in the country we arc not so well advised, 
but believe the prospects of the producing 
classes, and especially of the vast Agricul¬ 
tural Population of the Union, are gener¬ 
ally encouraging. Our letters from all parts 
of the country arc hopeful in tone, with few 
allusions to “hard times,” bad weather,or 
prophecies of disaster. The winter has been 
unusually “ open ” and mild — too much so, 
perhaps, in some sections—yet there is time 
for severe weather and plenty of snow, often 
called “the poor man's manure.” Judging 
from our subscription receipts, money must 
be plenty over a wide extent of country— 
for many people invest in luxuries before 
subscribing for so necessary an article as a 
good family newspaper 1 
On the whole the outlook is most encour¬ 
aging. If the People only have confidence 
in and are true to themselves and the. 
country, showing their faith by their works 
and speech, our future can hardly be other¬ 
wise than prosperous. 
several winters by the great risk of herding 
oxen and cows thus, he last fall fixed up two 
separate and strong stalls, under shelter, and 
now in the morning before turning out the 
cows he puts the oxen in these, and leaves them 
till the cows are tied up again in the evening. 
He has running water in the yard, and they 
have access to this when out, and do not appear 
to suffer in the least for drink. 
RURAL NOTES AND QUERIES. 
PROCRESS AND IMPROVEMENT 
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER 
Page. 
Breeder and Grazier.-English Prize Animals, 
(Illustrated;) The Law of Inheritance.85 
A Disease A mo tig Calves; Feeding Young Stoek.Stl 
Field Crop*. Farm Dlscussiona—On the Nutri¬ 
tive Value of Onifves and Green l’odder. Man¬ 
agement of Pasture l-ands: Wheat Culture in 
Western New York: Cause of ltust on Wheat ; 
A Corn Crop; Fungi or Smut; Manuring Cotton 
in the Hill..86 
Industrial Topics. — Farmers Visiting Farms; 
The farmer*' Cl u h. . . ..86 
Sheep Husbandry. N. Y. State Wool Growers’ 
Association - Address of President Randall. Res¬ 
olution* on Reciprocity, Treasurer's Report, An¬ 
nual Fair. The Tar Ilf; Wool and Woolen* at the 
1' Exposition — Clothing Wools: Anutrlran 
Clothing Wools; Wool Imports at Boston.87 
Pomnlutfic.nl.—About. Fruit Growing—The Past 
Reviewed, Future Prospect*! New Hybrid Cherry 
(Illustrated); Plums u, i!••• w. •. Apple*, Pears 
and Grape* for Iowa; Grime* Goldoni King 
Tompkins Co. Apple; Wild Goose Plum,..- .88 
Arboriculture. Osier Willow*. . ... 88 
European Lurch, Propagating Evergreens. 89 
Floriculture. — English Rom Culture Facts 
About New French Hoses, Treatment of R<k« 
To Contributors, Correspondents, Ac. —All 
communications, inquiries, &c., designed for 
publicat ion in any department, of this Journal, 
other than Sheep and Dairy Husbandry, should 
be addressed to the Conducting Editor, D. D. T. 
Moore, No. 41 Park Itow, New York. Articles 
or inquiries intended for the departments above 
excepted may be ud reused to their respective 
Editors Dr. Randall, Cortland Village, N. V., 
and Mr. Willard, Little Falls, N. Y. Attention 
to this matter by our regular contributors and 
correspondents, and those wishing to become 
such, will in many Instances prevent delay in 
the receipt and publication of their favors. 
AX ORIGINAL WEEKLY 
RURAL, LITERARY AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER. 
D • D. T. KOORE, 
Conducting Jdclitor and Proprietor. 
CHAS. D. BRAGDON, G. F. WILCOX, A. A. HOPKINS, 
Associate Editors. 
HENRV S. RANDALL, LI* D„ 
Editor ok thk of Shkkf Husbandry. 
X. A. WILLARD, A, M., 
Echos or on UtnuniUT oi Diliir Husbandey. 
