quarter; now the result of an improving system, the estimate is 55s. or even 50s. The improvements which have taken place are as a drop of water in a bucket, in comparison to the adoption of drilling and hoeing, soiling cattle, proper attention to their breed, subsoil ploughing, perfect drainage, the selection and improvement of seed and plants, management of manure, the economising of labour on me. chanical principles, and many other improvements that might be suggested. The foregoing remarks I venture to make, after forty years' close attention to practical agriculture, and after visiting most of the counties in Great Britain and Ireland in search of agricultural information. The result of my observations, I again repeat, is, that agriculture is still in embryo, and that in most parts of the country, a most important reform is wanted in nearly every department, and that even in the best districts of Scotland, there is much room for improvement. I am confident that the soil of this country under proper management, without any further expenditure of capital than a better application of the labour at present employed, and the surplus labour frequently unemployed, would produce more food than sufficient for a rapidly increasing population; and that the same energy, education, and skill, which has been ap plied by the manufacturer and mechanic, would enable the agriculturist to produce the same results. JONATHAN BINNS. Lancaster, June 12.

breeds that are now most approved, and from which we may choose for any situation in the kingdom. For all rich soils and favoured situations, the Durham breed, or short-horns are preferred, and the long-horns are still kept by many excellent cultivators. The Herefords and short-horns seem nearly balanced in merits, if we may judge from the prizes awarded them. For inferior lands we have the Devon breed, not surpassed by any cattle in the kingdom, and besides we have multitudes of nondescript animals, that do not fall under any class, but which are yet much used in all parts of the kingdom. In Scotland, where great numbers of cattle are reared and exported, the native breeds are three-the Ayrshire, which are evidently allied to the Yorkshire breed-the Galloways, or polled blacks, and the West Highland breed of horned black, shaggy haired animals, which are found, with some little variation, all over the Western and Northern Highlands of Scotland. Great numbers of these animals are fed in England; and an opinion is entertained, and my own experience goes far in support of it, that these mountain cattle pay more money per head and per acre, than any of our fine breede, after all the improvements that have been made. The cost of production is small, and the beef commands a higher price in the market. In bringing cattle forward to the state when they are disposed of to the consumer, farmers have adopted two methods; some prefer to breed and feed on the farm, a number that the farm can support, and others to buy yearly a number they can afford to feed. The preference given to either of the two methods would seem to be, cr should be, determined

OF CATTLE. (ORIGINAL.)

In our island, where the domestic animals enter so largely into the article of human food, a great part of the farmer's attention must be devoted to the rearing of them to the degree of perfection their ultimate use requires; for every labour bestowed on any kind of cultivation and every article the farmer produces by the application of that labour tends to the same result-the production of food for man and beast. Before the introduction of green crops, a very imperfect system of rearing prevailed, from want of succulent food for winter; grass-fed animals could only be brought to market, and if kept through winter they lost during that time the degree of condition they had acquired during summer, for hay and straw if used in profusion will not rear or feed the animals quickly and profitably. The cultivation of green crops has completely altered the whole system, and has introduced an entire revolution, both in the cultivation of the land, and in the management of the domestic animals, a better and more regular supply of food has been obtained, and a vast addition to the number and quality of every article produced on the farm. An improvement in the supply of food carried along with it corresponding improvements in the animals themselves, and on, no point of rural economy has more skill and exertion been shown, or more persevering industry exercised, than we have witnessed by many breeders in this kingdom, in improving the qualities of the animals, by intermixing and engrafting the properties of the one on the other, so as to develope and bring forth those qualities for the use of man. Our breeds of cattle are numerous, but the various crosses and remnants of old breeds need not be enumerated, and they may be reduced to the few

