TWO DOLLARS Vk YEAR.] 
“ PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT.” 
[SINTG-IAE ISTO. FOUR CENTS. 
YOL. X. NO. 42. f 
i 
ROCHESTER, N. Y.-FOR THE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1859. 
i i 
{WHOLE NO. 510. 
MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER, 
AN ORIGINAL WEEKLY 
RURAL, LITERARY AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER. 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOORE, 
With an Able Corps of Assistants and Contributors. 
The Rural New-Yorker Is designed to be unsurpassed 
in Value, Purity, Usefulness and Variety of Contents, and 
unique and beautiful in Appearance. Its Conductor devotes 
his personal attention to the supervision of its various de¬ 
partments, and earnestly labors to render the Rural an 
eminently Reliable Guide on all the important Practical, 
Scientific and other Subjects intimately connected with the 
business of those whose interests it zealously advocates.— 
It embraces more Agricultural, Horticultural, Scientific, 
Educational, Literary and News Matter, interspersed with 
appropriate and beautiful Engravings, than any other jour¬ 
nal,—rendering it tli§ most complete Agricultural, Lit¬ 
erary and Family Newspaper in America. 
B3?” All communications, and business letters, should be 
addressed to D. D. T. MOORE, Rochester, N. Y. 
For Term 3 and other particulars, see last page. 
eflp. 
.tafcfth -'rAi a.ttsat 
MENTAL IMPROVEMENT.-TIMELY HINTS. 
VTue season of almost unceasing physical +oil/on 
typ part of soil culturists is again drawing td a 
close, and that of recreation and mental improve¬ 
ment rapidly approaching. The long evenings 
and leisure of Winter are coming on apace—and 
for nearly six months the great mass of American 
Ruralists will have a comparative vacation from the 
arduous labors of their occupation. As we have, 
at appropriate periods, offered suggestions rela¬ 
tive to the labors of seeding, cultivating and 
harvesting soil crops, we may now be permitted 
to present a few thoughts touching the mental 
improvement of those who have become physi¬ 
cally strong by the manly and noble exercise 
required to secure success in the culture and 
management of Garden, Orchard and Field. 
“Improve the Soil and the Mind” is a wise 
maxim, and one worthy of far more consideration 
and action than it receives from the upper (or, 
rather, lower,) ten hundred thousand of American 
Agriculturists. In regard to mental improve¬ 
ment, as in other matters, it may truly be said, 
and sung, of them that 
“ They know the right, and they approve it too, 
Condemn the wrong, and still the wrong pursue.” 
The Rural Population of this country has more 
leisure than any other laboring class—especially 
during the (in the North) long season of Nature’s 
hibernation—and its members ought to possess 
as much intelligence and mental cultivation as 
those of other occupations. Indeed, our idea of a 
true farmer—the farmer for the present age—is 
that he should be as truly a member of the 
“learned professions” as any lawyer, physician 
or divine; and the time is not distant when the 
intelligent cultivator of the soil will be entitled 
to such rank and dignity. Ere that time, how¬ 
ever, the farmer’s son must have and embrace the 
opportunity to study his profession and the Natu¬ 
ral Sciences in the Common School, the Academy 
and the Agricultural College. Meantime, let us 
suggest what may be accomplished by Ruralists 
distant from, or iu conjunction with, these insti¬ 
tutions of learning—what may be done during 
the coming season of comparative leisure. 
In the first place, the farmer, and every member 
of his family who has arrived at proper age, 
should devote more time than is now given to 
reading, study and thought upon useful subjects— 
moral, practical and scientific—subjects a knowl¬ 
edge of which enables the possessor to think, 
labor and act aright. We hold that the farmer 
should be a reading, thinking, educated man, and 
thoroughly informed, not only in regard to his 
own occupation, but as to what is transpiring 
throughout the world. And all this he can be 
by devoting a little time to reading and study. 
Every farmer should possess books and journals 
devoted to Agriculture and kindred subjects, and 
read, study and criticise them with earnestness. 
