necessity demanded. Their creed appeared to be, no grass, no labour. To use the hoe in anticipa tion, seemed to them, like administering medicine to a healthy man to prevent disease.* The secretary having concluded his observations on the various interesting subjects, which the letters under review have elicited, would subjoin but one or two remarks. (CIRCULAR.) Addressed to Messrs. Elias Vanderhorst, Thomas A. Coffin, Kinsey Burden, William Seabrook, Sen., and John R. Mathewes. DEAR SIR, Edisto island, August 20, 1826. As the legitimate aim of agriculture is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of the various productions of the earth, I need not apologize to you, for the information I am about to solicit. Ex ercising the secretaryship of an agricultural society, the duty necessarily devolves on me, of collecting all the facts which my judgment may direct would be worthy of communication. 1st. Is all your cotton equally fine? If not, what description of your soil yields the most silky? 2d. What manure do you esteem the best to im prove the fineness of the staple? 3d. Is your cotton, which is so distinguished for one quality, remarkable also for the length and strength of its staple, or both? The tendency of population is to increase beyond the means of subsistence. This is particularly true of St. John's, Colleton. Its population duplicates itself every twenty years. By the present, or unimproving system, the arable land of the parish would not more than suffice to meet the exigencies of one third of the rising generation. If, then, pri- Rumor, sir, has pointed you out as one of the vate interest and political considerations invite us most successful growers of fine long cotton in this to an imitation of Mr. Burden's practice, so far as state. Should it, therefore, comport with your conto cultivate the one half of the land, annually plant-venience, and not be deemed an unwarrantable ined, and to aim, hereafter, at the quality, rather than trusion in your private concerns, have the goodness exclusively at the quantity of the crop, it is appa- to reply, as early as possible, to all or any of the rent that the parish would be able to maintain, in following queries, viz: equal abundance, double the number of its present families. As we estimate, then, the endearing tie which binds us to our offspring; as we appreciate the elevated station to which the agriculture of South Carolina legitimately aspires, so should our future geoponical schemes be governed and directed. Our pertinacious adherence to the raising of a single article, with its usual concomitant-over-produc- 4th. What has been your average crop for the tion, has created a train of evils, which naught last five years; and what quantity do you plant to but a fundamental change of husbandry can effectu- the hand? ally eradicate. The secretary is aware, that the 5th. Are you very particular in the selection of prejudices of a planter are strong and difficult of seed? Which kind do you prefer, the small or the removal. He perseveres in a settled custom, al-large, the perfectly clean, or that which is a little though by it, his profits continually diminish. His woolly? repugnance to test a new project is a truth of daily 6th. Have you ever tested the experiment on the observation. You may convince him by argument; difference of the product and quality of cotton, from you may clearly illustrate your position by exam-seed taken from the bottom, middle or top of the ples; yet, you cannot swerve him from his olden stalk? course. At length, perchance, the desire of novelty leads to an experiment. If it succeed, it is again enbjected to future trials. The contagion, in time, is communicated to his neighbour; and thus the old system and the new practice are, slowly, the one abandoned, and the other introduced. As inveteracy in his agricultural habits constitutes a trait in the character of the planter, it remains to be determin-shade? If in the sun, how long? ed, whether it is a feature which adorns the mind or obscures the understanding. Interchange of sentiment not only guarantees success in his profession, but conduces most powerfully to the formation of friendships, and the annihilation of untenable opi nions. This suggestion, at all times true, is pecu liarly applicable to this society. Its members inhabit three distinct sections of the same parish. though, in the formation of the human character, locality and society exercise unlimited sway, it is hoped that in all matters touching the welfare of this association, the interest of the parish, and the prosperity of the state, there is but one mind and one common feeling. That we may become better acquainted with one another; that we may, hereafter, unite more fervently to elevate the agricultural character of St. John's, Colleton, and to continue our acts of individual comity and kindness, is the ardent and reiterated supplication of a heart devoted to the promotion of the public weal. All which, is respectfully submitted by WHITEMARSH B. SEABROOK. 7th. How do you preserve your seed? Is it kept in a confined situation, or in a well ventilated room? 8th. In gathering your crop, do you ever pick the wool from those pods that, from their immaturity, are but imperfectly open? Should your answer be in the affirmative, state the reason. 9th. Do you dry your cotton in the sun or in the 10th. What is your mode of preparation, and what quantity do you clean to the hand per day? 11th. Are you in the habit of using the whipper before or after the cotton is ginned, or in both in stances? 