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VOL XL NO. 52.! 
MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER, 
AW ORIGINAL WEEKLY 
P.WSAL, LITERARY AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER. 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOOBE. 
With an Able Corps of A ssistanta and Contributors. 
Thk Rtrai. Nww-Yorkkr is designed to be nnsurpaesed 
in Valuer Purity, Usefulness and Variety of Contents, and 
muqiiH and beautiful in Appearance. If* Conductor de¬ 
votee his personal attention to the supervision of its 
various department*, and earnestly labors to render the 
Rusal an eminently Reliable Guide on nil the important 
Fraction) Ncientlflc and other Subjects intimately con¬ 
nected with the business of those whose Interests It 
Z’Miloimly iplvijiiitcs. As a Family .Journal it is emt- 
neutly Instructive and Entertaining — being so conducted 
that it cue he safely token to tho Hearts and Homes of 
people of intelligence, taste and discrimination. It em. 
braces more Agricultural, Horticultural, Scientific, Edu¬ 
cational, Literary and News Matter, Interspersed with 
appropriate and besntifttl Engravings, than any other 
journal, v rendering it the most complete Agricultural, 
Literary amp Family Newspaper in America. 
For Terms and other particulars, see last page. 
“PROGRESS A.\D IMPROVEMENT.’ 
[SLNGtXjK no. pour cente. 
ROCHESTER, N. Y.-FOR TIIE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1860. 
I WHOLE NO. 572 
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6£ltAii£rfi..w*Aj'ujw>r» 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER: 
ITS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. 
“ Pints” to the Eleventh Year and Volume of 
the Rural Ne w-Y orker — terminating onr en¬ 
gage .yieflyt wlin a iSJSrTty of its supporters, 
(ail whose subscriptions expire herewith,) and 
closing the arduous labors, card) and responsibili¬ 
ties of another twelvemonth. As age advances, 
how swiftly Titno flics! The days and weeks of 
Youth seem long and weary, like miles slowly 
traversed by stage-coach,—bat in after life the 
months and years appear as closely allied aa tho 
mile-stones when traveling by the swiftest rail¬ 
way train! But wo must not pause to moralize, 
even at a time when it ia allowable, for a customary 
if not important duty must be performed. 
Reader, the volume of the Rural Nbw-Yorkkr 
for 1800 ia completed, and, with all its imperfec¬ 
tions, must pass the ordeal of your criticism. 
May its ledeeining traitH overbalance Its blem¬ 
ishes, and its influence be only salutary! “ Would 
it were worthier” in all respects; yet we tnmt 
the favor it has found in your eyes, and that of 
the myrittd-eyed public, ia based upon sufficient 
merit and Intrinsic value to be remembered with 
pleasure, if not preserved for future reference. 
Our constant endeavor has been to furnish a 
journal, every number of which should not only 
prove readable, hut instructive and entertain¬ 
ing—to fairly and fully redeem every pledge or 
assurance given at the commencement Such 
has been our earnest desire during the year now 
closing, and the preceding decade of years.— 
But, while wo can conscientiously affirm that our 
contiuuou3 aim has been to advocate and protect 
the best interests of the industrial and productive 
classes of community, regardless of consequences 
to ourselves, we claim no special merit or com¬ 
mendation. During the year past, as perhaps ia 
former ones, our zeal may huve been greater in 
some instances, than our wisdom ami judgment,_ 
but in condemn log wrong, or exposing fraud, we 
are not in the habit of studying policy or consult¬ 
ing self interest, and must abide the conseqnenoes. 
Though “the truth ia not to be spoken at all 
times,” we think it entitled to utterance whenever 
its suppression would prove detrimental to com¬ 
munity, and henc oar custom (so long practiced 
thst It has becoui rhronie,) of calling things by 
tneir right names, without regard to the “ fear, 
favor or affection ” of individuals or associations, 
however prominent their position or influence. 
