Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-07-26

more injured. Hence so far as regards
these two modes, all who have made
comparison, seem to CONCUR in the op'h,
ion, that stripping the corn OF its tops and
and leaves, is bad practice. William
Carmichael, of Virginia, has given US in
the Farmers Register, his experiments IN
this matter, which go to corroborate the
conclusion we have drawn. He took,
promiscuously 100 ears from corn that
i had been topped, and 100 ears from that
which had not been topped, growing side
by side. The first weighed,
On the cob, 60 lbs.-shelled, IL lbs',
and measured 2l qts, pit.
The other, weighed ST lbs.-shelled, 46
lbs., and measured 26 qts.
Showing difference of nearly one-itth
IN favor of the unstripped or untopped
corn. The fact is, that topping not
only prevents the further elaboration
of the sap, which can take place in the
leaves, and which is necessary for the
growth of the corn, but it deprivcs the
grain of much that is already elaborated,
and on its way to the grain. If fruit
tree is deprived of its leaves, before
the fruit has attained It's growth, or
mature flavor, the fruit will no longer
grow, nor will it attain high flavor, for its
supply of elaborated food, or vegetable
blood, is cut off by the loss of leaves.
We have noticed this particularly in the
plum.
Satisfactory experiments have not been
made to determine, whether it is most ad-
vantageous to cut the crop when the gram
is merely glazed, or to wait till it is perfect
Iy ripe. This will depend upon the
amount Of loss, if any, in the grain, by
early harvesting,-the relative value OF
the grain and fodder, and the prospect Of
both being injured by early frosts--ior
neither are liable to suffer from frost after
the crop has been cut and put into shocks.
1t is to be noticed, that in early cutting,
the stalks are succuient, and abound IN
elaborated sap, on lis descent from the
leaves to the grain, and that this supply OF
food to the grain continues to improve,
though we think it likely that the that nn-
dergoes some triiling diminution. But if
frost is likely to intervene before the CON-
plete maturity of the crop, there is no
doubt but the corn will suffer less in shook
than it will standing, while the fodder will
be materially injured by frost. Admit
ting that there is small loss in grain by
early cutting, though il is undoubtedly
less than when it is topped, the difference
in the value of the fodder, under the two
modes of management, is vastly in favor. OF
early harvesting. We do not pretend TO
calculate to nicely, the difference in nu-
tritious properties, of corn stalks cut in
succulent state, early in September, well
cured and well housed, and those left
standing till October or November in the
field, bnt we should think it fifty per cent.
Well cured corn stalks afford an excellent
winter food for neat cattle; and when
fouder is likely to be in demand, the, may
be made to contribute largely to the pro-
fits of the farm. Several of our acquaint-
ance have kept their neat stock almost
entirely upon this fodder during the past
winter, and we have done the like, having
first cut ours in a cutting machine; and so
far as we can learn, the cattle kept upon
them are in excellent condition.
The preceding considerations justify us
in recommending that in the management
ofthe Indian corn crop, the following rules.
be observed, at least partially, so far as
to test their correctness:
- /. That the corn harrow and culfivator
be substituted for the plough in the culture
of the crop.
2. That the plants be not hiled, or but
slightly se-this not to prevent the soil be-
ing often stirred and KEEP. clean. And,
x 8. That in harvesting, the crop be cut
at the ground as soon as the grain is glazed.
The Roman Cato has left farmers the
two following maxims:
!. Never to work within doors when
there is any thing to be done without.
2. Never TO do in fair weather what
may be done in wet.
Contents Of the So. Agriculturiss for July 1886.
ORlGINAL CoMMUcATIoNs. An Ad-
dress delivered before the Horticultural
Society of Charleston, at the Anniversary
Meeting, May 5th, 1886; by Joel r.
Poinsett, Esq. Answers to " Edisto Is
land - by Beaufort. On the Working
and Thinning of Cotton; by Old Home
spun. Advantages ofincreasing Slip Po-
tatoes; by Z. Agricultural Education.
SELECTIONS. On the Manner and
Time of Employing Overseers by Ed
ward W. Hubbard. Rules to be observed
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