Before adjourning, the society directed its officers to apply by a respectful petition to the legislature, for aid in the great work we have undertaken of rescuing the native fruits of Ohio from oblivion and otherwise enabling the orchardists of Ohio to obtain correct information respecting the fruits most valuable as being best adapted for their culture. All interested will desire the consummation of the wishes of this society, and that the aid of the state may through this medium be the means of diffusing much information that will add to the wealth and happiness of our citizens. Appropriate votes of thanks were passed to the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, for a parcel of Pomological Transactions received from them; and also to the Columbus Horticultural Society, for the use of their comfortable rooms, where the sessions were held. The society adjourned to meet again upon the call of the president and officers. The next meeting was proposed to be held about the first cf July, at Cleveland, to afford an opportunity for studying the cherry, which has succeeded remarkably well in that neighborhood. The Third Industrial Convention. THIS body met at Chicago on the 24th of November, and adjourned on the 25th, to assemble again in the city of Springfield, on Tuesday, the second day of the session of our legislature. This will be the day previous to the meeting of the State Agricultural Convention, and will accommodate both matters, as the same delegates can attend both meetings. The Chicago Convention was very respectfully, though not very numerously attended.-Prairie Farmer. Editorial. CORRESPONDENCE. Notes on the December Number. many fruits altogether superior are not obtained there. Report of the Fruit Committee to the State Board of Agriculture of Indiana.-Very in- St. Catharine Plum.-Your French corteresting, particularly so in reference to respondents add greatly to the interest of new seedlings. The rules they have adopted your review. How Leroy's description of should govern all similar committees. No this plum makes one's mouth water,-60 doubt superior seedlings are constantly plums, of superior quality, on a branch three coming into notice, and all pomologists feet long!! Shall we ever see such sights should endeaver to add to the lists of fruit, here? We may, if we can conquer the such as are really deserving of culture; curculio. but fruit committees should be well satisfied that the subjects offered possess some well ascertained superiority, before they recommend them, even for further trial, and this further trial should be such an one as to leave no doubt of its right to a place in the lists. In this way, we may see a prospect, even though distant, of having nursery lists that may be relied on; at present, each locality has its favorite seedlings, which are highly prized, because Death of the Broussonettia.-Not much loss if all the specimens were dead. I am no great friend to the Ailanthus, but like it better than the paper mulberry. The discussion on the subject of acclimation in your society, is interesting. In your remarks on that subject, you say, "It will not do to blame old Sol with all the damages." Unless he can prove an alibi, the evidence is rather strong against him. Even, if by the previous influence of sunshine, en NOTES ON THE DECEMBER NUMBER. 235 abling the roots on the warm side of the ginous form, liable to clog, or even stop tree to respond to the call of the buds circulation. At the same time, the action of above," he is, at least, accessory before the act. The views of Prof. Lindley, Mr. Goepper, and Prof. Morreau, on this subject, show much research in the right direction: further research by such minds, with extended practical observations, may yet throw much light upon this still obscure topic. the frost frequently bursts the sap vessels, so as to admit the air, which coming in contact with the dissolved starch, sets up fermentation, which we know, under favorable circumstances rapidly progresses from the saccharine to the vinous condition, and from the vinous to the acetous, and lastly, the putrescent stage; so that if the plant is not killed by stopping its circulation, as stated above, it has a fair chance of dying of gangrene, as in pear blight; the fermentable fluid becoming extravasated among the ruptured cells and acting slowly as the season advances. Do we not frequently see phenomena that would go to sustain these views? May not many of the semi-tropical trees which we cultivate, though they cast their leaves in autumn, as deciduous trees, so far differ from true deciduous trees, as only to cast them when disorganized by frost, without fully entering into a state of hybernation; if this be so, the efforts of the tree, in warm winter days, to repair the damage Truly deciduous trees may become vicdone by the frost, would be constantly de- tims to the same train of action; but in feated by the cold of the succeeding nights, these cases, I suppose a warm spell would or by the cold chills so frequently expe- be necessary to swell the buds and warm rienced in our winters. Not being adapted the roots before circulation would be carto a climate which gives them several ried on to a sufficient extent to do mischief. months of rest, the effort would of course We have frequently seen the young twigs be repeated as long as vitality remained, or of the peach blackened throughout the aluntil the cellular tissue becomes destroyed. burnum by a cold storm in the spring, but Starch, we know, is found in the cellular tis- as the season advances it recovers its sue of most plants; this article may act an healthy color again; in this case, the starch important part, in causing their death. In may have been appropriated by the exits natural state it consists of little ovate panding bud, as fast as was it changed to grains, differing in size and form in differ- sugar. If disbudding such a branch should ent plants, but in all containing a portion kill it, would it not go to prove that the fermentation of the sugar was the cause of its death? Enough of this: I hate theories. soluble in water, which is contained in an Oleanders.