Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, June 12, 1862

The farmers living about here are cutting their wheat; some have already begun stacking. Wheat here is good, with some especially fine fields, but some fields were entirely destroyed during the siege of Corinth. The corn is not as good on account of the cold, wet spring.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

A Profitable Crop

A farmer, living near Clinton, Monroe county, brought his last year’s crop of tobacco down last week, for which he received $9 per hundred, in gold, and which averaged 1,200 pounds to the acre, making one year’s products bring up $118 per acre!

A friend of ours asked him if land in his neighborhood could not be bought at from $30 to $40 per acre.  He replied “Yes, from 35 to 37.”  At this rate the products of one acre for one year, would purchase the rise of 15 acres for all time.

Think of the Eastern and Southern farmers and govern yourselves accordingly. – {Hannibal Messenger.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The price of pork in Montreal . . .

. . . is lower than it has been for eighteen years, a grievous fact of Canadian farms, arising from the war between the North and South, which shuts western produce out of the slave States, and deluges Canada and Europe with it.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Hog Packing in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Price Current furnishes the following statement of the hog packing in that city:

Having obtained a report of the business done at each of the pork-packing establishments, we are now able to give the exact number of hogs packed, which is less than we had supposed, for, owing to the large number of hogs which were received by wagon, we did suppose the packers’ reports would have over run the number of our receipts, as we gathered them from week to week during the season.  We presume that the increase of wagon hogs was taken by butchers for city use, there being but a light supply of slop-fatted, as compared with other years, so that instead of the packers’ report overrunning ours, it does not come up to it by over 10,000 head.

In our paper of the 12th of February we published our last weekly report of receipts, giving the aggregate up to that date, 484,408.  The number packed, the average weight and yield of lard per hog, past and the previous season, compare as follows:

No. Packed		Av. Weight		Yield of Lard
1860 -	1,488,799	221	5-35	38	9-16
1861 -	2,478,267	224	23-34	29	4-18

We did not obtain the yield of lard from all the packers, but got the average weight from all but three.  The above figures, however, as regards the yield of lard, are probably as accurate as necessary.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

The Culture Of Tobacco

(For the Burlington Hawk-Eye.)

As was stated the other day in your columns, the raising of this crop is certainly worthy the attention of Western farmers at a time like the present, when the demand for produce generally is dull.  With the hope that they may prove serviceable to some of your many readers, I will proceed to give directions for raising and properly curing Tobacco, mostly taking the same from an article published some years ago in the American Agriculturist, and known from experience to be good.

As the plant is only cultivated for its leaves, the whole process of growing, curing and preparing for market requires attention and good management.  In scarcely any other crop does so much depend upon the skill and intelligence of the cultivator.  In no other crop is there more difference between a prime and an inferior article, and none in which the prime bears so small a proportion to the inferior grades.  It is believed that the average returns from large plantations may be more than doubled by skillful management.

SEED BEDS.

The first business after procuring good seed is to start the young plants.  Seed beds may be prepared under glass or in the open air; the latter will answer in this climate, if prepared in time to make an early start, and is the usual mode practiced everywhere.

The place usually selected in Virginia, is some sunny spot in new land, sheltered and warm. – As soon as the frost is out of the ground in the spring, the leaves are raked off and roots are grubbed up.  The whole space is then covered with wood and brush several feet thick, and burned over.  This gives a good dressing of ashes and coal, which is to be worked well into the soil.  The ground is then laid off into beds four feet wide, raking and leveling off thoroughly, raising a little on dry land and more where it is moist.  A pipe bowl of seed will be enough for sixteen square yards of bed.  After sowing the seed, cover with brush to keep off frost.  A dressing of fine manure is of great service when the plants first appear, to quicken their growth.  As the success of the entire crop depends upon these plants, they should have careful attention, and be kept free from weeds.  When all danger from frosts is over, the brush is removed, and the plants well weeded and thoroughly cultivated, till ready to plant out in the field.  The essentials in this method are a warm soil, a seed bed rich and fine, and protection against frost.

TRANSPLANTING.

The plants will usually be ready for this operation about the last of May or first of June.  They should be put out during or just after a shower, or if this cannot be obtained the bed should be soaked with water, and the plants covered with plenty of earth about their roots.

The best tobacco is grown upon rich light loamy land, such as is recently brought under cultivation.  It requires a warm, mild season, with clear, bright weather in the latter stages of its growth to be of the finest quality.

FIELD CULTURE.

A clover fallow makes a good field for this crop.  The ground should be previously prepared by fall plowing, and cross-plowing and harrowing in the spring, so that it may be in fine tilth.   Lay it off in rows three, three and a half or four feet apart, running each way. – Every square thus made should be scraped with a hoe so as to form a hill.  In which a plant is to be set.  If the plant is destroyed by worms or drouth, it must immediately be replaced from the seed bed.

Cultivate similar to Indian Corn during the season, working the ground deeply in the early stages of its growth.  This will enable the roots to penetrate through the soil and feed from it.  Deep plowing and cultivation are also a safe guard against drouths.  Keep all weeds under well, and the better the tillage the better the crop, other things being equal.  No more ground should be planted than can be thoroughly taken care of.  As the season advances, care should be taken to cultivate only upon the surface for fear of injuring the roots.  These will completely occupy the soil by the first of August.

