86 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
Jan, 
Slitstoers to Corrcspontifnto. 
Peat Ashes.- —In reply to our correspondent at 
Smithfield, Va., in regard to the effects of peat or turf 
ashes, we observe, that such ashes generally prove 
useful for most crops. The peat is preferred by some 
in a charred state•—or not entirely burnt to ashes. A 
writer in the Scottish Quarterly Journal of Agriculture, 
describes the effect of a mixture of. charred peat and 
peat ashes. A fire was first kindled, and the peat piled 
around. The fire was kept in a smothered state in 
order to char the peat, but it sometimes broke out for 
a while, and made ashes. When the burning was 
stopped, the mass was about half charred peat and half 
ashes. The mixture was used as a dressing for ruta 
baga, at the rate of 200 bushels per acre, put into the 
drills. It was tried against good stable manure, that 
would cut like mould with the spade, which was ap¬ 
plied at the rate of twenty tons to the acre, and put 
into the drills like the peat and ashes. Both lots were 
treated alike. The peaty mixture produced forty tons, 
and the stable manure thirty tons, per acre. 
The peat and ashes, and the stable manure were also 
tried for peas, in a manner similar to that described as 
for turneps, and the rows where tire peaty mixture was 
used, yielded as much as those treated with manure. 
Mr. Crispell’s Farming.- —“ A Subscriber,” 
Frederick, Md. The statement to which you refer was 
an extract from Mr. Crispell’s account of his farm 
products, as given in the Transactions of the New-York 
State Ag. Society. The quantity of ground occupied 
by each crop, we do not find mentioned, but the follow¬ 
ing is given as the product per acre: viz., corn 70 
bushels; oats, 7l|; rye, 27; wheat, 12,- potatoes, 120; 
hay, 2\ tons. We will endeavor to obtain from Mr. 
C. the information desired, in regard to the amount of 
grain and provender consumed on the farm by stock. 
Cistern. —H. S., Middlebury, Vf. The plan you 
propose, of drawing off the sediment, or impure water, 
from the bottom of the cistern, by means of a pipe and 
faucett, is new to us, but it looks as if it might answer 
the purpose. At any rate it will not cost much to try 
it—the experiment will be useful, from having ascer¬ 
tained a fact . 
Spaying Cows. —J. R., Utica, N. Y. We have no 
practical knowledge in regard to this matter. It is 
quite common in England and in some parts of this 
country, to spay heifers in order to hasten their fatten¬ 
ing. We have heard of a few instances in which the 
operation has been performed on milch cows. The ob¬ 
ject in this case is to have them continue in milk, in¬ 
definitely, as to time. If any one can furnish any in¬ 
formation on the subject, either as to the mode of per¬ 
forming the operation, or its particular advantage, in 
regard to cows, w T e Should be glad to receive it. 
Trench Plow. —W. H., Trumansburg, N. Y. We 
do not know where this implement can be had. Since 
subsoil plows were introduced, trench plows have 
mostly gone out of use. They were usually made very 
strong, and without a mould board. Any plow that is 
strong and large may be made to answer the purpose 
of a trench plow by running it deep enough. 
Mares for Breeding. —A late English essay on 
the breeding and management of farm-horses, recom¬ 
mends that mares for breeding should be well-shaped 
in their different parts; gentle, but spirited; have a 
large, well-formed carease • good middle; strong, sinewy 
limbs; not too high, (say 15-§ hands;) broad, well- 
formed chest, which is of the greatest importance; neck 
not too long, but well set on; ears erect; free from 
natural blemishes of any kind; one color is to be pre¬ 
ferred, with good action in all paces; head will eleva¬ 
ted, which generally indicates spirit; and not too much 
hair on the legs. The proper age for breeding is nei¬ 
ther too young nor too old—(say from five to fifteen,) 
which will impart vigor to the offspring. 
Use of Roses. —A correspondent of a western paper, 
asks whether mankind would be most benefit!ed by an 
acre of roses or an acre of potatoes ? 
To which the editor replies by asking another ques¬ 
tion,—which is the most useful, the plow, or the 
razor? 
Prices of Agricultural Products. 
New-York, December 14, 1848. 
FLOUR—Genesee, per Lbl., $5.50a$5 62|—Fancy brands $5.75 
a$6.25. 
GRAIN—Wheat, Genesee, per bush. $1.20—-Corn 58a62c—Rye 
62 c.—Barley, 64a65c.—Oats, 32«3Gc 
BUT TER—Best, per lb , 19a21c.—Western dairy, 15al8c. 