DANIEL LEE, M. D„ 
Of Tbknkrmkk, Soutwkk* (.'••••iivifONPfMO Editor. 
Catling Grain Before it la Ripe is often said 
to result inn better and heavier crop of seed. 
Prof. Isidore Pierre of the University of 
Cam, France, conducted a series of experiments 
to test this matter. Ho cut the same quan¬ 
tities of wheat from the same field on the 6th, 
11th, 15th. 20th and 25th of last July, and found 
a daily increase; of nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
t(> the Inst, showing that the earlier It was cut 
the poorer it was In amylaceous and glutinous 
matters. The most perfectly ripened grain was 
in every respect the most valuable. 
Copyright Credit. -Though we copyright each 
number of the Rural New-Yorker, our ex¬ 
changes are at liberty to copy freely from its 
pages, provided proper credit is given. Wo arc 
aware that all honorable members of the profes¬ 
sion will do this cheerfully, without any sugges¬ 
tion or prompting, but our past experience has 
taught ns that not a few ably conducted and 
widely circulated journals are not very credit* 
obtain t ho matter of acknowledging the pater¬ 
nity of much that they publish. Hence, we copy¬ 
right the Rural for protection from uppropri- 
ators of other people's brain-work—a species of 
property which requires labor and time for iIs 
production, and usually costa “the gelt," or Its 
equivalent, when purchased. All the return or 
recognition we ask for anything copied from this 
paper is the simple affix— Rural New-Yorker. 
(special Contributor* i 
P. BARRY, T. C. PETERS, 
H. T. BROOKS, CHAS. V. RILEY, 
J. U. DODGE, E. W. STEWART, 
F. R. ELLIOTT, .TAMES VICK, 
.1. H. CRtSUOM, I. D., J. WILKINSON, 
,J. STANTON GOULD, MRS. K. P. ELLET, 
“NOW AND THEN," MARY A. K. WAGER. 
IllInoiM Industrial University .—At the recent 
meeting of the Illinois Horticultural Society, the 
following resolutions offered by Smiley Shep¬ 
herd, a veteran pomologisf, whose head is whit¬ 
ened by more than seventy winters, were unani¬ 
mously adopted: 
Whereas, The Illinois Industrial University 
was intended for the benefit of the industrial 
classes, having for its “ leading object* the teach¬ 
ing of those branches of learning relating lo 
agriculture and the mechanic aits, not excluding 
other classical and scientific studies, and includ¬ 
ing military tactics, for the purpose of liberally 
educating the industrial classes in their several 
pursuits and professions of life,” therefore. 
Resolved, That It is the duly of said Univer¬ 
sity to first provide for Instruction in those 
brunches Hint form the- leading objects of the 
law. and leaving the classics, except in their pri¬ 
mary departments, until such time u* there may 
be ample funds for that purpose, and until the 
Others arc fully provided for. 
Resolved, That ns the law makes no distinc¬ 
tion in sex, none should be made in admission to 
t he University or any of its departments. 
The Society directed the Secretary to memori¬ 
alize the General Assembly to appropriate twen¬ 
ty-two thousand dollars for the use of the horti- 
oultural department of the University; and in¬ 
dorse the plan adopted lu regard to forest tree 
culture and the museum or experimental or¬ 
chard of all the varieties of kuown fruits. 
PUBLICATION OFFICES: 
New York No. 41 Park Row, Opposite City Hail 
Rochester No. 82 Buffalo St., Opposite City Hall 
WHAT ARE YOU DOING? 
TERMS, IN ADVANCE: 
Subscription - Three Dollar* n Year. To Clubs 
and Agents, Five copies for $14; Seven, and one free 
to club agent, for fl!); Ten, und one free, for ?25—only 
$2.50 per copy. A* we pro-pay A rnerlcan postage, $2.70 
t* the lowest Club rate to Cuuada and $5.50 to Europe. 
