m \. ^jn ^'^ AMERICAN '^ FAHULY FRIZE-BOOI R s rr ^mi: 501 1^4^ ^ /Al.VA' ^-> n ^1 O 'rr =^i'^1 ! i 7 , li i BY H. BURCHSTEAD SKINNEIl, M. D. B O S T O N. Class ^^Q' Book L^^ *-t? Columbia Pear. L. THK AMERICAN PEIZE-BOOK: A WORK ADAPTED TO THE WANTS OF ALL TRADES AND PROFESSIONS, FROM THE HUMBLEST MECHANIC TO THE GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE; BUT PARTICULARLY TH) rARMF.R AND GARDKNKR, FRUIT-GROWER AND FLORIST, BIRD-FANCIEK, CATTLE AND HORSE- DOCTOR, FOWL-BREEDER AND BEE-RAISER, PHYSICIAN AND APOTHECARV, PERFUMER AND CONFECTIONER, MEDICAL AND CULINARY MFP.BALIST, SICK MAN AND THE HEALTH V, RICH MAN AND THE POOR, BUSINESS MAN AND MAS OF KO BUSINESS, MERCHANT AND LAWYER, MINISTER AND LAYMAN; AND TO EVERY DEPARTMENT OF THE HOUSEKEEPEIi, ^ FROM THE WASHER-WOMAN AND COOK IN THE KITCHEN, TO THE LADY IN THE PARLOR. WITH MANY BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINaS. By H BURCHSTEAD SKINNER, M. D. BOSTON. 1853. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S")3, by H. B. Skinnkr, in the Clark's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetta. I^OTICE TO PUBLISHERS. The author takes this method to inform publishers and all others, that any infringement upon the copyright of this book will be prosecuted to the extent of the law. This notice is given because, heretofore, several unprincipled fellows in Boston, New York, and elsewhere, have entered into our labors by publishing our works. As there is a law to reach these Thieves and Rohbers, we are resolved hereafter to ferret them out from their dens of concealment, and to piuiish them as they deserve for their wicked presumption. H. B. S. Cambridge: stereotyped by metcalf and company, PRlNlEr.S TO THE liNlVEESITV. X PREFACE. The object had in view in the preparation of this work, was to bring together, in a cheap forni, a vast amount of practical information adapted to the wants of everyday life. There are elaborate works upon almost every subject, but they are mostly so expensive as to be beyond the means of the common people, and they are generally of so scientific a charac- ter as entirely to defeat the object intended, except so far as re- lates to literary men. In this work we have so epitomized and condensed each sub- ject, as distinctly to present to the mind at a glance the '* cream of the matter^ This small volume is, therefore, a library in itself, and contains in a far more practical form the substance of what is spread out in many large and expensive works. As we write for the common people, we have avoided the use of all technical terms, as far as possible, and have rendered each subject so familiar as to range within the comprehension of all. We send forth this little book, in the firm belief that it will work its own way to popular favor. If we are doomed to disap- pointment we, shall not repine, as we have already enjoyed a large amount of the public patronage on our former domestic publications. Should it attain that destiny which we have marked out for it, we shall find our debt of gratitude to the public still further enhanced, and it may- lead us to " try our hand again^ • H. B. S. "Waltham, Jari}*a7^ 5, 1853 THE AMERICAN PRIZE-BOOK, CHAPTER 1. AORICVIiTURAIi DEPARTMENT: OR, PARMER'S VADE MECUM. SECTION I. OPEN FIELD CROPS, &C. Soils. — A farmer should be well informed of the nature of soils, and of the various plants adapted to them. Some useful plants flourish best in what are called poor lands ; and if cultiva- tors were perfectly acquainted with the art of adapting planis to soils, much manure might be saved, which is now wasted by injudicious application. All sands are hot and diy ; all clays, cold and wet ; and therefore the manuring sandy lands with clay, or clay lands with sand, is best for grain and pulse. But it is not the natural soil only that the farmer ought to consider, but the depth of it, and. what lies immediately underneath it. For if the richest soil is only seven or eight inches deep, and lies on a cold, wet clay or stone, it will not be so fruitful as leaner soils that lie on a better under-stratum. Gravel is, j>erhaps, the best under-stratum to make the land prolific. The best loams and natural earths are of a brio-ht brown or hazel color. Dark gray, and russet moulds are accounted the next best. The worst of all are the light and dark ash- colored. A good method of improving soils is, to go into the forest and skim the surface of the whole lot ; this, spread upon the surface of old fields, will restore them to their original productiveness, and as often as the fields decline, the schI of the woods will be fit to remove for this purpose. 2 14 All soils, however good, may be impoverished, and even worn out, by successive crops without rest. Manure. — No soil will always prove productive without ma- nure. Thoug-h naturally fertile, yet if sojue equivalent for its produce is not returned, it must at length become barren. Some remarks, ihercfore, upon this subject, will not be deenied out of place. Liqvid Manure. — Water, in its purof4 slate, retains some- what of the food of plants, and some vegetables will maintain a feeble grov/tli with no other nourishment tlian that afforded by pure air and water ; yet it forjns a very meaure diet for most plants. Fresh urine is a very powerful and efiicncious manure, when properly applied ; but if not mixed with solid matter it should be diluted wiih water, as Vnen pure it contains too large a quantity of animal matter to form a proper fiuid nourishment for absorp- tion by the roots of plants. Urine is lessened in value, but its useful qualities are not entirely lost, by putrescence. During putrefaction the greatest part of the soluble animal matter that urine contains is destroyed ; it should, therefore, be used as fresh as possible, with the precaution of diluting it with water or mix- ing it with earth. Putrid urine, however, is a valuable manure. It abounds in ammoniacal salts ; and though less active tlian fresh urine, is very efficacious. The urine of one cow in live months, when properly absorbed, furnishes manure of the richest quality and most durable effects, for half an acre of ground. Manure for Grass Grounds^ — Top-Dresshtgs^ Sfc. — There is scarcely any question on which farmers are more divided than as to the policy of applying manure as a top-dressing to grass lands in the spring or fall. The reasoning seems to be in favor of spring-dressing, and it is supported by many excellent names. But it ought to be known that intelligent farmers near the metrop- olis most generally dress their lands in autumn, and for so doing they certainly make some show of reason. 1. Grass lands are less injured by carting over them in the fall than spring. 2. It is a season of greater leisure. 8. The top- dressings alford very great protection to the tender roots of plants during winter. 4. The low temperature of the atmosphere in wintCi checks the process of evaporation. Xhe fact that farmers who grow rich by supplying tlie great towns with hay, generally adopt the practice of fall-dressing their grass lands, deserves weighi. 15 Top-dressing should not be used in the fall for winter grain, because it would be apt to make the young plants come tbi- ward too fast and grow so rank that they would be liable to be winter-killed. Top-dressing for wheat, rye, d:c. should be ap- plied to the growing crop in the spring or early in the summer, when it is suspect(Hl that the land is not rich enough to bring a full crop to perfection. Materials for Dressings SfC. — With regard to the materials for dressing your grass grounds, after your garden is stipplied with manure, you may as well cart on to your mowing land all that you can collect from your barn-yards, your stercoraries or dung-heaps, hog-pens, compost-beds, niglit-soil, <%ic. All sorts of dung, however, before being aj)plied to grass land, should he well mixed with loam, satid, or some kind of earth which will imbibe the gas or effluvia of the dung or putrescent manure. Unless you have plenty of manure, you had better not apply uny dung to your high, gravelly, or sandy soils, but dress them with plapt^H' of Paris. Uneven grass grounds will not admit of top-dressing to any advantage, on account of the manure's being liable to be washed away. Manure from Swine. — Vt^ry valuable manure, with a little attention, may be obtained from swine. Keep and fatten four hogs in a year, confine them in a yard twenty feet square, v.'ith a warm shed attaciied thereto for shelter. Into this yard put the .scrapings of ditche:?, the dirt which is continually collecting in and about the dwelling-house and other buildings, together with the stra^v with wlrich tliey'are littered, frequently clearing it out of their house and granting them a fresh supply. During the summer season, often throw in large quantities of weeds, brakes, and other rubbish that may come to hand, which helps to increase both the quantity and quality of the manure. In this way you may make from twenty-five to thirty loads of manure in a year, which answers a more valuable purpose than that which you take from the stable or barn-yard. Ashes. — It has been discovered that, in taking the hay from meadows, the principal cause of exhaustion to the soil is the loss of the potash contained in the hay ; and that this may be readily restored by sowing the meadow with a thick covering of wood- ashes. Some farmers value it as high as fifty cents per bushel, to sow on their grass and corn. Barley. — The Soil. — The soil for barley should be such as will grow good turnips, or other green crops, including clovers, 16 and which embrace the varieties of loams and sands that are not wet, or very dry and poor. Barley cannot be cultivated to advantage n})on stiff, heavy, or wet grounds, or on such as are of a cold and tenacious quality. This crop occupies the ground but about three months ; and it is only in a dry, light, mellow soil that its roots can extend with sufficient facility, and supply food necessary to bring the grain to rapid and perfect maturity. PreiHous Croj). — Crops that precede this ^rain should be such as leave the ground mellow and fi-ee from weeds ; and for this reason hoed crojis are to be preferred, such as turnips, pota- toes, peas, beans, &i<2,. Small grains should not precede it ; they impoverish the soil, leave it foul, and besides, it is contravening one -of the most salutaiy maxims of husbandry to grow two dry crops in succession. Mode of Manuring. — Manure should )iot be applied to the barley, but to tlic preceding crop. The short period that this grain occupies tlie ground does not afford time for the manure to decompose and yield its food to the plants ; and if applied in ex- cess, it causes a too rank vegetation, and the straw lodges before the grain is nictturcil. Preparation of the Ground. — Where barley follows a root hoed crop, one ploughing will generally suffice ; but in all cases a complete pulverizaiion of the soil is necessary. The prefera- ble way may be to harrov/ the fallow, plough in the seed with a light furrow, and smooth off with the harrow. The Seed, and Sowing. — Thin-skinned, pale, plump seed should be selected. I sow as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry in the spring. The young grain is not hurt by the ordinary frosts of the latter part of April and May. 1 sow from sis' to eight pecks per acre, according to the richness of the soil and the forwardness of the season ; the poorest soil and the latest sowing requiring the most seed. Ti?ne and Method of Harvesting. — Barley is known to be ripe by the disappearance of the reddish cast on the ear, or what the English farmers term red roan ; by the ears beginning to droop, and bending themselves round against the stems ; and by the stalks becoming brittle and of a yellowish color. This is the particular period for cutting, as, if suffered to stand longer, the heads break off and the grain wastes with the slightest touch. And it may be cut with the cradle, sickle, or scythe, according to circumstances. If it stands straight, and is not too heavy, \ 17 the cradle is to be prefciTcd ; if heavy or lodged, the sickle or scythe. Produce and Product. — The product varies from lifttron to seventeen biishels, according to season and soil ; com})ared with wheat, its product is as two or two and a half to one ; conijiarcd with oats, about equal, provid^jd the soil is ada})ted to tliis grain. The average price of barley is at least two thirds that of wheat. Supposing wheat, then, to bo one dollar and twelve cents the bushel, and the product fifteen bushels per acre, and barley to be seventy-five cents, and tlie product of an acre thirty bushels, and the expense of cultivation equal, the profits of the barley will be nearly as three to two compared with vrheat. Barley, besides, is a less precarious crop, is subject to fewer diseases, and has fewer insect enemies to encounter, than wheat. Buckwheat. — Soil. — In light lands this crop may be used to advantage. In this climate it should not be sown till after the middle of May. One bushel is seed enough for an acre, if sown broadcast, as is usual ; but if sown in drills, less than half that quantity is sufficient. - Haniesting^ 4*c. — Buckwheat is harvested by mowing, m the manner of barley. After it is mown, it should be several days before it is housed. There is no danger of the seed falling, nor does it suffer much by wet. From its great succulency it is liable to heat in a mow, on which account it is better to put it into small stacks of five or six loads each, than either a large one or in a barn. Its Blossoms Food for Bees. — Buckwheat blossoms afford rich food for bees, and are useful as well from the quantity of honey which they enable the bees to make, as the long time they continue without fading or ceasing to be fragrant. Manuring. — A bushel of gypsum to the acre, or perhaps less, applied to the ground yearly, will keep rich enough for good crops. Oats. — The common oats which are raised I consider the best. My average crop of late years has b.een from forty to fifty bushels per acre, and in one instance sixty-five bushels per acre. I make oats principally, and generally speaking, my first crop, in the line of a rotation of crops. I break up the piece intended for this crop in the fall, if possible, and in the spring cross-plough and harrow thoroughly before I sow my grain ; then liarrow again until the turf is well pulverized : then«eow ten bushels of clover-seed chaff per acre and roll it in. As soon as the grain is harvested, and the young clover has received its growth, I 2* 18 plough il in. This clover, with ihe F.tu6ble, is u]x)Ut equal to a conunon dressing of compost manure. In the fall I plough, in Iho spring I cross-plough, after taking from my compost-heap thirty loads per acre, which are carefully spread. The lot then being well harrowed and furrowed, is ready for planting, either with corn, potatoes, or turnips. This is my second crop. For my third crop, I again sow v/heat, peas, flax, oats, &c., and stock ti'.e lot down with herdsgrass and red-top, which I believe make the best of hay. I let the lot remain in grass three years. Thvis I till three years, and mow or pasture three years. My first and third crop is principally oats, I have frequently beoi told that oats and corn were veiy im- poverishing crops ; but I find no difiiculty in enriching my land as above stated. Ten years ago my average crop of corn was from thirty to io-rty bushels per acre, but in passing over a lot the second' time, which was managed as above, in the summer of 1821, I had the satisfaction of harvesting ninety-six bushels of corn per acre, and received the Society's premium. My other crops have advanced in about the same proportion. Harvesting Oats^ 4*c. — In harvesting oats, it is recommended tolriow, instead of reaping them, as soon as they begin to turn yellow. If they are then well dried, the straw v/ill make food for cattle after being threshed, which will be eaten by the animals in preference to tlie best meadow hay. Wheat. — Wheat thrives not only in temperate, but in very hot and in ver\' cold countries. It requires a good loamy soil, not too light nor too heavy. Wheat should be sowed the last of August or first of September. If sowed the last week in August, on clay soil, it will generally resist the effect of frost in the win- ter and of insects in the spring. Early sowing requires less seed than late, because the plants have more time, and are more apt to spread and throw out a good number of stalks. More seed is required for poor than for rich lands, and rich land early sowed requires the least of any. The proportion of seed is about three pecks to the acre, as it is less apt to lodge when sowed thin than otherwise. Wheat more naturally follows clover than any other crop, and a good farmer will be careful in the arrangement of his crop. The best method of sowing clover land with wheat is to plough the land ten or fourteen days before you sow it, that the land may have time to get dry, and after rain, to make it dress well. In preparing your seed wheat, the first thing to be fttrendcij to is, lo clean rt perfectly fVoin every iiijuvious foreign suhsUmcc. The lirst pn^priration, therefore, should be to f^ereen, winnow, aufl riddle the grain till perfectly freed from these and other im- proper ingredients. W^hen this is tlioroughly accomjjlished, washing and steeping, for the purpose of preventing smut, shouM Uicet attention. The first step in the [)rocesses to be instituted against smut is to run the grain very gcnflf/ through n riddle, wlnni not only the smut balls, but the imperfect grains and the' se«-roductive. Mode of Flantiiig. — They may be planted in hills or drills, the rows two and a half or three feet apart, according to the strength of the soil, and cultivated like other hoed crops. They may be planted the latter gnd of Mny, or beginning of June, or ulxjut the time of planting Indian corn. Five beans are quite enough to remain in a hill. Hog^s dung, mixed witli ashes, is said to be tlie best manure for them ; and it is said to be very injurious to beans to hoo them while the dew is on, or in wet weather. To save Seed. — Either sow a poriion for that object, or leave rows wholly ungatliered of tJse nKiin crop, or prescm-e a suf- 21 ficiency of good pods promiscuonsly. The beans saved should be the first fruits of a crop sowed at a period which throws the entire course of (rrowtli into the finest part of summer. Let them hang on the stalks till they ripen fully in August or Sep- tember. Peas. — Soil and Situafioti. — Tiio soil should be moderately rich, and the deeper and stronger for tlie lofty growers. A fresh, sandy loam, or road-stuM', and a little decomposed vegetable matter, is the best manure. The soil for the early crops should be very dry, and rendered so, where the ground is moist, by mixing sand with the earth of the drills. Time of Sowing. — For early crops, sow in the fall, in shel- tered situations, and cover during the winrer with a layer of leaves, and another of long stable-litter, loosely applied, to keep the leaves in their places. For spring sowing, after the earth takes a temperatXire favor- able to vegetation, your pea sowings should be made once a fortnight, to keep up a regular and successive supply. Manner of Soioing. — For early sorts, make the drills one inch and a half deep ; and let parallel drills be two feet and a half, three, or four feet asiuider. Peas that are to grow without sticks require the least room. For summer crops and large sorts, make the drills two inches deep, and four, five, or six feet asun- der. Peas laid a foot below the surface will vegetate ; but the most approved depth is six inches in light soil, and four inches in clay soil. Quantity of Seed. — Of the small, early kinds, one pint will sow a row of twenty yards ; for the larger sorts, for main crops, the same measure will sow a row of thirty-three yards. To destroy Insects. — If the seed peas contain insects, scald them a quarter of a minute in boiling water, spread them about, and sow them without delay. This scalding will destroy them, and cause the peas to come up sooner and grow faster. To prevent Mice from Eating, SfC. — When peas are sown before winter, or early in the spring, they are very apt to be eaten by mice. To prevent this, soak the' peas for a day or tv/o in train-oil before you sow them, which will encourage their vege- tation, and render them so obnoxious to the mice that they will not eat them. Potatoes. — The potato began to be extensively cultivated about the middle of the last century, and is now considered one of the most important of tJ\c vegetable productions. ^ 22 Soil. — The soil ought to he sandy and light, though moder- ately rich ; that is, if fine, mealy, and dry potatoes be required. It should not by any means be glutted with manure, and need not be deep. The Outside Rows most Productive. — A fact of great im- portance to potato growers is, that the outside rows., and all single roics., will be found to produce far greater crops than any of the interior rows of a plot in the garden or field. This depends upon a variety of causes, the chief of wliich is, the more perfect ex- posure of the foliage to the agency of air and light. \\'h<'n po- tatoes are planted in rows pointing north and south, the utmost cnejrgy of the light will be exerted, not only upon the foliyge of the plant, but upon the surface of the intervening spaces of ground. Its Properties and. Uses. — With regard to the properties of this vegetable and the purposes to which it may be applied, little need be said. They are found 1o produce, — First, cottony flax from the stalk. Second, sugar from the root. Third, potass by consumption. Fourth, vinegar trom the ajiples. Fifth, soap, or a substitute for bleacliing, from the tubercles. And, finally, when cooked by steam, the most farinaceous and economical of all vegetable food. Potatoes renewed from the Seed. — Take the apples in the beginning of October, (or whenever they are ripe,) before the frost has hurt them ; hnng them up by the foot-stalks, in a diy closet or warm room, till Christmas, then wash out the seeds, spr(md and dry them in paper, and preserve them from damps till spring. Potatoes thus obtained will produce roots of the full size the second season after sowing, when their qunlities may be more fully ascertained than they could well be the first season. They will be found to vary veiy much from the kinds from which the apples were gathered. It will be expedient to plant Init one po- tato of the regenerated sorts in a hill, that you may ke^'p each variety separate. The varieties most valued for table use at the present tiir.e arc the Peach-Blossom, Canada White, Chenango, and Prince's Red. The potato-rot, which has been so deadly to the cultivation of this valuable vegetable, seems happily to be abating. The use of lime sprinkled upon the seared leaf on its fii-st appearance has proved the most successful remedy yet discovered. Ruta-Baga. — T)»e soil for the culture of the ruta-baga must 23 be rich and Hrv ; and the more it inclines to a sandy loam, the better. Clay is the worst, and wet soils will not answer at all. My general practice has been, to manure well a piece of pasture, of clo^'er lay, from which the hay has first been cut, plough it handsomely over, and harrow it well. 1 sow in rows, at two and a half or three feet, Avith a drill-harrow. The sooner the pre* ceding operations succeed each other, the better. 1 have sown broadcast, but the expense of thinning and culture is increased. A man will drill in three or four acres a day. We allow a pound of seed to the acre, though half this, properly distributed, is enough. Sow from the 26th of June to the 10th of July. In the culture of tliis root use the cultivator. The great aim is to extirpate th.e weeds, and that while they are young. Postpone \hv hanesting as long as the season will permit Mangel-Wt/kzel. — Suit. — Tlic soil for this root should dc a loam, inclining 1o clay, in good tilth, well manured, and made fine to a good dctpth. Plant hig. — The holes for the seed should be made by a wheel, containing pegs in its circumference, which penetrate the ground about an inch, leaving intervals of four inches ; the rows should be made two feet apart ; two capsules should be dropped into each hole, and the wheel of a common barrow should be pressed over them, which will compress the earth and leave a slight rut for the retention of moisture. Uses^ Sf-c. — Man can eat this vegetable throughout the year ; it is agreeable and healthy. No insect attacks it, and it suffers but little from the variety of the seasons. The leaves of this plant form alone an excellent food for evei*y species of domestic quadruped, during four months in the year. Turnips and other vegetables are, besides, liable to be destroyed by insects, whereas this beet is not. The roots can be preserved eight months in a sound state, while turnips are of little value after March. Crops. — Some premium crops have yielded more than two thousand bushels per acre. In England, more than sixty tons have been raised to the acre. Gathering. — In gathering the roots, care should be taken to cut ofl' the leaves about half an inch above the crown, as they will not keep so well if cut more closely. Knglisu TuRNir-fv.™- Every farmer' will find it profiio.ble to raise a quantity of ihese roots. The mangel-wurzel and ruia.- baga, useful as they j.mdoubted1y arc, will not completely super- sede, nor altogether supply tlu> pLce of the old-fashioned English turnip. 9A Good crops have been obtained several years in succession by tlie following process. Turn over a turf of old sward the first M'eek in June. Yard your cattle at night on this, in the proportion of six head at least to the quarter of an acre, until the 20th of July. Then harrow lengthwise the fiuTows, so as Tiot to disturb or overturn them, and sow in the proportion of about half a pound of seed per acre. Fine turnips have been raised by ploughing up old sward ground some time in June, harrowing well, and sowing from the 1st to the 20th of July, and this withotit the application of manure. But there can be no doubt that folding sheep or horned cattle on the land thus ploughed would very much enhance tlie crop. Secojid Crop. — Turnips are frequently, if not most generally, raised in the United States as a second crop, and no doubt tliis practice is often veiy eligible, and may he perfectly consonant with the soundest maxims of good husbandry. Keeping from Insects, — If a quantity of lime were sowed over the field immediately after putting in the seed, it would probably preserve the crop again.yt insects, and prevent the tur- nips becoming spongy, as v.ell as increase their size. Unbleached ashes, soot, and plaster have also been highly recommended as manure for turnips. Grasses. — Grass is a general name for plants used in feeding cattle, in a green or dry state, for hay or for pasture. There are many kinds of grass cultivated in the United States, but for convenience' sake they may be divided into three kinds, viz. : — 1. Cultivated grasses. 2. Meadow grasses. 3. Pasture grasses. Among the cultivated grasses, herdsgj^ass is one of the most val- uable, and, what is worthy the notice of every farmer, it affords 7nore than double Ihe nutriment when cut in the seed to. what it does in the flower. Another consideration, which renders it par- ticularly worthy of attention, is the seed which it affords, and which may be saved without materially diminishing the hay crop. From ten to thirty bushels of seed may be taken from an acre, wliich, at the price it now hears, is of itself a handsome re- muneration. Clover is a primaiy dependence, on all lands which will grow it. Lucern, sainfoin, orchard, tall-oat, and rye grass should not be lost sight of. 2. Meaxlow Grass. — In selecting these, the object is to obtain the greatest burden of good hay, and to mix those kinds which may be profitably cut at the same time. For clayey and moist aoUs, miuiy valuable and nutritious kinds seem to be well adapted, such as the smooth-stalked meadow, American crow's-foot, upright bent or herdsgrass, and tall fescue, are particularly suited to swain p or hog soils. For dry loams ^ sands., and gravels.^ which ouglit to be kept long in grass, the crow's-foot or orchard grass, and tall-oat, are probably the best; and to these might be added red and white clover. 3. Pasture Crr asses. — Tlie njeado\\^ foxtail and orchard grass- es, together with our white clover and green meadow grass, Poa trivialis, (which seldom requires to be sown,) I think v/ould form the best selectio.us for all grounds which are moderately dry. Tlie rye and oat grasses, or meadow soft grass, might be either svibstituted for the first two, or combined with them. These would aftbrd spring, summer, and fall feed, abundant in quantity, and wholesome and nutiitious in quality. Gypsum is applied to pastures with the same benelit that it is to meadows. T^nie of sowing Grass- Seeds. — On this subject there exists a variety of opinion. Some prefer the fall, but the majority recommend the spring, and that season, so far as our knowledge extends, is most generally chosen ; but it is probable that both in fall and spring sowing of grass-seeds there may be some suc- cessful and some unfavorable results, according to circumstances of soil, season, &:c.- Fall-sown grass-seeds are liable to be win- ter-killed, or destroyed b}'- frosts ; spring-sown grass-seeds may perish by drought and heat. But whenever sown, there will hi less danger, cither from frost or drought, if the seed is well covered Avith a harrov/, and the ground is pressed in with a roller. There should be at least a bushel of plaster sown on every acre of clover and grass land of a sand}-, gravelly, or loamy soil ; also on all upland natural meadows. Hops. — A Native Plant. — The hop is a native plant. It is found growing spontaneously on the banks and intei-vals of many of our large rivers. There are several distinct species, all bear- ing a near affinity to each other. Soils. — The soil best calculated for the production of hops is a sandy loam, rather low and moist. I am led to this conclusion from my own observation, and from finding the lands wliich pro- duce them naturally to be of this kind. Yet I have seen tine crops raised on very different soils. Mode of Preparing the Lana. — I sliould recommend the following mode of preparing the land and managing the crop. In the fall (October), plough the land deep, nine or ten inches. 3 26 In the spring following, pass a heavy, sharp iron-toothed harrow over the land in the same direction it was ploughed ; after which, spread your manure evenly over the same, sixteen cords per acre, and more if the land be much reduced ; then cross-plough the land nearly the same depth, and furrow it as for planting com, the furrows to be at least four feet apart. Mode of Planting. — It is cit^tornary to plant corn or potatoes with the hops. (I should prefer potatoes.) Plant every other hill in every other row with hops, thus placing the hop hills at least eight feet apart. Put four cuttings from the running roots, about eight inches in length, into each hill, and cover them the conmion depth of potatoes. • Management of Hops, first Season. — All the attention requi- site the lirst season after the hops are planted is to keep them clean from weeds, which is easily done when hoeing the crop planted amongst them. In the fall (October), to prevent their being injured by the hard frosts of v/intcr, carry on and lay out of your cart one shovelful of compost manure on the* top of each hill ; manure from the hog-sty I should prefer. Ti7Jie of Gathering, — As soon as hops are ripe, which is about the beginning of September, they must be immediately gathered, or the crop is lost. The quality of the ho])s depends considerably upon their being picked clean from leaves and stems. Care should be taken, when gathering the hops, to cut the vines two feet from the ground, that the roots may not be injured by bleeding, and see that they do not remain long in the bin or bag after they are picked, as they will very soon heat and become insipid. Broom Corn. — Kinds. — There are several varieties of broom corn, the North River crop being generally considered the best. The pine-tree kind is considered the poorest, though by several weeks the earliest, and in a short season turns out very profitable. The New Jersey, or large kind, produces about one thousand pounds ])cr acre. Alluvial lands, well maniu'ed, and protected by hills, are best adapted for the broom corn. Planting. — The broom corn slionld be planted from two to three feet apart in rows, so that a plough or cultivator can be run between them. The hills may be laid out from eighteen inches to two feet apart ; aboul f'orly seeds to a hill will answer for seeding. Put the manure into the hills ; — old compost is best. Cultivation. — 'The broom corn requires tu be hoed three 2ir times, the last hoeing when the stalks arc three or four feet high. In the first hoeing pull up the waste stalks, leaving hi the hill from seven to ten. Gathering. — The crop should be gathered in before the severe frosts, as the frost kills the seed. The weight of the seed is about forty pounds to a bushel, and it is useful for feeding horses, cattle, and swine. It is to be ground and mixed with meal. Millet. — The cultivated and the German millet are the only- two kinds now cared for, and they require nearly the same culture. Tlie soil should be well pulverized, rich, sandy, and warm. It should be ploughed three times, and carefully weeded, rolled, and harrowed. The seed should be sown in May, and followed by a light har- rowing. The weeds must be kept under as indispensable to a successful crop. That part designed tor seed should be placed in a dry, aiiy place. The grain should be spread loosely on the barn floor, and stirred every day with a rake until it is perfectly diy. The straw makes excellent fodder for cattle. Flax. — The only kind of flax nov,' raised is the common kind used in the manufacture of cloth. The best soil for flax is that composed of a large proportion of vegetable matter. Soils of a dry, sandy, and gi'avelly nature are not suitable, neither is a clay bottom adapted to the purpose. Alluvial soils are good. The soil should be made flne, and freed from weeds. The seed is sown broadcast, and covered in by a double turn of the harrows. Three bushels of seed to the acre is a good rule, and should be sown iii April or May. If the crop is de- sired for seed, it requires a greater degree of ripeness than when the fibre is alone desired. Hemp. — Fresh soils, or those which have for some time Iain in grass or clover, produce this article best. Old meadow lands, or rich, clayey loams do well. Manures are not essential. Fall and winter ploughing should not be neglected, as the ground should be made fine and of smooth surface. When the crop is designed for next year's reproduction, the seed should be sown in drills four feet apart ; the female stalks should be pulled up and cast away, and the male stalks left seven to eight inches from each other. The time of sowing the seed is the month of May, near the 2B 10th of the montl)., and the seed-stalks i:hou'ld he cut after the first sharp frost. The seeds are to be sown broadcast, in the pro- portion of a bushel and a half to an acre. x\fier the seeds are sown^ nature carries forward the work, and the farmer may wait till the crop rip'ens. Cutting the plant is preferable to pulling in the time of gath- ering ; let them be cut and spread out evenly upon the ground to cure for two or three days. Rotting is by two methods. 1. Dew-rotting. 2. Water-rot- ting. In dew-rotting, spread down tlie plants from the middle of October to the middle of December. Snow-rotting is a good practice, though it takes too much time. Nothing is better to prepare the ground for grain or grasses than the hemp crop. SECTION II. THE farmer's miscellany OF HOME MATTERS. Dairy. — General P^cmarks. — Unless the farmer has a very diligent and industrious wife, who sees minutely to her dairy, or a most honest, diligent, and careful housekeeper to do it for him, he W'ill assuredly lose money by ln"s dairy ; trusted to common servants, it will not pay charges. The dairymaid must be up every morning at four o'clock, or she will be backward in her business. At five tlie cows must be milked, and there must be milkers enough to finish ]jy six. Tiie same rule must be ob- served in the evening. In making butter, the dairymaids should be particularly atten- tive to one circumstance ; viz. there must be a certain proportion of acid in the cream, either natural or artificial, or they cannot insure a good churning of butter ; some keep a little of the old cream for that purpose ; others use a little rennet; and some a. little lemon-juice. In order to determine which cov/'s milk is best for cream, it has been recommended to let the milk of each be put by itself, and churn each separately. Tlie Dairy-house. — The properties requisite in a daiiy-house are, that it be cool in summer and moderately warm in winter, so as to preserve nearly the same temperature throughout the year. A dairy for the private use of any fanner or family need not be large, and may very economically be formed in a thick- walled diy cellar, so situated as to have windows on two sides, the north and east in preference, for ventilation ; and in order that these windows may the better exclude cold in winter and heat in summer, they should be fitted with double sashes ; and on the outside of the outer sash should be a fixed frame of close wire netting or haircloth, to exclude ilies and other insects. On preserving the Temperature of Milk-Rooms. — Where the temperature of the milk-room has become affected by the carrying of newly drawn milk into it, it may be easily reduced to the proper temperature by suspending a small quantity of ice Zit a considerable lieight from the floor ; and if, during winter, the cold siiould become too great, a barrel of hot water, closely stopped, or a few hot bricks, placed on the floor or table of the milk-room, will readily counteract its efiects. But on no account whatever should a chafing-dish with burning coals be used, as it will certainly impart a bad taste to the milk. Dairy Utensils, — ]\lilk- Coolers, Sj'C. — All dairy utensils ouglit to be most caret\illy scoured, first with hot water, and afterwards rinsed wijh cold, and kept in an airy place, in order that every possible degree of acidity may be removed. Should one or two scourings be insufficient, they must be repeatedly cleansed until- they become entirely sweet, as the slightest taint or acidity may cause material loss. Slate, according to some accounts, makes veiy good milk-coolers, and perhaps freestone might answer as well. Making Butter in Wi?iter. — Mrs. Jones prepares her cream for churning by heating the milk after it has stood tv/elve or twenty-four hours. She places it over coals the evening before churning, until the milk, as it stands with the cream on, is hea.ted ready to boil- ing, when she sets it by till morning."^ The cream - : ■ n skimmed off, and churned by stirring in an eanhei: vcs butter is delicately white and clear in iis conip i!X"';.;>. , fine-flavored. Garlic in Batter. — Wlien milk has the tkv, oi* oi' . .- . .,- wild onion, add a quart of boiling water to each gallon, and sev it avvay in vessels having the bottom covered l.he ''-.'ckness of an inch only with milk. The cream that rises will bo perfecay sweet, and free from any disagreeable flavor. Cheese. — Makiag Cheese. — A person v/hose dair\- enjovs a 3* 30 high reputation gives the following directions for making cheese : " Take a gallon and a half of water and throw into it a pint and a half of common salt. Boil and skim it, and add three or four ounces of rose-leaves. After it is sufficiently steeped, let it cool, and put in one ounce of saltpetre and four rennets. A great- spoonful of this preparation is enough to turn fifteen gallons of milk. When the curd is made, dip it out carefully and put it into a cloth that sits in a vessel with its bottom perforated with holes. Let a person on each side of the cloth take up the cor- ners, and raise the curd carefully, and turn it from one side to the other in the cloth, in order to the better draining off the whey ; then lay it as before in a vessel perforated with holes, and thus turn it once in fifteen or twenty minutes, and in the intervals place a follower upon it, with a stone above ; cutting the curd through each time. When the whey is out, season it with salt to your palate, while cutting it up in small pieces with a suitable knife ; then put it up for pressing. Let it stand under thirty or forty pounds' weight for twenty-four hours, and then turn it and let it stand twenty-four hours more under the same. A severe pressure, w^hich is sometimes given, spoils a rich cheese entirely. " Set your cheese in closets made for the purpose, which flies cannot enter. '' The outside may be rubbed with a mixture of butter and Spanish-brown, which answers very well, but other mixtures may answer equally well. " A small quantity of otter, say the size of a kernel of rye, seiocd up ill a cloth, may be put in each curd. " Never wash out your cheese-cloth with soap, but boll it out in whey." Stilton Cheese. — Ho2v made. — Take the night's cream and put it into the morning's new milk with the rennet ; when the curd is separated, let it not be broken, as is done with other cheese, but take it out, disturbing it as little as possible, and suf- fer it to dry gradually in a sieve ; and as the wliey separates, compress it gradually till it has acquired a firm consistence ; then place it in a wooden hoop, and suller it to dry very gradually on a board, taking care at the same time to turn it daily with close binders round, and which must be tightened as the cheese ac- quires more solidit}'. Skippers in Cheese. — A\'rap the cheese in thin brown paper, so thin that moisture may strilvc through soon ; dig a hole in good sweet earth aboiu tv.o feet deep, in which the cheese must 31 be buried about thirty-six hours, and the skippers will be found all on the outside of the cheese ; brush them off immediately, and you will find your cheese sound and good. To prevent Cheese having a Rancid, Najiseous Flavor. — Put about one table-spoonful of salt to each gallon of milk, w^hen taken from the cows in the evening, for the cheese to be made the next day ; put the salt at the bottom of the vessel that is to receive the milk; it will increase the curd, and prevent the milk from growing sour ol* putrid the hottest nights in summer. Barns. — Proper Location of Barns. — The barn should be placed at a convenient distance from the dwelling-house and other buildings, but as near as may be without danger of fire, or annoyance from the effluvia of manure-heaps. Too low a spot will be miry in spring and fall. Too high an eminence will be inconvenient for drawing in loads, and on account of saving and making manure. If other circumstances permit, it may be best to place a barn in such a manner as to defend the dwelling-house from the force of the coldest winds. Proper Size, ^'C. — The size of the barn should be propor- tionate to the produce of the farm ; for in this country, where building is not expensive, all the hay and grain should be placed under cover. It is a bad practice to leave hay in stacks in the meadows where it is cut, to be there foddered out to the cattle in the course of the winter. By this mode of management the manure is almost lost. Barn Floor, — Grain Bin, ^c, — The floor of the barn should be kept tight, so that the grain cannot fall through in threshing ; and for this purpose it should have a layer of thin boards under it. It is most advisable also to have a place set apart in the barn for the purpose of stowing away the grain after it is threshed. The bins for the grain should be made of hard plank, to prevent tlie rats and mice from eating through them, and should liave lids, which can be fastened dov^n with padlocks. Fences. — The kinds of fence and manner of fencing chou'd vary according to the difference of soil and the kuids of inateri- als for fencing. In new lands, logs are and ought to be most used. When built of white-pine, they will las* about tv/enly years. Other sorts of wood, such as pitch-pine, hemlock, ash, oak, &c., will endure for a considerable time if not placed too near the ground. Best Kind of Rails. — In many parts of the country, posts and i-ails will be found the cheapest materials for fence. 