48 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[February, 
our reach, and to those tempted to “ try their luck ” for 
(he first time, we say don't. No greater curse can befall a 
po.Uug man than to draw a prize... In former numbers 
(ye have shown the various methods resorted to for 
PROCURING NAMES, 
especially of young persons. In so many cases have 
these been solely in the interest of wrong doers, or of 
those who procure lists for sale to any who will purchase 
them, that every scheme having the collection of names, 
as its object, must be looked upon with suspicion. A 
circular has recently been sent to post-masters and others, 
asking them to furnish the “names and correct post- 
office address of all the young people in your know¬ 
ledge.”—Accompanying this are blanks to be filled out 
with the names of young men between the ages of 17 
and 30, and of “ all the ladies in your knowledge between 
the ages of 20 and 45.”—This is done under the olea of 
sending some publication about the Centennial Exhibi¬ 
tion, but just what we do not make out from the circular. 
We have this matter under investigation — if it is a 
straight-forward affair, the projectors are unfortunate in 
adopting the methods of those whose ways are dark. 
Quite the freshest thing in the way of a humbug, are the 
TEXAS LAND SCHEMES. 
The “ Ohio, Kentucky & Texas Land Co.,” lead off the 
procession that starts in the second century of the nation. 
They have somehow succeeded in placing thefr advertise¬ 
ment, and a very taking one, in papers usually regarded 
as respectable. They give lots away in “ Mineral City,” 
i. e., only charge a dollar for the deed. Allowing that 
the deeds cost 5c. or even 10c, to get up, it returns a good 
profit. They only “give away” (for $1) every other lot, 
bnt 25 x 100 feet in such a wonderful place as Mineral 
City, is but a provocation, and one will naturally want 
more, and we hear that some have purchased several lots. 
From tlie number that have written us in regard to this 
scheme, and the earnest character of the letters, we infer 
that the thing has taken like wild-fire, and the dollars 
have rolled in in a stream. We expect to see, before 
many years, Texas receive a large influx of settlers. 
There may be finer spots on the face of this earth than 
some parts of that wonderful State, but we have not seen 
them. Every fraudulent scheme of this kind hurts the 
State; the Texas people feel this, and are indignant that 
this Land Co. should assume their name to carry on a 
swindle. The Texas papers denounce it, and Mr. Dick- 
erman, the Clerk of Grayson Co., Texas, where “ Mineral 
City ” is said to be, comes out with a very positive state¬ 
ment. He says “ Mineral City has no existence, in fact. 
There is not a house on the ground, and no matter 
what may be said to the contrary, it has never been sur¬ 
veyed and staked oft'.” He takes up the assertions of the 
Company, and instead of calling them misstatements, he 
uses a stronger word; thus: “ The Company represent 
that their title is good, this is lie No. 1,” and so on to 
“ lie No. 6,” and winds up by saying: “ The whole thing 
is a humbug from beginning to end, and the company has 
persistently, by all mannerof misrepresentations, misled 
many people to their hurt.” The Sherman (Texas) 
“ Weekly Register,” publishes Mr. Dickerman’s letter 
“In the hope that it may meet the eyes of some one who 
might otherwise be swindled by this monstrous fraud.” 
So ready are people to catch at whatever scheme prom¬ 
ises something for nothing, that they do not examine to 
see where the cat is under the meal, but “go it blind.” 
It is estimated that this “Company” have “given away” 
over 100,000 lots at $1 for the deed. Allowing the ex¬ 
penses for advertising, etc., to be $25,000, it is a large 
haul. Other projects relating to Texas of a doubtful 
character are advertised. Look out 1_It is well to start 
fresh in this new year of the new century. We have here 
A NEW SYSTEM OP HEALTH. 
The old style of health was well enough in its day, but 
the world has gone on improving. If Franklin, Jeffer¬ 
son, and the rest of the fathers had only known of it they 
might have lived until now ; they tried some of the old 
“pathies ” and died, but then 
VIT APATHY. 
hadn’t been patented—or what is the same thing “ copy¬ 
righted.” We have here just the fnnniest little book 
that ever was put into a bright red cover. It is all about 
“ Yitapathy,” which originated by “ Prof. J. B. Campbell, 
M. D. V. D.” Whether “V. D.” means “Veterinary 
Doctor,” or what, we don’t know, but we do know that 
the “system of practice is copyrighted,” though just 
how it can be done we don’t know. It starts off thus: 
“Vita— Life, Pathy— disease. 
Vitality cures disease. Life overcomes death.”—Which 
nobody can deny.—Like butting ones head against a 
stone wall, it’s so convincing. But let us read: “Vita- 
pathy ascertains and teaches what is matter, its relation 
to spirit or life; its relation to all things, and how all 
things are formed out of it, and how material organisms 
are generated, built up and sustained.” There now, “ If 
you don’t see anything you want, ask for it.” That de- 
ffription of Vitapathy no doubt makes you think it has 
taken a pretty big contract—but that’s nothing. Besides 
telling everything about everything, it does ever so much 
more. Nothing small about it—good measure at this 
shop. It teaches “ how to develope the intellect, increase 
mentality, and expand the powers of the human soul to 
the most unlimited extent.” Pretty good that, but it is 
nothing to what follows. “ Vitapathy teaches a correct 
system of Psychology or science of the soul, and the 
power of soul over body, by which we can control our¬ 
selves and others—control patients, friends and lovers ; 
in short, control everything and overcome the world.”— 
There 1 We are glad the thing is “ copyrighted,” for it 
would be mighty dangerous to have it around loose 1 How 
wonderful, what power 1 do everything, overcome every¬ 
thing, control everything.—How licher than Stewart, 
Astor, Vanderbilt, and James Lick, all in one I Yet with 
it all Campbell can’t “control” that stomach of his, he 
can’t “overcome ” zero weather in place of an overcoat, 
so to get something to eat and to wear—which he needs 
just like the rest of us, who don’t Vitapath a bit, he sells 
Hearing Trumpets, Inhalers, Electric Apparatus, all for 
thrashy dollars, and also runs a college to teach his 
“copyrighted” system of quackery, and even issues 
“ diplomas ” to the fools who will pay for them and the 
“right to practice.” We should like to know what kind 
of laws they have in Ohio, where a humbug like this can 
issue “diplomas”....We do not know who carries off 
the palm, Campbell with his Vitapathy or Mrs. Brown 
with her 
metaphysical discovery. 
Those who have regarded metaphysics as something in¬ 
tangible are mistaken, for Mrs. B. sells it by the bottle— 
to be sure at a round price, but it can be bought in the 
liquid form with a discount to the trade. And there is 
no beating around the bush with Mrs. B. “ This great 
discovery kills the root of all disease ’’—which we sub¬ 
mit is bad for the disease. The matter is brought down 
to a very fine point; “The sinewy nerves with the world 
of mystery in the human body, all partake of the three 
moistures, as every part and parcel of the ground, the 
trees, the roots, the branches, the reaves, all partake of 
the moisture — Dew, Rain, Frost and Snow by absorp¬ 
tion.’ - —Tyndall where are your “Forms of Water,” 
now ? It is all a very serious thought that “ nine tenths 
of the children perish for the want of this three-fold 
moisture.” Sad as is the subject Mrs. B. will have her 
little pleasantry. We read: “ Vnsorund flesh becomes— 
through Cold and Fevei —Mortar. This mortar stops 
the wheels of the mortal machine,”—Oh Mrs. B., how 
could you 1 mortar stopping the mort-al machine is too 
bad. However, if we would’nt shuffle off this mort-al 
coil, we must slap on the methaphysic stuff, “which 
enters the system through the organs of the Head, Eyes, 
Ears and Scalp.” She tells us that “the Teeth are 
shrubs, with roots far down in the earth ; which demand 
moisture—as a necessity.” That clearly accounts for 
the perennial drouth that we have noticed in some 
people. The funniest part of if all is that like the Vita- 
pathic man, Mrs. B. has a Metaphysical University— 
something we never met-afore, though we doubt if any 
one ever mct-a-physician in it. 
Cliangc in Seed-Firm. —Our many read¬ 
ers in Australia are informed that the extensive seed 
business formerly carried on at Sydney, N. S. Wales, by 
Anderson, Hall & Co., will be hereafter continued by the 
senior partner, Geo. Anderson. 
“ Fragaricisltui c," is the title of a work 
on strawberry culture, by Felix Gillet, Nevada City, Cal. 
Mr. G. has raised several new varieties. This work gives 
his method of cultivation, and is illustrated by photo¬ 
graphs of his own and other berries; 32 pages; price 
from 50c. to $1.25, according to number of photographs. 
Boston Cream Calces.— Several recipes 
have been asked for by our friends, and there not being 
room for them in the Household Department, they are 
given here. Cream cakes, as they are called in Boston, 
and “ Cream Puffs ” elsewhere, are remarkably popular 
in the modern Athens. The following recipe is from a 
friend who is very successful with it. Take of flour, 
sifted, 8 oz.; butter, 4 oz.; sugar, a teaspoonful. Rub 
together thoroughly and put these into a pint of boiling 
water, boil and stir briskly until it thickens; remove 
from the Are and add gradually 8 eggs, well beaten, and 
stir rapidly; when thoroughly mixed, let stand until cold. 
Have buttered tins ready, and drop this mixture in table¬ 
spoonfuls, about 6 inches apart, brush over with white of 
egg, and bake in a quick oven to a light brown color. 