The best way to remit Is by Draft or Post-Office 
Mouey Order, and all Drafts urn! Orders made pay¬ 
able to the Publisher may »k mailed at ins risk. 
Advertising Inside, 75 cents per line, Agate 
space; Outside. $1 per line. For Extra Display and 
Cuts, a price and a half.- Special and Business Notices 
charged according to position. No advertisement in¬ 
serted for less than $3. 
Young men, young farmers, what are you 
doing these long winter evenings ? Because 
you labored right nobly during the season 
past, are you spending the present in idle¬ 
ness V Arc you acting upon the mistaken 
belief that nine months of work entitle you 
to ninety days and nights of indolence? 
You gave yourselves to hand-work in the 
summer; you should do head-work in the 
winter. 
If the numerous little “chores” involved 
in the care of stock, &c. t keep you from at¬ 
tending school, it does not follow that no 
opportunity Is left you for mental improve¬ 
ment. Opportunities are abundant; and 
you can multiply them, if you will. Once 
note how many unoccupied moments you 
see each day, and you will be surprised by 
the number. 
Instead of giving every evening to sleigh- 
rides, parties, and all that sort of thing, as 
some of you may he doing, devote at least 
four evenings in each week to careful reading 
or study of beneficial aut hors, the pract ice of 
composition, and similar pursuits. As a con¬ 
sequence of this, yon will not he ruining your 
physical system by late hours, night suppers, 
and the like; and by getting necessary sleep 
at the proper time you will be able to dis¬ 
pense with your usual mid-day nap, ho that 
this hour can also he given to intellectual de¬ 
velopment. 
The Coming Farmer will be well versed in 
general literature, sufficiently accomplished 
in composition to he able to write at least 
moderately w$:M, and habituated to express¬ 
ing his ideas in public, so as to do it. intelli¬ 
gently Tie will go to the Legislature (its 
character will be improved then ;) will sit m 
the. Governor’s chair; and we shall do our 
prcILiest. to elect him to the Presidency. But 
how can all this come to pass if the young 
farmers of to-day toil three-fourths of the 
year with no thought or study, and then lose 
the other fourth in careless rest ing from their 
labors? Mental expansion and growth must 
be fostered, or the Coming Farmer will he a 
long while in reaching us. Young men ot 
the plow, are you helping his approach ? 
Leached Ashes; Sail a* a Fertilizer; Harness Tug, 
Wiuir Plate ; Bio Lend Adjoining; A Hog Gal- 
low* 1 1 Illustrated); Lime a* u Preserver J AreoinHs 
with the Farm ; The Drying llou.se; Rest Kind of 
Grain Rower*....8° 
The Poultry*Yard. — Poultry at County Fair*: 
Snow and Nest Egg*; Poultry Breeding: Making 
Poultry Profitable ; Packing Egg*; The Hc-n and 
Duek uV Riga 1‘i'itlueem: The Ovarium; Feeding 
Fowls; Siiuw lor Fowl*. .... 90 
Dairy Husbandly, Dairymen'* Convention 
Annual Meeting of (lie American Dairymen'.* 
Association, Tin* Importance of Systematic Ex¬ 
periments In Cbnese Making, The Dlxease* Ot Cut¬ 
tle and Their Influence on Milk, The Demand* ol 
the Cheese Trade, Coloring Cheese, Governor Sey* 
mour Speaks; How to Milk Kicking Cows; Cowu' 
Sore Teats .. . .....91 
Domestic F.eoriuiiij*. Dumb Waiter (Illustrat¬ 
ed); Blue Monday; Paste : Coloring Recipe: To 
Aluko Glycerine Soap, Ilow to Stick Paper to Tin; 
ChenJtCi'l Wash Cure for tin; itch; To Colui Odd 
Looking Stocking Yarn; WhltuwaaHed Walls: 
To 1 'oloi Blue .-,*1 Bl 