12th. What is the character of your soil? Is your land high or low-indented with creeks, and how Al-far from the ocean? *To avoid misapprehension, the secretary would state, that the oftener cotton is hoed, to the period when the fruit begins to disclose itself freely, the more vigorous and productive will it be. Afterwards the hoe should be used cautiously, and never later than the 10th of July. The parish of St. John's, Colleton, is composed of the islands of Edisto, john's, and Wadmalaw. The society consists, principally, of the planters of the three islands. Such other information, in relation to the subject matter of this communication, as you may be wil ling to disclose, I need not assure you, will be most gratefully acknowledged. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DEAR SIR, WHITEMARSH B SEABROOK, Cor. Sec'ry Agric. Society of St. John's, Colleton. Sullivan's Island, Sept 1, 1826. Your useful circular has been received. I answer, with pleasure, your queries, as far as my limited knowledge of the subjects adverted to will admit. You observe, "such other information in relation to the subject matter of this communication as you may be willing to disclose." Permit me to assure information, not generally known, upon the culture you, sir, if I had the good fortune to possess any of the cotton plant or its preparation for market, nothing could afford me more satisfaction than to disclose it for the benefit of others. A planter who would, from interested motives, conceal any discoveries which might improve the culture or the prepa ration for sale, of any of our staple products, must certainly be deficient in that patriotism and liberal feeling, which, at least, are supposed to govern every gentleman in this community. Question 1st. Is all your cotton equally fine? If not, what description of your soil yields the most silky? Åns. I consider that the most sandy parts of my soil produce the finest cotton and the most silky. Q. 2d. What manure do you esteem the best to improve the fineness of the staple? A. I have never used any but the soft salt mud; it is taken out of the creek during winter and spread in the old alleys with the back of the hoe, about two inches thick in the lowest spots; and in the most sandy, not more than a quarter of an inch. The land is then listed over the mud before it becomes hard. I have never manured more than eighty-five acres in one winter. Q. Sd. Is your cotton, which is so distinguished for one quality, remarkable also for the length and strength of its staple, or both? A. As machinery is the only test for fine cottons, allow me to give you an extract of a letter addressed to me from one of the most respectable spinners in Manchester. "Although your cotton is second to no mark (brand,) in health and fineness, still it does not possess sufficiently the latter requisite to spin our very finest numbers." Q. 4th. What has been your average crop for the last five years, and what quantity do you plant to the hand? A. I have never made more than 150 lbs. to the acre, and plant very short to the hand, in consequence of not having a sufficient quantity of land. Q. 5th. Are you very particular in the selection of your seed, and which kind do you prefer, the small or the large, the perfectly clean, or that which is a little woolly? A. I select that which has a little wool at the ends, but am not satisfied as to the advantage of it. Q. 6th. Have you ever tested the experiment on the difference of the product and quality of cotton, from seed taken from the bottom, middle, or top of the stalk? A. Never. Q. 7th. How do you preserve your seed? Is it kept in a confined situation, or in a well ventilated room? A. It is kept in a loft over my gin house, without any aperture to admit air. Q. 8th. In gathering your crop, do you ever pick the wool from those pods, that, from their immaturity, are but imperfectly open? A. Never. Q. 9th. Do you dry your cotton in the sun or in the shade? If in the sun, how long? A. I always dry in the sun, and suffered it, until the last year, to remain on the cotton scaffold the greater part of the day. Q 10th. What is your mode of preparation, and what quantity do you clean to the hand per day? A. I require the cotton to be picked carefully from the pods, without leaves or dirt of any kind, and am very particular in the assorting before it goes to the gins. I give twenty-eight pounds as a task in moting. Q. 11th. Are you in the habit of using the whipper before or after the cotton is ginned, or in both instances? A. I use the whipper only for the cotton which is picked after frost, and for the stained; the operation is performed before it goes to the gins. your land high or low, indented with creeks, and Q 12th. What is the character of your soil? Is how far from the ocean? A. I have both high and low land in the same fields; white sand in the highest, and a grey soil in the lowest. There are no creeks running into the fields; the distance from the ocean varies from a quarter to a half mile. With extreme regret, that the information I am enabled to impart, is so very limited on the import- spring, I should like to be informed of it immedi- I remain, very respectfully, E. VANDERHORST. To WHITEMARSH B. SEABROOK, ESQ. MR. SMITH'S "RICE PLANTER." DEAR SIR, Eastville, Va., 10th June, 1827. I have just perused with much pleasure, in the last "Farmer," a letter from Mr. Rowand, giving an account of the success which has attended the trial of my "Cotton Planter and Cultivator," in South Carolina. If any thing could now be wanting to establish the reputation of this machine with the growers of corn and cotton, it will be found in the following letter from Dr. Muse. With respect to its expedition I can speak with confidence, as I have seen it give the first dressing to six and an half acres of cotton in five hours, without more than ordinary exertion: the operator not knowing that he was noticed. This I conceive is equal to thirteen acres