IIow 6eldom we hear of inchea high, it should be thinned to 5 or 8 canes 
lusiuess. Ilia gains are to the hill, as a given quantity of large canes 
e usca care and economy, makes more and better sirup than the 6ame 
weight of small ones. It is ripe when the low- 
tner sells his produce for eat seed# on the pannlcles are hard and floury, 
al with men of character A %*>i frost, which only kills the leaves, will 
not Injure the saccharine properties; but if the 
pith or pulp is irozen, it should be worked in a 
day or two after thaw lug or it.will sour. Some 
prefer stripping off the leaves while the cane is 
standing. I have a machine which cost less than 
?1, a description of which I took from the Oct. 
No. of the Sorghum Journal, which I think 
is the best method for stripping and topping, as 
the leaves and seed are gathered and saved by iL 
The large roots above the ground are very bitter, 
and, with about 2 feet of the top of the stalks, 
should not go through the mill. 
The subject of varieties claims the attention 
of all interested In the sorgo enterprise, as those 
kno wing most about it say there arc over twenty 
different kinds, moat, or all of which, will 
readily hybridize with brooin-com when planted 
near it, which greatly lessens its value, both in 
yield and quality of sirup. Four or live kinds 
arc so much better than the others as to render 
the others comparatively worthless. Among 
the best may be mentioned Kegnlar Sorghum, 
White Irnphec, Siberian, and Oteheltlan. The 
Early Sorghum and Regular Sorghum are of 
Chinese origin; the Imphees, of which there 
are 1G varieties, are of African origin. The 
Early Sorgho should not be grown except where 
the frost w ould prevent the ripening of the other 
varieties, as its yield is not more than two-thirds 
means of 6nbsistanc< 
a farmer failing in 
usually slow, but if 
they will be sure. 
The progressive fa 
cash, preferring to t 
and standing, ratbd than encourage reckless 
speculators, though hey muy offer large prices 
on credit. Our pit Jreesive farmer does not 
hoard his money, ie spends it freely for the 
comfort of his family; makes everything about 
his house and barn* eis convenient as possible; 
keeps his premises cl an and in good order, aud 
does not grudge a fe» dollars spent in ornament* 
ing his grounds. H4 keeps no more stock than 
he can keep well, and that Is generally the best of 
its kind. lie employs sutHclent help to do 
his work In proper season and gives his personal 
attention and oversight to all the operations of 
the farm, He is an early riser and often works 
late, but he finds time to read, think and Investi¬ 
gate. He has the very best implements, aud 
they arc kept in good order and housed when 
not in use. lie keeps good teams and secs that 
they are well fed and groomed. He is thorough 
In hia tillage; sows good, clean aeed and takes 
pride In carrying a good sample of grain to 
maket. As far as possible, he pays cash for 
everything, and keeps an accurate account of all 
receipts and disbursements. All the substantial 
enjoyments of life lie has, with as little of its 
perplexities as falls to the lot of most men. He 
is a good citizen, cheerfully bearing his share of 
all the burdens of society;—a full man in every 
place you put him. Who would not be proud 
to be a Progressive Partner ? p. p. n. 
Western New York, April, 1806, 
.To Advertisers, asd Readers Generally. —Our 
Advertising Department is becoming such a formida¬ 
ble “institution " that we find it difficult to keep it 
w ithin certain limits, and from infringing npon read¬ 
ing columns ansi p&gee. We desire to give all who 
offer valuable •* goods, wares or hrreditment*," an 
opportunity, yet arc frequently obliged to decline or 
defer such favors. For instance, we are this week 
constrained, for want of space, to defer two or three 
columns of new advertisements— giving precedence 
to tho-e first received and most appropriate and sea¬ 
sonable. As our aim is to do the be*t we can for both 
Advertisers and Subscribers, we constantly bear in 
mind the interest of each cla««, and frequently decline 
or defer advertisements, at considerable sacrifice, 
rather than infringe upon the rights of readers. Some 
have suggested that wo publish an extra to accommo¬ 
date advertisers, but with our large edition and com¬ 
paratively low rates for advertising. It would not be 
profitable at the present price of priming paper. 
UK. TREADWAT J 8 PACLA.B BAM TEG, 
MR. TREADWAY’S PAULAR RAM TEG, 
A. B. Tbeadwat of Richville, Vt, writes to 
us: — “I commenced my flock of Paulars by 
purchasing fifteen ewes of J. T. & V. Rich, of 
this place, and I purchased ten of Mr. Robin¬ 
son in 1K60, I have bred my ewes to rams of 
the Messrs. Rich, and to the ‘Tottingliam ram,’ 
and I now, (Feb., 1865,) have seventy ewes. The 
ram lamb of which Mr. Page took the drawing 
(cut above) was by a ram I bred from Rich 
stock, and out of a ewe I bought of the Messrs. 