Uditnrlni, Ftc. A Month's Progress; Signs of 
the Ti fur** ■ W hut Are You Doing; Convict Labor 92 
Rural Notm anil Queries. To Contributor*, 
Currenpondpnt*, Ac., Copyright, Credit, The. Ru¬ 
ral's Improvements, Sca*on, Ac., in N. W. Ohio, 
Bedding Animal*, Hob Cholera, Keeping Cow* 
and Oxen Separate, Cutting <3rain Before It is 
Ripe, lIliuoiM Industrial University,California Ah 
College ., . ..... 92 
Industrial .Sorielles. Iowa State Ag. Society, 
American Pomologlcal Society, Illinois Slate 
Horticulturist. Cincinnati Hurt, Society. Skunc- 
ateles Farmer*' Club. Berkshire (Mass.) Ag. Sc*c„ 
Central Ag. Sou. of N. J.. ... 92 
The Reviewer. New Publication* Reviewed. fill 
Educational. -Suggestions to Teachers Prepar¬ 
ation for Your Du ties. In the SehouJ-Hoou). . . 93 
For Young People. KaloUloxenple Inversion 
(Illustrated): Following the Copy; A Word to 
Boys... .......... 93 
(Stories for K urn lists. —The Vincents; Or the 
Mystery at the Blue Springs fContinued,). 93 
Hygienic Inlormnllon. Seasonable Sugges¬ 
tions— t‘atarrli Snuff, Cracked Lip*, Arnica, Chil- 
bluliis, Ringworm. .....91 
Ladles’ Pori-Folio. Compensation (Poetry); 
Recklessness of Health; Gossipy Paragraphs .. 93 
Modes nud Runners. - -Fashion ChU-i'hai — 
Country Cousins Business Suits, Child’s Worsted 
Turbans, Costumes ; Scotch Pearls... 95 
Hnhbnih Readiug. For Whut Are We Tolling 
(Poetry:) Christian Cordiality; Christians and 
Moralists. . ..95 
New- of tin 1 Week. — Domestic News Includ¬ 
ing Now* from Washington, New York, Maine. 
New I Inmpshlre, Vermont, MussauhiiHeLta, Ithodo 
Island. Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. 
Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, Bquth Carolina, 
LoUlstauu, Illinois, Wisconsin,California, Texas; 
Forelgu News—including News from Great 
Britain, France, Spain, Prussia, Austria, Greece. 96 
The Marking. Ktock und Money; Produce and 
Provisions; Livestock, choose.97 
Pci-Minnl Ttemn -Interesting Personal Brevities; 
Artaud Artists - Art Gossip. 93 
Tim News Condenser, Morn than Seventy 
Items of News ...... . 99 
Wit nnd Humor. - A Vegetable Convention 
(Poetry;) Plnwhundle PaperM—Major Plowhaudio 
Hide* with General Grant, WUut lie Did, mid 
some Thing* lie Saw Diirlngthe-Alrlng; Glimpses 
of Genius; Sweet Memories of My Airly Day* 
(Illustrated). 100 
The Puzzlrr.-Enigma, Charade, Rebus, Meta¬ 
gram, Problem, Anagram, &o.100 
The Rurai’a Improvements, Ac. Every mail 
bring-s us lhanks and ooiigml ulat ions for and on 
account of the enlargement and improvement 
of (lie Rural, with not a few promises to assist, 
its in making' it still better. Forexample, u sub¬ 
scriber and occasional correspondent at Edge- 
field, South Carolina, writes:—“Have received 
the new Rural and like the improvements vast¬ 
ly, especially the enlarged Dairy and Poultry 
Departments. That is good. Will send you a 
design and contribution for the Poultry Depart¬ 
ment very soon. ‘ Art und Art ists’ is another 
good addition. Hope you will keep up that 
column. ‘Rural Architecture’ is good again. 
Will also send you some designs for this depart¬ 
ment, which will be acceptable to your Southern 
readers, at least. [Thank you ; wo cater for the 
w hole Continent and want them. Ed.] Indeed 
the Improvements this year are so munificent 
that the Rural cannot fail to please the most 
fastidious. * ♦ Hoping to receive the Rural 
as punctually as last year, I close by offering 
best wishes for your continued prosperity und 
success." 
