davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-12
Thorough Cultivation.

Chemistry teaches us that nearly all OF
the material which makes plants grow
comes from the air, but it also teaches us
that small portion must come from the
earth. Careful experiments prove that
the phosphates, the potash, and the nitro
gen, which enter the roots of plants must
be reduced to atoms, and united with
both air and water, before they can be
available as plant food. When we un-
derstand this we at once realize the i'm
portance of applying fertilizers, in con-
dition to be soluble in water, or so that
decomposition shall be rapid and contin-
nous, while the crops are growing; we
shall also realize the Importance OF keep
ing the soil in condition which will per
nit free circulation of air. moisture,
and heat.
In keeping the soil loose and well pull
verlzed we not only give the roots of the
plants a better chance to push their way
through the earth, but we give the de-
scendlng rain chance to settle down in
all parts of the soil and to reach every
particle of the manure applied; it also
gives the air chance to mingle with the
soil and the heat to penetrate and warm
the earth; these things are important, for
plants cannot grow without large quaint
ties of oxygen, and plenty of heat as well
as moisture. The thorough preparation
of the soil, before planting, and the fire.
quent stirring after, does more than Sc
cure these, for thorough preparation
means not only pulverizing the soil, but
it also means thoroughly incorporating
the fertilizers with the pulverized earth,
thus not only bringing it in contact with
all portions of the soil but also with the
descending rain and descending moisture,
and every time the earth is cultivated the
particles of both the earth and the mois-
ture are changed and new chemical &C
ton takes place, thus fastening the de-
composition of the material applied to
furnish the plant food. The moment the
earth becomes hard, rapid decomposition
ceases, the rising moisture stops, and the
oxygen of the air is shut out, and the de-
scending rain cannot readily find its way
down, so it stands in ponds until it breaks
through the hard crust of the soil, in some
hollow, and descends in large streams ::
and as it cannot find its way back through
the hard crust of the earth it settles down
into the underground streams, and finally
reaches the ocean by way of the rivers
without having in the least aided plant
growth; when this takes place the plants
must Massachusetts, PLouqhnaa1a
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-12

that have become, it would seem, both
tobacco and corn-sick and these are the
lands most desirable for cotton if they
were originally of fair quality; it gives
remunerative occupation to, and makes
available when most needed, large class
Of persons who are not desirable in to-
bacco culture, but who can and will
pick cotton" it is ready to be marketed
as soon as it is picked and ginned; it
furnishes to the producer a source OF
ready cash, which may be realized with
in SIX or seven months after the planting
OF the seed, enabling the planter to meet
the heavy demands peculiar to the close
of the year, and it is not an impoverisher
of the soil if the seed is restored after
having yielded its oil.
Very respectfully,
c. @. MoPHAIL, Agent.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-12
farm aud Garden.
Cotton Cultivation on South
Side, Virginia.

The. Richmond and Danville Railroad
Company issued circular on the 28th
of February, asking sundry questions
about the cultivation of the cotton crop
in the country in Virginia along the line
of the Richmond and Danville railroad
The following report of its agent gives
the drift of the responses made to that
circular:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-12

BENNETT H YOUNG, President.
JOHN c. KING, Vice President.
W. j. WILSON, Secretary.
LEWIS COLLINS, Treasurer.
f. c. WILSON, NJ D., Medical Director
Board of Directors.-John H. Leathers, G
w. Swearingen, j. G. King, Frank c.. Wilson
Bennett H. Young, R. s. Veech, w. N. Halde
man.
Advisory Board Rev. R. McIlwaine, D D.
Rev. j. NJ P. Atkinson, Rev. r. H. Kinnaird
w. 7. Grant, Esq, Rev. F. B. Converse, Jane,
K. Lemon. Esq, Rev. George Summey, Rev. J
l.. Caldwell, Rev r. O. Guerrant, Rev. r. A
Hoyt, Rev. J. H. Moore, Rev E. M. Green. G
C.'Norton, Esq, and James H. Huber, ESQ.,
feb 1T
AEE MTG wanted for the immensely popular book ne
SGN SLVes Of all the Presidents ofthe is. Conplete
one large illustrated volume. The selling
inAmeea Immense profits agents.
go.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
KEY ON THE YANKEE,

