s i ■ - • 
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VOLUME IV. NO. 52. 
ROCHESTER, N. Y.-SATUBDAY, DECEMBER 21,1853. 
sisi'SaS 
1 WHOLE NO. 208, 
MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YOEESS: 
A QTJAP.TO WEEKLY 
Agricultural, Literary and Family Newspaper. 
CONDUCTED EY D. D. T. MOORE, 
WITH Alt ABLE CORPS OK ASSISTANT EDITORS. 
Tun Rusal Nkw-Yorkek is designed to be unique &n<i 
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 Sah- 
ieets connected with the business of those whose interests 
it advocates. It embraces more Agricultural, Horticul¬ 
tural, Scientific, Mechanical, Literary and News Vetter — 
interspersed with many appropriate and handsome en -rav¬ 
ings—than any other paper published in this Country 
this volume of tho Rural will challenge 
coin; arisen with those of any Agricultural 
j 'Urnat n rlie world. This is sinct r * j ra ; so. 
Wo are proud of our Correspondents—and 
VALUE OF LEACHED ASHES. 
In conversation with an agricultural 
friend a few days since, lie mentioned that 
he had found great benefit from the appii- 
others appreciate their morits. One of the CMi(m of old loMhed -he , to wheat, es- 
almst and most experienced agricultural p( , ciaMy on goil3 . In hue instance, 
editors in the Union, said to us recently ;— 
“No wonder the Rural is succeeding bo 
yond precedent, for it possesses one great 
100 bushels of ashes per acre, spread on 
tho soil after the wheat was sown, gave him 
an increase of ten bushels per acre. He 
<mimu !UiD-ufiiTier. 
Progress and Improvement. 
CLOSE OF THE VOLUME. 
This number completes the Fourth Vol¬ 
ume of the Rural New-Yorker, termina¬ 
ting our editorial labors for 1853. The 
occasion is one of no ordinary interest, and 
awakens mingled emotions of pleasure and 
rogret, yet the formor are most powerful. 
Not that we rejoico at the flight ot Time— 
that is a source of regret—but that we have 
boen vouchsafed tho health and strength 
to labor almost unceasingly during tho days, 
weeks and months of the year, continually 
sustained by tho approval and substantial 
encouragement of tho thousands whoso wel¬ 
fare wo have earnestly endeavored to pro¬ 
mote.—while many, who began tho year as 
hopefully and vigorously, have been strick¬ 
en by tho hand of affliction, or cut down in 
the meridian of life and usefulness. 
In mentally roverting to tho past—the 
events of even a twelvemonth—many sub¬ 
jects aro suggested, comments upon which 
would be pertinent, yet wo have not space 
for their discussion. But as the occasion 
permits allusion to personal affairs, we have 
somewhat to say to all interested in, or who 
have in any wise augmented, tho success of 
this journal. And yet, our obligations are 
so great, that wo hesitato in writing what 
we feel constrained to say, lest we should 
bo accused of uttering flattery, instead of 
the sincere emanations of an appreciating 
heart. Be that as it may, we cannot con¬ 
sistently add “ finis” to this volume, without 
expressing our warmest acknowledgements 
to each and all who have seconded our ef¬ 
forts, and thereby contributed to tho unex¬ 
ampled success of an enterprise designed 
to promote, in an eminent degree, tho pres¬ 
ent interests and prospective welfare of 
community. We feel and know that the 
success of tho Rural New-Yorker —a suc¬ 
cess so marked and complete as to create 
unsuccessful imitation and rivalry in differ¬ 
ent localities—has been achieved by the 
combined efforts of thousands of generous 
and influential persons residing in various 
sections, near and distant. It is to those 
who have seconded us in every appropriate 
manner—especially in the capacity of Cor¬ 
respondents, Agents, and Subscribers—that 
the thanks of tho public, and our own ac¬ 
knowledgments, aro eminently due for the 
permanent and prosperous establishment 
of a journal which wo believe is accom¬ 
plishing a largo measure of usefulness.— 
We foel justly proud of the Rural and its 
success, but prouder still of the ard-^n- -• 
tlve^ generous-hearti .... i.. of • ^ 
and Improvement ” who have enabled us 
to mako it what it is acknowledged to bo— 
tho standard Agricultural, Literary and 
Family Newspaper of the ago. 
Reader, to prove that we are right, lot us 
boo what our) friends have accomplished. 
During tho year we liavo published soveral 
hundred articles form Correspondents.— 
And we must say, that for variety and im¬ 
portance of subjects discussed, for the clear, 
practical, common sense language in which 
they are couched, for tho spirit of progress, 
and love of truth with which thoy are so 
manifestly imbued,—and above all for that 
dotailed account of experience, tho result of 
close observation and patient investigation, 
and for tho keen appreciation of the advan¬ 
tages of experimental science,—the commu¬ 
nications in tho practical departments of 
advantage m having the best contributors and haa spots on hig farm where he can see tho 
correspondents of any journal, in the country’ beneficial effect of unleached ashes, applied 
Aim he was right. Our correspondents are nino years ag0j overy tim0 tho ] ot is sown 
entitled to credit, and in behalf of tho great with wheat. Ho has tried unleashed ashes 
cosmopolitan agricultural community, wo with no benefit to wheat, though he thinks 
return them sincere thanks for past favors, thom good for corn . To what is the fertil- 
and earnestly solicit a continuance of their izing property of old leac hed ashes owing ? 
va ua.) e contiib.uions. We cannot definitely answer this question. 
But there is another and larger class to Wo aro inclined to think, howpver, that it 
whom wo are equally indebted,—Agents.— is owing in some way to a substitution of 
lIiL includes a large and influential portion the alkali ammonia for the potash and soda 
inis JHCiuues a large and influential portion the alkali ammonia for the potash and soda 
<>! out readers for the Rural has, proba- which have been leachod out. It may be 
f ly, a more numerous, activo and efficient that they contain tho double salt of silicate 
coi ps ot volunteer and regular agents and of alumina and soda, to which clay owes its 
working friends, than any similar journal in power of retaining ammonia. If this is 
America. During tiie past year, especially, the case, by adding leached ashes to a san- 
t uey have accomplished wonders—even ex- dy soil, we add ammonia, or at least, the 
ceeding om most sanguine expectations.— means of retaining the ammonia brought 
L hev have not only gathered the names and to tho soil by rain from the atmosphere; 
money ot their triends in clubs ot five, ten, and that, too, in the best condition for as- 
twentv and thirty, but many furnished lists similatiom by tho plant. Taking this view, 
ot from fifty to seventy-five, while othors it would follow that tho older the ashes, 
went into the hundreds. In this good work and tho moro they had been exposed to 
ad classes joined. Farmers, Horticu't ;rist3 rain, tho better and stronger would they bo. 
Mechanics, Merchants, Post-Masters, Clor- But whatever difference of opinion there 
gy men and Jeaehers; while many of" Iieav- may bo as to tho cause or reason of thefor- 
ens last best gift have exercised their rights tilizing value of leached ashns, all agree 
and influence in tho same direction. They that they are valuablo for wheat on sandy 
have generously introduced tho Rural to soils. 
notice and support throughout the Union, Thoro aro in many parts of the country 
thereby extending its area of circulation and old asheries, from whence leached ashes 
usefulness, and affording us and our corres- can bo obtainod at a mere nominal price; 
pondents an opportunity of addressing a and it is truly surprising that they aro not 
more numerous audience than that of all more extensively used. Tho fall is tho 
the Cioigy of this city combined ; yea, more best tirno to apply them, though they might 
oi speaking to a greater number than tho bo spread on tho wheat while more or loss 
whole population of Rochostor i With the snow is on the ground in tho winter, to ad- 
continued confidence and encouragement vantage. 
of such vigilant and substantial friends, we -- 
have little to fear in regard to the future. WATERING S HEEP IH WINTER. 
To the Press generally—Agricultural, That sheep can do with less water than 
have little to fear in regard to the future. WATERING S HEEP IN WINTER. 
To the Press generally—Agricultural, That sheep can do with less water than 
Religious, Political and Literary—we aro °^ ier domestic animals, i3 well known.— 
greatly indebted for cordial greeting and That thoy should be forced to do with a 
warm commendation. For this gonerous loss quantity than they desire, or compelled 
kindness, we bow to our contemporaries in to do without any, oxcept what is accident- 
grateful acknowledgement. And, whilo we a ^y supplied by melting snow or rain, no 
strive to excel, we trust tho Rural will on- reasonable or merciful man can believe for 
hance rather than impede the prosperity of ono moment - In some experiments on 
all useful and rightly conducted journals. South Down sheep, at Rothamstead, we 
During tho year we have endeavored to : ? un( ^ * n ^ ie summer months each 
discharge our duty aright to subscribers and s!iee P ea ^ ° Rs. of clover hay, and drank 
the public. How well wo havo succeeded a, I )OU I °* wa I 0r daily. Thinking that 
others can best determine. Our aim has L h e y drank more than was favorable for the 
been to keep paco with tho spirit and pro¬ 
gress of the age, and to promote tho coin- 
doposition of fat, we confined them to a less 
quantity of water for one week. The re- 
mon weal. We havo at times been con- su ^ wa3 during ^ mo I^oy ea I loss 
strained to uso very plain terms and strong ^ ooc ^ an ^ ' os “ we ight. I' nis result satisfied 
language in condemnation of wrong and us sheep knew better than man, though 
quackery, and shall exercise the like privi¬ 
lege in future, whenever considered neces¬ 
sary to guard and protect tho rights and in- 
he were scientific, how much water they re¬ 
quired. 
