Such was their superiority, that at the sale of filled with air. Eggs which weighed two and a the General's effects, one wagon team of four a half ounces when fresh, weighed but a very mules sold for $800. At this day these animals small fraction over an ounce at the end of two are extensively used in the Southern States.-Er years. During incubation the diminution of weight is pretty rapid. Remedy for Swollen Jaw. Aristotle taught that round eggs contained male chickens and elongated eggs female. Scien tific men have both combatted and sustained this MR. EDITOR:-Last spring I found a swelling under the jaw of one of my cows. The neighbors told me it would kill her, and the best thing opinion, but the general opinion of naturalists at I could do was to fat her right off. I thought I the present day is that both males and females would try an experiment; so I rubbed it thor- come from both round and elongated eggs. Feoughly with spirits turpentine, which blistered cundation exercises no control over the figure or it. In about a week I gave it another rubbing, when the swelling began to gradually decrease, and two more applications effected a cure. If my experiment is worth anything to you or your readers you are welcome to it. W. H. B., LE ROY, WIS., Sept., 1865. The Poulteren. Facts about Eggs. It is thought by naturalists that the eggs of our domestic hen of the present day are, on an average, nearly a third larger and heavier than those of the hens of the ancients. The proportions of the yolk to the white of the egg are very nearly the same in each of the different races, but in proportion as the egg diminishes in size, does the relative proportion of the white to the yellow of the egg diminish; that is, small eggs have more yellow than large ones in proportion to their size, but the weight of their shell is also greater in proportion. Eggs which contain the largest yolk or yellow, like those of the Bramah and Cochin China hens produce the largest chickens. form of the egg. The most exact and scientific experiments upon these points, conducted recently at the Jardin d'Acclimation, at Paris, have led to these conclusions.-Mass. Ploughman. Nest Eggs. To have a supply of these, indestructible to heat or cold, just empty some eggs as you need them, through as small an aperture as possible; mix up with water, to the consistence of cream, some pulverized plaster; fill up the shells brimming full; when they have hardened, if you choose to peel them, you will find them perfect; and if you think your Brahmas will be fastidious about color, a little annatto mixed in will render the illusion perfect.-Plowman. Breeding Fowls. Talking about breeding fowls, a writer in Wilkes' Spirit says:-I am a great advocate for choosing young birds for this purpose and recommend that early pullets be selected every year for stock the following season, and put with two-year-old cocks for instance. Pullets hatched in May attain their growth and become perfect in shape, size and health, before the chills of winter. They should be put with cocks of two years old, when they will lay on the first appearance of mild weather, and their produce has the The eggs of the wild hen have a superior flavor. same advantage as these have had before them. The proportion of yellow in them is greater than I do not advocate having young stock fowls so than the eggs of the ordinary domestic fowls; much on account of their laying early, as I do they have a higher color, also, and cooks esteem for the superiority of their breeding. Neither is them on this account for the preparation of cer- it desirable to breed from fowls of all the same tain sauces in the proportion of one to three. The weight of sterile or unfecundated eggs, is less than that of those that have been fecundated; but their nutritive quality is less. Barley is said to increase the proportion of the yellow of the egg, and rye is said to favor the development of the white. age. Where it can be done, it is better to put a two-year-old cock with pullets, and visa versa.— It is well to introduce fresh cocks of pure breed into the yard every second year; this prevents Eggs lose a slight proportion of their weight degeneracy, and for the same reason no cock day by day when left to themselves, the contents should be kept more than three seasons, nor a becoming dried up gradually and reduced, so that hen more than four, if it is intended to keep there is left a solid residuum withdrawn towards them in the highest possible perfection and efthe small end of the egg, the opposite end being ficiency. Horticultural. The Culture of Window Plants. From a report of the Pennsylvania Horticul State Horticultural Society-The Annual Ex-tural Society we copy the following interesting hibition. and seasonable article.-ED.: In connection with the annual Fair of the Dr. Jack read an essay, detailing his experiState Agricultural Society, this exhibition came ence in growing window plants, and setting off in good style the 26th to 30th of September. forth his method, which has been quite successThe official report of entries and premiums being ful. He said that the subject was one of interest published in this No., I shall only give a brief sy to all who have a love for plants, and especially nopsis of, and remarks upon it, expecting to do to those who have not the conveniences for greatbetter justice to the exhibition in our next "Re- er indulgence. port," which will be published in due time. The conditions most desired, and the attainMany thanks are due the State Agricultural ment of which have proved the most difficult,are Society, for the liberal provisions made for this the application of an even heat, and the maindepartment, in the spacious tent and the conveni- tenance of a constant moisture. In order to ent fixtures therefor, but especial thanks are due protect his window plants from an atmosphere the fruit growers for their prompt response to the too dry, he has pursued the plan of enclosing a appeals made to them to "come in and fill up" space inside the windows, projecting a case into this department, which they truly did, in a man- the room and giving it the form of a bay-winner of which all who have at heart the best in- dow. This is indeed but a wardian case, one terests of the State may well feel proud, and re- side of which is composed of entire sash. The joice at the conclusive evidence of success in dimensions are, height five feet eight inches; fruit growing, beyond doubts or discouragement width three feet seven inches (this being the size from the past. And of all classes of exhibitors, of the window frame,) and depth two feet eight the non-professional are entitled to praise, for inches. their zeal in contributing, for a love, not of money, The accommodation of the plants is effected but of the great fruit growing interests of the by a circular stage of 31 inches in diameter, reState. volving on a central stud. This form of stage We should not pass by those resident citizens, permits a variety of arrangement, and allows acladies and gentlemen, who contributed so liber cess to all parts for the purpose of watering, etc. ally of flowers and evergreens, with their labor' While this form of stage retains the moisture n the decoration of the hall. But we would constantly rising from the soil equally as well as have been more pleased to have had all the flor- the ordinary Wardian case, it is better supplied al decorations furnished as exhibitions for com- with light, and affords an opportunity for a much petition, thus showing a professional or amateur more tasteful display of plants. zeal, so much needed to add bloom and beauty to To secure a uniform and sufficient temperathe fine city of Janesville. Hoping to be able to ture, an opening is made in the top of the case furnish for a future number, a complete list of for the entrance of warm air, and another in the the fruits on the tables, I only submit the fol- bottom, for the exit of the cool, which falls in lowing synopsis : consequence of its greater specific gravity. By this means the plants are perfectly protected from 180 contact with cold air. The current of warm air entering the top would, however, naturally dissipate the necessary moisture. To avoid this, a net work of loose cotton thread is placed over the opening, one end being immersed in water.Capillary attraction causes the whole to be moistened, and the air in passing over it, becomes saturated with water. 30 were.. Entries by non-professioual fruit growers..... Apples,. 38 Pears, Grapes, Sundries, Profesional fruit growers.. Apples Pears Fruit trees adopted to N. West, 2 Flowers by non-professional cultivators,.. 27 Flowers by professional cultivators,. 31 2 exhibitions of evergreens in tubs. 2 exhibitions of ornamental designs. 2 The effect of this method is shown in the better appearance of the plants, greater evenness of temperature, and the constant and marked pres DELICACIES.-Under this head were sealed fruits, pick-ence of humidity. All this is accomplished with es, preserves and jellies, in all, 18 entries. Wines, 21 entries. J. C. PLUMB, Sec. State Hort. Society out complication, and requires but little attention. The process is almost self-regulating, much like that in the Aquarium, which renders three-fourths of the total consumption of the the latter of such interest. year has been reported, which would give fully To secure the condition of heat, the plants 160,000,000 of pounds as the consumption of the should be exposed not too directly to the rays of past year, being double the consumption of the the sun. If possible, the case should be so placed whole country in 1859. The present condition of as to have the light of an adjoining window the country gives assurances of increased conthrown in its rear. sumption. No. Factories. No. of Home The communication closed with an illusion to the soothing influence of the culture of flowers New York,.. on the mind. There was never a more propitious Pennsylvania, New Hampshire,.. 41 time for the culture of window plants than now, Indiana,... when the number of flowers subject to such Wisconsin,.. treatment is greatly increased. Gardener's Ohio,... Monthly. Mechanical and Commercial. Wool Manufacturer's Association. Vermont,.. 