As winter approaches the wise farmer will annu¬ 
ally make additions of such books and periodicals 
as are best calculated to correctly advise and 
instruct himself and the various members of his 
family, and see that the investment is properly 
appreciated, so that it will ere long return good 
dividends. And he will be as careful to provide 
proper mental food for his wife, sons and daugh¬ 
ters, as for himself—thus manifesting wisdom of 
head, kindness of heart, and the foresight of a 
true educator. His centre table and library 
shelves will be covered with books and journals 
which discuss practical, scientific, historical, 
moral and timely topics—while those of a light, 
superficial or trashy character are either entirely 
ignored or extremely rare. Regarding the prin¬ 
ciples, training and mental discipline and improve¬ 
ment of his children of paramount importance— 
of greater consequence than the amount of money 
or number of acres they may possess on arriving 
at majority, or inherit at the time of his decease— 
he adopts such home measures that both the heads 
and hearts of his sons and daughters may be 
properly directed and educated. Is not his exam¬ 
ple suggestive to thousands of parents who read 
the Rural New-Yorker, and worthy of emulation 
at the present season ? 
But, aside from the sources of individual and 
family improvement at home, there are other im¬ 
portant means which can and should be rendered 
available in augmenting the knowledge and men¬ 
tal culture of the farmer. In many sections of 
Rural America — and especially in thickly popu¬ 
lated districts — we are rejoiced to know that 
Farmers’ Clubs, and similar associations designed 
for the mutual instruction of their members and 
“ to improve the soil and the mind” (more prop¬ 
erly the mind and the soil,) are in successful 
operation. These are proving of great benefit to 
members and community—becoming popular, and 
annually increasing in numbers and usefulness. 
Every town or neighborhood embracing a dozen 
farmers may and ought to have some such organ¬ 
ization, holding frequent meetings,— especially 
duringwinter, for lectures, discussions, the reading 
of essays) etc., — say week’y or fortnightly. This 
would not only enable young men, and even the 
middle aged, to acquire much valuable informa¬ 
tion, but prove an excellent school to train mem¬ 
bers in speaking, composition, &c.,—matters sadly 
neglected by the great mass of our population. 
For example, the w r riting of an essay on any spe¬ 
cified subject—practical, scientific or historical— 
necessarily involves thought and investigation, so 
that the essayist not only acquires valuable infor¬ 
mation but also disciplines his mind in properly 
imparting it to others. The discussions would 
prove of decided benefit to participants, the 
practice of speaking enabling them to acquire con¬ 
fidence and fluency in expressing their views pub¬ 
licly. Why is it that each one of a company of six 
to twenty or more farmers, when seated, can talk 
readily and sensibly on any subject with which 
they are familiar—yet, when organized in a meet¬ 
ing, and it becomes necessary to rise and address 
the chairman or president, not one of them can 
speak calmly or to the point on the same subject? 
The reason is too obvious to be stated—the habit 
of talking informally, and the lack of practice in 
speaking otherwise, being the correct solution. 
— There are other matters connected with this 
subject worthy of notice, but we have suggested 
enough, it is hoped, to induce thought and action 
in the right direction. 
RINGBONE, CAUSES, TREATMENT, &c. 
Eds. Rural New-Yorker:—I own what would bo 
a very valuable young horse, but for a ringbone be¬ 
tween the hoof and lower joint Can you, or some of 
your numerous correspondents, find an effectual reme¬ 
dy ? For such I would be willing to make handsome 
compensation.—S. II. Kernels, Cornwall, Vt. 
Some very strange ideas are entertained con¬ 
cerning the nature of ringbone, and when we give 
utterance to our own convictions, by stating that 
a clearly established case is incurable, we are aware 
that such expression is in contact with the opinions 
held by very many sound, practical, thinking men. 
Past volumes of the Rural have contained scores 
of “ cures,” so-called, and though we may appear 
to join issue with those who have furnished these 
recipes, we are in readiness to receive more light 
upon the subject, and shall be happy to chronicle 
experiences, no matter how widely they diverge 
from our own views. This is the true mode to 
elicit such information as will prove of value not 
only to horsemen but to the entire community. 
