volume ii. no. so. y 
ROCHESTER, N. Y — THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1851. 
MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER 
A WEEKLY HOME NEWSPAPER, 
Designed for both Country and Town Residents. 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOORE, 
ASSISTED BY 
J. H. BIXBY, L. WETHEREDL, and IT. C. WHITE. 
Contributors and Correspondents: 
L. B. Lanoworthy, || Chester Dewey, ll. d., 
William Garbutt, 
S. P. Chapman, 
David Ely, 
Myron Adams, 
II. P. Norton, 
T. C. Peters, 
F. W. Day, 
T. E. Wetmore, 
R. B. Warren, 
Archibald Stone, 
M. M. Rodoers, m. d. 
.1. Clement, 
D. W. Ballou, Jr., 
R. G. Pardee, 
I. II II.DRETH, 
Jas. II. Watts, 
W. II. Bristol. 
Wm. T. Kennedy, 
S. Luther, 
D. D. Wiiitino. 
And numerous others—practical, scientific, and literary 
writers—whose names arc necessarily omitted. 
The Rural New-Yorker is designed to lie unique and 
beautiful in appearance, and unsurpassed in Value, Purity 
and Variety of Contents. Its conductors earnestly labor 
to make it a Reliable Guide on the important Practical 
Subjects connected with the business of those whose inter¬ 
ests it advocates. It embraces more Agricultural, Horti¬ 
cultural, Scientific, Mechanical, Literary and News Matter 
—interspersed with many approprTate'a»u! handsome en¬ 
gravings—than any other paper published in this Country. 
e s jso<;eckss and oiPjeovruruiN'ir. 
THE N. Y. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
At the proper time we duly set forth 
the meritorious portion, the bright side, of 
the last Annual Fair of the ^T. Y. State 
Agricultural Society,—but have been\some- 
what derelict, as impartial journalists, in 
speaking of the opposite —- of matters 
which gave a sombre shade to the other¬ 
wise complete and most magnificent agri¬ 
cultural exhibition ever held in this country. 
But now that the smoke has somewhat sub-’ 
sided, and those who had more or less 
cause of complaint have become cool and 
dispassionate, we propose to ofFer a few 
suggestions in regard to the future man¬ 
agement of the Society, and more especi¬ 
ally of its Fairs. In doing this, however, 
we'may remark, in the outset, that we have 
only the welfare of the Society, its mem¬ 
bers and community in view—having no 
personal animosities to gratify, friends to 
defend, or enemies to condemn. We have 
ever looked upon the Socieiv as a noble, 
and, rightly managed, most beneficent in¬ 
stitution—and trust it has not yet reached 
the zenith of its glory and usefulness. But 
we believe the time has- arrived when an 
essential reform in, or division of the Soci¬ 
ety, is demanded; and, so believing, it be¬ 
comes our duty to enter upon the discus¬ 
sion of a question of great importance to 
those whose interests we advocate—tliepro- 
duefng classes. 
Our State Society stands first among all 
the organizations in America dedicated to 
the promotion of Rural Improvement. It 
has acquired a high name and enviable rep¬ 
utation, not only throughout, our own land, 
but in foreign countries. Its decisions have 
been regarded as high authority, and its 
Transactions annually form a volume of 
great interest and importance. Hence it 
has a character, a well earned reputation, 
to sustain at home and abroad—and it is 
alike the duty of its officers and members 
to see that its good name is not tarnished, 
nor its influence impaired, by neglect or 
inattention. While stimulating others to 
improvement, they should endeavor from 
year to year, to exhibit some progress in 
the measures adopted for the adv ancement 
of the Society and its objects—so watching 
and attending to its executive management 
and public exhibitions as to guard against 
error and insure increased usefulness to 
community. Example is the most effective 
of all preaching. 
