MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER, 
AN ORIGINAL WKEKI.T 
AGRICULTURAL, LITERARY AND FAMILY JOURNAL 
fully against the ravages of the destroyer—at all 
events, a hedge may he constructed that will con¬ 
fine its labors, and thus counteract losses that 
would otherwise ensue. 
Mechanical ingenuity is opening a new and vast 
field for the exercise of the farmer’s judgment.— 
Each and every department of farm labor which 
has, heretofore, been the object of manipulation or 
labor exerted with hand or body, is subject to in¬ 
novation by the products of inventive genius. 
Motive power, of every description, is being har¬ 
nessed to the implements of agricultural husbandry, 
and compelled to perform its meed of toil. This 
novel assistant is steadily working “into the traces,” 
and the farmer should learn more concerning the 
principles of mechanics and their application to 
every-day, practical life, lie must acquire this 
knowledge if he desires to call together all the 
aids possible, or be exposed to the deceptive tales 
of interested patentees. Furthermore, he will be 
obliged to adopt theso assistants, or occupy a sta¬ 
tion amid the non-progressives. 
In short, every department of farm economy 
from which novel or valuable ideas can be obtain¬ 
ed, disputed points settled, and satisfactory results 
arrived at, needs the full exercise of the reflective 
powers of the tiller of the soil,—and these must be 
generously used in order to make the first step to¬ 
wards profitable farming. The subject will be 
resumed in future articles. 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOORE, 
WITH AN ABLE CORP8 OF A8SISTANT EDITORS. 
SPECIAL CONTRHtCTORSi 
H. T. BROOKS Prof. C. DEWEY. 
T. 0. PETERS, Lt. M. F. MAURY, 
L. B. LA NO WORTHY, T. S. ARTHUR, 
EDWARD WEBSTER, MRS. M. J. HOLMES. 
Tn« Rural New-Yorker is dreigncil to bo unsorpnssed in 
Value, Purity, Usefulness and Variety of (.'entente, mid unique 
and beautiful in appearance. It* Conductor devote:, his personal 
attention to the rupcrvl.-.ion of its vnrious departments, and 
earnestly labors to render the Rural an eminently Reliable 
Guido on the Important Practical, Scientific and other-Subjects 
Intimately connected with Uic business of those whose interests 
lt roolously advocates, It embraces more Agricultural. Horti¬ 
cultural, Scientific, Mcctmnicnl, Literary nnd News Matter, 
Interspersed with appropriate and bunutifn! Engravings than 
any other Journal,—rendering it the most complete Ac ricultu- 
bai, Literary Atrn Family Newspaper iu America. 
ty*All communications, and business letters, should be 
addressed to D. D. T. MOORE, Rochester, S Y. 
For Terms, and other particulars, sco lastpnge. 
THE ORANGE IMPROVED STUMP MACHINE 
The Stump Machine of which the accompany¬ 
ing engraving gives us a side view, was patented 
by the inventor, Mr. W. W. Willis, of Orange, 
Mass., in March, 1855. Since then it has been 
thoroughly tested, and extensively used; and 
though we have not witnessed it in operation, the 
evidence of practical and reliable men, (such as 
Lt. Gov. Brown, Prof. Nash, and others,) who 
know whereof they affirm, convinces us that it is a 
valuable labor-saving machine — a desideratum 
sought by many of onr correspondents during the 
past few months. Mr. Willis furnishes the follow¬ 
ing description of his invention, as represented 
above : 
“A, the lever by which the power is obtained, 
supported at the ends on wheels, B, B. On the 
back of the lever in e mortice, which extends 
through it. plays the anchor-loop, through which 
passes the anchor-chain, G, F, by which the ma¬ 
chine is made fast to the stump, or any other per¬ 
manent object. The anchor-loop forms the turning 
point, or fulcrum of the lever. On the front of the 
lever are eight iron links, or purchases, four on 
each side of the anchor-loop, by which the power 
obtained by the lever is applied to the chains and 
rods, K, T, which connect, it with the object to be 
removed. There are two arm-chains, one marked 
K, and the other held in the workman's hand. 
These chains, one end of them being hitched into 
the links on its front side, are by each turn of the 
lever, hitched further and further upon the main 
or take-up chain, by which the object to be re¬ 
moved is forced from its former position. H. P, 
represent the side view of the crotch, or shears, 
constructed of two light timbers, of equal length, 
useful in moving large stumps, &c., as it adds not 
only vastly to the power applied by the lever, hut 
changes its position from a sliding to a lifting 
motion, whereby the stump, instead of being 
dragged out of its bed, is lifted up, and its hold on 
the earth broken instantly. To raise the shears 
with ease, two pike-poles are uBed. M, L, N, rep¬ 
resent the fixtures, or the portion of the chain 
whichconnect thotop of the shears with the stump. 
This maybe a single chain for all ordinary pur¬ 
poses, because the pully and tackle principle are 
unnecessary, unless the work be very heavy, 
demanding prodigious power. Q, of course, rep¬ 
resents the stump about to be tumbled from its 
bed. Where shears are not used, the chain should 
in all cases be hitched on the opposite side from 
where the lever is placed, and carried over the top 
of the stump, for in this case there is a rolling 
motion, and the power is more effective.” 
According to the testimony of those who have 
witnessed its performances, the utility of this 
machine is not confined to moving stumps, simply 
— for Prof. Nash says, “it is equally as well 
adapted to drawing out stones, removing buildings, 
or almost any other kind of business requiring a 
high power, as to the pulling of stumps;” and that 
it “will operate with great rapidity, without un¬ 
reasonably severe effort on the part of the men 
and team.’ The editor of the Neso England Farmer 
after describing a very successful trial of the 
machine, adds:—“The experiment was one of the 
most astonishing exhibitions of mechanical power 
we ever witnessed. The machine is exceedingly 
simple, and not liable to get out of repair.” 
This machine, or Improved Stump Extractor, as 
the inventor terms it, is manufactured by Mi 1 . 
Willis, who furnishes it to order. The prices 
vary (according to the size, extent of chain, and 
weight of iron.) from $150 to $200 for stump ma¬ 
chines; rock machine, $125. We presume full 
particulars as to power, performance, Ac., can be 
obtained on addressing the patentee, W. W. Wil¬ 
lis, Orange, Mass. 
In the’liistory of the world the number of those 
who have followed a profession,or pursued a course 
of study or labor, actnated by no other motive than 
a love thereof) is small, very small, and the cases 
exhibited are isolated. The rewards to be gained 
thereby—the final something to he realized there¬ 
from, have proved the main-spring of action. Re¬ 
muneration occupies the same relation to indi¬ 
viduals that steam does to the engine—it is the 
propelling power; let either cease its legitimate 
office and the same result is discernible, the arms 
of iron und steel and those of bone and muscle 
cease to move, at least, with that life which augurs 
a capacity of perlormance. Farmers, like the 
“rest, of mankind,” will plead to a marked fond¬ 
ness for good crops and good prices — one or the 
other, if not both, are needful to the vitality of his 
calling—and we purpose to devote a few moments 
in endeavoring to elucidate the query—What are 
the essentials of profitable farming? 
First, Labor. Of this there are two varieties, and 
each is an essential. Head work, or science, isthe 
handmaid of agriculture. By use of the term “sci¬ 
ence” we do not desire high-sounding technicalities 
—the tkatfparts, whether theyform a portion cfour 
language, study, or experiences, need excision — 
but rather, a searching for plain truths, an accu¬ 
mulation of practical knowledge, such as have 
peculiar connection with, and bearing upon our 
profession, The vocation of the farmer calls np, 
for mental action and analysis, a more diversified 
and greater variety of subjects than almost any 
other,—and, in addition, no class of individuals is 
dependent upon so many sources from whence must 
he drawn nourishment and life. 
Nature is a co-laborer if rightly importuned.— 
The elements are' agents to the completion of toil 
if in skillful hands, and their right use will redound 
a full measure of success. 
Your farm is a laboratory, nnd you, whether you 
hear the prefix of “Prof.” or not, a lecturer on 
chemistry. Though that little member so often 
characterized as “troublesome” may, in your pos¬ 
session, be silent as the dead, your acts are trnmpet- 
tongned, and, good or evil, the influence Is at work. 
The soil yon till is a subject for consideration. Not 
a season passes hut what alterations, to a greater 
or less degree, occur in its constituent parts. Fre¬ 
quently the farmer is. compelled to change its na¬ 
ture altogether, must render it ready for, and 
adapted to, specified crops, and if a knowledge 
of its ingredients and requirements can lie obtain¬ 
ed, how much better to progress in the light than to 
grope amid darkness. Mother Earth is not to the 
conversant iniud the “soulless clod,” half so much 
sometimes, as the humanity that stands above her, 
— in her bosom is life, health, growth and beauty. 
Meteorology and Climatology are beginning to 
receive (lie attention their importance demands. 
There is no chance in the workings of these mighty 
powers, and when wo can clothe them In a familiur 
garb, how easy to regulate our mQvvments in ac¬ 
cordance with previously noted changes in tem¬ 
perature or the known laws of climatic influence. 
The composition of the air and atmosphere under 
diversified circumstances, their modifications and 
specific functions, the great labors designed for 
them by Providence, need the observant eye of 
every farmer. 
Insect life is a field through which the boldest 
intellect may range. Each of the tiny emanations 
of the Creative Hand have their important offices 
to perform. An All-Wise purpose reached its ob¬ 
ject in their formation. What is the task allotted 
to their charge? Some are depredators, some ben¬ 
efactors,— and did wo but thoroughly understand 
their nature and habits, might we not guard against 
the encroachments of the one and promote the 
interests of the other? By careful and patient ex¬ 
aminations, we may be enabled to contend success* 
THE CONSTITUENTS OF MANURE 
What can chemistry tell us of the constituent 
parts of manure ? It can detect and define every 
element, and give some shrewd conjectures of their 
mode of operation,—but an application to the soil 
and careful note of their effect upon its vegetable 
products must aid in determining their nature and 
value. These are questions not yet authoritatively 
settled, but the practical results of agricultural ex¬ 
perience show us something of what substances 
may lie regarded as the most important constitu¬ 
ents of manure. Stockhardt classes the most im¬ 
portant iu the following order: — 1, Nitrogen.— 
2, Vegetable humus. 3, Alkalies. 4, Phosphoric 
Acid. 5, Lime and Magnesia. 6, Silica. On each 
of these we shall oiler some remarks, drawn in part 
fronvliis valuable work, the Chemical Field Lectures. 
1. Nitrogen is, beyond question, the most valua¬ 
ble element in all substances employed as manure; 
for it is that which imparts to it its most active in¬ 
fluence upon vegetation — the “forcing power” 
necessary to the gemination and growth of plants, 
lt is especially important in the earliest periods of 
growth, when they assume the typo of their whole 
later development; for plants that make a vigorous 
start, have larger and stronger stalks and leaves, 
and are subsequently able to produce more blos¬ 
soms and seed. On the contrary, if lacking nitrogen¬ 
ous food in their first development, they remain 
stunted and weak, and comparatively unproductive. 
This element is equally essential to the production 
of the mature plant and its seed. In ripening 
grain it passes rapidly from the leaves and straw to 
the seed, and the more nitrogen the lutter contains 
the less will be found in the former. 
Before nitrogen is tit food for plants, putrefac¬ 
tion or decay must take place, converting it into 
ammonia, (nitric acid,) or, to speak more correctly, 
into ammoniacal or nitric acid salts. In this form 
absorbed by plants. But as nutrients, they are of 
subordinate importance, because plentiful in nature, 
earth and air containing carbonic acid in large 
quantities—and supplying them to plants, provided 
they are supplied with azotized materials. The 
growth of plants re-produces in roots and leaves, 
more humus than they take away, hence it is only 
of secondary importance as a constituent of manure. 
Still it is important; for substances forming humus, 
or already partially transformed into humus, go 
very far towards improving the soil, as they are 
able to make tenacious aud cold earth warmer and 
more friable, and thin and dry soil, on the contrary, 
more moist and leuacious. Other constituents of 
manure reiuaiu to be spoken of in a future number. 
Got. Hunt next discussed briefly the peculiar 
advantages of country life for an orderly develop¬ 
ment of the intellectual powers and moral quali¬ 
ties, which, in harmonious combination, create 
the noblest character attainable by man until his 
mortal nature shall have “put on immortality.” 
In conclusion, he congratulated the Society up¬ 
on its success in having permanently secured the 
beautiful and commodious grounds upon which 
the Fair was held, and which are now dedicated to 
its future uses. It was in all respects fit and proper 
that the Agricultural Society of such a County as 
Monroe should become the proprietor of land and 
buildings, suitable for the Annual Exhibition of 
its progress in Improvement; convenient for com¬ 
paring the varied productions of industry, and for 
displaying the wonderful bounties of Nature mani¬ 
fested in the golden fruits and the specimens of 
animal strength and beauty which greet the eye 
on every side. The location and the arrange¬ 
ments, so creditable to the Society, excited his 
warmest admiration. The farmers of Monroe had 
presented a noble example to their neighbors, and 
ho expressed the hope that it might be imitated 
by his own and all the counties in Western New 
York. 
ADDRESS OE EX-GOV. HUNT, 
AT LAST FAIR OF THE MONROE CO. AG. SOCIETY. 
[ The following abstract of this Address will be read with 
interest and pleasure by thousands of our readers—and 
its sentiments appreciated by every progressive Ituralist, 
wherever located.—En.J 
Goy. Hunt apologized to the Society for his 
inability to prepare a written Address. After 
accepting the invitation of the President to appear 
on this occasion, other engagements had occupied 
his time; and he was compelled to speak without 
the study and preparation which lie would have 
desired, and which he considered due to the im¬ 
portance of the subjects he intended to discuss. 
He then proceeded to address the Society, and 
presented a clear exposition of the value and 
dignity of the agricultural pursuit, in its various 
aspects and relations. In this connection he traced 
the moral, intellectual and social condition of the 
human family, through its successive gradations, 
from the hunter state to the advanced position 
that has been reached in modern times through a 
wise appropriation, subdivision and cultivation of 
the soil, upon principles which secure to man the 
best gifts of Nature as the reward of his industry. 
In this review it was demonstrated that Agricul¬ 
ture is the primary source, not only of public 
wealth nnd prosperity, but of social progress and 
civilization — that the cultivation of the earth is 
the pursuit most favorable to the harmonious de¬ 
velopment of the intellectual faculties—most 
congenial to the diffusion and sway of pure moral 
influences. 
The investigation of nature’s laws, as unfolded 
by the physical scieuces nnd illustrated iu the 
daily experience of the husbandman impart vigor 
and activity to the mind, while the wonderful 
bounties of the Creator, displayed in all the oper¬ 
ations of the vegetable ami animal kingdoms, can 
scarcely fail to warm the heart and inspire exalted 
seutiments of religious devotion. 
In support of the proposition that agricultural 
Communications 
TWO DOLLARS A YEAR.] 
“ PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT.” 
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VOLUME YOI, N0.2J 
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ROCHESTER, N. Y.,-SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1857. 
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