Let us briefly revert to the past In the Initial ] 
“Literature, Ao., are considered important and 
“will receive proper attention. Under these 
“headings we hope to furnish seasonable and 
“useful matter — while that portion of tho paper 
“appropriated to General Intelligence will uot be 
“ neglected. Btandlng aloof from the ‘platforms’ 
“of all pat ties and sects, wo Bhall fight, the battles 
“of none. * * Our aim is to fnrnish a reliable 
“and unexceptionable Family Paper, for both 
“Town and Country —one which shall interest 
“and instruct the young, and prove a valuable 
“ assistant to those more advanced in years and 
“experience.” Much more was said in the same 
connection aud of similar import, but we only 
quote the above to remind readers of the position 
assumed in the outset of tho Rural. Those familiar 
with the paper from its start need not bo told that 
it has ever been consistent, earnest, and straight¬ 
forward in Its efforts to prornoto tho aims and 
objects originally announced. And though the 
independent course wo have seen fit to pursue 
relative to various humbngs and fraudulent spec¬ 
ulations, has made spiteful enemies of parties 
exposed, we have the proud satisfaction of know¬ 
ing that tho great mass of right-thinking People, 
and all honorable Journalists,approve and indorse 
the position wo have uniformly maintained. But 
our space is limited, and we must turn from the 
Past to the Present and 1'utnre. 
The present volume of tho Rural Nbw-Yorkkr 
closes under most gratifying auspices. Strong 
and popular as the paper has been for years, It 
never was bo highly esteemed and encouraged 
by both People and Press, as now. Of this we 
have the most abundant aud substantial testimony 
— and it Is ia no spirit, of egotism, but with the 
profound gratitude of an appreciative heart, that 
u,e rash - umtaiwent. Jr whs the 'ndimUiun* of 
this warm, wide and augmented appreciation of 
the Rural that some time Binoo induced us to 
venture upon expensive arrangements for the 
fulfillment of ft long-desired otrjoct — tho En¬ 
largement and Improvement of the Rural New- 
Yorkkr, as already announced. And though the 
change will add largely to our expenses, labors, 
and cares, wo have no doubt of being nobly sus¬ 
tained in efforts to make still more valuable 
and acceptable a Journal which already ranks 
aa the standard and best combined Agkicultl* 
ral, Horticultural, Literary and Family 
Newspaper of America. 
Without pharisaically assuming that we are 
naturally any better or abler than our contem¬ 
poraries, we may suggest that the remarkable 
success of the Rural Is attributable to the great 
amount Of hard work, close attention and liberal 
expenditure, devoted to and concentrated upon 
its management, and tho generous manner in 
which our efforts have been seconded by friends 
throughout the whole country. But tho labor 
has been and must continue t,o bo great, aud 
there Is food for serious thought in the closing 
remarks of a letter wo received a few days since 
from a Cunada subscriber, who says,—“ Accord- 
"ing as thy strength ao shall thy days be. We 
“should not tire ia a good canse; but unless you 
“have an iron constitution, many good helpers, 
“a large cash box, or many, many good friends, 
“ thy excellent paper will bo less interesting in 
“years to come, because it requires ao much per- 
“ severance and punctuality.” The truth of this 
kind udmonition has often been Impressed upon 
our mind. Commencing the Rural when in the 
prime of life (at the age of thirty) wo resolved, if 
life und health wi re spared, that it shonld excel 
in usefulness, purity and independence, whether 
money were made or lost in the enterprise. But 
our Canada friend is right—for the requisites 
he enumerates an- essential in maintaining the 
Of tho Future of toe Rural Nkw-Yorkkk — 
and especially of th fensulng volume—wo can 
only say that our ai n is to make it, more than 
ever before, and in bott Contents and Appearance, 
the best Journal of >li class on the Continent. 
The facilities at our command wore never so 
greut, while the experience of the past will euablo 
us to use them to the 1 eat advantage. The labor 
necessury to maintain ind augment the standing 
and reputation of the t per Is vast, but we shall en¬ 
deavor to have It pern mod well and acceptably. 
Our preseut office as j 'dates — Messrs. Kennedy 
Hnd Vick — will com! uo to give the Rural the 
benefit of their obs rvation, investigation and 
ripening experience, v)iilo a host of Contributors 
and Correspondents ( deluding many of the most 
able and accomplish I practical, scientific, and 
literary writers,) will (Lid value and interest to 
its pages. Several Contributor)) promiso special 
attention to Rural i forests daring tbe ensuing 
year, and wo antieijn ;e articles and sketches of 
uuuBual value and int rest from the pens of such 
able and popular frftera as Maj. 11. T. Brooks, 
Rev. Dr. Dewey, Hob. T. C. Petkrr, and scores 
of others who are eninently qualifled to impart 
instruction and entertainment in an impressive 
aud acceptable mani jr. Indeed, we can confi¬ 
dently assure nil in frosted, that our Twelfth 
Volume will more thm sustain tho enviable posi¬ 
tion the Rural New-Yorker has attained in its 
important, sphere—fqr we are resolved that no 
reasonable labor or expense shall be wanting to 
render It superior in fill the essentials of a com¬ 
plete Rural and Family Newspaper. . 
GO ACCORDING TO EVIDENCE, 
IN RURAL MATTEL.. AS WELT. AS IN LAW. 
’ l »- 
When a man ia impressed and impanneled as 
a Juror, they make him swear to "deride according 
to the evidence," but he generally takes his revenge 
by never deoidingin that manner again! “Going 
uccording to evidence,” ia in direct contraven¬ 
tion to “personal liberty;” It binds and hampers 
a follow moat unmercifully. Only follow that 
guide, and you go through tho world banging, 
and whanging, and thumping, and bumping 
against your party, and Hoot, and family, and 
country, and yonr dear cherished idols. Going 
according to evidence, is n slow, toilsome, tedious, 
brain-racking process, that lauds uu half the time 
whore we don’t want to go. Going hh wo have a 
mmd to, imagination, in bright plumage, as a 
guide, we sail cheerily over the rough surface of 
things, whero interest and inclination guides,— 
hut the landing,— ulil there’s the rub — the mini 
Going according to evidence is about the beat 
way after all—the only way, if yon would end right. 
In tho whole range of topics, there is nothing 
more Important for public consideration than 
this subject of evidence. It should bo written in 
every journal, and placarded on every poBt, that 
the highest prerogative of intellect is to weigh 
evidence, —that every interest, temporal and 
eternal, dcpendB upon weighing it right! It 
should bo taught among tho first lessons of child 
hood, and the lust admonitions of ago, that pro¬ 
found thought, patient Investigation, and earnest, 
purpose are required of every man who would 
arrive at the truth,— that reason lies deep,— that, 
uothing stands alone,—that everything is quali¬ 
fied and modified by its surroundings, and, there¬ 
fore, should be considered in its diversified re¬ 
lations. 
Farming forms no exception to this rule. It is 
the most intricate of sciences, aud the most, 
diversified of arts. It requires on the part of 
those engaged in if, the best abilities, the most 
diligently employed. Let us illustrate: Take, 
. 1 e to com- been blessed with an enduring constitution, many “ the potato rot." The thing itself is unpoctic and 
inanity, an cm in custom (so long practiced g00 d helpers, some cash, and a host of reliable unpalatable every way,—a steam, a stink, and a 
t. as R oom - ronie,) ° calling things by friends, the Rural would have ceased to exist mouldering m iss, arc its outward manifestations' 
nen ri 0 t names, wit lout, regard to tho ‘fear, long ago. In these respects wc have been peouli- hot the moment you inquire after “the cause ” 
.avor or a ect on ' Oi individuals or associations, a rly fortunate, (with the exception of the cash, y°“ boat away on tho “ologies ” so far, that with 
owever prominon e i posi ion ot influence. which it is not our "forto” to have or keep in the best engineering you barely get back. Take 
Let us briefly revert to the past. In the Initial abundance!) Our Esculapian adviser ("long “the midge;”—already it has let loose upon us 
number ot this Journal, (issued Jan. 3, I860,) wc may he wave” aud save!) has often admonished whole chapters of Entomological lore; while the 
said “the importance and responsibility of the us, more than intimating that such unremitting Gameis of Texas and the Cashmeres of Georgia> 
interest and value of the paper. Ilad we not for instance, that fruitful source of controversy, 
position assumed were fully realized.” We quote 
a few sentences: —“The pages of this Jour- 
“nal are dedicated to Progress and Imfrovk- 
“ ment. We use the expression not lightly, but 
“in its fullest and broadeBt acceptation — men- 
“tally, morally, and physically. It docs not con- 
"fine us to narrow limits, but gives ample scope 
“for the discussion of all subjects tending to the 
“melioration of Mankind, and advancement in 
“the Arts and Sciences. Our primary object is 
“to aid in advancing the Cause of Rural Improvc- 
‘‘ment Although Agriculture and Horticulture 
“are our prominent themes, the departments de- 
“ voted to Mechanics and Science, Education, 
toil as we were devoting to this enterprise could 
not be continued with impunity, — while our 
“better half” more frequently reminded us that 
the Itu ual and its readers were not the only 
objects of earthly solicitude. But, though unable 
to follow the judicious advice of these parties, 
Wc have endeavored to “keep a conscience”_ 
said to be a rare and expensive luxury now-a- 
days — and to live in such manner as to accom¬ 
plish an unusual amount of labor. Wo are, how¬ 
ever, digressing from onr intention—and perhups 
the above is too personal, even for an occasion 
that warrants allusions and reminisences of a 
character somewhat confidential. 
to say nothing of Mr. Seward’s Arabian and 
Baiinum’s traveling menagerie, open the wide 
fields of natural history. 
The birds have their story, full of interest and 
profit, and the worms their message of instruction 
and perplexity. 
The blight, the black knot, rust, and Burnt, with 
all the varied phases of vegetable life and being, 
are a study for a life time. 
As yon turn up a furrow, or pick np a stene, 
the ponderous tomes of Geology open before you. 
Whoever would express un intelligent opinion 
upon Agriculture,— whoever would decide the small - 
est matter according to evidence ,— must take the 
testimony of the sciences. Ho must commence 
early, and continuo late, or ho will remain igno¬ 
rant of much that be ought to know. 
Not to dwell longer on the importance of the 
soienoos to a right understanding of practical 
questions, there are a few points connected with 
the general subject of evidence, that ought to ho 
insisted upon. 
It should always he remembered that general 
principles are not established by a few iso laled facts. 
There are more blunders in practical life from lu- 
attention to this, than from all other sources 
combined. “I am in favor of such and such a 
course, for suuh uod such a ruasou.” Away ho 
goes,— one reason is deemed sufficient, when there 
nro a thousand bearing for or against. Deciding 
from a part of tho evidence, is only losa absurd 
than deciding without evidence, or against evi¬ 
dence. Lot us illustrate: Rohan potatoes give 
, tho largest yield, therefore Rohan potatoes are 
tho most profitable to cultivate, — that, sold them 
for a shilling per eye; —good for nothing when 
you get them, wus an after thought entirely 
Hnllblk pigs are small, Ihoroforo Suffolk pigs 
are unprofitable. But suppose Suffolk pigs make 
more pounds of pork from a bushel of corn, 
and mature early enough to avoid the cold 
ends of the year; will you consider that? My 
neighbor says, “the Suffolk)! are had breeders.” 
I huve one that him raised more pigs of her age 
than any bow I ever had. It takes the majority to 
decide in such a caso. 
So wo could extend illustrations indefinitely, 
but our roadeara can supply them. We bring l bin 
subject up now as being seasonable. Winter has 
put the vegetable kingdom to sleep, and arrests 
the ordinary business of the farm,—i Providence 
wlilcn calls the human mind to * higher life, aud 
a more exalted activity. It is tit that material 
growth should givo place to intellectual,— that tho 
soul should have a seed time und harvest. It is 
this arrangement that places the meu of these 
climes bo much in advance of the men of the 
tropics. Let farmers "reap" tho full benefit of 
tho frosts by more general and systematic culture, 
by questioning nature concerning her secrets, and 
by close observation of all that comoB in our way. 
Then we will guess less, and go more according 
to evidence.—n, t. h. 
-; - —-- 
FARMERS’ OUTBUILDINGS. 
Nothing) shows the character of the farmer 
and the condition of the farm so quickly and so 
clearly to tho observer, as tho condition of the 
outbuildings, aud particularly those minor con¬ 
structions, Hnch as sheds, racks, Ac. The farmer 
may have a poor house; it may be composed of 
the remains of tho original forest and bo un- 
Bightly in every way, yet if tho barns and sheds 
look convenient and in repair, fences good, and 
everything about tho yard in order, the thought 
suggested to the beholder is, there lives a thrifty, 
careful farmer, who keeps everything up, and it 
requires no great stretch uf the imagination to 
seo uriBing from the ruins of the old log house a 
fine mansion with its shady piazzas, festooned 
with roses, and all tho other conveniences of a 
pleasant rural home. But, reverse the picture,— 
let a palace of a house stand destitute of garden 
decorations, surrounded by bad fences and poor 
and neglected outbuildings, and the impression 
made upon the mind is, that the owner is no 
farmer, but a shallow man, fond of vain Hhow aud 
display, without neatness, or order, or business 
tact — one who very likely neglects his farm to 
attend to politics or anything ebe that will furnish 
an excuse for his negligence. But, it may be said 
every one has not the means to build costly sheds 
and barns, and this ia true, but every one can 
obtain a few posts and boards and a pouHd or two 
of nails; and it ia this negleotof little things, which 
every one can see is without excuse, that is the 
most painful to behold. It is an old saying that 
a man may be known by tho house he lives in and 
the ha* he wears, but the character of the farmer 
is better shown by his barns and sheds and other 
matters lor the convenience of the creatures that 
uro dependent upon him for their uomfort. Tho 