The Fairs of the Society have become 
very popular. They are attended by tens 
of thousands more than heretofore, inclu¬ 
ding many of the most intelligent men, of 
all professions, from distant States and the 
British Provinces—men whose opinions are 
formed upon experience and sound judg¬ 
ment, and who discover, though they may 
not publicly proclaim, any deficiences in the 
decisions of awarding committees, or in the 
management of the Society itself. The 
roll of members, exhibitors and competitors 
has also increased in proportion—thus add' 
ing, annually, to the responsibility and la 
bors of officers, committees, &c. This re¬ 
quires commensurate “ progress and im¬ 
provement” in the management of the 
Society—including the exercise of wisdom, 
discretion and sound judgment in its execu¬ 
tive councils, and the most perfect system, 
order and efficiency on the part of all en¬ 
gaged in carrying out its regulations, and 
thereby accomplishing the noble objects of 
the institution. Indeed, with the utmost 
attention and efficiency in every depart¬ 
ment, it will hereafter be difficult to give 
general satisfaction, even with no increase 
of members, exhibitors and spectators at 
the Annual Fairs;—and, should the pat¬ 
ronage of the Society continue to increase 
iu future, as it has in past years, it will be 
impossible, without more time and different 
arrangements, for the officers and commit¬ 
tees to discharge their duties in a manner 
satisfactory to either the public or them¬ 
selves. The numerous, and in many in¬ 
stances well founded, complaints in regard 
to the oversight, neglect, and unfairness or 
ignorance, of both officers and judges at 
the last Fair, abundantly sustain us in this 
assertion. 
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the 
oversights and errors of the past, except 
so far as may be necessary as a warning 
and guide for the future—and perhaps the 
best time and place for such a review would 
be at the next Annual Meeting of the So¬ 
ciety. We hope that meeting will be fully, 
even numerously, attended by delegates 
from all parts of the State, and that indi¬ 
vidual members will take an active part in 
its proceedings. Exhibitors who know the 
necessity of reform —who complain of in¬ 
justice, and see where changes for the bet¬ 
ter can be made—should not only be pres¬ 
ent, but participate in the discussion of sueh 
plans and suggestions as may be presented 
for consideration. That is the best place 
to talk, as well as vote; and we trust all 
who feel aggrieved, yet have the welfare of 
the Society and community in view, will 
resort to a remedy so appropriate and effi¬ 
cacious. If it is desired to divide the So¬ 
ciety, making two distinct organizations, one 
for the East and another lor the West, the 
question should be fully and freely discuss¬ 
ed and the proper action taken on that oc¬ 
casion. And so of questions relative Lo the 
Premium List, Judges, Fairs, &c., the an¬ 
nual meeting is the place to speak and Act 
— calmly and judiciously. There is cer¬ 
tainly no objection —indeed it is well and 
necessary—to discuss these questions before 
hand, at home and in the agricultural and 
other journals; but what we desire to im¬ 
press upon the friends of reform and effi¬ 
cient management is, the importance of at¬ 
tending and taking part in the deliberations 
and discussions of the annual meeting. 
We speak only for ourselves, and would 
not follow public opinion. But from past 
observation, present indications, (and we 
might add imprecations,) and the express- 
sionsof those whose judgment and experi¬ 
ence entitle their opinions to great weight, 
we arc convinced that the Fairs must be 
conducted differently from what they have 
been heretofore—or the Society must lose 
power and popularity, or be divided. For 
example, we believe that unless greater 
wisdom and liberality shall be exercised in 
making out the Premium List, and the ap¬ 
pointment of Judges thereupon — rendering 
the former more liberal and acceptable to 
the mass of cultivators, manufacturers and 
inventors of the State, and the latter more 
capable and efficient—the interest in, and 
influence and usefulness of, the Society 
must diminish, rather than be sustained or 
increased, from year to year. The correct¬ 
ness of this opinion may be doubted, but 
were it necessary, we think sufficient evi¬ 
dence could be adduced to sustain it beyond 
question. We need only refer to the hun¬ 
dreds of exhibitors at the last Fair—men 
who had labored hard, traveled far, and ex¬ 
pended much time and no little money, in 
order to contribute to the variety, interest 
and value of the show — whose articles (in 
some cases not inferior to .any others in their 
classes,) were not examined, if seen at all 
by the j udges, and of course not even alluded 
to in their reports! Yet there are reasons 
for this result, which exonerate the officers 
and committees from much of the censure 
bestowed upon their devoted heads. Not 
that there was no negligence, &c, for there 
was in some departments—but the immense 
concourse of spectators, and limited time 
allowed for examinations by committees, 
prevented anything like justice being done. 
We know some judges were faithful, so far 
as they knew—for we met a gentleman on 
the ground, (who had been picked up and 
made chairman of an important committee,) 
in search of articles on his hook, who hon¬ 
estly remarked that he knew no more about 
some of the things of which he .vas to judge 
than a bear about crockery! They were 
worse than Greek to him, for he had pur¬ 
sued the classics in old Yale! With such, 
judges, we do not wonder at the general 
and loud complaints of competitors. 
