MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER: AN AGRICULTURAL AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER. 
MARCH 20. 
into the farmer’s adjacent fields, and not into some 
stream or public highway. Of the manure most 
exposed to this drainage, we may observe—testing 
it by drying—it is (even if originally of the most 
valuable character) light, chaffy stuff, compared 
with manure which has not been exposed to this 
leaching process, showing that it has lost largely 
in value as a fertilizer. 
It may be there is some hollow in the barn-yard, 
from which water cannot escape, save by evapora¬ 
tion—full and frozen over in winter—a “slough of 
despond” in spring-time. It so remains for a long 
time in summer unless cleared out and its contents 
carried to the field—that part which does not 
drain from the wagon on the way there. Of this, 
observe: 
1, The liquid part is of some value, though too 
diluted, but a large portion i3 lost in application. 
2, The coarser parts—(tested as before)—are 
nothing but litter in an almost undecomposed state 
—for decomposition will not take place in cool 
weather, if too much water is present. 
In another part of the yard, the manure pitched 
up is nearly all straw', more or less decomposed.— 
It is of value so far as it has not been leached, and 
the original material will allow. Another spot 
seems mostly composed of animal droppings.— 
This is the best of the manure, but it wastes, by 
leaching and decomposition, before the farmer can 
apply it to his soil. Here is the pile thrown from 
the horse-stable. The outer part is well-bleached 
straw and dung—the center is an almost inert mass 
of fire-fanged manure. The heat which has been 
evolved in its decomposition, has been sufficient 
to drive off its most valuable constituents, and the 
property of fermenting readily, and bringing other 
vegetable substances into a state of fermentation is 
nearly or quite lost. 
You do not stable all your stock? You have 
good sheds around your barn yard, to shelter them 
from the wind and storm? “ Yes?” Well, you can 
put the “ Wheel-barrow System” into practical 
operation. 
First, have good racks under your sheds, so that 
your cattle will feed there. Second, keep them 
well littered, so that they will rest and sleep there. 
This done, a large share of your manure will be 
under shelter. But its decomposition will be too 
slow to allow it to attain its greatest value for ap¬ 
plying to spring crops. 
Now bring on your wheel-barrow. Remove to 
your sheds every day, the manure from the horse 
stables. This dung is richer in nitrogen than that 
of any other farm stock, but as usually treated two- 
thirds or more of its value is lost. To retard its 
too active decomposition, mix it with the colder, 
less active dung of cattle, and with large quantities 
of straw, and the value of the whole is largely in¬ 
creased—the horse-manure carries on decomposi¬ 
tion of the mass “about right” to prevent loss, 
and to get the full value of all the materials em¬ 
ployed. 
Mix and shelter your manure in this way, and you 
will find it a different article from any you have 
ever drawn out before, under different systems of 
management. It is important that it be kept where 
it will be trodden hard by the stock. Mixed in the 
same way, in a barn cellar, or like place, and it will 
fire-fang or burn, here it is too solid for that, but 
not for a slow decomposition. The constant addi¬ 
tions of litter required, will use up most of the re¬ 
fuse fodder of the farm, and the use of the wheel¬ 
barrow—or mixing the material where it will be 
sheltered under the stock, will give the best possi¬ 
ble barn-yard manure. b. 
Iioyidton, N. Y., 1858. 
SCIENTIFIC TERMS,-THEIR NECESSITY. 
Mr. Rural: —Your readers must have been 
amused and instructed by the article of T. B. 
Storm, in the Rural of the 13th instant. No 
wonder many common people are puzzled by the 
hard words often appearing in all agricultural 
papers. But these “Scientific Terms” are abso¬ 
lutely necessary on the subjects treated of, and 
they must be learned by readers. It is not possible 
to use in their place any other or more common 
words. He says he knows “ Chickweed,” which I 
learned after I was twenty years old; so our friend 
Storm must learn the meaning of carbon, hydro¬ 
gen, oxygen, calcareous earths, and many more.— 
Indeed he knows them all, and many more, I have 
no doubt, and writes for the benefit of those who 
do not. So, also, I write for their advantage. For 
let it be fixed in every mind, that these terms are, 
to a certain extent, indispensable in writing or 
talking on even these common subjects. Let 
them be dispensed with wherever they can be, but 
their use will still be necessary', and they will be 
held in the papers as common language. For an 
example, take the word, carbon. 
Carbon is taken from the Latin, carbo, which 
means a coal, which is left in the burning or com¬ 
bustion of wood. In the charring of wood in a 
coal-pit, this coal is produced and called charcoal, 
from the manner of its formation. Two other 
elements of wood, oxygen and hydrogen, are 
burned by the charring into water, and pass off in 
vapor, as every collier knows. 
Besides these three substances in wood, there 
commonly is potash, iron-rust, silica or flint-earth, 
Iitne, perhaps magnesia, and gypsum, all which 
constitute the ashes remaining after the complete 
combustion of the wood. These, then, are in the 
coal or charcoal, and make it impure carbon; and, 
of course, they must be removed before you have 
carbon: or, after they shall have been removed, the 
remainder is pure carbon, that is, simply', carbon, 
meant by the chemists; it must have a name, and 
it has a good name, an easy, clear, palpable name. 
Lampback is nearly pure carbon; the smoke of 
a candle or lamp is chiefly carbon which has not 
been burned. Carbon appears in the charring of 
all vegetable matter; sugar is nearly half carbon, 
as the charring of it shows; so also of wheat, rice, 
corn, eggs, meat, fish, &c. Stone coal, or pit coal, 
contains a large proportion of carbon, whether it 
is called bituminous or anthracite. The latter is 
hard, the former much less hard. The diamond, 
the hardest of all substances, is nearly pure carbon 
in the form of a crystal. 
Now, if the Rural, in which I also “have great 
faith,” is to tell you what is the composition of 
wheat, and what must be in the soil naturally, or 
in the manures used, or what wood is composed 
of, and may not use the word carbon, a scientific 
word, what shall the Rural use in its place? This 
is an important question, and asked in honest sin¬ 
cerity, of all opposers of the use of scientific lan¬ 
guage. I answer, the Rural must, instead of 
carbon, use the first six or ten lines of the above 
account of carbon, of the word and of the thing; 
or would such opposer say, wood and wheat is 
composed of oxygen, hydrogen, and of that pecu¬ 
liar stuff which remains after all other things are 
removed from any vegetable matter, black, com 
monly, but white and hard in the splendid dia¬ 
mond? Would he not cry out, give us wood which 
is composed of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. 
I may speak more of this hereafter, but I have 
a word more for friend Storm. You complain that 
the “directions” are not plain and definite. True, 
but why was you not definite yourself, and why not 
ask how many pecks of lime are necessary to 
clarify a barrel of Sorghum Syrup; or how many 
barrels of eggs or milk for the same? It is no 
wonder you had a fine quantity of “ bittersweet,” 
though I regret the loss of so much sweet 
Let no one fear to ask questions when he does 
not understand. c. d. 
March 12th, 1858. 
A REMEDY FOR HARD MILKERS. 
Eds. Rural:— There has been an inquiry in your 
paper as to where a milking machine could be 
obtained, and the answer was, wherever a pair of 
strong hands could be found. Now, this answer 
seems rational, for dairymen are well versed on 
the subject that strength is the greatest improve¬ 
ment which has ever come within their reach, es- 
especially for hard cows. But strength, it is found, 
at last becomes weakness by continual practice, 
while the old veterans remain firm and unshaken; 
and it generally happens that these are the pailful 
cows, which makes it still more tedious. Now, for 
the benefit of dairymen, I will give an experiment 
which has proved to be beneficial on this class of 
cows, and for sore teats, which often is the case 
with hard milkers. A piece of soft lead is made in 
proper shape so as not to hurt the cow when it is 
introduced in the teat It must be made as large 
as possible, so as to expand the lacteal tube. The 
lead must be made larger at each end to prevent 
its slipping out or going up too high. For a per¬ 
manent cure these should, I think, remain undis¬ 
turbed, at least for four weeks before milking the 
cow. F. IL Pierce. 
Schuyler, N. Y., 1858. 
WETHERELL’S 
PATENT HORSE-HOE AND POTATO-DIGGER. 
We give an engraving of an improved Horse-Hoe 
and Potato-Digger, invented by Mr. Lorin Weth- 
erell, of Worcester, Mass., and patented by him in 
December last An examination of the model has 
led us to form a very favorable opinion in regard 
to this novel implement The following is a brief 
description of the Iloo and Digger, as furnished 
by the inventor: 
“No. 1, of which the above is a very correct 
representation, is designed for hoeing Corn, Pota¬ 
toes, Cotton, or other field crops that are grown in 
rows »r drills, and is adapted by its simple ar¬ 
rangement to the condition of the crop in any 
stage of its growth. It consists of a double 
mould-hoard Plow, upon each side of which, run 
two horizontal shafts, at the termination, and upon 
the axis of which, are a series of revolving scrapers 
or fingers to which motion is given by the gearing 
in the front part of the machine. As the plow moves 
forward, these fingers or scrapers revolve with per¬ 
fect regularity, and throw the fresh dirt in a finely 
pulverized state directly upon the hill. They are 
so arranged as to be easily graduated to plants of 
any size, throwing much or little earth as may be 
desirable, and thus enabling the farmer to dispense 
entirely with the use of a hand-hoe, even upon 
very weedy ground. In hoeing with this machine, 
it is only necessary for it to pass once between 
each row. As it plows and hoes one side of two 
rows at the same time, the farmer is enabled to 
give a thorough hoeing to as many acres as the 
horse can pass over in a day, thus reducing from 
three-fourths to nine-tenths the expense of culti¬ 
vation as carried on by the old method. 
“No. 2 is a machine for the same purpose, and 
exactly like No. 1, with one half its capacity—doing 
just one half its work — it being better adapted to 
New England soil than No. 1, and costing some¬ 
thing less than the double machine. No. 3 is a 
single machine, that is designed to be used for a 
pulverizer; in other words, to plow and harrow at 
the same time. 
“ For digging potatoes, it is only necessary to 
give the plow more depth, and put on two horses, 
each passing between row.^ The plow will pass 
directly under the roots. The fingers will spread 
the furrows, leaving all, or very nearly all, of the 
potatoes in sight, without cutting or bruising.” 
Further information relative to this invention, 
may be obtained on application to the patentee as 
above, or to D. Wetherell, Rochester, N. Y. 
Heaving Fence Posts by Frost.—I noticed in 
your issue of the 6th inst, an inquiry for a remedy 
to prevent posts heaving. I think I can inform my 
Genoa friend, A. 0. P. If he will shape his posts 
two or three inches smaller at the bottom than at 
the surface of the ground, he will find but very lit 
tie difficulty, the frost will raise them some, but as 
the weather moderates and the ground becomes 
wet they will settle back to their places; if 
not, one blow with a beetle will make all right.—J. 
tL, Westfield, N Y., 1858. 
Rutland Co., (Vt.,) Ao. Society. —Officers for 
1858: — President —Hon. David Hall, of Pittsford. 
Vice Presidents —C. 8. Rumsey, Hubbardton; Daniel 
Kimball, Rutland. Secretary — 0. Cook, Jr., Rut¬ 
land. Corresponding Secretary —Henry Clai k, Poult- 
ney. Treasurer —Zimii Howe, Castleton. Auditor — 
W. M. Lincoln, Brandon. 
CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE. 
About Potatoes. —Permit me to say a few words 
about the Potato, as ubject quite as important as 
the question concerning the adoption of the “ red 
skirt” by the fairer portion of creation, or whether 
the modern bonnet wa3 intended to protect the 
head, or merely to hang on the back part as 
articles are hung on nails about the room, 
for convenience. I am a Yankee and hail from the 
banks of the Connecticut, in the Old Bay State, 
and where we have nice mealy potatoes, an article 
I have not been able to find at Rochester. Even 
the famous Blue Mercers do not compare with our 
Carter’s and other varieties. I love a good potato 
as dearly as if I first drew my breaih in that Island 
where they raise fine ones and have no snakes, and 
should the question be no bread or no potatoes, I 
should vote strongly for the last article. I believe 
too much seed is used. My rule has been one small 
potato in a hill, and not cut them. I have always 
met with good success. The following I clip from 
the Springfield Republican: — “B. R. Williams, of 
Coldwater, Mich., states that he has been experi¬ 
menting upon seed potatoes for several years, and 
he finds that one quarter of the seed generally used 
is an improvement From one to two eyes in a 
hill he says will produce more potatoes, of more 
even size, and less subject to decay than any larger 
amount of seed .” We think our farmers generally 
have been tending to the same theory for several 
years, although they have not, perhaps, carried it 
to that extent. Our English and Irish farmers say 
that we use three limes the seed that they do, and 
that a3 a consequence we get more small potatoes 
and less large ones than they do, and not so good 
aggregate crops.—W. J. G, Rochester, March., 1858. 