fancy would seem to do much, for it is hard to conceive how two farms adjoining each other should be suitable to different modes, except in the bare opinion of the farmer, or how two breeds of animals can be most profitable in similar cases, except in opinion only. In many situations the difference to be observed between breeding and feeding, is most marked, and it is very fortunate that the diversity of opinion prevails in other places, for it affords a ready market for our mountain breeds, which, if the case was otherwise, might not be so profitable. In choosing a native breed, the farmer will be guided by the quality of the soil, the food he can produce, and by other circumstances, and much will depend on his own fancy; but if he prefer to buy in rather than breed, it will be found that the Scotch polled and West Highland breed will pay more money than any other. A very general mistake is committed in not allowing them sufficient time on the land, in order to feed-not less than eighteen months should be allowed, or twelve in cases where they have been bought in good condition. Green crops being now known to us, which if duly cultivated will afford succulent food during winter, it is understood that no farmer neglects providing a sufficient quantity if he wishes to rear and feed profitably, not only with regard to the profits of the animal itself, but to the manure raised for the future benefit of the farm. But notwithstanding the long acknowledged profits of these crops, and also of improved breeds of stock, we find great neglect prevail on both points; for if we look into Smithfield, or any other market, we find the improved animals bear a small proportion to the others; farmers yet persist in breeding very unthrifty animals, and for want of green crops they are bred and starved upon a system. In many cases, however, we find both breeding and feeding carried on systematically and profitably, with due attention to the profits expected from the animal

itself, from the attention and food bestowed, and also to the future benefits expected from the system. Cow-sheds should be provided with calf-pens adjoining, under the same roof, where the calves are confined in separate apartments for one animal, and floored with boards, pierced with auger holes that they may lay dry and comfortable. From these apartments they are brought twice or thrice a day to be suckled, led by a halter, and tied, when sucking, to a rope extending along the cow-shed. Sucking is always to be preferred to nursing by the pail; when milk is exposed, much of the value is lost, the gaseous fluids go off by evaporation, and the appearance of the calves nursed by the two methods is a sufficient decision. Suckling is attended with less trouble, and an experienced cowman will soon be able to judge of the proper quantity to be allowed them. From January to June is the proper time for weaning early calves maintaining a decided superiority, unless greater encouragement be afterwards afforded to the later ones. In situations where fattening for veal is found profitable, both weaning and fattening go on together; and even where cheese and butter are manufactured, all the three may be easily managed, by allotting a number of cows for suckling and a number to be milked for the dairy. Calves fed for veal must not be restricted in the quantity of milk; for weaning, they must be allowed such a quantity as will keep them always in a sleek and thriving condition, without feeding them, for any fat produced at that time would be lost. An ordinary cow will feed four calves for veal, or make veal of two, and wean three, much depending on the milky nature of the cow, and on the quality of the pasture. The various substitutes for milk that have been puffed abroad among farmers have all proved an utter fallacy, only supplying the farmer with a few pounds of butter and cheese at the expence of the animal. They never fail in producing a large belly and offal, an infallible mark of degeneracy and bad keep, in any animal, and in no case have we been yet able to improve upon what nature has provided the mother with in nursing her offspring. During that time the mother should form the chief object

of our attention.

different sizes and qualities, and colours, and in many cases of different breeds, shewing a great want of skill in the breeding and of care and attention in the nursing and rearing. After the weaning season is over, the milk for the remainder of the season may be applied to suckling for veal, or te making butter and cheese, as situation may direct. In places where these articles are the staple produce, the weaning of calves will be on a smaller scale; but on these farms some are weaned, to which the above observations will equally apply.

When the calves are removed from the home paddock, the best pasture on the farm will be given them, well watered and sheltered if possible; in many cases the lattermath of a hay crop answers well. When fields lie in permanent grass, a shed with a view to permanency may be erected in each field at a very trifling cost, and may be so contrived as o suit both cattle and sheep. Where the alternate system of farming prevails, a corner where the plough does not strike, may be got, and a very useful shelter erected. Cattle of an age should pasture together, and the smaller the lots the better.

By the end of October, the approach of cold weather will render necessary the removal of the cattle to the home yard. Every farm is, or ought to be, provided with a number of yards suited to its size and to the quality of the soil, the bottoms level with that of the shelter-shed raised above that of the yard, to throw the moisture outwards, that the cattle may lie dry; cribs for holding the roots given to the cattle are ranged along the sub-division walls, and sometimes placed in the shelter-shed under cover; the most approved are of a square shape, with a latticed bottom, which allows all moisture to escape. Buildings of stone and lime have been erected along the walls, but they hold water and sludge very much; wood is cleaner, and where used the bottom planks should be perforated with holes to discharge the water. Troughs of stone, of wood, or of cast iron are placed across the division walls, so as to supply two yards; and the water is conveyed in pipes from a pump, or supplied by ball cocks and pipes from a cistern placed aloft for that purpose, in some house of the farmery, and to which the water is raised by a forcing valve in the yard pump. Turnips are now mostly given in a cut state, and where straw is rank and abundant, it may be cut to shorter lengths, which will render it more manageable and easier of reduction.