Rich.” 
A New Corn Duorrzr..—Titos. B. McConauqhby 
of Newark, Del., has Invented and patented a Coni 
( Dropper (herewith illustrated) which is 
highly commended by practical men who 
have used it, and which he warrants to 
do all he claims. Among other items 
the inventor claims that it “will posi¬ 
tively save one half the time over the 
old way of dropping corn"—that “it 
can be set to average any number of 
grains desired to a hill”—that “it can 
be regulated to scatter the corn more or 
I'.'** in the hill, or drop it all in a close 
bunch if desired "—and that “ in windy 
weather this Dropper is just the thing 
needed, as the corn cannot be blown 
about while dropping." Mr. Mcti. In¬ 
forms us, in a private letter, that he is a 
funner and invented this dropper far his 
own use, and as.it answered the purpose 
well, conclhded to have it patented. As 
all he has sold have given satisfaction, 
and as the demand is increasing, he has 
been induced to bnlld n shop and put in 
machinery for their manufacture. He 
states that 327 of the droppers were 
sold, last spring, in Newcastle Co., Del., 
and he "has not heard the first com¬ 
plaint, but all have given the very best 
Of satisfaction.” We bavo received one Of the drop¬ 
pers, and shall give it a trial daring the ensuing 
planting season. Sec advertisement in this paper. 
To Correspondents. Mr. Randall's address is Cort¬ 
land Village, Cortland Co., N. Y. All communications 
Intended for this Department, and all Inquiries relating 
to sheep, should be addressed to him as above. 
THE COMING PAIR AT ROCHESTER. 
The first Fair of the N. Y. State Sheep 
Breeders’ and Wool Growers’ Association, at 
Canandaigua, last year, was, under all the cir¬ 
cumstances, a great success. We hope the 
approaching Fair at Rochester (to be held May 
8th, 9th and 10th) will exhibit a decided im¬ 
provement. The show of English sheep at Can¬ 
andaigua was Inferior in point of numbers, and, 
in one class, not superior In point of quality. 
Wc hope to see this chasm filled, this year'. We 
have admirable English sheep both of the Long 
and Middle woolcd varieties in New York. We 
understand there are good flocks of them in 
several of the western counties. They are 
attracting much notice at this time. The high 
price of combing wool, and the prospect of Its 
continuance, are turning the attention of many 
to the Long Wools. There, are. situations where 
they are cmmlncntly profitable, and so it is with 
the Middle Wools. Let their owners give the 
farmers who will assemble at Rochester an 
opportunity to examine and purchase them. 
Fine-wooled Merinos eupplr the materials of | Rvkal New-Yorker, and canvassers for the work, 
fabrics which arc consumed In vast quantities in 
our country. Happily broadcloth manufacture 
is reviving among ns. We have already one 
manufacturer, (H. N. Slater, Webster, Moss.,) 
who annually works neatly 2,000,000 lbs. of fine 
W’ool. Fine Merinos have always been favorites 
in Western Pennsylvania, North-western Virginia 
and Eastern Ohio. It is confidently hoped that 
we shall have visitors from those regions at the 
Fair. We trust there will bo a strong turn-out 
of these sheep. 
Delaine or long-wooled Merinos are rapidly 
rising in the public estimation, owing to the 
It is need 
SORGHUM ON LONG ISLAND 
gals, molasses, and so sin ce-.-ful has the experi¬ 
ment proved, that the coming season will greatly 
increase the business among us. The farmers in 
this town alone have already agreed with the 
manufacturers to raise about 100 acres, which, 
with a fulr season and snch manuring and culti¬ 
vation as our farmers generally bestow upon 
their crops, should produco 20,000 gals, and 
4,000 bushels of seed, worth, if ripe, more than 
oats for most purposes of feed for stock, par¬ 
ticularly for grinding with corn, rye or oats. 
The leaves, if propcHy saved, makegood fodder. 
Our first effort, In this immediate vicinity, 
was made last spring; and as many considered 
it a doubtful experiment, only a few of the most 
venturesome planted any, and in many instances 
their faith was small and their works correspond¬ 
ed, for often very small patches, less than one- 
fourth of an acre, were planted. None knew 
how to plant it. Some took uo pains in plant¬ 
ing, and nearly all planted the seed too deep, 
the result of which was that but few bad a good 
stand of canes. Some permitted the weeds to 
overrun what did come up. Others more care¬ 
ful in plauting and cultivation so far developed 
the thing as to satisfy themselves of the feasi¬ 
bility of producing their own molasses with 
greater profit than raising our great staple, In¬ 
dian corn, so long as present prices are sus¬ 
tained. It is conceded that where 40 bushels of 
corn can he grown per acre, 200 gals, of sirup 
may be produced. After reading the Sorgho 
New Mode op Sinking Wells.—B y means of letters 
and circulars from interested parties we learn that a 
Mr, Byron Mudok of Cortland, this State, has In¬ 
vented aud pat in operation a new method of sink¬ 
ing wells, or perhaps we should sny of obtaining 
water, which consists in driving sections of perfora¬ 
ted gas pipe down to the water, then attaching a 
pump similar to the method of working oil wells, or 
withdrawing the gas-pipe and inserting another pipe 
and pump in it6 place. It is said to work well under 
favorable conditions. 
Gypsum in Stables. 
GrreoM should he sprinkled daily over the 
floors and tie-ujis, to absorb the ammonia of the 
urine. The strong odor observable on entering 
the Btable on a morning, arises from the presence 
of ammonia, one of the most valuable products 
ot stable manure, when properly economized. 
Gypsum and lime, either slacked or caustic, 
should also be sprinkled over the | bottoms of 
cellars In the spring. This will tend to purify 
the atmosphere and prevent many deleterious 
effects resulting from the presence of miasma. 
After a few days it should be removed, and a 
fresh supply substituted in its place. Wherever 
there is a close atmosphere of putrescent matter 
in a state of fermentation, gypsum should be 
liberally used. When gypsutn is not to be 
obtained, lime may be used.— Oer. Telegraph. 
SPRING WORK, 
Potatoes ron Milch Cows.—(W. B. D., Vs.) We 
ciinnot *ay whether you will get 10 cts. per bushel 
for potatoes by feeding them to milch cows, manu¬ 
facturing the milk into cheeee, and selling It for 14 
cts. per pound. It would seem Jo be an easy matter 
to determine such a question by actual experiment, 
and we suggest to our correspondent that he make 
careful experiments and report them to the Rural. 
At present we do not believe there is a men in Amer¬ 
ica who can tell how much milk a bushel of potatoes 
will make, and how much cheese may bo produced 
from it. But of oue thing wo aro certain, that If po¬ 
tatoes are your best available food, it will pay to feed 
them at any price, so as to keep your cows In good 
condition. 
marketable character of their wool, 
as a combing wool, and is manufactured into 
delaines, and goods like French Cashmeres, 
Thlbets, &c. Many of our floeks of Merinos 
now yield a large proportion of this wool, and 
by breeding in that direction might soon be 
made to yield It exclusively. There arc some 
old stocks of this sort in Western New York, 
which sprung from early Importations. We trust 
they M ill bo exhibited in force at Rochester. 
Of the American Merinos, we can only say we 
hope to see as good a display of them, in rarns, 
as was made last year. We never saw that dis¬ 
play equalled, and doubt whether it ever was 
equalled. The exhibition of ewes was not, 
taken as a whole, as good, but it was very cred¬ 
itable. We trust both sexes will be represented 
at Rochester, hy the best animals of (he class 
there are in oar own and all the adjoining States. 
In answer to several Inquiries, we take this 
occasion to say that pedigrees will not be called for. 
They can be given or not given, at the option 
of the exhibitor. Something doubtless can be 
said on both sides of the question, but. it was 
the prevailing opinion among the Executive 
Board of the Association that if an animal of 
known and pure pedigree cannot compete with 
one without a pedigree it deserves to be 
beaten. The same rule was acted on last year, 
and it worked to the general satisfaction. 
Being compelled to remain some days after 
this (April 2d,) in Washington, from whence we 
now write, and being actively engaged here, we 
shall have no time, before the Fair, to send 
round personal Invitations to sheep breeders in 
different States to attend aud to bring their sheep. 
Not only is the latch-string out, hut the door is 
wide open to them, both as visitors and 
exhibitors. They will receive a warm welcome 
in each capacity. We would be especially 
delighted to meet strong delegations from sister 
societies In other States, both officers and mem¬ 
bers. There is abundance of room in Rochester, 
gentleman. Come ou and bring your wives and 
daughters. Let the latter see the sheep whose 
wool their mothers spun ! 
The success of every such Fair depends largely 
upon the exhibition made from the vicinity 
where It is held. Every sheep breeder of respec¬ 
table standing within fifty miles of Rochester 
ought to bring out liis sheep in numbers, 
whether he expects to obtain prizes or not. 
Many obtain prizes who do not expect them. 
Many unexpectedly obtain opportunities to sell 
at five times the price they could obtain at home. 
Many go to such places comparatively obscure 
as breeders, and go away noted. And, at all 
events, the sheep raiBers of Western Ncm- York, 
owe it to themselves and to the cause that they 
bring out their best animals in imposing num¬ 
bers, and thus do all they can to promote the suc¬ 
cess of a Fair which is to be held In their midst. 
We will answer two inquiries by saying, the 
Central Railroad has agreed to carry the stock 
free; and the pens on the Fair Ground will be 
covered to protect sheep from rain. 
Potato Digger Wanted.— 1 have no one to look 
to hut you, to find out where I can find the beBt Po¬ 
tato Digger. I have made up my mind (tu conse¬ 
quence of the high price of labor, ax well an the hieh 
price of hack ache.) that If Icanaot draw ray potatoes 
out or the ground with a span of horsee, I wilt not 
raise many. I don't want you to advertise these 
plows, (or diggers,) without the consent, at least, of 
the makers, hut if you will tell thorn that the moet of 
us farmers ic the country pay me Rural $2.50 to $3 
a year t« bring us nil sorts of useful information once 
every week, yon will much oblige many.— Austin B. 
Culver. Volusia, Chaut. Co., A. Y. 
The inventor of the best potato digger will no 
doubt heed the ubove, ami lot Rural readers know 
all about his muchine in due season. 
Hog Cholera. 
I wodld recommend bituminous coal as a 
preventive of hog cholera after six years trial, 
having lost but one hog in that time. In I860 
1 had nineteen hogs intended for fall porkers, 
but the cholera got among them and killed 
eighteen. I made use of all the remedies I 
could hear of, until 1 saw it stated by some 
writer, that “stone” coal was an antidote for 
bog cholera. Since then, 1 have kept coal In 
their range, aud have lost but one Bincc, 
(whether from cholera or not, I cannot tell) 
although hogs have been dying with cholera all 
around me—as many as a hundred on one farm. 
I have found coal ashes taken from grates, better 
than unburut coal. The small pieces of coal and 
coke the hogs eat much more freely than the 
entire coal; it is softer and more easily masti¬ 
cated. If any one should be induced to try the 
ashes, they will be surprised to see the amount 
hogs will eat, particularly when generously fed 
on grain. — J. S. in Prairie Farmer. 
Manuring Wheat. — We suppose it generally 
agreed that farm-yard manure i* not only of uo ben¬ 
efit to the wheat crop, but positively injurious .—Few 
York (JourUr. 
Who told you so? Have farmers unanimously come 
to this 00001118100? The Aricultural Editor of the 
New York Courier is doubtless endeavoring to Inau¬ 
gurate a new theory. ,1s he a Lie-mo or a terra-cul¬ 
ture Comstock ? 
PROGRESSIVE FARMING-WHAT IS IT » 
Average profits of same. 
40 bush, corn at $1.00 per bush. 
2 loads of stalks. 
It is not adopting every new idea without trial 
—believing every new thing you hear or read of. 
It is not buylug every new implement that 
comes along. It is not expending two thousand 
dollars per year in the cultivation of a farm and 
producing but fifteen hundred. All this la “ad¬ 
vancing backwards.” Progressive farming is 
that system of husbandry which produces 
Fruit, Grain, Forage, Roots, Wool and Meat in 
the greatest quantity and perfection, at the 
least cost, with the least possible deterioration 
of the soil. It is doing a little better this year 
than last. Imperfection is stamped upon every 
system of husbandry, as upon all sublunary 
things; yet it is our privilege, if notour duty, 
to strive for perfection. In no other way can we 
hope to make progress in our profession, for 
assuredly, if we are 6ailefl6d with knowledge 
already acquired, wc shall go along in the same 
old routine. We shall make no experiments 
and no new discoveries, unless we are fortunate 
enough to stumble upon them. 
The thinking, progressive farmer, while using 
implements of various kinds, notes their opera 
tion, and if defective his mind naturally suggests 
improvements. If he loses a crop be does not 
rest satisfied until he has learned the cause of 
failure, so that in future he may apply a remedy. 
The progressive farmer loves hiB business and he 
knows that,'to be successful, he must follow it 
with energy, patience and perseverance. He is 
often enthusiastic in its pursuit. And why 
should he not be ? There is no profession more 
honorable, none more healthful or pleasant to 
those who have a taste for it, and none safer as a 
Plan tor a Barn Wanted. — I wish to build a 
base or bank barn sufficiently largo tu contain four 
horses, six cows, forty or fifty sheep; also room for 
fifty to one hundred bushels o’f roots, cistern. &c., in 
the basement. The upright part I wish for buy, and 
grain before thrashed. Being young and inexperi¬ 
enced, I would be thankful if you, or some of the 
numerous readers of the Rural, would give, In the 
columns of that paper, a conveulont aud economical 
plan throughout—the material for building to be 
stone Mild lumber.—O. A. H. 
Net profit. 
One acre of Sorghum. 
20 loads of manure. .. 
Plowing and harrowing...... 
Planting and seed.. 
Cultivation. 
Shipping and carrying to market. 
Manufacturing 3-7 of the whole. 
Total expenses.,\ 
Frofits according to foregoing basis. 
200 gals, at $1.00 per gal. 
40 bush seed at 50c per bush. 
Leaves, at least. 
Oil of Poppy Seeds, 
Dr. Smith, in hia editorial correspondence 
to the Boston Medical Journal, in a recent letter 
from Switzerland, speaking of the agricultural 
products of that aud the adjoining country, 
says:—“Immense crops are raised here of articles 
wholly uuknown to American farmers; and, per¬ 
haps, the kinds best fitted to particular locali¬ 
ties, where grain and potatoes yield poorly 
uuder the best efforts. Oue of these is poppies, 
from the seed of which a beautiful transparent 
oil is made, that is extensively used for house 
painting. It is almost as colorless as water, and 
possesses bo many advantages over flax-seed oil, 
that it may ultimately supercede that article. 
Where flax cannot be grown, poppies often can 
be, even in poor, sandy Boll. Linseed is 
annually becoming dearer, and the demand for 
paint oil increasing. 
“ With white,lead, poppy oil leaves a beautiful 
surface, which does not change afterwards, by 
the action of light, into a dirty yellow. In 
short this oil is destined to bring about a revolu¬ 
tion in domestic economy. Another season, 
some one should make a beginning at home in 
this important branch ol industry. 
“ The oil may be used for other purposes, and 
even put in the cruet for salad." 
Wood Ashes.— (E. W. W., Ill.) Heavy boIIb, or 
those abounding in vegetable matters, are most per¬ 
manently improved by wood ashes. Leguminous 
plants as clover, peas, beats, are said to receive the 
most benefit. Ashes are excellent as a top dressing 
to any grass, especially old turf from which they tend 
to banish moss. 
Repout or a Farmers’ Club.— Wc have received 
the first annual Report of the Hess Read, Niagara 
Co., N. Y.. Farmers’ Club, R. F. Dutchkr, Secretary, 
and regret that want of space, at present, precludes 
Its publication in our columns. 
Ret profit. . $72 50 
In the foregoing tables, it will be observed 
no allowance is made for use of land, and that 
the cost to the grower is about 49 cents per gal. 
for molasses. It may here be stated that begin¬ 
ners usually have onc-half for manufacturing 
the first season, aft«r which they can afford to 
work for three-sevenths or less. The crop stands 
drouth much longer than corn and requires 
about the same kind of soil and preparation. 
Plant about May, rows oj.< feet apart each way; 
many prefer planting in drills. Four scalding 
water on the seed and soak 6t least 48 hours. 
Be sure to get good seed aud of best varieties. 
Cover to 1 inch deep, 8 to 12 seeds to the hill. 
For some days, and even weeks, after coming 
up, its appearance i^ very discouraging. At the 
second hoeing, or ihen the stalks are 6 to 12 
Agricultural Chemistry. —In anewer to an in¬ 
quiry we would state that Johnston’s Agricultural 
Chemistry is a good and complete work. It may be 
procured at this office. Price $1.75. 
To Kill Lice on Cattle. — (S. C. B.) Kerosene ie 
said to be an infallible remedy to destroy lice on cat¬ 
tle. It must be applied oantiously, however, as large 
quantities will remove the hair. 
Yorkshire Pigs.— I have a pair of large Yorkshire 
pigs; a sow one year old and boar seven mouths old. 
They are of improved stock. The sow weighs 600 
and the boar 350. I am desirous of procuring a few 
sow pigs of the same breed. Can you inform me 
where they are for sale ?—V. Dombauoh, Nevada, 0. 
