Foot-Rot in Sheep. The following article from the Mark Lane Express, contains a full description of this formidable and infectious malady, and may enable some of our younger readers to detect it and to apply promptly the proper remedy. We copy the mode of treatment here recommended for the purpose of pointing out a much better, simpler, and cheaper mode, introduced some years since' with great success, by HUMPHRY HOWLAND, Esq. of Aurora, Cayuga Co. N. Y. (who has kept an average of 2000 sheep for the last 30 years,) and first noticed in the Cultivator in 1846. We may here remark, that this remedy, had it been earlier known, would have saved him some thousands of dollars; and others who have been since induced to try it from that recommendation, assure us that it is incomparably superior to any other remedy they have tried. The second season of its appl cation in the flock of H. Howland, it diminished the disease from thirty per cent to one per cent, or in other words, only one sheep was affected with it where thirty had been before. Subsequently it wholly eradicated the disease; while other flocks in the same neighborhood, untreated, remained as badly affected as ever. The remedy consists simply in mixing flour sulphur with the salt given to the sheep, in a proportion just sufficient to discolor perceptibly the salt, or about one eightieth part. Sulphur may be had in New-York city at a wholesale price about one-fourth of that commonly charged by the pound, making the sulphur and labor of application not over two cents per head. From some experiments we have made with other diseases of a similar character, we should much prefer a solution of chloride of lime, to any other application, where the local virulence of the disease is such as to render local treatment necessary, in addition to the sulphur, especially in case of fine and costly animals. Flockmasters in Germany separate the diseases incidental to the foot of the sheep into two kinds-infectious and non-infectious; or better, into the virulent and the mild foot-rot; for although the common footrot is there considered by some as non-infectious, it is perhaps only comparatively so, being attended with little or no danger, and often disappearing without the application of a remedy, although through neglect it may degenerate into the virulent or infectious state. The following remarks relate, I think, to the disease alluded to by Mr. Watkins, and which he supposes to have been introduced into England of late years; in Germany, they trace its origin in that country to the introduction of the Merino sheep. It first shows itself in the limping gait of the animal, which gradually increases; generally commencing with one of the forefeet, afterward both are affected, and at last this lameness extends to the hinder feet, with increasing bodily weakness. The diseased foot is hot, and is often swollen round the hoof, which is more open or wider apart than on the sound foot, and the skin of the coronet is inflamed. An unpleasant smelling humor exudes, which thickens on exposure to the atmosphere, and not only inflames and destroys the immediately surrounding skin, but often penetrates between the horn of the hoof and the foot itself, the horny part partially separating from the flesh; and in the worst cases an entire separation of the hoof takes place, and if neglected, destroying the muscles and sinews, and attacking even the bones of the feet; in which condition the poor animal moves about on its knees, or helplessly lies down, the whole system gradually becomes poisoned, and although generally with unimpaired appetite, it wastes away until death releases it from suffering. The worst form of this disease is not so often met with in the coarser Merino flocks, as in those where every care is taken in improving the fineness and quality of wool, by which means they are rendered more susceptible to the changes of temperature and weather. It is of a very infectious nature, if proper precaution be not taken, spreading through an entire flock in a month or two, and is often introduced by merely driving sound sheep over land where diseased sheep have been a short time previously. Precaution is the oldest and best remedy; but thorough cleanliness, wholesome food, and attention to the flock in wet and inclement weather, will not always keep the disease away, as long as there are so many channels for introducing it; should it exist in the neighborhood, the shepherd must keep a vigilant eye on his flock; a