THE CULTIVATOR. 
21 
ter period in the spring months may answer, with sharp 
weeding hoes to cut olf the grass on a level with the sur¬ 
face of the ground; (which cut grass should be removed 
and burned,) and then not fail thereafter to cut off a lit¬ 
tle below the surface, the sprouts or leaves, as often and 
so soon as they appear above ground, even if it be thrice 
a month in wet weather or spring season. In dry weather, 
and at a later period, the sprouts or leaves will not put 
forth so often. The philosophy of the case is this, that 
to form healthy roots, the sap must be elaborated by a 
chemical action of sun, air, and absorption of gases in 
the leaves; but if deprived of the leaves, the sap fer¬ 
ments, putrifies and destroys the roots. The same will 
apply to the Canada thistle, elders, or any other vegeta¬ 
tion whatsoever, though one kind of vegetation may re¬ 
quire the budding leaves to be removed from the limbs, 
stalks, or stems, more often than another to effect the 
same object. Bermuda grass forms a firm sod, excludes 
weeds, thrives on ordinary sandy as well as other ground, 
and keeps green through drouthy summers; qualities 
which no other grasses at the south possess. It is ap¬ 
preciated for affording to poultry the supply of green 
food that they need, for grass plats, and embellishments 
of door yards. In time it may spread to gardens and 
fields, not from seeds, as they do not mature in frosty cli¬ 
mates, but from the stalk running along the ground, tak¬ 
ing root and putting up stems with leaves at the joints, 
which are an inch or two apart. Your correspondent is 
not likely to be informed of any plan to free his fields of 
this grass, by means of sowing seeds of grasses less in¬ 
jurious to crops, nor by grazing, nor by plowing, which 
he mentions as the mode he should prefer to destroy it. 
Respectfully, John J. Ckocheeon. 
Richmond Co. N. Y. Sept. 16, 1842. 
THE VINE, SILK CULTURE, &c. 
Messrs. Editors. —As yours is a periodical of very 
general circulation throughout republican America, and 
therefore a common receptacle of agricultural intelli¬ 
gence of all sorts, and from all places, I offer you a 
few passing remarks on the above topics. And permit 
me to say, as introductory thereto, that if wine and silk 
be important branches of agriculture, or the art of arts, 
as it regards useful and honorable employment, and the 
lessening of annual millions of foreign dependence and 
indebtedness for such articles; that North Carolina, or 
our section of the Union, is destined by soil and cli¬ 
mate, to become conspicuous in these matters. Indeed 
our state I see ranks highest as to wine, in the result of 
the late agricultural products of the Union. 
I proceed to state my success the past season in wine 
making, or the increase of the products of my vineyards. 
Notwithstanding the injury occasioned by two severe 
protracted storms, or so called gusts in this region, last 
year, without material interruption of common farming 
operations, I made about eight barrels of wine, ( a part 
of which I have already sold at the rate of two dollars 
per gallon;) this year, near twelve, besides selling 
grapes at my vineyards, and wine juice from the press 
to some amoimt. I consider I lost several barrels by 
the gusts. I calculate on at least a dozen and a half 
barrels next season; and an intelligent visitor to my 
establishment, esteemed a judge in such matters, de¬ 
clared his opinion that in a few years, by continuing my 
American process of vine culture, I would probably 
make fifty barrels of wine annually, on a few, or four 
or five acres. 
A few years since, it was thought by some, I would 
fail of eventual profit from my vineyards, on account of 
gratuitous visitations to see and partake of grapes. For 
besides invited, many uninvited guests called upon me 
in grape time. But to protect myself, as well as the 
cause, I advertised 25 cents individual entrance into tlie 
vineyards, and 50 cents per gallon, for all grapes called 
for and taken away. And since, while a few illiberal 
people censure this necess,ary measure, as a novelty here 
in the fruit line, the truly honorable and liberal minded 
sustain and visit me more freely and frequently than ever. 
