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and pack down the hams and shoulders promiscuously, as they will best pack in, and sprinkle a LITTLE fine salt on each laying, just enough to make it show white; then heat a kettle of water and put in salt, and stir well until it will bear up a good sized potato, between the size of a quarter and a half dollar; boil and skim the brine, and pour it on the hams boiling hot, and cover them all over one or two inches deep with the brine having put a stone on the meat to keep it down. I sometimes use saltpetre, and sometimes do not; consider it useless except to color the meat. I now use my judgment as to the time to take them out of the brine. If the hams are small they will cure in three weeks, if large, say five weeks; again, if the meat is packed loose, it will take more brine to cover it, consequently more salt will penetrate the meat in a given time than if it is packed close; on this account it is useless to weigh the meat and salt for the brine, as the meat must be kept covered with the brine, let it take more or less. Leave the casks uncovered until cool. When the hams have been in the brine long enough I take them out and leave them in the cellar if the weather is not suitable to smoke them. I consider clean corn cobs better for smoking meat than anything I have ever tried, and now use nothing else; continue the smoke until it penetrates the meat, or the skin becomes a dark cherry brown. I then wrap the pieces I wish to keep in paper any time before the bugs or flies have deposited their eggs on them, and pack them down in casks with dry ashes in the cellar, where both hams and shoulders will keep as good as when packed, through the summer or year. Cured in this way it is hard to distinguish between the shoulder and ham when boiled.

A large ham will often taint in the middle before salt or brine will penetrate through.

HOW TO CURE SIDE PORK.

So much for smoked meat; now if any one wishes to have his side pork a little better, and keep better than any he has ever had, let him try my way, and if he is not satisfied, let me know it through the "Ohio Farmer."

Take out the bone and lean meat along the back, cut and pack the pieces snugly in the barrel, put more salt on the bottom and on each laying of meat than will probably penetrate the meat; then boil and skim the old brine (if it is sweet) and add enough to it to cover your meat two or three inches over the top, made strong like the ham brine; and as soon as you pack your meat, pour the brine on boiling hot; it will penetrate the meat much quicker than cold brine, and give it an improved flavor.

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GRAHAM BISCUIT.-It is said that an Arab wife can serve up a dish of dates to her lord a hundred days in the year and each day in a different manner.

Almost the same might be said of our own wheat. Graham bread I am glad to perceive is becoming a more universal favorite than it used to be, and the following is a favorite receipt in our family, which I have never seen in print. Take a small sized pan of brown flower, the usual quantity of butter-milk, soda, and salt; mix the two former thoroughly together, and having two beaten eggs and a teacup full of cream, roll out as soft as possible. The stove must be hot to have light biscuit.—Ib.

YOUTH'S CORNER.

[From the Little Pilgrim.] The Little Orphan.

BY W. ROS8.

Up and down through a bright lit street,
Archie walked with little bare feet,
Knowing not which way to go-

None cared for the little boy out in the snow.

"Give," to a passer the little boy said

"Oh! give me something-some money or bread!"
But the rich man heeded not his moan,
For his heart was hard as the hardest stone.
A lady in satin and furs passed by,
She heard but scorned the orphan's cry
For charity; yet that lady may plead,
Or of sweet human pity stand in need.
"Oh, father, mother! I wish I were dead!
I have no place to lay my head;

The world is blind and deaf to my woe;
None cares for the beggar out in the snow!"

None came a child with golden hair

Was found dead in the street, in the wintry air;
Yet golden streets his soul-feet trod-
The orphan was safely housed with God.

[From the Little Pilgrim.] Geographical Conundrums.

If you had bees for sale, in what island might you expect to find a market? Celebes (Sell Bees.)

What Cape of Newfoundland might well wear a wig? Cape Bauld.

What river in Massachusetts would be a desirable neighbor? Concord River.

What one in British America? Peace.—[But not until the Rebellion is crushed.-ED.]

What River in Rhode Island could be set on fire? Wood.

What one in South Carolina? Tar.