32 The best timber for rails, according to Dr. Deane, is red-cedar. It is easy to split, light to carry and handle, sufticiently strong, and the most durable of any. Best Kind of Posts. — Red-cedar, locust, and chestnut are best for posts. Butternut, black- v/alnut, and oak are pretty good, lasting about fifteen years. If tlie lower ends of posts are scorched in a hot tlanie before they are put into the ground, they will last the longer. Some recommend soaking them in sea- water to keep them from rotting. The posts should be set at least two feet in the ground. Stone Walls. — In laying stone walls, regard should be had to the soil. ■ If a miry or clay soil, the foundation should be laid in a trench nearly as low as the earth freezes. A wall of flat or square shaped stones will stand pretty well on any soil on the surface. Drains. — Two Kinds of Brains. — Drains used in farming are of two kinds, open mid covered. They should be of a size and depth proportioned to the extent of the swamp and the probable quantity of water for which they are designed to be channels. They should generally be carried through the lowest and wettest part of the soil, although it should be necessary, in order to effect that purpose, to deviate from straight lines. Of Ditching a Fence. — When a ditch is made for a fence, it ought to be four feet wide at the top, one or less at the bottom, and about two and a half feet deep ; with the earth all thrown .out on one side, and banked up as high as possible. A Ride for Open Drains. — A rule for open drains is that the width at top should be three times as much as that which is necessary at the bottom, and in case of peat-mosses or soft soils, it should be such as to allow the w^ater to run off witiiout stagna- tion, but not with so rapid a motion as to injure the bottom. Manner of Draining a Swamp. — The manner of draining a swamp is as follows. Beginning at the outlet, pass a large ditch through it, so as mostly to cut the lowest parts. Then make another ditch quite round it, near to the border, to cut off the springs which come from the uplands, and to receive the water that runs dovvii from the hills u])on the surface, in great rains. Of the Main Ditches. — I'ho bottom of the main ditches, when the soil is not of an extraordinary depth, must be lower than the bottom of the loose soil ; otherwise the soil will never become sufSciently diy and firm. A Rule for all Drains. — In all drains, it is a rule to begin 33 at the lowest place and to work upwards, by which the water will always pass from the workmen and point out the level. This enables the laborers also to work in coarse weather, and prevents their being interrupted by wet so early in the season as otherwise might ha})nen. Haymaking. — -It is a matter of mnch importance to the hus- bandman that he should take time by the fore'rop during tiie hay- malcing season. He must drive his business rather than be driven by it. Seaso7i of Cutting Grass. — It is best, generally speaking, to cut your very heaviest grass first of all ; and if it be lodged, or in danger of lodging, or the lowest leaves and bottom of the stalks are beginning to turn yellow, although the grass is hardly head- ed, and appears not to have obtained more than two thirds of its growth, you had better begin upon it. But when you have help enough, and your grass stands up well, you will do best to wait till the blossom is fully formed, and is beginning to turn brown. Clover is the most critical grass, and requires the most attention. *' In all cases," says Sir John Sinclair, " clover ought to be mown before the seed is formed ^^"^ that the full juice and nourishment of the plants may be retained in the hay. The fore part of the season for making hay is, we believe, usually attended with less rain than the latter part. The days, too, are longer, and the dews are less copious. Farmers will, therefore, find additional motives from these circumstances to industry and exertion in early hay-time. Grass should he mown close. — It is asserted by the " Farm- er's Guide," that " grass will not thrive well that is not mown quite close ; and the loss in the crop where this is not done is considerable, as one inch at the bottom iceighs mare than several at the top.'' Signs of Rain, ^c. — In this cli-raate, a southerly wind, if it continues steadfast for forty-eight hours, is generally followed by rain. If the wind, however, shi;ft its course with the sun, or, as sailors phrase it, go round with the sun, in the morning blow- ing from the south, or east of south, and changing westerly as the sun advances, it generally indicates dry weather. If the wind shifts in a course opposite to the apparent course of the sun, rain commonly succeeds.. If the wind continues southerly, and blows briskly through the night, it commonly, as the phrase is, " blows up. rai)i-." A northerly whid is a drying wind, and its predominance soon dissipates clouds, and introduces fair weather. 34 Harvesting. — As a general rule, tiie proper tune lo renp wheat or rye is when the straw begins to shrink, and becomes wliiie about half an inch below the ear. If the grain is encumbered with grass or weeds, you must cut it very near the top, and a little earlier than you otherwise would, that you may have time to dry the weeds without the grain shell- ing out. Wheat and rye should both be bound with one length of the straw, as it v/ill save the trouble of making bands, and the wheat will dry better, as the sheaves must, of course, be small. It is a bad plan to stow grain upon a hay-mow", as it is apt to become musty, and will be much harder to thresh, on account of the dampness communicated by the hay ; it should be stowed upon a scaffold. In making a stack, be "careful and keep the seed ends of the sheaves in the middle, and a little higher than the outer ends. This will preserve it from the fov/ls and the rain ; niakc up the top well v/ith straw. Oats should be harvested before the straw becomes fully yel- low. The straw will be of little or no value if permitted to stand till it becomes white and destitute of sap. They should bo gathered mornings and evenings, when the strav/ is made pliable by moisture. The only certain test of judging when barley is fit to mow, J, must be from the dropping and falling of tlie ears, so as to f* double against the straw. In that state, and not before, it may be cut with all expedition, and carried in whhout danger to tlie mow. Bushes. — In many parts of our country the pasture grounds are infested and often overrun with noxious shrubs : this is the most slovenly part of our husbandry, and ought to be cured. Eradicating them, says Deane, requires so much labor that farmers are most commonly content with cutting them once m a few years. But the more cuttings they survive, the longer livjcd they are apt to be, and the hardej- to kill, as the roots continually gain strength. Best iivie for Cutting Bushes, Manner, ^c. — It is undoubt- edly true, that cutting bushes in the summer will do more towards destroying tliem than doing it in any other season, particularly in August. Oiher circumstancas being equal, the wettest weather ■ is best for destroying shrubs by cutting. Spreading plaster on ground where bushes have been cut may tend to check their re- sprouting, by encouraging the growth of grass. It 15 said to be a good ju'jiho',1 ol" ilfjsifoyiiig bushes, to cut Tliem with hoes close to the suri^ico, when the ground is frozen iiard ; and that more may !)e d!.'strv.'yc(i in a day in this way than in the usual method of catting vvitli a bush-scythe. Bashes which grow in cluslers, ;is alder, &c., may be expe- ditiously pulled up by oxen ; and this is an effectual way to sab- due them. Elder is considered harder to subdue than almost any other kind of bush ; mowing it five times in a season, it is said, will not kill it. Tiie roots of the shrub-oak will not be killed by dig- ging them out. To destroy bushes in swamps, flooding two or three summers is the most approved method.* But if this is not convenient, draining will so alter the nature of tlie soil, that the shrubs which it natumlly produced before will not be any longer nourished by it ; and one cutting ir/ay be suiiicient. After all, extirpation by digging them out, and by fire, is cheapest and most eflectual. Ploughing. — Ploughing is the most important of agricultural operations. On the maimer in v/hich this is performed depend all the subsequent operations of tillage on the same land. Of Ploughing in different Soils^ Time when, ^-c. — In all stiff, heavy, and adhesive soils, that are much disposed to moist- ure, it should be a common rule not to plough them while wet in any considerable degree, especially if there is much clay in their composition. Greensward, in general, can hardly be ploughed too wet, if it be not miiy. Marshy, moory, and peaty or moss}^ descriptions of soil should, in general, when already reduced to a state of til- lage, be ploughed vrhen the season is diy. In dry, sandy, and perhaps in some of the more mellow kinds of loamy soils, the business of ploughing may be performed when the earth is in a state of considerable moisture. But very dry, sandy land, whenever the weather is hot and diy, should merely be stirred in such a way as may be necessary to prevent the growth of weeds. TJpon the Depth of Ploughing, no certain Rule to he given. — Much has been said upon the advantages of deep ploughing. But no general rule on this subject can be given which is not lia- ble to many exceptions. The cultivator must be regulated by the nature of the soil, the proposed crop, &c. The point which ought to be referred to, when determining 36 between the merits of different specimens of ploughing, is the angle of forty-five degrees. That is, other things being equal, tlie nearer the furrovv'-slice comes to forming an angle of forty- .iive degrees with the horizon, the more perfect the specimen of ploughing. Dry Soils to he tilled fat. — Dry soils, being deficient in moisture, ought to he tilled fat, as any sort of draining which the furrows might afford would be prejudicial rather than ad- vantageous. Pasture. — Management of Pasture Land. — To manage pasture land advantageously, it should be well fenced in small lots, of four, eight, or twelve acres, according to the largeness of one's farm and stock ; and these Iocs should be bordered at least with rows of trees. It is best that trees of some kind or other should be growing, scattered in every point of a pasture, so that the cattle may never liave to go far in a hot liour to obtain a comfortable shade. The grass will spring earlier in the lots that are thus sheltered, and they will bear the drought better. But too great a proportion of shade should be avoided, as it will give a sourness to the gniss. Tijne of Turning in Cattle. — It is hurtful to pastures to turn in cattle too early in the spring ; and most hurtful to those pas- tures in which the grass springs earliest, as in very low and wet pastures. Fetching such land in the spring destroys the sward, so that it will produce the less quantity of grass. Neither should cattle be let into any paature until the grass is so much grown as to afford them a good bite, so that thej^ may fill themselves with- out rambling over the whole lot. The 20th of May is early enough to turn cattle into almost any of our pastures. Out of some they should be kept later. The driest pastures should be used first, though in them the grass is shortest, that the potching of the ground in the wettest may be prevented. Of Cleaning Bushes and Shruhs. — The bushes and shrubs that rise in pastures should be cut in the most likely times to de- stroy them. Thistles and other bad weeds should be cut down before their seeds have ripened ; and ant-hills should be de- .Mroyed. Much may be done towards subduing a bushy pasture ;by keeping cattle hungry in it. A continual browsing keeps down the young shoots, and totally kills many of the bushes. Steers ;gnd heifers may mend such a pasture, and continue growing. Of Feeding in Rotation^ — Feeding pastures In rotation is of 37 greater advantage than some are apt to imagine. One acre, managed according to the above directions, will turn to better account, as some say who have practised it, than three acres in the common way. By the common way I would be understood to mean, having weak and tottering fences, that will drop of themselves in a few months, and never can resist the violence of disorderly cattle ; suffering weeds and bushes to overrun the land ; keeping all the pasture land in one inclosure ; turning all sorts of stock together ; sutferhig the fence to drop down in autumn, so as to lay the pasture common to all the swine and catde that please to enter ; and not putting up ttie fence again until the 1st of May, or later. Such management is too com- mon in all parts of this country. Of Manuring Pastures. — Though pastures need manuring less than other lands, yet, when bushes, bad weeds, &c. are burnt upon them, the ashes should be spread thinly over the sur- fece. The grass will thus be improved, and grass-seeds should be sown upon the burnt spots, that no part may be vacant of grass. Of Water in Pastures. — " Sheep, calves, and horses, unless they are worked,'' it is said, " require no water in their pastures. The w^ant of water induces them to feed in the night, when the dew is on aiid the grass more nutritious. Cows, however, want pure water." Way to obtain Water. — " In pastures which are on side-hills, water may generally be obtained by digging horizontally into the side of the hill till it is found, and then carrying it out with a pipe." Woodland. — Care sliould he taken of the Young Growth. — Some ground is covered with wood or trees that are mostly de- signed for fuel and timber. In felling them, care should be taken to injure the young growth as little as possible. Firewood, as well as timber, should be felled when the sap is down ; otherwise it will hiss and fry upon the fire, and not burn freely, although it should be ever so long dried. Hoiv to thicken a Forest. — To thicken a forest, or to in- crease the number of trefes in a wood-lot, it should be well fenced, and no cattle be permitted to be in it. And something may be done, if needful, by layers and cuttings. Old Trees should be cut. — The Massachusetts Agricultural Repository recommends cutting hard-wood trees between forty and fifty yeai-s of age ; and the writer states, that though trees 4 as may shoot up in heiglit by standing longer, yet the period of the most rapid vegetation is mostly over, and by this means much of the under-growth is necessarily destroyed. A Decaying Forest sliould he cut off Clean. — The " Farm- er's Assistant" likewise says: " If woods aye old and decaying, the better way is to cirt all olf, as you want to lise the wood, and let an entire new growth start up, which will grow more rapidly." SECTION ITT. THE MOST COMJION NOXIOUS INSECTS. Insects. — The design of our v/ork will allow us to devote but a brief space to the consideration of this subject. A fev/ of the most approved modes of cou.ntoractinf^ the ravages of insects will be pointed out. Preventive Operaiicms. — The preventive operations are those of the best culture, in the most extensive sense of the term, in- cluding what relates to choice of seed or plant, soil, situation, and clhnate. If these are c . ■ aii'iuir.] lo, it will seldom happen that any species of in: -ci \, i i cl'bct serious and permia- nent injury^. Vegetables which are vig<,>rous and thrifty are not apt to be injured by v.orms, flies, bugs, &c. Fall ploughing, by exposing worms, grubs, the larvae of bugs, beetles, (kc, to the in- tense frosts of our vvinters, is vejy beneficial. Insects may be aimoyed, and oftentimes their complete destruction eflected, by sprinkling over them, by means of a syringe, watering-pot, or garden-engine, simple water, soap-suds, tobacco-water, decoctions of elder, especially of the dwarf kind, of vralnut-leaves, bitter and acrid herbs, pepper, lye of wo(jd-.'iSiies, or solutions of pot and pearl ashes, water impregnated ^\ith salt, tar, tur{)entine, &c. ; or they may be dusted with sulphur, quicklhrne, and other acrid substances. Canker-ioorm. — The female of thifJP insect comes out of the ground late in the fall or early in the spring, or, sometimes, during a period of mild, open weather in winter. Those which rise in autumn or in winter are less numerous than those which ascend in spring; but, being very prolific, they do much injury One method of preventing the ravages of the worm ..is to bar the :J9 ascent of the females up the stem of the tree. Tliis has gener- ally been attempted by tarring^ of which there are several modifications. ,Tkrec Modes of Tarring. — 1. A strip of linen or canvas is put round the body of the tree, before the females begin their ascent, and well smeared with tar. The insects, in attempting' to pass this barrier, stick fast and perish. But this process, to com- plete the desired etfect, must be commenced about the first of November, and the tarring continued, when the weather is mild enough to permit the worms to emerge from the ground, till the latter end of May, or till the time of their ascent is past. It is necessaiy to fiU the crevices in the bark with clay mortar, before the strip of linen or canvas is put on, that the msects may not pass under it. 2. Another mode of tarring is, to take two pretty wide pieces of board, plane thern, make semicircular notches in each, fitting them to the stem or body of ihe tree, and fasten them together securely at the ends, so that the most violent storms may not dis- place them. The crevices bet^vLxt the boards and the tree may be easily stopped with rags or tow ; then smear the under side of the boards with tar. 3. A gentleman informs us, that in Plymouth, Massachusetts, they make use of the following mixture as a substitute for tar in i^reserv'ing fruit-trees against canker-worms, vie. : White varnish, soft soap, and whale-oil, one third of each, to be mixed and applied a 5 tar is usually. This mixture is not soon hardened by the weather, and does not injure the trees. Another simple mode of preventing the ascent of the insect is to wind a band of refuse flax or swingle tow round the tree, and stick on the band burdock or chestnut burs, set so closely together that worms cannot pass between them. CaterpiUars. — Mode of destroying them. — This is one of the worst enemies to an orchard, when neglected, but easily de- stroyed by a little attention. In the spring, when the nests are .small, and the insects young and tender, they never venture abroad in the early part of the day, when the dew is on the trees, or in bad weather ; they may then be effectually destroyed by crushing them in the nest. This attention, continued a short time .eveiy spring, will destroy those in existence, and will pre- vent their increase in future years ; if left till grown strong, they wander from their nests, and cannot be effectually overcome without great trouble and expense. 40 Other methods have been proposed, such as casting over the tree a few handfuls of ashes in the morning, before the dew is dissipated from tlie foliage, or after a shower of rain. A strong whitewash of fresh limestone, applied by the means of a mop, or sponge, fixed to the end of a pole, strong soap-suds, spirits of turpentine, a little oil of any kind, particularly blubber-oil, are / likewise fatal to th(! insects. Cat-worm. — This is an ash-colored worm, with a stripe al- most black on its back. When fully grown, it is about the size of a goose-quill, and about an inch and a quarter in length. They are very apt to ciit olf young cabbages, cauliflowers, beets, &c. They never voluntarily appear on the surface of the ground in the day-time, but may be found about an inch below it. In the night they make their excursions, cut oil:' the stems of young plants just at the top of the ground, and again bury themselves. ReDiedies for, 4*c. — Lime and ashes, in some measure, pre- vent their doing mischief; but sea- water, salt, or brine, would be more effectual ; and not a laborious remedy, even in field culture, is it to go roimd every morning and open the earth at the foot of the plant, and you will never fail to find the worm at the root within four inches. Kill him, and you will save, not only the other plants of the field, but probably many thousands in future years. Apple-tree Borers. — Preventive, <^c. — In speaking of the apple-tree borer, Professor Loy, in a letter to Jesse Buel, Esq., says : '^ You state that it leaves the pupa and becomes perfect in the latter part of April, and that the eggs are deposited beneath the surface of the soil. These two circumstances ascertained, I would recommend the application, early in May, or the latter part of April, of common bricklayer's mortar, around the base of the tree, so as to cover completely the part, and its immediate vicinity, where the deposit is made." Slug-worm. — The following remedy, it is said, will prove effectual in the destruction of this worm. Make a strong infu- sion of tar, by pouring water on tar and suflering it to stand two or three days, till it becomes strongly impregnated. This, if sprinkled over the leaves by means of an engine, will kill these vermin instantaneously. A strong decoction of tobacco will prob- ably produce the desired effect, and tanner's bark put round the tree, it is said, will have a salutary tendency as a preventive. Others recommend watering the ground where these insects are with soap-suds and urine, mixed with tobacco- water. Ducks admitted into a garden will destroy all within their reach. 41 Wlr&'Worm^ or Red Wo/^/n. — This insect ia slender, and usually about an inch long, with a hard coat and a pointed head. Soaking seed-corn in a solution of copperas in water has been found etlectual against this insect. Probably sea-mud or sea-water would produce good effect as preservatives against this and other insects. Striped Btig^ or Yellow Fhj. — This is a bug that preys on the young plants of cucumbers, melons, squashes, and other similar plants. They may be considerably thhined by killing them in a dewy morning, wlien they have not the free use of their wings, and cannot well escape ; or the vines may be sprin- kled over with sulphur, or Scotch snuff, which is an effectual antidote. But a frame, covered with muslin or gauze, is prob- ably the best remedy. SECTION IV. A COLLECTION OF CHOICE RECEIPTS VALUABLE TO THE FARMER AND HIS WIFE. irf These have all been tested arid approved. Class I. Way to make Candles. — Prepare your wicks about half the usual size, wet with spirits of turpentine, put them into the sua until dry, then mould or dip your candles. Candles thus made last longer, and give much clearer light. In fact, they are nearly or quite equal to sperm, in clearness of light. Take two pounds of alum for every ten pounds of tallow ; dissolve the alum in w^ater before the tallow is put in, and then melt the tallow in the alum-water, with frequent stirrmg, and it will clarify and harden the tallow so as to make it a most beautiful article for eiliier winter or summer use, almost as good as sperm. Cheese. — To prevent its Cracking. — The best method to pre- vent the cracking of cheese is to salt it in the milk, or after the cheese is formed, which may be done with much more cer- tainty than in the curd, whicli is a bad method. Dairy Secret. — Have ready two pans in boiling water : and on the new milk coming to the dairy, lake the hot pans out of 4* 4-2 the water, put tlie milk into one of ihem, aijd cover it willi tlie other. This will occasion great augmentation in the thickness and quality of the cream. Eggs. — Prescrcivg Eggs. — A xMr. Jayne, of Yorkshire, England, obtained a patent for the following receipt, for present- ing eggs, which we think worthy of trial : — * One bushel of quicklime, 32 ounces of salt, 8 ounces of cream of tartar. Mix the same together with as much water as will reduce the composition to sucii consistency that an egg, when put into it, will swim. It is said eggs have beeji kept sound, in this way, for two years. Another. — Put a layer of salt in the bottom of a jar, and stick the eggs, point downwards, into the salt, and so on, layer after layer. Hams. — How to preserve. — Mr. Robert Wilson, of Fair- field, Conn,, says he preserves his hams from flies, &c., by pack- ing them in oats. In the fall he mixes his oats with corn, and grinds them, to increase the quantity. Beef and Pork. — A Pickle for. — The following receipt is strongly recommended : Six gallons of water, 9 lbs. salt, coarse and fme mixed ; 3 lbs. sugar ; 3 ounces saltpetre ; 1 ounce pearl- ash ; one gallon molasses to every six gallons water. In making a larger or smaller quantity of pickle, the above proportions are to be observed. Boil and skim th.e ingredients well. Bacon. — Hoic to pre scree. — Make a lye of wood-ashes,^nd boil it till it is strong. Dip each piece of meat in it, let it dry, and hang it in a smoke-house ; no insect will injure it, and the taste of the lye will not be perceived, even on the outside. Apples. — Winter aj)pl(3s are better for remaining on the tree till well grown and ripened ; it improves their flavor. To drive Ants away. — To prevent this little intruder from committing depredations on your dairy, safes, &c., smoke the bottom of your dishes or other vessels over a fire of oak chips or limbs ; smoke empty vessels, and set your full ones in them. You must repeat the process every day or two, which wdll prob- ably cause them to change their haunts. A small quantity of green sage, placed in the closet, will cause ants to disappear. Bees. — How to catch the Molh, or Miller. — Dr. Waterman says : " I took two whhe dishes, (I think white attracts their at- tention in the night.) or deep plates, and placed them on the top of the hives, and filled ihem about half full of sweetened vine- gar. The next morning I had about fifty millers caught ; the second night I caught fifty more ; the third night being cold, 1 did ^not get any; the fourth night being very warm, I caught about four hundred ; the fifth night I got two hundred." Bees. — To prevent them from Fighting. — To stop bees from fighting and robbing one another, break the comb of the robbers, so that the honey will run down among them, and tliey will go to work at home. ^r^x^vT. — To preserve Vines from Bugs — The best remedy vi'/Viiavtj tried is, to plant onion-seeds with the cucumber, and, , ^fter the plants are up, to sprinkle ashes on every hill, just before a fall of rain, which makes a lye and kills the bugs, &c., almost instantaneously ; the smell of the onions, when up, will keep the flies off. We have adopted this method for a number of years, not only on our vines, but on vegetables, such as beets, parsnips, &;c. It promotes their growth, and loosens the earth around the roots. Ashes sprinkled on young cabbages will also destroy worms and increase their growth. Another. — Lay two shingles fiat on each hill among the •plants ; early in the morning, and just before night, visit them, and you will find plj^nty of bugs sticking to the shingles on the under side ; clap them together, and the slaughter is sudden and im- mense. To preserve Corn from Crows. — Take after the rate of one pound of copperas to a bushel of seed-corn, dissolve in water, and sprinkle the corn with it ; the corn may, at the same time, be rolled in plaster. This experiment has been tried for three years, with great sue- - cess, by a veteran farmer. Another. — Soak a IV-w quarts of corn in whiskey, and scatter it over tlie field for the crows, who, after partaking one such meal, and getting pretty thoroughly cor7ied, will never return to it aijain. Hawks. — To prevent their Depredations. — One or more Guinea hens in a flock of fowls, it is said, will effectually pre- vent molestation from hawks. Hops. — How to protect from In.'^ects. — Mr. John Hobbs, of St. Ives, Cornwall, effects the destruction of all the small insect tribes which infest the hop-plrmt, l)y the erection of rails of a particular construction, smear<;d over with cold tar, or the satu- ration of the poles with a solulion of copperas. u Insects. — Tu dt'sirdy Insects on Plaiitci. — Tie up some flour of sulphur in a piece of mvisiin or fine linen, and wiih this the leaves of young shoots of plants should l^e dusted ; or it may be thrown on them by means of a common swairs-down puil", or even by a dredging-box. Insects in Orchards. — Worms and insects in orchards may be destroyed by allowing swine to run beneath the trees. As fast as the wormy and immature fruit falls, they will eat them, worms and all. Worms and Gnibs. — A mixture of salt and saltpetre (nitre), in proportion of eight parts of the former to one of the latter, applied about the roots, will, it is said, destroy the worms and greatly promote the health and thrift of tlie tree. Bone-Dust. — Thirty busliels of bone-dust, and seventy bush- els of ashes, mixed well together, is enough for an acre of tur- nips, the which, after being evenly spre^ad, should be harrowed in before sowing the seed. To render old and barren Orchards fhrifty and productive. — Early in the spring plough the entire orchard and enrich with . a compost of manure, swamp-muck, lime, and sea-manure. Scrape off all the old bark with a deck-scraper, or a hoe, ground sharp. Apply half a bushel of slacked lime, and the same of charcoal, around each tree. Apply then soft soap, or strong soap- suds, on the trunks and limbs, as high as a man can reach. While the trees are in full bloom, throw over them a good pro- portion of fine slacked lime. Class II. Calves. — Keeping Calves loith Sheep. — We have often rec- ommended the keeping of calves with sheep, as v/e have founds it an excellent plan, and highly approvc^d of by others who have tried it. In this way there is less trouble, and the calves keep in fine condition upon the coarse part of the fodder which the sheep leave. In such cases, calves are never afflicted with vermin, and if any are on them before, they will soon disappear after the calves are among the sheep. Cattle. — To relieve choked Cattle and Hogs. — Raise the fore foot to relax the muscles of the leg ; then tie a bit of whip-cord, drum-line, or other strong string, round the arm, just above the knee ; let go the foot, and if the horse or cow does not put it to the ground, a quick stroke with the v,'hip will make it do so, and the operation is performed, and the animal relieved. 15 Ajwthcr, — Tie the heads of cxitlle down, and it will prevent their choking. Cattle. — Feedings c^-r. — If all the grain fed out to stock were chopped, a saving of at least twenty-live per cent, in the quantity consumed might be made. The catde would thrive better, as the food would be converted into nutriment without making so violent a demand upon the digestive organs. How to save in feeding Horses. — Bruise or crush your oats in a mill, or otherwise, as convenient, and your horse will be- come fatter on half its usual allowance, than on double the quantity unprepared. If you cannot bruise the oats, pour hot water upon them and let them soak for a few hours. Horses. — Salting Horses., Sf'c. — A good lump should be kept in a box by the side of every animal, without fear that it will ever be taken in excess. Horses. — Feeding ivitJi Oats^ ^'C. — Vve were lately told by the proprietor of an extensive liveiy stable, that he had the experi- ence of several years in feeding the yellow carrots to his horses, and that he considers them the most valuable articles for winter food that he ever used. He considers a peck of carrots and a peck of oats worth more for a horse than half a bushel of oats. Horses. — Marks of., S^c. One white foot, buy him ; Two white feet, try him ; Three white feet, deny him ; Four white feet and a white nose, Take off his hide and throw him to the crows. Colts. — To prevent them Chewing their Halter. — Take the scab from the wart or issue on the inside of the leg, rub the hal- ter thoroughly with that, and they will not be caught chewing their halter very soon. I have tried pepper, tobacco, &c., but nothing to so good a purpose as their own or kindred musk. Hens. — Feed with Oats., ^'C. — Hens will, it is said, be sure to furnish an extra quantity of eggs, if you deal to each about a gill of oats per day. Hens. — How to protect from Vermin. — A gentleman from Hanover requests us to state the fact, that pennyroyal woven in their nests, will perfectly and certainly protect hens from vermin. He generally makes the nest entirely of this strong-scented herb. Foiols. — To fatten. — Corfme your fowls in a large and airy inclosure, and feed tliem on broken Indian corn, Indian meal, or mu^3h, with raw potatoes cat into email pieces ^ not larger than a 46 filbert, placing within their reach a quantity of charcoal broken into small pieces. Boiled rice is also good. Another, — It is astonishing with what rapidity fowls increase when well fed, kept in confined cribs, and in a darkened room. Fed on a mixture of 4 lbs. of oatmeal, 1 of suet, and half a pound of sugar, with milk for drink, five or six times a day in summer, a Dorking will add to its weight 2 lbs. in a week, some- times 1| in four days. A young turkey will lay on 3 lbs. a week, under the same treatment. Another. — K. friend inquires, " Which is the best grain for feeding fowls, eggs being the object } " Fowls require a vrtriety of food. Grain of all kinds is good. Wheat-screenings^ which can be had at all the mills where wheat is ground, constitute a good and ciieap food for fowls. Buck- wheat, barley, oats, and Indian corn should also be given occa- sionally. They should also have animal food. This may be supplied from the ofials of slaughter-houses. If they are kept confined, they should have occasionally some cabbages cut up and given them. Potatoes and turnips will also be found useful. Keep them well supplied with gravel, pebbles, water, sand, ashes, - &c., to dust themselves with. Geese. — Feeding Geese., S^'C. — An experiment has lately been tried of feeding goese with turnips, cut up fine and put into a trough with water. The efi'ect was, that six geese, weighing only nine pounds each, after three weeks' feeding with this food alone, weighed fifteen pounds each. Sheep. — Hovj to give them an Appetite. — Give to your sheep pine boughs once or twice a week ; they will create appetite, prevent disease, and increase their health. Swine. — Substitute for Ringing. — A Mr. Tub, an English breeder of stock, has recommended a mode of dealing with these mischievous animals, which it is said may supersede the necessi- ty of putting rings into their nose. It consists simply of shaving off, with a razor or sharp knife, the gristle on the top of the noses of the young ; this place soon lieals over, and the pigs are thus rendered incapable of rooting. Poison. — Cure for Poison. — It is said that a gill of melted lard poured down the throat of a sheep poisoned by eating laurel, a shrub that retains its foliage in winter, and grows abundantly on the margin of some of our streams, and in mountainous dis- tricts," is a certain cure. Cattle are sometimes poisoned by eating the same shrub. 47 AVould not tho same remedy, in larger portions, be equally efficient ? Ohitmenl foi' CaitJe. — Excellent ointment for cattle can be ^made by taking ef|ual parts of Venice tnrpentine and hog's lard well beaten together. Milk Spreading. — This may be remedied by pressing the teat full of milk again.st a stone, and rubbing it smartly. Salt for Stock. — When animals are first turned to grass, they need more salt than at other seasons ; at least we infer this, as they eat it more freely. Corn soaked for Sicinc. — Soak corn till fermentation is pro- duced, and it will make excellent food for hogs. Class III. Trees.-— Trnnsplaniing.^ ^yc. — The trees to be removed are selected, the shuations chosen, and the holes dug, while the ground'is yet open, in autumn. Then, just before the ground is frozen, dig a trench at some distance around the tree to be re- moved, gradually undermining it, and leaving all the mass of roots embedded in the ball of earth ; the whole ball is then left Ao freeze ])re4ty thoroughly, (generally till snow covers the ground,) when the ball of earth containing the tree is rolled upon a sled and transplanted to the hole previously prepared, where it is placed in its proper position ; and as soon as the weather be- comes mild, the earth is filled hi around the ball. On return of grov/th, the trees scarcely show any eiTects from being removed. Trees. — To prevent Young Trees from hecoming Hide-hound., — An excellent mode for preventing young fruit-trees from be- coming hide-bound and mossy, and for promoting their health . and growth, is to take a bucket of soft soap, and apply it with a brush or old cloth, to the- trunks, from top to bottom ; this cleanses tlie bark, and destroys the worms, or the eggs of insects, and the soap, becoming dissolved by rains, descends to the roots, and causes the tree to grow vigoro\isly. Trees. — To form a Neiv Bark on Old Trees. — Scrape the loose bark, and "pply a mixture of cow-dung and urine, made into the consistency of paint. Apply the mixture with a paint- brush. This softens the old, scaly bark, which peels off the fol- lowing spring, and is succeeded by fme, new, smooth bark. Trees. — To keep away the Borer. — Coalpit dust, I think, has proved beneficial to my fruit-trees, by placing a few shovelfuls about the roots of each tree ; it keeps away the grass, j)revcnls 48 the borer from entering the bark, and, withal, makes an excellent manure. Trees. — Setting Trees. — In setting trees, do not place them deep, and let the earth around tlicm remain concave, that it may catch the water. Planting Forest-Trees. — The best time for planting acorns, walnuts, as well as peaches, cherries, and other stone fruits, is in the fall of the year, as soon as they are ripe. If they are kept long after becoming thoroughly ripe, they are apt to lose their vegetative principle. Trees. — To preserve from Mice, Rohbifs., Moles, ^c. — Take any quantity of tar, and si^ or seven times as much grease, stir- ring and mixing them well together ; with this composition, brush the stems of young trees as high as rabbhs, &c. can reach, and it will prevent their being barked. Grafting. — Time of Grafting. — The most favorable time for grafting is from the time the bucls are bursting till the tree is in full foliage. Scions take well at this season, and being set soon after veg^-tation commences, they will attain a good growth. But though this may be the most favorable time, yet the work may be attended to for a longer period, as circumstances require, tt - may be commenced the first of March, and continued till the first of August. Trees. — Budding, Src. — If stocks are young and very thrifty, it will be in season to commence budding the first of August, for if they are set earlier they will be likely to start the present sea- son, and then liable to be winter-killed. In this way some have suffered great loss for want of experience. If trees be rather old and of slow growth, they should be budded the latter part of July ; but the better way is to put all stocks in a very thrifty condition before budding or grafting. Scions. — Evciy fruit-grower should get his scions ready in due season. Wrap them in a moistened mat or cloth, put them in a close box, and keep them in a cool cellar. We have scions cut last October, which w^e can keep in good condition till next fall. Keep the mat moist. If the scions mould, it will do no harm. Grafting. — Composition for. — Take one part of tallow, two parts of beeswax, and four parts of rosin. Melt the whole to- gether ; turn the mixture into water, and work it in the hands as the shoemaker does his wax, to incorporate the parts. The warmth of the hand will soon bring it to a proper consistency 49 when wanted for use, and a liLlle grease will prevent its adhering to the fingers. A small piece is broken off, flattened in the hand, and covered over the cleft or wound. If of the thickness of a shilling, it will neither melt, crack, nor peel off. To preserve Apples and Pears. — Wipe the fruit dry, then take a varnished crock or wide-mouthed jar, at the bottom of which is \Q be a layer of line and very dry sand ; on this place a layer of fi'uit, and so .alternately fruit and sand, until the crock or jar is full. Put a thick coat of sand on the top, and place it in a diy place. Apples or pears thus treated will keep good all winter. Seeds. — Hmv to preserve., 4'c., for Planting. — Mix the seeds with clean sand, which should be occasionally slightly moistened, to prevent the seeds from drying, and put in a cool place. The seeds of stone fruit, sliould not become much dried internally. Expose them sutTiciently to evaporate the external atmosphere, and pack as above. Corn. — Soak your Seed Corn in Saltpetre. — It destroys the worm, is not relished by crows or by squirrels, and yields much more abundantly than when it is planted without. Suckers in Corn not to he cut. — An anonymous Avriter in the American Farmer asserts, that, from careful experiments, he is satisfied that suckers do not lessen the quantity of grain, whilst they greatly increase th.e amount of fodder. Corn. — Rule for measiiring Corn in the Ear in a Crih. — Multiply the length, v/idth, and depth of the bin together, and their product by 4h. Cut off the right hand figure, and the re- maining figures will be the nu)nl)er of "bushels of shelled corn, and the figure at the ri^ht the decimal of a bushel. Wheat. — Rust in Wheat. — This seems to take place when it is nearly ripe, after a heavy shower of rain, succeeded by an in- tensel)'- warm sun. The straw then bursts, and. the sap exudes. This is the cause of rust. Steeping the seed in strong brine twelve hours, and then sifting lime over it, is the best pre- ventive. Silh--wonns. — Noise dislm'hs them. -— A friend of ours, who lias had much experience in managing silk-worms, says that noise disturbs thein, especially at the time of moulding. The se^«nd of a hammer, a burst of laughter, or loud talking, distur^'^ them. Their food should be gently laid dov/n by them, no' ^^^^'own on them. He uses as much caution in entering ^'"^ i'ooms as if approaching the cradle of a sick infant. 5 50 Maple Sugar. — - The art of making this article is veiy impef^ fectly understood, and great improvements can and ought to be made in the manufacture of it< The diifercnce in the yield of sugar from a given quantity of sap is owing to its possessing more or less acid, which lessens tlic quantity of sugar, and in- jures the quality. Thiy acid is corrected by putting into the sap, when used, one ounce of limewater to every gallon, when it will uniformly produce half a pound of sugar to the gallon, of better quality than it would without limewater. Another. — My manner of m.uking sugar is, to have tubs, and all connected with sugar-making, clean and sweet. My next ob- ject is, to boil as soon as possible after the sap has run from the trees ; in clarifying, I use for fifty pounds of sugar one pint of skimmed milk, put into the syrup when cold, and put over a moderate fire until it rises, which should occupy thirty or forty minutes, then skim and boil until it grains or sugars ; after which I turn it into a tub, and after tv.o or tliree weeks bore a hole in the bottom of the tub, and turn on a little cold water ; and in a few dnys the molasses will drain out, and leave the sugar dry, light, and white. Casks. — Foul Casks Made Clean. — Tainted wooden casks of every description may be rendered perfectly sweet and whole- some by washing them v.ith diluted sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) and water, and afterwards with limewater, and then pure water. Water. — How to cleanse, — Ha.li' an ounce of alum in pow- der will completely purify twelve gallons of corrupted ^ater. Potatoes. — To keep from Sprouting.' — Fill a basket with po- tatoes ; dip them into a large cauldron of boiling w ater for the space of two minutes ; take them out, spread and dry them well in the sun ; then pack them in barrels or hogsheads, and cover them v/ith sand. They will remain in excellent preservation for a long time. This method is particularly recommended to mas- ters of vessels and others preparing for sea. 7o cure Poison. — It is stated that poison on llie hands, or other parts, occasioned by the running ivy, or ])oison-vine, may be cured l)v rubbing the part affected a few tiiues with hog's lard. Manure for Melons. — The ])est is pigeon-dung, and from the Ub« of this, it is said, ihf Pr^rsian fruit derives its superiority. Hen-^*ing is jn-obably next in value, and after this, guano, which is the nuu.,j.p Qf sea- fowls. Cheap rnt>.. j-^^ ^ Barn. — An excellent and choap paint for rough wood-worKjg ^^^^ ^^ ,.;^. pfj,jj^,j,. (,f jr,eii''d ])itch, one pint cf lia^-eed oi!, ^.^ ^^^ ^^^^.^i ,.^. i^i-;..]- ,],,,^ ,^,^ ^^,\\^,y ..