PRUNING, TOPPING, SUCKERING AND WORMING.

The plant is not grown for its seed, but for its eight or ten broad leaves.  So we must interfere with its natural growth, take away its flower stalk and small leaves, and force the strength of the plant into the parts most desired for market.  As the plants approach maturity they throw out upon the top a blossom bud called a button.  This must be taken off, with such of the small leaves as are not needed.  A shoot is also thrown out at the foot of every leaf stalk which ought to be carefully pinched off without injuring the large leaf.

The topping is best done by a measure.  If six inches of the top is to be removed, the topper takes a stick of that length and applies it to every plant.  Prune six inches and top to eight leaves, is a good average rule.  An unusually fine crop, in some rich spot may be allowed to mature ten or even twelve leaves.  If the plants are smaller, they should be allowed fewer leaves.  The crop should be wormed and suckered ad least once a week, children and young girls being engaged for that purpose, if other hands cannot be spared.  In some seasons the tobacco worm is very destructive, and constant vigilance is necessary to keep the crop from being totally destroyed.  Good management is of great importance at this time.

CUTTING AND HOUSING.

This process, in the slave States, is a very primitive one.  The plants, after being cut and hung upon sticks are frequently set in the fence corners and left there for weeks if the weather is dry.  They are then transferred in great haste and not by any means careful handling, to an open barn, where they are hung up with the outer row exposed to the weather, so that the whole is cured irregularly or not cured at all and has a mottled mildewed appearance, on the principle that the best way is the cheapest.  I will describe a different mode of management at this important state of the crop.  Some three months after the plants are set out, they begin to assume the spotted and yellowish appearance which indicates maturity.  A difficult part of the management now approaches where the closest attention is required.  A few day’s neglect now will cut down the profits.  To save a heavy crop requires industry and energy.  The most careful hands are selected for cutters, and the plants are cut with a knife near the ground, being allowed to lie in the sun for a few hours till they wilt.  Keep an account of the number of plants cut, so that each tobacco house may receive its exact compliment.  It is as easy to cut a houseful as half ful, and more than the house will hold should not be cut at once.  After the tobacco has fallen, string it upon sticks eight or ten feet long, and carry immediately to the barn in wagons.  Do not crowd the plants on the sticks, but arrange to admit uniform and gradual drying by artificial heat.  The proper disposition of the sticks in the barn, &c., is a matter to be acquired by experience.

CURING.

The day after the plants are housed, the barn is heated to about one hundred degrees of the thermometer.  This must be done with a stove, properly arranged, and the thermometer must be constantly observed by the tender of the fire, to keep from getting too hot.  After being kept at this heat for thirty-six or forty-eight hours, the tops of the leaves will begin to curl.  Now the planter must take care, for if the fires are kept too hot, the aromatic oil passes off with the sap and smoke, and he has ha house full of an inferior article to be sold at a reduced price.  If his fire is too low, the tobacco takes a clammy sweat and the oil escapes.  There is more danger of the former evil.  The fires should be kept regular and steady, with a gradual increase of heat, in forty-eight house to 150° or 160°.  Keep about that temperature till the tobacco is dried and perfectly cured.  Well constructed barns and good heating apparatus is of great importance, and pays the planter well, though very seldom properly attended to.  The difference in price is apparent, when Connecticut Seed Leaf Tobacco, raised and cured as we have directed, as quoted at forty cents, wholesale; and a recent Louisville Journal, in opposing the proposed Federal tax upon the article, declares that much of the Kentucky tobacco does not bring more than three cents per pound.

As the proposed tax is by weight, regardless of quality, this would be an additional premium for good management, for the poor article pays as much tax as the best.

After the curing process is finished, stripping, pricing, &c., which may be known by a dry stem, the leaves may be stripped from the stock.  Damp winter weather is usually chosen to avoid breaking the leaves.  They should never be stripped till the main stem is perfectly dry.  Tobacco hanked too wet, cannot be dried and will soon spoil.  While stripping, assort into three parcels; first, the sound, whole, good colored for perfect wrappers; second, the very light yellow, with large holes and thick leaves for imperfect wrappers; last, the balance for fillers.  The imperfect will bring about half the price of the perfect, the filling about one fourth.

Each hank should contain about as many leaves as may be easily clasped with the thumb and fingers, the butts all placed even; these wound as near the end as possible with the binder.  The hanks should be carefully bundled in double rows, butts out and tips in, and lapping.  The bundles should be kept covered until the butts are dry, when they should be boxed for market.

The above directions are for growing tobacco for cigar manufacture; which is much the most profitable.  The commoner varieties would probably not pay, except where negro labor prevails.  Never attempt to cultivate more than can be properly taken care of.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

An Advance In Wheat

Our Market is now in a condition which should give it the attention of growers of wheat throughout the North West.  By reference to our sales report it will be seen that there was an advance yesterday of about three cents per bushel over previously full figures – prime and choice fall grades selling at ninety to ninety-five cents.  Among the day’s sales were two lots of club aggregating twenty thousand bushels, which sold for future delivery.  These prices point to St. Louis as the best paying market in the West and Northwest at present, and sales of the above kind noted indicate that supplies are insufficient for the wants of buyers.