CHEESE—per lb., 6hz7|c. 
BEEF—Mess, per bbl., $9 75 a $11—Prime, $5.75a$6. 
PORK—Mess, per bbl., $1250a$12.62—Prime, $9 37^—Dressed 
Hogs, per lb., 5£a5|cts. 
LARD—per lb., 7£ c 
HAMS—Smoked, per lb , 6£a9c. 
HEMP—American dew-rotted, per ton, $155a$160. 
TOBACCO—per lb., Kentucky, 3£a6c. 
COTTON—Upland and Florida, per lb., 5|a6|—New Orleans and 
Alabama, 5§a7$C. 
WOOL—Prime or Saxon fleeces, washed, per lb.,.35a41c. 
American full-blood fleeces;.. 3Ia33 
“ half-blood,. 26a27 
“ one-fourth blood and common,. 23a25 
D Zr* The news by the last steamer had the effect to cheek opera¬ 
tions in flour and corn. The demand for flour is chiefly for the 
Eastern trade, for which there is moderate inquiry. 
Annual Meeting N. Y. S. Ag. Society. 
rpHE Annual Meeting of theN. Y. S. A. Society, will be held at 
-L Albany on the 3d Wednesday, (17th) of January, 1849. 
Premiums will be awarded on Grain and Root crops, Bulter, 
Cheese, Fruits, &c. Statements should be furnished the Secretary 
early in January It is desired that there should be a full represen¬ 
tation from the county Societies, as well as of the friends of Agri¬ 
culture generally. 
A Pomological Exhibition will be held at the rooms of the Soci¬ 
ety, and growers of fruit are respectfully requested to forward spe¬ 
cimens to the Secretary, as early, if practicable, as the 15th of Ja¬ 
nuary. B P. JOHNSON, 
Nov 1, 1848—2t. Secretary. 
Mobile Seed Store. 
Agricultural and Horticultural Manufacturers 1 Agents, for the sale 
of Plows, Straw Cutlers, Corn Shellers, Harrows, Cultivators, 
Seed Planters, Water Rams , §c., Sfc. 
T HE undersigned have been for many years devoted to the ad¬ 
vancement of Agricultural. Horticultural, and other scientific 
pursuits, for which a taste is advancing in this State rapidly, and be¬ 
yond any other period of its existence; and. aware of the want of 
an Agent located in Mobile, in whose judgment in such affairs the 
citizens of this and the adjoining State and the proprietors can have 
confidence, and who would take a direct and personal interest in 
furthering the introduction of approved Agricultural and Horticul¬ 
tural implements, tools and machinery, we are induced to open an 
Agency in this city, devoted to these branches alone. From our 
knowledge of, and acquaintance with the Planters of Alabama and 
Mississippi, we are enabled to offer greater inducements and facili¬ 
ties to Patentees and inventors for the sale of their articles, than can 
be obtained elsewhere. We will open an exclusive 
AGRICULTURAL AGENCY WAREHOUSE IN MOBILE, 
SUITED TO THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 
Inventors and Patentees are invited to a correspondence (post 
paid,) relating to Plows, Harrows, Rollers, Cultivators, Horse Pow¬ 
ers, Grain and Rice Threshers, Hulling Machines, Fanning Mills, 
Cotton Gins, and all other articles useful to Planters and Agricul¬ 
turists. 
We will act as Agents for responsible Nurserymen and Horticul¬ 
turists, on reasonable terms, and will give prompt attention to tho 
receiving and forwarding goods to the interior of the State free of 
charge. 
We will make prompt returns of all business confided to us. 
fr?- Agricultural Works received on commission. 
Mobile, Sept. 1848. S. B. NORTH Sc CO. 
Refer to:— Hon. John Gayle,, Member of Congress; Messrs. 
Stewart & Eaton, Esqs.; Campbell & Chandler, Esqs.; J. G. 
Lyon, Esq., U. S. Marshal; Messrs. LeBaron & Son ; J. C. 
Hodges, Esq. ; Collier H. Minge, Esq.; Messrs. L. Merchant 
& Co.; J. H- Rivers & Co.; Robert Desiia & Co.; David Stod- 
der, Esq.; Luther Tucker, Esq., publisher “ Cultivator ” and 
u Horticulturist,” Aibanv; A. B. Ai.len, Esq., Editor “American 
Agriculturist,” New-York; Wm H. Starr, Esq., Editor “Farmer 
and Mechanic,” New York. 
Nov. 1.—3teom. 