^hye. "-V 51 Sunflower. — It is said of this imornamental but useful flow" er, that it is destined to become one of our most valuable agri- cultural products. One hundred pounds of the seed aiibrd forty- pounds of oil. The refuse of the seeds, after expression, fur- nishes on excellent food for cattle. From the leaves of the plant, cigars are manufactured of singular qualities ; the stalk affords a superior alkali, and the comb of the seeds is a choice daintv for swine. CHAPTER II. SECTION I. FARM AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Neat Cattle. — ■ Rules in Selecting^ ^-c. — Neat cattle form a very important part in every farmer's live stock. In selecting them, two things are very material : first, the health and sound- ness of the stock from which they are purchased ; and, secondly, the quality of the soil on the produce of which it is intended to feed them. Stock for the dairy or the butcher should be selected from a breed of which you know or can ascertain every par- ticular relative to their general health and soundness, and the manner in which they have been reared, including their food, shelter, &;c. How to determine the Age of Cattle. — The eight fore teeth of the lower jaw are shed and replaced by others, which con- tinue through life ; the two middle fore teeth fall out at aboilt two years old, and are succeeded by others not so white. At three years old they have two more, next to those of the previous year ; and thus by the two succeeding years all the fore teeth are renewed ; they are then termed full-mouthed, and are live years old. At the sixth year the row is even, the last two being completely up. Besides these, they have ten grinders in each jaw. Feeding Cattle^ ^-c. — With respect to feeding, the first rule is, little at a time, and often; because experience has shown that animals tliat eat much in a short time do not fatten eo well as 52 those which eat less but more frequently. The second rule is, to begin the course with cabbage and turnips, then to employ- carrots and potatoes, and lastly, Indian, oat, or barley meal. These aliments ought to be varied several times a day, and often- er if convenient ; and instead of always reducing them to a meal, there is advantage in sometimes boiling them. A little salt given daily is very useful. Watering Cattle. — Water for cattle, in winter, should be furnished in a trough that stands in a pleasant place and out of the wind. Cattle will not drink half the usual allowance when obliged to stand in a cold wind. They will seldom put them- selves to much inconvenience to procure drink more than once in a day, but when it is handy they will drink several times. Confining Cattle. — ^ No kind of cattle should be sutfered to stroll over the fields or in the roads in the winter season. They gain nothing by it but the ill-will of neighbors and of travellers, who are often impeded on their journey by a drove of dumb loafers, sunning themselves in the streets. On the contrary, we lose immensely by suHering the manure to be scattered and fro- zen in winter. We should by all means conline them in the yard during the da}'', and let them enrich the soil or muck that we had the prudence to throw into it in autumn, after it was cleared of the old manure. Carding Cattle. — Many speak highly of the practice of card- ing through the winter, but we cannot say that we have ever seen any advantages attending it. Some good ostlers will not permit a hair to be carded otf in cold weather. They say thei^ horses want their coats on in the winter season. The carding of neat cattle in winter sets them to itching and rubbing, and they seem more uneasy for the operation. We doubt whether we may not better let their hair remain until spring, when the warm weather will assist to disrobe them. Fall Feeding. — Cattle in New England usually get their own food through the month of October, but when the season is very dry, we sometimes feed them with the toppings of the corn, and in some cases we have given them hay. We have known the seasons so favorable that cattle would take good care of themselves throuo-liout November, and this reduces our winter or feeding months to five months and a half, down to the middle of May. Oxen. — Sigiis of a Good Ox. — Till oxen are four years old, the)^ are usually called steers ; afterwards, oxen. The signs of a good ox are these : thick, soft, smooth, and sliort liair ; a short • 53 and thick head ; glossy, smooth horns ; large and shaggy ears ; wide forehead ; full, black eyes ; wide nostrils ; black lips ; a thick, fleshy neck, and large shoulders ; broad reins ; a large belly ; thick rump and thighs ; a straight back ; a long tail, well covered with hair ; short and broad hoofs. The best colors are brown, dark red, and brindlcid. When an ox has completed his eighth year, he should be fattened. To precent their Necks from becoming Sore. — If oxen are worked in the yoke in wet weather, their necks are apt to become sore. To prevent this, a little tallow should be rubbed on the parts of the voke which lie upon their necks, and also on the bows. On Carding Oxen. — An English writer recommends carding oxen, and says, " The ox, after the sensation becomes familiar, receives pleasure from the operation, and will momentarily fore- go his meal to receive the full enjoyment." This is not our faith. The proper Care of them. — Their labor and their fodder ought to be proportioned, that their health and their spirits may be kept in full tone. Their coats^ ought to be sleek ; their hides loose and silky ; the~ flank should fill the hand, and the shoulder handle mellow. If they be overworked or underfed, sluggish- ness and disease will inevitably follow. A working ox ought always to be beef that in case of accident he may be fit for the table. To prevent their Pushing and Croivding. — Oxen sometimes contract a bad habit of pulling or hauling against each other ; and sometimes crowd each other, so as to render them almost entirely useless as laborers. It is said that by turning them out to feed in the yoke, they will learn to move in concert, and thus be broken of the habits of pulling and crowding. On Training Oxen to draw. — Let them be yoked and turned out to feed, with a load attached to them so heavy as to require them to act in concert to drag it. They v>-ill soon learn ;o pail together, and be true to the yoke. Ox Teams. — For rough farms, oxen are much to be preferred to horses. They travel more steadily, and are more paiient on the plough, than the horse is, and when they have lived long enough, they are valuable for the butcher. Oxen will not work so many hours in a day as a horse will, but they are more to be depended on in the draught. They bear to be driven about two miles an hour, and if they are inclined to go slower than this, 5* 54 they should be put up to it. Fewer oxen are now used on farms that are cleared of their stumps and stones, tlian formerly ; and for travelling on the road, the horse is now universally preferred. It is not an object, in general, to raise the largest kinds of oxen. The middle size is best, and we must take care to choose for teams such as are best built. Though strength is a great point in working oxen, we do not prefer those that have the largest bones. We notice that those oxen travel best which have the straightest limbs, and we never wish to see an ox with long legs. On a middle-sized farm, one yoke of oxen at least, and one horse, should be kept. There are many kinds of business, where oxen and horj^es may be used together to advantage, and one of the prettiest teams on a farm is a yoke of oxen and a horse. They travel faster than four oxen, and the horse always makes a good leader for the team. Bulls. — Signs of a Good Bull. — Head long ; eyes promi- nent and lively ; ears long, and horns wide ; broad breast, and projecting before the legs ; legs clean, and fine-boned ; back or loin broad, straight, and flat ; round or barrel carcass ; rumps close to the tail, and tail well haired and in a horizontal line with the back. Bulls should be well fed, and. kept in suitable in- closures. The bull is in his prime at three years of age, and should not be used after he is eight or nine. Working Cows. — Best Kind. — Cows are fattened easier, and are better laborers, than oxen. The uses of cattle are to work, milk, and fatten. I have seen barren cows work as well as oxen ; thcp require less keep, and loalk faster. When first I commenced farming, I followed the example of my predecessor in feeding chiefly oxen ; but I soon found that cows fattened much faster, and on less meal, and for some years past I have carefully avoided having any oxen in my stalls. Care of Coivs about to calve. — Cows which are shortly ex- pected to calve ought to be lodged at night in some convenient place, under cover, for a week or too before calving, as it might be the means of saving the life of the calf, and perhaps of the dam likewise. The day and night after a cow has calved, she should be kept under cover, and her drink should be lukewarm. Let her not be exposed for some time to the dampness of the night. Cows which are near calving ought to be fed with better and more substantial food than usual. Grain of any kind is now useful, but it should be crushed, bruised, or coarsely ground. If the cleaning of a cow, after calving, be delayed, it may be pro- moted by giving her a pail of warm water with some ashes in it. Cow-Stables. — The most healthy stables are those which are open to tlie east, or have an eastern aspect. It is a common practice to build them too close. The stable should never be completely closed up, however cold the weather may be, although it is desirable that strong draughts of cold or damp air should be guarded against, especially in winter. It may be held as a gen- eral rule, tliat stables or cow-houses are too close when, on en- tering, the breath is affected, or any smell of urine can be perceived. Cleanliness. — It is also very important to keep cow-houses or cattle-stables clean and well littered. Dung left in stables soon renders the air unwholesome, and is the cause of disorders. Cows in a stable should be allowed a square space of at least six feet each way for each cow. SECTION II. GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE COW. The Dairy, or Milch Cow. — Qualities. — Tameness and docility of temper greatly enhance her value. One that is quiet and contented, feeds at ease, does not break over fences, or hurt herself or other cattle, will always yield more milk than those that are of a turbulent disposition. To render them docile, they ought to be gently treated, frequently handled when young, and never struck or frightened. Some degree of hardiness, however, a sound constitution, and a moderate degree _of life and spirits, are qualities to be wished for in a milch cow, and what those of Ayrshire generally possess. Some have thought thar a cow liv- ing on a small quantity of food was a valuable quality ; hut that will depend upon the quantity of milk given by the cow that eats little, compared with those that eat much. If the cov/ that eats little gives as much milk as the one that eats more, it certainly is a valuable quality ; but of this I entertain doubts, which forty years' experience and observation have served to confirm. Spec- ulative writers affirm that some cows will fatten as well, and yield as much milk, when fed on coarse, as others will do on rich 56 food. Cows that have been reared and fed on coarse pasture will yield some milk of a good quality, and from which the best butter may be extracted ; while a cow that has been reared and fed on much better pasture would, if turned on that which is bad, give scarcely any milk. Selecting a Cow. — With persons living in towns and villages, and keeping but a single cow, with opportunity of grazing on the commons, and depending mainly on them for food, a good rule is to get their cow not over the middle size, and from a poorer district of country. If she comes from rich, fertile pastures, she will fall off in her milk, below the quantity which they were as- assured she had been accustomed to give, and thus disappoint him. If from a poorer district, with the addition of the " slop " from the house and kitchen, and the external signs here laid down^ she will be sure to improve. But if a cow that has been accus- tomed to feed on bad pasture be put on that which is better, she will greatly increase in milk, and fatten much faster. If two cows of the same age and condition, and which have been reared and fed on food of equal quality, are put, the one on bad food, and the other on that which is good, the latter will yield four times the milk, and fatten four times faster, than the former. A cow need not always be fed on green clover, cabbages, and cauliflower ; but she will neither fatten nor yield milk if she gets no better fare than rushes, bent, and sage grass. Signs of a Good Cow. — In selecting cows for the dairy, the following indications should be attended to. Wide horns, a thin head and neck, dewlap large, full breast, broad back, large, deep belly ; the udder capacious, but not too fleshy ; the milk veins prominent, and the bag tending far behind ; teats long and large ; buttocks broad and fleshy ; tail long, pliable, and small in pro- portion to the size of the carcass, and the joints sliort. We ofler the following doggerel lines, as combining what are popularly considered the good points of a cow, such as is com- mon among the short- horned breed of Yorkshire : — " She 's long- iu her face, she 's fine in her horn, She '11 quickly get fat without cake or corn ; She 's clean in her jaws, and full in her chine, She *s heavy iu flank, and wide iu her loin. "She's hroad in her ribs, and long in her rump, A straight and flat back, without e'er a hump ; She's wide in her hips, and calm in her eyes, She's fine in her shoulders, and tliin in her thighs. " She's lifrht in her neck, and small in her tail, She 's wide in her breast, and pood at the pail ; She's fine in her bone, and siiky of skin, — She 's a grazier's without, and a l)utcher's within." Times and Manner of Milking. — Cows should be milked reg- ularly morning and evening, and as nearly as may be at the same hours. At six in the morning and six at nig'iit is a good general rule, as the times of milking will be equidistant from each other. But if they are milked tKree times a day, as Dr. Anderson recommended, the times may be five, one, and eight. He asserted that, if cows are full fed, they will give half as much again if milked three times as if only twice. At the same time, it would prevent too great a distention of their bags, to which the best cows are liable. Time of Calving., Sfc. — The cow goes with young nine calen- dar months, or 270 days ; but this length of time is liable to vari- ation, from the effect of circumstances. A calf is most likely to survive and be healthy which has gone exactly the nine months. Cows come into season at different periods of the year, in which state they remain for a few days, after which the affection ceases, but it afterwards returns in three or four weeks. The farmer watches these periods, and permits the company of the bull at such a time as will produce the young at a time of the year when grass is plentiful for the nourishment of the motlier. This should bo an advanced period of spring, for the cow will require nour- ishing diet some time before she drops her calf, as well as afterward. Time of Drying up the Coic. — A cow may be kept in milk up to the time of her calving, by daily taking a quantity from her ; but this is most injurious to the fa3tus, and the excitement of the new upon the old milk is apt to produce local inflammation. In towns, where dairymen care nothing for the calf, and must have milk at all risks, cows are often maltreated by being milked to the last ; but no one who conducts a dairy on proper princi- ples will be guilty of this inhumanity. The best plan is to allow the cow to grow gradually dry, and not milk her at all for six or eight weeks before calving. Abortion. — No animal is so liable to abortion as the cow, and it has been found that the habit is infectious ; and when once it h£is got among a parcel of cows, it can be banished only with the greatest difficulty. Caws addicted to this practice should be fat- tened and sent to nirarket. 53 Parturition, — If in a state of health, no difficuhy will occur at the parturition ; but should the case be otherwise, we prefer leaving the cow-keeper to ask assistance from a person of prac- tical skill, or veterinary surgeon, than to ofler any speculative ad- vices on the subject. Treatment after Calving. — A warm mash should be put be- fore her, and warm gruel, or water from which some of the coldness has been taken off. Two or three hours afterwards, it will be prudent to give an aperient drink, consisting of a pound of Epsom salts and two drachms of ginger. This may tend to prevent milk fever and garget in the udder. Attention to the Teats and Bag. — If the teats are sore, and the bag generally hard and tender, she should be gently but carefully milked three or four times every day. The natural and the effectual preventive of this, however, is to let the calf suck her at least three times in the day, if it is tied up in the cow-house, or to run with her in the pasture, and take the teat when it pleases. The tendency to inflammation of the udder is much diminished by the calf frequently sucking ; or should the cow be feverish, nothing soothes or quiets her so much as the presence of the little one. Coio Feeding. — The cov/ requires to be supplied with an abundance of food, not to make her fat, which is not desirable, but to keep up a regular secretion of milk in the system. The feeding must be regular, from early morning till night, and pure water must also be offered at proper intervals, if the cow has not tlie liberty of going to the water herself. Regarding the nature of the food of cows, although soiling, or artificial feeding in the house, is at all times economical, there can be no doubt that the best milk and butter are produced by cows fed on natural pasture ; and, although the quantity of milk is not so great, yet the butter has a sweet taste, never to be dis- covered in the produce of soiled cows. Soiling out and in doors. — On well-inclosed farms, it is the custom of many to keep their cows out both night and day, from May till the end of October, so long as a full bite can be obtained ; and some bring them into the house twice a day to be milked. Soiling, or feeding entirely in the house or court-yard, is but sel- dom practised, except by some farmers in arable districts. Quantity and Quality of Milk. — The quantity and quality of the milk will be in proportion to the nourishment in the food. White turnips afford a <]i:''>ed quantity of milk, but iliey Impart a 59 very disagreeable taste, which may be removed, however, by steaming or boiling tlie turnips, or by putting a small quantity of dissolved saltpetre into the milk when newly drawn. Brewers'' (rrains, ^-c. — Brewers' grains are said to produce a large quantity of milk, but very thin, the quality beiiig some- what similar to that sold in large towns, yielding neither good cream nor butter. It has been found of some importance to feed cows frequently, — three or four times a day in summer, and live or six in winter, — and to give them no more at a time than they can eat cleanly. In establishments for the supT)lying of large towns with milk, the method of feeding is somewhat different ; there the practice is to feed them chiefly on distillers' wash, brewers' grains, and every sort of liquid stuiT that will produce a large quantity of milk, without reference to its quality. Winter Food for Cows. — A recent writer publishes the fol- lowing receipt, by the use of wliich his cows afforded him an equal quantity and qualitij of milk during the winter as during the summer : — " Take a bushel of potatoes, break them while raw, place them in a barrel standing up, putting in, successively, a layer of bran and a small quantity of yeast in the middle of the mass, which is left thus to ferment during a whole week, and when the vinous taste has pervaded the wdiple mixture, it is then given to the cows, wdio eat it greedily." Parsnips cause cows to give milk in abundance, and that of the best quality. The Profit of Cows. — The keeping of cows is very profita- ble. Allowing one to give only six quarts a day, for forty weeks in each year, and this is not a large allowance, her milk, at two cents per quart, wdll amount to upwards of thirty-three dollars ; which is probably suflicient to purcliase her, and pay for a year's keeping. A farmer, some years since, kept eighteen cows on a com- mon, and was often obliged to buy butter for his family. The common was inclosed, and the same person supplied his family amply with milk and butter from the produce of four cows well kept. Cow-house. — The cow-house should be airy and w^ell venti- lated ; of moderate temperature, and kept ver}^ clean. The stalls for the cows should be paved with smooth stones, sloping gently towards the foot, where there should be a clear run of 60 a gutter to carry off the urine to a pit outside. The stalls must be daily scraped and swept, and all refuse carried out to the dung-heap. In general, far too little litter is allowed. The cow should liave plenty of straw bedding, kept in a cleanly condition ; and this, when soiled, is to be mixed with the dung for manure. The only fastening for the cow should bo a chain to go round the neck, with the other end round an upright post, but easily mov- able up and down, and allowing room for the animal to shift its position. The feeding-manger, or stone trough, is on the ground, and ought to be kept free of all impurities ; for tliough the cow is not so nice as the horse, it has a disinclination for food not fresh and cleanly. Cow Cleaning. — Except in dairies of a high order, it is cus- tomary to keep cows in a shamefully unclean condition. The floor of their habitation is lilthy, the walls ragged and full of ver- min, and the hides of the animal dusty or barkened with dirt. Persons who keep cows are not aware of the loss they incur from allowing them to live in this uncleanly state. Some people seem to think they do quite enough for their cows if they give them food and shelter ; but besides this, they require to be kept very cleanly, though seldom indulged in that luxury. The cow should be curried daily, like the horse ; its hide should be freed from all impurities, and relieved from every thing that causes un- easiness. When you see a cow rubbing itself against a post, you may depend on it that the animal is ill kept, and requires a good scrubbing. Breeds of Cows. — The Short-lioi'n Durham., the Ayrslm'C, and Devon breeds are those now most valued. But we think as highly of some of our native breeds for dairy purpose as of any other. Calves. — Breeding and Rearing. — Best Calves for Rais- ing. — The best calves for bringing up are those calved early in the season, or before June. When calves are weaned, they should not be suffered to be with their dams any more till fall ; neither should they be pastured within sight or hearing of them. It will cause them to neglect their feeding, and they will not for- get their sucking. Calves to be reared. — When calves are to be reared, some permit them to riui with the cow, and take all the milk the first season. But fine animals are raised without taking any milk from the cow after three or four days. They should have anore or Iei. Sows may be allowed to breed till they are six years old, and boars till five ; and both be made good pork after this period, by methods which do not require description. Sows will usually have pigs twice a year, and should be put to the males at such times as will bring one litter in April and another in September. To prevent Sows from Eating their Offspring. — Young sows will sometimes eat their own offspring, which may be prevented by washing the backs of the pigs in an infusion of aloes, and for this purpose the sow must be watched. It is said that supplying them with plenty of water at this time will prevent any mischief taking place of this kind. Raw salt pork, cut in small pieces, and given, w;^ll prevent them from eating their pigs. I have seen it given after they have eat two or three of their litter, with good success. But to prevent any mischief, it should be kept by them at this time. ^Fattening Hogs. — About the first of September begin with boiled potatoes and pumpkins, mashed together, with a little In- dian meal, ground oats and peas, or other grain, stirred into the mixture after it cools. From two to four weeks before killing- time, the food should be dr\' Indian corn, and clean cold water. The following mixture for fattening swine has been recom- mended : — Wash potatoes clean, boil and mash while hot ; mix in at the same time oats and pea-meal. Put the mixture into a large tub, and let it stand till it becomes sour, but not putrid. Keep a quantity of this on hand, always fermenting, and give it to your hogs as often as they will eat. Apples luave been much recommended as food for swine. Thoy are good raw, but better if boiled and mixed with meal. 6* 6t) An Ohio fnrmer also, in a Southern paper, recommends conla as useful in fattening hogs. After giving his hogs a small quan- tity daily, say two pieces to each, about the size of a hen's egg, they discontinued rooting, were more quiet, and appeared to fat- ten faster. Ruhbing Hogs of great Advantage. — Rubbing and currying the hides of fattening hogs is of great advantage to them. It is not only very grateful to them, but conducive to their health. Your pigs require warm food to make them grow. Corn and cold water will make them healthy ; but warm beverage is con- sidered requisite to a quick growlh. •&" SECTION V. HORSES, COLTS, MULES, &C. The horse is one of the most useful of animals. The marks or evidences of a good one are these: — A high neck, a full breast, a lively eye, a strong back, a stiff dock, full buttock, ribs reaching near the liips, well-made hoofs, rather large, and a good gait. ^ . . . - On Feeding Hoj^ses. — When grain is given to horses, it is an economical practice to have it either ground or boiled. When horses are soiled, or fed in a stable on green grass, it should be cut and carried in during the morning while the dew is on. Mode of Breaking a Voung Horse. — Let him, first of all, be tamed with the bridle, by leading ]um*'again and again; in the first place, after, or by the side of another horse ; and after he walks well, bring him to trot after his leader. In the next place, put on the saddle, and lead him in that, time after time. Then lay a small weight on the saddle, and if he be apt to start, fasten it that it may .-.not be flung off; increasing the weight from time to time, till he learns to carry what is equal to the weight of a man. Lastly, let a man gently mount him, while another holds him by the bridle, and fix himself lirmly on the saddle. The place of riding is recommended to be a ploughed field. Let him thus be ridden, with a horse going before him, till he learns the use of the bit, and will stop or go forward at the pleasure of the rider, and without the application of much force. Mode of Teaching a Horse to Draw. — In teaching a horse to 67 imw, gentleness must be used. He should be tried first in com- pany with other horses, whether in carting or ploughing ; and ,the draught should not be so heav}^ as to fret him or put him to great exertion till he has learned to draw steadily. Alter this he may be put to draw light loads by himself. Lastly, he may be put to a pleasure carriage, but coupled with another rather than alone, and to a sleigh rather than a chaise. Food for Horses. — Horses love a dry pasture, not too much shaded, and short grasses of the best kinds. Clover and white honeysuckle, both green and dry, are excellent food for them. It nourishes them well, and prevents costiveness, which is very hurtful to them. Tlie best of clover hay will keep them as well as most other kinds of hay with oats. Of all juicy food for horses in v/inter, carrots have the prefer- ence ; they have been found by experience to answer well instead of oats for laboring horses ; and to fatten those that are lean. He who would be sure to keep liis horse in good order must be- ware whom he. suiters to ride him, and must see that he is never abused. Horsey should not be sweated. * Profuse sweating should always be avoided, and when a horse is much ^varmed by exer- '^ise, he should not be exposed to cold air, nor night dew, and much less to rain or sno\\-. If he cannot be instantly rubbed down and housed when warm, he should be covered with a blanket ; and he should alv/ays have a dry stable, and be well littered. The neglect of these precautions may bring on incura- ble disorders. Horses should be Curried. — When horses are kept in stables, as they generally are in the coldest half of the year, they should be daily dressed, as it is called. The currycomb and brush should be well used on all parts of their skin which are covered with hair. Horses should have Shelter. — When a horse runs in a pas- ture during the grass season, he should have some shelter ; not only a shade from the intense heat of the sun, but a shed, or a clump of trees, that he may retreat from the inclemencies of the atmosphere. Mule. — The mule is generally well-limbed, large, sure-footed, and capable of carrying a great load, and of performing long journeys. They are less subject to disease than the horse, and endure to a much greater age. They are put to labor at three years of*age. They are naturally obstinate, but good treatment will nearly overcome this objection. 68 SECTION VI. DOGS. VARIETIES, QUALITIES, &cC. < Breedings Hearings 8fC. — 1. Learn, if possible, the pedigree \ of the dog for three or four generations. 2. The male should be one year, and the female fifteen months old before breeding. 3. The male need not be rejected till he is eight, nor the fe- male till her sixth year. 4. The female goes with young sixty-three days. 5. They may be allowed to breed three times a year, but not rear more than five puppies. 6. They may be fed with porridge, milk diluted, mashed po- tatoes, &c. 7. Give them a clean straw bed, and a good yard for exercise. 8. The sucking-teeth are shed at about four months. 9. Gentleness does more in training dogs than severity. Newfoundland Dog. — The true breed is 'rather small of ^ stature, the large kind having been crossed with the mastifj'. | They are a famous dog for the water, and are veiy intelligent. ^ They are kind and docile in disposition, yet will faithfully defend their master and his property. Spaniel. — The spaniel is very useful to sportsmen as a hird and iLmter dog. They are docile in their disposition and habits, obedient, and easily trained to a variety of pleasing tricks. Setter. — This dog is sometimes called the land spaniel. There are several varieties. He is gentle in character, but needs considerable care in training. Pointer. — The Mexican pointer is undoubtedly the best vari- ety. They are true to the scent, and also useful as a water dog. We prefer the pointer to any other dog, for general uses. Shepherd'^s Dog. — This dog is remarkable for his sagacity and strong propensity to tend live stock. This animal stands about twenty-one inches high at the shoulder, and is very grace- ful in his appearance. Bull-Dog. — This is a pugnacious animal, and is mostly used as a watch-doo; for stores. He is snub-nosed, and savage in his disposition. Drover^ s Dog. — This dog somewhat resembles ^the shep- herd's dog ; his color is nearly the same, and he possesses his docility, with rather more courage. 69 Terrier. — This is considered a veiy valuable dog. They are mortal enemies to rats, mice, foxes, cats, &c. Poodle. — This is a very small animal, white and curly, of good disposition, and valued only as a family pet. CHAPTER III. CONTAINING THE LATEST AND MOST APPROVED SYSTEM FOR THE CURB OP ALL DISEASES INCIDENT TO DOMESTIC ANIMALS. SECTION I NEAT CATTLE. ;, Cattle. — To cure Hoven Foot. — Take three quarters of a pint of olive-oil, one pint of melted butter or hog's lard ; give this mixture by means of a horn or bottle, and if it does not pro- duce a favorable change in a quarter of an hour, repeat the same quantity, and walk the animal gently about. This will usually cure the most inveterate cases in half an hour. Another. — Make about a pint of lye, either with hot embers thrown into a sufficient quantity of water, or pearlash, and turn it down the throat of the ox or cow affected. Hoof-ail. — The foot should be carefully washed and cleansed, and thoroughly examined, to be sure that the lameness does not arise from a nail casually run into the foot, or a prick in shoeing, from a wound from a stump, or other substance between the hoofs. If no appearance occurs of any break in the skin, while the foot is still wet, apply as near as may be to the centre of the slit be- tween the hoofs from one to three grains of corrosive sublimate in powder. In slight cases a cure may be affected by the use of salt, or tartar is best. Loss of the Cud. — The treatment in such cases consists in stimulating the stomach by tonics, such as aloes, pepper, and gin mixed ; or, with patience, the following remedy will succeed. Let the animal fast some time, then give a warm bran or pollard mash, witli good air and warm water and salt. After 70 conqueririg the obstruction, bitter effusions made of camomile, hoarhound, oak-bark, &;c., in beer, may be required as restora* lives, although perhaps good, dry, nourishing food will have an equally good effect. Horn-ail. — The indications of this disease are coldness of the horn, dulness of the eyes, sluggishness, want of appetite, and a disposition to lie down. When the brain is affected, the animal will toss its head, groan, and exhibit indications of great pain. Remedy, — A practical farmer and a friend of ours, while he admits that the application of spirits of turpentine is good, asserts that the use of hot brimstone is still better, for the cure of the- horn-ail. Ho puts one spoonful, boiling hot, into the cavity^ just between the horns. Another. — Take of salt one half-pint, of soot one half-pint, of black pepper one table-spoonful ; make all line, and give one or two spoonfuls at a time, night and morning. It is easily done, by drawing the tongue out of the mouth with the hand, and put- ting the spoon as far down as it will reach ; then let go the tongue, and keep up the nose, and it will all go down. Murrain^ or Plague. — The following recipe for the cure of j murrain, in nine cases out of ten, has proved successful. The person from whom we obtain it has cured a great many cattle in this vicinity, for which he charged $ 1 per head, and asked $ 10 for the receipt. Recipe. — Give l^ oz. pearlash, dissolved in two quarts of iron water (from blacksmith's trough). If not better in five hours, give I an oz. more, in one quart of water. The water should be warm. Give no drink but warm water for two days . Give warm mash to eat. Another. — Take half a pound of salt, two ounces of bruised coriander-seed, one ounce of genuine myrrh m, powder ; give these in a little water. Maiige, or Itch. — Take half a pound of black brimstone, , quarter of a pint of turpentine, one pint of train-oil. Mix them together, and rub them well in over the affected parts. Lice on Cattle. — Grease, fat, lard, or any oily substance, if applied to neat cattle infested with pediculi, will have the desired effect ; it must be applied by being well rubbed into the hair on those parts where the vermin are found, and repeated until they are destroyed. Goose-grease, hog's fat, pot-skmnmings, will all answer the 71 purpose, and may be obtained in any farmer's family without cost. ^ Tobacco, also, will kill these vermin on cattle, by its operation on them as poison. A simple infusion of tobacco, applied warm, and rubbed into the neck or dewlaps, or wherever found, so as to completely wet the hairs, and repeated at an interval of a few days, will destroy the nits and lice in a short time, and at a cheap rate. The c.urrycomb should be used after the application. A writer in the Michigan Farmer recommends buttermilk for the destruction of lice on cattle. • Cure for Wens. — Take a pint bottle and put in half a pint " of fine sulphur ; fill the bottle with spirits of turpentine. Mix it well, and apply it to the wen daily, rubbing it in well with the hand. We have the name of the gentleman who has tried thi.s recipe and found it efiectual. It removed two wens, which were as big as hen\s eggs, from the jaws of two oxen. Cwe for Bloated Cattle. — After cutting ofl' the end of the tail, boil a strong dose of thoroughwort and tansy ; pour it down the throat as soon as it is cool enough ; then turn the animal into J the yard, and drive it about a few minutes. This will soon start the wind ; repeat the dose if necessar}-. Scours. — Give half an ounce of powdered catechu, ten grains of powdered opium, in a little gruel ; or, give small and repeated doses of Epsom and Crhuiber salts, in equal quantities, — half an ounce of the two, in a little warm water, two or three times a day ; this will remove the cause of the disease, and soon effect a cure. A Cure for Poiso7i. — Administer one pound of salt in a quart of water-gruel, or a pint to a pint of linseed-oil. Sting of the Adder. — Apply immediately strong spirits of hartshorn. For sting of wasps, apply chalk or whiting, mixed with vinegar. Cholic. — One pint of linseed-oil, mixed with l* oz. of lauda- num. Sprai7is. — One ounce of sweet-oil, four ounces of spirits of hartshorn, half an ounce of oil of thyme. Choking. — The following method of relieving neat cattle when choked by a turnip, or potatoes, has been tried, and found successful in every instance. Pour into the throat of the animal, from a junk bottle, a pint or so of lamp-oil, or any kind of oil, at the same time rubbing the throat briskly with the hand. Im- mediate relief will folloAV. Cows. — Milh Fever or Gar^e^ — Two ounces of brimstone, two ounces of diapente, one ounce of powdered nitrate. Give this daily in a little gruel, and well rub the udder with a little goose-grease. Drying off Cows. — Take an ounce of powdered alum, boil it in two quarts of milk till it turns to whey ; then take a large handful of sage, and boil it in the whey till you reduce it to one quart; rub the udder of the cow with a little of it, and give her the rest by way of a drink ; milk her clean before you give it to her, and as you see need, repeat it.- Draw a little milk from her every second or third day, lest her udder be overcharged. Another. — This disorder is very frequent in cows after ceas- ing to be milked ; it affects the glands of the udder with hard swellings, and often arises from the animal not being clean milked. It may be removed by anointing the part three times a day with a little ointment composed of camphor and blue oint- ment. Half a drachm or more of calomel may be given in warm beer, from a born or bottle, for three or four mornings, if the disorder is violent. A Hint. — A friend, in a description of Norway, says, that^ when the cows drink at the hot-springs, they give more milk than those that drink cold water. Cows drink so much at a time, that there is no doubt, when the water is nearly at freezing, they must feel sensibly cooled all over, which will naturally affect their produce of milk. I would therefore propose the experi- ment of warming the water for milch cows, in cold weather. Calves. — Cure for Worms and Insects in the Stomach of Calves. — Take 1 pint of spirits of turpentine, 1 pint of train- oil, 2 oz. spirits of vitriol, 2 oz. assafcetida, 2 oz. hartshorn. Mix the whole together in a bottle, and shake it well before it is used. Pour a table-spoonful down each nostril of every calf for three successive mornings ; the calves must be kept fasting the night previous to giving the dose. Should the first trial not suc- ceed, repeat the dose in the course of a week or ten days. Cure for the Scours in Calves. — When the calf is attacked, it should be put in a warm, dry stable, and not be permitted to suck more than half the quantity of milk it is wont to do ; but should be put to the cow regularly three times a day. Make ten of equal portions of whhe-oak, beech, dogwood, and slippeiy- elm bark, and give small doses twice a day, and the calf will soon recover. Another, — Break two eggs into a basin, beat them up, and pour 73 them, by means of a tiii funnel, down the calf a throat; re- peat this twice or thrice ; it has been found an almost infallible cure. Another, — Epsom and Glauber salts in equal quantities ; half an ounce of the two, in a little warm water, repeated two or three times a day, according to the violence of the distemper. Another. — -Laudanum, bark, &c., though they stop the dis- ease, frequently kill the patient ; the salts, on the contrary, re- move the cause of disease, without producing costiveness. SECTION II. SHEEP AND LAMBS. Lambs. — Cure for Ticks. — Lambs often suffer much from ticks, after the sheep are sheared, as the ticks which are driven from the old sheep take refuge with the lambs. The cure may be effected as follows. Three gallons of tar ; three gallons of green or train oil, boiled together ; to which add three pounds of roll brimstone, powdered and stirred in ; this is sufficient for ninety sheep. Sheep. — Cure for Cold. — When sheep have colds, and dis- charge mucus from the nose, good feeding, together with pine boughs, given occasionally, will cure them ; or tar, spread over a board, over which a little fine salt is strewed, will induce the sheep to lick up the tar, and this will cure a cold. To prevent Sheep from taking Cold after being Shorn. — Sheep are often exposed to cold winds and rains immediately af- ter shearing, and thereby frequently take cold. Those farmers who have access to the sea should plunge them into the salt water ; those who have not that opportunity, and whose flocks are not veiy large, may mix salt with water and rub them all over, which will in a great measure prevent any mishap befalling the animal after having been stripped of its coat. Head-Fly. — It is very common in the months of June and July for some kinds of sheep, especially the fine Leicester breed, which are commonly thin-skinned about the head, to be struck with a kind of fly, and by scratching the place with their feet they make it sore and raw. To prevent this, take tar, train-oil, and salt, boil them together, and when cold, put a little of it on '7 74 the part affected. This application keeps off the flies, and like- wise heals the sore. The salt should be in very small quantity, or powdered sulphur may be used instead of it. Foot Rot. — Preventive and Cure. — This disease is not only contagious, but also infectious in the highest degree, and often- times so violent as to produce caries in the bone after the hoof is destroyed. A good remedy is a poultice of dough, or fat, loamy clay, which should be applied to the foot by means of a little bag, but not tied hard to the ankle, and kept constantly wet with vinegar, till a swelling appears on the upper side of the foot, or in the cleft of the hoof. This should then be opened with a sharp knife, and the dead hoof pared off. The wound must be washed with cold water, and sprinkled with dry vitriol. Mouth Distemper. — The best remedy for this complaint is to bathe the parts affected with a strong decoction of sage, mixed with an equal quantity of vinegar and a little honey. If the blisters continue to spread, hall" an ounce of blue vitriol should be added to a quart of this mixture. Scah ill Sheep. — This disorder is dreaded more than any other, and, in fact, did more damage in many districts than any other, until the proper mode of treatment was discovered. The scab is certainly contagious, and may readily be propagated by merely touching the skin of a healthy animal with matter from a pustule on another sheep ; but as far as my observation has extended, the infection is not conveyed through the atmosphere, though it often seems to be epidemic, and particularly in very damp summers, which affect sheep in many other ways so un- favorably. Spnptoms. — It is discovered by the animal's constantly rub- bing or scratching itself, and making at the same time a pecu- liar motion with the lips ; the scabs arc sometimes diy, and sometimes moist, and spread rapidly, though the animal contin- ues healthy in other respects, and generally more lively than before. Afterwards, however, the disorder becomes internal, the sheep becomes emaciated, and dies from weakness and pain. Remedies. — One of the best remedies is a strong decoction of tobacco, to be applic*d to the diseased parts after scratching off the scabs with a comb, or other instrument. The decoction of tobacco mixed with lime-water and oil of vitriol, and used constantly for some time, will generally effect a radical cure. Another. — Another excellent remedy is a decoction of helle- bore, mixed with vinegar, sulphur, and spirits of lurpentiiiC. In- ternal remedies are of no use, except when the disorder has induced other complaints by weakening the general health. To cure Sheep Pox. — -This disorder is contagious, and propa- gates itself by exhalation from the sick to the healthy animal. The only care necessary during the progress of tliis disorder is to keep the sheep in a cool and airy situation. Bathe the sores often with a strong infusion of camomile-flowers, in which a lit- tle blue vitriol has been previously dist^olved, and afterwards dress with a salve made with yolks of eggs and turpentine, mixed with a little powdered charcoal. Rot in Sheep. — This disorder is unquestionably caused by feeding in swampy grounds, and a ftiw hours are sufficient to fix it upon a sheep. It is increased by damp, foggy weather, while, on the other hand, dry, warm weather, and high pasture, es- pecially where there are many aromatic herbs, are sometimes sufficient to counteract the flrst symptoms and effect a cure. Horse-chestnuts are an excellent article for fodder in this case ; also a mixture of juniper-berries, wormwood, sage, gentian, an- gelica roots, willow-bark, and other bitter herbs, with a little salt and grain. Reeling Sickness. — Lambs and yearlings only are usually li- able to this disorder, and very rarely sheep over two years old. The seat of the disorder is always to be discovered on the brain, where one or more blisters are formed, and filled with a watery secretion. The origin of this complaint, and of course the prop- er preventive treatment, remains as yet undiscovered. Best Remedy. — A cure is sometimes effected by an operation through the skull to let off the water. The first step in this case is to examine the skull carefully in search of a soft spot in the bone, which usually indicates the spot affected. The skull is then perforated with a trocar, accompanied by a tube through which the water may escape ; after which the tube also is with- drawn, and a few drops of the essence of myrrh applied to the aperture. This operation is sometimes successful, but more often the reverse. If it succeeds, however, in only one cure out of five, it seems worth the trial, since, without some relief, the sheep must certainly perish. Swelled Paunch, — If this disease is taken rn season, it may be cured by violent friction of the back and belly, and driving the sheep rapidly. Worms in the Head of Sheep. — It is said by some writers, that, if sheep are kept in good condition, there Is no danger of 76 their suffering greatly from vFonns in the head ; as they will be strong enough to expel the insects by sneezing. Remedies. — To effect a cure in this disease, take a handful of Scotch snuff, and pour upon it two quarts of boiling water, stir it, and let it stand till cool ; inject about a table-spoonful of this liquid and sediment up each nostril of the sheep with a syringe. This must be repeated three or four times, at prop- er intervals, from the middle of October to the first of January. Instead of Scotch snuff, a decoction of tobacco will answer the purpose. A gentleman who owns a large flock of sheep in- forms us that he has used it with perfect success. Mr. Alexander Reed, of Washington, Pennsylvania, in an ar- ticle on the management of sheep, observes, that " daubing the sheep's nose with tar is considered as a prot-ection against this enemy." What experience I have had is rather calculated to strengthen this opinion. I have always made free use of tar among my sheep, and I do not know that I ever lost one by the worms in the head. Maggots in Sheep. — Mix with one quart of spring*water a table-spoonful of the spirits of turpentine, and as much of the sublimate powder as will lie upon a shilling. Shake them well together, and cork up in a bottle, with a quill through the cork, so that the liquid may come out of the bottle in small quantities at once. The bottle must always be well shaken when it is to be used. Wlien the spot is obseiTcd where the maggots are, do not disturb them, but pour a little of the mixture upon the spot, as much as will wet the wool and the maggots. In a few minutes after the liquor is applied, the maggots will all creep to the top of the wool, and in a short time drop off dead. The sheep must, however, be inspected next day, and if any of the maggots re- main undestroyed, shake them off, or touch them with a little more of the mixture. A little train-oil may be applied after the maggots are re- moved, as sometimes the skin will be hard by applying too much of the liquid. Besides, the fly is not so apt to strike when it finds the smell of the oil, which may prevent a second attack. This method of destroying maggots is superior to any other, and it prevents tlje animal from being disfigured by clipping off the wool, which is a common practice in some countries. Water in Sheep''s Heads. — With regard to the causes indu- cing water in the heads of sheep, there is but one opinion enter- tained among shepherds, which js that it is occasioned by a 77 chiilness in the back of ihe animal, on account of its being ex- posed to the winds and the sleety showers of winter. The fol- lowing facts clearly indicate the truth of this opinion. 