Our old customers on the upper rivers and at railway stations in Illinois, are too sparing in their shipments this season, probably because they think that we are cut off temporarily from our extensive southern trade connections, we have comparatively little want of the product of their wheat fields.  They know the height character of St. Louis flour, and the production of the mills of this city.  They should rather reflect therefore, that we have supplied and can still supply foreign as well as home ports, Northern States as well as Southern, and that the brands of our millers, particularly those for family use, reach kitchens and bakeries all across the continent from New England to Oregon.  This want, then, is again to be met, large quantities are needed for our immense armies now in the field, and shipments must go to New York and other seaboard ports to be sent thence to foreign distributing marts.  Railroad freights are falling, the Ohio river is in excellent navigable condition to its source, and everything favors the giving of good if not full employment to our mills.  They are ready for such employment, and only need liberal receipts of wheat to give it them.  Cannot our country readers consider that quick sales and fair await their consignments, and send down their grain in something like the old liberal fashion. – {Mo. Rep.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Sorghum

For several years past a considerable breadth of land has been profitably devoted to the cultivation of the Cane in Southern Iowa and a very large amount of syrup manufactured, so much so as to cut off almost entirely the importation of molasses, and greatly reduce that of sugar.  The process of manufacture has been improved from year to year, with a perceptible improvement in the syrup, which is quoted in this market at 25@30 cents per gallon.  Such improvements as time will undoubtedly bring about, ridding the syrup of all vegetable matter and producing a fair per cent. of sugar, will enable, at least, Southern Iowa to produce all the sugar and molasses needed for home consumption, and thus be independent.  Within a few days we have been shown very fair sugar, whiter than New Orleans, and in other respects equal to it, made in this State from cane grown in our soil, by Mr. Brainard, of Linn county.  He has procured a patent for a sugar boiler, now being manufactured by Mr. Hendric in this city, with which, he claims, any farmer can manufacture the best of syrup upon his own farm.  We know nothing about it.  But we have always felt satisfied that in the end superior sugar and molasses would be made from Imphee.  Whether Mr. Brainard’s Sugar Boiler will do all he claims for it or not, we are confident this result will be finally attained, and for this reason hope that cane will be grown in larger quantities the present season.  A large refinery has been recently established at Chicago, where Sorghum syrup is reboiled, purified, and greatly improved.  All other expedients failing, a part of the crop might be sent to Chicago, as an experiment.  At any [rate], while it takes a bushel of corn to buy a pound of sugar, growing sugar cane will be found a great deal more profitable than raising grain.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Sorghum

(For the Burlington Hawk-Eye.)

MR. EDITOR:– Please give this scrap a place in your paper.  It may be of advantage to somebody.

In regard to the Chinese Cane, the following points may be relied on as of essential importance.

In the first place, the Cane seed should be planted early in the season, the earlier the better, after the ground is sufficiently dry and warm to promote germination.  The late planted Cane is always inferior.  It produces less saccharine.  The quality is inferior, the syrup is more difficult to preserve free from undue acidity.

Much care should be taken as to the quality of soil selected for the Cane.

The rich prairie soil should by all means be eschewed, when say other can be had.  The best soil is the clayey soil of the timber land with a mixture of sand.  When that cannot be had, select the eldest and longest cultivated prairie soil.  No matter if it is too much worn to produce corn, it will be all the better for cane. – But in all cases the soil should be loose and well pulverized.

The greatest care should be taken to obtain pure seed.  A great portion of the cane seed used in the country is sadly mixed.  Out of more than thirty different lots of cane that we worked last fall, there were not more than four or five but what were more or less mixed with other plants.  The great pests of Sorghum are the broom-corn and the chocolate, or coffee-corn.  They will very soon utterly ruin it.  The cane will mix with these articles a mile off.  That is it will mix just as far as the light pollen of the blossom can be carried by the wind.  It will mix with common corn, provided its blossoms are out at the same time with those of the corn.  The quality of the cane is greatly impaired by being left to grow among the coarse, rank weeds of the field.  What is quite as inferior in quality and value as any of the other mixtures is that mongrel sort of article produced by the mixture of the Sorghum with the Imphia, or African Cane.

Treat the Sorghum properly, grow it on suitable soils, cultivate it well, and harvest it at the proper time, and it will yield sugar or molasses of as fine and excellent quality as any variety of cane that grows in any climate or country whatsoever.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Senator James F. Wilson to C. Dunham, editor of the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, March 12, 1862

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Washington City, D. C., March 12, 1862

C. DUNHAM, Esq., Ed. Hawk-Eye.

Dear Sir, – I shall in the course of the present session of Congress, have placed at my disposal a lot of Cotton and Tobacco seen for distribution.  I wish to furnish these to persons who will plant and cultivate them; and thank such persons throughout the First congressional District, to inform me at an early day, so that I may supply them.

Papers throughout the District will conter a favor by inserting, this in their favor by inserting this in their columns.

Very truly yours,

JAMES F. WILSON.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

TAX SALE MONDAY, FEB. 3^RD. – City orders for sale by C. H. Kent & Co., Land Agents, over the post office.

RUNNING AGAIN. – The Wawautosa Mills, in East Davenport, have commenced running again, having been stopped, as mentioned at the time, by the breaking of a cylinder head of the engine.

IF the lady, who sends us a notice of the death of an officer in a New York Regiment, will do us the favor to call upon us and remove some doubts from our mind, we will reciprocate by complying with her request.