per day. The corn I have had planted by it is more neat and regular in its appearance than any I ever saw. J. S. SKINNER, ESQ. DEAR SIR, -- wooden roller, to break the clods, and level the surface. In a week, or thereabouts, the young plants will be up: and if it be a dry season, the fly will be apt to destroy them: to prevent which, some powdered FRANCIS H. SMITH. soot, or lime, may be sown very thickly over them, by sifting, in a dewy morning. This will quicken the growth of the plants, as well as otherwise defend them. And the faster the plants grow, the sooner they will unfold their rough leaves, and be out of danger of the fly. Or it may answer well to sprinkle the ground with an infusion of elder, wormwood, or tobacco. But it must be done as soon as the plants are up. Cambridge, Md., May 26, 1827. In compliance with your request to know my TURNIPS. But if the young plants cannot be saved, as it may sometimes so happen, the ground may be harrowed, and sown again, the cost of seed being but little, to compare with the loss of a crop. [N. E. Farmer. PROSPECT OF CROPS. Extract of a letter dated Pittsburg, July 11, 1827. "The harvest here is very abundant, the crops of grass and grain of every description, exceeds that of any former year within my recollection." SIR, HORTICULTURE. The chief object in this communication is, to inform you of another invention I have just comROANOKE OR SCUPPERNONG GRAPE. pleted, which must, I think, prove of infinite service to our southern planters. In my late visit to Currituck, N. C. July 2, 1827. the south, I had an opportunity of visiting several In your paper of the 20th of April, I find a comrice plantations, and becoming acquainted with the munication signed C. inquiring after a native grape whole process of cultivating the crop. It is drilled that ripens late, and may be profitably and successin rows fifteen inches asunder, but all done by hand. fully cultivated as a wine grape. I feel particularly I leave you to judge then, the labour requisite, and anxious to see the vine extensively and successfully the waste of seed consequent upon this mode of cultivated in this country: and for the last six years operation. It occurred to me, that this might be I have been particularly anxious to ascertain a spemuch better and more expeditiously performed by Next to new land, swarded ground is to be chosen cies of the native grape, that would be profitable as machinery; and to effect this, has occupied my at- for a crop of turnips; and the way to prepare it is, a wine grape. The result of my inquiries and obtention almost exclusively for the last four weeks. to plough it pretty deep in the spring, and fold it servations has induced me to give the Roanoke or, After encountering many difficulties I have at length by turning in the stock for a good number of nights. as it is commonly called, Scupperning, a decided succeeded. This machine, which I shall call the For there is scarcely any of our fields sufficiently preference. Nearly all the other species of native "Rice Planter," drills three rows at once, perform-rich to produce turnips without manuring: and fold-grapes, which have fallen under my observation, ing all the different operations of trenching, planting hitherto appears to be the best method of en- come to maturity too soon for the successful making ing and covering; and judging by the "Cotton riching the ground for this purpose. It should be of wine, except the common wood grape, commonPlanter," this, in the same proportion will complete well harrowed as often as once a week, while the ly called here fox grape, which is inferior in fruitten acres per day. A writer in the "American Far folding is continued, to mix the excrements of the fulness, size, and quality to the Roanoke grape. In mer," No. 4, vol. 5, in estimating the daily labour of cattle with the soil. warm weather, it is quite impossible to prevent the negroes, says, that twenty labourers are required The ground should be cross ploughed as soon as acetous fermentation taking place in the manufacfor five acres; consequently, a mule and boy with the soil is sufficiently rotten, and reduced by harture of wine. Hence arises the necessity of obtainthis machine will do the work of forty hands. The rowing to a fine tilth, before it is sown.-Where ing a grape that produces well and comes to matuquantity of seed may be regulated with the great-a good stock is kept, as much as an acre may be rity late. And no grape appears to combine these est precision, and when once fixed it never varies. sufficiently folded. valuable properties more than the Roanoke grape. Judge Wayne, of Savannah, to whom I communi- The time for sowing the seed is about the middle This grape is a native of the north eastern part of cated my ideas on this subject, appeared much of July. Doing it on a set day is ridiculous: for a North Carolina, and grows spontaneously on Roanstruck with the importance of such a machine, and time should be chosen when the ground has the oke island and its vicinity, and formerly was univerremarked, that the saving of seed rice alone, in a sin right degree of moisture to make the seed vegetate; sally termed the Roanoke grape. But as its excelgle crop, would pay for it. It is equaily well suited and if this should happen a week earlier, or a fort lence as a wine grape was first tested at Scupperfor drilling oats, wheat, rye, or any other small night later than the usual time, it need not be re-nong, the grape has improperly obtained that name grain, and is also provided with the necessary fix-gretted; but the opportunity ought to be embraced abroad. I have, therefore, given the grape its pritures for planting corn and cotton, which it per I have sown them in drills the first week in Au-mitive name of