"Doubtless the pleasure is as great In being cheated as to cheat!" LAIRD. I am sorry I didna' tramp on the rascal's taes, at ony rate! Oh, the caulkers in hizzies fonder o' opening the mysteries o' Lock scoundrel's hearing old Sam Butler's coupletthan frying Bacon! Be that as it may, my gentleman did naething but lecture during the entire evening to a miserable, pipe-clay complexioned stripling, his son, or aiblins his pupil, that he had under his care. If the laddy took oot a biscuit to eat, the Professor made him tell the process o' baking; and if he sooked an oranger, he was catechized touching the geography o' the lands where the fruit grew. MAJOR. But what had all that to do with Macallister? LAIRD.-Ye shall hear! my boots would hae made him squeel, as loud as Mahoun did, when Saint Dunstan grippit his neb wi' the red-hot tangs! MAJOR. It striketh me that this most preposterous Professor is a type of but too many of our modern educationists, whose leading aim and object seems to be, to convert children into premature philosophers! LAIRD. Ye are no' far wrang there, Crabtree. Nae sooner had the screen been drawn up, than the Professor took care to inculcate upon his ward that everything on the stage was tinsel and flummery. The days with walking encyclopedias, not exceeding yellow cups were nae gold, ony mair than the three feet in altitude, who will patter off screeds white kists were silver! Thinks I to mysel- of mechanics and mathematics by the hour, on "puir chap, ye may be the wiser for this know- the slightest provocation! I cannot help opinledge, but I doot muckle whether ye are hap-ing that if these precocious gentry were conpier!" Weel, sirs, the magician waved his fined to such homely commons as Jack the Giant wand, and gabbled over his hocus-pocus pater- Killer and Blue Beard, their brains would be all noster, and changed gloves into doos, and the sounder for it in mature age! watches into pancakes, and if I had been ony- DOCTOR.-In the name of Jupiter Gammon, where except where I was I would have enjoyed utter no such heresies in the vicinity of the the sport amazingly. But the infamous Pro- Normal School, or you will be stoned to death fessor, whenever a trick was commenced, began by male and female baby-grinders ! to tell his disciple hoo it was done, and thus MAJOR.-Well, to change the subject back clean destroyed its interest! For instance, again to literature, I have received the two last when the big kail pot was hun up fu' o water, numbers of the Edinburgh edition of "Chammy tormentor explained that the rods from bers' Journal," which I mentioned on a former which it was suspended were hollow tubes, occasion to be far superior to the American through which the liquid was pumped oot behind editions in every respect. the scenes! Of course, wi' this knowledge it was nae wonder to me when Dugald took doon the pot and showed that it was as dry as his loof! I couldna' cheer and ruff wi' the laive o' the congregation! I was far too enlightened for that! MAJOR.-Verily you were to be pitied! LAIRD.-Again, when the Warlock took a cage fu' o' canaries oot o' a portfolio, the utilitarian snob indoctrinated his charge with the fact, that the aforesaid cage could be compressed and expanded at pleasure, and that the birds were in the bosom of the performer till within a second o' their occupancy o' the cage! This explanation was, questionless, correct, but it made the feat wersh as parritch withoot saut! DOCTOR.-Had I been in your position I should have pitched the miscreant neck and crop into the pit! MAJOR.-I would have seconded the motion, having, however, previously recited in the DOCTOR.-I have a great liking for clean, nice editions of books. I think that the pleasure of reading them is greater, and it is a satisfaction to feel that after you have read your volume you can place it on your shelves as worthy of preservation. MAJOR. It is one of the faults of the publishers of the day to issue their works for the reader of the hour. Their books, generally, will not bear a second reading, no matter how good the contents thereof may be. DOCTOR.-Say rather that it a fault forced on the publishers by the readers themselves. The public now read to pass away the time. There is no demand, now, for the substantial tome got up in the olden style. However, here is Mrs Grundy come to announce supper; but I hope to have a chat with you at another time on the causes of this change in public taste. Come, Laird, to supper, and put away your newspaper; the fall of Sebastopol will keep. England an France have it now in their possession. manure is applied lie quite near the barn-yard, it may do to manufacture the compost heap in the stable-yard. But in most cases this will be a most expensive practice. The largest amount and the best manure must be made by not only collecting all the solid droppings mixed with straw or litter, with the liquid portions saved and added, but a large portion of peat, turf, loam, and other absorbents of a more solid character should enter largely into its com Manure is as necessary to successful farming as the engine to a steamship, or as fuel to a locomotive; and the amount of discussion on the economy of saving the materials and manufacture of manures, shows that their importance is well understood by intelligent cultivators. There is one part of their management and application, however, that seems in a great measure to have been overlooked, or at position. Now to cart a hundred loads of turf least underrated, and this is the saving of mechanical labor in its conveyance, while