' Some points even painful reflections. 
3.—1840.] - THE 
AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 
43. 
the * Farmers’ Journal,” and the “Journal of the |. 
English Agricultural Society." 
In October last we had a ploughing match for a 
silver mounted butter dish to the owner of the success- 
ful plough, and pecuniary prizes to the two best plough- 
men, presented to the club by my brother. Much 
emulation was excited amongst the members of the 
club, and amongst their ploughmen. The former have 
increased their subscriptions from 5s. to 7s. 6d. yearly, 
in order to offer prizes to the three best ploughmen in 
a match to take place in October, 1846. One of our 
members said to me the other day : “Our worst plough- 
men next year will be as good as our best this." 
You were so good as to intimate your willingness to 
eommunieate with our club on agricultural subjects, and 
we could not fail to derive advantage from accepting 
your offer. We should feel obliged to you for suggest- 
ing any topies for our discussion, or for any hints that 
you could give us, with a view to rendering our associa- 
tion more useful.— H. V., C. H., Bucks, Dec. 15, 1845. 
Fome Correspondence. 
On the insufficient Amount of Capital applied to Agri- 
culiure.—I was gratified in reading in your Paper of 
January 3, a review ot the most striking events of the 
past year, and more especially your observations on * the 
disproportionate application of capital to agriculture, as 
compared with the other great objects of human enter- 
prise ;” and your proposition “ that the farmer’s atten- 
eee g 
tion had been hitherto ealled rather to the price he ean 
obtain fora given quantity, than the amount he can 
grow upon a given space.” Of the perfect correctness 
of these observations there ean, I think, be’but one opi- 
nion, and I believe that no one can be more fairly en- 
titled to be considered the farmer's friend, than he who 
impresses upon him again and again these most impor- 
tant considerations, and fearlessly enforces, by reference 
to passing events, the practical tendency of those argu- 
ments, to which you have ealled our attention; That 
we live in criti times is undeniable; but, for this very 
reason we must examine the details of our practice, and 
endeavour to reduce our system to those right principles, 
y an adherence to which alone we may either employ 
profitably those means already within our reach, or tax 
our energies to devise others. No evidence of this sub- 
ject will probably be received so readily as that which is 
given by agriculturists themselves ; and it is for the 
purpose of impressing upon the attention of your readers 
one or two practical illustrations of the remarks to which 
I have alluded that I quote as follows :—1st, from a re- 
port of Lord Essex's late speech at St. Alban’s. His 
Lordship himself, a practical agriculturist, is reported, 
inter alia, to have stated his intention of supporting in 
the House of Lords a proposition, should it be brought 
forward next session, for the introduction of Linseed, 
Lentils, and Indian Corn into this country free of duty, 
for the purpose of feeding stock, and says—“ It would 
tend more than any other thing to fill your land with 
fatness, and your barns with corn. You will find in 
nine farms out of ten in the course of the year but little 
horned stock, with the exception of a few cows, ealves, 
and heifers, starving upon straw. This matter is worthy 
your consideration.” Assuming that this picture is 
drawn from the life, does it not most stri ngly bear out 
your statement; for, as Lord Dacre said at the same 
Meeting “land is a machine employed by capital applied 
toit? The 2d case to which I would allude, is the report 
3n your paper of Saturday last of the annual meeting of 
the Blandford Farmers? Club, in which Mr. Sturt, in 
> reference to the agricultural improvements carried out 
by the Rev. Mr. Huxtable, appears to have borne 
the most overwhelming testimony to the truth of your ob- 
Servations. After bestowing some rather faint praise upon 
Ne modus operandi of Mr. Huxtable, Mr. Sturt pointed 
Cut what he may well call “the dark side” of the pie- 
ture, and according to his own imagination represents 
the probable cogitation of many farmers who were then 
Present, and might have examined Mr. Huxtable’s im- 
Provement, to amount to this, that their limited capital 
Would. be insufficient to. provide stock to consume such 
Superabundant produce—to which is added an offer of 
advancing to his own tenants the eapital they might 
Tequire for that purpose—or in other words render them 
dependent upon the bounty of their landlord. [Surely, 
€ is only to lend money at interest. ] Now, sir, to my 
mind these reports suggest food for the most serious, in 
Are both these 
Statements correct ? is the latter especially mere “ ima- 
Sination,” or the naked truth? One thing in the mean- 
while is certain, that under such a system that amount 
of labour eannot possibly be absorbed, which would be 
turned to a profitable account if a sufficient amount of 
capital were employed in agriculture. In conclusion, 
1 would earnestly impress upon my brother farmers the 
truth of your observations, and urge them, as a matter 
1 hl 
and useless for the purposes of vegetation, till rendered 
soluble by exposure to atmospherie influence. Now, 
phosphate of lime is one of the most insoluble substances 
in nature, and can only be rendered soluble by the pre- 
sence of acids ; and as there is in almost all soils suffi- 
cient carbonate of lime to be incompatible with the 
presence of any free acid except the carbonic, it follows 
that the only intelligible explanation is that carbonic 
acid renders phosphate of lime soluble. a 
chemist assert that phosphate of lime is soluble in car- 
bonic acid à1— P. V. 
