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VOLUME VI. NO. .37.} 
Btoort’s |iiiral Ittto-^Jjrlur. 
A QUAP.TO WEEKLY 
AGRICULTURAL, LITERARY, & FAMILY JOURNAL. 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOOBE. 
•ASSOCJ.ATB KDJTOR3 • 
J. H. BIXEY, T. 0. PETERS, EDWARD WEB3TER. 
Special Contributors : 
X. K. WrrMoP.r, H. C. Width, H.T. Brooks, L. Wcthkrktj. 
Ladies’ Port-Folio by Asm. 
X'hs Rural New-Yorker is designed to be cniqne and 
beautiful in appearance, and unsurpassed iD 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 
interests it advocates. It embraces more Agricultural 
Horticultural, Scientific, Mechanical, Lite! ary and News 
Matter, interspersed with many appropriate and beautiful 
Engravings, than any other paper published in this 
Country,-rendering it a complete Agricultural Line 
Rart and Fajolt Newspaper. 
For Txrms, and other particulars, see News page. 
ROCHESTER, N. Y- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 1855 . 
FROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT. 
VARIATION IN PRICES. 
T ,is Tari *tion in the prices of farm products 
is governed by the same laws which control 
the variation in the prices of every other mer¬ 
chantable commodity not excepting even the 
precious metals, gold and silver. We are apt 
to conclude when an enhancement in the price 
of the precious metals occurs, that other 
things for which they are given in exchange 
Lave fallen in value ; whereas, it is in fact a 
rise upon the opposite end of the scale, which 
causes their apparent depression. Let, for in¬ 
stance, an extraordinary draft be made upon 
our specie from abroad, or a financial panic 
curtail our bank circulation at home, and the 
result is an immediate fall in the price of ag¬ 
ricultural products and merchantable com¬ 
modities. With the supply just what it was 
before the panic commenced, and with the 
number and necessities of consumers in the 
same ratio as previously, an article, which 
sold readily at cue dollar then, will not com¬ 
mand that sum now. The cause cf this differ¬ 
ence in price is net that the value of the arti¬ 
cle has gone down, but that the value of 
money has gone up, although the difference 
relatively is the same in either case. 
On the other hand, the value cf money re¬ 
maining constant, variations in the price of 
commodities occur from causes inherent to 
themselves. A scarcity, or a fear of one ; a 
speculative movement; an actual, or a suppo¬ 
sitious demand above supply, puts up the 
price at one time, while the opporite iniluen- 
ces put it down at another. There can be no 
permanence in values ; like the waves of the 
eea, prices are ever fluctuating, now rising 
above their mean level, and anon sinking cor¬ 
respondingly. At long intervals a spring tide 
cariies them up beyond all precedent, succeed¬ 
ed in the end by an equal subsidence. We 
may count with considerable certainty upen 
the general rule, that, when prices range 
either one way or the other to a great distance 
above or below the mean rate, the scale will 
eventually preponderate in the opposite direc¬ 
tion. 
I cere are very many reasons why such re¬ 
sults should follow. In the first place, an ex¬ 
traordinary and temporary stimulant must 
exist to produce extraordinary prices, which 
stimulant cannot always continue in force ; 
ami there must, on the other hand, be extra¬ 
ordinary pressures in order to produce the 
opposite effects. These stimulants or pressures 
ceasing to act, the scale at ouce commences a 
movement toward its proper level, not unfre- 
quently by its very motion going beyond that 
point in the opposite direction Another 
pregnant cause of variation iu prices, is the 
increase or deficiency in supply. When any 
one article of farm produce is particularly re¬ 
munerative, farmers turn their attention spe¬ 
cially to its production ; and the consequence 
is, that in the course of a very few years, that 
particular branch of husbandly is vastly in- 
creased, to the partial neglect of some o'ther 
department equally important. Let the bread- 
stull market be particularly active, and farm¬ 
ers turn their attention to the raising of 
wheat ; let wool rise to a high figure, and 
Hocks of sheep multiply on the hillside and 
cover the plain ; with a certainty that in the; I 
first instance the piiee of grain will eventually | 
fall, and in the second instance that wool will j 
in the end be low. Now commences the op- j 
po-ite course cf proceeding. /That branch of 
husbandry which had been partially over¬ 
done, is now neglected. The wheat fields are 
turned into pastures,'or the sheep are driven 
to the slaughter house, until another turn 
takes place in the tables, to be followed by 
similar results. A more auspicious moment 
for a farmer to comm' nee raising wheat could 
not occur than that season when the price cf 
wheat is unprecedentedly low; and a better 
time to provide the nucleus of a fine-woo’ed 
flock could not be found, than when the fleeces 
of cur best sheep will not command remuner¬ 
ative pi ices. It does not look encouraging to 
the operator, it is true, particularly if he must 
depend upon the products of his industry to 
meet pecuniary liabilities ; but in nine cases 
out of ten, he will get fahly under way just 
in time to meet the returning tide of better 
times. On the other hand, the man who waits 
for the spring tide in order to embark in any 
enterprise, will be quite likely to find himself 
left aground by the receding wave. 
For two or three years previous to the au¬ 
tumn of 1853, ifo'eat had ruled low, seldom 
going above one dollar twelve and a half cents, 
and it had been sold cown to eighty-eight 
cents. On the sixth of August in that year, 
wheat sold at the first-named rate in this city- 
and, in view of the previous dull prices, the 
prospective demand, and the chances in favor 
of a change for the better, the conducting 
editor of the Rural wrote as follows : 
“On these points there are, very naturally, 
various opinions, predicated upon different 
views and information. Though we possess 
no knowledge on the subject to which others, 
similarly situated, are not accessible, we con¬ 
ceive there are reasons for an advance in pri- 
ces-aside from any considerations relative to 
foreign demand, a matter too frequently over¬ 
rated by both produce rs and speculators. And 
we predicate this opinion, or conclusion, upon 
the following among orher facts:—That the 
low price of wheat, compared with ths very re¬ 
munerating prices of other farm products, has 
caused many farmers, in various sections cf ths 
Union, to change their system-inducing them 
to grow less wheat, and in not a few instances 
none at all, and to devote much more land 
and attention than heretofore to other branch¬ 
es. The high prices of Live Stock, Beef, P 01 k 
Butter, Cheese, &c , have no doubt induced 
many wheat growers, especially in the West, 
to engage in the stock and dairy business,— 
while the growing of Wool, now so profitable 
in favorable (or most) localities, has naturally 
diverted attention from the wheat crop. The 
remunerative prices of corn, bailey, and other 
coarser grains, must also have tended to influ¬ 
ence many farmers to adopt a different system. 
And, moreover, the entire or partial failure of 
the wheat crop for several years past, iu some 
districts of the West, discouraged hundreds 
from sowing the past season, and induced 
them to enter into other and more certain and 
profitable branchesof culture and husbandry 
These causes, combined, if existing to the ex¬ 
tent we have been led to believe, must influ¬ 
ence prices—but whether they are of sufficient 
weight to induce growers to hold their wheat 
in expectation of a material advance, becomes 
a question of considerable importance to pro¬ 
ducers. Though it is not cur province to ad¬ 
vise such a course, we cannot resist the con¬ 
viction that it would not only be entirely safe, 
but perhaps highly advantageous, for those 
who can. to wait for an advance before contract 
ing or marketing their wheat.” 
Results have vindicated the correctness of 
these views. The leading staple for Wad 
commenced rising in price almost from that 
daj, and continued to do so for a period of 
nearly two consecutive years, until, in this 
city, it sold for two dollars and fifty cents per 
bushel. The turning point in high prices in 
breadstuff's seems to have been reached the 
present season, and they are now beginning 
to recede. It is not probable that the fall 
will be immediately, if at all, to the previous 
low figures ; but producers caunot reasonably 
look, the coming year, for the extraordinary 
rates of last season. 
The fluctuation in wool is another illustra¬ 
tion iu point. The year 1S50 was one of un¬ 
usual depression in this staple; the market 
price in this city after shearing ranging from 
twenty-six to thirty-three cents. It sold the 
next two years nearly ten cents a pound 
above that figure, and in 1S53 doubled the 
price of 1850. That season was the culmina¬ 
ting point, from which prices receded, and 
have as yet scarcely begun again to rally._ 
i WHOLE NO. 297, 
In 1854 the price of the staple was from 
twenty-five to thirty-five cents, which figure 
it held very nearly up to the present time.— 
No ose can doubt who has observed the signs 
or the times, however, that a b iter day is 
coming for the wool grower, and the market 
indicates once more symptoms of a return to 
its former activity and life. The laws of 
trade demand it, and the periodical variations 
which are sure to occur w ill sooner or brier 
bring it about 
As it has been in the above named cases, so 
U is m all. Periods of elevation and depres- 
fdon follow each other as surely, though not 
as regularly, as the risings and fallings of the 
waters of the ocean. 
©ur Special Cmtlribtors. 
PROGRESS NOT ALL PHYSICAL, 
Ir is wtll to live within our means, and a 
duty to avoid the embarrassments of debt, and 
to make a reasonable provision for cur com¬ 
fort in the decline of life ; but while we have 
these things in vi w, it is our duty to render 
our homes and the lives of those w ho are de¬ 
pendent upon us as happy as is within cur 
power, and d* remember that if our homes be 
not happy cifc;, to ourselves and our famili s 
the increase ol acres, and barns., and money 
at interest, will not afford us happiness. The 
farm r's homestead is the place where his life 
is to be spent ; where his wife is to find her 
chief source of happiness; where the best 
years cf his children are to be spent ; where his 
chiefest earthly delights are to be sought; 
and where, in the evening of his daysq his 
pathway to the grave is to bp smoothed by the 
affectionate hands of those he has nurtured 
for the school of life. It is more important 
that it be well adapted to the convenience 
and comfort of his family, than that his title 
deeds cover a few acres mere or less ; that it 
oe neat and tr.steful in its exterior, and its ap 
pointments, ami attractive to those who are 
to spend their early years in it, than that he 
Las a few dollars more or less at interest ; 
that it be provided with intellectual food to 
render it a theatre for mental and social im¬ 
provement to its occupants, than that his in¬ 
come be a little greater or less ” 
ihe anove extract is quoted from the ad¬ 
dress of Wji. Tract. Esq , before the Oneida 
Ag. Society in 1853, and conveys much truth 
—truth that ought to be taken home to every 
fireside. 
True it is we should all exercise a commen¬ 
dable prudence as to the present, and a care¬ 
ful foresight for unseen contingencies in the 
future. But while we do this, we should 
strive to guard against that spirit which loves 
gain for the getting of it—which worships 
gold because it has a power in its arbitrary 
vaiue. As a means of usefulness, of doing 
good by increasing the true enjoyment of our¬ 
selves and others, the possession of property 
is a blessing. But when it begets a miserly 
feeling, serves to intensify self and stands not 
upon the means by which it is acquired, if so 
is do not isolate the letter of the laov, even 
wrong.ng the innocent, it proves a curse. 
ihe tarmer, above all other classes, leads 
the most independent life, and he, above all 
others, should solve the question how one can 
enjoy the brief hours of life to the greatest 
purpose. The soil yielding him sustenance 
for his intelligent cultivation, he need not 
fear the frowns of a master. Whether the 
money market be tight or not, whether hordes 
go bigging for labor or not, his acres yield 
him enough for all his physical wants till he 
may snap his fingers at guant-visaged want. 
His surplus is sought for and must be had by 
all other classes to keep the wheels of life i' n 
motion, so that he may lack for nothing that 
shall tend to add to his physical comfort._ 
hy, then, should he not be a prosperously 
happy and independent man ? 
Ltt him then cultivate more assiduously the 
better part of his nature. Let it expand to 
the utmost, and drink in from the infinite 
fount of knowledge and wisdom that the Cre¬ 
ator has placed at his hand. The great arca¬ 
na of Nature is all around him w ith its won- 
ueitul mysteries ; why, then, should he not 
explore its depths and bring forth knowledge 
and wisdom heretofore unfound ? His busi¬ 
ness is continually with Nature’s laws ; why, 
then, should he work and slave himself with 
I toil as senseless almost as that of an automa- 
I tou, when from that toil, enlightened by 
I knowledge and thought, may spring enjoy- 
Y^C/CSCL 
HOG PENS. 
( * 3 a novelt y — a Yankee notion, or 
_ institution, somewhat in advance of the 
Calt-Suekler given in a recent number, and 
that was considered decidedly progressive.— 
Our engraving is a perspective of an improve¬ 
ment in Hog Pens, for which a patent has been 
granted to It. M. Anns, of 1 hompsonville, 
C. nn. The improvement, which strikes us as 
being a good thing — particularly if all the 
porkers to which it may be “ applied” make 
as fine an appearance as those represented 1 
above — is thus described : 
The improvement relates to the construc¬ 
tion of the trough guards. A pen is first built 
of the requisite size for a certain number of 
hogs, and on the front part of it the improve¬ 
ment is placed. A B are swinging fronts in- 1 
tended to swing inwards, on F F, when I 
cleaning out the troughs or feeding (as shown ! 
" ith front, A at E) and thus prevent the hogs I 
interfering with any of these two operations. ' 
” ben tbe feed is placed in the trough the 
swinging front is brought into place and made ' 
fact by a bar, or button, as shown by B, thus 
allowing the hogs free access to the trough, 
C C. These troughs are made of cast iron°— 
oval-formed basins,-and firmly’secured ini 
Lame, G. D D D are iron guards, one fo 
each trough ; these prevent the hogs from in 
terfering with one another while feeding.- 
They are fixed on the swinging frame insid< 
the pen, and being secured with screw bolts, 
they can be raised or lowered to suit the size 
of the hogs. They are placed so as to allow 
each hog to pass his head in, but not his feet, 
and feed freely. The latter is an ugly custom 
with hogs in common pens, by which they 
waste and foul their food. 
By this method of constructing hog pens, 
the troughs can be easily cleaned out, and 
thus kept in proper condition. The health 
and growth of hogs are both greatly promoted 
by keeping their troughs clean, for it is cer¬ 
tainly injurious to them if fresh food is mixed 
with any surplus that has been kf f rom a 
previous meal, and suffered to ferment and 
become offensive. This method of construct- 
ing hog pens also saves food, by preventing 
waste, the grunters being very senseless ani- 
mals in this respect, by getting into the trough 
with their fore feet and scattering their food 
on the floor.” 
T . . . t 4 t ° DtS ■ 1 beyond the strength and ability of their youn 
. ^ Dt not to be > tlla t so many live seem- I to follow them. Considering, therefore th 
mgly with no aim beyond the present life and j indispensable necessity of poultry and its pre 
the physical gratification of the present mo 
ment. Oh, let us cultivate more ths loftier 
aspirations make our homes more perma¬ 
nent, and strive to surround them with all 
that is beautiful and good, all that will min¬ 
ister to the feelings and elevate them to a 
higher and a better state. Let us study the 
beautiful in all things. Then shall we make 
our homes more attractive, and not only ele¬ 
vate ourselves, but so imbue our children with 
this commendable spirit, that 
' t - J imvi no 
duets, to our comfort and enjoyment in 
present state of society, ah improvement i 
their character and products, if practicabh 
becomes an object of great value. 
Tire mass of farmers, who are the chief pr< 
dueers, have no conception of the important 
and value of poultry to the community, an 
the public at large would be astonished bevon 
measure, if they could know and realize th 
amount and value of poultry and eggs cor 
sumed in a single year. To improve the stoe 
, — Progress and _ . _ OWJ 
Improvement” will indeed move forward with ! of tb -e country, therefore, in habits bv cul 
greatly accelerated force. Let us labor ear- ! vatin S a more gentle, quiet breed,—iu si; 
nestly to hasten the time when agriculturists ; b Y securing a Larger breed,— and in la 
as a class will, by their native force, take that 1 in ° properties, by obtaining those that w 
position in regard to learning and virtue for j la Y Hie year round—is an object worthy t 
which their calling should so eminently fit 
them. m 
t. e. w. 
Cautiiuuuaiiflits. 
POraiUY: NAIITE AND FOREIGN BREEDS. 
attention and efforts of every farmer;'am 
indeed, of every person who keeps half a d< 
zen fowls for family convenience. 
Ihe addition of a single pound weigh 
wLen one year old, to the ordinary weight < 
the common fowl, at that age, is enhancin 
tue value of the stock nearly one-half. An 
it cannot now be questioned, that the Asiati 
bird will reach three pounds at any given age 
as otten as the native fowl will reach tw 
pounds at the same age, both being subject 
in all respects, to the same circumstances. - 
This consideration, therefore, of size alon 
Now that the friends of the native fowl, 
weighing from li to pounds, have had their 
day, and i idiculed and caricatured the ‘ ‘ Shan <■- 
ZZTZZL «“* - - 
known to all. As a breed they are small,_ 
very few reaching three pounds’ weight when 
ready for market,—naturally rather wild and 
this country. 
But, in addition to size, and to quietness 
disposition, and gentle habits for which tl 
Asiatic breeds are noted, they are greatly si 