But wo need not quote experiments.— 
terests of community. Whilo wo condemn ^* ie common senso ot every man tells him 
deception and visional-}’ speculation, we do ^ la *' s ^ ee P> a3 a3 a ’^ other animals, 
not subscribe to the “ old fogy” creed of should be abundantly supplied with good, 
thoso who aro continually prating about the I' ros ^ water. Cows and sheep, it possible, 
ignorance and retrogression of agricultu- should have froo access to it at all times .— 
rists. Wo believe in “Progress and Tm- For. unlike the horse, they will not always 
j-vovoui- .it" — that tho world H adv* ,-g. A & lovrover regal riy 
including tho agricultural community—and observed. A well, pump and troughs would 
so believing wo shall strive, from week to seem, theretoro, to be necessary appenda- 
week, to mako the truth manifest. S cs 1° e7er y well managed barnyard or 
— Our arrangements for the future havo b ^ cc P F ;UU reader, act on tins mat- 
already been announced, and we can safely 
promise that the Fifth Volume of the Ru- 
ter, and your sheep and cows will bless you, I 
if not in words, at least in wool, milk and ! 
ral New Yorker will be moro valuable and P r0l ‘ u _ 
attractive than eithor of its predecessors. Another Good Cow.— In reply to our 
As heretofore—but with moro assistance, question what Western New York thought 
and tar greater facilities— vve shall use our of Mr. Sabin’s cow, we have received sov- 
best endeavors to render it eminently in- eral answers. Mr. Joseph Crocker, Lock- 
structivo, useful and entertaining—worthy port, writes that he has a cow, a cross be- 
fcho confidence and support of all interested tween native and Dovon, that gave the first 
in tho various subjects discussed, and an in- week in June last, lG^.lbs. of butter, and in 
dispensable weekly visitor to the Family the second week 17 lbs. with no other feed 
Circle. The prospects of the papor were than good pasture. He has a heifer from 
never so bright and flattering as at presont, this cow which came in when two years old 
and hence we shall commonce the now year and in one weok during the following Sop- 
and volume under most favorable auspices, tember gave eight pounds of butter. 
PRESERVATION OF WOODLANDS. 
It is not my present purpose to discuss the 
importance of reserving-a certain amount of 
woodland on each farm, but assuming that 
every farm of 100 acres in the iinmodiato 
vicinity of cities or largo villages, should 
contain at least 25 acres devoted to the 
growth of forest trees, I would offer a few 
hints on tho management of such lands, so 
j as to afford tho greatest quantity of timber 
| and fuel, without deterioration. 
It has boen recommended by some to 
i clear off a certain portion of tho land each 
year, say half an aero, enough for a year’s 
| supply, and if cut at the right season of the 
year, say they, the timber will spring up 
| spontaneously and soon supply the place 
; again, provided cattle are kept out; and this, 
it may be remarked, should bo done in all 
cases, for it is as certain that tho person 
who expects a grove of young trees to flour- 
i bh, to which cattlo have free access, will as 
! surely bo disappointed as ho who expects 
| a field of wheat to como to perfection under 
like circumstances. 
But it is found by experience that with 
the most careful treatment, tho trees often 
fail to germinate in any considerable quan¬ 
tity, and the owner often finds to his morti¬ 
fication, tho ground covered with nothing 
but grass and weeds. 
The following method, however, rarely if 
ever fails. Lot the ground bo marked out 
by being encircled with a path made by 
scraping off the loaves and rubbish for 5 
or 6 feet in width, then let it bo burned 
over in a dry time early in the spring, which 
may bo dono with safety by having 4 or 5 
men to watch and not let the fire break 
over the presci-ibed limits. 
After tho burning it should remain undis¬ 
turbed for two years. Then let the fallen 
trees and the greater part of the standing 
old ones bo taken off, leaving scattered 
over tho piece, about twenty trees to the 
acre. At the end of six years these also 
may be taken off, and tho young growth 
thinned to tho distanco of three feet apart 
on an average, leaving of course the moro 
thrifty and desirable kinds. At the end of 
ten years let them be again thinned, leaving 
but three trees to .a square rod, or about 
500 on an acre. It has been ascertained 
that most kinds of forest trees will flourish 
and grow to a large size at about this dis¬ 
tanco apart, provided the grove is all of tho 
same ago. 
On a piece of three acres that was burned 
30 years ago, and has beon treated as above 
described, tho trees are now 00 feet high, 
and near the ground from 14 to 18 inches 
in diameter, and in all probability in 20 
years moro the weight of timber will be 
equal to that of the original forest. 