1. It is always most general after a windy and sleety winter. 2. It is always most destructive on farms that are ill-sheltered, and on which the sheep are most exposed to those blasts and showers. 3. It preys only on sheep rising their first year; the wool then separates above, leaving the back quite exposed to the wet and cold. 4. If a piece of cloth or hide is sewed to the wool, so as to cover the back, such sheep will not be affected with the dis- ease. The experiment is a safe, cheap, and an easy one ; and, exclusive of its good effects in preventing the fatal disease under consideration, it is the most beneficial to a young sheep that is not over high in condition, and administers the most to its com- fort during the winter, of any thing that 1 know. One pair of old blankets, of the value of four or five shillings, will furnish coats for forty sheep ; and if these are carefully taken off on the re- turn of spring, and laid aside, they will serve the same purpose for two or three successive years. SECTION III. DISEASES OF HOESES, COLTS, &C. Cu7'e for Bots. — When a horse has bots, it may often bo known by his biting his sides ; when he has many, they often throw him into great pain, and he lies down, rolls, and, if not cured soon, dies. When it is believed that a horse has bots, by the above symptoms, give a pint of sweetened milk, which the bots are fond of, and they will let go their hold on the horse and feast on the milk. Immediately give the horse a small quantity of oats or other provender, in which put two thirds of a common fig of tobacco pulverized. If he refuses the provender thus mixed, steep the same quantity of tobaccc^ in a pint of boiling or warm water until the strength is out, as v\ e soa" ; tl:cn put in enougli cold v/ater, so that the whole will fill a comn5on junk bottle, and turn it into the horse. When it reaches die bo;s, it kills them, as all will believe who have ever J?pit tobacco-juice 7* 78 upon a worm or similar insect. The horse in less than twenty hours will void all his bots. There is no mistake in this, though no patent has been obtained. The writer would not have it tried on an old, poor horse, in the fall, or first of winter, for he would certainly recover, to the damage of his owner. If one worth curing is affected with bots, and the symptoms are severe, never stop for the milk, but in with the tobacco ; — this is the kill-ail. Another. — The following treatment is recommended, which is pronounced a sure remedy. Give a quart of warm sage tea ; in half an hour repeat the dose. After another half-hour, give a gill of tar; and half an hour afterwards, administer a pur- gative. A branch of sage chopped into the feed for horses once a week, will prevent the bots altogether. Ring-hone. — Ring-bone commences in the lower pastern, and usually in the joint, but it rapidly spreads, and embraces not only the pastern bones, but the cartilages of the foot. There is at first a slight enlargement of bony swelling, on each side of the foot, and just above the coronet. It is more frequent in the hind feet than in the fore, because there is more violent exertion in these than the fore ; yet the lameness is not so great, because these bones are not liable to so much injury ; in its early stages it is not impossible to remove the disease by active blistering, or by the hot iron. Ring-bone is one of the most serious lamenesses with which horses can be afflicted. The animal is unsound when it exists in the slightest degree ; for when the bony deposit begins to spread, the disease is incurable. Remedy. — In slight cases, rubbing the swelling night and morning with a drachm of mercurial ointment, rubbing it well in, and afterwards applying a blister, and in two or three weeks another, will be of benefit. Cholic. — Relief may be afforded by rubbing the breast of the horse with spirits of turpentine. If this does not succeed, a small quantity should be given internally. Horses should never be put to severe work on a full stomach. Great injury is done to them by heavy feeding when on the road, and hard driving immediately after. Pole Evil and Fistula. — A friend gives the following recipe for the cure of these diseases, which he says is a universal and never-failing cure. Take a lump of salt, say as large as an egg, the same quantity of liard soap ; tlien take a quantity <»>f pok«-root and boil it sepa- 7^ rately until it becomes a sirup, (in quantity a pint,) then mix the sah and soap with it 550 as to make a ball. Wash the place every morning for a week, and a cure is effected. Another. — These diseases may be cured by putting a seton in the lower part of the sore, which will discliarge the pus. Then inject soap-suds, if it is to be had, frequently in one day. Then inject a weak solution of oil of vitriol, two or three times a day for one or two days. After this, wash with soap-suds, and a cure will be effected. Sf.ijle, — A handful of sumach bark and a handful of white- oak bark, boiled in a gallon of water, down to two quarts ; bathe the stifle with this lotion twice a day for three days ; then put a salve made of the white of an egg and rosin, and bathe the same in whh a hot shovel (held at a short distance off, we suppose) two or three times a day, and the horse is cured. Heaves. — To cure heaves, take one pound and a half of good ginger, for a horse. Give two table-spoonfuls a day, one in the morning and the other in the evening, mixed with wheat- bran. It seldom fails of curing the disease. Cough. — An experienced farmer tells us, that he has never found any thing so effectual for a bad cough as human urine, given a few times, by discharging into a bucket of water and let- ting them drink it, or on their food, and letting them eat it. Another. — Smart-weed, green or dry, is an excellent medi- cine for horses in several diseases, particularly for a cough. Feed them as with grass or hay. Every farmer who has this weed or herb growing on his premises should cut, dry, and save against time of need. Saliva. — A Slabbering. — Saliva in the horse can be cured by mixing a table-spoonful of flour of sulphur in the salt that is given them. Another. — A friend recommends, that when horses slabber on being pastured in clover, they be turned into dry or old pas- ture, or fed with hay or oats. Swelling. — To scatter swellings on horses or other cattle, take two quarts of proof whiskey, or other proof spirits, warm it over coals, but not to blaze ; dissolve in it a pint of soft soap ; when cool, put it in a bottle, and add one ounce of camphor. When dissolved, it will form a liquid opodeldoc, and is then ready for application, forming a cheap and useful remedy. When the swelling is on the leg, or any part that will receive a bandage, such bandage should be applied, and wet with the opo- deldoc. 80 Wounds and Bi^ises. — Take one quarter of a pound of saltpetre, half a pint of spirits of turpentine : put them together in a bottle, and shake up before using. Apply it to the wound with a feather three times a day. Lockjaw. — It is said that pouring water along the back from 5 watering-pot, for a considerable time without intermission, will effect a cure of the lockjaw in horses. Scratches. — Wash the feet of the horse with the scratches in strong soap-suds, and bind them up in warm cow-dung, two or three nights, and the cure is effectual. The remedy is good, but the great secret of keeping scratches from the feet of horses is to keep their legs clean and free from fever. Another. — The sprinkling of plaster of Paris on stable floors is not only an excellent plan for arresting the fertilizing gas of ammonia for manure, but it prevents horses having the scratches, or sore heels. Mix white lead and linseed-oil in such proportions as will render the application convenient, and I never have known more than two or three applications necessary to effect a common cure. To cure a Choked Horse. — To relieve a choked horse, the writer recommends bleeding in the mouth. As he swallows the blood the obstruction goes down. To cure Sore Backs of Horses. — White lead, moistened with milk or sweet-oil, is the best remedy for sore backs of horses, and, if applied in the early stage of the wound, is always ef- ficacious. To take Film from a Horse'^s Eye. — Blow loaf-sugar and a little salt into the inflamed eye, and in most cases it will be re- lieved. Sassafras-buds, pounded and put in water, to stand till it becomes nearly as thick as cream, applied to the eye, is an ex- cellent remedy for inflammation. Receipt for Horse Liniment. — 1 oz. spirits turpentine, 1 oz. gum camphor, 1 oz. oil spike, 2 oz. oraganum, 2 oz. sweet-oil, 2 oz. spirits nitre, 2 oz. hartshorn, mixed together. Wind Galls. — These swellings appear on each side of the back sinew, above the fetlock. It is dangerous to puncture tliem, as is sometimes done, as it may produce an incurable lameness. Tight bandages, and moistening the parts frequently with a strong solution of sal ammoniac in vinegar, may do some good. Hoof -bound. — Cut down several lines from the coronet down to the toe, all around the hoof, and fill the cuts with tallow and soap mixed. Take ofl' thri shoes, and (if you can spare him) 81 turn ihe animal into a wet meadow, where his feet will be kept moist. Never remove the sole nor burn the lines down, as this increases the evil. SU'angles. — This is known by a swelling between the jaw- bone and the root of the tongue. If a large tumor appear under the jaw, apply the suppurating poultice. When it is ripe, open it, squeeze out the matter, and reapply a warm poultice. In a few days it will run off. Give warm bran mashes and gentle exercise. Foundered Feet. — This is known by the contraction of the hoof, which will appear considerably smaller than the sound one. The horse just touches the ground with the toe of the foundered foot on account of the pain, and stands in such a tottering way that you may shove him over with your hand. Cure. — Take oft' the shoe, bleed freely from the thigh vein, and purge two or three times. Keep the hair close trimmed, and the parts clean. Blood Spavin. — Clip off the hair from the swelling, and rub all round outside of the swelling with a piece of hard brown soap, then apply to the swelling a blister made of the following blistering ointment : Hog's lard, half an ounce ; beeswax, three drachms ; sublimate, in fine powder, half a drachm ; Spanish flies, two drachms. Mix all well, and spread on white leather and apply to the spavin. Bone Spavin. — This may be treated like the former ; it is, however, generally incurable. The operation of firing (which should be done by a professed farrier), and turning to grass, afford the only reasonable chances of relief. Wart. — Tie a strong silk, or two or three horse-hairs, round the neck of the wart, tightening it gradually till it falls away. Then dip a piece of tow in alum-water and bind it on the spot for a whole day. Heal the sore with the green ointment. Strangury. — Take away a quart of blood, and throw up a laxative clyster; then give one ounce of saltpetre, and one fluid ounce of sweet spirits of nitre in a pint of water. Thrush. — Remove the shoe and pare off all the ragged parts, so as to expose the diseased parts ; after cleaning the frog nicely, apply a solution of blue vitriol, and shortly after pour some melted tar ointment into the cleft of the frog and cover its whole surface with tow soaked in the same ; on the tow fit a flat piece of wood about the width of the frog, one of its ends passing un- der the toe of the shoe, the other extending to the back part of 82 the frog, and bound down by cross pieces of wood, the ends of which are placed under the shoe. Repeat the dressing every day. Corns. — Let the farrier cut them out with a sharp knife. Should they show a disposition to grow again, touch them with oil of vitriol or caustic, and dress them with green ointment. Be careful in shoeing not to let the shoe press on the corn. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF SWINE. To cure the Measles in Swine. — It sometimes happens, though seldom, that swine have the measles ; while they are in this state, their flesh is veiy unwholesome food. This disorder is not easily discovered while the animal is alive, and can only be known by its not thriving or fattening as the others. After the animal is killed and cut up, its fat is full of little kernels, about the size of the roe or esgs of a salmon. When this is the case, put into the food of each hog, once or twice a week, as much crude pounded antimony as will lie on a shilling. This is very proper for any feeding swine, even though they have no disorder. A small quantity of the flour of brimstone, also, may be given among their food when they are not thriving, which will be found of great senice to them. But the best method of pre- venting disordci's in swine is to keep their sties perfectly clean and dry, and to allow them air, exercise, and plenty of clean straw. Rupture. — Where a number of swine are bred, it will fre- quently happen that soine of the pigs will have what is called a " rupture " ; i. e. a hole broken in the rim of the belly, where part of the guts come out and lodge betwixt, the rim of the belly and the skin, having an appearance similar to a swelling in the testicles. The male pigs are more liable to this disorder than the females. Cure. — Geld the pig aflccted, and cause it to be held up whh its head downwards ; flay back the skin from the swollen place, and, from the position in which the pig is held, the guts will nat- urally return to their proper place. Sew up the hole with a needle, which must have a square point, and also a bend in it, fcis the disease often happens between the hinder legs, where a straight needle cannot be used. After this is done, replace the m skin that was flayed back, and sew it up, when 'he operation is finished. Tlie pig should not have much food tor several days afterward, until the wound hegius to heal. So7'e Tliroat in Sioine. —'Vm"^ animals so affected into an open pasture, where there is fi-esh feed and ground 'o root. It is a disease resulting generally from confinement. Pouu'^'''^'-' o.har- coal mixed with food, where pasture cannot be had, or room for exercise, is one of the best preventives for disease in swine. Staggers in Swine. — To cure this disease, ].)e (xrauchy rec- ommends cutting a knot in the roof of the mouth till the animal bleeds liberally, and then rubbing it with powdered loam and salt, and giving it a little urine to drink. Pigs have openings on the inside of the fore legs below the knee, from which, when in health, a small discharge is kept up. A stoppage of these ori- fices is supposed to be one cause of the staggers; and rubbing them open with a cob, or other rough material, will usually effect a cure. SECTION V. DISEASES OF DOGS, &C. Debility. — Flour of sulphur, 6 oz. ; nitre, 1 oz. ; treacle enough to make it as thick as dough. Give the dog a piece the size of a medium walnut. Inflammation of the Bowels. — Give 2 oz. castor-oil, and 1 oz. sirup of buckthorn, or molasses, and put the dog into a warm bath. Distemper in Dogs. — Give an emetic, followed by a dose of castor-oil. Weak Eyes. — Apply for a wash the following : White vhriol, 8 grains ; soft water, | pint. Mix well, and apply it with a rag several times a day. Sore Ears. — Make an ointment as follows, and apply it to the sores : Yellow resin, 2 oz. ; yellow wax, 1 oz. ; sweet-oil, ^ pint. As it cools, stir in 4 oz. of powdered calomel. Costiveness. — A dose of castor-oil is best, if it continues, and is severe, give an injection of oil and warm water. Cholic Pains. — Give a dose of physic, together with some warm herb-tea. Bathe the bowels whh hot-drops. Mange — Rub upon the affected part an ointment made as 84 follows : Flour of sulphur, J lb. ; soft soap, 2 oz. ; oil of tar, J oz. ; train-oil, \ pt. Worms. — Give for a drench, spirits turpentine, 1 to 4 dr. ; castor-oil, 2 to 8 dr. Mix for a dose, and give according to the age and size of the dog. Wounds. — Tincture of myrrh and aloes, 2 oz. ; friar's bal- sam, 1 oz. Mil and keep for use. Hydrophobia. — Mix a small portion of the flour of sulphur with their food or drink. This has been known in Europe for centuries, and is used to prevent this disease from breaking out among the packs of hounds upon the estates of English noblemen. CHAPTER IV. THE TRUE POULTRY-YARD X OR, FOWL-BREEDER'S GUIDE. SECTION I. GENERAL REMARKS, &C. Poultry- House. — A poultr5''-house need not be expensive, and yet be as good for the farmer as one with fancy fixings that no one knows the use of. Of whatever shape, it is better to have it too small than too large, in winter, especially. For if too large, the hens get together in one corner in order to keep themselves warm. While, if of the right size, they can promenade as much as they please, and have tlie proper amount of exercise. If you have plenty of room in your stable or barn, a room partitioned off there will do. Having built the partition, all the cracks should be well battened up to make it warm. It should have good-sized windows, fronting toward the south, if possible, and it should be well whitewashed, both for neatness and to make it lighter. Then divide it into two apartments ; one to be used for the roosting- room, the other for their occupation during the day. It would be better if they had no access to the roosts in the day. The day-room should be furnished with gravel, chalk, old mortar, and other such materials, to assist in making the shells to their eggs. Also sand and ashes, which are good for a dust bath, put into shallow boxes, so that the room may not be made untidy. The room should have a good plank floor, which sljoiiW be often swept. 85 Laying in Wi7iter. — If you wish them to lay in winter, they must be furnished with animal food, and vegetables, every few days, besides their regular supply of grain, which, in my opin- ion, had better be kept in ho})pers constantly before them. Nests^ <5*c. — Nests can be made in a great many different ways. Some use barrels, which answer well ; small boxes, how- ever, are just as good, and take up less room. They should be filled with good clean straw, wilh one nest-egg (better artificial) ; as soon as laid, the eggs should be taken from the nest, or at least as often as once a day, Summer Yards. — In summer, if your fowls have a large yard to roam in, it will not be found necessary to furnish them either with meat or materials to make the shells of their eggs, for they will get them from the earth. Spring Yards. — In the spring a yard should be fenced off for them, in which they will thrive better without doing any mis- chief than if they were allowed to run at large, in which case they are often very troublesome in newly-sowed fields. The roosting-room should be thoroughly cleaned as often as once or twice a week, and the floor sj>rinkled with lime. If these few directions are carefully attended to, we will insure an abundance of eggs. Hen-Ladder. — ^The hen-ladder, which may be easily con- structed by an ascending scale of perches, is essential to every poultry-house. Many valuable fowls have been lost for the want of this little arrangement. Selection of Stock for Breeding. — In choosing a cock, take especial care that he is in perfect health, feathers close and rath- er short, chest compact and firm, full in the girth, lofty and elastic gait, large and firm thigh, beak short, and thick at its insertion. Next to health and strength, age is to be duly considered. Neither select a cock that is too old, nor one that is too young ; let the age be from a year and a half to three years and a half. Some cocks retain their vigor till they are even past six years old, and some make a display of unquestionable virility at the premature age of five or six months. Number of Hens with a Cock. — The number of hens with each cock should not exceed four ; even less than four is better than to exceed that number ; as, in the progeny, the females will exceed or fall short of the males as the number of hens is in- creased or diminished; and the strength of the chicks will bo according to the number of hens put with the cock. S6 Choice of Hens for Sitting. — In the choice of a hen for sit ting, look for a large bird, with large, wide-spreading wings. Though large ^ however, she must not be heavy nor leggy. No one of any judgment would sit a Malay, as, in such case, not only would many eggs remain uncovered, but many also would be trampled upon and broken. Elderly hens will be found more willing to sit than young and giddy pullets ; indeed, the latter should never be allowed to sit until at least the second year of their laying. Selecting Eggs for Sifting. — In selecting eggs for sitting, bear in mhid what has been said as to the number of hens that the cock should associate with ; and choose such eggs as you have reason to know, or believe, to have been rendered produc- tive. Those of medium size, i. e. the average size that the hen lays, are most apt to prove productive. Sketchley tells us, that he has always found the round egg to contain the female chick, and that of oblong shape, the male. Number of Eggs to a Hen. — The number of eggs to be placed under a hen is from nine to eleven. The number is, however, of course, dependent on the size of both eggs and hen; an odd number is to be preferred, as being better adapted to the covering in the nest. Be sure that they are all fresh ; and care- fully note down the day on which } ou place them beneath the hen. Never turn the eggs ; the hen can do that better than you. Best Age of Sitting. — The best age for sitting a hen is from two to five years ; and you sliould remark which hens make the best breeders, and keep those to laying who are giddy and care- less of their young. In justice to the animal creation, however, it must be observed, there are but few instances of bad parents for the time their nursing is necessary. Hens sit twenty days. Convenient places should be provided for their laying, as these will be proper for sitting likewise. If the hen-house is not secured from vermin, the eggs will be sucked and the fowls destroyed. Best Breed, ^-c. — In order to have fine fowls, it is necessary to choose a good breed, and have proper care taken of them. The Canton breed is thought highly of; and it Is certainly de- sirable to have a tine, large kind, but people differ in their opin- ion which is best. It is as important to cross the breeds of fowls as of other animals ; hence it is improper to save males and females from the same sitting of eggs, if they are to be kept for propagation. The black kind are very juicy, but do not an swcr so well tor boiling, as thoir ]eo;s piirtnko of tKrir <'olor. S7 How to keep a Good Stock. — Those heixs ai\^ usually pre- ferred which have tufts or feathers on their heads ; those that crow are not looked upon as profitable. Some fine young fowls should be reared eveiy year, to keep up a stock of good breed- ers ; and by this attention, and removing bad layei*s and care- less nurses, you will have a chance of a good stock. Let the hens lay some time before you sit them, which should be done from the end of February to the beginning of May. While hens are laying, feed them well, and sometimes with oats. Broods of chickens are hatched all through summer, but those that come out very late require much care till tliey have gained some strength. Feeding Foidlry. — They should be fed as nearly as possible at the saitie hour and place. Potatoes boiled, unskinned, in a little water, and then cut, and either wet ^\ ith unskimmed milk or not, form one of the best foods. Turkeys and fowls thrive amazingly on them. The milk must not be sour. Corn and oats, with plenty of fresh water, should be kept be- fore them at all times. They will eat no more than by occasional feeding, and they thrive better. Meat, mash, &c. may be fed out at regular intervals. A Ride for Sitting Hens on Turkeys* or Ducks'' Eggs. — If the eggs of any sort are put under a hen with some of her own, observe to add her own as many days after the others as there is dilTerence in the length of their sitting. The turkey and duck sit thirty days. Choose large, clear eggs to put her upon, and such a number as she can properly cover. Twelve is the best number. Poultry for the Market. — The article of poultry is readily converted into money, and is probably quite as readily prepared for market as any other article of stock produced on the farm. The expense of feeding the best stock is no more than would be the expense of feeding and rearing the poorest dunghill fowl, while the return shows a heavy balance in favor of the large- bodied and fuie-meated fowl, with little offal. SECTION IL ORIGIN, VAEIETIES, AND QUALITIES OF DOMESTIC TOULTRY. Dunghill or Barn-door Fowl. — The dunghill fowl is seldom met with in its pure state, having been so often crossed with oiher varietios. We think highly of this stock for our cliniatP, both for eggs and table use ; they excel also as sitters. Crossed in with the Cochin China, tlicy constitute, in our judgment, the very best stock that can be reared. Dorking, — The color of the Dorking is pure white, and their principal peculiarity is their having ^^^'C toes. This fowl is of recent account in this country, and is a native of Dorking, Sur- rey, England. They make an excellent stock for the farm or market. They fat well, lay well, and rear well ; are handsome alive, and show delicately white when prepared for cooking. CTcneral opinion has accorded to this breed the highest character for laying, and also for arriving at early maturity. Their eggs are of a large size, clear, wdiite, and of excellent quality. The cocks are magnificent ; variegated in color, with a sur- passing brilliancy of plumage, rarely equalled by other kinds. The hens are pheasant-shaped, with a clear and beautiful head and throat, and a deep, heavy crop. The young are easily reared. I may add, that, when crossed with larger breeds, they invari- ably improve the form ; and while the quality of the meat is also improved, the amount of otfal is much reduced. Cochin China. — This fowl is, comparatively speaking, new in this country, yet they are well known to fowl-fanciers. But few of those which pass under this name in the New England States are of pure stock. Their prevailing color is rich, glossy brown. In strength they surpass most other varieties. The flesh is white and delicate. The eggs are large, of a chocolate color, and possess a very delicate flavor. They are prolific, frequently laying two, and occasionally three eggs on the same day, and within a few moments of each other. This has been disputed, but not successfully. Bolton Grays. — The Bolton Grays are a small-sized, plump, and short-legged fowl. They excel almost every other breed as layers. Dr. Kittridge, of Portsmouth, N. H., says that he had, from two hens of this breed, 41 eggs in twenty-two days, and 95 eggs in fifty-four days. He adds, that they are a hardy fowl, and he values them more than any he has. It should not be for- gotten, however, that they are poor sitters. Polish. — The two varieties of this fowl are the Spangled Polish, a beautiful bird, and the well-known black fowl, with a white tuft on the crown. In the pure breed, the cock has two small horns in place of the 89 comb, and die crests or tufis of ihe male, as well as the female, Tmist be entirely white. Mixed colors in the crest invariably de- note a cross. They are excellent layers, and if kept warm will continue to lay nearly the whole year. They are poor sitters, and their flesh is of the meanest quality. Guelderlands. — The breed of fowls known as the Guelder- land were imported from the North of Holland, some years since, by Captain John Devereau, of Marblehead. The princi- pal mark of distinction is the absence of a comb. Instead 'of this ornament, it has got two little, hard peaks, or, as some call them, horns, on hs crest. This fowl is clad in a beautiful blue-black plumage, and its flesh is white, tender, and juicy. Besides the peaks, or small horny substances on its crest, mentioned above, the Guelderland cock has unusually large, red wattles. The breed are of good size, in body, and are great layers, but seldom or never show an inclination to sit. On the whole, they may be described as bright, active birds, and are held by those acquainted with them to be unsurpassed, as to beauty or utility, by any breed at pres- ent known in the United States, Malay Fowl. — This fowl, wliich is sometimes called the Chittagong^ came originally from the southern part of India. It is very large, standing high upon its legs, is long-necked, and serpent-headed. It is sometimes white, but generally of a dark- brown color, with yellow streaks. Character. — The Malay fowl is not such as we recommend to breeders ; they are not considered as good layers or sitters, and are a long time in coming to maturity. They attain to a large size, however, often weighing ten or twelve pounds, and the flesh is of a very fair quality. ]\Iore recent importations of this fowl do better than the early stock as layers and shters, and crossed with the Dunghill or Dorking, they make a very large and tolerably profitable stock. Spangled Hamburg. — There are two principal varieties of this fowl ; the golden and silver. It is a fov/l of great beauty, is well and neatly made, has a good body, and very little offal. On the crest, immediately above the beak, are two small, fleshy horns, resembling, to some extent, an abortive comb. Above this crest, and occupying the position of a comb, is a large brown or yellowish tuft, the feathers composing it darkening towards the extremities. The varieties are termed golden or sil- S* 90 ver according to their prevailing color. They are inferior to our common poultry, both as to flesh and as layers. Spanish Fowl. — One of the most striking characteristics of this fowl is a white cheek., and the comb and wattles are sin- gularly large, simple, and of a very high color; the feet and legs are of a leaden color, except the soles of the feet, which are of a dirty fleshy hue. xVs table birds they hold a place in the very first rank, their flgsh being particularly white, tender, and juicy, and the skin possessing that beautifully clear, white hue, so essentially a requisite for birds designed for the consumption of the gormand. The hens are likewise layers of the first order ; and of all nat- uralized or indigenous varieties of fowl, with the exception of the Columbian, these lay the largest and the best-flavored eggs. They are, besides, prolific, extremely- easily fed, and most com- mendable to the breeder. Java Fowl. — This fowl resembles in many respects the Ma- lay, and is supposed to be a cross between that and the Dork- ing or Spanish breeds. It has a smooth and serpent- like head, without comb or wattles. It stands high on its legs, has a long and pointed tail, and is of an auburn color. It is supposed that the English game-cock originated from this variety. Being very pugnacious, they are valued chiefly as fighters. Game Fowl. — The game fowl is one of the most beautifully colored and elegantly formed of our domestic poultry. He ex- hibits the most daring courage and pride of character. They are difiicult to rear, on account of their fighting propensity, as nearly half of the brood will be killed or blinded ere they are half feathered. They are very good layers, and though the eggs are not quite as large as our average yield, yet they are of excellent flavor. Bantam Foiul. — The Bantam is a small, handsomely tinted, and beautifully formed fowl, and without doubt somewhat allied to the game breed. They are good layers and sitters, but alto- gether too small for profit, and are kept mostly for ornament. The cock has generally a strange propensity to suck the eggs, and the hen is naturally a secret layer. Ic^ We have given above the principal breeds which are con- sidered worthy the fowl-breeder's attention. Those which fol- low receive only a passing notice. Creeper. — This is a variety of the Bantam, — veiy short- legged. 91 Jimiper. — This is a dwarf fowl, so short-legged that it pro- gresses by jumps. They are prolific, and excellent sitters. Turkish Fmvl. — This is a variety of Bantam, with whitish body, belly black, legs bluish, and body streaked whh gold and silver. Colamhian Foivl. — This is a valuable fowl, and though a distinct breed, yet has the appearance of a cross between the Spanish and Malay. They are not great layers, but their eggs are very large. Dutch Fowl. — This is a good fowl as a layer, and for table use. Dutch Every-day Layers. — These fowl have received the name of '^ Ever^'--day,'' or " Everlasting Layers," from the cir- cumstance of their unwillingness to hatch, in consequence of which they lay an egg daily nearly all the year through ; and, if properly cared for, and warmly housed, even amid the frost and snow of the most inclement winter. Some say that the eggs of this fowl are not in general so large as those of ordinary poul- try, nor equally substantial and nutritious. Barhary Fowl. — This is a very homely looking fowl. It is booted and feathered to its toes, like the Bantam ; is very bold and confident in its appearance. Rumpkin Fowl. — This is a fowl without a tail. It is good for nothing for the table, or as a layer, and not deserving any attention. Sussex Fold.' — This is a fowl in its general appearance like the Dorking, though destitute of the ^fifth toe ; some think it a superior fowl. Frizzled Fowl. — This fowl is a native of Java, Japan, and other parts of Eastern Asia ; it is smaller than our common fowl, is very susceptible of cold, and is, on that account, very difficult to rear. Their flesh is very delicate and firm. Silky Fowl. — This foAvl is- a native of China, and remarkable for its silky plumage, and is of white or cream color. They are good layers, but are not worth rearing. Siberian Fowl. — This fowl is a native of Russia. They vary in color; some are white, some blue or black, and others are colored like the game fowl. The flesh of this variety is white and good. They are, likewise, good layers, are hardy, and easily fed. Bankiva Fowl. — This fowl is a native of Java, and resembles our Bnntflm, being ofVn f^ntherod fo ihp toes. They are very 92 wild, and in their native state inliabit tlie skirls of woods, forests, and other unfrequented places. Negro Fowl. — This is a native of Africa, and is distinguished by having black comb, wattles, skin, bones, and feathers. The flesh is, however, white and tender. They are an unprofitable stock to keep, and will soon deteriorate your good slock by crossing. Shakehag Foicl. — In all probability, this fowl has been com- pletely divested of all distinctive characteristics through crossing with other breeds. The variety now known as the Shakebag is a cross between the Dorking and Spanish. Guinea Hen. — As a source of profit, we cannot recommend this fowl ; the eggs are very small, three of them being scarce- ly equal to an ordinary hen's egg, and the flesh not being likely to please every palate. This fowl dislikes confinement, and will not thrive unless it has free liberty ; where such, therefore, cannot be afforded, it is useless to attempt keeping it. They are prolific ; the hen commences laying in May, and lays throughout the entire summer ; for the table, they are in season from February to June. The period of incubation is twenty-eight days. You must keep the male bird away, or he will, like the pheasant, destroy the eggs. We should also ob- serve that they are secret layers. ly To the above we may add the Golden Pheasants, which are very handsome, and good layers, though rather wild and se- cret in their movements. SECTION III. TURKEYS, GEESE, DUCKS, DOVES, &C. Turkeys. — General Management^ Sec. — Turkeys should have a large, roomy shed, protected from wet and cold weather , their perches should be with a good ladder to reach them. In warm seasons they may be allowed to select their own roosting-places on the trees about the farm. The turkey needs hut little feed- ing, as it will mostly provide for itself when at liberty. They are ruinous in the grain fields. Qualities. — In selecting the cock, se© that he is large and majestic. The cock is in his prime at three, and the hen in heir second year. Laying. — Turkeys usually begin to lay in March. A nest should be prepared, as they are secret layers; they usually lay in the morning. Keep the cock away while the hen is laying. Sitting. — • Let them have a quiet, dark place for sitting, with clean nests of straw. Hatching. — On the thirty-first day the chicks will begin to chip and break their shells. They should be left alone, as the hen win best manage her vouno;. Treatment of the Young. — The early feeding of turkeys is much the same as for common poultry. Egg is a good food, also soaked bread, and for the drooping ones a few drops of wine, or, which is better, Cayenne pepper. When they begin to shoot the red., as it is called, they require high feeding. After two months they may be let out to roam at large, and they mostly provide for themselves. The young are to be particularly guard- ed from wet and cold, by always having a good shelter at hand. Fattening. — After six months, turkeys may be crammed like other fowls. Six weeks' time will suffice to make them fit for market. If you want large turkeys, the cocks should be kept over, but young hen turkeys are the best flavored. Varieties. — The variety of color constitutes the chief differ- ence in this bird. They are known as the ichite, the copper' colored, the broivn., the bronze., dusky-gray., black, ^c. The black are the best variety, and mostly reared. Geese. — General Management. — The Toulouse Goose. — The latest variety introduced, and perhaps the best for size and capacity, and carrying flesh, has been imported from the Medi- terranean, and is known by the name of the " Toulouse goose." This bird is chiefly remarkable for its vast size, — a property in which it casts every other known breed far into the shade ; it is, indeed, the mammoth of geese, and is to be regarded as the most valuable addition to our stock. They are recommended highly to cross with the common goose. The Bremen Goose. — This is a large and splendid fowl, of a pure white color, having orange legs and bill. They lay in Feb- ruaiy ; sit and hatch with more certainty than barn-yard geese ; and will, in many instances, when young, double the weight of the barn-yard kinds. They also yield double the quantity of feathers the other kinds do. Their superior properties are great size, being easily fed, remarkable hardiness wlien young, and the production of flesh of a superior quality. 