DENTISTRY. – Messrs. Newell & Charles have removed their dental rooms to those formerly occupied by Dr. Chesebrough, corner of Third and Brady streets, as will be seen by advertisement.

NATIONAL ARMORY. – Speaking of the “latter-day” effort made by the Keokuk paper in favor of that point as a site for the Armory, the Dubuque Herald says: “The place for the Armory, is Rock Island, and that place it should be located for every reason which can be suggested in favor of having an Armory located in the Northwest.”

WE are informed by the Marshal that the inmates of the Anthony House vacated the premises and left for Davenport last evening.  That is the resort for all such characters. – R. I. Argus.

Danforth is posted.  As our authorities now know where “such characters” come from, they should keep a good lookout for them.

CORNMEAL. – We are indebted to C. E. Converse, cor. Of Harrison and Fifth streets, for a couple bags of superior cornmeal made from corn dried in his new grain dryer.  The good wife had heard, in some way, of the improved meal and was anxious to try some when we surprised her with a liberal supply of it.  Visions of corn cakes appeared instantly, and the next morning the articles themselves.  We have always had a fondness for corn cakes and know a good article of them.  Our advice to others is, to try the cornmeal.

CHOICE OF GRAPE VINES. – Dr. J. Hall is getting up a club for the purpose of procuring hardy and choice grape vines at wholesale prices from Dr. C. W. Grant, of N. York. – Those who wish to treat themselves and families to this sure and most delicious of fruit, can be furnished with vines at cost and carriage by contributing to the club such sum as they may desire to appropriate for that object.  Orders and cash can be left at N. Jordan’s grocery, on Second street, any time before the 5^th of March, where, at the same time, any one anxious for information respecting the best king of vine and method of cultivation, can see Dr. Grant’s illustrated catalogue.

PATENT LOCKS. – The time for paying box rent at the Postoffice having expired a day or two since, some expedient seemed necessary to further remind delinquent box holders of the state of the case.  They would take away their letters daily, and yet remains oblivious of their promise to pay.  Charlie invested in some hooks that could be easily fasted to the inside of the box doors and keep then closed, without being seen by the unsuspecting victims without.  With the arrival of the Eastern mail, the lobby of the office was crowded as usual by citizens after mail matter, they saw the letters slipped into their boxes and naturally sought to get them, when a mystery arose; they who had paid box rent had no trouble, but the others would pull at the door, examine the key, then try again, until ‘smelling a rat’ they would desist.  The real state of the case becoming known the wiser ones would go to the delivery window and ask for their letters and arrange their little indebtedness, while others vented their vexations in left-handed compliments on all concerned.  We think this new lock a decided improvement and worth patenting. – A silver key will readily open it, and inspire at the same time an agreeable sense of freedom from pecuniary obligation.

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PRINCETON TOWNSHIP, Jan. 29th, 1862.

DEAR GAZETTE:  A petition has been set on foot in this section, begging the Legislature assembled, (in accordance with the recommendation of the Governor) to enact laws for the protection of sheep and wool-growing in this State, by the levying of a dog law or tax on all dogs, the proceeds of such tax to defray the just losses and sustained by the farmer, so far as any of his flock are destroyed by dogs; and also for the material increase of premiums offered for the capture of wolves.  Through the medium of your valuable paper if you would exert your influence to have farmers in different localities institute similar proceedings, I have no doubt it would result in incalculable benefit to all, within the limits of the true, energetic and loyal young State of Iowa, in rendering her truly a stock-raising country; as every one ere this must know it is our only alternative, from wheat raising to prosperity.

Yours Truly,

W. C. M.

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DISTRICT COURT

SPECIAL TEARM

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.

IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

SATURDAY, February 1

Court opened at 9 o’clock.  The counsel in the case of Ira F. Smith vs. L. Grabbe proceeded to the argument, and the case was submitted to the jury.  The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $145.  Defendant moved for a new trial.  Bennett and Patton , for pltff.; Parker & Edwards for deft.

Thos. L. Dawson, Esq., was admitted to the Scott County Bar.

Thereupon the Court adjourned sine die.

The regular term of the District Court begins next Monday, Feb. 3d.  The first week will be devoted to civil actions.

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“MONSIEUR TONSON COME AGAIN.” – The veritable ‘Charles Theodore,’ brother of Heintzelman, own cousin of Rosencranz, Sigel’s particular friend, Crimean hero, Price of Clarendon, &c., (by his own account); arrested in St. Louis, Davenport, Chicago and Dubuque as a traitor and spy, at different times, and also at the last place for matrimonial and financial swindling – has again turned up, and this time has ‘turned in’ to jail.  Last week he was arrested at Dubuque for stealing a trunk, but was acquitted for want of sufficient testimony, although he had acknowledged the theft.  He was afterwards arrested for stealing a watch, and this time the evidence was so strong he had to plead guilty.  He is to lie in jail thirty days for it, when the  ‘locals’ will again have his aid.  Charles Theodore is a little gentleman of German descent, quite young, and very innocent looking. – Some months ago he was arrested by the Adj. General here as a traitor spy.  The chap was in fancy uniform, and wore a medal which he said was given him for gallant serviced in the Crimean war!  His stories were very inconsistent, and evidently lies throughout.  He was advised to leave the city at once.  He again made his appearance in the city a short time since, having been recruited in a Dubuque company now at Camp McClellan.  Directly the Colonel heard of his presence he had his uniform stripped off, and ordered him out of camp, with severe penalties threatened in case of his return.  Charles Theodore took the hint, left the camp and the city, and returned to Dubuque.  Some suspect him of being insane, but there is entirely too much method in his madness.  He is sharp and stupid at the same time, and a gay little deceiver among both men and women.  He should be kept under lock and key, and should be where he might be compelled to do some hard work, such as cracking stone, for instance.

