1842. 



THE FAKMER'S MONTHLY VISITOR 



89 



but when biii-iit in retorts, for the purpose of af- 

 fording gas for illumination, tlie ammonia is dis- 

 solved in the liquor used for purifying the gas, 

 and is called the ammoniacal liquor of gas- 

 works. The manure will probably be about one- 

 third the price of bone-dust. 



The following account of it was given to the 

 Rojtal Agricultural Society, and is extracted from 

 tlie Boston Courier. — JVew. Gen. Farmer. 



" It had long been a subject of inquiry, what is the food 

 of plants, how are they supplied, and what are the ele- 

 ments of their growth ? There was every reason to be- 

 lieve that a reply could be now given of a more satisfac- 

 tory natuie than had ever been hitherto known ; besides 

 which, by the discovery of Mr. Daniel!, a most important 

 corroboration had been obtained of what had been consid- 

 ered the elements of vegetable growth ; those elements 

 were carbjn or charcoal, hydrogen or inflammable gas, 

 oxygen or vital air. and nitrogen. All these elements ex- 

 isted in the atmosjihere, in combination with other ele- 

 ments, in which state tliey were found to be the sources 

 of vegetable deveb-Tnient. It was known to persons ac- 

 customed to rural pursuits, that the heaps of vegetable 

 substances collected for the purposes of manure, during 

 the process of decomposition, became greatly reduced in 

 bulk and weight. If they investigated the causes of this 

 reduction, they would find that it was occasioned by tiie 

 evaporation of the carbonic acid and ammonia, the prin- 

 cipal sources of nutriment to plants. The discovery of 

 Mr. Daniell contained all the elements of vegetable 

 growth. It did not supply new elements, but the same 

 derived from other sources. It was known, that by com- 

 bustion substances were rapidly decomposed, and its oper- 

 ation produced the elements of vegetable growth. There 

 were on the earth numerous plants' which were apparently 

 useless, but it was a principle in nature that nothing 

 should be lost, and they were capable of a reduction into 

 their elements, and being made the means of vegetable 

 growth in other forms. The discovery of Mr. Daniell 

 was suggested by the fact that, while burning vegetables, 

 he obJerved that the ashes became blackened by the sur- 

 rounding smoke, and when used in that state were very 

 fertilizing. This led him to investigate the cause, and as 

 the result of his investigation he had produced the new 

 manure, the elements of which were carbon and ammo- 

 nia. With it the principal propcitie^ would not fly off 

 during decomposition, as that would take place in the 

 earth. Among othur advantages, it was light in weight, 

 cheap, and capable of being produi od in any quantity. 



'' This manure has been applied by the discoverer to 

 his own crops, on three acres of poor land, in an elevated 

 situation, on some of which he has grown wheit four suc- 

 cessive years with improving results each year ; its good 

 effects are therefore founded upon experience, personal 

 observation, and the testimony of other observers compe- 

 tent to judge. From the nature of the manure, it is ap- 

 plicable, with some varfttions in its composition, to every 

 kind of crop. It is not a stimulating manure, in the ordi- 

 nary sense of the word — that is, it will not have a ten- 

 dencv to call into activity the existing resources in the 

 soil— but its direct effect is to convey to the soil the di- 

 rect nutriment of future growth, Tiiis effect is produced 

 by the supply of ammonia to the soil in substance calcu- 

 lated to retain it for a time — to again absorb it from the 

 atmosphere — as they give it out to plants during their 

 growth. It will probably prevent also the ravages of in- 



Its mode of application may be various, according to 

 the circumstances of the crops. The application by drill 

 is conducive to economy of the manure, and a direct ap- 

 plication to the infant plant, as is the case with bone-dust. 

 Care, however, must be taken that it is not applied too 

 directly to the plant, or without some portion of mould 

 around it. This is the only precaution needed to avoid 

 danger in its use. There if one required to prevent waste, 

 as it is of a volatile character ; that is, to place it several 

 inches in the earth as the earth will absorb and retain the 

 volatile and valuable part. For grass lands, for similar 

 reasons, it will be well to have it mixed with a considera- 

 ble portion of ordinary unvalued mould. If the manure. 

 as manufactured, be mixed with an equal bulk of mould, 

 it will be perfectly safe for applicition ; or if the mould 

 of the field be stirred over it, when drilled, it will suflice. 

 The quantity to be used will vary according to the crop, 



like 





jthe 



nded for wheat, and I 

 or thirty-six bushels, might be beneficially applied for tur 

 nips or mangel-wurtzel. The most beneficial quantitie 

 will easily be ascertained by the intelligent farmer." 



Taking in Work. 



It is no discredit to a female to be obliged to 

 maintain heiself by work. On the contrary, it is 

 an honor to have it said that she can support 

 herself. It is her glory, and tlie best recommen- 

 dation to the society of all whose good will and 

 friendship aie alone worth posse.ssing. But there 

 aie females who have been so educated by their 

 jiaients, that they look U[)on labor as something 

 derogatory to their sex, and esteem those who 

 are willing to work as far beneath themselves. 

 They do not care to associate with those of their 

 own sex whom misfortune or jjoverty compel to 

 take in work, or who labor in shops or factories. 

 Hut which is the most honorable, to doze away 

 e.xistence in following the foolish fashions of the 

 day, in dressing in the latest style and be wailed 

 upon by servants, caring nothing for the poor 

 and distressed around, if self can only be decor 



ated and the first circle of society be entered, or 

 to rise with the dawn, support youi-self and en- 

 joy the blessings of life by living as the God of 

 nature designed ? 



Which, we ask, is the most honorable, the 

 most useful life .' And who are the best calcu- 

 lated to become real companions and happy and 

 contented wives ! Who but a fop, a drone, or a 

 fool, would choose the former for a friend and 

 companion through life, if it wei-e not lor her 

 wealth? and who lives the happiest, and enjoys 

 the most of this lite .' The answer is plain, and 

 yet there are nuiltitiides aroimd, following after 

 the foolish fashions of the day, spending the 

 property of their fathers in gew-gaws and silks 

 to make a splendid appearance to tickle the fan- 

 cy of the simpleton, or unloose the purse strings 

 of the miserly wretch. Girls, if you know what 

 belongs to your happiness you will never be 

 ashamed to woik; you will never let the crimson 

 mantle your cheeks when it is said, " She takes 

 in work," or " she enters a shop or fuctoi-y." No, 

 it will be your joy and yoin- (ui.ss[iort to success 

 to a cheerful and contented home, and all the 

 blessings of a virtuous life. 



We have been led to these remarks, by hearing 

 from the lips of a young woman as we passed 

 her in the street a lew days since, in a tone of 

 haughty pride and a toss of the head, as she re- 

 marked to a companion in reference to an ac- 

 quaintance, "I want to know if she takes in 

 work !" We know not the femide, but we 

 thought what a fool the young man must be to 

 choose such a one for a companion. If we vvei-e 

 in want of a wife, and possessed a princely for- 

 tune, we should search out that poor, industrious 

 girl, and she shoidd be made independent. Wc 

 know she must make an excellent coinpanion, an 

 industrious, useful wife, and a kind and devoted 

 friend. " She takes in work I" In a few years, 

 thotigh now despised for her industry and econ- 

 omy, she will far, far outshine her (iroud and 

 haughty acquaintance, and be introduced to bet- 

 ter society, while she, poor thing! may be glad 

 to work in her family or wash in her kitchen. 

 Such cases have occurred. 



Females, love labor, despise sloth. Care not 

 for the sneering remark, or the scornful look, and 

 your reward, though slow, will be certain. Years 

 of trial and anxiety, with prudence and industry, 

 will work out for you blessings and favors in- 

 comparably great and lasting. "Take in work ;" 

 do any thing but live a lazy, fashionable life. We 

 abhor and detest it ; and so do all whose favor 

 and fiiendship you would ever care to gain. 

 Though others may wonder at your course and 

 smile at your disposition, they shall be led in the 

 end to regard it as the height of wisdom and 

 sound philosophy. If your parents are wealthy, 

 remember riciies often take to themselves wings 

 and fly away ; nothing earthly is more unstable 

 Of your industiious and economical habits you 

 will never be deprived. These are far more val- 

 uable to bring to a young man than a princely 

 fortune. Secure these, whatever may be your 

 situation in life, and nevei', never be ashamed to 

 have it remarked of you, "She takes in woilt." 

 Portland Ti-ibunc. 



Niagara Falls in the WiiNter. — It is not 

 fashionable to visit the Falls of Niagai-a in the 

 winter season ; hence but few persons, except 

 those who are di'awii to its vicinity in tlie way of 

 business, see this mammoth of woiidcis in its in- 

 teresting and imposing winter aspect. It is often 

 described as surrounded by the foliage, and fan- 

 ned by tiie breezes of summer, but seldom as 

 fringed with tlio ice and snows of winter. A 

 descri|)tion of the Falls, however, I shall not pre- 

 tend to give; for, besides having been a thousand 

 times <lescrilii-d, it inny truly bo said, in the words 

 of Auilubon, " ;VI1 the pictures you may see, all 

 the descriptions you may read of the.se mighty 

 Falls, ran only produce in your mind the faint 

 glimmer of the glow worm compared with the 

 overpowering glory of the meridian sun." 