Judge Key, ex-Postmaster- General, 1ectured
in Chattanooga the other evening on the Yam
kee. He said he had seen the Yankee in all
the busy avocations Of life, in every variety of
business political and home association, and of
the impressions so formed he desired mainly to
speak in the plainest and simplest manner
lie would go to New England to find in their
town-meetings the purest democracy in the
world and contrasted the New England town
meeting, where all the citizens met and took
part in the local legislation each township,
corresponding with our civil districts, levying,
collecting, and expending its own taxes, with
our cumbrous county.court system. The speak
er spoke in admiring terms of the simplicity,
economy and effectiveness of the New England
system; its great effect as a capital school for
teaching the principles of practical govern
ment; its freedom from narrow partisan ends,
jobbery, and fraud its pure business character;
and stated that the towns system chad done
more than any other agency to infuse into New
| England that pluck, energy, activity, and force
which has placed her in the forefront of the
Nation in achievement and prosperity" The
lecturer had been particularly impressed with
the home life of the Yankee his good houses,
their convenience and neatness, thorough re-
pair, fresh painted fences and out-buildings
More especially he spoke of the manner in
which the mistress of the house performed her
duties-neatness, order, and good taste prevail
ing throughout her domain. "She is always
prepared for anything, and company cannot
take her by surprise" He told of some pleas
ing incidents in his own experience to illus
trate how women of highest mental power
educational attainments, social refinement and
even of great wealth, took pride in "their
ability to enter the kitchen and prepare a
meal fit for a king or any other mortal" A
wealthy merchant had stated to him that he
desired his daughter to be Independent in her
own household when she had one; to be queen
of the kitchen as well as parlor, and the lee
turer commented: In the multitude of charms
and accomplishments which shone in the dia-
dem of the Yankee wife and girl whom have
mentioned not one glittered less brightly on
account of their practical knowledge and dis
charge of household duties, but, on the contra
ry, added luster to tho light which caused
all to beam with greater effulgence." In every
house newspapers and magazines were to be
found. The Yankee reads both sides, and gen.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

orally takes two newspapers of his own pol1t-
ical faith and the best and strongest OF the
opposite party, and is always ready to meet an
argument. He is good nstured under the
freest criticism They laugh at the gibes and
abuse of our newspapers and politicians, and
continue to manufacture goods for our markets.
The lecturer denied the common charge that
the Yankee lacks in hospitality. While not so
ditIusive and demonstrative as the Southerner,
he is none the less earnest, and in his quiet,
nOiseless way, most careful, kind, and consid-
crate. On this subject the Judge referred SIM
ply and appreciatively to the consideration he
had received at the hands of ex-senator Ham
Inns family, in Bangor as exemplifying the
careful and transformations manner of Yankee
hospitality, in which instance the Senator had
been attacked by Democratic paper for enter
tanning an ex-rebel brigadier, had responded TO
the attack at Republican meeting lit was
during heated political convass), and had re-
terred to his guest in most complimentary
terms, while neither Judge Key nor his family
were allowed to know of the incident, which
might have marred their visit, until after they
left Bangor and accidently saw Mr.. Hamllns
speech in print. The speaker stated that no
doubt his hearers thought his opinion of the
Yankee generally favorable, and would inquire
whether he had no faults. Yes, he had his full
share of faults but he preferred not to dwell
upon his failings until he had exhausted
the good that might be said of him, and
much as he had said much remained to say.
He told the anccdote of the kind-speaSing
neighbor Smith and his bad neighbor Jones,
and preferred to represent Smith. After hav-
ing seen the Yankee at his freside, his table,
in his workshop, on his farm, at his counter
everywhere, he had concluded that he is a good
fellow, and he liked him. 81 have grasped his
hand, looked him in the eye, and said to him,
Our quarrel is ended. We are friends! My
regard for him in nowise diminishes my re-
spect, sympathy, and affection for the people OF
this section of the country, with whom my life
has been passed, to whom 1 owe so much, and
with whom the remnant of life will be spent.
l have but extended the circle that embraces
my kindred until it includes Our Yankee
Cousin"
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
TIE GOLDEN SIDE.
BY MRS. y. A. KIDDER.