Into these yards properly furnished, the cattle are put in lots of ages and sizes, varying in number from 3 to 7 when feeding; young cattle may be kept in greater numbers. Most feeders now prefer the open yard to housing, though on turnip farms, a feeding house is very necessary where a few choice animals may be fattened, or a few inferior ones may be brought more quickly to perfection. Fresh straw should be put frequently into the racks, and cabbages are a very proper article to begin the feeding of young stock for the first winter. These and turnip tops are given once, or better if twice a-day, and continued through the winter-if they fail, potatoes and beet are given in moderate quantities, so as to keep the young animals in a sleek and thriving condition, without any tendency to gorge them, or induce them to nauseate their food. They should always show a keen appetite, and seem able to eat more than is given. The yards are frequently littered, thinly at a time, so as to keep them dry and comfortable, and also mix the manure properly. The straw racks are shifted often that the straw may not lie dry around them, and the yards are of such a

size as will admit of the cattle treading, dunging, and watering on every part. A very common error prevails on this point, the yards are much too large, the straw lies dry and unmixed in many parts, and the good dung lies huddled together in the other places. Space sufficient for the cattle to move about freely for air and exercise is quite enough, due regard being had to warmth in the shelter shed. An equal mistake with too much space lies in making the yards too small.

In the month of May of each year the pasture fields will be ready for stocking, when the different sizes and ages will be arranged by the best judgment of the farmer. In October of each year, the cattle will be turned into the fold-yards and fed with ample allowances of roots and straw, and with the yards kept dry and comfortable. As the cattle increase in age, the fewer numbers must be put together in one yard, and during the third and fourth winter they will be fed off and sold. I have recommended all calves to suck the cow for veal or for weaning, and I now mention that the treatment of any animal during the first year of its growth generally stamps its future distinction. If it be stinted in the quantity or in the quality of the food, future pampering will not recover its lost growth, and if it be well fed during the first year, and attain a good size, indifferent treatment afterwards will have much less effect. If a calf be well suckled, great attention is necessary during the first winter that it receive such treatment as will carry it forward, and that it does not lose in that time what it gained the previous summer. This result often happens from want of winter food of roots, for though hay and straw be in profusion, they never can supply the place of green crops.

Cattle when feeding must have a full supply of food, but not to pall their appetites, which must always be keen and in full action. The food previously given them should be clean eaten up or nearly so before any more be supplied, and the cribs regularly cleaned out and every filth removed. The first feed of cut turnips, potatoes, or beet is given by break of day, and the last so long before darkness sets in as will allow time for the cattle to eat the whole during day light, as any accidents from hoving or choking have a better chance of being seen and remedied. A dry bed in the shelter shed and in any part of the yard during dry weather is indispensible.

Opinions differ as to the most profitable age of feeding our best breeds of cattle. My own experience agrees with the opinion expressed by Earl Spencer, one of our highest authorities, that the age of four years seems the most advantageous, as the most likely to secure the utmost weight of the animal, and to avoid unnecessary expenditure in trying to obtain more bulk, and also the loss by slaughter ing at too early an age, before the animal had reached maturity. I have observed that a great part of our cattle are starved on system-they are grazed and gain something in summer and lose it in winter. The miserable appearance of young stock both in the yard and in the fields sufficiently support this opinion, and the case will not be mended till green crops are more extensively cultivated. We know plants adapted I may say to almost every soil, and it only remains to cultivate them. In order to produce a thoroughly well fed and ripe animal it must be gradually fed from the day of its birth, by good keeping which will keep the body in a thriving condition and full of juices, and also produce that mixture of fat and lean so necessary to constitute beef of good quality. Hence arises the

well furnished animal in the hands of the butcher, and from the starving system is owing the bad quality of much of our animal food, for unless the animal be well fattened and regularly, the lean is dry and wholly wanting in juices which can only be imparted by a ripe state. The one-half at least of our cattle in market are not fat, they are starved in early years, and then for a short time they are tied to a stake and gorged with food to produce an appearance quickly, and sold off to save expence, and hence arises the badly furnished animal in the hands of the butcher. An animal always in good condition is fattening gradually and profitably, the dung is of more value, and when the age of fattening off arrives, a small application of more food concludes the process. A greater number of cattle is often kept on a farm than it can maintain profitably-an erroneous policy but very common.