6,250 43,022,000 32,109,750 10,409,750 9,215,000 7,257,500 2,097,500 2,047,500 1,406.000 1,406,000 7,500 21 4,305,000 2,015,000 2,265,000 9 41 11,684,500 5,470,750 5,846,250 Missouri,.... Illinois,. New Jersey,. Maine,.. On the 6th of September, the National Wool Kentucky, Oregon.... Manufacturer's Association, which was organized Delaware,.. last season at Springfield, Massachusetts, held its first annual session in Philadelphia, and delegates interested in that class of manufactures were present from all parts of the country. The Association now numbers over two hundred members, representing an immense property interest, and wielding, or prepared to wield, in their organized condition, a powerful influence. Where that influence is to be brought specially to bear, is intimated by the significant remark of the Secretary in his report, that "it is the object of the government, (authorities of the Association,) to place the Association upon such a basis that it shall weight in our National councils." Yield per Number of Amount 15,782,551 .16,777,468 44,460,290 265 .17,198,219 51,766,630 3 10 The main matter of interest presented to the meeting was an elaborate report from the Secretary, J. L. Hayes, of Boston, upon the manufacturing of wool in 1864. The discussions in the columns of the Ohio Farmer upon the wool question, have already drawn out most of the points Before closing its annual session, the Associapresented by Mr. Hayes in this report; but the tion elected the following officers; E. B. Bigelow, following tables, prepared from the returns to the of Massachusetts, President; T. S. Faxton, of Agriculturl Department, showing the aggregate New York, Theodore Pomeroy, of Massachusetts, amount of wool consumed, etc., in the several and Samuel Bancroft, of Pennsylvania, Vice loyal Atlantic States, are of interest to all wool Presidents; Walter Hastings, of Massachusetts, growers. It will be borne in mind that the first Treasurer. Mr. John L. Hayes, of Boston, is the table shows the operations of but 746 woolen permanent Secretary of the Association.—Ohio manufactories in 1864, while the returns of asses- Farmer, Sept. 16th. sors give the total number of such establishments SPINNING COTTON.-One man can spin more tary says the quantity consumed (in 1864) by the cotton yarn now than four hundred men could 746, was represented at, 118,729,600 pounds, have done in the same time in 1769, when Arkand from a careful analysis of the information wright, the best cotton spinner, took out his first received, it is quite apparent that not more than patent. Miscellaneous. THE PLANTING OF THE APPLE TREE. BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. Come, let us plant the apple tree! What plant we in the apple tree? Buds which the breath of summer, days Shall lengthen into leafy sprays Boughs where the thrush with crimson breast A shadow for the noontide hour, What plant we in the apple tree What plant we in the apple tree? While children, wild with noisy glee, And when above this apple tree And guests in prouder house shall see The fruit of the apple tree. The fruitage of this apple tree, And they who roam beyond the sea Each year shall give this apple tree' And time shall waste this apple tree, What shall the tasks of mercy be, Who planted this old apple tree ?" The children of that distant day Thus to some aged man shall say; And, gazing on its mossy stem, The grey-haired man shall answer them; A poet of the land was he, Born in the rude, but good old times; "Tis said he made some quaint old rhymes On planting the apple tree." Jottings of European Travel. BY THE EDITOR. EILDON HILLS TO EDINBURGH. JULY 22.-There! I have literally scaled the mountain, and now by narrow lanes and grassy streets, in solemn mood, approach the dilapidated, ivy-grown, but still strangely beautiful remains of the old monastery long famous as the Abbey of Melrose, and everywhere admired for the marvellous beauty of its architecture and the sharpness and perfectness of its exquisitely cut and carved stone. The monastery was built by David I., more than seven hundred years ago and suffered much by vandalism of English armies during the wars between the kingdoms of England and Scotland. Indeed, it was once pretty nearly all destroyed, but subsequently restored by the heroic and devoted Robert Bruce. The cruciform chapel with dismantled tower and slowly crumbling walls is all that now remains. As it stood in its original completeness it was the marvel of the times and the most magnificent ecclesiastical edifice in Scotland. As it stands to-day it is the admiration of the multitude of worshippers who have come to it from every part of the civilized world, especially those (of whom we are one,) who place the Gothic before all other styles of architecture. What emotions stir the soul, oh fane of the dead and mighty Past, as the thoughtful man of to-day treads thy long-deserted aisles! Almost a thousand years with their recurring summers have come and gone since the sculptors of that far-off time carved upon thy still enduring stone "Spreading herbs and flowerets bright -in thy cloister arches fair;" Since "The corbels were carved grotesque and grim, And