91 Common Goose. — Tliere are but two kinds of the common goose ; the large and small., or the white and gray. The best kinds are those which vary least in color. Gray is the best coI» or, as coming nearest to the original Gray-lag ; white is not quite so good ; but avoid mixed colors. Breeding. — These birds, as has been ascertained by M. St. Genis, will pair like pigeons ; and even if the number of gan- ders exceeds that of the geese, no noise or riot takes place, and mutual choice is evidently the ruling principle. For the purpose of hatching, a gander should be mated with, at most, three geese. Let his size be large, his gait active, his eye lively and clear, his voice ever ready and hoarse., and his demeanor full of boldness and impudence. Select the goose for her iveight of body., steadiness of deportment, and breadth of foot. If eggs alone is the desire, then one gander may run with six or eight geese. Laying. — The goose begins usually to lay about the end of February or beginning of March. Wlien about to lay, they will be seen with straws in their beaks f«r making their nests. They should be made to lay their first eggs in some particular place, and they will be sure to deposit all the rest in the same place. The goose drops from ten to twenty eggs at one litter, but will go on to thirty or forty if the eggs are removed. Sitting. — The inclination of the goose to sit may be known by her sitting longer on the egg after laying than usual. Twelve eggs are as many as is profitable to sit under an ordinary-sized goose. The gander will do no harm to go in and out as he pleases, but will rather act as a vigilant guardian. Nests and Food. — The nests should be built of stmw, and lined with soft hay, and food and drink should be kept near dur- ing the period of sitting. Goslings., Sj'C. — The twenty-ninth day the goslings begin to chip the shell. The goose will sit two months if allowed ; eggs should be of equal freshness, so as to have them hatch at the same time. Let the goslings have the sun, but do not feed them for twelve hours after they arc hatched. Their food may be like that given to young turkeys. Yards, (5*c. — A good yard, in which geese may be shut up as occasion requires, is essential, though they should have the largest liberty allowable, as they will subsist upon grass, nettles, brakes, &c., and thus save the owner's pocket. Market garden- ers should never be without geese, which would consume all 95 their refuse, and bring money into their masters' pockets in re- turn for their consumption of what would otherwise be wasted. Ducks. — Varieties. — There are several varieties, but only- two kinds deserving the attention of fanciers. Aylesbury White. — This is a large, handsome duck, and is a great favorite. Their flesh is of a delicate flavor, hardly ex- celled by that of the chicken. Rouen Duck. — This is very prolific, and lays large eggs. It is a native of France. In rearing, the large size should be sought for. Muscovy. — This duck makes a fair stock. It is of every va- riety of color, is easily fattened, a prolific breeder, but a vora- cious feeder. Water. — Without water, it is useless to endeavor to keep these fowls ; but even a very small supply will suflice. Some parties have kept them with success, and fattened the ordinary duck to the weight of eight pounds, with no further supply of water than what was afforded by a large tub sunk in the ground. Laying. — The duck does not lay during the day, but gener- ally in the night ; exceptions, regulated by circumstances, will, of course, occasionally occur. While laying, the duck requires more attention than the hen, until she is accustomed to resort to a regular nest for depositing her eggs ; once, however, that this is effected, she will no longer require your attendance. Hatching. — The duck is a bad hatcher ; she is too fond of the water, and is, consequently, too apt to suffer her eggs to get cold ; she will, also, no matter what sort of weather it be, bring the ducklings to the water the moment they break the shell. The eggs of the duck are thirty-one days in hatching ; during incubation, they require no turning, or other attention ; and when hatched, only require to be kept from water for a day or two. Ducklings. — Their first food may be boiled eggs, nettles, and i a little barley ; in a few. days they demand no care, being per- fectly able to shift for themselves. Boiled potatoes are very- good feeding, and arc still better if a little grain be mixed through them ; Indian meal will be found both economical and nutritive, but should be used sparingly at first. Ducks'' Eggs. — The egg of the duck is by some people very much relished, having a rich piquancy of flavor, \vhich gives h a decided superiority over the egg of the common fowl ; and these qualities render it much in request with the pa^lry-cook and con- 96 fectioncr, three duck eggs being equal in culinary value to six hen eggs. Ducks in Gardens. — In a garden, ducks will do good service, voraciously consuming slugs, frogs, and insects, nothing coming amiss to them ; not being scrat.ckers^ they do not, like other poultry, commit such a degree of mischief in return as to coun- terbalance their usefulness. Doves. — But little attention is paid to the propagation of this bird. They are profitable only to those who keep hotels, and have large stables, or to those who have waste offal. They mul- tiply fast, and, when fed, soon eat up the valua of their bodies. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF FOULTRY. THEIR SYMPTOMS AND CURE. /- The remedies for the diseases are few, and when properly applied are generally effectual. We give below the results of our own experience, and believe it to be a safe guide. Asthma, — The si/mp to ms of this disease are gaping^ panting^ and difficulty in breathing. Cure. — Give repeated doses of sulphur and Cayenne, and keep the fowl warm. Apoplexy. — The symptoms are a staggering and drunken ap- pearance, shaking the liead, d:c. The remedy is a light diet, with a little Cayenne or ginger. A leech or two applied to the fowl will be found of sei*vice. Costiveness. — Give a dose of castor-oil, and keep the fowl on a low diet. Consujnption. — Give Cayenne with the food. Let the fowl be kept warm and diy, and give fresh meat every day. Bloody jp/7u\ — Boiled rice, or starch with milk, will soon effect a cure. Corns, — Remove the callous part with a sharp knife, and touch with lunar caustic. Diarrhma. — Give thick porridge warm, to which is added a little starch and Cayenne. If it becomes very severe, a little prepared chalk may be given. Fever. — Give a little castor-oil; change the food to a light diet ; give plenty of fresh air and water. Gout. — Frequent doses of sulphur may be given in this com- pkiiiit. 97 Indigestion. — Mix powdered gentian and Cayenne with the food, which should also be decreased. Moulting. — This is a natural process, and cannot, therefore, be called a disease. The judicious use of Cayenne with the food is all that is necessar}\ Keep the fowls warm, with plenty of fresh^ water, and exercise in open air. Pz^;. — A disease to which young fowls are peculiarly liable, and that, too, chiefly in hot weather. The symptoms are a thickxniing of the membrane of the tongue, especially towa.vds its tip. This speedily becomes an ob- struction of sufficient magnitude to impede the breathing ; this produces gasping for breath ; and at this stage the beak will often be held open. Cure. — Most writers recommend the immediate removal of the thickened membrane. Rather anoint the part with fresh butter or cream. Pxick the scab with a needle if you like ; and give internally a pill about the size of a marble, composed of equal parts of scraped garlic and horseradish, and as much Cay- enne pepper as will outweigh a grain of wheat. Mix with fresh butter, and give it every morning, keeping the fowl warm. Keep the bird supplied with plenty of fresh water ; preserve it from molestation, by keeping it by itself, and you will generally find it get well. Roup. — The true roup is a disease extremely analogous to in- fluenza in man, or even more so to the well-known distemper among dogs ; and, in some forms, perhaps to the glanders of the horse. The proper treatment of this disease is plenty of fresh water and open-air exercise. For pullets give as./ollows : — Powdered gen- tian, 1 part ; powdered ginger, 1 do. ; Epsom salts, li do. ; flour of sulphur, I do. Make up with butter, and give every morning. If the discharge should become fetid, the mouth, nostrils, and eyes may be bathed with a weak solution, composed of equal parts of chloride of lime and acetate of lead. The other infection, that improperly passed under this name, viz. swelling ^f the tail gland, may be treated as a boil. If it become inconveniently hard and ripe^ let the pus or matter out with a penknife, and it will soon get well. 1^^ The proper combination of Cayenne, gentian, sulphur, and castor-oil, according to the disease, is all the medicine that is essential for poultry. Give plenty of fresh water, open-air exer- cise, and feed with meat and vegeiables. 9 CHAPTER V. THE FAMIJLY GARDENER. SECTION I. MANAGEMENT OF THE KITCHEN GARDEN- Remarks. — There are many persons v/ho live in the vicinity of cities, and throughout the country generally, who possess the means of cultivating a garden, and who would fmd both health and pleasure in the pursuit ; but not being disposed to keep a gar- dener, they are deterred from the pursuit altogether for the want of the requisite knowledge. By the aid we offer in this chapter, almost any person may undertake the management of a garden with good hope of success. The Proper Situation of a Garden, — The chief points to be attended to are a proper degree of shelter from cutting winds, and full exposure to the influence of the sun. The winds prin- cipally to be guarded against, are the north, north-east, and north-west, as it is from those points that our coldest winds pro- ceed. It is an invariable rule, that there should never be any trees of a considerable height on the south side of a garden ; for during the winter, and early in the spring, they throw their lengthened shadows into the garden, at a time when every sun- beam is valuable. On the east, also, the trees should be suffi- ciently removed, so as to admit the early morning rays. A good aspect for a garden is universally allowed to be that which has a gentle declivity tov/ards the south, and inclining rather to the east, in order that it may receive the benefit of the morning sun. A north aspect is unfavorable for general pur- poses, it being always cold and late. The inclination of a garden towards the south, if artificially made, should not exceed one foot in twenty ; but if the inclina- tion of it be naturally greater, no good reason can exist for making any alteration in it, for the ground which J^as a consider- able slope towards the south is always the warmest. The Requisite Soils^ ^^c. — It is admitted by all gardeners, that the soil best calculated for general garden pm-poses should be of rather a light, rich, friable, loamy texture, dry, mellow, and ca- pable of being wrought at all seasons, and of a good depth, that is, from two feet to three feet and a ha-lf ; and thai the worst kinils # 9^ are those of the very liglit sandy and stiff clayey texture. A loam of a middling texture, rather inclining to sand, will be found the most suitable for the majority of kitchen vegetables. Gravelly soils are not suited to garden grounds, being sterile, hard to be enriched, and easily washed out by rains. Mould for improvmg soil should be taken from the surface, as it is, in fact, the true vegetable earth ; the fuller it is of fibrous matter, the better. . Manures. — Their Kinds and Qualities. — Many kinds are in use, but the dung of horses, if not the best, is the most com- mon. Next to the dung of horses, that of oxen and cattle is in the greatest request, and, if slightly fermented, is an excellent manure for light, hot soils ; it is also well calculated for soils of a dry, absorbent nature, as it retains its moisture for a greater length of time than most others. Sea-weeds, where they can be procured, make excellent ma- il ire for most vegetables, but particularly for sea-kale, artichokes, and asparagus. This manure, however, is very transient in its effects, and does not last more than for a single crop. The dung of birds, either wild or domesticated, alfords a pow- erful manure, particularly that of the former. Pigeons' dung was, and still is, in great repute ; but it should only be used as a compound. The ashes of v/ood, if not too much burnt, are considered to be a lasting manure ; they are generally used am.ongst turnips, and are supposed to be of use in protecting them from the f!y. Of all mineral manures, lime is most known, and generally used ; it should, however, never be applied with animal manures, unless they be too rich, or for the purpose of preventing noxious efHuvise. It is injurious when mixed with any common dung. SECTION II. RAISING GARDEN VEGETABLES. Vegetable Roots. — Turnips. — Early crops should have a good aspect for warmth, light and dry soil, and should be sown as soon as possible after the frost has left the ground. Sow after a rain, and rake in the seed. Early Dutch is good seed for summer. Ruta-baga makes the best for winter use. For the late turnip, sow from July to September. 100 ^ Beets. — For very early crops, sow the seed about the 15th of March ; for winter use, sow until the month of June. They do best in drills, well manured. Sow four inches apart, and put two or three seeds in a hole, so as to make sure of a good root, as the weakest are to be removed, leaving only one stalk standing. Carrots. — This root requires a light soil and an open situa- tion. Sow by the first of April, and be sure to make the ground fine and deep-spaded. The Early Horn is good for the early crop, but the Long Orange for the winter stock. Parsnips. — This is a very nutritious root; it should be sown in drills in the month of April. The sugar parsnip is considered the best. They require good manure. Frost does not harm them in the least. Onions. — Onions require a rich, mellow soiL The ground should be well dug over early in spring, and thrown up to the action of the sun. The beds require to be well manured with a fine rich dung. The Silver-skinned is usually preferred ; but if a crop the first season is desired, sow the Red. Potatoes. — A rich, sandy loam, with plenty of stable or cow manure, is best adapted to the potato. For an early crop, plant about the 20th of March ; but for the main crop, the 15th of April will be seasonable. The Peach-blossom, Chenango, and Canada White are the varieties now in demand. Horseradish. — This is a valuable root, and is propagated by cuttings. The ground should be dug deep, and well manured, and the cuttings laid along in trenches. It should be done in the fall, and the second season will give good roots. Radish. — The early scarlet short-topped radish may be sown as early as the 20th of March. The seed should be sown toler- ably thick, and raked in ; let the bed be made very fine, and suitably enriched. If frost is anticipated, the beds should be covered in with straw, mats, or other coverings. The Yellow Turnip-rooted and Summer White make the best late crops. An ounce of seed for a bed three feet broad and nine feet long is enough. Oyster Plant. — This root is much like the parsnip. It should be sown in drills about the 20th of April, in well-tilled land ; sow the seed thick, as many of them will not vegetate, and let the plants stand about six inches apart. It is a hardy plant, and worthy of cultivation. Vegetable Plants. — Corn. — The su^ar corn, from its be- 101 iiig very early, milky, and sweet till autumn, is the best for the garden culture. It may be planted at intervals of two or three weeks, from the 15th of April to the 15th of July. Plant in hills, and leave two or three stalks in a hill. Manure well, and dig deep. Beans. — The Kidney Bean is a valuable vegetable ; it may be planted about the 20th of April. The Scarlet Runners are more valued as ornaments than for use. The Lima and Civy Beans are good varieties. But the Horticvltural is considered the best and most profitable of the whole family. The mode of culture is to form hills slightly elevated, in which a liberal quantity of well-decomposed manure has been incorporated ; in these hills half a dozen beans are planted to se- cure a sufficiency ; but ihree vines at most, in each hill, should stand ; at the time of forming the hills, or subsequently, as may be most convenient, insert securely a stout pole, nine or ten feet in height, to which assist the vine in its efforts to adhere ; when it has got firm hold, it will take care of itself. But little culture cai be given this crop, further than to keep down weeds. Fease. — Pease are most productive in a light, but at the same time a rich soil ; they may, however, be grown with care upon almost any other kind of soil, if it be well manured when too poor or dry, and well drained if inclined to be wet. To secure a regular supply, successive sowings should be mide every three*weeks during the months of March, April, and May, and twice in each of the months of June, July, and Au- gust. The seed should not be more than two years old, and a pint will be sufficient to sow four rows, each five yards long. There are many varieties, of pease, but the Early Dwarf and Marrowfats are the best suited to our climate. Squash. — This fruit is in general use, few gardens being des- titute of it in its seasons ; there are many varieties, but for sum- mer use those most grown are the Large Green and Early Bush., or patty-pan shaped ; the latter, from its compact mode of gr.owth, is generally preferred. The mode of culture is very simple, all that is requisite being to deeply dig patches of earth, at the distance of four or five feet each way, and incorporate with the soil a gobd portion of well-decomposed manure ; in each patch or mound of earth, plant half a dozen or more seeds, and when the plants are well established, remove all but two or three of the strongest. The seed need not be planted before the middle of spring (15th 9* 102 April), as the squash is susceptible of cold, and will make no headway until the weather becomes mild. Cucumbers. — For an early crop for table use, start some plants in pots, about the middle of spring (15th April), and when all probability of frost is over, set them out on a well-sheltered border, in hills, with a spadeful of well-rotted manure incorporat- ed with the soil of each hill ; at the same time, the seed for a suc- ceeding crop may be planted. For pickles plant middle of sum- mer (20th July). The Early Frame is the best variety for table use, and the Long Green for pickling. The cucumber, like the squash, is liable to be preyed upon by yellow bugs, which are very destructive ; to counteract tlicm, prepare a mixture of air- slacked lime and wood-ashes, which sprinkle freely over the leaves and stems whilst the dew is on, that it may adhere. Cabbages. — Cabbages will thrive well in any richly manured soil, provided it be not too dry. A deep, mellow loam is better suited to them than a sandy or gravelly one. The better kinds for the early crops are the Large Early York, Landreth's Large York, and Sugar-loaf. The Bullock-heart is a superior variety, but, from being exceedingly tender, is kept with difficulty through the winter. There are many other early sorts scarcely distinguishable, except by name, but the above are the more desirable. For the late autumn and main winter supply, the seed may be sown about the middle of spring (10th to 15tlf April), and the transplantation may be at various times from the early part to middle of summer (20th June to 20th July). The sorts best adapted for late crops are Drumhead, Flat Dutch, or Bergen, Drumhead Savoy, and Curled Savoy. The Red Cabbage seed ma^/ be sown at the same time with the Drumhead, &;c., and treated in the same manner ; the}^ are used solely for pickling. Asparagus. — In making a bed, select a light, pliable soil, and spade -it deep and fine, with plenty of manure. Select good, thrifty roots, and plant tiiem in trenches, three feet each way, six inches deep. The second year some buds may be cut for use. Keep the beds clear of weeds. Cauliflowers. — To have cauliflowers in the autumn, the seed should be sown in the middle of spring (15th iVpril). These plants should be transplanted into rows two feet, or two feet and a half distant, the ])i;i)its being from eiiihteen to twenty inches apart in the rows. 'V\\e c;>ulirlow«M- is at llie best an uncertain 103 vegetable in this climate, and the only mode of culture in which success may be relied on is in hot-beds, where the temperature most congenial to them can be secured by artificial means. Celery, — Very early in the spring (1st to 15th March), if the frost is out of the ground, prepare a small bed of light, rich earth, in a warm, sheltered situation, in which the seed must be sown for an early crop. Break the mould very fine, as the seed is small, and rake the surface even ; sow the seed, but not too thickly, and cover with light, rich mould, about a quarter of an inch deep. The plants should be kept thin in the seed-bed, and pricked out, when fit, upon a surface of fresh earth, well ma- nured. They should be watered and shaded until they take root ; and, in drawing from the seed-bed, let some of the strongest plants remain, to be put out for an early drill. The plants may be planted out in richly manured trenches about the 20th of June. Cultivate with the hoe, always leaving about six inches of the plant above the soil. Cress. — A small quantity should, in the salad season, be sown every six or eight da3^s, for it should be cut before it comes into the rough .leaf. It is sown in shallow drills, and covered slightly with very fijie earth. The common Garden Cress is generally not cut till the fourth or fifth leaf has made its appearance, but the Curled Cress will remain good for a considerable length of time, if the outside leaves only be picked off", as it will soon pro- duce more, and in this respect bears a great similarity to parsley. One ounce of seed will be sufficient for a bed three feet broad and five feet long. Egg Plant. — The original species is white, but the varieties most cultivated are the smooth-stemmed purple., and the prickly- stemmed purple ; both grow large, and are equally good ; but the smooth-stemmed is the earlier. To have them early, it is requi- site to s5w them in a hot-bed, very early in the spring (15th March), transplanting them into another when they attain the height of three or four inches. They should not be put out in the open ground before the weather becomes mild (middle of May), because the plants are very tender, and should they even escape frost, may become stinted from long-continued cold weather. When about to plant them in the open ground, choose a well-cultivated spot, and if not rich, or even if "in good condi- tion, add plenty of thoroughly rotted stable-manure ; allow the plants three feet space each way. Lettuce. — If the weather be mild and dry towards the early 101 part of spring (15tli March), the seed of lettuce may be sown. A rich, light soil, and an early warm spot, are to be chosen. The Brown .Dutch, the Early Cabbage, the White Cos and Green Cos, are the kinds most proper for this sowing. Let the seed be sown rather thickty ; let it be lightly covered, and raked in smoothly and neatly ; the seeds must not be trodden nor beaten in. When the plants come up, thin them quickly to four inches apart ; when they have attained the height of about four or five inches, leave one and take up two throughout all the rows, and then hoe the ground nicely between the remaining plants, having previously made another bed to receive the plants thus taken up ; plant these in rows across a bed, the rows iifteeen inches apart, and the plants fifteen inches apart in the row. Melon. — The mode of culture in the garden is precisely as directed for early cucumber. The soil should be somewhat light- er, if practicable, especially for the water-melon, and the planta- tions should be made apart from those of squashes, cucumbers, and other plants of the same family, which are peculiarly liable to hybridize. The best varieties for the garden are the Nutmegs Citron^ and Minorca. They should be started under glass. Rhuharb. — The seed should be sown in the middle*of spring (15th April), in a border with a northern aspect, and scattered thinly in drills of about two inches in depth, and a foot apart, and slightly covered with soil. When the plants appear, they should be thinned out to about six inches of each other, and afterwards to a foot. Rhubarb should always be planted in a shaded or northern situation, as their stems will be finer and better when not too much exposed to the sun. Any rich soil will grow good rhubarb, which will require an annual top-dressing of well-rotted manure. This should be applied in autumn. As seedling plants do not produce stems fit for use till two years after the time for sowing, if plants are desired ty be ob- tained sooner than they can thus be brought into use, the old roots may be taken up and separated into as many parts as there are crowns or eyes, leaving a portion of the root to each ; these may be planted out when desired, and tliey will soon produce stems sufficiently strong for any required purpose. Tomcifo. — The plants are usually started in hot-beds, very early in the spring (1st March), and as they advance in growth transplanted to more roomy quarters, still under glass; and by the time it is prudent to expose them to the gpen garden, they have become strong and vigorous; ; indeed, after thry are set out, 105 shelter is wtill afforded in unfavorable weather, usually by small boxes, each having a Hglit of glass in the top. Tlie common method of culture is to prepare the ground by deep digging (market gardeners use the plough), and incorporate into the soil pleiity of thoroughly rotted manure. It is not ad- visable, however, that the manure should be in excess, else, though the plants will grow vigorously, the fruit will be less abundant. It is a good plan to cover the surface of the earth around each clump with straw or litter, which prevents rapid evaporation dur- ing the hot weather, and also keeps the fruit from injuiy by heavy rain. Some brushwood stuck around the plants to support them, is also useful. Parsley. — Method af Culture. — Parsley may be sown either in rows or beds, middle of spring (15th April), and deeply raked. The seed does not vegetate under two or three weeks, unless previously soaked, which we would recommend being done in warm water for twelve hours immediately before sowing. Dur- ing the season of growth, the cultivator will of course keep it free from weeds, and the ground in a proper condition. SECTION III. THE herbalist: or the culture of culinary and medici- nal HERBS. Culinary Herbs. — Marjoram. — This is sown about the middle of April, in drills, in fine and rich ground. The drills^ should be mere marks to guide the hand in sowing. Keep down the weeds, and culture with the hoe. Thyme. — There are two varieties, the Common and the Lemon, They may be propagated by seed, or cuttings of the root. Pro- tection from the severity of winter is essential. Savory. — There are two kinds, the Summer and Winter. They may be propagated from seed or offsets. The Summer is the best, and is cultivated like the marjoram. Sage. — You may propagate this by seed, cuttings, or slips of the root. The seed may be sown in the middle of April ; the cuttings may be propagated in the end of July, and the slips in April. A light soil is preferable. The green and purple kinds are only used in the kitchen. 106 Caraway. — The seed should be sown in Marcli. Plough and harrow well ; a clayey loam is the best soil. Hoe two or. three times, and cut in .Tuly. Coriander. — Sov,' in the fall, in a light, rich soil, with fresh seed ; thin out the plants to six or eight inches each way ; cut and gather the seed in August. Medicinal Hekbs. — Fennyroyal. — There are two varieties of this herb, the Trailing and the Upright. It is easily grown in a strong, moist soil. It is a valuable herb, and worthy of culti- vation. Ca?no7)iile. — This is a creeping plant, cultivated for its flowers. It may be propagated by the seed, or by parting the roots. The double-flowered variety is best. Plant in rows a foot apart, in poor soil, if you choose, and hoe between. It flowers from June to September. Hyssop. — This is propagated from seed sown in April, or from cuttings in the spring or fall. It has always been consid- ered by elderly people a valuable medicinal shrub. The flower spikes are used fresh or dry. Balm. — This herb is propagated from seed or from oflsets. It needs no culture of importance ; transplant when it has reached the height of a few inches. Wormvjood. — This liprl> may bo propagated from the seeds, slips, or off*sets. It needs but little culture. Its leaves should be cut when green, and dried for use. It is a valuable herb. •■ Hoarliound. — Any common soil will answer for the culture of this herb, and it may be propagated by the seeds, or division of the roots. Lavender. — This plant grov/s large, and should have room. It may be propagated from seeds, but will do better by slips taken off" in early spring and planted in moist, shady ground. Let the plants stand three feet apart. Tansy. — This plant is productive, and will ihrive in poor soil ; it may be raised by rooted slips, or by dividing its roots. Plant out in spring or autumn, in rows a foot apart each way. The double tansey is the best. Saffron. — This is a medicinal plant of great value. It should be planted out in July, in rows six inches apart, and three inches distant in the rows. Gather the flowers in September. 107 SECTION IV. GERMAN IIOT'EEDS FOR FOKCIXG GARDEN VEGETABLES, HERBS, FLO^^'ERS, &C. Take white cotton cloth of a close texture, stretch it, ajid nail it on frames of any size you wish ; mix two ounces of lime- water, four ounces of linseed-oil, one ounce w hite of egg sepa- rately, two ounces of yolk of egg^ mix the lime and oil with a very gentle heat; beat the eggs separately, and mix with the former. Spread this mixture with a paint-brush over the cotton, allowing each coat to dry before applying another, until they are water-proof. The following are some of the advantages these shades possess over glass ones. 1. The cost is hardly -one fourth as much. 2. Repairs are easily and cheaply made. 3. They are light ; they do not require watering ; no matter how intense the heat- of the sun, the plants are never struck down, or burnt, or faded, or checked in growth ; neither do they grow up long, sick, and weakly, as they do under glass, and still there is abundance of light. 4. The heat, entirely arising from below, is more equable and temperate, which is. a great object. The vapor arising from the manure and earth is condensed by the cool air passing over the surface of the shade, ancf hangs in drops upon the outside, -and therefore the plants do not require so frequent watering. If the frames or stretchers are made large, they should be intersected with crossbars about a foot square, to support the cloth. These articles are just the things to bring forward flower-seeds in sea- son for transplanting. CHAPTER VI. THE FIiO^IVER-GARI>SN. SECTION I. THE GREEN-HOUSE ; DESCRIPTION OF FLOWERS ; SHRUBS ; MpDE OF CULTURE, &C. Water for Green- Hoiiae Flant.s. — All green-house plants, &c., kept in rooms, must be constantly supplied with water, which 108 should be always applied on the tops of the pots, and from no consideration whatever should any be suffered to remain in the water-pans under the pots, particularly in the winter season, when they must also be kept clean from dead leaves, &;c. To make Flants Bnsky and Handsonw. — When the plants be- gin to draw, which will be discovered by their weak and sickly appearance, and the branches^growing long and weak, the tops of the shoots should be just nipped otf with the linger and thumb, or a pair of scissors, which will cause them to grow bushy and handsome ; and be sure not to forget to fumigate them when there is any appearance of insects. Air for Plants^ q-c. — With respect to air, tiie plants should have a good share in fine, warm weather. Many people open the under sash windows where the plants stand, which is a very Dad practice, as they are then exposed to the draft, v/hich injures them more than if they were entirely exposed to the open air. Changmg to larger Pots. — All green-house plants should be shifted every year,"about the month of May, into larger pots, in light, rich, sandy compost, such as is recommended for hyacinths, as most of them thrive well in it. Geraniums raised by Cuttings and Seed. — The different sorts of geraniums are generally raised by cuttings, which strike very free, -and are planted and treated the same as the heliotrope ; or many of the sorts may be raised by seed sown in March, in pots of fine, light mould. By these means new varieties are often obtained. Herbal Plants. — As to the cultivation of herbaceous plants and shrubs in pots, a few directions may be necessary. 1. The earth should be kept moderately moist. The mould on the top should be dry before additional water be given. 2. The pots should be frequently turned round, or the plants will grow crooked by reason of their inclining towards the sun or light. 3. If the plants are to stand in pots year after year, the balls of earth should be taken out in October, and the sides and bot- tom shaved off with a sharp knife to the depth of an inch, more or less, according to the size, and then replaced, and the pot filled .with some fresh compost or very rich eartli made very fine. 4. Two thirds of good, rich earth, and one third of old, rot- ten yard-manure, well incorporated, make a good compost for most plants, except the bulbous-rooted, which require some sand. 5. Herbal plants should be covered in the winter with strriw^ or ensrr". hay^ to affoi^ *^'^ -""''^^<'v ^i^! 109 Bulbous Flower-Roots. — No class of plants is more inter- esting than this. Situation. — A southern exposure, free from north winds, not too wet or dry, is best. Soil. — Equal .parts of sarid^ old., rotten yard-manure^ and good., rich earth., made fine and mixed together, make the best soil for bulbous roots. Raise the beds four or five inches above the level of the walks. Trans2)laniing. — August^ .September .> and October is the sea- son for transplanting most bulbous roots. Delicate and tender bulbs may be })Otted in November. Tulips and Hyacinths should be taken uj) and air-dried, and replanted annually, in or- der to preserve their beauty. Depths and Distances. — Large bulbs should be planted to the depth of four inches ; smaller ones from two to three inches. The rows should be ten or twelve inches asunder, and the roots from four to six inches apart, according to their size. Protection in the Winter. — Bulbous roots should be covered "^n the winter, to the depth of four inches, with some light sub- stance, such as straw, or tanners' bark, which should be removed early in spring. Management of. Bulbous Roots in Pots. — Bulbs intended for blooming in the winter should be potted in October or No- vember, and left out till it begins to freeze, and then placed in a warm room. They Avill want, occasionally, a little water, until they begin to grow ; .then they should have both air and sun, and plenty of water from the saucers or pans underneath the pots. Garden Flower-Plants, Shrubs, &;c. — Explanation. — Flowers are divided into annuals^ which flower and die the year they are sown ; biennials^ which flower the second year, and then die ; and perennials., which do not generally flower the first year, but die down to the ground annually, and spring up again every succeeding spring for a number of years. Situation. — Select a level plat, with a southern aspect, shel- tered from the nortli and northeast winds. Soil. — The ground in a garden must be kept rich, and often stirred. It ought to be manured every year. A compost made of decayed vegetables, yard-manure, rotten leaves, ashes, and mould from any place where it can be had, is proper for a garden. Sowing and Planting. — Flower-seeds should be sown in April and May ; cover small seeds with fine earth half an inch, 10 110 large seeds in proportion. The beds should be raised tin-ee or four inches above the walks, and make the rows ten or twelve inches apart. Transplanting. — Annuuh should be transplanted in June ; hienniuls and perennials in September. Take up plenty of earth with them ; select a cloudy day, and sec that the roots stand in their natural position. Cultivation, — Plants should be properly thinned, so as to let the air and sun hasten their perfection. Keep the earth loose about the plants, and in a dry season spread about them some old hay, so as to retain moisture. ^ Weeds. — No weeds should be suffered to remain in the flow- er-garden, as they injure its beauty, and check the growth of the plants. Shruhheri/. — The chief work among shrubbery is to keep down the weeds, stir the earth al)0ut tlie roots, to prune out the dead and decaying branches, and lo keep down the suckers. Cuttings. — Cuttings are pieces cut from trees, shrubs, or plants, of the last growth, and should generally retain a small ' piece of the growth immediately preceding the last or ripened wood. They should be taken when the sap is active, and about six joints or buds are sufficient. If the cutting be planted in a flov/c r-})Ot, place the pot in the earth, in a shady place, and cover the cutting with an inverted glass for a short time, to preserve a moist atmosphere about it. If they send out roots they will also send out branches, other- wise they die. Layers. — Layers are branches left on the parent plant or shrub, and bent down and fastened several incht;s below the sur- face of the earth, leaving the extreme part out of the ground. A flat stone placed on the earth immediately above the layer is useful to keep the earth cool, and to letain the moisture. When they have taken sufficient root, sever tlicm from the parent stock, and at any proper time they may be transplanted. Gravel-u'alks and edgings are the best, and indee J only proper divisions of the floAver-garden. Box is perhaps dear at first, but it is eventually tlie cheapest, as well as the best border you can have, being undoubtedly the prettiest thing for the purpose. It may be kept to any width or height ; it has great durability, and thrives in all sorts of soils, though much the best in dry, and under all aspects. This plant is of ver}'- easy propagation. Ill SECTION II. GREEN-HOUSE AND PARLOR PLANTS. Anemones. — The single anemone., or wind-Jiojoer, may be raised in great variety from seed sown in March, in beds four feet wide. Cover the seed not more than tlie eighth of an inch, and spread a mat over it, which should be watered tjll it is up ; then expose it to the sun by degrees, with frequent waterings. The double kinds are propagated by parting the roots, 2%e Camellia Japonica., or Japan Rose. — This plant is adapt- ed to the 7'oom., green-hoiisc, or Iwt-kouse. The most common varieti(!s are tlie Siiigle and Double Red, Double White, and the Double Striped. They require a fine, rich loam, large pots, and should be shifted every year in the beginning of summer. They are propagated by seed, layers, or cuttings. Lilies of Ike Valley. — These do well in common mould; each crown blows only once in three years ; the best time for pot- ting them is from January to March. W kite Lilies. — These are beautiful plants for rooms; they may be taken up in Jani#ry or February. Keep them in a warm, sunny window, and give plenty of water. After the bloom is over, they may be planted out in the gardg;i-border. Mignonette. — These may be sown thick in pots or boxes a an}'- season of the year ; should be transplanted when in the rough leaf. They require a light, rich mould, a sunny window, wilh plenty of water. # Persian Iris. — The iris is propagated by the offsets from old roots. They succeed well in a dry situation, with natural soil. Plant them out in small pots of sandy loam. It is a beautiful flower, and a few pots will scent a large room. Roses. — Varieties of , Sfc. — The White Province., Common Province., and the Moss Rose are the best for forcing, and they do well in pots. Pot them in the fall as soon as the leaves are off. The queen fly, so destructive, may be destro3'^cd by fumjigating whh tobacco. Rosds are propagated by' cuttings, layers, suck- ers, ^'C. The China ovMonthly Rose is a beautiful plant for the room. * Single and Double Jonquils. — These are to be treated like the hyacinth. They should be planted in the ground or in pots, from October to January. Six or eight roots m a pot, with light, 112 rich, garden mould, is the rule. Give plenty of water, and a wai-in room, and they will blow finely. Tuberoses. — These are of the double and sinyie variety ; they are very fragrant, and easily brought to perfection. Plant in April or May, in fine, rich compost, in medium pots ; plant one root in tlie centre of the pot. The Verhena Trifoliata^ or Sweet. Vervain. — This plant will live in tlic open ground, and is propagated by slips or cuttings., in summer. Plant them in large pots, give plenty of water, and they will strike root in a month. They are beautiful room plants, especially for summer. SECTION III. GARDEN FLOWER-PLANTS ; SHRUBBERY. Annuals and Perennials. — Almond., Double Floioering. — This is propagated by suckers, and, when in bloom, is a veiy su- perior shrub. It blooms in the spring, with beaytiful flowers re- sembling roses. Amaranth. — Annual ; plant in May ; flowers late, and is tender. Aster y China. — Sow the seed in early spring ; flowers late, and will endure some frost. There are many species, and they are beautifully variegated. % Box. — Small, delicate shrub, and may be pruned to any shape. It is an evergreen, and well suited to borders ; is prop- agated by cuttings and dividing the roots. Brier., Sweet. — This is a bush "of the rose family, very hardy ; bright and fragrant foliage, and will grow in poor ground. Carnation. — There are several varieties. Best propagated by layers ; tender as to frost. Put them in large pots. They are beautiful and fragrant. Catalpa. — This is propagated by seed. It is a beautiful tree, and is much admired for its foliage and showy flowers. Cherry. — Thi* is one of the most beautiful trees in the flow- er-garden. Chrysanthemum. — This is a beautiful flower; will stand the frost; should be potted in August or September. There are many varieties, which may be propagated by dividing the roots. il;] Cohimhine, — Very common ; is pretty and ornamental. There are many species. Perennial. Convolculus, or Morning- Glory. — This is a great runner, of variegated colors. Sow the seed in early spring. Crocus. — Propagated by bulbs ; is of various colors ; veiy hardy anoTeariy. Dahlia. — This is an autumnal fiowcring plant. There are several varieties, single and double; \\ ill grow in almost any soil ; propagated by seed and dividing the roots; sow the seed in MoTch, in pots. Da isy. — This is propagated by offsets; is hardy, and well suited to rooms. It produces beautiiul flowers, in summer or winter. Geranium. — This is one of the finest plants in the floral kingdom, except that it is tender. There are many varieties ; some have flowers, others none ; some are veiy fragrant, while others are beautiful leaved. Propagated by cuttings. Golden Coreopsis. — This is easily raised from seed ; — is a splendid annual plant, and produces a profusion of variegated flowers. Hollyhock. — This is a showy plant for shrubbery, and has manv varieties. It is perennial and hardy. Honeysuckle. — This is a valuable climbing plant, and forms most beautiful arbors and bowers ; it blooms in clusters. There are several varieties which are very fragrant. They may be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layers. Hyacinth. — This is a perennial and bulbous plant. It flowers early and is fragrant. There are%nany varieties, both single and double, and are best propagated by oflsets. Hydrangea. — This is a small shrub, with large, changeable flowers. It is a house-plant, but will bear some frost, and is propagated by cuttings. Ice Plant. — This is an annual of an icy appearance. The seed should be sown in pots early in the spring. Iris., or Flower -de- Lite e. — This is a large, hardy plant. It is a perennial, and of many varieties ; shows well in a border, and may be propagated by dividing the roots. Laurel. — This is an evergreen shrub, Vvdiich bears flowers of great delicacy, being white, tinged wirh red. Larkspur. — This plant is easily propagated by seed. It is an annual of variegated colors, but no fragrance. Lilac. — This is a large, fragrant slu'ub, very hardy, and 10*- 114 blooms early. The white and the purple are the varieties of value. It is propagated by suckers. Moniing Bride. — The seed should be planted early in spring. It is an annual plant, of beautiful flowers, but which fades in a few hours. Mountain Ash. — This is a beautiful ornamental tree, ad- mired for its foliage and scarlet berries. It is propagated from the seed. Myrtle. — This is a valuable evergreen vine, bearing blue flowers. There are several varieties, and all very pretty. Nasturtium. — This is an annual plant, with showy flowers. The seeds are used for pickling. Sow the seed early, and sup- port the plants by sticks. Passion-Flower. — This is a perennial vine of beautiful flow- ers, most suited to the green-house, and is propagated from cuttings. Peony. — This plant is propagated by offsets. It has a grand flower, but of brief existence. There are several varieties. Pink. — There are many varieties of this plant, all of which are fragrant in flower. The}^ are ornamental in the garden, and are easily propagated by seed, layers, and by dividing the roots. Polyant.lius. — There are many varieties. It is hardy, has many flowers, and blooms best in a shady situation. Propagated by dividing the roots. Poppy. — This is an annual plant, of very handsome double and single flowers. Its properties are medicinal. Roses (Rosa). — This favorite flower is worthy of all the care and attention that can be paid to it. There are many vari- eties, as to size, singularity, foliage, beauty, and fragrance. No class of plants yields more intrinsic delights than this. It is un- rivalled. To describe the beauties and excellence of the various species would fill a volume. They may be propagated from seed, but as the seed seldom comes up till the second year, the usual mode of propagation is by suckers, which come out near the old stems, during the sum- mer. The suckers, when planted out, should be cut down to four or five inches of the ground. The time for planting is either in the months of October and November, or in April. As to the management, the ground should be kept good, and dug every autumn. They should, except when trained against a wall, be kept cut down to a certain height, according to their natural size ; for when they get long stems and limbs, they pro- 115 duce fewer flowers. All tlie weak, dead, or dying wood should be pruned out close, witliout leaving any ugly stubs. :Sibcrian Crab. — This is a small tree, valued for its large, fragrant flowers and small fruit. Snoicball-Tree. — This is a most beautiful shrub in bloom, and may be propagated by suckers. .• Snowberry. — A small shrub which, in the full, produces clus- ters of white fruit. Propagated by suckers. Spircea. — A small shrub which blooms full of delicate flow- ers in its season. Propagated by suckers. Si/rincra. — A shrub which flowers like the orange, and is propagated by suckers. Str^awberry-Tree {Euonymus). — A handsome shrub, which yields abundant fruit in the autumn resembling strawberry. Prop- agated by seed and suckers. Sweet^Pea. — This produces many clusters of showy and fra- grant flowers. The seed should be planted early in spring. Sweet William, or Poetic Pink. — This is a plant which pro- duces handsome flowers of small size. Propagated by seed, or dividing the roots. From the seed new varieties come by chance. Tulips. — The family of tulips are very numerous. There is one garden in New -York where more than six hundred varieties are cultivated. They may be raised from seed^ but are best cul- tivated from bulbs. The Smoke - Tree. — This is a very singular, though beautiful tree, which is loaded in summer with tufts of russet-colored down. It is quite ornamental to the garden. Propagated by layers and suckers. Violet. Blue Fragrant. — This plant blooms early in the sea- son, and continues some time in flowei\ It is perennial, flowers blue, double, and fragrant. Propagated by dividing the roots. ^W" We close the flower-garden by remarking that the culti- vation of flowers is an appropriate? and healthy amusement for young ladies. It teaches neatness, cultivates a correct taste, and furnishes the mind with many pleasing ideas. 116 CHAPTER VII. BOOK OP IlfOKTICUIiTUItE. •• SECTION I. HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS. Grafting. — Grafting fruit-trees is a delicate operation, and for private gardens we would recommend the purchase of trees all ready for planting out. Stocks. -^ Stocks should always stand one summer in a given place before grafting, but not longer, lest the roots become too large. Operation of Grafting. — The operation of grafting consists in removing a branch from one tree, and inserting it on the stem of another, in such a way that the stock on which the cutting is placed sends up its sap into the cutting, and thus nourishes and makes it grow into a tree occupying the place of the natural head of the stock, which has been removed to make way for the graft. When a cutting is thus applied it is called a scion. Time of Grafting. — Grafting is generally performed some time between the beginning of February and the end of March. But the proper period of grafting depends on the nature of the season, whether it be a late or early one, and must be determined by the fulness and bursting appearance of the buds on the stocks, and should be regulated by the mildness of the' weather, which, with occasional showers, is favorable for this operation. April is a good season for grafting. Cherries, plums, and ap- ricots should he set first. They generally succeed well, if set by the middle or the 20th of the month. Pears do better if set tol- erably early ; but if scions are in good condhion, any time in the month or the first of May is in season. Apple scions may be set any time in this month or in May. Young stocks grafted late at the ground are apt to bleed and fail, and in all cases of late grafting there will, of course, be less growth ; and for this reason some graft in June, lest the scions grow too rank. Scions. — Select your scions in February from the last year's growth of a healthy tree. Bur^j* these branches to the middle in dry mould, and keep them till the time of grafting. Each scion should have from three to six buds. Do not apply water to them. 117 Principle of Grafting. — The principle of grafting is bring- ing the under or inner bark of the scion in exact contact w.ith the bark of the stock, and the nicety of the operation consists in fix- ing these two'iiarks so closely one to the other, that the sap may proceed into the scion just as it would have flowed into the branch which has been removed. Kinds of Grafting, — There are several modes of grafting practised, but those most in use are tongue and cleft grafting. Budding. — Budding is a species of grafting, and is performed for the same purpose. The method usually employed is that called the T, or shield budding ; the first designation being taken from the form of the two cuts that are made in the bark, the second from the form the piece of bark assumes which is cut off, containing the bud when it is r»ady to be inserted within the stock. Time of Budding. — Budding is usually performed from the latter end of July to the latter end of August, the exact time be- ing determined by the plump appearance of the bud formed on the spring shoot of the same year, and a readiness in the bark of the stock to separate from the wood. Advantages of Budding. — Budding has several advantages over grafting; it is not only more applicable to the whole race of stoned fruits, but it may be performed in July, when the grafting has failed in March or April. Stone fruits, which have been budded, are less given to gum than when grafted, and gumming is often very detrimental. You 'may also put two or more branches upon a stock by budding, that would be too weak to take more than one by grafting. The only disadvantage attendant on budding is, that the trees are a year longer in com- ing to bear by this process than by grafting. Inarching. — Inarching, or grafting by approach, is used only for particular trees that do not propagate freely by any other method. It is mostly practised on exotic plants, and is performed in various ways, according to the kind or condition of the plant operated upon. It is usually performed by cutting similar slices of bark and wood of!" both stock and graft, applying one to the other, and then binding them neatly together. Root Grafting. — Root grafting is only resorted to v/hen there is a want of suitable stocks, particularly in- the propagation of rare plants. From such a one a root may sometimes be spared, to which one of its own shoots may be united without injury to the original, and thus two trees be obtained. 118 Pruning Trees. ■ — August is one of the best, if not the best month, for this operation. The bark does not readily start from the wood, and as the tree is in fohage, the operator can see to thin the lirnbs judiciously. But the great advantage in pruning at this time is, that where the limb is cut oiF, tlie trunk remains sound, whether it heals over soon or not. Pruning Stone-Fruit- Trees. — It has been but a few years, since the cultivators of fruit have been in the habit of pruning peach-trees at the extremities of the branches, instead of cutting off limbs at the trunk. This system of shortening in, as it is called, is gaining ground, and it is a great improvement. The reasons for this mode of pruning are evident on examination. Most kinds of stone fruit grow rapidly, and bear the greater part of their fruit on new wood, .^which is, of course, near the ends of the limbs. In this way a tree spreads over much land, and has naked branches near the trunk ; and pruning at the trunk causes the gum to ooze out, which sometimes endangers the health of the tree. On the contrary, by pruning at the ends of the branches, the tree is confined to a small space, the wounds have no unfavorable effect, or only affect the twigs, and not the trunk, and much new wood is produced for the production • of fruit. On Setting Fruit- Trees. — In any location where winds gen- erally prevail in one direction, there is an advantage in setting the tree leaning a litt]e to the windvv^ird ; and in case the wind is in a southern direction, these is the additional advantage of avoiding the powerful effects of the sun on the trunk. But this effect of the sun is less on the apple than on the cherry and pear. Training Fruit- Trees. — The training and priming the apple- tree in garden culture is an art but little practised in this country; in Europe, on the contrary, every garden, however limited its extent, has a few trees trained on espaliers beside the walks, or against the walls and fences. It would surprise those unacquaint- ed with that mode of culture, to be told the quantity of fruit, of the finest quality, thus obtained. Modes of Training. — Apple-trees are trained in three differ- ent ways : first, as standards, which is the method pursued in or- chards and large gardens ; then, as espaliers, which is a very advantageous method for small gardens, but trees so trained re- quire very constant attention to keep them in good order; but when they are properly attended to, perhaps more fruit is obtained 119 thus than by any other method. Some kinds of apples will suc- ceed against a wall, but as a general rule it is by no means a good method ; when it is resorted to, they may be either trained horizontally, or by the fan-training ; the latter is best where the wall is more than six feet high, as the tree will thus sooner fill its allotted space. Espalier Training. — Espaliers are very convenient in small gardens, as they form a kind of hedge on each side of a path, thus occupying but little room, and generally bearing well. The trees should first be trained to one central shoot ; and this must be constantly headed down till it throws out a sufficient number of lateral shoots, which are to be spread out in a. hori- zontal direction ; never being stopped till they have attained the length you choose them finally to occupy, when the end should be cut ofi', which will cause them to throw out other laterals and fruit-spurs. In planting a tree which you design to train as an espalier, select one which has a good, strong shoot comhig up from the graft. New Method of training Apple-Trees, — A new and veiy suc- cessful method of training apple-trees, similar to that employed for the red currant, has been recently adopted. All the lateral branches are cut off as they arise, to within one or two inches of the main branches ; after a few years these become well fur- nished with fruit-bearing spurs, and trees thus trained not only occupy much less room than espaliers, but are more productive*. SECTION II. APPLE, PEAR, PLUM, CHERRY, PEACH, QUINCE, &C. Apples. — There are a great variety of apples now cultivated, but we offer only the following list ; they are all unimpeachably good fruits for all situations and sections of the country. Early Harvest. — This is a very tender, juicy, sub-acid fla- vored apple, excellent for cooking. It is ripe .the first of August. Early Strawberry. — Tliis is a good sort to cultivate. It is a good bearer, and of delicate taste, slightly acid, rather small, and is ripe in August. Williams Favorite. — This apple ripens in August; is a slow grower, but excellent bearer ; pleasant taste, large, and bright red ; very profitable variety. 120 Gravenstein. — This ap})ie is very valuable, and holds mnk with the Porter; some prefer it. Is ripe late in September; rather acid. Pointer. — This is a good grovver and bearer, and excellent flavored ; good for cooking and the dessert ; is ripe in September, and forms tlie principal apple in the markets of its season. Baldwin. — Tliis is a valuable winter apple, of a rich flavor, well suited to purposes of cooking or market retailing. It is a prodigious grower and bearer, and ripens in November ; it is the most valuable of all our winter fruit. Ladies'' Sweeting. — This is one of the finest sweetings; juicy, and crispy, good flavor, large fruit, and a vigorous and pro- ductive tree ; promises to become the most popular of the late sweet apples. Rhode Island Greening. — This is a rapid and stout grower, a great bearer of excellent eating or cool^ing fruit ; succeeds well on light, sandy soil, and is always reliable as a main crop. It is, in fact, a standard apple. Roxbunj Russet. — This is a valuable fruit, as it will keep sound into the following summer ; good for cooking, and the tree is a great bearer. Its flavor is sligiitly acid, and pleasant when fully ripe. The following list are all good varieties, and worthy the atten- tion of fruit-growers : — *. American Crolden Russet, English Pearmain, Garden Royal, Hubbardston Nonesuch, Newtown Pippin, Porter's Sweeting, Pumpkin vSweeting, Red Astrachan, Cole's Quince, Esopus Spitzenberg. Pears. — We recommend the following list of pears as very choice, hardy fruit, and well worthy of cultivation. Bartlett. — This pear, on account of its great growth, earh" bearing, delicacy of flavor, &c., ranks highest among pears. If. is rather tender, and not as v/ell adapted to a northern climate as some other kinds. Ripens best indoors. Beurre Bosc. — This is a foreign fruit, of uniform good qual- ity, and bears the highest character ; should be worked on quince. Delicious flavor, and slightly perfumed. Dix. — This is one of the most splendid of all pears, when perfected, but is quite uncertain in its yield. Very juicy, rich, and sugary, of fine flavor and fragrance ; bears early. Foiidante de A utomne. — This is a foreign pear, hardy, and a good bearer ; requires a warm soil and good season. But few excel it in richness and flavor. 121 Gi^ay Dayenne. — This pear is much esteemed in the Middle States, but is apt to blast in the East. It is of a- rich, cinnamon ► flavor, and a good bearer. Louise Bon de Jerscij. — This pear is of excellent flavor, rich and juicy, and considered by some equal to the Bartlett. It is a good bearer, and does well on the quince. Seckel. — This pear does well on the thorn-root, apple, and even mountain-ash. It is a slow grower, but great bearer ; has a rich, sweet, buttery flavor ; requires high culture. Be/urre de Aremherg. — This is called a good winter pear by those who like a smart champagne flavor. It is hardy and pro- ductive, buf rather variable. Winter Nelis. — This is a highly luscious-flavored pear, of musky perfume. It is a good grower, productive, and its fruit uniformly good. It is the best winter pear. 1^" There are many other valuable pears, among which we will only refer to the following : — Bell, Dearborn's Seedlings, Flemish Beauty, Vicar of Wake- field, V/ashington, D. N. B. Pear. 1^^ We do not remember to have seen this last-named pear in any of our catalogues, yet from our own experience we. can speak of it as one of the most juicy and best flavored of any we are acquainted with. It originated with Joseph Moulton, Esq., of Lynn, Mass., of whom it can be obtained. Plums. — We recommend the following as our choice list of plums. BIeecker''s Gage. — This is a very popular plum ; good bearer, thrifty, and hardy ; sweet, luscious flavor. Coe'*s Golden Drops. — This is a very large, late plum ; beau- tiful flavor, and a good bearer. Best adapted to the Middle States, though in warm locations it does well in the North. Diapree Rouge. — This is a juicy and delicious plum, a good bearer, and tne fruit hangs well ; first-rate plum. Green Gage. — This phim is a standard of excellence. It iss a good bearer, and not excelled in flavor. Jefferson. — This is a good bearer ; fruit hangs long, and is not liable to rot ; nearly equal to the Gage, and is very large. Laivrence'^s Faiforif.e. — This is a good grower and bearer; delicious flavor, resembling and almost equal to the Green Gage, though larger. Smith''s Orleans. — This is a hardy and vigorous tree, and 11 1^2 adapted to a variety of soil and climate ; fruit of a vinous, sprightly flavor ; excellent for market. Purple Favorite, — This plum is very juicy and melting, hardy, and a good bearer, with a dwarfish habit. Rather large, with a long stem. There are many other varieties, of which we cannot speak, but the above are all rehable, and sufficient for moderate garden purposes. Cherries. — The following is our favorite list of cherries ; they are right in every respect. Baumann's May. — Dark red ; tender and juicy, sweet and good ; great bearer, and very early. Black Tartarean. — Very large plum, and is ripe about the first of July. Upright grower, and a good bearer. Fruit very salable on account of its size. Black Eagle. — This is a standard of excellence ; quite large, of the finest flavor, and ripens last of June. Good bearer, is hardy, and suited to the North. Dow7ier''s Late. — This is a very hardy tree, and a great and sure bearer ; ripens about the 12th of Jul}^ ; extremely juicy and good -flavored. Downton. — Very hardy, and suited to the climate of Maine ; rich, delicious flavor, and ripens last of June. Bigarreau. — This is a hardy tree, of vigorous growth and a great bearer ; flesh firm and juicy, with rich flavor ; a fine mar- ket cherry ; apt to rot in a wet season. Elton. — A vigorous tree, but moderate bearer ; fruit very large, tmd of the finest quality ; ripens the latter part of June. May Duke. — This is one of the best early cherries, and suit- ed to a variety of soil and climate ; tree largo, and a great bear- er ; well suited to the State of Maine. Slightly acid ; ripens in June. 11^ The above we consider the best assortment in growth; persons wishing a large variety, arc referred to Cole's Fruit Book for a choice catalogue. Peaches. — The following we ofler as our choice list of peaches. Early York. — This is a very beautiful and delicious-flavored peach, of medium size. It ranks amon.ij; ihe finest of our early kinds ; ripens the last of August. George the Fourth. — This is one of tlio i»est variety for gar- den culluie. It is large, and ripens early iji St i»tejnber. 123 Gross Mignonne. — This is a good fruit, flesh wliitish, but red at the stone ; vinous flavor ; large, and ripens early in September. Coolidge^s Fanorite. — This is a vigorous, ^ardy, and produc- **tive tree ; the fruit is rich, and of the finest character ; too ten- der for market purposes, but not excelled for garden culture ; ripens early in September. Bergeti's Yelloiu. — This is among the very best for general culture ; a rich and excellent flavor ; good grower and bearer ; ripens about the 28th of September, and is very large. Early Clielmusford. — This is a very hard}^, vigorous, and pro- ductive tree ; very large fruit, of excellent flesh and flavor, and one of the very handsomest of the earl}^ kind. Ripens 20th of August. Oldmixon Freestone. — This is a large fruit, of excellent flesh and flavor ; one of the best for the raark<3t. Ripens about the middle of September. Large White Clingstone. — This is a long-lived, hardy, vigor- ous, and productive tree ; is one of the best for orchard culture in the North. Ripens about the middle of September, and is valuable for preserves. * l^ There are many other varieiies of the peach, which we have not room to mention ; for a full catalogue, we would refer the reader to Cole''s Fruit Book. The Quince. — It is thought by many that there is only one kind of the quince, the apparent variet)^ being modifications of the one stock. There are only four kinds worthy of attention, and used for cooking purposes. We will mention them in the order of value. Apple Quince. — The flesh of this quince is firm, but tender when cooked, and is of good flavor. It is earlier than tlie pear, but will not keep as well. Pear-shaped. — Color, golden yellow; flesh firm and astrin- gent; a fine, aromatic flavor, and highly prized for cooking; fair bearer, and ripens in October. Portugal Quince. — This fruit is largest in the middle, not veiy fragrant, but flesh rather tender ; is a shy bearer. Mask Quince. — Very small, but of high flavor ; but little cul- tivated, and on account of their size not fit for market. There are several ornamental varieties, such as the Chinese., Japan, Blush Japan, ^c. Apricots. — We shall recommend only two kinds for garden culture ; these are reliable and satisfactory. 121: Moorpark. — This fruit is of English origin, slow growth, but an enormous bearer; should have a sheltered loeation hi the cli- mate of Ne\y Engkuid. Rich flavor, and ripens early in August. Breda. — This fruit is of a rich, juicy, pleasant", vinous flavor, excellent for preserves ; ripens early in August. Originated in Africa, and is vigorous and productive. ly There arc many other kinds, such as Browti's Early., NewliaWs Early., Duhois'^s Early Golden., He?nskirke, Large Early., Peach, Roman., ^-c, but we give the best, in our opinion, for culture, and refer the general reader to more extensive fruit catalogues. Nectarines. — Elruge. — This is one of the finest nectarines, rich, juicy, melting, and of beautiful flavor. Originated in Eng- land ; is very productive, and ripens early in Se})tember. Early Violet. — This fruit is of a superior size, beauty, and finish. Will do well in a Now England climate. The Boston and HmU''s Tawney are also good varieties and worthy of attention. SECTION III. SHRUB AND VINE FRUITS. Currants. — These are the favorite fruits of our cottage gar- dens, and are distinguished as tchite^ red., and black. Soil., Propagation, Culture., Sj-c. — The currant will flourish on almost any soil, but will do best in a moist, rich, deep loam. Cuttings may be set early in spring, in good soil ; in two years they will be large enough to plant out. If propagated by ofi-sets, they will give a fair crop the first year. They will grow either in a warm situation, or in the sliade. Perhaps it is as well to have some placed in each of these situations, as those in the warm spot will, of course, come to maturity the earliest, but those grown in the shade wilt be the largest, and of the finest flavor, being free from that disagreeable sharpness oflen found in curraiits grown in a warm or a too sunny spot. The currant will thrive and bear fruit well under the shade of other trees. Varieties. — The common, small currant is well known, though in comparison with the cultivated fruit they aTe hardly wurthy of attention. 125 1. Large Red Dutch. — Grows in large cliislors, is loss acid than tlie common red, and much larger. 2. White Dutch. — This is a very hardy bush, and will (iour ""ish in the cold climate of Maine. Its fruit is large, yellowish- white, and is much less acid than the red. There are many other varieties, sue!) as the Champagne, Knight^s Early Red., KnigWs Sweet Red, May^s Victoria, Cheney, Black Naples, Common Black, S^'C. Besides these, there are several ornamental kinds, such as the Missouri, from the liock}^ Mountains, very fragrant, with yellow blossoms, the Red Flowering Currant, ^'c. Gooseberry. — Soil, Propagation, Culture. — This is a fruit which, like the currant, with which it is generally associated, will grow in nearly any soil, and is found in almost every gar- den ; it may be propagated either by cuttings or from seed- The best time for taking cuttings is in November; they will, however, grow, if planted any time between that month and March or April, but those planted in November or December produce the best plants, and are least liable to fail. Cuttings must not be taken from the root-suckers of the same year, but •from shoots of a medium size, taken off about a foot or more in length ; the top must be cut off, as must all tlie buds but four. Two or three shallow notches are to be made in the bark at the root end ; these cause root-fibres to sprout o\\\. Varieties. — 1. Houghtun''s Seedling. — This is a very hardy bush, and a prodigious bearer. Fruit rather small, but very ten- der and sweet ; excellent for the dessert. Originated with Abel Houghton, of Lynn, Massachusetts. 2. Crown Bob. — This is a large, oval, red currant, of the first quality ; spreading branches, and of easy culture. 3. Whitesmith. — This is a large, roundish-oblong, white, downy currant, of the first quality. Its branches are erect and handsome, its culture easy. We give the above, as best adapted, in our judgment, to gar- den culture, though there are many other good varieties, such as the Red Warrington, Roaring Lion, Parkinson''s LaurjeJ, Keene''s Seedling, Early Sulphur, Green Walnut, Yelloio Champagne, Venus, Red Champagne. Raspberry. — Soil, Propagation, Culture. — The raspberry will thrive best in deep, rich, moisJ, sandy iuam. It is ])ropa- gated l)y offsets containing two or three sj)ri)ULS. Set tliem five feet between the rows, and Uiree and a half i'vA-X between the hills. 11* 126 Varielies. — I. A mrriran Black. — Tl)is variety is well known, as it grows spontaneously on new and old lands. It is vigorous and produetive ; improves greatly by cultivation; excellent for pics, and other cooking purposes. Ripens late, and is long in its season, or succession. 2. American White. — This is much like the black, excepting the color. The bush is more vigorous. 3. AinericaiL Red. — This is the common red, of natural growth ; quite early, and is much used for flavoring liquors. 4. Oliio Eoerhearing. — This is much like the American Black, except that it is more fruitful, and bears late, even to No- vember, and is valuable to keep up a long succession. l^^ The above varieties are very hardy, and need no protec- tion. They are the best for a Northern climate, and they greatly improve by cultivation. Our choice varieties are foreign, and need protection in Vvinter. The Franconia is tolerably hardy, and vv'ell adapted to Northern culture. It ripens the last of July, and is superior for preserves. For a list of foreign varieties we refer to more extensive cata- logues. Stimwberhy. — Soil., Manure., Culture^ Varieties., Sfc. — This fruit grows well on any good tillage, either moist or dry ; deep, friable loam is best. Wood-ashes, bone-manure, plaster, or sta- ble-manure may be used. The plants will propagate themselves very fast by runners, August is considered the best month for setting the plants. There are but three or four varieties worthy of garden culture. 1. Early Virginia. — This is an excellent early fruit, very vigorous, and a great bearer ; very juicy, and of superior flavor ; good for the market. Ripens in June. 2. Hovey''s Seedling. — This is the best strawberry known in Massachusetts ; a great bearer, sprightly flavor, very large, and ripens early in June. 3. Boston Pine. — This is a little later than the Early Vir- ginia. It is a great bearer, and the fruit is of excellent quality, large size, juicy, and of good flavor. 4. Stvainstone''s Seedling. — This is a good fruit, of fine fla- vor ; size large ; fl.esh solid ; vigorous grower and moderate bearer ; matures gradually ; foreign. There are many other kinds, but we do not recommend their culture, svs they are not certain. The above specimens bear the best character, having been thoroughly tested. 127 Cranberry. — The cranberry grows wild in the marslies and meadows of New England. It is also common in Michigan^ and other parts of the West. It has been found growing spon- taneously in some places, on high land. The cultivation of the cranberry ,on upland has been usually very successful. When attempted, the pl^i is to plough deep, or remove the top soil or sod previous to setting the plants, and the poorest kind of soil is the best, provided it will stand a drought tolerably fair, and mulch tlie first year, stirring the soil well with the cultivator, or hoe be- tween the drills. Barberry. — This is a shrub but little cultivated, though the fruit is, in some sections, much esteemed for preserving, on ac- count of its agreeable acidity. The Shakers, at Lebanon, N. Y., have paid some attention to it, and send the fruit to the city of New York for sale. It is raised from the seed, or from suckers of the parent plant ; requires but little cultivation, and should be planted in the outer part of the garden, under the shel- ter of taller trees, or the shade of a hedge, as tTie rays of a hot sun prevent the fruit attaining a large size. Blackberry. — The blackberry is a native of this country, and grows spontaneously, producing large crops of superior fruit on new lands. It ripens long in succession, coming in after the raspberry. It grows well, when cultivated in a rich, mellow soil. 1. High 5w5/i. — This fruit is large and juicy, of excellent flavor, making a valuable dessert. 2. Low Bush. — Excellent fruit ; reddish-black ; pleasant tart, and good flavor. Grape. — The grape-vine is propagated from cuttings or from layers. 1. Layers. — A layer is a shoot from the vine, laid into the ground, having a sloping cut made in the under side of it through a joint. When the slit is properly made, and the shoot laid into the ground, the fore part of the shoot is then to be tacked to the wall, or to a stake driven into the ground for that purpose. This operation is to be performed in the spring, and in the fall of the year it -will have become a young vine, with a good root to it. 2. Cuttings. — Vines are also propagated by cuttings, which should be taken for this purpose before the middle of February, and should be shoots of the last summer, with an inch or two of the last year's wood at the bottom of them, though this is not in- dispensable ; but the cuttings must have four or five buds or joints. The ground to receive the cuttings must be made rich and fine, 128 ling deep, and well prepared. Then each cutting is to be put in with a setting-stick, leaving only two buds or joints above the ground ; the cutting must be planted firmly in the ground. Another Method of Propagating by Cuttings. — There if? another method of propagating by cuttings, but it is not so com- monly adopted. At about the same time you would take a cut- ting in tlie manner last directed, take a bud 'of the last year's wood, cutting all the wood away, except about half an inch above and as much below the bud ; shave off the bark and a little way into the wood at the back of the bud of this inch-long cut- ting ; then buiy it two inches deep in a pot of good earth, taking care to keep the bud in an upright position ; you need not hesitate to cover the bud over, as it will shoot through the mould, and the-i place where you scraped off the bark will send out vigorous roots, and thus produce a healthy young vine, to be managed in the manner directed for cuttings above. Pruning. — Vines may be pruned in the fall of the year, when the sap is completely down, but not left unpruned beyond February, or the sap will have begun to rise. When you com- mence pruning, always make choice of the strongest and longest shoots, leaving them as long as you find the eyes good and ■ plump, and the wood sound ; the shoots that have borne fruit " should be cut out the following year, except when you want to fill the wall, and the shoots are very strong ; never leave any but fine, strong wood, always cutting at the second, third, or fourth eye, rubbing the lowest bud off, and that which comes out of the joint between the new and last year's wood ; always leave two or three of the strongest shoots for next year's bearing- wood, and never top them. When vines by accident have been pruned too late, the ends of the vines can be coated over with white lead. Summer Pruning. — Vines require summer as well as winter pruning, and by the latter end of May those against walls should be looked over, as by this time, in a forward season, numerous spring shoots will be advancing, and the useless ones sliould be removed, as the small shoots from the old wood seldom produce grapes, and should therefore be rubbed off, except in places where a supply of new wood is required. Rut leave, at this time, all the shoots which spring from the last year's wood ; and if two shoots arise on one joint, rub off clean, with the finger, the smaller of the two. Train the remaining shoots, as they attain length, close to the wall, regularly, so that they and the fruit may enjoy both sun and air. August Pruning. — In August it is requisite to look over the vines again, and clear them from useless branches. Examine, also, all the bearing and other proper shoots, and see that they are well fastened to the wall. This is the season to top the shoots that have fruit on them, and others of too great growth. Varieties. — The European varieties do not succeed well in this country, unless in the warm, dry atmosphere of cities. For general cultivation hi our country, we recommend the following as worthy the attention of the gardener. 1. Elsinhurgh. — This is a good table grape, tender and sweet, bluish color, large bunches ; hardy, and a moderate bearer. Much cultivated in the Middle States. 2. Catawba. — This is one of the best grapes for the table, and for wine, in the Middle States and the West. It is hardy, vigorous, and productive. Native of Virginia. 3. Isabella. — This, also, is one of the best grapes known, though it is apt to fail of its crop in the Eastern States. It is hardy, vigorous, and a great bearer, often yielding ten bushels to a vine. Ripens in New England the last of September. 1^^ There are many other varieties, both foreign and native, which are good vines, but we think the list we have given far best for garden culture, especially in a Northern climate. CHAPTER VIII. THE APIARIAN'S GUIDE: OR PRACTICAL DETAILS ON THE EASY AND PROFITABLE MANAGE- MENT OF BEES. 1. The Queen Bee. — The queen bee may be known by her having a longer body than the other bees, which is of a blackish color above, and yellowish beneath. There is never but one of these bees allowed in the hive, and she is sovereign of all the rest ; the rest are devoted to her protection and comfort. The queen bee begins to deposit her eggs when five days- old, and lays till late in the fell nearly two hundred eggs a day. 2. The Drone. — These bees are larger than the others, and have no sting. They are the males of the hive, and remain in 130 idleness about the hive till August, when they are destroyed or driven away by the working bees. 3. The Working Bee. — This is the smallest, but the most in- teresting of the bees. It collects the honey and pollen, forms the cells, cleans the hive, takes care of the queen, expels tlie drones, &c. They are of no sex. 4. Situation of the Hive, cf-c. — The best aspect for the hive is southwesterly, though it may be varied to meet the changing seasons. The soil about the hive should be dry and sandy. Let the hive slope a little towards the front, so as to let off the rain ; it should also be sheltered on the back and east side. Water should be set near the hive in very shallow pans, and be changed every day ; put some pebble-stones in the pans for the bees to rest on. The hive should not be exposed to the hot sun, as it will melt and waste the honey, and lead to premature swarming. Hives should not be set too near each other, as the bees are apt to quarrel. 5. Spring Stock. — The spring is considered the best season for obtaining stock, though it is rather more difficult to ascertain the exact condition of the stock than in the fall. The purchaser should examine their habits for industry before buying, and if they are obtained before swarming it will be better. 6. Fall Stock. — Before purchasing, observe the habits of the bees as above, and also be sure that the drones have been ex- pelled. See that the hive is new and clean, and the comb clear and white. 7. To ohtain Good Hives. — Be sure and obtain the first swarm, as they are by far the best. The summer is a poor time to purchase bees, on account of the heat, which softens the wax, &;c. When a swarm is removed in the working season, it should be done in the night, and the bees kept in a day. 8. Time of Sivarming. — If the parent stock is sufficiently strong in numbers, they may be allov/ed to swarm in April or May ; otherwise, it will prove injurious to those who go, as well as to those who remain. 9. Signs of Swarming. — When bens design to swarm, they generally hang about the hive, often forming a heavy cluster, and hang down a foot or more from the mouth of the hive or alighting-board ; they neglect their work, and their hum is hushed. The old queen leads off the first swarm. 10. To prevent Sivarming. — They may be showered with a ^1> oz. syringe with vagina tube; they dread the water, and will 131 not go forth in showery weather. After they have left tlie I'ivc, tliey may be brought down by throwing sand in the air, or firing a giui. A hive properly coated with honey should be left near, as they will often take to it. 11." To save a Swarm that has settled. — If they alight on a tree, hold a hive under them and tap on the branch, and they will drop into it ; then syringe them with ale and molasses, or honey, and keep liiem shut in for twenty-four hours. Wherever they alight, pursue rhe same plan. 12. Food for Bees. — The following will bo found to be a very suitable food for bees in times of necessity : Boil to a sirup 1^ lb. of sugar in a quart of ale; skim as it boils, and add about a teaspoonful of salt to a quart. Honey is best, when you have it ; avoid the necessiiy of feeding if possible. 13. Wi/iter Management. — See in the fall that they have plenty of food ; each hive should have left in it twenty-five pounds, at least, of clear honey. The weight of the hives should ajvv'ays be marked. See that they are sufficiently strong in numbers ; if not, unite the weak stocks so as to form strong ones. 14. Closing the Hu'e, and Coverinf^. — As the cold weather approaches, the mouth of the hive should be gradually closed down, so as only to admit one bee at a time, and about the last of November the hive should be almost entirely closed. The hives should be carefulFy covered up with matting, so as to keep them from the frost and rains. They may be opened, and the cover- ings removed, early in March. 15. To make the Wax. — Put the combs into a clean kettle, with as nmch soft water as they will float in. Hang it over the fire, and stir till the combs become liquid ; then strain through a canvas bag into a tub of cold water ; after the water has run through, press the bag till you get all the wax through. 16. Hives —There are a great variety of hives in use, many of them of about equal value. We have used the common box hive, with drawers, and it answers an excellent purpose. They are easily made, and easily managed. 132 CHAPTER IX. THE BIRD-FAXCIER'S COMPAXIOX: WITH PLAIN AND SIMPLE Dir.r.CTiONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CANARIES, NATIVE AND EXOTIC SONGSTERS. The Canary-Bird. — The Canary excels all other birds in its good qualities ; particularly, first, in the sweetness and melody of its song, wliich lasts most of the year. Second, by its rich and beautiful plumage, of seven or eight colors, and from which the varieties are named. Third, by its docility, and ability to learn many amusing little tricks. It will also learn airs by means of a Jlageolct., or hird-organ^ and preserve the time as correcdy as a skilful musician. Pairing Canaries. — The time of pairing begins about the latter part of March. Select the cock and hen, and put them to- gether in a small cage ; if they quarrel at first, no matter, they will soon match. While they are pairing, feed them with boiled egg, grated line, with bread crumbs and a little maw-seed. 7'hey will pair in ten days. They should havo a little lettuce- seed while breeding. SUuaiion of the Breeding-Cage. — This is a particular point, in order to insure success in breeding. If the cage is hung in a dark room, where the sun shines but little, the young birds will be weakly, dull, and small. If yv)u wish good birds, set the cage in a room which enjoys the morning sun, and in which it shines the best part of the forenoon. Nests, Boxes, Sf'c. — Nothing is so good for nests as a little fine hay and cow's hair. The best nest-boxes are those made of \vicker or wooden sides, with wire bottoms, so that the dust can fall through. Period of Sitting. — The Canary sits fourteen days. Two days before they hatch, clean the perch, fill the seed-box and water-fountain, so that they may not be disturbed for several days afterwards. Bathing- Pans. — They should have clean water, in warm weather, once a day, to bathe and wash in, which greatly re- freshes them. To distinguish the Male from the Female. — The cock has a 133 streak of bright yellow over the eyes and under the throat ; his liead is wider and longer than the hen's ; he is much higher col- ored, and his feet are larger. Another way to distinguish the male is, that he often begins to warhle and peck at a month old. Fie is quicker, more taper and sprightly, than the hen. Moulting^ or Casting their Feathers. — This is a dangerous period ; it attacks young birds when about six weeks old, and lasts two months. At this time they require nourishing food, and warmth; tliey are very dull and melancholy, and lose their song. Biscuit, soaked in sheriy wine, is good to feed with; also some refined liquorice in their water; a few grits make them cast their feathers. Red Mites. — To avoid these, clean the cage three times a week, if needful. Swelling of the Stomach. — To prevent this, keep a rusty nail in the water, or give them a little lettuce-seed ; this will generally give relief. Egg-hound. — When they become egg-bound, rub gently on the lower' part of the body the oil of sweet almonds. American Yellow-Bird. — This bird is very common in the Middle States, and partakes much of the nature of the Canary. If placed near a Canary, it w*ill acquire many of its notes. It should be an old, established singing Canary, otherwise he will take the yellow-bird's song to the detriment of his own. They should be fed with Canary and hemp-seed ; two thirds of the former. A leaf of lettuce, cabbage, or a piece of apple, is of service. The male bird is of a brilliant chrome-yellow, with the crown of the head, wings, and tail glossy black, the two latter tinged with white. The female is of a dark color. Cardinal Grosbeak. — This is a magnificent bird, celebrated for the splendor of its colors and the richness of its tone. It abounds in the Middle and Southern States. It possesses consid- erable powers of mimicking, and is a long-lived bird. American Mocking-Bikd. — This is the " bird of many voices,'''' the '•'•nightingale of Anierica,'''' and is justly valued for its vocal powers. His powers of mimicry are immense, imitat- ing at pleasure the scream of the eagle, the warble of the blue- bird, the moan of the turtle-dove, the whistle of the red-bird, the scolding of the wren, the cry of the Katy-did, the shrill Canary, the quarrelling of cats, the cackling of hens, or a watchman's rattle. The treatment of the mocking-bird is not diflTicult ; feed them regularly eveiy morning with Indian meal mixed with 12 KM milk ; give this as a standard food, but vary the diet according to the season. They begin moulting early in August, and continue till No- vember, during which time they should receive extra care. The male is distinguished by a regular line of white feathers in the wing, which, in a fine bird, forms a regular curve from the shoulder to the tip of the wing. The Skylark. — This beautiful songster is a native of Eu- rope. The male is scarcely distinguishable. They subsist upon seed. In a wild state they give tiieir song as they rise almost perpendicularly in the air, until lost from sight in the blue vaults above. They do not breed in confinement. Purple Finch, or Linnet. — This is a native bird, and much superior to the Canary as a songster. Tliey winter South, but return North about the ist of May to breed. They fly in vast flocks, and are easily taken in trap-cages. They soon become tame, but often refuse to sing in confinement. They are to be treated the same as the Canary. American Robin, — This is a favorite native bird, esteemed for its richness of song and delicacy of taste. It is so well known as not to require description ; should be treated the same as the mocking-bird. This bird is easily trained to follow its own- er, and if the cage is lefr open, it will go and come at pleasure. English Thrush. — This is a delightful songster, and is to be treated precisely as the robin and mocking-bird. They are read- ily kept in confinement. Keed-Bird, or Bob-o'-link. — This is a native bird, and a favorite with all, especially the whistling plough-boy and the sturdy farmer. They arrive in the Middle Slates early in May, and proceed North to breed. They ai'C easily taken in trap- cages, and will sing well in confinement. Should be treated the same as the linnet. Hed-Wing, or Sv/amp Blackbird. — A fellow-wanderer with the preceding, and quite as noisy a songster ; readily tamed, and may be taught to repeat words like a parrot, with careful in- struction. Precisely the same treatment as th.e foregoing, with the exception of a little green corn in season. They become very amusing and docile in confinement. 