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upon vegetable life, which the laws of phy- 10° above zero. For some days the exsics do not account for. The most striking pansion of trees in the forest produced a example of this last, is the immediate death continued cracking.† of hot-house plants when exposed to a temperature of 1° or 2° Centigr., which causes no congelation. The action of the same degree of temperature is very different on two allied species, and sometimes on two varieties of the same species."

"On the occurrence of a thaw, and immediate examination, many peach-trees were found to have the bark burst thoughout the extent of the trunk. The bark on the branches of one or two pear-trees was found to give way at the touch, and out of a lot of sixty hardy young cherry-trees, about half were entirely killed, or so injured as to produce death. In a small orchard of plums,

thrifty, about half a dozen had the bark entirely separated from the alburnum; in most of them the fact not being discernable except by pressure, and when touched the bark being found to hang loosely on all sides of the trunk. In two cases the bark was burst, as in the case of the peaches, and on making any two horizontal sections on the trunk, the intervening bark might have been rolled off. It is needless to add, that these plum-trees all died, and that the first outward evidence of disease or injury in those

MULDER, in his great work on the Chemistry of Vegetable and Animal Physiology, does not touch upon this topic. But I would especially direct your attention to a measuring six inches in diameter, and very letter in the Patent Office Report for 185051, page 183, written by L. YOUNG, of Louisville, Kentucky, as containing some very peculiar facts, which may be of service in this investigation. I quote the latter part of it: "In 1840, strongly suspecting intense cold to be one of the causes producing blight among fruit trees, and aware that the only symptoms capable of pointing to the true harm-producing agency, are often obliterated by time, before the casual observer suspects the presence of injury, I then determined to invoke the assistance of the un-cases where the bark was loosened, but not erring instruments of meteorology as senti- burst, was a gradual shriveling of the bark nels to sound the alarm on every visitation on the coming of hot weather." of intensity of heat or of cold, hoping that if either of these violent powers were the culprit I should be able to detect him flagrante delictu, or that by a continued record of facts, the case of his guilt might be made out upon the evidences of circum

stances.

"In Kentucky, the first remarkable spell of intense cold occurring within the last ten years, happened in December, 1846, a month which would have done credit to a New England winter, its mean being 26°, and the thermometer at one time, for the space of forty-eight hours, not rising above

*0 Centigrade equals 320 or freezing point Fahren

heit.

I shall only make one remark on these statements. If a tree can not be acclimated so as to bear a greater cold than is natural to it, it appears that a removal to a warm climate renders it more delicate than usual. I have lived here ten years, and most of the time have had from thirteen to seventeen acres of orchard, containing all species of fruit trees. The neighboring orchards are numerous. Yet in no instance have I ever known a tree of any kind killed by frost here, except the Chinese mulberry, which comes up annually. The thermometer has often been as low, and on not a few occasions down to

+ See also L. Young's Report to the Pomological Congress at Cincinnati, Ohio, 1850.-ED.

EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD ON VEGETATION.

zero for a few hours. Last winter a few trees, especially plums, are said to have been killed in the interior of the state, but only under peculiar circumstances. Even in two instances the Chinese mulberry has resisted the frost for several years, and become a tree, but both are now dead as far as the roots. I never knew a specimen of it killed outright, so as not to throw up shoots again. Our soil is a heavy wet clay, or clay loam. Yours, very sincerely, CHARLES FOx.

GROSSE ISLE, Mich., Dec. 22, 1852.

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REMARKS. This subject is not yet exhausted, and I hope to hear from other observers and writers, who have half promised their aid. Mr. Fox well observes that we require a greater number of facts, more numerous, carefully conducted observations, and minute chemical analyses.

His suggestions as to the greater sufferings of many plants to the southward of his position also opens a new aspect of the question-hinted at in the discussions of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society. The observations of L. Young, and those of others in this region, make it appear a trying latitude for plants; which may be explained by vigorous and late growth, a late second growth, (see effect on plums in the Pomological report from Pennsylvania in this number,) and the trying changes of temperature to which we are subjected during the winter. It should be observed that the climate of Grosse Isle is influenced by the waters of Detroit river and Lake Erie, and by the collections of ice which retard vegetation in the spring.-ED.

EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION.-Water applied to the soil by irrigation gives many other things besides humidity; it manures, consolidates, deepens the surface mold, and guards against cold-effects as obvious in a northern as in a southern climate.-Exch.

Cultivation of Beets.

195

BEETS will not grow well in unmanured soils. It is true that some soils may be for growing beets, but as a general rule found which are replete with the ingredients this crop requires manure. It is also true that freshly applied manures are not suitable to the growing of beet or other root crops; the application of super-phosphate of lime to turnips alone being an exception. One hundred thousand pounds of beet roots will take from the soil 1481 lbs. of potash, 3178 lbs. soda, 285 lbs. of lime, 133 lbs. of magnesia, 20 lbs. of alumina, 58 lbs. of oxide of iron, 50 lbs. of oxide of manganese, 105 lbs. of silica, 123 lbs. of sulphuric acid, 167 lbs. of phosphoric acid, 380 lbs. of chlorine; making in all 5986 lbs. of inor ganic matter as contained in 100,000 lbs. of beet roots, by the analyses of Sprengel.

Now it must be evident, that unless these materials exist in the soil, or are added to it, that this amount of beet roots cannot be grown. It is also true that beets contain a large amount of water, the greater proportion of which is taken from the soil by their roots, and parted with at the surface of their leaves, depositing in the plant all substances in solution before its egress; and therefore it is quite possible that when newly applied to the soil, and not in a proper state of division, that the more soluble portions of these ingredients may be carried into the roots more rapidly than they can be appropriated, and therefore prove detrimental to the growth.

It is also true, that large amounts of ammonia are required by the beet root to stimulate it to the appropriation of these inorganic materials; and therefore, in soils of barn-yard manure will not immediately short of any of these materials, the addition cause their liberation from the ultimate particles of the soil. When they exist in any

other than a free state in the soil, lime seems to be necessary to develop them for the use of plants; and it is for this reason that freshly manured soils do not yield large beet crops. If, however, the separate ingredients are combined with a proper proportion of ammonia, and in a proper state of solubility before their addition to the scil, they may be applied directly to the growing crop, or before its being planted, without

harm. Thus we have raised during the tages. Forests are swept away by minute present year, as large beet crops as any on record, by the use of the improved superphosphate of lime, and we have many letters from other growers, who have used equal amounts with similar results.

We agree with Mr. Reeve, [an English writer,] that the decay of one plant will furnish the proper pabulum for the growth of another of the same family; but we distinctly deny that the burying of the leaves of the beet as manure to a future beet crop, either judicious or true. It is true that these leaves, during decay, will furnish so much of the requirements of the beet as they may contain; but that portion of the inorganic requirements which was held by the roots themselves, and has been parted with from the farm, are irrecoverably absent, and the quantity received from the decomposing leaves will prove insufficient for a continuation of the crop in the manner proposed by Mr. Reeve.

His similes to establish this principle are badly chosen. He speaks of the oak-tree being manured by its own leaves for a century; but if he had removed the oak-tree each year, as he does his beets, the burying of the leaves would be found insufficient for the continued production to be removed.

His simile of carnivorous animals flourishing by devouring each other, is no more applicable to the issue in question, than would be the substitution of a worn-out pair of pantaloons for new cloth, in the making of a new garment.

The practical parts of Mr. Reeve's paper we recommend as judicious, but not for reasons given;-in other words, his truths are incidental, while his false reasonings form the leading parts of his communication.-Working Farmer.

Insects.

