406 
THE RURAL 
-YORKER. 
DEC. 22 
THE 
RURAL NEW-YORKER, 
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY. 
Address 
RURAL PUBLISHING CO., 
78 Duane Street, New York City. 
If —- ■ -_ . _ _ 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1877. 
According to promise, tve present our “ Model’’ 
Farm Premises. Several months have been given 
to the designs and their execution, and we place 
them before onr readers as of considerable value. 
This will expfaiu the omission of several of our 
usual Departments. In fact, it may be oallod 
our Arcbitoctu-Ilural number. 
- *" 
CHRISTMAS. 
Again approaches the season of mirth 
and merriment, when old and young, rich 
and poor, all, in various ways as suit their 
condition, join in observing the Christmas 
Holidays. 
The 25th of December is the day on 
which the suu is near the most southerly 
point in its apparent annual journey, and 
for so long as we have historical record, it 
hap been celebrated by ceremonies and 
rejoicings. 
The Hindoos on this day decorate their 
houses with garlands of flowers and papers 
of gold and tinsel, and the custom of mak¬ 
ing presents to relatives and friends is 
universally observed. 
The Egyptians recognized it by their fes¬ 
tival in honor of the birth of their god 
IIokus. 
In China it is a general holiday; the 
shops are shut and courts closed. No 
journey would, under any circumstances, 
be commenced on this day. 
The Persians kept it as the birthday of 
Mithras the Mediator, a spirit of the sun, 
with ceremonies of uncommon splendor. 
The old Romans held high festival in 
honor of Bacchus, rejoicing with him that 
t>he sun was about to return and revivify 
the vineyards. They designated the day ' 
Dies Natali* Invicti Solis— the birthday 1 
of the invincible Sun. 
There is no record that the birthday of 
Jesus, the Christ, was observed until the < 
second century. At the suggestion of ! l 
Pope Telehdhorus, some of the Eastern * 
eh arches recognized the sixth of January ] 
as the day, while those of the West added ‘ 
ft to other celebrations in the last week j 
of Decern bor. c 
In the fourth century, Pope Junius - 
made an order assembling the chief theo- 1 
logiaus of the time, for the purpose of ‘ 
examining all evidences bearing upon the * 
date of the birth of Jesus, that they 
should, if possible, fix the day, in order i 
that its observance might be universal. I 
After due deliberation, they decided that * 
it was on December 25th. ’ This decision ° 
was, at the time, believed by many of the ^ 
fathers in the Church to be erroneous, 
and they went so far as to assert that the ° 
examiners had been biased in tlieir decis- it 
ion by their desire to please the public, ti 
to whom this day had already become a C( 
noted one. 
Popular feeling, however, sustained the ** 
Council in their dociaion, which was final¬ 
ly universally accepted and commemo- oJ 
rated, although it is now generally be- or 
lieved to be wrong. On the publication th 
of the decision, the Roman church de- lai 
cieed and instituted special prayers or 
masses, to be said on that, day, which ^ 
were known as Christ-masses. ar ' 
But we find another derivation for the E; 
name. The old Saxons had a word, Mo;s- ' 
sa, 1^ which they designated all days freed 001 
from labor, whether holidays or fast days. re ! 
The holidays kept in remembrance of the th . 
birth of Christ, were Christ-mceem. fijj 
The spread of Die Christian religion am 
carried with it the observance of Christ- Ap 
mas as a religious festival with which be- 
came connected other observances vary- 
mg with the customs and habits of differ- ^bl 
cut nations. 
The New England Puritans, holding in 
abhorrence the Romish church and all 
the forms and ceremonies connected there¬ 
with, disregarded the observance of Christ¬ 
mas ; and not until within a few years 
past has it been generally celebrated in 
the Northern States of our Union. We 
are glad to know, however, that now there 
is scarcely a home in which its animal re¬ 
turn is not anxiously waited for and prop¬ 
erly celebrated. 
Whether or not. the birth of Christ oc¬ 
curred on the 25th of December, is a mat¬ 
ter of little importance. Neither is it a 
question of much moment if the stable 
spoken of in the Scriptures in connection 
with his birth, was a building devoted to 
the same purposes as are stables at the 
present time, or whether it was an ‘ 1 an¬ 
nex” to the inn, to be used, when the lat¬ 
ter was full, for tho accommodation of 
guests ; or if the manger was the place 
from which cattle were fed, rather than a 
kind of hammock, as somo believe. Sueh 
matters as these may be proper subjects 
for theological discussions ; at present, 
all we need consider is the fact that 
Christ was bom some timo, that he was 
nursed and tended somewhere, and that 
he lived to bo an exainjde to and a Sa¬ 
viour of all men. 
