PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 227 



pound of refined sugar; yet it is well known that the molasses used in cook- 

 ing will give a greater amount of sweet taste than the sugar. 



Some discussion followed in relation to pumps for farm use. 



Prof. Mapes. — There are a number of pumps that can be found in agri- 

 culture warehouses. West's pump was a very good one; also Edney's. 



A Mr. Porter has made an improvement in the manufacture of pumps. 

 He makes them out of a metal similar to type metal. They are cast iu 

 polished moulds, which saves the expense of finishing, and allows him to 

 sell them at a lower price. They are very good pumps. 



Mr. Carpenter inquired whether being made out of this metal would not 

 render them liable to be bruised. 



Prof. Mapes. — They are set in an iron tripod, which preserves them from 



injury. ^ 



The subject of the Winter Care of Manure was laid over until the next 

 meeting. 



On motion, it was resolved, that when we adjourn we adjourn to meet 

 on Thursday, the 8th of January, at 11 o'clock a. m. 



Adjourned. ^ JOHN W. CHAMBERS, Secretary. 



January 8, 1863. 

 Mr. John G. Bergen, of Long Island, in the chair. 



Are Barometers Valuable Instruments for Farmers ? 



Mr. Van Brunt, a Long Island farmer, said that he had carefully observed 

 the barometer for seven years, and is satisfied that it does not give any 

 indication of rain, except thunder storms, and those only because they are 

 accompanied by wind. It is an indication of an approaching wind storm, 

 nothing else. 



Mr. Fuller thought his barometer of much use to him. It had fallen an 

 inch since Saturday, and yesterday we had a high wind. As thunder 

 storms are generally accompanied with wind, he thought a farmer could 

 tell when one was approaching, by the barometer, and so find it useful. 



Mr. John G. Bergen. — I believe the farmer who depends upon the bar- 

 ometer to know the state of the weather, will know just as much about it 

 as he who depends upon telling the future state of the weather by the 

 moon. If Mr. Van Brunt fails to make the thing useful, I do not believe 

 there are many farmers who will do any better, for I know that he is a 

 very careful, observing man. 



Inquiry about Fibrous Plants. 



Mr. G. J. Locke, of Rutland county, Vermont, sent a specimen of fiber 

 of " Indian hemp," inquiring whether it had ever been cultivated, as it has 

 an abundant and strong fiber — almost as strong as silk, if gathered at the 

 proper time — and grows in bunches in swampy ground, with stalks three 

 feet high, and was, he believed, perennial. 



Mr. Fuller. — This plant is indigenous to almost all parts of the 



