376 Tbansactio.\s of the Americax Ixstitute. 



necessary for liim to call the gardener to inf|uire about tliis or that, 

 in any department. The country is indebted not a little to the 

 efforts of Mr, Carpenter in developing and improving pears, apples, 

 and the small fruits. The wind had so damaged an old denizen of 

 his apple orchard that the stub was cut down and removed ; the 

 stump, which was as high as my hand, was measured, and the 

 diameter was four and a half feet. This old apple tree was in full 

 bearing when the wind broke it down ; and near by stood an apple 

 tree from whieli Mr. C. plucked twenty-one barrels of good ai)ples ! 

 "What a commentary those facts present against the absurd theory 

 that varieties deteriorate and run out. One of the most attractive 

 features on the farm is the beautiful evergreen hedges which had 

 been planted some three or four years. Ornamental hedges of the 

 arbor vitas have frequently been made, besides those on his place. 

 Indeed, this kind of hedge is very common all over the country. 

 But it is a rare thing that we meet with a hedge of Xorway spruce, 

 which is so perfect in every desirable form, as the beautiful hedges 

 that may be seen on Mr. Carpenter's firm. It would be exceedingly 

 difficult for even a chattering wren to find a passage through it. 

 The fact shows most conclusively what may be accomplished in the 

 construction of hedges, if one understands how to manage the growing 

 plants. 



Mr. Carpenter spares no money nor effort to procure a specimen 

 of the best of everything that the country affords. If a new imple- 

 ment is manufactured, he understands tlie requirements of every 

 agricultural tool and machine so well, that many manufacturers often 

 rely more on his judgment as to its merits tlian on anything else. If 

 a laborer does not understand how to handle any hand tool or field, 

 implement, the proprietor of the farm can show him. 



It was a great pleasure to see all the arrangements about his out- 

 buildings. Few farmers can show a more satisfactory ]3onltry depart- 

 ment. Most of his fowls are of the Asiatic Bramah breed, numbering, 

 I should think, nearly 100. AVe were shown, also, a beautiful trio 

 of dark Bramahs, which had been imported at a great expense. 

 These are great layers. Besides these varieties, we were shown 

 several fine Iloudans, spangled Ilamburghs, &c. Mr, C, feeds all 

 his fowls in the true and philosophic way, by keeping feed of several 

 kinds constantly before them. This is the great secret of success 

 with fowls of any kind, I must pass by many objects of interest, 

 €.uch as ducks, and pigs, and other domc.--tic animals. The arrange- 