It is proper, then, that we should cele¬ 
brate his birth with joy and gladness, 
with feast and festival, with thanksgiving 
and praise. 
-- 
FOR THE NEW YEAR. 
Ode arrangements arc far from oomplete for 
0 1878. In fact, it is not possible for any jour- 
, nal which proposes to deal with current topics 
of interest as they present themselves, to settle 
f upon its “policy” for so long a period in ad¬ 
vance. At this time, however, our friends have 
a right to know in general terms what they may 
expect for the New Year, in so far as we are eua- 
* bled to inform them, and this wo proceed to do 
t in as few words as possible. Of the Berios of ar- 
f tides promised by tho Presidents and Professors 
r . of our Agricultural Colleges, tho following have 
T still to be published : • 4 Orape Culture at the 
Pennsylvania State College,” by Dr. James Car¬ 
der “ The Construction of the Plow,” by Pro¬ 
fessor 8. M. Thai v ;—“ Progress and Condition 
1 | of Agricultural Education in the United States,” 
: by Professor 1 P. Roberts .— “The Profitable 
i Culture of Timber Trees," by Professor John 
, Hussey ; — “ Forestry, ” “ Arboriculture, ” or 
some kindred subject, by Professor C. 8. Sar¬ 
gent ;—“ The Outlook for Young Farmers,” by 
Professor Geokoe E. Morrow “ Capabilities 
of Farm Life,” by Professor John M. (ireoorv ; 
—" The Effects of Propotenoe iu the Forming of 
Races,” by President A. S. Welch “ National 
Aid to Industrial Education,” by Dr. Jons B. 
Bowman ; — “ Diseases of Apple Trees and 
Fruits," by ProfeHsor Thomas J. Burrill 
“ Wild Plants as Garden Flowers," by William 
Falconer {—“Education of Farmers' BoyB,” by 
President M. £1. Bcckham ;—“ The Value of the 
Farmer's Errors,” by Professor Charles L. In- 
gkrsoll ; — “ Atmospheric and Mineral Plant 
Food,” by Professor J. D. Warkield. 
Several of the above writers will contribute 
other articles during the year. Professor Wil¬ 
liam J. Beal— of the State Agricultural Col¬ 
lege, Lansing, Michigan—whose forcible, prac¬ 
tical writings have been everywhere popular, will 
contribute regularly to our columns. 
Professor Levi Stookbridge of Amherst, will 
contribute occasional articles. 
Edward M. Suelton, Professor of practical 
agriculture in the Kansas State Agricultural 
College, than whom few meu either from study 
or practice are more familiar with the needs of 
the Western farmer, will also contribute regu¬ 
larly. 
Col. F. D. Curtis will continue the genial and 
instructive “ Jottings at Kirby Homestead”— 
Dr. F. S. Thomas will contribute “ Veterinary” 
articles—Dr. Goodenougr, “ Hygienic,” and 
Esoch Spencer B A., “ Scientific" articles. 
Our Dairy Depaitrueut will be made up of 
contributions from many practical writers rep- i 
resenting the methods of different sections in 1 
this important branch of agricultural industry. 
T. B. Miner will continue his Rural Topics 1 
filled with tho results of many years of practice l 
and study. He will also ooutribute to the I 
Apiarist department. The ever increasing iu- i 
teresl which is manifested in the poultry yard < 
will receive the consideration it richly merits 
and the question “ How to make it most profit- e 
able,” will be constantly kept in view. Mr. a 
Henry Hales will continue his trustworthy ad- a 
iu v * ce an( i a number of other experienced writers 
til contribute to this department. 
•e- SmalJ * rnit4j ot aU kind8 - 88 regards the best 
^ varieties and tlieir culture will be treated the 
coming year with a fulness they have never be- 
l18 f°re received. And the same may be said of 
in grapes. As specimens of all desirable varieties 
7e are cultivated in our experimental grounds, tbo 
re editors are enabled to add their experience to 
e the views of the many writers from different 
sections which will, we trust, invest this depart- 
P mont with a rare interest to the suburban resi¬ 
dent as well as to the general horticulturist and 
C- farmer. 
