MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER: AN AGRICULTURAL AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER. 
SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE 
ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESSFUL AGRICULTURE. 
Every era lias been considered by its deni¬ 
zens as an age of progression and improvement 
Two centuries ago it was gravely questioned 
whether arts and science had not attained their 
acme, and all improvements reached their ne 
plus ultra. The daring speculations of philos¬ 
ophy alarmed the serious-minded, who con¬ 
templated nothing short of the final consumma¬ 
tion of all things—the end of the world,—as 
the befitting award of such heaven-daring im¬ 
piety. Yet these philosophers, so far from 
having penetrated into the innermost recesses 
of the Temple of Science, only stood upon its 
threshold. We of the present generation, 
whatever may be our opinions to the contrary, 
have merely crossed the threshold, and stand 
in the grand vestibule. Although we have 
caught a glimpse of the long prospective vista, 
yet its interior courts must be trod by men of 
future generations, who may probably regard 
our present achievements in science in the same 
light as we estimate the discoveries of the al- 
chymist during the dark ages! 
However dwarfish may be our attainments 
in real physical knowledge, it is gratifying to 
know that science and scientific investigations 
are not now, as in past ages, misdirected, but 
nre holding on the even tenor of their way, 
for the attainment of great and permanent 
good. The votaries of science, instead of con¬ 
suming the midnight oil for the discoveries of 
such chimeras as the philosopher’s stone, now 
employ all their energies for the development 
of principles whereby the operations of trade, 
agriculture, and mechanics may be facilitated 
and cheapened, and practically illustrate the 
maxim that “ knowledge is power.” 
To no class of men are the discoveries of 
science more available than to the farmer; yet 
farmers, generally, have less availed themselves 
of scientific discoveries than any other class of 
men. Let not the truth offend. All other 
arts and sciences are far in advance of 
agriculture. This, however, ought not so to be, 
for “ perfect agriculture,” as it has been well 
remarked, by a popular author, “is the true 
foundation of all trade and industry—it is the 
foundation of the riches of States. But a ra¬ 
tional system of agriculture cannot be formed 
without the application of scientific principles, 
for such a system must be based on an exact 
acquaintance with the meaps of nutrition of 
vegetables, and with the influences of soils and 
action of manures upon them." If the asser¬ 
tion of Hume be true, that we cannot manu¬ 
facture a pound of cotton without a knowledge 
of astronomy, it is no rashness to maintain that 
a farmer cannot intelligently cultivate an acre 
of land without some knowledge of chemistry, 
which teaches, as Liebig observes, “ the mode 
of investigating the composition, and of study- 
ie cnaraciers 01 uie umereni suosuiuces 
from which plants derive their nourishment.” 
! i is not to be expected that farmers generally 
will be able to render an exact analysis of the 
constituents of their soils, but surely it is not ex¬ 
pecting too much, that all agriculturists should 
be acquainted with first principles at .least, 
and thereby secure themselves against much 
loss, both of labor and capital. Thus ive have 
known farmers, at great expense, lime over 
their farms, when their lands had naturally an 
excess of that mineral! Thus we see that a 
knowledge of science is economy, and igno¬ 
rance thereof, dowmrightextravagance. Knowl¬ 
edge is security from risk, and ignorance too 
often the cause of ruin. Much of what is com¬ 
monly called bad luck, is attributable to the 
mismanagement of ignorance, rather than to 
what Sanco Panza calls “ the misadventures 
of fortune.” 
The advantages offered to the young by the 
establishment of Agricultural Colleges, and 
Model School Farms, ought to be embraced 
by all having in view farming us a profession. 
Much useful knowledge has been disseminated 
by means of Agricultural Lectures, and works 
on Agricultural Chemistry. The periodical 
press, also, is a powerful auxiliary in the cause 
of agriculture, wherein theory and practice are 
ably discussed, and the experiments and expe¬ 
riences of practical men related in language 
plain and easy to be understood. Amongst 
the numerous agricultural newspapers (many 
of them excellent) published throughout the 
Union, the one which the American farmers 
delight to honor, is the Rural New-Yorker. 
