The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-12-17
Farmers CiuiD-Americnn Institute.


The attendance OF the farmers yesterday at their
periodical meeting, was less numerous than usual
the state of the weather precluding many from ven
turing beyond the limits of their respective de-
mesnes. The proceedings of the meeting were,
nevertheless, entered upon, in the first instance,
by the election of Colonel Clark to the chair. and
the dispensing of the recapitulation of the re-
cords OF the former meeting, on the Fad OF Dece
Der. The first hour as usual was unfortunately
employed in the reading of various communications.
One on the subject of an atmospheric churn-a novel
experiment. tor promoting not only rapid issue to
the process of making butter, bu. productive of a
vast increase of the material, by certain underlined
arrangements of machinery, Nc, which are pro-
posed to be patented. The late invention of the
Bishop OF Kildare, tor similar purpose was read,
also copous extracts from English and Irish files,
the all predominant subject of the decay of the
potato Here, long discussion, which mere
y embraced repetition of the former opinions
of the farmers, ensued, as to the and remedy
for the disease, without elicting any new fact and
all tending still further to lncieas the mystery that
existed in several portions Of the United States, as
well as in Ireland. The operation of the disease
has been arbitrary and whimsical, in some parts
amounting to utter destruction; while in others pro-
ducing return almost miraculous for It's healthfu
of this fact, member produced dish of the finest
potatoes, ready cooked and hot, OF which he raised
two hundred and fifty bushels this year the acre.
of such size. flavor and dryness, as battle all
competition The chairman of opinion that
the disease is not only partial, perhaps contingent
upon soil and season OF planting, but like that Of the
once supposed fatally destroyed button tree, may
yet subslde, by such management experience
may suggest; such as saturatlon Of the potato
seed in lime water, before planting. He also stated
that by application OF Iodine the diseased poatoe
L.. ~s.I 81
pared for food, in the same manner suggested by
various processes detailed in the English agricultural
reports. Mr.. Townsend, who supplies the New
York market with from three to four thousand
bushels of potatoes in the year, has tried more
various experiments than his profits covered
Every soil, every season, and every manure, was
experimental upon; but the season resisted all
efforts except in those plants that were planted re-
markaby early and equally lae-the hot interven-
ing period producing an abortive and diseased
crop II was stated, that the merino potato is the
best and most profitable tor late, and the mercer for
early seed The affair remains undisturbed by any
new light furnished by the opinions OF this meeting,
and therefore, though much against the persevering
influence of Mr.. Meigs, still 10 push the inquiries,
is consigned to the tomb Of all the Capulets there TO
await the resurrection to brighter Of hope
deferred.
Two valuable volumes have been presented to the
society, by the authors, one on subject we could
distinctly learD the other entitled the Pastoral
Observation-Disclosures of Silk, Cotton, &c of the An
GENTS" No testimony Of gratitude TO the authors
having been heretofore conferred by the club, it was
resolved that both works be recommended to the
consideration OF the American public.
The hour being then expended, the regular sub
ject OF the occasion, Care of cattle in winter"
was resumed, from the last discussion on the same
subject. 1t was universally admitted that by hous-
ing the stock IN proper temperature, feeding them
WE'LL and excluding all unnecessary cold the great
of health IS developed, faness Produced and
appetite encouraged.
Mr.. Townsend was here invited to express his
views OF the best and most economical method Of
keeping cows IN the city; when that gentleman EN-.
phatcaIly pronounced Inc system OF stabng as the
OF corn stalks. chopped, man and boy being
sufficient to chop a fortnights consumption. He
recommended warm accommodation; has no prefe-
renee for steamng the food, and considers the ma.
lure produced by the cattle equivalent for the con-
sumption OF fodder, more especially If powdered
charcoal be shaken over to preserve the ammonia
No other matters Of general moment being before
the club, an adjournment took place to the first
Tuesday in January.