sheep observed to be laine must be immediately examined. If a small eruption or pimple appears on the skin between the hoofs (coronet), and the foot is unnaturally hot, the disease has made its appearance, and no time must be lost in applying a remedy; the diseased sheep must be kept by itself, and all the flock very carefully examined. With a sheep knife remove the scab or pimple, clean out the wound to the sound flesh, wash it with salt and water, and then do it over with strong nitric acid. If the disease has advanced under the horn of the hoof, all the unsound flesh, together with the horn, must be carefully removed, the wound washed out with brine, and strong nitric acid applied; some recommend using sulphate of copper instead of brine, and butter of antimony in the place of nitric acid; but with the brine and acid a cure is generally effected in eight or nine days. Another remedy is, a concentrated solution of chloride of calcium dissolved in water; after the feet are well washed and cleansed, and all diseased parts removed, they are carefully painted over with the chlo ride, as far as the ankle-joint, using a small painter's brush for the purpose: and it is best to apply it also to those which have only heat in their feet. It is a safe and good remedy. Permanent Pastures and Re-Seeding. Many skillful graziers prefer old and permanent pastures to those which have been newly seeded, in consequence of the reputed superiority of the fine and soft grass of the former, to the coarse and harsh food from the latter. We have long since been convinced that the great reason of this difference is owing to the thin and scanty seeding which new grass lands commonly receive, and which infallibly causes a large and coarse growth, if the land possesses any fertility. We have ascertained by actual experiment that by tripling the usual quantity of seed, the grass is not only fine and agreeable to cattle, but that it is about doubled in quantity. Permanent pastures, in this country, after remaining unbroken for many years, usually decline in the quantity of their product. This is not only the case on upland, but generally so on lowland, or on what is called flats or intervale, with the exception of such as is annually overflowed, and receives by this means a deposit of enriching mud, and often an accidental re-seeding. We have never known a single instance where unflood Imported by J. C. Taintor, of Connecticut; owned by Wm. G. Wise, Fleming, Cayuga Co., N. Y. ed lands did not decrease in the amount of their crops I send you a plan. It cuts free and easy, and is more after lying long in meadow or pasture. In corroboration of these views, and for the purpose of furnishing what appears to be an excellent way of treating such lands as we have spoken of, we copy the following communication, which appeared in a late number of the New England Farmer : MR. EDITOR-Feeling deeply interested in the improvement of agriculture, I esteem it a privilege, as well as a duty, to make known what I think to be an improvement, that others who are situated on like soils may profit by my experience. Corn and hay are the two most reliable crops in this region; and how to obtain the most of them with the least expense, is what we ought to study. A part of my land is too wet for common cultivation, but good for hay. I find it inost profitable to turn it up once in four or five years. I have tried plowing in September and seeding down, and have succeeded well. For a number of years past I have practiced taking off one crop of corn, and then seeding down to grass, which I think is much more profitable. My method has been to turn up the land in the fall, laying it off in beds about two rods wide, and put the manure in compact heaps near enough to transport it by hand. So that I need no team but a horse to go upon it in the spring; by this means I can plant about as early as common land. As soon as the corn is hard enough to ripen on the stalk, I cut it up, carry it off and stook it and sow the land with grass seed immediately, always spreading on a small coat of compost manure. By this method I have never failed of getting a good crop of corn, and can get the land ginooth and suitable for good mowing with little labor. By this management I think I can obtain as much corn from my low land as from my high, and keep it in good order for hay. THOMAS HASKELL. Gloucester. The Crescent Hay-Knife. efficient than any other which I have seen, and can A SMALL MISTAKE.