A PHILOSOPHICAL study of natural history will teach us that the direct benefits which insects confer upon us are even less important than their general use in maintaining the economy of the world. The mischiefs which result to us from the rapid increase and the activity of insects, are merely results of the very principle by which they confer upon us numberless indirect advan

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flies; but the same agencies relieve us from that extreme abundance of vegetable matter which would render the earth uninhabitable, were not this excess periodically destroyed. In hot countries, the business of removing corrupt animal matter, which the vulture and the hyena imperfectly perform, is effected with certainty and speed by the myriads of insects that spring from the deposited in every carcase, by some fly seeking therein for food for her progeny. Destruction and reproduction, the great laws of nature, are carried on very greatly through the instrumentality of insects; and the same principle regulates even the increase of particular species of insects themselves. When aphides are so abundant that we know not how to escape their ravages, flocks of lady-birds instantly cover our fields and gardens to destroy them.Such oonsiderations are thrown out to show that the subject of insects has a great philosophical importance; and what portion of the work of nature has not? The habits of all God's creatures, whether they are noxious or harmless, or beneficial, are worthy cbjects of our study. If they affect ourselves, in our health, or our possessions, whether for good or evil, an additional impulse is naturally given to our desire to attain a knowledge of their properties. Such studies form one of the most interesting oceupations which can engage a rational mind; and perhaps none of the employments of human life are more dignified than the investigation and survey of the workings and the ways of nature in the minutest of her productions.-N. E. Cultivator.

Evergreen Hamlet.

[SEE FRONTISPIECE.]

In the previous number it was my duty to offer an apology to those interested in the place here referred to, and to those who are waiting for some further intelligence respecting the plan involved. I had hoped to have visited the spot itself during the summer; but now give a notice from a Pittsburg paper, and also furnish, as a Frontispiece, a fine wood-cut copy of the residence of W. A. HILL, one of the energetic movers in this

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enterprise of a social community, which count is kept of the products of the farm, certainly has charms in prospect, if the and each member of the association is allowed to purchase any article he pleases at plan can only be realized. a fixed price, which is about one-half the

and sold beyond what is necessary to supply the wants of the members, is taken to and an account kept of the proceeds. The the city, disposed of like other marketing, association have one large stable and carriage house, and one hostler attends to all their wants in this respect, which obviates the necessity of each member of the asso ciation going to the expense of employing his own hostler.

The Frontispiece of this number is a rep-ordinary market rate. All that is raised resentation of the residence of W. A. Hill, one of the first improvements that was made in this interesting hamlet. By reference to the exterior, it will be perceived that the projectors intend to set a good example of refined taste to their successors, and the ground-plan gives evidence that comfort within the building, as well as external appearance, has been carefully and successfully studied.

Where is "Evergreen Hamlet ?" we imagine we hear the reader asking. Be patient, and you shall know. After crossing either of the fine bridges which span the beautiful Alleghany, you drive to the upper end of Alleghany City, and then run over the Butler Plank Road, along the margin of the Pennsylvania Canal, until you arrive at Stewartstown, at the mouth of Girty's Run; then you drive up Girty's Run about two and a half miles, when you will see, perched on a commanding hill-side, some beautiful cottages. This is Evergreen Hamlet.

A number of gentlemen of this city, about a year ago, determined to select a retired, healthy, and beautiful location, somewhere in the vicinity of Pittsburg, where they might build houses to suit their own convenience, with ample grounds around, and have all the enjoyments and pleasures of city and country life combined. For this purpose they purchased about eightyfive acres of land, in a retired and romantic spot, on Girty's Run, about an hour's drive from the city.

There are some nine or ten members of this association, three of whom, William A, Hill, William M. Shinn, and R. E. Sellers, Esqs., have built houses and are now occupying them, at Evergreen. Messrs. Wade Hampton and John Nichols are now building, and the other members of the association will build hereafter. The houses already erected are of the most beautiful style of modern architecture, and are surrounded with every comfort and convenience imaginable.

Mr. Hill's residence is constructed in the

pure Gothic style, and is in all respects a model dwelling-house. We have never been inside of a house that was better arranged in all respects to suit the wants of a family. As these improvements are all new, it will necessarily be some time yet before the grounds around present that beautiful artistic appearance which the enterprising proprietors design they shall exhibit. A great many choice fruit trees have been set out, and in a few years there will be an abundance of all kinds of fruit that are pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the taste.