That will do for the “Funny South,” whence 
we are receiving many encouraging letters now- 
a-days. But hero Is an equally cordial greeting 
from the North. A long-time friend of the Ru¬ 
ral, now residing at Grand Haven, Mich., writes: 
“ After carefully examining the first two num¬ 
bers of the Rural for 1809,1 fool it my duty, and 
consider it a pleasure, to offer a word of encour¬ 
agement and congrul that ion, for the unbounded 
success attending your every effort, to promote 
(lie interest und circulation of your most valu¬ 
able paper. Having been a constant subscriber 
for the [Hist sixteen years, I have had oppor¬ 
tunity to identify the changes, noting the “ pro¬ 
gress ami improvement" made from year to year: 
and now, u* T compare tin' Rural of 1800 with 
the corresponding numbers ol' 1853, I am fully 
snHailed all promises made from yew to year ttiat 
it should In* improved, its reputation extended 
and circulation increased, are fulfilled to the let¬ 
ter in the Ritual of 1869. It Justly merits the 
distinction and fume now resting upon it, and 
which rank it first of all journals of its class 
within the borders of the American continent.. 
As the Rubai- wends its way to the many thou¬ 
sand families weekly, may Hie cheerful welcome 
it receives encourage you to still adhere to that 
motto" Excelsior "connected with “ I'rogrmand 
Imprwetnntt," — and may the day soon dawn 
when it will be a welcome visitor to every fire¬ 
side throughout the length and breadth of our 
land." 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 0, 1869 
California Agricultural College. — The Cali¬ 
fornia Fanner Buys “ Under a Cloud should be 
the term applied to this notable institution.” It 
fears the original design for this institution will 
never be fulfilled for California; for, from the 
Incipient steps taken for Its up-bullding, every 
move tends to its overthrow and downfall. 
A MONTH’S PROGRESS 
One month lias passed since the Rural 
appeared in its enlarged and improved form, 
during which live numbers have been issued 
and very generally circulated throughout the 
whole country,—and for the information of 
its friends, near and distant, we respectfully 
“ report progress,” briefly 
Many difficulties were encountered on the 
start, causing delays in printing and mailing 
the paper. This necessarily disappointed 
agents and subscribers, who did not receive 
tlic Rural as promptly as anticipated, and 
temporarily cheeked their efforts in behalf 
of Us circulation. Ami yet our progress 
thus far has greatly exceeded our expecta¬ 
tions. Wo looked for success — were san 
guine that tbe new or renewed paper would 
prove acceptable and popular — but did not 
anticipate so great an influx of subscrip¬ 
tions, or such general and cordial letters of 
approval and congratulation, as we have 
received from nearly every section of our 
widely-extended country. Tbe universal tes¬ 
timony of its long-time friends and support¬ 
ers is that, the paper is vastly improved, ns 
well as enlarged, while the fact that thou¬ 
sands of new subscribers are weekly added 
to our list, demonstrates that the paper is 
rapidly gaining confidence and popularity. 
We grateiblly acknowledge this general 
appreciation of our efforts, as manifested in 
the good words and more substantial deeds 
of the Rural’s old and new friends all over 
the land. They have already made the 
enlarged paper a success, and their con¬ 
tinued encouragement will enable us lo soon 
render it (if it is not already) the most pros¬ 
perous and useful journal of its class now 
published. 
Tlic Y<-w York Hun, advertised in this paper, 
is a wide-awake, Independent and cheap heb¬ 
domadal. Under the management uf that thor¬ 
ough journalist, Chas. A- Dana, the Sun has 
been greatly improved. 