preparing and applying it. Drawing manure is one of the heaviest and most costly of farm operations. The farmer who draws twenty loads of wheat, or thirty tons of hay, laborious as this may seem, performs but a small task in comparison with what he should yearly accomplish in the conveyance of manure; for every farm of one hundred acres will yield at least two hundred loads of the best manure if properly managed, and some may be made to double this amount. Hence it is no wonder that we often see huge piles of this lifeelement of farming, wasting in barn-yards through the summer unapplied. into the barn-yard from a remote part of the farm, and then to draw all this heavy bulk back again into the fields, is causing a vast amount of labor. Again, the shovelling over and mixing of the compost heap, which is practiced with so much advantage by Europeans, cannot be thought of for a moment by our farmers who pay the present high wages. The intermixture resulting from drawing and spreading the heap, may generally be sufficient, but a more thorough execution of this work would be better. The question therefore occurs, How may this labor of conveyance be reduced as much as possible? We have found a most important means of saving labor, by forming the compost heap in the field where the manure will be required. Loam and turf are absolutely essential for the absorption and retention of the amonia. Large quantities of turf may be obtained from fence corners, where otherwise it would be of little or no use; but on large farms, the more mucky portions of pastures may be obtained at less labor, by first plowing the sod. Let the manure from the yard, as it accumulates, be drawn out and spread a few inches in thickness, in a long and narrow strip, say from a few feet to a rod in width according to its quantity, and then be covered with a layer of turf (or loam) at least equally thick. A second layer of manure is On small farms, where the fields to which the applied and a second layer of turf until gradually But the farmer who makes manure in the ordinary imperfect manner, that is, by merely casting out into his yard the cleanings of stables mixed with the litter, added to the droppings of the cattle running at large, obtains but a small quantity in comparison with the skilful manager, who saves every thing by a large admixture of absorbents. If then, the more scanty heap occasions too great a labor to draw out and apply, how important it becomes that the most careful management be devised, to economise as much as possible the cost of handling and carting the increased accumulations of the most improved process. VOL. V.- M. during the season, a height of some two feet tagon, with the animals' heads towards the has been attained. If the successive alternate feeding room in the centre, saves a vast amount layers have been thin, a great deal of subsequent of labor by a covered cartway running round intermixing will not be necessary, and this may the whole, by means of which the stable cleanings be easily and cheaply accomplished by the use are shovelled immediately into a passing cart, of a large plow attached to a yoke of oxen, be- and drawn at once to the field without a single ginning at the sides of the heap and plowing transfer or reloading; and it would prove of down successive slices of the mixture, using the great advantage in all cases could the same harrow between each plowing, until a most provision be made for carting off the accumulathorough pulverization is accomplished. This tions of stables without the labor of wheeling may now be drawn off and spread from the cart them first out into the yard, except in those or waggon in an even and perfect manner, being instances already named where the fields are entirely free from lumps. Such a material as closely contiguous, and the materials for comthis is admirably fitted for preparing wheat post are as easily accessible here as at other land. parts of the farm. FLAX CULTURE. A western farmer keeps his yard perfectly We are by no means confident that we have clear of stable accumulations by drawing out pointed out the best mode for accomplishing every morning a waggon load when the team the great saving needed in this laborious farmgoes out to plow or to other work. This prac- process, but if we have afforded suggestions for tice is pursued more particularly during the further improvements, an important end will be times of spring and fall plowing. In summer attained. but little accumulates; and in winter there is little difficulty in keeping the coast clear. Dur- The Earl of Albermale, as President of the ing the sharp frosts of winter, however, a Norfolk Agricultural Association, has called the difficulty exists in consequence of the earth be- attention of the members of the Association, and ing frozen and incapable of being applied in of the public, to the consideration of the quessuccessive layers. Those who are so fortunate tion, How are the Agriculturists of Norfolk as to possess a drained muck, or peat swamp, may draw from it without hindrance any time of the year; but others may secure a supply of turf by the plan lately mentioned in the Country Gentleman, namely, plowing up a turfy or This is a question deserving consideration in mucky pasture early in autumn, and piling the England, which imported last year 94,000 tons sods when dry like cords of wood, under a of flax, of which Russia furnished 64,000, and, large coarse shed made for the purpose. These also, 63,000 tons of hemp, of which Russia furwill become so free from moisture as to be nished 41,000 