I have observed that where a farmer chooses partly or wholly to follow the buying system in place of breeding, it will be found that our small mountain breeds will pay more money than any other. In most cases too short a time is allowed them to feed, for the natural propensity to fatten has not been in them any way improved by breeding or keeping, and in that respect they differ from our new breeds. They are mostly fed very poorly in their youth, and when transported to rich pastures, fat cannot be laid instantly, but in course of time, if in fair condition, a year will be sufficient, but if bought in a lean state from droves, they should be on the ground for 18 months, fed the first winter on half the full allow. ance of green food, well grazed the following summer, and fed off the ensuing winter. This is gradual feeding and indispensible if we wish for good beef. The age should be four or rather five years when slaughtered.

Oil cake, bean, and barley meal, oats, and other articles have been used in the feeding of eattle, but experience has long since proved that if the farmer will only try to raise potatoes, beet, cabbages, and turnips in quantity, he need no substitute, except in case of a failure of the above crops. Straw alone is required for litter, and for the cattle to eat a little when inclined. J. D.

THE CORN LAWS.

SIR,-The recent drain of specie and pressure on the money market, to pay for the importations of foreign corn, evidently prove the injurious effects of the late deficient harvest. All impartial observers must now be convinced of the fallacy of a free trade in corn, for it, with a partial failure in our harvest, such a prejudicial state of things does exist, what would it be if we became permanently dependent on other nations for an annual supply?

The amount we have been and are now paying to foreigners for wheat and flour in specie, is so much lost to the country, and cannot but have a very serious and injurious tendency. The supporters of a free trade in corn imagined that it would lead to an increased export of our manufactured goods, when the duty was at its lowest point, but the reverse is the fact, as the sources from whence a large portion of this supply has been derived take so little from us

in return.

It is clear that the high prices of wheat and bread stuff's abroad, consequent on the orders given for

English account, will tend rather to curtail the export of our manufactured goods than cause a demand.

It is not the foreign land-owner or farmer that is the great consumer of our manufactures, but the mass of a nation; and if in Germany and Italy, &c. the lower orders, or mass, in consequence of the high price of provisions, cannot purchase clothing (so far as our trade with either stato is concerned, the importation of wheat from thence prejudices this nation both ways. It causes, first, a drain of specie to pay for the wheat, and, secondly (by raising the price of provisions) renders the bulk of the inhabitants of the country in question unable to find money to pay for manufactured goods. Look, therefore, in any and every way to the circumstances of our becoming importers of corn, and we shall see the vast and great importance of a good harvest at home, and the advantages of giving every protection and encouragement to our own agriculture.

Another harvest like the last, with similar importations of foreign corn, would lead to a commercial crisis in this country, by continuing the drain of the precious metals, instead of a desirable export of our manufactures in barter thereof, which can never take place.

The prejudices against the corn laws are, in consequence, fast dying away. All impartial men must see that, while they give due protection to our agriculturists in time of plenty, they afford every encouragement to importation to prevent a scarcity.

The supporters of the proposed measure, to grind foreign corn in bond, seem also to waver in their opinions, which has induced Sir John Seale to aban. don his projected bill, which would, as expressed by the President of the Board of Trade, have the effect of "doing away with the corn laws by a side wind," to which he would never consent.

It must, however, be admitted that holders of bonded corn are exposed to serious inconveniencies at times, when unable to realize, as they cannot convert it into flour for exportation: a remedy to this could readily be found, without the least danger to the corn laws, or expence to the country.

The object would, in a great measure, be obtained by simply permitting such corn to be ground in the Channel Islands, expressly for our West India Colonies. The flour so manufactured to be admitted direct, free of duty in British ships, which might then call for it in their way out from London, without being obliged, as at present, to have such flour first sent to a bonded port to be warehoused and reshipped.

In order to point out the extraordinary encouragement and facilities given to foreigners in this important branch of trade, it will be sufficient to state that the Americans simply clear out their flour at any port in Nova Scotia, when it is there admitted free of duty in the British West India Islands.

The Baltic millers and exporters send theirs in like manner for clearance to any port in the United Kingdom, when it is equally admitted free in our colonies, while a similar article, manufactured by British subjects in the Channel Islands has the foreign duty to pay.

The effect of such a glaring impolicy is obvious, which is an injustice to the loyal and quiet people in those Islands, while it prevents, at the same time, the holders of corn in bond from having it ground there at a trifling expence for exportation to our Colonies. A FRIEND TO HIS COUNTRY.

Guildford, June 4.

EAST ESSEX AGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY.

The first Summer Show of this Association took

place on Wednesday, June 5th, in the Castle Bailey, Colchester. The show was, under all circumstances, excellent, and the cattle (particularly the plough horses) were of first-rate description. A Durham bull, the property of Mr. W. F. Hobbs, of versally admired for its beauty; as was also a Marks Hall, attracted great notice, and was uniyearling Herefordshire bull, belonging to the same enterprising gentleman-both of which carried off the premiums, being single specimens. A Down sheep, the property of Osgood Hanbury, Esq., shown as extra stock, was deservedly praised; it was indeed a most perfect specimen, and surpris ingly fat. This animal, which had about a week previous to the exhibition been beautifully shorn, was stated by the most competent judges to have weighed 50lbs. a quarter. There was also one of the same breed shown by Mr. John Hicks, of Walton Hall, which was of nearly equal merit. Some good: among these we must particularize one exmilch cows, principally extra stock, were also very hibited by Mr. E. Parson, which carried off a prize, and was sold for 251., without her calf. About three o'clock the exhibition was honoured by a visit from that distinguished and noble agriculturalist, Lord Western; but owing to severe indisposition his lordship was unable to remain long upon the ground, and after a short inspection retired. The Anglo-merino sheep sent by his lordship attracted great notice, and were universally admired. Lord Rivers, Sir G. H. Smyth, Bart., M.P., C. G. Round, Esq., M.P., and General Rebow were also present. The judges of the stock having finished their business about two o'clock, the visitors were admitted to the exhibition; but such were the numbers anxious to get in, that for about a quarter of an hour a most uncomfortable crowding near the entrance was kept up. The sheep-shearing was then commenced by ten men -three boys being also allowed to try their skill. There was a very full attendance of the agriculturists of the neighbourhood, and gentlemen of the town, throughout the whole afternoon.

The following is a copy of a challenge sent to Lord Western, by Mr. John Hicks, for the exhibition of a Hogget Tup against one of his lordship's Merinos:

Head-street, Colchester, June 3rd, 1839.

MY LORD, I have the honour to state, that a Member of the East Essex Agricultural Society will show a Hogget Down Tup of his own rearing, against one of your lordship's Hogget Merino Tups of your own rearing, for five guineas, at Colchester, on the 5th inst. The wool not to be taken into consideration.

I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your lordship's most obedient humble servant, SAMUEL TILLET, Acting Secretary.

Lord Western.

His lordship accepted the challenge; but owing to a difference of opinion in the judges, it was withdrawn.

THE DINNER

took place at the Three Cups Hotel, Thomas White, Esq., President of the Society, in the chair. The company amounted to about 170.

The CHAIRMAN, on the cloth being removed, proposed "The health of her most gracious Ma

jesty, Queen Victoria;" with the accustomed honours of three times three. (Cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN then gave "The health of Queen Adelaide, and the rest of the Royal family." Drank with three times three cheers.

The CHAIRMAN said he rose to propose the health of a gentleman to whom that tribute was due; not only from the consideration of the high office he held in the county, but from the admirable and generous exertions he has always used, whenever called upon to lend his aid in promoting the welfare of the county, and particularly the interest of agriculture. (Great cheering.) But if they looked at him in the private walks of life, they found him one of the most amiable, one of the most deserving, and one of the best of men. (Cheers.) He had done them the honour of dining with them to-day; and he was sure they would all heartily respond to the toast, when he proposed "The health of the High Sheriff of the County."

Drank with three times three cheers.