Report of the Ohio Board of Agricul¬ 
ture: —We have received from G. Sprague, 
Esq., the Seventh Annual Report of the Board 
of Agriculture of the State of Ohio. It is a 
handsome volume of 461 pages, filled with the 
proceedings of the Board during the year 1854, 
reports from the various County Agricultural 
Societies, lectures, report of a geological sur¬ 
vey, and other matters of interest On the 
whole, it does not come up to what we should 
expect from the great Agricultural State of 
Ohio. There are no portraits of animals, Ac., 
no prize essays, and little that really adds to 
the agricultural knowledge of the country. 
The report of the Secretary is an interesting 
and valuable paper. 
mm 
==H il3n 
mm** *rm 
Bantam. 
Canton or China. 
Cochin China. 
IMfiiml lloultni jijlOlUS, National Poultry Society’s Exhibition. 
Show of the N. Y. State Poultry Soc’y. 
The first Exhibition of the H. Y. State Poultry 
Society commenced at Albany, Feb. 7, and con¬ 
tinued four days. There were more than fifty 
exhibitors, and the number of fowls entered is 
estimated at from twelve to fifteen hundred. The 
different Asiatic varieties figured largely and 
were most attractive in the exhibition,— but all 
the breeds, from the Bantam to the Brahma, were 
well represented. 
The other classes were well filled—Turkeys and I 
Terrier Dogs, Geese and Guinea Fowls, American 
Eagles and all sorts of Pigeons, Prairie Hens and 
Peacocks, Ducks and Quails, — but our readers 
would quail if w'e should attempt to enumerate 
the whole. 
David Taggart, of Northumberland, Pa., de¬ 
livered an Address before the Society, which is 
spoken of as a humorous production. He spoke 
of the distinguishing characteristics and peculiar¬ 
ities of the different breeds of fowls, and asserted 
that the Cochin China, Brahma Pootra, Ac., were 
all derived from the Shanghais, and only differed in 
unessential particulars, determiued by breeding 
for a given purpose. 
The names and residences of the most promi¬ 
nent exhibitors will be found in the following 
list of 
PREMIUMS AWARDED. 
Gallinaceous Fowls.— Rest and largest variety of pure 
bred fowls, bred by the exhibitor, D. P. Newell, Rochester, 
a Silver Cup valued at §25. 2d, J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, 10 
Best and largest variety of pure bred fowls owned by ex¬ 
hibitor, W. II. Southwick, New Baltimore, a Silver Cup 
valued at $25. 2d, D. S. Heftron, Utica, 10. 
Asiatic Fowls.—B est pair of Asiatic Fowls, of whatever 
sub variety, .T. P. Childs,"Rhode Island, 10. 
Shanghais. — Best pair or trio, Red or Buff, Jqhn Me 
Cowan, Pliiladelphia, §5. 2d, A. A. Hudson, Syracuse, 3. 
Best pair or trio of Black, J. W. Herring, Maroellus, §5. 
2d, M. II. Smith, Skaneateles, 3. 
Best pair or trio of While, A. A. Hudson, Syracuse, $5. 
2d Geo. Anderson, Albany, 3. 
Best pair or trio of Dominique, colored. D. P. Newell, 
Rochester. §5 2d, J. K. M. Van Alstvue, Greenbush. 3. 
Cochin China. —Best pair Or trio. W. II. Southwick, New 
Baliiinore, §5. 2d, Geo. Anderson, Albany, 3. 
< footra. — eesi pair or trio, j.'. c. ixewen, Roches¬ 
ter, 85. 2d Wright, Gilmore & Co., Utica, 3. 
Chittagong. —Best pair or trio, 0. Craw, Conn., §5. 2d, 
C. Bonticue, Lansingburgh, 3. 
White Calcutta. —Second best pair or trio, D S. Heffron, 
Utica, 3. 
Black Java. —Best pair or trio. J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, 
§5. 2d, W. II. Southwick, New Baltimore, 3. 
Hong Kong. — Best pair or trio, T. B. Miner, Clinton, 
Oneida Co., §5. 2d, D. S. Heffron, Utica, 3. 
Otitk.r Fowls.— Black Spanish. — Best pair or trio Jas. 
Kellcn, Germantown, Pa., 415 . 2d, J. P. Childs, R. I., 3. 
