CORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
MARCH 20 
13 ra r L u iff a Buraltat. 
DAILY RURAL LIFK 
Prom tho Diary o♦ a Centleman Near New 
York City. 
FlpWfR r.UITURt NORTH AND SOUTH 
March 8 .—I noticed in the Rural New 
Yorker of February 27, that Mr, J. G. Rhea 
of Griffin, Ga., pays mo a very handsome 
compliment in regard to my talks about, 
flowers, but he is evidently not so well 
pleased with what 1 may have said about 
insects, for he adds: “We can go around 
here and pickup ‘bugs’ at any time, and 1 
really wish ‘Daily Rural Life’ had all our 
stock of certain species.” Now, 1 do not 
propose to offend again at this time by writing 
the gentleman a lecture upon the subject, 
but will merely say, In passing, t hat if more 
was known ol’ the history of those “certain 
species” perhaps a few millions of dollars 
might bo saved annually to the planters of 
the Southern States. Then, again, one be 
comes interested in the study of any branch 
of natural history in proportion to the knowl¬ 
edge acquired of the same. Perhaps 1 should 
add that the cost of Informat ion as well as 
the thing itself has something t,o do with our 
appreciation of it, and juBt here is where it 
is to be feared the people of the “sunny 
South” have not the natural incentive for 
cultivating flowers that we possess up here 
in the frigid North. While 1 write this 1 
can look out npou the snow-covered fields; 
not, a resting-place upon the bare earth for 
even a dove could be found, but doubtless 
Mr. Rhea can look upon green Helds and 
brilliant flowers in Georgia. But when the 
flowers do appeal we shall appreciate them 
all the more and make haste to plant early 
and tend carefully through the brief period 
we are permitted to enjoy their presence. 
1 have many correspondents in the South, 
and a majority of them appear to think that 
the people of the North arc particularly 
favored in obtaining new and desirable 
plants even if we have not the most favorable 
climate in the « orld in which to cultivate 
them. 
In spring we must |make haste bo get our 
scarlet Sage, Coleus, Lantanas and similar 
bedding out plants started, else they will 
fail to reach a showy size before the first 
frosts in autumn ; m fact, our gardens usually 
put on their most showy dress just in lima 
to have it taken off by a good freeze. Rut 
I am not quit e sure that the Southern States 
are wholly exempt from discouraging 6 raw- 
backs in gardening. There may be far loo 
many of these “certain specie* of Insects” 
to which Mr. Rhea alludes; also severe 
drouths and other like disadvantages of 
which we in colder chnates know but. little. 
Then,' again, when it comes to the making 
up of the picture, t he background in the form 
of rich carpets of the finer grasses, are not 
to be found in the Sout hern Stat es, except in 
the mountainous regions. Flowers in the 
garden without the accompanying grassplat 
and lawns are like gems in the rough, the 
settings being required to show off their 
beauties to the best advantage. If I could 
have but one, the grass would have the pref¬ 
erence. and to the different species which go 
to make up our lawns and meadows of the 
North do we owe much of our progress in 
floriculture as well as in agriculture. Beauti¬ 
ful lawns “all the year round” are not 
among the impossibilities of the South, but 
more attention will have to be paid to irri¬ 
gation lief ore they will become common or 
at all satisfactory. What a paradise might 
be made in a climate where the Camelia, 
Orange, Fig, Pomegranate and Crape Myrtle 
thrive without protection in winter, if one 
could only have them planted amid carpets 
of t he richest green, such as we obtain with 
Kentucky blue grass. Green grass all the 
year round is the one much-needed drxidcra- 
tum in floriculture throughout the Southern 
States, and, I may add, in many a Northern 
garden. 
the hulless oats once more. 
March 0.—I had begun to hope that this 
old humbug was dead and buried out of 
sight forever, but, like the Resurrection 
plants it appears to ouly need picking up and 
moistening a little to make it even as fresh 
and green as ever. Then again, there, is no 
telling from what quarter of the globe these 
Hulless oats nay come, or under what sort 
of name ; but we arc always sure of otic 
thing, aud that is, they are the same old 
A vena nud<\; the history of agriculture goes 
not back far enough in the past to toll ns of 
its origin. It, may be, however, that “light 
is breaking ” upon tills heretofore obscure 
period of its history, for 1 have just received 
a circular in the shape of a large handbill or 
poster from one W. A. BouTELLE of Ver¬ 
mont, who claims to be the “ Originator and 
Proprietor” ol what he terms this “Agricul¬ 
tural Wonder!” 
