ANNUAL. 53 2-3 No. 5-VOL. 6. AMERICAN FARMER.-BALTIMORE, APRIL 23, 1824. ANNUAL SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT BALTIMORE, FOR THE YEAR 1823. 40318 550 March, January, 52° 15° 35 1-330 4929 481 0130 03 1005479 5 60 July, 11 1065881 1 60 98 100 5378 2 10 93 30 16 100 5079 1 80 84 1 7330 01 100 5076 7 10 22 36 2-3 30 62 29 521 0130 18 100 48.60 6 25 30 35 29 800 55 30 06 1006080 3 60 84:30 08 17 3 10 4 810 49 52 52 1-252 5-8 49 1-2 violent snow storm on 30th. [Ice at Balt. 6 in. 54 7-8 55 1-458 78 44 55 229 62 62 10 109 7910168 855 1-2 55 1-2 56° [Tobacco destroyed. 1 117 87880 121 highest at 3 p.m. lowest sun rise. aggregate mean. highest. lowest. monthly range. monthly mean. highest. lowest. mean. 1 1 26 4 4746A 76 97 inches. fair days. | rainy. snow. N. W N. E S. E. calm. Centre. Clopper's Sterett's. 159 9 28 VOL. 6.-5. Thermometer. Farenheit's BAROMETER. 33 Recurring to the convenient and practical uses ward and associate themselves with us in the purto which a national table of the degrees of heat, suit of agricultural improvement?-It may be oband fall of rain, in the various climates of the jected by some, that they do not feel themselves United States might be applied, we have shewn competent to be useful members, as not being in in the preceeding column the form usually given the habit of composition they are unable to comto such observations made at particular points. municate in writing their views and practices to the To answer our general purposes, some heads of society.-The excuse is not sufficient-many that observation here given might be omitted, though will urge it, are very capable of communicating the more full the more satisfactory of course. the most useful information in a plain farmer-like For this annual summary of meteorological obser- style, well suited to the subject; and many who vations at Baltimore, for the year 1823, we are may decline to offer any thing in this way, may indebted to that very correct observer and useful make the most useful comments upon the comcitizen, Capt. LEWIS BRANTZ, by whom the pub munications of others.-It has been well remarklick has been provided through the Federal Ga-ed by Judge Peters, one of the most zealous and zette, for seven years past with monthly and enlightened friends to agriculture in our country, annual tables, accompanied with instructive phi that "nothing injures agriculture more than losophical and sagacious remarks, and deductions. whimsical novelties; except bigotted adherence These tables have been embodied in separate form, to old and bad habits." Whilst then we invite the and a few copies may perhaps be had at the Fe- scientific cultivator to come forth and beat down deral Gazette Office. those "old and bad habits," we look to the plain It remains now for us to find those who view the observing farmer as freely to assail all "whimsubject in the same light that we have done, and sical novelties" calculated to lead us to a misto whom we may look for the requisite assistance. application of our time and labour. Our part It will be admitted that the central position of of Virginia, particularly the county of Loudoun, Baltimore, makes it a proper place to concentrate stands high comparatively in agricultural reputhis information, and that under the combined tation; if such superiority exists, our society is forms and national application which may be calculated to give it a more extended usefulness, given to it, it will be appropriately diffused through by submitting its practices to more extensive obthe AMERICAN FARMER, into all the states and servation. To the good farmer then I would say, territories. come and give us the benefit of your superiority; to the bad, come and learn to do better; to all, COMMUNICATED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PUBLICA- Come, for although some of you may not believe The duty which devolves upon me, on this oc-and must be the predominant concern. Equally ers acting with like views as ourselves, in differ- loped the mode of operation with this powerful considerable. The small quantity in which it is ent parts of the Union, and much has been com- mineral, although long the subject of inquiry with used, is likewise a circumstance hostile to this municated to the public through that valuable the chemist and the agriculturist still remains to idea. It has been said that gypsum assists the paper the "American Farmer," but there are be elucidated. Chemistry, which has in its dis-decomposition of animal substances, and the peculiarities in every district of country, which coveries out stripped all other sciences in modern decomposition of manure. I have tried some exrequire peculiar practices, or the judicious mo- times, may yet give us in this, and other matters periments on this subject," says this celebrated dification of those which prevail elsewhere. connected with agriculture, more perfect infor-chemist, "which are contradictory to the notion." A new era seems to have commenced in our mation. The experiments of Sir Humphrey Davy, In addition to this respectable authority, many husbandry, which particularly calls for reflection and the suggestions which he makes from them, difficulties seem to stand in the way of both the and experiment. The successful application of although in opposition to the doctrines advanced theories which have been adverted to. If gypsum gypsum, or plaster of paris, to our lands as a by other chemists, are entitled to great respect. acts by the attraction of moisture, that effect we manure, for the last twenty-five years, has con- This gentleman, in his lectures delivered before should suppose would be increased by an increase tributed doubtless to the improvement of the soil, the Board of Agriculture in England, states the of quantity, and no continuance of its use could and the prosperity of the owners; but it may be result of his analysis of soils and vegetables, with diminish the benefits of its power, especially in well questioned, whether we have made the most a view to this subject amongst others; and from a dry