There may he n rest in the road Of life,
il we only would sop to take 1t;
And many a tone from the better land,
II the garulous heart would make it.
To the sunny soul, that IS full Of hope,
And whose beautiful trust ne'er faieth,
The grnss is green and the flowers are bright
Thought the wintry storm prevaileth.
Better to hope though tho clouds hang low,
And 10 keep the eyes still lifted;
For the sweet blue sky will soon peep through
When the ominous clouds are rifted.
There was never night without day,
Or an evening without n morning;
And the darkest hour, the proverb goes,
Is the hour before the dawninS.
There is many gem in tho path Of life,
Which we pass in cur idle pleasure.
That is richer FAR than the jewelers. crown,
Or the miners boarded treasure.
II may bc the love of a little child,
Or mothers prayert 10 heaven;
Or only begGar's grateful thanks
For cup Of water given.
Better to weave In the web OF life,
bright and golden filing,
And TO do Gods viii with "A ready heart
And hands that are swift and willing,
Than to snap tho delicate, minute threads
OF our curious lives asunder,
And then blame heaven for the tangled ends,
And sit, and gTieve, and wonder.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
CORNERS TO BE ABOLISHED.

A petition is being circulated on Change in
Chicago which proposes plan by which it is
hoped to obviate CORNERS" and render them
practically impossible. The general plan is to
require that the settling price of the three
months succeeding the current one shall be de-
termined by taking an average of the prices
current during the last three days of the cur
rent month in each case, and add this figure to
the ruling price for each of the three succeed
ing months, and divide that sum by four. The
result shall be the settling price for the then
current month, and ten per cent added shall
be the price for the next month, and so on to
the end of the third month.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
A CURIOUS PHASE OF SOCIAL LIFE.

The appointment of Mr.. Chandler to the
naval portfolio has developed an interesting
phase of Washington social life. 1t will be re-
membered that when j. Wilkes Booth was shot
the picture of handsome young lady reign
ing society belle, was found on his person. The
original of the portrait was Miss Hale, the
daughter of a leading politician and statesman,
and lady of whom Booth had become deeply
and seriously enamored What encouragement
he had received was not precisely known, but
there was enough between them to form the
basis of good many romances, which after
ward appeared in the public press Miss Hale
afterward became Mrs. Chandler, and is now
the wife of the Secretary of the Navy The
same whirligig of time which has brought this
about has also made the then young son of the
martyred Lincoln Secretary of War. 1t now
appears that, according to official etiquette, it
is the duty of the Secretary of War to escort
the wife of his cabinet associate to dinner on
state occasions. He must take the wife of the
Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Lincoln, in
short, must escort the one-time sweetheart of
the assassin Of his distinguished father.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

YELLoWs IN PEACE TREEs-In natural
phenomena it is sometimes difficult to dis
tinguish consequence from cause, and
this is particularly the case in matters re-
lating to vegetable physiology. In the ex-
animation Of peach trees which have been
attacked by the disease known as "yellows," )"
they have been found infested with bacteria,
as well as by fungous growths. Both of
these low forms of growth are abundant in
decomposing organic matter, and are said to
exist only in disorganized tissue so that the
question as to the cause Of the disease is not
answered by the simple announcement of
the presence of either fungi or bacteria. The
real question to be answered is what caused
the incipient decomposition or cell-disor-
ganization which made it possible for these
destructive agencies to exist? This is the
information which the practical cultivator is
looking for, and post-mortem examinations
seem to be but of little value. These may
locate the presence of bacteria, but this
proves nothing in regard to the cause of the
"yellows "-no more than would be proved
by maggots in dead carcass as to the cause
of the death of the animal to which it be-
longed.
We believe that the "yellows" in peach
trees is caused by attacks of frost on un-
ripened shoots. 1t is q common sight to find
a peach orchard with leaves green and lux
uriant one day, and next day to find them
destroyed by a severe frost during the inter-
vening night. This sudden check to growth
is, we think, the cause of the disease, and
renders possible the presence of fungoid
growths and bacteria on the roots.
When peach trees are cultivated in orch
ard houses, or under glass, where the leaves
undergo the natural process of changing
color, and gradually dropping off as the
shoots become matuEed, no case of "yellows"
has ever been noted, and this is good evi-
dence that imperfectly ripened wood, when
subjected to killing frosts, has tendency to
induce this peculiar disease,
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