3d, I). S. Heffron, Utica, 2. 
Dorking. — Best trio of Wnite, W. II. Southwick, New 
Baltimore, fi4. 2d do. of Gray or Speckled, J. M. Slier- 
wood, Auburn, 2. 
Hamburghs. — Best trio of Spangled Hamburghs, D. St. 
George, York Mills, Oneida Co., 3. 
Game. —Best pair or trio of Sumatra, T. B. Miner, Clin¬ 
ton, Oneida Co., ®5. Do. of Earl Derby, J. W. Platt, 
Rhinebeek, 5. American Game, 2d best, E. E. Platt, Al¬ 
bany, 3. Earl Derby Cock, W. II. Southwick, New Balti¬ 
more, (discretionary) 1. 
Polish. —Best trio, White or Black, W. H. Southwick, 
New Baltimore, S3. 
Best pair of Silver Spangled, E. E. Platt, S3. 2d, C. W. 
Godard, Albany, 2. 
Bantams. —Best trio Gold Laced Seabright, J. P. Childs, 
R. I., $5. 2d, W. Walsh, Bethlehem, 3. 
Best trio of. Java, E. E. Platt, Albany, ®3. 2d, African, 
D. S. Heffron, Utica, 2. 
Geese. — Bremen. — Best pair, W. H. Southwick, New 
Baltimore, So. 2d, C. W. Goddard, Albany, 3. 
African. —Best pair, C. W. Godard, Albany, §5. 2d, R. 
C. McCormick, L. I. 
Wild.— Best pair, E. M. Van Alstyne, Greenbush, ®5. — 
2d, VV. H. Southwick, New Baltimore, 3. 
Pigeons.—B est and largest variety owned by exhibitor, C. 
Bonticue, Lansingburgh, So. Best pair of any distinct 
variety, VV. H. Southwick, New Baltimore, 2. «.■» 
Ratuuts.— Lop-Eared. — Second best pair, S. V. C. Van 
Rensselaer, Claverack, 2. 
Rat Terrier Dogs —Best specimen, §5. 2d do.. 3. 
Pair White Scotch Terrier, John Grieves, New York, 82 
One Black and Tan Terrier, J. M. Lovett, Albany, ®1. 
Turkeys.— Wild. —Best pair, E. E. Platt, Albany, S3. 
Domestic. — Best ^>air, Reynolds Sc Co., S5. 2d, J. W. 
Ludlow, Y'onkers, 3. 
Guinea Fowls.— Best pair, W. H. Southwick, New Bal¬ 
timore, S3. 2d, E. E. Platt, 2. 
Pea Fowls. — Best pair, W. H. Southwick, New Balti¬ 
more, S3. 2d, C. VV. Godard, Albany, 2. 
Ducks. — Muscovy. — Best pair, J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, 
S5. 2d, D. P. Newell, Rochester, 3. 
Aylesbury. —Best pair, W. H. Southwick, NewJlaltimoro 
S5. 2d, R. C. McCormick, Jr., L. I., 3. 
Top-Knot. — Best pair, D. S. Heftron, Utica, So. 2d, D, 
P. Newell, Rochester, 3. 
Several amendments wore made to the By-Laws of the 
Society. The most important change is in the increase of 
the officers. The Managers were increased to twenty, and 
an addition of one to the Vice Presidents. The following 
are the chosen officers for the ensuing year : 
President— D. S. Heffron, of Utica. 
Vice Presidents. —Francis Rotch, Buttemutts: M. Vas- 
sar, Poughkeepsie; Lewis F. Allen, Black Rock. 
Cor. Secretary —R. C. McCormick, Jr., Woodhaven, L. I. 
Rec. Secretary and Treasurer. —R. U. Sherman, Utica. 
Managers.— Sam. T. Tabor, Dutchess; Tlios. W. Lud¬ 
low, Jr., Y T onkers; Samuel Thorne, N. Y. City; C. W. 