Since writing the above, we observe by the Journal, that Mr. Charles Theodore has turned up in Chicago!  How he ever escaped the clutches of the law in Dubuque is a mystery.  Last week he was arrested in the latter city, and put in jail for stealing a watch; as the Times remarked at the time he was strapped, broke, busted, played out, penniless, impecunious, and out of money.  This week he turns up in Chicago, a Major in full uniform, gold leaf, shoulder straps, sword and everything complete, with a lady hanging on his arm, for whom he was buying an outfit with the intention of marrying that evening, and strangest of all, with one hundred and forty-nine dollars and seventy-five cents, mostly in gold coin, in his pockets!  He must have made a speedy escape and a good haul from the time of being incarcerated at Dubuque.  The Major was immediately ‘cashiered’ by Superintendent Bradley, of the police, and ‘mustered out of the service.’

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COLD WEATHER. – The last two or three days the denizens of this region have experienced severely cold winter weather.  On Thursday morning the mercury was about ten degrees below zero, Friday was milder, but Saturday the Mercury again sank a few degrees below the cipher.

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ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Of the State of Iowa,

DES MOINES, January 11th, 1862.

There is now an opportunity to raise two companies for the 16th Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

Persons desiring recruiting commissions for that purpose will make immediate application to me at Des Moines, presenting such recommendations as they deem proper.

N. B. BAKER,

Adj. Gen’l of Iowa

Jan14 dw8w

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DIED.

Suddenly of Convulsions, MARY JANE, infant daughter of J. H. and A. M. PRESTON, aged two months.

The friends of the family are requested to attend the funeral at 3½ o’clock this (Sunday) afternoon from Trinity Church, corner of 5th and Rock Island streets.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport Iowa, Monday Morning, February 3, 1862, p. 1

Convention of Sorghum Sugar Manufacturers

We have received a report of a very large and interesting convention of sugar cane growers and manufacturers, held at Adrian, Michigan, on the 16^th and 17^th ult.  Representatives from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa were present, and many interesting facts were related in connection with the culture of the cane, and the treatment of its juice to obtain sirup [sic] and sugar.  Many specimens of sirup and samples of sugar were exhibited.  There was also an exhibition of seven evaporators, namely that of H. G. Bulkley, Kalamazoo, Michigan, C. Cory, Lima, Indiana, Eagle Works Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois, O. N. Brainard, Marion County, Iowa, D. D. Tooker, Napoleon, Michigan, John Miller, Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Cook’s portable, by J. Richards, Raisin, Michigan.  A committee of the convention was appointed to examine these evaporators and decide upon their merits.  C. Cory’s apparatus called “Cook’s Evaporator with Cory’s Improvement,” received the preference of the judges.  The nature of this invention as described in a previous volume of the Scientific American, consists in the arrangements of an elevated partition extended from one side of the pan to the other in combination with a gate, in such a manner that the circulation of the evaporationg fluid can be detained or regulated at pleasure, and that the sirup in its clarified state, and while separated from its scum by continuous active ebullition, can pass into the finishing part of the pan.  We have received two samples of beautiful pale yellow sugar made in this evaporator, they formed parts of parcels for which prizes were awarded.

Mr. Cory, in a communication to the convention, gave some useful information respecting the culture of the sorghum and the treatment of its juice.  He stated that light sandy soils produce lighter colored and better flavored sweets, but for the sake of larger gains his preference is for richer soil, abounding in good corn growing qualities.  The opinion often published, that Chinese cane is best for sirup and imphee for sugar, is probably correct.  Early planting is desirable, the seeds should be first moistened and nearly sprouted, they should be thinly covered and lightly pressed down, as planted, and the ground, if inclined to be wet, should be ridged, the crop is most easily tended when in rows, nearly four feet apart each way, early and frequent cultivation is desirable, a mixture of ashes, lime, gypsum applied to the hills in suitable quantities during the early stages of its growth, is beneficial, stimulating its growth, and destroying and preventing the existence of multitudes of parasites.  When the crop is gathered before proper maturity it should remain a few days protected from the heat and cold, to ripen, before the cane is crushed.

The juice of the samples of sugar exhibited was pressed from the cane by rollers in the ordinary manner.  It was then passed to the receiving tub at the head of the evaporating pan, and a small amount of freshly slacked lime added in a diluted state to neutralize, in part, the acidity of the juice, and to aid in its defecation.  The pan used is of copper, three feet eight inches wide and ten feet long.  This is placed on a stationary brick arch, and is divided into apartments.  In the first division a most perfect defecation is secured, after which, in a clarified state, and entirely freed from scum, the sirup is passed into the finishing portion of the pan and subjected to continued intense heat, till sufficiently cooked at the farther end of the pan, at which point it is passed off at the speed of from eight to twelve gallons per hour through the day.  Nothing but the small quantity of lime added to the juice was employed in treating the sugar we have examined.

