3G8 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[December, 
MAMMOTH APPLE— gloria iiundi— natural size. 
(Engraved for the American Agriculturist.) 
The above illustration represents the exact 
size and general appearance of a mammoth ap¬ 
ple sent from Illinois to the N. Y. American In¬ 
stitute, by the President of the State Agricultural 
Society, and placed on the show table of the Ag¬ 
riculturist by the kindness of Mr. W. S. Carpen¬ 
ter. It measured 18 inches in circumference, and 
when first taken from the tree, weighed 31 lbs. 
When received by us it was partially decayed, 
and the weight was reduced to two and one- 
fourth pounds. It was generally conceded by 
all who saw it, to be the largest specimen ever 
shown in this section—if larger ones have been 
exhibited we should be pleased to chronicle the 
fact. Perhaps in California, where the fruit trees 
yield so enormously that they seem to be ac¬ 
tuated by rivalry, even this monster may have 
been outweighed. 
The Gloria Mundi (Glory of the World), of 
which the above is a specimen is thus noticed 
by Downing. “ Origin unknown. Tree vigor¬ 
ous. Not productive or profitable. Fruit very 
large, roundish, oblate, angular. Skin, greenish 
yellow. Flesh coarse, tender, with a pleasant 
acid llavor. Ripens from October to January.” 
Although it is gratifying to the amateur to be 
able to produce such extra large specimens, it is 
not, we think, to be regretted, that they are not 
common. It would add little to the value of 
apples, could they be made to grow as large 
as pumpkins—there would be greater loss from 
decay, more trouble in storing, and less 
convenience in using. An apple in the pocket 
or the dinner basket, is one of the pleasant re¬ 
miniscences of childhood—such fruits as the 
above would be almost unmanageable by ordi¬ 
nary boys; then too, at what a risk should wc 
walk in the orchard—a blow from the falling of 
such a meteor would be no light casualty! 
The great improvement being made in the 
flavor of this standard fruit is a matter for far 
greater satisfaction than it would be to produce 
such monstrosities. 
-- —— «•»- - *-» - - 
Keep House Plants Clean. 
A writer in the London Cottage Gardener re¬ 
lates an experiment showing the advantage of 
keeping the leaves of plants free from dust. Two 
orange trees, weighing respectively eighteen 
ounces and twenty ounces, were allowed to veg¬ 
etate without their leaves being cleaned for a 
year; and two others, weighing nineteen ounces 
and twenty and a half ounces, had their leaves 
sponged with tepid water once a week; the first 
two increased in weight less than half an ounce 
each, while of the two latter, one had increased 
two, and the other nearly three ounces. Except 
the cleansing, the plants were similarly treated. 
For the American Agriculturist. 
How to Take Care of the Baby. 
I was very much pleased with Martha’s sensi¬ 
ble remarks in the Nov. No. on this subject. 
Being fully aware of its importance, and having 
had some experience, with your permission I 
will offer a few suggestions. 
1st. Every mother who would keep her baby 
healthy, must see that it is properly clothed. I 
am not about to tell them, (as many writers on 
this subject do) to keep the little neck and aims 
covered, for this 1 know they will not do. I 
think the use of flannel of the 
first importance; not the 
gauzy stuff generally sold for 
infant’s wear, but real flannel 
worn next to the skin, both 
Summer and Winter, till the 
child is at least two years old. 
Make the sleeves of the under 
garment snug, to protect the 
arm-pits, and accustom him to 
the out-door air. Thus pro¬ 
tected, he will be free from 
colds, and many other diseases 
so fatal to infants. 
2nd. In all ordinary cases, a 
mother may find time for her 
household duties, if she has 
not previously taught her baby 
to cry. This is too often done. 
The busy mother allows him 
to sit, till he is weary and out 
of patience, seldom going to 
his relief till the “ squall” sets 
in fierce and strong. Then 
the mouth is stopped, and all is 
right. And he is no sensible 
baby who does not soon learn 
what effects follow certain 
causes. In order to break 
him of this habit, pursue the 
opposite course. When he 
begins to get uneasy, take him. 
Persevere in this, and you will 
work an effectual cure; then, 
he will soon learn to amuse 
himself for hours without a 
thought of crying. 
3d. The baby is often made 
uncomfortable and cross by 
being overfed. Sometimes the 
mother wishes to rest a moment; of course, she 
must take the baby. Or, the mother has a very 
interesting book, and when she reads, she takes 
the baby to save time, and the child is allowed, 
or rather taught to nurse, whenever thus taken, 
and the little unfortunate’s dinner hour comes 
so frequently that uneasiness producing ill-hu¬ 
mor, or actual sickness is the result. Not that 
the mother should regulate this matter by the 
clock, only to allow sufficient time for digestion. 
By observing these hints, mothers will find that 
managing the baby much less difficult. Alice. 
«- ■ *#— - » ^ - - 
Brick Tea. 
“ One half the world know not how the oth¬ 
er half live,” is an old adage verified every day. 
Modern travelers are continually bringing to 
light something new in the habits of other na¬ 
tions. A recent explorer on the Amoor River, 
in Siberia, thus describes what is called “ Brick 
Tea:” “ It is a solid mass about eleven inches 
long, six inches wide, and one and a half inches 
thick, and is made from the last gatherings and 
the refuse of the tea crops. The leaves and 
stalks are wet, mixed with bullock’s blood and 
pressed in a mold. When wanted for use, pieces 
are chopped off with an ax, bruised between two 
stones, rubbed in the hands, and thrown into a 
cauldron. A bowl of sour cream, and a handful 
of millet meal with a little salt are added, and 
all is boiled for half an hour, and served up hot.” 
It is said to answer a very good purpose for a 
man hungry enough not to be over-nice; but 
most persons would prefer to take their tea and 
I roup separately. 