Vermont has long been noted for its long- 
lived people, but the age of Mr. Boctelle 
must be past computation if he is what he 
claims to be. in regard to this hulless oat. 
The history of this grain, as given in the 
circular before me, is as remarkable for 
brevity as it is for lack of any positive infer 
iiiulion on that point. The writer, knowing 
how inquisitive purchasers of new things of 
this kind arc in regard to origin, endeavors 
to satisfy their curiosity as follows : 
“ A brief history of the discovery and pro¬ 
gress of those oats may be interesting to 
farmers and.others. The Hulless oats origi¬ 
nated by hybridizing the California wild oat 
with the old-fashioned English oat.” 
This is all lie lias to say about the origin 
and progress of this “agricultural wonder,” 
leaving us in quandary as to what particular 
variety or species of oat is meant by “old- 
fashioned English ” and “Californian.” 
Now I am charitable enough to believe the 
man who would put forth Httcli a statement 
as the above, really did not know- any better, 
although he may Ve ignorant enough in regard 
to the true history of this very old and almost 
universally-condemned species of oat. It has 
been denounced in England, where known 
from time immemorial, a* it possesses noth¬ 
ing to recommend it but hardiness in produc¬ 
ing a moderate crop where no other gram 
ean be expected. It has also been declared 
unlit for cultivation in exposed situations on 
account of excessive liability to bo shed when 
nearly ripe. But to show that I am not prej¬ 
udiced against this oat, I will quote u recoin 
mendation from an old book which Mr. Bou 
tklle may have overlooked, and would be 
pleased to insert in the next edition of his 
circular. He may find it on page 08 of Gk- 
Ha lime’s “ llistorieaf Plants,” a book printed 
in London, England, 15i>7. There is also an 
illustration of a growing plant of this oat on 
the same page, which would bo an excellent 
companion piece to one given of Mr. Bou- 
tkli.k’S “Agricultural Wonder.” But Mr. 
Gkrahoe’s description and recommendation 
is a.s follows : A vena main is like unto the 
common Otes, differing in that, that these 
naked Otes, immediately as they bo Hi reshed 
without helpe of a mill become otemcalc fit 
for use. In consideration whereof in North 
folke, and Soullifolke they are. called unhull¬ 
ed and naked otes.” 
Now if Mr. Roctkll does not thank me 
for calling his attention to the above recom¬ 
mendation of John Gerab.de, two hundred 
and seventy e'ght years ago, he must he au 
ungrateful wretch. Just, to think b<>\\ very 
handy it must be to raise oat s which required 
no null to convert them into corn meal. Upon 
reading the above 1 was half inclined to think 
that Gkrartik may have been a particular 
friend of some “ Department of Agriculture,” 
or had an interest in a seed store or, for 
aught I know to the contrary, the present 
Mr. Bou telle was Ids partner in a little 
“side” business of this kind; but Lhe next 
paragraph dispels any doubts upon these 
points, for our worthy author adds “ Some 
of those good huswives that delight not to 
have store of anything but from hand to 
mouth, according to our English proverbe, 
may (while their pot doth seath) go to the 
barne, aud rub fourth with their hands suf¬ 
ficient for that present time, uot, willing to 
provide for to - morrow, according as the 
Scripture speaketh, but let, the next day 
bring with it.” 
From this we must conclude that Ge- 
r a roe’s principal objection to the hulless 
oats was, that they were likely to beget and 
encourage indolence on the part of the women 
folk which, of course, would not apply iu 
these days of general industry in both sexes. 
But, laying all levity aside, is it not a bad 
commentary on the intelligence of our peo¬ 
ple that such old and well known kinds of 
grain can be brought, forward as uew and 
receive awards as such at Stat.6 and County 
fairs, as well as be disposed of in immense 
quantities at exorbitant prices. For more 
than fifty years this very same “ Hulless oat” 
lias been brought out periodically in this 
country as a new thing under various names, 
and I presume it will continue to be as long 
as there are people with more money than 
brains. 
--- 
English Cucumbers.—A n English garden¬ 
er highly recommends the Improved Sion 
House cucumber for “ winter work ” 
and for summer Blue Gown “takes the 
lead ” with him. 
