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The plants after being set, are carefully cultivated and not trimmed the first year. Before the ground freezes in the fall, with a plow throw up four deep furrows on each side; the dirt being well thrown in among the plants. Then with a hoe, level the dirt about them to the amount Lof some six or eight inches-clean out the drains on both sides, particularly at the place where the hedge crosses ethe ditch, if any. The hedge is now ready for winter. Straw and brush about the roots covered with dirt is good for protection, but not safe, for it affords a winter's home for mice. In the next spring, not before the middle of May, (for the Maclura is slow and late in leafing out,) throw back all the dirt placed around the fall before, and trim and cut down to within about four or six inches of the ground; cultivate well during the summer. In the fall bank up as before. In May next, remove the dirt and cut down, leaving the hedge about ten or twelve inches high. In June (about the middle,) the plants have a little over two years growth in the hedge; cut back a little and shape the hedge, leaving it like a boy's top turned upside down; it will now be about 16 or 18 inches high. In the fall bank up and clean out the ditches as before. If the frost gets under the roots in the low lands, there is danger of freezing and heaving out. In the spring of the fourth year's growth, trim, leaving the hedge about two to three feet high, (all of an even height at top,) cultivate as before, and in Sept. sow white clover seed on each side.

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You now have a fence that will guard your crops from all intruders. When openings are left for gates or bars, place on either side a good substantial post; if not done, the cattle will break down the plants, or the wagon wheels under the management of a careless driver, will break them down. When your gate is ready to be hung the hedge should come close up to the posts. This makes all snug, tidy work. After this, either late in the fall or in spring, trim and preserve the hedge in shape of a boy's top with bottom upwards. In growing a hedge, it is very important that every part of the work be well done; more so, perhaps, than for anything else. If a fruit tree fails in any way it can be replaced by another; but when gaps occur in a hedge by being trampled down by cattle, or frozen or drowned out by standing in low wet places, you cannot well repair it. To have a hedge with occasional brakes and imperfect places in it, is truly an unsightly and a very unpleasant affair. If all the rules above laid down are carefully observed, all may fence their farms with this invaluable shrub. It is evident, from past experience, that in all soils, in latitudes where the apple tree flourishes, the Osage Orange or Maclura will, if properly cared for, FENCE OUR FIELDS Successfully. C. G. TAYLOR. Hazlitt, Rock Island Co., Ill.

Bees for California.

SAVING GIRDLED APPLE TREES.
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about one inch in diameter, which has been completely gir EDITORS COUNTRY GENTLEMAN-I have an apple tree dled by mice for two or three inches from the ground. Can I not save the tree by cutting a square piece out from one edge of the bark to the other on both sides of the tree, and then fit in other pieces of wood with the bark on from a limb or tree of the same size, tying them fast and covering the whole with a coat of wax? If you know of a better way, please inform me through the columns of the Cultivator. A SUBSCRIBER The mode described by our correspondent has been long practiced with success; but it requires great care in fitting the parts accurately, and especially in cutting off the inserted pieces to exactly the right length. A much easier, more certain, and far more expeditious mode is described in the first vol. of Rural Affairs, p. 333, which we copy: of apple trees are first provided, and as they are wanted, A number of young shoots or portions of the branches are sharpened in the form of a wedge at each end, being oblong enough to connect

FIG. 1.

the u

FIG. 2.

upper and lower portions of the bark sepcarated by gnawing. A chisel, the breadth of which is about equal to the diameter of the into the bark, (say half an inch from the shoots, is then driven and the prepared or sharpened shoot is then firmly pressgnawed edge,) both above and below, ed at each end into the cut made by the chisel. This is easily done by first bending the shoot outwards at the middle, so as to allow each end to enter, and then crowding it in again. The place must be then well waxed. The tal line in the bark, and then be driven nearly vertically edge of the chisel must be placed so as to make a horizonupwards or downwards for the upper or lower parts of the bark. When the shoot is placed in the cut thus made, some portions of the line between the bark and the wood

in both tree and shoot, must necessarily coincide, and as a consequence, the two parts almost invariably adhere and grow togetherthere is scarcely ever a failure. Fig. 1, represents a girdled tree; Fig. 2, the same with the shoots inserted; and Fig. 3, is an enlarged section, showing the position of the sharpened end of the shoot when in its place. The great advantage of this mode consists in the rapidity with which the work may be done, and the difficulty of displacing or knocking out these shoots when once in. There should always be a few stout stakes driven around each tree, to keep off plows, harrows or cultivators, which might otherwise strike the

FIG. 3.

tree and loosen these shoots.