Management of Hens. — One year ago last 
spring, I moved to this place, into a house so far 
from any neighbor that I thought I could keep 
hens without troubling any one, consequently I 
collected about a dozen from different places, from 
one to three in a place. They did quite well, and 
last winter I kept nineteen until March, when I 
gave away four of them. They laid, in February 
and March, fifty dozen of eggs, and continued to 
lay more or less through the greater part of the 
year, besides raising all the chickens we needed for 
home use. These hens are the common varieties, 
aud colored like Jacob’s cattle, ring-streaked, 
speckled and black. Their keeping has consisted 
of corn, buckwheat, boiled potatoes and oats, with 
meat when convenient in winter. They have been 
supplied with old plaster or lime in some shape, 
and we have kept them shut up each day, until 
through laying, while the garden was growing.— 
It is well to provide sand or dust for them to roll 
in. Hens will pay well if they are properly cared 
for. I think all who keep fowls will find it an ad¬ 
vantage to change them for others as often as every 
three years, and never to keep a hen over three 
years old.—J. Sibley, Forestvi/le, Chaut. Co., N. Y., 
1858. 
Cattle Racks Worthless. —I see you continue 
to give Rural readers plans and illustrations for 
Cattle Racks. Now, I have had some little experi¬ 
ence in building and using all kinds, and I think it 
would be safe to say they are not worth the nails 
it takes to fasten them together. My cattle would 
take hay out of any of them as bandy as a boy 
could with a fork. They do much better, however, 
to feed horses in. The best way is to convert the 
next to worthless open sheds, attached to the most 
of the barns in Western New York, into comforta¬ 
ble stables. A shed forty feet long will make stable 
room enough for twelve head of cattle, and leave 
an alley four feet w'ide. These dimensions will 
give six feet for each two head. The present is a 
very good time for the alteration. Cut a few logs 
this winter, and a few days’ work next summer will 
convert these sheds into comfortable stables, and 
no farmer will regret the expense.—0. Preston, 
Victor, N. Y., 1858. 
Hungarian Grass.— This variety of grass was 
raised by a few in this vicinity last year, and it far 
exceeded their most sanguine expectations, pro¬ 
ducing from three and a half to five and a half tuns 
per acre. When left for seed it produces from 
twenty-five to forty bushels per acre, but if not left 
for seed may be cut twice the same year. It re¬ 
quires one-third of a bushel of seed per acre— 
some sowed only one-third, but the straw grew too 
coarse. I think with this grass for hay and our 
rich prairie pastures we can produce wool or beef 
and deliver it in the city of New York cheaper 
than any farmer can lhing east of Illinois, and if 
we had a few of that prolific breed of sheep men¬ 
tion in the Rural, we could soon stock America. 
—Charles L. Kellogg, Garden Grove, Decatur 
Co., Ioua, 1858. 
Cayuga Co. on the Pig Question. —As much 
has been said about who has killed the heaviest 
pigs, weight for age, permit me to aid you in a 
final settlement of the important question, by fur¬ 
nishing the weight and /.ge of a couple slaughtered 
in this County. Jonas Wood, of Venice, killed, on 
the 24th of December last, two pigs 1<> months and 
7 days old; the heaviest weighed 465j lbs., the 
other 44[)| lbs.,— total weight, 914| lbs.,— average 
weight, 467| lbs. The pigs, from the time of wean- 
ing to killing, were fed daily with pudding, made 
by pouring scalding water on meal, with what milk 
they required for drink. They consumed in the 
time, 36 bushels of old corn meal, 2 do. barley, and 
3 do. wheat screenings. If this is not a “finality,” 
let him who has done belter speak out, and Cayuga 
Co. will “try again.”—C. W. Jr., Poplar Ridge. 
The Potato Rot. —“C. G.,” of Ind., wishes 
farmers to communicate their experience in regard 
to this subject In Western New Y’ork the rot pre¬ 
vailed generally the past season, and of the same 
character as that lie describes. Early varieties, 
planted early, were not injured. Late varieties, 
and all late planted potatoes, were more or less af¬ 
fected—those maturing latest the worst The rot 
was first shown by the decay of the vines. On low, 
wet soils, in this neighborhood, nearly all were 
destroyed; on warm, dry soils, the injury was least 
I do not think early harvesting would have pre¬ 
vented rotting, as those who dug as soon as they 
discovered the infection, lost their potatoes in the 
cellar. The remedy which shall alway s be effectual, 
is yet to be discovered.—H., Niagara Co., N. Y. 