$he iionsnnan. 
TEACHING COLTS TO TROT. 
The following practical suggestions upon 
this subject from the Spirit of the Times 
may interest many of our readers who are 
horsemen : 
Presuming that the colt has become 
accustomed to the halter, and he leads kind- 
ly, and stands quietly while hitched, and 
that he is acquainted and on friendly terms 
with Ills master, the bridle may be put on 
without the check rain or other restraint. 
He will soon become familar with the bit in 
his mouth. The next-day n side-check, 
buckled to the surcingle, may be added— 
ca re being exercised not to draw it too tight¬ 
ly—and soon thereafter tui additional check 
rein, through guy runners, may he attached 
and if not drawn too tightly the colt will 
soon learn that by raising the head and 
drooping the nose he. will avoid pressure 
against the bit. While giving those lessons 
the utmost kindness and consideration for 
his uneasiness should he. shown him. He 
will come to you to have his check loosened 
occasionally, and should receive your 
caresses. 
After three or four lessons of this kind, 
not to exceed one hour each, quietly lay the 
harness on him, permitting him to smell of i 
it first. Let him feel the traees and straps 
against his side, flanks and limb* . As scion 
as you are satisfied that he is not afraid of it, 
attach driving reins to his bit, lead him 
around awhile, then drive him in front of 
you, gradually teaching him to rein to the 
right and left, and to stop when you com¬ 
mand. Don’t jerk or pull severely, but 
handle your reins wit h delicacy. The follow 
fug day harness him by the side of an old, 
steady and reliable horse, drive together' 
about half a mile, turn them often to the 
right and left, compel them to stop, stand, 
and back at your command, then attach 
them to a sleigh or other noisless vehicle 
and in niuety-uine cases in one hundred 
he will go quietly and to your satisfaction, 
if his mouth don’t get sore, have him driven 
every day fora week by the aide of the old 
horse, changing sides occasionally. Light, 
work, like the drawing of wood, muck or 
manure, may enable you to.iithze yoiu" time 
while breaking the colt to the advantage of 
other interests, provided that the old horse 
has the bulk of the load to draw, 
These lessons may have consumed ten 
days, but your eolt ts now ready to drive 
single in the thills of your cutter or two 
wheel vehicle with safety. Turn him to the 
rigid and lef«, that he may feel the thills. If 
he shows no evidence of fright, get in and 
drive him. Walk him at first, then trot him 
gently. Avoid exciting him ; always be 
mild, gentle, yet firm with him. If you 
have used pood judgement there will have 
been no occasion for chastisement. During 
these preliminary lessons lie may be ae | 
customed to the saddle, and a quiet, sensible 
boy may mount and sit on him in the. stable 
or while being led. You have now given | 
the colt much practical education. You I 
have not only taught liim much that is use¬ 
ful, but by kindness and discretion you have 
prevented him from learning anything 
vicious. You have his confidence, and he j 
delights to serve you. All vices and tricks 
are usually the result of fear or anger, occa¬ 
sioned by rough, unkind and unintelligent 
management. 
All that the colt has thus fur learned Is 
essential, whatever liisfuture calling may be, 
and now is the time to tCBt his Messenger 
qualities. You want to see him trot. Well, 
ask but little, and don’t expect to much. If 
In's stride is long, his forward movement 
square, and he travels wide behind with free 
stifle-action, you have a right to hope, even 
if he fails to fold the knee or show you a six- 
rninute gait. Presuming him to be an un- 
pafnpered but healthy colt, eating plenty of 
hay with little grain, as is the case with 
the majority of farmers’ young stock, great 
care should be exercised to avoid prolonged 
or too rigorous exertion at t he outset, while 
his muscles are relaxed and his flesh soft. 
Walk your eolt about eighty rods, then 
jog him half a mile ; coming to a smooth 
piece of road, urge him on at a good lively 
pace (not his fastest, however) for eighty 
rods, then walk him again, that the little 
excitement occasioned by his active, exercise 
may subside ; then jog him another half- 
mile ; then urge him nearly to the top of 
his speed for eighty rods, but be very careful 
not to drive him to a break. Now walk him 
half a mile, and put him into the stable. 