-The printer altered oblate to ovate in our late notice of the Druid Hill Peach, these two terms having diametically opposite meanMESSRS. EDITORS-I enclose to you the plan and ings, and the Horticulturist, copying the notice perpedescription of a useful hay knife, which I would thank trated the blunder, although subsequently corrected you to insert in the Cultivator. After using for seve- in this paper. Those who, like us, are afraid of losrai years variously formed hay knives, and among the ing what little reputation they have for accuracy, do rest one in the form of the letter Y, and finding no one not like to be represented as committing even small which fully pleased me, I contrived the one of which I blunders. Notes for the Month. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.-We are under obligations to Hon. Wм. H. SEWARD, U. S. Senate, for Report of the Commissioner of Patents for 1853-Part II-Ag riculture. Col. B. P. JOHNSON, Sec'y, for Transactions N. Y S. Ag. Society for 1853. C. VAN BENTHUYSEN, State Printer, for Transactions of the American Institute for 1853. To some unknown friend, for copies of the Report of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture for the years 1.852 and 1853, and also for Addresses of Gov. Wright and Rev. Dr. Berry, Prest. Asberry University. And to numerous friends for copies of Ag. Addresses to which we shall refer as opportunity offers. We shall be greatly obliged if any of our friends in Congress, will send us a copy of De Bow's Census Report. MODEL EWE. Our thanks are due to J. THORNE, Esq, Washington, Duchess Co., for a fine model of one of his beautiful imported South Down Ewes. YOUNG DUKE.-We are indebted to Messrs. MORRIS and BECAR for a beautiful plaster cast of "Young Duke," their South Down Ram, recently purchased from the flock of Mr. Jonas Webb. It is proper to add that we understand that Mr. Morris has recently purchased Mr. Becar's interest in their South Down importations, and that consequently they now belong to Mr. M. alone. "KNOW NOTHING."-Our readers are aware that this new party entirely demolished all the old party organizations at the late election in Massachusetts. Among the new officers elected, we notice the name of our old friend SIMON BROWN, Esq., the present sound and capable editor of the N. E. Farmer as Lieut. Governor. If the Know Nothings never do a worse thing than to elect such men as Mr. B. to office, we shall have no occasion to find fault with them. HOP CULTURE.-A correspondent in Oswego, wishes to know whether "the foreign demand and the home consumption of hops for other purposes than brewing, is likely to be such as to warrant their culture at this time." If our correspondent does not propose to dispose of his hops to the brewers, we advise him not to undertake their culture, as we know of no other demand for them which would be likely to make them a remunerating crop. We have no means of answering his questions as to the proportion of hops grown in this country, which are exported or used for other purposes than beer-making. It is however, we presume, small in both cases. THE NORTHERN MUSCADINE GRAPE.-G. B. AVERY of New-Lebanon, writes us a long letter about our notice of this grape. We wish Mr. A. had put what he had to say in favor of this grape into such a shape that we could have transferred it to our columns without occupying too much space. He thinks the specimens sent us, obtained their foxy flavor from other grapes sent in the box with them, as he never before heard of any person who had tasted it, pronouncing it foxy. We are certainly, as he supposes, "ready to correct an error," and cheerfully give the Northern Muscadine the benefit of this opinion. We cannot, however, agree with him in ascribing to this grape, superior or even equal merit to the Isabella or Catawba. Its earliness will make it a favorite where other and superior sorts will not mature. LARGE SQUASHES, &c.—Mr. JOHN MCKEE, Bristol, Vermont, writes us as follows:-"I raised this year from two winter squash seed, the following product-6 squashes-1st, 140 lbs.-2d, 128 lbs.-3d, 119 lbs.-4th, 107 lbs.-5th, 971 bs.-6th, 86 lbs. If any of your readers would like to make a trial of them, they can do so by writing to me. Also some of the celebrated Old Colony Sweet corn, and Mammoth water melon." FARMERS SHOULD READ.-A new subscriber in Michigan, in remitting his subscription says-" You would think, to see my packages of papers as they come from the post office daily, that I had as much reading matter as I ought to find time to read, and manage a farm of 1200 acres. But not so. I find time daily to read all my papers, particularly those pertaining to agriculture, because they contain the very gist of what I want to know. No man can be an intelligent and successful farmer, without half a dozen of the best agricultural papers that can be selected." TWO AND A HALF TONS OF WHEAT FROM AN ACRE. -The California papers state that the premium for the best crop of wheat at their late State Fair, was awarded to J. B. HILL of Salinas, Monterey. The crop consisted of 229 acres, the whole averaging sixty bushels per acre, and the largest yield from one acre, eightytwo and a half bushels of 60 lbs. each. BEES.-C. M. Saxton, 152 Fulton St., New York, has recently published a new edition of that valuable work on managing the Honey Bee, by our old friend, JOHN M. WEEKS, of Vermont. It has been corrected, revised and enlarged, and is neatly got up by the publisher-price 50 cents. We have no doubt apiarians, large or small, will find it a useful assistant in the care of their hives and honey. THE OHIO FARMER.-This is a large folio sheet published at Cleveland, by THOMAS BROWN, weekly, at $2.00. It has now been published nearly three years, and has been steadily growing more and more attractive, until it exhibits a taste and industry rarely to be met with in our weekly journals. The farmers of Ohio have sound and able representatives in this and the OHIO CULTIVATOR, at Columbus, semi-monthly, by Messrs. BATEHAM & HARRIS. PLANS OF HOUSES.-A correspondent in Nova Scotia, sends us two plans for houses. We are sorry that we cannot agree with him as to their merits. The arrangement of No. 2 is similar to many to be found in almost every part of the country, while that of No. 1, is objectionable on account of the want of a fire-place, or at least a chimney into which a stove-pipe could be carried, in the kitchen, and on account of the want of light in the kitchen, which can have but one small window, and that so situated as to be of but little use. No farm-house can be considered well-arranged that does not possess a commodious and well lighted kitchen. ADVERTISEMENTS-The attention of farmers will be attracted to the advertisement of " Allen's Patent Mower," in which its peculiar advantages are set forth-also to the "Ditch Digger," advertised by PRATT & BROS., of Canandaigua, a machine which promises to be of the highest importance to our agriculture. A GOOD MOVE.-On the 5th inst. Mr. WENTWORTH of Ill. offered the following resolution in the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the Committee on Agriculture inquire into the expediency of establishing a National Agricultural School, upon the same principle with the National Naval and Military Schools, to have one scholar, educated at the public expense, from each congressional district, and to be established in connection with the Smithsonian Institution, so as the better to carry out the object of its founder. Very good, so far, and we are greatly obliged to Mr. WENTWORTH; but will the resolution be passed, and if it is, will the committee on agriculture press the matter on the attention of Congress? Judging from the past, we fear not. But, remember farmers, there's a "good time coming," when your voices will be heard at Washington as well as at the several state capitals. Aside from its warlike tendency, we consider the Military Academy at West Point, the best educational institution in the United States. An Agricultural Academy, conducted with the same energy and thoroughness, would be of incalculable advantage to our country. SOAKING FENCE POSTS.-In answer to an inquiry published sometime since, about saturating posts with a solution of blue vitriol, S. B. S. of Granville, Mass., writes us as follows: "Not many weeks since I sent you a paragraph, cut from the Boston Post, relating to the use of blue vitriol, in solution, for preparing stakes and posts to prevent rot. My object in doing so was to recommend its adoption, because I have no doubt of the truth of all I communicated on the subject. You may rest assured that there is no humbug about it. "Mr. Green, (Geo. B. Green, Windsor, Vt.) has tried the experiment, not only on posts, but also on spouts and shingles, and every species of wood that needs preservation. It is he, I suppose, to whom you have written, without receiving a reply. "I may as well add that Mr. Green gives the preference, I think, to the other solution which I mentioned to you, and which I have now tried on white birch bean poles, two summers, the same being now very sound. If you want this recipe I suppose I can get permission to send it.” We shall be glad to receive the recipe alluded to. COUCH GRASS.