The shoots used were about one-fourth to one-half an

inch in diameter when applied, and they had already tripled their original size. Probably larger ones would be better, and the more numerous they are the greater will be the security, and the sooner they will grow and unite in one solid trunk.

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[For the Country Gentleman and Cultivator.] Wintering Cabbage.

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The shipment of bees for California and Oregon has been a brisk business for a few months past. One hundred dollars a stock-the price paid-for good ones, has sent out a host of speculators. Our valley of the Mohawk has furuished a goodly share. From between Utica and Schenectady there have been sent off over one thousand hives. M. QUINBY & Co., St. Johnsville, furnished five hundred and twenty-two. The greatest number shipped at any one time, was the 5th Jan. A loss of from fifty to eighty per cent attended the first attempts, mostly for want of room and ventilation in the hot climate they passed through. A sheet of wire cloth was simply I have practiced for four years, the following mode of wintacked over the bottom of the hive to confine the bees, and re-tering cabbage, and it has proved so well, I give it for the sulted in destroying the most of them by heat and suffocation from frost. The heads are then cut off, with a few course benefit of others. My cabbage are left out till there is danger An approved and more successful mode now, is to make a box leaves, and if winter does not seem to be upon us, thrown into or cage of wire cloth large enough to hold nearly all the swarm, heaps, and covered with litter of some kind, till winter seems and put it over the bottom or top of the hive. When the in- to be coming in earnest. Then the cabbage are put in heaps terior of the hive becomes too warm, most of the bees will leave by placing them on the ground-three for the bottom course, and come out into this box, where they are much more com- two for the second, and one for the top. Make your heap as fortable, as the air can freely circulate through it. They are long as you wish-pack them close by putting largest at botplaced on the upper deck of the ship, and at the same time tom, and keep the stem end up. Cover ten to twenty inches kept as much as possible from the light. It would seem that or more with earth, without any straw. The earth must be in an effort is being make to extend this trade into other quar-proportion to the frost. A little frost will not hurt them if ters. Mr. Q., we understand, has filled an order recently for the cabbage are not taken out till the frost has left them. some to go to South America. Veń prom soubali

A. S. Mosso

the Rotation to Follow, etc.

propose, then, that the amount of manure which the farm can furnish, determine the size of the fields.

We will suppose that a farm is now without systematic division into fields-that the fences follow the lines of the old clearings, and that the soil, though naturally good, has been pretty closely worked, and is not equal to the production of good crops. The owner, with only the usual means at command, wishes to "turn over a new leaf"-to

improve the symmetry, fertility, and profit of his farm, and to do it gradually, as his capital and force will allow. We could suggest no better plan than the following.

Farm Improvement---I. Size of Fields, etc. Progress in Symmetry, Fertility, and Capacity for Profitable Cultiva tion Desired--Importance of Weli-Planned Subdivisions-Rules for Laying out Farms, by J. J. Thomas-What shall Determine the Size of our Fields?-Amount of Manure available, should do so under a System of Mixed Husbandry-A Case Supposed and a Plan Proposed-One Field at a Time, and Thorough Work with it-Clear, Fence, Drain, Manure, and Plant to Corn-The Evils of Fields too Large for the Manure"-Why Corn should be a First Crop-Hints on "How can I improve my farm-how can I increase its symmetry, fertility and capacity for profitable cultivation ?" asks the progressive farmer, and the subject receives his earnest and careful consideration. He studies the present state of his farm and its facilities for improvement, with an eye to making the most of it as a home, and as a source of income and support. He looks to its adaptation to dif-priate to the manure made in any year, should be accomferent products, and to the best means of fitting his soil for large returns from those suited to its capacity; not in the twilight of tradition alone, but in the sunshine of modern agricultural literature—an aid to which he gratefully acknowledges his obligations. Every farmer should study thus-should earnestly seek to make the best of the means and opportunities he possesses.