Godard, Albany; A. P. Hammond, Westport, Essex Co.; 
W. H. Southwick, New Ballimore; Samuel 8. Beman, 
Hampton, Wash. Co.; Geo. St. George, York Mills, Oneida 
Co.; Thos Gould, Cayuga Co.; A. A. Hudson, Syracuse; 
R. II. Van Rensselaer, Otsego Co.; F. W. Collins, Ontario 
Co.; Isaac E- Haviland, L. I.; Abner Baker, Rochester; 
Win. Walsh, Bethlehem, Albany Co.; John H. Cole, Colum¬ 
bia.; D. W. C. Van Slyck, Wayne Co.; J. Wyman Jones, 
Utica; N. S. Smith, Buffalo ; Curtis Moses, Skaneateles. 
The first show of the National Poultry Society, 
was held at Bamum’s Museum, Hew York, Feb. 
13th to 18th inclusive, 1854. According to re¬ 
ports in the Hew York dailies, the affair will 
long be remembered in Hen-dom, and will in¬ 
duce no little crowing among certain amateur 
fanciers and breeders, iu both city and country.— 
As we were not there to witness the prodigies 
exhibited in the various classes—including speci¬ 
mens of high, medium and low degree—'and have 
not space for the somewhat elongated, i’f not ex¬ 
aggerated statements given in the city papers, we 
give only the principal results. These are inclu¬ 
ded in the subjoined lengthy list of very liberal 
PREMIUMS AWARDED. 
Class I. 
For the best and largest variety, Silver Cup, $50, to Rich¬ 
ard C. McCormick, Jr., of Woodhaven, Queens Co., L. I. 
2d,_ Silver Cup, $25, to J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, N. Y. 3d, 
$15, to B. &. C. S. Haines, of Elizabethtown, N. J. 4th, 
$10, to H. Johnson, of Paterson, N. J. 
Asiatic Fowls. —Best pair of Asiatic Fowls of whatever 
sub-variety, Silver Cup, $20, to John McGowan, Philadel¬ 
phia, Pa". 
Shanghais — For the best pair or trio of Red or Buff, 
$5, to J. Sherwood, Norwalk, Ct. 2d, 3, to Henderson 
Greene, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
For the best pair or trio of Black do, $5, to Geo. P. 
Burnham, Boston. 2d, 3, to Richard C. McCormick, Jr., 
Woodhaven, Queens Co., L. I. 
Best pair or trio of White do, $5, to R. C. McCormick, 
Jr., Woodhaven, L. I. 2d, 3, to J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek. 
Best pair or trio of Dominique do, $5, to R. C. McCor¬ 
mick, Jr., Woodhaven, L. 1. 2d, 3, to Sherman Smith, 
Portchester, N. Y. 
Best pair or trio of Cochin Chinas, $5, to Geo. P. Burn¬ 
ham, Boston, Mass. 2d, 3, to J. VV. Platt, Rhinebeek. 
Best pair or trio of Brahma Pootras, $5, to B. & C. J. 
Haines, Elizabethtown, N. J. 2d, 3, to Henry S. Freeman, 
Cumberland, R. 1 : 3 to Bennett & Plaisted, Great Falls, 
N. H.; 3 to R. C. McCormick, Jr., Woodhaven, L. I.; 3 to 
VV. L. Wilson, New Britain, Ct.; 3 to D. B. Haight, Dover 
Plains, N. Y.; 3 to Geo. Smith, Valley Falls, R. I. 
Best pair or trio of Chittagongs, $5, to H. S. Ballon, 
Blaekstone, Mass. 2d, 3, to G. B. Prindle, Norwich, Ct. 
Best pair or trio Of Javas. $5. to Dr. G. W. Lawrence, 
Cotonsville, Md. 2d, 3. to J. W. Plait, Rhinebeek. N. V. 
Special premium of S3 to G. P. Burnhsni. Boston, Mass., 
for gray and bronze Shanghais, of great merit. 
All Other Gallinaceous Fowls. —Black Spanish. — For 
the 2d best pair or trio $3 .10 I? (c G. J. Haines, Elizabeth¬ 
town, N. J. 3d do, 2, to Dr. II. 11. Porter, Bushwick, L. I. 
Dorkings. —For the host pair or trio of White, $4, to I!. 
O. McCormick. Jr.. Woodhaven, L. I. 2d do, 2, to J. W. 
Platt. Rhinebeek. N Y. 