135 CHAPTER X. SECTION I. FAMILY MEDICINE, BY MEANS OF WHICH EVERY PERSON CAN DOCTOR HIMSELF IN ALL KINDS OF SICKNESS, IN A SIMPLE AND SAFE MANNER. It is also the Sailor and Emigrant's Guide, hoth at Sea, and in Travels abroad. The Use of the Pulse. — The pulso is the thermometer of the body, determming its state of health. In a state of good health, the pulsations are about seventy to a minute. In children it is more rapid ; in old persons more slow. The FIRST THING TO BE DONE IN SiCKNESS IS TO EXAMINE THE Pulse. 1. If the pulse is small and feeble, and the tongue dark, with a general languor, give nourishing food, wine, tonics, &c. r 2. If the pulse is quick, hard, full, and strong, foul tongue, hot skin, headache, &c., give physic, or an emetic, and sweat according to circumstances. ii Class I. Digestive Organs. The mouth, stomach, liver, intestines, and kidneys are all concerned in the process of digestion. ^p^ Our plan is to enumerate each form of disease in the sev- eral classes, and prescribe such simple remedies as are always at hand in every family. Indigestion. — Keep the bowels open with castor-oil, or rhu- barb. If attended with severe pain, apply a strong mustard poultice. Costiveness. — If essential, take a dose of rhubarb twice a week. Two handfuls a day of wheat-bran, stirred into a bowl of hot water, and eaten, is a certain remedy in most cases. Bad Appetite. — First clear the stomach by a dose of physic. Then prepare a J oz. quassia, J oz. gentian, by steeping till the strength is out in a pint of water ; strain, and add a pint of good brandy, with sugar. Dose, half a wine-glass before breakfast and dinner. 136 I Heartburn. — The common remedies are pearlash or soda, ' half a teaspoonful dissolved in water ; this will give relief. But a more simple remedy is to eat a small piece of a raw carrot ; it will give certain relief. Don't laugh at its simplicity, but try it.' '^ Wind. — Drink hot red-pepper tea, or peppermint-water. 20 drops of vitriol in a glass of water, twice a day, will give permanent relief. Cholic. — C4ive a dose of physic, soak the feet in hot water, apply mustard poultices to the bowels, give an injection, &c. Painters should eat mustard with their food to prevent the cholic. DiarrhcEa. — Live a few days upon a light, dry diet, with mod- erate exercise. Take pepper-tea, and use a little rhubarb as an aperient medicine. Dysentery. — Take 3 J oz. gum Arabic, and dissolve it in a pint of best brandy ; then add loaf-sugar, and half a pint of water. Dose, a table-spoonful live or six times a day. Use also, once in a day or two, a little tincture of rhubarb. Cholera. — In the first attack prepare some warm drink, — brandy and water is the best in this case, — and drink it, and at the same time wrap up the whole body in warm flannel. Rub the arms and legs briskly ; while doing this, send also for a good _ doctor. Nettie-Rash. — Give a dose of castor-oil, and drink freely of herb or saflVon tea to kcej) up perspiration. Toothache. — Wet a piece of cotton with the oil of tar and clove. It will give almost immediate relief. Worms. — For a child six years old, give 12 or 15 drops of spirits of turpentine in some warm catnip tea, in the form of an injection. Then give, in about twelve hours after, a dose of pink and senna. Jaundice. — Take blue flagroot J oz. ; yellow dock | oz., mandrake \ oz., and steep in a pint of water ; strain, and add one pint of gin, and sugar to taste. Dose, half a wineglass twice a day. Almost certain. Gravel. — Use hot fomentations, warm bath, and drink freely of cleavers tea, or a tea of juniper-berries. Piles. — Keep the bowels open, and anoint the external parts with cod-liver oil. A new, but excellent remedy. Fistula. — Keep the bowels open, and the ulcer clean. Use cod-liver oil as an ointment. 137 Class 11. Organs of Breathing. Tlie organs of breathing include the limgs^ the chesty the nos- trih^ and windpipe. Cold in the Head. — Keep the bowels open ; soak the feet in hot water, and drink herb tea. Cough. — Drink freely of life-everlasting tea, or, if it is ob- stinate, take 1 oz. sirup squills, and 1 oz. of paregoric. Take an occasional spoonful. Loss of Voice. — Apply flannels, wrung out in hot water, and drink freely of hot composition tea. Whooping- Cough. — Keep the bowels open, and let the child drink freely o^ Jlax-seed tea. If needful, poultice the chest with mustard poultice. Winte?" Cough. — Take 1 oz. powdered liquorice, 1 gill mo- lasses, 1 gill rum ; add alum the size of a walnut. Dose, spoon- ful five or six times a day. Croup. — Apply flannels, wrung out in hot water, over the neck ; onion poultices on the chest and feet ; give an emetic, and send for the doctor. Asthma. — Soak brown paper in a strong solution of saltpetre ; let it dry, and set it on fire, so that the smoke may be inhaled by the patient. Consumption of the Lungs. — There is no remedy so good as cod-liver oil ; some combine it with phosphate of lime. Can be had of any apothecary. Class III. The Blood, or Organs of Circulation. - The organs of circulation include the veins and arteries, the heart, the course of the blood, and the source of animal heat. Fevers. — Nearly all fevers require about the same treatment. First, cleanse the stomach and bowels, and afterwards keep up a moderate perspiration all over the body, by drinking herb tea. Ague. — Give a litde Epsom salts every other day, and drink freely of herb tea. When the fever is run down, give tonic medicines. Typhus Fever. — Pursue the same course as in ague. You may give yeast in this disease with good success. A physician should always be called in. Scarlet Fever. — In the first stages give a dose of physic, and 12 * 138 put the patient to bed in a quiet room. Keep up a perspiration upon the surface of the body. Very light diet. Small- Pox. — In the distinct form, give an emetic, followed by a dose of castor-oil ; then use sweatitig remedies, and let the patient have plenty of fresh air. Sponge the body with warm or cool water. Erysipelas. — Be sure and keep the bowels open with Epsom salts ; then create a perspiration by warm teas ; apply a mustard poultice above the seat of the disease, and dust arrowroot or flour on the sores. Measles. — Keep the bowels open with castor-oil ; drink herb tea ; flax-seed tea for the cough, and saffron tea to keep out the humor. Injluenza. — Take a dose of physic, drink hot herb tea, soak the feet in hot water, and go to bed for a sweat. Chicken-Pox. — Take a dose of castor-oil, and drink freely of safli'on tea, and keep indoors. Itch. — Take sulphur and molasses two or three times ; also anoint the whole body with melted sulphur before a hot fire. This is not so pleasant, but more certain than any other remedy. Ring-worm., Shingles, Sf'c. — The ring-worm is easily cured by wetting it a few times in very strong tobacco-spittle, and letting it dry in. For the shingles, take Epsom sa,lts and warm teas, to keep out the eruption. Scald Head. — Kemove the loose, dry scabs, and wash the head with a decoction of tobacco. Give physic and safli'on tea. Scurvy. — This disease, incident to sailors, must be mainly cured by proper diet, exercise, and a cheerful mind. Keep clean. Use, if possible, such articles as fresh vegetables, or- anges, lemons, vinegar, cider, &c. Harden the gums by a lit- tle vitriol-water. Putrid Sore Throat. — Keep the bowels open, and the body in a perspiring condition. Keep the throat bandaged with flannels wet in hot-drops ; above all, gargle the throat often with the fol- lowing : J cup of vinegar, ^ cup of water, spoonful table-salt, and J teaspoonful of best Cayenne. This is the course for all forms gf sore throat. Pleurisy. — In this dangerous disease, go immediately to bed and take a sweat; put a mustard poultice over the seat of the pain ; live on gruel a few days, till its severity is over ; then wear a large pitch-plaster over the spot, to protec^t it from cold. Injlammation of the Lungs. — Pursue a course similar to 139 treatment for pleurisy. You must keep the bowels open, and, if very severe, apply several leeches. Tnflommation of the Stomach. — Xo l>c treated nearly the same as inflammation of ♦lie limgs. The liquids taken nuist be very miki, and in small quantity. Injiammation of the Liver. — Take a good smart dose of salts and senna, and apply a strong mustard plaster over the seat of the pain. A physician should be called. Inf animation of the Bowels. — Apply hot fomentations of hops to the bowels, and take a dose of castor-oil. It is a danger- ous disease, and medical help should be obtained. lufammation of the Urinary Organs. — Take physic, abstain from food, and a})ply hot fomentations of hops over the seat of the pain. Rheumatism. — Take the tincture of guaiacum in teaspoonful doses, five or six times a day. A first-rate remedy. Gout. — In ordinary cases take physic often, and reduce the diet. In old people the treatment should be more tonic and generous. Scrofula. — Cod-liver oil is a good remedy; also a prepara- tion of dock, mandrake, cohosh, and blue-flag, equal parts, pre- pared in gin. Droj)sy. — Take plenty of exercise, and frequent doses of rhu- barb ; drink freely of mountain-cranberry tea ; drachm doses of cream of tartar every three hours. This is an excellent remedy. Water in the Chest. — Treatment the same as for dropsy, as it is a species of that disease. Water in the Head. — Apply blisters to the back of tlie head, and give occasional doses of rhubarb. Seldom cured. Class IV. Diseases of the Brain and Nerves. Tic- Douloureux. — Steam the face with a bag of hops, wrung out in hot vinegar. Nervous Headache. — Soak the feet in warm water, and apply cold bandages to the head. Sick Headache. — Take a dose of senna and salts ; soak the feet in warm water, and abstain some days from food. Giddiness of the Head. — Equalize the circulation by warm herb tea, soaking the feet in warm water, and, if needful, apply a few lcechfully through filtering-paper. Apply it to the skin during the day, and wash it off at night. Remark. — This article, if properly made, will not fail of its purpose. It will sell very readily, and command a good price. 6. Hair- Restorative. — Take 1 drachm of lac-sulphur, 1 drachm of sugar of lead, 4 ounces of rose-water ; mix, and shake the phial on using the mixture. Bathe the hair twice a day for a week. Remark. — This preparation does not dye the hair, but oper- ates upon the roots and restores its original color. 7. Liquid for making the Hair curl., and changing a Sandy to a pleasing Color. — Take 2 ounces of scrapings of lead, a quarter-ounce of litharge of gold, 1 drachm of camphor. Boil the whole for half an hour in a pint of soft water. When cold^ pour off the liquid, and add to it a drachm of the siigar of lead, and a drachm of rosemary-flowers. Boil these up together, and strain off the liquid, when it i^^ ready for use. Remark. — There is no ])reparation ever yet discovered vso good for curling the hair and changing its color. It is perfectly harmless also. 14* 8. Water for Thickening the Hair, and to prevent Us Falling of. — Take 4 ounces of rosemary, 1 pound of grape-vine ten- drils, 1 ounce of honoy. Boil these half an hour in 2 quarts of new milk, and same quantity of soft water. Then filter care- fully through a sponge, and flavor with essence of bergamot. Add enough Cologne spirits to keep it from growing sour. Re/uark. — From experience we know this to be a most valu- able article. If it could be distilled, insccad of boiled, it would be better. 9. Another Excellent Article to prevent the Hair from Fall- ing out. — Take a half-pint of French brandy, a table-spoonful of fine salt, a teaspoonful of powdered alum. Let these be mixed and well shaken until they are dissolved. Then filter, and it is ready for use. If used every day, it may be diluted with soft water. Remark. — This receipt was obtained from a barber long pat- ronized by the nobility of France ; and he declared it to be the most valuable article for the purpose ever used. 10. Turkish Rouge. — Take a half-pound of best Brazil- wood, fine, and of goWen-red color ; infuse four days in a quart of best white-wine vinegar ; then boil them together for half an hour, strain through a linen cloth, and place the liquid again over tlie • fire. Having in the mean time dissolved a quarter of a pound of alum in a pint of white-v/ine vinegar, mix the two liquids and stir them well together. The scum which now arises should be taken carefully olf, and gradually dried and powdered. Remark. — This makes a most beautiful, delicate, and perfect- ly inoffensive rouge or carmine, and will give perfect satisfaction. W. Another Beautiful and Cheaper Rouge Wash. — Take 1 ounce of alkanet and infuse it in a pint of Cologne spirits, until it comes to the right shade of color. Remark. — This may be applied to the cheeks by a linen cloth wet in the mixture. It will easily wash off, but is, neverthe- less, very cheap and beautiful, and cannot be detected on the face. 12. Tooth-Powder. — Take prepared chalk 2 ounces, gum- myrrh in fine powder 1 drachm, Peruvian-bark half an ounce, white sugar 1 ounce, rose-pink 1 ounce. Mix well. Remark. — This is one of the best tooth-powders in use ; it cleans the teeth, hardens tlie gums, and sweetens the breath, and can be made and sold at a moderate price. 13. Extract of Vanilla. — This beautiful flavor is made by tJiking a quart of pure French brandy, cutting up fine 1 ounce of vanilla-beans, and 2 ounces of Tongua, bruised. Add these to I the brandy, and let it digest for two weeks, frequently shaking. 7^hen filter carefully, and it is ready for use. Rcniark. — This article is in great demand for flavoring pies, cakes, puddings, &c., and sells rciidily at a good price both in families and at the grocer's. 14. Ice-Cream. — Take of new milk and cream, each 2 quarts, 2 pounds sugar, and 12 eggs. Dissolve the sugar in the milk, beat the eggs to a froth and add to the whole ; strain and bring to a scald, but be careful not to burn it. When cool, flavor with extract of vanilla or oil of lemon. Pack the tin freezer in a deep ,tub with broken ice and salt ; whirl the freezer, and occasionally scrape down from the side what fathers on. The proportions are 1 quart of salt to eveiy pail of ice. Remark. — This is one of the best recipes for this desirable luxury ; the directions are simple, so that every family can make for themselves, or prepare it for sale. 15. IndeliUe Marking- Inks, of Various Colors. — Take half an ounce of vermilion and a drachm of salt of steel. Powder them very fine in linseed-oil to the thickness required. Remark. — This ink can be used with types, hair-pencil, oi* pen ; it resists the action of acids or alkalies. The color may be varied by using different articles. 16. Writing-Inks, — Black, Blue, and Red. — Take a quar- to r-})omid of copperas and the same of logwood, a half-pound fine-powdered nutgalls, 2 ounces gum Arabic, and 1 gallon of soft water. Boil the galls first till the strength is out ; then add and boil the other articles. More water may be added, as it will bear. Let it all settle, and dip and strain it clear. Remark. — This makes a beautiful and popular ink. 17. Blue Ink. — Take soft Prussian-blue and oxalic acid in equal parts, powder them finely, and then add soft water to bring it to a thin paste. Let it stand two of three days, then add soft water to make the desired shade of color. 18. Best Red Ink. — Take best carmine (Nakarat) 2 grains, rain-water half an ounce, water of ammonia 20 drops. Remark. — ^£\\m is a beautiful ruling-ink for legers and bank purposes. All these ink receipts are of the very best kind, and have never failed to give the most perfect satisfaction. 19. Oil Paste- Blacking. — Take oil of vitriol 2 ounces, tan- ner's oil 5 ounces, ivory-black 1 ])ound, molasses 5 ounces. Mix the vitriol and oil together and lot il st;md a day ; then add the 164 ivory-black and molasses, and stir it wril togotlier to a tliick paste. Remark. — This makes tlie best blacking for boots and shoe« in use ; will give a bright polisli, and will not injure the leather. It never fails to give satisfaction. 20. Shaving- Soap. — Take 2 ponnds of best while bar-soap, and lialf a pound of good common bar-soap ; scrape them up fine, so that they will dissolve readily. Put the soap into a cop- per kettle with a quart of soft water, or as little water as it can be dissolved in without burning. Set it over the fire, and, when it is dissolved by boiling, add 1 pint of alcohol, 1 gill of beef 's gall, half a gill of spirits of turpentine ; these boil all together for five minutes. Stir while boiling. Vv^hilo it is cooling, flavor it with oil of sassafras to suit, and color it with fine vermilion. Remark. — This soap was invented by a clergyman, and is the best article known. It makes a rich lather, softens the face, and can be made cheap. 21. Shaving- Oil. — Take 1 pound of soft soap in a jar, and add to it 1 quart of high-proof Cologne sj)irits. Set the jar in a vessel of boiling water, or water-batli, until the soap is dissolved ; perfume with essential oil to suit. Remark. — This is a good article for shaving, especially for those troubled with pimples on the skin ; — it sofiens the face and cures the humors. Tv/o or tlirce drops rubbed upon the face with the end of the finger is enougii for shaving. Dip the end of the brush in hot water and brush the lace briskly, and it will raise a rich lather. 22. Corn-Salve. — Take the extract of Belladonna 4 drachms, peroxide of manganese 3 ounces, potash 5 pounds. Pulverize the potash in an iron ketde and let it stand in the open air twenty-four hours, then mix the whole together. Hoio to use it. — Sliave the corn down with a sharp knife, and then apply lor ten minutes the salve ; wash it off and soak the corn in sweet-oil. This is the article sold al)0ut the country, and on the corners of the streets in Boston, New York, &c., for twenty-five and fifty cents a drachm pliial. 23. Collodion., or Liquid Culicle. — r Take gun-cotton and dissolve it in sulphuric etlier; thicken it with guin-mucilage. Remark. — This article touched upon a cut or bruise forms immediately an artificial flesh, which cannot bo washed off. It is useful for mechanics, as it obviaLes the necessity of linger-cots or bandages. 1G5 2^. Crockery Cement^ which is Transparent. — Take 1 pound of white shellac, pulverizccl, and 2 ounces of clean gum-mastic; put these into a bottle, and add a half-pound of pure sulphuric ether. Let it stand half an hour, and then add half a gallon of 90 per cent, alcohol. Shake occasionally, till it is dissolved. Remark. — Heat the edges of the article to be mended, and apply the cement with a pencil-brush; hold the article firmly together until the cement cools. 25. Powder for Cleaning and Polishing Tin., Britannia., SiU rer, and Brass Ware. — Take half a pound of ground pumice- stone, and a quarter of a pound of red chalk; mix them evenly together. This is for tin, brass, &c. For silver and fine ware, take half a pound of red chalk and a quarter of a pound of pumice. Mix very evenly. Remark. — Use these articles dry with a piece of oiled wash- leather. They are the best cleaning-powders ever invented, and very salable. 26. Original and only Genuine Silver-Plating Fluid. — Gal- vanism Simplified. — Dissolve 1 ounce of nitrate of silver in crystal, in 20 ounces of soft water; then dissolve in the water 2 ounces of cyanuret of potash. Shake the whole together, and let it stand till it becomes clear. Have ready some half-ounce phials, and fill them half full of Paris-white or fine whiting, and then fill up the bottles with tlie liquid, and it is ready for use. Remark. — 1. The silver should be obtained in crystal, because its purity is more certain. 2. The materials to make this article can be obtained of any wholesale druggist in Boston or New York. 3. The whiting does not increase the coating power ; it only helps to clean the articles, and to save the silver fluid by half filling the bottles. 4. The above quantity of materials will cost about $1.61, so that the fluid will only cost about three cents a bottle. 27. French Chemical Soap. — Take 5 pounds of Castile, or white bar-soap, cut fine, 1 pint of alcohol, 1 })int of soft water, 2 ounces of aquafortis, a half-ounce of lampblack, 2 ounces of saltpetre, 3 ounces of potash, 1 ounce of camphor, and 4 ounces of cinnamon in powder. First dissolve the soap, potash, and saltpetre, by boiling, then add all the other articles, and continue to stir till it cools ; then pour it into a box and let it stand twenty-four hours, and cut it into cakes. Remark. — No article of cleansing-soap ever yet excelled this, 166 and no person tr family will do without it when they know its value. 28. Washing and Bleaching Liquid. — Take a quarter-pound j of unslacked lime and pour upon it 6 quarts of boiling water ; '^^■ stir it all up, and when it has stood lonjo; enough to entirely set- tle, strain off the clear water and dissolve in this water, by boil- ing, half a pound of sal soda. After this has dissolved and set- tled, cut up 10 ounces of common bar-soap; strain the solution upon it, and mix thoroughly. Great care must be taken that no particles of the lime are poured upon the soap. Prepare this mixture the evening before washing. Remark. — For washing, put in the boiler 6 or 8 gallons of water, and add to it 1 quart of the liquid. The clothes must be " put in soak the night before washing, for twelve hours, taking care to rub all the stains and other dirt-spots with soap. Then boil them with liquid for 35 minutes. They are then to be drawn and put into a tub, and clear boiling water to be poured over them. Then rub them out, rinse them well, and they are ready for drying. The liquid can be made stronger, so as to take only a gill or half a pint to a washing. ^ There are many kinds of receipts for washing-fluid, hut this is the only really valuable one ; it is cheap, handy to make, and truly labor-saving. 29. Matches. — The ends of the tapers, or v/ood, should be veiy dry, and then dipped into hot melted sulphur and laid aside to dry ; then take 4 parts of glue, dissolve it, and, when hot, add 1 part of phosphorus, and stir in a few s})Oonfuls of fine whiting to bring it to the proper thickness. Remark. — This preparation should be kept hot by being sus- pended over a lamp while dipping the wood or tapers. Color the ends of the matches by adding a little vermilion, lam})black, or Prussian-blue, to the mass. Be careful not to ignite the com- pound while dipping. 30. The Genuine Hot-Drops. — Take three quarters of a pound of fine gum-myrrh, 1 ounce of best African Cayenne, a ' quarter-pound of golden seal. Digest the whole in 1 gallon of best cherry spirits for 1 month. Remark. — Nearly all the hot-drops on sale are of a most miserable quality, and scarcely fit to use in any form. The above is the genuine, and may be taken by the tcaspoonful, for a dose, in a little sweetened water. It is very valuable in coughs, 167 colds, pains in the stomach, bowels, &c. Excellent, also, for a bath in cramp, cold feet, toothache, lieatUiche, rheumatism, &c. Conclusion. — We think any person of energy who will un- dertake the compound of any one of these articles, -and follow out the sale of them, can make a good living;, and money beside. And no one who does this will ever feel that he has paid too much for them. CHAPTER XIII. THE rOCKET L.AWYER5 OR FORMS IN LAW, CORRECTLY DUAWN AND ADAPTED TO GENERAL USE. Plan of Book-Keeping. Day -Book. The Day-Book is. the foundation of business accounts. All transactions, however simple, should be entered in it. Every entjcy should be plainly written, and expressed in a distinct man- ner. Write the names of persons in full, in a case of special bargain, and note all the particulars. The quantity and price of every article should be carefully set down. Plan of Opening a Day-Book. Boston, March 4, 1852. March 9 George Hooker, .... To 100 Books, 5, . . '* 6 boxe^ Tooth-Powder, 10, . Dr. 5 5 00 60 60 April 6 William Rogers, .... To 1 bush. Potatoes, 30, . " 18 pounds Beef, 8, Dr. 1 1 30 44 74 168 Leger. Each person with whom you deal should have a separate page in the Leger. As often as once in a week the entries in the Day-Book should be transferred to the Letter. It will not be necessary to carry forward the items ; the that is essential. gross amount is all Dr. April Manner of Opening a Leger. Boston, March 18, 1852. AViLLiAM Mansfield. To Slock, . To Sundries, 4 301 April 12 20 24 10,00 14:30 By Cash, . By Goods, By Cash, . Cr. ^ 00 30 00 14 30 Notes. Facts which all should know in Regard to Notes. 1. A negotiable note is one which is made payable to A. B. or order. It is otherwise, when these words are omitted. 2. By indorsing a note is understood, that the person to whom it is payable writes his name on the back of it. For additional security, any other person may afterwards indorse it. 3. If the note be made payable to A. B. or order (see note 1), then A. B. can sell said note, provided he indorse it ; and the purchaser may lawfully demand payment of the indorser. 4. If the note be made payable to A. B. (see note 2), then the signer only is responsible to any one ^ho may purchase it. 5. Unless a note be written payable on some specific future time, it should be written on demand ; but should the words " on demand" be omitted, the note is supposed to be recoverable by law. ' 6. When a note, payable at a future day, becomes due, it is considered on interest from that time till paid, though no men- tion be made of interest. 7. No mention need be made in a note of the rate of interest; that particular h sellku by law, and will bo collcclcd according 169 to the laws of the State where the note is dated. In some States it is 6 per cent, in others, 7. 8. If two persons, jointly and severally (see note 3), sign a note, it may be collected by law of either. 9. A note is not valid unless the words for value received be expressed. . 10. When a note is given, payable in any article of merchan- dise, or property other than money, deliverable on a specified time, such articles should be tendered in payment at said time, otherwise the holder of the note may demand the value in money. Note. — If, when a note of hand is given, it is not expected that it will soon be paid, it is expedient that it should be attested by a witness; for, in general, the statutes of limitation of the several States limit the right to sue for and recover simple inter- est debts to suits commenced within six years after they are re- spectively due, but except witnessed notes of hand from the oper- ation of the statutes. Form of Notes. On Time, $1,000. Boston, March 5, 1852. For value received, I promise to pay C. D. or order, one thousand dollars, in three months from date. A. B. On Demand^ with Interest. $100. Lynn, April S, 1852. For value received, I promise to pay C. D. or order, one hun- dred dollars, on demand, with interest. A. B. On Time, with Interest. $500. Salem, May 7, 1852. For value received, I promise to pay C. D. or order, five hun- dred dollars, in sixty days, with interest. A. B. Payable by Instalments, loith Periodical Interest, $2,000. Roxbury, February 2, 1852. For value received, I promise to pay C. D. or order, two thousand dollars, in the following manner, viz. : five hundred dollars in one year ; five hundred dollars in two years ; five hun- dred dollars in three years ; and five hundred dollars in four 15 170 years from the date hereof with interest on all said sums, pay- able semiannually. A. B. Payable in Stock, ivith Interest. $ 50. Lowell, April 10, 1852. For value received, I promise to pay C. D. or order, fifty dol- lars, in stock, at my residence, with interest. A. B. Note hy Two Persons. $500. Concord, March 8, 1852. For value received, we, jointly and severally, promise to pay C. D. or order, on demand, live hundred dollars, with in- terest. J. H. H. W. Note at Bank. $150. Waltbam, April 14, 1852. Ninety days from date, I promise to pay C. D. or order, at the Phoenix Bank, one hundred and fifty dollars, for value re- ceived. A. B. Receipts. A General Form. $ 500. Weston, April 5, 1852. Received of C. D. five hundred dollars, in full of all demands, notes, or accounts against him. A. B. A Receipt for Money on Account. $20. Boston, December 1, 1852. Received of C, D. twenty dollars on account. A. B. Receipt for Money paid on a Note. $75. Bostoi?, January 1, 1852. Received of C. D. seventy-five dollars, on bis note for the sum of one hundred dollars, and dated at Dover, December 20tb, 1851. A. B. For Money paid by another Person. $300. Charlestown, January 1, 1852. Received of C. D., by the hands of W. T., three hundred dol- lars, in full payment for a chaise by mo sold and delivered to the said C. D. A, B, 171 For Moneij received for Another. $700. Boston, May 1, 1852. Keceived of C. D. seven hundred dollars, it being for the bal- lance of account due from said C. D. to E. F. A. B. For a Quarter'' s Rent. $150. Chelsea, May 3, 1852. Received of C. D. one hundred and fifty dollars, being one quarter's rent, due this day, for my dwelling-house and estate, No. 1 Street, now occupied by said C. D. A. B. Orders. An Order for Goods. Bristol, April 3, 1847. Mr. John Stone : Pay J. N. or order, twenty-five dollars, in goods from your store, and charge Your obedient servant, A. B. An Order for Money. Danvers, March 7, 1847. Messrs. A. T. & Co. : Pay O. P. or order, eleven dollars, and this shall be your re- ceipt for the same, it being for value received. A. B. Bceds. 1^* The circumstances attendant upon a deed are the follow- ing : — 1. It must be written or printed on parchment or paper. 2. There must be sufficient parties. 3. A proper subject-matter, which is the object of the grant. 4. A sufficient consideration. 5. An agreement properly set forth. 6. It must be read, if de- sired. 7. It must be signed and sealed. 8. It must be delivered. 9. And attested by witnesses. 10. It should be acknowledged before a competent officer. 11. It ought to be recorded. 12. It is required, in some of the States, that the wife sign the deed, to free the estate conveyed from her right of dower. Form of a Cornnon Deed. Know all men by these presents. That I, A. B., of Vernon, for the 172 consideration of one thousand dollars, received, to my full satisfac- tion, of C. D., of Tolland, do give, grant, bargain, sell, and confirm unto the said C. D., his heirs and assigns, a certain tract of land described as follows : [here describe the land.] To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises, with the appurte- nances thereof, unto him, the said C. D., his heirs and assigns for ever, to his and their own proper use and behoof. And also, I, the said A. B,, do, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administra- tors, covenant with the said C. D., his heirs and assigns, that at and until the ensealing of these presents, I am well seized of the premises, as a good and indefeasible estate in fee simple, and have good right to bargain and sell the same, in manner and form as is above written, and that the same is free from all encum- brances whatsoever. And furthermore, I, the said A. B., do, by these presents, bind myself and my heirs for ever, to warrant and defend the above granted and bargained premises, to him, the said C. D., his heirs and assigns, against all claims and de- mands whatsoever. In witness ivhereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the first day of November, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. ^ A. B. [l. s.] Signe^, sealed, and delivered " in the presence of A. H. S. Y. N. O. Mortgage Deed. Know all mmi hy these presents, That I, Gerard Astor, of Cambridge, in the County of Middlesex, and State of Massachu- setts, yeoman, for and in consideration of dollars, paid by Lawrence Howard, of Boston, in the county of Suffolk, mer- chant, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained, sold, and conveyed, and do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Howard and his heirs and assigns for ever [and here follows a description of the premises]. To have and to hold the afore-granted premises to the said Howard, his heirs and assigns, to liis and their use and behoof for ever. And I do hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, covenant and engage to and with the said Howard and his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the afore-granted premises ; that they are free of all encumbrances ; 178 that I have good right to s^41 and convey the same to the said Howard ; and that I will, and my heirs, executors, and adminis- trators shall, warrant and defend the same premises to the said Howard, his heirs and assigns for ever, against the lawftd claims and demands of all persons. Provided^ nevert/ie/ess, That if the said Gerard Astor, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, pay to the said How- ard, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, the sum of seventy-five hundred dollars, in three years from this date, then this deed, as also a certain note bearing even date with these presents, given by the said Astor to the said Howard, to pay the same sum at the time aforesaid, shall be void and of no effect, otherwise shall remaiu ni full force and virtue. In ivitness whereof, i, the said Astor, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. Gerard Astok. [l. s.] Signed, sealed, and delivered in pres- ence of us, Matthew Hodges, Seth B. Freeman. ■•■) Qidtclaivi Deed. Knmu all men hj these presents, That we, Abner Bowman, John Bowman, Henry Bowman, all of Pepperell, in the County of Middlesex, farmers, and Adelaide Bowman, also of said Pep- perell, single woman, in consideration of two thousand dollars to us paid by Henry Smith, of said Pepperell, trader, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant, remise, re- lease, and for ever quitclaim unto the said Henry Smith, his heirs and assigns, a certain farm and tract of land, consisting of about fourteen acres, more or less, with all the buildings thereon standing, known as the Bowman Farm ; and being the same which descended to us from our father, Abner Bowman, de- ceased. To have and to hold the afore-mentioned premises, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to him the said Henry Smith, his heirs and assigns, for ever; so that neither we, the said grantors, nor our heirs, or any other person or per- sons claiming from or under us or them, or in the name, right, or stead of us or them, shall or will, by any way or means, have, claim, or demand any right or title to the aforesaid preniises, or their appurtenances, or to any part or parcel thereof, for ever. 15* 174 That we will warrant and defend the same from all encumbran- ces, so far as made by us, but not otherwise. In witness whereof^ We, the said Abner Bowman, John Bow- man, Henry Bowman, and Adelaide Bowman have hereunto set our hands and seals, this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two. Abner Bowman, John Bowman, Henry Bowman, Adelaide Bow^man. Signed, sealed, and delivered in pres- ence of us, Ichabod Johnson, Edward Garner. 1 "l. S.^ L. S.^ L. S.^ L. S.^ Warranty Deed. Know all men by these presents, That I, Royal Ballard, of Dedham, in the County of Norfolk, and State of Massaciiusetts, merchant, for and in consideration of three thousand six hundred dollars, paid by Timothy Alger, of Framingham, County of Mid- dlesex, farmer, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hercb}^ give, grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Tim- othy Alger [and here follows a description of the premises]. To have and to hold the above premises, with the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to the said Timothy Alger, his heirs and assigns, to liis and their use and behoof for ever. And I, the said iloyal Ballard, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, do covenant with the said Timothy Alger, his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the afore-granted premises ; that they are free from all encumbran- ces ; that I have a good right to sell and convey the same to the said Timothy Alger, as aforesaid ; and that I v/ill, and my heirs, executors, and administrators shall, warrant and defend the same to the said Timothy Alger, his heirs and assigns, for ever, against the lawful claim and demands of all persons. In witness whereof, I, tlie said Royal Ballard, and Mary Bal- lard, wife of said Royal Ballard, in token of her relinquishment of her right of dower, have hereunto set our hand and seal, this first day of April, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two. Royal Ballai^d, [l. s.~ Mary Ballard. [l. s. Signed, scaled, and delivered in pros- i ence of us, Gideon VVheklfr, ■ Loi^TS Si-.AKS. ) 175 Form of a Will. Be it remembered, that I, A. B , of Lynn, County of Essex, State of Massachusetts, farmer, being weak in body, but sound in mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner tollowing, to wit : [Here state the disposi- tion of the property, personal, notes, cash, real estate, &c.] And lasdy, I appoint T. H. the executor of this my last will and tes- tament. In ivitness ichereof^ I hereby set my hand and seal, this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. A. B. [l. s.] Signed, sealed, and acknowledged \ hi presence of C. D. > E. F. ) General P'orm of an Agreement. Articles of agreement, indented, made, and concluded this day of , A. D. 18 — , by and between A. B., of in the county of , of the one part, and C. D., of , in the county of , on the other part. The said A. B., for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, doth hereby covenant and agree that [Here state the agreement]. And the said C. D. doth hereby covenant and agree that [Here again state the agreement]. To the true performance of tlie several covenants and agree- ment aforesaid, the said parties do hereby respectively bind them- selves, and their respective heirs, executors, and administrators, in the penal sum of dollars. In testimony whereof, they have hereto interchangeably set their hands and seals, the day and year above written. A. B. Signed, sealed, and delivered \ C. D. in presence of E. F. / G. H. j seal.^ seal.' A Bill of Sale. Knoio all men hy these presents, That I, Cyrus Ingalls, of the town of Greenfield, County of FrankUn, and State of Massachu- setts, trader, for and in consideration of the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars, to me in hand paid by Mark Moseman, of the 176 same place, at and before the sealing and delivery of these pres- ents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bar- gained, sold, and delivered, and by these presents do bargain, sell, and deliver, unto the said Mark Moscman, [here insert the particulars of the goods sold,] to have and to hold the said goods unto the said Mark Mosenian, his executors, administrators, and assigns, to his and their own proper use and benefit, for ever. And I, the said Cyrus Ingalls, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, will warrant and defend the said bargained goods, unto the said Mark Moscman, his executors, administra- tors, and assigns, from and against all persons whomsoever. Bonds. Bonds are of two kinds, simple and penal. A simple lond is an obligation to pay a certain amount of money, or to perform, or not to perform, some specified act. A penal bond is given to secure the performance of some agreement, and a condition, an- nexed to the bond, contains the terms of it. Form of a Simple Bond. Know all men ly these presents^ That I, A. B , of Somers, am holden and firmly bound to C. D., of Vernon, in the sum of five thousand dollars, to be paid to the said C. D., or his certain attor- ney, executors, or administrators, or assigns ; for which pay- ment, well and truly to be made, I bind myself, my heirs, execu- tors, and administrators firmly by these presents. Signed with my hand, sealed with my seal, and dated Nov. 3st, 1850. Alfred Bond. [l. s.] Signed, sealed, and delivered in the ) presence of John H. Cune. } Power of Attorney. An attorney is a person legally authorized to act instead of another. Know all men by these presents^ That I, A. B., of Tolland, do hereby ordain, constitute, and appoint C. D., of Vernon, my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to demand, sue for, recover, and receive, from all persons whatever, all sums of money and debts due to me, and all claims and demands, and to give sufikient acquittances therefor; and to adjust, settle, or 177 compound all debts or demands due to me, and to inetitute prop- er suits for the recovery thereof, and the same to pursue to final judgment and execution ; and I hereby ratify and confirm what my said attorney shall lawfully do in the premises. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day of , A. D. . A. B. [l. s.] Letter of Credit. Tolland, Nov. 1st, 1850. Theodore Stearns & Co. : Please to deliver to C. D., of Vernon, or his order, goods and merchandise to an amount not exceeding one hundred dollars in value ; and, on your doing so, I hereby hold myself accountable to you for the payment of the same, in case the said C. D. should not be able so to do, or should make default, of which default you are required to give me reasonable and pr per notice. Your obedient servant, A. B. Simple Forms of Lease. Landlord's Agreement. This is to certify, that I, A. B., of Hartford, Hartford County, and State of Connecticut, have this day let and rented unto B. C, of said Hartford, a certain dwelling-house or tenement, situ- ated in said Hartford, (No. 1 Main Street,) now or lately in the occupation of C. D., with all the shops, cellars, and appurtenan- ces, and the sole and uninterrupted use and occupation thereof for the term of one year, to commence on the first day of April, A. D. 1850, at the yearly rent of three hundred dollars, payable quarterly. Said premises not to be underlet, but by the consent and permission of the lessor. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the twentieth day of March, Anno Domini 1850. A. B. [seal.] Signed, sealed, and delivered \ in presence of D. E. > F. G. j Tenant'^s Agreement, This is to certify, that I, B. C, of Hartford, Hartford County, 178 and State of Connecticut, have hired and taken from A. B., of said Haitford, a certain dwelling-house or tenement, situated in said Hartford, (No. 1 Main Slrect,) now or lately in the occupation oC C. D., with all the shops, cellars, and appurtenances, and the sole and uninterrupted use and occupation thereof, for the term of one year, to commence the first day of April, A. D. 1850, at the yearly rent of three hundred dollars, payable quarterly. And 1 do hereby promise to make punctual payment of the rent in manner aforesaid, and quit and surrender the premises, at the ex- piration of the said term, in as good state and condition as rea- sonable use and wear thereof will permit, danger^ by the ele- ments excepted. And provided said rent shall remain unpaid twenty days after the same falls due, said lessor shall be at liber- ty to reenter and take possession of said premises without notice, end said lease shall thereby become void. B. C. Hartford, March 20th, A. D. 1850. Surety. In consideration of the letting of the premises above described, and for the sum of one dollar, I hereby become surety for the punctual payment of the rent, and performance of the above written agreement, to be paid and performed by said lessee ; and if any default shall be made therein, I do hereby promise and agree to pay unto the above-named lessor such sum or sums of money as will be sufficient to make up such deficiency, and fully gatisfy the conditions of the said agreement, without requiring any notice of non-payment, or proof of demand being made. Hartford, March 20th, A. D. 1850. G. H. Assignment of a Lease. Knoio all men ly these presents^ That I, Benjamin Roberts, the lessee within named, for and in consideration of three hundred and seventy-five dollars, to me in hand paid by iNlatthew Lincoln, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have granted, as- signed, and set over, and by these presents do grant, assign, and set over, to Matthew Lincoln, his heirs and assigns, the within indenture or lease, together with all and singular the premises hereby demised, with appurtenances ; to have and to hold the same unto the said Matthew Lincoln, his heirs and assigns, for the residue of the term whhin mentioned, under the yearly rents and coypnants within reserved and contained on my part to be done, 179 kept, and performed. Witness my hand and seal, the first any of April, one ihousand eight hundred and forty-four. Bei^vamin Roberts, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in the \ presence of A. B. > C. D. j Notice to a Tenant to quit. Sir : Being in possession of a certain house and lot of ground, with the appurtenances belonging to me, situate in Summer Street, in Boston, which was demised to you by me for the term of five years, which said term will expire on the twenty-iirst day of March, I hereby notify you that it is my desire to have again and repossess the said premises, and I do hereby require and de- mand you to leave the same. Witness my hand, this first day of March, 1847. T. P. Agreement of Copartnership. A. B., of , and C. D., of , agree as follows: The parties agree to become partners for the purpose of buying and selling such goods as are usually kept for sale or purchased at a retail store, in the town of , for five years from this date. 1. The style of said copartnership shall be, &c. 2. Said parties have each contributed dollars, as the cap- ital of said firm (or as the case may be). 3. All profits shall be equally divided ; and all expenses of the business, and losses, shall be equ.'dly borne in common. 4. Both parties shall give all their time and attention to the business of said firm, for the common benefit ; and neither party shall engage in any trade or business for his private benefit. 5. An account of stock shall be taken, and the accounts be- tween said parties shall be settled as often as once in every year, and oftener, if requested in writing by either party. 6. At the close of the partnership, the stock, property, and debts shall be equally divided, after paying the debts and liabili- ties of the firm. [Here insert any other conditions desired.] Witness our hands and seals, this — day of , A. D. 18 — . A. B. [seal.] Signed, sealed, and delivered \ C. D. [seal.] in presence of E. F. G. H. 1 180 Legal Relation of Husband and Wife; Showiiig the Rights of Married Women in Regard to Holding Froperti/^ Sj-c. The effect produced by marriage on the legal rights of the parties is important to be known in every family. 1. In lav/, husband and wife are considered one person; and on this principle all civil duties and disabilities rest. 2. The wile cannot sue in her own name. 3. ir she suffers injury or wrong in her person or property, she can, with her husband's aid and concurrence, prosecute for redress : but the husband must always be the plaintiff. In crim- inal cases, however, the relation assumes a new form. The wife may, in criminal cases, be prosecuted and punished. 4. The wife can make no contract with the husband, nor the husband with the wife. The disability is involved in the first principle, which makes them legally one. But they may con- tract through the agency of trustees, the wife being under the protection of tlie husband. 5. All contracts made between them before marriage are, of course, dissolved on that event. 6. The husband cannot convey lands or rent estates to his wife directly ; but he may settle them on her through a trustee- ship. The wife may release her dower to his grantee. As it respects the bequest, the husband can always devise real estate to his wife. 7. Upon marriage, the husband becomes possessed of all right and title to her property, whether personal or real, and at the same time he becomes liable for all her debts, and must fulfil all her contracts made prior to the union. 8. If the wife die before the husband, and there be issue, his heirs succeed to her real estate. 9. But in case of no issue, the husband remains in possession of her land during her lifetime only, and at her demise, they go to the heirs of his wife. 10. All debts due to the wife become, after marriage, the property of the husband, who becomes invested with power to sue on bond, note, or any other obligation whatever, to his own and exclusive use. The powers of discharge and assignment, and change of securities, are, of course, devolved in the leading principle. 181 11. If he die before the recovery of the money, or the change of securities, the wife becomes entitled to the debts in her own right. 12. All personal property of the wife, such as money, goods, movables, and stocks, becomes absolutely the property of the husband upon marriage ; and on his death goes to his heirs. 13. Property may be secured to the use of the wife, by deeds of marriage settlements, in order to secure the wife a comfort- able competence against the vicissitudes of life, or the cruelty of her husband. 14. Property may be settled on the \\\[e after marriage by the husband, provided he be solvent at the time, and the transfer not made with a view to defraud creditors. The wife, of course, cannot devise lands, but any personal or real estates settled upon her in trust, she may bequeathe ; or any savings from property given to her separate use. 15. The husband is bound to j)rovide his wife with all neces- saries suited to her condition in life ; and of course becomes liable for debts contracted by her for superfluities or extrava- gancies. 16. The husband and wife cannot be witnesses against each other, in either civil or criminal prosecutions. 17. One exception to this rule exists, where the law respectin; the personal safety and life of the wife permits her to give testi mony for her protection. 18. In Massachusetts, a wife may hold property not subject U' the control of her present or any future husband. Mode of Procuring Patents in the United States. The Details explained. Caveat. — This is an instrument very little understood, and in most cases is uselessly and ignorantly obtained under the er- roneous belief that it secures the invention. Let it be understood that an invention is never secured by law until the patent issues. The caveat is merely a notice of time, and when brought into play, is simply a proof of its own date and of its own con- tents. The moment an inventor conceives a novel idea., promising utility and value, let him decide how soon he will or can bring it out, and secondly how privately. If he cannot do it speedily, though in private, let him at once get his caveat prepared and 16 183 entered. If he delays, or noises liis idea about, the caveat can scarcely prove of more value than ivaste paper. Models. — As soon as arrangements arc made to start the in- vention, the patent papers should l)e forwarded. If the case re- quires to be illustrated by a model, one should be prepared. This should be as small as a distinct representation of the ma- chine by it will permit. Inventors often err grossly in preparing their models, making them usually much too large, and often- times needlessly expensive. Whenever they have a doubt on this point they should seek competent advice, as often the most costly models are rejected at the Patent-Office. Drawings. — This part of a patent should always be made by the party who prepares the specification. The best draughtsman has in this no advantage over the poorest, unless he is fully com- petent to complete the business, or is under the immediate instruction and supervision of him who is to do so, for he must know what to represent, and what parts to leave out, as unless these are perfect, they may invalidate the power of the best specification that can be written. They are not required to be elaborate, as works of art, but, on the contrary, as simple as the nature of the case will permit. Spccijlcat.inns and Claim. — On this it is not deemed neces- sary to enlarge. No inventor can possibly be ignorant of the essential requisites in these parts of a patent, as in these are the life of the instrument. Show to a jury its defects, and it is so broken that its beauties too often fall with the weak points. All the aid an inventor may avail himself of to render perfect this part of his patent, is clearly gain, w hatever he may pay for it ; for the patent is less likely to be infringed ; lawsuits are saved, and, if he wishes to sell, it will command a higher price. Extension of Patents beyond Fourteen Years. — Patentees not having been sufficiently rewarded during the term of their patent, may obtain an extension of the same for seven years, under Act of Congress (Patent Laws, p. 186). This extension excludes all assignees under the original patent, unless there were covenants of like renewals to them. The petition for this extension must be made before the patent expires, or it cannot be effected - and as there is much form involved, and many papers to be prepared in making the petition, ample time should be taken ; say about one year before the expiration of the term. It can be done in less time, but the delay incurs increased risk, and preparing pat- ent matters in haste is always prejudicial to coniplele security. It may be well to remember that the heirs of an inventor are entitled to obtain an extension of the patent, in every case in whicli it would be allowed to the party himself, were he still living. Addiiional Iinprovemcnls. — Whenever an inventor makes an improvement on any work for which he has obtained a patent, the law provides for the addition of it to the patent ; and when the improvement is made soon after the date of the original, it is a less expensive course than to obtain a new patent ; but the exclusive title to the improvement will expire with the term of the original grant. The proceedings required to procure these additions are special ; the preparation of the documents involving the same care as for original applications, and with particular references to the case on which they are based. CHAPTER XIV. CHAIRIVIAN'S DIRBCTORTt OR GUIDE, TO THE RULES OF PUBLIC DEBATE. Choice of a Chairman. 1. The chairman selected should be a man held in respect. 2. He should be a man of maturity and commanding person- al appearance. 3. He should possess a fitness for the office. This includes standing in society, intelligence, business tact, self-posses- sion, &c. 4. The chairman should be chosen in small meetings by nom- ination ; and each person named, the motion being seconded, should be voted for until a choice is made. 5. The chairman chosen should always be properly conducted to the chair, and he may be introduced to the meeting in a brief speech. 6. On taking the chair, a few words of remark on the part of the chairman is in order, and generally expected. 184 Thf. Rights mid Duties of the Chairman. 7. In a public inccling, tlic cJKvlnnan should be elevated above the assembly. 8. It is improper for the clialrman to hold conversation with - any person while tlie fioor is occupied by a speaker. 9. No person should accept the office of cliairman unless he 4s prepared to resign all thoughts of promoting any private views of his own. iO. When a motion is j)resented to the meeting, it should be ^ read by the cliairman, and objections called for; there being laone, the motion should be put to the meeting, and decided by a majority of votes. 11. Persons wishing to advocate the motion should be allowed to do so. 12. If there be an objection, it must take one of the following shapes ; it must be an amendmoU., or negative^ or to postpone^ or for the j^retrious question, or to adjourn the meeting. 13. The right of reply, as it is termed, exists in the mover of an original proposition ; but belongs not to the mover of an amendment. 14. The rule of speaking is one speech for each person, on each motion. 15. If a vote be doubted, it will be the duty of the chairmaf to " divide the /tows^'," and decide the question by count. 16. If there be amendments to an original motion, the amend- ments must be acted upon first. 17. At an adjourned meeting, the chairman should cause tb' minutes of the last meeting to be read. 18. If it is desirable to get rid of a chairman, it may be done, 1st, by refusing to do any business ; or 2d, by an adjournment of the meeting shie die. 19. No speaker should be interrupted while speaking, unless called to a point of order by the chairman. 20. When a point of order is raised, the person speaking should cease, and await the decision of the chairman. 21. When several persons rise to speak at the same time, the preference should be given to the one whose eye was first caught by the chairman. 185 CHAPTER XV. THK LADIKS' MIRROR OF COOKBRTt CONTAINING FULL DIRECTIONS FOR THE COOKERY OF MEATS, VEGETABLES, PUDDINGS, PIES, BREAD, CAKES, ETC., IN ALL THEIR VARIETY. Carving. — 1. In carving, use a light, sharp knife, and grasp it firmly. 2. Have the dish near you, so as to render the task easy. 3. A portion of the best and poorer pieces should be served together. Cooking Meat. — 1. Roast. Beef. — The sirloin is the best for roasting. From fifteen to twenty minutes to the pound is the rule for roasting. 2. Boiled Beef — The flank and brisket are good boiling pieces. Boil slow from two to three hours. 3. Beefsteak. — Rump or sirloin is the best for steak. Broil ^uick over hot coals. 4. Roast Pork. — Take a leg, season and stuff it ; then roast three hours for eight pounds. 1^"^ Cook the shoulder, loin, and sparerib in the same way. 5. Pork Steaks. — Cook them over a clear fire, and season with salt and pepper while cooking. 6. Broiled Ham. — Soak the slices in cold water before broil- ing. Serve with fried eggs. 7. Sausages. — Fry them till they are brown, over a slow fire. 8. Roast Mutton. — Prepare it the same as beef. Cook over a good fire, six pounds to one hour. 9. Roast Veal. — The same as park, till it comes to a good brown color. These general directions v/ill serve as a guide, to be varied from according to circumstances and judgment of the cook. 10. For Boiling. — All kinds of boiled meats require a quar- ter of an hour to a pound. Fresh meat must be put into hot water, and salt meat into cold. 11. Eggs. — • Three minutes boils an egg soft ; in four minutes the white will be cooked ; in ten it will be hard enough for salad. Poultry. — Poultiy requires a quick fire. Baste often, till it is done, 16* 186 1. Turkey. — A good-sized turkey requires two hours roast- ing ; slow at first. Make the stufling of cracker, pork, sage, savory, and egg ; season with pepjier. 2. BoiU'd Turlcei/. — Stuff the crop, and sew it up; boil slowly till it is'done. Put a little salt in the water. 3. Roast Ducks and Geese. — Stuff as usual, only add an onion and more sage. Roast till it is done brown. Use only pepper and salt in the gravy for teal, pigeons, and all wild fowl. 4. Roast Chicken. — Manage chickens same as turkey, only roast about lialt" tlie time. 5. Boiled Chicken. — The same as turkey, only boil a longer time, — say thirty-five minutes. 6. Broiled Chicken. — Slit them down the back, and broil over clear coals ; turn and broil to a fine brown. Season with pepper and salt. 7. Boiled Pigeons. — Boil fifteen minutes, and serve with boiled bacon and melted butter. They may be roasted or broiled. Cover the breast with slices of pork. Gravies. — The gravy which flows from tlie meat is best. Thicken with a little flour and water, with seasoning. For a fowl, stew the neck, gizzard, and liver in a little water; then add melted butter and seasoning to suit. Soups. — 1. Beef So uj). — Cut three pounds of beef in fine pieces, four quarts of water, a handful of sifted bread, and sea- son with salt, pepper, turnips, onions, and a little celery. Stew four hours. 2. Oyster Soup. — Take a pint of oysters, and stew five minutes in their own water ; season with salt, pepper, and nut- meg ; thicken with pounded cracker. Fish. — In choosing, see that the gills are red, the eyes full, and the flesh firm. 1. Boiled Fish. — Boil over a slow fire, and skim frequently. Be careful that the water does not boil away. Put a little salt in the water. 2. Halibut. — This fish may bo haked, hailed., ox fried. The baked and boiled should be served whh melted butter. 3. Pan Fish, — Fry them in sw eet pork fat till they are well browned. Vegetables. — In boiling vegetables, the water should be hot before putting them in. It is always better to boil each sepa- ■ rately when convenient. Some kinds require more cooking thaili] others. A good indgmont, joined with experience, will soonn if'tiulate thc' tiiti'^. 187 , Fruits, Jellies, Preserves, drc. — Acid fruits should always be cooked in bright tin, or brass, and poured out as soon an done. .^ Sfro?ig Applt'-Sauce. — Boil down new, sweet cider till it is nearly as thick, when cold, as molasses. Pare and quarter your apples, and put thcni into some hot sirup. Cover and do them over a slow lire, until tender. Put some molasses with the sirup, unless a part of the apples are sweet. Tliis will keep good through the winter. Boiled Pears and Apples. — Boil them whole in a small quantity of water, until they begin to soften ; then add a little sugar or molasses, and finish. * Raspberry Jam. — Weigh equal quantities of fruit and sugar. Put the truit into a preserving pan, and mash them with a silver or wooden spoon. Let it boil up, then add the sugar. Stir it well. Cranhemj Jelly. — To one quart of berries, put one pint of water and one pint of sugar, and let them boil half an hour with- out stirring ; then take off the jelly with a spoon, and what re- mains makes good sauce. Preserved Citron. — Pare and cut open the citron ; clean all •^tic except the rind ; boil till soft. To a pound of citron add one pound of sugar, and a len|on to each pound ; put the sug^ir and lemon together, and boil It till it becomes a sirup, skimming it Vc-ll: then put the sirup and citron together, and boil it an hour. Biscuits. — Soda Biscuit. — Take one quart of flour, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one teaspoonful of salt, one of saleratus or soda, and a small piece of butter for shortening. Mix with water. To MAKE GOOD Brown Bread. — Take one quart of Indian meal, and three pints of rye meal ; put it into a pan and turn a half-cupful of molasses and two teaspoonfuls of ginger into it. Take some saleratus and dissolve it in v/ann water, enough to mix the meal rather soft ; let it remain in the pan to rise over night. When light enough, put it into pans and bake it. Bread made thus will not sour so quick as when yeast is put into it. Superior Indian Cake. — Take two cups of Indian meal, one table-spoonful of molasses, two cups of milk, a little salt, a handful of flour, and a little saleratus ; mix thin, and pour it into a buttered bake-pan, and bake half an hour. Bakers' Gingerbread. — Three fourths of a pound of flour, I one quart of molasses, one fourth of a pound of butter, one I ounce of' saleratus. ?\n Pound Cake. — One pound of flour, one of sugar, one of but- ter, eight eggs, three spoonfuls of rose-water, or one nutmeg. Loaf Cake. — Two pounds of flour, half a pound of sugar, quarter of a pound of butter, two eggs, a gill of sweet yeast, a large spoonful of lemon, brandy, or rose-water, a little cinna- mon, nutmeg, or cloves ; if it is not as thin as white-bread dough, add a little milk. Sponge Cake. — Ten ounces of flour, a pound of powdered Io?f-sugar, twelve eggs, rose-water, lemon, or nutmeg for spice, sai^a a teaspoonful of saleratus. Election Cake. — Four pounds of flour, three quarters of a pound of butter, four eggs, one pound of sugar, one pound of currants, or raishis, half a pint of good yeast ; wet it with milk as soft as it can be, and be moulded on a board. Set it to rise over night, in winter ; in warm weather, three hours is usually enou^ for it to rise. Pies. — Mince Pies. — Take one quart of wheat or lye bread, and one quart of sour apples, after they are chopped fine, ono pint of sugar-house molasses, one pint of cream or milk, one pint of chopped raisins, two large spoonfuls of cinnamon, one teaspoonful of salt, the juice of six lemons, and the rind of one grated. Apple Pies. — Peel and stew the apples, mash them fine with sugar, a little butter, and grated nutmeg or lemon-peel ; bake in a rich crust and quick oven, but not hot enough to scorch. Custard Pies. — Allow six or eight beaten eggs to a quart of milk, and sweeten with sugar. Do not bake them too much. It is a good plan to put the crust on the plates, prick and bake them, before pouring in the custard. Cranberry Tarts. — Put two pounds of sugar into two quarts of cranberries, wet with water, and stew them until done. When wanted for use, put them on a puff'-paste crust. 190 S(piash Pics, — Boil and sift the squash, and make them ex- actly like pumpkin pics. Pickles and CATcmirs. — A method of pickling cucumbers, which is good, is to put thom in salt and water as you pick them, changing the salt anress suited to a <^eiitleiuau. 1. The importance of dressing properly can scarcely be over- rated. It not only influences the opinions of others in regard to us, but governs our own self-respect. A shabbily-dressed man is likely to feel shabbily, and to commit shabby actions. A man with his coat out at the elbows, a shocking bad hat, and boots run down at the heel, will do things, of which, in his dressed moments, he would be heartily ashamed. 2. A dandy farmer, an over-dressed mechanic, and a finical tradesman are ridiculous ; but there is no reason why people of all employments should not wear clean linen and dress with per- fect neatness. 3. A plain, simple style is most proper for people of every class, — the richest as well as the poorest. Flashy dresses, fancy colors, and excess of ornament are the distinguishing marks of blacklegs and prostitutes. Full dress, for gentlemen, admits of but two colors, black and white. Undress allows of grays, browns, olives, indigos, and other quiet colors. BOOKS FOR THE PEOPLE. No. 15 Brattle Street, Boston, PUBLISHES A VAKIETY OF INTERESTING BOOKS, C'liefly devoted to Useful Family Matters, to which he would respectfully call the attention of the public ; AMONG WHICH ARE The American Family Economist, and Housphold Library; a book of Practical Utility, devoted to the best interests of families ; containing articles by tbe best writers on dome-tic economy, education, sickness, health, cottage gardening and fdtming, social sketches, moral tales, famil.y secrels and valua- ble household receipts. In Three Parts. i2j/^ cents each. 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The Family Doctor, showing the Causes, Symptoms and Cure of all Diseases ; wi'h an Appendix and Suppl ment cori;ainii:g more than 150 valuable liecipes, or secrets make known. — Price, 12>2 f'ts. Dr. Skinner's Last Medical Oiferii)g^, or People's Friend in hickness and Health — it being his hi st work, cuPtaning many valuable Directions and Recipes never before published ; being the result of much patient investigation and careful Siudy for many years. Price, 25 cts. The Am'^rican Ladies' Memorial— an indispensable Home- Book for the Wife, JNIother, Sister, Daughter ; in fact, useful to every Lady throughout the United States. Beautifully Il- lustrated. — It contains articles on Embroidety, Dr;jss-Maki"g, Millinery, the Florist, the Ladies' Toilette, the Ladies' Jiook of Etiquette, Drawing and I*uinting, &c. Price, 25 cts. VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS. My Own Physician— with the whole Theory and Practice of Materia Medica and Midwifery, embraced in a series of short descripiions of diseases, with their mode of treatment-, well adapted to the use of famili»^s and individuals. Also, general views on the preservation of health, and manner of preventing diseases incident to our climate. By a distinguished Physician and successful practitioner. Price, 12)^ cts. The Business Man's Guide, or Every Man his own Lawyer- containing an easy form of book-keeping, forms of orders, notes and receipts, qualifications of voters, rules of guaging and measuring, forms of petition, interest tables, probate mat- ters, legal forms, deeds, mortgages, bonds, leases, legal fees, &c. fly Croats, &c. Varieties. — Management of — Feeding, Watering. &c. — Ewes, Lambs, &c. — Season K>r Droppuig. — Time apd CONTENTS. < Mode of Shearing. — Pr«:)per Pastures. — Value of Tea-Sti-aw for Sheep. — Good Air 62 Goats. — A'^arieties. — Their value. . 64 Section IV. — S^vine. — Manage- uieiit of. JIarks of a Good Hog — Best Breed. — Selecting Sows. — To prevent Sows from eating their Young. — F.-vttemng Hogs. — liu bbiug Hogs — Warm i<'ood. 64 Section V. — Horses, Colts, Mules, &>c. Feeding Horses — Breaking a Young Horse — Teachil^g a Horse to Draw. — Food for Horses. — Horses should be curried. — Should have Shelter. . 66 Mule. — Uses and Value. ... 67 Section VI. — Dogs. — Voirieties, Qualities, <&>c. Nine Rules on Breeding, Rearing, &c. . 68 Newfoundland Dog 68 Spaniel , . 68 Setter 68 Pointer 68 Shepherd's Dog 68 BuU-Dog. ,..,,. 68 Drover's Dog. . , , . . 68 Terrier 69 Poodle 69 CHAPTER HI. Containing the Latest and MOST Approved System for the Cure of all Diseases * Incident to Domestic Ani- mals. Section I. — Neat Cattle. Cattle.— To cure Horen Foot. —Hoof- ail. — Loss of Cud. — Horn-ail. — Remedy. — Murnuu, or Plague. — Recipe. — Mange, or Itch. — Lice on Cattle. — Cure for Wens. — Cure for Bloated Cattle. — Scours — Cure for Poison. — Sting of an Adder. — CoUc. — Sprains. — Choking. — Milk Fever, or Garget. — Drying off Cows. — A Hint. 69 Calves. — Cure for Insects in the Stom- ach. — Scours in Calves. . . .72 Section II* — Slieep and I4ani1>s. Core for Ticks. — Cure for Cold. — To prevent taking Cold after being Shorn. — Head-Fly. — Foot Rot. — Mouth Distemper. — Scab in Sheep. — Symp- toms. — Remedies. — To cure Sheep Pox. — Rot in Sheep. — Reeling Sick- noe.=!. — Best Remedy. — Swelled Paunch. — Worms in the Head. — Remedies. — Maggots in Sheep. — Water in Sheep's Heads. . . .73 1* Section III.— Diseases of Horses, Colts, &c. Cure for Bots. — Ring-bone. — Remedy. — Colic. — Pole Evil and Fistula. — Stifle. — Heaves. — Cough. — Sahva, or Slabbering. — Swelling. — Wounds and Bruises. — Lockjaw — Scratches. — To cure a Choked Horse. — To cure Sore Backs. — Inflammation of the Eye — Receipt for Horse Liniment. — Wind Galls — Hoof-bound. — Strangles. — Foundered Feet — Cure. — Blood Spavin. — Bone Spavin. — Wart. — Strangury. — Thrush. — Corns. 77 Section IV. — Diseases of Sfvine* To cure the Measles — Rupture. — Cuie. — Sore Throat. — Staggers. . . 82 Section V. — Diseases of Dogs* &c. Debility. — Inflammation of the Bowels. — Disteniijer in Dogs. — Weak Eyes. — Sore Ears. — Costiveness. — Colic Pains. — Mange. — Worms. — Wounds. — Hydrophobia 88 CHAPTER IV. The True Poultry- Yard : or, Fowl-Breeder's Guide. Section I. — General RemarlcSy &'C. Poultry -House. — Laying in Winter. — Nests, &c — Summer Yards. — Spring Yards. — Hen-Ladder. — Selection of Stock for Breeding. — Number of Hens with a Cock. — Choice of Hens for Sit- ting. — Selecting Eggs for Sitting — Number of Eggs for a Hen. — Best Age for Sitting — Best Breed. — How to keep a Good Stock — Feeding Poultry. — Rule for Sitting Hens on Turkeys' or Ducks' Eggs. — Poultry for Market. 84 Section II.— Origin, Varieties, and Qualities of Domiestio Poultry. Dunghill or Barn-door Fowl. — Dork- ing. — Cochin China. — Bolton Grays. — Polish. — Guelderlands. — Malay Fowl — Spangled Hamburg. — Span- ish Fowl. — Java Fowl. — Grame FowL — Bantam Fowl — Creeper — Jump- er. — Turkish Fowl. — Columbian Fowl. — Dutch Fowl — Dutch Every- day Layers. — Barbary Fowl. — Rump- kin Fowl. — Sus.iex Fowl. — Frizzled Fowl. — Silky Fowl. — Siberian Fowl. Bankiva Fowl — Negro Fowl. — Shake- bag Fowl. — Guinea Hen. — Golden pheasanta 87 VI CONTENTS. Section III. — Turkeys, Geeae, Ducks, Doves, ^c. Turkeys. — General Management, &c. — Qualities. — Laying — Sitting. — Hatching — Treatment of the Young. — Fattening. — Varieties. . . .92 Geese. — General Management. — Tou- louse Goose. — Bremen Goose. — Com- mon Goose — Breeding. — Laying. — Sitting Goslings. — Nests and Food. — Yards, &c 93 Ducks — Varieties. — Aylesbury White. — Rouen Duck. — Muscovy. — Water. — Laying. — Hatching. — Ducklings. — Ducks' Eggs. — Ducks in Gardeiifl. 95 Doves. — General Ilemarka. . . .96 Section IV. — Diseases of Poul- try. — Tkeir Symptoms and Cure. Asthma. — Apoplexy. — Costiveness. — Consumption. — Bloody Flux.— Corns. — Diarrhoea. — Fever. — Gout. — Indi- gestion. — Moulting. — Pip. — Cure. — Koup 96 CHAPTER V. The Family Gardener. Section I. — Management of tke Kitcken Oarden. Remarks. — Proper Situation of a Gar- den. — Requisite Soils. — Manures. — Kinds and Qualities 98 Section II. — Raising Garden Vegetables. Vegetable Roots. — Turnips. — Beets. — Carrots. — Parsnips. — Onions. — Po- tatoes. — Horseradish. — Radish. — Oyster Plant 99 Vegetable Plants. — Corn. — Beans. — Peas. — Squash. — Cucumbers.— Cab- bages. — Asparagus. — Cauliflowers. — Celery. — Cress. — Egg Plant. — Let- tuce. — Melon. — Rhubarb. — Toma- to.— Parsley 100 Section III.— Tke Herbalist: or tke Culture of Culinary and Mediciual Herbs. Culinary Herbs. — Marjoram. — Thyme. — Savory. — Sage. — Caraway. — Cori- ander. 105 Medicinal Herbs. — Pennyroyal. — Cam- omile. — Hyssop. — Balm. — Worm- wood. — Iloarhound. — Lavender. — Tansy. — Sallron 106 Section IV. — German Hot-beds for Forcing Garden Vegeta- bles, Ilei'bs, Flowers, &,c. How to prepare them. — The Cost. — Repairs. — Their Superiority. — Tem- perature, Vapor, &o 107 CHAPTER IV. The Flower-Garden. Section I. — Tke Green-House) Flowers; Skrubs ; Mode ot^ Culture, di'C, Water for Green-House Plants. —To make Plants Bushy and Handsome. — Air for Plants. — Changing to larger Pots. — Geraniums raised by Cuttings and Seed 107 Herbal Plants in Pots. — Five particular Directions for Culture, &c. . . 108 Bulbous Flower-Roots. — Situation. — Soil. — Transplanting. — Depths and Distances. — Protection in the Winter. — Bulbous Roots in Pots. . . . 109 Garden Flower- Plants, Shrubs, Ifc. — *\^ Explanation. — Situation. — Soil. — Sowing and Planting. — Transplant- ing. — Cultivation — Weeds. — Shrub- bei-y. — Cuttings. — Layers. — Gravel- walks and Edgings lOO Section II. — Green-House and Parlor Plants. Anemones. — Camellia Japonica. or Ja- pan Rose. — Lilies of tlie VaiUey. — WTiite Lilies. — Mignonette. — Persian Iris. — Roses, Varieties, &c. — Single and Double Jonquils. — Tuberoses. — ^ Verbena Trifoliata HI Section III. — Garden Flower- Plants; Skrubbery* Annuals and Perennials. — Almond.— Amaranth. — Aster, China. — Box. — Brier, Sweet — Carnation. — Catalpa. — Cherry. — Chrysanthemum. — Col- umbine. — Convolvulus — Crocus. — DahUa. — Daisy. — Geranium. — Gold- en Coreopsis. — Hollyhock. — Honey- suckle. — Hyacinth — Hydrangea. — • Ice Plant — Iris. — Laurel. — Lark- spur. — Lilac. — Morning Bride. — Mountain Ash. — Myrtle. — Nastur- tium. — Passion-Flower. — Peony. — Pink. — Polyanthus. — Poppy. — , Roses. — Siberian Crab — Snowball- Tree — Snowberry. — Spii'sea. — Syringa. — Strawberry-tree — Sweet Pea. — Sweet William, or Poetijc Pink. —TuUps.— Smoke-Tree. — Violet. . IV CHAPTER VII. Book of Horticulture. Section I.— Horticultural Opem* tions. Grafting. — Stocks. — Operation of Grafting. — Time of Grafting. — Scions. —'Principle of Grafting. — Kinds of Grafting 116 II CONTENTS. vn Budding. — Time of Budding. — Advan- tages of Budding — Inarching. — Root Grafting. — Pruning Trees — Pruning Stone-Fruit Trees. — Setting Fruit-Trees. — Training Fruit-Trees. — Modes of Training. — Espalier Training. — New Metliod of Training Apple-Treea 117 Section II. — Apple, Pear, Plum, Clxerry, Peach., Ctuince, &c. Apples. — Early Harvest. — Early Straw- berry. — ^Villiams Favorite. — Graven- eteiu — Porter — Baldwin. — Ladies' Sweeting. — Rhode Island Greening. — Roxbury Russet. — Also a list of ten other varieties, all worthy of fruit-growers. . • . . 119 Pears — Bartlett. — Beurre Bosc. — Dix. — Fondaute de Autonine. — Gray Day- enne. — Louise Bon de Jersey. — Seckel. — Beurre de Aremberg. — Winter NeUs. — Bell, Dearborn's Seed- lings, Flemish Beauty, Vicar of Wake- field, Washington, D. N B. Pear. . 120 plums. — Bleecker's Gage. — Coe's Gold- en Drops. — Diapree Rouge. — Green Gage. — Jefiferson. — Lawrence's Fa- vorite. — Smith's Orleans. — Purple Favorite 121 Cherries. — Bavimann's May. — Black Tartarean. — Black Eagle. — Downer's Lat«. — Down ton. — Bigarreau. — El- ton. ~ May Duke 122 PmcAes. — Early York. —George the Fourth. — Gross Mignonne. — Cool- idge's Favorite. — Bergen's Yellow. — Esurly Chelmsford. — Oldmixon Free- Btone. — Large White Clingstone. . 122 The Quince. — Apple Q:uince. — Pear- shaped. — Portugal Quince. — Musk Quince. — Ornamental Varieties, via. Chinese, Japan, Blush Japan, &c. . 123 Apricots. — Moorpark. — Breda — This work also notices seven other varie- ties 123 Nectarines. — Elruge. — Early Violet. — Boston and Hunt's Tawney. . . 124 Section III. — Slirub and Vine Fruits. Currants. — Soil, Propagation, Culture, Varieties. — Large Dutch. — AVhite Dutch. — Champagne. — Early Red. — isweet Red, and several other Kinds. — Also, several Ornamental Kinds, . 124 Gooseberry. — Soil, Propagation, and Culture. — Varieties. — Houghton's Seedlings. — Crown Bob, — - WTiit©- •mith. — Also nine other Choice Vari- eties 125 Raspberry. — Soil, Propagation, and Cul- ture. — Varieties. — American Black. — American White. — Ametican Red. — Ohio Everbearing 126 Strawberry. — SoU, Manure, Culture, Varieties, &c. — Early Virginia. — Hovey's Seedling. — Boston Pine. — Swainstone's Seedling. . . , 126 Cranberry. — Soil, Locality, &c. . 127 Baroerry. — Its Cultivation, &c. . . 127 Blackberry. — Cult.vation and Soil. — High Bush. — Low Bush. . . .127 Grape. — Propagation, &c. — Layers. — Cuttings. — Pi-opagating by Cuttings. — Prunings. — Summer Pruning. — August Pruning. — Varieties. — Elsin- burgh. — Catawba. — Isabella, &c. . 127 CHAPTER VIII. The Apiarian's Guide: Or Practical Details on the Easy and Profit" able Management of Bees. The Queen Bee. — Drone. — Working Bee. — Situation of the Hive. — Spring Stock. — Fall Stock. — To obtain Good Hives. — Time of Swarming. — Signs of Swarming. — To prevent Swarming — To save a Swarm that has settled. — Food for Bees. — Winter Manage- ment. — Closing the Hive, and Cover- ing. — To make the Wax. — Hives. . 129 CHAPTER IX. The Bird-Fancier's Companion : With Plain and Simple Directions for the Management of Canaries^ Native and Exotic Songsters. Canary Bird. — Pairing Canaries. — Sit- uation of the Breeding-Cage. — Nests, Boxes, &c. — Period of Sitting. — Bathing-Pans. — To distinguish the Male from the Female. — Moulting. — Bed Mites. — Swelling of the Siomach. — Egg-bound, &c. . . . .132 American Yellow-Bird. . . . 133 Cardinal Grosbeak 133 American Mocking-Bird. . . . 133 Skylark 134 Purple Finch, or Linnet. , . , 134 American Robin 134 English Thrush 134 Reed-Bird, or Bob-o^-link. . . .134 Red-Wing, or Swamp Blackbird. . 134 CHAPTER X. Section I. Fftniily Medicine^ By which any person can doctor himself in all Kinds of Sickness, in a Simple and Safe Manner; comprising also the Sailor and Emigrant's Guide, both at Sea, and in Travels abroad. Tlie Use of the Pulse 135 First Thing to be done in Sichuss, tfc. 136 VIU CONTENTS. Class I. — Tlie Digestive Organs. Indigestion. — Costiveuess. — Bad Ap- petite.— Heartburn. — Wind. —Colic. — Diarrhoea — Dysentery. — Cholera. — Nettle-Iiash.— Toothache. — Worms. — Jaundice. — Gravel. — Piles. — Fis- tula 135 Class II. — Ovga>»« of BreatlUiig. Cold in the Head. — Cough. — Loss of Voice. — Whooping-Cough. — Winter Cough. — Croup. ■ — Astiima. — Con- sumption 137 Class III.— Tlie Blood, or Organs of Circulation. Ferers. — Ague. — Typhus Fever. — Scarlet Fever.— Small-Pox.— Erysipe- las.— Measles — Influenza. — Chicken- Pox. — Itch. — Pving-worm, Shingles, &c. — Scald Head. — Scurvy. — Pu- trid Sore Throat — Pleurisy — In- flammation of the Lungs. — Inflam- mation of the Stomach. — Inflamma- tion of the Liver — Inflammation of the Bowels — Inflammation of the Urinary Oi'gans. — Rheumatism — — Gout. — Scrofula. — Dropsy. — Wa- ter in the Chest. — Water in the Head 137 Class IV. — Diseases of tiie Brain and Serves. Tic Douloureux. — Nervous Headache. — Sick Headache. — Giddiness of the Head. — Inflammation of tlie Brain. — Lockjaw. — Hysteric Fits. — Con- •- Tulsive Fits in Children. — Fainting. — Apoplexy 139 Class V. — Common Accidents} and liovv to treat tliein. Drowning. — Hanging — Suffocation. — Choking. — Exposure to Cold. — Stroke of Lightning. — Drunkenness. 140 Accidents fty Poisoning. Alkaline Poisons. — Verdigris, Lunar Caustic, and Corrcsive Sublimate. — Gamboge, Croton-Oil, and Cauthar- ides 140 Poisons acting tlirougli tlie Blood. Arsenic. — Prussic Acid. — Hemlock, Laudanum, Nightshade, and other Vegetable Poisons 141 Poisons >vliicli act upon tlie Kerves and Brain. Tobacco, Alcohol, Croton-Oil, Lead, Oil of Almonds, &c. . . . . . 141 Accidental Injuries to th.e Skin, Spx-aius. — Ruptures — Dislocated Limba. — Broken Bones. — Sand ox other Substances in the Eye. — In- flammation of the Eyes. — Insects and other Substances in the Ear. . . 141 Section II. The Sick Man's Doctor: or, Med- icated Flannel. Kept for many years a profound secret, and finaily sold for Five Hu.xdred Dollars, And now offered to you for Tiotnty-Jive Cents!.' Saleratus Swe;it. — Jledicated Flannel. — Mode of Preparing tne Flannel. — Directions for Using the Flannel. — Receipts for Making the Oil and Lo- tion. — Rheumatic Oil. — Soothing Lo- tion. 143 Section III. Showing lio-»v to live a Hun- dred Years, in good Health. ■What is Good Health ?— Certain Condi- tions Essential to Long Life. — Nine Definite Rules to Prolong Life, &c. . 146 Section IV. Effects of Arts, Trades, and > Professions upon Health; With Hints on the Select-ion o/Emplotments and Situations adapted to the Constitu- tions o/YouNG People. Accountants, Book-keepers, and Clerks. 146 Architects, Civil Engineers, and Sur- veyors 146 Attorneys at Law 147 Bakers 147 Bone-turners 147 Bookbinders and Pocketbook-makers, . 147 Brass-workers 147 Brewers. 147 Brushmakers 147 Bricklayers. .,,... 147 Briekm'akers 147 Butchers 147 Cabinetmakers 147 Carvers and Gilder.g 148 Cart-drivers, or Truckmen. . . 148 Carpenters, J oiners, >V^heelwrights, Mill- wrights . 14S Chcmifnts and Druggists. . . . 148 Clergymen 148 Clock and Watch-makeri». . . . 148 Coachmen, Stage-drivers, &c. . . 148 Coach-builders 148 Coffee-roasters 148 Colliers and >VeU-sinker8 . . . 148 Cooks and Confectioners . . . 148 Coopers 148 Coppersmiths. 149 Curriers and Leather-dressers. . . 149 Dressmakers, Milliners, and Straw-Bon- net-iuakers. . . . . 149 m CONTENTS. IX ^ Dyers. ....... 149 i'ishennen .149 Glassblowers. 149 Grocers. 149 Hatters 149 Iron-founders 149 Machinists 149 Masons, or Stonecutters. . , 149 Millers 160 Physicians and Surgeons. . . . 150 Painters. 150 Paper-makers 150 Plasterers, Whitewashersj &c. . . 150 Pavers. 150 Plumbers. . . . i . . 150 Potters 150 Printers. 150 Rope-makers 150 Saddlers 150 Shoemakers. 150 Shop-keepers. 151 Smiths 151 Snuff, Tobacco, and Cigar-makers. . 151 Tailors 151 Tallow-chandlers 151 Tanners 151 Tinplate-workers 151 Wood-turners 151 Hints ou Selecting Trades, &c. , . 151 Section V. Book of Herbs ; "I'lieir Properties and Uses iu Sickness explained. Thirty Kinds described and their Medi- cal Properties pointed out. . . 152 Measures of Medicines, Tables, &c. . 153 Family Medicine-Chest . . . 154 Twenty-five Medical Preparations, and their Doses explained . . . 154 Five Useful ArticlciJ lo keep in a Family. 155 CHAPTER XI. Particularly Useful to tlie Apo- tliecary, Pliysician, Manufac- turer of Patent Medicines, Perfumery, &c. Signs used by Physicians in Writing their Prescriptions. — Dictionary of IMedical Terms 155 Class I -- Nine Medical Receipts for making Tinctures, Liniments, Elixirs, Ointments, &c. . . . 156 Class II. — Eighteen Receipts for Pre- paring Patent Medicines, sucli a.? PiU.H, Bittci-s, Powders, Cordials, Eye- Wfiter.-f, Essences, &c. . . . 157 C'la63 III. —Twelve Receipts for mak- ing Perfumery, Cosmetics, Soaps, &c., Buch as Extracts, Cologne, Creams, Smelling Salts, Pomatum, Tooth Wash, Tooth Paste, Tooth Powders, &c ,. . 159 CHAPTER XII. Bretmen's Twenty-five Ready AVays to make Money ; Being Twenty-five Ori^nal Re- ceipts for making useful Arti- cles vvliicli command a quick sale and insure a full pocket. Formerly sold for $ 5 ; but now included ia this work, and the whole for 25 cents. CHAPTER XIII. The Pocket Laavyer; Or Forms in Lia>v, correctly drawn and adapted to General Use. Plan of Book-Keeping. ~ Day Book. — Leger. — Plan of Opening Accounts in each 167 ]Votes. — Ten Facts in regard to Notes which all Persons should know. . 168 Form of jVotes.-OnTime —On De- mand, with Interest. — On Time, with Interest. — Payable by Instalments, with Periodical Interest — Payable in Stock, with Interest — Note by Two Persons. — Note at the Bank. . 169 Receipts. —A General Form. — Re- ceipt tor Money ou Account. -- Receipt for Money paid ou a Note. — For Money paid by another Person. — For Money received for Another. — For a Quar- ter's Rent 170 Orders. — An Order for Goods. — An Order for Money. .... 171 Deeds, &-c. — Twelve Circumstances concerning Deeds which all Persons should know — Form of a Common Deed — Mortgo.gc Deed. — Quitclaim Deed. — AVarranty Deed. — Form of a AVill. — General Form of an Agree- ment — A Bill of Sale — Bonds. — Form of a Simple Bond — Power of Attorney. —Letter of Credit. — Simple Form of Lease. — Landlord's Lease. — Tenant's Agreement. — Sure- ty. — Assignment Of a Lease — Notice to a Tenant to quit. — Agreement of Copartnership. .... 175 Legal Relation of Husband and Wife ; showing the Rights of Married Women in Regard to Holding Property. — Eighteen Important Facts wiiich ail should know . . . 180 Mode of Procuring Patents in tlie United States. — The Details explained. — Caveats. — Mod- els. — Drawings. — Specifications and Claim. — Extension of Patents. — Ad- ditional Improvements. . . . 181 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIV. Chairman's Directory: Or Guide to tlie Rules of Public Dclbate* Choice of a Chairmdn. — Six Rules. . 184 The Rights and Duties of the Chair- man. — Fifteen Parliamentary Rules. 184 CHAPTER XV. The Ladies' Mirror of Cook- Witb. Full Detailg of tKe Whole Art, Simplified. Carving. — Three Ru'es. . . . 185 Cooking Meats. — Roast Beef. — Boiled Beef. — Beefsteak. — Roast Pork. — Pork Steaks. — Broiled Hain. — Sau- sages. — » Roast Mutton. — Roast Veal. — Boiling. — Eggs 186 poultry. — Turkey. — Boiled Turkey. — Roast Ducks and Geese. — Roast Chicken. — Boiled Chicken. — Broiled Chicken. — Boiled Pigeons. . . 185 Gravies 186 Soups. — Beef Soup. — Oyster Soup. . 186 Fish. —Boiled Fish. ~ Halibut. — Pan Fish 186 Vegetables 186 Fruits, Jellies.) Preserves, (fc. — Strong Apple-Sauce. — Boiled Pears and Ap- ples — Raspberry Jam. — Cranberry Jelly. — Preserved Citron. . . 187 Bisouits. — Soda Biscuit. . . . 187 Good Brown Bread 187 Indian Cake 187 Bakers'' Gingerbread 187 Two Rules for Sauces and Cream. . 188 Puddings. — Baked Indian Pudding. — Plum Pudding Baked. —Custard Pud- ding Baked. — Tapioca Pudding. — M. Baked Rice Pudding. — Bread Pud- ^ ding — Batter Pudding. . . , 188 Four Rules in Making Cakes. . . 188 Cakes. — Wedding Cake. — Ichig for Cakes. — Pound Cake. — Loaf Cake. Sponge Cake. — Election Cake. . . 189 Pies. — Mince Pies. — Apple Pies. — Cus- tard Pies. — Cranberry Tarta. — Squash Pies 189 Pickles and Catchups. — To Pickle Veg- etables. — Tomato Picikles. — Peppers. — Tomato Catchup 190 Yeasts. — Potato Yeaat. — Hop Yeast. 190 Refreshing Drink for the Sick. , • 190 CHAPTER XVL The Lady's Looking-Glass OF Fashion and Politeness. Nine Rules of Politeness. . . , 191 Models of Invitation Cards and Notes. 191 How to Address a Lady. . . . 191 Ten Rules to be Observed in Converaa- J tion :i^ Styles of Dress best suited to Different ^'"^ Complexions. — The Hat. — Dress. — Flounces. — Tucks. — High-neck ' Dresses. — Evening Dresses. — Shorfc Cloaks. . . . . ._ .1931,1 Various Styles of Dressing ike Hair. — The Hair. — Caps. . . .19ii| Style of Dress suited to a Gentleman. 194 i ! Three Rules, ifc IM U .mM: