272 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



article, but also in favor of the large amount annually yielded by each 

 individual sheep. The length and density of the wool furnishes the 

 animal yith excellent protection against cold ; and consequently ren- 

 ders it well adapted to the varying latitudes to which it has been 

 removed. 



The growing of wool in our country is of the greatest importance 

 to the American farmer. The amount of it wanted for home con- 

 sumption is incalculable. In aL the Northern States, the principal 

 of our clothing is made from it. No country could prosper if obliged 

 to import all that it needed for a population now large and destined 

 to increase to an unlimited extent. It is believed also that wool, with 

 our facilities for producing it, in a commercial view is equally deserv- 

 ing consideration, both with the political economist, and the agricul- 

 turist. Hence, with our enterprising citizens, the introduction of 

 Merino has long been an object of attention. If in some cases, as 

 in most new enterprises, there has been manifested a wildness of cal- 

 culation that eventuated in individual loss, there can be no doubt, 

 that if the pioneers in these efforts have not invariably or generally 

 made themselves rich, they have rendered an excellent service to their 

 countrymen. Another generation will profit from the experience of 

 the present one, so that hereafter fine wool will be one of the great 

 staples of the American States. 



METHEGLIN. A species of mead; one of the most pleasant 

 and general drinks the northern parts of Europe afford, and much 

 used among the ancient inhabitants. There are various methods of 

 making it ; one of the best is the following : Put as much new 

 honey, naturally running from the comb, into spring water, as that 

 when the honey is thoroughly dissolved, an egg will not sink to the 

 bottom, but be just suspended in it ; boil this liquor for an hour or 

 more, till the egg swim well above the liquor ; when very cooL next 

 morning, it may be barrelled up, adding to each fifteen gallons an 

 ounce of ginger, as much of mace and cloves, and half as much cinna- 

 mon, all grossly pounded ; a spoonful of yeast may also be added at 

 the bunghole to promote the fermentation. When it has done work- 

 ing it may be closely stopped up ; and after it has stood a month it 

 should be drawn off into bottles. 



MIG RATION. The migration of birds, as the swallow, quail, 

 stork, crane, field-fare, woodcock, nightingale, and other birds of pass- 

 age, is a very curious article in natural history, and furnishes a 

 notable instance of the powerful instinct impressed by the Creator. 

 Dr. Derham observes two things remarkable in this subject ; the first, 

 that these untaught, unthinking creatures, should know the proper 

 times for their passage, when to come, and when to go ; as also, that 

 some should come when others go. No doubt the temperature of the 

 air, as to cold and heat, and their natural propensity to breed their 

 young, are the great incentives to those creatures to change their habi- 