The HIGH SHERIFF (J. F. Mills, Esq.) said he must have been most insensible, did he not feel himself more highly flattered than any language of his could suitably acknowledge, for the kind, complimentary, and honourable way in which his name had been received. (Cheers.) He was truly conscious that he was not deserving the high honour which (if he might be allowed the expression) his friend had, in the exuberance of his kindness, proposed in a manner so gratifying to his feelings : but though he felt his unworthiness to receive it, still he was not insensible of the mark of respect which had been paid to him. With regard to the meeting which he then had the honour to address, he would assure them he felt a satisfaction beyond that he could express at meeting so numerous and respectable an assemblage. It had often been his lot to attend many meetings, but it had never been with such pure and unmixed pleasure as that which he then felt. (Cheers.) The cause which they had met together to support, was, in his opinion, the cause of the best interests of society. It was (he might almost say) but till lately that its real worth had been duly appreciated. It was far from his wish to decry any of the other great interests of the Country-the manufacturing and the commercial; but he felt himself justified in the assertion, that though highly important and valuable, they were but secondary when put in comparison with that great and preponderating one-the landed interest. (Great cheering.) Whether they looked at the peasant-whether they looked at the tenant-whether they looked at the tradesman--or whether they looked at the landlords and the aristocracy, they would find all were bound up with it; that their very existence was involved in the prosperity of the agriculture of this country. (Hear, and cheers.) That interest, then, was deserving of their warmest support: and he was glad to see that in this small division of the county an association like this had been formed, which, although in its infancy, was nevertheless, a large, numerous, and highly respectable body. The battle had but recently been fought, and victory had declared itself on their side; but on no consideration ought their energies to be relaxed, for they still had enemies, -formidable in wealth, influence, and perseverance to contend against. They had seen in too many instances that they would uphold their own interests, even though it should be to the detriment or the utter ruin of agriculture. The company present were embarked in a good cause; let

them but support it as they had done that day, and the result was not to be apprehended. He would sincerely say to them "Go on and prosper." He must apologize for having given them that advice; but having been called upon to express his sentiments, he would only add that they were those of his heart. (Cheers.) He would now drink prosperity to them all, and especially to the cause they had that day met to promote. (Great cheering.)

The CHAIRMAN said the next toast he had upon his list, was one of great interest. It was "The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese." (Loud cheering.)

The Rev. E. H. GREENE returned thanks.

The CHAIRMAN said the next toast was "The health of the Mayor of Colchester," with many thanks to him and his fellow-townsmen for the warm support they had given the Association. (Cheers.)

The MAYOR begged to acknowledge the high compliment paid to him and the inhabitants of the town generally; but he would not trespass upon their time further than to observe, that however foreign his pursuits might be to the majority of those around him, yet still his best wishes were on their behalf. (Cheers.) And he was now, in saying that, expressing the sentiments of the burgesses of the town, over which he had been chosen to preside. They were most willing and ready to co-operate with them in advancing their interests, because they felt they were identified with them. He congratulated the town in being the centre of such an Association as they had met to support, and which he was confident would be productive of the happiest results, and would strengthen the reciprocal feelings of regard between them as fellow-subjects and fellow-citizens. (Cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN said the next toast he had the honour to propose, was one of peculiar interest and importance to all; and there was not a gentleman present who would not do honour to it. He meant "Prosperity to the East Essex Agricultural Society." (Tremendous cheering.) If they looked at the list of its patrons and supporters, they would find in it the names of gentlemen as distinguished in the science of agriculture as any in the kingdom. (Hear and cheers.) With such a list, then, how could it fail to prosper? and under such auspicious circumstances, they ought to put their shoulders to the wheel, and urge it forward. (Cheers.) There might (as that was the first meeting of the Association) be some deficiency in the arrangement; if so, he was sure it would be overlooked, for it was an error of judgment, rather than of the will. There might also be some of the rules of the Society that required revising, when no doubt the Committee would meet on the first opportunity for that purpose. (Hear.) He would propose Prosperity to the East Essex Agricultural Society," with three times three.

The CHAIRMAN then said that the next toast he had to propose was "the health of the members of the county." (Immense applause.) He was sorry one of them (Sir John Tyrell) had been prevented from attending, having business that would not admit of postponement; of course they would drink it with accustomed honours. (Drank with three times three cheers.)

C. G. ROUND, Esq., said he would return his very humble but sincere thanks on his own behalf, and also on that of his honourable colleagues, for the compliment that had been paid them. He re