tons. easily used any time during the winter. But in manure. (and of England) to be supplied in future at a moderate price, with the necessary articles of linseed and oil-cake, if we continue at war with the chief producing nation of those articles?' These importations cost, at peace prices, five the absence of either of those provisions, an im- millions of pounds sterling, and at present war erfect substitute may be found in spreading a prices, would be of the value of nine millions. layer of old straw, chip dirt, &c., upon the Here is a premium on the growth of flax and hemp of four millions sterling. The Earl then This mode of forming the heap in the field proceeds to state other considerations which possesses two especial advantages. The stable tend to make it obvious that flax might be adyard is at all times kept clear of those accumu-vantageously raised at home. Such of these lations, which are never any ornament to the considerations as are as applicable to the conestablishment, and which in wet and muddy dition of things in America as to that in Engweather are a serious inconvenience; and the manure being nearly accessible to the land requiring its application, it is drawn on and spread without that large consumption of time usually required at the exceedingly busy season of preparing for crops. land, we shall submit to our readers with as much succientness and brevity as possible. One of the great merits of flax culture, according to the Earl of Albemarle, is the necessity for the exercise of skill in its cultivation. It is therefore a crop better adapted to the present One of the largest and best farmers in the advanced state of agriculture than it was in country, whose stables are arranged in an oc- former times. As the present high prices of wheat and grain cannot always continue the 5th year without injury to the land, if the crop Earl asks if it is not therefore desirable to have is properly weeded. SCRATCHES IN HORSES. MESSRS EDITORS-I beg leave to send you I a crop that will indemnify the farmer for the occasionally low price of grain. Flax, he thinks is such a crop, being the most remunerative that can well be grown. From various parts another remedy for scratches in horses. of the country he has obtained estimates, ac-apply a plaster of All-healing Ointment. This cording to which the profit of a crop of flax ointment is composed of 8 parts by weight of would, at usual prices, be more than double that oxygen, and one of hydrogen. But you need n't take the trouble to compound it, for our kind of a crop of wheat. Creator has provided it at our hands in unlimited abundance. It is deeply to be regretted that Another inducement to the cultivation of flax is this, that it would afford increased employ ment to persons of both sexes, of all ages, and at all seasons of the year. its healing properties are so little known. It is a better application than man has ever invented or ever will invent for healing human As another inducement it is stated that flax as well as brute maladies both internal and will grow on almost every description of soil, external. But it is so simple and natural that and will take its place on any part of a rotation. men can't have faith in it. Every thing must Sir John Mac Neil, one of the largest cultivators have some art and mystery about it to obtain of flax in Ireland, says that, though the soil favor. Try this All-healing Ointment, gentlebest adapted for the growth of flax is a deep men. It is cheap and easily applied. I have rich loam, yet he grew 600 acres, in 1853, on tried it and it works like a charm. C. N. P. almost every description of land. Flax appears to grow best and produces the largest quantity, tion [water we suppose] will at least promote The free use of our correspondent's prescrip cleanliness in men and animals, while doctors disagree as to its further effect in the removal of disease.-Ed. of Cnltivator. DEGENERACY FROM BREEDING IN-AND-IN. when sown on land on which oats had grown the previous year, but it is the practice in Armagh and Down to sow it after potatoes or turnips, and sometimes after barley. In every case the land should be exceedingly well cleaned, and free from weeds. The seed should be sown immediately after the land is plowed, as the seed is generally six weeks in the ground before it appears, and will be longer if the ground should have lost the moisture it has when first plowed before being sown. After plowing, the land should be harrowed, then rolled with a heavy roller, then harrowed with a light harrow and the seed sown, and finally rolled with a light roller. When the plants are 3 or 4 inches above the ground, the field should be weeded by children, against the wind. The plant should sired, therefore, his own lambs, and perhaps his be pulled when the lower leaves appear to be decaying, or getting tinged with yellow. This is a very material point to be attended to, for if allowed to get too ripe the fibre will be injured, and if pulled too green the seed will be injured. The average quantity produced from an acre, in Ireland, may be taken at 2 tons weighed when dry, or 650 to 750 or 800 lbs. of dressed flax. generate from breeding from two parents between which there is affinity of blood, is one that is pretty well known. It is not always, however, attended to in practice, else we would not have witnessed the degenerate lambs which we have seen this spring. Through thoughtlessness or carelessness a neighbouring flock of ewes was sired by the same buck which ha been with them before for two seasons. He lambs' lambs. The owner