The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-08-11

Sounds" even when unattended by pecu-
MARY profit.) In one section of this field,
Dr. Is. tried the experiment of top-dres-
sing with coarse salt, (at the rate of about
bushels to the acre, and with the most
perfect success.-That portion of the field
suited doVn produced much heavier
crop than the fresh part; and the difference
in the hight and color of the plant was
perccptible. long way off.
We were much interested in many
small experiments instituted by Dr.Battey,
for the purpose of determining the compar-
atiye value ofdtfcrent manures and their
adaptation to various soils: as also the
adaptation of many new plants to this
climate, but our limits will not permit us
to enter into q detailed account of them
at present. We must not neglect, howev-
er, to mention fact that probably many
of our readers are already acquainted with,
viz: that the celebrated Chiiion Clorer
(Of Patent Office notoriety) and the Lu-
cerne (or "Frcnch Clover ")are one and
the sans plant-alike and indiStinguish-
able. DIR. Battcy has those plants in full
growth, side by side, and it would require
the keenest ofoptics to detect in them the
least difference or variation.
TIE Garden of "Riverbank" is one of
its most pleasing and attractive features,
and deserves far more than the necessari-
| ly brief mention" that we are obliged to
bcstow upon it. 1t contains three acres,
entirely devoted to the production of veg
etables for "hOme consumption" and mar
ket. Underground drains penetrate the
clayey subsoi Of this garden in several
directions, and the very highest state of
productiveness is obtained by deep pIow
and spade culture, high manurng, and the
thorough pulvcrization of the soil. The
Doctor is peculiarly fortunate in possess
ing most industrious and intelligent ne
| gro gardener to whom he can safely en-
trust the execution of his plans; and the
amount of fine vegetables turned out bv
"old Solomon" in the course of the wear,
Is almost Incredible. The luxury of pos
scsslng all times an abundant supply of
the choicest products of the garden is be-
| yond all price; and we should be rcioiced
to see our agricultural friends generally
| give more care and attention to this sub
jcct, and replace the wccdy and profitlcSS
truck patch" with luxuriant and well cul
tlvated gardens Of sweet and wholesome
vegetables, luscious, melting fruits, and
brilliant, odorous flowers.
From the Gdrdea (Which We leave with
reluctance almost akin to that of the
first gardener and his spouse,) we will pro-
coed to the n,Odci barn of DIR. Batley-a
plan of which was exhibited at the Macon
Fair of 1851. This barn is the most per-
feet union of the useful and ornamental IN
farm building that we noticed on our
journey; and we hope to present our read
crS with an engraving OF it hereafter, 10
accompany the illustration of Col. Bon.
ner's mammoth Plantation Barn in pre-
sent number. IL is ~ uncommon t. finl
good and convenient structure Of this
kind, even on our best farms and panta-
tons, and during quite an extensive tour
through the up-countrV, last season, we do
not remember to have seen more than half
dozen Barns, worthy Of the name.
Conne' ted with the Barn, we noticed Il
spacious apartment for agricultural implc-
mcntS. This apartment WAS well suppiicd
with the most approved sulsoil and turn
lng plows, harrows, rollers, sccd-sowcrs,
| spades, shovcls, hoes, DC, kept in such "A
manner as to Indicate plainly that they
were each in their appropriate place, in
proper order, and ready Tor service when
wanted.
In the way of cattle, it will have been
seen that DIR. Battcy is strongly commit
ted III favor Of the DcvonS; and according
Iy We were not surprised to find at River
bank several choice specimens of that
valuable and beautiful breed, Tor race" as
the Doctor himself would saw These.
Devons were obtained from the fine milk
,ng Patterson stock" of Richard Peters,
ESQ, and in point of symmetay, color,
tactical developments and the finer and
more delicate points" so highly priced by
breeders, Cet little noticed by com non
obHcrrcrs,) they can hardly be excelled.-
MIR. Peters celebrated Devon Bull, Boston,
the winner of many prizes-was spend
ing the summer" at "Rivcrbank;;" and. for
aught we could see, the stalwart and no.
hle old fellow "bore his blushng honors"
as modestly as the most docile member Of
the herd over which he reigned. The re-
markable natural docility of the Dcvons
Is one OF the strong points III their favor,
which will bear more stress than has here
toEorc been laid upon it.
While bestowing due attention on these
important operations Of the farm. garden,
DC, DIR. Battey is not unmindiul Of the
minor branches Of rural economy. He is
a great lover of all domestic animals. and
has for many years, as II relaxation from
the arluous duties Of professional life, AMI
from an innate love for the subject, devo,.
ed portion Of his leisure time 20 the
rearing and improvement of the different
breeds of Poultry, Pigeons, &c. His Poul-
try Yards and Pigeon Houses are very
conveniently arranged, and stocked with
excellent specimens Of the rarest and most
valuable varieties. We particularly no.
ticed the following among other varieties
Of gallnaceous fowls:-Black Shanphais:
Red ditto; White ditto; Black Spanish: