No. 7. 



Cultivation of Pol a toes — ^^griciillure. 



231 



sing putrescent matter is full}' established 

 by the fnct that it lias been extensively 

 . formed for practical purposes by ihrowiny; 

 together in masses vegetable and animal 

 matter, subject to the influence of the at- 

 mosphere. 

 3d. Nitric acid acting on vegetable matter 

 converts it into oxalic acid, possessing such 

 a powerful affinity for lime that it readily 

 decomposes, the snlphateof lime forming a 

 new compound oxalate of lime, thereby 

 setting the sulphuric acid free to attract 

 moisture from the atmosphere. 



Joseph Cloud. 



Cultivation of Potatoes. 



Facts, however they may occur, and in 

 whatever branch of science they may appear, 

 although the operation of the causes producing 

 the effect may not be understood at the time 

 of their occurrence, it is proper to commu- 

 nicate to the public, that they may not be 

 lost, and that further experiments may be 

 made, so that correct opinions may be formed 

 jf their usefulness. In the science of Agri- 

 :ulture, no doubt much important information 

 •emains to be developed by the talents and 

 i-ntorprisc of the ingenious Agriculturist. — 

 (tVithin the last two or three summers several 

 )f my friends have experimented on the cul- 

 ivation of Potatoes by substituting sulphate 

 Sf lime in the place of putrescent manures 

 vith satisfactory success, particularly so last 

 *ason ; probably arising from a defect of 

 iioisture, to promote the decomposition of 

 'egetable matter. The cause, whatever it 

 niy have been, remains to be developed. — 

 The effects, however, are of vast importance 

 n the science of Agriculture, and will doubt- 

 essly attract the attention of practical farm- 

 Ts, and more light will be elicited on the 

 ubjoct. Their mode of management was to 

 irepare ground as usual for potatoe crops, 

 Iropping the seed-potatoes in the furrows and 

 trcwing the sulphate of lime liberally along 

 he furrows directly on the potatoes, and then 

 uniing the earth on them by means of a 

 ilough. The after treatment as usual in the 

 ulvation of that crop. 



Joseph Cloud. 



AVliat a STOod Farmer Iiates* 



le hates long stories and short ears of corn, 

 L costly farm-house and a shabby barn ; 

 lore curs than pigs, no books, but many guns, 

 lore toes, tight boots, and paper duns. 



[e hates tiglit lacing, and loose conversation, 

 abundant gab, and little information, 

 "he man who sings in bed & snores in meet ing, 

 yholaughs while talking and who talks while 

 eating. 



At a miotinjt of tlio " Philadelphia Society for Pro- 

 molinp A(;riculliir<'," held at their II.ill, Jan. 10, 1839, 

 ihe fdlldwiiig named fji^iitlfinoii were elected oiricera 

 for tlie ciifuiiigycar. 



President, 



NICHOLAS BIUDLE. 



Vice Presidetits, 



Dr. JAME.S MF.ASE— JOSEPH CLOUD. 



Treasurer, 



ALGERNON SIDNEY ROBERTS. 



Secretary, 



KENDERTON SMITFL 



Assistant Secretary and Librarian. 



SYDNEV GEORGE FISHER. 



Curators, 



ROBERT A. PAKRISII— JAMES GOWEN. 



Corresponding Committee, 



JOHN C. MONTGOMERY-Dr. G. EMERSON. 



Publishing Committee, 

 Dr. JAMES MEASE-CHARLES ROBERTS- 

 ALGERNON S. ROBERTS. 

 Attest, Kenderton Smith, Sec'y. 



Af^ricultiire. 



BY C. W. EVEREST. 



How blest the Farmer's simple life — 



How pure the joy it yields ! 

 Far from the world's tempestuous strife, 



Free, 'mid the scented fields ! 

 When morning woos with roseate hue, 



O'er the far hills away. 

 His footsteps brush the silvery dew, 



To greet the welcome day. 

 When Sol's first beam in glory glows, 



And blithe the sky-lark's song. 

 Pleased to his toil the Farmer goes, 



With cheerful steps along. 



While Noon broods o'er the sultry sky. 



And sunbeams fierce are cast, 

 Where the cool streamlet wanders by. 



He shares his sweet repast. 

 When Twilight's gentlest shadows fall 



Along the dark'ning plain. 

 He lists his faithful watch-dog's call, 



To wirn the list'ning train. 

 Down the green lane young hurrying feet 



Their eager pathway press; 

 His loved ones come in joy to greet. 



And claim their sire's caress. 

 Then, when the evening prayer is said. 



And Heaven with praise is blest. 

 How sweet reclines his weary head, 



On slumbers couch of rest! 

 Nor deem that fears his dreams alarm. 



Or cares with carking din ; 

 Without, his dogs will guard from harm, 



And all is peace within. 

 Oh ye who run in folly's race. 



To win a worthless prize! 

 Learn from the simple tale we trace. 



Where true contentment lies! 

 Ho ! monarch ! flushed with Glory's pride \ 



Thou painted, guilded thing! 

 Hie to the free born Farmer's side, 

 i And learn to be a king ! 