Roanoke grape, which I hope will forms precisely like the one spoken of by Mr. Row-gust, and had a good crop. One great advantage and and Dr. Muse. The "Rice Planter" will be accompanied by a "Cultivator" for performing the hoe-work of this crop, which, if it works at all, will do ten acres in a day; equal to the labour of twenty hands. I cannot speak with certainty as to this, having no drilled crop near me upon which to make an experiment; I shall, however, send one to our friend Mr. Rowand for trial, who will report the result. Neither can I speak positively of the cost until I consult the mechanics in Baltimore I presume, how ever, it will be from thirty to forty dollars. I shall take it with me to Baltimore in a few days for your examination. of sowing so late is, that the turnips will escape in- become its general name. The particular excellence of this vine, is the richness of the grape, and the longevity, productiveness, and hardiness of the vine. I know of no native grape of the United States, that lives so long, One pound of seed is the common allowance for thrives well with so little cultivation, and produces an acre of land. But to guard against the fly, the such a profitable and luxuriant crop at an advanced quantity may be a little increased. And it is re-age. The probable age of the vine is fifty or sixty commended by judicious writers, that it be a mix-years, and if properly managed, I believe many of ture of equal parts of new and old seeds, that the them would live and produce a profitable crop much plants coming up at different times, the one sort or longer. The vines in this section of the country the other may chance to escape the insects.-With this view, Mr Tull constructed his turnip drill to lodge the seeds at different depths, which it seems had the desired effect. are never pruned, but are suffered to extend themselves according to the vagaries of their own ramifications, upon scaffolds reared by props about six feet from the ground, and covered with common fence rails. Vines reared in this way are subject Should any of our southern planters wish to pro- The seed sown broadcast must be harrowed in cure either of these machines against the next with a short tined harrow, and then rolled with a to be buffetted by every storm, and suffer many other injuries from the improper practice of per- which should be gently pressed to the cutting, tak worms, with equal success, and was imitated, from mitting horses and cattle to run loose among them.ing care to leave a little loose earth over the upper time to time, in several towns of Italy. In all these If the vines were inclosed, pruned, and properly cul-eye, to prevent its injury from severe frosts and places, extensive manufactures were established, tivated, they, would not only produce grapes of su- want of moisture. Too much care cannot be taken with silk of domestic production. perior quality in greater abundance, but would thrive to keep them moist and to promote their vegetation. "From the reign of Justinian, it was mostly in and produce well at a more advanced age. The After they have taken sufficient root they will stand Greece, and some of the adjacent islands, that silk Roanoke grape grows quite luxuriantly, (but not so the severest drought, and may be managed accord- worms were reared. Soon after the conquest of much so as the Muscadine and some other species ing to the direction of Mr. Adlum, in his valuable Constantinople by the Venetians, in the year 1204, of native grapes) and if left to the "vagaries of its treatise on the vine. In planting from the slip, they they attempted the establishment of the silk manuown ramifications," would in a few years cover a may be managed in the same manner as other vines, facture in their dominions; and in a short time, the large space of ground. It is rendered very valua taking care to keep the earth moist about them, and silk fabrics of Venice vied with those of Greece and ble as a wine grape by its superior hardihood, which to add a sufficient quantity of manure to promote Sicily. alike defies the rigors of winter, the winds of spring, their growth, after which they may be pruned and the heat and gusts of summer, and the gales of au- managed as other vines. They will begin to bear tumn. The leaves are smooth, and it blossoms in the third year, and will continue to improve both June; the grape is round, white, and very sweet, in the quantity and quality of the grape for many and about "the size of a hog's eye," and sometimes years. JAMES G. HALL. larger, the size depending much on the vigour of the vine. The grapes eat well, and contain a large quantity of saccharine matter, so happily united with the acids of the fruit, as to render them finely flavoured for the palate and highly valued for wine. I have never known the Roanoke grape analyzed, but I believe that in the richness of the grape, and in the happy combination of its properties, it will vie with the finest varieties of France and Spain. (From the National Intelligencer.) "About the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Florentine manufactures of silk became very considerable. It was introduced much later into France; the manufacture of silk though considerably encouraged by Henry IV. not having been fully established there, till under Louis XIV. by Colbert. "It is an established and well known fact, that both the white and the black mulberry trees grow as well in almost every part of the United States, as in any country on earth; and also that silk has been raised and manufactured into a most excellent fabric, under the direction of the great and venerable patriot, and friend of mankind, Dr. Benjamin Franklin. That so useful a pursuit should be suffered to die away, in a country as well adapted