Tho common practice of going through 
woodlands yearly, and cutting down such 
trees for fuel as have come to maturity, if 
done in tho usual way is liable to break 
down and destroy much of the young tim¬ 
ber. But this can bo avoided by girdling 
such treos two years before wanted, in which 
time the limbs becomo dry and brittle, and 
in falling will mostly break off instead of 
breaking the green limbs with which they 
como in contact, and at the same timo they 
are rather improved as fuel. c. 
Farmers’ Clubs in Canada. —Our Cana¬ 
dian brethren sot us a good example in re¬ 
spect to monthly meetings for tho discussion 
of agricultural subjects. We have just read 
with much pleasure, a discussion at tho 
Hamilton Farmers’ Club, on tho construc¬ 
tion of fences ; and one at Guolph, on the 
most profitable breed of sheep adapted to 
Canada, and tho best and most economical 
means of wintering them, See. We have 
many warm personal friends in Canada, and 
now that the Great Western railroad is par¬ 
tially in operation, we anticipate, with much 
pleasure, attending some of these Farmers’ 
Clubs, during tho ensuing year, and enrich¬ 
ing our columns with reports of their pro¬ 
ceedings. By the way, what are our friends 
in Western and Central Now York doing in 
the way of Farmers’ Clubs and discussions? 
AN IMPROVED CULTIVATOR. 
Eds. Rural : — The cultivator used in this 
section resembling tho old fashioned draa 
in shape, is easily turned out of tie wj,y, on 
lovel ground, if it meets a trifling impedi¬ 
ment on the side. And upon a side bill it 
turns so much that the upper row of teeth 
follow one another, leaving the land as tho’ 
it had been lightly furrowed with a plow.— 
To remedy this, handles have been attach¬ 
ed. If tho ground bo level and not too 
rough, this is a decided improvement. But 
if rough or sideling it does not work well, 
and is much moro unpleasant to hold than 
the plow. Besides, the upper side has to 
bo frequently turned so as not to do its 
work well, or it will not follow tho team. 
I will now tell you what I have done by 
way of improvement. I built a cultivator 
on the old plan, only I get the width with 
le3s length of timber, to have it as light as 
possible. A drag of light timber with tho 
teeth so set as to follow between tho culti¬ 
vator teeth attached, wide end foremost, 
with hinges, completes the cultivator. The 
accompanying sketch will give a better idea 
of it than a long description. A, is a hock 
for drawing, b b are hinges to attach the 
harrow to tho cultivator. There aro nino 
cultivator teeth and eight drag teeth. 
This pulverizer of the soil will run upon 
a hard road without sluing round the drag, 
acting liko the tail of a kite, holding it 
steady. It will fit for the seed an acre of 
sward land in about half the timo required 
with tho old fashioned article — so don’t 
laugh at it till you have tried it. 
S. F. Smith. 
Siloam, Madison Co., N. Y., 1853. 
RURAL NOTES FROM ILLINOIS. 
In the spring of "53, a farmer in this vi¬ 
cinity plowed a piece of prairie soil which 
had beon under cultivation, producing a 
good crop annually, for nine years. It was 
plowed the usual depth and sown with oats, 
except a strip along one side of sufficient 
width for six rows of corn. Adjacent to 
this, several acres more, which had been 
cultivated the same length of time, were 
plowed about two inches deeper than the 
former, and all planted with corn at tho 
same time. As soon as tho corn had gained 
a height of fivo or six inches, a manifest 
difference was observed, which continued 
to increase till tho close of the season; that 
on tho deeper plowed soil being full 6 inches 
taller than the other, and of a better color. 
In a former communication, I stated that 
some farmers in this vicinity were careful 
of their manures—that crops were improv¬ 
ed by tho uso of them, See. Such is tho 
case with those lands that have been under 
cultivation for sevoral years. Instead of 
manuring, some plow their grounds a little 
deeper every few years; a practice which 
might be continued to almost any extent, 
(on account of the y -' depth ; rich¬ 
ness of the soil,) but for tho fact, that the 
greatest depth to which a soil can be work¬ 
ed, must at length be reached. 
Long continued cropping tends to render 
the soil heavy, compact, and more inclined 
to harden and crack in midsummer. This 
would be the effect generally, if tho stubble 
lands were either burned over or pastured 
off very close. The same practice tends to 
keep tho ground wet till late in the spring. 
Many farmors, however, prevent those evils 
by plowing under the large amount of veg¬ 
etable matter that, in addition to the stub¬ 
ble, soon covers the ground after the crop 
is removed. I have seen soil that was for¬ 
merly quite wet and compact, rendered dry, 
light and productive by this practice; and 
others that were preserved by it in all their 
primitive fertility. H. 