Best pair or trio of gray or speckled, SI. to R. C. Mc¬ 
Cormick, Jr.. Woodhaven, L. I. 2d, 2, to Samuel Katie, 
1 Westeliester Co. 
j Polands. — Best pair or trio of White, S3, to J. W. Platt, 
I Rhinebeek, N. Y. 
fur zu pair or trio oi Biack, $ 2 , to S. S. Burden, 
of Paramus, N. J. 
Best pair or trio of Silver, $3. to J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, 
N. Y. 2d, 2, to S. S. Burden, Paramus, N. J. 
Game —Best pair Or trio of Earl of Derby Game. $5, to 
J. K. Twainbly, Dover, N. II. 2d, 3 to J. W. Platt, Rhine¬ 
beek, N. Y. 
Pile Games .—Best pair or trio, $5, to R. C. McCormick, 
Jr.. Woodhaven, L. I. 
Black Games .—Best pair or trio, $3, to George Brown, 
Meriden, Ct. 
Ebon Sumatra Games. — Best pair or trio, $5, to J. K. 
Twanibly, Dover, N. H. 2d, 3, to B. & C. S. Haines, Eliz¬ 
abethtown, N. J. 
Mexican Games .—Best pair or trio, $5, to R. C. McCor¬ 
mick, Woodhaven, L. I. 
Chinese Albin Games .—Best pair or trio, $5, to Bennett 
& Plaisted, Great. Falls, N. II. 
Bantams.—Best pair or trio Gold Laced, $5, to Bennett 
& Plaisted, Great Falls, N. H. 2d, 3, to B. & C. S. Haines, 
Elizabethtown. N. J. 
Best pair or trio of Silver Lnced. $5, to Bennett & Plais¬ 
ted, Great Falls, N. H. 2d, 3, to Roswell L. Colt, Pater¬ 
son, N. J. 
Best pair or trio of African, $5, fo B. Sc C. S. Haines, 
Elizabethtown, N. J. 2d, 2, to J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek. 
Bolton Grays .—For the 2d best pair or trio, S2, to J. W. 
Platt, Rhinebeek, N. Y. 
Dominique Vote's. — For the 2d best pair or trio, $2,Jo 
Josiah Sage, Locust Hill, N. J. 
Class II,—Turkeys. 
For the best pair or trio of wild, S5, to Sherman Smith, 
of Portchester, N. Y.; second pair or trio, 3, to John Pat¬ 
ton, of New York. 
For the best pair or trio of domestic, 85, to R. H. Arory. 
of Brooklyn, L. L; second, 3, to R. C. McCormick, Jr., of 
Woodhaven, L. I. 
Honorable mention for choice dove colored Turkeys, ex¬ 
hibited by D. B. Haight, Dover Plains, N. Y.; black Tur¬ 
keys, exhibited by S. H. Coombs, Mercer Co.. N. J.; wliite 
Turkeys from J. W. Platt, Rhinebeek, N. Y. 
Class III.- -Guinea Fowls. 
For the best pair or trio S3, R. C. McCormick, Jr., 
Woodhaven, L. I.; second do, 2, A. Maillard, Bordentown, 
N. J. 
Class IV.—Pea Fowls. 
For the best pair or trio, $3, James Ryder, Gravesend, 
L. I.; 2d do., 2, to J. W. Platt, Rhiuebeck, N. Y. 
Honorable mention of Pea Fowls from II. C. Me Cor- 
miek, Jr., Woodhaven, L. I., and J. W. Cropsey, Grave¬ 
send, L. I. 
Class V.—Ducks. 
Aylesbury .—For the! best pair or trio, S5, to R. C. Me 
Cormiek, Jr., Woodhaven, L. I.; 2d do., 3, Sherman Smith, 
Portchester, N. Y. 
Muscovy —Best pair or trio, $5, R. C. McCormick, Jr., 
Woodhaven, L. I.; 2d do., 3, B. & C. S. Haines, Elizabeth¬ 
town, N. J. 
Top-Knot— Best pair or trio, $5, to Wm. Simpson, 
West Farms, N. Y. 2d do., 3, R. C. McCormick, Wood¬ 
haven L. I. 
Cayuga Black—West pair or trio, $5, R. C. McCormick, 
Jr., Woodhaven, L I.; 2d do., 3, Sherman Smith, Port¬ 
chester, N. Y. 
Common Duck- -Under this caption the Judges have 
given premium ft r best pair or trio, $3, to R. L. Colt, 
Paterson, N. J.; 2tl do., 2, R. C. McCormick, Jr., Wood¬ 
haven, L. I. 
Honorable mention of Chinese white Muscovies, exhibit¬ 
ed by G. K. Biker,(Stanford, Conn. 
! Class VI.—Geese. 
Bremen —For tin best pair or trio, 85, Sherman Smith, 
Portchester, N. Y.; 2d do., 3, G. K. Riker, Stamford, Ct. 
Chinese —Best p'lir or trio, $5, R. I.. Colt, Paterson, N. 
J.; 2d do., 3, R. L Colt, Pattei son, N. J. 
African —Best pan- or trio, $5, Sherman Smith, Port- 
chesfer, N. Y. 
Wild —Best pairj&r trio, $5, R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J.; 
2d do., 3, J. W. Plitt. Rhinebeek, N. Y. 
Honorable men!ion or discretionary premium to H. 
Johnson, Paterson, N. J., for his Hong Kong geese. 
Class VI.—Swans. 
For the best pair, $5, R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J.; 2d do., 
3, Isaac E. Haviland, Hempstead, L. I. 
Class VIII.— Pigeons. 
For the best and largest variety, $5, T. M. Rodman, 
West Farms, N. Y.; 2d do., 2, It. C. McCormick, Jr. 
Woodhaven, L. I. 
Best pair of any distinct variety, $2, Wm. Brown,Brook¬ 
lyn, N. Y., for pair of Carriers. 
Class IX.—Rabbits. 
For the best pair of Lop-Eared, $5, to Geo. P., Bum- 
ham, Boston, Mass.; 2d do., Bennett & Plaisted, Great 
Falls, N. H. 
Class X.—Rat Terrier Dogs. 
For (he best specimen, $5, John Grieve, New York; 2d 
do., 3, Salem Dutchcr, New York; 3d do.,2, Mr. St. John. 
Class XI.—Deer. 
For the best buck, $5, Wm. McQueen, Schenectady, N. 
Y.; 2d do., 3, Henry Faile, West Farms, N. Y. 
The judges on Asiatic fowls append to their re¬ 
port the following remarks : 
“ While the judges have been governed by the 
nomenclature of the list, they by no means assent 
to it as a proper classification. Shanghai and 
Cochin China are convertible terms, and Brahma 
Pootra the popular name for a sub-variety of 
Shanghais of great size and beauty. White Cal- 
cuttas and Hong Kongs were noton exhibition. 
Believing them to be inferior specimens of white 
and black Shanghais, it is likely that we would not 
have awarded them premiums if found. In lieu 
thereof, we have assigned several additional sec¬ 
ond premiums for Brahma Shanghais ; and also 
a special premium for two sub-varieties not 
named in the list The show of Brahmas doubt¬ 
less exceeds anything of the sort ever known, 
both as to nuntbers and quality. Cocks of twelve 
pounds and upward, hens of ten pounds, and pul¬ 
lets of nine pounds, were quite common, while 
one coop of four stags, ten months old, averaged 
nearly twelve pounds apiece. This extraordinary 
weight as to cocks and hens was also noticed 
among the other colors. Four years ago a very 
sensible gentleman Avrote that a cock, of any 
breed, to weigh eight pounds was a good one, 
and must be in fine order at that. How we have 
months old, exceeding that weigh • - 
If this progression continues, it will not be long 
until Shanghais are sold iu straps and roasts ana j 
by the quarter, like prise beef in the mnrW. 
“ For the sake of simplicity, Ave would recom¬ 
mend that all thorough-bred Asiatic fowls be j 
classed under the name of Shanghai, to be iur- 
ther designated by their color; and inasmuch as [ 
these sIioavs are intended not solely for the ag¬ 
grandizement of breeders, but for the purpose of 
converting ‘ Ilenology’into a scionee, we Avo.tld 
earnestly suggest that nil ridiculous aliases >:-■ 
abandoned, and a simple, intelligible and truthful 
classification strictly observed.” 