Samples of sorghum sirup, analyzed at Belcher’s refinery in Chicago presented the following results.

Cane sugar	45.00
Liquid sugar	28.00
Gluten	3.50
Water	22.00
Other substances	1.50
	100.00

Judging from the interest now taken in the cultivation of sorghum, imphee and beet root by our Western agriculturalists, and from the energy and ingenuity displayed to invent improved apparatus for manufacturing sirup and sugar, we conclude that a new and profitable branch of industry is about to be established in our country. –{Scientific American

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Average Yield Of Grain In England

The Mark Lane Express, of Feb. 15, 1862, gives in detail the average yield of wheat, barley, oats, beans and peas in thirty eight counties of England, for which we find that the grand average yield, in bushels per acre, in all those counties, is as follows:

	Bushels.
Wheat	29
Barley	37 ½
Oats	48 ½
Beans	52 ½
Peas	30

Farmers will do well to preserve this table and compare it with the average yields of the same articles in this country.  The lowest average of wheat, in any county, is 22 1-4 bushels per acre in Devonshire, and the highest 34 1-4 bushels in Lancashire.

The lowest average of barley is 29 bush. per acre, the highest 34 ½ bushels in Lancashire.

The lowest average of barley [sic] is 29 bush. per acre, the highest 44 bushels in Northampton.

The lowest average of oats is 34 3-4 bush. per acre in Westmoreland, and the highest 59 1-2 bushels in Cambridgeshire.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 2

Maple Sugar – The Black Walnut

We learn from our exchanges, that great preparations have been made for manufacturing maple sugar the present season, wherever the sugar maple is found.  We are not aware that this tree abounds to any great extent in any part of Iowa, except in Jackson county – there it is found in great abundance, and from which the inhabitants of that county , will be able to supply themselves with sugar for the year, and have a surplus for their more unfortunate neighbors.

Perhaps it is not generally known that we have another forest tree – the Black Walnut – from the sap of which a syrup may be manufactured, quite equal, if not superior to that produced from the maple.  Such is the fact, for we have partaken of the syrup, whether it will grain, and thus produce sugar, we are not able to say.  In many parts of the state, this tree is found in sufficient number to make a respectable sugar bush within the reach of many, who have heretofore supposed the Black Walnut fitted only for the production of lumber, firewood, and nuts.  In tapping the Black Walnut, and reducing the sap to syrup, proceed in all respects as you would with the maple.

Owing to the high price of sugar and molasses, every farmer who has the facilities will feel inclined to make as much maple and Black Walnut syrup, as possible, this season.  Sugar and molasses have become indispensables in every family – we need them every day, and at every meal.  Let us husband well in all the resources within our reach.  A few years ago the only resource we had in the north was the Maple, but now we have the Chinese Sugar cane, and the Black Walnut; and for aught we know, others may turn up by and by.  The resources of the Great Northwest are not yet half developed. – Iowa Homestead.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

Wool is now higher than it has been for forty-four years.

This is owing to the large demand for army goods, and the advanced prices of cotton.  It will not soon fall so low again as it has been of late years, and we shall be surprised if the flocks upon our hills are not greatly increased. – Province Journal.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

SPRING cassimeres, cloths and vestings of the latest styles have just been received at No. 36 West Second street.  For desirable and seasonable goods call on R. Krause.

KEROSENE OIL – PRICE REDUCED. – The best quality of Kerosene Oil for sale at 40 cents per gallon, by Dart & Sons, No. 2, Lesslie’s block, Front street.

CITY POLITICS. – The Republican City Convention, it will be seen, is called for Saturday, the 29^th inst.  Candidates for the city offices are multiplying and there will be plenty of buttonholing done between now and the nominating day.

DEAD. – We are sorry to hear that our friend, John Mabin, of the Muscatine Journal, has lost his wife.  She died on Wednesday last, at the early age of 23 years.  We tender him our warmest sympathies in his affliction.

HORSE EXCHANGE. – Mr. John Brown, not the man who unsettled Virginia, announces this morning that he is in the business of buying and selling horses, for the benefit of himself and the public.  See his card, and give him a call.

DR. WAGNER still continues to draw crowded houses, which the large audience at the concert didn’t seem to affect at all.  The examinations were as usual very accurate.  This evening, the subject will be – The nervous system, the causes which debilitate, and the means of strengthening it.  Admission, 10 cts.

A TEAM IN THE RIVER. – The ice on the river is becoming very weak; and near the other side a team got in yesterday.  The wagon turned over, and broke through, carrying with it the mules.  They were rescued and the wagon box got out, but seventy-one bushels of rye were lost.  A barricade was at once put on the Rock Island side, to prevent teams from going on the ice.  It is still considered safe for foot passengers, although at the place where the team broke through the ice is hardly two inches thick.

