Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-07-08
Editorial correspondence-No. S.


Potomac Railroad passes over region of country,
comparatively level, geherallyipoor, and bearing
everywhere the Gland -markss of the crying sin Of
the Virginia agricuIturist, namely, oper eropping
aPiney old fields aud barren levels covered with
broom hedge. mark the desolating march OF the
rapacious husbandman over a soil naturally feeble
in its constitution, and bearing in itself the germs
of decay. Three and five bushels of wheat per
acre, [before the days of guano,l was no unusual
yield for much of the land in the Old Dominion,
while three barrels of corn Citizen bushels) was
safe calculation for common corn-land, unaided
by lertilisers Most of the land has been drained
ofits strength, originally not excessive, by con-
slant succession of exhausting crops, without Civ
ing the seventh year to the land period OF rest
The t.three-shft system was long the system of
Virginia farmers, of which distinguished Virgin
ian has said Its only merit is that it has its foun-
daton in truth, it promises to destroy, and it does
500 Yet with all the disadvantages of impover-
ished lands, &c., we learn that the productive
per cent upon capital invested, including slaves
and their increase, is not inferior to that made by
the owners of the most fertile lands. This is TO
be attributed in part 10 the habits of rigid econo-
my rendered necessary in order Ito use common
expression there,) to 'tmake buckle and tongue
AAASSS' SHA oASo " bACh " IudEhet,
which gives them great advantage over more
distant and fertile regions. OF late years howev-
er, the importation and application of guano prin-
clpally, and also of mari and artificial composts
has wrought marked change for the better in the
appearance of the whole country. The farmers
throughout the Eastern portion of The State have
become alive to the Importance and paramount
necessity even Of reganing what they have so i'm
nrOviIontlv 10Sf nj oF
productive capacity of their soil beyond even its
natural condition. Whether the latter effort be
practicable or not is yet decided, but certain
1T is that new appearance presents itself to the
eye of one passing the country, in the vastly
increased magnitude and propinquity of the wheat
shocks on fields where formerly the eye would
have ranged at large, seldom INSTRUCTED, by aught
save an occasional sassafras or pine sprout.
Peruvian guano is purchased in Richmond OF
S46, the short ton, and Baltimore of Boneda (the
Peruvian agenD at about $42,5O. Itissown broad
cast over the field about three or four hundred
pounds per acre being considered heavy applica-
ton, and we learn from those who have tested lis
effects that almost always The full expense of out
lay and application is repaid by the extra yield of
the first crop. tits not yet known how long the
gueno will act on the land, but is supposed that it
will act perceptbly for three years at least thus
ailording to the farmer two years of profit for his
enterprise, and leaving, we may Lope, at the end
OF that period, the land in better spirits for the flu
ture sincerely hope that under the guauo in
fuence and thesp:rit ofinternal improvement gen.
orally which ''though late'' is man:festing itself
over the East, Virginia may yettak her true po-
sltion alike in the mechanical, agricultural and
manufacturing departments of the Union. She
can be first in all. Will she, is the question?
WHERE WAS THE DECLARATION OF INpEpEs-
DE%cE WRrTrEN?-This is a question which has
excited much discussion. The following letter
from MIR. Jefferson settles the question. The house
he deSignates is al the corner of Seventh and
High Cor MarkeD streets, Philadelphia, the lower
story of which is now occupied as clothing store,
aud the upper stories as printing office.-Bah.
Patriot.
MONTICELLO, Sept. 81, 1925.
To Dr.. JAS. MEAsE, Philapelnhia.
Dear Sir: 1t is mol for me 10 estimate the impor-
lance OF the circumstances concerning which your
letter OF the 9Th makes inquiry. They prove
even in their minuteneSs, the sacred attachments
oil our fellow citizens 10 the event of which the
paper of July 4th fTI6, but the declaration,
the genuine efusion of the soul of our country al
that time. Small, things may, perhaps, like the
relics of saints, help to noursh our devotion 10
this holy bond ofour Union, End keep it longer
alive and wcrm in our offectious. This effect may
give importance TO circumstances. however small
AT the time of writing that instrument, lodged in
the house of Mr.. GRAF, anew brick house three
stories high, OF which l rented the second floor,
consisting of parlor and BED. room, ready fur
nished. In that parlor wrote habitually, and in
It wlote this paper, particularly. So far 1 state
from written proofs in my possession. The pro
prietor, GRAF, was young man, son of a German
and then newly married. 1 think he was brick
layer, and that his house was on the south side of
Market street, probably between 7th and 9Th sts,
and if not the only house on that part of the
street. am sure there were few others near it
have some idea il was corner house, but no otl,-
er recollections throwing light on the question,
or worth communication. am i'll, the refore only
add assurance of my great respect and esteem.
TIL. JEFFERSON.
rsr,,,,,v D,,n.,e- ~ C,r.