It is conceded by all acquainted with the fact, that I 
am indebted for entire success in the vineyard business, 
to the circumstance of abandoning any European or fo¬ 
reign, and adhering closely to my “ American System,^’ as 
to kinds of (native) grapes, modes of culture, and pro¬ 
cess of wine making. Among native grapes, Weller’s 
Halifax, and Norton’s Virginia Seedling, rank highest in 
the vineyards around here; and in those near Richmond, 
Va. and adjoining regions; except, perhaps, the Scupper- 
nong, a native of the lower part of this state. But the 
peculiar excellency of this last, I learn, is confined to 
latitudes south of 37. My Halifax seems adapted to all 
(at least American) climes, or wherever tried: for in¬ 
stance in Orange county, N. Y. my -native place, where 
my friends inform me it is cultivated with entire satis¬ 
faction and success. Such is the estimation of my na¬ 
tive vines, (some dozen kinds of peculiar excellence,) 
that of a pretty extensive stock in market of well rooted 
ones, (cuttings as of so comparative slow and uncertain 
issue, I giveaway to liberal patrons,) I expect, from the 
experience of past years, to have none left by the time 
spring opens here. I have applications now, from va¬ 
rious states of the Union. 
Silk Operations at Brinkleyville, N. C_As to 
silk operations the past season, my earliest crops did ve¬ 
ry well; but not so, (as heretofore,) the late fed worms. 
Indeed, from several years experience, and from that of 
others, as far as I have learned from periodicals and oth¬ 
er sources, I am constrained to say I am disposed to a- 
bandon late feeding, as too precarious ia the result for 
expected profit. Even lime has not proved a sufficient 
antidote to the diseases of late fed worms, so far as I 
have tried. Nor even the fresh successive growth of 
multicaulis leaves, either after stripping the branches, 
or after the cutting down and new growth of the trees. 
Though such is the peculiar excellency of this kind of 
mulberry for silk, as to rapidity and succession of 
growth, (the slow growth and old tough leaves of other 
kinds out of the question, I think, as to late feeding with 
success,) that connected with lime, and Mr. G. B. Smith’s 
new theory of hatching, and more certainty as to suc¬ 
cessful keeping back eggs in the ice houses, that if ev¬ 
er late crops be an object, or of general and successful 
practice, it must become so from that source. I give 
credence to the statements that some few late crops have 
been successful with peculiar care and under peculiar 
circumstances. But the idea that it is an object, from 
present light and experience, to attempt such crops for 
profit, I am thoroughly convinced is calculated to pro¬ 
duce a discouraging reaction to the silk cause, now pro¬ 
gressing in various parts of our country with all reasona¬ 
ble hopes of general success. But such success, I ap¬ 
prehend, must be had on like principles with that at and 
around Mansfield, Conn, for near a century past. And I 
will briefly give the process there, as detailed to me by 
a young lady from that place, to whom I gave a hundred 
dollars, for coming a month or two in my family, to 
teach us the silk art, by example and precept. Miss 
Dunham said her mother before her, had been brought 
up to the business, and that the outline of their proce¬ 
dure there was this:—1st. To keep their eggs cool, or 
say between folds of linen cloth, till spring, when they 
hatched as the mulberry leaves unfolded. 2d. To make 
as great a crop as they could, by turning their kitchens 
and out houses into silk worm receptacles; and to ex¬ 
change work with people in the adjoining country, to 
be returned when the silk crop was secured, particular¬ 
ly female labor or that of the cheapest kind. Various 
other details she related, too tedious for our prescribed 
limits; yet one or two more, I will name, as, 1st, to se¬ 
cure a healthy crop, they always used eggs from the 
most healthy worms, even if they bought from one ano¬ 
ther. And 2dly, they turned most of their crops into 
sewing silk, by a process on common wheels. I observe 
here, that agreeably to her example and instructions, 
these 3 years past, we have been making first rate sew¬ 
ing silk, that commands a good and ready market. That 
at this time we are making a quantity to supply an order 
