308 MONTHLY JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE. 



the breeds in existence, and endeavor to improve them, than to enter upon the 

 formation of new ones by crossing one breed on another, in the hope of preserv- 

 ing out of each exactly what we want, and throwing off what don't suit us. — 

 Doubtless we may take a bull of improved blood, and, by crossing, breed up a 

 stock improved on the basis of the common cattle — that is, if we have recourse 

 to the improved blood often enough to avoid breeding in-and-in. 



But the whole system must be laid down with care, and followed with judg- 

 ment, to prevent ultimate degeneracy. One reason Avhy the progeny of so many 

 imported bulls have deteriorated is that there has been too much close breeding 

 — too much breeding in-and-in. Those who undertake to raise thorough bred 

 must continue every two or three years to import a bull, as Mr. Patterson does — 

 the best to be had, without respect to price — or they should obtain a bull from 

 other stock in our own country, if to be had, as good as the best to be had abroad. 

 This is the course, no doubt, that the Massachusetts Agricultural Society will 

 adopt, or in a few years degeneracy will mark the descendants of their imported 

 stock. 



In England, sheep farmers, the best, don't pretend to rear their own rams. — 

 They find it more to their advantage to hire choice rams from noted breeders 

 who make a business of rearing the very best for that purpose. We are yet a 

 great way from beginning to approach the high standard in skill and success in 

 breeding domestic animals. Short cuts and short apprenticeships may do iu 

 other things, but not in this. 



COAL TAR: 



TO WHAT USES APPLICABLE. 



John S. Skinner, Esq. New-Orleans, April 6, 1846. 



Dear Sir : In answer to your request that I would make a statement to you 

 of my experience of the uses to which coal tar can be applied, I beg leave to 

 transmit you the following : Coal tar is a great preserver of timber. I have seen 

 fence posts and pickets drawn from their places in which they had been driven 

 ten years before, as sound as when first cut. They had been well saturated with 

 coal tar. Coal tar inixed with sharp sand and a little lime, say a pint to a gal- 

 lon, well stirred over a slow fire until it simmers, has been used with great 

 effect upon shingle and other wooden roofs, and upon fence-rails. Two or three 

 coats ought to be laid on, and when used it should be hot. Use a whitewash 

 brush, and let each coat dry before applying the next. All iron-work painted 

 ■with it is permanently preserved from rust. Any coloring matter may be thrown 

 in while preparing it, to suit the taste. 



I consider it a very valuable article on farms and plantations ; and what ought 

 to recommend it particularly to farmers is its cheapness, its price not exceeding 

 $3 per barrel of 32 gallons. There are many other uses, no doubt, to which it 

 might be applied besides those I have named. Hoping those pointed out may 

 draw the attention of your readers, 



I am, with great respect, your ob't serv't JAMES H. CARDWELL. 



Improved Candle- Wicks. — An improved candle maybe made by steeping cot- 

 ton wicks in lime-water, in which a considerable quantity of saltpetre (nitre) 

 has been dissolved. Ey this means is obtained a pure flame and a superior 

 light ; a more perfect combustion is insured ; snufhng is rendered nearly as su- 

 periiuous as in wax-lights ; and the candles thus made do not run or waste. 

 The wicks should be thoroughly dry before they are covered with tallow, other- 

 wise they will not burn with a uniform and clear light. 



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