Roukut Wilkinson, Chairman, 
The judges on Gallinaceous FoavIs say that— 
“ They have attended to the duties assigned 
them, and find the best display of Gallinaceous 
Fowls ever exhibited in this country. They feel 
great pleasure in recommending a continual suc¬ 
cession of similar Fairs by the Hational Poultry 
Society, with every confidence that great benefit 
Avill be conferred upon the community at large bv 
thus encouraging and improving the breeds of 
Domestic Poultry in America.” 
John C. Jackson, Chairman. 
The judges on Turkeys, Guineas, Ac., say : 
“ With much pleasure Ave give our measure of 
praise and satisfaction for the choice and rare de¬ 
posit of pure bred foAvls exhibited by Col. R. L. 
Colt, of Patterson, H. J., and cordially suggest the 
award of a discretionary premium* for Mallard 
Ducks, Wild Black Ducks, Pin Tail Ducks, Java 
Ducks, Rouen Ducks, Crested Ducks, Ac., Ac.; 
also with much satisfaction Ave give mention to 
the choice and Avell-bred stock exhibited by Mr. 
R. C. McCormick, Jr., of Woodhaven, Long Is¬ 
land. Chas. W. Bathgate, Chairman. 
The managers state that the premium coops, 
although worthy in every respect of the flattering 
preferences exhibited by the able judges, are by 
no means the sole objects of interest in this great 
collection. There are many coops, besides, con¬ 
tain’ng birds so closely approximating in excel¬ 
lence to those Avhich have won the premiums that 
they are eminently Avorthy of admiration, while 
the general Show surpasses in curious and instruc¬ 
tive attraction anything of the kind ever yet ex¬ 
hibited in America. 
*A Silver Cup is awarded to Col. Colt in compliance 
with this suggestion. 
. Poultry. —At this season, we frequently hear 
our neighbors and others complaining that their 
fowls do not supply them with the desired quan¬ 
tity of eggs, as they are wont to do in other parts 
of the year ; but Ave have no difficulty in this 
matter, for Ave came to the conclusion long ago, 
that we ought not to expect them to provide us 
Avith eggs, unless we gave them plenty of the 
right kind of food that they may eat and drink 
at their pleasure. By experiment Ave haVe found 
that hens fed Avith wheat and rice, and constantly 
supplied Avith fresh water, charcoal, lime, ashes, 
Ac., will produce a larger amount of eggs than 
those fed on any other grain. 
Lovers of eggs, and the good things made with 
them, feed your fowls as above, and you will 
complain of them no longer.— Dollar Newspaper. 
Measurement of Hay in Bulk.— Multiply the 
length, breadth and height of the hay into each 
other, and if the hay is someAvhat settled, ten solid 
yards Avill Aveigh a ton. Clover will take 11 to 12 
yards to a ton. 
Milk Clean.— The first drawn milk contains 
only 5, the second 8, and the fifth 17 per cent 
cream. 
MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
We are indebted to S. M. Bartlett, Esq., 
for a copy of the Transactions of this society 
for 1852. It is a handsome volume of 528 
pages, containing much valuable information, 
wood cuts of animals, addresses delivered be¬ 
fore several county societies, prize essays, Ac., 
Ac., and is, on the whole, highly creditable to 
the Secretary, J. C. Holmes. The article on 
thorough draining, by Linus Cone, Ave have 
read with much pleasure. A Prize Essay on 
manures, by Charles Betts, is a valuable pa¬ 
per which deserves an extensive circulation.— 
Will Mr. B. pardon us for referring to one 
point in the manufacture of manure which he 
has inadvertently overlooked? lie says:— 
“The A’alue of yard manure depends upon two 
conditions:—1st, the manner in which it is 
made and preserved; 2nd, the state in which 
it is applied to the soil.” These two conditions 
have much to do with the value of the manure, 
but the intrinsic value of the manure depends 
upon the food eaten by the animals making it. 
If they are fed oil-cake, peas or beans, it will 
be much more valuable than though they had 
Indian corn. If they have clover hay, it Avill 
be much richer than though they had timothy 
hay, or straAV, Ac., Ac. It is a point on which 
few farmers have any distinct conceptions, and 
should not be o\ r erlooked in a prize essay on 
DEVONS vs. SIIORT-IIORNS. 
