them out of the ground, and in degree to the length of time, and careless manner in which they are kept. This mode of treatment causes the root to loose some of its component and vital parts, so that in the course of time it has become enfeebled and lost its native vigor. It has also become weakened by absorption, and farther, the tops receive the juices of the root, and with it some of this adulturated juice; the new tubers also partake of the same.

FUTURE CULTURE.

To get seed roots, select one-fourth acre arable land, (on which water will not stand,) on an eastern slope-new land is the best for this use-fit early in the Spring; furrow four or five inches deep, and two feet apart; select seed roots that are about the size of a hen's egg, that have touched the ground during the previous winter. Do not cut them, drop one every six or eight inches apart, in the furrows; cover them, by filling the furrows, and then put a top-dressing of two inches of straw, or forest leaves, on each row. When the tops are two inches high, pass between the rows with a shovel plow, follow with a hoe, destroying the weeds and leveling the ground; do not hill; you have nothing more to do until fall, when the ground begins to freeze; then cover with half rotten straw, chaff or forest leaves, three or four inches deep. Your potatoes will now have a chance to ripen and rest during the winter. I shall not direct you in planting for culinary use next season. The spring following, before your potatoes sprout, you will plant another seed patch, as above directed; you will now take the residue, and plant a field crop for culinary use. Plant in drills, four or five inches deep, and three feet apart; drop a potato every eight or ten inches, cover by filling the furrows; cultivate or hoe twice. In this way you will get the greatest yield, and best quality. Continue a similar practice from year to year, and from my own experience, I believe you will find your potatoes yearly increasing in yield and quality.

The third year, you may increase your field crop, by plowing in fine manure. You have now had nature's course, pointed out to you; her laws are truths; and I humbly believe, I have given them a just exposition. All who follow my directions, will the second year, see many seed balls, on the vines in their seed patch. These may be planted in the fall as I have done, and cultivated carefully, and good will undoubtedly result from it, if pursued in nature's own way. The potato will

grow wild in our forests if planted in them, and thus save those the trouble, who wish to get the wild root, of resorting to their native forests in South America. Finally, we may apply nature's laws, profitable to most other products; seed of every variety, should be fully matured, i. e. not harvested, until fully ripe. That which approaches the nearest to perfection should be selected for seed, and all roots for seed purposes, should remain in the ground, where they grew, until they bear seed; this course will make the seed mature earlier, and make it the most perfect of its kind.

MARE AND HER COLTS.

The annexed cuts represent an Eclipse Mare and her three Colts, belonging to James Crawford, of Romeo, Michigan.

The mare "Nancy" was sired by Young Bedford Eclipse; he, by Old Bedford Eclipse; dam-Kate.

"Nancy," was awarded the first premium by the Michigan State Agricultural Society, at Detroit, in 1853, as the best brood mare in the class of horses for all work. She is now 7 years old.

"Lily" was sired by Young Richard: he, by Wellington: he, by John Richards; dam, Nancy. Lily is now two years old.

The horse that accompanies the mare is one year old; the colt is 8 months old.

The above is a correct statement.

ROMEO, January 4th, 1854.

JAMES CRAWFORD.