While I was making and pouring the brine on my hams and pork just now packed, I tho'tness like to swim? Rum. the public might be benefitted by a knowledge of my way of curing meats. I therefore publish it. Try it.-Valley Farmer.

In what River in Minnesota would drunken

What lake in Florida would a child name, asking for a kiss? Kissime.

WAR MISCELLANY. endorsing the high enconium passed upon it by

Hartley's Breech-Loading Cannon.

the military committee under whose supervisien it was recently tested in Chicago with the

We are indebted to F. A. Scofield, Esq., of Chicago, one of the propeietors, for the illus-remarkable result of fifty shots in four minutes, tration herewith presented of this new wonder without being sensibly heated. It was invented in the world of military ordnance. Having by Capt. R. R. Moffatt, of La Crosse, Wis., and perfected with the aid of R. W. Hartley, of the same place, whose name it bears.

just this afternoou witnessed a successful trial of it in the Capitol Park, we feel warranted in

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The following is a simple description of the construction and working of the gun:

By depressing the handle of the lever E E, as in the cut, the breech of the Gun is raised out of the wrought iron bed-piece, F F, at the same time withdrawing the conical breech pin A, from the conical end of the bore of the gun B, by means of the chain D, which is attached to the lever, and permitting the pin to fall back and rest on the bed piece by means of the hinge C, which attaches it to the gun.

As an additional preventive to any escape of the gas, a shoulder projects from around the edge of the bore, fiitting perfectly into a corresponding groove around the base of the breech-pin. The horizontal range of the gun can be adjusted by turning the whole on the pivot G, the bed-piece being attached to the hand screw under it, which moves in the slide between the sides of the carriage.

It requires but three men to work the gun while it has the efficiency of a whole battery of muzzle-loading cannon. We would suggest

The cartridge is then readily inserted. Now by raising the handle of the lever, the breech of the gun is lowered into the bed piece, at the same time driving in the breech pin, a full and thorough test of it, under the direction which pushes the cartridge to its place, ready of the State; and, in the event of a successful for firing. The wide solid back of the breech-issue, that the General Government be petitionpin covers the face of the gun, and is wedged firmly against the inner face of the bed-piece, which is of wedging shape, thus making all as solid and tight as though it were but one piece of metal.

ed to order the manufacture of a sufficient number for the use of our Wisconsin Batteries.

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The World's Fair.-Mr. Seward has just both houses have adjourned over from Friday published a circular, as Chairman of the Amer-morning until Tuesday of the following week; ican Board of Commissioners, announcing that, in which cases but little has usually been done owing to the failure of Congress to make any until Wednesday morning. A few members provision for an exhibition from the United are always at their posts, faithful to duty. States, Her Majesty's Commissioners have been notified that no national exhibition will be made on the part of the United States. He bespeaks the favor of the Commissioners, how-in State Bonds and several other important measures are still pending. ever, for all individuals whose contributions have received the sanction of the authorities

The "Bank Bill," (authorizing the suspension of specie payment,) the "Interest Bill," the bill for the investment of the School Fund

Louis, but are delayed by the Paymaster. It is believed that the first week of this month will find the infantry regiments at the posts to which they have been ordered.

Military. The Wisconsin regiments now appointed by this government, and expresses in camp, have all been ordered to Cairo and St. the hope that the number of such exhibitors may not be few. It was fully understood last fall by some of the friends of the enterprise, that Mr. Seward intended the whole thing to be a failure, and it is not improbable that his wishes may have contributed to the result thus regretfully announced.

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At the grand parade on the 22nd ult., the three regiments at Madison made a splendid appearance-the Sandinavian rather excelling. This regiment has been very thoroughly disciplined by the energetic and skillful Lieut. Colonel, K. K. Jones, and will prove itself—as we believe they all will-prompt and efficient in the field.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Thank God, the day of stagnation is passed! 75@80c. The Grand Army of the West has been turned 23@24c 40@42c. upon the traitorous foe, and lo! they are scat$1,60@1,80. tered like the withered leaves of autumn!

