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HENRY a. RANDALL. LL. D. 
ME. COOK’S PAUIAR EWE, 
E. M. Cook of Richville, Vt., writes to us 
(Feb. 1§05):—“ My flock consists qf seventeen 
ewes of tbe Ponlar or Rich stock. The four- 
year-old ewe, drawn by Mr. Page, (the cut of 
which accompanies this,) was got by a Robinson 
ram out of a pure Rich ewe.” 
STATE SHEEP FAIR. 
The State Sheep Fair will have taken place 
this week before our publication day, but not 
until this issue has gone to press — bo our read¬ 
ers must wait for our account of the Fair until 
next week. 
SHEEP FAIR AT MANLIUS, N. Y. 
A Sheep Fair and Shearing took place at 
Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May IbC We 
had the pleasure of being present, and, out¬ 
side of State exhibitions, we never 6aw a more 
creditable display of flnc-wooled sheep in respect 
to quality. The number entered was between 
two and three hundred. Not a long or middle- 
wooled sheep was on the ground! 
The shearing match was spirited, and the 
work excellently performed. A novel and inter¬ 
esting feature of the occasion was a contest 
among boys for prizes on shearing. Young 
America did his work about as well as hie 
seniors I We saw one little fellow, named 
Herbert Clapp, tugging away at a sheep 
bigger than himself—but the fleece rolled olf 
nicely and the skin was not cut! We trust the 
N. Y. State Association will give prizes to boy 
shearers next year. It was a manifest over¬ 
sight not to do so this year. 
W c have not the list of prizes awarded. The 
arrangement* were excellent, and everything 
passed off pleasantly. Allen H. Avert, Prcel 
dent, H. I). L. Sweet, Secretary, and A. H. 
Clapp, Superintendent. 
BRAIN FEVER. 
The mortality among teg6 (sheep a year old 
this spring) was wide spread and severe, between 
the beginning of January and the close of March. 
Wc shall more particularly advert to its extent, 
and to the diseases which occasioned it, after 
collecting more facts. Wc wish all the readers 
of this paper who lost sheep during that period 
in unusual numbers, would communicate the 
fact to us, the management of their flocks when 
the losses occurred, symptoms, medicines em¬ 
ployed, the efleets of those medicines, and the 
post mortem appearances of the patients. 
In the mean time we call attention to the fol¬ 
lowing Interesting cases. I. & R. Whittkmobe 
of Bt. Albans, Vt., wrote to us in February: 
“ We have lost IPS sheep Iti the last six weeks. The 
disease has prevailed most In our last spring’s lambs, 
(tegs,) all but two being of that age* and taken from 
four separate flocks. They are all in good condl I Ion, 
although bat few have been fed anything but hay. 
Onr whole flock consists of about 400, divided into 
yards of 9) or 40 each and housed In well ventilated 
stables. We take the liberty or sending you the en¬ 
closed statement of Dr. Woodward, with the hope 
that you may be able to throw some light on the 
subject." 
This is a distinct professional statement, and 
bears every appearance of having been written 
by a person who perfectly understood his sub¬ 
ject. It clearly establishes the fact of a disease 
of the brain, differing from those previously 
described, so far as we remember, by veterinary 
writers. We have on a former occasion stated 
that the same symptoms bore a striking analog}’ 
to those exhibited by human patients In cerebro 
xpinal meningitis^ known popularly as brain lever, 
inflammation of the brain, and sometimes us 
spotted fever. Dr. Woodward’s account strong¬ 
ly confirms our suspicions that this Is the dis¬ 
ease which was disclosed by his autopsy; and 
If so it is one which annually sweeps off a mul¬ 
titude of American sheep. Its ravages are par¬ 
ticularly destructive among tegs. 
