The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-06-30
AGR10TL1[EJJl2Ml1o
From the Farmers Cabinet.
ROW' TO IMPROVE F'OGR .g.v,D
R.GRHE,Ns E.g.HVEp
BqRRE.v LR.TD.


Mr.. Editor--I read an account l think in
the Norwich Courier, about the year 1920,
of an experiment, which SO impressed my
mind that I reviewed it a number of times,
and distinctly recollect the principal facts,
though the namo of the gentleman who rela-
ted them has escaped my memory. His
statements and calculations were made with
such perspicuity and accuracy, that convin-
ced me that he was person ofintelhgence
and close observation, and left no doubt on
my mind of the correctness OF his state
ment.
He purchased for 500 dollars, by way
of experiment, one hundred acres of light
pitch pine land, which was considered oflit-
tie value-except for the wood that was on
a part of it, little more than sufficient to
build a strong log fsnnce round the whole
lot. AS he resided at distance, he nred
all the work done upon it by the job, which
enabled him to make more accurate esti.
nation the various expenses. He fenced,
cleared, and burnt over such parts as where
combustible- If | recolIect right, he plough
ed the whole in the spring, and narrowed
in oats and clover-seed, but let the scanty
crop of oats decay on the ground. The
next summer when the clover was in BIOS
som, he turned it under with deep furrow
of the plough, and narrowed in clover seed
again. The summer. following he again
ploughed in the clover in the fall cross
ploughed itand sowed wheat, clover and
timothy, and narrowed in the seeds. The
ensuing summer he had crop of wheat, of
excellent quality, of between thirty and
forty bushels TO the acre.--He hired it har-
vested, threshed and carried to market.
making no estimation of thA 4...a... III
,O"w'lng srlrng ne had DE 'prospect of a
good crop of grass, Which ,he made no
account. He, carefully stated the various
amounts expended in the purchase and cul-
tivation. calculating accurately the interest
upon the whole of his advances for purchase,
labor, seeds, transportation, &c. Then he
credited the amount received for his wheat,
which after deducting the whole amount of
expence; including interest, he had to unite
balance in his favor, the exact amount |
do not recollect, and had remaining 100
acres Of land fenced in a good state for the
production Of crops under proper manage
men,.
l exceedingly regret that have not the
paper at hand, to give a more accurate ac-
count in the gcnaeman's own words. As
there is in our country great quantity of
similar land, | thought perhaps; some. one
might be benefited by noticing my broken
recollection Of the statement. Indeed.
have ever considered it as one Of the most
interesting agricultural experiments have
ever met with.
At the time it came under my notice,
had in the country farm connected with a
mandatory, and observing on it steep
grayelly side hill that had become barren
by washing, after repeated ploughings, /
was induced, from the hints of the above
statement, to order early in the spring top
dressing Of compost containing eached ash
es, and to be sowed plentilulIy with grass
seeds, white and red clover and spear grass
(PorPrateusis) which germinated freely.
The next year the land was nearly swarded,
and a tolerable crop of grass, which suffer-
ed to decay on tie ground undisturbed. The
following year the ground was well covered
with a firm sward, and yielded a fair crop
Of excellent hay, and the land appeared in
good heart. The following winter the
property was sold, and subsequently,, |
have had no opportunity to judge oft.
usssz.zz.zEAs1Esstzn
Il Sentiment of Ffmaklin's.-" think
agriculture the most honorable of all en-
ployments, being the most independent
The farmer has no need of popular favor,