The symmetry of a farm, and the system with which it is carried on, depends to a considerable extent upon its subdivision into fields, and the character of its fences. A well considered plan here, "lies at the very foundation of convenience, system and economy." Upon the general subject of laying out farms, we can do no better than to reprint here, from THE CULTIVATOR of 1852, some general

rules, closing an article by J. J. THOMAS, who has further illustrated it in the Annual Register for 1859, to which we refer the interested reader.

"1. The farm-road or lane should be as short as possible in connecting the fields with the buildings. If much used, the form of the fields, if needed, should be made to conform to this requisite, and to its levelness.

The division of the farm into fields of an extent appro

plished. This may be done gradually; but the fields as taken, should be put into good condition, finishing up the work as far as may be, within the year. Fence each field well, clear it of stones and stumps, underdrain it if needed, then manure it heavily, get it in good order, and plant it to corn and potatoes. These carefully cultivated, will leave the land in good condition for a grain crop, perhaps two of them, and then seeding to clover; and this course followed from field to field, with good management of every crop, will in a few years put a new face on any of our common run" of farms.

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We propose this criterion of the size of fields, because it is a mistaken though common policy to attempt the working of more land than we can fully fertilize and tho roughly cultivate. As we have urged before, in speaking on this point, (Co. Gent., Aug. 26, 1858,) the evil of fields too large for the manure" brings many losses in its train. It is this which has led to the decreasing average product of so many of our staple crops, so much harped upon by statisticians. We have exhausted the original fertility of the soil-we must supply it by a different system of management. There is no decreased average under the better system of farming-the soil is as good as ever if fed and tilled as it should be, and in most products the yield has been increased beyond its old amount. labor once given to clearing off forests and bringing new land into cultivation, must now be applied in giving old land better culture-to applying to use the fertilizers within our reach-to securing large crops by increased attention to the conditions necessary to their production as de5. When the land varies greatly in character, as in wet-veloped by a careful study of their characteristics in growth ness or dryness, &c., such as is most similar should be brought within the same boundary, to be subjected to the same treatment in rotation. Dissimilar fields may however often be The corn crop has been particularised as a first crop for rendered alike by draining and subsoiling, when not other-several reasons. It should have a place in every rotation wise easily subjected to a regular system.

"2. The barn and other farm buildings should be as near as practicable to the center of the arable land, for economy and expedition in the cartage of manure and crops; at the same time that access to the public road should not be forgotten.

"3. The number of fields should be accommodated to the system of rotation established on the farm, and should therefore be as nearly as may be of equal size.

"4. The fields should be made nearly square, for economy of fencing material, and to save occupancy of land by boundaries, less being needed for a square than any other rectangular

form.

"6. Bringing streams of water alongside the fences, affording facilities for irrigation, and also supplying water to each field for stock, should not be overlooked.

"7. Hills should be brought near the center of fields, to enable the plow to pass around them, to throw the earth down

ward from the mould-board.

"8. The area of each field should be determined, to enable the farmer to judge of the requisite quantity of seed and manure, and to measure the amount of crops, etc., etc."

and purpose.

The

where the soil will admit, and it is well suited to take precedence in any plan of improvement, as it can scarcely be injured by any amount of manure, fresh or fermented, which can be applied. It can receive that thorough and frequent culture necessary to clear the land of weeds, and it is a crop having no deleterious influence on those succeeding it in the course. From fields so treated, fifty bushels of shelled corn is not an uncommon crop; this is followed by a heavy crop of barley or oats, and then with light dressing of manure, a good yield of wheat has been had, and this was succeeded by a grass crop, giving under proper treatment, three or four heavy annual crops of hay or pasture, when the ground was again brought under the plow.

The particular question which we would now discuss, is, what shall determine the size and number of our fields, or in other words, what " system of rotation shall we estab-a lish on the farm." If we unite grazing with grain-growing, which we must do to keep our farms fertile, we must have a considerable part of the farm devoted to pasturage, and shall need a greater number of fields than for either branch of farming taken alone. On a grain farm, with a four course or crop system, five or six fields will suffice, though other means of enriching the soil, aside from the barn manures of the farm, must be depended upon. We would

induce us to close without presenting all the considerations The length to which our present remarks have extended, which occur to us upon the subject. We may recur to it again, but shall next refer to drainage and manure as bearing important parts in the work of Farm Improvement.