from a store near us, at rates of 4 cts. per skein, or more 
than $10 per lb. And that I have sent sample or skeins 
to those I esteemed the best judges, in various parts of 
our country, that were pronounced good and well co¬ 
lored, according to a very simple process of coloring a 
blue black. For instance, to Mr. Morris Pollock, a great 
silk man from Scotland, lately settled in Virginia; and 
to Mr. Polhemus, agent at Auburn Penitentiary, from 
whom I received in return, some beautiful samples of 
sewing silk there manufactured. The Mansfield plan 
of little expense for buildings and labor, is doubtless 
most prudent in most cases. But as to myself, after care¬ 
ful examination of various plans and fixtures North and 
South, I erected a silk house combining various advan¬ 
tages besides those for the primary object. I erected it 
on upright timbers or posts, placed on rocks or large 
stones, and the building proper standing 10 feet above 
ground level; and so fixed as to be rat, mouse, and ant 
proof, or free from danger of these three common an¬ 
noyances. Then in rainy weather, to quickly dry leaves 
or multicaulus branches, we hang them up under the 
silk house, to enjoy the free circulation of air. By a 
furnace underneath, and square box leaders on the edges 
of the rooms above, I can heat as I choose in cold or 
damp weather, (a thing desirable, but not indispensa¬ 
ble.) The fixtures above, are somewhat on the plan of 
Mr. E. Morris’ silk frames,connected with an invention 
of my own and another’s, on the inclined plane or self¬ 
cleansing and spinning plan; which fixtures can at a :y 
time be taken down and stowed away, and then my 
rooms are first rate as a granary, and for various farm¬ 
ing operations. And underneath I find very convenient 
for weather protection of my vehicles, farming tools, 
and the like. 
Fearing to become too prolix, I close for the present; 
but intend shortly to send you an account of the continu¬ 
ed experiments of myself and others, in making clover 
a certain crop even in southern climes, and doubling the 
product of wheat therewith, by a thin surface covering 
of pine leaves, or straw, or other litter. Also of the 
renewed success of double and triple crops. Likewise 
trials of sowing small grain without covering with earth, 
or otherwise than with straw or the like, according to 
the new theory of nature’s process in the vegetable 
world. And also some remarks as to the peculiarity of 
agricultural labor employed in the South. 
Yours, &e. Sidney Weller. 
Brinkleyville, Halifax co. N. C. Nov. 1842. 
SOUR SOILS. 
Messrs. Editors —It has often occurred to me, in 
reading, or in conversation, when the word sour soils, 
acid soils, &c. have been used, that it was a misapplica¬ 
tion of terms, similar to that in very common use in re¬ 
lation to cold and heat. For example, it is a common 
saying that if you put frozen potatoes into cold water, you 
will thus draw the frost out of them. Cold being the 
mere absence of heal, or the result of heat rendered la¬ 
tent or inactive, is of course not matter, and cannot be 
drawn out of any thing. The proper expression is, by 
putting frozen potatoes into cold water, you restore the 
proper degree of heat to them; and the reason why it is 
better to restore heat to them in that way, than by ex¬ 
posing them directly to the influence of fire, is, that the 
transition from a low to a higher temperature is thus ren¬ 
dered gradual and of course harmless. These remarks, 
however, are intended to illustrate my idea of sour soils, 
which is, that such soils are not indeed sour, but are 
merely deficient in alkali. The proof generally offered 
to establish the existence of acid in soils, in my opinion 
only proves the absence of alkali, or alkaline earths. 
That a soil produces sorrel, (Rumex acetosa,) surely does 
not prove “per se,” that the soil itself is sour or acid; 
because, if it did, we should be able to prove all soils to 
be sour, for there is no one that does not produce some 
kind of vegetable acid, and some that are known to be 
highly charged with alkaline earths, are very prolific of 
what is called sheep sorrel, a species of oxalis; almost 
all soils produce currants, crab apples, &c. I think, 
therefore, that what we call sour soils, merely lack the 
necessary alkaline principle which is necessary to the 
formation of almost all vegetable growths. G. B. S. 