season. But unfortunately this is not so. of the benefits which it offered. I mean in this, which he adopts the opinion that gypsum forms a Nor can we well conceive, according to this docthat whilst we drew from the land increased crops part of the food of plants; "as," he remarks, trine, why all lands, in such seasons, should not of grain and grass, through its influence, we er- those plants which seem most benefitted by its be benefitted by it; but experience shews that on roniously concluded that nothing more was neces- application, are plants which always afford it on some, and amongst them the most arid, it never sary to the continuance of those crops, than the analysis; clover and most of the artificial grasses acts at all. So too, with respect to the other continued application of it. The consequence of contain it, but it exists in very minute quantity in mode of action attributed to it, the decomposition this error has been a most wasteful neglect of the barley, wheat, and turnips." Again he says, "in of vegetable matter. If it was by this power that manures produced upon our farms, and a still general, cultivated soils contain sufficient of this it effected its wonderful works, we should find a greater, of the means of making more, which a substance for the use of the grasses; in such cases manifest operation upon every application of it to judicious husbandry would have carefully regard- its application cannot be advantageous." In most a new mass of vegetable matter committed to the ed. I consider this as the most prominent defect of the counties of England, he informs us, gyp-earth; but such is not our experience. Nor does in our agricultural habits, in the county of Lou-sum had failed in shewing any effect; and in such this theory accord with the fact before mentiondoun more especially, and in which I hold myself cases he found, on examination, a sufficiency of it ed, that in some soils it acts not at all, whatever equally culpable with my neighbours. The Eng- in the composition of the soil. If these facts be pabulum you afford it. lish maxim of the more cattle the more fertility, truly stated, will they not justify the opinion, that You will readily, I trust, gentlemen, excuse is true alone under a judicious management, but our lands where the application of plaster has me, for dwelling thus long upon a subject, which it is certainly untrue as we have gone on. Our been so successful, have been naturally deficient has been so intimately connected with our agristock of domestic animals has been enlarged ac- in that material of vegetable composition, and cultural improvements for the last twenty-five cording to the increased growth of our pastures, their powers of production thereby circumscribed; years, and which, from the new aspects it has and to the utmost extent in which those pastures because in the workshop of Nature, like all other recently presented, invites pressingly to refleceould sustain them, whilst in winter, as well as factories, the product must be limited by the de- tion and experiment. If the result of these summer, they have been permitted to trample the ficiency of any one necessary material, however should be a conviction, that our lands upon which fields and waste their manure, perhaps in wood- others may superabound. If, then, the artificial plaster has been long and freely used, have allands to which they retreat for shelter; or at best use of plaster has removed the natural defect, and ready received more than present use requires, to scatter it upon the surface of the ground, where thereby brought into action the other productive we may then save ourselves for some time, the half its value is lost in the atmosphere before it materials of the soil, which could not be wrought expense and labour of a further application of it, is ploughed in. In fields thus trodden and grazed up without it, may it not be, that a course of luxu- whilst our eyes will at once be opened to the neto the quick, the plough can return little of vege- riant crops thus produced, has exhausted the ex-cessity of a more careful and diligent regard to table matter to the soil to renovate its powers, cess of the other materials of vegetation, which the resources for manure, which our farms may whilst our barn yards afford not the means to sup- had been retained by the earth, and thereby done afford.-Annual experiments with plaster, upon ply the deficiency. But if for this unprofitable away, or lessened, the occasion for the further a small scale, on our grain and grass, will indicate course, we substitute to such extent as we may artificial supply of that material which was ori- to us the time to renew its use. There is no find convenient and practicable, the soiling sys-ginally defective. Should this suggestion be cor- subject which seems to have engaged more attem in summer, or the feeding in stalls or pens rect, it would seem to afford a solution of the tention in agricultural inquiry, lately, than the with green food cut and regularly supplied, and difficulty, attendant on the inquiry why plaster, proper rotation of crops, and there is none more in winter universally the feeding in pens with pro- after a course of years, ceases to operate, or ope- important.