INDUSTRIAL SOCIETIES, 
Iowa Slate Ag. Society—At the recent annual 
meeting of this Society, held at Dos Moines, 
thirty-five counties were represented by dele¬ 
gates. The sessions were well attended, and 
there were Interesting discussion*. The loca¬ 
tion of LUe next Fair was discussed but' not 
decided; the question is to Ik- in-tried by the 
Executive Committee, which meets for the pur¬ 
pose Feb. ill. The Treasurer’s report showed 
the Society Lo l»e in n fair condition financially. 
The fallowing board of olfieers was elected: 
/YrsMinf — Peter Mblendy,C edar Falls; Vice- 
President■ J, D. Wright, Chariton; Secretary — 
J. M. Shuffor, Fairfield; 'Treasurer— Geo. Sprague, 
DesMoiues; Directors— F. L. Downing, Oska- 
loosa; E. R.Shunkland, Dubuque; PhitteasCad- 
m e1 1 . Magnolia; 3. B. Hewitt, Jr„ Eagle Grove; 
S. F, Spofford, Dos Moinca; Oliver Mills, Lewis; 
M. W. Robinson, Burlington; Timothy Day, 
Winchester; E. Smith, Davenport; Milo Smith, 
Clinton. 
American Bornological Society.— We learn 
from the Secretary of the American Bornologi¬ 
cal Society, that at the next meeting of that 
society, appointed for the 15th September next, 
the Pennsylvania HortiouRural Society have 
generously tendered tin; use of their hall and ap¬ 
pointed a committee for the purpose of arrang¬ 
ing for accommodation." A free and hearty in¬ 
vite Is given by Philadelphians to every lover of 
fruits (o meet there, tell of their loves and their 
disappointments, and so give to the forthcomers 
an inkling of what they may expect in the art of 
growing fruits. Let us hope fora full call of the 
house and a record more of success than of dig¬ 
it ppuint men t. _ 
Illinois State Horticulturist.—The Illinois State 
Horticultural Society nominated Dr. E. S. ITull 
of Alton for an official position with this cog¬ 
nomen, to be provided for by tin appropriation 
by the General Assembly. There is propriety in 
the creation of such an office in that State to 
be filled by such a man as Dr. Hull. If kept in 
(lie field constantly, his observations, his scien¬ 
tific and practical knowledge, and his ability to 
render it available to the public, would be of 
such value to the fruit interests of that State 
that the fruit growers alone could afford him an 
annuity of $10,000 per year for such services. 
§4* |3ublisljcv’s pesh 
Season, Ac., in X, W. Ohio. —In a recent note a 
friend at Toledo, Ohio, writes: — “Fruit buds 
all rigid yet, and prospect good for a crop of 
poaches. Last year I la- buds were killed on the 
3d of February. We are lim ing t he most beau¬ 
tiful weather through January. No snow 
ground frozen. 4 4 Have been setting out 
Considerable fruit of late years. No ITuit of 
any account grew the past year. Did not have 
a dollar’s worth to sell in all my orchards of 
3,000 apples. 3.000 peaches and 500 pears. A few 
cultivators had some fruit, but most of I hern 
like myself. 4 4 Am in my fiftieth year, and 
have a wife, six daughters, one son and one 
grand-son. To all the Rural is the first, paper; 
you can guess the rest without any more praise. 
Will send you a few items this year for publica- 
t ion, and .you can fix them to suit if 1 do not get 
tliem in proper shape." [Aye. that we will. If 
you, and like practical and experienced cultiva¬ 
tors, will send us the items they shall be made 
presentable.] 
CONVICT LABOR, 
Tbe workingmen's organizations of this 
country have long been declaring against the 
injustice to the different trades resulting 
from the competition of the products of con¬ 
vict labor in the market with their own, A 
solution of the difficulty has long been 
sought. The impracticability of keeping 
convicts confined without employment is 
conceded; also the impossibility of appor¬ 
tioning tlieir labor equitably among the dif¬ 
ferent trades. How to employ them without 
displacing thereby the products of some 
class of honest men has been an almost in¬ 
surmountable obstacle. Convicts arc com¬ 
pelled to labor upon the theory that, it was 
their duty to do so before convicted of crime ; 
and had they done so then they would have, 
to the extent of their efforts, displaced or 
been brought, in competition with other 
labor. The advocates of convict labor have 
therefore urged this fact in opposition to the 
advocates of convict idleness. 