.t- We have already informed our readers that tho 
a horticultural and agricultural grounds of the 
le ® UBAL New Yorker consist of eighty-two acres, 
a part of which is, and it is proposed that the 
,n whole shall be, devoted to experimental purposes 
in the interest of those who read the paper, 
te Here are tested all Borta of seeds and plants of 
promise which come under onr notice that are at 
f _ all adapted to the climate and soil—and impartial 
reports arc rendered. We are especially in- 
1 terested in hardy fruits, deciduous aud ever- 
!e green ornamental trees and shrubs to which 
a alone ton acres are devoted. All nurserymen, 
h soedsmeu and florists are requested to advise us 
& of any plants of this character which they pro- 
^ P OHO to introduce that we may procure speci- 
! menH. Of such plants as would seem to be of 
1 general interest, faithful sketches will be made 
8 and presented to onr readers with all that we 
it can ascertain respecting them. 
l- We would feel greatly obliged if our readers, 
would forward ns drawings—however rude— of 
all labor saving or improved boildingH, machin- 
*' er y or contrivances, such as corn-cribs, barns, 
>, drains, forks, rakes, gates, fences, henneries, 
g nests, Ac., Ac., that we may have them redrawn, 
engraved and described for the benefit of all. 
ThiB is one or the especial benefits of an Illus¬ 
trated journal. 
Our original architectural plans will be con¬ 
tinued through the year. Those published of 
r late have elicited comment a from correspondents 
- which load us to believe that they alone have 
8 been worth to those interested many times the 
e oost of our paper. 
Iu our issue of Nov. 10, we offered to send 
3 packets of seeds free to all applicants. Up to 
’’ this time we have mailed many thousands of 
- packets and we have yet several thousand orders 
> to fill. Undismayed by this experience, we are 
• thus early preparing for a free seed distribution 
* next Tall on a yet larger scale, Of course, we 
> do not propose to supply any demand for seed 
> in quantity, but simply to distribute rare or un¬ 
common varieties that are not generally procur¬ 
able of seedsmen. We take a real pride in this 
| I seed distribution which is absolutely free to 
subscribers—and our reward comes with tho 
1 consciousness that we are promoting an appre¬ 
ciation of a pursuit that perhaps more than any 
other, exerts a refining influence upon us poor 
mortals that stand greatly in need of all we cau 
get. 
Floriculture, out-of-doors and in-doors, will 
in no case be negleotod. House plants and wiu- 
dow gardening will be treated as specialties. < 
Arboriculture, we shall deem as one of the most < 
Important sub-departments of Horticulture, the 
promotion of which, in its entirety is one of the 3 
great objects of our journal. In this depart- 1 
meat, fascinating in some degree to all civilized l 
people,—we promise our readers outright—a ( 
list of contributions from our most efficient and t 
skilled horticulturists. We have space to men- 1 
tion only the following: William Falconer, I 
George Such, James Taplin, Gen. W. H. i 
Noble. Samuel Tarsons, Dr. a. C. Williams. 
VV illiam Robinson, Annie L. Jack, Benjamin c 
8. Williams, “Notes prom the Rural t 
Grounds,” G. Marti, W. C. L. Drew, Wm. J. I 
Beal, Dr. Hkxameh, Mrs. Story. s 
We shall continue to give much space to the a 
vegetable garden under this department, with a a 
view to inducing all people, whether they own a a 
square rod or hundred! of acres of land to oul- t 
tivate vegetables more generally. We feel con- ti 
fident that this is a field that must heavily a 
reward all efforts made in its behalf. We are 
importing all the novelties in the way of veget- t< 
able seeds, wbioh are offered abroad, and these e 
we propose to test daring the season of 78. tf 
Pomology, as a branch of Horticulture, shall a 
also receive the consideration due to it in this rr 
land of fruit, aud we may promise contributions 
from every state in the Union. a< 
We hold ourselves ready to answer all practi- 51 
oal questions, in which most of our readers may 
be thought to be interested. &i 
Our series of portraits of hardy trees from al 
life, will be continued through the new year. 
Such new or rare plants only are selected, as pi 
have already been well tested for this climate, tb 
and that so fur as can he judged, will prove ao- pi 
quisitions of the highest merit. in 
The department of Entomology will be treat- m 
ed only with reference to those insects which re 
are in j urious to our crops and ornamental plants, m 
and not as a science. I m 
In so far as it is possible, we shall continue 
to prepent portraits of all animals iu which the 
farmers may be Eupi*osed to be interested. And 
the departments of the Herdsman, Swine-herd, 
Horseman etc., will receive our best attention. 