-It presents, however, too wide a tection from the weather, and a free use of litter; rates with less power. The bountiful supply of field of investigation on which to enter, upon the then may we say with the English farmer, the a defective material, united to the accumulated present occasion, were I even able to offer you more stock the more fertility; without this change, excess of others, which could not be used without any new views in relation to it. I shall only obat least so far as relates to winter feeding, we can it, has stimulated our lands to most luxuriant pro serve, that as our clover crops now fall short of lay no claim to the benefit of the maxim; nay, we ducts, beyond their natural average powers, and that certainty and abundance which attended must even admit the converse, and say, the more to which they have thus been again brought back. their first culture, it may well deserve experistock the more impoverishment. This neglect of And hence we may account for the fact, remarked ment to ascertain how far the orchard grass, or the means of imparting permanent fertility to our by all our farmers, that the crops of clover, the other of the artificial grasses, may be occasionlands, is now the more obvious to us, when we vegetable which yields most gypsum on analysis, ally substituted for it; ever bearing in mind, discover that the mere application of plaster, with- have always been most abundantly luxuriant, on that as the bountiful author of nature, has fitted out manure or vegetable matter returned to the its first application. But whilst the effects of the various vegetable products, for the equally soil, is insufficient for that purpose, and that plas- plaster, at first so extraordinary, are no longer various living creatures which feed thereon, so ter itself has ceased to produce any visible effect visible on a new application, we are not necessa- has he furnished to mother earth, that variety of upon vegetation, on land where it has hitherto rily bound to infer that it has in fact ceased to aliment which the system required. Let us purbeen long and freely used. That such is the fact, operate. In supplying what was wanting we may sue then the order of nature, by giving as much is the opinion of many observing farmers amongst have been over-abundant in its use, and the soil variety to our culture, as is consistent with our us, and in this opinion I have myself been in a where it was once deficient, may have an excess wants. To the success of the farmer, good tools great degree confirmed, by my experiments made of it, which is yet not lost, but remains to supply are indispensable; and the artist who makes any in the last two years, and marked with precision, the limited demands of vegetable production. improvement therein, should receive our patronupon various crops of grain and grass on my own This theory, with respect to the operation of gyp-age. Agriculture has in all ages, derived great farm, where plaster has been long, abundantly, sum, may be the more readily admitted, from the aid from the mechanic arts, in the formation and and successfully used. To this magical powder, difficulty of maintaining the most popular notions improvement of the implements of labour.-Unas it has been called, we owe much notwithstand- which have prevailed upon the subject. "It has til the axe, the hoe, and the plough were thus ing our errors, and probably continue to enjoy its been supposed," says Sir H. Davy," to act by its produced, how awkward and inefficient were the benefits though in diminished measure, after the power of attracting moisture from the air; but labours, how helpless, how hapless was the coneffects of a new application may have become im this agency must be comparatively insignificant:dition of man :perceptible, because of the continued operation of when combined with water it retains that fluid too that hitherto applied, in quantity more than suf-powerfully to yield it to the roots of the plants, ficient. The mystery which has hitherto enve- and its adhesive attraction for moisture is too in "And still the sad barbarian roving mixed 66 Fought the fierce tusky boar; a shivering wretch!" The subversion of the sod, by a fine bar-share intelligent a farming community may be, what-horse is often brought to the veterinary surgeon. plough, perfect in its kind, is eminently calcula- ever course of things has a tendency to draw from When tenderness and swelling are observed on ted to impress us with a sense of this obligation, the country to the city, a great portion of its ac- the withers, the part should be frequently bathed and to me has always been accompanied by an tive talents and its wealth, is injurious to its best with the Goulard mixture, or cold saturine lotion association of ideas peculiarly pleasing, display- interests, and should, as far as possible, be coun- before mentioned; but if this do not remove the ing the triumph of mind over matter, and man's teracted. 'Tis a tendency of things not only un-inflammation, and if the swelling appear to indominion over the earth, and the capacity im- favorable to the interests of agriculture, but also crease, suppuration may be expected, which parted to him in mercy by his Creator, to miti. to the duration of our republican institutions. In should then be promoted by poultices. When the gate by his ingenuity the severity of the primi- every community, wealth and talents will have their abscess has become soft, and the suppurative pretive curse pronounced upon him, when he was influence, and these when long associated with the cess appears to be complete, an opening should told of the earth, "Thorns also and thistles shall luxury and splendour of city life, cannot be relied be made in it with a lancet; and as soon as the it bring forth to thee;"" and in the sweat of thy upon as the advocates of republicanism, whose matter is discharged, a probe is to be introduced, face shalt thou eat bread." We have reason to proper associates are simplicity and frugality; in order to ascertain how far, and in what direchope, from the peculiar direction of talent in our, whose best defenders are virtue and intelligence. tion the disease has extended. If the matter has times, and especially in our own country, to dis- To borrow an emphatic expression from Cow- penetrated, and formed sinuses either forwards or covery and improvement in labour-saving machi- per, "God made the country, and man made the backwards, they should be completely laid open nery, that agriculture may yet derive an exten- town." Let us strive then, as well from patriotism with the knife; and the most convenient instrusion of benefits from that quarter. as from personal interest, to give to the country, ment for the purpose is the straight, probe pointTo descant upon the advantages of a good as far as our power extends, all the charms of ed bistoury. If the matter is found to have penestock of