178 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
from Mr. Webb. We learn from Dr. Thompson that while the 
disappointments and losses sustained by Mr. Webb in his expe¬ 
riments this season have been considerable, he has obtained 
information which has been highly satisfactory. Facis have 
been developed by the juice extracted from certain parts of the 
acre, and the sugar made from certain parts of the juice, suffi¬ 
cient to prove that the estimate made by him last year, of 
1,000 lbs. per acre, is father under than over-rated. 
2. Two jugs of Maple Molasses; a very clear and handsome 
article, from Gen. O. F. Marshall, of Wheeler, Steuben county. 
3. A cage of pure Poland Hens, from B. Krmwer, Esq. of this 
city, which attracted much attention and were in great de¬ 
mand, but were not to be had for love or money. 
4. A variety of articles from Dr. Fieuchtwanger of New- 
York. 
5. A sheet of very superior Parchment, manufactured by Mr. 
Charles E. Delong of Utica. 
6. A mammoth Hop Vine, 36 feet in length, from the garden 
of Mr. Wm. Gibson of this city. 
7. Beautiful specimens of Wheat, from Messrs. E. K. James, 
Poughkeepsie, Jas. P. Hawley, Nevv-Baltimore, Henry Adams 
and C. N. Bement. 
8. Specimens of Barley, from Messrs. Henry Adams, C. N. 
Bement and P. Vandenbergh. 
9. Specimens of Oats, from Messrs. S. S. Fowler, H. Adams, 
C. N. Bement, E. Chesebro, Wm. Bennett. 
PLOWING MATCH. 
One of the most exciting- incidents of the three days, 
and the one which created the widest interest, was the 
sweepstakes plowing match, which came off on the fore¬ 
noon of Thursday the 29th. The match originated from 
a proposition made in the Cultivator of August, by a 
farmer of Albany county. 
For this display of skill in the management of the 
plow, ten entries were made; and the ground selected 
for the trial was the flat in front of the Bull’s Head, on 
the east side of the canal, and of course between that 
and the Hudson river. It was a fine, close, tough sward, 
perfectly smooth; and a spot better adapted to such an 
exhibition could scarcely have been selected. The re¬ 
cent rains had placed the soil in a good condition for the 
plow. Nine plows entered the field, amid a vast con¬ 
course of spectators, including many ladies, stationed in 
carriages in view of the field. It is needless to say the 
work was most beautifully done in every case; ami to 
an unpracticed eye, the task of deciding, where all ap¬ 
peared faultless, seemed no easy matter. The report of 
the judges will show the result. 
Report of Judges on the Plowing Match. 
The Committee appointed to examine the different specimens 
of Plowmanship, and to determine which of the Plowmen who 
had entered the list for the sweepstakes, was entitled to the 
preference, would respectfully report:— 
That by the terms of the match the committee are required 
to decide the superiority of the workmanship, “by the unifor¬ 
mity of the breadth and thickness of the furrow slice, and also 
by the parallelism of the sides.” 
Being thus limited, it might be thought by those who were 
not present at the match, or who have not seen the ground since 
the work was performed, that the committee must have had a 
very easy task; but it was not so, and it required much time 
in taking a minute measure.of the width and thickness of the 
furrow slices of the different’portions of the ground, before the 
committee could arrive at a conclusion satisfactory to their 
own minds. 
It is a source of great gratification to the committee to be 
able to say, that in their opinion the plowing, taken as a whole, 
lias seldom been equaled, and never surpassed in this country. 
It has been the good fortune of most of the committee, to have 
witnessed plowing matches, both in this and the neighboring 
states, and they say unhesitatingly, that the work is better 
done than they have ever seen elsewhere. 
The persons whose names were entered as competitors for 
the sweepstakes, were as follows: Patrick McKeever, W. H. 
Sotham, K. II Ireland, C. F. Crosby, William Brooksby, James 
Logan, John Keeler, John Randcrson, Mr. Moat, and Mr. Cars¬ 
well. 
The committee were not present at the trial, nor do they know 
the name of the man in whose favor they decide; arid it is but 
just to themselves and to the workmen, to say that there was 
so little difference in the workmanship on many of the lots, 
that the committee were not able to arrive at a conclusion en¬ 
tirely unanimous, but a majority of tin- committee decide in fa¬ 
vor of the plowman of lot No. 1. (Mr. John Keeler.) 
All which is respectfully submitted. 
G. W. PATTERSON, Ch’n. 
BOMMER’S METHOD OF MAKING MANURE. 
