166 



Moral Effects of Light. — Editorial JVotices. 



Vol. XL 



liable to be carried away by their passions. 

 The influence of the habit which I now re- 

 commend, on the comfort of society, is in- 

 calculable; the pleasure arising from the 

 cultivation of our rational powers, would 

 amply repay the efforts necessary for the 

 purpose; indeed, it is only by an accurate 

 examination of things, and reflection upon 

 them, that we learn the comparative value 

 of the different objects presented to our no- 

 tice, and give to every one that precise de- 

 gree of attention to which it is, by its na- 

 ture, entitled." — Life of William Allen. 



Moral Effects of Light. — Dark and 



sombre dwellings and streets are the well- 

 known resort of the most depraved classes in 

 all cities and towns. This may be said to be 

 a universal law of our social economy, and 

 hence it becomes a matter of some impor- 

 tance to consider whether it would not be ad- 

 visable, on moral grounds also, to attend with 

 greater care to the construction and improv- 

 ment of the residences of our labouring pop- 

 ulation. Darkness produces carelessness and 

 depression of mind, and of the whole nervous 

 system, especially if it be conjoined with idle- 

 ness, its almost necessary companion. A dark 

 house is generally a dirty house; and it is in 

 dark corners that the poor accumulate filth, 

 which they are too idle to throw out of doors. 

 If such dwellings were e.xposed to the light 

 of day, a sense of shame would often induce 

 a superior degree of cleanliness; and the 

 cheerfulness of mind which a light house 

 tends to foster would be productive of still 

 greater advantages. Mr. Clay in his Report 

 on Preston, has well said, that " something 

 may be hoped for a people who can feel ' a 

 joy in flowers;' " but the poor can seldom pos- 

 ses even this small advantage in the misera- 

 ble residences provided for them. — Liverpool 

 Health of Toions' Advocate. 



Currants may be forced by placing them 

 in any forcing department in the first or se- 

 cond month. They will ripen in the last 

 spring months. 



THE FARMERS' CABINET, 



AND 



jeLMSmCiklT ISSHD-BOOK. 



Philadelphia, Twelfth Month, 1846. 



In a private letter from T. Wm. Harris, of Cam- 

 bridge, Mass., dated the I9th ult., after alluding to the 



various and extended efforts he has made to perfect for 

 a new edition, his "Treatise on Insects Injurious to 

 Vegetation," he says, "There are still several insects 

 which I am desirous of obtaining; and among them, 

 the wire-worm and the beetle that produces it, both of 

 which, according to the late W. Gaylord, Esq., are 

 found in the Middle States. It may be, that they are 

 identical with a species found here, and this it is de- 

 sirable to ascertain." 



We make this note in orvI<^r to call attention to the 

 matter, and to solicit those whose situation and pur- 

 suits give them the power, to lend their aid to this dis- 

 tinguished naturalist, in his highly interesting pur- 

 suit. 



FiTZGERALti's Hewly invented Threshing Machine 

 was mentioned in our last number, as having been 

 visited by the Editor. Since that time we have seen 

 it in motion, and it certainly made a very favourable 

 impression as to the efficiency of its operations. It 

 threshed with great rapidity, and did the work well. 

 The grains were unbroken. A sheaf of wheat was 

 thrown in the water and then passed under the beat- 

 ers. It was out in a twinkling, with perhaps every 

 grain separated from the straw. 



itf- SHORT ADVERTISEMENTS, 



The subject matter of which, may correspond with the 

 agricultural character of this paper, will be inserted 

 at the rate of one dollar for each insertion often lines 

 or less; and so in proportion for each additional line. 

 Payment in advance. 



SSED STORE, 



No. 23 3Iarket Street, Philadelphia. 



The subscriber keeps constantly a supply of White 

 and Red Clover, and other grass seeds; fresh Perennial 

 Rye-grass, and Lucerne seed. Field seeds, consisting 

 of choice Spring Wheat, Barley, Potatoe Oats, North- 

 ern and other seed-corn. Also, in season, Fruit and 

 Shade Trees. Garden and Bird seeds generally. Gua- 

 no in parcels to suit purchasers. 



M. S. POWELL. 

 Philad., Feb., 1846. tf. 



Agency for the Purchase & Sale of 



IMPROVED BREEDS OF CATTLE & SHEEP. 



The subscriber takes this method of informing his 

 friends and the public, that he will attend to the pur- 

 chase and sale of the improved breeds of cattle, sheep, 

 swine, poultry, &:c., for a reasonable commission. All 

 letters post paid, addressed to him at Philadelphia, will 

 be attended to without delay. 



AARON CLEMENT. 



Sept. 15th, 1846. 