domestic animals over the inferior, which it is susceptible; by exciting each other, trated downwards in the direction of the shoulder, and the community at large, to a liberal emulation a seton may be passed through the sinus, from the would be with you, gentlemen, an abuse of your attention. The public displays which our Cattle in study and in labour, and by a free interchange opening above to its lowest part; taking care that Shows will call forth, will do more to impress of the results of our experiments. And finally, the lower opening is sufficiently large to allow the upon the spectators the importance of these gentlemen, let me remind you, that however per- matter to run off freely. The first dressing should advantages, than any exhortation which could be fect our theories, they can avail us little without consist of some mild caustic, or rather escharotic offered, whilst opportunities will be thereby af diligence in the application of them. The farmer, preparation; but in obstinate cases of long standforded of extending more widely, the knowledge like the elements with which he co-operates in ing, the stronger caustics are often found necesand the use, of the most approved breeds. And the work of production, varying his agency as the sary. In this first stage of the complaint, perhaps so too with respect to household fabrics, the em- various year rolls on, must yet be incessant in the ointment of nitrated quicksilver, mixed with ulation excited by public exhibitions, will do action. But if his labours are great, so also shall oil of turpentine; or a strong solution of blue vimuch for their improvement. And whilst we be his reward; the triumphs of superiority, the triol, with the addition of a little muriatic acid, have little reason to expect, at the present time, pride of independence, the solid comforts of abun- will be found to answer the purpose. When the the erection of large factories amongst us, and dance, shall await him. perhaps as little to desire it, yet it must ever be pleasing to see the substantial, and often beautiful products of female industry, wrought in the bosom of the family, held in proper estimation. "Alt is the gift of industry; whate'er DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND THEIR CURE. sore begins to assume a healthy appearance, milder applications are proper. In the more inveterate cases of fistula, butter of antimony will be found an active and useful preparation; and in such cases, a preparation termed the scalding mixture by farriers, has proved beneficial. It Happy emblems of domestic comfort, peace, and From White's Dictionary of the Veterinary Art. consists of any fixed oil, (as lamp oil, or train purity-For excellence in these, we shall take a oil,) spirit of turpentine, verdigris, and sublimate. peculiar pleasure, I am sure, in the distribution These are put into an iron ladle, and made nearly of premiums; and the more, that they make no 'boiling hot; and in this state the mixture is to be demands upon the public treasury for bounties to Fistula of the Withers.-An obstinate disease of applied to the diseased parts, by means of a little support them, they make no clamour at the doors the horse's withers, or top of the shoulder, com- tow, fastened to the end of a probe, or stick. It of congress for alterations of the tariff, they seek monly produced by a bruise from the saddle. is necessary to prevent the mixture from flowing not their prosperity by the oppression of other When a horse is ridden with the fore part of the over the sound parts, as it would not only take off branches of industry. saddle constantly bearing on the withers, inflam- the hair, but cause inflammation and ulceration of But, gentlemen, there are other considerations mation and swelling will generally be the conse- the skin. This precaution should be observed which give interest to the cause in which we are quence. A considerate person will not suffer this with regard to any caustic preparation that may engaged. To impart dignity to the profession of accident to happen; he will examine the saddle be used, as well as to the acrimonius matter, agriculture, to raise it to its proper rank in rela- before he gets on horseback, and if he finds it too which the fistula discharges. I have generally tion to other pursuits, it is necessary that it be close upon the withers, cause it to be altered. succeeded in protecting the parts over which the cultivated, as a science, as well as an art. The Should it not be perceived at this time, on account matter flows, by washing them once a day, and mind of nian requires occupation as well as his of the saddle being girthed pretty far back, but smearing them over with lard. One circumstance body, and wherever the business of the cultivator get forward during the journey, and press upon it is very necessary to attend to in the treatment shall remain a dull routine of manual labours ac- the withers, the experienced or feeling rider will of fistula; that is, if there be any cavity, pouch, cording to established habits, without reference to soon discover the inconvenience and pain the ani- or sinus, by which the matter may be detained, the principles upon which they are founded, or mal suffers from it, which is sometimes so con- the obstacle should be immediately removed; mental research as to the means of improvement, siderable as to cause him to fall; and as soon as either by laying it completely open, or by making the ambition and talents of the community will he gets to the end of his ride, will have the part an opening in the most depending or lowest part, generally seek distinction in other walks of life, frequently bathed with some Goulard's extract, so as to allow the matter to run off freely. We and give the weight of their influence to the sup- vinegar and water, or the cold saturnine lotion, sometimes find the edges and sides of the fistulous port of other interests in society. To such, the the formula for which is given in the preceding sore considerably thickened; and if we examine cities will hold forth the strongest