The scenery as now iiresented, is truly impos- 

 ing. The warm weather of the jiast ii^w days 

 has loosened the ice in the lake, and it is gliding 

 down the Niagara, dashing thiough the rapids, 

 and swee|)ing over the precipice in immense 

 masses. One must have nerves of iron and sin- 

 ews of brass, to maintain his equilibrium in view 

 of the scene. 



The winter sceneiy at the Falls is peculiar in 



other respects, and is indescribably beautiful. 

 The trees and shrubbery on the islands and 

 banks of the river, near the Falls, are covered by 

 the spray which is constantly rising with trans- 

 parent sleet, presenting the appearance of innu- 

 merable brilliants of all sizes and desciiptions. 

 The mist from the Falls freezes upon the trees 

 so gradually and to such thickness, as to present 

 a most e.xact resemblance to alabaster. This is 

 often set off by the beautiful variegated color of 

 the rainbow, which arch the river from a dozeu 

 different points. 



Another peculiarity of the winter sceneiy is 

 the immense number of ducks and geese seen 

 almost daily in and above the rapids. They are 

 not unfrequently found in the morning- with n 

 wing or leg broken, and sometimes dead, in the 

 river below the Falls. 



This generally happens in a dark and foggy 

 night, when they are insensibly carried down by 

 the rapids, till they find themselves going over 

 the precipice ; and then, in attempting to fly, 

 they dive into the sheet of water and are buried 

 for a time under the Falls, or dashed upon the 

 rocks. Gulls, in great numbers, are seen at tho 

 luesent time performing their inimitable gyra- 

 tions, enveloped in clouds of mist fearfully ap- 

 proaching the boiling cauldron diiectly under 

 the Falls, and would be any where else, in their 

 numbers and movements, objects of great attrac- 



But what shall I say of the combined scene! 

 The dashing rapids, the leaping, foaming waters, 

 the rush, the roar, and of the sublimity and beau- 

 ty of it all ! It were vain to attempt a descrip- 

 tion ; for the scone so imiiieasuiably exceeds ev- 

 ery thing of the kind elsewhere seen, or even im- 

 agined, that no power of language can give an 

 adeqtiate idea ol' it to those who have not been 

 here to see and hear for themselves. 



Two miles above the Falls, in a|)pioaching 

 fi'oni Buffalo, you come in sight of the white 

 crested breakers, more than a mile in width, 

 dashing, foaming, and tossing above the main 

 current, and at the same time you hear a low, 

 monotonous roar, and as you approach nearer, 

 feel n tremulous motion of the earth. TIh; broad 

 river, as it coidps thimderiiig and foaming down 

 the declivity, at length leaps the cataract, and 

 fidls apparently into the bowel? of the earth. 

 One who can witness the mighty rush and con- 

 flict, and hear the deafening roar of the Halers 

 unmoved, and without amazement, ni;iy comliule 

 the Falls " weie not made for him." — Methodist 

 Protestant. 



iim the American Farrr 

 A Golden Maxim. 



' VVhe 



order will inevitably be the consequence." 



The above sentence, in despite of the s;uiie 

 which it points against human nature, contains a 

 moral, whose value cannot be too higlily n|ipreci- 

 ated by every proprietor of an estate. It may be 

 humiliating to our [iride as men to acknowledge 

 the fact, but it is nevertheless true, that where the 

 employer does not give personal sn[ieriiiteiulanco 

 to the affairs of his fin m, or planiation, that those 

 eiiiployeil by him, whether slaves or hirelings, 

 will neglect their work, and thereby cheat him 

 out of labor to which he is entitled by every con- 

 sideration of justice and right. We do not ven- 

 ture upon this assertion upon light grotuids — u[i- 

 on vague suspicion — hut from an experience of 

 years, which cost us no little in money, but more 

 ill painful feelings. 



It may be said that all the nobler feelings of 

 our natui-e conspire to check in the very bud of 

 tlieir inception, all sus|)icions of the motives and 

 conduct of other.s, and that we tire taught by the 

 admonitions of the sacred volnme, "to judge not, 

 lest we be judged." The rules of conduct here 

 indicated, tmd the spirit of admonition whicli 

 they breathe, are worthy of all commendation ; 

 but they presuppose, and are based upon, a st.ite 

 of exalted morals, and a degree of jiurity of con- 

 duct, which unfortunately for the dignity of hu- 

 manity, and the interests of the community, are 

 not often to bo met with in those upon whom the 

 husbandman has to rely for the labor to be be- 

 stowed upon his estate. We v.'ould not unneces- 

 sarily impugn the motives of a fellow-creature, 

 however humble he may be in the scale of soci- 

 ety ; neither are we disposed to clothe with the 

 attributes of |!eifection mere erring ma« ; for in 