—But we have already written more 
than was intended, and not l’eached some 
matters pertinent to the subject. We de¬ 
signed, after speaking of objections, to offer 
suggestions for the consideration of the So- 
ciety and its members, but a mere allusion 
to one or two items must suffice. In our 
view the prizes offered should be more lib¬ 
eral, and judiciously equalized. One branch 
of rural skill and industry should not re¬ 
ceive the precedence in amount and 
number of premiums, over others equally 
hnportant. The list of premiums ought 
to be carefully revised and improved upon 
each year, by adding such items as experi¬ 
ence and the spirit of the age suggest.— 
For example, the subject of Flax Cotton, is 
one of great interest, just now—and if it 
can be produced in this State, well and 
profitably, it will ere long add immensely 
to the wealth, and promote the indepen¬ 
dence of our people. It strikes us that the 
Society, possessing abundant means, might 
very properly offer large prizes for essays 
upon and experiments in the culture and 
manufacture of the article. And so of 
many other things In order to make the 
necessary corrections and additions,it would 
be well to have the premium list discussed, 
or entirely made out, at the annual meeting. 
The appointment of committees is a mat¬ 
ter which requires unusual care, for upon 
their attention, discretion and wisdom, the 
life and prosperity of the Society depend. 
And in order to insure their attendance, 
and a proper discharge of their duties, we 
think a per diem compensation should be 
allowed to all judges—especially in the 
principal and most laborious departments. 
And we believe many of the agricultural 
implements and machines, should be tho¬ 
roughly tested, under the direction of the 
judges, previous to or during the holding 
of the Fair. Take, for example, Grain 
Reapers and Drills, among the most useful 
and important articles for farmers,—in the 
invention and perfection of which ingenious 
mechanics have expended thousands—upon 
which the Society only offer paper premi¬ 
ums, while for articles of little or no value 
medals or money are awarded. W e sub¬ 
mit that, even if a diploma is the only pre 
mium given, such articles should be tested 
under the observation of competent judges, 
and not hastily decided upon, by persons 
who have never seen them in operation.— 
Awards made at hap-haz'ard are a mockery 
—discreditable and injurious to the Society, 
and unjust to the competitor. 
A suggestion here. The idea is preva¬ 
lent that while the directors of the Society 
exercise great economy in their premiums, 
and neglect the interest and comfort of the 
“ upper ten hundred thousand ” who at¬ 
tend its Fairs—t'ie producers of our wealth 
and the very levers of “progress and im¬ 
provement ” in agriculture and its kindred 
arts and sciences—too much money is ex 
pended to entertain themselves and distin¬ 
guished strangers. An acquaintance from 
the west, who ranks in the latter class—a 
superior farmer, and not unknown in the 
halls of legislation — respectfully declined 
to eat, drink or ride at the expense of the 
Society, assigning as a reason that its funds 
should be expended in legitimately promo¬ 
ting the objects of its organization. Some 
think, and we are among the number, that 
had a portion of the “ lionizing fund ” been 
expended in sprinkling the streets near, 
and grounds of, the late Fair, the change 
would not only have redounded to the 
comfort and convenience of tens of thou¬ 
sands, but the Society would ere long have 
received a large dividend in return for a 
measure so judicious. And we are inclined 
to believe the dividend would be still great¬ 
er, had the remainder of the fund been ex¬ 
pended in the payment of committee-men 
for their time and services, and in testing 
machinery, &c. 
But we must leave the subject for the 
present. We may resume its discussion, 
and meantime invite the views and opin¬ 
ions of others. 
RURAL OBSERVATIONS. 
“ Writers are too general iti what they sav— 
not minute and scientific enough.” — Rural, Oct. 
23. 
Writings on Agricultural subjects must 
ordinarily be either Theoretical or Practical. 
The former are necessarily more general in 
their character; the latter should be par 
ticular. I have chosen the above quotation 
as a foundation for a few remarks. The 
thought has often occurred to me before. 
Theoretical dissertations on most subjects 
are of little comparative value, unless the 
theory be derived from experience, facts, 
or practical illustrations. Theories, there¬ 
fore, to be practically useful must rather be 
inferences, or corolaries, than propositions. 