temptations, article This will soon remove the inflammation; this, it will be found a diseased production: I and thither will they mostly resort, with the ex and when the saddle has been properly altered, have, in many instances, in poll-evil, as well as ception of those who may be employed in the the horse may again be ridden without inconve-in fistula, cut out a large quantity of this thickcountry at the bar, or upon the bench in the ad-nience. It too often happens, however, that the ened matter; and have always found considerable ministration of justice. And thither too will men rider is not so considerate, but by a repetition of advantage from it. When the bones of the withof wealth and information be generally drawn, to the injury violent inflammation ensues which often ers are exposed, and feel rough, they should be seek in society that excitement and mental occu- extends to the bones and ligaments of the withers. scraped with a drawing-knife, or other convenient pation, which the country life, divested of its pro- The swelling increases; suppuration follows; instrument, and then covered with a pledget of per charms, is not calculated to afford them. and when the abscess bursts, or is opened, a large tow or lint that has been dipped in tincture of Their money and their talents must in such case quantity of matter is discharged. On introducing myrrh. be lost to that community to which they properly a probe, the disease will generally be found to Fly. The sheep-fly abounds most in the southbelong, and the influence, which their leisure have spread either towards the mane, or the ern parts of England; and is chiefly troublesome would have rendered valuable in the cause of back, or downwards, in the direction of the shoul- to lambs. The most effectual way of protecting those who, from necessity, are more engrossed der blade. If the disease, after this, is neglect them from the insect is to smear the Beece with with their own immediate concerns, will be no ed, or improperly treated, the matter will con some rancid oil, or train oil. longer exerted to defend them against the en tinue to penetrate, and the cartilages and bones croachments of an unequal legislation, or the arts of the withers will ultimately become carious or of interested and designing politicians. However rotten. It is in this stage of the disease that the Foot or Hoof To a a person totally unacquaint ed with the structure of the horse's foot, it may appear as a mass of horny insensible matte particularly when he sees a farrier cutting off 3. The Coronary or Small Pastern-Bone rests enabled to expand or become wider when exposed large slices of it with his butteris, and nailing to both on the coffin-bone and the nut-bone; to which to pressure. The sensitive frog is made up of it plates of iron, It will be found, however, to be it is firmly united by ligaments. cartilaginous and fatty matter, and possesses cona very complicated piece of animal mechanism; 4. The Great Pastern-Bone rests on the coro-siderable elasticity: its fore part rests on that part but admirably calculated for sustaining the im-nary bone, strongly attached to it by ligaments. of the flexor tendon which passes over the nutmense pressure and concussion, to which it is ai- 5. The two Sesamoid-Bones are placed at the bone; and on that which is inserted into the coffinmost constantly exposed. The horse's foot may upper and posterior part of the great pastern; to bcne; from this part its cleft or division commenbe considered under two heads; the sensitive and which they have a strong ligamentous attachment. ces: only a small portion, therefore, of the senhorny parts: the former consists of bones, liga- 6. The Canon or Shank-Bone rests both on the sitive frog rests on the coffin-bone, and flexor ments, cartilages, membranes, &c. each of which great pastern and the sesamoid-bones. It articu- tendon; the wide part of the frog projects consipossesses numerous blood vessels and nerves; lates with, and moves easily upon them. If we derably behind these, forming the bulbs of the and is, therefore, susceptible of inflammation and view the fore-leg of a horse, (particularly when heels, and, taking a turn forwards, is blended pain. The horny part, on the contrary, is void the other is held up, that more weight may be with the coronary ligament. At its widest or of sensibility, and serves principally as a defence sustained by the leg we examine,) the straight or posterior part, there is a considerable distance to the sensitive parts which it covers: it is en-perpendicular direction or position of the limb between the sensitive frog and the flexor tendon, dued, however, with considerable elasticity, which from above to the fetlock joint, and its obliquity the intermediate space being filled up with an enables it to yield, in some degree, to the impulse or slanting position thence to the foot, can scarce-elastic fatty kind of matter: by this contrivance of the internal or sensitive foot in the variously escape observation. From this examination it the frog is capable of considerable motion, when motions of the animal. From this view of the may be readily conceived, what astonishing spring it receives the pressure of the horse's weight, subject it will be obvious, that if by any means a the animal must acquire by having his limb so which it must do when its horny covering is in disposition or tendency to contract or shrink be formed; and what strength must be possessed by contact with the ground. As the back part of the induced in the horny covering or hoof, the inter-the ligaments of the fetlock joint, to enable it to frog becomes wider and is forced upward when nal sensitive foot will be more or less compressed: maintain its position, under the immense weight sustaining pressure, it must have a similar influand if the horny matter lose its elasticity, the it has occasionally to sustain. ence on the elastic parts with which it is connectsensitive foot must suffer from concussion. So 7. There are two elastic bodies attached to the ed; the lateral cartilages, and the lateral