SHEEP RACK.

LARGE OR SMALL FARMS.

The first step toward a reformation of the rude and unsatisfactory condition of farming in this country, is for farmers to sell half their land, and to expend all their capital, labor and manure on the other half. This grand remedy is proclaimed everywhere, and become almost stereotyped in the agricultural columns of the periodical

press.

But are there not two or three fatal errors in this scheme of reformation? First-To whom shall the owners of large farms sell half their land? There are now more farms in our country, than there are men who are capable and willing to manage them. There is nobody to sell to. We have the land, and we have only so many to work it. Those in the professions, in the trades, or in commerce, would but very few of them be induced to turn to the labor of the field. And would there be any gain if the land should be divided among the laboring men? Are not two hundred acres of land better managed, and more economically, by the same force in a single farm, than if divided into four farms? It seems to be assumed that a small farm must be better managed than a large, which is not true according to our observation. Every where in the country, large farms are in as good condition, if not better than small ones. ng D

Again-we are told that if the manure should be applied to a smaller area, the crops of fifty acres would be equal to the present crops of a hundred acres, making a vast saving of capital, taxes, fencing, labor, &c. We might ask how fifty acres can be manured from its own resources better than a hundred acres from its own resources, for it will be granted that the principal source of fertility must be found upon the farm itself. I suppose no zealous advocate of high culture would propose that the manure of the whole farm should be given to one-fourth of it, and the other three-fourths be abandoned to inevitable bar

renness.

I do not deny that our style of farming is very far inferior to what it should be, and to what it will be. But I do not look to a subdivision of land as the sure means of hastening an improved system. I think the present tendency is the other way; small farms are being united with larger ones. This is growing out of the fact that land is managed with more economy in pretty good sized farms, and at a better advantage in many respects-requiring less proportional outlay for team and implements-admitting a greater variety of stock and grain in a mixed husbandry, which is best.

I do not apprehend any danger of an overgrown landed monopoly, which is contrary to the genius of our institutions. It is a happy thing for our country, that the whole system of rural labor in this country is against the creation or perpetuity of large landed estates. The noble business of farming cannot be monopolized, like manufacturing, by associated capital, but will ever be free and independent. There are reasons enough that our agriculture has been in such a low condition. We are comparatively a new people; every thing has been hurried, and unsettled, and superficial. Now the times demand skill, thoroughness, and a wiser expenditure of labor. Labor is limited; we cannot increase it at will, and it is high; but no matter, well directed, it will pay. But it must have room-and there is room. Young men need not go into other professions; neither should they be shut up in a narrow patch insufficient to call out their talents, and afford them a handsome income. Some who have not sufficient capital of their own, may unite, for a time, in a farm of respectable size, especially members of the same family. "Two heads are better than one," sometimes. In other business, the heads and the purses are united pleasantly and profitably. It is better to keep the old homestead intact, under the wise counsels of the father and the activity of the sons, till there be means sufficient for one and another to go forth to an estate of his own. This we sometimes see realized in the happiest manner. The cares and labors of the farm are divided, the discouragements of debt are avoided, and the pleasures of this delightful occupation increased. N. BEED. Amenia Union, N. Y.

MESSRS. EDITORS-Herewith I send you a design for a sheep rack, in a form used by me during the last eighteen or more years, It may not be too late in the season to be of use to those, who, like myself, are sometimes rather "behind time" in doing those little jobs which were as well (or better) done somewhat earlier, if convenient. I have just finished the repairs to an old one, and am now engaged in making several new ones of some eight feet in length, requiring some 24 rounds.

15-4 •

Fig. 1.

For a rack of the dimensions above given, take two boards 5 inches wide, 1 in. thickness, and 15 feet long two do. of the same length and thickness, 7 in. widetwo do. 5 in. wide, 2.8 ft. long-two do. 7 in., 2.2 ft. in length-for the sides and ends, and three pieces 5 in. wide, 2 ft. long, to lay the bottom boards on-(or 8 in. wide, for the ends of the trough if grain is to be fed.) Also six posts, 2.8 ft. long, of oak, or other lasting timber, 2 by 4 inches.