SORGHUM REFINING. – The experience of the past year has demonstrated that Iowa is capable of producing not only all the syrup she needs for her own use, but considerable surplus for exportation.  The question now is whether she shall send her syrup abroad for granification, and thus beside the expense of transportation, give one-fourth her crop to some Eastern city; or, by establishing refineries here, save that expense and loss.  Our State needs all the manufactories she can support, and every dollar that goes out for that purpose is subtracting from her own wealth to support foreign corporations.  A few thousand dollars invested in a manufactory in this city would not only keep a large sum in our State that would otherwise seek Chicago, but it would yield a handsome percentage on the investment.  The building and necessary machinery simply for refining sorghum syrup would cost but a small amount, and if that were found profitable, the requisite apparatus for converting it into sugar could be added.  At a convention recently held at Iowa City the preliminary steps were taken to establish a manufactory there.  If the citizens of our county do anything this season it is time they have begun to move, as it will require several months to get all things in readiness to convert the crude, raw syrup of the country into the fine, saccharine article that comes to us from the steam sugar refinery of W. H. Belcher, in Chicago.

DIPLOMAS: – Mr. C. Krum has obtained from Chicago the diplomas for the Scott County Agricultural Society, to be distributed at their next exhibition.  The plate is of very pretty design, the vignette depicting a home-like farm scene, and the side embellishments representing different farming machinery – the whole emblematical of industry, wealthy and comfort.  The diploma is intended to be used for manufactured articles, the exhibitors of which would much prefer something of this kind to serve as an advertisement of their wares.

CAMPBELL’S MINSTRELS. – This troupe gave a performance last evening to a good house, who were very much pleased with the exhibition.  The fun was delightful – regular button bursting fun.  The violin performances of Mr. Abbott is all it has been claimed to be and perhaps a little more; and the music generally was very good.  Mr. Price is one of the best “negro” delineators we have ever met.  They give another concert this evening with an entirely new programme, to which we commend the attention of all lovers of music and harmless gaiety.

DIED.

At St. Anthony, Minn., on the 27^th ult., CORA MAY, aged 1 year, 6 months and 15 days, daughter of E. D. and J. B. STANGEFIELD, formerly of Davenport.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 1

Missionaries for Port Royal – Stores and Teachers for the Contrabands

The steamer Atlantic will sail to-day for Port Royal, with a large cargo of army stores for our troops, and about sixty persons who accompany Mr. Edward L. Pierce, the government agent in charge of the plantations and contrabands at Port Royal.  These persons were all recommended by the National Freedman’s Relief Association, and its auxiliary, the Educational Commission at Boston.  Three-fourths of the whole number are men who are to be the superintendents of the abandoned estates, and will direct the labors of the negroes, who are to be employed in such agricultural pursuits as cotton-culture and raising vegetables for their own support and for the use of the army at that point.

Twelve or fifteen of the passengers are ladies who will become teachers of an industrial school, which will be at once established at Port Royal, under the superintendence of Rev. M. French of this city. – Mrs. Senator Harlan, of Iowa, is among the ladies, and will assist in some department of the work.  Rev. Dr. Floy, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, is passenger by the Atlantic.  He went to Port Royal for the purpose of preparing for missionary efforts among the negroes.

A portion of the superintendents and teachers who are employed under the regulations so far as the government is concerned, explained in Mr. Chase’s letter to the “contraband” agent, receive compensation from the associations from this city and Boston; but some are volunteers.  Among the number are men of almost all trades, and some professions.  There are several physicians and one or two clergymen. – Quite a number, especially of those from Boston, have been teachers, and liberally educated; others of them are quite familiar with agricultural operations.

About three thousand dollars worth of agricultural implements, including ploughs, hoes, and others in most common use, have been purchased by Mr. Pierce, and will be taken to Port Royal in the Atlantic.  He takes also a quantity of seeds, including one barrel contributed from the Patent Office at Washington; as well as some medicines and other necessary articles. – N. Y. Eve. Post.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

CLOCKS. – Another installment of clocks just received and for sale low for cash, at Billon’s, No. 10 Le Clair Row.

DRS. PRICE, at the Le Clair House, are prepared to treat all diseases to which flesh is heir.  They bring a number of good references, and will probably have a trial among the numerous competitors for public patronage.  See their card.

RAILROAD SHIPMENTS. – The following are shipments by railroad for the week ending March 1: 1,526 brls. flour; 5,000 bu. barley; 4,400 bu. wheat; 318 sacks malt; 630 lbs. butter; 75 dressed hogs; 99,210 lbs. lard.  Value about $16,000; about $1,000 more than for the same week last year.

COMMITTED. – Quinlan, who was arrested last week at Rock Island, had an examination on Friday before Justices Connolly and Fischel, on the charge of forging county orders and was committed to jail in default of $1,000 bail.  From the testimony adduced on the examination, we would judge it will be very difficult to procure a conviction.

PATENT-OFFICE SEEDS. – At the meeting of the Directors of the Agricultural Society on Saturday, a large number of packages of seeds was distributed to different persons, with the understanding that they would cultivate and report progress.  They consisted of several varieties of sugar cane, Georgia cotton, corn, peas, salsify or vegetable oyster, cabbage, onions, and other vegetables.

THE STORM ON THE TRACKS. – The storm on the railroad has been extremely severe, and it is with the greatest difficulty trains can make any progress in some places.  The train due at 5 o’clock Monday afternoon did not reach here till 10 yesterday morning.  It was from six to ten miles from town all night.  The train for Marengo left about 11:50 a.m.  The track is buried several feet deep in some of the excavations.  The cut below town is in one of the worst places on the track, the snow blowing in there almost as soon as it is dug out.