ARRowRoOT.-This is produced from the
tuberOus roots of Maranta drundinacea, a
plant of tropical America, but which has
been introduced and cultivated in the East
and West Indies for the starch contained in
its roots.
The culture of the plant and the manu-
facture of arrowroot is a special industry in
the island of Bermuda.
The culture of the plant is very similar
to that practised in the culture of the COM
mon potato; the ground is well enriched
and deeply plowed; drills are then made
about three feet apart, and in these pieces of
the roots are set, about eight inches from
each other. The plants require whole year
to mature, and economical planters set the
drills somewhat wider apart, and intro
duce an intermediate row of the common
potato, the crop of which is lifted and ship
ped 10 New York before it Injuries the growth
of the arrowroot.
The mode Of preparing the fecula from the
roots greatly influences It's value. The roots,
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Increase of Pensions.

Pension laws are more liberal now than former
ly, and many now entitled to a higher rate than
they receive.
From and after January, 1881, I shall make no
charges for my services in claims for increase OF
pension, where no new disability is alleged unless
successful in procuring the increase.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

KEEPING POULTRY.-In reply to an in
quiry regarding profitable chicken culture in
the american Farmer, a correspondent of that
paper remarks that considerable experience
with the majority of the different pure
breeds and experiments in crossing have
settled in our minds that were we to select
now what we should consider the most
profitable breed we should use Houdan
hens crossed with either White or Brown
Leghorn cocks. This cross not only makes
an extra good laying one, but the chicks are
exceedingly sprightly, very rapid growers,
are feathered very early, and their superior
qualities for the table would be recognized
by the most fastidious epicure. Their eggs
are large, pure white and good favored.
The progeny from the cross should be bred
to pure Hondan cocks or Leghorns-a good
plan being to alternate. Regarding food L
need only say the old adage variety is the
spice of life " is very applicable in this case,
and pure water a necessity at all times for
fowls. have found it paid, both rs re-
CARDS economy and the health of the fowls
and chicks, to always mix the corn meal
with scalding water-winter and summer
and to use always sound fooG-no damaged
grain.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Bounty and Pay.
Collections promptly made.
Property taken by the Army in
States not in InSurreCtion,

Claims Of this character will receive special at
tentiOn, provided they flied before January l.
1880 If not filed prior to that date they barred
by statute of limitation.
In addition to the above we prosecute Military
and Naval claims of every description procure Pat
ents, Trade-Marks, Copyrights, attend to busi-
ness before the General Land Office and other Bu-
reaus of the Interior Department, and all the De-
partments Of the Government.
We invite correspondence from all interested as
surfing them of the utmost promptitude energy
and thoroughness in all matters intrusted to our
hands.
GEORGE Eu LEMON.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
REFERENCES:

AS this may reach the hands of some persons un-
acquainted with this House, we append hereto as
specimens of the testimony in our possession
copies of letters from several gentlemen of political
and military distinction, and widely known
throughout the United States:
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, d. c., March /, 1873
We, the undersigned, having acquaintance
with Captain GEORGE E. LEMON for the past few
years. and knowledge of the systematic manner
in which he conducts his extensive business, and of
his reliability for fair and honorable dealings con-
nected Herewith cheerfully commend him to
claimants generally.
A. " RICE, Chairman
Committee InudIid Pensions House Reps
W. +. SLEMONS, NJ. c.,
Second District Of Ark,
W. P. LYNDE, VI. c.,
Fourth District Of WIs
Z. W. TOWNSHEND, NJ. c.,
Nineteenh District Of III
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
War of 1912.

All surviving officers and soldiers of this war;
whether in the Military or Naval service of the
United States who served fourteen I'D days or, il
in battle skirmish, for a less period, and the
widows of such who have not remarked are en-
titled to pension Of eight dollars month. Proof
OF loyalty is no longer required in these claims.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, ID. c., March =, ls7o.
From several years acquaintance with Captain
GEORGE E. LEMON of this city, l cheerfully COM
mend him a gentleman of integrity and well
qualified to attend to the collection of bounty and
other claims against the Government. His expe-
rience in that line give him superior advantages.
W. Z. SPRAGUE, NJ. c.,
Fifteenth District Of Ohio.
JAS. D. STRAwBRIDGE, NJ. C.,
Thirteenth District Of Pennsylvania.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Restoration to Pension Roll.