INQUIRIES AND ANSWERS. 
Cheap Farming Lands. —Having seeD, in the 
Rural, various notices of the cheapness of farming 
land in South-Western New York and Pennsylvania, 
I would like to learn more of these lands, the 
quality of soil, price, markets, Ac., from some of 
your correspondents in those parts.—R. W. 
How to Make a Roller.— Wishing to make a 
good, cheap, and durable roller,to use in the spring, 
after seeding, any of your readers who has made 
one, would oblige me by telling bow it is done. 
How long? What diameter, and how thick the 
plank to be used? I would prefer it all wood, as it 
would be cheaper. —D. B.Waite, Springwater, N. Y. 
Potato Digger.— Can you give me any informa¬ 
tion concerning the potato digger, mentioned in 
the Rural last summer?—F. G., Toledo, Ohio, 1858. 
Remarks. —Several attempts have been made to 
get up a machine for digging potatoes, without 
success. As soon as we see a good working machine, 
we will inform our readers. See description of a 
new one on this page. 
Clover and Plaster. —When is clover in proper 
condition to plow in for manure? Which is the 
best season for sowing plaster on wheats and how 
much per acre?—C. P., Irwin, North Fairfield, O. 
Remark&— Clover will benefit the land most if 
plowed under just as it is coming into flower. At 
this time, if the growth is heavy, it is somewhat 
difficult to bury it perfectly. If it is designed to 
sow a spring crop after clover, it is best to allow 
it to get as good a start as possible before plowing 
under. Then plow and plant immediately. Early 
in the spring is the best time for sowing plaster on 
wheat. From two to three bushels is the quantity 
generally used. We might devote a column very 
profitably to the discussion of these questions, but 
space at present forbids. 
--- 
Making a Well In Quicksand.—I had a well 
built two years ago, and stoned up with cobble¬ 
stone, and it appeared to be well done,—having 
about four feet of water all the time. The past, 
summer it caved in, piece by piece, in consequence 
of the quicksand. 1 thought of laying it up with 
brick and water-lime. Will the lime make the 
water unhealthy? Which is the best way of doing 
it?—or do you know of some better way than in the 
manner proposed?—A Reader, Durhamville, 1858. 
Remarks. —The water would not be materially 
affected Vy the lime, after beiDg dried a week or 
two. We once saw a well, that had been experi¬ 
mented with in various ways unsuccessfully, planked 
up, a frame of timber being first made. Some of 
our readers who have had experience, will please 
enlighten us on this subject. 
Subsoiling. — I should like to know something 
about subsoiling—the best plows to do it with, and 
the results attained by the operation. I have, in 
common with most farmers in this count}’, lands 
that are too wet for profitable tillage; have drained 
some, inteud to drain more this year; and have 
thought that by using the subsoil plow on such 
lands, after draining, it would be beneficial. 1 
should like to hear from some person, or persons, 
that can tell me what to do in such case, and how 
to do it; what plow to use, where it is to be had, and 
the price. An answer to the foregoing will very 
much oblige at least one reader of the Rural.— 
Jonathan Talcott, Rome, Feb., 1858. 
Remarks. — Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, of Bos¬ 
ton, make a good subsoil plow, which can be found 
at most of the Agricultural Implement stores.— 
Stakbuck, also makes a good plow. The price is 
about $10. The object sought is the breaking up 
of the hard subsoil, so that the air and rains can 
penetrate it, as well as the roots of plants in search 
of food. The good effect is shown in the strength 
and vigor of the plants, and their ability to endure 
drouth without injury. The subsoil plow should 
follow the common plow. 
Spring Wheat.—I wish to make a few inquiries 
through the columns of the Rural, respecting 
Spring wheat. I intend raising a piece of it the 
coming season, and desire to know which is the 
best variety—all things considered—to raise for 
family use. I have a sample of the “ Canada Club ” 
which I like the appearauce of, with the exceptiou 
of the size of the kernel, which is quite small. 
I also have a specimen of (to me) an unkown 
variety, with large plump kernels, said to yield 
well, but this has the objection of being dark 
colored. It is a bearded wheat. I enclose a 
sample, and would like to know the name of it; 
and also whatever information you may be pleased 
to give me on the subject-— A Subscriber, Haw¬ 
ley ville, Conn., 1858. 