-This is one of the worst pests on a farm, as all our readers know who have had any experience with it. Mr. WM. SHULER of Montgomery county, informs us that he had a field entirely over-run with it. Late in the fall, he plowed the land to the depth of eight or nine inches, being careful to turn the furrows over compactly, so as thoroughly to bury all the roots. In preparing it for a crop in the spring, the land was plowed only about four inches deep, so as not to disturb the roots of the couch grass. The result was its almost entire destruction. BROOKFIELD TOWN FAIR -The annual exhibition of the Brookfield (Mad. Co) Town Ag. Society, was held at Clarkville, on the 4th and 5th of Oct, and was eminently successful in the extent of the articles exhibited, and in the large attendance, estimated to amount on the last day, to from 6,000 to 8,000. The address was delivered by A. N. SHELDON, Esq., of Hamilton. The entries were as follows:-Horses, 73; Cattle 107; Sheep 32; Swine 7; Dairies 17; Poultry 36; Field and Root crops 19; Fruit 22; Domestic Manufactures 37; Tailoring, Millinery, &c. 7; Needle Work 30; Mechanics 11; Discretionary 54; Foreign 10. Premiums to the amount of over $250 were awarded. Pretty well for a Town Society. THE GREAT WHEAT CROPS OF CALIFORNIA.-We gave last week, an account of the wheat crop to which was awarded the first prize at the late State Fair in California. Having since received the official report, we place on record the following statement in relation to the three prize crops. Is there any record of crops that equal them in amount produced per acre? WHEAT. After careful examination of the lots submitted, we award the first premium of $30 for the best 10 acres or more to J. Bryant Hill, of Monterey, his wheat having the largest yield, being an average of 60 bushels per acre on 229 acres; the largest yield being 82 1-2 bushels per acre. The wheat raised from Chili seed of fine quality. The second premium of $25 we award to Messrs. Hutchinson & Green, of Yolo, they having presented 200 acres at an average yield of 52 1-2 bushels of 60 lbs. per bushel, while portions of crops in the same field averaged 66 2-3 bushels per acre. The wheat also of Chili seed and the grain of very superior quality. The third premium of $20 to Mr. J. E. Johnson, of San Jose-this lot of wheat averaged 67 1-2 bushels on 10 acres. MANURES. A correspondent very much wishes to be made acquainted with the most approved method of using superphosphate of lime, and we shall be obliged to any of our readers for the desired information. Our correspondent very justly remarks-" I take it for granted that the knowledge and art of manuring lands, as a means of perfecting the science of agriculture, is he first, and the second, and the third requisite of good farming. All other knowledge is merely incidental, but this would seem to comprise the main, I had almost said the whole object of inquiry." The writer will find the article to which he refers on page 406, Co. Gent. vol. 3, and in the Cult. for 1854, p. 239. We are publishing so much weekly on the subject of manures, that it will hardly answer to republish articles which have so recently appeared. Will not "Many Subscribers" become a contributor to our pages. The Cultivator-The Country Gentleman―The Illustrated Register of Rural Affairs and Cultivator Almanac-Albany, N. Y., LUTHER TUCKER. THE CULTIVATOR has now been published twenty years, and still holds its position as unsurpassed, in its class, for the ability and excellent taste and judgment with which it is conducted. Published monthly at 50 cents a year. THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, weekly, a beautiful paper, and, besides all that we look for in an Agricultural Journal, embracing admirably conducted departments of news, and for fireside instruction and amusement, is published at $2 a year, with liberal discount to clubs. THE REGISTER, 144 pages, with over 100 engravings, price 25 cents-seut by mail post-paid. This is intended as the first of a series. The style in which Mr. Tucker gets up his publications is admirable.- Vermont Chronicle. We will send a copy of the Illustrated Annual Register, post-paid, to every newspaper which will copy the above. OHIO FARMS FOR SALE.