The former are generally true, the latter 
may not be. 
Experience, i. e. practice, or practical ex¬ 
periment, requires particular detail. Exper¬ 
iments, being designed to settle disputed 
points, or to discover new truths, should be 
made with care, and stated with precision. 
All the circumstances of the case should be 
taken into account, and stated in the result. 
But lest I too should be accused of beino- 
O 
“too general,” I will illustrate my meaning 
by an example. Suppose a farmer wishes 
to test the value of a certain kind of ma¬ 
nure on a field of grain? It would not 
answer any practical purpose so far as set¬ 
tling any disputed question might be con¬ 
cerned, to apply the manure to the whole 
field without regard to circumstances. He 
should consider the character of the soil 
and of the subsoil, whether they were the 
same in all parts, or different in different 
parts of the field; whether the manure was 
-i WHOLE NO. 101 
applied one time, or at different times; and 
how it operated on the different kinds of 
soil. Further, certain portions of his field 
should be left without manure; and the re¬ 
sult in each case particularly stated. Let a 
similar course be pursued iu all cases of 
experiment, and the consequence would be 
that much valuable information would be 
saved to the world. 
Before I close, allow me to say a few 
words on the subject of Energy and Ex¬ 
perience. In doing this I may perhaps be 
permitted to extract and abridge from an 
article that I recently published in one of 
our village papers. The energy of our 
citizens is competent to almost anything, 
but something more than energy is needed 
by the tiller of the soil. Energy requires 
to be directed by judgment and skill; and 
that skill must in a great measure be the 
result of experience. Experience, howev¬ 
er, is not only a thorough teacher, but of¬ 
ten an expensive one, especially when every 
individual is under the necessity of learning 
everything by his own experience. Human 
life is too short and too valuable, to be 
wholly spent in experiment. Hence the 
necessity of learning from the experience 
of others ? Hence, too, the necessity of 
particular accuracy in experiments. 
Energy is mechanical power—Experi¬ 
ence is science. The fruits of energy are 
seen, not only in the prosperity of our coun¬ 
try, but also in the “ signs of decay ” which 
are heard of in different quarters. The 
former are the positive, the latter, the neg¬ 
ative fruits. The latter cannot be prevent¬ 
ed but by an enlightened experience. Wit¬ 
ness the frequent complaints of farmers, 
that come to us from various quarters, that 
their lands are “ worn out,” “ exhausted,” 
&c., and that “ manure seems inadequate 
to the wants of the soil.” These are the 
negative fruits of energy which can only 
be prevented by science and experience. 
Now let us look at the fruits of the lat¬ 
ter. Large tracts of land in New Jersey, 
Maryland, Virginia, &c., have been so ex¬ 
hausted by continued cropping, as to be in¬ 
capable of producing more than two or 
three bushels of corn per acre. Portions 
of these lands, have within a few years, 
been purchased by men who have added 
science and experience to energy, and are 
now made to produce 25 to 30 bushels of 
wheat, or 50 to 60 bushels of corn per acre; 
and lands that were purchased for three to 
five dollars per acre, are now worth thirty 
to fifty 1 
Farmers, let your energy be directed by 
science, and enlightened experience. h. 
Down East, Nov., 1851. 
ONONDAGA SALT-PACKING PORK. 
Onondaga salt—Prejudice against its use—Its fal¬ 
lacy — Compared with Foreign kinds—Cause of 
failure itt keeping meats—I low salt penetrates— Rs 
operation mechanical—Safely in using enough and 
a little more. 
A good many persons indulge prejudices 
against Onondaga salt, as a preservative of 
meats, and will even pay an extravagant 
price for the Turks Island, and other im 
ported varieties, rather than risk the use of 
our homee manufactured article. That this 
is pure prejudice, there can be no doubt 
for millions of barrels of pork have been 
cured with the latter, and stood all the vicis¬ 
situdes of Northern and Southern climates, 
and better, to the last pound, never graced 
a family dinner pot, or basin of beans. 
An analysis, recently made by that able 
chemist, Lewis C. Beck, of the best for¬ 
eign, and solar made Onondaga, shows it 
to contain less foreign and insoluble mat¬ 
ters, than the imported, and two parts in a 
thousand more pure salt. It is true that 
sometimes failures occur, but it is ofeener 