This work has not heated his system ; he is 
not exhausted, and if kept out of all draft 
of air, he needs lio blankets or other special 
care of any kind. It has been simply a 
healthy and pleasant exercise, and yet he 
has taken his first lesson in trotting. Repeat 
this lesson every other day, if the weather 
permits—speeding him every time at the 
same place—and after a few weeks you may 
give him two spurts instead of one, always 
preceding the first with eighty or one hun¬ 
dred rods of sharp road work, with inter¬ 
mediate walking and .logging, to get his 
blood in circulation, and action easy and 
level. No horse can trot fast whon first 
taken from the stable. When about to trot 
him fast, don’t pull up your reins, or take up 
the. whip, or make any preliminary move¬ 
ments calculated to excite the colt, but 
bring him to his best gait very gradually. 
If by accident you should drive him to a 
break, don’t speak sharply, or pull him back 
with a ulttiht “sawing movement” of the 
reins, until he catches his trot again, then 
steady him for some distance, until he gets 
settled in his stride and gets over the excite¬ 
ment occasioned by the break, then gradu¬ 
ally case up on your reins, and let him go 
a little foster. Watch him closely, and if he 
gets to going too fast you had better pull 
him hack a trifle than to permit him to go off 
his feet. If your neighbor, with an older 
or faster horse, drives up by your side, 
and is about to pass you, don’t, think of him, 
but keep an eye on your colt, or his ambition 
and your indiscretion will certainly lead him 
to break. Should this occur, do not under 
any consideration or pretense, strike the 
eolt. At lids moment, above all others, be 
patient with him. If you do punish him, 
you can never rely on him in company after¬ 
ward. 
Be careful that you do not permit your 
colt to become a puller. In our Notheren 
Climate it, will not be necessary to get the 
colt shod. He will uot slip in snow-paths, as 
his hoofs are sharp, and you avoid the 
danger of calking him. If, however, you 
are anxious to see a little more knee or 
stifle action, a set of shoes will accomplish it. 
Driving in winter on lightly-fallen snow has 
a similar effect. With the approach of 
spring you will be able to form an intelligent 
opinion as regards the prospects of your 
making a trotter of your colt, and it has cost 
you nothing but a little t ime in the experi¬ 
ment. The colt has increased in value from 
; the education he has received, and there has 
been no interference with his plain, economi¬ 
cal diet or growth from excessive training. 
He should now have a few weeks’ respite 
from this kind of exorcise. If, however, you 
have any light farm work to do, aud need his 
services, don t hesitate to put lain at it; only 
he careful not to draw him hard or fatigue 
him. 
Keep him in good spirits, cheerful and 
always growing. If you can find time to 
train him a little between spring work and 
haying, then rest him till fall, aud finally 
take him up again a few weeks before your 
county fair—you may be able to scoop the 
purse from more pretentious rivals, and 
eventually treble I lie value of your horse by 
thus ascertaining his trotting qualities. 
NEW HORSE DISEASE WEST. 
The Turf, Field and Farm of Feb. 5, has 
this item :—A kind of influenza has broken 
out among the horses in many of the 
Western towns, its first appearance in 
malignant form being reported from Detroit, 
Mich., where a number of animals have fall¬ 
en victims to it. The malady prevailing at 
present bears no relationship to the epizootic, 
although some of the earlier symptoms are 
similar. The horse becomes weak iD the 
legs, staggering as he walks, refuses to eat, 
the eye loses its luster, the hair its glossi¬ 
ness. the head hangs downward aud is 
apparently raised with considerable difficul¬ 
ty, and the breathing is hard and stertorous. 
There is, however, no swelling in the throat 
nor copious yel'owish discharge from the 
nostrils, as in case of epizootic. The 
physicians who have investigated it general¬ 
ly agree that this disease is a species of 
influenza, which soon develops Into lung 
fever. It is v<sry dangerous unless treated at 
once. The doctors say that, as soon as the 
disease becomes manifest the auimal should 
be freed from work, rubbed dry. blanketed, 
stabled in a dry, light apartment, and a 
veterinary surgeon summoned at once. 
With a pardonable regard for their fees, 
they decline t o give the course of medical 
treatment that should be followed. 
- +++ - 
~ Robert Bonner has bought the celebrated 
Kentucky trotting gelding, Dick Jameson, 
1 thought by many who know him to be the 
fastest trotter in the world. Record, 8:36. 
« i *** > j - 