for it as any in the universe, is as extraordinary as it is unfortunate and injurious to the real interest of the na tion." RURAL ECONOMY. (From the Wabash Intelligencer.) WEAVING IN FAMILIES. Niles' Register copies the following paragraph from the "American Farmer." The culture of silk seems likely to be seriously entered into in this country: practical men in different parts of the Union having taken the experiment in hand. Amongst these is Mr. Joshua Peirce, whose Nursery and Farm on the bank of Rock creek It is the opinion of many good judges that the are at the distance of a short but romantic ride from Roanoke wine has a richness and a peculiar, fine fla-this city and Georgetown. From him we have revour unknown in most of our foreign wines. If this ceived the following letter, which shows that he is opinion is correct, in the present imperfect manner in liberally disposed, not only to acquire information, which our wines are made, our most sanguine ex-but to impart it for the benefit of others. pectations will be realized, when wine making shall be reduced to the state of perfection necessary to Linnæan Hill, near Washington, June 7th, 1827. exhibit in happy combination the properties of this Messrs. Gales & Seaton: Having engaged in grape. The grape ripens the last of September and the first of October, a time much better calculated raising of Silk Worms with a view of making an for the making of wine than any earlier season of experiment as to the practicability of making it a the year. The Roanoke grape is very productive, lucrative business, and of introducing them into this and one acre, properly cultivated, and managed by section of our country, I have now on hand about "It has been stated to us, by gentlemen in the a skilful vigneron, would yield several hundred gal-eight or ten thousand which have just commenced south, that the operations of the tariff,' and the lons of wine. I have heard of some vines, that did spinning, and, as a number of my acquaintances apprehensions of the 'woollens bill,' so termed, have not cover more than about a quarter of an acre of have expressed a wish to see them, you will much put them to casting about for the most simple effiground, that produced grapes to make ten and oblige me by giving notice in your paper, that they cient means of manufacturing coarse clothing for twelve barrels of wine; and I think, at a moderate will be exhibited gratis for the present and next their negroes, and they wish particularly some more calculation, that four or five hundred gallons of week, Sunday excepted. All persons desirous of exact information in regard to what has been called wine may be made from an acre of ground judi- seeing them are invited to call at my residence at in the papers, the multiplied spindle wheel. -Maciously cultivated in Roanoke grapes. I think the Linnaan Hill. As it is a subject that has of late chinery for the purpose here stated, to answer the Roanoke grape would do well in the western and excited much attention, some account of the silk middle states. In the middle states, I think the worm, its history, management, &c. and the culti-Purpose, must be of simple construction and easily repaired; some contrivance of that character, grapes would come to perfection about the last of vation of the mulberry tree, will no doubt be read which would save labour in the operation of spinOctober or first of November, a season of the year with much interest by many of your subscribers. ning, has long been wanting in private families. happily calculated for the manufacture of the finest send you McMahon's gardening, which contains The loom which is now in common use, is very wines. A few years ago this grape attracted little quite an interesting article on the subject, and beg well; and so well adapted to its end, that a great attention, but it now seems to be fast rising into leave to suggest to you the propriety of inserting it number of poor people make their living by workthat importance to which it is justly entitled by its in your paper. ing at it as in the towns. For the operation of spinfitness for the finest wines. If your correspondent ning, and any simple and cheap contrivance to faC. and his friends should think proper to try the cilitate it, we respectfully solicit information." cultivation of the Roanoke grape, any quantity of The editor of the Telegraph is much gratified the cuttings may be obtained in this country, and I in communicating the information called for, by am sure, as a wine grape, it will equal his expectanoticing a contrivance invented and made by Mr. tions, and in the hands of a skilful vigneron would "About the year of Christ 551, two Persian monks, Wm. R. M'Call, an ingenious mechanic of this be a source of no inconsiderable profit. At no very employed as missionaries in some of the christian neighbourhood, which is so simple, so cheap, and distant period, I think, the Roanoke wine will rival churches established in India, penetrated into the seems to be so admirably calculated to answer as a the best foreign wines. It is fast rising into impor-country of Seres, or China. There they observed labour saving spinner, of either wool or cotton for tance. A mercantile friend informed me that he the labours of the silk worm, and became acquaint- domestic purposes, that he thinks he hazards nohad orders for fourteen barrels of this wine from ed with the art of working up its productions into a thing in declaring it to be superior to any machine one small town in Kentucky, and the demand seems variety of elegant fabrics. They explained to the heretofore in use for that purpose. During the to be increasing in every part of the country. A Greek Emperor at Constantinople these mysteries, view taken of Mr. M'Call's invention, Miss