Pensioners who have been unjustly dropped
from the pension roll, or whose names have been
stricken therefrom by reason of failure TO draw
their pension for a period of three years, or by
reason OF re-enistment, may have their pensions
renewed by corresponding with this House.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Rural Topics.
CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
WASHINGTON, D. c.

Correspondence is ssolicted TO this column. Com
munications addressed TO the Rural Department
of THE NATToHAL TRIBUNE 6I5 Fifteenth Street.
Washington, ID. c., will be appreoiated.l
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
CITIZENS, NATIONAL. BANK.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. January IL, 1879.
Captain GEORGE z. LEMON, attorney and agent
for the collection of war claims at Washington city,
is thorough, able, and exceedingly wel-informed
man of business, of high character. and entirely
responsible. l believe that the interests of all
having war claims requiring adjustment cannot be
confided to safer hands.
JNO. A. J. CRESWELL.
President
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Heirs.

Widows, minor children dependent mothers fs-
theirs, and minor brothers and sisters in the order
named, entitled.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
CLAIMS! CLAIMS!
This Claim House Established
in 1865
GEORGE E. LEMON,
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
Office, 6l5 Fifteenth ST., Citizens National Bank)
WASHINGTON, ID. G.
P. O. DRAWER 325.
Pensions.

III wounded, injured, or have contracted any dis
ease however slight the disability, apply at once.
Thousands entitled
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

THE EARLY CULTIVATION OF WHEAT IN
ANERICA-A late number of the Interna-
fiona} RcrjcV contains condensed history of
the first cultivation of grain in the United
States, beginning with the early part of the
seventeenth century. Wheat, it is stated,
was first sown in America in 1902, on Guilty
hunk, one of the Elizabeth Islands, by Cos
wald, when he explored the coast. In Virginia
wheat was sown in 1G11 for the fist time,
and from that date it increased quite rapidly
until, in 164S, it is recorded that there were
several hundred acres Of it. In the Dutch
colony Of New Netherlands wheat was cul-
tivated at an early date, and in 1926 samples
of this cereal were taken to Holland to show
what could be raised in the new country.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Prisoners of War.
Ration money promptly collected,
Furlough Rations.

Amounts due collected without unnecessary de-
lay; Such claims cannot be collected without the
furlough.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Land Warrants.

Survivors of all wars from 1870 to March g. 1855,
and certain heirs, are entitled to hundred and
sixty acres of land if not already received. Sol
dlers of the late war not entitled.
Land warrants purchased for cash at the highest
market rates and assignments perfected.
Correspondence invited.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
Horses Lost in Service,

Claims of this character promptly attended to-
Many claims of this character have been erro-
neously rejected. Correspondence in such cases is
respectfully invited.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22
DeSertiOn

from one regiment or vessel and enlistment In an
other, is not a bar to pension in cases where the
wound, disease, or injury incurred while in the
duty.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

PRESERVING FENCE POsTs.-A writer in
the Country Gentleman states that he has
adopted the plan of boring half-inch hole
in his fence posts near the ground, slanting
downwards ard reaching beyond the center;
this is to be filled with kerosene from time
to time as it disappears in the wood. This
will at least prevent injury to the wood
from borers, which hasten the decay of wood
when they attack it, as they frequently do.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

Ey- Any person desiring information as to my
standing and responsibility WILL on request. be fur
nished with satisfactory reference in his own
vicinity Congressional District.
The National tribune., 1882-04-22

CoRNsTALKs AS FUEL.-An Iowa farmer
who has both wood and coal on his farm
burns cornstalks for fuel to warm his house,
and claims that they make the best and
cheapest fuel he can get. He uses large
stove, and burns the stalks in tightly bound
bundles, weighing about forty pounds each.
A bundle burns three hours (without flame)
in an air-tight stove. The large stove offers
so much radiating surface that it does not
need to be very hot. Five bundles a day, or
six hundred for the winter, suffice to keep
the stove going and the house warm.