, timothy, rye-grass, &c., but only for the "English meadow hay." It is an expensive machine, and we question if it would be of any great advantage in this country. We seldom keep our had spread out more than a few hours, whereas the English &c., frequently. Under such circumstances, the "tedare obliged to keep it spread several days, turning it, ding machine saves much labor. Where a mowing machine is used, and the grass is already spread out on the ground, this machine would be of no use with

We believe there is no machine of this kind made in

us.

THE CHESTNUT.-Can you inform me if the Chestnut is as quick a growing tree as the Locust, and if it would be suitable to make a screen or belt 30 or 40 ft. pose? W. E. WOODWARD. Kickapoo, Ill. thick; and how close they ought to be put for that pur

The Osage Orange requires several years (varying with circumstances, not always to be controlled,) to come into bearing. It will bear fruit in the northern states, but our impression is that the seed will only ripen well at the south. Can any of our correspondents inform us definitely on this point?

Spread the lime broad-cast, in the fall, and plow it in three or four inches deep; it is not advisable to bury it too deeply, as lime naturally descends in the soil. We have seen excellent results when spread on a plowed field and worked into the soil with a cultivator.

INDIAN CORN FOR BREAD, &c.-Will you please to inform me what is the best variety of Indian corn for bread, and where the seed can be procured. I think the southern corn, which is altogether raised here, is very inferior to what I have seen and eat in the eastern states.. Also where can I get a periodical publication on rural architecture; drafts in full, and in detail; also, exclusively devoted to modern building. I am a house builder and have plenty of works of ancient architecture; I also have A. J. DOWNING and some others, but I want one more in detail. G. L. S. Galesburg, Ill.

We do not know of any periodical that would come up to your requirements. You might get some hints from Wheeler's Homes for the People. Will some of our correspondents answer the corn inquiry.

HARVESTING CORN FOR FODDER-I have got an excellent field of corn sown thick in rows for the use of my cattle in summer, but not wanting it I have concluded to make it into fodder, as the rain has materially damaged my hay and straw on which I usually depend to winter my stock. I have never cured any, and should be glad to hear from any of your readers

be planted where the trees are to remain. Care should be taken that they are kept moist from the moment they are taken from the tree-if the outside shell become dry, they are of difficult vegetation. Mixed with leaf mould or sand, they will keep well till planted, which may be in the fall, or very early in spring. Plant in hills like corn, about 6 or 8 feet apart, and afterwards thin out to one.

HAY PRESSES.-Many Subscribers, Pittsburgh, Pa. Messrs. DEERING & DICKSON of this city, manufacture hay presses, both portable and stationary, which we think cannot fail to suit you. For descriptions of them-their weight, price, &c., see Co. Gent., vol. 4, p. 167, and vol. 6, p. 107. JAMES WARDROP of your city, is agent for the sale of these presses, through whom we presume you can order them.

STRAWBERRIES-J. F, Quebec. The Early Scarlet, Hovey's Seedling and Burr's New Pime, we would recommend for your purpose. They can be had at all the Nurseries, at about $1.50 for 100 plants.

POULTRY HOUSE.-I have a building 30 by 40-16 feet posts-which I intend to arrange for a troop of the feathered tribe. Will you or some of your practical correspondents, give me a plan for constructing this building so as to accommodate the greatest number of fowls, with such other improvements as they may have. J. C. P. Le Roy, N. Y.

CORN PLANTERS, MILLS, &c.-Can you recommend any of the corn planters to me as answering the purposes, for which they were intended, saving labor, and not easily put out of repair, and to be used on rather rough ground. And will any of the corn and cob mills, grind as well as stones? Will they make a good Hominy and corn meal. Perhaps some of your subscribers might inform me. An answer will oblige, J. M. E. V. Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier Co. Va.

MEASUREMENT OF HAY IN BULK.-John Campbell Jr. Monroe N. Y. The following receipt for ascertaining the weight of hay in a stack or barn has been going the rounds of the papers for some time.

Multiply the length, breadth, and height of all the

It is difficult to give a rule that is adapted to all kinds of hay, different modes of stacking &c. but we are inclined to think the above estimate too low.

Twelve cubic yards of Timothy and red-top hay would probably be nearer an average. We shall be obliged, to any of our readers for information on this point.