M'Call light, sandy soil produces this grape best, but I be- hitherto unknown, or very imperfectly understood kept it in motion, and with great ease and accuracy lieve it may be profitably cultivated in any soil by in Europe; and undertook to bring to the capital a attended to the eight spindles. A horizontal wheel the application of light manures. It may be propa-sufficient number of those wonderful insects. This operated upon by means of the foot in the usual gated from the slip or the cutting; if propagated they accomplished, by conveying the eggs of the manner, gives velocity to the spindles, which, Miss from the cutting, great care should be taken to keep silk worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched, M'Call remarked, may be increased to any given the earth moist until the cutting has taken root. In and afterwards fed with the leaves of a wild mul- number within reach, with equal ease. planting the cutting, a hole should be dug or made berry tree, and multiplied and worked in the same tion is regular, and Mr. M'Call believes he can apin the earth sixteen or eighteen inches deep, in manner as in those climates where they first became pend cards to it without any important change. which the cutting should be placed, the upper eye the objects of human attention and care. Vast The editor has seen the "vertical spinner"-and be of the cutting being nearly even with the surface of numbers of these insects were soon reared in differ- has heard of the contrivance, called "The Farmer's the ground, the hole should then be filled up with ent parts of Greece, particularly in the Peloponne- Daughter," but the ladies, whose industry these marsh mud. branch manure, or other moist earth, sus. Sicily afterwards undertook to breed silk useful inventions are calculated to promote, will Yours, with much respect, JOSHUA PEIRCE. We have pleasure in availing ourselves of Mr. The mo find their comfort consulted and their labour re- composing qualities of earth are well known. Every INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. FOR THE AMERICAN FARMER. The palm of superiority being now adjudged to rail-ways, over canals and turnpike roads, for all commercial purposes, (where speed without loss of power is required;) and the value of this system to us in the progress of internal improvement in this country, makes it important to ascertain what degree of durability it is in our power to give to wood as the presumption is, that (at least for many years,) we shall construct our rail-ways of this material. noticed, is the worst situation in which wood can be placed for durability. Now, the plan annexed proposes to raise the cap or wheel rails entirely above the ground, (one foot or more,) supporting them at every ten or twelve feet by piles or posts of wood driven into the ground, and well secured there with stone or gravel, (these posts may, if required, be of stone,) the rails are bound together across by iron or wooden bars, as represented in the drawing annexed. According to this plan, it will be seen, that no sleepers are required, nor stone foundations; neither are the timbers exposed to premature decay, by coming in contact with the earth, except (in case of using wooden supports,) that portion of the post which is near the surface of the ground, and which is also capable of being protected from decay for many years, by using suitable qualities of timber and charring the outer side deeply. Seasoned timber, in all cases, is best adapted for these and other frame works; the best mode of seasoning timber is by fire. The decay in wood is caused by internal, not external moisture, and this only when it becomes stagnant-hence the bad consequences of excluding the air from timbers, either by having no openings (under the floors in basement or cellar stories, for instance,) or painting the wood when unseasoned. I remember when we examined the state of the large beams, supporting the lower floors of the north wing of the Capitol at Washington, Upon principles of expediency and economy, there- (which had been erected ten or twelve years prefore, the propriety of using wood in the construc-vious,) that we found them totally rotten internally, tion of our rail-ways, is manifest. This country but to all external appearances they were in a sound may, emphatically, be called a "wooden country;" state. The cause of this rapid decay was evident: in every direction it is covered with forest trees of the air had been excluded; no openings had been the most durable and vigorous growth, capable of left in the walls to allow its circulation under this furnishing timber of any dimensions, and at the floor. Air is absolutely requisite for preserving least cost possible. What remains now for us to timber. I was called upon some short time since consider is, how to apply it in constructing rail-to examine a basement floor in this city, which in roads so as that it shall not be subject to premature seven years had suffered entire decay. It had been The durability of timber depends upon a variety decay. laid, I knew, under circumstances favourable to its of circumstances: on the quality or texture of the In England, wood was the first material used for preservation, and yet it had rotted in this short time: wood; the season when it is felled; and the protec-rail-ways; it was not until its cost became very the cause was soon discovered-it had been covered tion it receives from the weather. great, so as to make it almost equal to the cost of during the whole of this period with an oil cloth, Wood, when allowed to come in contact with the iron, that iron was substituted in its place. Rail- painted, which totally excluded the air. The proof ground, or when it is only partially covered by it, ways of