39(@48c.

$3,75

$3,50@3,80. The old Flag lately fired upon at Charleston, $2,80@3,10. trailed in the dust at Richmond, buried at

77@80c. Memphis, insulted all over the infernal South 81@82c. 3,60@3,80. and borne in disgraceful flight at Manassas

has been purged of its foul stains, and to-day looks again all bright and glorious as the banners of the Republic move forward. The world wears a new aspect and it begins to appear that God is really ever ready to help those who first help themselves-as though treason would have its just deserts in less time than if it must wait until the day of Judgment.

Let us reckon our late victories: Roanoke Island captured by the gallant Burnside with 3000 prisoners and the death of O. Jennings Wise, Com. Lynch and a few more graceless scamps of the same ilk.

The fleet of Com. Lynch annihilated. Elizabeth City, Edenton and sundry other small towns on the waters of the Albemarle, taken.

Possession of the Balt. and Ohio R. R. regained through the heroic effort of the gallant Gen. Lander. Savannah as good as taken, if not already in the hands of the Government.

Price driven out of Missouri, with heavy loss and no possibility of return.

to the world that it still possesses virtue enough to purge itself of traitors. Bright, of Indiana, who, beyond all question was a secret aider and abettor of treason, has been sent, scourged and disgraced, back to an outraged and indignant constituency, and other traitorous Senators are on trial.

The Treasury bill, the "legal tender clause," included, has passed. These notes are to be receivable for all debts due to and from the United States, except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received, and by law receivable in payment of public dues, and interest upon bonds and notes, which shall be paid in coin. The notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes except as above indicated.

Depositors of notes of not less than $50 are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest, redeemable after five years and payable after twenty years.

Five hundred millions of such bonds may be

sold at market value for coin or Treasury notes.

Receipts for imports are to be set apart as a special fund for the payment, in coin, of interest.

Fort Henry stormed and taken by the intrep-issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and id Com. Foote. By the bold energetic Grant Fort Donelson captured after a brilliant test of Northern strength, skill, courage and heroism, with fifteen thousand prisoners, including two Generals, twenty thousand stand of arms and an immense quantity of military stores! Bowling Green taken by the daring Mitchell. Clarksville also taken. And Nashville once more bearing aloft from the dome of the Capitol of Tennessee the glorious old Stars and Stripes.

Glory enough for one brief twenty days. What have we gained by these victories? Gained a new avenue to the Capitol of the Nation; the Key to North Carolina; an inlet for free labor and free thought, an outlet for oppressed loyal men and slaves, and for Cotton, which the great soulless world esteems of more value than they all; gained the liberation of Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee from the thrall of worse than fiends; gained confidence in the army of the Republic and imperishable

honor!

Foreign.-England is still inclined to treat the claims of the government of the United States with some contempt, though the recent victories of our army must have tanght her that we of the North and of the old Union can fight when we make up our minds to do it.— Napoleon, in his recent address to the French Congress, declares his purpose to respect the blockade of the cotton ports, so long as we respect the rights of neutrals. He also shows that France is not in so bad a pecuniary condition after all-not nearly so bad as she has suffered before. The demands greater, perhaps, but the resources proportionately greater still.

Mexico is making a good resistance to the allied army, and is receiving no little help from the diseases which prey upon her foes. Gen. Scott has just been sent as Minister Extraordinary, to aid in adjusting our difficulties with

Congressional. The U. S. Senate has proved that government.

EDITORIAL MISCELLANY.

All communications, of whatever kind, intended

Iowa Eminently Sound.---While the Legislature of Wisconsin is doing much to cripple the industry of the State, under the false impression that every dollar taken away from her agricultural and kindred associ

for the EDITOR should be addressed to him ex-wi clusively; all remittances of money and allations, is so much clear gain to the Treasury, and to that business letters, to the Publishers. The offices

are separate and distinct, and attention to this request will save the Editor a great deal of time and trouble, while at the same time, it will diminish the liability to mistakes.