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Into the lower edges of the 5 in. top boards, and the upper edges of the 7 in. lower sideboards, bore three-quarter inch holes, 2 or 24 inches deep, 8 in. from center to center, and 8 in. from the end (and side) studs—also about 7 in. from center to center, in the end top boards; in the lower end boards the holes will be about 6 in. from center to center. Of good tough wood, (white oak, or if to be had, swamp oak" is best,) 18 inches long, make 44 "rounds," split and shaved so as to be about one inch in diameter in the middle, and three-quarters, some 24 in. at each end-(paint the ends when used.) Nail the 5 in. top boards of the sides to the outsides of the tops of the two inch sides or edges of the studs, letting the side boards extend an inch and a half beyond the studs, and drive in the rounds. Put the lower boards on the ends of the rounds, and drive them to within some 13 inches of the top boards. Make the ends in the same manner, excepting the slope of the studs, which should be about 4 in. on each side; the width at top being about 2.8 ft., and the bottom 2 ft. or less, as wished. Nail the three 5 in. supports for the bottom (on the inside of the end posts,) to the posts, so that the tops of them will be the thickness of the bottom boards from the lower edge of the end boards. Put in the bottom boards with the ends extending to the outer side of the lower end boards, and it is ready for use. See figs. 1 and 2.

If grain is to be fed, the bottom may be made of two troughs, with boards about 8 inches wide, put edge to edge, in triangular form, with 8 in. supports, cut to fit and nailed to the studs, (instead of the 5 in. supports.) See fig. 3.

A rack thus made, is light, easily moved about, and strong enough to last twenty years, if properly housed when not in use. The rounds, though small, are light and smooth, not tearing off the wool like the clumsy and rough strips of boards generally used. And I think I made mine with less labor and materials, than I could have done in any other manner which I have seen described or used— not even excepting the celebrated "Geo. Geddes' Rack." Seneca County, N. Y.

J. H. H.

SELLING APPLES IN THE SPRING.-I have neglected to report in regard to my fruit cellar of late. My last year's stock was consigned to the New-York market about the first of May, and sold most readily at $7 to $8 per barrel. I have about 150 barrels "of the same sort left." I W.

THE INFLUENCE OF EXAMPLE.

There has been no period in the history of Agriculture without its examples of productive and profitable farming, but probably at no previous time has there been found on the acres tilled by American Industry, so many bright spots to gladden the hearts and encourage the hands of the friends of improvement. The time has been when nearly every farm under cultivation for fifteen or twenty years, seemed rapidly deteriorating in fertility and in product, but at present many old farms give better returns than ever before. In buildings, implements, and farm stock, there has also been large advancement in appear ance, effectiveness and value. This has been accomplished by the introduction of radical reforms in theory and practice, and extended by the influence and light of example.

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Our meaning may be explained further by an instance in amplification. When an intelligent and thorough-going practical farmer buys in a neighborhood of well-worn farms, and engages in the work of reclaiming and improving his new purchase, his movements are sure to awaken a spirit of inquiry, and his example and success can but exert an influence upon many of those who witness it. He does not grow crop after crop of the same grain upon a field until it will produce it no longer, but secures good crops of different grains and products upon the several fields of his farm by a carefully adapted rotation. He introduces new and improved varieties of grains and fruits, the products of which are seen at a glance to be greater and of better quality than those commonly grown, and of better demand and price in market. The same is true of his domestic animals. His example goes to show that care in selection, in breeding, and in feeding, is well repaid—that at a small expense, a good return is ensured without fail. With improved implements of tillage, he accomplishes a deeper and more thorough cultivation of the soil, resulting in better crops, and insuring these against the effects of seasons of drouth or excessive moisture. His war against weeds is unceasing, and it soon tells in the appearance and productiveness of his farm. Clean culture is the rule with all hoed crops, and clean seed and clean summer fallows and fence corners, soon give him a farm exempt from the heavy tax upon its fertility, which is paid in the production of useless and injurious vegetation. He gives great attention to making, saving, and applying manur ures—seeking in every way to enrich his farm; a course that tells at once upon the products thereof, putting a new and attractive face upon all things. He affords them an example of the effect of underdraining in the radical improvement of the soil-an improvement so won derful that it must be seen to be believed-and (to instance nothing more in this connection,) harvests his crops, and forwards all the farm-work admitting of their employment, by using the best labor-saving implements of this inventive age.

