The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-03-18
AGRICULTURAL.

Soak FOR SEEps-It was observed BY Baron
Humboldt, that simple metallic substances are
unfavOrable to the termination Of plants, and
that metallic oxides promote IL in the exact ratio
of their oxidation. Consequently, he was IN
duced 10 seek some substance with which OXy-
gen might be combined in such a manner as to
facilitate its separation. In order 10 effect this
he made choice Of oIsgenated mHriafie ae's
| gas, in which he immersed some seeds OF the
common garden cress, pepper grass which eN-
hIbited germs in the remarkably short period Of
siI hours; whereas, when immersed in water
alone, they did not germinate in less than
thirty-two hours.
Another very successful and economical
steep for garden or other seeds, consists Of a
solution Of a quarter Of an ounce Of chloride Of
lime to one gallon Of water, in which the SEEDS
should be allowed to soak for the space OF i0ar
hours, and then be sown in the ordinary way
Ii is stated, on good authority, that corn and
peas, treated in this manner, have been knoSA
to throw out germs one and half inches in fEsH-
fy-tonr hours; and in forty-sigit hours, 10 ae'
quire roots more than double that length.
The latter experiment may be tested, at a Tn
fling eost, and should il succeed, as stated above,
the termination, or coming up Of many seeds
may be accelerated at least a week or ten days
Amer. Agrieaturisf.
FREsH MANURE NOT COOP FOR THE VIM
In all wine countries, where we may suppose
the culture Of the vine TO be best understood,
the opinion universally prevails that fresh ma
nure ought not to be used, or If II be so, that
it should be applied in the autumn after the
vintage, so as to be in great measure decom-
posed. and incorporated with the soil before the
ascent Of the sap in the spring. This practice
is occasionally followed in the Rhineeau, where
afr fsfs inf ~ ms
ing the vineyards, and where small quantities
Of litter are spread around the roots Of the
vines. but the best authors concur in recon-
mending that all the manure employed should
be first duly fermented. at whatever time il may
be used.
The vine dressers Of France Generosity object
to manure altogether. The poet Virgil, how
ever, recommends il in some lines which should
be committed to memory by all who grow the
vine:-
..Next; when you layers in your vineyard make,
Mix some nch dung and shells ami pebbles bTeaA'
Spread the good soil with hb'rsl hand around.
And trench them deeply in the hshtend ground
SuPerfiuous moisture thus sides through the earn.
And healthy vapors and the tender BIRTH"
How TO MAKE DuRAsLE WHIrEw.sz
Take peck Of quicklime and slske in hot va
ter; add, while hot, lbs. of lard any com
mon grease, ? lbs. Of Spanish whiting, and
while hot. Rain nor dampness, 1t is said, VIII
not darken its color for great length Of time
CAUTION IN APPLYING Salt TO FRUTT TREEs-
Common salt may be scattered on the surface o.
the ground at the rate Of 400 lbs. per acre, win
perfect safety, so far as vegetables are concern
ed but il is dangerous substance to apply 10
fruit trees.--Gard. CAronieis.
GRATING VrSEs.-The best time to graft the
grape vine Is not when the sap begins to riss'
for this is ef all periods the most improper
Let the vines break into leaf, and then you may
graft either on the old or young wood with eve
~ chance Of success.-Ibid.
ASPARAGUS BEDs-Asparagus beds may %
made four feet wide, trenched three feet deep,
and literally supplied with vel deeomPoses
farm-yard manure. Three rows may be plants
in each bed, with the plants nine inches aPar'M
the rows.