The department of Domestic Economy that 
lias for months past created so lively an interest 
among our lady readers will be conducted by 
“Emily Maple," with the same originality and 
care as heretofore. 
t- It is with what we think a justifiable pride 
n- that we may refer to the practical department of 
id our paper, as being and as having been under 
its present management wholly original—and 
le the same may be said of the literary depart- 
le ments to a greater extent than ever before. 
b, With the exception of a weekly column or so of 
le extracts from the Agricultural Press which we 
es had designed to publish, but which we have but 
r. once found space for, it is our intention to re- 
'f tain this characteristic an one possessed by few 
At other rural family journals iti the world. Onr 
al market reports will bo as they have been furn- 
l- iahed by a special reporter, and only the latest 
r- quotations up to the hour of going to press 
h given. 
i, It is our aim to constantly increase the exoel- 
s lence of the Literary Departments by the addi- 
>* tion of novel topics and new writers. The 
i- poetry will be chosen for tbo beauty and appro- 
priateness of its thought and verse, and not, as 
e is too frequently tbe custom, merely to fill up 
e odd corners. Liberal space will be accorded 
short and continued stories. Without permitting 
S them to degenerate into vulgar sensationalism, 
f they shall yet be exciting and intensely iiitorest- 
i- ing. Some of our best writers will contribute, 
i, besides others of lesser note, none the less plcas- 
i, ing because of their comparative obscurity, 
i, We shall continue, as heretofore, to print from 
1. time to time stories from the pens of tho most 
- talented among our subscribers, thereby aiding 
in developing gifts that might otherwise perish 
- for lack of opportunity. Many writers known 
f to the public (among whom we may instance tho 
s author of “ Silver Threads Among the Gold,”; 
s owe recognition by the public to the discriminat- 
3 ing aud sympathetic appreciation of the editorH 
of the Bubal, in which their first efforts np- 
1 peared. 
> The Miscellany will embrace a wide range of 
r subjects, instructive, interesting and amusing, 
i while the Brie-a-Brao will give quaint and curi- 
> oua items culled from sources inaccessible to 
i the ordinary reader. Our reviews of current 
i literature will aim to instruct and guide our read- 
[ ers in the selection of bookB, keeping those liv¬ 
ing remote from centers of thought fully in¬ 
formed of the intellectual movements of the 
i day. 
Miss Faith Ripley, who so admirably con¬ 
ducts the department For Women, promises to 
maintain and increase its popularity, by making 
it peculiarly the exponent of their interests. 
The illustrated fashion articles will be continued 
and elaborated, giving full descriptions and 
details of all new styles as fast as they appear 
with accurate cut paper-patterns which will be 
selected with a view to subordinating the purely 
ornamental and.extravagant, to the practical and 
economical. The illustrated articles on Homo 
Decoration and Fancy Work will present the 
newest and handsomest designs procurable from 
both foreign and American sources. All tho old 
features that have been so attractive will bo re¬ 
tained and elaborated, including the discussions 
and criticisms by readers on subjects suggested 
by writers, and we shall occasionally offer prizes 
for the best essays, as formerly, on topics 
nearly concerning womankind. 
The young people will be UDder the special 
care of Uncle True, who promises to make 
their interests aud pleasure a careful study. 
Besides the letters from young people them¬ 
selves which will continue to be a salient feature, 
aud the Puzzler (which will be made as puzzling 
as an active ingenuity can make it,) will be 
added short stories by good writers, and instruc¬ 
tive articles on popular science with experiments 
that may be safely attempted by our young sub¬ 
scribers. 
These artioles will explain how to take a pho¬ 
tograph, how to construct a telegraph wire etc., 
etc. Anecdotes of travel and adventure, and 
talks on deportment and kindred topics, will 
contribute to make a most interesting depart¬ 
ment. 
The column of Sabbath reading will be edited 
as scrupulously in the future as in the past. 
More need not be said. 
Attention will be given to educational matters, 
and under this head teachers as well as pupils will 
always find whatever is newest in tlieir circles. 
The news of the week, to which we accord am¬ 
ple space, will contain the freshest items from 
the two continents up to the hour of going to 
press, and important events will be summarized 
in the same skillful manner that marks our treat¬ 
ment of the present European war; enabling 
readers to gain a comprehensive idea of the 
march of events without poring over a mass of 
immaterial detail. 