the whole neighborhood feels the influence of the advent of one progressive farmer among them-whose only teaching may have been that of silently exemplifying in his own practice an improved method of agriculture. In this way, and by the constantly recurring lessons which experience teaches, a better system of cultivation has been in part introduced, and thus also diffused and extended. The influence of such examples are not confined to those who see them-those who hear or read of them are also influenced. These form the larger portion of the farming community, and here the agricultural newspaper gives its powerful aid to progress. It brings home the practice of the best farmers to thousands of interested readers, and they can but gain hints and suggestions of much value if applied in their own operations. The improvements of one part of the country are diffused over the whole country, and benefit all regions where their application is practicable. Those who contribute to the interest and value of our rural journals are doing a good work-the influence of their example may thus shine into every part, and hasten the progress, and increase the prosperity of our wide-spread country.

INDIAN CORN.

Indian corn is one of the leading crops of our country, and in a pecuniary point of view takes precedence over any other of our cereals. Occupying as it does, a wide range of territory, and adapted as it is, to great differences of climate and length of season, it necessarily exhibits an almost endless variety. Some of the hard flinty sorts, are grown almost to the northern limits of our country; consequently the plant there, is dwarfed in its growth, and the grain matures early. Every degree or two of latitude south from this northern limit, exhibits an enlarged growth of foliage, stalk, ear, cob and grain. The farther south we go, the longer the season required for maturing the crop. Corn raised in New-Hampshire, and planted in Maryland, will ripen many weeks in advance of the varieties usually grown there. While the corn raised there, will not mature in the first named State.

The past season (1859) was comparatively cold, and unusually frosty; therefore was unfavorable for the corn erop overn large portions of New-England, and other of the Northern States, while in the Middle, the South, and Southwestern States, (with some trifling exceptions,) the corn crop is said to be unusually large.

In the New-England States, the corn crop in 1816 was nearly a failure, in consequence of the low temperature of that season. In 1836, in consequence of a cold summer, a very large part of the corn failed to ripen in the Northern States. In many sections of these States, the past season much of the corn failed to mature, but it averaged much better than the crop of 1836.

corn was generally sound, and the yield was nearly an average with that of preceding years.

In portions of New-England the past year, much of the corn planted on the intervale, and other low-lying land, These improvements, as we remarked before, exert an suffered greatly by the frosts of early June, and again by influence upon the farmers who may see or hear of them. those of the middle of September. But on more elevated They may doubt and cavil for a while, but the unmistaka-lands, with good culture and early maturing varieties, the ble signs of prosperity to be seen upon the farm and with the farmer-showing his course to be highly profitable-will generally influence the most incredulous, if they possess any degree of enterprise, into some sort of an imitation. These slight beginnings are almost invariably followed by better returns, and by extended and more thorough improvements, and thus the work goes on until

The above shows the importance of a proper selection of soil, abundant manuring, and a thorough preparation of the land before planting the seed. Especial attention will be required this year in selecting the seed corn. In 1857 the farmers in some of the western States suffered immense

losses by planting seed that failed to germinate. The past season, millions were lost by planting late ripening varieties. We may not again be visited with such an untoward season for years to come; yet, as no one can accurately predict the temperature of the coming summer, it will be wisdom in us to be prepared for the worst. The loss of a corn crop to the farmer is usually a serious one, yet this loss can frequently be guarded against by a change of seed. In making a change of seed corn it is the safest way for the farmer to procure seed north of his location. The farther north, the earlier it will mature, and, as a general rule, the smaller the growth. But then, ten bushels of ears of well ripened Canada corn is worth more for "man or beast" than twice that amount of large frost-bitten, soft ears. We pen these suggestions for the benefit of our readers in those sections of our country where the corn failed to properly mature the past season. There will be ample time between this and planting season, for farmers to procure seed grown far north of them, if they so choose. But if they do not see the necessity of it, we would suggest to them the importance of soon selecting from that of their own raising, and carefully ascertain whether it will all or only a part of it vegetate; and then have the requisite supply of seed ready for use whenever the temperature of the season and soil will justify the committal of the seed to the bosom of mother earth.