The drive to Evergreen, especially up Girty's Run, is delightful. This stream, They entered into an association, and es- which is named after Simon Girty, the rentablished a constitution by which to be gov-egade, runs through a deep and dark raerned.

Each member, upon the payment of a certain sum of money when entering the association, is entitled to one acre of ground upon which to build, and a share of the products or profits of the cultivated land. The association employs a farmer and gardener, who works the land and superintends their affairs, and his salary is paid by an equal assessment among the members. An ac

vine, which is lined with maple, oak, chestnut, sycamore, hemlock, beech, walnut, and many other varieties of trees, whose broad branches extend overhead and almost hide the sun from view.

A good plank road is now being constructed up this run, which will be completed before winter, and which will greatly lessen the time required to trot a horse from the city to Evergreen.

Agricultural Bureau. THE following article, from the Cincinnati Commercial newspaper, so pleased me on its perusal, that it was immediately seized for copy. The exciting cause which stimulated Mr. Lee's brain to this effort, was the recent removal of Mr. Ewbank from the Patent Office, which has been attributed, by the eastern papers, to his having unadvisedly dismissed Dr. Lee, the excellent and indefatigable Agricultural Clerk of the Patent Office. The cause stated by Mr. Ewbank was a want of funds.

If Mr. Ewbank's excuse for the removal of Dr. Lee is founded in truth, it would seem to imply that our government has neglected or refused to appropriate the funds required to defray the necessary expenses of that branch of the Patent Office to which has been assigned the promotion of the agricultural interests of the country. We do not know that this is the fact; but we infer as much from the statement contained in an article in the New York Tribune, which appears to have been prepared from data furnished by Mr. Ewbank.

We believe that no funds were placed at the disposal of the office, to be appropriated to this object; and hence it was forced to rely upon such voluntary contributions and assistance as could be obtained from the intelligence, courtesy, and enterprise of the scientific and practical agriculturists of the country. Dr. Lee has filled this office with signal ability; and notwithstanding the almost insurmountable obstacles with which he has had to contend, has made important additions to our knowledge of the actual agricultural condition and resources of the United States and has done much to bring the wants of that great interest prominently before the government and the people. The agricultural part of the Patent Office reports, for the last two years, has contained a mass of valuable statistics, experience, and scientific information, very useful to the farming community.

We have read these reports with much interest and instruction. They abound in valuable suggestions to the practical farmer, and in curious and desirable information for the general reader. The partial investigations already made, even under the discouraging auspices we have mentioned above, have conclusively demonstrated the great importance of disseminating among our farmers a more thorough knowledge of the science and art of agriculture than they can possibly acquire from their own partial experience, individual effort, or the researches of private associations.

We have never examined the constitution of the United States with special reference to this subject, and are not prepared to say what the ingenuity of strict constitutionists might, or might not find in that instrument to prohibit the government from extending the science and improving the art of Labor and capital employed in the tillage agriculture, by lending its aid to investiga- of the earth, is certainly as worthy of legistions and experiments undertaken with a lative consideration and government patview to that object. But we have long ronage, as labor and capital employed in been convinced that the creation of an Ag-manufactures, commerce and navigation. ricultural Bureau, in connection with some In a national point of view it is probably of of the executive departments, or as a sepa- more value than all three of the last-named rate department of the government, is a interests combined. The regular and conmeasure demanded by considerations of vi- tinued productiveness of the soil, is an obtal importance to the future well-being of ject of greater importance to the people this country.

than any political measure whatever. The This subject, several years ago, excited sources from which we obtain our bread some discussion in the country and in Con- and meat, and clothing, demand our first gress; but it resulted in nothing more deci- attention, and should not be neglected by a ded than a tacit permission to the Secretary government which exists only for the public of the Interior, or the Commissioner of Patents, to employ one clerk, whose duty it should be to collect and digest such information tending to throw light on the science and art of agriculture, as he could procure.

good.

A great principle is involved in the science of agriculture, which reaches through remote ages and generations, and forms the basis of all possible improvements, and the

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