The London Farmers' Magazine gi\"es the 
following extract from the Journal of a gentle¬ 
man avIio visited Mr. Coke, at his estate at 
Ilolkham in 1830: 
“ The postillions were first desired to stop 
near some beasts of the North Devon breed, 
grazing in the park; and Mr. C. mentioned sev¬ 
eral facts illustrative of the superiority of the 
Devons; amongst others that, he called on a 
Mr. Handcock, a fashionable butcher in Lon¬ 
don, avIio supplied some of the first families, 
and asked him if he had ever killed any Devon 
beasts. He replied * no, that they were not 
good enough for his trade; he would only use 
the best Scots.’ Mr. C. persuaded him to try 
the Devons, and he so much approved of them 
that he bought all Mr. C. sent to market for a 
considerable time—more than one hundred 
beasts. He also mentioned a trial between 
the fattening of tAvo Devons, against one short¬ 
horned ox of the old Yorkshire breed, the two 
costing the same as the one, and when killed 
the two weighed 140 stone of 14 lbs. (1,970 
lbs.,) while the short-horned ox weighed only 
! 10 stone, (1540 lbs.,) and it had eaten 
more food than the two Devons. Mr. C. con- 
sidered the Devons as by far the best for plow¬ 
ing. His object was to produce the most food 
for man, of the best quality, and at the least 
expense. He said ‘ size had nothing to do with 
profit; it was not what an animal made, as 
much as what it cost making.’” 
. BEST MODE OF CASTRATION. 
Wnicn is the best mode? of castration? If 
you ask this question of five or six men, you 
will probably receive as many different an¬ 
swers. I have tried the actual cautery, the 
clams, the ligature, and scraping; and I prefer 
the last, it being simple, sale and speedy. 
You have, doubtless, tried it, and perhaps 
most of your readers have performed the op¬ 
eration. However, at the risk of telling a 
twice told tale, I will endeavor to describe the 
mode of scraping. You begin as for castra¬ 
tion in the ordinary ivav. Free the testicle, 
and grasp it ivitli the left hand; divide the 
seminal part of the cord, and, with a tough- 
edged knife, scrape the vascular cord length- 
Avays, until you scrape through it. Simple 
enough, and speedy, too, since for first cut to 
last scrape, takes rather less than twenty sec¬ 
onds. 1 have done it in sixteen, and safely, for 
I never knew a horse to bleed more than I 
wanted, and you have a simple wound without 
any foreign substance to deal with. The horses 
stand quiet for nearly three days, being merely 
rubbed down. On the third day, the coagulum 
is Washed away, and the parts cleansed, and 
nothing more is required after, than to con¬ 
tinue to keep them clean. Tetanus is not a 
frequent sequel to castration; as to the time 
most likely for an attack, I have always found 
it to come on just as the wound has healed, no 
matter in what part of the body it may be.— 
Those attacks arising from castration, general¬ 
ly manifst themselves from the fifteenth to the 
twentieth day; but I have seen them both 
earlier and later. As a rule, 1 do not castrate 
during the hot months, nor during the heavy 
rains. Wounds and ulcers generally take ou 
an unhealthy action at those seasons, and par¬ 
ticularly during rains. But I have operated 
during every month of the year .—London Vet. 
Great Corn Crop. —The Agricultural So¬ 
ciety of Champagne County, Ohio,.certifies that 
Hugh McDonald received the premium for the 
best acre of corn, an average one out of a field 
of 45 acres, which yielded one hundred and 
forty-five bushels and three pecks, by actual 
measurement of one row, carefully selected by 
the committee as an average one, and estimated 
from that for an acre. It is estimated that the 
whole field would have averaged 140 bushels 
per acre. 
This actual admeasurement of one toav, and 
estimating from that the acreage yield, is not a 
very accurate or commendable means of deter¬ 
mining the yield of premium crops. 
Dr. A. Watts and Alex. Waddle have 
gone to Europe to select stock for the Clark 
Co. (Ohio) importing company. Tuscarawas 
County is about to form a stock importing Co. 