Some farmers are always in a great hurry to get their corn planted "extra early," and they sometimes "miss it" by so doing. In the North American Review for October is an article, from which we make the following extract, having a direct bearing upon this point-it says:

"No plant can germinate without a certain degree of heat. Each plant, however, has its own peculiar range of temperature. Wheat will not germinate when the soil is below fortyfive degrees Farenheit, or above ninety-five degrees. Corn requires ten degrees more heat than wheat. Should it be planted, therefore, when the soil does not indicate fifty-five degrees at least, its starchy portions, if the weather continue wet and cold for a week or two, will be decomposed and diffused, wholly, or in part, through the soil, so that when the warmth becoines sufficient to quicken the germ into activity, the plunule, failing to find the proper nourishment at its root, does not appear at all, or comes up a puny starvling, and after living a few weeks 'at a poor, dying rate,' expires like the wretched cardinal, and "makes no sign."

This principle is universal in its application to the germinating processes of the vegetable kingdom. The man therefore who puts his seed into the ground without any reference to its temperature, is liable both to lose his time and "beg in harvest."

SPRING PIGS FOR MAKING PORK.

That pork may be made most profitably of spring pigs, kept growing as rapidly as consistent with health until fall or early winter, has been shown by many successful experiments. Yet nothing is more common among farmers than to winter over pigs, weighing in the fall about one hundred pounds, expecting to make hogs when fattened a year later, weighing in the neighborhood of three hundred and fifty pounds. A year's care and keeping is given to very small advantage over pigs properly fed for less than

half the time.

March pigs of a good breed, well kept and learned to eat while with the sow, then taken away at two months old and fed all they will profitably consume, will make "three hundred hogs," by the last of November. There have been frequent instances of a gain of one and a quarter lbs. a day, and even more. "Pigs, recently from the mother,"

says a writer on this topic, "may safely and profitably be fed frequently. The digestive powers are most active in the young animal, as a matter of theory even; in practice it is found emphatically so; and if the animal is fed always, the growth is never stunted, and the animal does about all it was made to do, in a short time." An instance is given where two pigs fed from two months old, three, and often four times a day, with Indian meal and skim milk, weighed when slaughtered, at seven months old, three hundred and fifteen pounds.

An example of the cost and results of fattening shoats by feeding through the suminer, met our eye sometime since, in the N. E. Farmer. A pig was bought of a drover, weighing at the time 120 pounds, and costing $10,20. He was kept nearly nine months, consuming meanwhile, besides slops from the house, $25 worth mostly of cornmeal, and his dressed weight was 353 pounds. Taking first cost and expense of food purchased only into account, the pork cost ten cents per pound, though the cost of the meal would not average above $1.00 per bushel. The time spent in feeding, and the value of the slops, may have been remunerated by the manure, but we think manure could be made less expensively by fattening spring pigs; at least less time would be required in the process.

SUCKERS IN APPLE ORCHARDS.

EDS. Co. GENT.-Can you or some of your contributors, give me an effectual remedy for what I suppose is a diseasc among my apple trees, to wit, the sending up of hundreds of sprouts from and around the roots of the trees? Where I have cut them off two or three times during the past year, it seems only to increase their number five-fold. Lexington, Mo. J. C.

The remark is often made, that the suckers of apple trees, made use of as stocks to graft in, are apt to produce suckers. This is true only so far as those particular trees which sucker most abundantly are apt to be selected from which to obtain the supply, and of course the new stocks have the same peculiarity. Suckers should never be used for stocks; but if they are, they should be taken from trees producing the fewest.

To clear suckers from orchard trees, they should not be cut off, for new shoots will spring from every stub left. The right way is to keep the ground smooth, mellow, and clean; and then about the middle season of growth, or during the first half of summer, put on thick cowhide boots, and stout buckskin mittens; seize one sucker at a time, placing the boot upon it close to the tree, give a sudden jerk with the hands, and it will be torn out root and branch, leaving no stump. An occasional repetition of this process will keep the orchard clear. Suckers always give a slovenly appearance to an orchard, and should not be suffered to grow. They also favor the depredations of the borer.

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