PREPARE FOR BAD ROADS. – Farmers should lay in a stock of groceries, for soon the roads will be impassable.  If you want to buy cheap, call at the great cheap grocery, (Hawk-eye) corner Third and Brady.  They are selling more goods than any store in Davenport.  They sell candles 10 cents a pound; five bars soap for 25 cents; best kerosene oil 50 cents a gallon; sugar cheaper than ever; starch in one pound papers, best, 10 cents; cones for lamps 15 cents; pure wines and liquors for medicinal purposes; cooking brandy 25 cents a quart; cheroot cigars reduced in price to 25 cents a box of 25, or five boxes for $1.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Grain Prospects

The New York World, in a recent article, sums up the wants of Europe in grain to feed the people till next harvest.  From this it appears that notwithstanding the immense shipments of grain to Europe from this country, England still needs about 40,000,000 bushels to supply her existing deficiency, while France, on the 1^st of February needed 48,000,000 bushels to carry her through the spring and summer.  And such is the widespread deficiency resulting from the last European harvest that were England and France out of the question, the demand from other countries would probably overtax all our commercial facilities for shipments.

These figures say nothing of the coarser grains, for which there is also an immense demand, and a high British authority says: “America is overdone with Indian corn, * * * and so truly great a blessing will do much for our further supplies.”

From this resume, which is apparently a truthful one, there is every reason to expect high prices of grain the coming season, especially as the signs of the times appear to indicate the early raising of the river blockade, giving us access by water to the markets of the world, and freeing us from the railroad monopoly which has cramped the interests of the West for the year.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 2

Scott County Agricultural Society

A meeting of the Directors of the Scott County Agricultural Society was held, according to appointment, at the Court House last Saturday morning.  Only five of the Directors were present, viz: E. Smith, Pres’t; T. T. Saunders, Secretary; C. Krum, C. R. Marks and J. A. Le Claire.

After reading the minutes of the last meeting, the committee on the premium list presented their report, which was amended and adopted.

The premiums to be offered are in the main the same as last year’s; but liberal additions have been made to those on stock, and the more important manufactured articles.

In horses, the premium for the best stallion was increased to $200; for the second best $100, and $50 is offered for the third best.  It was also determined to appoint a committee to raise subscriptions for a premium for the best horse standing in the county the coming spring season.  Messrs. C. Krum and J. J. Smart, of Davenport; Jas. Gamble, of Le Claire; John Robinson, of Winfield; Erie Dodge, of Buffalo; A. Donaldson, of Pleasant Valley, and T. C. Smith, of Hickory Grove were appointed such committee.

In class B, horses, mules, &c., a few additions are made.  $25 is offered for the best five colts from one horse, from one to five years old, exhibited with the horse.  A full set of premiums is offered for draft horses, the same with slight exceptions as for roadsters.  The best lady rider on horseback is dropped.

In cattle, $20 is offered for the second best bull.  In natives and grades, the committee have made considerable alterations, there being no desire to perpetuate the stock, unless as crossed with thorough-breds.

$25 is offered for the best herd of cattle.

$20 is offered for the best buck; $25 for the best flock of twenty-five or more sheep; and $10 for the best lot of swine.

Twenty, ten, and five dollars are offered for the greatest and best variety of fruit, and $20, $5, and $2 for the same raised in Scott county.

For the best half acre of tobacco, $5 is offered.

For the best 100 pounds of sorghum granulated sugar, made in this State, $20; and $10 for the second.

Another class, O, is added: for such articles as are not included in other classes, and the committee is authorized to make such awards in those cases as they may deem proper.

There will be no charge for entries for premiums under $10.  On all others ten per cent of the premium will be required for the entry fee.

The increase in the amount of awards of awards seems to be judiciously arranged, and while such changes have been made in other matters as, it is thought, will go far to obviate much of the complaint which prevailed last fall.  The attendance of farmers was something better than last year, when there was only one present; and had the roads been pleasant, there would no doubt have been a much larger attendance from the country.  As it was, the suggestions of those present were mostly adopted by the board.

Before the Board adjourned, Messrs. E. Smith, C. Krum, C. R. Marks, and J. A. Le Claire were appointed a committee to get the premium list printed and circulated and do whatever else seemed necessary for the success of the fair.

The Board then adjourned, subject to the call of the president.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Items

The laws enacted at the recent session of the Board of Education will not go into effect till the 10^th of May, when those laws, with the amendments made at the present Legislature, will be distributed to the school districts.

The office of Commissioner of Emigration has been abolished by the Legislature, the act to go into effect in May, when the term of the present commissioner, Hon. N J. Rusch, expires.

A convention of sorghum growers was held at Iowa City on the 17^th, for the purpose of adopting measures preparatory to the establishment of a refinery at that city.  A committee was appointed to conduct correspondence, &c.  Extracts were red from letters from W. H. Belcher, of Chicago, who expresses the opinion that the refined sorghum molasses will eventually drive all others out of market.

A man named Keese was killed at Dubuque on the 22d inst. By falling, head down, about seventeen feet, on ice.

A wild cat was killed on the 13^th inst., in Penn Township, Dubuque county.  It measured three feet ten inches in length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.

A few nights since, the residence of Mr. Bowman, two miles west of Adel, was consumed by fire.  The Dallas Union says the family barely escaped from their beds in time to save their lives.  The contents of the building were consumed, the family not even saving sufficient clothing to protect their persons.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2