-Your advice to your lady correspondent of Ripley, is good, but I doubt whether overfeeding was the cause of their casting their bloom; they are rank feeders and require more water than most other plants, and at the same time, thorough drainage. In the season of rapid growth they sometimes require water twice a-day, Green Asparagus is very good, but I within reach of our exhibitions, either as must own a preference for the white, if contributors or as spectators, will also contender. For market, however, the green sider it a privilege to be highly prized," may be best suited, for it does not get tough that such liberality, calculated to bring forafter cutting as the white does by forming ward noble efforts to make a grand display, woody fibers on exposure to air and light. will furnish them an opportunity Grape- Vines, winter and fall pruning.I have tried all seasons and prefer the fall, because, 1st, it is a season of more leisure than spring; 2d, the cuttings if you wish to grow them do much better than when taken off at any other season, if tied in bundles and buried in the ground scarcely ever failing to grow; 3d, I think I have noticed a more vigorous growth in vines pruned in the fall, growing side by side with those pruned in the spring. Vine growers should experiment and report the result. Everything connected with this culture is important. VARIOUS ITEMS. Horticultural Premiums. P. THE amount of premiums offered by the For gardens, green-houses, etc., For plants, flowers, and designs. For vegetables, Total, Agriculture in the Ascendant. THE following sentiment is found in the Journal of the United States Agricultural Society, an institution in which I have a deep interest, and from which I have entertained great hopes, for the beneficial influences it is to exert upon American agriculture, despite all the croakings of others who are lacking faith in the possible usefulness of a central body. Would that I could feel equal faith with Dr. Lee, in the advanced intelligence of our legislators, those who are reckoned, and who consider themselves the statesmen of America! "The time has gone by, forever, when American statesmen can safely plead ignorance of the principles of agriculture. If one knows them not, his claim to the title of statesman, will be disputed by a nation of farmers, at the ballot-box, and his ser700 vices, most likely, will be dispensed with." $750 ..200 620 ....... 250 •$2520 Such an amount, held up to the gaze of skillful culturists, cannot fail to bring out a United States Agricultural Society. It is very much to be regretted that some rich display of interesting objects, and spec- of the Agricultural Press should have altators as well as competitors, who live with-lowed themselves, perhaps without suffiin convenient access to such a society's cient investigation, to be arrayed against exhibitions, possess privileges which must be very highly prized.-Albany Cultivator. this promising institution. The following The premium list of the Cincinnati Hor- extracts from the constitution, are preticultural society, just issued for 1853, is sented to the reader, to show the plan of the society: coming along according to its ability. For prospective prizes,.. For flowers and plants, etc., For fruits, For vegetables, Total,.. ..$900 211 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.-It shall be the 335 duty of this board to watch the interests of agriculture, as they are or may be affected by the legislation of the country; to make $1580 such reports, memorials and recommenda 134 Let us, too, hope that all who may be tions, as may advance the cause of agri vancement of the cause in the southern States, which have a similarity of object in their pursuits, and whose modes of proceeding are different, in many respects, from those in the north. Do not, in your zeal, gentlemen, entirely overlook our desire to take you by the hand, occasionally, at our annual convocations as heretofore. culture, promote and diffuse agricultural to organize an agricultural association of knowledge; to examine, and when neces- the slaveholding States. This association is sary, report upon the practicability of es- said to have become necessary for the adtablishing agricultural schools, colleges, and model farms; to set forth the advantages of agricultural and geological surveys, and to show the importance of the application of science to agriculture; to represent, through their reports, the relation of American agriculture to that of foreign countries, and endeavor to obtain information from such countries; to point out the advantage of introducing any new staples, seeds and plants, and obtain, so far as practicable, annual statistical returns of the condition of agriculture throughout the different states; all which information shall be published by the society, and form part of its transactions. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.