Ringbone is a bony tumor— exostosis —its situa¬ 
tion is on or in the vicinity of the pastern bones, 
and the end is generally anchylosis of the pastern 
joint. To a proper consideration of this disease a 
knowledge of the construction of the pasterns is 
essential, and we give an illustration from “ Youatt 
on the Horse.” 
The upper pastern receives the lower pulley-like 
head of the shank bone, and forms a hinge-joint 
admitting only of bending and extension, but not 
of side motion; it likewise forms a joint with the 
sessamoid-bones. Its lower head has two rounded 
protuberances, which are received into correspon¬ 
ding depressions in the lower pasterns. On either 
side, above the pastern-joint, are roughened pro¬ 
jections for the attachment of very strong liga¬ 
ments, both in capsular ligaments, and many cross 
ligaments, which render the joints between the 
two pasterns sufficiently secure. 
[A. The sessamoid bone. B. 
Upper pastern. C. Lower pas¬ 
tern. D. Navicular bone. 2? 
Coffin hone.] 
The lower pastern is a short and 
thick bone, with its larger head 
downward. Its upper head has 
two depressions to receive the 
protuberances on the lower head 
of the upper bone, bearing some 
resemblance to a pulley, hut not 
so decidedly as the lower head of 
the shank-bone. Its lower head 
resembles that of the other pas¬ 
tern, and has also two prominen¬ 
ces, somewhat resembling a pul¬ 
ley, by which it forms a joint with the coffin-bone, 
and a depression in front, corresponding with a 
projection in the coffin-bone. There are also two 
slight depressions behind, receiving eminences of 
the navicular bone. 
In the case mentioned by our correspondent, the 
ringbone lies “between the hoof and lower joint.” 
The bony deposit, we should 
infer, is on the lower pastern, 
and is recognized by a slight 
enlargement, or bony tumor 
just above the coronet. The 
annexed illustration, (see a) 
gives the appearance jvhen 
first distinguishable upon the 
side of the -y n, above the 
? Of 
The causes, according ro .fie best writers, are 
three, “hereditary, structural and incidental.”— 
This is the view held by that oft-quoted writer up¬ 
on the horse— Percivall— and it is sustained by 
the observations of practical veterinarians. Solly- 
sell remarks:—“Ringbone is sometimes heredi 
tary; though it is usually occasioned by a strain 
taken in curvetting, bounding turns, violent gal¬ 
loping or racing.” The latter author ascribes the 
“ exciting causes ” to any acts or efforts of speed 
or strength productive of concussion to the pastern 
bones. He also thinks that blows may produce it, 
although “the bones of the pasterns are unlikely 
parts to be struck.” 
There are two modes of treatment, and, as we 
give both, our readers are left to make their own 
choice. Dr. Dadd, —one of our most skillful veter 
inarians, and in whom we have much faith,— 
states that the old method of.treating exostosis 
by fire and blister is fast giving way to a more ra¬ 
tional procedure. It has been discovered that 
there is not, really, any cure for this malady; if we 
can relieve the horse from lameness, that is all that 
can be expected. We treat the disease, when first 
discovered, just as we would a recent splent or 
spavin, by cooling, evaporating lotions, cold water 
bandages, &c.; rest, too, so much disregarded by 
physicians, is of some importance.” In chronic 
cases Dr. D. applies acetate of cantharides daily, 
until the parts appear hot and tender, then substi¬ 
tutes cold water bandages, repeating the process 
if necessary. 
Mr. Spooner, one of the most distinguished of 
England’s veterinary practitioners, says “the best 
treatment for ringbones of either kind is, after the 
inflammation has been in a great measure removed 
by cooling applications, to fire the part, or other¬ 
wise, well rub in the iodide of mercury ointment, 
washing off the effects on the following day, and 
thus repeating it again and again. We have by 
such means succeeded in removing the lameness 
diminishing the enlargement, and restoring the 
animal, in many instances, to a state of useful 
ness. 
EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 
Winter Barley for Feeding Sheep.— Acorres 
pondent of the London Agricultural Gazette, 
writes to that journal:—“Last spring a farmer in 
Hants fed his sheep on this dry plant, after it was 
in ear; his flock have not recovered from the effects 
of it yet. In August it first scoured them, and 
he has lost some 23 ewes and several lambs; they 
dwindle away, and the shepherd says when they 
die, they have not a drop of blood in their veins.” 
Pasturage in a Prolific Season.— A writer in 
the Mark Lane Express, in an article on this sub 
ject, speaks of the difficulties of “ too much grass, 
and suggests a variety of courses to pursue with 
it. “ It is always desirable,” he says, “ to have 
plenty; but profusion is certainly an evil in graz 
ing. The stock leave the coarser herbage for the 
finer spots; consequently these get overeaten and 
bare; the coarser grows still coarser, and in the 
end becomes nearly worthless.” One course would 
be to shut up a part for mowing, which would be 
the same in result, but less risk and expense than 
WEST IIIGUriLAANTD FAT OX. 
In perusing “ Bural Letters from Europe,” by 
Sanford Howard, Esq., recently.published in the 
New Yorker, our readers have doubtless noticed 
the frequent mention made of West Highland Cat¬ 
tle. This breed has its admirers, and we give, in 
connection with a brief description of its habits 
and peculiarities, the above illustration of an ox 
in condition for the butcher. 
The West Highland Cattle are a primitive breed, 
and are principally found in a range of islands 
(the (Hebrides,) skirting the Western coast of Scot¬ 
land from the promontory of Cantire to the North¬ 
ern extremity of the country. From the earliest 
accounts we have of Scotch cattle, this breed has 
remained unchanged, or improved only by selec¬ 
tion. This group of islands extends nearly two 
hundred miles from North to South, and while the 
striking features of the Highland cattle are evi¬ 
dent in all, there is considerable difference in size, 
earliness of maturity, and consequent value, the 
change being readily traced to the effects of cli¬ 
mate and superior pasturage. Those upon the 
island of Islay, the most Southern of the group, are 
awarded the palm in the specialties mentioned.— 
The increase of size, however, is not considered an 
advantage in the Northern islands, or even on the 
mainland, as it is gained by a loss of hardihood, 
rendering them unable to withstand the inclemen¬ 
cy of the weather, or to subsist upon the scanty 
forage that the Highlands supply. “ Breeders are 
so much aware of this,” remarks Youatt, “that 
they endeavor to preserve the purity and value of 
their stock, by selecting, not from the districts 
where the size has increased, but, by almost gen¬ 
eral consent, from the Isle of Skye, where the cat¬ 
tle are small, but are suited to the soil and to the 
climate; and can be most easily and securely rais¬ 
ed at the least expense; and, when removed to 
better provender, will thrive vrith a rapidity al¬ 
most incredible.” 
After viewing them at the Glasgow Cattle Show, 
Mr. Howard writes:—“ They are very handsome 
in form, occupy the bleakest districts, and thou¬ 
sands of them are reared without shelter and with 
no other food, except a little milk from their dams 
in early childhood, than what they grub from the 
turning in more stock. Or the rough spots of 
grass might be mown for hay, or mown in small 
quantities daily, and left to dry on the field, to he 
eaten at pleasure by the stock. Another sugges¬ 
tion is to let a portion stand for winter and early 
spring pasturage. The grazing w r ill possess con¬ 
siderable value as an auxiliary supply to root-fed 
cattle and sheep. 
Flowering of Potatoes.— Dr. Manby, an emi¬ 
nent English agriculturist, and the author of a 
prize essay on the cultivation of early potatoes, 
says in that essay, which has recently been pub¬ 
lished, that “ a flower to an early potato is consid¬ 
ered a sign of deterioration, the first symptom of 
gracing out, it being contended that all the 
strength of the plant should be thrown into per¬ 
fecting the tuber, and not into the opposite ex¬ 
treme.” He would therefore eradicate them as 
soon as they appear, and save seed from plants 
which have shown no indication of flowering. 