-Attention is invited to the advertisement of N. B. HOGG, Esq., of Newark, who advertises three valuable and desirably located farms for sale. Mr. HOGG we learn, finds it necessary to change his location in consequence of the loss of a brother who was on board the ill-fated Arctic, and will in the spring sell off the fine stock of horses, cattle, sheep and swine, which he has been so industriously collecting on his farms at Newark. OHIO AG. COLLEGE-An association has been organized and incorporated, as "the Ohio Ag. College," located at Oberlin, Lorain Co. The plan proposed is, to give Courses of Lectures during the Winter months, on all the several departments of Agricultural Science, each principal division being assigned to a different Lecturer, and systematically presented in the same manner, as Medical Science is taught in Medical Colleges. The first term, we understand, is to commence on the 4th of Dec. and courses of lectures are to be delivered by Prof. Dascomb, on chemistry, in all its applications to soils, manures, &c-by Prof. Townshend on comparative anatomy, physiology, &c.-by Prof. Newberry, on Botany, Geology, &c., and by Prof. Fairchild on Natural Philosophy, Agricultural Mechanics. &c Terms for the course, (four lectures daily,) $40. The design is a good one, and we shall be glad to know that there are young farmers enough ready to avail themselves of its advantages to encourage the association to go on with their efforts to promote the cause of agricultural education. EVERGREEN TREES, &C. THE undersigned offers to his friends and the public an extensive collection of Evergreens, including the popular as well as rarer kinds, Gooseberries, Currants. Raspberries, &c., all of finest quality, among which are the following: 500 African Cedars, (Cedrus Africana,) 6 to 12 inches. 2,000 Deodoras, (Cedrus deodora,) 4 to 18 inches. 20,000 Scotch Fir, 3 to 6 inches. 500,000 Silver Fir, (European,) 4 to 7 inches 50,000 Larch, (European.) 4 to 6 inches. 40,000 Currants, Victoria, Red and White Dutch, White and Red Grape, Black, Naples, &c. 50,000 Gooseberries, all the popular, standard kinds, as well as the new large show varieties. 20,000 Raspberries, Fastolff, Magnum Bonum, Red and White Antwerp. 5,000 strong Plums, leading varieties. Dec. 21-w3,5,7-mit JOHN SAUL. WM. R. PRINCE & CO. WILL, Penry Blum, Cherry, Mahaleb, Angers Quince, ILL supply 250,000 stocks of the following kinds :-Ap Doucin and Paradise Apple. Norway Spruce and other evergreens. Also Seeds in quantity of Apple, Pear, Plum, Cher ry, Angers Quince, Peach, Apricot, Catawba Grape, Yellow and Honey Locust, Osage Orange, Pines, Spruces, Maguolias, Larch, and other trees and shrubs, of which a priced Catalogue will be sent to applicants. Orders must be immediate or they cannot be reserved. A Wholesale General Catalogue for Nurseries will be sent to applicants. Dec. 21-mlt THREE Valuable and Highly Cultivated Farms FOR SALE. THE subscriber offers at private sale three most desirable Farms, situate in the vicinity of Newark, Licking County, Ohio, to-wit: 1st. His CHERRY VALLEY FARM, on the old Columbus road, two miles west of Newark, containing two hundred acres, one hundred and forty of which are cleared. On this farm are two large young orchards, two large new frame houses, a smoke house, barn, new stable for fifty horses, sheds, chicken houses, hog pens, etc.; a large garden handsomely fenced in, and indeed every convenience and even luxury that can be desirable on a farm. This farm is in the highest state of cultivation, no labor or expense having been spared to render it a model farm in this, as in all other particulars. 2d. His RICHLAND FARM, also known as the Taylor or Fullerton Farm, situate on the road to Hebron and also on the Ohio Canal, two miles from Newark, and containing 139 acres, (100 of which are cleared) There is a good log house and stable on this farm, which is in a high state of cultivation and cannot be surpassed for fertility. 3d. His ENGLISH FARM, situated on Ramp Creek on one of the roads to Hebron. four miles from Newark, and containing 133 acres, about 80 of which are cleared On this farni are two small old frame houses, a large frame barn, a new saw-mill, and corn cracker and crusher. This farm is also in a highly cultivated state. Also, a number of OUT LOTS, of every size, for sale. Persons desirous of purchasing a good farm, in admirable order, will find it to their advantage to call on the subscriber at his house in Newark, Ohio, where he can be seen at all times. |