At a recent convention of workingmen in 
Chicago this whole subject was exhaustively 
discussed, and a committee appointed to 
report amendments to the convict laws of 
Illinois. The report of the committee, which 
was adopted, demands that the convict laws 
shall provide, substantially, t hat no convict, 
who has not learned a trade, sentenced for a 
period of not less than ten years, shall be 
placed at mechanical labor; and no one who 
has learned a trade previous to his imprison¬ 
ment shall be taught another trade at the 
expense of the State, except where such 
trade is not prosecuted in the penitentiary; 
in such case the labor of such convict shall 
be equitably distributed among the differ¬ 
ent trades, and the same rule apply to those 
who have no trade; that the products of 
convicts shall be disposed of tit market rates 
only, or at public auction, of which due 
notice shall be given. 
SPECIAL NOTICES, REQUESTS, &c, 
Form Nov Clubs. — It is not too late to start 
new clubs for our present volume, as some suppose, 
nor to make additions to those already formed, 
We can still supply Puck numbers, and shall be able 
to do so for weeks to oorne. as the early numbers are 
electrotypod. Those who have received a premium 
for one club, can secure another for a new club or 
additions to the old one. So please keep the ball 
moving anil) nil are supplied with the indispensable 
Rural. Specimens, Show-Bills, Premium Lists.&o., 
sent free to all disposed to net as Agenl-Frleuds. 
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 
Notice to Advertisers. - Advertisements intend¬ 
ed for the inside (14th and 15th pages) of the Rural 
should ranch the New York Office on Friday of the 
week preceding date—and for the outside (12th, 13th 
and ldtli pages) on Monday morning of the week of 
publication. Considering us largo, wide and rapidly- 
increasing circulation, the Rural New-Yorker is, 
at ita present rates, the best and cheapest Adver¬ 
tising Medium of Us Class. 
The last winter month opens with bright 
skies and a genial atmosphere, rendering the 
city pleasant unci lively. Our business men 
anticipate a good spring mule, predicating 
their hopes, upon the generally prosperous 
condition of the country and tbe large crops 
produced in most sections last year. They 
argue that money has been accumulating 
among the producing classes, while the grad¬ 
ual development of the vast, resources of 
the country increases its wealth and strength¬ 
ens the confidence of the people in their 
ability to survive the national debt, as well 
as the frauds and spoliations of all the cor¬ 
rupt,ianists who arc endeavoring to swindle 
or obtain subsidies of the Government. The 
belief that law and order will soon be fully 
restored in the South—opening that region 
to the investments, enterprise, and skilled 
labor of tbe North, and bringing millions of 
Southern products into market,—also tends 
to augment, the hopeluluess of business men 
and capitalists. And the sanguine expecta¬ 
tions of many men, of both political parties, 
that the administration of Gen. Grant will 
be economical, inaugurating and carrying 
out practical measures of retrenchment and 
reform in many departments, is creating and 
increasing confidence, and thus inciting a 
hopefulness, industry and enterprise which 
must enhance our prosperity. 
So much for the, city, or cities. How it is 
Bedding \nimals. -Long rye or wheat straw is 
considered to be far preferable to oat or barley 
straw, when used for bedding down animals, in 
warmth, cleanliness, and last, though not least, 
in its durability or peculiarity of being used a 
number of times. The reason is, that its length 
and crispness prevent it from packing or mat- 
ling close, consequently, when the weight of 
the animal is removed, the straw assumes a loose 
position, and a tow minutes in contact with the 
air is sufficient to drive away all absorbed moist¬ 
ure. When the object aimed at is an Increase 
of fertilizers use forest leaves, barley or oat 
straw, sawdust, out straw, or other absorbents, 
and the object will be gained; but when it ts 
desired only to Icee.p the animal clean, and n 
cheap article for the purpose is desired, use 
wheat or rye straw.— l. d. s. 