We will not now attempt to write a particular 
popular description of this formidable malady 
—preferring, as we do, to wait for further devel¬ 
opments. The external symptoms have often 
been mistaken, in onr Bbeep, for hydatid on the 
brain, or sturdy, staggers, turn sick, etc., des¬ 
cribed by foreign writers. The hydatid is a 
watery bladder pressing on the brain — not that 
disorganization of the substance of the brain 
witnessed by Dr. W. The symptoms also 
differ. Nor is it the inflammatian of t he brain 
described by Mr. Youatt and Mr. Spooner, 
where .the eyes are red and protruded, and where 
the delirious animal rushes about the field attack¬ 
ing men and trees. On the contrary, there Is a 
deadly prostration of tbe system from the out¬ 
set. The antiphlogistic treatment recommended 
by the English veterinarians in the former dis¬ 
ease-copious bleeding and the administration 
of cathartics—in this would only accelerate tbe 
brlef course of the malady. Instead of tills the 
strength of the animal should be supported as far 
as possible; and counter irritation by blistering 
would be indicated. But the truth is, uo reme¬ 
dies could be expected to be of any avail in an 
advanced stage of the disease. We should how¬ 
ever carefully study its nature and character, to 
the end that some system of prevention may hap¬ 
pily be discovered. 
We have put the term of “Brain Fever” at 
the head of t his article, for the want of a better 
one. The scientific name of the malady above 
given, though more definite as a medical desig¬ 
nation, is too “hard" for popular and every 
day use! The term “ Inflammation of the brain” 
is already appropriated for a different malady. 
Having thrown out these views for the con¬ 
sideration of those interested, we bespeak not 
a hasty adoption of them — but that careful ob¬ 
servation of external symptoms, and those pro¬ 
per post mortem examinations which will cither 
establish or overthrow our hypothesis. Let us 
hnve the truth irrespective of theories, and let 
us wed ourselves to no theories which will warp 
our conclusions. 
We need not tell our good readers for the 
twentieth time, that post mortem examinations 
made by persons unprovided with proper instru¬ 
ments and unacquainted with the anatomy of 
the Bheep and the pathology of disease, are not, 
in a case like this, to be relied on. The scientific 
physiciau must be called in. We hope to hear 
more from Dr. Woodward. We hope to hear 
from a multitude of learned physicians on this 
subject, when the season of the year shall again 
bring round this destructive scouige,. 
Condensed Correspondence, Items, &c. 
St. Albans, Franklin Co,, Vt. 
"Mb. Randall— Dear Sir: Messrs. ,J. & R. Whit- 
eehork of this town have a large and valuable flock 
of sheep, among w hich a very fat al disease has raged 
for the fast five or six weeks, which has occasioned a 
good deal of interest, from the fact t>r its being en¬ 
tirely new and unheard of in this section of country 
At their solicitation I give you a very brief history of 
the disease; also the results of two post mortem ex¬ 
amination*. 
The llrst symptom or an attack will be a violent 
throwing up and backward of the head and neck 
which Will remain tn that, position, or what medical 
men term opisthotonus, Yet there Is not that rigid¬ 
ity or tonic spasm or itic muscle* of the m*c.u and 
back that we observe in tetanus. In from one to four 
hours from the first symptom the sheep will drop 
over upon tts side, and is generally unable to get Upon 
its feet again. Then will be observed a slight trrm- 
nlous or convulsive motion of the extremities, whtdt, 
in short, is about all the abnormal symptom seen. 
Messrs. W. think that the patient is taken Wind at 
the first. The secretions, both the alvlne and urinary, 
are normal and healthy, and there are no morbid or 
unhealthy secretions from the uosc or eyes. It is 
invariably fatal in from one to four days. 
The flrst sheep of which we made a post mortem 
had Wen dead about seventy-two hours. We ex¬ 
amined nothing but the brain nud spinal cord, as wc 
judged from the symptoms that the pathology of the 
disease roust he located there, upon these c-reims 
Upon raisin- the calvarium the membranes of the 
brain, both tiw dura and pla mater, appeared healthv, 
•except that puruon covering the anterior lobes which 
was of a very dark or ash gmy color. On removing 
the brain from the skull ami denuding ft of its mem¬ 
branes. the anterior lobes were found to be of a soft 
or cre/wu-Uke consistence, which I at flrst mistook for 
pus, especially tied until or that dip* down and rests 
upon the ethmoid bone. There was no difference 
between the conical and cipcerltiona portions of the 
Drain. About 1-C part yt tW cerebrum was in this 
condi tion. VV o could diecov er no pathological or un¬ 
healthy condition of the spinal 
The second one examined v,*^'attacked aV ^ ut 
twenty-roar hours previous to the examination We 
administered a dose of cyanide ot potassium* suffi¬ 
cient to destroy tensibilit.v, but jut not enough to 
destroy vitality, and then laid open th(. a t l( i ome Q and 
thorax, but found no diseased condition of t fo e or«utis 
in either cavity. Next examined the brain and soinal 
cord, and found precisely the same condition of the 
brain as in the first one. The Schneiderian mem¬ 
brane lining the noso entirely healthy. 
Very Respectfully Yours, 
R. C. M. Woodward, M, d. 
Samples.— The season for sending samples of wool 
having arrived, we will give a few directions as to 
the proper mode of taking and forwarding them. 
They should be carefully cut from the skin with a 
sharp knife or scissors, not pulled out by the ends or 
pinched out by placing the fingers near the roots. 
Either of those courses injures the crimp. By no 
means stretch the sample, or draw it between the 
fingers, or rub It, or handle it in any way more than 
5s unavoidable. It preserves Its luster better if each 
sample is placed in oiled silk—and it also better shows 
the natural amount of yolk. Paper absorbs the latter. 
Each sample should be numbered, its age, from what 
taken, weight of fleece taken, &c., placed opposite the 
same number in the accompanying description. It Is 
better to send samples from the side, thigh and belly 
of each sheep. If not, specify distinctly from what 
port taken. If those who sent samples in the winter, 
which were unnftticed on acconnt of our absence, 
will now send fhll grown ones, we will try to give 
them proper attention. 
Price or Wool.—Martin N. Butts, West Clark- 
ville, N. Y. t asks If ‘‘it is safe to calculate on getting 
60 cents per lb. for good clean wool, say ’.(the blood 
Merino, the present year t" If the present tariff re¬ 
mains in forcu under which Mestizn wools, compe¬ 
ting with all ou t clothing wools arc admitted under an 
average duty of less than five cents per ponnd, such 
a calculation would not be a safe one. It will be a 
safe one, in our opinion, if the tariff on wools pro¬ 
posed by the Ex. Committee of the National Wool 
tiro were' Association becomes a law. 
Geo. Wilkins Kendall.— Our readers will be glad 
to learn that this eminent Texas wool grower and 
writer on. sheep, as well as sparkling journalist, has 
escaped the perila of the war, and is still prosecuting 
tils business with liie accustomed energy and success. 
His flocks havo suffered somewhat from Indian raids, 
but not very eeriouBly. His letters are as racy as 
ever. May lila shadow never be lesF! 
RURAL NOTES FROM ILLINOIS. 
The month of March liaa been an unusually 
cold, atomy, and disagreeable one—much more 
so than the month preceding. Considerable 
frost yet remains In the ground nud some snow 
on top of it; no sowing has been yet done. Last 
year some tanner* bad 50 to 100 acres sowed 
before this time. If spring wheat Is not sowed 
before the 10th or middle of April, it is consid¬ 
ered a poor chance for a good crop. It will be. 
hurrying times ou the prairies when spring 
weather docs come. Wheat, though still the 
most important staple of Northern Illinois, is 
not so ranch so as formerly — the production of 
barley and corn Is increasing. But I cannot see 
what Inducement there is at present to raise corn 
to sell, it being worth only 30 cts. per bushel, 
and the last crop scarcely yet touched to market. 
It was the largest crop in the State ever known. 
Flax is getting to be a favorite crop, and hops 
are talked of, which is the next thing before pro¬ 
ceeding to raise them. Broom com receives 
considerable attention, and sorghum is increas¬ 
ing, as is uIbo the raising of cattle. Dairy cows 
are worth $50 to $75 — one year ago $20 to $20 
was the common price. Butter is taken in and 
retailed at the stores for 38 cts. per pound. Our 
prairies are well adapted to every branch of funn¬ 
ing, and it is hard to tell what they ure best for 
they are so good for everything. Energy, in¬ 
dustry, and good management, will insure every 
farmer a fortune, or at least a competency, in a 
reasonable time. 8. w. a. 
Cortland, 111., March 31et. 
PLANTING CORN IN DRILLS. 
J. II. Latting, Mancheater, N. Y., asks ns for 
Information about planting corn in drills Instead 
of hills, with rows runniug two waj’s. He thinks 
the planting In drills might be performed very 
accurately aud expeditiously with a common 
grain-drill, which will plant two rows at a time. 
Mr. L. says:—“My grouud (70 acres) is very 
rich,—a black soil, seven or eight Inches deep, 
resting on a bard bottom—and was well plowed 
last fall, after which a coat of rotted manure was 
spread over it. 
The largest crops of corn on record were 
raised in drills. With rich, mellow laud and 
thorough cultivation, it is, doubtless, tbe best 
method of growing corn; and though tbe ex¬ 
pense is greater, the Increased yield over the hill 
system will compensate for it. The distance 
apart for tbe plants, as we have remarked in 
another article, must be decided by the climate 
and variety of corn planted; but in the locality 
whence our correspondent.dates his communi¬ 
cation, and growing the ordinary yellow varie¬ 
ties ol maize, the drills should be from three to 
three and a-half feet apart, aud the plants in the 
row from nine to twelve inches. Of course, only 
one plant should be allowed in a place. Care 
should be taken to drill t be rows straight, to 
facilitate after - cultivation. We think well of 
using the grain-drill to plant the corn with when 
it is intended to have rows bnt one way. If it 
is a good implement, and is properly adjusted, 
the grains may be deposited with greater regu¬ 
larity than is commonly done by barid. If a 
storm does not come soon after planting, it 
would be a good plan to pass over the field with 
a roller, to compact the earth about the seed. 
In adjusting the drill to plant corn, it should be 
taken on to the barn floor, or a smooth piece 
of ground, and carefully tried until properly 
ganged. 
FARMERS THE “LORDS OF CREATION.” 
come accustomed to its weekly visits, is an abso¬ 
lute necessity,) takes 5 bushels of corn for a 
year’s subscription. 
“ But,” says one, “ why take com as your 
standard ? Why not take some other farm pro¬ 
duct?” Well, suppose we take wool, hay, bar' 
ley, oats or wheat, all of which have brought as 
high and higher figures when tbe dollars we used 
to get for pay were worth as much as gold, and 
would buy three times as much of the necessa¬ 
ries of life its they will to-day. But now, w hen 
many farm products are scarce for the reason of 
bad seasons, or that many of the producers have 
been called to the war, prices are said to be enor¬ 
mously high. But I usk what production of the 
farm, except dairy products, has doubled and 
trebled, as everything else has?—and why is it 
that there Is such a hue and cry about the pros¬ 
perity of producers ? 
There is one more feature which goes to show 
the immense advantage which the “ lords of crea¬ 
tion” have over common people—that is, the 
unreasonable taxation which is put upon the 
real-estate Of the country. A capitalist may have 
$10,000 in U. S Bond* and pay not a cent in taxes, 
but Uta same value In real estate must pay from 
$200 to $500, according to the amount to be 
raised, which in fact is no more nor lees than 
an encumbrance on tbe farms of these lords for 
about one half their value, If called for imme¬ 
diately, and if not tbe interest must be paid, and 
who but the lordB must pay it? 
Aud now I want to ask who of any observa¬ 
tion, has seen any considerable number of these 
lords ever rise to places of distinction and honor 
or wealth ? It Is true many of them obtain a 
comfortable living, but what merchant, lawyer 
or capitalist would be content with such small 
gains and snch unceasing toll, not only for him¬ 
self but bis wife and whole family, with no time 
for recreation or Improvement; and in fact 
should a little IciBnrc be found, he Is not In con¬ 
dition for reflection or mental exertion from 
mere physical exhaustion. Butonesay6, “these 
lords are not qualified for Legislators and other 
honorable and profitable positions.” I admit 
that is too true, and why? Because their physi¬ 
cal exertions to obtain a living disqualifies them 
for stady and improvement. 
But enough of this complaining; now for the 
remedy. When wc look abroad upon other 
classes of community, what do we see? If the 
manufacturing interest Is depressed wimtdo they 
do? Why, petition Congress, of course, for 
more protection. Foreign competitors must be 
shut off, and if petitioning does not effect their 
object, money will; ’and all such things are lob- 
byed through, right or wrong. And how does 
this effect the lords? tVhy, the effect upon 
them is, they must pay from four to eight shil¬ 
lings per yard more for their doth than they 
would otherwise. “But,” Bays one, “do not 
the lords obtaiu more for their wools ?” I an¬ 
swer, “ very little, so long as Legislators can be 
found who will fix a high tariff on cloth and a 
nominal one on wool—so long a high tariff will 
only benefit tbe manufacturers, and the lords 
must look out for themselves.” Now let us 
look at our salt manufactures in Syracuse. The 
business became depressed and what did they do ? 
Why, form a company, and all must come in, 
and the company has control of all the works, 
and if they all make, too much part, of them 
must lie idle; still all share in the profits alike, 
aud the price is kept up and the manufacture of 
salt m us never so profitable to the owners as at 
present. 
But how do’the lords manage this thing? 
They form Agricultural Societies all over the 
land. Wc have Town, County and 8tatc Socie¬ 
ties, and whftt is their object? —to obtain a fair 
price for what is raised ? No. Premiums are 
offered and prizes given to stimulate all to raise 
more, and of course make the price less! Now, 
would it not be much be t ter for the lords if these 
Societies should turn their attention to obtain¬ 
ing better remuneration for what we have, and 
let the self-interest of every one stimulate him 
to increase the quantity. Until something of 
this kind is done, or merchants and manufac¬ 
tures reduce the prices of their wares, I propose 
to change the above caption and say, in future, 
Farmers , the Slaves of Creation. A F armek. 
Friend Moore — As lunch has been said and 
written upon the above entitled subject, I pro¬ 
pose to make an application of it to the condi¬ 
tion of farmers at the present time, as in any 
consider that farmers have everything their own 
way. As corn is perhaps the most important 
production, aud is used most generally for the 
support of animal life in the United States, I 
propose to make that a bask for my calculat ion 
to prove that farmers are really the “ lords of 
creation." 
In the first place the crop which is now in the 
country has cost the producers $1.25 per day for 
the labor, which makes bushels of corn of 
60 lbs. per bushel, at present prices, 50 cents (in 
the vicinity of Syracuse, N. Y.,) the value of a 
day’s work. And now let us look at the uses to 
which the farmer has to put this corn to carry 
him along through to the end of the year. If he 
wants a pound of decent tea it takes four bush¬ 
els of corn to buy St. If a yard of common 
brown sheeting, nearly a bushel or 2% or 3 bush¬ 
els for enough to make a shirt. If sugar is wan t- 
ed 3 lbs. at most take* a bu&hel of corn. Il‘ his 
horses are to be shod It take* 8 bushels of corn. 
If he has a hired man by the month it takes 40, 
50 and sometimes 00 bushels to pay for one. 
mouth’s work, or for S months 4S0 bushels; and 
even the Rural, (which, tc those who have be- 1 
Scrub the Colts.— E. P. Crowell writes to 
the Maine Farmer about lousy colts and the 
way in which he effected a cure. He took t wo 
quarts of soft soap and rubbed it over the colt. 
Soft, water was then applied till the body of the 
animal w as in a white lather. He was then left 
standing in the sun till nearly dry, when a 
liberal, springing of Scotch suuff was applied 
and rubbed in. Two applications were sufficient 
to effect a cure. 
Boiled beanB are said to be strengthening 
and highly nutritious food to give to weak or 
old cows in the spring. 
total U*i$f Mtuliaa. 
Siikki' Snows, Shearing*. Ac,—Though thignnm- 
her of the Rural goes to press before the opening of 
the Animal Fair of the X. Y. Sheep Breeder*' and 
Wool Growers' Association, wc think that, from 
present indications, (Monday, P. M.,)both the exhibi¬ 
tion and attendance will be creditable. The weather 
Is fine—favorable Tor both exhibitors>nd visitor*- 
and will no doubt induce many to attend who would 
not but for the suoshlne and balmy air. Already 
quite a number of sheep have arrived from a distance 
—Vermont, Eastern New York, Canada, etc.,-and it 
is hoped the display w51I be large in numbers and 
superior in quality. The result will be given in onr 
next. 
In addition to the above and other Sheep Fairs and 
Shearings already noticed in the Rural, the follow¬ 
ing are to take place this month: —The Wool Grow¬ 
er*’ Association of Italy Hill and vicinity, (Yates 
county.) Is to hold Us Annual Sheep Shearing at Italy 
Hill on Saturday, May 19. The Thorn HU1 Farmers’ 
Club (Onondaga county,) t* to hold its fourth annual 
Sheep Show and Agricultural Exhibition at Thorn 
Hill, on the 94th of May. 
To Prevent Dampness in Brick Walls.— 
The following will be found to answer the 
purpose. Take three-quarters of a pound of 
mottled soap to one gallon of water. This com¬ 
position to be laid over tbe brickwork steadily 
and carefully with a large flat brush, so as not to 
form a froth or lather on the surface. The wash 
to remain twenty-four hours to become dry. 
Next mix a half pound of alum with four gal¬ 
lons of water; leave it to stand twenty-four 
hours and then apply it in the same mauner over 
the coating of soap. Let this be done in dry 
weather. 
Red-Top Grass Sbkd.— (>T. 1). 'V., III.) Write to 
any one of the seedsmen who have advertised in the 
Bubal this spring, and he will inform you whew 
you can buy red top grass seed. It Is generally sup¬ 
posed that a moi4t soil is best salted to this gm-s 
If you should sow thfe grass seed on sod it would be 
very uncertain about its “taking” at all. Probably 
not one-quarter of the seeds sown would germinate. 
The Weather of the first week of May was quit* 
cool—both unseasonable and uncomfortable. Though 
the nights hare been chilly, we think no material 
damage has occurred from frost, as the cloudy, heavy 
weather prevented. To-day (May 7th) the sun shines 
brightly, and there are various Indications of a mow 
genial temperature. 
Carpet Stretchers.— Messrs. Hill &, Bno’s, O 
ton, Steuben Co., N. Y., sent us one of their Patent 
Carpet Stretcher*. On trial we conclude that it is 
just the thing for housekeepers at this time of year 
See advertisement in Rural of May 6th, 
What a Mistake Did. —An English fanner, 
in a communication to the Mark Lane Express, 
relates a circumstance in reference to grass 
growing of a novel character. By mistake, his 
plowman turned over an acre of his meadow 
land in tbe fall. The land remained so till 
spring, when tbe sod was carefully replaced and 
the sod well rolled down. The result was a 
decided improvement in yield of grass, not only 
for that season, but the succeeding ones. 
Address Wanted.—A subscriber wishes us to give 
him the address of K. G. F., who has a “potatodig¬ 
ger.” We cannot comply with such requests, as we 
generally destroy letters and inquiries, after their 
contents arc in type. 
Mallard Ducks.— We have several Inquiries about 
fowls. Those having different varieties to sell should 
advertise. Mr. 8. S. Parker wishes to know where 
he can procure the Mallard Duck or their eggs. 