Experiments have shown that potato plants be¬ 
ginning to show a tendency to flower, perfect their 
tubers less early and perfectly than before that 
tendency was developed. 
rugged pastures. Nature has given them a coat 
of hair which protects their bodies against the 
winter’s storm. Some of them at this show had 
a considerable portion of their last year’s hair, 
three or four inches long, hanging in patches on 
them. They are bred almost exclusively for beef, 
but some of the Highland cows present by no 
means a mean appearance for dairy purposes, and 
their milk is of the richest kind and affords butter 
of the best quality.” 
The Highland bull should be black, or pale 
red, the head small, thq ears thin, the muzzle fine, 
and rather turned up. He should be broad in the 
face, the eyes prominent, and the countenance calm 
and placid. The horns should taper finely to a 
point; and, neither drooping too much, nor rising 
too high, should be of a waxy color, and widely 
set on at the root. The neck should be fine, par¬ 
ticularly where it joins the head, and rising with 
a gentle curve from the shoulder. The breast wide, 
and projecting well before the legs. The shoulders 
broad at the top, and the chine so full a3 to leave 
but little hollow behind them. The girth behind 
the shoulder deep; the back straight, wide, and 
flat; the ribs broad, the space between them and 
the hips small; the belly not sinking low in the 
middle; yet, on the whole, not forming a round 
and barrel-like carcass. The thigh tapering to 
the hock-joint; the tail set on a level with the back. 
The legs short and straight. The whole carcass 
covered with a thick, long coat of hair, and plenty 
of hair also about the face and horns, and that hair 
not curly. 
The value of the West Highland cattle consists 
in their being hardy, and easily fed ; in that they 
will live, and sometimes thrive, on the coarsest 
pastures; that they will frequently gain from a 
fourth to a third of their original weight in six 
months’ good feeding; that the proportion of offal 
is not greater than in the most improved larger 
breeds; that they will lay their flesh and fat equa¬ 
bly on the best parts; and that, when fat, the beef 
is close and fine in the grain, highly flavored, and 
so well mixed or marbled, that it commands a su¬ 
perior price in every market. Mr. Howard thinks 
the breed adapted to some portions of our country. 
In-And-In Breeding. —About ten years ago the 
Londonderry Standard published a series of letters 
upon “ The Form of the Horse,” written by James 
C. L. Carson, M. D., and the substance of these 
have now made their appearance in book form. 
The English press is giving some extracts to 
their readers, and we are thus enabled to obtain 
the following passage upon in-and-in breeding:— 
“There is not the slightest foundation for the 
strong prejudice which exists in the public mind 
(against in-and-in breeding. Many of the best 
horses, as w T ell as the best short-horned cattle, we 
have ever had, were very much and closely in-bred. 
To a certain extent this was unavoidable, when the 
studs and herds were first formed; but it makes 
little difference whether it was the result of neces¬ 
sity, or of choice. It has fully established the im¬ 
mense advantage of breeding in-and-in, when the 
stock is of the right sort; indeed, I can see no 
other possible way of retaining the perfections of 
any particular strain than that of returning fre¬ 
quently to the same blood. We must he careful, 
however, to observe that the individuals we select 
to breed from are as near perfection as possible, 
both in themselves and their ancestors. We will 
thus secure the transmission of their good quali¬ 
ties. On the other hand, if there is any special 
defect, it will be sure to pass down, when it is 
thrown in-and-in, and will hardly ever be got rid 
of. I think it is owing, in a great measure, to 
want of attention to this rule, that there is so much 
prejudice against close breeding. It will succeed 
only when the good qualities bear an immense 
preponderance over the bad ones. 
Experienced breeders very properly place great 
reliance on blood. In short, this just amounts to 
the fact, that good and bad qualities are all heredi¬ 
tary. Like begets like. No person ever saw a 
Clydesdale foal got by a blood-horse out of a blood 
mare, or a short-horned calf by a long-horned bull 
sfySwr 