Wayte's Pasture Renovator.—I shall be glad to sub- 
mit to a competent authority in phytological matters 
the following inquiry, requesting your obliging reply in 
your Notice to Correspondents :—We have an imple- 
ment in this neighbourhood (which ought to be more 
extensively known, constructed by Mr. Wayte, a 
machine-maker, at Basford, near Nottingham), for re- 
novating old pasture lands, and newly-laid-down seeds, 
with Grasses and Clover. Its operation is similar to 
that of the land-presser, only with this difference, that 
the edges of the wheels are sharp, adapted to eut into 
the old turf (an ineision, perhaps, 13 to 2 inches deep), 
and the wheels are only about 1 foot in diameter, fixed 
side by side on the axle, perhaps a dozen of them, and 
removable at a greater or less distance, at will, from 
each other. In its work, therefore, it leaves the sur- 
face of the ground scored in seams, at equal distances, 
and of the depth abovespoken of. The seed is delivered 
in the usual manner of drill machines, and -so as to fall 
into these said seams; it falls partly on their edges, 
partly on the sides of the incision (the form of the wheel 
rom the centre to the cireumference being wedge-like, 
leaving a cleft in the ground, as thus ays and partly 
it drops down to the bottom, in which ease I have no 
doubt it perishes, from being buried too deep. The in- 
quiry connected with the above observations is as 
follows :— Will Grass seeds, generally, and white Clover 
perish, if sown by the said machine at the present 
season of the year? I should observe that the ground 
is dressed over well with soil and manure, which will 
be also well brushed into the clefts with the brush 
harrow. My bailiff says the seeds will vegetate quiskly, 
and be killed with the frosts we must of course expect 
before spring, and that we shall lose our labour. My 
own opinion is that the seeds will lie dormant ; neither 
die, nor vegetate before it is a seasonable time of year 
for their growth ; that by being thus deposited in the 
ground now they will acquire a condition ready for 
early growth. It is an object to us, if we can do it 
with safety, to get our seed sown now instead of in 
March, both because the implement will work better on 
the soft Grass, and because in the more advanced 
season we are very busy in sowing our spring corn, and 
have less leisure than now to attend to the pastures. 
Can you oblige me with your opinion?—W. P. L. 
[The best method of covering seeds is to sow them on a 
roughly-harrowed surface, and then work the land with 
Mr. Smith's web or dise harrow. Seeds are easily 
buried too deep, and they would certainly be liable to 
this in the plan suggested by our correspondent. We 
would not sow now till late in March.] 