ORNAMENTAL GATE_(Fig. 10.) 
Messrs. Editors—^I think it is truly said in a former 
No. of the Cultivator, that “there is no one thing that 
gives more character to a farm than a neat and hand¬ 
some gate at the entrance.” Yet many farmers seem 
contented with rough bars, the taking down and putting 
up of which, must add considerable to a year’s work. 
The engraving represents a gate and fence, which we 
erected around our garden last spring. I do not say that 
it is more ornamental than some other gates, and if 
some of your correspondents will give a better model it 
will be thankfully received. The gate posts are 10 feet 
long, 10 inches square, and set three feet into the ground, 
with a bed piece between, into which the inner posts 
are morticed. The fence posts are 4 feet long, 10 in¬ 
ches square, and made of 1^ inch plank, well spiked 
together. A long stone is set solid in the ground, the 
hollow post placed over it, and the cavity between the 
stone and the inside of the post filled with pebbles. I 
know of posts set in this manner which have lasted ten 
years, and continue as firm as ever. Now if a person 
would have a pleasant and attractive home, he must 
have his buildings, gates, and fences, in good order; his 
garden well laid out and filled with choice fruits and 
flowers; pleasant trees around his dwelling, &c. Some 
may think that they shall receive no benefit from set¬ 
ting fruit and shade trees, but if they live by the princi¬ 
ple of “ love your neighbor as yourself,” they will ba¬ 
nish such thoughts at once. Lawrence Smith. 
Middlefield, Mass. Aug. 8, 1812. 
FEEDING BARLEY TO STOCK. 
Editors of the Cultivator —Enclosed is my sub¬ 
scription for 1843, with my best wishes for increased 
circulation to the best agricultural paper I am acquaint¬ 
ed with. 
Has Bommer’s Manure been tried sufficiently to war¬ 
rant confidence in its use? It v/ill serve the inventor 
more, to be able to refer to experiments by practical 
farmers, than all other endorsements.* 
The very low price of Barley, induces me to remark 
to my brother farmers, that they may use it for their 
stock to much better profit than selling it to the brew¬ 
ers. I have almost invariably fattened my hogs on Bar¬ 
ley meal. I fed one span of horses on it for some years, 
and I thought they did not yield to any farmer’s team, 
for either speed or endurance. When not convenient 
to grind it, I soaked it in water as for malting, taking 
care that it did not sprout too much. I doubt not that 
this use of barley is well known to many, but if it should 
be of use to a few only, this communication will not be 
* We have seen several certificates from those who have test¬ 
ed the quality of the manure made by Mr. Bommer’s process, 
and we annex one which we find in the last No. of the Conn. 
Farmers’ Gazette:— [Eds. Cult.] 
“I hereby certify that having made repeated trials, of Mr. 
George Bommer’s method of making Manure by ftrmentation, 
and having tested its effects in the rapid decomposition of the 
mass to which it has been applied, and having also witnessed 
the influence of the manure made by this process in promoting 
the growth of vegetation, 1 am prepared to regard the inven¬ 
tion as an important accession to the farming interest; and al¬ 
though having tried other modes of making manure with varied 
success, I am free to acknowledge that I have never been ac¬ 
quainted with any system of the kind that would compare with 
this for utility. Erastus Dudlet. 
North GxUl/ordj Nov, 23, 1842. 
“ Wc are well acquainted with Mr. Dudley, the author of the 
above certificate, and we know him to be a man of sterling in¬ 
tegrity. He is an intelligent farmer, and not likely to be im¬ 
posed upon by every new thine. Inasmuch as he has tried Mr. 
Bommer’s method, and gives'his unqualified testimony in its fa¬ 
vor, we have no hesitation in commending his statement to the 
confidence of the public.”—Form. Gazette. 