knew better, and intended to have procured a change of bucks; but in some way the result above stated happened. The result was a number of very weakly and deformed and idiot-looking lambs. Some were so weak in the hind legs that they could not support their own weight; and some had their hind legs twist outwards when they attempted to walk. One lived several days, but breathed quick and short all the time, and had to be asGrass seeds and clover may be sown with the sisted about nursing. One was coarse-woolled flax without any injury to the latter. The land almost as a water dog, and looked very stupid will be very smooth for mowing. Sir J. Mac N. and idiotic. Such results seem worthy of being thinks that it is a mistake to suppose that flax put on record as a warning against like careinjures the land. It may be sown every 4th or 'lessness or neglect in others. MRS. GRUNDY'S GATHERINGS. DESCRIPTION OF ENGRAVINGS. PLATE I.-Fig. 1-Is a beautiful garment of black velvet, adapted for the present season. It is made with a yoke behind, and a plain front. The skirt is set into the yoke with full box plaits, and falls rather low in the most superb drapery. The fulness extends to the change in Fashions. Rich tissues are already taking the place of bareges, jaconets, and muslins. However, for the days on which the sun still appears in all his radiant brightness, barege is worn for walking dress, on condition however, of its being lined with silk, which makes it a double dress, comfortable, warm, and elegant. Ladies who like uniformity, and shoulders, where it falls gracefully to meet the who have not the courage to set at nought the front, draping the arms. A border of rich gacriticism of their neighbors, line their barege loon, about four inches wide, surrounds and dresses with silk of the same color. Those, crosses the entire front in horizontal bands who, on the other hand, like to indulge in fancy, three inches apart. The ground work of this caprice, and originality, line their bareges with galoon is Maria Louisa blue satin, embossed silk of a contrasting color. For instance, blue, with a set pattern of black plush, with a gleam cherry, green, violet, maroon, or pink, with of white on each edge. A graceful vine of ash gray barege. The gray agrees well with all leaves, raised from the blue, in black plush, runs the colors above enumerated, and has really the centre; these leaves are dashed with white, a very distinguished appearance. These robes as if they had been struck by the moon-beams, will not however maintain their vogue much and thus all the effect of chenile is produced. longer. Silks with inwove patterns will inaugThe dress of this figure is emerald green satin, urate the winter season. They will be also very with two deep flounces, striped with a bayadere full trimmed with a variety of ornaments, afpattern of sea-green, striped with black. The fording a fine field for the display of the dresscorsage is made open in front, and the sleeves maker's talent and taste. The following is a are rather closer to the arm than we see in the description of two dresses we have just seen at pagoda style usually. Palmyre's: the first is made of pearl-gray silk Fig. 2—Is a smoke-coloured barege. The cut from the piece, that is to say, quite plain. skirt is covered with three flounces, edged with The skirt has four flounces cut straight-way of long waving scollops, two ruches of narrow satin ribbon follow the waves, and the trimming is finished with fringe an inch and a half deep. corsage is open to the waist, and finished by a deep basquine that rounds abruptly away The from the front. This basquine is trimmed like the flowers. The sleeves are formed with two full puffs laced together by a profusion of ruches, and ornamented with butterfly bows. the stuff. On each flounce there are transversal stripes traced slanting and composed of Very small bows of emerald green ribbon. At the end of each stripe there is a little bow of The body has lappets, and closes down the ribbon with long ends. Imagine the effect. front with green crystal buttons imitating emeralds. The lappets are in harmony with the flounces already described. On each side of sleeves are composed of a plaited part beginthe crystal buttons are bows of ribbons. The ning at the shoulder, then of a flounce striped with green ribbon; next comes another plaited PLATE II.—Fig. 1-Is a cap made of point d'aiguille. The ground represents a kind of lace parachute. Bows of ribbon decorate the back of the cap exactly in the same style as bonnets. Lace ornaments round the crown; loops of rib-piece, and than a second flounce fuller and bon on each side of the cheeks. Fig. 2-Is a bonnet of Leghorn, the most aristocratic of all bonnets. The crown slopes backwand from the head, and is trimmed with green ribbons. opener than the first. To give proper support to these flounces they are lined with stiff glazed calico. The second dress is made of black silk with flounces bordered with lozenges alternately Fig. 3-Is a rotonde, having a plain tulle moire antique and deep blue plush. The edges ground ornamented with ruches made of violet of these lozenges are surrounded by a miniature silk ribbon. Two deep flounces of chantilly ruche of black lace. The body is high, and has lace, placed one above the other, border this thee rows of plush buttons. elegant cape. Beginning at the shoulders, there is a row of lozenges forming bretelles or braces, before and behind, and also AUTUMN FASHIONS. The Autumn begins to operate more than one continued on the lappets. The sleeves have on |