Remarks. —The variety sent us we cannot deter¬ 
mine as there appears to he a mixture. Some of 
the kernels resemble in form the Fife wheat, while 
others look like the Tea. Probably the best Spring 
wheat is the Fife. Where the weevil is trouble¬ 
some it should be sown late, about the 20th of 
May, and should be drilled or dragged in evenly, 
though drilling is best. For light, dry land, many 
prefer the Club. 
Splents upon Horses.— Will you, or some of the 
numerous readers of your paper, give a remedy for 
splents upon horses? 1 have a valuable young 
horse with what some call “ splents ” upon his fore¬ 
legs. Any information upon this subject will be 
thankfully received by a subscriber.—M. H., Dun¬ 
dee, N. Y., 1858. 
Remarks.— A splent is a callous or osseous tu¬ 
mor growing upon, or contiguous to one of the 
splent bones. In the early stages of the inflam¬ 
mation of the fibro-cartilaginous substance that 
unites the splent with the cannon-bone— or if the 
splent be high up—near the carpal, or knee bone— 
lameness is observable. Also, if the tumor be very 
large. This seldom lasts long, however, for the 
bone soon becomes anchylosed—glued together— 
and, if the tumor be rough, a contiguous tissue is 
soon thrown out, that to some extent prevents 
friction, and dispels the lameness. Splent is fre¬ 
quently caused by a blow or by a spavin. The 
breed may also be predisposed to it in the same 
manner as to spavin, ringbone, &c., of which char¬ 
ier is the disease under consideration. In its early 
treatment cooling lotions are desirable. Dr. Dadd 
recommends the following:—“Acetic acid, (pure 
acid of vinegar,) 2 ounces; water, 8 ounces; chloric 
ether, 1 ounce. Mix; take a pad, composed of 
three or four folds of cotton cloth, immerse in the 
mixture, place it over the seat of the splent; con- 
fiue it so as to produce a slight pressure upon the 
tumor, and moisten the outer bandage as often as 
conveuieuL” Rest is very important— all motion 
aggravates the disease. In a case of long standing, 
or if the tumor be well-defined, acetate of canthari- 
des, occasionally applied, will relieve the stiffness 
and lameness. 
When Doctors Disagree, Who will Decide? 
—Tn the Rural New-Yorker, for December 6th, 
1857, while glancing at the condition of the Pro¬ 
duce Markets at home and abroad, we indicated the 
probabilities for a decline in prices, and advised 
our agriculturists to such action as the case seem¬ 
ed to demand, in the following terms: 
“ Farmers Holding thkik Produce. — The present 
time is rather peculiar as affecting the prices of grain in 
this country, and a few words thereupon may prove of 
use to the agriculturist. France and Greece have for 
some time had laws prohibiting the export of grain from 
their shores, and, as a consequence, those countries that 
have been obliged to send abroad for the staff of life, have, 
in great measure, looked to America for relief. These 
prohibitory statutes have been removed —the crops of 
both countries are excellent — and they are seeking a 
foreign market for their surplus. To what extent this 
will depress prices we are not yet aware, but a decline is 
observable in England. Whether it will pay our farmers 
to hold on we will not undertake to say; but we think — 
when we consider the interest on grain in store, the de¬ 
struction arising from the depredations of vermin and 
other causes, and the risk that must necessarily be run- 
such a result is, to say the least, exceedingly doubtful." 
This paragraph furnished a choice morsel for a 
certain Prairie Farmer, and for several weeks it 
formed the text of long sermons, the chief argu¬ 
ments in which were, that the East was in close 
quarters — that nothing bnt the produce of the 
West could save us—that the agricultural press of 
the East were a3 deep in the mire as its speculators 
were in the mud—that the said press and specula¬ 
tors were bound together in the bands of selfish¬ 
ness—that to promote their own ends neither specu¬ 
lators nor press cared whether the producers of 
the West sank or swam—that wolves in sheep’s 
clothing did much abound, etc., etc. Now, u> e 
thought we were honest when we penned the para¬ 
graph quoted, but as the Farmer aforementioned, 
has said, emphatically, nay, and has frequently re¬ 
iterated such opinions, we acknowledge its superiori¬ 
ty as graciously as possible. As generosity to a 
fallen foe is a manly attribute, we have a favor to 
ask—and we doubt not it will be granted—the 
privilege of basking in the sunshine reflected from 
the countenance of our dazzling contemporary.— 
Before dropping the matter, however, a few figures, 
by way of comparison, may serve as spice to the 
subject: 
Prices of Produce, 
Dec. 5th, 1867. 