portions wisely, however, is every part of the foot con-upper, anterior, and lateral edge of the coffin- of the coronary ligaments. These, being covered trived, that when it is properly managed by the bone; they are named Lateral Cartilages. They by the flexible horny matter at the top of the hoof groom, judiciously pared and shoed by the smith, occupy all the space between the extensor tendon, or coronet, must necessarily have the same effect and when the horse is employed only by a humane and the back part of the sensible frog. They ex-upon it: thus it is that when the horse is in motion, and considerate master, it may generally be pre-tend upward about three inches: anteriorly they there is a certain degree of motion in the heels served in a sound state perhaps as long as other are convex, resembling, indeed, the shape of the and quarters of the hoof at the higher parts, or parts of the body. I am aware that a different hoof; and their posterior or concave part is filled where the horn is flexible. opinion is held by some eminent veterinarians; up with a substance resembling fat. The lower 12. The Sensible Bars, I have before observed, particularly by Mr. Bracey Clarke, who considers part of these cartilages is covered by the hoof. are formed by an inflection of the sensible lamina. contraction of the hoof, and a gradual loss of elas- 8. The Elastic Membranes or Lamine cover all when they arrive at the heel, or termination of ticity, as unavoidable consequences of shoeing. Ithe front and lateral surface of the coffin-bone, at the lateral surface of the coffin bone, whence they conceive, however, that if one old horse can be the extremity of which they turn off at an acute pass obliquely forward to the sides of the sensitive produced, say from twelve to twenty years old or angle, stretching forwards to the side of the sen-frog. more, whose feet are sufficiently sound to enable sitive frog: here they form what have been named 13. The insensible part or hoof of the horse him to continue his labour without inconvenience, the Sensitive Bars. The lamina are elastic, and corresponds exactly in shape with the sensible the truth of Mr. Clarke's position will at least very vascular; they are said to be about five hun- parts which it covers and protects; in fact, the appear doubtful. It must be admitted that old dred in number. These lamina are received be- horny matter is formed by the parts which it horses, like old men, have not that ease and free-tween corresponding lamine in the hoof; but there covers; and has the same relation to them as the dom of motion, which they possessed in their is a material difference between them. The la- cuticle to the skin. This resemblance in form is youth; and that their feet, like all other parts mine of the hoof are void of sensibility, possess- easily demonstrated, by procuring a horse's foot of the body, are subject to disease from various ing neither blood vessels nor nerves; they appear as soon as it is cut off, and placing it in hot dung causes, even in a state of nature. I have seen to be very thin plates of horn, and are probably for a few days, or until the sensible foot can be several colts with diseased frogs and contracted secreted or formed by the lamina of the coffin- readily separated from the hoof; thus a complete hoofs, that had never been shoed; and many old bone. These two kinds of laminæ form the con- view may be obtained of both. Those parts of horses, from twelve to twenty years old, that necting medium between the hoof and coffin-bone; the sensitive foot that have been described, but have continued sound and serviceable. I now and so strong is their union, that it is found im- cannot be seen on the surface, may be exposed by proceed to a brief description of the different possible to separate them without tearing or dissection; and the hoof may be easily divided by parts which constitute the horse's foot, including stripping off the sensible laminæ from the coffin- a fine saw, so as to give a satisfactory view of the in that description the pasterns, canon, and sesa-bone, unless the foot is macerated in water, or whole. moid bones. kept in a moist state for some time before it is The hoof consists of the wall or crust, the sole, 1. The Coffin-bone, which somewhat resembles attempted. the frog, the bars, and the insensible laminæ. the hoof in shape, is remarkable for containing 9. The Coronary Ring or Ligament is a vascu-The upper part of the crust, where it joins the the two principal arteries which supply the foot; lar substance, situate at the upper part of the skin, is named the Coronet; the lower part in they enter the lower and back part of the bone elastic lamine; it projects considerably, and ex-front, the Toe; the sides of the crust are termed immediately under and behind the termination of tends round the coronet; and is lost in or rather the Quarters; the quarters terminate in the heels, the flexor tendon. The arteries give off several blended with the posterior part of the sensitive and the heels are connected with the frog. All branches within the coffin-bone, which pass out frog. When the sensitive foot has been separated the internal surface of the hoof, except the groove, through orifices at its lower and front part, to be from the hoof, the coronary ring appears to be that has been already noticed, at its upper part distributed over its surface. The coffin bone is covered with delicate red filaments; and in the for the reception of the coronary ligament, is connected with the coronary or small pastern circular groove or cavity at the upper part of the covered by a beautiful laminated substance, which bone, and with the nut-bone. Its anterior and hoof, in which the coronary ligament is contained, resembles the under surface of a mushroom. lateral surface is covered by numerous blood ves-there appear to be corresponding orifices, into These are united or interwoven with other lasels, and the sensitive lamina or elastic mem-which probably the filaments are received. The mine, already noticed, which cover all the anbranes. The