When done these will be hollow shells which are to be 
cut open on one side and filled with the “ cream,” which 
is really a custard, to make which: beat two eggs to a 
froth, add half a teacupfu! of powdered sugar and then 
half a teacupful of flour; stir all into a pint of boiling 
milk, and cook until it thickens. When cool, flavor with 
lemon or other extract, and fill into the puffs or shells. 
To be had without Money — 
There will be found upon our Premium List (see page 
73) a large number of most useful and valuable articles, 
all Of which are new and of the best manufacture, and 
any of which can be obtained without money and with but 
little well directed effort. Among these are: Beautiful 
Silver and Bold-Plated Arttcles-Maglc 
Bell-Head and Cliariu Pencils and Gold 
Pens—Fine Table Cutlery—Pocket Knives 
—Children’s Carriages and Toys—Swings 
—Clocks—Table Croquet—Pianos—Micro¬ 
scopes — Watches — Buns — Sewing and 
Washing Machines — Books, etc., eta.— 
Read all of page 73, and see how easy you can obtain one 
or more of these good and desirable articles. 
Xlie Illustrated Annual Register 
ef Rural Affairs, for 1877, by John J. Thomas, Albany, 
Luther Tucker & Sons. If Mr. Thomas would only give 
us a poor number of this Annual it wculd be a help, but 
it is very monotonous, year after year, to say that each 
issue is as good as its predecessor. Each number con¬ 
tains much useful matter, and a set—now 23 numbers, is 
a cyclopaedia of rural affairs. Sent from this office, post¬ 
paid, for 30c. 
Soap Hlanulacturers Refuse.—“G. 
W. B.,” Reading, Pa. Soap manufacturers refuse con¬ 
tains sufficient potash and other fertilizing matters, to 
make it worth hauling five miles. As it is liquid, it 
should be handled in barrels and used in making com¬ 
post heaps along with manure, swamp muck, earth or 
other absorbents. It may also be treated in the manner 
described in January, for nsing night soil. 
Sausage Heat.—“ Mrs. S. M. W.” We 
have used the following recipe for the last 12 or 15 years, 
and have been so well satisfied with it that we have not 
cared to try any other. For 100 lbs. of meat, use 40 oz, of 
salt and 8 oz. each of black pepper and sage; those who 
like more seasoning can increase these to 10 oz. We keep 
the meat in two ways: Make bags of common cotton cloth 
about a foot long, and of a diameter proper for a sau¬ 
sage cake, and fill them with the meat, tie closely, and 
hang in a cold place. When wanted for use, cut slices 
from the roll and fry. Another portion is made into 
cakes and cooked as for the table; these are placed in a 
stone jar in layers, but do not touch the sides; then pour 
over the cakes the fat that comes from them in cooking, to 
which enough lard has been added to completely cover 
them. They only need to be warmed through. We have 
kept them in excellent condition until May. 
Croquettes. —Because of their French name, 
and of the high-price charged at restaurants, many have 
the impression that they are far too expensive for ordi¬ 
nary families. This a mistake, as they afford a most ac¬ 
ceptable form in which to use up the remnants of fowl, 
game, meats, etc. When presentable bits can no longer 
be cut from a turkey, chicken, or other bird, or there are 
the remnants of veal, mutton, venison, or even fish, an 
excellent breakfast or supper dish may be made. The 
material is to be chopped fine; one-half to one-fourth as 
much bread crumbs or mashed potato, a well-beaten egg 
to each cupful of the mixture, to bind it together, and if 
too dry make into balls, add gravy, or if none is at hand 
melted butter, salt, pepper, and whatever seasoning may 
be fancied, such as parsley and other herbs ; a trifle of 
onion, catsup, etc. Make into rolls, balls, or mold in a 
wine-glass. Dip in egg, roll in powdered cracker, and 
fry, having the fat very hot, to a light brown. Properly 
made they will take up no fat. Some omit the egg and 
cracker on the outside, and simply flour them. They 
may be cooked in advance, and warmed through when 
wanted by placing in an oven. Scraps of several meats 
may bo combined, and a little ham will greatly improve 
the flavor of those made of veal. 
The Scholar’s Booh of Household 
Management and Cookery, by W. B. Teget- 
mcier, New York and London, MacMillan & Co. As this 
work was written at the request of the School Board for 
London, we infer that it is to be used in schools. At all 
events it treats of the principles of domestic economy in 
a plain and sensible manner, and at the end gives the 
recipes used at the “National Training School of Cook¬ 
ery.” Price 50c. 
The Botanic Garden and Arnold 
Arboretum— Both the Botanic Garden at Cambridge 
and the Arnold Arboretum at Jamaica Plain, Mass., arq 
under the government pf Harvard University, and Prof, 
