Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-09-25
From the Albany Cultivator.

NlSlI ~ NH. V AN DO . Il Al,h
We lately passed beautiful summers day in
the vicinity of Kinderhook Among other places
of interest, we visited "Lndenwald," the seat of
le1-presidcnt Van BarVn
We found Mr.. Van Buren, at home, and accom-
panied him in a walk over his farm. When lie en-
tered on the occupancy OF his place, on his retire
ment from the Presidency, 1t was much out OF or
der; the land having been rented for twenty years,
and been under cultivation for the period of 100
years. Several of the buildings had become poor,
| the fences were old and rottng down, and bushes
and grass of wild growth had taken possession OF
the farm. During the short time it has been under
! Mr. Van Buren's management, the place has been
greatly improved, and course is now fairly begun
/ BY which q handsome income may be derived IRON
| it. The garden and pleasure grounds have been
ENLARGED and newly laid out lighthouses have been
erected-and large number Of fruit and ornamen-
tai trees shrubbcry &c, have been planted. The
green house contains collection OF exotic fruits
and plants, among which were some fine grapes
In the garden noticed some fine samples OF all
the fruits of the season.
Among the objects which give beauty and inter-
est TO the grounds. two Artificial ponds in the
garden. They are easily made by constructing
dams across little brook originating from springs
on the premises. Soon after they were made three
years ano) some fish were put into them, and they
are now so well stocked with trout, pickere, and
perch, that Mr.. Van Buren, assured us they will
afford an abundant supply for his table, This is a
matter well worthy of consideration. There are
many situations where such ponds may be made
and with trfing expense, the luxury Of catching
aud eating fine trout or pickere may be had at
any time.
Several of the fields have been enclosed with
new fences, and several buildings erected, among
which is a very tasty farmhouse, and barn cacu-
lated for storing hundred and fifty tons Of hay
after being pressed.
But perhaps the most important improvements
| nh; all bo, taLa tla thn bav bpa
made a tract Of bog land thirteen acres of which
have been thoroughly reclaimed, and are covered
with luxuriant crops of grass oats. Three years
ago this land was worthless 1t was first drained
by dltches the .tumps and bushes were then cut
out and burned, and the ashes spread on the land
1t was afterwards sown to grass, using mixture
of timothy and redtop seed-three pecks to the
acre. The whole cost Of reclining was thirty
eight dollars per acre, and the land will now pay
the interest of a hundred to hundred and fit,
dollars per acre. In this Mr. Van Buren, has set
good example, which we hope will be followed b.
{ other farmers in the neighborhood who have land
similarly situated
The potato crop is one of considerable conse
ouence 10 his farm as well as ON others in the vi
E cinitv. Mr. Van Buren, raises the variety calle
the Carriers produced from the ball few years 20
by the Shakers. lie considers these by ia. tn
most profitable kind known. Mr.. Van Buren, as
sured us that all which could be raised would read
lily command llity cents bushel by the quantity Il
New York city.
= All the crops appear to be well managed. Leach
ed ashes were Tried last season with excellent sue
cess. Great benefit has also been derived iron
blowing in clover.
Mr.. Van Buren, keeps but little stock a consd
cradle object being the sale of hay. The manage
$ ment of the farm is under the immediate supervis
, ion of Mr. Van Buren,, who finds in it salutar
exercise for the faculties of mind and body.
his rural retreat, removed from the cares of Stat
and turmoil of political wars, he nov
? Drinks the pure pleasure of a rural life.