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PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT.’ 
[SINGLE NO. FIVE CENTS 
VOL. VM. NO. 28.1 
ROCHESTER, N. Y., SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1857. 
{WHOLE NO. 390. 
MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER, 
AM ORIGINAL WEEKLY 
Agricultural, Literary and Family Newspaper, 
CONDUCTED BY D. D. T. MOORE, 
WITH AN ABLE CORPS OP ASSISTANT EDITORS. 
SPECIAL OONTIUIUJTORSI 
Paot. C. DEWEY, 
Lt. M. P. MAUHY, 
Da ASA FITCH, 
T 8. ARTHUR, 
T. C. PETERS, 
H. T. BROOK8, 
EWD. WEBSTER, 
Mrs. M. J. HOLMES, 
LYMAN B. LANGWORTHY. 
Tna Rural Njiw- Yorerr la designed to be twnnrpassed in 
Value, Purity, Ueufulness and Variety ot Contents, and unique 
and beautiful In Appearance. Its Conductor devote* tile per¬ 
sonal attention to the soperviiion of its rurions departments, 
and earnestly labors to render the Rerun an eminently Reliable 
Guido on the important Practical, Scientific and otheT Subjects 
Intimately connected with the business of those whose interests 
It aealonsly advocates. It embraces more Agricultural, Horti¬ 
cultural, Scientific, Mechanical, Literary and News Matter 
Interspersed with appropriate and beautiful Engravings, than 
any other Journal,— rendering tt tho most complete Agricul- 
rcaAt, Litsjurt amd Fjucri/r Journal in Amortca. 
ty All communications, and business letters, should be 
addressed to D, D- T. MOOKK, Rochester. N. Y. 
For Terms, and other particulars, see last page. 
limit gdn-jntfat. 
COMPOSTING MANURE. 
There are many opinions in regard to the pro¬ 
priety of composting manures, some considering 
it labor lost, while others think it a positive in¬ 
jury, and declare that all manure should be plowed 
under as fresh a3 possible, so that the land and 
the growing crops may have the benefit of the 
gases .escaping daring fermentation. We shall 
not discuss this question at the present time; “but 
will merely state that wo think almost every farm¬ 
er should have a good compost heap, and will 
give our reasons for this opinion, and some hints 
a3 to its formation. We cannot add to the ele¬ 
ments of fertility by mixing manure, but we can 
prevent their loss, and affect both the chemical 
union of their elements and the mechanical prop¬ 
erties ot the mass. By a proper system of com 
posting the farmer is enabled to save and turn to 
valuable aoconnt as manure, many substances 
which otherwise would be entirely wasted, such as 
decaying vegetables, turf, soap-suds and other 
slops from the house, peat muck, liquid manure, 
Ac. Those who live near cities or villages can of¬ 
ten obtain at a cheap rate very valuable materials 
for enriching the compost heap, such as bone and 
horn shavings, woolen waste from the cloth dress¬ 
ers, offal from slaughter houses, and many other 
things which we need not mention. These mate¬ 
rials may be composted whenever they can he ob¬ 
tained, and the compost heap thus becomes the 
store-house where everything valuable for manure 
is preserved until needed for the land. It would 
not bo convenient or even practicable to apply 
such materials directly to the soil, and therefore 
many of them would never be obtained, and others 
wasted. The farmer who has a compost heap, the 
value of which he is anxious to increase is always 
on the look out tor some valuable material with 
which to enrich it. A gentleman who first paid 
particular attention to this matter in 1850, informs 
us that he was surprized at the size and valuo of 
his manure heap, even after the accumulation of 
only a few months. It seemed to be always on his 
mind, and when he saw anything in the yard, the 
corners of the fences, the swamp, or ou the sides 
of the road, that he thought would add to its value 
if its removal was not then convenient, it was re¬ 
membered nnt.il a leisure hour occurred, and was 
then carted to the compost heap. Composting is 
valuable in destroying the seeds of grass and 
weeds that abound in almost all manure, as well 
as those of the weeds which should help to swell 
the manure heap. If used as manure, without 
composting, these seeds will grow and be trouble¬ 
some, and ii permitted to lay around the corners 
of the fields, Ac., they become scattered. 
the corn post heap is generally an agglomeration 
of everything that can be raked or scraped to¬ 
gether, and many seem to think that therefore its 
value dependsupou its size. This is far from being 
the fact. It would be a waste of labor to cart 
common soil to the compost heap, to bo again 
carted to the land, as the hoi'I would gain nothing 
by the operation, unless made useful In retarding 
the too rapid fomentation of the manure, or in 
absorbing gases evolved in the decomposition.— 
Mixing two manures together in a compost does 
not necessarily improve them. Indeed, the value 
o each may be deteriorated by the mixture. For 
instance, if blood, otfol, Ac., 'from the slaughter 
nousc should lie composted with barn manure, a 
very active fermentation wonld take place, and the 
value of both l,e lessened. l ime we often see put 
into the compost heap, but if It should be mixed 
with a compoBt similar to the above, tho mischief 
would be complete, as tho nitrogen, contained in 
* *!? aa ° subHtrt Hcos, and the most valuable 
part oi tho manure, would be in a great measure 
dissipated. The rapidity with which lime dissi¬ 
pates ammonia may be easily tested on a small 
scale, by placing some moistened guano in the 
palm of the hand, then adding a little powdered 
lime and rubbing both together with the linger.— 
The smell of ammonia will be as strong as from a 
bottle of hartshorn. If, instead of mixing these 
two strong manures (the slaughter house and barn¬ 
yard) together, they had been composted separate¬ 
ly and with fresh soil, dry swamp muck, burnt 
sods, or charcoal, using a greater portion of these 
materials with the animal than with the barn-yard 
manure, decomposition would have been gradual, 
and most of the ammonia would have been retain¬ 
ed. Composting wonld thns have been of advan¬ 
tage, particularly in the case of the offal, as this is 
too concentrated a manure to be applied directly 
to the land. We have seen crops destroyed by its 
use. The lime, too, though doing injury in the case 
we have presented, might be composted with ad¬ 
vantage with any material whose decomposition it 
was desirable to hasten, as peat, or saw-dust. 
It is somewhat difficult to manage a compost in 
this climate in the summer. Our summers are so 
warm and dry that composts, if formed of mate¬ 
rials that will decompose readily, become burnt, 
or “ fire-fanged” and their valae almost entirely 
destroyed. Using a large quantity of earth, or 
swamp muck, arid salt, or some similar materials 
that will retard decomposition, and frequent turn¬ 
ing and wetting is the only way we know of to 
prevent this, when exposed to the sun. This is la¬ 
borious, and requires a large supply of water 
handy to the manure, Our nurserymen have a 
good dedl of experience in managing manure, as 
they yearly spend large ai3tiuuts of money in'its 
purchase and preparation for the soil. Their prac¬ 
tice, therefore, is worthy the consideration of our 
readers. They almost invariably compost all the 
manure they use. In the summer this is done un¬ 
der cover, and they Lave bLlJs, or roofs supported 
on poles, for this purpose, something similar to the 
roofs iu brick-yards, under which the bricks are 
dried before burning. Under these sheds the com¬ 
post heaps are formed, composed of about two- 
thirds manure and one-third earth, and to these 
heaps are added all the refuse collected in hoeing 
and weeding, Ac. The sides and tops of the piles 
are well covered with earth, and they are forked 
over twice every season, so that all portions will 
become equally decomposed. 
Some of our readers, particularly those on the 
fertile boiIs of the west, will think this is taking a 
good deal of trouble to obtain manure; hut these 
must remember that with many it is »« manure, no 
crop. Not long since we saw on Long Island 
leached ashes, brought from Western New Tork 
to he used as manure on the light lands of that 
Island. These ashes were transported four ban- 
dred miles, and the cost of carriage only could not 
have been much less than twenty-five cents per 
bnsheL When ashes are made use of at such a 
cost, and millions are annually paid for guano, a 
few hints on making and preserving manure, we 
think, will not be unprofitable. 
■-•*-»-•.- 
HAY"-MAKING. 
Although we have this season been favored 
with bat very little of the weather which experi¬ 
ence informs us is necessary for hay-making, still 
as there is and will be an immense amount of the 
material therefor, awaiting but tho brightness and 
warmth of the “King of Bay," to fill to overflow- 
ing the barns and stock-yards of the farmers, we 
purpose to jog the minds of our Rural friends 
upon the importance of holding themselves in 
readiness to fully perform their duties when the 
opportunity presents itself. 
Tho period at which grassshould he cut in order 
to best meet the wants of stock is a matter of much 
consequence, and one which has received a large 
share of attention both from the Agricultural 
i’rcsa and those who swing the scythe. It has been 
definitely settled that the great object to be sought 
“ of hay in a condition most nearly 
resembling the grass m a perfect state. In order to 
accomplish this end, grass should be cut when it 
contains the greatest amount of gluten, sugar and 
such other matters as are soluble in water. When 
the plant has formed its seed, this stage has passed 
and woody fibre predominates,-,,!^ beiug inaolu . 
ble cannot assimilate itself to the requirements of 
the animal stomach. When grass Is i„ f u n 8owe , 
hut before tho seed has formed, it contains the 
greatest amount of saeeharine matter; this speedi¬ 
ly diminishes as it ripens, which, together with the 
decay of the leaves, causes a loss in its nutritive 
properties. Quite a uurnber of grasses are excep¬ 
tions to this rule —some containing the most nu¬ 
triment when fully ripe—but as a general principle, 
tor the benefit of both hay and the laud upon 
which it is grown, wo would advise the cutting at 
full flower. 
When the elements and the grass are both in a 
condition favorable for the commencement of ope¬ 
rations, it will not answer for any dallying on the 
part of the tanner. The proverb, “make hay while 
the sun shines, 1 ’ conveys to the mind the necessity 
BfPEOVED KENTUCKY" SHEEP. 
BRED BY ROBT. W. SCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE KENTUCKY STATE AG. SOCIETY, LOCUST HILL, NEAR FRANKFORT, KY. 
of being in readiness— of having all the material 
requisite to the successful completion oflabor “on 
hand" when its assistance shall be needed. See 
that your implements are in perfect condition, and, 
ichen you should be in the field, there will be no such 
idle excuse for non-appeurance, or such perplexing 
detention, as will arise when there are rakes to 
mend, or scythes or mowing machines to put in 
order. 
A frequent, and we might add, universal com¬ 
plaint among farmers during “haying and harvest¬ 
ing,” is the scarcity of laborers and the exorbitant 
prices demanded by them “for services rendered." 
This should not he — it is not of necessity. If the 
selection of such help as will be wanted is put off 
until the last moment, those who thns delay will be 
compelled to grant whatever price may be asked, 
and, in addition, put np with such assistance as 
can be obtained, no matter whether it be “good, 
bad or indifferent" By a little foresight and cal¬ 
culation, those needing “extra hands" can tell 
almost precisely when they will require them,—for 
what length of time—and should make their ar¬ 
rangements accordingly. 
The process of curing should, if possible, be 
perfected in the cock. Hay thus made retains 
more of the color and juices of the grass than 
when thinly spread over the field exposed to the 
rays of the burning sun. It should, if spread, be 
gathered into windrows or ” foot-conks" at night_ 
dew falling upon it when thus scattered results in 
more or less injury. The chief point after cutting 
is to preserve it from dew and rain, as these soon 
wash away the soluble &alts, and its keeping quali¬ 
ties are thereby seriously affected, for hay thus 
deteriorated lerments very readily when stacked. 
If the weather is unfavorable the le6shay is shook 
about the better. It will preserve its nutritive 
properties for a considerable period of time if left 
undisturbed, hut when submitted to repeated dry¬ 
ings and wettings it is soon utterly ruined. 
Each season of bay-making as it passes away 
furnishes new proofs of the utility ot hay-caps, 
and he who, for the purpose of saving (?) a few 
shillings, oreveu dollars, refuses to provide against 
emergencies that may arise, is fully endorsing the 
policy known as “penny wise and pound foolish." 
The hay crop is one ot the most important that 
farmers raise, and every means should be taken 
not only to secure it in the best condition, but to 
add to its bulk. Thousands of acres in grass do 
not yield a tithe of what they ought, and what a 
little attention on the part of growers might make 
them produce. This crop keeps starvation from 
the barns and cattle-yards, and such exertions 
should be put forth as shall prevent waste either 
by unpropltlous weather or the carelessness of 
those engaged in making and gathering. 
IMPitOVED KENTUCKY SHEEP, 
The accompanying beautiful engraving of a 
group of Mr. Sc-ott’s Improved “ Kentucky Sheep” 
—drawn by Mr. J. B. Page, and engraved by one 
of the best artists in the Union—will, in connec¬ 
tion with the subjoined description, interest many 
of our readers ia all parts of the country. The 
figure on the extreme right is a portrait of a 
grown ewe, and the other two represent a two year 
old buck in different positions. We are assured that 
the portraitsare regarded as truthful and life-like by 
all who have seen them and their originals. We 
have recently received from Mr. Scott several 
samples of excellent wool from individuals of his 
flock, which measure from five to eighteen inches in 
length. “All of these," he remarks, “are of one 
year's growth, except the longest, which was taken 
from an • Improved Kentucky Buck' which ia three 
years old this spring, and has never been shorn— 
yet his wool does not fall off or fleece grow, and 
he seems in flue health, takes the weather in the 
pasture as other sheep, and weighs 248 tbs." 