Prices of Produce, 
March 16th, 1868. 
Flour,.4 75@6 50 | Flour,.3 75@5 50 
Wheat—Genesee, 1 10@l 15 Wheat— Genesee, 60@1 00 
Wheat—Canada, .1 10@l 15 Wheat—Canada,. 9u@l 00 
Corn, . 70@ 70 Corn, little doing,, 66® 56 
Harley,. 66@ 63 Barley, no sale, .. 46® 50 
Beans,.—1 00@1 25 Beans, very slow, 63® 75 
Here we observe a decline of $1 00 per barrel in 
flour; 15@20 cents per bushel in wheat; 16 cents 
per bushel in corn; 11@13 cents in barley; 38@50 
cents per bushel in beans. In addition to loss by 
depreciation of prices, we might add loss by in¬ 
terest, (in many instances at double rates, ihose 
who did not sell and erase indebtedness paying in- 
teiest on purchase money of farms as well as upon 
hoarded produce,) insurance, ravages of vermin, 
Ac., which would fully equal 12£ cents per bushel 
upon the grain. We have no desire, however, to 
Medil with our Western friend’s affairs, and leave 
him facing the music furnished by such of his sub¬ 
scribers as took his advice and “ held on for better 
prices.” Much as we commiserate the condition 
of those who were led into the ditch, and strongly 
as we hope for an advance in prices upon the opening 
of navigation, we cannot but think that they will 
exhibit wonderful tenacity of muscle if they hold 
fast till the “ better prices ” come. 
Value op Buckwheat.— A late issue ef Hunt's 
Merchant's Magazine, in an article upon Buckwheat, 
thus speaks of it concerning its properties as an 
edible:—“Considering the good qualities of buck¬ 
wheat, it is probably less appreciated than any 
other bread grain. Writers on agricultural pro¬ 
ducts seem to eschew it as food for man, and regard 
it only as a mischievous adulteration of wheat flour, 
or as a product of poor soil for cattle. It is of a 
totally different family of plants from the cereals, 
and will flourish on sandy hill-sides which are bar¬ 
ren for other grain. It is probably the most easily 
cultivated, and the cheapest bread grain in the 
world. It is extensively cultivated in Belgium and 
some parts of France, where it forms the basis of 
food for the inhabitants. Though its properties are 
very different from wheat, it is, nevertheless, quite 
as rich in all important compounds, and in ex¬ 
tremely cold weather it is more substantial than 
wheat It is, however, less digestible, and apt to 
disagree with weak stomachs, or persons unaccus¬ 
tomed to it By analysis, buckwheat is second to 
wheat is gluten, but deficient in starch. By the ad¬ 
dition of one-fourth quantity of oat, or Indian 
meal to buckwheat flour, the bread is very much 
improved.” 
Ohio Ag. College. —In the Legislature of Ohio, 
a bill has been introduced providing for the pur¬ 
chase of a thousand acres of land in ene body, at 
no more than $25 an acre, and appropriating $50,- 
060 for that purpo3 j , and for the erection of build¬ 
ings, purchase of furniture, apparatus and library- 
suitable for an Agricultural College. The College 
is to be under the supervision of the State School 
Commissioner and State Board of Agriculture.— 
The course of instruction to include a thorough 
English Course, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy-, 
Chemistry, Botany, Animal and Vegetable Anato¬ 
my and Physiology, Geology, Mineralogy, Mete¬ 
orology, Entomology, Veterinary Art, Horticulture, 
Political Economy, Civil Engineering, Book-Keep¬ 
ing, and the Mechanic Arts directly connected with 
Agriculture. Tuition in the College shall be for¬ 
ever free to pupils residing in Ohio, and in case 
more pupils apply than can be accommodated, they 
shall be apportioned to each county according to 
the ratio of its population. 
Cattle Plague. —The London Farmers' Maga¬ 
zine for February, contains 27 pages of matter up¬ 
on the cattle plague now desolating Europe, or at 
least most of the States of the Continent. It is 
hoped that it will not cross the Channel, as the 
English are exercising great care upon this sub¬ 
ject, and the authorities in the countries where the 
disease exists take especial pains to have the infect¬ 
ed cattle destroyed. 