Agricultural Capabilities of the Sucker State. If all the claims of the agriculturists of Illinois be allowed, there is scarcely anything in the whole catalogue of the multitudinous products of the earth which may not be grown within the borders of that great and fertile State.

Not only fruits and grains of every description for the use of man and beast, but sugar for the sweetening of the whole world, cotton for the clothing of all the loyal citizens of all the loyal States-if not indeed of "the rest of mankind"-and then that immensely popular, almost indispensable but, just now, expensive article of commerce, coffee, are susceptible of economical culture there!

Says an exchange: "Besides the culture of sugar and cotton, the agriculturists of Illinois are turning ther attention to coffee, which is said to have been grown there successfully. George B. Hoffman, who resides ner Effingham, on the Illinois Central railroad, received a few seeds of coffee, from his son in Australia; these he planted, and the past season produced two bushels of ripe coffee, the quality of which is said to be excellent. He estimates the yield at thirty bushels per acre. Thus far the plant appears to be hardy, and promises to be productive. Several parties in Effingham county are preparing to enter on its culture. The plant comes into bearing the second year, and the third year it produces a pretty fair crop. With these facts before them, the State Agricultural Society has offered premiums for Illinois grown coffee."

All right-if it can only be done. We would detract nothing from the vast and varied agricultural capacity of the noble Sucker State; indeed we most sincerely and heartily rejoice in her growth and prosperity and in the cheering prospect of her future greatness. Still if we were called upon to advise our prairie neighbors, we would quietly say, Dont be too sanguine of the capabili ties of your "semi-tropical climate." Possible and economical production are very different things.

What we very much Want-The experience of practical Farmers, Gardeners, Mechanics, Miners, and Housekeepers, for record in the FARMER. Come, friends, wake up and give us each at least one idea semioccasionally, if not every month.

extent enables the State to meet the unusually heavy drain upon its resources, the State of Iowa is wisely pursuing just the opposite policy-leaving all industrial agencies, upon whose productive capacity the country is really more dependent than ever, in the full possession of all the means hitherto enjoyed, and passing wholesome laws for the better encouragement of needed agricultural and manufacturing enterprise.

Two of the laws here referred to, are, it appears to us, especially worthy of our attention in this State: The first is for the exemption from taxation all capital invested in certain branches of manufacture, and the second exempts all flocks of sheep over fifty in number.

This is legislation in the right direction-such legisla tion as will enable Iowa to easily outstrip us in the influx of population and capital, and in all the more essential elements of wealth and prosperity.

How long will our legislative Solons think it economy to fool away their time in the Buncomb discussion of abstract questions and impracticable theories of national government, while at the same time they are doing worse than nothing for the advancement of those great practical interests upon which our growth and progress as a State unquestionably and unmistakably depend?

Wisconsin Plants.-Our acknowledgements are due to John Townley, Esq., of Moundville, Wis., for a fine collection of Wisconsin plants-some of them very rare and not hitherto catalogued by our botanists in this State. The package was kindly forwarded, free of expense, some weeks ago and but for the press of business, which during the past few months has crowded everything out of mind not absolute and immediate in its demands, would have been gratefully acknowledged before.

We hope this example so generously set by friend Townley will be followed by others who may have it in their power to forward specimens of any kind that would give interest and value to the embryo cabinet of the Society.

Specimens of Wisconsin Timber.-We return our thanks to those gentlemen who have taken pains to collect at considerable expense specimens of

timber, &c., for exhibition at the World's Fair. In the event of a failure on the part of the State to provide for an exhibition of Wisconsin productions-which failure now appears more than probable-the specimens received will, unless otherwise directed by the donors, become a part of the Society's collections.

Write for the Farmer, oh ye wise and genGeo. W. Babcock, St. Paul, is our authorized agent Remember the fate of the servant who "hid his talent erous but lazy friends of industrial improvement!in a napkin." "Let your light so shine," &c. !

for Minnesota.

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