the pillars with clustered shafts so trim, With base and with capital fiourished around, Seemed bundles of lances which garlands had bound!" Thy brave defenders for ages have slept. They who ministered at thine altars and believed their prayers and sacrifices the salvation of the world, have learned the lesson of a larger charity and hope. For centuries decaying, thou hast still out-lived a multitude of absurd dogmas and gross su- poems and romances came forth from the burperstitions. God grant, that ere thy last crumbling dened press with a profusion that has never wall shall have fallen, the spirit of a true chris-known a parallel and that almost compelled the tianity superseding all the dead and senseless conviction that his magic pen was a condensed forms thereof may have possessed the world! As I have already said, the church which alone remains of all the buildings which constituted the monastery, is cruciform, the Latin cross the model. Length, 285 feet; width, 130. A portion of it I find is now occupied as a parish church, the old bell upon which reminds me that the hour of five, has come, and if I am to walk to Abbotsford in time for the 8 o'clock train to Ed inburgh, I must shut my eyes to the enchantments of Melrose and tear myself away. The bank of the rippling Tweed intices me. Wonder if I could make it my path to Abbotsford. Nothing appears to hinder; I will try it. The morning, which to me on the mountain top promised so much at the early dawn, thickens. I must quicken my pace, or falling mists and wet grass will embarrass my ramble. library of new and unsealed books, and that it needed only the pressure of his matchless hand to force their issue in continuous streams. At last the work was accomplished, and the wonderful author, worn out by the toil and anxiety of years might die!—prematurely, to be sure, but solvent! The mansion stands on low ground on the very bank of the river and under a high, though gradually sloping hill. Across the Tweed are the beautiful haughs or meadows, of Ettrick; two miles farther up is the flourishing manufacturing town of Galashiels. Descending from the street I pass the court in front and am invited in. The mansion is near ly 150 feet in length, I should judge, and is a most unique pile or rather piles of stone. Broad halls ornamented with works of art and precious relics of the feudal and more modern times; a Charming scenery, every rood of it made splendid library 50 feet long, where the Baron classic by the immortal Scott, the white walls wrote his many books, and many other interesting and towers of whose magnificent baronial resi- apartments are shown me. But I cannot tarry dence appear through the intervening groves. long to enjoy them. Already I tread upon the soil made sacred by the The present owner is Robert Hope Scott, hussacrifice of the beautiful life which paid the pur-band of the grand-daughter of Sir Walter.* Long chase price. may it remain a monument of the power of the I stand at the very portal! This is Abbotsford gifted and heroic soul who with it has given his -the palatial mansion, built by the herculean immortal name to all who may inherit the estate literary efforts of the great Poet and Novelist, for untold generations. ing of the train! Once comfortably seated, I realize that I am a little weary after my all-night's walk and morning rambles. But what of that? Am I not on classic ground? and is not Edin whose name is a household word among all peo- By a skiff I reach the other shore, where is a ples. Sir Walter, (then only plain Walter Scott flag station on the railroad, enjoy a dish of oatEsq.,) made the first purchase in 1811, and con- meal porridge, kindly furnished by the master's ceiving the idea of adding to it-building and wife, and have two minutes to spare ere the comestate-by degrees, as the means came to him, until it was worthy of a lordly title, called it after a ford in the Tweed near by Alas, poor Walter his ambition to wear a title such as some of his proud ancesters boasted, was too much for his bod-burgh before me? ily powers. Thousands after thousands he drew Galashiels, Bowland Bridge, and Stow are from his publishers as an advance on works to passed and now the gliding train grazes the base be published, but not yet written, until at last of the Lammermuir Hills. A tunnel! Thunder when they failed he found himself involved to the and black darkness! Tyne, Dalhousie, Dalkeith, startling amount of some seven hundred thousand and the garden-like farms of East Lothian pass dollars! The splendid Manor House was built in swift review. A very few moments and I and the lands had been correspondingly added, shall stand in the midst of glorious old Edinbut there was the small sum of $150,000 virtually burgh! yet due ere they could be enjoyed in peace and honor. The money must be raised, and must It is a great blunder in the pursuit of happicome out of his brain. He had no other resource. ness not to know when we have got it; that is, Like a true hero he goes about it; volume af- not to be content with a reasonable and possible ter volume and score after score of charming measure of it. |