under surface has also numerous hoof is first formed by the vessels of the coronary terior and lateral surface of the sensitive foot; blood vessels; great part of it is covered by the ligaments; but, as it descends, or grows down, forming, as has been before observed, a very sensitive sole, and at the posterior part, the flexor becomes thicker and stronger by the additional secure kind of union between the crust and the tendon is inserted or fixed. horn it acquires from the elastic lamina. internal foot. The lamina of the hoof are elastic, 2. The Nut-bone is in shape not much unlike a' 10. The Extensor Tendon is fixed or inserted and yield in a small degree to the pressure of the weaver's shuttle. It is interposed between the into the upper and front part of the coffin-bone; horse's weight. They appear to be of a horny flexor tendon, and the other bones, to remove the and the flexor tendon into the under and posterior nature, and, like the hoof, void of sensibility, insertion of the tendon further from the centre of part. being a secretion or production of the sensible lamotion; having a polished surface constantly 11. The Sensitive Frog resembles a wedge, its mine. The bottom of the hoof is formed by the m stened by a slippery fluid resembling joint oil, point is towards the toe, whence it becomes grasole, the frog, and the bars. The frog is conover which the tendon passes immediately before dually wider and larger; it is div del by a cleft in nected with the sole and bars; it resembles a its insertion into the coffin-bone. its centre towards the hind part, by which it is wedge in its form, but towards the heel, where it becomes wide and expanded, there is a cleft or removing the worms throughout the spring, sum four hundred trees, was first tried about three separation in the middle. When the frog is in mer, and autumn, or endeavour to find out some years ago, embraces both prevention and cure, contact with the ground, I have already explained method of preventing the access of the insect. and is as follows: the effect that must be produced upon the flexible In order to accomplish this last intention, it was Remove the earth from about the trunk of the parts of the heels and quarters of the crust. The necessary to observe it in every state of its pro- tree quite down to the lateral roots, press with bars are of the same nature as the crust, of which gress-in other words, to make myself acquainted the butt end of the pruning knife against the bark they appear, indeed, to be a continuation, as the with its natural history. To the mere entomolo-in different places; if it appears to adhere firmsensible bars are of the sensible lamina. The gist, this would not have been a hard task; but ly, and no gum nor moisture issues, a thin coat of crust at the heels appears to take a sudden turn, the vigilant attention it required, made it incom- the composition described below, may be applied so as to form an acute angle; and then passes patible with other duties, and I could only expect both above and beneath the surface, by a brush obliquely forward on the under part of the hoof to arrive at the object in view by slow degrees. or wooden spatula, about two inches broad.— towards the toe, or rather the side of the frog: it I had succeeded more than two years ago in Then take Canton Matting, (or any other simiis these inflected portions of the crust which are procuring several aurelias, but these having ac- lar substance) cut into pieces of from 6 to 12 inchcomplished their final transformation, had all es in width, according to the size of the tree and named Bars. ON THE PRESERVATION OF PEACH TREES. Baltimore, 4th Month, 13th, 1824. Respected Friend, Thorax ferruginous. Abdomen blue, with one interrupted yellow most certain indications of worms-every opening I have now finished the brief description I pro- escaped through an aperture in the vessel in of sufficient length to encircle it; bind one of posed to give of the horse's foot; to which the which they were confined. Last summer I en- these around the part intended to be secured by reader may refer, if he find any difficulty in com-closed about twenty more, but these perished, two or three ties of twine or woollen yarn, so prehending the explanation that will be given of except two-one of which escaped, the oth- that one half shall be below, and the other half its diseases, and of the principles and practice of er I secured. The species does not appear to be above the surface; draw earth, divested of grass shoeing. described in Linneus, but according to his system, or rubbish, to the tree, pressing it with the foot it belongs to the order Hymenoptera, genus Apis. close to the matting. The insects governed by TO THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN FARMER. It may with propriety be named A. Persica to instinct, will not lay their eggs in the matting, which I shall annex the following description. but will seek elsewhere for a situation congenial Shining Black-blue. with its habits. If, however, there is a clammy moisture or portions of gum adhering to the main stem or roots, these should be regarded as alAgreeably to thy request, I now communicate band. or aperture, however minute, should be carefully a few brief remarks upon Peach Trees, and the Legs and antennæ black. probed, and the direction taken by each worm assimple method which I have so successfully About the close of the 7th month, (July) many certained:-cut away with a sharp pruning knife, adopted, of defending them from the depreda- of these insects having assumed the winged state, that portion of the bark only of which the intetions of such insects as prey upon their roots. soon after deposite their eggs in peach trees, just rior part has been destroyed, until you arrive at As the peach is generally admitted to be the beneath the surface; first wounding the bark in the object of pursuit, which must be removed most wholesome and delicious of all our fruits, and different places, which on examination, appears and killed. Having in this manner extirpated all as its