240 
SOUTHERN CULTIVATOR. 
A New Invention. — Some years since, hoop-iron was 
proposed as a substitute for rope in baling cotton, and, to 
some extent, it was brought into use ; but in consequence 
of the difficulty in adjusting the rivets and the time lost in 
securing them, most persons abandoned the use of iron 
and returned to the rope. We were shown yesterday a 
new invention for fastening the bands, which obviates all 
objections, and can can be done by any one who has eyes 
and hands, in an instant — much sooner than a rope can be 
tied. The fastening is made by bending over each end of 
the strap, so as to form two hooks, and when one is placed 
over the other, a sliding clasp is placed over them which 
confines them immovably. This simple contrivance is 
the invention of David McComb, of cotton press celebri- 
ty, and by a telegraphic dispatch received yesterday from 
Washington, we learn that he has obtained a patent for it. 
The advantages of using hoop iron lor baling cotton 
are, with Mr. McCombs fastenings, obvious enough. 
First, time is saved, as the straps can be put in andfast- 
ened more rapidly than ropes can be tied. 
Second, the straps will hold the bale to within two in- 
ches of the size that the press makes it, while ropes stretch 
incontinently. 
Third, in compression for shipment, the straps can be 
more readily reclasped than ropes can be tied, and they 
will hold the compressed bale to its size, while with the 
rope-ties it expands twenty-five to thirty per cent, after it 
leaves the press. This will make a gain of space to ship- 
pers that is important. To illustrate — A ship that has 
stowage for 4,000 bales, tied withiwpes, can make room 
for 5,000 bales with iron straps. 
Fourth, the weight of the straps to each bale is abou t 
eight and one half to nine pounds, and can be furnished 
this year already painted, with hooks and clasps, at about 
two cents per pound less than rope ; of itself a very con - 1 
siderable item to the planting interest. I 
Finally, the iron hoops are a protection against fire, for 
though it may burn some on the outside, a bale of cotton 
cannor readily burn up until the ties are broken and the 
air allowed to get to the mass of cotton. 
ROCK IN CONCRETE WALES, 
Editors Southern Cultivator — In the May number 
is an article by “D. R.,” upon the subject of Concrete or 
Artificial Rock Houses. Please inform me if the large 
rock should be square edged or will they do of any shape 
or form 1 Is the large rock of material advantage other 
than to expedite or more rapidly advance the building 
up of the wall % W. - 
Gainestown, Ala., May, 1857. 
[The heavy rocks may be of any form — the more angular 
and irregular, the better; as such shapes “bind” more 
closely. The large rock serve a two-fold purpose ; they 
make a more solid and firm wall, and greatly ex- 
pedite the v/ork. “All sorts” of good hard rock, of 
every shape and size, may be used, taking care to pour 
the mortar and work it in closely around them. Such a 
wall, when properly made, hardens with age and defies 
the ravages of time. — D. R.] 
Preserved Carrots. — Editors Southern Cultivator — 
Take one pound of carrots, one pound sugar, and four 
lemons. Boil the carrots separately, and cut them in small 
pieces of an inch long, and a quarter of an inch thick ; pare 
the lemons very thin, and boil the peels thoroughly, and cut 
them like the carrots ; boil your syrup, and pour over the 
carrots, and put in the juice of the lemons; boil the syrup 
over next day until quite thick, and after you have flavor- 
ed it with the essence of lemon, pour it over the carrots 
■^gain, R, N, 
From Dwight’s Journal of Music. 
THE PREACHING OP THE TREES., 
PROM THE GERMAN OF GRUEN. 
At midnight hour, when silence reigns. 
Through all the woodland spaces. 
Begin the bushes and the trees 
To wave and whisper in the breeze. 
All talking in their places. 
The Rosebush flames with looks of joy 
And perfume breathes in glowing: 
“ A Rose’s life is quickly past ! 
Then let me while my time shall last, 
Be richly, gaily, blowing !” 
The Aspen whispers, “ Sunken day ! 
Not me thy glare deceiveth ! 
Thy sunbeam is a deadly dart. 
That quivers in the Rose’s heart— 
My shuddering soul it grieve th I”" 
The slender Poplar speaks, and seems 
To stretch her green arms higher ; 
Up yonder, life’s pure river flows. 
So sweetly murmurs , brightly flows. 
To that I still aspire !” 
The Willow looks to earth Rnd speaks : 
“ My arm to enfold thee yearneth; 
I let my hair float down to thee : 
Entwine therein thy flowers for me. 
As mother her child adorneth !” 
And next the wealthy Plum-tree sighs : 
“Alas! my treasures crush me ! 
This load with which my shoulders grean.. 
Take off— it is not mine alone ; 
By robbing, you refresh me 1” 
The Fir-tree speaks in cheerful mood : 
“ A blossom bore I never; 
But steadiness is all my store ; 
In summer’s heat, in winter’s roar, 
I keep my green forever!” 
The proud and lofty Oak-tree speaks ; 
“ God’s thunder-bolts confound me ! 
And yet no storm can bow me down. 
Strength is my stem and strength my crown 5 
Ye weak ones gather round me !” 
The Ivy vine kept close to him. 
Her tendrils round him flinging: 
“ He who no strength has of his own. 
Or loves not well to stand alone. 
May to a friend be clinging.” 
Much else, now half forgot, they saidj 
And still to me came creeping. 
Low whispered words, upon the air, 
While by the grave alone stood there 
The Cypress mutely weeping. 
O might they reach one human heart, 
These tender accents creeping. 
What wonder if they do not reach % 
The trees by starlight only preach, 
When we must needs be sleeping, 
“ Think of It.” — Do not live in dark rooms, Lighfi 
fades the carpet, but it feeds the flower. No living animaZ 
or vegetable can enjoy health in darkness. Light is almost 
as necessary as air, and a brown tan is far preferable^, 
even as matter of beauty, to a sickly paleness of com- 
plexion. Mark this advice, all ye young ladies who are 
fond of living in “dark parlors.’* 