wood in some parts of England, are, how of the fact was at hand; those parts of the floor experiences the most rapid decay; from being sub-ever, yet used; for instance, at the Durham and which the painted cloth did not cover, were in a perject to excessive moisture, and not being allowed a Northumberland coal works, and near the Tyne. fectly sound state. Had this floor been covered by free circulation of air. The first rail-ways of any extent constructed in our a woollen carpet, it would have continued sound for country, (the Mauch Chunck and Quincy rail-roads) au indefinite period. are built of wood. The natural decay of timber is very gradual, even though much exposed to weather. Placed under favourable circumstances, it is surprising what a length of time it will remain sound. I could enu merate several instances (which have come within my own knowledge,) where timber, taken out of houses erected more than a century previous, was in a perfectly sound state. Some very old buildings were pulled down near the London Monument in 1816, some of the timbers of which were in excellent preservation; they were known to have been there for the last one hundred and fifty years; how much longer previous was questionable, as they bore marks of being fired, (supposed the effects of the great fire in 1666.) The difference of cost between wood and iron in the United States is so disproportionate, that on the ground of economy, we cannot hesitate to choose wood. Iron rail-ways cannot be built for less than 10 or $12,000 per mile, per single track; the cost of wooden rail-ways in this country would not exceed $5000 per mile, per single track; and upon a plan which I purpose now to exhibit, this expense may be reduced one third. It would be in opposition to the generally received opinion, to assert, that painting wood hastens its decay; but this is the fact. No wood ought ever to be painted except for ornament. When painted only on one side, wood will cæteris paribus, last as long again as when it is painted on both sides: that painted not at all is most durable. On examining old buildings we shall find, that the parts not painted are in the soundest state, although exposed to wet and dry. Gates, posts, rails and pallisades, kept We have adverted to the propriety of consider-well painted, seldom last longer than ten or twelve ing the best mode of constructing these roads, so years; whereas, if they had not been painted, they as to guard their timbers from premature decay, (for would have lasted twice or thrice this time, accordthis they are now subject to, in consequence of the ing to the qualities of the wood, &c. The Old Jewry chapel pews in London, (made of manner in which they are built:) this important de- Sir Humphrey Davy says, that "trees possessing oak and pine,) were in such a sound condition when sideratum will be found to be capable of being ef- the firmest and least porous heart wood, are the longexamined, that they were used again in the new fected by the plans annexed, and thus we can pro est in duration." The quantity of charcoal furnishbuilding, though more than one hundred years mise ourselves to realize for this material a dura-ed by woods, indicate tolerably accurately their standing. Chestnut and oak (in England,) are the bility little inferior to that possessed by iron. comparative durability. The following are the repre-eminent woods for durability: they have been The present mode of constructing these rail-ways sults on this head: known to last a thousand years. Indeed, under paris, by laying a series of sleepers cross-wise upon the ticular circumstances, wood is more durable than ground, (prepared for this purpose,) five or ten feet iron. Vitruvius observes of the oak, that "it is of apart, the ends resting on stone foundations. On eternal duration;" which expression, of coure, is to these sleepers the wheel rails are laid, and bolted be taken in the comparative degree. It is very cer- down, or otherwise secured into the sleepers. After tain, however, that its merits in this respect are which the space between the rails is filled up with very great. earth or gravel as high as the bottom of the rails, We have said, that the worst state in which tim-(which, consequently, buries up the sleepers,) so ber can be placed, so as to cause its premature de- that the whole of the timbers may be regarded as in cay, is when it is in contact with the ground. The de-contact with the ground; this, as we have already 100 parts of Lignum Vitæ give Do. parts. 26. of charcoal 25.4 24.5 Do. Chestnut, 23.2 Do. Oak, 22.6 Do. Walnut, 20.6 Do. Beech, 19.9 4 100 parts of Elm, Do. Do. Do. Norway pine, Common pine, 19.2 17.9 17.4 16.4 19.5 of charcoal nomical: a rough enclosure, of stone or brick, is to be built around the fire, and the timber being laid, across it on proper supports, is turned round so as to allow the fire to act on the surface equally. The timber should be covered from the air, as much as The great utility of charring wood, (especially possible, by brush, &c. to prevent the decomposiwhere it is to be exposed to continual dampness,) tion of the charred wood: the timber, thus preshould induce us to prepare all posts or piles intend- pared, will be seasoned at the same time, whilst its ed to be driven into the earth, in this manner. The durability is increased immensely-this being alcharring should be deep, say of an inch thick ways in the ratio of the thickness of the charred The mode of doing this is both simple and eco-coat. For 100 miles of wooden do. on old plan, $2,000,000 1,000,000 700,000 300,000 and iron ways in 100 miles, $1,300,000 There is another important object gained by the plan No. 1, which, to rail-road companies having small capitals to begin with, would prove of immense