-The executive committee shall transact the general business of the society, and shall designate the time and place for exhibitions, regulate the expenditures, and take such supervisory charge of the business of the society as may best promote its interests. This body shall elect its own chairman; three members shall constitute a quorum. The friends of the great work, from the North as well as the South and West, anxiously look forward to the first annual meeting, on the 2d of February, hoping to see a handsome delegation from all parts of our extended country, which certainly, from its very breadth, requires such a central body as this proposes to be, for the general collection and diffusion of agricultural information, and eventually, perhaps, for the management of great fairs. Let the states' and counties' societies, and township clubs go on as before, but let us also have one grand repository. Winter Meeting at Albany, N. Y. FROM the Journal of the New York State agricultural society, it appears that the winter meeting to be held on the 8th-10th of February, is expected to be quite an exhibition. Fat cattle, grains, seeds, fruits and dairy products, are to be exhibited. The agricultural rooms, where the grains and fruits, etc., are to be displayed, will be the center of great attractiveness. Peach Buds, ARE all safe, they have neither suffered from cold, nor has the mild weather that has characterized the season, forced them forward injuriously. So far as examined, they are all sound. New Varieties of Table Corn. By the advertisement of Messrs. HovEY & Co., it will be seen that among the novelties they present to purcasers, there is a new variety of table corn, called the Old Colony Sweet Corn, to which the Massachusetts Horticultural society have given high Southern Agricultural Association. commendation, backed up with several ASSOCIATION OF THE AGRICULTURISTS OF handsome premiums, awarded to this variTHE SLAVEHOLDING STATES.-At a prepara-ety, which is said to be even superior to the tory meeting of planters, held in Macon Ga., celebrated Stowell Evergreen. Dr. D. A. REESE, of Ga., in the chair, it was resolved that they meet in Montgomery, Alabama, on the first Monday in May next, H. P. BYRAM & Co., Louisville, Ky., inform me that they have received a supply of the Stowell Corn, which is offered to those desirous of enjoying the real luxury fore be welcomed by most of the readers of a most delicious esculent, which is said of the Review. to extend its season longer than the older variety of sugar corn. Agricultural Lectures. A CAPITAL idea has been started in Massachusetts, and perhaps practiced elsewhere; it is for the State Board of Agriculture to employ efficient and practical men to deliver lectures upon agricultural topics, in every part of the country. Our people are anxiously waiting for information; they begin to feel the need of it, and it should be sup plied. Will not our department of agriculture endeavor to furnish the article which is so much in demand? The Ohio Farmer suggests that, "by a little concert among Ohio farmers the thing could be done in this State. We have now about 70 county societies. If each one were to contribute $20, and place it at the disposal of the State board, gentlemen could be employed whose sole business should be to spread information among the people on the subject of agricul ture and the sciences akin to it." NOTICES. The Journal of Agriculture. "THE cheapest and best;" yes, you are right, though you say it yourself, who, etc. I shall not cavil at the expression, for I believe it true, whatever others may have said-and everybody who will read the work, must agree with me, if unprejudiced and disinterested. Let everybody be as patriotic as they may-cultivate your own then look abroad, even unto the east, if you home paper first, support that nobly, and will, for further light, and endeavor to procure, not only the cheapest, but the best. The Journal, with King, Mapes and Bartlett, and their excellent contributors, will furnish you a large amount of the soundest teachings in agricultural matters. this will be taken as it is, unsolicited, and unbiased, too, I believe, except by the merits of the work, and rival publications will please take no exceptions to the remarks. Terms, monthly, 50 cts. a year, in advance. The Horticulturist. All Professor M. P. Norton's Lectures. Ir is a matter of regret that the New THIS old friend has just made its first York State society have failed to procure a visit from the new hailing-ground, at Rochcopy of the course on agricultural chem-ester. The colored engraving is beautiful, istry, by this distinguished Professor, which and gives quite an air to the work, nor will gave great satisfaction last winter, when the reader be disappointed by a further delivered at the University at Albany. progress, beyond the title page, upon which Their application was courteously received he will be pleased to see the old vignette, by the father of the deceased, but, he re- of vines and fruits. A rare and rich asplied, that the notes were not in a fit condi-sortment of excellent articles will greet his tion for publication, as they had never been written out. THE Pomological matter in this number, in one shape or other, has extended itself to unreasonable limits; but the articles are generally of great interest, and will there advance. Externally some changes have been made, that mark an era, but the quiet, genteel appearance of our old acquaintance is very agreeable to those who might have anticipated a change in this particular, to have accompanied the change in its proprietorship. |