We quote and condense the following from a 
full and interesting account of these sheep, written 
by Mr. Scott, and recently given in the Western 
Farm Journal. Of their Origin and History Mr. S. 
remarks : 
“ The sheep which are calLed * common or na¬ 
tive’ in the West are a hardy and prolific variety, 
but they are deficient in size, in thrift, and in 
fleece. Though their general diffusion shows their 
udoptation to all the circumstances under which 
they are placed, yet is is well known that the ten¬ 
dency which all animals have to adapt themselves 
to climate and subsistence may be materially 
modified and controlled by judicions crosses, and 
that the improvement made by these crosses be¬ 
comes permanent, and thereby stamps distinct va¬ 
rieties of the same class of animals. Chiefly by 
these three influences, crosses, climate, and sub¬ 
sistence, the BakewelL, the Southdown, the Saxony 
and other varieties were produced, and their dis¬ 
tinctive features in their respective localities are 
as indelible as those of the parent or native stocks. 
In the same manner, no doubt, still new varieties 
may be produced, nor does there appear to be any 
insuperable difficulty ia blending in the same ani¬ 
mal any number of valuable qualities which are 
not actually antagonistic to each other. These 
principles extend even to points almost of fancy 
merely. For example, some breeds are hornless, 
while others have two, others three, and others still 
have four horns. The Syrian shepherd delights 
in a breed whose tails are so long and fat that a 
pair of wheels are required on which to draw 
them over the pastures: but we prefer sheep with 
short tails, and we might breed a variety which 
were as wholly destitute of them as dogs of some 
breeds are. 
“Acting on these impressions, I have perse- 
veringly endeavored, for about twenty years, to 
combine in the same animal the hardiness and 
prolific quality of the native sheep—the size and 
thrift of the Bakewell or Cotswold, and the sym¬ 
metry of form and delicacy of mutton of the 
Southdown, and also to combine in the same 
fleeces the weight and length of the Cotswold, with 
the thickness and softness of the Saxony. 
“ In the beginning about thirty ewes were se¬ 
lected from a flock of unimproved common sheep, 
and were bred to a very large and fine Saxony 
buck—the object being to give to the offspring 
more thickness to the fleece, more fineness to the 
fiber of the wool, and more delicacy to the mutton. 
This step was thought advisable before uniting the 
coarse fleeces of the common sheep with the 
coarser and still more open fleeces of the large 
imported varieties, and the effect was satisfactory. 
The ewe lambs ot this cross were bred on the 1st 
of October, after they were one year old, to an im¬ 
ported Bakewell buck of large, full, round carcass, 
and heavy fleece of long wool—the object being 
to increase, in the offspring, the weight of the 
carcass, and the quantity of the wool. The ewe 
lambs of this latter cross were also in due time 
bred to an imported Southdown buck of large sire 
and high form—the object now being to infuse 
into the progeny that active, sprightly and thrifty 
disposition, and highly flavored and beautifully 
marbled mutton, for which the Southdown are so 
justly celebrated. This object was also successfully 
attained. The mothers of this cross were the de¬ 
light of the epicure, while the value of the fleece 
was not diminished, as much being gained in 
thickening the fibers of the wool as was lost in 
their length. 
“ The next cross was made by a buck which pos¬ 
sessed, in combination, many of the good qualities 
which it was desired to establish and perpetuate 
in the flock. He was three-fourths Cotswold and 
one-fourth Southdown—a large, active, hardy sheep 
with a thick and heavy fleece, and his progeny 
possessed the same qualities in an eminent degree. 
The two next crosses were made by frill blood 
Cotswold s, and the next by a very fine full blood 
Oxfordshire of remarkable softness and silkiness 
of fleece. These were all animals with short necks, 
round barrels, broad backs, and full briskets. T hey 
added to the flock stiff more weight of carcass and 
fleece, while the texture of the latter and the deli¬ 
cate flavor of the former were not perceptibly 
impaired. 
“ in the faff of 1853, a part of the flock was bred 