value. From the elevated position given this road, it could be put into useful operation as soon as one track-way is completed, as it embraces the single rail rail-way principle; consequently, the carriages adapted to these rail-ways can be put in requisition, and the transportation be begun even before the rail-way is half finished; the proceeds from tolls, therefore, without any increase of the original capital, might be appropriated to perfect the plan. (For a more particular account of this species of rail-way, see my letter to the Postmaster General of the United States, republished lately in this journal.) This kind of carriage, which has its load suspended on each side of the rail and below the same, with both wheels running in the same plane, has been proved capable of carrying more weight than the common carriage, in proportion to the number of wheels employed, in consequence of being subject to less lateral friction, the resistance in this direction being less. The dotted lines in the drawing No. 1, shew the position of these out carriages. As in most, if not in all cases, where rail-roads of any extent will be made, steam power will be applied to propel the wagons (being only half the expense of horse power,) the plan of raising the rails will reduce the cost of such works in another way. Little labour in cutting or levelling the ground will be here requisite; the irregularities of country presenting few obstacles to its execution, as lengthening the supports is only necessary to cross ravines, streams, cross roads, &c. The present plan of building rail-roads subjects them, in winter, to obstructions from snow and ice, (lying immediately in contact with the earth;) indeed, deep snows would cover them entirely, so as to make them impassable, or dangerous to travel at this season, as the wagon wheels would be liable to run out of the track. Where the rails are elevated bably occur, and the front carriage being provided with a scraper in advance as a guard to remove casual obstructions off the rails, every facility would be afforded to get along even in the worst state of the case. The drawings annexed, exhibit two sections of ed carriage on this plan: the bottoms of these the proposed plan of constructing wooden ways. wagons do not descend lower than the rail, and No. 1 shews the rail raised from two to three feet will consequently require wheels of larger radius above the ground, and supported by posts or piles, to give the proper depth to the wagon. No. 6 which are preserved in parallel lines to each other, exhibits the common form of the carriages used on and kept in their places by means of a bent bar of rail-roads; the load here being elevated above the iron, descending from the rail, down to the lower axles of the wheels. No. 3 represents a locomotive part of each support and across; secured on each (or steam engine,) carriage in operation, with its side by bolts, which admits of adjusting the rails tender and first wagon in train; this train some-two or three feet, such interruptions would not prowhen requisite. times comprises thirty wagons. The power of these The reason for bending the iron bar down, in-engines is generally from five to ten horses, accord stead of running it straight across is, in order to ad-ing to the load which it has to draw. mit of a modification of the common plan of a car A ten horse engine will draw 120 tons at the riage or wagon used on rail-roads, which disposes rate a draught horse travels, or 50 tons at the rate of the load below the axle of the wheels, and also of six miles per hour. The expense of conveying below the rail, by which means greater securi- these 50 tons sixty miles, which would occupy ten ty is afforded to the wagons; besides, they will be more easily loaded and unloaded, the bottom being brought near to the ground. The drawing exhibits a section of this carriage. No 5 is a late ral view of the same carriage, suspended; the direct weight or load is thrown off of the axles of the wheels upon the horizontal beams running longitudinally with the rail. hours, is estimated to cost only $30. Such an en- After this expose, we may come to the conclusion that the desideratum referred to has been accomplished; namely, having it in our power to give No. 2 shews the rail elevated only about one foot great comparative durability to the timbers compos above the ground on stone sleepers, with its susing a rail-way, as well as reducing the expenses of pended carriage. These stone supports are long its cost; two important considerations, and which enough to descend into the ground below the influ- will enable us now to enter upon the construction ence of frost; the rails are bolted and secured into the tops of these stone posts, and (if necessary,) bound together across by bars of iron, placed at proper distances, and fastened with screw bolts at each end. No. 4 is a side view of the suspend of works of this nature without fear of failing in In passing through a town or city, a very handsome and judicious disposition of the new plan could be made, which would take up little room, as the ways might be supported by a continued open arcade or colonnade the whole distance; or the space below the base of the road might be usefully applied as store houses, where the wagons, might deposit their loads with great convenience, by means of a drop door. But I must not trespass longer on the patience of your readers, though much remains to be said on this subject. Gentlemen desirous of more particular information with reference to this plan of rail-way, having in view its execution, by addressing a letter to me here, or at Columbia, South Carolina, shall have every attention paid to their requisitions. Very respectfully, Baltimore, July 1827. ROBERT MILLS. |