difficulty is not in a luck of means, but of dispo- ■ 
sition, aud this difference of disposition may bo I 
observed every whero and under all circumstances. < 
We noticed this particularly daring a winter’s \ 
tramp in tho backwoods of Canada a fe wy ears since, t 
Now settlements had been commenced a year or s 
two previous, and all wero alike dependent upon r 
their labor and energy for means of subsistence, j 
yet the same difference in thrift was here observe- ; 
ble us in the older settlements. In some places h 
we saw the meanest apologies for stables Without j 
doors, or with doors propped up with sticks, while 1 
the snow found its way through scores of crevices, j 
In such “openings” the oxen aud a cow or two t 
might be seen seeking shelter near some fallen 
tree or at the edge of tho woods. Perhaps at the 
next clearing,everything, though new and rustic, 
was of tbe moBt comfortable and pleasing char¬ 
acter, — tho stableg made of small logs and 
chinked so tight as effectually to exclude tho snow 
and wind, the roofs covered with hemlock houghs 
upon which tho snow was piled, making tho inte¬ 
rior as comfortable as could bo dcBirod by any 
lover of the horse. Tho shodH, too, were of the 
same character, where, secure from severe storms, 
the animals could pass tho wintry nights aud rough 
days in comfort. Now, it was not want of means 
that made this difference. It was just, tlm differ¬ 
ence that is always Been between lazy negligence 
and careful industry, in every position in life. 
\':a^W7 
CHEAP SHEEP RACK. 
We have often called tho attention of our read¬ 
ers to these matters. In onr brnt we gave a design 
for a sheep barn and sheds; now we givo two 
planB of sheep racks, one of which can bo made 
by any farmer, and the other is a very neat and 
convenient arrangement recently introduced in 
England. Wo commend it to tho attention of 
some of tho manufacturers of agricultural imple¬ 
ments and machinery. Wc are determined to do 
our part in introducing such improvements as are 
calculated to advance tho farming interests. 
The above Tack is so simple, and its manner of 
construction Is so dearly shown in th’e engraving, 
that we have only to add the dimensions to enable 
any farmer to build a fun simile. Width 20 inches; 
height 40 inches, trough one foot from tho 
ground; slats 2 inches wide and 3 inches apart. 
- ’ i - ” y . 
JZ&***~ 
PORTABLE FOLDING 8HEEP HACK. 
This rack is a recent English invention, and in 
that country it is declared to be “equal to any 
rack made for strength, durability, and complete¬ 
ness, and fully 30 per cent, cheaper.” It is con¬ 
structed so as to bo folded up and removed with 
cure from place to place. The frame is of iron, 
and the netting of wire. The cover, we believe, 
is of sheet iron, prepared so as to prevent ruBting. 
Beneath the rack, and fastened to the frame, are 
two feeding troughs, and these fold together. At 
the lower end of the frame, or logs, are iron points 
which enter the ground and keep all steudy. 
These racks are usually made about seven feet 
long, and cost iu England about nine dollars. 
-— - 
Acknowledgments. — Wo cannot close the 
labors of the year and volume, witboutexpressing 
thanks most heartfelt aud sincere, to all who have 
In any manner contributed to the extraordinary 
success and widely-extendcd influence of the 
Rural New-Yorker. To each and all of its 
friends, therefore, near and distant—and they arc 
scattered all over the land, from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, and Hudson’s Buy to the Gulf of 
Mexico — we bend low in grateful acknowledg¬ 
ment. During the past eleven years, thousands 
have aided us materially by Introducing the 
Rural iu new localities and extending its circula- * 
tion and usefulness, while other thousands have 
enhanced the interest and valae of its pages by 
contributing thereto the results of their observa¬ 
tion and experience in the various branches of 
Agriculture, Horticulture, Science, Art, Travel, 
Ac., Ac. The conductor of a journal having 
friends so namerous, kind, and genoronH, may he 
excused for entertaining some little pride — even 
while bending under the weight of obligations to 
them —and would be ungrateful were ho not to 
acknowledge the indebtedness and ulao resolve to 
more than over merit such manifestations of ap¬ 
proval. Appreciating, to Home extent, our obli¬ 
gations to botlUndlvIdaals and Community, we 
shall strive to refay the indebtedness in an appro¬ 
priate manner —and meantime wish one and all < 
herein addressed a “ Happy New Year” and many 
joyous returns of the same to themselves and 
their (we trust always happy) families. 