The Spanish Fowl in Winter.—A correspondent 
states that he has kept several varieties of fowls, svi 
that tbe Spanish have combs so large that they are 
very liable to have them frozen during the cold 
weather. 
Cows Leaking their Milk.—A Subscriber asks it 
any Rural reader can inform him of a remedy which 
will prevent cows from leaking their milk. 
Brahha Fowls.—M r. P. C. Taylor wishes to know 
where he can procure the eggs or fowls of the above 
variety. _^_ 
Spanish Fowls. — W. C. Arnold is desirous o. 
buying some Spanish fowls. 
Th* Rinderpest— Legislativk Action.— The leg. 
islntnrc of this State has passed an Act designed to 
prevent the Introduction and spread of the Cattle- 
Plague. It impose* the additional duty on the Health 
Commissioners of ihe port of New York, of watching 
whether any animals are brought in vessels in viola¬ 
tion of any law passed by Congress prohibiting the 
importation of anlmaio, and of taking proper meas¬ 
ure* to prevent contagion spreading from any cows 
kept on board foreign Teasels. 
Three State Commissioner*, Tlon. Wllian Kelly, 
Hon. Lewis F. Allen and Gen. M. R. Patrick, arc 
appointed, having power to appoint assistant Corn- 
mieiouers In each district. In case of infectious dU- 
ease breaking out. among tho cattle or sheep in auy 
part of the 8tnte, it i* the duty o( persons owning 
such diseased stock to report the facts to a Oonimi*- 
sionor, who will causa the Infected animals to be 
separated'from others, and. If thought best, to be 
slaughtered. The public are to be kept informed 
through the pres* of the progress of the disease, and 
of the roost effective remedies that may be employed. 
The Commissioners have power to take possoarlon of 
any premises on which infected animals may bo 
found, and to establish any regulation* deemed neces¬ 
sary to prevent the spread of tbe disease. The Act 
take* effect immediately, and Con 11 ones tn force one 
year, Let n* hope thta terrible pest will be averted 
from our shores. 
A Cast, Cast-Steel Plow.—W e have received from 
Messrs. Collins & Co., 212 Water St., N. Y., one of 
their steel plows for trial and notice. We put It to 
work in sod ground, for planting, and were highly 
pleased with it* performance and capacity. For* 
small plo w (this was aC No. 2, welght85lbs., cutting 
a elven-inch farrow) it gave better satisfaction than 
any we ever bandied. A* steel plows are already 
extensively, and are destined to be exclusively, used 
throughout a large portion of tho Union, It is lmpor- 
tant for farmers to become acquainted with their 
varions merits. As compared with cast-iron plow* 
their first coat is considerably larger, and their dura¬ 
bility not much greater. Rut tholr draft is lighter, 
and they will scour in soils where it is impossible to 
nee a cast-iron plow. In point of durability the pro¬ 
prietor* of tbe cast cast-steel plow Justly claim, we 
think, a superiority over all other steel plow*. In¬ 
stead of being made of sheet-steel, the metal i» 
melted and cast in moulds, by wb ieh process a proper I 
thickness i* given to those parts most exposed to j 
wear. It is then polished and tempered to a degree | 
that makes it most impossible to scratch the met*! I 
wlLh a knife-point, and Us extreme hardness and the 
shape of the mould/board insure its scouring in any 
soil. 8ee advertisement in another column. 
New Variety or Pumpkin Sued* to Give Away. 
—Mr. John Uiobee, Ionia, Ionia Co,, Mich., write* 
ub that he grows a very excellent variety of pumpkin 
the seeds of which w$re obtained in Iowa. The flesh 
is from three to four inches thick, and very sweet 
Specimens grown by him have invariably taken prize* 
at Fairs wherever exhibited Mr. 11. proposes to 
distribute by mall ten thousand packages of these 
seeds to the reader* of Hie i'ni.a without charge. 
Each applicant must IndOae In hi* letter to Mr. H. * 
stamped envelope addressed to himself. 