We invite attention to the annexed Report of Dr. 
Beck, on Bommers’ Method of preparing Manure. From 
a careful examination of the specifications and directions 
furnished us by Mr. Bommer, as well as from a personal 
examination of the process, from the forming of the heap 
to its opening, we are convinced that the method must 
prove valuable, and the manure so prepared of the best 
quality. There are many farms on which immense 
quantities of coarse grass, thistles, sedge, flags, and other 
weeds, are annually grown, of which no use can be pro¬ 
fitably made; all these, and with them the large piles of 
straw which are heaped round many barns to cause them 
to decay, may by this method, be expeditiously and 
cheaply converted into the best of manure—the cost of 
the materials which the farmer will have to purchase 
being only from fifteen to twenty cents per cord, anil 
the labor only such as is necessary to form a compost 
heap of any kind. 
Report on Bommer’s Process for Malting Vegetable Manure 
bp Fermentation. 
At the request of Mr. Bommer, the undersigned were present 
on the 14th of September, at the preparation of the materials 
used by him for making the above manure. As Mr. Bommer’s 
process is patented; it will of course not be expected that the 
committee can go into details farther than what he himself 
makes public. They have, however, no hesitation in stating 
that the materials mentioned in his specification were all used; 
that the experiment was in every respect fairly made ; and that 
the whole is evidently conducted on the most approved chemi¬ 
cal principles. 
Two heaps were prepared; the first made of dry materials, 
principally straw of various grains, and probably weighing 
about 1,000 pounds; the second was composed of ligneous ve. 
getables, dry and green—such as cornstalks, potato stems 
thistles and various other weeds. This weighed probably about 
450 lbs. and was propped against the first heap. 
The following table was kept at the request of the committee. 
It exhibits the degree of heat developed during the process of 
fermentation, ascertained daily by immersing the bulb of a ther¬ 
mometer in the centre of each heap. 
First Heap—Dry Straw. 
Dgs. 
Sept. 15, At 6 o’clock P. M. 76 
“ 16, At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
17, At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
18, At 8 o’clock A. M. 
<< 
<i 
it 
ft 
ft 
ft 
ft 
t> 
ti 
t. 
it 
ft 
ft 
tt 
H 
it 
19, At 5 o’clock P. M. 
20, At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
21, At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
22, At 7 o’clock A. M. 
23, At 10 o’clock A. M. 
24, At 10 o’clock A. M. 
25, At 10 o’clock A. M. 137 
26, At lOo’ciock A. M. 152 
27, At 10 o’clock A M. 116 
28 
87 
90 
96 
98 
103 
95 
102 
107 
113 
117 
126 
112 
123 
Second Heap—Green Stuff. 
• Dgs. 
Sept. 16, At 6 o’clock P. M. 
ti 
tt 
u 
■ t 
tt 
tt 
ft 
ft 
tt 
tt 
ft 
tt 
tt 
tt 
it 
n, 
is, 
19, 
20 , 
21 , 
22 , 
23, 
24, 
26, 
27, 
28, 
At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
At 8 o’clock A. M. 
At 5 o’clock P. M. 
At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock P. M. 
At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 6 o’clock I’. M. 
At 7 o’clock A. M. 
At 10 o’clock A. M. 
At 10 o'clock A. M. 
At 10 o’clock A. M. 1S2 
At 10 o’clock A. M. 201 
At 10 o’clock A. M. 13b 
At 9 o’clock A. M. 146 
SO 
109 
127 
161 
136 
152 
161 
173 
178 
184 
142 
157 
At 10 o’clock A M. 
, At 9 o’clock A. M. 122 
The fermentation was discontinued Sept. 28, when the heaps 
were opened for exhibition. The committee examined them on 
the 8th of October, and are quite satisfied that the result is a 
satisfactory oue. The heap formed of 1,000 lbs. dry straw was 
found to contain by measurement 225 solid feet, or one cord 
and three quarters, estimated to weigh 4,000 lbs. The material 
furnished must prove a valuable manure; and the more so, as 
it employs many articles now worthless or deleterious. In all 
matters of this nature, experience is of course worth more than 
mere theory ; but it will be a matter of great disappointment if 
a process combining, as this does, an application of the most 
correct chemical principles, with the employment of the most 
efficient ageiits, does not in due time become a favorite with the 
farmer. T. It. BECK, Ch’n. 
Mr. Bommer states in his prospectus that the merit of his 
method essentially consists in the four following important 
points: 
1. In being able to reduce in a short time all kinds of straw 
and ligneous weeds to a rich, unctuous and durable manure, 
such as wheat straw, barley, rye, buckwheat, and other black 
grains; stalks of Indian corn, rice, and other plants; dried or 
green potatoe tops, leaves, stalks, and roots of all kinds of 
plants; green or dried reeds, green rushes, sea weeds, sea 
rushes, heather broom, stubble, in fact everything belonging to 
the vegetable kingdom, and a great many other things lying 
about farms which are often allowed to go to waste. Even the 
ground itself may be converted into the best manure or com¬ 
post. 
2. In the combination or alliance of fecundating substances, 
the use of which when separated would not and could not pro¬ 
duce the desired effect. 
3. In the production of a very considerable quantity of facti¬ 
tious water, which, when combined with other ingredients, 
forming Lees, furnishes the farmer with a fertilizing liquid, 
the commixture of which in either vegetable or mineral sub 
stances, gives a manure of the richest kind. 
4. In the production of a quantity of nitrate of lime and 
caustic potash; of ammonia and saltpetre—four substances 
which modern chemistry has found to contain the most fecun¬ 
dating properties possible. 
PUBLIC MEETINGS, 
On the evening- of Tuesday, a respectable number of 
gentlemen assembled at the rooms of the Young- Men’s 
Association, in the Exchange Building, for the purpose 
of freely discussing topics connected with agriculture 
and its kindred pursuits. Mr. Sacket, of Seneca county, 
was called to the chair; and Mr. Colman, of Rochester, 
appointed secretary. Among the subjects introduced for 
consideration, the duties of farmers, as regards their own 
interest, the tariff) domestic ^manufactures, aiid the great 
cause of agricultural education, were prominent ones. 
Mr. Merrium of Boston opened the discussion by pre¬ 
senting- some interesting- statements relative to the wool 
trade, and the disastrous effects which the permitting the 
low priced wools of South America to be admitted duty 
free, must have upon the wool growing interest of the 
country. Mr. Merriam also urged with much force and 
pertinence the necessity of a better education among 
farmers: one adapted to their standing in the communi¬ 
ty and the wants of the country. His remarks on these 
topics were received with marked approbation. 
Mr. Hoikham of New-Castle, Delaware, was then in¬ 
troduced, who, in some very sensible remarks, “paid a 
just tribute to the influence of agricultural journals, and 
particularly to that able journal, the Cultivator; and re¬ 
ferred to a work published by Judge Buel—The Farm¬ 
ers’ Companion—the reading of which had led him to 
abandon his profession, and devote himself to agricul¬ 
ture. Mr. H. spoke of the tariff as important to the ag- 
icultural interests of the whole Union; and said that in 
the state of Delaware all parties were for protection. 
Mr. Miller of Richmond, Va., said he was a plain 
practical farmer, and more addicted to working than 
talking. He bore strong testimony to the usefulness of 
an agricultural press, and the importance of such associa¬ 
tions as they were now attending-, for the advance of 
agriculture.” He remarked with severity on that defi¬ 
ciency in our systems of education, which, by wholly 
neglecting the farmer, has the tendency to lead their 
own sons to look upon the profession of their fathers 
with disrespect, if not with contempt. Mr. Miller said 
that in visiting the North, he had discovered what made 
the difference in the comparative prosperity of the South 
and the North. The South raises her crop and eats it; 
the North raises her crop and sells it. He said the South 
was daily becoming more attached to the cause of home 
industry; as on the success of that, it was evident the 
prosperity of the country was mainly depending. 
Mr. Broom, of Sullivan county, followed Mr. Miller 
in some brief remarks on the value of agricultural jour¬ 
nals to the farmer, and the importance of giving them a 
prompt and efficient support. He traced the great 
changes which have taken place in the agriculture of 
our country within a f ew years, the introduction and 
improvement of stock, &c., mainly to the influence of 
these journals. 
Mr. Johnson, of Oneida, said that he had listened with 
much pleasure to the remarks of the several gentlemen 
that had preceded him, particularly those of Mr. Merri¬ 
am of Boston on the subject of the tariff; although as he 
had some doubts as to the propriety of discussing that 
topic before the agricultural society, as such, he should 
not now enter upon it. On the subject of an agricultu¬ 
ral education, he said he felt a deep interest. It was 
time the farmers took the management of this matter 
into their own hands. If they would be true to them¬ 
selves, and to tlie agricultural interests of the country, 
they would at once demand of every seminary in the 
land, a department for instruction in the cultivation of 
the soil, that their sons, when they leave these schools, 
might be willing- and glad to devote the labor of their 
hands, and the powers of their minds, to this most ho¬ 
norable aud important of employments. As matters 
were, the course of education, and the misdirected tone 
of the public mind, made them ashamed of the pursuits 
of their parents, if not to look upon them with disgust. 
He ably maintained that if any class of men should be 
well educated, it was that of the farmer. They were 
the men who chose our rulers, paid our taxes, and car¬ 
ried our country through all its perils; and their educa¬ 
tion could not with safety be neglected. He said that 
agriculture furnished a field wide enough to engage the 
highest intellect, and fully employ the best cultivated 
mind. Mr. Johnson made an impressive appeal to the 
friends of agriculture present to act promptly in this 
matter, and secure to themselves the position they should 
of right occupy in the state and nation. 
When Mr. Johnson had concluded, Mr. Clapp of 
Northampton, Mass., suggested the propriety of appoint¬ 
ing a committee to report on the subject of education, at 
the meeting- to be held at the capitol, on the evening of 
the next day. The suggestion was adopted, and Mr. 
Johnson of Oneida, Mr. Merriam of Boston, Mr. New- 
bold of New-Jersey, Mr. Peters of Pennsylvania, Mr. 
Hoikham of Delaware, Mr. Baldwin of Onondaga, Mr. 
Nott of Albany, and Mr. King of Seneca, were appointed 
the committee. 
At the meeting on Wednesday evening at the Assem¬ 
bly chamber of the Capitol, the committee reported the 
following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, 
after an animated and interesting discussion, in which 
Mr. Johnson of Rome, Judge Peters of Penn., Mr. Mil¬ 
ler of Va., Mr. Merriam of Boston, Rev. Mr. Colman of 
Rochester, Mr. Baldwin of Syracuse, Mr. Fuller of Ge- 
neseo, and Col. Stone of New-York, took part: 
Resolved, That we deem it a subject of vast importance 
to the best interests of the agricultural community that a 
different system of education should be adopted in this 
country, by which the subject of agriculture shall receive 
that attention in a course of thorough education which it 
demands. 
R.csolved, That it be recommended to tire farmers of 
this country, to take such means as will most successfully 
bring into speed): action such a system of Education as 
will secure the above object. 
Resolved, That the establishment of agricultural 
schools and experimental farms, would, in the opinion 
of the convention, be productive of great benefit to the 
interests of agriculture. . 
A committee of one from each senate district, consist¬ 
ing of the following gentlemen, was appointed to pre¬ 
pare a memorial to the Legislature of this state, on the 
subject of Agricultural Schools: 
1. Rev. Mr. Choui.es, New-York. 
2. J. J. Brooks, Orange Co. 
3. J. P. Beekman, Columbia. 
4. Jno. Savage, Washington. 
5. B. P. Johnson, Oneida. 
6. H. Baldwin, Onondaga. 
7. G. J. Pumpelly, Tioga. 
8. Jas. S. Wadsworth, Livingston. 
This committee met and organized on the following 
day, and adjourned to meet in Albany on the 17th of 
January next, the day preceding the annual meeting of 
the State Agricultural Society. 
ANNUAL DINNER. 
The Annual Dinner of the New-York State Agricul¬ 
tural Society came off at Knickerbocker Hall on the eve¬ 
ning of Thursday, and was a most appropriate finale to 
the three days of the Fair. Under the supervision of 
Messrs. Briare & Walker, (the proprietors of the Hall,) 
by whom the supper was prepared, this elegant establish¬ 
ment was tastefully decorated and brilliantly lighted for 
the occasion. The walls were hung with portraits of 
famed and valuable animals, rich as specimens of art, 
and certainly most appropriate to the time and place; 
while through the whole extent of this magnificent hall 
extended three tables, with several side-tables, length¬ 
wise of the hall. The tables were loaded with delicious 
and substantial viands, interspersed with vases of fragrant 
and beautiful flowers. Leland’s excellent brass band 
were in attandance, and enlivened the feast at intervals 
with their spirit-stirring music. 
The President of the Society, James S. Wadsworth, 
Esq., presided at the centre table, Lieut. Gov. Bradish 
on his right, and Gen. James Tallmage, president ot 
the American Institute, on his left. At the opposite end 
of the table sat the Hon. G. Y. Lansing of Albany, with 
Dr. J. P. Beekman and C. N. Bement, Esqr., on his 
right and left. 
At the head of the table, on the right of the President, 
the Hon. G. W. Patterson, late Speaker, presided, with 