BLOODY MURRAIN.-One of our Ohio subscribert wishes a cure for this disease. Will some of our experienced correspondents give him one.

It may be and doubtless is true that a cow three years old, will give less milk than she will at a later period of life; but if it is richer or better in quality, then my experience in the management of cows, milk, and butter, is an exception to the general rule, for I had supposed that exactly the reverse of the proposition was true-namely, that a cow will not make as much butter or cheese from the same quantity of milk at 3 or 4 years old, (all other things being equal,) as she will at 6 or 8 years old. Now for the fact :-In the summer of 1851, I had a heifer, 2 years old, that gave 22 lbs. of milk per day, which produced 12 ounces of butter. The same cow, 3 years after, gave 48 lbs. of milk per day, which produced 31 ounces of butter, thus showing what I supposed was a conceded fact, that the milk of a young cow was not as rich as in after life. If I am in error in this position, I hope that some of the Lewis County dairymen, (than whom you say there are none better in the world,) will set me right.

In the same article you say that you are not aware that any effort has been made to procure a breed of cows peculiarly adapted to dairy districts, which may be and doubtless is true, so far as regards importers or professional breeders; but that there has been a very great improvement in milch cows within the last 10 years, by selecting our best native milkers, and by crossing with other approved breeds, is a fact so well established, that it cannot be successfully contradicted. In my own neighborhood, there certainly has been a very great improvement made in the milking qualities of cows, dairies producing from one-third to onehalf more than they did 10 years since, and this I believe to be so generally throughout the state.

There are other things in the same article that are new to me and will receive some attention hereafter. ONTARIO.

Our remarks were designed to call out the experience of our correspondents on these points. We thank "Ontario " for his letter, and hope to hear from him

him to have large experience. The expression," the younger the cow the richer the milk," is too indefinite and probably not correct. No doubt, as our correspondent says, the milk of a two-year old heifer, is not as rich as that of a five-year old cow. We did not intend to be understood as saying it would be richer. We distinctly stated that a cow was in her prime when five or six years of age, and the fair inference from our language is that after this age, the "younger the cow the richer the milk " We also said that after "her eighth or ninth year, the milk deteriorates in quality." If our correspondent "would like to see the data upon which this opinion is founded," we will endeavor to furnish it.

We quite agree with our correspondent that there has been a great improvement in the breed of cows for milking purposes during the last ten years, but still we have no breed of cattle peculiarly adapted for the dairy districts of our country. If there is such a breed in Ontario county, we have yet to see it. The method by which our correspondent says the improvement was brought about, is precisely the one we recommended our Lewis County friend to pursue-select the best milkers from "what is called our native breed," and breed from it in special reference to the dairy, by crossing with Ayrshire and other improved breeds that have fixity of character-a quality which our "native breed" does not possess.

Sprouted Wheat Good for Seed.

A correspondent of the Rural New-Yorker, W. GARBUT, Wheatland, N. Y. states that sprouted wheat is about as good for seed as that which is uninjured by wet weather. This will be good news to many of our readers. Mr. G. is a careful and reliable man and the statement may be acted on with confidence. He says:

The excessive wet weather in harvest sprouted so much of the wheat in this section, that many of the farmers are very anxious to procure sound wheat for seed. I can assure them that they need not be solicitous on that account, for wheat that has been sprouted will germinate as freely a second time as it did the first, and with equal vigor. To test the fact, on the 17th of this month I took some of the worst sprouted wheat that I had; every kernel of it had grown, and it was so thoroughly dry that the sprouts all rubbed off. I put it into rich soil of suitable moisture. On the fifth day much of it made its appearance, and now, on the eighth day, many of the spears are three inches long, and as strong and as vigorous as I ever saw young shoots of wheat Every kernel of it has grown.

Inquiries about Keeping Poultry.

There are many persons living in towns and villages who, like myself, wish to keep a dozen or so of fowls principally for the purpose of furnishing their families with fresh eggs. While the "hen fever" raged, we were utterly at a loss to decide on the merits of the several breeds, so many were the varieties and so loudly were their good qualities proclaimed by the respective venders. Now that this epidemie has subsided, perhaps you will be willing to give your opinion as to the best breed for the purpose above named, with reference also to their value for the table, their hardiness &c. &c D. Adrian, Mich.