cultivation has been recently very preca- to have been effected by a blunt pointed instru- that are to be found, trim the edges of the rious in our own State, and almost wholly aban-ment. They leave from one to fifty, and in some wounds neatly, and fill up the cavities with a doned in various sections of our country where it instances, nearly three hundred eggs in each composition consisting of two parts of fresh cow had heretofore flourished, I had resolved several tree, according to its size, and capacity to sup-dung, one part of leached ashes, to each gallon of years ago, to devote such time as I could occa-port the future progeny :-These soon appear, which add a handful of ground plaster of paris, sionally spare, to investigate the cause of the but it is difficult to detect them until they have and as much water as will reduce the whole premature decay of the trees, and above all, to acquired a growth of two or three weeks, when mass to the consistence of thick paste-spread a devise the means of securing them against the evil. they are four or five lines in length. From this thin coat of this composition over the part to be Being particularly desirous of preserving some period their growth is accelerated or retarded in covered, and then apply the bandage as before young trees of rare kinds, which had survived proportion to the quantity of nourishment afford-directed. many others that had been very thrifty, I con- ed. In general, however, the pupa are formed As the ants and several other insects among the cluded to commence with them. On a careful early in the 10th month, (October) in the midst wounded trees, exceedingly and materially retard examination of the leaves, branches, and trunk, of a conglomeration of gum, fibrous and excre- their recovery, I would recommend the part to nothing was discovered that could have caused mentitious matter, and about the close of the be washed with common white wash, and a little the trees to assume an aspect so sickly; on re-month the insect issues from its chrysalis, depo- flour of sulphur, or snuff sprinkled over it, before moving the earth, however, from about the roots, sites its eggs as before mentioned, and prepares the composition is applied. The latter end of I perceived a plentiful exudation of gum, from to hibernate, like others of the same tribe, in the the 4th month, (April) and the beginning of the several minute apertures, which being opened by roofs of houses, beneath the bark of old trees, &c. 9th month, (September) are the most suitable the pruning knife, displayed the lurking destroy- The larva appear in the 4th month, (April) as- periods, for those accustomed to it, to begin the ers to full view. These larvæ were about an inch sume the Nymph state, and accomplish their fi- search. in length, cream-colored, with a chesnut-brown, nal transformation in course of the 7th month, I intended to have included in this communicaand somewhat depressed head. They had per- (July). Thus there are two periods in each year tion, an account of a discovery which I made last forated the bark, generally about one inch be-assigned for their production and re-production; summer, respecting the premature decay of Pear neath the surface of the earth, and were devour-nevertheless, individuals may be seen during the trees, the cause of which had been involved in an ing voraciously both the alburnum and liber; whole season, in almost every stage of existence. impenetrable mystery-but as this letter has alleaving the cortex and epidermis, as a covering From these facts the inference is irresistible, ready extended to a length not at first anticipated, and defence. Having carefully removed these that most of the methods hitherto recommended I shall reserve that, and several other topicks, worms, and every thing that might retard the for the preservation of peach trees are entirely deeply interesting to the lovers and cultivators of healing process, I applied some of Forsythe's inefficient, and the best of them uncertain and in- fine fruit, for a future communication. composition, and left them-consoling myself with adequate. I am respectfully, thy friend, the reflection, that they were safe during the The mode I shall here recommend, and which season at least. On returning home after an ab- I have applied with complete success to nearly sence of about six weeks, I hastened to examine EVAN THOMAS, Junr. FROM THE ARCHIVES OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE, ON SESAMUM, OR BENE PLANT. into the condition of my trees, when lo! I per- * When and in what manner these insects zvere ceived with chagrin and dismay, a young and vo introduced amongst us, has never, that I know of, racious colony of the same kinds of worms, lay-been understood.-I think, however, there can be ing waste what had been left by their predeces-no doubt of their having been brought from the sors. This fact demonstrated the inefficacy of Northern and Eastern nurseries, for I never had the method heretofore recommended, of remov-a young tree from thence, that was not infested tale, s: indicum, and 8: luteum. ing the earth from about the roots during winter. by them. All young trees, therefore, should be the first species that I shall speak. It is an annuIn the present instance, the ovæ must have carefully examined about the close of the 4th, oral plant, rising with an herbaceous erect stalk been deposited about the commencement of the early part of the 5th month, (May) after which it about three feet high, sending out a few short eight hmonth (August); for the larva were five will only be necessary to renew occasionally. This side branches, leaves veined opposi e and a little eighths of an inch in length. It was evident will be a great saving of both time and labour, as hairy; flowers in loose terminating spikes, small, from this discovery, that I must either continue it is easier to secure twenty trees, than to remove of a dirty white colour; seeds ovate acuminate, the tedious, fatiguing, and difficult practice of the worms from one. compressed a little, smooth, whitish. |