Send ns Names 1—Subscribers nnd others fre¬ 
quently apply fur coplesof the Rural to send to 
distant, friends as specimens. If tbnss who wish 
their friends to sea the paper, and thus aid in extend¬ 
ing its circulation, will send us the names uud pOflt- 
offlee addresses of such friends, near ami distant, 
we will mall each a specimen of the enlarged and 
improved volume. Give as the names and we will 
cheerfully respond. _ 
Additions to Clubs are always In order, whether 
in ones, twos, fives, tens, oranyothor number. Many 
agents, after sending one club, form others,nnd thus 
secure additional or larger premiums. A host of 
people are dropping other papers ubout these days — 
many hare already changed to the. Rural— and our 
Agent-Frlonds should improve every occasion to 
securo such us recruits fur the ‘‘ Rural Brigade." 
Address to No. 41 1 nrk Row. New York.— 
Though the Rural is published in both New York 
City and Rochester, N. Y., the principal printing and 
mailing offices are in New York, and hence all agents 
are requested to address 
n. n. t. . JiooitJ ?, 
.Vo. 41 Park Row , New York. 
New Subscriber*. — By the term new subscribers 
in our Premium List, wt* mean.as therein stated, per¬ 
sons who did not take the RURAL during the your 
1S08. A change of Initials, or to the name of some 
other member of an old .subscriber’s family, does not 
constitute a new subscriber by any means, and can¬ 
not be so counted. 
Premiums not already ror warded to those entitled 
will bo seut as soon us our clerks are able to count 
up the old and new subscribers and post their books. 
Cincinnati llort. Soc.— The following' are the 
officers elect of this Society for the year 1869: 
President—W. P. Anderson; Vice Prcsklents— 
William Stoms, Robert Buchanan, R. H. Warder; 
Recording Secretary— W. C. Cook; Corresponding 
Secretary— E. Betty; Treasurer— Robert Clarke; 
Librarian — James Haworth; Council — Wilbcr- 
force Knott, Hermann Haerlan, Louis Ritz. 
Bknneateles Farmers’ Club.—Officers for 1869: 
President- — Christopher C. Wyckoff; TVcc- 
Presldenta —Jedediah Irish, Emerson H. Adams; 
Secretary— ChaunceyB.Thorne; Treasurer— Wm. 
J, Townsend; Directors— Dr. Austin, J. II. Allen; 
J. 11. Earll, M. C. DeWitt, Alfred Lamb, Wm. E. 
Clark. 
Berkshire, (Mass.,) Ag. Soe.—The officers elect 
for 1869 are; President— Richard Goodman of 
Lenox; Vice-Presidents —George T. Plunkett of 
Hinsdale. J. H. Crooke of Pittsfield; Secretary— 
J. E.Merrill of Pittsfield; Treasurer— H.M. Pier¬ 
son ; Auditor —Phineas Allen. 
Hog Cholera.—A writer in the Stock Journal 
recommends the following as a preventive ol' 
this diseaseFlowers of sulphur, six pounds; 
sulphate of iron, six ounces; einchora, pulver¬ 
ized, a pound. Mix well together in a large 
mortar; afterwards give a tablespoonful toeaeh 
animal, mixed with a few potato peelings and 
corn meal, three times a day. Continue this for 
one week, keeping the animal in a clean, warm, 
dry place, and not allowing too many together. 
Central Ag. Soc. of X. J.—'The following are the 
officers elect for 1869. President— J. G. J. Camp¬ 
bell; Vice-President — Levi T. Atcblcy; Corre- 
spomling Secretary—David Naar; Treasurer—A. J. 
Smith. 
Keeping Cows nud Oxen Separate.—J. L. of 
Guthrievillc, Chester Co., Pa„ makes the follow¬ 
ing suggestion to those who keep oxen and cows 
in the same yard. Having been annoyed for 