To Keep Horses.—Will you kindly inform me the 
best time to sow Indian Corn ; my plot is due south, 
and sheltered. I wish to grow some as green food, so 
highly recommended by some of your correspondents, 
and the remaining portion to ripen, if possible ; as I 
wish to try the effect of it in feeding horses. Have you 
any experience in its being more fattening than Oats, 
and is it as well calculated for horses doing severe work 
and Beans? My horses being 15 hands high 
working a 4-mile stage out and back, equal to eight miles 
(this twice, and on alternate days three times), I give 
each three feeds per day, of 4 quarts of Oats and 1 quart 
of Peas (both ground) for a feed, mixed with 22 Ibs. of 
straw-chaff, on which I find they do well ; Carrots and 
Turnips I find too relaxing for them, although I give a 
few occasionally. Can you inform me if I should better 
myself by a change to hay-chaff and ground Indian 
Corn? Has any of your correspondents found Linseed- 
jelly prove relaxing to their horses? I had my chaff 
and ground Corn mixed with it, but my men declared 
it purged the cattle too much. In the Number now 
before me (Dec. 27), in answer to “ Inquirer,” you state 
that you give straw ad /ibitwn; am Í then to under- 
stand you consider it as nourishing as hay? I know 
many comparative Tables appeared in the Chronicle 
last year on the subject, but I hear so many various 
statements it leaves me in uncertainty. With respect 
to another subject of controversy at present, thick and 
thin sowing, in this island their main objection rests 
against the latter, as they would lose a valuable crop of 
Clover, it being their invariable rule to sow Clover 
with corn. Do you think the supposed increase would 
a 
d: 
of self preservation, to adopt your g soun 
advice and turn their attention in future, less “by the 
Price that can be obtained fora given quantity, than the 
Amount that can be grown upon a given space” —A 
Subscriber and Member of the R. A. Society, 
How is Phosphate of Lime rendered available as 
Food for Plants 2—The use which the philosophers of 
¿ormer days made of the phrase “ occult qualities ” 
in their disquisitions, affords a frequent subject for 
Tidieule to us moderns, It appears to me, however, 
that our modern agricultural chemists are justly liable | 
io a similar, reproach when they attribute changes 
(which they are unable to produce in their own labora- 
tories) to that sort of unknown universal solvent which 
€J term “ atmospheric influence,” For instance, they 
p for the loss of green food ?—.4 Four Years’ 
Subscriber, Jersey. (Indian Corn you will not get to 
ripen ; try itin your garden, under a south wall, in rows 
3 or 4 feet apart. Our horses eat so much Carrots, 
that, though they have as-much straw as they choose, 
they eat but very little. We do not consider Indian 
Corn a particularly nourishing food ; Barley is far more 
so. Wide drilling is no hindrance to the growth of 
Clover among your corn ; on the contrary, it will rather 
favour its growth.] E 
Farm Capital.—I am induced to recur to the subject 
of farming rather sooner thau I had intended, to assure 
agriculturists that in anything I have written I have 
not had the slightest intention of annoying a class of 
men for whom I have the greatest respect, and whom I 
to direct their attention to what seemed to me a losing 
system in tilling the soil. Is it fair to assail a man 
with sueh sweeping accusations as have been levelled 
against me, because I have given instances of apparent 
apathy, neglect, ignorance, or whatever term may bé 
most justly applied to bad management of crops and 
land? As well might a magistrate be considered as. 
prejudiced against the whole race of shoemakers for 
committing half a dozen for transgressing the Jaws, 
There are general rules applicable to farming, as in 
other trades, a deviation from these, in minor points, is 
often necessary to meet the difficulties of climate, situa- 
tion, and soil ; but this does not alter the principle ; it 
is merely carrying it out in the most approved manner : 
for instance, if two men are farming, one on a stiff elay, 
and the other on light rich land, it will be advisable 
that both should possess capital, the expenditure will 
be, however, greater in the former ease, from the 
necessity of thorough draining than in the latter, the 
rich land not requiring so heavy an outlay under this 
head. Thus capital is wanted by both tenants, although 
the manner of laying it out depends upon circumstances: 
I never dreamed of recommending a farmer to risk his 
money withoutsecurity, either by lease,or other arrange- 
ment with his landlord, with which most agriculturists 
are well acquainted. I see no reason to alter: “the 
burden of my song,” viz., “that no individual should 
hold a greater breadth of land, than he has capital to 
plough, sow, reap, and graze with advantage to him- 
self and his landlord." The arguments used against 
my statements are certainly most decided, being asser- 
tions without proof ; it is easy to say it is, or it is not, 
neither of which can convey to the mind of any reason- 
able man, conviction contrary to common sense. If I 
have used any expression in my former letters calcu- 
lated to wound the feelings of any man, I am sorry for 
it, my only object has been to elicit truth by pointing 
out error, which I shall still continue to attempt, how- 
ever imperfectly I may succeed. Not five miles from 
where I am at present sitting, many acres are under- 
going the judicious application of eapital at the rate of 
about: 6/. per acre ; the land is now scarcely worth any- 
thing, at the end of two years it will rise in value from 
2s. 6d. to 2L. 10s.peracre. Surely this is sufficient-pre- 
sumptive evidence in favour of manuring with gold, and 
offers a tolerable per centage. Those who are at all 
familiar with rural districts must be aware that this is 
not a singular instance of what may be accomplished by 
prudence, science,and money. It is in vain to contend 
that agriculturists have not the means to speculate 
with, it oniy shows they have undertaken a business for 
which they were not prepared ; poverty is no crime, 
yet it ineapacitates.a tenant from entering the field with 
those who have capital ; it keeps both himself and his 
farm poor, and he rarely ever rises in position over one 
of his own labourers: Cheap food must keep pace 
with cheap manufactures ; how is this to be attained ? 
Not by trying to farm 300 acres on means which are 
barely enough to cultivate 200, which has hitherto been 
too much the custom. The joint occupancy of a farm 
is a very feasible project, and in this way, supposing 
two men agree to take a farm, one having capital, the 
other skill, what is to prevent them joining in partner- 
ship? A has money, for which he requires interest ; 
B has health, strength, and agricultural science, which 
he is anxious to turn to the best account, but feels 
cramped from the want of money, and has an objection 
to involve himself in debt. B therefore proposes to 
, to exchange his experience for the loan of A's gold, 
securing him against loss of capital in the lease, or 
agreement with the landlord, promising him high 
interest, with other advantages, provided he consents 
not to interfere in the routine of cropping and tilling > 
a plan of this deseription might work well and throw 
capitalists on the land, and attach a new interest to the 
soil. I should like to hear the unprejudiced opinion of 
practical farmers on this suggestion ; men who look as 
mueh to general improvement as to private benefit, 
— Falcon. 
Cow Clubs.—I observed in your Paper a week of 
two ago a copy of the rules of a Cow Club in Derby- 
shire, and as the subject is an interesting one I beg to 
forward you a copy of the rules of one that was estab- 
lished here by the Earl of Yarborough, in 1831, which 
you are at liberty to publish if you think proper. We 
have now 97 cows in our club, and J also send you a 
copy of the account for 1844 which will show you the 
state of the funds, &e. Our rules differ in some re- 
spects from those you published ; for instance, we pay 
107. for every cow that dies, whilst their payment is. 
guided by the supposed value ; and, although much may 
be said on both sides the question, yet I may say that 
after nearly 15 years’ working ours is found in practice 
to answer well. We are of course careful not to admit 
cows that are not healthy. I have been connected with 
the club since 1832, and have not known a single case 
of abuse arise from paying the 107. 
0 AND LITTLE Linger Cow OLUB. 
The object of the Club is to secure each Member, by a system. 
of mutual assurance, from sustaining individually the whole 
loss arising from the death of a cow ; the loss being thus divided 
amongst all the Members. 
ULES :—Ist~A Treasurer to be appointed, who shall con- 
duct the business of the Club, and with whom shall rest the 
decision as to the admission of Members. 
2d—Each Member to pay to the Treasurer, on the first Satur: 
day in every Calendar Month, his Subscription (in advance) of 
One Shilling for each Cow he may have entered, 
g ny Member whose Cow shall die, to be entitled to re- 
ceive from the Club the sum of Ten Pounds, 
| 4th—No allowance to be made to any Member in respect of 
' any Cow above Twelve Years of age. 
